Published: March 20, 2008 08:33 pm         

Letters to the editor (published March 20, 2008)

Fifty-four years ago a revolutionary idea to bring public and private sectors together to develop and promote a national cleanliness ethic was born in New York. Out of this came the slogan, "Keep America Beautiful," and this idea is as valid today as it was at its inception.

Walking is my favorite form of exercise, and those of us who live in Fairfield Glade have many opportunities to walk along roadways, paths, and byways. Our efforts are rewarded by our increased cardio-vascular health, physical fitness, and the beautiful scenery courtesy of Mother Nature.

Mother Nature takes care of her own by a process called decomposition; however she cannot break down beverage containers composed of metal, plastic, and glass as readily as her own products. Many of these types of containers are visible at many of the construction sites during and after the construction is complete.

The symbiotic relationship we home owners have with the home construction companies has enjoyed a history of major proportions and the future holds bright promise; however, the construction crews need to collect the trash related to their consumption of food and beverage at these sites each day. The amount of trash that collects over the construction period leads me to presume this indiscretion of waste disposal is the direct result of the careless acts of the crewmen, for I cannot conceptualize any homeowner here in the Glade disposing of their trash in such manner.

Let's all do our part to keep Fairfield Glade, Tennessee, and America beautiful. Remember, we must all participate to ensure our vistas are comprised of natural beauty, and not the gaily-crafted colors that appear on beverage and food containers that remain long after the construction has ended and the construction crew has moved on to another construction site.

Gloria Eversole-Tartaglia

Fairfield Glade



I'm told and I believe retirement is a very stressful event. As a result it seems some folks have a difficult time getting a life-after-retirement (LAR). Some do a better job than others refocusing their lives. Unfortunately, some just can't seem to get a self-fulfilling LAR. Some do quite well with golf, bridge, tennis, traveling, family, and other productive activity. Then there are those that turn to minutia of some sort such as PAPA (People Against Peavine Advertising). For those stuck in minutia, I have a suggestion.

The last time I counted them, there were over 20 not-for-profit organizations in our county, most of which depend heavily on volunteers to deliver very much needed services. Concentrating energy on helping one or more of these agencies would be beneficial in several ways.

•The needy served by the agency would be thankful.

•The merchants who advertise on Peavine would feel more kindly toward us northern interlopers.

•The volunteer would likely have a sense of satisfaction in serving a really worthy cause.

•Our editorial space would be free for more weighty issues.

Of course, the downside is you do have to drive down Peavine to get to the agency; maybe whistling while you drive would take your mind off the signs.

Joseph Walls

Fairfield Glade