Monday, January 23, 2017
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Jubilee in Park
Floyd Town Jubilee includes free family events this Saturday
Activities to take place in the Warren G. Lineberry Park
By: | SWVAToday.com
Published: July 11, 2012
Floyd --
Floyd Town Jubilee Free Family Friendly Events will be held Saturday, July 14 at the Warren G. Lineberry Community Park from 3 p.m. until 8 p.m.
Main Stage schedule:
3:00 – clogging workshop with Back Porch Studios
4:00 - dance contest
5:00 - Hollerin’ contests
6:00 - Gospel band competition
7:00 - Hot dog eatin’ contest
7:20 - Winners announced
7:30 - Winning gospel band plays
Pickin’ Shelter
3:30 - Old time banjo workshop with Mac Traynham
6:15 – Kids’ watermelon seed spittin’ contest.
There are $1,000 worth in prizes. Sign up at FloydTownJubilee.org, or stop by the town office or Floyd Country Store.
The next event will be Saturday, August 18.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Floyd Town Jubilee 2010
Floyd Town Jubilee
By Wanda Combs
Published: June 24, 2010
Local residents and visitors came to Floyd Saturday for the Town Jubilee. There was plenty to do and see. Three stages - at the Marketplace, Hotel Floyd Amphitheater, and Warren G. Lineberry Memorial Park - were venues for music and other entertainment throughout the day.
In this photo, Scott Perry of The Pickin’ Porch performs “Camptown Races” with Leah Beland on the stage of the Hotel Floyd amphitheater.
By Wanda Combs
Published: June 24, 2010
Local residents and visitors came to Floyd Saturday for the Town Jubilee. There was plenty to do and see. Three stages - at the Marketplace, Hotel Floyd Amphitheater, and Warren G. Lineberry Memorial Park - were venues for music and other entertainment throughout the day.
In this photo, Scott Perry of The Pickin’ Porch performs “Camptown Races” with Leah Beland on the stage of the Hotel Floyd amphitheater.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Bluegrass Benefit Concert raises $12,000
Click here to see the Floyd Press article.
Over $12,000 raised for Warren G. Lineberry Memorial Park
by Wanda Combs
The Floyd Press: News
Thu May 28, 2009 - 09:10 AM
By Wanda Combs
Editor
A benefit concert Saturday night at the high school raised over $12,000 for the Warren G. Lineberry Memorial Park. Performers included Mac and Jenny Traynham, Windfall, the Comptons, and Statement. Concert goers also had the options of eating a light dinner in the school lobby and putting in bids on silent auction items.
As reported in a recent edition of the Press, the Park has been getting a major facelift with the help of volunteers. The land, located between the Winter Sun building and Angels in the Attic, has been leveled, and new grass is appearing.
Heading the fundraising efforts is the Partnership for Floyd, and Jane Cundiff, Park chairperson, said money is now needed to continue to the next phases of development. She explained that patios, walkways, a small covered amphitheater and picnic areas are planned. “It just depends on how much money we can raise.” Another goal, she commented, is to have a path from the Park to the Jessie Peterman Memorial Library.
The Park will first be used at the Floyd Town Jubilee June 20th, when it will host the musicians of the day. The Jubilee will also include art and crafts vendors and food booths, which will be set up along the streets of the town.
“We’re really looking for the people of Floyd to come forward with donations and abilities, too,” Cundiff told the Press. “The park is being designed and built by Floydians for Floydians. We really do need the financial, professional and physical contributions of everyone to make the park a nice place to visit on an every day basis. We would really like this to be a community project that will reflect the unique personality of our wonderful little town.”
Korene Thompson, town manager, commended the Partnership and other volunteers for their help at the Park. She gave special mention to Grey Lineberry, son of the Park’s namesake, for the many hours he has contributed. She said he has brought his own equipment, worked in the rain, and really dedicated himself to the cause, and the Town Council has given their blessing to him for what needed to be done in the Park.
Donations for the Park can be mailed to: Betty Lineberry (fundraising chair), Partnership for Floyd, P.O. Box 410, Floyd, VA 24091.
The Partnership has monthly meeting on the third Tuesdays. Everyone is welcome to attend. For more information about the Park, email partnershipforfloyd@gmail.com .
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Floyd Earth Day news report
It’s All About Water
Roger MannonThe Floyd Press: News >Fri Apr 18, 2008 - 08:16 AM
by Wanda Combs Editor
Organizers of Floyd Earth Day 2008 Saturday want to bring community residents together to discuss local water concerns and such topics as rainwater management and conservation. The free event, sponsored by the Partnership for Floyd, will take place at Floyd County High School. “Our water supply in Floyd is diminishing,” comments Jack Wall, a Partnership board member. “Older wells are failing. The depth you’ve got to go to get water is always increasing.” The quantity of water in the county becomes an even greater concern, he adds, as more people move to the area and thus put added demands on the water supply. On Saturday several professionals will comment on various aspects related to the water issue in a panel discussion beginning promptly at 9:30 a.m. in the school auditorium. Fred First, who has coordinated the speakers and is serving as moderator for the discussion, will speak first on the natural culture of Floyd. Tammy Stevenson, Senior Water Supply Planner for the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, will have a slide presentation on water issues from the public policy point of view – how citizens prepare to get adequate quantity of water and how they conserve. Rupert Cutler from Roanoke will share knowledge gained through volunteer work on several commissions and boards. Jason Rutledge of Check will talk about sustainable forestry as it relates to water. A fifth speaker, David Crawford, representing Rainwater Solutions Company, will talk about systems for rainwater management. “In the old days, a lot of people around Floyd had cisterns,” Wall comments. “If we can collect our rainwater…use it for flushing toilets, washing cars…then we can save over 30 percent of the water we use.” Wall says it is easy to include rainwater systems in new homes, and it is affordable. He is including such a system at the Wall office building, being constructed on Franklin Pike in Floyd. The majority of the water use in that building will be rainwater collected off the roof. Wall adds it is also possible to add such systems to existing structures. Each of the presenters on the panel Saturday will have 20 minutes. After each presentation, the audience will be permitted to ask questions. After the panel discussion, the audience will also be able to approach the presenters on an individual basis or in small groups if desired. Various exhibitors will be set up in the lobby, old gym, and outdoors. Four-H’ers will also be selling food in the lobby. “We’re trying to make the Earth Day event an annual event,” Wall comments, “as a beginning point for discussion in our community, ways to protect our community.” Wall says the event will be community-focused and very accommodating. Most of the informational exhibits will be on water issues. There is an optional registration, which would put those interested on an email list to receive information going forward. Registration is planned from 9:00 until 9:30. Wall expects the event to continue until approximately 1:30 or 2:00. According to a survey of county residents in recent years, water was identified as the number one environmental issue, Wall notes. Quality of water is also an important consideration. “We have an unusual resource with our water….No water flows into here,” Wall remarks. “We have 100 percent responsibility for what we have.” The Partnership is considering climate changes as a possible topic for next year’s Earth Day event, Wall comments. Climate changes affect weather patterns. Differing weather patterns cause other problems, such as droughts. “If we’re developing systems to conserve out water, so we don’t deplete our ground water…we’ll be able to weather that better.” There is less ground today than there was 10 years ago, Wall adds. “It’s not uncommon to have a 600 or 800 foot well depth. “There’s less water….It will keep on getting worse. But we do have these techniques that are available to reduce the amount of demand on the groundwater.” Other information and registration information for exhibitors is available at a web site – floydearthday.com, set up by Partnership member David St. Lawrence.
Roger MannonThe Floyd Press: News >Fri Apr 18, 2008 - 08:16 AM
by Wanda Combs Editor
Organizers of Floyd Earth Day 2008 Saturday want to bring community residents together to discuss local water concerns and such topics as rainwater management and conservation. The free event, sponsored by the Partnership for Floyd, will take place at Floyd County High School. “Our water supply in Floyd is diminishing,” comments Jack Wall, a Partnership board member. “Older wells are failing. The depth you’ve got to go to get water is always increasing.” The quantity of water in the county becomes an even greater concern, he adds, as more people move to the area and thus put added demands on the water supply. On Saturday several professionals will comment on various aspects related to the water issue in a panel discussion beginning promptly at 9:30 a.m. in the school auditorium. Fred First, who has coordinated the speakers and is serving as moderator for the discussion, will speak first on the natural culture of Floyd. Tammy Stevenson, Senior Water Supply Planner for the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, will have a slide presentation on water issues from the public policy point of view – how citizens prepare to get adequate quantity of water and how they conserve. Rupert Cutler from Roanoke will share knowledge gained through volunteer work on several commissions and boards. Jason Rutledge of Check will talk about sustainable forestry as it relates to water. A fifth speaker, David Crawford, representing Rainwater Solutions Company, will talk about systems for rainwater management. “In the old days, a lot of people around Floyd had cisterns,” Wall comments. “If we can collect our rainwater…use it for flushing toilets, washing cars…then we can save over 30 percent of the water we use.” Wall says it is easy to include rainwater systems in new homes, and it is affordable. He is including such a system at the Wall office building, being constructed on Franklin Pike in Floyd. The majority of the water use in that building will be rainwater collected off the roof. Wall adds it is also possible to add such systems to existing structures. Each of the presenters on the panel Saturday will have 20 minutes. After each presentation, the audience will be permitted to ask questions. After the panel discussion, the audience will also be able to approach the presenters on an individual basis or in small groups if desired. Various exhibitors will be set up in the lobby, old gym, and outdoors. Four-H’ers will also be selling food in the lobby. “We’re trying to make the Earth Day event an annual event,” Wall comments, “as a beginning point for discussion in our community, ways to protect our community.” Wall says the event will be community-focused and very accommodating. Most of the informational exhibits will be on water issues. There is an optional registration, which would put those interested on an email list to receive information going forward. Registration is planned from 9:00 until 9:30. Wall expects the event to continue until approximately 1:30 or 2:00. According to a survey of county residents in recent years, water was identified as the number one environmental issue, Wall notes. Quality of water is also an important consideration. “We have an unusual resource with our water….No water flows into here,” Wall remarks. “We have 100 percent responsibility for what we have.” The Partnership is considering climate changes as a possible topic for next year’s Earth Day event, Wall comments. Climate changes affect weather patterns. Differing weather patterns cause other problems, such as droughts. “If we’re developing systems to conserve out water, so we don’t deplete our ground water…we’ll be able to weather that better.” There is less ground today than there was 10 years ago, Wall adds. “It’s not uncommon to have a 600 or 800 foot well depth. “There’s less water….It will keep on getting worse. But we do have these techniques that are available to reduce the amount of demand on the groundwater.” Other information and registration information for exhibitors is available at a web site – floydearthday.com, set up by Partnership member David St. Lawrence.
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
Roanoke Times June 23 2007
'Keeping it Floyd'
Investors and officials hope to improve the town while preserving its unique character.
FLOYD -- When other communities welcome large, multimillion-dollar developments into their midst, the changes often involve trendy national retailers in sleek modern structures.
Not so with Floyd.
In the next year, a slate of big-dollar investments is expected to significantly alter the face of the town's downtown corridor. But as is perhaps to be expected in a place known for its laid-back, alternative culture, the projects are local and artsy -- aimed more at preservation than transformation.
Among them is a 14-room hotel, a 14-store retail structure and a 15,000-square-foot commercial and residential project. Intermixed with these investments, the town is planning several landscape and infrastructure improvements. And all told, Floyd anticipates a $6 million face-lift, funded by grant, town and private dollars.
"The changes that are occurring in the town are for the better, but keeping it Floyd," Town Manager Michael Maslaney said. "Floyd is an eclectic mix of a lot of different cultures and a lot of different things ... and I think everybody has an interest -- and certainly the town council has -- in keeping it in that same mode."
Jack Wall, local businessman and co-owner of the soon-to-open Hotel Floyd, agreed.
"What we want is a pedestrian community that provides lots of great cultural events that people can go to" -- not, he makes sure to point out, a cookie-cutter suburb or tourist hot spot.
"We can't afford to allow Floyd to go the way of other communities," Wall said. "We've got to keep away from the big-box stores and, in order to do that, you've got to have private investors in town that will help take control over buildings and the marketing and development of our own businesses."
The result is projects such as Hotel Floyd.
In its first phase, the hotel will have 14 rooms, each decorated by a different Floyd business or association. Once available for occupancy Sept. 1, the rooms will feature locally made art and crafts.
Wall said he and his wife, Kamala Bauers, began thinking about building the hotel a few years ago, but a feasibility study raised questions about whether there was enough downtown activity to support it.
Their concern turned to confidence, however, when they learned of other revitalization efforts.
"The conservative estimate -- very conservative estimate -- is there's been about $4 million in private-sector investment to about $2 million of grant money," Bauers said. "I see Floyd and all of this investment as creating a really special place for the people who live here, and that's as important to me as how it appeals to visitors."
So important, in fact, that Wall and Bauers are investing not only in their own project but also in some of the others.
The first phase of the hotel is expected to cost $2 million. A second phase, expected to be constructed in a couple of years for $6 million, will likely add 41 units, a conference center, swimming pool and restaurant. In addition, Wall and Bauers say they're investing $50,000 in Village Green, $25,000 in Village Square and have donated land to the town for use as a park.
"We're choosing to invest some of the excess money we've earned from our business back into the economy of Floyd rather than buying expensive cars or big houses," said Wall, who is director of Wall Residences.
Woody Crenshaw, owner of Crenshaw Lighting Corp., seems to be operating on the same principle.
Two years ago, Crenshaw and his wife, Jackie, bought the Floyd Country Store, and this weekend, the pair will unveil a host of renovations.
Once known simply as a music venue, the home of the Friday Night Jamboree now offers dining, clothing and other items.
And Crenshaw is turning his attention to acting as managing partner of both Village Green and Village Square despite "having no experience whatsoever in commercial real estate development."
Expected to open by Sept. 1, the 10,000-square-foot Village Green will house 14 locally owned businesses.
The property, Crenshaw noted, once held an old grocery store, and when it closed, it left a considerable hole downtown.
"Generally speaking, when that happens, it creates a kind of void and a kind of blight and can lead to the decline of a downtown, so we felt it was really important to open this building up to allow this new vital business environment to be generated," he said.
A similar attitude was applied to the building that once held Mama Lazardo's Pizza & Subs.
Renamed Village Square, the 15,000-square-foot development will, once renovation work is complete around year's end, hold restaurant, retail and office space on its ground floor, as well as nine upper-level, one- and two-bedroom apartments.
Costing $1 million each, the Village Green and Village Square projects are jointly owned by about a dozen families each, including the Crenshaws.
"What's happening here in Floyd is an attempt to develop an economic strategy that's based on the arts and music and a quality of life," Woody Crenshaw said. "We think the center of town could become one of the most interesting art communities in the state."
For evidence of this, Crenshaw just has to look down Locust Street where Winter Sun now boasts its own renovations. There, the building's basement has been converted from storage space into a collection of art galleries and craft shops. A Mexican restaurant is also set to open in August.
Along with these investments by the private sector, the town is working on a slew of improvements to infrastructure and recreation.
Maslaney said those improvements will come largely as a result of two grants received in the past 16 months.
One, a $500,000 enhancement grant from the Virginia Department of Transportation, will be used to widen sidewalks, create walking paths and clean up the Old Jacksonville Cemetery.
The other, a $1 million Community Development Block Grant, will help fund a new, 36-spot parking lot across the street from the Floyd Country Store; a building facade improvement program currently involving a dozen downtown businesses and a pool of loan money available to new and expanding businesses.
The town will pay for recreation amenities at Warren G. Lineberry Memorial Park.
Maslaney said several of the projects will be complete by the end of the year, including the parking lot, new public restrooms and most building facade upgrades.
Improvements to the cemetery and walking trails are expected to be done between December and February. Work on the Warren G. Lineberry Memorial Park is likely to start next spring or summer.
With so much in the pipeline, the scope of development has taken some residents by surprise.
"I think these changes are great," said Marsha Slopey Paulekas, a member of the Floyd Arts Association. "I just hope Floyd knows when to quit -- it's a little scary."
To inform, gather feedback from -- and maybe even reassure -- residents about the developments, the town and citizen group Partnership for Floyd will host an ice cream social and lead downtown tours this afternoon.
What they will likely find, said Floyd Mayor Skip Bishop, is "we're not changing the character of the town, we're just changing the appearance, cleaning it up, making it look nice."
Staff writer Tamara Gaskin contributed to this report.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)