Letters policy



The News Courier encourages letters to the editor. Submissions should be no more than 400 words and should include a name, address and telephone number for verification. Submissions that do not meet requirements are subject to editing. Send letters by noon on Thursdays to PO Box 670, Athens, Ala., 35613, or e-mail to kelly@athensnews-courier.com.



School requirements unfair

Dear Editor:

I read with interest the article about the possibility of the area getting new families in the area.

I just wanted the new families to know that if they look for a house in a particular school zone, thinking that their children will go to that school, they had better think again. My daughter bought a house in the Julian Newman school zone, specifically because she wanted her children to attend that school. Guess what. She has to drive them out to Brookhill, because it is “full.”

Guess what else. Not all the children who attend Julian Newman live in that school zone! My grandson’s class was “full” at Bookhill, but they managed to squeeze him in, and they’ve managed to squeeze a couple more in his class since he enrolled! Guess they can’t do that at Julian Newman School.

Now, because my daughter has to drive from her house out to Brookhill, and because she cannot drop them off until 7:30 a.m., she is late to work every morning. If they were attending the school they are supposed to go to, she would be more likely to make it to work on time.

So, my advice to new families moving in, just buy a house anywhere, because there is no way of knowing where your children are going to go to school, since it apparently makes no difference about the zoning or laws.

Sincerely,

Vicki Bedingfield

Athens



Kidney Association needs van

Dear Editor:

In the last several months the non-profit, all volunteer Athens/Limestone Kidney Association sent out letters to the local businesses asking for donations to help with the expenses of the transportation van for the kidney dialysis patients. We want to thank those of you that have responded with your greatly appreciated generous donations.

The old van continuously needed repairs almost weekly and just a month ago we were able to get a much-needed new van through a state grant and donations. The drivers and patients have expressed how greatly they are to have a more safe and secure mode of transportation to and from their destinations.

A few weeks ago one of our volunteer drivers, Dale Doucette, passed away. He is greatly missed, for he not only drove the van but also helped a lot with the Annual Craft Show (2nd weekend of November) fundraiser at the American Legion Hall.

Anyone wishing to donate can do so by sending it to Athens/Limestone Kidney Association, P.O. Box 417 Athens, Ala., 35612.

Again thank you.

Sincerely,

Raymond Trafton, president

Eloise M. Phillips, fund-raiser co-coordinator





Thanks for supporting Musical Explosion

Dear Editor:

The Athens Bible School Musical Explosion Committee would like to thank all who supported the 38th Annual Musical Explosion. We would like to especially thank Don Chambers and his crew at the Athens Railroad Bazaar for their continued support of our show and their help with ticket disbursement. Also, a big thanks goes to our advertisers for their ads in our program booklet and to Sundry Painting, for doing another outstanding print job on our program booklet.

It takes many long hours of planning and making all of the necessary arrangements for the show to be a success. The Roger Whitt Band, entertainers, the faculty, staff, parents, and students of ABS cannot be appreciated enough.

Our committee members have worked diligently to produce the quality show our community expects. We continue to maintain the goal of integrity, while providing a good and wholesome environment for all to enjoy. Thank you to all who helped to make the Musical Explosion 2006 a success, and we look forward to seeing you again next year.

Sincerely,

Scott Hudson, chairman

Musical Explosion Committee







Veterans share bond

Dear Editor:

What really matters is all of us, every veteran who served this nation, share an unbreakable bond. We all came together to preserve freedom and help defend democracy around the globe.

When veterans lay down their weapons and set aside their uniforms for the final time, this unbreakable bond preserves because veterans are mindful of the obligations that they continue to shoulder.

Like the obligation to help that our children and grandchildren truly know the sacrifices veterans have made to ensure lasting peace. And the obligation to help these younger generations understand that no one hates war more than the warrior… but that freedom is not free.

We also have the obligation to see that our government honors its many commitments to America’s 27 million veterans and their families.

Through out work in veteran’s service organizations, we must continue to seek answers to these pressing questions. And my friends, our fighting days will not be over until our government fully honors its commitment to veterans of all wars.

Let us never forget the common experiences, the common dreams, and the common commitments that have brought us together.

Sincerely,

Wilburn Moore

Athens





Early years crucial to children

Dear Editor:

There are approximately 250,000 children from birth to age 5 in Alabama. These early years are a crucial stage for development—a time when young children should receive high quality early learning experiences which lay the foundation for success in school and beyond.

April 2-8, 2006 is Week of the Young Child, a time when Childcare Education Resources, Inc., along with other state advocates and hundreds of local organizations around the country, will join together to recognize the needs of young children, and thank the caregivers and other adults involved in their quality learning experiences. Parents, caregivers, teachers, and other adults play very important roles in the lives of young children, and we will celebrate their efforts during Week of the Young Child.

For many young children, an important part of the early learning years are spent in childcare, preschool, and other early education programs. These programs are a crucial step in the education and development of our young children, yet the recent 2005 Alabama Childcare Workforce Study indicates that we still pay the early childhood teachers in these programs less than hairstylists and garbage collectors.

Week of the Young Child is a good time to recognize something we should remember all year: If we want our children to have the opportunity to succeed in school and life, we need to support the families, teachers, and programs that give them a great start on learning!

Sincerely,

Lori Foster, childcare specialist

Childcare Education Resources Inc.

Athens





Senior center should stay open

Dear Editor:

Well, Athens and Limestone County did it again, moved backwards instead of forward.

Today all seniors were notified that the Senior Health Center is officially closing.

The “good ole boy “system is alive and well in Athens.

If the hospital was truly losing money, which I doubt, why couldn’t the city or the county contribute to the budget for our senior?

The county might plea limited funds, which I can believe after the tremendous loss on the courthouse steps. Steps that could have been removed, foundation repaired and then turned over, where the steps would be like new. And how about the Courthouse Annex, which allowed historical buildings to be destroyed rather than repaired and occupied as well as vacant stores on the square? All of this has proven successful in other parts of the country.

But that would be progressive thinking and the “good ole boys” brother or cousins wouldn’t get the bid.

When Hurricane Katrina came ashore, she blew off the veneer of the “good ole boy system” and we found we did not have any leaders, only politicians and unqualified people in leadership positions, and the people of the Gulf States suffered and died.

This could also be a possibility for some of our senior citizens who will not have adequate medical help.

I love living in a small town where a Utility employee called to tell me my husband had accidentally torn off two checks instead of one and we could come by and pick up the blank check. What honesty!

The people at Norman Tires fixed my windshield wiper and mirror for free. This could happen only in a small town where there are really good people.

Huntsville creeps closer and closer with new people relocating here who will eventually outnumber this small ruling society. I hope they will be educated and progressive and will vote for qualified leaders who will work for the interest of the citizens rather than their own personal interest.

Shame on you Athens Limestone Hospital, you had a wonderful service for our seniors and you allowed it to slip through your fingers.

Sincerely,

Doris Cox Welch

Madison