ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, February 9, 1997 TAG: 9702100010
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
Article on Roach unkind to family
I am writing about the article "Ex-Chief left under a cloud, but is remembered warmly" (New River Current, Jan. 31). I feel the title of this article as well as several of its paragraphs were in very poor taste. Does it really matter what events occurred 24 years ago in the Blacksburg Police Department?
On this day, Jan. 31, Mrs. Roach and her daughter are laying their beloved husband and father to rest. Do you really think that Danny Roach's family and friends needed to pick up today's paper and read about the tribulations of their lives 24 years ago? Danny Roach was a very thoughtful, considerate, kind-hearted man. A great many people admired and respected him. His wife and daughter certainly should not have had to read the headlines of that article or most of its content, as it was and is irrelevant to his death.
The article will only raise questions, gossip and talk that they certainly do not need. Good grief, is there no consideration or compassion left in mankind? Unfortunately, the damage is done to Danny Roach's family and friends by the printed article. An apology may not be enough. It is truly sad that innocent people have to suffer due to the inconsideration and the insensitivity of other people.
Elsie La Rue
Blacksburg
A thank-you for a helpful stranger
I have been thinking for weeks of how I could find a man who has been very good to me so I could thank him for his help.
On Monday, Dec. 23, I had gone outside around 6:30 a.m. on Graves Avenue in Blacksburg to pick up The Roanoke Times. It was dark, cool, and slippery. I fell and couldn't get back up.
Within 15 minutes, you drove by, saw me lying there, stopped your car and took care of me. You called the Rescue Squad from my house. You waited with me until they arrived to take me to Columbia Montgomery Regional Hospital for a 3 1/2-week stay. I had broken a hip.
You also made sure that my house was locked before I left with the Rescue Squad. I forgot to ask you your name, and therefore, I haven't been able to thank you properly for your kindness. I want you to know that what you did has been very much appreciated.
Calvin Perdue
Blacksburg
Thanks to backers of Radford students
On Jan. 18, 109 Radford High School students braved the below-freezing temperatures at 4 a.m. to board two buses on a trip to President Clinton's inauguration. I hoped this once-in-a-lifetime trip would be forever etched in their memories.
Some of these students were helped with contributions for scholarships from several Radford businesses and civic groups. I would like to publicly thank Dan's Garage, Radford Furniture, Thompson Chrysler-Plymouth and Plymouth Inc., the Radford Lions Club and the Radford V.F.W. The Central Methodist Church also donated their van to carry our chaperones.
The next group I would like to thank are the chaperones. These people gave their time so these students could see history in the making. They include Jim and Gail Cook, Ray and Ruth Compton, Norman and Joann Lineburg, Rusty Swope, Greg Wade, Shannon Deel, Eddie Martin and Tim Chavis. I would also like to thank Radford High School Principal Buddy Martin, Superintendent Michael Wright and the Radford City School Board who supported our efforts.
My own personal thanks goes to my two colleagues Elaine Argabrite and Wayne Pridgen. I could not have two better friends or teaching partners! Radford High School is truly fortunate to have these two outstanding educators in our system.
Last and most importantly, I would like to thank the students. I could not have been prouder of the fine group I accompanied to Washington. Everywhere we went, people commented on what an outstanding group of young people we had. You made me proud to say I teach at Radford High School.
Michael Greco
Radford
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