Letters to the Editor 02-01-2000
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By -
- Thanks For The Honor - Cornea Donation - Knight/Alford - Conflict Resolution - Thanks To Marsh
Thanks For The Honor
Editor, Times-Union:I want to thank the Warsaw-Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce, Biomet Inc., the Government Issues Committee, Jean Northenor and this community for selecting me to receive the Chamber's "Excellence in Government" award. Many people other than myself would be more deserving of this distinction and, for this, I feel very humble and most honored. I have lived in the Warsaw-Kosciusko County area all of my life and have found it so easy to serve when you live in a community surrounded by caring and cooperative people. It has been my privilege to serve this community. Thanks again.
J.C. "Mac" Silveus, Warsaw
Cornea Donation
Editor, Times-Union:Recently there was a letter about being donors written to the paper. Let me tell you our story.
After years of doctoring with an eye doctor in Fort Wayne, he finally said, "I can't help you anymore, Maynard. Why don't you see Grossnickle's Eye Center; best in our part of the state."
In due time, we did just that. "Yes," was their answer, when things are just right. Time came in May of '99, cataract surgery. Healing time and sight seemed improving, but it was found that the cornea was diseased. So came the talk of cornea transplant.
Dr. Steve assured us that through Lions Eye Bank, a cornea could be found. Then came our big decision of cornea transplant if available.
Not too hard to make up one's mind when you've always been a busy person, have family you want to see grow up, love to bird watch, love the simple things of life, and not ready for that rocking chair that we senior citizens face.
So on Oct. 26, 1999, the surgery was done by Dr. Steve and healing time in process. No, nothing is a piece of cake but no one said it would be. Time and the wonderful care by the Grossnickle Eye Center, things are getting better.
That old rocking chair is going to wait. Won't be long till I'm back in the workshop building dulcimers and watching the joy of our life, a great-granddaughter, grow up.
Think about being a cornea donor. You never know when your loved one may be the one who goes blind.
Maynard and Gloria Wade, Warsaw
Knight/Alford
Editor, Times-Union:This letter is in response to all of the hype concerning the Knight/Alford reunion. In my opinion, there is nothing more sickening than watching a grown man like Bobby Knight act like an immature child. Obviously Alford had little inclination as to why his former coach would be holding a grudge against him. That is because instead of being an adult by confronting Alford with the problem, Knight prefers to exercise the silent treatment, a tactic usually reserved for pre-teen squabbles. Very mature, Bobby. His fragile ego is obviously rearing its ugly head in response to rumors that Alford could be his successor as Indiana's head coach.
Further diminishing my opinion of Bobby Knight (as if it could sink any lower) was his pre-game handshake with the Alford clan. Rather than coming through the team entrance, he sneaked in behind his former player. Had Knight entered per usual and crossed the gym to greet the Alfords, that would have been a classy gesture signifying Knight's willingness to mend fences. However, because he couldn't seem to rid himself of his machismo for one minute, he felt that surprising Sam Alford (Steve's father) with a hard shove from behind would give Knight the upper hand by maintaining his tough-guy exterior. The post-game press conference was another example of Knight's childishness, where he proceeded to compare Alford to his dog. With comments like that, it makes one wonder why Steve Alford would want to bother repairing their damaged relationship anyway.
Emily Cripe, Atwood
Conflict Resolution
Editor, Times-Union:Looking back over the last six months of 1999, I want to begin by thanking Elizabeth Cramer for the opportunity to work for Education For Conflict Resolution Inc. In recognizing the need for a community- based organization that offered mediation services in Kosciusko County, Elizabeth has worked for several years to lay the foundation through ECR.
It was exciting to officially open the ECR office in Warsaw in September. This facility, located in the "heart" of downtown, has made coordinating mediations less time-consuming since we previously relied on churches and public buildings donating a room.
October was a busy month. Christine Cracknell became a generous volunteer and donated her time and talents to office administration. I focused on local publicity of ECR services. These seeds quickly bore fruit! It was rewarding to have friends call or stop me in the store to let me know that they had read the newspaper article, heard a public announcement or saw our banner. I am grateful for the many opportunities I was given to present Education For Conflict Resolution Inc. to service groups, churches and social agencies and to recruit supporters.
In November, I began to visit each of the 13 schools in the Warsaw School Corp. to introduce the "Truancy and Attendance" mediation program. I appreciate how supportive the school faculty have been in partnering with ECR to improve the relationship between student, school and family. Our intent is to communicate a positive message that together they can "work it out." Eighteen families may have come to the mediation feeling apprehensive but 18 families have left feeling empowered and encouraged, having contributed to an agreement that is concerned with the best interest of the student, school and family. This program has been so successful I hope we can expand into another school district.
In December, we continued to develop many community mediations that were referred to us through family, friends, lawyers or local agencies. I spent time contacting all parties involved and listening to their issues, needs and difficulties. A few home visits were necessary to reach families without telephones. In all cases I was well received without hostility and each one willingly shared their struggles and their desire for reconciliation and resolution. I continue to be amazed at the end of each mediation as I'm photocopying the written agreement for each individual, how a sense of "doom and gloom" is defeated and replaced with "hope and expectation." I am privileged to witness the power of effective communication and equip people to understand the importance of being heard and in turn "listening with empathy." It is my vision that ECR be known for being more than a "program provider" but as a community outreach "connecting people with people." I am thankful for the dedicated volunteer mediators that make it possible.
There has been an awakening in this nation with the recent violence that will be forever remembered. There has been a demand to teach our society how to resolve conflict and practice peaceful solutions. It begins when we personally choose to get involved and live as role models to promote alternatives to violence in our homes, families, schools, workplaces and communities. I am grateful to the men and women that had the vision for ECR 10 years ago and for the men and women that inspirationally, financially and physically have kept the vision alive.
Amanda Scroggs, Education For Conflict Resolution
Thanks To Marsh
Editor, Times-Union:My daughter, Jamie Fivecoate, was a winner in the Marsh "Back to School" essay contest. I would like to publicly thank Marsh Superstores for the wonderful trip to Washington, D.C., and the excellent job they did making this a truly fantastic and memorable trip for these young winners.
On Jan. 14, 206 winners and their chaperones received round-trip airfare out of Indianapolis, two nights at the luxurious J. W. Marriott (two blocks from the White House), a trolley tour and other tour assistance. Meals consisted of the fanciest box lunch anyone ever saw and a banquet dinner on Friday, breakfast and dinner buffets for Saturday and a brunch buffet on Sunday. The food was wonderful.
A group sightseeing tour was arranged for Friday afternoon followed by dinner and a live trivia game show for lucky, to-be-chosen, contestants. Saturday was a buffet breakfast followed by lots of free time to see what pleased each winner. A "rock and roll" buffet dinner was a big hit with the kids and many of the chaperones. What a dance! On Sunday, the brunch and awards ceremony was a hit with the presentation of Martha Washington dessert plates to all winners.
Marsh never missed a chance to do for these kids. Letters of congratulations were sent out, followed by each winner's name printed in the store flyer and run in their TV commercials. The winning essays were sent to the White House and the White House responded by sending a velvet-boxed bronze coin, engraved with the Presidential Seal. When the flight information arrived, a bright red backpack did too, embroidered with "Marsh, Washington D.C., January 2000." There were glittery stars and stripes pens, paper parasols, folding fans and glow in the dark necklaces on the tables at different meals for the kids, and of course, the Martha Washington dessert plate. They also provided a photographer for a group picture.
Marsh also provided a travel staff for our assistance. We were ushered from airport to hotel, into lunch, through check-in and out to tour buses in a seemingly effortless manner. The staff did a wonderful job of getting so many people moved around, considering they were working with four different airplane arrival times and departure times.
Just the number of trips awarded is amazing. This was a contest that kids could actually win. 206 winners on the first trip, with the remaining winners taking the trip a week later; 420 winners and their chaperones in all. A huge thank you to Mr. Don Marsh and his associates at Marsh Superstores. We had a wonderful time.
Also a big thank you to Congressman Steve Buyer and his staff for arranging the VIP White House tour for my daughter and myself. Not only did we enjoy having a guided tour, but when we left and saw the long lines of people waiting in the cold for the self-guided walk-through, we could really appreciate the special privilege.
Deb Fivecoate, Mentone
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E-Editions
- Thanks For The Honor - Cornea Donation - Knight/Alford - Conflict Resolution - Thanks To Marsh
Thanks For The Honor
Editor, Times-Union:I want to thank the Warsaw-Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce, Biomet Inc., the Government Issues Committee, Jean Northenor and this community for selecting me to receive the Chamber's "Excellence in Government" award. Many people other than myself would be more deserving of this distinction and, for this, I feel very humble and most honored. I have lived in the Warsaw-Kosciusko County area all of my life and have found it so easy to serve when you live in a community surrounded by caring and cooperative people. It has been my privilege to serve this community. Thanks again.
J.C. "Mac" Silveus, Warsaw
Cornea Donation
Editor, Times-Union:Recently there was a letter about being donors written to the paper. Let me tell you our story.
After years of doctoring with an eye doctor in Fort Wayne, he finally said, "I can't help you anymore, Maynard. Why don't you see Grossnickle's Eye Center; best in our part of the state."
In due time, we did just that. "Yes," was their answer, when things are just right. Time came in May of '99, cataract surgery. Healing time and sight seemed improving, but it was found that the cornea was diseased. So came the talk of cornea transplant.
Dr. Steve assured us that through Lions Eye Bank, a cornea could be found. Then came our big decision of cornea transplant if available.
Not too hard to make up one's mind when you've always been a busy person, have family you want to see grow up, love to bird watch, love the simple things of life, and not ready for that rocking chair that we senior citizens face.
So on Oct. 26, 1999, the surgery was done by Dr. Steve and healing time in process. No, nothing is a piece of cake but no one said it would be. Time and the wonderful care by the Grossnickle Eye Center, things are getting better.
That old rocking chair is going to wait. Won't be long till I'm back in the workshop building dulcimers and watching the joy of our life, a great-granddaughter, grow up.
Think about being a cornea donor. You never know when your loved one may be the one who goes blind.
Maynard and Gloria Wade, Warsaw
Knight/Alford
Editor, Times-Union:This letter is in response to all of the hype concerning the Knight/Alford reunion. In my opinion, there is nothing more sickening than watching a grown man like Bobby Knight act like an immature child. Obviously Alford had little inclination as to why his former coach would be holding a grudge against him. That is because instead of being an adult by confronting Alford with the problem, Knight prefers to exercise the silent treatment, a tactic usually reserved for pre-teen squabbles. Very mature, Bobby. His fragile ego is obviously rearing its ugly head in response to rumors that Alford could be his successor as Indiana's head coach.
Further diminishing my opinion of Bobby Knight (as if it could sink any lower) was his pre-game handshake with the Alford clan. Rather than coming through the team entrance, he sneaked in behind his former player. Had Knight entered per usual and crossed the gym to greet the Alfords, that would have been a classy gesture signifying Knight's willingness to mend fences. However, because he couldn't seem to rid himself of his machismo for one minute, he felt that surprising Sam Alford (Steve's father) with a hard shove from behind would give Knight the upper hand by maintaining his tough-guy exterior. The post-game press conference was another example of Knight's childishness, where he proceeded to compare Alford to his dog. With comments like that, it makes one wonder why Steve Alford would want to bother repairing their damaged relationship anyway.
Emily Cripe, Atwood
Conflict Resolution
Editor, Times-Union:Looking back over the last six months of 1999, I want to begin by thanking Elizabeth Cramer for the opportunity to work for Education For Conflict Resolution Inc. In recognizing the need for a community- based organization that offered mediation services in Kosciusko County, Elizabeth has worked for several years to lay the foundation through ECR.
It was exciting to officially open the ECR office in Warsaw in September. This facility, located in the "heart" of downtown, has made coordinating mediations less time-consuming since we previously relied on churches and public buildings donating a room.
October was a busy month. Christine Cracknell became a generous volunteer and donated her time and talents to office administration. I focused on local publicity of ECR services. These seeds quickly bore fruit! It was rewarding to have friends call or stop me in the store to let me know that they had read the newspaper article, heard a public announcement or saw our banner. I am grateful for the many opportunities I was given to present Education For Conflict Resolution Inc. to service groups, churches and social agencies and to recruit supporters.
In November, I began to visit each of the 13 schools in the Warsaw School Corp. to introduce the "Truancy and Attendance" mediation program. I appreciate how supportive the school faculty have been in partnering with ECR to improve the relationship between student, school and family. Our intent is to communicate a positive message that together they can "work it out." Eighteen families may have come to the mediation feeling apprehensive but 18 families have left feeling empowered and encouraged, having contributed to an agreement that is concerned with the best interest of the student, school and family. This program has been so successful I hope we can expand into another school district.
In December, we continued to develop many community mediations that were referred to us through family, friends, lawyers or local agencies. I spent time contacting all parties involved and listening to their issues, needs and difficulties. A few home visits were necessary to reach families without telephones. In all cases I was well received without hostility and each one willingly shared their struggles and their desire for reconciliation and resolution. I continue to be amazed at the end of each mediation as I'm photocopying the written agreement for each individual, how a sense of "doom and gloom" is defeated and replaced with "hope and expectation." I am privileged to witness the power of effective communication and equip people to understand the importance of being heard and in turn "listening with empathy." It is my vision that ECR be known for being more than a "program provider" but as a community outreach "connecting people with people." I am thankful for the dedicated volunteer mediators that make it possible.
There has been an awakening in this nation with the recent violence that will be forever remembered. There has been a demand to teach our society how to resolve conflict and practice peaceful solutions. It begins when we personally choose to get involved and live as role models to promote alternatives to violence in our homes, families, schools, workplaces and communities. I am grateful to the men and women that had the vision for ECR 10 years ago and for the men and women that inspirationally, financially and physically have kept the vision alive.
Amanda Scroggs, Education For Conflict Resolution
Thanks To Marsh
Editor, Times-Union:My daughter, Jamie Fivecoate, was a winner in the Marsh "Back to School" essay contest. I would like to publicly thank Marsh Superstores for the wonderful trip to Washington, D.C., and the excellent job they did making this a truly fantastic and memorable trip for these young winners.
On Jan. 14, 206 winners and their chaperones received round-trip airfare out of Indianapolis, two nights at the luxurious J. W. Marriott (two blocks from the White House), a trolley tour and other tour assistance. Meals consisted of the fanciest box lunch anyone ever saw and a banquet dinner on Friday, breakfast and dinner buffets for Saturday and a brunch buffet on Sunday. The food was wonderful.
A group sightseeing tour was arranged for Friday afternoon followed by dinner and a live trivia game show for lucky, to-be-chosen, contestants. Saturday was a buffet breakfast followed by lots of free time to see what pleased each winner. A "rock and roll" buffet dinner was a big hit with the kids and many of the chaperones. What a dance! On Sunday, the brunch and awards ceremony was a hit with the presentation of Martha Washington dessert plates to all winners.
Marsh never missed a chance to do for these kids. Letters of congratulations were sent out, followed by each winner's name printed in the store flyer and run in their TV commercials. The winning essays were sent to the White House and the White House responded by sending a velvet-boxed bronze coin, engraved with the Presidential Seal. When the flight information arrived, a bright red backpack did too, embroidered with "Marsh, Washington D.C., January 2000." There were glittery stars and stripes pens, paper parasols, folding fans and glow in the dark necklaces on the tables at different meals for the kids, and of course, the Martha Washington dessert plate. They also provided a photographer for a group picture.
Marsh also provided a travel staff for our assistance. We were ushered from airport to hotel, into lunch, through check-in and out to tour buses in a seemingly effortless manner. The staff did a wonderful job of getting so many people moved around, considering they were working with four different airplane arrival times and departure times.
Just the number of trips awarded is amazing. This was a contest that kids could actually win. 206 winners on the first trip, with the remaining winners taking the trip a week later; 420 winners and their chaperones in all. A huge thank you to Mr. Don Marsh and his associates at Marsh Superstores. We had a wonderful time.
Also a big thank you to Congressman Steve Buyer and his staff for arranging the VIP White House tour for my daughter and myself. Not only did we enjoy having a guided tour, but when we left and saw the long lines of people waiting in the cold for the self-guided walk-through, we could really appreciate the special privilege.
Deb Fivecoate, Mentone
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