Don Keeps Me Tuned In

Bravo for another fine article on a great television show (“Mr. Sterling Goes to Washington,” Feb. 12). I enjoyed reading Don Dale’s synopsis and critique of this new NBC show. Like his previous article on the WB show “Everwood,” this piece provided readers with a clear and concise review of a nationally broadcast television program.

Unlike TV Guide, Dale is not afraid to honestly appraise a show (even if I disagree with him on this one!). With all of the programs which modern television offers, it is often hard to know which to watch. Thank you for your help.

Ruth Allen

Petersburg is Artists’ Gain

In your Feb. 5 edition you wrote about the change of venue for local artists (“Soon to be Displaced, Artists Make Plans”). It is unfortunate for many artists and the Richmond community at large that economics has forced a change in the location of the Shockoe Bottom Arts Center. We have enjoyed the ability to experience many different art forms and meet the artists to discuss their work.

As a resident of Petersburg, I look forward to the move of the Arts Center to our community, as do many of the artists and arts organizations that we have here. I was disappointed, however, in the quote from Rusty Davis, saying “It’s not a matter of wanting to go to Petersburg” … but it is the best deal. I feel that the effort by the Office of Economic Development and some of the citizens here to convince Rusty and his mother that Petersburg is a viable site for the Arts Center was done in a very positive manner and emphasized the benefits for all concerned, not just for the economic improvement of Petersburg.

Petersburg has seen many improvements in the last few years in the quality of life of its citizens and the enthusiasm of local government in promoting this city as a very livable community. We have gotten bad press in the past as a result of our economic troubles and rundown condition, but that is changing. As the metropolitan Richmond area expands southward, Petersburg becomes a viable part of this area. Many residents in Petersburg commute to work in Richmond every day. Many Richmonders come here to shop, dine and visit our many historic sites. The pace of restoration of houses and commercial buildings in the downtown historic areas has quickened. Many of these new residents and business owners formerly resided in Richmond, including myself.

Once the Arts Center opens in our downtown, I encourage all residents in the Richmond metro to come to Petersburg and see that we are, indeed, a viable part of their community, and not just the poor relation to the south. You might be pleasantly surprised by what is going on here and see why we feel it is a great place to live.

Bill Hartsock

History Will Be Lost

Thanks for “Removing the Ghosts” (Feb. 5), Edwin Slipek Jr.’s panegyric to the former Woolworth’s and Murphy’s stores. Apart from their architectural merit — the loss of all that gorgeous interior stainless steel is a heartbreaker — these buildings were also important in the civil rights history of this city.

In 1960, several groups of Virginia Union University students participated in sit-down strikes at the stores’ lunch counters. The Valentine Museum has a small but interesting exhibit, “The Business of Segregation,” where you can view photographs of the students sitting-in. Their nonviolent protest of segregation is worth remembering but — too bad. Just two more blocks of Richmond history tossed down the memory hole.

Karen Sabasteanski

Correction

Delegate Viola Baskerville (“Party of One,” Feb. 12) is at the end of her second term, not her first, as the headline states. Style regrets the error.

Also, to clarify Baskerville’s quote about her arrival at the General Assembly being an eye-opener, she was referring to the difference between city government and state