July 3, 2008Pheasant Ridge celebrates the 4th with cookout -- and a letter from George Washington
If you drove down Franklin Road near WalMart around lunchtime on July 3, you probably spotted a man wearing an Uncle Sam hat and holding a sign pointing toward “Free Food!” He wasn’t kidding. Pheasant Ridge Retirement Residence held a free cookout, open to the public, in celebration of both the Fourth of July and the facility’s recent change in management from Sunwest Management Inc. to Smith/Packett. While burgers and hotdogs sizzled on the grill, residents, relatives, friends and employees danced to summer hits like Jimmy Buffet’s “Margaritaville,” played by local band, Island Music Trio. Door prizes and classic yard games like croquet, bocce and t-ball also added to the fun. But the highlight of the event was on display in the lobby was an authentic letter written and signed by George Washington during the Revolutionary War. The letter details a request from Washington to have a locket made containing a portrait of his wife. The display belongs to the private collection of James Smith, CEO of Smith/Packett. Smith started Smith/Packett in 1969. Since then the Virginia based company has developed over 150 senior living projects including nursing homes, senior apartments and assisted living communities. Since Pheasant Ridge currently has only about 20 residents, this cookout was not just a celebration, but an opportunity for the facility, which has been open since August 2007, to announce its presence to the public and generate interest. “We want to make this a real community and get everyone involved,” said James Pietrzak, president of Smith/Packett. “You’re going to see a lot of action [from Pheasant Ridge] in the next couple months.” To learn more about Pheasant Ridge Retirement Residence, visit www.PheasantRidgeRET.com July 1, 2008Mid-Summer Backyard Highland Games at Starkey ParkOn Saturday, July 12, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Roanoke County Parks will hold itsMid-Summer Backyard Highland Games. Get a preview of the upcoming Green Hill Medieval Faire and Highland Games, coming to Green Hill Park in September. Watch as some of the region's best athletes compete in some of the oldest competitive sports in the world, like the Caber Toss, Stone Throw, Hammer Throw, and much more. Winners of these competitions will go on to compete for cash prizes at Highland Games around the country. This event is FREE and open to the public. June 30, 2008Roanoke County Parks, Recreation and Tourism announces more summer programsTake advantage of the free and cheap costing programs that the Roanoke County Parks Recreation and Tourism has to offer this summer. Here is the schedule for programs with Roanoke County Parks and Recreation beginning the week of July 11. EVENTS Days: July 19 Days: July 26 Continue reading "Roanoke County Parks, Recreation and Tourism announces more summer programs" » More library events For July listedGot the summer blues? Want to get away from the pool and the heat and cool down doing something different and fun? SwoCo suggests checking out the upcoming classes and events happening at the Roanoke County Public Library. View the schedule below, and get rid of your summer blues! Reading Adventurers (Adult Book Club) Vinton Book Club “Fourth Thursday” Adult Book Club Adult Programs Virginia Author Series June 26, 2008Pizzazz Star City Twirlers to entertain at Commonwealth GamesJoan Duus, who directs the Pizzazz Star City Twirlers sent in some updated information about the Pizzazz Star City Twirlers. This is what she had to say: We have once again been invited to entertain at the Opening Ceremonies of the Common Wealth Games for the 3rd straight year. We are really excited about this years performance because we will be doing our Half Time Show, which we won this past weekend at State and are taking to Nationals, leaving on the 21st of July. Also Harlie Dale will be performing a 3-Baton Fire routine. She is the 2007 National 3-Baton Champion and will also be competing at Notre Dame in July at the Nationals. We had a previous post about the Pizzazz Star City Twirlers on June 24. What are you doing for the 4th of July?
Others we talked to were: McAnnally family, Bob Middaugh, the Foster family, Eleshea Manning, Jessica Layman, Victoria Martin, the Hubert family, John Chambers, Charles Ferguson, Michelle Throckmorton, the Vigorito family, Stonewall Wilson, David Battle, Barbara Jordan, and Jerome Boyd. Let us know what you're doing! Leave a comment below. June 23, 2008Fourth of July will be here before you know it! The Fourth of July is coming up soon and that means cookouts, friends, family and lots of fireworks! I want to know what is going on in the Southwest Roanoke community, what public events are going on and where the fireworks are! Email me at emily.flora@swo-co.com or call me and let me know at 981.3191. Feel free to comment here on the blog too. I hope to be hearing from you soon! Free car wash at Cave Spring Rescue Squad on SaturdayThe Cave Spring Rescue Squad wants to wash your car and with gas prices, you might as well head on over and let them wash for free. Of course, it would be nice to give a little donation while you're at it! The car wash will be held on Saturday, June 28 from noon until 4 p.m. Donations will be accepted. While you're there get your blood pressure and pulse checked and ask for information on how to join and see how you can be a healthier citizen. Our last post about the Cave Spring Rescue Squad was April 28. June 17, 2008Get organized! Summer series on clutter is scheduledLife Uncluttered is offering a summer series to learn how to look at clutter and disorganization and laugh. The event will be held at the Daily Grind 419 in the conference room from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday June 26, Thursday July 10, Thursday July 24 (August dates to be announced). Learn how to: Meet people who can relate to you and are Space is limited. Register by call Leah Kinder at (540) 588-7670. June 16, 2008Focus Social to be held at the Mill Mountain TheatreThe 4th Friday FOCUS (Fellowship Of Christian Upbeat Singles) social, St. John Adult Singles’ Group will be on Friday, June 27. The group is planning to attend the Mill Mountain Theater's production of "Into the Woods." The show is at 8 p.m. and each person who plans to participate is responsible for purchasing their own tickets prior to the show. To get tickets call Mill Mountain Theater Box Office at 342-5740 and ask for tickets with the FOCUS Group in Row N. FOCUS will also be having dinner prior to the show at Applebee's at Tanglewood mall at 6 p.m. For more information, questions, or to register, call Carla Royall at croyal@bbandt.com or 968-6044. Swoco teens play music at the Daily Grind On Tuesday evening, June 10 the Daily Grind was a packed house. And coffee and tea were only half the reason that people crowded in, young and old alike. Jeanie Patterson, owner of the Daily Grind in West Village on Virginia 419, wanted to do something new and different and decided that teenagers don’t have a lot of options during the evenings in SWoCo. So, she decided to begin an Open Mic Night for Teens. Continue reading "Swoco teens play music at the Daily Grind" » June 12, 2008Roanoke County Parks, Recreation and Tourism Programs and Events now availablePROGRAMS AND EVENTS FROM ROANOKE COUNTY PARKS, RECREATION & TOURISM
Days: June 28 PROGRAMS Days: Mondays beginning June 23 Days: June 24 Continue reading "Roanoke County Parks, Recreation and Tourism Programs and Events now available" » June 11, 2008Calling all former students of old Starkey SchoolAll former students of the old Starkey School are having a "get together" on Sunday, June 22. Everyone is called to bring a dessert and meet at 2:00 p.m. at the picnic shelter on Commonwealth Road behind the old school. Around 3:00 p.m. the school will be open to anyone that wishes to see the progress being made on the restoration. The school has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places by owner Paul Rucker. Built around 1894 the building has seen many changes. The one room original building was thought to have been demolished in 1915 and a brick structure erected. In 1928 the brick wings were added which reflects the structure today. In 1961 the school was closed and sat vacant for years. For more information call: Benton Hopper at 400-7288; Bob Saunders at 774-6203; or Charles Jennings at 387-2774. June 9, 2008Theater project helps Girl Scouts solve friendship problems   Southwest County Junior Girl Scout Troop 321 performed an original play designed to help pre-teen girls sort out social issues on Monday, June 2. Curtain time was 3:30 p.m. at Oak Grove Church of the Brethren, 2138 McVitty Rd., SW. The play brought out problems that arise when girls with different backgrounds and personalities get together for a week at camp. The characters learned to work out their differences in constructive ways. The participants were earning their Girl Scout theater badges. Moreover, by helping younger Daisy Scouts involved in the play, the participants earned credit toward the Girl Scout Bronze Award. The girls putting on the play recently took part in a program called “Don’t Laugh at Me” developed by the non-profit Operation Respect. The program is designed to promote self-esteem for youngsters while discouraging bullying, ridicule, and violence. Photo 1: Back row: Carly York, Elizabeth Wilkin, Ellee Goad, Emily Buchanan, Hannah Sturgeon, Hollins Vieth, Rachael Thayer, Sarah Wilkin, Sophie Rouaud Photo 3: Carly York, Sophie Rouaud, Rachael Thayer, and Emily Buchanan Photo and information submitted by Gwen Vieth. June 4, 2008Update: Torch run won't be coming through Southwest CountyAn update to a previous post -- we've learned this morning that the route for the Law Enforcement Torch Run to benefit Special Olympics is a bit different than what was included in an earlier news release. The torch run won't be coming through Southwest County -- but runners will be in the Roanoke Valley this morning. Cheer them on if you see them! June 3, 2008The Spina Bifida Association postpones softball tournamentOn May 28, we posted information regarding the Spina Bifida Association's softball tournament. The Association of the Roanoke regrets that they must postpone their First Annual Softball Tournament, scheduled for June 7 and 8 at Wasena Park in Roanoke. The tournament will be rescheduled for a later date. The Sping Bifida support group, serving Central and Southwest Virginia, will meet Saturday, June 7 at the Blue Ridge Independent Living Center at 1502-B Williamson Road from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Call Hallie Stanley at 342-1231 or visit www.sbarv.org for any schedule changes. May 31, 2008Teams from Southwest County participate in Relay for Life
Roanoke's Relay for Life, a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, is going on into Saturday morning in Green Hill Park in Western Roanoke County. Photographer Erin Millar captured scenes from Friday evening, including the first lap for cancer survivors. For photos, including teams based in Southwest Roanoke County, see this photo gallery from the event. You'll see people at the tents of Good Samaritan Hospice, Barker Chiropractic and Allstate.
May 30, 2008More singles events coming up!Tonight, join in on some singles fellowship at Bonsack Baptist Church. Bonsack Baptist and Carolyn Krishna will host a barbecue in the Fellowship Hall at 6:40 p.m. Those who plan to attend will need to bring a side dish and dessert. A video will also be show featuring Francis Chan from the Cornerstone Church in Simi Valley, California on "Joy". A Dessert Comedy Evening for singles featuring Scott Gregory on Friday, June 13 at the Vinton War Memorial at 814 E. Washington Avenue in Vinton. First Baptist Church is sponsoring this event. The show will begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $12 in advance, $20 at the door. Tickets can be ordered here or call 224-3380. Any questions can be directed to Carolyn at 977-5701. Relay for Life in Roanoke begins tonight In year's past Roanoke and Salem have operated a joint Relay for Life, an American Cancer Society fundraiser, but for the first time this year the events will be held on different days. Roanoke's will be held May 30 and 31 at Green Hill Park. The event will begin at 7 p.m. and end Saturday at 10 a.m. For more information on tonight's event, visit here. We'll have a photographer at tonight's event -- but if you're there and taking pictures of people you know from Southwest Roanoke County, send 'em on to us at news@swo-co.com May 27, 2008Improve your health and personal fitnessThe Virginia Cooperative Extension and Health Focus of Southwest Virginia will present a series of workshops aimed at helping you to overcome obstacles and to start taking action. The workshop series, includes four workshops where attendants can discover 25 behavior change strategies that may improve health and personal fitness. The workshops will be help Thursday evenings in June. They begin on June 5 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The cost of the workshop is $7 per person which includes refreshments and door prizes. A workbook is available for $18. The workshops will be held at Health Focus, 3807 Brandon Avenue, Suite 1000. For more information or to register, call 774-4022, Ext. 200. May 21, 2008Picnic on June 3rd and all are invited!On June 3, Roanoke Aglow Community Lighthouse will have a picnic at 5:00 PM at Garst Mill Park. Bring a covered dish and come for fellowship, praise music and prayer in the Pavilion at Garst Mill Park. Bring a friend and enjoy a fun time together. Continue reading "Picnic on June 3rd and all are invited!" » May 20, 2008Get ready for the Knight’s Morning BuzzIt's close to the end of the school year for Roanoke County students, but that's not stopping Cave Spring High School's SCA in raising money for a cause. On Friday, May 23, starting at 7:30 a.m. and ending at 8:25 a.m. in Cave Spring High's gymnasium, the SCA will hold the first-ever Knight's Morning Buzz. For only $10, you can get a buzz cut or trim by Country Hair Saloon and a breakfast catered by Famous Anthony's (just $5 for only the breakfast). Money raised from the event will go to the American Cancer Society. Submitted by: Brendan King Our last post about Cave Spring High School was May 15. May 19, 2008Roanoke County Public Library announces activities for the Summer Reading ProgramWhat better way to spend some of your summer days reading, or better yet getting your children to read. The Roanoke County Public Library has the following programs coming up especially for the summer. Check them out! Mr. Kerry Bandy retires from Oak Grove Elementary after 23 years "You didn't know you were this famous did you, Mr. Bandy?" Oak Grove Elementary Principal, Chris Flippen asked. "Nope," Mr. Kerry Bandy smiled, his trademark smile, according to students, faculty, and parents of Oak Grove Elementary students. Kerry Brandy has retired as custodian and maintenance worker, a job he did delightfully for 23 years. "You know you've lived a great life when this many people turn out," Flippen said during an introduction of Mr. Bandy to the attending crowd on Sunday, May 18 at a retirement picnic in Bandy's honor. Continue reading "Mr. Kerry Bandy retires from Oak Grove Elementary after 23 years" » May 14, 2008ShrimpFest 2008 is quickly approaching scheduled for June 7 The Salem-Roanoke County Chamber of Commerce Foundation will present its 6th Annual ShrimpFest this summer. Read the official news release below and get all the information you need to get your tickets. Continue reading "ShrimpFest 2008 is quickly approaching scheduled for June 7" » May 13, 2008American Guild of Organists will hold variety of summer concertsThe Roanoke Chapter of the American Guild of Organists will be celebrating their 27th year of presenting the Summer Organ Concerts this summer. This year's programming ranges from traditional organ repertoire, theater organ, patriotic music, demonstration of the varied sounds of the organ, children playing, and the extraordinary skills of a sixteen-year-old organists. Continue reading "American Guild of Organists will hold variety of summer concerts" » May 12, 2008May 18-24 is National EMS Week The week of May 18th through the 24th is National Emergency Medical Service week. Roanoke County Fire and Rescue Department will be recognizing all EMS personnel and kicking off their annual summer safety campaign. Here's the news release from Roanoke County Fire and Rescue as well as a few calendar items: May 7, 2008Pizzazz Star City Twirlers will offer summer camp “Pizzazz Star City Twirlers” will be offering a Summer Camp for girls ages four and up at Cave Spring Baptist Church from June 16th to 19th. The fee is $60.00 and need based scholarships are available. Continue reading "Pizzazz Star City Twirlers will offer summer camp" » May 6, 2008Penn Forest Worship Center to hold yard saleHousehold items, toys, puzzles, books, some clothing will be on sale at Penn Forest Worship Center on Friday May 16, and Saturday, May 17 on Chaparral Drive SW from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Continue reading "Penn Forest Worship Center to hold yard sale" » May 1, 2008Library releases May events and classesThe Roanoke County Public Library has planned a variety of events throughout May that seems to be a little something for everyone. From events for the kids, events just for adults, and even those for families, computer classes, films, book clubs, game nights, and the list goes on. Check out the events below. Continue reading "Library releases May events and classes" » April 30, 2008UCCR Community Yard Sale SaturdayOn Saturday, May 3, The Unitarian Universalist Church of Roanoke's parking lot will be transformed by members and friends who would like to come together for a community yard sale. Items to be sold will include gently used house wares, clothing, books, and miscellaneous items. The sale will begin at 7:30 a.m.. In case of rain, the sale will be transferred inside. UUCR is located at 2015 Grandin Road. For more information call 540-342-8888. Cave Spring Baptist will mark National Day of Prayer ThursdayOn Thursday May 1, all over the world, folks will be participating in the National Day of Prayer. Cave Spring Baptist Church will be opening beginning at 6 a.m. on Thursday for individuals to come and pray. The church will also host a prayer vigil service at 6 p.m. to conclude the day. Cave Spring Baptist Church is located at 4873 Brambleton Avenue. Continue reading "Cave Spring Baptist will mark National Day of Prayer Thursday" » April 28, 2008Penn Forest Elementary Auction brings in $10,000 Penn Forest Elementary School's first, groundbreaking live and silent auction was held Friday, April 25 and deemed a success by Laurie Bowling, Vice President of Programs and next year's President of Programs. "It went very well," she said. "Being out first auction, I thought it went great. There are definitely things we can tweak." The private pre-event from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. did not bring in much money, Bowling said but it brought it a little bit. Dinner was served to 122 people by Foodies. The menu included: Continue reading "Penn Forest Elementary Auction brings in $10,000" » Chicken BBQ brings in about $4,000 to Cave Spring rescue squad A mix of rain and sunshine didn't keep 65 volunteers and local southwest county residents from supporting the Cave Spring Volunteer Rescue Squad Saturday afternoon at their annual chicken barbecue dinner held twice a year. The rescue squad sold out of tickets around 4 p.m. Saturday and served about 1,200 dinner in the course of only three hours. The volunteers and community raised about $4,000 for the volunteer rescue squad. Those who bought dinner tickets either came and picked up their food in their car, or enjoyed the company of other people in the community inside the rescue squad between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dinners cost $7, with homemade barbecue sauce which, Sharon Campbell President of the Auxiliary said has been a secret recipe forever. Continue reading "Chicken BBQ brings in about $4,000 to Cave Spring rescue squad" » April 26, 2008Students clean summer camp for homeless children Laughing and chanting were the sounds heard around Jubilee Acres Friday morning as about 300 students, parents, and faculty of Faith Christian School cleared paths, mulched, and rebuilt trails at the Rescue Mission summer day camp. Project Faith was well underway at 8:45 a.m. and students were repeating chants led by their student leaders and SGA President and Crew Chief Bryan Strelow. “I think we are going to get our job done. We have a lot of manpower and the pre-planning really helped,” Strelow said. “Every year they give us a bigger project and we always finish it. It shows our work ethics.” Organizers and Strelow began planning for the event last fall. By January they had chosen a place to conduct their community service. In years past, the school has done community service with the greenways, building and clearing trails. For the past two years the students have done community service for the Rescue Mission. Continue reading "Students clean summer camp for homeless children" » April 24, 2008Students to conduct a community service at Jubilee Acres Friday Faith Christian School, 300 plus students and parents, will be working at Jubliee Acres- a Rescue Mission summer day camp located outside of Roanoke Friday, April 25 from 8:45 a.m. until 2 p.m. Students will be |