To the editor:
Toastmasters is not to be confused with making toast in the kitchen.
Toastmasters is a fun, positive, supportive organization of clubs that meet weekly or every other week. The main reasons to join are to improve your speaking or leadership skills.
I would recommend visiting a club to see what a meeting is like. For about $2 a week in dues, members gain confidence and experience by speaking in front of people on a regular basis.
But I have found it’s so much more than that.
My thoughts are more organized than ever before, and this helps me to communicate better. My listening skills are sharper so I can better understand others.
The benefits I have received from Toastmasters far outweigh the money spent on dues. Find a club by visiting www.toastmasters.org.
Anita Knowles
Greater Greenwood Toastmasters Club
Improvements continue in Beech Grove, soliciting banned
To the editor:
Much work has taken place over the past month or so in our beautiful city, so I would like to update you on a few important items.
The first round of paving for the year is almost complete. Work was done on the city’s Northside. Phase two should begin in October.
With the completion of the second round we will have spent almost $700,000 on infrastructure improvements this year without incurring any debt.
Several small storm water projects have also taken place, and we have treated more than 5,000 feet of sanitary sewer lines to prevent blockage by tree roots.
Work continues to upgrade Hornet Park Community Center so it can accommodate an at-risk youth program, which is being funded through a U.S. Housing and Urban Development grant.
In a future letter I will discuss funding for phase one of the greenway and for a roundabout at Arlington and Churchman avenues.
We have been so blessed to receive funding opportunities through the Metropolitan Planning Organization, and we are set to apply for more funding to continue to move our city forward.
I would also like to note that our City Council has passed an ordinance that prohibits door-to-door solicitation and peddling, which includes food sales in neighborhoods and the dropping off of handout materials.
There are certain groups that are exempt: political parties and candidates running for elected office (although most wish they were), nonprofit organizations and utility companies.
The ordinance takes effect Sept. 1. Should you encounter any door-to-door salesmen, call the police at 327-3811. Questions about the ordinance can be directed to the city’s compliance division at 803-9099.
Dennis B. Buckley
Mayor of Beech Grove