Letters to the Editor - The Lakeville Journal - 3-10-22

Trying to make sense of a chaotic world

With the world overwhelmed with Ukraine’s dire takeover by Russia, it’s hard to know what to say or how to keep abreast of local, state and national issues.

Things can change overnight and sometimes it seems “Might Makes Right” is winning out even if it’s Illegal and Denying Basic Human Rights in these modern times. We need independent forums and thinkers in part to object to the erasure of all such venues in Russia and many lower forms of humanity destroying the lives of others.

There are many spiritual views that humanity is evolving to see the “higher abilities of working together” with our thoughts, words, deeds and relationships on every level. Our human souls are not easy to factor into the equation yet may be the key aspect of our times to help us heal our bodies, minds, relationships and ability to use resources wisely on “Planet Heart.”

Some may think that’s magical thinking or a pipedream or prayer, but grains of truth and common sense from permaculture may help more people take a chance and connect with their inner wisdom, join forums to advocate for human rights and the planet and much more.

Keeping forums such as Southern Berkshire Toastmasters of Massachusetts (which could meet monthly on zoom if it does not close up shop this month) and The Lakeville Journal are urgent opportunities to explore skills of listening, reading, writing, communicating and growing meaningful relationships. There are special photo exhibits at the Hartford Capitol celebrating Connecticut women and online at RebeccaRoseFinePortraits.com.

All leaders and members in politics, business, faith, education, military, family or other group would benefit from learning the basics of what is being offered. Please join in through Facebook or other group in one’s area or with family and friends to advocate for peace and growing community anew with spring as an added inspiration of hope and growth. Work with nature and feel free to be in touch.

Catherine Palmer Paton

Falls Village

OHS: Accounting practices must be investigated

This letter was also sent to the OHS:

An editorial in the March 3 Lakeville Journal alerts its readership to possibly egregious accounting irregularities by Nuvance Health, a not-for-profit organization.  The alleged misrepresentations as to the Sharon Hospital’s recent financial experience seem to have been published to justify cutting the Hospital’s services to patients in northwest Connecticut.  In a letter to the Editor, Victor Germack of Save Sharon Hospital, Inc., reports that Nuvance has conceded its published financial reports are grossly in error.

As two of the many who rely on Sharon Hospital,  we urge you to investigate these charges and the qualification of Nuvance as a not-for-profit hospital organization.  As you know, the Connecticut Attorney General’s office has responsibility for the conduct and continued certification of not-for-profit organizations.  We do not know if that office is already investigating possible financial misrepresentations by Nuvance, but we hope you will coordinate your own oversight with the Connecticut Attorney General’s office.

The unilateral actions taken and threatened by Nuvance threaten thousands of us living in the Northwest Corner.

Marian and Carr Ferguson

Lakeville