Published: July 04, 2008 08:41 pm            

Readers' Forum for 7/5

Mopeds provide a

valuable service

I am writing in response to the Dawn Foote letter on the danger of mopeds on our city streets.

We all have busy schedules in our lives. I am usually the person who plans ahead and is on time for the events that are scheduled throughout the week. I do have family members who are always late. You must fall in their category.

I have a son that is mentally handicapped and drives a moped to his job on a daily basis, regardless of the weather. He does not have to work; the federal government would support him because of his disability. He chooses to work. My hat is off to those that hire the handicapped. Thank you Rick Jenkins and all those involved with him at Idle Creek. I am glad he is working and contributing to society.

I know he has guardian angels that watch over him. I have been told by others that have seen him driving that he could be more careful at times. He needs constant reminders. Riley Hospital told me this several years ago when I received the results of his diagnosis. The age gap will only get larger, meaning his mind will reach a certain level and never change and his body will continue to grow.

He has had driver’s education and can drive a car. However, he is unable to pass a written test. He will be on a moped forever. I wish I could change him, but it was in God’s plan for him to wait until one day he will be perfect. He is the type of person who would do anything for anyone in need. He pays taxes just like a normal individual that helps maintain the roads he drives on.

He has had helmets to wear, most of them stolen from his moped. There have been times his moped has been stolen. This has happened on more than one occasion.

As for others that drive mopeds because of economic reasons or having lost their license, they as well have every right to have this means of transportation getting them to and from their jobs to support their families.

As for bicycles, I tend to agree with you. I cannot quote the amount of money spent on the Heritage Trail bike path, but that is where they need to be. While driving home the other evening a bike pulling a child carrier and another one behind it ignored the stop sign and crossed in front of me. I always stop for stop signs but I have seen others at this particular intersection ignore them (Hunt Road and Old Maple Avenue). If bikers are into long distance marathons why can’t they use parks to train on hills etc.?

Four wheelers are a threat too. They certainly look like fun, but I agree they were made for off-the-road transportation.

We all need to slow down and take life a little easier. I say to myself when I am railroaded that I must be in the place where God wants me to be. Who knows what lies ahead but Him? He has made me a better person for having a handicapped child, now an adult in my life.

— Maggie Keller

Terre Haute

Thanks for support

of survivor group

Thank you, Wabash Valley, for all the help you have given the Wabash Valley Breast Cancer Survivor Organization. We truly appreciate your overwhelming support.

Our mission is to decrease the impact of breast cancer, create and increase breast cancer awareness, and ensure through information, empowerment, and peer support that no one faces breast cancer alone.

Many people have helped us with our mission. Lamar Outdoor Advertising went above and beyond in helping us with our Christmas shelter in Deming Park. The Rose-Hulman women’s basketball coach, Jon Prevo, the players, and Rose-Hulman president and Mrs. Jakubowski, honored us for the “Think Pink” celebration by presenting us with specially designed pink T-shirts, pink carnations, and proceeds from gate receipts and the sales of the pint T-shirts.

Sherwin Williams donated the paint for the pink ribbon at Sixth and Wabash. The Community Service Group of Newcomer’s Club made the turbans for the wig shops at Hope, Hux and Coleman Cancer centers. We received help from Bemis Co., Eli Lilly, First Financial Bank, Susan G. Komen, Sam’s Club, memorials and donations.

Recently, we had another very successful “Paint the Town Pink” carnation sale due to all the wonderful volunteer workers at our control room, to the deliverers, salespeople, purchasers, AAA for the boxes with dividers, Salvation Army for the control room, 15 sites for permitting us to sell at their locations, businesses for placing our flyers in shoppers’ bags and to WTHI and the AP&S oncologists for sponsoring our television ads.

In whatever capacity you helped, we sincerely thank you.

— Coral Cochran

Volunteer director

Terre Haute

A good start for

new organization

It was a modest yet important start: Dads — by blood or by choice — honor them. We will do it again!

As with most starts, the thanks are abundant and covers many: thank yous to Big Brother Big Sister as well as the Boy Scouts for materials. To Cheeseburger in Paradise and Lamar for corporate and moral support. To Jeff Lorick for sharing the spirit and informing others. To B&B Foods for supplying ice cream to 76 children at the community center events on Saturday, June 14, and for summer programs at both community centers, Ryves and Washington.

Thanks to the leadership of both centers who understand they serve all sectors of the community, and to media coverage both on the radio and television. Lastly, thanks to Deb Kelly for her extensive and sensitive Tribune-Star article on the importance of dads — by blood or by choice.

Families by Choice is presently organizing for its next event: “Celebrate the Family Table” on Aug. 16 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Gilbert Park. Those interested in the event or Families by Choice may contact (812) 230-4401.

— Muriel Ryan

Executive director

Families by Choice

        

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