by Nikki Silverstein
Hero: A teller at the Union Bank on Miller Avenue in Mill Valley may have just been doing her job, but Barbara Dubbs of Mill Valley was impressed nonetheless. Dubbs took her 84-year-old mother to the branch to withdraw money for an upcoming trip to her native Japan. Mom insisted on withdrawing $5,000 in cash, believing that if she had a medical emergency, actual currency would be required. The teller was concerned and politely inquired about the need for a large amount of cash, rather than a safer alternative. When it became apparent that the senior was determined, the employee took the time to explain about scams that target elderly people and provide tips to avoid being swindled. We credit Union Bank for investing in caring staff.
Zero: An online post for free kittens pitted Marinites against Tracy H., a Mill Valley resident, who has a mama cat with a litter of four, a pregnant cat and of course, an unneutered male cat. Replies on the neighborhood forum included info. about the Marin Humane Society’s low-cost spay and neuter program. Tracy balked at the $55 fee for each kitty, but neighbors suggested that she charge a nominal adoption fee to recoup her investment. Out came her claws. “ … take the need to advise the world of the need to spay kittens elsewhere,” Tracy wrote. Great idea. We’re taking it here. Each year, 1.4 million cats are euthanized in the United States. Spay and neuter for zero population growth until demand catches up with the supply.
Got a Hero or a Zero? Please send submissions to
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