Letters to the Editor 10-2-14

What about Mr. Duell?
Editor:   
I was pleased to see the front page article about the Art Department of our high school. I was sorry, however, that there was no mention of the very creative and respected art director, Ralph Duell. He exposes the students to all the various media techniques and genres of art.
The Cloverdale Performing Arts Center is pleased to exhibit the students’ art in its Long Hall Gallery for its patrons to enjoy.
Kay Wells, Cloverdale
Soroptimist ‘Live Your Dream Award’
Editor:   
Soroptimist International of Cloverdale is now accepting applications for the Live Your Dream Award. The Live Your Dream Award is Soroptimist International of the Americas’ major program.  Soroptimist International of Cloverdale is one of 1300 clubs that make up Soroptimist International of the Americas; a global organization that works to improve the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment.
A woman is eligible if she provides the primary financial support for herself and dependents, has financial need, is enrolled in or has been accepted to a vocational/skills training program or an undergraduate degree program, is motivated to succeed, and does not have a graduate degree. Soroptimist International of Cloverdale is offering a cash award that may be used to offset any costs associated with their efforts to attain higher education, including books, childcare and transportation.
If you know a woman who is eligible and would like to ‘live her dream,” please contact Cathy Mitchell for further information at Cm***********@ho*****.com.
Cathy Mitchell, Chair,
Soroptimist International of Cloverdale — “Best for Women”
Walking tour, anyone?
Editor:   
Are you a walker? If so, (or you want to be) and you want to make your walk interesting and informative, pick up a “Historic Cloverdale Downtown” walking tour brochure at the History Center. My walking partner and I took two days to complete the tour. Even though we consider ourselves to be “old-timers” in Cloverdale, we learned a great deal about our community. It’s fun, free and good for you!
Mary Jane Mittelstadt, Cloverdale
Erb’s Palsy Awareness Week
Editor:   
Our 2-year-old son was injured at birth. His injury is known as a Brachial Plexus Injury or “Erb’s Palsy” (ERB — the Doctor first to discover and PALSY — meaning paralysis). His arm is partially paralyzed impacting range of motion, sensation, bone growth and joint health. It is NOT a cognitive delay OR a birth defect — (two of the most common assumptions we face daily).
We are celebrating International Erb’s Palsy Awareness Week October 19-25. Please join California families in an effort to educate the public about infants injured at birth.
Brachial plexus injuries occur in 2-5 out of 1,000 births.  More children suffer from this injury than Down Syndrome or Muscular Dystrophy – yet information on this disability is not so readily obtained. Parents often struggle to find  information and adequate medical care. It is not uncommon for parents to report a delay in diagnosis following delivery due to the liability surrounding doctor caused injuries. Time is of the essence in treating this injury, immediate intervention is critical. A specialist must monitor the injury to optimize recovery and minimize residual effects.
This year families affected by this injury formed the first ever state wide support group in California, OBPI California.  For more information about prevention and treatment for this birth injury call the United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc. (866) 877-7004 or visit their website www.ubpn.org.
The Parks Family, Cloverdale
Supporting Joe Palla for city council
Editor:   
It is indeed a pleasure to write this letter of recommendation for Joe Palla, for re-election to the Cloverdale City Council. In way of background, I serve on the Crescent City Council, and served as President of the League Redwood Empire Division for 2013-2014. Last year, Joe served as President of Redwood Empire Division and did a great job in leading and strengthening the Division. He helped form the Legislative Committee three years ago, chairing the Committee ever since. In July 2012, Cloverdale hosted the quarterly meeting when Joe was President bringing in elected officials and staff from all over the Division to enjoy the art, culture, fine dining, and hotels of your city.
I have observed Joe in leadership positions as President of the Redwood Empire Division, Chair of the Legislative Committee, and as a Director on the League Board of Directors, and would describe him as organized, hardworking, energetic, and a professional and caring leader who truly believes in contributing to his community and the region.
It is with profound honor that this letter is sent urging voters to re-elect Joe Palla to the Cloverdale City Council.
Kathryn Murray, Crescent City