Editor

Letters to the Editor

Why I vote no:

I enjoy the privilege of serving on Abbotsford’s city council. Depending on how closely you follow city proceedings, you may have noticed that I vote no on alcohol licenses. It’s not that I’m 100 percent opposed to alcohol. You see, in Scripture we’re told to be sober-minded and not to be “drunk with wine,” but alcohol isn’t strictly forbidden – only drunkenness is.

So why do I vote no on alcohol licenses? It seems to me that too many of our city’s problems involve alcohol and drugs, and police reports confirm this. For far too many, alcohol and drugs affects their health, marriages, children, and finances in significant ways.

The question is, how many people have to be affected by something before we do our part to make a difference? Can we pass the buck on our involvement if we are in some way contributors to the problem? What I mean is this: producers pass the buck by saying it is the consumer’s responsibility to “drink responsibly,” stores pass the buck by saying they are only selling and what people do with it is up to them, and so forth. But are producers, sellers, or city council members (like me, in this case) really innocent if we do nothing to curb what is obviously a growing problem?

That said, do I think I can change the world by voting no on alcohol licenses? Hardly. Yet, on the other hand, I don’t care to in any way be a contributor or enabler for something that is harmful to many. We’re always either influencing others in one direction or another. I hope this makes sense, explains where I’m coming from, and perhaps even encourages you too, to do what you can to make a difference.

Jeremiah Zeiset Abbotsford

Thanks for giving:

I am writing to thank Abbotsford-area residents for sharing the true meaning of Christmas with children in need this past holiday season.

Generosity throughout contributed to a successful shoebox gift collection season at drop-off locations for the Samaritan’s Purse project Operation Christmas Child. Across the U.S., the project collected over 9.3 million shoebox gifts in 2022. Combined with those collected from partnering countries in 2022, the ministry is now sending nearly 10.6 million shoebox gifts to children worldwide.

Through shoeboxes—packed with fun toys, school supplies, and hygiene items—Abbotsford-area volunteers brought joy to children in need around the world. Each gift-filled shoebox is a tangible expression of God’s love, and it is often the first gift these children have ever received. Through the continued generosity of donors since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 209 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 170 countries and territories. This year, Samaritan’s Purse delivered its milestone 200 millionth shoebox, which was packed on a country-wide tour and then handdelivered to a young girl in Ukraine.

Across Wisconsin, shoebox packers often shop for deals on shoebox items throughout the year, and many serve at a deeper level by becoming a year-round volunteer. Information about ways area participants can get involved year-round can also be found at samaritanspurse. org/occ or by calling 630-474-9478.

Although local drop‑off locations for gifts are closed until Nov. 13 – 20, 2023, anyone can still be a part of this lifechanging project by conveniently packing a shoebox gift online in just a few simple clicks at samaritanspurse.org/ buildonline.

These simple gifts, packed with love, send a message to children worldwide that they are loved and not forgotten.

Lizette Miller Samaritan’s Purse

Our Great North Woods:

Everyone has a story or memory about a favorite tree or forest. Whether climbing trees, jumping in leaf piles, touring fall colors, visiting forested campgrounds, or making maple syrup, trees are a big part of our northern way of life. It turns out that trees are also a naturebased solution to help address climate change. Trees absorb carbon, an important greenhouse gas, and currently, U.S. forests take up 12% of our carbon pollution. We could increase that amount to 22 percent by 2030 by carefully managing existing forests, and planting more trees.

These are great ideas, but one important issue needs consideration. Nonnative forest pests and diseases interfere with the ability of forests to absorb carbon. Insects like emerald ash borer beetles, spongy moths, and oak wilt are already in Wisconsin and worsening. Researchers have found that trees impacted by insect pests sequester or trap 69% less carbon than healthy ones, while trees suffering from disease sequester 28% less carbon. The combined impacts of current insects and diseases in the U.S. reduce carbon capture potential by 50 million tons annually - the same as the emissions produced by an astonishing 10 million cars!

So, what can you do as an individual? Take care of the trees and forests on your property to prevent spread. Learn how to identify and prevent forest health issues, and what to do with any problems found. Support local, state, and national efforts to maintain forest health with carbon sequestration as a goal.

Peggy Burkman Washburn