THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, August 24, 1995 TAG: 9508220116
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
COLUMN: In the Neighborhoods
SOURCE: Mike Knepler
LENGTH: Medium: 69 lines
This column sometimes dabbles in local history but not usually the personal sort. This is an exception. ``In the Neighborhoods'' ends today after a five-year run.
Job duties change. This tradeoff aims at more grass-roots coverage in The Virginian-Pilot, so folks across the area can read of each other's activism. But let's reflect for inspiration:
An early column told of Bernard ``Pee Wee'' Thompson of Berkley, traveling drug-infested streets to steer youths from trouble. His mission continues. It's called: WTKO, ``We Take of Kare of Our Own.''
Berkley is a well for leadership. Horace and Beryl Downing head a list that includes veterans ``Coach'' Elwood Williams, George Banks, Minnie Madrey and the late ``Doc'' Webb, and rising leaders such as Ken Alexander and John Mack. Now add Gerald Stokes, a young victim-witness counselor.
Neighborhood creativity extends across town. Some of many:
The late Ernie Morgan, ``mayor of Ocean View'' and ``Heluvacopter'' pilot in St. Patrick's Day parades. Or the late Bill Corbett, a boxing coach, working with inner-city kids even after cancer took his voice.
Iona Mitchell, protector of the American flag at Shoop Park. Olde Huntersville and Park Place residents who sing to build unity. Harry Green and his PACE rap song.
Young Terrace Young Stars hosting a teen conference on AIDS. Carl Allen, Dana Andrews and the Roberts Village Super Stars youth drill team.
The annual big-tomato contest at Davenport's Barber Shop.
Bill and Kaye Bennett using their K&B Mini Mart & Deli as a safe haven for Brambleton youths. Ginny Dellert and policeman Dave Thacker reclaiming Monticello Village Park from kids getting high.
Downtown lawyers like Patrick C. Devine Jr. saving the Joe Jordan mini-precinct from closing for want of funds. The quiet leadership of businessmen Harvey Lindsay and Billy Brock in many social issues.
The steady work of John and Virginia Roger to bond Bayview through civic league, block-watch and code-enforcement programs. Police officers Trevior Spivey, Tony Mitchell and Karen Hughes helping a youth gang go straight.
``Doc'' Price keeping together Scout Troop 333 despite peer pressure from East Ocean View toughs. Brenda Scanelli and Brownie Troop 328 landscaping the yellow fever mass burial site in West Ghent.
Fort Norfolk, downtown walking tours by the Moses Myers House, Denise Christian's work to restore the Attucks Theatre, Cathy Lassiter's American Studies classes at Norview High, Lessie Freeman and Sylvia Harrison's oral-history projects at Lake Taylor, Dave Lawrence, the Ocean View Station museum - and special thanks, Rick Salzberg, for many ideas.
History figured in debates, as when City Hall tried renaming Boush Street as Waterside Drive North. Stalwarts of the Norfolk Historical Society saved Boush from oblivion. The name's been here since the mid-1700s when Samuel Boush I was founding mayor.
The late William S. Baker, 102 when interviewed in 1990 as the last man alive to vote in 1917 under Norfolk's old ward system.
Legends of Mayor Paul Fraim: hizzoner daring arrest for poking into Harbor Park before it opened. And what? Warned for speeding? His own neighborhood?
Now, neighborhoods reach out to each other over city lines. The grass roots aren't greener . . . just spreading out. MEMO: Please help us stay informed. Call Mike Knepler at 446-2275. Mail
neighborhood newsletters to The Virginian-Pilot, 150 W. Brambleton,
Ave., Norfolk, Va. 23510.
by CNB