Letters to the Editor for Saturday, July 12, 2008

Published: July 11, 2008

The Hill City’s alive with budding artists
Back in March, Jim Tracey, of 921 Main Street Fine Art Gallery, said he “just want(s) to show good art.” I dare say the subsequent First Friday shows at the gallery have been exciting and a boon to our area. He and John Seminatore render a service to our community that is not only good for the emerging artists but bring a spark of creative energy to all of Central Virginia.

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The recent Independence Day opening of “Emerging Young Artists” was particularly interesting in that as Meridith De Avila noted “veers from traditional art.”

I found myself fascinated by some of the works I saw that evening and was impressed with such a great turnout on an afternoon and evening of barbecues and fireworks.

I made the rounds from graphic design pieces to T-shirts, wood carvings, photos and even a dress exhibit! I was particularly impressed with the triptych of Buddhist iconography.

I had seen this young artist’s work at Hollins University in Roanoke and was again delighted in the stirring icons which challenge your thinking and forced you to see with an objective eye the religious and cultural symbols of our day.

Again, we need to thank Tracey and Seminatore who have made it possible for us to enjoy these artists. 

We are indeed fortunate to have a community that encourages art and restricts no medium, and what better day than Independence Day to display them?

I plan to revisit the artist at the gallery since their works will be on exhibit the rest of the month.

I also thank The News & Advance for its coverage of the events; I look forward to each month’s art show.
THOMAS B. LUCENTE
Bedford

Swimming thanks
On behalf of the Lynchburg YMCA Swim Team, I would like to thank the City of Lynchburg, its aquatic staff, and the YMCA of Central Virginia for their cooperative effort to help in the hosting of the Firecracker Invitational held recently at the Miller Park Swimming Pool.

In addition, I would like to thank the sponsors of the meet — Outback Steakhouse, Bikes Unlimited, The Days Inn, The Wingate Inn, The Kirkley Hotel, O’Hara Home Improvement, Golden Corral, and Hardees — for their support.

Approximately 400 swimmers from around Virginia and North Carolina enjoyed a weekend of competition and a stay in our beautiful city.

As the host team, we received compliments from coaches and parents from other areas about the fine facility, the excellent hospitality, the dedication of the lifeguards, and the pleasure of visiting Lynchburg.

Thanks is also extended to our many parent volunteers who work so hard to ensure the success of our team and the swim meets that we run. We couldn’t do it without you!
LISA LISTON
Assistant director of competitive swimming
YMCA of Central Virginia

Run the numbers again
As a past manager of the Sweet Briar Dairy Farm, I must responsd to Steve Cox and his milk-drinking letter of July 10 called “What a bargain.”

In my little book called “The Best Years of My Life,” I explain that farmers sell their milk in “cwt.,” or hundredweight. Once processed, it is sold to the consumer in gallons, half gallons, quarts, pints and half-pints.

Mr. Cox complained about paying $l.59 for a half pint of milk, equalling $50.88 per gallon.

My friend, l6 multiplied by l.59 equals only $25.44, half of your quick math.

Try to buy a half pint of gas and see what you pay.

In case you need more instruction in the mathematics of milk, please buy my book at Amherst Milling or Hill House in Amherst or stop by and I will give you one.
JAN Y. OSINGA
Amherst