Editorial Work
Letters to the Editor
The time for educational reform is long overdue: Letter to the Editor
Updated: Jan. 12, 2019, 3:49 a.m. | Published: Apr. 24, 2014, 6:23 p.m.
By Other Voices
As an environmental education advocate who has correlated language arts textbooks to state educational standards for the past eight years, I was pleased to read Patrick O'Donnell's comprehensive coverage regarding the Common Core state standards ("Even high-performing suburban districts are worried about Common Core tests") and the additional perspectives on the topic in the Forum section on April 20.
The debate over education reform has lasted too long. The time for change is long overdue. Students must be prepared to compete with their peers in the United States and around the world. Together, they will not only need to be proficient in traditional areas of study, but also need to be technologically, ecologically and socially literate to address global challenges like climate change, energy use, population control and the equitable distribution of natural resources. We need our children to be innovators and collaborators that are prepared to meet the rigorous demands of an ever-changing world.
As David Brooks states in his related opinion article, "It's not enough to set goals; you have to figure out how to meet them." I am well aware of the herculean efforts of educational publishers to support the new framework. It's time everyone else did too.
Elizabeth Milli,
North Royalton
Children need reliable information about climate change: Letter to the Editor
Updated: Jan. 11, 2019, 4:21 p.m. | Published: May. 12, 2017, 2:02 p.m.
By Other Voices
The inaccessibility of "A Student's Guide to Global Climate Change" that used to be prominently available on the EPA website, should be a wake up call for all of us, regardless of personal politics. ("Popular climate-change resource for kids inaccessible", May 7) The First Amendment to the United States Constitution not only protects the freedom of speech, but also protects the right to receive information. Sadly, we are not going to be able to rely on the EPA's censured website to find reliable information on changes to the environment. Climate change is not new news. Nor is it fake news. True to predictions made since the 1970's, the effects of global warming are becoming very real.
Teaching our children about global climate change and how to be aware of their impact on the environment is just good common sense. Fortunately, with the increase of internet-based learning, there are many other resources we can access to teach children about the ever-changing world they live in and will one day inherit. And while we're at it, teach them how to develop critical thinking skills and obtain reliable information.
Elizabeth Milli,
Bay Village
Give the Gift of Art and Support Local Artists
by Elizabeth Milli
The holiday shopping season is here and there are no supply chain issues at BAYarts. Supporting local artists is not new to the non-profit arts organization, in fact, it has always been the mainstay of their mission. Entering into its 74th year, BAYarts has been supporting local artists and their businesses since 1948.
Whether you’re looking for ceramics, wall art, jewelry, or that perfect Christmas ornament to hang on the tree, the gift shop, located in the Huntington Reservation of the Cleveland Metroparks, is sure to have something for everyone on your list. Shoppers can also purchase BAYarts gift certificates to use towards any of the wide range of art classes available for both children and adults.
“The shop at BAYarts is the perfect place for a newcomer or seasoned art enthusiast to find something within their price range,” explains Liz Maugans, a working artist living in Bay Village. “As a Bay resident and artist, I am able to sell my work to a wide audience. BAYarts’ Executive Director Nancy Heaton, and Artistic Director Karen Petkovic have done wonders to create many economic opportunities for artists in this town.”
Maugans currently has several pieces available for sale at BAYarts and notes, “I recently created a series featuring dogs during this evolving pandemic. I see how people covet the time spent walking their dogs and enjoying the comfort of their presence and wanted to capture those emotions.”
Liz Maugans is one of more than 125 local artists that offer their work for sale at BAYarts during the holiday season.
Want a night out with friends or family? BAYarts will host their annual Trunk Show on Thursday, Dec. 9, from 6-9 p.m. in BAYarts’ Fuller House. Festive libations will be served with a $5 donation. Trunk Show artists include Mud by Mallory ceramics, Soma Tea, Tread the Terra handmade jewelry, Shannen Marie Makes mixed media art, Beth Martin beach glass, Urban Charlee denim goods, and Jack Twigg Candle Company. Charcuterie by Food and Flair Designs.
The gift shop is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 9-5, Thursday 9-8, Saturday 10-5 and Sunday 12-5. For more information on holiday events happening at BAYarts including Donuts with Santa and a Holiday Movie Night go to www.bayarts.net or call 440-871-6543.
Beth Milli is the General Manager at BAYarts