Regarding American Cancer Society’s Memorial Service....

Dear Editor,

Thanks very much to Effingham County for their support and good attendance of the Annual Community American Cancer Society Memorial Service held on November 12, 2006. It was a service of remembrance for 14 citizens from our area. 

Thanks to all who helped make the service successful. We appreciate the participation of Rev. Steve Taylor and Rev. Ron Johnson in this event.  Margaret Ford Edwards inspired us with her talk about cancer in her life.   Kylene Hartsfield, our ACS Community Manager, informed us of all that is going on now in the ACS organization.  A special musical selection was presented by Ingrid Hill.  Special thanks to Margie Sullivan and Sandra White who volunteered during the service. We are grateful to the Effingham County Board of Education and Mr. Randy Shearouse for the use of the auditorium. Carolyn Conaway arranged the site for the service and enhanced the event with her talents. 

Special thanks to Joann's Florist of Springfield for donating roses in paper for each of the families. We also enjoyed floral decorations provided by Gregory's Floral Designs and Gift Shop for our stage area. Patricia Greenway provided a lovely arrangement for the lobby. We thank this paper for your nice coverage of the event in your publication.

Thanks to all in our community for your support of the American Cancer Society.  Hopefully one day with more research, education, early detection and treatment, these services will no longer be necessary.  Please support our yearly fundraiser Relay for Life next spring.

Sincerely,

Susan Exley

American Cancer Society

Effingham County Memorial Chairperson

Regarding Bloomingdale’s Drainage Problem....

Dear Editor,

The canals and drainage ditches in Bloomingdale were dug in the 1930’s and 40’s and were maintained by convicts until the 1960’s.  Since then hundreds of houses have been built, canals and ditches have been covered or overgrown and convicts nor anyone else want to clean ditches and canals.  Therefore, a new drainage system is required.   

At the November 16th Bloomingdale Council meeting Mrs. Latrelle Kling gave a very eloquent and informative presentation regarding the drainage project. She had done her  homework and it was evident she opposed the proposed drainage canal. Throughout the meeting Mrs. Kling demeaned the Council emphasizing their lack of protocol.   

Since Mrs. Kling owns land in Bloomingdale and is not a resident, I question her motives for opposing the drainage canal. In the November 9th issue of [a different paper we refuse to name], the Ditch the Canal Committee proposes the old Central of Georgia Railroad be used for a Visitor’s Center, shops, restaurants and railroad museum, or a recreational venue with walking and bike trails. Also Ash Street could be used as a swimming pool when we get heavy rains.     

Unless Mrs. Kling has a better solution for the drainage problem, I believe Thomas and Hutton has my support for the proposed canal. 

Margaret Clark

Ash Street Resident