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Wednesday's Last Word on Tuesday
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James City issues - “Thank you to James City officials for recognizing the deliberate policy by developers to wear down the residents with constant delays on requests for troublesome land-use changes. Residents and local business owners and operators deserve to have the say in local land use as they have already placed their dollars in the county. Residents who are able to take time to attend hearings and weigh in on issues deserve to be heard. They should not be required to play hide and seek with developers nor should county staff have to keep cases open indefinitely. Give people paying property taxes and living here to deal with the end results be the ones to be satisfied.”
“We need a bit more county sheriff presence in New Town, not just on the weekends. I’ve noticed that drivers are getting sloppy about yielding to the pedestrian right-of-way, among other things. I was nearly run over the other day.”
“Thank you to the James City Police Department for implementing a free bicycle registration program. Officer Dill came to our home, recorded the critical information and placed stickers on all bikes. Now, if one of my bikes is stolen I know that my chance for recovery is much better.”
“Go Ape? That belongs in Busch Gardens not in a residential neighborhoods Botanical Garden. That’s one of the worst ideas to date. I hope our county supervisors think this through before acting.”
Mausoleum - “The letter to parishioners from the pastor of St. Bede shows he still doesn’t get it (Jan. 21 Gazette). He would have people believe he backed down for now only because of a few troublemakers and the anti-Catholic media. Then he refers to their behavior as ‘seriously sinful.’ This project was a misguided, secretive, public relations nightmare from the start. The lesson for the pastor in secular matters such as this is to not assume that you can act independently, only through lawyers in secret and get your way. His arrogance is breathtaking. I pray for a new pastor.”
“How dare state reps from other areas introduce bills that directly and negatively impact other localities, specifically HB 316 and SB 430, which would preclude our local governments from having certain say over cemeteries and mausoleums. And, silly us, until a member of St. Bede recently explained, we had no idea a mausoleum was above-the-ground burial, not a typical cemetery. I doubt any of us realized or thought about a church built in recent times having land enough to plan a cemetery or mausoleum. So we would not have fought against a church coming into our neighborhood. Let’s make sure local representatives indeed get the bills changed or stopped before anymore games are played here.”
“There is no place in James City as unsightly as the numerous handmade signs along Ironbound Road, which have been allowed to remain in place for months, distracting drivers and scaring away paying tourists. Love thy neighbor goes for you too. Isn’t there some sort of ordinance preventing unsightly trash to remain along public streets? At the very least, these are distracting to drivers in a very busy area from driving safely.”
More – See the story in tomorrow's Virginia Gaztte.
Jolly Pond Road - “Once again the residents of Jolly Pond Road were notified regarding a public hearing on Jolly Pond Road. The hearing was set up by VDOT and was held for the public to express opinions. I went to the meeting thinking I would hear a presentation by VDOT or even a James City representative regarding the status and processes that are ongoing. What I learned was, you had to ask questions of the representatives from the state and county to get answers. Unfortunately, no one was willing to give answers. I was told that the Transportation Board will meet and hear recommendations from various state officials. What happens after that meeting is, the state has to agree to abandon the section of road over the dam and once that is done it will be picked up by James City County. Next time there is a public hearing by the state, please have someone at least give a presentation to the public.”
“Why is it that one of the newer and larger retirement communities here does not allow any of the residents to serve on the board or know exactly what the financial status is? Many have sunk all their money in the place and are in the dark about the true financial status, especially when other communities run by it have failed.”
Bullying forum - “I attended the community forum on bullying last week and was impressed that one of the points made was that bystanders need to learn to be a caring majority. This means that those who see bullying happen try to help the victim of this abuse and not just stand by and watch. Unfortunately, there were only seven adults present at the forum, beyond the presenters. Does our community not see bullying as a problem? And how can our children be taught to be a caring majority when the parents won’t be?”
School issues - “How many teachers and para-educators could stay on the job if the WJC School Board office would get rid of the extra administrators and their staff? It seems that the superintendent no longer has anything to do. He has an assistant for all aspects of running the school system. There is an assistant superintendent of elementary instruction, an assistant superintendent of secondary instruction, an assistant superintendent of principals, a chief financial officer, a chief executive officer, and all have six-figure salaries. And why do taxpayers pay for health insurance, travel and dues for School Board members?”
“As a WJC Schools employee, I see waste every day in the schools. (1) Turn off the lights, computers, monitors etc., when not in use. (2) Stop wasting money on unused technological equipment. (3) Teachers, staff and Central Office use copies way too much. The cost of paper alone is astronomical, not to mention toner and ink. (4) Buses leaving school in the afternoons with 10-15 students on board is a waste of gas and use of bus drivers. (5) Driver’s ed in school is an 18-week program. That’s 18 weeks teachers pay plus a car and gas that are used every semester. (6) School sports and extracurricular activities need to be paid partly by parents. (7) Stop hiring outside consultants to do studies and take surveys.”
“The last time I checked, the fee for nonresidents to attend WJC Schools was $10,000 a year. WJC employees who do not reside within the boundaries are allowed to send their children to WJC for free. A lot of money could be generated if they were required to pay the $10,000.”
“Why can’t teachers monitor lunch lines to prevent disorderly students from breaking into lines in groups? James City Police can sit at Busch Gardens night after night directing traffic, but no police officer helps direct traffic at Lafayette High even when one is assigned there. Plenty of young drivers and all sorts of folks come and go in mass both morning and afternoon.”
“I hope the WJC School Board does eliminate the pre-kindergarten program. Parents should either stay home and care for their children until kindergarten or pay for child care themselves. If this is a problem for them, then perhaps they should have waited to have kids. This worked for us in the old days.”
“4x4 block classes at Lafayette High are a bad idea. There will be too much math and history crammed into long periods. My kid rushed through geometry and history classes so fast that he could barely keep up. A lot of students simply could not keep the pace.”
“Is it too much to ask male professional teachers to wear a tie to class and look professional?”
“Gift idea: Make a generous donation to our school athletic associations to better their equipment and help improve athletic skills.”
“The Last Word correspondent on Jan 21 is off by a country mile with the evaluation of ‘our school system continues to by world-class.’ There are many indications that the WJC Schools level of instruction is to the lowest one-third in ability. Our own children were schooled in Fairfax County, which has very good schools at a reasonable cost to taxpayers. About 93% of those high school graduates are accepted and go on to college. If I had school-aged children here, I would be looking at affordable options to the public schools.”
“Why do high school students have to pay $50 per semester to park? At Warhill, for example, there is plenty of parking available, so why charge a fee? My taxes paid for those empty spots, why can’t my child use them for free? The teachers dont pay. Where does that money go? Does anyone have a reasonable answer as to why the schools charge a fee for parking?”
No Child Left Behind - “Thank you go to the Williamsburg chapter of the League of Women Voters for booking Steven Staples, adjunct professor of education at William & Mary and former superintendent of York Schools, to present No Child Left Behind issues at the Williamsburg Library. The presentation should be a mandatory attendance for all parents, school administrators/principals, teachers and local city/county officials. The briefing should be repeated and presented in the evening as welll with sufficient publicity. As Congress and President Obama are submitting new initiatives, everyone needs to get updated on this important subject. I recommend the League repeat this presentation.”
Teacher retirement - “Enough already! Yes, we need teachers and most do a good job. Yes, they should contribute to their own retirement. There should be no free ride and the Virginia State legislature should change the retirement program to include financial participation by teachers. By comparison, the Federal Civil Service Retirement System requires a 7% contribution, which is reasonable and appropriate. It is also noted that the CSRS does not contain a Social Security benefit.”
“The existence of a paid-for pension for teachers has been part of the compensation package used to attract good teachers to WJC. Since 2008, local teachers have already seen an effective cut to their salaries by freezing salary steps, increasing class sizes and reduced planning times. We’re already working more for less compensation, and shifting the pension pay would further reduce the attractiveness of the teaching profession. If we want our kids and our country to be successful in the future, we need to attract the best and the brightest to teach them now. Balancing the budget on the backs of teachers is not a wise move.”
Pay-to-play - “What can be done to stop pay-to-play? Do parents have a say? So many children will be hurt by this. Not every parent has money to pay for sports. Sports offer children many opportunities in their future, including college. It’s also an incentive for children to keep up their grades and keep them out of trouble. Most important is the benefit to their health. Participating in sports helps keep children off the streets and their video games. Let the children play school sports without having to worry if their family can afford to pay.”
City issues - “It was interesting to hear Mayor Clyde Haulman tell about the current discussion sessions among Williamsburg, York and James City as comprehensive planning for each locality moves forward. But when questioned about the placing of an office building in a neighborhood of single-family dwellings, the infamous empty diagnostic center on North Henry, he replied, ‘What is a neighborhood?’ Many of us think such an answer explains why a college freshman was appointed to the city Planning Commission at the very time the city needs a commissioner with area plan history. We think Haulman erred in replacing a devoted and thoughtful planning commissioner, Jim Joseph, with a neophyte.”
“We just opened a new building, built by the state, which can be broken into or out of with just a spoon. The fact that this building houses a mental hospital makes it even worse. Who made the decision to not build Eastern State out of brick and cinder block at least? Perhaps cardboard jails will be next.”
“Cheers to Everette ‘Thumper’ Newman for another year with A Gift From Ben food program. It makes a difference in helping those in need in our community. His donations and volunteers have been very helpful with this program.”
“Thank you to Virginia, who provides the ride coordination for Rides for Seniors. She does a wonderful job, often given less notice, and we appreciate her.”
DUI justice - “We have hard judges in Williamsburg (Jan. 21 Last Word). That woman or man you knew got off scot-free because he or she probably has money and a good lawyer. A lot of things factor in on these decisions. I know someone who had two DUIs and received a three-year sentence in Williamsburg. It is a case-by-case matter, but I definitely think our judges are not easy here.”
“Why don’t judges sentence those found guilty of a DUI to jail, even if it’s his or her first time. They should be given a long enough sentence that they would think before ever driving under the influence again.”
Housing the poor - “Community housing is bad in this area. I wonder if it’s the same all over the country. I think President Obama is to blame. The government needs to control housing more and put more money into it. Just like the IRS, the government needs to visit and see what’s really there and remove it. I’ve heard horror stories about drugs, alcoholic, abuse in the street and heavy cussing and harassment through the walls. Deserted old properties need to be sold to the government as use for hotels or decent housing. This problem will destroy our country.”
Hood ornaments - “As the driver of a ‘luxury’ vehicle, I take exception to the individual’s assertion that owners of these vehicles never had to walk. That’s a ludicrous statement. You stand a better chance of being impaled by bicycle hardware from a careless cyclist than a hood ornament. Maybe the nanny state should look into this as well.”
Domestic violence - “The Police Blotter in a recent Gazette listed 23 arrests for domestic assault and battery during a two-week period. That averages to almost two a day. What is the cause of this epidemic of domestic violence in our small town and what can we do to reverse this trend?”
At the movies - “Thank you to Movie Tavern for the showing of ‘The Enchanted Island,’ in hi-def from the Metropolitan Opera. What an enchanting performance. The seats were filled with happy locals who cheered just as enthusiastically as the Met attendees.”
“‘The Descendents’ won the Golden Globe for best picture and we could not see this movie in Williamsburg because our two movie theaters did not show it. We are senior citizens, and like many our age enjoy going to the movies in the afternoon because we do like to go out at night. But we have a hard time finding a decent movie to go to.”
“On Sunday at the Kimball Theater we tried to see a movie in the Screening room, which seats 30. All seats for the Sunday show had been sold by Saturday. While we stood there, the ticket seller turned away at least 30 people. We chose to go to the main theater and watched the movie with 12 other people and 300 empty seats. No wonder the Kimball is losing money. Why didn't someone switch theaters?”
Signage - “The person inquiring about sign removal should get involved with the Adopt-A-Highway program. Volunteers can remove signs as well as pick up trash.”
Hunting issues - “To those worried about the shooting that seems to be too close to their homes: Please keep in mind that these hunters are most likely well within their rights. If you have concerns, why not contact the correct authorities? I would recommend contacting the game warden’s office. One call to the Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries is all it takes. The department will then look into this matter.”
“In response to the recent Last Word complaints about hunters, I don’t actively hunt in greater Williamsburg but I will speak for those who do. If you don’t want to hear gunshots, then simply don’t move into a rural area. The sounds of gunshots carry. It’s not like these people are hunting in your backyard. Therefore, you are not in any danger of being shot. Carrying a hunting license means one has successfully passed a hunter’s safety course from the state of Virginia and know how to safely handle firearms. I am sure you’d be the first to complain if you totaled your new Lexus by hitting a deer because of their overpopulation or if they were trampling and eating your beautiful, professionally landscaped yards. Hunters are wildlife conservationists.”
Restaurant experiences - “At a fast-food joint recently, four meals were purchased and taken home. We then discovered a burger was very pink, the fish sandwich was raw, fries were stale and a kids meal was made incorrectly. When we drove back to get a refund on our $24 meal, we were asked by the manager on duty where the rest of the fries were (they were left at home and trashed). On a previous visit to this same location months ago, I received a hard biscuit and a mini drink. I called the Health Department and am done with this restaurant forever.”
“We recently ate at a new restaurant but was shocked at some of the prices — $2.75 for iced tea and $8 for a bloody mary. The food was very good, but the other prices were completely out of line.”
“Though we absolutely love the food at a certain restaurant, someone commented that the hostesses looked like girls from Hooters. They wear low-cut shirts, which is not appropriate for dining with grandparents. They need to cover up a bit more and be a little more professional.”
Customer service - “I am a senior citizen who had never been in a Journey’s store until the other day. I saw on the Internet that it sold the boots I was looking for. When the first store didn’t have my size, the salesperson called the other Journey’s store in town, which had the boots and held them for me. The young ladies in both those stores were nice and helpful.”
“I purchased a camera from Walmart and received excellent professional service from Alisha. She was very helpful, knowledgeable and personable.”
“It is great to know that in these tough economic times, some of our local businesses are thriving so well that they don’t need or want additional customers. I’m in the process of having my hardwood floors replaced and went to inquire about having this done at a certain flooring store. I was told by the owner that he was too busy now. I’m glad too know that he turned me away because of overwhelming business and not because I am an African American. I will be sure to tell everyone I come in contact with just how busy he is.”
Cheers & jeers - “Thank you to the scoreboard operator during the Warhill/Bruton basketball game the other night. He was able to find a free app on his cell phone during halftime so he was able to operate the scoreboard efficiently during the second half of the game.”
“The product warning on the person’s new 3-ounce electronic device (Jan. 21 Last Word) came from the company’s lawyers, not a government agency.”
“After trying many beauty salons in Williamsburg through the years, I discovered a wonderful salon, Hairy Situations, in the Village Shops at Kingsmill. Julie and Kasey provide state-of-the-art services. 253-0345.”
“I recommend Stephanie from Minuteman Press for custom graphics. She did an excellent job with my company’s notepads and invoices.”
“When not using childproof bottles, pharmacies should use square ones. They take up less space than round ones and medicine cabinets are always overfilled. I have six prescriptions, none coming in childproof bottles, and all are round. The only reason food cans are round is no one has invented a way to open the square tops.”
“I cannot express how thankful I am to the wonderful nurses in the pediatric unit at Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center for taking such good care of my little girl while she was sick.”
“I had a pleasant experience with a good, local Southern handyman, Allen Morris. He is thorough, competent and offers competitive pricing. 645-7470.”
“Do we really need bookstores near theaters selling graphic picture books on best techniques for oral sex? Find better books for your shelves.”
“William & Mary Sex Workers Show again? How many times do we need to teach our college students how to be a prostitute or sex object? W&M leaders fail at this again.”
“I have been a patient with an incredible doctor’s practice in Williamsburg, Peninsula Cancer Institute, started by the late Dr. Ellis. With his passing, it has continued the care by adding new physicians. But please update advertising in the Well-Being directory in the Gazette. The list of doctors doesn’t reflect the current ones. Dr. John Miller is a special man who not only listens, but shows a devotion to the well-being of his patients.”
“Just when you find a place you like that has good food and service, it closes down again. The Garden will surely be missed by all in my family.”
Italian cruise ship - “Contrast the courage of Capt. Chesley ‘Sully’ Sullenberger with the cowardice of Capt. Francesco Schettino. Sully slowly walking the length of his (air)ship in waist-high water in darkness while his ship was sinking in the Hudson River twice to make sure everyone was safely off, a picture of courage in action. And Schettino, a coward, was among the first to flee his craft. What a contrast.”
At the library - “Who is John Moorman, director of the Williamsburg Regional Library, trying to fool? I am not surprised the Williamsburg Library has been caught flat-footed on e-books (Jan. 21 Gazette). Moorman is trying to point to this year’s e-book sales for the library being swamped. Not so, it is so far behind other city libraries that have offered this same service for audio and e-books for years. Sure, other libraries are seeing increased demand too, but they have a much greater offering. Most of my book friends have kept their old former library cards the last few years to get e-books because they gave up on the library getting in the game. Same goes for audio books.”
Postal delivery - “Given the volume of mail that the Postal Service handles each day, one has to expect that mail may occasionally be delayed or delivered to the wrong address. One should also consider the pressure that carriers and clerks are under with the constant scrutiny, procedures and deadlines. I was a letter carrier before so I know what it feels like. I, too, have had problems with mail delivery, but I didn’t make a big fuss over it. We all make mistakes while on the job, so think about how you would perform at work with so many customers complaining about you. There is no doubt that if the Postal Service does improve service, the complainers will find something else to complain about.”
“Thank you, Gazette, for printing that piece about the post office. I got a letter two weeks ago, and it was a $500 check. It was in an envelope, saying it was sorry it had been damaged. Te check and envelope were torn in half, I assume it happened through one of the machines in Richmond. This is not the first time I’ve received mail that’s been torn on the corner or chewed up. I will be calling the phone number given to report it, also. Thanks for the information.”
Still a come-here? - “Until you have lived here long enough for the neighbors to refer to your house as ‘turn at the (fill in the blank)’s house’ when giving instructions on how to get to their house or business, then you are still a come-lately (Jan. 21 Last Word). Sometimes it takes several generations to become one of us.”
Neighborhoods - “Perhaps the person complaining about the neighborhood couple upsetting him or her and 14 others would care to identify his or her neighborhood. Maybe that couple feels the same about them and feels they should be the ones moving.”
“It was sad to read such a petty, hateful comment from the person who seems to be a self-appointed spokesman for his/her neighborhood. Too often nowadays neighborhoods seem to have such a group of residents who think it’s their way or the highway. The days of caring for your neighbors and really getting to know them have gone the way of cheap gasoline. You really need to look at yourself before making such comments. I can happily say I don’t live in your neighborhood.”
“To the person who called in about the couple in a small neighborhood: How sad other people’s shortcomings amuse you and your clan. Ever thought about trying to help them out?”
“I live on Canal Street in Chickahominy Haven, and I’m complaining about these empty lots. They are used as trash dumps, and there’s one that has truck loads of dirt on it, along with other trash. We pay high taxes here, and it’s not right that we have to look at that mess. Our houses are depreciating because people don’t take care of the empty lots.”
Come and get it - “We have for free to pianists, a HeathKit Electronic Metronome. First come, first served. 566-8536.”
Does anyone know... - “If anyone with a collection of sea shells would like to donate them, I would love to have them for art projects. I will pick them up. 1958.pdm@gmail.com.”
“Does anyone know of a church that may have older black choir robes or former graduates who may have black graduation robes that we may borrow for our upcoming school musical? E-mail gallantl@wjcc.k12.va.us or call 229-8051 and ask for the drama program.”
“Could someone recommend a reasonable salon in this area to get the Keratin treatment done?”
“Where does one purchase the Terk HDTV antenna? Would it work in a dense-tree neighborhood? Paying $64 per month for cable TV is a lot.”
“If anyone has a used computer that’s not being used or has purchased a brand new computer and needs to get rid of an old one, I’d appreciate a call. 206-1987.”
“Could someone recommend a pillow that won’t hurt my face? As I’ve grown older, it seems like no matter what type of pillow I try, the slight pressure against my face hurts my cheeks. 570-8090 or gdouglas@widomaker.com.”
“I had to have the furnace repaired and called Doug Smith of Smith Maintenance Inc., 566-3412. He arrived promptly, did outstanding work and was reasonably priced.”
“Is there a vehicle maintenence shop in or near Williamsburg that works on Toyotas without double-charging like a certain Toyota dealer does?”
“How do I dispose of or recycle the following: VHS tapes, old/expired medicine, batteries? Is there a place in this area that accepts these items?”
“For the person with Quest Plumbing: Go online and find Mid-Atlantic Re-Plumbing. Three homes in our neighborhood have been replumbed. It costs thousands of dollars less than most other companies and does a great job.”
“What is the brand name of the slow-burning candles (tapers) that used to be sold at the Williamsburg Wine & Cheese Shop before it changed ownership? The candles had a black band with description of something like ‘world’s best candle.’ They have a rough surface. 229-5035.”
“In response to the person asking how to introduce a new cat into a home with the other one: What I did was close the new cat up in a bedroom with a litter box and her food and kept the other cat in the rest of the house. Eventually, they will start playing with each other under the door. They’ll know another cat is beyond the door. That’s how my cat was integrated in with the old cat.”
“Shame on the family looking for info on how to integrate two male cats into one household. Put them together, they will work it out. If not, I pray that you would try first to find the older cat a good, loving home instead of having it euthanized.”
“To the couple in Kingswood who bought a couple of tents this past fall at a yard sale in Jamestown 1607: I have found a couple of pieces that I’m sure belong with the tents. Call 293-8512.”
“The person looking for lawn service should call CJ’s Lawn Service, 345-5353 and leave a message. He offers free estimates.”
“Is there a local business that will be offering cookie bouquets for Valentine’s Day? AboutTime@cox.net.”
“Does anyone know how to get in touch with violin player John Turner, who used to be associated with Colonial Williamsburg? 229-5071.”
“I am in desperate need of donated bunkbeds or beds. 759-2405.”
“Does anyone know where locally I can purchase a cardboard holder for the presidential gold dollar coins?”
“Does anyone have a computer or a TV to donate? I need them for my daughter’s room. 741-2059.”
“I need to add two TV cable outlets in my home. If anyone does this type of work, call 741-2060.”
“Does anyone know of a fully trained, experienced dermatologist in greater Williamsburg? I’ve had three during the past five years deal with my skin cancer problems. With the exception of the first one, the examinations were cursory at best and didn’t reflect on my total concerns about specific cancers. I have various cancers, including prostate cancer, plus a family history of cancer. I need a competent second opinion, as do two of my close friends.”
“The Warhill High School PTSA is having a yard sale on April 21, and is looking for donations, vendors and anyone wanting to purchase a space to sell their wares. E-mail Laura Gabeler at warhillpta@cox.net or call 566-0517.”
Driving along - “Jeers to the James City police officer who insists on riding my bumper from the county to West Point at midnight, then passes me and continue to speed over the bridge and through my town. I have tried to get the numbers on the car to call it in, but I can never catch the driver because I obey the speed limits. Please keep your distance and watch your speed. If I could give you a ticket, I would because I’m sure our county would love the money.”
Oswaldo Martinez - “I agree with the comments about the Oswaldo Martinez case and how long he’s been in custody. I don’t think it’s right that taxpayers have to pay to house him. If it someone around here had been accused of such a crime, he or she would be serving time now.”
“So how many years are state taxpayers compelled to keep an alleged murderer in comfort and useless classes? Oswald Martinez is accused of killing a teenaged girl seven years ago, and we are still keeping him probably better than he has ever lived in his life. Why shouldn’t he just be deported and be done with it? Why does anyone think it worthwhile to teach someone sign language if it takes seven years to make not enough progress to satisfy concerns that he can participate in his defense?”
Toll gates - “Have the no-taxes-regardless-of-problems-or-need people ever take the time to tally the costs of building toll booths, pay the staff and/or toll collecting equipment? The cost to business and environment of stopped vehicles waiting in the inevitable lines to pay the tolls? Can they explain how net dollars, if any, from proposed tolls make more sense than an increase in gas taxes? Everyone in Virginia uses roadways and bridges whether they drive or not. If they eat, buy clothes, go to church or school or doctors, they are on the roads. It may have been merely silly years ago that Virginia proudly kept gas taxes lower than most all states. Now it is stupid and irresponsible. The payment system exists and no new buildings, hires, equipment are needed to add the tax.”
Road kill and trash - “Whose responsibility is it to pick up road kill? And what is that agency’s phone number? There has been a dead deer at least a week as you exit Route 199 off Monticello Avenue, right there at WindsorMeade. Someone has to have seen it, and I don’t know why no one has picked it up. Prior to that, there were three on the opposite side underneath the underpass that had been there for a long time.”
“Who is responsible for cleaning up the bags of trash, diapers, bottles, etc., in the ditches along News Road? I drive all over Williamsburg and I find the perimeter roads around Ford’s Colony (especially Centerville and News roads) are neglected. I would expect some department in James City County government has responsibility. And please don’t waste your time telling me I should clean it up.”
Lost and found - “People who put in items about their lost animals need to include the area where they live and where the animal may have been lost. I read the items all the time and wonder where the dog was lost.”
Jobs are out there - “I don’t know what type of online search the person did (Jan. 18 Last Word), but there are not that many teaching jobs in the immediate area. There may be postings, but not for local schools.”
“I have a job but am currently laid off for the winter. To receive unemployment benefits from the Virginia Employment Commission, I have to do a weekly job search. Contrary to the previous comment, I find the jobs available to be only part-time, low-pay, no benefits and located on the lower Peninsula or Southside. Many are third-party listings, which VEC warns on the website could be scams. It is troublesome to me to be obligated to apply for jobs that pay much less than I make when working, with fewer or no benefits and for which I would have to drive 30 miles for part-time hours. Plus I am competing with those who really need jobs. There are very few legitimate jobs available.”
Insurance issues - “As a federal retiree who is eligible for the military’s TFL program, I have found that TFL is an adequate secondary coverage for Medicare parts A & B. It is important that you not drop Blue Cross/Blue Shield, but instead suspend it. This option was given to retirees to help in the event that Congress makes future changes or reductions to TFL benefits.”
“I have some important news for those over 60. President Obama has appointed a 15-member board. Members are not elected officials. The board is the IPAB, the Independent Peers Advisory Board. Essentially what this board does is determine how much will be paid to you in your health. If you are sick in the hospital and have a need for an expensive operation to save your life, you may not get it. There is a petition circulating to stop this through Congress. Call 888 947-9009 to receive the petition.”
Politics - “Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich needs to be asked about his position on Obamacare. Gingrich was known to support the individual mandate requirements. He has curiously avoided speaking about this issue. Where does he stand on this? Why has the media avoided asking him this question?”
“Would it be too mundane to discuss economics and energy, and talk less about Newt Gingrich’s post nuptial nonsense? The establishment of the Federal Reserve Bank in 1913 and the 1971 switch from a gold standard to a fiat system has set our country on a path of exponential debt. There are no longer restraints on the amount of money or debt our government creates. A world population of 7.9 billion by 2025 seems to point toward an inevitable energy crisis. Other than oil fields that have peaked, what other sources of energy are being considered to keep up with demands?”
“I’m tired of politicians praising the Founding Fathers by reciting ‘all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.’ As a proud American African, I twinge whenever I hear it. If they truly believed this, how could they deny those same unalienable rights of those they enslaved? How can this be viewed as a basis of pride today knowing the cornerstone document of our nation was based on such a hypocritical verse? I feel more pride from future generations striving to make their insinuations a reality rather than believing Founding Fathers were thinking of the freedoms and future of me or my ancestors.”
“If the Republicans are so fond of family values, why is a mother of three small children running for a seat in the U.S. Senate where she will be absent from her home more often than not?”
“Regarding the comment in Wednesday’s Last Word: I can’t help but wonder where the person got the information. According to OMB historical records, Reagan inherited a $700 billion deficit and a stagnant economy, and he left with a $2,052 billion deficit. The bipartisan tax reform act cut loopholes to reform and simplify the tax code. Inflation was reduced from 10% to 4%. Unemployment fell from 7% to 5.4%. He ended the Cold War. The rate of growth in federal spending fell from 4% under Carter to 2.5%. Was Reagan perfect? No. Did he achieve all of his goals? Definitely not. But his administration supervised the second-largest peacetime economic expansion in our nation’s history.”
“Back in the latter part of 2010, Steve Ressler organized a DC rally of about 60,000 people called Government Doesn’t Suck March. The march was held to try to get the American people expressing their opinion about the waste in government. I would encourage everyone to visit governmentdoesntsuckmarch and read some of the comments made by the youths of America about how waste is being done in America.”
“In response to the person talking about the Occupy Wall Street movement and other issues, are you really so naïve to think that corporate CEOs making over 400% of what an average employee makes is unrelated to our national economy or to your personal financial situation? If so, you are woefully uneducated about how this nation works.”
“My sister and her family live in San Francisco, and I have to say that these Occupy Wall Street people are crazy. Why are they harassing a woman in her 50s who’s trying to do banking? Why are they destroying car dealerships? They no longer have credibility in California.”
“Newt Gingrich and the Republicans are hypocrites. Gingrich voted to impeach Bill Clinton on the very day he was cheating on his wife with his then-secretary and now third wife. And now, he doesn’t think this should be discussed in public. He did the exact same thing Clinton did, yet he defends himself.”
“We need a bit more county sheriff presence in New Town, not just on the weekends. I’ve noticed that drivers are getting sloppy about yielding to the pedestrian right-of-way, among other things. I was nearly run over the other day.”
“Thank you to the James City Police Department for implementing a free bicycle registration program. Officer Dill came to our home, recorded the critical information and placed stickers on all bikes. Now, if one of my bikes is stolen I know that my chance for recovery is much better.”
“Go Ape? That belongs in Busch Gardens not in a residential neighborhoods Botanical Garden. That’s one of the worst ideas to date. I hope our county supervisors think this through before acting.”
Mausoleum - “The letter to parishioners from the pastor of St. Bede shows he still doesn’t get it (Jan. 21 Gazette). He would have people believe he backed down for now only because of a few troublemakers and the anti-Catholic media. Then he refers to their behavior as ‘seriously sinful.’ This project was a misguided, secretive, public relations nightmare from the start. The lesson for the pastor in secular matters such as this is to not assume that you can act independently, only through lawyers in secret and get your way. His arrogance is breathtaking. I pray for a new pastor.”
“How dare state reps from other areas introduce bills that directly and negatively impact other localities, specifically HB 316 and SB 430, which would preclude our local governments from having certain say over cemeteries and mausoleums. And, silly us, until a member of St. Bede recently explained, we had no idea a mausoleum was above-the-ground burial, not a typical cemetery. I doubt any of us realized or thought about a church built in recent times having land enough to plan a cemetery or mausoleum. So we would not have fought against a church coming into our neighborhood. Let’s make sure local representatives indeed get the bills changed or stopped before anymore games are played here.”
“There is no place in James City as unsightly as the numerous handmade signs along Ironbound Road, which have been allowed to remain in place for months, distracting drivers and scaring away paying tourists. Love thy neighbor goes for you too. Isn’t there some sort of ordinance preventing unsightly trash to remain along public streets? At the very least, these are distracting to drivers in a very busy area from driving safely.”
More – See the story in tomorrow's Virginia Gaztte.
Jolly Pond Road - “Once again the residents of Jolly Pond Road were notified regarding a public hearing on Jolly Pond Road. The hearing was set up by VDOT and was held for the public to express opinions. I went to the meeting thinking I would hear a presentation by VDOT or even a James City representative regarding the status and processes that are ongoing. What I learned was, you had to ask questions of the representatives from the state and county to get answers. Unfortunately, no one was willing to give answers. I was told that the Transportation Board will meet and hear recommendations from various state officials. What happens after that meeting is, the state has to agree to abandon the section of road over the dam and once that is done it will be picked up by James City County. Next time there is a public hearing by the state, please have someone at least give a presentation to the public.”
“Why is it that one of the newer and larger retirement communities here does not allow any of the residents to serve on the board or know exactly what the financial status is? Many have sunk all their money in the place and are in the dark about the true financial status, especially when other communities run by it have failed.”
Bullying forum - “I attended the community forum on bullying last week and was impressed that one of the points made was that bystanders need to learn to be a caring majority. This means that those who see bullying happen try to help the victim of this abuse and not just stand by and watch. Unfortunately, there were only seven adults present at the forum, beyond the presenters. Does our community not see bullying as a problem? And how can our children be taught to be a caring majority when the parents won’t be?”
School issues - “How many teachers and para-educators could stay on the job if the WJC School Board office would get rid of the extra administrators and their staff? It seems that the superintendent no longer has anything to do. He has an assistant for all aspects of running the school system. There is an assistant superintendent of elementary instruction, an assistant superintendent of secondary instruction, an assistant superintendent of principals, a chief financial officer, a chief executive officer, and all have six-figure salaries. And why do taxpayers pay for health insurance, travel and dues for School Board members?”
“As a WJC Schools employee, I see waste every day in the schools. (1) Turn off the lights, computers, monitors etc., when not in use. (2) Stop wasting money on unused technological equipment. (3) Teachers, staff and Central Office use copies way too much. The cost of paper alone is astronomical, not to mention toner and ink. (4) Buses leaving school in the afternoons with 10-15 students on board is a waste of gas and use of bus drivers. (5) Driver’s ed in school is an 18-week program. That’s 18 weeks teachers pay plus a car and gas that are used every semester. (6) School sports and extracurricular activities need to be paid partly by parents. (7) Stop hiring outside consultants to do studies and take surveys.”
“The last time I checked, the fee for nonresidents to attend WJC Schools was $10,000 a year. WJC employees who do not reside within the boundaries are allowed to send their children to WJC for free. A lot of money could be generated if they were required to pay the $10,000.”
“Why can’t teachers monitor lunch lines to prevent disorderly students from breaking into lines in groups? James City Police can sit at Busch Gardens night after night directing traffic, but no police officer helps direct traffic at Lafayette High even when one is assigned there. Plenty of young drivers and all sorts of folks come and go in mass both morning and afternoon.”
“I hope the WJC School Board does eliminate the pre-kindergarten program. Parents should either stay home and care for their children until kindergarten or pay for child care themselves. If this is a problem for them, then perhaps they should have waited to have kids. This worked for us in the old days.”
“4x4 block classes at Lafayette High are a bad idea. There will be too much math and history crammed into long periods. My kid rushed through geometry and history classes so fast that he could barely keep up. A lot of students simply could not keep the pace.”
“Is it too much to ask male professional teachers to wear a tie to class and look professional?”
“Gift idea: Make a generous donation to our school athletic associations to better their equipment and help improve athletic skills.”
“The Last Word correspondent on Jan 21 is off by a country mile with the evaluation of ‘our school system continues to by world-class.’ There are many indications that the WJC Schools level of instruction is to the lowest one-third in ability. Our own children were schooled in Fairfax County, which has very good schools at a reasonable cost to taxpayers. About 93% of those high school graduates are accepted and go on to college. If I had school-aged children here, I would be looking at affordable options to the public schools.”
“Why do high school students have to pay $50 per semester to park? At Warhill, for example, there is plenty of parking available, so why charge a fee? My taxes paid for those empty spots, why can’t my child use them for free? The teachers dont pay. Where does that money go? Does anyone have a reasonable answer as to why the schools charge a fee for parking?”
No Child Left Behind - “Thank you go to the Williamsburg chapter of the League of Women Voters for booking Steven Staples, adjunct professor of education at William & Mary and former superintendent of York Schools, to present No Child Left Behind issues at the Williamsburg Library. The presentation should be a mandatory attendance for all parents, school administrators/principals, teachers and local city/county officials. The briefing should be repeated and presented in the evening as welll with sufficient publicity. As Congress and President Obama are submitting new initiatives, everyone needs to get updated on this important subject. I recommend the League repeat this presentation.”
Teacher retirement - “Enough already! Yes, we need teachers and most do a good job. Yes, they should contribute to their own retirement. There should be no free ride and the Virginia State legislature should change the retirement program to include financial participation by teachers. By comparison, the Federal Civil Service Retirement System requires a 7% contribution, which is reasonable and appropriate. It is also noted that the CSRS does not contain a Social Security benefit.”
“The existence of a paid-for pension for teachers has been part of the compensation package used to attract good teachers to WJC. Since 2008, local teachers have already seen an effective cut to their salaries by freezing salary steps, increasing class sizes and reduced planning times. We’re already working more for less compensation, and shifting the pension pay would further reduce the attractiveness of the teaching profession. If we want our kids and our country to be successful in the future, we need to attract the best and the brightest to teach them now. Balancing the budget on the backs of teachers is not a wise move.”
Pay-to-play - “What can be done to stop pay-to-play? Do parents have a say? So many children will be hurt by this. Not every parent has money to pay for sports. Sports offer children many opportunities in their future, including college. It’s also an incentive for children to keep up their grades and keep them out of trouble. Most important is the benefit to their health. Participating in sports helps keep children off the streets and their video games. Let the children play school sports without having to worry if their family can afford to pay.”
City issues - “It was interesting to hear Mayor Clyde Haulman tell about the current discussion sessions among Williamsburg, York and James City as comprehensive planning for each locality moves forward. But when questioned about the placing of an office building in a neighborhood of single-family dwellings, the infamous empty diagnostic center on North Henry, he replied, ‘What is a neighborhood?’ Many of us think such an answer explains why a college freshman was appointed to the city Planning Commission at the very time the city needs a commissioner with area plan history. We think Haulman erred in replacing a devoted and thoughtful planning commissioner, Jim Joseph, with a neophyte.”
“We just opened a new building, built by the state, which can be broken into or out of with just a spoon. The fact that this building houses a mental hospital makes it even worse. Who made the decision to not build Eastern State out of brick and cinder block at least? Perhaps cardboard jails will be next.”
“Cheers to Everette ‘Thumper’ Newman for another year with A Gift From Ben food program. It makes a difference in helping those in need in our community. His donations and volunteers have been very helpful with this program.”
“Thank you to Virginia, who provides the ride coordination for Rides for Seniors. She does a wonderful job, often given less notice, and we appreciate her.”
DUI justice - “We have hard judges in Williamsburg (Jan. 21 Last Word). That woman or man you knew got off scot-free because he or she probably has money and a good lawyer. A lot of things factor in on these decisions. I know someone who had two DUIs and received a three-year sentence in Williamsburg. It is a case-by-case matter, but I definitely think our judges are not easy here.”
“Why don’t judges sentence those found guilty of a DUI to jail, even if it’s his or her first time. They should be given a long enough sentence that they would think before ever driving under the influence again.”
Housing the poor - “Community housing is bad in this area. I wonder if it’s the same all over the country. I think President Obama is to blame. The government needs to control housing more and put more money into it. Just like the IRS, the government needs to visit and see what’s really there and remove it. I’ve heard horror stories about drugs, alcoholic, abuse in the street and heavy cussing and harassment through the walls. Deserted old properties need to be sold to the government as use for hotels or decent housing. This problem will destroy our country.”
Hood ornaments - “As the driver of a ‘luxury’ vehicle, I take exception to the individual’s assertion that owners of these vehicles never had to walk. That’s a ludicrous statement. You stand a better chance of being impaled by bicycle hardware from a careless cyclist than a hood ornament. Maybe the nanny state should look into this as well.”
Domestic violence - “The Police Blotter in a recent Gazette listed 23 arrests for domestic assault and battery during a two-week period. That averages to almost two a day. What is the cause of this epidemic of domestic violence in our small town and what can we do to reverse this trend?”
At the movies - “Thank you to Movie Tavern for the showing of ‘The Enchanted Island,’ in hi-def from the Metropolitan Opera. What an enchanting performance. The seats were filled with happy locals who cheered just as enthusiastically as the Met attendees.”
“‘The Descendents’ won the Golden Globe for best picture and we could not see this movie in Williamsburg because our two movie theaters did not show it. We are senior citizens, and like many our age enjoy going to the movies in the afternoon because we do like to go out at night. But we have a hard time finding a decent movie to go to.”
“On Sunday at the Kimball Theater we tried to see a movie in the Screening room, which seats 30. All seats for the Sunday show had been sold by Saturday. While we stood there, the ticket seller turned away at least 30 people. We chose to go to the main theater and watched the movie with 12 other people and 300 empty seats. No wonder the Kimball is losing money. Why didn't someone switch theaters?”
Signage - “The person inquiring about sign removal should get involved with the Adopt-A-Highway program. Volunteers can remove signs as well as pick up trash.”
Hunting issues - “To those worried about the shooting that seems to be too close to their homes: Please keep in mind that these hunters are most likely well within their rights. If you have concerns, why not contact the correct authorities? I would recommend contacting the game warden’s office. One call to the Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries is all it takes. The department will then look into this matter.”
“In response to the recent Last Word complaints about hunters, I don’t actively hunt in greater Williamsburg but I will speak for those who do. If you don’t want to hear gunshots, then simply don’t move into a rural area. The sounds of gunshots carry. It’s not like these people are hunting in your backyard. Therefore, you are not in any danger of being shot. Carrying a hunting license means one has successfully passed a hunter’s safety course from the state of Virginia and know how to safely handle firearms. I am sure you’d be the first to complain if you totaled your new Lexus by hitting a deer because of their overpopulation or if they were trampling and eating your beautiful, professionally landscaped yards. Hunters are wildlife conservationists.”
Restaurant experiences - “At a fast-food joint recently, four meals were purchased and taken home. We then discovered a burger was very pink, the fish sandwich was raw, fries were stale and a kids meal was made incorrectly. When we drove back to get a refund on our $24 meal, we were asked by the manager on duty where the rest of the fries were (they were left at home and trashed). On a previous visit to this same location months ago, I received a hard biscuit and a mini drink. I called the Health Department and am done with this restaurant forever.”
“We recently ate at a new restaurant but was shocked at some of the prices — $2.75 for iced tea and $8 for a bloody mary. The food was very good, but the other prices were completely out of line.”
“Though we absolutely love the food at a certain restaurant, someone commented that the hostesses looked like girls from Hooters. They wear low-cut shirts, which is not appropriate for dining with grandparents. They need to cover up a bit more and be a little more professional.”
Customer service - “I am a senior citizen who had never been in a Journey’s store until the other day. I saw on the Internet that it sold the boots I was looking for. When the first store didn’t have my size, the salesperson called the other Journey’s store in town, which had the boots and held them for me. The young ladies in both those stores were nice and helpful.”
“I purchased a camera from Walmart and received excellent professional service from Alisha. She was very helpful, knowledgeable and personable.”
“It is great to know that in these tough economic times, some of our local businesses are thriving so well that they don’t need or want additional customers. I’m in the process of having my hardwood floors replaced and went to inquire about having this done at a certain flooring store. I was told by the owner that he was too busy now. I’m glad too know that he turned me away because of overwhelming business and not because I am an African American. I will be sure to tell everyone I come in contact with just how busy he is.”
Cheers & jeers - “Thank you to the scoreboard operator during the Warhill/Bruton basketball game the other night. He was able to find a free app on his cell phone during halftime so he was able to operate the scoreboard efficiently during the second half of the game.”
“The product warning on the person’s new 3-ounce electronic device (Jan. 21 Last Word) came from the company’s lawyers, not a government agency.”
“After trying many beauty salons in Williamsburg through the years, I discovered a wonderful salon, Hairy Situations, in the Village Shops at Kingsmill. Julie and Kasey provide state-of-the-art services. 253-0345.”
“I recommend Stephanie from Minuteman Press for custom graphics. She did an excellent job with my company’s notepads and invoices.”
“When not using childproof bottles, pharmacies should use square ones. They take up less space than round ones and medicine cabinets are always overfilled. I have six prescriptions, none coming in childproof bottles, and all are round. The only reason food cans are round is no one has invented a way to open the square tops.”
“I cannot express how thankful I am to the wonderful nurses in the pediatric unit at Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center for taking such good care of my little girl while she was sick.”
“I had a pleasant experience with a good, local Southern handyman, Allen Morris. He is thorough, competent and offers competitive pricing. 645-7470.”
“Do we really need bookstores near theaters selling graphic picture books on best techniques for oral sex? Find better books for your shelves.”
“William & Mary Sex Workers Show again? How many times do we need to teach our college students how to be a prostitute or sex object? W&M leaders fail at this again.”
“I have been a patient with an incredible doctor’s practice in Williamsburg, Peninsula Cancer Institute, started by the late Dr. Ellis. With his passing, it has continued the care by adding new physicians. But please update advertising in the Well-Being directory in the Gazette. The list of doctors doesn’t reflect the current ones. Dr. John Miller is a special man who not only listens, but shows a devotion to the well-being of his patients.”
“Just when you find a place you like that has good food and service, it closes down again. The Garden will surely be missed by all in my family.”
Italian cruise ship - “Contrast the courage of Capt. Chesley ‘Sully’ Sullenberger with the cowardice of Capt. Francesco Schettino. Sully slowly walking the length of his (air)ship in waist-high water in darkness while his ship was sinking in the Hudson River twice to make sure everyone was safely off, a picture of courage in action. And Schettino, a coward, was among the first to flee his craft. What a contrast.”
At the library - “Who is John Moorman, director of the Williamsburg Regional Library, trying to fool? I am not surprised the Williamsburg Library has been caught flat-footed on e-books (Jan. 21 Gazette). Moorman is trying to point to this year’s e-book sales for the library being swamped. Not so, it is so far behind other city libraries that have offered this same service for audio and e-books for years. Sure, other libraries are seeing increased demand too, but they have a much greater offering. Most of my book friends have kept their old former library cards the last few years to get e-books because they gave up on the library getting in the game. Same goes for audio books.”
Postal delivery - “Given the volume of mail that the Postal Service handles each day, one has to expect that mail may occasionally be delayed or delivered to the wrong address. One should also consider the pressure that carriers and clerks are under with the constant scrutiny, procedures and deadlines. I was a letter carrier before so I know what it feels like. I, too, have had problems with mail delivery, but I didn’t make a big fuss over it. We all make mistakes while on the job, so think about how you would perform at work with so many customers complaining about you. There is no doubt that if the Postal Service does improve service, the complainers will find something else to complain about.”
“Thank you, Gazette, for printing that piece about the post office. I got a letter two weeks ago, and it was a $500 check. It was in an envelope, saying it was sorry it had been damaged. Te check and envelope were torn in half, I assume it happened through one of the machines in Richmond. This is not the first time I’ve received mail that’s been torn on the corner or chewed up. I will be calling the phone number given to report it, also. Thanks for the information.”
Still a come-here? - “Until you have lived here long enough for the neighbors to refer to your house as ‘turn at the (fill in the blank)’s house’ when giving instructions on how to get to their house or business, then you are still a come-lately (Jan. 21 Last Word). Sometimes it takes several generations to become one of us.”
Neighborhoods - “Perhaps the person complaining about the neighborhood couple upsetting him or her and 14 others would care to identify his or her neighborhood. Maybe that couple feels the same about them and feels they should be the ones moving.”
“It was sad to read such a petty, hateful comment from the person who seems to be a self-appointed spokesman for his/her neighborhood. Too often nowadays neighborhoods seem to have such a group of residents who think it’s their way or the highway. The days of caring for your neighbors and really getting to know them have gone the way of cheap gasoline. You really need to look at yourself before making such comments. I can happily say I don’t live in your neighborhood.”
“To the person who called in about the couple in a small neighborhood: How sad other people’s shortcomings amuse you and your clan. Ever thought about trying to help them out?”
“I live on Canal Street in Chickahominy Haven, and I’m complaining about these empty lots. They are used as trash dumps, and there’s one that has truck loads of dirt on it, along with other trash. We pay high taxes here, and it’s not right that we have to look at that mess. Our houses are depreciating because people don’t take care of the empty lots.”
Come and get it - “We have for free to pianists, a HeathKit Electronic Metronome. First come, first served. 566-8536.”
Does anyone know... - “If anyone with a collection of sea shells would like to donate them, I would love to have them for art projects. I will pick them up. 1958.pdm@gmail.com.”
“Does anyone know of a church that may have older black choir robes or former graduates who may have black graduation robes that we may borrow for our upcoming school musical? E-mail gallantl@wjcc.k12.va.us or call 229-8051 and ask for the drama program.”
“Could someone recommend a reasonable salon in this area to get the Keratin treatment done?”
“Where does one purchase the Terk HDTV antenna? Would it work in a dense-tree neighborhood? Paying $64 per month for cable TV is a lot.”
“If anyone has a used computer that’s not being used or has purchased a brand new computer and needs to get rid of an old one, I’d appreciate a call. 206-1987.”
“Could someone recommend a pillow that won’t hurt my face? As I’ve grown older, it seems like no matter what type of pillow I try, the slight pressure against my face hurts my cheeks. 570-8090 or gdouglas@widomaker.com.”
“I had to have the furnace repaired and called Doug Smith of Smith Maintenance Inc., 566-3412. He arrived promptly, did outstanding work and was reasonably priced.”
“Is there a vehicle maintenence shop in or near Williamsburg that works on Toyotas without double-charging like a certain Toyota dealer does?”
“How do I dispose of or recycle the following: VHS tapes, old/expired medicine, batteries? Is there a place in this area that accepts these items?”
“For the person with Quest Plumbing: Go online and find Mid-Atlantic Re-Plumbing. Three homes in our neighborhood have been replumbed. It costs thousands of dollars less than most other companies and does a great job.”
“What is the brand name of the slow-burning candles (tapers) that used to be sold at the Williamsburg Wine & Cheese Shop before it changed ownership? The candles had a black band with description of something like ‘world’s best candle.’ They have a rough surface. 229-5035.”
“In response to the person asking how to introduce a new cat into a home with the other one: What I did was close the new cat up in a bedroom with a litter box and her food and kept the other cat in the rest of the house. Eventually, they will start playing with each other under the door. They’ll know another cat is beyond the door. That’s how my cat was integrated in with the old cat.”
“Shame on the family looking for info on how to integrate two male cats into one household. Put them together, they will work it out. If not, I pray that you would try first to find the older cat a good, loving home instead of having it euthanized.”
“To the couple in Kingswood who bought a couple of tents this past fall at a yard sale in Jamestown 1607: I have found a couple of pieces that I’m sure belong with the tents. Call 293-8512.”
“The person looking for lawn service should call CJ’s Lawn Service, 345-5353 and leave a message. He offers free estimates.”
“Is there a local business that will be offering cookie bouquets for Valentine’s Day? AboutTime@cox.net.”
“Does anyone know how to get in touch with violin player John Turner, who used to be associated with Colonial Williamsburg? 229-5071.”
“I am in desperate need of donated bunkbeds or beds. 759-2405.”
“Does anyone know where locally I can purchase a cardboard holder for the presidential gold dollar coins?”
“Does anyone have a computer or a TV to donate? I need them for my daughter’s room. 741-2059.”
“I need to add two TV cable outlets in my home. If anyone does this type of work, call 741-2060.”
“Does anyone know of a fully trained, experienced dermatologist in greater Williamsburg? I’ve had three during the past five years deal with my skin cancer problems. With the exception of the first one, the examinations were cursory at best and didn’t reflect on my total concerns about specific cancers. I have various cancers, including prostate cancer, plus a family history of cancer. I need a competent second opinion, as do two of my close friends.”
“The Warhill High School PTSA is having a yard sale on April 21, and is looking for donations, vendors and anyone wanting to purchase a space to sell their wares. E-mail Laura Gabeler at warhillpta@cox.net or call 566-0517.”
Driving along - “Jeers to the James City police officer who insists on riding my bumper from the county to West Point at midnight, then passes me and continue to speed over the bridge and through my town. I have tried to get the numbers on the car to call it in, but I can never catch the driver because I obey the speed limits. Please keep your distance and watch your speed. If I could give you a ticket, I would because I’m sure our county would love the money.”
Oswaldo Martinez - “I agree with the comments about the Oswaldo Martinez case and how long he’s been in custody. I don’t think it’s right that taxpayers have to pay to house him. If it someone around here had been accused of such a crime, he or she would be serving time now.”
“So how many years are state taxpayers compelled to keep an alleged murderer in comfort and useless classes? Oswald Martinez is accused of killing a teenaged girl seven years ago, and we are still keeping him probably better than he has ever lived in his life. Why shouldn’t he just be deported and be done with it? Why does anyone think it worthwhile to teach someone sign language if it takes seven years to make not enough progress to satisfy concerns that he can participate in his defense?”
Toll gates - “Have the no-taxes-regardless-of-problems-or-need people ever take the time to tally the costs of building toll booths, pay the staff and/or toll collecting equipment? The cost to business and environment of stopped vehicles waiting in the inevitable lines to pay the tolls? Can they explain how net dollars, if any, from proposed tolls make more sense than an increase in gas taxes? Everyone in Virginia uses roadways and bridges whether they drive or not. If they eat, buy clothes, go to church or school or doctors, they are on the roads. It may have been merely silly years ago that Virginia proudly kept gas taxes lower than most all states. Now it is stupid and irresponsible. The payment system exists and no new buildings, hires, equipment are needed to add the tax.”
Road kill and trash - “Whose responsibility is it to pick up road kill? And what is that agency’s phone number? There has been a dead deer at least a week as you exit Route 199 off Monticello Avenue, right there at WindsorMeade. Someone has to have seen it, and I don’t know why no one has picked it up. Prior to that, there were three on the opposite side underneath the underpass that had been there for a long time.”
“Who is responsible for cleaning up the bags of trash, diapers, bottles, etc., in the ditches along News Road? I drive all over Williamsburg and I find the perimeter roads around Ford’s Colony (especially Centerville and News roads) are neglected. I would expect some department in James City County government has responsibility. And please don’t waste your time telling me I should clean it up.”
Lost and found - “People who put in items about their lost animals need to include the area where they live and where the animal may have been lost. I read the items all the time and wonder where the dog was lost.”
Jobs are out there - “I don’t know what type of online search the person did (Jan. 18 Last Word), but there are not that many teaching jobs in the immediate area. There may be postings, but not for local schools.”
“I have a job but am currently laid off for the winter. To receive unemployment benefits from the Virginia Employment Commission, I have to do a weekly job search. Contrary to the previous comment, I find the jobs available to be only part-time, low-pay, no benefits and located on the lower Peninsula or Southside. Many are third-party listings, which VEC warns on the website could be scams. It is troublesome to me to be obligated to apply for jobs that pay much less than I make when working, with fewer or no benefits and for which I would have to drive 30 miles for part-time hours. Plus I am competing with those who really need jobs. There are very few legitimate jobs available.”
Insurance issues - “As a federal retiree who is eligible for the military’s TFL program, I have found that TFL is an adequate secondary coverage for Medicare parts A & B. It is important that you not drop Blue Cross/Blue Shield, but instead suspend it. This option was given to retirees to help in the event that Congress makes future changes or reductions to TFL benefits.”
“I have some important news for those over 60. President Obama has appointed a 15-member board. Members are not elected officials. The board is the IPAB, the Independent Peers Advisory Board. Essentially what this board does is determine how much will be paid to you in your health. If you are sick in the hospital and have a need for an expensive operation to save your life, you may not get it. There is a petition circulating to stop this through Congress. Call 888 947-9009 to receive the petition.”
Politics - “Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich needs to be asked about his position on Obamacare. Gingrich was known to support the individual mandate requirements. He has curiously avoided speaking about this issue. Where does he stand on this? Why has the media avoided asking him this question?”
“Would it be too mundane to discuss economics and energy, and talk less about Newt Gingrich’s post nuptial nonsense? The establishment of the Federal Reserve Bank in 1913 and the 1971 switch from a gold standard to a fiat system has set our country on a path of exponential debt. There are no longer restraints on the amount of money or debt our government creates. A world population of 7.9 billion by 2025 seems to point toward an inevitable energy crisis. Other than oil fields that have peaked, what other sources of energy are being considered to keep up with demands?”
“I’m tired of politicians praising the Founding Fathers by reciting ‘all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.’ As a proud American African, I twinge whenever I hear it. If they truly believed this, how could they deny those same unalienable rights of those they enslaved? How can this be viewed as a basis of pride today knowing the cornerstone document of our nation was based on such a hypocritical verse? I feel more pride from future generations striving to make their insinuations a reality rather than believing Founding Fathers were thinking of the freedoms and future of me or my ancestors.”
“If the Republicans are so fond of family values, why is a mother of three small children running for a seat in the U.S. Senate where she will be absent from her home more often than not?”
“Regarding the comment in Wednesday’s Last Word: I can’t help but wonder where the person got the information. According to OMB historical records, Reagan inherited a $700 billion deficit and a stagnant economy, and he left with a $2,052 billion deficit. The bipartisan tax reform act cut loopholes to reform and simplify the tax code. Inflation was reduced from 10% to 4%. Unemployment fell from 7% to 5.4%. He ended the Cold War. The rate of growth in federal spending fell from 4% under Carter to 2.5%. Was Reagan perfect? No. Did he achieve all of his goals? Definitely not. But his administration supervised the second-largest peacetime economic expansion in our nation’s history.”
“Back in the latter part of 2010, Steve Ressler organized a DC rally of about 60,000 people called Government Doesn’t Suck March. The march was held to try to get the American people expressing their opinion about the waste in government. I would encourage everyone to visit governmentdoesntsuckmarch and read some of the comments made by the youths of America about how waste is being done in America.”
“In response to the person talking about the Occupy Wall Street movement and other issues, are you really so naïve to think that corporate CEOs making over 400% of what an average employee makes is unrelated to our national economy or to your personal financial situation? If so, you are woefully uneducated about how this nation works.”
“My sister and her family live in San Francisco, and I have to say that these Occupy Wall Street people are crazy. Why are they harassing a woman in her 50s who’s trying to do banking? Why are they destroying car dealerships? They no longer have credibility in California.”
“Newt Gingrich and the Republicans are hypocrites. Gingrich voted to impeach Bill Clinton on the very day he was cheating on his wife with his then-secretary and now third wife. And now, he doesn’t think this should be discussed in public. He did the exact same thing Clinton did, yet he defends himself.”
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| Saturday's Last Word on Friday |
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Keep the signs wrote on Jan 24, 2012 3:38 PM:
" The signs along the road are a reminder to the community that the inner circle of St. Bede's that rallies around McCarron et al are trying to pull one over on its citizens. KEEP THE SIGNS UP! We cannot allow McCarron to push his agenda on this community. PERIOD. "
B52 wrote on Jan 24, 2012 6:33 PM:
" For the person looking for certified Toyota shop try Carroll's Automotive 307 Ewell Road # D near Ale Works; they do great work! "
Teachers wrote on Jan 24, 2012 7:18 PM:
" Is it too much to ask female professional teachers to wear dresses and skirts pass their knees and not show cleavage and look professional? "
to The Last Word correspondent on Jan 21 is off by a country mile wrote on Jan 25, 2012 12:26 AM:
" You may or may not be addressing my comments, which were not submitted to the Last Word, but were in an email discussion about York County Magnet issues. Even if you weren’t, I think our family’s experience still has merit. First, I would like to ask why you decided to leave the hallowed grounds of Fairfax to settle in the Williamsburg environs? Perhaps, then, you would understand why some of us actively choose to reside here on a (semi) permanent basis, and choose this area as more suitable for raising and educating our children. Our family, in particular, has chosen Williamsburg/York County OVER Fairfax on several occasions. No educational system is perfect, but we recognize the benefits of this area for our whole family over that of the DC area. Seeing that you no longer have school-aged children, it seems that you are not qualified to address the local school issues. Regardless of whether you were targeting my previous comments, I still stand by our family’s own experience that area schools (in our case, Waller Mill and Queens Lake) have been so outstanding as to put our children ahead of their private school counterparts here overseas. We have several tours back and forth to the Williamsburg area and overseas to back up our claims. So please, unless you have personal experience to support your assumptions, please refrain from commenting – or by all means, feel free to volunteer in our school systems to help out – and save us from Fairfax’s overcrowding and safety issues at the same time... "
the old race card wrote on Jan 25, 2012 7:26 AM:
" I love it, a shop owner has a lot of work going on, heaven forbid in this economy, so a potential customer is delayed and the potential customer promptly whips out the race card. Maybe the owner didn't have the best thought in mind to continue ensuring he stays very busy, but I bet instead he saw you come in with your entitled attitude and probably didn't want to deal with your BS. "
Deer wrote on Jan 25, 2012 7:30 AM:
" I would like to know about the deer under the pass on Monticello Avenue. I found it odd that there were three or four all at once as if they were placed there. Were they all hit at once or what? "
pedestrians wrote on Jan 25, 2012 10:22 AM:
" If are going to cross the streets please use the pedestrian crossing, look both ways before crossing. I hate with people jump in middle of the rood without even looking. This happends on Jamestown Road near William and Mary "
Restaurant experiences wrote on Jan 25, 2012 10:36 AM:
" if you are going to give a review or complain on a restaurant, please give the name of it "
Carol Schuster wrote on Jan 25, 2012 11:16 AM:
" To the person who is hunting in the Powhatan watershed between Villas at Five Forks and Settlement at Powhatan Creek: I acknowledge your right to legally hunt during hunting season, but the police have advised me that you may not hunt within 300 feet of a residential property. As a resident of Five Forks, I am concerned that your gunfire is "too close for comfort" and could endanger our community. "
Shame wrote on Jan 25, 2012 12:21 PM:
" It would be good if animal maimers could man up and admit they like shooting sentient beings because it makes them feel powerful and satisfies some form of sadism for them. Instead they call themselves "wildlife conservationists" . What a laugh. Admit it boys, you never found your manhood anywhere else so you went looking for it by dismembering a deer. "
Shameless wrote on Jan 25, 2012 1:00 PM:
" @shame - do you have absolutely nothing else to do in life then comment on every single article with your hapless whit? Get a life man. "
Merit Anglin wrote on Jan 25, 2012 5:57 PM:
" On Hunting Issues - Response
To those who believe the average licensed Virginia hunter to be a “wildlife conservationist.”
While carrying a hunting license may mean one “know[s] how to safely handle firearms,” (Last Word, Hunting Issues, 1/25) it is a long shot to assume that licensed hunters have the knowledge, skill, and integrity to qualify as “wildlife conservationists.”
On knowledge: the great majority of hunters in this area and, unfortunately, beyond, set out to control local herds by culling the largest and fittest bucks, whose eight plus point racks promise peer praise and instill a sense of primal pride and accomplishment. This ignorant and self-centered approach hardly contributes to the strengthening of existing populations.
On skill: the average local hunter not only lacks the fitness but also the skills to ensure a quick kill. Many are poor shots and massively overweight. Equipped with ATVs, synthetic urine, dogs, far-range rifles, and not to forget bush beer, they rarely kill on the first, or second, or even the 5th shot. Believe me, I have had plenty of opportunity to count. Animals that have been hit but manage to escape the fangs or, rather, the ATV swath of their sluggish predators, I routinely find rotting with a bullet in the leg on my morning walks around the upper Waller Mill Reservoir.
On integrity: Those hunters who do not outright trespass Williamsburg City or private property often use their emaciated and worm-ridden Beagles to drive the deer out of the Park and into the range of their barrels. In the process, they blatantly disregard the law.
In light of this, the real conservationists then are not the hunters, nor the Lexus drivers with deer damage, but the educated middle class that has enough sense and respect for life in general to step on the brakes of their Tacomas, Subarus, and Hondas when a deer, squirrel, opossum, skunk, or fox approaches. "
To those who believe the average licensed Virginia hunter to be a “wildlife conservationist.”
While carrying a hunting license may mean one “know[s] how to safely handle firearms,” (Last Word, Hunting Issues, 1/25) it is a long shot to assume that licensed hunters have the knowledge, skill, and integrity to qualify as “wildlife conservationists.”
On knowledge: the great majority of hunters in this area and, unfortunately, beyond, set out to control local herds by culling the largest and fittest bucks, whose eight plus point racks promise peer praise and instill a sense of primal pride and accomplishment. This ignorant and self-centered approach hardly contributes to the strengthening of existing populations.
On skill: the average local hunter not only lacks the fitness but also the skills to ensure a quick kill. Many are poor shots and massively overweight. Equipped with ATVs, synthetic urine, dogs, far-range rifles, and not to forget bush beer, they rarely kill on the first, or second, or even the 5th shot. Believe me, I have had plenty of opportunity to count. Animals that have been hit but manage to escape the fangs or, rather, the ATV swath of their sluggish predators, I routinely find rotting with a bullet in the leg on my morning walks around the upper Waller Mill Reservoir.
On integrity: Those hunters who do not outright trespass Williamsburg City or private property often use their emaciated and worm-ridden Beagles to drive the deer out of the Park and into the range of their barrels. In the process, they blatantly disregard the law.
In light of this, the real conservationists then are not the hunters, nor the Lexus drivers with deer damage, but the educated middle class that has enough sense and respect for life in general to step on the brakes of their Tacomas, Subarus, and Hondas when a deer, squirrel, opossum, skunk, or fox approaches. "
More on teachers wrote on Jan 25, 2012 7:10 PM:
" Just for your info...... In 1983 it was in lue of a pay raise when the localities started paying the employees share of their retirement. It was cheaper for the locality to pay the portion instead of giving a pay raise. They weren't doing the employees any favors. Since then the employees haven't seen much increase in their pay. 5% more out of their pay won't save a public servants job. Why do we want these servants of our communities to work for less. For the Record, VRS is 3rd from the bottom when compared to other states in the south east. Making the employees pay into their retirement won't fix VRS either. The only way to fix VRS is to make sure our Legislators are putting the right amount of money into the system and keep them from taking "holidays" with public servants pensions. Our Public Servants have already been 5 years without their earned Merit Raises and cost of living increases. They have seen their paychecks become smaller and smaller. They don't get bonuses like the private sector. They are having to aquire training on their own time and with there own money. Enough is Enough! These are the people who give up good Saleries to serve us. They teach our children, they keep our streets and homes safe, they keep our water clean, and they rush to save our lives when we need them the most. Why are we not standing up for the people who are their for us? Public Servants are not the enemy. Remember, are Legislators work for us, not the other way around. Do your Firefighters, Cops and teachers a favor and write or call your Senators and Delegates and tell them you want them to leave their pensions alone. Educate yourself on the facts. Don't just listen to the news or the paper. They are written by people with opinions to sway the public. There is a reason why the 1% is getting richer and the middle class is going away. Don't punish our public servants, punish the ones making the decisons for our locality's, states, and country. " "
Rader wrote on Jan 25, 2012 9:13 PM:
" An interesting take on teacher's salaries:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970203687504576655352353046120.html "
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970203687504576655352353046120.html "
To movies wrote on Jan 26, 2012 7:02 AM:
" To the person complaining about the movies..You think its only you seniors that dont go out at night that have a hard time finding a movie to go to. Sorry rarely is there a release worth paying ten dollars for these days. So you are not alone. The quality of movie releases is the problem not our local theaters! "
Gone wrote on Jan 26, 2012 7:04 AM:
" Geithner 'pretty confident' he'll be gone as Treasury secretary if Obama's re-elected . He will not be the only to go so will the rest of this country. "
The Oracle wrote on Jan 26, 2012 8:42 AM:
" To the black citizen who complained about the words in our constitution and other founding documents. I would remind you that you are a free man today, because of them!... "
Ethical Hunter wrote on Jan 26, 2012 8:58 AM:
" Wow, to say hunters are not wildlife conservationists is pretty far fetched. Especially when you have no idea how to effectively manage a deer herd. (Merit Anglin 1/25) Yes, you are right that that hunters aim for big, mature bucks. But this is also how you manage and build a quality deer herd. By harvesting mature bucks and does. And leaving the young bucks that you do not plan on taking as trophies. Also, it is impossible to make every shot a one shot kill as nice as it would be. We live in the thickets of Virginia, not the wide open spaces of the west, where well placed rifle shots are easy. Even there, some deer make it away wounded. Also, believe it or not, using deer urine does not make the deer run out of woods towards the hunter. As easy as it seems to the non-hunter, it definately does not work that way. Everyone I hunt with is ethical and we do everything by the book. As many tags as we recieve, I only took 2 deer this year. I passed up a lot more than that so they can grow and mature. I think you should talk to some actual hunters and stop comparing us to the stereotypical "outlaw" that gives us all a bad reputation. "
Not the Same wrote on Jan 26, 2012 11:23 AM:
" As far as Newt Gingrich extra marital affairs.
1 He was not the President.
2.He did not have the affair.
At the White house.
3.He did not lie to the American People.
4.He did not lie to a Federal Judge.
5.All of witch Clinton did.
(Not the exact same thing.) "
1 He was not the President.
2.He did not have the affair.
At the White house.
3.He did not lie to the American People.
4.He did not lie to a Federal Judge.
5.All of witch Clinton did.
(Not the exact same thing.) "
Laughable wrote on Jan 26, 2012 11:30 AM:
" Actually hunters, hunting organizations, the firearms and ammunition taxes, as well as donations of equipment suppliers fund conservation. The industry is willingly and in some cases enthusiasic about their funding of programs to the benefit of all. Almost all hunters that I know are more concened with conservation of flora as well as fauna than most of the general populace. Funny, but most people are concerened with the creation of artificially contrived landscapped ideals of a natural setting than actual woodland and wetland. The same person who complains about hunters complains about wildlife upsetting their landscaping. How many of you complainers make contributions to conservation funds through voluntary additions on your tax return? Every hunter I know harvests game for consumption as a reciprical part of their food expenses. Why is it that commercially produced meat bought in a store or restaurant acceptable and taking wild game for sustanance not? "
Sickoftheracecardtoo wrote on Jan 26, 2012 5:05 PM:
" @theoldracecard.....VERY WELL said! My mouth hung open the entire time I was reading the IGNORANT comment! When will this ever stop? "
To Deer wrote on Jan 26, 2012 8:06 PM:
" I don't know about this incident, but if a herd of deer are running scared they will follow each other off a cliff. In Fairfax a few years back a herd of deer jumped off an overpass from the Fairfax County Parkway about 30 feet down to Lee Highway during morning rush hour. No cars were hit thanks to the road being extra wide but about 9 deer hit the road, most died but police had to put some others down. "
a reader wrote on Jan 26, 2012 8:18 PM:
" to the person wanting to get rid of PreK. Your expirence "in the good old day" is a very different one from what kids get today. The elementary level kids get multiple tests and benchmarks a year. My second grader just had to take a 3 plus hour writing test that is actual one of 5 she has this year. This is on top of the benchmarks cover language arts and math. They have also started a new testing for the math evaluations as well. These kids are also expected to be reading by the time they finish Kindergarten. PreK is a must have for these kids to make it, especially the delayed ones. "
To Toll Roads wrote on Jan 26, 2012 9:23 PM:
" I agree with your opinion completely. And I would add that toll booths don't seem to go away after a project is paid for, the money just goes to pay for other road projects through the general fund. With gas taxes you actually pay in some proportion to your actual use of the roads, while fuel efficient vehicle owners are rewarded with a lower tax bill than gas guzzlers. "
Tolls wrote on Jan 26, 2012 10:18 PM:
" They took the tolls off the ferries, the Hampton Roads tunnel, and the ones on 64 East of Richmond "
martinez wrote on Jan 26, 2012 11:14 PM:
" if Oswaldo Martinez is too imcompetent to speak english, please contact me as i am a native spanish speaker so i can translate and get his butt in jail, or out of the usa. i don't see why we should be paying out money for scum like him. he took a life, why does it matter what language he speaks and what he understands? he took a life. "
To martinez wrote on Jan 27, 2012 8:40 AM:
" Good luck with that. What part of mute don't you understand? "
about introducing the cats wrote on Jan 28, 2012 8:21 PM:
" The first comment about how to introduce two cats was great advice. The second comment made no sense. The person is saying "shame on" a person for asking how to introduce cats to one another? Clearly this person has ABSOLUTELY NO worthwhile experience with cats. Occasionally two cats will do fine with little care to make the intro go smoothly. But the overwhelming majority of cats do not at first like one another when being introduced. The comment about introducing slowly and through the door was right on. It takes time. The second comment also said the two male cats would "work it out." Good luck with that one! The way they will work it out is through fighting, and that could get very ugly. Hopefully the person who asked about this follows the first person's comment. The second was 100% wrong! "
ScaredTourist wrote on Jan 24, 2012 3:09 PM: