Katrina victim writes

To the editor:

I recently read the Roses and Thorns column in the Salem News. It contained content that was brought to our attention of lack of community support from certain businesses for our Salem High school and football team. I couldn't imagine that this could happen especially in their recent victory of a very impressive accomplishment in their football season. I couldn't be more proud for our kids.

Unfortunately, our editor had pointed out that some business owners couldn't spare just a few inches of window space for a few simple words of support for our school and football team. It was absolutely depressing to read.

Remember Katrina? It was a hurricane that devastated a Gulf Coast and it affected similar cities (size and communities, residents and business owners), those just like Salem. I would like to share a story with this community and hopefully business owners in this city will take notice and remember it.

My family endured that hurricane and the devastation it left behind. My daughter was in her final year of high school when that storm hit. Football season and the new school year had just begun when the storm slammed us. From the moment that storm hit, the normalcy of life and the trials and tribulations of getting a school system of children through those trying times was our biggest challenge. We knew that the normalcy of a school year would be the difference in our children's healing and recovery. Thus the year went on, football season included and it was filled with unimaginable challenges. One that would have never been pulled off it had not been for the community support from each and every local resident, business owner big or small and those from across this nation.

I watched our kids, our football team dig through boxes and boxes of donated uniforms and equipment to try and put together the one thing that our community and children adored mostthe spirit and pride of high school football. When the word leaked out that these kids were going to pull off their first football game it was almost magical of the support that flooded in to help these kids. Business owners scavenging through inventories of store merchandise for anything that would benefit those kids in that first football game. The pride and support of our National Guard working non stop to clear a football field and stadium of debris.

What was most amazing was there wasn't an area of town that wasn't flooded with signs and posters that screamed out the blue and gold colors and wordsGo Tigers plastered everywhere. Business owners from big to small came out of the woodwork to support these kids. Businesses shut down early, gas stations to trash and debris trucks blazon with banners of support for this school and football team. From the band to the cheerleaders those kids just had to ask and the community went out of their way to get it accomplished. Nothing was beyond our reach for their support and needs.

When the night of the big game arrived, our football team and the opposing team hit that field locked arm and arm as they came out together onto that field for the first time since the storm had hit. I assure you there wasn't a dry eye in that standing room only over crowded stadium. The football uniforms of different team colors from different schools across this nation blazed that field. The only recognition of two teams was the armbands of opposite color. Then the tears went to roars of applause and support that rocked that stadium for hours from a community that cheered even when the opposing team scored a touchdown. The pride on the faces of those kids was absolutely mesmerizing.

The message I am sending is clear. To the community of Salem, the city that my family now calls home, you are fortunate and rich to many degrees in this city. Times may be trying but there is always something that could be worse. Treat everyday as if this community had been rocked by devastation. Reach down into your hearts and support our children even if it is with just a post card of words taped to the window that screamsGo Salem Quakers! That smallest ounce of effort of support for our children can make the biggest difference in their lives. Their success and pride is our future. Something all us should never take for granted! Their football season has ended triumphantly and our support should continue on to the fullest.

Patti Hannah,

Salem

Responds to allegations

To the editor:

This letter is in response to the frequent complaints to the Perry Township trustees regarding the activity and condition of operations at the Humane Society of Columbiana County (HSCC), located at 1825 S. Lincoln Ave. in Salem. These allegations range from disease and roaming animals to "odor" and yes, barking. While I prefer to give only praise in public and reserve "heck" for private, I feel an obligation to present our position.

The complainant is our neighbor to the north, with whom I have made contact with and have been contacted by several times since purchasing the property in April, 2008. Mr. Grande's first complaint, although understandable, was not made to me or any member of the operation, but instead in public to the trustees which was covered by the print media and was untrue.

I contacted Mr. Grande to correct the misconception immediately and attended the next trustee meeting to inform the trustees that there would be no diseased, unvaccinated or unaltered animals roaming the neighborhood, at least not from the halls of our operation. I also reminded the resident that operations at the Humane Society would be in keeping with the intended use of the building, perhaps not exactly but certainly dealing with the same "product".

In fact, along with the building itself, equipment such as stainless steel cages and surgical and x-ray equipment were purchased in anticipation of the ability to share space, with a local veterinarian to help serve the general public.

Included in the property are approximately 24 small, specially designed concrete kennels for smaller size dogs or cats and 7 large kennels, also designed for housing animals only of a larger size. Not only did the building at 1825 S. Lincoln serve for several decades as a veterinarian clinic, but I recall that friends lodged their healthy personal pets at the building when necessary for them to be cared for by others.

As promised, we are making every attempt to improve the current building so that we can be the best neighbors possible while giving the best care possible to these animals.

Contrary to local lore, we are not sitting on an open pot of gold, instead operating day to day based on the funds on hand. These improvements will take place just as soon as we can physically and financially accomplish them.

Unfortunately, monies will come from funds that could be used for medical treatment and care of the animals and improvements will be made not because we have to, but because we are attempting to be good neighbors in addition to good servants.

Our staff, volunteers and canine "residents" enjoy the presence of Mr. Grande's large beautiful black cattle as we walk on our adjacent property. They make amusing sounds and do curious things as they live their bovine lives.

We are at times concerned for the health and welfare of the many cats that we see running near the barn the cost of overpopulation when it occurs and it will.

We wonder what the bright lights of Walmart would have looked like next to the Freshmark meat packing plant that is running full steam, literally and around the clock in anticipation of holiday ham and bacon sales. Our Circle K neighbors and other nearby businesses and residents have become our friends, our supporters, our security and our pet caretakers, for which we are grateful.

A few short years ago, I lived in a neighborhood, not far from 1825 S. Lincoln.

Things haven't changed much as we shared the same steamy sweet aromas of Freshmark and at that time were outraged at the idea of the bright lights of Walmart and the existence of the tall lighted Denny's sign.

We read the Perry Township meeting reports which were informative, reporting the goings on of the neighborhood. In fact I remember distinctly, Mr. Grande's name being reported there then as well. I think drainage and traffic may have been the topics of the day.

Please experience our reality for yourself by visiting us at the Humane Society of Columbiana County. We are proud of our accomplishments and our "residents" will be eager to share their feelings with you in their own charming way.

Jenny Pike,

President, HSCC,

Salem

Missed a celebration

To the editor:

You did a great job covering veterans celebrations last week. However, you missed a great tribute right here in our county seat.

On Friday the 13th, McKinley School fifth graders hosted a breakfast for all local veterans. There were about 50 veterans attending and the cafeteria was packed.

After breakfast, the fifth graders, my granddaughter included, gave a musical program that was excellent.

I noticed many a tear in those old veterans' eyes, myself included, during the presentation. Those kids, under the fantastic direction of Debbie Fonner, did a fabulous job.

I want to thank all those great kids, the school staff, cafeteria staff for a great breakfast and especially Ms. Fonner.

HARRY REISINGER,

Navy veteran,

Lisbon

Carrying wounds of war

To the editor:

Veterans Day is a day our nation sets aside to honor those men and women who served our nation in both times of war and in times of peace. For many veterans, war continues to be waged from within and it wages well beyond the formal end of conflict.

The war I speak about is no longer one waged on a battlefield but is now waged in the hearts and minds of veterans still making the "journey home."

For many veterans, the physical, emotional and spiritual wounds of war heal slowly. For others, these wounds will never heal. The healing that I am talking about is liken to a journey on a long road - one with many twists, turns and detours along the way: depression, drug and alcohol abuse, anger, guilt and anxiety all mark the path. For so many veterans, the journey home will never be reached. It is a day-by-day challenge. To be honest with you, veterans never get over the experience of war. Veterans must learn how to heal. Please not only honor veterans' service and sacrifice. Understand many are still making their "journey home."

BOB OSTHOFF,

Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 9571

Ellsworth

Planning for '65 reunion

To the editor:

Dear 1965 Graduates of Salem High School:

Next year, 2010, will mark the 45th reunion of our fabulous class. This letter is an open invitation to any '65 graduate to help plan your reunion. We need committee members who not only want to have a voice in the planning, but who also will help to put the plans into action.

Our first meeting, held Oct. 6 in the Salem High School Alumni Office, was announced on the Calendar Page of the Salem News, but we hope to reach more of you with this letter. As we continue to shape the events of this important gathering, we need you!

The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 12, at 7 p.m. at the Alumni Office. Please come and share the shaping of the celebration.

NANCY JENSEN CIOTTI,

DIANE McCLASKY

EVERHART,

Salem High School

Class of 1965

Reunion Committee

Co-Chairs

Lauding businesses

To the editor:

During these tough economic times, when we hear very little positive about the community from a business viewpoint, the Salem Area Retail and Business Association and the United Way Services of Northern Columbiana County would like to commend over 50 area businesses for the generous donations of their time, talent and merchandise to make the 13th Annual Taste in Salem a success.

Annabell's Restaurant, Bob Evans, Bruster's Ice Cream, Country Cuisine Cooking School, Freedom Catering, Mason's Steakhouse, Salem Giant Eagle, Salem Pizza Joe's, Salem Walmart, Rita's Italian Ice, Timberlanes, Wing Warehouse, Bahama Bay Tanning, Chappell's House of Frames, Consumers National Bank, Cornerstone Antiques, Emergency Medical Transport, Family Recovery Center, Family Video, Fun Factory, Gene's Drive-Thru/Marty and Cathy Hergenrother, Ginger Jar, Home Savings and Loan, Jen's Photographic Memories, Key Bank, Knit Wit Knits, Kolby's, Lease Drug, Lyle Printing and Publishing, MacMillan's Office Supply, Manhattan Cleaners, Maurices, Morning Journal, Movie Gallery, Natural Solutions, Patty and Company Salon, Peeble's, Promo's Unlimited, Quaker Corner Flowers and Gifts, Rocky Heddleson, Walmart manager; Ruthie's Candy, Salem Car Wash, Salem Community Center, Salem Computer Center, Salem Hills Golf and Country Club, Salem News, Salem Retail and Business Association, Salem Welding and Supply, Spread Eagle Tavern and Inn, Sterling House, Sun Fantasy, Tennille's, The Good Look, The UPS Store, Troll's Jewelry, Visiting Angels, and Yuhanick's Dry Cleaning.

Please remember to shop local and support these businesses that support our community.

JOSEPH M. RADIN JR.,

President,

Salem Retail and

Business Association

Thanks to dean, KSU

To the editor:

This is just a short note to thank Dr. Dean Nolte and the Kent State University Salem Campus for providing a beautiful afternoon of music.

The Kent State University Jazz Ensemble performing at the KSU Salem City Center auditorium on Sunday, Nov. 15, was outstanding.

I am looking forward to the Kent State Community Choir holiday concert scheduled for Dec. 5 at 2:30 p.m. at the KSU Salem City Center auditorium.

Thanks again Dean Nolte.

GEOFFREY S. GOLL,

Salem