ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, January 19, 1997 TAG: 9701200003
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
Shuler led the way on lag pay
I wish to commend Del. James Shuler, D-Blacksburg, for sponsoring legislation to abolish lag pay for state employees.
Thanks to Jim Shuler's tireless efforts, the House of Delegates voted unanimously on Jan. 10 to block this initiative, which would have worked an enormous hardship on tens of thousands of state employees.
A low-keyed, quiet gentleman, Shuler is the last one to trumpet his own accomplishments. He has no idea that I am writing this letter; however, I believe that the citizens of the Blacksburg area should know how hard he works on your behalf.
George W. Grayson
member, House of Delegates, 97th Legislative District
Humane shelter's animals need you
I did something today that I never thought I could muster the strength to do. I visited the Montgomery County Humane Society. What I found there were several people who care a great deal about animals. The facility was clean and so were the areas where the animals live.
I felt like I had visited Rudolph the Red Nosed-Reindeer's land of the lost toys. These cats and dogs, for some reason, were not wanted. Granted, most did not have American Kennel Club papers or parents on the premises. Does it really matter? So many were so sweet and just licked my hand when I stuck it through the cage. They, just like the pets you have at home, just want to be loved. Since they cannot speak, they just stared and pleaded with their eyes. Animals, just like children, cannot choose who their parents are or their circumstances.
The shelter is a no-kill facility, therefore many animals have been there awhile. Gypsy has been there since October 1995. There may have been others there longer, but I could not continue to read their cards. Volunteering and donations are welcomed. In fact, they need help just walking the dogs. There are so many dogs that they often go days without getting out of their runs.
I also ask you to consider the humane shelter or any other shelter before buying a pet. People breed for money. They take up those homes that may have gone to a homeless dog or cat. Breeding is a business. Please think about Gypsy, Jonah, Shennah and all the others like them that are just begging for a chance.
April Wilson
Christiansburg
Applause for Frazier, 'Amahl'
Kudos to Rhonda Frazier for her leadership in the presentation of "Amahl and the Night Visitors" last weekend. The actors, soloists and chorus were well-prepared; the atonal music is not easy literature. The interior of Pearisburg Presbyterian Church accommodated the proportions and design of the set; costumes were authentic. Finally, Frazier's keyboard skills on the recently acquired grand piano were laudable.
Virginia Bethune
Blacksburg
LENGTH: Medium: 60 linesby CNB