Check the Codes

I would like to suggest that anyone interested in developing a project in Lebanon, or any place for that matter, get educated about codes and how they work. It would save time and money for all involved. Codes are not limited to the document, they are merely a minimum standard of safe practice. They are to be interpreted by the “Authority Having Jurisdiction,” the AHJ. Most often it’s the local fire chief, as conditions and resources change from area to area. Much as a cop can give a ticket for doing 45 in a 65 zone in a blinding snowstorm on an untreated ice-covered roadway. Hope this gets you started.

Rich Acker

Norwich

Speak Up About Cemeteries

Some time ago, I made a resolution, after 25 years of promoting an ordinance prohibiting dog owners from bringing them into Lebanon’s cemeteries (primarily West Lebanon), to suspend my emotions and energy on a cause wasted on a city government that appears to have a minimum of concern.

I have at various times criticized the City Council for its lack of willingness to recognize the problem and arrive at an acceptable and enforceable solution: that dogs (any pet) will not be allowed loose, on a leash or outside a motor vehicle in any Lebanon cemetery.

But there is another group which I have not been critical of. They are the innumerable people and acquaintances who inform me of their 100 percent agreement with the cause and report to me what they feel or have observed in the cemeteries. Beyond that, they have done nothing.

They are what is called the silent majority. They do not write or report their feelings and observations in any way, but are bent out of shape when they see a dog defecating in the cemetery. To them I say, accept what you have now and will have if you do not wish to promote the cause. You will reap what you have sown. My work is done.

Gordon M. Stone

West Lebanon

Now More Than Ever

We love the Valley News. It is a precious part of what makes the Upper Valley community such a special place. Therefore, we were devastated to hear that you had dropped the regular column by Henry Homeyer. His column was local, practical, well-informed and entertaining — all the qualities we associate with the Valley News. In this time of such ecological uncertainty, we need Mr. Homeyer’s insights, knowledge and humanity more than ever. Please bring him back. His is a local voice we very much need.

Catharine and David Newbury

East Thetford

More Work to Come

The NewVistas community development research program is a very long multigenerational project (“Massive Development Planned,” March 24). Communities will eventually be located everywhere, not just in Sharon. Our objectives are to develop a system that is totally green and walkable and environmentally sustainable. Lots of work left to do before a community is possible. 

David R. Hall

Provo, Utah

Full Privileges at 18

The Vermont House has debated a proposal to raise the legal smoking age from 18 to 21. I am not a smoker (never have been). I think smoking is a stupid and ultimately costly and destructive habit.

However, in spite of those feelings, I am opposed to the proposal on the grounds of fairness. I am also opposed to having a separate, older age for legal use of alcohol. I cannot understand how a nation can have various legal ages, depending on the activity. We allow 18-year-olds to vote. We allow 18-year-olds to marry and enter into legal and binding contracts. We require them (males) to register for the draft. We encourage them to join the military, where they run the risk of making the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

We treat them as adults when considering punishments for crimes. But, when it comes to smoking a cigarette or buying a beer, we “draw the line.” Silly and completely unfair. If 18 is the legal age, then 18-year- olds should be allowed all privileges other adults are entitled to. It’s a matter of fairness.

Eugene Hitchcock III

Springfield, Vt.

The Effects of Marijuana

Discussing marijuana and whether or not it is harmful can be very confusing. We, your neighbors at the All Together partnership, would like to offer some resources and opportunities to learn more, which may bring some clarity to the topic and provide tools for healthy conversations.

Here are some facts about marijuana:

In the ’70s, marijuana contained 4 percent THC, the psychoactive chemical in the plant. Today THC is anywhere from 18-90 percent, making it much more dangerous and hard to regulate.

Reaction time for motor skills, such as driving, is reduced by 41 percent after smoking one joint, and is reduced by 63 percent after two joints.

Marijuana affects brain development. When a marijuana user begins using as a teenager, the drug may reduce thinking, memory and learning functions and affect how the brain builds connections between the areas necessary for these functions. Marijuana’s effects on these may last a long time or even be permanent.

Marijuana use has been linked to mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts among teens.

Long-term marijuana use has been linked to mental illness in some users, such as temporary hallucinations and temporary paranoia.

Research suggests that about 1 in 11 users becomes addicted to marijuana. This number increases among those who start as teens (to about 17 percent, or 1 in 6) and among people who use marijuana daily (to 25-50 percent).

The earlier the onset of substance use, the higher the chance of addiction in the future.

Please join our partner, Hartford Community Coalition, on Monday at 6 p.m. at Hartford High School for the documentary The Other Side of Cannabis, The Negative Effects of Marijuana on our Youth, followed by dialogue with students and community members regarding marijuana use.

Angie Leduc

For the All Together coalition

Lebanon