Waynepeace corrects address for vets

To the editor:

We at Waynepeace apologize. We have discovered that the address we have been promoting to send holiday cards to recovering veterans was not correct. The address to use is:

One of our members, Sandy McFall, got this new, correct address by talking directly to staff at Walter Reed Hospital. Those who have used the old address will probably have their cards returned to them.

So sorry for the inconvenience.

A holiday (fictional) tale

To the editor:

“Woe is me, to think no holidays for my people this year. All the food disappeared from the food pantry,” said Eileen to Emily, her helper. And the clothes and gifts from the community outreach? “Removed during the night,” said Barbara to Darlene, her gift wrapper. “They say we have to start again. Is it possible?”

This time of holiday cheer the Green Twitch comes near, to put us in fear of his bad deeds and sad cheer. He doesn’t need the stuff he takes. He does it because he feels like doing mischief, to all good deeds of all good people.

The adults went to the stores to replace what was missing. The children went to school to ask if they could make posters to be placed around town, saying, “Save the holidays, catch the Green Twitch, give food, give money, give time to the needy, your neighbors and mine.”

Even Pastor Will with his dog Ian helped out. They made trips to the communities of Lake Huntington, Cochecton, Narrowsburg and Beach Lake, to enlist their aid. And oh my, they sure gave and gave. Other churches collected food too, and some people brought bags of food to the church pantry and the community outreach filled up again. The Big K, Walmart, Lowes and Target all came through very generously. We thanked them too.

Then they caught the Green Twitch. He was hiding in a pail like a snail, but they got him and put him in jail.

Fifty-four families were taken care of that year. Everyone working together they said it shows we can indeed have peace on earth, good will to all.

For anyone who wishes to donate to our ecumenical food pantry and outreach program (for real), call 845/252-3224.

Happy Holidays and God bless us all, ho, ho, ho.

Think wise and act smart

To the editor:

It is so sad that a gentleman’s handshake (a man is as good as his word) is no longer viable in today’s economy with the skyrocketing cost of living. Licensing contractors should not be a debatable matter, but simply a necessary level of protection for consumers. The consumer should have the last word, and for his/her investment expect nothing less than the fulfillment of any agreement or contract. A smart consumer will make sure that such is in writing and draw one up, especially if the contractor says he has no paper or contracts with him but still wants the job.

We often have faith when hiring a contractor, but there’s a different element out there and it’s called greed and thievery. Some so-called contractors prey upon the ignorance of persons while promising them the rainbow. Too often, seniors and women are the victims.

Yes, home improvement contractors should be required to hold a license. The county doesn’t have to charge an exorbitant licensing fee. Thus, the consumer would have some umbrella of protection should the work performed be unsatisfactory, or not rectified to his or her satisfaction. Knowing the consequences of a breached contract will keep the contractor on course.

Perhaps The River Reporter could devote a page or two with a display and cut-out sample of a consumer-drawn contract, a listing of credentials to demand of a potential contractor, how to handle deposits, how to interview the contractor and do a background check.

Hair and nail salons must be licensed, whereas plumbers and electricians are often home-based businesses and nowadays online. A roof over one’s head is more important than one’s nails or hair, so why should a roofer be exempt from a license? This is not a war but merely a wake-up call for consumers to think wisely and act smart, warning contractors to have references, provide quality workmanship, keep a good reputation and stay in business.