So neighbors, I hear we are being sued. Rainbow Enterprises is suing the Hartwick Town Planning Board. Well, that’s us, you and me!

The Hartwick Town Planning Board is made up of our neighbors who volunteer their time and best judgment to do what seems right for all of us. When they are sued, we are sued. When the town pays a lawyer to represent the planning board, we pay for that lawyer. So if Rainbow Enterprises wants to have a legal fight, let’s back our planning board and make it a good one.

How do we do that? Easy. Let it be known that we will back our planning board all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court with our voices and our taxes.

How can we let everyone know that this is our intention? Easy. Come to the next Planning Board meeting, Tuesday, Jan. 9, at the Hartwick Town office building. Come and meet your neighbors; in fact, bring a neighbor. Start the new year off right _ defend your town.

So you say you’re working that night, or the kids will tie you down? No problem. Show your support right now. Grab some paper, a post card, or one of those leftover Christmas cards, and write, "I support the Planning Board." Put a stamp on it and address it to Hartwick Town Clerk, PO Box 275, Hartwick, N.Y. 13348. It won’t take a minute and it will mean a lot.

Best of all, do both: send a note and attend on Jan.9.

Hope to see you there.

Patrick H. McBrearty

Milford

Salvation Army says thanks

Thank you! As the service unit field representative for the Empire State Division of The Salvation Army for the counties of Delaware, Greene, Herkimer, Madison, Montgomery, Otsego, and Schoharie, there are many people and organizations I would like thank:

all the bell ringer volunteers who gave of their valuable time to ensure that struggling families in our local communities receive assistance in emergency situations;

the dozens of stores and companies in the area who provided locations where The Salvation Army could set up kettle stands;

the generous shoppers who took a precious moment to stop at the kettles and left their gift to help those in crisis;

and, finally, a big thank you to the local media who has helped The Salvation Army reach the community _ to inform of our services and the need for bellringer assistance during this most important campaign.

Together, this caring team of people in each community has helped to ensure that local families who are in crisis will be able to access assistance through our local volunteer service unit committees in the following villages and small towns and their surrounding areas: Delaware (Delhi, Fleishman, Margaretville, Hancock, Sidney, Stamford, Walton); Greene (Catskill, Coxsackie, Greenville, Norton Hill, Hunter, Tannersville, Windham); Herkimer (Dolgeville, Little Falls, Middleville, Newport, Old Forge, West Winfield), Madison (Cazenovia, Chittenango, Hamilton, Morrisville); Montgomery (Canajoharie, Fonda, Fultonville, Fort Plain, St. Johnsville); Otsego (Cooperstown, Richfield Springs, Unadilla, Worcester); and Schoharie (Cobleskill, Middleburgh, Schoharie).

In the larger cities of the counties, there is a local Salvation Army facility where services are provided.

Volunteer service unit committees provide services based on what they perceive are the most critical needs of their community. Among the most common are: emergency and holiday assistance, camperships for at-risk children, scholarships for needy students, food vouchers and prescription aid.

The Red Kettle Campaign is a major source of funding for local projects. It is augmented by the mail appeal. Your tax-deductible donations, be they kettle gifts or mail appeal, are used to provide local assistance.

In cities where there is a Salvation Army facility, people needing assistance can call them directly. In the smaller communities, they can ask committee members or call the toll-free number, 1-800-836-7630.

Of course, there is still time for anyone wishing to make a tax-deductible gift to help people in their own community. They may send their gift to: The Salvation Army, Empire State Division, P.O. Box 148, 200 Twin Oaks Drive, Syracuse, N.Y. 13206. Just indicate on your check where you would like the funds to be used. Also, if there is anyone interested in serving on the local service unit committee, please contact me at 1-877-764-7259.

Thank you so much and may God bless you and keep you safe during the New Year!

Rick Damore

Salvation Army Service Unit Representative

Delaware, Greene, Herkimer, Madison, Montgomery, Otsego, and Schoharie Counties.