Butternut squash is a kitchen hero. It tastes delicious, is nutrient-dense, and is easy to use!
All in Columns
Kristy Kelly: Ignorance is being exploited by AI
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not the downfall of modern civilization, nor is it the savior. It has been an integral part of modern technology since the dawn of smart phones with predictive text, and has seen an explosion in popularity with entities like Open AI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini.
Bucklesberry, Back in the Day: Pre-Revolution Settlement
A 1924 article in The News and Observer claimed that colonization in Bucklesberry began in 1825. This article was followed three years later by a 1927 publication from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Authors R. C. Jurney and W. A. Davis reported the results of a Lenoir County soil sample survey, which suggested, to the contrary, that colonization ensued much earlier.
Mike Parker: Association seeking support for Bible history class
Until Cathy Holder met with me recently, I did not know Kinston High School – and before that Grainger High School – has had a course in Bible history since 1942. This year marks the 82nd year the class has existed in Kinston. Since 2017, all three high schools have offered the course. The Bible History class in our area is the longest-running public high school Bible class in the entire state.
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Nutrition from the Blue Zones
You may be hearing more and more about the Mediterranean and Blue Zones Diet; research indicates that the Mediterranean Diet has proven to be the healthiest way to retain lifetime longevity and good health! You may have recently been hearing about the eating the way they do in the Blue Zones.
Lesley Rigsby: The million-dollar question
The million-dollar question- “What is my purpose?” Have you ever asked yourself this question? For many people the purpose in their life is the very meaning of their existence. Without knowing their purpose, they often suffer with not knowing their significance.
Evelyn Dove-Coleman: Stop Bullying at the Root
Bullying is like a stinky weed. It needs to be eradicated at the root, not just chopped off to grow back again. I can say from experience that being bullied is the pits. I have been bullied, and it takes too much energy dealing with it. Some people shrug it off, some fight back with words, but some people snap. That is tragic.
BJ Murphy: North Carolina - The Battleground of Faith and Swing Voters
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.
Mike Parker: Grifton Lions Club planning ‘First Responders Appreciation Day’
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.
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: September is Muscadine Time
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.
Kristy Kelly: Not a Pinterest person
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.
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.
Mike Parker: Parents and teachers need to form a partnership
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.
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Everyone Needs More Apples in Their Life
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.
Kristy Kelly: We broke our vows to never forget
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.
Mike Parker: NC Election Season now open
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.
Mike Parker: ‘Bee’ smart as the new school year begins
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.
Bucklesberry, Back in the Day: Purported Colonization
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:
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Don’t kick your crock pot to the curb in the heat
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.
Greene County Library Offers New Fall Recurring and Special September Programming
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!