To the Publisher:
As the 10th anniversary of 9/11/01 approaches, I wish to share my story in memory of all pet owners who lost their lives.
My backyard in Harrison is an official National Wildlife Federation refuge. After the initial attack, we did not see or hear any wildlife for three days. It was as though nature sensed chaos and fear in the atmosphere and went into hiding.
On Sept. 14 at noon, a mourning dove came to our oak tree and for 15 minutes we observed it and heard its mournful call. It then took flight in a westerly direction. Shortly thereafter, the birds, etc., returned.
This event emphasizes the important relationship between humans, animals and nature.
Vivian Gazdalski
Harrison
To the Publisher:
On Sunday, Aug. 28, the full effects of hurricane Irene hit our town and the Lyndhurst Elks Lodge, in addition to the surrounding homes, sustaining major flood damage. We would like to thank the efforts of the Lyndhurst Fire, Police, and EMS in helping us to access our building via boats supplied by the township. All affairs have been cancelled for the lodge until further assessment of the flood damage can be ascertained and rectified. We would like to thank the residents of Lyndhurst for their continued support of our Elks lodge, and hopefully, we will be able to reopen our building within the next few months.
Bill Murtha
Lyndhurst Elks Lodge
To the Publisher:
September is National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. During the month, my friends and I are Turning The Towns Teal by tying teal ribbons throughout Kearny to raise awareness for ovarian cancer.
“Ovarian cancer is known as ‘The Silent Disease’ as the symptoms are often vague and subtle. Presently, there is NO early detection test.
Today, awareness of symptoms is the most critical factor in fighting ovarian cancer which is why this campaign is so very, very important,” said Jane MacNeil, president of Turn The Towns Teal.
Cards that identify the subtle signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer can be obtained at the Kearny Library and the Kearny Health Department during the month of September. Please pick some up and share them with friends, family or organizations that you belong to.
For more information or to volunteer, please visit our website, www.turnthetownsteal.org.
Jeanne Caldwell
Kearny
To the Publisher:
With the start of a new school year, parents’ attention is turning to school clothes, supplies, and lunches. Yes, school lunches.
Traditionally, USDA had used the National School Lunch Program as a dumping ground for surplus meat and dairy commodities. Not surprisingly, 90% of American children consume excessive amounts of fat, only 15% eat recommended servings of fruits and vegetables, and one-third have become overweight or obese. Their early dietary flaws become lifelong addictions, raising their risk of diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
But the tide is turning. In recent years, Hawaii, California, New York, and Florida legislatures asked their schools to offer daily vegetarian options, and most U.S. school districts now do. The Baltimore public school system offers its 80,000 students a complete weekly break from meat.
Last December, President Obama signed the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act to replace junk food in school lunches and vending machines with more healthful options. In January, the USDA announced the first new school lunch guidelines in 15 years.
Parents should continue to insist on healthful plant-based school meals, snacks, and vending machine items. They can consult www.vrg.org/family, www.healthyschoollunches.org, and www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/.
Cory Baker
Kearny
