DATE: Wednesday, April 2, 1997              TAG: 9704020009

SECTION: LOCAL                   PAGE: B12  EDITION: FINAL 

TYPE: Letter 

                                            LENGTH:  131 lines

LETTERS TO EDITOR -- THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT

VIRGINIA BEACH

Pretty is as

pretty does

I have read a number of letters on the editorial page that state the need for growth to attract more business to get more people into the area. This is often given as the reason we need some sort of pro sport team. My question: Why do we need to grow? Do we like having more traffic tie-ups? More impolite drivers? More crime? Crowded schools? Higher taxes (to support all these projects)?

Maybe the reason some people come visit in the summer is to get away from the traffic in the big cities up North. Unrestrainted growth is not necessarily the answer to our woes. Let's sit back, balance our budget, fully fund our schools and take a longer look at all these projects that will make Virginia Beach more attractive. Maybe we're pretty enough.

Drury Nimmich

Virginia Beach, March 28, 1997

ENVIRONMENT

Growing oysters

I applaud your editorial and the two recent articles about oyster restoration in the Lynnhaven River. Since the articles were published, the Norfolk office of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) has received numerous requests from teachers, civic organizations and individuals wishing to become involved in this exciting work. Indeed, the effort to restore oysters in the Lynnhaven is a perfect example of a project that partners the government, private sector, students and citizens to work toward a long-term solution to one to the Bay's biggest problems.

CBF is committed to engaging people in Hampton Roads and beyond in the restoration and preservation of the Chesapeake Bay. However, I should point out that this project could not be undertaken without the support and cooperation of Jim Wesson, chief of the Oyster Conservation and Replenishment Program at the Virginia Marine Resources Commission.

CBF is providing the training and materials necessary for students and citizens to grow oysters produced from Lynnhaven broodstock for eventual transplanting onto the reef sanctuary after its construction. Transplanting and monitoring of oysters grown for restoration purposes will be overseen by CBF staff in coordination with Dr. Wesson's replenishment program.

Will this attempt to ``jump start'' parts of the Lynnhaven oyster population work? Time will tell. In the meantime, it encourages people to adopt a conservation ethic and galvanizes public support for other efforts to improve fisheries and water quality throughout the Bay and its tributaries.

Robert D. Brumbaugh

Fisheries scientist

Hampton Roads office

Chesapeake Bay Foundation

Norfolk, March 25, 1997

THE ARTS

Violin teachers

grateful for support

The Suzuki Violin Teachers of Hampton Roads would like to publicly thank USAir for sponsoring this year's clinicians for our Hampton Roads Suzuki Violin Workshop April 11 and 12 in Norfolk.

The experience of working with, and being inspired by, master teachers (from New York City and North Carolina) not only produces powerfully positive results in the childrens' musical growth but also helps to promote the arts as a significant part of a rich community life that we want for our children.

At a time when parents must foot the bill for a majority of their childrens' music education (due to limited offerings in schools, both public and private), it is a great help to have community support for special projects to encourage arts education for the children of Hampton Roads.

Christina B. Morton

Norfolk, March 26, 1997

BOATING

Slow down

With warming temperatures, boats and jet skis are coming out of hibernation to ply the inland waterways of Hampton Roads. The Lafayette and Elizabeth rivers will soon be buzzing with activity.

This weekend I witnessed several boat and jet ski operators completely ignore no-wake zones on the Lafayette River. After roaring past, their wakes crashed into fragile shoreline. Although the signs are a little faded, they are clearly visible.

Boaters, jet skiers, please slow down! You are not only damaging the shoreline but also risking collision or grounding. Stay off the throttle until you are well away from coves and boat ramps.

Tom Womble

Norfolk, March 31, 1997

NORFOLK

Library staff

is outstanding

As a 10-year volunteer at Kirn Memorial Library in Norfolk, I agree with recent newspaper coverage about the need for a new central library.

Staffing has been greatly reduced, fewer new books can be purchased and fewer periodicals are available. Computers are limited.

In spite of the difficulties, I want to praise the staff for service to patrons, both on the telephone and in the library. Their ability to answer most of the questions raised by going the extra mile to find information is outstanding.

Norfolk's library was once one of the best in Virginia - indeed in the country. I hope the city will reinvest in making it great and relevant again.

Jane L. Pilley

Norfolk, March 27, 1997

SAFETY

Off-ramp spikes

a great idea

In response to Joseph T. Battaglia's March 27 letter, ``Our roads need off-ramp spikes'':

What a wonderful concept. It amazes me how ordinary citizens can come up with good ideas to prevent tragedies. If there were some sort of two-way spike system on the HOV lanes, the recent tragedy of a man going the wrong way, killing himself and another, probably would not have happened.

Come on, traffic engineers, make our roads and ramps safer!

J. R. Wilson Jr.

Virginia Beach, March 27, 1997

HOMOSEXUALITY

Speaking out

The Rev. Jerry Falwell suggests that ``All Christians need to make their voices heard'' regarding ABC's upcoming episode of ``Ellen,'' wherein the lead character announces her lesbianism. Yes, I think my voice as a Christian does need to be heard on this matter: Stop persecuting homosexuals!

I have friends and relatives who are gay and lesbian. They were born with their sexual preferences just as some were born with blue eyes and some with brown eyes.

Homosexuals are part of God's creation as we all are, not something concocted through an actively chosen, hedonistic romp down the path of iniquity.

Barbara M. Bays

Virginia Beach, March 27, 1997

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