To the editor:

Hello from sunny Florida from Charlie Bertram, the Bertram that started and operated Bertram’s Apple orchard, and even gave your paper a few lines for the April first issue.

I am now retired to have time to write. Janice, Lacy (the poodle), and I live in Ormond Beach. I have just published a book entitled “Chipped Beef on Toast, SOS.” It is a collection of twenty mostly humorous short stories about the crazy life in the military. Copies available from infinitypublishing.com or in Honesdale at the Main Street Books. I am on page 187 of my next book.

Yes, I miss Wayne County, but I didn’t miss last winter’s cold.

Charlie Bertram
Ormond Beach, FL

To the editor:

There is an interesting story going on in Washington, DC that I’ve heard very little about in any of the news media. I am referring to an upcoming meeting of the Federal Communications Commission, where it will be decided if huge media moguls will be allowed to become even bigger.

Most of us didn’t even realize that a free press is very dependent on autonomy, and a democracy is dependent upon a free press. If a large concentration of newspapers, television stations, radio stations, publishers and internet providers are allowed to be controlled by just a few corporations then all we’ll ever hear or see will be based on the dictates of those corporations or the personalities that control them. What an undesirable circumstance that will be for all of us!

There is a bright spot though. This behind the scenes vote of the FCC over who’ll control what America sees and hears won’t happen until June. The FCC is still allowing public input until May 30, 2003 so now is the time to contact the FCC at www.fcc.gov/contacts.html, call 888/225-5322 for more information or write Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street, SW, Washington, DC 20554.

Make your voice heard.

Scott Zorc
Buford, GA

To the editor:

I would like to take this opportunity to extend a warm and special thank you to all the Lackawaxen Township voters who came out to vote for me on May 20. It was great to see so many long-time friends. I know that many of you came out expressly to cast your vote for me, and I appreciate it.

To know that the majority of the voters in the township have confidence in my abilities as a professional, and that you all have faith in my integrity and ability to perform as a dedicated official means a lot to me. I also wish to express my gratitude to all those who allowed me to place my campaign signs on your private property, and to those who assisted with the campaign efforts, especially my wife and family.

We must still get through the general election in November, but my faith remains strong that you will all come out on Election Day to solidify the statement that you made at the polls on Tuesday. I look forward to working hard for the future of Lackawaxen Township, and to answering as many of your needs as possible.

Thank you again to one and all for a dedicated show of support that is greatly appreciated.

Ron Tussel
Hawley, PA

To the editor:

Some not quite random thoughts on gambling:

• Pataki and his media supporters are, in effect, lying when they permit and encourage the widespread and totally mistaken impression that he has signed an important compact with the Mohawks.

• Pataki was rapped on the knuckles by the U.S. Attorney General’s Office for making false claims about federal participation in the unenforceable memo he actually signed.

• The Attorney General’s office pointed out that false claims, such as those expressed by the Pataki team, could complicate and delay matters.

• And finally, if casinos, are such a terrific boost to economic development, how come Nevada isn’t a very, very rich state?

In cold, undeniable fact, Nevada, host to casinos for many, many decades, has the fourth largest per capita budget deficit in the nation.

There is an important message in the fact that our legislators persist in ignoring the facts—at taxpayer peril.

Lee Karr
Forestburgh, N.Y.

To the editor:

On behalf of the Board of Trustees and the staff of Camp Speers-Eljabar YMCA, we are grateful for the donation of $7,000 from the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Hudson Valley/Greater New Jersey towards the furnishing of the New Eljabar Village Cabin 4.

The Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of the Hudson Valley Greater/New Jersey is part of a national non-profit organization that awards grants to community-based organization whose programs help children in the areas of healthcare, medical research, education and social responsibility. RMHC chapters are supported by the individual owners/operators of McDonald’s restaurants, through in-store activities such as the McFamily Activity Center, special promotions, and drive-thru canister collections.

RMHC was established in 1974 in the memory of McDonald’s founder Ray A. Kroc who was a strong believer in supporting communities served by McDonald’s.

Camp Speers-Eljabar YMCA appreciates the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Hudson Valley/Greater New Jersey continued support of our mission to develop the mind, body, and spirit of individuals through a unique combination of outdoor education, summer camp, conference and community-based programs. 

We thank the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Hudson Valley/Greater New Jersey for helping us build strong kids, strong families, and strong communities and for helping to ensure our future as a premier camp.

Rosalind Cohen, Administrative Assistant
Camp Speers-Eljabar
Dingman’s Ferry, PA