Letters to the Editor
Volunteers are needed in communities
To the Editor:
Every community needs the services of many volunteers in order to have successful organizations and activities. This need has been emphasized in recent articles in the Peabody Gazette-Bulletin.
One Peabody group that functions because of the help of many volunteers is the senior citizen group.
Not only are more than 20 shut-ins receiving meals-on-wheels, but the senior center is available for meetings and family reunions.
Volunteers serve the center in many ways. They drive vans, wash dishes, serve meals, set up tables, and raise funds to pay taxes, utilities, and insurance. This is just a short list of examples.
Many of you are welcome to join a peer group for fellowship, food, and if you are physically able, to help.
Be a volunteer!
Joan Berns
Peabody
City council guidelines negates horse privileges
To the Editor:
Our horse club was so appreciative that the privilege of riding horses in the park was not to be taken away. The original draft of the horseback riding ordinance from the advisory committee was practical guidelines. The city council, however, added that manure was to be picked up immediately (instead of after riding) and that horses will not be allowed on the truck route which is the 1880s Main Street parade route.
Because of these additions, our G&B (girls and boys) Saddle Club will no longer be riding in Peabody or its park. Plans for the Fourth of July parade had to be canceled. It is ridiculous to treat manure as toxic waste (it's one of the most organic things on earth) and to expect a rider to immediately pick it up. To do this the horse would have to be diapered or the rider could attempt to carry a shovel and bag with them, then try to hold the horse while cleaning up or have another person follow closely with a wheelbarrow every time a horse is ridden.
Concerning the parade route, horses are prey animals thus making them 1,000 pound chickens. They need to be desensitized to scary environments and parades can be very scary to a horse that is not used to all the commotion. If a horse won't tolerate a truck passing it at 20 mph on Main Street, there's slim chance it's going to tolerate a fire truck during a parade. We will not take the horses "cold turkey" down Main Street during a parade. To do this would be unsafe for everyone involved.
Considering all things in life, I'm hesitant to make a "stink" and argue on how fast poop should be picked up and just enjoy being a spectator at parades. I can trailer my horse to ride elsewhere or I can move, but we now have more than 20 people who share the horses that participate in G&B Saddle Club who don't have this option. To some of us there's nothing like riding a horse. We have a blast.
Yes, horseback riding still is allowed in Peabody and its park. For this I am grateful. However the rules have been made so impractical for us, who will be able to enjoy this privilege? If the clip-clopping of hooves are music to your ears, please come to the council meeting Monday to help preserve our town's horse heritage.
Tina Partridge
G&B Saddle Club
