Editor, Times-Union: The Warsaw Sesquicentennial Committee wishes to express our thanks and appreciation to Sprint and The Biomet Foundation for sponsoring the Sesquicentennial Video. We also thank Video & Sound Productions for their great job of putting together such a wonderful memento to commemorate this historic celebration. The city of Warsaw is very fortunate to have such supportive, community-minded businesses.
Anyone wanting a copy of the DVD or VHS video may contact the mayor's office, 372-9595.
Sally Hogan Chairwoman Sesquicentennial Committee
via e-mail
GOP Arrogance
Editor, Times-Union: Mr. Gerard, you were right on target in your News Views last weekend (Nov. 27). First of all, I too have observed a certain arrogance coming from the GOP since their victory on Nov. 2. They did decidedly win and I am glad for that. However, I too believe a little humility would take them much further. Even though they won, they certainly cannot take it for granted that they have all the political capitol in this country or that just because they are in the majority that they will always get their way. It would not be right if they did always get their way - that is what the system of checks and balances is for. The GOP needs to be very careful where they tread.
Secondly, in regard to Mr. Gerard's comments pertaining to Tom Delay and how the GOP rewrote certain House ethics rules, I would like to share my thoughts directly with the GOP:
The rewriting of these rules is a very questionable and shady dealing in and of itself. This kind of action is exactly what I am referring to in advising you to be careful where you tread. The eyes of this country and the world are watching you. I had the wonderful privilege and experience of working on Capitol Hill in 1998-99. This was during the Clinton presidency and eventual impeachment. During this experience, I saw firsthand how politicians play around with double standards. In order for me to hold to my own beliefs without compromise, I had to leave one of the most exciting and rewarding jobs I had ever had. Did I want to leave? NO! But my beliefs were more important to me than the lying and covering up over the telephone of a congressman's double standards and inconsistencies. People wonder why people are cynical when it comes to politicians - a lot of this cynicism is due to the double standards that people observe in government. Double standards may give the appearance of helping you in the beginning, but they will only bring you demise and downfall in the end. Integrity must be key! I need to remind myself of this every day - it is not always easy, but it is the best way!
Consider the golden rule - "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." I can imagine that you are saying "politics is politics and winning is everything, therefore, we have to do what we have to do." Remember this - just as you have been built up in victory, you can be torn down in defeat - pride goes before a fall. Again, I will say: Integrity must be key! Thank you for listening.
Tami Miller Winona Lake via e-mail
RIF Grant
Editor, Times-Union: Mentone Elementary has received a RIF grant through the Indiana Department of Education this year. This grant helps to fund a program that puts FREE books into the hands of students. All students in grades K-three at Mentone Elementary will receive three free books in three separate distributions. Each distribution has fun activities and events to accompany the book giveaway. This is to help students associate fun activities with books and reading. Mentone's theme for the RIF grant this year is "Egg-citing Reads." The first distribution will be on Friday, Dec. 10. The library is featuring an egg incubator with eggs inside to go along with the theme and help children experience the excitement of baby chicks. Mentone Elementary would like to thank Steve Taylor from Midwest Poultry for graciously donating the eggs and Janet Clevenger from Manchester Elementary for loaning the egg incubator.
Andrea Michel K-5 Librarian Mentone Elementary via e-mail
Red Kettle Collections
Editor, Times-Union: The Salvation Army Red Kettle fund raising campaign in Kosciusko County is off to a slow start. Red Kettle collections are lagging behind last year's total at this time by about 35 percent. Local businesses (Wal-Mart, Kmart, Owens and Marsh) have been extremely kind to The Salvation Army by allowing us to ring in front of their stores; and where kettles are staffed, donations have been generous. However, the bell ringing campaign in Kosciusko County depends completely on volunteers - and more volunteers are needed. If you or your organization would be willing to offer a few hours of your time to help The Salvation Army help others, please contact Capt. Matt Osborn 574-267-5361.
Capt. Matt Osborn Salvation Army Warsaw via e-mail
Congratulations Warriors
Editor, Times-Union: I want to take this opportunity to say congratulations to the Wawasee Warriors Football Team. I watched you play last Saturday at the Dome and you played tough and with courage - a job well done! You have every right to be proud of yourselves.
Congratulations, also, to senior quarterback, Kory Lantz, on winning the mental attitude award. You are well-deserving of this award! Your testimony for the Lord is very obvious. You will go far with your life and love for the Lord and your resulting attitude. Keep it up! I was very encouraged seeing and hearing your testimony throughout last weekend.
