More on the hospital board
Dear Editor:
Thank you for covering and publishing the transparently written article “Community members seek answers from hospital board,” by Jared Henderson, in your newspaper last week.
My wife and I love our community, Pioneers Medical Center and its providers but we have concerns with a couple of board members, as well as CEO Liz Sellers and the Tennessee management company she is employed by.
My wife had gathered questions from the community, which she volunteered to ask the board in a public meeting March 25, 2025. Her worst fear of being attacked for having the courage to ask the questions was quickly realized when board president Mark Schryver (who has never been publicly elected but appointed to two terms) started the meeting talking about himself before allowing other directors and providers to speak.
Current board member Kim Tedford, who served (2014-2022) and herself said she was term-limited in 2022, yet was appointed by Sellers to fill a vacated seat in 2024, spoke for more than 20 minutes. (We also question Tedford self-nominating herself for the upcoming May 6, 2025, election after being term-limited in 2022 and not sitting out a full four years before running for election, as the Colorado Constitution requires, she is not eligible to run for election until 2026).
Sellers had asked providers and nurses to attend, where several of them spoke in support of Sellers (who never said a word during the meeting) and the administration, before the public, which was never greeted or acknowledged by Schryver, was allowed to speak — for three minutes each.
The board’s lack of transparency was immediately questioned, after Henderson and myself were kicked out of the financial meeting, held prior to the board meeting, with a quorum inside.
When my wife did speak, Schryver rudely interrupted her four times: “two seconds left,” “wrap it up,” “that’s enough” and “you went over,” as well as two nurses interrupting her more than once — she was never allowed to ask the questions. Thank you for publishing them as well, hopefully we get them answered.
My wife and I love our community and in 2006, we along with many other local citizens and business owners, voted to tax ourselves to build this beautiful facility and we are proud of our investment.
We encourage everyone to please vote in the special district elections May 6, 2025.
Thank you for your coverage of this very important issue.
Sincerely,
Bobby Gutierrez
Meeker
Coyote v. wolf
Dear Editor:
In a recent edition of the paper, I noted the guide to tell the difference between a coyote and a wolf. As a retired wildlife biologist, I would offer the following additional pointers to determine which dog like animal you have encountered in the field. A coyote is about the size of a border collie, while a wolf is more the size of a German shepherd. More definitively, a coyote will often have in its mouth, part of a leg of a fawn deer or a lamb, whereas a wolf will be carrying the leg of a calf elk, ewe or beef calf. Hope this helps.
Jeff Madison
Meeker
Accessible
Dear Editor:
The airlines have kindly informed me that my “accessible” status is in place for a fun trip to see my sister in Florida. This term was previously known as “handicapped.” I requested this service and I am grateful for it.
Since it is nearly impossible for me to walk through long airport concourses, in that setting I am “handicapped.” I learned that wheelchair assistance is available and free! I generously tip the wheelchair assistants. These kind souls push wheelchairs all day long and boy do they know their way around an airport.
“Ma’am, do you need a snack, restroom, water?” they kindly offer. During their work shift, I’m sure they deal with plenty of testy travelers. These days airplane travel is a challenging adventure with many delayed or diverted flights, no food served, expensive food in airport. Etc. etc.
So, what is “accessible?” Depending on one’s limitations getting into a building/airport/house is often the greater challenge. Wheelchair dependent people need elevators. Some people can’t use steps. Us senior citizens just need some stability support moving from spot to spot.
The driveway can be icy. The parking lot can be slanted instead of level, contributing to balance issues. The elevator may be broken. Steps into people’s homes appear without any railing to support getting up or down. The list of potential ways to fall and break a bone is endless.
Thankfully, there are designated handicapped parking spaces in most public spaces that are near an entrance. But then you still have to navigate often long halls, walking, walking, walking and getting more exhausted all the time.
What is “accessible” to one person may not be the same to someone else. I am grateful to my husband who faithfully provides a stabilizing arm when I need it and the many people in town who hold doors open and offer assistance.
Being disabled is not a choice. Thank you for your patience with us.
Kaye Sullivan
Meeker