I've made 43 roundtrips on The Tide as a Data Collector (11 on Opening Day), and some additional trips off-duty. (I'm back on-duty this evening.) I've seen plenty of it, and would like to record my observations.
NOTABLES
Among those I've seen onboard are Chesapeake City Councilman & TDCHR Commissioner Cliff Hayes, City of Virginia Beach chief lobbyist Bob Matthias (I explained the passenger counting system to him), City of Virginia Beach Transportation Planning Coordinator Mark Schnaufer, Future of Hampton Roads President Ray Taylor, and The Virginian-Pravda's Debbie Messina. When Norfolk Mayor Paul Fraim boarded at Harbor Park on August 20, the passengers gave him a round of applause. Yesterday I ran into HRT President Phillip Shucet as we both alighted at MacArthur Sqaure. (As we'd been sitting in different halves of the train, we didn't spot each other onboard.)
However, special mention goes to the passenger on my train opening night: Reid Greenmun, Chairman of the extremist Virginia Beach Taxpayers Alliance (VBTA). Yes, Reid Greenmun rides The Tide! In his habitual arrogance, yesterday on Pilotonline he declared himself an authority on The Tide based on that single trip. (NEWS FLASH: there are some Data Collectors who have been working 6-7 days per week on the trains.)
OPENING MORNING
On August 19, I took the first Cutback Inbound 20 of the morning to Newtown Road Station, arriving at 5:55 A.M. As the bus pulled towards the Station, we could see the place was packed.
Despite the attempt of Virginia News Source to later inflate the figure, there were no more than 20 protesters when I arrived.
My first train was the 6:30 A.M. run that morning. As I waited on the platform for it, a pair of senior ladies spoke to me. One recognized me from St. Gregory's. The other grasped that the objective of the protesters was to keep "a certain element" out of Virginia Beach.
UTILIZATION
By Sunday, August 21, passengers had begun calculating how they could utilize The Tide. They could save money by taking the train into downtown for shopping, entertainment, and Tides games.
Norfolk State University and Old Dominion University students were taking The Tide to MacArthur Center. The former were going NSU Station - MacArthur Square Station. On Saturday a pair of ODU coeds were on the Inbound Route 16 with me, taking it to Fort Norfolk to catch the train.
Last week there was a party in Ingleside. A group of 8 was on my train going there, and they would have certainly driven prior to August 19.
Saturday a family from Portsmouth was sitting behind me. They had drove over to a park and ride, and spoke of enjoying parking on High Street and taking the ferry over. I pointed out to them that the same $3.50 Day Pass would work on both the ferry and train. (Guess what they'll do next time?)
Yesterday I went downtown for an early dinner. I obviously would never do the 75 minute bus ride for dinner alone, but The Tide comes to within two blocks of the restaurant.
ARGUMENTS AGAINST
Let me answer some of the arguments against they have come up.
First, an opponent on opening morning was claiming extending The Tide into Virginia Beach would take money away from public schools. Not only false, but the contrary is true. Under the schools funding formula, all mass transit expenses come out of the City side of the Budget. The redevelopment induced by The Tide would increase the money to schools in outlying years.
Second, people will stop riding once the newness fades away. Reread the Utilization section and you'll see where the repeat customers will come from.
Third, the train's speed. However, the TPO would let you know that at rush hour our interstates roll at 25 mph or under, urban door to door travel is 15 mph, and our bridges and tunnels are under 10 mph. That will only get worse.
Let me point out the Virginia Beach extension, having no street running, would have a much higher average speed than Norfolk.
TICKET VENDING MACHINES (TVMs)
Once fares began being charged, two issues popped up. First, people didn't know how to use the TVMs. Second, they didn't know which farecard to buy.
A smaller version of the Tide Guide program has been launched to help deal with those issues.
HUMOR
With the deluge of people opening weekend, the running joke was repeating the opponents "No one will ride it" mantra.
On a Saturday night train, the ACS system was still stuck on Military Highway Station as we approached the Fort Norfolk Station. I quipped to the off-duty Bus Operator standing next to me "You can transfer to the 23 at either one."
As our Outbound Train turned for Harbor Park with a Tides game that evening, a pair of women launched into a terrible rendition of Take Me Out To The Ballgame. A group of teenage girls responded with (to the same tune) Throw Them Off Of The Tide Train.
One evening we could see westbound 264 backed up as we passed. Passengers began yelling "You should have taken The Tide!"
OPPOSITION
The group that told us "No one will ride it" was left with zero credibility by opening weekend. While no one ever pretended numbers that high were sustainable, it showed that a huge slice of the public is interested in light rail.
In the past week since fares began being charged, ridership has been 1.75 - 3 times the benchmark.
Randy Wright was right. He said if we built a starter line, when people saw it and rode it, they'd embrace it. The regional light rail to be built question was settled on August 19, 2011.
Showing posts with label Catholic. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Catholic. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Thursday, August 4, 2011
68% Look Favorably On Interracial Marraige
68% of you, more than two-thirds of voters, look favorably on interracial marriages. For the 31% unfavorable, wake up and smell the 21st Century! Such arcane beliefs belong in the landfill of history.
As a Catholic bachelor in this area, I long thought I'd end up married to a pinay. Between having lived in an 85% African-American neighborhood for over eight years, and utilizing a mass transit system where ridership is about 75% African-American, it's African-American women who now dominate my personal life.
The new poll question: estimate ridership of The Tide on August 20. Launch day is August 19, which is a Friday. Being a weekday, that should dampen crowds. The following day is a Saturday, service will be fare-free, and people will want to see it for the first time. What's your guess on ridership? (2,900 is the average weekday benchmark.)
As a Catholic bachelor in this area, I long thought I'd end up married to a pinay. Between having lived in an 85% African-American neighborhood for over eight years, and utilizing a mass transit system where ridership is about 75% African-American, it's African-American women who now dominate my personal life.
The new poll question: estimate ridership of The Tide on August 20. Launch day is August 19, which is a Friday. Being a weekday, that should dampen crowds. The following day is a Saturday, service will be fare-free, and people will want to see it for the first time. What's your guess on ridership? (2,900 is the average weekday benchmark.)
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Top 10 Reasons I'm Glad The Rapture Didn't Happen
Protestant preacher of heresy Harold Camping claimed The Rapture would happen at 6 P.M. this evening, but it didn't. While I was waiting for the hour to come, I drafted my Top 10 list of why I'm glad it didn't happen:
10. I want to see Zoe Saldana in Colombiana.
9. I don't want the world to come to an end having never married. (I still hope to meet a good African-American woman out on the buses.)
8. I want to see what challenges the Demonrats mount for General Assembly seats in Virginia Beach in 2011.
7. I want to hear the warped "logic" the Virginia Beach City Council espouses in defending the obscene at-large voting system. (I don't know whether I'll laugh or scoff more.)
6. I want to see an agreement for building an entertainment venue at the Dome site and read its details.
5. I didn't want the world to come to an end with the UFL's Virginia Destroyers having never played a game.
4. I want to see the tantrums VBTAers throw when John Moss isn't appointed to Rita Sweet Bellitto's vacant City Council seat.
3. I want to find out exactly which Virginia Beach City Councilman Virginia News Source is accusing of sexual misconduct.
2. I'm having too much fun laughing at the joke that is Protestantism. After this red herring, maybe more people will see it for what it is.
1. I want to ride Norfolk's light rail starter line before the world comes to an end.
10. I want to see Zoe Saldana in Colombiana.
9. I don't want the world to come to an end having never married. (I still hope to meet a good African-American woman out on the buses.)
8. I want to see what challenges the Demonrats mount for General Assembly seats in Virginia Beach in 2011.
7. I want to hear the warped "logic" the Virginia Beach City Council espouses in defending the obscene at-large voting system. (I don't know whether I'll laugh or scoff more.)
6. I want to see an agreement for building an entertainment venue at the Dome site and read its details.
5. I didn't want the world to come to an end with the UFL's Virginia Destroyers having never played a game.
4. I want to see the tantrums VBTAers throw when John Moss isn't appointed to Rita Sweet Bellitto's vacant City Council seat.
3. I want to find out exactly which Virginia Beach City Councilman Virginia News Source is accusing of sexual misconduct.
2. I'm having too much fun laughing at the joke that is Protestantism. After this red herring, maybe more people will see it for what it is.
1. I want to ride Norfolk's light rail starter line before the world comes to an end.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Where Will The Social Conservatives Go?
I admire Mike Huckabee. I endorsed him for President in 2008 (Huckabee Rally, 2/11/08), and was ready to support him again in 2012. Alas, last night he announced he isn't running. That raises an obvious question: where do social conservatives go with Huckabee out?
On another blog, a commenter suggested Rick Santorum to me, but the former Pennsylvania Senator doesn't have a snowball's chance of winning the nomination.
Mitt Romney is a phony.
Tim Pawlenty is an apostate Catholic, so many Catholics (including myself) would never vote for him.
There's an online draft Bob McDonnell movement, but Bob isn't going to run in 2012.
Does someone else get in to fill the vacuum?
On another blog, a commenter suggested Rick Santorum to me, but the former Pennsylvania Senator doesn't have a snowball's chance of winning the nomination.
Mitt Romney is a phony.
Tim Pawlenty is an apostate Catholic, so many Catholics (including myself) would never vote for him.
There's an online draft Bob McDonnell movement, but Bob isn't going to run in 2012.
Does someone else get in to fill the vacuum?
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Springfest 2011
Saint Gregory's Roman Catholic Church (my home parish) will hold it's annual Springfest May 13-15. It will run Noon - 10 P.M. Friday and Saturday, and Noon - 6 P.M. on Sunday.
There will be games, a few kiddie rides, live entertainment, and plenty of food. There will be American, Filipino, German, Greek, Hispanic, and Italian cuisine. (No Hispanic food on Friday.) In addition to soda, beer and wine will also be available.
Saint Gregory's is undergoing a three phase renovation to it's sanctuary. The lighting has been replaced, and the ceiling repainted. If Springfest is a success, we'll have the funds to replace the carpet.
Be sure to come!
There will be games, a few kiddie rides, live entertainment, and plenty of food. There will be American, Filipino, German, Greek, Hispanic, and Italian cuisine. (No Hispanic food on Friday.) In addition to soda, beer and wine will also be available.
Saint Gregory's is undergoing a three phase renovation to it's sanctuary. The lighting has been replaced, and the ceiling repainted. If Springfest is a success, we'll have the funds to replace the carpet.
Be sure to come!
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Virginia Beach City Hall: Bigotry And More Bigotry
It's a dark week for those of us striving to build an inclusive Virginia Beach.
The first Public Hearing on the FY 2012 Budget is scheduled for Holy Thursday evening. That's a night that any Catholic worth their salt is in church, not at a Budget Hearing. Yes, there are two other Public Hearings. However, the second one traditionally focuses on the Property Tax rate. The final one is the night of Budget adoption. Given that City Council is highly unlikely to amend the Budget on the floor that night, its only real use is to stake political ground towards the next Budget.
At Tuesday's Council Workshop, first item on the Agenda is City Redistricting. The City has rehired Kimball Brace as consultant, who had the same contract a decade ago. In 2001, he told City Council that it would take many more districts to draw a minority-majority Council district in Virginia Beach...then proceeded to help draw one for a draft eight district plan. His rehiring in itself is a rejection of inclusion, and shows the City Council Redistricting process will be another sham.
The first Public Hearing on the FY 2012 Budget is scheduled for Holy Thursday evening. That's a night that any Catholic worth their salt is in church, not at a Budget Hearing. Yes, there are two other Public Hearings. However, the second one traditionally focuses on the Property Tax rate. The final one is the night of Budget adoption. Given that City Council is highly unlikely to amend the Budget on the floor that night, its only real use is to stake political ground towards the next Budget.
At Tuesday's Council Workshop, first item on the Agenda is City Redistricting. The City has rehired Kimball Brace as consultant, who had the same contract a decade ago. In 2001, he told City Council that it would take many more districts to draw a minority-majority Council district in Virginia Beach...then proceeded to help draw one for a draft eight district plan. His rehiring in itself is a rejection of inclusion, and shows the City Council Redistricting process will be another sham.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
There's A Reason That Call It Ash Wednesday
This week's bulletin at St. Gregory's Catholic Church includes the Mass times for Ash Wednesday. It will be March 9 this year.
Before 6 P.M. Mass this evening, an elderly couple were looking at the bulletin. The woman told her husband that they should go at Noon on Wednesday. He replied, "It's on a Wednesday?" She calmly said, "It's always on a Wednesday."
Before 6 P.M. Mass this evening, an elderly couple were looking at the bulletin. The woman told her husband that they should go at Noon on Wednesday. He replied, "It's on a Wednesday?" She calmly said, "It's always on a Wednesday."
Friday, January 28, 2011
My Latest "God Loves Me!" Story
This story is so good that I have to share it with you.
This morning I went to the post office. I needed two first class stamps to mail in my Knights of Columbus dues for 2011. (Being 4th Degree, I needed two: one for my Council dues and one for my Assembly dues.) Without telling the clerk the purpose, I asked for the stamps.
She sold me a pair of Mother Teresa stamps.
This morning I went to the post office. I needed two first class stamps to mail in my Knights of Columbus dues for 2011. (Being 4th Degree, I needed two: one for my Council dues and one for my Assembly dues.) Without telling the clerk the purpose, I asked for the stamps.
She sold me a pair of Mother Teresa stamps.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
2010 Virginia Beach City Council Election: The Day After
Okay, you've probably been waiting for my two cents worth. May even want to chime in with your own thoughts under Comments. Here I go....
OVERALL
Who won yesterday? Obviously all 6 incumbents. However, what political grouping?
4 of the 5 candidates endorsed by Mayor Sessoms did. However, Bill DeSteph won reelection while chosen successor Dave Redmond finished 5th in the At-Large field.
Obviously not the extremist Virginia Beach Taxpayers Alliance (VBTA), as all of their challengers went down hard. As 2010 was the last chance the VBTA had to even make a half-baked challenge for Council seats (more on that later), fittingly the VBTA as an electoral farce came to an end on All Souls Day. (November 2 is All Souls Day in the Catholic Church, when we remember the dead.)
The biggest story of the day may have been the poor showing of the Council candidates endorsed by the African-American Political Action Council (AAPAC). (More on that later, too.) However, time is on AAPAC's side. Yesterday was an early skirmish in a much broader and longer war.
The only clear winner yesterday was (drum roll, please) City Clerk Ruth Fraser. With all 6 incumbents returning, the old stationary can continue to be used.
VBTA
You knew I couldn't wait to beat up on my favorite whipping boys, didn't you? With Obama's reelection effort almost certain to drive a huge minority turnout in 2012, any VBTA Council challenges will be stillborn next time out. Most of the angry old men who comprise the VBTA's inner circle will have aged out by 2014. Therefore, 2010 was their last chance to make a Council splash and they largely blew it.
The poll workers pushing the slate of Bill DeSteph, John Moss, and Toni Hedrick yesterday were using sample ballots from the Hampton Roads TEA Party (HRTP). It's telling that they admit that the VBTA brand is ballot box poison for a candidate.
Their astonishing faux pas of the day was further down the sample ballot. They called for the defeat of all three proposed amendments to the Virginia Constitution. That's right: they openly opposed tax waivers for veterans 100% disabled in the line of duty, in this Navy town! That had to be dead weight on their Council candidates!
If you want proof positive of what a joke the VBTA is, George Furman received more votes (31,338) in Bayside District than Hedrick (29,229) did in Lynnhaven. Furman didn't even actively campaign as such until a month out, and had no visible organization. Yet Furman got 2,109 more votes than Hedrick!
How will the VBTA react? We get a hint reading the online comments to The Virginian-Pravda story about the election results. First Reid Greenmun posted a disjointed blathering about the Mayor and Vice Mayor promising a light rail referendum. (Not a word about the candidate loses.) Then Ben Krause repeated his same campaign talking points about Jim Wood. (Yeah, that message played well.)
HOLLAND PRECINCT
Yesterday I did an all-day stint at Holland Precinct, at Holland Elementary School, primarily for Andrew Jackson. Jim Wood also asked me to distribute his lit, which I did with Andrew's permission.
I started the day with a Jackson palm card and the Wood piece. Running out of Jackson cards about 10 A.M., I then switched that off to the African-American Political Action Council (AAPAC) sample ballot for the remainder of the day.
Poll workers from the Republican Party of Virginia Beach (RPVB) and HRTP were there for the three busier periods of the day (morning, lunch, and evening). The Virginia Beach Democratic Committee (VBDC) and Kenny Golden campaign had people there morning and evening. Barbara Henley's Council campaign had someone there for lunch and the evening. The firefighters union had firemen there periodically during the day.
Such a day always has it's fun moments. The bizarre one was when the Democratic worker called for a Constitutional amendment prohibiting corporate campaign donations, labeling contributions by corporations "fascism". The most humorous one was using the restrooms at the elementary school. Designed for small children, the urinals are mounted low and the sink even lower. That led a retired sailor to exclaim, "Adjust your aim!" The warm moment was realizing five of us poll workers were Catholic. (We should have brought our rosary beads.)
CANDIDATE APPEARANCES
Todd Davidson came for about 90 minutes at midday, and his time made for some of the better conversation of the day.
He also got corrected a comical problem: the school had it's SOL accreditation flag up the flagpole upside down. (Our Navy veteran had tried to get it fixed earlier, but to no avail.) School Board member Davidson charged into the Office, and within a few minutes a custodian was out to get it right.
James Cabiness and his wife came to vote just before Noon. (Yes, he lives in Holland Precinct.)
George Furman spent about 25 minutes there after 5 P.M. I tried to explain to him that he was getting it wrong. (Hey, it was late enough in the day that the advice was useless.) A candidate is suppose to spend a few hours at a few targeted precincts during the day, but he was trying to hop around a number of them quickly. Anyway, my words went over his head.
AAPAC
I'm always happy to do work for my best friends. Their cause is just, right, and will empower the vast majority of residents. Not only did that take me to Holland Precinct yesterday, but I wrote some basic poll working pointers for the Jackson Campaign last week. As for Andrew, at most I hoped he could slip into the 2nd Place spot in the At-Large field. In the least I wanted to beat a Kool-Aid chugger or two.
Yesterday was a mess. Not only did Tanya Bullock lose, but Jackson (6th) and Cabiness (7th) finished in the last two slots of the At-Large field. Virginia Beach continues to be diversity-challenged.
My consolation is what happened in Holland Precinct. Andrew finished 2nd, just one vote behind Rita Sweet Bellitto. Also, Tanya won Holland. (Her name was at the top of the AAPAC sample ballot.)
We lost a battle, but the war continues. Quite the contrary of the VBTA, our numbers are growing daily. It's not a question of "if" we win, but "when" we win.
PARTISANSHIP
The long version of the Democratic sample ballot had a section "Friends of the Democratic Party", which encouraged people to vote for a given list of City Council and School Board candidates. Also, Virginia Beach Democratic Committee (VBDC) Chair Susan Mariner e-mailed out the list on Monday.
Republican poll workers had a list of Council and School Board candidates endorsed by Governor Bob McDonnell.
Having spearheaded the RPVB's 2001 look at endorsing Council candidates, I couldn't help but think "It's about time."
OVERALL
Who won yesterday? Obviously all 6 incumbents. However, what political grouping?
4 of the 5 candidates endorsed by Mayor Sessoms did. However, Bill DeSteph won reelection while chosen successor Dave Redmond finished 5th in the At-Large field.
Obviously not the extremist Virginia Beach Taxpayers Alliance (VBTA), as all of their challengers went down hard. As 2010 was the last chance the VBTA had to even make a half-baked challenge for Council seats (more on that later), fittingly the VBTA as an electoral farce came to an end on All Souls Day. (November 2 is All Souls Day in the Catholic Church, when we remember the dead.)
The biggest story of the day may have been the poor showing of the Council candidates endorsed by the African-American Political Action Council (AAPAC). (More on that later, too.) However, time is on AAPAC's side. Yesterday was an early skirmish in a much broader and longer war.
The only clear winner yesterday was (drum roll, please) City Clerk Ruth Fraser. With all 6 incumbents returning, the old stationary can continue to be used.
VBTA
You knew I couldn't wait to beat up on my favorite whipping boys, didn't you? With Obama's reelection effort almost certain to drive a huge minority turnout in 2012, any VBTA Council challenges will be stillborn next time out. Most of the angry old men who comprise the VBTA's inner circle will have aged out by 2014. Therefore, 2010 was their last chance to make a Council splash and they largely blew it.
The poll workers pushing the slate of Bill DeSteph, John Moss, and Toni Hedrick yesterday were using sample ballots from the Hampton Roads TEA Party (HRTP). It's telling that they admit that the VBTA brand is ballot box poison for a candidate.
Their astonishing faux pas of the day was further down the sample ballot. They called for the defeat of all three proposed amendments to the Virginia Constitution. That's right: they openly opposed tax waivers for veterans 100% disabled in the line of duty, in this Navy town! That had to be dead weight on their Council candidates!
If you want proof positive of what a joke the VBTA is, George Furman received more votes (31,338) in Bayside District than Hedrick (29,229) did in Lynnhaven. Furman didn't even actively campaign as such until a month out, and had no visible organization. Yet Furman got 2,109 more votes than Hedrick!
How will the VBTA react? We get a hint reading the online comments to The Virginian-Pravda story about the election results. First Reid Greenmun posted a disjointed blathering about the Mayor and Vice Mayor promising a light rail referendum. (Not a word about the candidate loses.) Then Ben Krause repeated his same campaign talking points about Jim Wood. (Yeah, that message played well.)
HOLLAND PRECINCT
Yesterday I did an all-day stint at Holland Precinct, at Holland Elementary School, primarily for Andrew Jackson. Jim Wood also asked me to distribute his lit, which I did with Andrew's permission.
I started the day with a Jackson palm card and the Wood piece. Running out of Jackson cards about 10 A.M., I then switched that off to the African-American Political Action Council (AAPAC) sample ballot for the remainder of the day.
Poll workers from the Republican Party of Virginia Beach (RPVB) and HRTP were there for the three busier periods of the day (morning, lunch, and evening). The Virginia Beach Democratic Committee (VBDC) and Kenny Golden campaign had people there morning and evening. Barbara Henley's Council campaign had someone there for lunch and the evening. The firefighters union had firemen there periodically during the day.
Such a day always has it's fun moments. The bizarre one was when the Democratic worker called for a Constitutional amendment prohibiting corporate campaign donations, labeling contributions by corporations "fascism". The most humorous one was using the restrooms at the elementary school. Designed for small children, the urinals are mounted low and the sink even lower. That led a retired sailor to exclaim, "Adjust your aim!" The warm moment was realizing five of us poll workers were Catholic. (We should have brought our rosary beads.)
CANDIDATE APPEARANCES
Todd Davidson came for about 90 minutes at midday, and his time made for some of the better conversation of the day.
He also got corrected a comical problem: the school had it's SOL accreditation flag up the flagpole upside down. (Our Navy veteran had tried to get it fixed earlier, but to no avail.) School Board member Davidson charged into the Office, and within a few minutes a custodian was out to get it right.
James Cabiness and his wife came to vote just before Noon. (Yes, he lives in Holland Precinct.)
George Furman spent about 25 minutes there after 5 P.M. I tried to explain to him that he was getting it wrong. (Hey, it was late enough in the day that the advice was useless.) A candidate is suppose to spend a few hours at a few targeted precincts during the day, but he was trying to hop around a number of them quickly. Anyway, my words went over his head.
AAPAC
I'm always happy to do work for my best friends. Their cause is just, right, and will empower the vast majority of residents. Not only did that take me to Holland Precinct yesterday, but I wrote some basic poll working pointers for the Jackson Campaign last week. As for Andrew, at most I hoped he could slip into the 2nd Place spot in the At-Large field. In the least I wanted to beat a Kool-Aid chugger or two.
Yesterday was a mess. Not only did Tanya Bullock lose, but Jackson (6th) and Cabiness (7th) finished in the last two slots of the At-Large field. Virginia Beach continues to be diversity-challenged.
My consolation is what happened in Holland Precinct. Andrew finished 2nd, just one vote behind Rita Sweet Bellitto. Also, Tanya won Holland. (Her name was at the top of the AAPAC sample ballot.)
We lost a battle, but the war continues. Quite the contrary of the VBTA, our numbers are growing daily. It's not a question of "if" we win, but "when" we win.
PARTISANSHIP
The long version of the Democratic sample ballot had a section "Friends of the Democratic Party", which encouraged people to vote for a given list of City Council and School Board candidates. Also, Virginia Beach Democratic Committee (VBDC) Chair Susan Mariner e-mailed out the list on Monday.
Republican poll workers had a list of Council and School Board candidates endorsed by Governor Bob McDonnell.
Having spearheaded the RPVB's 2001 look at endorsing Council candidates, I couldn't help but think "It's about time."
Sunday, August 1, 2010
St. Gregory's RCIA Forming
The normal route for bringing a non-Catholic adult into The Roman Catholic Church in the U.S. is the program known as Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA). It begins in the later half of the year, with the new Catholics brought into The Church at the Easter Vigil Mass.
St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church (the largest parish in the Diocese of Richmond) will kickoff this year's RCIA with a Wine, Cheese, and Dessert Social on August 9 in the Tobias Room at St. Gregory's. It will run from 7-9 P.M. Anyone interested in becoming Catholic is welcome. In addition, any Catholics who never were Confirmed, had First Eucharist, or First Reconciliation are also welcome.
I'm a convert who was brought into The Church at Easter Vigil, 1986. It's the smartest decision I made in my life.
St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church (the largest parish in the Diocese of Richmond) will kickoff this year's RCIA with a Wine, Cheese, and Dessert Social on August 9 in the Tobias Room at St. Gregory's. It will run from 7-9 P.M. Anyone interested in becoming Catholic is welcome. In addition, any Catholics who never were Confirmed, had First Eucharist, or First Reconciliation are also welcome.
I'm a convert who was brought into The Church at Easter Vigil, 1986. It's the smartest decision I made in my life.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
EHR People's Hearing On Transportation
On Thursday evening Empower Hampton Roads (EHR) held a "People's Hearing" on Transportation, largely focusing on mass transit. The event was part of a week-long grassroots training process, held at Hampton University (HU).
PROGRAM
As anyone who has been to an EHR program knows, they roughly follow the template of a religious service. (Fitting in that EHR is church-based.) It had roughly two elements added.
First, testimonials from those who ride the bus were read. It was capped off by a woman from Tidewater Gardens in Norfolk giving her personal story.
Second, representatives from the TPO and HRT were asked to stand and commit to working with EHR. They agreed.
GETTING THERE
Simply making it into the meeting was an adventure. The e-mail I was sent had it in the "Hampton University Student Auditorium". (Know how many auditoriums are on the HU campus?) Finally, I flagged down a HU Police officer who knew where the meeting had been moved to and gave me directions. (Right, left, right, left, through the black-colored gate, then the 8 story building in front of you.)
While I was having trouble finding it, I called the EHR contact whose cell phone number was on the e-mail. She assumed I had driven to the mass transit meeting (brilliant!), and had drove in through the main gate on the west side of the campus. No, the bus stop serving HU is on the northern periphery of campus.
IMPRESSIONS
EHR is well-intentioned and energetic, but uneducated on mass transit issues. They can be a big boost if they get the facts and prioritize.
The e-mail for the meeting raises the issues of additional frequencies, more hours of service, more routes, and more shelters. At the same time, they attack Hampton Roads Transit's (HRT) already artificially low $1.50 fare as "cost prohibitive", and on Thursday evening cheered the decision to delay a fare increase. Someone please buy them a calculator!
Two things for EHR:
1. Prioritize what you want. To do everything on that list tomorrow would probably mean tripling HRT's Budget. With the $1.50 fare, you can't maintain existing service, yet alone the improvements you want.
2. You're barking up the wrong tree. HRT isn't the problem here. The issue is getting the 7 City Councils to fund additional service. Show up each Spring at the cities' budget hearings with that kind of energy and commitment and you'll make some headway.
PROGRAM
As anyone who has been to an EHR program knows, they roughly follow the template of a religious service. (Fitting in that EHR is church-based.) It had roughly two elements added.
First, testimonials from those who ride the bus were read. It was capped off by a woman from Tidewater Gardens in Norfolk giving her personal story.
Second, representatives from the TPO and HRT were asked to stand and commit to working with EHR. They agreed.
GETTING THERE
Simply making it into the meeting was an adventure. The e-mail I was sent had it in the "Hampton University Student Auditorium". (Know how many auditoriums are on the HU campus?) Finally, I flagged down a HU Police officer who knew where the meeting had been moved to and gave me directions. (Right, left, right, left, through the black-colored gate, then the 8 story building in front of you.)
While I was having trouble finding it, I called the EHR contact whose cell phone number was on the e-mail. She assumed I had driven to the mass transit meeting (brilliant!), and had drove in through the main gate on the west side of the campus. No, the bus stop serving HU is on the northern periphery of campus.
IMPRESSIONS
EHR is well-intentioned and energetic, but uneducated on mass transit issues. They can be a big boost if they get the facts and prioritize.
The e-mail for the meeting raises the issues of additional frequencies, more hours of service, more routes, and more shelters. At the same time, they attack Hampton Roads Transit's (HRT) already artificially low $1.50 fare as "cost prohibitive", and on Thursday evening cheered the decision to delay a fare increase. Someone please buy them a calculator!
Two things for EHR:
1. Prioritize what you want. To do everything on that list tomorrow would probably mean tripling HRT's Budget. With the $1.50 fare, you can't maintain existing service, yet alone the improvements you want.
2. You're barking up the wrong tree. HRT isn't the problem here. The issue is getting the 7 City Councils to fund additional service. Show up each Spring at the cities' budget hearings with that kind of energy and commitment and you'll make some headway.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
DeSteph and The NYC Mosque
You've probably heard by now how Councilman Bill DeSteph sent a letter to the Mayor of New York City opposing a mosque and community center adjacent to Ground Zero, claiming to speak for the City of Virginia Beach and the Commonwealth of Virginia. I have a few thoughts to chip in I haven't heard elsewhere yet.
First, if DeSteph wants to become Zoning Administrator of NYC, let him. We can even throw in a training course by Karen Lasley if it will get that embarrassment out of town.
Second, he attacks the Imam for espousing sharia. Would Bill expect a Catholic to repudiate canon law? It's essentially the same thing, Bill.
Third, if DeSteph thinks New York City affairs should be decided in Virginia Beach, why not the other way around? Bill and his VBTA comrades in arms have been clamoring for a light rail referendum. Fine, we'll let New York City vote on our system. ("You mean you don't have a train in Virginia?!?")
Fourth, DeSteph and his friends can get high and holy about property rights. In this case, the Muslims already own the building. The hypocrisy is thick!
First, if DeSteph wants to become Zoning Administrator of NYC, let him. We can even throw in a training course by Karen Lasley if it will get that embarrassment out of town.
Second, he attacks the Imam for espousing sharia. Would Bill expect a Catholic to repudiate canon law? It's essentially the same thing, Bill.
Third, if DeSteph thinks New York City affairs should be decided in Virginia Beach, why not the other way around? Bill and his VBTA comrades in arms have been clamoring for a light rail referendum. Fine, we'll let New York City vote on our system. ("You mean you don't have a train in Virginia?!?")
Fourth, DeSteph and his friends can get high and holy about property rights. In this case, the Muslims already own the building. The hypocrisy is thick!
Monday, May 17, 2010
Not Around Here!
Over the weekend the blog Jihad Watch launched an attack on the Society of Jesus, commonly known as the Jesuits. While I have found many of their posts quite interesting, as a devout Catholic I removed the link from my blog to theirs this morning.
While it may be within their right to free speech to make such ludicrous charges, it's certainly with my right to association not to promote such garbage.
While it may be within their right to free speech to make such ludicrous charges, it's certainly with my right to association not to promote such garbage.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Happy Birthday, Holy Father!
Today is the 83rd birthday of Pope Benedict XVI. Many more, Your Holiness.
Monday, October 26, 2009
I Wish I Didn't Have This Post To Make
The local media has noted the rise in homelessness due to the recession. Virginia Beach Mayor Will Sessoms has stated he doesn't believe we can close the Winter Shelter program next Spring. Taking the bus to and from this evening's Comprehensive Plan meeting, I got to see the problem firsthand.
Four stops down the line from where I boarded, a homeless man got on the bus. He started asking the Operator about one program. It turned out much of the information he had been given before boarding was wrong, so I tried to help him. He sat in a seat near mine so we could talk easily. As we approached the Judeo-Christian Outreach Center (JCOC), I pointed out his stop to him and gave him a final briefing. It turned out that another man within earshot was homeless, had slept in the Winter Shelter program last night, and was heading back. The first man followed him off the bus. My reward for the day was the look he gave me as he disembarked.
It got worse. I caught the bus home at the Oceanfront Library stop. There were three women there who had been turned away by Winter Shelter because all the slots for tonight were full. At the JCOC stop, another woman boarded who appeared to be homeless. Later a couple Hardee's employees joined us who were heading home from work for the night, bringing chicken with them. They gave the one woman sitting adjacent to them a couple pieces of chicken. One of the original trio got off the bus in the Oceana area. The other three were still onboard when we reached my home stop; I have no idea where they were going for the night.
For those unfamiliar, Virginia Beach has two homeless shelter programs. The JCOC is a year-round program with it's own buildings in the Seatack neighborhood. Winter Shelter is administered by the Volunteers of America, but doesn't operate during the Summer months. Winter Shelter is hosted by a different church each week, with the homeless provided a mat to sleep on in the church. They are fed before being sent out for the day; in my previous parish, the Knights of Columbus cooked them breakfast. Evening pickup is at the JCOC after the free dinner there, with transportation provided to the church for the night.
A writer in Port Folio (back when they had the print edition) once commented that the cities in our region are in a competition to cut services for the needy, to try to drive their poor into the neighboring cities. The regional nature of the homeless issue wasn't lost on me tonight: the bus those three women were on was going to cross the line into Norfolk in a few minutes. Hampton Roads, we have a problem.
Four stops down the line from where I boarded, a homeless man got on the bus. He started asking the Operator about one program. It turned out much of the information he had been given before boarding was wrong, so I tried to help him. He sat in a seat near mine so we could talk easily. As we approached the Judeo-Christian Outreach Center (JCOC), I pointed out his stop to him and gave him a final briefing. It turned out that another man within earshot was homeless, had slept in the Winter Shelter program last night, and was heading back. The first man followed him off the bus. My reward for the day was the look he gave me as he disembarked.
It got worse. I caught the bus home at the Oceanfront Library stop. There were three women there who had been turned away by Winter Shelter because all the slots for tonight were full. At the JCOC stop, another woman boarded who appeared to be homeless. Later a couple Hardee's employees joined us who were heading home from work for the night, bringing chicken with them. They gave the one woman sitting adjacent to them a couple pieces of chicken. One of the original trio got off the bus in the Oceana area. The other three were still onboard when we reached my home stop; I have no idea where they were going for the night.
For those unfamiliar, Virginia Beach has two homeless shelter programs. The JCOC is a year-round program with it's own buildings in the Seatack neighborhood. Winter Shelter is administered by the Volunteers of America, but doesn't operate during the Summer months. Winter Shelter is hosted by a different church each week, with the homeless provided a mat to sleep on in the church. They are fed before being sent out for the day; in my previous parish, the Knights of Columbus cooked them breakfast. Evening pickup is at the JCOC after the free dinner there, with transportation provided to the church for the night.
A writer in Port Folio (back when they had the print edition) once commented that the cities in our region are in a competition to cut services for the needy, to try to drive their poor into the neighboring cities. The regional nature of the homeless issue wasn't lost on me tonight: the bus those three women were on was going to cross the line into Norfolk in a few minutes. Hampton Roads, we have a problem.
Comprehensive Plan Public Meeting
This evening there was a public meeting at the convention center on Virginia Beach's draft Comprehensive Plan. I counted 17 in attendance. (City Staff told me there were 26 last Thursday evening at the Bayside Recreation Center.)
The meeting started with a Presentation by Tom Pauls, who is the City's chief land planner. There were stations around the room where the public could ask questions and make comments. Most everyone had made their points within an hour.
As for myself, I first went to the housing station to advocate for low-income housing. While the draft has language about "diverse" housing, it never tackles our low-income housing shortage head on. Afterwards, I walked over to Transportation to see what was going on.
The City is asking residents for suggestions for naming Strategic Growth Area 2, the land southwest of Regent University and next to Interstate 64. One group wanted "Just Say 'No' To Pat". Since it's in Centerville District, I threw in "Dyerville" and "South Newark". (Councilman Bob Dyer is originally from Newark, NJ.)
There are still four additional chances scheduled for the public to comment on the new Comprehensive Plan:
1. Thursday, October 29
Creeds Elementary School, 7 P.M.
2. Wednesday, November 12
Planning Commission, Noon
3. Tuesday, December 1
City Council public comment, 6 P.M.
4. Tuesday, December 8
tentative City Council approval, 6 P.M.
As a Catholic, I had to grin at that last date: December 8 is the Feast Of The Immaculate Conception. The Comp Plan being adopted on Immaculate Conception? There have to be some good lines there.
There's a school of thought that argues that the Comprehensive Plan is the most important document adopted by local government. While I believe it's second (after the Budget), the point I want to make with residents is that you need to read the Plan and voice your opinion prior to the City Council vote. The Comp Plan is that important!
The meeting started with a Presentation by Tom Pauls, who is the City's chief land planner. There were stations around the room where the public could ask questions and make comments. Most everyone had made their points within an hour.
As for myself, I first went to the housing station to advocate for low-income housing. While the draft has language about "diverse" housing, it never tackles our low-income housing shortage head on. Afterwards, I walked over to Transportation to see what was going on.
The City is asking residents for suggestions for naming Strategic Growth Area 2, the land southwest of Regent University and next to Interstate 64. One group wanted "Just Say 'No' To Pat". Since it's in Centerville District, I threw in "Dyerville" and "South Newark". (Councilman Bob Dyer is originally from Newark, NJ.)
There are still four additional chances scheduled for the public to comment on the new Comprehensive Plan:
1. Thursday, October 29
Creeds Elementary School, 7 P.M.
2. Wednesday, November 12
Planning Commission, Noon
3. Tuesday, December 1
City Council public comment, 6 P.M.
4. Tuesday, December 8
tentative City Council approval, 6 P.M.
As a Catholic, I had to grin at that last date: December 8 is the Feast Of The Immaculate Conception. The Comp Plan being adopted on Immaculate Conception? There have to be some good lines there.
There's a school of thought that argues that the Comprehensive Plan is the most important document adopted by local government. While I believe it's second (after the Budget), the point I want to make with residents is that you need to read the Plan and voice your opinion prior to the City Council vote. The Comp Plan is that important!
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Community On The 23
One of my axioms is that there is no stronger bond of community in Hampton Roads than on a Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) bus. With the day off today, I followed a regular template: bus into Norfolk, daily Mass at St. Mary's Basilica, lunch, a matinee at MacArthur Center, then back home by bus. This morning I made the leg from Military Circle to Cedar Grove on Route 23. It was case in point:
1. A lady was having trouble trying to get Social Security disability. It turned out that 3 of us were receiving Social Security Disability Income (SSDI), so she got plenty of firsthand advice, stories, etc.
2. A newbie rider didn't know how to get from Cedar Grove into downtown Norfolk. A lady told him: Route 310 (Downtown Shuttle). Since I was taking the 310 downtown, I told him to follow me. Got him on the bus, stop directions, and times for buses home.
Today's movie was I Can Do Bad All By Myself, the best movie by far that I've seen in 2009. First, the funniest scene was where Madea was trying to tell an unchurched 16 year old girl the story of Peter walking out onto the water to Jesus. (She butchered it badly, having Noah sail up in the arch of St. Louis, and even threw Jaws in.) Second, this movie - like many - has outtakes during the closing credits. As great as this movie was, most aren't as good, but stay since they saved the best for last.
1. A lady was having trouble trying to get Social Security disability. It turned out that 3 of us were receiving Social Security Disability Income (SSDI), so she got plenty of firsthand advice, stories, etc.
2. A newbie rider didn't know how to get from Cedar Grove into downtown Norfolk. A lady told him: Route 310 (Downtown Shuttle). Since I was taking the 310 downtown, I told him to follow me. Got him on the bus, stop directions, and times for buses home.
Today's movie was I Can Do Bad All By Myself, the best movie by far that I've seen in 2009. First, the funniest scene was where Madea was trying to tell an unchurched 16 year old girl the story of Peter walking out onto the water to Jesus. (She butchered it badly, having Noah sail up in the arch of St. Louis, and even threw Jaws in.) Second, this movie - like many - has outtakes during the closing credits. As great as this movie was, most aren't as good, but stay since they saved the best for last.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Mark Your Calendars!
The 2009 Freedom Fund Banquet of the Virginia Beach Chapter of the NAACP will be held at the Westin in Town Center on November 1. (That's All Saints Day for we Catholics.) It's a big annual fundraiser for the local Chapter. First, anyone who is anyone in the African-American community will be there. Second, for any politician seeking favor in the African-American community, it's a must event.
I ran into President Georgia Allen this morning and learned the date and location. Once I get the full spread of details, I'll be sure to post them.
I ran into President Georgia Allen this morning and learned the date and location. Once I get the full spread of details, I'll be sure to post them.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Ed McMahon Passes Away
Ed McMahon died early this morning. Many sites have noted the passing.
My two cents worth: in high school, I didn't go to bed until after I had watched Johnny Carson's monologue on The Tonight Show. Of course, McMahon was what story described as Carson's "human laughtrack". As such, he was an unforgettable part of my teenage years.
For Catholics like McMahon and I, death is just the beginning. Enjoy the next life, Ed.
My two cents worth: in high school, I didn't go to bed until after I had watched Johnny Carson's monologue on The Tonight Show. Of course, McMahon was what story described as Carson's "human laughtrack". As such, he was an unforgettable part of my teenage years.
For Catholics like McMahon and I, death is just the beginning. Enjoy the next life, Ed.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Roof Repairs At St. Gregory's
For those of you who missed Mass (or left early) this weekend at St. Gregory's, there was one big announcement. Starting tomorrow, the church roof will be repaired and reshingled. Due to that, there will be a few temporary changes in our parish.
The small parking lot adjacent to Clearfield Avenue will be closed, as that's where the construction materials will be kept. The Guadalupe Garden will also be closed, as the roof slopes into it on three sides, making for a safety hazard.
Work is scheduled to begin about 7 A.M. Monday - Friday mornings, and sometimes on Saturday. That means work will be going on during 8:30 A.M. daily Mass, so there may be some noise. However, the crew will halt for any funerals during the period. Given the materials being used, a smell is expected to drift into the church building.
The roof is expected to be done by the end of July, possibly longer depending on what is found as the current roof is removed. Once completed, it is planned to begin repainting the interior of St. Gregory's in phases.
The small parking lot adjacent to Clearfield Avenue will be closed, as that's where the construction materials will be kept. The Guadalupe Garden will also be closed, as the roof slopes into it on three sides, making for a safety hazard.
Work is scheduled to begin about 7 A.M. Monday - Friday mornings, and sometimes on Saturday. That means work will be going on during 8:30 A.M. daily Mass, so there may be some noise. However, the crew will halt for any funerals during the period. Given the materials being used, a smell is expected to drift into the church building.
The roof is expected to be done by the end of July, possibly longer depending on what is found as the current roof is removed. Once completed, it is planned to begin repainting the interior of St. Gregory's in phases.
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