Letters to the Editor

Ireland got it right

with no smoking

To the Editor:

St. Patrick's Day is fast approaching for all of us who celebrate being Irish or who just want to celebrate! Ireland definitely has something to celebrate -- it was the first country in the world to become 100% smokefree on 29 March 2004.

Yes, Ireland -- home of the friendly town pubs. Smoking is banned in enclosed or more than 50% enclosed public places and workplaces (including all bars, cafés and restaurants). Designated smoking rooms are not allowed.

The main purpose of Ireland's Smokefree at Work legislation was and is to protect workers and the general public from exposure to secondhand smoke.

In contrast, Indiana legislators last week passed one of the weakest smokefree laws in the Midwest, and one of the worst in the nation. In essence, our legislators have said that some, but not all, workers' health is important. Tens of thousands of Hoosier workers will still be left unprotected from harmful secondhand smoke.

What does this mean for Greene County? That our work is not done. Greene County Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Coalition continues to support strong smokefree indoor air policies that provide a safe and healthy environment for all workers. In the weeks to come, we will develop a plan of action to work with employers regarding compliance and enforcement. We will continue to provide information on quitting tobacco to employees. And, we will continue to provide assistance to employers and government leaders who wish to adopt an individual or local smokefree clean indoor air policy.

For individuals who are ready to quit tobacco, professional quit coaches at the Indiana Tobacco Quitline are ready to help. Call 1-800-QUIT NOW (1-800-784-8669) or visit the website at www.IndianaQuitline.net.

Nancy Cummings

Coordinator

Greene Co. Tobacco Prevention

and Cessation

Bloomfield

Hasler family

appreciates support

To the Editor:

No words can convey our gratitude to our wonderful family and friends for all you did during the time of June's illness and death.

Thank you for your prayers, for being with us at her visitation at Welch & Cornett Funeral Home and during her service at Saron Church, for all the beautiful cards and flowers, for the contributions to Saron Church or the Community Food Pantry, for the food given to the family, and for all other kindnesses.

We are especially grateful to the Revs. Mike and Erica Roth and our church family for the delicious meal they provided.

We hold all of you very close to our hears.

Warmly,

The family of June Hasler

Delmar Hasler, Randy and Sharon Hasler, Rodney and Beth Hasler and families

Thank you for

birthday wishes

To the Editor:

To all my friends and family I would like to thank you for my amazing 65th birthday party.

The wishes, gifts and cards were and are greatly appreciated. I am truly blessed and may Gold bless all of you.

Thank you so much,

Marsha Rawley

Worthington