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7/12/2009 Sunday 'On the Edge'You know some days I wish I had never picked up my big city newspaper to have a read. Today was one of those days. My big city's county is home to almost 194,000 people. It is home to a world class university, new downtown lofts, and more than 350 restaurants. Nearly 1 in 3 persons in my big city are impoverished or near poverty according to the 2007 Census Bureau.
On the front page of my newspaper today is a picture of a man who works at McDonalds. His wife works there also. They each make $8 an hour, but remember, the fast food places do not have 40 hr per week workers. More likely 20 - 25 hrs per week. This couple has no health insurance. They can't afford it. They live in a nearby motel where they pay by the week. The gentleman has a severe foot problem and he walks with a bad limp. He can't afford to find out what is wrong or get treatment. Now I have lived close to my big city since Jim and I were married. I know where the McDonalds is and the motel that is listed as their weekly home. I am actually afraid to be in that area in the daytime, let alone after dark.
Quote from the newspaper. 'Every day 10s of thousands of people in this county barely get by. Many work in minimum wage part time jobs with no health insurance and no savings for emergencies.' They depend on government aid to buy food. Nearly 10,000 children, almost half of the county's public school students qualified for free or reduced price lunches last year.
More than 10% of the county residents lived in extreme poverty between 2005 -2007.
You will read from time to time in my posts about my trips to my big city. All of my doctors are there. I have good health insurance because my husband retired from civil service. I shop at the stores on what is referred to as the Mag mile. The stores are all relatively new and there are many restaurants. This is a whole different life than what I was reading about in the paper today and it sickens me. I know you all agree with me that things have to change.
 3/27/2008 Thursday...and time for the local news. Headline: Crumbling streets eyed for repairs. Some of our most deteriorating streets are eyed for repair this summer using motor fuel tax funds. Tell me something I don't know. My alley has a two foot hole right behind where I back out of the garage. Got to catch my alderman neighbor directly across the alley from me and talk to him about that. I know he must be backing into it too. My city once again honored as Tree City USA. In recognition of its commitment to the environment, ****** has been named a Tree City USA for the 18th straight year by the National Arbor Day Foundation. Proud of our city, now please come and replace my bean tree. Police make cocaine bust. A ****** man has been arrested on felony charges alleging he had cocaine and prescription drugs packaged for sale. Chicago has moved downstate to my little city. Parking changes considered at Clara Pete. This is the grade school both of my kids attended. Parking changes were needed then too, some 100 years ago. Bitter cold doesn't stop kids at Easter egg hunt. I knew it wouldn't. Kids are tough when there is candy involved. AACK!! A page and a half of obits! Be still my heart. Local sports are winding down. Only one page of sports. **************************************************************************************************************************************** I am home from workout. The weather is rainy today and 43 degrees. I may sort through more old pictures. Stay safe and be happy!! 2/28/2008 Thursday and...it is time for the local news. Headlined by: Police to critique response. Area agencies to meet today to discuss how they responded to standoff incident. This standoff involved a former special agent for the Illinois State Police. Not to get into details but I think the police acted appropriately in dealing with an armed man who was holding a gun on his live in girl friend. ******'s water system recognized. Residents here can brag that we have the best operated water system in Illinois. To add my own recognition; we can also brag about having one of the highest water rates in the state of Illinois. It's been endless, bad conditions taking a toll on Midwest residents. I think you all know that as I have complained endlessly about how miserable this winter has been. I am not complaining anymore. No sir, not me. Remembrance Hall: A new home for theater? Remember our local theater burned down last November. Owner says theater group can perform there if repairs are made. The owner (who happens to be the richest guy in town) has said they can perform there for free if they make the repairs. I really admire big hearted people, said with tongue in cheek. Next court date set for accused county clerk. Next county over from me. He is charged with felony misconduct, forgery and theft of government property. Man, that was one busy guy. Five pages of sports and one whole page of obits. ******************************************************************************************************************************************************* To clarify Curves offer of joining for $30 and a bag of food for the local food bank. The dates are from 3 March through 15 March. If you are told by a local Curves that they are not honoring this, they can be reported to Curves International by email through their web site. I was told this by the local franchise owner of the Curves that I go to just this morning. Now that you are caught up on what is happening in my little bitty city I will just tell you all to "Stay safe and be happy!" |
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