Spikes in the water bills

Editor, Smithfield Times
My wife and I live in the town of Smithfield and have experienced water bill spikes every year since 2009. In the past It has, over a two-month billing period, increased our bill two to three times our normal bill. In 2019 we have already experienced two such spikes. I have met with the Water Department several times at my home and they once brought a representative from the meter maker.
Recently, we met with the town treasurer, town manager and a meter reader. None could offer any explanation but what was on the meter. The treasurer may have slipped when she said to me that if the town reimbursed us, then the same would need to be done for everyone with issues. Her statement shocked me as the group told me earlier that only one other resident of the town had a complaint.
Our research has indicated the smart meter has had issues for years in Atlanta, Chicago and Tampa, just to name a few.
We are aware of others in the town with similar issues.
We have not sought to gain monetarily. We just want the bill spikes to stop.
We have no leaks as certified by a licensed plumber.
Ted and Judi Franks
Smithfield

Excellent journalism

Editor, Smithfield Times
Bravissima to Diana McFarland. Her article about the history of the Isle of Wight water “deal” is excellent journalism, in my not-so-humble opinion. It will inform everyone, been-here’s and come-here’s alike, about this rather unfortunate adventure, embarked upon by those who fell for the hype years ago.
Thanks to Diana for her hard work!
Dave Goodridge
Smithfield

Service to others

Editor, Smithfield Times
In our daily information from the various kinds of news media, we too often learn of multiple shootings, criminal activity of various kinds, politics of the worst kind, illegal drug activity and other concerns that make you wonder what the future holds. It seems we are overwhelmed with issues beyond our willingness or ability solve.
However, other things happen that can change our perspective. Last Sunday morning, a fire started in our neighbor’s storage building and spread to a close-by camper. Volunteer fire and rescue people came from three locations — Carrollton, Smithfield and Chuckatuck — to put out the fire and possibly keep it from spreading to the house. The temperature was well above 90 degrees when these young people left the comfort of air conditioning to fight fire out of a sense of responsibility and service to others.
We know this happens all the time with the fire departments and rescue squads, but we don’t think about it until there is a need in our immediate neighborhood. The time commitment these young people and their families make is exceptional as well as the risks they expose themselves to for the purpose of helping others.
W. B. Owen
Carrollton

Effort to end Alzheimer’s

Editor, Smithfield Times
I am sponsoring two raffles with all proceeds being donated to the Western Tidewater Walk to End Alzheimer’s being held on Sept. 14 at the YMCA Camp Arrowhead in Suffolk. Raffle tickets are $5 each and are tax deductible.
Raffle #1 is a One Night Stay with Breakfast for Two at the Marriott Newport News City Center and Raffle #2 is a Two Night Stay with Breakfast for Two at the Sheraton Norfolk Waterside and includes a $100 Gift Card to Norfolk Hilton The Main
Alzheimer’s is the 6th leading cause of death in the United States and currently 5.8 Million people are living with Alzheimer’s. By 2050 this figure is projected to rise to nearly 14 million. More than 16 million people provide unpaid care for people with Alzheimer’s or other related dementias. These caregivers provide 18.5 billion hours of care valued at over $234 billion. In 2019, Alzheimer’s and other dementias will cost the nation $290 million. By 2050 these costs could rise as high as $1.1 trillion.
Currently there is no cure or treatment for Alzheimer’s.
You may purchase tickets with cash, check or credit card at Home Sweet Home Care, 346 Main Street, Smithfield during regular business hours on Monday – Friday. Contact Mary Powell at 757-356-0342 with questions or for instructions on how to purchase tickets online.
You may also purchase tickets at the Aug. 24 Smithfield Farmers Market.
Mary Powell
Vice Chair
Western Tidewater
Walk to End Alzheimer’s