All in Columns

Kristy Kelly: Thanksgiving FAQs

Thanksgiving is a wonderful holiday that celebrates the harvest and the blessings of the past year. It is a time for families and friends to gather together, share a feast, express gratitude, and enjoy each other’s company. However, it can also be a time for stress, confusion, and conflict, especially if you are not prepared or experienced.

Neuse Regional Libraries share success stories with ECU students and North Carolina Librarians

Wonderful things are happening at the Neuse Regional Libraries and we’re always thankful for opportunities to talk about them! Several staff members have been invited recently to discuss successful programs and services to a variety of audiences and we were happy to share details about our experiences that could help others reach out to meet needs in their own communities.

Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Cranberries Shine During the Holiday Season

Everyone goes extra crazy about cranberries from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day, sadly after that often cranberries are shelved. Most of us are all too familiar with the many ways to consume cranberry sauce during the Holidays, and stringing them around your vintage Christmas trees. 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.

Raney Rogers: The arts as something to do in Kinston

This past Friday I had the opportunity to attend the Open House for Art 105, take a closer look at the art on display and spend some time talking with the artists about their work to learn more about who they are.  Truth be told, I was tired from working all day and the call of a cushy couch with a good book was flashing lights in the back of my head, but I wanted to see some new art.

Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Sweet or savory, butternut squash

Sorry summertime squash, the health benefits of fall-harvest squashes such as the savory butternut squash far outweigh those of its’ summer cousins.  Of all the winter squashes, butternut squash is the easiest to work with; it has thin skin and can be easily peeled with a vegetable peeler. Its dense flesh and robust flavor work well in a variety of dishes, from sweet to savory.

Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Recycle your Fall Decorations!!

It’s really sad that one of the most nutritious fall vegetables is often only used for decoration and often overlooked for a healthy addition to your menu!!  Besides being great for decorating, and the only vegetable that is carved and lit up, this low-calorie squash is rich in potassium and loaded with beta-carotene (a powerful antioxidant), and its natural sweetness brings flavor to baked goods without any added guilt.