How someone born at the San Diego Naval Hospital ends up settling down in Roanoke might sound like an exciting story, but its really pretty boring. I grew up in and around San Diego, regularly visiting family in San Bernardino County (including my grandmother, who lived and worked at a forest service station and proudly claimed Smoky Bear as her boss), hiking in the desert scrub and occasionally visiting the beach. Just before high school, my father’s company moved their base of operations to the opposite coast and we moved, ending up in Roanoke on the other side of the world.

Starting high school at Cave Spring was quite a culture shock for someone who grew up in the southern California suburbs, but I eventually adjusted and even settled in. I knew I had become assimilated into the Roanoke Valley when, upon returning to San Diego for the first time in over 13 years, I couldn’t help but think, “Wow, this is awfully flat - and where are all the trees?”

I started college with a computer science degree at Virginia Tech but ended up finishing with an English degree from Roanoke College, and recently wrapped up my Master’s from Hollins University. I’ve worked in data analysis, published some science fiction, an now work as a transportation and air quality planner at the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission, including running the RIDE Solutions alternative transportation program. I’ve become dedicated to maintaining and improving the Valley’s already wonderful quality of life through responsible use of its natural resources, and am proud of the many individuals and organizations - including our local governments - who are putting Roanoke on the forefront of sustainability.

I have become so dedicated to Roanoke, in fact, that I married a native and have two wonderful stepsons - one of whom will be attending Roanoke College - and a beautiful daughter. I can think of no better place to raise a family.

• Jeremy’s Occupation: Transportation Alternatives Coordinator, Roanoke Valley Alleghany
  Regional Commission; Program Director, RIDE Solutions
• Jeremy’s Hometown: San Diego, CA
• Jeremy’s Social Profiles: NewVa Moves blog, Facebook, YouTube, Flickr

I am, officially, a Roanoker.

Four years ago I had dreams of being a small town girl in a big city. With two older sisters living in New York City and Charlotte, NC, metropolitan lifestyles seemed to be something in our DNA. Or so I thought… A natural philanthropist, I knew my heart’s greatest desire was to change the world! That may not have happened quite yet, but over the past four years I have made my mark by changing and saving lives through Children’s Miracle Network, a national non-profit that provides equipment and services for local hospitalized kids. Literally starting work the Monday after graduating from Radford University I knew Roanoke needed the services this wonderful organization offered, so I made it my mission to open the first ever Southwest CMN office, and now as Director, the rest is history.

A Kiwanian, YMCA member, and new Southwest home-owner, I have found all that Roanoke has to offer more than just “satisfying”. My daily routine is relatively similar…a morning stop at the Crystal Springs 7-11 where I never fail to exchange smiles and stories about the weather with Luke, the head cashier, followed by interactions with individuals who impact me more than they probably realize…and it is these daily habits that I am not able to live without.

Yes, Roanoke is home to the Star, Center in the Square, “cheesy in a bowl“, and the Roanoke River…but I believe it’s TRUE claim to fame are the people. While every attraction and venue compliments and completes the city, the people and their southern hospitality are what truly make Roanoke home for me. I have graced the October 2006 cover of The Roanoker magazine, been voted Roanoke’s most eligible bachelorette by The Roanoke Times, and placed in the top 3 in Miss Virginia USA representing Roanoke, but no experience triumps a smile from a stranger or a warm handshake from an old acquaintance…Roanoke’s citizens have truly stolen my heart!

• Erin’s Occupation: Director, Children’s Miracle Network, Southwest Virginia