Hiker, writer to visit Kinston
The public is invited to a book signing to meet hiker Danielle “Danny” Bernstein, author of “The Mountains-to-Sea Trail across North Carolina: A Thousand Miles through Wildness, Culture and History.” The event will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday at the Kinston-Lenoir County Visitor and Information Center, 101 E. New Bern Road. Lenoir Community College and the Visitor Center are sponsoring the event.
A committed hiker for more than 40 years, Bernstein is completing the Appalachian Trail, all the trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the South beyond 6000, many other hiking challenges and the Mountains-to-Sea Trail. She maintains sections of the Mountains-to-Sea and Appalachian trails.
She has written two hiking guides, 2007’s “Hiking the Carolina Mountains” and 2009’s “Hiking North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains.” She also blogs at hikertohiker.com.
Bernstein’s mission is to get people out of their cars and hiking. Her motto is “No place is too far to walk if you have the time.” She says she plans to die with her boots on.
“The Mountains-to-Sea Trail across North Carolina,” published by the History Press, focuses on the beauty, quirkiness and vibrancy of the 1,000 miles from Clingmans Dome in the Smokies to the Outer Banks. Bernstein recounts the highlights and challenges of walking the trail. Meeting people is also a vital part of walking the trail.
The route takes in Frazer fir trees and pelicans, old grist and textile mills, working cotton and tobacco farms, Revolutionary War sites and two British cemeteries complete with Union Jacks. Bernstein shares stories that will captivate the curious, adventurous, hiker, biker, and history and culture buff.
Bible college to hold graduation
The United American Free Will Baptist Bible College will have its spring graduation ceremony at 7:30 p.m. Friday on its campus at 1011 Dr. J.E. Reddick Drive in Kinston.
The Rev. Veronica Jackson, pastor of Emmanuel Hill Memorial FWB Church — and a member of the graduating class with a Doctor of Divinity degree — will be the commencement speaker.
The school was established in 1979 and is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Bible Colleges and Seminaries. It offers degrees at the bachelor, master and doctorate levels in biblical studies and various divisions of Christian ministries. Students can study on campus or online, and applications are being accepted.
Students, faculty and staff, plus family and friends of the graduates, are invited to celebrate the traditional ceremony Friday. For more information, call Bishop Ronald Mayo at 252-259-0202.