Historic Resources Report Presented

At 6:30 pm on Thursday, August 6th at the historic Spencer Penn Centre we will make a public presentation of the countywide historic resources report, which documents 450 historic resources in Henry County and Martinsville. Please attend this public presentation by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Hill Studio, and Virginia Department of Historic Resources.

The completed historic resources report is an important step forward for local citizens working to preserve, celebrate, and educate the public about Henry County and Martinsville's rich heritage. The report is made possible by the generous support of The Harvest Foundation.

“High School Graduates to Take Biking Tips to College”

For most college freshman, the idea of living on campus without a car seems impossible. Through the Upward Bound Program, several college-bound students learned about a new form of transportation on campus: a bicycle.

Activate Martinsville-Henry County instructed the group of students on bicycle and road safety as well as the health benefits that result from bicycling on a regular basis. Stressed to be particularly important for college life were issues such as staying safe while riding in the dark, sharing the road with cars, pedestrians, and other cyclists, and the rules of the road, including the proper hand signals bicyclists must use.

Activate’s mission of promoting active living through increased biking and walking is now reaching another sector of the community’s youth as college students take their newly learned bicycle tips to school.

“MHC After 3 Walks & Bikes at Jack Dalton Park”

As a part of Activate Martinsville-Henry County’s new initiative to bring the benefits of an active lifestyle to the local youth, Activate staff hosted a biking and walking program for the members of MHC After 3. The youth of MHC After 3, ages 13-14, took part in the three hour session at Jack Dalton Park where they not only enjoyed walking and biking along the trails with Activate staff, but also received the necessary instruction on safety and awareness when walking and biking. The kids learned the proper way to walk, the importance of stretching before and after physical activity, and the basics of bicycle safety. Particularly important was helmet fitting and safety. Activate demonstrated the necessity of a helmet with the “melon drop,” where two cantaloupes, one with a helmet and one without, showcase the protection the helmet gives the head upon impact with the ground. Each participant also learned the health benefits of both walking and biking as they apply to burning calories, weight loss, stress management, and bone and muscle strength. This curriculum, geared towards middle school-age students, will serve approximately 200 area youth this summer.

“City Paints Its Way to Safer Streets”

As a part of the dedication to improving infrastructure for pedestrians in the area, the City of Martinsville is restriping crosswalks within the Uptown area. Walking in Uptown is becoming popular among residents. More and more people are walking and biking in and around the locality.

As the City works toward a more walkable/bikeable friendly community, Activate has developed an Infrastructure Priority Plan that identifies potential barriers that may prevent people from being active. This plan is being implemented and addressed by City staff.

Having properly striped crosswalks is a key element of pedestrian safety in each of Activate’s programs as well as for all residents who walk Uptown. The crosswalk restriping follows the creation of the city’s first bike lane along a 0.6 mile stretch of Clearview Drive, another project that promoted safer cycling in the area.

“Kids Learn New Moves With Activate"

Activate Martinsville-Henry County kicked off its first children’s curriculum with a biking program for ages K-5 with the Boys & Girls Club on June 20th and 22nd. Partnering with the City Police Department, Activate tailored a one hour-long curriculum that focused on the importance of proper biking equipment and the essentials of road safety. Helmet safety in particular was stressed to the kids, as well as the “Dos and Don’ts” of riding a bicycle. The curriculum included interactive education; the kids answered questions about the basics of bicycles and bike riding. The kids familiarized themselves with bike parts by partaking in an old game with a new twist, “Pin the Name on the Bike.” Finally, each child learned new moves as the group practiced the correct hand signals to be used while bicycling on the road.

Busy Weekend in the Dan River Basin

There certainly was no excuse to be bored this past weekend! With so many wonderful events going on, it reminded me how fortunate we are to live in the Dan River basin.

On Saturday, the Dan River in Kibler Valley was the place to be for adrenaline junkies at the annual Kibler Valley Race. Our very own Andy Parker of DRBA participated in the race and filmed the excitement for others to enjoy. [video to be posted soon]

In Fieldale, athletes of all ages gathered at the Fieldale Trail for the 1st annual Smith River Mini Triathlon. Participants ran, paddled, and cycled their way to the finish line. Jim Frith, a DRBA member, helped his team win first place in the male team division. 27 racers participated in the event and all had a great time. The event was hosted by Henry County Parks & Recreation(HCPR), Martinsville Lesiure Services (MLS), YMCA, and Activate M-HC. It was held on the Fieldale Trail which is being extended by the Dan River Basin Association.

You didn't have to be an athlete though to enjoy the sweet music of Dean Smith and Montana. These two have an amazing sound and entertained the crowd while race scores were being calculated.

For those new to cycling, Ellen Jessee of the Henry County Bike Club and DRBA led a Beginner's Bike Ride at the Fieldale Trail. Eleven new cyclist joined her to learn about the rules of the road, changing gears, and other cycling tips. This free event is offered by the Henry County Bike Club on the fourth saturday of each month at 10 a.m.

Nature lovers enjoyed learning about slithery creatures at the Virginia Museum of Natural History's Reptile Day. Dr. Denny Casey, a DRBA member, is the caretaker of VMNH's newest exhibit- a seven year old corn snake named "Corny".

In the afternoon nearly thirty new paddlers met at Beaver Creek Reservoir and learned how to Kayak in classes taught by Eric Juday of Smith River Adventure Outfitters. Eric is a DRBA member and a new outfitter in our area offering canoe/kayak rentals, guided trips, and private lessons. His business will officially open this week. These kayaking classes are hosted by DRBA, HCPR, and MLS.

On Sunday, the staff of Smith River Adventure Outfitters took out a group of more experienced paddlers out for an intermediate kayak class. The twelve paddlers had a great time and learned some new skills while on the Smith River. During lunch, DRBA member and volunteer, Paul May took a break to snorkel. He explored some of the biodiveristy found in the Smith River including, crayfish, rock bass, chubs, minnows, and lung snails. (At right: Eric Juday & Paul May) [Video from our outing to be posted soon]

As you can see there are tons of activities that you can do in the Dan River basin, and an equally large number of great people to meet.

Q: What do all these people you've met have in common?

A: They are all members of the Dan River Basin Association!

By becoming a member of the Dan River Basin Association you are supporting our efforts to preserve and promote the natural and cultural resources of the Dan River basin. Please help us fufill our mission and become a member today! As a DRBA member you will recieve:

--Exclusive access to our current quarterly newsletter
--Annual reports
--An invitation to monthly outings, membership meetings, and other events
--A free logo decal for your boat or vehicle
--The opportunity to enjoy time on our rivers and trails with other outdoor enthusiasts
--The opportunity to play a role in protecting and promoting the Dan River Basin
--Special outings for members only

Join Today!