Letters to the Editor 04-19-2000
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By -
- Red Lights On U.S. 30 - Girl Scouts - Carolina Flag - What's A Senior to Do? - Cemetery Monument - Missing Smelser - Smelser Resignation - Miner Lumber
Red Lights On U.S. 30
Editor, Times-Union:Once again while waiting to pull out onto U.S. 30 and head westward to work another semi-truck barreled through a "RED" light. Had I not been aware of this common occurrence I probably would have pulled out into its path.
The fellow next to me started to do so and was about to become a big bulls-eye for the oncoming truck until I honked at him and he fortunately put it in reverse and got out of the way.
I'm sorry to say that not enough is being done to resolve this problem.
While living in Phoenix, Ariz., the city and state police established sites where video cameras were manned with police officers with the primary goal of catching red light runners. They even put up signs well in advance on the intersections with the warning that surveillance was being done. I know of several intersections along U.S. 30 within the city boundaries of Warsaw where this constant surveillance would be beneficial.
I realize that trucks are necessary. It is not my contention that we ban semi-trucks, that would be totally impractical. What I am desiring is that operators of semi-trucks and cars be made aware that should they run a red light in Warsaw, they will get caught and be punished to the greatest extent of the law. Something must be done before some new tragedy occurs.
I remember last year, sitting in the same spot (intersection of U.S. 30 and Dubois Drive/Parker Avenue), a van in front of me with a mother and a couple of little children. I saw the semi-trucks barreling in from the west, our light turned green and she pulled out into the intersection to make a left turn. I could see that the trucks were not slowing down and sure enough the first one just barreled through the intersection, not a horn blazing, no attempt to brake. I put my hands over my eyes because I thought for sure this family was going to be smeared all over the highway. Fortunately she pulled forward and out of the line of this semi-truck. The second semi-truck slowed a bit but he too just blazed through that intersection.
I do not want to be witness to such a tragic scene. Please, somebody do something!
Philip Werner
via e-mail
Girl Scouts
Editor, Times-Union:On April 22, Girl Scouts of the USA will celebrate the accomplishments of over 880,000 Girl Scout leaders and other volunteers during National Volunteer Week. On behalf of the entire board of the Indiana Lakeland Girl Scout Council, I would like to thank all of our local volunteers for contributing so much time and effort to the Girl Scout movement. You truly make a difference in the lives of girls.
Without volunteers, quite simply, there would be no Girl Scouting. Our volunteers are the very heart of Girl Scouts, and we are grateful to them for the contributions they so selflessly provide. This is why Girl Scouts of the USA has designated April 22 as Girl Scout Leaders' Day - to acknowledge Girl Scout leaders and other volunteers whose commitment, dedication and constant effort help girls grow strong.
For those of you who have a daughter in Girl Scouting, take a moment to think about her leader. Think about how at every meeting the leader is there to help your daughter experience new challenges and gain new skills for the future. Think about the amount of time the leader devotes to preparing for the meetings, while balancing family, job and other time constraints. On April 22, think about all she does and remember your Girl Scout leader. Write her a note of thanks, or better yet, if you see her in the street say, "You're doing a great job and we appreciate it!"
For those of you who are Girl Scout leaders and other volunteers, know that we recognize all you do and are truly thankful. You are one of the keys to helping today's girls become tomorrow's leaders. Together, we can help even more girls grow strong through Girl Scouting.
Kara McClure, president
Indiana Lakeland Girl Scout Council
Carolina Flag
Editor, Times-Union:I am so sick of hearing about the NAACP whining around about the Confederate Flag being flown in South Carolina. The flag is not a mockery to blacks, but a symbol of those who died fighting in the Civil War, INCLUDING BLACKS! But instead of honoring those who perished, we need to do whatever the blacks want. Hello, am I the only one who sees this? Slavery has been over for some time now. But, Congress is just like our so-called righteous President Clinton, will our government ever change? Yes, if we all vote for Republican George W. Bush together we can change our precious country around.
Heather Helton
Warsaw
via e-mail
What's A Senior to Do?
Editor, Times-Union:Have you ever seen a group of senior citizens who are afraid their activity center may be taken away from them? When they think there may not be a little bingo once a week, or fun night, or a supper once a month they get very upset. Our activities director, Jim Smelser, was doing a wonderful job on all these things and a lot more. But, due to some friction from somebody we seniors hardly ever see around the Center, Jim resigned from his position. There are some very good volunteers who will no longer volunteer because of this. The seniors would like for somebody to check in to this and see first where the trouble starts. We want to continue to have a place to go to be sociable and enjoy what Jim had going for us. Nobody will be able to fill his shoes. Thank you, Jim, for a job well done. You will be greatly missed.
Julia Raypholtz
Warsaw
Cemetery Monument
Editor, Times-Union:In regards to the oversized monument that was placed in Oakwood Cemetery by our company, we, the undersigned, can say we are sorry. We had nothing to do with this sale and we have always abided by the very fair rules of Oakwood Cemetery. Thank you.
Kenneth Powell Dan Daniel
Wearly Monuments Wearly Monuments
Argos Columbia City
Missing Smelser
Editor, Times-Union:The patrons of the Senior Opportunity Center should be sad at the resignation of the "advocate," Jim Smelser.
For two years, he has labored to make transportation available to more seniors, providing numerous opportunities for social activities for many seniors who otherwise might not have been able to participate. The center is clean, bright and cheerful, thanks to Jim and volunteers who have repainted the walls as well as provided comfortable seating for all. One Sunday a month, the Center is open for people to come and socialize or join in a card game. Free coffee and doughnuts are available on Wednesday mornings for those who choose to come to the Senior Center. There is lunch with others a couple times each month, for those who like to go out and eat.
My hope is the activities that have grown, or Jim has newly instigated, will continue and grow. So many have been served and encouraged at the Center. Thanks, Jim.
Jane Chinworth
Warsaw
Smelser Resignation
Editor, Times-Union:Jim Smelser is the best thing that ever happened to the senior center. His knowledge, ability and compassion for others made the center a pleasant and enjoyable place for our seniors to meet with friends and participate in the many activities which were planned by Jim. The seniors are devastated that he was forced to resign.
Surely there must be someone out there who cares enough to look into this situation.
Frances L. Marshall
Warsaw
Miner Lumber
Editor, Times-Union:Thank you for your article in the Times-Union on April 5, 2000. You depicted the operation and history of the Miner Lumber Co. very professionally.
As you reported, Miner Lumber Co. was a part of Warsaw for about 90 years! Truly a reminder of days gone by.
Bill Miner
Carmel (and Warsaw too)
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- Red Lights On U.S. 30 - Girl Scouts - Carolina Flag - What's A Senior to Do? - Cemetery Monument - Missing Smelser - Smelser Resignation - Miner Lumber
Red Lights On U.S. 30
Editor, Times-Union:Once again while waiting to pull out onto U.S. 30 and head westward to work another semi-truck barreled through a "RED" light. Had I not been aware of this common occurrence I probably would have pulled out into its path.
The fellow next to me started to do so and was about to become a big bulls-eye for the oncoming truck until I honked at him and he fortunately put it in reverse and got out of the way.
I'm sorry to say that not enough is being done to resolve this problem.
While living in Phoenix, Ariz., the city and state police established sites where video cameras were manned with police officers with the primary goal of catching red light runners. They even put up signs well in advance on the intersections with the warning that surveillance was being done. I know of several intersections along U.S. 30 within the city boundaries of Warsaw where this constant surveillance would be beneficial.
I realize that trucks are necessary. It is not my contention that we ban semi-trucks, that would be totally impractical. What I am desiring is that operators of semi-trucks and cars be made aware that should they run a red light in Warsaw, they will get caught and be punished to the greatest extent of the law. Something must be done before some new tragedy occurs.
I remember last year, sitting in the same spot (intersection of U.S. 30 and Dubois Drive/Parker Avenue), a van in front of me with a mother and a couple of little children. I saw the semi-trucks barreling in from the west, our light turned green and she pulled out into the intersection to make a left turn. I could see that the trucks were not slowing down and sure enough the first one just barreled through the intersection, not a horn blazing, no attempt to brake. I put my hands over my eyes because I thought for sure this family was going to be smeared all over the highway. Fortunately she pulled forward and out of the line of this semi-truck. The second semi-truck slowed a bit but he too just blazed through that intersection.
I do not want to be witness to such a tragic scene. Please, somebody do something!
Philip Werner
via e-mail
Girl Scouts
Editor, Times-Union:On April 22, Girl Scouts of the USA will celebrate the accomplishments of over 880,000 Girl Scout leaders and other volunteers during National Volunteer Week. On behalf of the entire board of the Indiana Lakeland Girl Scout Council, I would like to thank all of our local volunteers for contributing so much time and effort to the Girl Scout movement. You truly make a difference in the lives of girls.
Without volunteers, quite simply, there would be no Girl Scouting. Our volunteers are the very heart of Girl Scouts, and we are grateful to them for the contributions they so selflessly provide. This is why Girl Scouts of the USA has designated April 22 as Girl Scout Leaders' Day - to acknowledge Girl Scout leaders and other volunteers whose commitment, dedication and constant effort help girls grow strong.
For those of you who have a daughter in Girl Scouting, take a moment to think about her leader. Think about how at every meeting the leader is there to help your daughter experience new challenges and gain new skills for the future. Think about the amount of time the leader devotes to preparing for the meetings, while balancing family, job and other time constraints. On April 22, think about all she does and remember your Girl Scout leader. Write her a note of thanks, or better yet, if you see her in the street say, "You're doing a great job and we appreciate it!"
For those of you who are Girl Scout leaders and other volunteers, know that we recognize all you do and are truly thankful. You are one of the keys to helping today's girls become tomorrow's leaders. Together, we can help even more girls grow strong through Girl Scouting.
Kara McClure, president
Indiana Lakeland Girl Scout Council
Carolina Flag
Editor, Times-Union:I am so sick of hearing about the NAACP whining around about the Confederate Flag being flown in South Carolina. The flag is not a mockery to blacks, but a symbol of those who died fighting in the Civil War, INCLUDING BLACKS! But instead of honoring those who perished, we need to do whatever the blacks want. Hello, am I the only one who sees this? Slavery has been over for some time now. But, Congress is just like our so-called righteous President Clinton, will our government ever change? Yes, if we all vote for Republican George W. Bush together we can change our precious country around.
Heather Helton
Warsaw
via e-mail
What's A Senior to Do?
Editor, Times-Union:Have you ever seen a group of senior citizens who are afraid their activity center may be taken away from them? When they think there may not be a little bingo once a week, or fun night, or a supper once a month they get very upset. Our activities director, Jim Smelser, was doing a wonderful job on all these things and a lot more. But, due to some friction from somebody we seniors hardly ever see around the Center, Jim resigned from his position. There are some very good volunteers who will no longer volunteer because of this. The seniors would like for somebody to check in to this and see first where the trouble starts. We want to continue to have a place to go to be sociable and enjoy what Jim had going for us. Nobody will be able to fill his shoes. Thank you, Jim, for a job well done. You will be greatly missed.
Julia Raypholtz
Warsaw
Cemetery Monument
Editor, Times-Union:In regards to the oversized monument that was placed in Oakwood Cemetery by our company, we, the undersigned, can say we are sorry. We had nothing to do with this sale and we have always abided by the very fair rules of Oakwood Cemetery. Thank you.
Kenneth Powell Dan Daniel
Wearly Monuments Wearly Monuments
Argos Columbia City
Missing Smelser
Editor, Times-Union:The patrons of the Senior Opportunity Center should be sad at the resignation of the "advocate," Jim Smelser.
For two years, he has labored to make transportation available to more seniors, providing numerous opportunities for social activities for many seniors who otherwise might not have been able to participate. The center is clean, bright and cheerful, thanks to Jim and volunteers who have repainted the walls as well as provided comfortable seating for all. One Sunday a month, the Center is open for people to come and socialize or join in a card game. Free coffee and doughnuts are available on Wednesday mornings for those who choose to come to the Senior Center. There is lunch with others a couple times each month, for those who like to go out and eat.
My hope is the activities that have grown, or Jim has newly instigated, will continue and grow. So many have been served and encouraged at the Center. Thanks, Jim.
Jane Chinworth
Warsaw
Smelser Resignation
Editor, Times-Union:Jim Smelser is the best thing that ever happened to the senior center. His knowledge, ability and compassion for others made the center a pleasant and enjoyable place for our seniors to meet with friends and participate in the many activities which were planned by Jim. The seniors are devastated that he was forced to resign.
Surely there must be someone out there who cares enough to look into this situation.
Frances L. Marshall
Warsaw
Miner Lumber
Editor, Times-Union:Thank you for your article in the Times-Union on April 5, 2000. You depicted the operation and history of the Miner Lumber Co. very professionally.
As you reported, Miner Lumber Co. was a part of Warsaw for about 90 years! Truly a reminder of days gone by.
Bill Miner
Carmel (and Warsaw too)
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