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Grateful for care

To the editor -- Our grandson was born prematurely on June 5 and spent nine weeks in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital. My husband, Bob, and I were impressed over and over with the high level of concerned and focused care that our grandson received. We and his parents enjoyed continuous support, joy, smiles and clear explanations during the whole stay. He is now home and has benefited from the "closest-to-real" gestation period that could be possible.

We are most grateful for all of the nurses, support professionals and doctors who were involved in Andrew's care. We are fortunate to have a Level 3 NICU in Central Washington.

NANCY WIEKING

Ellensburg

Apologize for snub

To the editor -- I take exception to the Aug. 24 editor's note on a letter with Yakima Bears general manager K.L. Wombacher's statement that they only honor armed services branches that have recruiting offices in Yakima. It matters not whether the Coast Guard has a recruiting office in or near Yakima: Those individuals who serve or have served in the Coast Guard are considered to be members of the armed forces of the United States of America. As such, they should be included in any ceremony or event honoring our military.

I also feel that Mr. Wombacher and the Yakima Herald-Republic owe the members, past and present, of the Coast Guard a public apology for the way they were snubbed in the video displayed at the Yakima Bears' game on Aug. 15.

MERLE GEARHART

Goldendale

Variances at issue

To the editor -- As a neighbor to the proposed Toscanna project, I would like to clarify a few things. I have no problem with David Sjule developing the property in accordance with the current land use classifications. The issue is that he has requested a number of variances so that he can create much higher building density and different use than currently zoned for. This would not be compatible with the residential neighborhood.

The project drawings he presented were irrelevant, as the real agenda was to get the variance in zoning granted. In addition, he made so many changes to his original proposal and the city's recommendation that the hearing examiner requested additional information in order to make an informed decision.

I only ask that this development be compatible with the surrounding area and conform to current zoning restrictions. Other zoning variance requests in this area have been denied by both the hearing examiner and courts as being incompatible with the surrounding area.

Zoning classifications should stand for something and citizens of Yakima should reasonably expect that variances and classification changes will only come about when compatible with the surrounding area and favored by the surrounding neighbors.

TOM GASSELING

Yakima

Eliminate fluoride

To the editor -- Upon reading your article regarding slowing down the onset of Alzheimer's, I cannot help but wonder why we do not attack one of the possible causes of it. According to what I've read in Dr. David Williams' newsletter, Alternatives, (www.drdavidwilliams.com) aluminum traces are often found in the brains of Alzheimer's patients. Fluoride is compounded in aluminum plants. Is there a connection? Fluoride is naturally found in tap water, yet the addition of fluoride has been banned in many countries in Europe. Fluoride can be a poison, and it may lead to a part of the population developing Alzheimer's and other health risks. Let's eliminate adding fluoride to our water system.

ORVAL TAYLOR

Yakima

No feedlot, dairy

To the editor -- I attended the Aug. 14 Sytsma family's forum in the Yakima Convention Center, where the intention was to convince attendees that the development of a 7,000-dairy cow feedlot/milk operation would not be harmful to residents, air or water of the Yakama Nation.

Health of the communities surrounding the dairy location and of the Toppenish Creek is at high risk for contamination from ground and air pollution. Seven thousand cows in a confined area could easily saturate the ground's absorption capabilities leading to runoff. The land is located above the level of the Toppenish Creek and residential wells. Emission of noxious levels of gasses generated by factory farm feeding lots can cause illnesses such as heart palpitations, headaches, nausea and respiratory disorders, according to http://www.hsus.org/farm/news/ournews/marks_dairy_farm_manure_spill.html. Airborne toxins will definitely impact families and the environment not immediately adjacent to the feedlot operation.

The Yakama Treaty of 1855 reserved the reservation for the "exclusive use and benefit of the confederated tribes and bands of Indians as an Indian reservation."

How does a 7,000-cow feeding lot operation benefit the Yakama Nation? The tribal members have spoken: No feedlot or dairy operations shall be established or expanded on the Yakama Reservation.

COLLEEN MEACHEM REIMER

Toppenish

Donate blood

To the editor -- Did you know there are now no upper age restrictions on donating blood? You just have to pass the same tests as everyone else. One more pint and I will get my 27th gallon pin and I will be 90 in a few days.

It is a wonderful feeling to know that you have helped to save lives or have given better quality of life to others.

There are other benefits, too. It can serve as a mini-health checkup and some may even feel better physically after donating.

While you are having your few minutes of rest afterward, you can enjoy a free delicious lunch.

Sometimes it may even have a social aspect as you greet other regular donors or familiar medical personnel.

There is a constant need for more donors, so why not see if you can help fill this need?

MARY STENSRUD

Yakima