$1 mill of private $ for a foundation - which means, no dividends or shareholder interest - just donations..... for two restaurants? Read more about the plan here -
Now - good food always interests me.... and so does a good meeting space, so I think great idea Valley Forward! But $1 mill for a foundation? A $65 mill art museum that will need upkeep, and paintings, two downtown theaters that have struggled in the last year, art galleries going under, and cuts everywhere for very noble non-profits like Family Service, and RAM.... and you guys are going to raise $1 mill for food? I wish you luck and hope you know more about fundraising in Roanoke than I do... I am scared to raise $30,000 for a dog park!
Good luck guys - I think it is an interesting plan, and clearly well thought out!
Friday, November 30, 2007
Thursday, November 29, 2007
MILL MOUNTAIN BACK IN THE NEWS!
Cover of the Roanoke Times today is an article on Valley Forward's proposal for a new building atop Mill Mountain.
Now, I hope no one will ever accuse NewVaConnects or other young professionals group for being anti-change, if it is a good change... So that is the issue - Is a structure, restaurant, inn, a good idea for Mill Mountain?
Here are some of the issues:
PRIVATELY OWNED? OR NOT - "We got rid of the private ownership," Fralin said.
LARGE INN or SMALL? "The lodging component was too much: It's no longer too much. The size was too much: It is inordinately smaller. It will be environmentally certified, LEED [Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design] certified. The visibility was reduced. And more importantly, there's something up there for everyone, whether you live here or not."
FOR LOCALS or VISITORS?
FOR DAYTIME OR NIGHT ACTIVITIES?
WHERE DO YOU PARK?
WHAT ABOUT THE VIEW?
We will see as it develops, but here is my questions for you - citizens of the Valley, what would you like to see up there?
As for me - I sure like coffee, so maybe our friends at Mill Mountain Coffee, might want to help out - seems appropriate I think!
Now, I hope no one will ever accuse NewVaConnects or other young professionals group for being anti-change, if it is a good change... So that is the issue - Is a structure, restaurant, inn, a good idea for Mill Mountain?
Here are some of the issues:
PRIVATELY OWNED? OR NOT - "We got rid of the private ownership," Fralin said.
LARGE INN or SMALL? "The lodging component was too much: It's no longer too much. The size was too much: It is inordinately smaller. It will be environmentally certified, LEED [Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design] certified. The visibility was reduced. And more importantly, there's something up there for everyone, whether you live here or not."
FOR LOCALS or VISITORS?
FOR DAYTIME OR NIGHT ACTIVITIES?
WHERE DO YOU PARK?
WHAT ABOUT THE VIEW?
We will see as it develops, but here is my questions for you - citizens of the Valley, what would you like to see up there?
As for me - I sure like coffee, so maybe our friends at Mill Mountain Coffee, might want to help out - seems appropriate I think!
Friday, November 16, 2007
MOVE YOUR FEET SO OTHERS CAN EAT
Ok - seriously the best event in Roanoke, is next Thursday morning.
RESCUE MISSION DRUMSTICK DASH - www.rescuemission.net for more information
great idea for out of town guests - work out before you pig out, and did I forget to mention it is for a wonderful cause? Feeding the Homeless.
See you there!
Thursday, November 15, 2007
DOG PARK SUPPORT
I love it - letter to the editor in Roanoke Times today:
Dog is much better behaved than kids
I am responding to Randall Shaver's letter "Keep dogs out of city parks" (Nov. 10).
If Shaver is so afraid of dogs in public parks, then he should heed his own advice and go visit the "acres of nearby national forest" instead.
Intelligent, responsible parents prepare a safe playground in their own yard.
There is no comparison between my golden retriever and children. She is intelligent, quiet, well-socialized and obedient. She accompanies me to nursing homes, stores and pet-friendly restaurants. Unlike children, she never serenades the public with deafening exorcist tantrums.
Perhaps Shaver should walk in the shoes of a disabled individual who has to rely on a valuable service dog to function, and he would stop his whining about "smelly mutts."
A dog park should not be an issue to anyone who is well-educated and cultured enough to understand the purpose of such a facility.
I will gladly keep my dog out of "your park," Shaver, if you will keep your screaming kids out of adult restaurants and the shopping mall. Please take them to the park more often instead.
MARY BRYANT
VINTON
HERE IS THE SECOND ONE:
Fences help dogs and people share parks
Does Randall Shaver ("Keep dogs out of city parks," letter, Nov. 10) not understand the meaning of "fenced-in area" for the dogs in Fishburn Park? I got right ticked at some of his comments.
I admit people do abuse the leash laws. I walk my dog in Green Hill Park, and I always see individuals walking their so-called mutts, their "obnoxious, misbehaved" and "smelly" dogs on leashes with Roanoke County Animal Control patrolling the area.
I guess I'm just one of those "clueless" pet owners who calls my four-legged dog my kid. I guess Shaver doesn't understand how pet owners love their animals, how they become a part of the family and how pet owners grieve when these animals pass.
I would love to see area parks open fenced-in areas for pet owners to bring their dogs so they could run and play. This would create a win-win situation for everyone. Shaver could take his children to the parks for them to play without the worry of dogs bothering him and his kids.
Then no one would be banished to the "thousands of acres of national forest within a few minutes' drive."
VICKIE AKERS
SALEM
Thanks Ladies - I sure hope you will help us fundraise and use the park!
Dog is much better behaved than kids
I am responding to Randall Shaver's letter "Keep dogs out of city parks" (Nov. 10).
If Shaver is so afraid of dogs in public parks, then he should heed his own advice and go visit the "acres of nearby national forest" instead.
Intelligent, responsible parents prepare a safe playground in their own yard.
There is no comparison between my golden retriever and children. She is intelligent, quiet, well-socialized and obedient. She accompanies me to nursing homes, stores and pet-friendly restaurants. Unlike children, she never serenades the public with deafening exorcist tantrums.
Perhaps Shaver should walk in the shoes of a disabled individual who has to rely on a valuable service dog to function, and he would stop his whining about "smelly mutts."
A dog park should not be an issue to anyone who is well-educated and cultured enough to understand the purpose of such a facility.
I will gladly keep my dog out of "your park," Shaver, if you will keep your screaming kids out of adult restaurants and the shopping mall. Please take them to the park more often instead.
MARY BRYANT
VINTON
HERE IS THE SECOND ONE:
Fences help dogs and people share parks
Does Randall Shaver ("Keep dogs out of city parks," letter, Nov. 10) not understand the meaning of "fenced-in area" for the dogs in Fishburn Park? I got right ticked at some of his comments.
I admit people do abuse the leash laws. I walk my dog in Green Hill Park, and I always see individuals walking their so-called mutts, their "obnoxious, misbehaved" and "smelly" dogs on leashes with Roanoke County Animal Control patrolling the area.
I guess I'm just one of those "clueless" pet owners who calls my four-legged dog my kid. I guess Shaver doesn't understand how pet owners love their animals, how they become a part of the family and how pet owners grieve when these animals pass.
I would love to see area parks open fenced-in areas for pet owners to bring their dogs so they could run and play. This would create a win-win situation for everyone. Shaver could take his children to the parks for them to play without the worry of dogs bothering him and his kids.
Then no one would be banished to the "thousands of acres of national forest within a few minutes' drive."
VICKIE AKERS
SALEM
Thanks Ladies - I sure hope you will help us fundraise and use the park!
Monday, November 12, 2007
DOG PARK DEBATE
Letter to the Editor this Saturday - read as follows:
Keep dogs out of city parks
Having a fenced area in Fishburn Park for dogs ("Fence the dog park," editorial, Oct. 28) is absurd, especially when there are thousands of acres of national forest within a few minutes' drive.
Despite leash laws, many park users and pet owners still let their mutts run freely.
My family lives close to the park, but we are afraid to go with our children because of irresponsible pet owners.
On more than one occasion, we have had to protect our children from a large dog that in the owner's words, "just wants to play."
On other occasions, we brought our dog along only to have to break up fights with obnoxious, misbehaved, unleashed dogs whose clueless owners compare their dogs to our children. But they are dogs. They will never be children.
It is a sign of the ridiculousness of our society when people insist that their pets are as valuable as humans.
Take your dogs somewhere else. Let us have our parks back for our children.
Wanting to go to a playground and be happy without fear of smelly dogs is not selfish. Insisting that things around you change for your benefit is.
RANDALL SHAVER
ROANOKE
Mr. Shaver, I appreciate your comments and opinion. I also appreciate your advice to take our dogs somewhere else - but I must ask, WHERE? There is no where to take them legally. Please advise.
Anyone else have comments?
Keep dogs out of city parks
Having a fenced area in Fishburn Park for dogs ("Fence the dog park," editorial, Oct. 28) is absurd, especially when there are thousands of acres of national forest within a few minutes' drive.
Despite leash laws, many park users and pet owners still let their mutts run freely.
My family lives close to the park, but we are afraid to go with our children because of irresponsible pet owners.
On more than one occasion, we have had to protect our children from a large dog that in the owner's words, "just wants to play."
On other occasions, we brought our dog along only to have to break up fights with obnoxious, misbehaved, unleashed dogs whose clueless owners compare their dogs to our children. But they are dogs. They will never be children.
It is a sign of the ridiculousness of our society when people insist that their pets are as valuable as humans.
Take your dogs somewhere else. Let us have our parks back for our children.
Wanting to go to a playground and be happy without fear of smelly dogs is not selfish. Insisting that things around you change for your benefit is.
RANDALL SHAVER
ROANOKE
Mr. Shaver, I appreciate your comments and opinion. I also appreciate your advice to take our dogs somewhere else - but I must ask, WHERE? There is no where to take them legally. Please advise.
Anyone else have comments?
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
GREAT EVENT THIS WEEK IN ROANOKE
REFUGEE & IMMIGRATION SERVICES
PRESENTS THE LATIN BALLET OF VIRGINIA performing
“CARNAVAL”- a celebration of life
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 10th
8:00 pm JEFFERSON CENTER
DANCE PARTY AT FITZGERALD HALL
AFTER THE PERFORMANCE
FEATURING “BAN CARIBE”
TICKETS: $30 and $25
AFTER PARTY: $15
COMBO: $40 AND $35
FOR RESERVATIONS: CONTACT JEFFERSON CENTER
345-2550 or www.jeffcenter.org
THE EVENT WILL BENEFIT THE SCHOOL LIAISON PROGRAM
OF REFUGEE & IMMIGRATION SERVICES
PRESENTS THE LATIN BALLET OF VIRGINIA performing
“CARNAVAL”- a celebration of life
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 10th
8:00 pm JEFFERSON CENTER
DANCE PARTY AT FITZGERALD HALL
AFTER THE PERFORMANCE
FEATURING “BAN CARIBE”
TICKETS: $30 and $25
AFTER PARTY: $15
COMBO: $40 AND $35
FOR RESERVATIONS: CONTACT JEFFERSON CENTER
345-2550 or www.jeffcenter.org
THE EVENT WILL BENEFIT THE SCHOOL LIAISON PROGRAM
OF REFUGEE & IMMIGRATION SERVICES
HOMELESS ISSUE
If you read Mason Adam's article this morning - you will understand my blog. If you didn't - read it in the Roanoke times here.
The problem of homelessness - something that I feel very strongly about... and guess what young professionals - we need your help. Do you know how hard it is to feed children with food stamps, or try to pay for rent on minimum wage? I don't personally - and for that I am grateful. But as young professionals - with jobs, and homes, and families - we cannot turn our backs on those who have not. Should we ask why homelessness occurs and do our best to prevent it. ABSOLUTELY. In the meantime, should we provide for those who cannot provide for themselves. AGAIN, I ANSWER IN THE AFFIRMATIVE.
And NEWVACONNECTS is doing just that this Holiday Season. We are collecting gifts for the men, women and children that live in the Rescue Mission Shelters.... Want to get involved as we plan this project - email me: lellerman@frithlawfirm.com... And stay tuned for opportunities to serve. This is not an issue we can turn our backs on.
The problem of homelessness - something that I feel very strongly about... and guess what young professionals - we need your help. Do you know how hard it is to feed children with food stamps, or try to pay for rent on minimum wage? I don't personally - and for that I am grateful. But as young professionals - with jobs, and homes, and families - we cannot turn our backs on those who have not. Should we ask why homelessness occurs and do our best to prevent it. ABSOLUTELY. In the meantime, should we provide for those who cannot provide for themselves. AGAIN, I ANSWER IN THE AFFIRMATIVE.
And NEWVACONNECTS is doing just that this Holiday Season. We are collecting gifts for the men, women and children that live in the Rescue Mission Shelters.... Want to get involved as we plan this project - email me: lellerman@frithlawfirm.com... And stay tuned for opportunities to serve. This is not an issue we can turn our backs on.
DOG PARK MEETING
6:30 pm - tonight, tuesday November 6, 2007 - 303 Washington Ave in Old Southwest - Frith Law Firm
Share ideas on fundraising and park features.
Can't wait to see you there!
Share ideas on fundraising and park features.
Can't wait to see you there!
Monday, November 5, 2007
GET INVOLVED
City Council today will be discussing Architectural Review Board Guidelines, Homeless Activity in Roanoke, Downtown Districts at 9am.
At 2pm meeting, there will be a report on the implementation of the Comprehensive Library Plan, and possible resolution requesting the Governor and General Assembly take action to better regulate "pay-day lenders."
Interesting Issues... I especially find the "Homeless Activity" in Roanoke discussion interesting.
The Roanoke Regional Airport Commission is preparing an update to its airport
master plan which will guide long-term development.
A public information workshop is scheduled for November 14, 2007 in Fitzpatrick
Hall at the Jefferson Center (541 Luck Avenue) from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
Workstations will be set up to provide interested persons an opportunity to learn
more about and comment on the master plan update process and
recommendations.
For further information, contact: Efren Gonzalez, Deputy Executive Director,
Roanoke Regional Airport Commission; 540 362-1999
So get involved folks...
At 2pm meeting, there will be a report on the implementation of the Comprehensive Library Plan, and possible resolution requesting the Governor and General Assembly take action to better regulate "pay-day lenders."
Interesting Issues... I especially find the "Homeless Activity" in Roanoke discussion interesting.
The Roanoke Regional Airport Commission is preparing an update to its airport
master plan which will guide long-term development.
A public information workshop is scheduled for November 14, 2007 in Fitzpatrick
Hall at the Jefferson Center (541 Luck Avenue) from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
Workstations will be set up to provide interested persons an opportunity to learn
more about and comment on the master plan update process and
recommendations.
For further information, contact: Efren Gonzalez, Deputy Executive Director,
Roanoke Regional Airport Commission; 540 362-1999
So get involved folks...
Friday, November 2, 2007
ROANOKE NIGHT LIFE - GREAT WEBSITE!
I was on Stuart Mease's blog and came across this GREAT new website. Please check it out - and go there often. Keep these guys and gals in business - because finally, we have an updated place to look for music and other events in town:
http://www.roanokenights.com
Way to go friends - we will be on the site often.... Good luck!
http://www.roanokenights.com
Way to go friends - we will be on the site often.... Good luck!
Thursday, November 1, 2007
THANK YOU E.DUANE HOWARD
I agree with your letter to the editor...
No fence - no one will come. To use an appropriate cliche - if you build it, they will come.
You also speak about user fees. I agree again, no user fees should be required. I have had friends say - "I don't pay to use playgrounds why the dog park?" Or, "my tax dollars go to public education and playgrounds and I don't have kids. I do have two dogs however!" So - all good points.
If we raise the starting capital ourselves - then no fee should be required.... We are already saving the City THOUSANDS and making citizens happy - I just fear many will complain about any city money going to the park in the future for maintenance costs etc... that is where the idea of fees started. Thanks for your comments, and support. look forward to meeting you at the Park!
No fence - no one will come. To use an appropriate cliche - if you build it, they will come.
You also speak about user fees. I agree again, no user fees should be required. I have had friends say - "I don't pay to use playgrounds why the dog park?" Or, "my tax dollars go to public education and playgrounds and I don't have kids. I do have two dogs however!" So - all good points.
If we raise the starting capital ourselves - then no fee should be required.... We are already saving the City THOUSANDS and making citizens happy - I just fear many will complain about any city money going to the park in the future for maintenance costs etc... that is where the idea of fees started. Thanks for your comments, and support. look forward to meeting you at the Park!
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