THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, April 23, 1995 TAG: 9504210226
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Editorial
LENGTH: Short : 39 lines
A new cultural resource and youth development center on Prentis Avenue behind the Wesley Center is a monument to the crew of the USS George Washington.
About 200 sailors from the carrier gave more than 2,500 hours since January to rehabilitate a large old house that had fallen into terrible disrepair. The house will offer a haven for neighborhood children after school and on weekends.
In addition, Rasheid Shabazz, an artist who has been working with the children for some time, said a group of senior citizens in the community will be recruited to serve as mentors.
Rear Adm. Select Robert G. Sprigg, commanding officer of the George Washington, said he felt the project was constructive for the men from his ship, men who wanted to contribute to community.
In presenting a frame photograph of the ship to hand at the center, he said he would expect the men to come back and visit the center when the ship returns to port.
The crew took on the renovations under the auspices of the Portsmouth Community Development Group, which has been involved in projects that have helped rehabilitate more than 50 houses in Prentis Place.
One of the goals of Portsmouth Community Development is to create a feeling of community and of belonging. The return of the sailors who made the house possible would be a wonderful extension of community for the Prentis Place youngsters and also might be a good connection for Navy personnel who sometimes need to find a home away from home. by CNB