AdvanceChristiansburg

At Town Council's Regular Meeting on Tue 06 Nov 07, Christiansburg Elementary students from Mr. Coxon's and Ms. Daniels' "FIRST" Lego League presented their findings from an energy audit they completed of Town Hall (FIRST is an acronym for For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology).  They offered suggestions on ways to save energy including using reflective roof paint, revolving doors rather than electric doors, turning off the elevator on nights and weekends, removing individual space heaters, and insulating the water heater.  Pretty cool. 

I accepted a follow-up invitation this Spring from Ms. Joni King's 5th Grade Class at Christiansburg Elementary School,  and was amazed at the awareness and enthusiasm the students displayed for some of the more basic needs within the town.  During my visit we made a list of the things they thought make Christiansburg a wonderful place to live.  After that, the class offered ideas for what they think would make Christiansburg even better.  It was energizing and enlightening (my dad always said if you want to know the truth, ask a fool or a child ... and these were some SHARP children!). 

I recently received 19 hand written masterpieces (letters) from the students in class that day; the following are excerpts from each of these -- in their original form:

1.  Matthew says, "I think that in the Town of Christiansburg there should be more Smoke-Free restaurants ... if smokers come in they could start a fire ... people could get sick ... or the furniture could get burnt."

2.  Zachary says, "Dear Mr. Stipes, I think you and the Town Council should decide to stop building buildings.  We should keep all the nature places.  If you can't stop building, then try making them tall not wide so it will save more space ..." 

3.  Rachael says, "I think we need more Greenspace in Christiansburg.  We could use it for parks, animal habitats, pastures for cows or farms, or just to be there.  Building in Christiansburg is not helping the cause."

4.  Matthew E. says, "Did you know there only about 2 - 5 recycling places in Christiansburg?  I have said that because I think that Christiansburg needs a recycling program where people set out bins and put what they want to recycle ..."

5.  Madison says, "I love going to parks with my brothers.  I think we need more parks, we only have 3 in Christiansburg.  We need a park like hand and hand.  I went to this park once. ..."

6.  Santana says, "I like the skate park. It's very fun but we need to build more on it.  Have you been down there? there is no room.  There was 16 guys down there and we had to sit on the rocks.  those hurt! ... I hope you can get done soon."

7.  Levi says, "I'm concerned about the Huckleberry Trail Bridge.  I think that you should not buy the cheapest bridge you can find.  Because it would look bad to the town of Christiansburg and would ruin the economy.  I also think you should get a bridge that is steel and silver, that is fancy on the side..."

8.  Elizabeth says, "I wonder if you can discuss with the other gentlemen to see if we can build a museum across the street from the mall.  So that everyone can see the history of Christiansburg and don't have to drive to Roanoke or richmond.  This would also save gas ..."

9.  Lyss says, "The reason why I sent this is because I've been meaning to talk to you about needing new schools or remodling them. sorry about this, but some of our schools are messed up.  We also need a new kitchen ... Mr. Stipes, you are good at your job, but not exactly all these schools need to be remodled, only this one does ..."

10.  Destiny says, "Today I am complaining about speeders in Virginia.  Mainly on Huckleberry court.  they speed up and down the hill racing.  one time this boy was playing and walked across the road and a motorcycle ran over his leg ... please help some kids before they really get it. "

11.  Justin says, "I think the Town Council should build a Fun Challenge, a Thunder Valley, and a Chuck-E cheese ... Ifpeople come to Fun Challenge, Thunder Valley and Chuck-E cheese in Christiansburg, their money that they spent will go to Christiansburg to make taxes and and have more money.  As you can see, I am trying to make Christiansburg a better place." 

12.  James says, "The bridge that is going on 114 for the Huckleberry Trail, is it going to Wallmart and the rec center?  we should paint it a dull color.  How much longer will it be?  I hope you can come back and tell us."

13.  Tiffani says, "I think we need a new Christiansburg Elementary School.  This school is 45 years old.  In fact, the school gets older and older each year ..."

14.  Candace says, "I have a concern about too many restaurants allowing smoking ... I think this matter should change ... This would make Christiansburg a better place to live ... "

15.  Bailey says,  "I've been noticing that there are lots of empty buildings around town, and I don't think this is good ... If a store gets closed, stop leaving that empty, available spot there and open a store in it ... Another land issue is that as you keep building more and more buildings while the old buildings stand empty, the town gets more spread out.  My mom says this is called sprawl.  This would make a better habitat for wildlife and more room for outdoor fun."

16.  Keeland says, "I am writing this letter to let you know of my concern for restaurants that are not smoke free.  Most restaurants in Christiansburg are not smoke free! ... Smoke spreads throughout the restaurant.  Secondhand smoke is a big problem ... If Christiansburg had more smoke free restaurants then maybe a percentage of people would not have to suffer and lose their life ... more people might come to those restaurants which would bring more money."

17.  Courtney says, "I would like to talk to you for a second of your time.  The roads are messed up!  114 is really messed up.  If you can help us with the roads we will be happy to watch ..."

18.  Jonathan says, "We need to stop building ... to have a place where you could fish, hike and play.  A BIG recreation area (behind food lion and rec center).  If we could plant grass, make trails, and have a playground ..."

19.  Austin says, "I ... have a concern for wildlife crossing the highways.  I suggest a wildlife bridge over the major roadways.  I hope you think through my concerns."

And so, are we smarter than a 5th grader?  Hope so.  

Mayor Ballengee and Council unanimously endorsed the Virginia Municipal League's (VML) "Go Green Virginia" challenge this spring, which requires an extensive energy audit, plan for significantly reducing energy consumption, and other eco-friendly measures (www.gogreenva.org).  I think this is a big step in the right direction.

I'd like to hear from you on what you think are the "biggies" that would make Christiansburg even better.