Editor, Times-Union: Congratulations are in order to the members of the Warsaw High School Percussion Ensemble as they placed in a tie for first with Franklin Central with a score of 94.65 recently Indiana Percussion Association State Finals. As a former member of the Warsaw Percussion section, it is great to see that the tradition of excellence has continued. My hat is off to all involved with the program, but especially to Mickey Ratliff, as he is the main arranger and director for the group. I studied under Mickey in my years at Warsaw and his wealth of knowledge, his incredible love for music, and of course, his great sense of humor inspired me to become what I am today. More than that, Mickey showed me that dignity and grace in competition are at least as important as the performance itself. If you see Mickey or any of the members of the group, be sure to send them my congratulations and my best wishes for this past weekend's WGI World Championships in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Ben "Gomez" Handel Percussion Performer BLAST!- Broadway Production
via e-mail
Chicago Trip
Editor, Times-Union: Several weeks ago I was privileged to chaperone the seventh- and eighth-grade art classes from Lakeview Middle School on an art trip to Chicago.
We left early in the morning and returned that evening and not once during that time span did any of the students act disrespectful or unruly. Trust me, they were regularly talkative, constantly going teens, but that's expected. I did, however, see other schools at the Art Institute whose behavior was totally out of control and the comments of the institute's staff was far from complimentary.
This letter is just to say thanks to the school for letting the students go and experience a wonderful day of art and fun in the great city of Chicago. Thanks to the fine art teachers and staff, whose knowledge of the art in the institute and downtown on our walking tour made it come alive. We are truly lucky to have them teach our young people. Thanks, too, to the bus drivers for driving us. Thanks also to the students for making this day an absolute pleasure and to my foster daughter, Jasmine, for letting me go and spend a great day with her.
Phyllis L. Barger Warsaw
Integrity
Editor, Times-Union: I want to say THANK YOU so much to the person who found my watch on the floor at Kimm's Food Mart. My husband and I began our Saturday by driving to Warsaw to shop for the day. You can imagine the hollow pit I felt in my stomach when I arrived home late in the afternoon to find that my watch was gone. A day of shopping can take one to numerous stores - so I began retracing our day of travels only to learn that no one had turned in my watch. I did not know the name of the fast food mart where we had stopped to purchase those much needed items of juice and salty snacks so I could not call them to inquire about my lost watch. Had this not been a special gift, I probably would not have been so concerned; however, my husband had given it to me for one of those significant birthdays and it was/is very special. My first stop on my way to work on Monday was that fast food mart, and lo and behold, some kind person had found my watch and turned it in. THANK YOU AGAIN - I do not know who you are but you are a very special and considerate person with much integrity.
Cindy Pergrem Syracuse via e-mail
MDA Thanks
Editor, Times-Union: Even the leprechauns are green with envy over Warsaw's response to the Muscular Dystrophy Association's Shamrocks Against Dystrophy campaign. Many thanks to the thousands of people who donated to MDA and signed paper shamrocks in businesses in February and March. Their generous participation in Shamrocks will help MDA continue to provide families affected by neuromuscular diseases in our community with valuable services.
As one of many who has a loved one affected by a neuromuscular disease, I'm genuinely grateful for the caring support of customers and employees at convenience stores, supermarkets, restaurants and other retailers in Warsaw.
The 18th annual Shamrocks Against Dystrophy campaign raised more than $10 million nationally. These donations help MDA fund almost 400 research teams worldwide.
On behalf of the millions of Americans affected in some way by the more than 40 diseases covered by MDA - thank you - and may St. Patrick bless you all year long!
Maureen McGovern National chairwoman MDA Shamrocks Against Dystrophy
