* Citizen Forum *

Editor:

  My daughters are students at Eureka Springs Elementary. I am an active parent and participate regularly in my children's education and their health.

  On Valentine's Day, I was asked to distribute suckers the teacher had supplied to students in the class.

  There weren't enough to go around. Since I would prefer my daughter not to have refined sugar in her diet, I chose not to distribute candy to her table.

  On Feb. 18, I explained to the teacher, who seemed upset, about how I handled the shortage. She replied she would bring more suckers in a day or two.

  Passing suckers to students after a permitted holiday is against state law.

  The next day, I gave my daughter a brochure on junk food for her teacher and told her I preferred she not give my children suckers and pointed out that Valentine's Day was over.

  When I saw the teacher again, I was dismayed by her lack of professionalism. She told me not to tell her what to do, that she had degrees in nutrition and was going to the principal because she didn't want to be harassed by me.

  My daughter told me the teacher took my brochure and threw it in the trash in front of her and gave a sucker to my daughter's mother.

  Then, I guess everything is "okay," except that degrees in nutrition have fallen into improper hands, those of someone lacking both professionalism and real caring about the health of our students. Children depend on us to show by example a healthy way to live.

Charlie Bloch

P.S.: Thank you Dr. Fain for your support

Gift goes awry

Editor:

  Whoever gave Eric Scheunemann [a copy of] "Law for Dummies" owes the entire city of Eureka Springs an apology.

Ed Leswig

'Hang in there'

Editor:

  I am so tired of reading negative comments directed at the council people who are trying to stand up for what they believe to be the right thing.

  I know I do not have a legal education to make a judgment call on this and neither do most of you who are finger pointing.

  To compare Eric to Bush, well I have only read Geekfest a few times, but the comment seems more suited to one of their gossipy, mean-spirited threads. I'm not bashing Geekfest. I know they have positive threads as well.

  I appreciated the two letters last week from a concerned father and a citizen grateful for another's kindness.

  You need to remember the council members are volunteering their time. What reason other than to do their best would they have? Ask yourself, what personal gain would they receive?

  If you have all the answers, I look forward to seeing your name on the next election ballot as a volunteer at our city council table.

  I would like to thank all our council people for giving of their time and taking all the flak, and I mean all, not two, not three. Hang in there. You do have people who appreciate what you do.

Vicki Vale

Scatological architecture of the Ozarks

Editor:

  I watched the HDC meeting last week when Pat Matsukis made the comment about the new three-storey home on Bridge St. behind Frog Fantasies, stating it "looks like a piece of crap" between two, one-storey houses.

  I would really be interested in knowing how she would describe the "dwelling" directly below "the piece of crap" that these owners have to look at every day from their back porch, because, obviously my definition of "a piece of crap" and hers is not the same.

Kay Dandy

Giving credit

Editor:

  I am very pleased that Carroll County Newspapers decided to publish A Celebration of Women this year.

  It is important that we honor the women of Eureka Springs. Our town is full of outstanding women who personify strength and success in countless ways.

  I feel it is also important to recognize who began this tradition. Rust Publishing MOAR L.L.C. introduced the first A Celebration of Women. This was a special publication created by former Citizen Editor Dale McCurry.

  This year's edition stated, "Last spring, Carroll County Newspapers introduced A Celebration of Women." I hope you will set the record straight and give credit where credit is due.

  Thank you for continuing to respect and honor the remarkable women in our town who strive to make a difference and search for the truth.

Michelle Sullivan