"Bingham said the museum has not yet received a final number on construction costs, but assumes it will be 'a little bit over' their earlier estimates, in part because of rising building costs associated with the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. 'Building materials all over the country are going out of sight.'"
Some days I should just phone these in.
Still on schedule, Mrs. Bingham states. What schedule, who knows. As far as I have seen, the lot which was supposed to have closed (behind Billy's Ritz) is still open. I see lots of cars parked there, especially on weekends.
"We have to look out for our donors and what's best for the project," says Bingham, the executive director of the AMWV.
No word on the people yet..
Other news on the same page, The "Hands around the world" statue will not be in Elmwood park, in the words of the sculptor Judith Damon, "How can you ask people for money for a sculpture with all the desperate need down South?"
I think she's being a bit polite.
I was hoping to see that statue in Elmwood Park, personally I thought it was a good idea. But I guess Roanoke never felt connected enough with it to actually raise funds for it. Will of the people sort of thing I guess. (AMWV, perhaps you need a refresher in that.) Well, at least whats left of the money collected will go to the Red Cross in hopes that it reaches New Orleans and the rest of the area to do some good.
Much like the former residents of Willow Creek Apartments, the citizens of New Orleans are coming home to mold, mildew, and water damage beyond compare.
And finally, Shanna Flowers has an interesting column here
Although what Roanoke's "recent newsmaking negatives" might be, she does not explain. Although I can assure you, gentle reader, that New York City and Los Angeles take no notice of the day to day dramas that play out in the 2nd section of the Roanoke Times. Far more important to them are the stories on non-profit fundraising, the AMWV, and perhaps even The Market. Each one reflects a trend in America, if the economy is having a good year - allegedly donations to non-profits rise. If a small town wants to make itself more noticeable, it builds something like the "Twisted Tin Can" (as it was put to me recently) which will become the Art Museum of Western Virginia. They are watching to see if it actually happens, and why. They are not concerned about the outcome so much as the process.
And finally the City Market. A story of particular note, as the nations small cities study how to make their downtown historic districts (ever wonder how they all get downtown?) thrive in the 21st. century. Roanoke led the way with Design '79, and many towns and cities followed in theory. Now Roanoke is launching ReDesign V2.0 Beta for the City Market area, and those same towns and cities are watching to see how it will play out. Will it be viable, will technology play a greater part in the 'new' Market? Even on some levels, will it be TV worthy? Think of the Food Network. A Market where foods are prepared before customers eyes, and sold directly from the producer would be a novel idea, and worthy of a stop on "Roker on the Road." Possibly even a taping of "Emeril Live," as the entire town could turn out to stand outside the windows of Kitchen on the Market and watch the Worlds 2nd most famous chef do his thing.
(1st is still Julia Child, and always will be.)
There is more than progress to be made here, there is a future. To be created anew or continued as is.
Although it does sound real, when you hear it in your head: "Live from the Historic City Market in Beautiful Downtown Roanoke, Virginia - ITS EMERIL LIVE!! /cue music.
The platforms of social awareness are changing, and Roanoke needs to find its place in all that change.
Remember, they don't call us the Star City for nothing. It's more than just a neon sign on a mountain, its all of us. We are the ambassadors, and we are the dreamers.
Roanoke is the Future, and will always remain the past.
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