Early-Learning Programs: ‘A Better Future For America’

I love the Op-ed section of the paper. I believe we all need to write at least one letter on something we’re passionate about in our lifetime. In saying that, I applaud this reader

Newsprint | Sappi Global

As a parent of two children who have participated in the Head Start program, I understand the power and impact these opportunities can provide families in Washington state. Through early learning, my children accelerated their development in many areas, including building strong social skills, the ability to explain their emotions and mastering fine motor skills like holding a pencil correctly. The added time in the classroom ensured that they were prepared to start kindergarten with a solid foundation, setting them on a path for lifelong learning.

Investing in our children means investing in the future of our state and nation’s workforce. Regardless of their ZIP code, all kids should have access to early education opportunities. Early-childhood education opens the door to a brighter future for all, leading to a better future for America. I urge Washington state legislators to expand access to high quality early-learning programs for children in our state.

Patricia Palomino, Burien

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 Caregiver Humor

Something cute. I came home yesterday from work and Mom came out to the kitchen to greet me. I said, “Mom, you have on my sweat pants!” We each have a pair of soft, comfy pea green sweats. Hers are a size 14 and mine are a few sizes bigger! She says, “I thought I had lost a lot of weight!” Then she pulls up her shirt to show me she had them pinned to her bra to keep them up! We had a good laugh!

I was kneeling beside Mom’s bed last night when she was saying her bedtime prayer. This night she prayed, “Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the LORD my soul to keep. If I should die before I wake, I pray he takes me like an earthquake.” Instead of …my soul to take. I said “what?” Mom laughed and said, “well, I couldn’t remember the rest and …well, it rhymed” ! ~ Amen!

“My dad has a CNA come twice a week to assist him with bathing. I mentioned to him yesterday that he should get her something for Christmas. He told me to pick her up one of those things that you ‘rub and it grows.’ After a few questions, I discovered he meant a Chia Pet!”

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Single Black female hiker here!

“Single Black female hiker here! My love of hiking started with local parks like Robinswood, Coal Creek, Kelsey Creek and Weowna. Then, I graduated to Cougar Mountain. Now, I’m working on Tiger Mountain trails. There are a few extraordinary experiences that heighten my senses — from hearing the domino effects of the wind through the leaves and branches to seeing Mother Nature constantly change with each step and season. The trail community is wonderful and sometimes challenging. On a late hike, I miscalculated my ability to make it down the mountain in a timely matter and found myself alone in the dark. Then, I spotted another single woman in the same predicament. When I finally approached the woman, I suggested we walk together, but I could feel her fear of me was more than the dark and the possibility of being eaten by a cougar or whatnot in her absolute silence and tense body language. Even though we could work as a team, I didn’t want to take a chance that she could be a wood-Karen. So, I passed her and hastened down the mountain. Another chance encounter with a hiker was on [Tiger Mountain Trail] nearing the peak. It was snowing with freezing winds, and I forgot my gloves and didn’t want to turn back. Then, another fellow hiker who was heading down gave me his liner gloves. OMG! I was humbled by the random act of kindness and coincidentally was able to return his gloves further down the trail. Personally, taking on the great outdoors took months for me to be more mindful and release the outside world inside the outdoors in every step.”

— Donna Carpenter

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Exploring the Outdoors Through Painting

“A blast of cold wind from the glacier throws my painting against my chest, and I shield my face from airborne grit. I’m hunkered below the Easton Glacier on Mount Baker, and swaths of cerulean paint reflect the blue ice hundreds of feet above. My body is a puffy-jacket-encased marker of where the glacier used to be 20 years ago. I’m cold and stiff, but I stubbornly refuse to leave. My painting, which feels incomplete and vulnerable in my hands, carries the weight of my grief — and hope — for our warming world.

(Courtesy of Claire Giordano, Grace Giordano, Christy Pelland and Virginia Giordano)
(Courtesy of Claire Giordano, Grace Giordano, Christy Pelland and Virginia Giordano)

I began painting outdoors twelve years ago, and it is moments like this that inspire my work as an environmental artist, writer and educator to foster personal connections between people and nature. In the last year, my time spent painting outside — especially during the isolation of the pandemic — inspired me to found the Adventure Art Academy, which is a series of virtual art classes that I film on my With each class, I share with students from around the world a step-by-step lesson alongside the experience of exploring a place through paint and learning about the impacts of climate change in different environments.”

— Claire Giordano

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Mark Censored Words

I love the Op-ed section of the paper. I believe we all need to write at least one letter on something we’re passionate about in our lifetime. In saying that, I applaud this reader

I am against censorship of books or any form of media in the public libraries or schools. If someone or some group wishes to censor a word or group of words or an image from a book or other form of media, I feel that the person or group wanting the censorship should be identified.

I propose that the word, words or images that are to be censored be covered by the word “censored,” a black bar or blurring with an associated identifying mark so that the reader or viewer can identify who wanted the entry censored. I want the books or other censored media left available to the public with the censored portions noted.

Censors should not be able to hide nor should they want to if they are truly trying to protect society from some perceived evil.

Michael Koznek, Snohomish

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