THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, April 4, 1996 TAG: 9604040019
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A14 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 35 lines
I have been a docent with the Chrysler Museum for the past 15 years, and I am a proud contributor to the 11,000-plus volunteer hours that have been selflessly donated by the Education Department. More than 33,000 visitors benefited from the docents' tours in 1995.
Because of recent financial problems that have befallen the museum, the board of trustees has cut expenditures by eliminating or consolidating some positions. This board is made up of some of the most-respected and successful members of our community who gladly give some of their time and energies with no remuneration. They are volunteers, just like the docents, who genuinely want the museum to be a success and are willing to tackle decisions necessary to keep the Chrysler on track.
Change and business decisions are always difficult. However, we need to rise above the unpleasantness of the downsizing issues to embrace the more global picture of keeping the doors and galleries open for the museums' visitors.
Lately on my tours, many of the galleries have been closed to visitors because there was not enough money to pay the guards. We need to band together and be willing to do what is necessary for the common goal of continuing to make this fine museum accessible and available to all.
BRENDA RAWLS
Virginia Beach, March 22, 1996 by CNB