Green Monkey Tales; Number 2: By: Ella 1-16-1-22-2022

Green Monkey Tales; Number 2:

By: Ella

Ask a Community Leader:

Thank you to the County Commissioner Mrs. Catherine Graham for being so kind and answering my questions! She was elected to the County Commissioners in 2014, and 2018.

First I asked her: What accomplishment are you proudest of during your time as County Commissioner so far?

She said: “The building of four new elementary schools that will serve our school children for many years. And the support received by Moore County voters that resulted in an overwhelming victory of bond approval for three of these schools.

And on a smaller project, the construction of a splash pad at the new Moore County Sports Complex. It is always exciting to me just to sit a while and watch the kids enjoy the water fun.”

Question #2: How did you know you wanted to be a community leader? How did you start?

Answer: “I have always enjoyed solving problems. And, it brings me pleasure to think I have helped others in some small way.

I began service by participating in community projects. I knew I wanted to serve others and felt I had leadership abilities to help accomplish several goals, and that I could help accomplish these by election to public office.”

Question #3: What was the biggest challenge you have had to overcome in your political career?

Answer: Understanding that people have different opinions and to listen with an open mind.

Question #4:

4. Do you get nervous when you have to talk at meetings?

Answer: I think that at times even the most professional speaker gets nervous. However, the more you participate in public speaking the less nervous you become in speaking. I like to remember what Mya Angelou stated, “It is not what you say that people remember, it is how you made them feel”. So I guess my answer I do but not frequently.

Question #5: Are there any things you wanted to do for the county but could not?

Answer: Yes, many. I believe you should always have more things to do and ideas to improve the lives around you but never feel you failed because you did not accomplish all you wanted or worked to make happen. I really wanted to be on the Board of Commissioners when the ribbon was cut to open the doors of the new Court Facility. I will not be but am proud to know after 16 years of working for this to happen it will happen.

Question #6: What advice would you give kids who want to be leaders at our school?

Answer: Study hard so that your peers know you are knowledgeable and willing to work along with those who follow you. Always give honest answers even though you know it is not the answer someone is looking for. In the end you gain respect by your honesty.

Question #7: Any other things you think would be important for kids to know or do?

Answer: Life does not always give you all your desires; those who have all the material things you wish you had are not always happy; be the friend to someone you know is lonely; respect your parents and teachers, and above all, BE KIND.

Sharks:

Than you to Mr. Jay for this idea and questions!

Question #1: “What kind of sharks are common off the coast of North Carolina?” Answer: Great white, bull, and sand tiger sharks are most common, but will not get close to people who are swimming except rarely when chasing fish or other prey.

Question #2: “Why are people scared of them?” Answer: Scientifically, it is because early humans were not really introduced to sharks very well, so they automatically became fearful. Personally, I think it is because people see movies, read books about how sharks can be vicious, and do not do the proper research when it is usually fiction.

Question #3: “Should we be scared?” No! Sharks rarely come for humans, despite humans having what sharks enjoy, they aren’t interested. Sharks keep oceans from over-populating and not having enough food, we should thank them.

Question #4: “Are they good for the ocean? Bad?” Sharks are good for the ocean, because they keep it from overpopulating and leave food. They keep the ocean ecosystem in balance.

Ask an Adult:

I asked my mom; “ How have things changed from when you were a kid, to now? “ She said: “ Well, when I was growing up, there were no cell phones, there was no internet, we had payphones, technology has grown a lot. There are a whole lot of things that have changed, but I’m just thinking about technology. We only had 5 or 6 channels to watch.

My next question was; “ I know prices were less, how has money changed? Like, prices?” She said: “I remember walking to the store on my corner and buying pieces of candy for a penny, nickel, dime, quarters. Yeah, everything cost less.” Then I said “Anything else you’d like to add? Any advice?“ She said: “There were a lot less people and a lot less things. We had a lot more trees and open space. A lot less stores and options, that's what I mean by things. I hope the world grows more kind, more patient, and more tolerant.”

Thank you very much to my mom for answering those questions!

Butterflies (specifically blue morpho menelaus):

Thank you to Karli for giving me this idea!

1. What do they eat? : Butterflies do NOT eat, but they drink from their proboscis, they drink the nectar from flowers.

2. Where do they live? : They are native to the rain forests of Mexico, Central America, and South America.

3. Do all butterflies migrate? : Most do, and they spend summers in temperate North America, but none of them travel like Monarch’s do.

Quote of the Week (QOTW): “ Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you.” -Ruth Bader Ginsburg (RBG).

(My favorite quote ever and by her)

Word of the Week (WOTW): Worthy: showing qualities that deserve to be recognized.

(Thank you Karli for the word.)

Hope everyone got some snow!!!!!!

By: Ella