As a father who, with my wife, is raising two girls in Cambria County, it is extremely encouraging to see some of the county’s highest-profile positions being filled by women.
The recent election of Linda Rovder Fleming and the appointment of Kelly Callihan, in addition to the existing positions held by Lisa Lazzari and Tammy Bernstein, serve as wonderful examples to all girls and women that they can achieve anything they want with hard work.
In a time of lowest common denominator reality television, where “Real Housewives,” “The Hills,” “The Kardashians” and similar shows seem to glorify and encourage young women to be completely void of moral character and any values system, the four women mentioned above serve as tremendous role models. Each of them is extremely hardworking, well-educated and a genuinely good person.
My daughters are very fortunate in that they are being raised by a hardworking, successful and loving working mom.
There are many other women in our communities who are doing this same thing for their own daughters. However, I don’t think we can ever have enough positive role models for young girls these days. Especially ones that are living and working right here in our county.
So my congratulations to Callihan and Fleming as they make history when they take office. I hope their appointments inspire many other girls and women to push themselves a little harder, to believe in themselves a little better and never give up chasing their dreams.
Doug Spangler
Westmont
This holiday, will we have room for Jesus?
In Luke 2:7, no room for Jesus at the inn.
In Matthew 2:13, no room for Jesus in Bethlehem.
In Matthew 4:28-29, no room for Jesus at the synagogue in Galileo.
In Luke 9:52-53, no room for Jesus in Samaria.
In Luke 23:33, no room for Jesus in Jerusalem.
Now a change. In Mark 16:19, room for Jesus in heaven.
Also in John 14:1-3, room for you and I in God’s house.
As we begin our celebration of the birth of Jesus, and we begin the busy days, the gift giving and the feasting, will we have room for Jesus?
Jesus didn’t care about not having any room in this world. The only room Jesus cared about was if we had room for him in our hearts.
When we have room in our hearts for Jesus, his promise to all mankind is that we will have a room in heaven.
William Gertz
Johnstown
Will you discover that ordinary soul?
Christmastime reminds us of extraordinarily colored lights, shinning trees and lifted hearts. But, through all the brilliance of the holiday, one very ordinary event is unfolding.
England’s Susan Boyle, a somewhat dim-appearing singer, who took the world by surprise with her wonderful singing talent, is now poised to become one of the best-selling recording artists of the year.
How is this possible?
Susan was somewhat dismissed as a non-talent by the judges of “England’s Got Talent” television show by virtue of her looks alone. Many reasoned that this young woman had no talent. With her bushy eyebrows, slight overweight figure, and somewhat dowdy clothes, she couldn’t possibly sing.
Well, sing she did, and the show’s judges and the entire world seem to fall in love with her incredible talent, despite her packaging. Now, Susan Boyle shimmers as brightly as any accomplished singer – recent makeover or not.
Ancient historians documented that Jesus Christ was a very ordinary-looking man. There was nothing in his appearance, they note, that announced to the world that he was someone very special. Someone who would forever change the world. And, for many of us, someone who was indeed the very Son of God.
This Christmas, discover that ordinary soul. Look no further than your local food bank, the local Salvation Army, or any street corner. Only then will we be poised to touch the face of God, and discover for ourselves the true meaning of the season.
Jerry Yahner
Ebensburg
Parade marred by officer’s tantrum
My family would like to thank the volunteers and the city of Johnstown for bringing in the holidays with the annual Christmas parade.
My children look forward to it every year, and nothing brightens the festivities more than children’s eyes when they watch Santa light up Central Park.
I also would like to thank the Johnstown Police Department for keeping the city a safe and welcoming environment for families.
I do, however, have one suggestion for the police department: Please be sure to employ officers who strive to represent our city with professionalism and quality social skills, which would seem to be obvious traits for law-enforcement personnel.
I am sure that other families standing near the AmeriServ building witnessed the disgraceful display by one of our city’s “finest” at the end of the parade.
It was a shame that so many children had to witness this officer’s complete lack of professionalism and total disregard of social etiquette, as was further evidenced by my 6-year-old’s question: “Why is that police officer being so mean?”
I had no good explanation to provide, given the fact that the officer’s severe overreaction to a rather inconsequential situation was a shock to all parade watchers in the vicinity of his tantrum.
Maybe the police department should provide its officers with a course on acceptable social communication skills.
Carol Wright-Burkett
Richland Township
Albino deer brought comfort to community
I read the Nov. 21 letter from my neighbors about the pure white deer in Carpenters Park, Davidsville, and must write about my option.
I watched this deer for more than two years. It was born in this community with two other deer. The three had been in my driveway in the winter. I would drive past and they would just look at me and keep eating. Or they would lay down, knowing they would not be harmed.
The albino was special to watch. The many hunters who live here watched its beauty through two hunting seasons.
It provided for some people a way to escape and to see that everything is not bad.
I can only think that someone from outside this area must have hunted this animal. As my neighbors wrote, you could have walked right up to it.
If someone needed the meat that badly, I would have been glad to send him or her a donation to buy some.
This was a very special animal.
Thomas N. Heider
Davidsville
