Rutherford Weekly

Page 2 - Rutherford Weekly 828-248-1408 www.rutherfordweekly.com Thursday, August 13-August 19, 2020 Free food for everyone that registers. The Grahamtown Team will be registering individuals for the 2020 census. You do not need a social security number to register. The Census does not ask about citizenship. So everyone and anyone who has not registered can do so on; Thursday, August 13, 2020 from 4:00p.m.-6:00p.m. 129 First St., Forest City, NC 28043 Call 828-229-3380 The census is important for determining how funds are received in the county and our ability to be represented in Washington. WHY BE COUNTED? BECAUSE WE NEED.... • SCHOOLS • COMMUNITIES • PROGRAMS • COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT • HOUSING • NEIGHBORHOODS • HIGHWAYS • ROADS Also Off ering: NEW LOCATION! Come by & see us! ©Community First Media Community First Media TRI CITY TIRE SERVICE FEED SEED & MORE 221 Daniel Road, Forest City, NC 28043 Located on the hill across from Eaton 828-287-8778 All Types Feed & Seed Landscaping Supplies at Competitive Prices Large Selection of Landscaping Rocks in Stock BEST TIRE PRICES IN THE COUNTY! UHAUL SERVICES LARGE SELECTION More than just a tire store! 2 YARD SCOOP OF MULCH $ 30 Call me prejudiced. I don't mind. After all, this is my home and I love it here - this county formed in 1779 with its mountains hills, valleys and fl atlands stretching across 563 square miles with some of the best people in the world making their homes here. The rolling pasture lands of Cane Creek and the mountains of Golden Valley and the Sunshine community are breathtaking. And there's Lake Lure, Chimney Rock, Cliffside, Forest City, Rutherfordton, Spindale, Ruth, Ellenboro, Bostic, Caroleen, Cliffside and on and on. I was raised here, went to school here and chose to stay here after graduating from East Rutherford High School and attending Isothermal Community College. Since I've never lived anywhere else, I can't compare this county to another, but I've seen lots of other places, visited many states and heard stories of others. I don't think you have to live in another person's yard to know where the grass is greener. I have had the best of several worlds. Writing stories and photographing people in my home county was a dream come true that lasted almost half a century. I had my dream job- writing about the best people in the world for two newspapers here. I'm continuing that with this publication as well as other free lance opportunities. What a joy and privilege to tell stories of the delightful people in Rutherford County. Their stories became my stories and some people became like family. The old timers, the blue and white collar workers, the young people, middle-aged folks, the happy and sad, the healthy and not so-healthy. There have been so many who contributed so much and thanked so little. There's not enough space to mention all the personalities that have shaped the news during the 48 years I covered Rutherford County as a reporter and editor. So many personalities aren't well known. Those who never made much noise but who desired the very best for the county and her people. I've always been interested in the reasons others choose to make Rutherford County their home. Many years ago now a young medical doctor, who grew up in the county, and his new bride, also a medical doctor, had plenty opportunities to locate in any part of the country. But after much thought and consideration they came home to Rutherford County. They are still here. The decision to return to Rutherford County many years ago surprised their peers at medical school. Why choose such a rural place in the middle of nowhere to begin a medical practice. When asked by his mother why he was returning to Rutherford County, his answer to her was simple. He said if he had a fl at tire on the side of the road in his county, he knew someone would stop and help him. He told her he couldn't say that about other places. In these unprecedented days we're living now, have you noticed the generosity of so many trying to help others? As some many have lost their jobs and are still unemployed food pantries have extended their hours of giving food to those in need and others are stepping up to help with babysitting, preparing meals, helping with house and yard work. As school days are beginning there has never been a time like this. Thousands of school students will be staying at home for remote learning while others might be attending classes in person. This is a time neighbors and the good people of Rutherford County can step up and offer help. Maybe we can open our homes to a neighbor's child to help with virtual learning or offer to help with lunches. Maybe we can offer our extra space in our homes for a school room for the child whose parents have to work. We can even offer internet service to some. Rutherford County is blessed with wonderful educators and administrators. We can encourage them, offer our help and lend a helping hand where we can. Don't be bashful about sharing dinner meals when they return after a long day at school. Send them a handwritten note. We must social distance, wear our mask and wash our hands and we can do all those things and still reach out to those we can help as school begins. These are tough challenging times for all involved. The good people of Rutherford County have new opportunities to show we are the most generous, kind and loving people in the world. Let's make a decision to jump in and help where we're needed and share encouragement daily. Don't wait to be asked to help. Offer kindness. After all, Rutherford County is our home, these are our people and we care. Contact Jean Gordon: gordonjean211@gmail.com RUTHERFORD COUNTY IS OUR HOME — SCHOOL DAYS OFFER NEW OPPORTUNITIES TO HELP OTHERS By: Jean Gordon Jerry Morrow of the Gray's Creek community is a bit shaded from 90 degree temperatures as he bush hogs a fi eld off Baber Road in the Shiloh community driving his big John Deere. A hot summer job Article Provided By: Jean Gordon

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