As we approach graduation, it's truly remarkable to reflect on the journey we've shared.
All in Columns
Mike Parker: Our public library: A living legacy
In the next week or so, you will likely receive a letter asking you to join or renew your membership in the Friends of the Kinston-Lenoir County Public Library. Although libraries receive support in the form of state-tax revenue, the Friends provide much support for the programming our library features.
Bucklesberry, Back in the Day: Introduction
Arguably the oldest named farm community in Lenoir County, NC, Bucklesberry is nestled along the north side of the Neuse River, a few miles south of the town of La Grange. Its geographic location has remained the same over time, but its boundaries have modified and county affiliation has varied as North Carolina's counties were formed and renamed during the last half of the eighteenth century.
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Super Snacks for Sunny Beach Days
School is almost out for summer and most of you at some point will be heading for the Crystal Coast. There’s no secret that hanging out at the beach just naturally makes you extra ready to snack! Be prepared with some healthier options and you will breeze through the summer and keep up your healthy habits!!
Kristy Kelly: I didn't know what I didn't know
This is my last column for Mental Health Awareness Month. I want to take a moment to thank each and every one of you for joining me on this journey of self-awareness. It took me a long time to understand that the world I read about growing up and the reality I lived in are not the same.
Jessica Anderson: Quintessentially Southern: The Hydrangea
I have come across people who absolutely love them, and those that shudder at the thought. The hydrangea is a gorgeous, cloud-like bloom, that in my opinion is quintessentially the definition of a southern home landscape. Probably most known for their changing colors to match soil pH, they are a great cut flower, and can do well in a variety of conditions. They are a great addition to any home if you follow a few basic guidelines.
Justin Tilghman: Path to Purpose – Part 4 – Building Resilience
Welcome to the fourth part of our series, "Path to Purpose." After diving into self-confidence last month, we now turn to a crucial aspect of personal development and well-being: building resilience.
Mike Parker: Remember the reason for Memorial Day
Today is Memorial Day, a day set aside to remember and reflect. In its beginning, this day bore the title “Decoration Day” because of the post-Civil War practice of decorating the graves of the fallen from that war.
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Celebrate Memorial Day with flags and fresh local produce
Memorial Day is an American Holiday always observed on the last Monday of May, the day serves to honor the men and women who dies while serving the United States military.
Kristy Kelly: Finding purpose beyond survival
As we observe Mental Health Awareness Month, I embarked on a series of personal columns detailing my journey toward improved mental well-being. Having spent a lifetime in survival mode, envisioning the future's potential remains a challenge for me.
Mike Parker: Reading about my ‘mid-life crisis’ made me feel even older
The other day I was skimming some of my old columns when I came across one that made me feel genuinely ancient. I wrote this particular column in 1991 – right around the time my oldest daughter Sara was preparing to leave the state – and me – to start a new life with her husband.
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Freshen Up Your Spring Recipes with Mint!
Several years ago, I purchased fresh mint from the Master Gardeners at the very famous Annual Plant Sale, and to my surprise and delight the mint has returned each year looking better than the year before!! The very popular fresh herb is currently in season and is no longer used just for Derby parties and making julips!!
Kristy Kelly: The complex role of churches in my life
As we observe Mental Health Awareness Month, I embark on a series of personal columns detailing my journey toward improved mental well-being.
Jessica Anderson: How Does Your Garden Grow?
I’ve seen them all tilled up in the side yard, perfectly organized in rows in raised beds, thrown into open space in the flower bed, or even in a collection of mismatched pots on the back deck!
Mike Parker: The 'Fourth' was with us
Saturday, May 4th, was a special day for my family. At 11 a.m., granddaughter Haley received her Bachelor’s degree in Archeology from East Carolina. Haley graduated “Summa Cum Laude” – “with highest honors.” Her granddad – me – received my undergraduate degree “Thank you, Lawdee.”
Lesley Rigsby: Words have lasting effects
Have you ever had someone tell you, “You can’t do that, or you’re not going to make it”? I still remember my first-grade teacher saying to me, “You can’t do that.” The words we speak have lasting effects. They can build a person up or they can quickly tear them down.
Kristy Kelly: Rock bottom resilience
As we observe Mental Health Awareness Month, I embark on a series of personal columns detailing my journey toward improved mental well-being.
Mike Parker: Girl Scout Troop chosen to distribute biking helmets
In 2007, the North Carolina Department of Transportation began a program called the “Bicycle Helmet Initiative.” The primary goal of the Bicycle Helmet Initiative is to reduce child and youth bicycle fatalities and serious injuries, including head trauma.
Theresa Parker Pierce: Swimming Lessons
As the weather warms up, my thoughts drift to swimming in the summer. I grew up in Kinston, North Carolina but spent weekends and summers in Swansboro on the White Oak River in an old Air Stream trailer. Water safety was not optional.
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Kentucky Derby at Home
Celebrate the 150th running of the legendary Kentucky Derby at home with your own “Run for the Roses” themed party! The Kentucky Derby makes for the greatest of all theme parties, from the invitation, to the hats, and the julips and red roses to the menu. Here are some recipes for serving traditional Derby snacks!