We look forward to your participation in our 2005 Card Drive. Please make a note - it will start Oct. 1 and run through Nov. 20. Thanks again - and remember to support our troops.
Lynn Jones and members
South Washington County Military Support Group
Keedysville
I'll never forget your kind assistance
To the editor:
On Saturday night, Jan. 28, I lost control of the car I was driving and experienced one of the scariest events of my life. The car spun out of control, flipped over and crashed into the median, leaving me upside-down, trapped and bleeding profusely. After struggling to free myself from the car, it was just seconds before I heard, "Are you all right? I've already dialed 911."
Two cars had stopped to help me, and their quick reactions to my misfortune helped save my life.
I am not from Hagerstown, and was just passing through. Or trying to, anyway, as I had to spend the night in the emergency room at Washington County Hospital. But please know that your town and the people in your community will forever be in my heart.
Richard Caplan
Washington, D.C.
Touching column
To the editor:
I am amazed at the heartfelt confession written by Alyssa Lum in a letter to the editor, relating to Alzheimer's disease. Her revelation about her first- hand experience with the disease overtaking her loved one should be helpful to everyone who reads it.
I am 75 years old and I have a feeling that it could be possible for many folks at any age, including myself, to get impatient with a family member or a friend during the first stage of Alzheimer's. As I read of her experience of feeling impatience in the beginning, I thank her for sharing that with all of us.
The letter is even more impressive coming from a teenager. She stated that her patience and understanding had been tested, then proceeded to relate her experience to everyone.
Best of all, she related what she can do to help the affected person through that horrible stage of their life. Then, she proceeded to do what she could to learn more about the disease, describing it as a "creeping brain degeneration." Then she reminded us that it could happen to any of us.
Alyssa reminds us that stem cell research is working to find ways to overcome the disease and she is encouraging everyone to support the program.
Thank you, Alyssa.
Catherine Reese Newcomer
Smithsburg
Don't forget mom
To the editor:
What a wonderful story about John F. Barr being named The Herald-Mail's Person of the Year.
"Behind every good man there is a good woman," as the saying goes - but there was no mention of his mother, Evelyn, who raised all eight children while Jack, his dad, was busy with business and other good deeds.
So, here is a word of greatly deserved praise - she is responsible for John F. Barr's giving of himself to family and his community.
K. Downin
Hagerstown
Parents, please check those games
To the editor:
We all recognize how much violence there is in U.S. society today. When one views the video games advertised on network television one is shocked. It appears the objective is to see who can blow up the most stuff using guns, grenades and bombs.
Fortunately, many parents supervise the kinds of videos their children rent. However, there are some parents who are not responsible in regard to what their children rent.
Some may claim it is all innocent fun. I disagree. If memory serves me correctly the Columbine bombers were heavily into video games.
I appeal to all parents to supervise the kinds of video games their children rent.
Meredith Fouche
Funkstown
