China Grove should rethink sidewalk plans
In the near future, the town of China Grove plans to go forth with adding what are described as necessary sidewalks throughout certain areas of town. One of these areas directly affects my property, and I do not feel this urgent need to have these sidewalks constructed, as there are sidewalks nearby that suffice.
Constructing these sidewalks will involve a 2-foot grass strip between the road and the new 5-foot width of the sidewalk, totaling 7 feet of my property from the road. I have a handicapped ramp off the proposed sidewalk side of my house that is not 4 feet from the road. The new sidewalk would take this ramp away and put the sidewalk at my door. This is not safe; this is not private; and this is not the right thing to do for my family’s safety living in our home. Not only will it take the ramp away, but it will also take away parking, leaving us to park on the street.
The money that is proposed for this project should be used to repair and improve the sidewalks already in town that are cracked and broken and are hazardous for people who do walk in town. Money could also be used for better town maintenance and lawn care. How these decisions will affect the people involved should be considered more seriously than just making plans based on whether an engineer says it is good for the town or not. Asking and involving those who would be directly affected by these decisions should be more of a priority. But most importantly, safety and security should be the main concern.
ó Sharon Dunaway
China Grove
Another great Relay for LifeThe 2009 Rowan Relay For Life fundraiser for the American Cancer Society was wonderful! We were again blessed with beautiful weather and overflowing parking lots. Survivors filled the track, teams sold out of food and everyone loved the activities. As always, the luminaria service was filled with passion and touched many people. The kids danced in front of the stage for hours. Team members took turns walking all night (I’m not sure if Mary Jane Pinkston ever stopped walking).
While we were all having a great time, a group of volunteers was watching over us. A special thanks to Capt. Jason Burnett of the South Salisbury Fire Department and his squad for again staying all night with us. They are always ready to help with any medical need and monitor the weather to help keep us out of harm’s way. Also, Mike Brady of the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office coordinated security and stayed up all night making sure that everyone was safe. He oversaw a group of Explorers who walked the track and drove through the parking lots during the night.
Each year our Relay gets bigger and better! I love getting to know more of the survivors. The support from the Salisbury Post has helped to spread the word, not just about the Relay, but “why” we relay. Kathy Chaffin’s stories gave me a better understanding of why others have the same passion for Relay that we have.
Our committee members keep the Relay moving like a Swiss clock. But it takes the support of our community to make the Relay. The support of our schools, churches, businesses, along with neighborhoods, civic groups and friends, makes our Relay For Life what it is.
For our population, based on the $402,000 we raised, Rowan County is No. 3 in the state and No. 21 in the nation. Thanks for another great Relay!
ó Tisha Goodwin
Goodwin is the event chairwoman for Relay for Life.