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November 27, 2007 05:20 pm
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Reader: Support Salvation Army, Goodwill
As a resident of Southern Indiana, I truly value the work of Salvation Army and Bridgepointe Services Goodwill. Both organizations meet a critical need in our community. The Salvation Army provides essential services for those who are striving to be self-sufficient, productive members of our community, and Goodwill provides critical programs such as therapy and childcare to children with disabilities and employment services to help people succeed. One of the many special things about both of these organizations is that they help individuals right here in our local community.
As a volunteer for Metro United Way, I have spent a lot to time reviewing the quality services our participating agencies offer, as well as their budgets and financial statements. Agencies like the Salvation Army and Goodwill make great things happen in our community with very limited resources. Both these organizations receive financial support from Metro United Way, but I know they also depend heavily on the revenues generated by their thrift stores.
I ask you to please continue to support the Salvation Army and Bridgepointe Services Goodwill thrift stores by donating items you no longer need to their stores. Recently, another donation option has become available in our community in the form of U’Sagain red donation boxes. Read the information provided on these boxes carefully before you make your donation decision. Please remember that items donated in these boxes do not stay local or go to the Salvation Army or Goodwill. When you make your tax-deductible donation to Salvation Army or Bridgepointe Services Goodwill, you are supporting quality services for people here in our local community who need help at some point in their lives.
— Jeff Cash, Metro United Way, Southern Indiana Advisory Board Member
Hitch-hiking through the road map of now
Blessed are those; who via one’s journey, realize their dreams and purposes, early and promptly. However, many are destined to wonder down paths for lengthier dimensions of tormented time. Being subjected; perhaps, to more truths of reality and tested further along these byways. Not stronger or weaker; morally or spiritually, just possibly not as fateful or lucky, eventually discerning inner peace and tranquility comforting their very souls.
Taking “the road less traveled,” merged with a foreordained, “que’ sera, sera!” junction; hopefully, finally enlightens these beings. Perhaps, the truths learned along their chronological course by their endurance experiences, might illuminate the heavy hearts of all mankind.
In all, I guess all one can truthfully pray for is the following words related to me, this writer, by a very wise old man — “Going down the highway of life; one can only try avoiding the mud-puddles; and side-step as many pot-holes and ruts possible!”
Amen!
— H. James Janson Jr., Otisco
Elections — It can get better than this
The New Albany City elections are over. The analyses have revealed the following information based on the available data:
• 29 percent of registered voters voted, up from 18 percent in the May ‘07 primary.
• 24 percent of voters choose the “straight party” option to vote for the Democrat candidates.
• 13 percent voted “straight party” for Republican candidates.
• 10 of 11 elected positions were for Democrats.
• 35 percent of voters cast ballots in the 2003 general election.
I might add that The Tribune did a very thorough job with the analyses of election 2007 printed in the newspaper the day after the election. Thanks for the information, concern and efforts in this area.
One can draw a number of conclusions from the 2007 elections. I have worked at the polls since I retired 13 years ago. I would like to express some of my observations and concerns. I have worked and observed three different precincts and I am very disenchanted by the few people who vote as well as the age of these voters. The analyses of the election do not reveal the average age of the voters. Let me inform you that the majority of voters is mainly senior citizens, and a large number of those are 70 years or older. My question is, “how much longer is the majority going to allow the minority to both select, in the primary, and elect the officials who run our city?”
In the English language, it is sometimes hard to choose a word that totally explains a feeling or mood. However, I feel there is an excellent word that describes what I see happening in the city of New Albany regarding the voting trend. That word is apathy! Some of the words that describe apathy include: Lack of interest, indifference, unconcern, callousness and insensibility.
Unless a change of attitude occurs, I do not see much progress in improved voter turn out, or for our community to reach its full potential in many areas. Come on voters — you can do better than this!
— Ron Schad, New Albany
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