THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, January 15, 1995 TAG: 9501130246
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Town Talk
SOURCE: - Eric Feber
LENGTH: Medium: 64 lines
Renee Hartelius thanks heaven for a Virginia Beach-based company.
The Chesapeake woman has a young son, Matthew, who has cerebral palsy, very poor vision, mental challenges and epilepsy.
But a company beyond Chesapeake's borders will now allow Matthew to enjoy spending time in a pool.
``We found a place in Virginia Beach that manufactures floatation devices and swimwear,'' she said. ``These people not only donated an outfit to him, but they will work with any special-needs child. They are modifying the device to meet his needs in the water.''
Buoywear Inc. of 1100 Las Cruces Drive modified a floatation device that will make it possible for Matthew to remain in the water unassisted.
``In the handicapped community that I am working in there are very few regular activities children can participate in,'' she said.
One such activity is swimming.
``That's my opinion because my son is so handicapped,'' Hartelius said. ``It's remarkable to me that he can swim in a pool without true one-on-one assistance. Like any child, he needs to be observed, but now he doesn't have to be held.''
She said the company did this special custom work at no additional cost above the regular cost of the device. The consultation was free.
Hartelius said Matthew learned to walk a little over a year ago. He attends special education classes and plans to go to a special education kindergarten full-time.
``Just the fact we have a local company that will work with the handicapped community is an inspiration,'' she added. ``There are not very people who are willing to interface to meet the needs of the handicapped community.'' Artistic statements
Chesapeake Mayor William E. Ward likes art, trees and senior citizen artists.
Ward spoke at a reception held last Wednesday at the Chesapeake Central Library to honor the city's first Chesapeake Senior Citizens Art Exhibition.
``This is another new beginning in Chesapeake with the Senior Citizen's Art Exhibit,'' he said.
Ever the diplomatic campaigner, Ward addressed the exhibitors as ``gifted, young, talented artists.''
Citing art as important to Chesapeake's cultural life and well-being, Ward went against the general feeling that government has no role in promoting the arts.
``I strongly disagree,'' he said. ``The city has a role and obligation to promote the arts.''
He added that this special exhibit and other like programs could one day discover the next ``Grandma Moses, Grandpa Moses and Picasso of Chesapeake.'' He said he envisions that one day Chesapeake will have its own fine arts complex to display the talent of its citizens.
In a nod to Chesapeake's dwindling wild spaces, Ward said it was imperative that these artists capture the beauty of local scenes and beautiful parks ``as they are slowly disappearing due to inevitable progress of growth.''
The mayor admitted to being ``a tree hugger.'' by CNB