Undeniably, spring 2020 has tried the patience of investors. An 11-year bull market ended. Key economic indicators went haywire. Household confidence was shaken. Monday, July 6, 2020
Once Upon A Time was... Was the way stories used to start... Some were scary... Some were funny... Most made kids and adults... People in general think... Usually think about good lessons... BUT in 2020... Sunday, July 5, 2020
Character takes time to build, but is sometimes easy to destroy, if the choices you make later in life tear down the positive things you’ve built in yourself, during the previous years. Friday, July 3, 2020
Exodus Homes, a faith based United Way agency that provides 73 beds of supportive housing for homeless recovering people returning to the community from treatment centers and prison has just completed a six-year prison recidivism study that demonstrates the effectiveness of their program. Tuesday, June 30, 2020
The Internal Revenue Service knows that many taxpayers have had a stressful spring. So, it has reset the federal tax deadline. You now have until July 15 to file your 1040 form. July 15 is also the deadline to pay any federal taxes owed for 2019. Monday, June 22, 2020
Ever had an idea that’s pursued you for a long time? An invention? A puzzle? A quest? If so, good! And, you’re not alone. True, everybody has ideas. But, not all ideas are ones that we come up with. Friday, June 19, 2020
Not just those of us who got our education in segregated white schools, but sadly, many who went to black schools, never heard about Juneteenth until we were adults. The day is more important symbolically than historically. For anyone not familiar, here's a short history lesson. Friday, June 19, 2020
Well the movers were unpacking... The trucks were backed up... Up the driveway... She was so excited... The day had arrived... She and the movers were there... Sunday, June 14, 2020
Have you ever wanted to get somewhere or do something, but didn’t know how? Take some time to visualize the whole thing, so your mind can figure out how to reverse engineer and order the steps to make it happen. Friday, June 12, 2020
I am a firm believer that every child should experience the beauty in raising something and watching it grow. To learn to care for something, love it unconditionally, and feel a sense of pride once it is grown. Those are life lessons that I learned at a young age that I carry with me today and always will. Monday, June 8, 2020
Lately the world seems to have forgotten... Forgotten that love is a powerful tool... Love and kindness can change us all... But we have to give it a change... Sunday, June 7, 2020
Four hours on the road. Close to home. Five miles from our driveway, we had to stop for roadwork. Waiting in line, I started to get annoyed that we were ALMOST there, but not yet. Friday, June 5, 2020
The last few months have been very difficult and frustrating, not just for our communities but for our nation. Due to the pandemic, we were thrust into a situation that has left many wondering how to pick up the pieces and move forward in what will now be our “new normal.” Tuesday, June 2, 2020
Protests related to the death of George Floyd, who died while being pinned down by the knee of a policeman on his neck, spread across America Friday. Saturday, May 30, 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic has certainly created problems for the economy. Businesses and individuals have taken a hit; so have governmental units. It's certainly a time for being careful about spending; but we believe cutting funding for education is not a good idea--even when money is tight. Friday, May 29, 2020
Riding life’s roller coaster can be fun, thrilling, exhausting, and interesting – all at the same time. Birth and death are life-changing events, especially if we are close to those involved. Friday, May 22, 2020
Every day, there is a balancing act you live out – a give and take. You wake up, get ready for your day, and head off into the blue-skied surroundings either bleary-eyed or fully awake. Friday, May 15, 2020
Today’s column is in memory of my friend, Bill Keever. Bill died a few days ago and I can still remember the day we sat in his living room for this interview. Sunday, May 10, 2020
Chloe worked in retail, and it had apparently been very challenging. When I asked her what the problem was, she said, “Some people are just so rude, Dad!” Friday, May 8, 2020
We are a city of 10,000 people, and while a significant number of people aren’t eligible to donate for a variety of reasons, I struggle to believe we can’t get more than five people to donate, especially with these drives being so infrequent right now. Wednesday, May 6, 2020
The COVID-19 outbreak has put tremendous pressure on stock prices, prompting some investors to blindly and indiscriminately sell positions at a time when the entire market is trending lower. Monday, May 4, 2020
Read as Paulette tells about this trip to Hawaii where they visited the USS Arizona Memorial and how one veteran told the story of the attack through his eyes. Sunday, May 3, 2020
Well now that is a good question... She was a keeper... Keeper of stuff... People laughed at her... But she laughed back... Back every time someone was in need... In need of something she had... Sunday, May 3, 2020
Whatever you water, grows. Whatever you feed, grows. If you point out the good in other people, they will tend to do more good. If you point out the bad in other people, they will tend to do more bad. Friday, May 1, 2020
When the COVID-19 pandemic ends, will we have to live forever with a 'new normal'--or will life return to much as it was only a few months ago? Tuesday, April 28, 2020
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many in our community have shown great kindness toward others by their actions. Some have contributed to the food programs; others have done other things to help their neighbors. This letter to the editor is an expression of thanks for one act of kindness. Saturday, April 25, 2020
Recently, the $2 trillion “Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security” (“CARES”) Act was signed into law. The CARES Act is designed to help those most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, while also providing key provisions that may benefit retirees. Monday, April 20, 2020
A thank you letter to all of the community's 'essential workers' during the difficult times like this pandemic from the Executive Director of the Partnership for Children of Lincoln/Gaston Counties. Saturday, April 18, 2020
Day-to-day life is built in between the peaks of success in your life. We’ve talked in the past about living from peak to peak experiences, about surviving and growing in the valleys, and about the ways to keep your big picture in perspective. Friday, April 17, 2020
Is it politics or healthcare? Some are calling for an end to the restrictions imposed because of the COVID-19 pandemic; others fear that the relaxation could produce another wave of infections. Thursday, April 16, 2020
She never yelled, never screamed, and never let the kids see if she got flustered. She always exhibited kindness to the students in her care and to those of us who had the privilege of working with her as colleagues. Friday, April 10, 2020
