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The Roanoke Star-Sentinel April 27 - May 3, 2012

NewsRoanoke.com

Community | News | Per spective

[Economic Development]

Re-Branding Roanoke

Mayor’s Race Heats Up Down Home Stretch

Unpleasant Past

P4– Johnny Robinson tours a fortress in Ghana on the coast of West Africa and discovers the chilling reality of the slave trade.

So Many Miles P6– As both runner and reporter Gene Marrano has the full inside story on last weekend’s grueling Blue Ridge Marathon.

All Linked Up P7– It’s official:The Tinker Creek and Roanoke River Greenways are now finally and formally connected via a Z-shaped bridge.

Councilman Sherman Lea, Mayor David Bowers and Councilwoman Anita Price.

Individuals representing a variety of businesses and activities took part in last week’s CVB news conference. Above: Katherine Adams and Mark Woods of Woods Farms flank Melissa Palmer with Chocolate Paper as they display some of their local wares. The regions new logo can be seen at the bottom of this page.

Roanoke Valley CVB Unveils New Destination Brand Name

The Roanoke Valley Convention munity stakeholders, & Visitors Bureau (CVB) officially regional and state tourunveiled its new regional destinaism officials and comtion brand name at a news conferpeting destinations. ence last week at The Hotel Roanoke Visitors were asked & Conference Center. about numerous asInspired by the area’s scenic beaupects of their experity and natural charm, the Roanoke ences while visiting the Valley’s new identity as Virginia’s Roanoke Valley. The Blue Ridge resulted from nearly a area’s scenic beauty year of research aimed at discovering earned a near-perfect what visitors see as the area’s greatest score, with overall assets, then translating those into a quality of offerings, highly recognizable brand for the appearance of cities/ region. towns, family-friendly Bart Wilner, President of the Renowned artist Eric Fitzpatrick and Pete Eshelman offerings, dining opRoanoke Valley CVB, stated it best, and his dog Cinder livened up the presentation. tions and recreational “We have two world-class assets here opportunities also rankin our midst, the Blue Ridge Mountains mix with plenty to offer visitors - from ing highly among consumers. In addiand the Blue Ridge Parkway with nation- adventure seekers and vacationing fami- tion, signage, lodging, arts and cultural al and international name recognition. It lies to traveling professionals. assets and shopping options were rated Key survey responses captured the es- highly. makes sense for us to capitalize on these national treasures.” He went on to say, sence and beauty of the region. Landon Top visitor markets for the region in“Claiming the Blue Ridge Mountains as Howard, Executive Director of the Roa- clude Richmond, Virginia Beach, Northours keeps us focused on the importance noke Valley CVB, pointed out, “The re- ern Virginia and the North Carolina citof regionalism and working together to search further explains how ‘metro and ies of Greensboro, Raleigh, Charlotte and mountain’ contrast but compliment one Winston-Salem. Most of those surveyed benefit everyone.” The research, conducted by North Star another, i.e. hike a mountain trail and stated they stopped to explore the area Destination Strategies, which has guided railroad history or campsites and lively while here to visit fiends and relatives more than 130 tourism destinations downtown nightlife. The mix that one and to tour the Blue Ridge Parkway. through the branding process, showed finds in Virginia’s Blue Ridge.” Landon Howard acknowledged, “In The research included in-market and order to be competitive, a community that as the largest metropolitan center in the Blue Ridge Mountain chain, the Ro- out-of-market interviews of visitors, must assert an identity that is both true anoke Valley boasts a metro-mountain meeting planners, travel writers, com- and distinct.”

Students Going Somewhere . . . Very Fast

Bill Turner

Wild Sports P8– From High School Baseball and Softball to the Dismissal of VA Tech Head Coach Seth Greenberg, Bill Turner dishes up the full scoop in sports.

Several colleges and universities throughout Southwestern Virginia showed off their technological skills at the annual Technology Expo held last week at the Roanoke Civic Center. Among them were members of Virginia Tech’s BOLT (Battery Operated Land Transport) team. The ten senior mechanical engineering students were showcasing their fully electric racing motorcycle. “It’s just a really cool project that opens up a lot of engineering opportunities”, said Micah Lee from Chesapeake. “There (are)

tons of engineering skills that had to be applied. And we are one of only three colleges in the country to be doing it so it’s really kind of a bragging point; get in on it . . . It’s meant to showcase electric vehicle technology.” Lee says unlike Tech’s EcoCAR, which won a national contest last year, the competition in this challenge isn’t another college, it’s a professional racing series. “It can easily be (adapted) for consumer technology and sev-

> CONTINUED P2: Fast

Photo by Beverly Amsler

Micah Lee, Taylor Miller and Christian Brooks.

Monday was cold and windy but the gloves came off as Democrats For City Council rallied around incumbent Mayor David Bowers. A few supporters also braved the elements outside William Fleming High School. Republican challenger Mark Lucas has been bolstered by a poll his campaign conducted that shows that “it is close but Mark is ahead by 2%,” according to former City Republican Party Chairman and campaign volunteer Adam Boitnott. Boitnott said the poll was not scientific but he felt that the 800 respondents “helped to gauge the way the wind is blowing.” At a press conference Councilman Sherman Lea and Councilwoman Anita Price, both up for re-election, touted the progress the city has made during their tenure. “The city is on the upbeat,” said Lea. He added that > CONTINUED P2: Race

Partnership Builds On Outdoor Assets Gathering at the Vinton War Memorial this past Monday, the Roanoke Regional Partnership celebrated success stories in economic development, particularly in the area of outdoor branding, and set out a vision for its next five-year plan at a kickoff fundraising event. The thread of outdoor asset development ran throughout the evening. When campaign leader Ab Boxley checked off recent initiatives by members of the partnership, outdoor-oriented programs such as last fall’s Roanoke Outdoor Circus, the RoanokeOutside.com website and the Blue Ridge Marathon dominated the list. The aim is to boost outdoor assets, to strengthen “quality of place” and make the region attractive to new talent. “It’s put Roanoke on the state and national map,” said partnership Executive Director Beth Doughty. The organization estimated the 2010-2011 economic impact of the marathon alone in particular to be over $685,000. Alongside its outdoor initiatives, the partnership also created roanokeentrepreneur.com to provide information to busi> CONTINUED P2: Partnership

Page 2 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 4/27/12- 5/3/12

Isolated to scattered showers and storms are possible Thursday into Friday. Temperatures will be near 80 on Thursday and 70 on Friday. Showers and storms are possible over the weekend with the better chance now on Saturday. Temperatures will top out in the upper 60s. Sunshine returns Monday with highs near 70.

Huff Lane Property Offers Included National College

If everything falls into place, a total of seven hotels will surround Valley View Mall. The Roanoke City School Board voted to close Huff Lane Intermediate school in June 2010. The 5.3-acre tract with building “as-is” was put in the city’s hands in March 2011 and marketed from April to October 2011. Out of seven offers the highest bid over the $1.5 million minimum was submitted by Hitesh Patel CEO of HMP Properties of Williamsburg at $1.85 million, according to the documents viewed at the Department of Economic Development. The documents show two hotels and a restaurant to be constructed in phases. Immediately after closing construction will begin on an 100 room hotel similar to a Hampton Inn and Suites. The second hotel is expected to be like a Home2 Suites Extended Stay by Hilton that will be constructed 2-3 years later. The restaurant will be marketed immediately. Another offer considered was for a 112room Hilton Garden Inn and two 8000 square foot restaurants at $1.6 million. The parking area was extensive and included a signal light at the entrance. Another rendering was all retail with one large single-story 27,000 square foot box store, another retail store and restaurant. It too included a stop light entrance. The offer was $1.5 million. There was interest in obtaining the park area as well. Other similar offers for the property came in except some wanted more of the property and others wanted to relocate the ball fields to the school site and use the rectangular park area.

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Roanoke Star Sentinel

Two came in under the minimum bid including National College. Their proposal would have renovated and expanded the existing school building to serve as a “central campus for medical career programs.” They would have initially invested up to $4 million. National College wrote that after full development they expected “The National Medical Career Institute” to accommodate up to 700 students in day, evening and weekend classes. It would also have housed the central financial offices for its 29 campus locations. National College President Frank Longaker said that, “We felt that our proposal for a medical careers campus was not only more forward-thinking [ but also much more in keeping with the nature of the surrounding neighborhoods and original school on the site. There’s more the city can benefit from than simple sales tax revenue when one considers the jobs that future graduates of our proposed campus would bring in. Our current campus in Salem has an annual economic impact of approximately $25 million annually; our proposed new location would, within a few years, have [had] a comparable impact.” National College was the only offer that was academic related but their offer was almost $500,000 below the minimum bid. According to Rob Ledger Economic Development director, the minimum bid was set by the city’s contracted broker and city staff. Ledger felt that the $1.5 minimum did not prohibit adaptive reuse of the school building, as it would have eliminated the need for demolition.

as mayor,” said Bowers. “If you can’t find time to serve on the Parks and Recreation committee or the Greenway Commission than you might have a concern about serving as mayor. - I never have that concern – I don’t think the people of Roanoke have that concern about me,” he said. Bowers said he was at the airport at 7 a.m. on Sunday seeing off the Westside debate team and was at the Blue Ridge Marathon and represented the city at a funeral. “It takes time to be the Mayor of Roanoke … I’ll find the time,” he said. Bowers said he did some “ribbon-cutting” at the opening of the Tinker Creek Greenway extension with Councilman Bill Bestpitch and Congressman Bob Goodlatte Monday morning. He said “call it what you want but … whenever there is a ribbon cutting people in Roanoke ought to know that that’s a sign of success.” In response Lucas said in an email: “It sounds like David Bowers is really getting desperate. To hold a press conference to simply attack me reeks of a campaign and a candidate who is out of ideas and out of time. I have a positive vision for the Valley and have a detailed 7-step plan to create jobs in Roanoke. It is up on my website and facebook page and I am happy to answer any questions about it. I also find it ironic that the same campaign that stated it isn’t the Mayor’s job to be hustling around creat-

> Partnership

> Fast

By Valerie Garner info@newsroanoke.com

From page 1

Council’s support for schools “is unmatched by any other urban city in the Commonwealth of Virginia.” Reduced crime, keeping citizens safe, job growth, business expansions and increased funding for tourism has put Roanoke on the move, said Lea. “Fixing bridges and maintaining curbs, gutters and sidewalks are the small things that citizens want to see,” Lea said. He also noted that City Council is spending taxpayer’s money wisely as he pointed to the scaled down vision for Elmwood Park. The once hefty $13 million price tag is now a more modest redo at $4 million. Price said, “I want people to notice and recognize that Mayor Bowers is also well versed on the issues of our city.” She thought Lucas was not ready for a prime time mayoral position. “I would encourage him to perhaps serve in a capacity he could demonstrate his interest … even [Lucas] acknowledged that he is not as well versed as Mayor Bowers.” On city issues Lucas has deferred answering questions on some city issues with which he was unfamiliar. This concerned Price and she encouraged voters to recognize that fact. “We do in fact have a wonderful team in place,” she said. “Just within the last week two former members of Roanoke City Council told me that my opponent has expressed concern to them about the time involved with serving

nesses, and to help brand the region as entrepreneur-friendly. In total, the partnership reported that its 2007-2011 Partnerships Investing for Prosperity program resulted in 1,508 new jobs, $88 million in partnership-assisted investment and an overall economic impact of over $642 million. Carilion CEO and fundraising Campaign Co-chair Nancy Agee said that the partnership’s strength comes from self-examination. “We have taken a hard look at ourselves and asked ‘what values do we hold dear? What makes us special?’” she said. The partnership will build on the success of its outdoor branding initiatives in the new five-year plan by growing outdoor-themed events such as a spinoff of the Banff Radical

Roanoke City Council voted unanimously for the hotels and according to Ledger they saw all seven proposals in closed session. HMP has yet to complete it’s due diligence before requesting rezoning that will fulfill the contingencies of the contract. In March of 2011 prior to accepting offers, Councilman Court Rosen presented a rendering showing two hotels that in the final award somewhat matched that of the HMP offer and eventually the parcel was sought for a hotel concept. Rosen said that he, “met with a ton of people in commercial real estate … school facilities people, the building facilities people and talked to neighborhoods.” Poe and Cronk submitted HMP’s offer the following September and the neighborhood was shown the proposal on January 10. Ledger told the neighbors that “leveraging the value of commercial property and the sustainability of increased tax revenue in order to keep the schools well funded” was the deciding factor. The proceeds will go to increasing capacity at Round Hill. In it’s offer HMP Properties estimated annual occupancy and real estate tax revenue to the city of over $700,000. A Hampton Inn and Suites is going before the Planning Commission for rezoning on May 17. It will take the place of the closed Bonefish Grill and Texas Steakhouse. These three new hotels will join Best Western, Hyatt Place, Comfort Inn and Mainstay Suites surrounding Valley View Mall.

Reels Festival, this fall’s GoFest (formerly the Outdoor Circus) and the Blue Ridge Marathon, along with creating at least two new events to strengthen the regional outdoor brand. Doughty stressed the need to attract businesses that are associated with the outdoors such as natural foods producers and outdoor gear manufacturers, and to support entrepreneurs in this sector. Media recruitment is also key to the outdoor initiative. “We have to attract media production such as film and TV in order to strengthen our message and monetize our outdoor assets,” she said. The partnership was also an early adopter of social media. Plans include more aggressive marketing of the region. Part of its strategy is targeting jobs by sectors in-

eral of the racing teams do that. They sell production bikes. We’re [planning to keep] it as a racing platform. This year’s bike will be passed on to next year’s team and they will be building their own bike while using this as a show-piece to help raise money for the team.” He said electric vehicles are viable in practicality and performance. “It’s cleaner and it runs very fast.” For example, the motorcycle built by Lee’s team reached top speeds of 98.5 miles an hour recently. He said it won’t be too long before they’re cracking triple digits. TTXGP is the name of the international electric bike racing series. It started in Europe where more than 30 teams compete. The series then spread to the U. S. which has between 12 and 20 teams. Lee said teams from all over the world will compete in the World Finals at the Daytona Raceway later this year.

ing jobs, has now been attempting to offer up some proposals for economic development.” Lucas thought Bowers was inattentive at council meetings not knowing what was in the budget and “fretting about lost parking spaces” with the Elmwood Park renovation. “I would suggest that it is better to have never been to a City Council Meeting than to ‘lead’ such a meeting and end up ignorant of the content.” In response to his preparation for being mayor Lucas responded: “I have attended many council meetings over the years, including the council meeting where Mayor Bowers was the only member to vote against amending the proffers to Patrick Henry H.S. In fact, my daughter even spoke at that meeting as the female student representative of PH. I believe it is better to be honest with voters and not have an answer to every question rather than shooting from the hip and spouting potential inaccuracies like this obvious falsehood regarding my never being to a council meeting. What really matters in this election is substance over style. I have a detailed plan for the future of job creation in Roanoke and I have the business and entrepreneurial background to get this done.” By Valerie Garner info@newsroanoke.com

From page 1 cluding food, County, and Roatransportation noke County; the equipment and cities of Roanoke life sciences. and Salem and the Community town of Vinton engagement that are part of the is also a focal regionl partnerpoint of the ship will match plan and will be the private funds. accomplished Campaign coby expanding Carilion CEO Nancy Agee. chair John Wilthe partnership’s liamson of RGC Get2KnowNoke website, so that Resources finished off the night it may serve as a comprehensive with a call to the gathered crowd community calendar for local to consider investing if they events. hadn’t done so yet: “We need Fundraising for these plans everyone to be a player here.” officially kicked off at the Monday gathering but the partnerFor more information on the ship has already received com- Roanoke Regional Partnership, mitments from 50 investors that visit www.roanoke.org will contribute over $2.2 million toward the $3 million goal. LoBy Aaron Layman cal governments in Alleghany County, Botetourt, Franklin info@newsroanoke.com From page 1

When asked what he’s learned from the project, Lee said, “Things are always much harder than they appear, which I’ve learned in other forms but this was a particularly tangible manifestation of that. You’re going to spend literally 48 hours awake trying to work on something and it’s still not happening and you’re going to miss a test date. And, it’s extremely disappointing and you learn, ‘Man, this is a lot harder that it looks’. But then you get it working and it’s an incredible sense of accomplishment.” Lee said he’d like to build his own electric bike someday. Tech’s winning EcoCAR was also on display at the Technology Expo. The hybrid electric vehicle won last year’s competition hosted by General Motors and the Department of Energy. According to senior mechanical engineering student Matthew McWhite from Bristol,

“This vehicle is a series parallel hybrid where there’s an engine that runs on [] fuel as well as a battery pack that powers a reattraction motor. So we have the ability to drive the front axle with the engine and drive the rear axle with the battery pack in the motor.” The car can go 50 miles on pure electricity and then drive another 150 on gasoline. He says the average commute is less than 40 miles a day. It can plug in to a standard 120 volt outlet and is fully charged in about eight hours. Fifteen colleges, including Virginia Tech, are involved in the new 3-year challenge which is based on plug-in vehicles. McWhite says the gasoline engine will continue to be a backup to extend the capacity of the electric motor. By Beverly Amsler info@newsroanoke.com

4/27/12- 5/3/12 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 3

Innovative Leadership Graduates Build Community Connections

Innovative Leadership graduates and facilitators. tional Guard was called up for assistance in the snowstorm of 1997 and the flood of 1985. A team led by Lee Bosworth and fellow teammates Virginia Turner and Terry Little took on a project to organize and revitalize blighted and unused properties and keep green spaces green. The goal was to replace the properties with green houses and playgrounds while helping developers find alternatives for development. The team of Basil Akers, Sonya Echols, Garland Gravely, Christine Lofgren, Matt Nulf and Mike Simmons turned the Star City of old to the Star City of the future by proposing a nationally renowned city market plaza. Action items included one-way traffic, limiting on street parking, pedestrian traffic only in Market Square and limiting vendor access through the Kirk Avenue alley. A video of Quebec City in Canada was an example of what could occur in Roanoke. With funding, Clement hopes to have another Innovative Leadership program. He has 12 on a waiting list he said. The Innovative Leadership Conference “Change Within Communities” will be held in Roanoke on May 22. Of the 100 seats available only 23 seats remain, said Clement. By Valerie Garner info@newsroanoke.com

Another Community Garden Takes Root Roanoke City’s fourth community garden is underway now after a ground-breaking last week. The garden, located next to RAM House ministries on Campbell Avenue at the edge of downtown, will feature plots that local residents and clients of RAM House, a day shelter for the homeless, can use to grow fruits and vegetable this summer. Other community garden plots have been established in southeast Roanoke and in Hurt Park (Northwest Roanoke). Small grants from Freedom First Credit Union have helped bankroll the community gardens and the donation of land – loaned to the Roanoke Community Garden Association on a long-term basis by property owners. “The Campbell Avenue Community Garden will long serve residents, offering space for cultivation, education, and social connection,” said Mark Powell, president of the RCGA. “This garden represents our continuing efforts to provide gardening space to people throughout the area.” The second of two gardens in southeast Roanoke, near the Rescue Mission, will also be developed this spring. Alison Hammond, Public Relations Specialist for Commonwealth Catholic Charities, notes that her organization owns the community garden land, which is part of a complex that houses CCC’s headquarters, RAM House and Refugee & Immigration Services. Some of the clients, many of them immigrants used to growing their own food, will use the new community garden where plots can be applied for on what was once used as a grass volleyball court. Freedom First Credit Union granted $5000 for the Campbell Avenue Community Garden project, according to Hammond. Roanoke Mayor David Bowers, criticized by May 1 election opponent Mark Lucas for spending too much time at ribbon cuttings and not enough focusing on more important matters, was on hand for the opening ceremony anyway. “We were pleased to see him and glad that he came,” said

WELCOME

With dirt and mulch piled high in the background, Mark Powell (facing crowd with beret on) speaks at the ground-breaking. Hammond. At least 30 volunteers showed up after the ribbon cutting to construct garden boxes, build a shed and begin to assemble the small plots. “We moved a whole lot of dirt around,” noted Hammond, “but there’s a whole lot more to do.” A dozen plots have already been spoken for at the Campbell community garden, with about 20 able to fit in the space once it is ready to go. RAM House, a day shelter that also provides meals for the homeless, has been promised three. The fruits and vegetables raised on those plots will be used to help prepare food. Hammond said RAM House clients and refugees taking classes on the property would be encouraged to help with upkeep of the garden plots. “We’re hoping it will be a therapeutic experience for them,” said Hammond, noting that most of the refugees that Commonwealth Catholic

Charities works with come from countries where gardening and farming is “a natural skill set.” Several community members and employees of Commonwealth Catholic Charities – mostly refugees and immigrants themselves said Hammond – will also work some of the plots. “The melting pot that seems to happen at each one of the community gardens is happening at this one as well.” The front plot that faces Campbell Avenue is slated to be a flower garden and herb bed, providing some colorful privacy for the rest of the community garden area from the busy road. “It won’t just look like a vegetable garden,” said Hammond. Shortly after the groundbreaking things were already taking shape. “It looks like a garden out there. It was certainly a successful [first] day,” said Hammond. By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

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become more engaged in community, civic and government activities. Before you can influence anyone else you have to “ask the right question at the right time and in the right way … listening and reflecting are definitely a part of leadership,” she said. “One person does not have all knowledge.” Part of the program required each team to scour the community to identify a project and present it at graduation. The team comprised of Estelle McCadden, Pat Reynolds, Marjerie Carson and Pat Hill came up with a solution to increase neighborhood organization participation using Skype - a free computer application that is used to visually communicate over the Internet. Officer Travis Akins sat at the Roanoke City Police Station and was live on a council chamber projection screen talking with the team. Dan Karnes, President of the Roanoke Valley Veterans Council, lobbied to bring the National Guard back to Roanoke. Team member Mary Hagmaier presented a site location and Bill King, past president of the National Guard 29th Division Association, gave an impassioned plea to the Mayor and council members. King said, “I’m a little bit disappointed Mayor [Bowers] … the National Guard was here when the city needed it.” The Na-

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Thursday was graduation night for four teams comprised of 18 Roanoke citizens participating in the first Innovative Leadership program. The program was a partnership between Virginia Cooperative Extension, Roanoke’s Office of Neighborhood Services and the Roanoke Neighborhood Advocates. Stephen Niamke was instrumental in getting Dr. Martha Walker, Community Visibility Specialist with the VCE, to conduct the program in Roanoke. In September of 2010 at the Statewide Neighborhood Conference held at Hotel Roanoke, Niamke was so inspired when she spoke that he knew he wanted the Innovative Leadership program to come to Roanoke. Niamke lobbied successfully and received the blessing of City Manager Chris Morrill. Morrill said, “I think you all represent what is really unique to Roanoke … it has become part of our culture that we are a community that gets in and gets things done.” Morrill and Mayor Bowers handed out the certificates to each participant in council chambers. The six week program was led by facilitators that were trained in the six modules of leadership lessons; Bob Clement, Roanoke City Neighborhood Services Coordinator, Stephen Niamke, Sheri Dorn VCE Agent, Braxton Naff of Roanoke Neighborhood Advocates, Serena Todd with the VCE and Dr. Scott Tate Extension Specialist with VCE. Clement was looking for a way to take the city’s nine-week Leadership College program to the next level. The Innovative Leadership program fit right in. Dr. Walker’s program teaches the language and process of leadership, the opportunity to build leadership skills, increase awareness of community issues and work with other leaders and

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Page 4 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 4/27/12- 5/3/12

Drama At The Dealership

usually get lunch while vying for the dealership's Haheading to work. waiian vacation award. "MakThat is, I park in or- ing this little truckster yours der to eat my drive-thru food is only a piece of paper and a so I don't have to risk anoth- couple of phone calls away!" er French fry mishap while intones the award-winning navigating around Aunt Sal- hopeful who smells just a litly's Thunderbird. While I'm tle too strong of Aqua Velva. parked I take in any number Madge, temporarily mesmerof interactions occurring at ized by his fake Rolex, waa local auto dealvers for a moment ership. Dealership before deciding to drama can round off "ask my husband an interesting mornwhat he thinks." ing while en route to Now deflating just a work. hair slower than the Take last week; Hindenburg, Harhaving gone through old slips his busithe drive-thru with ness card into her part of my daily allothand before slinkment of protein and ing off in search of fat, I found a good other prey. Robert Adcox parking place across Harvey, another a busy street from a sales rep with aspinearby car dealership. While rations for spending a week in I sat and ate, I witnessed sev- that tropical paradise, spots a eral fascinating interactions fiftyish-appearing man. Debetween customers and sales ciding to celebrate his midlife reps. For convenience I've af- crisis by window shopping fixed fictitious names to the for a Challenger, the one-time aforementioned. Harold (a high school track star (now sales rep) sees Madge peering carrying his tummy over his through the window of a new belt buckle - I empathize) is SUV. Sensing opportunity, approached by the contender Harold swaggers outside, con- for the Hawaiian crown. "Boy, veying self-assurance doubt- I tell ya what. With these new lessly perfected from hours retro babies you have yourself spent in front of a full length a car for folks of all ages", plies mirror. "I see you have your the savvy salesman. Midlife eye on one of our most popular Crisis chats for awhile about models," intones the rep who's how he'd like to buy "such a

NewsRoanoke.com

Contemplation on The Slave Coast

stir of hot air at the sole opening to the outside, high on the black wall, brings me back to the present moment, and I notice that my guide has moved on from this appalling dungeon. I'm left alone to confront the grim reality of the place, and I hasten to join my little group. I'm visiting the fortress at Elmina, on the coast of Ghana, West Africa. This striking 400-year-old structure, along with a similar one at Cape Coast ten kilometers distant, played a pivotal role in the slave trade of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Today they are designated as UNESCO World Heritage sites, and stand as grim reminders of, among other things, mans' inhumanity to man. These fortresses, and the many others which exist today only as ruins, were not built for the slave trade, but simply as strongholds for claims by colonial European powers to these resource-rich territories. The Portuguese built the fortress at Elmina in 1482, and in the ensuing centuries it changed hands to the Dutch and the British, before Ghana gained its independence in 1957. The Cape Coast fortress was built by the British in 1653, again to secure what has been variously called the Gold Coast, the Ivory Coast and, alas, the Slave Coast after the different "treasures" originating here. Tempestuous seas of the Atlantic's Gulf of Guinea have washed these shores for eons, but never has the coast known such a stormy time as during the dark decades of the slave trade. The dank chamber in which I stand was used to hold female slaves, our guide Isaac explains. Contact Robert Adcox at Several hundred huddled here robadcox@hotmail.com for weeks, even months at a time, awaiting shipment across the Atlantic. Isaac's description of the conditions the slaves endured here - or failed to endure and succumbed - left me numb. The women, and the men held separately in other dungeons,

great car," but that he's afraid to liquidate "certain assets" to get the ball rolling. He, too, is issued a business card. Harvey looks forlorn as Mr. Crisis sneaks out the far end of the lot in his prize asset - a badly rusting, smoke-belching 1986 Toyota pickup. A third rep, whom I hadn't seen due to focusing on the first two, strolls outside after espying her bonus-in-waiting. Betty, seeing that a young couple is interested in a new minivan, chats amiably for a moment with two young adults who look as young as they do poor. "Let's see what our options are", suggests the pert professional in all of her mascara-and-pantsuit glory. "I'm sure we can find several payment options. After all, we have something for almost everyone", shares Betty with a now-fidgeting couple who have zerod-in on the word "almost". Betty, smug in knowing that the word "unfortunately" can always be used to gently break bad news to prospective buyers with low income, strides off to her cubicle with Jason and Amber in tow. Moments later, the air is broken with "you must think you're all that" followed by "and your coffee stinks!" Though I turned my ears every way I could to pick up on the conflict, all I could hear was "FICO score" issued from Betty as the couple followed the sidewalk back to their home. I can't afford a new car myself, but I always have a buck for a burger. I can deal with that.

Elmina slave fortress on the coast of Ghana, West Africa. had just enough food for most of them to survive, and had no choice but to exist in their own excrement. There was not enough room for them to lie

“The door of no return.” down; they squatted in the filth. "This is called 'the door of no return'", announces Isaac, indicating with an outstretched hand and a reverent nod the heavy wooden door under the arched ceiling. This door opens to a tunnel which leads to the beach, on the hot sands of which the slaves were assembled and loaded onto the waiting ships. The human cargo was bound for a future that was uncertain at best, with a high probability of misery ending in death by starving, disease, drowning, you name it. Our little entourage walks through the doorway and down the tunnel path to its crumbling terminus. The harsh equatorial sun blinds me as I step into its glare. In this heightened state of

awareness I can easily imagine shackles about my ankles and wrists, slave ships bobbing at anchor, muffled voices of handlers and crew. Those able to survive the long, horrific journey to the fields of Brazil, or the sugar cane plantations of the Caribbean, or the cotton and tobacco farms of America would face the challenge of making what they could with their meager lot in life. Within the fortress ramparts again, I'm gazing at a wall covered in flowers and wreaths, including an arrangement placed by the American president and first lady while on a visit here last year. There are sentiments from people all over the world. Isaac points out a special memorial placed by a league of African tribes; lamentations of senseless wars and poorly treated prisoners, many of whom ended up sold or traded into enslavement. This wall of wreaths moves me; the outpouring of compassion, sadness, and sorrow for the victims of the horrible bondage comforts me in the midst of my angst. The human race is ever flawed, and may well be destined to continue to behave mercilessly at times. However, if we can also continue to see the past for what it offers in historical perspective and lessons, then perhaps the future will be a little brighter for us all. May the stalwart fortresses of the West African slave coast forever endure to remind us of our frailty of spirit, and endear resolution and hope. As I board the crowdedProfessio bus to Kumasi I'm greeted by a young Ghanaian who offers me the seat 1618 next to him. The vehicle lumbers off and I catch one more glimpse of the imposing Elmina fortress. Salem I will never forget it.

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Perspective

4/27/12- 5/3/12 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 5

NewsRoanoke.com

A President’s Best Friend

ost presidents any canine to join team Romwelcome the ney after an old tale of poscompany of a sible animal abuse recently dog in the White House. resurfaced. The reason is simple: every It seems during a family Commander-in-Chief needs vacation back in the 80s, the at least one faithful friend in Romneys stuffed the family Washington. dog, Seamus, into a carrier For our current president, atop their car as they set out that loyal pal is Bo, for Canada. While a black and white the story gives Portuguese water new meaning to dog the Obamas the term "putadded to the family ting on the dog," in 2009. the incident reTrained on the ally just illustrated Wall Street Jourthat Romney was nal, Bo has since clearly a supporter become a regular of the controvercompanion to the sial No Dog Left president, hangBehind Act. Nick Thomas ing around the Seamus proved Oval Office, runto be a brave road ning through the West Wing warrior and survived the orsniffing out hostile Senators, deal, but Romney can defiand flying high on Air Force nitely forget about that PETA One. vote, now. And he can expect But after November, will Bo Democrats to regurgitate the still reign as Top Dog or will incident ad nauseum through he be deposed by some fresh November, instead of focusRepublican pup? ing on more pressing issues When campaigning began like predicting what breed of last year for the 2012 election, dog he will bring to the White some of the GOP candidates' House, if elected. dogs must have been wagI think the perfect match ging their tails at the prospect for Romney would be a of Bo becoming a one-term Great Dane, since both are presidential pet. tall, somewhat dignified, and But one by one, the Repub- even-tempered beasts. And lican contenders fell off the in the past, Great Danes were political radar, leaving Mitt used to hunt boars. So given Romney to tackle the Obama Romney's successful pursuit White House. However, with and disposal of Rick Sanno dog currently in the Rom- torum, it would be an ideal ney household, it's uncertain choice. if there will be a MassachuIf Mr. Romney thinks he setts mutt to run Bo out of has a serious shot at the White town in November. House, he would be well adThe former governor may vised to study the history of have a tough time convincing previous presidential pooches

that have left their mark in the Oval Office. While Mr. Obama may be a good role model on how to treat dogs, Franklin Roosevelt was every dog's dream. No one had a better presidentFirst Dog relationship than FDR and his Scottish terrier, Fala, who moved into 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in 1940 and accompanied the president everywhere. Fala was spoiled rotten and lived better than much of the country which was still suffering from the tail end of the Great Depression. Every morning, for instance, Fala would receive a bone that arrived on Roosevelt's breakfast tray. (This is in marked contrast to Bill Clinton who spent much of his second term in the "dog house," and probably didn't get many early morning treats from Hillary). Along these lines, Fala slept in a special chair at the foot of the presidential bed. Clinton should have been so lucky. Away from the White House, Fala often accompanied the president on his travels whether by train, boat, car or plane. Although he rarely traveled by aircraft, Roosevelt actually was the first president to fly while in office. I'm not sure how many flights Fala took with Roosevelt, but you can be certain his faithful friend would have been lovingly secured in a seat beside the president, and not strapped to a wing.

A True American Voice Falls Silent

t's an honest voice, a father notices she's pregnant weakened, he hosted legendbeautiful road-tested and he says, in a pure southern ary "midnight rambles" at his voice, a glorious com- drawl, "I believe married life is barn in Woodstock. Over time bination of coffee and wood makin' you fat, girl." Yep, that his voice strengthened, he smoke, maple syrup and moon- was Levon, in one of his first took the rambles on the road, shine. acting roles. In The Right Stuff, and released two successful alYou may have first heard it Chuck Yeager complains that bums. Things were looking up. when you were driving your he can't pull the canopy of his But sadly, the cancer recently folk's car on a summer night; airplane closed on account of returned. On Thursday April an amazing sound came pour- his broken ribs. Levon, playing 19th, in a hospital in New York, ing out of your radio, Yeager's mechanic, Levon Helm passed away at age and the voice sang, offers a down-home 71. "I pulled into Nazasolution, "Here, stick The man is gone, but the reth, was a-feeling this broomstick in magic of his voice remains 'bout half past dead." the handle, take your in the stories he left behind. You were hooked. good arm and whang You might want to give him Since then, you've it down." a thought today, and maybe sung along with that Levon's voice even take a listen to some of those voice a thousand extended to the writ- stories. Go ahead, you know a times: "Baby don't ten page; his 1994 lot of the lyrics by heart: "Ashes Mike Keeler you do it, don't do au t o b i o g r ap hy, of laughter, the ghost is clear, it, don't you break "This Wheel's on why do the best things always my heart...When I get off-a this Fire," is considered one of the disappear?... Life is a carnival, mountain, you know where I best of its kind. believe it or not, life is a carwanna go, straight down the Through music, movies and nival, two bits a shot... Catch a Mississippi River to the Gulf of books, Levon Helm's voice cannonball, now, to take me on Mexico... Back with my wife in became a national treasure. down the line..." Tennessee, when one day she But, in a terrible irony, he was That voice you're hearing in calls to me, Virgil quick come struck by throat cancer in your head is Levon Helm. see, there goes the Robert E. 1998. A tumor was removed, Lee..." and Levon endured 28 radiaContact Mike at That voice belongs to Levon tion treatments. With his voice info@newsroanoke.com Helm. He was born into a cotton-farming family in Turkey I am the slowest Scratch, Arkansas in 1940. At 17, he left home to tour with carpet cleaner in Roanoke. Ronnie Hawkins. He played on American Bandstand. He helped Bob Dylan go electric “I will give your in 1965. But that was all a prelude to creating The Band, one carpet the time of the most influential acts in and attention rock history. Levon was The it deserves to Band's leader, drummer, manproduce the best dolin player and primary singresults possible.” er, until their breakup in 1976. But his voice was so great, • 2 rooms and a hall for $75 • 5 rooms and a hall for $155 Contact Nick Thomas at rock and roll couldn't contain it. • Furniture cleaning also available! info@newsroanoke.com In the film version of Coal Miner's Daughter, Loretta Lynn's Danny Williams • 989-1825 • Cell - 765-7144

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Page 6 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 4/27/12- 5/3/12

NewsRoanoke.com

Blue Ridge Marathon Tests Runner’s Endurance Roanoker Has Couponing Blue Ridge Marathon she stopped to make co-chair John Carlin may a phone call or post a have had it about right message to Facebook the night before the Blue during the race. She’s Ridge Marathon, when in training now for an he emceed a program for ultra run in the Gobi runners who paid $19 to Desert of China that eat spaghetti and listen to will benefit charity. racing legend Bill RodA day that started gers. “You have signed up off fairly cool for the for a brutal, brutal mara7:30am start turned thon,” said Carlin, who warm and more huused to run 26.2-mile mid by 10, making the races himself. “This is a finish that much more bucket list marathon.” difficult for runners. Indeed, some might have Runners Fred and Vanessa Wall stride side- Before the race startfelt like they were ready by-side as they complete the Blue Ridge ed a handful of ultra to draw up a bucket list Marathon Saturday morning. marathoners that had after finishing the course already run the course races had an out of town flavor; – billed as “America’s Toughest the top area male runner (Dy- beginning at 2:30am finished Road Marathon” – which took lan Turner, Daleville) was 8th, it a first time to a round of aprunners over three summits, while the top female from the plause, before lining up again to on Mill Mountain, Roanoke region – former Roanoke Star- run the official race. Mountain and in the South Sentinel Editor Pam Rickard of The more genteel half maraRoanoke neighborhood around Rocky Mount– was 11th. thon, which scaled Mill MounPeakwood Drive. The Peak“I’ve done about 25 mara- tain but avoided Roanoke wood climb came late in the thons but this is probably my fa- Mountain and Peakwood, was race, around mile 18, by which vorite,” said Rickard afterwards. won by Andrew Kirk of Richtime many of the more novice She finished in 4:21.44, slowed mond (1:22.46) and by Sarah runners were exhausted or were up slightly by the few times Glenn of Roanoke (1:29.52). moving on rubbery legs. The night before, race direc“A very difficult beast of a tor Ronnie Angell elicited some course,” advised Carlin – more nervous laughter as he warned elevation gain than any other runners about what they were marathon in the United States. up against. “Your pain is our More than 7000 feet in total pleasure…we love that,” said elevation gain to be exact. In Angell, who runs a business in the end the overall winner was Salem (Odyssey Adventures) Karsten Brown, who drove that specializes in extreme down from Front Royal that sporting events. morning for the 7:30am start. Both Angell and Carlin had Brown’s time was 3:01.2 – aladvice for the majority of runmost an hour more than the ners that had no chance of winrecord marathon times set elsening the Blue Ridge Marathon, where. But this was not the type which was in its third year: of course where speed records “Enjoy yourself out there,” said are set. Only 215 men finished Angell. “Take your time and the race. enjoy the view,” added Carlin. For the women, Lauren A runner gives an elated That view, especially from the Bosshardt of Atlanta finished glance as she hits the final top of Roanoke Mountain, was first in 3:32.46. The top runners 500 yards of the Blue Ridge spectacular at times for those in both the men’s and women’s Marathon Saturday morning. runners who weren’t totally fo-

cused on just trying to make it up the hill. Dr. Tim Maggs, a chiropractor who has consulted with the New York Giants football team in the past, was even blunter in his assessment of the course, which he toured by car before the spaghetti dinner. “It is sick,” said Maggs, a runner himself. Nevertheless he promised, “you’re going to be creating stories this weekend.” Success was all about getting to the starting line said Maggs: “you’ll figure out how to get to the finish line.” Almost 300 runners in all managed to do just that. Rodgers, the winner of four Boston Marathons, four New York Marathons and a U.S. Olympic team member in 1976, admitted that he “had never run a course like this. I admire every runner – not just the winners of the race.” Rodgers, who signed autographs at the racing expo and packet pickup held at the Taubman Museum earlier in the day, said he no longer runs marathons himself. “I wonder if I could do it,” asked Rodgers, pondering the Blue Ridge Marathon course. At the end of 26.2 miles those who had completed the course, many of whom were laying in the shade of the Taubman building, waiting for their legs to come back, knew the answer – they could do it…they just had. (Note: Star-Sentinel editor Gene Marrano finished America’s Toughest Road Marathon in 4:36:35, good for 113th out of 215 male runners overall. He agrees with Jon Carlin’s assessment of the course - brutal!)

Down to An Art

Ann Lucas is a Roanoke veterinarian by day, but in her spare time, she’s a serious coupon clipper. She’s disappointed if she doesn’t save at least 60 percent from her shopping trip. Lucas started focusing on saving money using coupons a year-and-a-half ago, after watching the television show, “Extreme Couponing” and brought her knowledge to workshops at two Roanoke Libraries last week. Americans saved $4.6 billion dollars using coupons last year; half a million dollars more than the year before. Three hundred five billion coupons were distributed last year. “So, that’s a lot. It’s a lot of opportunity to save a lot of money.” According to Lucas, 80% of shoppers use coupons regularly and 91 percent plan shopping lists with their coupons before they go to the store to save money. She says it’s easy to become overwhelmed with the whole idea of saving money through coupons and suggests beginners don’t overdo it and just take their time. First, know the key words of couponing, for instance “catalinas.. They’re manufacturers coupons that print out with your receipt. Lucas also suggests knowing the couponing rules of the various stores where you shop. For instance, some stores By Gene Marrano double coupons, others don’t. gmarrano@cox.net Some stores will allow you to

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Ann Lucas stack coupons, such as a manufacturers coupon along with a store coupon, but others won’t. Also, know the full price of the products you buy regularly so you can decide if buying it at that moment would be a good deal. She suggests buying from two to five Sunday newspapers at Dollar Tree or Dollar General for $1, rather than the newsstand price. There are a variety of places to obtain coupons, from coupon websites, Facebook, from the manufacturers website, and the store’s website. She says sometimes sending a complaint or compliment to a company will result in them sending you coupons. Many people now get coupons through text messages on their smart phones. There are even coupons to be found on Craig’s List or Ebay. When searching coupons, Lucas suggests looking for those available on the West Coast, which have higher-value coupons because the cost of living is higher there. She says you can usually print two coupons per computer by using the back button. Then there are various ways to organize the coupons, whether it’s a white envelope to a small accordion folder you can take into the store, to a huge binder. She encourages stockpiling items so you’ll have them on hand. “Buy it before you need it when it’s cheap, when it’s free especially. And that way you don’t have to pay full price for it when you absolutely need it.” She even sold some of her overstocked items at a flea market and made extra money. Lucas also encourages shoppers to share the wealth by giving expired coupons to the military which can use them for six months after they expire. The Williamson Road Library has a location for patrons to drop off their expired coupons and library officials will send them to military families. “If there are opportunities where I can get free items and donate them to the women’s shelter or to the SPCA, I’m all for it. They can certainly use it.” There’s something called a “coupon fairy.” Shoppers can place their extra coupons by the specific item on the shelf for those who need the item to find and save money. Even after all her sorting and organizing Lucas will sometimes go a little out of her way to drive to a specific store for a certain item, but “in all my running and stuff. . . I’ll take five extra minutes if I know I’m by that Krogers, and there’s something that I need, I’ll run in and grab it.”

By Beverly Amsler info@newsroanoke.com

FUN

New Bridge Connects Greenways In Southeast Roanoke By far the most impressive feature of the new addition to Roanoke’s greenway system is the Z-shaped bridge that now spans the Roanoke River behind the 13th Street water treatment plant in Southeast, providing a link between two greenways. That bridge made its official debut earlier this week when the ribbon was cut at the far end of the Tinker Creek Greenway, which is now joined to the Roanoke River Greenway adjacent to the water treatment plant. Those who park at the 13th Street (Bennington) lot (presently the terminus of the Roanoke River Greenway) will have to connect to the new bridge and the 1.2 mile Tinker Creek Greenway via the road alongside the treatment plant for now; a trail through that property is on the drawing boards but currently road signs will guide runners, walkers and bikers to the Tinker Creek Bridge. Roanoke City Parks & Recreation Director Steve Buschor said it is now about 7.5 miles from the new Tinker Creek bridge to Vic Thomas Park, at the other end of the Roanoke River Greenway, and about 9 miles from the far end of Tinker Creek (in Fallon Park) to Vic Thomas. Another ribbon cutting for a mile-long extension of the Roanoke River Greenway is scheduled from Vic Thomas Park soon. Monday morning was all about the Tinker Creek bridge opening however, with 6th District Congressman Bob Goodlatte, Roanoke Mayor David Bowers, City Manager Chris Morrill, Vinton Mayor Brad Grose and other dignitaries present for the ribbon cutting. “This is a great day,” said Buschor. Bowers, who noted that mayoral challenger Mark Lucas was on hand, joked before making his remarks: “Oh no, not another ribbon cutting.” That was a dig perhaps at Lucas, who has chided Bowers for being too focused on showing up at ribbon cuttings and not more on economic development. “Ribbon cuttings are a ceremony in success,” said Bowers, “Success in opening a new business, creating new jobs, opening a store… and yes, opening a greenway extension.” Some have already used the greenway extension over the past few months, even though it officially opened on Monday. Bowers noted the beauty of the new bridge and the stretch of the Roanoke River it crosses. Nothing but trees and river can be seen when looking away from the treatment plant. “You just can’t believe that you are in a metropolitan area like Roa-

noke. It is a pristine, bucolic scene,” said Bowers, The Tinker Creek Greenway will eventually make its way to Carvins Cove. Bowers, who can often be seen on the greenway with his dog, has been told by constituents that building the greenway system is the “most popular thing that Roanoke has done.” The mayor also issued a proclamation, honoring Roanoke City Civil Engineer Josephus Moses Johnson Coroma, an African immigrant from Sierra Leone who became a U.S. citizen in 2009. Coroma oversaw construction of the new Tinker Creek bridge as project manager for the city and helped coordinate the communication process for all the entities that had to be involved, including VDOT, the Western Virginia Water Authority, Norfolk Southern, etc. Monday was Coroma’s day in Roanoke City. Mark Lucas, Bowers’ opponent in Tuesday’s mayoral election, is also a member of the Roanoke Valley Greenways Commission. “I’m a huge fan of the greenways,” said Lucas, who said one of his businesses lost an executive recruit because the valley lacked a strong greenway system about ten years ago. “This is a great way to recruit businesses here.” Goodlatte, who helped secure the original flood reduc-

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The new bridge linking the Tinker Creek Greenway to the Roanoke River Greenway is officially open. tion funding from the federal government that kick-started the Roanoke River Greenway project, called the new Tinker Creek bridge “the most challenging engineering effort that I’ve seen on the greenway so far.” There’s also stonework that has helped form some of the switchbacks in the trail connection to the Roanoke River Greenway. “This greenway system is getting a reputation that goes far beyond the Roanoke Valley,” noted Goodlatte. “It truly is a key economic development tool.” Goodlatte said he looked forward to a “golden spike event” in the near future as the Roanoke River Greenway heads west towards Salem and

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east towards Roanoke City. Roanoke County supervisor Charlotte Moore, who has pushed for more of the greenway system to be built in Roanoke County, was also on hand: “I think we’re going to get there one day and have the greenways connected everywhere, from Montgomery County to Bedford.” After the ribbon was cut many of those gathered braved the rain and cold to walk the new Tinker Creek bridge for the first time. Below on the Roanoke River others were fishing or just taking in the sights. Neighborhood activist Barbara Duerk, who bikes the greenway system on a regular basis, called the new Tinker Creek extension and the bridge “absolutely fantastic. [It also] breaks down barriers and helps build bridges between communities.”

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Sports

Cave Spring Tops Pulaski County 4-2 for River Ridge Baseball Win Cave Spring plated a pair of runs in the bottom of the fifth inning to overcome a 2-1 deficit, as the Knights defeated Pulaski County 4-2 in River Ridge baseball Friday afternoon at Knights Field. Cave Spring was clinging to a 1-0 lead before Pulaski County scored twice in the top of the fifth without the benefit of a hit, to briefly take the 2-1 lead. The Knights responded in their half of the inning after Griffin Stanley and Zach Utterback parlayed two-out hits

Hidden Valley Downs Pulaski 7-1 To Stay Undefeated In River Ridge Baseball Race

Hidden Valley used a twohit pitching effort from starter Ryan Lauria and the Titans plated six runs in the first three innings, as Hidden Valley knocked off River Ridge foe Pulaski County 7-1 Tuesday afternoon at Titan Field. Lauria went six innings to pick up the win in upping his record to 4-0. Drew Trampe threw a perfect seventh in reHidden Valley slugger Jack Moore gets full extension as he connects Tuesday afternoon.

Cave Spring #4 Zach Utterback motors around third to score the eventual game-winning run after Jordan Bryant's double down the left field line.

lief for the Titans, Hayden Smith got the Titans on the board with a RBI single in the 3-run Hidden Valley first, and the Titans By Bill Turner tacked on three more in the info@newsroanoke.com third to open a 6-0 lead before Titan starter Ryan Lauria coasting to the victory. Hidbrings the heat as he picks up the win Tuesday afternoon. den Valley improved to 3-0 in Hidden Valley base runner #4 Hayes Nelson takes third on a the River Ridge race. Lauria improved to 4-0 on passed ball in the three-run the season with the two-hit By Bill Turner Titan third. performance. info@newsroanoke.com

Former PH Pitcher Named ODAC Player of The Week

Cave Spring closer #6 Steve Klaiber brings the heat as he shuts down Pulaski over the last two innings to pick up the save. to tie the score at 2. Jordan Bryant followed with a double down the left field line that plated Utterback for the 3-2 Cave Spring advantage. Cave Spring would get an insurance run in the sixth when Ryan Gerhardt singled with two outs, and scored on a Reece Kingery double off

the left-center field fence. Knight starting pitcher Ben Walker only allowed one hit over five innings to pick up the win. Cave Spring closer Steve Klaiber shut down the Cougars over the last two innings to get the save. Bryant and Stanley led the Cave Spring hitting attack with two hits each.

NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER A S S E M B LY

Cave Spring third baseman #17 Andrew Peterson shields his eyes as he brings in a soaring Pulaski pop-fly in the infield.

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Whitaker allowed one run on five hits while striking out six. He again held his opponent to one run on Saturday, giving up a solo home run in the second, before pitching seven straight shutout innings. Bridgewater recorded eight hits against him, but he struck out five while walking just two. Whitaker now stands at 7-3 on the season in 16 appearances and eight starts. He also has two saves, 50 strikeouts and just a 2.60 ERA.

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Saturday, May 12th, 2012

Greene Memorial Church Sanctuary Across the street

Lunch is available in the Greene Memorial Church Fellowship Hall for a suggested donation of $6.

Zach Whitaker, a Hampden Sydney Freshman Pitcher from Roanoke picked up two complete game ODAC victories as the Tigers earned a spot in the ODAC Tournament. Whitaker shut down the Virginia Wesleyan bats on Wednesday in going the distance, and then came back on Saturday to pitch nine more innings to pick up a 4-1 win over Bridgewater. Against the Marlins,

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4/27/12 -5/3/12 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 8

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Sports

North Cross Continues To Roll in Lacrosse

4/27/12- 5/3/12 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 9

Wild Bill’s Weekly Sports Roundup

Oh, my goodness. If you proficient in throwing strikes, thought last week’s disserta- Wilmington Blue Rock battion from Edgar Allan Poe ters Whit Merrifield and and the whacky world of Geulin Beltre liked the zone, magnets was off the wall, we parking two home runs over hit new heights this week as the left field wall to stake the everything comes unraveled Blue Rocks to a 3-0 lead and in Blacksburg. eventual 7-2 win. Hold on to your seats. The Now, in the ‘you-knew-itWild Bill column is on the was-coming’ category, things air with a firing, some feud- went a bit haywire in the ing and a downpour that gets Hokie Nation this week. some eyes a little fogged up Monday, Seth Greenberg when it comes to counting. was fired as Tech’s head basFirst, let’s stay to the saner ketball coach. A source, who side of sports with this week’s spoke to me Monday on the Wild Bill ‘Big-11’ condition of anonymbaseball and softball ity, said Greenberg Top-3. was caught totally off Roanoke Catholic #17 Alex Wall Northside continues guard. Reportedly, looks for an opening against North to hold the top spot on he was showing a reCross defender Tommy Girani Tuesthe baseball diamond cruit around the Tech day afternoon. with their perfect 13-0 campus when he was record. Blue Ridge summoned to get the District foe Lord decision. Bet that was an Bill Turner By Bill Turner Botetourt sits in the interesting pitch to info@newsroanoke.com #2 spot at 12-1. Hidden Valley, undefeated in the the prospective hoopster. River Ridge at 3-0, and 7-3-1 Greenberg: “So, son, what overall, holds on to the third do you think of our campus In Monday night’s game against position. Northside and Lord and facilities?” New River #10 Jimmy Coles adBotetourt meet Friday afterRecruit, after getting a vances the ball off a pick set by noon, Apr. 27th, in Daleville tweet: “Beautiful, and the coMidi Paul Ross. for a head-to-head meeting eds are gorgeous, too. By the between #1 and #2. Should way, any word who your rebe a great matchup, with the placement may be?” winner surely the favorite to Things, likewise, got chipclaim next week’s top spot. py between Hokie and Cav On the softball side, North- fans after their respective side keeps the #1 position at spring football games offered 13-1. William Byrd and Glen- a difference in opinion on atvar, both 10-3, tie for the sec- tendance. ond spot in the ‘Big-11’. Like ESPN, Wild Bill now Monday night, albeit cold, breaks down the numbers to offered exciting baseball at set things straight. Salem Memorial Stadium Cavs head football coach as Boston Red Sox hurler Mike London estimated their Daisuke Matsuzaka took to game attracted 8,000, althe mound for a rehab start though impartial observers with Salem. Japanese media said 5,000 was the perhaps a were in attendance along with more realistic number. a well-needed propane heat The differential being 3,000 blower in the Salem dugout. souls on board or an inflation Although Matsuzaka was of 60% over the realistic im-

North Cross continued its strong season in lacrosse by knocking off New River on Monday night 17-2 and then coasting again past cross town rival Roanoke Catholic 18-4 on Tuesday at Thomas Field. Paul McNeil picked up the win in goal, against Catholic while senior George Revercomb won 9-of-10 face-offs. North Cross is now 8-2 on the season.

Salem Red Sox Set To Finish SevenGame Home Stand This Weekend

The Salem Red Sox complete the final game of a four-game set against the Wilmington Blue Rocks tonight (Thursday, April 26th) before welcoming the Carolina Mudcats to Salem Memorial Stadium for a three-game series Friday-Sunday. At press time, Salem stood 7-9 in their quest to take the Southern Division Carolina League first-half title.

partial figure. (The RIF) At Tech Saturday, Frank Beamer surmised 40,000, despite local media putting the number at 15,000. That’s an error of 25,000, or an an exaggeration of 167% in total fannies in the seats. I don’t claim to be a good attendance estimator and once missed the gate when asked in the photo pit at a Washington Nationals game by around 12,000. But, the attendance in Blacksburg became a moot point when they never played the game. Seems like it was akin to a baseball rain out. I got caught in a hilarious crossfire earlier this week between some Hokie and Cav fans. The UVA group pointed out that while the Tech spring game was called off, next door to Lane Stadium the two school’s softball teams battled it out in not one, but both games of a completed doubleheader. I surmised that since the softball went on, the rain over Lane was in the truest form, an isolated storm. According to the UVA faithful, it all made sense. One commented, “Frank didn’t want his guys in the damp air - someone may have gotten the sniffles.” I’m staying clear of this debate. But, can anyone grab me a hanky? I feel a cough, sneeze and a guffaw coming on. In the meantime, send your congested comments and questions to...ahhhchooo: info@newsroanoke.com

By Bill Turner info@newsroanoke.com

Salem outfielder Brandon Jacobs signs autographs before the start of Monday night's matchup with Wilmington.

PROSTHETICS – IT’S NOT ALL WE DO. Monday night, major leaguer Daisuke Matsuzaka pitched in his first start since Tommy John surgery last year. Dice-K gave up homers to the Wilmington leadoff batters in the first and second innings, as Salem fell to the Blue Rocks 7-2.

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Valley Business

Page 10 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 4/27/12- 5/3/12

NewsRoanoke.com

River House Takes Shape In Wasena Beacon Wealth, Women’s Center

Roanoke developer Ed Walker said the major Walker has said that the selling point for the River River House project he is House (about a third of the undertaking at 806 Wasena units are already leased) Avenue might be the “last” may be its unique locamajor one for the man betion: next to the Roanoke hind the Patrick Henry HoRiver Greenway and about tel, the Cotton Mill and the two miles equidistant from Hancock building makeMill Mountain, downtown, overs. If so he intends to go Grandin Village and the out with a bang. Carilion campus. “[That’s Sitting adjacent to the about] 80 percent of what’s Roanoke River Greenway interesting [in Roanoke],” between Smith and Wanoted Walker. He envisions sena Parks, Walker and River House as a home to his Regeneration Partners those interested in the outcompany is turning the doors, people who might former storage facility – a want to bike or walk the makeshift shelter for the two miles to some of those homeless in recent years destinations. “[It’s] a really – into 128 apartments, a Ed Walker gives an update on his latest interesting and dynamic restaurant and other com- housing project. urban experience for resimercial spaces. Walker dents.” he said they are shooting for an and his design crew, which has The man behind Kirk Avenue opening day sometime this sumworked together on projects in Music Hall and the CityWorks mer. downtown Roanoke, are looking organization also hopes that the Who or what will occupy the for an “urban, edgy feel,” accordRiver House makeover will spark 2600 sq. ft. restaurant space has ing to interior designer Cameron revitalization in what Walker not been decided. Walker is hopHarris. called the Wasena Urban Viling that local parties with someThe 1 and 2 bedroom units oflage. The River House may spark thing unique to offer will step up. fered, priced from $520 to $1300 that rebirth he noted or at least “All we care about is that they be a month (slightly less for those provide “some strengthening.” outstanding in their field,” said that make a commitment before Walker had the future apartment Walker, who envisions a bistro the end of April) feature granite building and 450 surrounding and bar not just for tenants of countertops, bamboo flooring houses designated as a historic the building, but a place where and custom cabinets. Each floor district, meaning that state and greenway users will cross the low of the five story structure will federal tax credits could be made water bridge at Wasena and head have a different feel and look. available for renovations, if the up to the River House for lunch There’s a fitness center and parkstructure is more than 50 years or a beer. “Everybody that has ing on site. Walker and members old. Now a downtown resident, walked into my office utilizes the of his staff gave an update on the Walker has a soft spot for Wagreenway,” said leasing manager River House on Monday, when sena as a former resident: “I lived Michelle Rose. in this area for 12 years and loved it.” Computer Repair • Free Diagnosis • New & Used Computers & Laptops “[This is] the project I’ve been most excited about for the longest period of time,” said Walker. For a developer that has helped transform downtown Roanoke (takes care of everything, parts not included) in recent years, that’s saying No matter what the problem is, we will take care of it! Bring in this ad! Expires 5/31/12. something. (see roanokeriverhouse.com for more informaNo one else can do it for tion.) our quality and price!

To Team Up May 11

A local financial advisement firm is teaming up with a nonprofit that focuses on the health of pregnant women to launch a golf tournament fundraiser. The Beacon Wealth Charity Golf Classic on Friday, May 11 at Roanoke Country Club features a 1pm shotgun start. Teams of four can tee off for $450, while individuals that will be paired with others can play for $125. It’s a Captain’s Choice tournament and lunch will be provided at 11am. Afterwards there is a barbecue dinner as well. There are also sponsorship packages for those that may not want to play golf but can sponsor a hole or contests (putting, hole in one, etc.) that will be offered that day. Phil Holsinger, the CEO for the Blue Ridge Women’s Center (located at 5034 Williamson Road), said the BRWC, which used to be known as the Crisis Pregnancy Center of the Roanoke Valley, has served low-income women and others for almost 30 years. The term “crisis” in relationship to many pregnancies had become an outdated one said Holsinger, hence the name change about a decade ago. Many of the women are from 17-30 years old; a “significant number” are college age or are older women struggling to make ends meet after they or their husband have lost a job – and now an unexpected baby is on the way. Others are women in their 40’s facing an unexpected pregnancy late in life. “We’ve served over 15,000 women in the last 28 years and covered a pretty wide spectrum of circumstances,” said Holsinger. The BRWC is funded entirely By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

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by private donations and does not receive any federal funding. That’s why Holsinger is hoping the May 11 golf tourney is a big success and becomes an annual event. The center features counselors and a medical staff that oversees daily operations, like the ultrasounds offered to pregnant women and testing for sexually transmitted diseases. Holsinger estimates that the Blue Ridge Women’s Center serves 800-1000 clients per year, who often comes in 6-7 times during the course of a pregnancy. They may return for parenting and life skill classes as well. There’s a boutique on site that can provide diapers and maternity clothes. The Beacon Wealth Charity Golf Classic will help fund all of those services. “Its always [nice] to have an organization like what we do,” said Holsinger, “and watch us build over the course of years.” Rick Laymon, the CEO for Roanoke-based Beacon Wealth, first encountered the BRWC about ten years ago when it began managing the organization’s small endowment fund. “Over the course of time I’ve learned a whole lot more about what they do and grown to appreciate and recognize how vital that ministry is in the life of our community.” Laymon said Beacon Wealth,

which has nine offices in five states, focuses on advising Christian families and organizations about their planning and asset management needs. The 14-year-old firm provides what Laymon terms as “Biblically responsible investing platforms, which is a very unique offering in the investment advisory world.” There are still “loads of wonderful companies” out there to invest in said Laymon. Beacon Wealth does not deal with any companies that are involved with abortions, pornography or “radical proponents of the homosexual agenda,” according to Laymon. The Blue Ridge Women’s Center does advise pregnant women that abortion is an option, according to Holsinger, but its primary focus is to “provide a whole spectrum of information,” and help a woman through her pregnancy, delivering a health baby as part of the process. “It lets someone look at the options before her,” said Holsinger, noting that giving a child up for adoption has been another option for some clients. Both hope that the golf tournament becomes a regular event for local duffers. “We’re looking for a great turnout and hope to have at least 72 golfers,” said Laymon. See beaconwealth. com or supportblueridge.org for more information on the Beacon Wealth Charity Golf Classic and the Blue Ridge Women’s Center. The contact at Beacon Wealth about the golf tourney is Matt Reeve (345-3891). By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

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Arts & Culture

4/27/12- 5/3/12 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 11

NewsRoanoke.com

Green Art Project: Artists Invited To Submit The Reel Deal: “The Hunger Games” adaptations of a popu- of filling in newcomers on cer- comprehensible at times, even Designs For Big Belly Solar Compactors larFilm teen book series are not tain details without relying on when it’s not trying to cover The City of Roanoke has announced a call for artists for a new public art project that is a collaboration between the Roanoke Arts Commission, the Neighborhood Services Office, and the Solid Waste Management Division. The city is seeking artists or artist teams to design vinyl wraps for 11 Big Belly Solar Trash Units. The city will be responsible for fabrication and application of the chosen designs. Details and an application are available at www. roanokeva.gov/publicart. The deadline for response is May 11. The units are being purchased with Federal Community Development Block Grant funds, and will be placed in neighborhoods that meet the criteria for participation in the Community Development Block Grant Program. Five compactors are already located in the Hurt Park Neighborhood and additional units will be placed in neighborhoods where the following community groups are active: • Northwest Neighborhood Improvement Council • Loudon Melrose Neighborhood Inc. • Wasena Neighborhood Forum • Mountain View Neighborhood Alliance • Southeast Action Forum • Old Southwest Inc. According to Skip Decker, Manager of Solid Waste Management, "The City of Roanoke has been experimenting with the Big Belly solar compactors for the last two years. These machines are efficient, cost-saving, as well as very attractive. People think we must have sunny days for these compactors to work, but as long as it is daylight, the solar cells are regenerating. They also have a mechanism that alerts us when

Innovative Big Belly Solar Trash Units. they need to be serviced, and this will eliminate unnecessary trips to service a unit that is only half full. We are very excited about this new venture. These six new units, along with the five that we currently have in the Hurt Park community, will be like new art exhibits." The Big Belly design project was approved by City Council as part of the Public Art Work Plan for 2012. The Public Art program is funded by the Percent for Art ordinance, a financial resource established by the city as a way to fund public art in city neighborhoods and public places to reflect its vibrancy and heritage. Program policies and decisions are guided by the 15 volunteer members of the Roanoke Arts Commission, with leadership and input from city administration and City Council. For more information contact Susan Jennings, Arts and Culture Coordinator, at susan.jennings@roanokeva.gov or 540-853-5652

RVCS Presents “Oklahoma!” Roanoke Valley Christian School will present Rogers and Hammerstein's "Oklahoma!" on May 3rd and 4th in the Shenandoah Baptist Church Auditorium. Tickets are available at the school or church office. For more information go to www.rvcs.info or by calling 540-366-2432.

REVERSE MORTGAGES

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Sandborgs Honored at Second Presbyterian Dr. Jeffrey P. Sandborg, Choir Director, and Marianne M. Sandborg,Organist / Soloist, were honored last Sunday at a special reception marking 25 years of service to Second Presbyterian Church and the Roanoke Valley. As a part of their ongoing activities, Jeff directs the Chancel Choir of 35 voices and Marianne accompanies them at 11:00 AM Sunday morning services. This dedicated couple came to Second Presbyterian in 1987 and has served continuously since. Jeff Sandborg holds The Naomi Brandon and George Emery Wade Professorship in Music at Roanoke College where he has been Director of Choral Activities since 1985. Marianne Sandborg is Resident

uncommon for Hollywood. exposition. The cast of charac- up a violent death. Good film adaptations, on the ters are all great, and the actors Despite its flaws, The Hunother hand, are much fewer are all excellent in their roles. ger Games is an impressive adand farther in beThe biggest stand- aptation that will satisfy fans tween. While films out in the casting is of the book and newcomers like Harry Potter Jennifer Lawrence alike. The intense and brutal were great, there as Katniss Ever- action, the deep emotion, and have been plenty deen, who brings the near-perfect cast create an of films that either in the right amount enthralling movie that is in missed the mark of toughness and ways stronger than even the or are just sloppy. vulnerability to first Harry Potter movie. It’s The next book to be her character. The not a perfect adaptation, but adapted to the big emotional scenes movie should be commended screen is Suzanne also pack quite an for being faithful to its source Collins’s “The impact when it material while adding to it and Seth Childers Hunger Games,” needs to, and the stamping its own identity as a and despite a few flaws in its action is brutal and intense movie. It will be interesting to translation from paper to film, without being overly graphic. see where the next two films it’s a great movie that will satAs solid as this movie ad- go from here, but until then, isfy fans of the book while also aptation is, it still suffers from may the odds be ever in our remaining accessible to new- some of the same problems favor. comers. that a lot of adaptations fall Rating: 8/10 (Great) The story’s setting takes under. Like any other adaptaplace in Panem, a world di- tion, not everything can make By Seth Childers vided into twelve districts that its way into the story due to info@newsroanoke.com is under the control of the evil pacing reasons, and thus some Capitol. To keep the district details are either skipped over under control from rebelling, or hardly explained. There are they created ‘The Hunger also some pacing issues, as Games,’ a competition that some scenes can end abruptly forces one man and woman all-too-often, and the movie NeedYour Money? We Pay can help Let Home You from each district between tends to juggle between quiet the ages of 12 and 18 to fight emotion and brutal violence to the death until one remains. in the second half. Finally the It’s not an entirely original shaky cinematography, though Security One Lending premise, as it borrows a few in ways more unique thanks to �� Bedford, Virginia - Your Local Lender traits from Battle Royale and its documentary-like style, can �� other works in the sci-fi genre, be a bit too-much and somebut it adds enough tricks of its times makes the action in- Virginia State Corporation Comminssion • License Number MC5508 own to stand out. The focus on the impact of media and how it can control people is an intriguing concept, and it plays Bath Tub? out in very interesting ways in From Chip Repairs to the story. Complete Refinshing The movie is very faithful Remove Old Tub and Install New Tub to the book, and though there or Walk in Shower are some details that had to Complete Bathroom Remodeling be skipped over a bit, it does Quality Tub Care a particularly impressive job Call Now: 992-2406 or Visit Us at www.qualitytubcare.com

Jeffrey & Marianne Sandborg Artist / Teaching Associate in the Fine Arts Department at Roanoke College. A lyric soprano of international renown, she was a semifinalist in the New York Oratorio Competition and the Yrjö Kilpinen

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International Voice Competition and was first prize winner in the Philadelphia Cathedral/ Diana Barnhart American Art Song Competition. Throughout their successful tenure at the church, they have been part of many milestones and activities including: Installation of a new Goulding & Wood organ in the Sanctuary (2005) ; planning and coordination of numerous concerts which were provided free to the public (The Mozart Project, The Handel Project, The Bach Project), and an exciting Organ Dedicatory Concert.

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ANITA PRICE ROANOKE CITY COUNCIL “I am proud of my record on education support, the progress of Roanoke City Public Schools, my commitment to our youth and families and focus on economic unity.”

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Please Vote On Tuesday, May 1st In The Roanoke City General Election

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