Letters: Readers endorse candidates for State College council, school board and more

Editor’s note: The Centre Daily Times welcomes letters endorsing candidates in the May 18 primary election and will accept letters that are received by May 10. Letters are subject to editing, must be based on facts and should avoid attacks on other candidates.

Meals on Wheels finds solutions

There was a time late in the lives of my parents when they relied on their local Meals on Wheels program to help them live independently a few extra years in their own home. I have never forgotten the impact the program had on them. It is why today I enthusiastically support the State College Area Meals on Wheels program with my time and money. It’s personal.

During this pandemic the challenges for the program have been significant. As a board member I am proud to say the employees, volunteers and donors have embraced these challenges.

When some basic foods were difficult to obtain, solutions were found. When we had to cut back on volunteers working in person more solutions were found. When we had to reduce direct contact with clients a telephone contact system was created to stay in touch with those who often live alone.

We also prepared grocery bags to help clients with basic needs beyond daily food deliveries. And we collected hundreds of books and distributed them to help entertain those who could no longer safely leave home.

On May 11 and 12 the annual Centre Gives program will help us raise funds for State College Area Meals on Wheels.

If you have the ability to help our clients please keep them in mind during Centre Gives (https://centregives.org) or any time of the year. And if you need our services or know someone who can benefit get in touch with us directly at: https://scmow.2stayconnected.com.

Dauler, Filippelli most qualified candidates

Experience, ability, commitment, and energy with stability are four words that describe Cathy Dauler and Ron Filippelli as the most qualified candidates for election to State College Borough Council. Working with both on council for an extended period of time – 14 years with Cathy and six years with Ron – verifies this statement. Their willingness to return to council at an unprecedented time in the history of State College Borough shows commitment beyond the call. None of their very strong abilities to serve have waned over their years of participation. Both have been chosen by the council members as president of council and chairs and members of many boards and committees serving the communities.

Cathy and Ron will not only be able to address and further improve usual functions of council of planning and zoning, public works, police services, health policies, and financial policy but be a positive voice in making rational decisions on newer areas of concern. Promotion of full participation by all segments of the community and considering all points of view before making decisions are high priorities.

For these reasons, Cathy Dauler and Ron Filippelli are the candidates whom I would urge you to choose as Borough Council members for the next four years.

Anderson prepared for school board role

I got to know Deborah Anderson when we served together on the Ferguson Township Elementary PTO and have always found her to be incredibly organized, well-informed, and willing to lend a hand. She joined the Mount Nittany Middle School PTO as her children got older, and she’s been involved with several booster clubs relating to their activities.

I am thrilled that she has announced her candidacy for the State College Area School District Board of Directors.

Throughout the pandemic, Deborah has been a trusted source of school-related information. She started attending school board meetings long before deciding to run for the board. She’s made it a priority to listen to both sides of every issues and develop informed opinions and I am confident that she will make decisions in the best interests of every student in the district.

Deborah has a Ph.D. in labor economics, which contributes to her understanding of budgets and her commitment to using resources efficiently and effectively.

While I appreciate her academic background and her long history of volunteerism, what really stands out for me is that Deborah is kind and principled and values truth and compassion for everyone. She’s been a part of several district-wide ad-hoc committees and has made it a priority to attend meetings for the Culture, Climate and Learning Committee. She is unquestionably prepared for this new role!

On May 18, I hope everyone will join me to vote for Deborah Anderson for State College Area School District Board of Directors.

Grateful for Moshannon Valley Pharmacy

In these days of COVID-19, many people deserve recognition.

My husband and I would like to express our thanks to the outstanding team at the Moshannon Valley Pharmacy in Philipsubrg. The past year has been difficult for everyone but throughout it all, this group of professionals has provided information, guidance and care with a smile and positive outlook.

When the vaccines became available, they were an invaluable partner to us and made sure we were vaccinated and well informed. This is no surprise because they have taken care of our pharmaceutical needs for many years.

We are blessed to have this team of caring professionals in our small town.

Compassion or virtue signaling?

The other day I was feeling compassionate and decided to drive into town to gather a few homeless souls into my car. I drove them to a neighbor’s place and promised them they could get help there. I suppose I should have told my neighbors or even made sure they were home, but I drove off reassuring the misfortunate strangers that they were in good hands, and feeling pretty good about myself.

Just kidding of course. But I wonder, if I were for open borders and I left the care giving to someone else (“Uncle Sam”) rather than taking a personal stake in it somehow (perhaps even adopting one of these precious children), would I be exhibiting compassion or virtue signaling?