Danielle Conway has cancer. It has spread, and she's in the hospital again (as this is written). Her insurance runs out this week, Jan. 1, and she is going through another round of chemotherapy, which, unfortunately, she may be allergic to. Danielle has two children, one in high school, the other in grade school.
Why, you ask, are we telling you this? Well, we know she will need help, and soon, and, as soon as it's set up, we will tell you about an account for donations and a benefit to help her as well. In the meantime, her mother, Norma Conway (who has been active in many community causes), is on leave from her job at the Nuclear Waste Projects office to help care for Danielle and her family, while postponing a second back surgery that she needs for herself.
These are great people who are literally fighting for their lives. So we are asking any state workers who may have excess sick leave to contact Cathy Sack in the NWP office at 687-3744 and donate catastrophic leave to Norma to help keep her going. And if you have time to pray for them, they could surely use that, too. Many thanks to you all.
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We hope your Christmas was a merry one, and that you got what was coming to you (now that's open to interpretation). People getting older this week are Jonni Moon, Karen Hinton and Marty Tate. After this week's festivities, at least let them eat cake.
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Bobby Patterson has a bone to pick with people who pronounce Saliman Street "Solomon." The street is named after the late Carson High band instructor, Al Saliman, who was so well liked in this community. Remember it's SAL-a-mun; not SOL-o-mun (like the king). And we wonder if the CUB Country radio station that's been advertising on TV lately realizes that Carson City (where all their video was shot) is in EAGLE Valley, not Carson Valley like they're saying. Or if they really mean to target Carson Valley, shouldn't they have filmed it down there? Hmmmmm? Just wondering.
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Nice people: Nancy Carnahan and Paula Morton put together a party at the NDOT Planning Division to benefit families recommended by Seeliger School. They raised $900 by raffling off beautiful baskets and accepting donations and food from the people in the department. They were only two of the many people and groups in Carson City who went out of their way this Christmas to help those in need. It's one of the reasons we know Carson City is a good place to live.
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A "get well soon" to Al Nicholson; congratulations to new NDOT director, Susan Martinovich; and a question to the "laborers" (no union shown) holding up the "Shame on Metcalf Builders" signs on Roop Street. Seems to us, in a "right to work" state, they could be more advantageously used by the union putting them on a job, than just standing there doing nothing. Plus, it's cold out there.
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FISH is known for helping the needy with food, clothing and housing. However, when you are looking for things to donate, please think of personal hygiene products like toothpaste and toothbrushes, deodorant, razors, feminine hygiene products, etc. They are needed a lot.
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Bruce Smith let us know that this coming week is National Mental Health Care week (at least in his mind), and that "you can do your part by remembering to contact at least one unstable person to show you care." He says his job is now done. (M thinks that "one" is the Big C ... on the other hand.)
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To bicycle riders: If you want to be considered "a pedestrian," WALK your bike across the street in the crosswalk, but DON'T expect us to stop if you're riding across the crosswalk, because then you are considered a "vehicle," and if you're run over and not obeying the rules, tough luck. Consider us "piqued." And learn some turn signals while you're at it.
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Connie Lord tells us about a couple listening to "a weather forecaster saying that there would be 8-10 inches of snow today in Kansas. 'You must park your car on the even-numbered side of the street, so the snowplows can get through.' The good wife went out and moved the car. A week later, the weatherman said there would be 10-12 inches of snow, and to park on the odd-numbered side. Again, the wife went out and moved the car. Two weeks later, it was announced that there would be 12-14 inches of snow, but just then the power went out, and the wife got very upset. 'How do I know what to do? Which side of the street should I park on?' The husband looked at his wife patiently and lovingly, and said, 'Honey, why don't you just leave it in the garage this time?'"
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George W. Bush "doesn't want to be rushed" on Iraq. Why should he care ... he's not in the fray. Why not ask those who are fighting about "being rushed"? Maybe if he were actually leading troops into battle, he'd hum a different tune. But then, we jest.
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May the new year be good to you and yours; may there be someone with a workable plan to get us out of this mess in Iraq; and the best resolution of all is "Peace on earth to men of good will (or "good will to men," depending on which Bible you read). HAPPY NEW YEAR!
• Carolyn Tate and Maizie Harris Jesse are longtime Carson City residents. Write to them at editor@nevadaappeal.com.