You may have noticed a lot of purple signs along roads in the Upper Valley for the annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Saturday.
Like most other events, it will be virtual this year, which means it will be even easier to take part, on your own time and in your own way. I’m writing to encourage you to do so.
Purple is the color of the Alzheimer’s movement, and “going purple” shows you’re part of the fight to ultimately end the disease. Most of us have been or will be touched by Alzheimer’s, whether we are among the 5 million-plus Americans dealing with the disease or are their caregivers, friends or families.
This year I am walking as part of Team Andy, in honor and memory of local resident Andy Harvard, and also for my mom, Nina, who struggled bravely with Alzheimer’s for 10 years, 3,000 miles away from me. Whether you walk for someone local or far away, your support will bridge any gap and reach everyone affected by the disease by advancing the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association
For more information on how to start a team, join a team, walk as an individual or donate to the cause, visit alz.org/walk, and thank you for going purple.
EDIE THYS MORGAN
Etna
I just answered the most witless political survey ever conducted. After about 30 questions, any one of which would have identified me as a Democrat, I was asked who I was likely to vote for in the next election. Not that the survey was totally useless, as I was able to rate that embarrassment on Pennsylvania Avenue with a big fat zero. I also learned that someone is running against U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen. “Corky” or “Cookie” or something like that, I don’t know. Neither did the survey caller.
DICK MACKAY
Hanover
The Sunday Valley News saw fit to make fun of President Donald Trump in the Perspectives section (“The Prophets and the Orange One,” Oct. 4), but not a word of sympathy or concern for his health issue. Shame, shame, shame. He is our president!
DARLENE LEHMANN
Lyme Center
After so many months of social distancing I understand that sometimes we slip, especially when emotions get involved. But a 90-year-old man, with mask down, so close to someone that they are actually touching each other, is really bad (“Drive-By Party,” Oct. 2). And to put it on the front page of the Valley News is deplorable.
GRETCHEN DWYER
Norwich
The greatest irony of all is that President Donald Trump’s loyal lackeys still call those of us wearing masks sheep. It is a study in cognitive dissonance, in unbounded anti-intellectual tribalism.
I walk through my days slack-jawed at the sheer insanity of it all.
DAN WEINTRAUB
Quechee
After enduring yet another crushingly earnest rendition of Pachelbel’s Canon in yet another waiting room, it occurred to me that I’d just heard the sonic equivalent of an illustration by Thomas Kinkade.
RICH BLAIR
Grafton
It no longer matters what President Donald Trump says. It no longer matters what he does. Just make sure you vote, and get him the heck out of there.
BARRY WENIG
Lebanon
I was terribly offended and dismayed that the commander in chief of the United States thinks so little of the men and women who are in the military.
They are patriots and willing to serve and sometimes die for our country.
My son, who is an active duty Marine, has been deployed three times to Iraq and Afghanistan and my husband and I are very proud of him.
ROBIN HUTCHINS
Claremont
