B-6
OPINIONS
THE NEW MEXICAN Sunday, August 25, 2013
MY VIEW: JOHN R. GRAHAM
Cooperate to solve New Mexico’s problems
D
uring an educational program on “The Merger of Ethical Principles and Best Clinical Practices,” with mental health professionals from around the country meeting in Santa Fe this past week, I was asked about the government intervention alleging insurance fraud in New Mexico. Although I do not know any of the facts or background issues, I have heard from mental health professionals in communities. They
express great concern for the children, families and neighborhoods caught in this mess. An attitude of inquiry rather than an attitude of judgment is needed, an attitude of questioning, discussing and problem solving, rather than an attitude of closing down deliberations and decisions made behind closed doors. We have all the expected societal problems in extremes in New Mexico. Without open discussion and prioritization of needs in deploying
our limited state resources, we add to a mess. If there is a discussion without politicization and paralysis of government by opposing factions, a request for expert consultation from inside New Mexico and open, honest disclosure from organizations that are not self-serving, we could move closer to what is needed and what may be best for our citizens. There is no single best way to do anything, and the solutions are long-term, not immediate.
The current report of the Annie Casey Foundation presenting state-by-state evidence combining education, employment, income, health, poverty and youth risk factors placed New Mexico in 49th place in 2012. In 2013, we have moved to 50th place. There is only one direction to go now. John R. Graham, M.D., C.M., FRCPC FAPA, lives in Santa Fe.
Community Announcements, Workshops, Classes and Alternative Healing Services in Santa Fe and Northern New Mexico
Faces oF the elderly. Santa Fe photographer Hal Kahn is seeking volunteers to be photographed for his book, "Faces of the Elderly." All participants are photographed and interviewed about their attitudes toward aging. Volunteers get their photos for free. There is no charge or fee of any kind. In the Age of Botox, Hal's work makes the point that wrinkles and grey hair should be seen as signs of strength and endurance, not as targets for the cosmetics industry. This project has been featured in the Albuquerque Journal, the Santa Fe Reporter and on public television. The next exhibit of Hal's work opens October 4 at Albuquerque's Harwood Art Gallery. For an appointment, please call Hal at 505-473-1121 in Santa Fe.
cleVelaNd roller MIll MUseUM Presents festival Cleveland
Millfest, Saturday and Sunday, August 31st and September 1 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Location: Cleveland Roller Mill Museum, hwy 518 - mile marker 31 in Cleveland, NM (2 miles NW of Mora). Cost: $3 entrance to mill museum; free to arts and crafts area; $2 parking/ carload. See the schedule at: www. clevelandrollermillmuseum.com or call 575-387-2645. 50+ artists, native foods, baked goods, dance exhibitions, and continuous musical entertainment. The Cleveland Roller Mill Museum, a 3-story adobe water-powered historic flourmill, will be in continuous operation. There are 4 tours daily, tours are $1.
saNta Fe syMPhoNy chorUs coNtract sINGer aUdItIoNs Starting September
23rd, the Santa Fe Symphony Chorus (Linda Raney, Choral Director) will be holding Contract Singer auditions for the 2013-2014 Season. During this new season, works by Beethoven, Handel, Borodin and others will be performed. There are openings for all vocal sections, especially Tenor and Bass. Please call the Symphony Office at 983-3530 for more information and to schedule your audition. Come join us, and sing in concert with the Santa Fe Symphony Orchestra and Chorus!
WrIte yoUr MeMoIr or FaMIly storIes Thinking about
writing your memoir or family stories but are daunted by the task? Through writing exercises and discussion, Susan Tungate provides the tools you need to capture your stories, one vivid story at a time. No experience necessary; sense of humor mandatory. Six Wednesdays 3-4:30 PM starting September 4. Fee $150 plus tax. Call 505.577.8132 or email at susan@ susantungate.com. Susan is a writer, teacher, and an editor who is completing her memoir Macon: A Memoir, A Murder and writes about Santa Fe on her blog undersantafeskies.com. Susan worked for CNN for 14 years.
the traNsItIoN NetWorK For WoMeN 50+. TTN is an inclusive community of women 50 and forward whose changing life situations lead them to seek new connections, resources and opportunities. Monday, August 26 from 6:15-8 PM at Unitarian Universalist, 107 West Barcelona or Tuesday, August 27 from1:45-3:30 PM at Christ Church, 1213 Don Gaspar & Cordova Topic: Lifelong Learning for Successful Aging. Please come and bring a friend. Find out more at www. TheTransitionNetwork.org, Santa Fe. Local contact is Jean@JeanPalmer.com.
Free 6 WeeK arthrItIs FoUNdatIoN selFMaNaGeMeNt coUrse:
the trINIty Method oF INVestING – presented by Peter
Wednesdays 10:00 am to 12 noon,
Specialist. This FREE two hour seminar is
Murphy, Retirement & Estate Planning
September 18 to October 23. Do you
offered at Garrett’s Desert Inn, 311 Old
"suffer" from Arthritis? Are you
Santa Fe Trail, on Wednesday, August
overwhelmed by products, drug and
28th at 6pm. You’ll learn how to create
treatment advice and choices? Are you
a comprehensive retirement plan that
ready to take control and regain your
coordinates Social Security, pensions, and
life? The Arthritis Self-Management program gives you the knowledge and skills to manage arthritis and live an active life. Learn to reduce pain, stress, and fatigue. Participants receive a free copy of "The Arthritis Helpbook". For information contact Kathy Smith at 4711001 ext. 116 or ksmith@newvistas.org. This class is sponsored by New Vistas.
NaMI saNta Fe (National Alliance
on Mental Illness) will offer two classes in September. The Family to Family Education Program is a 12-week course for family/caregivers of individuals with serious mental illness. The Peer to Peer Education Program is a 10-week course for individuals with serious mental illness. Both classes are FREE and taught by NAMI members who know what you are dealing with. Classes will cover key illness information, self-care, coping skills and support specific to your needs. YOU ARE NOT ALONE! To enroll call 505-4661668 or email info@namisantafe.com.
other income for optimal benefit. We will discuss how to turn your savings into a consistent, reliable income stream when you retire – one you can never outlive. You will also discover innovative strategies to protect and maximize your legacy. Call 505-216-0838 or email Register. SantaFe@1APG.com to RSVP.
callING all Pet Models! Missed your calling as a super "animodel"? Don't miss your chance to appear in THE SANTA FE NEW MEXICAN'S 2014 PET CALENDAR! Get your 2-legged friend to enter you to win fantastic prizes including: 1 of 25 pet photo session, by Pet Angel; a personal oil painting by artist Glen Smith; and prizes from retailers like Teca Tu. HURRY! Deadline to enter is 8/25/13! Apply online at http://www.santafenewmexican. com/app/PetCal/register.html or email your entry to classad@sfnewmexican.com. Questions? Call 505-986-3000.
Call 986-3000 or email classad@sfnewmexican.com to place your Bulletin Board ad