One thing I’ve learned during this campaign is that some of the most important moments happen between the meetings.
Living in Casar means there’s no such thing as a quick trip. Whether I’m headed to Polkville, Waco, Fallston, Kingstown, Shelby, Lincolnton, or Cherryville, the miles add up. I don’t mind them. Some of my best thinking happens on those back roads. Every stop brings another conversation, and every conversation teaches me something.
Friday morning started at Washington Outreach Ministry in Waco. Rain threatened most of the morning, but it turned into one of those comfortable summer mornings that made volunteer work a little easier. We had plenty of young people from several church camps helping load food into cars.
Watching them took me right back to my years teaching ninth graders. There was plenty of laughter, a little horseplay, and enough youthful energy to keep everyone smiling. They worked hard, and before long, families had received food and were on their way.
Afterward, Kim and I stopped at Jan’s Country Kitchen in Fallston for lunch. Their fried chicken deserves the reputation it has earned, but as usual, it was the conversations that stayed with me.
Saturday took me to the Cleveland County Black Business Expo in Kingstown, where I spent the day at the Cleveland County Democratic Party booth talking with visitors, meeting small business owners, and listening.
One conversation that stayed with me was with two high school brothers helping with their father’s Black-owned business in Fallston. The business specializes in mobile phone, computer, and laptop repair. We talked about the work they do, the skills they’re learning, and where technology is headed.
Our conversation naturally turned to artificial intelligence. I was impressed by how thoughtful they were. They understood both the opportunities and the risks, but they also recognized that AI is becoming an important tool for small businesses. They believed students should graduate knowing how to use AI responsibly because it’s going to be part of nearly every workplace they enter. I think they’re right. We shouldn’t fear technology, but we do have a responsibility to prepare young people to use it wisely and effectively.
The expo also featured great food, cold summertime drinks, music from DJ Dr. Jim, and dozens of local businesses. I’d also like to recognize the P. & M. Ramseur Foundation for bringing its farmers market to the event. Fresh corn, tomatoes, okra, cantaloupes, and other locally grown produce reminded everyone how fortunate we are to have strong local agriculture.
Sunday gave me a chance to slow down a little with a walk and a swim at the YMCA. Swimming continues to be one of the ways I clear my head before another busy week.
Later that afternoon, I attended the Cleveland County NAACP meeting and the school board candidates forum. After thirty years in public education, I still enjoy listening to thoughtful conversations about our schools. As I listened, it struck me that the candidates who connected best weren’t the ones with the longest answers. They were the ones who answered honestly, spoke from experience, and treated every question with respect.
Monday brought another trip into Shelby for the Cleveland County Democratic Women’s meeting. We heard an excellent presentation from the director of the Kings Mountain Historical Museum. As a retired history teacher, I always enjoy learning something new.
Like many people, I knew the Catawba Nation had a reputation as remarkable trackers and scouts during the Revolutionary War. What surprised me was learning that those same skills were sometimes used to track escaped enslaved people. History isn’t always comfortable, but that’s one reason I still enjoy studying it. Even after thirty years in the classroom, I’m still learning.
Life also has a way of reminding you that campaigns aren’t the only thing demanding your attention. Roof repairs, errands, party responsibilities, and everyday chores don’t stop just because you’re running for office.
Wednesday started with mowing the yard the old-fashioned way with a push mower. It was hot, humid, and a good reminder that exercise doesn’t always happen at the YMCA. Sometimes it’s just part of taking care of your home.
Later, I headed to Toastmasters, where I served as grammarian and gave the general evaluation. The word of the day was carte blanche, and I especially enjoyed Table Topics. After thirty years of teaching, I still believe there’s always room to become a better communicator. Whether I’m at Toastmasters, a community forum, or talking with someone over a cup of coffee, communication starts with listening.
I also spent time at Totally Free Clothing. One conversation was with a libertarian who spoke passionately about individual liberty, personal rights, and the importance of a free press. Another was with a former Trump supporter who told me he’d simply had enough and was ready to move on. Those conversations reminded me that people don’t fit neatly into political labels. Most are simply trying to make sense of a changing world.
I finished the day with another swim before heading home.
Looking back over the week, I kept thinking about all the conversations that happened when there wasn’t a microphone in front of me. That’s where this campaign really comes alive.
This week it was a volunteer in Waco, two brothers learning the family business in Fallston, a history lesson in Shelby, and honest political conversations at Totally Free Clothing.
Those conversations are teaching me about this district in ways no briefing book ever could. They remind me that people don’t expect perfection. They expect someone who’ll listen, tell the truth, and keep showing up.
Next week will bring another round of miles across District 44, more conversations, and, I’m sure, a few surprises. I’ll be there to listen, learn, and keep sharing what I see along the way.
The miles are worth it.
I’ll keep showing up.
