Letters to the Editor

First 5 sends toothy grin!

Dear Editor:

Thank you to a wonderful group of professionals who volunteered their time and skills to offer dental assessments, topical fluoride varnish, and physical exams to children who will be eligible to enter Kindergarten this fall.

Many things influence a child’s progress and success in school, including health. A child who is ready for school is healthy, active, eats a nutritious diet and is well-rested. Immunizations are up-to-date, the child has visited the den tist and has good oral health. A child who has poor dental health, or uncorrected vision or hearing problems, is not ready for school.

Together, the following professionals provided more than 120 free, on-site dental assessments during Kindergarten Roundup events at Antelope, Bridgeport, Lee Vining and Mammoth Elementary schools, and at the Jumpin’ June Jubilee in Mammoth: Sierra Park Family Dental Clinic (Dr. Steve Fujimoto, DDS, Dr. Tom Chen, DDS, Heydi Vivas, RDA and Dora Garcia, Dental Clinic Coordinator); Mammoth Dental (Dr. Craig Schrager, DDS and Malachi Schrager); Hi-Tech Dentistry (Dr. Byron Sansom, DDS; Mandy Austin and Sarah Phillips); and numerous other volunteers who played supporting roles, including Lynette Armstrong, RDA; Dianne Bitzberger, RN, MPH; and Kiara Raazi, Mammoth Hospital Community Education Coordinator.

Special thanks to a special group that teamed up to provide physical exams and immunizations to pre-kindergarten children and their siblings at the Lee Vining Community Center: Dr. Maria King, MD; Celeste Callinan, PA; Margee Neer, FNP; Chantal Linnastruth, RN; Nancy Mahannah, PHN and Maria Gonzalez, Mono County Public Health.

A big, toothy smile for those professionals whose volunteerism helps our kids get ready for school and for life!

Kathy Peterson, MPH, Dir.
Molly DesBaillets, School Readiness Coord.
Cathy Young, Admin. Coord.
Mammoth Lakes

Hoping for better

Dear Editor:

During the election for Superior Court Judge, I had the great opportunity to meet the voters in Mono County, walking to the homes of most of the registered voters. It was a pleasure to meet so many of the fine citizens of Mono County. I felt truly welcomed in your communities. I am honored and humbled that so many of you supported my campaign, put out signs, held coffees and receptions, placed bumper stickers on your cars, and urged your friends and neighbors to support the campaign.

The election has moved into a runoff on Nov. 2 between Mark Magit and myself. The two of us were 107 votes apart, and neither of us obtained a majority of votes.

I want to congratulate both Mr. Magit and Therese Hankel on their fine campaigns. I look forward to the next phase of the campaign to determine our next Superior Court Judge.

Randy Gephart
Mono County

Tap Into This

Dear Editor:

“The Emperor Cometh!!” On Memorial Day Weekend, I attended the Sacto Jazz Jubilee, along with Ken & Flossie Coulter (founders of the upcoming 22nd annual Mammoth Jazz Jubilee, July 14-18) & MMJJ Sec. Marianne O’Connor. I was ecstatic to realize that “Tom Rigney & Flambeau” were there. They were one of my favorite bands last year here in Mammoth and apparently, I am not the only one who is appreciative of their music, altho’ it isn’t quite what you would outright label “Jazz.” The Sacto Jazz folks were so impressed with Tom’s style of music that the banner of “Jazz Emperor” was passed to “Tom & Flambeau” for next year’s festivities in Sac!!  So if you haven’t yet purchased your “Mammoth Jazz Jubilee” tix, get to hoppin’ cuz this is one of the many outstanding bands that will be here in Our Town!!

Allen Blumer
MMJJ “Church Site” Asst. Mgr.