Dear Editor, 

I don’t know if this story has brought any further information, but my mother-in-law saw these floating balls the same night in Rockford. She took pictures and asked me to come over to check them out. She was pretty freaked also. In talking with some friends, I brought these fireballs up. They knew exactly what I was talking about. While camping in Grand Haven this summer, they witnessed these as well. They found where they were coming from along the beach. Apparently, they are plastic grocery bags that have been filled with a special kind of gas, lit on fire on the inside, tied, and then let go to float up in the air—all just for fun.

Hope this helps!
Lauren Hughes
via e-mail

Fan loved ballpark experience

Dear Editor,

As a 1973 RHS Alumni, I had not been to a football game in years (my boys graduated in 98 and 01). I thought the game at the Whitecaps sounded like fun and am so glad I decided to go. The football team looked great, the band looked great, but most of all, I enjoyed the drive back to Rock ford with two solid lanes of traffic in front and back of me all the way (it made me feel like what a community!). Parking – $5; ticket – $7; feeling like part of the community – priceless. I may even start going to homecoming games again this year.

Ruth Reickard
Rockford Alumni

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.

 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

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

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

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.

I Received my absentee voter’s ballot for the May 5 election-Local School District Board Member (one only) and Community College Board of Trustees Members (eight total).

Wanting to find out who these persons on the ballot were, and what they might represent, I called the Kent Community College, hoping to be able to find information. I was referred to the Kent County Clerk’s office. They, in turn referred me to the Kent County Board of Election office. Still no information. (Election Board- no information)?

The Election Board office referred me to the Grand Rapid Press. Well, of course.

However, they don’t do any publicity on the election until about a week before-otherwise readers just forget about it.

So still no information. However, the Grand Rapids Press referred me to a website: www.accesskent.com which is a rather easy website to use, and check “Department of Elections,” Candidates/Proposal” and information available will be as current as possible.

My, and newspapers are dropping like flies. Where would I be without my newspaper(s)!

Support your local newspapers!

Carolyn A. Wills

I understand Char Allen’s lament in the Squire, “Why do away with the tannery?” But it reminded me that before 1926, many immigrant husbands and fathers were employed in the orchestra pits of silent movie theaters-a great way for them to compensate for language limitations while blending into a foreign culture.

They came to America with the universal skill- music, which gave them confidence and money for their growing families. I imagine those families in crowded walkup flats with dim stairways filled with the sound of children’s stomping feet, women in flowered aprons, men with braces, hand washed clothes hung out to dry, the aroma of baking, and bleach. And the security of a safe warm night leading to the hope of another hectic day.

In 1926, the movie, “Don Juan,” used music recorded on wax records synchronized with a film projector to give movies sound. In 1927, “The Jazz Singer,” gave the movies talking and Warner Brothers millions of dollars. That was the end of orchestra pit jobs and one simple segue to the American Dream.

There were few unions or food banks, no unemployment or Federal bailout.  No one thought to hire a lawyer to sue the greedy movie theaters.  Those ancestors of ours had to swallow their pride, moms may have had to clean house for the rich folks, and they probably prayed a lot.

The hallways of those dim noisy flats must have heard occasional sobs from a fretting pregnant wife.  Men who could not master civilized society’s most basic skill, language, must have had their egos ravaged. And all the time, the kids were watching and experiencing either a little or a lot of their parents’ terror.

By God’s mercy and through their fears, those struggling people gave birth to us. I hope we handle our present difficulties, including the closing of the tannery, with the grace, courage, and prayers that our ancestors did. Things change. How we handle change is important.  Our kids and grandkids are watching.

Dennis Cochran

Regarding the proposal to move Michigan’s wetland permitting and enforcement from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to the federal government’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Corps of Engineers (COE):

Representative Tom Pearce in the March 5, 2009 Rockford Squire stated, “This is an issue that needs to be decided on facts, not emotion.”  I agree with that comment, however the “facts” do not support this move.

In February, I provided Governor Granholm, Representative Pearce and Senators Jansen and Hardiman and several other key representatives comments on the proposal and referred them to two federal documents published in late 2008. Those documents are titled Stagnant Waters: The Legacy of the Bush Administration on the Clean Water Act and Decline of Clean Water Act Enforcement Program. Both of these reports conclude the EPA/COE are not doing an adequate job of protecting our nation’s wetlands in their permitting and enforcement process and have insufficient resources to pursue Clean Water Act investigations and enforcement actions.

Most permits are issued by DEQ in less than 90 days. The average permit is issued in 60 days. It is my understanding permits issued by the EPA/COE takes 600 to 700 days with many exceeding that. And, federal law does not protect 930,000 acres of small wetlands presently protected by state law and  local ordinances.

I also referenced them to a paper from Grand Valley State University titled Integrated Valuation of Ecosystems Services Tool. The report details the economics of some land uses in a seven-county west Michigan area including Kent County. The report examines the value generated on a per acre basis for the benefits derived from wetlands including recreation, fish and wildlife habitat, nutrient recycling, waste assimilation, erosion control and water supply. The total value for the 58,579 acres of wetlands in the seven-county study area is estimated to be $81,483,097. All of Michiganís wetlands are obviously worth hundreds of millions when all of Michigan’s 83 counties are included.

Following his comments to the Squire on March 5, Representative Pearce on March 10, 2009 introduced HB 4542 for the purpose of turning administration and enforcement of Michigan’s wetland laws back to the federal government.  It would appear he already had all the facts of his choosing for a decision.

The conclusion I come to is the EPA/COE are not capable at the present time of protecting Michigan’s valuable wetlands as adequately and in as timely a manner as the DEQ does. It would seem the current $2.1 million dollar cost to administer the Michigan Wetlands Program is a good investment protecting an annual income to Michigan of many millions of dollars.

It would also seem returning wetland regulation to the federal government is not in keeping with President Obama’s commitment to maintain and protect our natural resources and Michigan’s historic commitment to protect our own natural resources without interference from the federal government.

I suggest readers contact Representative Pearce and Senator Jansen or Hardiman’s (or your Representative or Senators) office and ask them to keep administration and enforcement of Michigan’s wetland laws under DEQ.  The DEQ should also be adequately funded for those duties that provide significant income to Michigan.

E. John TrimbergeR

138 North Main Street.

Dear Editor,

“Narrow streets, shaded by towering trees, and lined with well-kept, two story homes….families strolling throughout the neighborhood, chatting with friends along their route to the ice cream shop(s) downtown…such scenes are commonplace in Rockford, a picture of small town America” (Rockford Master Plan, p. 18).

I am not a fan of felling homes, especially historic ones.  I am in favor of preserving them “to the fullest extent possible.” I am especially not a fan of “demolishing viable housing to make way for parking lots.”  Residential charm, once lost, can never be put back ( Rockford Master Plan).

Take a stroll down the east side of North Main Street, from Rocky’s Ice Cream north to Lewis Street.  Since the earliest pioneers came to Rockford, in 1842, this stretch of street has always been residential. It was filled with homes and yards and trees and the lives of the many families who lived there. Over half of the street is now paved parking lot.  Of the sixteen homes that once graced this street only eight of them remain.  And in their wake we are left with two large commercial parking lots ( both owned by Wolverine World Wide), one medium-sized parking lot (owned by Pederson Funeral Home), and one small city parking lot (created when the old Oatley Theatre was removed in the 1960′s).  How did this once tree-lined, pedestrian-friendly street become a parking lot for parking lots?

I don’t think anyone planned it this way.  I don’t know as if much long-range planning was involved.  One by one the homes disappeared, and whether the objections come before or after, it was always too late. Commercial needs took  precedence.

With eight family homes now removed from but just one side of a street, one hopes that the stark result will speak for itself.  But then another home comes on deck to be demolished in mid-April of this year. This home, just north of Rocky’s  Ice Cream is 138 North Main Street. It will be sad to see another piece of Rockford’s history slip between our fingers.

It’s always sad to see them go. I know for I have seen some of these homes fall right before my eyes.  Just north of Rocky’s Ice Cream stood the Hunter House, once operated as Sally’s Antiques and then as Pegasus Sports.  A fully intact deed verifies that Merlin Hunter, a pioneer from 1842, was the first owner of this home site.  The structure was razed in 2002.

A charming blue carriage house once stood behind the well-kept residence at 134 North Main St. This small carriage house added a lot of character to North Main Street.  “Built in the Colonial Revival Style, probably dating from the late 19th century, it had fine detailing and moldings and was very unique to the landscape of Rockford,  perhaps the last carriage house in Rockford of this age and style,” so wrote a local Preservation Architect.  Both homes were moved to a new location in 2002.

My neighbor down the street still mourns the loss of two North Main Street homes, one whose backyard  abutted her property.  Both were sturdy, attractive homes situated on pleasant lots. The sea of asphalt that replaced them in the mid 1980′s ( for the WWW employee parking lot)  added neither beauty nor charm.  Another older resident who once lived on North Main Street, near Rum Creek, recounts the days before the WWW customer parking lot claimed the site of his boyhood home sometime in the 1940′s.  He remembers the large trees, green grass, and the wonder of catching crawfish in the creek.  Some of the neighborhood boys even caught trout by hand and sold them to the factory workers.

These examples put flesh on a pivotal paragraph in our Master Plan, one which highlights the essence of vibrant neighborhoods and the need to maintain their integrity:

“An issue closely related to protecting Rockford’s small town charm is that of protecting the residential character of the City’s established neighborhoods from the threat of non-residential expansion….  [This] should be given priority over other competing interests.  Existing homes should not be sacrificed to non-residential uses without serious consideration of all other possible alternatives” (p. 19).

I do not own the property at 138 North Main.  I am aware of its historical significance, however.  It sits on Plat #11, next to the old Jackson Coon home at 148 North Main.  Jackson Coon was a merchant from Rockford’s early days and contemporary of Smith Lapham, our town’s founding father.  Jackson owned both plats of land, the deed of which dates to 1845.  His home was built first, and his daughter later lived in the house next door, the one to be razed.

The owner of the home at 138 North Main is certainly within his rights to demolish it.  It’s removal, however, tugs at a greater loss as one more piece of our history will vanish.  Nor does its demolition reflect the spirit of the master plan, as stated above.  Whatever appears in its place can never breathe of authentic 1920′s charm.

If I had a golden tongue and gold in my pockets to back it, I would try to save this house.  Though it needs interior and exterior repairs, it is structurally sound and, in my mind, has possibility written all over it.  I would ask WWW for but one small section of its large employee parking lot, pay to have the home moved to the other side of the Jackson Coon house  (saving the present owner demolition costs), and honor WWW and it’s founder by naming it the Krause House.

The Krause House could be offered back to the Rockford community in a multitude of ways.  It could be used as a resource for history, education, or the arts.  Maybe the home could become a residence for a returning veteran and his/her family, or perhaps Habitat for Humanity could join forces and help restore the home for a family in need.  These are only a few ideas.  I am sure others could offer more.

The closing of the tannery is imminent.  Many changes will come as a result.  Why not keep this home to remind us of Rockford’s past and pave the way for the re-charming of North Main?

G.A. Krause, who launched the WWW shoe factory and tannery in 1886 is believed to have said at the time, “I see possibility here.”

What would he say today?

Lynn M. McIntosh