On behalf of the veteran organizations of Kinston, allow me to introduce your veteran leadership:
All in Columns
Mike Parker: ‘Wings Over the Neuse’ seeks sponsors
In 2009, board members of the CSS Neuse Foundation decided to do something special to raise funds to place a monument for Alton “Doc” Stapleford to recognize and honor the work and supervision he provided during the construction of the CSS Neuse II. That fundraiser proved successful. The next time you visit the Neuse II, check out the memorial honoring Alton.
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: The Joys of Fresh Watermelon
Fresh cut watermelon is a “must have” on the menu at most summertime picnics and gatherings. Watermelon is natures perfect sweet treat that is also nutritious and tasty!
Mike Parker: Game designer uses talents to help Wyse Fork Battlefield
I am not sure how Bill Molyneaux came to know about our part of Eastern North Carolina, but once he discovered us, he became a frequent visitor and friend in our efforts to preserve our local history.
Kristy Kelly: Death by good intentions
The saga of Duplin, also known as the dog with a jug on his head, appears to be coming to an end if a post on social media is to be believed. The post announced the dog’s imminent euthanasia and was then shared with various news outlets, including ours. The outrage is building online as I type this. Unfortunately, the outrage is misplaced.
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Fresh Dill Isn’t Just for Pickles
Dill is a super versatile herb, it is generally easy to grow and is especially used in lots of summer recipes, as well as pickles! Dill makes recipes taste fresh, bright and extra flavorful!
Evelyn Dove-Coleman: The Invisible Cord
Once upon a time, the telephone at our home hung on the hallway wall. It had a long, coiled cord attached so the receiver would reach to my room. I would rush home from school and finish my homework so I could call Jean Chapman to discuss all that had happened that day at Savannah High School, particularly on the playground.
Mike Parker: July 13 and July 20 feature Maritime Living History
Two programs on back-to-back Saturdays will highlight different aspects of North Carolina’s maritime history during the Civil War.
Jessica Anderson: Gardening in the Summer: Are You Too Late or Too Early?
We are at the point in the summer where the heat feels oppressive and even the plants flop over in the afternoon, and I can relate. Many believe that there is nothing to be done in the garden in the heat of the summer besides keep the weeds and bugs at bay and harvest what you planted in April.
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Celebrating Independence Day
Share your American pride with red, white and blue recipes for July 4th! Patriotic foods add more excitement to your celebration table.
Evelyn Dove-Coleman: Getting Out Again
Since the Pandemic, I have generally stayed in since meals and groceries can be easily delivered right to my front door. I still wear a mask when I do go out, and I most enjoy sitting on the deck over the ocean to let the salty air breeze blow over me then.
Kristy Kelly: I could be a little nicer
One of the women I admire, at an event we were both attending, took a few moments to tell me how much she enjoyed reading these columns. My writer’s heart explodes with joy every time I hear, or read, those words. Then she proceeded to say I am much too hard on myself.
Mike Parker: Historic Harmony Hall ceremony welcomes new citizens
Most of us celebrate the Fourth of July as a way to honor The Declaration of Independence – the document that officially declared the 13 colonies as independent from Great Britain. We consider July 4th as the birthday of our nation.
Bucklesberry, Back in the Day: Name Not So Unique
The Bucklesberry farm community does not hold a registered trademark on its name, unusual as it is. And it certainly is not the first to have this name. Not so unique, there are a number of places in North Carolina and across the pond (England) with variations of the same name, including "Buckleberry," "Bucklebury," "Bucklersbury," "Bucklesbury," and "Bucklesberie."
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Don’t Judge a Tomato by Its’ Color
When visiting your local Farmer’s Market and roadside stands, be sure to seek out the Heirloom tomatoes like German Johnson or Purple Cherokees, they are often the ugliest tomatoes but they also often the tastiest!!
Kristy Kelly: The day I almost had to run away…
As with most things in my life, I’m a walking contradiction. It freaks me out to be the center of attention, yet here I am, publishing another personal column—on my birthday, no less. Standing in a room full of people makes me feel claustrophobic, but I’m usually in attendance for most big events in our community. All it took was a rise in temperature for all my contradictions to align.
Evelyn Dove Coleman: Nightly rituals
Most nights about bedtime, my only sister will announce that she is turning in and say "Good Night." I will say to her "Say your prayers." She will reply to me "You too." And I will answer "Always." That's our ritual: Good night.
Mike Parker: What – exactly – did the Emancipation Proclamation do?
On Wednesday, states across this nation celebrated “Juneteenth,” one of the oldest known commemorations related to the abolition of slavery in the United States. The word “Juneteenth” is a contraction, actually a portmanteau, of the month “June” and the date “Nineteenth.” Juneteenth celebrates June 19, 1865, when enslaved people of African descent located in Galveston, Texas, finally learned of their freedom from slavery in the United States.
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Born for Corn
Were you “born for corn”? That’s definitely a southern expression, but also reflects a love of the sweet summer vegetable. As we move into summer corn remains a star ingredient that will dominate every Farmers Market and dinner table in the south.
Kristy Kelly: Writing toward a new reality
Writing, for me, had become as routine as breathing—so natural that I barely noticed its presence. But somewhere along the way, I'd forgotten the unique cadence of my writing voice, lost in the humdrum of daily life.