To the Editor:
I am the mother of two young sons. My youngest son is teething terribly. His molars and canines have been erupting, causing him/us great misery.
As I was sitting one morning reading the newspaper, he climbed up on the table where I was reading as usual. I glanced over to find him chewing on something. My eyes directly zoomed in on the writing on this object – “Made in China.” I instantly got up and found a frozen teething ring in the freezer. A question grew in my head – was this made in China too? Lead is a leading cause of learning disabilities. Our children are not only exposed to toxins from our environment but also from items we unknowingly allow into our daily lives.
Each day, we find out there’s another product being recalled for containing high levels of lead. I’ve been trying to convey to family members not to buy cheap toys/items from discount or dollar stores. But I came to realize that expensive and name-brand manufacturers additionally have this problem.
Our country needs to be much more aggressive in regulating imported items. We live in the U.S.A. We are excessively importing items from other countries. Americans need to be much more supportive of our own factories. If an item is made in the U.S.A., it should be stamped very large and in bold print so fellow Americans can see it and be proud to support out country.
Danielle Soriano
Poughkeepsie
To the Editor:
The meeting I attended on Sept. 26 was very interesting. Citizens argued against bringing back Pre-K. That was an important topic because young children need to begin socializing at young ages. This will also allow parents to do more things or work while their children are at school. If Pre-K is re-opened, children will be allowed to learn early and achieve more in life.
Javon Campbell
Poughkeepsie High School
To the Editor:
On Oct. 1, I attended a Common Council meeting. It was the first I’ve ever been to. Some parts were boring while other parts caught my attention.
The parts that were interesting included the topics about parking situations on Garfield Place and on Catharine Street. It was a good example on how people look at their neighborhood and see that it needs some improvements.
I agree with changing parking problems on both Garfield and Catharine. I agree with it because if someone was promised that people who attend Beulah Baptist Church wouldn’t mess up parking on Catharine Street. People who live on Catharine Street should be able to park there before those who attend church.
Tanaya Thomas
Poughkeepsie High School
To the Editor:
Recently I attended a Board of Education meeting at Krieger Elementary School, and I was eager to hear what was to be discussed about the school system, which has a daily affect on my classmates and I.
One of the topics which caught my attention was the debate on whether or not to extend the funding for the 21st Center After-School Program. In my opinion, continuing the program will enable students who are struggling to seek extra help when needed. Not only will the program serve as a good source of tutoring, but students will be able to engage in fun recreational activities as well.
I feel those who participate in this after-school program will benefit greatly, as their parents will too. It is understandable that in some circumstances parents are unable to pick up their child directly after school. The program will aid individuals placed in this type of situation. Parents will be at ease knowing their children are in a safe learning environment rather than roaming on the streets.
Those who read this letter, I ask that you take my opinion into consideration. During the meeting a number of topics held my interest and I was pleased to have attended. It was a great learning experience and I hope to see you at the next one.
Anreka Gordon
Poughkeepsie High School
To the Editor:
I recently attended a Planning Board meeting at the municipal building in Poughkeepsie. During this meeting, many new projects were discussed, which influence our community in Poughkeepsie. At this meeting, the new group home that was discussed was very interesting.
A new group home was one of many topics discussed at the meeting. Hudson River Housing developers are trying to renovated a sub-divided 15-year-old house at the corner of Thompson and Smith and turn it into a group home. The new group home will be for youth and will have 24-hour service staff. Some minor changes will take place at the site such as moving trees due to parking, adding a new entrance on Thompson Street and adding handicap ramps due to codes.
I believe having a group home on the corner of Thompson and Smith is not a good idea, because there is a lot of activity going on nearby. Secondly, there is a group home on Lent Street which is parallel to Thompson; they’re very close to one another. They should be separate. Lastly, if anything, this old house should be remodeled and put on the market.
Carlton Williams
Poughkeepsie High School