ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Thursday, February 22, 1996 TAG: 9602220026
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV11 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
BLACKSBURG -Dick Gregory, the comedian and writer who has worked as an activist for a number of Civil Rights issues since the 1960s, is the keynote speaker for Black History Month activities at Virginia Tech. Gregory will speak Monday at 7 p.m. in Squires Student Center's Colonial Hall.
Over the past 40 years, Gregory has made a name for himself by speaking out against racism, war, hunger and drug abuse. Recently, his face appeared in newspapers across the country for his community action approach to stamping out illegal drugs: he camped out in public parks where dealers sold drugs and rallied community leaders to shut down local "head shops."
In addition, Gregory has worked as a nutritionist and writer. His books include "Dick Gregory's Natural Diet for Folks Who Eat" and "Nigger," his best-selling autobiography.
Gregory's talk Monday is open to the public. A reception will be held afterwards in the Williamsburg Room at the student center.
Lions Club honors young Floyd hero
The Floyd County Lions Club presented Jonathan "Bear" Long with it's Citizen of the Year award this week, the first award of its kind to be offered in Floyd County.
At a ceremony Monday night, Long, who pulled his parents from the family's burning house in December, also received a scholarship worth more than $500.
He left the ceremony with two plaques, a check, and a number of letters and commendations from the Floyd mayor, the local Ruritan club, the rescue squad, the Chamber of Commerce, the Floyd County Woman's Club, the Floyd Press, the county ministerial association, high school adn board of supervisors.
Ray Batiato, president of the Lions Club, said the award will go each year to an outstanding citizen.
Long's parents and other family members turned out for the presentation, then Long spoke to the crowd. He said his parents were the heroes, and brave.
Along with the $500 scholarship, which other organizations added to, the Lions Club gave Long $250 for personal use.
"One of the members pointed out that he'd lost everything in the fire, too," Batiato said.
Long suffered burns over 40 percent of his body in the Dec. 6 fire. He recuperated at a burn center in Charlottesville before returning home to his family.
AA meeting set for Monday
BLACKSBURG - Alcoholics Anonymous will hold a public information meeting Monday at 6:15 p.m.the Newman Community Center at 203 Otey St.
The public is invited to learn more about issues related to alcoholism. For more information, call Chris at 953-0687.
Theater searching for woman's descendants
RADFORD - The Long Way Home Theater is searching for descendants of a woman of Dutch or German descent that traveled with Mary Draper Ingles.
The two traveled over 800 miles in 45 days through some of the most rugged terrain on the North American continent. They traveled from the middle of October to the end of November in 1755.
The woman carried a cow bell and returned to Pittsburgh by way of Winchester after the journey.
Anyone who has knowledge of the woman's family or descendants is asked to contact the Long Way Home at P. O. Box 711, Radford, Va., 24141 or call (540) 639-0679.
Lyric Council to hold first meeting
BLACKSBURG - The Lyric Council, Inc., will hold its first annual meeting on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. at the Lyric Theatre downtown.
All Lyric members are invited to attend and vote. Reports will be made on the progress of renovations and operations and officers and directors for 1996 will be voted on.
The council is still seeking members to support operations and participate in the effort to bring back the Lyric. Memberships are available at all performances and at the annual meeting. Privileges include advance notice of events, a quarterly newsletter, reservation priority, voting privileges and the opportunity to purchase discount ticket books.
For more information, call 951-0604 or stop by the theatre any weekday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Membership contributions can be sent to the Lyric Council, P. O. Box 665, Blacksburg, Va., 24063.
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