Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, February 24, 1994 TAG: 9402240382
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: S-6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
I want to encourage registered voters in Roanoke to vote March 1 in the Democratic primary. I also encourage you to join me in supporting Nelson Harris as a candidate for Roanoke City Council.
A native of Roanoke, Harris chose to return to Roanoke to serve his community after graduating college. As a member of the Roanoke School Board, he is committed to bettering the lives of economically disadvantaged children and youth in our community. A startling 50 percent of all city school children are considered economically disadvantaged. Harris acted on that statistic by fostering a lower student-nurse ratio so that more children can receive basic health care at school.
Harris has responded to the needs of the city's residents by volunteering his time to many community-oriented groups. He is involved as an active member of the Roanoke Mental Health Association where he has worked on health and poverty issues affecting city children. He is also involved in two neighborhood groups - the Greater Raleigh Court Civic League, his home community, and the Ridgewood Park Neighborhood League, the community of the church he pastors. Harris recognizes the importance of safe, stable communities for our children.
Please vote March 1 to place Nelson Harris on the ballot for Roanoke City Council.\ Sincerely,\ Anita Bevins-Kernan\ Roanoke\ \ Dear Neighbors:
During the recent bad weather, we came to work, but the mail carrier from the Cave Spring Post Office didn't make it. Our office is located within 150 yards of Virginia 419, which was clear.
Our home, on the other hand, is located two miles from Virginia 419 off two-lane Keagy Road in a neighborhood that the highway department doesn't seem to know exists. But Linda Sayers, our mail carrier who is also from the Cave Spring Post Office, delivered our mail every day. She also made the deliveries in last year's big snow storm, even though she sometimes had to get out of her vehicle to reach the mail boxes.
I want Sayers to know she is appreciated. I certainly wouldn't have been surprised if she had not made her deliveries on the sheet of ice that was our street. She is one of those people who puts forth the extra effort to do her job.\ Sincerely,\ Beverly V. Porter\ Roanoke\ \ Dear Neighbors:
I wish to encourage people to vote for Nelson Harris on March 1 in the Roanoke City Council Primary.
Harris has been active in our city's affairs for several years through his service on the School Board, the Legislative Affairs Committee and the Special Events Committee. Furthermore, he was instrumental in starting the Ridgewood Park Neighborhood League in Northwest Roanoke.
Nelson is a father and husband who understands the needs of young families in Roanoke. He has worked hard for the interests of children and their families as a member of the School Board and will continue to do so on City Council.
I encourage Roanokers to join me in voting for Nelson Harris on March 1 for City Council.\ Sincerely,\ The Rev. Tom Stocks\ \ Dear Neighbors:
I would like to address the use of 900 telephone numbers and how to block them.
When I received my December bill from C&P (now Bell Atlantic), I found that on Dec. 20, 1993, a 900 number had been dialed from my phone at 3:15 a.m.
Upon investigation, I learned that a visiting young relative, who has emotional problems, had dialed the number to hear his horoscope. The charge was $60.92 (15 minutes at $3.99 a minute).
Callers must say they are over 18 years of age. I called C&P and was given a 900 information number with AT&T. I called, only to be laughingly told, "Sorry, that's too bad."
After being told that twice, I spoke to an AT&T supervisor, who took the the call off my bill but informed me that I could be charged at a later date.
I was told to call C&P and get a 900 block on my phone.
I did, at no charge. [AT&T officials say, however, that local phone companies may charge a small fee to establish the service.]
Others might also like to know that 900 call operators do not verify the callers' ages. As long as they say they are 18, the call is put through.\ Thanks, Linda Allman Roanoke\ \ Dear Neighbors:
Before memories of the holidays fade away, I would like to recognize a generous couple in the Roanoke Valley.
In December, Margaret and Spanky Macher graciously opened their home for a truly festive party. The tables were laden with food, enchanting strolling musicians were there and an absolutely charming horse-drawn carriage provided romantic rides through the grounds and neighborhood.
But the most magnificent sight was the hundreds of gifts at the base of the Christmas tree. Each gift was marked for a young child who would be spending Christmas confined in the hospital.
The Machers opened their home and asked only that each guest bring two gifts for a child. It was truly touching to see everyone enjoying the generosity of one couple for the benefit of so many.
Thank you, Margaret and Spanky.\ Sincerely,\ Sandra Shropshire Carter\ Roanoke
by CNB