To the editor:

I am writing regarding the recent appointment of Michael Attianese to the position of Cochecton Township Dog Warden. Town Supervisor Sal Indelicato informed me recently that this appointment was by default only, since there was no other applicant.

I would like to make your readers aware of the following: Michael Attianese is only present in the township on weekends and vacations and is therefore unable to act as a full time Dog Warden. In addition several dogs for which I am presently caring at my shelter were given to me by his wife, Barbara, because she informed me that they were not allowed in their home, and that he “hated” dogs. (They have no dogs).

I do not feel that a person with this level of antipathy can satisfactorily fulfill the duties of a Dog Warden and that someone more sympathetic to dogs, as well as a person who is available on a more full-time basis, would be much more suitable for this position.

Thank you for the opportunity to acquaint your readership with this situation.

Gloria E. Smith
Cochecton, NY

To the editor:

Reportedly, three out of three members of a team assigned to an at-work visit to an all but hired candidate for the top job at Goshen’s schools felt uneasy about the candidate and he was not hired. (Middletown then hired him.) One of their remarks was particularly provocative. “He seemed nervous if we were talking to someone other than who he wanted us to.”

If the charges against Middletown’s suspended superintendent are investigated thoroughly, it would seem that interviews with those with whom he worked in the past would be very much in order. And if the charges are sustained, a new category of crime called, say, criminal insularity, might be contemplated.

This would cover all those who simply pass along flawed or criminal employees to others (often with good letters of recommendation) rather than taking the responsibility of reporting them to the proper authorities themselves.

Lee Karr
Forestburgh, NY

To the editor:

“I (God) give them boys for princes, raw lads to rule over them.” Isaiah 3:4. In order to punish unfaithful Israel, God declares through his prophet Isaiah that he selects “raw lads” to rule and govern. America has been governed by immature raw lads. They were John Kennedy, Ronald Reagan and Billy Clinton. Another raw lad governs this nation. He is George W. Bush, Junior. Mr. Bush, similar to the raw lads who came before him, simply has not become an adult emotionally and intellectually. Similar to Mr. Clinton, he is an addictively dependent, adolescent male. Most adults have never grown up. This observation is particularly true for school conditioned, unimaginative George Bush.

A person has the right to maintain their Peter Pan complex provided they don’t lead a family or a nation! Mr. Bush is obsessively determined to “lead” this nation into war. He is the raw lad given by God to this nation. In a spiritual sense, Mr. Bush similar to Mr. Clinton is a punishment from God.

If America moves ground forces into Iraq, a substantial number of young men and women will return home in body bags. Christian people of the Delaware River, pray the entire Rosary each day.

Joseph E. Vallely
Washington Green, CT

To the editor::

Today, the mission of the American Red Cross is more relevant than ever as we confront a changing America full of unique challenges. The heroic efforts of the first responders to the events of September 11, 2001, became a source of strength for millions of people around the world and here in Northeastern Pennsylvania struggling to comprehend this terribly tragedy. From their example came a new resolve: to be better prepared in the event of another wide-scale attack anywhere in America.

Today, in a collaborative effort with the federal government and other members of the emergency planning community, the Wayne Pike Red Cross and its partners are better able to serve the community. Through its bold, new Together We Prepare initiative, the Red Cross is leading the way in empowering individuals and families to protect themselves. With five simple steps—make a plan, build a kit, get trained, volunteer, and give blood—the Wayne Pike Red Cross and Americans from coast to coast will help make their communities safer.

For more than 121 years, the American Red Cross has honored its mission: to provide relief to victims of disasters while helping people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies. Last year alone, more than 600 silent heroes helped our neighbors by supporting the efforts of the Wayne Pike Red Cross chapter, and almost 3,300 more took the time to learn lifesaving skills such as first aid, CPR, and defibrillator use. More than 2,252 volunteer donors made almost 4,000 blood donations, the gift of life, through the Wayne Pike American Red Cross. In addition, volunteer instructors trained over 1,000 elementary school children in disaster preparedness.

Community involvement is critical for programs that prepare individuals, families, and neighborhoods for emergencies. Through its presence in Wayne and Pike Counties the Red Cross is the leader in empowering people in this neighborhood to be ready and prepared for the unexpected.

The victims of more than 28 local fire disasters received help from the Wayne Pike Red Cross last year. Fifty-nine adults and 17 children in our community were assisted with clothing, food, shelter, medical supplies, and emotional support when they needed it most. Our local chapter gathered and sent 49 boxes of quality of life supplies to our service men and women servicing our country overseas. More than 45 U.S. military families received direct assistance from the Wayne Pike Red Cross, keeping them connected in times of great personal sorrow and joy. The Red Cross also responded to international emergencies by aiding other countries devastated by natural disasters and helping people in other nations get access to safe drinking water and battle malnutrition and life-threatening diseases such as measles.

Those who need blood, those who are victims of disaster, or those who are the recipients from the broad spectrum of community services rely on the Wayne Pike Chapter of the American Red Cross every day. Compassionate and caring people who want to make a difference in our area and across the nation, at home and abroad, channel their support through the American Red Cross.

As we celebrate American Red Cross Month, we call upon all our citizens of Wayne and Pike Counties to become partners in preparedness with their local Red Cross chapter and to become active participants in advancing the noble mission of the Red Cross.

Marita C Wenner, Executive Director
Keith Williams, Chapter Chairman