Preparing the ground
Vegetables soon will be seen growing in the Kinston-Lenoir County Children’s Garden, thanks to some hard working volunteers.
Enthusiastic 4-Hers, community children and Lenoir County Cooperative Extension agents and Master Gardener Volunteers gathered recently to clean plant debris from last year's growth, plant transplants and seeds.
For information about the garden, call the Extension at 252-527-2191.
Gospel Fest being planned
The first Veterans Challenge Gospel Fest is planned for 3 to 9 p.m. March 23 at the former Expressions/Brody’s building at Vernon Park Mall, 834 Hardee Road.
Tickets are $6 for six hours of gospel entertainment and a chance to win $1,000 cash. Active military or veterans get a $1 off discount, and children 12 and younger are admitted free. Ticket holders must be present to win the cash prize.
Tickets can be purchased at the Veterans Challenge office (the second door from DMV), at IFIXNC computer repair store, also at the mall, or at the event. For more information, contact 252-933-3540 or veteranschallenge.org.
Kinston native receives Silver Beaver Award
Kinston native Mike Whittington was presented the Silver Beaver Award at an Eagle Scout and Volunteer Recognition Reception Feb. 24, sponsored by the East Carolina Council, Boy Scouts of America.
Scoutmaster of Troop 585, chartered by Northwest Christian Church, he has been an active adult scout leader for more than 16 years, serving as Cubmaster, Webelos den leader, Assistant Scoutmaster, and Scoutmaster. He is Advancement chairman, Eagle Board chairman, and is on the Nominating Committee for the Caswell District. He also the East Carolina Council’s Eagle Board chairman.
He has won such awards as Caswell District Assistant Scoutmaster of the Year, District Award of Merit, District Committee Key, American Legion Scoutmaster of the Year, Scouters Key, Scoutmaster Award of Merit and the Order of the Arrow Vigil Honor.
His commitment to expose young people to every Scouting opportunity possible is evidenced by his years of service in multiple responsibilities — serving as director of the Caswell District Advance-O-Ree for six years, and being Merit Badge counselor for 10 merit badges. He also makes sure appropriate training is available to all Scouting leaders and has personally completed Scoutmaster Fundamentals and Wood Badge Course SR-338.
In 2001, Whittington retired from 20 years of service with Civil Air Patrol as a volunteer performing Search & Rescue work. During that time he attained the rank of lieutenant colonel and was awarded numerous decorations.
The Kinston High School graduate has a certificate in Global Logistics from Lenoir Community College and is the shop supervisor at Sanderson Farms. He is the father of Eagle Scouts Clay, Paul and First Class Scout Scott.