Community is thanked (10/30/2008)

To the editor:

Sometimes people make very bad choices and it drastically affects someone's life other than their own. I see myself as a very independent person. If you know me you might say I'm just a little stubborn. That stubbornness paid off for me because I lived through one of those life-changing situations on Sept. 2.

I'm here today, but not without some long-term scars (not all are visible) and those scars came with some very large price tags.

I want to acknowledge all of the people who worked together to raise money several weekends ago to help with the cost of my bills. Almost every local business made a donation of some sort for the auction at the American Legion benefit. Thank you.

The Jay County Trail Riders held a hog roast and trail ride that was wonderful. Thank you. Also thanks to the community, those of you who made donations of your spare change. It really added up and greatly helped.

Of course, my family had a big part in it and I hope they know how much I love them for everything they have done. My mom has made such an effort and I wouldn't have made it back home if Shad hadn't been there to hold my hand, but I also had so many friends that took more than just time out of their lives to help. I appreciated the money that was raised, but even more than that I appreciate the support that was and still is offered to me.

I have seen so many people put aside their differences, grudges and misunderstandings just to offer their help. It really is amazing.

There are so many people that helped out and have stood beside me through all of this. I want them all to know how grateful I am, but I have to single out one individual. If this had been a contest or race she would have won hands-down. My boss (manager of Dollar General in Portland), my friend, Tonya Upp, has been a much-needed support system for myself and my family.

She went above and beyond what anyone could ask, and I just want her to know she has made a difference in my life because she is much too modest to realize just how much she has helped me. I can't wait to go back to work, with a new smile.

Thank you to everyone who has helped me and my family.

Alisha Flowers

Portland

Collecting

To the editor:

Trick-or-treat for the Food Bank and help fill the shelves of our community food bank this holiday season.

Young and old alike can trick-or-treat for the Food Bank on Friday, Oct. 31. Everyone can participate. A youngster who gathers candy on Halloween can ask neighbors and friends to donate a can of food to help the hungry too.

If you feel you are too old to trick-or-treat, this is a great excuse for you to dress up, have fun and benefit your community.

Please help stock the shelves. Bring donations to the Jay County Chamber of Commerce, 118 S. Meridian St., Portland, on Friday from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Ghosts and goblins of all ages: Visit your friends and neighbors, donate your bounty on Halloween night and receive a special treat.

If you have questions or donations, please call me at (260) 726-7999.

Thanks for making our community stronger.

Trey Dunn

Portland

Why?

To the editor:

I love kids. Anyone who knows me knows that. I have spent a good deal of my life helping out young people. However, I do not tolerate thieves.

This weekend someone decided to help themselves to our Halloween and fall decoration items. I put time and work into decorating for fall and Halloween so it can be enjoyed by those passing by.

I cannot understand what thrill there is in destroying other people's property and stealing things that do not belong to you. These had small value except perhaps to me. Still, they were not free. It was also a great effort to put it all out for the enjoyment of others.

Someone actually had the nerve to walk up to the very end of our house, unplug a large lighted pumpkin and take it away.

Oh, did I mention I think they used the real stolen pumpkins to smash neighboring mailboxes? Then there was the small scarecrow that was missing and the larger one thrown into a neighboring field. And the cute little witch that was stolen from the flowerpot had been a birthday gift to me a couple of years ago.

Now I do not want to wrongly accuse any young person or persons. This could easily have been some immature older person with nothing better to do on a Saturday night. This summer it was lawn ornaments. This fall it seems to be Halloween and fall décor.

Oh yes, political signs were also stolen. I hope you were old enough to vote. I guess you did not like my candidates. It may be many election years, if ever, before I even think about decorating again.

There will be nothing to see, but nothing to steal, either.

Karen Barnette

Portland[[In-content Ad]]