
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, May 4, 1990                   TAG: 9005040766
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A10   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

FIRST FRIDAY COMPLAINTS DEAL IN STEREOTYPES

JOHN R. Montgomery (letter April 25) states that "the search for young professionals to decorate [First Fridays at Five] is totally offensive." I find his ignorance of the facts and the stereotypical nature of his complaints far more offensive.

My profession as an educator involves working with people from all socioeconomic groups and requires respect for those people. How dare Montgomery imply the "presence of a blue-collar worker" will ruin my good time? I come from a family of blue-collar workers, as do many of my friends. The privilege of a college degree does not make one an instant snob.

Also, I do not drink and drive, nor is driving under the influence exclusive to young professionals. I share his concern about drunk drivers, but do not feel that the elimination of First Fridays at Five will keep people from spending Friday "happy hours" at downtown bars.

Barry Simmerman, an original co-planner of FFAF, has been involved in organizing social events for years. I applaud his efforts and those of the FFAF board to provide young adults with a chance to socialize. I further applaud them for donating the profits to various non-profit organizations.

Montgomery is more than entitled to his opinion; however, he is not entitled to include me in his stereotypes. More events geared for the young professionals in the Roanoke Valley are needed.

\ DIANE M. SEBASTIAN\ ROANOKE

by CNB