All in Columns
As I reflect on how I came to Kinston, it strikes me how perceptions determine the narrative of any town. Unfortunately for Kinston, the folks with the worst perceptions have the loudest voices. I’ve found a home in this quirky little community. If I’m being honest, I’m a little tired of people speaking so poorly about the place I call home.
The Friends of the Kinston-Lenoir County Public Library is still in the process of recruiting new and renewing former library supporters. Our local Friends group is a collection of unsung heroes who work in the background to provide funds for programs that would not be available otherwise.
Sadly it’s the time of year again when germs are running rapid, fight back the threat of flu and other infectious disease by boosting your immune system. Keeping your immune system strong is one of the best ways to prevent winter colds and flu. Plan your meals to include these 15 powerful immune boosting foods!
One of the hardest things about getting to be my age is coping with the death of people who are dear to me. Since March 31, 2023, three friends I worked with and valued have left this life and moved into eternity. On March 31, David Mooring passed away. On October 30, Gary Hines went to be with the Lord.
On a quiet day near the end of 2023, I walked around downtown Kinston with no particular destination or purpose in mind. Art 105 was open, and I entered. Upon reaching Bruce D. Ziegler's space, the artist greeted me cheerily, and we began a conversation about artmaking. As we walked around the art-filled space, Ziegler showed me several pieces he had made over the years, and I began to see a pattern, or a style, emerge from the many displayed on the walls and floor.
Seems we all start off the new year full intentions of days filled with salads and smoothies, then life gets busy, things happen, and sometimes we're faced with indulging in a big, juicy cheeseburger—and that's okay! The key to healthier habits is keeping a few easy recipes and ingredients on hand to whip up when there is little time!!
Many of us bring in the New Year with resolutions that include healthy eating. Keep these superfoods in your diet to help prevent disease, control your weight and maintain overall good health.
This political protest occurred on December 16, 1773, at Griffin’s Wharf in Boston, Massachusetts. American colonists, frustrated and angry at Britain for imposing a tax on tea – then the favorite beverage of British colonists – called the action “taxation without representation.” The protesters dumped 342 chests of British East India tea into the harbor.
One of the Holiday traditions I share with my very best friends each year is to host a “Drop by Brunch” on one of the last shopping days before Christmas. It’s a fun way to share recipes and the Holiday with friends as they head out to do last minute shopping.
One thing I like most about this time of year is the seasonal music that plays everywhere I go. While I enjoy songs such as “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” and “Frosty the Snowman,” I much prefer songs and carols that capture the celebration of the birth of the Lord Jesus.
Aren’t we all, always hunting for a new idea for taking an appetizer to the party. Part of the Holiday party fun is learning and trying new recipes. Here are few party plate recipes that you may have not tried before. Please feel free to share with me any new ones that you find!! Enjoy!
Cheeseballs are always a crowd pleaser, they can be savory or salty and can be served with sweet or salty crackers, as well as vegetables or fruit. Making and serving a cheeseball can also give you a chance to be creative.
Thanksgiving is a wonderful holiday that celebrates the harvest and the blessings of the past year. It is a time for families and friends to gather together, share a feast, express gratitude, and enjoy each other’s company. However, it can also be a time for stress, confusion, and conflict, especially if you are not prepared or experienced.
Wonderful things are happening at the Neuse Regional Libraries and we’re always thankful for opportunities to talk about them! Several staff members have been invited recently to discuss successful programs and services to a variety of audiences and we were happy to share details about our experiences that could help others reach out to meet needs in their own communities.
Everyone goes extra crazy about cranberries from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day, sadly after that often cranberries are shelved. Most of us are all too familiar with the many ways to consume cranberry sauce during the Holidays, and stringing them around your vintage Christmas trees. Let’s not forget that cranberries are one of best fruits to have on the menu year-round, not only are they tasty, they are a great source of nutrients and antioxidants.
I wanted to take a break from our 6-month purpose series to focus on the concept of gratitude as we head into the Thanksgiving and holiday season.
This past Friday I had the opportunity to attend the Open House for Art 105, take a closer look at the art on display and spend some time talking with the artists about their work to learn more about who they are. Truth be told, I was tired from working all day and the call of a cushy couch with a good book was flashing lights in the back of my head, but I wanted to see some new art.
The life and times of Gov. Richard Caswell will be the subject of a celebration planned for Saturday, Nov. 18, at the Gov. Richard Caswell Memorial in Kinston. This living history will highlight Caswell’s long service as a political and military leader – both when North Carolina was a British Colony and later as a fledgling state.
Sorry summertime squash, the health benefits of fall-harvest squashes such as the savory butternut squash far outweigh those of its’ summer cousins. Of all the winter squashes, butternut squash is the easiest to work with; it has thin skin and can be easily peeled with a vegetable peeler. Its dense flesh and robust flavor work well in a variety of dishes, from sweet to savory.
