We need to get our priorities right
As school gets back in session for the year and we have an election coming up, I'd like to express my opinion about an issue that seems to go unresolved. There's always plenty of talk about obesity in the United States, and particularly with children. Yet, our schools receive less and less funding, teachers and other support staff are laid off and programs are cut. The first programs cut always seem to be the "extras," including physical education and extracurricular activities.
Movement and music is very important for children and we always hear how they need 30 to 60 minutes of physical activity daily. Children have all the modern distractions of television, video games and computers that require little to no physical activity. Parents need to add physical activities to the family lifestyle. Go to the beach or swimming pool, playground or community center. Turn on the music and dance. Get out for a walk and go exploring. Children will enjoy the attention and the entire family may find this to be fun.
An important part to every child's education is involvement in music and movement. Early childhood programs such as Head Start recognize this and integrate it into every child's day. As children move to the public schools there is less and less of these activities every year. Where are our priorities? Attention to this problem is good, but there always seems to be a lot of talk and nothing else. With all the money spent by our politicians shouldn't we be demanding adequate funding for our schools and the programs that have always been an integral part of every child's education?
We need to get our priorities right. Our children need us to shape their opportunities and provide them with the well-rounded education that will promote healthy, well-educated leaders for the future.
Laura Menassa
Teacher, Ormond Beach
In response to: 'An (election) day in the life of poll workers'
I am wondering why Dan Harkins described the Democratic Club volunteers as "elderly". No other volunteers in this article were defined by their age. Is there a hidden message? Newspapers and reporters should keep ageism and any other biases out of their reporting.
Christe Ashley
DeLand
Old salt is good for our community
Dan Smith is quite a modest man referring to himself as an old salt, but his years of thoughtful reflection about our natural beauty give him up as a community treasure.
His whimsical, but important observations about people and places serve to remind us all of how important reflection is in appreciating where we live. So many times, we are reminded of our good fortune by his columns in Hometown News. Where we live and our quality of life is unique here and Dan reminds us all to appreciate the things that make our community one of the greatest places to live in our country.
Dan himself is one reason I feel blessed to live in this community. His dedication to our important history is legendary. With support from his many friends, he took us back in time to celebrate our 100th anniversary of world land speed records on the beaches of Ormond. He knows, and imparts on us lucky enough to call him a friend, that history is precious and needs to be taught so we all stay connected to this treasure we call home.
Dan Smith may be an old salt, but he's one this community is proud to call a local. You sir, are a good man.
Preston Root
Ormond Beach
Please say thank you
Owners and managers of retail outlets, especially restaurants, should teach their employees to say you're welcome instead of no problem in response to a "thank you" from a customer.
You're welcome means you are under no obligation for the favor given. I don't know what "no problem" means. Am I creating a problem by saying "thank you?"
Chris Wiechert
Ormond Beach