Roanoke River Group
of the Virginia Chapter

A Publication for Members and Friends
of the Roanoke River Group of the Sierra Club

November-December 2005

FIRST EARTH-FRIENDLY FRIDAY A BIG SUCCESS!

On October 14, our monthly program series "Earth-Friendly Friday" had its debut at Roanoke Unitarian Universalist Church. Over 40 people were in attendance, and they were treated to a feast of finger food and beverages, followed by a splendid presentation by Dr. Melissa Booth, "Health of the Oceans". Dr. Booth's depth of knowledge about ocean ecology and environmental problems was remarkable, and she presented the issues in a way that all could understand how our lives are affected.

We have two great programs lined up for November and December. In November, Sierra Club Chapter Director Mike Town and Clean Air Chair Ana Prados will explain the "Clean Smokestacks" legislation that we so desperately need in Virginia, and how you can help the Sierra Club and other environmental and health organizations get this bill passed. It's high time we cleaned up these old, dirty, coal-fired power plants - we have the technology, now we just need the political will. Come November 11 and be a part of the solution!

In December, we'll turn our thoughts to "exploring and enjoying" the wild places of the earth! Our own Diana Christopulos will present a video with musical accompaniment about her May hiking trip on the Appalachian Trail in Georgia and North Carolina. Photographs were contributed by several trip participants, all of whom are accomplished outdoor photographers. Holiday party atmosphere will prevail. This program will be December 16 (3rd Friday instead of our usual 2nd Friday). Don't miss it! See CALENDAR on the back page for all details and directions.

ROANOKE SIERRA CLUB ELECTION!

It's time to vote for Executive Committee members and also on a ballot question to change our group's name. Earlier this year your ExCom voted unanimously to change the name of our group to Roanoke Group of the Sierra Club. This change was ratified by the Virginia Chapter. We feel this change eliminates confusion with other river conservation or recreational groups, and it more closely identifies us with the Sierra Club. We have been using the new name informally for some time now, but member approval is needed to make it official.

In this election, three members are running for three seats on the Executive Committee. All three presently serve on the Executive Committee and were recommended by the Nominating Committee. More detailed candidate statements (and pictures) can be found at http://virginia.sierraclub.org/roanoke/election.html. Sierra Club members have received ballots by regular mail or email.

Bill Modica - I have served as Outings Chair, Sprawl Committee Co-Chair and now as Chair of the Watershed Protection Committee. I also am currently Chairman of the Upper Roanoke River Roundtable and am the Executive Director of the Blue Ridge Environmental Network. I'm active with Forest and Greenways groups as well as with Renewable Energy, Land Preservation and Smart Growth initiatives. I bring some organizational skills and an attention to detail to these projects. I'd like to see the Sierra Club emerge as the leading environmental advocate for smarter and greener policy decisions. Please vote for me to continue on the Executive Committee.

Grace Terry - I have served on the executive committee of the Roanoke River Group since last June when I was asked to fill a vacant position. After moving back to Roanoke (my hometown) and finding myself with some free time, I welcomed the opportunity to get involved in local environmental issues. In the past I have been a "casual" Sierra Club member (since 1985), occasionally attending a program or going on an outing. It was always my intention to become more active eventually, but the beauty of our area and the obvious threats it faced inspired me not to wait. One of my goals for our local chapter would be to broaden the number and scope of activities offered so that other currently casual members have ways to increase their involvement, too.

Sherman Bamford - I have been a resident of Roanoke (city) since 1994 - excluding a brief interlude in the Rocky Mtns between 2001 and 2003. I currently work for a conservation group focused on forest issues and for another conservation group focused on water quality monitoring. I would like to see the Roanoke River Group grow and become a strong advocate for livable cities, environmental justice, forest protection, clean air, and rivers and streams.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS -- Click HERE for the most up-to-the-minute listing of local activities.