May 07, 2008 04:00 am
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&letterheadPostcards for project
TO THE EDITOR: I am a fifth-grade student at Coronado Beach Elementary School in New Smyrna Beach, Fla. I have adopted your state as a class project.
Please send me one postcard from your state. Please do not send me anything but a postcard. We are unable to accept letters or packages due to safety precautions. I am writing in hopes of getting a postcard from as many different people as possible. It would be great if some will take the time to write a short note on the postcard telling me something interesting or special about your state.
I hope your readers can help me with my project. My classmates are also doing this project. Each of us has chosen a different state. I would like to become an expert on your state.
Please accept my thanks in advance for your help.
Brad Kuehler
Coronado Beach Elementary School, 3550 Michigan Ave., New Smyrna Beach, Fla. 32160
&letterheadWary of new law
TO THE EDITOR: In recent months a small group of Peru "planners" are trying to inflict their individual likes and dislikes of OWB (outdoor wood boilers) upon owners/users of these efficient heating systems.
Most, if not all, "planners/complainants" do not even live in the country, nor do they have a country lifestyle; yet, they seem to be able to dictate how a resident/taxpayer keeps himself warm during a North Country winter and deals with power outages that occur in our area; and files a complaint to the town council concerning OWB heat source.
These "planners" currently are trying to persuade the Peru Town Council to restrict and/or eliminate this heat source. Some restrictions are always a good compromise, but "one size does not fit all." These "planners" are concerned with the OWB fine particulate emissions. The television channel 36 weather channel states good under fine particulate emissions, so our OWBs don't seem to be contaminating as dreadfully as "the planners" state they are.
There is OWB fine particulate emissions from the surrounding communities. A placing of a bubble over Peru Town should help in this. Then, there would only be fine particulate emissions from backyard barbecues, campsite fires, wood stoves, wood furnaces and the no-ban garbage burning allowed throughout Peru, at this time.
These "planners/complainants" are currently trying to have the Town Council create a local law from their resolution; and new heating systems will need permits and what is next?
The Town of Peru is now deciding how and when and why a Peru resident/taxpayer "plans" for their very private and personal home and property. Is this a first step in a zoning code scheme? What is it here that doesn't quite meet the eye? Who will benefit? How?
Lynda B. LaMountain
Peru
&letterheadDissatisfied with service
to the editor: I have a complaint with a taxi company that gets hundreds of customers from the Plattsburgh area. These customers consist of people who can't afford cars, don't have a license, or are a college student, like myself. Apparently because this company has so many customers, they see no harm in being outright rude to those who are displeased by their services. It has higher rates than any cabcompany in the area, along with the most impolite dispatchers I've ever come across. Time and time again I've been hung up on before I could ask how long the cab would take or what the fare would be. Twice, I've waited patiently outside for my cab to arrive for over a half an hour, only to be told when I call back that the cab has already come and gone.
Recently, I found myself in that very situation. When I told the dispatcher it was impossible that the driver had been there, I was treated very rudely. I told him he was losing me as a customer to which he replied, "That's fine, we have plenty of other customers," and proceeded to hang up on me. I immediately called back and asked if there was someone in charge I could speak to that would not hang up on me, I was told no. I then told him I thought it was disgusting that a business would treat customers this way. He then said, "You sound pretty disgusting," and hung up again. I am infuriated and offended that this company has absolutely no respect for their customers, the very people who keep them in business. Any business that relies on the support of others to keep them going should value and respect its customers, no matter how many they have. I certainly hope that any customer of this company reading this will realize that they are dispensable and worthless to the company that they support. As for me, I've taken my business elsewhere, where the rates are lower, the drivers are on time, and the dispatcher is always polite.
Hillary Whelden
Plattsburgh
&letterhead
Overwhelmed by response
TO THE EDITOR: On behalf of the Battle of Plattsburgh Commemoration Committee, I would like to thank Plattsburgh Elks Lodge 621 for hosting our recent fundraiser dinner, "A Taste of the Tavern," on Saturday, March 29.
We were overwhelmed with the response of the community to this first endeavor. Funds from this event will help the committee to provide and support a wide range of activities for the 2008 weekend, Sept. 12-14.
Committee members and volunteers made this evening a success. Local historical associations and museums were well represented in their support of us. We thank you.
Special thanks go to Chris Ahnell, manager of the Elks Lodge, who did major duty as chef as well, for helping us provide the quality food at the time required.
Ticket sales were provided by The North Country Co-Op, Cornerstone Bookstore, Skyway Aubuchon Hardware, the BOPA History Shoppe and committee members.
Wal-Mart volunteers aided us in selling tickets at the door, as well as collecting funds for a 50-50 raffle. Congratulations go to Bev Leege as the winner. "Towne Meeting" provided the music and entertainment for the evening. We thank them for a job well done!
With the help of volunteers, sponsors, donors and advertisers, we will continue to provide our community with this annual event, a commemoration of our country's second War of Independence.
A special thank you goes to all who attended or donated. It was a great success and one which we hope to continue.
Kate Besaw
Treasurer
BOPCC
&letterheadVoting protocol
TO THE EDITOR: The recent controversy over Planned Parenthood, city parking spaces and the Apostles for Life got me thinking about the relationship between church and state. I think there should be a strict separation of church and state.
I wonder why when I go to vote my polling place is on church grounds at the United Methodist Church on Beekman Street. It seems to me there are other public buildings where I could vote. Bailey Avenue School is not far away. Although it is not in my ward, why does it have to be?
Voting booths should not be on church property,
George Desrocher
Plattsburgh
&letterheadCanadian perspective
TO THE EDITOR: Planned Parenthood seems to be in the same predicament in the States as in our native Canada. Wherever that group functions, there are daily protests and picketing.
Planned Parenthood does some good, no doubt, but their disregard for the sanctity of human life overshadows everything they do. When we think that they are partially responsible for the nearly 50 million abortions in the States alone, it makes us cringe. One wonders why they do not understand that this is the reason for the poor image they have.
We observe that Planned Parenthood is even more aggressive toward human life in Canada than in the States.
Rene and Jeanne Dubois
Rouses Point
&letterheadMistake corrected
TO THE EDITOR: The online address for the Adirondack Visually Impaired Support Group printed incorrectly and therefore individuals would not be able to access membership.
If you would like to join the online version of this group, send your e-mail request to AVISupport-Subscribe@yahoogroups.com.
Thank you.
Sherri Gonyea
President
AVI Support Group
Morrisonville
&letterheadProfessional treatment
TO THE EDITOR: We'd like to give special thanks to Ross Funeral Home in Mooers.
Cory Ross, president and funeral director, was very professional and he showed just the right amount of touches to add to make family and friends more at ease during this grievous time. He handled this matter in a timely manner with kindness, understanding, patients and dignity.
So good luck to this young man with his new funeral home in Mooers and with the future one in Ellenburg.
Thanks from the family and friends of June E. Powers.
Rolland and Bonnie Trombley
Ellenburg Depot
&letterheadLudicrous, unbelievable
TO THE EDITOR: Regarding your March 28 "APA fines Lewis Farms" and on March 31 "Essex County building violations."
Imposing any fine upon farmland operation owners, as well as fining another government agency (in the guise of fairness) an agency charged with our public safety, is ludicrous as well as unbelievable.
What do you folks think about your APA now, you know, that not-voted-in-for-1971-Legislative-debacle, mainly to control all of our lives in these Adirondacks. Talk about your legacies from the '70s Rockefeller-era.
Now, another legacy -- our late hypocrite Gov. Elliot, falling by the wayside, due to living his double-standard life of immorality.
Perhaps his champion, that SUNY professor emeritus, can editorialize his rationale for imposing fines upon working landowners and public-safety people for doing their jobs. This would be right up his alley to champion their bureaucratic blundering of fining our neighbors.
God Bless the Adirondacks. God Bless America.
Bob Spring
Crown Point
&letterheadHistory repeating?
TO THE EDITOR: "Once upon a time there was a great nation, with a powerful army. This nation decided to cross the ocean and use military force to impose their form of government on the poor, misguided people living there.
The misguided people resisted, however, and a war began. These misguided people didn't use normal warfare. They hid behind buildings and attacked the powerful army in small groups, thus, many lives were lost on both sides.
Eventually the great nation, with its powerful army, left the foreign land and returned home.
You remember the year -- 1776. And the national with the powerful army, Great Britain. And the misguided people, of course, were, the colonists of the Americas. Eventually to become the United States of America.
So many died in that conflict that it's a good thing that history doesn't repeat itself.
Gary Agoney
Altona
&letterheadNot lowering profile
TO THE EDITOR: A letter came out in the paper Sunday in response to a letter I wrote about the sexual assault education that is happening in our schools. That doesn't include educating children against making false accusations against school personnel for attention, revenge, as a joke or because of jealousy.
The letter was a personal attack against me saying that just because charges were dropped against me, it doesn't mean that everyone now thinks I am innocent. That is correct. Unfortunately, when false accusations are made, for some people there may remain a doubt about whether a person falsely accused of sexual abuse is guilty or not. That is what false accusations do. They have the potential to destroy someone's reputation. Charges were dropped against me in the name of justice because there was no evidence whatsoever that these accusations were true and the stories of the three girls changed to reflect that.
This person suggested I keep a low profile. Why? I am innocent, and that is the last thing I am going to do. False accusations happen all the time, and, when they do, most people who are falsely accused do keep quiet about what is happening to them. Therefore, the public is kept from the reality of this happening in the first place as well as the frequency of it.
There are no controls, restraints or accountability for people who falsely accuse others. I used to be someone who automatically assumed anyone who is accused of sexual assault or any crime is guilty; now I know different. I am not going to keep quiet about this. What happened to me is wrong, and I won't stop until restitution has been made on my behalf and legislation is passed that holds people accountable for making false accusations against others.
Jerrilynn Pratt-Mullen
Plattsburgh
&letterheadMadness a success
TO THE EDITOR: On behalf of Moriah Central School PTA, I would like to thank everyone involved in helping to make Moriah Madness a success again this year.
First of all, thank you to those that attended. The event is essentially put together for all of you. Also, thank you to all PTA members who worked in the planning, the set up and/or helped in any way behind the scenes. We greatly appreciate it.
Thank you to the Honor Society students, Literacy Volunteers, Mountain Lake Services, Town of Moriah Historical Society and Bicentennial Committee and Penelope the clown for joining us. You enhanced our event and we enjoyed sharing the evening with you. Thanks to the King's Inn for donating a pie for our pie walk, and to the cafeteria staff and the custodians for all of their hard work that night and throughout the year. We definitely appreciate all that they do for us.
Lastly, I would like to thank everyone who participated in our 3rd Annual Basket Raffle. Thank you to the following for donating baskets; Adirondack Preschool, Angela Wallace, Beth Hanley, Anne Raymond/Stephanie Popp, Boyea's Deli, Change of Pace/Brenda Baker/Dyani Bryant, Dawn Rabideau/Erica Kazlo, Kristina Swan/Jennifer Briggs/Tara Mero/Erica Kazlo, Liz Cadmus, Mineville Oil, Laurie Scoresome/Marilyn Vanderhoof, Bill and Missy Larrow, Ron and Julie Baker and girls, Wee Willows Day Care, Mrs. Callahan's Pre-K, Miss Diskin's Pre-K, Mrs. Garnica's K, Mrs. Mahoney's K, Mrs. Nephew's 2nd, MCS Grade 3, MCS Grade 5, National Honor Society, Wellness Group, MCS, and PTA.
If, in error, I have left anyone out, I apologize. The PTA has been very fortunate to have received your support again this year and we truly appreciate it.
Rose Rice
Secretary
Moriah PTA
&letterheadInaccurate assessment
TO THE EDITOR: Peter J. Moore, I am curious, how does a person such as Debra Aumell make your list of "privileged?"
Her ridiculously light sentence had nothing to do with her "social standing," and any attempts to classify it as such are simply not accurate.
David A Boucher
Plattsburgh
&letterheadHoodwinked by supplicants
TO THE EDITOR: One of the more entertaining aspects of this presidential race is the one vied for by all three leading aspirants: Who has the most religion? All cite their religion to account for what they are today. All converse with their god. All wish to lead this bastion of democracy and influence the rest of the world, under the guidance of that Supreme Dictator, God: a dictator, who, by comparison, makes the notorious, earth-bound variety look like pikers.
When we vote, are we voting for the candidate? Or are we voting for the principal of his suspect belief-system? Perhaps we might insist that those potential leaders, who do proclaim to consult with God, share their intercessory pleadings and their heavenly responses, with those of us who are skeptical, and painfully aware of political chicane. After all, it is universally held that God works in mysterious ways when answering prayers: One does not necessarily get what one asks for. Apparently, God knows what is needed better than does the supplicant.
To add further to this confusion, there is the matter of interpretation. This is another area where godly messages, disseminated amongst the faithful, arrive enigmatically, open to deciphering by political minds, notoriously partial to their own interests.
So, if we are to vote for a candidate who is just a mouthpiece for a heavenly manipulator, then we might expect, in this great democracy, to be made cognizant of any exchanges between him and his divine spin doctor.
I have no argument with a candidate who has chosen a particular god to petition privately. However, when that candidate's decisions, concerning the public at large, are not open to review, due to their purportedly heavenly origins, I feel the mortals here are in danger being hoodwinked.
Dennis Smith
Malone
&letterheadRatio incorrect
TO THE EDITOR: This is in response to Mr. Patton's letter of April 21: Sir, you are right. You are not a rocket scientist. For that matter, not much of a thinker at all.
First, and foremost, we correction officers do not wear guns in a prison. It's against all rules, regulations and general safety of all prisons.
Second, your 2-to-1 theory is wrong. There are only 22,000 correction officers. That drops it to 3 to 1(62,000 inmates), and I wonder if you think (ha-ha) that everybody goes home at 3 o'clock and comes back the next day at 7 o'clock the next morning?
Let me make this easy for you: three shifts, and though it doesn't work this way, that's 7,333 correction officers a shift. Now it's 8-to-1 with no weapon. Also, I'd like to see you in a tailor shop with 40 to 47 inmates, using 10-inch shears and other tools that can be used as weapons. (Look who has the weapons.) Lastly I'm in the phone book. I'd be glad to show you what an inmate can do when he suddenly flips.
Steve LaBounty
Peru
&letterheadTry it for a day
TO THE EDITOR: On April 21, a Letter to the Editor about smoking and prisons written by Ted Patton got me to thinking about what he said in his letter.
First of all, Mr. Patton, have you ever worked in a prison setting? From your statements that you made, you never have. You should find out all your facts before you make such statements. I do work in a state facility, for 27 years, and we're not guards. We're correction officers. The number of staff and inmates just don't add up. There are many shifts during the course of the day and, as you stated, one staff for every two inmates. I don't think so. For many reasons, I can't say a lot about where I work. So I wish in the future you and anybody else who thinks we as correction officers have it so good, then you apply for the job and see just how good we have it. I bet you wouldn't last a full day.
As for the smoking part of your letter, we all have rights, and if you wish to smoke then go kill yourself smoking. I am an ex-smoker, and I have my right to breath fresh air, not second-hand smoke.
Kenneth J. Charland
Plattsburgh
&letterheadThanks to volunteers
TO THE EDITOR: RSVP is the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program of Essex County. RSVP wishes to salute and thank its 519 enrolled volunteers, who logged 60,750 hours in 2007, for their dedicated service to the residents in Essex County.
RSVP connects volunteers age 55 and over with service opportunities in their communities that match their skills and availability. From reading to children to immunizing children, from enhancing the capacity of non-profit organizations to improving and protecting the environment, RSVP volunteers put their unique talents to work to make a difference. RSVP offers "one-stop shopping" for retirees who want to find challenging, rewarding, and significant service opportunities in their local communities. RSVP connects today's over 55'ers with the people and organizations that need them most. We help them become mentors, coaches or companions to people in need, or contribute their job skills and expertise to community projects and organizations. These service opportunities bring seniors contributions of skills, knowledge, and experience that make a real difference to individuals, non-profits, and faith-based and other community organizations throughout Essex County.
RSVP is the catalyst for change and champion for the ideal that every American has skills and talents to give which improves lives, strengthen communities and foster civic engagement through service and volunteering. RSVP volunteers serve in all 18 townships of Essex County RSVP volunteers assist 94 non-profit agencies and organization in Essex County RSVP volunteers log more than 5,000 hours of volunteer service each month. Our Mission: To engage men and women age 55 and better in meaningful volunteer service that strengthens the well being of both self and community. Our Vision: To serve as a bridge between those who need and those who give. On behalf of the staff, local sponsoring agency, Catholic Charities, and the federal sponsor, The Corporation for National and Community Service, we express our sincerest thanks for all you do to make a difference in your communities.
Patsy McCaughin
Program director
RSVP
Essex County
&letterheadProfit exaggerated
TO THE EDITOR: A reader sent in a letter about Wal-Mart's reclamation of insurance proceeds. While I don't believe in shipping labor overseas due to labor abuse or shipping products half way around the world, which is energy abuse, I would like to clarify Wal-Mart's profits.(http://finance.yahoo.com/q/is?s=T&annual)
The year ending Jan. 31, Wal-Mart made $12.731 billion in profits. It did not make $90 billion in just one quarter of a year. EXXON made $40.61 billion for the year ending Dec. 31, 2007.
Thanks for clarifying this fact with your readers.
Stuart Friedman
Plattsburgh
&letterheadRelay for Life
TO THE EDITOR: Watching garage sales pop up throughout our town is a sure sign that spring is here! For those who enjoy a day stopping at garage sales, you won't want to miss the 4th Annual "Relay For Life" Community Garage Sale on Saturday, May 17 from 8 a.m to 2 p.m at the Senior Citizens Center, North Catherine St. in Plattsburgh.
This huge sale began four years ago under the guidance and coordination of Barbara Nephew and Libby Goller, members of the Fitzpatrick Cancer Center's Breast Cancer Support Group, "The Treasure Chests," with all proceeds going to the local "Relay For Life." Under the continued organization of the "Treasure Chests" team, this sale has grown to include contributions from nine other "Relay For Life" teams, making this year's sale the biggest ever. The organizers are looking forward to beating last year's total proceeds of $3800 in support of the 2008 "Relay For Life."
So, if you enjoy garage sales, stop by and enjoy shopping for a great cause.
Faye Fitzgerald
Peru
&letterheadDerby facilitated
TO THE EDITOR: On behalf of Cub Scout Pack 66, we would like to thank Commander Howard Turner and the American Legion Post 20 for hosting our annual Pinewood Derby.
They opened up their facility for us, on short notice, and couldn't have been more accommodating. Mr. Turner was very gracious and helpful during our event. We were so grateful to find such a wonderful place that led to a very successful and exciting race for our cubs. Thanks again.
Kevin Norcross
Cub Scout Pack 66
Morrisonville
&letterheadFutile appearance
TO THE EDITOR: On April 14, the Village of Keeseville held a public hearing on the current budget. Kudos to all that showed up to voice concerns about the budget.
Here is the problem; This one-hour meeting was followed by the board passing the budget in a matter of seconds. This came after an hour of citizens addressing the board, and some great ideas were suggested to save this community and taxpayers money.
If the decision had already been made, the board could have saved us a lot of time and listed it for what it was: a general meeting to vote on the proposed budget.
I am sure that the board wants what is best for the village; however, when this many citizens show up for a meeting, we obviously had concerns. Anyone listening?
George Armstrong
Keeseville
&letterheadDogs need shelter
TO THE EDITOR: This letter is to the owner of a beautiful husky in the Mooers area that is left outside 24/7 without shelter of any kind.
Your dog had a house, which he is often unable to use because of the build up of snow in front of it or it is upside down. For the last few weeks, he has had no house at all and is exposed to the elements. He has no protection from the snow, rain or sun. In the summer, I often see him trying to find shade from some large leaf weeds. I know others have stopped and asked you to rectify the situation. This is no way for a dog to live. Dogs are social creatures and need and want human companionship. I can only imagine how miserable your dog is, tied out with a short chain in the middle of a field with no human interaction. Please treat him humanely and if you cannot please surrender him to a shelter or rescue group.
On another note, I have tried without success to find out who is responsible for animal control in the Mooers area.
Linda Boutler
Ellenburg Depot
&letterhead
Farming right
TO THE EDITOR: I am simply writing to express my support for the Lewis family. I grew up in the Adirondacks and can appreciate their natural beauty; however, New York is a "Right to Farm" state, and the people who live in and around the Adirondack Park have a right to live as well.
The APA's attempt to "purge" the upstate area of residents in order to preserve a playground for the wealthy is simply an abuse of the rights of the poorer citizens of the state. I would love to see the community rally around this issue, as I fear that the outcome will have a much broader impact than the current article suggests.
Dr. Levi J. Irwin
Process chemist
Denver, Colo.
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