On Dec. 4, while reading the Salisbury Post, “Where Will Your Spot Be?” I thought of the song, “Rose Colored Glasses” by John Conlee. After studying about it, I decided not to pick a spot, but to pick a word. It’s a little word everyone knows, “aware.”

In 2018, some unhealthy folks became aware and convinced some wealthy folks to become aware. Together, the rich and not so famous talked some bored folks into doing it with them. All of the above collaborated with the parks.

Then, all of a sudden, after 15 years, all of our community leaders had done it. They all became aware — aware that signs are dangerous and stupid. Signs have no beauty, are not innovative, progressive or an improvement. So, they took ‘em down.

Besides access to the beaches and mountains, RoCo also has an abundance of access to more things, ignorance and apathy.

In 2019, the little word “aware” needs to become the big word A.W.A.R.E. (All Working As Rowan Educators). We don’t need any academy, circle groups or specialty boards to educate us on how to become aware. We must teach ourselves. Everything is connected. We don’t need to share useless information. After teaching ourselves to become aware, let’s all make the big word a bigger little word A.W.A.R.E. (All Working As Rowan Environmentalists). Now is the time to get involved. Everyone knows the dangers of drinking and driving, taking drugs, smoking cig-a-butts and dipping snuff. But what about releasing balloons, using plastic straws and taking plastic bags from stores? Think about it.

Also in 2019, instead of listening to “Rose Colored Glasses” all the time, we need to become aware of these songs:

• “Teach Your Children,” by Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young;

• “Kids of the Baby Boom,” by the Bellamy Brothers;

• “Rainbow Stew,” by Merle Haggard, and

• “I Saw the Light,” by Hank Williams.

Praise the Lord, I saw the light!

— Whitey Harwood

Rowan County