SPAC lawn was not built for rock shows
Re Aug. 4 article, “SPAC lawn: More dirt than grass”: When my father’s firm, Vollmer Associates, designed the Saratoga Performing Arts Center in 1966, there were no plans for any performances other than classical.
It was the permanent summer home for the New York City Ballet and the Philadelphia Orchestra. Each company was in residence for four weeks.
The lawn was not designed to withstand hordes of rock-concert goers.
Ann Vollmer Svenson
Greenfield Center
Kids need report card on character issues
I recently came across a nugget of wisdom — from a 1955 report card. It was an evaluation of students scored by teachers.
Below are the criteria used to judge the K-12 development of each student’s character:
Growth In Social Habits:
* Respects authority.
* Practices self-control.
* Is courteous in speech and manner.
* Keeps desk and materials neat.
* Works and plays well with others.
Growth In Work and Study Habits:
* Completes work on time.
* Uses time well in school.
* Works to the best of ability.
Growth In Health And Safety Habits:
* Is careful about personal appearance.
* Observes simple health rules.
* Observes traffic and safety rules.
Quarterly Rating:
S — Indicates satisfactory progress.
I — Indicates improvement is needed.
Could it be that Schenectady youth and the parental generation might benefit from receiving a similar scorecard from teachers in our public and private schools in 2015?
I suggest it might lead to stronger families, better peer relations, less bullying, fewer arguments and less of a reliance on violence to deal with disagreements.
But then, I could be wrong.
James M. Schaefer
Rotterdam
The writer is a former administrator and research professor.
No need to kill geese to protect airports
Recently, numbers of Canada geese and their young were removed from Schenectady County. The geese were rounded up, trucked away and slaughtered without public knowledge.
For some time, the state Department of Environmental Conservation and the U.S. Department of Agriculture have been systematically and relentlessly killing the Canada geese in New York state. When other geese moved in, this leads to another kill. The policy of these agencies to destroy what gets in the way is troubling and numbers show it is not working. This is not conservation; it is destruction of a species.
No consideration is given to humane management, and yet, research shows non-lethal methods of control are being used successfully at airports, parks and golf courses across the country.
Offering goose meat to food pantries is neither safe nor practical. Goose meat is likely to be contaminated and must be tested at great expense.
There are cheaper and more nourishing ways to feed the hungry. This is simply a ploy to appease the public.
Those of us who value the natural world enjoy the presence of the Canada goose. This interesting bird, serene and intelligent, has a place and deserves better.
Beryl W. Dickson
Schenectady
Decaying pigeons not good for Rotterdam
I’m just wondering how many pigeons need to sit decaying in the window of the abandoned building at the intersection of Curry Road and Guilderland Avenue.
I know, no one is responsible and it’s nobody’s fault. All I know is the dead pigeon has been in the window since winter and is a really great advertisement for Rotterdam.
Does anyone know how many diseases pigeons can transmit while alive, let alone after they die? How about rats?
I’m very grateful I don’t live near this disgusting blight. This building is an eyesore and a health hazard. I don’t care who is responsible, I just don’t understand why this is allowed to happen. However, maybe it’s to prepare you for the old Kmart Plaza just down the road.
“A Nice Place to Live” — really?
Joan Welch
Rotterdam
Plan to pay it forward for generous gesture
On my most recent shopping trip to Wal-Mart in Amsterdam, I had my items scanned and suddenly realized I left my money and credit card at home. I told the cashier to cancel the sale and I would put all the items back on the shelves.
While the cashier was attempting to cancel the sale, the gentleman waiting behind me swiped his card for my sale. I asked for his name and address and told him I would send him a check ASAP. He only offered J. (something) and wouldn’t give any more information.
He had a young girl with him, and I hope she understands what a wonderful life’s lesson happened that day. I will be looking forward to the opportunity to pay it forward to someone soon, I hope.
Thank you again, J. (something).
Dave Ward
Broadalbin
GAZETTE COVERAGE
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Letters to the Editor Friday, March 24 - Two, from readers in Schenectady and Glenville- Letters to the Editor Thursday, March 23 - Six, from readers in Rotterdam, Schenectady, Scotia, else...
Letter to the Editor: Set reasonable and safe speed limits- Letters to the Editor Wednesday, March 22 - Five, from readers in Ballston, Clifton Park, Niskayuna,...
- Letters to the Editor Monday, March 20 - Four, from readers in Niskayuna, Scotia and Charlton
Categories: Letters to the Editor
