Sunday, Jan. 19, 2003

By Staff
Thankful for an act of generosity
To the editor:
Before Thanksgiving, my mom and I were driving to Jackson to pick up my sister at the airport. Soon, on I-20, we heard an awful roaring. In rain and approaching darkness, I pulled over and checked tires. Nothing. We drove on, the noise got louder. Leaving I-20, we pulled into Chunky hoping the service station was open. It was not.
Fortunately, they were having "Chunky Day" and lots of folks were there. Two men stepped forward to check things for me. They found one tire had shredded.
A wonderful man put on the "donut" tire from the trunk. (Regretfully, I don't remember his name.) Never having been used, we were CERTAIN it would be okay. NOT! The donut was low on air. We would have to limp to the Meehan station for air.
One couple decided it might be a good idea to follow us. I am just a "little" over 50 and my mom … (oops). I'm sure they thought we just might need some assistance. They were so right. About a mile out, THAT tire blew a hole the size of my fist.
Here, on a desolate stretch of Old Highway 80 were two women, one cell phone and a car of strangers. I am so grateful they followed.
We finally found Mike's number (Davidson's Wrecker), and when Alan Dover got there, he immediately gave us a sense of trust and safety. He remembered asking his wife what in the world two women were doing on Old 80 in that weather, after dark, alone.
Dana and John Little (I pray this is right) would not budge until he got there. Their kids must have been stir crazy, sitting that long. But they stayed.
We always pray for protection. That night God sent us angels. They would not accept money, would not even let us buy gas for going out of their way. Truly the mark of angels.
This recognition is much too long in coming, and far too little, but is richly deserved for those who helped us that dark, rainy, scary night. The goodness and generosity of all those who helped that night will never be forgotten. God bless you and thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Marilyn M. Scott
Doris L. Moffett
Meridian
Policing the streets
To the editor:
I just wanted to drop a note of thanks for working with us during the "You Drink, You Drive, You Lose" campaign during the Christmas holidays. Because of your help in letting the public know we would be out in force, there were no fatalities or serious injury crashes in the Meridian area.
We would like your help again in letting the public know that even though the Christmas campaign is over we have not slowed our efforts in keeping impaired drivers off the streets of Meridian. The Meridian Police Department still has officers assigned to those duties around the clock to try and keep the motoring public safe.
In keeping with trying to keep Meridian a safe place to drive we also would like to let the public know that we will have someone come to their civic organization to speak to their members about impaired driving and what they can do to help us. All they would need to do is contact me at the Meridian Police Department and give me the place, date and time of their meeting and we would be glad to have someone there.
Capt. Rick McCary
Meridian Police Department
A whole new feeling
To the editor,
The Riley Fitness Center's aerobic (light exercise) and body toning classes have been a lifesaver to my overall health. I was a 53 years old with achy knees and lower back pain so much pain that I could not master the simple task of tying my shoelaces.
This jolting revelation made me ever so aware that I needed to do something athletic or medical. So I chose to try the athletic route.
I telephoned the Riley Fitness Center and Cynthia Post, the instructor, answered. I explained to her about my achy joints and back pain and that only exercise I was involved in was working around my house and an occasional walk. She simply explained the various classes, days and times. Her recommendation was the Monday, Wednesday, Friday classes because it was a work-at-your-own pace class with persons of various ages and disabilities.
So, I immediately decided to visit and see what the class had to offer. Upon arrival, I was greeted by not only friendly workers, but friendly and helpful class participants of whom I have grown very fond. That was March 2002 and after three weeks of classes- my knees improved so much that I could not only tie my shoes, but curtsy.
It is now January, some 10 months later, three day classes are now five days when I can make it, and the best therapy I would have chosen.
Why have I written this letter you might ask? Well, simply to inform. If you would take a moment to consider doing something out of your usual routine- to step out of your comfort zone and experience the benefits an exercise regime can provide, I can without a doubt promise you that the Riley Fitness Center can change your life. When you don't ache, you can think and function on a greater level. That's what the fitness center experience has given me-a feeling of renewed physical and mental health.
Thank you, folks.
Mrs. S.C. Martin
Meridian