Letters to the Editor - The Lakeville Journal - 12-15-22

What a 50th year for Noble

As we close out another year, few would disagree that 2022 has earned decidedly mixed reviews.  That said, Noble Horizons’ recollections of 2022 are buoyed by an unforgettable 50th anniversary year during which we celebrated with the community that founded us a half-century ago.

Taking stock throughout 2022 has reminded us of the bonds that tie Noble Horizons with so many throughout our community.  Gifts of time, funds, vision, and spirit have fortified us since 1972, and this year the outpouring from volunteers, businesses, families, and friends has been especially gratifying. 

As an example, in just the last week, we’ve welcomed hundreds for the Festival of Trees, made possible by scores of volunteers, dozens of thoughtful community members whose holiday displays created a magical wonderland, and generous donors and sponsors whose contributions to the Festival will enhance and enrich the opportunities for members of the Noble Horizons community.  

We were also feted last week by our region’s deeply dedicated volunteer fire companies and friends who treated the Noble community to a spectacular holiday lights parade on Thursday evening.  Residents lined up inside and out to marvel, wave, and register their gratitude for the exhilarating show of kindness and friendship.

Noble is honored by your support and the privilege of serving as the community’s choice for exceptional senior living in the tri-state region.  We will continue to exceed your expectations over the next half-century by providing the quality of care you expect and deserve from Noble Horizons.  Warmest wishes for the holidays and 2023. 

Caroline Burchfield

Community Relations

Noble Horizons

Salisbury

 

Press the button to cross the street

Somebody has to say it: use the crosswalk, press the button. All of the crosswalks in Lakeville and Salisbury, including the rail trail crossing on Salmon Kill, have a button you should press to activate the flashing light to help motorists be more aware of people in the crosswalk.

These are very effective, you can tell from a distance if pedestrians are using the crosswalk. Pedestrians have the right of way in these crosswalks and should use them. If you expect drivers to stop any old place for you to cross you may find they don’t.

There are plenty of places where people cross that aren’t the crosswalk and are practical in many ways but don’t expect the same treatment as those who use the crosswalks. In those cases use extra care, wait for a break. In the crosswalk many, maybe the majority, don’t press the button.

Please press the button, even if it looks like no one is around. It’s not hard to do and it is extremely helpful for drivers. Use the crosswalk, press the button.

Allen Cockerline

Lakeville

 

Gratitude for community that cares

We would like to proffer a deep bow of gratitude to the kind and brave souls who helped us through a very traumatic day on Dec. 6. Driving a brand-new, unfamiliar car, my wife Kathy had a potentially disastrous encounter with a tree. Instantly, On-Star called for help. Almost as instantly, Sharon’s own Samaritan Jean Bustillo came upon the scene, checked to see if Kathy was okay and called my cell phone.

And, as always, the first responders from the Sharon Volunteer Fire Department were on the scene quickly to transport and clean up. The inimitable Jamie Casey offered personalized alerts and notices to put our minds at rest.

Thank you all, from the bottom of our severely bruised and battered bodies and souls.      

Nat & Kathy Benchley

Sharon

 

Holiday sale a success

A huge thank you from the Sharon Woman’s Club to all of you who came out to our Bake, Wreath and Soup sale on November 19.  Thanks to your generosity we raised $1,377 to benefit the Sharon Community Foundation. And a big shout-out goes to the Sharon Pharmacy for once again permitting us to hold our sale at their store front.

Charlene Whitney,

President

Sharon Woman’s Club

Sharon

 

Beautiful lights

It’s Christmas time

The lights are out

The town is looking grand

Everyone who

worked on this

Deserves a rousing hand

The trees along the streets

The outlines of

Shop windows

December nights are

Smiling with a

Lovely happy glow

Happy wishes to Everybody

Peter Fitting

Salisbury

 

A good outcome for the country and Georgia

What a week with all eyes on Georgia State

Hershel Walker knows his fate

Warnock is the victor now

Good for the country I avow

Democrats in the Majority

Now they have the authority

To keep the Repubs at bay

So we can have a better day

Good laws can now be passed

And good sense is here at last

Michael Kahler

Lakeville

 

The importance of hope for the future, for all

The festive events to celebrate family, community and care around the world with gatherings and gifts is something we can carry into the coming years. The gift of every life as evolving into wiser, more caring beings is shared by many traditions and more help online and hopefully in our communities.

The digital divide is closing due to cell phone coverage. More people benefit from  mobile apps to apply for SNAP, heating oil and medical insurance among other goods and services. Even with all the support, many fall in an economic or social gap where they are like  The Little Match Girl, left out in the cold or in danger. 

 If more people joined forces to help one another in their areas, mainly in public supervised programs, the next generation tasked with cleaning up messes may feel more capable to do so. Youth, elders and all people in between need ongoing supportive teams.

Steadfast outreach by individuals and groups whether through letters, social media, blogs and advocacy fill an important path of joining forces and often funds to power up programs. All states could review groups like Toastmasters.org (online or in person) which are often free to visit and friendly to join.

More schools and towns can draw on such programs as “democracy in action,” with respect and help with speaking and listening skills people can advocate for oneself in life. DomesticShelters.org helps everyone learn the basics of domestic violence and abuse (DV and IPV, Intimate Partner Violence.) I am happy to network with people about many resources and ideas via my public FB pages and free blog.

Erin’s Law stresses the need for all ages to learn the basics of bodily safety and prevention of sexual assault. Supporting a victim in healing even without formal reports is often a helpful strategy. Many systems are not clear or kind to victims unfortunately. 

Minimizing potential harm can be a guiding strategy to keep people of all ages safe even during outings among teens and adults. 

Being accountable with short-term and overall plans from the top laws and practices to individual choices is the secret or magic for health and success on many fronts, from personal to financial, in interacting with others. 

Too little, too late has left many vulnerable people  in harm’s way whether in social or political arenas locally or around the world. We can remember those in peril or whose lives were lost to such harm by shoring up gaps of care. As we envision it, we can work to enjoy the miraculous gift of life as helpful team players.

On a wider level,  Dr. Steven Greer  and others have an ‘all call’ for people to learn about better ways to power our planet. The theories hold promise for this decade as key to our shared success. Let’s step into our power and encourage all to join in the promise of a healing humanity and world! Let’s trust there is support for doing what is kind and fair.

Catherine Palmer Paton

Falls Village

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