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Letters to the Editor

We welcome your opinions and letters – with name and address. We will edit when necessary. Include your name, address and phone number for verification. Mail them to Bay Weekly, P.O. Box 358, Deale, MD 20751 • E-mail them to [email protected]. or submit your letters on line, click here

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Wised up about Cell Phones

Dear Bay Weekly:

I wish I could have had the advantage of Aubree Stafford’s terrific article on cell phone afterlife [Vol. xv, No 8: Feb. 22] when recently disposing of a defective Motorola bluetooth phone.

When my cell phone ceased to work, Verizon charged me for a replacement, saying it would be sent from the warehouse. On receiving the new phone (minus the battery pack), I failed to read the packaging and tossed out the defective shell. On my next Verizon bill there was a $129 equipment charge for not returning the old cell phone shell. It seems I would pay for the phone three times.

How many times do you pay for a cell phone? It depends, of course. Verizon let me off the hook for the new charges, and I advised them that the packaging could be clearer and specifically mention the recycling program. The packaging only said the box could be used for “future returns.” Thanks to Mrs. Stafford, we are all the wiser about cell phone afterlife.

—M.L. Faunce, Churchton

Take a Second Look at Calvert’s Second Looks Books

Dear Bay Weekly:

I wish that Margaret Tearman [Reflection: Vol. xv, No. 3: Jan. 18] would take a second look at one of Calvert County’s treasures, Second Look Books in Prince Frederick. Chances are, she would find a remarkable selection of books, each of which has been cherished by a reader and then passed along to another, via bookstore owners Elizabeth and Richard Prouty-Due.

During our 11 years in Calvert County, our three daughters progressed from Dr. Seuss through The Babysitters’ Club and Star Wars (yes, they were unencumbered by sexual stereotypes) and Harry Potter, thanks to Second Look. Our Saturday family treat was to visit the store, trade in the old books and select as many new ones as their allowances would allow.

The selection is eclectic and far ranging, and if you ask, Richard and Elizabeth will keep an eye out for a particular book you seek. That’s how I came upon an out-of-print copy of Isaac Asimov’s collection of dirty limericks. Honest; ask Richard.

I now live in Richmond but make it a point to visit Second Look Books whenever business brings me to Calvert County. I always find a few good books and some excellent conversation. Please, take a second look.

—Karl R. Neddenien, Richmond, VA

8 Days a Week Does the Job

Dear Bay Weekly:

Thank you for your calendar overage of our CHILIfest. We exceeded our targets of people fed and money raised — with rave reviews for the sausage chili and white chili with chicken. We plan to hold the event again next year. Thank you for drawing attention to this series.

—Susan J. Haine, Shady Side,

for South County Faith Network