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Red Cross

Appeal

Dear Editor:

Today, members of the Wolfel family in St. Marys are putting their lives back together following a tragic house fire.

Even before their initial shock wore off and the worry set in, Elk-Cameron Counties Chapter of the American Red Cross was there to help. We made sure the family had a comfortable place to stay, food to eat, and the means to replace some of the clothing and other items that they had lost.

Did you know that in the past five years this Red Cross chapter has responded to 86 disasters, spending over $72,000, assisting families in their most critical time of need? Since we are not a government agency, we depend on financial gifts from compassionate people who believe in helping people.

When you support the Elk- Cameron Counties Chapter of the American Red Cross, you'll help provide:

+ A safe hotel room, replacement clothing and food vouchers, or lifesaving prescription medicine for a family left homeless by a disaster.

+ First aid or CPR skills that could save a life during an emergency.

+ Emergency preparedness training that makes Elk and Cameron counties a safer place to live.

+ Help for military families trying to reach their loved ones in time of crisis.

For more information on how you can help, please contact me at 834-2915.

Cathy Lenze American Red Cross

Pristine Wind

Farm?

To the editor:

In his annual holiday message, Gov. Ed Rendell said the following:

"I urge all Pennsylvanians to reconnect with nature by visiting our beautiful state parks and forests, learning to fish or hunt, or simply taking a stroll in the woods. Our connection to the outdoors is a rich part of our heritage; one that we cannot afford to lose."

How does a wind plant consisting of 79 wind turbines, 485 feet high, fit into this, constructed on 13,000 acres in Potter County -- land that is unspoiled, untouched, pristine and beautiful?

This doesn't make sense!

Herb Miller

Ulysses

Lock Up Or Else

To the editor:

The unfortunate fact is that we live in a society where we can no longer leave our unattended homes or vehicles unlocked.

Most of our houses and vehicles are filled with expensive, easily marketable items. The winter coat left in the back seat of your car can be appealing to the thief who may be walking past. Electronic devices and compact discs left in plain view are also an item of choice for thieves.

Never keep items of interest in an area or vehicle that can be easily entered. Ensure items that are left unattended are secured, locked up or are placed in the trunk of a vehicle.

Alarm systems work well in preventing crimes or identifying criminals. Lights are invaluable, whether it's keeping your home or business well lighted or parking your vehicle in an area that has ample lighting to deter a thief.

If you become a victim of theft, be sure to report it to the police as quickly as possible. When these crimes are committed, many times there are a number of victims in an isolated area. Information compiled from all victims may come together to help solve the crime.

Capt. David W. Neal

Pa. State Police