Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, October 3, 1994 TAG: 9410040029
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
The task force was proposed by Mayor David Bowers, who told the council that the return of cinemas is an important step in boosting downtown redevelopment.
"Downtown Roanoke is the entertainment center for our region, and I believe it is time for us to begin an intensive effort, in conjunction with our downtown rail park effort, to lure the movie theaters back," he said.
The American Theater on Jefferson Street was the last cinema in the area, said Ashley Waldvogel, marketing manager for Downtown Roanoke Inc. The theater was torn down in 1973 to make way for the First Union bank building, she said.
The membership and efforts of the task force will be coordinated by the city manager's office and Downtown Roanoke Inc., Waldvogel said. He said it will take at least a week "to get the ball rolling."
Bedford gets Monopolized
The price of commercial real estate in Bedford has fallen drastically in recent weeks. Had your eye on the Carder Tharp Funeral Home? It's yours for only $3,300. Like journalism? The Bedford Bulletin's a steal at $4,000.
But don't call your real estate agent yet. These bargains can be had only in the Game of Bedford, a Monopoly-like board game being sold by the Bedford Junior Woman's Club.
In place of traditional Monopoly properties, the game features prominent Bedford businesses that have paid $180-$280 in real money for the privilege of being bought and sold with play money. The property squares read like a Bedford business directory - Legg Mason, Johnson's Apple Orchard, Arthur's Jewelry.
If you have a hankering to build some hotels, try Compucare, a Bedford computer service company. At $5,000, it's the Boardwalk in the Game of Bedford. And don't worry if you land in the pokey. You won't spend the night with Sheriff Carl Wells. Instead, the board game has a charity lock-up.
The game's scenery also is a plus. The board features Bedford landmarks such as the Peaks of Otter, Smith Mountain Lake, the National Elks Home and Avenel, as portrayed by Bedford artist Revelle Hamilton.
And if you were among the first 200 people to order the game, you can look for your name in its borders. Some 800 copies already have been sold and more are on order. Copies can be bought at stores such as Arthur's Jewelry and the Keeping Room or through members of the Bedford Junior Woman's Club.
Proceeds from sales of the $15 game and its board space will go to charity and community projects such as maintaining local parks.
by CNB