Reece Gardner: Lots of talent on the Reece Gardner show!

For my Column this coming week, I want to recognize the guests on my television show this week to highlight the fact that we have multitudes of very talented people who regularly give of their time and talent to make things better for all of us. As the host of this show I have the opportunity to highlight these achievers on a weekly basis, such as the ones who are featured this week, and to thank all who have appeared in the past and those who will appear in the future. They make us proud! For example, for this week we have the following :

COLLEEN F.KOSINSKI: Colleen is the Guardian Ad Litem District Administrator for the 8th District, and her Agency's Mission Statement is "Be a voice for the children." It is especially appropriate at this time since this month is Child Abuse Prevention Month as well as Volunteer Appreciation Month, and, as Colleen and her associates point out, volunteers are very much needed. Be one of those volunteers!

GEORGE WHITFIELD: George is truly a legendary coach, a member of the NC Sports Hall of Fame, host for almost 50 years of the George Whitfield Baseball Clinic, and recipient of just about every honor imaginable during his years as a leader in the realm of athletics, honors such as North Carolina Athletic Director of the Year, induction into the American Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame, the North Carolina High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame, and recipient of the East Carolina Alumni Association Outstanding Alumni Award, as well as being recognized at the recent NC High School Athletic Association Centennial Celebration as a "Coach To Remember." BOB ENDERS: Bob is the President and CEO of UNC Lenoir Health Care, whose mission is "To Ensure Exceptional Health Care for All."

He has an exceptionally outstanding background in the world of medicine, such as Past President of Chatham Hospital in Siler City, and President and CEO of Morehead Memorial Hospital, now known as UNC Rockingham Health Care in Eden. At UNC Lenoir Bob has some really outstanding people working with him, such as Dr. Louis Peak, Dirk Griffith, Constance, Lisa, Gail, and many others. Bob and his associates are currently working closely with The Center for Disease Control and state health officials to monitor the COVID-19 ongoing situation.

JAN PARSON: Jan is Executive Director of the Kinston/Lenoir County Tourism Development Authority, and she is constantly looking for ways to provide travelers with detailed information to help make their stay in this area more enjoyable. Her call to everyone is "Shop Local, Eat Local, Spend Local, and Enjoy Local." Under Jan's leadership, Kinston/Lenoir County was voted "Number 5 Town in the South," and has such attractions as North Carolina's largest public arts trail, a unique Arts District, the African-American Music Trail, and the Heritage Trails, with the best yet to come.

GENE MILLER: Gene has made numerous trips abroad to help people everywhere live better lives. His journeys are ministerial in nature and involve his team of volunteers and others giving of their time and talent to "Lend a Hand" to those in need. His upcoming journey is planned for May, and will involve a rather extended trip to Africa. Thanks, Gene! These and other great guests are featured on a weekly basis on my Show on television by Tutt Media, Cable 9 TV, Tuesdays, 6 PM; Thursdays, 8 PM Sundays, 2 PM and again at 9 PM. My Columns are featured each week on NeuseNews.com, and in various newspaper outlets.

Now to close on a humorous note: Joe passed away. His will provided $30,000 for an elaborate funeral. As the last guest departed, Joe's wife, Helen, turned to her oldest friend, and said, "I'm sure Joe would be pleased." Her friend Jody replied, "I'm sure you're right, but how much did this really cost?" "All of it," said Helen, "Thirty Thousand." Jody exclaimed, "I mean, it was very nice, but $30,000?" Helen answered, "The funeral was $6,500. I donated $500 to the church. The Wake, food and drinks were another $500. The rest went for the memorial stone." Jody computed quickly, then exclaimed, "$22,500 for a memorial stone? How big was it?" Helen replied, "Two and a half carats."

HAVE A GREAT DAY!