Teaching moment on child abuse
Recent charges of child sexual abuse against an 81-year-old man in eastern Rowan County present another opportunity to educate ourselves about how to protect children from those who would sexually mistreat them. As this case illustrates, most child molesters are not registered sex offenders; many abuse multiple children (sometimes up to 400 children in a lifetime); and often they position themselves as trusted community members.
Prevent Child Abuse Rowan believes the best and perhaps only way to protect our children is to educate ourselves. With this in mind, we offer “Stewards of Children” to individuals and organizations. This training teaches adults seven steps to protecting children from sexual abuse.
To find out how you can educate yourself or an organization, please call me at 704-639-1700 or go to www.prevent childabuserowan.org to learn more.
ó Carol O. Dunlap
Salisbury
Dunlap is executive director of Prevent Child Abuse Rowan and coordinator of the Terrie Hess House Child Advocacy Center.
Blood supply vital
As we celebrate Thanksgiving, we’ll reflect on our blessings. However, in day-to-day routines, it’s easy to take for granted that family and friends are healthy. If you have had family members that underwent surgery or fought cancer, chances are they received blood that was donated through a blood drive. What if other generous people hadn’t donated blood? What would we all do when there’s a crisis?
On Sunday, Bethel Lutheran Church, 355 E. Ridge Road, is holding a blood drive in conjunction with the Red Cross in honor of a faithful and special member, Milton Crowther. The blood drive will be held between 1 and 5:30 p.m at the church, and we would appreciate it if you could come and give “The Gift of Life.” If you aren’t sure if you can give blood, please come and the Red Cross staff can determine if you are eligible. Appointments aren’t required.
There still is no manmade substitute for human blood. This time of year, we all try extra hard to help others. Donating blood is a wonderful way to help your neighbor, and it won’t cost anything other than a small amount of your time. Giving blood will make you feel good, too.
We are all busy, but we can do really remarkable things. Bethel Lutheran is honored to have Louie Swicegood as a member. He leads by example, recently giving his 100th pint of blood in 17 years.
Please come; you will have the chance to win one of three $1,000 gift cards to be given away by the American Red Cross. Happy Thanksgiving to all of you and your families. God Bless!
ó Lora S. Owen
Salisbury
Hornets still winners
Regarding Salisbury High’s forfeiture of football games because a transfer student was ruled ineligible:
I agree with recent letters saying SHS has been shown an injustice. How many transfers have been handled like this one? Are there other students who are thinking they are eligible for all activities at another school only to find out later that they really aren’t?
If I were a member of the administrative staff responsible for providing the transfer information, I’d hang my head in shame. After all, aren’t we dealing with children here? How would any of you who made this mistake like for your child to deal with what this child has dealt with at SHS?
I would hope that this transfer wasn’t handled in a vindictive way to get back at anyone. There are still a lot of questions that need to be answered, and I, for one, would like to hear those answers.
I commend Dr. Windsor Eagle, Coach Pinyan and his staff for the handling of this sad situation. I’m glad to know that I have supported a high school that has been built on integrity and character. SHS is a school that also has high academic standards. My hat is off to students for maintaining those standards.
As for the SHS football team, guys, you’re still No. 1 in our hearts and certainly on the playing field. Please know that you have our full support. Hold your heads high.
And, to the student, please know that none of this was your fault.
ó Aggie Peninger
Salisbury