Parent told of book’s contents
I’m writing in regards to the topic of the summer reading at Raceland which was on the front page of the Monday, Aug. 3, Independent.
My thought is that this is crazy. What are we to do? Keep our children locked up from the world?
My daughter attends the same school as Ms. Yearout’s son and has already read the book and completed the project.
When I took my daughter to purchase the book at Waldenbooks, their associates asked me if I knew anything about the book and I told them no. They took me aside and advised me of the contents.
If Ms. Yearout is so concerned, where was she when he got the book? Was he dropped off at the mall where you see different kinds of lifestyles with no supervision? I think some people need to get a grip on what goes on around our children every day.
The reality of the situation is that these are issues that our youth face in school and that they watch every day on television. Are we going to start going to school with them? I don’t think so.
My daughter did have an alternate book to read when we bought her copy in June. Why wait until nine days before school and then start being concerned?
The important thing is to have an open relationship with our children so that when faced with these kinds of topics, we can answer their questions appropriately.
Ashland Joseph, Worthington
Board members listened to people
The majority of members of the Ashland Board of City Commissioners doing what they wanted to do despite public opposition didn’t surprise me. I even expected taxpayer money to be wasted proving the local residents were wrong. But what totally amazed me was that the Ashland Board of Zoning Adjustments had enough strength of character to do the right thing regardless.
Although I don’t live near Kirk Street now, I grew up near there and know how dangerous it is. Larry Bailey in particular cared enough to ask all the right questions and really listen to everyone.
The board originally was concerned enough to want a delay to investigate. But when Mr Bailey made a motion to deny, the others agreed.
It’s nice to know there are still some in government positions with the morals and ethics to not be influenced by anything but concern for the city and its citizens. It’s a shame there aren’t more elected ones who are the same way.
Douglas Morrison, Ashland
Palin does not deserve ridicule
I am an unabashed Sarah Palin admirer and I was disgusted that The Independent felt the need to get your dig in along with so many others (Aug. 2 cartoon).
What has she done to deserve such ridicule? I personally do not understand. She had the audacity to run for vice president with the John McCain ticket.
Lately, she did the unthinkable and resigned an office she believed ineffective. (Maybe a few politicians should follow her lead.)
Outside of gaffs any newcomer seeking a national office would be likely to make, she did the best she could on a very weak ticket. The need of comedians, editors and opinion makers in general to try to make a laughingstock of her is getting old and sick.
If you feel the need to do such, may I suggest you turn your attention to our nation’s capital. You will find a ready supply of inept people there to make fun of and who richly deserve it.
May God Bless America — again!
Marvin G.Warner, Russell
Kids should have regular eye exams
VSP Vision Care and Prevent Blindness Kentucky have announced that a study with nearly 1,500 participants found that more than one in five 12- to 17-year-olds have difficulty seeing the classroom whiteboard/chalkboard, with more than one in four complaining of headaches. This was despite 45 percent of the children in this age group having prescription eyewear.
Most parents probably assume once a prescription is given, there isn’t a need for further follow up. However, the survey results reinforce the need for regular eye exams.
Additional findings of the survey show that almost two-thirds (66 percent) of children under the age of 6 have never had an eye exam by an eye doctor and one in four 6- to 11-year-olds wears prescription glasses.
The most common vision problem in older children is nearsightedness, or myopia.
As part of Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month in August, VSP and Prevent Blindness Kentucky hope to educate parents and caregivers on the importance of vision care and encourage them to make their children’s eye health a priority.
Prevent Blindness Kentucky recommends all children have their vision checked at infancy and regularly throughout childhood.
Most common eye problems in older children, including myopia, can be effectively treated if diagnosed early. said LuAnn Epperson, President & CEO, Prevent.
The American Optometric Association recommends that all children have a complete eye exam by an eye doctor at age 6 months, 3 years and 5 years. Between the ages of 6 and 18, the AOA recommends that visits to an eye doctor should occur at least every two years.
For additional eyecare tips and information, visit VSP’s Eyecare Discovery Center at www.vsp.com and Prevent Blindness Kentucky at www.preventblindness.org.
Denise Powell, Program Director, Prevent Blindness Kentucky, Louisville
