Letters to the Editor
Harrisville auxiliary gives thanks for show
Dear Editor:
The Harrisville Firemen Ladies Auxiliary would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who came out to our craft show on Saturday, November 7, 2015. We would also like to thank all our wonderful crafters who had tables this year. The following is a list of prize winners:
n Grocery Basket:Debbie Davis
n Sitting Snowman: Donna Runevitch
n Winter Welcome Sign: Patty Utter
n Fabric Quilted Snowman: Martha Mills
n Grocery Basket: Chris Clifford
n Wreath: Chris Thompson
n Basket of Apples: Barb Goletz
n Painted Slate: Barb Hartley
n Lighted Jar: Haley Langsdorf
n Grocery Basket: Michelle Teppo
n Flameless Candles: Barb Hartley
n Snowman Lantern: Marge Hutchison
n Light-Up Snowman: Annette Slenski
n Grocery Basket: Carolyn Saska
n 50/50 Winner: Kaydence Kinyo
We truly appreciate all the support we receive for our firemen and auxiliary.
Thanks,
Pam Kinsey,
President,
Harrisville Firemen Ladies Auxiliary
Verses may aid in president’s decision
Dear Mr. President,
Are you considering turning from your benighted, futile policies? If you are, you will find the following helpful:
Isaiah 29:1-8, 13-16
“Ho Ariel, Ariel, the city where David encamped! Add year to year; let the feasts run their round. Yet I will distress Ariel, and there shall be moaning and lamentation and she shall be to me like an Ariel.” (an altar covered with blood)
Isaiah 52:13-14, John 19:1-19, Matthew 27:17-46, Hebrews 12:2-3, Lev 17:11
“And I will encamp against you with towers and I will raise siege-works against you. Then deep from the earth you shall speak, from low in the dust your word shall come; your voice shall come from the ground like the voice of a host, and your speech shall whisper out of the dust.”
Matthew 1:18-23, John 1:14, I Peter 4:6, Ephesians 4:1-10,Luke 24:38-43
“But the multitude of your foes shall all be like small dust, and the multitude of the ruthless like passing chaff. And in an instant, suddenly, you will be visited by the LORD of hosts with thunder and with earthquake and great noise, with whirlwind and tempest, and the flame of a devouring fire.”
Luke 21:20-28, Matthew 27:51-54, Luke 23:42-44, John 8:12, Hebrews 12:28-29, 1:1-4
“And the multitude of all the nations that fight against Ariel, all that fight against her and her stronghold and distress her, shall be like a dream, a vision of the night. As when a hungry man dreams he is eating and awakes with his hunger not satisfied, or as when a thirsty man dream he is drinking and awakes faint, with his thirst not quenched, so shall the multitude of all the nations be that fight against Mount Zion.”
Psalms 8, Matthew 23:38-39, Luke 21:20-24, Hebrews 12:1-3
“And the Lord said: ‘Because this people draw near with their mouth and honor me with their lips, while their hearts are far from me, and their fear of me is a commandment of men learned by rote; therefore, behold, I will again do marvelous things with this people, wonderful and marvelous; and the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the discernment of their discerning men shall be hid. Woe to those who hide deep from the LORD their counsel, whose deeds are in the dark, and who say, ‘Who sees us? Who knows us?’ You turn things upside down! Shall the potter be regarded as the clay; that the thing made should say of its maker, ‘He did not make me’: or the thing formed say of him who formed it, ‘He has no understanding’?”
John 12:47-53, 19:1-6, Matthew 4:1-11, John 19:7-11
Isaiah 28:15-19
“Because you have said, ‘We have made a covenant with death, and with Sheol we have an agreement; when the overwhelming scourge passes through it will not come to us; for we have made lies our refuge, and in falsehood we have taken shelter’;”
Proverbs 8:32-36,
Luke 22:52-53
“Therefore thus says the LORD GOD, ‘Behold I am laying in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation: ‘He who believes will not be in haste.’
“And I will make justice the line, and righteousness the plummet;”
Matthew 3:15-17, John 5:17-26, Hebrews 5:5-10
“and hail will sweep away the refuge of lies, and waters will overwhelm the shelter. then your covenant with death will be annulled, and your agreement with Sheol will not stand; when the overwhelming scourge passes through you will be beaten down by it.
“As often as it passes through it will take you; for morning by morning it will pass through, by day and by night; and it will be sheer terror to understand the message.”
Matthew 4:1-11, John 14:30-31, Luke22:53, Isaiah 52:13-53:12, John 19:1-19, Luke 23:48
Isaiah 50:10-11
“Who among you fears the LORD and obeys the voice of his servant who walks in darkness and has no light, yet trusts in the name of the LORD and relies upon his God? Behold, all you who kindle a fire, who set brands alight! Walk by the light of your fire, and by the brands which you have kindled! This shall you have from my hand: you shall lie down in torment.”
Deuteronomy 8:1-20
Proverbs 16:1-8
“The plans of the mind belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD. All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the spirit. Commit your work to the LORD, and you plans will be established. The LORD has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble. Everyone who is arrogant is an abomination to the LORD; be assured, he will not go unpunished. By loyalty and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the LORD a man avoids evil. When a man’s ways please the LORD, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues with injustice.”
Luke 22:42-44, Matthew 27:17-46, 24:35-36, Mark 12:29-31, Hebrews 1:1-3, John 19:30, Luke 23:46, John 8:28-29, 12:27-36
Genesis 12:1-3
“Now the LORD said to Abram, ‘Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who curses you I will curse; and by you all the families of the earth will bless themselves.”
Ephesians 3:14-21
John 8:54-59, Exodus 3:14
“But Jesus answered, ‘If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing; it is my Father who glorifies me, of whom you say that he is your God. But you have not known him; I know him. If I said, I do not know him, I should be a liar like you; but I do know him and I keep his word. Your father Abraham rejoiced that he was to see my day; he saw it and was glad.’ The Jews then said to him, ‘You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?’ Jesus said, to them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.’ So they took up stones to throw at him; but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple.”
“God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM’ OR ‘I WILL BE WHAT I WILL BE.’
“And he said, ‘Say this to the people of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.'”
Mr. President, the hidden is difficult to discover and understand, the obvious even more so. Will you continue to follow your own path of delusion or will you turn and embrace him who said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but by me. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also; henceforth you know him and have seen him.”-John 14:6-7, Isaiah 29:13-14
Will you continue to seek your own glory as the self-proclaimed “Arbiter of Fairness” or the glory that comes from the only true God. – John 17:1-3, 10, 17, 20-26
Sincerely,
William M. Yavelak
Belmont, Ohio
Letters to the Editor
Voting for Sanders to change system
Dear Editor,
I’m voting for Bernie Sanders, because I am interested in changing the way we do business in this country.
I often hear people call Bernie names and call his supporters “takers”, but these folks never mind taking for themselves. They collect Social Security, are relieved when they are finally eligible for Medicare so they don’t have to pay large premiums for lousy insurance, yet they spit on a single payer plan and call it communism. Most of these people nearly trip out the door racing to collect Social Security and Medicare the second they are eligible. But Oh my Lord! to have to pay taxes to help cover others. Well that’s so unfair! Social Security should be privatized! Medicare should be privatized! But not for them, only for future generations, and Medicare for all? We can’t afford it, they know because Rush Limbaugh told them so.
These people ignore or dismiss as left wing”opinion” what 97 percent of of the world’s climate scientists tell us about the dangers of climate change. When did science become such a dirty word to the same country who were once so proud that our scientists put a man on the moon in less than a decade? When did people start believing the earth is only 5,000 years old and that men and dinosaurs walked the planet at the same time?
There used to be a time when college education was affordable and even free in some instances- and when there were fees, they were low. Not anymore. Now the U.S. government is in the business of student loans and making a profit from them. How is burdening students with mountains of debt before they even graduate a good thing for them or the country?
There was a time when Republicans weren’t crazy, though those days are long gone. There was a time when Republicans were committed to equal rights, a time when they didn’t shy away from infrastructure projects. There was a time when Republicans voted in favor of stem cell research – from fetal tissue. There was a time when no one questioned the separation of church and state. It was a time when you could practice whatever religion you wanted but never made it your business to shove your beliefs down the nation’s throat. There was a time when you would have been arrested for walking into a public place with a loaded gun. Now we have wannabe vigilantes with little or no training”patrolling” the streets.
My Grandpa was a member of the Greatest Generation. He lived through the Depression and World War II. My Grandpa loved President Franklin Roosevelt because he stood for the people and he won four terms!
I was raised in a union family, a staunch Democratic family. My Grandpa and my Uncle Jack instilled these values in me when I was very young, and my life experiences have shown me that these values are to be revered. I get my health care from the Veterans Administration and I have friends who receive public assistance. I don’t want to take things away from others who are struggling. I want to help them and I don’t mind paying taxes to do it. These people aren’t lazy takers who view themselves as victims and are looking for a handout. They just want a fair shake in life and work towards a better one.
I am working to elect Bernie Sanders for president because he’s our best and only hope for turning back the tide of fascism that is the core of the GOP’s plan for not just the country, but the world. I want a leader in the tradition of Franklin Roosevelt; a leader who will stand up and invite the disdain of the elitists who want to turn back the clock and reinstitute a system of serfdom, taking with them all of the freedoms that were so hard fought and so hard won. Bernie is that leader. He has been at front of the battle for civil rights and worker rights all of his life. He has never had to apologize for voting to wage a senseless war. He understands that the use of fossil fuels is killing our world. He knows that the true wealth of our country lies with the people not billionaires who despoil our planet for personal gain. Bernie Sanders is a real American who stands with the people.
I want a president who is in the pocket of working families, not a bunch of wealthy elitists. What do you want?
Sincerely,
Ben Lofton,
Bellaire
Thank you for votes on replacement levy
Dear Editor:
The Mental Health and Recovery Board wants to express a sincere thanks to all the Belmont County citizens who voted in favor of the replacement levy on Nov. 3. Its passage was critical in our effort to continue mental health and addiction services in Belmont for many years to come. The safety net of services provided by the Tri-County Help Center, Southeast, Student Services, Crossroads Counseling Services and The Village Network are vital to the health and well-being of our communities.
The Board also wishes to thank the hard working Citizens for Mental Health and Recovery Campaign Committee that devoted countless hours to making this a successful campaign. A warm thanks is also extended to the many individuals, organizations, community groups, businesses and staff that devoted their time, talents, and energies to the levy campaign.
The efforts of all contributed to a successful campaign and to securing critical services in our county.
Sincerely,
Jayn A. Devney
Executive Director
St. Clairsville
Letters to the Editor
Quality care for
veterans is lacking
Dear Editor:
How long should our nation’s veterans have to wait for quality health care? In my view, if they must wait even one day longer at a Veterans Affairs hospital than the average American does at their private facility, that’s too long. Yet at least one in 10 veterans is forced to wait a month or more.
There is a very practical way to help improve this unacceptable situation. If Advanced Practice Registered Nurses were given full practice authority to treat veterans just as their counterparts in the Defense Department treat active duty men and women, our veterans could be seen sooner and get the care that they urgently need. The Veterans Health Administration oversees more than 1,700 facilities and treats millions of veterans annually. It’s time to update their policy and get veterans the care that they have earned.
Dick Stobbs
Vietnam Veteran – 11th Armored Cavalry
Dillonvale
Martins Ferry VFD thankful for support
Dear Editor,
This is to the citizens of Martins Ferry.
The Martins Ferry Volunteer Fire Department would like to express its sincere thanks and appreciation to the citizens and voters of Martins Ferry who voted in favor of renewing our 1-mill, five-year fire truck levy on November 3, 2015.
The support and renewal of this levy means that our apparatus will keep up with current national standards and safety requirements for fire apparatus. This results in better fire insurance rates on all property in Martins Ferry.
We realize many people face financial difficulties every day, including our own members. It was with very much thought and consideration that this levy was put on the ballot five years ago and asked to be renewed this year.
We are very humbled by the support given to our fire department efforts to remain one of the best all-volunteer departments in the state of Ohio. Your sacrifices allow us the opportunity to do this.
Thank you again for your past and current support, and we look forward to your continued support.
We wish you and your families the very best for the upcoming Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays and 2016.
Sincerely,
Jack Regis Jr., chief I
Mike Reese, chief II
Martins Ferry Volunteer Fire Department
Buckeye Local held a great concert
Dear Editor,
I was at The Chrisagis Brothers Legends Concert in August and it truly changed my life.
It was at Buckeye Local High School in Rayland. I have never been to a concert that was like that one. The Chrisagis Brothers have a life-changing ministry that lifts up the Lord in all they do. The pioneers they brought in were not only award-winning, but soul-winning. I love how another woman put it about the event – that the brothers’ ministry makes our dry bones come to life.
In this life we live we are all dying little by little every day, and the spiritual death is worse than the physical one because it can be very subtle until doom and despair take over and suck the life out of you like a parasite. Because of the Chrisagis Brothers’ ministry of music, and their hearts of pure God’s love, it has changed my life and it has changed so many lives in the Ohio and West Virginia and even Pennsylvania areas.
This event revived us all, and the valley will not be the same. We are all hungry for more. I also want to thank Buckeye Local Schools for allowing an event of this magnitude to be at their school and that it was a Christ-centered event. Each of the singers was amazing, and the lineup of talent was more than anything this area has ever witnessed. John Schlitt started it off and was a powerhouse. Kelly Willard was a true worshiper. Steve Archer is a total “Wow!” And then Chuck Girard came up, and he is a Psalmist that ministered to our hearts. The next half Farrell & Farrell took the stage and were evangelists with a driving message in their music. Next David Meece, who was hysterical, was a talent and a storyteller, and last was Scott Wesley Brown, who brought us all to our knees – what an amazing man of God.
This was beyond my wildest dreams, and the Chrisagis brothers sang within the four hours as well and they have a true anointing on their lives to stir up the Body of Christ. I also want to thank Lynda Sullivan for her dedication to the brothers and this event. The backdrops on the screen were heart-wrenching and effective. The other singers who did the tributes to the legends who died were wonderful and seeing videos of legends who couldn’t come but welcomed everyone was brilliant.
Thanks to all the people who worked that night and all the sponsors. This evening changed every life that was there. I know this because I still hear people talking, and we can’t wait until next years’ event. I will be following the Chrisagis Brothers from now on. I know revival follows them and the work they are doing for the Lord. With much respect and love to all who were part of that awesome evening, may the Lord continue to bless them all.
Carol Chwala
Paris, Pa.
P.S. I want to thank Paris Presbyterian Church for getting involved in this event. The churches need to support events like this. We have a world that needs Jesus, and we have very few ministries still proclaiming the truth of the entire Gospel. Let’s see revival happen by getting behind ministries like the Chrisagis Brothers and the Legends Concerts.
Letters to the Editor
Gaffes make Trump less presidential
Dear Editor,
As a result of the recent questionable, but nonetheless quite accurate, statement made by Republican presidential hopeful Donald Trump, whose many intemperate and oftentimes offensive comments are making him appear at times more like a Charlie Sheen-type figure than someone who should be seriously considered for the highest elective position in our great land, implying at least a medium degree of culpability in not preventing the terrorist attacks against our nation on Sept. 11, 2001, to then President Republican George W. Bush stating that the attacks occurred “under his watch.”
For the record, the nation united following the aforementioned terrorist attacks under President George W. Bush, giving him by far his highest approval ratings during his two-term presidency, as Democrats refused to politicize such events, realizing that our true enemies were those who were the perpetrators of such an unconscionable act.
Traditionally Democrats have consistently refused to attempt to use events of dire national significance that have occurred or have been perpetrated by a Republican administration for political purposes. In addition to events of 9-11, two other such examples include that under the iconic Republican presidency of Ronald Reagan, as 239 Americans were killed on Oct. 23, 1982, when terrorists bombed the U.S. Marine Corps barracks in Beirut, Lebanon, which led to Reagan evacuating all remaining U.S. troops from the area, and the Iran-Contra scandal, which became known in 1986, where the Reagan administration secretly sold arms to arch foe Iran in order to attempt to secure the release of Americans held captive in the region, which was a clear violation of federal law.
Can you imagine the Republican outcry if such occurred under or were perpetrated by a Democratic president?
If such had occurred during the watch of President Obama, one can only imagine the vile comments that would be made by Republicans, with impeachment being without doubt pursued.
It is not now finally obvious the motivation of Republicans who have spent over $4.5 million of taxpayers’ money attempting to diminish the chances of former secretary of state and current Democratic presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton in her pursuit of the White House by attempting to imply that she, and not the perpetrators of the Benghazi tragedy, is somehow ultimately responsible for this tragic event during which four Americans were killed? Perhaps in such matters Republicans, as primarily their Democratic counterparts have been, should not prioritize politics and focus on the actual perpetrators of such crimes.
Richard Hord,
Martins Ferry
Community thanked for passing levy
Dear Editor,
This letter is for the the Bellaire Big Reds Community.
On behalf of the board of education, staff and most importantly the students of the Bellaire Local School District, I would like to thank the community for voting to continue the 5-mill permanent improvement levy for another five years.
Please remember this is not new money! However, by renewing this levy the district will be able to continue to expend the $236,000 in revenue generated on capital improvements, facilities, buses, technology, etc. This is especially important in the face of declining enrollment projections, which result in reduced state funding. This trend is also troubling because the state funding formula causes a shift toward lesser state aide and toward a greater reliance on the local property owner. I say all of this to remind Big Reds Nation that fiscal stability is not a destination but a journey – a journey we have been walking as a district community for some time.
It has been disciplined, and it has been painful. We have downsized over $5.2 million and over 62 positions. We continue to walk this path; more may be needed in the future.
This renewal of our PI levy is another example of Big Reds spirit, pride and tradition in action. There is an old African saying that “it takes an entire village to raise a child.” We would not have been successful without the support of many. Once again I would like to thank all our supporters, but I would like to draw attention to these groups in particular: the Bellaire Chamber of Commerce and Bellaire Village Council for providing me an opportunity to speak; the Bellaire Alumni Association for a platform at their fundraising event; the BEA for distributing flyers during Halloween in the Park. It truly does take an entire village.
Remember, a journey of 1,000 miles begins with a single step; we have begun our journey!
Together, Big Reds Nation, we will make tomorrow better for our students!
Darren Jenkins,
superintendent
Bellaire Local Schools