Education is the key, especially during hard times

Education is the key, especially during hard times
EDITOR:
Recently the Mahoning Valley has been shaken by the financial difficulties of three of its largest employers (GM, Delphi and Forum Health). Compounding these difficulties is the present lack of adequate funding that the State of Ohio is providing to our local public school systems. The current five-year fiscal projections for the school districts in Trumbull and Mahoning counties disclose very difficult times ahead. The lack of adequate school funding will have a negative impact on the students, teachers, staff, and especially the education process. As we deal with these problems, we must stay focused on the positive, which is not always easy.
First, we should contact our state representatives and advise them to make the school funding issue their highest priority. Fundamentally, a strong education system is the foundation for economical growth. Next, I recommend that local businesses become aware of the training programs and education assistance that are available to them. As the Director of Engineering at Kundel Industries Inc. in Warren, I have been able to secure a Ohio Board of Regents grant for training our company employees through Kent State Trumbull Campus Workforce Development and Continuing Studies Center. The staff at the center is willing and able to assist local industry in formulating and implementing training programs that will meet their company needs.
Additionally, businesses in the area should consider Youngstown State University as a valuable asset that will aid them in meeting their goals. We at Kundel Industries have relied on the facilities and faculty at the College of Engineering at YSU for development of our crane product line. Under the guidance of Dr. Elvin Shields and the dedicated efforts of Bob Kundel Jr., Kundel Industries was able to refine our product and increase our sales. Recognition should also be extended to Dr. Cynthia S. Hirtzel, dean of the William Rayen College of Engineering and Technology at YSU, for her pro-business efforts and extensive community involvement. We at Kundel Industries have been an active participate in the Emerging Markets Initiative (EM) program administrated by Williamson College of Business Administration at YSU under the direction of Dr. Ram R. Kasuganti and Dr. Raugamohan Eunni. The EMI program is focused on enhancing foreign sales and contacts for local businesses. Consider YSU to be a friend to and an ally of business.
Lastly, let us not forget the institutions that have served our community over the years that are now themselves in difficulties. I strongly urge the readers of this letter to support the efforts of the YWCA of Warren and the Rebecca Williams Community Center as they both are redefining their role in the community.
GEORGE J. SHAY, PE
Newton Falls
Many work to feed needy
EDITOR:
The article on April 29 about the Kingdom Meal Ministry, which will serve a Sunday evening meal to anyone in need, reported on an excellent project that will meet a great need in Youngstown.
However, Pastor Rusty Wills of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church is quoted, "To our knowledge, there isn't another feeding program on Sunday, except the City Rescue Mission."
For the last 24 years, St. John's Episcopal Church on Wick Avenue has offered a Sunday mid-day meal free of charge to all who come, and we continue to do so. This ministry is possible only because of the many other churches, synagogues, youth groups, student organizations and others who, in addition to our own congregation, come to St. John's Sunday by Sunday to cook and serve the meal.
We welcome Pastor Wills' and the Church of Youngstown's initiative, and hope that all of us, including the Rescue Mission (serving three meals a day, 365 days a year) may continue as children of God to serve the needs of our city and its people.
ELIZABETH WRONA, senior warden
St. John's Episcopal Church
Youngstown