Showing so much poise

As a student teacher at Wenatchee High School, recently I had the privilege of listening to 13 WHS young ladies share about themselves for their Apple Blossom speeches. Having been in the Top Ten myself, I know how nerve wracking it is to stand ready to deliver a speech to thousands of people.

I must tell you, the speeches were excellent. I am glad the student body had a chance to witness their peers in such a feat of confidence. Every young lady was poised and represented Wenatchee well. If anyone knows the students who delivered speeches at Wenatchee and at Eastmont, please give them a pat on the back. Whether or not they made the Top Ten, they deserve commendation for what they each accomplished.

Rebecca Carter

Wenatchee

Won’t change anything

Of course more gun laws won’t stop a determined psychopathic killer (The Wenatchee World, Jan 12). It is already illegal to hurt, maim, threaten or kill someone. Making a new set of rules to say it is illegal to do it with this or that object won’t change anything.

If we want to reduce violence and aggression in our cities, we need to deal with the root of the problem. Whether it be helping vulnerable youths stay away from drugs and gangs or providing shelter for abused spouses, anything would be more useful then another book full of gun laws.

Kudos to Sheriff Mike Harum for stating the obvious!

Michel Trahan

Verdun, Quebec

Criminals, not guns

Dear Chelan County Sheriff Mike Harum,

I wanted to take a moment to say thank you. Myself and others in the firearms community are very impressed with your common sense, and level-headed approach to the issue of gun laws in the state of Washington.

We all share the loss the law enforcement community feels when an officer is lost in the line of duty, but as you made mention in The Wenatchee World Jan. 12, new gun laws that are being looked at would not have saved any of the officers.

Olympia needs to focus on the individuals who do these evil deeds. A firearm has no potential to commit an act of violent crime without the criminal behind it.

It is nice to see that there are a few elected officials who still represent the good people here in North Central Washington.

Thanks again for your service to the community.

John Simmer

Cashmere

Review your investments

It was 40 years ago a veteran Wenatchee broadcaster took a chance on a 17-year-old high school senior with an interest in current events. The broadcaster was Jim Wallace Sr. The would-be journalist was me.

Mr. Wallace didn’t know me from the man in the moon but he gave me the opportunity to hitch my wagon to the stars. I learned how to give station IDs and weather forecasts on the air, read wire copy “live” and research local news stories and do interviews.

Little did Mr. Wallace know how his actions would inspire in me a lifelong love affair with the news. I am a news junkie. I write a weekly blog on current events and have written two books of commentaries on current events. It all can be traced back to someone who believed in me as a senior in high school.

As I approach my 40th high school anniversary this summer, I’m reflecting on other adults who invested in my life. There was Valerie Valaas, Marilyn Hauck, Gene Huber, Ron Jones, Don Kay, Anita Marson, Walt Goehner and Bob Sumbardo. As I look back, I am also looking forward into my bathroom mirror. The face that looks back at me is challenging me to do for others what others did for me years ago. And what they did accounts for who I am today. My desire is to take stock in the younger people in my sphere of influence and ask God for his help so that I might deposit hope in their lives (like Mr. Wallace did in mine).

I’d encourage you to join me in taking a fresh look at our investment portfolio of people and then review how and in whom we are investing.

Greg Asimakoupoulos

Mercer Island

Courage in public

Regarding “A new leash on a stressed life,” the story of a soldier with stress disorder who finds relief in service dog (The Wenatchee World, Jan. 13):

I hope everyone reading this article stops to consider the special kind of courage it takes to go public with a mental health issue like post-traumatic stress disorder, PTSD. Chris Goehner is a friend of mine and I’m glad the community is learning more about his dedication to issues relating to veterans and mental health.

This month, Chris and a co-teacher are teaching a 12-hour course in Wenatchee called Mental Health First Aid. This international program is open to all and teaches crisis response skills when mental health or substance abuse may be a factor in a person’s behavior. What better way to help improve the way we treat people in our community, especially those who have mental health issues, than to get educated? For more information or to register call Emily at 860-6200 or e-mail to trailponies@gmail.com.

Charlene Woodward

Wenatchee

All letters must include the author’s signature, address and telephone number. There is a 300-word limit, and all letters are subject to editing.

Only one letter per author will be published each 30 days.

Send letters to The Safety Valve, Box 1511, Wenatchee, WA 98807.

Fax letters to 665-1183, e-mail to Newsroom@wenworld.com, or use the form at www.wenatcheeworld.com.