Letters to the editor

Just two years since a record 14.3 inches of rain fell on Mazomanie, forcing me and my neighbors from our inundated homes, the Governor’s Taskforce on Climate Change has released a report with ideas for how Wisconsin can better prepare for extreme weather linked to climate change. A key recommendation is the creation of a statewide resiliency planning initiative to help communities prepare for severe weather. Such a plan can help state and local officials understand which areas may become more vulnerable to flooding and inform decisions about spending taxpayer dollars on infrastructure. It could also enable us anticipate where bridges or culverts might be too small to handle intense rains and take steps to mitigate those threats, potentially avoiding tremendous damage like Mazomanie experienced in 2018. Sadly, it’s often folks in rural and predominately minority communities who experience the worst of these devastating floods because of limited resources or planning. A state-led analysis and strategy can ensure that we focus resources on these traditionally underserved areas. The past two years have been some of the wettest on record in Wisconsin and experts predict more extreme precipitation in the decades to come. Speaking from experience, we know that these floods and other climate change impacts can upend lives. That’s why it is so important to support a resilience planning effort, and I hope Governor Evers puts this key recommendation into action. The safety and quality of my life and so many across Wisconsin depend on it.   Nate Timm Mazomanie, WI   Dear Editor: Northwest Dane Senior Services, Inc. urges everyone age six months and older, and especially older adults, to get a flu shot as soon as possible this year.  Compared to younger people, the consequences of older adults getting the flu range from more severe to deadly.  Older adults have much higher rates of chronic conditions, like diabetes, heart conditions and arthritis, which add to flu complications. During last flu season, adults age 65 and older were only 17.5% of Wisconsin’s population, but accounted for 42% of flu-related hospitalizations and a whopping 84% of flu-related deaths.  This year, it’s important to get the flu shot so as not to confuse flu symptoms with COVID symptoms and to avoid getting both.  Two scientific studies of over 20,000 people show that the flu plus COVID doubles the death rate.  At this incredibly difficult time for Wisconsin, with the virus raging, it’s important that hospital beds be reserved only for those most in need, which tragically, is COVID patients.   In recent years older adults have had much higher rates of flu shots than younger adults.  However, given COVID, this year will be challenging. There may be fewer drop-in flu clinics, fewer volunteer drivers to transport people to get their shot, greater fear of leaving home and catching COVID and the growing misinformation campaigns.  This year’s flu shot season is seen as a “test run” for next year’s COVID vaccine.  So, let’s all be good citizens and Mask Up, Wash Up and Roll Up our Sleeves to get a flu shot.  If you need information about where flu shots are available in our community, please call us at 608-798-6937.   Paulette Glunn Executive Director Northwest Dane Senior Services, Inc.    Dear Friends, During this time of great uncertainty, we’ve been comforted and encouraged by the generosity and support from our community.  As you have all heard the most vulnerable populations to COVID-19 are older adults and those with compromised immune systems.  The NWDSS team, staff and volunteers, have continued to do our best to meet the needs and provide services such as Meals On Wheels, Case Management and Adult Day programming since the start of this pandemic. We want to say THANK YOU to all our donors, friends and family -especially those that have stepped up during this time.  My sincere appreciation and thanks to all the staff and volunteers that are dedicated to the NWDSS mission and the older adults we serve.  You are all OUR HEROES and I THANK YOU for helping meet the challenges of this moment so we can continue to provide premier programs and services.  All your continued support and generosity is greatly appreciated.  I want to wish you a joyous holiday season.  Be safe and stay healthy!    Best Regards,   Paulette Glunn Executive Director Northwest Dane Senior Services, Inc.   Dear editor, I would like to thank all those that came out Saturday for the Red Cross Blood Drive. We collected 50 pints of blood, 38 whole blood and 12 power reds. The drive could help 150 people! The next blood drive is Thursday, Feb 11, 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. https://www.redcrossblood.org/, 1-800-733-2767. Thank you, Stacie Prochaska Midland UMC