THUMBS UP to one of Hickory's most charming residents, Savannah Washburn. She's the recipient of this year's Outstanding Contribution to the African-American Community Award from Catawba Valley Community College.
Washburn knows the sting of racial bias. Throughout her life, she has been a champion of equality and unity for all people. She refused to let disappointment hold her back. The secretary for Morning Star First Baptist Church, Washburn was also the secretary for Ridgeview School. She was everyone's problem-solver and confidante.
Her work ethic and sunny personality is testament to her internal strength. She gives credit for that to her faith. Washburn didn't settle for just making do. That's the message she shares with others, especially young people.
"Whatever you want to make of your life, you can do it without fear," she says.
Savannah Washburn is the kind of person who deserves to be recognized for outstanding contributions to the whole town, every day.
THUMBS UP to Grandfather Mountain for its decision to close the Bear Hut. In a way, it's sad that the place where people could go buy stuff to feed the bears will close June 1.
But bears and other wildlife don't need junk food. For years, captive bears at tourist spots guzzled soft drinks and were fed all sorts of people food to attract visitors.
"By allowing the public to throw food to bears we have unintentionally been doing two things," said Grandfather Mountain's Penn Dameron.
"We may have been giving people the impression that it is OK to give food to wild bears, and we have been training our own bears to beg."
Grandfather Mountain will serve the best bear chow. The bears will be healthier and happier. Grandfather Mountain is doing right by the bears and giving the public a valuable lesson in attitude and wildlife conservation.
THUMBS DOWN to revelers who imbibe too much and then take to our streets and roads behind the wheel. We have another celebration on the horizon. St. Patrick's Day is Wednesday.
We caution those who will partake of St. Paddy's parties to invest in a designated driver. Whatever you do, don't drink and drive. And don't let friends drive drunk.
North Carolina's "Booze It & Lose It" campaign will be in full swing. Law officers will be watching. Checkpoints will blossom.
There were 209 alcohol-related crashes in the state last St. Patrick's Day. Four people died. Let's make it zero this year.
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