Historically, Elon University President Leo M. Lambert closes commencement on a Saturday in May with a challenge to the freshly minted crop of graduates. It's called a charge for the class of that particular year. Saturday in front of the Alamance Building on campus he issued his final one for Elon grads. See the video … Continue reading Accepting Elon president’s final challenge to support education
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A pre-emptive strike in the school budget debate
Corrected on May 18 to change the proposed funding percentage for ABSS. They came in a variety of shapes, sizes, genders and ethnicities. Some were parents, most were teachers or in education, a few were students and a few were business leaders who want to support a better community in Alamance County. At least one, … Continue reading A pre-emptive strike in the school budget debate
A Mother’s Day throwback column: The path not taken
AUTHOR'S NOTE: This one was published in 2015 in the Times-News. My mom didn’t set out to be the “Welfare Lady.” It just worked out that way. No, what my mom wanted to be when she grew up was a writer and a journalist. Not sure exactly what order she would place those two. Certainly … Continue reading A Mother’s Day throwback column: The path not taken
The debate to advance the ABSS strategic plan, even a little bit, will be a hot one
A couple of weeks ago I got a phone call from Alamance County Commissioner Amy Galey. She wanted to talk about something written on this site a couple of weeks ago, “In need of education about following a strategic plan.” The call was a first since I moved from newspapers to higher education but not … Continue reading The debate to advance the ABSS strategic plan, even a little bit, will be a hot one
Wicked sad news: Why I like to support the little guys
My grandfather owned a hardware store in a little town somewhere between Winston-Salem and the Virginia state line. For years his store carried just about anything people in Walnut Cove, North Carolina might want. Yes, “Mr. Boley,” as he was known to townsfolk, sold basic hardware stuff -– nails, hammers, nuts, bolts, washtubs and paint. … Continue reading Wicked sad news: Why I like to support the little guys
Profiles in Gutlessness: Racists among us
Some headlines this week: “Red Sox apologize for racial taunts toward Orioles player,” Burlington Times-News and a few hundred other newspapers and websites around the nation. “Sigma Phi Epsilon used racial slur towards black student, according to sources,” Elon News Network. “Racism prompts Elon professor to return to Canada,” Elon News Network. “Trump on Civil … Continue reading Profiles in Gutlessness: Racists among us
In need of education about following a strategic plan
A friend of mine from my newspaper days is touring university campuses with his daughter, who is a high school senior. They drove here the other day from Gastonia to take a look at Elon University. Their reaction to the campus? "This place is amazing," the dad told me. "I had no idea." That's a … Continue reading In need of education about following a strategic plan
The Sazerac special: ‘This whiskey-beer is very good’
While there is some dispute about whether the Sazerac is America's oldest cocktail, it can be generally agreed upon that it's very much a New Orleans tradition. After all, the drink isn't in high rotation on cocktail lists at many North Carolina restaurants. What I find is most people haven't heard of it at all, … Continue reading The Sazerac special: ‘This whiskey-beer is very good’
Mission almost impossible on Tax Day 1989
A memory that reveals just how much times have changed. 11:30 p.m., April 15, 1989 . . . I have no idea why I volunteered to do it, but somehow I found myself standing outside the main Burlington Post Office branch off Maple Avenue as the clock wound toward midnight on Tax Day, 1989. No … Continue reading Mission almost impossible on Tax Day 1989
Can anyone over 30 be trusted with emojis?
Am I way too old to use emojis? Well, maybe. Deep down, I sort of knew this already. This isn't because I have a violent reaction every time I see someone on social media compose sentences, paragraphs or stories using nothing but tiny computer-generated illustrations. This isn't exactly an old fart "get the hell of … Continue reading Can anyone over 30 be trusted with emojis?
Madison's Avenue 