letters to the editor

Miller Art Museum Serves Us Well

One of the reasons I moved to Door County back in the late 1960s was because of the way arts seemed to be woven into the community – something that I had not experienced elsewhere. I have not regretted that move, and, in fact, the rich tapestry of the arts here continues to grow.

When the Miller Art Museum was built, not only did it showcase the work of Gerhard Miller, one of the grand old men of art in the county, but it created a portal, a lens, through which we might see the varied work created here and throughout the region.

Now, I happen to believe that art sometimes exists to comfort the viewer, and I think that is fine, and I, in fact, am comforted. But I also believe that art must exist to challenge and, perhaps, to wrestle our minds out of our comfort zones and into seeing through that lens some work that makes us think hard, makes us laugh, cry and wonder.

It is in that light that I wish to thank the current staff and volunteers at the Miller for mounting shows that are not always “easy,” but are always, in my experience, rewarding to the viewer who enters with an open mind and heart.

Outdoor Shorts • Have some comments on the proposed draft wolf-management plan? Email them by the end of the month to DNRWildlifeSwitchboard@ wisconsin.gov, or use the link at dnr. wisconsin.gov/topic/wildlifehabitat/ wolfmanagementplan. That site will also have background information and a link to a recent public listening session.

• The Green Bay Boat Show runs through Sunday aft ernoon at the Resch Expo. Then Feb. 24-26, the Resch will host both the Wisconsin State Hunting Expo and SCI Hunter Expo.

• You can participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count through Monday. Learn more at birdcount.org.

Tips for Beginners

The DNR offers a variety of free informational emails and updates. The latest is a newsletter that will report opportunities to learn how to hunt, fish, trap or participate in recreational target shooting, and how you can volunteer or support these programs. Join the email subscriber list at public.govdelivery.com/ accounts/WIDNR/subscriber/new?topic_ id=WIDNR_1308.

New Shotshells Winchester Ammunition has launched an environmentally friendly shotshell, E-Tech, that uses wads made from biopolymers that are certified as home compostable. Over time, these plant-based wads will degrade into natural elements. So far the shells are offered in 12-gauge No. 6 steel shot or No. 7-1/2 lead.

“The wise man knows how to run his life so that contemplation is possible.”

GABRIEL MARCEL

Thank you, for you are truly public servants. You serve us well.

Ralph Murre Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin

A Magical Night

The candlelight hike at Newport State Park this past Saturday was truly a “magical night.”

People of all ages attended, and in particular, the number of children who hiked in the dark with their families was heartwarming. The candlelit trail wandered through beautiful woods and ended at the beach, where the park’s International Dark Sky status revealed the beauty of the stars and planets. What a night to be out in nature and connect with the forest and the sky. People were happy and grateful to be part of the wonder of Door County.

Mark Glasser President, Newport Wilderness Society Ellison Bay, Wisconsin

A Caring Community

I would like everyone to know that we have a very helpful and caring community here in Door County. On Jan. 7, I had an incident while cutting down a tree – and the tree won. I would like to thank the Jacksonport Fire Department, first responders and paramedics who helped me that day. Since that day, many have sent me cards, well wishes and prayers during my rehab. It’s very nice that we have such helpful and caring people here in Door County.

Thank you, one and all. May God bless you.

Alvin Scharrig Jacksonport, Wisconsin

And So It Goes

Well, it has been confirmed: the “ugly American” has returned. I read a quote recently that stated, “People with no shame do shameless things.” It sure was evident these last few weeks in the House of Representatives. All I can say is that if these are the Republicans who are supposed to be representing me and my fellow Americans, I think not. It appears that no respect, no integrity and lack of character is their new modus operandi. In my life of more than 70 years, I have seen much, but I have never been embarrassed for my country. Now what is happening in the House today is a circus. When did threatening, screaming and outright dishonesty become the norm? In other words, very little civility is practiced. What ever happened to listening to each other, compromising and generally being an educated adult? What have we become to accept this kind of behavior?

Philosopher Edmund Burke once said, “The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.” We have the power to change this; all we must do is show up and vote. Vote for people who represent us, the common man, people who care about the environment, people who care about justice for all, and most of all, people who represent our country with honor.

Carol Schmidt Baileys Harbor, Wisconsin