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U.S. 19 in dire need of bridges for pedestrians

Re: Teenager killed trying to cross U.S. 19, story, Nov. 26.

If state and county officials can build bridges on U.S. 19, why can't they do a real smart and safe thing like building pedestrian crossovers? This would be smarter than more lives lost from people trying to cross that deadly road.

A lawsuit against the state or county would be appropriate. Something has to wake them up.

I have seen a few pedestrian overpasses around the area: one on McMullen-Booth Road and one on 118th Street. Why can't they be a model for U.S. 19? One life saved would be worth it.

Even the crosswalks on U.S. 19 are not safe. Build pedestrian walkways either over or under the road - anything to get away from the traffic. And it's not the motorist's fault. U.S. 19 is not a road to be crossed at street level. It's not safe no matter where you cross.

I hope this catches the eye of someone who can make it happen.

Prayer of thanks sets good example

Re: Show of faith pierces chaos of the moment, guest column by Norma McCulliss, Nov. 24.

How appropriate that this heartwarming guest column appeared on Thanksgiving Day, for what the author and her husband witnessed in that fast food restaurant was probably those two young people and their charges silently praying "grace before meals" or "thanks before meals" ("grace," from Latin gratia, meaning "thanks"): "Bless us, O Lord, and these thy gifts, which we are about to receive from thy bounty ... ." It is a prayer found in many religions.

I doubt the prayer was complicated or filled with requests for peace or petitions for protection of all of us. Not if it "all lasted only a minute."

McCulliss' warm glow made her wonder what could be the repercussions of such an act on the rest of us. Maybe we don't need to witness it, but merely read a description of what she saw. Hundreds of thousands now have read about (and I am writing about) and presumably have been inspired by this simple, silent act of gratitude for just a meal of fast food.

The setting of a good example, such as the silent private prayer in public, is like the pebble dropped into the pond that causes the ripples that never seem to end.

Sweats make great gifts for seniors

Re: Sweats can warm a senior's body, heart for holidays, letter by Evelyn Frank, Nov. 24.

What a wonderful idea from Evelyn Frank, activities director at Edinborough Healthcare Center in Dunedin, to give sweat suits to the shut-ins this year for Christmas. It's always stamps, writing paper, bath stuff and gift certificates, but many of them can no longer write or get out to shop, so those items are passed to others to enjoy, not the one you intended to have the gift.

I remember that when my husband was ill and didn't move around much, he was always cold. Sweat suits hug the body, and the patient stays much more comfortable. They are a breeze to wash and dry, and no ironing is needed, which keeps them neat as well as clean.

Thanks for publishing her letter, so we can send what is really needed.

Tuition deal banks on Turkey Trot

I am very grateful for the father-son time the Times Turkey Trot provides for us.

My son Jimmy, a college senior, and I run every year. We have a deal. If he wins, I keep paying college tuition.

If I win, I don't.

Looks like Jimmy will get his Ph.D!

[Last modified November 29, 2005, 02:15:28]