RADFORD - The Radford Heritage Foundation has recognized some of the volunteers who have worked on historic preservation in the city since even before the foundation was organized in 1992.

It recently presented Radford Gem Awards to seven of them during a mixer at Glencoe Museum: John Talton, whose most recent contributions have been his talks to school and Scout groups about his experiences during World War I. Talton also set up a tools exhibit in one of the rooms at Glencoe and comes in often to show visitors how each antique tool in the collection was used.

Roberta Ingles Steele, in recognition of her longtime efforts to preserve Ingles Tavern, which dates to about 1772. The tavern, which is across the New River from Radford in Pulaski County, and La Riviere, Steele's childhood home, are now both on the National Historic Register.

Bill and Connie Giesen, for their work on behalf of Arnheim, the home of John Blair Radford, for whom the city is named. The home was built in 1840.

Lois Carr, for her leadership and service on the Glencoe Steering Committee.

Lewis "Bud" Jeffries, for his authentic reconstruction of the Ingles Cabin on his property.

R.J. Kirk, for his "creative reconstruction" of the former Gov. Tyler Hotel, which now houses Kirk's Third Securities company.

The foundation also recognized volunteers Andrea Neighbors and Marceline Hunter for the hours they have invested in the museum operations and for their inventory of museum holdings. Amanda Claggett, a student intern from Radford University, also was cited for her work.

"There certainly were some other people we thought about," foundation director Ellen Brown said. She added there are plans to present the awards and recognitions each year.

Applause goes to ...

Individuals and businesses who raised more than $25,000 for Rayna Phillips at the Raisin' for Rayna Charity Ball in Radford May 15. Rayna is a rising second-grader at McHarg Elementary School who has acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Applause also goes to Rayna's classmate Katherine Owens, who raised $100 for Rayna by selling lemonade and cookies at a family yard sale. For more information or to make a donation to Rayna, visit www.raisinforrayna.org or call 731-0285.

Paul Barnett of Radford, who received the 2004 Philip M. Sadler Memorial Community Service Award from New River Community Action. Barnett is president of the board of directors of the Mental Health Association of the New River Valley. He also is chairman of the association's divorce education program.

Herb and Dottie Dillon of Pearisburg, Derek and Lori Burton of Radford, and Glen and Lucille Ramos of Narrows, who received long-term foster parent service awards from DePaul Family Services of Roanoke.

The First State Chapter of the Virginia Tech Alumni Association, which donated a new canine bulletproof vest to the Virginia Tech Police Department for use by Hokie, a German shepherd.

Volunteer opportunities

and upcoming events

Project Linus Blanket Day will be 9 a.m.-3 p.m. today at Grove Methodist Church on Tyler Avenue in Radford. Project Linus provides blankets to seriously ill, injured or traumatized children. Material, batting, yarn, sewing machines and refreshments provided. For more information, call Penny Sweet at 639-6161 or Lynn Wright at 639-3456.

Dalmatian Rescue of Southwest Virginia will have a yard sale fund raiser 8 a.m.-2 p.m. June 19 at 2502 Rosalind Ave. Proceeds will benefit the nonprofit organization dedicated to finding permanent homes for Dalmatians. Rain date is June 26. For more information, visit www.dalmatianrescue-va.org or call 392-6761.