Regarding Steve Jackson's "Denver or Busted," in the September 14 issue:
Georgia Caven makes you feel special at a time when you really know you're all alone. With all the people she sees and all the complex cases she deals with, it's like you're just one of a special few in a little clinic. When all the changing doctors start to screw up, it's Georgia you call to get the story straight and everything back on track.
She's incredible.
John Carter
Denver
I thought the story on Georgia Caven was very uplifting--and very unusual to read in Westword, which is usually devoted to exposing the most recent scandal and dirt.
I hope that the city is able to make an exception to its residency rule for this woman. She certainly seems one of a kind! Denver should not lose her.
Jane Lewis
Denver
I am writing to you in regard to the article about Georgia Caven. I would like to thank you for writing such a wonderful article on such an outstanding woman. I cannot even begin to tell you what losing Georgia would mean to this community. Georgia has been sent by God to help the inner-city people of Denver.
God has blessed Georgia with a servant's heart--a heart not too many people are willing to accept, a heart Georgia has welcomed with open arms. God has entrusted her to help his people--the sick and oppressed of this world--and her work is now in the direction of helping AIDS victims and their families. The homeless people of our community are indebted to her for her work. She will guide them in whatever path needs to be taken.
Georgia will be able to adjust to any change in her life. But my concern is, will Denver General be able to adjust without Georgia?
God's work is done through Georgia, and she will never leave any stone unturned. As you stated in your article, she will even go under the bridges to find the oppressed of our city. Georgia is a member of the Church in the City, and I have seen her in action, not only with the people in the inner city but with every person she is in contact with. God has truly blessed me by allowing me to share a friendship with Georgia, and I pray that things will go her way. I have faith in what God will choose for Georgia.
Charlene O'Malley
Thornton
You might choose to do a small favor for DGH nurses, Denver firefighters, police and others. The city now gets tough about residency requirements. But, in turn, shouldn't the city make a stronger effort to provide sensible financing for them as they buy their required house or condo or else rent within the county? Quick loan approval and as good a rate as the credit union or other entity could provide--plus skipping discount points and loan origination fees--would help.
You make us live here? That can be sensible. But how about helping make it possible for this group of civil servants?
Patrick Bourgeron
Denver
They're Toast
Regarding Bill Gallo's "Thrown for a Loss," in the September 14 issue:
My only consolation this football season apparently will be reading Bill Gallo's excellent prose--which stands in stark contrast to the Broncos' miserable performance.
My vote goes to "The Eleven Slices of Toast"--but make that "milk toast."
Hal Walden
Denver
Can We Talk?
My congratulations to Arthur Hodges for his September 14 article "Can't We All Get Along?" about "facilitators," or whatever they call them these days. It's a sad commentary on today's society that we must pay extra for common sense.
Arlene McDougal
Denver
It's Not Easy Being Green
Regarding Robin Chotzinoff's "Chile Days Ahead," in the September 14 issue:
Thank you, thank you, Westword! No longer will I hold my head in shame when I go through the supermarket checkout line with a cart full of Stokes green chile. With all the restaurants around here that make good green chile (and friends who do it with produce from their own gardens!), I've always felt guilty about my Stokes addiction.
Now Robin Chotzinoff has set me free.
Susie Myers
Denver
As far as I am concerned, Stokes green chile will always be canned fat. How about writing a story about something that's good for you for a change?
Joel Hirsch
Boulder
Be True to Your School
As a former Graland parent, I would like to comment on your August 31 cover story, "Book 'em," by Steve Jackson. Much of what was written in Jackson's article was accurate, but what you failed to report (perhaps it's not "sensational" enough to be newsworthy?) is that the incidents mentioned represent only a very few children and a very small percentage of what goes on at Graland. The other 90 percent of life at Graland is characterized by truly wonderful, considerate kids, a dynamic and enthusiastic teaching staff and supportive, fair-minded parents. Let's not let the problem of a few (which I do think exists and merits both discussion and action) overshadow the warmth and caring and ethics of the majority at Graland.
Joan A. Baronberg
Denver
Everything Steve Jackson wrote about Graland is true--and more. Although the academic program is as impressive as you say, the social environment is not always conducive to learning.
That's why my children no longer attend the school.
Name withheld on request
It's the Water
Bravo to Richard Fleming for his keenly written article of the ongoing saga between concerned homeowners and affected family members of Friendly Hills versus Martin Marietta, the Denver Water Board and the Colorado Department of Health ("Hard to Swallow," August 31). However, in response to this article, several questions arise in my mind regarding the actions taken by these organizations. As a public entity, we have the right to require independent studies to be performed. Why doesn't it surprise me to find out CDH held back pertinent information regarding epidemiology data because of protocol? CDH, if you have nothing to hide, why has it been impossible for those representing Friendly Hills to get this information? Why is it that citizens have to jump through endless hoops to retrieve information that should be available to them upon request? When information regarding contamination of public drinking water is withheld from the attorneys of common people, one must ask why.
What is CDH hiding, and why all the runaround?
The next issue that comes to mind is this: Why does the Denver Water Board continue to lie so blatantly to the public? At a workshop I attended last spring, the focus was on a 50 percent rate hike in water bills. Chips Barry, the newly appointed manager after Bill Miller, left me with a feeling of dread concerning the lack of communication between department heads regarding the Martin Marietta water-contamination issues. This poses a question. What was the real reason for the rate hike? Was it to help pay for Martin's outrageous dumping of deadly toxic materials? Is the public being asked to pay for the cost of this travesty? Friendly Hills is certainly paying the price for the leukemias, brain cancers, heart defects and deaths of children and young adults. And this is a cost that will not be determined for many years to come.
And what about Steve Work, who was asked to produce pertinent documents to Steven Piantadosi and then says he had no part in the affair? The Piantadosi report clearly states his role in this. Isn't it a bit disconcerting to think that the very public agencies--funded by the taxpayers' money--established to guard the health of the citizens can withhold vital information from the public when serious health concerns arise? What will happen to these "public agencies" when the people bind together to demand this information that is rightfully theirs? Friendly Hills is not a dead issue.
Period!
Joan Jacobson
Lakewood
Who's Zoomin' Who?
In the September 14 Westword, there was a letter from Fred Weber of Denver. His last sentence--"What puzzles me is, why in the hell did these Latinos come here?"--prompted me to answer.
Mr. Weber, we in the Indian community have been asking that question of white people for 502 years!
At least Latinos have come here trying to better their lives, and the majority of them are doing it without trying to subjugate any other race (unlike white people who came here).
Sharon Braun
Aurora
