Fly Tying Class April 11

SRTU Fly Tying Class
April 11, 2009; 9am - Noon
Philpott Lake Visitors Center

Come learn all the basics and even a few tricks !
The Smith River Trout Unlimited Chapter is hosting
a "Fly Tying Clinic"at Philpott Lake Visitors Center
Date: April 11, 2009
Time: from 9 am - Noon
Cost: $15

Not just for the guys....

Want to learn a new hobby and maybe even get some advice
on what works for the elusive Smith River Brown ?
Come out and learn from the experts !


Philpott Lake VA
1058 Philpott Dam Road
Bassett, VA 24055-8617

Contact:

B.J. Walker
bjfireresq@embarqmail.com
SRTU, President
www.smithrivertu.com

Fieldale Trail: Phase II Opens

Sunday, March 29, 2009

By DEBBIE HALL - Bulletin Staff Writer

An enthusiastic crowd turned out Saturday for the grand opening of a new 1.2-mile hiking/biking trail in Fieldale.

“It’s great to be here,” State Sen. Roscoe Reynolds told the 25 to 30 people gathered for the event. Reynolds, D-Ridgeway, praised the Henry County Board of Supervisors, Jennifer Doss of the Dan River Basin Association and Roger Adams, director of the Henry County Parks & Recreation Department. “This is a beautiful pathway,” Reynolds said of the new portion of the trail that connects to a 1.1-mile section adjacent to the Smith River. That section opened in July 2007. Like the earlier trail, the new portion of trail was heralded not only as a path to a healthier lifestyle but also an economic development tool. Jim Adams, the Blackberry representative on the Henry County Board of Supervisors, said he went online and did a “Google search of rivers and trails. I was pleasantly surprised to find” that Henry County was referenced in half in the first 10 topics. “This is of a possible 437,000 topics,” Adams said. “One can easily see the attention that this brings to the area and helps not only promote us as a destination, but can help promote and drive us economically.”

Like several other speakers, Adams praised the Dan River Basin Association and the Martinsville-Henry County Rivers and Trail Group, which exists “to protect, promote and enhance the natural resources of our area. ... We are very fortunate to have” them. The group not only provides opportunities for outdoor recreation, but also participates in local schools “with many educational opportunities for our children,” Adams said. Group members also “are the extra set of eyes that helps monitor our rivers and streams” while looking for ways to improve the access to and quality of waterways, Adams said.

Doss said the goal “was to create a trail having a minimum impact on the environment while having a maximum level of interest.” Frith Construction made that happen, she said. “By using small equipment and sustainable building techniques the trail was constructed with conservation of the land, flora, fauna, and water in mind,” she added. Doss said there have been many supporters of the project, including the Dominion Foundation “which has been a major supporter since the demonstration trail” (the first phase of the project) was built. Dominion’s investment “helped create a tangible resource that will be used by generations to come,” Doss said. Bryant Brooks Sr., manager of state and local affairs for Dominion, said in creating “this special place,” DRBA and others involved in the project did “a yeoman’s job. There were so many folks involved in this effort.” Sometimes, Brooks said “the easiest part” of a project is “writing checks” to help to pay for it. “The real heroes are you folks” who actually did the work and saw the project to completion. In tough economic times, he said those involved are building a heritage for future generations, and “that’s something to be said.”


In addition to Dominion and other agencies, Frith Construction, Boxley Materials and Patrick Henry Correctional Unit 28 also were involved with the project, along with George Lester, James Stone, the Henry County Public Service Authority, Ellen and Joe Jessee, Dave Wilson, Kay Slaughter and the agriculture of Magna Vista High School, Doss said. “This trail is more than just a walking path, it is part of a greater vision consisting of competing the 45-mile long Smith River Trail System, the Virginia Beaches to Bluegrass Trail, and the goal of a healthier and more active community,” she added.

Fieldale Trail: Phase II Opens

Sunday, March 29, 2009

By DEBBIE HALL - Bulletin Staff Writer

An enthusiastic crowd turned out Saturday for the grand opening of a new 1.2-mile hiking/biking trail in Fieldale.

“It’s great to be here,” State Sen. Roscoe Reynolds told the 25 to 30 people gathered for the event. Reynolds, D-Ridgeway, praised the Henry County Board of Supervisors, Jennifer Doss of the Dan River Basin Association and Roger Adams, director of the Henry County Parks & Recreation Department. “This is a beautiful pathway,” Reynolds said of the new portion of the trail that connects to a 1.1-mile section adjacent to the Smith River. That section opened in July 2007. Like the earlier trail, the new portion of trail was heralded not only as a path to a healthier lifestyle but also an economic development tool. Jim Adams, the Blackberry representative on the Henry County Board of Supervisors, said he went online and did a “Google search of rivers and trails. I was pleasantly surprised to find” that Henry County was referenced in half in the first 10 topics. “This is of a possible 437,000 topics,” Adams said. “One can easily see the attention that this brings to the area and helps not only promote us as a destination, but can help promote and drive us economically.”

Like several other speakers, Adams praised the Dan River Basin Association and the Martinsville-Henry County Rivers and Trail Group, which exists “to protect, promote and enhance the natural resources of our area. ... We are very fortunate to have” them. The group not only provides opportunities for outdoor recreation, but also participates in local schools “with many educational opportunities for our children,” Adams said. Group members also “are the extra set of eyes that helps monitor our rivers and streams” while looking for ways to improve the access to and quality of waterways, Adams said.

Doss said the goal “was to create a trail having a minimum impact on the environment while having a maximum level of interest.” Frith Construction made that happen, she said. “By using small equipment and sustainable building techniques the trail was constructed with conservation of the land, flora, fauna, and water in mind,” she added. Doss said there have been many supporters of the project, including the Dominion Foundation “which has been a major supporter since the demonstration trail” (the first phase of the project) was built. Dominion’s investment “helped create a tangible resource that will be used by generations to come,” Doss said. Bryant Brooks Sr., manager of state and local affairs for Dominion, said in creating “this special place,” DRBA and others involved in the project did “a yeoman’s job. There were so many folks involved in this effort.” Sometimes, Brooks said “the easiest part” of a project is “writing checks” to help to pay for it. “The real heroes are you folks” who actually did the work and saw the project to completion. In tough economic times, he said those involved are building a heritage for future generations, and “that’s something to be said.”


In addition to Dominion and other agencies, Frith Construction, Boxley Materials and Patrick Henry Correctional Unit 28 also were involved with the project, along with George Lester, James Stone, the Henry County Public Service Authority, Ellen and Joe Jessee, Dave Wilson, Kay Slaughter and the agriculture of Magna Vista High School, Doss said. “This trail is more than just a walking path, it is part of a greater vision consisting of competing the 45-mile long Smith River Trail System, the Virginia Beaches to Bluegrass Trail, and the goal of a healthier and more active community,” she added.

Historic cemetery restored, dedicated

Sunday, March 22, 2009

By KIM BARTO -Martinsville Bulletin Staff Writer

For years, the final resting place of two freed slaves and their descendants lay forgotten, covered by leaves and brush off of Old Mill Road in Ridgeway.

After the cemetery was rediscovered last year, staff from the Dan River Basin Association (DRBA) and volunteers worked to clean up and document the small wooded plot where Uncle John and Jane Burgess and 16 family members are buried.

On Friday, DRBA staff, local officials and several grandchildren, great-grandchildren and other descendants of Uncle John and Jane Burgess gathered at the site to dedicate the historic cemetery. In the 1800s, the Burgesses were former slaves on the Burgess family plantation, which was on the property of what now is the Richard P. Gravely Jr. Nature Preserve in Ridgeway. After they were freed, they continued working for the Burgess family. Their great-grandson, Samuel Hairston, took on the role of family historian and uncovered a lot of information about his ancestors with help from the Bassett Historical Center. He said he is the grandson of Dora Burgess Hall, one of Uncle John and Jane Burgess’s 11 children. Seeing the cemetery restored “means a lot to me,” Hairston said during the ceremony. “I know, growing up, as my grandmother got older, she always remembered this place,” he said. “Some of my cousins remember walking from her house through the woods to put flowers on the graves.” Hairston said he was not among them because he lived in Connecticut at the time. “She wanted everyone to keep their memories alive,” he said of his grandmother. “The cemetery did go into disrepair” eventually, he added, but now “future generations will know who they were.” At the time the cemetery was rediscovered, it was not listed with the Virginia Department of Historic Resources, “which means that you could have built a house or a store on it, and it could have been lost forever,” said Brian Williams, DRBA education, outreach and conservation coordinator. DRBA staff did a survey of the plot, and with help from Bassett Historical Center and family members, collected information to document it with the state register. Twelve members of the family buried in the plot have been identified, but six others are unknown. The cemetery is believed to have been established in the 1890s and contains graves dating up to the 1960s, according to information from the state register. The earliest marked death date was that of Uncle John Burgess, who lived from 1845 to June 15, 1935. Jennifer Doss, DRBA Rivers and Trails project manager, gave some background on the family. She told how Uncle John Burgess, a house slave, went to war at age 10 with his then-owner, John Henry Burgess. Uncle John Burgess built earthen mounds in Petersburg for Confederate soldiers to hide behind, saving a number of lives, Doss said. He received a pension for his service to the Confederacy, “which was very rare for an African-American,” she said. He married Jane Roberts, who was born in June 1851 and lived on a plantation in Eden, N.C., in 1869. According to the family, she outlived her husband. One of their surviving grandchildren, Mary Richardson of Eden, N.C., said she used to visit them when she was a girl. Richardson said she did not have many memories about her grandfather but remembered Jane Burgess as being blind. “They was lovely people to be around,” she said after the ceremony. “It makes you feel good to know somebody’s thinking about them.” Another grandchild, James Carter of Ridgeway, remembered walking about a mile to visit Uncle John and Jane Burgess when he was young. Everyone eventually forgot the cemetery was there, he said. Now that it has been rediscovered, “I really feel good about it,” Carter said. “I might be buried in it some day — you just never know.” Dorothy Carter, the Burgesses’ great-granddaughter, shared stories passed down from her grandmother, Annie Lee Burgess. “Grandma Annie always had a story to tell about her dad, how he used to cross the river with logs,” Carter said. “She would tell us how he tended acres and acres of tobacco,” she added, and how the family would walk 10 miles to visit relatives. “That’s showing unconditional love, to walk that far to see family,” Carter said. Norris Funeral Services donated a stone marker for the site “so this sacred ground will always be remembered,” Doss aid. Also, a local Eagle Scout will be constructing small markers to go on each of the 18 gravesites, Doss said. Doss said descendents of John Henry Burgess will be presenting Uncle John Burgess’s chair, which “was used frequently by him,” to Hairston at a later date. He has agreed to loan the chair to the Bassett Historical Center for display. Information compiled from historical records on Uncle John and Jane Burgess will be donated to the Bassett Historical Center, Doss said.

Anyone with information on the cemetery or those buried there is asked to call Doss at 634-2545.

Historic cemetery restored, dedicated

Sunday, March 22, 2009

By KIM BARTO -Martinsville Bulletin Staff Writer

For years, the final resting place of two freed slaves and their descendants lay forgotten, covered by leaves and brush off of Old Mill Road in Ridgeway.

After the cemetery was rediscovered last year, staff from the Dan River Basin Association (DRBA) and volunteers worked to clean up and document the small wooded plot where Uncle John and Jane Burgess and 16 family members are buried.

On Friday, DRBA staff, local officials and several grandchildren, great-grandchildren and other descendants of Uncle John and Jane Burgess gathered at the site to dedicate the historic cemetery. In the 1800s, the Burgesses were former slaves on the Burgess family plantation, which was on the property of what now is the Richard P. Gravely Jr. Nature Preserve in Ridgeway. After they were freed, they continued working for the Burgess family. Their great-grandson, Samuel Hairston, took on the role of family historian and uncovered a lot of information about his ancestors with help from the Bassett Historical Center. He said he is the grandson of Dora Burgess Hall, one of Uncle John and Jane Burgess’s 11 children. Seeing the cemetery restored “means a lot to me,” Hairston said during the ceremony. “I know, growing up, as my grandmother got older, she always remembered this place,” he said. “Some of my cousins remember walking from her house through the woods to put flowers on the graves.” Hairston said he was not among them because he lived in Connecticut at the time. “She wanted everyone to keep their memories alive,” he said of his grandmother. “The cemetery did go into disrepair” eventually, he added, but now “future generations will know who they were.” At the time the cemetery was rediscovered, it was not listed with the Virginia Department of Historic Resources, “which means that you could have built a house or a store on it, and it could have been lost forever,” said Brian Williams, DRBA education, outreach and conservation coordinator. DRBA staff did a survey of the plot, and with help from Bassett Historical Center and family members, collected information to document it with the state register. Twelve members of the family buried in the plot have been identified, but six others are unknown. The cemetery is believed to have been established in the 1890s and contains graves dating up to the 1960s, according to information from the state register. The earliest marked death date was that of Uncle John Burgess, who lived from 1845 to June 15, 1935. Jennifer Doss, DRBA Rivers and Trails project manager, gave some background on the family. She told how Uncle John Burgess, a house slave, went to war at age 10 with his then-owner, John Henry Burgess. Uncle John Burgess built earthen mounds in Petersburg for Confederate soldiers to hide behind, saving a number of lives, Doss said. He received a pension for his service to the Confederacy, “which was very rare for an African-American,” she said. He married Jane Roberts, who was born in June 1851 and lived on a plantation in Eden, N.C., in 1869. According to the family, she outlived her husband. One of their surviving grandchildren, Mary Richardson of Eden, N.C., said she used to visit them when she was a girl. Richardson said she did not have many memories about her grandfather but remembered Jane Burgess as being blind. “They was lovely people to be around,” she said after the ceremony. “It makes you feel good to know somebody’s thinking about them.” Another grandchild, James Carter of Ridgeway, remembered walking about a mile to visit Uncle John and Jane Burgess when he was young. Everyone eventually forgot the cemetery was there, he said. Now that it has been rediscovered, “I really feel good about it,” Carter said. “I might be buried in it some day — you just never know.” Dorothy Carter, the Burgesses’ great-granddaughter, shared stories passed down from her grandmother, Annie Lee Burgess. “Grandma Annie always had a story to tell about her dad, how he used to cross the river with logs,” Carter said. “She would tell us how he tended acres and acres of tobacco,” she added, and how the family would walk 10 miles to visit relatives. “That’s showing unconditional love, to walk that far to see family,” Carter said. Norris Funeral Services donated a stone marker for the site “so this sacred ground will always be remembered,” Doss aid. Also, a local Eagle Scout will be constructing small markers to go on each of the 18 gravesites, Doss said. Doss said descendents of John Henry Burgess will be presenting Uncle John Burgess’s chair, which “was used frequently by him,” to Hairston at a later date. He has agreed to loan the chair to the Bassett Historical Center for display. Information compiled from historical records on Uncle John and Jane Burgess will be donated to the Bassett Historical Center, Doss said.

Anyone with information on the cemetery or those buried there is asked to call Doss at 634-2545.

Picture Yourself on the Smith River Art Contest

An Art Contest for Students in grades 5-12

CONTEST DETAILS:

• Create an original work of art depicting yourself or others enjoying the Smith River.
• Art will be on display at the Virginia Museum of Natural History during Earth Week.
• Winning artists in each of three age groups will receive an award and be recognized at an awards ceremony on April 29 at the Fieldale Trail.
• Our grand prize winner will receive an exciting and fun-filled paddle trip for a family of four on the Smith River courtesy of Three River Outfitters.

RULES:

• Artwork can be in any medium, no larger than 11 x 17 inches.
• All entries must be delivered in person or by mail to: Dan River Basin Association, P.O. Box 7, 3300 Kings Mountain Road, Collinsville, VA 24078 by 4 p.m. on April 22. Late entries will not be eligible.
• Preliminary judging will be open to the public on April 22 from 5 - 7 p.m. at the Henry County Administration Building.

For more information, call 276-634-2545.

Photo of eagle by: Cheri Sederquist; other photos: DRBA Stock

Picture Yourself on the Smith River Art Contest

An Art Contest for Students in grades 5-12

CONTEST DETAILS:

• Create an original work of art depicting yourself or others enjoying the Smith River.
• Art will be on display at the Virginia Museum of Natural History during Earth Week.
• Winning artists in each of three age groups will receive an award and be recognized at an awards ceremony on April 29 at the Fieldale Trail.
• Our grand prize winner will receive an exciting and fun-filled paddle trip for a family of four on the Smith River courtesy of Three River Outfitters.

RULES:

• Artwork can be in any medium, no larger than 11 x 17 inches.
• All entries must be delivered in person or by mail to: Dan River Basin Association, P.O. Box 7, 3300 Kings Mountain Road, Collinsville, VA 24078 by 4 p.m. on April 22. Late entries will not be eligible.
• Preliminary judging will be open to the public on April 22 from 5 - 7 p.m. at the Henry County Administration Building.

For more information, call 276-634-2545.

Photo of eagle by: Cheri Sederquist; other photos: DRBA Stock

Eagle Scout Enhances Nature Preserve

The Dan River Basin Association and Henry County Parks & Recreation would like to thank Blaine Meeks, from Troop 168 of Ridgeway, for his recent contribution of three benches to the Richard P. Gravely, Jr. Nature Preserve. The benches look great and are very comfy too. Take a walk out to Gravely to try them out for yourself!

Photo contributed by: Brenda Meeks

Eagle Scout Enhances Nature Preserve

The Dan River Basin Association and Henry County Parks & Recreation would like to thank Blaine Meeks, from Troop 168 of Ridgeway, for his recent contribution of three benches to the Richard P. Gravely, Jr. Nature Preserve. The benches look great and are very comfy too. Take a walk out to Gravely to try them out for yourself!

Photo contributed by: Brenda Meeks

Henry County Goes Green!

The Dan River Basin Association would like to give a shout-out to Henry County for their recent efforts to spruce up Bassett at the new county motorpool parking lot. County Administrator, Benny Summerlin, wanted to enhance the appearance of the barren parking lot by planting trees. An assortment of Sweet Gums, Bald Cypress, and River Birch have been planted at the site and will buffer noise, create oxygen, provide wildlife habitat, and make 57 Business a much prettier place to drive. The trees were harvested from the county tree farm and planted with assistance from Lois Christenson of Gateway Streetscape. We look forward to seeing these beautiful trees as they leaf out and grow! Way to go Henry County!

Article by: Jennifer Doss
Photos by: Brian Williams

Henry County Goes Green!

The Dan River Basin Association would like to give a shout-out to Henry County for their recent efforts to spruce up Bassett at the new county motorpool parking lot. County Administrator, Benny Summerlin, wanted to enhance the appearance of the barren parking lot by planting trees. An assortment of Sweet Gums, Bald Cypress, and River Birch have been planted at the site and will buffer noise, create oxygen, provide wildlife habitat, and make 57 Business a much prettier place to drive. The trees were harvested from the county tree farm and planted with assistance from Lois Christenson of Gateway Streetscape. We look forward to seeing these beautiful trees as they leaf out and grow! Way to go Henry County!

Article by: Jennifer Doss
Photos by: Brian Williams

Wildflowers and Wild Trout

If you have been waiting for the first spring wildflowers to show themselves before you officially declare winter is over, then wait no longer, get out and enjoy. It seems like just yesterday there was 6 inches of snow on the ground and now these little jewels can be seen popping up all over the place. If you enjoy these seeing these beautiful little harbingers of spring, now is the time to get out and enjoy them while they last. There annual appearance seems to be the last nail in the coffin for "old man winter" but enjoy them while you can, their appearance can be as fleeting as a rally on wall street.

Darrin Doss called and said he had an itching to go after some native trout on Saturday and thought Rock Castle might be the best place to give it a shot. We could even get the "triple crown" there, a Brown, a Rainbow and a Brookie, and it's close to home. At the very least, Rock Castle is a favorite for photography, and we would be assured incredibly scenic fishing even if we didn't catch a single trout.

Heading over in the early afternoon, we were both wondering whether spring wildflowers were out yet at this elevation. I knew our usual spots for wildflowers in Henry County were already seeing Bloodroot, cut-leaf and spring beauties, but what about over in the gorge, will anything be blooming there yet. We were not to be disappointed and both of us were regretting not bringing our good cameras since we had opted for taking along our small "point and shoots." After all, the primary purpose of the trip was fishing right?

Rock Castle is a very popular spot for hikers, scouts, birders, photographers and the fly fishermen. The parking area off CC Camp Road is small, so on a beautiful day, be prepared to find a creative way to fit your vehicle in a spot. We squeezed in as best we could and stepped out to be greeted with the chilly mountain air which meant a few more layers were going to be needed for this trip. After gearing up and heading into the woods, we were reminded why this is such a popular area. It's incredibly gorgeous. It's only about 45 minutes from Martinsville and the scenery is worth the drive. Spring was just showing itself with tiny yellow and white buds peeking out on a few of the early blooming trees and shrubs and a hint of green as new leaves began to show. Just a few yards up the trail and we were greeted with a bankside covered in bloodroot, their brilliant white star blooms on fragile succulent stalks, rising up through the dead leaves and relegating winter to a distant memory. It was going to be a good day for wildfowers, I was wondering if the trout were to be as cooperative.

The plan was to hike in deeper up the gorge and fish the upper waterfall pools, working our way back downstream at dusk. It's really hard to pass up those first beautiful emerald green pools that beckon with deep green recesses under the rhododendron and rock outcrops. The plans changed, and we decided to just hit the good spots on the way up.

Darrin and I are about the same when it comes to our tactics, and we will continue to work a pool that we know holds fish, regardless of whether they cooperate. A fun way to fish these challenging waters when you are with someone else is to leap frog upstream. One goes in below a good spot and the other heads upstream and works their way back. You fish towards each other until you cover a section of stream...then head up the trail and start over in the next likely spot. This way you get to fish close and see the other's catch, or lack of, but still cover the stream without getting in each others way. This is not the Smith River where you can stand side by side and walk upstream covering both banks. Fishing here is a real challenge, and you really never get much of a cast, only a flip of the rod, which sometimes even puts your fly where it needs to be.

Darrin slipped in below the first pool and I worked my way upstream and then down to the upper pool. Making the first hook-up of the day, I pulled in a typical Rock Castle sized brown. "Hey Darrin, could these trout be any smaller," I called out. Darrin reminded me that , "Hey, if we were trying to catch big trout, we wouldn't have come over here!" True.

The creek was running large with springtime snow and rainfalls contributing to the volume. At least there was good water to fish, but I think the trout had plenty of food to choose from and so they were not as anxious as during low water times.

Further up the stream I caught the second fish of the day and this time it was a tiny, little rainbow. These fish are really small, but if you think you need big fish to have fun, you are missing the point. Just fooling these little wild trout in these gin clear waters can be quite a challenge.

Fishing finally took a backseat to wildflowers, and we began to stop more frequently along the banks. Getting out of the stream at one spot, we noticed the area was covered with Virginia Bluebells some already starting to bloom, that was a treat.

Trout fishing in these tiny mountain streams and photographing wildflowers both employ some of the same techniques....only the bloodroots are easier to sneak up on than trout!

Darrin gets close to his subject!

Latter in the day, Darrin worked a small hole for 25 minutes with 6 different flies before finally pulling in another little rainbow. We never got very far up the creek, just a little past the campground, and we didn't get the "triple crown" today, but just being here and watching the woods wake up to spring was more than enough.

This place is special. One of those Southern Virginia gems hidden away just enough, enjoyed and protected but still accessible to most anyone willing to make the journey.

Now is the time to get out and enjoy the beauty of what early spring offers in our neck of the woods. Don't put it off by waiting for the perfect day, or warmer temperatures, the wildflowers wait for no one.

Article by: Brian Williams

Photos by: Darrin Doss and Brian Williams

Edited and posted by: Vicky Thomas

Fly Tying Class

Smith River Trout Unlimited (SRTU) is hosting a fly tying class on April 11. The cost of the class is $15. If interested in participating in this event, pleast contact Linda Drage by April 1. See contact information below.

Also, there will be an SRTU fishing trip on May 28 thru May 31. If interested, please contact Linda Drage in April.

Contact information: ldrage@comcast.net.

Information provided by: Linda Drage

DRBA Stock photo

Posted by: Vicky Thomas

Fly Tying Class

Smith River Trout Unlimited (SRTU) is hosting a fly tying class on April 11. The cost of the class is $15. If interested in participating in this event, pleast contact Linda Drage by April 1. See contact information below.

Also, there will be an SRTU fishing trip on May 28 thru May 31. If interested, please contact Linda Drage in April.

Contact information: ldrage@comcast.net.

Information provided by: Linda Drage

DRBA Stock photo

Posted by: Vicky Thomas

Household Hazardous Waste Day

APRIL 18, 2009 - RAIN OR SHINE
9 A.M. TO 12 P.M.
BASSETT MOTOR POOL COMPLEX

Gateway Streetscape Foundation, Inc. invites all citizens from Martinsville and Henry County to participate in the Spring Household Hazardous Waste Day on April 18, 2009 from 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 Noon. It will be held rain or shine. The event is being moved to the former Bassett Motor Pool Complex at 2285 Fairystone Park Highway in Bassett, Virginia. Cars will enter the lot through the gate that is across from Bassett Office Supply. It is free for citizens from Henry County and the City of Martinsville. Paint solvents, fuels, lead acid batteries from autos or trucks, computer parts and cell phones will be accepted. Used printer inkjet and LaserJet cartridges will also be accepted. Citizens are encouraged to bring their solvents which include mineral spirits, paint thinner, turpentine, acetone and other solvents to this event for environmentally safe disposition. Paints types such as oil based paint, polyurethane, tung oil, deck or oil based stain, and other paint materials will be accepted at this time. All kinds of fuels and automotive fluids will be disposed of as well. They will include gasoline, #2 fuel oil, kerosene, diesel fuel, small engine fuel, heating oil, motor oil, transmission fluids and antifreeze. Blue Ridge Solvents and Coatings will be disposing of the paints and fuel oils. Electronics accepted will include all computer components and office equipment. The office equipment that can be disposed of will include copiers, printers, calculators and typewriters. This is a cooperative event sponsored by Henry County, the City of Martinsville, EMI Recycling and Gateway Streetscape Foundation. Citizens will be given a car litter bag. All items brought by area residents for disposal will be unloaded by volunteers as they drive up to the disposal area. It is important to dispose of hazardous waste properly and to protect our environment. This Fall Household Hazardous Waste Day allows local citizens to do their part to protect our environment. This event is not available for commercial businesses and no industrial waste will be accepted. No Tires will be accepted either. For more information call 634-4674 or 634-4622.

Article contributed by: Lois Christensen
Posted by: Vicky Thomas

Household Hazardous Waste Day

APRIL 18, 2009 - RAIN OR SHINE
9 A.M. TO 12 P.M.
BASSETT MOTOR POOL COMPLEX

Gateway Streetscape Foundation, Inc. invites all citizens from Martinsville and Henry County to participate in the Spring Household Hazardous Waste Day on April 18, 2009 from 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 Noon. It will be held rain or shine. The event is being moved to the former Bassett Motor Pool Complex at 2285 Fairystone Park Highway in Bassett, Virginia. Cars will enter the lot through the gate that is across from Bassett Office Supply. It is free for citizens from Henry County and the City of Martinsville. Paint solvents, fuels, lead acid batteries from autos or trucks, computer parts and cell phones will be accepted. Used printer inkjet and LaserJet cartridges will also be accepted. Citizens are encouraged to bring their solvents which include mineral spirits, paint thinner, turpentine, acetone and other solvents to this event for environmentally safe disposition. Paints types such as oil based paint, polyurethane, tung oil, deck or oil based stain, and other paint materials will be accepted at this time. All kinds of fuels and automotive fluids will be disposed of as well. They will include gasoline, #2 fuel oil, kerosene, diesel fuel, small engine fuel, heating oil, motor oil, transmission fluids and antifreeze. Blue Ridge Solvents and Coatings will be disposing of the paints and fuel oils. Electronics accepted will include all computer components and office equipment. The office equipment that can be disposed of will include copiers, printers, calculators and typewriters. This is a cooperative event sponsored by Henry County, the City of Martinsville, EMI Recycling and Gateway Streetscape Foundation. Citizens will be given a car litter bag. All items brought by area residents for disposal will be unloaded by volunteers as they drive up to the disposal area. It is important to dispose of hazardous waste properly and to protect our environment. This Fall Household Hazardous Waste Day allows local citizens to do their part to protect our environment. This event is not available for commercial businesses and no industrial waste will be accepted. No Tires will be accepted either. For more information call 634-4674 or 634-4622.

Article contributed by: Lois Christensen
Posted by: Vicky Thomas

Memorial Ceremony for Mr. Ben D. Lackey Sr.

You are invited to a special memorial ceremony for Ben D. Lackey, Sr. at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 5 at the Danbury Town Park.

A marker will be dedicated at the base of an American Holly Tree that the Dan River Basin Association has planted in his memory. Many of you remember Ben Lackey, who died in a tragic accident in October, 2007. A business leader and ardent conservationist, Ben and his wife Josephine were frequent participants and sometime hosts for Rockingham County Naturalist Club events. Ben served on the Board of Directors for the Dan River Basin Association for nearly two years before his death. We remember his lively interest in the natural world, his work to preserve the rare plants on his Stokes County farm, and his enthusiastic participation in our organization. We hope you can join us for a brief ceremony to honor Ben Lackey's memory. If you'd like to share a story or memory of Ben, there will be an opportunity for you to do so.

Directions: Danbury is about 20 miles north of Winston-Salem on Highway 8/89 near the entrance to Hanging Rock State Park. The Danbury Town Park is located beside the Town Hall, at 201 Courthouse Circle, directly behind the historic courthouse.

Article and photo contributed by: Robin Light

Edited and posted by: Vicky Thomas

Rock the River

On April 25, DRBA is seeking volunteers for "Rock the River" at Staunton River State Park. This day-long event is a Girl Scout recruiting event (open to the public!) and will have canoe lessons, craft stations, river bank clean up, s'mores, and—best of all—end with everyone participating in an African drum circle. Professional djembe drummers from Danville, VA and Wilmington, NC will lead everyone in the closing ceremony that sends a rousing Earth Day "thank you" to the river for all it gives to us. No prior drumming experience necessary.

Please email Jenny Edwards at jedwards@danriver.org or call 276-340-2462 if you would like to hear more or to volunteer for this fun-filled event. As always, thank you for all you do for the Dan River Basin.

Article and photo contributed by: Jenny Edwards
Edited and posted by: Vicky Thomas

DRBA Is Seeking Volunteers For Earth Day Events

Here's a Springtime opportunity to help spread the good word while having some fun!

Reidsville's Back Street Buzz Coffee House is sponsoring a sustainability festival, "Everything Green Day," beside their cafe from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 18. DRBA and Rockingham Soil & Water are helping organize the event.There will be several groups participating, focusing on sustainable foods and practices and including activities for kids. Can you join us for a DRBA booth and activities? You can choose either First or Second Shift:

First Shift: 9:00 - 12:30 (includes set-up)
Second Shift: 12:30 - 4:30 (includes take-down)

Please contact T Butler, 336-349-5727 or members@danriver.org , and indicate which shift you prefer.

If you can't stay the full time, do stop by. The Back Street Buzz is at the Market Street/Settle Street intersection, 234 SW Market Street, Reidsville.

Article contributed by: Robin Light
Posted by: Vicky Thomas

Jamison Mill will open once again

After coming from the brink of being closed forever, Jamison Mill will open once again. Friends of Philpott, a non-profit organizatrion whose mission is to promote environmentally responsible use, development, and protection of the natural and recreational resources at Philpott Lake through community involvement and education, has spent the past year working to restore the park, construct trails, and refurbish the boat ramp so that they may all be used again. Thanks to their work under the direction of President, Linda Drage, the group is pleased to announce that the park will be officially open for race weekend on March 26th.

For reservations and other information contact philpott@usace.army.mil or call (276) 629-2703 or visit the USACE website: http://www.saw.usace.army.mil/philpott/fees.htm.

Information provided by: Linda Drage and Jennifer Doss
Photos contributed by: http://svmba.org/forum/index.php?topic=21.0;prev_next=next#new and http://www.saw.usace.army.mil/philpott/fees.htm
Edited and posted by: Vicky Thomas