Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, June 1, 1995 TAG: 9506010028
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-8 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
Or how about a toad? A 50x5 or 600-foot-long jungle would be a great place for this little toothless wonder to live, raise dozens of kin and have frog fun.
And in this long, narrow strip, there was an entire ecosystem. The food chain was represented. There were bugs, birds, many mature trees and others just maturing that would have lived 50 or more years, and there may have been a snake or two!
But the tortoise won't be passing those trees anymore. He, the frog and his progeny, the bugs and worms are buried under tons of earth. The trees have been skinned by the death machine that killed everything. And they are buried 3 feet or more up their trunk ensuring that they will die a slow, lingering death from trunk rot, even if they survive the skinned bark.
If we should be so fortunate as to realize the greenway system that many of us look forward to enjoying, I hope the section along Kessler's Mill Road that Roanoke County has seen fit to desecrate will hold a special place in the mind of everyone who appreciates nature and natural wild beauty.
DOUGLAS CHANDLER GRAHAM
SALEM
Old First should be restored
OVER THE years, too many historic landmarks in the Gainsboro community have been removed by deliberate or perhaps accidental actions.
Roanoke city's wrecking ball claimed Dr. Isaac Burrell's home and the Roanoke Tribune's office. In remote history, Prunty & Prunty Cleaners and the elegant Claytor mansion were destroyed by suspicious fires. The pattern continues. In a Roanoke Times & World News article on June 27, 1991, District Fire Chief James Patton said a deliberately set fire destroyed the ``Y'' building, but it was to be razed for the new Gainsboro Road/Second Street construction anyway.
Suspicious fires continued when several of the oldest houses in Roanoke (Gilmer Avenue Northeast, 300 block of Jefferson Street, and on Wells Avenue Northwest next to the Stone Printing building) were also burned. I don't think anyone was ever arrested for those fires in historic Gainsboro.
It's difficult to find words to express my sorrow over the devastating fire that Old First Baptist Church suffered on April 22. This edifice is in the heart of the historic Gainsboro community, and has been on both the Virginia Landmarks Register and National Register of Historic Places since 1990. The church majestically stood for 97 years with its graceful steeple towering over the city. It has a rich history. Under God's guidance and the dedicated, wise and strong leadership of Rev. A.L. James, the church grew and served as a source of reverence, hope, dignity, inspiration, pride and love. The church, a significant and sacred part of our heritage, spanned the nation with its spiritual influence and inspiration.
Although no longer in use as a house of worship, the church, under the guidance of Polly Ayers Bixler, Granger Macfarlane and other members of the Acting Company, most recently became known as Arts Place At Old First. As such, its mission of service and inspiration was continuing. I and many others hope and pray that Old First Baptist Church can and will be restored. I pledge my support to that effort.
HELEN E. DAVIS
ROANOKE
Heavy duty for volunteer rescuers
YOUR May 21 Horizon section article (``Too late'') concerning Roanoke County volunteer fire and rescue services omitted some pertinent information about the sacrifices made by volunteer personnel.
Most crews have duty a minimum of every eighth day (including 18- to 24-hour weekend shifts), a monthly business meeting and training meeting, standbys for community events, required continuing-education classes and mandatory quarterly skills-checkoffs for Advanced Life Support personnel. This is in addition to working a full-time job or being a full-time student, and fulfilling family obligations.
Also, since the career (paid) personnel do not work on holidays, volunteers sacrifice time with their families to work without pay on Thanksgiving, Christmas and other holidays. We do all this because we care about the communities in which we live, the people we serve, and those whose lives and properties we save.
LYNNE LEWIS
Emergency Medical Technician-A
Cave Spring First Aid and Rescue Squad Inc.
ROANOKE
At Carvins Cove, a mess - not fish
IN THE early '30s when I was a 10-year-old boy, my dad introduced me to the rod and reel. Yes, I've fished the waters of Carvins Cove now for some 62 years. Known as Mr. Greene at the cove, I've met many people who have become dear friends and fishing buddies. The Mr. Greene address is evidently an endeavor to show respect for my longevity.
A steady flow of traffic is in and out of the cove. Many treat the area with respect; other thoughtless people leave their bait containers, pop cans, bottles, etc., along the shores where they fish. This litter becomes a veritable eyesore. Numerous trash cans are provided, but seldom used by these violators. No-littering signs are much in evidence. Officers Larry Beheler and B.J. Carver are constantly on patrol, and the two possess an awareness of any potential danger because of infractions of the posted laws pertaining to the immediate confines of the recreational areas. The two officers do a fine job.
Keep Virginia clean and green. Carvins Cove is a favorite recreational site for many, and the great outdoors is our living room. Please don't litter.
There's much to do, but I'll do it tomorrow. Today I'm goin' fishin'!
KEN GREENE
ROANOKE
Rebellion defies biblical teachings
AS A pastor, I'm distressed that some fellow ministers and followers of Christ would give the impression that training for armed resistance to our government is part of God's call upon their lives.
I'm well aware of the moral condition in the United States, and deeply grieved because of it. But impressions being given do not fit the pattern of Scripture for a follower of Christ. Since the Bible is our only stable guide for the turbulent times in which we live, we should ask ourselves: ``Is what I'm doing biblical?''
May I remind followers of Christ of the clear teaching of Scripture that relates to our responsibility and attitude toward government. These principles of Scripture were authored by men living under the domain of one of the most oppressive governments ever to exist. They died at the hands of this government, but yet wrote, ``Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient ... to malign no one, to be uncontentious, gentle ... '' (Titus 3:12).
The Scriptures give two exceptions to these guidelines: when authorities personally order us to do what God tells us not to, and when civil authorities personally order us not to do what God tells us to do.
Our attitude and actions shouldn't be of rebellion but of submission as humble followers of Christ. We need revival, not resistance. The weapons of resistance are rifles, pistols and grenades. The weapons of revival are putting on the whole armor of God, prayer, Scriptures, and the simple truth of the gospel.
ERNEST BAKER
Pastor, Harvest Baptist Church
BLACKSBURG
Numbers need to be seen on houses
REGARDING the May 21 Horizon section article, ``Too late'':
Since acquiring a part-time job delivering things to houses in the valley, I am surprised at the number of houses that do not have the proper numbers on them and the proper size numbers. Other delivery persons in the valley would agree. It can be very frustrating, even when not in an emergency.
Some streets are not right in the way houses are numbered. Example: Ward Street in Salem 200 block.
DONALD WORK
SALEM
by CNB