THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, December 7, 1995 TAG: 9512050084
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
LENGTH: Medium: 63 lines
A great parade, but . . .
I attended the Holidays in the City Grand Illumination Parade on Nov. 18 in downtown Norfolk and I would like to express my delight in this splendid holiday tradition. I would like to thank the Downtown Norfolk Council staff and their volunteers who must have put long hours into the planning of such a wonderful event.
I would like to also express my shock in the behavior of some of the spectators along the parade route. The parade should be a family affair enjoyed by all, but for some it's yet another excuse to show lack of respect and consideration for others. Volunteers would ask people to move back because they were too far out in the street and obstructing the parade participants' route and other people's view but would get very little response or cooperation. The lack of plain common sense was never so obvious. Parents were letting their children stand and run out into the streets, creating a very unsafe atmosphere for all.
There was no excuse for rudeness to the working volunteers and others trying to enjoy such a splendid parade. It really made me feel badly for all those who worked so hard to bring this wonderful holiday gift to Hampton Roads and be treated with such disrespect.
So come on, Hampton Roads, show some pride and gratitude the next time a group puts on any event for your enjoyment.
Mrs. Robert E. Browning
Westminster Avenue
Praise for message tree
Regarding the Interstate 64 message tree, I wish to extend my gratitude to the tree-trimmers who are so creative and faithful to provide such beautiful scenery for us to see on the I-64 median near Mercury Boulevard in Hampton.
According to the article in the Real Life section of The Virginian-Pilot on Nov. 5, the tree-trimmers might be a Peninsula woman and her grown son and daughter. If not, I trust the credit will go to the right person/people.
I have been amazed at this since it was first put out on I-64 - it's a way of brightening others' days, and I certainly appreciate it. I look forward each month to see what the ``new decoration'' will be. This person/people definitely has much talent and I'm glad they decided to express it in this fashion. Much thanks for a job well done. Keep up the excellent work - I'll continue to be thankful for your originality. Don't stop now.
Valerie Stutsman
East Bayview Boulevard
Quick postal response
I recently had a minor accident while parking in the handicapped space at the Wards Corner Post Office. After hearing that I was not the first to have such a problem, I wrote the Postmaster with some suggestions that hopefully will prevent similar accidents.
I received an immediate phone call from an engineer, and the parking space was redesigned within 10 days. I want to thank the Norfolk Postmaster for the prompt and courteous response from his personnel and the action that has made parking a little safer for the handicapped.
Jack Burton
Windham Road by CNB