“We get to do something very few people get to do. Giving someone the gift of time with their families is a big gift.”

— Laura Shaw, flight nurse, Novant Health Rowan Medical Center air medic program

“I’m here to stay, so it benefits us the most.”

— Dr. Ken Washko, whose dentistry office is in Park Plaza, which the town of Spencer wants to buy

“I hate to say these words, but I feel like we’re being bullied into accepting what’s been brought forth by the school board.”

— Spencer Alderman Mike Boone, on the proposed closing of North Rowan High School

“I don’t like to commit to something I’m not going to see through. We were patient, we did what we needed to do to get there.”

— Windsor Eagle, former principal, on grassroots fundraiser reaching $1 million goal to improve Salisbury High ’s gym

“The Holy Spirit spoke to me and I quit ignoring him after I almost died in 2005.”

— Darby Dillard, on why he oversees the Bikers with a Cause Christmas Party and Toy Run for Nazareth Child & Family Connection