When I read about COVID-19 patients having to deal with loss of senses, I wonder which of my senses is most essential.
As often as possible, I walk or hike or cross country ski in the natural world. I recently walked for about 90 minutes on the Rail Trail, listening to the sounds of birds, breathing deeply in appreciation of the earthy smells of fall decomposition, gazing in admiration at both bright and muted fall colors, and even touching the bark of an occasional tree, just to say “Hi.”
Something new and equally admirable, yet man-made, adorned one side of the trail. At well-planned intervals, a local artist had hung a series of paintings, each a loving tribute to autumn. I love how the artist’s generosity both adds beauty to the landscape and highlights the fact that we are all connected to this outdoor world.
Each of our senses helps us to see what is real and important and essential in life. I am grateful for all of them.
JUDY McCARTHY
Lebanon
AVA Gallery and Art Center currently features an exhibition by eight Upper Valley painters belonging to an artist’s critique group. Titled “8xOne — What You See is What You Get,” the exhibit will be on display at 11 Bank St., in Lebanon, through Nov. 12.
Each artist has a distinct personal mode of expression that, over the years, has been encouraged by the group’s monthly meetings at AVA to review and discuss recent work.
The artists do not share a style, yet — as a result of their discussions — they are all open to different approaches that from time to time produce mutual influences within their work.
What strikes me with this exhibition is how the individual paintings — or voices, if you will — by eight artists work so well together to form a powerful whole.
Seen from a broader perspective, the exhibition and the exhibitors exemplify what is so greatly needed in our times, namely how respectful listening, careful observation and thoughtful conversation can open one’s mind to new ways of seeing and understanding.
What you get from this exhibition goes beyond what you see.
BENTE TORJUSEN
Lebanon
Better late than never. Here is a heartfelt thank you from the Mascoma River: “It felt so good to get cleaned up again after two years; when I flood next time you will be able to tell the difference.”
On Sept. 25, 30 volunteers turned up at the pavilion behind the CCBA to give the river a good scrubbing. We collected 1.6 tons of trash, 0.12 of a ton of metal and five tires.
The weather was warm and sunny, but because of recent rain the water level was quite high and the current a bit too rapid to fish out more tires seen while floating by them in a canoe. There is always a next time.
Thank you all again for helping.
ERNST OIDTMANN
Lebanon
Pfizer Inc. Chief Executive Officer Albert Bourla is a very rich man now. According to Bloomberg, he had $21 million in total compensation for 2020 alone. The sky’s the limit!
He has stated that we will probably (translation: definitely) need regular COVID-19 vaccines. His company showers the corporate media and politicians with megabucks. In my opinion, they agree with everything he says. They all want to sell us the product. It’s a worldwide marketing effort. If many consumers remain unconvinced, then they should be forced to consume it. (What’s wrong with those ungrateful peons?)
Surely every one of us should be happy to oblige. It’s our patriotic duty as obedient citizens to make all of them filthy rich. Please do your part.
NEIL MELIMENT
Hartland
In response to the Oct. 22 front-page analysis about the firing of a Royalton Community Radio DJ, did you have to headline it “DJ’s firing raises questions of free speech”?
In no way does this firing raise any question of free speech. Anyone is free to say what was said, but the radio station reserves its right to fire the guy, as well.
The analysis acknowledges as much at the end, when it states that there are plenty of platforms for the DJ to express his feelings.
I can’t see that this is front-page news, unless the Valley News’ goal is to inflame people unnecessarily.
KURT GANTRISH
Hanover
I reflect on Forum contributor Margaret D. Hurley’s letter (“Killing chicken was not a ‘gift’,” Oct. 16) criticizing the Valley News for printing the column by Suzanne Lupien (“The best chicken pie ever,” Oct. 3) describing how the chicken pie came to be. That piece was originally written and published at an earlier time and in a different place.
In the past, I was a hunter who ate what I killed and a livestock grower who killed what I ate. Now I am a grandfather of seven, among whom are two vegans, one freegan (he prepares vegan meals for himself but eats what is served when at our table) and four omnivores.
It is worth noting that chickens and cows, like apples and corn, would not exist as we know them today if not for selective cultivation and breeding by humans for generations. Most animals beyond our barnyards serve as prey and food for others and virtually none dies “surrounded by loving family.”
I share the view that widespread adoption of a plant-based diet will benefit the adopters as well as our planet. But excoriating the Valley News for portraying traditions enjoyed by many in the Upper Valley is off the mark.
JOSEPH S. WARNER
Unity