New posts put park off limits for party (06/03/08)

To the editor:

Before I was born, my grandparents started a family tradition of having a yearly reunion at Haynes Park in Portland.

My father was one of nine children born from this union. Therefore, there were many family members coming from all over for this summer reunion.

Fast forward say 60 years. We have one aunt from those nine children still with us, plus we've not all been blessed with good health. Some are using walkers, some are in wheelchairs, and some use oxygen, making it hard to get around. And with reunions, there is lots of food.

Getting ready for our reunion in July, we are at a point of not knowing where to have our reunion. There seems to have appeared metal or steel posts all around Haynes Park, really creating a problem.

We've always tried to use the big shelter house for several reasons. The main one being it houses the only rest rooms in the park. With all the health problems and small children, I think you get the picture. Also, we had plenty of electricity for keeping food hot and the shade for those who can not tolerate the sun. And the fireplace for smores.

We've always been able to drive up to the shelter house, unload food, get the walkers and wheelchairs and oxygen, etc. to the shelter house without a problem.

Now we cannot drive along the stone driveway to unload the food or our family. There is no way for the disabled to get to the only restroom in the park. The grounds are terribly uneven, making it impossible for those walkers, wheelchairs or anyone with hip or leg problems, to walk. What about the (Americans with Disabilities) Act? Does this not apply to parks?

For our tradition of using Haynes Park, it may be over. We really don't want this to happen. It's nice for the smaller shelters, but without the much-needed restrooms and all the electricity, we are having trouble deciding what to do. Are there any suggestions to making all of our parks more handicap accessible?

Penny (Money) Sanders

Portland

Help needed

To the editor:

Another Memorial Day has passed, but the cemetery still has to be taken care of. I'm writing this to anyone that has friends, family or loved ones resting at Reitenour Cemetery on Ind. 28 between Deerfield and Ridgeville in Randolph County.

Most of my family members that are gone are there, and if you are like me you never gave a thought to how or where the money comes from.

Donations, that's where.

The mowing has to be done and anyone doing that is either working at a loss or doing it on a shoestring. Did you ever wonder who pays for the upkeep in general no matter what the case may be?

Donations.

The association needs money coming in to help keep it looking nice. If you go there and see something that you think should be done I'm sure a board member would listen, but you need to consider it takes money to pay for it.

So the next time you go play bingo or buy a lottery ticket or just donate to something, think about giving to Reitenour Cemetery. Any amount would be appreciated.

I know I'm going to send a check, but it's going to take more than mine to make a difference.

So if anyone that reads this has family there, please help and also take a look at your lots and stones to make sure they are in tip-top shape.

It's your responsibility to do this. If you can help in any way, please send your donations to:

Becky Edwards, 7660 North U.S. 27, Ridgeville, IN, 47380.

Thank you,

Penny Imel

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