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Letters to the editor
Letter to the editor
To the editor,
For the past 16 years, many folks from your reading audience have visited our annual Christmas light display near Pella. We thought it would be of interest to the public to inform them through your newspaper that we again will light up for the holidays. This will be our 17th season, known as “Dutch Christmas in the Country”. We decorate two and a half acres with 55,000 lights, including 110 trees and bushes. Twelve units make up our Dutch village, located on the banks of two ponds, giving it the appearance of a village by the sea, which is very common in Holland.
Angels and doves are hovering in the sky and comical Dutch characters appear to be skating on ice. Scared music can be heard as you drive up and down our private driveway, which will be open to the public for better viewing of the display area. However, we do ask folks to stay in or with their vehicles for safety reasons.
There is no charge for visiting this annual display. The lights are turned on at 5:15 PM and off at 10:30 PM nightly beginning November 24th through December 31st. It is located one-mile northwest of Pella at 669 210th Avenue. From downtown Pella, follow Washington Street west to 210th Avenue and follow the signs. Bypass traffic should take exit 40 and follow the signs.
John S. & Birdie deVries
Pella
November 14, 2008 02:11 pm
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Letter to the editor
To the editor,
Daddy is proud of his service to our nation and it seems that Barack Obama is also. Congratulations to Dale Vos of Pella for his cameo in Obama’s American Stories video. Obama selected our father riding on the VFW float during Pella’s Tulip Time parade to put a face on Hope and Strength for our Nation. See Dale here: http://www.hulu.com/watch/41886/obamas-prime-time-special?e08=1
We are proud of you also, Daddy!
Michael & Dianne Vos
Mark & Roni Vos
Nick Vos & Terry Vander Pol
and the rest of the family
November 07, 2008 02:38 pm
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Letter to the editor
To the editor,
On of the most rewarding benefits to come to a retired educator is the opportunity to read not only many journals in one’s field of study, but also some quite stimulating books that may continue to encourage the published versions of the scholars who have much still to offer. In this case, it is Christianity: Lifebook of America’s Free Society (1620-1945) by Dr. John A. Howard, one of two outstanding retired presidents of 17 years each who served in the 1900’s at Rockford College in Rockford, Illinois. Dr. Howard credits his wife, Janette, from Davenport, Iowa, with encouraging this written product.
President Howard is the product of advanced education received at Princeton University and at Northwestern University. At the latter school he received his PhD in French. His educational experience in the institutions in California and Illinois and in national institutes and foundations ha been important and well received. The United States Government profited from his ability to contribute to commissions and task forces, and his military record in World War II was outstanding. His publication of books and articles while engaged in a great variety of tasks has been phenomenal. His membership in Phi Beta Kappa and support of the Society Chapter after it’s founding at Rockford College in 1953 by President Mary Ashby Cheek (1937-1954 at Rockford) contributed greatly to the life of Phi Beta Kappa Society at Rockford College.
The content of his book (136 pp.) indicates who were the chief supports of Christianity in 325 early years in the history of the United States to the end of Word War II. George Washington earned a whole chapter of praise! Anyone teaching the history of the United States should have this book available in the classroom. Equations from various authors are well documented!
The lessening of the influence of Christianity in past centuries in the USA is carefully presented, and there is some hope expressed in the last chapter that there is a “Course Back Toward Christendom.”
In my opinion this book would make a useful gift to libraries or to young people of college or graduate school age.
R. L. Den Adel, PhD
Pella
Professor Emeritus of Classics
To the editor and Residents of Marion Co.,
I am asking you to give your support to Mr. Jim Kingery for Marion County Supervisor. It appears with Mr. Kingery’ s experience as an employee of over 30 years within the road department that has enabled Jim to experience many up and downs through the years with road development and road deterioration. With much of his experience working on the road crew and always taking directions from someone else, it is now time for Jim Kingery to apply his knowledge and experiences and be a leader of our Marion County Supervisor group, over seeing our road system, representing the tax payers of Marion County. Vote for Mr. Jim Kingery!
Gene De Heer
Pella
October 31, 2008 02:40 pm
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Letters to the editor
To the editor,
Many of your senior readers who have a Medicare Part D plan for help in paying for their prescription drugs have kept the same plans they chose when they first enrolled… What they must realize is that because these plans change from year to year, it is important for everyone to review their plans each year to determine whether their plan is still the best one for them. Last year more than 80% of the people who reviewed their plans found that they could save money by selecting another plan.
Between November 15 and December 15 everyone with a Part D plan will have an opportunity to review and change their plans. But there is a problem. With more than fifty plans to choose from how can they make the right choice? Help is available. Those who are comfortable working with a computer can go to www.medicare.gov and compare plans. Other can contact a SHIIP (Senior Heath Insurance Information Plan) counselor at Crossroads of Pella (628-1212) for help. Do it! You might save money.
John De Jong
Lee Collins
SHIIP Counselors
To the editor,
With the up coming election I have been struggling with who to vote for as President and am concerned about the future of our country and community. So, I have been focusing on our local election. Today I am writing today as a friend and Sister in Christ of Jerry Weldon. Jerry is running for Marion County Supervisor. I would encourage your vote for Marion County Supervisor to be for Jerry Weldon. Jerry is a very compassionate and dedicated person. I have personally worked with Jerry as an Elder at Celebrate Community Church in Knoxville. Jerry has served as Capital Campaign Co-Chair for Celebrate’s building campaign, which he was very successful at.
Jerry is a life long resident of Marion County and has been a successful business man. He is committed and dedicated to each business that he has been a part of (Jerry’s True Value, Creative Landscaping, and A-1 Storage). He continues to operator A-1 Storage. He has also served the Knoxville area as Fire Chief and Certified EMT.
When my husband and I were going through the adoption process for our son, Jerry was very supportive and understanding. He prayed for us and gave us lots of encouragement. This really meant so much to us as he and his wife had been foster and adoptive parents. Jerry has a special passion in his heart for foster and adoptive children as he is involved with IFAPA (Iowa Foster and Adoptive Parents Association).
I will be voting for Jerry in the election on November 4 and would encourage you to do the same. I believe that Jerry is the best person to serve our County as County Supervisor.
Paula Van Roekel
Harvey
To the editor,
The League of Women Voters of Pella encourages everyone to be a part of this important election. The outcome of election 2008 will affect everyone’s job, health care, energy costs and security. This election will help decide what kind of country we and our children will live in. For months, we have been hearing that this November 4th could break voter turnout records in communities from coast to coast. We couldn’t be more thrilled that so many millions of Americans are expected to come out to vote and influence the direction of our country.
The League wants all citizens to vote. Whether you vote by absentee ballot or vote in person, be sure to make your voice heard in this election! If you can take advantage of early or absentee voting, you should. If you go to vote on November 4th, as long as you are in line before the poll closes, you are entitled to cast a ballot. The future of our great democracy rests in your hands: Stay and cast your vote.
Voters that have questions about their polling place, how to request an absentee ballot, or any other election related questions, should contact the Marion County Auditor’s office for all they need this election year. The League of Women Voters invites you to join us in making our communities fair, safe and strong by Voting on November 4th! It is the most important thing you can do to shape the future of your democracy.
Helen Boertje
Secretary of Pella League of Women Voters
October 27, 2008 10:03 am
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Letter to the editor
To the editor,
Grandparents beware!
After the experience we have had within the last couple of weeks, we want to send a warning to all Grandparents. We became unknowingly involved in what is known as a ‘granny scam’. These scams usually originate in Canada and recently they have been happening in this area.
This is how the Scammers work: Grandparents receive a phone call from someone pretending to be their grandchild. That person supposedly has gone to Canada and has gotten into trouble and needs money immediately. The caller often says he’s been arrested, was in a car accident, or is having some kind of medical emergency. Amazingly, he may sound very much like the grandchild and may give reactions, expressions, or information that could ‘fit’ the grandchild. That makes the calls seem very real. If a grandparent responds by sending money, the pretender will call back and will add a new layer to the story (an additional problem developed in the situation) and ask for additional money. The caller pretends to be very emotional and more stressed with each call because of his (supposedly) dire circumstances. The people that do this are con artists and are very good at what they do.
So beware....be suspicious of anyone who calls unexpectedly and asks you to send money...especially to Canada. And be sure to check things out with other family members, even though there may be threats and you are told not to tell.
A lot of information about this scam can be found on the internet. In the Search Box write ‘granny scams’ and hit ‘search’. The link entitled “Beware of the Canadian Granny Scam” sounds all too familiar to us.
Geneva Jansen
New Sharon
To the editor,
The 2008 season of the Pella Farmer’s Market ends on October 16. This has been a successful year and the vendors are grateful for the community’s support! Twenty four different vendors offered goods and produce for sale: veggies, fruits, flowers, baked goods, pottery, jewelry, honey, eggs, spices, and rugs. The vendors have formed a very caring community who support each other in set up and tear down, leaving the parking lot as clean as they found it. They trade produce and stories of failed crops, challenges that deer bring to their gardens, and the trials of weather. They share their love of working with their hands and providing goods for the community.
Thank you to First Reformed Church decision makers for allowing the market to set up on the spacious parking lot. Buyers at the market praise the ease of parking, convenient location, and the generosity of the church.
1 have thoroughly enjoyed serving these hard working people who dedicate so much time and effort to provide this community with fresh, home grown and home made products. I admire their dedication, their work, and their drive to please their customers with quality products. We look forward to providing an excellent market next year and hope you will continue to support this fine project.
Vivian Rippentrop
Pella
To the editor,
I have been feeling increasingly concerned about the way the McCain campaign has failed to respond to some very incendiary remarks people at their rallies have been making about Senator Obama. At a recent McCain rally. Senator McCain asked the question, “Who is the real Senator Obama?”. Someone in the audience shouted, “A terrorist”. Senator McCain did not respond to this person at all, he said nothing when one of his supporters called a United States Senator and candidate for the presidency a terrorist. Even more troubling was the incident at a Palin rally when she was talking about “Senator Obama paling around with terrorist”. Someone in the crowd shouted, “Kill him”. Again, Governor Palin said nothing to disavow this call to violence, nothing against the idea of assassinating a candidate for the presidency of the United States.
Whipping partisan crowds into a frenzy of hatred by vile, untrue rhetoric is one thing. Ignoring people who are calling one of our respected senators a terrorist, and calling for his assassination, is quite another. The fact that Senator McCain and Governor Palin did not immediately stop their speeches and strongly condemn these statements is inexcusable.
Barbara Paulding
Russell
October 20, 2008 01:26 pm
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Letter to the editor
To the editor,
I am very concerned for the future of our nation. The last seven years have brought an unnecessary war, increased secrecy in government, the use of torture in our treatment of prisoners, the loss of prestige in the world and the loss of respect by other nations of the world, an increase in our national debt to nearly ten trillion dollars, lowering of environmental standards, chaos in the public education field, and the worst relationship between our two main political parties in my memory. How can these things be corrected or improved upon, to provide hope to our children, grandchildren, and beyond for a decent life?
Barack Obama opposed a preemptive war, and believes the troops in Iraq should be gradually withdrawn, and increase the forces in Afganistan, where the terrorist threat truly exists. Barack Obama supports financing embryonic stem cell research, as have most of the modern countries of the world. He has plans to meet the challenge of securing Social Security by raising payroll taxes only on the wealthiest. Barack Obama plans a much needed overhaul of the NO Child Left Behind Law and has announced plans for financing the needed changes. He proposes raising taxes on the wealthiest, and corporations, to lower the taxes for the lower-income population. With Energy, he would increase taxes on the largest oil companies to help lower-income families, and to address the challenges of global warming by favoring a plan to cut greenhouse gases by 60%. Obama seeks to reopen Free Trade Agreements to strengthen labor and environmental standards. He realizes the need for an American solution to secure families’ health concerns by comprehensive reforms in our healthcare system.
The challenges are almost overwhelming, but I believe that we must seek real change in our government administration, beginning with the election of Barack Obama and Joe Biden.
Ted Eller
Knoxville
October 10, 2008 01:35 pm
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Letter to the editor
To the editor,
Our local CROP Hunger Walk is a great place to start doing something about the hunger and poverty that continue to plague our world. For an hour or so and a few miles, friends and neighbors will be coming together to, in the words of I John 3:18: “...love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action.”
On Sunday afternoon at 3 p.m. on October 12th, the 5K Walk/Run for the CROP Hunger Walk will be held to show our love and active concern for neighbors in need near and far. The participants, ranging from newborns to nonagenarians, will be raising funds to change the world in real and measurable ways - providing seeds and tools so that people can grow their own food; digging wells that will bring clean water to villages; helping communities and families rebuild after disaster. Whether it’s responding to devastating floods across the central U.S. or the Gulf Coast, or helping a village in Myanmar or Guatemala grow food, CROP Hunger Walks are making a difference.
The tetters CROP mean Communities Responding to Overcome Poverty.
CROP Hunger Walks help global neighbors in need through self-help development programs, refugee assistance, advocacy, and disaster relief. And, its important to note that 25 percent of what we raise will help the Pella Food Shelf in their important work here in Pella.
So please mark your calendars and come CROP Walk with us! Together — with your family, group, or congregation - we can walk to change the world, one step at a time.
If you want more information on how to donate to this wonderful cause please call co-directors Andrea Taylor or Phil George at 641-780-7418 or 641-628-5116. Visit cropwalk.org to find out more about where the donations go.
Andrea Taylor
Co-director
Pella
October 10, 2008 01:34 pm
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Neil Drive issue raised
To the editor,
At the September 16th, 2008 City of Pella Council meeting eight residents of Pella presented a petition to the City of Pella that seeks city action to make our community a little safer for our children and residents.
The petition with thirteen signatures read as follows: "citizens of the City of Pella, IA hereby PETITION AND REQUEST the City of Pella, IA to inquire about the purchase, dedication, or exercise the use of eminent domain (Article 1, §18 of the Iowa Constitution and Iowa Code §6A.4 Section 6A.4) of the following parcels (sic) of land;
Parcel ID Number 1637679000 and Parcel ID Number 1637680000"
The location of this property is in the southwest corner of Pella’s city limits. Many people pass by the land, drive on the land, or even park on the land, and probably thought they were on a City Street. The cul-de-sac off of Neil Drive is marked on city maps as Skyline Drive, a private drive with the odd addresses of Neil Drive. The private drive is currently owned by Sully Cooperative Exchange, Jerry and Elaine Van Wyk with Curtis and Wendy Van Wyk according to public records.
Upon first inquiry the property owners were surprised that they still held property in the area. However, as of September 8, 2008 the majority owner Sully Cooperative Exchange was still paying taxes on the parcels. The surrounding residents would like the City of Pella to take the land by condemnation for reasons of safety, due to the lack of maintenance, lack of supervision of the land, and public use of the land for overflow parking without regulation.
The City Council was receptive to looking into the petition. The police department was prompt to support straightening out the name and location situation immediately. The topic of the Neil Drive cul-de-sac will be discussed again on the agenda at the next City Council meeting October 7, 2008.
Megan Hayes Copeland
Pella, IA
October 02, 2008 04:13 pm
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Letter to the editor
To the editor,
Marilyn Mutti writes in her Potpourri section of the paper, about her dislike for John McCain and Sarah Palin. She says that we have political professionals in Barack Obama and Joe Biden. She also says that we hear very little about what McCain and Palin plan to do for the country.
There are two things that Senator Obama’s record shows the country, that are not to the liking of many people.
He opposes the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban. In the Illinois State Sente he voted against this ban. This procedure-used from the fifth month on- involves pulling a living baby feet-first out of the womb, except for the head, puncturing the skull and suctioning
out the brain. Can you conceive of the pain and suffering this baby would endure? And then to think that Senator Obama would not vote to stop this procedure.
Senator Obama also voted twice against the Born Alive Infant Protection Act and then as Chairman of the Health and Human Services Committee in the Illinois Legislature prevented it from advancing to the floor. In other words, he voted against legislation that would protect the life of a child born alive after the abortion procedure. This is called infanticide.
Senator Obama has maintained he blocked the legislation because it did not mirror the federal law. National Right to Life Committee has recently presented documentation showing the two bills were identical. He voted one way and covered it up and must explain that to the American people.
Lois Klyn
New Sharon
September 26, 2008 02:52 pm
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Letter to the editor
To the editor,
Senator McCain says that he will bring real change to Washington if he is elected as our next President.
After all, except for his economic policies, energy policies, foreign policies, educational polices, environmental policies, polices on torture and war, policies on health care, taxes and privatizing social security, except for all of this, Senator McCain doesn’t agree with George Bush on anything.
Does this sound like real change to you? Do you believe that someone who voted with President Bush over 90% of the time is really going to change Washington?
Bottom line, if you liked the last eight years, if you’re better off now than you were eight years ago, vote for Senator McCain. IF you didn’t like the last eight years, and don’t want four more of the same, vote for real change, vote for Senator Obama.
Barbara Paulding
Russell
September 19, 2008 11:37 am
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