QUICK RESPONSE
Interesting how quickly the Springfield Police Department was able to get this dealt with ("The wild west end," Nov. 17). It took months and a neighbor's house being shot before the landlord finally did something about a drug house in my neighborhood. The police said they "couldn't do anything." I'll be saving this article to show officers all the things they can actually do to stop drug houses in the downtown area. They don't seem to realize that they can do any of this for people who can't afford $1 million houses.
Kayla Sturm
Via Facebook.com/illinoistimes
DIFFERENT TREATMENT
My son, a paramedic, told me most health care professionals don't treat the elderly like younger people, as if somehow their lives don't matter ("The long goodbye," Nov. 10). I encourage anyone with elderly parents to get a medical power of attorney. It guarantees your right to obtain those health records while they are alive.
Candy Anderson
Via Facebook.com/illinoistimes
MANY STRUGGLE
Thank you for this article, there are so many struggling with dementia and Alzheimer's and have no family to notice.
Diane Lauterbach
Via Facebook.com/illinoistimes
VERY THANKFUL
I want to let you know I'm thankful for your food section every week; I've enjoyed them for years. This autumn has featured an "appreciation theme," including Ashley Meyers' recipe for a pear frangipane tart ("Appreciate pears," Sept. 22). I made this dessert and it was a big hit. Thanks for the easy-to-follow instructions and optional ingredient suggestions.
So I'm going to try the parsnip pancakes from Peter Glatz ("The humble, unappreciated parsnip," Nov. 3). If I get a thumbs-up from my wife when I make them, they might appear on our Thanksgiving menu as a side for the turkey pot pie main dish.
Appreciation is what we feel for the job the IT's food writers bring us every issue. Again, thanks!
Rick Rogers
Springfield
BE THANKFUL
For many people, the holiday season is a time to give back to the community by volunteering or donating to organizations that support those in need. It's a time of year when we feel called to serve others.
But there are many individuals who heed that call year-round. This Thanksgiving, instead of gathering with family and friends, they will spend the day caring for the sick and injured, keeping us safe and meeting our basic needs. They will sacrifice time with their own loved ones to ensure the well-being of the entire community.
Please join me in thanking everyone who will spend the holidays in service to others – not only the healthcare professionals staffing our hospitals and clinics, but also our local first responders, essential workers across all industries and military personnel stationed around the world. Thank you for your commitment to service.
Edgar J. Curtis President and CEO, Memorial Health
