Letters to the Editor 12-14-1998
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By -
- Hospice Thanks - Christmas At War - Pet Pictures - Mission Control - Thanks To Warsaw - First Step Program - Cyberporn - Wawasee Basketball
Hospice Thanks
Editor Times-Union:During the recent illness of my father, Robert Harrington, Sr., we had the very good fortune to better get to know the most professional, personable and caring people who make up KCH Hospice. My dad had terminal liver cancer and was living on his own in Michigan under the care of Hospice Of Michigan. As a result of their daily updates, we were able to determine when it became necessary to move him to our home near Syracuse. We contacted KCH Hospice before the move and a nurse was here at our house shortly after our arrival (at 7p.m.) to admit him. From that point on, he received the finest, most compassionate care imaginable. Everything we needed in both equipment and medicine were provided through his medicare with no co-pay. A Home Health Aide was here every morning to bathe him and generally help make him comfortable. Two very friendly and gracious volunteers alternated coming in for companionship. A nurse was here at least 3 times a week and always on call, 24 hours a day.
ÊDad died peacefully 2 weeks later on Nov. 23, here at home, surrounded by his loving family. While we miss him deeply, we will be forever grateful for all the guidance and support of KCH Hospice.Ê There were so many involved, we will only slight someone if we start trying to name names. KCH Hospice is a real jewel in our community and really deserves recognition. I urge everyone to cherish, support, and if the occasion arises, use this great organization.
Bob & Carmel Harrington, Cromwell, Ind.
Christmas At War
Editor, Times-Union:I am sending a copy of a V-mail Christmas card I received from my step-brother, Hamer Roser, in Dec. 1944. He was on an island somewhere in the Pacific during World War II. The letter is a copy from another step-brother, Tom Roser, who was in France at the time, during World War II. I thought they might be of interest to your "senior" readers. I have been going through around 150 letters and V-mail letters I received from my 3 step-brothers and brother-in-law who were in the army during World War II. Reading those letters sure took me back. I am dividing the letters between my 3 daughters and Tom's daughter.
We surely owe a lot to the servicemen and women of this United States of America! Merry Christmas to all!
P.S. Hamer and Tom both died in 1992.
Marian E. Sherrill, Pierceton
Dear Sis,
I received one of your packages last night, the one with the toys in it.
There is a young French barber who lives near here; he was unable to get his children anything for Christmas. It was not that he did not have the money, just the fact that there were very few toys to be had. This fellow has his shop right next to where I live. When I first unwrapped the package he was rather astonished, but when he understood that you had sent the toys for me to give to some children over here; he asked to buy them from me. I gave him the toys for his children and his nephews; he was so happy that he cried. Now he wants me and another soldier to have dinner with him this Sunday. I think I shall go to his house if I don't have to work too late.
The day before Christmas, I received the second box of cigars that you sent me. I also got a box from my aunt, the one you and I met in town one time. I also got a package from Dad and Mom. As you can see I had a really swell Christmas even though we did get bombed and strafed almost every night for the past week.
I have not heard from Jim for a long time but I should very soon as I wrote to him last week. Have you heard from Doris? I have received only one letter from her since she went to New York? Is she still in New York? Did she get home for Christmas?
Did you have a happy new year and a nice Christmas? I hope you did.
Is Marjorie still staying with you? Tell her to write to me.
Is Owen's brother still in England or did he get to come home?
If you can, without too much trouble, please get me another box of cigars and send them to me. I will now thank you again for all of the packages and the nice card you sent me. Wishing you the best of health and happiness.
Your brother, Tom
Pet Pictures
Editor, Times-Union:Saturday at Paws and Claws, over one hundred dogs, cats, ferrets, rabbits and birds had their picture taken. It was really amazing - the dogs passed each other, looked at each other, maybe sniffed a couple of times and walked on. They ranged from St. Bernards to chihuahuas and not one growl or fight. The point of the letter is wouldn't it be great if humans would be as polite, gentle and friendly toward each other! If anyone is interested in adopting a friend, visit the Animal Welfare League.
Donna Zimmer, Warsaw
Mission Control
Editor, Times-Union:I had an unusual experience Sunday evening at 9:45. A storm warning was issued on T.V. at 9:45 - high winds, etc. I turned on my scanner to get local reports and heard the conversation between Houston and Endeavor. A female astronaut said the arm would not move. Houston gave her instructions and about 10:20 she reported O.K. I heard her say they were over Russia. Then I heard her say they had been up since 6:00.
Have you known of any one else who heard this? It would be interesting to know.
I called my brother, Max Kinsey, but it was not on his scanner, also my neighbor, because I thought I was losing it. But the article in Times-Union verified it for me.
Irene Morphey, Warsaw
Thanks To Warsaw
Editor, Times-Union:Just a note of Thanks to the town of Warsaw and those whose hard work has brought such beauty to the town.
We visited the display at the fairgrounds and words aren't adequate to describe it. We also saw the display in the park. Just so nice! We were so pleased that they included the Christ Child scene. How nice.
Parents take your little ones to see these displays. They are so nice for our community. Thanks again!
Leona Walther, Claypool
First Step Program
Editor, Times-Union:This is in support of Carrie Brissette's opinion from December 3, 1998. Ms. Brissette made an appeal on behalf of her son, Cardinal Center, and the First Step program which could be affected by federal budget cuts. Ms. Brissette, you have made a wonderful "first step" advocacy; but I encourage you to not stop here. Unless our Congressional representatives get the Times-Union paper, they will be unaware of your opinion. So, if you have not already done so, make those contacts you mentioned! Call or write, or even mail them your article. Ask the Cardinal Center how you can advocate. You are son's best advocate.
Please feel free to contact me with advocacy questions. I currently have an Advocacy Alert Roster focusing on issues relating to people with disabilities. Perhaps we can discuss some ways to involve other people who advocate on systems issues such as this. I can be reached at 219-745-5491.
I am hearing impaired and use the text telephone for phone communication. Please use a text telephone (TT) or contact me through Relay Indiana at 800-743-3333 to make this contact. Relay Indiana, a free service, will explain how they can interpret for us via the telephone. Thank you and good luck.
Pat Howard, Information and Referral Coordinator League for the Blind & Disabled, A Center for Independent Living, Fort Wayne
Cyberporn
Editor, Times-Union:Cyber porn has reached perverted levels beyond all imagination. Worse than Sodom and Gomorrah could ever have been. Children can see tons of free samples by just answering yes to, "Are you 18?" on the screen.
It's like putting beer machines on every corner. No one to check I.D.'s. No one to enforce the law. Just a sign that says you must be 18 to buy. It's crazy.
Internet providers are guilty of gross negligence. At the very least they are violating anti-display laws. Parents should try to sue the providers under the Victims of Pornography act passed by Congress a few years ago. It was law suits that brought the tobacco industry to its knees. Football games can be blacked out in different cities. Why couldn't the Internet be blocked out so not to transgress the different community standards of porn?
The issue is not individual rights. But it is the rights of the communities to prevent the breeding of Ted Bundys that will walk their streets and stalk innocent victims and pollute their tranquil environment.
We have the drug and alcohol agency. Why can't we have a communications decency agency? The state could create an elected office of Obscenity Judge. Being elected, his mandate would be the community standards of porn for that State. He could be given powers to issue orders, levy fines, etc. ...
Should Congress re-write the 1st amendment in simple 3rd grade English so that even a Supreme Court Judge could interpret it?
Pull out of the stock market decent folks. America is due for a wake up call.
C. Gregory Dukes, Mooresville, Ind.
Wawasee Basketball
Editor, Times-Union:In response to the recent Wawasee basketball pieces, I feel Mr. Freeman seems to have a much better grasp of the situation than Mr. Blunk does. While Mr. Freeman may have made a couple of small mistakes, he does have a strong point. Wawasee's basketball program is in a very sad state. This started the day that coach Jerry Davis was hired.
Mr. Freeman was simply stating what many Wawasee students, faculty, graduates and fans must be thinking. Mr. Freeman may have underrated Fairfield, but if you cannot beat a smaller school with only two returning lettermen then is it even possible to have a prayer in the Northern Lakes Conference.
One point made by Mr. Blunk really should bother many Warrior fans. His remark that you need thoroughbreds to win the Derby is an insult to the players he says are working so hard to put Wawasee on the map. Even if Mr. Blunk does not like the Warriors roster, only Coach Davis can be blamed for this. Jerry Davis cut the most talented basketball player that tried out for the team. Many other potential players never try out because of their dislike for Coach Davis. Why would they want to play for some Bob Knight wanna-be with no coaching ability?
The second point made by John Blunk that no one can really agree with is that Wawasee has one of the finest coaching staffs in the state of Indiana. Wawasee may have a few fine coaches, but they are few and far between. The best ones are the ones that leave, like Coach Gary Goshert, or the ones that never are hired. Such an example is current Tippy Valley Coach Bill Patrick. Why he even wanted to come to Wawasee is beyond me, but he did want to come for some reason. Instead the Wawasee administration hired Coach Davis. The qualifications of Coach Patrick, nearly 500 victories and a Final Four, greatly outshine Coach Davis' qualifications of washing towels and getting water bottles for Indiana University.
Mr. Freeman may not be a basketball expert, but many Wawasee fans are well-educated in the game of basketball. They will tell you the same thing that Mr. Freeman did. All you need to do is watch Wawasee's offensive system, player and coach interactions, and his substitution patterns and you will see that this man can't coach worth a lick.
Time should nearly be over for Jerry Davis at Wawasee. His firing won't be because of articles and letters in the newspapers, but because of the results of his three seasons. He repeatedly has claimed his program will work in its third season. His job is to get players, keep them from quitting and win some ballgames. Watch this season for these three things and you will see he is a loser at all three points of criteria. The many loyal Wawasee fans deserve a much better coach and program than Coach Davis will ever be able to provide. It is time to do the obvious and fire Coach Davis.
Brad Andrews, Milford
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- Hospice Thanks - Christmas At War - Pet Pictures - Mission Control - Thanks To Warsaw - First Step Program - Cyberporn - Wawasee Basketball
Hospice Thanks
Editor Times-Union:During the recent illness of my father, Robert Harrington, Sr., we had the very good fortune to better get to know the most professional, personable and caring people who make up KCH Hospice. My dad had terminal liver cancer and was living on his own in Michigan under the care of Hospice Of Michigan. As a result of their daily updates, we were able to determine when it became necessary to move him to our home near Syracuse. We contacted KCH Hospice before the move and a nurse was here at our house shortly after our arrival (at 7p.m.) to admit him. From that point on, he received the finest, most compassionate care imaginable. Everything we needed in both equipment and medicine were provided through his medicare with no co-pay. A Home Health Aide was here every morning to bathe him and generally help make him comfortable. Two very friendly and gracious volunteers alternated coming in for companionship. A nurse was here at least 3 times a week and always on call, 24 hours a day.
ÊDad died peacefully 2 weeks later on Nov. 23, here at home, surrounded by his loving family. While we miss him deeply, we will be forever grateful for all the guidance and support of KCH Hospice.Ê There were so many involved, we will only slight someone if we start trying to name names. KCH Hospice is a real jewel in our community and really deserves recognition. I urge everyone to cherish, support, and if the occasion arises, use this great organization.
Bob & Carmel Harrington, Cromwell, Ind.
Christmas At War
Editor, Times-Union:I am sending a copy of a V-mail Christmas card I received from my step-brother, Hamer Roser, in Dec. 1944. He was on an island somewhere in the Pacific during World War II. The letter is a copy from another step-brother, Tom Roser, who was in France at the time, during World War II. I thought they might be of interest to your "senior" readers. I have been going through around 150 letters and V-mail letters I received from my 3 step-brothers and brother-in-law who were in the army during World War II. Reading those letters sure took me back. I am dividing the letters between my 3 daughters and Tom's daughter.
We surely owe a lot to the servicemen and women of this United States of America! Merry Christmas to all!
P.S. Hamer and Tom both died in 1992.
Marian E. Sherrill, Pierceton
Dear Sis,
I received one of your packages last night, the one with the toys in it.
There is a young French barber who lives near here; he was unable to get his children anything for Christmas. It was not that he did not have the money, just the fact that there were very few toys to be had. This fellow has his shop right next to where I live. When I first unwrapped the package he was rather astonished, but when he understood that you had sent the toys for me to give to some children over here; he asked to buy them from me. I gave him the toys for his children and his nephews; he was so happy that he cried. Now he wants me and another soldier to have dinner with him this Sunday. I think I shall go to his house if I don't have to work too late.
The day before Christmas, I received the second box of cigars that you sent me. I also got a box from my aunt, the one you and I met in town one time. I also got a package from Dad and Mom. As you can see I had a really swell Christmas even though we did get bombed and strafed almost every night for the past week.
I have not heard from Jim for a long time but I should very soon as I wrote to him last week. Have you heard from Doris? I have received only one letter from her since she went to New York? Is she still in New York? Did she get home for Christmas?
Did you have a happy new year and a nice Christmas? I hope you did.
Is Marjorie still staying with you? Tell her to write to me.
Is Owen's brother still in England or did he get to come home?
If you can, without too much trouble, please get me another box of cigars and send them to me. I will now thank you again for all of the packages and the nice card you sent me. Wishing you the best of health and happiness.
Your brother, Tom
Pet Pictures
Editor, Times-Union:Saturday at Paws and Claws, over one hundred dogs, cats, ferrets, rabbits and birds had their picture taken. It was really amazing - the dogs passed each other, looked at each other, maybe sniffed a couple of times and walked on. They ranged from St. Bernards to chihuahuas and not one growl or fight. The point of the letter is wouldn't it be great if humans would be as polite, gentle and friendly toward each other! If anyone is interested in adopting a friend, visit the Animal Welfare League.
Donna Zimmer, Warsaw
Mission Control
Editor, Times-Union:I had an unusual experience Sunday evening at 9:45. A storm warning was issued on T.V. at 9:45 - high winds, etc. I turned on my scanner to get local reports and heard the conversation between Houston and Endeavor. A female astronaut said the arm would not move. Houston gave her instructions and about 10:20 she reported O.K. I heard her say they were over Russia. Then I heard her say they had been up since 6:00.
Have you known of any one else who heard this? It would be interesting to know.
I called my brother, Max Kinsey, but it was not on his scanner, also my neighbor, because I thought I was losing it. But the article in Times-Union verified it for me.
Irene Morphey, Warsaw
Thanks To Warsaw
Editor, Times-Union:Just a note of Thanks to the town of Warsaw and those whose hard work has brought such beauty to the town.
We visited the display at the fairgrounds and words aren't adequate to describe it. We also saw the display in the park. Just so nice! We were so pleased that they included the Christ Child scene. How nice.
Parents take your little ones to see these displays. They are so nice for our community. Thanks again!
Leona Walther, Claypool
First Step Program
Editor, Times-Union:This is in support of Carrie Brissette's opinion from December 3, 1998. Ms. Brissette made an appeal on behalf of her son, Cardinal Center, and the First Step program which could be affected by federal budget cuts. Ms. Brissette, you have made a wonderful "first step" advocacy; but I encourage you to not stop here. Unless our Congressional representatives get the Times-Union paper, they will be unaware of your opinion. So, if you have not already done so, make those contacts you mentioned! Call or write, or even mail them your article. Ask the Cardinal Center how you can advocate. You are son's best advocate.
Please feel free to contact me with advocacy questions. I currently have an Advocacy Alert Roster focusing on issues relating to people with disabilities. Perhaps we can discuss some ways to involve other people who advocate on systems issues such as this. I can be reached at 219-745-5491.
I am hearing impaired and use the text telephone for phone communication. Please use a text telephone (TT) or contact me through Relay Indiana at 800-743-3333 to make this contact. Relay Indiana, a free service, will explain how they can interpret for us via the telephone. Thank you and good luck.
Pat Howard, Information and Referral Coordinator League for the Blind & Disabled, A Center for Independent Living, Fort Wayne
Cyberporn
Editor, Times-Union:Cyber porn has reached perverted levels beyond all imagination. Worse than Sodom and Gomorrah could ever have been. Children can see tons of free samples by just answering yes to, "Are you 18?" on the screen.
It's like putting beer machines on every corner. No one to check I.D.'s. No one to enforce the law. Just a sign that says you must be 18 to buy. It's crazy.
Internet providers are guilty of gross negligence. At the very least they are violating anti-display laws. Parents should try to sue the providers under the Victims of Pornography act passed by Congress a few years ago. It was law suits that brought the tobacco industry to its knees. Football games can be blacked out in different cities. Why couldn't the Internet be blocked out so not to transgress the different community standards of porn?
The issue is not individual rights. But it is the rights of the communities to prevent the breeding of Ted Bundys that will walk their streets and stalk innocent victims and pollute their tranquil environment.
We have the drug and alcohol agency. Why can't we have a communications decency agency? The state could create an elected office of Obscenity Judge. Being elected, his mandate would be the community standards of porn for that State. He could be given powers to issue orders, levy fines, etc. ...
Should Congress re-write the 1st amendment in simple 3rd grade English so that even a Supreme Court Judge could interpret it?
Pull out of the stock market decent folks. America is due for a wake up call.
C. Gregory Dukes, Mooresville, Ind.
Wawasee Basketball
Editor, Times-Union:In response to the recent Wawasee basketball pieces, I feel Mr. Freeman seems to have a much better grasp of the situation than Mr. Blunk does. While Mr. Freeman may have made a couple of small mistakes, he does have a strong point. Wawasee's basketball program is in a very sad state. This started the day that coach Jerry Davis was hired.
Mr. Freeman was simply stating what many Wawasee students, faculty, graduates and fans must be thinking. Mr. Freeman may have underrated Fairfield, but if you cannot beat a smaller school with only two returning lettermen then is it even possible to have a prayer in the Northern Lakes Conference.
One point made by Mr. Blunk really should bother many Warrior fans. His remark that you need thoroughbreds to win the Derby is an insult to the players he says are working so hard to put Wawasee on the map. Even if Mr. Blunk does not like the Warriors roster, only Coach Davis can be blamed for this. Jerry Davis cut the most talented basketball player that tried out for the team. Many other potential players never try out because of their dislike for Coach Davis. Why would they want to play for some Bob Knight wanna-be with no coaching ability?
The second point made by John Blunk that no one can really agree with is that Wawasee has one of the finest coaching staffs in the state of Indiana. Wawasee may have a few fine coaches, but they are few and far between. The best ones are the ones that leave, like Coach Gary Goshert, or the ones that never are hired. Such an example is current Tippy Valley Coach Bill Patrick. Why he even wanted to come to Wawasee is beyond me, but he did want to come for some reason. Instead the Wawasee administration hired Coach Davis. The qualifications of Coach Patrick, nearly 500 victories and a Final Four, greatly outshine Coach Davis' qualifications of washing towels and getting water bottles for Indiana University.
Mr. Freeman may not be a basketball expert, but many Wawasee fans are well-educated in the game of basketball. They will tell you the same thing that Mr. Freeman did. All you need to do is watch Wawasee's offensive system, player and coach interactions, and his substitution patterns and you will see that this man can't coach worth a lick.
Time should nearly be over for Jerry Davis at Wawasee. His firing won't be because of articles and letters in the newspapers, but because of the results of his three seasons. He repeatedly has claimed his program will work in its third season. His job is to get players, keep them from quitting and win some ballgames. Watch this season for these three things and you will see he is a loser at all three points of criteria. The many loyal Wawasee fans deserve a much better coach and program than Coach Davis will ever be able to provide. It is time to do the obvious and fire Coach Davis.
Brad Andrews, Milford
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