Criticizing Winer's work on panel unfair

I would like to comment on the May 20 article entitled "Winer urged to quit panel" by Matthew Mosk and Laura Sullivan. As a member of the Odenton Town Plan Oversight Committee, the reporters questioned me about Mr. Winer's involvement in the selection of the land for the regional library site.

The article implied that Mr. Winer kept the fact that he was the broker and landowner from the committee.

I stated that I had not personally heard any discussions about this issue, but that does not translate to hiding the information. I've only been on the committee a short time. The other committee members knew.

What the article left out -- perhaps because it did not fit its premise -- was that I viewed Mr. Winer as an effective leader who adhered to the wishes of the committee.

The committee, not Jay Winer, chose the site because it is an ideal location with visibility from Route 175 and easy access for senior citizens and others.

It is irresponsible to include only what supports the writers' premises.

Those of us who were participants know what happened and would appreciate an accurate portrayal.

Marcia Hall, Severna Park

Banneker-Douglass deserves better

I am upset that the Maryland Commission on African-American History and Culture fired Rosalind D. Savage as executive director of the Banneker-Douglass Museum in Annapolis.

Two executive directors have been fired in the past two years. Money was not misappropriated. In fact, these directors were able to make progress in spite of such obstacles as lack of support, inadequate staffing and limited budgets.

The commissioners stated that everything is "status quo." That is such a misleading statement. The deputy director was transferred. There is no curator, researcher, education specialist, maintenance chief or collections manager on staff.

Funding for the new year will not be properly allocated because the executive director and the deputy director were removed before the yearly reports are submitted in June.

The appointed office manager in charge of the museum is inexperienced.

We need a new group of commissioners who are sincere about maintaining the museum, and who are capable of making logical decisions. We are tired of their shenanigans.

Beverly Giles, Millersville

The best education is close to home

You cannot pick up a newspaper without seeing articles about the problems of the public school system. When we read about those problems or hear our friends complaining about conditions in the schools, we smile to ourselves. We have a secret that has enabled us to avoid the problems.

Does a lack of funds mean your school uses textbooks held together with tape and that list Jimmy Carter as the current president? Are you worried by news reports that new textbooks are full of factual errors or watered down to be politically correct? We know our kids have the most current and most accurate books available.

When you read studies about the class size that is optimal for effective learning, do you suddenly realize that classes at your child's school are almost twice as large? We don't have that problem.

Not only do our kids have classes that are much smaller than average, they get lots of one-on-one attention. Their teachers are caring and motivated to ensure the success of each student. They are able to adapt lessons to the abilities of each student.

Do you worry about the safety of your kids at school? The news is full of stories about knives and guns brought into school.

Then there are the bullies who shake kids down for lunch money or tease them for amusement. What about the dangers of being introduced at an early age to cigarettes, drugs or promiscuous behavior? We are confident that our kids are learning in a safe environment. We have no fears about weapons or peer pressure to experiment in risky behavior. Amazingly, our kids get this environment without imposing strict rules or metal detectors or other things that can make them feel like criminals.

By now you have realized that our kids' education is very exclusive and private. Can our secret help you if you do not have thousands of dollars a year to spend on a private school? That's the best part. The cost is determined by how much you are willing to pay and how much of your time you are willing to invest. You can get by on a few hundred dollars a year or less.

Our secret?

We home school. With all its advantages, is it any wonder that home-schooling is growing so rapidly? Today's home-schooling parents are a diverse group, from a variety of income and education levels, races, religious and political beliefs, but who share a desire to do what's best for their children.

Now you know the secret that more than 1 million home-schoolers in the country know.

Billy and Nancy Greer, Pasadena

Second Stage troupe needs to find a new home

Sadly, the Second Stage Playhouse (formerly St. Martin's Community Theater) will no longer have a home after the wonderful performance of "The Wizard of Oz."

For eight years, this volunteer theater troupe has delighted thousands of audience members, provided a home to showcase the talents of young and old alike, and perhaps most important donated profits to charitable organizations with real needs.

Recipients of this group's charitable donations include the Severna Park Assistance Network, Hospice of the Chesapeake, House of Ruth, Anne Arundel County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Department and the Strong Girls Club, to name a few.

The theater group is searching for space to lend its new name and future productions. It is the group's desire, under the strong leadership of director Mary A. James, to continue to provide the community with affordable, quality productions while giving back to those in need.

It would be a great loss to the community should Second Stage Playhouse ceases to exist.

If anyone in the community has information or suggestions that may lead to finding a new facility, please contact Mary James at 410-544-8574.

Thank you to the loyal patrons, volunteers, performers and community members who have lent their support over the past eight years.

Daniel G. Wareham, Riva

After the final performance of "The Wizard of Oz," the theater lights will go dark at Second Stage Playhouse, formally known as St. Martin's Community Theater in Severna Park. We hope that out of that darkness will come new light and a new home for a theater that has been an integral part of the Severna Park community for eight years. St. Martin's in the Field Episcopal Church told the theater to vacate at the end of this season.

Children and adults have made magic happen on that stage. If you have ever been in the audience during one of the shows, you have experienced that magic. Friendships have been made to last a lifetime. Many have benefited since all of the profits after production costs are donated to charities. All of the productions are put together by volunteers. There are no paid positions.

We would like to thank Severna Park and surrounding communities for their enthusiasm and support during the past eight years. To ensure the future of the theater, we need support of business, individuals and theater lovers.

Our goal is to build a community arts center in Severna Park so that all ages can showcase their talents. If you would like to help in our endeavor, please contact Second Stage Playhouse, P.O. Box 664, Severna Park, MD 21146.

Your support is appreciated. A whole community will benefit.

Patricia Saiia, Severna Park

Pub Date: 5/30/99