A Few Things On My Mind

I've had a few things on my mind lately.

First of all, I'm sure gonna miss Phil Eherenman. Phil died in his sleep Wednesday morning.

I didn't know him as a teacher or a band director or an athlete. I knew the patriot as a tireless promoter of the Lakeland Community Concert Association, which was just one of his many hats.

The newsroom staff was shocked at his death because he'd just visited a couple of days earlier. We'll miss his generous smile, sparkling blue eyes and gentle ways.

Condolences to Mary and the Eherenman family for their loss.

***

Well, the primary election went fine, didn't it? Except the low voter turnout. What more can be done to get people involved in the process?

High school government teachers get their students all fired up about registering to vote. Somewhere along the way they become less charmed with the whole idea.

I'm still reeling from some of the upsets in the primary, too.

***

Generally, I'm careful to avoid traffic light traps, but last week I wasn't paying attention on Main Street and missed a turn. I found myself on Indiana Street waiting, waiting, waiting.

Why can't the second car in line make it through the intersections of Indiana and Center streets and Indiana and Market streets when the lights turn green?

The lead car has to go like the Batmobile to cross over Market Street under a yellow ... the second in line (always me) never makes it.

***

My sister and I went to Arizona to attend an aunt's memorial service about a month ago. While we were there, it was weird. We kept running into, and having conversations with foreigners. In addition to the ubiquitous Brits and Aussies, we talked to Germans, Spaniards, Bulgarians, Russians, Japanese and Nigerians. They were all on vacation and had interesting observations and stories to tell.

We could visit with them all because they all spoke English as their second or third language. They were in the United States, after all.

If I were planning a trip to Italy, France or Mexico, I'd have a rudimentary grasp of the local lingo before I traveled. Or I'd hire a translator.

I studied Italian, Spanish and German. Learning a foreign language was fun and interesting and those studies added to my English vocabulary and grammar.

Personally, I think anyone should be able to live anywhere they like. Let's loosen up the citizenship application process, maybe it's too difficult.

I don't care where you're from, but learn English for Pete's sake. And quit spending tax dollars to bridge the Spanish-English gap.

I think language-learning should belong to the private sector. It's great that bank tellers know more than one language. That's good business ... hello, we're capitalists, here.

The U.S. government shouldn't be printing Spanish translations of the Fair Labor Act posters and demand employers post them, though.

Let private schools, independent tutors and translators teach foreign-speaking folks English. Why should school teachers be bilingual? Why should bilingualism be a determining factor for hiring school aides or sheriff's deputies?

Let's make English the official language and be done with it.

***

If you're not inclined to pick up a new language, maybe you'll pick up a new appreciation for classical music, fine art or theater this summer.

The MasterWorks Festival will bring about 1,200 musicians and professional artists to Winona in June and July. Their concerts are many and free.

Community park departments also provide free, stress-free and delightful concerts every weekend.

There's a fine arts academy, a local orchestra, art galleries, fairs and shops, lessons in arts and crafts in just about every community.

The Wagon Wheel Theatre is gearing up for another season and I'm sure season tickets are still available.

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If nothing else, visit the Visitor's Center May 12-21. Learn about your surroundings.

Get out.

Get involved.

Get a life. One that would make the likes of Phil Eherenman proud.