Victoria MN Newspaper-Letters to the Editor

Holy Family Catholic High School

Victoria * 952-443-4659

To the Editor:

Hi, Sue. You may recall that I grew up near Victoria on the Wendelin Grimm farm. I'm writing in reference to Pastor Maureen Bonner's piece on Bipolar "Disease" in the August Gazette.

I was married to a person who, I found out after a month, had been previously diagnosed with Bipolar 1 Disorder. She had six to ten mood swings -- from manic to depression -- each of the 12 years we were married, each lasting from one to two weeks or more.

Pastor Bonner stated in her column, "Bipolar is not a disease because it is not a physical problem." However, based on my experience and doctors at Mayo in Rochester, the exact cause of Bipolar Manic is unknown.

Several factors trigger the Bipolar episodes: Biological Differences (a "physical" change in the brain), Neurotransmitters (an imbalance in naturally occurring chemicals; lithium is needed for normal brain function), Inherited Traits (genes passed on by parents).

There are several treatment options. Many patients with Bipolar 1 Disorder will not take any medication. They either do not believe they are bipolar, or, why would they want to get rid of this manic high when they feel they can do anything!

A Bipolar Manic does not recognize how disruptive they can be to themselves as well as to those around them, causing other health, legal, financial, and relationship problems.

Here is where I believe Pastor Maureen Bonneer is spot on with her strong recommendation in consulting with your priest, pastor, rabbi, or biblical counselor. Each of these professionals can be of great assistance to the patient and maybe even more so to the spouse, the children, friends, or parents of the person diagnosed with Bipolar 1 Disorder.

I am pleased that Pastor Bonner addressed Bipolar 1 and 2 Disorders in the Victoria Gazette because addressing the problems of mental illness such as Bipolar Disorders in the United States is still very much on the back burner.

Daniel Schwalbe

High Point, North Carolina

To the Editor:

How fortunate are we to have the Deer Run Golf Course in our fair city. There are many golf courses to play in our area, but none quite measure up to Deer Run in Victoria. Tom Abts, the head pro and General Manager, is the answer. He knows how to treat the guest who plays a wonderfully conditioned course. Tom's help reflects his approach to making the day at Deer Run a wonderful experience.

All at Deer Run are well trained and gracious. My guests always enjoy my invitation to play here. This past Monday (August 11th), the course offered a free hotdog and beer, one dollar gin and tonics, ultra clean and comfortable carts to ride in, helpful rangers, cards and pencils on the second hole in case you forgot to pick them up at the club house, free tees and ball makers, and a unique clubhouse with a long history.

Does it sound like I enjoy Deer Run? I do. Thanks again to Tom Abts for his helpful articles which appear in your paper every month. His outlook on life and golf are helpful. Some day I hope he has time to write a book.

I feel fortunate to still be playing golf at age 85 and 1/2. If I knew I would live this long, I would have taken better care of myself. I send the Gazette to some of my out of town friends. They are envious of us who enjoy your publication each month.

Malcolm MacAlpine

Victoria, Minnesota

To the Editor:

Hi, Sue. I want to place an ad in the Gazette. I am convinced your paper is the most read in the entire area. Everybody reads it. You do a great job.

Bob Ayotte

Chanhassen, Minnesota

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