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Pineapplelove's avatar

Applauding these parents & this child for their strength & perseverance! May they live in peace asap.

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Gregg Wilczynski's avatar

Ms Howard: Thanks for providing us with a very thorough in-depth report of the grief the victim’s family continue to go through. It takes plenty of courage to follow the allegation, charge, trial, and now sentencing to the end.

That very young victim will never shake the violation, while that sick criminal DeClercq attended parties, sailed, and probably set his eyes on another innocent victim.

Let us learn from your thorough report of the abuse of a child, the report to the police, trial, etc. Let us all listen to the kids.

Thanks

Stay Safe

PEACE

Gregg Wilczynski

Retired.

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Gregg Wilczynski's avatar

Thanks for the clarification. Is it respectful to still use “Ms Howard “?

In order to obtain info from any sources or victims you must be trusted, and obviously you are AND that’s the reason your stories are important.

Thanks

PEACE.

Gregg

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Phoebe Wall Howard's avatar

I am legally Ms. Howard.

But I answer to anything including ‘Hey, you.’

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Phoebe Wall Howard's avatar

Thank you for being a loyal reader, Gregg.

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Gregg Wilczynski's avatar

Your “stuff” is what I read, because it’s thoroughly investigated, factual, and has value. Oh, and it’s not about you, which is rare for writers today.

Another thing. Being a sailor, as, I believe is Mr Howard, writing about a big dog in the sailing business, exposing his sick felonious behavior to his world for, what I believe the first time, is gutsy. That’s another reason I look forward to your work.

On a more personal note, I had a Dennis Declerk ( sp) on parole in 1979, who was from G P. Ran his family’s construction / hauling business. Was a nice cooperative man. Discharged W/O incident. I wonder if there’s any family connection.

PEACE

Gregg

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Phoebe Wall Howard's avatar

Dear Gregg, I don't know anything about the man you mention from your parole officer days. My husband is, indeed, a competitive sailor. (Note: Mr. Howard and I divorced years ago. I'm blessed to have remarried a man I love and respect more than words can capture.) Writing about these legal issues is sensitive as I know personally many families in the sailing community. I'm grateful to have earned the trust of sources during a time when trust in the press seem to be eroding.

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Sharon Beebe's avatar

Thank you for this follow up article. Your reporting has been very balanced…hard to do with this sort of topic.

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Tammy Beebe's avatar

I honestly wonder how many other victims there are who haven't spoken up. I hope that if they see this article that it would give them the courage to come forth. Well written Phoebe.

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Phoebe Wall Howard's avatar

I am so grateful for your thoughtful feedback.

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Tammy Beebe's avatar

I honestly wonder how many other victims there are who haven't spoken up. I hope that if they see this article that it would give them the courage to come forth. Well written Phoebe.

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