Court Reporter - March 2016 by Greater Raleigh Court Civic League

May2016 2015 March

TheRaleigh GreaterCourt Raleigh Court Civic League The Neighborhood Association

www.grccl.org www.grccl.org

From Thethe President From President

Community safety By Kit Hale Come to our city council candidate forum the issue at our May

ByAretha Kit Hale Franklin had it right — “allExercise. I’m askin’We is for a little respect.” know exercise is get motivated to “do it” but, without fail, we feel better Or, as Laurence Sterne once said, Note the venue! The Greater Raleigh Court beneficial. Those who do it and post workout. “Respect for ourselves guides our Civic League will hold its membership meetingin the realize the benefit may be inclined A good mental workout is another important exercise morals, respect for others guides Thursday, May 14, I’ve 7 p.m. at the CoLab, to stop reading now. Those who “use it or lose it” category. gotten handy at The1327 Roanoke our manners.” My guess is most Grandin Road. In addition to a presentation don’t be who inclined look away of youmay know Ms.toFranklin is, Times’ Kakuro and Sudoku puzzles, but am pretty worthless from Chief Chris Perkins and his team from the because the talk of exercise makes but haven’t a clue about Mr. Sterne when it comes to their crossword puzzles. Reading is another Roanoke Police Department, we will be holding them a little uncomfortable. Whether you fall intolived the “do” (thanks, Google…). He was a novelist who and way to keep the mind sharp. English essayist Joseph Addison electionsisfor of directors. or “don’t” category somewhere in between), please keep once said, “Reading to our the board mind what exercise is to the died in the 1700s,(or but his way of thinking is certainly reading. There will be a point. body.” I’m not sure it matters what applicable today. There are many types of exercise. you read ... just read. And, there are One’s idea of respect can be rather subjective and generto time, there are incidents of vandalism, theft, assault, Gyms, athletic clubs, and fitness an increasing number of applications ally a function of our upbringing. Most of us were raised drug use … the list could go on. In my mind, most crimes centers with those available for our Asmart with theare ideateeming of you get what you give. Put another way, stem from a lack of respect for others. bad phones guy (or and gal) who the would New Year tablets that purport to exercise the treatresolved others asinyou havetothem treat you. Respect, taking something that doesn’t belong to them; breaking get in better physical shape. No mind. As we Boomers age up, there in my mind, joins a long list of into a car; slashing tires; commandeering doubt, the attributes herds will that be thinned seemsinto Grandin be a movement to keep our character make the benches Village without ausbitwho in awefew weeks as some of minds in shape. I hope it works are. Honesty, integregard to language, trash, or noise are … all rity, compassion, responsibility, those resolutions are abandoned. my kids. examplessoofdoencroachments on our qualtolerance, One doesn’tand haveacceptance to join onealso of As important good physical ity of life. The vibrancyasand success of and our come establishments to mind. Most inof order us get to it neighborhood manyisthings, not these mentaldepend workouton is, there an exercise because our parents got it. Sadly, the least of is our sense ofthe safety get physical. Running, walking, justwhich as important. That is rightand to some folks get ittreadmills because security. vote. It’s not like you’ll lose it if you sports, even don’t basement their some and ab parents rollers, didn’t. to nameAnd, a few, are use membership it, but you should lose the At our don’t May 14 meeting, we folks don’t get it because they perfectly acceptable. Crunches are right toto gripe if youbydon’t vote. “Bad will be treated a visit Roanoke City don’t want to or somehow feel good as long as they’re not Captain politicians elected by goodPerkins people Police Chief ChrisarePerkins. Chief entitled to something they and his team will talk in our Crunch or Nestle’s Crunch. “Just who don’t vote”about is ancrime often-quoted haven’t earned. neighborhood and the Police Department’s do it” is a familiar slogan of a truth. According to a Roanoke Times So, if you’re wondering what strategy article, of addressing unacceptable company that thrives on physical 13 percent the of registered voters any of this has to do with the behavior of disrespect. He will give safety exercise. Sometimes it’s hard to turned out for the 2014 city council Image courtesy of Rick Jones, papercuts.us GRCCL, I’m about to tell you. tips and show us ways we can ensure,ofas elections. Thatthat means 87 percent This article is about safety in Chief Chris Perkins best we can, the safety of our homes, cars, registered voters exercised their right ourNew neighborhood. From time (photo courtesy Roanoke Police Department) venue! (continued on Page 4)

membership meeting

Please join us for our next meeting of the Raleigh Court Neighborhood Association on March 10. We’ll see you at our city council 10th annual Run With Grace is June 13 ............................3 candidate forum in the fellowship hall of Mill Mountain Theatre to stage musical in Heights Raleigh Court Presbyterian Church, 1837 amphitheater .................................................................3 Grandin Rd., at 7 p.m.

(Continued on page 3)

Inside This Issue Inside This Issue

What’s behind an ‘urgent notice’ .........................................6

Evergreen BurialGrandin Park toTheatre honortoUnion soldier .....................83 Grant allows make renovations...................... Raleigh Court Then & Now........................................................... 4 Stock market woes or opportunities?............................................. 6 Neighborhood calendar of events................................................ 10

Neighborhood calendar of events .......................................9 Raleigh Court then and now ...........................................10

Your Yourneighborhood civic league officers association and committee officers andchairs committee 2014-15 chairs 2015-16 President Kit Hale OFFICERS kithale@mkbrealtors.com President: Kit Hale 537-0829

COMMITTEE CHAIRS

COMMITTEE CHAIRS Membership Membership kithale@mkbrealtors.com Brenda PositionMcDaniel is open Vice President Mary Dykstra 537-0829 bmcdaniel19@cox.net mvdrltr@aol.com Vice President: Mary Dykstra 345-4277 Program 314-1110 mvdrltr@aol.com Susan Marney Program 314-1110Chad Braby (interim) Treasurer marneyse6@gmail.com Susan Marney chadbraby12@gmail.com 342-3196 Treasurer: semarney@yahoo.com 342-2112 Chad Braby - Interim 342-3196 chadbraby12@gmail.com Newsletter editor Secretary 342-2112 Newsletter Editor Ann Hackworth Position is open Ann Hackworth avhack@aol.com Secretary: Parke Loesel avhack@aol.com 857-8998 Immediate past president JKPLoesel@aol.com 857-8998 Jake Gilmer 774-6690 Newsletter advertising jake.gilmer@gmail.com Newsletter Advertising IMMEDIATE PAST Jake Gilmer Gilmer 904-2051 Jake PRESIDENT: jake.gilmer@gmail.com jake.gilmer@gmail.com DIRECTORS Jake Gilmer AT LARGE 904-2051. 904-2051 Carl Cress jake.gilmer@gmail.com carl.cress@edwardjones.com 904-2051 Building Management Building management and Carl Cress Ann Hackworth Grandin Village business liaison DIRECTORS AT LARGE carl.cress@edwardjones.com avhack@aol.com Carl Cress Nathan Harper 857-8998 carl.cress@edwardjones.com Grandin Village nlharper@gmail.com Business Liaison Nathan Harper Susan Marney Website Jenny Prickitt nlharper@gmail.com semarney@yahoo.com Jake Gilmer antiquesbuyjenny@aol.com 342-3196 Susan Marney 982-2022 jake.gilmer@gmail.com marneyse6@gmail.com Brenda McDaniel 904-2051. Website 342-3196 bmcdaniel19@cox.net Jake Gilmer 345-4277 jake.gilmer@gmail.com Jenny Prickitt 904-2051 antiquesbuyjenny@aol.com Greenway 982-2022 Bill Hackworth Liesebet Tausch wmhack@aol.com liesebet@hotmail.com 797-8998

Greenway School Grants Program Bill Hackworth Chad Braby wmhack@aol.com chadbraby12@gmail.com 797-8998

342-2112

School grants program Chad Braby chadbraby12@gmail.com 342-2112

The Court Reporter is published by the Raleigh Court The Court Reporter is published by the Greater Raleigh Neighborhood Association, formerly the Greater Raleigh Court Court Civic League five times a year on or about the Civic League, five times a year in September, November, January, first week of September, November, January, March, March and May. and May.

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Come to our city council candidate forum (Continued from page 1)

to be deadbeats. Yes, I know there could be legitimate reasons for not voting but, for goodness’ sakes, 13 percent? And, I’ll promise you, many of the 87 percent are the loudest whiners to march into council chambers to thump their chest. I know politics doesn’t interest everyone. It doesn’t interest me so much, especially with the hateful and negative campaigning so common these days. But, just because you don’t take an interest in politics doesn’t mean politics

won’t take an interest in you. OK, I’ll stop exercising my right to be arrogant, but I hope I’ve moved you to vote in the upcoming city elections. We’ve had a good run with our elected officials and they’ve appointed some excellent administrative folks. Our city is the better for it. We need to keep it up. We need more than 13 percent turnout. Your Raleigh Court Neighborhood Association hosts one of the city’s best candidate forums to give us a chance to ask questions and hear candid,

unrehearsed, and spontaneous answers. WSLS (Channel 10) news anchor John Carlin will moderate and keep the candidates on point. Please join us at 7 p.m. on March 10 at the Raleigh Court Presbyterian Church at 1837 Grandin Road. Then go vote on May 3. It’s just like any other exercise. If you do it, maybe you’ll get what you deserve. If you don’t, maybe you’ll get what you deserve. Either way …

Grant allows Grandin Theatre to reveal ‘brand new face’ The historic Grandin Theatre will soon have a new look. Roanoke City’s Economic Development Authority (EDA) has awarded a discretionary grant request for the amount of $50,000 to the Grandin Theatre Foundation. The funds will be used specifically to assist the Foundation in revitalizing the front façade of the Theatre, including new sets of doors that include disability entrance buttons, a new box office centrally located in the front entrance, and new windows above the front entrance. Renovations have been underway since January. Since the Save the Grandin campaign in 2001-02, the front doors and box office have seen considerable wear and dilapidation. The Theatre identified this issue and addressed it to the EDA as a disruption of commerce, as many individuals in the senior and youth demographics struggle to get into the building. This project will coincide with the Theatre’s own plan to update the antiquated Point-of-Sale (POS) system, to a new system that will allow patrons to purchase tickets online for the very first time. “The staff and board of the Theatre are incredibly excited about the opportunity to put a brand new face on this iconic facility, and one that will closely reflect the original façade of the building from 1932,” said Grandin Theatre Foundation Executive Director Ian Fortier. “As a growing community center, we want our patrons and guests to have ease in moving in and out of the building. The new box office and POS system will have a multitude of ways guests can touch the organization and we are enthusiastic about this upgrade in our capabilities.” Roanoke’s Economic Development Authority has a history of making occasional discretionary grants to nonprofit organization’s they deem have high economic

Renovation work was in high gear when this photo was shot in early February. The Theatre’s updated façade will include new doors and a new, centrally located box office.

impact value on the community. Past grant recipients have included Center in the Square, Roanoke Valley Greenways, Taubman Museum, and the CCAP program at Virginia Western Community College. The amount of the grant covers about 78% of the total costs of the project. Private donations and corporate sponsors have been solicited by the Grandin Theatre Foundation Board of Directors to make up the difference. The work is expected to be completed by the end of February 2016. The Theatre will remain open for business during the construction period, and construction will take place during closed hours. -- Grandin Theatre Foundation

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Century-old park long been anVillage asset toByneighborhood A look back at the has heart of Grandin Nelson Harris By Nelson Harris In 1913, the Roanoke-Ghent Park Realty Co. set aside the land known today as Ghent Hill Park as an amenity to their residential development. The park, located at the western end of Memorial Bridge, had an interesting history over the next few decades. In 1924, park trustees conveyed the land to the city for the express purpose of maintaining it as a park. In 1930, the Grandin CentralVillage, Council PTA asked city circa 1919. leaders to consider re-naming the park to Adams Memorial Park. inThe city Recognize this building this image manager inquired of officials with the from 1919? It is the building where Ghent Realty and making they opposed Grace’s PizzaCo., is today, it one of the name change. The matter was the oldest commercial buildings in the dropped. In April 1941, City Council GrandinaVillage. Theland homealong to thethe left purchased belt of Norfolk and Western Railway tracks from Colonial American National Bank between Wasena Park and Ghent Park for park purposes. The price was $5,250. In October 1951, the Rev. Howard Parker, pastor of the Roanoke Church of Christ, appeared before City Council and offered to purchase Ghent Park for $5,000 for purposes of building a church and parsonage thereon. After deliberation, the Council was in unanimous agreement not to sell the park, believing the city should be acquiring park lands and not disposing of them. i This area of park land set aside by the Ghent Realty Co. in 1913 was originally called River Bluff Park. On April 5, 1915, the park was officially dedicated with much attention. The Roanoke Times reported the dedicatory activities: “The presentation was made by D.W. Persinger, representing the Ghent Realty Company, and the acceptance was made on the part of the citizens by Professor Thomas Phelps, of Virginia Heights, a teacher in Roanoke High School.” According to the newspaper account, Persinger planted a tree, known as the Ghent Tree, in the center of “one

is where the Grandin Theatre is located today. The theater was constructed in the early 1930s. When Virginia Heights was developed in the early 1900s, the area that is today the commercial center Ghent Hill Park was almost re-named of our neighborhood, the Grandin Adams Memorial Park. Village, was almost all residences. For of the most commanding knolls in example, a beautiful home belonging the park.” This was followed by to Dr. Kirk, physician, located remarks from aJohn Wood was of Virginia where the CoLab sits todayChamber (old Gar-of Heights, secretary of the

caught putting or dumping trash on the land’s drugstore). Kirk was noted grounds will beDr. handled by athe law.” ii roseThe gardener, and of his park yard contained donation land by the large rose beds. My dad, Charlie Roanoke-Ghent Realty Co. Harris, in many ways the ended that enterprise’s presence recalls home and serpentine drivein the area. A fewstands yearstoday earlier, way. Where the Co-Op was in January 1910, the realty company a 3-story apartment building that wassold the last moved of its remaining residential actually to the backside of thelots. This was not due to individual citizens lot and eventually razed. The accompabuying lots and quickly erecting nying photograph was provided by the homes, however. It was speculation late by Dan otherChrisman. real estate companies as they

Commerce, representing the citizens bought out competitors or added to of Heights Community at Memorial Avenue and Grandin Road, ofNelson theHarris,pastor neighborhood expressedChurch their holdings. The Roanoke Times will provide the to Court ReporterRealty. with historical about the on neighborhood from timein to time. appreciation Ghent Thisitems reported the transaction its Jan. was followed by comments from Mrs. “The Heights, lots are considered The author of “Greater Raleigh Court: A History 5of edition. Wasena, Virginia Norwich and M.M. Caldwell of the Woman’s River among the most desirable around the Raleigh Court,” among many titles, Harris grew up in Raleigh Court. Reach him at nharris@ Bluff Park Association and asked her city and it is predicted that within virginiaheights.org. fellow citizens to make “River View the next few years the section will one of the most beautiful parks in the be one of fashionable residences.” section.” The newspaper noted the success of After these speeches, neighbors the company. “There are perhaps few planted more trees in the park that had better pleased holders of Roanoke been donated with the assistance of real estate than those who have Boy Scouts and school children. This invested their money in Ghent. Many day-long planting effort was under lots sold by the company have since the watchful eye of Patrick Foy, a changed hands at an advance of 50 gardener for the Norfolk and Western to 100 percent. A few bought lots for Railway. “Shrubbery donated by other speculation but a large majority of citizens was planted in a corner of the lots are held as investments or for the reservation, near the entrance, improvements. A large number of fine and vines were set out on the bluff, overlooking the river. The grounds had residences will be erected in Ghent 1910.” been beautifully cleaned and presented during i an attractive appearance for the Minutes of Roanoke City Council: opening.” Additional beautification March 21, 1930; April 4, 1941; and plans were announced by Foy as well. October 29, 1951. ii The newspaper concluded, “The The Roanoke Times, April 6, 1915. Nelson Harris, pastor of Heights beauties of the park will afford great pleasure to persons passing on cars Community Church at Memorial and automobiles this summer, as well Avenue and Grandin Road, provides as much enjoyment to the residents the Court Reporter with historical of this section as recreation grounds. items about the neighborhood from Members of the committee in charge time to time. The author of “Greater of the improvements hope to secure Raleigh Court: A History of Wasena, the cooperation of the people in Virginia Heights, Norwich and Raleigh keeping persons from injuring the Court,” among many titles, Harris plants and trees, and the association grew up in Raleigh Court. Reach him wishes to serve notice that anyone at nharris@virginiaheights.org. Page Page10 4

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Stock market woes or opportunities? opportunity to add more money to stocks and stock funds if appropriate for your situation. Make your IRA contribution, or college savings plan contribution now while market values are lower. Currently (early February), most investors can buy more for their dollar now than they did this time last year.

By Carl Cress Over the past six months, the U.S. stock market has returned to an old, but not unfamiliar pattern of volatility. After a long run of more than three years with no market correction (a drop in value of 10 percent, or more), we have recently experienced two since mid-August. While many investors may have shrugged off the first occurrence, the beginning of 2016 has brought additional challenges and concerns regarding the safety of our investment savings and retirement income. Here are some quick things to remember about investing in the stock and bond market. 1) Do not panic! Investing is a longterm commitment. Money needed near-term should not be at risk. That said, investors need to understand and quantify their cash needs and hold in reserve a reasonable amount of cash for living expenses and small emergencies. 2) Most investors have enjoyed four very productive years of growth from their stock investments. In such cases they may have grown out of balance with respect to their risk tolerance

and time horizon. Do not wait to correct these imbalances, as ignoring them may amplify your volatility. 3) Do not be afraid of investing in bonds, or bond funds. Yes, interest rates are slowly beginning to rise, which puts bond values at risk. But bonds return their principle face value when they mature, and in the time in between, they are paying interest well above cash and current money market rates. Besides, during times of stock market underperformance, bonds are a good buffer against market volatility. 4) While the market is down from 12 month highs, take the

5) Try not to let current news – international worries, interest rate hikes, falling oil prices, presidential races, etc. – derail your long-term savings plans and goals. There is currently more positive domestic economic news than there is bad. Most countries would love to be in our shoes. 6) If you do not currently work with a financial advisor, seek professional help. Many financial advisors and firms are willing to provide a free financial consultation. Use this opportunity to troubleshoot your investment portfolio and to decide if you want a full-time advisor to help you safely reach you savings goals. Carl Cress is a 25-year resident of Raleigh Court, board member of the Raleigh Court Neighborhood Association and local financial advisor with Edward Jones.

Now Join the Neighborhood Association Online Using PayPal It is easier than ever to join or renew your For as little as $10 a year, your member dues help to membership in the Raleigh Court Neighborhood fund these events: Association. We have added the ability for our • Grandin Village Street Fair neighbors to pay dues using PayPal on our website, • Grandin Village Children’s Holiday Parade www.grccl.org. PayPal is one of the most trusted and • Looney Tunes at the Grandin Theatre S • Bi-monthly neighborhood meetings NU ! widely used online payment systems. I O J Y DA New members are welcome to join the association at With your $10 membership, you’ll be rewarded with TO any time. Memberships are renewed on an annual basis these benefits: each December. Lifetime memberships for just $100 are • Neighborhood advocacy and representation with local government encouraged. The association is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) • Bi-monthly newsletter delivered to your home or business; organization. Donations may be claimed as charitable also our website. deductions for tax purposes. • Notification of community announcements, events, and issues of concern to Raleigh Court residents • Discounts at certain local businesses and retailers Now Join the Civic League Online Using PayPal

Now Join the Civic League Online Using PayPal

It is easier than ever to join or renew your membership in the Greater It isRaleigh easier than Courtever Civic to join or renew your membership in the Greater Raleigh Court Civic League. We have added the ability for our neighbors to pay dues using League. PayPal Weon have ouradded website, the ability for our neighbors to pay dues using PayPal on our website, www.grccl.org. PayPal is one of the most trusted and widely used online www.grccl.org. payment systems. PayPal is one of the most trusted and widely used online payment systems. For as little as $10 a year, your member dues help to fund these events: For as little as $10 a year, your member dues help to fund these events:  Grandin Village Street Fair  Grandin Village Street Fair  Grandin Village Children’s Holiday Parade  Grandin Village Children’s Holiday Parade Now Join the Civic League Online Using PayPal  Membership potluck dinner  Membership potluck dinner  Looney Tunes at the Grandin  Looney Tunesinatthe theGreater GrandinRaleigh TheatreCourt Civic It is Theatre easier than ever to join or renew your membership  Bi-monthly neighborhoodLeague. meetings neighborhood meetings We have added the ability for ourBi-monthly neighbors to pay dues using PayPal on our website,

www.grccl.org. PayPal is one of the most trusted and widely used online payment systems. With your $10 membership, you’ll be rewarded with these benefits:With your $10 membership, you’ll be rewarded with these benefits:  Neighborhood advocacy and local government  dues Neighborhood advocacy and representation with local government For representation as little as $10with a year, your member help to fund these events:  Bi-monthly newsletter delivered your home or business  to Grandin Village Street Fair  Bi-monthly newsletter delivered to your home or business  Notification of community announcements, events, and issuesHoliday of  concern Notification to Raleigh of community announcements, events, and issues of concern to Raleigh  Grandin Village Children’s Parade Court residents Court residents  Membership potluck dinner  Discounts at certain local businesses and retailers  Discounts at certain local businesses and retailers  Looney Tunes at the Grandin Theatre

 Bi-monthly neighborhood meetings New members are welcome to join the Civic League at any time. Memberships New members areare renewed welcome on to join the Civic League at any time. Memberships are renewed on an annual basis each December. Lifetime memberships for justyou’ll $100 anbe are annual encouraged. basiswith each The December. Civic Lifetime memberships for just $100 are encouraged. The Civic With your $10 membership, rewarded these benefits: League is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization. Donations may be claimed League is as acharitable tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization. Donations may be claimed as charitable  Neighborhood advocacy and representation with local government deductions for tax purposes. deductions for tax purposes.  Bi-monthly newsletter delivered to your home or business  Notification of community announcements, events, and issues of concern to Raleigh Court residents  Discounts at certain local businesses and retailers New members are welcome to join the Civic League at any time. Memberships are renewed on an annual basis each December. Lifetime memberships for just $100 are encouraged. The Civic League is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization. Donations may be claimed as charitable deductions for tax purposes.

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Jury-duty scam returns to Roanoke, says BBB By the BBB Serving Western VA “We will come to your home, you will be handcuffed, and you will have to wear a jumpsuit.” Con artists are once again targeting the Roanoke area with scam calls masquerading as law enforcement officers, claiming their targets missed jury duty and must pay or face arrest. One Roanoke woman told BBB that the caller claimed he was from the Roanoke County Sheriff’s Department and sounded very professional. At first she believed him. “He had my name and address and was very calm and authoritative. It wasn’t until he asked me to pay bail over the phone that I knew it was a scam.” This particular scam call showed far more patience than has been reported in previously reported attempts, not mentioning payment until 15 minutes into the call. The caller also stated that they had sent out a letter in November and that they’d be happy to plead her case to the judge. They even offered to reimburse her the funds if she wasn’t charged for the crime. It may be a sign of new tactics.

information and using aggressive tactics, end the phone call and report the scam to BBB and your local sheriff’s office, courthouse or clerk of court. Be aware that scammers can mask their identity. Scammers have the ability to use software to disguise how they appear on your caller ID. While calls might appear to be from your local courthouse or police station, it could be a fraudster on the other end of the line. Guard your personal information. Giving out sensitive personal or financial information over the phone is always a bad idea. The courthouse already has your personal details and will not ask you to confirm via phone. Have questions about the process? If you did indeed miss jury duty, you will be sent a notification in the mail. However, if you have any doubt that a mailing is legitimate, contact your local courthouse.

“In the past we’ve seen these criminals use very aggressive and threatening language to scare their victims into submission. While these methods will never go away, it’s important to remember that these are professionals and will do anything to appear legitimate, even play nice,” said Julie Wheeler, President and CEO of BBB Serving Western VA. “In the end it doesn’t matter how they speak to you, just remember a legitimate law enforcement agency will never call you and demand payment.” Stay safe with these BBB tips: Don’t let scammers pressure you. If you get a call from alleged court officials asking for financial

Never wire money or send cash to an unknown party. Scammers love to use pre-paid cards and money wires because they are difficult to trace and are same as cash. For more advice on fighting fraud, please visit www.bbb.org or contact the BBB Serving Western VA at (540) 342-3455 or (800) 533-5501. The BBB is a nonprofit, business-supported organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. The BBB provides objective advice, free BBB Business Reviews on more than 4 million companies, 11,000 charity reviews, dispute resolution service, scam alerts, and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust. Please visit www.bbb.org for more information.

How to request a city service The city of Roanoke is committed to providing excellent customer service by promptly answering citizens’ calls for information, administering the iRoanoke tracking system for resolution of citizen complaints, assisting with their requests for service, and providing assistance for resolution to citizen’s concerns.

Request services online: Submit a new services request at http://www.roanokeva.gov/1180/ Request-City-Services Submit sequest on mobile device: Submit a request for city services through your mobile device and tablet by downloading the FREE iRoanoke app from your Apple product ‘App store’ or Droid

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product ‘Play store’ located on your respective device. For a time-sensitive issue that may require an immediate response, such as a broken water line, please call the non-Emergency number for the E-911 Communications Center at (540) 853-2411. -- Roanoke Neighborhood Services

Sign up for spring 2016 Leadership College The Leadership College (WMV) is a 9-week Dates community leadership and engagement program The next Leadership College program sessions introduction to a variety of resources and information will be begin in mid-March By Nelson 2016Harris and continue on available to you as you work within your community the same consecutive evening for 9 weeks through and with city staff to improve the isquality ofGrandin life mid-May where the Theatre is located 2016. land’s drugstore). Dr. Kirk was a noted in your neighborhood while promoting a stronger today. The theater was constructed in rose gardener, and his yard contained Registration sense of community. the early 1930s. When Virginia Heights is large rosebut beds. My dad,isCharlie Harris, The program FREE seating limited, so Goals was developed in theregister early 1900s, the recalls the home and serpentine driveonline today. (http://va-roanoke.civicplus. The Leadership College is an interactive, practical, o m / F o r mcenter C e n t e rway. / N eWhere i g h b the o r hCo-Op o o d - Sstands e r v i ctoday e s - 1was 1/ area that is today the ccommercial and engaging series of discussions,of lectures, role Leadership-College-Registr ation-71) A light dinner our neighborhood, the Grandin a 3-story apartment building that was plays, team building, and related field that and refreshments also moved served. Village,work was almost all residences. For are actually to the backside of the will help you: example, a beautifulPast homeparticipant belonging comments lot and eventually razed. The accompaOnewas of located the many thatprovided have by been to Dr. Kirk, a physician, nying responses photograph was the • Gain basic conflict resolution skills received from past Leadership College graduates Grandin Village, circa 1919. where the CoLab sits today (old Gar- late Dan Chrisman. • Learn best practices in organizing your community include the following: Recognize this building in this image Nelson Harris,pastor of Heights Community Memorial Avenue and Road, "I want to thankChurch all ofatthe presenters; theyGrandin were very • Learn how to access city services informative, honest, and open in their from presentations from 1919? It is the building where will provide the Court Reporter with historical items about the neighborhood time to time. and follow-up discussions. This course opened my Grace’s Pizza is today, making one provide of The city • Personally meet thoseitwho authorservices of “Greater Raleigh Court: A History of Wasena, Virginia Heights, Norwich and eyes to the need to be involved to improve the quality the oldest commercial buildings in the Raleigh Court,” among many titles, Harris grew up in Raleigh Court. Reach him at nharris@ • Understand city procedures and policies of life in the city now and for future generations." Grandin Village. The home to the left

A look back at the heart of Grandin Village

virginiaheights.org.

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Neighborhood calendar of events March 10:

City Candidate Forum at the Raleigh Court Neighborhood Association membership meeting. 7 p.m., Raleigh Court Presbyterian Church fellowship hall, 1837 Grandin Rd. Free.

March 11:

Earth Friendly Friday, a monthly environmental program co-sponsored by the Roanoke Group of the Sierra Club and the Green Team of UUCR. 6:30 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Church of Roanoke, 2015 Grandin Road. Free.

March 12:

Classic Movies at the Grandin Theatre: “From Here to Eternity” (1953, not rated), 10 a.m., Free.

March 18:

Midnight Movies at the Grandin Theatre: “The Last Waltz,” (1978, rated PG) Free.

March 25:

First Grandin Chillage, 6-9 p.m., behind Nopales, corner of Westover and Grandin. Family-friendly. Music by Groova Scape. Admission, $5. Sangria, beer, $4. Children 12 and under admitted Free.

April 9:

Classic Movies at the Grandin Theatre: “An American in Paris” (1951, not rated), 10 a.m., Free.

April 8:

April 30: Grandin Village community market reopens. 2080 Westover Ave. (raised terrace behind the Co-op). 8 a.m.noon, rain or shine. Features 100% locally produced products with an emphasis on organic, sustainable, and humane producers, products, and practices. Accepts and doubles SNAP-EBT benefits.

May 14: Classic Movies at the Grandin Theatre: “The Sting” (1973, rated PG), 10 a.m., Free.

May 15: Grandin Village Block Party. 2-4:30 p.m. Children’s activities, live entertainment, local restaurant food.

Tuesdays: Beginning level yoga class, 5:45-6:45 p.m., Raleigh Court United Methodist Church (enter through door adjoining parking lot). 1706 Grandin Road. $10 per class. Rebecca Talbot, 342-0545.

Wednesdays: (X)po Wednesday at the CoLab. 6-7 p.m. An event to catalyze and inspire the community via weekly conversations and collaborations. Email info@grandincolab.com for more information and to RSVP.

Thursdays: Drum circle. 7-9 p.m., Courtyard, Grandin at Memorial. Have an item for the neighborhood calendar of events? Email avhack@aol.com

What is 2-1-1? Whom do you call when someone you love is a victim of domestic violence? When someone you know can’t find affordable health care? When you need child care? When a friend needs a support group for a drug addiction? When someone you know needs assistance with rent or a utility bill? 2-1-1 is an easy to remember phone number connecting people with free information on available community services. When you dial 2-1-1, a trained professional will listen to your situation and suggest sources of help using one of the largest databases of health and human services in Virginia. Nonprofit organizations and federal, state and local government agencies are included in the database and you can access services in your community and statewide. Whether you need help or want to provide help, 2-1-1 is the fast, free and confidential way to locate hundreds of services in your community. You will find referrals for health and human services, including:

•

Basic human needs: food banks, shelters, rent or utility assistance

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Physical and mental health resources: Medicaid, Medicare, prenatal care, children’s health insurance programs, crisis intervention, support groups, counseling, alcohol and drug rehabilitation

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Work initiatives: educational and vocational training programs, English as a second language classes, job training, General Educational Development (GED) preparation, financial and transportation assistance

•

Support for seniors and those with medical, respite care, home health care, transportation and recreation disabilities: Area Agencies on Aging, independent living centers, adult day care, meals at home, respite care, home health care, transportation and recreation

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•

Support for children, youth and families: After-school programs, tutoring, mentorship programs, family resource centers, protective services, counseling, early childhood learning programs, child care referral centers, and recreation

•

Volunteering in your community: Volunteer centers, mentorship opportunities, locations to donate food, clothing furniture, computers and other items

During times of disaster, 2-1-1 Virginia will provide an additional channel of communication for citizens of the Commonwealth. It will provide accurate and up-to-date information on community and regional response; volunteer and donation coordination; crisis intervention and human services coordination; access to disaster support services during the recovery process.

A century of service in Southwest Virginia £ Evergreen Burial Park

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Greater Raleigh Court Civic League P.O. Box 3092 Roanoke, VA 24015

Membership Form

q new member q renewing member

New members are welcome to join the Civic League at any time. You may pay your dues at the next membership meeting. Multiyear or life memberships are welcome! The Greater Raleigh Court 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

E-mail Address

City

State

Home Phone

Business Phone

Amount Enclosed I’d like to help out with:

ZIP

Donation q in memory of q in honor of