To the Editor:

Thursday evening, Nov. 15 Madison welcomed 20 fabulous dancers who were dancing in the Madison-Morgan County Boys and Girls Club fundraiser, “Dancing with Madison’s Stars.” They were competing for one of two trophies and it just might be said that it was one of the liveliest, most energetic events the Hall at the Cultural Center has witnessed! There was the Judge’s Favorite won by Sarah and David Burbach, and there was the Audience’s favorite won by Anne and Robert Trulock who garnered over 1600 votes at a dollar a vote from a combination of online voting and voting the night of the event. The night was a huge success for the Boys and Girls Club generating a total of $20,000 in contributions!
I extend thanks to the terrific team who put this event together: Ashley Hunt, Rhonda Smith, Nancy Vaughan and Margaret Ligon. Cindy Ferguson and Chris Hilsman hosted the evening with style and grace. Thanks goes to our sponsors and supporters of the Boys and Girls Club, to the folks who bought tickets and who voted, to our wonderful judges, the people who donated food, and all those who volunteered giving their time and effort to making this evening the success that it was. Special thanks goes to Linda and Dan Thomas who turned the Hall into a magical place and to Elizabeth Collins who created the winners’ trophies.

Mary Lawton
Board Member, Madison-Morgan Boys & Girls Club
Madison

Printed in the November 29, 2012 edition.

To the Editor:

Because of an article in last week's paper about the BoomTown Feasibility Study, we have been contacted by a number of people who are alarmed that we are going to sell our building and close The Madison Gift Mart & Cafe.  I hope this letter will clear things up.  While the article is factually correct, it needs careful reading.
First, we were invited by the city to attend this briefing as were the other property owners.  The properties involved are: The McDowell Grocery, Gilbert's Hardware, the parking lot, NBC Realty (the BoomTown Block), and our building (The Madison Gift Mart & Cafe).  Three of the five property owners showed up to hear what the study folks had to say. The old McDowell Grocery building is the building that was referred to in the article as being cost prohibitive for private owners to rehabilitate, and not ours.
Second, it seemed to me that this study was to highlight possibilities for alternative uses of the properties.  The Madison Gift Mart & Cafe used to be a hotel, among other things at various times in its history, and so the building lent itself to consideration for upstairs living and downstairs business.  
Third, we are very much open for business!  Our hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. until 3:30 or 4 p.m.  Come visit and have some lunch!

Rolly and Sheri Clark
The Madison Gift Mart & Cafe, Madison
Via e-mail

To the Editor:

On Friday night, I attended the football game between Morgan County and Gordon Central in the first round of the AAA state playoffs. Some of this team endured the 2009 season when the school moved up to AAA from AA and they went 1-9.
Those boys who went through that season as freshmen are to be commended for their dedication to the team, their school and their coaches.
I have seen both of Morgan's losses this year against North Oconee and Elbert County, and never did I witness any one of these young men relax or give up.
They are a team and there is no word "I" in the word team. Friday night's performance against Gordon Central was a perfect example of that.
The coaching staff has taught this team to respect the officials and to respect each other. They should be congratulated for their time and dedication to the team, to the school and to the football program.
I believe all of these young men will remember their high school football careers forever, and they will have gratitude for the hard work (and for the coaches chewing them out) that was asked of them. They will be able to lead and be successful in whatever they endeavor to do because of their experiences on this team.
I would like to say to Coach Malone, his staff and the athletes, this is a job well done. It's a pleasure to watch the Morgan County High School Bulldogs.

Ben Bellebuono
Madison
Via e-mail

Printed in the November 22, 2012 edition

To the Editor:

We would like to thank Dr. Myers for providing smart boards to he children we serve here at Kiddy Land. He took the time and effort to write for a grant and included the private sector, HeadStart, the local church programs and group childcare providers. By doing this he has opened the doors to learning experiences for children four and younger, all over our county. The passion he has for improving literacy and language in young children is amazing! Such a wonderful gift deserved a little extra acknowledgement. We appreciate you Dr. Myers! You’re the best.

Shasta Tillery, Sherry Mims, Jenni Hill, Lynsey Bruce of the PreK program and all of the center staff at Kiddy Land Early Learning Center
Madison
Hand-delivered

Printed in the November 22, 2012 edition

To the Editor:

From the birth of this country until recently, capital (a scarce resource) was allocated by “the market”. By the “market” I mean our economy and not necessarily the stock market. If you applied yourself in school, took risks, worked hard and/or smart, chances are “the market” rewarded you. If you were a skilled plumber and someone needed your services, you were rewarded with work and money. While efficient, this type of system can at times be harsh, especially if you choose not to do those things that will prepare you to compete with others for scarce resources.
But not long ago, this country, specifically, some of our elected officials, decided to take us down a new path, one that sought to substitute the harshness of “the market” with compassionate policies. With this new system, individuals no longer need to worry about how “the market” will treat them because the compassionate policies of the politicians will provide for them. No longer do people need to worry about school achievements, learning a trade or skill, despair over taking risks (i.e. opening a business), or make tough decisions about when to start a family. With the compassionate policies of the politicians, and I would argue to the detriment of our society, individuals no longer need to compete in “the market.” And we wonder why our national test scores are among the lowest in the industrialized world, struggle to compete globally and have growing income disparity?

Lou Semrad
Madison
Via e-mail

Printed in the November 15, 2012 edition

To the Editor:

Godfrey Community Park, Inc. wants to thank everyone who attended the Godfrey Community Park Barbecue this past weekend. We are certain this was our biggest barbecue ever. We are so thankful for all the people who came out to help cook and serve and for all the cakes that were baked. The barbecue really is a community effort and this year we were truly overwhelmed by all the people who participated. All proceeds go toward the upkeep of the park.
Please remember that Godfrey Community Park, Inc. is designated a 501(c)(3) corporation by the Internal Revenue Service. Your donations to the park are tax deductible.
Congratulations to Roger Bruce who won the yummy Caramel Cake provided for raffle by Thelma Moon.
Very truly yours,

Esther Bruce Curry
Secretary, Godfrey Community Park, Inc.
Madison
Via e-mail

Printed in the November 15, 2012 edition