letters to the editor
CYCLISTS IN THE CITYIn reference to the article entitled, “Let’s not wait 10 years for traffic safety” in Our Town online (Sept. 4), a picture is worth a thousand words [photo]. Pay attention to what’s going on within two blocks of your office, Mr. Kallos. One of many cyclists going the wrong way on the First Avenue bike lane.
Linda Gail Garvin
Upper East Side
CLUB SCENEThank you for Douglas Feiden’s “Life and Loss in the Club Scene,” (August 16-22).
I almost certainly will join East River Democratic Club when my voting membership runs out with Four Freedoms Democratic Club at the end of 2018. East River absorbed a number of defectors from FFDC as well. It’s too early to be certain, but East River seems to have a very promising fresh energy.
I have been a member of FFDC, Lenox Hill and East Side Democratic Clubs over the last few years. You know me. I’m one of an army of senior citizens holding clipboards on street corners before and during election season. I pass out flyers as well.
Bette Davis said it best when she said, “They are either too young or too old.” Those of us who are active in local Democratic politics are supposed to hold to a more enlightened point of view, but alas, that is not always the case. If Lenox Hill Democratic Club follows an older standard, Four Freedoms is chuck full of millennials ready to pick up the cudgels for inexperienced youth. On-the-job training alone, however, doesn’t always prepare the uninitiated with the tools necessary for a stress filled political position.
Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, Lenox Hill Democratic Club and East River Democratic Club had the good sense to favor experience over youth, particularly in these uncertain times, when they endorsed Ruth C. Halberg.
Ruth is a vibrant State Committee Woman who has made many personal sacrifices to serve all of us who live, vote and yes, carry clipboards, on the upper east side. Ruth has been our State Committee Woman for many years and is re-upping for another term. She often takes young, unproven political fledglings under her wing to teach them first hand, the joys and pitfalls of a life of giving.
I’m happy to stuff envelopes, eat cold pizza and drink warm soda with Ruth, any and every election season. Why? I learn something new every time I talk to her. I’m sure you would as well.
Peggy O’Reilly
Upper East Side
ON ELDER ORPHANS I am writing to applaud and encourage more articles on elder orphans as Bette Dewing has currently been covering (“A Few Words About Taking Care,” Aug. 16-22). I think this is an extremely important subject. I am an elder orphan due to the fact that I have no children and many of my friends and family members are as well. It seems the elderly get no respect in this country and are considered a burden. We need to educate the population and bring this subject front and center.
I have been reading Our Town for many years and Ms. Dewing’s column was one that always caught my attention. I love her writing style and she has always addressed events and subjects that need attention.
Patricia A. Banks
Upper East Side