January 2016 May 2015
The Greater Raleigh Court Civic League The Greater Raleigh Court Civic League
From The President
www.grccl.org www.grccl.org
From the President
Community safety City By Kit Hale leaders will address membership meeting the issue at our May
By Kit Hale Aretha Franklin had it right — “all I’m askin’ is for aroutine little respect.” The morning goes Finding that sweet spot between our work and life can be Or, as Laurence Sterne once said, equallyNote something like this — up slightly challenging. Some The folksGreater live to Raleigh work, others the venue! Courtwork “Respect for grind ourselves guides our to live.Civic before 5 a.m., the coffee beans, I tryLeague to choose the latter with varying degrees will hold its membership meeting of morals, respect for others guides start a pot, and then give Daisy the success.Thursday, There is May a delicate work, family, 14, 7balance p.m. at between the CoLab, 1327 our manners.” Myher guess is most four-legged Doodle morning rub friends, Grandin and health. It’s hard to figure out. Someone Road. In addition to a presentation once of youwhile knowthe who Ms. cooks. Franklin is, said, “Life can only be understood backward, but it must be down coffee Once from Chief Chris Perkins and his team from the it’s haven’t done, Ia grab a cup,Mr. let Sterne Daisy lived forward.” Amen. but clue about Roanoke Police Department, we will be holding out to do her business He and was to proudly rid the of The Raleigh Court Neighborhood Association’s Board of (thanks, Google…). a novelist whobackyard lived and elections for our board of directors. killer and the infiltratedisovernight. died squirrels in the 1700s, butlike histhat wayhave of thinking certainly Directors is always looking to find that sweet spot in service Iapplicable then settletoday. into the easy chair, turn on Sportscenter, open to our members. Our definition of “balance” is to provide the MacBook and check out the happenings in the world. enough information and value to enhance the quality of life One’s idea of respect can be rather subjective and generto time, there are incidents of vandalism, theft, assault, After perusing some national news sites, I log onto The in our neighborhood. We’ve put together a panel of Roanoke ally a function of our upbringing. Most of us were raised drug use … the list could go on. In my mind, most crimes Roanoke Times’ eTimes, which is the electronic version of City department leaders for our January membership with the idea of you get what you give. Put another way, stem from a lack of respect for others. A bad guy (or gal) our local newspaper that I find totally meeting. Some of the most frequent treat others as you would have them treat you. Respect, taking something that doesn’t and belong to them; breaking cool. What’s not always so cool is questions concerns have to do in my mind, joins a long list of into a car; slashing tires; commandeering the reporting. Take, for example, the with code enforcement (zoning character attributes that Toyota’s make the benches in Grandin Village without recent coverage of the Haley matters), solid waste (trash Big us who we are. Honesty, regard Blue to language, trash,Big or Neon noise Blue), are all City of Roanoke ChristmasintegParade. and recycling rity, compassion, responsibility, examples encroachments on our qualInstead of talking about an awesome and ofPublic Safety (always a timely tolerance, and acceptance also ity of life. TheInvibrancy our parade bringing smiles to children topic). additionand to success leaders offrom come to mind. Most of us get it neighborhood depend on many things, not without regard to their age, color, or those departments, we’ll have Brian because our parents got it. Sadly, the least of which Assistant is our sense of safety and national origin, most of the article was Townsend, City Manager some up folks don’t get it on because security. taken with reporting matters Life is a delicate balance, and sometimes it’s for Community Development. their parents didn’t. And, involving the Confederate flagsome and its hard to figure out. Court Neighborhood At ourThe MayRaleigh 14 membership meeting, we folks don’t get not it because theythe path of social issues Association has tremendous clout with the City, and we’re wavers. No, I’m going down will be treated to a visit by Roanoke City don’t wantgettotoo orspun somehow and I don’t up overfeel these types of things. After fortunate to have leaders attend Chief our meetings Police Chiefwilling Chris toPerkins. Perkins entitled to something they all, newspapers have to somehow figure out ways to stay and keep us informed. Please join us on Thursday, and his team will talk about crime inJan. our haven’t earned. relevant and I suppose they think these types of articles 14, beginning at 7 p.m. We’ll be meeting at the CoLab neighborhood and the Police Department’s sellSo, papers. I’m wondering more talkingwhat about balance. Balance in in Grandin Village. It will be a great opportunity to if you’re strategy of addressing the unacceptable reporting, balance in our lives, network with your neighbors, get your questions any of this has to do with thebalance in our work. behavior of disrespect. He will give safety Balance isI’m hard to achieve. learn how we can continue our culture GRCCL, about to tell Life you.is a balance of holding on answered, andtips and show us ways that we can ensure, as and letting go. The challenge is knowing when to do which. of a great neighborhood association! This article is about safety in Chief Chris Perkins best we can, the safety of our homes, cars, our neighborhood. From time (photo courtesy Roanoke Police Department) (continued on Page 4)
membership meeting
Please join us for our next meeting of the Raleigh Court Neighborhood Association on Jan. 14, 2016. (Sorry! The date wasGrace incorrect the............................3 November 10th annual Run With is Junein13 Court Reporter.) We’ll see you at the CoLab, 1327 Mill Mountain Theatre to stage musical in Heights Grandin Road, at 7 p.m. amphitheater .................................................................3 What’s behind an ‘urgent notice’ .........................................6
Inside This Issue
Inside ThisBike Issue club stresses safety............................................. 4 Evergreen Burial Park to honor Union soldier .....................86 Raleigh Court Then & Now........................................ Toy shop opens in the village...................................... 8 Neighborhood calendar of events .......................................9 Neighborhood calendar of events............................. 10 Raleigh Court then and now ...........................................10
Your civic league officers and committee chairs 2014-15 2015-16 President Kit Hale OFFICERS kithale@mkbrealtors.com President: Kit Hale 537-0829 kithale@mkbrealtors.com
COMMITTEE CHAIRS COMMITTEE CHAIRS Membership Membership Brenda McDaniel Position is open 537-0829 bmcdaniel19@cox.net Vice President Mary Dykstra Vice President: Mary Dykstra 345-4277 mvdrltr@aol.com Program mvdrltr@aol.com 314-1110 Susan Marney Program 314-1110 marneyse6@gmail.com Susan Marney Treasurer Chad Braby (interim) 342-3196 Treasurer: semarney@yahoo.com chadbraby12@gmail.com Chad Braby - Interim 342-3196 342-2112 Newsletter editor chadbraby12@gmail.com Ann Hackworth 342-2112 Newsletter Editor Secretary avhack@aol.com Ann Hackworth Secretary: Parke Loesel Position is open 857-8998 avhack@aol.com JKPLoesel@aol.com 857-8998 774-6690 Immediate past president Newsletter advertising Jake Gilmer Jake Gilmer Advertising Newsletter IMMEDIATE PAST jake.gilmer@gmail.com jake.gilmer@gmail.com Jake Gilmer PRESIDENT: 904-2051 904-2051. jake.gilmer@gmail.com Jake Gilmer 904-2051 jake.gilmer@gmail.com DIRECTORS AT LARGE Building management and 904-2051 Carl Cress Building Management Grandin Village business liaison carl.cress@edwardjones.com Carl Cress Carl Cress DIRECTORS AT LARGE carl.cress@edwardjones.com carl.cress@edwardjones.com Nathan Harper Ann Hackworth Grandin nlharper@gmail.com avhack@aol.com Website Village Business 857-8998 Jake GilmerLiaison Susan Marney Jenny Prickitt jake.gilmer@gmail.com semarney@yahoo.com antiquesbuyjenny@aol.com Nathan Harper 904-2051. 342-3196 982-2022 nlharper@gmail.com Brenda McDaniel Greenway Website bmcdaniel19@cox.net Susan Marney Bill Hackworth Jake Gilmer 345-4277 marneyse6@gmail.com wmhack@aol.com jake.gilmer@gmail.com 342-3196 797-8998 Jenny Prickitt 904-2051 antiquesbuyjenny@aol.com Liesebet Tausch School grants program Greenway 982-2022 liesebet@hotmail.com ChadHackworth Braby Bill Liesebet Tausch chadbraby12@gmail.com wmhack@aol.com 342-2112 liesebet@hotmail.com 797-8998 Behind Reid’s Furnishings Where quality and service still exist.
School Grants Programis published by the Greater Raleigh The Court Reporter Chad Braby Court Civic League, aka the Raleigh Court Neighchadbraby12@gmail.com borhood Association, five times a year in September, 342-2112
November, January, March and May.
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, and May.
1316 Grandin Rd. Roanoke VA 24015 Open Tuesday through Sunday
981-1340 Dine-In or carry out
ordering gracesplacepizzeria.com
Stunning collections
of furniture & accessories for every room in your home.
Are you with Valley yet? (Formerly Frank L. Moose Jeweler)
1919 Westover Avenue, Owner Geoff Jennings (formerly withS.W. Frank L. Moose) With 39 years experience, offers exceptional quality and service www.fgeoffreyltd.com
1919Open Westover Avenue, SW 540-345-8881 Wed. & Thurs. 10am -5:30pm
Mon. by Appt.; Tues-Fri 10am-5:30pm; Sat. 10am-3:30pm Other days request appointment: 345-8881 or info@fgeoffreyltd.com
w
INTERESTED IN ADVERTISING WITH US?
Since 1995 Grandin Village 540.342.1844 | ReidsFurnishing.com
PLEASE CONTACT:
G FREE TJ HREE CHECKING ACCOUNTS ake
ilmer
jake.gilmer@gmail.com
NO MONTHLY FEES,orNO MINIMUM BALANCE. 540-904-2051 Member FDIC. Normal account opening policies and procedures apply.
Feed the Dogs @ The Dog
Eric Early
Page 2
GRANDIN & DOW N TOW N
Neighborhood library is on schedule
Construction was proceeding briskly when this photo was taken in mid-December.
Despite several prolonged periods of heavy rain this fall, Roanoke Public Library Director Sheila Umberger is upbeat about how rapidly the renovations at the Raleigh Court Library are progressing. She says our neighborhood library, which has been closed for over a year, will reopen early this spring. Expect to see a bigger, “like new” building, expanded parking and a completely new roof. Sheila happily reports ordering more than $100,000 in new
books, materials, newspapers and magazines for the branch. The library has received a private grant to help pay for the courtyard. If you would like to help purchase other wish-list items for the branch, please consider a donation the Roanoke Public Library Foundation. You can contact Library Director Sheila Umberger to discuss the possibilities at 853-2476. By Susan Koch
Now Join the Neighborhood Association Online Using PayPal It is easier than ever 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 PayPal on our website, www.grccl.org. 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: • Grandin Village Street Fair • Grandin Village Children’s Holiday Parade • Looney Tunes at the Grandin Theatre • Bi-monthly neighborhood meetings
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.
With your $10 membership, you’ll be rewarded with these benefits:
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.
• • • •
US N I JO Y! DA O T
Neighborhood advocacy and representation 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 3
Woodrow Wilson Bike Club stresses safety You may have seen these young folks bicycling through the neighborhood or on a local greenway, or doing community service projects, or riding in the Grandin Village Children’s Holiday Parade. Who are they? They are the Woodrow Wilson Middle School Bike Club. Started about seven years ago by now retired Roanoke City Police Officer Jimmy Goad, the club now has about two dozen students who meet weekly after school to learn about bicycle safety and to go on rides as a group. The club is currently sponsored by first-year School Resource Officer Dustin Moricle, who knows his stuff when it comes to bicycles. Before coming to Woodrow Wilson, Officer Moricle was an instructor for the very rigorous training program that City bicycle patrol officers must complete successfully before going on patrol. Moricle spent several years patrolling the downtown area on bicycle and has logged thousands of miles on his bike. He is assisted in running the club by Woodrow Wilson staffer Lee Slover, who maintains an impressive collection of well-maintained bicycles and replacement parts for the club. Slover often takes bikes home to work on them and keep them in good operating condition.
The club has access to an impressive collection of well-maintained bikes.
School Resource Officer Dustin Moricle (center) with some of the members and supporters of the bike club.
Damon King also volunteers with the club. The club’s bicycles have been donated by individuals or bike shops (Cardinal Bicycle shop on Orange Avenue has been particularly generous in donating bikes) or come from School Division surplus or the Police Department’s unclaimed property. The Woodrow Wilson PTA recently purchased flags for each bicycle, helmets have been donated, and club members have new T-shirts sporting the club’s name. In previous years, students have worked on a bike by making minor repairs, and if they completed the school year with the club, they got to keep their bikes. Hundreds of bikes have been acquired this way by club members. Officer Moricle stresses bicycle safety with club members, and they are required to wear helmets when riding. In addition to helping keep club members physically fit, the club gives them an opportunity to ride in our neighborhood and perform community service projects. Past projects have included picking up trash and interacting with residents of a neighborhood nursing and rehab facility. Judging by the fun club members were having devouring pizza at a recent pre-holiday party after school, the bike club is a “way cool” hit with its members! The club could use some new helmets (most of the ones it has are adult sizes). If you would like to donate a bicycle (must be in reasonably good condition) or contribute toward the purchase of new helmets, contact Officer Moricle or Lee Slover at Woodrow Wilson, (540) 853-2358. By Bill Hackworth
Page 4
Consignment Boutique
Furniture, Clothing, Art, & More What was once Out is now back In!!! For the Latest Trends, Shop at
1322 GRANDIN RD • 540-982-2022
Serving Grandin Village for over 10 Years
Page 5
A look back at the heart of Grandin Village
By Nelson Harris
1920s saw regal residences built in the neighborhood is where the Grandin Theatre is located land’s drugstore). Dr. Kirk was a noted
Grandin Village, circa 1919.
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 of our neighborhood, the Grandin Village, was almost all residences. For example, a beautiful home belonging to Dr. Kirk, a physician, was located where the CoLab sits today (old Gar-
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.
Grandin Road’s fine homes were built Nelson by prominent Roanokers a varietyChurch of architectural styles.and Grandin Road, Recognize this building in this image Harris,pastor of Heights in Community at Memorial Avenue 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 By Nelson Harris Michaels later constructed the Tudor Revival style home at 1920 the oldest commercial buildings in the Raleigh Court,” among many titles, Harris grew up in Raleigh Court. Reach him at nharris@ house at 2231 Grandin, after selling Grandin Road was built in 1925 for Before Village. and during theto the decade Grandin The home left his original home to Claude Dudley, real estate developer S. Duerson. of the 1920s, many prominent virginiaheights.org. president of the Norwich Supply Co. Roanokers moved to Raleigh Morton Turner, the first president The Ring House (1802 Grandin) of American National Bank, erected Court, erecting grand homes along Virginia (Memorial) Avenue and was built in 1925 for M.F. Ring, the Colonial Revival home at 1930 Grandin Road. In 1908, real-estate president of Roanoke City Mills. Grandin in 1928. developer Manley Caldwell, a It is an outstanding example of Thus, by the close of the 1920s, Wytheville native, built “Walker the Spanish Colonial Revival style architecture. Hall.” Caldwell’s residence (1525 bank presidents, real estate Memorial) contained a templedevelopers and business leaders Real-estate developer Robert style portico and Iconic columns. Shafer built a Tudor-style home in were lending to Raleigh Court a At this same time, M.A. Riffe, 1914 (1856 Grandin), and across the certain aristocratic prominence and president of the Virginia Heights street (1857 Grandin) E.H. Johnson prestige with their regal residences. Corp., constructed a Queen Anne- president of Virginia Supply Co., Nelson Harris, pastor of Heights style home with turret, gables and a erected a Colonial Revival style wrap-around porch with Corinthian home with Federal detailing. This Community Church at Memorial classical columns (1601 Memorial). fine residence was built in 1916. It Avenue and Grandin Road, provides Along Grandin Road, C.E. was later sold to Robert H. Angell, the Court Reporter with historical Michaels, president of the Virginia founder of the Shenandoah Life items about the neighborhood Bridge and Iron Co., had constructed Insurance Co. from time to time. The author of a large Colonial Revival residence In the next block of Grandin “Greater Raleigh Court: A History of in 1913. The home (1731 Grandin) Road, other prominent Roanokers Wasena, Virginia Heights, Norwich originally was on the corner of continued building large homes. Grandin and Sherwood and was E.H. Ould, a president of First and Raleigh Court,” among many moved over one lot in the 1950s National Exchange Bank, built titles, Harris grew up in Raleigh to accommodate the construction an Italian-Renaissance dwelling Court. Reach him at nharris@ of the Grandin Road post office. (1902 Grandin) in 1930. The virginiaheights.org.
Page Page 10 6
Stunning collections
Behind Reid’s Furnishings
Where quality and service still exist.
of furniture & accessories for every room in your home.
(Formerly Frank L. Moose Jeweler)
1919 Westover Avenue, Owner Geoff Jennings (formerly withS.W. Frank L. Moose) With 39 years experience, offers exceptional quality and service www.fgeoffreyltd.com
1919Open Westover Avenue, SW 540-345-8881 Wed. & Thurs. 10am -5:30pm
Mon. by Appt.; Tues-Fri 10am-5:30pm; Sat. 10am-3:30pm Other days request appointment: 345-8881 or info@fgeoffreyltd.com
w
INTERESTED IN ADVERTISING WITH US?
Since 1995 Grandin Village 540.342.1844 | ReidsFurnishing.com
PLEASE CONTACT:
J ake G ilmer jake.gilmer@gmail.com or
540-904-2051
Eric Early
Feed the Dogs @ The Dog Black Dog Salvage is now a donation site for the Roanoke Valley SPCA to help our animal friends in need. With every pet food donation, receive a discount on your found treasure @ The Dog. See our website for details www.BlackDogSalvage.com
Antiques, MArketplAce & GAllery Reclaiming, Renewing, Redefining Architectural Salvage for a Sustainable Future OPEN Mon – Sat 9am – 5pm 902 13th Street SW, Roanoke (540) 343-6200 • www.BlackDogSalvage.com
Page 7
New Grandin Village toy shop focuses on customer service In the middle of holiday shopping season, Imagination Station store manager Erica Sipes took time to talk to the Court Reporter. When did you open your doors at 1405 Grandin Road? We opened at the beginning of October 2015. Wasn’t there an Imagination Station in Raleigh Court several years ago? There was! The original location was where the AllSports Cafe on Grandin Road is now. There was also a location on Market Street downtown for a while. The store moved to Towers Shopping Center, and then to Townside Festival near Montano’s. The current owners, Paula and Keith Bolte, who also own Imaginations Toy & Furniture Co. in Blacksburg, briefly owned Imagination Station at the tail end of when it was in Roanoke. Tell us a little bit about Rudolph, your unofficial (or maybe official?) store greeter. Didn’t he make an appearance in the Grandin Road Holiday Children’s parade this year? He sure did make an appearance at the parade! In fact, I think he’d prefer that we say he was the star of the whole show. He just moved to the Grandin Road store after residing at Imaginations Toy & Furniture Company, our parent store in Blacksburg. He decided he needed a change of pace and was tired of competing with the Hokie Bird for attention. What were the most popular items for this past holiday season? For kids of all ages in the building category, Magna-Tiles and Beka contraptions, a wooden plank building system, have been top sellers. Another favorite is Bellz, a wonderfully fun game that involves colorful metal jingle bells and a magnet, all packaged up in a zippered bag. Something we have a difficult time keeping in the store is Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty. It is a
like the traditional silly putty that’s been around for years, only cooler! It comes in all sorts of types – some that glow in the dark, magnetic ones, color changing ones, sparkly ones and even one that you can write messages in with a little flashlight that comes in the tin. We carry Crazy Aaron’s in both small and medium size tins. I’ve had business people, teachers, therapists, parents that need some stress relief, and kids all go crazy over them. Last but not least we have a new line of dolls called Lottie dolls that are a lovely alternative to Barbies. They are a little smaller than most dolls but what I like about them is that they look like little girls, not like miniature adults. Each one has their own interests too, so there are martial arts girls, dancers, equestrians, science fictionados, you name it. Over the holidays, you hosted a fund-raiser for Children’s Trust and a story-time event with a folklorist. What are your plans for other special activities in the near future? We hope to have regular storytimes and puppet shows throughout the year at first. And as we had at our grand opening we will also host children’s book authors for readings and signings. I think it’s important for children to meet the authors and to connect with the fact that the stories they love are written by everyday people. I am also a lover of games so I’m hoping to add in game nights for families and after-school game days to provide another option besides video games. How does a small, locally owned toy shop compete with the big-box stores? We provide so much more than a big box can, mostly because we are small and have direct contact with the customers. We also do all our own purchasing, which means we can respond to our customers’ requests and interests. Having an intimate knowledge of all of our products and being in touch with how our toys are received in our customers’ homes also means we can make recommendations to Page 8
Photo courtesy of Imagination Station Imagination Station opened its new Roanoke location in October.
Store co-owner Paula Bolte (left) and manager Erica Sipes. anyone that asks. We often have people come in an hour before they have to go to a birthday party. Those who know us will simply give us the age, gender, and interests of the child and we can point out several options on the spot. And to top it off we offer complimentary giftwrapping so we can get the customer out the door, ready for the birthday party, in no time! What is your philosophy for your toy store? We see ourselves in the business of providing much more than just unique and educational toys and children’s
(Continued next page)
(Continued from previous page) furniture. We believe we offer a service to the community by offering a safe place for families and caregivers to come whether they are shopping or simply need some time and an excuse to have some fun. Parenting can be stressful we’ve been there ourselves! So we know that sometimes it helps to just know that there’s somewhere you can bring the kids for a little break without being judged or having to worry about the kids not touching anything. Kay Redfield Jamison, a psychiatrist, educator, and writer, said “Play is not a luxury. Play is a necessity.” That is a quote that we hold Grandin Village, circa 1919. as a guiding principle for kids of all ages that enter our store. Recognize buildingtoinask? this image Anything vitalthis I neglected fromare1919? It is the building where We so excited to be a part of the Grace’s Pizza is today,again making one of Roanoke community so weit wanted the oldest commercial buildings in the Grandin Village. The home to the left
to find a way to give back in some way. We have decided to help out our friends at Children’s Trust of Roanoke as our first project. This wonderful organization does an amazing job of educating people is where the Grandin Theatre is located about child sexual abuse and they have today.a The theater wasway constructed in such compassionate of helping the early 1930s. When Virginia Heights families that find themselves in the was developed in the early 1900s, middle of difficult situations. We the are working toy library forcenter their area thaton is building today thea commercial waiting room so that we can help make of our neighborhood, the Grandin what is often a challenging situationFora Village, was almost all residences. little bit easier. Monetary donations to example, a beautiful home belonging help with this project can be made at any to Dr. Kirk, was located time at the storea orphysician, if people would prefer where the CoLab sits today (old Garto choose and pay for items themselves
A look back at the heart of Grandin Village
By Nelson Harris
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 Rudolph, the store greeter. a 3-story apartment building that was at the store. People to donate actually moved to can the choose backside of the some or all of their earned credit to the lot and eventually razed. The accompatoy library. nying photograph was provided by the late Dan Chrisman. http://imaginationstationroanoke. blogspot.com
they are welcome to do so and we’ll get Nelson of Heightsalso Community at Memorial Avenue and Grandin Road, them toHarris,pastor Children’s Trust. We have a Church You can also visit Imagination Station will provide Court Reporter with historical about the neighborhood fromStation time to time. loyalty clubthethat earns customers credit items on Facebook at Imagination when whenof they’ve purchases Roanoke. The author “Greater made Raleigh6Court: A History of Wasena, Virginia Heights, Norwich and Raleigh Court,” among many titles, Harris grew up in Raleigh Court. Reach him at nharris@ virginiaheights.org.
Page 10 Page 9
Neighborhood calendar of events Jan. 5: “New Year, New You! Eating Healthy on Jan. 20: Indie Lens Pop-up Series at the Grana Budget,” by nutritionist and health coach Jeanie Redick, 6:30-8 p.m., Roanoke Natural Foods Co-op. $10; $5 for owners. 343-5652
Jan. 8: Earth Friendly Friday, “The Appalachian Trail Through a Naturalist’s Eyes,” 6:30 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Church of Roanoke, 2015 Grandin Road. Free.
Jan. 9: Classic Movies at the Grandin Theatre: “All the King’s Men” (1949, not rated), 10 a.m., free.
Jan. 9: “Biblical Marriage,” by Jennifer Grace
Bird. 9 a.m.-noon. Check-in and registration, 8:45 a.m. Suggested donation, $10 (breakfast included). Unitarian Universalist Church of Roanoke, 2015 Grandin Road.
Jan. 14: Raleigh Court Neighborhood Association membership meeting with representatives from Roanoke City. 7 p.m., CoLab, 1327 Grandin Road. Free.
din Theatre: “In Football We Trust,” 7:15 p.m.
Jan. 21: “What the Heck is Ayurveda?” by Gail Steele. 6:30-8 p.m., Roanoke Natural Foods Coop. $10; $5 for owners. 343-5652
Feb. 13: Classic Movies at the Grandin Thea-
tre: “The African Queen” (1951, rated PG), 10 a.m., free.
Feb. 17: Indie Lens Pop-up Series at the Gran-
din Theatre: “The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution,” 7:15 p.m.
March 12: Classic Movies at the Grandin Theatre: “From Here to Eternity” (1953, not rated), 10 a.m., free.
Tuesdays:
Beginning level yoga class, 5:456:45 p.m., Raleigh Court United Methodist Church (enter through door adjoining parking lot). 1706 Grandin Road. $10 per class. Rebecca Talbot, 342-0545
Thanks to these great, young volunteers We had a great turnout Saturday, Nov. 14, for the clean-up at the Dan Wright Trailhead of Murray Run Greenway. The lion's share of the mulching, weeding and tidying was done by some energetic band students from Woodrow Wilson
Middle School, their director, Mr. Victor Tuck, and some wonderful parents. These pictures were taken by Justin McLeod, community relations coordinator with Roanoke City Public Schools.
Page 10
A century of service in Southwest Virginia £ Evergreen Burial Park
Roanoke 540-342-2593
£ Mountain View Cemetery
Committed to Everlasting Care Traditional Cemeteries Mausoleum Crypts and Niches Granite and Bronze Memorialization Natural Burial Cremation Arrangements Pet Cemetery
Vinton 540-342-7566
£ Forest Rest Natural Cemetery
Boones Mill 540-334-5410
£ Green Hill Mausoleum
Buena Vista 540-342-2593
£ Mountain View Memorial Park
Boones Mill 540-334-5410
Aeration Mowing Mulching Your Insurance Agent Should be Down to Earth, And Down the Street!
Do you buy your insurance from an agent that “SELLS” insurance or do you buy it from a Trusted Advisor that “KNOWS” insurance? Auto Home Life Health
Lisa Wright (540) 342-2626
Roanoke County Farm Bureau 1422 Grandin Rd, S.W. Roanoke, VA 24015 www.farmbureauadvantage.com
Call Today
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.
Page 11
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