Bouquets and Brickbats Wreath program a way to honor our veterans

BOUQUETS>> To those who took time to place Christmas wreaths at the graves of veterans at Painesville’s Evergreen Cemetery. It was all part of Wreaths Across America, an event that takes places in more than 1,600 cemeteries across the United States.

The ceremonies are held every December to remember fallen veterans while honoring those who serve and teach children the value of the future, according the Wreaths across America’s website.

The Dec. 15 ceremony at Evergreen Cemetery began with a moment of silence followed by the presentation of colors by American Legion Post 336.

Ceremonial wreaths were placed in honor of the Nation’s Armed Forces. A wreath was also placed to honor POW/ KIAs.

Sandy Kocsis placed the POW/KIA wreath. Kocsis’ son James Robert Lemur was killed in action 18 years ago.

“My son sacrificed his life for our country and this is certainly something I would love to do as a memorial to him as well as every other veteran who has sacrificed their life,” Kocsis said.

We honor Lemur and others for their sacrifice and service. Programs like Wreaths Across America are another great way for us to show our gratitude and respect for our veterans.

BOUQUETS>> To United Way of Lake County and those who made the agency’s distribution of 18,605 pounds of food possible.

The food was purchased from funds donated during its annual spring Feed Lake County Food Drive and Fundraiser.

One in eight Lake County residents live with food insecurity, according to a UWLC news release. Inquiries for food rank No. 1 among all inquiries received at Lifeline’s 2-1-1 help hotline and website.

And year-to-date inquiries for food are up 14 percent over last year, the organization reports.

“Due to the opioid crisis, more and more seniors have become the primary caregivers for their grandchildren, and because they live on limited incomes, the food pantries have seen a rise in the number of seniors looking for help to make ends meet and feed their

Inquiries for food rank No. 1 among all inquiries received at Lifeline’s 2-1-1 help hotline and website.

families,” said Tami Lewis, UWLC’s director of marketing and communications.

Food distributed to nearly 50 local pantries included pasta, pasta sauce, mac and cheese, peanut butter and jelly, canned tuna, cream of mushroom soup, canned ravioli, green beans, peas, corn, kidney beans, canned fruit, apple sauce, cereal, pancake mix, syrup and apple juice.

From UWLC’s office at 9285 Progress Parkway in Mentor, volunteers from Lake-Geauga Recovery Centers’ Lake House helped by loading food into cars and trucks of each food pantry.

“We are focused on fighting hunger in Lake County, where 28,410 residents live with food insecurity,” said UWLC President and CEO Jennifer McCarty. “Our ability to help support our community’s food pantries speaks volumes about the generosity of our residents and organizations.”

Hear, hear.

BRICKBATS>> To 39-year-old Alvaro Torres and 36-year-old Heather Pica Torres of Willoughby.

A couple is being charged with cruelty to a companion animal after police alleged they abandoned their dog.

Willoughby police were dispatched to the area of St. Clair Extension east of Erie Road Dec. 4 for a dog running loose, according to a news release from the department.

Officers found the dog to be friendly, but afraid. The pit bull mix looked like it had been abandoned for days in the close to freezing weather. They were unable to catch the dog but contacted the Lake County Dog Warden for assistance.

Police officers checked on the dog several times with food before the dog warden was able to retrieve her. The dog was taken to the Lake County Dog Shelter and an online fund set up to help pay for the needed veterinarian services.

On Dec. 7 police got a tip the dog lived at a residence in the city. Officers were able to identify the owners as the Torreses.

The couple will have their day in court. But let this serve as a reminder to all. Pet ownership is a responsibility and all animals deserve to be treated humanely. Those who do not will face the consequences.