Hometown Hero of the Week: Michaela Pavlik, September 24th, 2025
Our QDR Hometown Hero of the week is Michaela Pavlik Michaela is nominated by her children, Ansley and Granger. Michaela has been in EMS since she was 15 yrs old, starting out as a cadet. Once turning 18 yrs old she completed her EMT certification. Michaela then dedicated countless hours for almost 2 yrs taking care of a…… Continue Reading
Sweet autumn clematis charms, but NC experts say avoid it
I must say that I have rarely written an article about a plant I like but I don’t recommend for WPTF Weekend Gardener listeners. Sweet Autumn Clematis(Clematis teriflira) or Japanese Clematis is an exception. Sweet Autumn Clematis is actually in the Buttercup family. It does not act like one however. It is a master at spreading and surviving once its roots are established. It is very invasive and NC State doesn’t recommend that you plant this vine. The North Carolina Invasive Plant Council feels the same way. I don’t even know where you can buy this plant now. It is purported to be poisonous too. That being said, when I see it blooming in my yard and especially along the roadside in late August into September, I know fall is on the way and I love fall and winter.… Continue Reading
FURS-Day: Meet Edmonton from Saving Grace NC!
Despite his name, Edmonton is not a big hockey guy but is willing to become one if that’s important to his furever peeps because this guy is simply…go with the flow. This lab mix adult weighs about 64 lbs and is a little lean, so will likely need to gain just a few more pounds…… Continue Reading
Hometown Hero of the Week: Brandy Hall, September 17th, 2025
Our QDR Hometown Hero of the week is Brandy Hall, Paramedic with Johnson County emergency services. Brandy always is going outside of her way to be the best advocate for her patients and does anything she can to make sure she does her best and provides everything she can to anyone in need. Brandy is…… Continue Reading
Red and black chokeberries thrive in North Carolina landscapes
Red Chokeberry (Aronia arbutifolia) and Black Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) are versatile shrubs native to North Carolina. I have seen many of the red varieties, while black varieties have never shown up in my path. They are similar however, with obviously, the main difference, the color of the berries. In addition, the red has a more upright and slender shape preferring moist soil, while the black are more tolerant of various soil conditions. The berries of the black varieties usually drop in summer while the berries of the red varieties last until winter. Otherwise the two types are much alike. The flowers, of course, come in the spring and with the help of pollinators, make these small berries.… Continue Reading
Fursday: Meet Lucille from Second Chance Pet Adoptions!
Meet Lucille, the epitome of charm. This laid-back lady is your ideal companion, always ready to share life’s moments by your side. Lucille’s journey began as a devoted mother, nurturing seven chubby pups while in the care of a local shelter. Since joining the Second Chance family, Lucille has captured the hearts of everyone she…… Continue Reading
Hometown Hero of the Week: Shorty Jones, September 10th, 2025
Our QDR Hometown Hero of the week is Shorty Jones, Paramedic with Duplin County EMS! Shorty was nominated by his wife Jennifer, who says, “My husband is the definition of selfless service and community dedication. He wears many hats, not for recognition, but because he believes in showing up for others — every single day.…… Continue Reading
Bottlebrush blooms, fall color make Clethra a versatile shrub
I have many different species of plants in my landscape. However, I do not own a “Clethra alnifolia” or “sweet pepper bush” or “summersweet”. I bet if I were to ask brother Rufus if he planted one in his historic yard, he would say yes. Clethra is a native plant to Eastern North America including North Carolina of course. My expert friends on the Weekend Gardener tell us that Clethra is a choice shrub for the Tar Heel state’s growing conditions.… Continue Reading
Fursday: Meet Wilhelminia from APS of Durham!
I’m just tickled that I am Pet of the Week this week! To celebrate, my adoption fee is waived from Wed., 9/3, until Tue., 9/9! Wheeee! I’m a whirlwind of feelings in an adorable dog body! I’m a busy, active girl who is always playing chicken with myself. I’m so curious about the world and…… Continue Reading
Hometown Hero of the Week: Tonya Pounds, September 3rd, 2025
Our QDR Hometown Hero of the week is Tonya Pounds, Nurse Practitioner at Magnolia Healthcare and Aesthetics! Tonya’s nominator shared, “Before I met Tonya, she accomplished so many things within her career. During COVID she went to people’s homes to provide services that were not allowed in person. When she opened her medical practice in…… Continue Reading