THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, June 14, 1996 TAG: 9606130191
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: 61 lines
I just thought that someone would like to know in this time of controversial Virginia Beach school issues that there is a wonderful community and school nestled in the heart of Kempsville.
This school and its PTA work diligently to foster a positive environment through dedication and compassion.
Several weeks ago, a small carnival raised over $5,000 in profit to be used for new technology. While that in itself is a great testimony to the school, the true benefits cannot be deposited in a bank.
Just about every teacher was active in one way or other with this festival. A second-grade teacher, Ms. Crockin, sat on the water tank plank for over two hours chilled to the bone while children attempted to hit the bull's-eye and dunk her. Ms. Garrett, the principal, was there as always, to lend a hand and motivate the volunteers and teachers. It was an extraordinary effort by everyone to make this carnival a success.
A week later, the school held a one-mile run for all ages. Ribbons were awarded to the first-, second- and third-place finishers. It was amazing to see 5-year-old children running and 50-year-old children at heart participating. After the race, over 100 people were walking the winding course through the neighborhood. Spectators cheered from their lawns and porches throughout the event. Everyone had a great time.
Finally, the business and civic communities are an integral part of this school's life. Neighborhood Hardware often contributes items to the school. The flowers at the front entrance were donated by them and planted by the Boy Scouts. The local Burger King has adopted this school and helps with some of the activities. The USS Gunston Hall and the Surgical Fleet Team have also adopted the school and often contribute personnel to assist the teachers. The Civic League, Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts and many other organizations play big roles throughout the year to make this a wonderful school and the keystone of the community.
The community is Carolanne Farm, and the school is Arrowhead Elementary.
R. Olenych
May 8
Not voting is a right, too
Contrary to Mr. Speer's expectations (May 12 Beacon column, ``If you didn't vote in May 7 elections, you lost the right to complain about local government''), I am a member of the local voting pool who cast no ballot, but still reserves the right to whine and complain about local government.
Who do you think you are to be downgrading the people who don't vote for the corrupt, immoral, unethical, neo-Nazi style City Council of Virginia Beach?
I did not vote this past May 7 because I don't have to vote if I don't want to for politicians who don't care about the city or the people.
We need a permanent solution to the water problem, not an amphitheater. We need decent schools to educate our children not a School Board that loses $12.5 million and can't remember how they did that. We need trained law enforcement professionals, not whiny little children who act like the SS of Nazi Germany or the Soviet Union's KGB to protest their displeasure and frustration over their pay and benefits.
We need a City Council that stands for the people, not itself and its special interest allies.
Alex Burford
May 22 by CNB