Letters to the Editor for Oct. 31

Jerry Giarraputo

Hood River

Superb care

The mission of Providence Health and Services is “As people of Providence, we reveal God’s love for all, especially the poor and vulnerable, through our compassionate service,” partnered by their vision to “Know me, care for me, and ease my way.” I’ve worked with and for many organizations, but have yet to be so profoundly impressed by the implementation of these lofty goals in actual and literal practice. My mother had the privilege of being cared for by the entire Providence family during her valiant fight against colon cancer. The care she received exemplified their mission and vision statements, and as a result her life was made better because of it. An eternal and sincere gratitude to the exceptional providers that truly eased our way during this battle and process. She loved the Providence team as her own family, and was grateful for all they did to help extend her life.

Special appreciation to Dr. Coffman (surgery clinic), Dr. Li and the entire Oncology/Infusion department, Dr. Vogt and the internal medicine team, all the emergency department and hospital staff, the Wound and Ostomy clinic, and Home Health/Palliative Care teams. They are amazing!

As a final capstone, I am also an employee of Providence. Not only do they exemplify their mission and value statement with those they treat and superbly care for, but also those whom they employ. It is an honor to work for them and I cannot express sufficiently the love I have for them and their support during this difficult time of loss.

With sincere love and gratitude, Jennifer and the entire family of Kayla H. Johnson.

Jennifer Adkins

Hood River

Asking explanation

Rep. Mark Johnson’s recent column, “New legislation gives support and certainty to victims of violence,” focuses on Domestic Violence Awareness month. He cites HB 2317, extending the statute of limitations for rape, and HB 525 to restrict firearms sales to domestic violence perpetrators, both welcome laws to increase protections for women.

It’s good to hear that Rep. Johnson supported these measures.

What Rep. Johnson does not mention are two other related laws which passed the legislature but which he voted against.

In the same 2015 session, Rep. Johnson voted against SB 941, which extended background checks for gun purchases. In the 2013 session, Rep. Johnson voted against protections for domestic workers.

Extended background checks for gun sales help us to know who is selling guns to whom, including private parties.

Domestic workers are often victims of sexual harassment, wage theft, intimidation, and rape. According to the Domestic Workers Alliance, 95 percent of domestic workers are women and 46 percent are immigrants.

Domestic workers are often paid below state minimum wage, lack union protection, and frequently work as “contract” or temp labor.

In his next column, perhaps Rep. Johnson can explain his reasoning for opposing measures to increase our safety and protect the rights of domestic workers.

Mark Reynolds

Hood River

Agrees

I strongly support the proposed Water Protection Measure. We need to protect our local resources. It is a dangerous presumption to assume we have enough water to spare, especially considering the drought we are undergoing. Let’s set a precedent of protecting Hood River County’s water supply and not allow it to be bottled and shipped out of Hood River County. I agree with Ms. del Val. This is not just about Nestlé but any other bottled water company as well!

Melody Shapiro

Hood River

Protect water

As a mom, nurse and aspiring farmer, I am so grateful for the enormous amount of work people are putting into the effort to keep Nestlé and others who want our water out of Hood River County. This summer Governor Brown added Hood River County to the list of Oregon counties in a formal drought. The effects of less snow pack and hotter temperatures are already being felt. We need to take a proactive stance and protect our water supply for our local uses, agriculture, our fish and locally made products.

Using our water to let people who do not live here drink out of disposable plastic bottles with a fancy label does not make sense, even if it did result in a few low-paying jobs. It is not worth putting a large number of existing jobs at risk if we started letting corporations run off with our water.

Heidi Jimenez

Hood River

Great groups

This past Friday, I was fortunate to enjoy the benefits of two of our community’s wonderful organizations: the Crag Rats and the Columbia Gorge Orchestra Association, a local cultural diamond of outstanding quality. These are just two of the excellent service and cultural organizations in our community.

In the morning, I was enjoying hiking at the 7,000 foot level on the north face of Mt. Hood, above Cloud Cap Inn, where Ron Kikel of the U.S. Forest Service shared photos from the late-1800s and information about the construction and development of the lodge, including its current management by the Crag Rats. Crag Rats are local mountaineering masters who perform invaluable search and rescue efforts on the mountain and in the Gorge, as well as extensive maintenance and upkeep on the Cloud Cap building under an agreement with the Forest Service started in the 1940s.

In the evening, I immensely enjoyed Beethoven’s 9th Symphony performed by the CGOA Sinfonietta, Voci Choir and guest soloists. The performance was outstanding, showcasing a talented, largely local and volunteer ensemble of musicians conducted by Mark Steighner. It was an inspired presentation of truly dedicated people.

There are many other volunteer organizations serving our community in varied ways: Columbia Center for the Arts, Hood River County Library Foundation, Adopt-A-Dog, Friends of the Library, Hood River Valley Residents Committee, and Friends of the Columbia Gorge. County residents support these and other organizations with both time and financial resources. Our community is enriched in so many different ways which benefit virtually all who live here. I invite everyone to add to this support, in your own way, with your own favorite organizations, to continue making this such a vibrant place to live, work, and play.

Crag Rats are maintaining over 125 years of Mt. Hood history and providing vital service to those enjoying our magnificent mountain and gorge resources. Mr. Steighner said after Friday’s performance it took 190 or so years for the first performance of Beethoven’s 9th in the Gorge. As a witness, I will testify it was worth the wait! Thank you to both the Crag Rats and CGOA. Please support our community organizations.

Dale Hill

Hood River

Will sign

I am so happy to have read Aurora del Val’s opinion post on Oct. 24. I have heard that signatures are being collected this week for the Water Protection Measure and I am proud to say I will be signing the petition. This will make a statement that Hood River County believes in the future of our water issues.

Margie Curtis

Cascade Locks