Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/10458
4A – Daily News – Friday, May 14, 2010 Opinion D NEWSAILY RED BLUFF TEHAMACOUNTY T H E V O I C E O F T E H A M A C O U N T Y S I N C E 1 8 8 5 Red-faced and loaded Greg Stevens, Publisher gstevens@redbluffdailynews.com Chip Thompson, Editor editor@redbluffdailynews.com Editorial policy The Daily News opinion is expressed in the editorial. The opinions expressed in columns, letters and cartoons are those of the authors and artists. Letter policy The Daily News welcomes let- ters from its readers on timely topics of public interest. All let- ters must be signed and pro- vide the writer’s home street address and home phone num- ber. Anonymous letters, open letters to others, pen names and petition-style letters will not be allowed. Letters should be typed and cannot exceed two double-spaced pages or 500 words. When several letters address the same issue, a cross section of those submit- ted will be considered for publi- cation. Letters will be edited. Letters are published at the discretion of the editor. Mission Statement We believe that a strong com- munity newspaper is essential to a strong community, creating citizens who are better informed and more involved. The Daily News will be the indispensible guide to life and living in Tehama County. We will be the premier provider of local news, information and advertising through our daily newspaper, online edition and other print and Internet vehi- cles. The Daily News will reflect and support the unique identities of Tehama County and its cities; record the history of its com- munities and their people and make a positive difference in the quality of life for the resi- dents and businesses of Tehama County. How to reach us Main office: 527-2151 Classified: 527-2151 Circulation: 527-2151 News tips: 527-2153 Sports: 527-2153 Obituaries: 527-2151 Photo: 527-2153 On the Web www.redbluffdailynews.com Fax Newsroom: 527-9251 Classified: 527-5774 Retail Adv.: 527-5774 Legal Adv.: 527-5774 Business Office: 527-3719 Address 545 Diamond Ave. Red Bluff, CA 96080, or P.O. Box 220 Red Bluff, CA 96080 Nothing to do with drinking in excess, rather a couple of events this week — one bad, one encour- aging. I found myself more than a little red-faced Tuesday morning when I spotted the head- line on the front page, “Red head to move on.” The story, of course, was about Corning Recre- ation Director Kimberly Beck’s Loaded? It’s election season and we’re overwhelmed with letters to the edi- tor. We’ll publish Chip Thompson 545 Diamond Ave. decision to return to school in light of her uncertain job status due to budget cuts. How to say that in words that fit in a headline? “Rec head to move on.” Miss Beck got an apolo- gy from me over the phone, but I wanted to make it clear to readers that the erroneous headline, which is quite inappropriate and would be even if Beck had red hair, meant no disrespect whatso- ever. I join you in wishing Beck all the best in the future and hoping Corning finds a way to salvage at least some of the excellent programs she put into action. as many as we can, and make sure those we don’t have room for get posted to redbluff- dailynews.com, where space is not an issue. Again, shorter letters and those specific to local topics will get preference. To make space for even more letters on this page, I’ll finish with a plug for Daily News columnist Pat Glea- son, who has published his first book — a compilation of his favorite weekly columns. Pat will be signing copies of “The Best of Simply Put” 7-9 tonight at E’s Locker Room on Lakeside Drive off Center Avenue and 2-3 p.m. Saturday at M&M Ranch House on Antelope Boule- vard. Chip Thompson can be reached at 527-2151, Ext. 112, or by e-mail at editor@redbluffdailynews.co m. Corning medical Editor: We want to thank Dr. Sutcliffe for drawing attention to the difference between a Doctorate in medicine and Doctorate in Psychology. The title should have read Dr. Wold wel- comes Sandra Bagwell Ph. D. FNP- C. I thought the public would be interested in what the American Medical Associ- ation has determined for the role of Family Nurse Practioner. FNP’s provide individual medical care, not only on health prob- lems but also on the effects of health problems on individuals and their families. They perform physical examina- tions, diagnose, treat acute health problems, diagnose, treat and moni- tor chronic diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure. They order, perform and interpret diagnostic studies such as lab work and x-rays. They prescribe medications and other treatments, provide prenatal care and family planning services, provide well-child care, including screening and immunizations, pro- vide health maintenance care for adults, including annual physicals, promote positive health behaviors and self-care skills through educa- tion and counseling. They collaborate with physicians and other health professionals as needed. Dr. Wold, former head of the board and chief of staff at Chico Community Hospital, is a well- respected physician who has prac- ticed medicine for more than 50 years, 28 of which have been in Corning. He will be collaborating with Dr. Bagwell, continuing to pro- vide patient care to the residents of southern Tehama County. Dr. Wold is retiring but says he Your Turn loves what he does so much that he wants to stay involved at some level. Corning Healthcare District is happy to be a part of this new team effort to help meet the health needs of Corn- ing and surrounding area. Shirley Fay, Corning Editor’s note: Shirley Fay is director of the Corning Healthcare District. No more deals Editor: I read in the paper yester- day where the DA accepted a deal from Joseph Verni, the man that set his girlfriend on fire. Why are we making deals like that? I understand that the woman and her family do not want to have to testify, but I truly believe the DA should have held out for much more. He is looking at 7 years to life, well, the thought of him getting anything less than 100 years is appalling. Greg this is an election year, this is a case you could have really won my vote on, but now I will be thinking twice about my vote. I want a DA that will fight to keep people like him off the streets a whole lot longer than 7 years. Tammy Smith, Red Bluff Residents should come to their census Editor: I might get in hot water for this, but I’m doing questionnaires for the Cen- sus Bureau. There are people in Red Bluff who are reluctant to do the ques- tionnaires. If you could let your readers know it’s not that big a deal. We have ID badges that only Census workers have. Any info we collect is confidential. Robert Baker, Red Bluff Your officials STATE ASSEMBLYMAN — Jim Nielsen (R), State Capitol Bldg., Room 4164 P.O. Box 942849, Sacramento 94249; (916) 319-2002; Fax (916) 319- 2102 STATE SENATOR — Sam Aanestad (R), State Capitol Bldg., Room 2054, Sacramen- to, CA 95814. (916) 651-4004; Fax (916) 445-7750 GOVERNOR — Arnold Schwarzenegger (R), State Capitol Bldg., Sacramento, CA 95814; (916) 445-2841; Fax (916) 558-3160; E-mail: gover- nor@governor.ca.gov. U.S. REPRESENTATIVE — Wally Herger (R), 2635 Forest Ave. Ste. 100, Chico, CA 95928; 893-8363. U.S.SENATORS — Dianne Feinstein (D), One Post Street, Suite 2450, San Francisco, CA 94104; (415) 393-0707. Fax (415) 393-0710. Barbara Boxer (D), 1700 Montgomery St., Suite 240, San Francisco, CA 94111; (415) 403-0100. Fax (202) 224- 0454. The lasting legacy of a true gentleman Commentary Every once in a while we encounter a truly honorable man, one that stands out among the rest. This person has qualities that many would love to possess – things like kindness, patience, and gentleness – but what sets him apart is his ability to main- tain his sense of integrity in the midst of crisis or confrontation. Sadly, Jim Curry died last week. He was a teacher at Red Bluff High School for over thir- ty years. To be sure, this is a sad moment for our community. However, my heart overflows with joy and pride because of what he meant not only to me, but many of us. I never saw Jim Curry get angry or upset. I never heard him utter a single negative word about anyone – ever. This is astounding to me. We live in a world of selfish people, those who, given the chance, would back stab and malign another in a moment. I know. I’ve done it myself. And I’ve seen other good people do it, too. People do bad things to us. We get angry and the first thing we do is start running our mouth, vowing either revenge or bearing false witness against them. Maybe we don’t mean to do it, but it’s just part of our nature. That’s what set Jim Curry apart from the rest of us. To my knowledge, he never took that bait; he never seized the moment to talk trash; he never set a chain of events in motion to harm somebody else. That’s why I marveled at him. That’s why I will always marvel at him. His character was of the true gentleman; his personality as genuine as the sunrise; his demeanor as soft and warm as a fall breeze. What I remember most, hav- ing worked with him for over ten years, was his ability to lis- ten. Most men with a higher intellect lack this capacity, mostly out of arrogance. Jim was a man of higher intelligence, but I don’t think there was ever a time when he didn’t really listen to me. As a stranger at a new high school twenty years ago, he made me feel at home. In a way, he was like a father figure. He was a wise man who possessed the ability to teach his young pupil. More importantly, he had the grace and humility to listen and consider new ideas from him as well. As smart and expe- rienced an educator as Jim Curry was, he was never above that. And he never, ever, looked down his nose at me. Over the years, I have come to realize just how important that was. This trait alone, in my opinion, is most lacking amongst edu- cators today. I’ll say it again: Jim Curry possessed the ability to honestly and respect- fully listen. How many of us can say that? always say. However, Curry’s real legacy to me will be the example he set as a father, husband, man, and gentleman. I’ve heard people speak Jim’s name and point their finger toward him this week saying, "That’s the way people ought to be." Pat Gleason Simply Put He empowered me as a young teacher, and encouraged me to keep my standards high, especially in regards to my stu- dents’ writing. "You’ve got to hold them accountable, Patrick," he would Michele Gunsauls wrote in an email, "He was just one of the best people I have ever known. He defi- nitely walked the walk of a kind and gentle man." Amen to that. Rest in peace, our good friend. We could use a few more good men Pat Gleason grew up in Los Angeles and has taught English at Red Bluff High School since 1990. He can be reached at phgleaso@rbuhsd.k12.ca.us. just like you in times like these. For the rest of us, have a great Friday. ———