BHSN Carnivale
TO THE EDITOR: Behavioral Health Services North is very excited to host our first-ever free Kids Carnivale at the Plattsburgh Recreation Center Gym 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11.
We hope families with young children ages 3 to 7 will join us for an afternoon focused on raising awareness about children's wellness resources in our community.
The Carnivale will feature Mardi Gras-themed activities and crafts, including bouncy house, face painting, bean bag toss, beads, music, mask making/decorating and much more.
Ongoing demonstrations by Guibord's North Country School of Dance, Steve's Contact Karate and ZumbAtomic will give kids a chance to try something new.
Families can stop by the City Police booth for a safety kit, check out the Imaginarium Children's Museum exhibit, enjoy stilt walking/juggling by the Grotto Family Entertainers or give Burghy a hug — there's something for everyone.
BHSN's program staff will also be on hand with information about the many youth wellness services they provide.
Then, join us at 4:30 for the Kids' Parade of Masks led by Mardi Gras North Queen Janet Duprey with live music by Bryan Kieser & the King Cake Combo. Free water donated by Kinney Drugs and popcorn will be served throughout the event.
The Kids Carnivale marks the 10th anniversary of BHSN's Mardi Gras North, a fundraiser that will again support the Clinton County mental-health intervention initiative for children birth to age 5 in 2012. This event extends Mardi Gras North festivities to include families with young children in the celebration.
The Carnivale promises to bring fun, free activities and resources to our North Country family. We hope you will dress for Mardi Gras and join us on Feb. 11.
Barbara Storandt
BHSN Board of Directors member
Greed, corruption
TO THE EDITOR: I keep hearing that the Democrats or Republicans are to blame for our country's troubles.
I believe if we look in the mirror we will see who helped cause our problems. Greed and corruption has infected our personal lives and the business and financial sector. Look at the negative behaviors we ignore, shows we watch, the way an unborn child is sometimes treated and the reckless manner we tend to handle our personal finances.
As Samuel Adams wrote: "Neither the wisest constitution nor the wisest laws can preserve the liberty and happiness of a people who are morally corrupt." Is it any wonder our country and freedom is eroding away?
Why do we complain about politicians then elect the same type of people who simply tell us what we want to hear and not do what they promised? We fail to hold our representatives accountable for their actions, uncontrolled spending and wasteful budgets, if they even bother to pass one.
We have allowed them to become elitists and rulers, rather than representatives and leaders. They are completely out of touch with us.
Because of the lack of term limits, they often serve themselves, getting rich as career politicians instead of serving those who elected them. We often vote for a party and not for an individual's abilities, values and integrity.
If you think our president, Congress or judicial system will fix our country's problems, you are in for a huge disappointment. We are the only people who can restore our ethics and turn this country around, but it has to start with fixing ourselves first. It is our responsibility to be informed and to make wise decisions based on facts and then take the time to be involved. It is up to us to do the right thing.
Jon Steeves
Willsboro
Teacher tenure
TO THE EDITOR: As a retired teacher who spent my entire working life teaching seventh- and eighth-graders, I read with interest your editorial concerning tenure failings.
I found it to be more balanced than many opinion pieces which I have read on this subject as you included the reasons for the creation of tenure and concluded that tenure still offers necessary protection but a better means of addressing failing teachers is needed.
I am most interested in the following part of one of your statements: "The great ones and the bad ones are easy to spot." I was hoping for an elaboration on exactly how you do this "spotting." Many school systems are struggling with this issue. I'm sure they would appreciate your input. Perhaps a followup editorial explaining your system would be useful. I'm waiting.
Anne Farden
Retired teacher Malone Middle School
