Drive contributors thanked (01/24/2009)

To the editor:

We wish to thank everyone who took part in the recent Christmas tree project at the Jay County Historical Society to benefit the Helping Hands Food Bank.

A total of 1,562 items were collected under the nine trees in the museum which were decorated by classes from schools in the Jay School Corporation. This is almost double the number of items which were collected last year.

The winning school was Judge Haynes Elementary with 563 items under its tree. East Elementary School was a close second with 548 items.

Both of these schools will be awarded Jay County history books to keep in their school libraries.

We appreciate the efforts of the students who made decorations, the teachers and staff who gave their time to decorate their school's tree, and all those who came to the museum toting boxes and bags of goodies for the food bank. Many area families who visit the food bank will benefit from your efforts.

Sincerely,

Kay Locker, president, Jay County Historical Society Inc.

Destructive

To the editor:

Conflict between individuals is sometimes inevitable. However, it is important to know how to handle the aftermath. The Commercial Review offers letters to the editor as an opportunity to be constructive about a problem, not to indulge in defamation of character.

The recent ghost letter written by a "Mr. Prescott" and published by The Commercial Review on Dec. 23, 2008 was a deliberate attempt to damage the reputation, status, and achievements of my parents, Clarel and Kay Strausburg.

For more than 10 years, Clarel and Kay have been a part of Community and Family Services volunteering their time, knowledge and resources for the community. Both have served on the CFS advisory council for more 10 years and Clarel has been asked to serve on the executive board for the past five years.

One can only image the extent of service hours needed as a member of an executive board and advisory council for a non-for profit agency. They are dedicated volunteers. They are not merely "sticking their noses into projects" but working with the team of volunteers to bring their vision to the organization. They are aware of programs and execute them with integrity, fairness and honesty.

When "Mr. Prescott" insulted the quality of the thrift store and its products, he also insulted residents who donate items, the consumers of the resources, and the many volunteers and employees who work hard daily towards function of the Thrift Store.

The letter written by "Mr. Prescott" was a malicious attempt at libel, with no intention to be constructive about the problem. It is a person's right to "weigh in on a controversy" if it is done in a respectful and honest way.

This disagreement is a private matter to be taken up with Community and Family Services. In the meantime, for those who wish to show their gratitude to Clarel and Kay, by all means pick up the phone or write a letter and thank them.

Laura Strausburg-Smith

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