‘Balers and Their Fans Showed Spirit and Class at Title
Match
‘Balers and Their Fans Showed Spirit and Class at Title Match
Editor,
I had the wonderful opportunity to attend the Girls’ Volleyball NorCal Championship match on Nov. 28.
Congratulations to the ‘Baler Volleyball team for advancing to a match that was so close to the state finals.That level of success was a first for SBHS volleyball and I believe a first for any SBHS team competing in head-to-head competition.
They are a very talented squad. Coach Dean Askansas and the players have much to be proud of.
I am also proud of the ‘Baler fans who comported themselves with dignity, grace, and class.Parents, students, friends, administrators, and teachers were all respectful before, during and after the match.
Congratulations also to the Foothill team on their victory and the Foothill fans for a spirited showing of support for their team.
When the medals were being awarded after the match, the Foothill fans cheered especially loud as Emily Kortsen received her medal (she had performed very well with an amazing 29 kills).That was classy.
What occurred that night represented what is great about high school sports – a close match, spirited fans, sportsmanship.
Thank you to everyone involved for creating a superb sporting event.
Charles Schallhorn
Hollister
Abandoned By His Family, Friend Died of Broken Heart
Editor,
A dear, longtime friend died recently. He died of a broken heart. He was a beautiful old man, always and willing to help. His former teacher said he was the most beautiful and innocent child she has ever taught.
He lived in retirement with his wife, who like him, was in her golden years. Then one day his wife left their home to live a long way away with relatives. She never came back and my old friend was alone. Not long thereafter his children came and under the guise of taking their dad for a ride, they put him in a car and took him to a rest home and admitted him.
Out of his familiar surrounding and routine his days were long and lonely. He could not accept that his own family, the people who he had depended on to watch out for him in old age and adversity, would betray him. he remained there virtually unvisited until the holiday season when I was informed of his death.
Contrast this with a family whose children cared for their ailing mom in her own home for 16 years. When she died a child wrote that perhaps their care allowed them to have her for a few more days.
This holiday season, reflect on how you can keep family relationships open and healthy. A loving family is a blessing, it brings happiness and joy. It is a safety net of comfort that children need to grow and be normal.
Peter Frusetta
Tres Pinos
