Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, May 11, 1995 TAG: 9505110082
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: RAY REED
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
J.B., Roanoke
A: Putting an end to racism is the primary goal of a couple of groups.
For four years, one group has met almost weekly with the sole purpose of helping members identify racism within themselves, rather than "correcting" it in others.
The goal of People Uniting Against Racism is to overcome racism one heart at a time, said Claudia Whitworth, host of the group.
Recognizing that everyone is affected by, and infected by, racial attitudes, the group invites speakers who tell how they are dealing with race issues in their businesses, schools and organizations.
The group of 10 to 20 men and women is diverse socially, economically, religiously and racially. It meets every second and fourth Thursday at the offices of the Roanoke Tribune, where Whitworth is publisher.
The group had its origins in the Bahai faith, Whitworth said.
Another group, called Spectrum, meets at Christ Episcopal Church in Roanoke. Its goal is combating racism, and its membership is female.|
Chili's a secret
Q: What is the basic ingredient of the chili at the Texas Tavern? A friend of mine who has ulcers can eat their chili, and it doesn't bother him. I'm not asking them to give any secrets away, but what is the basic recipe?
M.F., Roanoke
A: Sorry. There's about as much chance of reading the formula for Coca-Cola here as there is for the Texas Tavern chili recipe.
"I really can't" tell, said Gordon Barbour, the manager. "I'm glad he can eat it, though."
The TT's founder, Isaac "Nick" Bullington, picked up the recipe from the Palace Hotel in Houston when he was touring with the Barnum & Bailey Circus in the 1920s, Barbour said.
"No one knows [the secret] but the owner and me," Barbour said.
Texas Tavern chili has been sold in other restaurants, but the blend of ingredients is a closely guarded property.
Gainsboro insignia
Q: On the posts of the new street lights around the Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center is a medallion that has in script type the letters "GR." What does it stand for?
J.L., Roanoke
A: That symbol was ordered by the city for the lights along Wells Avenue after meetings with neighborhood residents.
It stands for Gainsboro- Roanoke.
The logo also appears in the metal grates surrounding trees planted along sidewalks near the hotel, and the full name is carved on the new bus shelter on Wells Avenue.
Got a question about something that might affect other people, too? Something you've come across and wondered about? Give us a call at 981-3118. Maybe we can find the answer.
by CNB