Letters to the editor: 10/31/02

Parade organizers learning to walk before they gallop

To the Editor:

We usually start meeting in January or February. If you provided an address on your registration form, we will send you a notice a few weeks before the meeting.

Maurice Moody is our chairman, but he is not the Lone Ranger. We work as a committee and do our best to sponsor a safe, enjoyable event.

Planning for a parade is an eye-opening experience. You learn many wonderful things. The most important of which is that prayers do get answered; people and horses survive what could have been life-threatening situations. Secondly, you can depend on Sylva Police Chief Jeff Jamison, his staff and the Jackson County Sheriff's Department to do a terrific job under even the most difficult of situations. Third, a lot of wonderful animal owners and admirers can enjoy a sunny, October afternoon together.

You also learn some not-so-wonderful aspects of hosting an equine event. Not everyone who participates is prepared. It is unrealistic to expect the police to completely stop traffic on some of Jackson County's most traveled roads. It is also the rider's job to keep his or her horse under control and in the correct lane. Even the most experienced trail horse will have difficulty dealing with the "urban jungle." We, as responsible owners, must plan ahead and train our animals to deal with this situation.

Many thanks to all who participated, watched and worked hard to keep us safe. Happy trails and hope to see you next year.

Sincerely,

Cindy Allison

Sylva

Writer offers different opinion of DOT's roadside clearing

To the Editor:

As a resident and homeowner in the Dicks Creek community for 18 years, may I compliment the personnel involved and the Department of Transportation for what I feel was the greatest roadway cleanup we have experienced since 1984. In addition to the beauty and enhancement of properties, the safety factor for traveling the road is improved.

I know our road department is as interested as we are in keeping our roadways beautiful, yet clean, for "leaf-lookers," fishermen, bicyclists, joggers, etc., whether it be Dicks Creek or the many other roads they care for. No doubt when you travel Dicks Creek Road now you are able to see the beauty of the roadway and more clearly the beautiful streams and waterfalls that were once covered with tree limbs and brush.

With great appreciation to the DOT for a job well done!

Peggy Price

Dicks Creek community

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