Letters to the Editor -- February 20, 2009

Red Hats thankful for support of many

The Red Hot Divas of Lewes, an official member of the Red Hat Society, would like to thank all of the Red Hat Chapters that attended and participated in our Sweetheart Luncheon. We were so happy to see so many returning sisters to this year’s luncheon.

It was also so gratifying to meet so many new Red Hat sisters.

We would like to expresses a very big thank you to owner Matt Rydzynski and chef Butch Leister and their exceptional staff at the Serendipity Restaurant in Oak Orchard for the outstanding Lunch Buffett on Feb. 13.

Matt and his staff have always over extended themselves with decorations and hospitality. Matt has continued to donate all the prizes for the contests of Best Hat and Best Red Hat Shoes. We all appreciate his generosity. Chef Butch Leister has constantly amazed us with his variety and quantity of food. Delicious is the only word to describe each of the many entrées.

The Red Hot Divas provided many, many door prizes for this fun-filled afternoon. Each guest were given a hostess gift, which was hand crafted by Ruth deRoberts, a member of both the Red Hot Divas and the Bizy Be Chapter.

I would like express my personal appreciation and gratitude to Sally Harkins and Jo Brett, who are both members of the Bizy Be Chapter, and Donna Brooks, who all worked tirelessly to make this such a successful event.

The Sweetheart Luncheon at Serendipity and the association with the Divas began four years ago with a moderate participation now it has extended to two seating’s for this years luncheon. We were able to accommodate every reservation, however the luncheon popularity is growing and by next year we anticipate two seatings, with maximum participation at each. Tickets will almost certainly go on sale at the end of this year, 2009.

We were also reminded of the St Patrick’s Luncheon on March 17, which will not be a Red Hat-sponsored event but many Red Hat women immediately signed up to attend.

We are all looking forward to our continued relationship with this wonderful restaurant and again thanks to all for making this a successful and fun-filled luncheon.

B.J. Young, Queen Mother
Red Hot Divas and Bizy Be’s of Delaware

Mr. Bob’s raisins left an impact
Editor:

Two years ago, Mr. Bob Lawless started a very important “tradition” in our family. Although Bob Lawless didn’t realize the importance of his actions at the time, they certainly made a significant impact.

My now-7-year-old daughter, Carol Ann, is a Type 1 diabetic. She was diagnosed at 5 years old, in April of 2007, one week before we moved to Ocean View, Del. It can be a very lonely disease. Although so many children are affected by the disease throughout the United States, they are pretty well dispersed. Furthermore, we moved to an area to be close to my mother but had few friends. She introduced us to Bob Lawless and his family. He has been absolutely wonderful to all of my children and that, in and of itself, is greatly appreciated. Above and beyond friendship, though, is more his style.

In October 2007, Halloween came around as always. To a diabetic child, Halloween is a very different experience, and this being Carol Ann’s first Halloween since being diagnosed, it was a bit deflating. Carol Ann was dreading it. Trick-or-treat was so much fun prior to diagnosis, or “D-Day” as we refer to it. After D-Day, half the fun was gone. Carol Ann took it in stride, deciding to go trick-or-treating after all, simply saying she would give her candy to her brother, Brian.

We received a call from my mother telling me to go to Mr. Bob’s first. He was not there at the time but left the treats for the children on the porch. Running from the porch, eyes wide, screeching in excitement, came Carol Ann, yelling, “Mr. Bob got me raisins!” –something Carol Ann could eat without worry of calculating a wrong insulin dose. Her entire demeanor lifted, and she thoroughly enjoyed the rest of her trick-or-treat evening.

Another Halloween came, and the excitement of “Mr. Bob’s raisins” was anticipated starting in September. Of course, Mr. Bob did not let Carol Ann down. Nor do I think he ever will.

Rita Meadows
Ocean View

Meredith puts his support behind Lawless
Editor:

As former mayor and councilman in Ocean View, I strongly support the election of Robert Lawless for the District 4 council position. I believe he will serve Ocean View with no personal agenda. He will listen to the public’s concerns before he votes on any or all issues. He is a tireless worker, as witnessed during the recent national elections.

Bob is well-qualified, with a degree in personnel and industrial relations and experience in facilities and contract management. Bob has also served as property manager of several large properties in the New York City area.

Again, I support Bob Lawless to be the councilman who will bring balance and sanity back to the Ocean View Town Council.

Gary L. Meredith
Ocean View

Lawless earns respect from Bethany resident
Editor:

I was happy to see that someone “new” is running for Ocean View Town Council. I am not a resident; however, I know good people who do reside there. I share the concerns they have expressed about their local government. Like so many non-residents, I have turned the pages of the Wave and Coastal Point to read the continuing saga, which has become more like a soap opera.

I think all residents of our little towns deserve a fair hearing in their councils, and the council members, in turn, have an obligation to listen and act responsibly. This has not been the case, as I have read over the last two years, regarding Ocean View Town Council.

I was happy to know that someone I respect a great deal knows Mr. Lawless quite well, has worked with him and has endorsed his candidacy. I wish him well. I wish I were a resident. He would get my vote.

Florence Fallavollita
Bethany Beach

Town resident asks for informed citizenry
Editor:

A wake-up call for the residents of Ocean View: It’s budget time again, and the residents have two opportunities to say their peace, on Feb. 26 and March 2. For years, the town has been living fat off the hog by letting the transfer taxes pay for the operating cost, instead of addressing the issue of raising taxes to pay for these costs. It is now time to pay the piper.

Part of the blame lies with the council, but those who are mainly to blame are the residents themselves. You have a chance to speak, but be careful what you ask for. Last year, you wanted no tax increase but a cut in expenses instead. Well, you got your wish. The town saved $7,000 in gasoline by revising its police-car take-home policy.

This year 70 percent of people responding to the survey want the minimum tax increase and to eliminate two to three employees. Two years ago, Ocean View raised its taxes 7 percent, but if I’m not mistaken, Bethany Beach raised theirs 100 percent.

Residents, do you know what your tax assessment is? Ocean View has the lowest municipal tax rate per $100 of assessment within the surrounding area, Baltimore Hundred. If Ocean View raised its assessment 50 percent, the town will still have the lowest.

Here are the facts taken from the Sussex County real property taxes for 2008-2009: Bethany Beach: $0.16, Dagsboro: $0.38, Millville: $0.50 and Ocean View: $0.0981. I could go on and report the other six incorporated areas, but you can get the picture.

Why do I say an increase of 50 percent? The town is forecasting a $1.5 million to $2.2 million shortfall in the next five years. This one-time 50 percent increase now will save over $2.2 million in five years.

What does this mean to a person who has a $500,000 house? That equates to an increase of 67 cents a day.

Am I advocating this 50 percent tax increase? No, what I’m saying is that when you say your peace at these forthcoming opportunities, express your ideas on how to overcome this $1.5 million to $2.2 million deficit. Give the council something to go on. Wake up, people.

William A. Olsen
Ocean View