Letters to the Editor 10-10-13

Changing the world $2 at a time
Editor:   
Citizens of Cloverdale, I ask you to think about the following questions. Have you ever wasted $2? Maybe it was on a toy that broke a few minutes after you bought it? Or a cheap gag from a dollar store? What if I told you that those same $2 could be used to save two lives? What if I told you that millions of people are plagued by maternal and neonatal tetanus? What if I told you that $2 could save people from excruciating pain?
Kiwanis International and UNICEF have joined forces to eliminate maternal and neonatal tetanus worldwide through “The Eliminate Project.” This disease affects women and children, mainly in third world countries, who don’t have access to proper medical care and sanitary birthing conditions. The symptoms that come along with MNT are horrendous; extreme sensitivity to light and touch, along with painful convulsions that rack the body.  Imagine not being able to hold or comfort your newborn, to watch the child suffer, and then pass on. To completely eliminate MNT from the Earth, more than 100 million mothers and their future babies need to be vaccinated. The good news is it can easily be prevented with a series of three shots. The total cost of these shots is $1.80. It’s going to take $110 million to eliminate this disease when all is said and done, but UNICEF and the members of the Kiwanis family are working hard to get the job done.
With that being said, the Cloverdale Key Club is putting on a few Halloween themed events, fundraising for the cause this upcoming month, and we would love for the community to participate in them. We’re putting UNICEF boxes out in all the classrooms of CHS and in local businesses for a period of 20 days to see just how many lives we can save. Remember, if you can see your way to putting $2 into one of those collection boxes, you will have saved at least 2 lives!
We’re also holding a pumpkin carving contest. For this event we could really use the backing of the community; some donated or discounted pumpkins would be greatly appreciated. If you have pumpkins you could share with us, please contact our advisor, Mrs. Sue Cummins at (707) 894-5467.
Our Pumpkin Carving contest will be open to the public. On Oct. 18, in the CHS East Gym, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., we will either accept pre-carved pumpkins, or provide pumpkins for people to carve, on-the-spot. Everyone is welcome, and you can bring a pumpkin already carved if you don’t wish to stay the course of the evening. These pumpkins will then be displayed at the Kiwanis Harvest Marathon on Oct. 20. People attending the Marathon will be able to vote on their favorite design by placing a donation in a UNICEF collection box that will be placed next to the pumpkin.  The top three “winning” pumpkins, with the most money donated to The Eliminate Project, will win a small thank you prize, provided by Key Club! Anyone interested in carving a pumpkin for the contest should contact Sue Cummins, our Kiwanis advisor, at the (707) 894-5467 number. Please tell her if you need Key Club to provide you with a pumpkin on the carving night, so that she can have one available for your creative pleasure! Also, after the pumpkins are used for the contest on the 20th, they can be returned to you for display in your own home. It’s a win/win situation. You have fun carving a pumpkin, get recognized for the great job you did, and save the lives of women and children through the donations made during the voting process.
One of the greatest things about the Eliminate Project is that most of the proceeds go directly to the cause; it’s funneled through Kiwanis International, rather than UNICEF, so little money is used for administrative costs. The Eliminate Project is absolutely fantastic and with the help of the Cloverdale community, I know great things will happen. Let’s start saving lives, one donation at a time.        
Maggie Duran, Cloverdale High School Key Club President
Thanks Cloverdale
Editor:   
Our food drive for northern Sonoma county this past Saturday was a great success, especially for a first time for Cloverdale.  Amanda Wood, director of food drives for Food For Thought said that we took in 205 items of food valued at $830 and cash donations of $606.25. Workers from United Church of Cloverdale and the two people helping with it, Ron Brockman and myself are also pleased with the continuing support of Cloverdalians. Thanks to Ray’s for their support.
Jerry Huot, Cloverdale
Thoughts on great jazz in Cloverdale
Editor:   
On Sunday I had the pleasure of listening to Great Jazz at the Cloverdale Performing Arts Theater.
I was happily reminded of the joys of many years ago when Jazz Greats were accessible in the clubs and small theaters in San Francisco. The Hungri I, The Jazz Workshop, The Purple Onion, Cal Tjader’s Club down on Polk Street.
“Charged Particles,” a trio of truly talented and professional guys put on a terrific show.
The group consists of Murray Low, a veteran pianist and keyboard artist; Murray, a Grammy nominee, also teaches jazz piano at Stanford University.
Jon Krosnik was truly “Charged” on drums, and accompanying tympanic instruments. Jon also introduced and told the history of the group as well as announcing the pieces to be played. Aaron Germain, on acoustic bass and electric bass instruments has traveled the world and puts out sensual sound with gusto. All of the trio compose music as well as performing all over the US and other parts of the globe. (See their website : chargedparticles.com).
They were wonderful and the afternoon so special. Thanks to the Cloverdale Arts Alliance and the Cloverdale Performing Arts Theater!
Susanne Imhaus, Cloverdale
A light in the darkness
Editor:   
The current dangerous situation created by the Republicans in Washington has prompted a positive response here in Cloverdale by good neighbor Redwood Credit Union. We have just seen their announcement that, during this false crisis, the Credit Union will offer several means for people Affected to get temporary financial help. Other financial institutions are probably helping. Let’s hope no one here needs that help but thanks anyway for making it available.
Jerry and Nora Webster, Cloverdale