Robert Dalton
AOB 5310
APO AE 09393
Spc. Johnson, Kevin
#5928, C-Co, 2-325, AIR
Camp Taji, Iraq
APO AE 09378
SSG Jon Canipe
ODA 5322
FOB Q-West
APO AE 09351
PVT. 1st Class Davio Bret Morgan
FOB Dragons 3rd PLT
Alpha Co. 3rd BLT
APO AE 09344
PVT Degree, Alton
557 MP Co. Unit 15192
APO PO 96271
COL. Mike Bumgarner
MNSTC-1/CPATT
FOB Shield
APO AE 09348
AO1 Michael Brian Todd
HSL-44 (W/C 230)
NAS Mayport
Mayport, Florida 32228
LCPL Bryan D. Bridges
3D BN 2D MAR L CO 2 PLT
UNIT 73110
FPO AE 09509-3110
SRA Johnny L. Powell
PSC 9 Box 3894
APO AE 09123
SRA Brian C. Collier
226 Odell Street
Spring Lake, NC 28390
SRMSG Dennis Pearson
29 Cedarbrook
Troy, Ill. 62294
Sgt. Marcos Pearson
C-3/7 CAV (MECH)
Unit No. 93422
APO AE 09303/8422
TSGT Bowen, Mitchell
JLTF 1144th
70 MTD USAF
APO AE 09366
Pfc. Skelton
Unit 5928, B. Company
2-325 Air 82nd Airborne Division
Camp Taji, IRAQ
APO AE 09378
SFC Wanda Ross
488th CSC Unit # 6510
APO AE 09375
PFC Clark, Samuel R.
70th EN, HHC
OrgunE
APO AE 09354
SPC. Ross, Derek
Unit# 5972
HHT 3-7 CAV
APO AE 09378
Sgt. W. Scott Richard
146 Sig. Met SPP
CMR 467 Box 641
APO AE 09096
SSG Manning, Mervin L.
BO 72nd Sig B
CMR 435 Box 297
APO AE 09086
S.Sgt. Jeffrey L. Brackett
VMAQ-2 Unit 78011
FPO AE 09509-8011
LCpl. Thomas Burke
VMAQ-2 Unit 78011
FPO AE 09509-8011
LCpl. Cody Ford
VMAQ-2 Unit 78011
FPO AE 09509-8011
Cpl. Cory Lotspeich
VMAQ-2 Unit 78011
FPO AE 09509-8011
1Sg. Arrowood, Rodney W.
DFST 5/7 CAU
1 BCT 3ID
APO AE 09387
Mologne House
Sgt. Johannson, Tim
Room 221
6900 Georgia Ave NW Building 20 Washington, DC 20307
Spc. Simmons, Louis
26th BSB 3ID
APO AE 09321
Tiffani Lawter
380th ESFS/ SFOB
APO AE 09853
Renita Hutson
380th ESFS/SFOB
APO AE 09853
PFC, Stroup, Jonathan T.
E. Co. 1-2 AVN Regt.
Unit 15008 Box # 393
APO AP 96297-5008
AIC Adam Greene
455 EAMXS/336
EAMU-F15E
APO AE 09354
SGT Louis A. Barber
1132nd MPCO.95th MPBN
FOB Rustamiyah
APO AE 09390-2402
SGT Abernethy, Cole
C Co 2-22 IN HQ 1/10th MTN
FOB Warrior
APO AE 09338
Major Derek M. Vinson
HHC 7th Sustainment BDE
APO AE 09331
Lt. Bradley Hamrick
F Co. 2-504
PIR Unit No. 73312
Al Asad Air Base
APO AE 09333
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Monday, December 3, 2007
A soldier says, "Thank You"
Jeffrey Brackett recently wrote to his grandmother, Ruth Brackett, from Iraq. He asked her to thank everyone who had been sending cards and packages.
He wrote: “We’ve been getting a lot of mail from schools and churches thanks to that article. I wanted to say thanks for getting the word out there so people will write.”
Brackett is the son of Steve Brackett of Casar and his grandfather is Cecil Brackett. His wife, Stephanie, and two children are in New Bern. Mrs. Brackett said her grandson will be coming home in February, and he and the family are counting down the days.
He wrote: “We’ve been getting a lot of mail from schools and churches thanks to that article. I wanted to say thanks for getting the word out there so people will write.”
Brackett is the son of Steve Brackett of Casar and his grandfather is Cecil Brackett. His wife, Stephanie, and two children are in New Bern. Mrs. Brackett said her grandson will be coming home in February, and he and the family are counting down the days.
Pictures from Harvestworks
From left, Lorada Mason, Timmy Brown and Travis Mangum get a box for a soldier ready to mail.
Packages let soldiers know people care
The boxes of gifts held ordinary, everyday items — packets of noodles, hand wipes, crackers, socks and candy. But when they are opened by a soldier serving in Iraq or another part of the world, these boxes will become treasures.
More than anything the men and women serving our country overseas want to know they haven’t been forgotten. And from what I’m hearing, Cleveland County is doing its part to make sure our soldiers know they are in our thoughts and prayers.
Last week I visited with the newly formed Thursday prayer group at HarvestWorks. The clients in the Lifeskills program each adopted a soldier from the list that was published in The Star. To help them learn how to budget and spend money, each one received $20 to buy items for a soldier. They also included a letter with their gift.
Timmy Brown used his money to buy wipes, foot powders, an ink pen that lights up, crossword puzzle books, soup, candy, crackers, raisins, cookies and other items.“I like the soldiers and my brother was in the service,” Timmy said. “I wanted to thank them for what they do.”
Sarah Jane Hunt held her box up to pose for a picture. The top was decorated and personalized with the name of her soldier.Sarah Jane wrote to her soldier, “I like to pray. I’m thankful that you are fighting for our country. I pray for you and I pray for your family.”She also told them her favorite Bible verse: John 3:16 — “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (NIV)
Shopping for the soldiers was especially fun for Pandora Earls, the cook at HarvestWorks.“I bought what I wanted. My dad was 26 years in the military and I lived in Germany,” she said. “Crackers are good when you are away from home.”
Paraprofessional Regina Bright said everyone enjoyed shopping for the soldiers.“They really got into it. They went overboard.”
More than anything the men and women serving our country overseas want to know they haven’t been forgotten. And from what I’m hearing, Cleveland County is doing its part to make sure our soldiers know they are in our thoughts and prayers.
Last week I visited with the newly formed Thursday prayer group at HarvestWorks. The clients in the Lifeskills program each adopted a soldier from the list that was published in The Star. To help them learn how to budget and spend money, each one received $20 to buy items for a soldier. They also included a letter with their gift.
Timmy Brown used his money to buy wipes, foot powders, an ink pen that lights up, crossword puzzle books, soup, candy, crackers, raisins, cookies and other items.“I like the soldiers and my brother was in the service,” Timmy said. “I wanted to thank them for what they do.”
Sarah Jane Hunt held her box up to pose for a picture. The top was decorated and personalized with the name of her soldier.Sarah Jane wrote to her soldier, “I like to pray. I’m thankful that you are fighting for our country. I pray for you and I pray for your family.”She also told them her favorite Bible verse: John 3:16 — “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (NIV)
Shopping for the soldiers was especially fun for Pandora Earls, the cook at HarvestWorks.“I bought what I wanted. My dad was 26 years in the military and I lived in Germany,” she said. “Crackers are good when you are away from home.”
Paraprofessional Regina Bright said everyone enjoyed shopping for the soldiers.“They really got into it. They went overboard.”
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Cleveland County keeps on giving
The kindness and generosity of the people in Cleveland County just keeps on shining bright. Read the note I received Wednesday from Kay Beam:
"Thanks to your "Random Acts of Kindness," article with the list of names in the paper, everyone wanted to do something for my son, 1ST Sgt. Rodney Arrowood in Iraq.
"On Sunday in honor of Veterans Day, Hoey Memorial United Methodist Church, helped my family to make 200 gift bags, so each one of the soldiers in his unit would receive something for Christmas. Thanks to Red Bridges Barbecue for helping to supply the items to go in the bags. I hope others listed will be as fortunate and receive packages from their communities.
"Thank you again, Kay Beam."
If you’d like to remember the troops for the holidays, time is running out. The deadline to send packages and make sure they arrive in time is Nov. 24. For information on mailing packages to soldiers, go to the Post Office Web site: www.usps.com/supportingourtroops. You can find a list of soldiers from Cleveland County at shelbystar.com on the Random Acts of Kindness blog under Reporter Blogs.
Your help is needed again - The Military Families Support Group needs photos of local soldiers for candlelight service
The Military Families Support Group-Cleveland County will be sponsoring a Candlelight Service at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 11, in the sanctuary of Central United Methodist Church honoring the men and women with connections to Cleveland County who are currently serving in the U.S. military services at home and overseas.
The candlelight service has become an annual tradition in uptown with the help of Fain Hamrick and other members of the Military Families Support Group.
A video presentation is planned this year, which will honor men and women in uniform with their photo, name, branch of service and current duty station.
To have names, photos and other information of military personnel included in the presentation, e-mail the information to milfamsupport@carolina.rr.com or mail the information and photo to Military Families Support Group – Cleveland County, P.O. Box 752, Shelby, NC 28151-0752.
"Thanks to your "Random Acts of Kindness," article with the list of names in the paper, everyone wanted to do something for my son, 1ST Sgt. Rodney Arrowood in Iraq.
"On Sunday in honor of Veterans Day, Hoey Memorial United Methodist Church, helped my family to make 200 gift bags, so each one of the soldiers in his unit would receive something for Christmas. Thanks to Red Bridges Barbecue for helping to supply the items to go in the bags. I hope others listed will be as fortunate and receive packages from their communities.
"Thank you again, Kay Beam."
If you’d like to remember the troops for the holidays, time is running out. The deadline to send packages and make sure they arrive in time is Nov. 24. For information on mailing packages to soldiers, go to the Post Office Web site: www.usps.com/supportingourtroops. You can find a list of soldiers from Cleveland County at shelbystar.com on the Random Acts of Kindness blog under Reporter Blogs.
Your help is needed again - The Military Families Support Group needs photos of local soldiers for candlelight service
The Military Families Support Group-Cleveland County will be sponsoring a Candlelight Service at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 11, in the sanctuary of Central United Methodist Church honoring the men and women with connections to Cleveland County who are currently serving in the U.S. military services at home and overseas.
The candlelight service has become an annual tradition in uptown with the help of Fain Hamrick and other members of the Military Families Support Group.
A video presentation is planned this year, which will honor men and women in uniform with their photo, name, branch of service and current duty station.
To have names, photos and other information of military personnel included in the presentation, e-mail the information to milfamsupport@carolina.rr.com or mail the information and photo to Military Families Support Group – Cleveland County, P.O. Box 752, Shelby, NC 28151-0752.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
More names of soldiers from Cleveland County
Since the Random Acts of Kindness column published on Tuesday, I've received more names of soldiers. Remember the Christmas deadline is Nov. 24. You can find more information at the Post Office Web site at www.usps.com/supportingourtroops/
According to the members of the Military Families Support Group, cards and letters make a difference to those who are serving in the military. They want to know that they haven't been forgotten by the American people.
Here are the new names I've received.
PVT Degree, Alton
557 MP Co. Unit 15192
APO PO 96271
COL. Mike Bumgarner
MNSTC-1/CPATT
FOB Shield
APO AE 09348
AO1 Michael Brian Todd
HSL-44 (W/C 230)
NAS Mayport
Mayport, Florida 32228
LCPL Bryan D. Bridges
3D BN 2D MAR L CO 2 PLT
UNIT 73110
FPO AE 09509-3110
SRA Johnny L. Powell
PSC 9 Box 3894
APO AE 09123
SRA Brian C. Collier
226 Odell Street
Spring Lake, NC 28390
According to the members of the Military Families Support Group, cards and letters make a difference to those who are serving in the military. They want to know that they haven't been forgotten by the American people.
Here are the new names I've received.
PVT Degree, Alton
557 MP Co. Unit 15192
APO PO 96271
COL. Mike Bumgarner
MNSTC-1/CPATT
FOB Shield
APO AE 09348
AO1 Michael Brian Todd
HSL-44 (W/C 230)
NAS Mayport
Mayport, Florida 32228
LCPL Bryan D. Bridges
3D BN 2D MAR L CO 2 PLT
UNIT 73110
FPO AE 09509-3110
SRA Johnny L. Powell
PSC 9 Box 3894
APO AE 09123
SRA Brian C. Collier
226 Odell Street
Spring Lake, NC 28390
Monday, November 5, 2007
Remembering her nephews for Veterans Day
Marilyn Putnam of Shelby sent in the pictures of her nephew, SRMSG Dennis Pearson and his son, Sgt. Marcos Pearson. Father and son served in Iraq at the same time this summer.
“With Veterans day approaching, I wanted to thank them for serving for our country,” wrote Ms. Putnam.
Marcos is serving his third tour in Iraq and will be home the last day of November for a two week leave, said his grandmother, Delores Pearson.
Dennis came home from Iraq in September and serves as supervisor of command post at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois.
The pictures that Ms. Putnam shared were made on Marcos’ birthday, Aug. 3, 2007.“We were so glad that Dennis got to go over and see Marcos on his birthday,” Ms. Pearson said.
Dennis has served in the military since he graduated from Crest High School in 1985.
Christmas deadline nears for sending items to the troops
Christmas is six weeks and 12 days away and I haven’t bought the first thing. Over the weekend I talked to someone who already has her gifts wrapped.
Over-achiever.
If you are like me and haven’t started shopping yet, then here’s something you need to know. If you are going to send cards and packages to military personnel, they need to be sent by Nov. 24 — that’s 17 days away. You can find more guidelines on sending packages to the military at the Post Office Web site: www.usps.com/supportingourtroops/
At the request of Fain Hamrick, whose son, Brad, is serving in Al Asad, and the Military Support Group, The Star has been collecting names and addresses of soldiers with ties to Cleveland County. The Military Support Group gets regular requests for addresses, but they only have the names of their relatives.
Last week, Royce Hamrick stopped by the office to pick up a copy of the list because his organization, Marine Corps League, Foothills Detachment No. 1164, usually sends Christmas cards and care packages to the soldiers.
Both Royce and Fain think the list should be longer.
If you know of someone who is serving in the military, please send their name and address to The Star so people in Cleveland County can remember them at Christmas. You can leave the names on the Random Acts of Kindness blog at shelbystar.com or e-mail them to jackiebridges@shelbystar.com or mail them to Jackie Bridges, The Star, P.O. Box 48, Shelby, NC 28151.
Here are the names we have so far:
SRMSG Dennis Pearson
29 Cedarbrook
Troy, Ill. 62294
Sgt. Marcos Pearson
C-3/7 CAV (MECH)
Unit No. 93422
APO AE 09303-8422
TSGT Bowen, Mitchell
JLTF 1144th
70 MTD USAF
APO AE 09366
Pfc. Skelton
Unit 5928, B. Company
2-325 Air 82nd Airborne Division
Camp Taji, IRAQ
APO AE 09378
SFC Wanda Ross
488th CSC Unit # 6510
APO AE 09375
PFC Clark, Samuel R.
70th EN, HHC
OrgunE
APO AE 09354
SPC. Ross, Derek
Unit# 5972
HHT 3-7 CAV
APO AE 09378
Sgt. W. Scott Richard
146 Sig. Met SPP
CMR 467 Box 641
APO AE 09096
SSG Manning, Mervin L.
BO 72nd Sig B
CMR 435 Box 297
APO AE 09086
S.Sgt. Jeffrey L. Brackett
VMAQ-2 Unit 78011
FPO AE 09509-8011
LCpl. Thomas Burke
VMAQ-2 Unit 78011
FPO AE 09509-8011
LCpl. Cody Ford
VMAQ-2 Unit 78011
FPO AE 09509-8011
Cpl. Cory Lotspeich
VMAQ-2 Unit 78011
FPO AE 09509-8011
1Sg. Arrowood, Rodney W.
DFST 5/7 CAU
1 BCT 3ID
APO AE 09387
Mologne House
Sgt. Johannson, Tim
Room 221
6900 Georgia Ave NW Building 20 Washington, DC 20307
Spc. Simmons, Louis
26th BSB 3ID
APO AE 09321
Tiffani Lawter
380th ESFS/ SFOB
APO AE 09853
Renita Hutson
380th ESFS/SFOB
APO AE 09853
PFC, Stroup, Jonathan T.
E. Co. 1-2 AVN Regt.
Unit 15008 Box # 393
APO AP 96297-5008
AIC Adam Greene
455 EAMXS/336
EAMU-F15E
APO AE 09354
SGT Louis A. Barber
1132nd MPCO.95th MPBN
FOB Rustamiyah
APO AE 09390-2402
SGT Abernethy, Cole
C Co 2-22 IN HQ 1/10th MTN
FOB Warrior
APO AE 09338
Major Derek M. Vinson
HHC 7th Sustainment BDE
APO AE 09331
Lt. Bradley Hamrick
F Co. 2-504
PIR Unit No. 73312
Al Asad Air Base
APO AE 09333
Over-achiever.
If you are like me and haven’t started shopping yet, then here’s something you need to know. If you are going to send cards and packages to military personnel, they need to be sent by Nov. 24 — that’s 17 days away. You can find more guidelines on sending packages to the military at the Post Office Web site: www.usps.com/supportingourtroops/
At the request of Fain Hamrick, whose son, Brad, is serving in Al Asad, and the Military Support Group, The Star has been collecting names and addresses of soldiers with ties to Cleveland County. The Military Support Group gets regular requests for addresses, but they only have the names of their relatives.
Last week, Royce Hamrick stopped by the office to pick up a copy of the list because his organization, Marine Corps League, Foothills Detachment No. 1164, usually sends Christmas cards and care packages to the soldiers.
Both Royce and Fain think the list should be longer.
If you know of someone who is serving in the military, please send their name and address to The Star so people in Cleveland County can remember them at Christmas. You can leave the names on the Random Acts of Kindness blog at shelbystar.com or e-mail them to jackiebridges@shelbystar.com or mail them to Jackie Bridges, The Star, P.O. Box 48, Shelby, NC 28151.
Here are the names we have so far:
SRMSG Dennis Pearson
29 Cedarbrook
Troy, Ill. 62294
Sgt. Marcos Pearson
C-3/7 CAV (MECH)
Unit No. 93422
APO AE 09303-8422
TSGT Bowen, Mitchell
JLTF 1144th
70 MTD USAF
APO AE 09366
Pfc. Skelton
Unit 5928, B. Company
2-325 Air 82nd Airborne Division
Camp Taji, IRAQ
APO AE 09378
SFC Wanda Ross
488th CSC Unit # 6510
APO AE 09375
PFC Clark, Samuel R.
70th EN, HHC
OrgunE
APO AE 09354
SPC. Ross, Derek
Unit# 5972
HHT 3-7 CAV
APO AE 09378
Sgt. W. Scott Richard
146 Sig. Met SPP
CMR 467 Box 641
APO AE 09096
SSG Manning, Mervin L.
BO 72nd Sig B
CMR 435 Box 297
APO AE 09086
S.Sgt. Jeffrey L. Brackett
VMAQ-2 Unit 78011
FPO AE 09509-8011
LCpl. Thomas Burke
VMAQ-2 Unit 78011
FPO AE 09509-8011
LCpl. Cody Ford
VMAQ-2 Unit 78011
FPO AE 09509-8011
Cpl. Cory Lotspeich
VMAQ-2 Unit 78011
FPO AE 09509-8011
1Sg. Arrowood, Rodney W.
DFST 5/7 CAU
1 BCT 3ID
APO AE 09387
Mologne House
Sgt. Johannson, Tim
Room 221
6900 Georgia Ave NW Building 20 Washington, DC 20307
Spc. Simmons, Louis
26th BSB 3ID
APO AE 09321
Tiffani Lawter
380th ESFS/ SFOB
APO AE 09853
Renita Hutson
380th ESFS/SFOB
APO AE 09853
PFC, Stroup, Jonathan T.
E. Co. 1-2 AVN Regt.
Unit 15008 Box # 393
APO AP 96297-5008
AIC Adam Greene
455 EAMXS/336
EAMU-F15E
APO AE 09354
SGT Louis A. Barber
1132nd MPCO.95th MPBN
FOB Rustamiyah
APO AE 09390-2402
SGT Abernethy, Cole
C Co 2-22 IN HQ 1/10th MTN
FOB Warrior
APO AE 09338
Major Derek M. Vinson
HHC 7th Sustainment BDE
APO AE 09331
Lt. Bradley Hamrick
F Co. 2-504
PIR Unit No. 73312
Al Asad Air Base
APO AE 09333
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Military names still coming in
Here's a chance for you to perform a Random Act of Kindness. We're still receiving names of soldiers who are serving in Iraq. Many of the moms, dads and other relatives who send in the addresses ask that people just simply take a minute of two to write a note to their loved one to let him or her know that they haven't been forgotten by the American people.
Here's the list that we have so far. Take a minute of your time to brighten a soldier's day.
TSGT Bowen, Mitchell
JLTF 1144th
70 MTD USAF
APO AE 09366
Pfc. Skelton
Unit 5928, B. Company
2-325 Air 82nd Airborne Division
Camp Taji, IRAQ
APO AE 09378
SFC Wanda Ross
488th CSC Unit # 6510
APO AE 09375
PFC Clark, Samuel R.
70th EN, HHC
OrgunE
APO AE 09354
SPC. Ross, Derek
Unit# 5972
HHT 3-7 CAV
APO AE 09378
Sgt. W. Scott Richard
146 Sig. Met SPP
CMR 467 Box 641
APO AE 09096
SSG Manning, Mervin L.
BO 72nd Sig B
CMR 435 Box 297
APO AE 09086
S.Sgt. Jeffrey L. Brackett
VMAQ-2 Unit 78011
FPO AE 09509-8011
LCpl. Thomas Burke
VMAQ-2 Unit 78011
FPO AE 09509-8011
LCpl. Cody Ford
VMAQ-2 Unit 78011
FPO AE 09509-8011
Cpl. Cory Lotspeich
VMAQ-2 Unit 78011
FPO AE 09509-8011
1Sg. Arrowood, Rodney W.
DFST 5/7 CAU
1 BCT 3ID
APO AE 09387
Mologne House
Sgt. Johannson, Tim
Room 221
6900 Georgia Ave NW Building 20 Washington, DC 20307
Spc. Simmons, Louis
26th BSB 3ID
APO AE 09321
Tiffani Lawter
380th ESFS/ SFOB
APO AE 09853
Renita Hutson
380th ESFS/SFOB
APO AE 09853
PFC, Stroup, Jonathan T.
E. Co. 1-2 AVN Regt.
Unit 15008 Box # 393
APO AP 96297-5008
AIC Adam Greene
455 EAMXS/336
EAMU-F15E
APO AE 09354
SGT Louis A. Barber
1132nd MPCO.95th MPBN
FOB Rustamiyah
APO AE 09390-2402
You can submit names for the list by posting a comment here or e-mailing to jackiebridges@shelbystar.com
Here's the list that we have so far. Take a minute of your time to brighten a soldier's day.
TSGT Bowen, Mitchell
JLTF 1144th
70 MTD USAF
APO AE 09366
Pfc. Skelton
Unit 5928, B. Company
2-325 Air 82nd Airborne Division
Camp Taji, IRAQ
APO AE 09378
SFC Wanda Ross
488th CSC Unit # 6510
APO AE 09375
PFC Clark, Samuel R.
70th EN, HHC
OrgunE
APO AE 09354
SPC. Ross, Derek
Unit# 5972
HHT 3-7 CAV
APO AE 09378
Sgt. W. Scott Richard
146 Sig. Met SPP
CMR 467 Box 641
APO AE 09096
SSG Manning, Mervin L.
BO 72nd Sig B
CMR 435 Box 297
APO AE 09086
S.Sgt. Jeffrey L. Brackett
VMAQ-2 Unit 78011
FPO AE 09509-8011
LCpl. Thomas Burke
VMAQ-2 Unit 78011
FPO AE 09509-8011
LCpl. Cody Ford
VMAQ-2 Unit 78011
FPO AE 09509-8011
Cpl. Cory Lotspeich
VMAQ-2 Unit 78011
FPO AE 09509-8011
1Sg. Arrowood, Rodney W.
DFST 5/7 CAU
1 BCT 3ID
APO AE 09387
Mologne House
Sgt. Johannson, Tim
Room 221
6900 Georgia Ave NW Building 20 Washington, DC 20307
Spc. Simmons, Louis
26th BSB 3ID
APO AE 09321
Tiffani Lawter
380th ESFS/ SFOB
APO AE 09853
Renita Hutson
380th ESFS/SFOB
APO AE 09853
PFC, Stroup, Jonathan T.
E. Co. 1-2 AVN Regt.
Unit 15008 Box # 393
APO AP 96297-5008
AIC Adam Greene
455 EAMXS/336
EAMU-F15E
APO AE 09354
SGT Louis A. Barber
1132nd MPCO.95th MPBN
FOB Rustamiyah
APO AE 09390-2402
You can submit names for the list by posting a comment here or e-mailing to jackiebridges@shelbystar.com
Gardner-Webb family adopts stray and her pups
Renee Ybarra rescued a pregnant stray because she trusted in the generosity of the folks she works with at Gardner-Webb University.
I knew I had a better chance of finding homes because I work with this large group of caring people,” said Renee at a “family” reunion Sept. 20 for the mother dog and her puppies.
It was the first time mother, puppies and adoptive parents had been together since the litter of six was born in December 2005.
Only one member of the family, Harley, who was adopted by Teresa White, Athletics Secretary, couldn't make the reunion.
Renee brought her dog, Belle, who is an aunt to the litter. When Lady went into labor in the middle of the night, a persistent Belle woke Renee to let her know of the new arrivals. After the reunion — with dogs and owners getting tangled in leashes — it was decided that a better place next time might be a fenced in yard so the siblings could run and play.
Meet the family
Maxie and Sammie were adopted by Audrey and Ken Sloan
Audrey Sloan is director of GOAL Admissions at Gardner-Webb.
“We fell right in love with them. They stole our hearts. It was good to adopt them together, because they have always done everything together.”
Hildi was adopted by and Drs. Glen and Nancy Bottoms
Hildi, the largest of the litter, looks nothing like her sisters. She resembles an Otterhound, like the dog, “Sandy,” from the “Annie” movie. My wife is too soft-hearted,” Glen said to explain why they adopted Hildi.
Lady, the mother dog, was adopted by Elizabeth Pack, academic adviser
Elizabeth adopted her in May 2006 from Renee. Lady had more energy than Renee’s dog Belle, so Elizabeth offered to take her. Elizabeth planned the reunion and brought gifts of dog bones and treats for all of Lady’s children.
Sadie adopted by Becky Newton, administrative assistant to the provost and senior vice president
“I wasn’t going to get her, because I’m allergic to dogs,” Becky said. “But she was the next to the last one. My husband has three full-blooded labs, so Sadie is my dog.“
Hurley was adopted by Adam Fisher
"I wanted to find a Schnauzer puppy, so when I heard about them, she put me on the waiting list,” said Adam, assistant to the president and director of marketing.“The other person backed out so I got Hurley.”
If you have a story to share about how someone has brightened your day, post your story in the comments section on this blog, or e-mail jackiebridges@shelbystar.com or call(704) 669-3337.
I knew I had a better chance of finding homes because I work with this large group of caring people,” said Renee at a “family” reunion Sept. 20 for the mother dog and her puppies.
It was the first time mother, puppies and adoptive parents had been together since the litter of six was born in December 2005.
Only one member of the family, Harley, who was adopted by Teresa White, Athletics Secretary, couldn't make the reunion.
Renee brought her dog, Belle, who is an aunt to the litter. When Lady went into labor in the middle of the night, a persistent Belle woke Renee to let her know of the new arrivals. After the reunion — with dogs and owners getting tangled in leashes — it was decided that a better place next time might be a fenced in yard so the siblings could run and play.
Meet the family
Maxie and Sammie were adopted by Audrey and Ken Sloan
Audrey Sloan is director of GOAL Admissions at Gardner-Webb.
“We fell right in love with them. They stole our hearts. It was good to adopt them together, because they have always done everything together.”
Hildi was adopted by and Drs. Glen and Nancy Bottoms
Hildi, the largest of the litter, looks nothing like her sisters. She resembles an Otterhound, like the dog, “Sandy,” from the “Annie” movie. My wife is too soft-hearted,” Glen said to explain why they adopted Hildi.
Lady, the mother dog, was adopted by Elizabeth Pack, academic adviser
Elizabeth adopted her in May 2006 from Renee. Lady had more energy than Renee’s dog Belle, so Elizabeth offered to take her. Elizabeth planned the reunion and brought gifts of dog bones and treats for all of Lady’s children.
Sadie adopted by Becky Newton, administrative assistant to the provost and senior vice president
“I wasn’t going to get her, because I’m allergic to dogs,” Becky said. “But she was the next to the last one. My husband has three full-blooded labs, so Sadie is my dog.“
Hurley was adopted by Adam Fisher
"I wanted to find a Schnauzer puppy, so when I heard about them, she put me on the waiting list,” said Adam, assistant to the president and director of marketing.“The other person backed out so I got Hurley.”
If you have a story to share about how someone has brightened your day, post your story in the comments section on this blog, or e-mail jackiebridges@shelbystar.com or call(704) 669-3337.
More photos from the canine family reunion
Sadie, the black lab mix, says hello to her sister, Hildi. Yes, both dogs came from the same litter. According to the veterinarian, it is possible to have more than one breed in a litter of puppies. Sadie's owner is Becky Newton and Hildi's owners are Drs. Glenn and Nancy Bottoms.
The whole family minus Harley and Hurley. From left, Becky Newton and Sadie; Dr. Glen Bottoms and Hildi; Renee Ybarra; Elizabeth Pack with the mother dog, Lady; and Audrey and Ken Sloan with Maxie and Sammie. The dog on the right is "Aunt" Belle and belongs to Renee.
Another shot of the sisters with their mother.
Hildi, left, says hello to her mother, Lady.
Brother Harley drags his owner Adam Fisher down the hill to where the others were waiting.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Saying thank you to "Because We Care" donors
The cancer patients that I talked to at the "Because We Care" day Sept. 24 were so appreciative of the people who volunteered their time to help make their cancer struggle a little bearable.
I also received an e-mail from Velma Thompson of Kings Mountain who works at the hospital. Here's what she said about the day: "I assisted in the 'Because We Care' day for our cancer patients on Monday. I would like to publicly thank our area businesses who gave donations. My heart was touched from the out pouring and cooperation received."
Her thank you goes to the following businesses and individuals who helped to make "Because We Care" day a success.
Food Lion of Shelby and Kings Mountain
Bojangles
Chic-Fil-A of Shelby
Cleveland Mall
Harris Teeter
Sandy’s Country Christmas
Astra Zeneca
Amgen
Ross Laboratories
Your Choice Hair Salon (Tanisha Wray)
Barbara’s House of Beauty (Jenny Gee and Tonya Payne)
Diva-Tude (Wanda Cooper, Roberta Wingo and Donna Dixon)
On Tap by G & T Group (Ramona Gash)
Cleveland Regional Oncology Services
YMCA
I also received an e-mail from Velma Thompson of Kings Mountain who works at the hospital. Here's what she said about the day: "I assisted in the 'Because We Care' day for our cancer patients on Monday. I would like to publicly thank our area businesses who gave donations. My heart was touched from the out pouring and cooperation received."
Her thank you goes to the following businesses and individuals who helped to make "Because We Care" day a success.
Food Lion of Shelby and Kings Mountain
Bojangles
Chic-Fil-A of Shelby
Cleveland Mall
Harris Teeter
Sandy’s Country Christmas
Astra Zeneca
Amgen
Ross Laboratories
Your Choice Hair Salon (Tanisha Wray)
Barbara’s House of Beauty (Jenny Gee and Tonya Payne)
Diva-Tude (Wanda Cooper, Roberta Wingo and Donna Dixon)
On Tap by G & T Group (Ramona Gash)
Cleveland Regional Oncology Services
YMCA
Because We Care Day
Photos from "Because We Care Day" sponsored by Dover YMCA and Cleveland Regional Medical Center Oncology Services. The day was held Monday, Sept. 24, for cancer patients and their families. Several community groups had booths and gave away information and freebies.
Cancer patients enjoyed food donated by area businesses.
Wanda Cooper of Diva-Tude in Kings Mountain cuts Debbie Towery's hair. Wanda's mother is a cancer survivor.
Mary Taylor gives a chair massage to Laura Borders.
Wanda Cooper styles Debbie Towery's hair.
Wanda Cooper and Debbie Towery.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
A quote to remember
"I am only one. But still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do." - Edward Everett Hale
There are many people in Cleveland County who follow this quote. They go about their day making life better for other people.
From a simple smile to the person who goes through the drive-thru and pays for the next guy's order, these good neighbors help us remember that all it takes to change the world is a simple act of kindness.
We all need to hear these stories about our neighbors. If you have a story to share, reply in the comments section or e-mail to me at jackiebridges@shelbystar.com.
There are many people in Cleveland County who follow this quote. They go about their day making life better for other people.
From a simple smile to the person who goes through the drive-thru and pays for the next guy's order, these good neighbors help us remember that all it takes to change the world is a simple act of kindness.
We all need to hear these stories about our neighbors. If you have a story to share, reply in the comments section or e-mail to me at jackiebridges@shelbystar.com.
Monday, September 10, 2007
A list of people and businesses who have helped Sharon Crocker
Caring neighbors
The following is a list of individuals and businesses who have helped the Crocker family.
Dennis Theis
Ken Johnson
Donald Cody
Bobby Ledbetter
Tom Walters
Hugh Long
David Brown
Junior and Myrna Hamrick
George Appling
Carlton Beam
Jeff Ellis
Dana Ledbetter Lee
Annette Ledbetter
David Bartlett
Macky Turner
Patrick Brown
Cheryle Cooke
Ashton Cooke
Randall Evans
Richard Tesseneer
Britt Fender
Lisa Trexler
Connie, Rebecca and Jarrod Queen
Raymond Nestlerode
Ernest Eckback
James Wooten
Vick Rollins
Mickey Heyward
Eddie Smith
Andrew Johnson
Lynn Lee
Freddie Jones
David Paschall
Joe Porter
Mark Beam
Chris Ellis
Samuel Cody
Micheal Newton
Sam Newton
Libby Glenn
Mildred Wilson
Libby Creswell
Ray Wilson
Bill Gamble and his friends
Alfred Price Jr. and crew
John Ballenger and crew
Wayne Theis
Andrew Theis
Jarrod Hamrick
Robin Hendrick
Mike Holcomb
Linda and Ray Jackson
Ronnie and Margie Pannell
Travis and Regina Crocker
David Blanton
Eastside Baptist Church Youth Group
Cleveland Physical Therapy Associates
Dr. Mike Miller
Shelby Family Practice
Don Miller
Village Mini Mart
Arnold’s Jewelry
Boiling Springs Masonic Lodge
Shelby Star
Shelby Shopper
Pressroom Printing
Masonic Lodge 202
Iron Brotherhood
Mike Marlow
Zoar Baptist Church
Elizabeth Baptist Church
Buffalo Baptist Church
Lincolnton Baptist Church
Christopher Road Baptist Church
Mount Sinai Baptist Church
Hendrick Appliance
Quality Insulation Co.
Spake Concrete Products
Lowes of Shelby
Cleveland Lumber
Sam Cody Roofing
Dedmon’s Transit Concrete Mix
Brackett’s Farm & Forest Products
Western Carolina Supply Co.
Boltons Plumbing
Cleveland Electrical
Jones Heating & Air
Born to Cook Catering Inc.
Greater Cleveland County Baptist Association
Everyone who has contributed to the Crocker Project Fundraisers
The following is a list of individuals and businesses who have helped the Crocker family.
Dennis Theis
Ken Johnson
Donald Cody
Bobby Ledbetter
Tom Walters
Hugh Long
David Brown
Junior and Myrna Hamrick
George Appling
Carlton Beam
Jeff Ellis
Dana Ledbetter Lee
Annette Ledbetter
David Bartlett
Macky Turner
Patrick Brown
Cheryle Cooke
Ashton Cooke
Randall Evans
Richard Tesseneer
Britt Fender
Lisa Trexler
Connie, Rebecca and Jarrod Queen
Raymond Nestlerode
Ernest Eckback
James Wooten
Vick Rollins
Mickey Heyward
Eddie Smith
Andrew Johnson
Lynn Lee
Freddie Jones
David Paschall
Joe Porter
Mark Beam
Chris Ellis
Samuel Cody
Micheal Newton
Sam Newton
Libby Glenn
Mildred Wilson
Libby Creswell
Ray Wilson
Bill Gamble and his friends
Alfred Price Jr. and crew
John Ballenger and crew
Wayne Theis
Andrew Theis
Jarrod Hamrick
Robin Hendrick
Mike Holcomb
Linda and Ray Jackson
Ronnie and Margie Pannell
Travis and Regina Crocker
David Blanton
Eastside Baptist Church Youth Group
Cleveland Physical Therapy Associates
Dr. Mike Miller
Shelby Family Practice
Don Miller
Village Mini Mart
Arnold’s Jewelry
Boiling Springs Masonic Lodge
Shelby Star
Shelby Shopper
Pressroom Printing
Masonic Lodge 202
Iron Brotherhood
Mike Marlow
Zoar Baptist Church
Elizabeth Baptist Church
Buffalo Baptist Church
Lincolnton Baptist Church
Christopher Road Baptist Church
Mount Sinai Baptist Church
Hendrick Appliance
Quality Insulation Co.
Spake Concrete Products
Lowes of Shelby
Cleveland Lumber
Sam Cody Roofing
Dedmon’s Transit Concrete Mix
Brackett’s Farm & Forest Products
Western Carolina Supply Co.
Boltons Plumbing
Cleveland Electrical
Jones Heating & Air
Born to Cook Catering Inc.
Greater Cleveland County Baptist Association
Everyone who has contributed to the Crocker Project Fundraisers
Community helps family in need
There are good, caring people in Cleveland County and the region, and Sharon Crocker and her family have met many of them. The complete story will be published in Tuesday's Star, but here are the highlights:
In February, Sharon and her family started the process to raise money to pay off a handicapped-accessible van and build an addition on her parent’s house. Sharon was paralyzed from her chest down in a dirt bike accident in September 2006. She spent 19 days in intensive care. She died and was brought back to life. They told her she’d never walk again. She’d never feed herself. She would never raise or use her arms or move her head again.Through hard work and physical therapy, she can do everything but walk.
The outpouring of love from friends and strangers alike is overwhelming to Sharon and her family.
"I’d worked in health care for 20-something years and there I was on the helping end," Sharon said. "Now I’m not able to do like I was and people are coming out of the woodwork to help me."
She and her two children, Faron and Landon, moved back in with her parents, Barbara and Bill Crocker of Shelby. There are two bedrooms in the house for five people.
"Our clothes are folded up and pushed in every nook and cranny of the house," Sharon explains.
In the new addition, which has been built with volunteer labor, Sharon and her children will have their own space. There is a handicap-accessible shower, where Sharon dreams of being able to take a shower for the first time in more than a year.
The $12,000 they raised from their first fundraiser was enough to get the room completely in the dry. The money went a long way because items were donated or discounted for the project.
The family needs between $3,000 and $5,000 to finish the new addition.
Everyone involved in the project is confident the money will be raised and another fundraiser is planned for Sept. 22.
"We’ve seen so many blessings in the past year, we can’t name them all," said Barbara, Sharon’s mom. "People have come in from everywhere. We’ve had times that we needed things and didn’t know where they were going to come from and people would call or come by and bring what we needed."
Want to help?
You can help Sharon Crocker and her family raise the money to finish the addition to the Crocker house.
When: Saturday, Sept. 22, from 4 to 7 p.m.
Where: Shelby High School
What: Poor Man’s supper with pork roast, pintos, coleslaw, onions, dessert and drink. The meal will be cooked by Sharon's cousin, Cheryle Cook and Linda and Ray Jackson.
Cost: $8 for adults and $5 for children 4-12
Drawings: When you buy a ticket for the meal, you are automatically entered in a drawing for items donated by local businesses, including Arnold’s Jewelry and Hendrick’s.
In February, Sharon and her family started the process to raise money to pay off a handicapped-accessible van and build an addition on her parent’s house. Sharon was paralyzed from her chest down in a dirt bike accident in September 2006. She spent 19 days in intensive care. She died and was brought back to life. They told her she’d never walk again. She’d never feed herself. She would never raise or use her arms or move her head again.Through hard work and physical therapy, she can do everything but walk.
The outpouring of love from friends and strangers alike is overwhelming to Sharon and her family.
"I’d worked in health care for 20-something years and there I was on the helping end," Sharon said. "Now I’m not able to do like I was and people are coming out of the woodwork to help me."
She and her two children, Faron and Landon, moved back in with her parents, Barbara and Bill Crocker of Shelby. There are two bedrooms in the house for five people.
"Our clothes are folded up and pushed in every nook and cranny of the house," Sharon explains.
In the new addition, which has been built with volunteer labor, Sharon and her children will have their own space. There is a handicap-accessible shower, where Sharon dreams of being able to take a shower for the first time in more than a year.
The $12,000 they raised from their first fundraiser was enough to get the room completely in the dry. The money went a long way because items were donated or discounted for the project.
The family needs between $3,000 and $5,000 to finish the new addition.
Everyone involved in the project is confident the money will be raised and another fundraiser is planned for Sept. 22.
"We’ve seen so many blessings in the past year, we can’t name them all," said Barbara, Sharon’s mom. "People have come in from everywhere. We’ve had times that we needed things and didn’t know where they were going to come from and people would call or come by and bring what we needed."
Want to help?
You can help Sharon Crocker and her family raise the money to finish the addition to the Crocker house.
When: Saturday, Sept. 22, from 4 to 7 p.m.
Where: Shelby High School
What: Poor Man’s supper with pork roast, pintos, coleslaw, onions, dessert and drink. The meal will be cooked by Sharon's cousin, Cheryle Cook and Linda and Ray Jackson.
Cost: $8 for adults and $5 for children 4-12
Drawings: When you buy a ticket for the meal, you are automatically entered in a drawing for items donated by local businesses, including Arnold’s Jewelry and Hendrick’s.
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Commissioners recognize Gerald Weathers
The Cleveland County Commissioners recognized Gerald Weathers at its meeting Aug. 7 for hearing the call for help from WOHS Radio DJ Tim Biggerstaff.
A story with a good ending
Cleveland County Commissioners recognized Gerald Weathers at its meeting in August for "his random act of kindness to hear the call for help from WOHS Radio DJ Tim Biggerstaff."
The morning of May 28, Weathers heard Biggerstaff call for help on the air on WOHS-AM 730. He drove to the radio station’s building at 1511 W. Dixon Blvd. and called 911 when nobody answered his knocks.
Biggerstaff, 46, had gotten dehydrated, had a seizure while he was doing his radio show and collapsed and remained unconscious until medical personnel arrived and took him to Cleveland Regional Medical Center in an ambulance.
He was released around 5 p.m. that same day and is OK.
The story also received national attention.
“Who could’ve known our story would’ve generated such interest,” Biggerstaff said. “The world is hungry for some good news.”
Weathers said he and Biggerstaff have repeated their story to people who work for ABC, CBS, CNN, FOX, People magazine, The National Enquirer and media outlets in South America.
“I feel like I was just trying to help my fellow man and doing what I’d want someone to do for me,” Weathers said. “People seem to like a story with a good ending.”
The morning of May 28, Weathers heard Biggerstaff call for help on the air on WOHS-AM 730. He drove to the radio station’s building at 1511 W. Dixon Blvd. and called 911 when nobody answered his knocks.
Biggerstaff, 46, had gotten dehydrated, had a seizure while he was doing his radio show and collapsed and remained unconscious until medical personnel arrived and took him to Cleveland Regional Medical Center in an ambulance.
He was released around 5 p.m. that same day and is OK.
The story also received national attention.
“Who could’ve known our story would’ve generated such interest,” Biggerstaff said. “The world is hungry for some good news.”
Weathers said he and Biggerstaff have repeated their story to people who work for ABC, CBS, CNN, FOX, People magazine, The National Enquirer and media outlets in South America.
“I feel like I was just trying to help my fellow man and doing what I’d want someone to do for me,” Weathers said. “People seem to like a story with a good ending.”
Monday, August 27, 2007
Brighten a soldier's day
Today it’s your turn to brighten someone’s day — to let a soldier in Iraq know that he hasn’t been forgotten by the people back home.
Fain Hamrick, whose son Brad was one of the first 1,000 paratroopers to jump out of a plane into the Iraqi landscape, is a member of the Military Support Group in Cleveland County.
The group meets the fourth Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. at Central United Methodist Church.
On a regular basis, the group is asked if they can provide the names of Cleveland County soldiers. Church groups and civic clubs want to put together care packages, but don’t know where to send them.
"We need a place where people can call and leave the addresses," Hamrick said.
For now, military families can leave names and addresses by posting them in the comments section on the "Random Acts of Kindness" blog.
By compiling a list of names, we can help others pass along kindness to the soldiers who are giving up so much of their lives to serve our country.
Fain Hamrick, whose son Brad was one of the first 1,000 paratroopers to jump out of a plane into the Iraqi landscape, is a member of the Military Support Group in Cleveland County.
The group meets the fourth Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. at Central United Methodist Church.
On a regular basis, the group is asked if they can provide the names of Cleveland County soldiers. Church groups and civic clubs want to put together care packages, but don’t know where to send them.
"We need a place where people can call and leave the addresses," Hamrick said.
For now, military families can leave names and addresses by posting them in the comments section on the "Random Acts of Kindness" blog.
By compiling a list of names, we can help others pass along kindness to the soldiers who are giving up so much of their lives to serve our country.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Giving back
Sgt. 1st Class Russell Thorington, left, and Sgt. 1st Class Greg Thompson show their appreciation to Kalan Trammel. Kalan,12, used his birthday money to buy lunch for Thorington, Thompson and Sgt. Randy Hicks."It makes us feel proud and makes us feel that what we are doing is appreciated," Thompson said.
Honoring our servicemen
Kalan and his mom, Tammy Trammel, were eating lunch at Ken and Mary’s for his 12th birthday. Kalan noticed there were three Army men eating lunch.
"I had never seen any Army men eating anywhere and I decided to buy their lunch, because they are fighting for us. I figured the least I could do was buy their lunch."
He asked his mom if he could use his birthday money to buy lunch for the three men and went over to their table and picked up their tab.
Sgt. 1st Class Greg Thompson, who has served 23 years in the military, said they are used to adults offering to buy their meal, but "never, out-of-the-blue from a 12-year-old. His mom cried like a baby."
Kalan said that he watches the news and just wanted to show his appreciation in some small way.
Thompson and the other two officers, Sgt. 1st Class Russell Thorington and Sgt. Randy Hicks were really caught off guard by the 12-year-old.
"We knew that we had to do something else for him," said Thorington, who returned in September 2006 after a year in Iraq.
"It makes us feel proud and makes us feel that what we are doing is appreciated," Thompson said.
They gave Kalan a camouflage National Guard backpack filled with school supplies with the National Guard logo, playing cards and other fun stuff.
Kalan will be in the 7th grade at Crest Middle School. His father, Scott, wasn’t with them that day, but he’s also proud of his son.
"I had never seen any Army men eating anywhere and I decided to buy their lunch, because they are fighting for us. I figured the least I could do was buy their lunch."
He asked his mom if he could use his birthday money to buy lunch for the three men and went over to their table and picked up their tab.
Sgt. 1st Class Greg Thompson, who has served 23 years in the military, said they are used to adults offering to buy their meal, but "never, out-of-the-blue from a 12-year-old. His mom cried like a baby."
Kalan said that he watches the news and just wanted to show his appreciation in some small way.
Thompson and the other two officers, Sgt. 1st Class Russell Thorington and Sgt. Randy Hicks were really caught off guard by the 12-year-old.
"We knew that we had to do something else for him," said Thorington, who returned in September 2006 after a year in Iraq.
"It makes us feel proud and makes us feel that what we are doing is appreciated," Thompson said.
They gave Kalan a camouflage National Guard backpack filled with school supplies with the National Guard logo, playing cards and other fun stuff.
Kalan will be in the 7th grade at Crest Middle School. His father, Scott, wasn’t with them that day, but he’s also proud of his son.
Saving Morgan's hair
Virginia Deal of Salon Palazzo works to get the knot out of Morgan Koder's hair after her surgery. Five other stylists also worked on Morgan's hair.An act of caring and love
Morgan Koder, the daughter of Elaine and Brett Koder, is 16 and has the most beautiful long curly hair, which falls at her waist. Morgan was having surgery and didn’t want to cut her hair. The doctor told them they could wash her hair 48 hours after the surgery.
Elaine was going to try and wash Morgan's hair herself using one of the sinks at Salon Palazzo. But when beautician Virginia Deal saw Morgan's hair, she knew it was going to take a miracle.
About 2 inches down from the incision on Morgan’s scalp was a baseball-size matted mess of hair, Betadine and dried blood. Virginia along with Ann McCraw, Susan Brown (owner), Libby Davis, Candace Davis and Bambi Tessner made it their mission to save Morgan's hair.
"In between every client Virginia had and every client that everyone else had, they came and worked on Morgan’s hair," Elaine said. "Anytime anyone had a spare moment they worked on her hair. They kept working the matte down lower."
In all they spent 7 hours on Morgan's hair, getting the matte down far enough that they could cut it out and blend it in with the rest of Morgan’s hair.
"I offered to pay them, but they wouldn’t take any money," Elaine said. "Susan (Brown, the owner) said, ‘You’re like family and we wanted to do this for you.’"
Those women are one of the many reasons Elaine is glad to call Shelby home.
"When I came home that exhausting day, I thought about those six women and their compassion and commitment — that is the heart and soul of this town. It is infectious. It makes you want to be that way. It was an incredible gift for them to give to my daughter as they did," Elaine said.
Do you have a story like the Koders? You can share it here by posting a comment.
Elaine was going to try and wash Morgan's hair herself using one of the sinks at Salon Palazzo. But when beautician Virginia Deal saw Morgan's hair, she knew it was going to take a miracle.
About 2 inches down from the incision on Morgan’s scalp was a baseball-size matted mess of hair, Betadine and dried blood. Virginia along with Ann McCraw, Susan Brown (owner), Libby Davis, Candace Davis and Bambi Tessner made it their mission to save Morgan's hair.
"In between every client Virginia had and every client that everyone else had, they came and worked on Morgan’s hair," Elaine said. "Anytime anyone had a spare moment they worked on her hair. They kept working the matte down lower."
In all they spent 7 hours on Morgan's hair, getting the matte down far enough that they could cut it out and blend it in with the rest of Morgan’s hair.
"I offered to pay them, but they wouldn’t take any money," Elaine said. "Susan (Brown, the owner) said, ‘You’re like family and we wanted to do this for you.’"
Those women are one of the many reasons Elaine is glad to call Shelby home.
"When I came home that exhausting day, I thought about those six women and their compassion and commitment — that is the heart and soul of this town. It is infectious. It makes you want to be that way. It was an incredible gift for them to give to my daughter as they did," Elaine said.
Do you have a story like the Koders? You can share it here by posting a comment.
Friday, August 17, 2007
The good news in Cleveland County
I’m working on two stories for my first column in Tuesday’s paper that will warm your heart.
One is about a 12-year-old boy who spent money given to him for his birthday to do something nice for someone else.
The other story is about a group of ladies who went out of their way to show love and compassion to a 16-year-old.
I’m enjoying getting to talk to people about all the good things that are going on in our community. There’s a funny thing that happens when you do something nice for someone else: it’s contagious.
People hear about good deeds and they want to pass along the good feelings to someone else.
There’s another thing I’ve discovered about the people who are caught doing good things for others — they don’t want the recognition. It’s just their nature to help someone in need or to be nice — it’s how they were raised.
Because these people don’t seek the spotlight, I’m going to really need your help. Please share your stories by posting comments to this blog and keep checking here for more good news.
Thanks,
Jackie Bridges
One is about a 12-year-old boy who spent money given to him for his birthday to do something nice for someone else.
The other story is about a group of ladies who went out of their way to show love and compassion to a 16-year-old.
I’m enjoying getting to talk to people about all the good things that are going on in our community. There’s a funny thing that happens when you do something nice for someone else: it’s contagious.
People hear about good deeds and they want to pass along the good feelings to someone else.
There’s another thing I’ve discovered about the people who are caught doing good things for others — they don’t want the recognition. It’s just their nature to help someone in need or to be nice — it’s how they were raised.
Because these people don’t seek the spotlight, I’m going to really need your help. Please share your stories by posting comments to this blog and keep checking here for more good news.
Thanks,
Jackie Bridges
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Share your stories
Cleveland County is one of the best places to live and it's because of the caring, friendly people.
Time and time again, the people of Cleveland County have proven what big hearts they have -- whether it's giving to the United Way, American Cancer Society's Relay for Life or the Salvation Army's Empty Stocking Fund.
The people of Cleveland County -- from the young to the old -- care about their neighbors and they show it by the little random acts of kindness they do. Often, these inspirational stories are not publicized. But we want to share those stories to point out all the good things that go on in our community on a daily basis.
We need your help to shine the light on these good deeds. On Tuesday, look for a new column in The Star by Special Projects Editor Jackie Bridges. This column will feature stories about your neighbors and the things they have done to make their part of the world a little brighter.
Time and time again, the people of Cleveland County have proven what big hearts they have -- whether it's giving to the United Way, American Cancer Society's Relay for Life or the Salvation Army's Empty Stocking Fund.
The people of Cleveland County -- from the young to the old -- care about their neighbors and they show it by the little random acts of kindness they do. Often, these inspirational stories are not publicized. But we want to share those stories to point out all the good things that go on in our community on a daily basis.
We need your help to shine the light on these good deeds. On Tuesday, look for a new column in The Star by Special Projects Editor Jackie Bridges. This column will feature stories about your neighbors and the things they have done to make their part of the world a little brighter.
You can post your suggestions here.
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