Today's Letters: Educate drivers to watch for bikers

Subject: Re: Give motorcycle riders road room, Dec. 14 letter to the editor

My daughter, Lisa, who is in her third year of medical school in Israel, sent me a link to this very poignant letter to the editor. I am Randi Lavikoff's brother, and Randi was Lisa's aunt.

As Milton Gonzalez so aptly expressed "...she may be someone's...sister, aunt, mother...." Randi also was the mother of two sons, Jeremy and Ryan Bailey, as well as a grandmother. She also was a partner to her biking companion, whom she knew for many years.

Gonzalez is correct. I am not a biker, but I am not against people who are bikers. However, as a friend of mine, who was a police detective in Newark, N.J., said, people often do tend to ignore bikers on the road.

Randi was a very cautious person from what I know, and from what many people, including her partner, told me and my girlfriend. In fact, when my girlfriend and I, and subsequently, my daughter and I, visited her in June and July, she was so proud, showing us the motorcycle helmet she had purchased and how protective it was. Unfortunately, in a situation such as the accident she was involved in, it did her no good.

To conclude, I agree with Mr. Gonzalez, that the public has to be educated on giving motorcycle riders a break. I also agree, as does my friend, the retired police detective, based on the facts I know, that the person that hit her got off lightly.

Neil J. Lavikoff, Boca Raton

Season's wishes for Christmas House

Recently I made a seasonal visit to Rogers' Christmas House Village in Brooksville.

There were a good number of other shoppers on that Sunday afternoon, but nowhere near as many as other times.

The five houses have individual themes, each one with various and unique items of interest. It's easy to find something for anyone, including yourself.

I don't typically make the rounds of Christmas shopping with intentions of purchasing something for myself. It's a selfish act that taints the spirit of the holiday season, but this year was different.

Although I bought presents for friends, neighbors and relatives, my eyes were tantalized by out-of-season items that will accent my home year-round.

It's a shame Rogers' has a cash flow problem and may face bankruptcy in the near future.

I hope this holiday season will offer a bit of a reprieve, but the economy suggests otherwise.

A visit to the business can uplift your spirits from the moment you enter the fairy-tale atmosphere.

The customer associates have a cheerful demeanor that lightens the soul.

It's obvious that other shoppers relish the same feeling of joy.

Ron Rae, Spring Hill

Your voice counts

We welcome letters from readers for publication. To send a letter from your computer, go to www.tampabay.com/letters and fill in the required information. Type your letter in the space provided on the form, specify that you are writing the Hernando section of the newspaper, and then click "submit." You also may cut and paste a letter that you have prepared elsewhere in your computer.

If you prefer, you may fax your letter to (352) 754-6133, or mail it to: Letters to the Editor, Hernando Times, 15365 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville, FL 34613.

All letters should be brief and must include the writer's name, city of residence, mailing address and telephone number. When possible, letters should include a handwritten signature. Addresses and telephone numbers will not be printed. The Times does not publish anonymous letters.

Letters may be edited for clarity, taste, length and accuracy. We regret that not all letters can be printed.

[Last modified December 18, 2007, 20:15:33]