LETTERS: BERTRAND HAS IDEA TO BUILD CITY PARK

To the editor:

Nestled in the heart of Mississippi County is a small, rural farm area known as Bertrand. To the average Joe out there, it seems like a wide spot in the road. I discovered this community quite by accident one day after deciding to take a more scenic route to Charleston instead of the interstate.

Harper's Market is in the heart of the town. It's one of the last remaining gas, lunch and coffee places left. You can fill up your car tank, get the plate-lunch special or a sandwich to go, have a cup of coffee with the regulars or appear about 2 p.m. when the newspaper gets read aloud and the happenings discussed.

I was fortunate enough to have had the pleasure, and I truly mean pleasure, of these folks. Like most small communities, funds and civic improvements are a constant battle. The idea was recently raised by the fire department that what the town needed was a park. Not just a grassy field, but a true park with a baseball diamond, fenced backstop, bleachers and a shelter for community meetings and family reunions.

As a foreigner in a new country, I listened as they pondered on ways to struggle to raise the funding for this project. Most agreed the entire project could be completed for about $4,000. The mayor, fire department and the area law enforcement employees pointed out there were absolutely no activities after school for area children, and if they had a city park complete with a ball field, a playground and a shelter for family or community barbecues, they may have a chance of controlling the drug or other illicit activities teens and young adults find themselves in due to boredom.

If the funds can be procured, volunteers can start immediately, and the citizens would like to host a community day of coed ball games, covered-dish suppers (basket dinners where I come from) and a fireworks finale.

To do this, though, they need your contributions, no matter how small. If you're interested in making a donation, please send it in care of the Bertrand Fire Department, 202 W. Jobe, Bertrand, Mo. 63823. They welcome any and all to their community. Drop by Harper's Market and ask for Gary or Kitty. Have a cup of coffee, and I guarantee you will be sold on the place and the concept. I challenge all of you, whether individually or as a work effort to contribute to this cause.

DIANA STEELE

Cape Girardeau