As a friend and I ran together, he made a comment that has stayed with me. We were discussing our kids and family, and he said, “The greatest gift you can give your kids is emotional health.”
All in Columns
Kristy Kelly: It’s not personal. It’s self-preservation
“You never invite me to your house,” and, “You never come to mine when I invite you,” are two complaints I hear more than I care to admit.
Mike Parker: Juneteenth and the end of slavery
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.
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: “Sardine Summer”
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.
Kristy Kelly: The Red Queen gets married
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.
Mike Parker: 250 years ago, Washington appointed Commander-in-Chief
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.
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Fresh corn season is here
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.
Faith Forward with Jason McKnight: Confidence in economic uncertainty
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?
Mike Parker: ‘Pomp and Circumstance’ takes off again
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.”
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Savor Summer with fresh juicy ripe red tomatoes
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!
North Carolina Baroque Orchestra brings world-class early music to North Carolina communities
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.
Evelyn Dove-Coleman: Aging Ain't Easy
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.
Mike Parker: Beware ‘smishing’ toll texts
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.
Bucklesberry, Back in the Day: Migration and Arrival
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.
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Picnic Safety
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
Faith Forward with Jason McKnight: How to win more arguments
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.
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Spring suppers Mediterranean style
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.
Evelyn Dove-Coleman: Facing the Wall to Pray
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.
Kristy Woodson Harvey to sign copies of her newest novel, Beach House Rules, at the Kinston-Lenoir County Public Library
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.
Colleen Kosinski: Harm reduction, stigma and community
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.