THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, June 9, 1996 TAG: 9606070201
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 04 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Sun Spots
LENGTH: 80 lines
2:40 p.m. - Constant's Wharf, Suffolk
Phil Ferguson steps up on the stage, his ``Walk to the Wharf'' T-shirt the color of the broiling sunshine that is quickly melting everyone's patience.
Ferguson, Suffolk's commonwealth's attorney, has been asked to address the gathering designed to promote community awareness and concern about crime, violence and substance abuse.
``You can tell they don't want me to talk long,'' says Ferguson, squinting into the sunlight as the temperature soars near 100. ``They don't give you any podium and you have to hold the microphone in one hand so if you have any notes, they can only be one page.''
- Susie Stoughton Monday May 20
7:15 p.m. - Gallery Theatre, Ahoskie
The children are gathered around, talking about ``The Emperor's New Clothes,'' the current Gallery Theatre production.
They discuss their roles, the scenery, the costumes - it's all very showbusiness-y.
One little girl, who is about 8 years old, just looks on. She is more interested in the baby she is holding.
``I'm not in the play,'' she says, explaining her role. ``I'm the baby sitter.''
The youngster is happily caring for director Barbara Toti's little girl.
- Frank Roberts Tuesday, May 21
2 p.m. - City Council Chambers, Suffolk
It's the quietness, the open space and the friendly atmosphere that has brought folks from other crowded cities like Chesapeake and Virginia Beach to this city.
In a planning commission meeting, Patricia Shubert says how she feels about development in this city.
``This land is our wealth,'' Shubert said. ``We moved from Greenbrier where it used to be lined with trees. Now it's a raceway. We moved away from a 15,000-square-foot lot for more space, and we don't want it here.''
- Katrice Franklin Saturday, June 1
1:30 p.m. - Nansemond Veterinary Clinic, Suffolk
While waiting, the customer asks for advice on another problem.
``We have another dog at the house,'' he says. ``We're supposed to brush his teeth so he won't get gum disease.''
His younger sister, he says, bought an extra toothbrush and the pup's own tube of toothpaste. But the doggie refused to cooperate for the brush-a, brush-a, brush-a.
``The dog was not happy,'' he says.
The receptionists look wide-eyed at one another.
One of them shows the customer how to stick a ``doggie toothbrush'' on his fingers so he can put it into the dog's mouth and rub special ``doggie toothpaste'' over the canine molars.
``But not regular toothpaste,'' she explains. ``We have poultry flavor or liver.''
``But not mint!'' she says.
- Susie Stoughton Tuesday, June 4
4:00 p.m. - Outside City Hall, Suffolk
The Planning Commission members walk out of City Hall with bright smiles and toting large brown envelopes.
The contents? The key to the city's future.
The commissioners are planning how to control growth and are planning how Suffolk will look with the help of consultants who are heading the Comprehensive Land Plan.
- Katrice Franklin ILLUSTRATION: Pushing for a clean community
Staff photo by MICHAEL KESTNER
Brandon French pushes a lawn mower during a cleanup day in Hall
Place. Residents organized the effort last Saturday in their
neighborhood, which borders the downtown business district. by CNB