Letters to the editor for April 10
Thank you, Tumwater Family Practice
Thank you for highlighting Tumwater Family Practice Clinic in a March 24 article. Instead of closing their doors, they sprang into action and provided a much needed service to their patients and community.
The COVID-19 crisis left many wondering what to do and how do it. Our small community of Tumwater is fortunate to have a clinic of doctors, health-care providers and an administrator that knew what to do. In the initial absence of protocols, they developed a model that other clinics can follow. Kudos to TFMC.
Please open the parks
During Gov. Jay Inslee’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” address on March 24, he said, “This does not mean you can’t go outside. If you feel like going for a walk, gardening or going for a bike ride, we consider that essential activity too for everyone’s physical and mental health. We all just need to practice social distancing of 6 feet to protect ourselves and others — everywhere, all the time.”
As per my doctor’s orders, I try to walk 2.5 to 5 miles at least four times a week. According to the above reference, it is permitted to do this during the current situation. My question is where.
On the afternoon of March 26, I went to all of the state and local “day use” parks where I normally walk my dog in the Olympia, Tumwater, and Lacey area and they are temporarily closed. It would be nice if the state and local government offices would provide off street locations for us to walk.
Local citizen going the extra mile
I was pleased to read the Feb. 29 front page article about Annie Dear participating in the U.S. Olympic trials. I appreciate articles that highlight successes of local residents like Annie who have grown up and attended local schools in this community. Often these successes have also been supported by other local community members.
As the article noted, Drew Stevick has been such a support for years. He continues to voluntarily provide coaching and to organize and provide all-comers track meets to help build and maintain skills – and not only for children, but also for adults who want to participate in local and state track and field competitions. Additionally, Drew regularly volunteers to be a track and field official in the state Senior Games.