September 2016 From The President
Don't be afraid to change - be afraid not to change By Mary Dykstra As this newsletter is being delivered, we will begin to notice the slipping away of summer and the arrival of glorious autumn days. Our neighborhood is beautiful at all times of year, but the vivid colors of fall, drifting leaves, and autumnal decorations on porches and in yards pleasantly usher in the festive season ahead. Nature is a constant reminder of change, and that virtually nothing stays the same. Our neighborhood association board held our annual planning retreat in August and came away with a plan for the coming year that involves - you guessed it - change. Our organizational by-laws appear to have had their last substantive updates in 1993. Consider the changes
in the world in the last twenty-three years; not only in the obvious things like communication and technology, but also in cultural attitudes. Our neighborhood has changed in these past decades, and generally for the better. We are a more diverse group of people, our village is thriving and growing and we truly are an area that welcomes everyone as a neighbor. While our neighborhood association has been a constant presence in the ensuing years, we find that we are out of step with the times. While we still get a turnout at our neighborhood meetings, we struggle to get folks to serve on the board or committees. It is a very small group of dedicated folks who endeavor to get this newsletter written and printed, our programs identified, scheduled, promoted and presented, our financials kept in order, our membership rolls kept current and our web presence up to date. You can find our board members listed on Page 2 in this publication.
The Raleigh Court Neighborhood Association will not be holding a membership meeting in September. We will keep you posted about upcoming meetings and other events.
Admittedly, we are doing better at some of these things than others. Most problematic is the financial and physical undertaking of getting our newsletter printed and mailed. We are well aware that many periodicals are delivered completely online and we are planning on moving in that direction this year. We will be doing a new wave of marketing to direct folks to our neighborhood website, where they can sign up for the newsletter, check in on events and communicate neighborly goings on. Last year we rolled out a new graphic logo and updated our name – we are now the Raleigh Court Neighborhood Association. This year our goals are to get the word out about the quality of life we enjoy in Raleigh Court, try some new avenues of communication, change up our meeting schedules, and frankly, get more of you involved in the association. Good things are ahead … let’s not be afraid of change!
Inside This Issue At 100, Maridor looks better than ever............... 4 Raleigh Court Then & Now................................ 6 Urban farming comes to the ’hood..................... 8 Blue Ridge Potters Guild Show is Oct. 14-16.... 9 Greenways trail sees improvements.................. 10 Neighborhood calendar of events .................... 10
Your neighborhood association officers and committee chairs 2016-17 President Mary Dykstra mvdrltr@aol.com 314-1110 Mary Dykstra is a REALTOR® and a partner at MKB,REALTORS®. She lives on Greenwood Road with her husband Jon, daughter Jaden, a 2016 graduate of Patrick Henry, and her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Eleanor. Mary has lived in Raleigh Court for 16 years and loves all our great community offers. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, exercising and reading. Vice president Susan Marney marneyse6@gmail.com 342-3196 Treasurer Chad Braby (interim) chadbraby12@gmail.com 342-2112 Secretary Position is open Immediate past president Kit Hale kithale@mkbrealtors.com 537-0829
DIRECTORS AT LARGE Carl Cress carl@cdcressfinancialservices.com 904-3133 cell 400-0169 office Ann Hackworth avhack@aol.com 857-8998 Nathan Harper nlharper@gmail.com Ronald B. Kemnitzer rkemnitz@vt.edu 250-0162 Susan Marney marneyse6@gmail.com 342-3196 Nancy Trussell nrtrussell@aol.com (913) 568-0459 COMMITTEE CHAIRS Membership Position is open Program Susan Marney marneyse6@gmail.com 342-3196
Newsletter editor Ann Hackworth avhack@aol.com 857-8998 Ann is a retired layout editor from The Roanoke Times. Since 1988, she has lived in 3 different houses on Carter Road. She and her husband, Bill, have two cats and four grandchildren, and enjoy travel, cooking and walking/cycling Roanoke's greenways. Newsletter advertising Jake Gilmer jake.gilmer@gmail.com 904-2051. Building management and Grandin Village business liaison Carl Cress carl@cdcressfinancialservices.com 904-3133 cell 400-0169 office
Greenway Bill Hackworth wmhack@aol.com 797-8998 Bill retired as City Attorney for Roanoke at the end of 2011. He has lived in Raleigh Court since 1999. He maintains the Dan Wright Trailhead of the Murray Run Greenway for the neighborhood association. School grants program Chad Braby chadbraby12@gmail.com 342-2112 The Court Reporter is published by the Raleigh Court Neighborhood Association, formerly the Greater Raleigh Court Civic League.
Website Jake Gilmer jake.gilmer@gmail.com 904-2051. \
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Steel drum concert will benefit Congregations In Action The Panamania Steel Drums will give a benefit concert for Congregations In Action, a group of Raleigh Court By Nelson Harris churches, synagogues and businesses that support student needs at four local elementary schools (Grandin is where Court, the Grandin Theatre is located land’s drugstore). Dr. Kirk was a noted Wasena, Virginia Heights and Fishburn Park) on Sunday, today. The theater was constructed in rose gardener, and his yard contained Sept. 11, at 6 p.m. in the courtyard of Heights Community the early 1930s. When Virginia Heights large rose beds. My dad, Charlie Harris, Church at the corner of Grandin and Memorial. The wassold developed concert is free, but there will be concessions by the in the early 1900s, the recalls the home and serpentine drivearea that is today CIA to help purchase school supplies and other items for the commercial center way. Where the Co-Op stands today was of our neighborhood, the Grandin a 3-story apartment building that was needy students. The Panamania Steel Drums is under the direction Village, was of almost all residences. For actually moved to the backside of the Richard Rudolph and consists of a multi-generational example, a beautiful home belonging lot and eventually razed. The accompagroup of about 20 steel drummers. They to play varietya physician, was located nying photograph was provided by the Dr.a Kirk, of music, and the annual concert is a fun neighborhood Grandin Village, circa 1919. where the CoLab sits today (old Gar- late Dan Chrisman. event supporting a great cause. For more information, the HCC Recognize this buildingplease in thiscall image Nelson Harris,pastor of Heights Community Church at Memorial Avenue and Grandin Road, office at 344-7748 from 1919? It is the building where will provide the Court Reporter with historical items about the neighborhood from time to time. Grace’s Pizza is today, making it one of -- The author of “Greater Raleigh Court: A History of Wasena, Virginia Heights, Norwich and Nelson Harris the oldest commercial buildings in the Raleigh Court,” among many titles, Harris grew up in Raleigh Court. Reach him at nharris@ Grandin Village. The home to the left
A look back at the heart of Grandin Village
virginiaheights.org.
Page 3 Page 10
Now 100, Maridor B&B looks better than ever When Henry Ciavarella purchased Maridor in 1995 from the Church of the Living Way he quickly learned he would be challenged with a huge renovation. The 10,000-square-foot home at 1857 Grandin Road had functioned as a church for several years, and a 2,000-square-foot prayer space had even been added to fit between the original house and the carriage house. There was old shag carpeting, peeling wallpaper and giant holes in the walls. After two years of dedication, Henry opened Maridor as a bed and breakfast. He then took on the task of turning the prayer space into what is now a fabulous ballroom. He did not stop there. The gardens were then enclosed and patios were put in place for a wonderful wedding ceremony or just an elegant outdoor event. Henry and his wife, Brette, continue to add something special each year. Last year’s addition revealed a beautiful outdoor bar and antique lights on the side terrace. This year the couple is adding a drop down screen and projector for corporate events. Maridor continues to thrive as a catering venue, and the owners claim that even though the property is 100 years old this year she is quite easy to maintain. Henry still tackles all of the hedge trimming on the property while Brette maintains the gardens and loves to keep the property beautiful.
“We feel like a landmark to the Raleigh Court area and want to always make the house stand out as the gem that she is,” said Brette. The couple had hoped to sell Maridor in 2014 and move to their farm in Boydton, Virginia, but the auction failed to bring forward the right buyer. Henry and Brette decided to take another route to keep the business manageable. They hired a team of talented staff to help them continue expanding the business. Jenna Harris was brought on board as the Director of Marketing. Henry has hired two culinarians,
Ashley Williams and Grayson Holland. These two have trained under his watch and are serving up delicious cuisine effortlessly. With the new team in place Henry and Brette feel confident in growing the business and are now pursuing corporate business and off-site catering. Maridor was built in 1916 by E.R. Johnson who was a prominent person at Norfolk & Western. The second owner was Robert H. Angell, the founder of Shenandoah Life. The Smyth family was the
third owner of Maridor and named the property after their son Marion and their daughter Dorothy. Henry felt strongly about restoring the name of Maridor after he purchased the property. Henry and Brette have had the pleasure of staying in touch with the Smyth family over the years. Family members provided the Ciavarellas with wonderful photos, including the one shown here. -- The Maridor Bed & Breakfast
This photo shows the home during the 1950s, when it was owned by the Smyth family. (Photo courtesy of Maridor.)
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A look back at thequiet heartwork of Grandin Village Late neighbor’s became known to millions By Nelson Harris By Nelson Harris Donald Stephen Haga, Sr., passed away in June at the age of 87. He and his wife, Barbara, moved to Roanoke in 1952 following Don’s graduation from VPI with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Don went to work for the Norfolk & Grandin Village, circa 1919. Western Railway that same year. HeRecognize and his this wifebuilding in this image from 1919? It is the building where were long-time Grace’s Pizza is of today, making it one of residents Wilshire the oldestAvenue commercial Donbuildings Haga in the in Raleigh Court The and home were attothe Grandin Village. thetime left of his passing. While many may not have known Don personally, millions were familiar with one of his designs! And herein lies a great Roanoke history story: Don began with the Motor Power Division and eventually worked his way up through the ranks becoming a supervisor of more than 800 N&W
employees in his division. One day, is where the Grandin Theatre is located Herman Pevler (N&W president from today. The theater was constructed in 1963-70) called in five of his junior the early 1930s. executives and When askedVirginia each toHeights spend was developed in the early the the weekend developing a 1900s, new logo area the that railway. is today the center for Nocommercial consultants, no marketing studies, no public of our neighborhood, the relations Grandin firms … just five men pulled Village, was almost all residences.from For within ranks of home the N&W and example,thea beautiful belonging given the challenge. Don took the to Dr. Kirk, a physician, was located assignment seriously as he did all where thefor CoLab sits today (old his work the railway and putGarhis
land’s drugstore). Dr. Kirk was a noted rose gardener, and his yard contained large rose beds. My dad, Charlie Harris, recalls the home and serpentine driveway. Where the Co-Op stands today was a 3-story apartment building that was actually moved to the backside of the lot and eventually razed. The accompanying photograph was provided by the late Dan Chrisman.
best creative efforts into it. The next Nelsonthe Harris,pastor of Heights Community week railway president selected Church at Memorial Avenue and Grandin Road, Longtime Raleigh Court from resident Don will provide Reporter withemblem historical items about the neighborhood time to time. Don’s logothetoCourt be the official Haga created the iconic N&W Railway of the railway. Don’s iconic circle The author of “Greater Raleigh Court: A History of Wasena, Virginia Norwich and logo when he was aHeights, junior executive with the railway’s initials were seen for the railroad. Raleigh Court,” among many titles, Harris grew up in Raleigh Court. Reach him at nharris@ by millions on the N&W’s stationery, virginiaheights.org. brochures, depots, advertisements, Nelson Harris, pastor of Heights and rail cars. Yet, few knew a man on Wilshire Avenue was its creator! Community Church at Memorial Don worked for the N&W Avenue and Grandin Road, is the Railway, later the Norfolk-Southern, author of “Greater Raleigh Court: A for 35 years before he retired in History of Wasena, Virginia Heights, 1987. Humble and private, Don Norwich and Raleigh Court,” among never sought the spotlight for many titles. Harris grew up in Raleigh creating one of America’s best- Court. Reach him at nharris@ virginiaheights.org. known corporate symbols.
Join the Neighborhood Association online using PayPal It is easier than ever to join or renew your membership in the Raleigh Court Neighborhood Association. We have added 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 payment systems. 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 Theatre Looney Tunesinatthe theGreater GrandinRaleigh TheatreCourt Civic It is 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
New members are welcome to join the association at any time. Memberships are renewed on an annual basis each December. Lifetime memberships for just $100 are encouraged. The association is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization. Donations may be claimed as charitable deductions for tax purposes. 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.
For as little as $10 a year, your member dues help to fund these events: • Grandin Village Children’s Holiday Parade • Bi-monthly neighborhood meetings With your $10 membership, you’ll be rewarded US N I with these benefits: JO AY! D O • Neighborhood advocacy and representation T with local government • Bi-monthly newsletter delivered to your home or business; also our website. • Notification of community announcements, events, and issues of concern to Raleigh Court residents • Discounts at certain local businesses and retailers Page Page 10 6
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Neighbors are raising chickens, and no one cries fowl By Susan Koch
by Bob. Unfortunately, it took several years to get their first egg, which Naomi I knew it could only be my imagination calls “the $600 egg.” Naomi estimates when I stepped outside my Maiden Lane they’ve gotten a total of 90 eggs over house one morning and heard chickens the years, and thinks the chickens are clucking. But a couple days later, I was “henopausal.” While the Delzells feed the flock driving home and had to stop the car to shoo a very large hen out of the way as chicken feed from Tractor Supply, the birds are eclectic eaters. Leftovers, she was were strolling across the road. Why was the chicken crossing the Rice Krispies, corn and apples quickly road? And what were chickens doing in disappear. Peanut butter sandwiches are Raleigh Court? After some investigating, one of their favorite treats. The chickens happily co-exist with I discovered that urban farming has both the neighbors and the Delzells’ come to the neighborhood. cats. The big threat comes from skunks, The $600 egg Two of the pioneers are Naomi raccoons and possums, which consider and Bob Delzell. Naomi is an adult chicken to be gourmet dining. Based on her experience, Naomi warns English as a Second Language teacher in the city schools, and Bob is a project that you have to have low expectations. director for an international engineering Don’t count on a lot of eggs, but enjoy firm. Neither grew up on a farm. They the chickens and all their interesting became “accidental farmers” when their behaviors. younger daughter’s Woodrow Wilson City rules for urban farming Roanoke City is quite supportive of science class incubated some eggs as an experiment. The experiment worked, and backyard agriculture, if Jillian Papa the teacher soon had a bunch of chicks to Moore is any indication. Jillian is a zoning feed. Six chicks ended up adopted by the administrator and handles questions about city regulations. She says chicken farming is part of the big trend for people who want to know where their food is sourced. Roanokers can raise chickens and bees “by right.” No special permission is required, and residents can have up to 10 chickens. Contrary to what many have heard, the city code does not specify the gender. As Naomi Delzell explained, it’s difficult to Bob Delzell designed and built this impressive tell the gender of a chicken chicken coop to keep the hens safe in the back yard. until it starts developing a comb and crowing, so it’s animal-loving Delzells. For a while, the about impossible to know which fluffy family even gave up the bathtub to make chick is a male. Regulations do require: ■ A fenced area for the chickens, and a home for the chicks. ■ The chickens must be 50 feet from That was six years ago. Now, several generations of chickens later, the hens other houses or residential buildings There are a few more requirements for reside in a lovely coop, custom built Page 8
Fiona Delzell of Maiden Lane poses for her Patrick Henry graduation picture with her mom, Naomi, and Sparkles. bees, and residents are limited to four hives. Jillian reports very few complaints about chickens or bees. What if you want to raise goats or some other animal? That would require special permission, and Jillian would be happy to work with any urban farmers. The key, she says, is that there must be an agricultural use for the animal, such as goats’ milk for cheese. So far, the only request for special permission was for an emu living on Westover. Tips from an expert Kate Lawrence with the Virginia Cooperative Extension calls backyard chicken farming “the new best thing,” and says that chickens are fun to raise. Starting at the beginning, she explains that there are two kinds of chickens — meat and layers. Backyard farmers will want to look for egg layers or dualpurpose chickens, such as Rhode Island reds. The egg producing life of a hen is relatively short. It takes about four months for them to mature and begin producing eggs, and after two years, production usually drops off significantly. Egg production is also affected by daylight hours. As the days get shorter, the eggs get fewer. Kate says there’s not much
(Continued on next page)
(Continued from previous page) owners can do to stimulate production, other that tricking the chickens with artificial light during the winter months. She says letting chickens snack on leftovers or other treats is fine. But even if chickens are “free ranging” and foraging for backyard grubs, she recommends that their diet consist primarily of higher-quality laying pellet or laying crumble from an agricultural supply store. She says the nutritionists at these large companies do an amazing job of formulating the food to keep the birds healthy. She adds that chickens should have free access to food and water; unlike dogs, they are “selflimiting” and won’t overeat. Just as when you’re raising children or pets, observation is important to keeping the flock healthy and happy. Kate says owners should watch their birds to make sure they’re eating and drinking normally so they can catch problems when they can be treated. She adds that if a chicken dies in unexplained circumstances, the owner might consider an animal autopsy to be sure there isn’t a problem that could affect the rest of the flock. Necropsies are free, and Kate can assist owners. Kate also points out that the normal lifespan of a chicken is four to six years, which means several years of just enjoying them while you buy your breakfast eggs. Resources ■ Tractor Supply, 8110 Gander Way Roanoke, 265-8467 ■ Backyardchickens.com ■ Jillian Papa Moore, City of Roanoke Zoning Administrator, 853-2346
Persistence pays for happy potter Raleigh Court resident Leslie Lambert Henry High School. This will be our 17th joined the Blue Ridge Potters Guild Annual Show and is the largest all-pottery about 4 years ago. After a vibrant career show in Virginia featuring functional and in higher education administration and decorative pieces. This event offers an teaching, she now has the time and incredible range of hand-crafted pottery space in her life for creative pursuits. with a wide range of prices. She has always had what she calls Friday’s event runs from 6 p.m. an “art spirit” and, with no formal to 9 p.m. and includes a reception art training, has dabbled in drawing, giving customers the opportunity to painting, glass and jewelry. When asked enjoy refreshments while shopping what drew her to clay as a medium she the huge selection of unique and said: "I have long admired the work of spectacular pottery. The sale and ceramicists and potters, marveling at the demonstrations continue Saturday form and function of their creations. As from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday I prepared for retirement, I was seeking from noon to 5 p.m. Several potters a way to channel my energy and interests, will demonstrate various pottery and working with clay has done that! techniques throughout the day I just love it, and I am especially fond including wheel-thrown, hand-built of throwing on the wheel and its many and sculpted clay art. A special gallery challenges. Clay is a medium that draws exhibit will show works interpreting me back, over and over again. I do not the theme of "Coming Home." dabble now ... I persist, and I so enjoy This event is free and open to the myself. It is exhilarating as there is so public. Parking is free. Cash, checks much to learn." and credit cards are accepted. For About a year and a half before she more information, check out the retired, Leslie started taking classes website, www.blueridgepotters.com, at the Brambleton Center, and her or visit us on Facebook. adventure with clay began. "The pottery studio at the Brambleton Center has -- Blue Ridge Potters Guild been such a gift. It provided a place for me to explore my interest in clay. I was fortunate to take classes with Lyn Jordon and Tanya Leslie, who are tremendous teachers and talented artists. And I have learned so much from others, both at the Center and through the Blue Ridge Potters Guild." Leslie will be one of over 70 potters exhibiting their works at the October Blue Ridge "Clay is a medium that draws me back, Potters Guild Show and Sale on over and over again," October 14, 15 and 16 at Patrick says potter Leslie Lambert
■ Kate Lawrence, Virginia Cooperative Extension, 473-8260, mcl87@vt.edu
Blue Ridge Potters Guild 17th annual show and sale Oct. 14-16 Patrick Henry High School
Susan Koch is a past president of the Raleigh Court Neighborhood Association. Page 9
Neighborhood calendar of events Sept. 11: Panamania Steel Drums concert, 6 p.m., Heights Community Church courtyard. Benefit for Congregations in Action. 344-7748. Sept. 17: “Fermenting Basics,” 10 a.m.-noon, The Coop. Learn one of the oldest and most nutritious ways of preserving food using the least amount of fossil fuel. Bring 1-quart or halfgallon jar. Meet at the farmers market onWestover to get supplies. $10; $5 owners. 343-5652 Sept. 21: “Murder Hole,” a locally made documentary on Catawba Murder Hole Cave in Botetourt County. 7:20 p.m. and 8 p.m., the Grandin Theatre. Free admission. Film is a companion to the book, which will be available for sale. Q&A periods follow both screenings.
Sept. 30: Grandin Chillage, 6-9 p.m., behind Nopales, corner of Westover and Grandin. Familyfriendly. Music by Lazy Man Dub Band. Admission, $5. Beverages, $4. Children 12 and under admitted free. Oct. 6-8: 2016 CityWorks Expo Conference, CoLab and the Grandin Theatre. 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. 5-7 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. Saturdays: through Oct. 29: Grandin Village community market, 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. Important new information about the annual Grandin Village Children’s Parade: Saturday, Nov. 19. Line-up for the parade is between 10 - 10:30 a.m. in the
parking lot at Christ Lutheran Church at the corner of Grandin Road and Brandon Avenue. The parade begins at 11 a.m. and proceeds to the corner of Grandin and Memorial Ave. Pregistration is required. Form and additional information is available at historicgrandinvillage.com under the "about Grandin Village" tab. A registration table also will set up on parade day. Groups will be assigned spots within the staging area (Christ Lutheran's parking lot) to avoid confusion and to have a tentative parade lineup started. Volunteers are needed. Contact sstump@ historicgrandinvillage.com. Have an item for the neighborhood calendar of events? Email avhack@aol.com
Poster sales benefit reading program
Pictured are trail repairs and improvements recently completed to the Hillside Trail in Fishburn Park near McNeil Drive by members of the legendary Mid Week Trail Crew. This portion of the greenway had become severely eroded, and a nearby fallen tree had opened a large hole in the trail. The crew repaired the stormwater outfall that was causing the trail erosion, and brought in loads of stones and gravel to compact into a sturdy base for the trail. The Mid-Week Trail Crew is a hardy group of retirees who devote a day each week to working on area trails. The group is led by Dr. Bill Gordge, a retired pediatrician who has been spearheading maintenance of trails throughout the region for many years. You can check out a quick video of the Crew in action at https://www. bing.com/videos/search?q=mid-week+trail+ crew+roanoke&view=detail&mid=BE543C34 00007316C0A8BE543C3400007316C0A8&F ORM=VIRE.
About three years ago, the Unitarian Universalist Church of Roanoke began a program it calls Reading Seeds, to provide books and tutoring to neighborhood Head Start and elementary school children. The program has grown, and during the 2015-2016 school year the program provided free books to about 170 students. Ninety of those are in the Pack-aSnack program of Congregations in Action, serving Virginia Heights, Fishburn Park, Wasena, and Grandin Court elementary schools. A book is added to the students’ packs twice a month (Sept. - May), so that each student has a personal library of 18 books at the end of the school year. 1,620 books a year go to this group. During the calendar year, the Reading Seeds program also provides two books a month to some 80 Head Start students (they receive a total of 24 books a year). 1,920 books a year go to this group. The church has been selling “So Many Books, So Little Time” posters, created by Cincinnati artist Donna Boehmer, Page 10
who is donating 2/3 of the sales to Reading Seeds. A book lover’s poster, it is modeled after Jean Honore Fragonard’s famous painting “A Young Girl Reading a Book.” If you would like to order a poster or bookmarks, please contact Bill Hackworth at wmhack@ aol.com. 20” by 16” posters are $55; 8” by 10” posters are $15; laminated bookmarks of the poster are $4. (A framed copy of the colorful poster was donated to the Raleigh Court branch library, and it hangs in the children’s reading area.) -- Bill Hackworth
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Roanoke County Farm Bureau 1422 Grandin Rd, S.W. Roanoke, VA 24015 www.farmbureauadvantage.com
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Lisa KNOWS insurance Anthem Health Plans of Virginia, Inc. trades as Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Virginia, and its service area is all of Virginia except for the City of Fairfax, the Town of Vienna, and the area east of State Route 123. Independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. ® ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
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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