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Letters to the Editor

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End Capital Punishment in Del.

March 21, 2013

A Delaware Senate Committee has approved legislation to end capital punishment in our state (Wilmington News Journal, 3/21/13 p. B1). That's one small step for the Delaware Legislature, one giant leap for justice. Pass this legislation!

Ken Abraham, Dover, Del.
Deputy Attorney General, 1974-1979

Thanks for Supporting QRCF Hair of the Dog

Jan. 9, 2013

Dear Editor:

I would like to send an enthusiastic and heartfelt letter of thanks from the Quiet Resorts Charitable Foundation for the tremendous community support of the Hair of the Dog race!

Early on New Year's day morning, more than 650 athletes and plus hundreds of spectators, party-goers and volunteers gathered on the Bethany Beach boardwalk for the 2nd Annual Hair of the Dog race.  The 5k/10k run and walk is one of our fundraising events which help us to continue awarding scholarships to local students and grants to local organizations in our efforts to enhance the community for residents and visitors alike.  

I am delighted to report that thousands of dollars were raised for the people and programs the QRCF supports.  Start to finish, the Hair of the Dog was a great time for a great cause.

We received amazing support from the Town of Bethany Beach, you and our sponsors:  3rd Wave Brewing Company, Bethany Beach Books, Boyden Design, Coastal Point, Delaware Wave, DiFebo's, Giant Food, Harris Teeter, Just Hooked, Law Offices of Scott & Shuman, P.A., Leslie Kopp, Loftus Wealth Strategies, Mango's, Ocean View Vet, Rehoboth Beach Sports, Sedona, State Farm – Denise Beam, Tidewater Physical Therapy, Tidepool Toys and Games, Transformative Dynamics, and Yuppy Puppy.  We also received tremendous support from local and visiting athletes, spectators, and volunteers.  A true community-building event happened and we kicked off the 2013 with gusto.

I would like to extend special thanks to Hair of the Dog chairs Eunice Carpitella, Faith Denault, Jackie Inman, and Michael Loftus, and committee members Ann Kangas, Marian Parrott, and Karen Taylor, and Race Director Rick Hundley. They contributed hundreds of hours organizing what all will agree was a successful and lucrative event.

At the after-race party at Mango's as a special feature, we presented CHEER's Meals on Wheels program with a $25,000 contribution, the largest single gift in our all-volunteer organization's 11 year history.  In all, we have awarded nearly $500,000 to date, and anticipate giving more soon.

In fact, there is another opportunity to support the QRCF's programs at BunnyPalooza! on March 30, 2013, the next run/walk in our series.  More information can be found at www.Bunnypaloozarun.com.  Thanks again to all for the past and future support.

K. William Scott, Esq., President
Quiet Resorts Charitable Foundation

Thanks from the Noel Community

Dec. 30, 2012

The Noel Community extends a thank you to places of worship, individuals, businesses, and civic groups for the overwhelming support for our 15th Annual Christmas Dinner. We are especially grateful to Father David Dingwall and St. Paul's by-the Sea for hosting the dinner; to Father Carl Mosley for his spiritual leadership; to the many businesses and civic groups for supplying food, making generous monetary donations, and sponsoring toy, toiletry, and food drives; to the local media for publicizing our event; to all the individuals and churches for donating toys, food, desserts, toiletries and monetary gifts; and to everyone for volunteering their time.

The Noel Community served over 1,400 free meals on Christmas, including carry-outs and deliveries to individuals who otherwise would be lonely or hungry. We provided toys, toiletries, hats, and clothing.  We prepared hot meals for police officers, fire personnel, and other public servants working on Christmas day. The Noel Community appreciates the generous support from Ocean City, Ocean Pines, Berlin, Bishopville, Selbyville, Fenwick, and surrounding neighborhoods allowing us to make the Christmas celebration special for many in our community.

Noel Community will continue to expand our outreach serving free breakfast and carryout lunch at a local food pantry with the leftover supplies and funds. Your generosity allowed the Noel Community volunteers to prepare breakfast and/or lunch every Saturday and thirteen additional weekdays providing over 7,000 meals/sandwiches in 2012.  These lunches are needed and appreciated by those we serve. Thanks to your support, we are able to assist individuals and families in meaningful ways.

Faithfully Yours,
The Noel Committee

Why All the Stress Over the Mayan Calendar?

Dec. 17, 2012

We all like to feel secure.  We don't like when things seem out of our control.  All of this began when we were a child.  We like our "Teddy Bears" or "Security Blankets."  They helped us relax and deal with any stressful situations.  But, hey now we are adult and we would all look a little silly holding onto our bear.  So anytime things are out of our control we stress out.  Certainly the predictions being proclaim are a result of the Mayan Calendar are "out of our control."  This is the reason we are stressing.  But do we really need to stress?   Will all our stressing out change anything? No, in fact Jesus tell us in Luke 12:25-26 "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?  Since you cannot do this very thing, why do you worry about the rest?" (NIV)

Ecclesiastes 8:7-8 asks a similar question, "Since no man knows the future, who can tell him what is to come?  No man has power over the wind to contain it; so no one has power over the day of his death." (NIV)

So how can we deal with the anxiousness we are feeling?  Teddy bear and security blankets, even in adult forms, will not bring us peace.  Find peace in God who created everything.  Jesus comforts us with this word from Mark 13:32: "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels (or Mayan's) but only the Father.  Since we cannot change any of these things, find peace in Him.

Pastor Ray Bertolet
Camden Bible Fellowship Church
201 E. Camden Wyoming Ave.
Camden, DE  19934

Removing the 'Box'

Dec. 12, 2012

Mayor Baker and City Council have moved the City of Wilmington into the realm of common sense and out of the mire of vengeful trepidation, by removing the requirement to disclose one's criminal background. Common sense because reasonable estimates are that one in four employable adults is a convicted felon, and common sense because many former criminals are among the most motivated to be dedicated, productive employees, to turn their lives around. Of course, there must be reasonable exceptions, but once a prisoner has served his time, he/she has "paid their dues". Inasmuch as DOC and the Department of Labor offer meager assistance (at best) to prisoners seeking work upon reentry, the prisoner is largely on his/her own. Many realize that irrational fears and often unjustified concerns immediately eliminate them from consideration as soon as a prospective employer sees that initial inquiry about criminal background.

With more private sector employers and government entities following this lead, Delaware could make a real dent in recidivism, reduce costs in policing, courts, Attorney General and Public Defender's offices, DOC, and the agencies providing food stamps and financial aid to unemployed former prisoners. For many former prisoners, the prospect of a legitimate, respectable, dependable JOB is preferable to the all too available alternative criminal means to make money.

When I owned my businesses, despite my partner's objection, I hired a man on probation; he became one of our very best employees. He blossomed, just as many other would if more employers followed the lead of the City of Wilmington.

Ken Abraham
Dover, Del.

A Big Thanks to Firefighters

April 13, 2012

On Saturday, April 7, 2012, Hartly Feed and Hardware suffered a devastating fire at 3 a.m. in the morning, and expresses their deepest gratitude for the six fire companies (Hartly, Marydel, Smyrna, Clayton, Cheswold, and Sudlersville and the companies that backed up the six companies that were at the scene) that responded. These firemen and women risked life and limb in an effort to prevent this landmark business from burning to the ground. And as quickly as they came, they returned home to their families and everyone was safe. As dawn was breaking, 15 firemen showed up at the front door to assist Dave Brown Jr., and his father Dave Brown Sr., in securing the building.

Dave Brown Jr. has asked me to inform you that despite the fire, the store is operating out of a building provided by Sam Shahan, owner of Top City, and as always, we are there to serve our communities. The phone is working, and our Facebook page is up and running.

Sincerely,

LuAnn Maxey
Felton, Del.

Del. Senate Candidate Looks Forward to Campaign

March 13, 2012

Friends,

I am so thrilled by the outpouring of support from my friends and neighbors since I filed my paperwork to run for the State Senate last week. Your enthusiasm and encouragement, as well as your generous contributions, have shown me that you believe in our campaign for the 6th District.

Since I announced my candidacy, I have met with more than one hundred community leaders over coffee, in meet and greets, and one-on-one who represent the diversity of our district.  You listened to my ideas and have shared your insights, and supported my vision for the 6th District.   I feel so fortunate to have so many wonderful and creative people who are willing who have shared their ideas with me, and continue to show their support in so many ways.  I promise that you as residents and business owners of the Community, you will continue to be the focus of my campaign.

However, I have so many more people to meet to discuss my strategy to bring long term sustainable jobs, community minded transportation services, and a plan to preserve the quality of life that we have come to know, while ensuring we are prepared for future growth. These are the issues that our campaign is about.

In the coming weeks I'll start hitting the streets and listening to what you have to say about the future of our District and explain my vision.  And I know I can't do it alone.  I need your input and contributions just as much as I need your votes this fall.  By putting our heads together, we can build a foundation that will go beyond this election.

Your enthusiasm and drive are contagious, and, working together, we will make our voices heard on November 6th.  I am committed to winning this race and working hard to represent the people of the 6th District. Thank you for your support and encouragement.

I am deeply grateful to be your candidate for the State Senate.

Andy Staton 
Candidate for the Delaware State Senate

Help Save Campus Community High School

Nov. 22, 2011

Dear Editor:

On Tuesday, Nov. 8, the Campus Community High School staff was informed of its Board's intent to close the 9-12 high school program on June 8, 2012, based on the Board's Finance Committee recommendation.

After several rounds of public support and negotiations between its members, the Board decided to extend its final voting deadline to December 21st, to give vested families and community members the chance to raise the $650,000 needed to ensure the remaining students could transition the high school program to a close by 2015.

CCHS students, staff, families, and supporters have formed the 650 Club to organize fundraising efforts required to meet the challenge. Please help us extend the club's efforts and desire to mobilize any citizens willing to lend a hand to the cause: SAVE CCHS!

Fundraising meetings are held Tuesdays at 5 p.m. and Thursdays at 7 p.m. at CCHS. Concerned citizens can also email 650ktosavecchs@gmail.com.

R.D. Smith
Dover, Del.

O.C. Convention Center Addition Needed

Oct. 28, 2011

On the evening of Monday, November 7th, the Ocean City Mayor and Council will hold a public hearing on Phase II, the Multi-Use Auditorium/Performing Arts addition to the Ocean City Convention Center. The general public is invited to attend an informative "Tour" of the proposed Convention Center auditorium renovation at 4 p.m. on the same day, Monday, Nov. 7th.

We believe that most of our elected officials support this final Phase II addition. The impact study, which the council ordered, supports the sustainability, the benefits and need for such a venue. The study showed that a multi-purpose auditorium with proper seating, lighting and acoustics would not only expand convention opportunities and efficiency, it would also begin to attract residents and the regional population to the Convention Center for entertainment, performances and community productions.

The Phase II renovation has received overwhelming support from the business community because business owners know that individuals who attend functions at the Convention Center tend to eat, sleep, "discover" and return to Ocean City in the future.

The Governor and the Maryland Stadium Authority support the renovation as well. In fact they are so confident that the renovation will have a positive impact on Ocean City and Maryland's economy that they will fund 25% of construction costs and will continue covering 50% of the operating costs of the entire facility.

A combination of these dedicated State funds and the existing .5% food & beverage tax (a tax which can only be used for the Convention Center), fully funds this project, with no new tax burden on Ocean City residents!

We hope that for all of these reasons; for the good of the Ocean City community, its businesses, its economy and its future, our elected council will unanimously approve Phase II of the Roland E. Powell Convention Center renovation on November 7th. We encourage all Arts supporters, residents and business owners to attend the Nov. 7th Ocean City Council Public Hearing to show your support.

Sincerely,

Patti Miller
Co-Chair, Ocean City Cultural Arts Advisory Board

Recycling Helps Protect the Environment

Sept. 14, 2011

The state has recently encouraged people to recycle by making sure every household has a recycling bin. I think Delaware should make it a mandatory law to recycle, because then it would enforce the subject. It doesn't just help the earth look better, but it also prevents things like global warming, deforestation, acid rains and the endangerment of species. Did you know that every ton of paper saves about 17 trees?                                                        

Recycling is not just throwing the bottle in the recycling bin; it is a process that has to be followed through with. The first step is for the items to be collected through many methods whether it is curbside, collection bins, money back centers. The second is that the recycled item be sent out to be processed. Here the items are cleaned and broken down into raw materials that can be used to make other things. The third step is for the items to be purchases. Until the items are purchased the process is not complete.                                                                

Recycling saves wildlife. What many people don't know is that by just not recycling one item you can kill animals. Plastic bags are the number one killer of marine wildlife, because the bags sit on top of the water. The animals then mistake the bags as food and eat them then choke and suffer. Also the piece of plastic that holds a six-pack of soda together is a big threat. As it sits on top of the water the animals swim through the hole and get stuck around their necks, which then suffocates them. Even a simple balloon. When you it into the air, fowl can mistake it as food and choke.                                                                                                             

Recycling also helps us preserve and save natural resources. If we do not help save these resources now there will not be a healthy eco system. One natural resource that we take advantage of is water. We waste so much water by leaving faucets on and un drank water instead of putting it back in the fridge we dump it down the drain. Trees are a big wasted natural resource to. As we cut down forest and don't recycle we have to cut down more trees to make paper and things. Without trees carbon dioxide cannot be changed to oxygen. You like breathing don't you? Why wouldn't you recycle your paper?                                                       

So now I've given you a few reasons to recycle. Why wouldn't you recycle? You can prevent all these things just by throwing a plastic bottle in the recycles. We should recycle so we can start saving this earth before it becomes completely destroyed.

Gabby Glocker
Seaford, Del.

Recycling Should be Mandatory in Delaware

Sept. 14, 2011

Recycling should be mandatory in the state of Delaware. We will lower our carbon emissions and have less waste everywhere we look. Recycling will help in the long run, even if that means 10 minutes or 10 years from now. Recycling could possibly save the world from becoming a big disaster.

One main reason recycling should be a mandatory law is because it will make the air healthier and safe. Lowering emissions will reduce the pollutants in the air. To make healthier air to breathe, we could each build a tree in our community and around the schools that children go to.

By reducing carbon emissions in the air it prevents the ozone layer from decreasing more than what it has over the years. Have healthier air will possibly save lives of those who have asthma or other breathing problems. If we don't lower emissions we will in the near future.

Rosa Torres
Seaford, Del.

Being Shot No Laughing Matter

Aug. 22, 2011

Dear Editor:

My name is Adolph Piccioni. Friday morning at around 9:30 somebody shot me with a pellet gun, BB gun or a rubber bullet. The pain was terrible. When I went inside to look I had a welt bigger than my right nipple. My neighbors told me to call 911 which I did around 9:50 a.m. They had the state police call me back. This call from the state police was a joke. The officer said "Someone hid in the bushes and shot you." I said I didnt see anyone. He asked if this was a joke and should he send a fleet of ambulances and a full tactical SWAT team. I was not only in  pain but I was insulted. What if it would have hit me in the eye? What if it had hit my wife? What if it hit a kid? He did not even ask where it happened and did not send a car to check. I can't believe I was made fun of by the Maryland State Police. 911 has to have a record of my call. I'm sure the officer probably deleted his call, but what if this is just the beginning? What if people start getting shot around this neighborhood. You think they would do their duty and at least check it out. All the neighbors are upset over this. But they (police) get their benefits and pension. That seems to be all they care about.

Adolph Piccioni
Saratoga Street
Salisbury, Md.

Thank Our Veterans for Their Service

June 30, 2011

Dear Editor:

Once again, we celebrate July 4^th as the anniversary of the day 235 years ago that we declared independence, founding a nation based on the beliefs that all people are created equal and that prizes liberty and justice.

This July 4^th finds us with service men and women fighting for those same ideals. They will be celebrating this anniversary of American Independence in other countries, carrying with them the creed that all men and women are created equal and endowed with the inalienable rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Recently, President Obama announced a drawback of our troops in Afghanistan. Some of those troops will continue with their military careers, while others will transition to civilian life as Veterans.

I urge Marylanders to be proactive in welcoming home our newly-returned veterans and to participate in helping them to transition and readjust to civilian life.  Many veterans do not even realize they've been injured until after they have been home for awhile and discover a host of health issues that went unnoticed or were ignored during their service. Readjusting to civilian life also brings its own set of challenges. Clinicians at the VA Maryland Health Care System are trained to recognize the health issues caused by environmental exposures and service-related situations that can affect these returning Veterans.

More than 14,000 newly-returned veterans are currently enrolled in the VA Maryland Health Care System.  The surge that was deployed earlier this year is expected to return, adding to these numbers.  I encourage you to remind a returning combat Veteran that they are eligible for cost-free medical care from the VA for conditions related to their service for five years after the date of their discharge.  Throughout the VA Maryland Health Care System, we are dedicated to ensuring that all returning veterans receive the highest quality of care in a timely manner.  If you know a returning veteran, please urge them to enroll for VA health care by calling 1-800-463-6295, ext. 7259.

It's often difficult for veterans with emotional or behavioral problems to seek the help they need and deserve because they often feel ashamed and view their suffering as a form of weakness. The best way to thank a veteran for his or her service is by assuring them that any health issue can be treated effectively and that enrolling for VA health care benefits may be the best gift they can give their families.

As we sit in our backyards watching fireflies rise and fireworks explode this Independence Day, remember that freedom is not free. Thank our veterans and their families for their sacrifice and service, fly Old Glory, and think about calling your nearest VA Medical Center to visit or volunteer.

Sincerely,

Dennis H. Smith, Director, VA Maryland Health Care System

Proud to Call Ocean City Home

June 22, 2011

Dear Editor,

This weekend my husband and I hosted a reunion in Ocean City with 65+ members of my family. Every family member was from out of town and most had never been to our town before.

I just want to say that someone from each family commented on what a beautiful, clean and exciting resort we live in and how amazing it is to find a town that offers something for everyone! Every family mentioned that they would like to consider either eventually moving here or going in on a family condo here (frankly, I'm not sure how I feel about having that much family here-lol). Anyway, my point is that once again, it is clear why my husband & I are so proud to call Ocean City our home. Ocean City truly is a fabulous place to live.

While busy with my family reunion preparations, I've been very anxious but too busy to comment on the recent gas promotion that was being considered for Ocean City. 

Although the council's final decision is a relief to me (as a taxpayer), I would still like to share my thoughts. 

I would like to thank Doug Cymek, Jim Hall, Mary Knight and Lloyd Martin for having enough courage and conviction to reverse earlier council support for the tank of gas promotion. When my husband & I owned local restaurants & retail stores, we firmly believed that our advertising should always accentuate the positive and never use a negative product to promote our business.

Spending $100,000 on a message which is a constant reminder of high gas prices and the cost of everything in a soft economy seemed so unnecessary when we have an endless list of FREE and positive attributes to bring people to our town (which are all obviously working). 

I say stay the course!  Let our Tourism Council, Special Event Planners and OC's marketing firm keep doing what they do very well already.  They know the importance of projecting a positive message. We need to let them do their job promoting the free movies on the beach, free events like the Air Show and Arts Alive, the Disney promotion, the Dew Tour---it's all fabulous and it's all working. 

I respect the difficult job our city council members have, but ever since the Rodney the Lifeguard debate (which has proven to be a highly successful campaign for OC), I've wished that our council would do a little less micro managing and let the professional marketing firm, our Chamber and our tourism board continue the fine job they're doing without so much council interference.  This would give our council members more time to concentrate on other city affairs.

Again, to Doug Cymek for his common sense approach and to our other council members for following his lead, THANK YOU FOR NOT WASTING $100,000 of your tax payers money! And keep accentuating the positive! (And did I mention that half of my visiting relatives, who want to move here now, live in Va. Beach?)
 
Patti Miller
Ocean City, Md.

Delaware Voters Should Have Say on More Casinos

March 24, 2011

Dear Editor,

First of all I think all big venues should be voted on. It seems our county always gets the short end of the stick. Those poor people up north are getting the benefits from their casinos. You say the construction jobs wont last? Jobs won't last on the Indian River Bridge either. We need jobs! The money from the casinos should go to all county people, not just the poor. I don't like to see our money going to Maryland and other counties. That is not even playing field. Casinos have been going up like Wawas. There are now lottery tickets in Wawa stores in Pennsylvania. If we cared that much about our people's welfare, we would have traffic light camras on all major highways. Just my point of view. 

Bill Murphy
Ocean View, Del.

Red Cross Needs Volunteers

March 1, 2011

Dear Editor,

On behalf of the Executive Committee of the Society of Women Leaders and the Lower Shore Chapter of the American Red Cross, we sincerely thank the business communities of Salisbury, Ocean City, Fenwick and Rehoboth for their generous contributions to the success of the 3rd Annual Ooh la la Fashion Emergency and Art luncheon.  It is an honor to live in a community that still finds a way to give, even when times are challenging.   

This year's Red Cross fashion show message was quite timely.  The message "EVERY EIGHT SECONDS" refers to the number one disaster in the U.S., devastating home fires.  On average, every eight seconds a house fire occurs and the Red Cross responds by offering food, clothing, shelter and spiritual support to displaced families.   In fact there were so many local fires this winter that the Chapter's Winter Disaster Relief funds were depleted in January.  Some weeks the chapter responded to as many as three families who were displaced because of home fires.  The Chapter has been running on empty and every penny raised during our February fashion show was critical.  

We thank Kay Windsor and the staff of the Clarion Fontainebleau, our meticulous, organized and gracious hosts.   We also thank the wonderful DJ Waxx (Robert Chandler) for donating his time and talent to set the mood for an Ooh la la event!  And finally, we thank the hundreds of women who took time out of their busy day to join our Women's Red Cross support system and celebrate all that women do for communities on the Shore.

The Lower Shore Chapter operates solely on funding from local contributions.  Each Chapter is independent, receiving no assistance from the National Red Cross or the government.  During March, Red Cross Month, please consider a contribution to your local Lower Shore Chapter.  Call (410) 749-5331.

Sincerely,

The Society of Women Leaders of the Lower Shore, Executive Committee