During the past month, there have been several letters/articles that have been written about Timmonsville. When you read the things that are written you will get infuriated and disheartened.
Yes, Timmonsville is in a financial crisis and has many water and sewer problems, but there are many people working together trying to change things here in town. This is something that not everyone can see right now. It didn’t get this way over night and it will take more than a day to fix. Town officials and some residents are working hard to get things back on track.
One letter I want to address was published in the (Florence) Morning News on March, 7, 2010, and The News Journal earlier that week. It states: “After receiving the FOI request from Mrs. Vause, the town of Timmonsville on January 12, 2010, returned $308.63 to Florence County, stating in a letter to the County Finance Director, that a copy of a check to Lowe’s for $691.37 was enclosed."
Although the letter is vaguely worded, the indication is that only $691.37 was spent on the Christmas parade. “A copy of the Lowe’s receipt itemizes items such as outdoor electrical cords and various decorations. There were no floats or bands in the Timmonsville parade. It is our understanding that the parade consisted of a fire truck and some city vehicles and the items purchased at Lowe’s were put up after the parade.”
This is not all correct. No, there were no floats in the parade, but that was the choice of the people. There was part of the Timmonsville High School Band and two bands did not show, but that is completely out of our control. There were two fire departments, rescue squad, National Guard, police department, Honda, Crescent Temple, Boys & Girls Club, town officials, horses, businesses and many other individuals. This is more than a “fire truck and some city vehicles.” The festival consisted of vendors, Santa Claus, a house decorating contest, parade, games and a hometown hero award.
Decorations were put up before the parade, not after as stated. When it comes to the money spent, it was spent on things we were told it could be spent on. The committee wasn’t aware of the refund until afterward. I don’t understand why Timmonsville is the only one targeted when money was sent to two other towns for their Christmas festival.
A wise man told me once, “I don’t mind helping anyone out as long as they are trying to help themselves.” I think this statement reflects Timmonsville. Timmonsville does not want a handout. The town is trying to help itself, but sometimes you need help from others, too.
In life, when you focus on the negative, that is all that you will see. Stop and look at the good things that are trying to be done here. You may be surprised at what you see. When it comes to the Christmas festival, it may not have been huge but it was the first in many, many years. Each year will get bigger and better than the last. The Christmas Committee has many things in store for this year on Dec. 11, 2010. Come out so that you can see for yourself some of the things we are working hard on.
Penny Hayes
Timmonsville
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