Letters To The Editor
Email: editor@ gcnews.com

More Control Needed

To The Editor:

Shortly after the announcement that a downed cow in Washington State was diagnosed with BSE (a.k.a. "Mad Cow" disease). The United States Department off Agriculture (USDA) wisely implemented a policy prohibiting the use of downed cattle in human food. The policy was widely endorsed by consumer protection groups, animal welfare organizations and even organizations representing the cattle industry.

Downed animals are those who are too sick, diseased, or weak to stand on their own. It has been shown that downed animals are more likely to carry diseases and be contaminated with bacterial pathogens that may be harmful to humans when consumed and they are also more likely to suffer Mad Cow disease. It is not possible to move downed animals humanely, and they are often dragged with chains or pushed with forklifts. Such cruel handling results in injuries ranging from bruises and abrasions to broken bones and torn ligaments.

Thankfully, the USDA has made this temporary ban permanent. However, unfortunately, this rule leaves a tragic loophole for all farm animals other than cattle. Further, it only applies to cattle at the slaughterhouse and fails to protect any cattle who fall ill on the farm, at stockyards, or in transit.

To ensure that farm animals are protected from unnecessary suffering and the food supply is not at risk, Congress must enact the Downed Animal and Food Safety Protection Act.

Jennifer Moloney

Generous Response

To The Editor:

The members of the American Legion and Auxiliary, William Bradford Turner, Post #265, wish to thank all of the residents and business owners of our village for your generous response to their Memorial Day Poppy Drive.

Memorial Day is dedicated to honor and preserve the memory of those millions of men and women who did not return from the battlefield. In addition, we are dedicated to give support and aid to those men and women who returned physically and/or mentally disabled and their families.

We have adopted a ward in Northport Veterans Hospital, and our members regularly visit the ward and confer with the staff regarding patient's needs that are not met through government funding. Your wearing of the Poppy and contribution enable us to continue to assist the quality of life for these men and women and families.

We also appreciate and thank you for the courtesy and cooperation shown to our veterans and auxiliary members who distribute the Poppy.

Clorinda Burdi

Poppy Chairlady

Thanks For Help

To the Editor:

Last week, I was pulling the ivy off the front of my house when I apparently grabbed a yellowjackets' nest with both hands. I was stung several times, and the ring finger on my left hand swelled up like a sausage. The fact that I hadn't been able to remove my wedding ring for at least 10 years made this something of a medical emergency.

My husband called Gross Jewelers and we were told to come on in. Mr. Gross himself sawed through and pried open my ring with a variety of special jeweler tools. He did it cheerfully and wouldn't accept any payment. This isn't the sort of service you expect to need or receive from your friendly neighborhood jeweler, but I'm grateful that they were there for me.

Thea Welch

Generous Donation

To the Editor:

The Andy foundation would like to thank Dr. Tony Randi and the Garden City Rams Boy's Lacrosse program for their generous donation from the tenth annual Jay Gallagher Lacrosse Tournament. The Andy Foundation is always proud to be part of this wonderful event, benefiting local charities.

For the past ten years Tony and his family, Ruth, Willy, Chesney along with a dedicated group of volunteers many of whom have been with him since the first Jay Gallagher Tournament in 1997 have put together a wonderful two day event.

The Andy Foundation is dedicated to benefiting the lives of children less fortunate than most, we thank Tony and the Rams for helping us further this mission.

Jill Palmeri,

For The Andy Foundation