As they say, the views expressed are not always our own
Hopefully most already understand the difference between a Letter TO the Editor and a Letter FROM the Editor.
This column you are reading right now could, in effect, be considered a Letter FROM the Editor.
Easy enough.
The reason why I bring this up is that there have been Letters TO the Editor (that would be me) where folks take a hard stance. That’s fine. But some attach what has been written to me personally as if I share the same opinion or, even more, that I am promoting it.
This has happened with the controversy over the proposed Wind Turbine project for Crab Orchard and recent Letters to the Editor criticizing the financial savvy of the Board and/or Community Club as a whole.
First, it’s my duty to allow views of all types — as long as they are not personal in nature and/or inflammatory.
I have always made it clear — or have tried to — that opposing views are always welcome. In fact, a couple folks attempted to paint me as one-sided against the Wind Project. True, I think it is a bad idea, a bad fit, for Cumberland County and Fairfield Glade. I have written about that in this column.
But the invitation was always open for letters supporting the Project. Fact is, as I told those folks, I received NONE. It was only recently that one was received and, lo and behold, it was printed.
This is also the case regarding the recent letter (and there is another one in this issue) critical of the food and beverage operations here in the Glade.
While I think there is always room for improvement, and I don’t always agree with the course the Board or other management may take, I definitely do not echo these opinions.
Yes, the numbers presented are a concern but, in regards to the service and quality of the product at Druid or Stonehenge restaurants, I find it above average to say the least.
I remind myself of that each time I go through Wendy’s, Hardee’s or some other fast food chain when I pay $7+ for a combo meal and drive thru paying over $20 for three “meals” and then getting home and the food is sub-par or something is missing.
General Manager Bob Weber, Food and Beverage Director Neil Archibald, and manager Sheilia Koelber have a diverse menu with meals — full, good, tasty meals — starting at $6.99 and many sandwiches and the like for not much more. If there’s a problem — YO, they’ll solve it. Just let them know.
While I do agree the regular menu should be offered even on nights when there is a buffet, I think the popularity of the buffets cannot be questioned. Talk about bang for your buck.
And perhaps I am biased because my son worked in the restaurants for a couple years or so some time back, but the servers, bartenders, hosts, and bussers work VERY hard and — once again — they do NOT get minimum wage PLUS their tips. Not even close. They count on YOUR tips. Most Gladers are on top of this and “have it covered” – tipping generously.
But it only takes a table or two — timeshares, visitors or residents — to “stiff” them and they actually can end up with barely enough gas money to return to their dwellings.
Switching Gears
So this Sunday, it will be the New England Patriots vs. the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl LI.
Yawn.
Sorry, just doesn’t have me enthused. I am a fan of neither team. But yes, because it is big event that it is, I will probably tune in and watch. At least until I nod off.
While I have no rooting interest per se, I will be pulling for the Falcons because they have not been to a Super Bowl since 1870 or something like that and the Patriots have been there so often their fans strike me as entitled.
I can’t question Tom Brady’s greatness as an NFL quarterback. But I’ve had my fill. Really. And he says he may play until he’s 45. Ugh.
That all may sound like a pretty juvenile way of determining who one is going to root for but — unless you are full-time fan of one of the teams — doesn’t everyone “pick a side” for rather trivial reasons?
I don’t think mine are trivial, however. And, what’s more, I like the Falcons’ uniforms better. So there.
The best thing about this year’s Super Bowl to me? It signals that Spring is only 6-7 weeks away.
THAT … I’m sure we can ALL agree on.