ROANOKE TIMES 

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

DATE: SUNDAY, July 16, 1995                   TAG: 9507170017
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV-2   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

NEW RIVER FOLKS SHOW KINDNESS

When we set out from Lenoir, N.C., last Monday morning, we were a family eager to see the nation's capital and enjoy the New River and Shenandoah valleys along the way. Unfortunately, our long-planned holiday ended when our transmission burned out a mile south of Christiansburg. There is no way to deny the heartbreak of lost vacation, or forget the more than $1,000 unanticipated expenses, and we were heartbroken.

On the other hand, we did learn of the extraordinary hospitality of the people of this beautiful area. And to the folks of this valley, we want to say thanks. Especially: To the young man from Roanoke driving a Mustang with a rear window sticker advertising a Canadian radio station. Perhaps your car was a bit worn, but you couldn't drive by a car stalled on the freeway, and helped me with a ride to town. To the secretary of Fallen Branch Elementary School who opened the doors to our seven children for cool drinks, the use of "necessary" facilities and the phone. To Mr. Roberts of Roberts Towing, who quickly got our car off the freeway. To the kind grandfather, with the Chrysler with plates PAWS CAR. You found us stranded on the playground during your morning walk. You took us to the motel, never minding that it took two trips of hot sweaty kids. To the innkeeper who gave us a discounted rate. To the car rental agent who came in from Blacksburg to pick me up. To Mr. Miller of AA Transmission, whose quick and fine work got us back on the road the next day.

To paraphrase Forrest Gump's mom, "kindness is as kindness does." If these people are examples of the people of the New River Valley, then this is certainly a fine place to live.

Eric and Susan Dravland

Lenoir, N.C.

Fire fighters, police officers lauded|

My family had a small fire in our kitchen last night. Fortunately there was no damage and no one was hurt. I want to say thank you again to the Blacksburg Fire Department and Police Department for coming so quickly when I called 911. They were professional, friendly and courteous, and we really appreciate their hard work.

Jane Hellman

Blacksburg 


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