historic car sits outside of Byrd’s Restaurant in Kinston.
FRONT COVER
A
Photo by Madeline Gray
Become an eagle-eyed explorer as you travel the United States with this interactive book!
There are games to play on every page as you uncover the nation’s history, leadership, symbols, and 50 states. Explore fascinating facts and unique tales as you discover celebrated monuments and national parks, wild facts, famous people, and amazing inventions, and more.
Expand your creativity and grow your skills in English, reading, social studies, science, math, spelling, vocabulary, critical thinking, problem solving and creativity. Learn while having fun with coloring, mazes, quizzes, word searches, scrambles, drawing, cooking and storytelling!
Soar across the United States and encounter Arctic foxes in Alaska and ghosts in Kansas, cook Jambalaya in Louisiana, meet the coon cats of Maine, deliver mail with the Pony Express in Missouri, write a note to aliens in Nevada, carve petroglyphs in New Mexico and search for pirate treasure in North Carolina!
CHATTER BOX
Talk of the Town
Lovick’s Café in Kinston is celebrating 85 years of serving the community. Since 1941, Lovick’s has provided a place for good food and fellowship in downtown Kinston.
Kick off your Sunday shoes and cut loose this summer. The Lenoir Community College Foundation and Performing Arts present Footloose: The Musical at July 17, 18, 24, and 25 at 7 p.m. and July 19 and 26 at 2 p.m.
Words from Afar
Barbara G. visited her grandchildren in Myrtle Beach and brought along the Spring issue of the Lantern. Cason, 10, and Laney, 7, are pictured discussing what they found in nature using their homemade binoculars. The activity was part of the Children’s Corner.
JUICY GOSSIP
LENOIRLANTERN.COM
Important Dates
Independence Day
July 4
Labor Day
September 7
MAIL CALL
Let’s Hear from You
We love seeing where you take your Lenoir Lantern! If you are traveling about this summer, snap a photo and share it with us at stories@ lenoirlantern.com. You could find your photo in the next issue.
The Fall Issue highlights local residents working to build a stronger community one project at a time.
Vol. 1 No. 6
The Wonders of the Wild
Discover the animals and mission behind the Neuseway Nature Center.
42
Welcoming Exploration
Enter into the world of science and health at Ellis Planetarium & Kids Museum.
50
America Turns 250
Celebrate America with stories about Independence, Presidents and the American Flag. Take our patriotic playlist to your next red, white and blue party.
62
Summertime Games
Let the kids explore the open road with the special section of activities just for them.
Oliver waits for visitors at the Neuseway Nature Park.
Cut and carry these bible verses on your travels. Read more on pg. 25.
Go behind the scenes with the Band of Oz. Find it on pg. 33.
“The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forever more.”
Psalm 121:8
Deep Run Original Free Will Baptist Church. Photo by Madeline Gray
Letter From the Editor
Well, I do declare, the open roads are calling.
Long days, sunshine and summertime give way to spending hours outdoors, taking a day or two for ourselves and embracing a slower pace. It’s the perfect time for packing the car and heading out on the ultimate road trip.
In road tripping, the sudden visual shift from what is familiar to that which we have not seen, represents the true essence of adventure. Whether it is the open roads leading into the sun, the removal of cityscapes or the walk into a new place, there is a promise of new experiences waiting exactly where you least expect them.
It’s the beauty of the unexpected and the memories waiting to be made. Beyond geography, there is the mindset of the road-tripper. Embracing spontaneity and the thrill of the unknown are hallmarks of a road-tripper. Leaving the well-traveled and beaten path to follow curiosity – whether it's turning by a faded, handwritten road sign or discovering a hidden overlook—transforms a standard vacation into a genuine expedition.
In this issue there is a lot of adventure waiting for you. We share places in Lenoir County ripe with discovery and adventure. We remind you why this great nation has remained extraordinary for 250 years.
This is our largest issue to date and we couldn’t be more excited. We are grateful to our sponsors who continue to support this small business in bringing you unique stories that illuminate the community.
Pack a plate with vinegar-based barbecue at the legendary Kings Restaurant. Greet a vulture, see the stars and go fishing at the Nature Center and the Ellis Planetarium at Neuseway Nature Park. Dance the night away at the New South Club. Learn the basic steps of shag dancing, the rules for dining alfresco, and safety tips for life on the road. The Children’s Corner provides a locally-focused Bingo game and plenty of non-tech activities perfect for the car. And, we celebrate America with history, stories, a patriotic playlist and snapshots from coast to coast.
In Lenoir County, we know how to drive Highway 70 until the map turns blue. Travelers from Raleigh and the West find their routes pass through our communities and become a place perfect for an afternoon stop. Many of us may travel out of county or country and back home again. Others may find unfamiliar spots nestled near home ripe for exploring. Wherever you journey this summer, may you embrace the adventure of the untamed wild in road tripping
Laura Ashley Lamm, Ed.D. Editor-in-Chief lalamm@lenoirlantern.com
A truck sits in Deep Run. Photo by Madeline Gray
Carolina Farm Bureau® Insurance Group
Lenoir County - Kinston Office
1386 Hwy 258 N Office: 252-522-3911
Cell: 252-560-4620
Fax: 252-522-3658
heith.harrison@ncfbins.com
SOUTHERN COMFORTS
Lenoir County Farmer’s Market. Photo by Laura Ashley Lamm, Ed.D.
The lunch buffet at Kings Restaurant in Kinston.
KINGS: Mastering the Chop
Words
Lamm,
by Laura Ashley
Ed.D. Photography by Madeline Gray
From left: Current Kings BBQ owner Joe Hargitt, and his wife, Angie, along with former Kings’ owner Wilbur King, Jr.
In the early 1980s, Joe Hargitt found himself on the chopping block.
He was a young high schooler at Arendell Parrott Academy when a sophomore named Mackenzie was nagging his golf game during a class meeting. “He was a good golfer and I’m a mediocre golfer, but he kept on making fun of my golf game,” said Hargitt.
“The whole time in class he was making fun of me. After the meeting was over, he kept on going after me about it. So, I picked him up and threw him through the plateglass window at the end of the hallway,” he continued. “After I looked down to see if he was okay, and he was, just covered in glass.”
Hargitt marched himself to the headmaster’s office to turn himself in. “I said, ‘I threw Mackenzie through the plate glass window for making fun of my golf game.’ He said, ‘You can’t play golf.’ I told him that was beside the point,” recalls Hargitt.
A few weeks later and the headmaster struck a deal with the two boys. Replacing the window would cost $400 and each boy was responsible for half. Only, Hargitt didn’t have any money.
I could pay for the window and that’s basically how I came to work at Kings,” said Hargitt.
Now, more than 40 years later, Hargitt is the owner of Kings Restaurant, one of the state’s most legendary barbecue joints.
Kings began in 1936 as a country store and filling station with Frank King at the helm. Two years later, Wilbur King Sr. took over adding a pot-bellied stove and the food operation was born. His son, Wilbur King Jr. took ownership in the 1970s and led the restaurant’s expansion until passing the torch to Hargitt.
“I looked over at my friend, Wil King, whose daddy owned Kings, and said I need a job. He got me a job so
On Jan. 1, 2004, Hargitt bought the restaurant from King. He bought the business, as Hargitt said with a laugh, “because I didn’t want to work for anybody else.” Hargitt began working for King in a fulltime capacity in 1986, but started during his high school years back in 1982 thanks to his friendship with King’s son, the late Wil King III.
“If I didn’t buy it, he was going to sell it to somebody else and I was going to have a new boss,” said Hargitt. “I’ve always liked the restaurant business. The thrill of a Friday night, the satisfaction of a Sunday lunch, it’s just one of the things you can’t explain unless you have been through it.”
Pigs are cooked for 13 hours a day in a smoker before being chopped by hand, every day.
THE PORK LINE: A Timeline of Kings Bar-B-Que
1936
Frank King moved his family to a small onehorse farm. He built a country store/filling station in front of the farm to supplement his income.
1938
Wilbur King Sr. took the helm of the store. He added a poolroom and pot-bellied stove.
The first Kings food operation was born.
1941
Wilbur King Sr. was drafted to by the U.S. Navy to serve in WWII.
1946
The first hot dog plate was sold. Hot dogs were added by Wilbur Sr. when he returned from serving overseas.
1950s
King Brothers Barbecue became a local hotspot featuring milkshakes, barbecue and a jukebox.
1941
Wilbur Sr. partnered with brothers Lawrence and Victor to launch King Brothers Barbecue. Hand-chopped barbecue pork was added to the menu.
1960s
North Carolina expanded its main highway to the beach. Tourism increased patrons to Kings BarB-Que and Restaurant, which now has a kitchen and dining room.
1971
Kings expanded to a seating capacity of more than 800 and began hosting events.
1973 –
early 1980s
Ownership transitioned from Wilbur Sr, Lawrence and Victor to Wilbur King Jr.
1990s
Wilbur Jr. added Oink Express, the company’s nationwide shipping service.
2003
Joe Hargitt, who began working for Kings in the 1980s, began running the restaurant.
2011
Kings celebrated 75 years in business.
2020
The Covid Pandemic forced the restaurant to return to earlier days of taking orders and bringing food to car windows in the parking lot.
2016
Hurricane Matthew flooded Kings with 28 inches of water.
1999
Hurricane Floyd flooded the restaurant with 24 inches of water.
2012
Lou-Lou’s Oyster Bar opened inside the restaurant. The bar is named for Joe’s wife, Angie, who is called Lou-Lou by friends.
2004
On Jan. 1, Joe Hargitt assumed ownership from Wilbur Jr.
2026 Kings celebrates 90 years.
90
2021
The Drew Barrymore Show named Kings’ ribs the best in country.
2018
Hurricane Florence brought 15 inches of water inside Kings.
From left: Ronnie and Susan Andrews enjoy lunch; Edna Houston helps behind the take-out counter; Howard Freeman, left, and Emanuel Webb, right, stir pots of beans; and Zack Combs prepares the mix for making hushpuppies.
The sauce, Kings Delight, is Wilbur Sr.’s recipe. The taste and flavors of the barbecue, coleslaw, barbecue chicken, fried chicken, and baby back pork ribs have remained unchanged over the decades.
“We’re cooking whole hogs and chopping them by hand, the way we’ve always done it,” said Wilbur King Jr.
“Consistency is one of the reasons people keep coming. The food is the same every time they come,” said Hargitt.
Recipes remain unchanged and new family dishes are added to the menu. The macaroni and cheese recipe is from Hargitt’s grandmother. The collard and meat leaf recipes received an update from Hargitt.
“You have to keep some of the traditions but also know when to change and do some things different,” said
Hargitt. “I changed the turkey and dressing recipe because the recipe they were using was made 30 years ago and the ingredients changed with spices more potent than they were years ago. You make small changes, but still keep the same taste.”
And, the patrons keep coming, both locals and a large number of out-of-towners, especially in the summer.
“Travelers want the barbeque,” said Hargitt. “It’s not real hot, not real spicy; its got a good even killed taste that appeals to a lot of people. It has a little bit of smoke in it and a little bit of spice in it. Wilbur used to call it barbecue for the purist.”
“Everybody is so thankful for Kings being here. We have so many out-of-towners that travel all the time to come see us and think the world of us,” added Angie Hargitt.
John Hill chops barbeque in one of the restaurant’s kitchens.
Angie Hargitt manages the front of house though she can also be found organizing caterings and banquets, running the cash register, and greeting customers. She’s worked for Kings for the last 14 years and married Joe Hargitt in 2012.
“When covid came, it changed the whole business model. We added signs with distancing instructions, gloves, masks, outside seating,” said Angie Hargitt. “We went back a little old school to when they used to go out to the car and serve.”
“Covid was difficult for us and everyone in the restaurant business. We made it through that, and the three hurricanes which flooded the restaurant, because of our customers,” said King.
After 90 years of cooking, Kings comes with its share of old wisdoms or superstitions. As Hargett tells, if there is a full moon, the barbecue cooks quicker. If there is no full moon, the barbecue cooks slower. The hushpuppy mix requires several gallons of water. When the moon is full, the mix is best with one gallon and three quarters of water. If the moon is not full, only two gallons are needed.
Kings is steeped in family traditions and creating family atmosphere for both employees and patrons. Patrons can still find King working weekend shifts and see faces of employees they have come to recognize.
“I love what I do and I love Kings,” said Edna Houston, a 31-year employee. Houston manages the take-out division where she knows the customers by name and remembers when “Joe was a bus boy.”
Her mother, brother, niece and son have all worked for Kings. “I have always loved working in fast food, and here the employees and the customers are like a family, too.”
It’s a sentiment Howard Freeman echoes.
“It’s true what they say, ‘If you do something you love, you’ll never work a day in your life,’” said Freeman, who has spent 14 years with the restaurant.
Freeman is the first one to arrive in morning, usually between 6 a.m. – 6:30 a.m. He turns the kitchen lights on, starts the equipment, bangs the pots and pans, and begins whipping up the day’s menu. Some days he starts cooking pork chops, “boneless and seasoned to perfection,” he said. Other days it may be pork ribs, shrimp, chicken alfredo, meat loaf, or sausage and peppers. The buffet and weekend specials at Kings offer more than just legendary barbecue. Oysters and crab legs are served hot from inside the restaurant at its oyster bar, Lou-Lou’s.
“You don’t have to be in Carolina to eat like a Carolinian,” said Freeman. “We can ship it right to you.” The Oink Express, the restaurant’s nationwide shipping arm, sends out packages of barbecue, Brunswick stew, and macaroni and cheese daily.
Kings places 25 pigs a week on the chopping block to meet the demand for the barbeque that’s made the restaurant a household name among North Carolinians. “We’re a down-home family restaurant that serves food the old fashion way,” said Hargitt. “If it weren’t for our customers, we wouldn’t be here.” LL
“Alfresco” (al fresco) is an Italian phrase, which means “in the cool.” That is, the phrase describes being in a cold place. When it is used as a slang term, the word means “in prison.” The term, however, originated from “fresco painting,” which is painting on fresh, wet plaster.
English speakers borrowed the term in the mid-18th century, moving it from painting on fresh plaster to dining outside in the cool, fresh air. Accordingly, “Alfresco” is used in the United States to depict dining or activities occurring outside. The word acts as an adjective or adverb, referring to eating in gardens, on patios, or at open-air restaurants.
Alfresco dining or outdoor parties for adults can range from catered dinners to cook-outs to pool parties to garden tea parties, and to wine tastings and charcuterie board parties. Popular themes include lawn game tournaments (such as corn hole, badminton, and sack races), outdoor movie nights, and bonfire celebrations.
Host Etiquette
• Communicate clearly with the invitees. Specify the particular kind of outdoor affair; for example, if the gathering is a barbecue or wine tasting and if there are games to be played or movies to watch. Clarify the appropriate dress for the occasion.
• Notify your neighbors about the party, especially if there will be music or noise. Consider limiting the noise after 9:00 or 10:00 p.m.
• Make bug spray and sunscreen available for attendees. Have a first-aid kit on hand for minor incidents.
• Identify a designated bathroom for guests. For large gatherings, portable toilets may be an appropriate option.
Guest Etiquette
• Respond to the RSVP by the requested date. Arrive on time or as close to the start time as possible. If you will be late, notify the host of your intended arrival time.
• RSVP is French for respondez s’il vous plait, which means “please respond.” When an RSVP is requested, reply to confirm whether or not you will attend the event. If you can attend, accept the invitation. If unable to attend, send your regrets by the requested date. Most hosts will request that you respond by email, phone or traditional mail.
• Bring a hospitality gift for the host(s) to show appreciation. Gifts range from home goods to flowers to wine.
• Dress appropriately for the outdoor event, including suitable footwear.
• If children attend the event, remember you are responsible for their behavior.
Alfresco dining can be a special experience for hosts and guests. It is designed to be relaxed and social, allowing everyone to be immersed in nature and its surroundings. The ambiance is paramount in creating a memorable occasion—an occasion etched in everyone’s memories for a lifetime. LL
From the Taste Kitchen of the Lenoir Lantern
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.
Stuffed Potatoes
Ingredients:
6 baking potatoes
½ cup butter, softened
1 (8 oz.) carton sour cream
1 (.56 oz.) pkg. bacon-onion dip mix
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions: Bake potatoes. Scoop out pulp of cooked potatoes. Combine potato pulp, butter, sour cream, dip mix, cheese, salt and pepper, and whip until smooth.
Stuff shells, sprinkle with paprika. Bake at 350 degrees for 24 minutes.
Ingredients: 3 medium red apples, diced
1 cup tiny marshmallows
1 cup coconut (angel flake)
1 cup fresh orange slices
1 small can crushed pineapple (drained)
1 cup fresh grapes, seeded
1 cup broken pecan halves
1 cup sour cream
Instructions: Mix all ingredients together several hours before serving.
Fruit Salad
Serves: 8
Serves: 6
Preaching the Gospel
Cut and carry these bible verses on your travels.
Y o u w i l l s e e k m e a n d
f i n d m e w h e n y o u s e e k
m e w i t h a l l y o u r h e a r t .
J E R E M I A H 2 9 : 1 3
I p r a i s e y o u , f o r I a m
f e a r f u l l y a n d
w o n d e r f u l l y m a d e .
P S A L M 1 3 9 : 1 4
O p e n m y e y e s t o s e e a l l
t h e w o n d e r f u l t h i n g s i n
y o u r t e a c h i n g s .
P S A L M 1 1 9 : 1 8
I h a v e s e t m y b o w i n t h e
c l o u d , a n d i t s h a l l b e a
s i g n o f t h e c o v e n a n t
b e t w e e n m e a n d t h e
Y o u r w o r d i s a l a m p
u n t o m y f e e t a n d a l i g h t
u n t o m y p a t h .
P S A L M 1 1 9 : 1 0 5
E a r t h .
G E N E S I S 9 : 1 3
J e s u s C h r i s t i s t h e s a m e
y e s t e r d a y a n d t o d a y a n d
f o r e v e r .
E X O D U S 3 : 1 2
G i v e a l l y o u r w o r r i e s t o
H i m , b e c a u s e h e c a r e s
f o r y o u .
1 P E T E R 5 : 7
F o r w h e r e t w o o r t h r e e
g a t h e r i n m y n a m e ,
t h e r e a m I w i t h t h e m .
J E R E M I A H 2 9 : 1 3
G i v e t h a n k s t o t h e L o r d ,
f o r h e i s g o o d . H i s l o v e
e n d u r e s f o r e v e r .
1 C H R O N I C L E S 1 6 : 3 4
T h e L o r d i s m y
s h e p h e r d , I l a c k
n o t h i n g .
P S A L M 2 3 : 1
A n d G o d s a i d ,
' I w i l l b e w i t h y o u . '
E X O D U S 3 : 1 2
B e k i n d t o o n e a n o t h e r ,
t e n d e r h e a r t e d , f o r g i v i n g
o n e a n o t h e r , a s G o d i n
C h r i s t f o r g a v e y o u .
E P H E S I A N S 4 : 3 2
K n o w t h a t t h e L o r d i s
G o d . H e m a d e u s , a n d
w e b e l o n g t o h i m . W e
a r e h i s p e o p l e , t h e
s h e e p h e t e n d s .
P S A L M 1 0 0 : 3
W e l o v e b e c a u s e
H e f i r s t l o v e d u s .
1 J O H N 4 : 1 9
P e a c e I l e a v e w i t h y o u ;
m y p e a c e I g i v e y o u . D o
n o t l e t y o u r h e a r t s b e
t r o u b l e d a n d d o n o t b e
a f r a i d .
J O H N 1 4 : 2 7
B u t G o d d e m o n s t r a t e s
h i s o w n l o v e f o r u s i n
t h i s : W h i l e w e w e r e s t i l l
s i n n e r s , C h r i s t d i e d
f o r u s .
R O M A N S 5 : 8
DASH AND SPLASH
The Band of Oz’s trumpet rests on stage at the New South Club in LaGrange. Photo by Madeline Gray
THE NIGHT SCENE
Weekends at the New South Club
Words by Laura Ashley Lamm, Ed.D.
Photography by Madeline Gray
A crowd gathers at the New South Club and shag dances to the Band of Oz.
In Lenoir County, one of the best spots for live music and a dance floor can be found at the New South Club. Spend an evening on the dance floor under the dim lights moving to the beat of the music. The New South Club offers a mixture of country, beach, oldies and soft rock music. A live music venue, the club hosts notable band such as: the Jut Thomas Band, Spare Change, Mighty Saints of Soul, Band of Oz, Double Shot of Country, and the Whiskey River Band, to name a few. With an easy-to-find address on US Hwy 70 E in LaGrange, the club was a longstanding staple among partygoers and re-opened in November 2023 under the ownership of Lisa and James Sargent. Entry fees are $15 for regular shows and patrons can reserve tables in advance. You’re guaranteed a good time, every time. After all, it is where you can let the good times roll. LL
The Band of Oz sings while patrons shag dance at the New South Club.
Lisa and James Sargent, owners, of New South Club review reserved seating charts before opening the doors for the Friday night crowd.
Summer 2026 / LENOIR LANTERN
5-6-7-8:
The Origins Behind the Carolina Shag
Words by: Grayson Smith
Photography by Madeline Gray
On the shores of Myrtle Beach in the late 1930s and 1940s, the Carolina Shag was born. The dance, emphasizing grace and smoothness over turns and athleticism, has grown in popularity over the decades, immersing itself in the culture of the Carolinas—North and South—becoming the official State dance for both.
The Shag is often considered a form of swing dance, having formed out of the Lindy Hop and the Charleston, though it has no resemblance to that style today. Billy Jeffers and Malcom “Chicken” Hicks originated some of the moves within the dance.
The shag, known as “the swing of the South,” is an eightstep partner dance, which includes a basic step, a pivot, turns and a belly roll. Hicks was known for creating the camel walk, which dancers, commonly called “shaggers,” continue doing today as the shag’s popularity has spread nationally and internationally.
The basic steps of Carolina Shag consist of a six-count pattern, which allows for smooth transitions and fluid movements. Shaggers typically use a combination of steps, including:
• Step back: A step back on the right foot.
• Step forward: A step forward on the left foot.
• Side steps: Side-to-side movements that add flair to the dance.
One of the most notable aspects of Carolina Shag is the connection between partners. Ladies and gentlemen maintain a close hold, allowing for seamless communication and coordination. The basic steps of the Carolina Shag have ladies and gentlemen often beginning the basic steps mirroring one another. The connection between partners enhances the overall experience, making it a social and enjoyable dance.
Rhythm plays it own vital role in the Carolina Shag. Shaggers often emphasize the upbeat tempo of the music, incorporating syncopated steps and playful movements. Music from the Band of Oz, The Embers featuring Craig Woolard, The Tams, The Temptations, and the Chairmen of the Board have a history of being crowd favorites. This rhythmic quality sets the Carolina Shag apart from other dance styles, creating a lively and engaging atmosphere. LL
The Swing of the South
The Band of Oz
The Band of Oz has been a main staple for party goers and a Carolina tradition for more than 50 years. Getting their start in the mid-1960s in the small Eastern North Carolina town of Grifton, the young band made up of grammar and junior high schoolers called themselves, The Avengers. Playing small gigs and traveling from place to place in a Chevy station wagon pulling a little red trailer, the band continued growing in popularity. Sock hops, private parties and clubs followed, along with a name change to The Band of Oz in the 1970s. Ever since, the Band of Oz has continued with a massive following and a loyal fan base, making them one of the most wellknown and successful Beach Music bands in the Southeast.
Listen now on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube or Amazon Music, and sing along with their greatest hits including Shama Lama Ding Dong, Ocean Boulevard, Easy Comin' Out, First Impressions, Southern Belles, and Over the Rainbow.
Catch them on their next visit to the New South Club or at LaGrange Community Park for the Garden Spot Street Jam on Sept. 11 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. LL
Members of the Band of Oz from left, Doug Winstead, vocalist and trumpeter, Dustin Ahkuoi, vocalist, and Keith Houston, guitarist. Editor’s Note: Doug Winstead passed away a month after this photo was taken for the Lenoir Lantern.
LENOIR LANTERN
The Band of Oz performs at the New South Club in LaGrange. Band Photography by Madeline Gray.
SKEDADDLIN'
Luther Byrd holds a fish in Kinston. Photo by Madeline Gray
The Wonders OF THE WILD
Words by: Laura Ashley Lamm, Ed.D.,
Photography by: Madeline Gray
Oliver greets visitors to the Neuseway Nature Center.
Situated on the banks of the Neuse River in the vastness of the natural wild is a place where outdoor enthusiasts fish, camp and explore. A place where children learn of the vertebrates and non-vertebrates inhabiting the Earth alongside them. A place of discovery. A place called the Neuseway Nature Park.
Comprised of the Nature Center, the Ellis Planetarium and Health & Science Museum, fishing ponds, and campgrounds on more than 50 acres, the Neuseway Nature Park has been bringing visitors closer to nature for 30 years, beginning with the Nature Center.
“My main goal with this facility is to help people develop an appreciation for native and non-native wildlife,” said Director Jonathan Massey.
The Nature Center hosts a variety of exhibits including venomous and non-venomous snakes, flying squirrels, box turtles, birds of prey, and an opossum. The lower level of the Center features the cave. Nocturnal animals and an aquarium of fish from the Neuse River featured there.
In total, the Nature Center has between 35-45 different species of animals which are fed, watered, cleaned, cared for and socialized. “My main priority, 100 percent of the time, is the welfare of the animals,” added Massey. “All of the employees here have the same feeling.”
Karsha Williams, 5, learns about turtles from Taylor Benton.
Clyde, a vulture bird, watches visitors explore outside at the Neuseway Nature Center.
A turtle eats his meal of leaves and vegetables.
Senecio Williams Jr., 3, and Karsha Williams, 5, visit animal enclosures with their mother.
A ball python is one of the many snakes who live and educate visitors at the Nature Center. Summer 2026 / LENOIR LANTERN
Animals become educational ambassadors as visitors learn about varying species, habitats and life spans. Massey said visitors can meet snakes, from South America and West Africa, a blue-tongued skink, which is native to Australia, and a chinchilla, from the mountain ranges. Some of the animals were once pets who have been rehomed to the center.
“A lot of the non-native animals we have are rehomed pets. Everything we do is about education and the care of animals,” said Massey.
Providing awareness to the general public towards the non-removal of box turtles is one facet.
“We tell people, ‘do not take box turtles, even if they are in your yard.’ If you see them on the road, barely pick them up and move them in the direction they were pointing until they are safely off the road,” said Massey.
“You don’t want to put them in your car and drive 10 miles down the road because you think there is a nice area up the road. Box turtles live in a one-mile radius from where they are born. That is where their home is and where they spend their entire life. They will wonder until they find their way back home, often not eating, drinking and sleeping during that time. If you take them too far away, they will pass away,” he added.
The Nature Center cares for four box turtles as the result of people taking them home as pets. “Box turtles do not make good pets. It is hard to replicate their natural environment,” said Massey.
Non-releasable birds are also at the Nature Center to welcome visitors. Those include birds of prey such as the owl and vulture.
“We are not allowed to release these animals because either they have injuries that would prevent them from hunting or defending themselves,” said Massey.
The owl was caught in a wind storm and left with a broken wing, said Massey. “Bird bones are fragile and light weight. Owls hunt at night and their methodology for hunting is complete silence. When bones break, they over calcify when they heal back and for owls, that makes flying harder.”
Clyde, a vulture, was an orphan and adopted by an individual not accredited nor permitted to care for a
bird of prey. After being removed from the home and rehabilitated through a wildlife organization, he was returned to the wild.
“Clyde was physically healthy, but he would go to people’s houses and ask to be fed. He didn’t know how to be a vulture,” said Massey. “These birds are specialized. They are not hunters. They are scavengers.”
“The beaks of vultures are made to break bone. They go into the bone and eat the marrow. They will gorge a dead animal until its gone because they don’t like to waste anything. They have super strong stomach acid and no hair on their legs,” said Massey. “When vultures perch on a dead animal and feed it is called a wake. When they are just sitting around together, it is called a committee. When they are flying in groups it is called a venue.”
At the Nature Center, Clyde is very sociable, enjoys being fed dead rats, and often walks around his enclosure to greet visitors. “He likes the attention,” added Massey.
These are a few of the many animals waiting to be met at the Nature Center. Admission is free and the center is open from 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. School groups and club tours are available. The Nature Center is a familyfriendly environment where an appreciation for nature can be explored and developed; and questions are welcomed.
Massey added, “I want to instill this love of nature to kids because that’s all I have to leave behind. I try to do it with my kids at home and with these kids here. I’m not going to be here forever; eventually, I’ll be dust in the wind. As long as a few kids walk away really wanting to do something good for the environment and for animals, that’s a win for me.” LL
Chris Wetherington holds Olive, an opossum.
Welcoming Exploration: Ellis Planetarium &
Health and Science Museum
Words by Laura Ashley Lamm, Ed.D. Photography by Madeline Gray
“Everything we do is meant to bring families together, spark curiosity about science and nature, and make learning fun for kids of all ages,” said Director Sandy Drum.
Walk inside a stomach intestine and follow the route food takes. Count money with the pneumonic tube system. Watch a Foucault Pendulum swing with the Earth’s rotation. Discover fire safety, farm-to-table foods, dental care and dramatic play. Everything can be found at the Ellis Planetarium and Health and Science Museum at the Neuseway Nature Park.
“We want our kids’ museum and planetarium to be a place where every family in our community feels welcome—a place where education, exploration, and fun are available to everyone,” said Director Sandy Drum.
For decades, the planetarium and museum have provided residents and visitors with opportunities for immersive learning. The 52-seat planetarium features a 24-foot dome used to project the sun, moon, and stars. The Health and Science Museum has interactive exhibits with astronaut suits and human skeletons.
“We regularly offer STEM activities upstairs that give children hands-on opportunities to explore science, technology, engineering and math. Our goal is to create a place where kids can discover new interests, ask questions and get excited about learning,” said Drum.
“We believe cost should never be a barrier to learning. That’s why our museum is free to the public, and our planetarium shows are kept very affordable, so every family in our community has the opportunity to experience science, discovery and the wonder of the universe,” she added.
Through field trips, the Planetarium welcomes more than 5,000 students annually. “Field trips are the heart of our programming,” said Drum. “Students who visit experience hands-on science and explore the universe through our planetarium in a way that brings classroom lessons to life.”
School groups travel to the Planetarium from as far west as Raleigh and as far east as the Outer Banks. Summer welcomes an influx of visitors traveling Hwy 70 and stopping on the way to the beach. The Neuseway Nature Park also offers playground, picnic and campground areas in addition to the nature center. A gift shop is located inside the planetarium and offers science kits, jewelry and plush animals.
“One of the things we’re most proud of is that our facility is designed to be accessible to everyone in the community,” said Drum. “Admission to the museum is completely free, so families can visit, explore and learn without worrying about cost. The only ticketed experience is our planetarium show, which we keep very affordable at just $3 for adults and $1 for children so that as many people as possible can experience it.”
The Planetarium also hosts several free community events throughout the year. These include Trunk or Treat, Earth Day and Kids Fishing Day.
“Everything we do is meant to bring families together, spark curiosity about science and nature, and make learning fun for kids of all ages,” said Drum.
The Ellis Planetarium and Health and Science Museum is open Tuesday thru Saturday from 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Admission is free. LL
From left: Legos for building and stacking; a human skeleton teaches fast facts about bones; the upstairs classroom at the Planetarium; and fruits and vegetables for sorting.
GoneFishin'
Words by Laura Ashley Lamm, Ed.D.
Photography by Madeline Gray
As Lenoir County’s premier waterway, the Neuse River offers anglers the chance to cast off river banks and flooded timber. Sit in a canoe and float down the river listening to the sounds of nature echo around you. Novice or expert anglers can venture down to one of the Neuseway Nature Park’s bank ponds. Catfish, largemouth bass and carp will be waiting and possibly dodging the bait. As Bryan Murchison of Goldsboro stated, “We caught attitude. That’s the only thing we caught for the fish.” His brother, Justin, added, “If we’re storytelling from today, I’m going to tell everybody I got a five-pound fish.” Try your luck and reel’em in. LL
Justin Murchison of Golsboro baits the hook while fishing with his brother, Bryan, at the Neuseway Nature Park.
Margaret Jones, left, and Luther Byrd, right, fish in Kinston on a Thursday morning.
Engaging Youth THROUGH
INTERACTIVE LEARNING
Words and Photography by Laura Ashley Lamm, Ed.D.
For more than120 years, 4-H has been empowering the next generation, not by sitting them in a classroom, but by letting them step up as leaders in their own neighborhoods.
The Lenoir County 4-H is a youth development program operated through the NC Cooperative Extension, a statewide educational outreach network spearheaded by NC State University. The youth program is part of the 4-H network and designed to help youth ages 5 to 18 learn critical life skills, leadership, and agriculture through hands-on, "learnby-doing" activities. The four "H's" stand for head, heart, hands, and health. These pillars guide youth to become confident and engaged members of the community.
“We offer a variety of programming throughout the year with hands-on experience where youth can learn by doing,” said Joel Dixon, extension program assistant for 4-H Youth Development.
“We have clubs in addition to our regular programming. We have a shooting sports club and an equestrian club, both led by 4-H volunteer leaders. The sports club focuses on all aspects of sports shooting, such as rifle shooting, muzzleloading and archery. The equestrian club gives an opportunity for youth to participate in local, regional and state horse shows,” added Dixon.
The Lenoir County 4-H also visits local schools and provides youth development programs for students, including the popular embryology program where students incubate and hatch chicken eggs to learn about life cycles.
“When people hear ‘4-H,’ they think agriculture and livestock, but we also do so much more,” said Dixon.
The 4-H program covers a range of subject matters including family and consumer sciences, cooking, gardening, rabbit and pig raising, chicken cycles from hatching to processing, and navigating financial literacy,
to name a few. There are opportunities to explore STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), agriculture, and healthy living. There is also the annual Coastal Plains Jr. Livestock Show and Sale, which teaches youth animal husbandry and responsibility, and District Activity Days, which builds confidence and communication skills.
“When people ask, ‘What is 4-H?’ I always respond with ‘What is something you are interested in? What is something you like to do?’ 4-H can pretty much adapt and morph into whatever the community needs it to be or whatever the youth’s needs are,” said Dixon.
Participation costs for events and activities are free or kept at a minimum to ensure all local families can participate. Last year, more than 30,000 people were reached through 4-H events. This summer, more adventures await as youth have opportunities to explore the world around them.
The Summer Adventures program began in June and runs through August. The program offers one-to-five-day camps, covering garden exploration and planting, baking and cooking, woodworking and Safe Sitter (babysitting) certification. More information on the 16 camps offered, as well as 4-H programs and events, can be found by visiting https://lenoir.ces.ncsu.edu/. LL
A patriotic wreath in Pink Hill. Photo by Madeline Gray.
INDEPENDENCE DAY
JULY 4TH
America was founded on July 4, 1776. This is day the Declaration of Independence was signed. At the time, there were 13 American colonies and this document made them an independent nation and no longer ruled by Great Britain.
DECLARATION
The Declaration of Independence was signed by 56 people. All of them were men who had jobs as lawyers, merchants and plantation owners. The most famous signature is from John Hancock. He made a point to sign his name very large so it could be read without glasses.
This day – July 4th – is called Independence Day.
FOOD AND FIREWORKS
CELEBRATE
Today, we celebrate with parades, cookouts, fireworks and sporting events, and by flying American flags and wearing the colors of red, white and blue.
Americans set off approximately 275 million pounds of fireworks annually according to the American Pyrotechnics Association. The cost of so many explosives? More than $15.8 billion.
According to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council, Americans will enjoy 150 million hot dogs. That is enough to stretch from D.C. to L.A. more than five times.
DID YOU KNOW?
July 4th was not named a federal holiday until 1870.That is nearly 100 years after the nation was founded.
PRESIDENTS AND THE FOURTH OF JULY
John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, the nation’s 2nd and 3rd presidents, both died on July 4, 1826. The two famous signers of the Declaration of Independence died on its 50th anniversary. Adams, unaware that Jefferson had died earlier in the day, spoke two final words before his own death: “Jefferson lives.”
James Monroe, the nation’s 5th president, died of tuberculosis on July 4, 1831. He was the last Founding Father to serve as president. Zachary Taylor died in 1850 after eating spoiled fruit following a July 4th picnic. He had only been president for 16 months.
Calvin Coolidge is the only president to have been born on July 4th. He became president following the death of Warren G. Harding and took the oath of office in the middle of the night. Coolidge’s father gave him the Oath of Office in the family’s farmhouse parlor. After he took the oath and became president, he went back to sleep.
AMERICAN FLAG
The designer of the 50-star flag was a 16-year-old. In 1958, an Ohio history teacher challenged a class to redesign the national flag for a graded assignment. At the time, both Alaska and Hawaii were nearing statehood. Robert G. Heft, who was 16 at the time, designed a new flag using the old 48-star flag along with blue cloth and white ironon material which cost him $2.87. His design earned him a B-minus from the history teacher. Heft wanted to challenge the grade, so he sent his flag to Washington D.C. to be considered by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. According to Heft’s obituary, he was one of thousands to submit a flag design but he was the only person who sewed together a flag and shipped it to the president. Once the flag was selected, Heft's grade was changed to an A. His design became the official flag in 1960.
Calvin Coolidge 30th President • 1923 – 1929
Zachary Taylor 12th President • 1849 – 1850
James Monroe 5th President • 1817 – 1825
Thomas Jefferson 3rd President • 1801 – 1809
John Adams 2nd President • 1797 – 1801
Celebrating America Sections by Laura Ashley Lamm, Ed.D. Wynn Odom Ford, LaGrange. Photo by Madeline Gray.
AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL
America is celebrating its 250th anniversary, also known as the semiquincentennial.
It is a seven-syllable word broken down as sem-i-kwin-sen-ten-nee-uhl.
PATRIOTIC PLAYLIST
“America,” Neil Diamond
“America: My Country, 'Tis of Thee,” U.S. Army Field Band “America the Beautiful,” Ray Charles
“An American Trilogy,” Elvis Presley
"Back in the U.S.A.," Chuck Berry
"Born in the U.S.A.," Bruce Springsteen
"Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue," Toby Keith
“God Bless America,” Irving Berlin
“God Bless the U.S.A.,” Lee Greenwood
“Kids in America,” Kim Wilde
“Party in the USA," Miley Cyrus
“Some Gave All," Billy Ray Cyrus
"Take Me Home, Country Roads," John Denver
“The Star-Spangled Banner,” Francis Scott Key and John Stafford Smith
"This Land Is Your Land," Woody Guthrie
for a meeting to request the release of the prisoners. The meeting went well and when Key was leaving, he witnesses British warships moving into position to fire bombs at Fort McHenry in Baltimore, Maryland.
As night fell, British ships sent cannons flying until dawn. It was in the early hours as the sun rose that everyone could see an American flag still waved above Fort McHenry. The British attack had failed and Baltimore was saved.
"Where the Stars and Stripes and the Eagle Fly," Aaron Tippin
THE STAR-SPANGLED BANNER
O, say can you see …” are the words that begin the national anthem of the United States of America. Before it was a song, the Star-Spangled Banner was written as a poem by Francis Scott Key. He wrote the words on the back of an envelope following a raid on Washington, D.C. by the British Army in 1814. Two years earlier, the U.S. declared war on Great Britain and started the War of 1812.
During the evening of August 1814, British forces burned the White House and other government buildings including those that housed Congress. Some Americans were captured and held as prisoners. The following month, Key and a U.S. official rowed a boat over to a British warship
Key pulled an envelope from his back pocket and wrote a poem sharing how America had withstood a mighty battle with Great Britain. He put the verses to the tune of a popular song at the time, “To Anacreon in Heaven.”
It was not until 1931, under the direction of President Herbet Hoover that “The Star-Spangled Banner” became the national anthem.
Sing along with the words below:
O say can you see, by the dawn's early light, What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming, Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight, O'er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming? And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there; O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
Expedition Eagle: A Kid's Guide to the U.S.A.
Activity Book
Become an eagle-eyed explorer as you travel the United States with this interactive book!
There are games to play on every page as you uncover the nation’s history, leadership, symbols, and 50 states. Explore fascinating facts and unique tales as you discover celebrated monuments and national parks, wild facts, famous people, and amazing inventions, and more.
Expand your creativity and grow your skills in English, reading, social studies, science, math, spelling, vocabulary, critical thinking, problem solving and creativity. Learn while having fun with coloring, mazes, quizzes, word searches, scrambles, drawing, cooking and storytelling!
Soar across the United States and encounter Arctic foxes in Alaska and ghosts in Kansas, cook Jambalaya in Louisiana, meet the coon cats of Maine, deliver mail with the Pony Express in Missouri, write a note to aliens in Nevada, carve petroglyphs in New Mexico and search for pirate treasure in North Carolina! Order Now!
Laura Ashley Lamm, Ed.D.
ON THE ROAD
A road sign on U.S. Hwy 70 in front of Lenoir Community College. Photo by Madeline Gray.
FIRST AID ESSENTIALS
Words by: Grayson Smith
When road tripping, back packing or adventuring of any kind, there may bring forth a few cuts and scrapes involved. Having a first aid kit handy can help you manage basic health issues. The American Red Cross provides a few essentials for every travel first aid kit, whether you’re traveling with an infant or going on an international trip.
Basic First Aid Kit Essentials
• Adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
• Adhesive first aid tape
• Aloe Vera gel for the treatment of minor burns
• Antibacterial ointment
• Alcohol wipes or Antiseptic wipes or spray
• Cotton pads and swabs
• Disposable latex-free exam gloves
• Disposable masks
• Elastic bandage wraps
• Gauze
• Hydro-colloid blister plasters
• Instant cold pack
• Medical tape
• Medication (pain relief, antacids, anti-diarrhea, cold and cough, motion sickness, and antihistamines)
• Prescription Medication (in original packaging)
• Saline packets to wash out wounds
• Scissors
• Steri-strips
• Thermometer
• Topical corticosteroids for symptomatic relief of bites, stings, and other skin irritations
• Tweezers
This is not an all-inclusive list, so add extra items you use to make it benefit you the most. LL
Preparing Your Vehicle for Summer
Words by: Keith Spence
After more than three decades in the automotive repair business, I can predict with reasonable accuracy which vehicles will end up on a tow truck in July. They belong to drivers who assumed everything was fine in May simply because nothing appeared wrong in the driveway.
Heat affects a vehicle differently than cold weather. Cold exposes problems immediately. Heat conceals them until a driver finds himself stranded on the shoulder of an interstate, hours from home, with the hood raised and the temperature gauge buried in the red.
The cooling system deserves attention first. Coolant breaks down over time and becomes corrosive, gradually damaging the radiator, water pump, and heater core from the inside out. If you cannot recall the last time the system was flushed, the service is overdue. Inspect the coolant color when the engine is completely cold. Rust-colored or murky fluid indicates contamination. While the hood is open, check the radiator hoses for firmness. Hoses that feel soft, swollen, or unusually hard have reached the end of their service life.
Tires require equal attention. Elevated road temperatures cause the air inside to expand, and an under-inflated tire flexes excessively, generates additional heat, and becomes prone to catastrophic failure at highway speeds. Check pressure before the vehicle has been driven, using the specification listed on the driver's door jamb rather than the maximum rating printed on the sidewall. Inspect tread
depth and look closely at the inner edges for uneven wear, which typically indicates an alignment issue that will only worsen with continued use.
Batteries are commonly associated with winter failures, but summer heat is far more destructive. High under-hood temperatures accelerate internal corrosion and shorten battery life significantly. Any battery beyond the three-year mark should be load tested before a long trip. Most parts retailers offer this service at no charge.
Air conditioning performance also warrants verification before departure. A system that produces cool rather than genuinely cold air on a moderate day will likely fail entirely under sustained heat and load. Address weak performance before it becomes a complete loss of function in conditions where it matters most.
Finally, equip the vehicle for the unexpected. Carry a gallon of water, a quart of the correct engine oil, jumper cables, a flashlight, and a properly inflated full-size or compact spare. Confirm the spare actually holds air rather than assuming it does.
Schedule a pre-trip inspection two weeks before departure, not the day before. That window allows time to address whatever the inspection reveals without the pressure of a deadline. The cost of preparation is always less than the cost of a breakdown. LL
A DAY OF EXPLORATION
The open road provides adventures around every corner. Whether you ride in a car, take the local transit, walk, bike or run, there are plenty of ways to explore and enjoy summertime in Lenoir County.
HISTORIC TRAILS
See the remains of the Confederate ironclad, the CSS Neuse. The museum offers insight into the ship’s historical significance, sailor life, and the ship’s recovery. Explore the history of Lenoir County and its role in textiles, mourning, and the Civil War. Discover the Burnside’s expedition along with the battles fought in Kinston.
BATTER UP
Visit the ballpark and catch the Down East Bird Dawgs play at Historic Grainger Stadium. Friday fireworks, theme nights and giveaways are part of the summer lineup. Games weekly through Sept. 6.
OUTDOOR WALKS
Stroll local towns for art, sculptures and murals that line the downtown and historic districts.
SUMMER READS
Find recently released novels, classics, beach reads, and kid favorites; summer activities, games, and more at Neuse Regional Libraries.
CLIMB AWAY
Beautiful parks are found all over the county. Perfect spots for kids who like to climb and play. Enjoy picnic tables, tennis courts and splash pads.
1. CSS Neuse
2. Flu: Tobacco Barn Art
3. Down East Bird Dawgs
4. Library Books
5. Emma Webb Park
6. LaGrange Community Park
CORNER
Hopscotch, the classic children’s game, at Ellis Planetarium. Photo by Laura Ashley Lamm, Ed.D. CHILDREN'S
Ride in the car and see how many license plates from different states you can spot. Color in the state when you spot them.
Celebrate America! Color the American Flag.
Pledge of Allegiance Fill in the Blank
"I pledge ______________ to the Flag of the United States of ______________, and to the _____________ for which it stands, one __________ under God, _______________, with liberty and ___________ for all."
Road Trip Word Search
THE LAST WORD
LaGrange Fire Department. Photo by Madeline Gray.
3. National Flower
6. World’s largest museum.
8. President adopted the current 50-star flag. Last name.
11. Credited with the largest signature on the Declaration of Independence. Two words.
14. Art Deco style skyscraper from the 1930s. Two words.
17. First President. Last name.
18. Presidential faces carved in granite. Two words.
19. “One nation under God, _________, with Liberty and Justice for all ”
20. The Statue of Liberty was a gift from which country.
21. Land of the ____.
22. Capital of the USA.
23. Number of original colonies.
24. Issued the Emancipation Proclamation. Last name.
America the Beautiful
Complete the puzzle with your knowledge of the United States.
1. A devotion to one’s country
2. Constitution has 27 of these.
4. Home of the ______.
5. National Bird. Two words.
7. Life, liberty and the pursuit of __________.
9. Another name for the American Flag. Two words.
10. A 250th anniversary is also known as _____.
12. Biggest State.
13. This state has more cows than people.
15. Smallest State. Two words.
16. Layered bands of red rock revealing millions of years of geological history Two words.
let me letyougo
J.R.R. Tolkin is best known for his creation of the mythical world of Arda in which The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit take place. In the Rings trilogy, The Fellowship of the Ring, the most famous line comes from Bilbo’s Walking Song –
“Still, ‘round the corner, there may wait, a new road or a secret gate.”
The line perfectly captures the adventurous spirit and the endless possibilities of exploring. On the open road, when you round the bend, something unexpected may appear. A deer grazing on the shoulder, the reflection of the sun as it sets over the river, a mountain peak bursting through the trees, or a field of corn stalks that have risen. There is always something beautifully unexpected.
Whether you travel to somewhere you have already been or to somewhere entirely new, you can find an adventure. You can meet new people, even if you haven’t left your hometown. You can discover something entirely different from the very spot you have visited before. An open mindset and positive attitude will help you see a new road or a secret gate.
Summer brings the open roads, longer days and the opportunity for adventure. Around the corner, something extraordinary awaits.
