Our family has lived in Grand Island since 1973 and have seen lots of changes and watched the city grow and I am very proud to be a resident of Grand Island.

Although I do have three things that bother me: 1.) cold winters 2.) high taxes and 3.) too much litter.

Let's talk about No. 3. As you are driving in the city limits of Grand Island, take a look off to the side in the ditches and road sides. It disappoints me that there is so much litter that needs to be cleaned up to make this city a better place to live.

I do have a suggestion for this problem. Is there a reason why people who have made bad decisions and are appointed community service hours can't be out there cleaning up the litter?

We have a city to be proud of so let's get it cleaned up, so people entering Grand Island will appreciate a clean city and will want to live here. Grand Island has a lot to offer.

Shirley McVicker

1710 Bridle Lane

People urged to oppose fluoride

A recent article in The Grand Island Independent newspaper told about State Senator Joel Johnson, a retired physician, who introduced a bill that would direct all communities over 1,000 population to add fluoride to the water supply. The editor gave his support and explained his reasons. The editor along with the state senator need to become more informed about the issue or fluoridation. The largest study ever conducted on tooth decay in the United States was done prior to 1989. As reported in Chemical and Engineering News (Vol. 67 No. 19), the study clearly showed that with over 39,000 children in 84 cities, there was no significant difference in decay rates among the children drinking fluoridated water versus those who drank non-fluoridated water. This study was conducted by the National Institute of Dental Research and cost the U.S. taxpayers over $3 million. Fluoride causes mottled teeth for the children and can cause neurological damage. If this bill passes, big money will win again. To remove the fluoride from your drinking water you can use a reverse osmosis water purifier.

If you do not believe that fluoride is a deadly poison, you can use a computer and go to www.fluoridealert.org and check for yourself. As of April 5, 2008, over 1,600 professionals have signed a petition to stop fluoridation.

Please contact your state and federal representatives to stop poisoning the people.

Elmer Barrett

Tilden

Tips provided to prevent child abuse

April is Child Abuse Prevention month. Placing an emphasis on positive parenting is an important component to the prevention of child abuse. As a community it is essential that we support parents and families. As parents, we must strive to respect and nurture our children. The Early Development Network would like to share a few tips on how to be the best parent you can be:

* Give Unconditional Love - We all make mistakes. Help your child to use mistakes as opportunities to learn.

* Set Consistent Limits - Find positive ways to clearly state the rules. Children feel safe, loved and secure when they know what you expect.

* Listen Carefully - Look into children's eyes when they are talking to you. Ask children about their opinions and respond without judging.

* Be Involved - Do something that your child chooses, like reading a book, playing a game or coloring.

* Show Respect - Children learn from you. Are you showing kindness and respect to them?

Spending time playing with, listening to, and sharing experiences with your child is body language that says, "You are important, you are valued, you are worthy of my time.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your child's development, please call the Early Development Network office at 308-398-6547.

Kim Fogle, Services Coordinator

Early Development Network, 2116 W. Faidley Avenue