This week with Senator Ford | |
Bible Verse of the Week
"And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the Lord be God, follow him:
but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered
him not a word."
I Kings 18:21
| | | Thank you for taking the time to read my newsletter and for staying connected with what’s happening in District 33 and in the General Assembly. | | My office and I remain committed to serving both our district and the state, and we will continue to keep you updated on the important issues and legislation that impact our community. Your thoughts and concerns are invaluable, and I am dedicated to making sure your voice is represented in the General Assembly. Please continue to keep me in your prayers as I seek God's wisdom and guidance in all that I do. Thank you for your trust and continued support. | | On the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001, we pause to remember the nearly 3,000 lives lost and the countless families, friends, first responders, and communities forever changed by that tragic day. We honor those who showed extraordinary courage and compassion in the face of unimaginable circumstances, and we remember the resilience that followed in the days and years afterward. Twenty-five years later, the memory of 9/11 remains a reminder of the value of human life, the importance of standing together, and the responsibility to preserve the stories of those we lost so that they are never forgotten. | | On September 17th, we celebrate Constitution Day, a day dedicated to honoring the United States Constitution and the principles of freedom, equality, justice, and democracy that it represents. On this day in 1787, the delegates to the Constitutional Convention signed the document that became the foundation of our nation’s government and continues to protect the rights and liberties of the American people. It is an opportunity to reflect on our rights and responsibilities and to appreciate the enduring importance of the Constitution in our lives. | | Kannapolis celebrating their favorite son, Dale Earnhardt, Sr. | | | | |
Attending Pray Rowan is always
a meaningful and uplifting experience that provides an opportunity for reflection, prayer, and fellowship with others who share a commitment to faith and community. The event offers valuable moments of spiritual encouragement and unity.
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Apply for a GO Grant Today
GO Grants are a great way to get our students outdoors! These grants provide outdoor learning experiences by sponsoring field trips and outdoor activities, such as archery. The goal is to provide students with the chance to learn by doing.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and there is no deadline to apply. If you are interested, please visit their website here.
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Three important dates are coming up as we move through the final months of 2026:
Fall begins: Tuesday, September 22, 2026 at 8:05pm EDT
Fall back: Sunday, November 1, 2026 at 2:00am EDT, clocks turn back one hour to 1:00am EST
Winter begins: Monday, December 21, 2026 at 3:50pm EST
| | Upcoming Events in District 33 | | |
It's time for the Autumn Jubilee!
This year it will be held at Dan Nicholas Park & Campground, on October 3rd and 4th. This is a free event open to the whole community and operates from 10 AM- 5 PM each day. We look forward to seeing you there!
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Southern Rowan Christmas Parade Applications Are NOW OPEN!
It’s time to start planning for one of our favorite holiday traditions! The Southern Rowan Christmas Parade will take place on Tuesday, November 24th.
Interested in participating in this year’s parade? Applications are now available!
Apply online
Visit the Town website and go to:
Community → Community Events → China Grove Christmas Events → Apply Here
Or apply directly using this link: https://app.heygov.com/.../2026-southern-rowan-christmas...
You can also find the application through the link in our bio!
Have questions? Contact China Grove Town Hall at 704-857-2466.
School and professional bands: Please contact us directly by phone or send us a direct message for participation information.
We can’t wait to kick off the holiday season with another great Southern Rowan Christmas Parade!
| | Our Founders Day is just around the corner! The only admission is to the dinosaur exhibit. $12 for adults, $6 ages five and under. No admission for anything else or for parking! We hope to see you on the 26th! | | |
JOIN OUR TEAM
The Town of Badin is looking for dedicated, community‑focused individuals to join our team as a full‑time Police Officer. The Department serves to enhance the quality of life for every resident through service, safety, and connection.
Located at the foot of the Uwharrie Mountains and along the beautiful shores of Badin Lake, our town offers stunning natural scenery and a close‑knit community without the fast-paced demands of a larger city. Badin is a place where service truly matters.
If you're ready to grow your career and make a meaningful impact, we’d love to hear from you.
Contact Chief Smith at 704‑422‑3470 or submit an application online today.
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Cheers to 250 years of Rockwell!
We are celebrating years of community, tradition, and hometown pride! Here's to the past, present, and future of our great town.
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Also, make sure to join us for the 4th Annual Rock the Park Festival on Saturday, September 12th!
The fun begins at 11am at Rockwell Park, 699 Lake Drive.
We’re looking forward to another great day of live music, delicious food,
local vendors, and fun for the whole family. We hope to see you there!
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Friday Night Downtown Cruise In
Join us on the first Friday of each month, April through September, as N. Central Ave. fills with classic cars, great music, and local vendors! Bring your ride, stroll the street, and enjoy a fun evening with the community.
Weather Notice: In the event of heavy rain or thunderstorms, the Cruise-In will be rescheduled for the second Friday of the month.
Please check the Town website or the Facebook event page for the latest updates and announcements.
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Run Kannapolis is back this fall with four great races!
Join runners and walkers of all ages while supporting local nonprofits and enjoying some of Kannapolis' favorite races. Register today at this link.
Fall Race Schedule:
September 26- Flint's Fabulous 5k
October 24- 5k Race for Peace
November 7- 5k for Heroes
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Registraton is now open for the Kannapolis Christmas Parade!
This years parade will be at 6 P.M. on Saturday, December 12 in Downtown Kannapolis
Want to be a part of the parade? Applications are now open for parade participants and award category sponsors. Cash awards will be presented in the categories of bands, churches, civic organization, and schools.
Register by 5 P.M. November 1 at this link or contact Raygen Ellis at rellis@kannapolisnc.gov
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As we approach the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001, the Salisbury NC Fire Department will honor the lives lost, the sacrifices made and the lasting impact of that day.
Throughout the week, the department’s 9/11 Steel Trailer will be displayed at Salisbury fire stations across the city, serving as a powerful reminder of the 343 firefighters and other first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice, as well as those who have lost their lives in the years since.
The schedule for the 9/11 Steele Trailer is as follows:
Sunday, Sept. 6- Station 4 (2325 Statesville Blvd.)
Monday, Sept. 7 - Station 3 (150 Mahaley Ave.)
Tuesday, Sept. 8 - Station 1 (514 E Innes St.)
Wednesday, Sept. 9 - Station 6 (310 Cedar Springs Rd.)
Thursday, Sept. 10 - Station 2 (2312 S. Main St.)
Friday, Sept. 11- Station 5 (1402 S. Main St.)
The week of remembrance will conclude with the Salisbury Fire Department’s 9/11 Memorial Service on Friday, Sept. 11, at 8:30 a.m. at the Firefighters Memorial, 1402 S. Main St. The community is invited to join us as we remember, reflect and honor those whose lives were forever impacted by September 11, 2001.
| | Join the Rowan County Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, September 29 at 11 A.M. for the 2026 Fall Job Fair! Located at the Rowan Community Center, 1935 Jake Alexander Blvd W, Salisbury | | |
Thomas AND Percy are coming to Spencer, N.C.!
Experience Day Out With Thomas featuring a real train ride with Thomas, plus exclusive rides with Percy only available in the Southeast at the N.C. Transportation Museum. Get your tickets while you can!
Includes a full day of activities, games, and museum access!
Sept 25–27 & Oct 2–4, 2026
1 Samuel Spencer Dr. Spencer, NC 28159
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The Magic of Christmas is Coming Back to Rowan County!
Join our friends at the N.C. Transportation Museum as they prepare for another unforgettable season of THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride!
Climb aboard for a magical journey to the North Pole where you'll enjoy:
A visit from Santa
Hot chocolate and a delicious cookie
A silver sleigh bell to take home
A live reading of The Polar Express
Holiday entertainment that brings the beloved story to life
This cherished holiday tradition returns on select dates from November 6 through December 23 at the North Carolina Transportation Museum in Spencer. Whether you're starting a new family tradition or continuing one you already love, this is an experience your family will never forget.
Get all the details, view available dates, and reserve your tickets here:
https://bit.ly/4xpLMvr
Don't wait too long—this popular holiday tradition sells out every year!
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2026 VETERANS DAY WEEKEND SILENT AUCTION
SUPPORTING LOCAL VETERANS
The Stanly County Veterans Group is excited to introduce our 2026 Veterans Day Weekend Silent Auction, a new addition to our 2nd Annual Veterans Day Weekend Car, Bike & Truck Show, being held Saturday, November 7.
And you do not have to enter a car, bike or truck to participate! The Silent Auction is open to everyone.
We'll be revealing auction items one at a time leading up to the event, so follow this Event and keep checking back. Some of our biggest and most unusual pieces will be saved for later!
HOW IT WORKS
Each auction item will have its own bid sheet at the event. Browse the items, place your bids and check back throughout the morning to make sure somebody hasn't outbid you.
Silent Auction bidding begins at 8:00 AM.
Silent Auction bidding closes at 11:00 AM.
Silent Auction winners will be announced immediately following the trophy
presentation, approximately 11:45 AM.
Winning bidders must be present when winners are announced. Winners will be responsible for payment and pickup of their items before the conclusion of the event. Winning bidders are also responsible for transportation of any large or oversized items.
Most importantly:
Every dollar raised through the Silent Auction will support the Stanly County Veterans Group and our mission of serving, supporting and recognizing Veterans in our local community.
Saturday, November 7, 2026
Downtown Oakboro, North Carolina
Held in conjunction with the 2nd Annual Veterans Day Weekend Car, Bike & Truck Show (https://www.facebook.com/share/1Eq7c9a9Lh/)
Bring the family. Check out the cars, bikes and trucks. Browse the auction. Find something you want. Place a bid. And help us turn some great donated items into support for our local Veterans.
| | To get in touch with Senator Carl Ford’s office, you may send correspondence to his legislative office at 300 N. Salisbury Street, Room 625, Raleigh, NC 27603. You can also call (919) 733‑5665 or email him at Carl.Ford@ncleg.gov. | | You can also sign up for Senator Ford’s newsletter by scanning the QR code shown here. It will take you directly to the subscription portal. Stay updated on legislative news, district events, and key public service updates from his office! | | Take a 360 Degree Virtual Tour of the Legislative Building | | | |
Can our office help?
If there is an issue with which our office might be able to provide assistance, please do not hesitate to contact our Raleigh office, (919) 733- 5665 or Carl.Ford@ncleg.gov
Of course, if you are ever in Raleigh, please feel free to visit your legislative office. We would love to meet you.
**Our office location is Room 625.**
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Please share this newsletter with your friends and family in the district. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me. If you would like to subscribe to the newsletter click here to email us and ask to be added.
God Bless,
Carl
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