All in Columns
Isaiah 38: 2-5 is a scripture I want to recommend to Joe and Jill Biden. Verse 5 in particular is instructive. In it, God says "I have heard thy prayer." That line resonates with me because we are not just throwing up our words into thin air when we pray. We are sending them to a listening ear. And that ear is connected to a caring heart that forgives and renders massive mercy.
Join us for a Beach Party at the Kinston-Lenoir County Public Library on May 29 at 12 p.m. when Southern fiction author Kristy Woodson Harvey will discuss and sign copies of Beach House Rules. Harvey’s newest novel will be released on May 27; copies will be available for purchase at the event for $28.
Harm reduction is part of a prevention strategy. Harm reduction is an evidence-based approach that is critical to engaging people who use drugs and equipping them with tools and information that support positive changes and save lives. Harm reduction simply means offering options to help people where they are.
On Wednesday evening, I had the joy and privilege of attending the 2025 Annual Education Celebration sponsored by the Lenoir Soil and Water Conversation District.
The Kinston-Lenoir County Friends of the Library are conducting a Love Your Library! Fundraising raffle to support programming at the Kinston-Lenoir County, La Grange, and Pink Hill Public Libraries. For a donation of $50, all participants will be entered into a one-time virtual drawing for $1,000 to be held on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. Assorted door prizes will also be awarded to participants.
Blueberries, the second most popular berry, (second only to the very famous strawberry), is equally popular for being nutrient dense, meaning they have a notable amount of fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium. Blueberries are also low in saturated fat and contain plant compounds know to aid in fighting chronic disease.
There’s something simple yet powerful about a smile. In a world that can feel overwhelming, a smile can be a beacon of light. I’ve always believed in its ability to connect with others and brighten someone’s day. After all, you’re never fully dressed without a smile.
Over the past few days, Lenoir and Greene Counties have witnessed a series of public discussions around fire tax rates, property taxes, and even the possible dissolution of a police department. As someone who enjoys civic discourse, I’ve appreciated the mostly respectful and thoughtful tone of these conversations.
I’m addicted to scary things. By that, I mean I do a lot of things that would scare most people.
My fingers shook while I wrote “Monster by Nicki Minaj” on the karaoke sign-up sheet. I mean, what could go wrong? As I stood on stage, my gaze was glued to my feet as the heavy beat dropped. The crowd hushed, watching me in slight confusion as I looked at everything but the 50+ faces in front of me.
You’d never give a martini to a seven-year-old. No good parent would. Why? Because young minds take time to develop, and we all know that alcohol inhibits that development. America’s drinking age is 21 for just this reason: it takes more than two decades for brains to mature such that they can handle safe consumption of alcohol.
When asked what I’d wanted for Mother’s Day, my answer was simple: To be left alone.
In previous years, I had done all the work to make sure my children were able to give me the Mother’s Day they thought I deserved, and quite frankly, every year it was annoying and exhausting.
As the fictional Col. John “Hannibal” Smith, leader of the A-Team, was known to say: “I love it when a plan comes together.” These words best describe the intense effort and planning that goes into making Kinston’s BBQ Fest on the Neuse a success year after year. This year marked the 44th year our city has put on the festival.
As we approach Mother’s Day on Sunday May 11, let us rejoice in the opportunity to celebrate the most selfless and nurturing individuals in our lives. Whether you choose to honor your Mother on this day by giving her flowers, cards, money, jewelry, a special meal, family gatherings, or completing special chores for her, remember that the love and appreciation we show her is a reflection of the boundless love and devotion she has showered upon us
As I listened to several friends discuss their plans for Mother's Day celebrations, it struck me how varied they were. Plans ranged from dining in fancy restaurants to outdoor extended family cookouts. One involved a surprise. She didn't know where her children were taking her for brunch because her son told her they didn't want her to know in advance.
Depending on how one quantifies success, the BBQ Fest on the Neuse was either a resounding triumph or a disappointing flop. From the viewpoint of an author hoping to sell books, it may have felt like a failure. But as a columnist, the festival renewed my confidence and reminded me why it's important to keep talking about mental health.
May is my wife’s favorite month. Within two weeks, Sandra has two big days. May 1st is her birthday. The second Sunday is Mother’s Day. So, for two weeks, she is the queen – the center of the universe for each day’s celebration.
The strawberries are finally here, the first real tasty sign of spring, and aren’t we ready?? The juicy red berries hold the title of the most popular berry in the world. They are also quite versatile; you can enjoy them straight out of the patch, or in strawberry shortcake, strawberry pie, strawberry jam, and so much more.
Ancestors of present-day Sutton and Herring descendants of Lenoir County were among the first settlers of greater Bucklesberry in the early to mid-1700s. Joined by many others, an extensive online search (primarily at NClandgrants.com) identified 131 archived deeds and surveys dated 1729 to 1759 for tracts of land in or near Bucklesberry.
Every grade school field day has the same fixture: That one person in charge—usually the PE Teacher—with the bullhorn to amplify their voice so all will hear.
