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Closing of group home will hurt kids who need it

Re: Director to close group home for kids, story, Dec. 1.

I am disappointed by the planned closure of the foster children's residence in Oldsmar that just opened last week.

I once served for several years as a house parent for what we called "dependent and neglected teenagers."

Four live-in staff members watched over eight girls and 12 boys in a residential neighborhood.

Our kids went to school and also sometimes misbehaved. All children do.

I respect that the Shore Drive neighbors were concerned about a half dozen kids living in one home, but most issues can surely be tolerated.

When two teens ran away from the Oldsmar group home Tuesday, everybody, including the police and the neighbors, gamely went in search of them.

What a sight that must have been, with 13 police cars, a police dog and a helicopter joining in pursuit.

Certainly, this was a disturbance. However, it was only a runaway.

My suggestion for everybody is to lighten up a bit and give the kids a break.

Foster homes are hard to find. Lee Scharrer, executive director of Gift of Life, should reconsider his decision to close down. Closing shows lack of commitment and hurts the kids more than anything.

Immigrants didn't ask for special favors

Re: Nation of immigrants, yes, but with laws, one language, and Immigrants should adapt to us, letters, Nov. 17.

I also must reply to previous letters. My family is from Glic Ireland (Cork) and Sicily, Italy, (Catania area). The respect that they have for Americans is overwhelming. I have nothing to give, but during our visits, whether here or in their country, the relatives insist on speaking in (if only broken) English.

My parents and my husband's parents came from the old country only to make their way and raise several children to respect this country, not to take advantage.

The Gaelic and the Sicilians still have pride. They don't demand to be catered to. They have nothing, but they sure can work hard and are proud of it.

We all became proud owners of companies or professionals, whether college educated or not. We only ask for patience, not catering.

Dunedin dog park isn't for small children

I live in a family-oriented neighborhood - lots of children and a lot going on.

I own two dogs, have a big yard and lots of neighbors. The yard is totally fenced in. My dogs have been going with me to the Dunedin dog park every day for two years now. Sometimes we're there as long as 21/2 or 3 hours.

I've made a lot of new friends there and so have the dogs. They are well-socialized with people we see every day - dog friends and older children.

What a great place to be, even if the sweat is dripping down your face! It's worth it. The agility equipment is awesome, and the dogs love it. I bring them there because it is a dog playground - the only one in Dunedin. The teens did a great job with the "king of the hill," jumps, etc. It is so appreciated by all.

Problem: It's a dog playground, not a small-child playground. Two- to 3-foot-tall children cannot handle some of the big dogs. Some can knock me over, though they are only playing.

I've seen lots of crying and feelings of guilt by many owners of large dogs that knock over a small child.

The bottom line is that it's supposed to be a relaxing place for dogs and owners. Help!

[Last modified December 2, 2005, 01:14:18]