<html><div style='background-color:'><DIV class=RTE><STRONG>This has been a beautiful summer. . . been able to get out of town and visit friends and not worry about being in a hurry.</STRONG></DIV>
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<DIV class=RTE><STRONG>Coming home is always great even after short trips Home is where the heart is.</STRONG></DIV>
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<DIV class=RTE><STRONG>This morning I met with some friends at the Breakfast Club for coffee and a bagel and some good chit-chat. . . always a pleasure.</STRONG></DIV>
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<DIV class=RTE><STRONG>Then I walked out to Main Street and that's when it HIT me.</STRONG></DIV>
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<DIV class=RTE><STRONG>What has happened to our downtown!? It is looking so run down at the heels. Who is responsible for the upkeep of the benches and why are the planters over-run with weeds? I'm glad that Friendship square got an overhaul last year, but what about the rest of downtown. You wouldn't dare sit on some of those benches for fear of getting slivers in your butt. I just looked around and thought "everyone has given up on our town".</STRONG></DIV>
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<DIV class=RTE><STRONG>Now, before you hit the "reply" key and rake me over the coals GO AND LOOK for yourself. No special trip necessary. . . just do like I did. Really look around you and observe the next time you're downtown.</STRONG></DIV>
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<DIV class=RTE><STRONG>Just don't sit down on one of the park benches to contemplate the sorry sight unless you're wearing a suit of armor.</STRONG></DIV>
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<DIV class=RTE><STRONG>Ellen A. Roskovich</STRONG></DIV>
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