Acts of kindness … please pass it on
This letter I hope will serve a twofold purpose. One, I wanted to mention that a vendor at the Salisbury-Rowan Farmer’s Market named David Correll of Red Barn Farms demonstrated such a lovely act of goodwill and charity. When I was talking to him one day and commenting on the enormous cabbage and how much cole slaw it would make for folks at Rowan Helping Ministries, he just instantly offered to donate it. But, he did not stop with that act of kindness. Instead, he offered to donate produce that he had left after Saturday’s market if I was willing to pick it up.
I was so amazed and impressed with this instant act of kindness I would love for others to know about it. Which leads me to the second portion of my letter. Behavior is contagious, kindness and unkindness. I truly believe if our media, in all its formats, would be more willing to seek out the acts of kindness and goodwill instead of the meanness and sensationalized. it could spread like a weed in the same way.
As citizens of this community, please support our wonderful Farmer’s Market and those hard working and dedicated farmers selling there. Also, support love and kindness and those who commit themselves to those causes. And of course, pass it on.
ó Amy Welch
Salisbury
Don’t overlook suspect’s actions
I read the July 18 letter (“The man I know”) about a man named Charles Pharr. While I understand and can see how the author feels about her boyfriend (Mr. Charles Pharr), it never ceases to amaze me and sickens me how quickly misdeeds are overlooked in the face of reality.
I have been a police officer for several years and am a native of Salisbury. Recently, two of my fellow Charlotte officers (and great friends) were murdered by a man who was described by his loved ones as “a family man always willing to make us laugh.” I think it is unfortunate that the author never once stated the misdeeds of her boyfriend to be both dangerous and a threat to their own family life. Excuses are easier to make than to accept the responsibilities of our actions. Let’s look at this situation for what it truly is. This suspect was wanted for robbery and kidnapping. He had a history of assaults and drug dealing. He has resisted police before. On the occasion where he was shot by police, he attempted to assault police and then flee the scene. That means he tried to injure my brothers and your protectors.
I credit the respective law enforcement agencies that attempted to arrest Mr. Pharr, as I have been in their shoes so many times. This issue isn’t about Mr. Pharr’s home life; it’s about his failure to be a good citizen and do his part to make society better. “Dangerous” is the accurate word to describe him and nothing less.
ó Brad Starnes
Charlotte
Citizen pursuit puts others in danger
Reading the July 19 article about the robbery that occurred at Atwell One Stop was like reading an action-packed story about a hero. I am amazed at how the reporter made it sound like Ralph Dixon was a hero for giving chase in his “jacked up F-250 – crammed with horsepower.”
There is no room for untrained citizens to be chasing anyone at speeds more than 100 mph, not to mention the added distraction of talking on a cell phone!
Chasing criminals needs to be left to our law enforcement professionals who have received extensive training in pursuit. Mr. Dixon put the lives of citizens in danger and violated the laws of North Carolina just as the robber has and should not be considered hero.
ó Jennifer Seamon
Rockwell
Give deadbeats jail, not house arrestRegarding the electronic monitoring program for parents who don’t pay child support:
Deadbeat parents have won an uphill battle to stay out of jail. After years of going to prison or jail for not paying child support and neglecting their children, the Rowan County DSS has dealt the hardworking custodial parents a major blow by approving a socialistic welfare program that allows deadbeat parents who would normally go to jail the opportunity to sit in the comfort of their own home and watch television.
At first, deadbeat parents were concerned about the cost of this program, wondering if they would have to spend their weekend beer money to stay out of jail. But the bill will be passed on to the taxpayers of Rowan County.
The sad truth is that many custodial parents work two jobs in order to support their children because they have to fight tooth and nail to get money out of the deadbeat parent.
The next time you decide on an issue concerning deadbeat parents, please remember that the victim here is the child and custodial parent, not the deadbeat parent!
ó Sharon Davis
Salisbury
Let Enochville vote on incorporationUnder North Carolina law, the voters of Enochville have a right to due process and to vote on incorporation.
It is the responsibility of our representatives to sponsor the incorporation bill once the community has proven that we can be self supporting.
The local citizens did put together a drive for a petition and met the requirement. Response was overwhelming. Enochville has been a community since the early 1800s. We have a deep history in this area.
As register voters of the Enochville community, we want the right to have a vote. Our representatives need to come forward with their obligation to represent the voters of this community.
Feel free to call Andrew Brock at 919-715 0690 and Fred Steen at 919-733 5881 and leave a message for your support.
ó Bob R. Blevins
China Grove (Enochville community)
Chiefs, volunteers made it all happen
Most of you saw that the appeal process is over between myself and the county. The county personnel committee ruled that my termination was not legitimate, and we decided to settle it. During my short six years, we accomplished much. We lowered the insurance class rating in five fire districts, creating a huge savings for the homeowners, as well as initiating the process to have developers install water points in new gated communities. We began to fully test ourselves and our resources through reality based drills and attained one of the state’s highest clearance rates for arson fires. We united all the training officers into a cohesive unit dedicated to providing the best training possible. We converted the Local Emergency Planning Committee from a hazardous materials emergency group to an all hazards emergency group. We pulled the hazardous materials response team out of their old truck and into newer, much bigger apparatus and loaded them with state of the art equipment. Finally, we greatly improved fire protection at the airport, placed a bulk foam unit in service, and placed two disaster trailers in service. Through all of this it was you who motivated me to do the best job I could.
The only reason I continued in the job as long as I did was because of the support and dedication of volunteer firefighters! You made it a great job. You made each day worth coming in for, and you were always there to support me.
I just want to express my gratitude to all the volunteer fire chiefs and firefighters in Rowan County for everything you have done for me. You are truly an asset to our county, and I am proud to know all of you. Thank you and keep up all the hard work for your area and taxpayers!
ó Arthur J. Delaney
Rockwell Rural Fire Department
Editor’s note: Formerly Rowan County’s fire marshal, Delaney is now assistant fire chief at the Rockwell Rural FD.