The Roanoker March/April 2024 - 30

women
and protect trees during the building process, " she says. " We're trying
to make Roanoke a healthier environment again by bringing it back to
over a 40% tree canopy - that's what the goal of the Year of the Tree
is going to be. "
HELEN DEAN, 78
Arts & Culture Advocate
As a child in Roanoke, Helen Dean knew that
money could be tight ... but that the doors were
wide open to art, culture and opportunity.
" I grew up poor, but my parents tried to ensure
I was involved in a lot of community activities, " Dean says. " I think it's
something we need to continue to do with our children today. "
That's why, after her retirement from a successful career that took her
all over the world, Dean returned to Roanoke.
" This was home, " she says. " My parents always stressed, give back
to your community. And that's what I've tried to do ... especially in
education and the arts. "
Dean joined the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra's education committee
and began working to ensure that children from all walks of life could
attend free or reduced-cost performances. She also became a Court
Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for young people in the juvenilecourt
system who were facing challenges, abuse and neglect - a role that
eventually led her to become president of the organization's local board.
And she got involved with Presbytery of the Peaks and, more recently,
the Roanoke Arts Commission, where she advocates for arts programming
that's accessible to all.
Ultimately, Dean says she hopes her work inspires others to leverage
their retirement for good. " Get involved, " she says. " It's worth it! "
ANITA FINKLE, 57
Animal Advocate
As a military kid constantly on the move, Anita
Finkle knew that life could be lonely... and that
animals helped. " I went to a lot of different schools,
and I was introverted, " she remembers. " So, animals
were my friends. "
Maybe that's why, when she finally put down roots in Roanoke, she
decided to advocate for the four-legged members of her new community:
" I've always had a soft spot for rescue dogs ... especially the scared ones
or the ones other people overlook, " she explains.
Finkle began simply by taking shelter dogs out for walks, but before
she knew it, she was fostering, transporting ... even making local television
appearances with adoptable dogs. Then she tackled Roanoke's 100
Miler challenge and the Seven Peaks in Seven Weeks - joined by furry
shelter friends, of course. Finkle hoped that by logging " #100muttmiles, "
she could raise awareness for dogs awaiting adoption - which is exactly
what happened.
" I go running with a friend on the Greenway. We joke that she sees
people she knows, and I see dogs I know, " Finkle laughs. " More than
once I've met dogs I helped adopt. "
Today, Finkle volunteers with many organizations, including the
Regional Center for Animal Care and Protection. She encourages folks
to consider the RCACP's Adventure Dog program. " Take a dog for a
hike! " she says. " You don't have to make a big commitment to help. "
DONNA LOGAN, 75
Outdoor Enthusiast and Appalachian
Trail Advocate
Donna Logan defies many people's expectations
about retirement. After an award-winning career,
the former educator didn't slow down - she got
moving.
" I retired specifically so that I could through-hike the Appalachian
Trail, " Logan explains. " It changes your life! "
And when she was finished, she went back for more - this time as
a section-hiker journeying alongside other women. She also joined a
Couch-to-5K training group with Fleet Feet, ran her first marathon at
61, climbed Mount Katahdin for the second time at 73, became a Fleet
Feet training mentor, a volunteer ridgerunner and a trail keeper with
the Roanoke Appalachian Trail Club and the McAfee Knob Task Force.
" I go out about once a week, at least once every two weeks, and I clip
the trail to keep the branches and the weeds off, " she says. " After I hiked
the trail, it was just such an important thing to me. "
These days, Logan is training for the Anthem Star 10k ... barely a
year out from a knee replacement. But whether she's passing out water to
weary hikers, teaching them the principles of Leave No Trace or cheering
on fellow runners, she hopes a few themes ring true:
" I'd like to be remembered as a defender of nature, a defender of
people, " she says. " I like the underdog, the person who doesn't think they
can make it ... and I just want to be kind, to everybody. "
written by Lindsey Hull
ANTINETTE BEANE, 58
Branch Manager, Melrose Library
As branch manager, Antinette Beane curates a
welcoming space for the Melrose community. The
library is an activity hub for everything from book
clubs to community dinners.
Beane's great aunt Louise Bowling worked at the Gainsboro library
when Beane was young. Bowling inspired Beane to become a librarian,
she says.
Beane has worked in library service for 15 years. Her biggest impact
has been the work she has done in her community. She recalls that Sheila
Umberger, director of libraries, recognized this several years ago when she
offered Beane the job at Melrose. " If you won't do it, who will, " Beane
remembers Umberger saying.
There's the boy she shielded from family trouble... the youth she
encourages to stay in school... the people who come in for help with
a job search or just to find belonging... Beane inspires her patrons on
a daily basis.
" If I can do it, you can do it, " she tells them.
NICOLE COOPER, 51
Fitness Influencer
Nicole Cooper founded Sports Broads in 2020. The
movement began as a way for women to pursue
fitness activities together - running, cycling, swimming,
hiking and so forth - and to do these things
regardless of body size or type.
30 MARCH/APRIL 2024
TheRoanoker.com
ASHLEY WILSON FELLERS / COURTESY OF FRANCES ROGERS / COURTESY OF DONNA LOGAN / ANTINETTE AND NICOLE: LINDSEY HULL

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The Roanoker March/April 2024

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