DATE: Thursday, September 25, 1997          TAG: 9709240110

SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS         PAGE: 15   EDITION: FINAL 

TYPE: Letters 

                                            LENGTH:   70 lines

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR - NORFOLK

I was incensed beyond words at the article in the Aug. 21st Compass telling of, in my opinion, a tragically misguided man (tragic for the raccoons) in the Bayview area of Norfolk. He - and apparently some of his acquaintances - consider it a ``service'' to mankind to trap these dear little animals and turn them in to the Animal Management Center to be euthanized.

If he must trap them, there should be a way for the Animal Management Center to be required to have them transported to their natural habitat, i.e. a wooded environment further out in the country, where they could be set free to live their lives unmolested, rather than euthanize them.

I wonder if the parties involved, including the Animal Management Center, are trying to exterminate the raccoons into extinction. I sincerely hope not. They are wonderful little animals, and I consider anyone who would take it upon themselves to exterminate them as a completely reprehensible person or organization, as the case may be.

Suzanne H. Pierce

Major Avenue Four folks cared

In this day and age when we hear so much about mean and uncaring people, I feel compelled to tell of my experience with the kind and the caring.

On a recent hot afternoon, my car stalled on Military Highway at Northampton Boulevard at the busiest time of day. Fortunately, a young man driving a towing truck happened by and offered his help. Not only did he tow my car to a nearby parking lot, but he also assisted me through the traffic to the lot.

When I asked what I owed he said, ``Nothing, I just wanted to help you.'' I did find out his name is Ron.

I went to a close-by insurance office where two very pleasant young women invited me to sit down and cool off, then helped me in placing a call to fellow Marine Don Clark, who has an auto repair shop.

He towed my car to his shop and his people saw me home.

This was my first breakdown in traffic. Needless to say, I was nervous and distraught.

Where I had anticipated a great deal of trouble, four kind people came to my aid and alleviated my anxieties. All these people were gracious, kind and giving.

How fortunate we are that so many people care. It certainly bolsters my faith in humanity.

There are a lot of good people out there.

Kitty Hennings

Taylor Drive Red Cross is great

The Norfolk Red Cross cover story by staff writer Joan Stanus was excellent concerning Norfolk Red Cross Volunteer Edna Schweitzer's 55 years of ARC service. At age 86 she is a remarkable person and deserves a lot of credit as well as the other 3,000 ARC volunteers in the ARC Tidewater Chapter.

The Red Cross field directors and assistant field directors located on many area military installations who dispatch about 15,000 official emergency messages to members of the military and their families throughout the country and world (on land or sea) should not be forgotten when the ARC and others of us applaud the ARC for its ongoing efforts to help others.

The Virginian-Pilot Parade insert with ARC president Elizabeth Dole's picture on its cover reported the American Red Cross has a ``$1.8 billion annual budget and 1.5 million volunteers and is the largest humanitarian operation in the world'' (Oct. 15, 1995).

All involved in Red Cross in this country and other countries world-wide deserve our utmost admiration and appreciation for their assistance to others.

Bruce H. Banks

Pecan Point Road

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