Editor, Times-Union: As I left our store last evening my spirits were lifted by the afterglow of a beautiful sunset over Center Lake. But then as I drove south on road 15 the display of lights in Center Lake Park caught my eye and absolutely took my breath away. As I continued driving I delighted in the sparkling decorations downtown and later from a distance the animated Christmas light show at the fairgrounds and the lighted trees and shops in The Village at Winona. Our towns are aglow and transformed for the holiday season.
Once again I found myself realizing how blessed I am to live and work in a community such as ours. But more than than that, how blessed I am to have Christ, my saviour, whose birth we celebrate once each year but who can transform us and bring light into our lives every day of the year.
Judy Reneker, Winona Lake via e-mail
Thanks To Wagon Wheel
Editor, Times-Union: Our school would like everyone to know about the wonderful opportunity the Wagon Wheel Theatre has given many of the students in our county. The Wagon Wheel has given several performances of "Joseph" for the schools at a minimal fee. My fifth grade class from Burket attended the play last Friday, Dec. 3. The performance was wonderful and we enjoyed it very much.
This community is very fortunate to have a theater where exposure to this art form in made available to so many who might never see it otherwise. I'm sure scheduling was difficult and time consuming, but everything was done very professionally.
We hope that everyone is aware of the fine job the Wagon Wheel is doing, and that everyone supports it whenever possible. We are very fortunate to have such a theater in the Warsaw area.
Marna Riedel, Burket School
Fallen Officers
Editor, Times-Union: As I sit here reflecting on the holiday season that is upon us, I cannot help but remember the ones we, as police officers, have left behind. As a deputy sheriff with the Kosciusko County Sheriff's Office, I have taken birthday gifts to a fallen officer's children on behalf of the department. Each time I meet and leave Officer Phillip Hochstetler's children it is with watery eyes and a heavy heart. I cannot imagine what they, as children, have been through and are still going through. I think about the family of Officer John Willard, how empty their family is with John not being there.
I encourage each reader to place a blue light in their window to show their respect for Law Enforcement Officers who have a difficult job, working Kosciusko County streets and roadways. Also, remember those officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice. I know that I will keep all officers in my prayers and hope you will also.
I wish for you and yours a peaceful Christmas and a happy new Millennium. Matthew 5:9: "Blessed are the peacemakers."
