To all who made donations of time and supplies re: refreshments, for the Veterans Grave Preservation Association "Clean-Up Project at Ellenville Cemetery", a big Thank You, especially Richard Constant who runs the Alternative Sentencing Program and is a member of the American Legion, for organizing and getting the help that started the clean-up. A rally for members will take place on Thursday Jan 28th if anyone is interested, please contact Laura Smith at the Ellenville Public Library and Museum.

Laura Smith
Wawarsing

Brian Rubin's letter to State Senator John Bonacic was right on with the science of what we know about homosexuality. Research published in the National Library of Medicine has confirmed that sexual orientation is natural, biologically induced in the first trimester of pregnancy, morally neutral, immutable, neither contagious nor learned and bearing no relation to an individual's ability to form deep and lasting relationships, to parent children, to work or to contribute to society.

The American Psychological Association states that homosexuality is normal and that homosexual relationships are normal.

The American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Psychological Association and the American Psychiatric Association have all endorsed civil marriage for same-sex couples because marriage strengthens the mental and physical health and the longevity of couples, and provides greater legal and financial security for children, parents and seniors.

When America's premier child and mental health associations and their expert panels endorse marriage equality, there is no moral or ethical reason to discriminate against gay people and their children, except ignorance or bigotry. Think of what you would want for yourself or your your family.

Kate O'Hanlan, MD
Portola Valley, CA

As 2009 draws to a close, the Napanoch Public Interest Group would like to remind everyone of the many successful events that we sponsored this past year. They include: Bake Sales; Meet & Greet Spaghetti Dinner; Car Show/ Block Party; Summer Concerts; Breakfast; Meet the Candidates; and the Annual Children's Christmas Party. We are looking forward to 2010 and urge everyone to join us at our meetings and gatherings. New members are encouraged to join.

A special thank you to the following: everyone who contributed to our sales or special events with baked goods; individuals and businesses who donated prizes for our raffles; Bill Winters for his donation of the beautiful painting; members of St. mark's Methodist Church; Dale Paes for appearance as "special guest" at our Christmas Party; all the members of the group who worked so hard to make this a year to remember.

An additional, huge Thank You to Linda and Joe Geiselhart, who will be retiring as board members after ten years of serving this group as board members and officers. They will still be members of our group and will continue to support us with our events.

Happy New Year.

Kay O'Conner
Napanoch Public Interest Group