Blake Spread Joy of Music

To the Editor:

It was with sadness that we read the obituary of our friend Carol Blake. We had known her since arriving in Hanover in 1984 and were always impressed by her giving personality and ceaseless energy in teaching and conducting music.

Thousands of Upper Valley residents from several generations owe their love of music to this fine woman. She was motivated throughout her life to help spread the lifelong joy of music performance by conducting her school and community bands with kindness and enthusiasm for over 30 years.

Of particular note, her work with the outstanding Upper Valley Community Band yielded entertaining concerts for all to enjoy throughout New England as far south as Boston. Her weekly rehearsals at Hanover High School and her concerts at the Lebanon Opera House motivated over 100 amateur musicians ranging from doctors and lawyers to those with more mundane jobs to use and polish their musical talents. The large audiences she always attracted were proof that she had the common touch for programming that pleased all ages of audience members.

We will miss her and will always remember her for her selfless life of giving musical joy to others.

Max and Ginger Culpepper

Hanover

 

A House Divided

To the Editor:

The convulsion in the American two-party system is, of course, not unprecedented. While it is true that a Democrat opposed a Republican for the presidency in every election since 1856, it is something beyond irony to see how the red and blue states have morphed. In Lincoln’s election of 1860, he became the first Republican to win the presidency. The Whigs of Millard Filmore and Winfield Scott had faded, and the historically dominant Democratic party was fractured. Sound familiar?

The red (Republican) states that put Lincoln into office included all of New England and the Great Lakes states, plus California and Oregon. The blue (Democrats) still controlled the South, that is, until they walked out of their own convention. The party then held two separate conventions producing two different nominees for the election. Lincoln beat them both.

Fast forward 156 years and we see history threatening to repeat, with a dramatic twist. By and large, blue is now red and vice versa. The party in fragmented jeopardy now is the Republicans, whose current frontrunner has secured the endorsement of a former KKK leader. Hard to imagine the party of Lincoln has landed here. Should they nominate Trump, the already rising tide of defections will almost surely increase. Should they not, and he chooses to run as an independent, they practically assure the Democrats of the White House.

The GOP has its flaws, but there’s nothing like a common threat to survival to galvanize solidarity. One can only imagine the headaches former speaker Boehner endured trying to corral the old-guard GOP, the Tea Party, NRA, Christian Coalition, etc. Obviously, their only common cause of late has been to stand together in opposition to anything proposed by President Obama — even when the initiatives began with them, e.g., Republican Gov. Romney’s health care plan in Massachusetts that preceded Obamacare. So now we get what looks like the least appealing election cycle in memory. The Republicans embarrass themselves regularly with banter that can only aspire to be sophomoric, and the Democratic frontrunner is ducking from the FBI.

We will likely get only one Abraham Lincoln in our country’s history. Maybe we should reinvoke him now: “A house divided against itself cannot stand.” Doesn’t that sound better than any sound bite you’ve heard?

Mark C. Johnson

White River Junction

 

Gender Policy in Hanover

To the Editor:

Hanover High School is buzzing with conversation about gender inclusivity, largely through recent efforts of the School Council. Several weeks ago, the body began to discuss a motion inspired by guidelines on gender discrimination from New York City’s Human Rights Commission. The motion addresses a broad scope of outdated, gender-related school policies.

One section states that individuals may use single-sex facilities (locker rooms/bathrooms) and participate in co-curricular activities consistent with their gender. Note that “sex assigned at birth” is not the same as one’s gender identity. Another section encourages recognition of preferred pronouns, especially in foreign language classes. It also prohibits teachers from splitting up students into groups in a classroom setting based on gender, as this leaves some students feeling ostracized. The clothing and appearance portion declares that the school shall not enforce dress codes that impose different requirements for individuals based on sex or gender, including concert attire and sports uniforms.

Composed of students, teachers, school board representatives and community members, the Council serves as the governing body of the high school. As the public relations officer, I would like to invite members of the community to join us in our discussions on gender inclusivity. The Council meets at Hanover High School from 10:15-11 a.m. on Wednesdays. All meetings are open to the public.

Anyone who wishes to share an opinion but cannot attend a meeting can email hhs-council@hanovernorwichschools.org. For more information, visit our Facebook page — Hanover High School Council.

Henry Lang

Norwich