Published: September 22, 2009 07:21 pm      

In Your View — 09/23/09

Harbor Hill is safe environment

Although the stigma and experience of domestic violence may remain for a long while, we have first hand knowledge at Safe Harbor of Northeast Kentucky that it is survivable.

It’s true that applicants for the new Harbor Hill apartment complex are given greater consideration if they are past residents of our shelter, but the guidelines for residential living here are broad reaching. The best news is that there are still apartments available to rent on a sliding fee scale, based on family income.

Designed in a loft-style, much like one would expect to see in larger, metropolitan areas, developer AU Associates did a splendid job of bringing the most modern and inviting decor to its professional development of a structure which for so long had no redeeming function.

Of the 34 units, ranging from one to three bedrooms, 18 now are home to past victims of domestic violence. The sparkling new living environs are not only a welcome surprise; they bring new meaning to the idea of affordable housing and apartment dwelling.

Certainly some of the most inspiring work I have seen in my 20-year tenure with Safe Harbor is happening now. It is with a great sense of accomplishment that we can see daily the successful transition of families, once ruled by crisis and fear, now building safe and secure futures, with the addition of long term housing at Harbor Hill. We say “welcome” to Safe Harbor and to Harbor Hill, our newest community service initiative.

Anyone interested in the availability of apartments at Harbor Hill should contact Vicki Hill at Safe Harbor at (606) 329-9304 or e-mail vhill@safeharborky.org.

Debra L. Wright, Public Relations & Outreach Coordinator, Safe Harbor



‘Kill ‘em’ rumors continue to persist

I’m not sure whether Fox News covered the story of the Secret Service debunking “kill ‘em” rumors at a Sarah Palin rally in Pennsylvania, but Newsweek, the magazine Jonathon Alter works for, did report it online on Oct. 18, 2008, at www.newsweek.com/id/164512 and in its print edition on Oct. 27, 2008. The Wilkes-Barre Times Leader (www.timesleader.com Oct. 17, 2008) and the Scranton Times-Tribune also quoted the Secret Service that the reporter’s claims were unfounded.

The Times-Tribune, which endorsed Obama, and its reporter, who supported Obama, nevertheless refused to retract the charge. Local television and newspapers gave out a telephone number for anyone who supposedly heard it to call, but not one person called. The Secret Service never charged anyone, and the lead agent said people at other rallies yelled “you tell ‘em” and “tell ‘em.”

And, yes, the crowd did yell “murderer” when Palin mentioned William Ayers, but quite a few of us who lived through the 1960s share that feeling.

The Newsweek article also states authorities notified Obama the rumor was unfounded before he used it in a debate, calling it hate speech against him. Obama, of course, is a politician not above smearing competitors to gain sympathy. Jonathon Alter has no such excuse.

Bill Barney, Ashland



GOP won’t cease hard-core remarks

Speaker Nancy Pelosi passionately and emotionally spoke on the climate of violence that could be an undercurrent to the rhetoric and commotion of our country.

Why does House Republican leader John Boehner always appear as a deer caught in headlights? He appeared dumbfounded when asked his response, saying Americans see this isn't the same country they grew up and knew.

Joe Scarborough is right: The GOP leaders will not diminish the hard-core comments out there! It's as if they don't want to anger their base, and if someone or some group wants to move inappropriately, the GOP won’t attempt to stop them. Or do they go with the GOP’s blessings?

We are in a scary time in a nation of leaders without spines — just snakes in the grass and under rocks who only hiss and cannot speak truth.

Dawnita Redd, Ironton



It’s National Adult Day Care Week

This is National Adult Day Care Week. I thank the staff, volunteers, clients and their families for making Active Day of Ashland Adult Day Care and Rehab.

We are celebrating all week with special activities. Friday, Sept. 25, is the grand finale. An open invitation is extended to visit our center and take part in the festivities including our Alzheimer’s Memory Walk Rock-A-Thon.

Sally Dyer, RN, Director, Active Day of Ashland