THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, September 3, 1995 TAG: 9509010171
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 08 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Another View
LENGTH: Medium: 76 lines
An open letter to the citizens of Portsmouth:
``I believe that children are our future, teach them well and let them lead the way. Show them all the beauty they possess inside. Give them a sense of pride to make it easier: let the children's laughter remind us all of how we used to be.''
Many may recognize the words of the preceding paragraph as lyrics from a song recently made popular by Whitney Houston. I prefer to believe that they are words by which we should all be living our lives.
Citizens of Portsmouth, our children need our help. Waiting for them to ask for that help will never avail them because in most cases, they do not perceive the need. Never at any time in our nation's history have our children had so many distractions and negative influences vying for their time and attention in opposition to morality and education. Our children need our help!
I know that there are all sorts of reasons why we can't become involved. Two wage earner families; single parents; our own clubs and hobbies. These are just a few reasons why people think they don't have time to get involved. And, of course, there are the people who are single or married without children, or the older folks whose children are grown. Some of these people wonder why they should spend their time on someone else's problem (read children).
Well folks, I am not proposing that we try to save the world, but we could do great things with our own little piece of the world called Portsmouth.
It is a well-documented fact that our schools are facing a massive budget crunch due to decreasing enrollment and declining state and federal support. As a matter of fact, every organization in our city that impacts our children, from the churches to the little leagues are all having to do more with less. And, unless you are willing to support a tax increase for education (something we should really be considering) or you have some hidden wealth you can donate to some of our youth organizations, the best way you can offset these shortfalls is with the gift of your time.
There is no more precious or appreciated a gift you can give to a child than the gift of yourself and your time. Call your child's or your neighborhood's school and find out what you can do to help. Join the PTA or the Little League or the Scouts. You can make time to help our children if the will is there to do so. It is only in our own best interest to make that time available, to ensure the success of this ``Generation-X'' as they have been labeled, for in their success lies our future. If you are willing to invest the time, I guarantee that you can find a place to spend it.
Portsmouth has a diversified population representing many backgrounds and cultures. Our citizenry has a multitude of experience and talent to offer to our young people. The precious gift of your time, once given, will be returned to you many times, this I know from experience.
Hopefully, I am not ``preaching to the choir.' I know that we have many fine people who volunteer many hours to the children of our city in a variety of ways. My challenge is to those who are not involved, or are not as involved as they could be. Find some time to invest in our children. You will be amazed at the dividends this investment will pay.
If my plea has moved or inspired you, or at least started you thinking then I am grateful. If you want to get involved, don't put it off but rather find an opportunity to help today. If you would like to talk to someone about volunteering your time, call your minister, your school or a person whom you know who works with youth. If you would like to contact me, I would be glad to try to help you find an outlet for your talents that would benefit our children. You can reach me by leaving a message at Wilson High School. I will answer all calls I receive.
I wish you all, the citizens of Portsmouth, the joy and satisfaction that I have known having been a part of so many young people's lives. Join me, won't you?
Fred Salanitro
PTSA president/assistant wrestling coach
Woodrow Wilson High School
Aug. 29, 1995 by CNB