Dear Editor:

As I was reading my Pocahontas Times today about what happened in 2009, I saw my name where I was appointed to the Marlinton Town Council in March. Where in the world has the time gone?

I am really enjoying being on the council, but my 76-year-old brain is having a hard time learning all the things I need to learn.

I get lots of papers and I try to understand all the things that are going on.

Some things I agree to, others I don’t. I try very hard to think about what is best for our town.

Water problems bother me the most. Realizing how hard it would be to have to raise water bills for residents who cannot afford it is difficult.

I have been chosen for a few committees: Employee Raise, and Beautification, including flower boxes that need repaired. Each time I vote for a change, I have tried to be fair.

I would like to see more citizens come to the town meetings and express their feelings about concerns they have. Please come with a positive attitude and try to help us.

I appreciate the councilmembers who have helped me and the people of the town who have expressed their concerns to me. I will try to continue to do the best I can.

Louise Barnisky
Marlinton Town Council

Dear Editor:

Editor Emeritus William McNeel’s cover story on “2009: A Year in Review” was wonderful and inclusive.

However, I would like to clarify one of the events he mentioned, which was “Pocahontas County Free Libraries, Pearl S. Buck Birthplace and Pocahontas Music...receive grants from the West Virginia Humanities Council.”

Indeed, Pocahontas Music was awarded a large grant from the council using the Pearl S. Buck Birthplace Foundation as its sponsoring organization on the application. In addition, Pocahontas Music was awarded a “Challenge America” grant from The National Endowment of the Arts where it used Pocahontas County Free Libraries as the sponsoring organization. In total, Pocahontas Music received two separate grants using two different organizations in 2009.

Giving credit where credit is due, I would like to add other local councils which helped to match these monies: Pocahontas County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Pocahontas County Dramas, Fairs and Festivals, Pocahontas County Arts Council, Boxley Materials Company. And always, deep gratitude to the Snowshoe Foundation for its initial belief and support, as well as all private donations.

Lucinda Tyler
Director
Pocahontas Music

Dear Editor:

Send the fronts of Christmas and other greeting cards to St. Jude’s Ranch for Children, 100 St. Jude’s Street, Boulder City, NV 89005-1681.

The children and residents recycle them into greeting cards that others can buy.


M. I. Bergelt
Dunmore


Dear Editor:

I would like to go on record as having strong objection to the timing of the planned outage on January 13 from 6 to 9 p.m. 

As co-owner of a movie theatre, it is costing us and our staff a night's income, as it will most area restaurants and bars. In the future, I strongly suggest that scheduled outages for maintenance be scheduled in the middle of the night, so as not to cost business owners and have such impact on families that cook with electric ranges.


Cooperatively yours,
Larry Levine
ALL Arts LLC
The Lewis Theatre
Lewisburg