Published: November 07, 2009 11:05 pm         

Readers' forum: Nov. 8, 2009

We must remain united behind our troops



I am only one of many folks in Terre Haute who share the despair being felt by the tragedy that has hit the Gene Griffin family. Losing their beloved son Dale, who was serving in the U.S. Army in Afghanistan, brings the reality of the war to our doorstep. Hearts are breaking for the grief being felt by Dale’s family and friends. Many who did not even know Dale are crying along with the family. Those who knew Dale realize even more than I can what a great loss this is.

The Tribune-Star has given excellent coverage of this heartbreaking event by sharing information about the family and about Dale, through words and photos. The family’s way of coping and responding is commendable and helpful to those of us who didn’t have the privilege of knowing their son.

I found it gratifying to see the president of the United States pictured and paying tribute at the casket transfer of Dale Griffin and the other service persons who were brought back after giving their all to serve their country. The president’s attendance could not take away the pain and sadness of family and friends, but it added to the recognition of the sacrifice that has been made, not only in the losses of this week, but by all the men and women whose lives have been sacrificed during recent battles.

There is a computer Web site devoted to making things easier for U.S. service men and women. For those who have access to a computer, the Web site is www.soldiersangels.org. This will lead to about 20 organizations devoted to making things better and more tolerable for the men and women who are serving in the United State services.

One of their organizations is dedicated to the simple act of sending greeting cards and notes of encouragement and appreciation. This site also contains letters from service persons sharing their appreciation and need for what “Soldiers Angels” are doing.

The Tribune-Star headline, “He wanted to make a difference,” will come true when we do something helpful for Dale’s comrades who remain in danger. For those whose hearts have been touched, we can let his parents, Dona and Gene, and his brother, Blake, know that Dale did make a difference. I encourage everyone who can to become involved with the opportunities the Web site, our churches and veterans organizations provide for helping service persons.

We, who remember WW II, know that “unity” at home works, just as unity works for the men and women who serve to keep America free. That’s what the “United” in the “United States of America” is all about. To the family of Dale Griffin, and to others who have lost loved ones in recent wars, I, along with the others who live in the Wabash Valley, most sincerely extend sympathy and gratitude for your sacrifices. Thank you.

— Pat Creasey

Terre Haute



DeVaney students

giving back with

service projects



The students and staff of DeVaney Elementary have settled into a new school year and are already busy making a difference in the community at large. While working tirelessly to meet the very important academic standards, our students are learning how to be good citizens through many service-learning opportunities.

The DeVaney Student Council, led by Mrs. Boehler, Mrs. Browne, and Ms. Pompey, has many service projects planned for this school year. Throughout October, the student council challenged the entire school community to bring in their pennies for the Penny War competition. The pennies that were collected were donated to Riley Hospital for Children. Sam’s Club assisted us in counting the pennies, as well as provided pizza to the winning class. DeVaney students raised $1389.92, which is a remarkable feat for a Title 1 School! The winning class for the Penny War competition was Mrs. Burpo’s kindergarten class. We are so proud of all of our students for diligently bringing in their pennies to help other children in need!

In November the student council will sponsor a food drive to benefit our own DeVaney families in need, as well as donate to local charities. Our school will be teaming up with Riley Elementary to challenge Hoosier Prairie and Lost Creek Elementary Schools to a friendly competition. The team of schools that collects the most food in pounds will be the winner. It will be exciting to watch the hallways fill up with nonperishable food items as our students work to bless others during the holiday season.

Our service learning will continue into the month of February with the annual Sock Hop to benefit the American Red Cross. Students will be invited to pay $1 to dance in the gym in their sock feet. The proceeds from the Sock Hop will be given to the Red Cross. Not only will the children have a tremendous amount of fun dancing, they will be donating to a very worthy cause.

The remainder of the school year will likely present many more opportunities for DeVaney students to reach out and give back to the community. Education is far-reaching and it is vitally important that students learn, not only the lessons found in textbooks, but also how to be contributing members of society. It is a blessing to work in such a wonderful school community, where giving back and making a difference is as important as the academics. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the DeVaney staff, students, parents, and community members who work so hard to make a difference each and everyday!

— Paul Utterback

Principal,

DeVaney Elementary



CLASS Act worthy

of lawmaker

consideration



The Indiana Association for Home & Hospice Care represents more than 200 agencies that care for our state’s elderly. Imagine if the most basic tasks became a challenge for you — preparing a meal, getting dressed or getting to an appointment. Unless you are among the small percentage of Americans who have purchased long-term-care insurance or could afford non-medical assistance on your own, you might not be able to stay in your own home.

The Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) Act, proposed by the late Senator Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.), as chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, would significantly expand federal assistance for people needing long-term care and would create a federal long-term care insurance program for functionally disabled adults. The CLASS Act wouldn’t replace regular health insurance. Financed by voluntary payroll deductions, the program would help people access services that would allow them to stay at home when they would otherwise not be able to.

The Congressional Budget Office found that the CLASS Act is sustainable over time and would reduce Medicaid spending and costs by nearly $59 billion over 10 years. The CLASS Act would mark a major step forward in improving the ability of all Americans to remain in the place they are most comfortable — at home. I know that if I were someday unable to care for myself, I would want the care made possible by the CLASS Act available to me. If you feel the same way, please contact your legislators and ask them to support the CLASS Act in health reform measures.

— Todd Stallings,

Executive Director

Indiana Association for Home & Hospice Care



Stumbling drunks

spoil homecoming

parade for others



I am a person who understands the importance of tradition and history. I, as well as a lot of other parents, however, do not understand the importance of “The Walk.” Every year I take my daughters to the homecoming parade. Every year we also watch hundreds of individuals stumble past us on the sidewalks. I watch in horror as these individuals are being loud and obnoxious. I can only hope that one day when my daughters are of age, they conduct themselves with more responsibility and dignity. The thing that shames me the most is the fact that Terre Haute seems to encourage this behavior.

Last time I checked, it was against the law to be on public streets drunk. I always assumed that it was called Public Intox. Little did I realize that on homecoming weekend, that law doesn’t exist during the parade. What does Terre Haute do to make the parade more enjoyable to those who choose to be responsible? They put up port-a-potties and extra trash cans, not to mention the beer tent! Then Vigo County officials wonder why Vigo County has such a high underage drinking rate.

There is a saying that, “It takes a village to raise a child.” Well, I am asking Vigo County to assist us in raising our children. If tradition insists on there being a “Walk/Stumble,” can there be a compromise and not have it during the parade? Let everyone enjoy the parade without the staggering, obnoxious individuals who can not handle themselves like adults. I am not saying that everyone who participates in the “Walk” is irresponsible, however, there are always a few in the crowd who ruin it for everyone. Thank you.

— Tara Tacker

Terre Haute



Theater, show

exceeded visitor’s

expectations



We made an overnight vacation of your city’s support of the Crosley Radio Players’ performance of the “War of the Worlds” on Oct. 30. It was our first real look at Terre Haute much beyond the highway. What a real surprise and pleasure it was to find a reasonably vibrant downtown, great new hotels within walking distance, but the real jewel was the wonderful Indiana Theatre.

Having seen a few other groups that do old radio shows live, we had mixed expectations as to how it might go. I have to tell you that it was the finest experiences of that kind I have ever had. Not only did the theater dazzle, the wonderful cast, musicians, sound effects and friendly ushers made it an experience of a lifetime.

I got chills as I heard the high school jazz ensemble’s opening strains of the Mercury Theater’s theme music. Realizing the historical significance of the evening made it even more exciting. The Crosley Players were well beyond my expectations, professional in every way. Fine diction that was easily understood, great pacing, the fine musical interludes by the jazz ensemble made for a evening that I won’t forget soon. A large supportive turnout was also a real plus and quite a surprise because often one finds a limited turnout, but not so in Terre Haute.

Anyone who had the chance to come and take part surely went away with a renewed appreciation for an art form that has been too quickly abandoned by our broadcasting powers.

Because of the performance, which I had seen mentioned on the Internet, we ended up discovering a lot more about Terre Haute, its great neighborhoods, shops, colleges and some very friendly street department workers who helped us when we became lost. It’s a trip I would look forward to again. I hope the combination of the Crosley Radio Players and the Indiana Theater can be utilized to encourage others to become tourists for an overnight or weekend visit. I know we will be watching to see if any other shows of the caliber we just saw are planned.

Totally first rate!

— Larry Hollenberg

Odin, Ill.