I don't want The Herald-Sun to be worried about we Doonesbury fans on Sundays.
It's true that the Sunday strip is always shrunk and squeezed between verbose columns by John Hood and Editor Bob Ashley. However, we've coping just fine.
In fact, I'm getting ready to read the Sunday strip right now. I have my light source adjusted. I put on my reading glasses. Now I pick up my magnifying glass. Yes, I can make it out. It's coming into view.
NEAL PARIS
Durham
Teacher appreciation
As a student at Riverside High School, I would like to thank the teachers and staff members. They are determined, mindful and caring, and are always on their feet to make sure this school is well cared for and that the students are getting the education they need.
The teachers at Riverside are helpful and there when you need them. The staff stays accurate with what's going on at the school and updating the students about the important things to know. They are mindful about the students' needs and sometimes wants. Teachers and the staff have an eye on all things to make this a great school and the best environment to learn in.
On behalf of the students and parents of Riverside High, I'll like to say thanks to the Riverside High School's staff and teachers for all their hard work.
ALEXIS PITTMAN
Durham
Family-type event
It baffles me that news sources were depicting the Halloween on Franklin Street in Chapel Hill event as small or, as I saw in the Herald Sun's on-line article, it was described as a "Teeny Halloween." Talk about an oxymoron.
I read elsewhere that the crowd was about 50,000, which is larger than last year. I didn't need to read that, though -- I was there. Sure, it took until about 11 p.m. to reach that number. I kept thinking, "if they were trying to limit the crowds, they utterly failed!"
The important thing about this Halloween on Franklin Street is that it was safe. I saw the police but they seemed more like participants. It was very much a family-type event. Sometime around midnight with the crowd at its peak, I saw a father with his about 3-year-old little girl in a cute little kitten costume.
It was a safe family-type event or parade. It is what makes Chapel Hill what it is. It is not like Chapel Hill to ever tell people they aren't welcome or to stay away.
In addition, it is disturbing the efforts taken to downsize Halloween. Some time after 12:30 a.m., I saw the police lining up a good bit west of the crowds, preparing to shut down the event. You would think they were getting ready to go to battle. People of all ages were there and no one seemed to be doing anything bad.
BRUCE WHEALTON
Carrboro
