Readers views: School start times + appreciating federal workers
Help the birds
Imagine a world where we all learn about animals through pictures from the past, never being able to see them in person.
With some parks and nature centers closing for safety reasons, currently, children have to learn about animals second-hand. Audubon Mississippi Coastal Bird Stewardship Program is trying to make sure that does not happen to species like our native beach-nesting Least Terns.
COVID-19 has affected everyone’s life to some degree. It’s also affecting nature: some of our beaches that are nesting colonies for the Least Tern are experiencing overcrowding. This has resulted in a problem for these beach-nesting birds, since some of the visitors are unaware of rules which prohibit behavior that could hurt or even kill vulnerable chicks. We are seeing off-leash dogs running through nesting areas, people getting too close to nests inside protective string fencing, and trash, which can attract predators who then prey on eggs and tiny chicks.
We all need to do our part to protect these natural havens, so we can continue to enjoy them safely — and enjoy the native bird species that also call the beaches their home. Audubon has called on us to “Share the Love, #ShareTheShore” and extend social distancing practices to nesting birds as well. As someone who loves watching those little cotton balls on sticks racing down to the water’s edge and back, I ask everyone to keep your hearts open to helping our birds and their chicks.
Sally Puent
Pass Christian
Heartbeat of America
Federal employees provide vital services that benefit Americans every day, yet much of this important work goes unnoticed. We see them when hurricanes strike, floods destroy communities and pandemics spread worldwide. We know that they help land our planes safely and perform inspections to maintain a healthy food and water supply. But for every image you see on TV, thousands more work behind the scenes to keep this country running.
They process tax refunds, small business loans, stimulus payments, Social Security checks, and loans for college students. They track biological threats and alert Americans to treacherous weather conditions, among other critical and life-saving tasks.
COVID-19 is the latest crisis during which we expect our civil servants to work tirelessly and often around the clock. I take comfort in knowing that our country is fortunate to have dedicated professionals who continue to selflessly serve their fellow man all for the greater good.
Throughout the year, and especially this month’s which includes Public Service Recognition Week, we should gratefully acknowledge their service. While we remain shuttered indoors to fight the invisible enemy among us, let’s recognize and appreciate civil servants for what they truly are: the heartbeat of America.
Fred Hess
Carriere
When school starts
The COVID-19 crisis has the Coast’s tourism season in jeopardy of having a shortened timeline.
The past several years the opening of the spillway has caused our coastal waters to be fouled and closed to the public because of the unhealthy algae it produced that cause beach vendors to end their season early. As a result, the hotels saw a much lower occupancy rate and the restaurants saw less money.
The Mississippi hospitality industry, to survive, must petition the state Legislature to extend the tourism season by once again beginning the school year the day after Labor Day, as was the tradition for decades and decades.
The inexplicable opening of the state’s schools the first week of August the past few years has shortened the all-important tourist season by a month for too long now. Labor Day has always signaled the end of the traditional summer season and the beginning of the school year. Make it so again or it will signal the end of many summer dependent businesses.
David Mattina
Biloxi