We also have many wonderful patrons of the library who have kindly donated time or money, or both, in an effort to make the library an even better place. We are truly grateful for the tremendous generosity of Carol and Logan Hardison, Craig Held, Mary Alice Orcutt Henderson, Doris Jones, Rae Krueger, Sandra Perello, Jesus Pozo, Carolyn Purdy, Gennie and Art Reich, Sharon Clarke and Pepper, the devoted literacy tutors, and the dedicated members of our Friends of the Library.Thank you again for a great year! We look forward to seeing you at Blanchard Community Library in 2009!Ilene GavenmanChildren’s and Young Adult LibrarianBlanchard Community LibraryOn the roadTo the Editor:In May 2008 Caltrans reduced the speed limit to 55 mph for “all” vehicles from Santa Paula to Fillmore and installed 55 limit signs but not enough. A mistake was to not change the “55 when towing” signs that are still there to “all vehicles.” I travel this area often and while I drive 55 mph I get left behind by far by nearly every vehicle going 65 to 70 including “all” the gravel trucks who have always been the worst offenders.Also when entering Fillmore the signs read 45 then to 40 mph to no avail to most all vehicles.At least once I saw a gravel truck squash an auto on Hwy 126. And accidents still occur and far too many. I still often see the cell phone users. And they all passed for their driver’s license? Well, maybe all.I also would like to ask the DMV to have a special driver test for motor homes over 20 feet. Far too many owners never drove any auto larger than a mini auto. And also the too close bumper drivers. Accidents waiting. Maybe in 2009 again.And driving fast in the rain and in fog. Tickets will increase your insurance rate. Driver slower and enjoy another Christmas in 2009. It’s worth a try.Ken ZimmetSanta Paula
Letters to the Editor
December 26, 2008
Opinion
Share the joy of giving
To the Editor:Dear Heritage Valley,Giving is far better than receiving. I have received support throughout my childhood and now it is time to give back and keep giving back.The one place in which I can concentrate my giving is to the Boys & Girls Club.As I watch my kids grow up I can see all the advantages they have that I didn’t.My kids’ friends have the same needs as I did when I was younger but with a bit more complications. Most have challenges such as being raised by a single parent or the parents have very little time to help with schoolwork and no understanding of higher education.There are just a few issues that our community kids face and it is time we all contribute to our future generations. We are not short of workers, but we are short of leaders. Our future generation needs to be leaders!The one place that will help make this difference is the Boys & Girls Club. At the club, homework assistance is not an elective activity but a requirement. It is one of the safest places a kid can go after school.There are still so many needs for our kids and the wish list is not getting any smaller.So as we make our wishes, prayers and our New Year’s resolutions, keep in mind our future generations and how you can make a donation or help raise donations for the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley. Once you have the feeling of giving, you too will share my joy of giving back.Tony SorianoSanta PaulaHeartfelt thanksTo the Editor:On behalf of Blanchard Community Library, I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the following businesses and individuals who contributed to the tremendous success of our 2008 Teen Summer Reading Program. Aquarium of the Pacific, Ellen Brokaw, Buena Lanes, Samina Cabral, Joyce and Ernest Carlson, Susan Cox – Book Safari, Crane Printing, Fillmore & Western Railway Company, Friends of Blanchard Community Library, Golf ‘N’ Stuff, Mary Alice Orcutt Henderson, Elaine Hunt, Island Packers, Sue Leonard, Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Lakers, McDonald’s, William Mensing, William Orcutt, Anita Pulido, Round Table Pizza of Santa Paula, Ellen Ruby, Rushing Real Estate, Santa Clara Valley Bank, Santa Paula Kiwanis Club, Santa Paula Rotary Club, Santa Paula Super Store, and Margaret Watts all donated generously to our program.This year we had 133 young adult participants who read 260,350 pages over the summer! We are certain that many of our teen readers were inspired to read due to the wonderful array of prizes provided by these donors. Thank you again to these great sponsors for their wonderful support in encouraging young adults to read. We hope that our teenagers will continue to enjoy the pleasures of reading for the rest of their lives.Despite budget cuts, this has been a truly marvelous year for Blanchard Community Library. The children’s storage closet was redesigned at the beginning of the year by Eagle Scout Chris Vandergueten and Boy Scout Troop 302. They built shelves and provided us with much needed storage containers for our materials and supplies. This summer the story room received a pair of carpeted risers designed and constructed by Eagle Scout Eric Shide with the assistance of Boy Scout Troop 302 as well. This new seating is used extensively each week by preschoolers and their parents for story time and is also enjoyed by each class that visits the library. National Charity League graciously fulfilled our 2008 wish list, funding a colorful hexagon for toddlers, replacing the frayed cushions in the children’s area, and providing a game table and display racks for our teen area. Finally, thanks to the guidance of our dedicated library board, we now have new and improved lighting, newly upholstered seating, and brand new carpeting throughout the library!
