Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, November 3, 1994 TAG: 9412230065
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: W19 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
Recently, I was declared legally blind, but I am determined to live a normal and independent life. I am working and enjoying the freedom of walking around the city in which I was born and reared.
However, I've had a rude awakening: It is dangerous for the visually impaired.
Many motorists are not kind or they do not know that they are supposed to acknowledge a white cane by stopping.
I have a white cane with a red tip, indicating that I have a degree of sight, although impaired.
I have traveled Campbell Avenue (east), and motorists do not acknowledge the cane. Twice, city-owned vehicles, traveling east on Campbell and turning right onto Jefferson, have almost hit me. Also, I've been almost hit by private cars on that same route.
Where are the traffic cops? Does the city need money so badly that the traffic officers are issuing parking tickets only?
What I have described warrants a ticket, too.
Some drivers are nice, including many at the intersection of McClanahan and Jefferson streets. Thank you.
Others, please heed the white cane.
Gloria Dorma
Roanoke
Dear Neighbors:
Recently, a Roanoke city police officer contacted me concerning a death in my immediate family. Due to the circumstances, I did not remember the officer's last name, but his first name was Gene. I would like to sincerely thank him for his professionalism and the compassionate and sympathetic way he handled the situation.
I am sure that the Police Department knows this officer's last name, and they should be extremely proud of this officer.
Thank you again, Gene, and God bless you.
Emma Stevens
Vinton
Dear Neighbors:
The Camelot Hall Nursing Home of Salem has received no deficiencies from its annual inspection for the second year since I have been a resident here.
This does not surprise me as I witness the quality of care that residents receive here at Camelot. The level of care is designed to provide residents with an environment of safety, caring and love. This is evident by the efficient help that we receive by the administration led by Doug Wright.
All of the departments should be congratulated as well. The variety of activities here provides the residents with a diversity of programs that all can enjoy. If, on the rare occasion, a problem arises, it is settled by the department heads and the administrator.
The only thing needed at the facility is a full-time chaplain to minister to the residents' spiritual needs.
I want to thank the nursing staff guided by Elva Foust, other employees and all of the supervisors.
I close by saying, "Thank God for Camelot!"
Ed Boyden
Salem
Dear Neighbors:
I would like to to recognize some city employees who go far beyond the call of duty. They are employees in the Roanoke city Fire Department.
They have helped my family with kindness, money and manpower. When my husband, Vernon, a fellow firefighter, was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Lou Gehrig disease, his fellow firemen showed him, his family and the world that they really care about him. They not only help financially but also emotionally.
I feel that the Roanoke city firemen do not get enough credit for the wonderful things they do for the community. They actively support the Muscular Dystrophy Association and educate children on fire safety.
Though I do not know each fireman personally, I have met quite a few of Vernon's firemen buddies and have been quite impressed. I want to thank Willie Wines Sr., Kenny Campbell, Ronnie Cohran, David Trent and Ed Crawford, just to name a few. To all the firemen I did not name, you're on our minds and in our hearts.
We love each and every one of you.
Jeanette Barnard
Roanoke
Dear Neighbors:
Congratulations to Bev Fitzpatrick and staff of the Jefferson Center Foundation for giving us such a delightful evening with the Glen Miller Band.
The sweet music took us all back to the '30s and '40s.
I'm sure your endeavor has helped the center financially as the attendance was great. The food was delicious, and there was plenty of dancing under the beautiful maroon and white streamers.
Thanks again. I hope you will do it again.
Gertrude W. Lester
Vinton
Dear Neighbors:
Thank you, Police Officer.
I had a rear flat tire on busy Virginia 419 and drove to the left onto the grass, avoiding traffic. A police car stopped behind my car and protected me from the traffic.
The officer changed my tire, put the flat in the trunk and blocked traffic so I could enter my lane.
I did not get his name. He has a wonderful wife, three children and could not cook. This may identify him.
Thanks again.
L.V. Wilmer
Roanoke
by CNB