THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, December 24, 1995 TAG: 9512220190
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 04 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Sun Spots
LENGTH: Long : 103 lines
9:40 a.m.
Second Avenue at North Broad Street, Suffolk
The sunshine is bright, but even brighter as it reflects off the beautiful gold-colored jacket worn by a young man who is crossing the street.
The western-type jacket, adorned with gold fringe, is a step up from the ``Rhinestone Cowboy.''
- Jo Joynes Thursday, Dec. 14
1:15 p.m. - Great Dismal Swamp Refuge headquarters
Volunteer coordinator Dale Manns hands a brochure and bumper sticker to the visitor.
``Here, I'll give you a pencil, too,'' he says. ``But due to budget cut-backs, you'll have to sharpen it yourself.''
- Susie Stoughton
1:45 p.m. - North Main Street, Suffolk
A truck is stalled in front of McDonald's, and a policeman is assisting the driver with his problem on this chilly afternoon.
Traffic has slowed down, since the truck is blocking the right-hand lane. On the sides of the stopped truck are the words, ``STOP Organization Weatherization Program.''
- Jo Joynes Sunday, Dec. 17
About 11 a.m. - The sanctuary of a Suffolk church
Santa is just a little confused.
This time of year, he has so much to do that it's easy to get mixed up.
The jolly old man in his red suit and long, white beard is a week early.
The minister, the choir and the family lighting the Advent wreath are lined up at the rear of the sanctuary for the processional. But the minister just doesn't have the heart to tell Santa he has to leave.
He enlists the help of one of the ushers, who invites Santa to sit on a back pew while he tries to explain the situation without hurting his feelings.
Of course, Santa - being the benevolent elf he is - understands. He ambles down the hall and outside to the parking lot and the waiting reindeer. He has plenty to do, he says, not even waiting around to listen to the sermon.
He'll be back, he says, with a nod of his head.
- Susie Stoughton
7:10 p.m. - A classroom of a Suffolk church
The carolers are dismayed. Rejection is hard to take, especially at Christmas.
Did they sound that bad last year?
They've wrapped presents for needy families and eaten pizza. Now it's time for caroling, but the phones are busy at the homes of several members who are shut-ins. One finally answers and asks them not to come.
``I've gotten undressed,'' she says, ``and my doors are all locked.''
Even a nearby nursing home turns them down. After a big party, the residents are exhausted, most of them in their rooms and ready for bed.
At last, they find someone who will accept some Christmas cheer. A woman who doesn't get out much is decorating her tree. Carols would boost her spirits.
``We wish you a merry Christmas,'' they sing as they gather on her front porch, each person holding a candle.
She returns the favor, inviting them inside and offering them cookies.
Perhaps they weren't so off-key, after all.
- Susie Stoughton Wednesday, Dec. 20
8:45 a.m. - N.C. 32 between Sunbury and Corapeake
The sign at the Family Recreation Center advertises pool, food and music.
The music, it notes, is supplied by a ``live d.j.''
If you want to listen and dance, that's the best kind.
The other kind just - well - sort of lies there.
- Frank Roberts Thursday, Dec. 20
8:40 p.m. - City Council, Market Street, Suffolk
Depending on whom you talk to, development can mean many things for Suffolk.
For Councilwoman Marian B. Rogers, a plan to rezone the Kings Fork corridor to make way for Indian Point subdivision raised some hairs. Rogers argued in favor of making the lot sizes bigger to cut down on growth. Therefore, the schools and city wouldn't be burdened with providing service. Council voted to increase the lot sizes.
But there was no controversy over allowing a zoning extension for the United Church Retirement Home, Inc. After all, argued UCC, older people wouldn't be a burden to Suffolk.
``Retirees don't have to worry about babies and sending kids to schools,'' said Sylvia Old, consultant for the retirement group.
- Terri Williams ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by MICHAEL KESTNER
Clad in a pup-size Santa outfit, one little dog assumed driving duty
in master's Model-A pickup recently as everyone prepared for the
Smithfield Christmas parade.
by CNB