> SOUTHERN INDIANA — Reader: Texting law is good idea



I would like to start by saying I am for a ban on texting. To me, it is dangerous to drive and try to basically type at the same time. But, come on, outlaw talking on your cell phone while driving?

I guess you have to look at where that idea came from — a racial slurring police officer who can't even go to a mandatory class that he caused because he was on sick leave cutting grass.

And, by the way, how many police officers do you see on patrol talking on the phone? What are you going to do, put an exclusion in the law that they need to because it's part of the job?

And, Councilman Pat McLaughlin, who are you to make a proposal like this? Are you going to stop talking on your cell or will it be, “I’m a councilman I need to be exempt,” also?

You people make me sick. You all complain about New Albany not getting more downtown merchants and you come up with stupid ideas like this. It will drive people away.

I think Councilman and Officer Jack Messer just needs to, not only retire from the police department, but get out of politics, also, and take the other burnt out lightbulb with him. I'm sorry, but after reading the article in Sunday's paper it just made me mad that this is what we voted into office.

Let me give a little scenario, in closing, if this law passed: I'm driving through town and there's an accident, a fire or somebody fall’s over dead on the street. Sorry, can’t call for help. Not allowed to use my cell phone. It’s against the law and I don’t want a ticket. Sorry for ya!

— Alan Montgomery, New Albany





YMCA leader talks child care



The Greater Clark County School System officials recently announced they will be using a different provider for the school-based before and after-school program. In making their decision they cited a need for a program that aligns with their educational initiatives.

For the past 25 years the YMCA of Southern Indiana has partnered with GCCS to provide this service. The program began in 1982 with less than 50 children and now has expanded to more than 450 children serving nine schools.

The focus of the YMCA program has always been to provide quality child care at affordable rates during the empty hours between school dismissal and a parent’s return from work. Research shows that children are at the highest risk of adverse behaviors during this time period and can benefit from the support of a strong adult role model. For parents at work, their stress level decreases and their job performance is enhanced when they have the comfort of knowing their children are safe and receiving quality care. All of our before and after-school program staff members are CPR and first aid certified and model the four core values of the YMCA — caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.

The YMCA’s program offers homework assistance, tutors, structured activities and a Food and Fun curriculum including a healthy snack. Financial assistance has always been available. In fact, one-third of our families receive financial assistance, thanks to the community’s support of our annual Strong Kids Campaign.

Our program will continue this fall with the same tradition of excellence and care. We will be using the Clark County YMCA plus some local churches as program sites with transportation provided. As always, care will be available on snow days/delays, half days, teacher in-service days and spring and winter breaks.

We thank parents for choosing the YMCA and giving us the privilege of serving you and your most prized possessions — your children. We appreciate your confidence in our ability to provide quality child care in both Clark and Floyd counties.

— Joe LaRocca, CEO, YMCA of Southern Indiana