Nov. 19, 2008

<Tribute Paid to Veterans Nov. 11

Participating in the Veterans Day service held at Oaklawn Cemetery Nov. 11 were, from left: Alonzo Wilson, Vernon Burke, Shiela Lasko, Dave Ricer, Dorothy Ricer, Eve Lindamood, Jim Heimann and Bob Podlasiak.                                                Photo by Martha Ackerman

by Martha Ackerman
Staff Writer
        As many veterans organizations around the country paid tribute to the men and women who have fought for the freedoms we enjoy, local services were held Nov. 11 at 11 a.m.
        VFW Post 5303 held its program at Oaklawn Cemetery near the veterans’ memorial. Bob Podlasiak was the master of ceremonies with Vernon Burke giving the opening and closing prayers.
        Local resident Robert Hall sang the National Anthem and St. Sylvester School students, grades four through eight, sang God Bless America. Alonzo Wilson, VFW Post 5303 commander, welcomed those attending the service.
        Woodsfield’s Dorothy Ricer read her poem “In Praise of Our Vets.” (See Page 8)
        Voice of Democracy honorable mention winner Eve Lindamood read her essay. Jim Heimann read the first-place Voice of Democracy essay, written by Kyle Cox of Beallsville. Both essays can be found on page 8.
        Vietnam veteran Dave Ricer was the guest speaker. He paid tribute to Herman Zerger, World War II veteran and former prisoner of war, who was recently inducted into the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame.
        American Legion #87 Auxiliary  member Phyllis Adkins placed a wreath at the foot of the memorial. Shiela Lasko, president of the auxiliary, read a tribute to veterans.
        Following is the Voice of Democracy essay written by Kyle Cox, who is home schooled:
Service and Sacrifice by
America’s Veterans Benefit Today’s Youth
        How can someone who served his or her country years before the youth of America were born possibly benefit us today? The answers to this question are almost innumerable. Our veterans have given so much to the young people of this generation it is hard to even contain what they have done in a small speech such as this.
        Our veterans inspire patriotism in us that cause us to love our country and want to serve it until our dying breath. It is that same patriotism that causes a tear to come to our eyes and a chill to go up our spines when we hear the National Anthem or see the American flag. Our veterans cause us to want to do more for our country than we ever have before, as we try to live up to the standard they have set. But the thing that sticks out most in my mind is that they have sacrificed everything they had so we can have a great country to live in like America.
        The Webster’s Dictionary describes the word benefit as “anything contributing to an improvement in condition.” Truly, the veterans of America have benefited today’s youth greatly. Not only here in America, but they have benefited the youth all over the world.
        It is so amazing to think of the fact that someone sacrificed everything they had, some even sacrificing their lives, just so we could have the freedoms we know today. I think of all the men who fought in the American Revolution. They had no formal military training, just an average farmer who loved his fellowman enough to fight in a war that seemed impossible to win. Yet, they fought anyway because they wanted to give the next generation something better than what they had. If it were not for these men, I would not be able to write this speech about America’s veterans because there would be no American to write about. I think of men and women like my grandfather and great-grandfather who fought against the spread of fascism in World War II to protect our freedom. My mind is also drawn to the brave men and women who served our country in times of peace, knowing that peace only lasts for a short while and America needs to be ready at all times.
        Another way America’s veterans have benefited today’s youth is by spreading freedom throughout the world so the young people of other countries can enjoy the freedoms we hold so dear. Think of the war on terror, whether you are for or against the war, without a doubt our troops have given freedom to the countries of Iraq and Afghanistan that they have never known before. Young children in Iraq will never have to know the brutality of the monster Saddam Hussein. In every war America has been in our veterans have done the same thing for countries all over the world. They have gone out and spread freedom wherever they went.
        In closing I would like to ask what you will do to benefit the youth of tomorrow? Will you impact it for better as the American veteran has? Will you stand up for your rights and freedoms without fear of loss? Will you sacrifice what you have to make this country better than what it is now?
        Truly, the service and sacrifice of our veterans has benefited not only the youth of this country, but the youth around the world.
        Eve Lindamood, a Swiss Hills student, read her honorable mention essay which follows:
Veterans, America’s Heroes
        Youth of today have benefited tremendously due to the service and sacrifice of America’s veterans. Every aspect of our everyday lives is a result of the diligent work of a veteran. The freedoms we enjoy, the lessons in courage they have taught, and the timeless role models they continue to provide are invaluable to young Americans.
        Any discussion about veterans must begin by expressing gratitude for the freedoms we enjoy. If not for the military men and women who have served throughout the history of our nation, we might not be living in a democracy. We could be limited in what we could say or believe. By their sacrifice of service in times of war and times of peace, we are called to live in liberty and pursue happiness.
        Every time I see a veteran marching in a parade or leading the Pledge of Allegiance at the community function, I feel a surge of pride and renewed patriotism. In their faces, I see the story of a fight with enemies who sought to diminish our great nation, the remembrance of a fellow soldier who did not return from the battle, and the obligation he or she must carry to remind us all to never forget.
        Even though these heroes did not know me individually, they were willing to risk their lives to ensure that I would be able to live in a free nation. That is very personal. I feel connected to them in this way.
        When I was visiting Washington, D.C. with my eighth grade class, we had the privilege of seeing the Vietnam Memorial and Arlington Cemetery. Going there was like visiting a holy place; it changed me forever. It was a powerful visual to see what seemed to be countless white headstones and an unending list of names, each one representing the ultimate sacrifice of so many.
        I have several family members who have served in the United States military. My grandfather as well as two of my uncles have participated in protecting our country. Although none of them had to fight or witness fighting first hand, I am proud of this legacy that my family has.                   Most veterans do not like to discuss their war experiences because of the painful details or out of respect for their fallen comrades. The stories that they have shared in documentaries or in school assemblies are so emotional. The love they feel for our country and the courageous acts they describe – never of their own, always of someone else – demonstrates the type of Americans we all must be in order to continue to live in freedom.
        Whether they served in a world war, Vietnam or the Middle East, veterans are our national role models. They stand for what is right and good about America. We should honor them by being good citizens. This includes participating in democracy by voting and by being active in the government and community. We should imitate their sacrifice by service to one another, and if need be, by taking up arms and defending our rights in the future.
        In conclusion, I would like to restate the lyrics of a well-known song written by Lee Greenwood. “I’m proud to be an American where at least I know I’m free. I won’t forget the men who died who gave that right to me and I’d gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today, because there ain’t no doubt, I love this land. God bless the U.S.A.” and God bless our veterans. For if it was not for the service and sacrifice of our veterans, we would not have a country worthy of such an inspirational and patriotic song.
        Additional Voice of Democracy winners are Cheyenne Romick, first place, River High School, second place, county; Lindsay Blackstone, Monroe Central, third place, county; Luke Reed, Swiss Hills, fourth place, county. Winner of the Patriot’s Pen essay contest was Alyssa Brown, Woodsfield Elementary.

In Praise of Our Vets
by Dorothy Ricer
This day honors soldiers who must leave their homes
to prove our country is strong
No one can know of the grief they go through
as the nights they put in are so long.
Sad, weary hours with their thoughts and their fears
scared times to face in a war
Heartsick and weary but proud to go on
knowing America is worth fighting for.
        How has our country gone down so fast?
once happy and proud and free
now looked down on by lesser groups
How oh how can this be?
Once our nation was tops in the world
our products outdone by no one
Then slowly but surely the jobs were outsourced
and our solid economy undone.
Deeply in debt both here and abroad
overloaded with doubt and with stress
Prices so high and money so tight
how did we get in this mess?
The cost to our soldiers who fight for our peace
no country could ever repay
Have we become like Rome at her peak
destined to fall in decay?
At least this is what some nations hope for
but they reckoned without our pride
When our country is down there is no way but up
we stand all for one side by side.
We’ll bring home our soldiers we’ll build up our land
our finances will all straighten out
we’ll land on our feet our stocks will rebound
we’ll be fine in the end there’s no doubt.
Hold tight to your faith that we’ll be okay
our soldiers can lay down their guns
These times will just be bad memories for all
God will bless us as He’s always done.
AMEN!

<Citizens National Bank: A Sense of Security in an Insecure World

Citizens National Bank in Woodsfield

Citizens National Bank, Woodsfield, has earned Bauer-Financial’s highest 5-Star Superior rating for financial strength and stability. It is heartening to know that there are still well run community banks, like the Citizens National, that have risen above the calamity that has befallen so many others. The 5-Star Superior rating is based on the overall financial picture of the bank and indicates that Citizens National Bank is one of the strongest banks in the nation. In fact, this represents the 79th consecutive quarter that the bank has earned this honor, giving it the added distinction of being an Exceptional Performance Bank.
        Only institutions that have achieved this highest 5-Star rating for ten years or longer can claim this distinction.
        “It gives me great pleasure to announce that there are still banks, like Citizens National Bank, that continue to build a sense of security in this insecure world,” heralds Karen L. Dorway, president of BauerFinancial. “Residents in and around Monroe County have the privilege of banking with a true community bank that has stuck to true, common sense, banking values. They can sleep soundly in the knowledge that they are banking with one of the strongest banks in the country.”
        The Citizens National Bank was established in 1933 and has been serving the financial needs of its neighbors and friends for 75 years. It currently operates through three conveniently located offices in Barnesville, Sardis and Woodsfield.
        The Citizens National Bank: Your 5-Star Community Bank.
        BauerFinancial, Inc., Coral Gables, Florida, the nation's leading independent bank rating and research firm, has been reporting on and analyzing the performance of U.S. banks and credit unions since 1983. No institution pays for its rating, nor can they elude it. Consumers may obtain star-ratings by visiting www.bauerfinancial.com.
        Citizens National Bank was established in 1933 and has been steadfastly serving the financial needs of its customers for 75 years.
        The bank remains an independent, locally-owned bank.
         Carey Bott serves a bank president.

<Warm the Children

Kirt Sloan, manager, Riesbeck’s of Woodsfield, presented $3,300 to the Warm the Children program on Nov. 17. Accepting the donation was Pandora Neuhart, program coordinator. The money was raised during the annual Warm the Children barbecue fundraiser sponsored by Riesbeck’s. Last year the barbecue brought $3,500 to the program.  In the past seven years, Riesbeck’s has contributed about $18,000 to help warm the children of the Switzerland of Ohio school district.                                               Photo by  Arlean Selvy

<Kiwanians Prepare for Thanksgiving Day Dinner Project

        It was Thanksgiving Day 2007 when Kiwanian Chris Williams, a past president, was captured on film as he stacked and packaged pumpkin pie for elderly and shut-ins of Monroe County. Pie is  packaged along with turkey, sweet potatoes and  green beans delivered by Kiwanians and area volunteers, including Swiss Hills, Monroe Central Key Club members.                          
Photo by Arlean Selvy

by Dave Phillips
Thanksgiving project chairman   Preparations are well underway for the annual Kiwanis Thanksgiving Day Dinner project. Turkey and the trimmings, including sweet potatoes and pumpkin pie, will be delivered to about 200 elderly and housebound residents of Monroe County.
        The Woodsfield Kiwanis Club, which recently celebrated its 85th Anniversary, sponsors about 22 activities each year to help the youth and elderly of the Monroe County community. Plans began in October for the annual Thanksgiving Day dinner, which helps the needy and elderly to enjoy a traditional holiday meal. “We think about all the problems in the world today, but Thanksgiving represents what is right about a holiday, sharing great food, spending some time with old and new friends, and devoting time to make a day better for others,” said Kiwanis President Karen Binford. “This is the time to count our blessings. Kiwanians try to do their part in giving care and consideration to those who are less fortunate among us.”
        Kiwanians will use the facilities of the Woodsfield United Methodist Church to prepare and pack the meal, which consists of turkey, sweet potatoes, green beans, cranberry sauce, roll and butter, pumpkin pie and an orange.
        “We feel it’s important to involve the youth of our sponsored Key Clubs,” said Dave Phillips, project chairman. “These kids are learning about community service, and they have a good time packing the meals and helping with the home deliveries. Kiwanis members also enjoy serving as mentors to the young people.”
        A strong relationship has developed between area businesses and the Kiwanis Club, which has helped to make the Thanksgiving Day project a successful effort for over 20 years.          Kiwanians acknowledges with appreciation the donations that have been received for the project from Riesbeck’s Food Market, Citizens National Bank, Weber’s Pharmacy, Woodsfield Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and Monroe County Care Center.
        The club is sincerely grateful for members and community friends who donate their time in various ways. “This is the kind of cooperation that ensures a special dinner for special folks,” said Phillips.