Letters to the editor: Nov. 20

We encourage readers to submit letters to the editor on issues of interest to East Valley residents. Submissions should be no longer than 300 words, factually accurate and original thoughts of the writer. Please be brief and include name, address, city and phone number for verification. Letters and comments may be edited for clarity and length.

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HOLIDAY CHARITY

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Mesa makes appeal for turkey donations

Last year, the United Food Bank distributed more than 2,500 turkeys during the two-month holiday season. The need for this year with the recession is even greater. Donations are down this year for the same reason, which prompted Mesa city employees into action.

On Wednesday, city management launched a challenge for at least 500 turkeys donated to the United Food Bank for Thanksgiving. It’s called “The City of Mesa Great Turkey Tuesday.” Various city departments are challenging each other in the turkey drive with ideas such as a donation of $2 to $5 would allow you to wear jeans for a couple of days to work. Other departments are asking for turkeys and donations. Employees who are donating turkeys are asked to drop them off at the Mesa Convention Center Building C on Monday from noon to 4 p.m.

On Tuesday, the United Food Bank will have a refrigerated truck in the convention center parking lot at 120 N. Center St. from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Other city employees and the general public are encouraged to “trot” on over and “toss” your turkey in the truck.

The city’s goal is to have 500 turkeys donated by Tuesday and 1,000 donated by Dec. 22. It’s time to talk “turkey.” The United Food Bank needs our help.

JOHN GOODIE JR.

MESA PARK RANGER

EDUCATION

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Substitute teachers have special dedication

The Oct. 7 letter from Ilene Whipple about substitute teachers grabbed my attention. She must have had a bad experience with a substitute some time in her life. Her complaints were that a bachelor’s degree education and a $60 certificate should not be enough to qualify a person to substitute teach.

First of all, it takes more than $60. As a substitute teacher myself, I know the applicant must also pay $52 for a fingerprint card, $30 for college transcripts from their university, then go through a background check, supply three letters of reference, attend a substitute certification class ($23), and supply proof of vaccinations if born after 1959. And what about the cost of a four-year degree?

This is not a “walk in and get a badge” process. She was misinformed, obviously. Many substitutes have teaching degrees, master’s degrees, and some have doctorates. Many certified teachers choose to work part time, so they substitute. Some have worked in the business world, lost their jobs and decided to put their knowledge and experience to good use. Once hired, a substitute must attend several in-service classes — on their own time with no pay — to stay on top of things.

Substitutes are expected to purchase their own supplies. Most importantly, when people decide to be substitute teachers, they are making a big commitment. These people obviously would not be subbing if they didn’t have the enthusiasm for it. It takes a special person who is willing to subject themselves to a classroom of 30 kids that are just chomping at the bit to make the day distressing. All the while, the substitute is required to maintain a positive learning environment and fulfill the absent teacher’s lesson plans.

I applaud and thank all the substitute teachers in our Mesa schools.

K. LAUBRINGER

MESA

MARICOPA COUNTY

SHERIFF’S OFFICE

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Public has made its choice in Arpaio

Dear Robert Schulte, I feel horribly for you — so scared, so afraid of our sheriff (“Feds need to intervene,” Letters, Nov. 8). It is so bad that you need the president to intervene? My goodness.

Are you aware that if Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio decides to run again, he will win? So, maybe you should think twice about staying in this county and living in fear. Just trying to be helpful.

JACKIE RETELL

MESA

AGRICULTURE

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Help struggling California farmers

I am writing to encourage people in Arizona to attend an event Friday in support of California farmers who are struggling this year. Their water supply has been cut off due to radical environmental regulations and the Delta smelt, an endangered fish.

This is important for all Americans to understand because this area supplies produce for our food supply. I have been to the Web site www.farmwater.org and seen the photos of people standing in line for food to receive carrots from China. This is disturbing on so many levels to me and I am sure to my fellow Americans. Please help us restore the water to the “valley that hope forgot.” We feel compelled to help feed the farmers who have fed America for so many years.

The central valley of California has an unemployment rate of 40 percent, and California is now leading the United States in the suicide rate. I have heard that many trends start in California, and I sincerely hope that this is a trend that will not spread to the rest of the United States.

Please join me from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday as Arizona citizens gather to show our support for the California farmers. An event is being held at the Mesa Municipal Complex, 55 N. Center St. We are collecting donations of canned food and money to send to the families in crisis, with 100 percent of the donations going to the families in need.

Additional information is available at www.savingthevalley.org or you can e-mail me at Kathykg26158@msn.com.

KATHY GIBSON BOATMAN

APACHE JUNCTION