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Christmas spirit taken in thefts

By LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Published December 20, 2006

Christmas spirit taken in thefts 

We were very proud to be mentioned in the Times for our Christmas decorations in previous years. I've always dedicated them to my grandparents and have tried to add a new piece every Christmas season. However this year, after reading and hearing about all the decorations that are being stolen, we've decided to refrain from putting out even one light. The only decoration we have is our indoor tree. Our front yard is bare and not very festive. After having our lawn ornaments stolen in March, I'm afraid we'd lose Christmas items as well.

Assuming these are youngsters committing this crime, where are their parents? How are they raising their kids? How would these kids feel if their decorations were stolen from their yards? They may enjoy this prank, but I hope they realize they're not stealing ornaments, they're stealing Christmas from those families with small children as well as those of us who are retired and worked a long time to be able to afford the decorations so that neighbors and passers-by may enjoy the spirit of the season.

M. Gilbert, Hudson

Gratitude for gifts donated time

This letter is a great big thank you to all who have helped me to send boxes of warm clothes, to the 15 knitters who have knitted 60 hats, 40 mittens, six scarves, and 15 hat and mitten sets, to Faye's Produce on U.S. 301 Zephyrhills for donating 10 bushels of fruit, and a special thanks to Fed-Ex for shipping it all for free.

Fed-Ex delivered it to my cousin in Fairfield, Maine. Fairfield has seven mills. Eight years ago all seven mills were in full swing, operating full time on all three shifts.

One mill made men's shirts, another made woman's clothes and Scott's paper products had two mills. Now all the mills are closed, even your toilet paper is being made in China.

Sixty percent of the town population is under poverty level. We all feel it's not the kids' fault that their parents are out of work, and we need to help our own.

Peggy Fortner, Zephyrhills

High insurance rates here to stay

We all know the truth and the truth will force many Floridians to move to Arizona. I'm 85. I pay $1,600 a year in car insurance. Why? Because males over 75 have more auto accidents than all other drivers except men from 18 to 24. Florida has more males over 75 than any other state. That is the reason why Florida has the highest auto insurance rates in America.

We live in the most hurricane prone state in the U.S. If a high-intensity hurricane hits the entire state of Florida it would destroy or damage 70 percent to 80 percent of our buildings. That is the reason why we have the highest hurricane insurance rates in the U.S. Frankly, we are fortunate we even have one insurance company that is willing to insure dwellings in our state.

If we do not want to move to hurricane-free states such as Arizona, New Mexico, etc., we are going to have to live with high auto and hurricane insurance rates. I don't believe there is any politician that can help us, but if one does come up with an idea on how to lower our insurance rates, he or she will certainly get our votes.

Albert J. Maduri, New Port Richey

Let public know of lost, found pets

I am at a loss. There has been a male Shar-Pei wandering my neighborhood for four days. I have tried to catch him, lure him with food, water and treats but have been unsuccessful. His little head just bobs up and down and this poor dog just keeps searching for his family.

I called animal control and put in a report. I called animal control again today to say that I had seen him again, but I had no luck trying to get him to come to me.

The Pasco County Animal Control representative told me to try to contain him in my yard and then call and they would come get him. She told me that an officer had my report and would check into it. My husband and my son think I'm crazy for worrying so much about this animal. I just don't want him to get hit by a car or die from exposure. He is very skittish and won't come to me. I've left food and water outside at night, but it goes untouched.

I would hope that someone wouldn't just dump this dog here and leave it. If someone is missing this dog, he is a beautiful dog. If you lose a pet or find a pet, please post it on www.pets911.com. This gives you an opportunity to get out the information about a beloved pet or help someone who is looking for theirs. Always include a photo if you have one.

Contact animal control, local vets or the SPCA and get the word out that you have lost or found a pet. Visit your local animal shelter, post fliers and run a classified ad.

I cannot help but think and feel that pets have become disposable. When we take an animal into our home, we are responsible for that pet. If you find a pet, please have a heart and take the steps to give it a chance at life. I'm not giving up on this dog and will continue to try to do what I can to make a difference. If you are missing this dog or know someone who is, he is wandering around the Woodland Oaks subdivision off of Little Road in Hudson.

Cindy Montenare, Hudson

Volunteering keeps mind active

Retirement and a love of children sent me to Marlowe Elementary four school terms ago where I worked with first-graders for an hour a week, then two and three and then four hours a day three times a week. This year I am helping with second-graders.

Helping these eager 6- to 8- year-olds with reading, learning math and telling time is a challenge but their minds are like sponges. I find that in addition to the enjoyment and satisfaction that I am also keeping my aging mind alive.

This week I was notified that the Pasco County School Board has selected me as the Outstanding Senior Volunteer of the Year. I am indeed proud and hope others will follow in my steps for an hour or two a day.

Millie Pagani, New Port Richey

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[Last modified December 20, 2006, 07:01:23]