08/30/08 Letters to the Editor

POSTED ON Friday, August 29, 2008 AT 09:11PM

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To the editor -- Thank you, Lois Champoux, for your contribution to the Yakima community. I have known and appreciated Lois for many years. With her quiet and accepting demeanor, she has softly and effectively touched the lives of many cancer patients, cancer survivors, and families, as she, in her role as a volunteer at Wellness House and at North Star Cancer Center, has met the immediate needs of patients and families. Thanks to her son as well for his wonderful Yakima tribute to Lois (See "This one's for you, Mom," Aug. 10, ON Magazine). Best wishes, Lois, as you face new challenges.

CHARLOTTE MONTGOMERY

Yakima

Top-notch care, and thanks

To the editor -- On Aug. 13, my 6-year-old son fell 10 feet to a concrete floor below and suffered a skull fracture. I am amazed by and thankful for all the wonderful people who helped us. From the 9-1-1 operator Lisa, to the volunteer firefighters, to Nick (Santa Claus) and the ALS ambulance crew, to Dr. Livingston in the emergency room at Memorial Hospital, you are all wonderful. I wish I knew all of your names and could thank you personally. I am eternally grateful to Erin, his ER nurse. I will never be able to put into words my thanks to Dr. Simms, who cared for Bryce until he flew away in the helicopter to Harborview in Seattle.

All these wonderful people took care of my precious boy right here in our Valley. As a pediatric nurse, I am proud of all of you. As Bryce's mom, I'm comforted knowing you are all out there.

Bryce was very lucky and will heal and soon start first grade on schedule. When we retell the story to him, he'll always know about the special people who took great care of him.

My family and I thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

KIM CRUZ

Selah

A need for help

To the editor -- Doyle and Ann Meyer and Larry Knox and I are heartbroken at the loss of our grandson, Justin Poirier. At Rimrock Lake on Aug. 5, his life was taken on Road No. 711. We erected a cross at the site of his death. Special thanks to Naches Ranger Jeff Shepard for allowing us to put it up.

Justin was just 14 years old and was four days from his 15th birthday. Tracy Poirier lost her little boy and Devin Poirier lost his little brother. Justin spent many camping trips with us and it will never be the same again.

Many thanks to those who have already contributed. She works at McDonald's in Selah and had a hard time getting by already. She needs help with all the expenses incurred from the loss of her son. If you can help, please make donations to Yakima Valley Credit Union. It will be greatly appreciated.

MARGE KNOX

Selah

Strangers are life-savers

To the editor -- I have been a West Valley fireman for 23 years, gladly helping anyone in need.

Recently I became ill, and six strangers gave me their blood.

We all can't be firemen or police or servicemen, but we can give blood to help a life.

Thank you everyone who does give blood. The life you help just might be the one that helped you.

TIM MASON

Yakima

A thank you for YPD

To the editor -- It is amazing to see the good in others and feel the support of others surround you in times of need. That is what your Yakima Police Department did for the Ellensburg Police Department's officers and families. It was a sad day when we all learned that we lost Sgt. Nelson Ng. The EPD was devastated, but the YPD stepped forward and offered their resources and support to our "boys in blue."

The loved ones of the EPD officers were overwhelmed with all the outpouring of care and concern that the Yakima officers demonstrated. Yakima community residents should be proud of the YPD and the awe-inspiring men and women who serve. The YPD officers were professionals in every aspect and we EPD families are extremely grateful for the selflessness of so many fine officers.

Words cannot express our appreciation for what you have done for the EPD, as well as for our community, during this most difficult time. For all who had a hand in covering shifts, back-filling shifts, or simply sharing a kind word or hug, we EPD families are forever indebted. On behalf of my husband, EPD Chief Dale Miller and the families and loved ones of the department, I thank you.

MARTI MILLER

Ellensburg

A wonderful person

To the editor -- Thank you for the Aug. 10 story, "This one's for you, Mom" about Lois Champoux. Lois has been my neighbor and friend for more than 15 years. She is one of the richest treasures in my life and I am so blessed to know her. Lois has suffered through multiple cancers and now, ALS. Although weakened physically she has unselfishly and consistently given her heart and soul to many people that are hurting physically and emotionally. She is a strong woman of great faith and has been an inspiration to me and my family. She has never failed to be supportive of my family and has reached out repeatedly to be there for us.

I love this dear woman and she deserves to be honored for all that she has given to this community; for all that she has done to make this world a better place. I know that I am a much better person by having her example to follow. Thank you, Lois. I love you.

RUTH KLEPACH

Yakima

Hats off to participants

To the editor -- On July 19, 102 civilians and 23 active-duty soldiers participated in the "Second Annual Golf Tournament for Our Troops" at SunTides Golf Course.

Veteran and active-duty soldiers were honored on the first tee block with an impeccable performance of The national anthem by trumpeter Don Moore. Relationships developed as civilian foursomes enjoyed the company of "their own soldier" golfing with them. Personal contact information and pledges of support were exchanged with "our" deploying soldiers at the barbecue following the round. Soldiers were also honored to visit with and assist Lloyd Lee, WWII Fighting Seabee, to his seat at the luncheon.

Becky and Len McCloud did a wonderful job organizing this incredible opportunity to support and connect with our troops on a personal basis. We shared their joy in having their son, Jerome, safely home from two active duty tours in Iraq and attending this event.

Becky's tireless troop support was recognized with the "Civilian Patriotic Service Award" and pin by 1st Sgt. Casey Peterson and Sgt. First Class David Thompson. Through hole sponsorships, donations and golfer participation, 49 care packages and funds providing 50 Cooling Vests through the Trevor Win'E Memorial Fund (www.trevorwine.com/article.php) were generated. Well done!

SUSANN LOWARY

Yakima

He does a quiet service

To the editor -- Attention West Valley residents: I want to inform everyone of an outstanding citizen. I do not know his name, but every morning I travel to work and I see this lone man walking along 64th Avenue picking up trash and aluminum cans. You can't miss him: He wears a blaze orange vest and he's usually carrying one or two bags of trash.

Sir, on behalf of my family I want to thank you for doing that extra bit of work while on your morning walk. I would like to let you know that it does not go unnoticed. To everyone else, quit throwing garbage out on the side of the road. Not only is it immoral and unethical, it's also illegal!

MARK SAWYER

Yakima

Big Oil's profits

To the editor -- Exorbitant gas prices and the general inflation they cause are forcing many families to choose between driving to work and buying groceries. Meanwhile the oil industry, while boasting record profits, continues to run not only unchecked, but enabled by our government. Big Oil is telling us the only answer to our problem is to set aside environmental regulations and give them carte blanche to drill wherever they please.

Increased drilling won't have a significant effect on gas prices, it will only increase oil industry profits more. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, even if we do allow more drilling it will take at least a decade to bring any oil online, peak production is another 20 years away and the effect on gas prices will be negligible.

Are you tired of being ripped off by the oil companies at the pump and having our government hand them our hard-earned tax dollars as well while our families struggle?

Let's quit standing by and taking this abuse in silence. Write your congresspeople and tell them to A) oppose more offshore drilling B) put an end to tax supported oil subsidies and C) hold oil companies accountable.

PAULENE PERRY

Yakima

Give trolleys a try

To the editor -- Recently, my family and I took a ride on the historic trolley located at Third and Pine. It was very enjoyable and we learned lots of history about Yakima transportation. We even toured the trolley barn where they keep the ones they are restoring. My small children especially loved the ride! Afterwards, we had a great conversation with our grandparent who used to take the trolley to school!

While taking the tour and asking questions, we learned that the Yakima Valley Trolleys are in need of volunteers to do many assorted projects. For example, their parking lot weed-puller just died and now their lot is becoming overgrown. They are an all-volunteer organization and could really use the community's support to keep this important historic landmark running!

I urge everyone to get out and take a ride; you will enjoy it! I think you will find that this is one of Yakima's best kept secrets! And while there, maybe you can find out how you can lend a hand?

LISA KANELOPOULOS

Yakima

An outstanding officer

To the editor -- Sincere thanks are due to Tony Patlan, a Yakima city police officer, who has gone above and beyond the call of duty. Officer Patlan showed genuine interest in the safety of my son, Jerry Lee Hooper Jr., who suffered from paranoid schizophrenia, and the safety of our family when no one else did. Officer Patlan would stop by just to see how things were going and arrived the night my son drowned in our pool. He was both compassionate and professional. I greatly appreciate all of his concern and understanding, especially regarding my son's illness.

Thank you again, Officer Patlan.

LORA WILLIAMS

Yakima

08/30/08 Letters to the Editor

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