Sometime around Thanksgiving, children begin firing the question that never seems to end until Christmas Day.
All tagged column
Mike Parker: Has the Spirit of Christmas Past died?
The National Retail Federation released its annual holiday forecast on November 6, predicting retail sales in November and December will grow between 3.7% and 4.2% over 2024. That figure translates into total spending between $1.01 trillion and $1.02 trillion.
Mike Parker: Christmas brightened hearts in Kingston
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.
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Rooting for Rutabaga!
Rutabaga is another one of those “love ‘em or hate ‘em” vegetables, I am not on the love ‘em side but I know many who are. I have tried them every way I know how and roasting was the best but you must eat them hot! So, what do you do with a rutabaga?
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Versatile and Vibrant: Easy Yellow Squash Recipes
It’s time for summer squash and you can find many varieties at the local Farmer’s Market! Squash and Zucchini have a taste and texture that can be adapted to many different types of recipes, from traditional Southern, to Italian or Greek Style. No matter the way you like to eat and prepare your squash, this spring and summer veggie packs a load of health benefits.
Kristy Kelly: Kinston doesn't need performative outrage
Yesterday, I witnessed a handful of adults berate the city council and call for the reallocation of police funds because an officer allegedly abused his power and was caught on video doing so. The police department gave a canned “we are investigating the issue” statement, and the mayor co-signed their message by way of copy and paste.
Kristy Kelly: Who turns on the heat in July?
I thought I was the adult—until the adult child touched the holy grail: the thermostat.
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.
Mike Parker: Association of Congregations hold concert to support Bible History class
Since 1942, the high school in Kinston has had a Bible History class. By 2017, all three public high schools were offering the course. The Bible History class in our area is the longest-running public high school Bible class in the entire state.
Mike Parker: ‘American Revolution Roundtable’ holds first meeting on Jan. 14
As the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence approaches, the newly formed American Revolution Roundtable will hold its first meeting beginning at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 14, at the Queen Street Deli in Kinston.
Kristy Kelly: Overwhelmed with gratitude
If I could have any superpower, what would it be? This question was asked during a recent video project I worked on. Without hesitation, or much thought, I said invisibility. I’ve spent a lifetime perfecting the art of blending in—being seen but not noticed. True invisibility held a deep appeal.
Evelyn Dove-Coleman: Holidays Are Upon Us!
I woke up and looked at the calendar to find that we are just a few days from the holidays.
Lesley Rigsby: Just be still
Have you ever had someone say, “just be still”? I don’t know about you, but being still is something that is very difficult for me. We live in the day and age where we are always on the go. We juggle work, school, church, dance lessons, ball games, children, spouses and the list go on and on
Evelyn Dove-Coleman: Early Times Were Different
Each time I sit in my car, I immediately lock the door. I have seen too many news accounts of car jackings where someone was waiting nearby for a person to unlock their car door and get in. Also, each time I leave my home, I peek out first before I step out. I am always mindful of safety.
Justin Tilghman: Path to Purpose – Part 5 – Meaningful Relationships
Welcome to the fifth installment of our journey, "Path to Purpose." In the past months, we've explored self-discovery, purpose, self-confidence, and resilience. Now, we shift our focus to another vital part of a fulfilling life: building meaningful relationships.
Kristy Kelly: Adult children are the worst
There is nothing worse, as a mother, than when your grown child presents you with a problem that your experience could easily resolve, only to refuse any semblance of advice or parental wisdom. The amount of time you get to prepare your children for life is far briefer than you ever expect.
Lesley Rigsby: Asking the question why
Have you ever asked the question why? Why am I sick? Why did I lose my job? Why did this happen; I am not ready? If we are all honest at some point in our life, we have asked the question… “why?”.
Veterans' Roundtable: Introducing your veteran leadership
On behalf of the veteran organizations of Kinston, allow me to introduce your veteran leadership:
Evelyn Dove-Coleman: The Invisible Cord
Once upon a time, the telephone at our home hung on the hallway wall. It had a long, coiled cord attached so the receiver would reach to my room. I would rush home from school and finish my homework so I could call Jean Chapman to discuss all that had happened that day at Savannah High School, particularly on the playground.
Mike Parker: Historic Harmony Hall ceremony welcomes new citizens
Most of us celebrate the Fourth of July as a way to honor The Declaration of Independence – the document that officially declared the 13 colonies as independent from Great Britain. We consider July 4th as the birthday of our nation.