Kids deserve respect for community service efforts

Kids are like Rodney Dangerfield - they don't get no respect.

Adults often complain about "kids today" as they always have, and the older we get, the more we complain.

But many young people in the area have earned the respect of their peers and adults by working to help their communities.

In Lyon County, kids volunteer through their schools with Central Lyon Youth Connections in Dayton and Silver Springs, helping other teens avoid alcohol and drugs. And in Silver City, they're helping to salvage important materials for the new schoolhouse.

Storey County kids are getting into the act today for Global Youth Service Day. Eighty young people from Virginia City high school and middle school are taking part in a community cleanup by doing such things as planting flowers, cleaning school grounds, and cleaning along the Truckee River in Lockwood. They'll also help work on homes of senior citizens by doing repairs the homeowners can no longer do themselves.

Jenna Blubaugh of Community Chest said Global Youth Service Day is celebrated in 120 countries, and Storey County is the only county she knows of that is participating. This is the ninth annual Global Youth Service Day, and the public can join in on the projects in Virginia City.

Also, Piper's Opera House will host a concert by the Tahoe Truckee Alliance for Musical Arts and silent auction to raise money for youth programs. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Youth who serve during Global Youth Service Day will be admitted for $10. Call 847-0433, 847-9311 or go to www.pipersoperahouse.com.

The fun will begin at 6 p.m. Saturday. Proceeds benefit Global Voice, a service-based program run through Community Chest Inc.

•••

A fellow named Ralph with a British-sounding accent called me Tuesday to talk about a story I had written. Unfortunately, the voice mail garbled his message. Ralph, please call again. The same to anyone else who has called me recently and not yet had a call back. This happens from time to time.

• Contact reporter Karen Woodmansee at kwoodmansee@nevadaappeal.com or 881-7351.

IF You Go

WHO: Virginia City middle and high school students and Global Voice

WHAT: Community-improvement projects and fundraiser to celebrate Global Youth Service Day in Virginia City

WHEN: Service projects from 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. today. Projects include home repairs for seniors, Truckee River cleanup, community and Hugh Gallagher Elementary garden work, sign repair, trash pickup. There is a fundraiser for local youth programs on Saturday from 6-9 p.m. at Piper's Opera House.

TICKETS: Silent Auction and dinner is $8, followed by a concert by TAM. Tickets are $25 at the door, $20 in advance and can be purchased at pipersoperahouse.com or by calling Tiffany Harrower at 847-9311.