I would like teenagers to feel welcome Downtown. Unfortunately, some teens make other people feel unwelcome, which can cause friction.
What would it take for people Downtown to feel more welcoming toward teens?
If groups of teens would share space with other folks instead of taking over, that would help. Don’t fill up the full width of the sidewalk. Leave room for other people. Fighting and filling up the entire sidewalk makes it worse.
Just show some understanding that public spaces Downtown are shared spaces that we all want to use. That would go a long way toward reducing conflict.
Anne Alt, Beverly
Kicking around thoughts on soccer
I played football, baseball, basketball and softball as a teenager and well into college.
But I never understood what teens or men were doing with kicking a ball around and maybe once in a while into a wide, not so high net.
It seemed boring!
Fast track like a speeding bullet forward, and me and others are watching World Cup soccer games comfortably at home or boozing it up a tad at our favorite watering hole sponsored by FIFA.
I have learned that soccer is the oldest team sport — dating back to China, Greece and Rome and was later used for military training.
FIFA Men’s World Cup has generated billions of dollars and some very thin but fast and strong athletes — some who are aware of where to set themselves, others not. The game is strategy-dominated and also has many questionable injuries.
FIFA may stand for Fédération Internationale de Football Association. But it can also stand for “Fake Injury, Fantastic Athletics.”
Michael Pavilon, Ravenswood
Plant-based options better than dairy for schools
The recent decision by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to bring whole and 2% milk back to school lunches is a step backward for school nutrition.
Many children, especially students of color, are lactose-intolerant, while others simply don’t need dairy to maintain a healthy diet. At a time when nutritious plant-based milks are widely available, expanding dairy options instead of embracing more inclusive choices makes little sense.
School nutrition programs should reflect today’s students, not yesterday’s assumptions. Plant-based options better serve diverse dietary needs while also addressing the ethical concerns associated with modern dairy production. If we’re serious about creating school meals that promote health, inclusion and compassion, it’s time to stop treating plant-based options as an afterthought.
Matthew Alschuler, Wicker Park