THANK YOU ...,
... to Joe Whittaker
Kudos…to Joe Whittaker, the station manager of the Garden City Post Office. During the hectic days before Christmas, Joe answered the post office phone (a real surprise to get a real, local person); he helped my daughter track a missing package sent weeks earlier. Then, on Christmas Eve, after the post office counter had closed, Joe was at the open “Dutch door” assisting last minute customers. With cellphone in hand, he called my local carrier, who was making her rounds in a local neighborhood, to inquire about another missing package my son was waiting for.
Frequently the only news we read about concerning the U.S. Postal Service is negative. Joe, and the rest of the staff at the Garden City Post Office, deserves our praise and thanks.
LINDA GOSSETT, Boise
... to gracious neighbor
A huge thank you to the true gentleman in our Rock Hampton Subdivision. A few weeks ago, I stepped outside in the early morning hours at “o dark thirty” (not zero) to fetch the morning paper from the mailbox. At the middle of the yard, I realized there was a large dog running back and forth across the street coming toward me. Can I make it back to the front door and wait, or do I brave it and hope he’s not hungry for an unprotected ankle? Then I hear a soft whistle and the dog is instantly sitting next his owner who is standing in the middle of the street patiently waiting for me to finish my errand.
I wanted to wave a thank you when arriving safely back at the front door, but thought less of the idea standing under the porch light with bed hair, no makeup and a bathrobe almost as old as I am.
I am so impressed with the gracious way in which he handled that little scenario and truly appreciate his kindness. Thank you again.
PAT DUSTIN, Boise
... to Diamond Heating
To the owner of Diamond Heating & Air,
A shout out of thanks goes to Diamond Heating & Air Conditioning servicing Ada and Canyon counties, when our granddaughter’s gas furnace went out two days before Christmas and as students, were unable to afford a new furnace. Our gratitude to this company for coming out after hours and installing a used part to enable the heater to work. Thank you for your generosity and kindness.
RICHARD AND ISABEL AIANI, Nampa
... to the Statesman
I’d like to recognize and give big thanks to the Idaho Statesman for its unending support for local nonprofit organizations. I’d also like to express my appreciation for the many caring and generous people in our community who answer when the Statesman calls for help.
I work for Children’s Home Society of Idaho. Recently, we were included in a story that highlighted the needs of local nonprofits working to provide a bit of Christmas to local kids and families. As a result, holiday donations at the Children’s Home quadrupled! We received stockings, toys, candy, stuffed animals, crayons, cookies, hot cocoa, health food bars, fruit snacks, and gift cards — enough to make 250 children and their families very happy.
The number of businesses, school classrooms, community groups, and individuals that walked through our doors baring gifts was inspiring and, at times, tear-jerking. We barely had enough room to store all of the donations! Santa was here to add even more cheer, so thanks to the happy man in the red suit, too.
Children’s Home Society is not the only nonprofit in the Valley to benefit from the collective generosity of our community. Hundreds are touched by you each day.
JOANNE TAYLOR, Boise
MAUREEN O’HARA
Welcome addition to Boise
What a wonderful surprise to pick up the Statesman and see a picture and story concerning Maureen O’Hara. People should realize how fortunate we all are to have a woman of her stature living in Boise. In my opinion, O’Hara is one of the great actresses of my generation. I have watched many of her movies. She was involved in a wide variety of roles throughout her acting career. I was never disappointed.
O’Hara has a tremendous singing voice. Every time I hear her sing, I recognize a unique talent. Many of her movies were built around the theme of human values; and that a family knows it must reach for its dreams.
O’Hara is part of a unique group that includes Sally Field, Julie Andrews, Debbie Reynolds, Meryl Streep and Katharine Hepburn.
They are “The Best of the Best.”
MIKE FRITZ, Boise
