Crosby Scholars program has reasons to be grateful

In this time of giving thanks, the Rowan County Crosby Scholars Community Partnership would like to acknowledge, with heartfelt gratitude, the support we’ve been given in our first two years. From the beginning, we have benefitted from the generous support of Goodwill Industries of Northwest North Carolina which founded our organization to further its mission of helping people find jobs and reach financial stability. Likewise, we’ve received invaluable advice and counsel from the original Crosby Scholars Community Partnership in Forsyth County. Their successful, 22-year old program has inspired us and provided a framework for building a college-bound culture here in Rowan County.

Locally, we are blessed to have had the early support of folks like Fred and Alice Stanback, and F&M Bank, who generously provides our office space in the F&M Professional Center. The community backing we’ve received has been tremendous. We appreciate all of the individuals, foundations, government and business entities that have partnered with us, both operationally and for our BBQ, Bands & Boots fundraiser. We also thank our Board of Directors – a group of caring, forward-thinking individuals who have been a stronghold for our organization and are fully engaged in helping all Rowan-Salisbury students fulfill their dream of going to college!

With over 2,200 students in our program this year, we would not be able to function without the help of the Rowan-Salisbury School System and our dedicated corps of volunteers. The guidance counselors, teachers, administrators, retirees and parents who give of their time to help our students learn more about accessing college are indispensable! And finally, we thank our students —for putting their trust in the Crosby Scholars program and for giving us the privilege of walking alongside as they pursue the dream of higher education.

— Jennifer Canipe

Salisbury

The writer is executive director of Rowan County Crosby Scholars.

Generosity is amazing

Thursday is a special day that we celebrate, this tradition Thanksgiving.

As the story goes, it was a day that two cultures with different customs stopped, broke bread and gave thanks.  Thankful for a new land they called home, new friends and  their lives that were touched by the generosity (Indian tribe) during hardship (Pilgrim families).

Daily, I am amazed at the generosity of many in our community that share with others  who have challenges of a different nature.

There is a wilderness to many in our community that face loneliness, poor health, illiteracy, homelessness, lack of nutrition, a need for encouragement.  All of these are different hardships that challenge lives in a very dramatic way.

But you my friend are there as a contributor who shares the bounty of financial support; you are there as a volunteer to work with those who need a warm meal, a warm bed to sleep, a lesson or a friendly conversation with a stranger.

It is this GRACE of hope, from love, and with kindness… that I am most thankful.

— Bob Lippard

Salisbury

The writer is executive director of Rowan County United Way.

Thanks for Rufty-Holmes

There is no better day to give thanks than Thanksgiving. This goes out to Rufty-Holmes Senior Center. We are so thankful that you have a program for people over the age of 50. Because if you didn’t, we would have lost everything.

I want to thank Maria Sofley so very much. Without her being there, we could not keep the things we have. Maria has gone out of her way to help us so much. She helped us by getting in touch with the V.A. That was a life saver.

Without going through Elaine Howle in the Veterans Service Office, we would not have a car or a new roof. That was the true turning point of a new life again.

So, thanks very much, Elaine Howle, for being in the office at Rufty-Holmes. I hope Rufty-Holmes will always be there for years to come.

— Mr. and Mrs. Martin Novak

Woodleaf

So blessed

I count my blessings. Sunday was my Thanksgiving Day. While having my lunch at Cracker Barrel, a nice-looking couple sitting near me came to my table, picked up my ticket with big smiles on their faces  and said, “Ma’am, I am paying your ticket. Happy Thanksgiving!”

I was in awe but managed to say thank you and God bless you. As they passed the window where I sat, they still had big smiles on their faces. I pray they know how much they touched me as angels. God is good all the time.

— Carol Cauble

Salisbury