Memorial Day Service at Lee Plaza

Valerie Garner — Mon, 25 May 2009 19:32:36 GMT

Pictured is LTC Dan Karnes retired and President of Roanoke Valley Veterans Council. Karnes and Mayor David Bowers place a wreath at the Lee Memorial. The National Anthem was sung by Bill Bestpitch. Taps was played by Alvin Crutchfield. The Honor Guard was from William Byrd High School, Junior ROTC. The event was well attended. Video and pictures on theroanokefreepress.com.

Bubbles in the Park

Saintbridge — Mon, 25 May 2009 14:03:50 GMT

Children romp in the bubble pit at Festival in the Park.

Festival in the Park 1009

Saintbridge — Mon, 25 May 2009 13:39:14 GMT

A rap group performs on the stage behind the Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield building on Saturday afternoon.

Countryside Neighborhood Alliance Saturday Picnic

Valerie Garner — Sun, 24 May 2009 22:42:46 GMT

All across the city neighborhoods are having picnics, yard sales, and fish frys. The twenty-plus active Roanoke City neighborhood organizations and watches celebrate this month with always an abudance of good food. The Countryside Neighborhood Alliance in Northwest Roanoke celebrated at the Countryside Golf Club pavilion Saturday. Did I mention we had food? Check out Mayor David Bowers photo with a piece of Jean Fairfax’s famous nut bread. When Jean walked in with it we were like a swarm of bees all over it then it was gone! We have some great cooks in our neighborhood. We had music and donated door prizes from various companies. WDBJ7 donated 2 gift bags, Home Depot a fan, Elite Gym - 3 month membership, and Red Sox paraphernalia. Everyone got something including the last of the “Save Countryside” T-Shirts. http://www.theroanokefreepress.com/?p=3176

Susan Hall and Becky and Eddie Johnson each were presented with a $50 gift certificate to Red Lobster as the neighbors who contributed over the past year to the success of the neighborhood.

We had two Sheriff candidates attending - Frank Garrett vying for the Democratic nomination on June 9 and Brian Keenum, Independent candidate for Sheriff. Keenum brought his two sons who took turns at the pinata finally breaking it - see the video clip.

Now we are looking forward to Juneteenth in Washington Park. It is our 3rd year participating and we always have so much fun. Then on August 4 will be National Night Out against crime with leftover hotdogs from Saturday. That is always fun when our police officers and Fire/EMS attend. If you don’t belong or participate in your neighborhood you don’t know what your missing. We look out for each other, keep an eye on suspicious activity in the neighborhood, and try to keep trash picked up in our area and did I mention we have fun?

Memorial Day 2009

Memorial Day Service at Lee Plaza

Bubbles in the Park

Festival in the Park 1009

Countryside Neighborhood Alliance Saturday Picnic