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Commentary
Story Last modified at 2:50 p.m. on Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Letters to the Editor
Expecting the best from Jordan
I appreciated The Star editorial of Jan. 24 (ÒMake the media work for youÓ). My familyÕs association with Lee Jordan extended to a time prior to my birth in 1961. I am fortunate to have known Lee and his family for almost four decades. Personally and professionally, I know of few who can match his commitment to his community. I could write several columns of his contributions to our state and our community, but IÕll simply say, Lee is one of the most dedicated and ethical people I know. Our local utility elections seemed to have devolved into high stakes events, with personal attacks having become a staple. I appreciate The StarÕs positive and factual coverage; it is a tribute to LeeÕs stewardship of The StarÕs first 30 years.
Characteristically, Jordan is running for the MEA consumers. Those who know Lee Jordan would expect no less.
Ñ Rep. Bill Stoltze
Chugiak
Comeau addresses Star headline, praises principal Jefts
Last week's unfortunate headline regarding Mario Toro's arrest was misleading and unfair to Gruening Middle School principal Bobby Jefts.
The headline exclaiming, "Gruening principal jailed on narcotics charges," led some to believe that it was Mr. Jefts, rather than his co-worker, who had run afoul of the law. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Mr. Jefts has done a great job dealing with a delicate situation and has earned the respect of the entire Gruening community. Under Mr. Jefts leadership, staff, students and parents at Gruening recovered quickly from the shock of having their assistant principal arrested on drug charges. He ensured that everyone stayed focused on students and their academic success.
Mr. Jefts is one of thousands of talented, law-abiding and dedicated educators working in our district. He sets an excellent example for students and is an asset to our district and community. He deserves an apology for the misleading headline.
Ñ Carol Comeau
Anchroage School District Superintendent
Headline led readers to wrong assumption
I do hope The Star will correct, clarify and publicly apologize to the Gruening Middle School principal for its headline regarding the Gruening assistant principalÕs arrest. When the headline clearly states Òprincipal,Ó the reader is immediately left to assume it is the schoolÕs principal jailed. It turns out this is not the case. Would the paper state the governor was arrested if the lieutenant governor was the one arrested? I think not. The same accuracy would be appropriate for Anchorage School District related issues. The Gruening principal has a stellar reputation, and The StarÕs carelessness in this matter is very unfortunate.
Ñ Rick Poage
Eagle River
EditorÕs Note: This letter is written in response to the Jan. 24 Star article ÒGruening principal jailed on narcotics charges.Ó
Middle school Jazz Band hits the right note at symphony
Wow. ThatÕs a one word synopsis of SaturdayÕs appearance of the Mirror Lake Middle School Jazz Band at the Anchorage Symphony Orchestra concert. Wow. Ê
The students assembled at the street level until our Performing Arts Center escort gave us the ÒgoÓ sign at 8 p.m., and then there was a flurry of Òstealth quietÓ movement of students, equipment and music stands heading up to the mezzanine level. Within 20 minutes, everybody was in place and waiting anxiously for the next cue - the start of intermission and the signal Mr. (Travis) Harrington could begin the performance. Imagine the looks in these playersÕ eyes when they were told more than 2,000 people were in attendance at the event.
The acoustic sounds of the Jazz Band were incredible from the mezzanine up to the balcony, from the mezzanine down to the main level and even below to the street level. These kids filled that place with an incredible sound. More than 1,000 people filled every square foot of rail space and the hallways to get a glimpse of these performers and many, many people commented on this wonderful Òhigh schoolÓ Jazz Band. Mr. Harrington said, ÒI almost fainted when we finished our first piece and I heard that thunderous applause.Ó
We had explained to the students that this was a huge first with a lot of work by the Anchorage Symphony staff, the Performing Arts Center and SMG Concessionaire staff, as well as the parent committee. We tasked them with being on good behavior and making a good example for the community, and they delivered. The best news of the night? We got in trouble.
Yes, we got in trouble in the best way. They had to come and ask the students to stop playing because many people were ignoring the announcements that intermission was over. I was talking with one patron who said, ÒYou know, I have to be honest. I come to the symphony because my wife wants me to, but IÕd rather stand and listen to these kids the rest of the night.Ó
We owe a big thank you to Mr. Harrington for directing the students and to all the parents who hauled equipment, music stands, students, Belly Flops, signs and more. We could not have done it without you.
We provided an awesome experience for our students, and we made more than $500 toward our trip to Boston. It was a great evening. Thank you again.
Ñ Barry Schimmack
Boston 2008 Parent Committee Chair
Chugiak
Ice cream would go down sweeter than liquor at Wal-Mart
I believe that we should not let Wal-Mart put in a liquor store. I suggest that Wal-Mart put a Baskin-Robbins ice cream shop in instead of a liquor store.
It is not a good idea to put liquor in Wal-Mart because a lot of kids go shopping there without their parents, and it is also centered in the middle of three different neighborhoods.
They also would make more money putting an ice cream shop in than they would a liquor store, because any one of all ages can buy ice cream, but not everyone can buy liquor. To buy liquor, you have to be 21 or older. So not as many people would be buying liquor as they would be buying ice cream. Wal-Mart would be wasting money to by liquor to sell it to only a handful of people when they sell a lot more of ice cream than they would liquor.
It doesnÕt have to be Baskin Robins, though. They could come up with their own ice cream shop if they wanted to. They could also have a pastry store. The point is, I donÕt want a liquor store in Wal-Mart.
Ñ Elizabeth Stevens
Eagle River
This article published in The Alaska Star on Thursday, January 31, 2008.
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