Stop the Spray
Middlefield is planning to spray poison all summer to kill mosquitos. In addition to killing insects, this poison will harm insect eating birds whose food source will be depleted.
Last fall, there was a large die-off of insect eating birds in the United States that starved to death. I would like to see Middlefield set up bat boxes to control mosquitos rather than spraying poison.
I also plan to do my part and request the village not spray in front of my property.
I ask you to consider if you appreciate swallows and lightning bugs when you consider whether to ask Middlefield to spray your property.
Scott Hatfield
Middlefield Village
Continue Vaccinating
The residents of Geauga County continue to step forward to be vaccinated against the scourge of COVID-19. Gradually, the population of the county has increased its percentage of once (and twice) vaccinated community members. Based on the state-provided numbers disclosed on Sunday, April 25, 2021, the percentage of the total population of this county (not just adults) has reached 44.13% (representing 41,323 individuals). Each day, the percentage and the number of vaccinated persons increases slightly.
Now that the opening surge of people desiring to be vaccinated has waned, access to the vaccine has actually become more readily available. The health departments, hospital systems and pharmacies that are participating in the program continue to be prepared to administer the vaccine and, at times, these providers have ready openings in their reservation schedules.
The days of long waits for appointment reservations to be confirmed have largely passed. It has been anecdotally reported that some locations even provide walk-in (non-reserved) vaccination opportunities.
In spite of the effectiveness of the vaccine, the increased number of doses available, the increased locations administering the shots, the apparent decrease in demand, and the ease in scheduling vaccine appointments, a number of people seem to be resistant to obtaining the vaccine. There are a myriad of reasons given for this reluctance or refusal, some of which have elements of validity, while others are not based on the facts or on reason.
Everyone who has not yet received their shot(s) should take this opportunity to reexamine their personal position on this matter. Consider the reason(s) that you have chosen not to be vaccinated to date. Is it based on the ready access to the providers of the vaccine, the availability of time, concerns over the efficacy of the vaccinations, a fear of shots, objections to vaccines in general, procrastination or some other thought process?
As you reconsider your vaccination status, please also consider the valid reasons for being vaccinated. While the starting consideration is your own personal protection, perhaps an equally important reason is the potential impact that a COVID-19 infection may have on the health and safety of your children and your parents. From the launching point of immediate family, your decision also reaches to the extended branches of your family, your closest friends, acquaintances, neighbors, co-workers, and the community at large. Your decision should not be based on “you” alone; responsibility reaches beyond the person and extends to the community.
Also consider that the higher the percentage of people vaccinated, the simpler it becomes for the government to lift restrictions that have been placed on life as we once knew it.
This appeal is not limited to the population that has reached the age of two score and five. It asks all younger adults, those 18 years and older, to reflect on their personal stake and role in this process. A special challenge is extended to older high school students, those in college, and those embarking on their first employments to strongly consider becoming vaccinated and to take the steps necessary to obtain your shots.
The bottom line is that any decision made concerning vaccinations is a personal choice. But all personal choices have ripple effects and they have consequences both positive and negative, not only to the person, but also their community.
Bill Jackson
City of Chardon
