A blossom to Donna Phillips and Karen Thomas> from St. Vincent de Paul for driving to Darlington and presenting a beautiful plaque and clock to Rita Marty for all her dedicated service to St. Vincent de Paul. It sure was a spirit lifter for Rita. - Hans Geissbuhler>
A barb to Charter Communications> and word of advice and a warning to anyone considering changing to Charter Communications. I have had Charter for two years - cable, telephone, Internet. We are without service several times a week. Yesterday, three times - once for a half-hour. Last week, one day it was down three hours. Remember, no Charter, no 9-1-1, no elderly emergency monitoring system! - Anonymous>
A barb to candidates for local elections>, i.e. State Assembly District 80, for allowing those who do not even live in the district to run and finance their campaigns. So far, both Davis and Wisnefske have had ads on their behalf paid for by organizations, PACs. I got a mailer today paid for by Service Employees International Union, or SEIU, promoting Kris Wisnefske for Assembly. It has her picture on it. That wouldn't be so bad, if it were not for the disclaimer that says, and I quote, "Not Authorized by the Candidate, or any agent of the Candidate." So my question, if the mailer was not authorized by the candidate, did the union steal her picture? So far I have not seen PAC influence on John Waelti, and if he resists, and keeps his campaign local, he will get my vote. If not, I'm going to write in Jeff Ditzenberger. Tired of outside people infiltrating our elections. - Wondering (submitted and posted online at www.themonroetimes.com)>
A belated but very heartfelt blossom to the many from the community who attended the Green Haven Family Advocates' open house> Aug. 21. It was heartwarming to have so many people in the building learning about the work of the agency and meeting our board and staff members. My personal thanks to our Board of Directors: Mary Gafner, Kris Madsen, Tom Porter, Bobbie Thomas, Greg Wild, Jeannie Blumer, Mike Gengler and Bridget Mouchon, for their ongoing support, encouragement and hard work. Lastly, a special thanks to the anonymous donor who dropped off the five beautiful flowering plants sometime between 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 20 and 8 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 21. They were a special treat for all the visitors and have been a bright spot for program participants and staff ever since! We would love to thank you in person if you will let us know your "real identity." - Alice Franks-Gray, executive director, Green Haven Family Advocates, Inc.>
Big barbs to the bully> who visited the office of the Green County Democrats on Monday afternoon. This person came masquerading as a Marine. The Marines I know believe in defending our constitutional freedoms. Not this bully! He used threatening behavior to intimidate a girl half his size. Instead of engaging in intelligent debate regarding the pros and cons of pertinent policies, he resorted to name-calling and harassment. Needless to say, he didn't want to leave his name. If you know this person, please give him this beginning lesson on a couple of different forms of government. Bullying people into submission is called a dictatorship. The United States of America is democratic republic in which we allow free and open elections. We have the right to freely campaign for whomever we feel will best represent us. Bullies have always tried to stifle freedom - they're still trying and still failing! - L Holmstrom>
A blossom to all those who have donated to the Kelsey Fike Award Fund.> Your donations, combined with other donations to the Kearney Crimestoppers and Keep Kearney Safe, have resulted in a $30,000 reward being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for Kelsey's death. Further donations still can be made by sending them to the Wisconsin Community Bank, P.O. Box 100, Monroe, WI, 54566, Attn. Wendy Ellingson. - Bob and Jenny Duxstad, Monroe>
A blossom to John Baumann>, president of Swiss Colony, for his work to create the Paws on Parade entry for the Green County Humane Society in the upcoming Swiss Colony Cheese Days Parade Sunday, Sept. 21, in Monroe. It was John's idea to have 150 dogs marching in the parade, escorted by the zany Milwaukee Brewers Baseball Club's Famous Racing Sausages, as a way to highlight the GCHS. Dogs in the parade will include shelter dogs, "alumni" dogs (those who have been adopted through GCHS), a contingency of "Marching Wieners," AKA dachshunds, and "support" dogs representing the community at large. John has been instrumental in putting this wonderful and creative event together and we are tremendously thankful for his insight, expertise and vision. There's still time to sign up to march in Paws on Parade. Anyone interested is invited to call the GCHS at 325-9600 to register. More information is also available at www.greencountyhumane.org. Individuals who don't have a dog can volunteer to walk one of the many shelter dogs who would love to get out and be a part of the Cheese Days fun. Make sure to look for Paws on Parade during the Cheese Days parade. In addition to Monroe K-9 Officer Loki and his partner Officer Dan Maresch, we'll be helped out by Monroe High School cheerleaders, Monroe Rebel Soccer players and Monroe Theatre Guild members. Big Radio will even be along to provide music. Don't miss out on what's sure to be a parade highlight -- sign up today! - The Green County Humane Society Board>
