THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, September 3, 1995 TAG: 9509020167
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Town Talk
LENGTH: Medium: 54 lines
Chesapeake experienced a baby boom in August.
The number of births at Chesapeake General Hospital surpassed 300, which set an all-time record for a single month.
Hospital spokeswoman Pam Pasocual said doctors are not sure why the rate of births locally was so high.
``It may be just a coincidence,'' she said.
The previous record of monthly births was 254, Pasocual said.
Fortunately, the hospital was prepared to deliver the babies.
``We have a lot of people on call,'' said Virginia Stone, unit director of the nursery. ``We've been very pleased, even though we're a lot busier.''
At times, Stone said, expectant parents had to wait their turn, but the hospital staff took the rush of births in stride.
''We're just very happy and proud,'' Stone said.
Jill Smith of Great Bridge gave birth to the 300th baby on Aug. 30. Her 8-pound-10-ounce baby girl was named Rebekah.
``We knew she's going to be special to us,'' said Smith. ``Now, she's special to the hospital, too.''
Did Stone have any theory as to why August was such a busy month at the maternity ward?
``Maybe there's a lot of deployment going on,'' she suggested. Pep talk for teachers
Teachers and administrators kicked off the new school year Thursday with the annual convocation ceremony.
City and school system top-brass urged everyone to keep up the good work done in years past.
``We know that you will do the very best in terms of teaching,'' said Chesapeake Mayor William E. Ward.
Superintendent W. Randolph Nichols, who took office in August, detailed his vision for the school system's future, including safer schools, tougher academic standards, increased efficiency, better staff training, more emphasis on technology, deeper parental involvement and better school facilities.
Nichols said he would appoint a steering committee and a series of subcommittees to examine each goal, set strategies and make a report within a year.
``I'm excited about the future,'' he said. ``I'm excited about the challenge that lies ahead. I'm excited about the great impact that we as educators can have on this community.''
- Xiaohong Zhang Swain
and Elizabeth Thiel by CNB