All should be aware of graduation etiquette

While attending my sons’ eighth-grade graduation ceremony, I realized that many of the parents and guests don’t understand common courtesy or rules. Perhaps you could cut this out, study it and keep it in your wallet for future reference.

1. When saying the Pledge of Allegiance to our flag, you are to stand respectfully, with your hand over your heart and recite the important words. If you choose not to say them, you are to stand or sit quietly and respectfully and wait the few seconds while everyone else is reciting them.

2. No telephone conversation is so important that it has to be held at a graduation ceremony. If the call is that important, then stay home and talk on the phone. Also, don’t get angry with others who feel that the graduation ceremony is more important and would rather not be interrupted by your ridiculous phone conversation.

3. Public speaking or singing before an audience are very difficult things to do for some people. They have worked extremely hard on memorizing just the right words to convey their thoughts. It is very disheartening and frustrating that while you are trying to deliver a speech or perform a song, audience members are holding personal conversations. Not only does it make it hard on the speaker, but it makes it extremely difficult for others sitting around you to hear the speech or song.

4. When the graduates, principal and superintendent ask you to please hold your applause, whistling or catcalls until all of the graduates’ names have been announced, then that is what you do. You sit quietly and respectfully so that everyone can hear the names of their children. The school staff should never have to stop the ceremony to ask you to please be quiet.

This is just simple, common courtesy. If you are unable to follow these simple rules, you don’t belong out in public at all.

Kathleen M. Stechmiller, Berwyn

Janura Park no longer peaceful

Why, when something has to be built, demolished or moved, do officials think of Janura Park? I bought this home on Euclid Avenue years ago because of the nice park at the end of the street. Since then, it has been made for soccer, a street cage for hockey, bright lights for night time, etc. Now the Berwyn Historical Society wants to move the Sears mail-order house there.

What happened to the green and serenity we used to have there? I know, I know, you have got to think of the youth, the history, the money all this brings in.

For a senior citizen who has helped Berwyn grow, elect officers, put money into it for over 30 years, what happens to our needs? We get shoved into senior centers, bused to other places but can’t even enjoy our home or the local area.

I heard that once seniors outlived their usefulness, nobody wants to listen or help them remain independent. I used to ride my bike around Janura. Now I get hit by soccer balls, run into by teenagers on skateboards, etc. There isn’t any place for a safe, enjoyable ride in the park anymore.

It isn’t only me. You can ask any older people who are left in the neighborhood, and they will say the same thing.

I hope all those interested in the Sears mail-order home will read this letter. My good friend was the last occupant of that home, by the way.

Irene Lovendahl, Berwyn