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Watch for bikers

Two young, Coral Gables residents marched into our office last Friday afternoon, hot, tired and hopping mad. Fourth graders Tod Pierce and Robert Barth had been riding their bikes in a residential Gables neighborhood and one of them had almost been hit by a car even though he was riding on a bike path. Both of them were fed up with trying to dodge the cars that whiz by them as they carefully negotiate their bikes down skinny, roadside paths. And this is by no means a problem peculiar to Coral Gables. All over South Dade, bicyclists flirt with danger every time they leave their homes. Police agree that more and wider paths are needed alongside roads for bicyclists, but they also say that the majority of bike accidents are caused by the bicycle rider. This is small consolation to the family of the child that gets injured for life or killed because someone was in a hurry to get home. We can all help Tod and Robert and other concerned young citizens by paying heed to their cry for help. We can take extra care when near bicyclists. Slow down just in case a rider is too close to the road... give him some room and as you pass by, keep your eye on him just in case he should decide to dart out. Is the second or two you might save by rushing worth a life?

Give and take

Two South Dade women have been studying the Metro Budget for a year. While they don't claim to be budget experts they shared their new-found knowledge of how Metro takes money, then gives it back in the form of services, with other members of the Dade County League of Women Voters. It proved to them to be so complicated that many of the members wondered at how commissioners cope with the multimillion dollar budget. But through their efforts, there will be at least 10 people who will understand how Metro manages to take so much from South Dade taxpayers and give back so little.

the gables publishing company

serving south dade and coral gables since 1926 jim storey general manager bea moss managing editor gary gibbs news editor carole myers advertising manager bill mc hugh circulation address: 4627 ponce de leon blvd., coral gables, fla. 33146 telephone: 666-7951

Raccoons still pose rabies threat

EDITOR: This is to assure Dade County citizens that the South Florida Veterinary Medical Association's No. 1 concern on rabies vaccination is the protection of the public's health and the health of its pets, statements to the contrary not withstanding. Although there have been only two cases of rabies in domestic animals in 20 years, there is an ever-constant threat here because of the rabid raccoons. All nine rabies cases in Dade in the last two years have been in raccoons. For the first quarter of 1976, 10 of the 11 cases. There is no way to estimate the number of raccoons with rabies at large. Three dogs were bitten in Dade County by a rabid raccoon earlier this year. Two of the dogs were euthanized and not quarantined — therefore keeping our records clean of rabies in domestic animals. If they had not been killed these two dogs almost surely would have rabies. And if they had not been observed being bit by the raccoon, Dade County could well have had an outbreak of rabies. Because of rabid raccoons, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) of the Department of Agriculture has identified Dade County and Florida as a "high risk area" and recommends annual vaccination of dogs and cats. There have been two rabid cat cases in Duval County in the last month. Other Florida counties with vaccination programs require annual innoculations. Broward County's animal control program is nationally recognized for its efficiency and effectiveness. As to the frequency of vaccinations, federal officials and vaccine manufacturers agree that annual vaccinations are necessary until 70 per cent of the dogs and cats are vaccinated, or there is a three-year period of no rabies cases in domestic and wildlife in the county. Toward this objective of providing maximum rabies protection for Dade Citizens, this Association pledges an all-out effort with all the other involved officials and agencies. ROBERT HOUSEHOLDER President Veterinary Medical Assoc.

Speaking out for clean air

EDITOR: I am a concerned Dade County citizen speaking out for clean air. I do not want the sulphur dioxide standards kept at their present level. I urge the county commissioners to raise the standards for sulphur dioxide to the level that the Dade Munroe Lung Association has requested. Sulphur dioxide is a harmful gas because it can cause irritation to the respiratory system. People who have lung problems are a especially susceptible to the harmful effects of sulphur dioxide. By exposing these people to this polluted air, we are endangering their lives. This is unforgiveable since many people who have trouble breathing have moved to Miami because we had clean, clear air. Furthermore, the quality of our air is important to me because I am a mother. My young children will be breathing the air for their entire lives. It is up to all of us to protect the air for our future generations. AUDREY RICE 10840 SW 119th St.

Imprisoned 18-year-old longing for letters

EDITOR: I am an 18-year-old male Inmate, presently confined at the Nevado State Prison, serving a five year term. I have been confined for the past five years in various institutions and during the course of these lonely years, I have devoted my time seeking means to which I can correct my wrong, and add to the social structure of society in a constructive and productive manner. Prison is not my sole confinement, for loneliness is a prison in itself. I do not have a family, therefore, I do not receive any letters. I would be most grateful to you if you could run the letter in your paper for correspondence with anyone who wants and cares for a friend to share their thoughts, hopes and goals by communicating with a lonely guy. I will write to anyone, and will answer all letters should you decide to print my request. My interests are in people, life and the unity that hopefully someday will combine the whole of the human race together in harmony and brotherhood. I enjoy writing poetry, reading, playing the harmonica, all kinds of music, all kinds of sports, which I do in my spare time. I enjoy all things that make life more enjoyable. I wish to thank you for your time and any consideration you may render unto me. STEVEN M. WEAVER P.O. Box 2247 Carson City, Nev.

Canines' waste should be curbed

EDITOR: On May 16, "60 Minutes" had a most educational program on the dangers to health, especially of children, from dog feces. Our children are this nation's most precious assets, and they need the best possible protection we can provide. Dade County needs an ordinance which will require every person who takes a dog for a walk to carry a shovel and bucket to clean up his dog's waste a matter. Of course, this will cause some inconvenience to the person who takes Fido for a walk, but the health of our children deserves first priority. WILLIAM R. ANGLE 15600 SW 77th Ct.

Idea shows understanding

EDITOR: Mr. Hart's proposal to renew funding for the Community Schools shows a real understanding of the true needs of this community. Far better to have the three schools with all their classes catering to young and adult alike, including both educational and recreational material, than just to have a recreation program to be used by a very narrow segment of our population. The Community Schools offer so much to Coral Gables, it is inevitable that the city recognize their worth and provide the funds for their continued existance. MR., MRS. L. J. GELFAND 6010 Granada Blvd.