THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, April 18, 1996 TAG: 9604160104
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
LENGTH: Long : 139 lines
As the leader of the International Longshoremen's Association in the Port of Hampton Roads, where the membership is made up of many ethnic groups and genders, I must express my dissatisfaction at the racist dialogue surrounding who should and should not run for the City Council from Superward 7.
I would hope that the citizens of Norfolk would be dedicated to good government and in the districts the voters will decide who the best candidate is. When I hear an elected leader make a lifetime pledge to vote only for persons of a certain color, then we are left with the legacy of a George Wallace or a David Duke, whose racist remarks would be soundly criticized as they should be.
This is not a proud moment for Norfolk.
Edward L. Brown Sr.
International Vice President
Port of Hampton Roads In support of Hindmarsh
I was in the Norfolk Public Schools Performing Arts Repertory for five years, 1986 through 1991. Being in this elite company was a very big part of my life and still has a place in my heart.
The experience I gained by being in the company has helped me in many ways. It helps with public speaking. It increased my abilities in dance and singing, and gave me the opportunity to be a part of a great family.
As in any family we had our problems, but that was what was so great. The conflicts we endured increased my character by working through my differences with fellow performers. I pray my two children will have the opportunity to be a part of this terrific, elite company so they can share in my wonderful experiences!
Connie Hindmarsh is the repertory. She is a saint.
Sharon E. Greer
Princess Anne Road
Those of us who have been fortunate enough to have known Connie Hindmarsh for any length of time carry her goodness within our hearts and our souls.
I often retrieve memories of our shared experiences when I need to replenish my own spirit. My reminiscence runs the gamut from her sustaining me through my daughter's battle with cancer to my giving her my wedding gown for one of her productions.
It was obvious from day one of Connie's life as a teacher that she was going to be the one who students would remember all the days of their lives. She truly understood that teaching was not just disseminating information; it was also a moral mandate to make a child more complete. She inherently understood that when one puts on teacher attire, it must not become a shroud, but instead a gossamer garment woven of wonder, curiosity, fulfillment and joy.
If you wished to fault Connie, you could do so. She very definitely gave too much of herself, she cared too deeply for the children, and she certainly did too much to give all children every conceivable opportunity to be the best. In retrospect, however, her greatest fault has been that she has truly and steadfastly clung to the belief that all children are valuable and that it is a teacher's absolute duty to try her best to reach out to all children, to guide them and to be the ``safety net'' when they stumble or fall.
Connie has taken children to heights they never dreamed possible. She has opened the doors of the world to all students, many of whom come from homes where there is little hope. She does not give up on them and she refuses to let them give up on themselves; and, as a result, she is somehow able to take children who never had one formal lesson and make them into ``stars.''
Strengthened by Connie's tutelage and her efforts to showcase them to college personnel and stage companies around the country, these students have been given many opportunities to reach their chosen or ``dreamed of'' goals. What more could anyone desire from a teacher?
When Connie was very young, she auditioned for the part of Joan of Arc for a movie. All these years later, I must reflect that life has come to imitate art.
Lucy Zaleski
Bridle Way
I have been a neighbor to Connie Hindmarsh for 31 years. During that time I saw her grow and develop from a young mother and housewife through her TV career on ``Romper Room'' and ``Connie's Magic Cottage,'' then as a teacher of gifted and talented children, and finally as the driving force in the Norfolk Schools Repertory Company.
Her love and respect for children motived her to always give 150 percent. She achieved the impossible with her students - producing professional productions that people clamored to see and left them wondering what she and they could possibly do to top that.
I only wish my children had come in contact with just one teacher of this caliber during their time spent at Lake Taylor High School. Dr. Nichols needs to wake up and smell the roses. The school system needs more Connie Hindmarshes, not fewer.
Rosemarie B. Schwindt
Heutte Drive Fishing fun to come
This angler has fished the magnificent Chesapeake Bay, its tributaries and ocean for more than 50 years. Other than loving God who created them, nothing has given me more unvarnished pleasure than fishing these waters with childhood friends with whom I still fish after half a century.
Things have been getting mighty dull lately with ordinances, licenses, regulations and restrictions. One feels ``beset upon.''
Now joy beyond belief! Something new and challenging upon the waters of our beloved bay. PETA - People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals - will be trolling the sea lanes with Gill, their six-foot mascot fish and ``skipping rocks across the waters where people are fishing.'' Oh, what fun; count me in. We need relief from the serious and sour faces of many around us.
I do hope that PETA will not blockade the fishing piers, however, as many wheelchair bound fishermen, children and hundreds of thousands of others still commune with man and God on these structures.
Andrew J. Johnson Jr.
Selby Place Top-notch Hurrah Players
Hurrah for the Hurrah Players!
I was thoroughly and delightfully entertained by ``Jack and the Beanstalk.'' The entire cast, especially Jack, the Evil Baron and the Giant, gave outstanding performances. The people who worked on the sets, props, costumes and directing also deserve to take a bow. The show was an enjoyably good evening for both children and adults.
Norfolk is lucky to be the home of such an organization.
Mary Kelly
Somme Avenue A magnificent service
The Physical Rehabilitation Center of Sentara Norfolk General Hospital offers a magnificent service to anyone who has been injured.
I recently spent two weeks there with a fractured right hip. The comprehensive program of team therapists - i.e. physiatry, physical, occupational and recreational - along with the social worker and the nursing staff facilitated my speedy recovery.
I am grateful for all their wonderful work with me.
Priscilla Mullins
West Ocean View Avenue by CNB