Clemmie Lee “Fig” Jones is a legendary rockand-roll and R&B drummer from around the Pink Hill area. Jones is recognized as a key figure in the African American Music Trails of NC and known for his exceptional drumming style. Jones’ mural, featured on this month’s cover, was painted by Seraphim Smith and it greets visitors to downtown Pink Hill.
Photo by Grayson Smith
1 No. 4
14
Flavorful Fine Dining
Taste Southern flavors elevated at downtown Kinston’s 222 Chophouse
21 Stride Towards Good Health
Hit the pavement with UNC Lenoir’s Heart Strides 5K and Fun Run
22
A Cut Above the Rest
Spotlight on canine care with Shaggy Do’s Dog Grooming in Pink Hill
25 Winter’s Best Light
Understand seasonal affective disorder and ways to find the light in the dark days of winter
Huck receives a brush and a bath at Shaggy Do’s Dog Grooming.
NORTH
“For
your unfailing love is as high as the heavens. Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.”
Psalm 57:10 (NLT)
A bird keeps watch over Hwy 58 N in Lenoir County. Photo by Laura Ashley Lamm, Ed.D.
Letter From the Editor
Well, I declare … there is something to be said for happiness.
Happiness is the feeling of joyful contentment that carries us through our moments, days and years. In the memories we hold, happiness is interwoven creating the memories we love most. Happiness can also be found in the small things …
… strolling down the streets
… admiring the changes of nature
… enjoying a fine meal with friends
… exploring history
… sharing time with loved ones
… eating chocolate
… taking time for oneself
… sending notes of affection
… treating others with care
… celebrating the arts through music, poetry, reading, dancing or painting
… taking adventures with furry companions
Inside this issue there will be plenty to read and plenty to remind you of happiness all around. From chocolates and fine dining to celebrations of Valentine’s Day and Black History, happiness is filling the community.
However you spend your moments, may they bring you happiness.
May they be the very thing that gives you a happy beat.
Laura Ashley Lamm, Ed.D. Editor-in-Chief
In Christian symbolism, red holly berries are thought to represent the blood of Christ while the green leaves are thought to represent the crown of thorns. Folklore mentions holly berries as a sign of good luck and a harsh winter ahead.
Photo by Laura Ashley Lamm, Ed.D.
Fresh Flowers and Unique Gifts
Hugs-n-Mugs every Thursday
Hours: Sun. & Mon. Closed Tues. – Fri. 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. • Sat. 10 a.m. until 108 W. Gordon St., Kinston NC 28501 252-643-0494 • bloomsngrace.com
Teresa Corbett
NAIL
TECHNICIAN
2801 Ward Blvd., Ste. 1P Wilson NC 27893
Hours: Mondays and Fridays by Appointment
SOUTHERN COMFORTS
Maceo Parker Mural, Kinston. Photo by Laura Ashley Lamm, Ed.D.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
LANGSTON HUGHES (1901 – 1967)
was a central figure in the Harlem Renaissance, the flowering of black intellectual, literary, and artistic life that took place in the 1920s and 1930s in many American cities, including Harlem, New York. A major poet, Hughes also wrote novels, short stories, essays, and plays. Through his work, he sought to portray the joys and hardships of working-class black lives and avoid both sentimental idealization and negative stereotypes. His work has been widely recognized and shared for decades.
Dreams
By Langston Hughes
fast to dreams
if dreams die Life is a broken-winged bird That cannot fly.
fast to dreams
when dreams go Life is a barren field Frozen with snow.
I, too, sing America. I am the darker brother. They send me to eat in the kitchen When company comes, But I laugh, And eat well, And grow strong. Tomorrow, I’ll be at the table When company comes. Nobody’ll dare Say to me, “Eat in the kitchen,” Then.
Besides, They’ll see how beautiful I am And be ashamed—
Explore powerful stories and meaningful journeys with these recommended reads from the Neuse Regional Libraries. The books listed below are available for checkout.
When the Schools Shut Down by Yolanda Gladden and Dr. Tamara Pizzoli
An awe-inspiring autobiographical picture book about a young African American girl who lived during the shutdown of public schools in Farmville, Virginia, following the landmark civil rights case Brown vs. Board of Education of Topeka. Ages 4 to 8
Hidden Figures: the Untold True Story of Four African-American Women who Helped Launch our Nation into Space by Margot Lee Shetterly
The powerful story of four African-American female mathematicians at NASA who helped achieve some of the greatest moments in our space program. Ages 8 to 12
The Fierce 44 by the Staff of the Undefeated
Meet forty-four of America’s most impressive heroes in this collective biography of African American figures authored by the team at ESPN’s TheUndefeated.com. Ages 10-12
All That She Carried: The Journey of Ashley’s Sack, A Black Family Keepsake by Tiya Miles
The story of three generations of Black women—Rose, Ashley, and Ruth—linked by a simple cotton sack packed by Rose for her 9-year-old daughter Ashley when Ashley was sold into slavery in 1850s South Carolina. Ages 14+
Four Hundred Souls: A Community History of African America, 1619-2019 edited by Ibram X. Kendi and Keisha M. Blain
A chorus of extraordinary voices tells the epic story of the four-hundred-year journey of African Americans from 1619 to the present. Ages 18+
James by Percival Everett
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn through the eyes of the enslaved Jim, who decides to hide on nearby Jackson Island after learning he is to be sold to a man in New Orleans. Ages 18+ LL
A Hankering For 222 Chophouse
Written by: Laura Ashley Lamm, Ed.D., Photography by: Madeline Gray
On the corner of Heritage and North Streets, patrons are filing into the building numbered 222 where the storied façade welcomes residents and out-of-towners for culinary creations reminiscent of nights out in the big city.
The 222 Chophouse is where casual fine dining with rich flavors and bold tastes will have you coming back for more. It is not only the food that will have you returning, but the dedicated service and unique atmosphere that uplifts dinner into an unforgettable experience.
“Our goal is always to provide the best culinary and personal experience possible,” said Chad Ray, who coowns the restaurant with his wife, PJ.
The Chophouse focuses on the entire experience, intertwining food, service and atmosphere. A classic chophouse, the culinary creations include a variety of steak choices from flat iron to tomahawk ribeye. Side dishes offer crowd favorites, such as macaroni and cheese and fried cabbage to more unique twists like stewed tomatoes and corn risotto. Crab dip, lamb, chicken parm gnocchi and quail also make the menu. Lunch features the always popular fish and chips, plus standard favorites of soups and salads. If you are vegetarian, there are dishes available for you, too.
“We want to provide your favorite dishes but also those unique dishes you don’t make at home,” said General Manager Liz Hengst.
“We are classic, Southern steakhouse flavors elevated as our Head Chef Kenny likes to describe it.”
“We really want this to be a whole experience for people, from the time they walk in the door until they leave after dessert,” she added.
If you are celebrating something—big or small—the Chophouse wants to be there for it all. “Servers will always ask, ‘Are we celebrating something tonight?’” said Hengst, “and get excited when you are.”
Preparations are underway for a special Valentine’s Day menu featuring dinner for two, complete with protein, sides, wine and dessert. Specialty themed brunches occur on the third Sunday of the month. This month’s Mardi Gras Brunch features Cajun roasted alligator, gumbo, jambalaya, shrimp and fish.
The wine list includes wines not found locally, and bottles are available for purchase. The bar is open for after-work drinks or for gathering friends. With two stories, a second bar, a sitting lounge and dinner tables are located upstairs, and it offers prime window-front views of downtown Kinston.
The 222 Chophouse is closed Sundays, Mondays and for lunch on Tuesdays. You can find delicious options for lunch and dinner the rest of the week. Attire is fine casual, and reservations are recommended for Friday and Saturday nights. Call 252-550-8051 to make reservations. LL
Respectful Tips for the Restaurant
Written by: Grayson Smith, Photography by: Madeline Gray
Restaurant dining these days can be a luxury for some and a way of life for others. People may eat outside the home to celebrate a special occasion, to conduct business, to try a new eating establishment, or just simply to replace “home cooking” when no one wants to cook or is available to cook.
While reasons to eat out vary—so do the restaurants: options range from fast-food to fine-dining restaurants. The range of restaurant types lends itself to a set of unwritten rules for polite behavior, some of which are considered formal rules and others not so much.
Restaurant etiquette involves showing respect for others so everyone feels comfortable in a social setting. Respect for staff and other diners means demonstrating kindness and consideration through courteous actions, language, and non-verbal cues like facial expressions, gestures, eye contact, and tone of voice.
Appropriate behavior occurs in four stages: before
you go to the restaurant, while seated at the table, when interacting with staff, and upon completion of the meal. The stages are listed below with bullet-point reminders so you’ll be etiquette ready for your next dinner out.
Stage 1: Appropriate behavior begins before you go to the restaurant
• Make reservations ahead, including the number of guests. If the number in your party changes, please notify the restaurant as soon as possible.
• Dress in appropriate attire, reflective of the restaurant’s formality.
• Arrive for your reservation on time; call if you are running late.
Stage 2: Appropriate behavior continues while seated at the table.
• Silence phones, and then put them away.
• Place your napkin in your lap as soon as you are seated.
• Place your handbag under your chair and not on the table.
• Place your napkin on the seat of your chair if you leave the table temporarily.
• Close your menu and lay it on the table when you are ready to order.
• Place the tip of your finger on the rim of the glass when the waiter is pouring wine if you don’t wish to drink any.
• Wait for everyone to be served before you begin to eat.
• Pass dishes to the right (counter clockwise).
• Begin using the outermost utensil and work your way inward, using the correct fork and knife for each course.
• Leave the napkin or utensil on the floor if you drop it. If you’re in a fine dining restaurant, the waiter should notice and bring you another napkin or utensil without your asking. If you’re in a modest priced restaurant, ask the waiter/host for another utensil or napkin.
• Place bones or inedible items on the side of your dish.
• Put your fork and knife in the “rest” position when you are resting and talking during a meal. Place the fork on the left rim of your plate and the knife on the
• Put your fork and knife in the “finished” position when you have completed a course.
• Place your fork (tines down or up) and knife along the right side of the plate.
Stage 3: Appropriate interaction with staff
• If you need to speak with staff, make eye contact and nod or wave discreetly.
• Be polite, using “please” and “thank you.”
• If you have concerns about the food or service, address those issues discreetly with your server.
• Tip appropriately for good service.
Stage 4: Appropriate behavior upon completion of the meal
• Place your fork and knife together on your plate in the “finished position.”
• Leave your plate in front of you, and the server will remove it.
• When leaving the restaurant, place your napkin, folded neatly, to the left of the plate.
Kindness goes a long way. Practicing restaurant etiquette will make your server or bartender appreciate you as a guest, and most likely, it will lead to better
Tipping in Restaurants
SERVICE TIP
Wait Staff (sit down) 15-20%, pre tax
Wait Service (buffet) 10%, pre tax
Host or Maitre d’
Take-out Service
Delivery
Bartender
Tipping Jar
Restroom Attendant
Valet
No obligation for greeting/showing table
Finding a table on a busy occasion
$10-$20
No obligation; 10% for extra service
10-15% ($2-5 for pizza delivery)
$1-2 per drink or 15-20% of the tab
No obligation
$0.50-$3, depending on level of service
$2-5 (Tip when car is returned)
Tipping Guidelines from the Emily Post Institute
A Valentine for You
Written By P.J. Drew
Charles M. Schultz, the creator of Peanuts, said it best, “All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.”
Chocolate dates back thousands of years and is considered a delicacy for any occasion. The rich velvety texture and variations of flavor spark the tastebuds and add flair to a recipe. In the early 19th Century, Europeans made chocolate by hand swirling 100 percent cacao and dairy milk, creating truffles, fudge, caramelfilled chocolate squares, and chocolate drops. Hours were spent laboring over the creation of the perfect piece.
Chocolates were soon seen as an expression of affection or friendship when gifted from one to another. In the 1800s, chocolates began merging with romantic themes. British chocolatier Richard Cadbury of Cadbury Chocolate was the first to create the heartshaped chocolate box in 1861 cementing the connection between chocolates and Valentine’s Day. While the roots of the holiday date back to Roman times, Cadbury began packaging chocolates in beautifully decorated boxes for the special occasion.
The boxes remained so popular that after the chocolate was eaten, the boxes were kept and used to store momentos, locks of hair, love letters and broaches.
Today, the Victorian-era Cadbury boxes still exist as family heirlooms and valuable sought-after items by collectors at auctions.
Following the appeal of heart-shaped boxes at Valentine’s Day, Cadbury created the first chocolate Easter egg in 1875. The Cadbury Co. developed its beloved Cadbury Crème Egg in 1971 and celebrated 200 years of crafting chocolates in 2024.
Cadbury Chocolate is developed by combining dairy milk and butterfat, among other ingredients, to create a smooth texture and creamy taste, both of which have become signatures of the brand. This United Kingdom recipe or version of chocolate is banned in the United States, thanks to the Pennsylvania-based conglomerate, The Hershey Company. In the mid-2000s, Hershey secured the rights to manufacture and sell Cadbury products in the United States. Viewing the British version as competition, the products were banned from American shelves. Hershey changed the recipe adding copious amounts of sugar, creating a distinctly different taste between the two versions.
Chocolate boxes are already filling shelves as Valentine’s Day draws closer. If the mood strikes for a sweet treat, gift a heart-shaped box to your favorite valentine. Spread a little love and chocolate. LL
Courtesy of Cadbury UK
From the Taste Kitchen of the Lenoir Lantern
Recipes Courtesy of Cadbury UK
Open a pantry door and there will often be chocolate found inside. Chocolate chips for baking, chocolate squares for snacking or chocolate syrup for drizzling, chocolate is always there to add a splash. Well-known British chocolatier Cadbury provided a cookie and iced mocha recipe where chocolate serves as the finishing touch.
Do you have a beloved recipe you’d like to share with the community?
Send it our way and it may be featured in another issue. Email stories@lenoirlantern.com with your submission.
Cadbury Chocolate Cookies
Ingredients:
225g caster sugar (1 cup)
300g plain flour (1 ¾ cups)
200g melted butter (3/4 cup plus 2 Tablespoons)
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. baking powder
1 egg
Prep Time :20 minutes 24 servings
100-200 g Cadbury Bournville Classic Dark Chocolate Bar (or Cadbury White)
Directions:
Melt butter. Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and vanilla. Add egg, and beat with wooden spoon. Add melted butter, and beat together. Open chocolate bar. Chop or break up the bar, and add it to the mix. Drop by spoonfuls on grease-proof paper or baking paper. Cook at 160 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit) for 10 minutes.
Cadbury Iced Mocha Drink
Prep. Time: 5 minutes 1 Serving
Ingredients:
3 tsp. Cadbury Hot Chocolate
1 tsp. Instant Coffee Powder
25 ml Water (about 5 tsp.)
175 ml (about ¾ cup) Cold Semi-Skimmed Milk or a Milk Alternative Ice Cubes to Serve
Directions: Put the hot chocolate, coffee powder, and water in a microwave safe container. Mix and heat in the microwave on High for 20 seconds. Stir until smooth. Add the cold milk and stir again. Serve immediately in a tall glass over ice cubes. May top with some grated chocolate.
DASH AND SPLASH
An artistic installation featuring metal flowers welcomes you to the LaGrange Public Library. Photo by Madeline Gray
Shindigs and Such: Lenoir County Events
Bingo to Help the Homeless
Help Friends of the Homeless Shelter through playing bingo on Friday, Feb. 6. Evening includes a silent auction and 50/50 drawing. Food service starts at 5:30 p.m. followed by bingo at 6:30 p.m. at The Exchange in Kinston. Admission is $25 and includes 10 cards. Call 252-286-8583 for tickets.
Bingo Night for Rotaract
Listen for your number to be called while playing bingo for a cause. Benefiting Rotaract of Lenoir County, bingo games will occur on Friday, Feb. 13. Food service starts at 5:30 p.m. followed by bingo at 6:30 p.m. at The Exchange in Kinston. Admission is $25 and includes 10 cards.
Moonlit Masquerade Ball
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with an evening of glamour, intrigue and rhythm presented by the ENC Renaissance Faire. Saturday, Feb. 14 beginning at 5:30 p.m. at 401 Fairgrounds Rd., Kinston. Tickets range from $50 -$125. More information can be found at www.eventeny.com.
Heart Strides 5K and Fun Run
Join the community for a fun, heart-healthy morning. Benefiting the Lenoir Hospital Foundation, the event starts and ends at the hospital’s Airport Road entrance. Race takes place on Saturday, Feb. 21. Registration begins at 7 a.m., followed by the 5K start at 8 a.m. and the Fun Run start at 8:15 a.m. Tickets are $35 for the 5K and $25 for the Fun Run. Visit www.runsignup.com.
Studio ’86 Competition Showcase
Watch elite performances from the Studio ’86 Competition Team. Previewing competition routines, dancers take the stage at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 28 at the Kinston High Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $10 and may be purchased from a dancer or at the door.
Greater Pink Hill Pageant Applications Open
Young ladies from 6 months to 26-years-old are invited to apply for participation in the Greater Pink Hill Pageant. Learn, grow, make friends and serve the community. Open title. Must reside in Eastern N.C. Visit Greater Pink Hill Facebook Page for more.
Take a Stride Towards Good Heart Health
Written By Laura Ashley Lamm, Ed.D.
Whether you choose to walk or run, you are helping your heart. Movement increases your heart rate, thereby promoting better oxygen delivery throughout the body and improving circulation. Most importantly, it’s helping to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Small steps can be big strides towards strengthening the heart.
In recognition of American Heart Month, UNC Health Lenoir is hosting the Heart Strides 5K and Fun Run on Saturday, Feb. 21. Aimed at bringing awareness to the importance of heart health, the run also raises funds for the Lenoir Hospital Foundation.
“By participating in the run, you are giving to yourself and your community simultaneously,” said Laura Foss, BSN, RN, education specialist and founder of Heart Strides. “We are able to use this as a platform to get more people involved in their physical fitness and heart health, but also more aware of resources that are available to them at the hospital.”
Back in 2022, Foss was having chest pain. She was in her 50s, healthy and an avid runner. A visit with her primary care physician led to a visit with a cardiologist and subsequent tests resulting in the findings of an 80 percent blockage in her left anterior descending (LAD) artery.
“I’m a nurse and I’m in my 50s and that is way early for things like that,” said Foss. “I had this 80 percent blockage in my LAD which has an 18 percent survival rate.”
Foss had run in a 5K race three months prior to her stint placement .
“Running is a passion of mine,” said Foss. “I had run a 5K and had some shortness in my breath, but I ran in Raleigh. I thought it is the hilliness of Raleigh as I was used to running flat paths in LaGrange.”
Foss had a stint placed in her heart and worked to be strong enough to return to the pavement for regular runs. Last year, she approached the hospital with an idea to combine her passion for running with her passion to spread information of heart health. From there, the Heart Strides 5K and Fun Run was developed with the key component to help fundraise for heart programs.
“Proceeds go to the Lenoir Hospital Foundation, but they are earmarked for specific things,” said Foss. “Proceeds can be used for equipment for anything cardiac related, specialized heart-related training and cardiac conferences.”
The race is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 21 with registration beginning at 7 a.m. followed by the 5K start at 8 a.m. and the fun run start at 8:15 a.m. The race starts and finishes at UNC Health Lenoir’s Airport Road entrance. Tickets are $35 for 5K participation, $25 for Fun Run entry, and free for children under the age of eight. Participants are encouraged to dress in heartthemed outfits for a chance to win prizes. Registration can be completed online at www.runsignup.com. LL
A Cut Above the Rest
Written by Laura Ashley Lamm, Ed.D., Photography by Madeline Gray
Canine companions in Eastern North Carolina are strolling about town with superior cuts and fresh coats thanks to Shaggy Do’s Dog Grooming. Named for owner Carmen Wells’ white rescue dog, Shaggy, the grooming shop brings together people and pets in the heart of downtown Pink Hill.
“I enjoy the dogs and the people, but I like the dogs more,” laughs Wells.
Shaggy Do’s opened its Broadway Steet storefront in October 2024. Wells, though, is no stranger to the field of pet care. She began grooming dogs at the age of 19 and turned her passion into a 21-year career. Having spent years working in the grooming centers at Petsense (by Tractor Supply) and Pet Smart locations, the time was right to open her own shop.
“I always wanted to open my own shop and provide grooming services to people who need it for their dogs,” said Wells. Often, grooming shops inside corporate locations have strict rules against serving senior dogs and those with anxious tendencies. Wells opens her doors to serve these dogs.
“We get to know the dogs and want them to feel safe and comfortable here,” said Wells.
Clients travel from Kinston, Goldsboro, Pink Hill, Kenansville and Beulaville to bring their beloved pooches for a visit to the groomers.
Services offered include general haircuts, shaves, blow dries and brush outs, breed specific cuts (i.e. Poodle, Schnauzer, and Shih Tzu), bathing and nail trimming, and dye jobs. Dryers do not contain heat to ensure safety for the dog.
Wells offers the ability to deliver breed specific haircuts. Golden Retriever, Chow Chow, and Siberian Husky breeds benefit from cuts on the top and undercoat of fur every few months. Deshedding, the removal of dead undercoats, is recommended every six to eight weeks. Goldendoodle haircuts can occur every six to eight weeks; however Standard Poodles are recommended to visit the groomers every three weeks.
Wells notes if owners start to see their dogs itching more than normal, chewing their paws or notice knots in their fur, it is time to visit the groomers. “You want to keep knots under control because they can become matted and have to be shaved off,” said Wells. Shaggy Do’s Dog Grooming accepts clients Tuesday – Saturday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Appointments are recommended, especially for large breed dogs, and can be made online or by phone. North Carolina law requires an active rabies vaccination to be groomed, so be sure to bring a copy of the vaccination record to the appointment. LL
Carmen Wells gives Sophie a trim at Shaggy Do’s Dog Grooming in Pink Hill.
The little free library at Neuseway Nature Park. Photo by P.J. Drew
GO RED for Women
Written by P.J. Drew
Your heart. It is more than just a place that drives your feelings and emotions; it is a vital organ that helps you survive by pumping blood through the blood vessels of your circulatory system. It is an organ that needs you to take care of it just as much as you need it to take care of you.
During the month of February—American Heart Month—the nation goes red. The American Heart Association established Go Red for Women, its signature women’s initiative designed to increase women’s heart health awareness and to serve as a catalyst for change by improving the lives of women globally.
The first Friday of every February is designated as National Wear Red Day. The landmark date for this year is Friday, Feb. 6. Across the nation, Americans are asked to Go Red in support of women’s cardiovascular health by wearing red, sharing information and resources, and donating to support research and education.
Why is heart health so crucial? Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of women, causing 1 in 3 deaths each year. It kills more women than all forms of cancer combined. However, there is both hope and a simple truth: most cardiovascular diseases can still be prevented with education and healthy lifestyle changes. It is time to take charge of your own heart health, and there are ways you can do it.
With heart disease, there are several risk factors that deserve your attention: high blood pressure, smoking, high blood cholesterol, lack of regular activity, obesity or being overweight, and diabetes.
You cannot control factors, such as age, gender, heredity, race or previous strokes and heart attacks. You can, however, work towards managing the other risk factors. Move more by walking and exercising. Eat smart. Pick healthy food options, and avoid those high in cholesterol. Manage your blood pressure.
Knowing the signs and symptoms of a heart attack is important. The American Heart Association provides these four points of awareness for women.
1. Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the center of your chest. It lasts more than a few minutes or goes away and comes back.
2. Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
3. Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.
4. Other signs, such as breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.
As with men, women’s most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. Women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting and back or jaw pain.
Nearly 45 percent of women aged 20 years or older are living with some form of cardiovascular disease. Together, we can motivate, educate, support and inspire one another to become aware of cardiovascular health. Remember, you and your heart are partners on the quest to be heart healthy. So let’s go red for women! LL
Finding Light in the Dark Days of Winter
Written by Laura Ashley Lamm, Ed.D.
Winter has set in. The weather is colder and the sun sets earlier leaving darkness evident before many arrive home from work. There is less social interaction as focus is steered towards staying indoors for warmth. For many, depression begins to set in.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a form of recurring depression linked to seasonal changes, typically starting late Fall or early Winter and continuing until Spring. SAD symptoms include low energy, oversleeping, weight gain, carbohydrate craving, social withdrawal, anxiety, and feelings of sadness or helplessness.
“Light and our circadian daily rhythm is a big deal. When you are out of sync with that, you are not good. Everyone has a certain daily circadian rhythm. We often talk about owls who stay up late at night, larks who get up early, and bears who wake up at 6 a.m. or 6:30 a.m., and are productive at 10 a.m.,” said Dr. Gregory Gridley, Ph.D., medical psychologist at UNC Health Lenoir.
“The brain perceives light, even if you are blind, oddly enough, so it’s a very powerful kind of thing. When you get that dump down [the brain receiving less light], there seems to be a high incidence or relatively brief incidences of depression,” said Gridley.
Common depressive symptoms include sleeping too much, feeling dragged down, lacking adequate energy, and eating too much. It can be difficult to separate “seasonal affective disorder from other features of depression that might occur otherwise,” noted Gridley as situational depression can be an occurrence for many. “You are at Point A, and you want to get to Point B, and you can’t get there,” said Gridley, “that is normal range depression. That could be as simple as the grass needs mowing, and the lawnmower is broken.”
Anxiety can also cause symptoms similar to
depression and seasonal affective disorder. “You can be all jazzed up at Point A and want to get to point B and can’t get there, so the depression and anxiety co-exist. They can also co-exist with seasonal affective disorder. It’s really a phenomenon, and some things get discounted or overlooked by people,” said Gridley.
Whether one is feeling the effects of seasonal affective disorder, depression or anxiety, there are several ways to give a boost to one’s mood. The most common mood boosting strategies are increasing exposure to light and engaging in exercise.
“The biggest thing is to get out in the morning after you wake up and get some sunlight. Even if the sun is not up and even if it is cloudy, you will get some exposure and reduce symptoms to some degree,” said Gridley.
Exercise triggers the release of endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin. These chemicals help people feel better for their ability to boost mood, reduce pain and alleviate stress. There are proven benefits to exercise and overall health, and Gridley notices an improvement in levels of depression with his patients after “walking, moving and grooving” and “building strength and social support.”
Less social interaction can also be a contributing factor of seasonal affective disorder. “You are not going out to hit the golf ball or to hang with your friends in the backyard,” said Gridley.
There are several ways to fight off seasonal affective disorder and generalized depression. Gridley notes spending time outside, being in nature, taking a walk in the sun, and setting a daily rhythm to avoid overeating and oversleeping are mood stabilizers and boosters. Likewise, interacting with other humans or pets can make people feel less alone. LL
Show this Lenoir Lantern issue to a team member at Minges Wellness Center and receive ONE FREE month of membership!
NATIONAL WEAR RED DAY®
is Friday, February 6
IT’S NOT JUST WHAT WE WEAR — IT’S WHAT WE STAND FOR.
We wear RED for every woman’s story of strength, survival, and sisterhood.
Because no woman should face cardiovascular disease alone.
Together, we create a community where every heart is seen, every voice is heard, and every life is celebrated.
OLD NORTH STATE
Nantahala Outdoor Center in Bryson City. Photo by P.J. Drew
YADKINVILLE
This beloved winter tradition features Yadkin County wineries highlighting their exceptional wines. The 16th Annual Yadkin Winter Reds takes place Feb. 21-22 and Feb. 21 – March 1. Tickets are $35.
CHARLOTTE
Celebrate Black History at the Charlotte Museum of History for the region’s annual African American Heritage Festival on Saturday, Feb. 28 from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. This year’s festival will honor the legacy of Black military service throughout American history. Admission is free.
HICKORY
Transform the home with goods from Hickory Furniture Mart’s Anniversary Clearance Sale. Exclusive discounts on floor models at the home of furnituremaking. The annual sales event runs from Feb. 13-16.
RALEIGH
Cowboys and cowgirls will showcase their talents at the Raleigh Stampede. The rodeo features bronc riding, roping, barrel racing, and bull riding. The two-day event takes places Feb. 13-14 at the NC State Fairgrounds. Tickets range $20-$25. Free parking.
HARKERS ISLAND
Core Sound food traditions including crab and oysters are the focus of the Taste of Core Sound presented by the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum and Heritage Center. Dinner, live auction and decoys on Feb. 27. Tickets are $100.
WILSON
Barton College/Wilson Symphony presents the 34th annual “Love the Symphony” on the evening of Feb. 14. Enjoy a performance from the orchestra and dinner from the Scarborough Faire at Barton College. Tickets are $100 per person and tax deductible.
Letthefun begin!
Seagrove
THE LAST WORD
A scrabble game at the Kinston-Lenoir County Public Library. Photo by Madeline Gray
African American Heroes
Complete the puzzle with your knowledge of African American Heroes in honor of Black History Month. Identify the individual who matches the provided clue. Use their last name only in the answer block.
Across
2. Refused to give up her seat on a bus
6. Saxophonist, Kinstonian, James Brown Band
8. Actor, Darth Vader, Mufasa, EGOT winner
13. Track-and-field Olympian, long jump record in 1936 Games in Berlin
14. Hailed as the “godmother of the women’s movement”
15. Knows why the Caged Bird Sings
17. Football coach, Rocky Mount native, Titans
18. Sample of her cancer cells taken without consent advanced medical research
21. Founder of the Chicago Defender weekly newspaper
22. Math whiz who helped NASA reach the moon
23. Won 3 Grand Slam singles titles and 2 doubles titles
25. First Black Supreme Court justice
Down
1. Scientist, inventor, found uses for peanuts
3. Dancer and choreographer, company in NYC
4. Jazz trumpeter and singer
5. Musicians from Kinston formed the core of his legendary band
7. Harlem Renaissance poet and writer
9. He had a dream
10. First licensed Black pilot
11. Media mogul
12. Conductor for the Underground Railroad
16. Used ‘good trouble’ to fight for civil rights
19. First Black female elected to Congress
20. Broke the baseball color barrier
24. 44th U.S. President
26. Boxing legend
Children’s Corner
let me letyougo
But before I do, let me tell you one more story . . .
Merriam-Webster defines happiness as “a state of wellbeing and contentment.” It is happiness that people strive for, search for, and want to experience daily. Happiness varies by individual, with some seeking happiness in family, friends, work, hobbies and travel. Some feel happiness is achieved through the accumulation of money, wealth and power. Others feel happiness is elusive if a job, relationship or goal is not in place.
Happiness should bring you a state of well-being and contentment. The Danish believe in ‘hygge,’ a core cultural concept that shapes their everyday feelings of happiness. Hygge is a quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment, joy, well-being, and overall happiness. It is understanding the principle of creating happiness exactly where you are and in simplified terms.
Hygge focuses on creating happiness through 10 values: atmosphere, presence, pleasure, equality, gratitude, harmony, comfort, truce, togetherness, and shelter.
The simple advice of hygge: Candles and low lighting create the calming atmosphere. Turn off the phones and be present. Coffee, chocolate, cookies, cakes and candy are sweet pleasures. Consider “we” over “me.” Share the tasks and conversation time. Be grateful for exactly where you are. Know you are already liked and it’s unnecessary to brag about your achievements, thereby creating harmony. Take a break when you need it, and get comfy. Call a truce and agree to leave politics for another day. Build relationships. Gather your people, and where you are is a place of peace.
That is the art of ‘hygge’ and the foundation of wellbeing and contentment, or rather, the Danish way to live well. Step back, take it all in, and let happiness envelope you like a hug.
The Lenoir Lantern is illuminating the community, one story at a time. The reach of readership is spreading quickly. The spirit among residents and visitors after each issue is rising. It’s time for your business to be in the spotlight reaching more consumers. Win the race among your competitors to gain more clients. Be seen in the magazine with a global footprint.
Why Advertise with the Lenoir Lantern?
ABOUT US
The Lenoir Lantern is the county’s only community magazine.
It’s free and distributed once a month with original content
The publication has the functionality of a newspaper, the style of a magazine, and the quality of high-performing journalism.
Demographic Reach AttentionGetting Ads
We’re targeting not just Lenoir County, but beyond Magazines reach country residents, Eastern NC, across the state and nation, and 3 additional continents
We’re out-of-the-box thinkers We can design your ad in ways that cannot only share your message but also grab the attention of readers
We’re a small, local business just like you When you support us through advertising and readership, you ’ re expanding the reach of Lenoir County stories to a wider audience
GROW WITH US.
When we work together, we grow together. As our publication grows, so does your business. The pages of the Lenoir Lantern are filled with full-color images and captivating stories about Lenoir County. We started publishing in October 2025 and we are already the talk of Eastern NC. Advertising with us ensures your business or organization is part of the conversation.
Why
advertise in a print publication?
SIZE CHART
A size and a price for every business.
Size Ranges:
Full Page
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Full Color Advertisements
Cost Range: $125 - $800
Longer Shelf Life Buying Decisions By the Numbers
Readers spend an average of 30 minutes per magazine issue
Magazines have a longer shelf life when online is designed to be disposable
Magazines have “ passalong” readership from one person to the next
Of the 7 7 million adults in NC, 6 6 million of those rely on print for news and information
More than half of NC adults use print advertising to make important buying decisions
83% of NC adults make selections of restaurants and bars by reading print stories and viewing print advertisements.
78% of NC adults make selections for healthcare based on print stories and advertisements
