September 2008
The Greater Raleigh Court Civic League
www.grccl.org
R a l e i g h C o u rt — A H i s t o r I C A L N E I G H B O R H O O D L O O K I N G F O R WA R D
Raleigh Court to Receive Public Art By Susan Jennings In 2002, Roanoke joined over 350 American communities when City Council adopted the Percent for Art Program. One percent of certain capital project budgets will be used for public art. “Public art” can be traditional sculpture or paintings, architectural elements of a building, infrastructure components or even benches and playground equipment. Community involvement was essential in developing the program and selecting the first projects. The Roanoke Arts Commission, appointed by Council, conducted public workshops and interviews, and then published Art for Everyone: Roanoke’s Public Art Plan. City Council adopted it as part of the city’s comprehensive plan. Subsequently, city representatives and citizens reviewed art works and made recommendations to the Arts Commission, then City Council approved four projects this August. The largest will be at the Civic Center. Additionally, Market Square Walkway, the glass bridge connecting Hotel Roanoke with downtown, will be enhanced. The two remaining projects will be housed in Raleigh Court. Raleigh Court to House Piece in Temporary Art Show AIR (Art in Roanoke) is the first outdoor temporary art display by the Roanoke Arts Commission. Eight works will be installed
Inside This Issue
President’s message...................................................... 3 New GRCCL Officers................................................ 4 Renovate Roanoke...................................................... 5 Block Party................................................................ 6 Energy Checkup......................................................... 7 Volunteer Oportunities............................................... 8 Calendar................................................................... 8 Things you need to know.......................................... 10
around the city for eighteen months. “Second Chances” by Paul Slick of Tucson will be at the Raleigh Court Fire Station from October 17 until April 2010. The whimsical pelican sculpture is eight feet tall and is made of steel, copper, brass and aluminum. The pelican's upper beak moves up and down with slight gusts of wind. Inside the pelican's lower beak, a fish rises up and appears to escape when the beak opens. Other fish that have not gotten away are inside the pelican's rib cage - caught, swallowed and captured. According to Slick, “the sculpture's name, Second This sculpture will be installed at Chances, refers to the —continued on page 4
Fire Station #7 on Memorial Avenue
Potluck and Public Art at September Meeting Join us at our annual neighborhood potluck dinner on Thursday, September 11! Bring a favorite dish to share, and enjoy the tasty creations of your friends and neighbors. Beverages and fried chicken will be provided. Following dinner, Susan Jennings, City Public Art Coordinator, will discuss Roanoke’s Public Art Program and future plans for public art in the City and in Raleigh Court. The meeting will be held at Christ Lutheran Church at the corner of Brandon Ave. and Grandin Rd. Dinner will begin at 6:30 pm. See you there!
Greater Raleigh Court Civic League Officers OFFICERS President Susan Koch 345-9977 s.koch@verizon.net Vice-President - open Recording Secretary Keith Dabbs 224-3082 kdabbs@carilion.com Corresponding Secretary Cassandra Van Hyning 798-1996 cvanhyning@spectrumpc.com Directors at Large Chad Braby 343-3975 cbraby@ullimanschutte.com Karyn McAden 342-8930 blackcat29@cox.net Melissa Morgan 312-3587 melissamorganhomes@msn.com
Lori Livingston 981-1145 lomaliv@juno.com Jake Gilmer jgilmer@rvarc.org Immediate Past President Chad Van Hyning 798-5983 cvanhyning@hsmm.com COMMITTEE CHAIRS Membership: Karyn McAden Adopt-a-Highway: Kurt Navratil & Brook Dickson 343-7373 kdavidn@cox.net Neighborhood Affairs: Frank Eastburn 342-8063 haikune@msn.com Program: Melissa Morgan & Lori Livingston
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Newsletter (incl. advertising): Jim Huizenga 345-9977 j.huizenga@verizon.net Special Projects: Tony Stavola 345-0010 astavola@carilion.com Building Management: Chad Braby Grandin Road Merchants Liaison: Kurt Navratil Webmaster: Michael Meise 343-0805 mmeise@roanokecountyva.gov Greenways: Mike Urbanski 344-1388 mike_urbanski@cox.net The Court Reporter is published by the Greater Raleigh Court Civic League fives times a year on or about the first week of September, November, January, March, and May.
From the President
Many Hands Make Light Work By Susan Koch I first heard that expression from our wonderful former board member Melissa Speed. We were planning the work on the Dan Wright Trailhead, which indeed is the work of many hands. Actually, the history of the Civic League demonstrates the value of many hands lightening the load for any one of us. The Greater Raleigh Court Civic League is an entirely volunteer organization, and only exists through many people giving their time and energy to us all. Nothing happens unless someone looks out, sees a need in our neighborhood and raises his or her hand. So I’d like to begin my two-year term as president by thanking some of the many hands who have recently done the heavy lifting. First and foremost is my immediate predecessor, Chad Van Hyning. Under Chad’s leadership, the many hands of the Civic League accomplished much. Here are just a few of those accomplishments: •
We celebrated our neighborhood’s Centennial with a series of newsletter articles and speakers on Raleigh Court history. Our 100-year birthday party drew over 700 guests. We grilled hot dogs and heard bands as diverse as the Kusun Ensemble, now of Raleigh Court and formerly of Ghana, and the Woodrow Wilson Middle School band.
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We launched Roanoke Memories, an oral history collection that began with gathering Raleigh Court stories and is now part of the Roanoke Library’s project.
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We worked with the City to update the neighborhood plan. And we also worked with the City to resolve neighborhood issues around parking and the new high school stadium.
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Using the philosophy of “many hands make light work,” we’ve reached out to other groups to increase what we can accomplish. One of our most successful projects is the construction of the Dan Wright Trailhead on the Murray Run Greenway. Conceived by Melissa and Kevin Speed to honor former director Dan Wright, the project has drawn on many groups—the Striders running club, GE Elfun volunteers, Roanoke Parks and Recreation Department, Neighborhood Services, Raleigh Court Elementary PTA and administration, Valley Forward, and Pathfinders for Greenways. Volunteers Mike Urbanski and Jim Loesel are now planning for this fall’s work on the trailhead.
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Chad also built on our alliance with the Grandin Village Business Association. We’ve partnered to get banners for the Village and on the holiday parade. GRCCL’s Kelly Zappia and GVBA’s Susan Stump worked together on this year’s Raleigh Court Block Party. And we began sponsoring summer cartoons at the Grandin.
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Another important initiative has been the Civic League’s involvement with the city’s schools. Led by Tony Stavola, we organized a citywide forum to foster better communications among the City Council, School Board and Roanoke citizens. Superintendent Rita Bishop reported on progress at our May meeting, and we will stay involved.
These and other projects were possible only because so many people raised their hands with good ideas and then turned their hands to get the work done. Just as Chad did, I encourage you to turn to the Civic League when you have a “brilliant idea” to improve our city, and to join with our neighbors to make the work light.
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Public Art—continued from page 1
escaping fish's second chance at life.” Stop by the Fire Station at 10:00 am on Saturday Oct. 18 to meet the artist and enjoy light refreshments. Bus Shelter in Raleigh Court The Roanoke Arts Commission looks for projects that involve kids as well as adults. William Fleming students participated in a public session to develop the art plan. From that, one of the first projects involves students working with an artist to design bus shelters near the city’s two high schools. This is a joint project with the Greater Roanoke Transit Authority. Artist and Hollins adjunct faculty member Ed Dolinger worked with the students in Jennifer Fowler’s Patrick Henry 3D design class last spring. Students even did a presentation to City Council. Dolinger will finalize the design and show it to Council in early fall. He hopes to work with students in the PHHS welding department to fabricate the shelter. According to Dolinger, “The final product will reflect the collaboration between artist and students that was the essence of my work at PHHS. As with all my experiences in working with youth I found this process exhilarating and creatively stimulating. It helps me in my own work to be able to get out of the studio and interact with creative and energetic students
like those in Jennifer’s class.” Watch for information about a ribbon cutting later this fall. Inspiring Sculpture for Civic Center The largest new public arts piece will be unveiled at the Civic Center on October 1 at 5:00. The soaring sculpture was created by Rodney Carroll of Baltimore. Carroll was chosen from 89 applicants. Several Raleigh Court residents served on the selection panel, including artist Betty Branch, former GRCCL board member Frank Eastburn, and former Arts Commission Chair Wynona Lynch McWhite. See other work by the artist at www. rodneycarroll.com. For more about Roanoke’s public art program, visit www.roanokeva. gov/publicart. If you have suggestions or are interested in serving on a selection panel email me at Susan.Jennings@ Roanokeva.com. Susan Jennings is Roanoke’s Public Art Coordinator.
Meet the new GRCCL board members Civic League members elected new officers at the May membership meeting. Susan Koch, Vice President for the last two years, was elected President, succeeding the outgoing President, Chad Van Hyning. Vice President. Andy Matzner, is a counselor and therapist with a private practice in Raleigh Court. Unfortunately, Andy's changing job situation compelled him to resign this summer, and we're seeking a new vice president. Ruth Dickerson is our new Treasurer. She is a CPA and has lived in Raleigh Court for seven years. Jake Gilmer, a Regional Planner, is a new Director-at-large. He and his wife, Jill Arliss, and their son Rowan have lived in Raleigh Court for three years. Their daughter, Aleah, was born in August. Lori Livingston was re-elected to a twoyear term. Lori is co-chair of the programs committee.
Newly elected officers of the GRCCL at the May meeting are (from left) Andy Matzner, Susan Koch, Jake Gilmer, and Lori Livingston. Outgoing President Chad Van Hyning is at the podium.
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Renovate Roanoke Old House Fair Returns By Alicia Sell Education. Preservation. Celebration! That's Renovate Roanoke. This free “old house fair” returns for a second year on Friday and Saturday, October 10 and 11 at the Jefferson Center. Renovate Roanoke offers homeowners a practical perspective on historical preservation and renovation. It is the event for homeowners seeking solid, reliable information about how to make a “vintage” home more comfortable, attractive and energy efficient, without unnecessarily sacrificing its historic character. Renovate Roanoke begins on Friday evening at 7:00 pm with Brent Hull, an author and nationally recognized expert in historically accurate residential design, speaking on “Why Old is Better Than New,” followed by a tour of the beautifully renovated Jefferson Center. Saturday, 8:30 am-3:00 pm, is full of workshops, classes and more. Sessions include “Mortar,” “Roof Repair and Maintenance,” “Green/Sustainable Renovation,” “Making an Old House Livable,” “Historic Millwork,” and the “Architectural Pattern Book.” Tours will be offered of two beautifully renovated 100+ year old homes, as well as houses in various stages of renovation on Miller’s Hill. There will also be dozens of vendors with numerous products and services for the renovating homeowner. And finally, the highlight of the day for many, the Ask the Expert panel in which the keynote speaker, an architect, a contractor and a homeowner field “old house” questions collected from attendees. This free event connects homeowners with resources to help them make informed decisions about their “old house” issues. Whether you are hiring a contractor or a do-it-yourselfer, Renovate Roanoke is your event. For more information please call 853-2073 or When: Friday, October 10, 7pm and visit www.roanokeva.gov/renovate and www.brenthull.com.. Saturday, October 11, 8am-3pm Renovate Roanoke is generously sponsored by Breakell Inc. General Contractors, The Roanoke Library Foundation, City of Roanoke, the Where: Jefferson Center Jefferson Center, Roanoke Times, Roanoke Valley Home Magazine, 104 Luck Ave. WSLS 10, Ideal Building Supply, Perfect Touch Interiors, Park Place Roanoke, VA 24016 Realtors, Roanoke Redevelopment and Housing Authority, and Spectrum Design. Web: www.roanokeva.gov/renovate Alicia Sell is the Archivist for Roanoke Public Libraries' Virginia Room
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Block Party in the Village The fourth annual block party, co-sponsored by the Greater Raleigh Court Civic League and the Grandin Village Business Association, had to cope with a little rain, but a good crowd showed up to enjoy the kids' events, the entertainment, and the free hot dogs and cake. Event co-chairs, Kelly Zappia and Susan Stump, did a marvelous job of organizing the events, marshalling the volunteers, and managing the finances. We owe them our thanks and gratitude.
Block Party Co-chairs Susan Stump and Kelly Zappia
The Three Bs pleased the crowds with bluegrass and folk music.
Kids had a great time making soap bubbles in the middle of the street.
Muhandes Salaamallah and friends kept the rhythm going throughout the afternoon. If you had occasion to see The Visitor at The Grandin Theatre this summer, you'll probably like this picture.
The skateboarding dog was one of several tape sculptures placed throughout the Village.
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Give Your House an Energy Checkup By Jim Huizenga
All summer long you've watched the prices of oil and gasoline soar. In July Appalachian Power said it would seek a large rate increase. So regardless of whether your heating system uses oil, gas, or electricity, it's pretty certain that you'll be paying more to heat your house this winter. Perhaps your house, like many in Raleigh Court, was built 60-100 years ago. You may already be experiencing high heating and cooling bills, and now you're wondering how you'll cope with the higher costs this winter. There's not much we can do about the price of energy, but we can take steps to reduce our consumption. One way is to analyze and improve the energy efficiency of your house.
be significant contributors to energy losses. The tester will be able to judge the relative importance of each area from observing the velocity of air moving out of the house. Auditors may also employ an infrared thermal imaging device that can map the temperature profile of your house to pinpoint areas where heat is escaping. Leo Watkins of Wheat Energy, Inc. in Troutville estimates that a basic energy audit will cost around $200 while a more detailed audit including a written report detailing the energy performance of your house will be around $500.
Key factors contributing to energy inefficiency Some of the main factors, particularly in an older house, can be categorized as follows: • Air leakage from the house. Cracks and gaps allow air to flow freely from inside to outside, burdening your heating system and costing you money. • Inadequate insulation. Too little insulation, particularly in the attic above the top floor ceiling, allows heat to flow into the attic and out the roof. • Windows and doors with poor energy performance. Single panes of glass afford little obstacle to heat flow. • Inefficient furnaces, air conditioners, and other appliances. If your HVAC, laundry and kitchen appliances, and water heater are 10, 20, or more years old, they likely use more energy than new models. What You Can Do Yourself Of all the areas mentioned above, controlling air leakage is probably where the homeowner can get the most bang for the buck. If the owner is willing to devote some time to this task, a relatively small investment in weather-stripping, caulking, and foam sealants can yield significant improvements. (The reference cited at the end of this article gives detailed instructions on how to go about this job.) Professional energy auditors For homeowners who don't wish to undertake their own audits, or are ready for advanced energy tests such as infrared thermal imaging or blower door tests, there are energy audit services available. You can search sites such as Residential Energy Services Network (www.natresnet.org) to find providers in our area.
Support for low-income households For low-income households, especially those with elderly persons, individuals with disabilities, and families with children, there is the Virginia Weatherization Assistance Program operated by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. It provides funds to reduce the heating and cooling costs for low-income families, and to ensure their health and safety. The program provides direct installation of energy-saving measures such as: • Sealing air-leaks with insulation, caulking, and weatherstripping, • Repairing leaky duct systems, • Repairing and/or replacing inefficient or unsafe heating systems, and • Installing carbon monoxide and smoke detectors. In Roanoke, Total Action Against Poverty (TAP), is the agency that provides these services. For more information Internet searches will quickly reveal numerous sources of information. However, there is one document in particular that I think merits your attention. The Virginia Energy Savers Handbook is a 170-page publication produced by Virginia Tech and others for the Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals, and Energy. It is available online at www. dmme.virginia.gov. This comprehensive document is a veritable textbook on understanding and managing energy usage in the home.
A blower door test pressurizes the house using a large blower mounted in an exterior doorway. The tester moves about the house with a smoke generator to find places where air is escaping from the house. The usual suspects include areas such as windows, electrical outlets, and fireplaces. In addition, attic hatches or stairways, cracks in plaster walls, gaps between floors and baseboards, and basement doors and windows can page 7
Volunteer Opportunities
TAP provides six hours of training, conducted by a certified tax preparer. You’ll review the basics of income taxes and become familiar with the computer tax preparation software. The program prepares only simple returns, with no itemizing. Clients typically are entitled to the earned income credit and the child tax credit. In 2008, the program filed 816 returns, and clients received $760,000 in refunds. The tax help is free to the clients.
Help Newcomers to America Many of us have noticed the refugees living in Raleigh Court. They come from around the world, often leaving horrendous circumstances behind to start new lives here. Refugee and Immigration Services, a private agency that works with the US government, is seeking volunteers to work with our new neighbors.
Training is conducted in the fall, and volunteers work from January 15 through April 15. TAP is the largest anti-poverty community action organization in the Roanoke Valley. Among its many programs are the renovation of Terrace Apartments in Raleigh Court and numerous Head Start programs. To volunteer, contact Tiffany Henderson at 345-6781, ext. 4408 or tiffany.henderson@tapintohope.org.
In addition to tutors for the adults, they need homework helpers for school aged kids; mentors to "adopt a family" and help in their overall adjustment to the community; and transportation to appointments. Volunteers will be well trained, and schedules are flexible.
Calendar
When you volunteer, you’ll learn more about other countries and cultures and provide significant help to very motivated newcomers. Contact: Alice Duehl at 342-7561 or aliced22@ris-roa.org.
Volunteer Tax Preparers Needed TAP (Total Action Against Poverty) is seeking volunteers to help low income Roanokers complete their taxes. You don’t have to be an accountant to make a difference!
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GRCCL Litter Pickup....................... Sat., Sept. 20, 9 am Pancake Breakfast Benefit............Sun., Sept. 21, 8-11 am ALS Walk......................................................Sun., Oct. 5 Renovate Roanoke..............................Fri-Sat, Oct. 10-11 Meet the artist@Fire Stn #7.......... Sat., Oct. 18, 10:00am GRCCL Membership Meetings September 11, 2008...........................Thursday, 6:30 pm November 13, 2008...........................Thursday, 7:30 pm January 8, 2009..................................Thursday, 7:30 pm March 12, 2009.................................Thursday, 7:30 pm May 14, 2009.....................................Thursday, 7:30 pm
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Things you need to know… Sidewalk Art Winner Congratulations to Mary Bullington, Raleigh Court artist, for taking first place best-in -show honors in the 2008 Sidewalk Art Show in downtown Roanoke June 7-8. This is the show's second year as a juried fine arts show. The event began in 1959, and has grown to over 130 exhibitors.
Walk to Defeat ALS Show your support for Dan Wright and others who have been diagnosed with ALS by joining the ALS walk. This year's walk will be on Sunday, October 5 at Hollins University. Registration begins Last year's group of walkers carried at 1:00 pm; the walk starts at pictures of Dan Wright, who was in the hospital at the time. 2:00.
city street, only to find out it’s blocked off? You can avoid these problems and join those “in the know” by signing up for myroanoke.com. It’s a free email alert service provided by the City of Roanoke. Just go to the city’s website, roanokeva.gov, click on Services, and then scroll down to myroanoke Notifications. This will lead you through the easy sign up process. If your pager or cell phone provider offers a text messaging service, you can also use that e-mail address for alerts. Select just the topics that interest you so your mail box isn’t overflowing with junk mail. In addition to general news releases, neighborhood news, library events and street closings, you can get alerts about Civic Center events and tax payment deadlines. You can receive notices of City Council and other public meetings. You can hear about public sales of surplus city property and real estate auctions. You can even get reminders when it’s time to change your smoke detector batteries. You can also request that your email remain private, and easily change your preferences online.
Use Your Library Card to Get Discounts
Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser for ALS Association
You can now use your Roanoke Public Library Card to save $1 on admission prices at Mill Mountain Zoo, Harrison Museum of African American Culture, and The Virginia Museum of Transportation.
Enjoy a free breakfast of pancakes, fruit, juices, and more on Sunday, September 21st, 8-11 am at the Fellowship Hall of Thrasher Memorial United Methodist Church at 707 Washington Avenue in Vinton.
It’s easy to get a library card—and it’s free! Just visit any library branch, fill out a simple form, and you’ll get your card right away. You'll need two pieces of identification with your name and current address. Any resident of Virginia, age five and older, may get a free library card that can be used at any Roanoke City, Roanoke County, Salem, or Botetourt County library. A parent's or guardian's signature is required for children younger than age 13.
This event is organized by Susan and Jerry Foutz, Star City Striders and friends of Dan Wright. Their goal is to raise funds for ALS research and patient support in honor of Dan. The Foutz’s are donating the food and beverages, preparing and serving the food. Thasher Memorial is furnishing their facility free of charge.
Stay Informed With myroanoke.com
For more information contact Jerry Foutz @ 797-8584.
Ever put your trash cans out on the wrong night after a holiday? Regretted missing a great program at the Library? Driven down a
100% of all donations will be sent to the DC/MD/VA Chapter of the ALS Association (Lou Gehrig’s Disease).
GRCCL Litter Pickup We need your help on September 20, 9-10:30 am. Meet in the parking lot of Christ Lutheran Church (corner of Brandon and Grandin) at 8:45am. If you plan to come or have questions call Brook Dickson at 343-7373 or email at kdavidn@cox.net. Thanks!
Thank You!
Thanks to the businesses and sponsors who helped make our Block Party a success. Event Sponsors Valley Bank – face painting Frankl, Miller & Webb – the moon bounce
Donors Harvey's Cleaners Village Flowers Village Grille Rife and Wood Architects
Isaac's Restaurant Too Many Books Dorn's of Roanoke Frito-Lay
The Raleigh Court Healthcare Center provided several sheet cakes. They also loaned us tents that sheltered the food servers from the showers during the day. The Roanoke Natural Foods Co-op also provided tent shelters and food. page 10
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q new member q renewing member Name
Greater Raleigh Court Civic League P.O. Box 3092 Roanoke, VA 24015 Address Service Requested
New members are welcome to join the Civic League at any time. Your mailing label shows Address when it’s time to renew your membership. You may pay your dues at the next membership City meeting. Multiyear or life memberships are welcome! The Civic League is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization. Donations may be claimed as charitable deductions for tax purposes. Home Phone Please mail your membership dues ($10 family, $15 business, or $100 life membership) or Amount Enclosed gifts to: GRCCL, P.O. Box 3092, Roanoke, VA 24015 Or go to www.grccl.org and click on “JOIN US” to fill out a membership application online. I’d like to help out with:
Membership Form
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID ROANOKE, VA PERMIT NO. 78
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