The Melrose/Rugby Neighborhood Forum in Northwest Roanoke bills itself as “The Community That Cares.” Every year the association, established in 1989, hosts a number of events at the building it owns at 1730 Orange Avenue NW, and at other locations throughout the community.
One of those events took place last Friday, with the annual Fish Fry, a fundraiser for the Forum. It’s been taking place for about a decade; president Estelle McCadden said that in addition to local residents, Roanoke politicians, public safety officers and other public officials usually stop by to pick up $5 fish dinners to support the group’s efforts.
“It’s really city-supported,” said McCadden, a retired educator and a former Roanoke City Citizen of the Year. “They come and they mingle with the neighbors.” Most eat their fish fry, available with cole slaw or chips, at the Forum headquarters. “It makes for good relationships [with] the neighborhood folk,” McCadden noted. Her son Mac is a former City Council member. In most years the City Manager, and the Mayor, etc. are in attendance.
About 70 people are on the Melrose/Rugby Neighborhood Forum roster; around 30 are active. The group meets monthly, tackling issues like neighborhood beautification, local crime, the renovation of historic landmarks and they publish a periodic newsletter.
The annual fish fry was just another chance to spread the word about the Forum’s good work, and to raise a little cash. After all, said McCadden, “we’ve got to keep it going. You’ve got to have money.”
By Gene Marrano [email protected]