Scouting programs offer many priceless lessons

The Boy Scouts of America is an amazing program. Scouting allows youth to experience their dreams in a hands-on learning environment. I know this to be true because I am a product of this program. As an Eagle Scout, many people often ask me what it means to be a Scout; or why the Boy Scouts? My answer is this: For what you get out of the program there is nothing else that will benefit you in the same way. Events such as Summer Camp at Camp John J. Barnhardt bring boys from all over the East Coast together to learn about citizenship, leadership, camping and much more. On Nov. 7, there will be a Cuboree held for all Rowan County Cub Scouts at St. John’s Retreat Property. They will get to learn about First Aid, Crafts and even get to use BB guns.

Scouting is more than just another program or activity for children. It is much more than just fun activities. The activities are the program lure our children love; however, the outcome is youth learning over 120 career-based opportunities in a hands-on environment. Scouting strengthens neighborhoods and communities, preparing youth to be contributing members of society.

While there is a nominal cost that families typically incur when they sign up for Scouting, they often don’t realize that youth sports cost families between $150 and $500 per year, not including equipment. Incarceration for a juvenile in North Carolina costs more than $25,000 a year. The annual cost for registration and insurance for a Boy Scout is $25. Even if this $25 fee is too much for a family, we don’t turn anyone away. The Central NC Council, Boy Scouts of America, has partnered with the Rowan County United Way to help fund families in need of financial assistance, not only for registration, but covering uniforms, camps, activities, books, program support and many other requests that will further the Scouting Experience.

The Scouting program truly is like no other. Scouts who go through our program learn more than how to tie knots and build fires. They learn valuable lessons that will last them a lifetime. You can’t put a price on that.

— Howard Torrence

Albemarle

Torrence is the Rowan County District Executive, Boy Scouts of America.

Redefining 1st Amendment

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

Please notice the first word in the First Article in Amendment to the United States Constitution. That word is “Congress.” Then go back and look at the debates that occurred during the time the article was being considered. You will find the whole purpose of the first few words was to make sure that “Congress” did not impose upon the states any particular denomination.   No matter your religious beliefs, the plain meaning of the text clearly shows it to be a  prohibition only upon the Congress.  One does not need a law degree to interpret the article.

Since the time it was ratified, through the manipulation of terminology in various cases before the United States Supreme Court, the original intent of the article has been turned upside down.

The prohibition was extended to the states and now even to local governments.

How long will it be until it is applied to local church bodies who have become government entities by accepting 501c3 Status?

It is a sad time in our nation when what is plainly written in the law is used to do the exact opposite of its intent.

How have the people and lawmakers of this nation allowed such a perversion of the law?

— Joe D. Teeter

Gold Hill

 United Way always at work

We in Rowan County are so fortunate and so blessed to have our outstanding Rowan County United Way staff.  We hear a lot about United Way when the annual campaign is going on, but now so much at other times.

Here’s a little insight.  Did you know that they:

Coordinate the Christmas Bureau?

Manage and oversee the committee that decides on FEMA funding for our area?

Partner with the Rowan Rotary Club to recognize students in K-12 for their volunteer service to others with Service Above Self Youth Awards?

When layoffs come around, they are one of the first on site to assist laid off employees?

That they orchestrate the United Way agency funding allocation process?

When there is  a little extra money, they work with the United Way Board of Directors to distribute Community Initiative Grants for worthy organizations that are not United Way agencies?

Conduct a thorough needs assessment every five years to make sure the most pressing needs of our community are addressed?

Administer the Community Chest Fund for emergency needs of UW agencies?

Coordinate the annual Day of Caring for Rowan County, where volunteers go into schools and non-profits to implement needed projects (this year 43 sites and 700 volunteers)?

Conduct special events like the spring bike ride and the fall 5k run?

Are the Matchmaker point of contact for companies that have surplus equipment and supplies to donate, and they administer the Combined Federal Campaign for all federal employees in Rowan and Iredell counties?

I didn’t know either! Even more incredible, the “they” I’m referring to is just three people.  The next time you see Bob Lippard, Jackie Harris, or Melissa Robbins thank them for all they do for all of us in Rowan County.

— John Struzick

Salisbury

An honest wash job

Thanks Sam’s Car Wash employees. Yesterday I had my car washed at Sam’s on West Innes St., tipped the attendant with a small tip and headed home. Later in the afternoon, I remembered that I had left my cell phone in the car and returned to get it. Picking the phone up, I noticed something in the cup holder and found a lost expensive ring I had no idea was in the car. Thank you and all of Sam’s employees for being the kind of persons we all should be. PS. I will return very soon with a large tip.

— Wade and Peggy Rouzer

Salisbury