Laurels to members of J.C. Price American Legion Post 107 who are ensuring a community tradition lives on for at least one more year. The Memorial Week Celebration began after the emancipation of slaves in the Civil War. It initially took place at Soldier’s Memorial Church, drawing thousands. In the 1930s, the Negro Civic League and the J.C. Price post co-sponsored the event. After the Civic League dissolved in the 1940s, J.C. Price became the sole sponsor. The event used to be the American Legion Post’s biggest annual fundraiser, but with attendance dwindling, organizers say they don’t expect to make any money from this edition. “We are just doing it for the community,” said Mae Carroll, commander of Post 107. It’ll be a shame to see a family friendly, alcohol-free event with rides, games and entertainment fade into history, but it has been marred by complaints and incidents, leading to an increased police presence in recent years. Hopefully, this year’s celebration will go off without a hitch, giving the venerable event the sendoff it deserves. Or, maybe next year Carroll will get the same calls she got this year, with people saying, “Let’s do it one more time.”

Laurels to the Kannapolis Police Department for providing a safe place to consummate Internet-based transactions, and to the resident who gave them the idea. As sites like Craigslist proliferate, so do scams — and sometimes worse crimes. Vicki Graham said she learned on her sister’s Facebook page that her hometown police department in Gainesville, Ga., was setting aside space for online buyers and sellers to meet safely. Good idea, she thought, and contacted the Kannapolis Police Department. Officials there quickly bought in, and now two spaces in the department’s parking lot have been designated for an “e-commerce safe zone.” Better still, the well-lit area is under constant video surveillance, as is the department lobby, where people are also welcome to make those transactions. Graham said she’s thrilled. Kannapolis Police Chief Woody Chavis said it’s a way to prevent crimes before they happen. Smart. And it’s also smart to use the safe zone. If somebody you’re doing business with online doesn’t want to make the transaction at a police station, you’re probably better off not doing business with that person.