Thanks for supporting Royal Giants Park work

In 2012, the East Spencer Town Board and management had concluded that it was the right time to undertake a process to rebirth the town’s primary recreational facility, Royal Giants Park. “Write the vision and make it plain, that he may run who reads it” — Habakkuk 2:2. We have stayed on the course during the past three years.

Several of the plans were to make Royal Giants Park useful again. First, we celebrated with the community clean-up, with volunteers cleaning, painting, building a shelter, and other hands-on activities.

Now in 2016 Royal Giants Park has hosted car and bike shows, families and churches have reserved the facilities, 3 on 3 basketball tournaments. Since 2013 we have hosted a free five- week summer camp with transportation and community support for an average attendance of 53 children per day. On Aug. 27 we hosted our third Annual Book Bag Give-A-Way

I could not let the time pass without thanking the people of Rowan County for being so generous and gracious towards us. Grateful Hearts, Aldi’s, S&H Youth and Adult Services, Phi Beta Sigma Inc. of Livingstone College, Board of Aldermen, volunteers and the 796 individuals we served made our efforts more than we could ever expect. Because we gave the “extra-mile service” it gave us the opportunity to impact the lives of others.

We may not know how to get from where we are right now to where our vision will ultimately take us — but God does.

The future looks bright for Royal Giants Park and East Spencer.

We greatly appreciate those who are committed to enhancing the quality of life of the citizens of East Spencer.

— Barbara A. Mallett

Mallett is the mayor of East Spencer.

 

Terrorists are pleased

As the United States observes the 15th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks we often hear the words “never forget.” The sad truth is that we have forgotten the intent of the attackers, who sought to disrupt and destroy the American way of life.

In these 15 years we have elected and then re-elected a president who is not totally unsympathetic to radical Islam. His weakness on the military and foreign policy has given rise to the Islamic State and their now routine terror attacks. Free speech on our college and university campuses is being abandoned so students are made not to feel uncomfortable or have liberal biases challenged. The police are portrayed as the cause for a growing lack of respect for authority. Socialism is becoming increasingly popular as the path our country should follow. Political correctness rather than common sense is the norm in almost every debate.

No, sadly I believe the terrorists who carried out the 9/11 attacks would be quite pleased with the changes in the United States during the past 15 years.

— Tim Deal

Salisbury

 Why Clinton is vilified

I’m amazed at the amount of ignorance that is running amok concerning Mrs. Clinton. It’s strange to me that people are so quick to sit in judgment of her, and her perceived wrongdoings, yet praise the fountain of disgust that is Trump.

If you would take the time to look at all Mrs. Clinton has accomplished in her career instead of getting all of your information from Fox News, you may not see her in such a bad light. She would not be vilified as much as she is, were it not for the fact that she is female. You good old white boys hated President Obama because of his race, now you hate her because of her sex. She has more sense in her little finger than Trump and all of his supporters combined.

Please remember that this election is not a joke, and the world is watching. Do you really want a trashy loud- mouthed buffoon to represent us, or a woman that will command the respect of the world?

— Robin Hager

Salisbury

Boost arts in schools

As students begin the school year, it is important for us to remember the impact of education in our homes, schools and communities. For decades, research has shown that when students participate in the arts as a part of their education, they go on to succeed in school, work and life.

Designated by Congress in 2010, the week beginning with the second Sunday in September is National Arts in Education Week: a national celebration of the transformative power of the arts in education. To celebrate, we encourage all supporters of arts, culture, and education to join with us – as well as our elected officials and education leaders.

Recently, the new Every Student Succeeds Act was signed into law – replacing no Child Left Behind. This new bill fully supports the arts as part of every students’ “well-rounded” education. It provides the flexibility for students to learn creatively and for local districts and states to create schools that embrace the arts. What we know is simple: students attend school more often when they have access to the arts, parents and families engage with the schools when schools embrace the arts, dropout rates decrease, grades increase — and the halls are filled with artwork, songs, drama and dancing.

And, I’m not alone in this belief. According to a recent public opinion poll, released in March, 9 out of 10 Americans believe that the arts are essential to a well rounded education.

As we celebrate National Arts in Education Week, we should pause to cheer for our accomplishments, but we should also remember the work we have to do. How can our district help provide equitable opportunities for all young people? How can we use the new law to create arts-rich schools? How can we support parents, families and the community to provide more opportunities for engagement? It’s up to us — the arts education community — to take a stand and lead.

— Elnora Broadie

Charlotte