THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, October 27, 1996 TAG: 9610250209
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letters
LENGTH: 97 lines
I have always supported efforts to raise money for sports, music and other activities for young people. I have children of my own who participate in sports.
But when I was charged $4 to attend my child's varsity volleyball game, I was shocked. This is a 33 percent increase over last year's admission.
When I talked to the people in charge at the gymnasium, I found out this was the going price at all varsity sports events. I was told that the principals of the southeastern district had gotten together and settled on this price.
So, for my wife, child and myself to go watch my other child play volleyball for the 14-game season, it will cost me almost $200. If the team should make the tournament, it will be even more.
What about parents who have more than one child to bring to the event? What about grandparents, other relatives and friends who want to watch the teams play? Most importantly, what about students, who should be supporting the school teams?
The schools want the support, but they've priced themselves right out of it. What family can afford to support the activities of the school at these prices?
Why can't there be a seasonal or yearly pass? Why don't the schools sell a student pass for the sports events? They might see more students supporting the teams. Why do they charge younger children the same as adults?
Now that the season is half over, our family has had the opportunity to visit other schools in the district. What I've found is that not all the schools are the same. They all charge the $4 a ticket per person, but some of the schools offer special deals and passes. Why can't all the schools offer these special deals and passes?
I believe the principals have a problem on their hands, and if they need help in resolving it, maybe the School Board should help them.
B.J. Ruby
Edgewood Arch Beautiful school
After reading the article by Denise Watson about delays in the completion of Hickory High School (The Virginian-Pilot, Oct. 8), I feel I must address the issue to the citizens of Chesapeake, Chesapeake public school officials and Chesapeake School Board members.
I have been in the construction business since 1978 as a sub-contractor. In the past 18 years we have worked on many projects, from malls on the Outer Banks to eight-story nursing homes in New Jersey. In that 18 years, I have only seen a handful of contractors get the kind of production out of the many hundreds of people it takes to complete such a complex project as Hickory High School. As late as Aug. 1, I would have bet that there was no way possible to open the doors to the students by Sept. 3. it was a great feeling to be proven wrong.
I would like to point out three things:
1. The specification changes, substitutions and change orders in a job of this magnitude are enormous, no matter who the contractor is.
2. In my 18 years of construction experience there has never been a year with such inclement weather. According to my records, we have only had one week in the past nine months where it did not rain, snow, freeze or all of the above. It is impossible to get any type of meaningful production on a construction project under these conditions.
3. Hickory High School is one beautiful project. It is not the normal four walls, flat, leaky roof and dreary appearance that we have become accustomed to. This school far exceeds the level of workmanship of any school that I have ever come in contact with.
I have worked with Mr. A.D. Whittaker for seven months, and he has done everything he ever said he would. It seems to me that instead of making excuses or finding fault with others, the city of Chesapeake would be better served by simply offering any help we can to expedite the project and make any transitions into future portions of the school as smooth as possible.
I would like to congratulate all Chesapeake City School officials, Chesapeake School Board members, the superintendent of schools and the A.D. Whittaker Construction Co. for giving Chesapeake the most beautiful school in the state of Virginia and setting the standard for the 21st century.
Brian Beatson
President
Beatson & Associates
Cedarville Road Pulling on the reins
There are many people who believe their views are represented by voting for a representative to fill a position on City Council. But you wouldn't ride a horse without reins to control where you want to go. During the Nov. 5 election, we will have an opportunity to pull back the reins on poor planning by our City Council.
Sign the petition for an advisory referendum at your polling precinct. This will allow a registered voter to put any issue on the ballot. For instance, the convention center could have been put to a vote for Chesapeake citizens to voice their desires.
Let's not leave the barn door open for future issues to be decided by only City Council.
Attend the rally for an advisory referendum on Oct. 28 at Deep Creek High School. Sign the petition on Nov. 5.
Neysa Molle
Devon Drive by CNB