Today's Features

You say PEE-can, I say pa-KAWN, or so the saying goes. However, a new national survey finds PEE-can is the overwhelming choice among Americans.

Nearly half of all pecan consumers prefer this pronunciation of the all-American tree nut, with the rest of the nation roughly split between pa-KAWN and PEE-kawn.

With April being National Pecan Month, now is the perfect time for all of us to start taking advantage of the versatility of pecans and reaping the health benefits at the same time.

PECAN HISTORY

Among the many things I love about living in the South is the custom of being blessed.

Along with the paper or plastic question, many cashiers send me on my way home with the words, “Have a blessed day” ringing in my ears.

For some, it may be a substitute for the ubiquitous “Have a good day,” but I suspect most folks really mean the benediction. They feel God’s graciousness in their lives and wish to share that giftedness.

Amanda Sue DeWitt and Charles Elliott Reynolds Jr. were married Saturday, April 5, at St. Brendan the Navigator Catholic Church in Shallotte.

The bride is the daughter of Delbert and Trina DeWitt of Mesa, Ariz., and Carrie and Christian Partello of Shallotte.

The groom is the son of Charles and Linda Reynolds of Leland.

Brittany Galloway served as maid of honor. Bridesmaid was Kelli Lancaster.

The best man was Benjamin Reynolds. Groomsman was Joe Lancaster.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Tom Blandino has been named the Air Force’s non-commissioned officer of the year for the 9th Air Force.

But the West Brunswick graduate now stationed at Seymour Johnson Air Force base in Goldsboro says he’s more proud of his troop than of his recent accolades.

Blandino’s award was announced March 8 in Destin, Fla., which he described as a door-opening experience.

The award, he said, is for “outstanding and distinguished combat-related service.”