THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, April 9, 1995 TAG: 9504070162
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Medium: 74 lines
I'm glad Ida Kay Jordan knows who can afford the tax increase on their homes. The city raises assessments on most homes every year that causes your tax bill to go up. What about all the other tax increases on other things?
One tax I don't understand is the storm water tax. I don't see what it is for or what the city is doing with the money. Maybe the city manager uses it for his ``Vision 2005.''
I hate to see tax bills by then.
Robert L. Wilson
Century Drive
April 4, 1995 Dialogues on race
``Face to Face: Talking Heals City,'' as noted in the March 12 editorial in the Currents, was an informative, positive approach to the city's initiative to enhance race relations.
Following the March 7 meeting in council chambers, several Face to Face with Race study groups are being formed throughout the city. Each group consists of an appropriate number and diversity of members, with a facilitator to ensure the sessions are run as planned. Discussion in the study group relates to the material presented in the manual given each person as he or she enters the group. Personal opinions and feelings are encouraged by the facilitator, without reaching any consensus or agreement. In fact, it is a place where it is all right to disagree, as long as each person listens to others in the group!
We look forward to additional dialogues on race relations in our city. The committee feels the dialogues are an important step in the growth of our city.
Helen K. Fooshe
Chairman
Face to Face with Race Committee
Cultural Diversity Action Team
April 5, 1995 Thank a Scout leader
April 22 will be Girl Scout Leader Appreciation Day. Although this is one day set aside to thank all adults who volunteer their time to provide girls throughout the country a rewarding Girl Scout experience, parents/guardians, community and civic leaders should also express their appreciation, because the girls of today will be future citizens of tomorrow.
Colonial Coast Girl Scouts is one of 331 separate and independent Girl Scout councils in the United States. More than 16,000 girls, ages 5-17, are served by more than 5,300 adult volunteers. These volunteers have to take many trainings, spend countless hours planning, with the help of the girls, attend weekly Girl Scout meetings, transport girls to events, go on camping trips, participate in outdoor activities, be positive role models, help girls with badges, discuss various career opportunities, and be sensitive to all racial, ethnic background needs.
This volunteer position can be frustrating, but the benefits outweigh the negatives. There are supportive parents and guardians who are willing to help. To be an adult volunteer doesn't mean you have to have a girl in scouting.
With all these opportunities, the girls learn leadership skills, build self-esteem, learn to relate to others, develop decision-making skills, develop qualities of responsible citizens and become competent resourceful women.
The next time you see an adult Girl Scout volunteer or leaders with girls on an outing, maybe a smile or a word of thanks would be in order.
Dorothy Cogswell
Girl Scout Service Unit 730
April 5, 1995 by CNB