Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, July 23, 1993 TAG: 9307220018
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-3 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: By KEN DAVIS STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: CHRISTIANSBURG LENGTH: Medium
"Bartender!" he announces, pointing toward his place at the bar. "Root beer. Straight."
It's a typical night at Straight Street, the nonprofit, Christian-run teen nightclub that is throwing an anniversary party Saturday to celebrate two years of giving New River Valley youths a clean, safe place to spend their weekend nights.
"We're the best kept secret in the New River Valley," said the director, Bob Anderson.
The secret appears to be out, however. Anderson said about 150 teen-agers walk through the club's double glass doors every weekend during the school year, and its popularity seems to be increasing even as the long days and warm temperatures of summer take their toll on business.
"It's really cool," said Stacie Boothe, a 14-year-old ninth-grader at Auburn High School. "It's about the only place around for Christians."
Judging by appearances, Straight Street seems to have all the ingredients necessary to please its clientele. It could be a teen-ager's dream pad - an adolescent romper room complete with arcade games, billiard tables and a basketball goal.
The festive ambiance is complemented by bright murals and traffic signs on the walls, and subtle touches such as a pay phone in the bright lavender cab of a Volkswagon bus. It also has a bartender who doesn't sell anything stronger than root beer.
"You feel accepted here," said Crystal Duncan, 14, a soft-spoken 10th-grader at Christiansburg High. "You're also not criticized for being Christian."
Though the teens at Straight Street always seem to have a good time, they also learn morality, Anderson said. Dancing is not encouraged, although he said the teen-agers always enjoy the live and recorded music - mostly Christian music - the club provides.
All music is screened by Straight Street officials, Anderson said, to ensure that a moral message is being sent to their teen-aged patrons.
The murals and pictures on the walls also reflect the club's Christian influences and strong moral directives.
"What I have on my walls is what I think people need," Anderson said. "And that means all people. Adults included."
But even though Straight Street is based on the fundamentals of the Christian faith, Anderson said the club "is not Christian-oriented" and does not discriminate on any basis, including religion.
"We reserve the right to accept anybody here," he said with a laugh. "We don't turn anybody away. We're a teen club run by Christians, not a Christian teen club."
Anderson said the club's high moral atmosphere brings out the best in the teen-agers, helping them to "remove the masks" they wear in their social circles.
"It's really moving when you see a kid come up to the bar and donate money instead of using it to play pool," he said, looking at a donation jar for a 15-year-old Dominican Republic girl the club is sponsoring through Compassion International.
"Kids caring. That's what it's all about."
Straight Street's second anniversary celebration will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday and will last until 11 p.m. People of all ages are invited to take part in the activities, which will include seven bands, a drama troupe and carnival games.
All funds collected go back into the club or to the causes it sponsors, Anderson said.
"We don't invest in anything except the kids and their lives," he said. "That's the best investment we have."
Normal operating hours for Straight Street are 7 to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. There is no cover charge. The club also is available for private parties.
Anderson said all youths from seventh to 12th grades are invited. For more information, call the club at 381-1006.
by CNB