Over the past July 4th holiday weekend I stopped by the Barnes & Noble store near Tanglewood Mall and picked up the newest (August 2008) issue of The Roanoker.

On the cover of our local publication this month is some fresh eggs from Sweet Providence Farm, which is located along Route 221 heading towards Floyd.

I must admit, the cover story about buying locally grown food is a topic I had intended to explore myself eventually.

But, The Roanoker has done a fine job in talking about some local places to find local foods such as The Roanoke Natural Foods Co-Op on Grandin Road and of course the Farmers Market downtown.

But, my favorite article was at the very end, on the final page of the magazine actually. The author, Gretchen M. Weinnig, gives more or a less a pep talk for Roanoke by touching on four ideas: Believe, Take Risks, Cooperate, and Spread the Word.

Believe we are on the road to being as good as we can be.

Take Risks, and be willing to hear new ideas.

Cooperate, and work together with surrounding municipalities for the good of all.

Spread the Word about what Roanoke has to offer.

These are all only confident words, and I know sometimes everything seems easier said than done. And maybe it is.

But, it’s with a positive mindset and outlook like this article that I began Noke News and, more importantly, why I continue writing.