Rutherford Weekly - Shelby NC
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/1508546
Page 6 - Rutherford Weekly 828-248-1408 www.rutherfordweekly.com Thursday, September 28-October 4, 2023 Saturday Saturday October 28 October 28 th th , 2023 , 2023 7:00 pm 7:00 pm "Elvis" General Admission Tickets - $45 ~ Box Seats - $50 General Admission Tickets - $45 ~ Box Seats - $50 Meet & Greet Tickets - $50 Meet & Greet Tickets - $50 9,$+HDOWK3DUWQHUV )$,5+$9(1)25(67&,7< DEMENTIA / ALZHEIMER'S SUPPORT GROUP 9,$+HDOWK3DUWQHUV and )$,5+$9(1)25(67&,7< are partnering to launch a Dementia/Alzheimer's support group for anyone in need. All are welcome. 9,$+HDOWK3DUWQHUV )$,5+$9(1)25(67&,7< 9,$+HDOWK3DUWQHUV )$,5+$9(1)25(67&,7< 9,$+HDOWK3DUWQHUV )$,5+$9(1)25(67&,7< 9,$+HDOWK3DUWQHUV )$,5+$9(1)25(67&,7< 9,$+HDOWK3DUWQHUV )$,5+$9(1)25(67&,7< 1:00 3M 3rd Tuesday of every month FDLU+DYHQ)RUHVW&LW\ %HWKDQ\&KXUFK5RDG )RUHVW&LW\1& 9,$+HDOWK3DUWQHUV )$,5+$9(1)25(67&,7< )$,5+$9(1 )25(67&,7< Rutherford County native Ronnie Condrey was presented the Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award on Sept. 13 by Gov. Roy Cooper at the Governor's Mansion in Raleigh. In addition to Governor Cooper, speakers were former Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin, for whom Condrey worked eight years; the widow of former Insurance Commissioner Jim Long for whom he worked 24 years and state Human Resources Director Barbara Gibson, for whom he worked six and a half years. "In all I worked for the state for 48.5 years, started in the Forest City offi ce of what was then called Employment Security Commission in 1974," Condrey said. "I am very humbled by the honor," he said. For the fi rst time in history the Order of the Long Leaf Pine was signed by four North Carolina governors. Signing were Gov. Cooper, Gov. Mike Easley, Gov. Jim Hunt and Gov. Beverly Perdue. Condrey was the Human Resource Director for the Department of Insurance. His job was Special Advisor to the Director of the Offi ce of State Human Resources. State Human Resources supports 25 state agencies. State Human Resources has proposed an award in human resources that will become offi cial next month called the Oliver-Condrey award. This would be named after Peggy Oliver (former Policy Administrator at HR) and Ronnie Condrey. "There has never been a more dedicated public servant, and I am proud to call him a mentor of mine," said Condrey's friend Mark Edwards of Raleigh. "Thank you Ronnie, for all you have done for North Carolina, me and so many others," Edwards said. Condrey grew up in Cliffside, graduated from Chase High School, studied American History at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and at Appalachian State University. Among those attending the Sept. 13 ceremony was Condrey's brother, John Condrey, also of Cliffside. He retired in 2019 after serving in local government during his career. Upon retirement, John Condrey, was also awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine. Ronnie received a BA in history from Appalachian State University and a Master's Degree in history from UNC-Chapel Hill. Ronnie is married to Lou Newman, a retired attorney. They reside in Raleigh. Article Provided By: Jean Gordon. Photos Contributed. Cliffside native presented The Order of the Long Leaf Pine Ronnie Condrey with Gov. Roy Cooper. Ronnie Condrey addresses the awards ceremony audience. Ronnie Condrey and John Condrey If you want solar panels, be very careful when evaluating installation offers. Con artists use misleading sales tactics and lies to trick homeowners out of money and personal information. If you've received an offer for "free solar panels," it could be a scam. Always look for businesses you can trust - like Accredited Businesses using the BBB Seal. Here's what you should know. How the scam works Someone contacts you through email, phone, social media, or even in person, as in cases reported to BBB Scam Tracker. They are pretending to be a solar company salesperson. The "representative" has a special offer: they can install solar panels on your home for a very low cost – or even free. This amazing deal is only available for a limited time, so you must act now! From here, the scam can take several turns. In some versions, the scammer is after your personal information. They ask you to fi ll out forms with your banking details "to see if you qualify." Other times, the "solar representative" claims you need to pay upfront costs, which they promise will be reimbursed by a (non-existent) government program. BBB Scam Tracker has seen numerous reports of this kind of scam. One homeowner was approached by a door-to-door salesperson "claiming he could get me a new roof plus solar equipment, with a government rebate for 26% off cost, essentially paying for the new roof." After doing their research, the homeowner found that while a government rebate program existed, the salesperson misrepresented it to make a sale. In another case, a homeowner spoke on the phone to a "solar engineer" after being approached in person. "The engineer claimed they could make it cost-free for us. He said they had fi nished their installations in our neighborhood and met their quota but would try to squeeze us in." However, the conversation took a strange turn when the "solar engineer" asked for personal information. When the homeowner declined to answer, the conversation got heated. "We ended the conversation, and I received a nasty text … It was completely unprofessional." One other homeowner reported, "Scammer used printed notes left at front doors, pretended to represent freedom forever solar company. A call to the company revealed that person was not one of their employees, and they don't send representatives going door to door. Contact info on printed note: Kayla McIver, 520-651-7584, asked to be contacted by phone or text message." How to avoid solar panel scams • Do your research. Genuine incentive programs and reputable solar energy contractors do exist. Before you accept an unsolicited offer, do some research on solar companies in your area. Investigate each company's reputation and business practices before signing a service contract. •Don't give in to high-pressure sales tactics. Con artists want to provoke an emotional reaction that would cause you to give in to their requests without thinking it through. Take your time; know that a legitimate company won't pressure you to act. If someone uses aggressive sales tactics on you, it's best to cut off communication immediately. • Get competing bids. Contact several solar installers if you plan on going solar and get bids from each company. If someone is pulling a con, they will be much easier to spot this way. • Ask plenty of questions and consider the answers. Ask questions about any aspect of a contract or proposal you don't understand. If the company gets upset about your questions, refuses to answer them, or is vague with their answers, consider it a red fl ag. BBB Scam Alert: "Free solar panels" can cost you big time! How to spot a phony off er and fi nd a trustworthy business Article Provided By: Juliana O'Rork