Archive

To the Editor,

Every year at Memorial Day I cannot help but to remember my four uncles:
Uncle Pete Cook, Army; Uncle Earl Cook, Navy; Uncle Albert Cook, Navy; Uncle
Julie Vince, Army; and my Grandfather William Wright, Army.

All five served with honor and were examples of the sacrifices and determination of the “World’s Greatest Generation” at a time when the world and our nation was at war.

It is so important for us as a nation to remember not only the sacrifices of the many veterans who served, but also their families who sacrificed for gasoline rationing and food shortages, which were typical for the day. Many of our soldiers did not return home and paid the ultimate price for our freedom today.

It was not all that long ago, and today we are losing thousands of our brave veterans from World War II and Korea monthly, and soon they will be all called home. It will be all too soon, too late, for us to show our appreciation, and gratitude as a nation “Under God.”

So when I look at this picture I can remember my Uncles, and all those who served our nation, because they were my elders and my friends. They set the example for me to follow, and I must question if, as a country, and as a nation “Under God,” do we today honor and respect this sacrifice during Memorial Day or is it just a day off?

All of my uncles and my grandfather lived in the area, and some of their children still do.

In all of our Veterans memories and sincere appreciation, this year remember a veteran and give thanks.

William Filber
Spring Lake, Michigan

To the Editor,

In response to Mr. Potters’ recent lawsuit limiting the healthcare choices of his employees, I would like to state: I had been a long time buyer and proponent of Eden Foods. I will certainly stop on both counts if Mr. Potter persists.

While Mr. Potter can make these personal choices about healthcare for himself, it is arrogant, and paternalistic to impose those on his employees. Shame on him. This is no impingement of his morals or values, by imposing his personal choices on others he is proving to be a reprehensible person.

What if an employer doesn’t believe in Psychiatry, or medicine, or doesn’t want to cover prenatal or birth, health care for children of single women because they’re living in sin/have sinned, or any healthcare costs of meat eaters, or any other unending list of situations?

People have basic human rights and dignity, and should not be forced to live their personal lives according to the whims of the company owner. It’s the height or arrogance for an employer to impose their personal morality on their employees. We should be better than that. There is a role for government and the law.

I will stop buying Eden products, and urge my friends and family to do likewise. Healthcare choices should be made between a doctor and his patient. Do we really want our bosses making decisions on treatment, procedures, and medications? An employer can’t simply do anything and everything he wants to with his employees, especially in personal matters. I will contact stores carrying Eden products and urge them to stop because of the regressive policies of the business owner.

Ron Corby
Adrian

To the Editor,

Souls That Smile Child Care is closing on May 24th, after 17 years in business. I want to thank this community for giving me so many reasons to enjoy caring for children in this wonderful city.

I thank the library, post office, grocery stores, banks, restaurants and other local businesses who welcomed us with open arms. Special thanks to “our Amy” for the treats from the Family Frosty. Mrs. Michele has provided playgroup activities and these have been awesome. I appreciate the Senior Center staff who helped the children learn about caring for others by delivering Meals on Wheels.

The various city parks have each provided hours of fun for the kids. I am indebted to the police, street, public works, fire and parks and recreation departments for their friendly and faithful service. I thank the swimming coaches and bible school teachers who instructed the children each summer as well.

A huge thank you to the LISD professionals and to Mrs. Burdine (Little Indian Preschool) and Liz Phelan (LISD Preschool) who partnered with me in educating the children. I am appreciative of my fellow day care providers who share my passion for children and understand what a rewarding career child care can be.

I am forever grateful to my own parents, my husband and our adult children who have shared this journey with me. I also acknowledge the tolerance of my neighbors.

While this chapter of my life is ending, I extend an invitation to all who have been touched by Souls That Smile Child Care to continue the caring by supporting a scholarship that is being established for students who choose to pursue a career in Early Childhood Education. Please contact me for more information on this.

Finally, I share my heartfelt gratitude to the many families who have entrusted their most cherished gifts into my care. THANK YOU TECUMSEH!

Cassie Hollenbeck
Tecumseh

The city of Tecumseh is coordinating a fundraising drive to benefit victims of the May 20 tornado in Moore, Oklahoma. Canisters will be located at Tecumseh City Hall, Big Boy, Martin’s Home Center, Schmidt and Sons Pharmacy, Daily Grind, The Dog House Restaurant, Perky’s Eastside, and Perky’s at Pentecost Hwy. Monetary donations may also be made at any United Bank and Trust branch. For more information, call Tecumseh City Hall at 423.2107.

Tecumseh’s Memorial Day commemoration will include the traditional parade at 10 a.m., with a line-up at City Hall and march to Union Street, ending at Brookside Cemetery.

“We have 75 to 80 units this year,” said Memorial Day Parade Marshal Gary Naugle. He added that the Plymouth Fife and Drum Corp will again visit the city this year. World War II planes are scheduled to conduct a flyover at 10 a.m.

A Memorial Day Service will be conducted at Brookside Cemetery immediately following the parade.

“Our guest speaker this year is Petty Officer First Class Joseph Koh of the U.S. Navy,” Naugle said. He added that the Navy Operation Support Center will be presenting a flag to Tecumseh veteran Bill German, who fought in the Korean conflict.

“The Navy Operation Support Center is an honor detail,” said Naugle. “They’re sending two people who will fold the flag and present it to Bill, thanking him for his service.”

Pastor Mark Allen Miller, of Tecumseh United Methodist Church, is scheduled to give the convocation, and Nate Smith will sing the National Anthem. Naugle said historian Bob Elliott researched German’s story. There will also be a 21-gun salute performed by members of VFW Post 4187 and American Legion Post 34’s ritual details.

In a 6-1 vote following several minutes of discussion on Monday, May 20, Tecumseh City Council members authorized City Manager Kevin Welch to pursue a lease agreement with Tecumseh Paddling Company (TPC), owned by Mark and Jennifer Johnson, for rental of space for a canoe and kayak livery at the Tecumseh Community Center. The space would be in an unimproved section of the building’s lower level.

Mark Johnson, who currently serves as a river guide in West Virginia, initially approached the city several weeks ago regarding the possibility of operating a business from the community center. Welch said Johnson had spoken with Shelley Lim, Director of Cultural and Leisure Services and Paula Holtz, Economic Development Director, and Welch met him once and has been in contact via email.

“I asked him to submit a written proposal,” said Welch.

The proposal notes that “The waterways in Tecumseh provide some unique paddling choices which allow many different paddling trips to be offered,” and details a few possible water recreation ideas, including utilizing the river from Satterthwaite Park downstream to Sutton Road.

Tecumseh resident and water recreation enthusiast Chuck Gross recently asked council to consider leasing the community center space for the business, and shared his view that having a kayak/canoe business on the River Raisin would be a draw to the community.

On Monday evening, Welch said the city and staff are not opposed to having a canoe livery in Tecumseh.