Skinner’s has music
I am writing in response to the Sept. 30 article in Juice (“What Happened to the Music”) to express my concern for the misguided and incorrect information regarding Skinner’s Pub.
First off, I would like to address the overall facts of the article. I did not major in journalism in college, but I believe a rule of thumb in writing anything is accuracy, non-bias and actually doing research. Greg Thornes, listed in the article as a bartender at Skinner’s, is actually the owner of the pub and has been for seven years. This is just one of the mistakes in the article that could have been prevented with a little research and proofreading.
Second, the tone of the article led me (and others) to believe that Skinner’s is a money-hungry, arrogant establishment that only books bands that will “bring in a big crowd.” The motto of Skinner’s Pub reads “A Place All its Own.” This is also true for the music.
Most DJs would agree that Skinner’s plays a variety of music, ranging from alternative rock to blues. As a result, most of the bands booked are also bands that are played on the regular musical lineup. Of course, there will be cover charges when bands play. However, two to five dollars seems like a small price to pay for bands like John Lee Hooker, Jr., or Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers.
My main point here is if you’re going to write an article asking “Where has the Music Gone?” get some solid facts. The Jackalope and Sound Station 7 were not the only places in town for good music. Both the Chevy Lounge and Skinner’s Pub have had several well-known bands grace their stages. Sure, a couple bartenders at Skinner’s can give you a vague quote. But why not ask the general manager? If you’d done your research, you’d find Karl Steege. He is the current general manager of Skinner’s Pub, the founder of Bash in the Grass and the driving force behind new event coordination at Skinner’s Pub. Surely, he would have some unique thoughts on where the music went.
So, if you had done the proper research, you would have found where the music was, is and where it is going.
Cara WeilerBrookings
CASA helps children
The East-Central Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Program recruits, screens, trains and supervises community volunteers who are appointed by circuit court judges to represent the best interest of abused and neglected children in the court system. These children are involved in a legal battle they don’t understand. They are frightened, confused and often times, very alone. By working with the judge, attorneys and social workers, CASA volunteers ensure that the children have a voice in the process. Trained CASA volunteers spend time with these children.
They make sure their needs are being met and then report back to the judge with recommendations regarding the child’s future. They assure the child that they are loved and spend time listening to the child. They help put hope back in the child’s life. Currently the Department of Social Services office located in Brookings has legal and physical custody of children from Brookings, Moody, Lake, Miner and Kingsbury Counties. Each of these children is eligible to have a CASA volunteer appointed to their case if there were enough trained CASA volunteers available.
You can help these children by becoming a CASA volunteer or supporting the work of the CASA volunteers by contributing to the United Way.
Training for new CASA volunteers begins on November 1, 2003. Volunteers must be at least 21 years of age and able to pass a criminal history and child abuse screening. Thirty hours of training on Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, is required. Training dates include Nov. 1 and 15, Dec. 6 and 20, and Jan. 10. Once training is completed, volunteers will be appointed by the courts to represent the best interests of abused and neglected children. Call 1-877-819-0196 or send an e-mail to casadir@brookings.net to enroll. More information about the training and CASA in general is available at www.eccasa.net
Mark ProctorCASA Executive DirectorBrookings
Gays and the church
I would like to offer a different perspective on the homosexuality discussion as reported in last week’s paper. I am the pastor of Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Student Fellowship, members of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod church body. We believe that homosexuality is a sin against God and is offensive to Him. God created us male and female in His image and intended us to live out our sexuality in marriage, i.e., the union of one man and one woman, or, if not given a spouse, to live out our sexuality in a celibate life. Romans 1:18-32 reveals God’s will concerning homosexuality.
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