Letters to the Editor 11-04-1997
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By -
- Save The Rainforest - Winona Alcohol - Make A Difference - Thanks To Dig - Traffic On U.S. 30 - Harry Davis - Know The Truth? - Back To The Days - Family Night
Save The Rainforest
Editor, Times-Union:We found this article in the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, written by Wayne E. Smith, Auburn. We felt it worth repeating.
"Clinton Destroys Rainforest. Is there hypocrisy in high places or what? According to Paul Harvey, President Clinton gave a great plea for the preservation of the rainforest during his tour of South America. In making a plea for the ecology, he said, 'We destroy these irreplaceable resources at our own peril.' Where and when were these words spoken? On a platform in front of beautiful rainforest trees. How was such a photo op possible? Only after 350 feet of these beautiful trees were bulldozed to make a road to make access easier for Clinton. Yep, 350 feet of an 'irreplaceable resource destroyed at our own peril.' Say what? Is that hypocrisy or what? Thanks, Paul Harvey, for another example of Washington smoke and mirrors and politics and pretense as usual." Wayne E. Smith, Auburn.
We thank Mr. Smith for writing the article. Just as El Nino is changing the weather patterns, perhaps it is also affecting the president's little grey cells. Well, we'll blame El Nino, anyhow.
Wanda Brown
Warsaw
Winona Alcohol
Editor, Times-Union:I wanted to comment on the recent public meeting regarding the Winona Restoration Company's plans for redeveloping part of Winona Lake.
I am a Christian and a pastor. Comments were made that the Bible doesn't equate Christianity with the consumption of alcohol. A person may be a true believer and still drink liquor, but the Bible condemns the use of alcohol. In fact, the Bible not only condemns drunkenness, but also condemns even "looking on the wine" and serving it to our neighbors. It calls wine and "strong drink" a mocker (that is, a deceptive thing); it is condemned for use by priests, kings (and all leaders), and pastors and deacons. Use of wine can cause a weaker brother to stumble (Romans 14).
But even if the Bible said nothing about the use of alcohol, common sense reveals that bringing liquor into a town would have adverse effects.
What husband or wife acts more responsibly and lovingly by drinking beer or wine?
How many domestic violence incidents are made worse by one or both of the parties drinking alcohol? Ask any police officer for an answer!
What father or mother is elevated and honored in their child's eyes when they drink a glass of beer or wine at a restaurant?
What driver is made more alert and attentive by drinking even one glass of beer or wine, much less hard liquor? (In fact, nearly one-quarter of all the alcohol-related traffic fatalities in 1996 nationwide resulted from accidents involving drivers with a blood alcohol concentration of less than .10 - the legal limit in 34 states). Ask any police officer anywhere, and they will tell you even one beer or glass of wine impairs reaction time.
What community - anywhere, in any state - has been improved morally, socially or economically by the introduction of alcohol sales?
The real truth is: Liquor destroys and disrupts the moral character of any people. It is legal to consume liquor in our homes in Winona Lake. It should not be allowed publicly.
I would urge Mr. Wilcoxson and Mr. Miller to refrain from leasing their restaurant or hotel to any organization that plans to serve alcohol. It is the only responsible thing to do.
Pastor Dave Halyaman
Winona Lake
Make A Difference
Editor, Times-Union:This past Saturday was "Make a Difference Day" all over Indiana. I would like to thank all the great folks in our community who helped in the celebration.
People had an opportunity to work on construction of a compost bin, planting bulbs and preparing the Boys and Girls Community Garden for winter. Trees were available to plant. Learning basic carpentry and painting skills were part of the fun day. Reading and enjoying Stone Soup, the story as well as a huge steaming pot of the wonderful soup made the day bright and warm despite the chilly weather. Those who volunteered not only went away with a sense of accomplishment but also with acquired knowledge and useful skills.
We built bat houses and learned the houses needed to be air-tight and waterproof so the bats living in them would stay warm and dry; and the importance of measuring twice and following directions. Simple concepts reinforced in a fun setting.
The finished houses will be placed in appropriate locations to attract bats. Next summer when the bats living in those houses are consuming mosquitoes, I will continue to enjoy the "Make a Difference Day." Thanks to all who planned and organized the fun day - Thanks for making a difference in our community!
Suzie Light
Warsaw
Thanks To Dig
Editor, Times-Union:Way to go Dig! Kudos to Bill DeGaetano Jr. (Dig) for finding another way to feed people. Nearly every Kosciusko County resident knows about Dig's fine diner on the courthouse square, where he and his wife Nan daily feed hundreds of hungry folks breakfast, lunch and supper each day. Now, Dig has seen a need to feed folks who can't afford to eat in the diner (or at any other restaurant) but who nevertheless need to be fed. Our Combined Community Services, with the assistance of our local churches, has done a great job for years of supplying food via their pantry and soup kitchen. But sometimes the supplies run low and they recently have.
Dig heard about the need and challenged some of his young breakfast customers to help him raise money and food for the pantry. On a cold, windy, sometimes rainy Sunday afternoon, Dig subjected himself to the elements in an usually summer activity - a dunk tank! For a can of food local residents were invited to throw a ball at the target, which when hit would drop Dig unceremoniously into a tank of rusty water. Dig invited all comers to throw. Many of us were unable to do more than give him an occasional scare, but some were able to dunk him repeatedly. Dig's fund-raiser was somewhere between courageous and crazy - but that's Dig. We love him and appreciate his concern for others.
Ronnie Sams
Warsaw
Traffic On U.S. 30
Editor, Times-Union:Confirming our recent conversation regarding Highway 30 traffic deaths, it is very distressful to read on a weekly basis accidents that are taking place on this highway. Most recently two fatalities took place within 24 hours - a baby and a 21-year-old. What a tragedy that these two deaths have made us all aware that within a blink of an eye, we too or our loved ones can be needlessly taken away.
The heavy volume of traffic on U.S. 30 will not decrease. More deaths will be incurred unless the citizens of Kosciukso County take a stand and say "enough is enough." If citizens were randomly gunned down and their lives snuffed out, the community would unanimously rally and pursue the perpetrators. But with traffic fatalities, we turn our heads and say it can't happen to us.
We religiously pursue burglaries, drug offenses, child molesters, car thefts, etc., but when one of our own from this county dies because of being at the wrong place at the wrong time, we read the paper and turn to the sports section or the recipe section. It is time for us as a community to demand more law enforcement on Highway 30. How many more people, friends, relatives, children need to perish before we put our priorities in order.
Michael and Mary Heminger
Jessica Batty
Harry Davis
Editor, Times-Union:Saturday's Times-Union contained a notice on the passing of Mr. Harry Davis. It was just a standard obituary, nothing special. Nothing special except for those of us who knew Mr. Davis and had our lives brightened by his music and his joy for life.
You see Harry, at the age of 82, was still throwing his old guitar in his car and heading off to make the days a little brighter for the residents of retirement and nursing homes. He would sing the old hymns and offer a few words of prayer. Then, if there were those who had to stay in their rooms, he would wander the halls, drifting into individual rooms to do a few requests.
No, he wasn't a great singer, and he said he couldn't hear well enough to tune his guitar perfectly. His son would tune it for him and once we did it too. He probably needed new strings because the more use they get the harder it is to keep them tuned. But you know we only saw smiles around the room.
People who knew him will say he plays a harp now. Maybe so, but I like to think that the Lord still wants him to carry that old guitar. We should have gotten him some new strings, but the Lord may like the old ones just as well.
Dorothy and Richard Burkett
Warsaw
Know The Truth?
Editor, Times-Union:Grab a pen and get ready for truth. If you can handle the truth. Title 12 USC Sec. 1831k. Or at Cornell University law web site at http://www.law.cornell.edu:80/uscode/12/1831k.html. This is where you will find the actual law that rewards whistle blowers. "USC" stands for "United States Code." It is every fed law there is. And it is where I get facts. Ignorance of the law is no excuse. Read, learn and settle for only truth.
Daniel Stevens
Warsaw
Back To The Days
Editor, Times-Union:On behalf of the steering committee for the Back to the Days of Kosciuszko and Kosciusko Community Senior Services, I would like to thank the many local businesses, volunteers and visitors who made the event a success. A true measure of the success of the event rests with the community's participation in the event through attendance.
The steering committee has already begun plans for the eighth annual Back to the Days of Kosciuszko, which will be held on Sept. 26-27, 1998. We look forward once again to the community turning out for the event, which will provide some new and different aspects to the historically accurate representations which the committee prides itself on offering to the community.
Joanne M. Kolbe
Steering Committee Co-Chair
Family Night
Editor, Times-Union:I would like to thank McDonald's restaurant for their donation of prizes for "Family Night" at the YMCA Oct. 25. The prizes were given to children who participated in games and activities with their families. We appreciate McDonald's community spirit!
Stephanie M. Noffsinger
Membership Director
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- Save The Rainforest - Winona Alcohol - Make A Difference - Thanks To Dig - Traffic On U.S. 30 - Harry Davis - Know The Truth? - Back To The Days - Family Night
Save The Rainforest
Editor, Times-Union:We found this article in the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, written by Wayne E. Smith, Auburn. We felt it worth repeating.
"Clinton Destroys Rainforest. Is there hypocrisy in high places or what? According to Paul Harvey, President Clinton gave a great plea for the preservation of the rainforest during his tour of South America. In making a plea for the ecology, he said, 'We destroy these irreplaceable resources at our own peril.' Where and when were these words spoken? On a platform in front of beautiful rainforest trees. How was such a photo op possible? Only after 350 feet of these beautiful trees were bulldozed to make a road to make access easier for Clinton. Yep, 350 feet of an 'irreplaceable resource destroyed at our own peril.' Say what? Is that hypocrisy or what? Thanks, Paul Harvey, for another example of Washington smoke and mirrors and politics and pretense as usual." Wayne E. Smith, Auburn.
We thank Mr. Smith for writing the article. Just as El Nino is changing the weather patterns, perhaps it is also affecting the president's little grey cells. Well, we'll blame El Nino, anyhow.
Wanda Brown
Warsaw
Winona Alcohol
Editor, Times-Union:I wanted to comment on the recent public meeting regarding the Winona Restoration Company's plans for redeveloping part of Winona Lake.
I am a Christian and a pastor. Comments were made that the Bible doesn't equate Christianity with the consumption of alcohol. A person may be a true believer and still drink liquor, but the Bible condemns the use of alcohol. In fact, the Bible not only condemns drunkenness, but also condemns even "looking on the wine" and serving it to our neighbors. It calls wine and "strong drink" a mocker (that is, a deceptive thing); it is condemned for use by priests, kings (and all leaders), and pastors and deacons. Use of wine can cause a weaker brother to stumble (Romans 14).
But even if the Bible said nothing about the use of alcohol, common sense reveals that bringing liquor into a town would have adverse effects.
What husband or wife acts more responsibly and lovingly by drinking beer or wine?
How many domestic violence incidents are made worse by one or both of the parties drinking alcohol? Ask any police officer for an answer!
What father or mother is elevated and honored in their child's eyes when they drink a glass of beer or wine at a restaurant?
What driver is made more alert and attentive by drinking even one glass of beer or wine, much less hard liquor? (In fact, nearly one-quarter of all the alcohol-related traffic fatalities in 1996 nationwide resulted from accidents involving drivers with a blood alcohol concentration of less than .10 - the legal limit in 34 states). Ask any police officer anywhere, and they will tell you even one beer or glass of wine impairs reaction time.
What community - anywhere, in any state - has been improved morally, socially or economically by the introduction of alcohol sales?
The real truth is: Liquor destroys and disrupts the moral character of any people. It is legal to consume liquor in our homes in Winona Lake. It should not be allowed publicly.
I would urge Mr. Wilcoxson and Mr. Miller to refrain from leasing their restaurant or hotel to any organization that plans to serve alcohol. It is the only responsible thing to do.
Pastor Dave Halyaman
Winona Lake
Make A Difference
Editor, Times-Union:This past Saturday was "Make a Difference Day" all over Indiana. I would like to thank all the great folks in our community who helped in the celebration.
People had an opportunity to work on construction of a compost bin, planting bulbs and preparing the Boys and Girls Community Garden for winter. Trees were available to plant. Learning basic carpentry and painting skills were part of the fun day. Reading and enjoying Stone Soup, the story as well as a huge steaming pot of the wonderful soup made the day bright and warm despite the chilly weather. Those who volunteered not only went away with a sense of accomplishment but also with acquired knowledge and useful skills.
We built bat houses and learned the houses needed to be air-tight and waterproof so the bats living in them would stay warm and dry; and the importance of measuring twice and following directions. Simple concepts reinforced in a fun setting.
The finished houses will be placed in appropriate locations to attract bats. Next summer when the bats living in those houses are consuming mosquitoes, I will continue to enjoy the "Make a Difference Day." Thanks to all who planned and organized the fun day - Thanks for making a difference in our community!
Suzie Light
Warsaw
Thanks To Dig
Editor, Times-Union:Way to go Dig! Kudos to Bill DeGaetano Jr. (Dig) for finding another way to feed people. Nearly every Kosciusko County resident knows about Dig's fine diner on the courthouse square, where he and his wife Nan daily feed hundreds of hungry folks breakfast, lunch and supper each day. Now, Dig has seen a need to feed folks who can't afford to eat in the diner (or at any other restaurant) but who nevertheless need to be fed. Our Combined Community Services, with the assistance of our local churches, has done a great job for years of supplying food via their pantry and soup kitchen. But sometimes the supplies run low and they recently have.
Dig heard about the need and challenged some of his young breakfast customers to help him raise money and food for the pantry. On a cold, windy, sometimes rainy Sunday afternoon, Dig subjected himself to the elements in an usually summer activity - a dunk tank! For a can of food local residents were invited to throw a ball at the target, which when hit would drop Dig unceremoniously into a tank of rusty water. Dig invited all comers to throw. Many of us were unable to do more than give him an occasional scare, but some were able to dunk him repeatedly. Dig's fund-raiser was somewhere between courageous and crazy - but that's Dig. We love him and appreciate his concern for others.
Ronnie Sams
Warsaw
Traffic On U.S. 30
Editor, Times-Union:Confirming our recent conversation regarding Highway 30 traffic deaths, it is very distressful to read on a weekly basis accidents that are taking place on this highway. Most recently two fatalities took place within 24 hours - a baby and a 21-year-old. What a tragedy that these two deaths have made us all aware that within a blink of an eye, we too or our loved ones can be needlessly taken away.
The heavy volume of traffic on U.S. 30 will not decrease. More deaths will be incurred unless the citizens of Kosciukso County take a stand and say "enough is enough." If citizens were randomly gunned down and their lives snuffed out, the community would unanimously rally and pursue the perpetrators. But with traffic fatalities, we turn our heads and say it can't happen to us.
We religiously pursue burglaries, drug offenses, child molesters, car thefts, etc., but when one of our own from this county dies because of being at the wrong place at the wrong time, we read the paper and turn to the sports section or the recipe section. It is time for us as a community to demand more law enforcement on Highway 30. How many more people, friends, relatives, children need to perish before we put our priorities in order.
Michael and Mary Heminger
Jessica Batty
Harry Davis
Editor, Times-Union:Saturday's Times-Union contained a notice on the passing of Mr. Harry Davis. It was just a standard obituary, nothing special. Nothing special except for those of us who knew Mr. Davis and had our lives brightened by his music and his joy for life.
You see Harry, at the age of 82, was still throwing his old guitar in his car and heading off to make the days a little brighter for the residents of retirement and nursing homes. He would sing the old hymns and offer a few words of prayer. Then, if there were those who had to stay in their rooms, he would wander the halls, drifting into individual rooms to do a few requests.
No, he wasn't a great singer, and he said he couldn't hear well enough to tune his guitar perfectly. His son would tune it for him and once we did it too. He probably needed new strings because the more use they get the harder it is to keep them tuned. But you know we only saw smiles around the room.
People who knew him will say he plays a harp now. Maybe so, but I like to think that the Lord still wants him to carry that old guitar. We should have gotten him some new strings, but the Lord may like the old ones just as well.
Dorothy and Richard Burkett
Warsaw
Know The Truth?
Editor, Times-Union:Grab a pen and get ready for truth. If you can handle the truth. Title 12 USC Sec. 1831k. Or at Cornell University law web site at http://www.law.cornell.edu:80/uscode/12/1831k.html. This is where you will find the actual law that rewards whistle blowers. "USC" stands for "United States Code." It is every fed law there is. And it is where I get facts. Ignorance of the law is no excuse. Read, learn and settle for only truth.
Daniel Stevens
Warsaw
Back To The Days
Editor, Times-Union:On behalf of the steering committee for the Back to the Days of Kosciuszko and Kosciusko Community Senior Services, I would like to thank the many local businesses, volunteers and visitors who made the event a success. A true measure of the success of the event rests with the community's participation in the event through attendance.
The steering committee has already begun plans for the eighth annual Back to the Days of Kosciuszko, which will be held on Sept. 26-27, 1998. We look forward once again to the community turning out for the event, which will provide some new and different aspects to the historically accurate representations which the committee prides itself on offering to the community.
Joanne M. Kolbe
Steering Committee Co-Chair
Family Night
Editor, Times-Union:I would like to thank McDonald's restaurant for their donation of prizes for "Family Night" at the YMCA Oct. 25. The prizes were given to children who participated in games and activities with their families. We appreciate McDonald's community spirit!
Stephanie M. Noffsinger
Membership Director
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