Letters to the editor

Thoughts on renaming Lake Island Park after Dr. King

What is unclear to me is the need to name parks, facilities, roads, etc., in towns after national figures. There are people who have made very meaningful contributions in most towns, Winter Park included. While many expect nothing in return, remembering folk by naming parks, ball fields and other community amenities after them seems like a better move, but also one that requires moderation. What seems troubling in this process, if I understand correctly, is the formation of a committee to make a recommendation and when they present the work product, the reaction was a bit of, “thanks, don’t confuse us with your recommendation, we had something else in mind and will do that instead.” To me, that is an insult to those that spent time and effort on a charge given to them.

Hannibal Square Heritage Center is at 642 W. New England Ave., Winter Park. It’s open Tuesday through Thursday from noon to 4 p.m., Friday from noon to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call 407-539-2680 or visit hannibalsquareheritagecenter.org

As for people being “amazed” and “appalled” by racial comments, I did not see them but can only imagine. However they should take some time to walk through and engage with some of the volunteers at the Hannibal Square Heritage Center. Hearing about the racial actions and activity that took place in Winter Park in my lifetime may just be an ugly little secret that people should be aware of. Perhaps I should not have been surprised when I toured the center — maybe I was naive to think that activities like those did not happen in Winter Park, but they did. I was rather embarrassed when I left the Center and was not as “proud” of Winter Park and its past as I was when I entered.

For those that have not visited, take the time to visit Hannibal Square Heritage Center and draw your own conclusions. Winter Park is a fine city, but some of what happened in Winter Park’s past was nothing to be proud of and naming a park after Dr. King does little to erase that.

John P. Miles, Winter Park

Support independence for the elderly

Two decades ago, I was surviving out of my car, essentially homeless. Having a disability is challenging enough — and with nowhere to live, getting through each day felt nearly impossible. Desperate for a change, I sought help from the Center for Independent Living in Central Florida, a nonprofit that gives individuals with disabilities — including seniors like me — opportunities to live independently. The Center offers help with housing, employment and accessibility, among other services.

Within a week, the Center provided me with an apartment equipped for my needs and furniture to put in it. I had the companionship of roommates, and most importantly, I had a place to call home. Now, I give back to the place I’m so grateful for by volunteering there daily. The Center still helps me too, repairing and replacing my motorized wheelchair when needed.

While it’s easy to assume seniors are receiving the appreciation they deserve, that’s not always the case. Some older adults in the community are barely surviving, and this organization can help them only with the assistance of donors and volunteers.

The Center for Independent Living has changed my life in many respects — giving me both a place to live and a sense of purpose that comes from helping others overcome their challenges. To learn how you can support seniors with disabilities, call 407-623-1070 or visit cilorlando.org

Margie Winkler, Winter Park