THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, December 17, 1995 TAG: 9512150182
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Medium: 70 lines
Humiliated in Portsmouth
Recently, some 50 or so of my friends and I had the opportunity to participate in the Norfolk Illumination Parade as part of the Jazzercise exhibition.
We had a wonderful time entertaining the appreciative crowd, so when we were asked to participate in the Portsmouth parade held Dec. 2, we were actually looking forward to another great evening.
Were we sadly mistaken.
This was a most humiliating night.
The dancers, as well as the 10 or so small children accompanying us in the parade were spat on, called names and had objects thrown in our faces.
There seemed to be absolutely no crowd control, as we had many instances where we were forced to dodge people out in the middle of the street and actually get out of their way.
Also, what was the deal with cars and trucks being parked along the parade route?
The street was entirely too narrow to allow cars and vans to remain parked; they should've started towing that afternoon if they weren't moved.
I always take up for Portsmouth when someone says they can't believe I chose to live here, but the behavior of the crowd last Saturday night toward people who were just trying to entertain them makes me begin to wonder if they have a point.
Trish Zilber
Linda Foley
Portsmouth Gift Guide shocking
Dec. 6, 1995I was thrilled then shocked at the Dec. 3 edition.
On the cover was printed, ``Special Christmas Gift Guide Pullout Inside.''
Over the past year, several small specialty shops have opened all over Portsmouth and I was hoping to find some I hadn't visited yet.
Your ``special'' Christmas Gift Guide told me, and all Portsmouth residents, if we want to buy presents, we have to go out of town.
I enjoy living, working and shopping in Portsmouth.
Is it any wonder businesses have a hard time in Portsmouth when our own local section tells us to shop in Chesapeake?
I'm sure Chesapeake thanks you for promoting their businesses.
Randy R. Moore
Mount Vernon Avenue
Dec. 6, 1995
Editor's note: The Christmas Gift Guide Pullout was a paid advertising supplement, produced as a joint effort of the Portsmouth and Chesapeake sales teams. Retailers were canvassed in all areas of Portsmouth, and several chose to participate.
Keep to Christmas theme
Bravo, Portsmouth!
The tree lighting and Christmas Parade was great.
My family and friends thoroughly enjoyed the evening full of music, lights and sights and we are looking forward to next year!
As with any new project, there is always room for improvement.
May I kindly suggest that during next year's parade, the groups stay closer together and by all means, bands, play Christmas music!
Connie J. Thurnher
Faigle Road
Dec. 6, 1995 by CNB