To the Editor:
It is now July 7, 2011, and most of the summer crowd has gone back to their homes in various parts of the United States.
First, I believe they would want to thank you for the lawless, unregulated free recreation venue you so graciously provide 24/7. It was great to have a three-day weekend with wonderful weather.
The visitors love your water reservoir, as they are not encumbered with any silly rules regarding alcohol, drugs, urination, defecation, noise, pollution, public safety or water safety protocols.
I personally want to thank you Tryon for the peace and quiet that resulted from the weekend celebration of our nation’s independence. I am no longer disturbed in the early morning hours by silly songbirds, which always seemed so happy to experience the start of a new day. And, I am no longer disturbed by the rustling sounds of birds nesting in my dogwoods and rhododendrons when I take my nighttime walk with my dog. The three-day bombardment of firecrackers and fireworks may have had something to do with their displacement or disorientation.
The ducks on the reservoir also want to thank you. They especially enjoy the new sport that has evolved over the past few years. I call it “Dodge a Duck.” This game involves a kid on a jet ski targeting a family of ducks. At this time the surviving ducks are still staying very close to the shorelines and the safety of overhanging branches and docks.
Thank you, Tryon town government. From your water customers, as now, our drinks have been “topped-off” with 21st century urine, feces, petroleum distillates, battery decomposites, fireworks residue (from China) and other human and animal waste products.
Not to worry, though, we know that you, the town, are protecting us with the latest in 1950s water testing protocols.
December 2011 will mark the 30th anniversary of the purchase of the reservoir bottom (135 acres) by the town of Tryon. If the town were an individual, and had exhibited the same 30-year period of silence and withdrawal of responsibility of land ownership and neighborliness, psycho-clinicians would probably have classified the person as someone with a severe mental disorder.
For example, my neighbors brought to the town’s attention last year the game of terrorizing the ducks. The town’s reaction was the usual wall of silence. A further example of neighborly indifference and willful negligence is the fact that in the 30-year period, the town has not recognized a need to stage an emergency response watercraft on the shore of their 135-acre water amusement park.
Kudos to all involved.
– Michael Verbonic, Lake Lanier