'We're all in this together'
The staff at Spring Arbor had an appreciation luncheon for local fire, police and EMS personnel May 16. Mattie Murphy, Spring Arbor resident and Lenoir County native, came out to personally thank the EMS employees for their hard work and dedication to Kinston, and especially for what they do for Spring Arbor.
“The turnout was fantastic. Everyone was so appreciative and humbled by the luncheon,” said Randy Jackson, executive director at Spring Arbor. "Doing something nice is easy. It takes little effort and it’s contagious. Our local EMS, fire and police are always on the job, doing what it takes to keep us safe every minute of every day.
"That’s not an easy task," Jackson said. "We just wanted to say thank you for their commitment.”
Buy local and fresh produce
The Lenoir County Farmer’s Market is preparing its tables to welcome string beans, local squash and blueberries. Huge sunflowers have made their appearance, and word has it there might be sweet corn for sale by the end of next week.
A variety of vendors will be on hand today and Tuesday with an assortment of vegetables ripe now and specialty products.
The cooking demonstration by Pat Walston and her Lenoir Community College Culinary Arts students will begin around 11 a.m. Tuesday and last until 1 p.m. Samples will be served.
Safe Kids has fundraiser today
Safe Kids Eastern Carolina is partnering with Shell Rapid Lube, 4179 W. Vernon Ave., to hold a car wash fundraiser from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today.
Proceeds will benefit local childhood injury prevention programs, including bicycle safety, child passenger safety and poison prevention and control.
Safe Kids Eastern Carolina is a regional coalition serving Lenoir, Jones and Greene counties. It is housed at the Partnership for Children of Lenoir and Greene Counties, 1465 Hwy 258 N., Kinston.
Dine out to benefit cancer
Several area restaurants are partnering with the American Cancer Society for a “Dine out for Cancer” fundraiser. Restaurant managers will give a percentage of their proceeds to the Lenoir County Relay for Life on certain days next week.
Participating restaurants include SweetFrog on Sunday; The Lighthouse Restaurant, The Kinstonian and El Azteca on Tuesday; and East Coast Wings on Wednesday.
“We hope our community will join us and support our goal of raising money for the American Cancer Society’s cancer research and patient programs,” said Pam Turner, Relay for Life of Lenoir County event chairwoman.
Relay for Life is a fun-filled overnight event. Teams of eight to 15 members gather with tents and sleeping bags to participate in the largest fundraising walk in the nation. Lenoir County cancer survivors (anyone who ever has been diagnosed with cancer) will kick off the Lenoir County Relay for Life at 7 p.m. June 14 at South Lenoir High School with the official Survivors Lap. Other participants will then join the fun. The public is encouraged to attend.
For more Relay for Life information, call 252-933-2545.