Barking law has no bite

Dear editor:

Until animal control starts responding to any call, changing an ordinance will make no difference. This is an act of futility. If you think they will respond just because a dog is barking, it just will not happen. By the time they get to the location, the dog will either die of old age, or decide there was nothing to bark about. I called when two dogs showed up on my porch. They growled when I tried to run them off and I called animal control; three hours later they showed up! DOGS GONE!

When I complained to Commissioner Ron Gracy, his excuse was “they are understaffed!”

Changing this ordinance will only serve to make the county residents think the commissioners are really doing something to help!

Luke Barlowe,

Ringgold

Boynton Rec is special

Dear editor:

Boynton Recreation Association has been built on the hard work of thousands of people who have donated their time to create something good for kids throughout our area. It is made possible through the dedication of these volunteers who provide much needed services for little or no thanks and certainly no financial compensation. I can tell you what Boynton is, and I can tell you what it is not.

Boynton Recreation Association is made up of people from all walks of life, giving, caring people, who contribute what they can. It can be as small as two volunteers spreading 31 tons of brick dust with shovels and wheelbarrows, or two or three guys laying a tractor-trailer load of sod on a ballfield so the kids have a place to play.

It is also made up of numerous, innovative people, ranging from electricians who donate their skills, to mechanics who help to keep our equipment running, to the creative minds of those that instigate and direct fundraisers. It is the folks that pick up trash to help keep the park clean, and the people with construction skills that can build or repair a much-needed item at a moment’s notice.

The association is also fortunate to count among its members the loving mothers, fathers, grandmothers, and grandfathers who help out with team drinks, snacks, and parties. It consists of the coaches who volunteer their time and contribute their knowledge to kids with varying athletic abilities. It is the umpires, who are dedicated to doing their jobs because they, too, care about how the youth of Catoosa County grow and mature.

Boynton is also made up of our Board of Directors. From the past members, who paved the way to make the association what it is today, to the present members who have the awesome responsibility to guide and direct the available resources into a positive arena of mental and physical growth for the kids.

It is also the new members, bless them, who have no idea what they are getting into, but are energetic and enthusiastic enough to jump in headfirst only with the idea that they, too, can make a difference. The association and board are made up of people who are both creative and thrifty enough to survive on what we have. These financial times often necessitate making something out of nothing to keep the program going.

People are paid to hold political office and budget money. With the exception of one maintenance personnel, nobody in Boynton Recreation Association receives any financial compensation for their time. They do it because they love the kids of the area.

Boynton is about volunteering and supporting the kids of this community. It is not about making money.

We are a large organization, providing a much-needed outlet of healthy mental and physical recreation for 1,300 to 1,500 youngsters in a variety of sports programs. These programs include spring, summer and fall baseball and softball. There is also football in the fall and basketball in the winter. We were in the process of building a strong soccer program, but limited field space has put a temporary hold on that. If the association ever receives the SPLOST money that was promised, the soccer program could be revived.

Our association, like Catoosa County, has huge expenses. And like Catoosa County, the association is growing each year in the number of participants. The funds from registration fees help to pay some of those expenses, but the association cannot survive on that alone. We must have numerous fundraisers throughout the year. Sponsors and their generous donations are also another source of funding upon which Boynton must rely, and these are greatly appreciated.

It is too easy to just sit back and listen to what the negative people have to say about how this or that should be done. At Boynton, we usually don’t do easy, so we ask that you come to our park and see what we do and what is provided for the kids. We also ask that you join our team to help provide Catoosa County with something better for youth. We need people that care.

What we don’t need or want is to be attacked by a public official. The integrity of everyone who ever donated a minute of their time or earnings to make the Boynton Recreation Association a success was questioned when a public official said recently, “How do we know how they are spending the money?” This question was directed to the Lakeview and Ringgold associations, also.

Well, take an interest in your kids in this county and represent them. Come and join us, and you will know how the money is spent. We also have shovels and brooms that will fit all sizes of hands. There is always something that needs to be done.

If you can’t do that, please support us in any way you can. We always need help and it is appreciated.

Throughout the years Boynton has been a friend to the public officials who helped build the programs. Commissioner James Moreland was there in the beginning to help get all this started.

We have nothing to hide. Our books are open to anyone who wants to see them. Our board meetings are open, too. Join us the first Wednesday of the month at 7:00 PM. Your input would be valued.

We rejoice in the accomplishments of this organizations and those like Frank Seabolt, who have given their lives to make Boynton Recreation Association something special.

Scott Murdoch,

Boynton Recreation Association president