THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, March 8, 1996 TAG: 9603070241
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 07 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Medium: 79 lines
While enjoying my 99-cent Whopper on Newtown Road today I witnessed a small miracle. As the Beatles sang ``Let It Be'' overhead on the Muzak, a young girl, twenty-ish, systematically swept, mopped and cleaned around customers.
I was staring and noticed as I looked around that others were staring, too.
Occasionally, during her custodial performance the young girl would stop and talk as if she were speaking to someone and she'd check her hair, hat and glasses, like any ordinary young girl.
Particularly interesting was the careful placement of the ``Wet Floor'' signs and her pause to wait until each customer moved forward in line so she could continue her mopping.
``What's so marvelous about that?'' you are wondering.
The young lady I observed was a Down syndrome child. Yet, she was productive and content.
I felt a swelling in my throat and watering eyes coming on, then thought, ``Don't feel sorrow for her, Rejoice!''
There are many able-bodied and able-minded youths out here walking around - null and void who wouldn't dream of having the ambition to do something so unglamorous.
And this young woman was ``cleaning up'' and loving it. She did an excellent job as well, I was mesmerized by her care and attention to what she was doing.
We can see miracles every day - if we only take the time to notice them.
Diana Marshall Hall
Virginia Beach More people should learn value of home gardening
I have noticed something missing in thousands of homes in the Tidewater area. Thousands of homes do not have a vegetable garden.
Year-round gardening can be had in many front and back yards. A vegetable garden will grow food for your health and give a person good exercise.
I view gardening as a 12-month cycle and I always keep my hoe and rake ready. Year-round gardening is fun.
Eugene W. Sawyer
Virginia Beach Church plays a big role in Detox Center success
On Feb. 16, the Beacon ran an article describing the Virginia Beach Community Services Board's substance abuse services with an accompanying article highlighting the Recovery Center Detoxification Program.
Both articles were excellent and we are very appreciative of the efforts of Beacon writers Jo-Ann Clegg and Nancy Lewis.
Those of us who work with the Comprehensive Substance Abuse Program, and specifically with the Recovery Center Detoxification and Day Support Programs, are proud of our efforts and are most grateful when we are the recipients of such positive press coverage. We would like to point out one area in the story which we think should be highlighted.
As Nancy's article states, the Recovery Center is located on the grounds of the Open Door Chapel. Through the generosity and support of Pastor Fritz Stegemann and members of his leadership and congregation, the Recovery Center has been able to continue to provide services at the current location for over 12 years.
We simply want to add a public thank you to them for their kindness, and to again thank you for helping us become more known to the citizens of Virginia Beach.
Clyde W. Vandivort,
Supervisor
Recovery Center-Detox
Kathryn B. Hall,
Substance Abuse
Program Director by CNB