To the Editor:

As we all mourn the loss of all those gentle lives lost because of the random act of violence, we must remember that as those gentle spirits rise, God will hold open the door to Heaven and the light shining from within will guide them to that distant shore where someday we will all meet yet once again.

 

Spencer B. Terry, Jr.

Washington

 

To the Editor:

I read the notice in the newspaper regarding the plight of the Beaufort County Boys and Girls Club. My daughter is a member — has to be a member. You see, we homeschool. I call her time at the BGC our “sanity break.” The BGC also provides the “socialization” that she needs. I’m self-employed — a mix of yard work, housework, and home health. Our family gross income last year was less than $5,000 — so that kind of takes care of our financial need requirements for being a member. Most likely, you know who we are or have seen us — we’re the mother/daughter team who rides our bicycles around town with a black dog in one of our baskets.

Of course, most of the members are public schooled and many of their parents work in the helping fields. I know because I see them coming in to pick up their children, dressed in their work uniforms some barely dragging their feet.

Poverty is both a state of mind and a financial reality and capitalism endorses it. Consider how much a hamburger with everything on it would cost if everyone who brought it to your plate was paid a livable wage. I love America, was born in America — as were my parents and grandparents. I pledge allegiance to our flag and I believe that our founding principles mandate us to take care of our own. With that said, the BGC needs either someone(s) who can provide some finances or someone who has the gift of procuring money.

Thank you from the bottom of our Sane hearts.

 

Dorothy Civils

Washington

 

 To the Editor:

Every year, during the month of February, the three local veterinary hospitals offer reduced rates for spay/neuter procedures. The Humane Society of Beaufort County offers additional financial assistance. Our county still has way too many homeless cats and dogs. Last year, the county animal control facility had to euthanize over 1,800 cats and dogs simply because no one wanted them. Every single newly conceived kitten or puppy takes the place of an already living  homeless cat or dog.

One female cat and her offspring can produce 420,000 kittens in seven years. One female dog and her offspring can produce 67,000 puppies in six years. Those numbers are staggering, yet a male cat or dog can be responsible for even higher numbers as they can mate with numerous cats or dogs.

During last February’s reduced rate spay/neuter campaign, 518 animals underwent the procedure, but that is not nearly enough. Anyone with cats or dogs that have not been spayed or neutered, please seriously consider making an appointment with either Chocowinity Veterinary Hospital, 946-9000; Pamlico Animal Hospital, 946-2834, or Tar River Animal Hospital, 946-2417.

 

Margaret Petersen

Washington