Kudos for positive stories

The 12-18-07 issue of The Oakwood Register had several very positive articles in it. The lead story by Dolores Wagner provided clear and factual information on the park purchase issue.  For the first time, it was obvious that this writer had done the type of research to provide your readers with crucial information unlike others who have previously written to the paper without such key facts.

Next were a series of short articles with pictures that when read collectively tell a major story about our community and our schools. The “Students shovel snow for Seniors” reminded me of a big Sunday snowstorm a few years ago which did force
Oakwood schools to close but the next day was quite nice although streets and walks were not.  My memory says the Letter Club along with other students got together with a number of adults to go out and open driveways for folks on the city’s ‘watch list’ for health emergencies.  About 70 homes had their driveways cleared in case medical care might be needed. Last week, Oakwood students stepped up to help out again!

The “Secret Smiles” story about 600 pillowcases of books, art supplies, stuffed animals, toys, etc. was another story about Oakwood youth reaching out to others. The third story, “Spanish students make service learning a reality,” also focused on how our OHS students gathered needed items from soccer shoes and cleats to school supplies for young people in Costa Rica.

The bottom line: I see in these three stories is that while ‘book learning’ is very important, some ‘life learning’ is equally vital in our world.  I am so proud of our school system and our youth because such stories confirm that both types of learning are being addressed.  Thanks to all involved and to the OR for helping us learn about this!

James K. Uphoff, Ed.D.
Oakwood

21st century correctness

I am writing this letter in response to the Nov. 27 ‘Round Town column. I was disappointed and embarrassed that the Oakwood Register printed the phrase “twenty-first-century retard.”

As a professional in the field of special education I have observed much advancement through the years, including the positive recognition of a challenged individual’s abilities, not disabilities. This comment is an insult to those individuals, their families and the dedicated professionals who struggle daily to overcome many obstacles.

This is the twenty-first century, and the word “retard” should not be included in anyone’s vocabulary for any reason.

Patricia McKnight
Oakwood

“I want some Happy Mail!”

It used to be that you waited in pleasant anticipation for the sound of the postman opening your mailbox and dropping something in. Maybe it was a letter from your mom, or from an aunt or uncle, or from a dear friend, or a cousin. Maybe it was a favorite magazine, or occasionally a check.

I want some “Happy Mail.” I think every literate American is sick and tired of getting letters marked URGENT, or OPEN IMMEDIATELY, each announcing some dire crisis that needs to be remedied right now. I don’t think I’m alone in saying that happy anticipation has gone out of the sound of the mail box lid.

Once in a while you get a thank you note or a birthday card , but for the most part your friends have gone online and your mail is a big disappointment. The cares of
the world await your attention - the group you sent a check to last month now wants more money this month; you’ve been added to new lists, organizations to fight cancer, stroke, Alzheimer’s, AIDS in Africa, poverty in Bangladesh. Other groups want to solicit your vote to keep America from going to the dogs. Still others send you unsolicited merchandise. And all the while there’s a limit to what you can give.

Makes one yearn for the simple life with less mail and more handwritten cards and letters from friends who aren’t trying to save you from your worst fears. They just like you and hope you want to keep in touch.

David L. Smith
Oakwood

top of page

December 26, 2007
Volume 16, No. 52

front page
arts
schools
sports
editorial
'round town
people
events
obituaries