Document text
Guest forum: Levy gives kids the right tools for success in life By Leslie Kendall Ashland As I breathe the pristine air of Ashland I am reminded of the many reasons I moved here eight summers ago. My children were 3 and 6. When my older son and I toured the elementary schools to see which class inspired him the most, it was a toss-up between the first grade music program at Lincoln or the pet gerbil in the classroom at Briscoe. In his school in L.A. there were notorious problems with violence so this was a welcome dilemma and the first of many sweet memories of our elementary experience in Ashland. Next fall, Spencer enters Ashland High School and Ian begins Middle School. Their dreams are already cemented, one with the notion of becoming a veterinarian and the other of playing baseball for Stanford. What tools can we offer our children to prepare them for their future? What will set them apart from all of the others who aspire to greatness and dreams fulfilled? My belief is that it is our commitment as a community to teach our children to be well-rounded individuals, to expose them to theater, music, second languages, debate, mediation, athletics and community service. All of these are integral programs supported by the Youth Activities Levy. Let's not turn our backs on the children in this community by withdrawing our financial support when in the past two years the State of Oregon has reduced our schools' revenues by 20 percent. Losing an additional $1.7 million in levy funds would be a devastating blow to the many programs the levy supports, not only those benefiting our children but also the Hunter Park Senior Center, Mountain Avenue Nature Center and the swim programs at our public pool. Editor's note: Leslie Kendall is co-chair of the Ashland Youth Activities Levy Committee. Letters to the Editor: Cabaret show needs tweaking The current production at the Oregon Cabaret Theatre, "The Bachelors" happens to be a fine one except for the annoying inattention to cultural integrity in its "Chopsticks" number. It can only be laziness on the writer's part to have waitresses wearing kimonos and serving sake in a Chinese restaurant where I have never seen either. Even more annoying are the mincing steps of the geisha in that number which continues racial stereotyping. I fail to see any humor in such insensitivity. I hope the Cabaret will take steps to refine this otherwise fine show with talented actors. Carol Sunahara, Ashland Looking forward to ICCA reopening As one of the volunteers for the ICCA over the past two years, I want to express my appreciation for the privilege of being a part of that wonderful program. Ashland is indeed fortunate to have such a place to serve the homeless. While it be ideal to someday have a residential program, the present program serves a wonderful need. Since I have been at the front desk and greet those who come for various needs, I can only say that the great majority are courteous, grateful and appreciative of whatever we can do to meet their needs. These needs are not being supplied anywhere else. Having a mailing address where they can receive important documents, even checks, and responses to job applications is an important needed service. They may not have a home, but with the services such as laundry and showers they are assured they can be presentable for a job interview. There has been some tension in the city recently over the homeless situation, but let it not mar in any way the service the ICCA renders to the community. It is financed in a large part by private contributions, and the continued existence of their generosity. Please consider ICCA for donations. It has been a great pleasure to work for and with Jeanne Hallinan who so aptly handles all situations, and I look forward to next week when again all will be in place. Florence Bunker, Ashland Elections letters: Support the levy I am writing to express my support for the Ashland Youth Activities Levy. The Levy has become more critical to our schools. Our world has grown more complex, not less so. Levy funds go directly to programs like foreign language. Without those programs Ashland and indeed America will be less prepared to deal with the future. There is absolutely nothing more critical to the future of a society then educating it's young. Vote Yes for the Ashland Youth Activities Levy. Kevin Cooney, Ashland Thivierge is qualified for post Ellie Thivierge is a great candidate for Ashland School Board. She is well qualified to serve, has a wonderful family - three girls at Ashland High School, and Ellie is willing and free to devote the necessary time to effectively represent our community in this important election. Vote for Ellie Thivierge!, Parker Hess, Ashland She wishes she could vote 'yes' Dear Editor, I think that everyone in Ashland should say yes to the Youth Activities Levy. I think this because P.E., reading and music lessons are important to me. In P.E. you learn how to play a lot of sports and get strong. In music you learn to read music and it is all fun. Sincerely, Delaney Swink, Walker Elementary - Second Grade P.S. If they would let me vote I would vote yes.\ Parker will be an advocate for kids I'm writing to express enthusiastic support for Heidi Parker who is running for Ashland School Board Position 2. I know Heidi to be a person of integrity whose leadership skills and honest, disarming style are just what the Ashland school community needs and deserves. Along with being a fixture in her children's classrooms for many years, Heidi has served on the Lincoln School Site Council, the Ashland High School drug and alcohol policy committee and helped create the Ashland Student Assistance Program which places volunteer counselors in the high school to assist students. Heidi is a thoughtful listener who will take the time to thoroughly explore the difficult issues that we all know the board will face. She asks the tough questions and takes the time to hear all viewpoints. With Heidi on the Board, I know that my three children will have a committed advocate with a cool head and a warm heart. Wendy Conner, Ashland LINKS: DAILY TIDINGS: Main | News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Opinion | Columnists | AP News | Subscribe | Archives | Weather | Classifieds | Contact Us | Privacy REVELS: Main | Calendar | Dining | Movies | T.V. OTHER: Road Cams Copyright 2003 Ashland Daily Tidings 541.482.3456. 1661 Siskiyou Blvd., Ashland, OR 97520. Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. - Advertisers -