Plastic plague
Lee Constantine,
Last Sunday, 60 Minutes aired a story on plastics. It’s must-see TV! In the 1950s, plastics were the next modern miracle — resilient and indestructible. Unfortunately, that claim was true and today we can’t get rid of the stuff. Plastics are infiltrating our oceans and water sources at an alarming rate. A World Economic Forum study says plastics will outweigh fish in our oceans by 2050. More plastics than fish? Believe it! Today, every fish and waterfowl have some trace of plastic in their stomachs. The same technology that invented plastics must find a safe and economical way to recycle it. For us, it’s a call to action. Stop using single-use plastics (plastic bags, straws, water bottles, etc.).
Seasonal spirit accessible to all
David Kay,
Jews don’t celebrate Christmas, but we do have a Christmas Eve tradition: Asian food and a movie. It may have all started simply because those businesses were open, but the link to Asian restaurants likely has a deeper origin. For many years, they were the main reliable source of strictly vegetarian dishes — an important detail for Jews who observe dietary laws. Jews and Asians also have a shared backstory: immigrants who came to the United States and built a new life for themselves, despite being seen as outsiders. It can feel overwhelming to be a Jew at Christmas — but the seasonal spirit of peace and good will is accessible to everyone. Being able to see “Mary Poppins Returns” without fighting the crowds is an added bonus.
Region addresses homelessness
Shelley W. Lauten,
The Homeless Persons’ Memorial Service was a reminder of how much more we must do as a community to make homelessness in Central Florida rare, brief and a one-time occurrence. Yet recentlyreleased HUD data confirms we are on the right track. Four years ago, community leaders pledged to work together to build a coordinated system of housing plus care throughout Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties. Across Florida, we have experienced the second-largest absolute decrease nationwide, including decreasing family homelessness by nearly a third AND having the second-largest absolute decrease in chronic homelessness in the nation. This region is making a difference — one person at a time.
CFCArts in community
Pamela Nabors,
In 2018, it has been a true joy to be both spectator of and participant in the Central Florida Community Arts (CFCArts) Community Choir. We just “wrapped” our beautiful, annual holiday show, “Let There Be Joy.” And next year’s calendar has already hit some high notes, with fantastic shows that will inspire, delight, and entertain! The CFCArts program gives back not just incredible entertainment, but delivers arts education, service, and community connections. This year, CFCArts is part of the United Arts matching gift program. Consider giving your time, talent or treasure to support this Florida vital arts organization! www.cfcarts.org.
Groveland Four
Joanie Schirm,
Committee chairman: With great power in words, I believe author Gilbert King’s 2012 book, “Devil in the Grove,” helped propel meaningful discussion on the long-held injustice that befell four black men charged falsely with the rape of a white woman in 1949 in Groveland. Even though the Legislature last year formally asked Governor Rick Scott and the Clemency Board to issue a pardon, it was ignored. Kudos to incoming Nikki Fried, the new state agriculture commissioner, for signaling she will push the pardon at her first Cabinet meeting. It’s way past time to clear the names of Ernest Thomas, Samuel Shepherd, Walter Irvin and Charles Greenlee.
Be source of light, hope
Daryl Tol,
Jesus came into this world in the most unexpected and humble of ways. There was no palace for a king, but a dirty manger. The heavenly announcement of his arrival came to shepherds, not royalty or religious leaders. And throughout his life, Jesus demonstrated the unexpected — uncommon compassion, acceptance, generosity, inclusiveness, mercy, grace, love, and even in his dying moments, prayed for forgiveness for his persecutors. As we celebrate Jesus’s birth, may we look for unexpected ways to carry out the values he taught. We can all be a source of light and hope in a world that often seems dim.
Consider mental-health clinic
Carol Wick,
A few short weeks ago, United Behavioral Health in Atlanta took on a bold new pilot: A walk-in psychiatric clinic. Already, the clinic is full and they are planning on adding staff. It is strong community response to a growing mental-health crisis and it should be explored here in Orlando. Access to psychiatric care when it’s needed can make the difference between life and death; often many lives in the case of some recent mass shooters. We need to get bold, Orlando. Let’s be the next site for a clinic like this.