The Glazed Bisque-It has their new calendar out for June. (See below.) Special deals on studio fees are available throughout the month. Also, be sure to sign up for the Adult Class that’s being offered on June 23rd to make your own Daisy-Swirl Birdbath. Call Glazed Bisque-It at (540) 985 - 4567 to reserve your space or for more information.
There are peaches on the market! Find both yellow and white peaches, all super sweet and super juicy on the Farmer’s Market this week. While the peaches are from South Carolina, you won’t find Virginia peaches this year as the peach, cherry, and apple crops were all hit hard by the late frost. Currently Gary of Wertz’s and Barry of Sumdat are both selling peaches at the tables across from their shops. They run $1.99 a pound and are well worth it. Just be sure you eat them over a plate because when I say they’re juicy, I’m not kidding! I was drenched in peach juice by the time I finished my first white peach today. And that lack of rain we’ve had… Well, it’s made these peaches that much sweeter because of it!
The results for the DRI survey regarding the new $2 parking fee for nights and weekends is in and the number of responses has doubled since the Roanoke Times posted its article this morning offering an overview of the results. To view the actual results online, see the Survey Results here. If you’d like to take the survey, you may do so here.
Here are few comments pulled from those results:
I have to pay to park everyday as I work downtown. The rates are too expensive. The likelihood that the weekly/monthly rates will also increase makes it very difficult to afford to even work downtown, much less shop or attend a play or go to a restaurant.
roanoke city is the only place in the area where free parking is unavailable on an expectable level in the area- salem,vinton,rke county & other shopping areas have free parking spaces that i feel encourage my being a customer- there are several places i enjoy shopping downtown & am fortunate enough to work an “off tour” that i can drive thru & iIF parking is available, I do find a spot, i stop- if not- i go home- i do NOT support an increase in parking fees
I think that it is a bad idea to have the late night and weekend fees. I think that the best alternative would be to increase the monthly fees and/or daily fees by a small amount. The city could probably generate more revenue that way.
City Council already elected to do this as well. The new rates will go in effect July 1st.
free parking is good and not far to the places i visit. malls too far to walk but if it comes down to having to pay, i’ll just go to the mall
On a student budget small things, even a couple of dollars more to park, make a huge difference. Should the City choose to increase rates, I think that the businesses in the area will see a noticable decrease in revenue. The free parking on weekends encourages people to browse the shops and farmers market and thus spend money. Increasing or imposing weekend rates will have a negative effect on the Square area as shoppers will be less likely to pay to browse.
idiotic for those of us who find downtown optional for either shopping or entertainment. Total costs matter, and thus parking costs matter, and will influence my usage of downtown.
Roanoke needs to try and wake up. charge for parking, close #1 firehouse and take away the vendors spaces and not to mention the wienie stand. what is next? move st. andrews church to salem?
There are plenty of other places, shopping and restaurants, where I won’t have to pay for parking. This would definitely make me want to go some place else.
How sad that the City of Roanoke could lose a group of new people with meal tax and gasoline tax because they wish to charge for night time parking. The cost of gas going up makes it hard to come to event zone. Even if we car pool and now this would make it even harder to attend the shows. Please change your mind and think about what you could loss by doing this. Thank you
Parking in downtown Roanoke has always been a problem. I hate paying to park anywhere, and the availability of free parking on nights and weekends certainly weighs on my decision to come downtown. I will be much less likely to frequent downtown if I have to pay to park.
This is such a bad idea. It makes going to the market on Saturdays to pick up fresh vegies too expensive. It’s cheaper for me to go to Kroger and park for free than to pay a $2.00 premium to do so here. AND I LIVE IN BOTETOURT!
If there was a increase in cost for parking or if parking was not free, we would probably avoid coming downtown. I have already ran into situations where my family members would not visit me at work to go to lunch because they simply didn’t have the dollar to pay for the parking.
I think the only reason that Roanoke has raised it’s parking fee is becuase of this art building that will likely fail in our city in the next 2 years. The city is way over it’s head in financing this project and will no way meet the buildings overhead in the next two years. The city is going to have to recoup it’s money in some way becuase the attendance standards for this building are outrageous and the necessary income that the building has to earn to even break even. I’m against the parking fee, becuase this is only trying to capture more money from tourists and the towns people have to suffer becuase of the result of this.
Isn’t the downtown area making enough money on parking tickets? Why raise the cost for those that are following the rules and parking where they pay?
This seems to be a clear case of it’s not broke, so don’t fix it. We have a very successful Market Area developed though civic efforts after a period when the Market Area was dangerous and largely vacant store fronts. Mill Mountain Theatre brought people downtown at night and a few restaurants opened to start the recovery of the Market Area. Central to the revival was free parking on weekends and at night. To even chance a negative response on the night time sucess of the Market appears to folly. I want the Market to generate as much tax revenue as possible to keep down the real estate taxes on my reidence. To impose such an obnoxious fee which is “in the face” of the consumer is imprudent. Also don’t forget these parking spaces collect rent from monthly parkers during the daytime, so its not like they are not producing their fair share of income in the first palace and fulfilling another need of parking for daytime bussinesses located in the heart of downtown.
The proposed changes for nights and weekends be an additional cost for those that would come downtown to participate on the events and support the businesses. This can also have a negative impact on those businesses because patrons may decide it is too much of a bother and cost to make the trip to that area. Having worked in the downtown area several times over the last 35 years. The parking situation was a recurring complaint I have heard over the years. We need to focus on ways to promote the wonderful things about our area and find ways to bring people into the region. We don’t need to find ways to keep them out. There must be other ways that a new parking garage can be funded that will not have a negative perception by visitor and the community as a whole.
I am fortunate to have sufficient income that a couple of dollars won’t keep me from going to the market when I want to - although it probably will keep me from going back a second time in one day. Council needs to rethink the position that there are sufficient parking places downtown to accomodate the masses - do you want to walk from the end of church avenue to the market at 11:00 at night???
I work downtown and am opposed to increase the rates for parking after 5 PM and on the weekends. The C of Roa. is asking for more business and retailers downtown and how do they think it will help to encourage people to come downtown if you have to pay for parking. It makes about as much sense as taking away the vendors on the market or the parking area in front of the Ctr in the Sq. being taken away. I think the City makes decisions without thinking about the outcome all the way and how it will affect the rest of the community.
NEED THE MONEY - FIND IT SOMEWHERE ELSE. Please don’t discourage business by placing a fee on all parking. Now we will go home to change after work and drive to 419, rather than come back downtown.
My husband and I go to the market almost every weekend, just to walk and view the market’s wares, and possibly have lunch. It is not often that we do not purchase something from the market, and find it very enjoyable and relaxing; however, one of the draws is that parking is free. Placing a parking fee would deter our “walk in beautiful downtown Roanoke.”
There must be some other way to pay for the proposed garage near the new building. Between the craziness of the proposal for Center in the Square and now this, I guess the “powers that be” are determined to destroy the best thing in Roanoke.
I love coming downtown and always park in one of the free garages on nights and weekends. I will most definitely not come downtown as often if the parking is not free. I will be less likely to pop in for fresh items from the market, less likely to renew my season pass to the Science Museum, and less likely to come to our favorite events like the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Local Colors. We also enjoy dining at Corned Beef and Co. regularly. Please do not raise the parking rates!
I do not understand the wisdom in this proposal. The small businesses and vedors are having enough problems dealing with the parking shortage that already exists. For instance I can just as easy go to a restuarant with almost limitless “free” parking if I choose. When the malls start charging for parking then maybe I would consider charging to park downtown. Every city has faced this same problem and learned the hard way that people do not want to come downtown when you make it difficult and costly. Learn from the past Roanoke.
And the list goes on. Currently there are 637 comments to the survey.
Now that the weather has warmed up, there are a lot more vendors to be found on the Farmer’s Market. And, despite common belief, there are stores that are open. Sumdat Farm Market will be open from about 10am to 3 or 3:30pm through the rest of the summer. That is, of course, thanks to Barry suckering me into the job. 
I hope to hang on until Cody starts soccer in the fall for Valley AFC’s travel team. Other retail shops open include: Glazed Bisque-It, 310 Rosemont, Calhoun & Kipp, Dandelion Feet, Gallery 108, Gone Co Co, La De Da, Ladles & Linens, and Walkabout Outfitter. The Center in the Square is always open as well from 1pm to 5pm. As for restaurants, you can dine at the following on Sundays for brunch, dinner, or both depending on where you’d like to go: Trio, Wertz’s, 202 Market, Cornerstone Bar & Grill, Ernie’s, and Billy’s Ritz. It is possible I’ve left out some stores and restaurants as I’m still gathering information from all of the City Market businesses. As far as vendors, Peggy is always downtown on Sundays with her baked goods as is Brian Seckinger of Roanoke Valley Clayworks/Photoworks. Lately the following vendors have also been present most Sundays: Rebecca’s Soap Delicatessen with the help of my dear husband, Rolling Meadows Farm, LunarScapes, Millennium III Productions, Tasteful Pirates, Enchanted Forest Soaps, Thistle Dew Farm, and a handful of others depending on what suits them that particular Sunday. Also, keep in mind that there will be a band playing on the Market on Sundays through September from 11am to 2pm as part of the Music on the Market series. And, this coming Sunday (June 3rd) you’d be remiss not to check out the Sidewalk Art Show from noon to 5pm. Also on the 3rd, Rita of Good Things on the Market informed me that she will opening shop that day for the Sidewalk Art Show.
Now that summer is almost upon us, it’s a good time to start thinking about deterring those nasty biting insects. And what better way to do that than naturally! You can easily create your own insect repellent by adding essential oils to an unscented lotion or carrier oil. Essential oils such as lemongrass, lavender, tea tree, peppermint, cedar, geranium, penny royal, eucalyptus, rosemary, and citronella deter most biting insects. Use these essential oils in combination with one another or individually for a scent that suits you. My brother, when he used to camp often, would always take a bar of my Lemongrass Soap with him. He said it really helped to keep him from being bitten by mosquitoes while enjoying the great outdoors. A great place for purchasing essential and carrier oils is Mountain Rose Herbs. Mountain Rose Herbs is the leading Organic Supplier in not only the finest organic botanical products, but the freshest as well. They carry bulk organic herbs and spices, to essential oils and herbal teas. Keep in mind that some essential oils, like peppermint, should not be used by pregnant women. And tea tree oil, while not harmful to dogs, is toxic to cats. (Check out a few insect repellent recipes here.)
If you don’t have time to make your own natural products, then you can purchase
Burt’s Bees Herbal Insect Repellent
. Its active ingredients are lemongrass, citronella and rosemary essential oils. Or try Swy Flotter, Natural Tick & Insect Repellent
from Kiss My Face which comes in an easy to use spray bottle. One of my favorite repellents, Swy Flotter is a pleasing blend of Citronella, Bay, Cedarwood, Vetiver, Patchouli, Juniper, Tea Tree, Lemon Peel, Tansy, and Goldenseal that I’ve found quite effective.
For more ideas on living “green” and other natural products that assist parents in raising their children through the use of natural and organic alternatives, check out Kiwi Magazine
I just thought I’d readdress the issue of the new $2 parking fee for nights and weekends in downtown parking garages as The Roanoke Times ran an article about it yesterday. Today’s paper also brings us an editorial by Joe Kennedy on the issue - one he doesn’t like. He’s quoted as saying “Something just doesn’t add up. You don’t alienate the public and jeopardize your prime attraction to pay debt service on a garage several blocks away.” It has also generated a petition and, most recently, a survey sent out by Downtown Roanoke, Inc. to gather public feedback - something City Council failed to do. In fact, only Sherman Lea opposed the new fees.
To read the original article I posted on May 21st, click here. You can also contact City Council letting them know how you feel about the decision.
Update: I received an email today from Councilman Brian Wishneff in response to a letter I sent him stating that he plans to reverse his vote. Now the question is, what does the rest of City Council plan to do? Will the issue come back around for a second vote before July 1st or can other Council members simply reverse their votes? And are they even willing to?
Update 5/31: Read today’s article on the Roanoke Times regarding the survey.
While I personally never made it over to The Festival in the Park this weekend, my husband was able to catch the tail end of the Car Show they had on Saturday. Having just purchased a 1950 Chevrolet Panel Truck he’ll be restoring, Adam was anxious to catch up with car owners and obtain information on registering for this year’s Star City Motor Madness which will be held on Williamson Rd. June 29th from 6pm to 10pm and in downtown Roanoke on June 30th from 2pm to 9pm. June 30th is also Family Fun Day in which there will not only be cars galore, but a band and other activities as well. All net proceeds from the event will be donated to the Virginia Museum of Transportation Automotive Gallery. While hubby’s car won’t be finished in time for the show, it is in driving condition.
Geico made its self well known over the weekend giving away free fans to festival goers. The fans certainly came in handy as temps hovered around 90 much of the weekend. The fans featured characters from Geico’s commercials - the gecko and the caveman.
Kari LeMay, of a Crooked Little House, introduced her new creations on Saturday. Her gorgeous lamps boasted bright colors and a fun design featuring fish and poppies. Click here to see the lamp in its entirety. You can catch Kari most Saturdays on the Farmer’s Market.
Gary, of Wertz’s Restaurant, informed me over the weekend that his grilled Italian sausages and bbq have gone the way of Roanoke’s free parking. Due to Roanoke’s often misunderstood and sometimes unwelcome beauracy, Gary can no longer sell grilled food out of doors. Despite passing a recent health inspection and the desire for more market food vendors by both patrons and the market manager alike, Roanoke requires a special permit for situations such as this. As with the food sold at the Local Colors Festival, vendors must acquire permit at the cost of $40. The permit is then good for only ten days, at which time to continue selling food of this nature, another permit must be acquired and another fee paid. You will continue, however, to find lemon and limeade offered throughout the summer at Gary’s tables across from his restaurant on select days throughout the week.
The building going up beside Sam’s is starting to take shape. Currently there is an elevator shaft and three partial walls. Previously a parking lot, the new building will house office space.
I hope everyone had a wonderful Memorial Day. I spent the day at my parents where I enjoyed a cookout with my family. My son was excited over it being Memorial Day, and mimicked the acknowledgment of the war veterans given by the preacher at church on Sunday by shushing us all and making his own announcement that his Papa had served during the Vietnam War era as a communications specialist. Several of our Market friends are veterans as well including Bob Craig (Dragon Photography,) E. Bruce Barfield (Millennium III Productions,) and Gary Crowder (Wertz’s Restaurant.)
I regret to say that as of yet I still have not had a chance to check out the Festival in the Park this year. I’ve been insanely busy trying to keep up with my soap since the past two weekends have severely eaten up a large chunk of my back stock, and I’ve barely had time to breathe. However, there did seem to be a nice crowd headed in and out of Elmwood Park over the past two days, and there are definitely a lot of out of town visitors here for Memorial Day weekend. Hopefully I can sneak over Saturday for a few pics as hubby will be helping me out with my soap sales on the Farmer’s Market the rest of the weekend.
Today Intelos was giving away free $1 bills downtown. They have a store located at 114 Campbell Ave., and the dollar bill giveaway was a lure to get potential customers in the store to compare their plans with the plans of their competitors. I was offered three bucks over the course of a half hour, but declined the extra two and used my dollar for a slightly discounted Stewart’s Orange Cream Soda from Sumdat Farm Market. I really love those things!
For those following the debate over the fate of the Farmer’s Market and possible future renovations by the Center in the Square, a public meeting is being held on June 5th at Roanoke’s Municipal Building in Room 159 at 7pm. The public is welcome and comments from the public will be taken. The meeting will be led by the newly hired mediator, Frank Dukes. I sincerely hope the public will turn out in force and voice their opinions as really, it’s the public who brings the business downtown. Without the support of our customers, we would have no downtown. Or, at least not one worth visiting.
As June is creeping up on us, I just wanted to throw out there that twenty business owners have thrown money in to run a commercial promoting the Market. The commercial, which will be shown on WDBJ7, will air throughout the months of June, July, and August. For a sneak peek at who’s participating, check out my Featured Businesses page at RoanokeFarmersMarket.com.
Also, next weekend is the 48th Annual Sidewalk Art Show in downtown Roanoke. June 2nd and 3rd you’ll have the chance to browse artwork from many varied artists with a chance to buy your favorite works. Saturday the Art Show runs from 10am to 5pm and Sunday from noon to 5pm.
Happy Memorial Day weekend, everyone! 
All Together Dead by Charlaine Harris
One of my favorite book series is Charlaine Harris’ Sookie Stackhouse Southern Vampire Tales. The series stars Sookie, a Louisiana cocktail waitress and telepath who has the gift of being able to hear what others are thinking. While this gift makes Sookie anything but popular among her human cohorts, it eventually comes in handy especially in helping her solve crimes and later in the series, at gaging her supernatural foes. The series follows Sookie through her big relationship with Bill - a vampire who later betrays her - and clashes of human and supernaturals at a time when vampires have only recently made they’re existence known, and the world of shape shifters, faeries, and other supernaturals beings remains a closely guarded secret.
Harris’ latest book is All Together Dead, the seventh book in this fast paced and often funny series. Intriguing as always, this book didn’t disappoint. While I wish Sookie had taken more time to explore her last, amnesia induced relationship with the vampire, Eric, whom she had previously shared blood with, Sookie instead seeks out a new relationship with were-tiger, Quinn. In this latest Sookie installment, Sookie is reigned in to help the Vampire Queen of Louisiana at the regional vampire summit. The book takes place shortly after Hurricane Katrina ravaged New Orleans and the Queen’s home, leaving the Queen in a weakened position that forces her to call in Sookie for her mind reading talents. Filled with conspiracy and a touch of romance, All Together Dead satisfies while leaving you longing for the next book which promises the chance of Eric and Sookie revisiting their two week love affair that Eric simply doesn’t remember.
Harris’ Sookie Stackhouse Series has more in store for fans however than just a future book. HBO is making a television series from the books entitled, “True Blood.” Oscar winner Anna Paquin will play the leading roll as Sookie. Sam Trammell will play Sam, Sookie’s boss at the bar where she’s employed and Ryan Kwanten will be Jason, Sookie’s brother. The series is being developed by Alan Ball, the creator of HBO’s Six Feet Under.
May 23, 2007
Market is losing a business and a gem by Joe Kennedy
May 22, 2007
New museum is shaping up oddly by various authors
May 21, 2007
Downtown drivers are quick with courtesy by Joe Kennedy
Fate unknown for Patrick Henry Hotel by Christina Rogers
A plan to turn Roanoke’s longest-operating hotel into senior living is plagued with delays and defaults.
Demolition set to begin downtown by Mason Adams
With the removal of a pedestrian bridge in Roanoke, crews turn their attention to an aged complex nearby.
May 19, 2007
Roanoke not quite the star of festivals by Joe Kennedy
May 17, 2007
Downtown advocate finds new turf by Jenny Kincaid Boone and Christina Rogers
David Diaz, director of Downtown Roanoke Inc., has accepted a position with the Downtown Raleigh Alliance in North Carolina.
May 15, 2007
Balance City Market agendas by Eric Dresser
May 12, 2007
All Dressed Up by Jenny Kincaid Boone
Fashion designer Nicole Miller wows the crowd at a Roanoke boutique.
May 11, 2007
Officials defend decision on station by Mason Adams
Roanoke’s fire chief said Fire Station No. 1 no longer supported the department’s needs.
May 10, 2007
Hub hubbub: Fire station’s closing a surprise to many by Amanda Codispoti
Nico’s Ristorante and Cafe by Dolores Kostelni
Carefully dressed tables and an upscale menu make this an inviting place to enjoy some seriously delicious Italian food. See Nico’s menu.
