Published: July 03, 2009 10:01 am      

READERS' FORUM 7-4 | Sandyvale plans respect grave sites

A June 25 letter by Jean Brehm (“Sandyvale Cemetery plans unconscionable”) expressed concern for plans for Sandyvale Cemetery, discussing perceived desecration.

These plans could be misinterpreted and it is important that any misconceptions be put to rest.

Cambria County courts appointed Sandyvale Cemetery Association guardian for the property to promote honor and respect for the persons interred there, and to ensure future perpetual maintenance.

We are diligently carrying out the courts’ charge with reverence and respect.

Concern for parking cars on grave sites was expressed. The design provides that the parking area be located on land outside the cemetery. Excavation will be limited to roadways within the cemetery, under which there are no graves.

Construction on other portions will be on raised areas. A shallow reflecting pond is above grade level.

Maps identifying individual burial plots have been destroyed, and there are no means of locating plots. Ground-penetrating radar will be used to locate grave sites as a precaution.

Development of the garden will increase the awareness and historical significance of Sandyvale, honoring it and preserving it in perpetuity.

Media coverage of the Memorial Day celebration has helped build awareness of this project, and we appreciate the community support. Many have asked how they could assist. In addition to volunteer service, donations are gratefully accepted at:

The Community Foundation for the Alleghenies, Market Street, Johnstown, PA, 15901, or Sandyvale Cemetery Association Inc., % Diane Wilson, P.O. Box 41, Johnstown, PA, 15907.

William R. Horner

President

Sandyvale Cemetery Association Inc.



Butterfly is symbol of comfort and hope

I have read many letters in this forum, but the one on June 30 by Patricia Zenino (“Church banner criticized; bishop responds”) “takes the cake.”

At times when we are angry, we think we are directing our anger at one person, but end up hurting countless others.

Many of us who have experienced the loss of a child have turned to the worldwide organization, The Compassionate Friends, to help us through a tragic time in our lives. Through this organization, we have come to view the butterfly as a symbol of comfort, hope, resurrection and new life.

When I am outdoors and a butterfly seems to be following me, I experience great peace.

We should think about the words we choose, to avoid the risk of unintentionally hurting others.

I have never known the butterfly as anything other than a symbol of comfort and hope. Let us all work to give each other peace and hope.

Nancy Russo

Johnstown



Voucher distribution was poorly organized

I am writing concerning the senior citizens having to stand in the hot sun on June 23 at the Hollsopple Senior Center.

We were waiting to enter to pick up state vouchers for fruits and vegetables. Pickup was supposed to be from 5 to 8 p.m. The doors did not open until 5 p.m., rain or shine.

So I guess next year if they have the vouchers, we will wait till about 7:30 p.m.

I don’t see why they couldn’t have let us in the building, where it is air-conditioned.

When we got in the building, they took our names and we sat at tables until they called our names.

On our way out, we passed some people coming in, which was smart.

I hope they get a better system next year.

Elizabeth Benson

Jerome



Media helping spread energy misinformation

A June 28 Tribune-Democrat article quoted President Obama as saying this about his climate bill to the U.S. Senate: “Don’t believe the misinformation out there that suggests there is somehow a contradiction between investing in clean energy and economic growth. It’s just not true.”

He’s wrong. Spain has tried wind and solar energy and its unemployment rate is near 30 percent and the country is bankrupt.

June’s edition of “Car and Driver” magazine gives facts from the U.S. Department of Energy by Patrick Bedard, asking, “Who pays for new fuels?”

In 2007, subsidies for natural gas and oil amounted to 10 cents per kilowatt-hour. Ethanol was $19.52 per kilowatt-hour, or 195 times more than oil and gas.

Concerning wind subsidies, it cost $23.37 per megawatt-hour compared to 44 cents for coal and $24.34 for solar per megawatt-hour, which comes to 55 times that of coal. The renewable energy is astronomically expensive.

We’re told daily by television news reports about the effects of global warming. Hooey.

Thousands of climatologists say we’re in global cooling. The past 10 years the temperature has dropped. So far this year, we’ve had nine months of winter and cooler-than-normal temperatures.

America, you’re being lied to by the image and false prophet news media.

Wake up.

Dennis Mottin

Ebensburg



Gas-price disparity raises question

Recent gasoline prices per gallon: Berkley Springs, W.Va. – $2.49; Winchester, Va. – $2.49; Ebensburg and/or Johnstown – $2.69.

Can anyone give me a good reason why we have to pay more?

J. David Kline

Ebensburg