Christmas shortchanged
Dec. 8 was the first day of Hanukkah, the Jewish celebration of the rededication of the Temple in 165 B.C. The Jewish community is given, or demands, the honor of having their celebration addressed by its proper name, “Hanukkah.”
Dec. 25 is the day Christians celebrate the birth of Christ. Christ and the Christian community have been dishonored by this country’s merchants’ refusal to address Christmas properly, instead using “Happy Holidays” or “Season’s greetings” as they enjoy the cha-ching of their cash registers.
All four gospels record Christ throwing the moneychangers out of the temple. It is past time for Christians to throw the moneychanger merchants out of our Christian celebration. Let’s put Christ back in Christmas.
MARLIN CULY New Haven
Christmas Bureau reaches those in need
For 21 years, the families and children of individuals under Allen County Community Corrections supervision have been fortunate enough to receive toys, clothes and a monetary donation from the Allen County Christmas Bureau. Under the leadership of Jane Surbeck and her wonderful board members, there has never knowingly been a needy family without some kind of assistance.
At present, there are 750 individuals under Community Corrections supervision. There are about 1,025 dependent children. In addition, 150 individuals are unemployed; of those employed, the average yearly salary is $19,500. The need is always very great but especially at Christmastime.
Every year, Community Corrections has been able to plan a children’s Christmas party. The staff delivers Christmas gifts and dinner and food packages to the neediest of families. This year, another family event is taking place for the Kelley House men and their families.
When the abundance of gifts were delivered to the Community Corrections Center from the Christmas Bureau, the overwhelming gratitude and camaraderie of the staff as they selected items for their Christmas families was heartwarming.
The Christmas Bureau provides to those in greatest need, and this kindness will never be taken for granted either by the staff at Community Corrections/Kelley House or the families the program serves. The correctional system is fortunate indeed when a charitable organization like the Christmas Bureau takes a second look at individuals genuinely attempting to earn their way back to the table and gives them a hand.
SHEILA HUDSON and Allen County Community Corrections/Kelley House Staff
Ringenberg was memorable teacher
I read the Dec. 1 story about Margaret Ringenberg and wanted to share my story.
In 1970, at 15 years old, my father granted my wishes and agreed to start my flying lessons.We set up my lessons and the owner said one of the best instructors in Indiana would arrive in about an hour.
In walked this middle-aged woman. The owner introduced us to Margaret Ringenberg. My first thought was: “What’s this woman going to teach me?”
What I remember about her as an instructor was her no-nonsense but soft touch with her students. One thing Ringenberg told me was if you didn’t learn something each time you went up, she had failed in her job as an instructor. I can guarantee she never once failed.
The last time I was in the great lady’s presence was on my last day before I went into the Navy – not as a pilot but as a flight crew member.
I have read many stories of her, and I was not surprised that she had flown military aircraft during World War II. I wish I had known when we were flying together.
If I had to describe her, it would not start with her being a woman. First would be “a pilot who happens to be a great woman.”
OZZIE (RICHARD) OSTHEIMER Fort Wayne
Struck deer merits other considerations
On Dec. 2 letter writer Hayley Johnson expressed her concern and pity for a deer that had been tragically injured by a vehicle on Coldwater Road. However, Johnson should reconsider and give the officers and those present the benefit of the doubt.
There were people standing around the doe. Had the officers used their service weapons to dispose of the deer, there would have been a reasonable possibility of a ricochet and, with that, a human injury or death.
Second, a disabled animal is extremely dangerous and in particular, one as large as a deer.
Whether antlered or not, an injured or trapped deer is capable of wounding and/or killing a person.
It is foolhardy to try to dispose of such without something more than a pocketknife or lug wrench. Those officers and others standing around could easily have become victims themselves had they tried to act without the proper equipment. Might they have been waiting for someone having the proper tools to safely do the job?
Anyone who should ever come upon an injured deer should call for help. Do not approach it to try to help. And stay clear of the animal as traffic approaches.
Seven years ago my wife and I watched helplessly as a young man from Fairmount, named Chris, attempted to stop traffic from hitting a deer. He nearly paid for it with his life.
I have lost track of Chris. I know that he survived, but I am not certain whether he has ever been able to walk again.
Those officers were facing a decision of how to handle the problem without anyone else being hurt or killed. Please give them a break.
JIM STANTON Wabash
Vouchers help put God back in school
People are complaining that the voucher program is taking money away from the public schools and giving it to religious-based charter and parochial schools Does anyone think that maybe these parents are sending their children to these schools because they want God and his teachings in their and their children’s lives?
To the people who took God out of schools: The Bill of Rights deals with “freedom of religion,” not “freedom from religion.”
CATHERINE BRYIE Fort Wayne
