08/09/2007

Letters to the Editor

"Boaters' Village"

Recently, as I waded out from the beach just west of the Open Space to go diving, I overheard a woman on one of the boats moored overnight along the beach talking loudly into her cell phone about how the toilet on her boat flushes directly into the bay. I wondered how common this is among the many boats moored overnight all summer near swimming beaches.

This past weekend, as I and some other divers were preparing for a morning dive, I saw a small boy climb out from under the cover on another of the moored boats. He climbed onto the transom, pulled down his pants and defecated into the water about 40 feet from the beach. The wind was out of the north, blowing toward shore. Soon the boy's mother came out with a sponge mop to clean off the transom.

An hour later quite a few children and other bathers were in the water in that immediate area. On our dive we found, among the many beer cans, pop cans, coffee and soft drink cups, a used diaper.

Christopher Morey
Traverse City

Speak up for rights

Benzie County residents should be aware of a situation at The Maples-Benzie County Medical Care Facility. Three years ago my husband was admitted to the facility with Alzheimer's disease and was assured that he would be cared for there through the progression of his illness.

We have received notice of an involuntary transfer, giving us until Aug. 24 to transfer him. The main reason cited for the transfer is that my husband wanders and occasionally walks into other residents' rooms, which can be frightening to some of them. This behavior is typical of all dementia patients and is not new for my husband.

Moving late-stage dementia patients is traumatic and detrimental to their welfare. Also, the family would suffer emotional, physical and financial hardship. The facility continues to accept Alzheimer's patients, and, in fact, took in a new "wandering” resident only last week.

Benzie County, be aware that our facility is turning away county residents who need continuity of care. Join me in opposing this treatment of dementia patients who cannot speak for themselves. Consider what you would want for a member of your family in a similar situation. Write to the administrator. Speak up for what is right.

Nancy VanderLinde
Frankfort

Memorable experience

I want to express my gratitude to my good friend and colleague Gov. Jennifer Granholm and her husband Dan Mulhern for hosting the 99th National Governors Association Annual Meeting in Traverse City last month. Their personal involvement and enthusiasm helped make this meeting a resounding success.

Planning for an event such as this — from logistics to security — begins years in advance, and much of that responsibility falls on the host state planning committee. I want to recognize the Michigan team, as well as all the Michigan volunteers, for their outstanding work and gracious hospitality.

I also want to commend the Michigan State Police and all the law enforcement, fire and response professionals on hand in Traverse City, who ensured our meeting security was effectively planned and expertly executed.

Leading up to the meeting, Gov. Granholm had boasted about the warmth and generosity of Michiganders, and you certainly lived up to your reputation.

My fellow governors and I appreciate your hospitality and superb work. You helped make this year's NGA Annual Meeting truly memorable.

Gov. Janet Napolitano
Arizona
Gov. Janet Napolitano is the immediate past
chair of the National Governors Association.