Some of our Special Valentines have great ideas for raising funds for FRIENDS!
Dear Friend,
Throughout the year we hear from members and friends along the parkway who have found unique ways to raise funds for FRIENDS! You too, can borrow one of the ideas listed below or come up with your own. Best of all, you can have fun while helping FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway!
Have a Bake Sale!
It may sound simple, but we were blown away by this next story...
 Twelve-year-old Roanoke resident, Emily Tousman wanted to make a difference. She and her friend Erin started a club called the Green Team. Emily tells us that one of their first orders of business was to write letters to Congress to protect the Amazon Rain Forests.
Eventually the Green Team turned their attention toward a local natural wonder, the Blue Ridge Parkway! After learning about FRIENDS from her father who had attended the Energy Expo in Roanoke in November, Emily and Erin had an idea. The girls baked 50 chocolate chip cookies and went to about 20 houses selling them for 50 cents each. They raised $28 in cash and decided they would use the money as a donation for FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway in hopes of participating later this spring in a viewshed planting.
FRIENDS staff had the pleasure of meeting these bright young ladies in January when the girls came by to deliver their contribution! Not only will they be volunteering at the viewshed planting on March 29, the Green Team will also be making 100 chocolate chip cookies for the event! (Photo (l-r): Kathleen Myrman, FRIENDS' Director of Volunteer Programs, Emily and Erin)
Clearly, anyone at any age can make a contribution! Thank you to our Special Junior Valentines, Emily and Erin. You have inspired us all!
Host a Home Party!
Virginia Ehrich, FRIENDS staff member, hosted a Silpada Jewelry party at her home last fall. Her little party was so successful Virginia was able to raise $425.10 for FRIENDS! Amazing what a little bling is worth!
Virginia tells us she wanted to help advertise FRIENDS to her neighbors and friends. She also thought it was a great way to benefit the Parkway.
We agree! Thank you to our Special Valentine, Virginia.
Make Your Own Jewelry or Craft Item!
Supporter of the Rocky Knob Chapter, Paula Wojciechowski creates jewelry. She decided that one of the ways she could contribute to the work being done by FRIENDS area chapter in Rocky Knob was to donate several of her creations to the chapter for sale at events! The beautiful pieces were a huge hit bringing in $100 in sales! We will soon be listing these items on our Online Store.
Thank you to our creative and talented Valentine, Paula, for supporting the great work of the Rocky Knob Chapter!
Organizations...Share Proceeds From Your Own Fundraiser!
When the Blue Ridge Potter's Guild held their 8th Annual Blue Ridge Potter's Guild Show in Roanoke last fall, they set up a special sale section. The proceeds from these items - $569.00 - came directly to FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway!
 FRIENDS is grateful to all of its community partners, and we especially want to thank our Special Partner Organization Valentines at the Blue Ridge Potter's Guild for their generosity!
Businesses on the Parkway...
Bruisin' Ales gives new meaning to their term, "Beerlanthropists"
"Beerlanthropists", Jason and Julie Atallah, owners and operators of Bruisin' Ales, Asheville’s first and only retail store just for beer lovers, held several fundraising events in 2007 with the idea that they'd match contributions designated for FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Through their efforts and generosity, Bruisin' Ales raised $1500.00 for FRIENDS! Visit the Blog on their website and you will see that Bruisin' Ales has featured an entry about FRIENDS as well.
Debbie Mowrey, FRIENDS' Director of Programs & Development in Asheville paid Jason and Julie a visit in January to receive their contribution. (Photo (l-r): Debbie Mowery, Jason and Julia Atallah)
“We’re proud to support FRIENDS with the help of our customers,” said Julie Atallah, co-owner of Bruisin’ Ales with her husband, Jason. “Most people don’t realize that funding from the Park Service is not always enough to maintain the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Asheville chapter picks up litter, maintains trails and vistas—things we take for granted.”
Happy Valentine's Day and thank you to our friends Jason and Julie at Bruisin' Ales!
Inns Along the Parkway
 Glenn and Jen Duerr, Innkeepers at the Windover Inn in Waynesville, North Carolina made their first donation of $144.00 to FRIENDS last November based on a $1 per room, per night contribution drive they held in October. They plan to make this an annual event, with the hope that they'll be increasing their donation each year as their business grows.
What really touched our heart was the lovely message they sent with their contribution...
"Dear FRIENDS Staff,
We just wanted to thank your staff and all the volunteers who contribute to the care of our beautiful Parkway! As business owners in Waynesville, NC, we know how much folks visiting the Blue RIdge Parkway contribute to the success of our business, as well as the enjoyment we get as residents of this beautiful area!"
Many thanks to our special Valentines at the Windover Inn for warming our hearts with encouragement for the work we do to keep the Parkway beautiful!
We hope these inspiring ideas have inspired YOU to consider ways to raise funds for FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway! If you've developed a unique idea of your own, please share your story with us! Send to staff@friendsbrp.org. We will post it on our new Fundraising Ideas webpage.
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 Ukrops Golden Gift Program is Back!
Every time you use your UVC card at Ukrops from February 4 - March 29, 2008 you will earn one Golden Gift Point for every $1 spent. At the end of the program period, a Golden Gift Certificate that details your household's points will be mailed to you. You can then donate your points to FRIENDS (a participating organization) by turning in your Golden Gift Certificate to FRIENDS by May 31, 2008 and FRIENDS will receive a portion of the $400,000 payout planned for 2008! For more information visit Ukrops website!
There's something for everyone on your gift list from logo items to books and music! Do your shopping online and help FRIENDS too!
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Volunteer at the FRIENDS Office!
Do you have adminstrative skills? FRIENDS needs office volunteers who are able to devote 2 - 4 hours per week at the Roanoke office at 2214 Electric Road, Suite 1. Some of the skills we are looking for are:
Data Entry
Database Research
Web Management
Grant Writing
Phone Calling
Filing
Mail Preparation
Letter Writing
If you would like to volunteer, please contact Kathleen Myrman at 540-772-2992 or email, kathleen_myrman@friendsbrp.org.
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Parkway News
Announcing the Retirement of Lester Wood!!
Lester has decided to retire after more than 28 years of Government service. Come join us in a celebration of his career as Maintenance Supervisor, Plateau District.
Place: Meadows of Dan Community Center - Meadows of Dan VA
Date: Friday, February 22nd, 2008
Time: Meal will be served at 6:30 PM
$10.50 per plate (includes two meats, vegetables, dessert, coffee, tea. This also includes tip). We will collect money for meal at the door.
Please call Rebecca Worrell (540-745-9660) or Rick Baker (540-745-9666) no later than February 15th to confirm if you will attend. If you would like to contribute for a retirement gift, send your donations to Rebecca or Rick at 1670 Blue Ridge Parkway Floyd, VA, 24901. Hope to see you there!
Directions to Meadows of Dan Community Center - Located approximately ½ mile east of Blue Ridge Parkway on State Route 58 in Meadows of Dan Virginia. After exiting Parkway, head east on Route 58 into Meadows of Dan. The Community Center is on your right approximately ½ mile from Parkway. It is just before the New Holland Tractor Dealership and just across the road from the Meadows of Dan Fire Department. Call Rebecca Worrell or Rick Baker if you need more specific directions
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Blue Ridge Parkway Visits Showed Big Increase in 2007
Associated Press
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
RICHMOND - The number of visitors to the Blue Ridge Parkway increased by 4,000 in 2007 over the previous year.
According to month-by-month figures from the National Park Service Web site, the number of people who use the parkway last year was just under 20 million.
There was a surge in visitors over the second half of 2007. Phil Francis, superintendent of the parkway says he's not sure why that is, but guessed people are taking fewer long-distance trips because of rising gasoline prices and are instead taking advantage of the nearby parkway.
Francis said the parkway will likely see an increase in visits in 2010, the 75th anniversary of the scenic drive through Western Virginia and North Carolina.
With visits to the parkway increasing, it makes sense to support FRIENDS' programs such as Saving Parkway Views and Volunteers in Parks (VIP). Help us keep the Blue Ridge Parkway a beautiful vacation destination for tens of thousands of visitors each year! Click on the button below to make a contribution.
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 Section of Blue Ridge Parkway Could Be Closed Through 2008
Friday, 01 Feb 2008, 7:04 AM EST
Associated Press
ASHEVILLE, N.C. (AP) - A short section of the Blue Ridge Parkway could be closed through 2008.
Officials said a collapsed retaining wall near Craggy Gardens Visitors Center must be repaired.
About 100 feet of pavement is near the collapsed wall though none was damaged.
Landscape architect Allan Hollister said repair work could close part of the roadway through the year, but deputy parkway superintendent Martha Bogle said that prediction was premature.
Until engineering assessments are completed, Bogle said officials couldn't predict how long the road will be closed, if at all.
Craggy Gardens is one of the most scenic areas on the parkway and is known for its early summer rhododendron blooms.
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Mountains To Sea Trail News
Carolina Mountain Club Crew Rebuilds Trail in the Pink Beds
Over the past year or so, some busy beavers have constructed several dams across the stream that runs through the Pink Beds in Pisgah Forest. The ponds that have formed behind the dams initially made the Barnett Branch trail muddy through the area, but grew to the point where the trail was impassable.
With the concurrence of the U.S. Forest Service, the Pisgah Friday trail maintenance crew began work to make the trail passable again. The solution will be construction of a 250 to 300 foot long elevated walkway across the beaver pond using the pre-existing bridge as a base. The walkway will be five feet wide and sit about a foot above the water of the pond. To match the rest of the walkway, the existing bridge will be widened to five feet. The route of the new walkway will approximate the original route of the Barnett Branch trail.
Construction of the walkway is expected to take a couple of months. It is expected to be ready for use by the Spring of 2008 said Pete Petersen Leader of Friday Pisgah crew.
Photo by Danny Bernstein.
Trail Safety on the Parkway
Danny Bernstein, editor of the eNews for the Carolina Mountain Club, has been receiving inquiries from people wanting to know if the "woods are safe" and asking for safety tips. He emailed Lynda Doucette, Supervisory Park Ranger in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. She provided an authoritative view adding to Danny's suggestions for safe hiking...Click HERE to read more.
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The CMC has now listed several volunteer opportunities for trail work beginning in February. Visit their website to see all the opportunities!
February 9, 2008 - Falls Lake Workday - Durham County - Come help us extend the Falls Lake Trail to Durham, click here for more info.
March 3 and 15, 2008 - Central Blue Ridge Task Force- Morganton, NC area - Your trail maintenance assistance is needed in this 80 mile section of the MST - click here for all of the details!
March 22, 2008 - CMC workday - Waynesville, NC area on the Blue Ridge Parkway. - Click here for all of the details!
March 29, 2008 - Bald Knob workday - Marion, NC - Click here for all of the details!
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Chapter News
Appalachian State University Chapter - If you are interested in getting involved with this chapter, contact Caroline at caroline.g.thompson@gmail.com.
The Asheville Chapter - The Asheville Chapter, working with Debbie Mowrey, FRIENDS Director of Programs & Development in the Asheville area, has established a Viewshed Steering Committee for the first viewshed planting in Asheville on April 5th at milepost 383.4 location site 1.
 The Blue Ridge Parkway has declared FRIENDS Viewshed Plantings as Junior Ranger Days in observance of National Park Week - proclaimed by the President for celebration and recognition of Your National Parks.
FRIENDS will be releasing a Press Release and campaign to raise the additional funds needed by early February.
If you would like to contribute to this and other Save Parkway Views' projects CLICK HERE. Details for the Viewshed Planting will be updated on the Asheville Chapter webpage.
For more information about the Asheville Chapter contact Tom Morgan at tmorgan51@bellsouth.net.
Fisher Peak Chapter
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From Dottie Bramley
- Volunteer Coordinator
Below are opportunities for volunteering at Fisher Peak for the first part of the year. I will send future updates as they become available.
March 3-7 - Seven Notre Dame students will arrive the evening of the 2nd and leave the morning of the 8th. Please let Dottie know if you can assist on trail work or with meals.
May 24 Preliminary date for landscaping around the stage area at the Music Center with a cookout planned after the work. ....more details later.
We look forward to seeing you on the trails!
For more information regarding Fisher Peak Chapter or any of the above volunteer opportunities contact Dottie Bramley at pdbramley@valink.com or call (276) 236-7658.
Roanoke Valley Chapter - The Roanoke Valley Chapter is busy finalizing details for a viewshed planting on Saturday, March 29, 2008 from 9 am to 1:30 pm at Milepost 106.9 (N&W Railroad Overlook). For more information visit the Roanoke Chapter webpage. You can download a flyer HERE. Individuals and groups who are interested in participating should contact FRIENDS at 800-228-PARK (7275) to pre-register.
 The next planning meeting will take place on Wednesday, February 20, 2008 at 10 am at the FRIENDS' office - 2214 Electric Road, Suite 1 Roanoke.
The Blue Ridge Parkway has declared FRIENDS Viewshed Plantings as Junior Ranger Days in observance of National Park Week - proclaimed by the President for celebration and recognition of Your National Parks.
For more information regarding the Roanoke Valley Chapter, contact Mark McClain 540-387-0930 or e-mail Mark at mcclainmark@comcast.net for more details.
Rocky Knob Chapter - For more information about this chapter, contact Gloria Hilton at gjhilton1@yahoo.com
Donate Your Older Car To Benefit FRIENDS
 FRIENDS has partnered with Charity Cars to provide Parkway patrons and supporters yet another donation opportunity. When you donate a car to Charity Cars and it's determined that the car will be auctioned or salvaged, you can request that the proceeds go to FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway and Charity Cars will honor your request.
If you would like to donate a car to the cause, contact FRIENDS at 800-228-PARK (7275) and FRIENDS will connect you with Charity Cars.
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FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway offers young and old, together, the opportunity to connect with friends and family to save the Blue Ridge Parkway for their continuing enjoyment - and for future generations. The Blue Ridge Parkway connects the Shenandoah National Park with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is America's most scenic drive encompassing 469 miles traversing 29 counties in Virginia and North Carolina. Over 20 million people touch its borders annually - making it America's most frequented park treasure!
By joining Preserving the Legacy you will be supporting projects that will protect this extraordinary Parkway and adjacent land and views for yourselves and for future generations. FRIENDS is an official National Park Service partner. Please join us by choosing one of our deserving Programs today!
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Take Pride in America® is a national partnership program aimed at increasing volunteer service on America’s public lands. It is the goal of Take Pride to empower volunteers from every corner of America to maintain and enhance our natural, cultural, and historical sites.
Take Pride encourages citizen stewardship through an innovative public awareness campaign and an interactive website that showcases volunteer opportunities at natural and cultural sites.
Please forward this e-newsletter to anyone you feel would be interested! If this message was forwarded to you by a friend, you can receive your own subscription contacting us here. If you have any questions, please Contact Us.
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