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To the Editor:
I first heard about Mary's House a year ago, and I've seen this year pass as the Copelands have gone from community to community looking for a place for these children without parents. Now this news is in my local paper, and I've been shocked and saddened by what has been reported as Chaska's heated response.
I wonder what our reaction would be if the children Mary Jo Copeland wanted to bring here were the orphans of the World Trade Center attack. Wouldn't we be honored and feel privileged that Chaska had been chosen as the finest town to grow up in, the most supportive, the safest, and most nurturing? What would happen to property values then?
Does the fact that these children are victims of their own private tragedies make the situation any less tragic? These aren't juvenile delinquents. These are children who need a safe and nurturing environment in which to grieve, learn, and grow.
Every year during Values Week in School District #112, Chaska, along with its neighbors of Carver, Chanhassen, and Victoria, reaffirms our community's val-ues. Those values include responsibility, respect for others, human worth and digni-ty, generosity, citizenship, and integrity.
Those values are worth little if not put to the test. Now is our chance to stand up and show what we believe, either by offering a place to Mary's House (whether or not the Copelands decide to settle here) or to say that we were really just paying lip service to those values.
If we choose not to affirm our values, what are we teaching our children? What about our Values Week theme that it takes a whole village to raise a child, when we have been given the opportunity to raise all of our community's wonderful child-ren? Can we afford to be choosy about which children we want to nurture?
Finally, I think it ironic and sad that in this Christmas season where we hear and teach our children about Mary and Joseph searching for a place for their child and being turned away from the inn, that another Mary is searching for a place for her children and there seems to be no room in Chaska either.
Sincerely,
Gaye Guyton, Chaska, Minnesota
To the Editor:
What a wonderful presentation by St. Victoria's choir, flute, piano, and guitar folk! A great way to worship during the Advent season. It was great to see a church full of people seeing so much great talent. Is it not obvious that Harriet and I really enjoyed ourselves?
Uncle Ron Holtmeier, Victoria, Minnesota
To the Editor:
I have really enjoyed the Gazette the past few years. It is with regret I am can-celing my subscription as we are moving out of state. We will not be returning to this area for a few years. When we do, it will be to our lake home near Glenwood.
Keep up the wonderful job you are doing with the paper. It was always fun to read, even though I didn't know most of the people. God bless you and your family during this happy and holy Christmas season.
Sharon Olejnicak, Waconia, Minnesota
To the Editor:
Thank you for printing the picture of the big fish that my husband caught. But the fish was actually a walleye, not a northern, and was caught in Rainy River by Baudette, not International Falls. Your fishhook in the December Gazette is in the Deer Run ad. Thanks and Happy Holidays.
Mary (Schmieg) Meuleners, Montrose, Minnesota
To the Editor:
I just want to thank you for your statements at the city council meeting the other night. How right on the money you were (as usual!). Sometimes elected offi-cials need to remember that we are repre-sentative democracy; there's no need for a show of hands from the public every time we make a decision. Spending $5 million is not a quick, knee-jerk decision, but, as you pointed out, we've been studying the arena issue for some time.
Thanks again for speaking out. One way or the other, a decision is going to be made soon. I think you've been notified on the meeting on December 20th. Hope to see you there.
Steve Sarvi, Administrator, City of Victoria
To the Editor:
Enclosed please find the Victoria Lions Fastpitch Association's Winter 2001 Pitching Clinic flyer. We are very pleased to once again have Heather Evenson put on this marvelous clinic.
Please note with the limited class size and eight classes for $65, we hope to pro-vide young pitchers with excellent student teacher ratios and an ending date in time for the beginning of the outdoor spring season.
If you would like any further infor-mation, please contact me. Thank you and Happy New Year.
John Linforth, Victoria, Minnesota
To the Editor:
Thank you so much for the nice picture and kind words on Mom in your December issue. Have a wonderful and peaceful Christmas season.
Rita (Kerber) Doussard, Denver, Colorado
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