Demolition Of Toledo Malls Leads To More Businesses Closing, Urban Blight
To the Editor:
I would like to know why Toledo has not learned a thing since Southwyck Mall was torn down. Now, the city wants to do the same thing with North Towne.
Please wake up. Since Southwyck has been demolished, businesses up and down Reynolds Road have closed. The area is an excellent example of urban blight. One of the worst sites is the former Clarion Hotel. Since it was sold, the new owners have not done anything with it. The property is not kept up. Weeds are allowed to grow; windows are broken out; doors are boarded up. Yet, I bet people are still able to get inside the building and that a lot of things take place there. The entire site, both inside and out, is probably rat-infested.
There are some bright spots in the Reynolds Road area. One is the Genesis Hotel. The owners have kept the property spotless.
What will happen to the North Towne area? Massive urban blight, already occurring, and adding dangerous eyesores of its own? Or not? Hold business owners accountable.
Eva Pratt
Maumee

Trail Is A Great Asset To Area, But Parking Space Is Lacking
To the Editor:
The Wabash Cannonball Trail is a great asset to our area – two non-motorized trails of 17 and 46 miles. However, the map on the website is inaccurate.
With all the recent road improvements near the start of the trail on Jerome Road, there is no place to park. That is very unfortunate. You are forced to trespass on local nearby businesses for parking, or park along the roadway in the deep mud.
I hope the planners have a better plan, and thanks to all the volunteers who have made the trail a success.
David Sobczak
Maumee

Community Members Contribute Food, Funds To AW Food Bank
To the Editor:
The Waterville Playshop and Friends collected $507 in monetary donations and about 50 bags of non-perishable goods for the Anthony Wayne Food Bank during their second annual Christmas concert, which was held on December 15. Thank you to the community members who came out and supported this worthy cause.
Charlene Hansen
Publicity Trustee
Waterville Playshop

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Posted 12.08.11

Health Of Rivers, Streams At Risk If Amendment Passes In U.S. Senate
To the Editor:
Sens. Sherrod Brown and Rob Portman will soon vote on a provision that could put sources of drinking water for an estimated 3.5 million people in Ohio at risk and impact treasured waters like the Maumee River.
The amendment to the Energy and Water Development Appropriations bill (H.R. 2354) puts clean water at risk for Ohio and communities across the country.
By putting the interests of polluters before ordinary people, this amendment would permanently eliminate safeguards for an estimated 20 million acres of wetlands and small streams that contribute to the drinking water supplies for 117 million Americans.
This Dirty Water Amendment is bad for our health, drinking water and the rivers and lakes where we fish and swim. Tell Sens. Brown and Portman to vote no.
Katie Rousseau
Associate Director, Clean Water Program
American Rivers
Toledo

Maumee Offers Warm Welcome To Visitor From The North Pole
To the Editor:
Just a note to Maumee area residents from the North Pole, thanking everyone for the wonderful parade in Maumee last Saturday. You always make me feel so welcome, and I enjoy every minute with you. I have to believe that was the largest parade and largest crowd you have ever had over the eight years I have been coming.
Your chamber of commerce, police department and the many volunteers did a great job organizing the event and keeping everyone safe. I look forward to coming to each one of your homes Christmas Eve, and also look forward to seeing you at the parade next year!
Enjoy the holidays with family and friends!
Santa Claus
The North Pole

Lights, Displays, Holiday Parade Create Festive Atmosphere In Uptown Maumee
To the Editor:
A big thank you to all the people who donated their time and energy to create such a wonderful holiday atmosphere in Maumee.
Even people who do not live in Maumee have told me how much they enjoy driving through town looking at all the lights and decorations. The window displays at Wayne Street and Conant have gotten more lovely each year.
And the Holiday Light Parade was astounding. My personal favorite was Mater complete with moving eyes, buck teeth and a voice – just amazing. It is all very magical and makes me happy and proud to live in Maumee.
Nan Welty
Maumee

Claire’s Day Founders Grateful For Support Of Rivalry Run
To the Editor:
On behalf of the Claire’s Day, Inc., organization, we would like to thank the staff and students of Maumee and Perrysburg high schools for their dedication and hard work toward the successful Rivalry Run. We were delighted to be chosen as the recipient of the funds raised during the event, over $2,500, which is substantial for our minimal budget.
A special thank you to the student council representatives from both schools, who all agreed to support our organization, as they have all directly or indirectly benefited from the various literary experiences we offer to children throughout the area. Our gratitude also extends to the teachers who serve as the student council advisors for both schools: Alison Mackin and Heather Dansack for Maumee, and Kevin English and Steve Ricard for Perrysburg. In addition, the Maumee DECA students, led by Ann Hale, did an awesome job in securing sponsors and donors for the event.
Finally, thanks to all of the runners and walkers who joined the fun on Sunday, October 23 at Side Cut Metropark to vie for honors and to support a worthy cause. It was nice to see that although the students enjoy a friendly rivalry, they all came together to support our important mission: creating lifelong readers through Claire’s Day, in honor of our reader gone too soon.
Julie and Brad Rubini
Founders, Claire’s Day
Maumee