PATCHING AND PAVING
Dear Editor:
Thanks are probably due to the city for repairing East Second Avenue on the low-income apartments block. Instead of a complete repaving like we had hoped for, it was patched again like it has been for the past 10 years I’ve had to drive it. But, hey, you missed a few potholes! However, you can’t use all the asphalt up on one street when other streets need patching too.
Here’s the thing, though. The transportation board is giving a $317,700 grant for street repair and the plan is to use it on five streets that need it the least. I’m assuming this would be a complete repaving and not patchwork. I don’t know the reasoning for this. Maybe it’s for how they want the tourists to perceive the town.
Wouldn’t it be more efficient use of the money to do a survey of the condition of all the city streets and pick out five that are the worst with the most potholes? Then re-pave those five and save the patching for the ones with only a few potholes. More streets could get repaired and the asphalt patching would go farther. This is also assuming the transportation board isn’t dictating which streets to use their grant money on.
Al Ames, Twisp
THOUGHTLESS DAMAGE
Dear Editor:
This letter is written to the selfish person who decided to do “brodies” on the baseball field at Twisp Airport Saturday night of Memorial Day weekend. I’m guessing it is the same person that has been peeling out at various points all over the valley in the last few weeks.
I personally don’t care how much rubber you lose off of your tires as you practice your burn-outs. You (or your parents) will have to buy the new tires. However, sooner or later your actions will result in an accident. I sincerely hope you wise up before you hurt yourself or some innocent person. A vehicle is not a toy, it can hurt or kill, and needs to be treated with respect. A driver’s license is a privilege not a right, and it can be revoked.
A lot of people have devoted thousands of dollars and many hundreds of hours of labor and effort in the ball field at the airport. We are trying to provide a place for our youth to participate in sports activities. Perhaps you yourself have played on one of the sport fields in the valley at one time or another. Is this what you do to thank the people that provided you that opportunity? I’m sure you had a few minutes of fun doing donuts on the field, but what you did was thoughtless and juvenile. You may think you have gotten away with the damage you did but as the old song said, “the night has a thousand eyes.” Man up. Give us a call and join our work party.
We are still working to improve the field and would welcome any help in that effort. Anyone interested in helping can contact any Winthrop Kiwanian or the Town of Twisp. We will be having a work day in the near future and there is lots to be done. We will get the word out when the date is set.
Gary Erickson, Twisp
GET SOME PRIDE
Dear Editor:
I simply feel it is too important not to speak out about the condition of Twisp. Recently, my daughter and I drove through the neighborhoods in Twisp. For each house that showed pride of ownership, 10 to 15 are derelict.
It is the responsibility of homeowners and renters to keep their home in a clean and tidy condition. Why would the Town Council worry about finding new businesses to come to a town with almost zero pride?
One way to change these conditions is to fine those who do not keep up their homes $50 to $100 per month and then hire a maintenance company to do the needed work. The same with vacant lots. The Town Council has a duty to take care of problems in the town limits. Let’s hope they start doing so. Use the laws on the books.
With respect and disappointment,
Pat Ebbert, Twisp
HELP FOR DEMENTIA
Dear Editor:
I recently attended a four-session class on the subject of dementia presented by Sheila Brandenburg. The classes were titled: “What is Dementia?”, “Behaviors and Communication,” “Meaningful Engagement and Activities” and “Care Giving or the Art of Loving Another.” Sheila has an easy-going presentation style, using humor and real life examples. All questions from class attendees are answered with accurate information and specific recommendations on how to approach a family member or friend who may be exhibiting signs of dementia. I strongly encourage anyone who is interested in future classes to contact Jamie’s Place through email at jamiesplaceafh@yahoo.com or by calling 996-4417.
Carol Gaston, Winthrop
