Vandals are cowards

Once again vandals have hit the First Lutheran Church on Arneill Road. Yes, on the evening of Sun., July 12 or in the early morning hours of the 13th, unknown individuals broke a lock on a gate, ripped up stakes holding soontobe harvested vegetables, threw beer cans and bottles on the ground and badly damaged a friendship garden sign.

This is not the first incident of damage to property of this church. Graffiti has appeared on a number on occasions on some of the buildings located on the property, and each time money must be spent to make repairs.

Several months ago members of the congregation established a community garden at the rear of the church. Since then crops have flourished, thanks to a dedicated number of people who have planted seeds, weeded and watered peppers, peas, tomatoes, corn, radishes, onions, squash and other vegetables.

Children from the preschool located on the church campus learned about gardens and planted seeds so that they can learn important lessons about food sources. When the garden crops are ready, members pick the produce and donate these items to local food banks to assist families who are less fortunate.

The friendship garden sign was created to identify a small section of the First Lutheran Church community garden. Members of the Happy Friends Club, all teens and adults with mental and physical challenges, carefully and lovingly planted seeds and small plants so that they too could nurture and enjoy herbs and flowers in this wonderful community where we live.

Now the sign is ruined and although it can be replaced it will be difficult for these special citizens to understand why there are malicious and uncaring individuals who only want to damage and destroy nature and property.

It is my sincere hope that the persons who participated in this needless and senseless activity will read this letter and think seriously about their actions.

If you have to party somewhere, please go someplace else. Jean McGuire Somis