Jamestown News - March 29, 2023

Early budget shows possible motor vehicle tax

By CaROL BROOKs FreeLANCe WrIter cab1hp@gmail.com

The Jamestown Town Council spent about three hours on March 23 during a budget retreat with about 30 minutes of it devoted to discussion about a possible motor vehicle tax to be implemented in the 2023-34 budget. With a suggested $30 per vehicle tax, the Town would raise approximately $90,000 each year. Any new development will increase that figure even more.

“The Powell Bill is not enough,” said Town Manager Matthew Johnson of the funds allotted by the State of North Carolina. “Now is the time to do it, before the development.

“It’s better to do it this way [a motor vehicle tax] than to have a huge property tax increase.”

“This would also target apartment dwellers,” said Mayor Lynn Montgomery, noting these people do not pay property taxes.

A motor vehicle tax is nothing new to Town Council discussions. The matter has been brought forth several times in recent years. Neighboring municipalities have had motor vehicle taxes for many years on vehicles that have a valid license tag.

The new tax would help the town catch up on projects, however, the cost of asphalt has risen and it is hard to find a company to do small paving jobs. There are 20 public streets scheduled for resurfacing in the upcoming fiscal year.

FREE PAPER SHREDDING

The Sedgefield Woman’s Club will hold a free shredding event in the Adams Farm Shopping Center, 5710 W. Gate City Blvd., Greensboro on April 15 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. This is the opportunity to have personal papers and confidential documents destroyed on site at no cost.

Club members are raising awareness that consumer fraud and identity theft are becoming an epidemic in our communities. They want to help by offering the shredding event.

Members will be onsite to collect donations of canned goods, books, clothes, and Styrofoam. The canned foods will be donated to the David Wilson Food Pantry at Lutheran Church of Our Father. Books will be donated to Family Services of the Piedmont, Interactive Resource Center and The Salvation Army. The clothes will go to Bob’s Closet and the Styrofoam will go to Tiny House Community Development to help the homeless.

Commonwealth Document Management, a commercial and residential document destruction service, which provides record storage and hard drive destruction services, will provide the shredding.

None of the three councilmembers present at the meeting (Lawrence Straughn was absent) were in favor of the tax but John Capes and Rebecca Rayborn said it made sense. Martha Wolfe was opposed.

Utility rates

The Town is suggesting a possible 4 percent increase in water rates and 30 percent in sewer due to the cost of chemicals and other reasons.

“The projected water/sewer payments for Eastside [Water Treatment Plant] and Riverdale Pump Station for expansion should be way over [what they] projected,” said Finance Director Judy Gallman. “We will be paying out millions of dollars.”

The Water/Sewer Fund of the

proposed Capital Improvement Program indicates Jamestown’s share for 2023/24 to be just under $1 million for Eastside and approximately $3.5 million for Riverdale. Fiscal year 2023/23 budgeted approximately $2.9 million for the Riverdale Pump Station Expansion project and Eastside improvements.

Therefore, a new Stormwater Fund has been established and a new stormwater utility fee of approximately $5 per month for in-town residents will be implemented in January 2024.

“We may need six months to educate the citizens,” Johnson said. The reasoning is a recent audit, capital projects and in-house items. He added that all stormwater systems must be inspected annually.

The new rate could mean an average monthly water/sewer charge would be approximately $11 more in town, and approximately $17 out of town.

“A separate fund will track expenses and free up the General Fund,” noted Montgomery.

Pay classification

Gallman and Johnson suggested a cost-of-living raise of 4 percent, with a merit increase of 0-3 percent to employees.

Johnson said a recent pay classification shows some staff wages were too high and some were too low, based on similar markets. He said those with too high salaries would not get as large a raise until

see Tax, PAGe 6

authors’ ancestor histories lead to historical fiction

By CaROL BROOKs FreeLANCe WrIter cab1hp@gmail.com

It is said “good things come to those who wait.” This was certainly true for the High Point Literary League on March 15 as the authors Jessica Shattuck and Rachel Kadish finally were able to speak to the organization at a luncheon.

Shattuck and Kadish originally were scheduled to visit High Point in March 2020 — but then Covid-19 reared its head. They were rescheduled for Sept. 2021 but that was rescheduled for this month — three years after they first planned to come

The wait was worth it. The authors captured the interest of Literary League members and guests as they discussed the novels related in part to their personal histories, but they warned: Watch out. History could repeat itself.

Shattuck and Kadish do not normally conduct book tours together, but this one is different.

“Jessica and I knew we had something big to talk about,” Kadish said of the friend she made at a Boston-area writing group. “It was not that we decided to go out [on tour] together, it was because we decided we needed to speak to each other.”

They realized that while both were writing fiction, they each had a family history

that was inspiring their work. However, had their grandparents met during World War II, they likely would have been enemies. Shattuck’s grandparents were members of the Nazi party in Germany. Kadish’s grandparents lived in Poland and her grandfather joined the Polish military as a physician the very day Hit-

Corresponding with a president

By nORMa B. dennIs FreeLANCe WrIter ndworddesign@gmail.com

For almost two decades, Jim Lutzweiler maintained a steady correspondence with Jimmy Carter. The result is a notebook filled with 73 messages and memos from the former president.

“Typically, I would send him a letter and he would hand write a note on it and send it back,” Lutzweiler said. “But a few were on his stationary.”

The correspondence was not that of men with totally matching ideals, Lutzweiler explained, but rather that of two men discussing their viewpoints.

The first correspondence in October 2000 was the result of Carter’s dissatisfaction with the Southern Baptist Convention and his intention to leave because of its treatment of women — not allowing them to be pastors.

“I wrote an essay called A Fond Farewell and Call to Jimmy Carter,” Lutzweiler said. “I wrote it in general, but had in the back of my mind to send it to President Carter. I included a cover letter addressed ‘Dear Brother Carter’ and the first four words of the

letter were ‘I like Jimmy Carter.’”

Lutzweiler noted three reasons why he liked Carter: his first name, which matched his own; he greeted the world with a smile; and he liked Southern gospel music.

“My problem was some of the people he quoted, namely Paul Tillich, a Harvard theologian,” Lutzweiler said.

“He was a heretic and a serial adulterer who did not believe in the God

that Christians believe in. I knew Carter did not realize all this about the man. In my essay, I said that with Carter’s constant use of Tillich’s quotations maybe he should leave SBC.

“I was not mean spirited, just writing to inform him. I sent the essay in an envelope with the Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary return address.”

Lutzweiler was an archivist for the seminary at the time.

“I think the reason President Carter responded to me was because the correspondence was theological and not political.”

Between 1979-1989 there was controversy between two sides of Baptists — the conservatives and moderate/liberals. Because Carter replied to Lutzweiler, he wrote back to Carter with a request.

Carter had written a book of poetry Always a Reckoning. Knowing there was conflict between Carter and Paige Patterson, president of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, and Paul Presser, a Texas appeals judge

see PResIdenT, PAGe 2

ler invaded. Both of her grandparents spent time in a Russian prison.

“The largest victims of the Holocaust were Polish Jews,” Kadish said, grateful her grandparents were Holocaust survivors. Many Nazi concentration camps were in

Council passes whistleblower policy

By CaROL BROOKs FreeLANCe WrIter cab1hp@gmail.com

The Jamestown Town Council approved a Whistleblower Protection Policy at its March 21 meeting.

According to the report by Finance Director Judy Gallman, “The policy prohibits discrimination or retaliatory action against an employee if the employee, in good faith, files, or threatens to file, a claim or complaint, initiates an investigation, testifies, or provides information to any person with respect to the Workers’ Compensation Act, the North Carolina Wage and Hour Act, and/or the Occupational Safety and Health Act.”

Gallman added that the federal government requires such a policy for ARP funding from Guilford County and other federal grant funds the Town may apply for in the future.

The item was part of the consent agenda, so there was no discussion on the subject.

With her voice breaking,

Mayor Lynn Montgomery read a resolution honoring her friend and former Mayor Billy Ragsdale. Ragsdale passed away Feb. 28. Will Ragsdale, along with his wife Mary, accepted the resolution.

Jay McQuillan was honored for his service on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee.

In other business, the Council approved the adoption of four multi-year capital project ordinances:

• Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF) project. Estimated cost for this project is approximately $430,000 with projected revenues of $430,400.

• Accessibility for Parks (AFP) project for an inclusive playground at Jamestown Park. Estimated costs are $580,000. Revenue funds from AFP and PARTF total $600,000.

• American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) in Guilford County for sidewalks projects along East Main Street

COMPILed By nORMa B. dennIs

Photo by Carol Brooks

Jessica shattuck, left, and Rachel Kadish, right, spoke at the High Point Literary League March luncheon. shattuck’s daughter, Helen, center, joined the tour and scouted colleges along the way. see aUTHOR, PAGe 2

Photo by Norma B. Dennis Jim Lutzweiler browses through a notebook filled with correspondence between him and former President Jimmy Carter that took place over 19 years.

JBA begins planning for winter activity

By n ORM a B. denn I s F ree LANC e W r I ter ndworddesign@gmail.com

As spring temperatures begin to rise and summer appears just over the horizon, it might be hard to wrap one’s mind around Christmas. But the Jamestown Business Association is already making plans for the December 2023 Christmas on Main.

This annual event includes extended hours for many local businesses, special music by school choirs, a visit with Santa and the opportunity to win prizes by visiting all participating businesses at some time during the three-night, twoweek time period. In the past, Christmas on Main has ranged from the Town Hall in the east to the Jamestown Center in the west.

During the JBA Meet & Greet March 20, members shared ideas that could make the event the best yet including an extended route with trolleys providing transportation from one spot to another and more entertainment. Businesses without storefronts will be located at Zenful U in back of Potent Potables.

Jamie Hall, JBA president, hopes to have plans solidified and committees in place before summer, so when colder temperatures once more begin to domi-

nate, all will be ready to put into action.

JBA is a group of businesses and non-profits whose goal is to bring positive attention to the town and commerce to area businesses. Members and businesses in Jamestown and the greater Jamestown vicinity interested in participating are invited to join this group.

The next meeting will be held at the Jamestown Park Clubhouse on April 20 from 12-1 p.m. The agenda will include discussions of upcoming events, JBA business, housekeeping and new topics, as well as open discussions.

Check the JBA website at https://www.jamestown businessassociation.org for a full schedule of meeting times, a directory of member businesses and to read bios about the new officers.

North carolina in the 1950s

Phillip Gerard’s latest book, “North Carolina in the 1950s: the decade in motion,” came out in early March.

That might sound impossible because Gerard died last year on Nov. 7.

But Gerard had already written the book’s text as part of a series of articles in Our State Magazine.

Those articles are the basis of a new series of books published by Blair/Carolina Wren Press that will follow North Carolina through the decades.

The new book opens with a chapter titled “Seabreeze: rhythm and beach music.” The great beach music, so celebrated by whites, came from Blacks who were segregated into a few beaches just for Blacks. The music crossed all racial bound aries.

Gerard reminds us about North Carolina’s love affair with cars in the 1950s. His chapter, “Fast food and flicksthe drive-in craze,” takes readers back to when a trip to a drive-in theater was the most popular family treat.

Of course, stock car racing gave evidence to North Carolinians’ growing love affair with the automobile.

Railroad travel was still important in the 1950s, but Gerard sadly reminds us that in 1968, “the last passenger train pulls out of Wilmington, and a way of life disappears down the tracks.”

In 1955, WUNC- TV begins showing a test pattern and then providing the basis for a television network that serves the entire state. New UNC president William Friday begins 30 years of service that includes a “one-on-one interview show that takes full advantage of his warmth, frankness, encyclopedic knowledge of the

By d.g. M a RTI n O N e ON ON e see 1950s, PAG e 6

state, and his talent for putting his guest at ease.”

In 1952 Hugh McRae Morton inherits Grandfather Mountain and its 4,500-acre surroundings. A born promoter and facilitator, he transforms the mountain into a popular tourist attraction.

Gerard describes how four North Carolina A&T students sat down at Greensboro’s Woolworth’s whites-only lunch counter, noting their quiet courage.

Meanwhile, over in Winston-Salem Tom Davis founded Piedmont Airlines. “From 1948 until 1989, when it is acquired by USAir and launches its last flight as Piedmont, it suffers just four major crashes. To the finish, the airline started by Tom Davis retains the stubborn loyalty of its employees and passengers.”

Gerard details the struggle of the Lumbee Indian Tribe for recognition, including the legendary battle between a group of Lumbees and a swarm of Klansmen. Gerard writes, “Not only have the Lumbee routed the Klan — they have turned it into an object of ridicule.”

Perhaps the most transformative event

Poland. “Ninety percent of Polish Jews were killed.”

Shattuck began her World War II writing with I Loved my Grandmother. But She was a Nazi, a piece in the New York Times

“It took me until recently to be able to say — or write — this,” Shattuck said of the cleansing she felt as a German-American. “I used to think of and refer to [her grandparents] as ‘ordinary Germans,’ as if that was a distinct and morally neutral category. But like many ‘ordinary Germans,’ they were members of the Nazi Party — they joined in 1937.

“They joined the Nazi Party to be youth leaders in an agricultural education program called the Landjahr, or “year on the land,” in which teenagers got agricultural training. My grandmother always maintained that she had joined the Nazis as an ‘idealist’ drawn to the vision of rebuilding Germany, returning to a simpler time and, perversely, promoting equality.”

Her grandmother “wrestled with being a Nazi. How could she have embraced an ideology that later was synonymous with evil?”

Shattuck’s book, The Women in the Castle, imagines three widows of men executed while publicly opposed Hitler. The women were living together in a ruined castle in Bavaria after the war — all coping with not only their country’s devastation but the guilt felt by German

people that such a thing could happen — how people could turn a blind eye to the atrocities.

Kadish’s book, The Weight of Ink covers a much longer time period, 16602000. Her 17th century characters were refugees from the Portuguese Inquisition, a period when the Catholic Church attempted to root out heretics, especially Jews and Muslims. The book opens in 2000 with a couple finding some very old manuscripts as they were renovating their London home. A Hebrew scholar and her associate begin translating the pages and soon make a major discovery. These are letters from a blind rabbi written for him by a woman, not a typical male scribe of the time. Shakespeare, Spinoza and the Great Plague play a part in the writings. The book’s title refers to the fact that ink in the 17th century was so heavy it made holes in the parchment. The title also refers to the importance of the written word, the burden of responsibilities and opinions. It is an overpowering force, according to Merriam-Webster.

Both Shattuck and Kadish leaned heavily on the history of their ancestors for their writings and got ideas from the stories they were told.

“The thing about chasing down a piece of history, you put it down, you pick it up and it’s in your hands. So what are you going to do with it?” Kadish said. “Are you going to let it change you?”

PR es I den T

—both leaders of conservative Baptist groups — Lutzweiler offered to pay for three books if Carter would sign and mail them to the men, as well as to Randall Lolley, a moderate.

“I told him I realized he could not do that for everyone, but if he chose not to I would buy the books at the store and forge his autograph,” Lutzweiler said with a smile. “I got a nice reply with four autographed copies of the book and no bill. I wrote to thank him.”

Lutzweiler later sent Carter a story about Bob Maddox, Carter’s speechwriter, whom Lutzweiler had met and interviewed. He also sent Carter a poem he wrote called A Toast to God.

“He sent me a note that my poem was remarkable and allowed me to use his quote,” Lutzweiler said. “We would occasionally share poems and book titles.”

When Carter was first diagnosed with cancer, Lutzweiler recorded 41 older hymns and songs on a CD and sent the recording to Carter.

“I wanted him to survive, just as those songs had survived,” Lutzweiler said. “Carter invited me to sing at his church in Georgia, which I was able to do.”

Lutzweiler has meet Carter in person

on two occasions. After attending Sunday school at Carter’s church, he and his wife Shelly had lunch with the former president and his wife Rosalynn and engaged in a variety of topics. On another occasion they had tea with Carter and his wife at their home.

Lutzweiler is in the process of writing a book about his correspondence with President Jimmy Carter called Jimmy C and Me, Jimmy L. He has taken all the correspondence with Carter from the time it started to the last one he received in July of 2019, adding his own commentary throughout the book. He plans to mail the manuscript to Carter to get permission from him or his estate to publish it.

“There is an added flavor to all the correspondence with Carter of contact with the president,” Lutzweiler said. “The paradigm is that people with differences can converse kindly. It was our disagreements, which we treated with respect, that brought about our exchanges in the first place, but we also had some strong agreements. I would like to think the agreements overshadowed any disagreements. It was our agreements that kept the correspondence going.”

coffee Break

Salome’s Stars

Week of April 3, 2023

ARIES (March 21 to April 19)

Someone you relied on might resist your request for help. Get the facts behind their decision before jumping to conclusions. You might be in for a surprise.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) It’s a good time for the winter-weary Bovine to start plans for spring redecorating. Indulge in something super beautiful for your home. You deserve it.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20)

An inner conflict might keep you from taking the first step toward

healing an old wound. Seek the advice of a trusted friend for help in dealing with your uncertainty.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22)

Change can bring confusion. You need to take a strong stand to make sure your rights are respected despite all the fuss and fury going on around you.

LEO (July 23 to August 22)

Your financial situation continues to improve, although you still need to watch those expenses. Something from the past could affect a current situation.

VIRGO (August 23 to Septem-

ber 22) Problems adjusting to a new job and unfamiliar surroundings might tempt you to give up. But hang in there — things get better in time.

LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) Decision time is near. Talk out your doubts with trusted advisers. If your misgivings still outweigh your enthusiasm, it’s best to rethink the whole deal.

SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) A situation has you puzzled. Be patient. The answers you seek will soon come from a source very close to the person at the center of your curiosity.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Your usually active social life is in super-high gear through this week. Your hectic party-going pace eases into a period of quiet time by the weekend.

CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) You need to start narrowing down those several new options that have come your way to just the two or three you really want to pursue.

AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) It’s a wise Water Bearer who nurtures a fading friendship back to vibrant health.

At work, a once-shelved idea is suddenly being reconsidered.

PISCES (February 19 to March 20) You might feel swamped by a flood of work-related obligations, but the support of a trusted associate helps you get through each one successfully.

BORN THIS WEEK: You are a caring person who often puts your own needs aside to help others. You have a gift for cultivating beautiful gardens.

©2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

notice that is at least 10 days, but not more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination.

Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

Dated: 3/9/23

Philip A. Glass, Substitute Trustee

Nodell, Glass & Haskell, L.L.P. 5540 Centerview Drive, Suite 416 Raleigh, NC 27606 March 29; April 5, 2023

AMENDED NOTICE OF SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE’S FORECLOSURE SALE OF REAL PROPERTY STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA GUILFORD COUNTY 22 SP 691

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by John R. Tallent (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): John R. Tallent) to Laurel A. Meyer, Trustee(s), dated January 31, 2018, and recorded in Book No. R 8017, at Page 1099 in Guilford County Registry, North Carolina. The Deed of Trust was modified by the following: A Loan Modification recorded on October 31, 2019, in Book No. R 8212, at Page 957, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Guilford County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse, West Door

in Greensboro, Guilford County, North

the County of Guilford, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: High Point Township, Guilford County

Tract One:

Being all of Lots Nos. 193 and 194 North Park Subdivision, a plat of which is duly recorded in Plat Book 3, at Page 79, in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Guilford County, North Carolina, and also being the same property as shown on survey made by George B. Dean, C.E., High Point, N.C. dated 3/12/60, entitled “Property of Fred Woodruff Nelson.”

Tract Two:

Beginning at the southwest corner of the intersection of the right of way margins for East Lexington Avenue and Bridges Drive, thence along the southern right-ofway line East Lexington Avenue South 82 degrees 52” 00” West 58.90 feet to a point, said point being the northwest corner of Lot 1 of North Park Court (Plat Book 19, Page 18), and the northeast corner of Lot 2 of North Park Court; thence continuing along East Lexington Avenue South 82 degrees 52’ 00” West 58.90 feet to a point, the northwest corner of Lot 2; thence along the West line of Lot 2 south 12 degrees 37’ 00” West 109.25 feet to a point in the western line of Lot No. 2, said point also being the southeast corner of Lot 193 of North Park Court and being the true point and place of the beginning; thence along the South lines of Lot 193 and 194, 56.73 feet in a northwesterly direction to a point, said point being the southwest corner of Lot 194; thence South 19 degrees 55’ 00” East 29.75 feet to a point, the northwest corner of Lot 3 North Park Court; Thence along the Northern line of Lot 3 south 81 degrees 27’ 00” East 40.77 feet to a point, the southwest corner of Lot 2; Thence North

degrees

00” East 24.95 feet

southeast corner of Lot

Townsend, Ida L. Townsend and Francis D. Fadnma.”

Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 700 East Lexington Avenue, High Point, North Carolina.

This tract is that portion of Lot 2 of North Park Court which lies behind Lots 193 and 194 as shown in Plat Book 19, at Page 18 in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Guilford County, North Carolina.

Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23.

Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1).

The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed.

Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws.

A deposit of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale.

If the trustee is unable to convey title to this

property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit.

The purchaser will have no further remedy.

Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold.

Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may after receiving the notice of foreclosure sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days but not more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in this notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

of the 1950s was establishment of the Research Triangle Park. Today it seems so natural that a group of high-tech businesses would find a home in an area near three research universities. But the story of the Research Park is a complicated one. There are many heroes. Howard Odum, an academic, envisions a research institute. Romeo Guest, a businessman, envisions “a pragmatic engine for promoting business growth and coins the magic term: “Research Triangle.” Guest met regularly with the business leaders who were key: Wachovia Bank’s Robert Hanes and Archie Davis and the state’s governor, Luther Hodges, whose contacts and tenacity were critical. The group of boosters bought 4,000 acres between Raleigh and Durham for just $175 an acre.

The story of the state’s wonderful art museum might never had happened if the state’s arts commission had not hired Wilhelm Reinhold Valentiner in 1955 to be the first director of the North Carolina Museum of Art.

Gerard concludes with a chapter on Gov. Kerr Scott, “a devoted Presbyterian,

FroM The FroNT

Tax

a lifelong student of the Bible and also a pragmatist with vision, who can see not just an ideal future but also what is possible in the here and now. Politics is the art of the possible, and he is gifted with the ability to make more things possible.”

Like Scott, Gerard took on a seemingly impossible task, that of telling the story of North Carolina in the 1950s in a very small book. Maybe he did not accomplish the impossible, but he surely left this reader knowing a lot more than when he started.

NOTE: Philip Gerard, who died Nov. 7, was one of North Carolina’s most productive and multitalented writers, producing engaging fiction and stimulation non-fiction. At UNC-Wilmington, he was a popular and effective teacher. In writing the Decades series, he often used the present tense to describe past actions. In a few cases, to avoid confusion I have adjusted the tenses in quoted language.

D.G. Martin, a retired lawyer, served as UNC-System’s vice president for public affairs and hosted PBS-NC’s North Carolina Bookwatch.

the Town catches up. He noted there was not a large disparity.

Capital Improvement Program (CIP)

One item on the CIP budget is a sidewalk along the east side of Penny Road from West Main Street to the lake. Wolfe questioned the feasibility of doing this sidewalk since High Point has delayed construction of their portion of a Penny Road sidewalk until 2028.

Public Services Director Paul Blanchard remarked that the water line along Penny Road needs replacement and work does not need to be coordinated with the sidewalk project.

Improvements are currently being made to Town Hall, but the Civic Center improvements will have to wait, according to Johnson. However, architectural designs could be done. While Capes agreed, Rayborn did not believe the Civic Center should be renovated. Wolfe believes since the Civic Center facility use policy has not been updated, the Town could not tell an architect what is needed. She suggested holding a special

Council meeting to update the policy.

Golf Maintenance Supervisor Jamie Claybrook said a Kubota tractor can be used for both mowing the golf course and other landscaping projects with different attachments. He is requesting the purchase of the tractor, which is cheaper than an earlier suggestion but will do more that what the Town now has.

In the Recreation department, installation of the Wrenn Miller Park restrooms was a hot topic with Council members. These would replace the need to walk across Guilford Road to Town Hall to use the facilities. These restrooms have been discussed for several years and are very much in need.

Since the grant for the inclusive playground coming to Jamestown Park does not include restrooms, Capes suggested delaying restrooms there and installing the one at Wrenn Miller Park. Capes and Rayborn agreed.

Parks Superintendent Scott Coakley said that since the new playground would be created after another project, that restroom could be put

POLIC y

from Vickery Chapel Road to Millis Road, Ragsdale Road near West Main Street, Gannaway Street near East Main Street, West Main Street from Oakdale Road to Dillon Road. Expenses are estimated at $2,294,795, with ARPA funding available to cover the full amount.

• ARPA stormwater project for construction services to replace crucial stormwater infrastructure at Jamestown Park Golf Course. Estimated cost is $210,000, with ARPA funding available to cover the full amount.

Councilmember Martha Wolfe said all projects were much needed.

During his report, Town Manager Matthew Johnson introduced Jason Pegram, who will be joining the staff as assistant director

into the 2024/25 budget.

Coakley suggested a new automatic lane marker machine for striping the athletic fields for $41,000. It presently takes three men 3.5 hours to do it. The new machine would cut the time down to one man working 23 minutes automatically. The fields must be re-marked on a regular basis due to use.

Suggestions

Rayborn suggested considering increasing the amount allotted to non-profit contract services and Capes suggested encouraging other groups to apply.

Next meeting

Several adjustments were made to the proposed budget and CIP during the meeting. The Council will meet for an unprecedented third time to discuss the budget on April 14.

“There is a lot going on, lots of projects,” Johnson said about the extra meetings.

The preliminary budget will be presented at the May Town Council meeting. The public is urged to attend all Town Council meetings.

of public services on April 10. Johnson also said that Parks Superintendent Scott Coakley is working on new software for the department that will allow users to reserve amenities like picnic shelters, sports fields and clubhouse space. This option should be available by early May.

Additionally, the golf maintenance building, currently under construction, now has an estimated completion date of July of this year. The restrooms on the golf course have been demolished and replaced with temporary portable toilets in preparation of new restroom construction.

Renovations have begun to Town Hall. The next Town Council meeting will be held at 6 p.m. April 18 in the Civic Center at Town Hall. The public is invited to attend.