Mayor praised for Dunkirk park work (06/21/07)

To the editor:

While working for Jay-Randolph Developmental Services (JRDS) over the past 20-plus years, I have observed many different actions and reactions by Jay County residents when dealing with people with disabilities in the community. Though taken for granted by most, it can be very challenging for such individuals to participate in activities in their respective communities.

Last summer a person with disabilities, who uses a wheelchair to move about in her community and her residence at Miller's Merry Manor, went to Dunkirk Park with a JRDS staff person. They had hoped to picnic there, but were unable to move the wheelchair over the ground to the nearest picnic table. As a result they had to eat lunch in the van.

Later, the JRDS staff person happened to mention this barrier to Mayor Sam Hubbard and volunteered to help him address the issue. She never received a call from Mayor Hubbard, and thought he might have forgotten about their conversation. How surprised and excited she and this same resident were this spring, when they visited the park again and noticed that wheelchair accessible sidewalks had been installed in the park.

We at JRDS want to acknowledge Mayor Hubbard for not only listening to a Dunkirk citizen's concern, but also for helping meet the needs of all citizens who use wheelchairs to access their community.

You are a hero to people who like to go on picnics at this beautiful park. Thank you for making a difference in their lives.

Sincerely,

Diana L. Smith, director

of quality organizational

supports, Jay-Randolph

Developmental Services Inc.

Gold Wing thanks

To the editor:

The Gold Wing Road Riders Association of Indiana would like to thank the Portland community for all of the help with our Spring Wing Warm Up on Memorial weekend. Thank you to all that helped make it a success, the mayor's office, the fair board, the visitors and tourism Bureau, the Purdue Extension Office, and the restaurants and motels in the area. Without the cooperation of everyone, the Rally would not work. I personally would like to thank the following people. Rob Weaver, Tom Zimmerman, Gyneth Augsburger, Bill McAbee, Bruce Hosier, and Gary Trobridge for all of their help with putting this all together.

Also, a big thank you to the members of Indiana Chapter "T" for all of their help, both before and during the Rally. They did a great job at making sure that everything was taken care of, to make it all come together.

One other area that was saved for last, is the city Police Department. During the parade, we heard a number of compliments on their making sure that all of the intersections were blocked and that traffic was handled perfectly.

So, a "hats off" to the chief of police and his staff for a job well done.

Hopefully, we have not left out anyone, but if we have it was not intentional.

Again, a big thank you to everyone that was involved with putting this on, and making us proud of our community.

Butch and Margaret Micheau

Indiana Senior District Directors

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