Susan M. Ayers / Creative Writer with Flair

February 13, 2010

Susan’s Post

Filed under: General — Tags: , — susanmayers @ 11:17 pm

Published in The Roanoke Star-Sentinel
February 12-18, 2010 Edition

Valentines Opportunities Galore

Wondering what to do on Valentine’s Day? There is something for everyone in the Roanoke Valley whether you are: a couple looking for a romantic evening, flying solo, on a first date or working on winning someone’s heart.

If it’s an upscale venue with dinner and dancing the night away that you’re looking for:

Desire – A Valentine’s Ball at The Sheraton Roanoke Hotel on February 13 may just be the ticket you are looking for. This year’s event features the music of The Kings with host John Carlin.

“We like to have fun. Like last year’s event, there will be games and contests for couples,” enthused Sponsor Hounds Vice-President Elliot Broyles. The evening kicks off with cocktails at 6:30 in the Sheraton’s main lobby reception area and doors open at 7:00. Cash bar. For additional information, visit www.sponsorhounds.com. To reserve seating, call (540) 206-2414 up until 6:00 p.m. February 12.

Valentine’s Day Singing Telegram on February 12 is one way to show your loved one how much you care. The $25 cost includes singing, a special card, candy and flower. All proceeds go to Bethany Hall’s Client Recreational Fund. Call Jenny Neel at (540) 343-4261, ext 308.

Showtimers Community Theater is presenting “Mame” a musical by Jerome Lawrence and Robert Lee. Featuring a fun-loving socialite, Mame Dennis acquires custody of her 10-year-old nephew, Patrick, and isn’t quite sure what to do. Songs include Bosom Buddies, That’s How Young I Feel and Mame. The show runs February 11-28 and the cost to attend is $12 for adults and $5 for those under age 18.

Tickets may be purchased online at www.showtimers.org or by phone at (540) 774-2660. Requests may be emailed to boxoffice@showtimers.org.

Valentine’s Day (2010), a new movie with an all-star cast, will be released in theaters on February 12. The comedy/romance film involves intertwining couples and singles in Los Angeles break-up and make-up based on the pressures and expectations of Valentine’s Day. A reviewer attending a press release regarding the movie said, “It is perfect for this day of love. Even if you are alone and have no Valentine of your own, it will set the mood and you will feel the love that is in the air at this time of year.”

For those who opt for a simpler means to show their love, consider making home made valentines and giving conversational hearts with the candy’s thematic take on love. And there is always the more traditional approach including one or any combination of: a box of chocolates, flowers and heart-shaped jewelry.

Light some candles and watch a romantic movie to cap the evening…
The bottom line is that however Valentine’s Day is celebrated, the main thing is to feel that love is in the air!

By Susan Ayers

February 5, 2010

Susan’s Post

Filed under: General — Tags: — susanmayers @ 7:39 pm

Miss Bonnie with samples of her new product

Miss Bonnie with samples of her new product.

Published in The Roanoke Star-Sentinel
February 5-11, 2010 Edition

 

Miss Bonnie’s Cheese Spreads Are a Hit

Looking for something easy, quick and delicious to serve for Superbowl Sunday? You may not need to look far. Enter Miss Bonnie’s Gourmet Cheese Spreads.

Beginning this Friday, the newly introduced classic cheddar cheese spread will be available for sale at 11 Kroger stores in the Roanoke Valley. Kroger introduced Miss Bonnie’s pimento cheese and jalapeno pepper cheese spreads to the area last summer. “It’s a great product line and we’re proud to carry it,” enthused Cheese Category Manager Tonya Morris.

On Saturday and Sunday, Kroger customers will have the opportunity to sample Miss Bonnie’s Olive Salad recipe, made with her Cheese Spread and Gambino’s Olive Salad from noon until 6:00 p.m.

“Gambino’s found that sales of their olive salad products increased as a result of Miss Bonnie’s recipe. We’re piggy backing on Gambino’s and vice versa. It’s a win-win for both as well as for the customers who love the cheeses and the recipes,” remarked Ron Adleman, Bonnie’s husband.

The story of Miss Bonnie’s Gourmet Cheese Spreads began because “I wasn’t satisfied with the choices offered in the food stores and I began crafting my own Cheese Spreads. My friends and family members encouraged me to market my Cheese Spreads and I decided to give it a try,” said Bonnie Adleman.

The home based start-up business began in a 600 square-feet space on the second floor of their garage in Midlothian, Virginia. Miss Bonnie’s pimento cheese spread was introduced the day before Thanksgiving 2006 in a Kroger store in the Richmond area. The Adlemans had decided to make enough cheese spread for ten (10) cases with one dozen jars in one case. “Almost all ten cases sold that day and Store Manager Milton Foster late that afternoon told me that I had the best first day sales of any vendor he ever had in any of the stores he had managed,” she recalled.

Because the Adlemans didn’t have any cheese spread to restock the store, they postponed Thanksgiving dinner until Friday and on Thanksgiving Day made 12 more cases of cheese spread. By Christmas, Miss Bonnie’s was in two additional Kroger stores in Richmond.

By the end of 2007, they were able to expand distribution to eight Kroger stores by streamlining production. Two of these stores were new. One of the two new stores opening in 2007 was the Midlothian Ivymont Kroger, managed by Ed Southern, who has been in the grocery business for 41 years and manages the largest volume Kroger store in the Mid-Atlantic, having opened three of the new Kroger locations in Richmond during this time.

“I have never, ever, seen a more prolific, customer accepted and demanded, grass roots promoted food item in my entire career,” exclaimed Southern. Being the second Kroger to receive Miss Bonnie’s cheese spread for sale, it was noticed that anyone who tasted this cheese was a fan. My challenge: get it into the mouths of my customers. Using a demo dome daily made this easy and I watched the product grow to the number one position in my specialty cheese commodity.”

In September 2007, the Adleman’s learned that Miss Bonnie’s Gourmet Pimento Cheese Spread was named the “2007 New Product Success Story of the Year” for Kroger Mid-Atlantic.

The release of their second item, Jalapeno Pepper Cheese Spread “took off just like its predecessor,” said Southern.

“I am so proud of Bonnie. She has become a star in this dim economy and everyone that she comes into contact with loves her. The customers gravitate toward her,” Ron Adleman remarked.

“In November 2009, Miss Bonnie’s Gourmet relocated production from their garage to a 13,200 square-feet plant that previously produced smoked fish in Front Royal, Virginia. Only currently using 25 percent of the plant with five acres behind the plant will allow room for expansion. The business currently has eight full-time employees and as the business expands, additional employees will be hired,” he said.

The product line is presently sold in 56 retail grocery locations in Virginia. The products contain “zero gluten fillers, no sugar, no trans fats and no carbs. It’s a blend of naturally aged cheeses – no artificial anything. It contains pure ingredients, is chunky, old fashioned and “diabetic friendly.”

“National rollout is scheduled to begin in mid-February beginning with the completion of distribution of the products to the remaining Kroger stores in the Mid-Atlantic Division. We appreciate all that Kroger has done to help the little guy,” said Ron Adleman.

For recipes and other information, visit www.missbonnies.com

By Susan Ayers

Susan’s Post

Filed under: General — Tags: — susanmayers @ 7:19 pm

Published in The Roanoke Star-Sentinel
January 29-February 4, 2010 Edition

Roanokers Rally to Assist Earthquake Victims in Haiti

Americans have been highly focused on the massive earthquake that struck Haiti on January 12 and not only is the disaster clearly the top news story, approximately 70 percent say it is the story they are talking about with friends, according to the Pew Research Center, a non-partisan “fact tank” that provides information on issues shaping America and the world.

Here in the Roanoke Valley, we continue to see businesses; non-profit organizations and individuals collectively band together to share their talent, money and time towards helping those in need.

“In just the first week of the Haiti response effort, the American Red Cross spent or committed $34 million and those funds were spent on food and water, relief supplies and logistical and support services in Haiti,” said Roanoke Valley Chapter American Red Cross Public Relations Director Amy Whittaker.

“As of 5:00 p.m. last Thursday, $26 million had been collected from individuals donating by mobile texting and more than 60 percent of the donations have come from online giving. The local chapter is the conduit for financial donation and any monies received by them is forwarded to the national organization,” added Whittaker.

The American Red Cross and its partners are currently providing more than 3 million pre-packaged meals, more than 1 million water purification packets and thousands of jerry cans so people can collect and transport clear drinking water. Aid will continue to be pushed through to Haiti over the next several days and weeks and as the international relief effort grows so will the monetary commitment of the American Red Cross. “Right now, it’s important to get relief there as quickly as possible, but also be thoughtful and responsible in how we spend the funds the American people have entrusted to us,” Whittaker emphasized.

For information on how to donate to the American Red Cross, visit www.redcross.org or call 1-800-435-7669.

“Angel Missions Haiti is a Christian non-profit group dedicated to helping families obtaining life saving medical care for children. We are trying to get as many medical teams to Haiti as possible,” said the non-profit organization’s President, Tom Carpenter who manages the non-profit organization from a local perspective.

The teams have been made aware of the situation(s) that they face, including working long hours, sleeping on cots and eating available rations. Under normal conditions, medical personnel would see approximately 100 children daily verses 700-800 children daily. “It’s going to be a difficult trip” and those in the medical group are “true heroes,” he added. Carpenter’s wife and founder of the organization, Vanessa Carpenter, is already in Haiti.

A group of volunteer medical personnel from Roanoke and surrounding areas [Medical Mission to Haiti – Helping Angel Missions Haiti Causes] will be departing for Haiti on or about February 13 and will be working together to provide needed medical services to the children of earthquake ravaged Haiti.

Angel Missions Haiti is an organization consisting of all volunteers, which keeps overhead down and enables 100 percent of money donated to go to Haiti. The non-profit organization has partnered with businesses including General Electric, Abbott Labs, Adobe Software Company and Proctor & Gamble.

To donate money to Angel Missions Haiti, visit www.angelmissionshaiti.org or mail a check to Angel Missions Haiti, 4071 Barley Drive, Salem, VA 24153. The organization can also utilize donations in the form of medical supplies and other items that are listed on its website. A donated semi-truck will be parked at West Salem Baptist Church for the next two weeks. When the trailers are filled, they will be shipped to Port-au-Prince, Haiti, to their medical Clinics and orphanages. Donations of the needed items will be accepted Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 8:00a.m. to 3:00p.m. and Friday from 8:00a.m. to 12:00p.m. For additional information, please contact Beth Richardson at (540) 353-5058.

“WDBJ7 lined up and partnered with other businesses Berglund Automotive, Carilion Clinic, Hometown Bank and Hardees and pledged to match the first $10,000 our community donates to the Salvation Army’s Haitian Disaster Fund and as of close of business last Friday $35,620 not including the $10,000 match, “ said Roanoke’s Salvation Army Development Director Trish Musselwhite.

More than 80,000 pounds of food, water and other emergency supplies have been delivered to The Salvation Army compound with the help of UPS and over 24,000 meal kits with rations sufficient to supply a family for five days have been provided to individuals and families in Haiti. Registration has begun for the estimated 10,000 people who are sheltered in makeshift tents adjacent to the compound in Port-au-Prince. The registration will be helpful, as deliveries of food rations will eventually be tied to numbers of registered people in any given district.

“Because this is for international relief, there are no administrative costs and all donations go for relief in Haiti, “emphasized Musselwhite.

For information on how to donate to the Salvation Army, visit www.salvationarmyroanokeva.org or call (800) SAL-ARMY.

Roanoke’s Commonwealth Catholic Charities anticipates having Haitian children brought in through the Division of Unaccompanied Children Services program and “we are trying to be as prepared as we can trying to get everything as stabilized as we can,” said Adoption Program Manager Marge Savage Thornton.

Children in Haiti previously identified and matched with an adopted family will be coming home more quickly because of the earthquake. Normally, “the process would take more than a year after identification,” remarked Thornton.

For information on how to donate, call (540) 344-5107.

By  Susan Ayers

Susan’s Post

Filed under: General — Tags: — susanmayers @ 6:54 pm

Published by The Roanoke Star-Sentinel
January 22-28, 2010 Edition

Sharebike and Cyclo-Ward Pedal Into New Location

More than 100 biking enthusiasts attended an open house held recently to celebrate the new digs of Sharebike and Cyclo-Ward Bicycle Repair, located at the corner of Jefferson Street and Franklin Road. Cyclo-Ward is the maintenance arm of Sharebike.

The subfreezing temperatures and wind gusts of up to 32 miles per hour didn’t stop The Starbomb and the Star City Alley Cat bicycle groups from braving the elements and holding their individual monthly rides/races, which left from and returned to Sharebike the evening of the open house. The remainder of the crowd chose to stay inside where it was warm.

Launched by Ron McCorkle and James Rosar in 2007, both the non-profit community bicycle program and bicycle repair business were previously housed in a 475 square-foot storefront located in the City Market Building at 32 Market Square. The new and more spacious location includes a social area with a coffee service and large chalk talk black board to encourage shared dialog, an educational center with DVDs, bike-related publications and accessories, yellow sharebikes and a bicycle repair area. Information regarding upcoming bicycle events and the greenways is also available at Sharebike. The new location will begin selling new bikes in March.

Last Spring, Sharebike acquired a pedicab [a three-wheeled vehicle with a seat in front for the driver, handlebars and a cab in back for passengers]. The purpose of the pedicab service is to encourage bicycling and to offer a unique opportunity for visitors from out of town to see the city and have a guided tour by one of Sharebike’s professional drivers.

A small fee is charged to use the yellow share bikes leaving from the main location and the bikes are free to use at three other Roanoke locations that are operated by the individual businesses that Sharebike has formed a partnership with including Blackdog Salvage [located at 902 13th Street, SW], Grandin Gardens [located at 1731 Grandin Road, SW] and Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission [located at 313 Luck Avenue, SW].

Founded by McCorkle, Sharebike has no employees, but rather utilizes the bartering system with many of its volunteers. “One of the volunteers maintains the coffee service in exchange for our new blend of coffee created for Sharebike by Star City Roasters. Eighty percent of what we do is community supported by trade and donation,” said McCorkle.

“Sharebike has tripled in business after two years in all dimensions including size of building and volume and I anticipate at least doubling in volume this year. James Rosar, Owner/Operator of Cyclo-Ward, makes Sharebike possible by providing instruction, maintenance and repair for the bikes,” added McCorkle.
Being an organization created to stimulate, support and link together a wide range of community-based bicycling initiatives to Roanoke, Sharebike restores bikes that have been confiscated by the City and then donates the restored bikes to be used in an after school program at Woodrow Wilson Middle School overseen by Resource Officer, Jimmy Goad.

Sharebike’s hours of operation are currently 11:00a.m.- 8:00p.m. with the exception of Tuesday and Sunday when closed. McCorkle said that plans are underway to open daily in the spring and a Grand Opening is planned for sometime in March.

For additional information, visit www.sharebike.org and www.cycloward.com

By Susan Ayers

Susan’s Post

Filed under: General — Tags: — susanmayers @ 6:30 pm

Published by The Roanoke Star-Sentinel
January 8-14, 2010 Edition

“The Big Read” Offers A Lesson Before Dying

The Big Read Roanoke Valley is an effort to encourage people in this area to make reading a part of their daily lives and to foster a stronger sense of community. As part of The Big Read in Virginia, Roanoke Valley residents will read Ernest Gaines’ A Lesson Before Dying.

The Big Read is actually a nationwide program created by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services and in cooperation with Arts Midwest. The program is designed to revitalize literary reading in America. The Big Read invites communities to read a single book of American literature and to then meet for book discussion groups, panels, lectures, film screenings and other activities in relation to the book.

In 2009, the NEA awarded 269 grants across the country, one that went to the Virginia Foundation Center for the Book to conduct The Big Read in Virginia. The Center located in Charlottesville, furnishes NEA-produced educational and promotional materials to participating localities in Virginia. The Big Read Roanoke Valley is part of The Big Read in Virginia.

Lucy Lee and Ann McCallum, co-chairs of the The Big Read Roanoke Valley are hoping that everyone in the Roanoke Valley [ninth grade and older] will have read the book by March. The board of the Friends of the Roanoke County Library are in charge of The Big Read. Many of the area’s school systems, colleges and area businesses are also participating.

The setting of “A Lesson Before Dying” is on a plantation in Louisiana during the late 1940s and is about a young African American man who is sentenced to death for a crime he did not commit. The novel follows the relationship of him and the plantation’s college-educated teacher and the development of their relationship against a backdrop of racial segregation. It examines how a man should live confronted with what it takes to be a man in the certainty of death and uncertainties of life and examines racism, death, families, injustice and strength.

Upcoming events to complement the book community study.
March 4: Virtuoso banjoist Bela Fleck and an ensemble of all-star African musicians transcend barriers of language and culture with African music at The Jefferson Center 7:30p.m.–9:00p.m.
March 5: an international champion of hip-hop culture will perform with her original songs and spoken-word poetry at The Jefferson Center beginning at 8:00p.m.
March 12: “A Lesson Before Dying” film version will be screened at 7:30p.m. Directed by Joseph Sargent, the film won two Emmy awards when it was released in 1999. In 2000, the film won a Humanitas Prize.

By Susan Ayers

Susan’s New Post

Filed under: General — Tags: — susanmayers @ 4:32 pm

Published by The Roanoke Star-Sentinel
January 1-7, 2010 Edition

Annual Writers Conference to Convene At Hollins

The third annual Roanoke Regional Writers Conference is scheduled for January 22-23 at Hollins University.

Founded and organized by Valley Business FRONT Co-Founder and Editor Dan Smith, the conference opens Friday evening with a wine reception and introduction of teaching staff and speakers for the evening, Sara Elizabeth Timmins and Janis Jaquith.

Timmons, a filmmaker most recently from Los Angeles, will speak on “Telling the Story.” She has produced more than a dozen movies helping playwrights, screenwriters, writers, musicians and choreographers translate their vision to the screen.

Jaquith’s commentaries have been heard on the public radio show Marketplace, on National Public Radio’s (NBR) Day to Day and on NBR station WVTF. Having won a Virginia Press Association (VPA) award for editorial writing, she is a columnist and author.

The conference on Saturday is geared toward vocational and avocational writers who have the desire to become better at their craft and to network with other writers from the region. The 24 classes and two round-table discussions will be on topics including writing and social media, translating your work to film/stage, media writing, freelance writing and the law, freelance writing in this market, the short personal essay, and writing local history among others.

Among those teaching classes will be John Anderson, author of the recently published book, “Stand by Her: A Breast Cancer Guide for Men.” Anderson was prompted to write the book after his wife, sister, mother and mother’s best friend were diagnosed with breast cancer and his close encounters with the disease. He has since appeared on national television and has been asked by numerous publications to author articles on the same subject.

Other presenters include Blue Ridge Country editor Cara Modisett, Leisure Publishing Editor in Chief, Kurt Rheinheimer, two-time Pulitzer Prize nominee Rex Bowman, and The Roanoke Star-Sentinel Editor Gene Marrano, among others.

The cost of the conference is $50 per person and includes the reception, coffee all day Saturday and lunch.

For additional information regarding the conference schedule and to register, visit http://www.hollins.edu/news-events/writers/writers.htm.

By Susan Ayers

Susan’s New Post

Filed under: General — Tags: — susanmayers @ 3:59 pm

Published by The Roanoke Star-Sentinel
January 1-7, 2010 Edition

Variety of Events Set for New Years in Roanoke

From New Year’s Eve Bouncy Ball Drop, Enchanted Eve and The New Year’s Blast to parties galore at local restaurants and hotels, there is something for everyone who wants to celebrate New Year’s Eve in the Roanoke Valley.

At the second annual “New Year’s Eve Bouncy Ball Drop,” kids of all ages will gather in the atrium of Center in the Square, home to the Science Museum of Western Virginia, before noon for the countdown. More than 11,000 bouncy balls were dropped last year.

Because bouncy balls will be given out on a first-come first-served basis, it is recommended that participants arrive by 10:30a.m. At noon, everyone will drop their bouncy balls from various levels to the first floor of the atrium.

The event is free. For additional information, visit www.smwv.org or call (540) 342-5710.

The 6th annual “Enchanted Eve” is Roanoke County’s alcohol-free community inspired New Year’s Eve celebration held in Downtown Vinton from 6:00p.m. to 12:00a.m.

Tourism and Event Coordinator for Roanoke County Department of Parks and Recreation Wendi Schultz said, “Travel Through Time is this year’s theme that will magically transport participants through ten (10) decades of fun and merriment through numerous events and entertainment venues in buildings and public spaces all along Washington Avenue. There will be special attractions, games, music, parades, food, live entertainment and fireworks at midnight”

Schultz emphasized, “the event will be held regardless of the weather because most of the activities are held indoors.” She added that she has a “fabulous large group of volunteers” including16 community volunteers who serve on the committee that begins planning the annual event every January, an additional 250 volunteers who help in the preparation for the event and at the event and students from the Key Club at Lord Botetourt High School and JRTC students at William Byrd High School who help with security and handling the buttons for admission.

Admission fee in advance is $7 (ages 3-12 $3). Tickets may be purchased in advance at numerous locations including area Kroger stores and some of the banks located in Vinton. Tickets not purchased in advance will cost an additional $2. Attendance of 3,000-5,000 is anticipated.

For additional information, visit www.roanokecountyva.gov or call (540) 387-6078, extension 251.

Presented by Sponsor Hounds, LLC, Roanoke’s New Year’s Eve Blast returns for its 3rd year. The event includes two stages of live music. On the opening stage will be “Center Hill,” with a mix of 80s, rock hits and new music. “80’z Enuff” will be playing hits from the 80s and will ring in the New Year with the annual dropping of the Roanoke Star.

“The star drop is bigger than the ball drop in New York City,” enthused Elliot Broyles, Organizer at Sponsor Hounds. Retired engineer Gary Greer built the seven-foot Mill Mountain Star replica with lights inside three years ago. This year Greer added additional lights to the star along with a champagne glass in front. The ball that drops in New York City is six feet.

Also at the celebration will be three 20-foot screens for the purpose of broadcasting pictures of attendees as they walk in, the bands’ performance, and the Virginia Tech/Tennessee football game. The paparazzi will be on hand to snap photos as people arrive.

This is an age 21 and up event held 8:00p.m. -1:30a.m. In the Special Events Center at the Roanoke Civic Center. The $25 admission in advance includes all entertainment, the star drop and heavy hors oeuvres. There will be a cash bar. A reserved table includes prime placement near the main stage, eight tickets to the event, and a bottle of champagne for midnight toast, party favors and access to the VIP area with hors oeuvres.

For additional information, visit www.sponsorhounds.com/new years.html or call (540) 206-2414 or (877) 723-8496.

The 32nd annual Charity Ball for the Preceptor Omicron chapter of Beta Sigma Phi will be held on New Year’s Eve at The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center.
The ticket price of $160 per couple includes a strolling buffet dinner for two, seating in one of two ballrooms, live music and dancing and a champagne toast and balloon drop at midnight. For additional information and to purchase tickets, call (540) 342-5089 or visit www.newyearsevegala.org.

By Susan Ayers

December 15, 2009

Susan’s New Post

Filed under: General — Tags: , — susanmayers @ 12:00 am

 

Published by Vinton VOICE
November 18, 2009 Edition

Susan M. Ayers, Contributor

Business SPOTLIGHT

 - on Caring Transitions -

When Bonsack resident Kevin Kitts became unemployed, he decided to go in business for himself and through that business, he wanted to help others.

After searching on-line relentlessly for two years for the right business franchise, Kitts ran across a business called Caring Transitions, headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio. Caring Transitions is the only North American franchise to specialize in relocation and transition services for Seniors. By realigning his finances and utilizing money left in savings, he was able to purchase a franchise that encompasses Roanoke, Salem, Lynchburg, Bedford and the New River Valley.

Kitts drove to Cincinnati for orientation and went through a rigorous training program June 1-5 of this year and opened for business one week after completion of the training. He said the main office is “very supportive and provides ongoing training.” Kitts works out of his home.

He primarily works with people who find it necessary to leave a familiar home and part with their personal belongings. He also assists clients who want to declutter their homes, but don’t have adequate time to complete the project or they may feel overwhelmed.

Those people Kitts works with leave their homes often because of the result of life events such as downsizing, divorce, the death of a loved one, or the need to move into a retirement community, a nursing care center, or a family member’s home that necessitate transitions. If needed, he arranges the move and acts as supervisor so the owners don’t have to be present and handle all the details involved.

He works closely with his clients to help them understand what is involved and find out what matters the most to them. Based on their preferences, “we coordinate and handle any or all of the clients’ needs. We are committed to making each client’s experience a positive one. We seek what is best for our clients to minimize their stress and last minute scurrying. From managing the move and helping families make informed decisions to handling the liquidation and distribution of personal belongings, we provide the services our clients need and want,” said Kitts.

For keepsakes that the client wants to remain in the family, arrangements are made to have those items moved to the client’s home, shipped to family members, or put in storage.

Kitts makes the necessary phone calls to find out where there is a need and arranges for items that the client wants to donate to be picked up at the home or delivered, which may give the client a tax deduction.

If there are possessions that the client wants to sell, Caring Transitions knows the best way to market and sell those items to obtain the highest price possible. Kitts remarked, “We don’t depend on good weather or buyer turnout at one-day estate sales.”

The best method of selling each item is determined and considerable research may be required prior to making that decision. An inventory listing is then prepared that consists of a list of each item with a detailed description and photograph. Roger Dunagan who resides in Vinton and is a friend and former colleague of Kitts, is the photographer.

The various methods of sale include consignment, tag sales, e-Bay, antique dealers, furniture resellers and auctions. Kitts ensures that all items are clean and well presented prior to being offered for sale, regardless of method of sale used.

He noted that much to the clients’ surprise, he has found numerous items of significant value in the attics or basements of homes including an etching by Pablo Picasso, carved ivory figurines, and a Chinese happiness chair with carved in Chinese happiness symbols. Prior to the donation or sale of books, each page is gone through to ensure that something of value is not overlooked. Kitts has found everything from money to adoption papers between the pages. “Unexpectedly finding treasures for the client is very rewarding to me,” he said.

The sale of the higher-ticketed items is handled by Ken Farmer Auction House & Appraisals in Radford, a full-service auction house. Internationally recognized through the quality of his auctions as well as appearances on the PBS smash hit, Antique Road Show. Farmer has an art appraiser and a coin appraiser on staff. Auctions are held twice monthly with periodic catalogue auctions throughout the year. Catalogs are sent to 3,000 dealers.

Within 10 days after sale of the items, Kitts provides the client with a detailed invoice and check. Accurate and extensive record keeping is important because “your reputation is at stake,” he emphasized.

Another service available is cleaning and staging the home for sale. Kitts locates painters, plumbers, electricians and other professionals as needed. If there are items to be sold in the home, he also takes the necessary steps to stage the items for sale.

“Two years ago, I never thought I would be cleaning other people’s houses,” Kitts laughed. “The bottom line is I’m doing something to help people,” he added.

For additional information, visit www.caringtransitions.net or call (540) 977-2801.

November 25, 2009

Susan’s New Post

Filed under: General — Tags: — susanmayers @ 8:31 pm

Owners/Operators of Consignment 1st: L to R: Nick Perez, Susan Moore, Not pictured: Martha Perez

Owners/Operators of Consignment 1st: L to R: Nick Perez, Susan Moore, Not pictured: Martha Perez

Published by The Roanoke Star-Sentinel
November 20-26, 2009 Edition

 

Shopping for Fashion and Home Decor
at Roanoke “Resale” Outlets

According to The National Association of Resale & Thrift Shops (NARTS), resale continues to gain in popularity for several reasons. For starters, there’s the “green” angle; aside from the current economic conditions, people would rather consign, sell or donate their unwanted or unneeded items rather than just add to the waste stream. Some consumers prefer not to hassle with the work a yard-sale entails.

Even higher-income “fashionistas” and decorating divas with a passion for fashion have jumped on the bandwagon and are buying stylish clothing, accessories and furniture for a third or a fourth of the original price – sometimes even less, leaving money for other things in life.

Many consignment shops have evolved to incorporate a boutique appearance, carrying new and gently used upscale, name brand, and designer apparel and accessories. While the larger thrift stores may require more effort sifting through the merchandise, there is upscale clothing including accessories and shoes as well as furniture, decorating accessories and household goods to be found at bargain prices. Better yet, profits from items sold at many of these outlets support charitable causes.

Some of many resale-shopping opportunities to choose from in Roanoke:

Consignment 1st Roanoke Valley, 2065 Electric Road at Oak Grove Plaza.  Owners/Operators: Wayne and Susan Moore and Nick and Martha Perez. Call first if interested in consigning furniture or large items. Electronics are not accepted for consignment.  Categories: new and “like new” used furniture that is in style, antiques and collectibles, wrought iron, wicker, estates, home décor, artwork, pottery, crystal, silver, and jewelry.

Discovery Shop, 3723 Franklin Road (Townside Shopping Center)
Manager: Amy Whitlow Peck. Categories: The new and gently used merchandise is donated by area businesses and individuals and includes quality and some designer clothing for women and men, home furnishings, collectibles, books and jewelry. The money from sales goes to the local chapter of the American Cancer Society. With the exception of the manager, volunteers staff the store.

Euro Fashions & Exclusives, 3635 Franklin Road (Townside Shopping Center).  Owner/Operator: Rhonda Cheatwood. Consignments by appointment only. Categories: boutique-like atmosphere, new lingerie, “like new” brand name clothing for women, accessories, jewelry, handbags, shoes, and trendy clothing. Brands carried include Armani, Chanel, Gucci, St. John’s, Ann Taylor, and more.

Express Unlimited Furniture & Consignment, 401 Campbell Avenue, SW (beside Angels of Assisi in downtown Roanoke). Owner: Anthony Miller. Manager: Tracey McNew. Categories: Has found a niche from their other business Express Delivery & Moving by turning customer’s unused household items into cash and at the same time helping families find items they need at affordable prices. Their store offers gently used furniture, decorative accessories, electronics, and appliances.

Gently Worn, 2107 Apperson Drive (beside the Paperback Exchange) Owners/Operators: Kaye Garland and Joanne Foster. Consignments by apointment only. Categories: “Like new” clothing for women including suits, separates, casual wear, cocktail and formal wear, shoes, handbags, jewelry, belts, designer name jeans, home decorative items, gifts. Name brands include Talbots, Eddie Bauer, Gap, Ann Taylor, and more.

Golden Shoestring, 621 Townside Road off of Franklin Road, Ste E (Behind Jiffy Lube).  Owners/Operators:  Susan Appel and Mary Ahea    Consignments by appointment only.  Categories:  features clothing for both women and men, upscale, designer labels, casual wear, work attire, shoes, costume jewelry, some fine jewelry, handbags.    

Goodwill has several retail stores in Roanoke and surrounding areas.  Categories:  men and women’s clothing, accessories, furniture, kitchenware, art, music, toys, books, electronics, and collectibles.  Many of the items are brand-name and designer labels.  Items may be donated at any of the Goodwill stores during regular business hours.  The dollars spent in the stores support Goodwill’s Mission Services programs for people with disabilities and disadvantages. 

Hidden Treasures Consignment Boutique  4216 Brambleton Avenue (at Brambleton Plaza) Owner/Operator:  Bethany King. Consignments by appointment only.  Categories: primarily designer labels and the latest fashions in clothing, shoes, purses, consigned jewelry as well as jewelry by local artists, formalwear, and furniture in order to offer an upscale venue to consign, shop, and save money.     

 New To Me Consignment Boutique, 1504 Grandin Road, Southwest Roanoke.  Owner/Operator:  Jenny Prickitt   Consignments by appointment only.  Categories:  Upscale boutique that sells art, furniture, clothing, shoes, gift items, jewelry, collectible antiques, decorative accessories for the home, and unique gifts. 

Rescue Mission Thrift Store, 421 4th Street SE,  Manager: Charlotte Anders.     Categories:  clothing and shoes for ladies, men, and children, toys, household goods, appliances, furniture, bedding, window treatments, formalwear, and costume jewelry.  Items may be donated at the store during regular hours Monday through Saturday 9am-5pm.  The dollars spent in the stores are used to provide needed services for the poor such as meals, shelter and medicine.

2nd Helpings Shop/Gallery/Cafe – 1502 Williamson Road (in the former Sears Building) Manager:  Joyce Sylvester Johnson; Co-Managers:  Rhonda Hamed and Terry Wilkinson.  The Roanoke Rescue Mission’s recently opened upscale thrift shop includes a store, cafe and art gallery.  Categories:  The store sells gently used fashions, furnishings, collectibles and pet accessories.  Clothing is arranged by color and size.  The Art Gallery, a successor to Art on a Mission at Tanglewood Mall, contains eclectic works of art including drawings, pottery, photography, sculpture and jewelry from more than 100 regional artists.  All of the profits raised from the 2nd Helping store are used to fund the operating budget for Rescue Mission ministries.  The purchase of original art from the gallery supports local artists and provides funds for the homeless to access the medical attention they need.  Items for sale in the store originate from donations taken in at the 421 4th Street location.

By  Susan Ayers

 

 

 

   

 

November 24, 2009

Susan’s New Post

Filed under: General — Tags: — susanmayers @ 9:19 pm

Published by The Roanoke Star-Sentinel
November 13-19, 2009 Edition

Franklin County Joins Water Authority

The Roanoke City Council, the Boards of Supervisors of Franklin and Roanoke counties, and the Western Virginia Water Authority of Roanoke unanimously approved Franklin County’s membership to the authority last week. The membership will not be official until the State Corporation Commission grants approval. The Western Virginia Water Authority and Franklin County have previously worked together to acquire several private water systems in the Smith Mountain Lake area and to obtain money to extend the water system at Westlake along Scruggs Road.

Before they voted, a public hearing was jointly held on Thursday, November 5 by the City Council of Roanoke, the Boards of Supervisors of Franklin County and Roanoke County and by the Board of Directors of the Western Virginia Water Authority of Roanoke at the Vinton War Memorial.

The Western Virginia Water Authority was formed on July 1, 2004 between Roanoke City and Roanoke County to become a regional entity for providing water and wastewater services to customers. The Authority said this regional approach has benefited customers in the Roanoke area and now stands to benefit current Authority customers as well as Franklin County by providing adequate water supply, fire protection and wastewater services for all customers for years to come. It came about after an earlier period of drought that saw Roanoke City without adequate water supply when Carvins Cove was low; meanwhile neighboring Roanoke County had ample water coming from Spring Hollow Reservoir.

Authority members say this regional approach has benefited customers in the Roanoke Valley by providing adequate water supply, fire protection and wastewater services for all customers, for many years to come.

Fuzzy Minnix, the Western Virginia Water Authority Board Chairman said “things accomplished led by [former Roanoke County Administrator] Elmer Hodge and staff, helped bring about the authority’s leadership by both the County and the City. We welcome Franklin County as cousins just south of us.”

“This is good for the region. It’s a good business decision,” said Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce President Joyce Waugh.

Eleanor Dillard, a local resident attending the hearing, was a bit more cautious: “the more we add localities, the more we stretch our own resources. [But] regional cooperation is good if all are on equal basis.”

Rocky Mount Town Manager James Ervin preferred to see the event in amore positive light: “This is an exciting day and I want to say well done.”

The joint resolution authorizing Franklin County to join the Western Virginia Water Authority was read and presented to Franklin County Administrator Rick Huff.

“It is with a “great deal of pleasure that we the Western Virginia Water Authority, welcome Franklin County as our newest member and it is great to have them on board. Cheers to all,” said Minnix with a final comment. Bedford County already had a connection to water systems in Franklin County; future plans could include a link to Smith Mountain Lake and a return loop to Roanoke that would finalize a complete circuit, able to send water to places where it is needed most.

By: Susan Ayers

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