Editor:

Community members missed an invaluable refresher class on Home Fire Safety last week at Whitepine Grange, presented by Scott Donovan who has 42 years' experience in fire service. Turnout was low, but those of us in attendance appreciated being reminded of things we'd heard maybe 20 years ago about how to keep from losing your house, property and lives to fire, especially this time of year. Plus, times have changed, along with home fire threats. We learned a lot of new things.

Just as it's necessary to stay current on first aid/CPR training, the same should be said for fire safety. We tend to say, "Oh, I already know that stuff. I don't want to go out on a cold night and be bored hearing it again." In fact, nothing about these types of classes is ever boring, as each presenter has his/her own experiences from which to draw, making the class relevant to all participants.

I encourage all area residents to "get up and out" of the house at night to attend such informative classes, whether at Whitepine Grange, the library, schools or elsewhere. Even if you think you've heard it all before and don't need the information, you will go home after class realizing how much you'd forgotten, and how critical the information is to the safety of you and your loved ones. Take advantage of the classes offered in your communities. Never stop learning.

Jan Manning, Trout Creek