Fortunate to live in a community that values education

From Mary Walsh,

Minnewaska Area Dollars

for Scholars president

A HUGE thank you from the Minnewaska Area chapter of Dollars for Scholars to all who contributed to the successful phone-a-thon that was held on February 26.  Minnewaska students spent about four hours making calls to people in our school district, asking for pledges to go toward scholarships for 2023 seniors.  We feel so fortunate to live in a community that values education and supports our students so generously!  We were able to raise over $15,000 this year!

We would like to give a special thanks to Starbuck Telephone Company for once again providing telephones for the students to use during the phone-a-thon.  We appreciate all the help setting up the phones for us to use each year.

The mission of Minnewaska Area Dollars for Scholars® is to provide Minnewaska Area seniors with scholarships to further their education.  Through Dollars for Scholars we have the opportunity to make a strong, collective statement about the importance of education beyond high school, providing encouragement and support for our local students.

Minnewaska Area Dollars for Scholars encourages businesses and individuals to support local students through charitable giving.

For more information about Minnewaska Area Dollars for Scholars, please contact Mary Walsh, Minnewaska Area Dollars for Scholars president, at 320-239-1317 or email mwalsh@isd2149.org.

‘We can still teach respect for all…’

From Gail Larson

Glenwood

In a March 13, 2023, interview with Kal Penn of the Daily Show, President Joe Biden criticized Florida and other states for introducing legislation banning transgender medical procedures for children as “almost sinful” and “cruel.” At a press conference on March 9, 2023, Minnesota’s Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan advocated for transgender rights for minors when she said, “When our children tell us who they are, it is our job as grown-ups to listen and believe them. That’s what it means to be a good parent.” Yes, good parents should listen to their children but also should guide them so they don’t make decisions they might regret later. We can still teach them kindness and respect for all people.

Also, some public schools have reported a significant drop in math and reading scores since COVID and online learning. Wouldn’t it be better to help children improve these fundamental areas rather than spend precious educational time on teaching gender identity and sexual orientation? I hope this is not happening in Minnesota schools; but referring to the lieutenant governor’s recent comments, as a retired educator I’m concerned.

Adds thanks to Greg Meyers, EMS team

From Bob and Lucy Bymers,

Glenwood

We noticed the article in the newspaper recognizing Greg Meyers and the Glacial Ridge EMS team here in Glenwood and would like to add our thanks and appreciation to Greg and the entire EMS team.

We moved to Ridgewood Villa a few years ago and have had the EMS team respond to our apartment several times on emergencies from falls to more serious issues. We are so grateful.