THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, May 4, 1995 TAG: 9505020084
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 07 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Long : 119 lines
Who are the benches for?
Hurrah for the actions of the Norfolk City Council. They have finally gotten around to providing beds for the homeless. The proposed park benches for Ghent will do the trick. Only thing is, are they for the rich, pampered and coddled?
Ron Mack
Dan Court
The changes are garbage
Recently, the result of the changes to Norfolk's garbage collection service could be admired on the banks of the Lafayette River.
Like a monument to the city's bureaucracy of big brotherism, there sat a large heap of discarded garbage. Because the corner of Virginia and Mayflower Road is an entrance to Colonial Place, one could easily become angry with the carelessness of one of our residents. But I know exactly how this new breed of criminal felt as he discarded his trash.
I, too, have become a criminal in Norfolk. For putting out a bag of garbage that would not fit in my government-issued can, I was issued a violation notice. When my wife and I were out of town on business, our trash can remained on the street for an extra day until we got home. For that, I was fined $25, with one week to pay.
In an effort to relieve the city of having to pick up refuse cleared from my garage, I rented a truck and took it out to the Suffolk dump. There I was told my truck was too large, and I would have to pay $20 to $40 dollars to dump. I began to seriously consider tossing my garbage in Park Place or Loch Haven, where it was sure to be picked up.
If I must go out of town on business, why should I be forced to get someone else to take care of my garbage can? Why must I call and ask permission to place out more garbage than my can holds? The truck must come anyway. And, yes, sometimes it is difficult for me to have my can out no earlier than 7 p.m. and removed no later than 7 p.m. the next day. I have a real job and so does my wife.
Let's get real about garbage collection procedures and realize the value of servicing the hard-working citizens of our city. After all, we are more than paying for it in taxes.
Bryan R.E. Matthews
Pennsylvania Avenue A wonderful resource
One of the Adult Health-Day Care customers at Norfolk Senior Center is my mother, Elise H. Smith. Early this year, she began attending the program. It has been the most meaningful experience in her life and mine in the last five years. I am writing so that every citizen in Norfolk can learn about this wonderful resource for our challenged seniors.
My mother has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's. She is physically stable but has terrible and progressive short and long-term memory loss. She experiences difficulty with speech; she has balance problems. Mostly, she loves her ``senior club.''
On Tuesday and Thursday she is ready to go to the ``senior club'' before 8:15 a.m. She used to sleep until 9:30 or 10 a.m. on those days . . . with a nap in late morning and early evening. On ``senior club'' days she is up all day, sleeps well at night and is thrilled to have spent the day with her friends, especially ``the little lady who plays the piano.'' She loves the sing-alongs, the food, the company and the awards. She has twice placed in shuffleboard and proudly displays her certificates at home. She has received small rewards and gifts of costume jewelry, which she now wears daily. She loves the staff, even if she's not sure of their names.
The Adult Health-Day Care staff have been thorough in caring for her needs, positive in their personal care and talented in making everyday activities an adventure for my mother.
The center means we have an option for care as my mother declines - an option allowing her to stay in her own home - an option allowing me to work, which I must do with two teenagers at home. The center care allows her companion a badly needed break twice each week - for grocery shopping, lawn care and housekeeping. If an emergency occurred, with 24 hours notice, the center could make arrangements to have her visit more than two days per week. This is vital to my peace of mind.
Candace Skinner and her excellent staff of paid and volunteer workers have given me a sounding board regarding my mother's condition and care. Mom has been treated with dignity and respect. When I arrive concerned about ``new'' behaviors - the staff listens and makes helpful suggestions regarding care management. My husband, her companion, my children and I are no longer alone with mom on her journey into old age.
I have never seen more professional, orderly or caring services for seniors - we are thrilled. Fortunately, mom can pay for her care at this time. It is a bargain. But for those with fewer resources, the same quality care and even transportation is also available.
Thank you for offering the community this important service. My family and I will always support the Norfolk Senior Center and the Adult Health-Day Care program. This program has won our hearts.
Cynthia S. Creede
Westmoreland Avenue Protecting ourselves
As terrible as it is, the bombing of the Federal Building in Oklahoma City was a wake-up call for this country. The destruction is on our front door.
Although doing an excellent job, our law enforcement officers cannot do it all. We as Americans must assist in any way we can in taking our country back from terrorists and criminals.
First, we need to establish neighborhood watches. This helps to keep the criminal element out of our neighborhoods - they do not like to be watched.
Second, we must write and call our legislators. We do not need more laws, but we do need the justice system to enforce the ones we have. Example, the Oklahoma bombing. Capture, try, convict and execute those responsible. And do it swiftly.
Third, we, the citizens must be allowed to protect ourselves, our families and our property. And the justice system must support us when we do.
It is time for us to take our country back from the criminals, and now the terrorists that walk our streets and threaten our children.
God bless those who were killed and injured and the families of those in Oklahoma City. They may rest assured, the American people have seen and learned.
To those who would terrorize and commit crimes against our families, rest assured, the American people are coming for you.
Thomas J. Johnson
Dolphin Avenue by CNB