12/12/09 Letters to the Editor

Don't forget your pets

To the editor -- With the holidays and cold weather, remember your pets. Outside pets should have a shelter and straw to keep them warm and out of the cold. Also fresh water. If using any type of heat source, like heat lamps, make sure they are far enough away they don't start a fire.

Think of our furry friends for the holidays. They are part of the family.

TINA CYR

Yakima

An excellent performance

To the editor -- I just want to send a heartfelt thank you to the people who worked so hard on the "Journey to Bethlehem," and the Seventh-day Adventist Church for giving the public such a performance. You all were so diligently there through the extreme cold. Thank you and Merry Christmas, and may God bless you abundantly.

ROSE TREMBLEY

Moxee

Such fine musicians

To the editor -- The audience at the concert of Camerata Club Men's Choruses at the Capitol Theatre Nov. 21 was treated to a great evening of entertainment not only by the Camerata Club, but also the Toppenish High School Chorus and the Central Washington University Men's Chorus. It was an honor for Camerata to share the stage with them. Their performance was just outstanding.

Toppenish High School Chorus is under the direction of Nichola Blink, who has more than 300 students involved in all the musical programs at that school. Hats off to all of you from Toppenish.

The CWU men's group from Ellensburg is under the direction of Dr. Gary Weidnaar and has about 40 voices in the chorus. They proved to be musicians of the finest quality.

Camerata Club also awarded its annual scholarship to a student and member of the Toppenish High School Chorus. He is Seth Blackeagle, a senior. He also plays the flute, tenor sax and is a member of Toppenish High School golf team.

We, the members of Camerata, offer our heartfelt thanks and congratulations to these fine young musicians. We also thank those in attendance and our loyal supporters.

DICK SCHUT

Yakima

An extra special effort

To the editor -- I would like to take the opportunity to thank the person who came to my rescue recently at Walgreens. I am an elderly, disabled woman who uses Dial-A-Ride. When I went to check out my purchases, I found out I left my wallet at home. The person ahead of me in the checkout line put my purchases on her credit card. I never got her name. Many, many thanks to you. I'd also like to thank the many people who offer me assistance. God bless you all!

GERTRUDE ALLEN

Yakima

More heroes offered help

To the editor -- Re: The Dec. 2 article, "Rewarding day for rescuers."

On the day Justin Reed's plane went down near Rimrock Lake, off duty State Patrol Officer Billy Massey and I were on a leisurely motorcycle ride, making our way to the lake to meet up with family members. As we rode up Tieton Reservoir Road, we were waved to the side by Officer Mike Hanratty.

After pulling to the side of the road, Hanratty and Massey made their way to the plane, which was barely visible from the road. Within 10 minutes or so, Officer Dan Cypher arrived and began assisting Hanratty and Massey. Prior to Cypher's arrival, Hanratty and Massey ascertained the vitals of Justin and Perrin and found Julie still alive, entombed inside the crumbled fuselage. All three men worked feverishly and cohesively to free Julie from the plane.

It is gratifying to know that Hanratty and Cypher were recognized for their heroic efforts. However, it should be noted that Massey was equally heroic as he ultimately pulled Julie from the plane. Additionally, the passing motorist who used his OnStar device should be recognized. The fact that he saw the plane go down and quickly notified emergency services, most likely saved Julie's life.

LEWIS CLARK

Ellensburg

Wonderful holiday music

To the editor -- Cherry FM 100.9 continually plays Christmas music from the day after Thanksgiving until Christmas. They are not afraid of using the word Christmas and the music is wonderful! My many thanks to them for who they are and the music they play!

My thanks to all who work at the Yakima Herald-Republic! They are a super group of people who seem to enjoy the world. Thank you!

MARTHA COLEMAN

Yakima

An outrageous situation

To the editor -- I have been watching FOX News on the story about the three U.S. Navy SEALs who are facing courts-martial for giving a captured terrorist a "fat lip." The same terrorist who hung American contractors' burned bodies from a bridge over the Euphrates.

This is among the most outrageous things I have seen of late, even considering how weird everything has been lately.

I urge the Yakima Herald-Republic to run stories on this case to let people know what is going on and give them an opportunity to have a say in it. Sometimes we just need to stand up and say enough.

PAT SCHLEGEL

Mabton

Experiencing the story

To the editor -- My family and I were blessed to have attended the "Journey to Bethlehem" production at the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

The time and effort spent by the crew and cast members was evident as we were transported back to Bethlehem. We met beggars, lepers and surly Roman soldiers as we entered the city. In the market area, we paid our taxes and savored the sights, smells and sounds of ancient times. There were weavers and potters, workers of metal and sellers of fish, wool and fine perfumes.

We met the three Wise Men from the East and even got a kiss from a very well-behaved camel, which our 3-year-old loved. At the Inn, our guide, Rebecca, tried in vain to get us a room. We then came upon some shepherds and were then led to the stable where we saw Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus.

What a wonderful way to be reminded of love and sacrifice that has been given to us as a gift. From our oldest to our youngest, we very much enjoyed ourselves. Having hot chocolate and seeing old friends after the outdoor portion was a wonderful treat.

Again, we as a family wanted to thank all those involved in bringing this wonderful story to us.

SCOTT GOVEIA

Yakima