Friday, January 30, 2009

Kindergarten Kids and Trout

This tank is full of healthy little trout fry and is under the watchful eye of the students in Hannah Sullivan's kindergarten class at Axton Elementary School. Now that is a whole lot of trout!

Hannah is one of our star TIC teachers and this will be her second year with the program.

Hannah had great success last year with big, healthy fish released into the Smith, and she is off to a great start again this year with a whole new crop of trout and a brand new crop of kids!
She also develops programs for her students to help teach them the importance of keeping trash and pollution out of our rivers and streams so we can have healthy water. One of her tools is a "Smart Board" program which is an interactive game allowing kids to go up to the screen and drag trash from the river. Each time they remove trash, an animal appears. The kids see the direct impact of pollution and wildlife. She then turns her attention to the trout tank and asks the kids if she should drop her empty soda can in the tank...they all scream "NO, you'll hurt the fish !" Yea, they get it!!

Article and photos by: Brian Williams
Edited and posted by: Vicky Thomas

Kindergarten Kids and Trout

This tank is full of healthy little trout fry and is under the watchful eye of the students in Hannah Sullivan's kindergarten class at Axton Elementary School. Now that is a whole lot of trout!

Hannah is one of our star TIC teachers and this will be her second year with the program.

Hannah had great success last year with big, healthy fish released into the Smith, and she is off to a great start again this year with a whole new crop of trout and a brand new crop of kids!
She also develops programs for her students to help teach them the importance of keeping trash and pollution out of our rivers and streams so we can have healthy water. One of her tools is a "Smart Board" program which is an interactive game allowing kids to go up to the screen and drag trash from the river. Each time they remove trash, an animal appears. The kids see the direct impact of pollution and wildlife. She then turns her attention to the trout tank and asks the kids if she should drop her empty soda can in the tank...they all scream "NO, you'll hurt the fish !" Yea, they get it!!

Article and photos by: Brian Williams
Edited and posted by: Vicky Thomas

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Citizen Water Monitoring Training Offered


U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Teaming Up With Local Residents to Count Bugs

It sounds like childs play to get in a stream and count bugs. And, according to Linda Drage, President of Friends of Philpott Lake, it is a lot of fun. But it has a serious side too. This is about taking measure of the water quality around Philpott Reservoir, she says, something everyone in the area has a stake in.

Mary Lawson, Conservation Biologist with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), works at Philpott Reservoir. She is partnering with the Friends of Philpott Lake and the Dan River Basin Association (DRBA) to develop a water quality plan for the reservoir. A key component of that plan includes recruiting and training volunteers on something called macro-invertebrate water monitoring. Thats right: counting bugs. Turns out that the numbers and kinds of macro-invertebrates living in streams is an indication of the streams health.

To find out how that works, the public is invited to an informational meeting at the Philpott Lake Visitor Assistance Center, 1058 Philpott Dam Road, on Saturday, January 31 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. A light lunch will be served. Volunteer monitors are the eyes and the ears of a watershed. There is a story in the water that is waiting to be told, says Wayne Kirkpatrick, a volunteer monitor for Virginia Save Our Streams and the Virginia Citizens for Water Quality, as well as Vice President of DRBA.

This community effort will broaden the USACEs capacity to care for the lake and engage with local citizens to protect local resources. Lawson says her hopes are that this program will encourage the lakes neighbors to help prevent pollution in the watershed. Adults and children from church groups to scouts to individuals are encouraged to participate. Much of the initiative is made possible with funding from the Virginia Environmental Endowment and support from the Friends of Philpott Lake. Drage says The Friends of Philpott are committed to facilitating community involvement to help Philpott Lake remain a high quality natural and recreational resource. This meeting will introduce a great way to participate. The lunch and session, made possible with support from the Virginia Environmental Endowment, is free, but participants are encouraged to register by noon on Thursday, January 29. To register or for more information, contact Linda Drage, Friends of Philpott Lake, 276-681-6805 or ldrage@comcast.net

Photo & Press Release contributed by: Ellen Jessee
Posted by: Jennifer Doss

Citizen Water Monitoring Training Offered


U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Teaming Up With Local Residents to Count Bugs

It sounds like childs play to get in a stream and count bugs. And, according to Linda Drage, President of Friends of Philpott Lake, it is a lot of fun. But it has a serious side too. This is about taking measure of the water quality around Philpott Reservoir, she says, something everyone in the area has a stake in.

Mary Lawson, Conservation Biologist with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), works at Philpott Reservoir. She is partnering with the Friends of Philpott Lake and the Dan River Basin Association (DRBA) to develop a water quality plan for the reservoir. A key component of that plan includes recruiting and training volunteers on something called macro-invertebrate water monitoring. Thats right: counting bugs. Turns out that the numbers and kinds of macro-invertebrates living in streams is an indication of the streams health.

To find out how that works, the public is invited to an informational meeting at the Philpott Lake Visitor Assistance Center, 1058 Philpott Dam Road, on Saturday, January 31 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. A light lunch will be served. Volunteer monitors are the eyes and the ears of a watershed. There is a story in the water that is waiting to be told, says Wayne Kirkpatrick, a volunteer monitor for Virginia Save Our Streams and the Virginia Citizens for Water Quality, as well as Vice President of DRBA.

This community effort will broaden the USACEs capacity to care for the lake and engage with local citizens to protect local resources. Lawson says her hopes are that this program will encourage the lakes neighbors to help prevent pollution in the watershed. Adults and children from church groups to scouts to individuals are encouraged to participate. Much of the initiative is made possible with funding from the Virginia Environmental Endowment and support from the Friends of Philpott Lake. Drage says The Friends of Philpott are committed to facilitating community involvement to help Philpott Lake remain a high quality natural and recreational resource. This meeting will introduce a great way to participate. The lunch and session, made possible with support from the Virginia Environmental Endowment, is free, but participants are encouraged to register by noon on Thursday, January 29. To register or for more information, contact Linda Drage, Friends of Philpott Lake, 276-681-6805 or ldrage@comcast.net

Photo & Press Release contributed by: Ellen Jessee
Posted by: Jennifer Doss

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Activate Receives Grant for Bicycle Helmets


Activate has been awarded one of sixty Bike Smart Virginia Bicycle Helmet Mini-grants from the Virginia Department of Health. Activate will use these funds to provide over 200 multi-sport helmets to Martinsville and Henry County children who ride bicycles but do not have helmets. “We want our children to be physically active and engaged in play, but we also want them to be smart about safety, and these helmets will ensure that they have the equipment they need to play safely.” said Jeannie Frisco, Program Director of the organization.



Helmets will be distributed during the annual bike rodeo to be held in May. The main focus of the rodeo is teaching bike safety techniques beginning with how to properly fit and wear your helmet.

Frisco acknowledged Martinsville Police Department’s willingness to partner in the submission of this application. “This alliance is a win-win for everyone,” she said.

Bike Smart Virginia is a state program to prevent bicycle-related injuries in communities. A critical component of the program is the promotion of proper helmet usage.

Article and photos submitted by: Jeannie Frisco
Posted by: Vicky Thomas

Activate Receives Grant for Bicycle Helmets


Activate has been awarded one of sixty Bike Smart Virginia Bicycle Helmet Mini-grants from the Virginia Department of Health. Activate will use these funds to provide over 200 multi-sport helmets to Martinsville and Henry County children who ride bicycles but do not have helmets. “We want our children to be physically active and engaged in play, but we also want them to be smart about safety, and these helmets will ensure that they have the equipment they need to play safely.” said Jeannie Frisco, Program Director of the organization.



Helmets will be distributed during the annual bike rodeo to be held in May. The main focus of the rodeo is teaching bike safety techniques beginning with how to properly fit and wear your helmet.

Frisco acknowledged Martinsville Police Department’s willingness to partner in the submission of this application. “This alliance is a win-win for everyone,” she said.

Bike Smart Virginia is a state program to prevent bicycle-related injuries in communities. A critical component of the program is the promotion of proper helmet usage.

Article and photos submitted by: Jeannie Frisco
Posted by: Vicky Thomas

Sixty-eight Year Old Commits to Start Bicycling


Low Impact participants built up their stamina as they built up their chances to win a bicycle from Activate Martinsville/Henry County. The Low Impact Beginners Walk is held Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from noon to 1:00 p.m. at the YMCA. This program is free to residents and hosted by Activate and the YMCA.
Jean Royall was the lucky winner of the 2008 “Get Active, Get Healthy, Have Fun” program and received a Raleigh Venture Comfort Bike valued at $300. Ms. Royall commuted from Emmett Street to the YMCA after receiving her bike.

Article and photos submitted by: Jeannie Frisco
Posted by: Vicky Thomas

Sixty-eight Year Old Commits to Start Bicycling


Low Impact participants built up their stamina as they built up their chances to win a bicycle from Activate Martinsville/Henry County. The Low Impact Beginners Walk is held Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from noon to 1:00 p.m. at the YMCA. This program is free to residents and hosted by Activate and the YMCA.
Jean Royall was the lucky winner of the 2008 “Get Active, Get Healthy, Have Fun” program and received a Raleigh Venture Comfort Bike valued at $300. Ms. Royall commuted from Emmett Street to the YMCA after receiving her bike.

Article and photos submitted by: Jeannie Frisco
Posted by: Vicky Thomas

Bicycle Commuter Benefits Act Passed


After seven years of letter-writing and Congressional visits, the Bicycle Commuter Benefits Act has passed and is now law. This law is a simple, equitable provision that puts cyclists on the same footing as people who get tax breaks for taking transit or driving their cars to and from work.

The intent of this bill is so an employer can provide up to a $20 a month incentive related to an employee’s bike commuting. Accor Services, a leading provider of transportation benefits commuter solutions in the United States has developed a program that will provide a commuter check solution for bicycle commuters. The Commuter Check for Bicycling vouchers is the most convenient solution available to take advantage of the $20 per month Bicycle Benefit, authorized by the IRS that began January 1, 2009. Employers purchase them just like they do standard commuter check vouchers. Employees can take the vouchers they receive to any dedicated bicycle shop to redeem their value. Interested employers and employees can visit Accor Services website at http://www.commutercheck.com/About/AccorServices.aspx for more information. For more information regarding the Bicycle Commuter Tax Provision, visit www.bikeleague.org/news/100708faq.php

Article and photos submitted by: Jeannie Frisco
Posted by: Vicky Thomas

Bicycle Commuter Benefits Act Passed


After seven years of letter-writing and Congressional visits, the Bicycle Commuter Benefits Act has passed and is now law. This law is a simple, equitable provision that puts cyclists on the same footing as people who get tax breaks for taking transit or driving their cars to and from work.

The intent of this bill is so an employer can provide up to a $20 a month incentive related to an employee’s bike commuting. Accor Services, a leading provider of transportation benefits commuter solutions in the United States has developed a program that will provide a commuter check solution for bicycle commuters. The Commuter Check for Bicycling vouchers is the most convenient solution available to take advantage of the $20 per month Bicycle Benefit, authorized by the IRS that began January 1, 2009. Employers purchase them just like they do standard commuter check vouchers. Employees can take the vouchers they receive to any dedicated bicycle shop to redeem their value. Interested employers and employees can visit Accor Services website at http://www.commutercheck.com/About/AccorServices.aspx for more information. For more information regarding the Bicycle Commuter Tax Provision, visit www.bikeleague.org/news/100708faq.php

Article and photos submitted by: Jeannie Frisco
Posted by: Vicky Thomas

There’s Nothing To Do In Martinsville/Henry County?

West Piedmont Business Dev. Center
22 East Church Street - Suite 312
Martinsville, VA 24112
276-638-2523 (Ext. 204)
http://www.activatemhc.org/

Many people say that there is nothing to do in our community. So Activate made it their 2009 mission to promote the numerous trails, parks and programs in Martinsville and Henry County. “We have a 30 page toolkit full of FREE recreational activities occurring in our community. That is a lot of choices of things to do in our area”, says Frisco.
The Activate Activity Toolkit comes with a pedometer and water bottle so that participants have the necessities needed for their walking regimen. There is no charge for the toolkit and residents may contact Activate to request a copy.
Activate didn’t stop there though, they have also unveiled a “Get Active, Get Healthy, Have Fun!” informational kiosk in Liberty Fair Mall. Partnering with Henry County Parks and Recreation, Martinsville Leisure Services, MHC Coalition for Health and Wellness and the Dan River Basin Association, Activate has filled the kiosk full of things to do – whether walking on a trail; biking in a park or participating in an aerobics program. You just have to get up, get out and get active.

Article and photos contributed by: Jeannie Frisco
Posted by: Vicky Thomas

There’s Nothing To Do In Martinsville/Henry County?

West Piedmont Business Dev. Center
22 East Church Street - Suite 312
Martinsville, VA 24112
276-638-2523 (Ext. 204)
http://www.activatemhc.org/

Many people say that there is nothing to do in our community. So Activate made it their 2009 mission to promote the numerous trails, parks and programs in Martinsville and Henry County. “We have a 30 page toolkit full of FREE recreational activities occurring in our community. That is a lot of choices of things to do in our area”, says Frisco.
The Activate Activity Toolkit comes with a pedometer and water bottle so that participants have the necessities needed for their walking regimen. There is no charge for the toolkit and residents may contact Activate to request a copy.
Activate didn’t stop there though, they have also unveiled a “Get Active, Get Healthy, Have Fun!” informational kiosk in Liberty Fair Mall. Partnering with Henry County Parks and Recreation, Martinsville Leisure Services, MHC Coalition for Health and Wellness and the Dan River Basin Association, Activate has filled the kiosk full of things to do – whether walking on a trail; biking in a park or participating in an aerobics program. You just have to get up, get out and get active.

Article and photos contributed by: Jeannie Frisco
Posted by: Vicky Thomas

Tuesday, January 20, 2009


DRBA to Visit Reynolds Homestead for Guided Hike and Tours

DRBA’s February 7 First Saturday Outing will be a 1.5-mile hike and tours at the 1843 house and grounds of the Reynolds Homestead in Critz, VA. Meet at 10:00 a.m. at the entrance to the Continuing Education Center.

Coordinated by Wayne Kirkpatrick, the outing will begin with a hike guided by Kyle Peer, Superintendent of the Forest Resources Research Center, who will describe forestry projects on this Commonwealth Campus of Virginia Tech. Hikers will see two cemeteries, one for the Reynolds family and one for their slaves. Reynolds Homestead Director, Kay Dunkley, will summarize the findings of a recently completed archeological survey of the slave cemetery.

Afternoon tours of the historic house, outbuildings, and grounds will be offered. Tobacco magnate R. J. Reynolds was born here in 1853, and Kitty Reynolds, one of the plantation’s slaves, earned renown for saving the life of R. J.’s father and for later becoming the “mother” of civil rights in Patrick County.

Participants in the outing should supply drinks and lunch, wear hiking boots and layers of water-shedding artificial fabric or wool, and be prepared for rain or wind. All participants will be asked to sign a waiver form.

Directions: Reynolds Homestead is located at 463 Homestead Lane, Critz, Virginia.
  • From Martinsville: Travel west on US 58 about twenty miles. Turn right onto Abram Penn Highway, indicated by the second of two brown signs. Drive about three miles and bear left onto Homestead Lane. Drive to the end of the short road.
  • From Stuart: Travel east on US 58 for about nine miles. Turn left onto Abram Penn Highway, indicated by a brown sign. Drive about three miles and bear left onto Homestead Lane. Drive to the end of the short road.
  • From Winston-Salem: Travel north on NC 8, crossing into Virginia. Turn right onto Ayers Orchard Road. Drive about six miles and turn right onto South Fork Loop. Drive half a mile and turn right onto US. 58. Drive one-quarter mile and turn left onto Abram Penn Highway, indicated by a brown sign. Drive about three miles and bear left onto Homestead Lane. Drive to the end of the short road.

Outings and meetings of the Dan River Basin Association are open to the public without charge.


For more information, contact Wayne Kirkpatrick, 276-694-4449, wynbtyk@embarqmail.com

Article and photo contributed by T Butler

Posted by Vicky Thomas


DRBA to Visit Reynolds Homestead for Guided Hike and Tours

DRBA’s February 7 First Saturday Outing will be a 1.5-mile hike and tours at the 1843 house and grounds of the Reynolds Homestead in Critz, VA. Meet at 10:00 a.m. at the entrance to the Continuing Education Center.

Coordinated by Wayne Kirkpatrick, the outing will begin with a hike guided by Kyle Peer, Superintendent of the Forest Resources Research Center, who will describe forestry projects on this Commonwealth Campus of Virginia Tech. Hikers will see two cemeteries, one for the Reynolds family and one for their slaves. Reynolds Homestead Director, Kay Dunkley, will summarize the findings of a recently completed archeological survey of the slave cemetery.

Afternoon tours of the historic house, outbuildings, and grounds will be offered. Tobacco magnate R. J. Reynolds was born here in 1853, and Kitty Reynolds, one of the plantation’s slaves, earned renown for saving the life of R. J.’s father and for later becoming the “mother” of civil rights in Patrick County.

Participants in the outing should supply drinks and lunch, wear hiking boots and layers of water-shedding artificial fabric or wool, and be prepared for rain or wind. All participants will be asked to sign a waiver form.

Directions: Reynolds Homestead is located at 463 Homestead Lane, Critz, Virginia.
  • From Martinsville: Travel west on US 58 about twenty miles. Turn right onto Abram Penn Highway, indicated by the second of two brown signs. Drive about three miles and bear left onto Homestead Lane. Drive to the end of the short road.
  • From Stuart: Travel east on US 58 for about nine miles. Turn left onto Abram Penn Highway, indicated by a brown sign. Drive about three miles and bear left onto Homestead Lane. Drive to the end of the short road.
  • From Winston-Salem: Travel north on NC 8, crossing into Virginia. Turn right onto Ayers Orchard Road. Drive about six miles and turn right onto South Fork Loop. Drive half a mile and turn right onto US. 58. Drive one-quarter mile and turn left onto Abram Penn Highway, indicated by a brown sign. Drive about three miles and bear left onto Homestead Lane. Drive to the end of the short road.

Outings and meetings of the Dan River Basin Association are open to the public without charge.


For more information, contact Wayne Kirkpatrick, 276-694-4449, wynbtyk@embarqmail.com

Article and photo contributed by T Butler

Posted by Vicky Thomas

Friday, January 9, 2009

Recreational Use Plan Now Complete

Over the course of the past year, staff from the Dan River Basin Association (DRBA) with support from the Martinsville-Henry County Rivers and Trails Group, have been working on compiling data for a document detailing plans for the future of river and trail use in our area. The document, The Martinsville-Henry County Rivers & Trails Recreational Use Plan, is now complete and in being distributed for review by the public and area leaders.

The plan outlines future plans for trail and river access development, as well as the positive impacts that these new resources will have on our community. Copies of the plan may be downloaded from the DRBA website by clicking here.

Funding for plan development and distribution was provided by Harvest Foundation of the Piedmont. Inquires regarding the plan should be directed to: Jennifer Doss, Rivers & Trails Project Manager for the Dan River Basin Association, 276-634-2545.


Recreational Use Plan Now Complete

Over the course of the past year, staff from the Dan River Basin Association (DRBA) with support from the Martinsville-Henry County Rivers and Trails Group, have been working on compiling data for a document detailing plans for the future of river and trail use in our area. The document, The Martinsville-Henry County Rivers & Trails Recreational Use Plan, is now complete and in being distributed for review by the public and area leaders.

The plan outlines future plans for trail and river access development, as well as the positive impacts that these new resources will have on our community. Copies of the plan may be downloaded from the DRBA website by clicking here.

Funding for plan development and distribution was provided by Harvest Foundation of the Piedmont. Inquires regarding the plan should be directed to: Jennifer Doss, Rivers & Trails Project Manager for the Dan River Basin Association, 276-634-2545.


Public Invited to Meet New Philpott Lake Leaders

Friends of Philpott invites the public to come meet and greet leaders from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at their upcoming membership meeting on January 13th at 7pm. Guests include the new Philpott Lake Project Manager, Craig Rockwell, along with Earl Wright and Mary Lawson.

The meeting will be held at the Henry Community Center on Henry Road in Henry, Virginia. (Rt 605) . For more information, please contact Linda Drage, Club President at 681-6805.

Story Contributed by Ellen Jessee
Edited and Posted by Jennifer Doss

Public Invited to Meet New Philpott Lake Leaders

Friends of Philpott invites the public to come meet and greet leaders from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at their upcoming membership meeting on January 13th at 7pm. Guests include the new Philpott Lake Project Manager, Craig Rockwell, along with Earl Wright and Mary Lawson.

The meeting will be held at the Henry Community Center on Henry Road in Henry, Virginia. (Rt 605) . For more information, please contact Linda Drage, Club President at 681-6805.

Story Contributed by Ellen Jessee
Edited and Posted by Jennifer Doss

Dressing Properly for Cold Weather

The Blue Ridge Ski and Outing Club will hold a membership meeting on Tuesday, January 13 at the Collinsville Bistro. Dinner will begin at 6:30 and special guest Aaron Daniel will discuss the importance of proper cold weather gear. Daniel is a PSIA certified level 2 (of 3) ski instructor with 12 years of instructing experience and worked in ski retail shops as a custom boot fitter for 20 years. According to Becky Hale, BRSOC President, “this is a great opportunity for those interested in skiing to come and see what our club is all about. And, it’s not just about skiing; we have all kinds of outdoor events planned and our socials give an opportunity for newcomers to meet new people.”

The Blue Ridge Ski & Outing Club started in 1979 as a non-profit organization to introduce non-skiers to active winter sports, promote safety, and provide members with ski trips at a low cost. There are a total of 180 members in the club throughout North America, and the activities have expanded to include many popular outdoor, and some indoor, group adventures and socials. For more information about BRSOC visit our website at www.BRSOC.org.

Dressing Properly for Cold Weather

The Blue Ridge Ski and Outing Club will hold a membership meeting on Tuesday, January 13 at the Collinsville Bistro. Dinner will begin at 6:30 and special guest Aaron Daniel will discuss the importance of proper cold weather gear. Daniel is a PSIA certified level 2 (of 3) ski instructor with 12 years of instructing experience and worked in ski retail shops as a custom boot fitter for 20 years. According to Becky Hale, BRSOC President, “this is a great opportunity for those interested in skiing to come and see what our club is all about. And, it’s not just about skiing; we have all kinds of outdoor events planned and our socials give an opportunity for newcomers to meet new people.”

The Blue Ridge Ski & Outing Club started in 1979 as a non-profit organization to introduce non-skiers to active winter sports, promote safety, and provide members with ski trips at a low cost. There are a total of 180 members in the club throughout North America, and the activities have expanded to include many popular outdoor, and some indoor, group adventures and socials. For more information about BRSOC visit our website at www.BRSOC.org.

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Strolling on...

The second season of Tuesday Morning Strolls kicked off this morning at Liberty Fair Mall with a group of 11 participants coming out to walk. The first walk was led by Melissa Puckett of Henry County Parks & Recreation (HCPR) and Vicky Thomas of the Dan River Basin Association (DRBA).
Upon signing in, the participants learned about the health benefits of walking from Melissa and then took a 50-minute long easy-paced walk around the mall. After completing the walk, each participant was given a punch card to register for a prize drawing on June 2nd.

Bill Mitchell of Martinsville enjoyed the walk and noted that "we have some great area trails". The Tuesday Morning Stroll program is being held indoors during the cold winter months to encourage all fitness levels to participate. Once the weather warms up in March the program will hit the trails and begin outdoor walks at locations throughout Martinsville & Henry County, including Mr. Mitchell's favorite trails at the Gravely Nature Preserve in Ridgeway.

The next Stroll will be held on February 3rd at the Martinsville YMCA. The walk leader will be Jeannie Frisco of Activate Martinsville-Henry County. If you missed the walk today, it's not too late to catch up! Everyone who participates in 4 of the 6 Strolls offered by June 2nd will be entered into a prize drawing.

The Tuesday Morning Strolls Program is presented through a partnership of the Dan River Basin Association, Henry County Parks & Recreation, Activate Martinsville-Henry County, and the Martinsville YMCA. For more information on the program, contact 276-634-2545.

Strolling on...

The second season of Tuesday Morning Strolls kicked off this morning at Liberty Fair Mall with a group of 11 participants coming out to walk. The first walk was led by Melissa Puckett of Henry County Parks & Recreation (HCPR) and Vicky Thomas of the Dan River Basin Association (DRBA).
Upon signing in, the participants learned about the health benefits of walking from Melissa and then took a 50-minute long easy-paced walk around the mall. After completing the walk, each participant was given a punch card to register for a prize drawing on June 2nd.

Bill Mitchell of Martinsville enjoyed the walk and noted that "we have some great area trails". The Tuesday Morning Stroll program is being held indoors during the cold winter months to encourage all fitness levels to participate. Once the weather warms up in March the program will hit the trails and begin outdoor walks at locations throughout Martinsville & Henry County, including Mr. Mitchell's favorite trails at the Gravely Nature Preserve in Ridgeway.

The next Stroll will be held on February 3rd at the Martinsville YMCA. The walk leader will be Jeannie Frisco of Activate Martinsville-Henry County. If you missed the walk today, it's not too late to catch up! Everyone who participates in 4 of the 6 Strolls offered by June 2nd will be entered into a prize drawing.

The Tuesday Morning Strolls Program is presented through a partnership of the Dan River Basin Association, Henry County Parks & Recreation, Activate Martinsville-Henry County, and the Martinsville YMCA. For more information on the program, contact 276-634-2545.

TRAIL BUILDING - Jamison Mill - January 10, 2009


This coming month, the monthly Jamison Mill Trail Building session will be held on the SECOND Saturday instead of the first one due to New Years. It is Saturday, January 10th. This time we need to have a nice sized crew so we can try to finish the new front trail to the parking lot within the next two outings. Also, we would really like to have some of our earlier volunteers come on out like in the beginning - one year ago.

Please wear appropriate clothing for the colder weather.

For more information, please contact Jim Frith at jim@frithconstruction.com

Article submitted by Jim Frith
Posted and edited by Vicky Thomas

TRAIL BUILDING - Jamison Mill - January 10, 2009


This coming month, the monthly Jamison Mill Trail Building session will be held on the SECOND Saturday instead of the first one due to New Years. It is Saturday, January 10th. This time we need to have a nice sized crew so we can try to finish the new front trail to the parking lot within the next two outings. Also, we would really like to have some of our earlier volunteers come on out like in the beginning - one year ago.

Please wear appropriate clothing for the colder weather.

For more information, please contact Jim Frith at jim@frithconstruction.com

Article submitted by Jim Frith
Posted and edited by Vicky Thomas

HELP THE SMITH RIVER!


Join Gateway Streetscape Foundation

FOR A WINTER SMITH RIVER
CLEAN-UP ON SATURDAY
FEBRUARY 7, 2009
1:00 P.M. UNTIL 5:00 P.M.
MEET AT THE FISHER FARM PARK
SHELTER IN RIDGEWAY
*** Note new location

Following The River Clean-Up, Join Us For
Hot Chocolate and Snacks

** In case of inclement weather makeup date
will be February 21, 2009 1p.m. - 5p.m.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
CONTACT GATEWAY STREETSCAPE FOUNDATION, INC.
(276) 634-4674 or 634-4622 (8:00 A.M. UNTIL 5:00 P.M.)

Article and photo contributed by Lois Christensen
Edited and posted by Vicky Thomas

HELP THE SMITH RIVER!


Join Gateway Streetscape Foundation

FOR A WINTER SMITH RIVER
CLEAN-UP ON SATURDAY
FEBRUARY 7, 2009
1:00 P.M. UNTIL 5:00 P.M.
MEET AT THE FISHER FARM PARK
SHELTER IN RIDGEWAY
*** Note new location

Following The River Clean-Up, Join Us For
Hot Chocolate and Snacks

** In case of inclement weather makeup date
will be February 21, 2009 1p.m. - 5p.m.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
CONTACT GATEWAY STREETSCAPE FOUNDATION, INC.
(276) 634-4674 or 634-4622 (8:00 A.M. UNTIL 5:00 P.M.)

Article and photo contributed by Lois Christensen
Edited and posted by Vicky Thomas

Monday, January 5, 2009

Bicycling: For Fun, Fuel Efficiency, and Family

Do you enjoy your commute to work in the morning? Randy Daily of Collinsville does! Mr. Daily is a physical therapist that rides his bicycle to and from work each day. Visiting clients in their homes, he rides an average of twenty miles per day. I recently met Mr. Daily, and his daughter Liliana, on a chilly December day to talk about the benefits and difficulties of cycling in Martinsville and Henry County.

Mr. Daily rode bikes most of his childhood but really became a serious rider when he decided to ride from Roanoke, Virginia to the west coast with friends in the 1980s. After the 75-day trip he was hooked! It led him to a new hobby full of weekend bike rides, long distance rides, and bike races.

After getting married and having a family of four children, Mr. Daily saw that he no longer had as much time for long rides and training for races meant spending less time with his family. He opted to trade in his racing bike for a more family friendly model and taught the kids to ride bikes too. Now 7-year old daughter Liliana is his main sidekick and wants to ride everywhere that dad does. She has a tag-along seat that attaches on the rear of her dad's bike so she can ride safely. They noted that motorists are very polite when they see the duo pedaling together and allow them plenty of room. When Mr. Daily is pedaling solo he said it can be a little frighting sometime as the cars do not always give him the proper space required by Virginia law.
When riding on a highway, bicycles are considered a vehicle and must follow traffic signs, signals, lights, and markings just as a car would. According to the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), "motorists must approach and pass a bicyclist at a reasonable speed at least two feet to the left of the bicyclist."

Groups such as the Dan River Basin Association (DRBA) and Activate Martinsville-Henry County are working together to create a network of bike lanes and trails that will provide connectivity for residents and visitors to our area. DRBA is in the process of developing the Smith River Trail System, a 45-mile long series of trails that will follow the Smith River from Philpott Dam to Eden, NC.

This series of proposed trails (shown below in light blue) includes the Fieldale Trail (shown below in green) on River Road in Fieldale, VA. One mile of trail was completed in 2007 thanks to support from the Dominion Foundation and an additional 1.5 miles of trail will open in March 2009. The Smith River Trail System will eventually link to the 4.5 mile long Rail Trail (shown below in red) being constructed by Henry County and allow pedestrians to travel from Fieldale to Uptown Martisnville without ever having to cross a busy street!

Activate plans to connect to these trails with bike lanes (shown at left in dark blue) allowing cyclists to safely maneuver busy roads such as Virginia Avenue, Liberty Street, and Kings Mountain Road. They also have future plans to create bike lanes connecting from Uptown Martinsville to the new Soccer Complex on Irisburg Road.

Together these paths and lanes will lead to a better quality of life, connectivity for non-motorized transportation, and more opportunities for recreation. All factors that will make Martinsville and Henry County a more desirable place to live and visit.
The Daily family loves cycling and go riding together as much as they can. They recommend cycling as a fun family activity for others as well. The following are tips for Safe Bicycling suggested by VDOT.

Be a responsible bicyclist - obey all traffic control devices and use proper hand signals.
Always ride with the flow of traffic.

Dress safely - wear a helmet, wear bright colored clothing, and secure loose pant legs.

Ride defensively - anticipate the actions of other road users and watch for road hazards.

Pass vehicles with extreme care - turning vehicles may not see you.

Be aware of motor vehicle blind spots whether while riding or when stopped at an intersection.

Maximize your visibility at night - wear reflective clothing and apply reflective tape to your bicycle.

Walk your bicycle when you get into traffic situations beyond your cycling abilities.

Park your bicycle so you do not block sidewalks, handicap and building accesses, or emergency drives.

Lock your bicycle - secure both wheels and the frame to a stationary object using a sturdy lock.
More information on bicycle safety can be found by clicking here.


Article and Photos by: Jennifer Doss

Bicycling: For Fun, Fuel Efficiency, and Family

Do you enjoy your commute to work in the morning? Randy Daily of Collinsville does! Mr. Daily is a physical therapist that rides his bicycle to and from work each day. Visiting clients in their homes, he rides an average of twenty miles per day. I recently met Mr. Daily, and his daughter Liliana, on a chilly December day to talk about the benefits and difficulties of cycling in Martinsville and Henry County.

Mr. Daily rode bikes most of his childhood but really became a serious rider when he decided to ride from Roanoke, Virginia to the west coast with friends in the 1980s. After the 75-day trip he was hooked! It led him to a new hobby full of weekend bike rides, long distance rides, and bike races.

After getting married and having a family of four children, Mr. Daily saw that he no longer had as much time for long rides and training for races meant spending less time with his family. He opted to trade in his racing bike for a more family friendly model and taught the kids to ride bikes too. Now 7-year old daughter Liliana is his main sidekick and wants to ride everywhere that dad does. She has a tag-along seat that attaches on the rear of her dad's bike so she can ride safely. They noted that motorists are very polite when they see the duo pedaling together and allow them plenty of room. When Mr. Daily is pedaling solo he said it can be a little frighting sometime as the cars do not always give him the proper space required by Virginia law.
When riding on a highway, bicycles are considered a vehicle and must follow traffic signs, signals, lights, and markings just as a car would. According to the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), "motorists must approach and pass a bicyclist at a reasonable speed at least two feet to the left of the bicyclist."

Groups such as the Dan River Basin Association (DRBA) and Activate Martinsville-Henry County are working together to create a network of bike lanes and trails that will provide connectivity for residents and visitors to our area. DRBA is in the process of developing the Smith River Trail System, a 45-mile long series of trails that will follow the Smith River from Philpott Dam to Eden, NC.

This series of proposed trails (shown below in light blue) includes the Fieldale Trail (shown below in green) on River Road in Fieldale, VA. One mile of trail was completed in 2007 thanks to support from the Dominion Foundation and an additional 1.5 miles of trail will open in March 2009. The Smith River Trail System will eventually link to the 4.5 mile long Rail Trail (shown below in red) being constructed by Henry County and allow pedestrians to travel from Fieldale to Uptown Martisnville without ever having to cross a busy street!

Activate plans to connect to these trails with bike lanes (shown at left in dark blue) allowing cyclists to safely maneuver busy roads such as Virginia Avenue, Liberty Street, and Kings Mountain Road. They also have future plans to create bike lanes connecting from Uptown Martinsville to the new Soccer Complex on Irisburg Road.

Together these paths and lanes will lead to a better quality of life, connectivity for non-motorized transportation, and more opportunities for recreation. All factors that will make Martinsville and Henry County a more desirable place to live and visit.
The Daily family loves cycling and go riding together as much as they can. They recommend cycling as a fun family activity for others as well. The following are tips for Safe Bicycling suggested by VDOT.

Be a responsible bicyclist - obey all traffic control devices and use proper hand signals.
Always ride with the flow of traffic.

Dress safely - wear a helmet, wear bright colored clothing, and secure loose pant legs.

Ride defensively - anticipate the actions of other road users and watch for road hazards.

Pass vehicles with extreme care - turning vehicles may not see you.

Be aware of motor vehicle blind spots whether while riding or when stopped at an intersection.

Maximize your visibility at night - wear reflective clothing and apply reflective tape to your bicycle.

Walk your bicycle when you get into traffic situations beyond your cycling abilities.

Park your bicycle so you do not block sidewalks, handicap and building accesses, or emergency drives.

Lock your bicycle - secure both wheels and the frame to a stationary object using a sturdy lock.
More information on bicycle safety can be found by clicking here.


Article and Photos by: Jennifer Doss


www.DanRiver.org