Letters to the Editor

Inaugural Women's Ministries event a success

To the Editor:

The Center for Women's Ministries wishes to thank the communities of Cloverdale and Greencastle for their assistance in our recent fundraiser the inaugural Chili Dinner and Purse Auction.

The event was a tremendous success and the center thanks each person who came to enjoy the food, music and fun auction.

The generosity of each person who came and participated will help us in our endeavors to share Christ's love in the community and to help continue our programs at the Center. For information on Bible studies or free peer counseling, please call, 765-795-6774.

We give a special thank you to Bobbie Lancaster, Jeff Rich and Cloverdale United Methodist Church. Without your help the event would not have been as successful or enjoyable; your talents added so much.

We wish to extend thanks to the following people and businesses who made donations and contributed: Cloverdale Drugs, Chicago Pizza, Tom and Marty Rossman, Boulder Designs, The Purple Cow, Marcy's Jewelry, Shuee's, Silver Bell Florist, Cheryl Hall, Kim Pieper Photography, Heather Fauvergue, Island Sun, Summer Breeze, Cloverdale Barber Shop, Cloverdale Storage, Bill and Shirley Imel, Arby's Cloverdale, Karen's Café, J.R. and Ginger Scott, Buffalo Wild Wings, Miranda Heavin, Terry Noble, Dairy Castle, Jennifer Courtney, Almost Home, Hoosier Topics, The Banner Graphic, WREB, Pam Bryant, McDonald's Cloverdale and Greencastle, Cloverdale Antiques, Kroger and Walmart.

Brenda Reed, Director

Pat Birkemeier, Assistant Director

Julie Goss, Fundraiser Chairperson

Jama Hostetler, Fundraiser Chairperson

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Sunshine Week shines light on FOIA

To the Editor:

Sunshine Week, March 15-21, marked an annual nationwide discussion about access to public information and the important role that we -- the public -- have in keeping our communities healthy, vibrant and strong.

It has been nearly 50 years since the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), which grants any person the right to access information from our federal government, was signed into law. FOIA plays a critical role in making our government more open and transparent by shedding sunlight on our government, and empowering citizens to strengthen and improve it.

Open government is the cornerstone of effective government, and a key ingredient in fostering the public's trust.

We all have the right to know what our government is doing -- both its successes and failures. Exercising our right to know gives us power. It allows us to hold elected officials accountable on Election Day and beyond.

For decades, members of the League of Women Voters have acted as government watchdogs at the federal, state and local levels. We believe that transparency and accountability are in the interests of the government and citizens alike.

That's why the Greencastle League of Women Voters monitors local government meetings and works with elected officials, boards and commissions to ensure that the Indiana Open Door Law and Access to Public Records Act is being followed.

It is vital to ensure that all voices are heard as decisions are made about our community's future. Transparency and accountability are critical to a healthy and trusted government.

Leslie Hanson

Karen Martoglio

Co-presidents

Greencastle League of Women Voters