Care Packages

Some local businesses have joined in with a church group to make Christmas brighter for 29 soldiers in the 101st Airborne deployed to Afghanistan from Fort Campbell, Ky. Women from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Danville started gathering items for the soldiers over the summer after one of the women visited the new Sam’s Club in Nicholasville and happened to see a similar effort being conducted for the soldiers by the Wilmore...

Like many fathers and mothers of military members deployed in war zones like Iraq and Afghanistan, Jonah and Diane Mitchell always look forward to any correspondence from their son, Capt. Jason Mitchell. But a recent newsletter sent out by Capt. Mitchell's company stopped Jonah Mitchell in his tracks as he read it. “It tore at my heart,” Jonah Mitchell said. Under his son's command are 160 soldiers who are lacking care packages filled with items that most people take for granted - items such as drink mixes, nuts, dried fruits and toiletries.

Soldiers from Jessamine County stationed in Iraq and also their comrades from other places were on West Jessamine High School students' Christmas shopping list this year. The Colts put together Christmas care packages for Jason Dale, Duane Jackson and other soldiers. "We do it to show them that we support them," said Richard Rothweiler, a student at West, whose brother, Andy, was in Iraq for three months before he was stationed in Washington. Lauren Savage, another student participating in the project, said that she felt very good while shopping for the care packages.

Much has been written about the hardship placed on wives as they try to maintain the family and home while their husbands are in Iraq. But what about the children? Just what are they thinking and doing with dad so far, far away? Little research is required to answer that question. At Stanford Elementary alone, four children - Chase Bastin, Kelly Bastin, Kali Ray and Roby Mullins - are living the next year without dad at home to hold their hands, hug them, read them a book, play ball or just simply to be there.

Three Masonic lodges in the area are banding together to send care packages to soldiers serving overseas and are asking the public to join in the effort. Franklin Lodge No. 28 in Danville, corner of Fourth and Smith streets, is hosting a public breakfast from 7-11 a.m. Saturday, with proceeds going to purchase items for the care packages. Lodge No. 104 in Lancaster is hosting a similar breakfast from 8 a.m.-noon April 12, and Perryville Lodge No. 209 will have its breakfast from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 26. During the breakfasts, the lodges will take in items donated by the public.

The Wilmore City Council and police department are looking for residents who may want to “adopt a soldier.” For residents who are interested, care packages would be sent to the Bravo Company of the 101st Airborne Division, which is under the command of local Capt. Mark Van Horn. Adopting a soldier requires residents to write letters and send cards and care packages. The name and rank of each soldier is available. If you are interested call the Wilmore Police Department at 859-858-8955.

Spec. Garrett Wilkerson and Spec. Cole Dulski are currently serving in Afghanistan. During their deployment, they have missed many of the things Americans take for granted such as the Olympics, football, and the historic presidential election. The men are thankful for the many care packages they've received during their deployment

Dear Editor: I would like to take the time to thank the whole community for the support and prayers for SSG Barry Holt and his recovery. The cards, letters, phone calls, care packages, thoughts and prayers have meant so much. I also would like to let all of our soldiers know how proud we are of them and thank them for their support and love. Especially those who are in our family, Lance Cpl. Nick Noland, U.S. Marines; and Cpl. Cody Harris, and his wife, Cpl. Karen Harris, U.S. Air Force.

PERRYVILLE — A wish to create a community-based event has evolved into a full-fledged festival honoring veterans and supporting soldiers. Red, White & Bluegrass, hosted by Main Street Perryville, will happen Saturday and feature a variety of goings-on. Kayla Alcorn, chair of the promotional committee for Main Street Perryville, said she and Main Street Perryville Executive Director Vicki Goode were bouncing around ideas for an event in the community. They alit on the idea of celebrating veterans and decided a time near Independence Day would be ideal.

A youth group reunion has turned into a two-day event this year, culminating in the first annual "Take Me Back" conference, sponsored by The Angel Network of Bluegrass Inc. Rosalyn Wilson, event host and founder of The Angel Network of Bluegrass Inc., says the free activities Friday and Saturday need both participants and volunteers. On Friday, "Angels Care Day" runs from noon to 5 p.m., with a "Night of the Arts" 7:30-9:30 p.m. in Grow Hall at the Kentucky School for the Deaf.

Annual STRIDE¿Concert and Auction is today The annual STRIDE Concert and Auction is today at Ron and Judy Tierney's warehouse, 4475 Rockwell Road. Gates will open at 6:30 p.m. with music starting at 7:30. Tickets are $25 a person and can be purchased at the door, or Bypass Liquors and Court Street Gifts. Auction items this year include trips to Pigeon Forge, Tenn., Charleston, S.C., and Sanibel Island, Fla. They also include Cincinnati Reds and Bengals tickets, and University of Kentucky basketball and football tickets.

Like many fathers and mothers of military members deployed in war zones like Iraq and Afghanistan, Jonah and Diane Mitchell always look forward to any correspondence from their son, Capt. Jason Mitchell. But a recent newsletter sent out by Capt. Mitchell's company stopped Jonah Mitchell in his tracks as he read it. “It tore at my heart,” Jonah Mitchell said. Under his son's command are 160 soldiers who are lacking care packages filled with items that most people take for granted - items such as drink mixes, nuts, dried fruits and toiletries.

PERRYVILLE — A wish to create a community-based event has evolved into a full-fledged festival honoring veterans and supporting soldiers. Red, White & Bluegrass, hosted by Main Street Perryville, will happen Saturday and feature a variety of goings-on. Kayla Alcorn, chair of the promotional committee for Main Street Perryville, said she and Main Street Perryville Executive Director Vicki Goode were bouncing around ideas for an event in the community. They alit on the idea of celebrating veterans and decided a time near Independence Day would be ideal.

Extension office hosts Zumba marathon   A marathon of Zumba will be 2-3:30 p.m. Saturday at the Boyle County Cooperative Extension Service Office, 99 Corporate Drive.  Admission is $6 in advance, $8 at the door. Tickets are available at JustGottaZumba@yahoo.com or by calling the extension office at (859) 236-4484. Instructors are Annette Cheek, Erica Sexton and Donnie Duncan.  A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the 4-H project “Rubba-Dub-Dub” in which kids put together care packages for other children in need at Sunrise Children’s Home.

Some local businesses have joined in with a church group to make Christmas brighter for 29 soldiers in the 101st Airborne deployed to Afghanistan from Fort Campbell, Ky. Women from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Danville started gathering items for the soldiers over the summer after one of the women visited the new Sam’s Club in Nicholasville and happened to see a similar effort being conducted for the soldiers by the Wilmore...

The Wilmore City Council and police department are looking for residents who may want to “adopt a soldier.” For residents who are interested, care packages would be sent to the Bravo Company of the 101st Airborne Division, which is under the command of local Capt. Mark Van Horn. Adopting a soldier requires residents to write letters and send cards and care packages. The name and rank of each soldier is available. If you are interested call the Wilmore Police Department at 859-858-8955.

Spec. Garrett Wilkerson and Spec. Cole Dulski are currently serving in Afghanistan. During their deployment, they have missed many of the things Americans take for granted such as the Olympics, football, and the historic presidential election. The men are thankful for the many care packages they've received during their deployment

by Scena Ann Petrey "My name is written on His heart. No tongue can bidd'st me depart. My soul is purchased with His blood. He is the great Unchangeable 'I Am'. " Cherie Martin sang these words in a special on Sunday, March 1. It is comforting to know that He is always there, always listening, always supplying everything we need in life! Jason Gibson brought the message Sunday morning on "Encounters with God. " He began by saying that God can encounter our problems and situations and give us hope.

I was in the Northern Kentucky Airport a few weeks ago on my way to Washington and saw three of our young men in uniform in the terminal, potentially on their way to Iraq. As the soldiers passed the gates, fresh-faced and camouflage-covered, one man in the terminal quietly turned off his cell phone and started to clap. As others noticed, one by one, a wave of people started to clap, turning one man's small gesture into moving, general applause. More than 16,000 Kentuckians have served in the current conflicts since September 2001, and this month is the perfect opportunity to show our support for these brave men and women in uniform.