Letters to the editor: 06/06/02

Clarifying position

To the Editor:

It was a misrepresentation when it was stated I was the only person to speak in favor of commercial designation. I was not speaking for or against this but rather posing a question, more or less, as to whether the village was by law under certain circumstances required to designate a commercial area.

It was my understanding at the time that it might be; however, since I have been informed this is not the case.

I would like this matter clarified so these residents who may be concerned will understand the situation.

Gene Tweedy

Forest Hills

Downtown beautification efforts appreciated

To the Editor:

I would also like to recognize the Sylva Garden Club for the plants and flowers they plant each spring, and their on-going efforts to make our town and parks attractive for during the different seasons of the year. The Rotary Club also maintains some of the plants and flowers, which certainly are a wonderful addition to our community.

The town of Sylva should be commended for the services they provide in caring for our trees, shrubbery and plants in town.

Many times we take for granted the people who work hard to help make our town an attractive and desirable place to live and visit. With the care and concerns of county and town employees, clubs/organizations, businesses, leaders of our community and volunteers, Sylva will continue to be a pretty and quaint mountain town for all to be proud of.

Thank you,

Mary Ellen Moody

SPIR President

Summer children's programs needed

To the Editor:

For the past several weeks I have been calling businesses and community organizations around Jackson County trying to find activities for my children to participate in this summer. A wealth of full-day, long-term camps designed for the children of working parents are available at the schools and the new recreation center. But virtually no activities are available for the children of parents who are home for the summer but still hungry to "get out and do/learn something" away from their tired moms/grandparents/babysitters.

Traditional team sports camps for children over age 7 are plentiful. But what about kids who prefer art or karate or acting? And absolutely nothing is available for preschool-age children, short of full-time day cares.

In light of this dearth of local programming, I have signed my daughter up for a half-day theatre camp offered in Waynesville and for art classes offered by the Macon County Arts Council. I have signed my preschool-aged son up for karate classes in Franklin and arranged with a friend to swap play-dates for our kids to give ourselves a break. It will be a summer of driving.

So here is an all-points bulletin to all Jackson County organizations and artisans. There is an untapped market of parents out here who want short-term, pay-by-the class or the week programming for children!

Just a few ideas I haven't mentioned:

- Arts and crafts afternoons with local crafters.

- An intergenerational sewing circle at the senior center.

- Martial arts for youngsters.

- Yoga for families.

- Painting at Studio One.

- Fun and games at the park.

- Mornings out for moms of preschoolers.

- Day trips to the Smokies for older children.

In my conversations with friends in other towns, I also learned of one museum that partners with Smart Start to fund "art and science investigations" for preschoolers. Perhaps Jackson County organizations could take a creative cue from that.

When they do, I hope they'll call me. My children and I are interested!

Anne Vilen

Cullowhee

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