This and That

I thought that instead of writing my latest blog on a specific topic, I would instead hit on several. I continuously have trouble getting my thoughts narrowed down to one subject, so why not just let my brain loose?

1. I would like to give you an update on Haiti. The orphanage is a total loss. The children have been moved to Love A Child Orphanage, an hour outside of Port au Prince. The contents of the orphanage have also been moved to a secure place and will remain there until we decide what our next move is. We do own land in Pouly, north of Port au Prince. The land already has a wall built around it and will eventually contain the new orphanage and a medical clinic. Hopefully building will start soon and the children can move into their new home.


Two final thoughts on Haiti. I appreciate everyone who sent a donation to Lifechurch. I especially thank Noel for orchestrating the concert for Friday night to benefit Rescue Children Orphanage. The donations will be used to temporarily house the children in Love A Child orphanage and to the building of the new orphanage and medical clinic. Finally, I know that all but one of my friends are doing well. I fear that we may never know what happened to him but feel he is in the hands of God.

2. Easton's school board is out of control (not that that is a surprise to anyone). In my opinion they spend money recklessly and without much care for the tax-paying public. There may be a couple of board members who genuinely care about the alarming tax rate but most are there to push their own personal agendas. If you were to watch the board's webcasts you would be shocked at how little discussion there is between board members before voting on bills.

I have spoken at board meetings in the past. For the most part I felt that they were being put out by having to listen to the public. It was just a part of the job they had to put up with. Now it is all they can do to get their eyes off of the laptops in front of them to even glance at you. Some members such as Pat Vulcano seem to have no idea why they are even there. Scary!

3. I am happy to see a street cleaning program in place and starting soon. When I was on city council, the subject was broached but I vote against it because I did not think the city had a firm plan in mind and lacked the commitment to see it through. I hope it is being done the correct way this time and it will succeed. Although some people will be put off by having to move their cars and angry at a $20.00 ticket or two, I believe everyone will adjust and our neighborhoods will be cleaner in the long run.

4. In an attempt to regain my strength I have been walking the West Ward. I think I have been down every street and alley in the past two weeks. One observation I made was the amount of properties with a ton of junk in the backyard. If we want to build our neighborhoods and attract new owners, we have to get the city code department out there citing these people. Who wants to live next to a property that has everything including the kitchen sink in their backyard?

I am done thinking for now...

Tim Pickel