All in Columns
Last Thursday, many observed the latest federal holiday – “Juneteenth.” The term “Juneteenth” is the compression of “June Nineteenth” – the day in 1865 that Union Major General Gordon Granger ordered the final enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation in Texas at the end of the American Civil War. Roughly 250,000 enslaved people received their freedom that day.
In case you haven’t heard, and I am not sure how you missed it, but the latest trend made popular by Tik Tok is “Sardine Summer.” The last I remember sardine talked about was way back when my Daddy used to open the rather smelly can for a quick lunch, but apparently everything from clothes, accessories, home goods and recipes are now featuring the tiny, sometimes tinny fish.
There’s something deeply humbling about being wrapped in the love of an entire town—a thousand small acts that made our wedding day unforgettable. From the moment my eyes opened on the morning of June 13, it was clear that someone had already come through and smoothed the way.
Yesterday – Sunday, June 15 – marks the 250th anniversary of George Washington’s appointment from the Second Continental Congress to serve as the Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army.
There are few fresh seasonal vegetables that bring the business to the Farmers Market than corn. Customers flock to the market to buy bushel bags at a time. The average American eats about 5 ½ pounds of fresh sweet corn every year, certainly making it one of the most popular crops grown in the United States.
We’re supposed to be living the American Dream—hard work, decent reward, nice home and a few fun days at the beach. Yet, so many of us actually have stress and uncertainty: Is my job secure? Will I outlive my 401k? Will the economy tank? Will a medical crisis bankrupt me? Will our children’s generation ever make it?
I had a break from high school graduations after my oldest four grandchildren earned diplomas. Courtney was first, followed by Haley, Taylor, and Jaxen. Jaxen’s graduation coincided with COVID, so he had no real commencement ceremony until he finished his degree at Johnston Community College. As you may recall, I call my first four grandchildren “The Old Guard.”
Tomatoes are hitting peak season and even though tomatoes are available year round they are never quite as tasty as they are during peak season. There is nothing like biting into a vine-ripened red beauty, especially if you grow it yourself!
The North Carolina Baroque Orchestra (NCBO) is a nonprofit ensemble dedicated to performing Baroque music with historical authenticity and fostering community connections across the state. Founded in 2011, NCBO brings together professional musicians from across the United States to perform on period instruments, creating a unique and historically informed sound that transports audiences back to the 17th and 18th centuries.
I was walking down the hallway recently with a young lady who appeared to be about 26 or 27. She was kindly helping me to find my way to an appointment with a specialist. As we walked along, she apologized for her gait, explaining that she had recently experienced knee surgery. She played sports in high school and college and her knees were now bothering her as she aged. Aged? Are you kidding? She had not hit 30 yet.
Just Thursday I received three threatening text messages regarding my non-payment of tolls. All came from different email addresses, but instead of coming as emails, the messages were delivered as text messages to my phone.
Settlers did not all migrate into the backcountry of Bucklesberry at the same time, nor did they arrive in large mass. Rather, the various dates of 131 land records ranging from 1729 to 1759 suggest that the 92 named settlers trickled in individually, some possibly in small groups.
It is definitely “Picnic Season” and one of the best things about summertime and warm weather is enjoying a picnic on the beach or in a park. Make sure you don’t spoil the day with spoiled food. Recently the FDA updated their information on outdoor food safety. Keep these tips for transport and serving in mind for your next dinner on the grounds
One thing is certain in life: disagreements are inevitable. Chinese or Mexican? Beach or Mountains? Toyota or Chevy? State, Duke or Carolina? Disagreements are everywhere, because we all have our own ideas about what’s better.
The Mediterranean Diet has proven to be the healthiest way to retain lifetime longevity and good health! Food Choices very from region to region in the Mediterranean Area but are all focused on primarily a plant based diet, with as much as 95 percent of daily food intake coming from vegetables, fruits, grains, and legumes.
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.
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