Letters: Grateful for kindness of strangers; Harris deserves honors at Penn State

Grateful for kindness of strangers

To those that say consideration and kindness are quaint traits of a bygone era, allow me to add this anecdote to the other side of the ledger: last Sunday — as you recall, a very cold Sunday — I was shopping with my elderly father-in-law when he tripped on the curb and fell in a very awkward position to the sidewalk, pinned between pillar and post, with one hand stuck in his jacket pocket beneath him. Within three seconds we were surrounded by strangers offering aid and assistance. To the woman who asked if it was needed and then quickly called 911 from her cell, to the off-duty EMT, doctor, and nurse who stopped to check vitals and consciousness, to the woman who unbidden brought us a blanket from her vehicle, to the Kohl’s manager who brought a pillow and heavy blanket from the store, to the Ferguson Township police officer who arrived hastily and stayed with us until the three Centre Life Link EMTs arrived within 13 (very cold) minutes, to those same EMTs, and to all the many strangers who slowed or stopped to see if we were OK, to all of you, we are grateful and say thank you, for your consideration, professionalism, and respect. My father-in-law is fine — bruised, achy, and shook up, but fine. He sends his regards and hopes he or some other stranger pays your kindness forward when anyone, anywhere reaches out for help.

Harris deserves honors at Penn State

Franco Harris was an example to all the Penn State community. In addition to his incredible athletic ability, he stayed loyal to Penn State throughout his stellar professional career and the school’s positive reputation grew because of him here and all over the world. For that reason I urge the trustees to honor his memory by naming a major building on campus after him.

Support for Schlow is vital

I have lived in Halfmoon Township for 24 years. I love this community and the willingness to support one another. We don’t agree on everything, but we don’t have to. We celebrate our differences.

The PA Duties of Supervisors states that the board of supervisors shall “secure the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of the township.”

Libraries help the welfare of our citizens. Andrew Carnegie intended public libraries to become instruments of change — important institutions — as vital as police, fire stations, and public schools.

Supervisor Servello has complained about other townships not supporting the fire department at the level Halfmoon does. If Halfmoon Township pulls out of Schlow library we will be doing what Supervisor Servello has complained about, making other municipalities carry our weight. The impact will affect the entire Centre Region.

Halfmoon should be proud that 67% of the households have at least one library card.

Schlow contributes to the health and well being of the entire region. During the pandemic, I taught my classes in the parking lot of Schlow because the internet in my area is unstable.

The Bookmobile, which circulates material from Schlow, distributed over 1,000 items to township residents. During the same time, over 2,000 items have been circulated to residents via the pickup lockers at Way’s. These services increase the library’s accessibility.

Our township has a surplus over $300,000. We can support Schlow and the fire departments and EMTs because they are necessities vital to our community.