Letters, June 24, 2009: neighbors, pay, hospice
Last Updated on 3/20/2010
Published on 6/23/2009
Love thy neighbor
I'm sure we all have friends who think we're a little bit nuts and don't mind reminding us of that fact
In fact one of the readers of my "Letters to the Editor" over the years wrote back "Dear not so Reverend Houghton" and signed it "Disgusted."
At least he/she read and reacted to what I'd said. And that's the point I'm trying to make today.
We need to stand up, not shut up, and we need to be willing to do our best to articulate our feelings and our hopes and our fears and our suggestions and our prayers for a better country and a safer world.
We stand alone as citizens of this great Republic. We are its future.
There is too much finger pointing and shouting and less listening going on these days. That divides rather than unites.
And we need to remember that it is a "United" States, not a divisive body, which can make a difference in this confusing world.
There is a new book, just on the shelves, that articulates far better than I can what it takes to be a true participant in the life we've been given and the country wherein we live.
"Showing up for life ... Thoughts on the Gifts of a Lifetime" by Bill Gates Sr.
It is truly a remarkable, inspirational road map, and it has moved us so that we've ordered copies for our children, siblings and close friends.
Read it. Share it. Live it. And then try to love our neighbors as ourselves.
"Not so Reverend Houghton" is trying!
Alanson B. Houghton
Pawleys Island
Reduced pay vs. no pay
Georgetown Steel appears to be teetering on the brink of closing, either periodically or permanently.
This is inevitable, because Georgetown Steel cannot compete with foreign competition, price wise.
This is not something that came about suddenly, but something that has been obvious for years.
A substantial contributing cause of our inability to compete with other steel producing countries is labor costs.
Another example of industries that can't compete is the auto industry, partially due to the same reason.
The steel workers can either agree to a cut in pay and forget about a guarantee by the company that they will continue to operate for the long term or face the consequences.
In this economy, what company can make this pledge?
Surely, the auto makers can't, for some companies are either declaring bankruptcy or contemplating doing so.
If the steel workers won't agree to a wage cut, which is no more than Georgetown County employees are facing, it just may hasten the inevitable.
Georgetown Steel may close permanently, sooner rather than later.
Considering the present high unemployment, it is my opinion that a reduced pay check is a lot better than no pay check.
George Amann
Georgetown
Hospice's new venture
This time of year usually marks the beginning of activity toward for Tidelands Community Hospice's annual Festival of Trees. Though volunteers are very busy, it is not with plans for the Festival of Trees but for a new venture to better support the communities Tidelands serves.
In July, Tidelands Community Hospice, a not for profit Hospice serving Georgetown, Williamsburg and Horry counties since 1985, will be opening Tidelands Hospice Resale Shop in the Winyah Village Shopping Center in Georgetown. As all of our efforts will be directed to the opening of our Resale Shop, it has been decided that the Festival of Trees will not be held in 2009.
The opening of Tidelands Hospice Resale Shop will offer the opportunity for Tidelands Hospice to increase its outreach services in the community. It will provide items of support for our patients and families in need and allow Tidelands to partner with area organizations and churches to provide community support to others who are in need. Tidelands Hospice Resale Shop will offer a safe and comfortable place for bereaved individuals to take a loved one's cherished possessions with the opportunity to be supported by staff and volunteers trained in grief issues. It will offer to individuals new opportunities for volunteering.
Considering the current economic trend, Tidelands' Resale Shop will offer a "feel good" way of recycling for donors and affordable shopping to members of the community. While the fundraising effort of the Festival of Trees does provide much needed funds for our patients and families, it is a once-a-year event. As Tidelands is a not for profit Hospice and the only not for profit serving in Williamsburg county, our Resale Shop will provide a steady means of fundraising to benefit patients, families and members of the community we serve.
Community support made the Festival of Trees possible and successful. We ask that you join us in making Tidelands Hospice Resale Shop possible and a success by donating gently used saleable items and by volunteering to work in our Resale Shop. We thank you for your support and for assisting Tidelands Community Hospice which is carrying out its twenty four year mission of providing compassionate specialized end-of-life hospice care to all who are in need and its steadfast commitment to meet the needs of those we serve. Please contact our office 843-546-3410 for additional information.
Ted Quantz
President, Tidelands Community Hospice Board of Directors
