Letters to the Editor 2-18-16

Saturdays at CPAC
Editor: Every other month, beginning Feb. 20, there’s an “Open Mic” night at Cloverdale Performing Arts Center from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. I thought this meant karaoke, and I wasn’t interested – but not. It’s a chance for anyone who has a talent and wants to showcase it on a stage to do so. The theater has hosted comedians, poets, singers and bands – beginners to seasoned pros – all are welcome. The only restriction is that it must be family-friendly. Last year there was a fellow from South Korea here visiting friends who took the stage and charmed the audience with his hilarious comedy act.
Open Mic Night is the brainchild of CPAC’s young and talented Artistic Director Yave Guzman. “It’s difficult for talented people to find a venue to perform – at least a venue with a stage, where the audience isn’t eating their dinner while you’re performing,” says Yave. “So here’s an opportunity to get some experience doing that. We’ve had as few as nine and as many as 20 performers in an evening. It all depends on who shows up.”
If you want to perform, you’ll need to call Yave by the Thursday preceding the show date. Call 508-8339. If you want to join the fun in the audience, just show up. Dates set thus far are, Feb. 20, April 23 and June 18, all Saturdays. The doors open at 6 p.m. and the show starts promptly at 6:30 p.m. And it’s free, to both performers and audience. (Although donations are always appreciated, of course.) Now that’s “Genuinely Cloverdale.”
Ginny Carroll
Cloverdale
GREAT program
Editor: During the spring semester of the 2015 school year, I again had the pleasure to present the GREAT (Gang Resistance Education And Training) program to our sixth grade students at Washington Middle School. This program stresses various ways students can avoid gangs, violence and drugs, which could eventually destroy their lives.
I would like to thank all the parents and teachers who were very supportive of the program and who were always available to assist. I would also like to thank Steve Jorgensen, Superintendent of Schools and Stefanie Schaeffer, Principal of Washington Middle School and Chief Stephen Cramer, Cloverdale Chief of Police for their continued commitment to the young people of our community. I would also like to acknowledge the following organizations for their support and generous financial assistance. Without these wonderful organizations, this program would not have been possible: American Legion, Post 293; Kiwanis Club of Cloverdale; Lion’s Club of Cloverdale; Cloverdale Dispatcher’s Association and the City of Cloverdale.
The sixth grade students completed an essay documenting what they had learned in the 12 week GREAT program and how the information they received could help them and others in the future. Choosing the best essay was extremely difficult and I’m pleased to share these with you.
Mac Baker, School Resource Officer
Cloverdale
Editor: The GREAT program is a program that teaches students about gang awareness. Officer Baker teaches the program. He teaches us about dangerous things that we should avoid. For example, we should avoid gangs because they could lead to lots of trouble. The GREAT program is something that can keep us from a bad future. The GREAT program taught me many things but mainly not to be afraid to tell them no. If a person tries to talk me into a dangerous situation, I am not afraid to tell them no. There are bad things that I could run into but from the GREAT program I know to say no. “No” seems like a simple word, but that word can keep anyone from harm and trouble. That’s one lesson learned in the GREAT program. The GREAT program will affect my future because of the lessons I learned. I think that from learning to stay away from gangs and crime is very helpful to my future. If I keep away from bad things in my life, I will most likely be more successful. The GREAT program has lessons that everyone should know. And that is how the GREAT program affected me and my life.
Summer, sixth grade
Editor: OK, first I am going to tell you what the GREAT program is. So, basically, Officer Baker goes to our school (Washington School). He teaches us the right and wrong things. So do you get the hang of it? What I learned about the GREAT program is that, gangs are really, really dangerous because they can force you to do stuff like smoke, take drugs, etc. I don’t think you or I want to be in a gang and they can also cause lots of trouble so just … just don’t be a part of a gang, please, because if you do then your future is in trouble.
Emily, sixth grade