Thanks, Commissioner
To the Editor:
Upon learning that the historic Markland Bridge was scheduled to be removed, Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana approached Switzerland County Commissioner Craig Bond, asking for his assistance in finding an alternative to the destruction of the bridge. Mr. Bond was extremely responsive to my calls and, even in the midst of some trying personal matters, he was helpful in working toward a solution that would have both saved the bridge and relieved the county of some of the expense involved in removing the bridge.
I was dismayed to learn that he had been personally assailed at the very time he was at the point of delivering a positive solution to a very challenging situation. On behalf of Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana, I would like to thank Commissioner Bond for his efforts to work with us in safely removing and preserving the Markland Bridge.
Marsh Davis, President
Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana
Acts of kindness
Dear Editor:
Jane and I would like to thank everyone who came to our aid following the Sunday night storm which brought down the tree that demolished our house. After securing the building and determining the location of fallen wires, members of the Volunteer Fire Department began clearing limbs. Because the power was out in Vevay and the filling stations could not pump gas, the wife of one member traveled to Markland Dam to buy gas. Later that evening, Town Council member Kirk Works contacted Hughes Tree Service who traveled from North Vernon to clear debris from the street and roof of the house. His prompt action allowed the building to be tarped before the rain could do further damage.
Throughout this past week we have witnessed many acts of kindness. At a moment’s notice, Jerry and Sandy Wallin welcomed both us and our pets, a dog and a cat, into their home. With no place to live until renovations are completed, Nancy Gilliland rented us her house. As Hurricane Katrina sadly demonstrated, when disaster strikes, animals are victims too. One night, a delicious dinner magically appeared, complete with a welcome bottle of wine. A loaf of homemade banana bread showed up at our door. Every day people stop by and ask if we need help. The warmness and sincerity of the community of Vevay has touched us deeply. We are still glad that we moved here.
When I lived in San Francisco, my neighbor was an elderly Japanese man who first came to America in 1905 to start a business for his father. The next year an earthquake demolished his store. In the 1940s, Ichiro, his wife and his three American born children began five years of internment in Manzanar, a World War II relocation camp. Embarrassed by their father’s “Japaneseness” and unwilling to carry on his business that he had worked all his life to establish, in his later years the old man saw his sons slip away. Yet throughout all this Ichiro managed to maintain an exemplary cheerfulness and optimism. “In every sorrow a bright blossom,” he always said. I have never forgotten that old Buddhist who died at age 104. Now, at the end of my life, his wisdom helps me to rebuild.
Thank you, one and all.
Jane and Bill Richardson
Vevay
Priorities
To the Editor:
My cousin Jeanie in Ohio said she gets the Vevay paper because I put good letters to the editor in the paper and there has been no letter for a long time.
I really like my cell phone as most people do. I wonder what would happen if we treated our Bible like we treat our cell phones?
What if we carried it around in our purse or pocket?
What if we treated it like we couldn’t live without it?
What if we turned back to go get it if we forgot it?
What if we flipped through it several times a day?
What if we used it to receive messages from the text?
What if we gave it to our kids as a gift?
What if we used it as we traveled?
What if we used it in case of an emergency?
This is something to make you stop and think: Where are my priorities?
And then . . . hmm . . . where is my Bible?
Oh, and one more thing. Unlike our cell phone, we don’t ever have to worry about our Bible being disconnected because Jesus already paid the bill.
And no dropped calls.
Edna Pearl Spencer
Columbus, Ohio
Great help
Letter to Editor;
Thank You. Thank you all who help and gave the endless hours of planning, setting up, carrying the load of a program and bringing it to a successful completion. For your energy and time given to the caring for our young people, Thank You.
It was a hot, at times long week. After a few days of rest it is time for reflection. To see what is right and what needs to be improved after all our motto is: To Make the Best Better.
Without exception the judges complimented our youth on the quality of the projects, more importantly their good behavior, attitude and manners while waiting to be judged, and in talking with the judges. Several judges commented about the observed willingness to help other 4-H members enter projects, trim rabbit’s toenails, helped others clean stalls, etc. We have a great group of youth.
We had many new volunteers on sign-in day that truly enjoyed the day and “learned a lot.” They have expressed desire to come back. We had several volunteers throughout the week that pitched-in when needed. Like most of us – if we understand expectations and have a time frame for accomplishment, we enjoy being an informed volunteer. We do live in a community that cares and wants to be asked.
Was it a perfect fair – No – and probably never will be (humans are involved). Can we make it better? – Absolutely (humans are involved).
This year we had 317 enrolled in our 4-H program – a 10 percent increase from last year.
We have 49 mini 4-H’ers and 37 completed for a 76 percent completion rate. Great!
We have 268 4-H members and 237 completed their projects for an 88 percent completion rate. Excellent!
We have 108 projects going to the state fair from 65 different individuals.
Let’s look at F.A.I.R
F – Fair the very word according to Webster’s – marked by impartiality and honesty; free from self-interest, prejudice and favoritism. That is our goal.
A – Accurate: one of the deadliest relationship/team killers is assuming everyone know what is going and gossip. Is the information about a situation accurate? Were others there who heard or witnessed the incident, does their interpretation match? Do we take the time to respond and not react? As adults, we are mentoring our youth and the real tests of maturity are those in the heat of a situation.
I – Informed: Does everyone know? Is everyone on the same page? Are our ideas understood and clearly phrased? Communication is an important skill.
R – Respect: consideration (how do you want to be treated?); esteemed, (a special regard. valuing one another.)
Individually, we each bring a special skill, or ability to our 4-H program, but Together Everyone Accomplishes More.
Thank you for all of your support not only during fair week but year round.
Ginger Furnish
Purdue Extension Educator
Community support
To the Editor:
As president of the Switzerland County Fair Board, I appreciate all the community support of our 4-H Fair and the 4-H program throughout the year, making it one of the strongest programs in the state. I want to start off with thanking all the volunteers who made the week a success, from Fair Board members to Associate Fair Board members to Club Leaders to parents as well as the Extension staff. The fair could not happen without everything these people do, a lot of which no one ever sees.
I also want to thank this year’s gate sponsors: Fletcher Feed and Supply, Errol Judy Construction, Farm Bureau Inc., Switzerland County Homemakers, and Bear Branch Supply. I would also like to thank the buyers and businesses who attended the auction. The Switzerland County Fair Board has public meetings on the second Wednesday of each month. Anyone is welcome to attend. Give us your ideas and thoughts on how to improve on the fair.
We have a lot of exciting events in the works for the upcoming year – with a Mud Run this Saturday, a Sanctioned Truck and Tractor Pull in October, and a PRCA Rodeo is in the works for June 2009. Anyone who would like to volunteer to help at these events is more than welcome to help. I also appreciate the hard work and great coverage and support of the Vevay Newspaper staff.
Hope to see you next year at the fair.
Keli Hall
Moorefield
The bridge
To the Editor:
I have heard that an agreement has been reached regarding the fate of the beautiful old bridge at Markland.
The bridge is to be moved, although to where is unknown.
It seems to me that the residents of Switzerland County are being ill-served by this agreement.
If liability to the county is truly an issue, why not give the bridge as well as the easements to Historic Landmarks and let them have the liability and Switzerland County keeps its bridge?
The cost of moving the bridge is probably going to be four or five times what it would cost to put a new deck in the bridge and make it useable for pedestrian or bicycle traffic.
The way I see it, keeping the bridge in its place would help preserve the history of Markland, plus give incentive to some of the residents to clean up their property. This could be a win – win situation for everyone.
Randy Brown
Near Vevay