George Wilson

As we celebrate Memorial Day this year with sports games, Bar-B-Ques and store sales lets not forget the reason for the day. Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service.

A brief history of the day:

There is evidence that organized women's groups in the South were decorating graves before the end of the Civil War. Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on 5 May 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, in his General Order No. 11, and was first observed on 30 May 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. officially recognize the holiday was New York in 1873. It is now celebrated in almost every State on the last Monday in May (passed by Congress with the National Holiday Act of 1971 (P.L. 90 - 363) to ensure a three day weekend for Federal holidays). Several southern states have an additional separate day for honoring the Confederate war dead: January 19 in Texas, April 26 in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi; May 10 in South Carolina; and June 3 (Jefferson Davis' birthday) in Louisiana and Tennessee.

Moina Michael conceived the idea to wear red poppies on Memorial day in honor of those who died serving the nation during war. She was the first to wear one, and sold poppies to her friends and co-workers with the money going to benefit servicemen in need. Shortly before Memorial Day in 1922 the VFW became the first veterans' organization to nationally sell poppies.

Today a lot of people forget the reason for the day and are immersed in the commercialization of the holiday. The graves of fallen veterans go without being honored. Veterans groups across the nation, with the help of volunteers, try to locate the grave-sites of our fallen veterans to place small flags of remembrance on them (a lot spend money out of pocket to purchase the flags without reimbursement). Contact your local veteran's group to see if you can help (either time or money) or take the time to place the flags at your local cemetery that may not be on their fallen veterans' list.

I am a 21 year Navy veteran. My grandfather served in the Army during WWI (carried a bullet in his leg until his death); two uncles who served during Korean War(one in Army stationed in Korea; other served in Navy stationed on Atlantic side); a cousin who served during Korean War in the Army on East coast; my Dad served in the Navy from 1944 - 1946, 1948 - 1987 {served in SE Asia, Korean War, Vietnam, Cuban Missile crisis (actually laid mines in Havana Harbor)}; there were also several ancestors who served during the Revolution and on both sides of the Civil War.

So remember this day as not a day to show the flag or a federal holiday or store sales but give thanks to those that chose to serve. Remember this: Some sacrificed a lot while others made the ultimate sacrifice. When you see a veteran shake his/her hand and say "thanks for your service" and not just when Memorial Day comes around.

Before 2008, few, if any, paid attention to bank mergers or the slow but steady increase in unemployment. Everybody was intent on increasing home sales and home prices. Few economists were warning of potential adjustments to the market and they were branded as "nay-sayers" or alarmists. The real estate industry was booming; buyers with modest incomes and good credit scores were qualifying for home loans; investors were able to get loans to repair or upgrade houses, sometimes several at a time, based on the homes future equity (house prices could only go up or drop only 5-10%, right?). Builders were selling houses and condominiums when they were 80% complete and at times selling apartments prior to the floor being built. Home sellers were receiving a good return on their investment and some buyers were looking to future equity lines of the homes they bought with thoughts of a good return on their purchase.

Now early 2010 we have accepted new terms or conditions in our daily talking points that before were strange or unknown terms. Unemployment rates reported as two figures (12%; 10.1%; 9.2%), unemployment rate charts, benefit recipients & non- recipients, short sales, REO (real estate owned), Bank owned, BPO (broker price opinion), GDP (gross domestic product), TBTF (too big to fail), TARP, derivatives (visible & secret), shadow markets, hidden stocks, incentives, bank regulators, Federal Reserve, Wall Street lobbyists, $1 trillion national deficit, banksters, golden parachute, etc.

We have witnessed the Federal Reserve & U.S. Congress give over a trillion dollars to banks, insurance companies, carmakers and financial institutions either directly or indirectly through low interest (0.02%) loans originally designed to bolster financial markets to prevent failure & a total collapse of our financial markets bringing on a 1930's style market crash. The Federal Reserve and Congress told the public this was necessary to "shore up" Wall Street & to promote hiring and increase lending to individuals & small business owners. Lending standards were relaxed slightly but only the most solvent and credit worthy individuals & companies received the benefits from TARP & other incentives from the government; lending to small business still lower than it was in 2008 and fewer individuals can qualify for first time loan or refinance.

Today, our economy is slowly showing signs of recovery but it is far from over. Some sections of the country are recovering rapidly while other sections are still experiencing layoffs and high unemployment, rates are still over 9% nationally and over 10% locally. Banks are still maintaining a tight credit requirement for loans but stocks & derivatives are soaring back to 2008 levels, CEO's receiving high bonuses, banks & insurance companies stocks & profits rising rapidly. Small businesses and private real estate investors are still going bankrupt and closing as consumers continue to look for bargain basement prices or reduce spending ahead of fears about their employer going under & they loose job security.

Congress is currently debating financial reform. It is also conducting hearings to determine the cause of the recent financial meltdown and trying to determine which financial institutions took either advantage of or had foreknowledge of the possible difficulties and hedged stocks or derivatives against the meltdown. Congress in a "knee jerk" reaction to the meltdown, based on advice from financial experts, has spent over $1 trillion of taxpayer money either in direct loans, bailouts, or in extremely low interest loans. Amid the current US deficit, the Federal Reserve has earmarked $1 trillion to aid the European Union (EU) in its bailout of Greece & possibly Spain, Portugal and Ireland using the same excuse that it may affect the US stock market and cause an economic crash.

Now I am neither a financial wizard nor an expert in financial market notes. History has a habit of repeating itself and it is possible we will end up like Greece filing bankruptcy by spending more than we take in as revenue. With all the talk on Capital Hill about transparency and prevention of large financial institutions collapsing, the Federal Reserve is still allowed to hold secret board meetings on how it will invest taxpayer dollars with no Congressional oversight or audit. Financial institutions are now bigger than when the "meltdown" began and make up a large portion of the U.S. GDP; Federal Reserve has stated that if financial institutions fail again it would take steps to reduce the effects on the taxpayer.

IMHO would it not be better to take steps to prevent it from happening in the first place. To reduce the size of financial institutions so no one company can cause a collapse and have a truly transparent trade of financial documents; after all, why do real estate agents have to be transparent in their contracts to protect the consumer but Wall Street does not? This is just my opinion but something needs to be done to protect the real estate industry and the consumer from this situation in the future.

The following article by Carolina Journal contributor Karen Walsh discusses an issue that shows that government in it's misguided effort to provide for the "common good" of the public has unintended consequences. Though the intent of the law was to take abandoned or blighted property and repurpose it for the public's use, several city governments (backed or influenced by commercial development organizations) have used the law to acquire prime property from owners who refuse to sell to said organizations. Most times, the property once acquired and rezoned was resold or leased to development companies at a discount; they in turn, after the commercial site is developed, either sold or leased the spaces for a large profit. IMO this is another example of government bowing to special interests. Realtor magazine has published several articles on this subject. Here is the article in its entirety; please read and make your own conclusions.

Now that you have read the above article, what is your opinion; has the government abused its right in the interest of special interests or is it indeed for the common good of its citizens?

The Lincoln County Farmers Market at Denver opened on May 1st. It will again be located at Rock Springs Elementary School on Highway 16. The Denver market will continue to operate on a Saturday only basis throughout the season.

Last year, about sixty different vendors sold at the market. Some were there a lot while others came only once or twice. Organizers are hoping for a good opening day selection including strawberries, asparagus, cut flowers, meat, eggs, lettuce, and a variety of crafts. More customers generate more vendors, which in turn generates even more customers and so on; it is another way to support local growers & small businesses.

Even small purchases will encourage vendors to come back. Locally raised meat tends to be somewhat of a challenge for sellers. Even though it is of very high quality, it has to be sold for a higher price than most meat sold in a grocery store. Ask yourself if you can make a commitment to buy local meat one more time per month than you normally do. That could really add up for meat sellers and keep them coming back.

The farmers market in downtown Lincolnton (225 West Water Street) has already opened for the season. Right now, they are open only on Saturday mornings beginning at 7:00 a.m. But on Tuesday, June 1, they will begin operating on the full schedule of Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings.

I encourage you to come out and support our market vendors. If you have questions about either location of the Farmers Market, please call Cooperative Extension at 704-736-8452 or www.lincolncountyfarmersmarket.com.

Here are 25 things you can do while visiting historic rural Lincoln County, NC. Lincoln County has something for just about everybody's interest (except deep sea fishing). Activities range from walking trails through scenic areas to golfing to deal shoppers to local grown produce to collecting unique pottery. Lincoln County is ideally located within 30 minutes of Charlotte for upscale shopping or travel to the Blue Ridge foothills of Boone.

1. Walk the Marcia H. Cloninger Rail Trail.

A mile meandering through downtown Lincolnton lined with trees, flowers, and benches. The paved trail runs from East Pine Street to Motz Avenue. Contact: City of Lincolnton Planning Department 704-736-8930

2. Go antiquing.

The residents of Historic Lincolnton are familiar with antiques, and many of them are glad to share their treasures with you. Brochure and more information is available at the Lincolnton Downtown Development Association 114 East Main Street 704-736-8915.

3. Play Golf at the Lincoln Country Club.

Built in 1946, the traditionally designed course features tree lined fairways, various water hazards, and well-placed sand bunkers. Fairways are narrow, and the greens are small and very well manicured. 2052 Country Club Road; 704-735-1382; www.LincolnCountryClub.net.

4. Shop at the Farmer's Market.

Find both farmers and home gardeners selling produce, plants, and other items Saturdays mid-April through November and Tuesdays and Thursdays early June through November 7am until sell out (approximately noon) 225 West Water Street Contact Leigh Guth for more information: 704-736-8461; www.lincolncountyfarmersmarket.com

5. Follow a Historical Tour of Downtown Lincolnton.

Learn the stories of twenty of Downtown Lincolnton's most interesting buildings, standing directly in front of them and walking paths that have been followed for generations. Information is available at the Downtown Development Association 704-736-8915 and www.golocallincolnton.org.

6. Attend a High School Athletic Event.

Local talent is sure to be showcased at each of the four high schools in Lincoln County, and the community supports their athletic events with spirit and enthusiasm. www.lincoln.k12.nc.us.

7. Dance at the Alive After Five Concert Series.

Main Street comes alive the last Thursday of every summer month with regional bands playing on an outdoor stage. Food vendors, local restaurants, and a beer garden will be open. Lawn chairs are encouraged, but coolers are not allowed. Contact the Downtown Development Association: 704-736-8915; www.GoLocalLincolnton.org

8. Picnic at McBee Street Park.

This shaded park offers a playground, swing-sets, park benches, and picnic tables for a relaxing afternoon on East McBee Street. Contact Parks and Recreation for more information: 704-748-1518

9. Take a pottery class at Rising Sun Pottery.

A full service, open to the public pottery studio, teaching facility, clay guild, gallery, and retail store. Owner and Resident Potter Gary Lee teach classes for all skill levels and works with five other studio potters. 209 South Academy Street 704-735-5820; http://www.risingsunpottery.com/

10. Play Frisbee Golf, Basketball or Racquetball at Betty Ross Park.

Outdoor and indoor basketball courts, indoor volleyball court, racquetball courts, lighted outdoor tennis courts, softball fields, horseshoes, playgrounds, picnic shelters, a nature trail, and a nine hole Frisbee golf course with equipment available. 800 Madison Street; 704-735-2671.

11. Ride the South Fork Catawba River Rail Trail.

A relatively flat trail along the South Fork Catawba River, this trail offers views of floodplain forests, a bald cypress swamp, rock outcrops and wildflowers to bikers and pedestrians. 2677 Laboratory Road; www.catawbalands.org

12. Dive into the William M. Lentz Pool.

Open every day from Memorial Day through Labor Day for summer fun and games. 800 Madison Street 704-735-2671

13. Shop for unique local pottery.

Pottery is a strong tradition in Lincoln County, and several potters today have studios full of treasures. Brochure available at the Downtown Development Association 114 East Main Street 704-736-8915

14. Tour the vineyards and sample wine at Woodmill Winery.

Watch the process of muscadine wine being made from the five acres of vines to the bottling area and wine cellar in the winery's basement. 1350 Woodmill Winery Lane, Vale, NC 28168; 704-276-9911 www.woodmillwinery.com

15. Go Fishing at Catfish and Carp Country.

Two lakes open for fishing year round make a great place to hang out among friends on carefree evenings. 4881 Old Plank Rd, Iron Station, NC 28080 704-732-1404

16. Play Tennis at Indian Creek Tennis and Swim Club.

Take advantage of the 4 clay courts (2 lighted) and 3 hard courts (all lighted), a swimming pool, and expert tennis instructor. 1652 Riverview Road 828-381-4655; www.indiancreektennis.com

17. Volunteer your time.

Lincolnton is a close-knit community full of smiles, waves, and caring hearts. Several organizations that could use your help in maintaining this uniqueness are United Way of Lincoln County, Downtown Development Association, Hessed House of Hope Inc., Lincoln County Literacy Council, Habitat for Humanity International Inc., or Hospice & Palliative Care Lincoln County. Visit www.VolunteerLincoln.blogspot.com

18. Taste Wine at Southern Charm Winery.

With twenty different handcrafted wines, you will find something delicious, no matter your mood. 704-240-9899 235-D East Main Street; www.southerncharmwinery.com/

19. Enjoy Downtown Lincolnton's Christmas Decorations in a Carriage Ride.