Letters Letters (May 23, 2003)

ValleyCare plays important role Editor,

I wanted to thank you for the informative article about the Birth Home printed in the May 9 edition. I have been a midwife apprentice at the Birth Home for two years now and I felt that you captured the essence of what the Birth Home has to offer to families seeking more choices in their birth experience.

I did wish to clarify one item, regarding the number of transfers the birth home has experienced in the five years it has been opened. While it is true that only two women have chosen to transfer in order to receive pain medications, we have always put the safety of mom and baby as our first and highest priority, and we have had to make other transfers over the years for the safety of our birthing mothers.

If a transfer does become necessary, we transfer to ValleyCare Medical Center, and I have been continually impressed with the support, effort and quality of care our mother's receive from all of the staff at ValleyCare, most especially the labor and delivery nurses. I feel it is important to clarify this point and to thank ValleyCare for its supportive role in helping the Birth Home to welcome babies into the world in a natural environment. Kathy SmithMidwife, Pleasanton Birth Home There is a free lunch

Editor,

I read an ad in the Pleasanton Weekly from Fontina restaurant, in which they are giving 50 percent off for parties up to eight with at least one person wearing a military uniform. My colleagues and I who are stationed at Camp Parks decided to take advantage of this promo and went to have lunch at Fontina's. The food, service and ambience in the restaurant were first rate.

However, this is only part of the reason why I am writing this letter. You see, when we asked for the check not only were we informed of the promo but we were also told that another patron had graciously offered to pick up our bill. The gentleman's name is Attorney Finlay J. Boag. A lot has been done to recognize people serving in the armed forces. On this occasion I would like to recognize Boag for his support. It is through people like him that people like us realize the importance of our mission. If not for the support given by American people to its soldiers it would have been a little more difficult for us to execute our mission.

On behalf of the thousands of soldiers serving in the military I would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Boag for his continued support of the men and women in uniform. "This we will defend." Sgt. 1st Class Erwin RicafrentePleasanton Good sports reporting

Editor,

Great job on the sports reporting in the Pleasanton Weekly. I really enjoy reading it and I like the mix, with other than varsity sports featured. Ken ManoAmador Valley High School Boosters