And Merry Holidays to you

And Merry Holidays to you
EDITOR:
In response to a gentleman's very eloquent letter of Dec. 13, I am writing to say how saddened I was to hear that the very well meaning words "Happy Holidays" prevented the writer from donating money to the needy -- not only for Christmas, but all winter long. If he feels the way he does he really should keep his money to himself, but he needs to be reminded not to judge people so harshly.
There are several holidays during December, Chanukah, Kwanzaa, New Year's -- not just Christmas. Would he prefer that people wear some means of telling the world what their religion is? The money donated helps all people -- not just Christians. Local people are hurting more than ever and charities are stretching their dollars as far as they can go.
God bless the bell ringers for they truly represent God's presence among us. Please give whatever you can spare. Even pocket change adds up.
In closing -- Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
LINDA MANNING
Youngstown
Tour of homes a success
EDITOR:
The Fifth Avenue Boulevard Neighbors ("FABN") would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the many people and organizations who contributed their time and effort to the highly successful first Holiday Tour of Homes on the historic Fifth Avenue Boulevard on Youngstown's North Side. Over 250 people toured the homes that were magnificently decorated for the holiday season.
The boulevard residents who so graciously opened their homes to be a part of the tour were: Aggie Hendrickson, Barbara Brothers and Larry Haims, Ed Flanagan, Bonnie and Pete Lucic, Bob Faraglia and John Naples, and Ron DeAtley of the Printz Mansion.
Assistance was provided by James Ferraro and WRTA who provided a shuttle bus, Gail Froomkin and the Jewish Community Center who provided parking, Chief Jimmy Hughes and the Youngstown Police Department who provided extra patrols during the tour, Sheriff Randall Wellington and the Mahoning County Sheriff's Department who provided security, and Dan Rauzen and the Youngstown Club who allowed use of the club for our patrons with presentation of their ticket.
Those people who participated thoroughly enjoyed the tour and indicated they were looking forward to this being an annual event. The Holiday Tour of Homes is an example of what neighborhoods can accomplish when people work together in the interest of community, preservation and improvement.
The FABN, a neighborhood association of some 24 families, is proud to be dedicated to the preservation of one of the historic and beautiful neighborhoods in the city of Youngstown. Some of the other FABN projects have included holiday decoration of the boulevard lamp posts, procurement of historical street designations and the landscaping of the boulevard.
Thanks to all who participated in the tour and we look forward to seeing more visitors next year.
TED SZMAJ
Youngstown
Score one for Steelhounds
EDITOR:
Last Wednesday, the entire Youngstown Steelhounds hockey team visited the patients at Belmont Pines Hospital. They brought pennants and programs to autograph and stuffed animals for all of the children currently hospitalized this Christmas season. We write to you to publicly commend their professionalism, their interest in making this holiday a brighter one for our patients, and for their kindness.
Every member, including the coach, engaged the children in conversation and signed autographs. Crusher, the team mascot, received a lot of hugs from grateful and loving children. For approximately 25 people to spend over two hours of this busy season giving of their time and talent was truly a heartwarming experience and one that won't soon be forgotten. The staff and patients at Belmont Pines wish the team and their families a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
T. DAVID WATTS
Director of community education
Belmont Pines Hospital