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

DATE: THURSDAY, January 27, 1994                   TAG: 9401270016
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C-1   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Ray Reed
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

MERGER IDEA WAS NOT EXPLORE'S

A: The idea to link Explore Park with the Virginia Museum of Natural History was initiated in Martinsville by officials of the Natural History Museum.

No one associated with Explore had anything to do with that now-extinguished proposal, said Explore Director Rupert Cutler.

Cutler did point out that Explore jointly administers some programs with the Center in the Square museums.

The Science Museum holds its nighttime wildlife viewing program at Explore Park and the planetarium uses Explore Park for some astronomy field trips, because it's several miles from city lights. Also, wildflower pilgrimages are held there.

Cutler also said the idea that came from Martinsville had several merits.

"It could be marvelous facility," combining the Natural History Museum's proposed indoor exhibits and dioramas with Explore's outdoor museum. "It's very attractive from an educational standpoint and tourist destination standpoint," Cutler said.

\ On the legislation list

Q: Where could we find a list of bills being considered by the General Assembly? Wouldn't it be nice if the newspaper could print such a list? N.N.

A: The list of bills is being assembled this week, on the heels of Tuesday's filing deadline.

It's yours if you call Legislative Information in Richmond at (804) 786-6530 and ask for the cumulative index of legislation. Or you can write Legislative Information, House of Delegates, P.O. Box 406, Richmond 23203. Allow a couple of weeks for delivery.

Only the subject and patron are listed for the 2,800 bills and resolutions, but this index is still 1 inch thick - more than this or any other newspaper can print.

Some newspaper reporters scan the list. It's dull work, but they get paid for it. Most folks think the phone book makes better reading.

\ Points for safe driving

Q: How do we amass points for safe driving in Virginia? When are they credited, what is the maximum number we can have, how do we earn them in addition to years of safe-driving records? Recently I saw something on TV from the Safety Council that said you might be able to attend a class and earn safe-driving points. T.B., Roanoke

A: We're credited with one positive point for each calendar year of conviction-free driving.

We also can earn five points by attending an eight-hour Driver Improvement Clinic and passing a test at the end.

The maximum number of positive points anyone can accumulate is five, no matter how many classes are taken.

On the other side of the picture are penalty points, with anywhere from three to six assessed for various kinds of violations.

Safe-driving points can be subtracted from penalty points, but a warning letter - usually asking the person to take a driver-improvement class - comes when six penalty points are totaled up in a year, or nine points in two years.

Got a question about something that may affect other people too? Something you've come across and wondered about? Give us a call at 981-3118. Maybe we can find the answer.