Not an accurate depiction

I want to go on record to dispute a comment Patricia Hennessy, Executive Director of the Jefferson County Food Bank

Association, made about me. The PTL printed it in large type in the 4/24 article: Former volunteer files IRS audit...

She states that I "verbally threatened and harassed (her)." I did not threaten her. I told her that she was despicable and that her behavior was despicable. I did not raise my voice, swear or move into her "private space". I was asked to leave and did so. I maintain that I was exercising my First Amendment rights and that I have a right to voice my opinion.

What I said was in no way a threat. Some would interpret as harassment, I disagree for the reasons above.

This troubles me greatly, I am not a threatening person. I am known to be generous and empathetic. I have been involved with the community through an AAUW school program, Kindergarten tutoring, leading it for 4 years, have volunteered at the Quilcene food bank for over 3 years and worked with The Foodbank Growers to facilitate produce delivery to the QFB. This paper wrote an article when I was honored at a AAUW luncheon, “Honoring a literacy superstar,” on June 27, 2023.

Caroline Schimke

Port Hadlock

Generation variation awareness

Celeste Peterson’s concern about children and gender identification is clearly sincere, but in my opinion, misguided. In her letter she worries about adults teaching children “that they may be born in the wrong body” and that “the only way they can be free of this pain is to reject their body.” No one I know is suggesting teaching children what to feel or offering only one option.  There is no transgender recruitment campaign that I know of. But with more awareness of gender variation, children and teens are learning to understand their own feelings better, realizing that those feelings are valid, and that they have choices. Conscientious parents and other concerned adults will not tell children what they need to do, but rather make sure they understand the choices available to them and help them learn the physical, psychological and emotional processes and consequences of those choices.

Your “note of hope” at the end of your letter says the same thing: “Adults can help with this healing by listening, asking questions, and helping the youth find the path that works best for them as an individual.”  Please be open to the idea that their chosen path might include an option you would not approve of.

Matthew Miner

Port Townsend

Anti-abortion groups and ‘fake’ ads

Are you experiencing an unexpected or unplanned pregnancy? If you want factual information about your choices, do not go to Obria. They advertise as problem pregnancy counseling medical clinics across the country, offering counseling and all testing services including ultrasound. They are anti-abortion entities who will try to convince you to carry to term, regardless of your personal circumstances. More importantly, Obria "clinics" are not covered by federal laws that protect your privacy and may, in fact, sell your personal information to third parties, possibly other anti-abortion groups. 

Jefferson County Public Health Department has all the services and factual information you need to make an informed choice, including abortion referral, testing, and birth control, for free or affordable costs. They are also bound by federal law to keep your private information private. 

Jefferson County Public Health Department provides all the services that Planned Parenthood offers right here in our county. These fake "clinics" are spreading across the nation and pose serious problems for pregnant people with limited information and resources, particularly youth and people of color.

Linda Martin

Port Townsend