Optimist Club sets next week as 'Respect for Law Week' here

Washington Mayor Willie Burns (seated, right) signs a proclamation declaring May 7-13 as "Respect for Law Week" in Washington-Wilkes. Looking on are (seated, left) Malcolm Chafin, Optimist Club Chairman; and (standing, l-r) Sam Moore, Chairman of the Wilkes County Board of Commissioners; and Washington Police Chief Mike Davis. The Optimist Club of Washington is sponsoring the annual "Respect for Law Week" in WashingtonWilkes May 7-13.

Optimists Club Chairman Malcolm Chafin arranged for official designation of the week and in a ceremony at the Washington City Hall, a proclamation was issued to that effect and was signed by Mayor Willie Burns.

The proclamation states in part: "All citizens of Washington-Wilkes are asked to join with the Optimist Club in carrying the message of respect for law to other citizens, and by example exercise responsible citizenship."

The proclamation further states that the problems of crime touch and affect all segments of our society, and can undermine and erode the moral and economic strengths of communities and their citizens if unabated.

The Optimist Club is a youth-oriented civic club, providing activities, programs, and support for local youth organizations on an ongoing basis.

The proclamation was signed by Mayor Burns on Tuesday, May 2, in the conference room at the Washington City Hall.