Last year, asking for support for our Request to have a Grant to install
bicycle racks in specific areas, I learned from one new business owner near
Giles Street that nobody was stopping for families with children trying to
cross Main Street from Riverbank Park to have an Ice Cream or a Burger. So I
advocated to Eric Dudley and Doug Eaton. And a new Crosswalk with The Yellow
Pedestrian Signs on both sides was installed. That was WSMAC at work.
I agree with your philosophy that the Annual Kids Safety Day is focused on
engaging Children in a way that they will understand and learn safe ways for
riding a new Bicycle, crossing a busy 4 Way, 4 Lanes Intersection when School
starts again .
What I am seeing time and time again, though, are " Adults " walking across
those busy Streets without using the Controls that were installed for
Everyone's Safety, Children, Adults, Drivers, Visitors, new Immigrants.
Children learn from watching Adults. That needs to change. How the WSMAC
accomplishes that and educates Grownups as well as Children will go a LONG Ways
to improving Pedestrian Safety in Westbrook.
Dennis
Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
-------- Original message --------From: Lee Prince <leeleeprince51@xxxxxxxxx>
Date: 8/27/19 5:07 PM (GMT-05:00) To: wsmac@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: [wsmac]
What is the one purpose for WSMAC?
Back when the group was first starting out, one of our esteemed members summed
it all up into one mantra: "Advocate and educate". (Ty Ann Peoples)
I think we're losing sight of that. If we see a problem area, ie no crosswalk;
people not using crosswalk, etc, instead of "reporting" said problem, what
would YOU do to help? Would you politely introduce yourself, hand out a flyer
or two? Kristi Dupere has been doing a "bang up" job advertising our Committee
at her place of employment.
Before you send that email, sit back and think for a moment. "Have I written
about this before?" "Is this area already posted on the work orders sheet?"
Not to be a stick in the mud, but I feel the focus for the next couple of weeks
should MOSTLY be about Kids Safety Day. Maybe come up with ideas to "advocate
and educate" both online and off.
I look forward to receiving feedback on this email.
Leelee
