Rec center falls short in support of reservists
Brian Frisk, Sharon
I am sure the public knows that the U.S. Army requires its soldiers to be in good physical condition. Unlike our active duty counterparts, Army reservists do not have the amenities available on an active duty post.
Reservists must take it upon themselves to find a gym in their area to stay physically fit.
Recently I went to Buhl Community Recreation Center to inquire about a membership.
I was told at the business office that the club only offers discounts to military members on active duty because they are often away from their families.
This was a slap in the face to every Army Reserve and National Guard member from our area who has served in time of war!
There are hundreds of Army Reserve and National Guard soldiers living in our area. They live and work in our community and when called upon, deploy overseas to defend our freedoms.
College students are offered over 50 percent off the usual adult membership rate, yet a reservist is offered no discount at all.
An example of a business that does support the military is Shenango Valley YMCA. When asked, they responded that membership is free with a military ID.
Dependents also receive free memberships as long as they have a dependent military ID.
While serving in Iraq, I noticed that the “weekend warriors” stigma that has been attached to reservists is fading since we serve alongside our active duty comrades in time of war. Why is it that we cannot put that stereotype to rest in our own community?
Reservists perform the same wartime missions as active duty soldiers, so why can’t they be afforded the same respect by our community?
Have nots pay dearly to support others who have
Alva Johnson, Hermitage
Church-going people are gullible. They need to search and read in the Bible as to what is the truth and what preachers and bishops are saying.
I read in The Herald about the NAACP meeting in the area celebrating 100 years since its beginning. Different reverends and preachers were there among about 300 people.
They talked about the gains that have been made. They talked about Obama being the first black president. The people were excited to hear that.
They talked about the Protestants and Catholics in Ireland at odds with one another and trouble in other nations, how things were not good for people of those nations, the haves versus the have nots.
I did not read about them saying anything about poor nations in Africa, people starving and how the people of Sudan have been in slavery to their own countrymen.
How they cut the hands off some people and raped the women.
People are starving, the ground is cracked open, they need rain in different areas, young children need medical help and have flies on their faces, living in huts with open sewers.
Look how some bishops and preachers and evangelists in this country have their millions-of-dollars homes and are bleeding the people for tithes. The NAACP is pushing for more rights but some preachers and bishops on TV are living high.
We can even go further in our area. People are paying tithes to their preachers and bishops and the people themselves are lacking. Bishops and preachers are driving around Lincolns and Cadillacs and insisting that people give them money. Most church-going people are the have nots and the preachers and the bishops and evangelists are the haves.
Corner of county left unserved as part of bank deal
William A. Morocco, Farrell
Regarding the Nov. 7 story, “PNC Bank taking over local National City offices,” I was surprised and disappointed that Business Editor Mike Roknick did not include a statement, something to the effect that one drawback for Mercer County residents is that the Farrell branch of National City is not reopening as a PNC site. PNC has launched subsequent advertisements regarding the changeover.
Their closing sentence in the paragraph of information in the print ads, reads, “Because it’s not just about more banks, it’s about more commitment.”
The sloganeering doesn’t match the reality! As proof, National City-PNC will no longer have a branch to serve the customers who reside in the southwestern part of Mercer County.
More banks, more commitment?
