4th Annual Franklin County E-Cycling Day Results in Over 12,000 Pounds Collected

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

April 24, 2012

Franklin County, Goodwill Industries^® of the Valleys, Prudential Waterfront Properties, Earth Environmental and Civil, and Franklin Community Bank are excited to announce the results of the 4^th Annual Franklin County E-Cycling Day.  The event took place on Saturday, April 21^st at the Goodwill^® Store and Franklin Community Bank in Rocky Mount, as well as Prudential Waterfront Properties in Westlake.  In an effort to keep material out of area landfills, the public was encouraged to donate their old computers, computer equipment, small appliances, and electronics.  Additionally, confidential on-site document destruction was offered at Franklin Community Bank.

Thanks to great community support a total of 12,248 pounds of material was collected.  Many people also took advantage of the shredding truck at the bank location with more than 10,000 pounds of documents destroyed.  This year’s event saw an increase of 47.3% in the amount of material collected over last year.  Since the first E-Cycling Day in 2009 over 21 tons of materials were kept out of area landfills.  “We are very pleased about these outstanding results. The E-Cycling Day is not only a great way to celebrate Earth Day, but is also benefiting the environment and our community as a whole,” said Christopher Finley, Director of Marketing and Communications for Prudential Waterfront Properties. “Thanks to everyone who participated and donated to this great cause.”

The Franklin County E-Cycling Day is an extension of a Goodwill partnership with Dell Computers and an effort to increase awareness of recycling and green initiatives throughout the Franklin County area.  Through the Dell RECONNECT^TM partnership, computers and computer related hardware are responsibly recycled by Dell with proceeds benefiting Goodwill job training and employment programs. “Events like Franklin County E-Cycling Day reinforce that people are growing more conscious of recycling and protecting the environment,” states Lucie Touchton, Goodwill Marketing Manager . “For Goodwill it is important to stress that people don’t have to wait for an event like this to responsibly dispose of their old computers and electronics. They can bring these items to Goodwill every day.”

In 2011, Goodwill kept over 14.3 million pounds of material out of area landfills throughout the 31 county, 14 city territory in Virginia.  Through successful salvage efforts, the organization works diligently to see that the community’s castoffs do not come back to harm the environment. The revenues generated through the sale of donated goods, including salvage and recycling operations, support Goodwill programs, which train individuals and help place them in competitive, community employment.

Goodwill Industries of the Valleys, a United Way partner organization headquartered in Roanoke, serves 31 counties and 14 cities in the New River, Roanoke, and Shenandoah Valleys.  Its mission is to help people and families in our community achieve a better life through work and independence.  In 2011 Goodwill assisted 75,734 individuals and in this difficult employment market placed 2,111 people into jobs in the community.

For over 25 years, Prudential Waterfront Properties markets real estate throughout Smith Mountain Lake and the surrounding areas. As members of the Multiple Listing Service, Prudential Waterfront Properties REALTORS^® are able to assist buyers and sellers with all listed properties in a variety of price ranges and locations throughout the lake and surrounding areas. Prudential Waterfront Properties REALTORS^® are consistent leaders in sales as well as customer and client service.

Franklin Community Bank, N.A. opened its doors for business in September 2002. Part of its mission is to support through active participation the communities we serve along with providing the highest level of service to help our clients achieve financial prosperity. We invite you to visit with us at one of our 3 locations in Franklin County and you will see why “your bank is here.”

Earth Environmental and Civil, Inc. has been providing environmental and civil engineering service throughout the region for 22 years. With large company capabilities and small company accessibility, our Engineers, Geologist, Scientists, and Planners keep our clients satisfaction as their top priority. At EEC, our emphasis lies in our ability to consistently provide quality service while effectively meeting budgets and schedules. Our experience ranges from project conceptualization through initiation to implementation and finally, the satisfaction of project completion.

# # #

For more information, contact:

Lucie Touchton

Marketing Manager

Office: (540) 581-0620, Ext. 174

Cell: (540) 529-9290

ltouchton@goodwillvalleys.com

Christopher E. Finley

Director of Marketing & Communications

The Willard Companies

Office : (540) 721-5288

chris@thewillardcompanies.com

The 2012 Vinton Dogwood Festival kicks off today, Wednesday April 25. The carnival is set to begin at 6p.m. tonight, along with music from the Canyon Stone Band.

The festival continues through the weekend with acts like Roanoke’s own The Worx and country artist Craig Campbell. Don’t miss the crowning of the Dogwood Queen on Saturday at noon, followed by the annual Dogwood Parade.

Click here for a schedule of events!

The traditional family structure (you know: husband, wife, 2.5 kids) may be more the exception than the rule in today’s diverse society. And right here at Smith Mountain Lake, Trinity Ecumenical Church is offering classroom structure and community support to a local population adjusting to its new reality. Parents Again is a class for Grandparents in the role of primary parents to their grandchildren. According to U.S. Census data, seven percent of children in the United States live in grandparent-headed households; that’s 4.9 million children under the age of 18.

The classes begin this Wednesday, April 25, and will continue every fourth Wednesday from 6:30 to 7:30 pm at Trinity Ecumenical Church on Route 122 in Moneta. Attendees will have the opportunity to network in a structured, supportive environment; as well as participate in workshops addressing relevant issues. Childcare will be provided for infants and toddlers, and school-aged children will participate in Christian education.

If you are a grandparent raising your grandchildren and want to know more about participating in this ministry, call Trinity Ecumenical Parish at 721-4330.

THE WILLARD COMPANIES ANNOUNCE REAL ESTATE PURCHASE

Smith Mountain Lake, VA (April 3, 2012) – The Willard Companies has purchased two properties including the existing pad for a second 48-unit condominium project at Bridgewater Pointe as well as Bridgewater Grande, a 30 acre track featuring 5,900’ +/- water frontage. The properties were purchased for $5.6 million and closed on Friday, March 30.

“We are very excited about being involved in future plans for a second tower at Bridgewater Pointe and the Bridgewater Grande development. These projects will bring economic development to the Smith Mountain Lake region, which has continued to rebound from the recession,” said Ron Willard, President of The Willard Companies. In 2010, The Willard Companies was involved in the marketing of the first tower, featuring 48-units that sold out in 2 ½ hours during a lottery style sale.

Development for the second 48-unit project will mirror the architecture of the exiting condominium tower and plans for Bridgewater Grande will include residential and commercial mix on 30 acres.

Willard started his development and construction company in 1973. “For us, the timing of this investment made excellent business sense. Not only were we able to purchase at attractive pricing, but the location of these properties are within a few miles from our office headquarters and in close proximity to all of our company subsidiaries,” said Willard.

The Willard Companies is the umbrella for Willard Construction of Roanoke Valley, Inc., Prudential Waterfront Properties, The Waterfront, The Water’s Edge and The Westlake Golf and Country Clubs. The company is involved in country clubs, building, developing, marketing and real estate. The Willard Companies is also affiliated with Westlake Towne Center, Westlake Cinema, Westlake Salon & Spa, Window and Door Design Gallery and Smith Mountain Building Supply. Visit online at www.thewillardcompanies.com.

Don’t miss out on this final weekend of the Andy Warhol exhibition at the Ollin Hall Galleries of Roanoke College. The gallery is open from 1pm to 4pm, and admission is free.

While in Roanoke, make a day of it by spending some time perusing the vendors at the city market. The market building recently reopened after a complete renovation, so if you haven’t had the opportunity yet, this weekend is the perfect time to check it out.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

April 2, 2012

Goodwill^®, Prudential Waterfront Properties, Earth Environmental and Civil, and Franklin Community Bank, in cooperation with Franklin County, will host the 4th Annual Franklin County E-Cycling Day on Saturday, April 21st from 8:30 a.m. – Noon at three locations.

This year’s locations include:

• Rocky Mount Goodwill store, 1045 North Main Street;
• Prudential Waterfront Properties, 13247 Booker T. Washington (corner of Intersection Rt. 122 and Rt. 616);
• Franklin Community Bank, 400 Old Franklin Turnpike, Rocky Mount.

Once again the E-Cycling Day will focus on the recycling of computers, computer equipment, small appliances, and electronics.  In addition, confidential on-site document destruction will be offered at the Franklin Community Bank location.

“In the past three years this event has been a very successful,” states Larry Moore, Assistant County Administrator for Franklin County. “By collecting and recycling computers, computer equipment, small appliances, and electronics, we have kept 15 tons of materials out of area landfills.  This year we expect another large turnout and hope to collect record amounts of items.”

The Franklin County E-Cycling Day is an extension of a Goodwill partnership with Dell Computers and an effort to increase awareness of recycling and green initiatives throughout the Franklin County area.  Since October 2008, through the Dell RECONNECT^TM partnership, computers and computer related hardware have been responsibly recycled by Dell with proceeds benefiting Goodwill job training and employment programs.

Acceptable items for the E-Cycling event include, but are not limited to:

• Computers and Computer Equipment of any brand in any condition: monitors, keyboards, CPUs, printers, scanners, fax machines, printer cartridges, computer cords, and any related computer equipment.  It is recommended that donors remove all data from hard drives and other storage media before donating.
• Small Appliances: toasters, microwaves, blenders, coffee makers, mixers, vacuums, food processors.
• Electronics: Clocks, radios, cell phones, PDAs.
• Paper: Shredding is available at the bank location only.
• Gently Used Clothing and Household Items: Clothing for the entire family and other items such as dishes, artwork, collectibles, etc.

In 2011, Goodwill kept over 14.3 million pounds of material out of local landfills throughout the 31 county, 14 city territory in Virginia.  Through successful salvage efforts, the organization works diligently to see that the community’s castoffs do not come back to harm the environment. The revenues generated through salvage and recycling operations support Goodwill programs, which train individuals and help place them in competitive, community employment.

Goodwill Industries of the Valleys, a United Way partner organization headquartered in Roanoke, serves 31 counties and 14 cities in the New River, Roanoke, and Shenandoah Valleys.  Its mission is to help people and families in our community achieve a better life through work and independence.  In 2011 Goodwill assisted 75,734 individuals and in this difficult employment market placed 2,111 people into jobs in the community.

For over 25 years, Prudential Waterfront Properties markets real estate throughout Smith Mountain Lake and the surrounding areas. As members of the Multiple Listing Service, Prudential Waterfront Properties REALTORS^® are able to assist buyers and sellers with all listed properties in a variety of price ranges and locations throughout the lake and surrounding areas. Prudential Waterfront Properties REALTORS^® are consistent leaders in sales as well as customer and client service.

Franklin Community Bank, N.A. opened its doors for business in September 2002. Part of its mission is to support through active participation the communities we serve along with providing the highest level of service to help our clients achieve financial prosperity. We invite you to visit with us at one of our 3 locations in Franklin County and you will see why “your bank is here.”

Earth Environmental and Civil, Inc. has been providing environmental and civil engineering service throughout the region for 22 years. With large company capabilities and small company accessibility, our Engineers, Geologist, Scientists, and Planners keep our clients satisfaction as their top priority. At EEC, our emphasis lies in our ability to consistently provide quality service while effectively meeting budgets and schedules. Our experience ranges from project conceptualization through initiation to implementation and finally, the satisfaction of project completion.

# # #

For more information, contact:

Lucie Touchton

Marketing Manager

Office: (540) 581-0620, Ext. 174

Cell: (540) 529-9290

ltouchton@goodwillvalleys.com

Plans for lunch on Friday, March 2? Chuck that plain old brown bag or cancel your reservations, because Bruno’s GastroTruck will be in the CAPPs Home Building Center parking lot from 11:30am until 2 pm!

Can’t make it to the truck? Head out to Bruno’s GastroPub, located inside The Landing Restaurant, THE place for waterfront fine dining at Smith Mountain Lake. While you’re there, be sure to try the Pad Thai Popcorn appetizer (a fork is optional!) and ask your bartender to pair it with the perfect brew.

While New Year’s Day finds most of us cozy and warm, reflecting on the past year and counting our resolutions for the new, The Smith Mountain Lake Water Ski Club will be braving the elements and taking the lake by storm (or ski) for their 19th annual Polar Bear Ski Day. And to make things all the more interesting, to a few brave and seemingly wind-resistant participants, wetsuits are optional.
Over the years the annual ski has proved quite the draw for skiers and spectators alike of all ages, the youngest skier to date being then 4 year old Emma Barber. And while the first year saw temperatures reaching a balmy 60 degrees, with the surface temperature of the water holding at 50 degrees, there have been years of ice, snow, and frozen exhaust pipes.
A few details if you’re interested in participating: while the ski is free for club members, non-member participants are asked for a small donation to pitch in for fuel costs. The event will take place at Tom and Ginger Tanner’s home, 425 Baywood Drive, Moneta, at noon on Sunday January 1st. A potluck lunch will follow. Please RSVP to Tom at 540-721-3582 or tvtanner@aol.com by December 30.

A year in the making and it is ready for the big screen. Lake Effects a Sara Elizabeth Timmins production is set to premier October 7th at 5pm with the red carpet rolling out at 3pm for a star packed evening.

The cast of lake effects includes Scottie Thompson, Jane Seymour, Madeline Zima, Jeff Fahey, Eyal Podell, Ben Savage, Richard Moll, Ron Canada, Richard Riehle, Mary McDonough, Barry Papick, with Casper Van Dien and Sean Patrick Flanery.

“Lake Effects” is a family comedy-drama that revolves around a woman, played by Jane Seymour, and her two daughters, who go on a journey of rediscovery after the patriarch in the family dies. Sadly, during production, writer Scott Winters passed away. The money raised Friday will go toward a scholarship fund in Winters’s name.