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Remembering Bull City's Fallen

5/30/2016

Marine honor guard carries the casket of Lance Cpl. Brian E. Anderson on April 15, 2003 at the Beachwood Cemetery in Durham. (AP photo - Bob Jordan)

There is something so absolutely bittersweet and powerful about Memorial Day. Children frolick in the pool as people laugh by the grill, our flag blown silently by the breeze in the background. We get together with friends and family and take a moment off from our busy lives to simply be with each other, to relish this all too short life we are given. And there it is, the thankfulness, there often only in the back of our minds, as we remember all of those who died in war so that we could have this sunny day at the start of summer. For veterans and widows it is much more fresh, a deep sorrow that never goes away, but for many of us, we are so removed from war and loss that it can be easy to forget who we are honoring today.

So I decided I wanted to know their names, to seek them out and post them, so that we may read them and see them again. It wasn't easy, there is no large database where all our nation's dead are listed. The list of men who died in WWII for example is only available as a scanned in document from the 1940's. It hasn't been converted to a searchable database so I simply took images from the record. I was uncovering our past, finding names of men whose graves may be overgrown, whose names should mean as much to us today as they did the day their coffin was draped in our flag.

The loss itself is staggering. It's estimated that in North Carolina alone over 40,000 men died in the Civil War, names now lost to time unless one is researching their family history or cares to crack open heavy volumes of research materials. Each war had it's own website for me to uncover, it's own list of sufferers at the hands of war. I learned the different abbreviations for how they died, I saw the variety of ranks these men held, the men who were the third of their name or a beloved "junior". The more I read, the more I wanted to share. And the more hands of their descendants I wanted to shake.

I decided to focus on Durham as this is my home, and to list the brave men from our county and city who gave their lives in World War I, World War II, Vietnam, Korea, Iraq, and Afghanistan. This list is by no means complete, and if you know of someone I am missing, contact me so I can add their name.

As President John F. Kennedy said, "A nation reveals itself not only by the men it produces, but also by the men it honors, the men it remembers." So please, join me. Take a moment today to close your eyes, and thank these souls for their service, let them not be forgotten.

Durham natives that died in service during World War I:

Ashworth, Junious C.
Bird, Willie
Cruse, James J.
Denny, Hoyt M.
Ewings, Willie
Faucette, John M.
Fuller, Roy H.
Haithcock, Sidney A.
Hessee, James L. Corp.
Howell, Oliver W. Corp.
Huntley, Clarence O.
Keith, Bernard C.
Kerr, Fred
Lynch, John E.
Marshburn, Jacob A.
Martin, Marvin B.
Maynard, Ernest M.
Mcfarland, Hugh
Mitcehll, Robert L. Lt.
Moore, Leonard N.
Purvear, Bonnie
Rawling, Claude M.
Rigsbee, Ike J.
Shepard, William Sgt.
Smith, Vernon
Thompson, Dewey S
Tilley, Royal W. Corp.
Triplett, Elija W.
Venable, Paul C. Lt.
Walker, Julian C.
Weaver, D.
Weaver, Lee
Wood, Charles Corp.

Durham natives that died in service during World War II: see images above

Durham natives that died in service during the Korean War:
BARBEE JOHN P BERRY JEROME G JR
BROWN VERNON L
CARVER WILLIE L
CLEVENGER LEON E
DAVIS HENRY LEE
DAY EARLIE
DRENNEN HUGH J
GOOCH DAVID
HARRELL JEFFERY W
HOSKINS HOWARD
HUNT THOMAS A
JONES WILLIAM J
JOYNER THEODORE R
KING HOMER G
KING LEROY F
MCCLEAIN LEROY
MCFADDEN KENDRICK A
OBRIANT ERIC FRANKLIN
ONEAL GEORGE E
RICKMAN VINCENT R
ROBERSON WAYNE
WALKER LEO

Durham natives that died in service during the Vietnam War:
PFC DAVID HARUM BASS
SFC WILLIAM EDWARD BOONE
SSG JOHN MARSHALL BROWN III
SP4 FREDDIE LEE BURNETTE
SGT WAYNE R BURRAGE
SP4 CURVIN CLAYTON
SGT HAROLD EUGENE COUCH
SP4 KENNETH JAMES DANTZLER
CPL DEWEY MAYNARD EUBANKS
PFC JAMES EDWARD FARRAR Jr
PFC WALTER HENRY FENNELL
LCPL RANDY JACK GLENN
CPT JOHN MILTON HARRINGTON
PFC HAROLD LEE HARRIS
SFC EDWARD JACKSON Jr
PFC WILLIAM MILLER Jr
SSG JAMES MINICK MOORE
CPL ROY THOMAS MOSS
SP4 Mc ARTHUR NICHOLS
CAPT THOMAS BARCLAY ORR Jr
SFC JAMES LESTER PARKER
1LT KENNETH EDWARD PENNINGTON
SP5 HARMON WAYNE PERRY
GYSGT JULIUS DONALD PRITCHETT
PFC JAMES AUGUSTA RICHARDSON
SSG RICHARD LEE SARVIS
CPL FRANKLIN GRAHAM SCOGGINS
SSG CHARLES EARL SMITH
SP4 DOUGLAS BANE SMITH
SGT DON RICHARD SYKES
CPL ROOSEVELT THARRINGTON Jr
PFC ALFRED L THOMPSON
CPL JAMES DOUGLAS TRAYLOR
SGT WILLIAM HARDY UPCHURCH Jr
SSG WILLIAM B WATSON Jr
SP4 EDGAR W WILLIAMS Jr
SGT GOLER JUNIOR WILLIAMS
PFC JOHNNY LEROY WILLIAMS

Durham natives that died in service during the Iraq War:
Specialist Prince K. Teewia
Lance Corporal Brian Edward Anderson

It is my hope by remembering the names of these fallen that we may take in our hearts not only gratitude but perseverance as we work towards peace. No family should have to bury their child because of war. Let us live up to the dream our Founding Fathers had by moving to that day when war takes no more sons and daughters from us.

I end with this, President John F. Kennedy's Proclamation 3409 - Prayer for Peace on Memorial Day, 1961.

"A ProclamationWhereas the high courage and the supreme sacrifice of Americans who gave their lives in battle have made it possible for our land to flourish under freedom and justice; and
Whereas the ideals and patriotism of those who answered the call to service stand as an inspiration to every new generation of Americans; and
Whereas the same principles and revolutionary beliefs for which our forbears fought and died are still at issue in the world and the challenge against them can be met only through the same qualities of courage, strength, and unflinching determination shown by our noble dead; and
Whereas Memorial Day each year provides a fitting occasion upon which our people may not only commemorate the Nation's heroic dead but also unite in prayer for the preservation of liberty and peace free from the threat of war; and
Whereas to this end the Congress, in a joint resolution approved May 11, 1950 (64 Stat. 158), requested the President to issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe each Memorial Day as a day of prayer for permanent peace:
Now, Therefore, I, John F. Kennedy, President of the United States, do hereby urge the people of the United States to observe Tuesday, May 30, 1961, Memorial Day, by invoking the blessing of God on those who have died in defense of our country, and by praying for a new world of law where peace and justice shall prevail and a life of opportunity shall be assured for all; and I designate the hour beginning in each locality at eleven o'clock in the morning of that day as the time to unite in such prayer.
I also urge the press, radio, television, and all other media of information to cooperate in this observance.
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the United States of America to be affixed.
DONE at the City of Washington this 24th day of April in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and sixty-one, and of the Independence of the United States of America the one hundred and eighty-fifth."

- JOHN F. KENNEDY

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Scrap Exchange camps

5/11/2016

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Did you know that Scrap Exchange offers summer camps for the older set, just at that age when they're impossible to figure out how to keep happy and occupied in the summertime? What exactly do they do you might ask? Well you can expect plenty of cooperation, celebration, and FUN in their variety of signature Scrap Exchange creative arts activities — including Make-N-Take, Build It!, and Junk Jams -- along with themed activities developed exclusively for the camps. Camps will also feature visits from local artists and artisans who will offer special sessions in sewing, music, storytelling, and more.

Important info:
Camp Hours: 9am to Noon (bring a morning snack)
Tuition: $125/week
Lunch Bunch: Noon to 1pm (bring your own packed lunch)
Fee: additional $25/week
Ages: 9 to 12 (children should have completed 3rd grade)

REGISTRATION IS OPEN NOW!
Click on the camp dates below to be taken to Eventbrite, where you can complete your online registration.
You can also see more info at: scrapexchange.org/programs/summer-camps/

Scrap Circus
June 13 – 17
You don’t have to run away to join the circus! Come to The Scrap Exchange instead!
Join camp leader Elyse Mrache as we create our very own circus, to be presented at a sideshow at the end of the week. We will construct dance and performance props then learn how to move with them, build instruments for Junk Jams, and design our own unique costumes. Enjoy cool tricks by local guest performers!
In addition to the dance, movement, and circus-themed fun, we will also explore outside, in the new Community Garden and surrounding outdoor areas, as we learn about local food, composting, and more.

Build Your World 1
June 20 – 24
Imagine time and space… inside and out!
In this camp led by Juliet Jensen, we will imagine, design, build, and decorate our own model dream parks, play spaces, and fun houses.
Inside, we will create miniature architecture and landscaping along with collage, drawing, and textiles. Outside, we will build and learn about sculpture while being inspired by famous environmental artists. We will also explore the Community Garden where we will create art installations using found objects. Throughout the week, we will have time to work on independent projects chosen by the campers.

Puppet Power
July 11 – 15
Did you know we all have puppet power?!?
Julia Gartrell will guide campers in making scrap-tastic puppets, as they write and perform an original puppet show, to be presented at the end of the week.
Using papier mache, wood, simple sewing, and other hands-on materials and tools, we will work with a wide range of techniques in one fabulously creative week. From tiny finger puppets to larger-than-life parade-style creatures, we will cover the gamut of puppet styles. In addition to the puppets, we will make a fanciful and interactive set, design posters, and put on a great show!

Build Your World 2
July 18 – 22
Imagine time and space… inside and out!
In this camp led by Juliet Jensen, we will imagine, design, build, and decorate our own model dream parks, play spaces, and fun houses.
Inside, we will create miniature architecture and landscaping along with collage, drawing, and textiles. Outside, we will build and learn about sculpture while being inspired by famous environmental artists. We will also explore the Community Garden where we will create art installations using found objects. Throughout the week, we will have time to work on independent projects chosen by the campers.
- See more at: http://scrapexchange.org/programs/summer-camps/#sthash.TSdEJQsa.dpuf

BONUS DISCOUNT TIME!!! Scrap Exchange is happy to offer 20% off one week of camp to the first five children that are registered by mentioning that they learned about our camps from either SoDu Parents Posse or Stir Crazy Mom's Guide.
In order to register with this discount, you will need to contact Wendy Ziegler, TSE's Education Coordinator at outreach@scrapexchange.org directly, as the online registration (Eventbrite) will charge full price.

What's that? You've never been to The Scrap Exchange before??? You gotta go! Here are the details on everyone's favorite non-profit creative reuse arts center for the newbies:
TSE at Shoppes at Lakewood
2050 Chapel Hill Rd
Durham, NC 27707
Outreach & Education: (919) 213-1278
We collect, you create!
Visit us online - scrapexchange.org
Get creative & take a class - scrapexchange.eventbrite.com

FCC Disclosure for bloggers: I was paid in exchange for writing this blog post. The opinions contained herein are my own.

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The Produce Box

5/6/2016

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Eat your fruits and veggies the saying goes but it's not that easy for a busy family! Sometimes it's hard to get over to the Farmer's Market. Or the grocery store's produce looks so-so and comes from Chile, nowhere near being local. Or worst of all, you settle for mediocre fruits and veggies only to stuff them in a drawer and forget about them until they've gone bad and wasted your money. But there is a better way - The Produce Box! They deliver fresh, local produce and specialty products like meats, cheese, bread and a lot more to homes and offices all over North Carolina. As they say, "We bring the farmer's market to your door!" It's totally customizable - you can choose what you want to order and skip a week if you need to anytime. Produce box members support over 70 local farmers and give back to their communities and in return get to taste amazing foods delivered right to their door. "Our members are helping change the food system - one table at a time!"

So how does it work? Couldn't be simpler or more convenient. Start by signing up online - use this referral link for SoDu mom Jennifer Rollman. Once there choose a default box from among the many options. The Produce Box let me sample some delish fruits and veggies for this blog, and wow, the color explosion blew me away as soon as I removed the lid! I already took the bib lettuce out because the box was bursting full and you couldn't take a picture of it all. The citrus was juicy and fresh, the tomatoes (unlike greenhouse ones that sit there tasteless on a sandwich) were tender and sweet, my kids inhaled the perfectly ripe strawberries, and wow did the corn go fast. Picking my own favorites ensured that I wasn't stuck with something I wouldn't eat. Once you sign up they send an email the Friday after you join with your first week’s menu. Each week the menu features new boxes and individual items depending on what is in season and available. Then it's as easy as choosing a box and customizing! Just decide which box you’d like and any items to add or remove. Although I guess this could be hard depending on how indecisive you are about all the yummy options! All selections and changes need to be made by Sunday at 9pm for the upcoming week and if no selections are made, you’ll receive your default box. Nest thing you know, the delivery is at your door and you don't even need to be home to receive it. Finally, enjoy the fruits of your labor (and veggies too)! Haha!

So where did The Produce Box start? Like many SoDu Parents Posse families, with a mom here in the Triangle. In 2007 the founder Courtney Tellefsen was a stay-at-home mom in Raleigh, NC, with two children under five. She wondered:

Where is my food coming from?
Am I supporting farmers in NC when I buy from the local grocery store or online?
I can’t get to the Farmers Market every week to buy produce (I wanted to - but you can imagine how that went with my 2- and 4-year old in tow!!)

She realized that if getting fresh produce were easy and convenient, more families would be able to support these hard-working NC farmers. She tells us "So I sent an e-mail and made a few phone calls. Soon my kids and I were delivering produce boxes to my friends and neighbors! In just a few short years TPB has grown to support more than 40 farmers and 60 artisan food businesses across the state. And (thank goodness!) our staff has grown too - from one stay-at-home mom in her garage to 200 moms and dads helping their neighbors in the Triangle, Wilmington, Charlotte and the Triad eat healthier. Wow!" What an inspiring story!

Customers rave about The Produce Box - and you can see why! Just look at that delicious diverse box on the left!

"We've been customers for 1.5 years now and love the freshness and flavor of all the items, the diverse healthy foods we now eat and enjoy, the quality and consistency of what we receive and all while feeling good about supporting local farmers! 5 stars!"
- Diane

"Yeah, I still hope to be that reusable bag-wielding market-goer every Saturday morning, but signing up for The Produce Box delivery service ensures I’ll really consistently support local NC agriculture every week even when it doesn’t fit into my schedule. I give it two thumbs up." - Katie

So many exciting partnerships are formed with local companies and farmers and The Produce Box. The have just paired with Cloister Honey in Charlotte. Whipped Cinnamon Honey and Vanilla Infused Honey from their hives in Mecklenburg County has been on the box menu and wow was it popular.

Another example is Harris-Robinette Beef in Pinetops, NC. Their mission? "To provide environmentally sound, high quality, nutritious beef by raising our livestock exclusively on a grass-based system with no antibiotics, hormones or pesticides."

And what about coffee in those boxes? Customers who ordered Joe Van Gogh's Sea Turtle Blend knew that 10% of net profits went to the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center.

Honestly, if you aren't already sold, get this. Every time you order from The Produce Box, you personally help send fresh produce to families who couldn't otherwise afford it. Donated boxes, select Community Boxes and donated bulk produce to local food banks connect The Produce Box members with our hungry community right here in North Carolina. Our Hero Boxes go to local heroes like firemen, police officers and other community helpers. Look at all the below organizations that The Produce Box can help!

And if you're looking for recipes for a new veggie you're trying out or want a twist on an old favorite, The Produce Box's facebook feed has lots of recipe ideas like this "Fantastic Greek Salad Dinner".

If your mouth is watering then you know thats a sign to give The Produce Box a try!
Just go here to sign up with SoDu mom and The Produce Box partner Jennifer Rollman.
You can also send her an email with any questions you might have here.
Soon you'll be on your way to a delicious and nutritious delivery!

www.theproducebox.com

FCC Disclosure for bloggers: In exchange for a blog post here, I received free produce in order for me to experience their services and review them firsthand. However, the opinions contained here are my own.

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Remembering Bull City's Fallen

Scrap Exchange camps

The Produce Box

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