Fun learning
On my regular walk on Tidewater Community College’s campus in Virginia Beach, I had the rare good fortune to meet Professor Leah Flax. She works in TCC’s Science & Mathematics Pathway Department. I often walk past the building that contains the planetarium but had no idea about the robust public education program offered by one of our area’s dynamic colleges.
Flax is an engaging person who may be TCC’s best ambassador. Having spent my professional career in public education, we had much in common. But nothing could have prepared me for a serendipitous meetup with the professor when I decided to check out the planetarium.
I found Flax preparing for an imminent visit by Virginia Beach elementary school-aged students and their teachers. Flax invited me to sit in the back to observe. Starting with rock music when the students enter the dome-topped room, the students started clapping in time with the music breaking into song together. Spirits ran high in anticipation of discovery driven by natural curiosity about our place in space and astronomical phenomena.
But the star was clearly Flax, whose infectious love of astronomy and expert interpretation for the age of the observers made me so happy. I learned, too. The exchanges between students and professor were dynamic. Here was great learning for our children.
Hats off to TCC for hosting dynamic learning opportunities for our public schools — education that expands our understanding of ourselves and our place in the universe. Hats off to Virginia Beach for providing learning that is so much fun.
Susan Lee Feathers, Virginia Beach
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School names
Re “Virginia school board votes to restore Confederate names to 2 schools” (May 10): Restore Confederate names to schools? Why not name schools in honor of former Japanese Emperor Hirohito, Benito Mussolini, Joseph Stalin, Hermann Göring, Erwin Rommel, Antonio López de Santa Anna or any host of names of people who were enemies of the U.S. We should not be honoring and or supporting the continued celebration of the Confederacy.
The Shenandoah County School Board elected to change back the names of two schools, one to Stonewall Jackson High School and the other to Ashby Lee Elementary. Actions such as this perpetuate racism, bigotry, revisionist history and further the supremacist movements not just in Virginia but throughout our nation.
Floyd H. Allen Jr., Chesapeake
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Whale deaths
Re “Dominion Energy delays construction for Virginia Beach offshore wind farm, says lawsuit won’t affect timeline” (May 9): The recent surge in whale strandings along Virginia’s coastline is deeply concerning. While these deaths are distressing, attributing them to offshore wind activity is unfounded. There is no credible evidence to suggest that pre-construction work on offshore wind turbines is harming the humpback whales that migrate along our coast.
Following statements from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, the Marine Mammal Commission has also renounced any connection between these deaths and offshore wind development. What began as genuine concern for whale welfare has been co-opted by political opponents of wind energy, who seek to halt construction by spreading disinformation.
What is clear is that climate change poses a significant threat to whale populations. Rising temperatures are disrupting ocean ecosystems, impacting whale behavior. Additionally, whales are particularly vulnerable to ship strikes near the coastline.
Claims that humpback whale deaths are the result of renewable energy are completely false and dangerous. Renewable energy is one of our last remaining options to slow climate change and protect whale populations and all ocean life. Delaying the implementation of wind energy initiatives will only exacerbate the risks faced by these majestic creatures.
Dave Belote, Southern Shores
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Dangerous drivers
Well, another week has started, and I wonder how many motorists will be killed or maimed along the stretch of highway between Suffolk and Chesapeake that I affectionately call the “Suffolk raceway”? That’s not to mention the hundreds who will have to endure the delays of getting to schools and work because of the impatience of many drivers traveling at 70, 75 or 80 mph-plus down the long, straight stretch of highway.
These incidents occur too often. If you dare to drive close to the posted speed limit, you risk being run over or at least tailgated by some irate driver. Until the police start enforcing the posted speed limit or eliminate those dreaded cross-overs, this situation will continue. I really don’t care if you run your car into a tree, but when you put me and my family or other drivers into your carelessness, then it becomes a problem for me.
William Frank West, Suffolk
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Presidential election
This year’s election is quite unique in that both candidates have a record as president to review and compare. We can look at the most important issues facing Americans today such as the economy, inflation, border security, crime and unprovoked attacks or invasion of our strategic allies. Former President Donald Trump’s record versus President Joe Biden’s, the choice is yours.
Glen Spahr, Newport News