THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, July 12, 1996 TAG: 9607110155
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: 67 lines
Remember when public announcements told responsible adults that school is out, watch out for the children when driving? Well, school is once again out and adults need to be warned to watch out for the children, not because the adults may unintentionally hurt a child with a car, but because the child may hurt the adult, destroy personal property, or use gestures, or use gestures and/or words demeaning and disrespectful.
If you think I'm just a contentious person, here are some facts - school hasn't been out very long as I type this letter and in my neighborhood the following has been perpetrated by groups of roving children:
Blocking public throughways by walking six and seven abreast and then very slowly making way when the car has had to stop a foot behind them.
Groups using shopping carts for demolition derby on public throughways and using disrespectful words toward responsible adults who try to have them stop.
Pairs (sometimes more) jumping fences and cutting through yards with no regard to the havoc they make in flower beds and to the fence and the hearts of older folks.
I'm hoping that responsible adults will read this letter to their children and explain the ramifications of such acts.
I would remind the adults that there are strong laws against touching a child, but there is no law about talking to that child's father or mother, one-on-one, or in court. In fact, having parents fined and/or sent to jail for their children's acts may not be a bad idea.
Howard McDonald
June 18
Where's Shakespeare?
There is an unsolved mystery playing at the 24th Street Stage. Who killed Shakespeare-by-the Sea?
Last summer, thanks to the vision and persistence of one young woman, Russ Taylor, the backing of the city and the hard work of many individuals, the 24th Street Stage was graced by three well done, well attended Shakespeare productions. I was there and so were many of my friends. People of all ages attended, from babies to octogenarians, everyone having a wonderful time. It was something special, a worthwhile way to spend a summer night. ``Bravo,'' we thought. ``A tradition has been established!''
What a disappointment! Looking forward to this summer's festival, we find instead that the stage ``is full of sound and fury signifying nothing!''
Will somebody please explain? By your own credo, ``the public has a right to know.''
Liz Sills
July 8
Attention, mayor
Now that the mayor has reseated herself, I hope she will read this letter and take some action. I am a senior citizen and attend the Kempsville Center twice a week.
We are transported there by a fine driver in a large van. Now we must pay the driver $1 each week. This city is the wealthiest and the most populated of any city in Virginia bar none. With a collection of the amount from the six centers, this is a mere pittance. What do the powers to be expect to do with this lowly sum . . . build another amphitheater?
We seniors have done our share of paying taxes, etc., and now it is our turn to get something free. We even pay for the ``fantastic'' lunch from SEVAMP each week.
Perhaps someone in the hierarchy will see this letter and do something about it. But I doubt it.
Margarita O'Donnell
May 20 by CNB