Noise in Rhawnhurst
I have lived in the Rhawnhurst section of Philadelphia for over 50 years. The noise pollution that has proliferated along the Castor Avenue corridor between Cottman Avenue and Rhawn Street has become unbearable.
The motorcycle packs that zoom up and down the avenue have no regard for pedestrian or vehicle safety, let alone their own. This is unacceptable. These motorcyclists have basically taken over and now consider this part of Castor Avenue their own personal drag strip. Does anyone else feel this way?
It appears that the 2nd District police force has completely abandoned patrolling this section as I rarely, if ever, see a police presence; a walking officer, a cruiser, or even a motorcycle patrolman. The priority of the police must be to watch and fine those who put their trash out too soon, instead of our safety. If anyone out there has the legal or political clout to put an end to this dangerous situation, please help.
Ronald M. Rolli
Rhawnhurst
No walk in the park
Whatever happened to the pleasure of taking your dog for a walk in your neighborhood or Pennypack Park? My pleasure has turned to fear. I’ve lost count on the number of unleashed dogs that have threatened us.
Dog owners have the responsibility to control their dog’s behavior. They can’t do it themselves — they’re only animals. It starts with having them on a leash when outside. It’s the law. Unfortunately, this law is not being enforced. It’s just a matter of time until one of these unleashed dogs attacks a child.
Three months ago, my neighbor’s pitbull attacked my dog on my property. I filed a police report. His dog has also attacked another dog twice. He was ordered to get a better fence, and have his dog muzzled and on a leash when outside. This dog owner has done none of that, or paid the vet bill for my dog.
I guess the solution to this problem is to move out of the Northeast, or to settle on expecting a lower standard of living in this area.
Linda B.
Holme Circle
Remember our veterans on the Fourth of July
Service members make sacrifices to fight for our country and to protect our freedom. But amidst the picnics, fireworks and other plans for the Fourth of July weekend, we sometimes overlook the importance of supporting veterans in their time of need.
One in four dying Americans is a veteran and more than 680,000 veterans die each year. At their bedsides, our staff often sees the unresolved emotional and medical issues associated with their service.
For example, some Gulf War veterans developed pulmonary problems after being exposed to smoke from oil-well fires. And many Vietnam veterans arrived home to angry chants.
Decades after serving, veterans of all wars and conflicts are still resolving the things they did and saw while in the military.
As a partner in the We Honor Veterans program, Holy Redeemer Hospice helps veterans find peace at end of life. By asking about a veteran’s time in the service, our staff has helped to acknowledge feelings such as guilt, anger and sadness and identify benefits and resources that might help patients and their families.
The Fourth of July is an especially profound time to thank our nation’s service members for their sacrifices. We hope you’ll join us in making time to be a patient and compassionate listener to any veteran who needs to talk this holiday.
Kimberly Bracey
Holy Redeemer Hospice and Palliative Care Supervisor
