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Thanks for lights
Kudos to the firemen. Their light parade around our neighborhoods was
a total delight. I was lucky enough to be at the front window and saw
the entire procession pass by.
I’ve seen the show that Clarkston, Wash., put on, and Lewiston, Idaho,
in the past few years and the Pine Grove/Odell contingent was the most
colorful and the sound was just right, too.
Thank you to all the men who took their precious time to say Merry
Christmas to all their neighbors. It was a delight. Thanks again, and
a Merry Christmas greeting right back to you.
Peggy Swyers
Pine Grove
Lights carry cheer
Many years ago when I was very young, I was quite judgmental about
outdoor home decorations. That’s tacky, that’s not, and so forth.
And then, about 30 years ago I had a revelation: People who
decorate their homes are spending time and money so that they can
present something they think is pretty for passers-by to enjoy.
How could I be so presumptuous as to judge the quality of their
displays!
Now I LOVE outdoor decorations — all kinds! Bring on the Grinches,
snowmen, Santas on the roof, twinkling lights, Nativity scenes, or
whatever! I love it.
I thank all the people in the Valley who make our daily commutes
in darkness a little bit brighter. It’s what Christmas is all
about.
Wendy Best
Parkdale
Safety not expensive
My heart goes out to the family and friends of the climbers lost
on Mount Hood. It must be an extremely difficult time to lose
loved ones especially during this time of year. After watching the
news reports and the interviews that Sheriff Joe Wampler had
given, I’m thoroughly convinced that his team and the rescue teams
from both counties and the 304th had given it all.
My prayers are for them also because I’m certain that deciding to
call off the search must have been a heart-wrenching and agonizing
one. As a citizen, I would like to thank both the rescue teams and
the sheriff’s department for all the hard work they put in on
trying to bring these men home. After watching what happened over
the past several days, I have to wonder if some changes are in
order here.
I will not attempt to second-guess anyone, but wonder if
developing a registry might not be a good idea. Climbers could
fill out a itinerary with the dates they are leaving, the route
they will be climbing, and the expected arrival date and time back
at base camp. This could be left with a relative or better yet
with sheriff’s department. It doesn’t need to cost a lot of money,
just something that will let people know where they are going. I
think they should also carry a locator beacon.
Enough of the sermon. Again, my thoughts and prayers are with the
family as no one should have to lose a loved one during this time
of the year.
Laura Brown
Hood River
Tennessee kudos
Please let Sheriff Joe Wampler know that a lady out here in
Johnson City, Tenn., thinks that he and his team did an
outstanding job; no one could have done better. I live down here
now but in high school I lived in Yreka, Calif., and if we went to
the top of our mountain at the ranch we could see Mount Hood;
could see Mount Shasta from my bedroom window.
Glenna Landry
Johnson City, Tenn.
Proud of volunteers
This letter intends to bring a cordial salute to the community of
Hood River, who has shown so much care and concern for those who
have faced the loss of loved ones these days; the relatives and
friends of the three mountain climbers who have lost their lives
precisely this month of December, prior to the Christmas
celebrations.
My especial pride and acknowledgement to the great effort made by
those who were part of the rescue force, those performing their
duties, as well as the volunteers that joined the arduous job.
This rescue as we all know had many special challenges.
With best wishes for a loving Christmas season, an a peaceful new
year to all residents of Hood River.
Denise M. Valerio
Methuen, Mass.
Plan alpine safety
As an experienced climber with multiple Mount Hood and Mount
Rainer summits in my younger years, I know how dangerous and
downright evil these mountains can be. In the Boy Scouts, they
taught us to “Be Prepared!” It may just be me, but I would never
attempt an ascent on any mountain without at least two EPIRBs
(emergency position-indicating radio beacons) in our group. That
being said, what up? I figure that even on a very busy climbing
day you would rarely see the number of groups exceed 50. At $350
each, probably much less, 100 EPIRB’s would be a very attractive
alternative to what I just witnessed on the news.
How much did that cost? Way more than a hundred or so EPIRB’s.
Even having to replace several units a year, I submit the total
cost would be cheaper over a 10-year period than it cost for one
day of search and rescue. The other benefit, fewer people will
die! Create a requirement that all climbing parties carry at least
two EPRIB’s, make the fine HUGE and provide the units for free and
maybe people will use them! As for theft, only top 1 percent of
the stupid will try to steal a device that is designed to be
tracked down. What say you?
Scott Rowland
Hood River
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