Count on Ten
When Region Ten Board Chair Barbara Barrett says the controversy between Region Ten and the Little High Area Neighborhood Association (LHANA) was a “comedy of errors” she’s not kidding! [“High tension on Little High Street,” November 8] However, it’s important to keep in mind the important changes going on at Region Ten and how this has impacted the current situation.
When Phil Campbell came to Region Ten as executive director, he succeeded a long-term director and had the support of the board and many in the community to help improve services the agency delivers. Region Ten is one of 45 community-service boards, which are mandated by the state of Virginia to serve folks who, because of economic and other reasons, would not otherwise receive any services. Currently, with the challenge of funding pressures on Medicaid for mental health and mental retardation services, and with Virginia near the bottom of the list nationally in per capita state funding of these services, the mission of Region Ten has never been more important.
Mr. Campbell comes with controversy; however, he has a large reorganization at hand, both philosophically and structurally, at Region Ten. Any “change agent” who is committed to doing the job would shake up an organization like Region Ten. His past legal issues in Massachusetts stem from the fact that he believes that people are better served in their communities instead of in large, bureaucratic, state-run hospitals, which often provide outmoded, inefficient services to people. This philosophy is a trend in the state of Virginia, and many in the community as well. Because of funding pressures, serving folks with mental health issues or mental retardation is being moved into more community-based programs.
Where Region Ten grossly erred is in how they chose to deal with Charlottesville. One hopes this is something they have learned from for any future project where they are serving clients in a community-based program. As part of a “world-class city,” Region Ten may want to learn that neighborhood engagement, outreach and support is crucial. For Region Ten’s board and Mr. Campbell to be unaware this project was underway is not a surprise, especially during the transition of directors. That’s not an excuse, it’s a fact. It’s an example of some of the internal disarray and confusion at Region Ten.
Charlottesville is a strong and progressive city where people are accessible and work together. This situation is indeed a comedy of errors in that it was unnecessary. It would have been avoided if Region Ten was savvy in being proactive and thoughtful (and even aware) of the necessity to collaborate with the neighborhood, media and even their own board of directors. Ultimately, what’s most important on Little High Street is that Region Ten be accountable and open, to ensure a functioning property which best serves both the clients of Region Ten and the greater community.
Pete Armetta
Keswick
Watch words
I look to C-VILLE for enlightened coverage of social issues. I cannot express how disappointed and shocked I was to see your paper refer to housing for our citizens who are disabled by mental illness and substance-addiction disease as a “flophouse” [Table of Contents, November 1]. The new head of psychiatry at UVA says that addictions of all kinds are chemical or genetic or biological. I really expect more enlightened and compassionate coverage from you.
Judith Pitts
Chair, Thomas Jefferson Area
Coalition for the Homeless
Albemarle County
Bend it like Bikram
As someone who has been with Char-lottesville’s Bikram studio since they opened and who is dedicated to Bikram’s style of yoga, I was interested in Cool Honey’s analysis of the studio and technique [“Some like it hot,” She-Ville, November 8]. A couple of comments:
1) When Bikram brought his interpretation of hatha yoga to the United States he was met with a mixed reception. Unlike India, where he had a very successful business, when he arrived in Los Angeles students would come and go. Bikram finally came to the conclusion that what was different between here and India was the heat and humidity. So he cranked up the studio heating systems and voila, his studios exploded with students who came to love the depth and cardiovascular work available in Bikram yoga. (We all love to glow, don’t we?)
2) Four gallons of water a day? Cool Honey had it a little off. The unfortunate potential result of four gallons of water a day could be hyponatrenia, or overhydration. Similar to dehydration, overhydrating can lead to very serious consequences. Like 99.99 percent of all health care professionals, Bikram recommends drinking 3 liters of water a day.
3) Finally, I have found nothing more cleansing for the body and spirit than Bikram yoga. That includes the luxuriant pleasure of washing my hair after class.
Art Scott
agsteaches@yahoo.com