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The WORLD welcomes Letters to the Editor concerning public issues. Letters should be 400 words or less and may be subject to editing due to space constraints. Submissions should also contain the name of the author and a contact telephone number for verification. For letters of thanks, contact our advertising department at 479-2582; non-profit rates are available.
Bike/Ped Funding Concerns Editor: Bicycle and pedestrian interests in Vermont are, once again, about to be shortchanged unless Vermonters speak up. The proposed state Transportation budget bill includes language that will suspend Federal Transportation Enhancement Grant monies for bike/ped projects for one year. If the Enhancement program is closed to new projects, communities across Vermont that have projects in the works will be left without funding options that, historically, have been there. The news of the Enhancement program suspension comes just as the bike/ped community is speaking out about concerns that the state hasn't accepted any new projects into the state Bicycle and Pedestrian Program since 2004. First, the state-initiated program is frozen and now the very popular Enhancement program is about to be frozen, too. If you care about the quality of bicycling, running, or walking in Vermont, please call your representatives and urge them not to suspend the Enhancement Grant program. If you're not certain who your representatives are, you can quickly find out by visiting www.leg.state.vt.us/legdir/legdir2.htm or by calling the office of the Sergeant-at-Arms (1-800-322-5616). Thank you for doing what you can to speak up for all bicyclists and pedestrians in Vermont. Nancy Schulz, Executive Director Vermont Bicycle & Pedestrian Coalition, Montpelier
A Message to the Vermont Legislature
Editor: Just a note to encourage you to support retention of pharmacy benefits for our seniors. I'm sure you have assisted constituents and perhaps even family members, as I have, in identifying suitable Medicare "D" coverage. This process has made me very aware of how inadequate and expensive the medication provisions of our "safety net" are, even for middle class families. Only those seniors on the lowest rung of the economic ladder receive benefits through our state program. It would be disgraceful to remedy our current budgetary problems by pulling this step-ladder out from under them. Thanks for you continued good work Padraic Smith Barre Town
Support Columbarium in Barre Town on May 13th
Editor: The Barre Town Budget that will be presented for voter approval on May 13th includes $50,000 (largest single new budget item) for investment in columbaria. A columbarium is an above-ground structure for the permanent storage of cremated remains. Based on data that show cremations approaching 60% of funeral home business in conjunction with an increase in the number of inquiries made to Cemetery Sexton Don Gainey seeking a cremain internment option, the cost of two 48 niche structures (columbaria) to begin this project is included in the Budget. Each 48 niche columbarium will be made of Barre granite by a local business. Each niche or compartment will hold the remains of two people and the cover can be inscribed with names and dates. The projected sale price of a niche for a town resident is $1,100. Income from sales will be set aside for future acquisition of additional columbaria and some will be used for current and on-going maintenance. This venture will be self-supporting after the initial investment. A columbarium offers a less expensive alternative to a full casket burial. The estimated cost to intern the remains of two people in a niche includes the cost of the niche ($1,100) plus $400 to open and close for a total estimated cost of $1,500. This is substantially lower than the $4,850 cost estimate for 2 full-body burials with an average headstone. It makes for better and more efficient use of land than setting cremains in a grave, extends the use of existing cemetery land and creates less pollution The columbaria will be located at Wilson Cemetery. Phase I will include 2 of five structures erected in a park-like design. There will be 2 granite benches for seating and a pedestal for placement of an urn during a ceremony. The area will be accessed by a brick walkway and will be pleasantly landscaped. This plan received unanimous support from the Selectboard and Budget Committee because they, along with Cemetery Commission, believe this endeavor is timely and goes a long way in answering current and future cemetery needs. Please show your support by casting a YES vote on the Budget, May 13th. Barre Town Cemetery Commission: Alan Garceau, Chair Daniel Kelty, Vice-Chair Normand Coates Dwight Harrington Robert Pellon |
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