Use old board building to enrich community

The Rowan-Salisbury Board of Education missed an opportunity last Monday to make a decision that would have sent a strong message to the community at large that it cares about the citizens of East Spencer.

This neglected community has not benefited from the funds available for high poverty communities with majorities of people of color because there is no facility or organization to receive these funds. Instead, monies received by the county, based on the high poverty rate in East Spencer, have gone to other municipalities, such as the Health Department clinic in Spencer.

The SANKOFA organization asked for the building that houses administrative offices of the RSS which will be vacated in February of 2016 as they move to the new Wallace building in Salisbury. We presented plans for a variety of programs and services that would enrich the community and provide healthy alternatives for young people … preschool, after school, and summer, along with parent education and training programs leading to employability.

How can a plan to turn the building into senior housing, as proposed by the Town of East Spencer, compete with this mission?

What will it take to get the larger community to wake up to the realities in East Spencer? Successful and growing municipalities strengthen the entire county. Here was an opportunity to show support for an effort directed to that end. Let’s hope that they have recognized the severe immediate needs in East Spencer by their January meeting, and act to remediate this by turning the building over to SANKOFA dba PLDCS.

— Nan Lund

Salisbury

Does college degree matter anymore?

It has been almost exactly one year ago that my husband and I were overjoyed that our first born child was graduating from UNCC with a graduate certificate in gerontology. The year prior to that, he had graduated from the same college with a bachelor’s degree in sociology and a minor in public health and gerontology.  Little did we know this joy would soon turn to disappointment and frustration.

Over the last year, he has applied for countless jobs from the Lexington and Statesville areas to the Charlotte and Monroe areas and most cities in between. After each interview, he gets the same response, “You interview great and have an impressive resume, but we are looking for someone with experience.” How can a new college graduate get experience if no one will give him or her a chance?

So, my Eagle Scout son who wants to work with the elderly is barely getting by working a part-time job as a swim coach for children. But wait, his story continues. He was just notified that he has been offered a job from the recent job fair at the West End Plaza. He was offered $8.50 an hour for a full-time job as a college graduate! Let’s see, how long will it take him to repay his $70,000 college loan with a salary of $8.50 an hour? Oh, and to make things worse, he just received notice that his Obamacare insurance is going to be tripled in price next year.

What a shame and disgrace this is. I will continue to do what I have been doing the last year. I will keep praying that someone will one day give him the opportunity he deserves to be able to put the education he worked so hard for to work.

— Tracy Parrish

Rockwell

A Christmas surprise in the checkout line

On Sunday, Dec. 6, I was in Walmart buying a few groceries. I was in the check-out line behind a couple checking out their groceries. The gentleman asked if he could put my groceries on the check-out belt. I said that would be fine. Within a few moments they were paying for my groceries. I was so surprised that I started to cry.

I do not know who these people are but they are very thoughtful and kind. Each one hugged me and wished me a Merry Christmas. I returned the greeting. Even the cashier wished me a Merry Christmas and hugged me.

Even though there is a lot of violence in the world, there are wonderful people like this couple.

— Nancy Lloyd

Salisbury

Scout Troop keeps caroling tradition alive

Once again our neighborhood came alive with music by Scout Troop #442 of the First United Methodist Church. Thank you to the troop and its leaders for keeping the caroling tradition alive. Don and I enjoyed both the music and the company of the polite young men who graced our living room Monday night with their presence. Thank you too, for spreading your joy. “We wish you a Merry Christmas,” too.

— Edith Julian

Salisbury