Letters to the Editor

News Virginian
Published: June 25, 2007

Council should set benchmarks for Wayne Theatre Alliance

It's time for benchmarks. But no, I'm not referring to Iraq. Although the City Council has allocated $300,000 to the Wayne Theatre Alliance, funding should be tied to meeting tangible outcomes.

For starters, the WTA should demonstrate that it has actual events to present, including but not limited to productions by the Waynesboro Players. These activities can be presented in the Spilman auditorium, the renovated auditorium at Kate Collins Middle School, or even city parks. This is not too much to ask, as Shenandoah Shakespeare Express existed as a repertory company long before there was a Blackfriars Playhouse. And by counting the number of people who attend these events, the City Council can determine if future allocations are warranted.

Second, much of the renovation work to the Wayne Theatre can be completed in the form of "sweat equity" by volunteers, rather than by paid contractors. This includes interior demolition work and exterior carpentry. The renovations should begin now, rather than waiting until WTA has amassed millions of dollars from taxpayers and contributors.

The City Council should require accountability and the WTA should welcome these expectations. The WTA's reputation has been tarnished by the recent funding debate and, as was pointed out during council sessions, use of city revenues might actually diminish contributions. If WTA wants to regain the respect of the community, it will need to demonstrate that it has a viable and visible product and that its members are capable of more than lobbying for public monies.  

David Colton

Waynesboro

-----

Help put an end to puppy mills

The topic of cruelty to animals seems like a recurring nightmare these days; it's all over the news. If you love animals and wish only the best treatment for them, please take a moment to view an informative video online at http://www.stoppuppymills.org/. 

The video is not graphic or horrific, but it is a good overview of how dogs are treated in puppy mills. It might break your heart and is likely to convince you not to buy from a puppy mill. Cruelty to animals is not necessarily just beating them or underfeeding them. It can take the form of inattention or indifference or viewing the animal as a number worth money instead of as a vulnerable individual that is willing to overlook all your flaws if you love them. 

We all need love; some of us find it and others do not. However, people have the ability to seek it out, animals aren't so lucky. They are stuck with what they get, for good or bad. There is a lot of bad out there. Please, don't support puppy or kitten mills. Get your animals from a respected breeder who regards them as individuals that deserve humane treatment and more.

Better yet, for a loving companion, go to your local SPCA. If we make a concerted effort not to deal with them, we can shut down those awful animal mills - no market, no mills.

Janis Wimer Owen

Waynesboro