LETTERS: Dining out, arts education, witchcraft
Affordable dining would be welcome
In response to the article "Village order: Hold the eateries," LI Life, Sept. 19]: Why not allow this new hot dog restaurant in downtown Northport?
I welcome the thought of being able to stop in for a quick and inexpensive lunch while strolling through the streets of my town. Other than grabbing a slice of pizza, there aren't any eateries where you can simply stop in and take your food to go. In addition, many young couples aren't able to afford to take their children to a $200 Italian or sushi dinner.
The young people of today face many struggles with housing and the rising costs of living on Long Island. They should be able to afford to eat in their own town.
Kristen Lyons
Arts enrich students' lives, other subjects
I agree with the importance of the arts in enriching the lives of students and society ["Arts, music, sports enrich students' lives," Letters, Sept. 11].
There are other valid academic and economic reasons for keeping the arts in schools. Studies have proven that students who receive education in the visual and performing arts do better academically, are more likely to graduate and enjoy school.
The arts develop skills associated with the right side of the brain such as design, storytelling, synthesis, empathy and pattern recognition. These are the skills that 21st century jobs require.
Schools need to recognize the need for these skills and stop teaching to the test.
We need future leaders who say with confidence, "That's easy, I'll show you my answer." This can't be accomplished without an educational system that values the importance of the arts.
Patricia M. Lewis
Editor's note: The writer is a New York City art teacher.
Candidate's remarks offensive to Wiccans
As a Wiccan, I find Delaware Republican Senate candidate Christine O'Donnell's brief explanation of her dabblings in witchcraft rather peculiar, if nothing else.
O'Donnell equates her witchcraft "dabblings" with the association of misguided and questionable high school peers. This is an insult to all Wiccans and neo-pagans. Wiccans honor our planet as a living, breathing being and attune our energies with hers. "Do what ye will, but harm none" is a belief that we live by. What is so questionable about that?
What is so misguided about respecting all beings? Wicca is an Earth religion based on positive energy. A true Wiccan is proud of her or his belief system and would never mask it for the masses over a job.
Eileen Scanlon Christofi
Sarra Sounds Off, Ep. 15: LI's top basketball players On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," Newsday's Gregg Sarra and Matt Lindsay take a look top boys and girls basketball players on Long Island.
