THE GUIDE TO ALL THINGS IMPORTANT IN THE NEWVA REGION

CONGRATS JASON & MATT

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 14:20:00 +0000

I would like to extend my congratulations to Matt Huff and Jason Porter who will be serving as co-chairs for NEWVACONNECTS ADVOCACY IN ACTION committee in 2009.

New ideas - new guys, dedicated to Roanoke's economic development and future.

They will be the contacts in the future - and I wish them all the best.

CONGRATS GUYS- can't want to see what great things you do in 2009!

DEC 3 - (Tomorrow) FUN IN ROANOKE

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 14:37:00 +0000

On December the third, a cold Tuesday night, Chicks should wear sweaters, with cute jeans or tights.

The gentlemen too, because parties are better, when sporting a crazy Bill Cosby sweater.

While the children watch "Christmas With Wallace & Gromit", Throw on a top that reminds you of vomit. And after you've sent all the kiddies to bed, Sneak out to 202 Market and lose your fool head.

On cardigan, turtleneck, and big cable-knit, On cashmere, on v-neck, regardless of fit, Wear patterns and sequins and anything loud,To a soiree that would make Dr. Huxtable proud.

Join Our Friends From AD2 Roanoke For an Ugly Sweater Gala!

Date: December 3, 2008Location: 202 Market (Downtown Roanoke)
Time: 7 PMCost: $10 with donation of gently worn clothing, $15 without donation

Grab that ugly, Bill Cosby-esque sweater and come get your Huckstable on with us! Celebrate the awesomeness of a loud, blinding, hideous sweater with a specialty menu including things like the "puddin' pop" shooter and the "argyle sweatertini".

Awards for "ugliest sweater" and "Best Bill Cosby Impression" will be given out during the evening.
*10% of this event's proceeds will be given to The Rescue Mission. Also, remember to bring a donation of gently worn clothing for The Rescue Mission and get the discount at the door. The more clothing you donate, the more awesome you'll feel!
Contact Taryn at taryn@ad2roanoke.org for more information.
Sponsored by 202 Market & AD2 ROANOKE
Poem by Ariel Clark, AD2 Roanoke Communications Chair

NOVEMBEER IS HERE

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 15:48:00 +0000

Best event of the year

NOVEMBEER

Tonight Nov 21, 2008 at 9:00pm

$20 at the Door

Starr Hill Brews (8 samples!)

BLUE 5 Food

Jordan Harman Band Tunes

Swag (YES - a NewVa Coozie!)

Raffle for IPOD / VT Tickets / Restaurant cash and more

Don't Miss it! IT ONLY HAPPENS ONCE A YEAR

LOTS TO DO IN ROANOKE THIS WEEK NOV 12-14

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 19:15:00 +0000

Thursday - Sunday, Stocked Market
Junior League of Roanoke Valley, Annual Holiday Bazaar - this year at the ROANOKE CIVIC CENTER (not Salem) buy tickets at the Door ($9) or come for one of their special events, Splurge (11/13/08) or Coffee (11/14/08). Email with questions - stockedmarket@jlrv.org

Claire V and Twists and Turns team up for a good cause - Thursday Nov. 14, 2008, buy some lemondade to benefit an orphanage in Cambodia (7pm - 9pm)

YPO night at Hunting Hills - Thursday Nov. 14, 2008 come at 7:30 to watch football, have dinner and enter to win a membership to Hunting Hills

Romeo and Juliet this weekend at www.millmountain.org

Lots to do - enjoy your weekend

HELP THE CITY RECYCLE

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 18:38:00 +0000

AS YOU KNOW FRIENDS - The City of Roanoke offers one of the easiest curbside recycling collections programs around. Currently, only 36% percent of the residents in the city participate in the recycling program, so we need your help in getting the word out to the other 64% of our community who do not recycle.

The city is seeking volunteers to walk along neighborhood streets on the day your solid waste is collected and identify residences where a Big Blue container is sitting by the curb without a recycling container nearby. At those locations, volunteers would affix a city-provided 4" x 6" sticker (attached below) onto the lid of the Big Blue container as a friendly reminder of items that can be recycled and how to obtain recycling bins.
It’s that easy.

Everyone knows recycling is important because it protects the environment, but it did you know it also saves money? Collecting recyclable materials increases the amount of trash the city disposes of at the regional landfill. The more we collect for disposal, the more we save taxpayer dollars by reducing the amount of money the city is charged to dispose of trash.
Please consider taking this opportunity to help your city be a "Clean and Green" community and save money by reminding others of the importance recycling plays.

To volunteer to help us in this project, give Bob Clement (540) 853-5210 or Solid Waste Manager Skip Decker at 853-6848 a call today!

CONGRATS JOYCE!

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 15:35:00 +0000

Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce announced this week their new President and Director will be JOYCE WAUGH - great choice!
Congrats Joyce, and thanks for all you do for us.

BREAKING NEWS - NOT

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 17:35:00 +0000

Sorry, this BREAKING NEWS Headline is not surprise to me - or I imagine, most under 40's in Roanoke.

Region needs to better prepare for aging population, lack of opportunities for young
By Beth Macy
Localities in the Roanoke region need to collaborate more to address the higher-than-average increase in seniors — at a time when the region is losing people ages 25 to 44 at a greater pace than the state or national average.
That was a key finding in the Roanoke Regional Community Indicators report, prepared by the Council of Community Services as a vehicle for addressing the region’s household economic needs.
“We need to better prepare for the increase in seniors by asking: What are the job opportunities in technology and health care that could tie in with our K-12 education system?” said Dan Merenda, the council’s vice president for planning and consultation.
“By looking at these ties between education and industry, it might help us” to lure native Roanokers back to the region after college, he added.
The 104-page report will be online tomorrow at the council’s Website: councilofcommunityservices.org

I look forward to reading the report!

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 15:02:00 +0000

GOING TO THE DOGS BLOCK PARTY
October 29, 2008
TOMORROW!
Downtown Block Party Outside and Inside stores (so you can come in, eat, warm up etc!)
5:00pm - 8:00pm
$20 for all you can eat delicious food from TRIO / Cash Bar / Kids $10 / Kids under 6 are free!
http://www.goingtothedogsblockparty.com/

All funds go to support Roanoke Valley SPCA / St. Francis Service Dog Foundation and Roanoke Dog Park

COUNTY BD OF SUPERS ---- WHAT'S GOING ON?

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 13:20:00 +0000

And you thought we only cared about the City of ROANOKE --- NOT.

Check out the agenda for this week's Bd. of Supervisors meeting:

There are a couple of greenway items (F.1 & 2.) under New Business for Tuesday's Roanoke County Board meeting, plus an item (F.4.) on stormwater managerment projects (also a related work session on this - item A.2.).

Also of interest to you may be the 1PM work sessions on the (A.1.) impact of state budget reductions on the County and item A.3. an overview of energy and efficiency suggestions and staff recommendations for saving money.

In addition there's a closed session at noon to discuss prospective candidates for the Clerk to the Board and County Administrator, and another on a performance agreement with Core-Hollins Hospitality, LLC. An additional work session (item Q.2.) is scheduled before their 7 PM session to review the status of the South County Library Project and related Merriman Roundabout.

The County's annual Board of Supervisors retreat is scheduled for 11/9/08 at the Homestead.
(AWESOME - I want to go!)

DOG PARK VICTORY ---- HERE COMES THE FENCE

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 13:40:00 +0000

City council backs architecture board, OKs dog park
None of the six Roanoke City Council members present voted against the Highland Park site.
By Mason Adams 981-3253

The Roanoke City Council voted 6-0 on Thursday to uphold a lower city board's ruling to allow a 1-acre off-leash dog park to be located on the western side of Highland Park.
The city's Architectural Review Board had voted to approve a 4-foot black vinyl fence for the park and the location of the dog park at its July and August meetings.
Old Southwest resident Doug Turner appealed the decisions, arguing that Highland Park was chosen without an adequate site selection process and that the location would adversely affect performances on a nearby stage.
"I urge you not to throw this good amphitheater to the dogs," Turner said. "Instead, let's request that the Department of Parks and Recreation develop a master plan identifying alternative sites for dog parks throughout the city."
Advocates for the dog park, including members of Old Southwest Inc. and NewVa Connects, a young professionals advocacy group, argued that it would be well-policed by its patrons and help decrease crime in Highland Park.
NewVa Connects spokeswoman Lauren Ellerman cited the dog park as the perfect example of a public-private partnership between "a young professionals group, a neighborhood group and the city of Roanoke."
The council evidently agreed, voting unanimously to uphold the Architectural Review Board's decision. Vice Mayor Sherman Lea was absent from the meeting.

WE ARE SO EXCITED - thanks everyone for their support, time, and money!

GOING TO THE DOGS 10/29/08 - FUN

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 14:51:00 +0000

CITY COUNCIL NEEDS TO HEAR FROM YOU

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 13:33:00 +0000

This Thursday Oct 23 at 7pm -

ABOUT THE LOCATION OF THE DOG PARK

Please come, and voice your support - this Could be the LAST STEP!

NOVEMBEER TICKETS AVAILABLE

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 13:17:00 +0000

NovemBeer tickets can now be purchased online through the Chamber store on www.roanokechamber.org.

SO WHY BUY NOVEMBEER TICKETS IN ADVANCE:

1. Because they are cheaper ($15 instead of $20 at the door)
2. So you will have them
3. Because BLUE 5 and STARR HILL BREWERY are such a sweet combo, we may sell out
4. Because the Band is so good Jordan Harman Band - sold out at 202 in the past
5. Because NOVEMBER 21, 2008 is just a month away!!!

SO BUY NOW!
www.newvaconnects.org

MUMMIES IN THE NOKE NEXT FRIDAY

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 19:09:00 +0000

Presented by Valley Forward

Here Come the Mummies -- October 24 at Awful Arthurs at Towers 9 pm

Get ready to rock the house down with an unbelievable band out of Nashville, Here Come the Mummies. www.herecomethemummies.com This group is full of funk and is best described as a cross between Barry White and George Clinton.

Come ready for a racy, raunchy, raucous of a good time, and all for a good cause. The money raised will go to purchase grand pianos for each of the Roanoke City High Schools. Two sets of amazing, funky deep bass riffs, big horns, booming percussion and a performance that will blow you away.

Tickets are available at area Awful Arthurs locations, K92 studios on Electric Road, Fork in the Alley or the downtown StellarOne Bank branch on Market Street. Checks accepted made payable to G J Productions. Credit Cards accepted at Fork in the Alley or online at www.mummiesfundraiser.com through PayPal.

Tickets are $25

McCain Obama face off in ROANOKE

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 19:08:00 +0000

NO REALLY, at least their surrogates FACE OFF IN ROANOKE

OCTOBER 16, 2008

6:00 pm -Cocktails and Dinner

6:45 pm - Debate begins

Claude Moore Center (Higher Ed Center)

Tickets $20 at the door

More info www.newvaconnects.org

MARK WARNER IN ROANOKE VIRGINIA

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 15:40:00 +0000

TOMORROW

Oct. 14, 2008

and its free

And you get to ask Questions to him about his Senatorial Campaign

during your lunch hour - so why wouldn't you be there?

12:15 pm- OCT 14, 2008

ROOM 212 of the HIGHER ED CENTER

Please come, meet, greet and ask questions

MEET GOV WARNER and OBAMA MCCAIN STAFF

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 19:39:00 +0000

BATTLEGROUND 2008

ROANOKE, VA – NewVaConnects, the young professional’s voice for Action in the Roanoke Valley, believes that it isn’t enough to read about candidates running for office. Announcing an opportunity to meet Gov. Warner, and surrogates from the McCain and Obama campaigns in person. Meet, greet and ask question candidates in person.

Tuesday, October 14, 2008, 12:15 pm – 1:00pm, Higher Education Center Room 212, come meet Governor Warner. The event is FREE and open to everyone. NewVaConnects is holding a meet and greet where residents of the Valley can meet and question Governor Warner, ask about his plans and opinions. Bring your lunch, drinks will be provided.

Thursday, October 16, 2008, 6:00 pm – 8:00pm, Claude Moore Center, come meet Obama and McCain surrogates and ask questions about the two candidates. Dinner, wine, beer will be provided. The event is $20 and tickets may be purchased in advance at the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce.

About NewVaConnectsNewVaConnects, the young professionals voice for action, was created as an affiliate of the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce in the spring of 2006 by a group of professionals in their 20's and 30's who were concerned about issues facing our region. Their goal is to aid in the accomplishment of making the NewVa region a talent capital and a great place for young professionals to live and work. By acting as a united voice, young professionals have the opportunity to shape their community and make it a place that attracts talent and economic growth. NewVaConnects regularly hosts events and programs that focus on topics concerning current political issues, professional development, and social interaction. Learn more about the organization at: www.NewVaConnects.org.

DOGTOBER FEST

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 14:25:00 +0000

WEEKEND OF EVENTS AND MORE

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 13:53:00 +0000

Were you one of the 800 people that helped clean the Roanoke River on Saturday with Parks & Rec Waterways Clean up?

If so - thank you. By all accounts, there is much more to be done, so stay tuned

Were you one of the hundreds (4 legged friends included) that came to the Dog Park FUNdraiser and ate some hot dogs or got a bath?

If so -we appreciate your continued support. We raised over $1800 which puts us over the half way mark on our goal of $30,000. For more info - www.roanokedogpark.com

Do you love our GREENWAYS and want to provide feedback to the City for the next few stages?

If so - tonight at 7pm at the Roanoke Civic Center is a public meeting on the Greenways

So many ways to get involved ----

GREEN WAY TO GET INVOLVED

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 12:09:00 +0000

Subject: City Invites Citizen Input on New Greenway Connection

ROANOKE, VA - On Monday, Oct. 6, at 7 p.m., the City of Roanoke will hold a public input session on the Civic Center's Performing Arts Mezzanine to discuss ways to connect the Roanoke River and Tinker Creek Greenways. This is an opportunity for citizens to share their thoughts and ideas on how to connect the two park corridors.

For more information, please contact Donnie Underwood at 540-853-1166.

HIGHLAND PARK DOG FUN DAY posponed due to WEATHER

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 20:11:00 +0000

We didn't want you all to have to wade in the mud to participate in this weekend's fun --- so the DOG PARK, HIGHLAND PARK FUN DAY HAS BEEN POSTPONED until OCT 5, 2008 - SUNDAY, from NOON to 4:00pm.

stay tuned for more updates and a revised schedule - www.roanokedogpark.com

FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 13:46:00 +0000

September 27, 2008 - Dogs for Dogs in Highland Park from 11am to 3pm

A day of fun is planned for the entire family, including four-legged members (dogs are welcome on leash, please). Cash donations will be accepted at this event, and official dog park t-shirts ($15 each) and dog park bumper stickers ($5 each) will be sold. A schedule of the day’s activities includes:

• Dog Park Informational Showcase – 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. Residents of the Old Southwest neighborhood and greater Roanoke community are invited to learn more about plans for this fenced, off-leash, public dog park. Information will be provided on fencing materials, gating, benches, waste receptacles, landscaping, and more. The proposed one-acre site within Highland Park will be roped-off so residents can visualize the dog park’s dimensions.

• Buddy Wash and Nail Trim – 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. For a $10 donation, dogs will be bathed, and for an additional $10 donation, veterinary professionals will provide nail trims.

• Dogs for Dogs – 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm. Enjoy a lunchtime meal of hot dogs, chips, and a soft drink for a $5 donation. The Roanoke Dog Park Steering Committee thanks Kroger for their generous donation of food and supplies for the “Dogs for Dogs” fundraising event.

• Roanoke’s Greatest Dog Talent Show – 2:00 pm. Everyone believes their dog is the world’s greatest. By making a $5 donation, proud pet parents finally have the opportunity to prove it. Contest categories range from “Best Trick,” “Best Dressed,” and “Mirror Image” (person and dog who look most alike), to “Biggest Dog,” “Smallest Dog,” and “Best in Show” (overall crowd favorite). Prizes, including dog park t-shirts, pet treats, and pet store gift certificates, will be awarded.

To volunteer - email me: lellerman@frithlawfirm.com

MEET THE CANDIDATES BATTLEGROUND 2208

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 12:22:00 +0000

WHEN: This Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008 at 5:30

WHY: Come meet and greet with the candidate SAM RASOUL, democratic andidate for Congress

WHERE: Brambleton Blend Coffee - Brambleton Ave (used to be El Palenque Mexican)

This year, NewVa will be the VOICE for Young professionals and others in Roanoke Valley by helping citizens meet with candidates.

Stay tuned for Meet and Greet with Candidate Goodlatte, Former Gov. Warner, and Former Gov. Gilmore.
Hold Oct. 16 for a face off between Obama and McCain staff

www.nevaconnects.org for more information

WHERE:

THANK YOU - DOG PARK!

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 12:22:00 +0000

We raised over $1600 last night at the dog Park Silent Auction - which is great. Thanks for those who came and participated.

Please mark the following important dates on your calender:

Saturday Sept. 27, 2008 - 11 am - 3pm in Highland Park
- Dog wash, cookout, auction, dog contests and more fun for the family
- want to volunteer? Email Vickie at vicmcc@cox.net

Thurs. Oct. 23, 2008 - City Council meeting
- Location of Roanoke Dog Park has been appealed, please plan on attending and voicing your support for the current location in Highland Park
- questions - email roanokedogpark@gmail.com

Wed. October 29, 2008 - Going to the Dogs Block Party in Downtown Roanoke
- dinner, music, drinks, raffle and market street stores open extended hours
- $ to benefit dog park, St. Francis and SPCA
- Advance tickets can be bought as of Oct. 1 at Black Dog Salvage, Roanoke Valley Print Works, and TRIO

THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

ROANOKE VIRGINIA SEPT OCT NOV 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 17:33:00 +0000

Ok - get out a pen and mark these dates down

Thursday Sept. 18, 2008
AUCTION / MIXER and FUN AT TRIO - 5:35 pm

Tuesday Sept. 23, 2008
COME MEET SAM RASOUL, Candidate for Congress
5:30pm at Brambelton Blend

October 14, 2008
COME MEET GOV. WARNER, Candidate for Senate
12pm - Higher Ed Center

October 16, 2008
COME WATCH AS McCAIN and OBAMA staff face off on the issues
6:00pm Claude Moore Center

Friday, November 21, 2008
NOVEMBEER at Blue5 (http://www.blue5restaurant.com/)
Time: Doors open at 8:30, tasting begins at 9 and band begins at 9:30
Beer: Starr Hill from Charlottesville
Band: Jordan Harman Band
$20 at the door; $15 online at newvaconnects.com
Free swag