Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, December 22, 1993                   TAG: 9312220060
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C-1   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

5TH GENERATION AT HOMEPLACE INSPIRES GIFT

To commemorate the occasion, he has contributed to the Good Neighbors Fund.

Carter's paternal great-grandparents settled in Bedford in the 1890s. Much of their land has been sold off and developed, but this year Carter returned to the remaining acreage.

Carter, 50, has lived in Salem and Roanoke, but when he read his mother's will, he realized how important the legacy of this land was.

"I had the best childhood anyone could ever have out there," he says of Melody Hills Farm, named for the music his sister blasted from her radio that could be heard anywhere on the original 200 acres the family owned.

In a transient world like this one, Carter says, it means a great deal that his sons, Jeremy and Ben, will be the fifth generation of Carters to live on the same land.

Recalling the holiday celebrations he experienced as a child, with 25 or more family members present and a bountiful feast prepared by his grandmother Ann, Carter says he "can't ignore those who are not so fortunate."

"My grandparents were great providers. They taught us how to celebrate Christmas and help others," Carter says. He hopes his gift in honor of his family will "help in some way to stabilize those in need."

Checks should be made payable to Good Neighbors Fund and mailed to Roanoke Times & World-News, P.O. Box 1951, Roanoke 24008.

Gifts cannot be earmarked for any particular individual or family. Gifts are tax-deductible.

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