“God really had his hand on the whole family.” — Rhonda Gregory, grandmother, on the Pollard family’s escape from their burning home in August 2013 after Zane, then 8, woke everyone up

“I can’t see a safety problem unless the goats get out.” — Randy Reamer, Salisbury Planning Board, on Livingstone College’s urban farm

There’s only one person who wants it, the farmer, and he is greedy.” — Dr. Lance Riley, of Charlotte, on spreading Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities’ sludge on Rowan and Cabarrus land

“If we weren’t here, we’d be at home in a food coma!” — Traci Goodman, shopping at Belk on Thanksgiving Day

“To help a population with such a quiet voice and bring it to the forefront would make him so happy.” — Millie Harrison, daughter, on bench at Prevent Child Abuse Rowan dedicated in memory of her father, Tomme Gamewell

“I’ve been crying all morning.” — April Grate, on  working with her brothers to serve a free Thanksgiving meal in memory of their late mother, Edith Wideman