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PAGE 4A Wednesday, November 16,1994, Houston Times-Journal Viewpoints Houston Times -Journal P. O. Drawer M • 807 Carroll Street • Perry, Ga. 31069 Phone: (912) 987-1823 The Houston Tlmes-Journal (USPS 000471) is published semi-weekly for SIB.OO per year by Houston Publications, Inc., 807 Carroll Street, Perry, Ga. 31069. Second Class Postage paid at Perry, Ga., POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Houston Tlmes-Journal, P. O. Drawer M, Perry, Ga. 31069. ISSN: 1075-1874 Bob Tribble, President Jim Kerce, Editor and General Manager Eddie Byrd, Advertising Manager News: Pauline Lewis, Veto Roley. Composition: Lori Simpson. Classified Advertising: Melanie Bullington. Bookkeeping: Judy Morrow. What do libraries mean to you? Editor: This week is National Childrens Book Week. Have you ever wondered what life would be like without libraries? Think for just a minute. What would happen to the knowledge that has been accumulated? Who would save it? How would we learn from past history or prepare for the future? In 1638, the first university library in America was founded at Howard. Benjamin Franklin founded the fast subscription library in 1731. Thomas Jefferson’s private library became the cornerstone of the library of Congress in 1815. The first free tax-supported public library was established in Peterborough, N il. in 1833. Our nation has a long history of libraries. Today public libraries provide a variety of materials in many different tormats. While books are still the mainstay of library, they are now joined by videotapes, cassettes, CD roms, and computers for the public to use. A variety of people are served by public libraries. Toddlers and pre schoolers enjoy storytime and large print is available for those who need it. Books may be borrowed for scholars on interlibrary loan whild the best sellers are on hand for the casual reader. The talking book service is available for anyone who cannot read in a normal manner. The Houston County Public Libraries had a busy year last year. Their circulations were as follows: Centerville-59,586; Perry-1 15.863; and Warner Robins-229.589. Library cards are available to anyone free with current proof of address. The funding for your local libraries comes from a variety of sources. The Houston County Public Library receives Suite and Federal funds as well as local funds The cities of Centerville and Perry and ihe Houston County Commissioners fund at the rale of $4.24 per capita. The City of Warner Robins funds at the rate of S 3 95 per capita As you can see, one paperback would cost more than this per capiui amount. Take a minute to think about libraries this week and what they mean to you ('ontact one of your local government officials and let them know what libraries mean lo you They may not be here forever. Sincerely, Judy Golden Director Houston County Library System Candidate draws writer's praise Editor: With the finality of the 1*8)4 elections, it is apparent that on both a national as well as local lovel. the verb;d and moral attacks were at an all time high II is rather sad that adults seeking an office with hopes of representing our society with integrity, high moral suuuLirds and religious beliefs could act in this manner lam saying this as an opportunity to commend Wayne Ragin for his demeanor during his recent campaign lo be elected County Commissioner People who know Wayne's tamily and personal background are not surprised at his role of a model candidate While Wayne did not w in his bid for County Commissioner, he did win much more He won an even greater respect and admiration from his family, friends and business associates. Perhaps Wayne’s loss simply signals that he may be- destined to sene his society on a higher level one day. Sincerely, Susan S. Strickland 'Firecrackers' give thanks for help Editor: The Georgia Nation.il Fair ot 1994 is over and from all reports was a great success. A group of local citizens known as ’’Faircrackers" volunteer their time and talents to work at various assignments mound the Fair to help make it successful A meal/snack area is maintained for the use of these volunteers and many local merchants contributed their products for this use. It was one of my assignments this year to see that our "break" area was stocked with food and drink Thanks to the generosity of many fim merchants, our meal/snack area was well maintained throughout the duration of the Fair. 1 wish to personally ih;uik everyone who contributed the meals, snacks, and drinks that we all enjoyed during our shifts of volunteer service. They include: Captain Ds, Cracker Barrel, Kentucky Fried Chicken, McDonald's, BP Oil Station, Krogers. Holiday Inn, Subway, Shoney's, Hardee's, Pizza Hut, Krystal. Wendy's, New Perry Hotel, Piggly Wiggly 1 & 2, A.B. 8.8. Q.. Burger King, Domino's, Chicken Palace, Taco Bell and Frito Lay. Also included were: Papa John's Pizza, Church's Fried Chicken, Food Max, Coca-Cola Company, Porno's 8.8. Q. ;uid Wal M;irt. Sincerely, Bessie L. Dukes and Virginia Gay Food Coordinator Give hearing tests to more kids Editor: The Houston County school system currently gives hearing tests for third graders and older. I would like the school board to consider the possibility of testing students in the lower grades also. I feel very strongly that there may be parents who do not realize that their child has a problem. The earlier die problem is detected, the better. In some cases, the hearing loss could be from infection or swollen lymph nodes and treatment is necessary. If treatment is not possible, the child can be moved up to the front of the room ami the teacher can be made aware of the problem. If the problem is not detected, Ihe child can become behind in school because of the hearing problem. Sincerely, Susan Schratt 'Letters to Editor' welcome The Houston Times-Joumal welcomes letters to the editor from its I readers. Letters should be signed and include home address and telephone number for verification. Any letter not signed, or without proper information, will • be discarded. We always give priority to letters written by local residents, or any subject which concerns local activity. Letters should be mailed to: Houston Times-Joumal, P.O. Drawer M, Perry 31069. Letters can also be brought lo our 807 Carroll St. office. , Children will do better when raised by two parents Considerable discussion has centered recently around one parent families versus two parent families. In fact, Dan Quayle got the ball rolling a couple of years ago when he bravely said in a speech that Murphy Brown had sent the wrong message to America by having a baby out of wedlock on the TV series. I full well realize that there are many divorced or widowed single parents who do a fantastic job of raising their children. But, nevertheless, the fact is that the average kid raised by a single parent, usually a mother, simply does not do as well as those raised by a mother and father. Strong, traditional families do make a difference. "Readers Digest.” did a poll recently on whether living with two ’mf -rzpvWm- c* Y SMOMM, ’HI N K WF'VET ■ \ JURY I CAN ■ vr WITH... AH —wirrm-r ~ m Remember when: A look back at Perry's history 5 Years Ago Nov. 18, 1989 Volunteers lor Project (>ur Kids, ended an 8-hour training session with a pizza party, with 51 teen volunteers and 30 adults completing the training Director Joyce Comp ton said the response to the call tor volunteers from area high schools was outstanding. One session was devoted to phone counseling; the second devoted to tuionng services to high risk youth in grades 5 through 8. » * * Bryan Conner, an accomplished wrestler and hard-workmg student, is the PHS Panther mascot. He is the son of Ann Hunt Conner * * * 11DC wins several state aw;trds. * * * PHS one-act hikes win at region, held at Gordon College, with their musical “Street Dreiuns." Ihey ;ire set to compete against six schools at Stale. Chris Gillespie is dnuna coach. * * * The new wing at First Baptist Church opens the door to many op portunities for growth and service Notes on term limits, ending stint with newspaper So many things to comment on, and so little time, with my leaving the Times-Journal, and joining the Daily Sun next week. So, with much I want to say, and little time to do it in, let's hit some bits and pieces. * * * Term limits reared its ugly head in the last election. For many of those who know me as a conservative, my coming out against term limits might be surprising. But when you really look at the issue, you see some nasty repercussions. When Thomas Jefferson was alive, he saw the gentleman fanner as the best hope for politics. The farmer would work his fields for most of the year, taking off from time-to-time to assist in the busi ness of government. Politics was to be a part-time business to Jefferson. I don't see, other than the part-time nature of the position, Jefferson or any of his cronies advocating term limits. In fact, the Constitution is surpris ingly free of term limits, with (he first term limit (President) coming alter World War 11. This is also shown by (he long political careers W Bob I ' Tribble I parents improved a child's success in school. 2,130 high school seniors responded with 53 percent of those who live with two parents earning high test scores, compared to 41 percent who lived with one parent. Most liberals would say the lower scoring kids were victims of racism, sexism and poverty. But, the survey found that two parent families emerge as a major factor in academic achievement after differences in race, gender and economic background have been to the Perry area Bill Hansen. Minister of Education, said the Sunday School should expand Iroin the present enrollment of 600 plus to 800. 10 Years Ago Nov. ]A, 1984 Retired farmer, Arthur White, Jr., was recently appointed special aitairs coordinator and agri-business advisor lo Congressman Richard Ray (D) of Perry * * * Draper Watson to take the Perry Area Chamber of Chamber helm Jan 1. 1985 * • * Houston County School Board eyes drop m SAT scores. * * * Six candidates seek city council posts: Fred Thomas, Hervia In grain. Robbie Jackson, Thomas Mayo and Henry Dawkins. Lewis Meeks is the only qualifying candi date for die mayor's office. * * * Perry United Methodist Church, a 60-year-old structure, its steeple, and the parsonage received a new coat of paint. Tripp Paint Co. of Macon had §Veto F. \ I of such people as Jefferson, Ben Franklin, Thomas Payne and John Adams. What has changed since the 1790 s is the full-time occupation of the office holder. But, why has that changed? In the 17905, the nation could afford to have part-time politicians, even at the highest levels of office. The nation was largely rural with a agrarian-based economy. Industry was very slim, and often limited, even in the larger cities, to craft and cottage industries. Infrastructure was very limited. Ihe population of the nation, scattered in 13 stales along ihe At lantic seaboard, was a little over 3 million. Today, Georgia, Ihe south ernmost of the 13 original states, has over 6.6 million people, witl^ 4A— Huustuu Times-Juurnal taken into account. Consider this, 22 percent of black students living with two parents scored high on the test, while only nine percent who lived with just their mothers did. This is a big 13 point family gap. Similar gaps existed in other areas, according to the study. For instance, 25 percent of students who lived with their mothers only did not correctly answer half of the test questions, while only 13 percent of those who lived with two parents failed to answer half the test questions correctly. The poll also points out that when it comes to turning out first rate students, government's role is limited. They can pump billions of dollars into education, but new classrooms, more teachers and larger curricula have not been able the job of scraping oil die old paint and applying a new coat. Tripp employees estimated that it had been 12 years since the tall, slender steeple had been scraped and painted • * • 25 Years Ago Nov. 13, 1969 Houston County School Board faces financial problems because of congressional delay in passing a budget bill The situation may re quire transfer of funds in the system to meet current bills School Superintendent, I>avid A Perdue, aid the hoard needs $136,000 to mke care of bills now owed, but that the board only has SB4,(XX) in funds to take care of the current bills * * * Courthouse ceremony honors veterans. One minute of silence was observ ed, also. * * * Perry Teen Club elects Teen Club Council at Perry Country Club on Oct 25. Those named to the Council were Sheila Griffin, Susan Ray, Steve Brown, Lisa Ogletree, Becky Horton, Janis the Atlanta MSA having netirly 2.8 million people. National security was also a dif ferent matter for our forefadiers. By the lime it took an European nation to declare war, organize an army and build the ships lo get that army across the seas, the young United States could raise a force many times that of the invading nation. We really were, at that time, separated from the rest of the world by to walls of water. In the day of nuclear weapons and jet planes, tlio.se walls of water offer scant pro tection. We need people in office who know what they are doing. And, even though the times were simpler a couple of centuries ago, they, also, recognized that they needed experienced leaders. The world of politics was no place then to learn on the job. If anything, the world of politics has become even more complex today. And, we have, in a way, term limits. No elected office is for life, livery few yc<irs, the elected official comes before the voters. Some are short-term, one or two years, meant to reflect llie changing moods of the electorate. Others have some slabil to move academic achievement upward. Yes, Dan Quayle struck a sour note with liberals when he chastised Murphy Brown. And he might not know how to spell potato, but he knew one thing, our children need to perform well in school, and that is a happy home with a mom and dad. Like it or not, most of the problems our youth face today-low school grades, crime, violence-can be traced in the vast majroity of cases back to what most of us call "the lack of traditional family values" instilled in their lives. My parents used to simply call it "improper raising". And, until we somehow figure out a way to change this, our schools won’t get much better and the crime rate won't come down. Hthridge. Betsy Edwards, Wayne Boler and Sonny Akin Teen Hub will be held Saturday, Nov 15, 1969 at 6 p m at Perry Country Club The Butterworth Mondays will play for dancing; members and their guests are urged to attend • * # 59 Years Ago Nov. 16, 1944 Houston County grocers, cus tomers and local civic leaders will join hands with the Office ot Price Administration in a nation-wide Grocer-Consumer Anti-Inflat ion Campaign, Mrs. Ruby C, Hodges, Community Service member of the local War Price and Rationing Board, said * * * The Office of War Utilities of the War Production Bo;ird Ills asked city officials, civic clubs, ch;unbcrs of commerce, merchants and citi zens generally to dispense with out door decorative lighting this Christmas. This was done in 1942 and 1943. This was done at die request ot the Solid Fuels Administration for War. ity, four-10-six years, or more. But, all come before the voters, who de cide whether or not to limit the ser vice of the official into the next term. * * * It's been nice to serve you here in Perry. It's a great community. Houston County has a lot going for it. Perry is well connected with the rest of the world, served by sev eral major roads including Interstate 75. I he airport .boasts of a 5,000 foot runway, capable of handling most anything flying today. Rail service gives Perry a third strong link with the world. In fact, the only major transportation link not present in the county is water. The civic leaders of the area are committed to growth. And, they are committed to this growth without sacrificing the small town nature of die area. Just 30 minutes south of Ma con, the town is within reach of all the amenities of a major city; but, has all the civilities of a small town. While I will be living in Perry for a while, I still will miss cover ing the area. Have fun, Perry, have fun.