Published: July 03, 2009 10:54 pm      

TUCKER: Hats off — or not — draws comments

The column which ran June 20 regarding the “new policy” of allowing hats to be worn at Sweet Home High School, drew an interesting reply from Scott M. Johnson, Sweet Home school board member.

“I read your article with interest,” he said in an e-mail. “I am writing to correct one inaccuracy. We did not vote to approve the policy allowing hats in school. It is part of an overall code of conduct. This was one of several policy updates discussed and the items were tabled....I can't speak for the board as to what will happen next. I have thoughts and opinions on both sides of the issue, and need to have more questions answered, and participate in a debate on the issue before making a final decision.”

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Joy Heinrich doesn’t seem to see a reason for a debate from her comments in an e-mail labeled, “The HATS ... ”

“My husband always had a ‘thing’ about men not wearing hats at the table,” Joy wrote.

“I always watch to see who takes off their hat. Always it is the older gentlemen and sometimes the teens who were told by their dad or mom that it is proper to remove the hat, same as dad did.

“I totally disagree that they should be able to wear (hats) in school,” Joy continued. “...Our young adults and children are allowed to continue to make the rules bend their way. We don’t need buddies for our children....

“Would it hurt any of us to show a little more respect for each other?

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Joy also included her thoughts on those in Albany who continue to thumb their noses at their employers — us.

“Every word you wrote about the so-called Albany ‘workers’ is what everyone is thinking but not saying,” she wrote.

“I wish we, the people who are paying all those salaries, could make up the rules ... You can believe we’d all be at the unemployment office if we did not come to work.

”I go along with you 100 percent on the ‘vote them out and bring in one senator, one assembly person and two staff people for each.’ No perks. And lower their salary ... I will write on my calendar in big red letters a reminder note of this mess to be put on next October’s calendar.”

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Last weekend, when our kids visited their brother in Baltimore for his annual pig roast, I volunteered to take care of “Tuck,” our daughter’s golden retriever — barely 2 years old, well behaved but energetic. He’s a clumsy but lovable dog, weighing about 90 pounds. Our poor deaf, old Shamus, weighing in at 20 pounds, was no match. Tuck loves Shamus, Shamus puts up with Tuck, probably because he’s knocked over, stepped on and brushed aside by Tuck’s tail. When Tuck went home, Shamus retired quietly to his bed, glad the ordeal was over. Some extra treats helped calm his nerves.

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The family reunion took place last Saturday in Pine Woods Park and the chowder-makers dished up the best chowder ever. Food was abundant and it was enjoyable to see everyone. The committee did an outstanding job with the party, which continued at cousin Lenore Thompson’s house for hours after the park was closed. Great fun.

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A final note: Did you ever think that you’d see a crowd, most dressed up in their finest, attending an opera at the Riviera Theatre? Best part was seeing these folks buy huge containers of popcorn. When the “Barber of Seville” started, it was sung in Italian, but quickly switched to English. What a joy and delight as the story is a funny, witty comedy and each cast member was perfect in his or her role. More than 1,100 people enjoyed the show over its two-day run.

Popcorn and opera — only in North Tonawanda.

Contact community editor

Barbara Tucker at 693-1000, ext. 110, or e-mail barbara.tucker@

tonawanda-news.com.