Muscadine grapes originated in the Southeastern region of the United States and as you may know are quite commonly grown and celebrated right here in our area. They are about 1 1/2-inches in size and have a large, tough outer skin.
All in Columns
Kristy Kelly: Not a Pinterest person
I have a fascination with how other people decorate their spaces for the holidays. Recently a friend of mine sent me a photo of her table top which held adorable fall decorations and I got to thinking about whether or not I wanted to decorate my own house. It’s not really a thought I’ve wrestled with in the past because I’ve never lived anywhere long enough to accumulate decorations.
Evelyn Dove-Coleman: Early Times Were Different
Each time I sit in my car, I immediately lock the door. I have seen too many news accounts of car jackings where someone was waiting nearby for a person to unlock their car door and get in. Also, each time I leave my home, I peek out first before I step out. I am always mindful of safety.
Mike Parker: Parents and teachers need to form a partnership
Much of my family has been involved in education. My wife Sandra and I were both teachers at one point. I have five others in my family who began their careers in education in the classroom. The conversations around our dinner tables often turns to educational needs.
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Everyone Needs More Apples in Their Life
Apples are loaded with impressive health benefits, they are highly nutritious and contain nutrients like fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help promote long-term health.
Kristy Kelly: We broke our vows to never forget
As I scrolled through Facebook, the “Never Forget” memes that are ever-present in the month of September fill my feed with sad reminders of a day that devastated our nation. Everyone from every walk of life in our country who was alive on September 11, 2001, can remember what they were doing when they learned about the horrific events that transpired on that day.
Mike Parker: NC Election Season now open
As of Friday, September 6, North Carolina’s election process kicked off with mailing absentee ballots to those who request them. The deadline for voter registration is 5 p.m. on October 11. In-person early voting, with same-day registration, begins on October 17 and runs through 3 p.m. on Sunday, November 2. Of course, November 5 is in-person voting in the General Election.
Mike Parker: ‘Bee’ smart as the new school year begins
You may recognize this information from the beginning of last school year. For the past several years, I have shared tip for succeeding in school that I gleaned from 37-plus years as a classroom teacher. Nothing brought me greater joy than seeing my students take themselves and their work seriously.
Bucklesberry, Back in the Day: Purported Colonization
The actual point in time that Bucklesberry was opened to colonization has been bandied about for generations. Although an exact year is virtually impossible to ascertain, a November 6, 1924 news story nonetheless reported that colonization in Bucklesberry began in 1825. Reprinted here, the article appeared in the State's then-leading newspaper, The News and Observer of Raleigh:
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Don’t kick your crock pot to the curb in the heat
Don’t save your crock pot only for cool winter comfort meals. As we move into, “back to school” mode while summer temps are still blazing, get out your crock pot for easy family supper.
Greene County Library Offers New Fall Recurring and Special September Programming
Fall is a refreshing time of the year, a time to get back into school routines and enjoy all the fun cooler weather activities that fall has to offer. The Greene County Public Library (GCPL) is excited to share its calendar of September special programs and the new fall recurring events schedule for youth and adults, including programming never offered before! We would like residents of Greene County to know we are the best place to visit in the county, not just this fall but all year long!
Kristy Kelly: The boring nana
Last night I attempted to put a three-year-old to bed. I’m particularly fond of this little angelic cherub, as she’s my tiny tot sidekick who regularly gets me into trouble with her mother. Having a toddler best friend is a unique experience every grandparent should have. If nothing else, the hilarity will keep any grandparent feeling young and alive.
Mike Parker: School buses will be rolling soon: Please be alert and obey the law
On May 6 of this year, I heard a report of a school bus crash in Johnston County. My concern was immediate and poignant. Two of my grandchildren attend school in Johnston County. Although I was relieved to learn the crash did not involved with of my grandkids, I was still sadden to learn that eight children were injured when the driver ran off the road for a split second and then lost control of the bus.
Lesley Rigsby: Who Am I
Have you ever asked yourself “Who am I.” For some this is and easy question, but for others not so much. Typically, when people think about introducing someone- It goes something like, “This is Lesley Rigsby. She is the Center Director at the EPIC Center in Kinston.
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Fantastic Fresh Figs
There’s almost nothing better than biting into a plump, ripe fresh fig …which is why you will see this fruit on just about every menu when fig season comes around.
Kristy Kelly: Lost in translation
Life in my forties is a weird time. I’m too young to be old, but way too old to be young. It was quite the conundrum until I spoke to my twenty-three-year-old son. All it took was a single conversation with him to realize that I could no longer claim a youthful existence. I
Justin Tilghman: Path to Purpose – Part 5 – Meaningful Relationships
Welcome to the fifth installment of our journey, "Path to Purpose." In the past months, we've explored self-discovery, purpose, self-confidence, and resilience. Now, we shift our focus to another vital part of a fulfilling life: building meaningful relationships.
Evelyn Dove-Coleman: Early times
Sadly, this generation does not know of the days when we didn't bother to lock our doors. Parents could visit each other up and down the street and not worry about their homes being bothered
Mike Parker: My son’s gift: Telling my story
A few weeks ago, my son Michael gave me a special gift. The book was titled “Dad, I Want to Hear Your Story: A Father’s Guided Journal to Share His Life and His Love.”
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Easy End of Summer Supper Recipes
Summer's all about taking a vacation, heading to the beach, spending time with loved ones, or simply slowing down — and I’ve gathered up some backyard-friendly, celebratory, and seasonal recipes that'll help you do just that.