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

DATE: SUNDAY, April 30, 1995                   TAG: 9505040011
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: G-3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: WILLIAM HUBARD
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

HOME

IN RECENT years it seems that we Roanoke Valley residents have formed a bad habit of equating economic growth with the attractiveness of a place to live. We too often compare ourselves to Raleigh and Charlotte. Comparisons are onerous. We are not - and never will be - a Raleigh or Charlotte. Indeed, we should not have that as an aspiration.

Economic growth, or even great economic statistics, is not what makes a home a home. Sure, we have great economic indicators, very low unemployment, quality health facilities, the best cultural center in the world for a mid-sized city, diverse educational opportunities, and the finest historic hotel anywhere. But if these data were only modest, this still is the only place where I would like to reside.

``It's the people, stupid.'' The folks here really care about each other, and they show it every day by volunteering to lend a ``hand-up.'' Meet a few.

Pastor Jim Allison, who stood up against racial discrimination when that was real risky, and chaired the Roanoke City School Board. Cabell Brand, who organized and for 40 years headed Total Action Against Poverty, the prime community-action program in the country. Peter Lewis, who 20 years ago organized and still leads Apple Ridge Farm, an educational program for at-risk inner-city youth. Bill Branch, George Cartledge, Frank Clement, Sig Davidson, Lucy Ellett, Lu Grove and Jay Turner, who have generously supported and-or led nearly every worthwhile cause from Glenvar to Bonsack.

Florine Thornhill, who has renewed the Loudon Avenue neighborhood in Northwest Roanoke to be an example for all vulnerable valley neighborhoods. Bev Fitzpatrick Sr., who has turned from a life of crime (he was a judge, you know) to rescue Jefferson High School as a home for a myriad of social agencies. Mayor Noel Taylor, who led Roanoke city for 17 years, longer than anyone else.

Incidentally, we often hear that our children have to leave the valley to find a meaningful career. The folks just named collectively have 18 sons. All but one of these sons still lives here in the valley. They seem to be doing quite well.

Then, how about our senior citizens? We have the highest ratio in Virginia of those over 65. We care about them, and they care about us. Have you counted the high-quality retirement homes here, Brandon Oaks, Richfield, etc.? All over the valley you can see ``Meals on Wheels'' going out to the homebound elderly.

When I judge the best places to live, I put good neighbors way, way above the opportunity to pay several thousand dollars for the option to purchase a season ticket to a professional athletic team's games, or the right to fight a huge traffic jam every day.

Thomas Wolfe was right, I ``can't go home again.'' I'm there.

William Hubard, a retired insurance executive, is the former director of Center in the Square and a former member of Roanoke City Council.

by CNB