Simple Pleasures: The Garden-Fresh Tomato Sandwich
Experience the joy of a summer sandwich made with just-picked tomatoes, soft white bread, and generous mayonnaise. It's a delicious tribute to the simple, rustic flavors of rural life.
Good Morning, Greene County!
Recently, a startling statistic caught my attention while watching the local news. Over 49,000 hospital visits in the U.S. are now linked to avocado-related hand injuries. What's truly remarkable about this number is that not so long ago, most of us wouldn't have known an avocado if it had fallen from the sky.
Cast your mind back to the '80s and '90s, when avocados were about as common in these parts as snow in July. This curious green fruit, with its leathery skin and buttery insides, was as foreign to our Southern tables as a vegetarian cookout. Our grocery store aisles were filled with familiar staples - sweet potatoes, crisp apples, and juicy peaches - but avocados? They were as rare as a drizzle on a hot July day. Fast forward to 2024, and it's a whole different story. Avocados have quietly become a staple in our community, often chosen by health-conscious shoppers looking to add a nutritious boost to their meals. We owe much of this transformation to our local Mexican restaurants and food trucks. These culinary pioneers introduced us to the creamy wonder of guacamole and the versatility of avocado as a topping, opening our eyes - and our palates - to a whole new world of flavors. Who would have thought, back when avocados were as unfamiliar as a foreign language, that they'd one day be a common sight on our plates, and in our shopping carts.
Weather:
Thursday will bring a mix of sun and clouds with a high near 81 degrees Fahrenheit and a low around 73 degrees Fahrenheit. While temperatures will be comfortable, humidity levels will make it feel closer to 89 degrees during the day.There's a chance of afternoon thunderstorms, so it's a good idea to keep an eye on the radar. Winds will be moderate,coming from the southwest at around 8 mph.
5-Day Forecast
Friday, July 5th: Partly cloudy with a high near 97 degrees Fahrenheit and a low around 76 degrees Fahrenheit.
Saturday, July 6th: Scattered thunderstorms with a high of 95 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Sunday, July 7th: Mostly sunny with a high near 90 degrees Fahrenheit and a low around 72 degrees Fahrenheit.
Monday, July 8th: Partly cloudy with a high near 92 degrees Fahrenheit and a low around 73 degrees Fahrenheit.
Tuesday, July 9th: Scattered thunderstorms with a high of 91 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 74 degrees Fahrenheit.
Simple Pleasures: The Garden-Fresh Tomato Sandwich
As summer unfolds, a quiet revolution takes place in rural kitchens. The hero of this culinary uprising? The humble garden tomato. We're talking about those sturdy Better Boys, voluptuous Beefsteaks, or the classic Celebrity tomatoes—the red, ripe, juicy kind that show up at farmers' markets and in backyard gardens, their skin warm to the touch and smelling of sun-baked earth.
When these tomatoes reach their peak, there's only one proper way to honor them: the classic tomato sandwich. This isn't a fancy affair with arugula and aioli. This is rural simplicity at its finest—a symphony of just three elements that, when combined, create a melody of flavor that sings of lazy summer afternoons and the bounty of the earth.
Crafting this masterpiece of simplicity is less about cooking and more about curating. It starts with the tomato, of course. The ideal specimen isn't found under harsh supermarket lights but plucked from vines tended by calloused hands that know the rhythm of the seasons. It should be weighty in your palm, its skin a deep crimson that speaks of long hours basking in the sun. When you slice into it, the knife should glide through with barely any resistance, releasing a flood of seeds and juice that threatens to overtake your cutting board.
Next comes the canvas for our work of art—the bread. This is where many well-meaning folks lose their way, reaching for artisanal loaves or whole grain options. But authenticity demands humbler fare. We're talking about the kind of white bread that's as much a part of country life as screen doors and rocking chairs. It should be pillow-soft and yielding, the kind that sticks to the roof of your mouth and dissolves into a perfect, doughy cloud. Toasting is optional, but if you do, just a light golden hue will suffice.
The final element is the binder that brings it all together—mayonnaise. And let me tell you, this isn't the time for restraint or calorie-counting. You need to spread it on with the abandon of a barn painter wielding a broad brush. We're talking a thick, generous layer on both slices of bread—so much that it oozes out the sides when you take a bite. Whether you swear by Duke's, pledge allegiance to Hellmann's, or whip up your own secret family recipe, be generous. This sandwich should require a stack of napkins and possibly a bib.
Assembling this trio of ingredients is a bit like a barn raising—simple in theory, but requiring a certain know-how to get just right. Lay out your bread slices and give them that lavish coating of mayonnaise—at least a quarter-inch thick. Then comes the main event—layers of tomato so thick they make you wonder if you'll be able to fit the sandwich in your mouth. We're talking at least three hefty slices, maybe four if you're feeling particularly indulgent. A sprinkle of salt and a grind of black pepper are all the additional seasoning needed. Some may argue for a touch of sugar to balance the acidity, but that's a debate best left to the experts.
Bring the two halves together gently, as if you're closing up a music box. Some folks swear by cutting it diagonally, claiming it enhances the flavor. Whether that's true or just country lore, it does make for a pretty presentation.
Now comes the most important part—the eating. This isn't a sandwich to be wrapped up for later or eaten daintily over a plate. It demands to be devoured then and there, preferably while standing over the kitchen sink. With the first bite, you'll understand why. It's an explosion of summer in your mouth—the sweet-tart burst of tomato juice mingling with creamy mayonnaise, all softened by pillowy bread. It's messy and glorious, with juices likely to run down your chin and onto your shirt. But that's all part of the experience.
In that moment, as you stand there with tomato seeds on your fingers and contentment in your heart, you're participating in a ritual as old as summer itself. The tomato sandwich isn't just food; it's a cultural touchstone, an edible time machine that connects us to generations past and the timeless rhythms of rural life.
So the next time you find yourself with a perfectly ripe tomato in hand, don't overcomplicate things. Reach for some white bread and a generous dollop (or three) of mayonnaise, and treat yourself to this humble delicacy. In a world that often feels too complex, too rushed, the tomato sandwich reminds us that sometimes, the simplest pleasures are the most profound. It's more than just a quick meal—it's a slice of summer, a taste of home, and a moment of pure, unadulterated joy, all wrapped up in two slices of bread.
Public Safety:
Fort Run Fire Department: Fort Run Fire Department will receive a generous donation of DripDrop Electrolyte Drink Mix, thanks to a partnership between the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) and DripDrop Hydration. This donation is part of a nationwide initiative aimed at supporting volunteer firefighters by providing essential rehydration during the challenging wildfire season and hot summer months. The department will be provided with two 100-count cases of the fast-acting, clinically-proven drink mix to help combat dehydration and ensure firefighters can perform their duties safely and effectively.
Jobs - Employment:
Part-Time Utility Maintenance Mechanic: Greene County is hiring a part-time Utility Maintenance Mechanic to perform tasks such as mowing, reading water meters, repairing water lines, and operating equipment. The position requires a high school diploma, experience with motorized equipment, and a North Carolina driver’s license. It involves heavy physical work, with a starting salary of $14.11 per hour for approximately 20 hours per week. Applications are available at the Greene County Human Resources Office or online at https://greenecountync.gov/departments/human-resources/ and will be accepted until filled. Greene County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Church:
Family and Friends Day: St. James African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, located at 403 Harper Street, is hosting its Annual Family and Friends Day on Sunday, August 11, 2024. The event features services at 11:00 AM with Pastor William McDowell from St. James and at 3:00 PM with Rev. William Hagans from New Elders Chapel. The theme is “Where Our God Leads, He Helps Us to Succeed,” based on Matthew 6:33.
Vacation Bible School: Ormondsville Original Free Will Baptist Church will host Vacation Bible School from July 28 to July 30, 2024. The event is open to children aged 2 through those who have completed 9th grade. Activities run from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with supper at 5:30 PM. Registration is available online at [this link](https://bit.ly/3x9LEHb). The church is located at 3745 Ormondsville Road, Ayden, NC.
Church Anniversary: Leventon Chapel OFWB Church will celebrate its 158th Anniversary on July 28, 2024. Morning worship at 11:00 AM will feature Bishop Aringor Blue, followed by an afternoon service at 3:00 PM with Pastor Alpha Herring and the Perry's Temple Church Family. Dinner will be served after the morning service. The church is located at 6859 Speights Bridge Rd., Stantonsburg, NC.
Sports:
Cheerleading Camp: Greene Central High School Cheerleading is hosting a Kiddie Camp from July 29-31 for PreK-8th grade students at the Greene County Intermediate School Gym, 614 Middle School Road. The camp runs from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM, and costs $45, and includes daily snacks and t-shirts for participants. Attendees will cheer during the 1st and 2nd quarters of the Varsity home game against Kinston.
Community Events:
Since we have many new subscribers joining us this week, we want to ensure everyone is up to date with the latest happenings in our community. Here are some previously announced upcoming events. Please note, we will not be keeping a comprehensive list of events in the future, so be sure to subscribe to the newsletter if you have not already done so to stay informed. This list is a one-time update due to the large number of new subscribers.
July
July 27, 2024: MCCA Clothing Consignment Sale, 8 AM - 12 PM
July 27, 2024: Christmas in July event continues at various businesses. Santa Clause visits the Farmer and the Dail. Time not announced.
July 29-31, 2024: Greene Central High School Cheerleading Kiddie Camp for PreK-8th grade students at Greene County Intermediate School Gym, 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM.
July 39, 2024: GCMS Community Day - 9 AM
July 31 - August 4, 2024: Fort Run PFWB SCUBA-themed VBS, meals at 5 PM, teachings at 6 PM.
August
August 1, 2023: Greene County Intermediate School “Herself-N-STEM Confidence Camp” 10 AM - 1 PM.
August 2-4, 2024: New Direction Church Summer Splash for children aged 5-12 at 1770 NC Hwy 91, Snow Hill.
August 5, 2024: Jerusalem Methodist Church Back to School Giveaway from 6:00 to 7:30 PM.
August 8, 2024: Greene Early College Open House from 5-7 PM at Greene Early College.
August 10, 2024: Farmer and the Dail Summer Market, 8 AM - 2 PM.
August 10, 2024: Prudence Lodge #23 Backpack Giveaway from 1 PM to 4 PM at Hookerton Fire Department.
August 10, 2024: Greene County Schools Back-to-School Bash from 10 AM to 12 PM at Greene County Middle School.
August 11, 2024: St. James AME Zion Church Family and Friends Day with services at 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM.
August 12, 2024: Greene Early College High School first day of school.
August 12-14, 2024: Connection Church Evangelism Services nightly at 7 PM.
August 15, 2024: Mt. Calvary Christian Academy Orientation for elementary at 7:00 PM, middle & high school at 7:30 PM.
August 19, 2024: Opening of Schools Staff Meeting at 8:30 AM in Greene County Middle School gym.
August 19, 2024: Mt. Calvary Christian Academy first day of school with 12 PM dismissal.
August 19-20, 2024: USTA L7 Junior Tennis Event.
August 20, 2024: Greene County Board of Elections meeting - 6 PM.
August 21, 2024: Snow Hill/LCC Foundation Social & Cornhole Tournament starting at 5 PM at Greene Ridge Racquet Club.
August 21-22, 2024: Greene County Hunter Safety Course.
August 22, 2024: Snow Hill/LCC Foundation Superball Golf Classic at Cutter Creek Golf Club.
August 22, 2024: Greene County Schools Open House from 2:00 to 7:00 PM.
August 23-25, 2024: Snow Hill/LCC Foundation Tennis Classic at Greene Ridge Racquet Club.
August 24, 2024: Snow Hill/LCC Foundation Bourbon Raffle Drawing at 6 PM.
August 24-25, 2024: Snow Hill Summer USTA L6 Junior Tennis Tournament at Greene Central High School Tennis Complex.
August 26, 2024: First day of school for Greene County Schools.
August 26, 2024: Greene County Board of Education Meeting at 7:00 PM at the Tech Center.
September
September 12, 2024: Greene Pregnancy Center Life Banquet at 6 PM at Greene County Wellness Center.
September 14, 2024: Free "Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events" course in Hookerton, NC, email neuserivertactical@gmail.com to register.
September 24, 2024: Greene County Job Fair from 9 AM to 1 PM at Greene County Wellness Center.
October
October 17, 2024: Boys and Girls Club Annual Dinner at 5:00 PM at Greene County Middle School, honoring Blue Edwards.
October 22, 2024: Greene County Senior Center State Fair Trip, departing at 7 AM.
October 25-26, 2024: Snow Hill Post Office Breast Cancer Awareness Event from 9 AM to 5 PM at USPS Snow Hill.
November
November 22, 2024: Little Creek Market Holiday Open House.
December
December 7, 2024: WinterFest at the Barn at Nooherookra - 9 AM - 4 PM.
Statewide:
Hunter Education Class: The Greene County Hunter Safety Course scheduled for August 21-22, 2024, and sponsored by Greene County 4-H, filled up quickly, reflecting the community’s strong interest. For those who missed out, a similar class is being offered in Lenoir County. Neuse Sport Shop in Kinston, will host two separate, free classes class on August 6th and 7th, and both classes still have spots open. This course is mandatory for all new hunters in North Carolina. Reserve your spot today by visiting Neuse Sport Shop’s event calendar or contacting them directly. While you can wait until next spring when the class will return to Greene County, why wait? Get your certification now and be ready for the upcoming hunting season. https://nssnc.com/pages/event-calendar
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