— On Nov. 28, The Tribune-Democrat had a write-up about Ryan Michaels of Beaverdale, who supposedly has psychic abilities. I was appalled at the TV show on A&E that evening (“Psychic Kids: Children of the Paranormal”) when the accident scene of my son was used to exploit the show’s agenda.

I should have been asked about this before it was on TV.

I also believe it was in poor taste to so callously use my family’s pain and tragedy when they didn’t have the facts right.

My son did not hit the pole that the mother so coldly showed on TV. My baby hit the guardrail yards from the pole, and it was just safer to move all the memorials left by friends and family away from the highway.

For someone 51⁄2 years later to say they predicted or sensed something was going to happen is ridiculous. In a small town such as Beaverdale, I’m sure someone would have heard it before if it were true.

The use of something so personal was disgusting, to say the least.

If this boy is psychic, maybe he can tell us who stole the eternity candle from the memorial site.

I believe we were violated by this television show. The pain we feel still is very much a part of our daily lives, and to see this on TV was not what should have happened.

People should show more empathy to others.

Kim Swinger

Sidman



Group thankful for banner’s return

On Nov. 18, the “Moxham” banner located on a telephone pole on Ohio Street, in the Moxham section of Johnstown, disappeared.

After a diligent but unsuccessful search, we concluded it was gone and began to discuss how we would be able to replace it.

Surprisingly, someone found the banner and anonymously returned it to the Russell House on Park Avenue.

We would like to thank this individual for his or her act of kindness and support.

We are extremely grateful.

Jean Tanaka

Secretary, Moxham Renaissance



Social Security not a community bank

Social Security has in no way caused or increased our federal deficit. In fact, today the operation boasts a $2.6 trillion surplus.

Working Americans have faithfully paid into Social Security for more

than 70 years.

The government program has never cost the taxpayer one cent.

It is not a gift. Its benefits are earned by its recipients. It has always paid its way and pulled its own weight. It is a self-supporting plan that does not need or deserve cuts of any kind.

The Obama administration and Congress will tinker with Social Security at their peril.

Here’s a simple message to the politicians from the people who are paying into Social Security and from those who now receive earned Social Security benefits: 

Hands off our Social Security!

Thomas Davis

Cresson



Outgoing chairwoman grateful to all

As my two-year term as chairwoman is drawing to a close, I’d like to thank all the wonderful and dedicated Windber Area Community Kitchen (WACK) volunteers who have helped to get this very important community ministry up and running.

We couldn’t have accomplished all that we have in such a short amount of time if it hadn’t been for you.

As WACK continues forward, I hope you’ll be as supportive of and helpful to the newly elected leadership team as you have been to me, and continue to share your time and talents to help those in the Windber area and its surrounding neighborhoods.

WACK has become a symbol of hope in dire times, and your kindness and compassion not only provide healthy, home-cooked meals to those in need, but also spark smiles and cheerfulness from those who are “hungry” in spirit.

Keep on keepin’ on.

Dawn Rager

Johnstown