THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, June 23, 1996 TAG: 9606210213
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
LENGTH: 54 lines
Discovering Smithfield lures Southside visitors
This is to thank Linda McNatt for the wonderful article on Fayre Laydes Musicke and our second annual benefit concert. The article (Daily Break, May 29) really brought the people to the church!
We did some demographic research this year. Richard Austin, Historic St. Luke's curator, gave me a count of about 250 people (19 percent of guest book responses) as the way they learned about the concert. The next most frequent response - 10 people, 12 percent - was our spot on WHRO's ``Weekend'' show.
Our guest book research shows again that Smithfield is in the travel radius for Southside readers. The combined attendance from Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth and Virginia Beach was 55 (65 percent) of our audience. Virginia Beach alone accounted for 21 (25 percent). Almost half of the guest book signers indicated an interest in receiving information about concerts at St. Luke's. I draw from that a willingness to travel to Smithfield.
People seem to be ``discovering'' Smithfield. It's a wonderful town whose time has come.
Fran Olsen
Fayre Laydes Musicke
Greenbrook Drive, Portsmouth
Exchange program rooms in homes, hearts
I am writing on behalf of approximately 1800 exchange students.
I work for AYUSA International, a wonderful program that promotes world peace and international friendships. I have been a part of this program for about five years and hope to continue being involved for a very long time.
My daughter got us started by wanting to host an exchange student from Denmark. That started us on a journey that we never want to end. My husband and I are still hosting students, even though our children are grown and gone.
The reason for my letter is to let people know what a wonderful opportunity is within their reach. By taking an exchange student into your home, you are opening up doors that you will never want to close. Our first exchange student, Mette, is returning to stay with us for a month this summer. We met her parents and sister three years ago and still keep in touch.
In this day and age, most families have two incomes and a very busy schedule. People say they have no time to be involved, but what better way to fill our limited time than by learning about the world and forming new friendships that will last forever. There are many programs that place exchange students and offer a great opportunity for families and persons to become involved.
I encourage anyone who has the room in their homes and hearts to become involved, learn about a different culture and help change our growing world. Enrich your lives by hosting an exchange student.
Beckye Pruitt
Regional director
AYUSA International
(919) 261-5205 or 1-800-777-8169 by CNB