Letters to the editor

Overwhelmed by response to fire



I cannot pass by in silence, without immense gratitude, the response I have received in the wake of the fire that happened on Sunday, Dec. 2, in the Connected Church building, where I have based my acrobatics and dance studio, Positive Energy, for the past six years.

Thanks to a timely call by local rock musicians rehearsing in the building, and an effective response from local firefighters, my studio did not burn. Unfortunately, it is possibly irreparably damaged by the smoke. Foolishly perhaps, I carry no property insurance, so I expect I will be starting from scratch.

This little studio is my only source of income, so I am about to experience a great shift and a leap of faith! (I hereby raise a half-hearted toast to the American Dream of owning-your-own-business! HA!)

I am amazed by, and grateful for, the calls and e-mails I received within 48 hours after the fire. I heard from friends, clients, churches and people who don't even know me, offering their sympathy, prayers, resources and support. The following groups have been especially gracious: The Religious Science Church, The Freedom Vineyard Church (a.k.a. The Warehouse), St. Peter's Episcopal Church, The Salvation Army, The Children's Museum, Gymboree and The Brewery Arts Center.

I never thought I would feel blessed by a taste of loss, but this overwhelming outreach of genuine caring leaves me feeling justified for my belief in the innate goodness in humans.

I know that the most beautiful and fragrant flowers grow with the help of manure. I am sure that this temporary situation is no exception.

The only drawback is that all these wonderful folks have really put a damper on my pity-party. How could I feel depressed when I am surrounded by a flood of solutions?

All is well, and I feel very grateful.

Carson City, you ROCK.

TAMARA HOLMES

Carson City



Longing for the real meaning of Christmas



I am getting so tired of how commercialized Christmas has become! It is getting ridiculous. When people were not even thinking about what Halloween costume they were going to wear or even where to spend Thanksgiving, Costco was already bringing out the Christmas decorations, almost three whole months before the actual holiday!

It is so disturbing how this seemingly religious holiday has turned into an excuse for corporations to have massive sales and rake in immense profits. If that does not scream holiday spirit, I do not know what does!

What is even more pathetic is how many people feed into the frenzy; there are so many people catching hypothermia because they wanted to save a whole $40 on that one designer sweater Ð that will ever-so-soon be out of style. This is not what Christmas was supposed to become.

Whatever happened to the good old days, when people actually valued the religious aspects of this great holiday? Christmas used to be about compassion and giving presents and donations out of the kindness of one's heart. People should think about that before they slam people left and right, trying to run for the last HD flat screen plasma television all the way at the back of the store.

Or when people start tripping the person in front of them so they have that extra advantage of shoving their way into the store first.

KIRSTI WALKER

Carson City



Reader not afraid of the 'C' word



I see by the article that appeared on the Appeal's Opinion page, on Tuesday, Dec. 4, that once again, Christmas has been removed from Carson City.

Last year, the "Capitol Tree" was referred to as the "Silver Snowflake (HOLIDAY) Tree." This year, it is referred to as the "Capitol Tree," not even a "HOLIDAY" tree. Everyone is invited to something called the "Silver and Snowflake Festival of Lights." The article ends with the statement, and I quote "A neat way to start the season."

What season are they referring to, the Silver season, the Snowflake season, or the Festival of Lights season? Sorry Santa, there is no Christmas in the Capitol.

JOE E. FAY

Carson City



Unhappy with incentive given to business



I'm perplexed, worried, and scared - as the taxpayers of Carson City should be. Two million dollars as an incentive for a business to move into our community is absurd.

God or Allah help us if the city is in need of future emergency funds. This should have been voted on; our money, our option.

Gandhi was a wonderful man, spiritual of mind and body and certainly deserved the Nobel Peace Prize. A statue of Gandhi on our capitol grounds makes no sense.

It's very plain our local city fathers are spending and making decisions like the American federal government. Who's the next face on Mt. Rushmore? What say ye!

ALLISON MITCHELL

Carson City



Agrees that speeding is out of control



I have to comment on the letter from Charles Kittredge. Sir, I feel your frustration. This is a problem in a lot of areas in Carson City, and law enforcement can only do so much due to other streets and crimes happening here in our little city (NOT).

After talking to the traffic enforcement department and having a study done, we on Division Street don't have any more help than before. I don't know if the city needs more traffic enforcement officers and we the taxpayers need to step up to help or what. I do know that you can't expect people to slow down because you are crossing the road, because they don't. If you are in the road they race up on you or go around you into oncoming traffic to get around you. Some have even gone into our driveway to get through when my husband tries to back into it.

If you say anything to them most will get out and yell or cuss at you. Others just give you the finger. You also have to be careful for most are on a cell phone or reading their text message. So they don't see you and obviously don't care. I would love to follow them home and drive in their neighborhood the way they drive in ours.

Heaven help the children, animals and anyone out there. Our only option will be to sell our home and move.

Regarding the speeding school buses I would like to say that if you know the bus number that is speeding past your house or your vehicle call the school district and complain before the children are hurt.

Let's remember there are no seat belts in buses. I, too, have called the transportation department with the school district to complain about a bus that was always speeding past here.

Since then that driver has slowed down. But there are other ones that haven't.

People, wake up out there and take a stand. Do something about this because those we thought would, can't. Too bad we don't live in the area where there are undulations. I guess that takes more money and good old boy help.

RHONDA GLISSON

Carson City



Slow down and watch out for deer



We live near WNC. When I drive to town, I normally drive west on Winnie Lane to Ash Canyon (a little out of the way) because the scenery is delightful and I am usually privileged to see a local deer herd in this area. There are, at last count, 12 deer in the herd.

The posted speed on Winnie Lane in the western direction is 25 mph but it increases to 35 mph at Ormsby Boulelvard. From Ormsby to Ash Canyon, there is wide-open space with quite a bit of vegetation that attracts the deer and makes it nearly impossible to see them until they cross Winnie Lane, which they do often during the day and early evening.

I lower my speed to about 15 Ð 20 mph during this stretch of Winnie Lane because the deer are usually not visible until they dart out in front of the car to reach the other side.

On many occasions, as I pass this beautiful family of deer, cars will be approaching from the opposite direction going well beyond the speed limit. There is no way to warn the approaching drivers of the presence of the deer, so I hold my breath and hope the deer don't choose that particular moment to cross the road.

Most of us in Carson are so aware of the wildlife present in these areas (they are oftentimes seen in the downtown area near the Governor's Mansion, as well). I am writing with the hope that everyone who reads this, those who choose to step on it going around Winnie Lane, will take the extra minute or two to slow down, avoid severe damage to your car or person and to provide safety for this beautiful deer family.

PAMELA ROSS

Carson City



The chancellor should comply with governor's orders



Jim Rogers, chancellor of Nevada's university and college system, seems to be having some difficulty accepting the governor's request that he cut his budget by 5-8 percent because of Nevada's declining tax revenues. Perhaps I can be of some help.

Mr. Rogers, there is a reason why the school system that you run is called NEVADA'S - it is funded by the taxpayers of Nevada. As such, your operating budget must be approved by the Legislature, which represents the taxpayers of Nevada. That approval is based upon your stated needs, and estimates of future revenues coming into the state. It is the governor's responsibility to run a business, and see that the state operates within the budget that is approved. Simply put - it is OUR money, so we tell you what you CAN spend, not you tell us what you WILL spend! The governor is elected, in part, to see that the state operates within the budget provided by the taxpayers; so, when he tells you to cut your budget to accommodate declining revenues Ð you do it! If you can't do it, or you won't do it - get out, and the taxpayers will find someone who can.

This is not rocket science.

LARRY SHERROD

Carson City



One unnecessary war is enough



The National Intelligence Estimate released on Dec. 3 made it clear that Iran had given up its quest to build nuclear weapons in 2003. Yet, the Administration had been beating the drum for war knowing this information for months.

One unwise, unnecessary war is enough, Mr. Bush! Congress must now make it clear through legislation that a hot war with Iran is NOT authorized.

JERRY APOLTIO

Carson City



Hillbilly casino still too close for comfort



Nevada has been dubbed with the inevitable reputation of being a state where many practices considered unacceptable elsewhere are legal. These include gambling and prostitution. However, will this iconic repertoire now extend to bad taste?

Ever since I first heard of the prospective Beverly Hillbilly Casino, I have found the idea heinous and inappropriate. The fact that this atrocity may still be imposed on us makes me beg the question: What does the Carson Valley value?

Our city is the capitol of this state. With this status comes the burden of leadership and, consequently, of setting a good example. Letting tasteless establishments be built near it simply for the sake of economic gain is detrimental to the image of our city as a place of responsible government and counterproductive to progress in our state as a whole.

I know that the Beverly Hillbilly Casino is no longer destined to be built in Carson, but its current prospective location still is too close for comfort.

The distinction between Carson City and Carson Valley is hazy at best. Those visiting the capitol will still be inundated with this tasteless establishment. We have to consider what impression this will leave on visitors as well as the repercussions in our day-to-day lives.

BRIANNA GORMLY

Carson City



Carson City businesses show their generosity again



As the holiday season approaches, the local retailers' generosity becomes apparent. On Nov. 20, students participated in the annual Carson High School Scavenger Hunt that benefited the local food banks. I was not expecting many donations, since the local businesses receive so many requests for contributions from several other organizations.

However, I was pleasantly surprised. Several local businesses partook in the event, including Straw Hat Pizza, Save-Mart, Trader Joe's, Scolari's, and Long's Food and Drug Store. Thanks to these retailers' compassion, many families were able to enjoy a real Thanksgiving meal.

Carson City should be proud to have such kind businesses who give so much to the community. I sincerely hope that the community will support these fine establishments and take the time to thank these retailers for their generosity.

EMILIA GROSO

Carson City