November 2013
The Greater Raleigh Court Civic League
www.grccl.org
Celebrating 35 Years of Service to Our Neighborhood
Nelson Harris to Sign Books At November League Event The Rev. Nelson Harris, pastor of Virginia Heights Baptist Church and former Roanoke mayor, will talk about his new book, Hidden History of Roanoke, at the November 14 meeting of the Greater Raleigh Court Civic League. Harris’ latest volume of Roanoke history contains some of the quirkier, lesser known stories from Roanoke’s past. Harris has also produced several photographic books on Roanoke’s history. He will also sign books at the November meeting and have copies of his Hidden History for sale. The hard copy goes for $20 while a Kindle version is $10. Early Christmas shoppers, take note. Keeping with the history theme, the second part of the November meeting will be a short presentation by Nathan Flinchum, Roanoke City Library Virginia Room librarian, on how to research the history of your house. Don’t miss this opportunity to convene with neighbors and learn more about the history of Roanoke, Raleigh Court, and your own home. If you aren’t a League member, come join. Where: Christ Lutheran Church,
corner of Grandin and Brandon
Date: Thursday, November 14 Time: 7 p.m.
Santa will make his annual pre-Thanksgiving visit to Raleigh Court as star of the Grandin Road Children’s Holiday Parade on Saturday, November 23. As usual the parade will assemble at Christ Lutheran Church and step off at 11 a.m. If you want to be in it as a walker, part of a walking group, or with a nonmotorized float, just show up at the parking lot of Christ Lutheran by 10 a.m. The parade is sponsored by the Grandin Village Business Association with assistance from the Greater Raleigh Court Civic League in providing traffic control. If you’d like to volunteer as a crossing guard, please contact President Jake Gilmer at jake.gilmer@gmail.com.
Inside This Issue
President’s Message..................................................... 3 Leaf Collection Starts Nov. 11.................................... 5 ‘Christmas in the Village’ Concert............................... 6 Roanoke City Council ............................................... 6 Vote November 5....................................................... 6
Library Renovations................................................... 8 September Gathering.................................................. 9 Who You Gonna Call?............................................... 9 Bluegrass Benefit for ALS.......................................... 11 In the Village........................................................... 11
Your Civic League Officers and Committee Chairs 2013-14 OFFICERS President: Jake Gilmer jake.gilmer@gmail.com Vice-President: Vacant Treasurer: Chad Braby chadbraby12@gmail.com Recording Secretary: Vacant DIRECTORS AT LARGE Parke Loesel JKPLoesel@aol.com Matt Pritts pritts@woodsrogers.com Jenny Prickitt antiquesbuyjenny@aol.com Brenda McDaniel bmcdaniel19@cox.net Louella Clement fusia622013@yahoo.com IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT: Chad Braby chadbraby12@gmail.com COMMITTEE CHAIRS Membership: Martha Graves mgraves@wdbj7.com Adopt-a-Highway: Stacey Lam
Program: Parke Loesel JKPLoesel@aol.com Newsletter Editor: Brenda McDaniel bmcdaniel19@cox.net Newsletter Advertising: Jake Gilmer jake.gilmer@gmail.com
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.
Special Projects: Tony Stavola astavola@carilion.com Building Management: Carl Cress carl.cress@edwardjones.com Grandin Road Merchants Liaison: Jenny Prickitt antiquesbuyjenny@aol.com Website: Jake Gilmer jake.gilmer@gmail.com Social Media: Chad VanHyning chad.vanhyning@aecom.com Greenways: Bill Hackworth wmhack@aol.com Mike Urbanski mike_urbanski@cox.net School Grant Program Chad Braby chadbraby12@gmail.com
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From the President By Jake Gilmer
Did you know that the Greater Raleigh Court Civic League owns the building currently housing Pops Ice Cream & Soda Bar? Did you know that we own and maintain the neighborhood welcome sign at the intersection of Grandin Road and Brandon Avenue? Did you know that the Civic League took the lead in funding the construction of the permanent sculpture of Big Dog at Fire Station No. 7? These are just a few examples of the stewardship that the Civic League provides for our neighborhood. In this issue’s letter, I would like to provide you with some insights into the inner workings of the Civic League and our leadership. We are guided by an all-volunteer, eleven member board that is directly elected by our members to staggered two-year terms (see list on page 2). Our board meets in the months of September, November, January, March, and May. The meetings are substantive, as we discuss plans for the Court Reporter, our neighborhood events, grants, and special projects. We also spend a large part of our time taking care of the finances of the Civic League. We
have an annual budget that hovers around $25,000 per year. Much of our revenue comes from building rent, civic league memberships, and advertisements in the Court Reporter. Our primary expenses are the Court Reporter, a building fund, our School Grant Program, and sponsoring neighborhood and village events. We also maintain a strong reserve fund in case of large, unforeseen expenses. In recent years we have also applied for neighborhood grant funding from the city to take on special projects, such as the Murray Run Greenway trailhead sign, the chess tables in front of the Roanoke Natural Foods Co-op, and new playground equipment at Virginia Heights Elementary. It may be obvious, but the good work of the Civic League and the continued progress of our neighborhood is dependent upon the ongoing commitment of our volunteer members. Like any volunteer led organization, we have to continually renew our ranks and find new neighbors to join in. At our next neighborhood event on November 14th, you will have the opportunity to meet and confirm two new members of our board, Robbie Zarsky and Susan Marney. I am eager to introduce them to you, as I believe that they will bring a fresh perspective and new enthusiasm to our future efforts. I would also like to thank all of our current board members, committee chairs, and paid members of the Civic League. See you on November 14th!
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Throughout the month of October, Grandin Village was decked out with scarecrows in nearly every business doorway. The effort, sponsored by the Grandin Village Business Association, encouraged members to decorate scarecrows to represent their businesses. Featured here are entries from (clockwise from top left) Valley Bank, Urban Gypsy (who says scarecrows have to be scary?), Grandin Theatre, New to Me Consignment Boutique (a likeness of village guardian angel James Tarpley shown here with the real thing) and the Natural Foods Co-op. Others participating were Roanoke Ballet, Graces, Local Roots, Community Inn, Viva La Cupcake, POPS, 1906 Ale House, Sole to Sole, Raleigh Court Health, CUPS, Reids, The Yoga Center, Grandin Road Barbershop, Salon Bella, 7-11 and Rockfish. (Photos by Jim Loessel)
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Leaf Collection Starts Nov. 11
By Brenda McDaniel
The days of the city’s curbside leaf suck-up program are long gone, so that leaves those of us who live under Raleigh Court’s lush tree canopy scrambling at this time of year to deal with the providers of our welcome summer shade. What to do? Bag ‘em or mow ‘em.
can pickup days that alternate with paper recycle days. Paper bags of leaves put out on bulk pickup days will be viewed as bulk trash and will be subject to the six-item rule. Of course whatever you stick in the big blue city trash can is just trash and goes into the trash truck.
Mulch mowing or composting leaves are the recommended methods and most lawn mowers are capable of mulching leaves even without special blades, although inexpensive mulching adapters are available. However, when leaves fall on places other than yards (driveways, patios, roofs, gutters) some raking, blowing, and bagging are necessary. While the city discontinued its loose leaf collection in 2009, it does provide collection of bagged leaves if you play by the rules.
If you still pine for the days of raking your leaves into giant mounds to molder at the curb sometimes until the first snowfall, you can still do that but for a price. Several private firms provide the service for a fee. The city asks that if you go this route, let them know at 853-2000 so they won’t cite you for violating the city code that prohibits residents from raking leaves to the curb.
This year bagged leaf collection runs November 11 through December 13. During that time, biodegradable (paper) bags of leaves will be picked up on the regular paper recycling days during the weeks of November 11-15, November 25-29, and December 9-13. Residents may put out as many paper bags of leaves as they want to as long as they do it on their regular paper recycling days. Note paper bags must be no smaller than 30 gallons, and there will be no brush pickup on those leaf pickup days. If you cling to environmentally unfriendly plastic bags, you may set out six bags per week on the bulk, bottle and
The final alternative to mowing, mulching, composting and bagging is hauling loose or bagged leaves to the Roanoke Valley Resource Authority (trash transfer station) at 1020 Hollins Road. They allow residents 12 free visits per year. And if you think it’s a dirty, rotten shame that the city no longer sucks up the leaves for you for free? Bob Clement, Roanoke’s neighborhood services coordinator, says the best thing to do is show up next spring when City Council is considering the budget and let your voice be heard. In the meantime, happy raking, blowing, bagging, mulching, cursing.
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‘Christmas in the Village’ Concert Features RSO Director and Friends “Christmas in the Village,” a concert featuring Roanoke Symphony Maestro David Stewart Wiley, will be held in the sanctuary of Virginia Heights Baptist Church on Wednesday, December 11, at 7 p.m. Wiley will be joined by his friends Phillip and Tara Bouknight Phillip Bouknight, baritone, and Tara Bouknight, soprano. The concert will feature a wide selection of sacred and popular seasonal selections. Tickets are $10 per person in advance, or $15 at the door, and tickets can be obtained through the Virginia Heights Church office, 2014 Memorial Avenue (344-7748). Wiley has conducted orchestras and performed classical piano around the world and always brings an enjoyable and engaging personality to his performances. The Bouknights have appeared with Opera Roanoke and also bring a wide variety of stage and operatic experiences to their performances. The audience is David Stewart Wiley sure to be entertained and moved by this concert. This is a rare opportunity to enjoy these talented individuals in the heart of our Grandin Village!
Roanoke City Council Mayor David A. Bowers 853-2444 mayor@roanokeva.gov Vie Mayor Court G. Rosen 420-3473 court.rosen@roanokeva.gov William D. Bestpitch 761-6566 bill.bestpitch@roanokeva.gov Raphael “Ray” E. Ferris 853-2541 ray.ferris@roanokeva.gov Sherman P. Lea 355-9418 sherman.lea@roanokeva.gov Anita J. Price 853-2541 anita.price@roanokeva.gov David B. Trinkle 314-8875 david.trinkle@roanokeva.gov
Vote November 5 Don’t forget to vote in the upcoming November 5 election with local races for sheriff, commissioner of revenue, commonwealth’s attorney and treasurer, and statewide races for governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general and House of Delegates.
Page 6
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Page 7
Major Renovations Coming to Downtown Library and Raleigh Court Branch By Susan Koch Roanoke’s Main Library will be getting a new look when major renovations begin later this year. Built in 1952, the 61 year-old Library will undergo a facelift and major changes to meet the new ways we all use libraries.
What’s Next for the Library? Several years ago, the city developed a master plan for the library. This included the highly successful renovations of the Gainsboro and Jackson Park libraries and the new e-branch at Valley View. Originally, the city also planned to build a new super branch at the western edge of Roanoke.
The changes are part of a 15-year plan to update all the city’s libraries, including the Raleigh Court, Williamson Road and Melrose branches. Renovations to the downtown library are also part of the city’s Elmwood Park project. There will be several striking changes. The whole first floor will be opened up so that visitors can see from the front door through the building and out to Elmwood Park. To do this, the stairs to the Howery Mezzanine and the restrooms will be moved. A reading porch has been added to the back of the library, integrating it better with the park and all the entertainment that takes place there.
However, when the city saw how dramatically the usage rose at the renovated branches, they revised the plan and decided to focus on libraries as neighborhood resources. The super branch was scrapped, and plans were made for expansion and extensive renovation of the remaining branches—Raleigh Court, Williamson Road and Melrose. Additionally, after looking at usage patterns, it was clear that South Roanoke is underserved, and a mini-branch is planned there. An additional branch is planned as an anchor for the community in the anticipated development at the city-owned Countryside Golf Course.
Also on the first floor will be dedicated spaces for children and for teens, with lots of graphics and electronics. On the second floor, the mezzanine will be expanded with more children’s space and a special slide connecting the second floor to the first floor children’s area. Most of the adult collection will be moved to the second floor. The renovations will include new meeting and study rooms. “Collaborative spaces” will have technology for small groups to work together.
Raleigh Court Library Renovations
Less glamorous, but long overdue, will be infrastructure work,, including the HVAC system and new restrooms. Main Library Closed During Renovations Usage of the Main Library has soared in the past few years, especially as the library has greatly expanded its programming and classes. The Main Library handled a circulation of 438,000 items over the past 12 months. So closing for a year will put pressure on the remaining five branches. All the downtown staff will be assigned to the branches to help out. Additionally, several branches, including Raleigh Court, Gainsboro, and Jackson Park, will add additional hours. To accommodate researchers, the Virginia Room will be open by appointment. Renovations are expected to take at least a year. Added Branch Hours While Main Library Is Closed Beginning December 2 Gainsboro Jackson Park Raleigh Court Law Library Virginia Room
Wednesday 10 – 6 Wednesday 10 - 6 Thursday night until 8:00 Wednesday 8:00 -4:30 By appointment: Monday to Saturday 10 – 5
If you’ve visited the Raleigh Court Library lately, you know it is in serious need of renovation. Usage has shot up since Roanoke County closed its 419 headquarters. Unfortunately, the small parking lot at Raleigh Court often cannot accommodate all the patrons, and there’s little room to offer increasingly popular programs. Librarian Diane McGuire and her staff struggle to handle circulation that has increased 20% in just two years. In 2012/13, they processed over 106,000 items. Meanwhile, the building needs serious repairs. Persistent leaks in the roof have resulted in librarians placing buckets around the building to catch the drippings from the ceiling. Happily, the city recently kicked off the design phase for the renovations of our neighborhood branch. The process began with a request for proposals from designers, followed by presentations to a selection committee made up of city employees, Sheila Umberger, library director, and Diane McGuire, as well as volunteers, including Raleigh Courters. The design team should be on board later this year. Now is your chance to shape what happens in our library. The Civic League’s January meeting will be dedicated to the Raleigh Court Library. Join Sheila Umberger, Diane McGuire, and others to discuss what our neighborhood wants in the renovated library. The meeting is Thursday, January 9, at 7 p.m. at Christ Lutheran Church.
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Food and Info Plentiful at September Gathering Neighbors leaving the September 12 membership meeting of the Greater Raleigh Court civic League left with a handful of brochures on city services, a headful of helpful telephone numbers to call, and a belly full of chicken and other goodies served up at the annual potluck gathering, Speakers Bob Clement, Roanoke’s neighborhood services coordinator; Barry Stacy, senior codes compliance inspector for the west side of Roanoke, and Kim Asbury, codes compliance inspector for Raleigh Court, talked about the services their offices provide and gave tips on how to handle neighborhood problems such as bothersome pets, overgrown grass, neglected structures, latenight parties, and such. Basically, whatever the problem is, there’s somebody within city government to complain to. (See sidebar for handy numbers.)
Co-Op’s decision to turn off its outdoor wireless internet access when the businesses closes has done much to discourage loitering in front of the store. He also noted that the city’s condemnation of a house on Winona Avenue that had harbored a number of the alleged trouble makers had helped improve the atmosphere in the village. The September meeting kicked off the league’s 35th year of supporting and serving Greater Raleigh Court.
Requests for services also can be made online at: www.roanokeva.gov/request. Officer K.D. Sauls also reported on the Police Department’s efforts to investigate and control incidents of loitering and intimidation by youths hanging out in the Grandin Village. He noted that during a three-week period of patrolling the neighborhood on bicycles 12 hours a week, “not much was going on.” During that time, the police arrested one person for being drunk in public and interviewed seven persons for suspicious behavior. Sauls said the situation in the village “was not as bad as (The Roanoke Times) article reported.” He said that the Roanoke Food
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Panelists at September’s meeting (from left) Bob Clement, Officer K.D. Sauls, Barry Stacy and Kim Asbury answer audience questions. League president Jake Gilmer stands at the lectern.
Who You Gonna Call? Police emergency 911 Police non-emergency 853-2211 Dead animals 853-2000 Roaming/barking dogs 853-1690 or 911 Abandoned cars on street 853-2212 Inoperable vehicles in yards 853-2344 Unsafe/substandard buildings 853-2344 Sidewalk/street repairs 853-2000 Water/sewer issues 853-5700 Weeds 853-2344 If you still don’t know whom to call or to request a copy of the free Citizens Guide to Municipal Services, contact the Office of Neighborhood Services at 853-1286 or neighborhoods@roanokeva.gov. Page 9
The Woodrow Wilson Middle School band and orchestra provided the workforce for the September 21 workday at the Dan Wright Trailhead organized by Bill and Ann Hackworth. Some of the band members and their supporters are shown here tackling the jobs of mulching, weeding and picking up trash. Many thanks to all who came out to help spiff up the trailhead to the Murray Run Greenway. Woodrow Wilson, you do more than make beautiful music.
Aeration Mowing Mulching Page 10
Bluegrass Benefit for ALS Raleigh Court residents Amy Rockhill and Rick Watkins are planning a benefit bluegrass concert on November 16 to raise awareness and funds for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a terminal disease that afflicts their friend and former running partner Dan Wright, also of Raleigh Court. The indoor concert featuring several local bands, will take place from 2 to 8 p.m. at the Woodmen of the World building at 2306 Peters Creek Road. Headliner will be bluegrass legend Hershel Sizemore, who has played with Jimmy Martin, Del McCoury, Vassar Clements, Bill Monroe, and Curly Seckler, to name but a few. Other bands who have signed on are the Craig County Boys, Wound Tight, Just Us and Judy and Henry Boitnott with Jack Zell. Other bands are awaiting confirmation. The first hour of the concert will be an open mic for any bluegrass musicians who want to perform. Admission will be by a voluntary donation at the door to the Virginia/Maryland/D.C. Chapter of ALS. Light refreshments will be sold, also to benefit the ALS chapter. Wright, a former editor of this newsletter and greenway committee co-chair, for whom the Murray Run Greenway trailhead is named, has been living with ALS for more than a decade. He has been a resident of the Brian Center for six years. Donations for ALS are used for patient family services and for research. At the present time there is no known cause, cure or treatment for ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
In the Village The Grandin Village Business Association will hold its annual membership meeting Monday, November 4, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Local Roots Restaurant. Refreshments will be served and a cash bar will be available. Members are encouraged to attend or send a delegate.
Project2
Grandin Theatre presents the 1939 version of The Wizard of Oz, sponsored by Friendship Retirement Center, Saturday November 9, at 10 a.m. Free admission. Edward Jones will host its 11th Annual Holiday Open House on Friday, December 5, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the office at 1329-A Grandin Road. All are welcome. Black Dog Salvage co-owner Mike Whiteside will participate in Dancing with the Valley Stars, the Roanoke Valley’s annual fundraising event benefitting the Salvation Army’s Turning Point, on November 9 at 7 p.m. at the Virginia Museum of Transportation. High Hopes Dog Training’s Fall/Winter Classes, offered by Raleigh Court resident Hope Cogen, are now open for registration: Puppy Kindergarten B: Saturdays, 12:15-1:15 p.m., starting November 16, Brambleton Center. Obedience 101 B: Saturdays, 11 a.m. to noon, starting November 16, Brambleton Center. Advanced Obedience/Canine Good Citizen Class: Mondays, 5:306:30 p.m., starting November 11, Green Ridge Center. Go to www. high-hopes.net for more information. Register online at www.roanokecountyparks.com. Page 11
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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
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Amount Enclosed I’d like to help out with:
ZIP
Donation q in memory of q in honor of