Parks saved!

That was the frontpage headline in the local paper this week. The kids and I celebrated for a moment until we read the whole article. There is a chance that the state parks that we have been fighting for may re-open in the Spring. For now, they are closed and gated. But the Governor is considering the possibility of re-opening just a few of the sites that he has recently shut down due to budget issues. Many of the other historical sites will most likely remain closed.

My kids are learning some valuable lessons here. Not only about the whims of local government, but about the importance of standing up for issues that are meaningful to them. By participating in public rallies, letter-writing campaigns,and spreading the word to their friends and neighbors, they are learning how people can come together to work for a common cause. They are learning how to make their voices heard and finding out that indeed someone is listening to them.

How cool is that?

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." -Margaret Mead