Letters to the Editor, Dec. 1, 2005

By:
Blue Christmas service
To the editor:
   
A recent loss, economic woes, family strife, chronic illness, or a loved one serving in the military overseas are among the situations that can lead people to feel lonely, sad or just out of sorts during the Christmas holidays.
   Having troubling things on your mind makes for a stark contrast with all the merrymaking and ’tis-the-season-to-be-jolly message so prevalent this time of year.
   That’s why I, a minister who also has a master’s degree in social work, decided to offer a special outreach effort to the many people, including members of my congregation, who might feel the approaching holiday season will be a difficult time. It’s called a Blue Christmas service and is described as a time of prayers and encouragement. The service will take place at the church, located on Route 29 at Church Road, at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 3.
Linda Hale, pastor
Titusville United
Methodist Church
Medicare Part D

help is offered
To the editor:
   
The Nov. 24 edition of the Hopewell Valley News published a piece announcing my co-sponsorship of the Medicare Informed Choice Act, legislation that would help seniors struggling with the complicated enrollment procedures for the new Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit.
   The legislation would extend the enrollment period and defer late penalties, allow for flexibility in choosing a drug plan, and protect retiree health benefits for some program recipients. I intended to say that even while working to get an extension for all seniors, I will do everything I can to help New Jerseyans receive the assistance to which they are entitled under law.
   If you or a family member is encountering difficulty with enrollment for Medicare Part D, I am available to help. If you need assistance, please contact me toll-free at 1-87-RUSH-HOLT.
Rush Holt (D-12)
U.S. Congress
The Eljabar experience
To the editor and Valley residents:
   
I recently had the great pleasure of participating in the sixth grade trip to Camp Eljabar as a parent/chaperone . It brought back great memories of my sixth grade trip long ago at the Watershed Nature Reserve where I am now education director. As a parent on this trip with my stepson, and previously with my son, I was reminded just how enjoyable and important this experience is.
   While the three-day trip doesn’t have the feel of school, it is a critical educational experience, addressing some key curricula. The ecology curriculum is addressed through an engaging pond study, a nature walk, orienteering and a lesson on survival. I was fortunate enough to share the joy of those who met (and caught) for the first time a salamander in the wild. We explored how macroinvertebrate communities reveal the health of our waterways. Through orienteering we discovered that the shortest distance between two points is not always a straight line. We encountered bear markings and carnivorous plants and ultimately all were reminded that this is one amazing planet we share.
   All of the activities also serve to address an even larger purpose. Four elementary schools feed into Timberlane Middle School. After six years in their elementary school, students are familiar with most of the students in their grade level. Upon arriving at Timberlane, students suddenly face the challenge of meeting and understanding a huge collection of new classmates. This all comes at a time when these students are all trying sort out just who they are themselves. This trip not only helps students build stronger connections with each other, it also helps them develop a stronger sense of self. Through a well-calculated assortment of activities, students learn how to work together and how to support each other. By illuminating the values of teamwork, support and encouragement, these activities offer students a valuable life lesson. Students walk away with a greater respect for themselves and for each other.
   I hope you will join me in applauding loudly the heroes that make this vital trip take place. They include the sixth-grade teachers who dedicate themselves to the enrichment and education of our children. They include Principal Pat Coats who helps make the whole experience possible. They also include those who provided funding to help defray some of the costs of this trip — The Hopewell Valley Foundation, Pennington Market, and the Timberlane PTO. It takes a village and I am glad to say that we seem to have a strong village.
   It is clear to me that this trip continues to play a vital role in the growth and education of our sixth-graders. The trip itself has grown dramatically since I attended over 30 years ago when it was located at the Watershed. The trip has also grown more important in these complicated times. It is also clear that increased budget constraints will bring a bit of scrutiny to all aspects of the education budget. I know that this trip is highly valued by teachers and students. The challenge before the school now is to find a way to reduce the costs of delivering such vital lessons. I hope you will join me in supporting whatever effort is necessary to see that this trip continues to provide the valuable hands-on lessons that it has provided for years.
Jeff Hoagland
Hopewell
Fall Ball II a sellout
To the editor:
   
We would like to thank all the community members and recreation providers for their contribution to the success of the Recreation Foundation’s Fall Ball II.
   Through the generous contributions of our local merchants, Foundation trustees, our Host Committee and a large circle of friends, the event was a sellout for the second time and raised $30,000 for the Foundation. Proceeds from the event will fulfill the Foundation’s financial commitment to Phase II of the Athletic Fields at Timberlane project and ensure the dedication of over $750,000 to the project. We would also like to thank David Robinson of Natural Edge for his donation of a $5,000 natural cedar arbor which will provide a shelter for teams using the Timberlane fields.
   Even more important than the financial success of the evening, was the opportunity it provided for so many facets of our community to come together in support of youth recreation in Hopewell Valley. The evening was what a community at its best embodies — shared commitment, shared energy and shared resources to meet a shared need.
   Thank you to everyone who has supported the Recreation Foundation’s work over the past few years. Thank you for your patience, your generosity, and your inexhaustible community spirit. It was a wonderful celebration indeed!
Kim Bruno, Sheryl Stone
Co-chairwomen
New Thanksgiving

tradition
To the editor:
   
The Powder Puff Football Game that was played Nov. 23 at Hopewell Valley Central High was a huge success. The weather was bitter cold but the spirit and action of the game was hot! We thank all 39 junior and senior girls who participated in this game of flag football. It was fun to watch and cheer on the girls in what was the beginning of a new Hopewell Valley tradition before the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.
   We appreciate all the coaches who took the time to coach our female athletes and also wish to thank the football coaching staff for officiating. A big thank-you goes out to our athletic director, Kiki Enderle, who brought all the elements together to organize the game. Once again, she displayed her typical enthusiasm and support for something the children wanted to do, and then she worked hard to make it happen. We deeply appreciate her commitment to the Hopewell Valley athletic program.
   Looking forward to next year’s game!
The Bulldog Booster Club
Govern

without consultants
To the editor:
   
We elect public officials, not consultants, to solve community problems. Discussions between Hopewell Borough and the township over the renewal of an interlocal agreement for police services has broken down.
   The township wants the borough to pay "about $500,000" a year for police services. The borough is now paying $318,478. To date, they do not appear to be able to work out a compromise. So, they will use taxpayer money (and state grant funds) a to hire outside consultants to solve our problem. A costly mistake both in terms of governance and finances.
   First, the municipal officers need to tone down the allegations about "freeloading" and accusations about "unreasonableness." Next, they have to look to the interlocal contract for clauses that may speak to party-based conflict resolution procedures before any consideration is given to hiring outside consultants. Absent such language, that is probable, it is beholden upon the Hopewell Borough mayor and the township’s designated representative to work toward an agreement fair to both sides.
   A number of questions need to be addressed in this conversation. Foremost, what level of borough police services is necessary to ensure resident safety? What is the present market value for the delivery of police services in municipalities similar to Hopewell Borough? Can other entities provide these services at a significantly lower cost without sacrificing safety? What written proposals for police services are on the table other than the township’s proposal? Should the borough consider reverting to its own police department? What are its short and long-term benefits and costs in terms of local tax rates and autonomy?
   We do not need an outside consultant to answer these basic questions. That’s what we elect our representatives to do. Given the questions posed (by no means exhaustive) there appears to be room for compromise on this issue. In the interest of harmony between the two municipalities, it would be wise to strike a fair renewal of an interlocal agreement for police services between Hopewell Borough and the Township. But this writer is not that naive to know that harmony too has its costs.
StanVitello
Hopewell Borough