I was among the University of Pittsburgh fans who followed the team to play N.C. State on Sept. 26. We stayed in the Durham area and wanted to let you know how much we appreciated the hospitality.
While we were treated civilly the entire weekend, one incident evidenced an extraordinary demonstration of kindness. On the way to RDU before dawn on Sunday, six of us traveling in a mini-van encountered fog and rain and were involved in an accident. Thankfully, no one was injured.
The three police officers who arrived were professional, courteous and helpful. But the first on the scene was a local resident and his son. He offered to transport as many as could fit in his car to the airport. Four of us squeezed in the back seat, made our flight and arrived in Pittsburgh on schedule.
Our guardian angel refused compensation, even though he went out of his way. We must have been in shock, since no one thought to get his name. We thanked him and gave special appreciation to his three older sons serving our country in the armed forces, one in Iraq.
If our good Samaritan reads this, I hope he knows the extent of our gratitude. If his neighbors read this and know this father of four sons, I suspect they already know what a charitable person he is.
Thank you for the Southern hospitality on behalf of all Pitt fans.
ROBERT V. RACUNAS
Pittsburgh
Racism truth
I wish I could be surprised by the responses I have seen in the media, as well as here in The Herald-Sun, regarding President Carter's statement about racism. Maybe I live in a different America than they do.
We still live in a country where my children have to fight racist prejudices everyday at school. The thing is, everybody's child does, because racism is built into the fabric of America.
I agree with the letter writers that we can't have a discussion about the issues if you call me a racist. But it is also true that we can't have a real conversation unless we can discuss how much our racism affects the issues.
STEVE BUMGARDNER
Durham
Volunteer hassle
I wanted to volunteer at Duke Hospital, so I checked the Web site, called the office, and was told it would be six to eight weeks to process my application. The process involves 11 steps.
I wonder, do they really want volunteers, or do they prefer paid staff? Here are some of the barriers to volunteering at Duke Hospital:
- Complete a five-page form with last four employers, the reason for leaving, two references and mail it to Duke.
- The volunteer office contacts you and schedules an interview in preparation for the orientation.
- Call Duke Employee Health to make an appointment, then pay for a series of immunization shots.
- Bring shot records to Employee Health, complete a Health Assessment Questionnaire, receive a TB test.
- Schedule a second TB test one month later.
- Clear background check.
- Report to Human Resources for badge.
- Attend volunteer orientation.
- Get assignment and begin.
Some volunteer alternatives to Duke for those who want to help others:
- UNC-Rex -- four steps, one to two weeks.
- UNC Hopsital - four steps, one week to 10 days.
- Durham Regional (also Duke) - four steps, three days to one week.
MEG WINSHIP
Durham
