Letters to the Editor for Saturday, March 6, 2010

Arts cuts would mean trouble for city
In the words of Harold Hill, in “The Music Man,” presented so magically by the E.C. Theater group, we have “trouble right here in River City” and throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia.

The House of Delegates currently is considering cutting funding, and the future elimination of funding, for the Virginia Commission for the Arts.

Yes, it is a tough economic time, but cutting funding to the arts across the commonwealth, especially funds that are matched by the federal government, is a bad idea.

Lynchburg has an incredibly diversified venue of the arts, from opera, dance, the symphony, The Academy, choral, theater and visual arts. And how lucky we are!

Quality education and cultural activities are two top priorities one might have when deciding to relocate.

Last fall, a tough race took place here for House of Delagates. Now that Scott Garrett has taken his seat in the House, I urge each concerned citizen of our “river city” to contact Dr. Garrett and request that he and his fellow delegates reject the reduction of V.C.A. funding for this coming year and for future budgets.

MARGIE CALLAHAN
Lynchburg

Parents should pay
I hear a lot of parents talking about the cuts to the school systems. If the parents do not want programs cut in the schools, why don’t they step up and fund these programs? Retirees, childless couples and single people pay more than their fair share of the budget. The system should be funded by 80 percent real estate tax and 20 percent registration tax. Then the budget could get as big as the parents want. This would be fair to everyone.

WAYNE DAVIS
Huddleston

Thanks to Kiwanis, LU
I would like to let the Kiwanis Club of Lynchburg know how grateful we are for their amazing effort in painting 17 doors and completing other interior touch-ups at the Boys & Girls Club.

I also would like to thank the Liberty University men’s basketball team for providing our members with a great time at one of their home games and for visiting the club. The members learned the importance of being a positive student athlete and giving back to the community. Coach Dale Layer also gave an inspirational talk that I hope will keep members thinking about their future and becoming positive role models.

MARK SHEEHAN
Executive Director
Boys & Girls Club of Greater Lynchburg

Thanks from Free Clinic
Wow, what a response! On behalf of the Board of Directors, the staff and the patients of the Free Clinic of Central Virginia, a big thank you to Lynchburg, Forest, Amherst and the surrounding areas for supporting our sixth annual Downtown Lynchburg Loft Tour on Feb. 27.

We would especially like to thank the loft residents and owners for opening their homes for this event.

Thank you also to our able volunteers who helped supply facts and answer questions concerning the lofts.

We also would like to thank The Market at Main and Waterstone Pizza for providing delicious food for our reception afterwards.

Finally, we thank our attendees again for their support.

KATHRYN MAYS
Free Clinic of Central Virginia