Editor, Times-Union: I have been a "pleased with being a Leesburg resident" my whole life, but this sewer project is really scaring the heck out of me for myself and my 81-year-old mother.
I am a single woman who is trying to pay for a house, car, medicines and all the expenses that come with day to day living. My mother is a widow living on a "not so much" monthly Social Security check. We are praying that both of us won't have to sell our houses and move out of our cozy little town. I guess it wouldn't be such a worry if we had "big money" in our bank accounts, but we don't and we are both worried sick about this project.
What are they going to do if someone just doesn't have the money to pay for this? Will they let them make a $10-a-month payment until it's paid off? What are the people who just can't afford the extra payment from their monthly income going to do?
I'm scared, Mom's scared! Leesburg officials, I don't care what you have to do, how much you have to argue and fight for us, just please, please get this bill down as low as you can for all of us who don't have a lot of money! I know there is other people who love living in our little town that are just as worried as we are. Thanks for anything you can do.
Sally A. Goon Leesburg, via e-mail
Child Abuse
Editor, Times-Union: Last year in Indiana, more than 63,000 children were reported as being abused or neglected and over one-third of those were substantiated. 70 children died in Indiana as a result of being abused or neglected, most often at the hands of a family member or friend.
While it is important to take note of these statistics and to learn from them, it is perhaps even more important to prevent abuse and neglect from happening in the first place. Prevention is possible and we encourage all Hoosiers to join us in the effort to stop the pain before it starts.
Here are a few simple ways each of us can help prevent child abuse and neglect:
1. Be a nurturing parent. Children need to know that they are special and loved. Educate yourself about a child's development process so you can have reasonable expectations about what your child can and cannot do.
2. Help a friend, neighbor or relative. Being a parent isn't easy. Someone you know may be struggling with his or her parenting responsibilities. Offer a helping hand.
3. Help yourself. When the big and little problems of everyday life pile up to the point you feel overwhelmed and out of control, take time out. Know where you can turn for help when you need it.
4. Learn how to calm a crying baby. It can be frustrating to hear your baby cry, especially when nothing you do seems to work. Learn what to do if your baby won't stop crying. But, never shake a baby!
5. Get involved. Advocate for services to help families. Ask your community leaders, clergy, library and schools to develop services to meet the needs of children and families.
6. Spend time with your children. Playing with your children, reading to them, or just being with them helps them feel loved. Make time everyday for quality time.
7. Report suspected abuse or neglect. Keeping children safe is the responsibility of every adult in our community.
For more information about how to prevent child abuse and neglect, call Prevent Child Abuse at 1-800-CHILDREN, 1-800-244-5373, or visit www.pcain.org.
