Letters to the editor: Washington County Humane Society event raised more than $41,000
Thanks for another successful Polar Bear Plunge
To the editor:
Thanks to our incredible supporters, the Humane Society of Washington County’s 20th annual Polar Bear Plunge was a great success! On Jan. 7, as the temperature hovered just over 40 degrees, nearly 250 participants bravely plunged into Greenbrier Lake to support animals in need.
Excited spectators cheered on the celebrity plungers first — Washington County Sheriff Brian Albert and VerStandig Media General Manager Blake Truman (who plunged in place of Nasty Bob from 101.5 Bob Rocks for reaching her fundraising goal) — followed by the remaining “polar bears” who then took their turn plunging. Awards were given for Best Costume, Most Money Raised, and Most Team Members.
PHOTOS: Humane Society of Washington County’s 20th Annual Polar Bear Plunge
We’re thrilled to announce that this year’s event raised more than $41,000 for the animals — our highest-grossing Polar Bear Plunge to date. We credit this success to our bold plungers, kindhearted donors and generous corporate sponsors. Thank you to our top event sponsors: Mountain View Animal Emergency, 92.1 The Goat, 101.5 Bob Rocks!, 104.7 WAYZ, 100.9 The Line, New Direction Utilities Inc., R. Bruce Carson Jewelers and F&M Trust.
Thanks to Ranger Travis Watts and the staff at Greenbrier State Park; Bill Dennis and his traffic controllers; Chris Lombardi and Blue Marble Divers; and Boonsboro Ambulance & Rescue Service; the Polar Bear Plunge participants stayed safe at the event.
All funds raised through the Polar Bear Plunge directly benefit the thousands of animals that come to HSWC each year. These critical funds ensure that HSWC can continue to provide high-quality care for the animals at our shelter while offering a variety of programs and services that benefit pets in Washington County.
We are deeply grateful for the community’s dedicated support of the shelter and the animals in our care.
Noel CordellDirector of Development and CommunicationsHumane Society of Washington County
Former Greencastle council president critical of current leadership
To the editor:
Well folks, it's been just over a year since new leadership took over Greencastle Borough Council, and boy, what a joke that is. The current president promised taxpayers the moon when he ran for the seat, but has yet to fulfill any of his promises.
He's a typical politician who ran on a platform of: "I am running for council because the current council has not been transparent in its decision-making process and in its communication with taxpayers. I also feel the council has been short sighted and self-serving in many of its decisions. In my opinion it is time for a complete change in the borough government. I believe I am qualified to serve and I will be passionate about my responsibility to help get the borough back on track."
After watching several meetings online, it's quite apparent he's incapable of leading a horse to water, let alone buoying council on the problems facing Greencastle.
In the past, the most experienced members were chosen to lead as president and vice president. In the eight years I served, that was the case until we switched Charles Eckstine from president. That was a big mistake and one I wish we hadn't made. If we would have kept Mr. Ecktsine in as president, most likely he'd still be leading the council.
Perhaps in the future a leadership change will happen that will richly benefit the citizens of Greencastle Borough.
Frank L. Webster Jr.Past council member and presidentGreencastle, Pa.
Never forget Jan. 6, 2021
To the editor:
The smashing of windows. The head blows and bone-crunching with flag poles, baseball bats, crutches, metal pipes, skateboards and a fire extinguisher. The punching and trampling. The use of lasers, stun guns and toxic sprays. The presence of a makeshift gallows, the invasion of the Senate chambers, the chanting to hang Mike Pence, the waving of Confederate flags.
Later we learned of the lacerations and concussions, the fractures and burns, the heart attack and the deaths, including several suicides. Later we learned that 140 police officers were injured and at least five people died.
Don’t look away. Trump and his MAGA insurrectionists did this. Also never forget what 147 Republicans did as well in service of Trump: Voted to overturn the election. January 6, 2021, the attack on our Capitol and Congress: Never Forget!
Patricia TaylorWilliamsport
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This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: 2023 Polar Bear Plunge grosses highest amount to date
