I'd like to begin by commending the staff of the Lakewood Observer for the fine publication they produce. As a Lakewood resident, I look forward to reading the Lakewood Observer, and always appreciate the information provided in this publication.

Although I enjoy the publication, I was dismayed with some issues related to the articles on the Fry Avenue stand off. These articles appeared in the 1.23.07 issue of the Lakewood Observer. The front page reporting was excellent, albeit the headline a bit sensationalized. The article was extremely informative and provided the Lakewood community with complete details of the situation. However, in a related article on page 3, the headline "Mad Avon Lake Man Brings Out Community," could have been worded otherwise. Was it necessary to refer to the man's psychological state as being "mad"? His psychological condition was obviously a symptom of a mental breakdown. Labeling someone with a mental or psychological condition as being "mad" is insensitive to the nature of the illness. Adding to the insensitivity of this headline is that it appeared on the opposite page of an article on page 2 entitled, "Recovery, Inc. Begins New Younger People Support Group." Recovery, Inc. is a mental health support group. It is doubtful that any of those young support group members would embrace the term "mad" as they struggle to recover their mental health. I'm not a writer and am not trying to criticize anyone's writing skills. I'm only trying to promote an awareness of the seriousness of mental illness and the need to be sensitive to those affected. When someone is in the throes of such distress, they are sick, not "mad."

Again, thank you for always keeping the Lakewood community informed about the important issues that affect our lives.

Sincerely,
Donna Hoder