With all the negative things that are written about today, I want to write something positive. The Arc of Rowan has a summer day program for students from kindergarten through high school with disabilities.
The participants have enjoyed going to the YMCA splash pad, movies at the theater, a day at Dan Nicholas Park, a fire station visit, karate demonstrations, Zumba, a visit and train ride at the NC Transportation Museum and much more. Each week has had a theme, like “Under the Sea,” and each day participants did an activity related to the theme. The children and their families, our supporters and staff will enjoy a picnic at Faith Legion Park during the last week.
The program could not happen if not for all of the love and support from many people in Rowan and Cabarrus counties.
I would like to give a special thank you to Dr. Crystal Vail, director of Exceptional Children with the Rowan-Salisbury School System; Chad Eagle and the Rowan-Salisbury School System Transportation Department; Rowan-Salisbury School System’s school food service; Jeff Barger, Clerk of Court for Rowan County; Clerk of Court of Cabarrus County; Rowan County Sheriff Kevin Auten; and the principals and other staff at Landis Elementary School and North Rowan High School. Thank you for going the extra mile.
Also, an extra special thank you goes to our donors. Without your donations, we would not be able to serve all of our children. No child is turned down because the family cannot pay the minimal charge. Please know that The Arc of Rowan is A Rowan County United Way Agency.
The old saying “It takes a village to raise a child” certainly holds true in this wonderful program. We are very grateful for everyone in our village. I feel that we are very blessed to live in such a wonderful county. We are also blessed to have all of these wonderful children.
— Carolyn Rogers
Salisbury

Carolyn Rogers is program coordinator for The Arc of Rowan.

Usually I write to the editor when I’m shocked. This time I am livid. How dare the media insinuate that Israel is the bad guy. How long did our so-called leader think they would wait around for him to do something? Hundreds of rockets daily, aimed directly at populated areas, hoping to kill as many innocent civilians as possible. Even the iron dome was not enough.
Just think: How long would Americans sit by as rockets rained down on New York, waiting for some arrogant idiot to stop the carnage? If enough civilians in Gaza are killed, maybe, and I repeat, maybe, the Gaza people themselves would kick Hamas out of their country, but I doubt it. There is only one positive action that would totally stop these murderers. Do what Nixon did in Vietnam — “Rolling Thunder” — which would leave nothing but charcoal in its wake. Sound inhuman? It is, but we are dealing with inhumanity in its vilest form. Netanyahu, go get ’em, and don’t stop until the Near East is free of these monsters.
The rest will have to wait until we get some cahones in the White House — the rest meaning Africa, the Far East and wherever else they try to hide. Any arguments will gladly be debated by me, if you have anything intelligent to say.
— Philip DeBenedictis
Salisbury

I am a retired school media person from the Rowan-Salisbury School System. I have been upset for some time by how accusations are made so public against individuals before enough investigations are done. Often, accusations are made without enough follow-up on the outcome and no offer of support during the process. Aren’t we innocent until proven guilty? Because the paper prints it and puts its own slant on it, does that automatically make it true?
I refer to the James Barringer story. I know this gentleman and his family. They are good people of the best kind. I firmly believe that he did not do what he is being accused of doing. He has been a teacher and coach in this county for years. He is always there for the support of his students. Where is his support now? Are the students, parents and co-workers going to support him? Where are they?
To me, these charges seem a little suspicious, like a grudge or something. This is not the first time this has happened. We have lost good teachers and administrators because of student fears or lies. We must offer some support to James so we don’t lose him. Let him know that we care about him and believe in him. He is innocent. Please write!
— Barbara Deese
Salisbury