A letter to "The Chew" please notice Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers.

Because I have been retired from teaching since 2013, I watch T.V. while I sew.

I switch back and forth from favorites depending on who is on the show and what they are discussing. I watch "The Chew" often because they seem to be bringing back cooking in homes and the concept of "from scratch" in families lives.  

As a former Family and Consumer Sciences teacher (formerly know as Home Economics) cooking "from scratch" has never gone out for me personally.   In the last few years Family and Consumer Sciences has been in the news as there have been several articles across the nation in regards to "Bring back Home Economics".  Each time one of these articles come out the American Association of  Family and Consumer Sciences makes every effort they can to get the support of the media to share the continued education of food preparation through out the United States immersed in FACS programs.  The topic rarely gets the focus that it should.  Although the "Let's Move" program is great and vital, so is food and nutrition education.

Recently while watching "The Chew" I noticed them sharing ANOTHER NEW PROGRAM to help children learn how to cook using fresh ingredients.  It was fantastic!

But......I have a question, "Why is impossible for television media outlets to share what has existed for over 100 years in a positive light?"  "Why is it so difficult to showcase Family and Consumer Science Educators that have done fantastic work in the schools that they teach?"

Look at Karen Smith's class in Monticello, MN. She plants and grows food with her junior high students. She shows them how to prepare these foods.  Along with that she invites local farmers into her classroom to talk about their crops and teaches them how to use those products.

Look at Sara Martinez' class in the inner ring school, North St. Paul, MN (district 622) she teaches a Healthy Living course. That class  alternates with every other day with physical education.  Along with that students learn the importance of cooking with fresh products, eating at home and much more.

Dear Chew producers please look at Family and Consumer Sciences educators programs through out the United States. Please look at the good that they do and help us promote and share FACS work. These educators touch so many lives in a positive light and often give hope to those that couldn't find a calling until they worked with food.  These programs are nutrition based, culinary based and technique based and they are doing great things but often go unnoticed.  Please help your viewers notice!

With Love from your retired FACS teacher,
Jane

 

Women Unite! Let us change the installation of the giant bathroom toilet paper dispensers.

I have been thinking about this for several years and never discuss it because I always have hope that someone will fix this horrible issue.  Not a world problem but half of our population has this issue.

Ever since public restrooms have gone from regular paper dispensers to the giant ones I have said, "Men have done this and they don't get it."  They are installed TO LOW! 

In my imagination I see instructions that say mount blank inches from the floor.  Then the installers look at each other and say, "hummm measure from the bottom or top to the floor?  Let's go with top.   So, everytime we ladies need a piece of toilet tissue, we have to crouch over to the height of a 3 year old. 

Industry experts in public bathroom design, PLEASE hear me when I say, "this is so annoying." I can't believe I am the only female out there wishing for someone to change the toilet paper dispenser instructions so that it easier to access for those that use it everytime they sit.  

We don't stand so please listen or maybe sit down and check it out sometime.   It is wrong!

With love from your retired FACS teacher, Jane