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Today, a new license plate agency is scheduled to open at 1677 Westchester Dr., Suite 155 in High Point, replacing the one that once resided on Lexington Avenue before it was shut down due to an investigation that revealed the owners participated in illegal activity.
“It takes awhile to go through the process and open it back up due to applications,” DMV spokesperson Marge Howell said. “It takes going through the applications and making sure we’re getting qualified people to run our agencies. That has taken a little while but we’re glad it’s opening back up.”
The city had been without a license plate agency since last July. The former office was contracted to Judith D. Hancock for 14 years until she was charged following the investigation by the DMV License and Theft Bureau and state and federal authorities.
“We try to be as careful as we can,” said Howell. “We look into their financial and customer service backgrounds. We try to make sure we’re getting some good agents there to run the agency.”
High Point’s new agency offers vehicle registration, titling services and license plate and registration stickers to customers who now don’t have to leave town in order to do so. Howell wanted to remind people of the new law that will require a vehicle to pass inspection before its tags can be renewed. Howell recommends doing whatever comes first, whether it be an inspection or sticker renewal.
Once a vehicle passes inspection, its approval is loaded into a database that the DMV can access when renewing license plate stickers. No vehicle will be able to renew tags until it passes inspection. The move is intended to improve air quality by making sure all state vehicles have proper emissions standards. Howell said it will take about two years until the program is fully implemented across the state. The law will end windshield inspection stickers all together.
Thomasville also saw its license plate agency close at the same time as High Point because of the investigation. A new license plate agency opened in the Chair City on Jan. 27 at 1033 Randolph St., Suite 13. David Chadwick, who has worked with the Department of Motor Vehicles for 14 years, contracted the new office.
Staff Writer Eliot Duke can be reached at 888-3578, or at eliotduke@hotmail.com - To the Editor:
In this world filled with negativity, I must share some happy, positive news with your readers. It is necessary for one to renew driver’s license every five years on a certain date. Well, this year was time for me to be introduced to Medicare and renewal.
I think sometimes we make renewal stressful for ourselves. I put it off for as long as I could and finally made the trek to the DMV at the High Point office. I was amazed and pleasantly surprised. Within minutes I had my Olan Mills quality picture-in-plastic and the right to drive in the senior citizen’s lane for the next five years. My hat’s off and my gratitude to the staff for wonderful customer service.
I don’t know how happy having surgery is, but I do know this is news worthy. As a birthday present from Medicare to me, I decided it was time to have the necessary procedure. After consultation with Thomasville’s original and best “Dr. Phil,” all the arrangements were made. From the time of my arrival at Thomasville Medical Center until I exited the front door, I felt as if I were the only patient that day. Every person on the staff made me feel comfortable and secure in my surroundings. WOW! Thank you Dr. Phillip Dorton and staff. Thank you Thomasville Medical Center staff. Not only did I receive excellent care, I received VIP care.
From my heart, thanks.
Gail Leonard Shuller
Thomasville
To the Editor:
What happened to sin?
Since I have been in the ministry, I have been told you do not have to do what you say you are going to do.
Now, I always thought to tell someone that you are going to do something, and then refuse to do it is a lie? Is it not a lie? And is not a lie a sin? Is it not a 10 Commandment sin?
In seminary, the 10 Commandments were sort of turned on their head. Sins were often called suggestions. In other words, they are the 10 Suggestions from our Lord in Heaven, and not the 10 Commandments.
I was told that Sodom was destroyed not because of sinful immorality but because the residents of Sodom were poor hosts. That is like you do not have to do what you say you are going to do.
Sex out of wedlock is commonplace, because a former president became the First Fornicator. I had people who called themselves good Christians take up for adultery and abortion. If killing is a sin, why isn’t the killing of the child in the woumb a sin? You do not have to do what you say you are going to do.
I may or may not be near death, but I cannot discern why good Christians would believe the worse president in history, Jimmy Carter, who lied about promises from militant Islam. The editor of U.S. News and World Report, a liberal who has destroyed his magazine, called Carter a liar. He proved factually that Carter is am anti-Semite. But good Christians will go on believing a liar. You do not have to do what you say you are going to do.
A liar is no longer a cheat. You do not have to do what you say you are going to do.
Good Christians vote blindly for the party that wants to destroy Christianity. You do not have to do what you say you are going to do.
When is faith going to return to be faith.
Just a thought.
As I get older I get more confused. Or maybe not.
Jack Stratas
Denton
Thursday, Feb. 9, 2006
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There is an old saying, “When the going gets tough, the tough gets going.” To rephrase the adage “when the going gets tough, the heart gets going - growing and growing with concern, love and caring. This was made evident during the latter part of 2005 due to the economic conditions in the area. The needs were recognized by individuals, churches, civic organizations, social groups, wholesale distributors, businesses and school groups.
The thought of a Christmas with no “Merry” for families and children, perhaps no visit from Santa, was not something to be allowed to happen. With the pending holiday and hearts filled with compassion - it did not happen. The outpouring of love prevailed, and the results were amazing. The sight of policemen crossing the street pushing bicycles, cars unloading boxes of gifts, trucks delivering food, all reminded all of us that it was and always will be, more blessed to GIVE. Our “Adopt-A-Child” program at Christmas was also successful due to the many church groups, individuals and businesses helping to truly put the “Merry” into approximately 470 people with 300 of them being children.
Our sincere appreciation and love to this community for the support given during 2005 to CCM. The Times food challenge was very successful and certainly helped to fill the empty shelves in our pantry. Our thanks to all that responded by donating food and their time to pick up or deliver food. Thank you Times staff for challenging folks and publishing reminders.
We can’t sing enough praises for the many volunteers who unselfishly give of their time weekly by working at the ministry or picking up or delivering food when needed. They are “the roots” that enables us to reach out and touch lives and truly make a difference with care and concern by their faithfulness. The volunteers are responsible for the success of our soup kitchen, “Meals of Grace” feeding approximately 40 people two to three evenings each week. The clients and volunteer groups enjoy this endeavor that has proved to be a need and an enjoyment also. The clients are very appreciative of the meals and are eager to express their gratitude each evening.
Seeing children, school groups, Scouts troops, church organizations and individuals, it is enlightening to see the interaction; all in a caring spirit of love and concern.
I am grateful for the Board of Directors who also give of their time and support to this ministry. A BIG THANK YOU to a great community of faithful supporters who continue to show love and concern for all people in Thomasville.
Aurelia Sink
Cooperative Community Ministry
Executive Director
A tribute to Tom A. Finch Community YMCA
Very recently, I retired as Child Care Director at Tom A. Finch Community YMCA, a position I held there for nearly 17 years. The YMCA became my home away from home, not only because of job responsibilities, but also because of the people who work there and the programs that are offered there.
Those of you who are members and frequent the facility know what I am talking about. Those of you who are not familiar with this organization, its mission and its great contributions to this community, must stop by where you will be warmly greeted just as soon as you enter the doors. You will want to go back.
Upon my retirement, many wonderful things happened to me. A gorgeous reception was held in my honor. At this time, fellow staff members presented me with many remembrances and special tributes. I will never be the same after that afternoon. At the recent YMCA Annual Awards Dinner, I was recognized for my years of employment with the greatest honor of all, the naming of the YMCA Child Care Center after me.
There is no way to explain and describe the impact this has had on me and will continue to have for the rest of my life for I am only a person who receives the greatest joy from helping others.
The real story behind my YMCA career has yet to be told. Now, it is my turn. The difficulty in writing this is finding adequate words to express to you the degree of work ethic, the depth of character and the level of expertise that is possessed by the staff members at our YMCA. Those who care personally for you as you check in at the member service desk will call you by name and will welcome you with a smile, no matter the time of day you visit.
There is no need to worry for one moment about the level of safety and competence of the aquatics staff when you use the indoor pool. If you decide to use the state of the art wellness center, you will find experienced and knowledgeable staff who will make you feel welcome and who will help you with any of your wellness needs. The myriad of programs that is offered are convenient, well-staffed and fun. Try any of them - you will be glad you did.
The staff members who care for your children through Before School, After School, Summer Day Camp programs and the Drop-In Child Care program and with whom I have worked for the past 17 years, are dedicated to the care and happiness of children. They will put your children first as programs are planned to meet the needs of today’s families. This staff is well-trained, caring, energetic and fun. You can expect your children to ask to stay longer when you pick them up - a compliment to the staff and programs.
There is top-notch leadership in the business offices of the YMCA. The degree of integrity that is evidenced in this department compares to none other. All financial matters are skillfully handled.
When you enter our building, you will notice a level of cleanliness that we have been told is rare. The building and grounds staff takes pride in the appearance of the building, both inside and outside.
If you have made it through to this part, you may be wondering how one organization can possess all of these qualities. At the helm of the YMCA is an excellent Board of Directors, consisting of committed volunteers who give freely of their time and talents. Their praises cannot be sung enough.
But, I am sure they would tell you, along with YMCA staff and members, that the person who is responsible for the place the YMCA has in this community is Executive Director Stan Styers.
Under his leadership, the Tom A. Finch Community YMCA has been recognized statewide and on the national level for its member-satisfaction rating and for the many programs that are offered here.
Stan instills in those who work with him the desire to do and be the best that one can be, striving for excellence in every aspect of work and personal life. He is an outstanding teacher and a caring friend to everyone. He leads by example. His character is exemplified in the kindness he exhibits to all of those around him. He is an inspiration to each of his employees, to his many friends and to his family.
This is my story. It is my hope that you will visit the YMCA frequently, meet the staff and take part in the programs that truly build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all. It has truly made a difference in my life.
Sara Faulkner
Thomasville