Praying at the pump

"Praying at the gas pump" is a good start.

Our nation must repent of our sins and turn to God in prayer. God must be given His rightful place in our nation.

If a nation rejects God, the inevitable result will be ruin. Let us thank God for His blessings and pray that He will not forsake our nation.

Read the book of Jeremiah in the Old Testament in the Bible.

-- LILA WILLIAMS

retired manager of Quail Creek Apartments, Salina

Volunteering, not whining

This letter is directed to the Ext. 333 caller who thought it was unfair for the city crews and the volunteers to be allowed into the park early, while festival-goers had to wait until the gates opened.

We can always use more volunteers during those early morning hours. Like the people who are there early (6 a.m.), literally forming a chain of "human street sweepers," getting the park ready for the new day's crowds so that their time at the festival will be a pleasant experience.

Who does that caller think gets the grounds ready for them to enter and have a good time? Who does that caller think picks up all the dirty diapers, messy paper plates, cans, bottles and trash that's been left on the grounds, and many other "unpleasant" things that I won't mention in detail?

Those volunteers are there working hard for you -- the festival-goers. No pay. No free button. No glory. Just a thank you.

Instead of being critical, you owe them all a big "thank you." Maybe you'd even like to be one of them sometime -- think about it.

I am one of three assistant technical directors, and yes, I am one of those unpaid volunteers, and yes, I have to buy a button, too.

-- MARIE CHAPMAN, homemaker and active volunteer for 32 years, Salina

We need a new pool

I want to echo the recent guest column by Judy Holmes about the swimming pool issue. A new facility will help Salina attract and retain the young families that we need. It can also provide a great place for grandchildren to enjoy when they visit Salina.

I certainly believe that we need a first-class facility in this community. There some other aspects of this project that I find encouraging:

n It is great that the city of Salina is seeking public comment on the features that will go in the facility. The open process is encouraging, and the result will be a better facility. I encourage people to take advantage of the opportunity.

n Locating the pool in Kenwood Park will save between 20 percent to 33 percent. The fact that the land is already owned by the city, parking is already in place and utility extensions are not needed means that resources will go where we need them -- to a great facility everyone can be proud of.

n Salina's location at the intersection of Interstate Highway 70 and Interstate Highway 135 means that people in other communities will have safe and easy access to our facility.

n City Manager Jason Gage indicates the intention to budget sufficiently for long-term maintenance of the facility. This is a logical thing to do and makes good business sense. Continuing maintenance at the appropriate level is critical to keeping the facility top-notch for years. This is a very prudent financial step that has been lacking at the current facility.

A community-based group is being organized to support a new facility. To get involved, e-mail at Salina_aquatic_center@yahoo.com.

Salina has always been a progressive community ... let's prove it.

-- BEN VIDRICKSEN

retired state senator, Salina

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