Letters to the Editor — November 11, 2009

November 11, 2009 · Filed Under Letters · Comment 

letter-WiseParent awareness night presented by students

Dear Editor,

I was invited by a student to Chandler Woods’ Parent Awareness Night on Tuesday, Nov. 3. Individuals of the eighth-grade class gave presentations on topics that deal with teen issues. Some of the topics included were suicide, child abuse, peer pressure, abortion, evolution, eating disorders, divorce, drug use, etc.

I fought back the tears as a student named Sarah read a poem about a three-year-old that was killed by her alcoholic father. She showed photographs she had found in magazines and pointed out statistics of abuse. Sarah shared with me that many of the children were ages 0-3 and unable to cry out for help, much of it is behind closed doors. I had no idea that child abuse was such a common problem.

One of the students who was making the awareness of “cutting” said that she personally knew of about 20 kids who do this to themselves ages 10-30; some do it for attention and some because they are really hurting inside and don’t know how to express themselves.

I was also amazed to find out that some seemingly harmless video games such as Pokemon and Dungeons are linked to suicides and murder. The young children that play the games are influenced negatively to devalue life and unknowingly engage in introductory forms of witchcraft. Some of the children start acting out what they’ve learned, have social, mental and/or emotional problems, and many have symptoms of bi-polar or start hearing voices.

These eighth-graders were able to speak to me at such a deep level. I was impressed with their authority and boldness. I asked a few of the kids why they chose their topics. Most of them all chose topics that have affected their life and people they know. They were so passionate about what is going on around them, it was like they were showing me “look at all these dark places” and then saying “let’s turn on a light; you can be that light.”

They taught me how to recognize someone who is being abused or abusing themselves and what to do about it. I was greatly impacted by my visit. I really felt like I was surrounded by a small army of heroes fighting against evil and injustice. I know these students will make the world a better place.

—Michelle Wise
Wise Photography

 

Poem on seasons

83-year-old Margaret submitted this poem to the Squire with hopes we would share it with our readers.

THE CYCLES

Now is the last of summer’s sun

For all too soon this season’s done.

The flowers and gardens have had their day

And things that grew have gone away.


When Autumn comes she will replace

The vibrant green on Nature’s face.

Orange and gold, red and brown

The trees put on their lovely gown.


And for awhile they stage a show

But deep inside they surely know

It’s just a passing fancy flight

A prelude to a darker night.


The white of snow, a coverlet

To hide the resting earth, and yet

Another phase is stirring deep

To soon emerge from winter’s sleep.


Then joyous spring breaks through the soil

And starts anew each season’s toil.

Summer, fall, winter, spring

To all her cycles Earth will cling.

 

 

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Letters to the Editor – July 23, 2009

July 23, 2009 · Filed Under Letters · 1 Comment 

Tragedy averted at crosswalk

 Dear Editor,

I doubt these young teens will read this, but perhaps their parents will.

I saw two kids walking south to the corner of Fremont and Division streets. I waited for the traffic light to turn green, and then started to turn. These kids abruptly started walking right in front of my vehicle. They didn’t even look to see if there was oncoming traffic.

There are crosswalk signals at this corner, but obviously “DO NOT WALK” was ignored. If I hadn’t braked, I would have hit at least one of these children! And if the driver behind me wasn’t alert, I would have been rear-ended for the sudden stop. I thank my lucky stars that a tragedy was averted. I did yell out my window, “Watch where you’re going,” but they didn’t even look back.

I’m writing in hopes that kids “look before they leap,” to use a cliché. If, heaven forbid, a toddler ventured out into the street, it would be bad enough. But 13- and 14-year-olds know better!

 Sincerely, 
Mary Beth Eggleston, Rockford resident

 

Alpha Family Center, Independent Bank, Save-A-Lot partner together

Dear Editor,

Alpha Family Center, Independent Bank and Save-A-Lot in Cedar Springs are partnering together to raise support for life—the life of the unborn child. Today, I had a chance to partner with them. I stopped in to Save-A-Lot to make a purchase and donated money along with my purchase. I placed my name on the little baby name tag that will be displayed on the window, along with many others. Let’s raise support together. Stop into Alpha, Save-A-Lot and Independent Bank today to make your donations. Let’s fill up the windows together. Let’s support an organization that cares about the needs of others!

Lifewalk is a celebration of the lives saved and cared for through Alpha Family Center. The yearly Lifewalk took place on Saturday, June 20. The walk began at Morley Park and then wound down through the heart of Cedar Springs, stopping to pray at four key locations within the community. Over 200 faithful supporters were in attendance, pledging $17,000 in support! Everyone who participated received a t-shirt and fellowship as they rejoiced once again in God’s provision for another year. Three women were especially honored for raising the highest support to Alpha Family Center. One of the couples shared with the group, how much they appreciated the help they get from Alpha. The morning ended with a prayer, and balloons were lifted to the sky and released in remembrance of those lives lost to abortion and with hopes that many can be saved in the future. We rejoice in all who took part in the Lifewalk this year and who support us throughout the year. Thank you for your help!

Lorrie Shelton

Late night noise in lakes area

Dear Editor,

It’s 10:30 at night Saturday, July 18. Is there any way to let people know a Bostwick Lake, Silver Lake and Myers Lake Road that the Fourth of July is over? I can’t sleep and my dog’s a wreck. “They” are infringing on my right to peace and quiet. Everyone likes a good Fourth and fireworks, but enough already! I really don’t think they would appreciate it if I went up and down the streets at 1:00 a.m., blowing my horn and playing loud music! It’s the same as noise pollution. Please post in the next issue of your paper. My only recourse, if it doesn’t stop, is to contact the police. Thank you to all the responsible people who read this and agree to stop.

Karen Wrbelis, Rockford resident

Simple things give the world hope

Dear Editor,

I just received this week’s copy and I want to thank you for the WONDERFUL article that you published about our son winning the essay contest (James Doman). I wasn’t sure what to expect or even if you would consider the story at all. We really do appreciate this wonderful coverage.

I have been following the letters sent to the editor concerning budgets, figures and costs, and what you have been covering. Please know that your stories concerning the “everyday people” are appreciated and important. I love reading about girls who cut their hair for Locks for Love or about the activities of the Boy Scout troops in our community. Sometimes it is these simple things that we read about that gives the world hope and makes a person’s day a little brighter. Keep up the good work and thank you again for your special paper.

 Jane Hess, Rockford resident

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Letters to the Editor – May 28, 2009

May 28, 2009 · Filed Under Letters · Comment 

Missing Rockford in spring

NOT IN ROCKFORD—LTC David Ronan, Ph.D. US Army, pictured with the Iraqi sheikh Prince of Marshes and Mike Sunshine, a collegue from the Department of State.

NOT IN ROCKFORD—LTC David Ronan, Ph.D. US Army, pictured with the Iraqi sheikh Prince of Marshes and Mike Sunshine, a collegue from the Department of State.

 

 

Dear Editor,

My wife and I have lived in Rockford since 2006 and in Belmont prior to that since 2000.  Both of our children finished middle school and have graduated from Rockford High School.  In November 2008, I mobilized and deployed as part of a Reserve Forces call-up in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.  Currently, I serve on a Division staff in Iraq.

This will be the first year in many that I have not been able to enjoy the spring season in Rockford.  In the desert heat, I think of our town.

I’ve compiled a list of my top ten aspects of Rockford living that I miss the most:

10.  Running along the White Pine Trail

9.  Walking through the Farmer’s Market on Saturday mornings

8.  Friendships made at the range of the Rockford Sportsmen’s Club

7.  Rockford’s wonderfully inviting
Memorial Day Parade

6.  Hot dogs at the Corner Bar

5.  Spring Home Show at RHS

4.  Peggy at Peppermill Restaurant who cheerfully refilled my coffee cup

3.  Breakfast with Mark, Mitchell, Bob, Ron, and Andy “anywhere” in Rockford

2.  Eating ice cream with my wife as we sit by Rockford’s downtown waterfalls

1.  Sunday worship services at Blythefield Hills Baptist Church

I thought people in Rockford might like to know how our life impacts us

and makes our community such a wonderful place to belong.

 

All the best,

David Ronan, Ph.D.

LTC, USArmy, CA

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Letters to the Editor — May 21, 2009

May 21, 2009 · Filed Under Letters · Comment 

Dear Editor:

Last year, dogs were banned from the Farmer’s Market and the parks. I’m guessing that this was because some dogs are not trained to act politely and some owners don’t take care of dog waste or other messes. In spite of these difficulties, I missed having canine friends at the parks and markets.

My thought is that dogs should be allowed at parks and markets. Let the ones that are polite and friendly come. Let owners who know that dogs in this setting need to be on a leash and cleaned up after bring their dogs.

I really feel that the well behaved and responsible are being penalized for difficult and irresponsible. I encourage the city council to overturn the “no dogs” ruling.

Sally Warren

Rockford

 

Dear Editor:

This is a long over-due note of thanks to the Courtland Township Fire Department and Rockford Ambulance. Our first need of their services came the day after Thanksgiving when a chimney fire erupted into a full-blown fire. Upon arrival the volunteer firemen moved furniture, clocks, pictures, etc. to a three-season porch so that many treasured possessions were spared. Thanks to their professionalism the home was salvageable and by the end of February the Dunns could move back into a refurbished home.

Then on May 7 the Rockford Ambulance answered a distress call to the same address when Vernon was found in his barn. Though the ending was not as good this time, their efforts were just as valiant. We as a community should be proud of our well-trained, compassionate volunteers and professional ambulance staffers.

We are equally proud of our community. They surrounded the family with the same care and concern thus they deserve accolades as well.

Thank you all,

The Vernon Dunn Family

 

 


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Letters to the Editor-April 23, 2009

April 23, 2009 · Filed Under Letters · Comment 

Disappointed with handling
of tannery closing

I am just writing to let you know that I worked at the tannery for 22 years, my last day of work was Thursday. At that point, Wolverine World Wide, a company that had a 96 million dollar profit last year, has not made a severance package to any of its employees. I think that is pretty despicable.

Since the day we were told of the closing, we have been treated very badly. We were told we would be treated with dignity, care and respect. What a joke! I am totally taken aback that WWW can treat the people that have worked for them for so many years with such disrespect.

I am sure that this will never be published, but, I felt that I had to at least try to be heard. WWW is not the wonderful place of employment that they want the City of Rockford to think they are. I am sure that we will eventually all be better off, but right now, the wound is still new and raw and with no severance package in sight, it hurts, as a new wound will.

Thanks for your time

Marsha Pollaski

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