Rockville Centre letters to the editor, Week of April 5

Red and Blue controversy heats up

The following letters are in response to the column “It’s time to re-evaluate Red and Blue” that appeared in last week’s Herald. We have received comments via email, on our website and over the phone. Not sure how to reach us? Our address is rvceditor@liherald.com or Rockville Centre Herald, 2 Endo Boulevard, Garden City, N.Y. 11530. If you’re uncomfortable about using your name, you may submit your signed message with a daytime phone number and a request for anonymity. Our editorial staff will contact you to discuss it.

‘If you have something to say . . .’

To the Editor:

I am very disappointed in the anonymous column regarding Red and Blue. Why would the Herald change its longstanding position about not printing things anonymously? It's a good policy — if you have something to say, you should be willing to stand up and say it.

The letter was filled with inaccuracies. I have had three daughters participate in Red and Blue since 2001. The first two were never captains or coordinators, but were thrilled to participate and always felt included. They learned about getting along with people outside their social circle, taking instructions from girls they didn't know, working hard toward a common goal — not winning, necessarily — putting on a spectacular performance for two nights, no matter what their level of talent, or the lack thereof. They were never without a ride to practices, rehearsals or meetings, even if I wasn't available, and when they were old enough, they reciprocated with the younger girls, very often girls they hadn't known before.

I love the way the whole village rallies around the teams. Signs are built, lights go up, magnets appear on cars. I contributed my meager cutting, pinning and tracing abilities to the Red Team this year. Over and over, I heard from moms of freshmen and sophomores how welcome they felt and how thrilled their daughters were to be included. Several remarked about how shy and quiet their girls normally were, but were coming out of their shell for this. How great is that?