Font Resize
How about keeping
it natural?
Editor of the Reformer:
I wanted to throw out a possible consideration based on articles that appeared in the Monday and Tuesday Reformers: The first article addressed the work of the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department’s attempts to restore the loss of New England Cottontail habitat due to human development of land and natural forest growth over the last 50 years. One area the department is focusing on, is timber harvesting in late-stage forests in order to encourage the younger forest habitat needed by the cottontail. No doubt, there are many impacts that need to be considered.
In the Tuesday edition there was an article by Alex Wilson regarding the negative impact of our green lawns. Intense water use, chemicals and alteration of the natural landscape all contribute to why shrinking our lawns would be beneficial.
I would like to propose that we start thinking about how our personal landscapes can help support such species as the New England Cottontail as well as many other creatures we share this planet with. What better way to feed the birds and rabbits than to plant the foods they eat? Then, instead of listening to the roar of the mower, we’ll have more time to relax to the sweet sound of bird song.
Kathy Thatcher,
Chesterfield, N.H., June 19
No Fairness for Shela
Editor of the Reformer:
I’ve
Shela Linton advocated for hundreds of individuals and families; people who had no resources, no knowledge of the system, what to do, where to go and sometimes why something happened.
Let’s think about the name of the organization: I thought it meant it gave the people a little power, dignity and knowledge of their rights and what was fair. The truth of justice was being served and it was because of Shela, who put all her heart and soul into the people she advocated for and believed in. She still continues to advocate for some of these individuals and families.
Shela walked into work one day and the Partnership’s board eliminated her position that same day with no notice whatsoever.
I don’t feel the board struggled with the decision to fold up this service because of the profound effect it has had on empowering individuals.
So who was treated unfairly?
Shela Linton and her family?
When I think about the Vermont Partnership, there was no fairness, diversity or social justice for Shela, her family or her clients.
Shela, you go girl, there’s a brighter and happier horizon waiting for you.
Lynn Akey,
Brattleboro, June 20
More support for Shela
Editor of the Reformer:
Vermont Partnership for Fairness and Diversity is not living up to its name.
I am very concerned when an organization with "Fairness" in its name lets one of its employees go without giving any notice, with the explanation that they are terminating the advocacy program. Shela Linton has been working with VPFD for more than eight years and has an excellent reputation in the community for the advocacy work that she does: Supporting people on tight budgets who are fighting legal cases, among many other things.
She has provided a vital service for the community, and was in the middle of helping dozens with their cases, when she was terminated from her position abruptly and without a fair warning or dismissal. She arrived at work one Friday morning in March, was terminated, and was given until 3 p.m. that day to pack up her office. She was not allowed to even call her caseload to let them know about her termination, in fact, two months later many of her clients still do not know that she doesn’t work there and haven’t been able to retrieve their files that VPFD is holding. If they were really ending that program wouldn’t they have given her time to wrap up her work?
Not fair, not just, and such a huge disappointment for an organization that is supposed to be working towards fairness in our town and state. If we really are going to create a fair and just world, one of the best places to start is with how employees are treated, and how clients are treated. The absence of the advocacy program leaves a huge hole in services needed in this community. And I wonder if the injustice done to Shela Linton can ever be repaired. Can such a wrong be righted?
Angela Berkfield,
Williamsville, May 24
Former property owner weighs in
Editor of the Reformer:
I was most interested to read in this paper that the property we sold to Amy Pritcher and John Sprung was condemned ("Couple begins renovation of two historic buildings," May 12). That’s the first I had heard of it.
My sister and I had owned that property for more than 20 years and at no time had we ever heard that. I have served on the board of health and board of selectmen, both boards that can issue notice of condemnation, but we never heard from either of those boards. A problem did develop on the property last winter with the septic system but as soon as we were made aware of it we sent a qualified man to investigate and cure the problem. He contacted a local contractor to dig the system up so we could correct the problem, but things don’t happen as fast in the winter as they do in the summer so it took a spell before it was done. However after the system was dug up it was determined that the old septic tank had collapsed and accordingly we installed a new tank -- problem solved. That tank should last at least 50 years.
I find it interesting that while talking with them they informed me that it was going to take at least $50,000 to repair the septic system which we had just repaired and that would take all the money they had. According to their statement in the paper, they are thinking of restoring that old garage which I planned to hire Jeff Brown with his big machine to crush and burn.
Well, I guess they are having fun with the property and I wish them well.
Ernest B. LaPlante,
Greenfield, Mass., June 18
Remembering Anne Frank
Editor of the Reformer:
This is a brief letter to let readers of the Reformer know that Tuesday, June 12, marked the birthday of Anne Frank, who, as we know, was murdered by the Nazis during World War II.
She was one of six million Jews, five million non-Jews, as well as a quarter million homosexuals. I once asked a cousin of mine what would have happened of Hitler had won. Her answer was direct and simple: "Then you wouldn’t be here!"
I urge readers to read the book "While Six Million Died." The author contends that the saving of the Lipizzaner Stallions made the difference between this and the death of Anne Frank.
May these deeds never happen again.
Lou Waronker,
Brattleboro, June 12
