Just a Giglio

I have been wearing many hats lately, and accomplishing much - but you are all going to have to wait a little while longer for the re-launch of Forgotten-Roanoke.com



Just a little. And I was hoping to have it back up and running before the City's kickoff.



Ah well..



I will not be attending the 5-minute parade, as I will be cleaning up SE Roanoke during the Clean Valley Day clean-up.. See the SE Roanoke blog for more information.

New Roanoke 1

"...here is a time when the operations of the machine become so odious, makes you so sick at heart, that you can’t take part; you can’t even passively take part, and you’ve got to put your bodies upon the gears and upon the wheels, upon the levers, upon all the apparatus and you’ve got to make it stop. And you’ve got to indicate to the people who run it, to the people who own it, that unless you’re free, the machines will be prevented from running at all."

-Mario Savio





There comes a point in history, in a life-story, in this reality that everything must stop.



Wait.



Sit quietly for a moment.



Inhale.



The City of Roanoke bleeds. The city bleeds unyielding to all bandages and tourniquets placed upon the wounds.



7,500 jobs lost in a very, very short time - and still it has not rebounded, not moved on.



What we have here in Roanoke is beyond special - it's beyond mere understanding. We have a workforce capable of anything, but at the same time nothing.



A citizen population which for the most part considers itself under a "Cease and Desist" order by the city itself. Easily distracted by the smaller issues, to the detriment of itself.



A city council which is in no way representative of the citizens, just a small number of them.



In effect, the citizenry of Roanoke is obsolete. Not required for anything other than the taxes they provide and the menial jobs they fill.



And that last statement cuts across the board, across class and race and religion.



Yet, all is no where near lost. Lost has yet to appear on the radar for Roanoke. We still have things no other city on the planet can boast of. Natural beauty being key among them. Wise city forefathers with the forethought to bury power and communications lines underground in the most important area - downtown. Compassion for our fellow man. Vast resources that remain untapped.



We have both wisdom and foresight, yet it rarely is seen. Buried under the oppressive machine that is business in Roanoke. The status quo.



But as I said, all is not lost. There are easy fixes to most of the cities' problems. Remarkably easy.



It just takes vision - and that's where we need to begin.



We have brilliant people living here in Roanoke. People who can see clearly the change that is needed.



We need visionary leaders - not platitudes and beige-ideologues. We need people who can stir the silent masses, the obsolete, and begin moving towards a new tomorrow.



Thats the first step.



Listening for the exhalation of an entire city.

Comments

Sean, of Sean's Horse Farm and Family Blog, left a comment wondering if I had any solutions to offer instead of just deriding others efforts.



Well, yes. Several - but my solutions are works in progress, as I am actively working within the community to develop them.



However, it does bring me to move ahead with the next series of posts I've been mulling over launching over the summer. But I guess now is as good a time as any.



Coming later today - the start of the New Roanoke series. A comprehensive look at several probable futures for Roanoke, and how to get there from here.



Thanks Sean.

What a long, strange week it's been.

I know you have been waiting, some with baited breath, for this post. Well - I hope your not too disappointed.



Let's begin with this item, from last Sunday - "Many wary of market changes"



Well, considering that none of Center in the Square's "leaked" changes have anything to do with reality - including the turning of the parking area for the market into a "European-style plaza." If the city council does not see the reason to close Market St. off to traffic on weekends who in their right mind would think that they would allow it to be closed permanently?



And did anyone consult with 202 Market - I mean, if you are going to put a giant stage next to them, I would think they should be asked - considering they too will have musical acts.



Not to mention the complete "bad-will" publicity that would be garnered by shoving multiple vendors off the market. My question is this - if it was a signature building 25 years ago when it opened as Center in the Square, whats wrong with it now?



And the idea of moving the vendors down the center of Market St. was a no-go two years ago, despite the "raves" from 2005.



Mayor McCheese, or Emperor Nelson of the Mayonnaise tribe spouted forth multiple times this week with bland platitudes of little meaning. "My desire would be that the farmers and florists on the market remain in the market area as they provide a certain ambience(sic) that makes the market area unique and attractive."



Well, yes - but what does it mean? It means the mayor does not want the farmers to leave the market area. Area does not equal Farmer's Market. This from the future George Hamilton (if you were at the St. Pat's parade - you'd get that).



Then we had another missive from Valley Forward, who actually had a good run of media attention this week. Pres. John Lugar was not exactly rational when questioned following a meeting of the Mill Mountain Advisory Committee on Thursday . "This wasn't unexpected, and it clearly shows the committee is dominated by one well-intentioned person with a very strong personality."



Oh, well bless his heart. At least he did not come right out and call the entire meeting a sham, the vote rigged by those who do not share his "Valley Forward" ideals, and the city of Roanoke a hell-hole. You know he wanted to. But no, he keeps touting that line about being "well-intentioned". If it will take a high-priced inn on Mill Mountain to attract (and retain) more folks like Mr. Lugar and Associated - oh well. Bless his heart, he's so well-intentioned.



Oh but wait - we were treated to a column in the Times by one Robert Fralin, vice-chairman of Valley Forward on Tuesday. Wait - I've read this before. Correct me if I'm wrong, but this is simply an old press-release with a new paragraph added. Nice of the Times to give them this much press though, they need it - as the other projects the claim to champion have little or no information available. I'm guessing by the time the summer is over, they are going to wish they never even brought it up. Oh, but do not forget - they have the Gallop for the Greenways which would have been a great way to show they care about Roanoke, had it not been overshadowed by the Inn debacle.



Again, I'm not hating the idea of something on Mill Mountain. A restaurant, a cafe - but not another version of the Hotel Roanoke. Rockledge closed as an Inn, what makes Valley Forward think that the New Rockledge would be any more sustainable?





Roanoke City made part of Fishburn Park an "off-leash" heaven for dogs, and from what I understand - the response has been tremendous. Unfortunately, the ForgottenDogs are not bright enough to understand the concept of "come" and "stay" are not likely candidates for such a facility, but I do wholeheartedly support such an idea.



Oh, and one last thing - I do have my own opinions about what to do with Mill Mountain, how to make Roanoke cool, what to do with the Market area, and so forth. And a lot of them have a base in the Roanoke we will be celebrating with the 125th Anniversary - you'd be surprised what the past can show us, to lead us into the future.



You will be hearing more about them in the future. Much more.

This weekend

The post you have all been waiting for is coming. If you have been watching the news, reading the paper, or listening to the water-cooler crowd talk - you know what I'm talking about - but the subject is so vast, so complex that it is taking me a while to get it all into one post.



But I will.



keep your eyes peeled.

Happy Birthday

Happy birthday to the Forgotten-Wife, who I am sure is enjoying her reign as queen of Roanoke-Photos.



Posting will be light, but expect some well placed vitriol in the overnight hours as I post about the.. no - we will wait on that one.

Wait for it

Market plan could uproot 53% of vendors displaced by Center plan.



I'll have more to say later on - but for now, I've got a day from hell.

It ends

After watching the way the city handled the Police officers greviances, the Sheriff's morale-boosting plan, and authorizing the sale of alcoholic beverages in city parks until 11:15pm.. one can only wonder how far into madness the City Council is willing to sink before the next election.



Making no friends is no way to run a campaign - and there are 4 seats up in the next election.



Come to find out today, contractors in the city have to be bonded each year. In most sections of the country - contractors need be bonded once, and carry that for the duration of the job. Bonding costs in the neighborhood of $12,000. And the city, in all it's infinite wisdom, insists that without a current-year date on the bond - it's not valid.



Tell that to the lawyers.



Double time now. Bring on the chaostrophy.



How about an individual, scouted and hired by the city to do a certain job, unable to do that job because the city does not understand the concept of Myspace, or it's value to the particular defined task.



Which they defined...



How it pains me to tell friends: "Come down to Roanoke, vacation and relax, but leave your common-sense at home. It has no place here."



I speak to you folks daily, from all walks of life. And no one of you can understand the operations of the machine. It astounds you to watch as the simplest concept gets skewed and changed into the biggest non-issue around.



You have faith in family, faith in G-d, faith in your job - but no faith in the City upholding it's end of the bargain. Like the schools.



And no, I do not need to illustrate that point - if you can't figure it out, you need to read the paper more often.



It's time for the citizens to do what the city cannot. Have faith in each other. Believe that it is possible for the city to get better, and it will. The "SoRo" minority cannot hold power over a populous motivated.



And do not think it is always South Roanoke behind everything. Or Carilion. Most often, it's blind ignorance or fear of movement that stifles the city.



It all comes down to the same issue - time after time. Who controls your hope?



The city council would certainly like to stifle that hope - the dream of a better future in the city, because it would mean they would have to make the highly unpopular choice of actually doing something. Unpopular amongst them. Watch a council meeting once - it only takes once before you, like Mr. Wishneff - are so beaten by the wet mop of Status Quo that you begin to lose hope.



Hope is the first step, fear is the mind killer.



Now, it ends.

Cost vs. Quality

13 pages. I can't wait to see that in print. Someone must have it.



A 13 page letter written by Darlene's office to tell the Roanoke cops "No. Not yours."



Here's a secret for you. Unspoken for a while.



Southeast Roanoke (our humble abode) is apparently larger than one might initially imagine. Not only does it run from the tracks south, Vinton west, and 581/220 east - but it includes the communities of South Roanoke, Garden City, and borders on Clearbrook and the gravel pits. That's including Avenham, Franklin Rd., Mt. Pleasant, Mill Moutain, Fallon Park....



Thats a large area. And only 3 cops patrol on each shift.



3 of Roanoke's finest, covering an area the size of a small Soviet-bloc country. Somehow it doesn't seem right does it?



Well, the reasoning is even more interesting. In order to keep appearances of staffing, the city reduced the maximum number of police on the force - because, well - it would never do to be understaffed now would it?



So when the city police ask for concessions - I say we should give them something. You are asking 9 of Roanoke's finest to do more in a 24 hour period than most cities ask of their officers.



Roanoke City Police run single man patrol cars, easily the most dangerous of the options for police. And how long before backup arrives.



You'll have to pardon me, but I'm the son of a cop - and this is a disgrace. I feel for the fine officers of Roanoke's own - they deserve better than this.



But a 13 page letter, outlining how much you've done, how you've given and bent over backwards.. and here we are running 3 unit shifts. No partner in the car, no backup in close proximity.



Take your letter and shove it.



Like I said - completely anonymously, I would welcome a copy of the letter. Just for my own edification.



(this will be cross posted to the SERoanoke blog)

Just a few more hours

I am going to have plenty to say come later today, but for now I am watchful



13 pages. Just to say no.



Read the paper and you'll understand.

things are afoot here... very messy.

If I could ask for some help here

I know it's selfish, but I'm going to ask for your assistance.



head to the seroanoke blog and please read the "to help ourselves" post.



All I ask is that you read it, and if you support the cause - leave a comment on the project page.



Thanks.

Poblacht na hÉireann

IRISHMEN AND IRISHWOMEN: In the name of God and of the dead generations from which she receives her old tradition of nationhood, Ireland, through us, summons her children to her flag and strikes for her freedom.



Having organized and trained her manhood through her secret revolutionary organization, the Irish Republican Brotherhood, and through her open military organizations, the Irish Volunteers and the Irish Citizen Army, having patiently perfected her discipline, having resolutely waited for the right moment to reveal itself, she now seizes that moment, and, supported by her exiled children in America and by gallant allies in Europe, but relying in the first on her own strength, she strikes in full confidence of victory.



We declare the right of the people of Ireland to the ownership of Ireland, and to the unfettered control of Irish destinies, to be sovereign and indefeasible. The long usurpation of that right by a foreign people and government has not extinguished the right, nor can it ever be extinguished except by the destruction of the Irish people. In every generation the Irish people have asserted their right to national freedom and sovereignty: six times during the past three hundred years they have asserted it in arms. Standing on that fundamental right and again asserting it in arms in the face of the world, we hereby proclaim the Irish Republic as a Sovereign Independent State, and we pledge our lives and the lives of our comrades-in-arms to the cause of its freedom, of its welfare, and its exaltation among the nations.



The Irish Republic is entitled to, and hereby claims, the allegiance of every Irishman and Irishwoman. The Republic guarantees religious and civil liberty, equal rights and equal opportunities to all its citizens, and declares its resolve to pursue the happiness and prosperity of the whole nation and of all its parts, cherishing all the children of the nation equally, and oblivious of the differences carefully fostered by an alien government, which have divided a minority from the majority in the past.



Until our arms have brought the opportune moment for the establishment of a permanent National Government, representative of the whole people of Ireland and elected by the suffrages of all her men and women, the Provisional Government, hereby constituted, will administer the civil and military affairs of the Republic in trust for the people.



We place the cause of the Irish Republic under the protection of the Most High God, Whose blessing we invoke upon our arms, and we pray that no one who serves that cause will dishonor it by cowardice, inhumanity, or rapine. In this supreme hour the Irish nation must, by its valor and discipline and by the readiness of its children to sacrifice themselves for the common good, prove itself worthy of the august destiny to which it is called.

Warning

I will be down at the St. Pat's Parade tomorrow, releasing the inner celt once again.



I will try to wear the Forgotten-Roanoke jacket, provided it's not too cold and windy.



If not.. well, I'll be the one NOT drinking green beer, not dressed like a leprechaun, and probably not wearing a silly hat/beads/glasses or anything similar.



But swing by if you can.. say Hi.

News FLASH!!!!!

This just in...



For your edification and amusement - Roanoke-Found can now be found online at Roanoke-found.com....



makes it much easier for you to remember it when you pass it around the watercooler..



thats Roanoke-found.com



And remember.. N-E-S-T-L-E-S makes the very best.. sweet dreams you can't resist.



(ed.-nothing to do with anything.. somethings not right with that boy.)

A new agenda

The new City Council Agenda is up here.

Notable: Another Amendment to the city code (trying it again) to allow no "possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages within designated park facilities after 12:00am."
So I guess we are going to try this again, slightly revised. Let's see what happens this time.

Nearly a year later

The Star City Bloggers Alliance was formed nearly 1 year ago, in April of 2006. We had one official meeting, a success I would say - but perhaps too early.

Fast forward another year: The core bloggers from the first SCBA are still at it. FireFleitz, Ms. Elenaeous, ATL, Stuart Mease, KJC & Andrew Kantor.

Perhaps we were just jumping the gun at the time. Or perhaps De Espresso was so warm we were all lulled into a near-sleep?

Regardless, the initial SCBA was what it was - a loose confederation of bloggers meeting for the comradeship.

Now, it's apparent that the blogging scene in Roanoke has grown farther in the past year than anyone could have predicted. Based on the comments I have received in the past 24 hours, I do think it's time for SCBA2.0.

Follow this link to the calender: Calender at Airset.com

Sign up for an account, or I can invite you to the SCBA. All I need is an e-mail address, and thats it.

We will get something organized within the next month for a meet-up. Send me your info roanoke.found and we can get this rolling again.

IN the offing

Constant Commenter The Jefferson St. Realist mentions that perhaps, in the future - a casual meetup of Roanoke bloggers would be nice.



Sounds familiar, no?



So let's try this one more time. How about another round of the Star City Bloggers Alliance.



Anyone wants to get involved - e-mail me. Address is in profile. I will use the same co-operative calender system as last time, so if you are already signed up - you know where to go. If not, give me a holler and I will add you.



This time, it's personal.

What I learned today

Things I learned today at the Roanoke Biz2Biz blog summit.

1. Tech guys are tech guys, no matter what the topic.
2. I share something in common with the site developer from Roanoke Biz2Biz.
3. Friends should encourage friends to blog, and often.
4. I can do public speaking, without a microphone.
5. We need to do more things like this more often.

Promise ya, next time will be bigger, better, and more news-worthy.



All in all though, a good show.

Todays the day

WDBJ Community Room, 12-2p



Roanoke Biz2Biz Blog convention...



$10 bucks to get in, lunch provided.



Report follows later.



In the words of Al Bundy: "Let's Rock."

Busy day here at F-R Headquarters

As we prepare for the usual St. Patrick's Day festivities, I am also preparing for tomorrow's Roanoke Biz2Biz/WDBJ7 Blog Summit.



Roanoke Biz2Biz will sponsor a marketing workshop for businesspeople in Roanoke, Salem, Bedford and New River Valley to learn how blogs can be used as an affordable marketing tool for their business. Stuart Mease will help facilitate the event. There will be blogging experts from around the valley sharing their expertise. Speakers include Tom Markiewicz, CEO EvolvePoint, Pat Matthews, CEO WEBMAIL.us, Andrew Cohill, CEO Design Nine, Sean Pecor, President Digital Spinner, and yours truly, Mr. RoanokeFound.



It will be in the Community Room at WDBJ7, and space is VERY limited (less than 10 spots remain in a room that holds 60). If you are interested, know that it will cost $10 to get in, but lunch is provided - and e-mail patsy@roanokebiz2biz.com indicating your interest.



TIME IS CRITICAL AS THERE ARE FEW SPACES LEFT



That is all... Carry on, my wayward son.



From 12p-2p will be the speakers lineup, and we have the room until 3p. I have to duck out shortly around 2:30 or so due to a previous appointment.