Northwest Observer Forums > Northwest Observer Forums > Feedback/Questions on Articles We've Published > Questions? Comments?
Northwest Observer Forums > Northwest Observer Forums > Feedback/Questions on Articles We've Published > Questions? Comments? |
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EditorPS Administrator 
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Whether it's a news article, a "Question You Have Asked," or a human interest story, we'd like to have your feedback on our community news coverage. And have we left out some additional information that you'd like to know? If so, post your questions here and we'll get back to you ASAP. |
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SMHW Member
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I think you have way too many articles/photos about people's pets. I enjoy a good human interest pet story, but it seems when you run one, you also have several pages of color pet photos and on and on. How about the other side of the coin. We live in a subdivision near Summerfield. Huge dogs run rampant in our neighborhood with complete disregard to county laws. We've called out the county animal control on many occasions, but people just call in their dogs when they roll through then let them out again. They bark all night, scare our children from playing in their own yard and made a litter box out of our children's sand box. It's disgraceful. We choose not to have pets. We wish others would enjoy their pets from their own yards. |
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Cracker Jax Member 
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You see, I used to feel that way, but I have been converted!! Once I embraced the idea of pet pages, it was much easier on me. If I am not mistaken, those pet pages only run once a month and I just look at it like someone out there gets joy out of them. See, I am not a big obituary reader and I don't read the comics, but I still read all of the papers... Something for everybody.. that's what makes the world go round, right? Ok.. surely I've redeemed myself right Sandra??? Now.. my opinion on this week's paper.... I know you think I am gonna say "Have you heard the Chatter" was my favorite, because yours truly was quoted, but nope!! Pages 14 and 15 are my very favoritest this week!! There's a mini Cracker sighting there! Woo Hoo! Happy Heart Day!! |
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StewartM Member 
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Cracker I am glad you are finally petting the dog .................................... See he doesn't bite....... Sandra take a picture of Cracker petting the Santa dog..... Last edited on Feb 12th, 2006 01:43 am by StewartM |
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Cracker Jax Member
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Hey Mike!!! |
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StewartM Member
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You found me.........You get a doggie treat |
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Cracker Jax Member
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Just wait til SM Steve-O finds you and you're getting an off topic sign mister!!! Soooooo to get myself out of trouble, does anyone else have questions or comments or even suggestions about articles or features in the NWO??? |
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Kris McNeill Member
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  Ya'll are bad......bad to the bone  |
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Steve Adkins Member 
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 OK amigos, give our fearless leader some feedback like she asked for pls |
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bama80 Member 
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No questions at this time. Thanks for the forum area to do it though. |
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StewartM Member
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How about all a local editorial cartoon |
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S. Smith Moderator
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Thanks for coming around on the Pet Pages, Cracker. (You're right Mike -- my doggie in that silly Santa hat doesn't bite, not even when people like Cracker make fun of him.) SMHW, thanks for your honest input. We do realize that not everybody likes pets or the pet pages, and that's okay. We do run the pet pages in just one issue per month, the same as our Senior Living pages (okay, nobody out there better say they don't like senior citizens!) Unfortunately it sounds as though the problem in your neighborhood is maybe not so much the pets but their owners who aren't keeping them in their own yards. I'm sorry for that because there are also big, barking dogs that live near me and they sometimes leave "surprises" in my yard, in my driveway and even on my front walk. |
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S. Smith Moderator
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Okay, Cracker, I'll bite (pun intended) -- what was on page 14-15? I'm at home and don't have my trusty NWO in front of me, and believe it or not, I can't remember specifically what was on those pages. Now another question: What is a mini Cracker? Is that like a Triscuit or a Wheat Thin? (Don't anybody give me an "off topic." I'm trying to respond to Cracker's feedback on what is shem's "favoritest" part of this week's paper!) |
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Cracker Jax Member
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Gosh Sandra... You really need to get out more... Tell Patti to let you out of that cubicle and come over to MAAN more often..... Mini cracker, Mini macca, Mini Lacka, ... Those are our children... However, mine has recently been RE- named to Ritz Bits. (Bite sized crackers... oh well, you know....) There is a picture of "Ritz Bits" on page 14 of the NWO... (BTW, Shem's the prettiest one)... and shem's PROFOUND quote is on page 15!!! I gotta tell ya, that really thrilled the entire class at Laughlin. The teacher was thrilled and was mailing a copy to her parents who don't live here... Ritz Bits has collected everyone in the family's copies to save and show off and I have had to FORCE himer not to pick up a new copy every time we go to the Food Dog.... My point is, the kid pages are a big hit and I think if you have another week in the month, you should feature kids pics from around town (like you do seniors and pets).... Gives them one heck of a thrill..... And I would NEVER say I don't like the senior pages... they are GREAT!!! Perhaps I'll get Lacka to knit a Santa Hat for Ritz Bits... She'll make the paper again for sure then!!! |
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S. Smith Moderator
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Oh, now I get it. Thanks for the clarification, Cracker, and congrats to little Ritz Bits. We'll have to give that Kid's Photo page some thought, but I like it! StewartM wrote: How about all a local editorial cartoon Great idea! I love it, just don't leave it up to me. I don't think my stick figure drawings would impress anybody. |
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StewartM Member
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Let the art class at Northwest do it as a project....Business working with schools |
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zippitydoodah Member
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I'd feel sorry for some poor little high school student doing this job. Editorial cartoons can really get people riled up -- look at how much trouble that cartoon of Muhammed has caused. |
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Cracker Jax Member
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I saw those cartoons... I did not get it... There I said it. I never get the editorial cartoons. |
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Cracker Jax Member
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I need to register a formal complaint.
You forgot this week's "Have you heard the chatter?" feature! Ok... If you needed to take it out for the Camp Carefree story, the obituary or the letter from Beth Kaplan (all of which were very nice BTW) then you are excused.... Next time let us know if we are gonna be on the cutting room floor and we might consider passing the hat to buy some ad space!!!!
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Waytago Member 
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Cracker Jax wrote:
Oh, Cracker...............go easy on our fine editors. It's like gift giving. Someone does it once, it's great. 2nd time, nice. 3rd time, becomes entitlement. It's a nice gesture when they quote famous Summerfield people, but we shouldn't rag on them when space won't allow.  I'll commend you for willingness to pass the hat..........maybe we should do it anyway and buy an ad for our million dollar forum. Nobody will win a million dollars, but they'll be happy as a million dollars if they join us. |
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Cracker Jax Member
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I didn't mean to be mean. I just wanted them to know we missed it. Don't want to lose our momentum you know....
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S. Smith Moderator
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No offense taken, Cracker. Patti and I have grown fairly thick skins over the years, so it definitely takes more than that to offend us. Okay, we understand that the favorite section of the paper (at least of this bunch) is Have You Heard the Chatter. We're always interested in hearing your feedback and ideas. How many of you would be interested in editorial cartoons on local topics? |
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Cracker Jax Member
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Yes, we love the chatter... Especially that BIG one last week!! I think an editorial cartoon would be great....I just hope I can get it.... You know I am still trying to figure out that controversial one that's been on the news..... |
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Waytago Member
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S. Smith wrote: How many of you would be interested in editorial cartoons on local topics? Great Idea - I think it would be a great addition to the NWO. I still think you're awesome Cracker.........you too Sandra !! |
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Cracker Jax Member
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You "da bomb" too WTG....
Hey!, will you explain the editorial cartoon to me if I don't understand it??? |
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Kris McNeill Member
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S. Smith wrote: How many of you would be interested in editorial cartoons on local topics? I'd like that - not necessarily POLITICAL cartoons - I don't always understand those  and sometimes they are so controversial. But a "funny" on a local topic would be good - although I could see that being controversial too if it were a "too hot" topic especially one a little TOO close to home. I usually like the little cartoon in the Go Triad section of the N&R - it's usually about something recently in the news - kind of a funny twist on the subject. This weeks was about - what else but - the Cheney hunting accident. |
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Kris McNeill Member
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StewartM wrote: Let the art class at Northwest do it as a project....Business working with schools I think that's a good idea worthy of investigating with the art dept at NW if ya'll are considering the cartoon idea Sandra. Maybe an "art intern" or just a program where the students could submit cartoons for consideration? It would be something they could add to their portfolio and would be special to have been published..... Last edited on Feb 19th, 2006 04:49 pm by Kris McNeill |
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EditorPS Administrator
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Though neither Sandra or I have tried to look for an editorial cartoonist yet since we began talking about it several months ago, I know that when we do, we'll be adding yet one more thing that will have the potential of offending someone, or a group of someones. My hesitancy, therefore, with using a NWHS student is that it very well would put them in the line of fire from time to time, unless we don't reveal their identity. We don't get a lot of abuse, but from time to time someone lays into us; just within this last week two of our writers have received calls at home and been blasted for things that were, or were not in the paper. That might be a bit much for a teenager to handle (it's a bit much for us to handle sometimes  ). The other concern I have is that while a high school student could definitely possess the artistic ability we are looking for in an editorial cartoonist, what we also need is someone who follows local news and can be creative in what topics to depict (and how) in the cartoons. In other words, coming up with the topics and the copy for the cartoons in addition to actually doing the drawing is what we really need. With that in mind, if any of you have anyone you know who is both artistically talented (with drawing cartoons) and also follows local news and has a "unique" sense of humor, please let us know. If not, I'll continue to think about how we can find the kind of person we need. Thanks for your input! |
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EditorPS Administrator
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P.S. One other thing with regard to businesses working with schools -- we agree that it's a good idea when possible, which is why I started using student writers about 5 years ago. Also, this year we have an intern from New Garden Friends School, a student from Bishop McGuinness who shadowed me for one week in January, and Anna Diemer, who you've met on the forum, is also interning with us this year. I love working with these students and they're fun to have around! Last edited on Feb 20th, 2006 01:32 am by EditorPS |
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Steve Adkins Member
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EditorPS wrote: Anna Diemer, who you've met on the forum, is also interning with us this year. Where have Anna & Jacob been the last few weeks? Have missed their postings. |
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Cracker Jax Member
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EditorPS wrote: just within this last week two of our writers have received calls at home and been blasted for things that were, or were not in the paper. For the record Waytago, I did NOT call any NWO staff and complain about "Have you heard the Chatter" being left out of the paper..... |
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Steve Adkins Member
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EditorPS wrote: Though neither Sandra or I have tried to look for an editorial cartoonist yet..... Are editorial cartoonists captive to the "other" newspapers in town? These folks have already got the thick skins (I would guess??), do they have to be "loyal" to only one newspaper? Last edited on Feb 20th, 2006 01:44 am by Steve Adkins |
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EditorPS Administrator
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Steve Adkins wrote: EditorPS wrote:I don't know, but I sure would like to have their thoughts on the drug situation at NWHS. Why don't we send them a private message and see if we can rouse them? Surely they're not studying ALL the time...Anna Diemer, who you've met on the forum, is also interning with us this year. |
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Steve Adkins Member
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March 10 - 16 issue Nice commentary Sandra on "A Worthy Contribution". Good Job !! Same issue - Letter to Editor - Good Grief, we don't need to turn the Concerned Citizens loose on the fire department !!!!! They'll be complaining about spending money for the fire truck fuel. |
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zippitydoodah Member
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Steve Adkins wrote: Good Grief, we don't need to turn the Concerned Citizens loose on the fire department !!!!! They'll be complaining about spending money for the fire truck fuel.Whoa! Hope my house is not the one that's on fire! |
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S. Smith Moderator
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Steve Adkins wrote: March 10 - 16 issueThank you Steve. Everybody bear in mind that I said there are still a lot of details that would have to be worked out, but I really like the concept of a community library. Hey, if they could do in out here back in 1959 when these were really rural farm communities and the local towns weren't even established in this area, think what could be accomplished now! |
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Cracker Jax Member
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Goodness gracious. I forgot to comment on LAST WEEK's paper and now I'm a week behind! LOVED the park pic and article. Good Job Sandra! Vicki, Good job on the water article! Views: Yay Mike! Don't know Steve Toney, but I'm sure proud of him! Great letter! And in reference to Ms. Stuman's letter on Teacher's assistants, I spent the day today in kindergarten substituting (for free) for an absent TA. I can not imagine a teacher having to do what in my opinion is a job for 3 people by herself. WAKE UP GRIER! BTW Sandra, was that pup in the yellow rain slicker kin to your dog???
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Waytago Member
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Sandra........great job on the writeup regarding Dr Sellers presentation at the Summerfield TC !!! Interesting comparison regarding Oak Ridge & Summerfield surveys. Two slightly different methods of obtaining data (property owners vs voters) yielded almost identical results. Pretty clear, people in both communities want the same things. |
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Cracker Jax Member
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Got my big fat edition of the NWO today! LOVED the focus on the home insert! Ya'll pulled out the fancy paper for that insert too! Looked real nice. Haven't read the rest of my paper yet(except for chatter, which I always read first) Will read everything tonight...... |
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EditorPS Administrator
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Thanks for the feedback, Cracker. Yep, we did pull out the fancy paper for the Home section -- the special sections have a much longer shelf life and the heavier paper holds up better over time. Also, of course, everything just looks crisper on that bright, white paper - wish we could afford to print on it all the time! While we're talking about special sections, please take a look at the new survey questions I've added this morning, one of which is about our next special section. We'll publish it on June 16 and it will be called "Welcome to the Neighborhood." Its intent is to focus on our communities from an "outside-in" view and provide a variety of helpful information on "Who to Contact" for everything from garbage pickup to PTA presidents; community profiles; photos of "Around Town" scenes, etc. We'd like for it to be a complete resource for people moving here from far away and know nothing about our area, as well as people who already live here and may not know about the history of the local towns, how to reach certain people and organizations, etc. So -- you know we count on all of you to help us out -- please give us your ideas of what to include in this section so that it will be something our readers will want to hold on to throughout the year, okay? |
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Cracker Jax Member
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Will do Patti. Read the rest of my paper last night...just like I promised. Articles were fabulous as usual... Enjoyed Q&A... seemed to be expanded for this issue. Love that. LOVE LOVE LOVE the Scenes from around Town.... Now that's what I'm talking about!!! |
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Cracker Jax Member
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Cracker Jax wrote:
Quoting myself again here.... I just noticed a photo of that SAME little raincoated pup on page 25 of the NWO in the MISSING POOCHES section!!!!! Ya'll look at that pic and keep an eye out for that little dog! I dont' know himmer personally, but I'm attached to himmer now. |
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S. Smith Moderator
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I'm glad you're attached to that little pooch now. We got word yesterday that "Happy" has been returned to shem's owners -- now owners and puppy are all Happy! I'm touched, Cracker. You not being a "pet" person and all. Of course, I think we're starting to convert you. (In answer to your original question, no, that little pup's not related to mine, but that doesn't seem to matter to dogs. They love everybody!) |
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Cracker Jax Member
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I am so HAPPY about HAPPY! Tell himmer's owners congrats!!! Also, I am TOO a pet person. I've just had the best and no other dog will ever compare. He was my "son" for 15 years. He was around before leash laws and those crowded neighborhoods creeping in on mine and was friends with every family in my neighborhood (There are more than 50 homes here and my "crackerdog" guarded them all). My neighbors were very tolerant of him and enjoyed watching him making his morning rounds... they didn't even mind him napping in the occasional daffodill bed or on their prized azalea bushes... The UPS guy still talks about ol' "crackerdog" every time I see him. He's been gone for a year now and there will never be another one like him. My "crackerdog" would trick or treat with us every year and never once did he choose to wear a costume!!!! |
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Cracker Jax Member
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I have a comment for Sandra.... At town council tonight, all I could think about was those yummy food lion iced oatmeal cookies that I spotted when I came in the door... I had decided that when they had the first break, I was gonna jump across the room and get myself one of those cookies...
At the break, across the room I darted and they were GONE! When the meeting resumed, I looked over at poor Sandra pecking away on the laptop and there were about 4 of those cookies I sure hope my tummy rumbling did not bother you Sandra!!! And don't you try to tell me they were Robert Gordon's cookies either missy!!!
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S. Smith Moderator
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Oh no -- I have been exposed!  When I came in this morning, Patti had printed out Cracker's comments (in color, I might add) and they were there on my desk to greet me. I am sorry that I took all the cookies (I didn't actually take them -- Robert went and brought them to me -- but you probably don't believe that). I will admit though that I did EAT THEM -- mmmm, they were yummy!!!  Would you feel sorry for me and cut me some slack if I told you that was my dinner? |
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Cracker Jax Member
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Sandra ~~ Well.... I guess I'll forgive you. Next time I'll pack you a PBJ. Then maybe I'll get a cookie! Tell Patti thanks for getting the message to ya! Hey! Is it just me or has the header on this forum changed?????????? Town Talk? I am not usually too observant (unless it involves cookie counting of course) and it could have said that before... not sure. |
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EditorPS Administrator
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Cracker Jax wrote: Cracker, quite to the contrary -- I have found you to be VERY observant and this is no exception. As I've been sharing with you, our Web site is being completely re-designed. We had talked about redoing our online forum as well, but for now, we're just trying to make some subtle improvements to its appearance. So, you're right -- the header has changed and the title as well -- "Town Talk" will be our new name for the online town forum and the logo you see above is our updated logo that has the "10 years" on it. Like it, or no? |
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Cracker Jax Member
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LOVE IT! Looks Crisper (Is that a word?) too! As long as the horse is there and you don't use the word BLOG I'm happy!!!! |
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DToney Member 
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Hey guys... in reading the quotes in my NWO I saw where some folks don't yet know that Stokesdale now has a DRY CLEANERS! Yaaaaaay! There is a real nice young couple from Walnut Cove that opened up a cleaners with alterations I might add... in the center behind the funeral home.... behind our FLORIST shop and beisde our FITNESS CENTER!! Stokesdale is growing... and I hope everyone that needs some cleaning done can bring these young folks your business....  Last edited on Apr 6th, 2006 12:36 pm by DToney |
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Cracker Jax Member
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My goodness! I agree that it's great that we have a local dry cleaners! I hope folks consider supporting our hometown businesses too!!! Last edited on Apr 6th, 2006 02:25 am by Cracker Jax |
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DToney Member
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sorry... I did not realize it would shadow the font! That is ugly and barely legible... I might even go back and clean 'er up a bit! |
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Cracker Jax Member
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That's ok DToney!!! I thought it was FANCY!!! We love colors around here!!! We've tried some pretty hideous combinations over on MAAN ourselves! |
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DToney Member
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please forgive my ignorance, but what is MAAN? |
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macca Member 
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DToney wrote:please forgive my ignorance, but what is MAAN? CRACKAH!!! I hope you don't mind if I answer this....♥♥♥ DToney: "MAAN" is "Much Ado About Nothing"... also referred to as "the playground," because it's just a place where we can discuss (almost) anything without fear of being busted for being "Off Topic!" We've got a nice little play group, but there's always room for many more!!!♥♥♥ "MAAN" has subgroups such as "Restaurant Review," "Bullwinkle's Corner" (we discuss "cultural" events), "Road Rage," and there is a new one about gardening. Then there is the original "MAAN", which is pretty much wide open for topics..... ♥♥♥ Come and join us!!! ♥♥♥ As you can see, I'm one of the ones who likes to be "colorful!" ♥♥♥ |
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Cracker Jax Member
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Ditto what macca said.... and thank you macca! C'mon over DToney!!! Random thoughts welcome! |
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DToney Member
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I have actually posted on MAAN... just didnt occur to me that was what the acronym was for... I guess I deserve a "DUH" on that one! |
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macca Member
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DToney wrote:... I guess I deserve a "DUH" on that one! SO YOU KNOW YOU ALREADY FIT RIGHT IN WITH OUR GANG, RIGHT???♥♥♥ |
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DToney Member
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I hope so! I might be a gamecock fan... but I love it up here! Doing the best to get with the program!! |
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EditorPS Administrator
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And now, back to the subject ... any questions or comments on recent articles in the NWO? |
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Cracker Jax Member
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High Five to Patti and Vicki on the "Horse's Mouth" column (p. 29) this past week!!
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Steve Adkins Member
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Cracker Jax wrote:
Agreed - Good Job Patti & Vicki |
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Cracker Jax Member
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Note how I cleverly slipped in "The Horse's Mouth" as the title for that column. |
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Vicki White-Lawrence Member 
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Steve Adkins wrote:Cracker Jax wrote: Many thanks to both of you for your support.... When I have strong feelings about an issue, those editorials almost seem to write themselves. (CrackerJax, I know I'm not here often, but I think you've changed your appearance - again!) Last edited on Apr 21st, 2006 11:23 am by Vicki White-Lawrence |
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Cracker Jax Member
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Yes ma'am! I decided to ride shotgun for the Lone Ranger (Pappy) for a while! You know, we really have a fun bunch of people on this forum! Can't wait for the mail to run today to see what's in the NWO.... |
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mstone Member
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It was disappointing to see an editorial signed by the mayors of Oak Ridge and Stokesdale writing in support of Linda Shaw the week before the election. If their letter was meant to inform people about their experiences, both mayors could have submitted personal letters a month or more ago. Why did they wait until the week before the election? Why did two very intelligent elected officials choose to work together to pen a letter in support of a political candidate? Obviously, it is intended to sway voters and decisions. To say otherwise (as they did in their closing statement) is disingenuous. That's really bad timing and I think most people are a little smarter than to believe that they were not trying to garner votes for Mrs. Shaw. Why would both mayors work together to write one letter to the editor? Simple, a letter signed by two mayors carries greater clout than two single letters signed by citizens that happen to also be elected officials. If either mayor would have written that exact same letter and signed only their names I wouldn't have a problem with it. However, to jointly pen a letter and then use their elected positions to support or defend a candidate's re-election campaign is bad politics. Their letter was in response to a citizen asking in an editorial, "Who is Linda Shaw?" The writer was pointing out that Mrs. Shaw is rarely seen by her constituents except at election time. The Mayors went to great lengths to show that Mrs. Shaw meets with mayors, boards, commissions, and other political entities and elected officials (she even knows someone with connections to the White House). I think they just proved the previous writer's point. Mrs. Shaw is in touch with politicians - not citizens. The real problem here is that both mayors have thrown their towns' hats in with Mrs. Shaw. If she wins, no problem for them or the towns - it's politics as usual. If she loses, they will have created fences to mend and bridges to build. These mayors (and all town council members) are elected to serve and represent the town and the town's people. This doesn't mean that they shouldn't support and voice their individual opinions and ideas. However, when a letter is signed with the attached title "Mayor of ...", then they are using their elected office for political purposes rather than to serve the citizens of their towns. In the future, I would hope all elected officials would ask themselves if they are writing to express their individual opinions or are they writing to represent the people that elected them. By the way, I'm posting this before the primary votes are counted. This isn't sour grapes or doom and gloom because the votes haven't been cast yet. Who knows what the election holds for all the candidates. My comments are simply an observation. |
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DToney Member
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Thanks for the feedback on the Hwy 158 meeting. Although I forgot about it and did not go... it seems like I did not miss much! Apparently from the article in the NWO it seems no one learned much from that meeting. It seems there is a lot yet to be decided and with little information from the meeting a lot of questions still unanswered! If anyone has any additional information to share, please do so. It would be nice to know where the new 158 will go and when the construction will begin. |
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FatPappy Member 
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Great quote on the cover this time. Well, not great...actually terrible. "I just feel that instead of actually teaching our students how to become a productive part of society that we are being forced to be a number for the school board, greedy superintendents and how a school system looks in a national poll.” |
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FatPappy Member
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That there article on the new web site about Summerfield takin' a stand on illegal immigration is a well-written article an' all, but Pappy still thinks the resolution itse'f is a mite unnescessary. I never could figger out why, out of all the other impo'tant matters at hand, that issue would get top-billin'. Nuthin' really wrong with comin' out an' declarin' we ain't gonna break the law, but, fer one thang, how will we know if a company is usin' illegal workers? We can ask, but will they tell? Reckon not. We ought to lump the whole thang together an' declare we're in favor o' all the world's problems bein' fixed right away. We could all be ambassadors without portfolios to any an' all the world's hot spots an' straighten thangs out in no time. "Hello, China? Y'all quit all that slave labor, OK? Much obliged. Washington, DC, straighten up an' act like somebody! Summerfield's a-watchin' you. Tallyban, y'all let them poor women alone an' quit shootin' ever'body! Al Quieda, what's the matter with you? If y'all wanna he'p thangs by blowin' somethin' up, blow yerse'f up...uh, outside the city limits...somewhar waaaay out in the desert. Little farther...little farther...OK, let 'er rip!" Oh well. Pappy also noticed the Summerfield ABC store is 'bought ready fer action. Maybe I should pick my first ambassadorship venue alphabetically. |
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Skiddles Member 
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Pappy, The genocide in Rwanda, the drugs & cartels in Columbia .. oh and the U.N. is counting the people that are dying from hunger per day in real time for us ...it's at 25,576 people so far and that's only TODAY at this time!!!! let's do not forget these important items for the Summerfield's list! Oops... (covering mouth). Patty, With all said, I think the new look is great. It is was easy to navigate & I LOVE IT! Last edited on May 27th, 2006 01:29 am by Skiddles |
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EditorPS Administrator
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Pappy, you've brought up some good points and I agree about priorities and resolutions with no teeth to them. And while we're focusing time and energy on illegal immigration, is anybody concerned about the possibility of a flu pandemic and how our town would respond if in fact it happened -- or for that matter, how would our town respond to any emergency situation, weather, flu, or otherwise? Or, on a really local and soon-to-be occuring note, what about the projected enrollment of 2457 students at Northwest High School next year? Is that anything to be concerned about or does it all wane in comparison to illegal immigration? |
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Skiddles Member
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EditorPS wrote: And while we're focusing time and energy on illegal immigration, is anybody concerned about the possibility of......how would our town respond to any emergency situation, weather, flu, or otherwise? Or, on a really local and soon-to-be occuring note, what about the projected enrollment of 2457 students at Northwest High School next year? Is that anything to be concerned about or does it all wane in comparison to illegal immigration? EXCELLENT questions Patty! We really do have very important issues that need to be addressed here in little ol' Summerfield. |
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FatPappy Member
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EditorPS wrote:Pappy, you've brought up some good points and I agree about priorities and resolutions with no teeth to them. Good points! The school issue alone is worth much more thought an' effort than the illegal immigrants. Not as easy to "resolve" though. However, now that the immigrant problem is fixed, I been lookin' forward to seein' a "Mission Accomplished" banner draped over a Summerfield City Limit sign on the CBS Eve'nin' News. Photo op! Uh-oh! That reminds me of another burnin' issue that needs to be addressed. Those dang DOT signs that say "City Limits" not "Town Limits." How are people gonna know where they are when they get here? The legal residents an' their school problems will just hafta wait a little longer! (By the way, ol' coots generally prefer to see terms used other than "no teeth." It's a coot thang.) |
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Terry Member
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I was disappointed there was no mention of COMPOSTING in reply to the question regarding what to do with yard waste & grass clippings in the last issue (June 2-8, 2006) "Questions Our Readers Have Asked" section. We should not be burning these materials OR filling our landfills with them! Composting is simple, clean, good for the environment, and the best solution. Personally, we don't have any special gadgets or fenced-in area for our compost pile; it's just an area in the backyard where we dump grass clippings, leaves, sawdust, and uncooked food scraps such egg shells and coffee grounds. We occasionally turn it over with a pitchfork and about a year later, it has turned into rich, organic, soil that is exactly what our vegetable and flower beds crave! Here is a link that explains composting more fully: http://journeytoforever.org/compost.html I would like to see our towns encourage composting on a large-sale by offering public areas where yard waste could be collected. Kernersville has done this for years and offers her residents truckloads of free mulch! A lot of Northwest residents and members of N.E.S.T. worked hard to keep Waste Industries from expanding the landfill out here. Let's continue those efforts by not contributing yard waste to ANY landfill. |
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Cracker Jax Member
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Welcome to the forum Terry!
Thanks for the reminder about composting! I've got one of those spots in my backyard too! |
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EditorPS Administrator
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Hi Terry, Thanks for that insight ... you're absolutely right -- we didn't even think about composting! As for yard waste, though, we were thinking not only about leaves, but twigs and branches. From personal experience, every time we have even a gust of wind it seems our yard is covered in branches of all sizes, ranging from little twigs to very large limbs and I honestly don't know what to do with them except burn them or have them hauled away. Any suggestions? By the way, I bet you wouldn't mind if we did an article on composting? |
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Skiddles Member
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WELCOME, TERRY! I am glad you brought up the topic of composting. I also have a place in my backyard for grass, leaves & kitchen scraps. Who would be a good contact to learn more about your Kville's program? I'm really liking this idea! Last edited on Jun 5th, 2006 07:45 pm by Skiddles |
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Terry Member
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Great idea, Patti! I hope you will do an article on composting. As for larger twigs and branches...since our property borders on woods, we just haul the bigger stuff into the woods and let it decompose over time. We also use woodstoves to heat our house, and we save the larger stuff for that, but I realize that's not for everyone. That's why the town should have a collection spot! Roy also uses twigs and small branches for when we cook out. We never have to buy charcoal and it flavors the grilled food really well, too. Terry |
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Cracker Jax Member
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Good job on the paper this week Ladies! I got mine a day early! Woo Hoo! Lots of good articles, one set of very long TC minutes BTW.... Scuba Jane and I have a quick question and we are being ignored on MAAN. What is the appropriate amount to tip the pizza delivery guy??
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DToney Member
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Cracker Jax wrote:
with gas prices as high as they are... I've been doing at least either 15% + $5.... or just 20% they usually seem happy! |
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Cracker Jax Member
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NWO Staff....I don't know if I've ever mentioned it, but thank you for taking the time to put the Crime Report in the NWO. I can't say I enjoy reading it |
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EditorPS Administrator
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You're welcome, Cracker. Like you, I don't enjoy it but think it's very valuable information and serves as a touch of needed reality. It is sad, isn't it, to know that someone is hurling large objects at random cars as they drive by, and scary to think of how easily someone can get killed when the driver reacts. Random crime that has the potential to kill someone just for entertainment is the hardest for me to digest. As for home and outbuilding break-ins, there's nothing like neighbors looking out for neighbors, but unfortunately so many people are not home anymore during the day that it leaves them vulnerable to crooks. |
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Cracker Jax Member
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~~~ Patti ~~~ I haven't recieved my paper for this week yet, but a friend in Stokesdale told me you wrote a wonderful editorial for the "Horse's Mouth" I was thrilled to see that there was lots of new stuff there! (I had just visited yesterday) Good job getting the new paper online so quickly! Makes it nice for those of us who just can't wait for Friday! As for your editorial..... GO PATTI! I love it when you hit the nail on the head like that! BTW ~~I did not see a link for "Have you heard the Chatter" (my favorite after the horse's mouth). I just wanted to read Pappy's quote for this week .... |
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FatPappy Member
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Y'all both hit the nail on the head! |
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EditorPS Administrator
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Cracker Jax wrote:
Thanks for the feedback, Cracker. I love your enthusiasm for each week's issue and am glad you're appreciating our online updates. Our articles from the upcoming Friday's issues are posted on the Web site throughout the day on Thursdays, so any time you're anxious to see what's in Friday's paper feel free to take a sneak peek online. Also, be sure to check the site daily - Sandra is posting local news updates every morning. And since all the other newspapers and the television stations in the area are feeding off of our site, we want to make sure our readers do as well (apparently one of the news stations has even quoted an online posting verbatim - always glad to help do their job!). I hadn't really thought about adding the "Chatter" comments to the Web site since the Forum is online ... hmmm, let me ponder that one, okay? |
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Cracker Jax Member
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EditorPS wrote: Sandra is posting local news updates every morning. Of course I saw the news story that Sandra put on the site yesterday and it sure did appease my curiosity about what was going on over there on Bunch Rd! I think local daily news is a FABULOUS idea and could be a huge draw to the website. I didn't see a thing about that story on the 6 o'clock news. I did see a trailer for the news at 11 but missed the news. Glad to hear you guys could help them out with that story..... I was really kidding about the chatter link. |
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DOGGETTJA Member 
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Loved the Welcome to the neighborhood edition. Read it from cover to cover. Its so nice to have a local paper where you actually know some of the people you are reading about. Thank you Northwest Observer for providing us with a top notch local paper. |
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Steve Adkins Member
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Agree with Scuba Jane Awesome Job on the Welcome to the Neighborhood Section. Looks like you included all the suggestions posted in the other topic on this subject, plus many more. All writers did a great job. Really showed the area has a rich history, all folks that have moved here just really love the area. Great Job NWO Staff !! |
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DOGGETTJA Member
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Patty/Sandra- There is some discussion over in Much ado the history section about the Saunders Inn. Paul Milam has cleared around it. Is something going to happen to the building? |
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S. Smith Moderator
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We've had lots of people ask about this, Jane, so I'll go over there and post an answer. We actually have this in our Questions Our Readers Have Asked this week. |
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DOGGETTJA Member
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I knew the Nwo would have the answer. |
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Cracker Jax Member
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Let's talk Turkey shall we??? Great job on the Turkey Shoot article Sandra! I think you covered both sides of the issue quite well. I feel a whole lot more educated on the subject now. I'm ready for the public hearing on August 1! I think I know what side of the fence I'm gonna fall off of though ....
Oh yea... I saw Clewis' "rare" photo in the TC minutes too! Good job catchin' that one Clewis! |
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DToney Member
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Cracker Jax wrote: so... what I read in this week's NWO was that now they have to get permission to have the shoot?! and the dreaded comment... "There are no more turkey shoots." what does that mean??? |
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DOGGETTJA Member
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Dtoney- I understand that the turkey shoot that started all this has ceased to be. The Stafford's and the Wildlife Club arrived at an agreement. The Town Council held the public hearing and the ordinance on Turkey Shoots will change to give the Town more control especially in the case of complaints from citizens if there is a request somewhere else for a turkey shoot. |
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Cracker Jax Member
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Sorry... we sorta went off on a tangent in this forum. (guilty) The original comment was on topic but then oh well.... If you have a comment about censorship or the selected books for summer reading there's been a new forum created for that topic so post it over there. Meanwhile this forum is for Feedback on NWO articles. Thanks!!! (Oh yea... I'm not a moderator....I just play one on the forum. SMS is gonna be so proud of me for off topicing myself!) |
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FatPappy Member
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Interestin' article on school destruction, I mean, construction in the NWO online edition today. Unbelievable! What a mess! Another nail in the school administration's credibility coffin. Another structural flaw discovered in Grier's leadership. Another cover up, this time usin' the latest tarp an' plywood technology. Somethin' else fer parents to worry about. Thanks, Sandra. Thanks, Darlene Garrett. |
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rogerpeabody Member
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Good Grief!! Please, get over yourselves. It would be nice to pick up an issue and not have to read your derogatory comments about people that do not agree with your opinions or the way you would do things. If you don't like it, then YOU run for office and change things. It's very easy to be an armchair quarterback and criticize everything that is happening in Summerfield. You used to have a good paper; now it's nothing more than the Northwest Rhino Times... |
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DToney Member
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I'm sorry, but isn't an armchair quaterback... ummmmm kinda like my participation in democracy? So isn't this wonderful paper.... |
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Steve Adkins Member
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rogerpeabody wrote: Good Grief!! Please, get over yourselves. It would be nice to pick up an issue and not have to read your derogatory comments about people that do not agree with your opinions or the way you would do things. If you don't like it, then YOU run for office and change things. It's very easy to be an armchair quarterback and criticize everything that is happening in Summerfield. Not sure where this discussion is headed but given the pointed nature of these comments, I want to remind all participants of the forum policy regarding: |
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Cracker Jax Member
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rogerpeabody wrote: Good Grief!! Please, get over yourselves. It would be nice to pick up an issue and not have to read your derogatory comments about people that do not agree with your opinions or the way you would do things. If you don't like it, then YOU run for office and change things. It's very easy to be an armchair quarterback and criticize everything that is happening in Summerfield. Welcome to the forum Rogerpeabody! Glad you've joined us on here. We welcome all opinions on here whether or not we agree with them. The truth is sometimes hard to swallow isn't it?? Thankfully, the NWO articles and minutes from the town council meetings (SF anyway) are truthful and accurate. I know this, not because I sit in my armchair and wait for the report to come to me every Friday, but because I choose to get out in the community and see for myself what is happening. Have you read a Rhino Times???? The NWO doesn't even come close. While both are enjoyable, they are two entirely different forms of journalism.
If you prefer a watered down version of the news - something that is piped in from the school board, the city council and the city's mega millionaires - then perhaps you should consider the News and Record. I'd skip the editorial pages though if I were you.... might ruffle your feathers just a bit Last edited on Aug 13th, 2006 10:32 pm by Cracker Jax |
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EditorPS Administrator
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Hi Roger, I ditto Cracker's welcome to our forum. Sorry that my criticism of what I deem to be inappropriate behavior is offensive to you, and that disagreeing with elected officials and expressing it in an editorial is perceived as me being an armchair quarterback. I thought that's what editorials were for -- just to clarify, do you disagree with the concept of editorials, or do you disagree with what I said in my editorial and therefore think I had no right to express my opinion? You seem to think our paper has gone downhill and I gather the fact that you find it similar to the Rhino Times is not a compliment -- is that because you feel that our editorials find their way into our news articles as they so often do in the Rhino? If so, please elaborate - this is something that we make a conscious effort not to do and I truly do want to hear more about why you think we've failed in this regard. I strongly feel that challenging behavior and decisions made by the people who represent me is not only my right, but my obligation. The fact that they asked us to elect them so they could represent us makes me hopeful that they want our feedback and that they're tough enough to take criticism -- I don't think we should be disrespectful or call them idiots, but I think we should most definitely tell them when we think they're off base and we should be courageous enough to say this publicly. It doesn't mean that they're always wrong, and it doesn't necessarily mean that we don't appreciate what they're doing -- it means we're being honest and they're being open-minded enough to listen and remember that they as elected officials aren't acting just as individuals - if they were, they could certainly say and do whatever they pleased and I assure you I wouldn't feel a need to comment. But, it is when they act as our representatives that I feel it's very appropriate and necessary for them to hear from me, you, and everyone else who lives here. Regarding the latest incident, do you think the Town Council was appropriate in discussing the Christmas cards publicly? As I've expressed, I don't think it was worthy of debate in the first place but if it was, in my opinion it didn't need to be done so in front of the very people who had been recipients of the cards in the past, and who would likely be recipients in the future. Additionally, I feel that sending cards to these people is a nice gesture and that rather than debate something like this which has such a minute effect on our taxpayer dollars, the Council's time would be much better spent encouraging volunteers, supporting them, showing them respect when they give their monthly reports at the town council meeting, and thanking them for what they do -- in the long run, the amount we save by supporting and encouraging our volunteers who in turn contribute hundeds of thousands of dollars of free labor to the town far outweighs the cost of sending them Christmas cards each year. I look forward to hearing your comments on this, as well as future issues, and hope we'll be able to engage in healthy and productive debate. I also welcome you to write editorials of your own and promise that I will not only support your right to have an opinion, regardless of whether it is aligned with my own, but I will pay for the paper to print it on. Respectfully in disagreement, Patti Stokes |
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FatPappy Member
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I reckon I should admit right off to a bias. I think the NWO is a very good paper and gettin' better all the time. Now then, the proposition "if you don't like the way it's done, do it yourself" may seem an effective one to level at any critic. In the case of a citizen offerin' criticism of our government, it don't get too far off the ground, in my opinion. Our government is set up to work best when citizens (yes, even editors) are involved in a thoughtful way. Offerin' a thoughtful criticism, then, is in fact participatin' in government--you might say "doin' it yourself", or at least doin' your part o' the deal, since obviously we cain't all be on the town council. I think the key word in any discussion an' exercise o' criticism is "thoughtful". If the dissentin' opinion offered is based on knowledgeable reasonin' an' a sincere belief, then I consider it an invaluable asset for movin' our government an' our society forward, whether I agree or not with the particular opinion. I have found the opinions offered in the NWO to be thoughtful an' well intentioned, the way they should be, and in this case I happen to agree that the Christmas card debate was, to loosely paraphrase, ridiculous. If the dissentin' opinion is less well thought out, then, to be fair, I usually give it the consideration it deserves too. |
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Cracker Jax Member
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Cracker Jax wrote:
I feel the need to clarify this statement. I did NOT mean that the NWO was inferior to the Rhino AT ALL. I just meant that the NW Observer saves their editorializing for the editorials which the Rhino does not. I'm sure most of you knew what I meant but I wanted to make sure. |
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DToney Member
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Anytime we as citizens have a "forum" in which to voice our opionions, discuss the issues, and get feedback from each other, not only fosters better communication on the issues, but also allows each of us to consider other folks' thoughts. I like considering the NWO and its forum a basis for brainstorming and an excellent arena for provoking thoughts. I'm sure we won't save the entire world by reading about Steve's travels, or the Summerfield hoopla, but at least we have the means to openly discuss it here.... personally I cannot wait until my NWO arrives each week...  Keep up the good work, folks! |
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blessingsalways2u Member 
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On my first visit to the forum, I am impressed! I posted here because I also read about the Christmas Card debate in Summerfield and then I read the editorial written by Ms Stokes. At the risk of putting in my 2 cents worth I have decided to put in 5 cents worth and you all can give back what change you deem appropriate. I agree with those whose position is, "in the first place, is town council meeting the appropriate venue for a decision about who is going to pay for the volunteers Christmas Cards?" No, it is not! If I were a volunteer (and I am not...at the moment) and I was at that meeting, then come December 20th received my Christmas card in the mail from the grateful town of Summerfield, I will quickly send my Christmas card to the Town of Summerfield with a gift of $1.39 enclosed. $1.00 for the card and .39 for the postage. Which I would hope would be reported on the town ledgers as revenue received. in the second place. Ms. Stokes works for the paper, she is the Editor. now unless I am mistaken that gives her certain inalienable rights to write editorials. We can write editorials for the NWO also. But, I suspect some of us may ask to have our names withheld to protect the innocent. That is all I have to say on the matter and hopefully there will be something equally as riveting in this weeks paper that will spawn another exhilarating discussion on the forums. Sincerely and Humbly, blessingsalways2u |
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DToney Member
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btw... blessings If you don't already have one, be sure to stop by the NWO office & pick up your special copy of the issue they put out about the local towns in the NW area. Very informative! (& you won't find any of that stuff in the Rhino!) Oh... yeah! Welcome to the neighborhood! |
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FatPappy Member
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Lot's o' good stuff in the paper this week! Of partic'lar interest to Pappy was this quote by Karen Dodd on page 9, "If we did not have concerned citizens to give time and energy, we wouldn't be building a town hall or park." OK, Macca, cue the Twilight Zone music. Apparently in Oak Ridge the concerned citizens are real, live human beings who are actually concerned, and they expend positive energy toward worthwhile goals for the town! We don't put up with such foolishness in Summerfield. In Summerfield, our concerned citizens are concerned that someone might spend a few pennies or otherwise destroy Western civilization. Their motto: "You can have my cold, hard cash when you can pry it from my cold, hard fingers!" |
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FatPappy Member
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There was also a great letter from Angela Pierotti. Well said! Well said! "A truly selfless act requires no need to state that the act is selfless, which negates the act of giving." Your letter just flushed that hideous $1200 charade "down the Dwayne"! Hee hee hee hee! |
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Jean S. Member
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I agree with FatPappy - it seems that Summerfield is trying to fashion itself after the Guilford County Commissioners or Guilford County government. Oak Ridge and Stokesdale appear to be doing what needs to be done without all the bickering and name calling. Just observing.......Jean S. |
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Cracker Jax Member
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I'm just observing that your just observing and not posting much Jean S.
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Jim Flynt Member
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Jean S. wrote: Oak Ridge and Stokesdale appear to be doing what needs to be done without all the bickering and name calling. Jean, I agree that Oak Ridge and Stokesdale have been blessed to be absent the bickering and name calling, but I am curious if you could expound on your statement that they are "doing what needs to be done". From numerous conversations with citizens in both Oak Ridge and certainly Stokesdale, if the average citizen of Oak Ridge or Stokesdale were polled as to what their town council has done or is doing, the answers or lack thereof might astound you and them. In fact, if you asked the average citizen to name the Top 5 things either council has done, most folks couldn't name even one. |
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DToney Member
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some of what they've all had to deal with is growth.... it appears they are spending a lot of time on rezoning & dealing with developers! not to mention the construction of town halls.... Oak Ridge is leading the pack with theirs already under construction... |
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Jim Flynt Member
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DToney wrote: some of what they've all had to deal with is growth.... it appears they are spending a lot of time on rezoning & dealing with developers! I am curious if you would agree with the proposition that development and growth are something a town government does TO citizens rather than something it does FOR citizens? Growth simply for growth's sake is not always good. Nor does growth come without a 'cost' to a community. If we are to have balanced growth, then the larger debate should include some focus and attention on those 'costs', both obvious and hidden, to the affected communities. The argument certainly could be made that developers and the real estate community hold an inordinate, disproportional and inappropriate amount of power and influence over some of the town councils and town council members in the Northwest. Last edited on Aug 22nd, 2006 10:11 pm by Jim Flynt |
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Jean S. Member
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I have not been involved enough to do anything other than observe. I do agree with "most" of the postings you and FatPappy post since I am a Summerfield "native" and have seen all the good, bad and ugly for many years. A lot of it could bring tears if I dwelled on it. I am too narrow minded when it comes to "my" roots and heritage. |
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Steve Adkins Member
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Jim Flynt wrote: The argument certainly could be made that developers and the real estate community hold an inordinate, disproportional and inappropriate amount of power and influence over some of the town councils and town council members in the Northwest. Jim, you've got my curiosity up. I was of the general opinion that the priority of laws were federal, then state, then local. The local governments create ordinances to govern local situations. Can you clarify your comment above. |
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DToney Member
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sounds like the "good-ol-boy" system to me.... |
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DOGGETTJA Member
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If developers do have a inordinate amount of power ,and in my mind there is no question they do, some of the blame has to go to us citizens for not voting and not attending council meetings and not fighting for what we want. We live in a property rights state. You have property- you have the right to sell it for its highest and best use which is defined as development. We don't put a value on open space, parks and farm land. Oh we like to look at it. We think it is very important if we live next door to it as long as Mr. Farmer doesn't do anything too stinky but we do not want to use tax money to protect these things. Look at the nastiness going on in Summerfield by some of the people over the wonderful park we are building using our tax money for our people. Our ordinances allow for agriculture zoning but that is only a holding for something "better" such as a housing development. I think we have to have laws, ordinances etc but I think to a large extent over 70 or so percent of the people in this country of voting age have abdicated their power to big money ie developers. OOPs so sorry I know I am preaching to the choir here. |
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FatPappy Member
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Interestin' discussion. I ain't ready to trash local government as a institution, but there are some (you know who) local "politicians" who need to be trashed, in my opinion. But to go even further as Jane says, it ain't so much the few bad apples that are at the core (no pun intended) o' the problem, it's those who do nuthin'. An' sometimes worse than those who do nuthin' are the sleepers who are wakin' up fer the first time over somethin' happenin' on their street, who then jump on the band wagon with the first political predator who says what they want to hear an' points the boney finger o' blame at some plausible patsy. We've seen what mischief both those methods can fuel in Summerfield as I'm sure other towns have seen in theirs. |
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S. Smith Moderator
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These are some great comments, guys. I love this civilized debate. So many people are apathetic. They don't even bother to vote, which allows people like developers to get so much power. Even if John and Jane Citizen aren't at the town council meetings, you can bet Mr. Developer will be. Unfortunately, if an issue doesn't directly affect Mr. and Mrs. Citizen, they see no reason to become involved. Then there are the people who do vote, but don't do their homework. In my opinion, their vote is worse than somebody who didn't bother to vote at all. I will admit it's hard -- you can't just look at what you see in the commercials about what one candidate says another, or simply read the stuff that comes in your mailbox. You have to try to dig as deep as possible and compare "apples to apples," as they say. |
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FatPappy Member
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Jim Flynt wrote:From numerous conversations with citizens in both Oak Ridge and certainly Stokesdale, if the average citizen of Oak Ridge or Stokesdale were polled as to what their town council has done or is doing, the answers or lack thereof might astound you and them. In fact, if you asked the average citizen to name the Top 5 things either council has done, most folks couldn't name even one. You're prob'ly right, Mr Jim. I'm a-wonderin', though, whether that lack o' answers says more about the councils or about the townspeople, ya know what I mean? |
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Jim Flynt Member
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FatPappy wrote:
Pappy, a little of both. There seems to be a rather large "disconnect" between local government and the locally governed. Not that the same doesn't hold true for higher levels of government as well, but there is less excuse with the failures of local governments which by right ought to be closer and more sensitive to the community's citizenry and needs. Tip O'Neill famously used to say that "all politics is local" as local government decisions have a more immediate and pronounced effect on most citizens. That is, I believe, a disappointing and frustrating expectation and experience for most Northwest area citizens. By not having any coherent and consistently applied long range governing plan and lacking a visionary leadership style responsive to a community's needs, the local governors are simply cast into roles as being nothing more than small minded politicos. Relegated by their own short sightedness as followers rather than constituting a real leadership in the community. The real and guiding community leadership comes from our business, religious, private sector and economic development interests. Let's not confuse possession of the throttles of government with any remote application of leadership. They are not always nor often one and the same. Mandates for representative governance and citizen empowerment comes when efforts are made by all for inclusive rather than exclusive construction of community consensus through communication, coordination and compromise. Fully actualized and enlightened leadership derives from the bottom up rather than the top down. One's a tryanny. The other, a democracy. Now which do you think we have in the Northwest communities? |
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FatPappy Member
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Jim Flynt wrote:Mandates for representative governance and citizen empowerment comes when efforts are made by all for inclusive rather than exclusive construction of community consensus through communication, coordination and compromise. Well said, Mr Jim! That there last question is a good'n, too. While I'm waitin' fer the coffee to start an' my brain to start with it, I'll say I think the answer is right thar in your precedin' paragiraffe. Speakin' in general terms, I'll have to say local government, more times than not, is nowhar near its potential most o' the time. Summerfield is now dealin' with issues that should have been dealt with years ago, like long range plannin'. Meanwhile we continue to grow an' strain the seams o' our already bulgin' britches. But then how many times have there been public meetin's for citizen input about impo'tent issues that nobody bothered to attend? What then of bottom up democracy? Communication is at the center o' democracy an' it has to go both ways fer the thang to work. Like you said so well, "communication, coordination and compromise." There's some measure o' shortcomin' fer all of us in that phrase. So to answer your question, I reckon we got the kind o' government we asked fer, whether we actually said anythang or not. |
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DOGGETTJA Member
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Well I am working on cup 4 of coffee so let me see if the brain engaged. The other issue, while I agree Jim, we the voters should be driving the train, how do you build consensus when only the people with axes to grind get the press coverage. Do we stop the building of a park because 5 people show up every single meeting and protest? Or does the council use it common sense? I can only speak for Summerfield, I know we have sent out 2 surveys that say over whelmingly build the park but less than a majority of households sent back their answers. So what is the consensus? In my opinion that is what slows everything down. What consensus? Who's opinion? I guess it is naive on my part but I wouldn't it be nice on september 9th at the park opening to run out of cake? I am in charge of the cake and we are ordering for 500 and I hope that everybody comes to see what we have accomplished as a town. |
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FatPappy Member
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I'd say yer brain is workin' fine, Jane. Not only has ever'body got to he'p plant the garden, ever'body has to he'p weed that garden, too. Otherwise them weeds'll just take over. When they're just startin' out, some o' them weeds look just like the good plants to some folks. By the time you notice what they really are, they done got their roots in good. It prob'ly is naive to think a majority will ever be involved at the level they should be. But, we can keep plantin' these here seeds an' choppin' at them there weeds. |
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FatPappy Member
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By the way, I heard you were gonna have some he'p with the cake. |
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macca Member
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Eatin' it or servin' it?♥♥♥ I'm bringing as many Maccas as I can get there!!!♥♥♥ I love all this discussion about government and citizen participation. I think it'd be nice to have our town hall meeting rooms packed with standing room only when our Town Councils meet.... With folks asking questions, volunteering to serve on committees, offering to help wherever they're needed.... I guess that's naive, but I guess you usually get folks involved one at a time, and you never know what might provide the spark that gets 'em there.... So take advantage of every opportunity to bring new folks in!♥♥♥ |
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DOGGETTJA Member
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Why Pappy are you volunteering (don't expect a christmas card though) to help serve the cake? I don't know group whether this isn't a bit like letting the fox guard the chickens!!! Off to the Farmers Market to see what is up and what is growing. Watermelons have been outstanding this year as have peaches. |
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macca Member
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Wave to the camera, Jane! We'll be watchin' for ya!♥♥♥ |
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FatPappy Member
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The bicycle controversy rages on! A couple o' letters in the NWO today 'bout it. One feller says slow down an' ride a bike to work an' that'll make us all healthy an' fix up the bald spot in the ozone layer. Well, I done seen them bicycle contraptions up close before an' I just cain't find the back seat or the trunk on them thangs. Whar is a man supposed to carry his young'uns or his dog or his groceries or haul a load o' brush? How many days ahead should I start off to work in order to get thar on time? Now, looky here. I ain't got nuthin' ag'in nobody ridin' a bike to work. If I was younger an' the earth was smaller (less distance, less gravity) I might try it. But I just cain't believe most o' the bike riders out this way are on their way to work. Specially that herd you see on Sat'day mornin's. They ain't doin' nuthin' but playin' in the road. I thought the other feller who wrote in made better sense. Bikes an' cars is a dangerous mix. |
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Cracker Jax Member
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I agree Pappy. Good points indeed! Sounded to me like that fella had a gear to grind or somethin'. I think it's great that this fella has such a carefree lifestyle that he can take all the time in the world to get to work and that he doesn't have to frequent drive thrus on the way to scout meetings just so his kids can eat a meal. My advice to him would be to move closer to town and to stop and smell the cheeseburgers... |
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Steve Adkins Member
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FatPappy wrote: How many days ahead should I start off to work in order to get thar on time? Cracker Jax wrote: he doesn't have to frequent drive thrus on the way to scout meetings just so his kids can eat a meal Agreed . The reason that SUV's and Minivans got so popular was the need to support the family's needs. A bike may be healthy, but it's hard to get more than one on a bike to take them to the soccer field. Last edited on Sep 16th, 2006 02:29 am by Steve Adkins |
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FatPappy Member
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It'd be nice if somebody came up with a cleaner fuel fer vehicles. Out this way there ain't no public transportation, a bike's outta the question fer most folks, smaller cars are not always an option fer big famblies. There's always car poolin' if you get in with the right bunch an' ain't got no bidness you need a car fer durin' lunch. It's not such a easy individual solution. |
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macca Member
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I DIDN'T GET A NORTHWEST OBSERVER YET!!!! Guess I'll check with the post office and the Observer office on Monday....  |
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Cracker Jax Member
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I know I have stated somewhere here before that I read my NWO backward. I do this because that's where "Chatter" and the "Horses's Mouth" and "Our Views" are published. That's my favorite part. (And yes, I've been known to eat dessert before my meal My problem is that since you've started running that cute little "Guess Who" feature (Which I really like) I'm seeing the ANSWER before I even get to take a guess! This it troublesome to me. I naturally got BJ right off cause I had seen the answer on my way to the front. This week it was the same... (I won't say the answer for those of you who haven't gotten the paper and choose to read the paper the traditional way) Anyway, do you think you could install a little lift the flap thing or something to cover the answer so I don't see it before I get to the question???
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Steve Adkins Member
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Cracker Jax wrote:
Just lay a strip of bacon over the answer, it'll cover it right up, just ask Mike OK, shame on me..........back on topic |
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PaulS Member
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Regarding the article on Robin Smith's resignation, unless I missed it, there were no quotes or reaction from Becky or Dwayne. Given the implication that she resigned due to their antics, I would have liked for someone to get their thoughts on the matter. If they were asked and chose not to respond, that should have been reported. |
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PaulS Member
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I posted a comment a few minutes ago, but it appears to have disappeared. If not, I apologize for the duplication. Anyway, regarding the article on Robin Smith's resignation, I was disappointed there were no quotes or comments (or even a 'refused to comment') from Becky or Dwayne, given the implication Robin resigned due, at least partially, to their antics. Were either of them asked for their thoughts? |
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FatPappy Member
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I cain't find my print version, but in the online version o' that article there's a line says Strickland and Crawford couldn't be reached fer comment. |
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S. Smith Moderator
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PaulS wrote: I posted a comment a few minutes ago, but it appears to have disappeared. If not, I apologize for the duplication. Robin Smith's resignation was announced right at the end of the council meeting. I don't believe any comment at all was made by either Council member Crawford or Strickland at the time. I sent all council members an e-mail after I got home from the meeting and let them know that I'd like to have their reaction but would need any comments they chose to give by 8 a.m. the following morning. I realize that wasn't much time and some of them may not have even had the opportunity to check their e-mails. Unfortunately that's all the time we had because we had to get this week's edition off to the printer (we even shifted some things around at the end of our production process so this article could run on the front page). Mayor Mark Brown e-mailed his comments to me, and Councilman Bob Williams called me first thing the following morning at the office and gave me his response. He said he had just checked his e-mail and wanted to give me his reply by phone. Since I had gotten very little response to my request (again, realizing I hadn't been able to allow much time because of our deadline), I called Council member Dena Barnes and got her response. I also attempted to call Strickland, but there was no answer. I called the town hall to try to get a response from Smith (who declined to comment). I mentioned that I was about to call Crawford, and was told he was in a meeting there at town hall, so I was also not able to get a response from him. That's why the article said I was unable to reach either of them for comment. I did not try to call Councilwoman Collins. We'd still be glad to get a comment from Crawford, Strickland or Collins on the matter. I will send both of them an e-mail and let them know that I'd be glad to either get their response via e-mail or chat with them by phone. |
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DOGGETTJA Member
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Good editorial this week Sandra. Cracker will probably make you her new hero. Seriously it must be very frustrating to the staff of Summerfield what few there are left to have this constant bombardment of requests for information that have never been seen since. Certainly appears as harrassment doesn't it? I also wonder considering the comments or lack of comments if Ms Dunham is in fact acting with the blessings of the Concerned Citizens or as an independent falsely presenting herself as Concerned Citzen? Really doesn't matter technically, she has the right to the information, but she certaintly seems to negate any message that the cc's want to get across other than negativety and harrassment. |
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FatPappy Member
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I agree, Scuba (whoever you are). Sandra, you said some things an' raised some issues that needed to be aired. Thank you. |
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FatPappy Member
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Good editorial about the Armfield park mess, Sandra. Commitments should be honored. |
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DOGGETTJA Member
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Sandra Thanks for getting the speakers messages right at the last Summerfield Council. I was very distressed to read the version in that other paper that bore very little resemblance to reality. |
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Steve Adkins Member
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Good job Sandra on the article about our vacuuming councilman Crawford. Well written. |
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macca Member
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I liked the recap of top stories for 2006... ♥♥♥ |
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S. Smith Moderator
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Thank you, macca. I always think it's interesting to look back over our papers from the last year and remember what has happened. |
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Terry Member
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What happened to the Sudoku puzzle? Please bring it back! |
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EditorPS Administrator
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It will be back -- it's just that this is the time of year that advertising does its seasonal drop, and since advertising determines page count, we just can't fit everything in. We consider the Soduku and the crossword puzzle to be more optional than the community news, so they take the first hit when there's more news and information than space to fit it all in. Thanks for letting us know you missed it -- we'll try to fit one in next issue. |
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Cracker Jax Member
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I can't help it. I feel like it's Christmas morning and I just got a big ol' beautiful copy of the NWO under my tree! Great job on the paper ladies! The fact that Strickland and Crawford ran for election on a platform of open and honest government is such a joke. And the fact that they have accused almost all of the sitting council members of unethical behavior is the biggest irony of all. Strickland's attempt to undermine the council's vote, and Crawford's immoral and potentially illegal behavior toward most of the participants of this forum are the best examples of unethical that I've ever seen! Where's that Summerfield activist who's always screaming ethics at us?? Patti, your article on Crawford was right on, and Sandra, thanks for getting the word out to people that Strickland has put the funding for our park in jeopardy!!! I've got my pom poms out and I'm cheerin' for ya!!! Both of you are Cracker's Heroes!!!!!!!!!!!!
Last edited on Mar 15th, 2007 06:58 pm by Cracker Jax |
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Steve Adkins Member
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Cracker Jax wrote:
the funding...............but not the construction !!!!!!!!!! Build the park, Summerfield has the money !!!!!!!!! |
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Cracker Jax Member
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Well.... that would put a burr in their saddles now wouldn't it? |
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Skiddles Member
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We do have the money and the people have supported it. It should be built for everyone to enjoy. Full speed ahead in my eyes! |
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DOGGETTJA Member
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I just finished my NWO. Very interesting!! Good job ladies! |
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Steve Adkins Member
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Very well written articles. |
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EditorPS Administrator
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Thanks for your feedback. And BTW, Steve - cool avatar! |
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Baseball Buddy Member 
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Good bunch of info for the folks that didn't make the meeting in the NWO. Last edited on Mar 18th, 2007 12:29 am by Baseball Buddy |
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FatPappy Member
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As to Patti's editorial in the latest NWO, Pappy would like to add a resoundin' YEE HAW! I'm proud to be from Summerfield too, an' as long as the good continues to outweigh the bad, I'll say we're headin' down the right trail. Anyway, whatever it's been, it's been anythang but dull! Hee hee! |
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EditorPS Administrator
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Thanks for the "YEE HAW," Pappy. You're right -- it's been anything but dull in Summerfield. This whole chapter in our town's history reminds me of the saying, "That which doesn't kill you makes you stronger" -- we're going to come out of this stronger than before, and what's more, I think as a result of what we've been through we'll be even more prepared for what lies ahead as we enter a new phase of growth and maturity as a town. |
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FatPappy Member
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EditorPS wrote:"That which doesn't kill you makes you stronger" I think I'll start printin' that on all my labels! Hee hee! While it's hard sometimes to talk about other than negative thangs, an' though sometimes negative thangs need to be aired, it's good to be reminded that there's definitely more positive than negative goin' on. |
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Steve Adkins Member
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FatPappy wrote: there's definitely more positive than negative goin' on. Agreed !!! |
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Cracker Jax Member
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Sandra, I almost forgot to post this! GREAT job on the article about Citizen Dunham's latest escapades. It's difficult to believe that she would carry her fairy tales all the way to the commissioners. I particularly liked that you pointed out that she was at the January Town Council meeting and was privy to the correct information (i.e. removal of the bark park and ACTUAL cost of the amphitheater), though she chose to make up and present her own false information to the commissioners. I think it will be ok. The commissioners will soon realize as our own Town Council and the Greensboro City Council did that some people just live in a fantasy world. And they just thought that Ennis fella was annoying..... |
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Steve Adkins Member
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Sandra I noticed the below article on the website had a much larger font, and was much easier to read than the typical font that's used. I'd vote to use this font on a consistent basis Social Networking Sites Get Mixed Reviews Friday, June 8th, 2007 by Sandra Smith |
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S. Smith Moderator
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Steve Adkins wrote: Sandra Thanks for the comment, Steve. It was actually an accident that it appeared this way, but we may want to think about bumping the font size up a little for those of us whose eyes are not what they used to be (myself included!) |
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Cracker Jax Member
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Just wanted to mention that I didn't get a NWO last week. I don't know what happened. I was hesitant to mention it because I thought that maybe I had received it and in all of the end of the school year hustle and bustle just misplaced it or something..... (another sign of aging I guess I checked the inside of my mailbox to make sure that no one put one of those juvenile little "no NWO" signs inside and everything checked out just fine. |
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S. Smith Moderator
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Cracker, whenever someone doesn't get their weekly issue, we ask them to call our front office and let us know. You can even leave a message on the voicemail, but be sure to give us your mailing address. We do pay to have the paper delivered to each and every mailing address in Summerfield, Stokesdale and Oak Ridge. If there is a problem, we let the post office know. Hopefully this was just an oversight. We'd sure hate for you to have to go out every week and search out locations where you can find a paper, but we appreciate your loyal readership! |
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DOGGETTJA Member
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Patty- Good editoral in this weeks Observer. Is it any wonder that since the last election only Michael Brandt is left out of the prior staff in Summerfield? My guess is he is still here because he has a contract through 2007. I do not understand the need to publically humilate people. Of course I have never thought I was perfect either so I always thought it was wise to not throw stones living in my imperfect glass house. |
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DOGGETTJA Member
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I am having a problem with this particular thread. Everytime I click on the last page I go to an error message that says the page can not be found. I posted a couple of days a go and that is the error message I got when I hit send. So here goes I am going to try again. |
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DOGGETTJA Member
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Ok that is really weird the lost message I posted to this forum a couple of days ago also showed up when I hit send. Cyberspace!! Ain't it grand!! |
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