Readers share their views
Humane Society moving on
To the editor:
We would like to let our supporters, as well as the general public, know that we are truly sorry about the negative publicity that the Houlton Humane Society has received of late. We ask that you keep in mind that there are two sides to every story. We have chosen to take the high road and not make public our side of the story.
Although it is true that we lost two longstanding board members as a result of some of these issues, a number of people came forward and offered their support and assistance. Three of these people were recently elected to serve on the board. We feel that we now have, along with our hard-working and dedicated staff, a cohesive group that can move forward as a true team for the betterment of the organization.
We want to put the negativity behind us so we can focus on the true purpose of the Humane Society, which is to give relief and comfort to lost, strayed, neglected, or abandoned animals.
Everyone has an open invitation to visit and tour the shelter during our business hours, Tuesday through Saturday, from 11-4. We would love to meet you.
Houlton Humane Society Board of Directors
Ramona Conrad
Monica Gray
Melanie Greaves
Laura Marley
Heather Miller
Barbara Murray
Nancy Waldron
Taking care of carriers
To the editor:
Crisp days, cooler nights — who doesn’t love fall? But taking a fall – that’s a different issue.
Leaves in an array of colors add a blanket of pre-winter beauty to the New England landscape. But what lies beneath those leaves can be treacherous. Holes, hoses, branches and toys can be camouflaged trip hazards around your home, and wet leaves can be as slippery as ice. That puts any visitor to your residence, including letter carriers, at risk.
You can help protect visitors to your home by removing debris and leaves and promptly repairing broken stairs or walkways. Please keep your entryway free of items that can become hidden hazards and make sure your downspouts are clear and direct water away from walkways.
To safely deliver, carriers need a clear path to your mailbox. Overhanging branches or leaf piles at boxes should be removed. Boxes that are improperly mounted, rusted or won’t close securely should be replaced and house numbers on boxes should be visible. This is the time of year to address any mailbox issues before the snow falls.
With Daylight Savings time it will be getting dark earlier. Leaving a light on to illuminate any outdoor hazards will help your carrier to safely deliver your mail.
As we approach the holiday season, thank you for your cooperation keeping your property safe while our letter carriers continue to provide the First Class service you’ve come to expect.
John Godlewski
District Manager
Customer Service and Sales
U.S. Postal Service
Increase colorectal cancer screening
To the editor:
Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second most common cause of cancer deaths in the country. This year alone, an estimated 137,000 people will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer, and nearly 50,000 will die from the disease. Compounding the tragedy is the fact that colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer.
Half of colorectal cancer deaths could be prevented each year if every individual over the age of 50 received recommended colon cancer screening. Unfortunately, many people are deterred from getting screened by co-pays and other patient costs. The new health care law waives co-pays for people with private insurance, but a loophole that still exists leaves seniors unfairly exposed. Currently, Medicare recipients aren’t ensured the same protections as individuals on private plans, and if a polyp is discovered and removed during their routine colonoscopy, they could wake up to a substantial bill.
Recently, I traveled to Washington, D.C., to ask Sen. Bruce Poliquin to support legislation that would remove this barrier faced by Medicare recipients. Colon cancer is preventable. Our lawmakers have a responsibility to make getting a colonoscopy just as easy for seniors as it is for others. In doing so, they could potentially save thousands of lives, reduce suffering and reduce cancer costs in Medicare.
I thank Sen. Susan Collins for her support, and hope that other lawmakers will follow her example and endorse this lifesaving bill. I know our conversation made a difference in the halls of Congress, and I encourage you to add your voice. Visit www.acscan.org to be connected to people like me in your community.
Karin Howe, volunteer
American Cancer Society
Cancer Action Network
Wade
