By Mary Kay Scharf

I have a variety of unrelated items for today’s forum and I will reiterate that the content of forums are not the opinions of the radio station.

Let’s start with my annual reminder that school is out and to be on the lookout for children whose play may interfere with safety…please slow down and be safe.  You may also see the occasional parent running from a house whose near insanity could result in a run into the street; fortunately this typically does not occur until early August!

Moving on…let’s talk for a moment about name-calling…One of the definitions I found for name calling is:

abusive or insulting language referring to a person or group

From an early age, we begin to teach children how unkind name-calling is and how it is hurtful and inappropriate.We teach them alternative ways to communicate and to solve problems…yet there are people who continue thisoffensive behavior into adulthood.

Is anyone else frightened by the potential world-ending disaster that might result if we elect a president whose social skills still includes daily name-calling?I am certainly afraid for the future of our country and the larger target we will become if our elected commander in Chief antagonizes other world leaders by name-calling.

Another topic, that is clearly not the opinion of the radio station relates to showing long-time and loyal employees respect and appreciation.While a reduction in staff is a sad necessity in business, treating those being let go with dignity and respect should be a priority in the process.  That being said, I wish to thank Colleen Reynolds for news, information, and entertainment over the many years I have been a listener.  While you may have been shown less than respect and appreciation, please know that the community of listeners appreciated your dedicated years of service.

Mary Kay Scharf is the Director of Principal Leadership in the Bloomington Public Schools.  A Clinton native, she was a teacher for 7 years and has been a principal and school administrator for the past 26 years.  She is a volunteer for multiple community organizations, most passionately for the Not In Our Town initiative.  The proud mother of 3 and grandmother of one, Mary Kay lives in Normal with her husband, Jamie.

The opinions expressed within WJBC’s Forum are solely those of the Forum’s author, and are not necessarily those of WJBC or Cumulus Media, Inc.