March 2013
The Greater Raleigh Court Civic League
www.grccl.org
R a l e i g h C o u r t — A H i s t o r I C A L N E I G H B O R H OO D L OO K I N G F O R WA R D
City Manager Listens to Neighborhood
By Parke Loese
Speaking before a large crowd at our January meeting, Chris Morrill, Roanoke City Manager, had high praise for the Greater Raleigh Court and Grandin Village area. As he said, a “village center” offers a lot of diversity and plays its part in economic development in Roanoke. He commented on the importance and value of our diverse population, our outstanding greenway system and the city’s large budget commitment to our school system. However, financial challenges loom ahead with a high percentage of citizens without bank checking accounts and a high poverty rate among the young and old.
Arriving in Roanoke in the spring of 2010, Morrill and his family have attended many exciting events all over the city and have been impressed by the outgoing friendliness of Roanokers. He was enthusiastic about our City’s future and its ability to meet the challenges ahead. Citizens offer suggestions and give advice freely, sometimes of a negative nature, but it is “our own perception” Morrill feels that will reflect our future.
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Inside This Issue President’s Message..................................................... 3 Things You Need To Know.......................................... 4 Roanoke Natural Foods Co-op ................................... 5 Calendar................................................................... 6 City Manager Listens to Neighborhood (continued)...... 7 .............................................................................. 10
Meeting Announcement Neighborhood Meeting To Focus on Refugees and Immigrants in Roanoke
The Greater Raleigh Court Civic League will meet on Thursday, March 14, at 7 pm to explore the dynamic diversity among refugees and immigrants in Roanoke. A panel discussion consisting of David Maxey, Elizabeth Lutjen, and Amar Bhattarai, all of Commonwealth Catholic Charities, Refugee and Immigration Services will discuss their services and how they impact the lives of refugees and immigrants. Steven Martin, Chief of Benefit Programs and Employment Services, City of Roanoke, Department of Social Services, will also be a panel member. In addition, Heather Woods, Foster Parent Coordinator of National Counseling Group, will share information on foster care and on becoming a foster parent. If you would like to bring a canned good to donate, GRCCL will see that it is sent to the local food pantry.
Greater Raleigh Court Civic League Officers 2012-2013 OFFICERS
Jenny Prickitt
President: : Jake Gilmer
antiquesbuyjenny@aol.com
jake.gilmer@gmail.com
Louella Clement
Vice-President: Vacant
fusia512002@yahoo.com
Treasurer: Chad Braby – Interim
Immediate Past President:
chadbraby12@gmail.com
Chad Braby chadbraby12@gmail.com
Recording Secretary: Cassandra Van Hyning cvanhyning@spectrumpc.com Corresponding Secretary: Vacant
Directors at Large: Parke Loesel JKPLoesel@aol.com Matt Pritts
COMMITTEE CHAIRS: Membership: Martha Graves
Parke Loesel JKPLoesel@aol.com
Martha Graves
Jake Gilmer - Interim
mgraves@wdbj7.com
Grandin Road Merchants Liaison: Jenny Prickitt antiquesbuyjenny@aol.com
Greenways: Mike Urbanski mike_urbanski@cox.net
Program:
Newsletter Editor & Advertising::
Building Management: Carl Cress carl.cress@edwardjones.com
Web & Social Media: Jake Gilmer - Interim
Adopt-a-Highway: Derek and Stacy Lam lam324fam@gmail.com
pritts@woodsrogers.com
Special Projects: Tony Stavola astavola@carilion.com
Project2
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The Court Reporter is published by the Greater Raleigh Court Civic League five times a year on or about the first week of September, November, January, March, 8/3/11 and 10:18 AM Page 1 May.
From the President-A Greater Raleigh Court Staycation By Jake Gilmer and Jill Arliss
While we would all love to rent a house at the beach this summer, it not always possible to afford the trip. Like many Americans, this year, we are on a budget. So instead of going out of town, we plan to save some money and explore our neighborhood. While we all know there are great things around Roanoke, sometimes we forget the wonderful opportunities right outside our door, all within walking distance. So for this month’s newsletter, my wife and I would like to share some ideas for an active or relaxing staycation, right here at home. If you have a bicycle and are interested in a great cycling adventure, here is an example my ideal day. No one wants to do dishes on a staycation, so breakfast out is a must. We have several great options in the village and a great place to keeps you bike safe. Near Valley Bank is “in a tangle”, a life-sized sculpture of a comb that is a really cool bike rack. Cups offers yummy baked goods and freshly brewed coffee. After getting fueled up for breakfast, stop by the Roanoke Natural Foods Co-op to fill your backpack with snacks and drinks for the day. Hop on your bikes and travel down the Memorial Avenue bike lane to the Roanoke River Greenway (don’t forget to wave to Big Dog at the Fire Station) starting at Vic Thomas Park. You will start at Vic Thomas Park, which has a fitness circuit trail and several remarkable sculptures. Depending on how far you want to go, you can visit several playgrounds, tear it up at the skateboard park or cruise all the way to Vinton. On your way back home, enjoy a sweet treat from Pop’s or Viva la Cupcake. If you need a full dinner, there are many other great restaurants in the Village that welcomes children. For those of you with children, the Murray Run Greenway is a great place to start. The trail is wellmaintained and moderate enough for even the smallest child to enjoy. The trail begins at the Dan Wright Trailhead, located next to the Patrick Henry tennis courts on Grandin Road. About a mile into the trail is Fisburn Park where you can find several great activities for the family. You can play on the playground or
tennis court, have lunch under the gazebo, or explore Murray Run stream, which has minnows, tadpoles, rocks, and of course lots of mud. In the past, there has been a hidden letterbox somewhere in the park. Letterboxing is like a treasure hunt for kids, where they use clues from a website (www.letterboxing.org) to help them find the box and stamp a book. Your adventure can continue on the greenway all the way to the beautiful Virginia Western Botanical Gardens. If a couples retreat is more your style, I suggest starting the day by pampering yourself. All within the neighborhood, you can enjoy a relaxing massage, a new style at a salon, or a workout at the Yoga Center. After a hearty lunch, you can explore the eclectic shops in Grandin Village. Whether you’re looking for furniture, clothing, books, a bicycle, or a recycled treasure, we have it all. For your evening plans, we have some of the most unique date night options in the Valley; however a sure bet is dinner and movie. Choose from a diverse range of locally owned restaurants ranging from pub fare, family friendly, to up-scale dining. After dinner, take in a movie at the historic Grandin Theatre where you can watch well-known feature films or artistic independent films. Afterwards, you can discuss the film over drinks or dessert in the Village. And if you are in the mood to really break free, from what I have heard, Spikes starts happening after hours. Although I have never seen it happen, I hear that some of the neighborhood wives are known to push the tables out of the way, crank up the jukebox, and dance the night away. Who would have known?? Always remember, walking home is an option. I hope that you enjoy the spring and summer here in the neighborhood. If you pass me walking home after hours, remember, what happens in Raleigh Court, stays in Raleigh court.
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Things You Need to Know New Businesses in the Grandin Village
Spring 2013 Leadership College
In the last few months several new businesses and restaurants have found a home in the Grandin Village.
The Leadership College is offered by the City of Roanoke as an introduction to a variety of resources and information available to you as you work within your community and with city staff to improve the quality of life in your neighborhood while promoting a stronger sense of community.
1906 Ale House opened in the fall and is an American pub and eatery featuring twenty taps of cold craft beer, a wide selection of wine and inspired American cuisine. It is located at 1910 Memorial Avenue.
The Leadership College is an interactive, practical, and engaging series of discussions, lectures, role plays, team building, and related field work that will help you: • Learn best practices in organizing your community • Learn how to access city services • Personally meet those who provide city services • Understand city procedures and policies • Gain basic conflict resolution skills It’s free to City of Roanoke residents and employees but space is limited.
In the early winter, the former Norberto’s Restaurant was transformed into Kabuto Japanese Steak and Seafood House that features teriyaki chicken, hibachi shrimp, steak, scallops, and sushi. It is located at 1908 Memorial Avenue. Most recently, Starlight Bicycles relocated its store from Downtown Roanoke to the Grandin Village. Starlight Bicycles sells and repairs bicycles, cycling accessories, as well as custom cycling apparel. It is located at 1502 Grandin Road.
The Leadership College sessions are held for nine (9) consecutive weeks beginning on Wednesday evening March 20, 2013 from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. and on each consecutive Wednesday evening through Wednesday, May 15, 2013. A graduation program is offered to those who complete 7 out of the 9 sessions. A light dinner and refreshments are also served. Register Online Today at roanokeva.gov. Seating is limited and is filled on a first come-first serve basis. For additional information, call 853-5210 or email Bob Clement, Neighborhood Services Coordinator
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Roanoke Natural Foods Co-op The Grandin Village & Beyond 2013 marks the dawning of a near era for Roanoke Natural Foods Co-op, a longtime fixture in the Grandin Village. The natural foods grocers will become farmers, producing a large variety of foods on their 25 acre urban farm, Heritage Point. The Co-op, which has run a single store business in the Grandin Village since 1978, will also expand into a second location in Downtown Roanoke this spring.
“We’re excited to be in the position to grow our cooperative,” said General Manager Bruce Phlegar. “Farming our own food has been in discussion for the Co-op for over 10 years and the growth of Downtown Roanoke shows us that it’s the right place for us to be.”
Located in Center in The Square at the corner of the historic downtown farmers’ market, the Co-op’s downtown store, Roanoke Natural Foods Co-op: Market Square, will have 825 square feet of retail space and feature every department currently found at the Co-op’s Grandin Road store. The Co-op on Grandin Road will remain the company’s flagship location.
Produce and other foods like eggs and honey will be grown at Heritage Point and sold at the Co-op’s two locations. Over time, the Co-op’s plans for Heritage Point include a small retail space and classroom, a weekly farmers’ market, and field trip opportunities for students in the Roanoke area and beyond.
You can follow Roanoke Natural Foods Co-op’s progress at Heritage Point as well as its new downtown location by visiting www.roanokenaturalfoods.coop. page 5
By John Bryant
Calendar Raleigh Court Neighborhood Meeting Thurs, March 14, 7:00 pm Christ Lutheran Church
Clean Valley Day Sat., April 13, 9AM-12PM Various Locations Consignment Boutique
Earth Day Roanoke
Furniture, Clothing, Art, & More
Sat., April 20, 10AM-4PM Grandin Village
What was once Out is now back In!!! For the Latest Trends, Shop at
Grandin Village Block Party
1322 Grandin Rd • 540-982-2022
Sun., May 19, 2PM-5PM Grandin Village
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(continued from p.1)
During the question and answer session following his remarks, he addressed questions about the Mill Mountain Campground, the Raleigh Court Library expansion, and
Interested in Advertising with us? Please contact:
J ake G ilmer
passenger rail service to our area. Morrill said that the
jake.gilmer@gmail.com • 540-904-2051
Raleigh Court Library plans are set to take shape in late summer or early fall with architectural plans being drawn up. Many library patrons are anxious about the current lack of parking space outdoors and the crowded conditions and needed repairs inside. The Raleigh Court Library is on hold until after the Elmwood Park completion. Patrons eagerly look forward to these much needed renovations. There were also comments about re-establishing businesses downtown and allowing more parking on the streets. In Grandin Village, an ongoing concern by some merchants and patrons has been the congregating young people “hanging out� for hours and skateboarding. Attempts by local police using local code enforcement have produced some positive results but it is an ongoing issue. Mr. Morrill committed to work with the Roanoke Police Department and the neighborhood to find a workable solution for all parties.
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•Aeration •Mowing •Mulching • Tr i m m i n g S h r u b s • Tr e e W o r k
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1316 Grandin Rd. Roanoke VA 24015 Open Tuesday through Sunday
981-1340 Dine-In or carry out
Online ordering gracesplacepizzeria.com
Treatment Foster Care
"We ' ll g i ve yo u t he t o o ls i f you g ive t he m you r h e a r t."
healthy choices
Ask us how to become a Foster Parent!
1319 Grandin Road Roanoke,VA 24015 (540) 343-5652 8 am - 9 pm, Every Day www.roanokenaturalfoods.coop
Call the 540-776-0716 visit www.NGCtfc.com Serving Commonwealth ofor Virginia. Call us for a location near you.
www.NCGtfc.com
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Behind Reid’s Furnishings Where quality and service still exist.
Owner Geoff Jennings (formerly with Frank L. Moose) With 39 years experience, offers exceptional quality and service
1919 Westover Avenue, SW 540-345-8881 Mon. by Appt.; Tues-Fri 10am-5:30pm; Sat. 10am-3:30pm
Eric Early
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Greater Raleigh Court Civic League P.O. Box 3092 Roanoke, VA 24015 Address Service Requested
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New members are welcome to join the Civic League at any time. Your mailing label shows when it’s time to renew your membership. You may pay your dues at the next membership 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. Please mail your membership dues ($10 family, $15 business, or $100 life membership) or 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. Name Address
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