Press

Antionette Kerr, ZSR Sabbatical Recipient (2012)

Impact Stories, ZSR Sabbatical
November 13, 2015

Over 300 Just Sayin’ Stories published The Dispatch.com, GateHouse Media & Halifax Media

• ‘Roots’ returns to television

  Growing up as a child in the Arnett household meant one thing. If the 1977 “Roots” mini-series was playing, I was not. We were encouraged to sit for hours upon hours to watch the heart-wrenching story of an African boy who became an American…Published June 1, 2016http://www.the-dispatch.com/article/20160601/COLUMNISTS/160609986/0/search

• Dining with Chef Dion is always rewarding

  From catering your favorite charity function to competitive dining competitions, Chef Dion Sprenkle of Chef Dion Sprenkle’s Restaurant is pleasing palates all over the place. We are lucky to have him serving up elegant meals in and around…Published May 25, 2016http://www.the-dispatch.com/article/20160525/COLUMNISTS/160529890/0/search

• Beyonc�’s ‘Lemonade’ is bittersweet

  A couple of weeks ago, I invited a group of women over to my home for a mini-viewing of Beyonc�’s latest work, “Lemonade.” With our collective meager background in film reviews and African-American history, I knew it…Published May 18, 2016http://www.the-dispatch.com/article/20160518/COLUMNISTS/160519803/0/search

• LHCDC receives $3,000 from HomeTrust Bank in contest

  Lexington Housing Community Development Corp. won the first-place prize in Davidson County during HomeTrust Bank’s 90k for 90th Community Support Contest.

  Bank officials presented a $3,000 check to LHCDC at its board meeting…Published May 17, 2016http://www.the-dispatch.com/article/20160517/NEWS/160519835/0/search

• Golf tournament brings word of thanks

  Editor: On April 21, the Lexington Housing Community Development Corp. held its 12th Annual Harvey H. Dick Tees for Keys charity golf tournament. The 2016 Tees for Keys first-place winner was the team of AAA Carpet/Pilot Floor Covering consisting…Published May 5, 2016http://www.the-dispatch.com/article/20160505/OPINION/160509928/0/search

• Prince: Superstar and Secret Humanitarian

  The epic talent of the artist known as Prince wasn’t lost on this young girl who grew up in the ’80s.

  I was surrounded by his hit music, concerts, album covers and steamy posters. My older cousins (male and female) adored Prince just…Published April 27, 2016http://www.the-dispatch.com/article/20160427/COLUMNISTS/160429840/0/search

• Film sheds light on community violence

  Dant� Clark (or T�), the protagonist of the documentary film “Romeo Is Bleeding,” had me hooked from the very first line of his Spoken Word poetry performance. T� shouts, “Until you understand me, please find me guilty,” in a film…Published April 20, 2016http://www.the-dispatch.com/article/20160420/COLUMNISTS/160429983/0/search

• Documentary salutes Angelou’s rise

  This week, Winston-Salem (and the whole world) celebrated the colorful life of Pulitzer Prize-winning author, actress, poet laureate, activist and storyteller Dr. Maya Angelou. Unto the world, in St. Louis, Missouri, Marguerite Annie Johnson was…Published April 6, 2016http://www.the-dispatch.com/article/20160406/COLUMNISTS/160409883/0/search

• A tribute to Malik ‘Phife’ Taylor

  “Can we kick it? … Yes, we can!” is probably one of the most famous lyrics of Tribe Called Quest’s “Phife Dawg” or simply “Phife” (and if those lyrics don’t mean anything to you, then…Published March 30, 2016http://www.the-dispatch.com/article/20160330/COLUMNISTS/160339989/0/search

• The Devil wears a dark shade of blue

  Last week’s highly publicized NCAA men’s basketball match-up between Duke and Yale led me to this moment of public repentance. I owe a Duke friend an apology. Note: I haven’t lost my mind; this shady column…Published March 23, 2016http://www.the-dispatch.com/article/20160323/COLUMNISTS/160329931/0/search

• Planning for the exodus after the election

  Most voters have uttered it at one point or another. If “fill-in the blank” is elected president, then I am moving to Canada! Well, now it’s about to hit the fan, and I am seriously weighing my options to find a temporary haven.Published March 16, 2016http://www.the-dispatch.com/article/20160316/COLUMNISTS/160319856/0/search

• Internships offer a path to finding a career

  Internships provide a great way for people to learn more about a field in which they are interested. I’m glad we can still offer them here at The Dispatch, even if they are scaled back from past years.

  I was fortunate to intern at the…Published March 12, 2016http://www.the-dispatch.com/article/20160312/COLUMNISTS/160319951/0/search

• Stop attacking Millennials

  Why did the explosion of criticism surrounding a young Yelp employee who wrote what has been declared as a “whiny” open letter lead to an attack on Millennials? After graduating from college, Talia blogged to express her…Published March 2, 2016http://www.the-dispatch.com/article/20160302/COLUMNISTS/160309950/0/search

• Harper Lee sets the record straight

  Editor’s note: This is a revised column to memorialize writer Harper Lee, who died Friday. The original column was published in The Dispatch on July 30, 2015.

  Despite recent criticisms of “Go Set a Watchman,” I…Published February 24, 2016http://www.the-dispatch.com/article/20160224/COLUMNISTS/160229904/0/search

• I’m not buying the Sports Illustrated cover

  Forgive me for interrupting the merriment of Sports Illustrated’s self-proclaimed “historic” swimsuit edition. With its announcement of three different covers supposedly displaying “diverse” women, I declined…Published February 17, 2016http://www.the-dispatch.com/article/20160217/COLUMNISTS/160219821/0/search

• A year filled with anniversaries and answers

  “There are years that ask questions and years that answer.” ― Zora Neale Hurston, “Their Eyes Were Watching God”

  This year will be filled with a number of milestones related to matters close to my heart. Whether cool or not…Published February 3, 2016http://www.the-dispatch.com/article/20160203/COLUMNISTS/160209913/0/search

• Sorry, but I’m not sorry

  I’m sorry, but it’s about time someone spoke up about the business of women apologizing too much.

  For those of you wondering about the phenomenon of women apologizing for apologizing, it became the new “Lean In”…Published January 27, 2016http://www.the-dispatch.com/article/20160127/COLUMNISTS/160129850/0/search

• Embrace the habit of hugs

  Thursday is National Hugging Day. It’s a perfect time to celebrate the deed of opening our arms in acceptance. While it may seem picayune, yes, there is an internationally recognized day of observation. Surprisingly, those mere seconds of…Published January 20, 2016http://www.the-dispatch.com/article/20160120/COLUMNISTS/160129990/0/search

• New year brings new savings resolutions

  According to the University of Scranton Journal of Clinical Psychology, money-oriented goals ranked in the Top 10 New Year’s resolutions for 2015, just behind losing weight and getting organized. People vowed to spend less and save more.Published January 6, 2016http://www.the-dispatch.com/article/20160106/COLUMNISTS/160109916/0/search

• May the lessons of the force be with you

  As a Star Wars fanatic, I’ve been enjoying the bustle over “The Force Awakens.” The new release seems to be leading the audience back to the roots of the entire franchise, and there are timeless lessons portrayed in the Star Wars…Published December 30, 2015http://www.the-dispatch.com/article/20151230/COLUMNISTS/151239995/0/search

• Latest ‘Star Wars’ saga does not disappoint

  ‘Tis the season “Star Wars” fans will be humming “Dun-Dun-Dun-Dun-Dah-Dah” with elation about the seventh installment of the galactic saga. Amidst a shadow of doubt that Disney’s acquisition of Lucasfilm could appease…Published December 23, 2015http://www.the-dispatch.com/article/20151223/COLUMNISTS/151229923/0/search

• To Dab, or not to Dab: That is the question

  Camlet, Act 3, Scene 1

  To dab, or not to dab — that is the question:

  Whether ’tis nobler in the media to celebrate quietly

  Or suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous haters

  Or to battle refs amidst a sea of…Published December 16, 2015http://www.the-dispatch.com/article/20151216/COLUMNISTS/151219860/0/search

• Writer enjoys Thanksgiving with cousins

  “The best things in life are the people we love, the places we’ve been and the memories we’ve made along the way.”

  It has been well over a decade since I made the trek up the majestic Blue Ridge Parkway to visit…Published December 2, 2015http://www.the-dispatch.com/article/20151202/COLUMNISTS/151209959/0/search

• A final goodbye to John T. Walser

  John Walser’s life was a testament of his dedication to faith, family and community. I met John in the eighth grade when he served as a volunteer in the early years of the Project Potential scholarship program. Ever since our meeting, I have…Published November 25, 2015http://www.the-dispatch.com/article/20151125/COLUMNISTS/151129881/0/search

• Walser remembered for compassion for others

  Former Lexington Mayor John T. Walser Jr., 76, died at his home Saturday, leaving behind a legacy of leadership, support of education and as a champion of those in need of a helping handPublished November 23, 2015http://www.the-dispatch.com/article/20151123/NEWS/151129937/0/search

• John Thurman Walser Jr.

  Lifelong resident and former Lexington Mayor John Thurman Walser Jr. passed away peacefully at home on Saturday morning, Nov. 21, 2015. He was 76.Published November 22, 2015http://www.the-dispatch.com/article/20151122/OBITUARIES/151129954/0/search

• Stevie’s Church of Wonder awes concertgoers

  Reviews could never do justice in conveying the profoundly moving, lift-up-my-hands, neck hair-raising, practically spiritual experience delivered by the musical prodigy who we call Stevie Wonder. So I want to begin by saying that this is not a…Published November 18, 2015http://www.the-dispatch.com/article/20151118/COLUMNISTS/151119812/0/search

• It’s OK to talk to strangers

  I delight in talking with strangers, or at least I used to.

  Despite what I was told in childhood, this oddity is to blame for my unaccompanied travels to art shows, poetry readings, concerts, symphonies, museum exhibitions, food festivals,…Published November 4, 2015http://www.the-dispatch.com/article/20151104/COLUMNISTS/151109935/0/search

• A great day to be a Tar Heel

  It is a “great day to be a Tar Heel!” suggested hashtag “GDTBATH ” that began appearing in my newsfeed a few years ago. The tag is a product of the UNC General Alumni Association’s marketing accolades and touts…Published October 21, 2015http://www.the-dispatch.com/article/20151021/COLUMNISTS/151029951/0/search

• Fall offers special time for foodies

  Look past the dank, dark days of autumn and enjoy the benefits of fall comfort food. Let me give you fall haters a few delicious reasons to ditch the gloomy, grumpy, rainy fall blues. Find your closest foodie and pull up to their…Published October 14, 2015http://www.the-dispatch.com/article/20151014/COLUMNISTS/151019911/0/search

• Seuss is a treasure beyond measure

  “Do you know ‘The Lorax?’” asked my pint-sized house guest. “He speaks for the trees,” he informed. Although I hadn’t read the book or seen the popular movie, I instinctively sensed that the character had to be…Published September 30, 2015http://www.the-dispatch.com/article/20150930/COLUMNISTS/150939988/0/search

• Open doors for the homeless

  When I called my graphic designer friend about decorating a door for Habitat for Humanity’s “Doors to Hope” contest, it didn’t take long to convince Emily that we should take this opportunity to address homelessness in…Published September 23, 2015http://www.the-dispatch.com/article/20150923/COLUMNISTS/150929939/0/search

• Eat your heart out Robin Leach

  Last week we came close to the “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.” Several girlfriends and I headed over to the Sip and Stroll event in uptown Charlotte. This was our third year attending the event with local artwork, live music and over 40…Published September 16, 2015http://www.the-dispatch.com/article/20150916/COLUMNISTS/150919870/0/search

• Are you kidding me, MTV?

  Dear MTV Video Music Awards,

  Let’s talk about the “hot mess” that vaguely resembled a music awards ceremony. The joke was on us. Some thought the purpose of the VMAs was to honor the best in the music video medium, but that’s…Published September 2, 2015http://www.the-dispatch.com/article/20150902/COLUMNISTS/150909952/0/search

• Catch the thrill of campaign season

  My less politically fanatical friends have pointed out that while most of the nation is brewing with excitement for the start of football season, I’m preoccupied with the start of campaign season.Published August 26, 2015http://www.the-dispatch.com/article/20150826/COLUMNISTS/308269983/0/search

• Interns are a blessing

  Summer is almost over, and for me, one of the saddest parts of the end of the season is saying goodbye to our student interns.Published August 20, 2015http://www.the-dispatch.com/article/20150820/COLUMNISTS/308209990/0/search

• Writers tweet their complaints

  For those who missed it, last week’s Twitter trend was a clever hashtag labeled #10thingsnottosaytoawriter. Thousands of whiney writers responded by reposting the tag in social media.Published August 5, 2015http://www.the-dispatch.com/article/20150805/COLUMNISTS/308059982/0/search

• Harper Lee sets the record straight

  Despite recent criticisms of “Go Set a Watchman,” I eagerly anticipated the second installment of what had been rumored as Harper Lee’s “lost” novel.Published July 29, 2015http://www.the-dispatch.com/article/20150729/COLUMNISTS/307299982/0/search

• Yale media course empowers

  For the past few weeks, I have been shamelessly accepting high-fives, hugs, kisses, notes and overtures of congratulations from family and friends since the news spread I was honored as one of the inaugural recipients of the Yale Publishing Course…Published July 22, 2015http://www.the-dispatch.com/article/20150722/COLUMNISTS/307229969/0/search

• The Swift way to deal with Apple

  Taylor Swift’s open letter to Apple is precisely why the 24-year-old pop star is my new hero. I admire much about Swift, from the fact that she notoriously writes songs about her breakups to her glam old-Hollywood style. I’ve secretly rocked out to…Published July 15, 2015http://www.the-dispatch.com/article/20150715/COLUMNISTS/307159977/0/search

• CDC offers thanks

  Editor: On behalf of the Lexington Housing Community Development Corp. and the 60 elderly and disabled homeowners who received improvements recently, we would like to thank the community for the hospitality shown to the Group WorkCamps volunteers.Published July 9, 2015http://www.the-dispatch.com/article/20150709/OPINION02/307099996/0/search

• A week full of amazing grace

  Last week was filled with overwhelming displays of faith. My housing agency hosted a group of approximately 375 youths and 75 adult missionaries who completed a repair week for 58 homes in Davidson County, but I confess my mind often drifted to…Published July 1, 2015http://www.the-dispatch.com/article/20150701/COLUMNISTS/307019981/0/search

• Being a bridesmaid has a price

  After a couple decades of serving as a bridesmaid, I was wondering why someone hasn’t written a “tell all” book about the experience.Published June 24, 2015http://www.the-dispatch.com/article/20150624/COLUMNISTS/306249977/0/search

• Volunteers visit the county to help homeowners

  Volunteers representing a variety of churches from all over the United States traveled to Lexington this week to volunteer their time and spread love through a Group WorkCamp.Published June 22, 2015http://www.the-dispatch.com/article/20150622/NEWS/306229990/0/search

• Daughter shares the memories of her father

  Over the years, I have written countless stories about my mother, grandmother, grandfather and even my great-great-grandparents, and some readers have asked, “Why don’t you write about your father?” The truth is that I know the least about the man…Published June 17, 2015http://www.the-dispatch.com/article/20150617/COLUMNISTS/306179984/0/search

• LHCDC director receives Yale Publishing Course scholarship

  The executive director of a Lexington nonprofit organization is the recipient of an inaugural domestic scholarship that covers tuition for a Yale Publishing Course next month.Published June 15, 2015http://www.the-dispatch.com/article/20150615/News/306159990/0/search

• Look up from your smartphone

  A few weeks ago, I gave a presentation on using social media and mobile devices to market housing programs. The conference room was filled with a slightly older audience, and one of the participants, around my age, asked a significant question. “I…Published June 3, 2015http://www.the-dispatch.com/article/20150603/COLUMNISTS/306039972/0/search

• TEDx promotes a meeting of the minds

  Nine speakers at the TEDxPenryStreet event spoke about thinking outside the box Friday evening at the Davidson County Historical Museum.Published May 29, 2015http://www.the-dispatch.com/article/20150529/NEWS/305299976/0/search

• President’s Twitter feed proves hard to follow

  A few weeks ago our 44th president made a bold and highly critical move — he reopened his very own Twitter account. While seated atop of his desk in the oval office President Barack Obama was photographed sending out his first tweet. At 11:38…Published May 27, 2015http://www.the-dispatch.com/article/20150527/COLUMNISTS/305279978/0/search

• Talk will encourage thinking differently

  I’ve been watching TED Talks online for years and never imagined having the opportunity to be a participant.Published May 20, 2015http://www.the-dispatch.com/article/20150520/COLUMNISTS/305209970/0/search

 

 

 

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