Letters to the editor 05/01/08

Family appreciates
Thomson Elementary teacher’s efforts

As the end of another school year approaches in Davison, we would like to express our appreciation and gratitude to Mrs. Sally Ranville, kindergarten teacher at Thomson Elementary.

All three of our children have had the privilege of having her be a part of their lives during their first year of schooling. Mrs. Ranville always goes above and beyond with her students and represents the very best in education! She, along with Mrs. Hynes, Thomson Elementary School principal, provides an outstanding curriculum along with a caring environment that allows all of their young students to successfully continue their education.

Thank you to all the staff at Thomson Elementary for your time, effort, and dedication! You have given all of our children an awesome start! — Ron & Laura Gill

Groundwater
worries in Richfield

Contamination from an older section of the dump currently enters the groundwater below that cell and leaks south and west across residential neighborhoods and enters the Holloway Reservoir. The State of Michigan has stated that the contamination entering Holloway is not hazardous to humans or wildlife because the Reservoir is a river — which dilutes it and moves it down-stream, over the dam and beyond. This may be a good thing. However, as a safety precaution, shallow wells in the residential area near the landfill will be banned and you never know what a leak is going to do next. This is why it is so important for the entire Davison/Richfield area to be concerned and to insist that the leaking be stopped completely and promptly.

Holloway Reservoir, located in Richfield Township, is a 2,000-acre lake which serves as the backup water supply for the City of Flint. It is the largest body of water in Genesee County. The Reservoir and approximately 3,500 surrounding acres makes up the Holloway Regional Park. The park is managed by the Genesee County Parks & Recreation Commission. The area is an irreplaceable treasure of great value to the public, to recreation and wildlife. It must be protected.

At the May 7 public meeting, the MDEQ and Richfield Landfill will present a description of the contamination problem and an explanation of the C.A.P. to correct it. This will include specific engineering solutions, interim measures to protect affected residents, financial assurances, legal agreements, etc. There will be an opportunity for public comment.

The Holloway Lake Association (HLA) has hired experts in environmental science and environmental law to provide an independent analysis of these complex issues. The HLA will use this information to evaluate the C.A.P., to provide public comment, and to be sure that the highest standards and best technology are adhered to. The contact person for the HLA is Jack Hinterman at 810-793-0538.

This is the community’s opportunity, as residents of the Davison-Richfield area, to learn the details of the groundwater contamination problem that currently exists in Richfield Township and what should be done about it. Your presence is important. It will tell the MDEQ that there is a widespread interest in this very important issue. — Julie Brandon, secretary, Holloway Lake Association

Thanks for help at ‘Survive & Thrive with Cancer’

Medicap Pharmacy and The Cancer Treatment Centers of America would like to thank all of the businesses and speakers that made donations to our “Survive & Thrive with Cancer” seminar that was held on April 21 at the Davison-Richfield Senior Center.

The event was a huge success, with several people in attendance. Everyone who attended received free gifts and information packets.

Our guest speakers all donated their time in an effort to help educate the public and heighten their awareness of cancer. Josef Martinu, Tai-Chi/Qi Gong instructor, conducted exercises and spoke about the importance of exercise to reduce stress in our lives.

Randy Beardslee is the instructor for “Cooking for Cancer Survival & Disease Prevention.” His classes will be coming to the Davison Senior Center in June. Crystal Carr, therapist and owner of the Massage Therapy Clinic in Davison, spoke about the importance of massage in conjunction with cancer treatment and prevention.

The generosity of all our speakers and sponsors and their donations were exceptional. Everyone in attendance received gifts, knowledge and much hope. We are so fortunate to live in a community where businesses want to help educate and support such events.

Thanks to Chris Kautz and the Davison-Richfield Senior Center, we have a building large enough to facilitate our classes. It was nice to be in the gym, since our classroom was being filled to the rim.

Again, a heart-felt thanks from us here at Medicap Pharmacy and The Cancer Treatment Center of America to the businesses and the people of the Davison community. Look in the Davison Index for a listing of our classes that are held each month. Our next class is on July 9 at 6 p.m. We’ve had many requests for an evening class. Come right from work. Food and refreshments will be available during that evening. — Sherrill Natzke, Medicap Pharmacy office manager, Patient