Today's Letters: Closings have hurt many

By Leters to the Editor
Published December 16, 2007

The recent closings of Mel's Diner and Remington's Steak House in Port Richey have left a another scar on the financial picture for west Pasco County. At least Mel's Diner owner had the respect for the employees and did not surprise them with the closing. Remington's employees showed up to work to find the doors locked and a hand written sign stating "closed sorry," come visit our two other locations.

The economic impact these restaurants' closing will have on many people's lives is a true hardship. This holiday season will be dark for all the employees and their families. Many patrons are left surprised when they arrive at the doors of Remington's to find the "closed sorry" sign. Many local organizations have been left stranded without a back-up to holiday celebrations.

The most horrific effect of Remington's Steak House was what was left behind. Within 10 days of closing, the entire restaurant has been gutted, stripped to the bare walls. But, one thing was left behind. A sparsely decorated Christmas tree with lights and a few balls was left standing in the lobby. The tree was a special tree, though. Hanging on the branches were paper angels with children's names and their three most-wished-for gifts. These children are foster children who would have no other holiday if not for the kindness of strangers. There last hope for happiness was almost taken away by the owner of Remington's. The tree with about 20 names were left in the dust.

Luckily the employees of Bayada Nurses next door noticed the tree and began to track down the organization who had placed the paper angels on the tree. After many phone calls, these employees were successful and were able to get the tree removed to their office, with the children's angels and wishes. With only six days left this small office has committed to ensure these children receive the holiday wishes they hope for.

In a time of financial woes and worries, business closings, rising unemployment and hardships brought unexpectedly to the employees of the closed restaurant, at least these special children will get a chance to know there are people who do care.

May each family of the employees from Remington's and Mel's find the joy of the season and hopefully their own angels like the employees of Bayada Nurses.

Jill Palecek, New Port Richey

Beacon Woods could be flooded

Put the money where it is best served. Prior to moving to Beacon Woods, I lived in Punta Gorda for 10 years. In the area where I lived there was a canal about every 200 feet that was 35 feet wide and 12 feet deep that emptied into Charlotte Harbor. One time, in a matter of a couple days, we had 14 inches of rainfall. Even with all the canals, there were still areas that flooded.

There is nothing to say that this could not happen here given the condition of Bear Creek. It has areas that are nearly completely closed. If we were to get a rainfall of great magnitude Bear Creek would back up and Beacon Woods would be flooded.

I would ask commissioners to look at the Bear Creek situation and see what a dire condition Bear Creek is in. We no longer have any wildlife to enjoy. Could it be attributed to the condition of Bear Creek?

I believe the money allocated for sidewalks would be of more benefit to all residents of Beacon Woods if it was used to clean up Bear Creek.

Carol Decker,Hudson

Storms is clueless on women's rights

I attended the recent public hearing of the Pasco legislative delegation at Pasco Hernando Community College. The object of which was to give constituents a chance to speak and find out what their representatives at Tallahassee have been up to. Sen. Rhonda Storms was the only woman. When a constituent spoke asking the delegation to support the Equal Rights Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which states "there can be no discrimination because of sex," Storms spoke forcefully against it.

Thirty-four states have passed it and only three more states are needed. Ms. Storms' main argument was that women are already covered by the word "mankind." I would ask her if she would enter a restroom with the word "mankind" on the door, but no one could get a word in. She said she and her daughter have never been discriminated against and so on. Perhaps that is because they have never held a job as a waitress, domestic worker, big box store employee or typist, receptionist, computer worker, etc. Ms. Storms used up most of the time allocated for one subject so the constituent had little time to rebut.

I have never seen nor heard Ms. Storms before, but now I know why my favorite columnist at another newspaper tweaks her on occasion. She is certainly tweakable. She is also clueless on the women's rights issues. Any woman with a knowledge of the existing order of things who votes for Rhonda Storms is an inferior.

Doris E. Dillon, New Port Richey

Homeowners can check meters

We need to check every water meter in the homes in Port Richey to see if they are working properly. First, look at your meter and see if the little triangular part located on the face is turning to determine if you have a leak. (All water systems in your house must be turned off.) If the triangle is not moving, no leak. If it is moving, there is a leak somewhere.

Next read your meter. Turn on your hose and fill a 5-gallon bucket and see if the meter reads that you used 5 gallons.

It is simple and we don't need the Port Richey employees to do this.

Bob Clark, Port Richey

Raise puts me further behind

I got a 2.3 percent Social Security raise for 2008. My Medicare was increased so much higher that I now draw $8.50 less per month in 2008 than I did in 2007.

Are we going backward, or what?

Nancy Lee Pickron,Holiday

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[Last modified December 15, 2007, 20:29:50]