The final performance of "Cabaret" took place Sunday at the newly renovated Olympic Theatre Arts theater before a packed house. This was a great achievement requiring extensive fundraising and the efforts of a small army of volunteers.
The theater is beautiful and comfortable, with perfect acoustics and lighting, and the performances were outstanding. It was as good as any big-city professional company and thoroughly entertaining.
OTA is to be congratulated for giving Sequim a real jewel to be proud of.
Barbara Jepson
Sequim
'Rare' diseases impact everyone
I am writing to alert your readers to a special day. On Sunday, Feb. 28, millions of people around the world will observe the third annual Rare Disease Day.
There will be activities across the U.S., throughout Europe, in Canada, in Australia, in China and elsewhere to focus attention on rare diseases as a public health issue.
In the U.S., a disease is considered rare if it affects fewer than 200,000 people. Some rare diseases, such as Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS) are well known to the public. However, many others - like chronic intracranial hypertension (IH) - are not.
I was diagnosed with IH 20 years ago. Since then I have had 57 spinal taps and 22 surgeries, which resulted in my inability to work any longer. You can imagine the loneliness of having a disease that most people have never heard of, that has no cure and limited treatment options, and that few medical researchers are even studying.
Many rare diseases are serious and/or chronic. Many are life-threatening. Even so, people with rare diseases often have trouble accessing the medical or other services they need because those making the decisions are not familiar with their diseases.
Nearly 30 million Americans (about 1 in 10) have rare diseases. All of us know someone with a rare disease. I encourage your readers to visit the U.S. Rare Disease Day Web site (www.rare
diseaseday.us) on or before Feb. 28 to read about Rare Disease Day and to visit the Intracranial Hypertension Research Foundation (www.ihrfoundation.org) to learn more about chronic IH.
Maribeth S. Kelly
Sequim
Schools, not bombs
I was given a book to read entitled "Three Cups of Tea," which is about one man's commitment to building schoolhouses in Pakistan and Afghanistan.
It started when he wanted to do something for those who helped him recover his health while in Pakistan, so he promised to build a schoolhouse in their small, remote community. This was quite an undertaking because he had no money, no constructions skills and was living in his old car.
He got it done with unbelievable persistence and determination in a very hostile area. He has build at least 55 schools so far.
The results are the education of both boys and girls, making many friends for himself and the United States wherever a school
is built. He also spoke to
our policymakers to stop
the bombing that was
killing children and their parents.
The cost of material for a school is only about $12,000. The labor comes from the local men. I am so impressed, I am sending a small monthly donation to help him, Greg Mortenson, continue his important work.
I hope you readers will join me in this great cause.
For more information, type on your computer: "Greg Mortenson." Or you may send a donation to: Central Asia Institute, P.O. Box 7209, Bozeman, MT 59771.
Norman Melos
Sequim
Money from my pocket
The SunLand issue has gone on too long; common sense should have prevailed long ago.
What is the bond issue regarding the golf club? The residents deserve better; we don't need the upset and bad feelings that go with this issue.
I see a conflict of interest with both parties. If the Homeowners Association in SunLand did not have a conflict of interest, why are they dragging their feet? Each time they consult an attorney, it's money out of my pocket.
Please read a copy of Robert's Rules of Order; it's not rocket science.
Mad as heck: That's right, I do not support the golf club. I have to live on a fixed income.
Desmond S. Wright
Sequim
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