Dateline Dayton — With a shooting here similar to the one in Ferguson, I am thankful we have not experienced any of their unrest and violence True, the man here had a rifle, an air rifle. Because he had a weapon, possibly folks here feel, to a degree, police were justified in taking down the young man.

I am not for shoot-to-kill. I believe police must use caution. Based on what I have read, I support the police in this case.  In Ferguson, too many versions of events have been told. I must withhold my opinion.

It appears that Ferguson, described as a nice, middle class suburb of St. Louis, needs to undergo soul searching since the community is 70 percent black, with little representation on the police force and in the city administration. 

You must question how this poor representation came about. Were the majority not interested in their community until The Shooting?  How many demonstrators and looters are even from Ferguson?

I often have questioned why persons destroy their own communities.  An organized protest is one thing. I have participated in them. But outright destruction of another's property obviously is wrong.

Down on the Farm

The Learning Tree Farm, of which I am board president, has been has been keeping us busy.

Years ago we applied for a State of Ohio program, to ensure our acreage always will be preserved as green space.  Finally we have closed in on our first application and the second that will close next week. This will  allow us to purchase additional acreage and a home adjacent to the property.

The board found it necessary to eliminate the position of Executive Director, due to our financial situation.  Raising funds has become a real challenge, with foundations being very selective in their grants.

That subtraction necessitated reorganizing the staff. 

These changes required me and other board members to meet with our attorney, to draft a separation agreement, two meetings of the executive and finance committees and two special board meetings, along with a staff meeting.

Now we must concentrate our efforts on the farm's next event, Autumn Fest, which will take place at the farm, on the last Saturday of September.  A free event, we do sell food and we have a Cow Plop Contest to raise funds.

Happy Holiday

Pauline and I are going to get away for a few days over next week and Labor Day.