Human Rights celebration
The seventh annual Human Rights Celebration was observed by the Salisbury-Rowan Unit of Church Women United in NC on Aug. 3 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, represented by 68 persons from eight denominations.
Welcome and greetings were given by committee chair Catherine Rivens, local unit president Brenda Venning, regent of Catholic Daughters and Sacred Heart member Colette Miller, and assistant pastor at Sacred Heart Father Jason Barone.
The theme for the 2012 celebration was “Sounds and Sights of Harmony-Embracing Our Oneness,” with the purpose of honoring two women who dedicate their time and talent to further the advancement “of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family” as set forth in the preamble to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the General Assembly of the United Nations in 1948.
Those selected have established a legacy in the community, in their individual church and in Church Women United. This year’s honorees were Annie Miller Bates and Betty Jo Hardy.
Bates is an Elder at Trinity Presbyterian Church, is active in many auxiliaries including Presbyterian Women and the Salem Presbytery Prison Ministry, is a coordinator for Meals on Wheels and Habitat for Humanity, volunteers with St. Andrew’s Gleaning Society, Senior Democrats in Rowan County, Smart Start and Hanford Dole Elementary School as a tutor. She has been a member of the Rowan Hispanic Committee and Des Madres a Des Madres Committee.
Hardy is involved with the Rowan County Human Relations Council, is currently chairperson of Covenant Community Connection committee, has organized Let’s Get Connected Day and several public forums. An active member of Milford Hills United Methodist Church, she is the Director of Christian Education, works with the western conference of lay leaders and the United Methodist Women’s Organization and has served in many capacities in CWU including past president and is currently the chairperson of the nominating committee.
Other participants in the celebration were Gwendolyn Ellis, Genny Reed, Betty Jo Hardy, Doris B. Brown, Tonya Cornelius, Linda Stoner and Jacqueline Sims. Musician for the evening was Dorothy Gil-Smith.
Trinity Presbyterian had the largest number of members in attendance. Benediction and blessing was given by Rev. Olen Bruner, pastor of Trinity Presbyterian.
The ecumenical action, coordinated by Manie Richardson, was the collection of school supplies for Communities in Schools and received by executive director Vickie Slusser.
The next celebration is World Community Day on Nov. 2, which will be held at Trinity Presbyterian Church. All interested persons are invited to reserve tickets.
Five-year-old All American Girl
Sari Grace Lewin, daughter of military family Corporal Quodolphius and Krystal Stukes of Joint Base Lewis McChord Washington, and granddaughter of Patty Robinson Petteway of Salisbury, was crowned 2012 National Tiny Miss All American Girl at the national finals of the All American Girl Youth Development Program.
She was also awarded the 2012 National Tiny Miss Talent winner with her song and dance to The Princess and the Frog, “Almost There.”
In the spring of 2012 five-year-old Sari was crowned as the state title holder for All American Girl Youth Development Program in the 3-4 age group and qualified for the recent nationals.
The event took place in Portland, Ore. The community Service project for the All American Youth Development Program supports Autism Speaks, dedicated to increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders, funding research into the causes, prevention and treatments for autism, and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families.
Sari will spend the next year as a goodwill ambassador making public appearances and performances, parades, community service and conducting more fundraisers and programs in support of Autism Speaks.