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Letters to the Editor

Forum moderator offers explanation

This letter is in response to Brian Brookey’s letter [“Objects to council forum reporting,” Oct. 31], as well as recent articles in the Valley Sun about the CV Town Council’s Candidate Forum.

As the moderator of the forum, I did see and have the paper that Mr. Brookey submitted his question on, but I did not read the question in its entirety as it was almost two-thirds a page in length. While his justification for asking the question was omitted in the interest of time, what was read out loud was read exactly as written.

I must apologize for not fulfilling my role as the moderator. While I facilitated the forum by asking the questions presented, I did not manage the discussion or filter the content. This is only the second year that the Town Council has had a candidate forum, so it has been my personal recommendation that in future years, the Election Committee meet before the forum begins, to read, clarify and discuss questions as necessary, and that the moderator have the discretion to not read questions if (s)he chooses not to. — Cheryl Davis, C.V. Town Council Recording Secretary??

Commends drug article

My compliments to your paper for publishing this last Friday’s article, “Heroin use is on the rise.” This truly is a service to the community. I also want to reinforce the idea of how important it is that parents and children realize the devastating effects of drugs and how vital it is that parents take an active role in educating their children on the real facts about drugs.

I grew up in the Foothills of Pasadena; my father was a well respected doctor and I lived a comfortable life. I had four brothers. When my two older brothers were in their teens, they became addicted to heroin; the effects on themselves and the family were devastating. They hid the habit from my parents for years until they finally could no longer do so. Here are a few of the results of their habit:

*?They hocked almost everything of value my parents had given them (musical equipment, sports equipment, coin collections, etc.) so they could get their next fix.

*They couldn’t hold jobs for more than a few weeks at a time as they were too drugged or ill to work and their employers fired them.

*?They destroyed most of their relationships with others.

*?They stole money from my parents and consistently lied to them, betraying them at every turn.

*My oldest brother attended a two year junior college for five years but couldn’t maintain his grades (it was a two year college program).

*?They gave up on all of their goals in life and concentrated on getting high and buying more drugs.

My older brother Jim wound up getting in trouble with the law and committed suicide at age 24; the other died of cirrhosis of the liver a few years later.

It is possible the situation could have been entirely avoided had my parents educated us on the dangers of drugs.

I ensured my own children were well educated and armed with up-to-date facts on drugs so they could make correct and informed choices when approached by peers outside the family. If anyone out there is having trouble in this area, my e-mail address is tbadger2000@yahoo.com.

If I can save one parent from having to go through what my parents did with my brothers, then this letter will have been more than worth the time it took me to write it. My kids are not on drugs and more than likely never will be due to my efforts in educating them well. — Trissie Badger?

Glendale?

Exercise helps relieve stress

We’ve read and heard lately that our country’s current financial crisis is second only in severity to the Great Depression. Some are saying our financial crisis will not last more then six to nine months. Regardless, stress and anxiety is running high and personal health and well-being may be comprised. I’d like to remind individuals in this community that now, more than ever, it is important to take care of yourself. People who exercise on a regular basis should continue their regular routine and non-exercisers should start.

Empirical studies have shown over and over that exercise reduces stress — which takes its toll on us physically and emotionally. So, turn off the TV, put down the newspaper and go outside with your family for a 20-minute walk after dinner. Buy some goggles and swim a few laps or come to the gym to shoot some baskets.

You’ll be surprised by how relaxed you feel when you’re done. And you don’t have to join a health club, gym or boot camp program. You don’t have to take an organized class or lift weights. It’s about getting moving just 20 minutes a day and remembering that if you don’t take care of yourself and your body, no one else will.

As a charitable, nonprofit organization, the YMCA is a place for everyone (young and old alike) and seeks to ensure that inclusivity by being affordable to all. Financial aid for membership and programs are available to those who qualify, we would encourage you to contact our director of membership at either of our two branches.

Again, no matter where you do it, as Nike says, “Just Do It.” Exercise is such a wonderful gift to give yourself during such uncertain times. — Larry Hall, CEO & President, YMCA of the Foothills?