Page 4
The Cherryville Eagle
Wednesday, March 10, 2021
TODAY’S QUOTE:
OPINION
You must do the things you think you cannot do. –Eleanore Roosevelt
Kudos and ‘huzzahs’ to Kintegra, CFD, and CPD, et al! I want to take to the the time and patrol space in this officers editorial column and this week to Chief of say a great big the Cher“Thank You!” ryville to the following Police civil servants, Departnursing personment nel, and literally who all everyone who got in was associated there and with the Saturday, directed Feb. 27 COVIDtraffic By Michael Powell 19 vaccination and kept michael.cherryvilleeagle@gmail.com clinic/event held everyat the Cherryville Fire thing flowing smoothly Department. Many times and with no difficulty (at they don’t often get the least none I could see); recognition they so richly “Thank You” to the GEMS deserve. So, here goes: EMS and ambulance crews “Thank You”, from me and who were all on standby the Cherryville Eagle, to just in case they were the hard working and laneeded, ready to lend a ser-focused nurses and anhelping hand whenever cillary staff at Kintegra (Ms. and wherever possible; Reva Holland and crew), “Thank You” to the Carowho patiently administered lina Federal Credit Union 400-plus vaccines and anvolunteers that helped out swered all the questions all that fine Saturday, as well us old folks had for them, as any other volunteers I and did so with a smile on may have overlooked betheir faces. At least, I think cause I’m not perfect no they were smiling as they matter how often I tell my were all masked! Actually, wife I am; “Thank You” their eyes gave it away, so, to my fellow vaccine takyeah! They were smiling. ers – patient patients all A big “Thank You” to our of us! – who braved the own Cherryville Fire Decold and the (not really partment’s crew and staff; that long) lines as we crept
our way forward to receive our first in the series of two Moderna COVID-19 vaccines. It was my sincere prayer that none of the shots hurt and that the side effects (if any) were the mildest they could be; and lastly, “Thank You” to any of the silent and selfless helpers from the City of Cherryville and Cherryville Main Street, and any others there, who took part in making a twice-rescheduled event finally come to pass, all so they could help their fellow man out! That’s Cherryville and Gaston County for you, pitching in whenever there is a need. We do it all the time. It’s just who we are… As I said earlier in this column, I don’t doubt there will be someone or a group or organization I have left out. Please don’t be upset. As I was there getting my own vaccination (over 65 old guy status) and only came back after I got it in order to cover the event for the Eagle. I understand CFD will again host another COVID-19 vaccination event, so if you fall into the proper categories – and I would call them at (704)
My thoughts on COVID-19 and more! First of all, I be a normal am not a medioutcome of cal professional grief. Grief is by any means. I all around us, have no medical but we must degree of any do our best kind. I do have a to not let it teaching degree consume us. from AppalaBecause grief chian State Unican easily take versity, therefore over if we are By Anne S. Haynes my thoughts and not careful. opinions lean toward eduIn my opinion we must cation and helping people. try to focus on the posHaving said all of that, itive. For me that is first I want to share some opinof all, my faith in God, ions on what we are presand the fact that He is still ently going through in this in control of everything. country. I know personally Some people say if He is it has been a very sad time in control then why is this because I have lost some happening? Well, saying people who were close He is in control does not to me and to members of mean He takes away our my family. And it does not free will. He gives people matter who we blame for choices and things happen this catastrophe, the hurt that we don’t understand. I and pain are real and will don’t understand the virus. have long-lasting effects. I don’t understand why we The people suffering loss have lost people we love, are in my prayers. but through faith I know It seems some people it will eventually be all are busy trying to put the right whether it is here on blame on someone, but earth or in heaven. And the that could probably could people we have lost would
want the best for us right now and in the future. Other positive aspects of the pandemic are the reactions of people around me, such as my fellow educators, which includes several of my close relatives. It is heartwarming to see the way they are reaching out to students and faculty members with encouragement and concern. Everyone needs an encouraging word these days. I’m also pleased with the reactions of my fellow church members, including my husband, Tommy, as they reach out to those in need. So, stay strong, be brave, take care of each other, and keep the faith. One bright day everything will be good again. The pandemic will be gone, and we can thank God for His mercy and grace. God bless each of you this day and in the days to come; hopefully COVID19 free days.
435-1730 to see if you do qualify and also to get your name on the list – then, by all means, avail yourself of getting it. The momentary arm soreness far outweighs the peace of mind many say they have knowing they have one more weapon in their arsenal to fight this crazy
coronavirus. Will this make the coronavirus go completely away? I don’t know, and wouldn’t even hesitate a guess. I don’t claim to be a medical professional. However, smarter folks than me have opined this little germy critter with the spiky outer shell could
very well be around with us for a long time. So, in my mind, anything one can do to stem the little (no pun intended) bugger’s advance, the better we will all be for doing so. Like I’ve said before in this column… Just the Vax Ma’am!
Will Biden pay your student loan? The average college debt among student loan borrowers in AmerGlenn Mollette ica is Guest Editorial $32,731, according to the Federal Reserve. The majority of borrowers have between $25,000 and $50,000 outstanding in student loan debt. There is an increasing number of student loan borrowers who owe in excess of $100,000. Some, who have spent many years in graduate schools may owe closer to $200,000. Overall, Americans owe over $1.71 trillion in student loan debt, spread out among about 44.7 million borrowers. Senate leader Chuck Schumer of New York, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and other Democrats have put forward a resolution calling on President Joe Biden to forgive $50,000 in student debt. The plan would cancel all of the debt for 80 percent of federal student loan bor-
rowers. President Joe Biden campaigned on a platform that included changes for higher education as well as relief for student loan borrowers. On Biden’s first day in office, he extended the student loan payment pause through Sept. 30, 2021. Biden officials, on Jan. 8, reiterated the President’s support for Congress to “immediately” cancel $10,000 of federal student loan debt per person as part of COVID-19 relief. That could wipe out debt completely for nearly 15 million borrowers who owe $10,000 or less, according to federal data. The majority of student loan borrowers (roughly 67 percent) have more than $10,000 in debt. On Feb. 19, a group of 17 state Attorney Generals called on Biden to forgive $50,000 in federal student loans per borrower through executive action. The group asserted Biden has the authority to do so under the Higher Education Act. If you have federal student loan debt you are surely hopeful. Who
wouldn’t want to have $10,000 to $50,000 of student debt eliminated? However, is this fair for the millions of Americans who spent many years working hard, repaying their loans? What about all the parents who helped their children through school? They worked hard. Do all of America’s graduates and parents receive checks – with interest? Is it fair to penalize the people who worked, scrapped and struggled? Essentially, we are asking the same hard-working people who paid for their education to pay for everyone else’s education. The majority of Americans who paid their way through school and paid off all their debt the hard way, are not sympathetic to simply waving away the same college debt for others that they worked hard to pay off. Colleges are much of the problem. For years public universities have financially lived way beyond their means. Auburn University, Alabama, recently fired head football coach Gus Malzahn and See LOAN, Page 11
COVID crisis triggers increase in elder abuse and prejudice aimed at seniors by REBECCA WEBER Guest column There’s been a worrisome increase in cases of elder abuse since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to reports from a well-known senior’s advocacy group. This organization says the surge is mainly due to self-isolation and other preventative measures that are in place to combat the spread of the virus.
According to the Website, PubMed.Gov, “Before the COVID-19 pandemic, elder abuse affected one in 10 American older adults annually. It has been assumed that the pandemic has brought with it a surge in elder abuse due to individuals ordered to stay at home combined with increased interpersonal stressors.” The measures in place to deal with the pandemic can limit in-person visits
by caregivers, friends and family, making it difficult for the elderly living on their own to cope with physical and mental needs, leaving them vulnerable to abuse. And then there are those unpaid family caregivers who have been left with reduced incomes or no incomes at all as a result of the COVID crisis. The stress they are under can readily result in abuse. Nursing homes get
Published every Wednesday • USPS 163-580 by Community First Media, Inc. Periodicals postage at Cherryville, NC 28021 Office: 503 N. Lafayette St., Shelby, NC 28150 • Phone (704) 484-1047 • Fax (704) 484-1067 Annual mail subscription rates. Prices include 7% NC State Sales Tax Gaston & Cleveland Counties $38 • Other NC Counties $43 • Outside NC $58
most of the blame for elder abuse. But in too many cases, according to the National Center on Elder Abuse, the perpetrators are family members. Elder abuse is a widespread problem in America where 10,000 men and women celebrate their 65th birthdays each day; and where each year more people live longer than ever before. It is no longer unusual for us to live to be as old as 80, 90 and
Michael Powell - Editor michael@cfmedia.info Greg Ledford - Display Advertising greg@cfmedia.info Kathy Reynolds - Legal Notices & Subscriptions kathy@cfmedia.info Classified Advertising classifieds@cfmedia.info Mike Marlow - Circulation mike@cfmedia.info Phone 704-484-1047 Fax 704-484-1067
100 years or more these days thanks to healthier lifestyles and the miracle of modern medicine. But, with age come new vulnerabilities that can make any of us susceptible to the crimes of angry and greedy predators. And that’s why it is up to younger friends and family who truly care to keep a watchful eye open for anomalies that indicate older loved ones may be victims.
The Website sixtyandme reports that the most common type of abuse experienced by older Americans is neglect and that when senior citizens self-report abuse, statistics show that they are most likely to report financial abuse. It notes, “It is far more socially acceptable, at least in some people’s minds, to report that they have been scammed than to state that somebody See COVID, Page 11
Cherryville Eagle’s publisher and its advertisers are not responsible or liable for misprints, typographical errors, misinformation herein contained. We reserve the right to edit, reject or accept any articles, advertisements, or infor, INC mation to be printed in this publication. We “Creating Business For People” will provide ad proofs for pre-paid ads or ads that are placed by established clients. No proofs may leave our premises without payment and permission and are copyright by Community First Media. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without permission from the publisher. No individual or business is permitted to place or attach any flyer, poster or any type of advertisement of any kind to our boxes or on our racks. CANCELLATION OR CORRECTION DEADLINE: The cancellation deadline is the same as the order deadline because much of our cost is involved in the production of the ad itself. If you have to cancel an ad after deadline, it may be necessary to charge for the time and materials we’ve already spent on preparing the ad. Display & Classified Deadline is Friday at 12 Noon. APPROVAL: All content is accepted subject to approval by the publisher. ERRORS: We want your ad to be accurate and correct, and normally there will be no errors. However, should there be an error and it is our fault, we will give you a correction letter and return (or give credit) for the actual space occupied by the incorrect item. Of course you should notify us of the error, before the ad runs a second time.
FIRST MEDIA ®
DEADLINES FOR DISPLAY & CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING 12:00 NOON FRIDAYS