Human trafficking forum

The Salisbury Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority presents a free public forum about human trafficking on Saturday, June 9, in the Rowan Public Library Standback Auditorium, 201 W. Fisher St., from 10 a.m. to noon.
The keynote speaker is Debra Glass Garner. Garner is a graduate of Western Connecticut State College and is actively involved in global missions through Lott Carey Foreign Mission Society. She is a former president of Lott Carey Women In Service Everywhere (WISE) and is a former chair of the New Perspective Missionary Ministry and the Sheepfold of Vashti.
According to Garner, human trafficking is not only international, it also takes place in our backyard, in and around Salisbury/Rowan County and neighboring cities and towns along the I-85 corridor.
Traffickers use violence, threats and deception to force people into commercial sex or services against their will. Efforts to fight this growing phenomenon of modern-day slavery are undertaken by organizations and churches right here in Salisbury.
Human trafficking is the third-largest crime internationally, and North Carolina is consistently ranked as a top 10 state for trafficking with the Charlotte region being No. 1 in the state. The highway systems make it easy to bring victims in and out. There are an estimated 20.9 million victims of human trafficking in this $32 billion industry.
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority’s involvement in international issues, including human rights and developing infrastructure, has led the Salisbury Alumnae Chapter to sponsoring this forum free of charge, to raise awareness of the everyday battles to confront the challenges presented by human trafficking.
Statements expressed at this forum are those of the participants and not the opinion or position of the Rowan Public Library or its employees.

Today: Lyme Disease Support Group Meeting
 3-5 p.m. at Saint John’s Lutheran Church, 200 West Innes St., in the educational building, room 218. To learn more call Doug at 704-785-5425, Elizabeth at 704-636-3190 or visit Facebook: Celebration of Hope Piedmont NC Lyme Disease Support Group

‘The History of American Legion Baseball in Kannapolis’
KANNAPOLIS — Kannapolis History Associates hosts Baxter Shelton, as he shares “The History of American Legion Baseball in Kannapolis.” American Legion Baseball began on a national level in 1928 and started in Kannapolis in 1934. In addition, special guests Bill Hubbard, part of the 1952 State Championship team and Mike London, part of the 1961 State Championship team, will share.
The meeting is Monday, June 4 at 7 p.m. in the A. L. Brown High School social room, 415 E. First St, Kannapolis.

2018 Blockwork applications
The City of Salisbury is now accepting applications from neighborhoods for the 2018 Blockwork. This year’s Blockwork event is Saturday, Oct, 27, on Make a Difference Day. Apply for your neighborhood participation by June 15. Find applications and guidelines at www.salisburync.gov/Blockwork.

All Mopar Car Show
SPENCER — The Carolina Region Plymouth Car Club will display a grand collection of vehicles beginning at 9 a.m. on June 9, with awards to be presented at noon. The show includes 1st and 2nd places in 11 different categories, Best of Show awards and much more.
Held at the North Carolina Transportation Museum from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is $12 for adults, seniors $10 and children $8. See www.nctrans.org to learn more.

Dare To Imagine exhibit
Dare To Imagine is a summer solo exhibition by a student artist who won the Dare To Imagine award.
Presented annually to one Rowan County graduating senior whose artwork most exemplifies the creative potential of the human spirit, heart, and hand, the Dare To Imagine Award is made possible through a gift from Susan and Edward Norvell.
Student portfolios are reviewed by a panel of jurors in a blind judging process in five categories: Artistic Sensitivity, Skill and Technique, Originality, Composition, and Overall Quality and Presentation.
Exhibition dates are June 4-Aug. 31, at Waterworks Visual Arts Center, 123 East Liberty St. Admission is free. Gallery hours are weekdays 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m., www.waterworks.org