THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, January 26, 1997 TAG: 9701240196
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 10 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: 81 lines
I'm writing to thank the Kempsville Fire Department for its quick response, hard work and caring attitude.
My mother was awakened early one morning by the strident ring of her smoke alarm. She searched the house and found nothing, but, to err on the side of caution, she called the Fire Department anyway.
They quickly sent a unit that did a thorough inspection of my mother's home and determined that she had an electrical short in her alarm. They then gave her a new alarm that had been donated by a community group.
In a world full of bad news and uncaring people, the Kempsville Fire Department restored my faith in my community. All my gratitude and good wishes go out to your department and the good people who make it up. Keep up the good work!
Angela Neeley
Jan. 17 Free speech defenders keep eye on restrictions
As we approach the midpoint of the school year, we are, once again, hearing of attempts to restrict and censor the books our children will be allowed to study in class. Well-meaning parents have attacked such classics as Chaucer's ``Canterbury Tales'' and Maya Angelou's ``I know Why the Caged Bird Sings,'' to name but two targets. In fact, People for the American Way, a First Amendment watchdog group, has reported that during the 1995-96 school year, 300 attempts were made to censor school materials, 120 of which were successful.
Women's American ORT, a national organization with chapters in our community and across the nation, has a continuing commitment to support and enhance quality public education. We believe that public education is the principal safeguard against ignorance, inequity and discrimination, as well as the focal point of democratic responsibility, understanding and equal opportunity.
We therefore oppose censorship of educational materials including, but not limited to, texts and library books and urge the public to remain vigilant to the dangers posed by this challenge to our First Amendment rights. Woman's American ORT has sent delegations to visit Washington to make our concerns known. Those interested in joining our efforts may call 1-800-51-WAORT.
Dorene Berger
Member, Executive Committee of Women's American ORT
Jan. 14 Meeting `great' American was a highlight of visit
During the 1996 Christmas holidays my family and I were blessed with the opportunity to attend a production of Dominion Theater at the Founders Inn in Virginia Beach. The drama was delightful. I am not writing to you, however, about great theater. The setting allowed occasion to meet a great American. Gary Spell, the main mover and director of Dominion Theater productions.
Gary epitomizes what is great about America - immeasurable generosity, enormous talent, boundless energy, tolerance, patience and trust in God.
Here in Canada we encounter many negative portrayals of Americans and America. I'm sure if our media personnel had opportunities to meet more Americans like Gary they would paint many more positive pictures of our southern neighbor and ally.
Certainly, whenever I think of America in the future, I will recall my encounter with Gary Spell and give thanks for America, a country that harbors such fantastic people.
Henry Van Berkel
Antigonish, NS, Canada
Jan. 16 More thoughts on sports for magnet school pupils
This letter is in response to recent letters regarding the decision to allow students at Kemps Landing Magnet School to participate in interscholastic sports at Kempsville Middle School.
There obviously are a lot of misplaced priorities when we allow students who do no maintain a ``C'' average to play sports but question giving students who excel academically the opportunity to participate.
Janet DeForge
Jan. 17