September 2015 - The South Roanoke Circle

centered
on
community.
family.
you.
september 2015
Becky Carr: Inspiration in Outreach
By Noelle Milam
On a quiet street off of Yellow Mountain Road, an artist resides. many ways of expressing themselves: from actual building or
Becky Carr and her husband, Tom, moved to Roanoke eight years throwing to the paints and glazes and firing techniques used. Becky
ago after many years in Hickory, North Carolina. It was a new does a little bit of everything–throwing pots on a wheel, rolling them
start for the couple. Newly retired from
on a hand-roller, and hand building. Often
teaching high school English and city
she employs all of these techniques in one
managing respectively, they wanted to be
piece. She explained the difference between
near their family, and Becky was looking
throwing, rolling, and hand building to me in
forward to pursuing her long-time hobby of
her workshop. Potters can use the traditional
photography. After more than twenty years
potter’s wheel to create round, symmetrical
in the classroom, this lady was not interested
pieces, or they can use a roller (think of a
in letting grass grow under her feet. It was
giant rolling pin for dough), which rolls the
a chance gift from her daughter, Sarah,
clay out uniformly flat to be cut and fitted
which led Becky on the road to a new
together, wrapped, or used to press patterns
artistic passion: pottery. Sarah gave Becky
or shapes into. Becky showed me some
a pottery class at the Brambleton Center as
beautiful trays and plates with leaves and
a Christmas gift and Becky discovered that
branches pressed into them, and some
she enjoyed both the art of creating pottery
sculptures with lace pressed in to
and the people who seemed to be likewise
make a pattern. Finally there
attracted to the medium.
is hand-building, a type of
It was love at first sticky clay sight. Becky
sculpture using clay. Becky
credits her excellent teachers, including
first tried hand building
Lyn Jordan and Martha Legg, who teach
when she was diagnosed
classes at the Brambleton Center. “Martha
with rheumatoid arthritis.
was my first teacher and probably my
Before treatment, the
greatest influence,” Becky explains, “but
condition made it difficult
all the potters in the Blue Ridge Pottery
for Becky to use the wheel.
A colorful trio of African women above),
Guild (BRPG) influence each other. They crafted by the talented hands of Becky Carr
This sounds like an artistic
Photos courtesy of Becky Carr
are willing to share their ideas, their (right)
setback, but not for Becky. She simply
techniques, and even their glaze recipes.”
adapted, learned to hand build, and
The BRPG has become an important community for Becky and has eventually found it to be a style she really enjoyed. Becky is now
inspired her to give back to others as well.
able to return to the wheel, but increasingly over the last year she
Being an artist is about learning and evolving. Becky took classes is finding inspiration in another project…scattered throughout her
for years through the Brambleton Center, and has, in the past three studio and home are strikingly beautiful willowy statuettes of men,
years tapped into her skills as a high school English teacher. For women, and children. These elegant figures are almost regal, with
several years now, she has given back to the community by teaching long delicate necks and conversationally angled heads. They are
classes in hand building, thus uniting her two passions: pottery and breathtaking individually or in groups. And the story behind them is
teaching. She speaks with enthusiasm about several outstanding even better…
workshops offered by the Blue Ridge Potter’s Guild and conventions When Becky and Tom moved to Roanoke, they joined St.
that she attends each year, especially the North Carolina Potters Gerard Catholic Church and were surprised to see large numbers
Conference in Asheboro where Becky has had a chance to learn of refugee families from Burundi and the Democratic Republic of
from artists from Wales, China, and Japan. She is also utilizing her Congo in the congregation. Noticing that the adults were often
skills as a photographer by photographing the work of her fellow simply waiting around after mass while the children participated in
artists at the BRPG.
Sunday school classes, the Carrs had an inspiration to reach out.
I was lucky enough to get a tour of her studio here in South
— Continued on page 10
Roanoke. Pottery is a fascinatingly diverse medium. Artists have
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Our intent is to provide a
neighborhood publication
that celebrates community
and fosters connection
among neighbors. In so doing,
we seek to strengthen the
neighborhood bond, to encourage our children to share their
voices, and to nurture a future of
collective growth. Finally, we wish
to share in the discovery of the
people and places that make this
neighborhood thrive.
Yesterday Jill and I took a hike to Tinker Cliffs, a seven-mile trek that culminates in a
stunning view of Catawba Valley. The weather was perfect: cerulean skies with the hint of a
cool breeze. The hike, however, almost didn’t happen.
It wasn’t for lack of preparation. We google-mapped the trailhead, scribbled down the
relevant road numbers, grabbed the usual staples—bug spray, water bottles, Kind bars—and
set off. On the way out the door our dogs protested loudly. They saw the hiking boots go
on and couldn’t believe we’d dare leave them behind. But the trail details said the hike was
difficult and our eldest, Dixie, sometimes lets adrenaline override the realities of her elevenyear-old body.
When we hit Catawba Valley Road, I didn’t bother to use my phone to track our progress.
Google said the trailhead was right on the road. But what the internet didn’t say was that
weeds blocked the parking lot and the sign was small and faced the opposite direction from
the one in which we were headed. After almost reaching Catawba we turned around. My wife
spied a man on a tractor and the age-old struggle with men and asking for directions began.
Reluctantly, I pulled into his driveway and handed in my testicles. He was very nice, and after
a quick pat of his aptly named dog Sassy, (and a quick pang of guilt for leaving my own sassy
mutts), we were back on track.
I have never been much of a hiker. I deny this fact vehemently when Jill points it out,
muttering that I trekked a twenty-miler as a boy scout. (Aged boy scout assertions never carry
much weight in my house, much to my chagrin.) But I love it once I get off my butt and lace up
my shoes.
Those who know me know that I’m a bit of a masochist. So, as my too-many-years-ofbasketball knees protested as we made our way up the steep ascent, I savored the challenge.
There were wildflowers of a surprising variety and giant slabs of limestone that looked like
tombs of medieval monarchs. I found strange rocks and saw millipedes slithering across our
path. But the highlight—pun intended--was the view from the top: mountain ridges three layers
deep pocked with beautiful old farmhouses and crowned with circling hawks. Even the cement
plant took on a picturesque glow from way up there.
As we marveled at the beauty Jill said, “Why didn’t we do more of this when we were
younger?” I looked back briefly and then denial kicked in: “We would have worn out our parts
if we’d have done that.” But the truth is, I wish I had hiked more. I’ve been in a space lately
where I regret a lot of the time I wasted in my youth, and I feel the need to build new things. I
hear Mr. Herrick screaming in my head to “Gather ye rosebuds while ye may.” (And yes, my
inner voice often speaks in Elizabethan English.) But all any of us can do is do better with the
time we have ahead, whether that’s a day or sixty years from now when I pass gently in my
sleep after penning my thirtieth novel.
That night I popped some ibuprofen and watched Wild, a decent movie about a woman
who hikes the Pacific Crest Trail without any previous hiking experience. As I sat there watching
I thought, “I could do that,” in complete denial that Cheryl Strayed was in her twenties and had
no responsibilities at the time. And you know what? I think I could. It might take adrenaline and
luck and more time than I probably have for the next decade. But I refuse to believe that’s not
in the realm of possibilities. And that’s what keeps me looking forward more than backwards:
possibilities. So I’m going to hike more this autumn; and next time, I’ll take the dogs. — BS
Only 400 Miles to Go…
~
We reserve the right to refuse
publication of any material we
deem unsuitable for this venue
and/or our readership.
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all rights reserved.
Marissa Muller, pictured here with South Roanoke friends Boyd and Josh
Long, biked through Roanoke this summer during a cross-country venture
from California to Washington, D.C. Marissa took a year-long sabbatical
to make the trip on a solar-powered electric bicycle (electricity boosts the
pedals). Her mission? “To Get Well and Do Well. My goal is to ignite a
wellness revolution across America and the first revolution starts within
me.” Photo by Marissa Yi, Bella Muse Photography
2
It’s Always Sunny on Lockridge
By Katie McKernan
Family movie night around our house can be tough to organize.
While Morrigan is up for pretty much any superhero movie, that
genre is much maligned by
Maggie, fan of the slasher flick
which–you guessed it–is hated by
her sister. Eion is just there for the
popcorn and when that runs out,
so does he. We’ve tried to bring
everyone together by watching
“the classics,” a definition that
roughly means anything before
they were born, heavily peppered
with gems from the 80’s.
I don’t remember watching
many “old” movies with my
parents. Maybe they weren’t
on, considering the majority of
my childhood was cable-free, or
maybe I just didn’t care. Certainly
there was the annual Easter
weekend viewing of The Sound of
Music, often with my Austrian-born
Uncle Frank, who would always
tear up during the Von Trapps’ rendition of Edelweiss. Beyond
that, movie history for me started with Star Wars and only moved
forward, never looking back.
So it is unknown whether parents of days past had to deal with
the unique set of problems that arise from seeing something for the
first time in a decade or more. It’s been a mixed bag here, fraught
with perils you never even considered.
Like the dreaded Director’s Cut.
The movie Highlander is one of my all time favorites, having
seen it more times than I like to admit. VHS movies were pricey
back in the day and we didn’t own many, or at least that’s what will
take the blame. There should have been no surprises. There was
some violence, what with all the head lopping off immortals, but in
spite of the R rating, the family should have been in safe territory.
But alas, what went unnoticed until too late was that we were
watching the Director’s Cut, and what said director felt this movie
lacked was an extended love scene–causing the entire family to
cry out in horror, and garner me a “Really Mom?”
Clearly, a little more caution was needed.
There were hands-down successes. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
was beloved by all. The Matrix, though containing a bit more
swearing than one would remember, held up well. (And there
was no way I would let the brothers Wachowski ruin the original
for the kids by allowing them to see those dreadful sequels.)
But the victories were often overshadowed by the less popular
offerings. Children of the Corn
was laughed off the screen by
my resident horror movie fan,
Maggie, who looked at us and
asked, “Why would anyone ever
find this scary?” Viewing it after
it had aged 25 years, we were
inclined to agree. (Author’s note:
Eion and Morrigan were spared
that particular film, not sharing
Mags’ desire to be terrified.)
The most brutal reality came when
watching Edward Scissorhands,
a movie that was on the all-time
favorites list. Warning: if you like
it too, never watch it again. It
does not stand the test of time. At
all. Morrigan was the only one
who made it through to the end,
turning to us and saying, “What
could you possibly have liked about this?” And she was so right. It
was terrible. Credibility took a big hit that night. It was quite some
time before trust in parental Netflix selections returned.
But we’re too stubborn to give up. For every Pretty in Pink (“Mom,
this is the dumbest movie ever!”), there’s a Maverick (which had the
whole family laughing, at least until the popcorn was gone). And
in a funny way, the disasters sometimes work out to be the best
bonding for the kids, as there is nothing that brings them together
more than stories of how Mom and Dad botched it.
3
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Other days call for appointment: 540-345-8881.
Wonderful
is where I live.
Pattie Hamilton
BRANDON OAKS RESIDENT
“For me, life at Brandon Oaks can be summed
up in one word—Wonderful. I’ve lived here for
almost two years and have not regretted for a
second my decision to move here. I love the
food. I love where I live. I love the friends that
I’ve made. There’s always something going on.
Plus, we have a great wellness and vitality
program that encompasses so many aspects of
fitness: physical, social, spiritual and
emotional—I don’t think you can ask for
anything more than that.”
Join us on September 29th at 11am to hear more
about our award-winning community and enjoy
lunch. RSVP to (540) 777-5602 or online at
BrandonOaks.net/Events by September 24th.
A LifeCare Retirement Community | 3804 Brandon Avenue, SW | Roanoke, Virginia 24018 | BrandonOaks.net
4
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Neighborhood Events
for September
August 25 – September 26: The Market Gallery features new
members Tracy Budd, Vera Dickerson and Gina Louthian Stanley,
Plus Rod Adams
September 4, 11, 18, 25, 6-10 PM: Friday Food Trucks n’ Tunes
(Sweet Donkey)
September 7, 9 AM: Labor Of Love 8K, 5K & 1 Mile Run/Walk
(Reserve Avenue). For more information, visit http://cccofva.
org/event/labor-of-love/
September 9, 6 PM: Dwight Yoakam Live (Elmwood Park)
September 13, 12:30 PM: 1st annual Hike for Hospice
sponsored by Good Samaritan Hospice (Explore Park). For more
information, visit goodsamhospice.com/special-events/hike-forhospice-2/
September 18-20: Roanoke Greek Festival (Holy Trinity Greek
Orthodox Church)
September 19, 11:30 AM-10 PM: Harrison Museum Henry
Street Heritage Festival (Elmwood Park)
September 25, 6-9 PM: Grandin Chillage (Historic Grandin
Village)
September 26, 10 AM-5 PM : 2nd Annual Virginia Science
Festival (downtown)
Over 100 years of serving Roanoke
September 30, 7:30 PM: On Golden Pond opens at Mill
Mountain Theater (downtown)
Towers Shopping Center ~ 540-344-7398
5
Paws and Claws
Dr. Courtney’sCorner
by Courtney Wiegard
The Golden Years: Caring for your Senior Pet
Recently I was hanging with my small pack of canines when
it came to my attention that our oldest, the beagle-mix Milla, had
lost her once reddish-brown face to a complete white. My husband
Spencer and I argue over exactly how old she truly is, 10 or 11
years, but the fact remains that she is officially a senior. It is hard
to believe that over ten years ago this tiny puppy came into our
lives and now we are faced with what most pet owners dread: the
eventuality of the aging of their dearest companion. I hope to dispel
some of that anxiety and help guide you and your loved one through
the golden years.
The good news is that these days our furry family members are
actually living much longer lives thanks to complete and balanced
diets, living in the lap of luxury in our homes, and the availability
of great preventative, wellness care. Much research in our field
is devoted to geriatric medicine in areas such as superior diets,
weight management, nutritional supplements, advanced imaging
(radiographs, MRI and CT scans), and senior wellness blood testing.
What defines a “senior” pet? A 7-year old cat is considered the
equivalent of a 40/45-year old human while a 15-year old cat is like
a 75-year old human. Canine aging is not so cut and dry as large to
giant breed dogs age at a much faster rate than the small and tiny
versions of their species. For example, a 7-year old small to medium
breed is around 45 in human years while a large to giant breed is
50-56 in human years. A 15-year old small to medium dog is like
an 80-year old human while 15-years for a large to giant breed is
roughly 95-100 years old. Our rule of thumb is that any animal over
the age of 8 is considered a senior pet. However, your Great Dane
or English Mastiff may be considered a senior when they turn 5.
Geriatric pets can develop the same health problems as senior
humans. They suffer from heart and lung disease, kidney failure,
osteoarthritis, cognitive dysfunction (senility), and cancer. It is
6
important to know that these disease processes are much more
accelerated for our companion animals because their lives are so
abbreviated to begin with. This is why their wellness care is much
more important than their young-adult counterparts. The American
Veterinary Medical Association
recommends semi-annual
wellness
checkups for all pets
considered to
be “senior.”
Yes
that
means we
want to see
your older
pet every
6 months.
It is vital
to have the
conversation
with your veterinary
care provider about
doing geriatric blood
screening, x-rays, and
blood pressure readings.
It is even more important
that you communicate any
recent or ongoing issues
that you have noticed in your
pet. We as veterinarians only see a snapshot of your pet during their
visit with us. You see your pet 24/7 and notice the subtle changes
that could indicate a bigger problem.
We often hear from owners that their pet is “just starting to show
their age.” Please know that there is most often something going
on that we may be able to treat and give your pet a great quality of
life. Older dogs and cats may be slow to rise from a laying position,
hesitant to climb the stairs or jump into the bed. Or they may just
not have the “pep in their step” that they used to have. Some pets
may give warning signs of more serious medical issues including
house soiling, straining to urinate or have a bowel movement,
coughing, exercise intolerance, weakness, disorientation, behavior
or temperament changes, decreased appetite, increased thirst and
increased urination, and vomiting or diarrhea.
Veterinary care for seniors has changed dramatically in the last
several decades and there are great advances in medicine to help
with their issues. Changing their diet to one appropriate for aging;
keeping them slim to ease the stress on their joints; adding supplements
for their joints, skin, heart and brain function; relieving osteoarthritic
pain with proper medications; and letting your veterinarian perform
routine blood work and x-rays to diagnose issues early on can
greatly extend the life of your beloved companion. There are also
alternative treatments such as acupuncture, cold laser therapy, and
rehabilitation and physical therapy for companion animals.
As your pet’s spokesperson, you have the difficult responsibility
of recognizing the small and subtle changes occurring in your pet.
This may be even harder for owners of felines, as most kitties will
not show outward signs of distress until it may be too late. Do not
wait until your dog cannot get up from a seated position without
help. Do not wait until your kitty stops eating, starts hiding, or stops
using the litter box. Our goal is to help not only ease the transition
to “seniorhood” but also to keep them comfortable and with you as
long as possible.
Courtney has been a veterinarian at Vinton Veterinary Hospital
since 2005. She lives in the neighborhood with her husband,
Spencer; two daughters, Elliott and Brynne; three dogs, Milla,
Spanky, and Annie; and two kitties, Bailey and Dewars.
Back to School, Ready or Not!
By David Lake
Parents are usually ready for their children to head back to school
after a nice summer break. Most kids are ready, too, even if they
do want to prolong the homework-free late nights and lazy sleep-in
mornings. Want to have a different type of morning than perhaps you’ve
had in years past? Here are my three “R’s” to help you brave the
beginning of school:
Rested
Get kids ready for those early mornings. Everyone knows sleep
is important. Restful activity and shutting down is important and it is
helpful not to stare at a computer, iPad, or phone screen just before
bed. Establish a good wind-down bedtime routine and you’ll find
that everyone will be better rested and ready for the next day.
Rise and Shine
Ready
Parents, try getting up 15 minutes earlier than your kids. Have a
Mornings can be less of a scramble if some helpful habits are cup of coffee or tea and gather your own thoughts for the day. Let
established the evening before. Plan ahead. Pick out clothes for the it be less of a scramble for you and it may help the morning be less
next day and lay them out. If you have an after-school activity, pack of a scramble for your kids. Get them up with plenty of time to get
the clothes and equipment for that, too (written checklists for this ready. Play music they like to get them moving and engaged–it is
help a lot). Books and homework? Pack them up also–don’t wait like coffee for them–especially if it is upbeat and fun. Smiles are
to toss them together in the morning rush. Place all of your school a great start to the day! Make sure there’s time for a nutritious
and activity things by the door, ready to go. Also decide what your breakfast; try not to make wolfing it down or skipping it an option. nutritious breakfast will be the next morning.
Getting into a routine like this makes waking up early less painful.
Follow the three Rs and you may find–and I hope you do–that
mornings and the start of school are a bit better this year! Back to School, 60’s Style
South Roanoke Circle reader and Crystal Spring Elementary school alumnus Mary Robertson Delaney sent this
gem to us after reading Nelson Harris’ piece on the history of Crystal Spring School in our May issue. Mary
also shared some thoughts on her time at Crystal Spring, “I have fond memories of attending Crystal Spring
in the early 60’s and of my daughters attending in the 90’s. Some of my fond memories are walking to school
and walking home to lunch! As I got older, I was allowed to ride my pink Schwinn bicycle with the banana
seat!! But one of the highlights of the year was class picture day when we would all go outside on the big,
wide steps up to the front door and pose with our teachers. If you look closely at my fourth grade picture,
you’ll possibly recognize several of my classmates who still reside in the neighborhood!!”
7
A Pharmacy You Can Count On!
At Carilion Clinic Pharmacy, we do more than fill
prescriptions. We become a valuable member of your
health care team. With Carilion Clinic Pharmacy on
your side, you’ll receive personalized care, answers to
your questions and friendly service.
As part of Good Neighbor Pharmacy®, we offer our
customers high-quality, over-the-counter medications
at competitive prices.
Visit our Crystal Spring location, conveniently
located inside the Crystal Spring Medical Office
Building. Customer parking is available in front of
the building, as well as in the parking garage.
2001 Crystal Spring Ave.
Roanoke, VA 24014
Visit CarilionClinic.org/pharmacy
for more locations.
540-853-0905
Proud member of
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8
7/28/15 9:02 AM
Activist Anna Takes her Cause to Congress
By Laura Hill
Almost four years ago our daughter, Anna, came home from she had created detailing her daily battle with type 1 diabetes and
a cookie exchange party complaining of a stomachache. No big how it will never keep her from doing ALL the things that every
deal. It had to be the cookies, right? Wrong. We watched her go other 11 year-old can do. She also asked our congressmen to
back and forth to the bathroom and consume large quantities of support legislation that would help ensure funding for research. She
water. She was irritable and lethargic. She didn’t want to read with is fighting for a cure. Many of you cheered her on via Facebook. us at bedtime. Something was wrong. We visited our top-notch THANK YOU!
pediatrician who confirmed that Anna’s own body was attacking Now you have the chance to take part in Anna’s fight. Join us
her pancreas. She had type 1 diabetes and would be dependent on at the JDRF One Walk on Sunday, September 27, 2015. This is our
fifth year participating in this amazing event. Sign up to walk on
insulin shots for the rest of her life. We were lucky. Other children (and adults) have been Team Anna or support us with pledge and/or prayer. To join the
misdiagnosed with a virus, end up in a coma, and some even walk team and come walk with us, or to donate to JDRF, please visit:
die. Everyone should know the symptoms. A simple urine test can http://www2.jdrf.org/site/TR/Walk/GreaterBlueRidgeChapter46
90?team_id=180028&pg=team&fr_id=5333
save lives. Ever since her diagnosis, our family has been active in the
cause to find a cure for diabetes. The main organization that
helps
organize
this effort is the
Juvenile Diabetes
R e s e a r c h
Foundation
(JDRF).
This summer
Anna
had
the
amazing
opportunity
to
join 163 other
children
with
type 1 diabetes
in Washington,
D.C. She
participated in JDRF Children’s Congress to raise
awareness about this disease. While in Washington, she met Anna and her mom, Laura, share their cause with Congressman Bob
with Congressman Goodlatte and staffers from both Senator Goodlatte (left). Anna takes a turn in front of the microphone at the JDRF
Photos courtesy of Laura Hill
Cain and Senator Warner’s offices. She shared a scrapbook Children’s Congress (right).
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9
Coming to SoRo this Fall: Single Stream Recycling!
Starting in October, every household in the city will be able to
throw all recyclable items together in the same container for pickup.
You can still recycle all the same materials as before, while no longer
having to sort paper products from bottles and cans.
The first step to this exciting change is the delivery of big, light
blue carts. Residents will receive a recycling
roll cart equipped with wheels, a handle,
and a lid, which increases the ease of
recycling. Many of you may already have
received your cart.
The carts were paid for by the city’s
recycling vendor, RDS. In fact, RDS
has opened a new facility in the city to
accommodate the anticipated increase in
the volume of recycled materials.
The move to Single Stream Recycling
will also change the collection of bulk and
brush. Starting the week of Oct. 5, the city
will provide weekly collection of trash,
bulk, and brush on your normal collection
day in all neighborhoods. Recycling
collection will be every other week, also on
you normal collection day. Depending on
where you live, your residence will be on
an A Week schedule or a B Week schedule
for recycling. A calendar will be sent with
the new cart to help residents remember
— Continued from front cover
It began as simple after-church tutoring and English lessons, and
has grown over the past seven years into a friendship and mutual
respect. Becky tutors regularly in these family’s homes and speaks
with obvious pride about the successes of several of the young
adults now living independently and pursuing higher education.
Becky describes a feeling of artistic inspiration that came over her
in church one day last year as she looked at several of these strong
and resilient women who were dressed in their traditional clothing
and singing in the church choir. She was overcome with the desire
to convey what she describes as their “spirit, beauty, and grace,”
and went back to her studio and did just that. The first of her series
of African women statues were born. A year later, she is still inspired
and there are dozens of these figures adorning her home; several
others have been purchased and found new homes in the area.
Historically Becky has given all proceeds from this series of statues
to her church to assist the refugee family outreach.
How can you meet this amazing local artist (and many, many
others) and see these beautiful statues for yourself? You are in luck!
The Blue Ridge Potters’ Guild is getting ready for its annual show
and sale at Patrick Henry High School on October 16, 17, and
18. Becky Carr has co-chaired the event for the past 6 years and it
promises to be another great show. It is free to the public and a great
opportunity to see the largest pottery show in the state. There will
be a judged pottery show, a hands-on kids’ corner, demonstrations
every hour by various artists, and, most importantly, lots of beautiful
things for sale. Come support our local and regional artists and see
for yourself the incredible variety of color, texture, and shape of this
amazing art form.
their correct recycling weeks. Only residences that have existing
alley collection for recycling will continue to use the small recycling
bins.
Residents are encouraged to call the Solid Waste Management
at 540-853-2000, option #1 if you have questions.
City of Roanoke
Waste Collection
Schedule
September 6: Bottles & Cans/Bulk
September 13: Paper Products/Brush
September 20: Bottles & Cans/Bulk
September 27: Paper Products/Brush
**October 4: Starting this week, the city
will provide weekly collection of trash, bulk,
and brush on your normal collection day.
Single Stream Recycling collection will be
every other week, also on you normal collection day. Depending on where you live, your
residence will be on an A Week schedule or
a B Week schedule. South Roanoke is on the
B Week schedule which means the first week
to put out the new recycling carts is October
11. Please see article on this page for more
information.**
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10
N e i g h b o r h o o d N o sta l g i a
Remembering Virginia College Part 2 of 3
by Nelson Harris
On the crisp fall Wednesday morning of November 14, 1900,
Gertrude Boatwright began the activities at Virginia College with
the usual sounding of the “rising bell” at about seven o’clock. As
students and faculty began preparing themselves for the day, Ms.
Boatwright noticed a small amount of smoke filling a first-floor
hallway near the west end of the building. Boatwright immediately
alerted nearby students and then rushed up two flights of stairs
to those on the upper floors. Within minutes, a thick black smoke
began to fill all the passageways as students and faculty members
fled the structure.
Unbeknownst to those fleeing, the fire had started in the boiler
room of the college, had engulfed that space, and then began
spreading up through the wooden walls of the college fanned by
open windows in the basement. As Boatwright was alerting students
above, a custodian who had been attending the boiler moments
before was desperately trying to reach water cisterns to douse the
flames. Repulsed by the thick, darkening smoke, the cisterns could
not be reached. Within fifteen minutes, the grand ornate structure of
Virginia College had been safely evacuated but was now completely
engulfed in flames.
At 7:18 a.m., city fire crews received the alarm via a phone
call made by J.S. Perry from his home adjacent to the campus.
When they arrived, there was nothing that could be done to save
the structure. The scene was incredible. Female students stood on
the college’s lawn, many shivering in bathrobes, as firemen sought
to protect other nearby structures. By eight o’clock, residents of
South Roanoke had driven to the fire and were putting the students
in their automobiles for warmth. Shortly thereafter, streetcars were
dispatched to the campus by the Roanoke Street Railway Company
to transport the students and faculty to Hotel Roanoke, where they
were served breakfast.
As students and others left the grounds, the college collapsed into
a smoldering mass of wood and brick. The lavishly furnished music
rooms, dorm rooms with clothes and personal effects, the library
and labs became indistinguishable in a mass of charred remains.
The next morning’s headline in the Roanoke Times declared “Fair
Virginia College Burned To The Ground.”
Grateful there had been no fatalities or serious injuries, the
leadership of the college gathered the students and faculty later
that same day in a meeting hall at the Y.M.C.A. (The students and
faculty were being boarded in Roanokers’ homes.) W.A. Glasgow,
on behalf of the faculty, addressed the students and asked them
to remain in homes and hotels for a few days until some decision
could be reached as to the immediate needs of the students and the
continuance of the academic session. The students responded with
applause and stood spontaneously to yell the college cheer. For
all of the support and encouragement, the college still faced dire
financial consequences as a result of the fire. The structure was only
insured with Charles Lunsford & Son for about one-third of its value.
As news of the college’s fire spread, Roanoke’s business and civic
leaders became concerned about losing the college permanently.
The day after the fire, rumors began circulating as to the college’s
future, as college officials were in a hastened search to find new
quarters but remained tight-lipped. Options being considered
were several. Bedford leaders were proposing use of the Bedford
Hotel and its grounds for a small price, and Salem officials were
suggesting the Salem Hotel. Meanwhile, the students were being
housed by local residents and appreciative of the hospitality. “Owing to the kindness and unrestrained hospitality of the people
of Roanoke, all the students and teachers are being entertained…
Not one of them escaped from the burning building with enough to
clothe them. Many have heard from homes and are now provided
with new outfits, sufficient for the time being. Those who have not
yet heard from home have been supplied with all that they need.
They will never forget the delicate kindness shown them,” reported
the Roanoke Times.
Urged by local politicians and business leaders, citizens of
Roanoke gathered at the offices of Cocke & Glasgow downtown
to strategize about retaining Virginia College given the climate
of competition. The Roanoke Times reported, “It seems to be the
unanimous opinion of the citizens of Roanoke that every effort
should be made towards the rebuilding of this property and the
continuance of this institution in our midst.” Business leaders had
apparently pledged financial resources to that end, as the following
day it was announced that commitments had been received from
the Norfolk & Western Railway, the First National Bank, and the
National Exchange Bank in an effort to raise $20,000.
Within a few days after the fire, Virginia College officials
announced that the college would be temporarily relocated to Buena
Vista in order to resume the academic session. The college would
move into a large hotel there that had been recently redeveloped as
a school. The Norfolk & Western transported some ninety students
plus faculty members by private cars during that weekend to the city.
The terms of the relocation were not reported other than the fact that
“a satisfactory lease has been arranged.” As for Buena Vista itself,
the Roanoke newspaper noted, “It is a wide-awake city and is fully
alive to the importance of its acquisition, temporary though it may
be.”
Three weeks later, T.T. Fishburne, president of the National
Exchange Bank in Roanoke, and Mattie Harris, president of Virginia
College, met with business leaders and reported that the remaining
amount needed to be raised was $4,000 and expressed confidence
that the campaign would be successful.
Harris expressed her desire that the college return to South
Roanoke much to the enthusiasm of those in attendance. With
completion of the stock campaign at hand, Fishburne appointed
a committee to both conclude the capital campaign and develop
plans for the rebuilding of the campus. Those on the committee were
William Glasgow, Edward Stone, S.H. Heironimus, H.S. Trout, and
C.M. Armes.
Within a few weeks, financing was in place and the relocation
of the college back to South Roanoke secured. The committee
appointed by Fishburne retained the architectural services of S.S.
Huggins of Roanoke, who developed plans for a new Virginia
College similar to the original building. The construction contract
was awarded to J.A. Parrish of Lynchburg with the plumbing work
to be done by A.J. Kenard of Roanoke.
By mid-August of 1901 it was announced the new Virginia
College was ready for occupancy. The Roanoke Times described the
building as follows: “The building resembles the old one but is much
handsomer, better arranged and more comfortable. It is the same
height, being four stories, but the pitch is greater making the ceilings
higher and the ventilation better. The building is finished in colonial
style with handsome pillars and broad attractive balconies.” T h e
article stated that the structure was finished inside with Carolina
pine and that the only fireplace in the building that would ever be in
use would be in the kitchen.
Nelson Harris is a former mayor of Roanoke and an author of
several books on our region’s history. He is currently working on a
history of the Roanoke Valley in the 1940s.
TUTORING
YOUR HOME, Grades 1-5
Christie Barlow
Retired Crystal
Spring Teacher
556-5948/989-0802
11
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