Wonderful fellowship at Let’s Get Connected
It was a little glimpse of God’s kingdom on Saturday at Granite Lake Park as we heard voices lifting prayers for peace in Spanish, German, Ibo, Vietnamese, Hebrew, Arabic as well as English.
We were different hues of skin, different faith beliefs, different national origins, but our hearts were joined in longing for a more peaceful and just world. Prayers for the kidnapped girls of Nigeria, for safe communities, for elected officials, for the unemployed and for healing were interwoven with thanks for the freedoms and privileges we enjoy.
Musicians from East Rowan High School Band played lively numbers which set a joyful atmosphere for the day. The Granite Elementary After School Strings amazed us with their ability as they played patriotic tunes.
Piedmont Players from the Youth Theater inspired us with an excerpt from “A Thousand Cranes,” which tells the story of a Japanese girl who died of radiation disease 10 years after the atomic bomb was dropped on Japan.
Dancers from White Rock AME Zion Church beautifully expressed praise to God. Native American flute and drum created a reflective mood while the African drums kept a tempo of elation. We deeply appreciate all the participants and directors of these groups.
The Granite Quarry town staff was wonderfully supportive to the Covenant Community Connection and eager to have a Peace Pole in their park. They have created a visible and accessible location for meditation and prayer.
When our grill died, the Granite Quarry Fire Department came to our rescue with their grill, and we were able to cook hot dogs for the hungry crowd. What wonderful fellowship we enjoyed.
Many thanks to Mayor Bill Feather and the Granite Quarry aldermen, the Granite Quarry businesses and individuals who funded the Peace Pole.
May peace prevail on earth.
— Betty Jo Hardy
Salisbury
Hardy is chair of the Covenant Community Connection

Unfurling the flags
What a beautiful day Salisbury was for celebrating America’s Armed Forces Day. We had Maj. Gen. Jim Emerson and Brig. Gen. Harold Earnhardt in attendance as well as other important veterans and dignitaries.
It was time to replace the flags at the Patriots Flag Concourse and Memorial. The Carson High School Band was on hand to play the military songs for each branch of the service as the new flags were posted. JROTC units from East Rowan and North Rowan high schools participated in the flag posting.
Our keynote speaker was Eddie Griffin, a three-time Purple Heart recipient. He was accompanied by most of his large and very proud family. We were all in awe of his modesty while speaking about his service for our country.
Special thanks to Martha Corriher for her patriotic singing for our veterans.
Local caterer Debbie Suggs provided an all-American hot dog lunch with our very own drink — Cheerwine — for all in attendance.
When the ceremony was over and a few people remained eating and cleaning up. I was so embarrassed when a neighborhood street fight broke out between families with small children in the yards. Special thanks must be extended for the immediate action of the Salisbury Police Department in getting this frightening disturbance in control. Many of us found this disturbance upsetting and were grateful for the police officers tackling and handcuffing the people shouting and fighting in the middle of the street.
In spite of the horrible and disrespectful event, it was still a very meaningful and fine tribute to all of our Rowan County veterans.
— J.H. Smith
Salisbury
Another view on religion
Larry Wright of the Rowan County Planning Board has stated recently, “Satanic forces hate for commissioners to pray in Jesus’ name at the beginning of their meetings. Satanic forces hate to read Bible verses on a van or anywhere else.”
All right, let’s have a short Bible lesson, one you won’t receive anywhere else in the world. Exodus 22:18 says “Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live.” Over centuries, thousands upon thousands of human beings were burned alive because people said they turned themselves into animals, had trysts with the devil, rode through the air on broomsticks and practiced sorcery.
There was a mass execution in Germany in 1627 whereby 157 men, women, and children were burned. Exodus 22:18 is perhaps the cruelest verse in the bible.
Regarding the capture of Jericho, Joshua 6:21 says “And they utterly destroyed all that was in the city, both man and woman, young and old.” Hosea 13:16 says “Samaria shall become desolate…they shall fall by the sword: their infants shall be dashed to pieces and their women with child shall be ripped up.”
Finally, in Luke 19:27 Jesus says “But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me.” That is something Vlad the Impaler would say.
The next time somebody tells me that they gave their life to Jesus and prayed and got this or that, I’ll ask them this: “What’s so special about you that God saw fit to bestow such a favor on you and allows a 4-month-old baby girl to be buried alive in a mudslide? Not to mention all those millions over centuries who died of hunger, plague, cancer, war, fires, flood, wild animal attacks, earthquakes, and tornadoes?”
— R. Howard Andrews
Spencer
Questioning endorsement
Vote Republican. Vote Democrat. Vote unaffiliated. But Green Goat Democrat? No! Judy Klusman and Jim Greene sold their political souls to be endorsed by these Democrats. As Republicans endorsed by Democrats, they are highly suspicious candidates.
Rowan County has the opportunity now to keep the political atmosphere feisty and combative, yet honest. How about rejecting Judy Klusman and Jim Greene?
-Irene Dalton
Salisbury