Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, February 5, 1995 TAG: 9502060014
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
The reward of volunteering is the feeling that you have contributed something that is needed and appreciated. Who will ever again want to volunteer their efforts for planning for growth in this county, when in just four years exceptions are being made to the 1990 Comprehensive Plan, which was the combined effort of 150 people?
What were Larry Linkous, Henry Jablonski, Joe Stewart, Ira Long and Nick Rush's reasons for voting to rezone this property against the advice of the Montgomery County Planning Department, the Montgomery County Planning Commission, the Virginia Department of Transportation and the Blacksburg Planning Commission?
Lynda J. Majors
Blacksburg
Church architect deserves praise
It was nice to see the attractive new church facility of the Good Shepherd Church of the Brethren published in the "Sunday Sojourner" of Jan. 8 with the excellent photo by Alan Kim. Upon reading the article, which described it as, "this nontraditional church," I was appalled that there was no mention of the architect who designed this unique and innovative building complex.
Who was responsible for siting the buildings on the terrain, distancing it from the traffic and noise of Prices Fork Road, making it feel that it belongs just where it sits? Who visualized and articulated the interior spaces, and chose the structure to economically enclose these spaces? Was all this the result of Divine Providence? If so, that divine guidance had to be exercised through Tom Koontz, the project architect.
I would suggest that a measure of the enlightenment and sophistication of a society lies in its response to the arts, and architecture is the mother of the arts.
The Good Shepard Church of the Brethren shares much of the "organic" quality endorsed by Frank Lloyd Wright. It impresses me as being the most architecturally meritorious religious complex built in Montgomery County in recent years. Yet, even at the initial dedication ceremonies and "open-house" events at the church, I was surprised by the apparent unawareness of the church elders as to the valuable contribution made by the architect-designer. With no information regarding budget and costs, it appears to me that this large facility might have been realized at half the usual market cost. By serving the local community need for a secure day-care center, the Brethren were able to provide for their own Sunday-school needs. By utilizing a modern industrial structural system, a dramatic and evocative sanctuary space was achieved - at modest cost.
I should make it quite clear that I do not represent the project architect, Thomas Koontz, nor do I speak on his behalf. In fact, my professional office is regarded as being in direct competition with his.
Leonard J. Currie
Blacksburg
School bus driver offers thanks, tip
I drive a Montgomery County school bus. Let me say for all the other drivers thank you for the courteous attitude and discipline you show us while we run our routes. However, now more than ever, I notice some people are not using their headlights while driving in the early hours as we pick up our students. Thanks for your cooperation.
George Hamrick
Christiansburg
by CNB