Your Opinions

#ThankYouOneida

On the Sunday before Thanksgiving, neighbors gathered to share their thanks for the amazing people and places in their community. Guests were invited to write down what they were thankful for in their community. Following the ecumenical worship service, hosted by the Oneida Area Council of Churches at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, everyone’s thank yous were compiled into the following: Thank You Oneida for… the amazing local business owners, supportive co-workers, having a free place where families and children can play, many opportunities to share musical gifts and local musical and arts programs, bike trails, churches, grocery stores, police and fire departments, plowed and paved roads, those who support the developmentally disabled, our schools, teacher and all those who are willing to take the time to work with our young people who are growing up in an ever changing world with so many challenges, those who give through donations of food and clothing, a great library who is always willing to help, thoughts and caring neighbors, the smiles of greeting, local food pantries, flower pots in the summer, the Rec Center, the local hospital and excellent care after an accident, a restaurant that is like family, beautiful walking and horseback riding trails, first responders that are quick in action, strong in heart and amazing at what they do.

“I love this city. It is a great place to raise children, and there are so many nice people. We have been here over 30 years and still love it.”

Now share your own words of thanks this week using the #ThankYouOneida.

For more information you can reach Pastor Abigail Browka of Oneida First and St. Paul’s UMC in Oneida at 315) 636-0225 or PastorAbigail1@gmail.com

Worship service was Sunday, Nov. 19 at 7 p.m. at St. Paul’s UMC 551 Sayles St. and featured the Oneida Area Civic Chorale.

Many blessings, Pastor Abigail Browka, Uniting in Ministry: Oneida First & St.

Paul’s UMC

Tenney must oppose cuts to hospital funding

Even during challenging economic times, our hospitals have remained steady and dependable employers for thousands of people in our region. Planned cuts to DSH payments and new tax deduction rules jeopardize the wellbeing of many of our local hospitals and health centers, especially those serving low- and middle-income families.

What happens to our hospitals without this federal support? Some may be at risk of closing or merging with larger hospitals. Others will soldier on, even if funding challenges leave them understaffed and overstretched.

We can’t allow GOP lawmakers to cut funds for our hospitals just to extend tax breaks to their wealthy donors. Rep. Tenney campaigned on the promise of creating more jobs, yet her actions suggest the very opposite. We need her to vocally oppose cuts to the hospitals that keep our local economy going and ensure our hospitals get the full support they need by the end of this year.

Kathy Glickman, Whitesboro

Hospice a beacon of light to families

My husband, mother, and my nephew were cared for by Hospice when they were dying, and I will be eternally grateful for the support and care they gave to them and to me. Hospice helped us focus on living as fully as possible and by giving us more meaningful moments together. As they all died, I realized that I wanted to pass on some of that love and support — so I became a Hospice volunteer with Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc.

Hospice and Palliative Care combines the highest level of quality medical care with the emotional and spiritual support that families need most when facing the end of life. Trained volunteers are essential members of the care team and there are more than 125 volunteers in our community along with more than 400,000 volunteers throughout the country bringing comfort, love and respect to those in need. I would like to encourage others to become a Hospice volunteer.

When I arrive at someone’s home to provide support to them, I feel good that I’m making time for others. But I get a lot out of it, too. I have met wonderful families; I’ve been privileged to hear fascinating stories; I’ve shared laughter and companionship at a time when those things are not always easy to find.

November is National Hospice Palliative Care Month, an important time to help others understand the important resource we have in our community. In 2016, Hospice & Palliative Care served 867 patients and their families in Oneida, Herkimer, and Eastern Madison counties. Hospice also provides bereavement support to the patient’s caregiver for 13 months after the patient passes. It’s never too early for a family to learn about the services Hospice can provide. For more information about hospice services, or to become a volunteer, please call Hospice at (315) 735-6484 or 1-800-317-5661. Mary Jane Baird, Utica, Hospice

& Palliative Care volunteer