LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Published July 2

Citizens to confront Marion City Council
Dear Editor,
Citizens who want to see a reduction of crime in the city of Marion are invited to attend the July 8 meeting of Marion City Council.
Van Edwards will address council members with neighborhood concerns. Residents from all neighborhoods are not only welcome, but urged to sit in the audience that evening in a show of support.
Edwards hosted a grassroots meeting on June 22 for those in his immediate neighborhood. Of the two dozen people present, nearly all reported being victims of theft, voyeurism, lewd behavior or vandalism.
Edwards will address council as spokesman for the group. A follow-up meeting is tentatively planned for July 13. You are urged to add your voice to those of other law-abiding citizens. Marion City Council meets at 6:30 p.m. in Council Chambers. Enter through the left rear door of Marion City Hall on South Main Street. To receive notice for the next grassroots meeting, call 423-7363 or e-mail palmettowellness@bellsouth with your name and contact information.
If you have been the victim of a crime, you are invited to add your story to those being submitted by Edwards in his presentation to Council.
Concerned citizens

Postmaster has tips for citizens

Dear Editor,
The summer months are here and with today’s fuel prices, customers are looking for ways not to beat the heat but to save gas. Now the Postal Service has more ways to help business customers keep up. Our customers have discovered that it’s easy to do all their shopping and mailing, without leaving their homes or office. Just about anything you can do at the Post Office, you can do at usps.com.
Millions of customers have discovered they can use usps.com to the following: pay postage and print labels; request free package pickup; send shipments locally, nationally, or globally, get online shipping discounts, track packages and confirm deliveries; compare postage prices; add insurance; file a domestic insurance claim online; order our free, eco-friendly packaging; create and send direct mail, and design customized postage.
In addition, customers can look up a zip code, locate a P.O. Box, and find a nearby Post Office, order stamps, and obtain a business reply mail permit.
Remember our Web site http://www.usps.com; it is ideal example of how utilizing the United States Postal Service is beneficial to all. Our services are quick, easy and convenient. We offer free package pickup. This feature is very attractive to small businesses where it’s difficult for them to make a trip to the post office. It will help us all to beat the heat, save on fuel cost and also our precious time. If it is not convenient to visit your local post office you can just visit http://www.usps.com for your postal needs. Try it we know you will like it.
Linda Foxworth
The Fork Postmaster

Group seeking homeowners
Dear Editor,
The Marion County Habitat for Humanity may want your readers! This is for those who are living in poor housing conditions … Do you have a steady income that can support a mortgage payment of $325 a month? Are you tired of paying rent? Are you willing to help build your own home? Have you lived in Marion County for at least a year?
If you answered “Yes” to all of these questions, then Marion County Habitat for Humanity may be looking for you …
We accept applications once a month for Habitat homes. You are invited to join us on July 7 at 7 p.m. in the Marion Medical Center for our orientation meeting.
If you have any questions please call our office at: (843) 423-4663
Laura Orlick