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the-record-columns · 8 years ago

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March 15, 2017: Columns

Notes on “The Snowstorm”

By KEN WELBORN

Record Publisher

What with all the talk about the Great March Storm of 2017, which (at least so far) seems to have mercifully missed us, I am reminded of the winter of 1960 when it snowed for several Wednesdays in a row. We missed so much school that year we were actually glad when the schools opened back up. Then, of course, I am reminded that Millers Creek still gets more snow than anywhere else in the continental United States, including the brutal dusting this past Sunday morning. However, I have it on good authority that the roads were plowed in time for the folks at Arbor Grove Methodist to make it in.

Many times in this space I have chided Millers Creek resident and editor of The Record, Jerry Lankford, about making it to work during snowstorms. While I have accused him of operating on the “eight flakes to the acre” theory of not being willing to leave the warmth of his house on Kite Road, truth is he has never been stopped from getting to work. With that being said, many others have used the weather as an excuse over and over.

In the old days of the Central Telephone Company, many of those line guys would say “If the first snowflake hits me, that's God's fault. If the second flake hits me, it's my own sorry fault.” This theory was also easily adaptable for rain as well. But my all time favorite is the fact that through the years I have employed many women in various jobs, and, most of them seem to be married to the dumbest men on the fact r e of the earth. However, when the aforementioned eight flakes to the acre begins to fall, all of a sudden these men become crack meterologists, and the absolute authority in their lives, and I would hear the oft repeated refrain of' “Tony called. He says it's bad out there. I've got to go home--now. I've to do what Tony says.” Bear in mind that on any other subject these guys were said to be as dumb as a bag of cut hair.

But, it was when I was at a bank the other day, and the subject of weather, snow, and bank closings came up that I was reminded of the bank very few folks remember or maybe have never even heard of—the “Bank of Elbert.” Back in the 1970s, when I had the easiest job of my life, selling radio advertising for my friend and mentor Paul Cashion, that I had my first experiences with working for a living and how the weather could affect it. During my childhood, I had heard my daddy the preacher say he had seen enough snow to last him a lifetime (especially after the winter of 1960), and on other occasions as well. Of course, as a kid, I would reply that I would never say something silly like that—snow was pure fun, and that was the way it would always be. Not.

I have often said that I have eaten enough crow to spit feathers for a week, and this one is on the list. Snow was fun—that is, until you slip and slide into work to find that most of your customers didn't even open up that day, and that you, as a commissioned salesperson, all of a sudden wasn't making a dime. Even on those snow days when I was first getting my feet wet in business, so to speak, there was one constant I could always count on, the Spainhour's department store. In those days, the store was ran by Mr. Lincoln (Linc) Spainhour, and it was open every day it was supposed to be. And yes, that included snow. He may not have wanted much advertising on those snowy days, but he was there and ready to serve any hardy souls who ventured out. On days like that, Mr. Spainhour had more time to talk and visit and anytime spent with him was educational in one way or another. I was visiting with Mr. Lincoln in his office on the mezzanine on one of those slow snowy days when his bookkeeper Maggie stuck her head in and told him the banks were closing because of the weather and might not be open the next day as well.

“Not to worry,” he replied, Elbert will stay open. This was my first knowledge of what was loosely referred to as the “Bank of Elbert,” because it seemed as though every business in Downtown North Wilkesboro knew that Elbert Rhoades at his bookstore on Ninth Street kept enough cash and rolled coin to keep them operating—bank or no bank—regardless of the weather. And he wouldn't leave early.

Mr. Spainhour went on to say what a good fiend Elbert Rhoades had been to him and so many others in the area through the years. One of his comments was that “...if Elbert is your friend, he is your friend rain or shine.”

And, I suppose, snow.

Make Your Move

By LAURA WELBORN

I am not sure how my genetic make-up or environmental "up brining" plays into my inability to leave things. Sometimes I think it is being raised Catholic where everyone has a tendency to stick it out through all situations or maybe I am just hardwired to give it my all even though it is time to move on. When I read this from Home devotionals.com it made perfect sense to me and I hope it gives me a better perspective on recognizing when a door is closing and being open to new beginnings.

"Make Your Move By Dan Johnson I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation. -2 Corinthians 6:2

The Bible tells us there is a time for everything and that includes change

Many know the dissatisfaction that comes from overstaying our welcome at work, in a geographic location, or in a particular assignment in life. There is a time to come and a time to go. There is a time to dig in, lay down roots, and stake our claim. But the opportunities that arise in life are presented to us in the context of our age, ability, in the moment. We have to decide if they come to us in the fullness of time. Open doors can close and the regret of missed opportunities can sting as much as hasty actions. There comes a time to give in to growth, stretch our wings and fly. But how do we know when it's time to make a change?

"There's wisdom in a multitude of counselors. Good friends have the right to tell us the truth and may just have the grace to break the news to us gently.

Finally, we need to have a sense that our good gifts and talents are going to be used when we take on a new task. Stewardship demands that our lives line up with our abilities. And it's more fun that way.

Life is short, at best. We have a shelf life. While we're still fresh, we're called to live each day to the fullest with the knowledge we have. We can enjoy the satisfaction that comes when our day-to-day routines are still challenging, providing room for growth, and making us wish for one more day to do what we love."

The other day I was getting a routine eye exam and I started chattering about my greatest fear was developing Macular Degeneration like my Grandmother. After going on and on about my fear, the Optometrist quietly told me that indeed I did have intermediate stage Macular Degeneration. I have now made a promise not to obsess over things as they just may happen. But on that note I have come to terms with living each day with a renewed vigor and appreciating that today I can see. If my sight does become compromised then I will just find new ways to "see", and my greatest fear will just become an adjustment. I will find new open doors and not worry so much about the doors closing behind me.

I should have known something was up when my dog, Powder, was sleeping on his favorite toy (ladybug pillow) with the eyes chewed out- it must have been a sign….

Laura Welborn,

Mediator

contact her at

[email protected]

A liberal degree in anti-Semitism

on America’s campuses

By EARL COX

Special to The Record

Anti-Semitic incidents are exploding across America, with more than 100 recent bomb threats to JCCs, overturned gravestones at Jewish cemeteries, and other troubling incidents. This "unprecedented and inconceivable escalation of anti-Semitic acts in the United States … is "chillingly reminiscent of the pogroms in Eastern Europe and … the Nazi rise to power," warned World Jewish Congress President Ronald S. Lauder.

The wave also pervades college campuses around the nation under the guise of protecting "oppressed" Palestinians from "colonial" Israel. In a survey of 50 U.S. universities, more than half the students reported observing or experiencing anti-Semitism from peers or staff. BDS-boycotts, divestment and sanctions against Israeli businesses, academics, and cultural events-often accompanies these incidents; though proponents claim to eschew racism, its real purpose is to delegitimize Israel.

But anti-Semitism and BDS are the tip of a formidable iceberg-the radical Left's agenda is to undermine Israel and erode the democratic foundations of America, Israel's ally. Its targeting of top U.S. colleges is designed to politically groom the next generation of leaders. The political Left was already orchestrating attacks against American academia when author David Horowitz chronicled in 2009 how the Left was insinuating its "radical agenda into … collegiate institutions … and even secondary schools." To defend our freedoms, democracy and the future of our children, we must recognize and heed this battle cry.

In earlier generations, anti-Semitism, the Holocaust and Islamic aggression evoked sympathy for Israel. But today's millennials are influenced not only by liberal professors and administrators, but also by being deliberately targeted by pro-terrorism student organizations that push the right progressive buttons by portraying Palestinians as the trodden-upon underdogs and Israel as a repressive Apartheid state "occupying" Palestinian land. In this intellectually clouded environment, millennials-those born after 1980-fail to analyze and assess facts, and blindly adopt the Palestinian platform in allegiance to a vague human-rights agenda favoring victims, underdogs and the oppressed.

Progressive student groups such as Students for Justice in Palestine systematically establish chapters across U.S. campuses where they aggressively market their message, joining forces with groups like Black Lives Matter and LGBQs to leverage their influence. Their methods are propaganda, graffiti, vandalism, harassment, intimidation and violent disruption tactics against Jews, pro-Israel individuals, student groups and events.

What makes the millennials so vulnerable to exploitation? They have no memory of the Holocaust or the 1967 war started by Arab states intent on destroying Israel. Although a majority (54 percent) of Americans support Israel, several polls report that millennial support for Israel is weakening as their enthusiasm for the Palestinian cause grows.

The erosion of the U.S. Anglo-European demographic base sheds some light, said historian Alex Joffe in The Times of Israel. Its biblically inspired religious tolerance and acceptance of Jews influenced America's institutions and values. But a 1965 immigration-quota change enacted to attract skilled labor was later replaced by amnesties that retroactively legalized millions of illegal immigrants who were indifferent to American values. These two policy shifts resulted in a new generation of ethnically and religiously diverse millennials.

Although conservative professors are hiding their views for fear of losing tenure, they may lose much more if they remain silent. Silence is also fueling Islam's influence over the minds of our youth. There has never been a greater need for Christians and those who love democracy to speak up on behalf of Israel. It's time for parents to withdraw support and tuition from universities that permit anti-Semitic acts; for academic leaders to discipline student organizations that foster hate; for students to report professors who politicize students, and to support pro-Israel student groups. Consider speaking to your congressional representatives and appealing to President Trump not to dismantle the State Department's envoy for combating anti-Semitism.

Mark G. Yudof, former president of the University of California system, said, "I don't want to see BDS become stronger because 20 years from now, these students will be judges, heads of Congress…We have to respond now to maintain the historical relationship with Israel."

Earl Cox is an international broadcaster and journalist who has served in senior level positions with four US presidents. Due to his outspoken support for Israel, he has been recognized by Prime Minister Netanyahu as a Goodwill Ambassador from Israel to the Jewish and Christian communities around the world and named the Voice of Israel to America by Israel's former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. Mr. Cox resides in Charleston SC and in Jerusalem.

Morning Eggs and a Celebration

By CARL WHITE

Life in the Carolinas

So, there I sat in my booth at Cagney’s in Wilkesboro for a Saturday morning country breakfast of bacon, soft scrambled eggs with biscuit and gravy.

While I enjoy the flavors, I think the memories of growing up in a family that celebrated many of life’s specials moments around a table: set with savory country cooking is even more cherished than the food itself.

While I didn’t think of it at the time, those moments had a profound influence on my life. I’m sure those early days of celebrating life contributed greatly to the fact that I enjoy bringing people together for special occasions.

The idea of not offering food and beverage to guest seems to be an assault on the idea of civilized Southern Hospitality.

I don’t think it needs to be a lot, but it needs to taste and look good. I understand that taste and looks are subjective, but a good effort goes a long way.

I’m certain it’s not just a southern thing, but I do think that we southern folks have a great knack for it and the stylistic way we do it sets us apart from others.

In the adjoining booth was a gathering of three who were celebrating the birthday of Buretta Faw, she was joined with her good friend Rita Aguilar and Buretta’s granddaughter, Lexis Wyatt.

While I was not part of their party, I could not help but to notice the happy moment. Buretta was presented with a variety of gifts, the first gift was jewelry that featured a sea shell, to which she displayed an expressive smile and said, “I see a trip to the beach coming up.”

The next gift also featured a sea shell to which with even more excitement she expressed her certainty that a trip to the beach would be in the not too distant future. With this comment, there is no doubt that Buretta loves trips to the beach.

Midway through my breakfast I noticed that the last gift was being presented.

It was a larger box that contained a custom bag that was printed with pictures of what must have been friends and family. As she looked over her gift her beaming smile was joined with tender tears.

While I did not know any of the celebrating people in the booth next to me. I felt the moment.

I extended a birthday wish and took a picture just like I was part of their group.

We do a lot things over the course of our lives. As Americans, we spend billions a year on the things we surround ourselves with.

As the years pass and as the interviews and stories keep adding up. I’m noticing more and more about what truly seems to be important in life for most people. It’s not about having a lot of the stuff.

For the most part, it’s the people in our lives, the good memories, the being together and the images of those we care for that makes our face leak.

Carl White is the executive producer and host of the award winning syndicated TV show Carl White’s Life In the Carolinas. The weekly show is now in its 8th year of syndication and can be seen in the Charlotte viewing market on WJZY Fox 46 Saturdays at 12 noon. For more on the show visit www.lifeinthecarolinas.com, You can email Carl White at [email protected].

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