Published: November 30, 2008 11:44 pm      

Mattea proves one person can make a difference

I would like to comment on the article “With her voice, Mattea bringing dialogue to the world” (Nov. 11 Times-News, Page 1A) by Michael A. Sawyers.

I want to thank Mr. Sawyers for his article, as Kathy Mattea has been bringing so much to so many people. She is a very involved woman who has not been afraid to speak out on many subjects of importance. I really enjoyed the article “With her voice, Mattea bringing dialogue to the world." It only goes to show that it only takes one person to make a difference in the world today.

Mattea has done just that with her new CD titled “Coal.” I have this CD and cannot seem to get it out of my CD player as it just keeps playing over and over. I have learned so much about coal mining and what the people of this industry have been through.

I feel it is a very important topic that many should educate themselves on. There is a large percentage of coal being used to light up our house, streets, buildings. We even get our heat from coal, and it made me aware of how I need to cut down on the lights and other things in my home that I could do to lower that percentage.

So many people have died to bring us things that we take for granted each and every day. I applaud Mattea for her dedication to this topic, and it has made me educate myself on this topic. I cannot believe the all I have learned from this.

Mattea has made strides in global warming, is teaching at schools, other places about music to give our young people a chance to express themselves through music. She has spoken about Alzheimer’s disease and made people aware about the AIDS epidemic, and she has the most beautiful voice with a talent of being able to use so many instruments.

I have been to many of her concerts, and it is just like my grandmother, who passed away at the age of 97, said, “You are never too old to learn something new everyday.” Well, through Kathy Mattea’s music I have learned so much in my life, and gained so much. Once again, I applaud Mattea, and the author of the article, Michael A. Sawyers, for all they do.

Thank you.

Sharon Serpe

Bayonne, N.J.