This is in response to the recent letters regarding volunteers at Duke. I have been volunteering 10 years at Duke and have, for the last five years, trained many volunteers. I have volunteered and trained in the Kids Need Hugs and Baby Buddies Programs.
I have worked closely with the volunteer coordinator. At no time have I felt that Duke employees wasted time in having someone trained and available to volunteer as soon as possible. If it did take a few weeks, are the patients not worth the screening and training that goes into a great volunteer? I believe they are!
Joy Parton, volunteer coordinator of Duke Hospital Auxiliary, does an exemplary job screening and handling all volunteers with the utmost respect. She is very efficient in getting all volunteers ready to assist patients and their families.
I had no idea when I started volunteering at Duke that I would be around 10 years later. I feel truly appreciated and that I am "giving back" to babies, children and families that I do not even know. If I can help them in some small way while they go through in some instances life-changing experiences, my time spent at Duke is more than worth it to me.
God bless all our volunteers at Duke and all the coordinators and trainers who spend their time making sure these volunteers are ready for all patients and their families in all sorts of situations while at Duke.
GINGER HAWKINS
Durham
Why so long?
Why is it that when I enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1955 and went through Basic Infantry Training for eight weeks, it was sufficient to go to war, if needed.
Meanwhile, the Iraqis for six years and the Afghans for eight years, while the U.S.-led Coalition Force is not close to "training" them to secure their own countries. WHY?
BOB NOVAK
Durham
School questions
In regards to rezoning for "Treyburn Middle School," Snow Hill Road residents displayed "No School" signs. These signs may have misrepresented our intentions. We are not against the new school; however, we are against the proposed entrance and exit to the school.
I attended the community meeting about the school on Oct. 13 at Northern High School, and heard many Treyburn residents express that they are very much in favor of the new school and associated proposed entrance and exit. Would they remain in favor if the entrance or exit were in their front yard? I propose that we explore additional options for the entrance and exit -- either from Orange Factory, 15-501 or Vintage Hill.
Before making a decision to build the school, should we not make a decision regarding redistricting to determine if a third middle school is in fact needed in Northern Durham?
Even though funds have been set aside for this school under the 2007 bond, is this the best use of these funds at this time during this economic environment?
In my opinion, there are several issues to be considered and our community should engage in beneficial discussions about how to best serve the needs of our kids. I hope our County Commissioners and school board members are open to engage in further discussions about the proposed Treyburn Middle School in the months to come.
WILLIAM JAMES
Durham
