Invest in families, invest in the YMCA
The YMCA of Rowan County’s Invest in Youth Campaign is in full swing. Although it is titled, “Invest in Youth,” this campaign raises funds to support programs and scholarships benefitting all ages.
While the Y receives funding from the Rowan County United Way, our annual Invest in Youth campaign helps ensure that the YMCA never turns anyone away due to the inability to pay. To this end, last year, the YMCA of Rowan County gave away goods and services totalling more than $600,000.
The Invest in Youth funds also enable those who perhaps most need it to participate in a variety of activities including after school programs, summer day camp and sports programs.
Last year, 7,381 low-income children and teens received financial assistance to enable their participation.
As we read headlines in the Post about unemployment soaring in Rowan County, it becomes even more important for families to be able to take advantage of all that the YMCA offers ó the building of strong kids, strong families and strong communities.
Robert and I have made the commitment to support the Invest in Youth Campaign and we urge the generous community of Rowan County to do the same. Please see the front desk at your local YMCA for more information!
ó Jennifer Canipe
Salisbury
Bravery in action
A police officer subdues a violent gunman who killed eight persons in Carthage nursing home attack. This officer prevents further killings by wounding the gunman in a situation where most officers would have used deadly force.
Officer Justin Garner, a well-trained officer, performed his job the way he was supposed to ó preventing this situation from being even more deadly than it could have been. Confronted by the gunman, this officer contained the suspect by wounding, not killing, a dangerous person.
More officers should be able to disable suspects by other means than deadly force. A person armed with a knife should be able to be contained by a Taser and/or pepper spray. Some cases must be stopped by use of deadly force, but other means should be attempted first.
These officers are well-trained on how to fire their weapons. Their actions should reflect that training.
I thank the police for the protection they give the public. I just feel that deadly force should be a last reaction, not the first.
I do feel that the officer in the killings in Milton, Mass., did have to use deadly force. Every case is different.
I also pray that most officers never have to make that judgment call during their years of service These officers do their utmost to serve and protect the public. The public should pray that we never have to face the dangers that our officers have to deal with on a daily basis, and pray that these officers are kept safe to return to their families and homes at the end of every shift. Every officer is a well-loved son, daughter, husband, wife, father, mother, sibling, or friend. May God bless all of us and keep us all safe.
ó Beth Myers
Salisbury
Thank you, SHS
From my freshman year on the varsity basketball team at Salisbury High to now, I know that prayers have gone out for me. There have been good games and bad games, but through it all, words of encouragement seemed to come my way. Everything that has taken place over the last couple of years was all a part of God’s plan for me and my teammates.
Basketball means a lot to me, and I am thankful for being a member of the 2A State Championship winning team. I know that some of our fans couldn’t make it to every game, but the support from the heart was what we needed. I’m not the most athletic or high-scoring player, but this year helped me find my position and captain-like mentality.
Most importantly, I feel the need to thank everyone who has supported and prayed for me when I felt like giving up. It truly made the difference and made this last high school basketball season rewarding.
This year I had a feeling that my coaches and supporters had faith in me. It was a feeling that I hadn’t felt in a while, and it almost confused me. I had to adjust to that feeling and just play ball.
Although the season has ended for now, my teammates and I still need the support and prayers. We as a team have come a long way, and I as a player can now look back on my high school basketball years and feel confident in taking the next step in college.
ó Kia Rice
Salisbury