To the Editor:

While in Middlesboro recently to celebrate the birthday of my mom, Winnie Medley, my husband and I found ourselves exercising at Ford's Woods. As we walked, I fondly recalled time spent there picnicing with fellow Girl Scouts under the leadership of Sarah Hoe and Helen Watt and with members of the Junior Girls Sunday School Class, First Christian Church, under the leadership of my Aunt Dot (Dorothy Scott Sulfridge). My, how the park has changed! Hats off to those who put forth the time, energy and funds to make it what it now is for citizens of the area including today's Scouts and Sunday School class members of all ages. While some litter was observed (and properly "canned" as I made my rounds more slowly than those of my husband), it was nothing compared to what we see at our parks here in Lexington so hats off, once again, to those who choose NOT to be litterbugs. In this day and age of fast food (and the paper, plastic, styrofoam containers that go along with it), civic pride in and responsibility for one's local park should be commended. Keep up the good work, folks. Also, GO JACKETS! I still bleed yellow.

Sincerely,

Ginger Medley Camenisch

Lexington, Ky.

Bell County volunteers sought for 2008 PRIDE Spring Cleanup April 5-19

Dear Editor:

Another Spring is unfolding across Southern and Eastern Kentucky. As the Redbud trees begin to blossom, I urge all citizens to help in removing unsightly trash from Bell County’s roads, streams and hillsides during our annual PRIDE Spring Cleanup, April 5-19. Recruit your friends, family and neighbors to help.

You can help by volunteering for cleanup events already scheduled by your local PRIDE coordinators. A listing of activities near you can be found at www.kypride.org. Or, contact PRIDE Coordinator John O'Boyle at 337-3076. In Pineville, call Ina Robbins at 337-2958.

If the road or stream you want to clean is not on the current schedule, contact your PRIDE coordinator to plan your own cleanup event. Your coordinator will provide the trash bags and arrange for them to be collected. Free T-shirts will be given to PRIDE Spring Cleanup volunteers, while supplies last.

For the past 11 years, you have taken PRIDE in your region. Just look at what Bell County officials, residents and students have accomplished together since PRIDE began in 1997:

5,322 volunteers have worked 11,513 hours.

6,980 bags of trash have been collected.

380 junk appliances and 72 tons of scrap metal have been recycled.

5,206 old tires have been recovered.

Thank you for continuing to step forward to make a difference. Have PRIDE today for a brighter tomorrow!

Sincerely,

Karen Engle

President/CEO

Eastern Kentucky PRIDE