Thunder in the Valley is behind us, and the first anniversary of my son’s death is days away. I find myself reliving the life-changing events of last year. Though my heart is heavy, I can’t ignore the blessings that my family and I received throughout this journey.

When my son, Aaron Borodach, was critically injured in a motorcycle accident during Thunder 2008, we were witness to some of the most valiant warriors. To the medical professionals (7th Ward) who cared for my son moments after the accident and to the medical staff at Memorial Medical Center who saved my son, numerous times, your efforts and sheer will did not go unnoticed. And though you were fighting for Aaron’s life, you took a little time to show us compassion and share some tears. We thank you for giving us 10 days to touch, to kiss and to pray over our dear, precious Aaron.

To the angels who were sent to us as we sat vigil in the ICU waiting room, may God bless you the way you blessed us. To the dear, sweet angels who have witnessed our heartache, held us close in prayer, attended and worked the benefits, sent cards, donations, gifts – there are no words to express our gratitude for your kindness and generosity.

As our journey of healing continues, our desire is to help others as you have helped us. Every disbursement from The Aaron Borodach Memorial Fund (Somerset Trust, Richland Township) will honor you, our warriors and angels, and remember our angel, Aaron.

Alayne “Laynie” Boratko

Richland



County jobs are not secure anymore

I am writing this letter in reference to the sale of Laurel Crest Manor. I understand that throughout the years it may have become a burden on the taxpayers, but what about all the taxpayers who put so many years into working there. I was lucky enough to be able to retire with all my benefits, which by the way are better than most that can be found at a job anywhere.

What about my former co-workers who have 20, 25, 30-plus years in and now will have to pay most of their pensions for hospitalization? Some of these workers have had this happen from other jobs; they thought when they got the county job it was secure. The county offered good benefits, but now there will be nothing.

And some workers were only a few years from retirement.

As for the absenteeism being a large loss to the county, those people are overworked. No matter what looks good on paper, even at other facilities, not just LCM, there is too much work for the number of nurses, nurses aides, housekeepers, etc. Yes, some do abuse the sick time, but what about the dedicated ones?

I want my former co-workers to know that I feel for them and they are in my prayers. If only the county could come up with some sort of package for the employees who have worked for so many years.

Judy A. Shultz

Nanty Glo



Under Murtha, losses outweigh the gains

Thank God Jack Murtha is no longer my congressman; I live outside his district.

During the years, Murtha has brought pork to Johnstown in the form of lucrative military contracts to the fortunate few.

We’re glad for every job we get, but what Murtha has brought to Johnstown is minor compared with the thousands of jobs we’ve lost since he took office. It is no coincidence that his rise in influence coincides with the demise of the kind of jobs that made Johnstown great.

With Murtha’s recent vote for Obama’s “cap and trade” legislation, he spits on the people he represents.

The bill Murtha supported will mean lost jobs for us in the mining, manufacturing and trucking industries. It will mean a doubling of electric and fuel bills and higher gasoline prices for all of us. It will mean a loss of our personal freedom and a huge federal intrusion in our lives.

But that’s just fine with Murtha. He’ll just keep carrying water for Obama and getting his picture taken at home. We’ll keep paying the bills.

It’s long past time for Murtha’s rednecks and racists to stand up and toss this man out of office.

John Coleman

Somerset



Grocery store an asset to East Conemaugh

We would like to take this opportunity to welcome Sadee’s Deli and Grocery Store to our community of East Conemaugh. As a small neighborhood, we were in desperate need of a store for our residents.

Sadee’s answered our needs.

Sadee’s is a family-run business, and the store provides an array of products, which includes delicious food in a pleasant small-town atmosphere. East Conemaugh residents are very fortunate to have the Stofko family in our little town.

Jim Jr. and Theresa Preuss

East Conemaugh