Letters to the editor, Feb. 26

Journalism lectures kick off today

The Friends of the Center for Senior Activities proudly announces a new lecture series, "Journalism -- Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow," to take place at the senior center. There will be three speakers: Today will be Steve Rexford, popular journalism teacher at Staples High School and adviser to Inklings, the award-winning newspaper produced by Staples students.

On Friday, March 5, Dan Woog, longtime Westport resident and creator of "Woog's World," an ever popular column in the Westport News will speak to us. His blog, www.06880danwoog.com is a favorite. Woog is also the soccer coach at Staples.

On Friday, March 12, First Selectman, Gordon Joseloff, award-winning international journalist who was the CBS correspondent in New York, London, Moscow and Tokoyo will share his experiences with us. Joseloff is also the former moderator of the RTM.

The lectures begin each Friday at 1:30 p.m. No reservations required -- just come and have a good time!!

Paula Leonard,

Westport Center for Senior Activities Board

Excellent treatment

I recently had a blind date with a telephone pole on route 136 in Easton while driving 30 mph. My seat belt and the air bag in a sturdy 1991 Volvo wagon, faithfully serviced over the years by David Chandler of IPM Motors, averted serious injuries. Except for a broken humerus and lacerated hand. Unfortunately, the car was totaled.

A few passing motorists immediately stopped to offer assistance and called 9-1-1. One nameless woman stepped forward to handle traffic and within minutes the Easton EMS, two police cars and a fire department vehicle arrived.

I was in a state of shock but assured Lt. Richard Doyle of the Easton Police Department, when he asked, that I wasn't drinking. (My last drink was New Year's Eve in 1945 while reading Ernie Pyle's Brave Men.) Rather, I had a brief blackout due to an irregular heart beat.

Two Easton EMS people, Bruce, a former medic from Vietnam, and his assistant Diane, must be commended. They were both professional and compassionate in stabilizing my broken shoulder and bleeding hand. Transported to St. Vincent's Hospital in Bridgeport, I was examined and received further excellent treatment.

This was my first, and hopefully last, accident after 60 years of extensive driving in 48 states. What a wake-up call! The healing is almost complete and I would like to thank all those involved who performed so magnificently.

Alan Abel

Westport

Bereavement support

When someone we love dies, grief becomes our new life companion. It affects all parts of our lives, causing us emotional distress, cognitive difficulties and physical pain. It is, perhaps, one of the most difficult and painful life experiences we go through, and, ultimately, there is no way to get around it -- only through it.

Even though it can be very overwhelming, grief following the death of a loved one is a normal, healthy and necessary process. It is different for everyone, and there is really no right or wrong way to grieve.

Increasing one's understanding of the natural grief process, and finding ways to express it, helps make the experience less confusing and overwhelming.

Our hospice bereavement service is now offering a professionally-run, adult grief support group that is open to the community, free of charge. The group provides an opportunity to learn about grief, share experiences, and adjust to a new way of life in a non-threatening, compassionate atmosphere.

The meetings will take place Thursdays, March 25 to May 13, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at our Trumbull office, 40 Lindeman Dr. If you are interested in attending, or know someone who might be, call (203) 330-5443.

Susan L. Henry,

Bereavement Coordinator,

Hospice At Home, Visiting Nurse Services of Connecticut