Jamestown News - July 19, 2023

Deficiencies found in stormwater audit

Jamestown Town Manager Matthew Johnson felt the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) would find a few deficiencies when the recent stormwater audit was conducted June 7 and he was right. The auditor found some minor areas for improvement. Still, Johnson was pleased with the results.

“It was a good audit. I was pleasantly surprised there weren’t a whole lot

of deficiencies because we do try to do a pretty good job,” Johnson said, noting that most cities get some deficiencies. Only two municipalities in the state have received a completely compliant audit.

Jamestown has been preparing for the audit for several months, aided by Lindsey Lengyel of Blue Stream Environmental. Blue Stream annually inspects stormwater measures for the Town.

“We knew there would be some deficiencies, the first of which is our Stormwater Management Plan

(SWMP) is outdated. The state asked us to not update it until the audit was complete,” Johnson said.

Auditor Paul Clark, Water Supply Watershed Protection Coordinator, Division of Energy, Mineral and Land Resources, found several areas that need work before the Town’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System NPDES and Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permits can be renewed.

“We’ve been operating without a permit under the state’s guidance,” Johnson said. “They told us not to do

anything until this audit is complete because they are responding to pressure from the federal government, following EPA rules.”

While the auditor had a checklist, he was not required to check every item, leaving some for a self-audit, which the Town will do, addressing three areas: public education and outreach, public involvement and participation, and construction site runoff controls, using the DEQ report template. The audit documents several areas where the Town actually had done the cor-

Journey to citizenship honored at special celebration

June 27, 2023, is not likely to be a day Fred Lopez will forget. It is the day he became a naturalized American citizen during a ceremony held in Charlotte. His older brother Johan Mendez Lopez was there to witness the event.

July 10 is also a day that will hold significance for Lopez. On that day the staff and residents of the Pennybyrn retirement community where he works held a celebration in Lopez’s honor recognizing his journey to citizenship.

In addition to three of his five siblings, sister Franderly Rivas Lopez, and brothers Eddy Rodriguez Lopez and Edwin Rodriguez Lopez, special guests at the celebration included somewhat of a who’s who in politics – Britt Moore, At Large, High Point City Council; Cyril Jefferson, Ward 1 High Point City Council; Monica Peters, Ward 3 High Point City Council; John Faircloth, N.C. State representative serving parts of High Point; Cecil Brockman, N.C. State representative serving parts of High Point, including Pennybyrn; Michael Garret, State senator serving most of High Point; and Jim Morgan, community advocate and former threeterm N.C. State representative who served High Point.

Kathy Manning, U.S. Congress representative, was the guest speaker.

“All of us are a certain number of generations removed from immigrants that came to settle in this country,” Manning said. “The things that bring us together are more important than our differences. We are a nation of immigrants. We want the brightest and best and that is what I see in Fred.

“People like you make the U.S.

New pastor joins Deep River Friends Meeting

By

It has been less than a month since Philip Raines became the official pastor at Deep River Friends Meeting, but he already feels at home within the congregation.

“From the first time I came here, I felt the love of its people and a sense of family and community,” Raines said. “The members take care of each other.”

Raines, who has been a pastor for approximately 20 years, most recently served

as a chaplain (PRN) for Novant Health. But the WinstonSalem resident, who prior to being a chaplain had pastored Winston-Salem Friends and other meetings, was considering pastoring a church once again. When he learned Deep River Friends needed a pastor, he began seeking that position in January.

“I did a number of trial messages and the members seem to like me,” Raines said.

Although Raines participated at the sign dedication of the meeting’s AfricanAmerican Cemetery on June

25, his first Sunday service as pastor was July 2.

Raines is not a birthright Quaker, but was raised in a different denomination. In his early 20s he began feeling a call in a different direction, an inclination toward a different type of spirituality.

Originally from the Chattanooga, Tenn., area, Raines was working for a political campaign at the time. Since he had Sundays off from work, he began to visit different churches.

“The Friends meeting I

rect inspections but did not document the time, place and outcome.

Johnson and Public Services Director Paul Blanchard already knew the Site Management Plan needed updating, but planned to do it after the audit. Lengyel will help staff with the plan.

Once DEQ has reviewed the self-audit and found the stormwater management program to be compliant, the Town staff has 30 days to submit a NPDES MS4 permit application. Staff also has to respond to public comments about the new

SWMP draft and submit a final SWMP to DEQ for approval. According to state law, Johnson said staff could only respond to comments about DEQ requirements.

Johnson spoke briefly about how the Town’s stormwater rules affect the Randleman Water Supply Watershed.

“We are in 100 percent compliance with the state law. Jamestown’s rules and regulations are more strict than [RWSW],” he said, explaining why the Randle-

S ee Audit, Page 2

Changes coming for yard waste and bulky item collection

By CAR ol BR ook S freela N ce writer cab1hp@gmail.com

It is getting close to the time when yard waste pickup is going to change in Jamestown. Do not blame the Town, however. It is just following the new rules created by the City of High Point for the Ingleside

Composting Facility where Jamestown takes yard refuse.

High Point will no longer accept yard waste in plastic bags or cardboard boxes as of Aug. 1. To help with the transition, the Town is conducting a public education campaign about the solid waste changes via social media and mailers.

Grass clippings, leaves and small shrubbery clippings should be placed in paper bags approved for yard waste or a yard waste toter. Grocery store-style paper bags are not substantial enough for yard waste and will not be collected.

Most hardware stores, including the Jamestown True Value, stock these bags.

Yard waste in bags should not exceed 50 pounds when full and should be of such a size that one individual can pick it up.

The Town will offer 95-gallon toter cans for a cost of $60. These cans can be used only for yard waste and will be collected weekly. The purchase of the can is optional and can be arranged by calling Town Hall at 336-4541138.

Limbs for general brush pick-up should be no longer than 6 feet and not exceed 50 pounds.

Waste from commercial lawn, landscaping or tree companies will not be picked up.

Bulk items

Bulk items are those that do not fit in a town-approved collection container and is no more than 5 cubic yards in volume. Such items include furniture, bed frames, toilets, chairs, doors, rolled and tied carpet (6 foot maximum length) and lawn mowers. As of Aug. 1, mattresses and box springs will no longer be accepted.

The Town notes that extra bags of trash that do not fit into a regular can are not considered bulk and should not be placed at the curb. Additional cans are available for a fee.

Bulk pickup is the first Thursday of the month and additional pickup can be arranged by contacting Town Hall.

Compiled By n o R m A B. d enni S

CHG PHotoGraPHy

Children ages 12 and under are invited to participate in a Play and Pose session at City Lake Park July 25 at 6:30 p.m. This is an opportunity for parents to get a professional photo of their child for free. Photographer Christy Gomez, formerly of Florida, will have a few toys and games for the children to enjoy and in between play she will ask kids to pose for different photo ideas or techniques.

Parents may view the edited pictures in an online gallery and choose their favorite one for a full print release. They must give consent for the images to be used for promotional purposes to get the free digital image. For more details and to sign up go to https:// www.chgphotos.com/pricing-events.

Photo courtesy Home Depot

An example of a yard waste bag.

Photos by Norma B. Dennis

Several of Fred lopez’s family members joined him during a celebration at pennybyrn honoring his new American citizenship. pictured left to right are eddy Rodriguez lopez, Fred, edwin Rodriguez lopez and Franderly Rivas lopez holding her son Jayden.

Fred lopez holds the flag that was flown over the united States Capitol in his honor and presented to him by Congresswoman kathy manning, second from left. to the far left is Jim morgan, community advocate and former three-term n.C. State representative who served High point, and to the right is Chris Greene, pennybyrn resident who helped coordinate the celebration.

ce writer ndworddesign@gmail.com

Photo by Norma B. Dennis philip Raines, the new pastor of d eep River Friends meeting, looks forward to sharing in the spiritual journey of that congregation. S ee pAS to R, Page 6

what it is,” she said addressing Lopez. “You make me proud to be an American.”

Manning presented Lopez with a flag that had flown over the United States Capitol in his honor.

Born in the Dominican Republic, Lopez’s journey to become an American citizen actually began at age 9 when his family moved to the Greensboro/ High Point area. Looking for a better life for her children, his mother had married an American, which ultimately brought her to the States. Circumstances

later found her raising her family as a single parent, but decisions were always made with her children in mind.

When Lopez arrived in America with his family he spoke only Spanish and was enrolled in the Newcomer’s School for eight months. As he became more proficient in English, he was transferred to a regular public school and graduated from High Point Central High School.

While at Central, Lopez participated in the Guilford Apprenticeship Program (GAP) and worked in the IT department of EAS, a construction and manufacturing company. He also worked for a short period with another company before coming to Pennybyrn in August 2022.

“I felt an energy when I was interviewed at Pennybyrn. The people were very friendly, which is not something you usually see in IT,” Lopez said. “The idea of working here seemed calming. IT work is generally difficult, grunt work and can be draining to your mental health. Here it is more like helping friends with their technical problems. It makes work more pleasurable.

“Residents are supportive and treat me like family. They are very grateful for the help I provide.”

It was not well known at Pennybyrn, however, that Lopez had been working to get his citizenship. He knew speaking and writing English would be no issue, but he had studied diligently to pass the written test.

“The test is not easy,” he said. “If any American would go in blindly to take it, I feel only one in 100 would pass. That might be an over estimate, but I am just saying it is not easy. For me, failing was not an option. I did not have what

it costs to retake the exam.

“I have never felt I was anything but an American,” he added. “My identity has been shaped by living here. Getting my citizenship was more about making it official. It is hard to describe, but once that happened, I felt (free) and safe.”

After becoming a citizen Lopez registered to vote the same day. Now at the age of 21, he will have the opportunity to vote in the upcoming primaries for the first time.

When Lopez originally asked Lynn Johnson, director of resident and community engagement at Pennybyrn, for a day off to take the citizenship test in Charlotte, she was excited. Since the residents could not travel to the swearingin ceremony, it was decided to host a celebration for Lopez at Pennybyrn and open it to the staff and residents there.

“Once that was announced, I could not go through the hall without being congratulated,” Lopez said.

The newly recognized American citizen did not

have a personal July 4 celebration, but spent the day with residents at Pennybyrn. Although working, he felt a new appreciation for the Fourth.

“When you are born in a country that is not as privileged as America, you see things differently,” Lopez said. “I know if not for the opportunities America has given me I would not be where I am today. I have a lot to thank this nation for.

“I still have a sister in the Dominican Republic and because of my background I have some cultural influences from there. But it is liberating to be officially recognized from what I have long felt as my home country.”

Lopez says that his mother had always wanted to get her citizenship and was in the process of doing so when she passed away.

“I have had some obstacles in life but not as many as my mother, he said. “It is because of her I have the privilege to say today, ‘I am an American.’”

man protections were not adopted. “Our rules are stricter on development.

“The Randleman changes of 2020 were optional. You didn’t have to adopt them and the reason we didn’t was because our rules are stricter and more protective of the environment.”

The auditor agreed and commented this was a benefit to the citizens of Jamestown.

“This is due to working with High Point and Greensboro,” said Blanchard. “This area is out in front of the state in watershed rules.”

Johnson added that even though Jamestown is a smaller town, it still has to comply with state laws on the same level.

These watershed rules can be found in Article 19 of the Land Development Ordinance. Johnson pointed out this chapter is the longest of any LDO article.

“We’re following the state law,” Johnson said, noting staff will have to send a checklist of the items they have done. A follow-up will be conducted once the DEQ receives notices the deficiencies have been corrected. Once these problem areas are fixed, the Town will be issued a new MS4 permit.

The Town has 120 days from the June 22 date on the letter received from the auditor to comply or be assessed a hefty $25,000 daily fine per deficiency.

“That’s just a last resort for towns that completely disregard the warnings,” Johnson said. “I’m not concerned. We are working to make certain this is taken care of.”

The audit report and notice are available at https://edocs.deq.nc.gov/WaterResources/Browse. aspx?dbid=0&startid=2779618.

Jamestown’s Stormwater Education plan is found at https://www.jamestown-nc.gov/my-government/stormwater-education.

What do NPDES and MS4 permits cover?

By CAR ol BR ook S freela N ce writer cab1hp@gmail.com

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Clean Water Act prohibits anybody from discharging any type of industrial, municipal and agricultural waste into water through such points as a pipe, ditch, channel, tunnel, conduit, etc. into a “water of the United States” unless they have a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit.

Some floating craft also emit some pollutants and are included as a source.

Examples of pollutants are dredged dredged soil, solid waste, incinerator residue, sewage, garbage, sewage sludge, munitions, chemical wastes, biological materials, radioactive materials, heat, wrecked or discarded equipment, rock, sand, cellar dirt and industrial, municipal, and agricultural waste.

The permit contains limits on what you can discharge, monitoring and reporting requirements and other provisions. This ensures that the discharge does not hurt water quality or people’s health.

Polluted stormwater runoff is commonly transported through the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4). It is then often discharged, untreated, into local water bodies.

A separate storm sewer system is a collection of structures, including retention basins, ditches, roadside inlets and underground pipes, designed to gather stormwater from built-up areas and discharge it, without treatment, into local streams and rivers. It’s called a separate system because it’s not connected to the sanitary sewer system which drains wastewater from inside a home to a sewage treatment facility or a private septic system.

Photo by Norma B. Dennis

Fred lopez, a staff member at pennybyrn Retirement Community, feels at ease with any computer. He assists residents with all their technology needs.

What books are you featuring on PBS-NC’s North Carolina Bookwatch this season?

I still get this question even though Bookwatch, the program about North Carolina books and authors that I hosted, ended its 23-year run almost two years ago. Here are some of the North Carolinarelated books and authors that might have been featured if the program had continued.

A favorite Bookwatch guest was Lee Smith, one of North Carolina’s favorite authors for almost a half-century. She always gives her readers a look at the interesting lives of compelling and often quirky characters.

Her latest, “Silver Alert: A Novel” is set in Key West and is full of those quirky characters like

those Smith’s fans treasure. Herb is an 83-year-old wealthy and cranky man in Key West. He and a young manicurist take a wild ride around Florida in his treasured Porsche. Herb’s family reports him missing, and the resulting “silver alert” leads to the book’s conclusion.

With the hurricane season upon us, one book that would surely have been featured is “Fifteen Hurricanes That Changed the Carolinas: Powerful Storms, Climate Change, and What We Do Next,” by hurricane expert Jay Barnes.

Barnes gives a good background about the dangers hurricanes bring to our state. Then in separate chapters he covers some of the most memorable beginning with The Great Carolina Hurricane of 1752 and more recent ones such as

4 Wednesday, July 19, 2023 | Jamestown News

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE

SALE OF REAL ESTATE NORTH CAROLINA GUILFORD COUNTY

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE BEFORE THE CLERK 22SP 1438

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Jonathan T. Anderson (Deceased) (PRESENT

RECORD OWNER(S): Jonathan T. Anderson, Heirs of Jonathan T. Anderson: Katherine Anderson Foster, Thomas Wade Bowling) to PRLAP, Inc., Trustee(s), dated April 28, 2006, and recorded in Book No. 6522, at Page 0777 in Guilford County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Guilford County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse, West Door U-G Level in Greensboro, Guilford County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 10:00 AM on August 2, 2023 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Browns Summit in the County of Guilford,

Hugo (1989), Fran (1996), Floyd (1999), Matthew (2016), and Florence (2018).

In his latest book, “Lessons from North Carolina: Race, Religion, Tribe, and the Future of America,” UNC Law Professor Gene Nichol writes about the struggles of North Carolina’s poor and North Carolina’s exploitation and inattention to them. Taking on the role of an Old Testament prophet he condemns the ways the state’s powerful oppress the powerless.

The late UNC-Wilmington Professor Phillip Gerard wrote a series of articles for Our State magazine about North Carolina in different decades. His articles about the 1950s are the basis of “North Carolina in the 1950s: The Decade in Motion” published by Blair/Carolina Wren Press.

Gerard covers such topics as beach music, family visits to the local drive-in theater, the beginning of WUNC- TV, how four North Carolina A&T students

sat down at Greensboro’s Woolworth’s whites-only lunch counter, noting their quiet courage and informing readers how rich and complicated the fifties were.

UNC Professor Daniel Wallace’s best-selling novel, “Big Fish,” and other novels have demonstrated that he is one of America’s great storytellers. His latest book, “This Isn’t Going to End Well: The True Story of a Man I Thought I Knew,” shows that he also can use those gifts to create compelling non-fiction.

His account of his relationship with his brilliant but troubled brother-in-law and great friend is powerful, moving and memorable.

De’Shawn Charles Winslow’s debut novel, “In West Mills,” introduced readers to the town and its residents in the 1940s. His new book, “Decent People,” begins in March 1976. Both books give readers a painful inside look at Black communities in northeastern North Carolina.

“Decent People,” opens: “Jose-

LEGAL NOTICES

North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows:

Being all of Lot 26, Sheet 2 of 2, Lake Herman Estates Subdivision as per plat thereof recorded in Plat Book 154, Page 143 in the Office of the Register of Deeds for Guilford County, North Carolina. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 6231 Creekbrooke Court, Browns Summit, North Carolina.

Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23.

Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1).

The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being

offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws.

A deposit of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale.

If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy.

Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property

phine Wright could have kissed the ground, she was so glad to arrive back at home in West Mills, North Carolina.”

Jo Wright was born and grew up in West Mills, but had lived in New York for 48 years. Now she was returning to West Mills to enjoy retirement, live in a cottage, and marry Olympus “Lymp” Seymore, “the man she had waited so long to find, someone she had known as a child.”

But Lymp has become a suspect in a recent murder.

Jo’s search for the real murderer finally and concludes surprisingly, but only after the reader has learned the complex story of life in West Mills.

We may miss Bookwatch, but North Carolina writers have not missed a beat.

D.G. Martin, a retired lawyer, served as UNC-System’s vice president for public affairs and hosted PBS-NC’s North Carolina Bookwatch.

An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold.

Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may after receiving the notice of foreclosure sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days but not more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in this notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

Coffee Break

Salome’s Stars

WEEK oF JULy 24, 2023

arIES (March 21 to April 19) Information you need might be coming in sporadically, but at least what you’re getting is valuable. Continue to wait until more is available before acting on that career move.

taUrUS (April 20 to May 20) You continue on an upbeat cycle, and with that strong Taurean energy, you should see favorable results from your hard work. A pleasing surprise awaits you in your private life.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20)

A misunderstanding needs more time to be worked out. Don’t give up on it just yet. Remain open to providing explanations, if called for. Another friend offers good advice.

CaNCEr (June 21 to July 22) Fast action can correct a seemingly minor problem that has taken on some unexpectedly difficult aspects. Stay with it until it’s resolved. News on a more positive note is due soon.

LEo (July 23 to August 22)

By demi tAVeRAS

They Cloned Tyrone (r) — John Boyega, Jamie Foxx and Teyonah Parris play quite the stylish trio in this comedy-mystery film described as Friday (1995) meets Get Out (2017). Boyega (the Star Wars sequel trilogy) portrays drug dealer Fontaine, who gets killed by his rival, but wakes up the next day in his bed unharmed. Attempting to get to the bottom of this peculiarity, Fontaine finds his way to a government laboratory with the help of Slick Charles (Foxx) and Yo-Yo (Parris). The trio then discovers that, within this laboratory, the government has been secretly experimenting on the Black population within

Some snags could cause delays in those plans you’re eager to see put into operation. But be patient. The Clever Cat will soon have good reason to celebrate a job well done.

VIrGo (August 23 to September 22) Be careful not to let that Virgan sensitivity dissuade you from being the hardheaded realist you should be at this time. Your goals are in sight. Stay focused on them.

LIBra (September 23 to October 22) A more positive aspect opens up, allowing you to make some important changes in a personal situation. Remember to seek balance and avoid extremes as you proceed.

SCorPIo (October 23 to November 21) This is a good week to get out and enjoy the fine times you missed while you were so deep in those workaday projects. Be sure to share it with that special person in your life.

SaGIttarIUS (November 22 to December 21) Work and play are in balance this week. However, expect news that could

their neighborhood, which means it’s up to them to bring this government conspiracy to light. Premieres July 21. (Netflix)

The Portable Door (PG13) — Based on the 2003 novel of the same name by Tom Holt, this fantasy film follows two interns, Paul and Sophie, as they’re hired by the organization J.W. Wells & Co. The firm, headed by CEO Humphrey Wells, claims to be behind those coincidental moments in life that we think of as “serendipitous.” Paul, however, is tasked by Humphrey to find a portable door somewhere around the firm that can magically take one wherever they wish to go. But little

tip things toward the workplace for quite a while — but all to a good end.

CaPrICorN (December 22 to January 19) You’re more productive on the job than you have been in some time. That’s good, but be careful not to overlook some situations developing in your private life.

aQUarIUS (January 20 to February 18) You’ve been doing a lot for others (as usual). But now it’s time to focus on your needs, including finally going on that long-delayed trip you’ve been hoping to make.

PISCES (February 19 to March 20) It’s all smoothly going on ‘twixt you and that very special person in your life. But a colleague causes some disruption on the job that you might be called on to help settle.

BorN tHIS WEEK: You are sensitive to the needs of others, but you’re no pushover. You would make a fine teacher, psychologist or minister.

©2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

Couch Theatre

does Paul know that once he finds the door, he’ll also unleash the hidden, villainous motivations of the firm. Christoph Waltz, Patrick Gibson and Sophie Wilde star in this film reminiscent of the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts franchises. Out now. (Prime Video)

My Adventures With Superman (tV-PG) — In

Strange But True

By luCie winBoRne

• Remember the stunning green Versace gown worn by Jennifer Lopez at the 2000 Grammy Awards ceremony? Not only was it a sartorial feat of engineering, it inspired the creation of Google Images: The search engine added that function because so many people were looking for pictures of the outfit.

• The beloved Sesame Street characters Bert and Ernie were named for a police officer and taxi driver in Frank Capra’s holiday classic It’s a Wonderful Life.

• Biologists named a species of ants unique to New York City “ManhattAnts.”

• Due to a shrimp’s open circulatory system, it has no arteries, and its organs just float around in its blood.

• Spain’s national anthem, the “Marcha Real” (“Royal March”), is one of only four such anthems in the world (along with those of Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo, and San Marino) to have no official lyrics.

• British military tanks are equipped to make tea.

• The longest walking distance in the

world, from Magadan in Russia to Cape Town, South Africa, is 14,000 miles. Be sure to take plenty of extra shoes!

• On the other hand, if you’re more in line for a much quicker journey, hop on the world’s shortest commercial flight, from Westray Island to Papa Westray Island in Scotland — it’ll take all of 90 seconds.

• IKEA rugs were used for the Night’s Watch cloaks in Game of Thrones.

• Abraham Lincoln remains the only U.S. president ever to have held a patent. While his invention was registered as a device for “buoying vessels over shoals” in 1849, it was never actually used on boats or made commercially available.

• Hellmann’s, anyone? In some countries, mayonnaise is a popular pizza topping.

Thought for the Day: “Great thoughts speak only to the thoughtful mind, but great actions speak to all mankind.” —

Theodore Roosevelt ©2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

Sudoku & Crossword Answers

this animated series produced by Warner Bros. and DC Studios, the humble origin of one of the most popular superheroes of all time takes the spotlight.

Jack Quaid (The Boys) voices Clark Kent just as he’s beginning to build up his superhero identity. Meanwhile, Clark breaks stories at a newspaper, the Daily Planet, alongside a pixyish

Lois Lane (Alice Lee) and photographer Jimmy Olsen (Ishmel Sahid). Critics have given the show positive reviews for maintaining a character-driven story and creating a more relatable, younger Superman — in contrast to the confident, undefeatable Superman fans are normally used to watching. The first three episodes are out now, with new episodes releasing on Fridays.

(Max)

Space Oddity (PG-13) —

Alex (Kyle Allen) is the son of a farmer who has his sights set far away from Earth — on Mars, to be exact. Eyeing an opportunity to travel to the Red Planet in 10 years on a one-way ticket through

a private space program, Alex secures life insurance for the trip, but unexpectedly forms a rare connection with his insurance agent, Daisy (Alexandra Shipp). As Daisy and Alex spend more time together, Alex realizes his far-out dream might not be all it’s cracked up to be, and his efforts might be better focused here on Earth. Although it might be heartwarming for its romantic aspects, this film could have been better focused — on the believability of its plot, characters and overall message. Kevin Bacon and Madeline Brewer co-star in Space Oddity, premiering July 21. (Hulu)

©2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

Photo courtesy of Netflix

From left, teyonah parris, Jamie Foxx and John Boyega star in They Cloned Tyrone

lIFeSTyleS

Sweet Pepper Poppers: The Adorable and Delicious Bite-sized Delights

Have you seen the bags of those cute little mini red, yellow and orange sweet peppers in the produce section? They are adorable! Perhaps choosing produce according to level of cuteness isn’t the best way, but in this case, it totally works!

These peppers are so versatile and so sweet, you can eat them right out of the bag. They’re delicious grilled; just rub them with oil and pop them on the grill. Word to the wise — grill the whole bag, because they’re scrumptious hot or cold and make a simple side dish, or a lovely addition to salads, or anytime snack.

Bell peppers are highly nutritious, packed with essential vitamins like vitamins C, K1, E and A and potassium, making them a healthy addition to any diet.

The recipe below is light and summery tasting, even though it’s creamy and cheesy. The flavor is fresh and herbaceous with the mild green chilis and cilantro. If you’re not a cilantro fan, substitute it with your favorite herb. I used cotija cheese because the mild, salty flavor pairs perfectly with the sweet peppers. Cotija cheese is typically found in the refrigerated cheese section of the grocery store, often alongside other Mexican or Hispanic cheeses. If you can’t find any, you could substitute feta cheese.

EaSy CHEESy

WEEt PEPPEr PoPPErS

This recipe can be made under the broiler if you prefer not to barbecue.

1 1/2 pounds mini sweet peppers, about 20 peppers

8 ounces Neufchatel or cream cheese, at room temperature

10 ounces cotija or feta cheese

1 (4 ounce) can mild green chili peppers

2 tablespoons cilantro, minced

2 tablespoons green onion, minced

Preheat the grill to 400 degrees.

Oil the grates or prepare a grill pan. I recommend using a grill pan, because you don’t have to transfer the stuffed peppers on and off the grill or worry about them falling though the grates and all the cheese oozing into the fire.

Prepare the peppers. Set each pepper on a flat surface and see how it wants to sit without tipping over. Then use a small knife to cut a slit in the top side of the pepper. Use a small spoon or your fingertips to remove any seeds. Set them aside while you make the filling.

In a medium bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer, whip the cream cheese with the cotija cheese until fluffy and well combined. Dump the can of chili peppers into the cheese, juice and all. Add the cilantro and green onion, then mix it all together. To get the mixture into the peppers, use either a small spoon or a piping bag fitted with a large tip. You can also cut the corner off a zip-top bag and use it as a piping bag. Don’t worry about it being perfect.

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It’s going to be messy no matter how hard you try. So, in peppers as in life, embrace the mess!

Place peppers cut side up on the grill for 4 to 6 minutes until they have softened and have nice grill marks. As the peppers blister, the cheese mixture inside turns warm and gooey. Divine! Remove from grill and serve with typical Diva flourish.

The easy cheesy sweet pepper poppers are wonderful served as an appetizer or a side dish. Here are a few suggestions for dishes to serve alongside the poppers: Serve with a fresh green salad, use to accompany grilled meat or seafood, serve with salsa and guacamole, or add them to a charcuterie board or crudite platter. See you next week!

Lifestyle expert Patti Diamond is the penny-pinching, party-planning, recipe developer and content creator of the website Divas On A Dime — Where Frugal, Meets Fabulous! Visit Patti at www. divasonadime.com and join the conversation on Facebook at DivasOnADimeDotCom. Email Patti at divapatti@divasonadime.com. ©2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

attended did not have a pastor,” Raines explained. “Anyone who felt led could stand and share what God had laid on their heart. I felt very comfortable with the silence and the idea that every single one of us is a minister. But I always had a leaning toward being a pastor and when I found that some Quaker meetings did have them I checked out becoming one. That is when it started for me.”

As the pastor of Deep River Friends, Raines hopes to reflect back to members their love and sense of family. “I also want to bring them the joy and passion to explore our walk with God in the light,” he said.

“I see a sense of loneliness and isolation in our society. I want (Deep River Friends) to be a beacon of light so that no matter where people are in life or on their journey this could be a place to nourish them.”

Raines sees this nourishing nature in members of his congregation, stating that visitors will not leave without meeting half the people there.

“You might arrive as a stranger, but will leave with a dozen friends,” he said. “We have a diverse congregation who have an incredible passion for God. But they meet people where they are and do not expect others to be anything but themselves.

“My biggest blessing as a pastor is to walk with God in prayer, devotion and kindness and to share that with the many beautiful folks on that journey with me. I want to encourage seekers, but that can be a slow process. There is nothing greater than the spiritual life and someone ignoring that experience is missing life’s greatest gift.”

Deep River Friends Meeting is located at 5300 Wendover Ave. in High Point. Worship services begin at 11 a.m. on Sunday mornings. There are also monthly meetings for women and men and a strong mission society. One of their mission projects is providing meals for the homeless twice a month.

Now Here's A Tip

By JoAnn deRSon NOw Here'S a tiP

• To bring out the natural sweetness of corn on the cob, try sprinkling a little bit in the pot after the water has come to a boil.

• If the scar of a cantaloupe is rough or has a stem attached, the melon was picked too early and won’t ripen as good as one with a smooth scar. Also, check the net pattern over the outside; it should be even and an overall tanyellow color, not green or mottled.

• You can remove berry

stains from your fingers with lemon juice. Got berry juice on your tablecloth?

Here’s E.B. of Mississippi’s suggestion: “Pour a generous amount of milk on the spot, let it soak for 15 minutes or more. Then soak in cold water with soap for an hour or more. Wash, rinse and dry.”

• Soak raisins in cold water before chopping so that they won’t stick to your knife.

• “Use celery ribs lined up to create a base for your roast. This way, the juices move around more and the roast never sticks to the

pan. I serve the celery with the roast, but you don’t have to if you don’t want to.” — A.T. in Tennessee

• Need to chill some drinks for a party fast? Pile on the ice, of course, then add the secret weapon: water. Icy water chills drinks quicker than placing them in ice alone. The heat is transferred from the warm drinks to the water because there’s total contact.

Send your tips to Now Here’s a Tip, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803. ©2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

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