Allen O’Neal is no stranger to gospel music. The son of the late Ed O’Neal, the bass singer with the iconic gospel quartet Dixie Melody Boys, he grew up with the harmonies and lyrics of Christian music reverberating in his ears, mind, and heart.
All in Columns
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Easter Brunches
Celebrate Easter with a brunch this year. If you ever wanted an excuse to eat all of the yummy breakfast foods, this is the Holiday! Whether you dine before or after the egg hunt, or even all day, here are some great recipes!! Most of these you can make ahead and that makes the day ever more fun and relaxed.
Mike Parker: 3rd Renaissance Faire brings bygone years to life
The Lenoir County Fairgrounds will be transported back to when King Arthur ruled at Camelot, and his knights took their place at the roundtable. The 3rd Renaissance Faire promises to be bigger and better than ever. But just what is a Renaissance Faire?
Theresa Parker Pierce: In your Easter bonnet
At Teacher’s Memorial Elementary School in Kinston, NC, Mrs. Skinner taught us all the seasonal songs. I must have loved music class because I memorized every word she taught us. “In your Easter bonnet, with all the frills upon it…On the avenue, fifth avenue, the photographers will snap us, and you’ll find that you’re in the rotogravure.”
John Hood: Licensing Laws Shackle Labor Markets
North Carolina is one of the toughest places in the country to enter a new career — and that doesn’t auger well for our future economic performance.
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: March is National Nutrition Month
March is National Nutrition Month and this year's theme is "Beyond the Table" which fits perfectly into our goals of eating and buying local!! The LC Health Department celebrated BIG!
Mike Parker: Battlefield weekend brought dozens to study our history
When a variety of local history buffs began planning “Evenings on the Battlefield,” they wondered just how many people would pay the $150 fee to spend two days touring the Wyse Fork battlefield, visiting the CSS Neuse Museum, and learning the local history of this area.
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: All Things Green for St. Patrick’s Day
St. Patrick's Day is a holiday known for parades, shamrocks and all things Irish. From leprechauns to wearing Kelly green, thousands of Irish Americans gather with their loved ones on St. Patrick's Day to share a "traditional" meal of corned beef and cabbage. In Ireland, lamb is in season, so lamb dishes including stew are often enjoyed.
Mike Parker: ‘Artist Talk’ with Izzy set for 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 14
At 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 14, you will have an exceptional opportunity to join Kinston smArt Artist Izzy Piel at the smART Gallery for a captivating Artist Talk that will take you on a visual journey across the United States as Lizzy explores the colors of emotions inspired by her travels.
Evelyn Dove Coleman: An Aging Sector
Several of my friends and my cousin have birthdays in the first week of March. I won't say their ages, but we are all considered "seniors." I know when I celebrated my birthday in January, I changed the number on one of my greeting cards to "30ish." It made everyone at dinner laugh.
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Is Rotisserie Chicken a Healthy Choice?
If you have a busy lifestyle and most of us do, you probably know the value of a rotisserie chicken. A rotisserie chicken gives you the home cooked vibes, without the home cooking! They are generally budget friendly ad super filling.
Mike Parker: This Karate Madness focuses on competitive martial arts
For more than 20 years, the Little Union Academy of Martial Arts has brought a different type of March Madness to Kinston. From 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 16, Little Union will host the 19th Annual Karate Madness Open Championship Tournament in the Kinston High School gym here in Kinston.
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Winter Salads You Will Love
It might be winter and there might not be as wide of a variety of fresh local vegetables, but don’t let that stop you from eating delicious salads made with fresh ingredients available during this season. Hope you will enjoy these tasty healthy options for winter salads!
Mike Parker: ‘Alpha-gal’ Syndrome a serious source of discomfort
Sometimes, I receive an email introducing me to an area of knowledge I did not know existed. One reader sent me information about “Alpha-gal” Syndrome (AGS). Of course, I am familiar with the term “Alpha Male,” so when I first started reading, I thought “Alpha-gal” was the female version of the “Alpha Male” term.
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Seafood Comfort Foods for the Winter Months
Seafood may not be the first food you think of when you are craving comfort food, especially during the winter months. Foods that are creamy and warm are craved when the temperature drops. Creamy foods have a calming effect because they trigger the release of serotonin, a natural hormone that makes you feel happy and full.
Mike Parker: Fields of Honor Foundation seeking a photo of Lenoir County WWII soldier
Many of you may remember the PBS special titled “Thank You, Eddie Hart.” The special recounted the story of how a Dutch family adopted the grave of Pfc. Eddie Hart, who died in battle during World War II. His niece lives right here in Lenoir County. Her name is Debbie Hollomon.
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Yes, veggies do contain proteins
Eating your vegetables can actually help you build muscle. While best known for their vitamins, fiber, antioxidants and minerals, every gram of protein counts. It is always good to mix and match higher protein vegetables with other great sources of protein such as eggs, fish, seeds, nuts or poultry.
Mike Parker: Early voting begins for the March 5 primary
Most of you who know me well have heard me use this mantra: “If you don’t vote – don’t complain.” Since I became eligible to vote, I have missed casting my vote in only one election. Actually, I went to vote. However, since I had changed my address without changing it at the board of elections, I was not eligible to vote.
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: February is National Heart Healthy Month
Heart disease is a leading cause of death in the United States for both men and women. Our Eastern North Carolina area is known as the “buckle” of the belt of the highest rate of heart disease in the US. Given that designation gives us even more reason to learn how you can prevent heart disease.
Raney Rogers: Arts and Cultural Districts
Kinston is steadily becoming an Arts and Cultural District for tourists and locals as well. Don’t think so? Have some doubts? In my opinion not only is it happening, it will continue to happen and indeed become a “destination for the arts” kind of culture