FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2000 What's in a name? I hope everyone had a delicious Turkey Day and that you stuffed yourself until you were content. I know I sure did, in fact I had two dinners that day, one at my house and one at my boyfriend's. This brings me to a perplex ing question, one that every holiday I can never answer. What should you call your significant other's parents? Let me give you a little background information first. My boyfriend and I have been together for three years, and I've been to countless parties and holiday gatherings with his family. They're all very nice, and I enjoy seeing them, but I have yet to know how to properly address his parents. For in stance, on my birthday they gave me a gift and a card: inside it was signed "Love Patty and Dan," so does that mean that I should now refer to them as Patty and Dan? Was that the green light to first name basis? Well, even if it was, I have yet to call them by their first names, so I guess that went out the window. My boyfriend's sisters-in-law call his parents Patty and Dan, but since we aren't married, would it be rude if I did, too? Let me add that they are in their middle sixties, so that makes it even tougher for me to say, "Hey Dan, pass the potatoes." I guess it would be safest for me to call them Mr. and Mrs., but it just sounds so formal, like I'm talking to a teacher or a boss. So, as of now I don't call them anything. I haven't resorted to the "hey you" stage, but I'm quite slick at maneu vering my way around without having to use their names. For instance, I'll come over to their house and say, "Hi there, It's nice to see you, etc." and when I leave I'll say "Thanks for everything, I'll see you soon, etc." I know you're probably thinking, why don't you just ask his parents what they want you to call them? Well, I guess because I'm a big wimp and I assume that if they wanted me to call them by their first names. they've had three years to let me know and I haven't heard anything I'm assuming I should stick with calling them nothing. And I must add that my boyfriend doesn't call my parents anything, either. So, if we ever get married it will be quite interesting to go through life speaking to each other's parents and never using their names. Sounds pretty strange if you ask me. Well, I'm just relying on the fact that if we end up getting engaged, then that will be the opportune time to ask both sets of parents what they want us to call them. But until then, I figure I'm pretty safe with not calling them anything. So, what's my point in all this? Well, just to bring to your attention how awkward situations can arise when you become involved with another family, and how it can be difficult to know the "right thing" to do. You don't want to rub anyone the wrong way, at least until after you're married (just kidding), so in the mean time your best bet is to plead ignorance. Works for me! Zuck's column appeared every three weeks Tell us whatyou 5,. - e...!jd' - ' . '* . ,.,•:4,,:.[tt . ...... - 10:• - :-J,the - I - ''..... - _:,5:0.0 . :' . :.k,..,' . ' . 'j0tter.5 . • .... .'b'd,ht,E''.,o,l:l.2,,:@'....ie.'l';':'o,lll, People speak out about the future of the Child Care Center Dear Editor I am writing in response to the article published on November 17th about the child care center. As the current Director of the center, I was quite disappointed by the headline. Since the decision to close the center has not been made, the headline is very misleading. The true significance of the center to the university now and in the future is somehow missing from the article. It fails to mention the 76 children who currently use the center, 46 of which are Behrend associated (students, faculty, staff and alumni). In addition, there is no mention of the 16 children on the waiting list, 11 of which are Behrend associated. Point? Zuck The impact of this headline has already caused several parents to stop in my office. I have encouraged them to express their concerns to you. If you have any questions, please contact me at 6175. Thank you, Eunice Moore Dear Editor, I am writing in response to your recent article in the Behrend Beacon dated November 17, 2000, concerning the future of Penn State Behrend Child Care Center. My name is Monica Looser; I work at Aalborg Industries, Inc. in Knowledge Park. My husband Doug works for Odyssey builders. Our son Kyle attends the child care center; he's been there since September 1, 1998. When we decided to look into daycare vs. private care for him, we visited several facilities in the Erie area. We were very disappointed in what we saw, until we came to Penn State. I can not describe the relief we felt as soon as we walked in the building. I knew right away it was perfect for Kyle. We haven't been disappointed at all with our decision. The staff is incredible. They are always very caring, friendly and helpful. Kyle is very comfortable, and he is truly happy there, he has learned so much, he's counting, knows most of his alphabet and many nursery rhymes, we couldn't ask for anything more. We also think the Child Care Center is a wonderful training/learning opportunity for the students of Penn State Behrend. It would be a great loss for the children and Erie to lose such a wonderful child care facility. We would highly recommend Penn State Child Care Center to anyone looking for exceptional child care. Concerned Parent, Monica Looser Dear Editor/Dean Lilley, I am writing to express my support of the Penn State Behrend Child Care Center, and to encourage you in your efforts to obtain funding for the new building. Both of my children have attended the Center from the time they were three months old. My daughter is now an 'alumna' of the Center, having been through all the rooms... infant, toddler, and preschool. She is now in first grade. My son has also been through all the rooms and is now in his last year, in Preschool 11. Dear Editor, At our meeting a few weeks ago, it was brought to our club's attention (Psychology Coalition) that the child care center could be closed at the end of this academic year. Now, for a school that is in the process of completing a grand athletic center, it was quite a surprise for us to hear that the day care center could possibly be demolished. Our school just got selected in the top ten "Hot and Trendy" schools in the nation for service to students. When asked about the nomination, our dean was quoted as saying, "Penn State strives to provide students and their communities with the best in teaching, research, and service". I do agree with Dr. Lilley about the great learning and research opportunities that Penn State Behrend offers, but, in light of the possible closing of the child care center, the school's dedication to serving students can be EDIEfORIAL LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Dear Editor/Dear Dr. Lilley: I have been listening to conversations and reading articles concerning the future of the Penn State Behrend Child Care Center. I have attended Penn State Behrend for six years. I have seen many changes; some I liked and some I thought were ridiculous. 1 have seen enrollment increase every year with inadequate scheduling, parking, and housing accommodations. I have seen the proportion of non-traditional students increase every year with inadequate scheduling, and consideration for their non traditional needs. I have also seen the enrollment of the Center increase every year. This is what concerns me the most. It takes precedence over all other issues this college faces. It bothers me to think that a college which prides itself on "giving back to the community" could even consider closing a facility, which gives hack ten fold. The employees give so much in so many ways, and do so without being compensated what they truly deserve. The Center employees provide a service to the community that many parents, like myself, wish they could afford to do themselves. They love and nurture our children and shape their minds so they may Dear Beacon Editors In response to the article in Friday's Beacon (November 17, 2000), I would like to tell you a little hit more about the Behrend Child Care Center from a parent's point of view. As a full-time returning adult student and single mother, the Center has been a life saver to me. When I moved to Erie, I needed a place where I knew my children would he safe and happy while I was at school. Returning to college after 15 years was hard enough without having to con stantly worry about my daughters' welfare. They were 3 yrs. and 4 months old, respec tively, at the time. I looked at many different daycare options, and none com pared to the exceptional quality of the Penn State Child Care Center. The Center is close to campus, so I can get there quickly if one of the girls were to become sick and I can drop in between classes anytime to see how they are doing. This was especially important to me when my youngest couldn't speak for herself. The staff is incredible. The child to teacher ratio is below the state guidelines so the children receive a lot of individual It is hard to believe that time has gone by so fast...it seems like not long ago when my kids were babies...but I can honestly say I never once worried about them while they were in the Center. You have no idea how important it is for a "working mom" to feel good about her decision to enroll her children in Child Care. To know that they are in a loving and caring environment means so much. It has allowed me to go back to work without the guilt. I am able to concentrate on my work while I am at work, and not be worrying about their safety or questioned. At the least, I see four major reasons why the child care center should not be closed. Let me start with the obvious one: closing the child care center will deprive students and faculty members who have children from receiving good quality child care. This will discourage and push away students and faculty members who have children from becoming part of the Penn State Behrend community. Second, I have heard the phrase "family friendly school" used to describe Penn State Behrend during open houses and orientations for incoming students and their parents. What kind of "family friendly" message are we sending by closing a good quality child care center? Are we saying we are a school that is friendly to "families without children"? Third, and more important to those of us that do not have children, what about the think! Editor! to: have a head start in the learning process The Center helps your teachers and faculty so they may do their jobs efficiently without worrying about their children. They also allow students, who want to improve the quality of their lives by pursuing higher education, a place where they can take their children. I am one of those students. In 1995, a year and a half into my college career, I become pregnant unexpectedly. I thought my life was over and I would never be able to achieve my life long dream of being the first in my family to graduate from college. I did not have anyone to watch my daughter when I thought I would try to go back after she was born. I did not trust a stranger with her either. When I learned that Penn State had a child care center on campus, I toured the facility. I had the opportunity to meet with the staff and watch how they interacted with the children. I immediately knew that my daughter would be safe with them. I knew they would teach and nurture her as I would. You cannot put a price on the service they provide. The Penn State Child Care Center has cared for what we hold most dear; it is our turn to help them. I have read that Penn State has exhausted all of its resources. I attention from the staff. They are caring and loving toward all the children. The infants are snuggled and talked to, not just set in a swing or a crib all day. The teachers are always available to answer questions or share events of the day when I drop off or pick up my daughters. Though only the 3 and 4 year olds are officially in preschool, each classroom, for all ages, works on developmental and social skills, which gives our children an advantage when they enter school. They provide activities throughout the year, such as field trips and holiday events creating a family-type atmosphere that is appreciated by children and parents alike. My older daughter, who moved on to kindergarten this year, still talks about her preschool teachers and enjoys returning to visit whenever she can. In these times when it takes both parents working to make ends meet and there are so many single parent families, services like the Child Care Center are invaluable for students, faculty, staff and the community. It can also be a valuable tool for research purposes in the fields of psychology, sociology, education and marketing. I am surprised more professors don't make use of well-being. The staff at the Center are excellent. I can't say enough about the quality of their care or their teaching skills. They know what is developmentally appropriate for each age/child and they not only teach the child, but work with the parents for the good of the child. I believe both of my children are advanced in their learning and social skills because of their attendance at the Center. I have recom- mended the Center to many people and will continue to do so. I am proud to be an alumna of Penn State academic opportunities that the child care center has been providing? I know students use the child care center to do observational research for different classes as well as for their senior projects. Psychology students taking developmental psychology are required to complete a child observation project at the child care center as part of the class requirement. It is also my understanding that Education students use the center for different academic purposes. The child care center has become a GREAT learning center for students who aspire to work with children in the near future. It would be a shame to deprive us, the students, of all these great academic opportunities provided by the child care center. Last but not least, the child care center also provides internships and work study positions for students. For those of us that had to look say they have not tried hard enough. Penn State Behrend is located in one of the most giving and generous communities in Pennsylvania. Has the college gone to the community? Has it gone to contractors and asked for donations of their expertise and time? Has it gone to places like 84 Lumber Carter Lumber, Lowe's, Weber Electric Supply, and The Hite Company and asked for donations of necessary materials? Has the college considered asking the Baldwin Real Estate Group for a donation of property, whether vacant or with a house? Has it gone to the students, faculty, and staff and asked for their support? Has the college gone to all possible alumni? Has the college gone to people who have used the Child Care Center in previous years? If you cannot answer yes to all of these questions then Dr. Lißey, you have not exhausted all of your opportunities. You must see to it that the Center remains open. You must not give up on them. They have never given up on our children or us. Sincerely Kara Greishaw Concerned Parent and Student the proximity and availability of the Center for research purposes. The Center also provides part-time jobs for a number of students on campus. The Mission Statement of Penn State Eric includes providing "outreach programs, with a particular focus on serving the tri state region's economic, social, and intellec tual development." I believe the Penn State Child Care Center is a perfect example of fulfilling this mission. Parents of the Center are students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members. We rely on the professionalism and nurturing atmosphere of the Center to enable us to study and work, to build a better life for ourselves and our children. I hope the Behrend administrators realize what an incredible resource the child care center is to the parents who utilize it and to the University as a whole. If the Center is lost due to lack of funding, Behrend will be losing a tremendous opportunity to provide a much needed service to its customers; the students, faculty and staff of Penn State Erie. Kristin Arendash Senior, Marketing Behrend (BS MIS 'B7, MBA '93) and grateful for the education I received there. My own 'Behrend experience' was very rewarding and so I am not surprised that the Child Care Center has been a special place for my children. The traditions of quality and caring are evident in both places. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or need anything. Feel free to share this letter with anyone who may be interested in the future of the Child Care Center. Sincerely, Heather (VanSl ke Rwers for work study and internship positions on or around campus every year, we know how difficult it is to find an open work study position after the first week of classes. Closing the child care center would further aggravate this problem. For the above reasons and more, closing the child care center will create a negative perception of Penn State Behrend's "service" to students and professors. Furthermore, closing a good quality child care center in a community that is in great need of one, will also negatively impact how the outside world perceives our school. Are we no longer "family friendly"? Banchi Dessalegn, President of Psi Chi on behalf of Psychcoalition (Psychology Club and Psi Chi)
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