Letters-May 13, 2004

Band donated

profits to Relay
To the editor:
   We would like to thank the musicians of the group Ween for all they have done for us.
   The group did a concert to raise money that they have donated to Relay For Life 2004. Relay For Life is a fund-raiser for the American Cancer Society.
   Approximately 700 fans gathered together for the concert. Tickets had been sold out, and yet the fans lined up in the parking lot to see if they could possibly get tickets from others. It is so heartwarming to see the generosity of this group.
   The group is made up of five area men. Mickey Melchiondo, Claude Coleman Jr., Dave Dreiwitz and Aaron Freeman are all from the New Hope area. Glenn McClelland is from Lambertville.
   Also the fans that attended were all so caring and generous. This truly is one community coming together to try to make a difference. I feel very proud to be part of that evening.
   To the guys in the group, thanks you so very much for everything.
   Relay For Life 2004 will be taking place at South Hunterdon High School May 22 and 23.
   For information, please contact us at 397-8892.

Federal marriage

amendment needed
To the editor:
   A federal marriage amendment to our Constitution is desperately needed!
   Although the American people are clearly opposed to homosexual marriage by a large majority, local officials and courts are currently acting against the will of the people. In a spirit of lawlessness, they are "marrying" both male and female homosexuals.
   Why are the majority of Americans opposed to homosexual marriage? Here are just a few of the reasons:
   Legalizing homosexual marriages will inevitably lead to other alternatives to the one man-one woman union that was established by God and has always been the foundation of every civilization.
   If one man-one woman is overturned as the only legal definition of marriage, what now prevents one man from marrying two or more women? What prevents five men and three women from marrying each other? What prevents a man or woman from marrying a child or a brother or sister?
   Once Pandora’s box is opened, there is no limit to what people will be saying is the object of their love and commitment, since that will have become the new prerequisite and standard for marriage. Courts will quickly be jammed with lawsuits, and, as a result, polygamy, pedophilia and incest will be forced upon us.
   By legalizing homosexual marriages, children become the losers. Should a homosexual couple have a family through artificial insemination, they selfishly sacrifice a child’s need for both a mother and a father.
   In adoption, courts will no longer be able to favor the traditional family of one man and one woman over a same sex couple, depriving the adopted child of either a father or a mother, too.
   Also, every public school will be required to teach that homosexuality is legally and morally acceptable so that little children from day care age on up will be indoctrinated regardless of parents’ beliefs. Some schools in our country have already started this with books like "Heather Has Two Mommies," but now it will be mandatory in all public schools across the nation.
   Legalizing homosexual marriage will impact America’s economy negatively. Is social security planning on adding billions of dollars in benefits to a system we are told is already going bankrupt? Do state and municipal governments plan to raise taxes to come up with the money for health insurance and survivor benefits for a whole new category of "married" people? What are American businesses planning to do about the increased costs?
   In our current culture of "tolerance," there are those who will say that all that matters is love and commitment. In fact, this is the message homosexuals have been proclaiming for years in order to gain the sympathy of the people. They neglect, however, to proclaim the fact that, according to a Netherlands study published in the journal "AIDS" in 2003, so called steady partnerships of homosexual men last an average of 1.5 years. Also, during this time they have an average of eight other sexual partners.
   Nor do they publicize the fact that due to the unnatural, abusive-to-the-body sexual practices, disease is epidemic. The result is an average life span of 20 years less for a homosexual man.
   The president has expressed his support of a federal marriage amendment, but such a Constitutional amendment requires a two-thirds majority in both houses of Congress and three-quarters of the state legislatures. At present, our New Jersey senators do not support the amendment.
   Call senators Corzine and Lautenberg and your congressman now if you want to protect marriage as we now know it.

Board president

cut off speaker
To the editor:
   Monday, May 3, I attended the New Hope-Solebury School board meeting.
   One issue was the proposal to replace the high school’s field with an artificial surface costing $397,000. Some supported this measure and had many opportunities to speak.
   Bob Carr, school board president, coaches in one of these leagues, although he has not disclosed this fact.
   The district superintendent, Barbara Burke-Stevenson, was asked her opinion about the field. She said that she did not support the expenditure at this time.
   I tried to offer my support of the superintendent’s position. Bob Carr did not allow me to speak. He shouted over my words, then called a recess. This is the third time he has refused to allow me to speak.
   As an African-American, I represent a very small minority of the residents in the New Hope-Solebury area. I have never before felt the humiliation of discrimination here in New Hope. I love my neighbors and the faculty at the schools my children attend. I have always felt welcome here until Monday night.
   New Hope-Solebury rightfully takes pride in its celebration of diversity in opinions, cultures and lifestyles. There is no room here for Mr. Carr’s intolerance and bigotry. I have the right to state my views.
   Please do not allow him to violate the rights of anyone else in future board meetings. Reasonable minds may differ on the questions and issues presented to the school board. It’s the expression of differing views that keeps the democratic process alive. I thought that was the American way.

Bingo, raffle night

big success
To the editor:
   I would like to take the opportunity to extend sincere thanks to so many people.
   I was chairperson for the PTO bingo and raffle night held Friday, April 30, at West Amwell School. In order to defray the cost of hosting the event, my committee and I went in search of local businesses that were willing to make donations for us to raffle.
   I am still nearly speechless at the overwhelming support that this community’s businesses show when it comes to West Amwell School. It is truly heartwarming when you find people so willing to help their local schools in any way they can.
   It is only through such generosity that we were able to have a successful and fun event.
   With utmost appreciation, I thank the following businesses for donating merchandise or gift certificates to sponsor our event: Wheelfine Imports; Angela R. Wolverton of Primerica, Hopewell Valley Car Wash, The Chimney Man, Slim & Tone, Hair Impressions, Shammy Shine, Citgo Quick Lube, Zanya Spa & Salon, Creative Cakes, Cinema Plaza, Niece Lumber, Rutgers Nursery, Hallmark (Flemington), Stamped Creations, The Dance Shop, Art Attack, Water Wizards, Gotta Have It and AC Moore.
   I would be remiss if I did not also thank all of the volunteers that helped make the night run smoothly. So, big thanks to you who did so much and volunteered your time (and baking skills) to support this event. We could not have done this without you! Kudos!

Stockton students

kick off Arc walk
To the editor:
   I extend a wholehearted thank you to the students at Stockton Borough School who participated in a "mini-walk" along the Delaware River towpath May 10 to benefit The Arc of Hunterdon.
   The students helped kick off the third annual Step Up for The Arc walk to be held Sunday, May 16, at Camp Tecumseh in Pittstown.
   In addition to helping raise awareness of people with developmental disabilities, students collected pledges to raise funds in support of The Arc. Several students were particularly enterprising and hosted their own plant, lemonade and "restaurant" sales.
   Principal Suzanne Ivans and physical education teacher Mr. Paul led the student walkers and their teachers, who were joined by Stockton Mayor Gregg Rackin and representatives from The Arc.
   While walking, students picked up litter along the route in an effort to keep their community enjoyable for all. I hope you will join me in commending the Stockton students for their good citizenship.

School auction

had lots of help
To the editor:
   Solebury School’s Head of School John Brown, along with the faculty and staff, would like to send a huge thank you to all of the local businesses, particularly in the New Hope, Lambertville, Buckingham, and Doylestown area, for graciously donating so generously to our annual auction.
   Our corporate sponsors include Comm Solutions Company, First National Bank & Trust Co of Newtown, MCG Contracting Inc., Phillips Fine Wine in Stockton, Pegasus Emergency Group, E. Allen Reeves Inc., Brillman’s Rental Barn and Turnaround Marketing. A special thank you goes out to Jack Robillard for his wonderful auctioneering style.
   The delicious food for the auction and alumni day was prepared by Solebury’s own chefs, Steve and Ingrid Ackerman, Jeff French and Carmen DiFogloi.
   We also wish to thank the following businesses who donated hors d’oeuvres and food: Theodore L. Gross Inc., Doylestown; Hamilton’s Grill, Lambertville; Havana’s, New Hope; Max & Me, Gardenville; Mill Brook Farm, New Hope; and US Foodservice, Philadelphia.
   And finally, thanks to all of Solebury School’s wonderful alumni, parents, faculty, staff and students for making this weekend such a success.