All in Columns
North Carolina’s future isn’t locked down by Republicans or Democrats—it’s the independents and swing voters who hold the real power." With 16 electoral votes at stake, faith is influencing both sides, but weaponizing religion to win political points only deepens the division. In this battleground state, independents will be the ones to tip the scales in 2024.
I live about a half mile from the North Lenoir Volunteer Fire Department across from Smith’s Café, so I am within easy ear-shot of the fire alarm that summons the volunteer firefighters and emergency personnel. That alarm can go off at any time – day or night – and during any kind of weather.
Muscadine grapes originated in the Southeastern region of the United States and as you may know are quite commonly grown and celebrated right here in our area. They are about 1 1/2-inches in size and have a large, tough outer skin.
I have a fascination with how other people decorate their spaces for the holidays. Recently a friend of mine sent me a photo of her table top which held adorable fall decorations and I got to thinking about whether or not I wanted to decorate my own house. It’s not really a thought I’ve wrestled with in the past because I’ve never lived anywhere long enough to accumulate decorations.
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.
Much of my family has been involved in education. My wife Sandra and I were both teachers at one point. I have five others in my family who began their careers in education in the classroom. The conversations around our dinner tables often turns to educational needs.
Apples are loaded with impressive health benefits, they are highly nutritious and contain nutrients like fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help promote long-term health.
As I scrolled through Facebook, the “Never Forget” memes that are ever-present in the month of September fill my feed with sad reminders of a day that devastated our nation. Everyone from every walk of life in our country who was alive on September 11, 2001, can remember what they were doing when they learned about the horrific events that transpired on that day.
As of Friday, September 6, North Carolina’s election process kicked off with mailing absentee ballots to those who request them. The deadline for voter registration is 5 p.m. on October 11. In-person early voting, with same-day registration, begins on October 17 and runs through 3 p.m. on Sunday, November 2. Of course, November 5 is in-person voting in the General Election.
You may recognize this information from the beginning of last school year. For the past several years, I have shared tip for succeeding in school that I gleaned from 37-plus years as a classroom teacher. Nothing brought me greater joy than seeing my students take themselves and their work seriously.
The actual point in time that Bucklesberry was opened to colonization has been bandied about for generations. Although an exact year is virtually impossible to ascertain, a November 6, 1924 news story nonetheless reported that colonization in Bucklesberry began in 1825. Reprinted here, the article appeared in the State's then-leading newspaper, The News and Observer of Raleigh:
Don’t save your crock pot only for cool winter comfort meals. As we move into, “back to school” mode while summer temps are still blazing, get out your crock pot for easy family supper.
Fall is a refreshing time of the year, a time to get back into school routines and enjoy all the fun cooler weather activities that fall has to offer. The Greene County Public Library (GCPL) is excited to share its calendar of September special programs and the new fall recurring events schedule for youth and adults, including programming never offered before! We would like residents of Greene County to know we are the best place to visit in the county, not just this fall but all year long!
Last night I attempted to put a three-year-old to bed. I’m particularly fond of this little angelic cherub, as she’s my tiny tot sidekick who regularly gets me into trouble with her mother. Having a toddler best friend is a unique experience every grandparent should have. If nothing else, the hilarity will keep any grandparent feeling young and alive.
On May 6 of this year, I heard a report of a school bus crash in Johnston County. My concern was immediate and poignant. Two of my grandchildren attend school in Johnston County. Although I was relieved to learn the crash did not involved with of my grandkids, I was still sadden to learn that eight children were injured when the driver ran off the road for a split second and then lost control of the bus.
