02/11/12 Letters to the Editor

Greenway thanked

To the editor -- Thank you to the Yakima Greenway. I ride a bicycle whenever it will get me where I am going. I took the opportunity to ride through Yakima and Naches on Jan. 28. As I approached Yakima I found, to my surprise, that the viaduct where Highway 24 crosses the Yakima River was plowed, clear across the sidewalk on the north side. This gave me confidence that the trails might be passable, so I rode down to the trails and found that they were impeccable.

My hometown does not provide such service. I continued around to Highway 12 and traveled along the highway for a few miles until I saw the paved section of the rail trail to Naches. It is longer than on my earlier rides, and it was plowed also.

I look forward to the day where I can enter in Yakima and exit from Naches having ridden almost exclusively on paved trails.

AARON ALLEN

Richland

Random kind act

To the editor -- On Feb. 5, my wife, Marian, and I went out to one of our favorite restaurants in Yakima, Red Lobster. We had a very pleasant evening, a delicious meal and the usual attentive waiter. As we prepared to leave our table, our waiter informed us that our meal had been graciously picked by an anonymous guest in the restaurant. What an unexpected surprise! I immediately thought of a little book in my office titled, "Random Acts of Kindness."

I asked the waiter to please express our thanks to our benefactor and we left the restaurant. That just didn't seem to be enough, thus this letter. Whoever you may be, please accept our most sincere thanks for your unexpected, but most appreciated gift. Thank you again.

ED MARTIN

Yakima

Superintendent honor

To the editor -- The Latino Professional Association on the third annual New Year's Scholarship Fundraiser honored John M. Cerna, superintendent of the Toppenish School District, as outstanding educator for his leadership and commitment to the students, parents, staff and community. We wish to acknowledge his family and friends for being present during Mr. Cerna's award ceremony.

This event was held Dec. 31 at the Howard Johnson Plaza with a social, dinner and dance. The group of Latino professionals has come together to promote the arts, support education and recognize those fellow Yakima Valley Latinos who have made significant contributions to their community.

A special thanks to those who gave generous donations and to our planning committee for the many hours dedicated to the event.

If you would like to know more about the group's work or become a participating member you may contact us at virgies@charter.net.

ALEX SANTILLANES

Yakima

Broetje's generosity

To the editor -- While reading the Feb. 3 front page article on the donation from First Fruits of Washington to Katie Stagliano for her foundation to help feed the hungry, I thought back to the first time I met Ralph Broetje. At that time, I was working for a company that manufactured harvest bins for the fruit industry. He came into the office, placed his order and left. Over the next few years, he established a day care center, single family homes, apartment unit, church, sports fields and other facilities for his employees.

Later he started making charitable contributions to organizations and foundations and established a treatment center for drug and alcohol abuse.

We are very fortunate that to have someone like Mr. Broetje in our area. He quietly makes the lives of so many people better by sharing his success with them. Bless you Mr. Broetje.

DON YOUNG

Yakima