Letters: Bishop McMannus, Shrewsbury elections, Worcester trash, Arts Magnet School, etc.
Bishop McManus' demand inconsistent with Jesus' teaching
Bishop Robert McManus' demand that the Nativity School of Worcester remove the LGBTQ and Black Lives Matter flags is inconsistent with Jesus' teaching “Love one another.” The bishop might consider the question 'Who are our modern day neighbors?' Jesus focused on the lost, the disenfranchised, the downtrodden. Answering the question "Who is my neighbor?" he told of two "holy" men who ignored a beaten man on the roadside. They were afraid to be tainted by him. Jesus then surprised his listeners by telling of the Samaritan man who was considered by these "holy" men to be an alien and a heretic. The heart of this scorned outcast was moved to compassion. He bound up the wounds and took care of the beaten man who had been ignored by the "holy" men.
Today's beaten and abandoned travelers in our modern society include Black, Indian and all people of color as well as lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender and queer people. I challenge Bishop McManus to consider how Jesus would respond today to these people who have been enslaved, robbed, rejected and marginalized? Has he not implored us to respond with love, compassion, healing and full acceptance of them as the human beings that they are?
I applaud the stance taken by the Nativity School. The BIPOC and LGBTQ communities deserve to be loved, welcomed, embraced and afforded the full measure of human dignity that we all merit. I expect this especially from the Bishop, the local Shepherd of Jesus' modern day flock.
William J. Allen, Worcester
Elect John Samia, Michelle Conlin and Erin Boucher in Shrewsbury
After reviewing the candidates on the May 3 Shrewsbury election ballot, and speaking to several who reached out to me, I enthusiastically support John Samia’s candidacy for re-election as selectman. John routinely demonstrates his thoughtful approach to approaching issues, considering all points of view, leading to carefully rendered decisions.
I shall also be voting for Michelle Conlin for Selectman and Erin Boucher for School Committee. Each have demonstrated to me that they are the new office seekers best qualified to address all the issues the town will face in the future.
Please vote May 3 for John, Michelle and Erin.
John Lebeaux, Shrewsbury
Re-elect Lynsey Heffernan to Shrewsbury School Committee
Re-elect Lynsey Heffernan to the Shrewsbury School Committee on May 3.
As the parent of two children in Shrewsbury schools, I am proud to support Lynsey for re-election to the Shrewsbury School Committee. I met Lynsey years ago when, as young attorneys, we collaborated on issues affecting low-income youth. Lynsey has demonstrated diligence and vision, helping guide our community through a devastating pandemic; a successful budget override; and the unsung but necessary work of the school committee. I know Lynsey will continue to bring competence, open-mindedness, energy, and a deep commitment to equity to our schools and our town.
Andrea Park, Shrewsbury
Support Rajesh Uppalapati for Shrewsbury selectman
I am writing in support of Rajesh Uppalapati for Shrewsbury selectman. He has a master’s degree in management from Harvard University and is interested in several subjects of concern to me.
He opposes the proposal to demolish the iconic Beal School and construct 55 apartment units and retail space. This would eliminate open space, add to the school burden, and create unneeded traffic.
He supports an immediate, independent analysis of town water.
He supports tax relief for seniors.
He supports transparency at all town meetings.
I believe he is an excellent candidate and would best serve our growing town.
Joan E. Hare, Shrewsbury
Worcester trash collection requires amazing acrobatics
Most often when I think about our trash collection, it's about the cost, the weak yellow bags, or debris blowing in the wind. Today, I was watching as the trash truck approached the row of yellow bags at the curb, and was amazed at the acrobatics of the worker as he gracefully leaped off the still moving truck, ran a few steps, swooped up the bags, and with ballet like precision was back on the truck to repeat the action many times as far as I could see.
The beauty of the movements made me stop and think about how physically taxing that repeated action must be. Most of us - at any age or physical condition - would be unable to leap off a moving vehicle, pick up anything from the ground, and even think about jumping back onto the moving vehicle. I realize not every worker may possess the kind of acrobatic grace I saw, but they all deserve praise for the job they do all year in all weather, involving leaping off and on a moving truck while scooping heavy bags up from the street! Thank you!
Yda Filiberti, Worcester
Congratulations to all lucky students at Worcester Arts Magnet School
Many studies have shown that children ages 2-10 years old benefit in development by being involved in the visual arts. Art helps neural cognitive functioning by doing projects that require fine motor and tactile processing. It helps establish concentration and increases individual confidence. In celebration of Eric Carle’s life, an art teacher, Mrs. Juneau from Worcester Arts Magnet School had her students from Pre-K to sixth grade make art using his books.
She said: “I chose to focus on Eric Carle because his colorful collages and stories about animals and bugs remind us of spring and bring a cheerful atmosphere to our hallways. I was also inspired to create this school-wide collaboration after introducing his stories to my two-year-old son who fell in love with his books, especially Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? Carle’s books have helped him to learn colors, animals, bugs, food and so much more!”
The Very Hungry Caterpillar was written in 1969 and it has sold over 50 million copies around the world and was published in 70 languages. Carle was born in Syracuse, N.Y. He died on May 23, 2021 at age 91. The Grouchy Ladybug shows that mean people don’t get what they want. Everywhere you go art is evident. I felt like I was walking through an Eric Carle Art Museum when I walked down the halls at WAMS. I’m also impressed how Mrs. Scanlon the principal and Mrs. McSherry the assistant principal support the arts. Congratulations to all the WAMS lucky students.
Ismenia Gardner, Worcester
May Ramadan bring eternal peace to our community
Annually, Muslims all over the world look forward to their holy month of Ramadan in which they are encouraged to fast, pray and engulf themselves in good deeds in an
extraordinary manner. This month is believed to be full of incomparable blessings and mercyand a devout time of self-reflection and prayers. The main component of the month of Ramadan being that it is a time for fasting, from sunrise to sunset every day for thirty days in an effort to bring about internal peace and a higher level of spirituality within themselves.
Muslims are encouraged to seek opportunities to do extra good deeds throughout this month than they usually would throughout the rest of the year. Seeking righteousness and self-improvement are the greatest of aims for Muslims throughout this month. Opportunities include community service, charity work, volunteering, and putting self- interests aside for the betterment of the community and society all-together.
Fasting itself brings about a revolutionary change both physically and spiritually in the body. Aside from the increased level of spirituality that is associated with the practice of fasting, there are numerous health aspects also.
At the end of Ramadan Muslim celebrate the day called Eid in giving thanks to God almighty who gave them the opportunity to fast. This year Eid will be on May 2. May this month bring eternal peace to our community, neighbors and people around the world no matter what faith they practice, because we are all God’s sons and daughters and God loves us all equally.
Masood Ashraf, Fitchburg
I found staff at St. Vincent to be competent and reassuring
I had an outpatient doctor’s appointment recently at the St. Vincent Hospital. It was such a relief not to have to drive through a picket line. A relief to know that the trusted nurses were back on the job.
I have had several day procedures and found the staff really competent and reassuring. I have also had need for two inpatient stops for more serious orthopedic issues. On both occasions I had the good fortune of the same primary nurse. Overall, the care was first class. The nurse I had was older and had been there for years. She was just the right combination of old school nursing and updated care - all bells and whistles. I am reassured that if I need future care, I can rest easily knowing that I will find top notch doctors, nurses and staff at St. Vincent’s Hospital.
Martin J. McGlynn, Auburn
Everyone safer when fewer untrained and uninsured drivers on the road
In February, the Mass. House passed the Work & Family Mobility Act, which would allow any qualified driver — regardless of immigration status— to obtain a driver’s license, by an overwhelming, veto-proof margin of 120 to 36.
This is a matter of public safety, but don’t take my word for it. Attorney General Maura Healey and Worcester’s own police chief Steven Sargent and District Attorney Joseph Early support this bill, as do the Massachusetts Major Cities Chiefs of Police Association, dozens of individual police chiefs, and the majority of sheriffs and District Attorneys in the Commonwealth. They know everyone is safer when there are fewer untrained and uninsured drivers on the road, and when officers can identify who they’re interacting with during a traffic stop.
Sixteen states have already taken similar measures. They realize that immigrants without status face the same everyday realities of needing to get to work, school, or the doctor, which often require a car, especially where public transit is non-existent or unreliable.
In addition to making the roads safer for all, this would lower insurance rates, bring in more state revenue, and strengthen our economy. The support of law enforcement is joined by labor, the medical community, and faith and community leaders.
Reps. Dan Donahue, David LeBoeuf, Mary Keefe, and Jim O’Day should be commended for voting for the Work & Family Mobility Act earlier this year. It now moves to the Senate, where I hope Senator Michael Moore will join them in making our roads and Commonwealth safer for everyone.
Dan Cusher, North Grafton
The City that Reads Committee to collect books for summer reading
The public’s assistance is needed for the kickoff to the 17th annual book drive by Worcester: The City that Reads Committee to collect books (Pre-K to grade 8) for summer reading. The book drive has started and will continue until June 1st. The Committee was founded by us 17 years ago in an attempt to promote literacy in the community, put books into the hands of children who lack books in their homes and promote the importance of being a lifetime reader. In seventeen years, the group has given out over 980,000 books to the children in this community! Let’s try to hit the one million mark in collecting books for the children.
For the last two years, due to the pandemic, we did not have any formal book drive but with the slowing up of the pandemic, it’s time to do it again. There are more students who have come into our city from other countries during the past two years and still, many other children lack the necessary resources at home.
Traditionally, the books have been distributed to not only the schools but a number of agencies within the city. More drop-off sites have been added this year as well as more groups have come forward and are conducting their own book drives for the cause. Check out the Worcester Public School website for where the books can be dropped off. Again, thank you for your assistance.
John and Anne-Marie Monfredo, Worcester
This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Letters to the editor
