Thumbs Up/Down - September 21, 2012

Talk about it

Recognizing recycling

Thumbs Up: Sometimes it takes a “newcomer” to point out positive parts of a community that are often taken for granted. Esther Schock Mehrer and her family, who moved to Alexandria this past March, commented online about how impressed she is with local recycling efforts. “We are so impressed that you have a recyling center located right in Alexandria at 2115 Jefferson Street [Pope/Douglas Solid Waste Management]. And, your recycle pick-up, every two weeks, makes it so easy for those who do not wish to bother to sort their recyclables. I love that there are locations to leave aluminum cans for the purpose of raising money for your high school bands also.”

Would rumble strips work?

Thumbs Up/Down: This is more of an idea than a thumbs but we wanted to see what readers think. An Alexandria man noted that with so many crashes happening after one vehicle crosses over the centerline into oncoming traffic, why not put a “rumble strip” down the middle of the road? “I realize it wouldn’t be 100 percent corrective, but think of all the inattentive drivers that might be roused enough to get back into their lane,” he said. “I don’t see a big expense; it could be done on resurfacing or added at any time.” So what do you think, readers? Send us your thoughts and we’ll do a follow-up.

Quick response

Thumbs Up: A downtown Alexandria business owner sends a “thumbs up” to the police department, North Ambulance and the fire department for their quick response to stop a fire from causing serious damage to a rental unit. “They all came right away and did a great job,” she said.

Music for four generations

Thumbs Up: Here’s a thumbs that sure to bring back memories for long-time residents of Alexandria. Remember KCMT-TV and its Country Jubilee show that featured performers like Ardis Wells, Archie Viering and Jimmy Jenson? Jan Kalina of Alexandria does and she was delighted when Jenson performed a free show on the Douglas County Courthouse lawn this summer as part of the Red Willow Arts Coalition concert series. She wrote Jenson a letter: “As I sat in my lawn chair enjoying your music and humor, I thought back to my childhood. I remember so well when we would have a delicious dinner at my grandma’s. We’d hurry to do the dishes because the Country Jubliee show would come on KCMT. All of us kids knew we best keep our mouths shut for that half hour or grandma would be very upset…Jimmy, you have given to four generations in my family. My grandma, Nora, loved your show. My parents danced the night away at the Hillside and still dance to you in the area. I am lucky enough to share the dance floor with my parents when you play the VFW in Alexandria. Every year at Christmas, we make gingerbread houses at my house with my grandson and his little neighbor girl. Guess who is playing when we decorate? It’s Jimmy Jenson’s Christmas songs and the kids love it. Wow, four generations listening to wonderful music. You are a treasure.”

Seasonal residents and campaign signs

Thumbs Down: Is it wrong for seasonal residents to fill their yards with political signs from candidates running for elections they won’t be voting in? A local resident contacted us with his concerns. “It’s a respect issue,” he said. “They should respect local politics and not stick their nose in it.”

Professionalism and empathy

Thumbs Up: An Alexandria woman who had a fire at her residence on August 20 because of a clothes dryer malfunction sent us a heartfelt note of appreciation for the Alexandria police and fire departments. She lost a dog, Harold, and a cat, Calli, to the fire. “All members of these departments that responded displayed a high degree of professionalism and showed a tremendous amount of empathy toward me and my family,” she said. “Alexandria should be proud to have such great public servants.”

Lane hogs

Thumbs Down: This happens too often on Alexandria streets: Drivers that straddle two lanes when they stop at an intersection with traffic lights. Cars behind them don’t have enough room to get around them to make a right turn on red if the traffic is clear. They have no choice but to wait until the lane hog clears the intersection. It’s a waste of time and gas, which are both precious commodities these days.

Tags: opinion, editorials