THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, May 7, 1995 TAG: 9505050230
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 04 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Sun Spots
LENGTH: Medium: 86 lines
Isle of Wight Courthouse
School Board member Pam Edwards is bothered by the wording of a policy the board is reviewing. Students are not allowed on school property ``at night,'' according to the policy.
Edwards feels the policy would be much clearer if it were changed to read ``after daily dismissal time.'' That way, she says, it would be clear that students couldn't go back into the schools after hours without a specific reason like athletic practice or club meetings.
The other board members agree that the choice of words could be important.
And Board Chairman Richard Peerey, minister of Beaver Dam Baptist Church in Carrsville, thinks it is an especially good suggestion.
``Why, I'd interpret that to say, `Forgive us not for our trespasses,' '' Peerey says.
Later in the meeting, Edwards gets her chance at comedy. The board is discussing putting railroad ties on Duke Street, where there is no curb, to discourage cars from parking on newly-planted grass.
``That's not going to stop anybody,'' Peerey says ``I watched a young man yesterday morning drive over three traffic cones at that very same corner.''
``He was anxious to get to school,'' Edwards says.
- Linda McNatt Thursday, April 20
9 a.m. - Heading west on U.S. Route 58
At the side of the road, a group of master gardeners in bright orange vests works diligently, raking the soil and preparing it for planting at the base of a sign that reads: Suffolk City Limits.
Large bushes and shrubs with their roots wrapped in burlap are waiting beside colorful, flowering pansies.
Thanks to these men and women, who care enough to volunteer their time for the beautification of our highways.
- Shirley Brinkley Monday, April 24
9:15 a.m. - Press conference at Suffolk Fire Department, Market Street.
Fire officials are introducing the national fire safety program, ``Learn Not to Burn,'' in the city schools. Peter Croft, Allied Colloids vice president, says his company is supporting the program financially. Suddenly, an alarm blares, drowning Croft's words.
A dispatcher announces a fire alarm has sounded at Autumn Care Nursing Home, as firefighters swiftly move through the bays past the rows of spectators seated on folding chairs. They calmly pull on their turn-out gear and quickly disappear out the door, heading to a fire truck parked out front.
Croft glances at Fire Chief Mark Outlaw and Lt. Jeff Messinger standing calmly beside him. ``Just wait a moment,'' Outlaw indicates.
About 30 seconds later, the alarm is cancelled and the firefighters return to the building as the program continues.
``Well,'' Croft says, in his British accent, ``that was exciting.''
- Susie Stoughton Wednesday, April 26
Noon - Parking lot, South Church St., Smithfield
Well, last year Smithfield Police Chief Mark Marshall surprised his staff on Secretary Day by driving them all around town for 30 minutes, then pulling into Hardy Elementary School for sub sandwiches.
This year, Marshall is doing it again. Sort of. He has taken his staff for their annual drive around town, even playfully pulling into Carrollton Elementary School before zipping into a parking lot on South Church Street. A card table dressed with a cloth tablecloth, napkins, candles, flowers and balloons is waiting for the girls under a shade tree. This year, the fare is hot dogs, fries and Coke served by a local vendor.
``We felt special,'' police secretary Jimmie Garner says after eating. ``It really was kinda sweet.''
``And they said I couldn't top last year,'' Marshall says with a laugh.
What a guy!
- Jody Snider ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by MICHAEL KESTNER
Kathryn Pruden joins other volunteer master gardeners to plant
shrubs and flowers around the base of the Suffolk City Limits sign
on U.S. Route 58.
by CNB