Listen to school personnel

To the editor:

It is with distress I read the news of the possible fate of education in North Carolina.  We must send our legislators from Western North Carolina fully instructed that each must oppose in every way possible decreased funding for public education under any caption.

There is a second  path that our citizens should take, be they parents or interested citizens. When Haywood County started preschool evaluations and educational programs for the students at risk, we were told that we could not do it.  This was not because of the cost, for there was no money and no costs were involved.  It was done with volunteers and extra work for the concerned school personnel. Superintendent Lawrence Leatherwood was told by the state Superintendent of Public Education that it was against the regulations. Lawrence told those of us planning the program to go ahead:  “We are a long way from Raleigh.”

Listen to the school personnel.  Ask the teacher, the supervisor, the principal, the superintendent to break down what they need in small bites.  If they need books for ten classes, break it down to what they need for each class.  If they need equipment, what do they need for which program.  What do they need?  How can I provide it?  Do I have anything that they might be able to use.  What can we do to meet the problem?

We will not let the General Assembly destroy our schools and education system for our students in Haywood County.  Get your committee together to tell us what we can do.

We are a long way from Raleigh.

Doris B. Hammett, MD

Asheville

Appreciate editorial

To the editor:

Thank you for writing the editorial last week and depicting a positive

milestone for students who have overcome many obstacles to achieve

their diploma. Thank you for your concern and thoughtful insight for

youth.

Caroline B.Williamson

Waynesville

Hospital care was outstanding

To the editor:

I want to commend Med-West Hospital for the outstanding care recently provided to my wife.  She was brought by EMS to the emergency room early am on June 4.

They quickly diagnosed the problem and arranged emergency surgery.  After recovery she was taken to seventh floor and remained there until discharged on June 8.

The experience with the hospital was excellent in all respects.  The emergency room made the right decision  and the surgeon on call responded immediately and decisively.  These actions undoubtedly prevented what could have been serious complications.  The nursing care on the seventh floor could not have been better.

My wife and I are grateful to the hospital and the professionals who provided such outstanding care.  It is a great comfort to know we have high quality heath care available in Haywood County, and that the hospital is administered by people seriously dedicated to their professions.

Beuford Shirley

Waynesville

HOA and hardball tactics

To the editor:

In regard to a recent article in The Mountaineer regarding homeowner associations, I want to commend Jim Bothwell for testifying in the legislative hearing concerning the HOA law changes.

It takes courage to take a stand for what you believe and not take the general attitude to just give in and follow the HOA rules or move out of the area.

Most home owners associations are implemented to benefit the home owners in that area. However, there are a few HOAs that can cause discontent and disagreement with neighbors.

There even may be times when a homeowner may disagree with an issue that is to be voted on, but just give in out of shear peer pressure rather than be labeled as a troublemaker.

A officer of the HOA may know little or nothing about the state statues regulating the Home Owners Associations. Therefore, I agree wholeheartedly... any officer of a HOA should have training as to how to conduct a meeting and training on the state statues regulating these entities.

Lew and Bonnie Hanson

Maggie Valley

‘Impact Day’ a success

To the editor:

I would like to thank the 11 people from First United Methodist Church who gave up their Saturday on “Community Impact Day” to provide cleaning and painting services to Haywood Christian Ministry.

Their efforts resulted in a highly visible facelift that has boosted the spirits of our volunteers and staff.

The ministry tries to keep overhead expenses as low as possible, so that the money and goods donated by our generous community can be used for direct services to those in need.  The result of their work is truly incredible.

Lisa James, director

Haywood Christian Ministry

Get a double scoop

To the editor:

Not too recently I have made an outstanding discovery within our extended community. The Copper Leaf Cafe, which was previously named the Coffee Zone in the Waynesville Plaza, is now located on Soco Road, just a short distance west from ACE Hardware toward Maggie Valley.

Truly, this message is not intended to be a plea; it is simply intended to be an informative revealing of an outstanding cafe, which has a non-equaled Christian staff, and a menu that is a creation sent from "somewhere."

My advice is to buy any of the entrees, but be absolutely certain to purchase a double scoop of "Grandma's Chicken Salad.”

Dave Wright

Lake Junaluska