Editor, Times-Union: I am sending this letter with one main purpose in mind: to formally recognize the talented youth in our community. By talented youth, I am not referring to athletes or academic scholars - they already receive positive recognition for what they accomplish (and rightly so). The truant/misbehaving kids, of course, also receive negative recognition in the papers. I am referring to the talented youth that are often overlooked because of their appearance. These young people may have strange-looking clothes or a pierced tongue or lip or odd-looking hairstyles. Unfortunately, many community members do not look past the outward appearance to see the true talent that lies beneath. Let me give you two brief examples:
The Warsaw school system hosted a Battle of the Bands on April 17. There were six different bands who performed/competed that night: Ingsoc (this group won first place), Second Rate Masterpiece (this group won second place), A Thousand Seasons, Barefoot at the Opera, Ivy League and Lama Dama Lucille (pardon me if I misspelled that group's name). Each group did an outstanding job performing, and many parents were there in support of their kids (what great parents!). The talent of the performers was obvious. My appreciation goes to the Warsaw Schools and Lakeview for sponsoring this event.
The YMCA also hosted its own Battle of the Bands during their Teen Night on April 25. Once again, I was able to witness some tremendous talent as several bands performed and competed. I appreciate that our YMCA offers teen programs as well as many other programs for the youth in our community and surrounding areas. That evening proved to be just as enjoyable as the one I spent at Lakeview.
My question for the press is this: Where were you during these events? It troubles me that there are potentially scores of young people who are never recognized for their talent, simply because they do not "fit the mold" by becoming an athlete or an academic scholar. Please do not misunderstand me - I certainly agree that scholars and athletes who work hard should receive the recognition they deserve. I just feel that it's unfortunate that the youth I have described are often brushed off and not given credit for the talent that they also possess. Many of these youth are talented in music, art or possibly some other area. Please get to know these young people before you judge; you will see for yourselves that there are many that are decent, talented youth who happen to express themselves a little differently.
Deb Halfacre Warsaw via e-mail
Teacher Salary
Editor, Times-Union: In response to the letter that Mr. Kenny Parks wrote on April 8, it seems that he is assuming that teachers only work 182 days out of the year. As a graduate of Warsaw Community High School in 1999, I can assure you that it is not the case. So let us take that $44,800 average salary that a teacher in Warsaw Community Schools makes, and make it a little more reasonable:
Average Teacher Salary at WCS = $44,800
There are 365 days in a year, so that averages out to be $122.74 per day.
On average, teachers work eight hours a day - more during the school year, and less during the summer. That averages out to $15.34 per hour.
Mr. Parks, being a teacher is a full-time commitment; during the summer, teachers are planning for next school year, attending conferences or attending in their field to obtain a wider field of view to use in the classroom. To say that $44,800 per year is too much seems to be a little harsh for what teachers sacrifice to make sure children get a top quality education. I am sure many people would agree that police officers, people who work in the fire department and paramedics and teachers are some of the most underpaid professions in the public sector.
I recently decided, a couple years ago, that I decided to be a history teacher. Currently I am at Purdue University obtaining a history degree, with minors in political science and sociology in order to obtain a teaching license. As many people may know, getting a college degree is not that cheap. Most undergraduates will have on average $17,500 in loans that will have to be repaid upon graduation from college. I would be amazed to be offered a contract to teach for $44,800 per year anywhere because most schools do not pay that well, but I hope that I will be able to come back to WCHS and join the faculty there. Frankly, I would consider paying anyone that much money would be a bargain considering what teachers do.
So I ask you, Mr. Park, would you be willing to work 365 days a year, very little vacation, working eight, 10, 12 or more hours a day doing all sorts of various tasks, and staying in one room for eight hours a day listening to 100+ students with every little problem that can be thought of, and still provide them with a high-quality education? If so, that is good for you. If not, open up your wallet and pay taxes that will pay the salary of someone who will.
Gary Eppenbaugh WCHS '99 Warsaw/West Lafayette Purdue University senior via e-mail
Poppy Time
Editor, Times-Union: American Legion Auxiliary volunteers will distribute the familiar red handcrafted poppies honoring America's war dead on May 17 and 18, designated as Poppy Days by Auxiliary Unit 49 in Warsaw.
The annual event pays tribute to those veterans who have died in the last 75 years. It also honors the millions of Americans who have willingly served their country in seven decades.
It serves as well as honors the veteran with all proceeds from the distribution invested in local programs for the benefit of the veteran and his/her family.
Each poppy is made by veterans for veterans in Auxiliary-sponsored poppy shops that supplement physical and psychological therapy needed by hospitalized and disabled veterans. The Auxiliary provides the materials and the volunteers. The veteran makes the poppy and is paid a small amount for each painstakingly-made flower. For some it is their only income.
No matter what the cost of maintaining and supplying the poppy shops, the memorial poppy is never sold, but is given in exchange for contribution.
The poppy program has been part of Auxiliary programming for more than 70 years. It has been estimated that approximately 25 million Americans wear the poppy to honor America's war dead and all veterans, contributing more than $2 million for rehabilitation and welfare programs.
This year's Poppy Chairman for Unit 49 is Phyllis Smith. Please help her and our unit in promoting this valuable cause and honoring all veterans this year. Get a poppy and wear it proudly on Memorial or any/all days.
Sandy Hubler Warsaw
'Angels' Of War, Peace
Editor, Times-Union: In the trenches of World War I, some "angels" appeared to the troops. Young women from The Salvation Army served the Allied forces by handing out doughnuts, mending socks and helping to write letters home. Their practical Christian service is a reminder of the importance of reaching out to those in need.
In that same tradition The Salvation Army has served our troops fighting for freedom in Iraq. Humanitarian aid is also being sent to the Middle East by The Salvation Army in cooperation with other agencies. That commitment to helping "others" has been the cornerstone of The Salvation Army since its beginning in the slums of London in 1865.
There are "trenches" in Kosciusko County as well. It may be a woman whose husband has left her with three children to care for, or an elderly person on a fixed income dealing with the rising cost of living. There are those who need food to feed their children while facing unemployment or dealing with a recent injury that prevents them from working. Whatever the need, The Salvation Army stands ready to step into that "trench" and help with same practical Christian service and care of the "Doughnut Girls."
The Salvation Army is handing out doughnuts to say thank-you to those who support our mission. We are able to continue the mission of The Salvation Army since 1921 in Kosciusko County, because of the many people, businesses, organizations and churches who give financially and offer their time and talents in volunteering.
On this Doughnut Day 2003 we take time to say "thank you" to all those who "join us in the fight" against the effects of poverty, loss and pain. The spirit of the "angels" in those trenches over 80 years ago continues today through the generous support of many in our county. Again, thank you!
Heart To God, Hand To Man,
Ken Locke Community Ministries Director
The Salvation Army via e-mail
Taste Of Downtown
Editor, Times-Union: The Warsaw Community Development Corp. would like to thank all of you who participated in this year's Taste of Downtown on May 4th. All of the participants provided generous portions of their food for the attendees of this event. All proceeds went to the Warsaw Biblical Gardens for repairs and maintenance. We had approximately 250 people through the doors at the event and raised a good amount of money and also awareness about the needs of the Biblical Gardens. Thank you also to all of you who came out to try all of the delicious food and to support the Biblical Gardens.
Carmen Lock WCDC Executive Director via e-mail
Thanks To Voters
Editor, Times-Union: I would like to thank everyone that voted for me during the recent election. I especially would like to thank those who let me put my campaign signs in their yards. During my next term I will continue to do my best to represent the people of the Fourth District and support the overall community. Warsaw is a great place to live, and with your help, we can even make it better.
Jerry Patterson Warsaw City Council via e-mail
Sell Old Wal-Mart Store
Editor, Times-Union: To the people that own the old Wal-Mart store, it would be so nice to invite a Hobby Lobby in there. It's an absolutely wonderful store.
We have to go to Fort Wayne or Goshen to get a variety of craft material and patterns. You can find any craft you want at Hobby Lobby. I needed two baby quilts to cross-stitch. They had them half price. I bought three - two for our new great grandbabies we are getting next fall. Please consider it. It would be so much easier for us golden oldies that love to do crafts and not to go in all that traffic to Fort Wayne.
