Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority contributes to Soles for Little Souls

Soles for Little Souls is a signature program of the Sigma Public Education and Research (SPEAR), a 501(c)3 affiliate of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. The local chapter donated more than 150 pairs of shoes in support of this annual event.

 

J.C. Price American Legion Post hosts its annual Christmas Crime and Fire Safety program 

Submitted by O. Mae Carroll, Commander

Rowan-Salisbury community children, youth, parents and adults attended the annual Christmas Crime and Fire Safety program on Dec. 21 at J.C. Price American Legion Post. The program was sponsored by the post children and youth department, chaired by Leonard Hall. The program presider and music coordinator was Meesha Baig.

Hall gave the welcome, prayer and overview of the program. Lt. Brantly Shanks, firefighter Wesley Jackson and engineer Ray Moore discussed fire safety and demonstrated home safety techniques.

The children toured the firetruck under the firemen’s supervision and were given school supplies after answering questions from the attendees.

Officer Ann Cooper discussed police safety and the criteria and responsibilities for police cadets.

She passed out ornaments made by the cadets and answered questions and discussed crime safety. Officer Cooper  encouraged the audience to support children interested in the police cadet program.

Local Sweet Frogs danced with the children and took photos.

Post Auxiliary members Tonya Clodfelter and Terry Love, along with Post legionnaires, served hot dogs, chicken, drinks and cookies. Fruit, candy, toothpaste and toothbrush bags were given to all the children as they left.

The children played games and danced to the music by Comrade Baig. Each child was given a chance to sit on Santa’s lap (thanks to Harold Broadway Jr.) and hace their photo taken. Each child received gift wrapped, age appropriate presents donated by the Post and local merchants.

Nine-year-old Raeyana Coleman from Granite Elementary School won the grand Post prize: a red 20 inch Huffy Bicycle. She is the daughter of Ola Nwafor.

Assorted cookies were donated by Mayor Karen Alexander. Other Legionnaires participants included: Daniel Haddock, Wayne Hill, Gary Hall, John Pharr, Homer Robertson, Ronald Ijames, and Commander O.Mae Carroll. John “Marshall” Knox served as photographer.

Special recognition was given to the following for their donations and /or financial support to the program: 5 Below, Steppin out Social Club, McDonalds, (Forest Organization,) Tracy Heweitt, The Eloganze Club, Gail and Chanaka Yatawara.

During the annual American Legion Convention last year, Post 107 won the community and children and youth awards for meritorious service.

 

Christmas came early for local Veteran

Submitted

When most people think about Christmas, the majority consider it to be all about the children. When preschool teacher Lori Mason considered a Christmas service project for her class, several options came to mind.

There was preparing an Operation Christmas Child box, filling and sending a goody bag to a child affected by Hurricane Matthew, or gifting a local veteran with little or no family. After much prayer and advice from W.E.E. Center director Jessica Casey, the decision to keep this project local was made.

Mrs. Mason, whose preschool class consists of 14 three-year-olds, sent letters to each family with information regarding the veteran she had chosen. His name is Chuck Steele, a Vietnam War veteran, sci-fi fanatic,and avid NASCAR fan.

Mrs. Mason says when the idea first came up, she had hoped the class would donate enough to be able to purchase gifts such as a warm blanket, hat, gloves, a scarf and a smidge of candy. She was pleasantly surprised when her class donated upwards of $150. With such a big donation, the above items were purchased but also included a new jacket, pants, flannel shirt, a stocking full of toiletries and a teddy bear.

Mrs. Mason brought all the items to class along with boxes and wrapping paper and had a wrapping party with the kids. They loved it!

Items were delivered to Mr. Steele as the State Veteran’s Home on December 21.

 

‘Wagging Welcomes’ program

The Salisbury-Rowan AARP Chapter meets Thurs., Jan. 5 at 1 p.m. at Rufty-Holmes Senior Center, 1120 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave.

Diane Hundley will talk about “Wagging Welcomes,” a pet greeting program at Novant Health Rowan Medical Center, assisted by trainer Barbara Teichroew and her dog, Oliver.

There will also be the installation of officers, followed by a pizza party. All seniors 50+ welcome. Free. For information contact 704-216-7714.

Memories of Bert Oestreicher 

By Linda Jones

In this, the Salisbury Symphony’s 50th Anniversary Season, the Big Band Bash is a special tribute to Bert W. Oestreicher, for whom the Big Band Bash first began

Two stories about Bert make one smile: Bert was born in Savannah, Ga., and her mother’s name was Hannah; a beautiful woman, barely five feet tall.

But when Johnny Mercer — also from Savannah — wrote his famous song “Hard-Hearted Hannah,” legend has it he was inspired by her! She must have been a remarkable woman.

The very first “bash” was created and held in honor and in memory of Bert by Rachel, and at that event, Foster Owen played “Hard-Hearted Hannah” on his banjo, to the delight of everyone.

Later, when Bert rode the Queen Mary to Europe, Clark Gable was also a passenger — and guess who got to dance with him?!

The classic annual fundraiser is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 7, beginning at 6:30 p.m. in Hedrick Auditorium at Catawba College.

Visit www.salisburysymphony.org to check on ticket availability.