The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
To Business Owners on La Harpe Main Street
Dear Editor,
Is it out of the realm of possibilities to have respect for your fellow business owners about the issue of parking?
I understand as well as everybody else that parking is limited along Main Street in front of the operating establishments.
I personally as well as my employees are to understand that parking is hard to find on certain occasions.
There are times, however, that there are plenty of parking spaces available.
Myself and my employees never park in front of another business out of respect.
It is my hope that with a little cooperation (which seems extremely painful to get), that there can be a cohesive respect among business operators and employees to show respect to the others.
If LaHarpe intends to improve community relations some people need to reexamine their definition of respect and show some to others for the sanity of future and present business owners.
Sincerely,
Shawn Stewart
Pizza Plus
La Harpe
Commends Small World And Those Who Helped Save It
Dear Editor,
Big things are happening at Small World Children Center in Stronghurst.
Quietly, almost anonymously, many good people of the Stronghurst area have been affecting the lives of children.
Almost a year ago, the Small World Children Center was facing a life or death dilemma. The center required numerous updates and repairs which were impossible with their budget.
The center board of directors could have taken an easy route and closed the center leaving Stronghurst and the surrounding area with no child day care center.
That board realized the necessity for quality child care in the area and dug in its heels.
Sherry Gullberg who has taught the pre-school classroom for many years temporarily assumed the role of center director.
She and the board were determined that Small World Children Center would prosper and continue to serve children.
With the assistance of Pastor George Knox of the Stronghurst United Methodist Church, his congregation, and many other area residents, a transformation has occurred.
Pastor Knox allowed the child care center to move into the Methodist church where it operated on an emergency day care center permit from the State of Illinois.
During those few difficult months, the board of directors, Pastor Knox and many others from the community worked many hours to renovate the day care center to better meet the needs of children.
As word spread of the needs of the center, volunteers came forth. Donations of talents, labor, materials, and funds have transformed the center.
Small World Children Center has passed inspections by the Office of the State Fire Marshal, the Henderson County Health Department, and the Department of Children and Family Services.
The board of directors has employed a complete staff of qualified, caring individuals who share their dedication to children.
Kelli Weaklend and staff work together as a family.
The children appear happy. The center is bright and neat. Improvements are constant.
Pastor Knox visits on a regular basis carrying his screwdriver, paintbrush and hammer.
Continued community involvement and support are important to helping Small World Children Center provide nurturing care for the next generation.
Stop by the center and see what is happening...ssh, don't wake the children during nap time! I did and I am impressed.
Congratulations to Kris Wetzel, the board, the day care staff, Pastor Knox, the community and all the volunteers! You deserve a gold star!
Charles Beadles
Galesburg, IL
Day Care Licensing Rep.