The day care(less?) debate
Rev. Rolf Preus of Mayville recently wrote a letter to the editor that appeared in the Fargo Forum this past Monday (Nov. 17) that caused a bit of a ruckus with area mothers and day care providers.
In his letter, Preus claims that "institutionalizing children in day care centers" is "a hypocrisy" and that mothers should stay home with their children to ensure they grow up to be model citizens. For single parents, he suggests they seek the help of their local church for financial and emotional support.
Since his letter appeared, there have been quite a few people responding--including one mother, Kendra Wobbema of Fargo, who believes that Preus knows nothing of motherhood.
With the rising cost of day care also making recent headlines in the Grand Forks Herald, I'm not surprised that this age-old debate is revisited with such vigor.
As a fairly new mother (Emerson will be 16 months old next week) I can appreciate a parent's concern about the quality of care that day cares provide. When I was a child, my siblings and I went to a day care provider. Though I've had my fair share of learning experiences, I'd like to believe that I grew up to be fairly well-adjusted.
Like my mother, I work because I want to, and I work because I have to.
Though both my husband and I would love for one of us (either one) to be able to stay at home with her, we enjoy our work and the fruit it bears (food, shelter, clothing, etc.). We aren't materialistic--we don't drive a new car, own a new home, or spend our money lavishly, but because the cost to simply survive (and pay off our education) is high, we work--which is why we are grateful that Emerson looks to our in-home day care provider "Grandma Jewel" (no relation) as a member of our family.
I'd like to hear from other parents--moms and dads--what do you think? Is Preus accurate in his comments about the day care industry, or is Wobbema in her concerns about "maternal values"?
Posted by: Kristin Garaas-Johnson on 11/20/2008 at 4:25 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink
Vote for Yohannes Gebregeorgis
Yohannes Gebregeorgis, founder of the Ethiopia Reads project that made many headlines here in the Red River Valley last year, has been nominated for a CNN Heroes award. Gebregeorgis, a native of Ethiopia who now resides in California, formed Ethiopia Reads as a literacy initiative that provides books and libraries for children in Ethiopia.
I recently received the following e-mail from a local supporter of the Ethiopia Reads project, Barb Beach. She had a unique experience while traveling, and (after I received her permission) I thought I would share it with you all:
Hi Everyone,
Just a note to tell you that on my way to Hawaii in the Mpls.St. Paul airport I had a cart driver with an unusual accent. I asked him where he was from originally and guess what? He said Ethiopia. I told him I had a friend from Ethiopia and he was aware of Ethiopia Reads. Another cart driver gave him the print out of the school kids and told him to vote for Yohannes. I told him to vote and vote often because Yohannes would receive the money for winning. He said he would because the kids needed libraries. It must have been fate that led me to that particular cart driver in the BIG airport. No such luck on the way back to Grand Forks.
Have a good week,
Barb Beach
Like Gebregeorgis, there are many other inspirational people who have been nominated for the award. Be sure to check out their Web site and vote! The winners will be announced on Thanksgiving. :)
Posted by: Kristin Garaas-Johnson on 11/18/2008 at 10:13 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink
Empty Bowl Event
I had lunch today at the Empty Bowls Event held at St. Michael's in Grand Forks. For $15 you can receive a hand-painted bowl of your choice, which is designed by area residents, a hearty bowl of soup, breadstick, dessert and beverage.
I chose a really funky bowl that has poinsetta-looking flowers along the edge and bottom. For $25 I could have bought a bowl designed by a local artist, but I thought the folk-art was more creative.
I also placed a few bids for the silent auction. I hope I win that gorgeous Norwegian sweater! However, I'm certain someone has outbid me. If you'd like the chance, check it out for yourself. The event runs until 8 p.m. tonight. :)
I also thought I would try something new. Here's a quote for my:
"Life has no meaning a priori. Before you come alive, life is nothing; it’s up to you to give it a meaning and value is nothing else but the meaning that you choose."
--Jean Paul Sartre
Posted by: Kristin Garaas-Johnson on 11/17/2008 at 4:24 PM | Comments (2) | Permalink
Top US cities to raise kids
According to Business Week, Bismarck, N.D. ranked 35 out of 52 for the top place to raise children in the United States. The online article listed Fargo as close second.
What do you think? Why didn't Grand Forks make the list?
Posted by: Kristin Garaas-Johnson on 11/11/2008 at 12:19 PM | Comments (5) | Permalink
Know an inspirational teen?
Do you know of an inspirational teenager who launched a new fitness program, started a city-wide recycling effort, organized a playground for disabled children (hint hint) or encouraged others to seek help for their eating disorders?
If so, Amway Global wants to know.
As a joint effort with YMCA of America, Amway Global created Teen Wellness Leaders, a program that encourages and rewards teens who are making a difference in community wellness.
According to Johnna Vogelbacher, representative for Amway Global, to-date Amway Global has not received ANY entries (really, not even one) from North Dakota.
"This contest is an opportunity for teens in the Grand Forks community to be recognized and rewarded for their efforts," she said in a recent e-mail.
If you know of someone who deserves to win this contest, read the details below:
Search for Teen Wellness Leaders Contest
Amway Global along with the YMCA is hosting the Search for Teen Wellness Leaders to recognize exceptional teens who are leading the effort to promote healthier lifestyles among their peers and community.
One Teen Wellness Leader will be selected from each of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia, and will receive a $1,000 scholarship, a $1,000 grant for his or her local YMCA, AND the chance to be featured in Newsweek.
The contest is open to nominees who are legal residents of the 50 United States or the District of Columbia, between 13-19 years of age, currently enrolled in high school or a certified educational program, and participating in a volunteering capacity in an eligible wellness program.
To view official contest rules visit www.inspirewellness.com/community-teens.
Nomination ends November 16, 2008 at 10 p.m. EST. All entry forms are submitted online at www.inspirewellness.com/community-teens.
Funded by Amway Global, the Search for Teen Wellness Leaders Contest is a combined effort of Amway Global and the YMCA of the USA to promote healthy lifestyles in individual, family and community health.
Posted by: Kristin Garaas-Johnson on 11/10/2008 at 11:24 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink
