DATE: Friday, April 4, 1997                 TAG: 9704030187

SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON   PAGE: 15   EDITION: FINAL 

TYPE: Letter 

                                            LENGTH:   77 lines

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR - VIRGINIA BEACH

Your letter to the editor on Feb. 21, by Jerry W. Stalcup (``Story sends mixed signals to golfers'') deserves a response from another senior golfer. I am vice president of the Virginia Beach Seniors Golf Club. Our club has 76 active members and like Mr. Stalcup's group, we play every Wednesday from mid-March through mid-November.

Contrary to Mr. Stalcup's experience, I was told by Phil Stewart, the head P.G.A. pro of the Kempsville, Red Wing and Bow Creek golf courses, that the Kempsville Golf Course was tied up on Wednesdays by regular groups and heavy play, but that we would be welcome to play on Thursdays. I talked with Mr. Stewart and he was both helpful and courteous. He also gave me four playing dates at the Red Wing course and three dates at Bow Creek.

I hope that everyone who plays these three courses understands that Mr. Stewart is an independent contractor, and even though he is not an employee of the City of Virginia Beach, he still must answer to some extent to a city administrator. I have found that negative letters, such as the one by Mr. Stalcup, do nothing to promote cooperation from those who must maintain the golf courses, schedule groups who wish to play and maintain the peace in the golfing community.

It is not easy for a contractor to answer to city personnel and to the golfing community and still make everyone happy. Let's all have a little patience, and if we are going to be critical, let's at least be constructive.

V.M. Barney Annas

Feb. 21 Trapping is poor solution to problem

Your story about calling in Richard Baxendale when conflicts arise with wildlife (``Urban Trapper,'' March 7) fails to mention the obvious, reasonable solution: living with wildlife.

Trapping is not a humane or effective solution. Live-trapped and relocated animals often die from the terror and stress of being trapped. When dropped off, they have no knowledge of where to find food, water and shelter and may be faced with territorial animals who already occupy that space. When state law prohibits relocation, all animals, even those caught in live traps, are killed.

Trappers may stomp on raccoons' heads, beat foxes with bats, drown beavers in buckets, or forget about the terrified, trapped animal for days, only to find a chewed-off paw in a trap or an animal who died of starvation or dehydration.

Wildlife control is most effective when it targets the undesirable behavior, rather than the animals themselves. Animal-proof garbage can lids prevent unwanted diners; natural repellents and fencing protect gardens; and chimney caps keep bats and raccoons out. For free information on humane wildlife control, call 622-PETA.

Zoe Rappoport

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals

March 11 Library is model of custormer service

For about a year now, I have lived in the Creeds area of Virginia Beach. Since moving here, I have enjoyed using the public library (the Pungo/Blackwater Branch) on almost a weekly basis.

As a mother of three young children and living ``way out here,'' I don't get out often. So when I do, it's always appreciated when I am able to deal with positive, friendly people, such as the librarians at Pungo/Blackwater.

The personal attention we all receive when we patronize the library is a model for anyone in customer service and customer relations. I am extremely thankful to have a service like this in my community.

Michelle L. Maggiore School visitors get mixed message

I recently attended the Cox High School registration night for incoming middle school students. The invocation gave ``praise to the gods.'' Minutes thereafter it was announced that a police officer would be on campus next month to discuss the dangers of cults.

I give up . . . which position does the school administration support?

James A. Grace

March 14

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