CHEERS to Ryan Corry of the Plattsburgh State men's hockey team for turning a couple of their games into benefit events. Soon after the earthquake devastated Haiti, Corry came up with the idea of holding Hockey Helps Haiti fundraisers at the Carninals' games against Buffalo State and Fredonia State. When spectators arrived at the Plattsburgh State Field House, they found a booth set up in the foyer staffed by volunteers who were collecting donations. The effort raised more than $1,000, which was turned over to the North Country Chapter of the American Red Cross, to be used to help the people of Haiti recover. Corry and his teammates deserve a standing ovation for their humanitarian effort.
JEERS to a couple of young teenagers in the mall recently — but it applies to groups of teenagers in just about any other venue anywhere — who for some reason have no regard for the sensibilities of passers-by as evidenced by the language they use. This particular pair was playing an arcade-type game right next to the food court and were spewing obscenities as if they were in a locker room. They were yelling, as a matter of fact, to the extreme discomfort of many people in the vicinity. One passerby rather abruptly brought the rudeness to their attention, but they were unmoved. It obviously says as much about the parents who raised the kids as it does about the kids themselves. Is there no respect for convention and others' feelings anymore? One adult remarked that the kids are destined to wind up in the Police Log someday. Meanwhile, civil people are left to wonder where somebody went wrong, that such language these days is so commonplace.
CHEERS to the Ladies of the Lake Quilting Club for donating a quilted wall hanging for the Clinton County Health Department employee breastfeeding room. The gift betokens a genuine empathy for motherhood and breastfeeding, certainly both compatible with Health Department goals. Clinton County has taken steps to comply with state legislation to create a space for mothers who are nursing their babies, and the quilt will certainly encourage that activity. For the gesture, the Health Department has presented the club a Community Partnership Award. Through the years, many women and babies will have their experience enhanced by this thoughtful donation.
CHEERS to Willsboro Central School for its "Second Eyes" program, which solicits adults from outside the school to review college essays written by the 10th-grade students. It's good practice for the teens to start working on essays early, since they will need those to go with their college applications. And it's a great idea to have people read the essays and offer suggestions on anything from grammar and wording to the approach the student is taking. The program is in its second year, having proved successful in 2009. We think Superintendent Stephen Broadwell and his staff deserve an "Aye" for "Second Eyes."
