WHITEVILLE, NC – As spring begins to bloom across the Tar Heel State, a wave of community-led gratitude is sweeping through North Carolina’s small towns. This March, local Masonic lodges and food ministries are setting the table for those who serve, launching a series of “Spirit of Service” events designed to honor veterans and first responders through fellowship and the humble comfort of a pancake breakfast.

The movement reached a peak this past weekend as three regional lodges—Lebanon Lodge #207 of Chadbourn, Chadbourn Lodge #190, and Tabor Lodge #593—joined forces for a massive community breakfast at 124 Pecan Street in Whiteville. The event, which organizers described as a “morning of appreciation,” saw hundreds of local veterans, law enforcement officers, and EMS personnel gather with their families to share a meal provided at no cost to the honored guests.

The initiative reflects a broader trend of “Spirit of Service” activities across the state. In Franklin, the Holly Springs community hosted its own Easter-themed pancake breakfast on March 21 at the Cat Creek Road community building, with proceeds dedicated to local infrastructure projects including a community well. Meanwhile, in Harnett County, veterans gathered for a specialized resource breakfast on March 23, where local officials like Assistant Veterans Services Director Amy Noel worked to connect former service members with essential medical and burial benefits.

Similar efforts are unfolding in Raleigh and Zebulon, where the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina has been hosting “Pop-Up Markets” throughout March to combat food insecurity. These events often feature “Community Connect” segments that link shoppers with long-term resources, further strengthening the local safety net.

As March draws to a close, the success of these events serves as a poignant reminder of the power of local action. Whether it’s a stack of pancakes in Whiteville or a volunteer shift in Lake Waccamaw, North Carolinians are proving that the best way to honor a hero is to serve them right back.

For over a century, a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease has been widely regarded by the medical community and families alike as an irreversible, one-way street. However, a groundbreaking study published in late December 2025 by a collaborative team in Cleveland is challenging that long-held dogma, offering the first tangible “proof of principle” that the brain’s decline might not be permanent.

Researchers from Case Western Reserve University, University Hospitals, and the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center have identified a critical biological failure at the heart of the disease: a dramatic drop in a cellular energy molecule known as NAD+. By restoring the balance of this molecule using an experimental drug, the team successfully reversed advanced Alzheimer’s pathology and fully restored cognitive function in animal models.

“When NAD+ falls below necessary levels, cells cannot effectively perform essential maintenance and survival functions,” Dr. Pieper explained. This energy failure makes the brain vulnerable to the toxic buildup of amyloid plaques and tau tangles, the hallmark “corrosion” of the disease.

The results were described as “striking” by the team. Not only did the treatment block the onset of the disease in younger mice, but it also repaired structural damage and fully restored memory and learning in mice with advanced conditions. Notably, this recovery occurred even without directly targeting the amyloid plaques that most current drugs focus on.

For the millions of families currently living with the shadow of dementia, this research provides more than just data; it provides a new narrative. It suggests that the damaged brain may, under the right conditions, have the capacity to repair itself. As this technology moves toward commercialization and eventual human testing, Cleveland stands at the forefront of a potential revolution in how we treat—and perhaps one day cure—one of the world’s most devastating diseases.

ORANJESTAD – You might have noticed this iconic Aruban landmark looked a little different this time. Instead of its usual bright red color, the large anchor at the south east coast was flexing Aruba’s flag colors.

At the south east coast of the island, standing alone on a windswept and barren land stands a popular Aruba landmark – a large anchor. It overlooks the sea just beyond, watching over the shipping lanes. It stands there in memory and in honor of all seamen who have lost their life at sea.

And recently, it was repainted to show Aruba’s flag colors. This is because this year marks the 50th anniversary of Aruba’s flag and anthem!

Where to find the anchor?

The anchor is a “must see” landmark when you visit Aruba. It is among the most photographed historical landmarks for the island. You want to make sure you add this stop on your itinerary when you’re visiting the south coast of Aruba. The bright red anchor against the backdrop of the deep blue Caribbean Sea and the azure blue skies, make a great backdrop for your vacation pictures.

The anchor is located at the entrance to Gate 6 to the former Lago Colony. It is on the outskirts of Seroe Colorado, on the south east point of the island at the “T” junction to Baby Beach.

Depending on where you are staying on the island, follow the signs that indicate the way to Baby Beach. Once you reach the T-junction, it will be right in front of you.

About the anchor

Size

It will be hard to miss the anchor, it’s huge! The anchor that weighs 21,772 kilos is approximately 10 feet 6 inches wide and 15 feet, 6 inches tall.

On the anchor there are some numbers. The 4112 and 4115, which are believed to be the serial numbers that refer to the “fluke” or horizontal and vertical parts of the anchor, respectively. The number 21772K refers to the weight of the anchor in kilos.

This type of anchor was manufactured by Hoesch Dortmund Horde, at a foundry located in Germany.

Where did the anchor come from?

There are a number of stories as to the origins of the anchor, which one do you think it was? (Unfortunately the mystery has never been solved, so your imagination can pick which one you think it might be!)

Story 1:

“According to Mr. Manuel M. Curiel, an ex-Lago Tug Captain, a fully laden VLCC (Very Large Crude Carrier) was seeking a mooring at the 15-mile anchorage, known as Bara, on the southern part of the island. This is the usual shallow mooring location for ships awaiting orders, etc. The weather was rough with strong current. The normal procedure is that they would walk out three shackles (about 90 feet) until the anchor touches the bottom while the chain must rest on the bottom. Subsequently, they will walk out some extra shackles and when the ship starts to swing or lean on one side, the anchor is properly set. Because of the rough weather, unfortunately they did not get the time to walk out the extra tackles and because of the tension exerted on the winch, it broke, and they lost the anchor and its chain.”

Story 2:

“Mr. Curiel also said that at one time a small tanker with a Korean crew, while lifting their anchor also lifted another anchor near the inner harbor. When the ship asked for assistance, he went with his tugboat along with a barge, to help. But eventually they had to cut the chain and let the anchor go to the bottom because they could not untangle them. ”

How did the anchor become a landmark?

Sometime between 1980 and 1985, three gentlemen (Mr. Wim Martinus – the Harbormaster of Aruba; Mr. August Genser – the ex-Division Superintendent of Lago’s Laboratory; and Mr. Willie Davis), were having a conversation with Mr. Charlie Brouns Jr., local businessman. Charlie, who was a visionary and had dreams for developing the San Nicolas area, told these gentlemen that he would like to come up with something innovative for the San Nicolas area to draw tourism to the area.

The “anchor”, which at that time was being stored at the Oranjestad harbor, was suggested as an option. Charlie liked the idea! He then contacted the President of Lago for permission to acquire the anchor. He was granted permission and the anchor was then relocated to its present location and dedicated “To All Seamen” on the occasion of the closing of the Lago Oil Refinery on March 31, 1985.

Through the years

Through the years the Anchor was slowly weathering from the wind and salt. As time passed, sadly the origin and purpose of the anchor slowly faded away from people’s memories.

After Charles Brouns Jr. died on September 15, 2004, his friend Mr. Sam Speziale, requested assistance from the management of Valero Aruba Refinery to help maintain the monument. The Valero Aruba Refinery graciously sandblasted and painted the anchor and poured a concrete pad around it. On April 17, 2005, the anchor monument was rededicated “To All Seamen” in a formal ceremony in memory of Charles Brouns Jr.

Today, the anchor stands both as memorial to all seaman who have lost their lives at sea, but also as a silent reminder that Seroe Colorado is part of San Nicolas and that San Nicolas is still a vibrant and important part of the island of Aruba.

The best time to visit

When you’re planning your visit to the south end of the island, you will want to include in your itinerary the many things to see and do there. The anchor will be just one of these stops, (keep an eye out for our future editions, we publish our recommendations!).

With that being said, I have to say, if you enjoy catching a sunrise, the anchor is one of the best places on the island to catch the sunrise. But in reality, anytime is a good time to visit, depending on your personal schedule.

ORANJESTAD – His Majesty King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands paid an official visit to Aruba on March 18 in connection with two significant national milestones: the 40th anniversary of Status Aparte and the 50th anniversary of Aruba’s national flag and anthem. The visit formed part of the broader national commemoration of these historic moments, which are central to Aruba’s constitutional development and identity.

The official program began at the Cabinet of the Governor of Aruba, where the King met with Governor Alfonso Boekhoudt, as well as the Governors of Curaçao and Sint Maarten. This was followed by a protocol meeting at Fort Zoutman with members of Aruba’s Parliament and Council of Ministers, underscoring the institutional importance of the occasion.

From Fort Zoutman, the King participated in a ceremonial walk to the Government Administration Building, where the central commemoration ceremony took place. Along the route, scouts, schoolchildren, and members of the public formed a guard of honour. Upon arrival, the King inspected the armed forces in a symbolic gesture of respect for the historic significance of the day.

The ceremony officially began with the raising of the flags of Aruba and the Netherlands, accompanied by the Vaandelmars, followed by performances of both national anthems. In their official remarks, King Willem-Alexander and Prime Minister Mike Eman reflected on the historical importance of Status Aparte and the role of the national flag and anthem as symbols of identity and unity for the Aruban people.

Status Aparte, achieved on January 1, 1986, marked Aruba’s transition to an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, following decades of political and democratic struggle. Key figures such as Shon A. Eman and Betico Croes played a central role in this process, advocating for greater self-determination. The celebration also marked 50 years since the introduction of Aruba’s flag and anthem in 1976, enduring symbols of national pride.

Following the official ceremony, a cultural program showcased Aruba’s artistic talent and heritage, featuring musical performances, poetry, and choreography that highlighted the island’s cultural diversity. The ceremony concluded with a ceremonial march and a fly-by of two helicopters, symbolizing honour and recognition of the historic occasion.

As part of his visit, the King also attended a groundbreaking ceremony at the Roly Bislik Olympic Pool in Savaneta, marking the start of construction of a new warm-up pool. The project represents an important investment in Aruba’s sports infrastructure and aims to create additional opportunities for athletic development. During the visit, the King met with local athletes and sports representatives, emphasizing the importance of sports for youth and community development.

The program continued at the Royal Netherlands Navy base in Savaneta, where the King met with military leadership and Dutch ambassadors stationed in the region. Discussions with local and Kingdom officials focused on regional security, geopolitical developments, and the importance of continued cooperation within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Overall, the visit highlighted the strong ties between Aruba and the Netherlands, while serving as a moment of reflection on Aruba’s historical journey toward autonomy. It also reaffirmed a shared commitment to cooperation, stability, and mutual support within the Kingdom, as Aruba continues to build on its national identity and future development.

In a historic shift, the Quapaw Nation has become the first and only Indigenous community in the United States to lead and manage its own Superfund cleanup. By taking direct control of the remediation of the Tar Creek “megasite”—once dubbed one of the most contaminated places in the country—the tribe is not just cleaning the land; they are reclaiming their heritage.

Frustrated by the slow pace of federal efforts, the Quapaw Nation took a bold step in 2013, signing a landmark agreement with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to manage the cleanup themselves.