Growing interest in golf

To the editor -- As a member of the Fisher Park Task Force, I was pleased with the Yakima Herald-Republic's front-page story on May 1, outlining the challenges and proposed solutions to increase use of the golf course.

However, one detail was not mentioned. Yakima Parks and Recreation is partnering with The First Tee of Yakima (www.thefirst
teeyakima.org) to provide venues for First Tee's summer program.

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays, June 30-Aug. 18, The First Tee of Yakima will have exclusive use of Fisher Park. Kiwanis Park will also be used from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, June 24-Aug 19.

The two-hour sessions will accommodate up to 16 participants. Combined with eight sessions weekly at Suntides Golf Course, the program should introduce more than 250 Yakima youths to golf and its positive values.

While our motivation is to offer a youth character-development program based on golf, the net result will be an expansion of potential golfers. Fisher Park is already recognized as a wonderful course for junior, senior and beginning golfers, so it should benefit greatly from our efforts. These new golfers might also bring family members to the game and to Fisher Park. The resultant positive publicity will surely help Fisher as well.

DEL RANKIN

Executive/Program Director

The First Tee of Yakima

The rest of the story

To the editor -- I found Monday's article concerning the ongoing Donald-Wapato Road wrecking yard site to be deficient.

"The rest of the story" should have included that the site visit was done at the request of the county to consider all concerns. Yakima County is considering placing "green" site improvements along both roadways, which aren't required but deemed prudent. These improvements are possible by Paul McDonald's willingness to donate some his adjacent top soil and water for landscaping. In addition, Mr. McDonald plans to plant wine grapes between the yard site and the roadway to further the "Tuscany theme."

The article, "Wrecking yard opponents fight on," states, "They allege that ballooning costs for the deal constitute illegal gifting of public funds." There are no ballooning costs or illegal gifting. Our dedicated costs are for operational and environmental enhancements. It states: "Having failed to get a response from the county." Opponents did get an evaluated county legal response with which they did not agree. Thus they initiated a lawsuit to which we will respond.

All commissioner decisions are made after extensive consideration of all county constituents, not just a select few.

MIKE LEITA

Yakima County Commissioner

Master Gardener Week

To the editor -- The trumpets have sounded! The proclamation has been read! This week is Washington state Master Gardener Week, and in Yakima County they are going strong!

We are a group of volunteers who take classes each year and then return that information in several ways to the backyard gardeners of the area. We write a column that can be read right here in the Yakima Herald-Republic every other Sunday. We man a clinic as part of extension where you can call us or bring in your gardening problems, and we can be proud that the nationally known magazine Master Gardener is published right here.

We also are proud of our demonstration garden located at the Ahtanum Youth Park, and you can find us there each Tuesday morning. We will have our first free class of the growing season Saturday, May 17, at 10 a.m. and the topic is vegetable gardening. We will give away free tomato plants to the first 20 who come.

Call us at 574-1600 or come see us at the clinic or garden and we will answer your questions from aphids to zinnias. Hooray for Master Gardeners!

DIANA PIETI

Selah

Voice of the Faithful

To the editor -- Faithful Catholic publishers denounce groups like Voice of the Faithful. CRISIS Magazine stated, "Make no mistake, VOTF is a wolf in sheep's clothing. And it's using this tragedy in our church to advance its own political and theological agenda."

However, Catholic publications with a commitment to dissent, like the National Catholic Reporter, put VOTF in a positive light. Faithful publishers blame the sex scandal on a lack fidelity to Christ and his church on the part of priests and bishops -- a lack of faith. They urge greater faith and renewal. However, the publishers and groups interested in dissent blame the structure of the church itself. For them, power is the issue.

When asked why church leaders are wary of VOTF, founder Jim Muller said, "Groups don't willingly give up power. I would argue the hierarchy would be better off sharing power. There would be more power ... We want a hybrid Church with Congress-like structures for the laity at all levels, from parishes up to the international level" (The Enquirer, August, 2003).

The dissidents think power is the answer. The faithful believe greater faith in Jesus Christ is the answer.

VINCENT MALZAHN

Granger