LETTERS TO THE EDITOR 6-21-12

Public art
Editor: The Edman Way Mural Project is under way, and it has been well worth the wait. Local artist Dana Vallarino is creating quite a bit of interest as she works daily to install the mural on the North High parking lot retaining wall. She began by sanding and preparing the wall, and in the past few days she has started painting some of the figures in the first section. Dana’s daily work has created quite a lot of interest from pedestrians passing through. Cie Cary, a local artist, has been making a video of Dana’s progress. It will take two months to complete the full mural, so take a look when shopping downtown. Ana posts a small display at the work site to show how the mural will look when completed, so her progress can be followed as she works. Visit Dana’s website at danavallarino.com, and view “murals” to see how this plain concrete wall will be transformed into a work of art. There are several places around the city that could be improved with murals, and I hope to see more in the future.
Kathleen Shaffer
Sebastopol Councilmember
‘Eco-Fogey’ responds
Editor: Dear Miss “Hometown Graton,”
Thank you for straightening out us “newcomers” and “eco-fogeys” and giving us the rules we need to get along in a small town. Yes — how dare we even suggest new ways of doing things here, when the “old guard” ways are working so well.
And should I apologize for encouraging our community to do all that we can to preserve the ecosystem that sustains us and all the other life forms here on earth? Oh gee … what was I thinking?
I have a suggestion for a fourth “commandment” for your list.
Avoid gossip and name-calling at all costs. I have found that they really don’t do much for neighborly relations. Gossip always has a way of getting back to the person gossiped about. It has a toxic way of influencing “the weave” of community relationships. Name calling just plain hurts.
Seriously, I think some of your ideas for getting along are quite valuable and I appreciate your willingness to broach this subject.
One last thing: Over the years I’ve been called many things: hippie, tree-hugger, freak, weirdo, humorless fundamentalist and much, much worse. But I must admit, “eco-fogey” is my absolute favorite.
Bless your heart.
Eco-Fogey and Proud,
Karin Lease
Graton
Important to us
Editor: Chances are the majority would agree food, shelter, safety, companionship, family and staying active in ourselves — our spirit, and our community — are most important to us.
The order varies, but these are our basic needs and concerns. Living at home with family when possible, interfacing within an upbeat, supportive, and creative environment, which fosters keeping our body and mind stimulated is crucial regardless or our ages or abilities. Staying active and feeling part of a community enhances our quality of life, proving to extend lifespans while considerably improving overall health.
These basic needs never really change; they only become more paramount as we age.
There is a tremendous need for older adults in the Sebastopol area to find this camaraderie. We’re very fortunate to have an amazing, remodeled, senior center which provides a wide spectrum of programs, activities, classes, and trips for older adults with varied interests and abilities.
On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, the Council on Aging offers programs for the more frail elderly at the Sebastopol Area Senior Center. It’s a fantastic opportunity for participants to develop new friendships, share histories, interests, dance to live music regularly from our very talented and generous community, participate in pet therapy, games, exercises, creative art projects, massages, etc., with always new and innovative activities, along with connecting to the community while having a great time and many chuckles.
“This place completely feeds and comforts our souls” is the collective sentiment.
The programs also give caregivers a well deserved respite. Without a doubt, this is the best deal in town. Presently, there are openings. A reasonable donation is all it takes and it includes a delicious lunch, every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call 829-2440 for more information.
Come join us.
Adriane Hatkoff
Sebastopol
Doesn’t get it
Editor: I can’t help but think there is something that I am just not “getting.” I don’t understand how it can be stated that the new downtown location of CVS and Chase Bank will bring in more tax dollars to Sebastopol, since these two entities already exist within the city limits. Not to mention that the relocation of these businesses could greatly impact the tax dollars currently being received by similar businesses within very close proximity to the new site. And, while the current vacated corner might be improved with the relocation of CVS and Chase, what about the vacant “eyesore” that will be created by moving these two businesses from their existing location in the Redwood Marketplace? Do we simply abandon the Redwood Marketplace where there is plenty of off-street parking?
I feel I am as much for progress in Sebastopol as anyone, I just don’t feel that a CVS and Chase move is beneficial to Sebastopol in any way — regardless of it’s design. Wouldn’t it be better to scrap the whole thing and wait for a new business or project to come along which will really benefit Sebastopol and be one that we can all get behind?
Deborah Perel
Sebastopol