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Congratulations to Carol
Jeanne Kennedy, the winner
of our "Why Westmoreland?"
writing contest.
Entries were structured as a
letter to a recent college
graduate, a friend who is
deciding between two job
offers, one in Hawaii and
one in Westmoreland County.
Carol receives a $100 check
and a certificate of
accomplishment from
Inspiring Times
InWestmoreland and
InWestmoreland.com.
SHARKS, VOLCANOES,
TSUNAMIS, & POISONOUS POI
by Carol Jeanne Kennedy
Perhaps being your best
friend and “Grandma,” I can
help you decide on the job
in Westmoreland County,
rather than Hawaii. Just
think, you could continue
your education while
working. With your instincts
pointed toward a Master’s in
Fine Arts, you’d have it
made. After all, we have the
finest schools in
Pennsylvania,— home to Seton
Hill University,
Westmoreland Community
College, Saint Vincent’s
College, not to mention
local campuses for the
University of Pittsburgh and
Penn State. By the way, some
of my best friends are
professors, and they
wouldn’t be caught dead in a
hula skirt.
Next to reading, I know you
love swimming, hiking, and
camping. Last year you
remarked about Idlewild,
calling it the “most
beautiful amusement park in
a park.” Cool shade trees,
family atmosphere, and good
food: not exactly coconuts
and pineapples, but would
you rather have sour poi or
the great ethnic foods at
our local festivals?
Remember the Friday nights
we spent at St. Clair Park
in Greensburg listening to
million dollar bands for
free? You can’t get much
entertainment in Hawaii for
free, Love (unless you like
watching Maui sand drip
through an egg timer). Think
of the soft summer evenings
sitting around the
semi-circle tapping our feet
to the fantastic sounds,
kids dancing, eating ice
cream, sipping sodas,—fun,
huh? Everything but a giant
tsunami threatening to wipe
out the entire band. Yikes!
Then I remember your
mentioning how nice the
crowd was. “People are so
friendly here, Grandma,” you
said, waving at old
acquaintances. A lot
different than life in
Hawaii, paddling over shark
infested waters! There I go
again....Yeah, big city
Hawaii where no one knows
your name,— no Cheers there.
I don’t think it’s the place
for a bright, sensitive,
discerning young lady like
you. Accountability, pride
and recognition are
ingredients to a successful
future, my little Einstein.
It’s Westmoreland for you,
absolutely: our home. You
belong here, Love. And when
you earn those “letters”
after your name, the job
opportunities here are just
as likely as anywhere else.
For a graduate, with an MFA
degree, you have the beauty
of teaching, writing the
great American novel,
joining any political party
of your choice. Maybe you’ll
run for President. Ever hear
of a President from Hawaii?
Don’t worry about healthcare
in Westmoreland either. We
have Westmoreland and
Latrobe hospitals, two of
the nation’s top 100 in
excellence, plus Mt.
Pleasant, Mercy Jeannette
... all excellent hospitals
serving our needs in
emergencies and with “stay
really, really well”
programs. Our senior living
homes are an inspiration in
dignity. And, bless you
child, our houses of
religion are built on solid
foundations, not sand.
Did I forget about snow? We
have snow! Does Hawaii have
snow? Heck no! Have you ever
heard of a Hawaiian skiing
on anything but water? But
come to think about it, one
thing Westmoreland County
doesn’t have that Hawaii
has, is a Volcano ...can’t
top that. And neither can
they.
Love, Grandma
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