Letters to the Editor

NewCanaanite.com recently received the following letter(s) to the editor. Please send letters to editor@newcanaanite.com for publication here.

***

Editor,

I cannot overemphasize how concerning it is to see the revised goals for the 2022-2023 school year stripped of DEI work and with no mention of the words “diversity”, “equity”, nor “inclusion” once in the revision despite widespread support of these very initiatives from the community the Board of Education are elected and tasked to represent. 

Personally and as just one example, I am one of many disabled NCPS alumni who could have had a much more supportive and enriching experience had DEI modalities been implemented. In their shirking of duty at Monday’s meeting, the BOE instead further harmed current disabled students as well as their nondisabled peers who will miss out on the very vibrant disability education that fosters understanding, acceptance, and true and full inclusion.

There is a through line from the need for robust mental health support in our schools to the need to seek DEI expertise, if not hire a coordinator outright; the same experiences and issues children are facing that require deeper support are experiences and issues represented through DEI work. 

How can we explain to our children that we fear and reject experts, that there are some fields from which we’ve gained all potential knowledge despite no formal education? What does this teach them of the quest of academic excellence, of lifelong learning and betterment? How can we ask and expect them to be fearless learners despite the hypocrisy of the adults whose choices have so much influence in shaping their worldview?

Alyssa MacKenzie

***

Once again, the New Canaanite has done a brilliant job in presenting the issues surrounding the destruction of our beautiful library built in 1913. The four letters of objection to the demolition of the library demonstrate why this is a passionate issue in our town.

Even though the article points out that the front of the building including the two original front rooms as well as the portico is excluded from the demolition, I am totally against the plans for the new library.

We live in a beautiful, historic town. The new library will be an eyesore. The glass windows are a threat to our bird population and the architecture is horrendous. Driving into town people will see a structure that literally swallows up the historic buildings nearby. Do we want that for our town?

Why does New Canaan need to spend $39.5 million on a new library? This money could be used for the historic preservation of New Canaan.

I applaud the New Canaanite for its continuing coverage of this issue.

Cathy Kangas

***

To the Editor:

On Thursday, September 1st, 7PM, our 6th Annual Community Addiction Awareness Vigil will take place outdoors at 6 South Avenue in New Canaan. 

The goals of this event include: 1) to give hope to those who struggle with addiction; 2) to celebrate those in long-term recovery; and 3) to emphasize Self-Care.

Self-care activities are important, not only for loved ones who struggle but also their family members, friends, and supporters.  For me, a person with 46 years of recovery, Self-care and Recovery are the same. 

Please join me at the September 1st Vigil. Let’s celebrate staying physically and mentally healthy together. 

Lance C. Minor, Jr.