Love fills shoeboxes
I am writing to thank Cherokee County residents for sharing the true meaning of Christmas with children in need last holiday season.
We also want to thank and recognize the employees of Mountain Credit Union for their generous donation of $881.79 to be applied to the distribution costs of shoeboxes. Manager Cody Rodgers presented the check to Area Team Coordinator, June Trull and Logistics Coordinator, Sherri Houston during Collection Week. These funds will help in the distribution of 88 gift-filled shoeboxes.
Generosity in western North Carolina contributed to a successful shoebox gift collection season at drop-off locations for the Samaritan’s Purse project Operation Christmas Child.
Across the county, the project collected more than 9.3 million shoebox gifts in 2022. Combined with those collected from partnering countries, the ministry sends nearly 10.6 million gifts to children worldwide.
Through shoeboxes – packed with fun toys, school supplies and hygiene items – volunteers brought joy to children in need around the world. Each shoebox is a tangible expression of God’s love, and it is often the first gift these children have received.
Through the continued generosity of donors since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has delivered more than 209 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in 170 countries and territories.
Across North Carolina, shoebox packers often shop for deals on shoebox items throughout the year, and many serve at a deeper level by becoming a year-round volunteer. Information about ways area participants can get involved can be found at samaritanspurse.org/occ.
Although local drop‑off locations for gifts are closed until Nov. 13-20, 2023, anyone can still be a part of this life-changing project by conveniently packing a shoebox gift online in just a few simple clicks at samaritanspurse.org/buildonline.
These simple gifts, packed with love, send a message to children worldwide that they are loved and not forgotten.
Brenda Hackett, Franklin
Talking about roundabouts
I want to bring to light to the public:
- Crosswalks/pedestrian safety can be resolved by freshening up the white crosswalk lines and installing the automatic lights that “flash” when a pedestrian begins to cross the street. They are very effective and economically friendly, too.
- The traffic light at the four corners can be adjusted so when pedestrians are going to cross, the lights all turn red. Also, no right-hand turn on red at all. Install left-hand turning arrows at the traffic light.
- The public parking area behind the courthouse area has enough room to build a parking garage. All business owners and employees could have assigned parking.
- The real source of concern about downtown seems to be a lack of planning for controlled growth and not listening to people who live here.
- I can see U.S. 64 needs starting at Spur 60 heading into town traffic lights. Those we need.
- Replace sewer and water pipes downtown. Yes, in a controlled manner. Not the way they always tear stuff up, then leave an unsightly disaster and garbage with lull periods between work.
The people who want a circle in the middle of the road, have they experienced an ongoing day-to-day drive with those things? It is not needed and is inappropriate for this area.
Put a brick wall there, it is just as useful. Generally speaking is all a statistic is useful for at times. Each case-to-case situation should be sought. Spend local funding purposefully. Avoid federal money when possible – too many rules injected to a local level.
The people who want a roundabout donut should go on a road trip to Naples, Fla., or somewhere else where a perfect area with wide roads and ample parking was reduced to narrow roads and little parking.
Christine Learn, Murphy
A welcome and question
First of all, congratulations, Randy Foster, on your new role as editor of the Cherokee Scout. Thank you for coming here.
Secondly, I found it curious that the letter by David Bellino published on Jan. 25 did not name the franchise he had difficulty with. Was the name of the business removed from the original letter? If so, why?
What good does a vague complaint do for the community? How can we benefit from hearing of these difficulties if we don’t know how to avoid them ourselves?
Thirdly, while I do not think most visitors to this area still think about Eric Rudolph or are even aware of many of the more recent local headaches David Brown mentioned in the lede of his Jan. 25 column, I disagree with Feb. 1 letter writer Richard Foster’s strongly worded assessment that Mr. Brown has failed Cherokee County. On the contrary, I believe it should be said that Mr. Brown is an asset to this community.
Kudos to him for publishing all opinions – even those that say otherwise.
Harrison Keely, Brasstown
What’s the fuss about?
Not sure what all the fuss is about the proposed roundabout in Murphy. It is a great idea. I absolutely hate going downtown and sitting at the red light with no traffic.
I go to the VA in Franklin, which has replaced all their lights going to the VA clinic with roundabouts. It has made the trip so much easier.
Many Southern towns had roundabouts basically circling their courthouses. That is how I grew up in eastern Kentucky; never had any issues with traffic.
I remember years ago going to Clearwater, Fla., which had a traffic light at the end of The Causeway going to Clearwater Beach. Traffic was bumper to bumper. They replaced that with a roundabout, and the last time I was there you could just almost drive on to the beach without stopping.
Lee Daniels, Murphy
Memorials for veterans
Changing the pattern in the square in Murphy is to no advantage. If the N.C. Department of Transportation has money to spare, put it to a better cause. It’s like bringing the Bull Pen back.
Whatever they decide, as long as it does not affect our veterans memorials, so be it.
Oscar Valdes, Murphy