THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, June 16, 1996 TAG: 9606140194
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: 72 lines
This is in reference to Toni Whitt's article in the May 2 Virginian-Pilot with the headline ``Portsmouth committee: friends, working for city.''
The committee referred to is typical of an exclusionary committee that I believe will negatively impact on moving Portsmouth ahead into the next century. I found the article quite alarming that an exclusionary committee could come into fruition stating it represents a ``broad cross section of the city.'' Most of my years, cross section normally refers to being a representative sample, meant to be typical of the whole, a typical sample of the whole city. It just appears to me that when any committee or organization claims whom it represents (cross section), then that organization or committee should mirror that cross section.
I am sure there are no restrictions to becoming a member of the committee. It's probably just difficult to find those who ``qualify.''
It is committees of this type, despite their honorable intentions, that contribute to polarization in our city - a dimension we do not need.
Carlton M. Carrington
Jamal Court
May 8, 1996 Thanks go to Brighton
Nowadays, we concentrate on the sad things in the world, but my letter is about something good.
I want to say thank you to Brighton Elementary School and staff and to let them know that I appreciate a good school. I'd like to especially thank my daughter, Dylesia Hampton's teacher, Carole Taylor, for everything she's taught my daughter, for working with her the way she did and for the time she took to answer my questions and put my concerns to rest.
We need more teachers like her.
I also want to thank the principal, Pomar Too Too, for his open-door policy. He's never too busy to talk to a parent, but most importantly, he listens and he's fair.
I'd like to thank the secretary, Bettye Bloodworth, for always being kind. If she was having a bad day, I couldn't tell.
Thank you, also to Elizabeth Louro, the counselor, and Karen Hill. They are all very good people.
I just wanted to give credit where credit is due. Thank you Brighton Elementary. My daughter and I salute you for a job well done.
Annie Jamison
South Street
June 4, 1996 It was quite a reunion
May 31 and June 1 are days to remember in my family. We attended the Park View Reunion in Portsmouth.
The committee for arrangements, as well as many other helpers, are to be congratulated on a job well done! The entire event was well planned. There was a dinner cruise Friday aboard the Spirit of Norfolk. The food was superb and the entertainment was spectacular.
Saturday, we again found ourselves among old friends and former neighbors. This time, at 9 a.m. at the Beazley Center in Park View, I haven't seen as much hugging since the last time I visited my grandmother's church in the foothills of the Blue Ridge.
After breakfast, there were trolley rides throughout the area. Later, there was an outside fried chicken and barbecue dinner. It was served under tents on the Beazley Center lawn. We even had a five-piece country and western band to liven up an already lively party.
At 3 p.m., there was an ice cream social on the grounds. Afterwards, visitors reluctantly said their good-byes, with everyone commenting on the never-to-be-forgotten occasion.
Martha E. Edmondson
Western Branch Boulevard
June 2, 1996 by CNB