THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, October 24, 1996 TAG: 9610220094
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 05 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letters
LENGTH: 111 lines
In a day and age when doctors are criticized, mistrusted and sued, one doctor has gained my deepest admiration and trust.
After living in Tidewater for 35 years, it is my misfortune to leave behind the best OB/GYN in Tidewater. Dr. Annie L. Williams has shown such a love for delivering babies and caring for her patients that people seek her out to be their doctor. She develops such a special relationship with her patients because she treats them as people, not numbers. She creates an unrushed atmosphere with her clients and always takes time to answer questions.
I have left behind a special friend and the best physician I have ever met. I wish her the best in her career. Dr. Williams, thanks for caring.
Suzanne Cooper
Honey Brook, Pa. SPCA rule costs lives
Kathryn P. King's letter on Oct. 11 in The Virginian-Pilot, ``Breeding a Regional Problem,'' both saddened and frustrated me. As an animal lover, I am disgusted by the number of unwanted and homeless pets, and was glad to see her suggestions for solving the pet overpopulation problem. However, a recent experience made me question the true purpose of an animal shelter.
My husband went into the Norfolk SPCA several weeks ago with a friend who was interested in adopting a dog. While there, my husband spotted a cat that he wanted to adopt. As pet owners already, we are well aware of and welcome the responsibility involved.
Imagine his surprise when he was told that he could not adopt this adorable cat because of our address! He was told that Norfolk City law prohibits the adoption of pets by residents of cities that do not directly border Norfolk.
Suffolk residents may not adopt from the Norfolk SPCA.
As a result, he was forced to leave the cat behind. It breaks my heart that we were ready and willing to give that cat a home, but stopped because we don't live ``close enough'' to Norfolk. If the Norfolk SPCA has so many animals in its shelter, I would not think that a matter of a few miles would become the difference between life and death for a ``beautiful, healthy, adoptable'' cat.
Nancy E. Robson
Burbage Lake Circle
Suffolk Site unfair to residents
The idea of Salvation Army acquiring the Comfort Inn at Virginia Beach Boulevard and Tidewater Drive is a slap in the face to the residents of Attucks and Barberton. I am confident that when the residents purchased their homes they envisioned a nice neighborhood. Why bring anything undesirable into the community?
Since it was said that the plan would aid Virginia Beach and Chesapeake, why not locate in one of those cities? They have plenty of land. The Salvation Army can even build from ground up.
Don't bring undesirable happenings into the heart of Norfolk, and then talk about how much crime Norfolk has. I wonder if those who want to locate Salvation Army there would want the site next door to their dwelling.
It is my prayer and hope that both City Planning and City Council will say emphatically, ``No.''
Mrs. Johnnie Q. Branch
Beachmont Avenue Take care of stray cats
Thank you for your wonderful article about Norfolk's stray cat problem (``SPCA determined to tackle growing stray cat problem,'' Oct. 10, 1996). Unfortunately, until people become responsible guardians and spay and neuter their cats, this problem will continue.
That means it's up to those of us who care about cats to assume responsiblity for the poor little beggars. Because if we don't intervene, nobody will. Cat lovers need to know it's not enough to just shake your head and ``tsk'' or put out bowls of food and water. Stray cats need to be spayed, neutered, and vaccinated or taken to the shelter.
Many balk at the idea of taking animals to shelters for fear they will be euthanized. But even if the animals are never adopted (and many are), a painless injection beats starvation, feline leukemia and being ripped to shreds by a dog any day.
Roberta Matthews
West Ocean Avenue Stadium magnificent
On behalf of the Booker T. Washington High School family, I would like to thank Norfolk City Councilmen Paul Riddick and Herbert Collins, Mayor Paul Fraim, School Board Chairman Ulysses Turner, Assistant Superintendent of Schools Frank Sellew, and all of the other honored guests who participated in the dedication ceremony of our new football stadium on Oct. 11.
Booker T. Washington High School's new football stadium is magnificent. It is a tremendous source of school and civic pride. The new stadium has uplifted and energized the community which surrounds our school.
At a time when so many of our nation's communities have been beseiged by a myriad of complex socio-economic problems, it is refreshing to see Norfolk'c city fathers exercising wise judgment and embracing ``family values'' by investing in our schools and communities.
Randy Singleton
Social Studies teacher
Booker T. Washington High School Thanks to strangers
On Oct. 2, I fell into the street in front of my house on Halprin Drive. I was assisted by a passing female motorist and a young man who was carrying a cellular phone.
I wish to thank these Good Samaritans who insisted that the paramedics be called and stayed at my side until the ambulance arrived. I spent the day in the emergency room, and in the end my injuries were determined to be relatively minor.
I feel lucky and blessed that I will recover and that two strangers were so kind to me when the accident occurred. I don't know their names, but I am forever grateful!
Eleanor E. Brundage
Halprin Drive by CNB