Have we received your nominations?

The Rowan Service Above Self Program annually recognizes young people for their volunteer services to others in our community and beyond. The program is sponsored by Rowan Rotary Club, Cheerwine Bottling Company, and United Way of Rowan County. Each year we depend upon you and others in the community to submit nominations to us so we can celebrate and recognize those who have so generously given of themselves to help others.

Young people ranging from 5-18 years old from Rowan County are eligible for recognition as individuals or as a group. All individuals and groups nominated will be recognized at a special awards ceremony to be held on December 8, at 6:30 pm at Keppel Auditorium on the Catawba College Campus. The last day to submit nominations is November 15 – just around the corner!!! Judges will review all nominations and select three winners from the following categories: Individuals and groups in K-5, Middle School, and High School. But all will be recognized!

We often focus upon the negative things we hear about our youth and others in the community. I urge you to focus on the many positive things that our youth are doing. Nominate your child, your grandchild, your student, a neighbor, or a school, scout or church group for their volunteer services. It only takes a few minutes and you can do it online through www.rowanserviceaboveself.com or you can call the Rowan County United Way office (704-633-1802) for information on nominations.

Come on — jump in the celebration and submit your nominations today! Then join us on December 8th for a ceremony that will jerk at your heartstrings!!!

— Dr. Jerry Chandler

Chairman, Rowan Service Above Self

 

The future starts with our kids

The writer is responding to a Nov. 1 editorial, “Schools should promote civil discourse about presidential election.”

I commend the Salisbury Post for drawing attention to one of the biggest victims of this negative, nasty election season — our children. Children are our future, and it is troubling to think that their exposure to the rhetoric of this campaign could affect their behavior.

Our schools provide the perfect opportunity to educate students on the issues at stake in this election. Beyond teaching students about our electoral system and explaining the contrasting visions our candidates hold for America, our schools should also educate students on how to civilly debate the issues. Our schools can teach students that civil debate is not only productive, but also necessary for our democracy to thrive.

At the National Institute for Civil Discourse, we’ve launched a national campaign to #ReviveCivility, calling on politicians, members of the media, and everyday citizens to stand up to incivility and to sign on to our Standards of Conduct. We mustn’t stand by while our civility is eroded. You can read more at: nicd.arizona.edu/revivecivility.

Our future rests with our children. The choices they make, how they treat each other, and the things they accomplish together will determine America’s future. We mustn’t let them think the vitriol of this election season is normal. It isn’t.

— Dr. Carolyn J. Lukensmeyer

Washington, D.C.

The author is the executive director of the National Institute for Civil Discourse, a non-partisan organization based at the University of Arizona dedicated to promoting healthy and civil political debate. #ReviveCivility

 

Olsen laid foundation at Rowan Vocational  

Rowan Vocational Opportunities recently celebrated 50 years of serving individuals with disabilities. This celebration is not complete without a mention of the late Juanita F. Olsen who served as director for over 25 years and is the individual most responsible for the longterm success of this organization, thanks to the principles and values that she instilled. For Mrs. Olsen this, of course, was not a retirement job but was her life’s work. Kudos to Juanita Olsen for a job well done and the great memories that she left.

 — Barry Stokes

Salisbury