Music unlocks memories for Alzheimer’s patient

A few weeks ago, while visiting my sister at Saint Anne’s, Audiences Unlimited entertained with music by violinist Pablo Vasquez and pianist Alexander Klepach.

My sister has Alzheimer’s disease. She still recognizes family and friends but not oriented to time or place.

The beautiful music provided by these talented musicians transcended her limitations. What a pleasure it was to see her tapping her feet, clapping and singing.

She especially enjoyed tunes from her favorite movie, “The Sound Of Music.” We both had tears in our eyes when they performed “Edelweiss.”

We are fortunate to know Pablo, and we did thank both of them for this lovely time.

Julie Snyder

Fort Wayne

Issues with new cruisers disservice to troopers

It is disheartening to see the dilemma the Indiana State Police are facing regarding the agency’s new vehicles. Troopers interviewed recently were visibly angry and frustrated; many citizens don’t blame them.

I am a restorer of classic automobiles and maintained a fleet of vehicles for my business of 36 years. An automobile is the second most expensive investment one will make. The informed buyer will talk with other vehicle owners, mechanics and read trade journals such as Consumer Reports.

Anyone purchasing a new vehicle expects long life and durability, when properly maintained. However, the ISP had good luck with Stellantis (Chrysler) vehicles the past decade and a half. Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram have been sold at least three times in the past decade.

There is no longer a big three in the domestic auto market. The big two are Ford and General Motors. Telsa could be considered because it manufactures vehicles in the United States. All other vehicle manufacturers are foreign-owned, including Stellantis, which for years has been among the least reliable vehicles made, according to Consumer Reports.

I have not seen any accountability of who is in charge of purchasing vehicles for the ISP. He or she should have been informed of the reliability and durability of the said vehicle before spending 26 million in taxpayers’ dollars.

Law-abiding taxpayers expect law enforcement agencies to have safe, durable and comfortable vehicles for all our officers. It is their home away from home.

ISP officers received a 40% raise the previous year; they deserve and earn every penny of it. My question is: Why would the ISP purchase a mediocre vehicle, at best? Spend the extra money for good vehicles to make society safe for everyone.

Larry L. Sneary

Fort Wayne

‘Christian’ actions decidedly un-Christlike

Donald Trump, in a recent appearance before a religious group, stated that Democrats are against religion, Christianity in particular. I would invite anyone who believes his words to meet some of the many Democrats I know who are devoted followers of Jesus.

Many of us are finding ourselves baffled and devastated by the Republicans who claim to be his followers but assault the Capitol with a picture of Jesus in one hand and a weapon in the other, pose for their campaign ads holding guns, work hard to be sure that the ability to vote is difficult to achieve for many of their less-advantaged fellow citizens, label all refugees from other countries with derogatory names and other unloving actions.

The Jesus the Bible shows us would have been appalled by these actions. So are many other Americans. Perhaps that is why more than in the past assume Christianity is not for them. They are not seeing Jesus in these actions of many of those who say they follow him.

Ann Kreamer

Fort Wayne