Published: January 31, 2008 04:41 pm            

LETTERS: Feb. 1, 2008

Concern touches Red Cross



The goal was 160, but still they came. Actually, 238 caring individuals of all ages, came to Charlestown Middle School Friday to donate blood for their friend, Marquis Evart Popp. Family members of Marquis were there to personally thank those who came. Employees from New Washington State Bank were there to donate and serve fried chicken to the blood donors.

Other volunteers and Red Cross staff watched in amazement as folks continued to come, giving up their Friday evening, many after a hard day’s work. They sat patiently waiting their turn, sometimes taking two hours until their health history was taken, the donation was completed, and their gift of lifesaving blood was carefully packaged and secured for transport. During the blood drive, Marquis, hospitalized, lay critically ill. Then, sadly, Marquis passed away on Saturday.

Much has been written about how loved Marquis Popp was by seemingly everyone in this community. This young heart-transplant patient touched so many people in his 13 years. Indeed, the 238 people who came out to give the gift of life were a testament to how beloved Marquis was to his community.

To the family of Marquis Popp, the Clark County Red Cross would like to extend our heart-felt sympathy. We pray that Marquis and all members of his family received a blessing from knowing that so many people cared. Bless you all.

— Phyllis Wilkins, Executive Director of the Clark County Chapter of the American Red Cross





LifeSpring helping the transition



Thanks to Metro United Way, LifeSpring is increasing its Transitional Living Program to serve more of those who seek help. This program, the Transitional Living Program, originated with funds from HUD and provided 15 apartments. Now, through the generosity of Metro United Way and their donors, LifeSpring is increasing the number of apartments in this program to 19.

LifeSpring's Transitional Living Program provides not only housing, but the supportive services that are so necessary to get those who are homeless onto the path to self-sufficiency. Unlike the traditional image of a homeless person being a single male, the typical homeless person today is a woman with two children. This means many of the homeless are children. They have been living in cars, on the streets, in tents, and other inhabitable locations. They need both housing and a way out of poverty.

Many of those admitted to the Transitional Living Program are displaced because of evictions, job losses, an inability to access daycare for their children, addictions, and other illness. Participants can stay in the program for a period of up to 24 months, but they must be working toward and meeting their goals in order to remain in the program.

The Transitional Living Program already has 16 successful graduates and is currently houses 35 individuals. The new apartments, located in Floyd and Clark Counties, have been leased and LifeSpring is in the process of furnishing them. When the homeless enter this program, they have nothing but the clothes on their backs. Therefore, their living quarters must be furnished with everything from beds to pots and pans. With special help from Classic Furniture and Sleep World and other local donors the dream for more individuals to live in a safe, decent place, go to school or work, learn basic everyday living skills, and get the help they need to recover from illnesses is happening.

If you would like to help this program and those who dream of a better life, please call Misty Stanley, program manager, at 812-280-6606 Ext. 2023.

— Joan Kemper, LifeSpring Vice President of Development



Reader: No one’s denying need for youth shelter



I am responding to the letter written by Pam Prince, President of the Floyd County Youth Service Advisory Board that appeared in The Tribune on Sunday, Jan. 27.

First of all, no one that attended Vic Meginity’s “media event” at the North Annex on Grant Line Road is in favor of stopping or delaying construction of the new Youth Shelter. Everyone there that expressed an opinion agreed that the new facility is needed.

The Historic Landmarks group, along with the Floyd County Historical Society, have copies of letters that were sent to the County Commissioners in 2004 and 2005. No response was made to the letters and the county commissioners proceeded without input from either organization.

Larry Timperman, the architect of the new construction plan, stated in a very professional, factual manner that keeping the old building standing would require a revision of the master plan. The Historic Landmarks spokesperson said that they could obtain a grant to help defray these costs. The changes would involve re-routing of the access road slightly, changes in grading for the parking lot and moving a second new building that I believe is to be used for the Probation Office. With 20 acres to work with it seems doable. Mr. Timperman was very cooperative, but would not allow the interested citizens to have a copy of the mater plan unless the Commissioners authorize it. I’m sure the Commissioners will make these available upon request, as well as cost estimates.

I have an open mind about this whole project. As a retired teacher, I understand the necessity of building the new Youth Shelter. I believe this could be done while finding some alternate use for the building after renovating it. I realize the County doesn’t have the funds for this renovation, but there are other ways to get it done,

I helped renovate Division Street School which was in comparable condition. Now it is a showplace museum and educational center where hundreds of fourth grade students learn about segregation. It took many volunteers, grants and perseverance to restore that historic building.

A similar fate could await the old Floyd County Home.

— John S. Silver, New Albany



County home is symbol of compassion



A recent article in The Tribune quoted one of our County Councilmen as saying that the North Annex (Floyd County Home) was not a proud part of our history. On the contrary, I believe the 1878 building represents a part of our history we can be very proud of. It shows that our county fathers reached out to help those less fortunate. Those less fortunate included both whites and African Americans. The public record stands as a testimony to the fact that the County Home was most probably the first public building in Floyd County to show integration.

Surely there is a way to save this building for some good use and still move ahead with plans for a new youth shelter. I understand that the plans are not to build on the space occupied by the County Home structure anyway!

— Pam Peters, New Albany

        

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