Spindle items
JESSICA FINCH Associate Editor

• SNOW IS BETTER THAN SIGNS - Today marks the end of campaign season - yes, I am very happy about that. No more candidates calling to complain about each other, and no more letters mailed to The Bee blasting candidates' thoughts and actions. Believe it or not, we even got complaints about one candidate who filed for an absentee ballot - oh, the horror. We don't blame them for wanting to get away.

Before more snow falls, take down the political signs on the lawns; it's over. I'm glad I can turn on my TV or radio and not hear the voices of candidates - nothing personal, but it was annoying. Even if the end of campaign season coincides with the first signs of snow, I am still happy. I would rather have snow in the yards than see another political sign there. Sometimes the slush is easier to dig through than the campaign sludge.

• DOGS DO NOT BELONG IN THE FRONT SEAT - In my opinion there are a lot worse driving habits than those involving a cell phone. Some people and their dogs are a lot scarier than those who are talking on their cell phones. Why, why, why, would you drive with an animal on your lap? Please explain this to me. The driver has his head cocked to one side, lifting his elbows over the animal while trying to turn the wheel. The animal then slips and both adjust without any concern for those around them. I still can't believe that anyone thinks it's a good idea to drive like that. And an animal loose in the vehicle, jumping back and forth. Are you kidding me? That just screams distraction. And heaven forbid the driver is in an accident; that poor dog has little chance of stopping itself from being injured. Put the dog in the back seat and buy one of those animal seat belts or secure it in a carrier. You want your dog on your lap? Stay at home on the couch - where you and I, the animal and all others on the road are safe.

• PAJAMA RAMA - The Pajama Program, which provides new pajamas and books to children, has opened a chapter in Buffalo. Chapter President Ann Cardena said the first pajama drive will run through Wednesday, Dec. 5. Contact Cardena at ann@pajamaprogram. org or call 572-5928 for more details. Volunteers, donations and donation drop sites are in great need at this time. Cardena is not only trying to set up different donation sites to collect the pajamas and books but is also looking for receiving sites - shelters and group homes where children in need are living. The Pajama Program's mission is to create a "warm, loving bedtime atmosphere" for children who may not have a stable environment.

Too often, these youngsters have been abused or abandoned and in most cases, have never enjoyed the simple comfort of having a loving mother or father tuck them in at bedtime.

Pajama Program, founded in 2001, is a 501(c)(3) children's charity. Visit www.pajamaprogram.org for more information.

• VOLUNTEERS NEEDED - The Amherst Police Auxiliary is seeking residents, 21 to 62 years of age, who are in good health and have a clean criminal record to join the volunteer group. For information, call 308-7818 or 688-0822, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.