Opinion

Since 1973, around Christmas time, I have dressed up in an authentic Santa Claus suit and experienced joy with countless children and adults at home and overseas.

This story shares highlights of a wonderful hobby.

The Origin of St. Nicholas

A credible account appeared in The Brunswick Beacon on Dec. 20, 2007, titled “The history behind the real Saint Nicholas; Yes there is a Santa Claus” by Dewey Simpson, Special To The Beacon.

To the editor: In reference to Frank Smith’s letter: “Unhappy with Police Department.”

Just to make a point of Mr. Smith’s letter, I did some research regarding his statement that the Shallotte Police Department allegedly said a crime had not been committed since no money changed hands and an investigation would not be warranted.

I researched the North Carolina General Statutes and a partial reading of Article 19, False Pretenses and Cheats, states:

“Obtaining property by false pretenses:

Can you imagine cutting strangers’ credit cards, walking around malls dressed as zombies or getting together with friends to drive shopping carts around in a conga line at a local discount store?

Those are a few of the ideas Adbusters, a nonprofit organization of anti-big business types, suggested for what they call “Buy Nothing Day,” a protest movement on the day after Thanksgiving.

To the editor: The Southport/Oak Island Friends of the Library would like to extend a huge thank you to the community and all our dedicated volunteers for their overwhelming support during our second annual Friends of the Library Week Oct. 19-25.

Friends of the Library supports and works with the local libraries to help provide books and various needed supplies not included in the county budget for our community libraries, as well as volunteers to help the local libraries in any way needed.

To the editor:

Re: John Heidtke’s column in Nov. 27 issue of the Beacon.

As a retired law enforcement officer (FBI 1969-1994) and resident of Brunswick County, I enjoyed your column, “Decent People versus Criminals and Thugs: Who Will Prevail?”

With all due respect to your interest and research into the subject as it concerns Brunswick County (with which I totally agree), I believe your energies might be best directed elsewhere.

Brunswick County lost one of its most distinguished native sons Oct. 28.

Joseph A. Gore, a Supply native, was born in 1930 to G. M. Gore and Amelia Bryant Gore. He graduated from the public schools of Brunswick County in 1948, earned a bachelor’s degree from Livingston College and served as a medic with the United States Army 82nd Airborne Division from 1953-55.

To the editor:

I owe so many people my gratitude and apologies. I spent so much time reacting out of anger, hurt, and pain. I have now let go of my pain, anger and hurt.

My deepest apologies to everyone who stood in my angry line of fire. Thanks for your love, care, kindness, and patience.

I owe the most gratitude and apologies to my husband, Adam Bradshaw. I was blessed and fortunate when I met Adam. I found someone I could trust with my heart, life, all that I have and all that I am.

Recently, at my request, a senior Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office sergeant escorted me on a late night visit to seven residential areas the department identifies as priority drug enforcement targets.

They are listed in the article I wrote about the “ride along” experience.

A trusted friend of mine approached me in church wearing a grin that reminded me of a possum eating peanut butter through a screen door.

I sat quietly as the names scrolled across the big screen in the front of the church. Some names I didn’t recognize, but most names I did.

The names were names of those lost to murder, drunk driving and domestic violence, and the gravity of the evening was not lost on this reporter. Many of the names I recognized because I had reported on their deaths.

I knew when and how these victims were taken from their families, but for the first times in many of their stories, I saw the people left behind in the wake of their senseless deaths.