Letters to the Editor 6-9-16

Valuable programs at our schools
Editor: During the 2015/2016 school year, I had the pleasure to present the G.R.E.A.T program to our sixth grade and third grade students. The D.A.R.E. program was presented to our fifth grade students. These programs stress various ways students can avoid gangs, violence, drugs and alcohol. During the past eight years, over 2,400 students have received instruction in these two outstanding programs resulting in the reduction in juvenile involvement with drugs and crime.
I would like to thank all the parents and teachers who were very supportive of the programs and who were always available to assist. I would also like to thank Steve Jorgensen, former Superintendent of Schools, Stefanie Schaeffer, Principal Washington Middle School, Carole Read, Principal Jefferson Elementary School and Stephen Cramer, Cloverdale Chief of Police for their continued commitment to the young people in our community.
I would also like to acknowledge the following organizations for their support and generous financial assistance. Without these wonderful organizations, these programs would not have been possible. Rotary Club of Cloverdale, American Legion, Post 293, Kiwanis Club of Cloverdale, CARE (Cloverdale Adds Resources for Education), Exchange Bank of Cloverdale, Lion’s Club of Cloverdale, Cloverdale Dispatcher’s Association and City of Cloverdale.
I am looking forward to the 2016-2017 school year when these valuable programs will again be available to our young students. Your continued support is appreciated.
The fifth grade students completed an essay documenting what they had learned in the 10-week D.A.R.E. 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 this one written by Caroline with you.
Officer Mac Baker
Cloverdale Police Department
Student essay: During the DARE program, I learned a lot of valuable life lessons. Some of which could help me and some could help other people like my closest friends.
One important thing I learned was that there are many harmful effects for kids who smoke or do drugs at an early age. Some of the facts were: since your body and your mind are still growing in your teenage years, drugs and alcohol can slow down your brain and body, and that could even lead to coma or death in serious cases. Also, smoking and inhaling the harmful chemicals in cigarettes can lead to heart disease, lung cancer and other respiratory problems.
Another important thing that I learned was that not very many teens start doing drugs, smoking, or drink alcohol. But the young teens that do start those bad habits have pretty much messed up their lives forever. If someone tries to get me or anyone else that I know to smoke or do drugs, I would absolutely say no if they try to convince me. And if one of my friends are thinking about saying yes, I would try to convince them into saying no and prevent them from ruining the rest of their lives.
In conclusion, doing drugs or smoking is not a good habit to build while you are young because you do not want to ruin the rest of your life.
Caroline, fifth grade
Finally back in Cloverdale
Editor: Cloverdale is such a great little town. After commuting to Ukiah for 25 years I am finally back working in Cloverdale, and thanks to Mary Jo Winter at Management Connections, I have found my dream job. Old timers may (or may not) remember me when I worked for Dr. Sayre many years ago. I am now working in the nursery at The Soil King Garden Center and look forward to reconnecting with my old friends. I hope to meet some new ones too. I look forward to Farmers Markets, Friday nights, the Tomato Fiesta, and all the other fun events this town has to offer. I’m back and happy to be here.
Sue Murphey
Cloverdale
Community Garden Oasis update
Editor: We want to thank those who generously donated to our call for help when $1,100 worth of solar equipment was stolen a few months ago. A special thanks to Ron Pavelka and North County Property Management, the Rotary Club, Cloverdale Nursery and the breakfast donations. We are starting on our rebuilding project next week and should be finished by July. Come and tour the garden any time
Mardi Grainger
Cloverdale