Community with spirit

Feb. 01, 2002

I do not recognize the Westward Ho as depicted in last Sunday's front-page story, "Life in a grand hotel."

That is not the Westward Ho that I know.

I have been teaching computer hardware and software to residents at the Westward Ho for more than 18 months.

I have found the residents to be articulate, interesting, active and very supportive of one another.

No mention was made of Erling Eaton's charitable activities, both working with St. Mary's Food Bank and his internal recycling of pantry foods and furniture to new residents. Nor of his co-founding and continual involvement in the running of the computer lab.

No mention was made of the joyous occasions in the lives of the Ho residents. Sam and Bobbi, the penthouse residents, met, fell in love and were married at the Ho. I was recently honored to be guest at the wedding of Clyde and Barbara last Thanksgiving in the ballroom, where they generously provided a wonderful dinner.

The Ho is a sanctuary for its residents, a place of beauty and safety in the middle of the city. Where they are a short walk, or roll, from the amenities of the library, live theater, museums, downtown parks and the statehouse. - Mercedes Murphy
Phoenix