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Dear Heloise: I read your column in the Spokesman-Review in Spokane, Washington, every morning. I always enjoy the letters from readers and your responses; I especially like and have used many of your recipes. Your recipe on fudge was so easy, delectable and sinfully delicious!
I am writing at your invitation to respond about the letter from a reader in Colorado regarding the state of education. I am a retired teacher and administrator with 32 years of service to wonderful young people and their families. That means each and every one of them, especially those who needed just a bit more love and understanding.
My belief is that teachers are blessed to serve so that when kids do not know something (no matter the subject area, whether it's how to become great citizens, contributors, leaders or humanitarians in our fragile world), they have someone there who can help them make their way to a better understanding.
Deriding kids for not knowing is not what being a servant leader through education is about. Walking with kids as they learn certainly is. -- John Myers, via email
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
Dear Heloise: I just read the letter about walking with a tag that has all of your information. This is a good idea, but I simply choose to walk with my phone. It has emergency information at the top of my contacts list under "ICE." Just put a space first so that the letters will be listed at the top.
I have used my phone to call the city to report graffiti and take pictures of beautiful flowers, birds and interesting things that my neighbors have in their yards. Also, if I were to fall, or my dog were to be attacked, I could easily call for help. Cheers! -- Patti Havens, Claremont, California
REDUCING LAND WASTE
Dear Heloise: Much thanks to you and your mother for your years of service with your column. And thanks to Heddy Niemeyer of Long Beach, California, for the concern about our planet and the waste of single-use items. It's been years since I've bought plastic wrap or plastic bags, and I haven't missed them at all. Refrigerator containers work very well. I have glass ones, but I also have plastic ones that I've used for a few decades and work well for storage. Also, old rags work fine in place of sponges.
There are so many ways to avoid waste if we just take the time to think about it. I haven't had to use plastic bags for produce, since mesh bags can be used and washed as needed. Small cotton bags with drawstrings are great for dried fruit and nuts, and they, too, can be washed.
Something others might consider is going vegan or at least vegetarian. It works for me, and it's also good for the planet. -- Richard, in Southern California
LUGGAGE TAGS
Dear Heloise: Most people tag their luggage because so many bags look the same on the luggage turnstiles. But if you have a business card, you should insert it in the luggage tag rather than listing your home address. If your luggage is lost, the airport can deliver it to your place of business once it's found. This is just an added level of protection for you and your family. -- E.K., in Michigan
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Hints from Heloise run occasionally in Lifestyles. Readers may send a hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000, fax it to 210-HELOISE, or email: Heloise@Heloise.com. Letters won't be answered personally.