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Valorie Eversole's Blog
Goodwill to Men
It's that season again when everyone is caught up in the bustle of Christmas shopping, decorating, and planning for family and friends get-togethers. The excitement in children's eyes at the prospect of new games and toys that are all the latest rage has parents and grandparents searching for just the right gift.
As I read the Dear Santa letters that was published in the Daily Union, I was especially touched by the ones asking Santa for money for the mom and dad. The increase in Angel of Love applications this year also reflect the state of the American population at this time.
Many people are suffering this holiday season from the state of the economy. Jobs have been lost, wages have been cut due to decreased hours or furlough days taken in an effort to save jobs, families are suffering more now than during the recession of the early 80s. Soldiers oversees long to be home.
The people of Shelby County have been very generous in reaching out to others - an trait that seems to be common in small town America. Donations to programs such as the Angel of Love, food banks, and Pride Packages continue to pour in in spite of the stressed economy.
Thank you to those community members who demonstrate "goodwill to men." But let us not forget that people are in need all year and that goodwill to men need not be just at Christmastime.
Merry "Christ"-mas.
December 17, 2009 01:10 pm
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Mr. Representative, Listen to the People
America is finally beginning to speak up to their representatives. Now the question is: Are the representatives listening to the people.
Representatives who have returned home during the recess session are holding town hall meetings across America. And they are shocked to hear their constituents screaming their opposition to matters before the Congress, i.e. the proposed national health care system.
It’s good that Americans are letting their voices be heard, through somewhat loudly. But the representatives are defensive, claiming it all to be a right-winged coupe. In fear to hearing the opposition, some representatives are hiding behind the electronic media for their town meetings so they do not have to hear the people’s concerns or answer them.
Representative (Congressperson or Senator) is defined as standing in the place of another. A Representative stands for the people. It is the Representative’s responsibility to listen to those he represents and to study the issues carefully enough to wisely decide what is best for those he represents.
To hide from the people, to say you don’t have time to read the proposed bill, to blatantly refuse to think beyond the party lines is to fail in the job you have been placed in. Other employers would fire such an employee. Remember, Mr. Congressman, you are employed by the people… you can be fired by the people. Think about that in before the next election season.
August 09, 2009 06:04 pm
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Time for 'House Cleaning'
I’ve been saying it for years... Throw it all out and start over.
“Cleaning house” has taken on a different meaning in the State of Illinois. With the highly possible ousting of Governor Rod Blagojevich, it may be time to examine our other elected officials at the state and national levels.
The bill to allow recalls of public officials at the state level met a quick death in spite of legislative support. Recalling would allow voters to take a public official out of office before his or her term is up. Recalls have been used effectively in other states, most recently in California when voters recalled Governor Gray Davis and replaced him with Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Public officials are supposed to be held to a higher accountability. They are supposed to serve the people and not their own egos or pockets. This is supposed to be a government “...of the people, by the people, and for the people.” Everything is to be done in the best interest of the people.
Not all politicians are so self-centered, but there is quite a number of them who are. They are swayed by lobbyists with money-power who represent a few people. (Another reason why the silent majority should not remain silent.).
Give the people the power of recall. Big government needs to be put back into its place.
Just like the housewife who is busy with her cleaning - pitching all the old, unusable things and replacing them with new - we need to consider government housecleaning. Those whom the people think are doing a good job will be re-elected. Those who aren’t - pitch.
January 09, 2009 04:06 pm
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Let the Holiday Rush Begin
Thanksgiving is past. The leftover turkey is finding its way into casseroles and other creative recipes. Feasters have found themselves stuffed almost as much as the bird itself. Thanksgiving food will linger through the next week’s meals.
But the day after Thanksgiving is when the action really begins. For some, it’s the thrill of the hunt. For others it’s the time to duck and run.
The official holiday shopping season has begun which major retail stores opening at the unbelievable hour of 4 a.m. Those who relish the idea of sleeping in on their day off, suddenly find their energy to arise at 2:30 a.m. and be on the road by 3 a.m. to stand in line to grab the hot item in limited amounts (only 3 available!) at a riduculously low price (regularly $50 - on sale for only $9.99!) for a limited number of hours (until 7 a.m. only!). After the “Early Bird Special” ends, the prices will go back up to a regular sale price.
These women (and men) live for the hunt. For some, their personalities change from politeness to competitiveness. Some camp out overnight to be first in line for the specials. And I thought deer hunters were crazy.
For some, the one-day power shopping bags all the gifts on their entire shopping list. For others, it’s just the beginning.
With the shorter holiday shopping season, things will be even crazier. After all, it takes time to find the “perfect” gift for each and every person on the list - especially when you don’t have a clue as to what that “perfect” gift is. Then there’s the wrapping (or gift-bagging) and hiding of the items until you can safely put them under the tree.
Besides the shopping, there are other activities that makes the rush more rushed. There are cookies, breads, cakes, pies and other goodies to prepare as gifts or for the number of holiday parties to attend.
Decorating can take on a life of its own as men risk life and limb to hang the lights just so in an attempt to outdo the neighbor’s lighting. Women have the inside of the home to transform into a winter wonderland and set the mood for visitors with just the right fragrances, music, and eye appeal fpr the senses.
With all the overload, no wonder some burn out by the time Christmas Day actually arrives.
I may not be one to power shop before the crack of dawn, but I like to try to pace things to enjoy the holiday. I know that if I don’t do the “Black Friday” sales, there is always the “Last Minute” sales as retailers try to get rid of everything before they have to count inventory at the beginning of the new year.
My advice - and you can take it or leave it - is to pace yourselves. Take time to really enjoy your family and friends around you. Don’t let the shortness of the season rob you of the true joy and reason of it all.
December 01, 2008 12:21 pm
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Security Measures Need to be Reconsidered
In “Smalltown USA”, residents have a comfortable existence. Life is quiet. Acts of violence seldom happen. Everyone is trusting.
But “Smalltown USA” doesn't exist anymore. People, no matter the size of town, have to take precautions to not become a victim of random acts of mischief or violence.
Over the past decade senseless acts at the hands of just one person have become more frequent. Campus shootings at all levels have forced schools to adopt a zero-tolerance policy with serious consequences for pranks and verbal threats. Schools are also installing security equipment and locking outside doors in an effort to keep students safe.
How many times have we read about one person who becomes so angry that he/she walks into a public place and begins randomly shooting .
During the past decade public buildings, such as courthouses, have installed metal detectors and x-ray machines at a single entrance to not only catch anyone who wishes to do public harm, but also to deter anyone from considering such an act.
Throughout the country tourist sites have metal detectors and x-ray machines the public has to pass through before admittance - all in the name of public safety
Unfortunately this is the era we now live in.
Last month the Shelby County Board trimmed back our courthouse's security proposal from the metal detector, x-ray machine, and armed deputies to just installing security cameras which would be monitored by the Sheriff's office nearly a block away. All three entrances would remain open to the public. Anyone can walk into the building and hide out anywhere without notice..
Ten days ago a bomb threat resulted in the evacuation of the Shelby County Courthouse and an intensive search for two potential bombs - one reportedly in the basement and another in a courtroom.
Mass violence can happen in Shelbyville. It only takes one person bent on revenge and acting out of anger.
A security system may not stop a phone call threat, but it can monitor all those coming into the courthouse. If someone tried to bring in a weapon or bomb materials, he would be stopped at the door. And it is the only door that is open for entrance.
It appears some members of the community still believe nothing would happen here - it's Shelbyville.
Read the newspaper. Read the police reports. Thefts, vandalism, and domestic violence statistics are on the rise. The safety and security of “Smalltown USA” does not exist anymore.
Courthouses in neighboring counties, as well as throughout the state, have security systems in place. This was prompted by such violence as threats to judges and hostage situations several years ago.
Citizens will adjust to the extra security measures. They will also appreciate the consideration for their safety.
I ask the Shelby County Board to reconsider the courthouse security proposal. Be proactive. Stop potential violence before it happens. Last week's bomb threat may have been just a hoax, but there's no guarantee it will be a hoax the next time. A full security system would be money well spent to keep employees and citizens safe.
September 15, 2008 01:54 pm
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Today's Students - Tomorrow's Future
Valorie Eversole
Daily Union Staff Writer
School is about to start for area students. What does it take to help a student succeed?
What a parent or teacher teaches his or her child/student, directly or indirectly, has a lot to do with how well a student will do both in school and in society.
In addition to reading, ‘riting, and ‘rithmetic, responsibility and respect are two of the “R”s that carry throughout a lifetime. The two also walk hand-in-hand in the formula for success. These ideals should start at a young age, but one is never to old to learn them.
Responsibility: The state of being able to fulfill one’s obligations. (Webster)
This concept should begin at an early age with simple expectations in the home, such as putting dirty clothes in a basket or picking up toys before bedtime.
As a child grows, more may be expected of him so that when he is faced with assignments and projects, he is responsible enough to complete the tasks without nagging or excessive help from parents.
Parents may still need to help the child follow through, but the main responsibility rests with the student to get and understand the assignment.
Respect: To consider deserving of high regard (Webster).
In a “me” world, some people think of themselves as better than everyone else - the opposite of respect.
Parents can demonstrate respect in the way they speak to and about others. I have heard parents degrade their child’s teacher in front of their child and then wonder why their child is in trouble all the time at school. Without respect for his teacher or administrators, a student will think school is a waste of time and will not put forth any effort to help himself. Without respect for his classmates, a student is more likely to become a bully.
Cooperation between parents and teachers is another vital aspect in helping a student succeed. Most teachers are willing to answer questions from parents to help the student. But both sides have to respect each other for the benefit of the student.
Parents should also take an active role in what their students are doing, gently spurring them on to be the best student they can be. Encourage their strengths and help them in their weaknesses. Realize they are human beings. They are going to err and rebel to some degree, but a strong parent knows how to gently redirect their child.
Parents and teachers, don’t give up on a student. Your careful guidance may surprise you down the road.
Here’s wishing a successful school year to students, teachers and parents.
September 08, 2008 08:58 am
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Nation of Whiners vs. Nation of Winners
Senator Phil Gramm, R-Texas, used an interesting term last week - we have become a “nation of whiners.”
Although the comment pinched the nerves of politicians and citizens alike, there may be a bit of truth in it.
Our nation has become somewhat spoiled. We have taken for granted that we are a strong nation in the world’s eyes, but we have to bow to other countries over a vital commodity - oil.
That dependence on oil has caused our citizens great economic hardship and we have to learn how to do without some of the luxuries we have grown accustom to.
We are a nation of travelers. We think nothing of jumping in the car and driving 200 miles to enjoy a day at a theme park. I remember my parents saving over time to be able to make our once a year trip (4 hours) to my grandparent’s home. That’s when gas was 29 cents a gallon. Today, in spite of high gas prices, many people just hop in their car and go. As long as they have a credit card, they will deal with gas prices later. Then when the bill comes, the whining begins.
The rapid increase in prices of fuel and food is real and is a cause for concern especially for those on fixed incomes. Unfortunately their Social Security or other government benefits do not increase in proportion to the rapidly rising cost of living.
And with the Social Security system cracking at the seams, many upcoming retirees are squirming. Company closures are also jeopardizing pension and retirement plans. Unless you’ve taken your own financial future into your own hands, your retirement will feel a very tight squeeze.
We are a nation who wants to have more and more things. Some people have overextended themselves in the homes they have opted to purchase in the goal to have the best and then found they can’t make the mortgage payments. Others overextend their credit to have the newest and best things and then feel they are drowning in their own debt. Foreclosures, repossessions, and bankruptcies continue to rise.
Those who experienced the Depression era understand the value of a dollar in a way that those under 50 cannot. They knew how to do without and still live. They became self-sufficient out of necessity. They learned how to use what they had to support their own existence. They did not have government programs to bail them out. They supported themselves and their extended families.
Gramm calls the recession a “mental recession.” I disagree. The recession is real, but it is our own personal attitudes that make us whiners.
We need to take care of ourselves both as a country so we are not so dependent on other countries for something we can provide for ourselves and as individuals so that we are not dependent on the federal government to bail us out of the problems we create ourselves.
Only when we can become more independent individually and as a nation can we transform our image as a “nation of whiners” into a “nation of winners.”
July 22, 2008 01:46 pm
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Guys and Dolls is a Safe Bet
Valorie Eversole
Daily Union Staff Writer
The bets were on and the stakes were high as Guys and Dolls hit the stage at The Little Theatre on the Square in Sullivan.
The first of the Summer 2008 playlist opened last Wednesday and will continue through Saturday, June 22, with high energy from all 25 actors involved.
Set in New York City in the era of floating crap games and other assorted “sins”, the storyline centers around two high gamblers and the “dolls” who become involved with them.
Jack Milo and Doug Wilson play the leading men, Nathan Detroit and Sky Masterson. Detroit, in his quest for finding a spot to hold the next crap game, makes a $1000 bet that Masterson cannot get the local Salvation Army lass (Kate Feerick) to go to Havanna with him.
Milo provides a comical Art Carney type of character in his performance as Nathan Detroit. He paired nicely with his on-stage “doll” Miss Adelaide, played by LoriAnn Freda. Miss Adelaide suffers from a pyschosomatic cold from being engaged for 14 years to Detroit and trying to convince him to marry her sooner rather than later.
Freda did an excellent job with the look and voice of a New York showgirl who performed eye (and skirt) raising entertainment for the patrons of The Hot Box Nightclub.
Wilson easily fit the part of Sky Masterson, a high stakes gambler with both the cunning and charm to persuade any “doll” his way. But he meets his match with Miss Sarah Brown, the Save-a-Soul Mission crusader whom he has been challenged to persuade to accompany him to Havanna.
When Miss Sarah (Feerick) discovers that she was a pawn of Sky’s bet, she refuses to have anything more to do with him. But Sky soon discovers that he has actually fallen in love with her.
Masterson works his way into Miss Sarah’s heart as he uses his gambling luck to help save the mission from being shut down.
The play is full of music and dancing performed mostly by the younger cast members. The choreography is precise to fit the size of the stage during the high flying moves.
Kate Feerick’s singing voice was taken to her fullest soprano range in such songs as “I’ll Know” and “If I Were a Bell.”
Other music talents include tenor Eddie Schnecker, who led the other actors in “Sit Down You’re Rockin’ the Boat.”
Many of the cast are new to The Little Theatre stage, but are sure to find it a comfortable home for their talents.
Whether or not you’ve seen the play or movie before, the performance at The Little Theatre is worth seeing.
Upcoming performances at The Little Theatre on the Square this summer include Cabaret, West Side Story, Gypsy, and All Shook Up.
June 20, 2008 11:36 am
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Forks in the Road
Valorie Eversole
Daily Union Staff Writer
Many times throughout life we come to a fork in the road - a point where we make choices that will affect the rest of our lives.
Students throughout the county have been facing one of those big forks. Some have been planning for that fork for a few years. Others are approaching it with a carefree attitude.
High school graduation presents students with choices as to what comes next for them. Along the way they have “graduated” from pre-school, kindergarten, and jr. high school knowing exactly what the next step is. It was more of a jog in the road.
Now they face the choice of continuing their education, deciding on a career, or moving straight into the work force. For others, they may be facing life as a newly married adult or parent. The fork they choose will define who they will become.
College grads are facing life decisions - whether to move across the country for that “perfect” job or stay close to home, whether or not to continue their education, and other decisions that come with adult life. The fork they choose defines who they are.
For both high school and college graduates, a new life begins. They turn in their “dependent child” badges for “independent adult.” They are now in command of their own lives.
As they watch their children graduate, parents also go through another “graduation” of their own. They come to their own fork in the road as they face an empty nest. They now have to redefine their role in their children’s lives.
Preschool, Kindergarten, and grade school graduations do not change who the parents are. But at high school graduation, a parent’s role changes. Suddenly they have “adult children” whom they can no longer treat as children. (There is still a little control as long as parents hold the purse strings to a college education.) But once the child graduates to the world of higher education, the workforce, marriage, and children, the parental role is forever changed. Suddenly parents become more of a counsel and confidant than a childraiser. The parents have to step back and let the child fly or fall with their own decisions - a tough task for parents who are used to having control and have the strong urge to protect their children.
As Erma Bombeck noted, “Graduation day is tough for adults. They go to the ceremony as parents. They come home as contemporaries. After twenty-two years of child-raising, they are unemployed.”
Congratulations to all our high school and college graduates. May the fork you choose bring you hope and happiness. You are the determiners of your future and essentially the future of all of us.
Congratulations to all the parents of high school and college graduates. May you find satisfaction in a job well done. May the forks that lay ahead for you bring you rewards.
May 23, 2008 03:08 pm
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To Drive or Not To Drive - That is the Question
Dust off the bicycles, scooters, skateboards, rollerblades, tricycles, unicycles, hovercrafts, and anything else that does not use gas or uses very little of it.
Don those walking shoes (but be prepared for rain) and strengthen those leg muscles. You may have to rely on your own two feet to get you places.
In case you haven’t noticed, gas prices continue to rise every couple of days. For those who work out of town, these prices can break a family’s budget. Families have to find ways to cut in other areas of their lives to be able to afford to put gas in their vehicles to be able to go to work.
For some, travel is their business. Truckers and salespeople, for example, see a large chunk of their profits going to something they have absolutely no control over. They cannot cut their driving or they will have no income.
Prices are being raised in anticipation of the increased demand of the summer travel season. The oil companies are certainly not taking much of a hit. Their profits continue to grow. The state and federal governments are taking their fair (or not so fair) share, too, in taxes.
I believe there will be a marked decrease in summer vacation travel. I believe there will be an increase in alternative transportation where possible. I believe that changing the little things can make a big impact on the supply and demand factor of the fuel business.
Consumers can think before driving so that trips can be consolidated and use less fuel. Carpooling also saves on fuel consumption.
Remember the late ‘70s when gas was at the dreaded price of 79 cents a gallon and gas rationing was creeping across the nation? We may laugh about that now as we cry over whether we can drive to the store to buy the $4 gallon of milk.
The new hybrid and hydrogen vehicles that can save on gas consumption costs more than the average American can afford. I’m sure I’m not the only one in middle America who can only buy used cars that are not that fuel efficient.
The radical environmentalists have tied the hands of those who can authorize tapping into America’s own natural resources. We don’t have to rely on the Middle East and its control over how much oil is produced and its price to other countries. We need to tap into our own resources and become more self sufficient.
But until the government can come up with a plan to ease the pain at the pump, think of all the exercise we can get walking and using bicycles as our means of transportation. We may become a trimmer America.
May 19, 2008 04:51 pm
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