The Rockford Squire» Letters http://rockfordsquire.com Rockford's free weekly newspaper since 1871 Mon, 06 Feb 2012 18:35:13 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR http://rockfordsquire.com/2012/01/26/letters-to-the-editor-31/ http://rockfordsquire.com/2012/01/26/letters-to-the-editor-31/#comments Thu, 26 Jan 2012 09:20:24 +0000 Squire News http://rockfordsquire.com/?p=18813 Sacrifices of City employees appreciated


Dear Editor,

I was driving thru the city a few days ago after a snowstorm and saw a familiar sight: our city plows clearing my subdivision. It got me to thinking… all too often in the news we hear stories and complaints about city employees throughout the country. Overpaid. Lazy. (Insert stereotype here.) What rarely makes the headlines are the vast majority of public employees that thanklessly do their job, day in and day out, with little fanfare.

As a citizen of Rockford, I think I can speak for the majority of us that quite often take our public employees for granted. The City of Rockford has had financial hardships just like every other municipality throughout the area. While I don’t know the exact number, I’m quite sure there are far fewer public employees than even a few years ago. Yet… our streets are plowed. Police patrol just as before. Our parks are well maintained. Even our lights in downtown were put up and taken down during the Christmas season (quicker that even some of my neighbors!). I’ve had to e-mail Rockford city staff several times in the past few months. I have always had a prompt, courteous e-mail reply within a day. Impressive.

I read in the paper a few months back the Rockford Police Officers voluntarily gave up their pay increase for this year. So, not only are the officers patrolling the streets (same as before), they’re doing it while willingly giving part of their pay back to the City of Rockford to help balance the budget. I would also guess nearly every other public department has been “doing more with less,” whether it be less manpower or less in their paycheck. I think this says a lot about not only city staff but each and every city employee we have in Rockford.

As I said when I started this letter, when public employees do their job, and do it well, it often goes unnoticed. So, the next time you come home from a snowstorm and see the street plowed and a police officer driving around that same plowed area, realize the sacrifices they have made to make the city the wonderful place it is to live today.

Paul Smith
Rockford resident

Majerle family grateful for kindness and support


Dear Rockford Community,

My family and I want to personally thank you for a very special night at Rockford High School January 14. We are just “blown away” at the kindness and support you have shown us not only since I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2002 but since we moved here in 1997.

As I stated Saturday night, Rockford is a special place because it is a community that cares about its individuals. It is a community that will roll up its sleeves, put their money where their mouth is, and rally around a good cause. Rockford is a special place because it is a community that understands the importance of education and that the education inside the classroom is just as important as it is outside the classroom. It is a community that demands excellence from their students in all areas of life and is determined to produce leaders of the next generation that will create more communities similar to Rockford and thus making this place a better world to live in.

While I was humbled and honored by the proclamation of “Steve Majerle Appreciation Night,” I am truly grateful and fortunate to be a part of this community as an educator, coach, parent and community member. The people of Rockford understand that there is no “I” in “Rockford” or “team” and that the strength of a group united will always be greater than any individual. Over the last 14 years, I enjoyed using my strengths and playing my role on the team named “Rockford” and received a tremendous amount of help along the way.

I would like to thank everybody involved in putting this great night together and raising an unbelievable $16,000+ for the VanAndel Institute research for Parkinson’s. I would like to recognize a few people who played a significant part in organizing the event: Ryan and Rachel DeKuiper, Charlie and Pam Brickey, Jamie and Gerilyn May, Tom and Karen Carlson, Tracy and Shannon Ouellette, Brent Duel and The Ram Shack, Lisa Avram and RHS Student Council, the RHS boys and girls basketball programs, Tim Erickson, and everyone else who contributed to making Saturday night such a special night. Thank you!

Steve Majerle and family
Rockford residents

]]> http://rockfordsquire.com/2012/01/26/letters-to-the-editor-31/feed/ 0 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR http://rockfordsquire.com/2012/01/05/letters-to-the-editor-30/ http://rockfordsquire.com/2012/01/05/letters-to-the-editor-30/#comments Thu, 05 Jan 2012 08:15:05 +0000 Squire News http://rockfordsquire.com/?p=18526 Why the Rockford Area Museum matters

Dear Editor,

Several years ago, in anticipation of our Rockford High School class reunion, I went to the Rockford High School in search of sport trophies from years gone by. The athletic director suggested we head to the local museum. We were amazed at the items stored beneath the blue building near the dam! Much to our surprise, we found high school trophies that were collecting dust. I wondered then: Where do we put all of this stuff? How do we keep the past while recognizing the present?

There was one item that caught my eye: the Rams head plaque that was in the entrance to the Rockford High School (now North Rockford Middle School). Looking at yearbooks from the ‘70s, one can easily spot the beautiful wood carving in the background of group photo shots. I asked, “Who made this? Who spent hours creating this masterpiece? And again, what do we do with these old items?”

Today that beautiful wood carving hangs at Ward’s Hair Place in downtown Rockford in a prominent spot above the fireplace with plenty of conversations of years gone by!

Today, while serving on the Rockford Area Museum committee, I ask myself, “Why do we need a bigger museum in downtown Rockford?” The answer comes quickly! We need to remember where we have been in order to appreciate where we are today. We need to remember not only the school district but the individual people and local businesses that made the Rockford area what it is today!

Yes, the Rockford Area Museum matters!

Mary Lou Ohnsman
Rockford High School
Class of 1974

 

]]> http://rockfordsquire.com/2012/01/05/letters-to-the-editor-30/feed/ 0 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR http://rockfordsquire.com/2011/12/29/letters-to-the-editor-29/ http://rockfordsquire.com/2011/12/29/letters-to-the-editor-29/#comments Thu, 29 Dec 2011 09:00:35 +0000 Squire News http://rockfordsquire.com/?p=18409 Vandals urged to confess

Dear Editor,

This is in response and addressed to the thoughtless vandals who ruined the skating pond. What in the world were you thinking? Your act of selfishness and ignorance has caused people a lot of heartache.

Hard work from the Lions and newfound fun and enjoyment by families has been banished because of your thoughtless act.

I have very fond memories of the old millpond rink. Mr. Cahill was the attendant in the little ice shanty with the big roaring fire in the old pot belly stove, with watered down hot cocoa to warm us up from hours of skating! Along with the smell of woolen mittens and gloves drying on that big old stove. Our parents rarely had to check on us—they knew where we were.

We spent countless hours skating with family and friends and now your lack of common sense has ruined what new families and friends could have experienced and to have made memories of.

They may never find who or whom has done this, but you will have to live with the guilt of what you have done, forever.

Thank you for wrecking one of the fun things we could do alone, with a group of friends or with family.

Do the right thing and confess your sin, and help clean up your mess you made for a wonderful opportunity to have some winter fun.

Diana Hoffman,
former Rockford resident

]]> http://rockfordsquire.com/2011/12/29/letters-to-the-editor-29/feed/ 0 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR http://rockfordsquire.com/2011/12/22/letters-to-the-editor-28/ http://rockfordsquire.com/2011/12/22/letters-to-the-editor-28/#comments Thu, 22 Dec 2011 08:45:43 +0000 Squire News http://rockfordsquire.com/?p=18290 Rockford Area Historical Society News and Updates

Dear Editor,

The opportunity to improve our local museum by relocating it to the vacant Rockford Courthouse building has appealed to the giving spirit of many individuals and businesses not only in our area but also from other places. Pledges and donations have been received on a daily basis from all over the place. Many of those, but not all, donating have ties to our area and realize that the time is now to help improve our museum situation and to make a change that will affect our community in a positive way. We need a new museum!

I feel that it is important to emphasize that we need a better building to continue to do the job of preserving and presenting our history. A better, larger building will allow the display of things not available for display presently because of lack of space. A new museum will allow for easier public access to our displays and our research areas. Our new museum will have restrooms and storage space. Our new museum will be safer and public parking will be much easier. Please notice that everything mentioned so far has to do with the building improvements, but there is more.

We need to have a museum that is open on a regular basis. Our present museum is not open enough because volunteers (docents) are not always available. We try to have regular summer hours but sometimes volunteers are not able to fill all of the time slots. We are not open in the winter on a regular basis. We are open by appointment and volunteers handle that. Volunteers also open the museum for Rockford student tours and other group outings.

It is time to emphasize that our volunteers do a great job! We have had some hardworking museum directors who have donated their time and energy to run our museum. People like Katherine Mancell, Kathy Cornwell, Susie Fair, Char Guzin and present director, Pat Frye and her assistant Janet Matthews, have all been important in keeping our museum alive. They were not paid money for their efforts. All of the docents who worked with them over the years also were not paid. The directors and docents are not the reason we need a new museum. Their efforts are not the problem. Having a new museum is not a criticism of our present volunteer workers. We need more of them.

In order to have regular hours (probably about 20 a week) and to be open at least five days a week year round, our present plan is to hire at least one part-time director to be in charge of our operations. Volunteers would still be needed.

A special “Thanks” to Rockford resident and Grand Rapids Press columnist, Tom Rademacher, who will be selling and signing copies of his latest book, “Knocking on the Door” on Friday, Dec. 23, at Kimberly’s Boutique, 54 Courtland St., from 4 to 6 p.m., and at Great Northern Trading Company, 10 Squires St., from 6 to 8 p.m., with part of the proceeds going to North Kent Community Services and Rockford Area Museum. Please stop by and get your copy! Tom also will be doing a signing at the Rockford library in the spring.

Anyone with questions about our fundraising or desiring to get materials may contact me at (616) 866-0530.

Terry Konkle, President
Rockford Area Historical Society

Reply to Johnston letter

Dear Editor,

I would like to clarify a misstatement made by Mr. Johnston in his letter to the Squire published Dec. 1, 2011 (“Groups’ Tactics Questionable”), specifically, that the Central Rockford Neighborhood Association (CRNA) and the Concerned Citizens for Responsible Development (CCRD) are related.

They are not.

CRNA is a local Rockford neighborhood association. We were officially founded November 2009. We are a nonprofit with the State of Michigan. We have boundaries, bylaws, and even a by-line (“CRNA—Rockford’s Pretty Good Neighborhood Association”). We actively contribute to the community. We have done garlic mustard pulls on Rum Creek and the Rogue, have helped at the annual Rogue River Clean Up, and have collected food for Feeding America at the Farmers Market, among other things. We love Rockford, and our by-laws state this in so many words. Our by-laws are a public document; feel free to request a copy.

However, by early August 2010, about a month prior to the start of the tannery demolition, the CRNA had received a large number of inquiries and expressions of concern from its members regarding the lack of any environmental investigation or any significant environmental testing data taken at and around the Wolverine Worldwide tannery site. After determining that its by-laws did not support an active role in the oversight of the demolition process, and not wanting to polarize those members that sought more information and those that did not, CRNA officers elected to step away from the issue. Since that time, the CRNA has avoided any active role in the tannery demolition or redevelopment.

To address the concerns of local citizens, the Concerned Citizens for Responsible Development was founded in August 2010 as an independent entity, wholly unrelated to the CRNA. Although some CRNA members are also members of CCRD, the groups are very distinct, as are the membership rolls. Full disclosure—I am a member of both. CRNA broadly seeks to help make Rockford a better place to live, while the CCRD is focused specifically on the demolition, cleanup and redevelopment of the former Wolverine Worldwide tannery site. While both groups desire to see the health and welfare of our City, their focuses and goals are very different.

As to Mr. Johnston’s allegations that empirical sampling results and sworn historical accounts of activities at the tannery constitute “lies” and “misstatements,” or that historical river water samples prove that the tannery site is “uncontaminated,” I will leave it to the CCRD to respond… if it chooses to do so. I merely wanted to clarify Mr. Johnston’s own misstatement that the CCRD is a “sub-group” of the CRNA. It is not, and I’d encourage any resident of Rockford to find out for themselves by contacting our local neighborhood association. A community is defined by its citizens, and Rockford has been blessed with a large number of interested, active and diverse citizens. Contact me or any our officers, all local residents: Ken Phillips, vice president; Gail Mancewitz, secretary; or Erin Burke, treasurer. We would love to have you join us!

Mike McIntosh
President, CRNA

]]> http://rockfordsquire.com/2011/12/22/letters-to-the-editor-28/feed/ 0 ‘Dear Santa’ contest brings in many kids’ letters http://rockfordsquire.com/2011/12/21/dear-santa-contest-brings-in-many-kids-letters/ http://rockfordsquire.com/2011/12/21/dear-santa-contest-brings-in-many-kids-letters/#comments Wed, 21 Dec 2011 08:10:37 +0000 Squire News http://rockfordsquire.com/?p=18310 Although the task of reading over the many “Dear Santa” entries was fun, The Rockford Squire staff had a hard time choosing only three winners. The first three letters to Santa listed here are the winners, and the remaining thereafter were just so cute we had to print as many as we could fit in! The three winners may come into the Squire office, 331 Northland Dr., to claim their NorthStar Cinemas “Cinema Cash.”

 

Erin Morgan, 5, personally delivers her letter to Santa to The Rockford Squire newspaper office. Morgan had a little help from mom with the writing, but chose the color of her marker carefully.

WINNER!
Dear Santa,

I would like a LaLa Loozy doll with a tree house and a bus. I would like a car, but not a big one. Kind of like Cam’s, but he has a jeep and I’d like a car. A Barbie car. And a cat women figure. I like your elves Santa. And I like your suit. Make sure you don’t eat too many cookies or you will have a tummy ache.

Erin Morgan, Age 5

 

 

 

 

WINNER!
Dear Santa,

You’re the best Santa ever! Can I please have some trucks? I’m a really good boy at school. I would like an ornament that’s not cracked. Merry Christmas to Santa!

Aiden Humphrey, Age 4-1/2

 

WINNER!
Dear Santa,

Wat I want for Christmas is, love, care, headphones, IPod touch, Friends & aesy bake uven!

Kaitlynn Mountney, Age 9

 

Ashley Faulkner, 9, has plenty to say to Santa in her letter to him this season. Faulkner added some extra paper to make sure she had room for her comments. She reminded Santa to not eat too many cookies or he could have a tummy ache.

Dear Santa,

What I want for Christmas is an I Pod touch, pillow pet, one of your bells off of your slay, anything purple, cases for my I Pod nano, a pictour of you Santa, and I want you to do the thing that you did last year you gave me some books every day and we got to unwrap them every morning. And that is what I want for Christmas Santa. Merry Christmas Santa! Ho, Ho, Ho, Ho.

Love, Ashley Faulkner, Age 9

 

 

 

 

 

Dear Santa,

I would like an electric dinosaur with stuff on it. I would like Woody’s Round-Up game.

Joshua Remmes, Age 5

 

Dear Santa,

Christmas is not about presentes it is about spending time with each otehr and the holidays. What I want is a remote control helicopter. I hope I am on the good list. ho ho ho Santa!

Jordan Brechting, Age 7

 

Dear Santa,

How are you doing? What is it like in the north pole? Here is what I would like for Christmas: an art set with markers, paper, siccers, glue sticks, colored pencils.

Olivia Humphrey, Age 6-1/2

 

Dear Santa,

That little car, I want it. Can you get it for me? Santa will get it for me. My brother said so if I be a good girl. I ¤ Santa.

Bailey Humphrey, Age 3

 

Dear Santa,

How are you? I’m doing fine thank you. Are you ever busy befor Christmas? Or the day after Christmas? Well somtimes I am and I love it. Please anserw. Thanks!

Megan Steffes, Age 8-1/2

 

Dear Santa,

Are you enjoying the Holidays? If you are enjoying the Holidays, then Good! I Have been a good Boy this year. I want a barrel blowout. And a mazeball, very badly! I like all the ornametes on my Christmas Tree. I hope you like my ornemins on my Christmas tree too. I will leve you some cookeyies and mellk.

love Kaeden, Age 6-1/2

 

Dear Santa,

I love you. I’ve been a good and silly girl.

I want new doll clothes; brown ones with blue polk-a-dots. And then a yellow dress. I want a show and tell house with drawers. I want you to come in my house and have cookies. I want a hat with eyeballs and no mouth. I want some balls for my cat “Jasper.” Sorry I didn’t want to sit on you at the mall. For my mom and dad some new hats, moms color yellow and dad’s hat orange.

Love Kendall, Age 4

 

Dear Santa,

I am a good girl. I play with Lena, Jack, and Cloe. I share my toys.

I will share what you bring me. Please give me a Barbie… that’s it.

Love,, Ali, Age 3-1/2

]]> http://rockfordsquire.com/2011/12/21/dear-santa-contest-brings-in-many-kids-letters/feed/ 0 Santa wants to know what you think this holiday season http://rockfordsquire.com/2011/12/15/santa-wants-to-know-what-you-think-this-holiday-season/ http://rockfordsquire.com/2011/12/15/santa-wants-to-know-what-you-think-this-holiday-season/#comments Thu, 15 Dec 2011 10:45:56 +0000 Squire News http://rockfordsquire.com/?p=18137 Kids, look in this issue of the Squire for your chance to fill out a letter to Santa on page 22. Some of the letters will be published in the paper next week. Young readers (pictured l–r) Bailey, 3, and Aiden, 4-1/2, dropped off their letters to Santa last week. Here at the Squire, we make sure the letters reach their correct destination.

]]> http://rockfordsquire.com/2011/12/15/santa-wants-to-know-what-you-think-this-holiday-season/feed/ 0 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR http://rockfordsquire.com/2011/12/08/letters-to-the-editor-27/ http://rockfordsquire.com/2011/12/08/letters-to-the-editor-27/#comments Thu, 08 Dec 2011 09:00:56 +0000 Squire News http://rockfordsquire.com/?p=18045 City lights awed visitor

Dear Editor,

Thanks to the City of Rockford and the employees for decorating the City with sparkling lights. They left me in awe, a 93-year-young lady, with a renewed spirit of the holiday season.

Gramma Anne DeRuiter

Another option for holiday giving

Dear Editor,

I read “What Gift to Give” by Pastor Michael Cisler, and would like to add one more idea:

If you don’t want to donate money to a charity in their name as a gift, how about adding another name to your Christmas list: Jesus.

As a present for Christ on His birthday, I’d like to suggest that you give to a charity of your choice an amount equal to the cost of the wrapping paper you used on the gifts you gave to others on His birthday.

Mary Toft
Rockford resident



]]> http://rockfordsquire.com/2011/12/08/letters-to-the-editor-27/feed/ 0 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR http://rockfordsquire.com/2011/12/01/letters-to-the-editor-26/ http://rockfordsquire.com/2011/12/01/letters-to-the-editor-26/#comments Thu, 01 Dec 2011 09:40:01 +0000 Squire News http://rockfordsquire.com/?p=17913 GOP mourns Fred Meijer

Dear Editor,

With our deepest sympathy we extend our thoughts and prayers to the Meijer family following the passing of Fred Meijer. Mr. Meijer cared deeply about our community and he was a generous and thoughtful philanthropist in each and every endeavor he pursued. May God bless the entire Meijer family during this difficult time of grieving.

Sam Moore
Kent GOP Chairman

Groups’ tactics questionable 

The CRNA (Central Rockford Neighborhood Association) and/or a sub-group of CRNA called Concerned Citizens for Responsible Re-development appear to have an “End Justifies the Means” attitude when it comes to their perceived contamination of the site of the former Wolverine World Wide Tannery. In spite of scientific testing, due diligence on the part of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ), Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) and private soil and water testing laboratories, the CRNA refuses to accept the empirical data and results indicating no unacceptable levels of contaminates on this site.

In a recent 100+ page petition to the US Environmental Protection Agency, the group(s) made numerous false statements and knowingly lied in several instances. When confronted by city staff and elected officials about these lies, they responded “yeah, we probably shouldn’t have put that in there, sorry about that”. I can only assume, that by petitioning the EPA, they wish to have this agency also involved with assessing the site based upon the falsehoods, misrepresentations and outright lies found in their petition. It seems as though they wish to have the site declared contaminated and will not accept any other outcome to their efforts, misguided as they may be.

On a personal note, these concerned citizens claim that the reason the City of Rockford built a new ground/well water treatment plant and abandoned the surface/river water treatment plant, where Reds on the River currently stands, was due to the increasing contamination from the Wolverine World Wide Tannery. This is blatantly false. I was involved, from day one in the process of exploring options and the building of the new water treatment facility. During my years as superintendent of the Rockford water treatment plant and as Director of Public Services for the City of Rockford, the surface water treatment plant never had any violations of water quality, either directly from the river (Raw Water) or the treated water we provided to the citizens of Rockford. Tests for water quality from the river and the treated water were conducted numerous times, 24/7, and several times a year by the MDEQ.

The reason that a new treatment plant was built resulted from a mandate from the MDEQ because the old, surface water plant had reached its’ capacity and was too small to provide water to the growing Rockford Community. The Rockford City Council, due to cost and reliability, made the wise choice to search for an abundant, reliable ground water source. A groundwater plant was designed and constructed for less than a third of the cost to replace the old surface water treatment plant with another surface water plant and the City’s water supply would not be at the mercy of nature with respect to flooding and continuously changing water conditions such as temperature fluctuations, heavy rainfall events, etc. No one disputes that an abundant, high quality groundwater supply is safer, more reliable and much less expensive than a surface water source both for construction and operation.

In closing, I would ask the CRNA and/or the Concerned Citizens group to NOT use my name and previous position with the City of Rockford as a “Means to their End” to further their efforts to achieve their goal. I am not sure what that goal is, but it is obviously NOT to have an uncontaminated area for the enjoyment of the people of the Rockford Community. The only ones currently able to use and enjoy this great piece of property on the Rogue River and White Pine Trail are the geese. This is a direct result of the group(s) efforts to find contamination there.

Dick Johnston, Cannon Township
Former City of Rockford, Water Superintendent,
Director of Public Services, 1988 – 2008.


]]> http://rockfordsquire.com/2011/12/01/letters-to-the-editor-26/feed/ 0 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR http://rockfordsquire.com/2011/11/17/letters-to-the-editor-25/ http://rockfordsquire.com/2011/11/17/letters-to-the-editor-25/#comments Thu, 17 Nov 2011 08:10:20 +0000 Squire News http://rockfordsquire.com/?p=17747 Dog parks improve canine behavior

Dear Editor,

It has come to my attention that there is a group of local dog owners raising funds to establish a dog park in the city of Rockford. I was part of a group of Lowell area citizens that raised funds for a free, public dog park. Since opening four years ago, our dog park has been found to be a large asset to the community and has been widely welcomed by local dog owners into Lowell’s city parks system. I wanted to pass along some of the positive affects our “off leash” facility has had on our community and some ways it may be a positive addition to yours.

One of the most notable and widely reported effects of our dog park is that of improved dog behavior. Park users report that the simple activity of running, sniffing and interacting with other dogs a couple times a week has contributed to the improved health of their dogs, both mentally and physically. Regular visits to a dog park can help a dog become socialized to other dogs, making them less likely to act out when coming within sight of other dogs outside the dog park. Watching dogs run, romp and play together can make for some entertaining moments for owners and visitors at a dog park. People enjoy watching theirs, and other dogs, interact and play together.

Rockford is in an enviable position by having a strong reputation of commerce, a well-maintained downtown, and much natural beauty to draw shoppers, tourists and visitors. When traveling, many people bring their dogs along, and a well-run public dog park might be another reason for a dog owner to stop, spend time and get to know the area as a destination or place to shop and do business.

Although the emphasis of a dog park is about dogs, they are very pleasant environments for people. My dogs and I have been to many in several states and find them to be friendly environments where people meet and share their common love for dogs. Our local dog park has added a true element of community and has been the basis for many friendships and bonds. We have found that people feel good about themselves when they do good things for their pets.

It appears, and has been our experience, that with a relatively small investment and minimal annual cost, a free public dog park would be a true benefit to Rockford and the surrounding area.

Jeff Eckstrom, Lowell resident

Happy Hounds organizers thrilled with community support

To the residents of Rockford:

I cannot adequately express my appreciation to the sponsors, vendors, volunteers, and walkers who turned out today to make the first annual Happy Hounds Dog Walk such a success. The Rockford community really turned out to show its support by people registering to walk, sponsors donating money, and local businesses donating items to raffle off.

I would personally like to send my thanks to all of the volunteers. This group from high school students to retirees showed up early and stayed late to make sure that everyone had a good time today and that everything ran smoothly. We couldn’t have done it without them. Shannon and Brittany rocked the popcorn stand while Dawn, Sara and Linda cut my clean-up time in half by volunteering to pack everything from pumpkins, to signs, to tables in their trucks and help deliver them to my home. And, of course, my wonderful neighbor Shannon, who jumped in doing anything and everything I asked her to do.

A special thanks to Jerry Douthett for lending his spunky spirit and sense of humor (along with his PA system) to keep everyone informed, entertained, and to keep each activity on track.

To the local press, thank you for getting the word out with wonderful articles and pictures that helped bring in walkers who may have missed our advertising posters around town. Including our dogs in the pictures was particularly a lot of fun.

Thank you to Cathy Schaefer for the wonderful donation of pumpkins, hay bales, and cornstalks that helped put those final touches on the event.

To our sponsors, Hyer Luv Groomers and Kennels, Rockford Animal Hospital, Chow Hound, Chase’s Corner Kennel, Invisible Fence, and Well Pet: you have shown how much this community truly cares about its canine residents and that you want the same things for them that we do as owners. We want our pets to have a safe environment for them to play, exercise and socialize in, thereby making their lives happier, healthier, and more fulfilled.

In closing, we want this walk to be an annual event and to make it everything that the Rockford community is looking for, so we need your feedback. If you have a comment about the walk that would be helpful in having us prepare for next year, please send it to jetchison@att.net. Positive or constructive criticisms are both welcome. This event is for you, Rockford, so tell us what you would like. Thanks again to everyone, and I look forward to seeing you all next year.

Jennifer Etchison on behalf of the Happy Hounds Team

 Our team of volunteers: Kathy Weeks, Sara Lefers, Shannon Bobbitt, Emily Noordeloos, Lora Gleghorn, Jarod Bowling, Brittany Bussing, Laura Ruster, Trisha and Ben Taylor, Sally Nelson, Laura Kulak, Rachel Alberta, Shannon Gibbons, Lucy Koch, Amanda Avella, Dawn Smith-Korcal, Maddie Ek, Linda Koivisto, Shalond Mitchell, and Jenna (I didn’t get her last name)

Taking a stand on global warming

Dear Editor,

Thank you, Derek Shiels, for taking a stand (Oct. 13 Letter to the Editor) regarding climate change and global warming, and putting the spotlight on the locally respected and beloved meteorologist, Mr. Craig James. His one-sided articles in the Squire have been aggravating me for some time, so when I read your well-written, informed comments, I decided to respond.

Maybe what is going on with our climate: extreme weather, droughts, etc. is cyclical, but I am of the opinion that steps could be taken globally to slow down the global-warming process.

The deniers (including Mr. James) don’t want to take any personal responsibility for their actions and just wait out the perceived cycle. Well, good luck with that! Remember, the younger generation will have to live with your denial.

R.F. Lane, Rockford resident

County great, Parmeter beautiful

Dear Editor,

We have lived on the east side of Parmeter for 34 years and have had tons of dust over everything. We have never been able to sit on our front porch or even open our door or windows. No dust, no car noise from the rough road.

Paul Murphy and crew did a wonderful job.

Thanks to Courtland Township and Supervisor Chuck Porter.

Chuck and Patti Batt, Rockford residents

More comment on safety of redevelopment 

Dear Editor,

In response to R. Winegar’s letter on October 13, using your premise why stop there. What if a dog barks, could be home invasion, or a child cries, could be abuse, right?

If dust came from a house and you’re that concerned, stop driving, your tailpipe is poisoning us. The dusty home wasn’t making a buck. Ten minutes of dust against decades of possible pollution. Taking Wolverine Worldwide’s word for it is not good enough.

Don’t you want to know? I guess in your world big companies never do bad things in the name of profit.

Douglas Vander Werp, Rockford resident





 


]]> http://rockfordsquire.com/2011/11/17/letters-to-the-editor-25/feed/ 0 LETTER TO THE EDITOR http://rockfordsquire.com/2011/11/03/letter-to-the-editor-3/ http://rockfordsquire.com/2011/11/03/letter-to-the-editor-3/#comments Thu, 03 Nov 2011 09:20:33 +0000 Squire News http://rockfordsquire.com/?p=17416 Hills earned tough national honor

Dear Editor,

As the farm market year comes to a close, I would like to give kudos to Cliff and Nancy Hill. They faithfully set up shop at the farmers market in June, July and August to collect e-mail addresses for voting purposes. Due to their dedication, Rockford came in first place to win as America’s Favorite Farmers Market. What an honor for all of Rockford, not to mention the farmers, bakers and popcorn makers. I know I am looking forward to next year at our favorite farm market to buy the freshest homegrown foods in the state.

Green Thumbs Up!
Michelle Jennings
via e-mail

Wounded warrier runner thanks all who made fundraiser possible

Dear Editor,

Tim Klaes ran from Forest Hills Foods in Cascade to Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.

I want to thank everyone for your support, both financially, and for the notes and calls offering encouragement toward completing this run to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project.

We started at 5 a.m. on Friday morning from Forest Hills Foods right here in Cascade, and finished 62 miles later at 4:54 p.m. at the north end of Spartan Stadium in East Lansing. It was a long, windy day but fortunately the 20-30 mph winds were at our back just about the entire way.

I found myself reflecting often during the run on how fortunate I am to be able to undertake an adventure like this. In the later stages of the run when my legs were sore, I thought of how minimal, and temporary, that pain was compared what so many of our veterans deal with on a daily basis.

Thank you for being a part of this cause. Your support made a huge impact! To date your donations to the Wounded Warrior Project for this event total about $3,500 between the website and the checks I have received! I am awed by the support you have given.

I hope that this run has helped increase awareness of the Wounded Warrior Project and their mission. I hope that you will continue to support the cause in the future.

Tim Klaes


]]> http://rockfordsquire.com/2011/11/03/letter-to-the-editor-3/feed/ 0