Letters

Aug. 22, 2010

Living hell
I need to thank Anne Stanton for her
exceptional reporting of the case of Joni Holbrook (8/16). The article
is excellent, important journalism. Anne’s accurate, thorough
account detailing the living hell that Joni endured throughout her
entire marriage to Benzie cop Paul Holbrook is important for people to
grasp.
There is a majority of people who know her actions were totally
justified, being her only escape from a life of torture at the hands
of a monster.
However, not surprising I guess, is the lack of support from his
fellow police who had to have had at least a clue as to the dark side
of this Jekyll and Hyde personality. Like, did they not question
Holbrook’s order to ‘check’ on her frequently? Further, I’m
incredulous at the comments and denial of Holbrook’s relatives; a
clear example of blame the victim. Denial is definitely a way of
protecting oneself from a horrible truth.
I wish peace and healing for all
involved.

Sally MacFarlane-Neal • via email

More kudos to Anne
Thank you for Anne Stanton’s excellent feature story on Joni Holbrook
(8/16). I was amazed at some of the details in the story and
therefore, read it twice. I also thought your feature about Ann
Avery-Miller was intriguing too. I am originally from Elk Rapids, so
some of the people mentioned in your story drew my attention.
Thank you for keeping the readers informed. And keep up the good work.

April Putman • Elk Rapids
A toast...
Thank you for publishing information about the Wine Rack (GearBox,
8/2). I never knew this existed and think it’s a great idea all
around! They could make PTA meetings far more interesting.

Vita K. Morse • TC

Peoples‘ university
Anne Stanton’s article “Happiness U” (8/9/10) hit the expensive high
points of applying to and entering college. She failed to mention an
invaluable state resource (one that has been on the chopping block
these past months) Michigan e Library, or MeL.org.
This collection of databases, net books, testing materials
http://0-www.learnatest.com.elibrary.mel.org/LEL/index.cfm/learningCenter/collegePreparation,
and vetted websites is a free resource for anyone who lives in the
State of Michigan, either by IP verification from home or with a
driver’s license or state ID. All of these resources are also
available online and in print form at local libraries. For free.
Please do not discount a resource because it costs nothing for the
public to use it. Public libraries and the resources provided therein
are the people’s university.

Virginia Roberts, Director, Suttons Bay Bingham District Library