Letters to the Editor

Now is the time

to quit smoking

To the Editor:

By now, we have all heard about the dangers of secondhand smoke. For some, we've heard it so many times that we begin to tune out the information. But tuning out or ignoring a serious health problem does not make it go away.

Employees who work in businesses that allow smoking continue to infect their non smoking co-workers. Businesses that have "great" ventilation systems ignore HVAC's stand that there is no safe system which removes all the toxins from the air -- even when the tobacco odor is removed. Patrons of businesses that allow smoking are exposed to dangerous chemicals and carcinogens. Babies who are held by parents or family members who smoke are exposed to the toxins and face increased health risks, including asthma.

Greene County Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Coalition continues to work in this county toward the goal of healthier Hoosiers. We strongly endorse and advocate for comprehensive smoke free policies. We salute the 35 dining establishments and three public school corporations who have adopted such policies. And we continue to encourage those individuals to make the choice to quit using tobacco.

Recently health officials in partnership with MDwise Hoosier Alliance and ADVANTAGE Health Solutions launched the 2011 Quit Now Indiana Contest. The statewide contest is designed to encourage Hoosiers using tobacco products to make an attempt to quit now by offering them a chance to win cash prizes up to $2,500 for remaining tobacco-free for 31 days. To be eligible to win, contestants must be 18 years or older, a legal resident of Indiana, a current tobacco user and stay tobacco free from Oct. 1 through Oct. 31, 2011. The registration period is now until Sept. 30, 2011, (all entries must be received by midnight on Sept. 30, 2011). Contest winners will be drawn at random and will be tested to make sure they are tobacco-free to be eligible to claim a prize(s). The easiest way to register is online at INShapeIndiana.org and QuitNowIndiana.com.

Those who want to quit may also call the Indiana Quitline (1-800-QUIT-NOW) to receive free, confidential coaching on how to quit. The opportunities are available to help you quit -- the decision is yours. Won't you choose now to not only become a healthier you, but to improve the environment around you?

Nancy Cummings

Greene County Tobacco Prevention and Cessation

Bloomfield

Jerrell family appreciates support

To the Editor:

The family of Craig Jerrell would like to give special thanks to James Stone, James Meng and the staff at Anderson-Poindexter, Greene County General Hospital X-ray department, First Christian Church and all the family and friends for all the support, cards, food and flowers.

Thank you.

Ron and Jody Ferree

Dugger

Bill Jerrell, Mena and family

Dugger

Erica, Opie and Alexa Gage

Linton

Darla and Chuck Mason and family

Linton

Linton FD

did a great job

To the Editor:

I'd like to personally thank the Linton Fire Department for their quick response and the excellent way they handled the recent fire in my garage attic.

They approached this fire from all available angles and helped to contain it to the northwest corner of the garage and limit the damage to mainly the garage and its contents. It could have easily spread to my attached accounting office, to another garage four feet to the west, or even to my home.

Thanks for a job well done guys. We are very fortunate to have a full-time, professional fire department in our community.

Fred A. Place

Linton

Memorial service conducted

To the Editor:

A memorial was held for Dennis K. Buskirk on Sept. 3, 2011 at Worthington in an outdoor, country setting. Cliff Gano officiated the service with songs "I can only image" by Mercy Me and "Held" by Natalie Grant being played.

Chinese lanterns were lifted off in memory of Dennis. Dennis K. Buskirk was born Aug. 2, 1953 and entered into rest on Sept. 1, 2011 in Washington.

Hubert & Violet Buskirk

Lee & Cindy Buskirk

Lorrie & Leslie Driggers