Speller: Trying not to embarrass the kids

May 14, 2012 - 3:50am

My son recently asked me, “Momma, have you ever been embarrassed?” “Lots of times!” I told him. “Have you?

Speller: Spring fundraisers, concerts

April 30, 2012 - 3:50am

Birds aren’t alone bursting out in song during the spring. Local concerts and fundraising events also entertain with the sound of music.

Speller: Rally for Red Cross volunteers

April 16, 2012 - 3:50am

The Atlantic hurricane season officially begins June 1.

Speller: Son will get room to grow

April 9, 2012 - 3:50am

My sister-in-law told me not long ago that when my daughter leaves for college in the fall my 10-year-old son will grow up fast.

Speller: Florida case a reminder

March 26, 2012 - 3:50am

I never told my children they are black.

Speller: Fundraisers spring into action

March 12, 2012 - 3:50am

Spring begins next week, and there’s no better evidence of that than the number of fundraising runs and walks that are planned in our community.

Speller: Celebrating a gift of music

February 27, 2012 - 4:50am

When my daughter was about 4 years old, my friend read an article in the Reflector about how learning to play the violin had been linked to student success.

Speller: Events honor black women

February 13, 2012 - 4:53am

Since its inception in 1926, Negro History Week and Black History Month have been celebrated around a theme.

Speller: 'Heroes' are people we know

January 30, 2012 - 4:50am

Most of us can name people who have made a real difference in our lives, either directly or through their example.

Speller: King Day events coming up

January 9, 2012 - 5:00am

My son turned 10 last week, and one of the “Happy Birthday” renditions sung to him was the chorus to the tune by Stevie Wonder written to show support for the Martin Luther King Day federal holiday.

Speller: Mom's love reaches far

December 12, 2011 - 4:50am

I worked Thanksgiving Day, but I still enjoyed the traditional holiday meal with all the fixings — four days later.

Speller: Universities offer studying boost

December 5, 2011 - 4:45am

When I was in college, studying for an exam was as much about atmosphere as it was aptitude.

Speller: Get your holiday information

November 21, 2011 - 4:50am

As the holidays and a new year approach, it’s an ideal time to submit items to be published in the Community column.

Speller: Program planned for historic school

November 7, 2011 - 4:50am

Rosenwald schools used to dot the landscape across eastern North Carolina, built to improve the education of African-American children.

Speller: Broken phone requires specialist

October 24, 2011 - 3:50am

More communications companies are offering “bundled” services.

Speller: Remarks show lack of civility

October 10, 2011 - 3:50am

I love NFL football on Mondays, but I won’t be able to do my usual jig tonight. There will be no Hank Williams Jr. call to the kickoff.

Speller: Resting places also see life

September 26, 2011 - 3:50am

After my first husband was killed in an automobile accident, I often would take our daughter to the cemetery to visit his grave.

Speller: Irene topples Bertie landmark

September 12, 2011 - 3:50am

A couple of weeks before Hurricane Irene hovered over eastern North Carolina with its unrelenting wind and rain, my husband, Pearless; mother-in-law, Rebecca; and I took a Sunday afternoon ride in Bertie County.

Cherie Speller: Journey to natural hair slow, deliberate

September 11, 2011 - 3:00am

Most of my friends and sorority sisters who are wearing their hair natural — without any chemicals — began their journeys with the “big chop.

Speller: Jill Day on Wednesday

August 29, 2011 - 3:40am

I've committed to participating in The Great Big Jill Day on Wednesday and, on my last check on Facebook, more than 100 others will participate as well.

Speller: Peace Corps 50th celebration

August 22, 2011 - 3:50am

After Bobby Kennedy, a United States senator and brother of assassinated President John F. Kennedy, was shot and killed in Los Angeles on June 5, 1968, a 14-year-old girl living in the city decided she would one day join the Peace Corps.

Speller: Fundraisers to benefit youth, adults

August 15, 2011 - 3:50am

When I visit with students to talk about the newspaper, what we do and the various jobs here, most of them are very interested in what I have to give them — a copy of the paper.

Speller: Greenway makes turning back hard

August 1, 2011 - 3:45am

One recent Friday afternoon before Mother Nature started sizzling us with her heat, my son, two nephews and I took in Greenville's newly extended greenway.

Speller: Senior year just beginning

July 18, 2011 - 3:50am

The senior project has been set, the senior portraits taken, and next year's graduation dates for the local school system marked on the calendar.

Speller column: Service comes with costs

July 4, 2011 - 3:50am

Freedom is not free is a phrase we often use to express the gratitude we have for the service and sacrifice of those in the military.