What DID Christmas look like around these parts 263 years ago, before the Revolution and our struggle for independence? At that time, this area was part of Dobbs County and pledged its allegiance to King George III.
All in Columns
Evelyn Dove Coleman: Fonda's Attitude About Death
Jane Fonda talked to Michelle Obama on her podcast about how she feels about dying. Jane has been famous for decades and had famous parents also. In the podcast, she spoke matter-of-factly about believing in living fully and accepting that one day this life as it is ends. Her attitude is one of logic.
John Hood: Independent audits serve the public interest
During my first reporting job in the nation’s capital, I read a lot of fantasy. No, I wasn’t goofing off. And no, I’m not making a lame joke at the expense of politicians, bureaucrats, or The Washington Post. Not today, anyway.
Kristy Kelly: What a Cruise Ship Taught Me About Global Views of America
If I had judged the year by how it began, I would have written it off before it even got started. January dragged me into 2025 while I was sick, exhausted, and quietly wondering if my body was about to fail me in a way I wasn’t prepared for. Nothing felt steady. Nothing felt hopeful. I thought I was bracing for the worst year of my life.
Jason McKnight: 14 Faith Forward – The Oldest, Most Important Structure in the World
I stood in the kitchen of a centuries-old farmhouse northwest of London, England. My host was a man of means and had renovated this large home to be comfortable and modern. He pointed to the thick ceiling beam running the length of the room and, with a twinkle in his eye, said to me, “That beam is older than your country.” Indeed.
Mike Parker: Harmony Hall schedules ‘Christmas Open House’ this Sunday
History aficionados will have an opportunity to visit the oldest structure in Kinston from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. on Sunday, December 7, when Historic Harmony Hall opens its treasures to interested members of the public.
Hickory Grove Church (3)
Before Hickory Grove Church was built in 1860, and decades before their congregation was established, Bucklesberry had no local church. The few options available were miles away and required long commutes. In his 1810 profile of the physical and social infrastructure of Lenoir County, former Kinston Commissioner John Washington (1767-1827) noted there were only a handful of organized churches at the time, which in his words included:
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Recipes from Super Saturday at the Lenoir County Farmers Market
It was a great day at the Lenoir County Farmers Market in downtown Kinston on November 22. The market hosted numerous extra vendors and special guests the Howard Sisters, Vivian Howard and Leraine Howard Tolston went Nuts! Each Chef shared a favorite recipe using nuts.
Evelyn Dove Coleman: The Sadie Hawkins Dance Concept
Years ago, I wrote a book as a project of PathChoice Ministry called "Let Him Find You." I used a platform called CreateSpace to write the book and design the cover. The cover is a scene of one of my favorite places to visit with visible ocean waves. After I wrote this book, Amazon acquired CreateSpace.
Kristy Kelly: Bracing for the worst, gave me the best
If I had judged the year by how it began, I would have written it off before it even got started. January dragged me into 2025 while I was sick, exhausted, and quietly wondering if my body was about to fail me in a way I wasn’t prepared for. Nothing felt steady. Nothing felt hopeful. I thought I was bracing for the worst year of my life.
Mike Parker: Take Time to Be Thankful
The lyrics of an old hymn once common in churches were written by William D. Longstaff in 1882. “Take Time to Be Holy” emphasizes the importance of spending time in prayer and communion with the Lord. As Thanksgiving Day approaches, I think we also need to “Take Time to Be Thankful.”
Evelyn Dove Coleman Miracles Are Just That
Two dear, long-time friends called me recently to share that their close family members face cancer testing or treatment. I've known these friends for decades, and they are both very strong personalities. Yet, the scare of cancer caused their strength to shrink. I found myself reminding them that their very words to me were the exact words of prayers of conviction.
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Thanksgiving Favorites, Cranberry Sauce, Fresh or Canned
According to cranberry research, 73 % of Americans prefer their cranberry sauce jellied in the shape of a can and 54 % of Americans serve their sauce sliced along the ridges made by the can. I am one of those people, I enjoy my cranberry sauce sliced along the ridges. I am a firm believer that there is certainly room for both. Regardless of your favorite way to enjoy the tart treat on holidays, let’s not forget that cranberries are one of best fruits to have on the menu year-round, not only are they tasty, they are a great source of nutrients and antioxidants.
Jason McKnight: 14 Faith Forward – Gratitude or Grumbling
As an immigrant to America, I love the final six weeks of the year: this amazing national rhythm from Thanksgiving to New Year’s. A climax to every year it imparts four gifts: a day to give thanks, a season to reflect & anticipate (Advent), a joy-filled celebration of our Savior, and then a pivot to a new adventure in the New Year. While not every person celebrates each element, all four of these are the pathway we walk as a culture and country.
Mike Parker: Skirmishes focused on Fort Johnson in 1775
In the second half of 1775, Fort Johnson, North Carolina, was the scene of two major skirmishes between Continental and British soldiers and sailors. But the story of Fort Johnson began much earlier.
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Become Familiar with Fennel this Fall
Fennel is one of the most underused vegetables in the fall, mostly since many people are only familiar with the form of the fennel seeds commonly found in spice blends. Most people are quite surprised when they actually first taste fresh fennel, its’ licorice like flavor takes some getting used to.
Evelyn Coleman Dove: When God Calls You, Answer
Initially, as I read the Email from Tekela Whitfield, I thought "What a pretty name." I asked her for the meaning, and I complimented her on the name. As we communicated over the next week or so, I learned that she is very professional and forthright
Kristy Kelly: When your weight-loss plan needs a welder
Needing a welder to lose weight was not on my 2025 bingo card, I admit—but alas, here we are.
Mike Parker: Join troops as they ‘Muster the Militia’ this Saturday
Reenactors and living historians are joining forces for an encampment at the Caswell Memorial Site to interpret life in Dobbs County, the current day Lenoir County, in 1775, as part of the celebration of this nation’s 250th anniversary. “Mustering the Militia will be held from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Saturday, November 15.
What’s Your Thanksgiving Tradition, Dressing or Stuffing?
Really, what’s the difference, and are they interchangeable? These are long standing questions, and from my experience the terms are pretty much used interchangeably. At my house we have dressing, but it is made pretty much like the official description for stuffing. It’s my Mom’s recipe and of course it does not include exact measurements, so replicating it has eluded me so far. Seems like I can get the taste right but not the consistency, I will definitely keep trying.