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August 3 - August 9, 2012

[Our Valley]

Crossroads of Roanoke

The test alert was sent as Roanoke County prepares to launch a new emergency alert system.

Classic

Memories

Photo by Terry Aldhizer

On any given summer evening a true melting pot of people can be found at the Roanoke’s Mill Mountain Overlook: young and old, rich and poor, country-folks and city-slickers, locals and tourists all gather to watch the sunset and take in the view. The conversations overheard among complete strangers can lift the human spirit as people share memories, give suggestions to out-of-towners or simply affirm one another’s appreciation of the natural beauty before them. When’s the last time you took in a sunset from the Star overlook? Maybe it’s time to head back up and be part of the view.

P6– Susan Geary, who has produced the morning news program and hosted an onair shift at WVTF is leaving town to help start up the first public radio station in Delaware.

Mine proposed only 50 miles from Roanoke / 12 miles from Smith Mtn Lake

> CONTINUED P2: Test Alert

Virginia’s moratorium on uranium mining and whether or not it should be lifted was the subject of a pro-andcon discussion at Virginia Western Community College last Friday. The Public Forum on Uranium Mining in Virginia, centered around a large deposit of uranium found in Pittsylvania County that a Canadian company (Virginia Mining Inc.) wants to mine,

was sponsored by the Cabell Brand the water table be contaminated? Is Center for Global Poverty and Re- there a risk of airborne radioactivity, source Sustainability. as bits of uranium carried off in dust The so-called “Coles Hill Uranium from the mining site ends up affecting Find” in Pittsylvania Counnearby residents or others ty, located about 50 miles – in Roanoke perhaps – deEnvironment from Roanoke, has spurred pending on prevailing wind a debate: Is it safe to mine patterns? uranium, used in nuclear reactors and “At the end of the day we’ll be so in weapon systems, or is it too risky, much better informed on the implicaconsidering that it is a radioactive ma- tions of uranium mining in Virginia,” terial? What if the tailing ponds, used said Rupert Cutler, the former Roato contain bits of uranium left behind noke City councilman who gave openin the mining process, failed? Would ing remarks. Cutler, an opponent of

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lifting the state’s ban on uranium mining, called the forum, attended by several hundred, “preparation” for future legislation in the General Assembly. Current council member Sherman Lea, who grew up in Pittsylvania County, said he had spoken to residents there recently about the prospect of lawmakers allowing uranium mining at Coles Hill. “They are frightened…we should be concerned,” said Lea, who went on record as opposing > CONTINUED P2: Uranium

Chick-Fil-A Appreciation Day Brings Out Hundreds For Lunch

P7– Stonegate Swim Club made it two-in-a-row last Saturday afternoon, winning the annual RVAA City-County by out scoring second-place Hunting Hills.

An impromptu drum session breaks out at Floyd Fest.

Photo by Gene Marrano

Floyd Fest Rocks On Despite A Few Growing Pains

P9– Apple Ridge Farm held its first “High Heel Charity Race”- run by women and men in high-heeled shoes - to help raise funds for their summer camp programs.

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Debate Continues On Uranium Mining

City County

High Heeled

A test alert message about an escaped inmate that went out via phone, text, and email from Roanoke County on Tuesday was a test message generated by Roanoke County Govt. County’s new emergency alert system – there never was an escaped inmate. The test alert message went out to approximately 30,000 households and businesses in Roanoke County within 15 minutes. The fact that it went out to so many people was a mistake and Roanoke County has apologized for the error and any confusion it may have caused. Below is a narrative of the voice messages that were sent to Roanoke County households and businesses: “THIS IS A TEST: This is an emergency notification from Roanoke County. Please

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P4– Johnny Robinson shares some classic childhood memories from his grandmother’s cabin in the woods that harken back to simpler time.

Moving On

Roanoke County Mistakenly Sends Prisoner Escape Message

Yes, there were grumblings from some about the lack of paid-for electricity at their campsites and the long queuing time required for the shuttle bus on Sunday (closing day) but for the most part about 12,000 people a day seemed to have a pretty good time at the four days of Floyd Fest 11. Dubbed “Lovers Rock” this time around, Floyd Fest delivered under sunny skies and cooler nights for all four days, starting with a Thursday night lineup that culminated with headliner Jackson Browne. Across the Way Productions did offer an apology on its Facebook page for the snafus and asked attendees to give them another chance next year. Chalk it up, perhaps, as growing pains for a festival reaching its capacity at the current location near the Floyd-Patrick County line, just off the Blue Ridge Parkway. Sunday, which in the past had been a quieter, wind-down sort of day at Floyd > CONTINUED P3: Floyd Fest Fest, was a complete sellout this year, with

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Virginia State people to turn out Senator Ralph Smith Wednesday – “Nasent out a rallying tional Chick-Fil-A message to join him Appreciation Day” – at both the Chickto counter boycotts. Fil-A at Valley View Smith handed out Mall on Wednesday American Flags by for lunch and the Sathe dozens that were lem Chick-Fil-A for snapped up quickly Photo by Valery Garner and he soon ran out. dinner. The eatery is making headlines for Ralph Smith hands out flags at “It’s July 4th in Autheir views on samegust,” said Smith as the Valley View Chic-Fil-A. sex marriage. he handed out the Roanoke’s Valley View franchise flags to a line of people that stretched owner Bob Childress said, “Chick-Fil- down the side of the building. Cars A has asked us [to advise] all media to were backed up on Valley View Bounot come on the property today and levard trying to get into the parking Friday.” A boycott by those who sup- lot and drive-in window. There was port same-sex marriage is standing room only inside expected Friday. as people lined up at the Politics Patti Lee, Children’s Mincounter and down the aisle. istry Director at Parkway All seats were taken. House of Prayer was there to support Smith said he wasn’t surprised by the 1st Amendment rights of Ameri- the large turnout. “I can’t think of cans. “I’m against same-sex marriage,” anyplace that Billy Graham would go she said. that I would not follow. It’s the patriChristina van der Linden brought otic duty to stand up for the family her three girls Jessica 14, Anna 10 and unit.” Veronica 7. The girls stood in front of Smith said he has had the opportuthe Chick-Fil-A cow and posed for a nity to be with photo. Truett Cathy, > CONTINUED P3: Chic-Fil-A Smith sent out notices urging the founder of

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Page 2 | TheRoanokeStar.com

Isolated storms are possible both Thursday and Friday as we get hotter. Temperatures will rise into the low 90s. A cold front approaches for the weekend bringing showers and storms back to the region. Temperatures will be near 90 on Saturday and in the upper 80s on Sunday. Showers and storms remain in the forecast for Monday and Tuesday with highs in the upper 80s.

8/3/12- 8/9/12

> Test Alert

From page 1

do not hang up. As of July 31, 2012; 9:55 am, an inmate escaped during a transport from I81 SB exit 140 headed toward Catawba Valley Drive. The Roanoke County Police Department and Deputies from the Roanoke County Sheriff ’s Office are attempting to locate Robert Smith 6’0 blue eyes, blonde hair, 180 lbs; If you see this person please call 911 and report sighting. For further information call Lt. Artz 540-387-6141 . Do not call 911 unless you have an emergency. THIS IS A TEST” The alert was then followed up a short time later with the following: “PLEASE DISREGARD THE PREVIOUS MESSAGE, THIS IS A TEST OF THE RO CO ALERTS EMERGENCY SYSTEM. PLEASE DISREGARD THIS PREVIOUS MESSAGE, THERE IS NO ESCAPED PRISONER. ” Roanoke County is planning to launch its new emergency alert system to the public in mid-to-late August using a software program provided by Twenty First Century Communi-

cations. The County currently has a test group of about 300 people – mostly Roanoke County employees- who’ve been receiving test alert messages this month from staff in Roanoke County’s Emergency Communications Center to ensure that the system is working properly. On Tuesday, the test alert message about an escaped inmate should have only gone to the test group but mistakenly went to land-lines throughout Roanoke County. The test messages from Roanoke County should have displayed on a person’s Caller ID as a “RoCo Alert” – this is the name Roanoke County has given to its Emergency Alert System. Roanoke County was able to stop the message while it was in process or even more households and businesses would have received the test alert.

> Uranium

From page 1

At Your Service!

any mining of uranium there. Coles Hill is just 12 miles from Smith Mountain Lake and 50 from Roanoke, noted Lea: “How much radioactive dust [from the mine site] are we willing to accept?” he asked. Cities like Virginia Beach and Norfolk have voted in resolutions to oppose uranium mining in the Commonwealth; ironically Lea said he ! voted against a similar measure at a Roanoke City Council meeting because the one year moratorium extension in the resolution “didn’t go far enough. ” Professional House Cleaning Yes, the mine could bring more jobs to impover! General Home Repairs ished Southside, “but at what cost?” asked Lea. Complete Bathroom Remodeling • Tile Work 1618 Roanoke Blvd Dr. Peter DeFur, who helped assemble a NaInterior/exterior Carpentry • Plumbing A detional Research Committee study onSuite uranium Window/door installation • Hardwood Flooring Salem, Virginia 24153 posits and the safety of mining them in Virginia, For a Free Estimate Call or email James said there are small caches of the540-389-5252 rare ore all over 725-7343 jss25@cox.net the state, with the find at Coles Hill being the most Licensed/insured with 24 years experience www.dustbunniescorp.com gift iscertificates commercially viable. Much more•care taken now available references available Photo by Gene Marrano in the planning of uranium mines noted DeFur; Sherman Lea speaks at the uranium mining forum that attracted who said they are over-engineered in an effort to be several hundred participants to Virginia Western. “The tool I recommend most? safe. There hasn’t been any planning for a new mind in Virginia for 30 years, “because of the General Asprofessor of geosciences at Virginia Tech. Bodnar, named Virsembly.” ginia’s 2010 Scientist of the Year by Governor Bob McDonnell, Use it to call Mr. Handyman. DeFur said the report was not prepared to take sides in the said uranium can be mined safely, as the track record elsewhere Tree Removal • Deadwooding Cleaning uranium mining debate, but he allowed• Gutter himself to interject a shows, and with 90 percent of the uranium now used for the personal opinion on the subject. There has never been a ura- 104 nuclear reactors in the country imported, it would also be Spring Aeration • Overseeding nium mine in the eastern United States; conditions are hazardMulch Delivered and Spread • Spring Cleanups a job creator that could help the country achieve energy indeous for workers there and runoff from the site due to Virginia’s pendence. www.mrhandyman.com “We could end unemployment if we became energy Free Estimates • Fully Insured relatively heavy rainfall that could mean problems for the wa- independent, 540-977-4444 ” Bodnar declared. RICHARD KARN ter table. What happens if a natural disaster, such as a flood or “Question everything that your hear,TV” star said Bodnar, who good and “home improvement guru.” earthquake, hits Coles Hill he asked. Radioactive particles can –naturedly called the session an “anti-uranium mining forum.” also alter a person’s DNA, according to DeFur. “I don’t see how Nuclear power plants that use refined uranium for fuel can also we can [approve uranium mining] – I hope we don’t.” help wean the country away from coal-fired plants said Bodnar, Local activist Freeda Cathcart was among the other speakers, who contends that assumptions about any failure at Coles Hill which also included Dr. Cynda Johnson, president of the Vir- and the effect on surrounding communities are not technically ginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine. Cathcart, a former in- valid. It’s a “complete fallacy,” that ground water nearby or even surance broker and claims processor, said Virginia Mining Inc. in Roanoke would be affected by any operation in Pittsylvania would reap all of the benefits from a uranium mine in Pittsylva- County, according to Bodnar. nia County while the residents would have to deal with the risk. The debate goes on as both opponents and proponents keep If the price of uranium falls, “It’s not going to be cost effective an eye on the General Assembly, which could take up the debate to mine any more. Then they’ve opened up the earth and left at its next session. “Show me the scientific evidence that supthis hole…it costs a lot of money to take care of that.” Cathcart, ports [the ban],” Bodnar asked, “we need to look at the facts and an unsuccessful Democratic candidate for the General Assembly get away from being emotional.” last year, said Pittsylvania County “does not want,” the jobs that By Gene Marrano would be created by a uranium mining operation. gmarrano@cox.net The pro-mining viewpoint was given by Dr. Peter Bodnar, a

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The 2012 national elections are heating up in preparing for General’s office and return its focus to doing what’s right for the the November 6th election. That comes as no surprise to Vir- people of Virginia. I will fight to protect consumers, defend civginians deluged with campaign TV ads as the Commonwealth il rights and ensure state agencies are accountable to the people. has become a critical presidential swing state. There is also the And I will stand up for the right of women to make their own close race for Virginia U.S. Senate between Governor Tim Kai- healthcare decisions without government interference,” he said. ne and former Senator George Allen. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University While immersed in nationof Virginia. Since graduating al election coverage, Virginwith honors from the Univerains can see out of the corner sity of Richmond School of of their eye another pending Law, he has practiced law in election: State candidates are Leesburg for 22 years. He is lining up for 2013 for both the the Principal of the law firm Democratic and Republican Herring & Turner, P.C. nominations for Governor, Lt. As Senator, Herring supGovernor and Attorney Genported legislation for backeral. ground checks at gun shows. As the Republicans plan for He also was one of a few state a possible contentious consenators to vote to cap car tivention with Lt. Governor Bill tle loans and other associated Bolling and Attorney General fees. Ken Cuccinelli vying for the Mike Signer is another exDemocrats Aneesh Chopra (left) candidate for Lieutenant Govergubernatorial nomination, pected Attorney General cannor and Sen. Mark Herring candidate for Attorney General (right). Democrats too are declaring didate. Signer ran for Lieutentheir candidacies. ant Governor in 2009. Former Aneesh Chopra will seek the Virginia Democratic nomina- House Minority Leader Ward Armstrong, who lost his seat tion for Lieutenant Governor in 2013. Chopra was appointed challenging Delegate Charles Poindexter, is also said to be conby President Obama as the nation’s first United States Chief sidering running for Attorney General. Technology Officer. As an assistant to the President, he deRepublican candidates expecting to run for Attorney Gensigned the National Wireless Initiative and executed an “open eral include Delegate Robert Bell of Charlottesville and Senator innovation” strategy across the agencies built on private sector Mark Obenshain of Harrisonburg. collaboration. Chopra previously served as Virginia’s Secretary The gubernatorial candidate for the Democrats is expected of Technology under Governor Tim Kaine from 2006 – April to be Terry McAuliffe who ran unsuccessfully in a Democratic 2009. primary in 2007. Senator Creigh Deeds won that race only to In his announcement he said, “We live in a time of profound lose to Republican Bob McDonnell. Still hanging out in the ruchange. In our communities, our Commonwealth and our mor mill and yet to be denied is the possibility of U.S. Senator country, people are looking for pragmatic solutions that ad- Mark Warner stepping in to run for governor. McAuliffe would dress our biggest problems, create opportunities and improve step aside should Warner opt into the Governor’s race. our lives. Ideas matter. And so does action to make our economy work for everyone.” Stepping up to the plate for attorney general Tuesday was Virginia Senator Mark Herring, a Democrat in Loudoun and By Valerie Garner Fairfax counties. “It’s time to get politics out of the Attorney info@theroanokestar.com

8/3/12- 8/9/12 |TheRoanokeStar.com | Page 3

> Floyd Fest

From page 1 Alison Kraus and Union Station capping off the musical extrava- played with his Kentucky Thunder group at the Hill Holler venue. ganza. Earlier that same day, Bruce Hornsby, Darrell Scott and Earlier Skaggs joined Bruce Hornsby on the Dream Creek stage Sam Bush also impressed, as did Big Daddy Love on a smaller (the two have recorded before). Hornsby admitted, “I had never stage. Scott, who has also written songs for others, said his ap- heard of [Floyd Fest]” until a few years ago. Now he looks forward pearance “almost didn’t work out,” but he flew in from a gig in to coming back. Attendees could just wander from stage to stage, catching a Scotland to perform. Michael Franti was a big hit Saturday night; he played one set song or two at each venue, or deciding to stay for a while and inside the “Blue Ridge and Beyond” tent, alternating music with listen to a whole set. Those who wanted a break could find all answering questions about his life and global issues, and another sorts of food, much of it organic or locally produced; they could on the Dreaming Creek main stage. Earlier that day Franti wan- try out hula hoops, attempt to swing on a trapeze or stumble upon dered around the Floyd Fest site, looking for a yoga tent in the a drum circle made up of anyone with a percussion instrument. There were also New Orleans-style Healing Arts area (Franti always impromptu parades and dancseeks out yoga on the road), posers wandering through the crowd, ing for pictures with fans. stopping occasionally to perform. “People have been telling me The musical diversity, perhaps, about the festival for a long time is the beauty of Floyd Fest – not – they told me you had to come only do you get multiple Grammy here,” said Franti about his firstnominees like Kraus and Hornsby, ever Floyd Fest gig. you also get the “Under the Radar” “The way we make a mark is series – like Roanoke’s “Another by coming together at festivals Roadside Attraction,” which played [like this],” said Brandi Carto their biggest audience ever at lile, who performed on the main the Blue Ridge and Beyond dance stage Saturday afternoon. Cartent – while groups like “Big Daddy lile ended her country-tinged set Love” and “American Dumpster” with a rousing, rocking version of found their own niche at smaller Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody,” much to the delight of a jammed Photo by Gene Marrano venues like the Pink Floyd Garden Stage (beer garden) and the Global packed audience at the Dreaming A New Orleans-style parade makes its way through the crowd. Village. Creek stage. Christian Breeden, the guitarist “They’re celebrating their diversity, sharing space, sharing their love for different types of music, and front man for Charlottesville-based American Dumpster, [people] of all different shapes and sizes,” said Carlile. “It’s impor- said the reason his band keeps coming back (6 times in 7 years) is tant to see community in a group.” She also said she felt the Floyd simple: “I love to play here. We’re well received. This is where we Fest vibe “big time,” getting up early Saturday morning to walk are most popular in the whole world. We have a different standing around and soak in the atmosphere. “Listening to bands, eating around here.” In fact Breeden, a songwriter who also welds and assembles popsicles, buying organic t-shirts. It’s amazing. I live for this kind large metal sculptures (he had several on display at the Global of thing.” Heard often from performers this year were admissions from Village) said Floyd Fest is really one of the things that has kept first timers that Floyd Fest had become a must-do. “I’ve wanted American Dumpster from completely disbanding. As for sculpto do a festival like this for a long time,” said Ricky Skaggs, who tures, Breeden called them “large scale and mythological,” a talent he learned from his father. One of them at Floyd Fest was over 20 feet tall and shot fire from its nostrils on Saturday night, as American Dumpster played on the stage right next door. Breeden likes the family friendly atmosphere and the youth outreach he sees at Floyd Fest, and how the festival embraces all of the arts. Jordan Rivers, from Another Roadside Attraction, called the Floyd Fest atmosphere, “A little bit much at first – it was like wow, we’ve arrived!” Then he and his bandmates got into the spirit, walking around the sprawling venue, visiting some of the ten music stages and getting to know other artists backstage in the VIP area. “They stomped, they clapped, they howled with me,” said Rivers of the hundreds who jammed the Blue Ridge tent or stood outside to listen to his group. “Having this many people converge on the top of this mountain to rock out, it’s something special,” said Rivers, “I just hope they want us back Photo by Gene Marrano By Gene Marrano [next year].” gmarrano@cox.net Christian Breeden

Photo by Gene Marrano

Ricky Skaggs

Photo by Gene Marrano

Brandi Carlile

Photo by Gene Marrano

Michael Franti I work full-time.

> Chic-Fil-A

I want to advance my career.

From page 1

Chick-Fil-A, on several occasions. “The way he’s run his business and lived his life is certainly a model for all. So I am an absolute fan of the family and the way they run their business,” he said. Franchises are closed on Sundays and the corporation donates millions to Christian causes. Don Cathy, Chick-Fil-A president, publicly defended his company’s stance against same-sex marriage which set off the controversy. Politicians are weighing in. Boston’s mayor said he would block the stores from opening in Beantown. Photo by Valery Garner A Chicago alderman vowed to Veronica, Jessica and Anna van der Linden. prevent franchises from opening in his ward though it seems clear Even JC Penney has come under fire by conthey have no real ability to legally do so. Smith servative groups for hiring Ellen DeGeneres as said, “It was a big mistake for big city mayors their spokesperson. to say we don’t want their kind here.” Weighing in on divisive issues can be tricky Other companies have taken the opposite and that’s a reality Chick-Fil-A seems to be view like Target, General Mills and Starbucks. experiencing. In a statement the corporation Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz explained released they said, “Going forward, our intent their pro-gay stance saying it’s about making is to leave the policy debate to the political their employees proud. It remains to be seen arena.” whether or not their bottom lines will suffer any ill effect. The American Family AssociaBy Valerie Garner tion and the National Organization for Marinfo@theroanokestar.com riage is actively boycotting them.

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Page 4 | TheRoanokeStar.com

8/3/12- 8/9/12

Summer at Boss’s Cabin

My cousins and I would fashion fishing equipment with lide with the rail fence by the creek, but usually we flipped safety pins tied to cotton string on a stick, and we used before then, inevitably adding to our collection of scrapes and squished-up balls of Rainbow bread for bait. There were sev- bruises. Being scraped and scratched was so normal that we eral spots in the creek that were good for catching didn’t give it much thought beyond the initial yelp. the minnows within, but our favorite was in the deep There was another creek on the property, a small pool under the timber bridge that the dirt drive to the tributary that flowed proudly in the darkest part of cabin traversed. We’d sit there, dangling our legs the forest above the cabin. Too small for good minover the clear water, trying to entice the darting now fishing, we nevertheless had endless fun clompminnows with the bread balls. The bridge was made ing in and around it, and there was one particular with abandoned railroad ties, and I’ll never forget the spot in it especially conducive to dam building. The pungent smell of the creosote amid the sweet creek resulting impoundments were deep enough to plunge odors of lush watercress and water flowing over rock one’s head completely into the ice-cold water, and of ledges. I don’t think we wore tattered straw hats, course we cajoled each other into doing just that. Inbut otherwise it was pretty Norman Rockwell-ish. vigorating, sure, but kids are tough when it comes to John W. Robinson We hooked enough minnows with our improvised cold water. The best part about building dams was in tackle to hold our fascination for hours – ok, for at least a little the destruction of them; watching the flood rush downstream while, until we tore off to some other distraction. in a whoosh. My grandmother – we called her Boss – and my grandfaBoss was a consummate cook and the simple kitchen in ther Da bought the log cabin getaway on Twelve O’clock Knob the cabin was the stage for the production of many a summer in the early 1960’s. Da wasn’t too interested in the rustic place; feast. There were steaming dishes of squash casserole, mashed it was Boss’s baby and I think she preferred it that way. potatoes, and string beans, bowls of fresh coleslaw, and plates As a kid it seemed so far away, so far out in the country, of sliced tomatoes straight from the garden. The knockout even if it was only a half hour ride. Anyway, regardless of the punch came in the form of hot biscuits and strawberry predistance, that place was another world away. serves. I think what made Boss such a good cook was all the The dark-stained cabin was a single-story affair consist- love she put into it. ing of just a few rooms. A covered porch spanned the front, Besides luxuries such as electricity and running water, the floor of which featured an undulating, wood- planked the cabin was equipped with a telephone. It was a “party line” floor burnished with time and with use. system, and that basically meant that everyone in the area Inside, through the creaking, seemingly-ancient front used the same line. Eavesdropping, therefore, was a fascinatdoor was a plain layout: a combined kitchen, eating and living ing option. Not that we ever actually did that. room backed by two tiny bedrooms and a simple bathroom. It There was the site of an old sawmill just up the road, was cool and dark in the cabin, the rich smell of the old logs and it was one of our favorite places to play. There was no permeaed the air. It was quiet, save for the noise that we young actual saw there anymore, but leftover from the activity were visitors supplied. a tumbled-down shack, some rotting wooded barrels, and the The cabin was isolated from the lightly-traveled road odd metal artifact. There was also some huge piles of molding by a winding dirt and gravel drive. The setting was forest, ex- sawdust which were good for climbing and jumping. Someone cept for the sloped meadow that flattened out by the afore- had started the story that the old sawmill was haunted, and mentioned creek and road. Boss had found one of those old while it never seemed to be scary there in the bright summer Radio-Flyer types of wagons for us to careen down the hill. sun, I shuddered to think of going there in the dark of night. Sometimes, on a particularly good run, we would almost colBoss’s cabin was a cozy place to be in the evening and we kids loved spending the night there. We’d sit at the creaky

old wooden table and play Parcheesi or Crazy 8’s, or sprawl on the big woven rug by the hearth and play with the resident box of Tinker Toys. At the cabin the days were full, so we never put up much resistance when bedtime came around. In the brief moments before sleep overtook me I lay nestled in my bunk listening, through the wide open window, to the night sounds of the summer woods, the cacophony of insects at the zenith of their life cycle. I can hear it now. It still brings me peace. Contact John at jwr77@verizon.net

Putting My Best Foot Forward I was laying in bed the other morning, trying to figure the from the intense pain it brought, I estimated that it had once best way to deal with the awful things awaiting me. They represented one of my big toes. While “ouching” my way were close. Too close. To say that I had planned and re- to the dining room floor, I also found a staple which had planned my best possible escape strategy would be a huge embedded itself into the faux berber after falling out of the understatement. Indeed, the very thought of what June 1979 Car & Driver Magazine purchased on awaited me was enough to induce a January-cold Amazon one day while feeling the need to escape sweat. What, you ask, was so monumental? being fifty-one and having responsibilities. I had clipped my toenails mere moments before. Engaging in a one-foot-hopping dance is Let me tell you why that isn’t some little thing. a good way to avoid yelling out in pain at 2:39 You have to place the situation in its proper cona.m., but practicing the Virginia One-Step at 290 text. Not thinking about what I was doing while pounds quickly redirects one’s attention to sesitting on the edge of the bed is exactly what led vere self-consciousness. It will certainly give your me to such dire circumstances. I had used my finplantar fasciitis a run for its money, no pun ingernail clippers, which are about as accurate as tended. And really, bouncing around your home directions to a New England back road, to trim due to an impalement caused by a lack of poRobert Adcox my toenails. My once-vacuumed carpet now diatric oversight isn’t a dignified way to spend harbored within its sneaky little nap dozens of your early morning hours. small, calcified weapons. The problem was twofold: first, I Now faced with trauma on the scale of the Titanic (or at was starving for a microwave pizza. least that hangnail I endured last week), and still armed with Secondly, in order to get something to eat I’d have to nail clippers designed with all the engineering accuracy of a risk stepping on toenail clippings which, from my experi- Yugo, I adapted their use from clippers to forceps. Realizing ence, would not only be laying on the floor, but also half- what was at stake, I forged on with the will to “heel” myself. I CALL AND RESERVE AT 304.653.COIN embedded in carpet fibers. That meant that they would be certainly wasn’t going to ignore the pain I was in as I hopped ORDER TICKETS ONLINE AT www.prettypennyfood.com perpendicular to the floor much like punji stakes. Having over to the sofa, which had been beckoning me for some been through that agony time with its soft, fluffy double-stuffed cushions. more times than I care to Whoops. As I hopscotched around the glass-topped cofadmit, my anxiety level fee table, I grazed it with my calf. I still had to address the rose substantially. I debated impaled foot, but first a quick hop over to the bathroom for for 8/3/2012 whether or not to take a risk a band aid was in order. Thus applied, I opted to also repair 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 and make a run for it. Hun- my foot in the bathroom. I quickly achieved success as the 48 Aegis 49 __ Lanka ger finally won out as I took a offending clipping was now fodder for the waste basket. I 12 13 14 50 Island deep breath and leaped from cannot adequately express the extent of my relief. I had met 15 16 17 51 Dull the bed to the doorway. painful obstacles and conquered them. Pan's partner 52 18 19 20 Then the dreaded thing I had put my best foot forward. 53 Elk's cousin 21 22 54 A professional graphic studio located in roanoke, happened. 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 that specializes in both print and online media. Contact Robert at A clipping found the mid55 North northeast 30 31 32 33 info@theroanokestar.com dle of my left foot. Judging

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The Story Of The Dying Man Two weeks ago, he was working at a very the human side of me; the practitioner side of high-tech job. Yes, he had metastatic cancer, me knows there’s little more that can be done. but he had hope; he was on a powerful anti- Surgery – in his present state, he’d never get cancer drug. Now he lay in front of off the table, ie: the surgery would me, wife and college-age son in atkill him. Still, there’s no fairness in tendance; and he was dying… it. He complained of stomach pain; His wife had promised to love he was in shock. In time, my nurses him ‘til death do them part; as and I were able to reverse his imyoung as they both were, she could mediate threat, and set about to lay valid claim to twenty more years figure out what was going on. The of togetherness, then they, in due labs and x-rays began to dribble in. course, in the more natural order of His kidneys were not working, evithings, could face the death which dently the result of his anti-canremove one of them from their Lucky Garvin cer drugs. These drugs are toxins, relationship. But there’s a shadow poisons, and don’t discriminate across their door now; and it is between malignant cells and cells necessary dark, and baleful, and intransigent; immune for life. The CT scan resulted: small bowel to grief or tears, and they will have to deal obstruction, a blockage of the bowel by a new with this dissolution far sooner than either of tumor in his abdomen; his cancer far more them could have ever anticipated. wide-spread than it had been. When I come home, and all is quiet, I I went into his room, he had finally recall the cases of the day, and realize with stopped vomiting and was in peaceful sleep. some sense of short-coming how I could have All my frantic attempts to arrest his down- done better. While in the ER, there are so ward course had been successful, but I hadn’t many interruptions: ‘Read this cardiogram!” saved his life; I’d only bought him some time. “Dr. Garvin, we need you in Room four, stat!” I walked into the room, and told his wife Cross-talking around other people gathered the cause of his abdominal pain. “But, what in the room, EMT’s, nurses, receptionists, caused the obstruction?” I couldn’t bring my- makes it sometimes hard to think, hard to be self to tell her that her husband’s malignancy human. Sometimes I forget; I omit the huwas running rampant. man touch; this becomes the more poignant She whispered, “Cancer…?” when, as in this case, there is no other touch I simply nodded. to give… I called his oncologist who admitted him, I could have hand-locked the patient, but asked me if it was the patient’s wish that hugged the wife, knuckled-bumped the son we do by way of sympathy – but it gets so busy, so something for him or simply ‘put him on many interruptions, sometimes, it seems, a drip.’ ‘To be put on a drip’ means to simply there’s no time to be a human being… control his symptoms, be they nausea, pain, I’ve won awards for Best Bedside Manner, fear, whatever. It struck me as so ironic: I had but there would be no such awards for me pulled every therapeutic trick out of my hat this day. I could have done better. I should to reverse this dear man’s downward course, have tried harder. and now, having succeeded in that hopeless Contact Lucky at undertaking, now, we do nothing?! But that’s info@theroanokestar.com

Wild Bill’s Weekly Sports Roundup

It’s London Olympics time in the Wild Bill stuThis gadget supposedly rips the cells apart dios and I must admit these games have of everyday fruits, nut and vegetables already shown their exceptional flavor. to derive a delicious elixer that cures I was hooked from the opening shevirtually every malady know to man. nanigans when the Queen herself dropped There’s a couple of things in the everything to join James Bond. Got to adpitch that draw my suspicions. First, mit, the Queen was quite the sport to play the pitchman wears a handsfree microalong with this gag. And, she played the phone, despite being less than ten feet part like a Broadway actress. Thumbs up from his small captivated audience. I’ll to the Union Jack. give him a pass on that tactic-maybe he Guess it was good thing the Games wants to look like Madonna or Lady Bill Turner weren’t in the United States. We could Gaga in concert. have only offered Barack Obama and My big concern is the captivatMitt Romney calling each other liars, with the ed audience itself. They listen to how the elixer only connection to Bond being Gold Bond Pow- cures everything, pulling the nutrients of a conder. coction of banana, nuts, oils, water, blueberries I’ve been constantly asked which sports have and a few other things right from cell-blasted been the best. I’d say gymnastics, swimming and structures into a drink called a Nutrablast. This beach volleyball. Gymnastics and swimming drink makes everything on you feel better. for pure athleticism. Volleyball for......well, you The audience gets excited to the point that know me and volleyball, the aerodynamic sport. they are all nodding their heads in agreement. The biggest bummer for me? Dream Team Problem is, the guy hasn’t even started the blendbasketball. What’s dreamy about watching some- er yet. The feel-good element must be the anticione pummel Angola and Tunesia? The average pation. Sorta like turning on the Olde Brooklyn fan can’t stay awake, so I assume they are dream- Lantern after 11 years in the closet. ing. A quick stop in the mailbag gets a couple of High school football practice started Mon- interesting questions on Penn State. day amid conditions better than expected. Teams Dear Wild Bill: Any guess on how long the tee it up for season openers Friday, August 24th. fallout from the Penn State mess will last? (Dan Most Wild Bill ‘Big-11’ teams will get two games , Covington) under their belts before August ends. It will offer I’ll guess ten years. Three players already fans a superb opportunity to perfect their tans bolted this week to NC State, Florida State and before autumn arrives. Southern Cal. Rest assured, solidarity or not, The two biggest changes come from Lord more are coming, only making matters worse. Botetourt, where former Cave Spring defensive Shane Beamer told the Roanoke Valley Sports coordinator Jamie Harless takes over as head Club Monday night that Illinois sent 8 coaches coach, and North Cross, where the Raiders will to set up shop in State College. Could be quite be a member of the Old Dominion Football an exodus. Conference. Dear Wild Willy: Any idea where Joe Pater2013 will bring even greater adjustment, no’s statue ended up? (Mary/Martinsville) as the new VHSL realignment and six-division Try Happy’s Flea Market, Mary. Everything classification system is on the verge of final ap- goes through Happy’s. proval. Until next week, when I get bronzed, send We now move to the latest Wild Bill install- your inquiries to: info@newsroanoke.com ment of late-night product reviews. This week By Bill Turner we take a look the NutraBulllet, which to the nainfo@theroanokestar.com ked eye, looks like a blender to me.

The Preacher’s Corner

From Desolation to Determination: Detroit Seeks To Rise Three years ago, John Hantz, a financial-ser- sional district since 1983. Sander’s brother, Carl vices entrepreneur proposed converting 10,000 Levin (78) has been a member of the US Senate acres of vacant land in Detroit to a forsince 1979. profit urban farm. This change would Detroit’s downfall probably started make Detroit the site of the world’s when cars with names like Datsun largest urban farm. The acreage has (now Nissan), Honda, and Volkbeen reduced to 200 acres and the plan swagen started showing up on US is gaining support. highways, but there are other factors What’s going on in Motown; the city aplenty. In addition, corruption has built on the proliferation of automobeen widespread. Five school offibiles? According to the 2010 census cials were charged with embezzling the population has fallen to less than thousands of dollars while the school 714,000 from 1.8 million in 1950. district had a $259 Million budget Dick Baynton Real estate values have plummeted deficit. A former chief administraand thousands of buildings are abantive officer of the city pleaded guilty doned, stifling real estate tax income. The city to corruption and tax offenses totaling more has close to $6 Billion in liabilities for employee than $160,000. Monica Conyers (48), wife of pensions and healthcare benefits. Almost a third Congressman John Conyers and former memof the citizens receive welfare and nearly half are ber of the Detroit City Council, was sentenced functionally illiterate. In 2007, fewer than 25% in federal court in May 2011 to 37 months in of those who started high school ended up with prison for bribery. diplomas. An organization named the “MichiFollowing guilty pleas of obstruction of jusgan Welfare Rights Organization” has as their tice and assaulting a police officer, Mayor (since motto, “You get what you are organized to take.” 2001) Kwame Kilpatrick (42) resigned in SepA Senator and three Representatives, all Dem- tember 2008. A federal trial beginning in Sepocrats, have represented districts in and around tember 2012 on charges of extortion, bribery Detroit for a total of 166 years! Have they unwit- and fraud could bring up to 30 years in prison tingly conspired to help their constituents spurn for the former mayor. He owes the city $1 Milthe dignity of education and employment in fa- lion in restitution. vor of government handouts? Have the politiFollowing Kilpatrick’s resignation in disgrace, cians traded entitlements for votes? Dave Bing (69) was elected Mayor, taking office John Conyers (83) is the second longest-serv- on May 11, 2009. Bing was a highly successful ing representative in the US Congress. He has businessman in the Detroit area following 12 represented Michigan’s 14th district since 1965. years as a standout player with the Detroit PisJohn Dingell, Jr. (86) of the 15th congressional tons. Named one of basketball’s 50 best players district is the longest-serving member of the US of all time, he retired from the sport after the Congress. Dingell took the congressional seat 1977-’78 season. his father held from 1933 until 1955. Sander Bing has accepted the awesome challenge Levin (81) has represented the 12th congres- of returning the city to financial, social, commercial and lawful stability. His most recent step was a reduction in pay, higher outof-pocket healthcare costs, limited overtime and reduced for 8/3/2012 accumulated vacation time for all public workers. Union leadSolution: ers have called the changes an A R I D S N A P U M P “attack on labor.” L A C E T A C O S E A Governor Rick Snyder, a Republican, has provided funding I D O L A I R S E N D help from the state. City and A G L E T D U S T B I N state leaders must now focus on restoring pride and achieveI I I M C G ment by residents. The rebuildH O N R O A D B T U ing will be strengthened when E N C Y C L O P E D I A S the voters replace their politicians with men and women R O E F E E A B B A leaders that can help transform U P S B O G welfare to work, entitlements to education and desolation to A E S O P A N A H E I M determination.

When Our Lights Go Out, God’s Light Comes On

It’s been just a few short weeks since the sudden and frightening storm now so commonly known as a “Derecho” blew through our area leaving thousands of people for several days without power. Until that unexpected night, most of us had never experienced a summer event quite like it. But when our lights went out with the wind and heat, something important happened. God’s light began to flicker and grow brighter with each passing day. That’s what we see repeatedly in times of disaster. When our lights go out, God’s light of love comes on. Neighbors met in front yards to help one another move tree limbs and debris. People checked on the elderly and the chronically ill, making sure they had adequate provisions and care. Businesses, churches, and civic buildings opened as “cooling centers” for respite relief. Many with power offered their homes to those in need and so whole families moved in together—sometimes multiple families all sleeping over at a friend’s house. When our lights go out, God’s light of love comes on. It’s sad that it often takes a disaster for hearts and homes to be opened to friends and strangers alike, but it’s a great blessing and an encouragement to see it happen. It reminds us that we do not truly live independently from one another—or from God. Since humankind has been created by God in His own

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image, there is a latent, deep impulse in the human heart for community and relationship that reflects God’s own desire for those same connections with us. We need God. We need one another. We are not the solo captains of our own ships, and we are shaken to acknowledge that fact when the ships of our lives suddenly run aground on the winds of a summer’s storm. We’re in this thing of life together. In the Bible, the blind are often the ones who see and those with sight are blind. Just so, when our lights go out and we sit in darkness, that’s exactly when we finally can see fully in the light of God’s love and hear again His call to care and help one another. When our lights go out, God’s light of love comes on. So what a blessing of God such a storm has proven to be! Now the challenge ahead will be for us to keep our hearts and homes open to others, even when the days cool off and the power stays flowing. May the light of God’s love shining through our lives never dim. Mark Graham is the Senior Pastor at St, John’s Lutheran Church located at 4608 Brambleton Ave. Visit them on the web at:www.stjohnlutheran.org

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Roanoke County Fire & Rescue Promotes Eight Officers

Roanoke County Fire & Rescue Department held a Promo- five-years-old. Captain Don Altice will now serve as one of the tion Ceremony on Wednesday, July 25, 2012 to promote eight Department’s three EMS shift supervisors. personnel to officer ranks. The promotions will fill officer vacanDanny Irvin has been promoted to the rank of Captain. Irvin cies created by departures and a retirement. Members of the Ro- was originally hired by the Department in 1993 as a Paramedic/ anoke County Board of Supervisors, Roanoke County Admin- Firefighter. In 2004, he was chosen to serve as a Field Training istration, Chief Richard E. Officer and was then proBurch, Jr., department permoted to Lieutenant in 2007. sonnel, and family memIrvin has served at the Cave bers were in attendance to Spring, Hollins, Clearbrook, witness and participate in Fort Lewis and Back Creek the official pinning of one stations. He lives in Bedford Battalion Chief, three CapCounty with his wife, Danitains and four Lieutenants. elle and their four-year-old The officers then recited daughter, Emma. Captain the department’s officer Danny Irvin will now be asoath. signed to the Cave Spring Travis Griffith has been Fire Station. promoted to the rank of Charles Rucker, IV has Battalion Chief. Griffith been promoted to the rank was initially hired by the of Captain. Rucker was hired Department in January of in 2001 as a Paramedic/ 2002 as a Firefighter/EMT. Firefighter. In 2004, he was In 2005, he was promoted selected to serve as a Field to the rank of LieutenTraining Officer and then ant and then within two Chief Rick Burch (right) leads the promotees in the officers oath. (L-R) in 2007 was promoted to years promoted to Captain. Rucker, Griffith, Irvin, Altice, Craighead, Mayhew, Newman and Wheeler. Lieutenant. He has served at Griffith has served at the the Hollins, Clearbrook and North County, Hollins, Clearbrook, and Masons Cove stations. Fort Lewis stations. Rucker lives in Roanoke City with his wife, He lives in the western Roanoke County with his wife, Ellen and Danyel and three-year-old son Charles; and they are expecting their two daughters, Carly who is ten-years-old and Claire, who a baby inJanuary. Captain Charles Rucker, IV has now been asis seven-years old. Battalion Chief Travis Griffith will now serve signed to the Fort Lewis Fire & Rescue Station. as the Department’s three shift supervisors. Tim Craighead was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. Don Altice has been promoted to the rank of Captain. Altice Craighead came to the Department in 2005 without any prior was originally hired in 1998 as a part-time Paramedic/Fire- experience with fire or rescue. Previously, he worked in buildfighter and a year later was offered a full-time position. Previ- ing construction with his father and brother. He served at the ously, he was a volunteer for nearly eight years with the Vinton Clearbrook and Mount Pleasant stations before being selected First Aid Crew and the Vinton Volunteer Fire Company. Altice as a training officer for the Roanoke Valley Regional Fire & EMS has served at the Vinton, Mount Pleasant, Clearbrook and Fort Training Center where he coordinated training for the DepartLewis stations. He lives in Vinton with his wife Denise and their ment including that of the two recent career recruit schools. two daughters, Grace who is eight-years-old,and Natalie, who is Craighead says his most memorable call thus far was the very

Roanoker Striving to Start New “Jail Dog” Program

Susan Geary Moving On To Help Launch NPR Station

Susan Geary, who produced the morning news program and hosted an on-air shift at Roanoke’s public radio station (WVTF) for almost three years, is leaving town to do some trailblazing. Geary, who also produced the Emmy-winning JobQuest program on Blue Ridge Public Television at one point, will help start up WDDE in Dover, Delaware, that state’s first public radio station. Geary was hired by Micheline Boudreau and Tom Byrne at WDDE who have been working closely with Liane Hansen, the former “Weekend Edition” host on National Public Radio. After retiring and moving to Delaware, Hansen noted that there was no public radio outlet there. So with the support of the state legislature and two state colleges, the University of Delaware and Delaware State, Hansen went to work, creating WDDE, which goes on the air next week with Geary coming on as the Morning Edition local host shortly thereafter. The station began as an online station only. A Photo by Gene Marrano group called Delaware First Media, made up of Susan Geary with the local Emmy she helped land for public radio veterans from Boston and Philathe Blue Ridge Public Television program, JobQuest. delphia, are helping launch WDDE. Geary will also be tasked with developing local content. “It is the newest NPR station in the nation,” said Geary, who also owns a business, 1st Rate Resume. She left WVTF over philosophical differences in 2010 (“it wasn’t a good fit”) and went on to host a program, “Career Matters,” on Fox Radio 910AM. That program ended this past New Year’s Eve. Since then the well-traveled Geary, who has worked in radio markets all around the country, has been looking for another opportunity. “I practice the three R’s…radio, resumes, roller skating,” noted Geary, a go-my-own-way type who likes to strap on a set of wheels now and then. She also likes to apply for jobs in part as a way to make sure her resume writing skills are current. “I saw that show [in Delaware] and it was actually very intriguing to me.” She had looked at radio positions in Arizona and Colorado, before Hansen told her she was the top choice for the morning anchor position in Dover. So its back to getting up at 2:45 in the morning, a sacrifice she will make. “It sounds like a great opportunity,” said Geary, who spent almost three years behind the scenes or behind the mic in Roanoke on public radio and another year or so on her AM radio show. “It’s a part of history,” said Geary about the August 6 launch, “it’s going to be very exciting.” By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

first structure fire he was dispatched to where he fought fire under the supervision of Captain Troy Gray and Lieutenant Smith. He lives in Callaway with his wife of 19 years, Rissa, daughter, Danielle who is 16-years-old, and son, Cory who is 17-yearsold. Lieutenant Tim Craighead will now be assigned to the Cave Spring Fire Station. Payton Mayhew has been promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. Mayhew was hired in 2003 as a Firefighter/EMT. He has served at the Hollins, Mount Pleasant and Clearbrook stations. Mayhew says his most rewarding call happened during a Dogwood Festival when he was able to resuscitate a patient after he coded in the back of the ambulance and today the man is alive and well. Lieutenant Payton Mayhew lives in Franklin County with his wife, Charity and three-year-old daughter Sydney. Jeremy Newman has been promoted to the Lieutenant rank. He was hired as a Firefighter/EMT in 2005. He has served at the Hollins, Fort Lewis and Masons Cove stations. Newman says that his role as a Paramedic/Firefighter is very rewarding, but says the Green Ridge Mountain Fire has been his most memorable call. Newman was one of the hundreds of firefighters who battled the blaze that charred over 4000 acres. He also was part of the effort that protected and saved 64 structures that were valued at over 16.5 million dollars. Newman lives in Roanoke with his wife, Kristin and 19-month-old son, Camden.Lieutenant Jeremy Newman has been assigned to the Hollins station. Chad Wheeler was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. Wheeler was hired by the department in 2001 as a Paramedic/ Firefighter. He previously volunteered with the Giles County and Narrows Volunteer Fire Departments. In 2005, he was selected to serve as one of the Department’s Field Training Officers and then in 2010 he was assigned to the Roanoke Valley Regional Fire & EMS Training Center as a Training Officer. Wheeler lives in Montgomery County with his wife, Rachel, and sons, Tyler who is 17-years-old and Matthew, who is 7- years-old. Lieutenant Chad Wheeler will now be assigned to the Hollins station.

Roanoke Valley resident Rachel Burger would like to see more dogs released from area animal shelters, trained, and adopted to loving families. Burger who used to volunteer at one of the animal shelters in the area (she declined to say which one) said, “I just can’t bring myself to volunteer at the shelter here because I have a hard time. I get attached to the animals, and I couldn’t go back in to a shelter knowing they weren’t there because they were being killed. So this was something that I thought I could do that would be helping the animals.” Burger says with the program she’s starting she wouldn’t be bringing home “a ton of animals” to her husband. Burger got the idea for Roanoke Valley Jail Dogs in January but just in the last month or so she says it’s been picking up steam-slowly getting the attention of various animal rescue people. He idea is based on a program between an animal shelter and jail inGeorgia. The inmates train the dogs. “The animals would go up for adoption once they’ve completed their training. “Burger doesn’t have any dog training experience per se, but she saw a television show about the prison pup program in Georgia “and I said, ‘why isn’t that here’?” She’s already lined up Hope Cogen from High Hopes Dog Training to be the trainer. Cogan or someone at the shelter would evaluate and pull the dogs for the program. Burger hoped to get the program off

the ground at the new Western Virginia Regional Jail but her request was denied because of the layout of the facility. She says money shouldn’t be a deterrent because theGeorgiajail she’s basing her program off of, doesn’t pay anything. Money from the food, training, supplies, etc., all comes from a non-profit group. Burger says she’d like to start a nonprofit, or perhaps have her program be part of a larger organization, such as Angels of Assisi. She doesn’t want the cost of the program to be borne by taxpayers, either. It’s almost like the chicken and the egg. She’s waiting until a jail accepts her program before she forms the non-profit but she may need to prove the cost of the program would be provided before such a program is approved in a local correctional facility. She also plans to contact an area juvenile facility as well, hoping that might be an easier place to start the program than an adult prison. “I just think this is a great program and it would really benefit the Roanoke Valley and the dogs here.” There’s already a Roanoke Valley Jail Dogs Facebook page and Burger says what she could really use right now is help finding names of people to contact at the area jails. “I need an in,” she said.

By Beverly Amsler info@newsroanoke.com

When times are tough you may need someone to walk beside you to offer encouragement and hope. That is why our hospice offers a FREE support network and bereavement program from a perspective that strengthens your faith and helps you get back on your feet and living again. Please contact Kathy Barton at 540-989-6265 for more information. Long term employees with experience in palliative pain & symptom management, emotional support and grief counseling

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Sports

TheRoanokeStar.com |Page 7

8/3/12- 8/9/12

RVAA City-County Swim Meet Photo by Bill Turner

Forest Hills swimmer Nicole Podlecki is all smiles as she takes a top-10 finish in the girls 15/16 fifty-yard butterfly in the RVAA City-County swim meet.

Stonegate Swim Club made it two-in-a-row Saturday afternoon, winning the annual RVAA City-County by outscoring second-place Hunting Hills 20,802 to 15,097. Stonegate sent over 200 swimmers into the Salem YMCA pool over the weekend to secure the win. Stonegate also cap-

tured the adjusted season championship that factors in the six regular-season RVAA meets. Read Mountain took third in the 14-team competition, while Roanoke Country Club grabbed fourth and Elks Lodge fifth. By Bill Turner info@theroanokestar.com

Photo by Bill Turner

A Cave Spring receiver gets in reps Monday afternoon as high school practice offically started for all of the ‘Big-11’ squads across the valley.

Nunnenkamp, Proffitt capture Hall of Fame Senior Titles

Blue Hills golfer Bill Nunnenkamp broke away from a firstround tie with Ashley Plantation’s David Vest and Blacksburg’s Roger Young to win the Roanoke Valley Golf Hall of Fame Senior Men’s Championship Tuesday afternoon at Hanging Rock. Nunnenkamp posted a two-round total of 140 to win the senior division. In the 65-and-over Super Senior Division, Bill Proffitt of Hidden Valley cruised to take the championship after an opening round 68 had staked him to a four shot lead heading into Tuesday’s final eighteen at The Rock. By Bill Turner Photo by Bill Turner

Read Mountain’s Scott Newman sets on the platform for the starter’s horn in the 50-yard freestyle.

Photo by Bill Turner

Roanoke Country Club’s Shannon Summerlin waits for the starter’s call in the women’s 25/39 50-yard backstroke. Summerlin won the event with a time of 30.78 seconds.

Maia Foley of winning team Stonegate, checks results as she waits for her call in the City-County meet last weekend.

info@theroanokestar.com

Salem Red Sox Open 6-Game Home Stand Tonight

The Salem Red Sox open a six-game home stand tonight (Fri. Aug. 3rd) as they take on the Wilmington Blue Rocks in a threegame set through Sunday afternoon.

After a day off Monday, the Carolina Mudcats come to town for 7:05 games Tuesday through Thursday. By Bill Turner info@theroanokestar.com

Hidden Valley’s Bill Proffitt used an opening round 68 to cruise to the 65-andover super senior title. Photo by Bill Turner

Salem infielder Michael Almanzar has been the hot bat for the Red Sox. Almanzar recently had 16 consecutive plate appearances in which he reached safely. That tied a major league record held by Ted Williams.

Photo by Bill Turner

Boston Red Sox first-round draft pick Matt Barnes deals against Lynchburg last weekend. Barnes is expected on the hill this weekend when Salem takes on Wilmington.

Photos by Bill Turner

Bill Nunnenkamp posted rounds of 71-69 to win the Hall of Fame Senior Championship Tuesday at Hanging Rock.

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Commentary Sports

Page 8 | TheRoanokeStar.com

County Prayer Decision Right and Wrong

As one who has put his trust in Jesus Christ, I was saddened by the decision of the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors last Tuesday evening. In the face of a potential lawsuit from the “Freedom from Religion Foundation,” the Supervisors decided in the near future that prayers before their meetings must be nonsectarian in nature. “Non-sectarian” of course is the code word for “Christians can’t pray in the name of Jesus.” Was I disappointed and offended? Yes. But even so, I think the Supervisors made the right decision. Judging from recent precedent and court rulings, any attempt to defend the present policy of allowing Christian pastors to pray in Jesus’ name would surely lose in court. And then the County would likely have to pay over one hundred thousand dollars in court costs to the Freedom from Religion Foundation. The atheists would line their pockets with our tax money and then go on to scam other municipalities, as they are doing all over this area of the Country. The Supervisors decided they must formulate a prayer policy acceptable to the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals since any lawsuit would probably wind up there; and the Fourth Circuit has a history of approving non-sectarian prayer at public meetings. But, as one Supervisor said, “It makes me sick that the state of affairs in our country has come to this.” I believe it would sicken the Founding Fathers as well to know that, today, local governments must have the approval of a human court for the kind of prayers they offer to Almighty God. But the sad fact is we no longer live in a “sweet land of liberty” under Constitutional law. We have become what Thomas Jefferson warned we would be if judges were given virtually unlimited power and tenure. Where in the Constitution do judges find there should be no prayers to Jesus before meetings of governing bodies? No prayers at

graduations? No Ten Commandments on the school wall? And where is the touted wall of separation between church and state? The First Amendment forbids Congress to establish a tax-supported official state church such as exists in England. That is its sole intent. The County Board is not Congress, and a five-minute prayer before sessions is not establishing a state church. Ironically, the Amendment’s next clause says Congress must keep its hands off the free exercise of religion in America. But it seems the courts have forgotten that one. So what can citizens do when the courts have created and follow a body of legal precedent even a child can see is at odds with the intent of the Constitution? Apparently very little. As one lawyer recently told me, “In court, what the Constitution says doesn’t matter. All that matters is what the judges say the Constitution says.” Welcome to the judicial dictatorship. Maybe we Christians should take a page from the atheists’ playbook and file our own lawsuit claiming discrimination. After all, Jesus instructed His followers to pray in His name, and stated flatly that no one comes to God except through Him. So if Muslims, Buddhists, Confucianists, Hindus or Wiccans can pray as their faith prescribes, why can’t Christians? It is plainly discrimination on the basis of religious belief. What legal and logical contortions could a court possibly use to deny that? Then again, maybe we should take the long view. Maybe we should let the humanists and atheists make the case for Christ for us. One of the strong indications that Jesus really was God in human flesh is, two thousand years after he lived on earth, God’s enemies would still go to court to keep his name from being heard.

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8/3/12- 8/9/12

Lining the Pockets of Gun Makers and Their Lobby

Another mass killing with ordnance that can only be classified as “murder weapons.” The sound of silence from our representatives is deafening. The National Rifle Association has succeeded in painting a yellow streak down the backs of our legislators and 2012 candidates. Our Founding Fathers who wrote the 2nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution are screaming from their graves, “We didn’t know weapons would advance to such a lethal degree and radicals and insanity would take over!” Had they been able to conceive of such destruction they would have added a few caveats and clarification to the 2nd Amendment. Guns were necessary in 1789 as citizen soldiers had just won their freedom from England. These inaccurate mussel loading guns and rifles took forever to reload and when fired were lucky to hit the broad side of a barn. (The movie “The Patriot” demonstrates an example.) There were no automatic or semi-automatic guns or rifles. Our Founders could not have conceived of a mass murder weapon like the once banned AR 15 rifle used in the Aurora theater shooting. In 2004 the 10-year ban on assault weapons was allowed to lapse because Democrats feared losing elections. A well regulated Militia being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms shall not be infringed. The poorly constructed sentence is all the excuse those who profit off of the sale of “murder weapons” need to pillage the populace with the “right to bear arms.” In the 18th century, with little organized militia and police, there was justification for everyone to arm themselves. Just as Constitutional Amendments that were added to abolish slavery and gave women the right to vote and eliminated the poll tax show the evolution of U.S. society, so is an Amendment needed to clarify the 2nd Amendment. When guns outnumber people in the United States, criminals can overpower the militia with high caliber weapons and gun violence increases it is time for a change to the 2nd Amendment. “The people as part of a well regulated Militia shall have the right to keep and bear Arms to insure the security of a free State and its citizenry.” The 2nd Amendment is outdated in a counTom Taylor, Roanoke try that has evolved into a dense populace where guns are available for the asking.

TheRoanokeStar.com

2 Spaces Left! FINAL CALL!

Is it too late to turn back now … We didn’t get to this sorry state overnight and you can’t just ban guns one day and expect that everyone will throw them away or turn them into a central smelter. There are steps to take. Require every gun owner to register their weapon the same way you register your automobile. There will be an administrative fee to keep up the database, and a waiting period. The owner would violate the law if they possessed a gun with no registration just like a car. The owner could sell their gun anytime but would have to notify the administrator of the change in ownership, the same as a car. The illegal guns would slowly diminish and the right of the people to bear arms would not be infringed. The database could be used to catch gun thieves and it would set off alarms for excessive gun and ammunition purchases that law enforcement could investigate. People need to protect themselves, there is no doubt, and legal possession of a gun should never be a crime for a law abiding citizen. No law abiding citizen would mind registering a gun for protection. The criminal, however, would mind and would be likely to possess an unregistered gun. In time the criminal will be “relieved” of their gun and find it harder to get one. While the law abiding citizen will be sleeping well at night in legal possession of protection. Hunters need not fear of losing their guns either under this scenario. There are those who say people will find a way to harm other people like with a knife I am wondering how many people would be stabbed instead of shot in a mass murder assault. Innocent victims at the wrong place at the wrong time will continue to suffer the consequences of unregulated gun ownership. Whatever the solution, it will take fed up citizens who have lost loved ones to violence to push government to act. Sadly there will be more innocent victims of senseless killings before that happens. Keep lining the pockets of gun makers and their lobby. The 2nd Amendment is serving them well. By Valerie Garner Valerie.Garner@cox.net

We Built This Mr. President On the campaign trail in Roanoke, Virginia, Barack Obama gave a speech that laid out his view of American small businesses. One line in particular has gotten most of the press. “If you’ve got a business,” the President said, “you didn’t build that. Somebody else made that happen.” It was a shocking assertion for an American president to make, asserting to the American people that the successful are not responsible for that success. But it wasn’t the only line in the President’s soliloquy. Taken in context, the President’s apparent views appear even more disturbing. The President began his argument by mocking people who are proud of their success, saying, “It must be because I worked harder than everybody else. Let me tell you something — there are a whole bunch of hardworking people out there.” The cold transcript doesn’t do these comments justice. The President’s mocking tone drew laughter from the crowd, and it revealed Barack Obama’s true feelings about business. In the President’s view, it’s not the hard work or the talent of entrepreneurs that have built their businesses; it’s some combination of luck and government support. Immediately after arguing to business people that somebody else made their success happen, President Obama didn’t point to their families, or their workers, or their investors. Instead, he highlighted the government’s contribution. He said, “The Internet didn’t get invented on its own. Government research created the Internet so that all the companies could make money off the Internet.” The President’s belief that government makes success happen helps to explain his hostility towards business as well as his latest proposed tax increase. President Obama believes

that small businesses owe the government, and he believes they have not been paying their fair share. Nothing could be further from the truth. We are businessmen. Some of us built those businesses from nothing. Others added to what their fathers and grandfathers created. But we can promise you one thing—it was not the government that made our success possible, and this President hasn’t made things any easier. The reams of new regulation that President Obama has piled on top of our businesses don’t make it easier to keep the doors open. The new burdens imposed by Obamacare don’t encourage us to hire new workers, and the President’s proposals for yet more taxes will only make it more difficult to meet a payroll and support our families. President Obama may look at roads, teachers, and firefighters and see government largesse. But that’s not what we see. We see the dollars of hardworking taxpayers put to use. President Obama has forgotten something important. Government money doesn’t provide anything—the government doesn’t have any money. Every dollar it spends is one of ours, or, in the case of President Obama’s deficits, one of our children’s and grandchildren’s. Government didn’t build this country, Mr. President. Her people did. We continue to build it today. We aren’t coming to you with our hands out. We don’t need your help. All that we ask is that you get out of our way. And if you do that, then we will do what you’ve spent your entire first term failing to accomplish—getting this economy back on its feet and restoring the prosperity of America. By Delegate Chris Head info@theroanokestar.com

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Arts & Culture

TheRoanokeStar.com |Page 9

8/3/12- 8/9/12

Jefferson Center Continues Tradition of Diverse Offerings With New Season

Racers Don High Heels For A Good Cause Photo by Gene Marrano

Apple Ridge Farm, which provides outdoor recreational opportunities for underprivileged children, held its first “High Heel Charity Race” at the City Market building last Saturday. The race – run by women and men in high-heeled shoes – raised funds for Apple Ridge Farm’s summer camp programs. Supporters could eat or drink at The Quarter Restaurant on Salem Avenue on that same day, with a portion of the proceeds going to Apple Ridge Farm in Copper Hill. The non-profit’s headquarters are actually in downtown Roanoke at Jefferson Center. Sam Winkler had never run in high heels before he lined up outside the Taubman Museum of Art, where the short sprint down Salem Avenue started. “I’ve walked in them about twice,” said Winkler, sporting ruby-red heels and red painted toe nails to match. “I think it’s for a good cause, any time you can help kids out like this,” said Winkler, who before the race was already standing on one foot, learning what women have long known – high heels can hurt. “I probably have the highest heels out there,” laughed Winkler, who was leery of turning an ankle. One male participant (men and women ran sepaPhoto by Gene Marrano rately) did take a tumble as he ran past the City Market Peter Lewis, Executive Director building on his way to the finish line. Some had secured for Apple Ridge Farm the high heels to their legs with heavy tape, hoping to avoid sprains or wobbles as they ran down the street. Peter Lewis, executive director for Apple Ridge Farm, noted that the children at this year’s summer camp were able to attend thanks to corporate sponsorships and donations like those made for the High Heel Charity Race. SunTrust Bank was a principal supporter of the event. “Our mission is to help less fortunate children grow, to acquaint them with the importance of getting an education to do well in life,” said Lewis. The summer camps are now in their 24th year. The event was modeled after a high heel run they did on “Live with Regis & Kelly” in the streets of Manhattan. “We’re hoping it can became an annual event,” said Lewis, who was walking the racecourse himself in heels, dressed like a giant red apple. “I’m going to do this thing to support the troops.” By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

Jefferson Center’s new season continues a tradition that began more than a decade ago. Four distinctly different series, Star City, Jazz, Family and Jazz Club will feature world class art that will be accessible to all who want to experience inspirational live art. “We’re inviting everyone to celebrate the arts renaissance in Virginia’s Blue Ridge with us. In eleven short years, Jefferson Center has produced, pushed and prodded great live art into this region. Creating amazing nights that rival what’s available anywhere in the world,” says Cyrus Pace, Jefferson Center Executive Director. “That’s why we are thrilled to celebrate the ongoing arts renaissance happening all around us. Live music, dance and theater are happening nearly every day in Southwest Virginia. There is a movement throughout this region, a rebirth of the arts, and Jefferson Center is proud to continue to play an integral role in not only the performances themselves, but as the venue for many of the community programs and local arts organizations that host their own shows inside our community theater. In fact, more than half of the performances inside historic Shaftman Performance Hall are not exclusive to Jefferson Center, but are organized and performed by this community’s arts programs.” In addition to its strong lineup this season, upgrades have been made to Jefferson Center’s online ticketing system. For the first time in their history, patrons will have the option to choose their specific seats and complete their entire transaction online. Thanks to this upgrade, the “best seat available” will be the one concert goers can choose. Additionally, patrons are now able to purchase tickets to Roanoke Symphony Orchestra, Opera Roanoke, and Jefferson Center shows all from the same box office. This collaborative solution reduces expenses for all three organizations and creates a single point of sale. 2012 – 2013 SEASON LINEUPJefferson Center opens the 2012 – 2013 season with recent Grammy Award winners The Tedeschi Trucks Band on September 25th. The husband, wife combo of Susan Tedeschi and former Allman Brothers guitarist Derek Trucks brings a mature mix of power, gospel, rock and blues to Shaftman Performance Hall to kick off the season right.

Blue Ridge Music Center To Feature James King with the Cana Ramblers

Bluegrass fans will be glad to hear of the James King Homecoming at the Blue Ridge Music Center August 5th featuring the James King Band and the Cana Ramblers. This Sunday evening concert at the Music Center will kick off the following great week of music at the Old Fiddler’s Convention in Galax. Virginia native, James King, grew up in Carroll County — one of the most fertile breeding grounds for bluegrass and old-time musicians. Known for singing such bluegrass and country classics as “30 Years of Farming,” “Saginaw Michigan,” and “Carroll County Accident,” King has gained national recognition. As a young man James began to take the music seriously, particularly the music of his fellow Virginians, the Stanley Brothers and banjoist, Ted Lundy, whose raw and heartfelt brand of bluegrass exerted a particularly strong influence on his music. King went on to perform and record with many bluegrass musicians of note including: T.J. & Bobby Lundy, Dudley Connell, Bluegrass Legend James King Don Rigsby, Joe Mullins, Glen Duncan and others. King now resides in Danville, Virginia with his wife Julie but this special concert at the Blue Ridge Music Center on Sunday, August 5th, Demi... will bring him home to Carroll County. Move over Demi Moore. Local, family-band favorite, the Cana Ramblers, will kick off There’s a new cougar in town! the show. The Cana Ramblers include: flatpicking guitar phenom, Open your home & heart Will Jones, talented sisters Laura Leigh and Ashley on vocals, She brings only good luck mando and bass along with father/songwriter, Phillip on vocals And a whole lot of fun! and guitar. Rick Allred rounds out the group on mandolin and dobro. Adopt a homeless pet and help us share the love. The concert that will honor and celebrate the music from Cana, 339-WAGS rvspca.org Your unconditional love headquarters Virginia. The James King Homecoming Concert starts at 7pm on Sunday, August 5th. Concert seating opens at 5:30pm. Admission I am the slowest $10/ $8 students & seniors. Children 12 and under are free. Bring lawn chairs and the whole family. Picnics welcome. Smokehouse carpet cleaner in Roanoke. BBQ available. No pets or alcohol. For info call (276) 236-5309 x112. Tickets are available at the Galax Visitor Center, Barr’s Fiddle Shop, online at www.BlueRidgeMusicCenter.org and at the “I will give your gate. As always, there will also be free Mid Day Mountain Music in the BRMC breezeway from 12-4pm and the free Roots of carpet the time American Music museum will be open 9am-8pm on this concert and attention night. The Blue Ridge Music Center is located at milepost 213 it deserves to on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The summer-evening concert series produce the best occurs every weekend through mid-September in the outdoor results possible.” amphitheater at the foot of beautiful Fisher Peak.

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The diversity of the Star City Series shines on with Acoustic Africa’s Afropean Woman on November 2nd, followed by the Celebration of 100 Years of Bill Monroe featuring the Travelin’ McCourys, with Peter Rowan and Tony Rice on November 30th. The Star City Series continues in 2013 with Eddie Palmieri’s and his Latin Band on January 25th. Palmieri was just awarded this nation’s highest jazz honor, the National Endowment for the Arts 2013 Jazz Master award. Back by popular demand and immediately following the Palmieri show is Jefferson Center’s 10th Annual Latin Dance Party inside Fitzpatrick Hall. On February 16th, prepare to experience a blues dream team when Blues at the Crossroads 2 featuring The Fabulous Thunderbirds and Kim Wilson, with James Cotton, JJ Grey, Bob Margolin & Jody Williams take the stage. Wrapping up the Star City Series in the spring is Rosanne Cash on March 2nd, followed by Bobby McFerrin on April 12th. This season’s Jazz Series includes Esperanza Spalding on October 23rd, showcasing a jazz meets pop sound with her Radio Music Society lineup, followed by Jane Monheit and Mark O’Connor on February 1st and culminating with More to Live For, An Evening Inspired by the Life of Michael Brecker. This special night includes the Virginia film premiere of More to Live For, a documentary chronicling the lives of Brecker and two other men with leukemia, an opportunity to literally save lives with cheek swabs, and a concert from Brecker’s jazz peers and friends, Brandford Marsalis and Joey Calderazzo. Jefferson Center’s Family Series continues to mix education and fun with Cashore Marionettes on October 14th and Cirque Ziva on March 24th. Bring the entire family, children 12 & under are just $5. Finally, enjoy personal expressions of art with an intimate experience inside Jefferson Center’s Jazz Club. Located inside our Rehearsal Hall, Jazz Club brings the artist to you. Sit face to face with Ben Williams and Sound Effect on October 19th, the Jim Campilongo Trio on December 7th and The James Carter Organ Trio on April 20th. Visit www.jeffcenter.org for more information.

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TheRoanokeStar.com | Page 10

8/3/12- 8/9/12

Tech Motorcycle Team Races to Next Level of World Competition

The VT College of Engineering’s Battery Operated Land Trans- piloted by a student for insurance reasons, but by Matt Kent, an engineer at Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. and professional racer. Many portation team’s electric-powered motorcycle. A team of Virginia Tech College of Engineering undergraduate of the students on the team either own personal street or race bikes. “It is definitely a thrill but most importantly we are just happy to students this week will take its self-built electric-powered motorcycle to the third-round race of the North American TTXGP eGrandPrIx be able to participate in the TTXGP and help forward electric vehicle technology,” said John Marshall of competition. If the team finishes in one of Round Hill, a senior majoring in methe top slots, as it did at the second round chanical engineering and the 2012-13 in late June, the Battery Operated Land team leader. “If we come home at the end Transportation team could be on the path of the day with some trophies it is just ictoward a world champion race at Daytona ing on the cake. That being said this is a International Speedway this fall. race team and we are out there to win, The team’s placement so far in the Time every stop will be pulled out in order to Trial Xtreme Grand Prix competition, the achieve this.” world’s first “zero toxic emissions” motor“The races will always become more cycle race series, already is thrilling and difficult,” said Marshall. “As our rider winning prizes. It is the only university student-led team in the entire competition, The VT College of Engineering’s Battery Operated Land has said, ‘If you don’t get faster over a weekend of riding you have failed.’ Every going up against professional bike-building Transportation team’s electric-powered motorcycle. team will be getting faster at every race. teams such as MotoCzysz and others from Daytona is the absolute world final for 2012.” across North America. This is the second electric motorcycle team effort overseen by TaDuring the June 23-24 TTX75 Award race at Portland International Raceway, the team comprised of mechanical engineering stu- heri, himself once a motorcycle sports participant and enthusiast. dents under the direction of Associate Professor Saied Taheri came The first team finished in the 2009-10 year, but due to finances was in second against seven teams overall, behind only professional elec- unable to compete in the worldwide finale of the TTXGP event in Spain after doing quite well stateside. The chief sponsor of the motric vehicle company Brammo Inc. The Portland race was the team’s first time officially racing the torcycle took the vehicles once the competition was finished, added bike, which was completed only a few months prior. The roughly Taheri. The bike has been several years in the making, under various se385-pound bike -- a 2009 Honda CBR600RR is completely electric powered, and was designed, built, and painted by students inside the nior design teams. Many parts of the re-engineered CBR600RR were Joseph F. Ware Jr. Advanced Engineering Laboratory. The bike is not donated or sold to the team at a reduced rate to save on prepara-

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tion costs. The motor is a custom made AC permanent magnet. It and a specifically programmed controller for the bike were donated by Kollmorgen’s Radford location. The bike’s 7.5 kilowatt lithium polymer cell batteries were purchased at a discount rate from DowKokam. In addition to having several Hokies on staff in Radford and serving as technical advisers for the bike team, plus donating parts, Kollmorgen just hired a member of the 2011-12 team. Christian Probst of Blacksburg, graduated in May from Virginia Tech with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, and started in midJune with Kollmorgen. “There are a lot of great memories that I have with working with the bike, but I think that the best memory that I have is seeing our rider, Matt Kent, going around the track for the first time,” Probst said of his time on the team. “It was a great moment that made all the late nights and long hours spent working on the bike worth every minute.” Other team sponsors include Areva Group North America, Boeing, Dunlop, General Motors, Lockheed Martin, Penske, Solutia and a dozen others. Virginia Tech’s Student Engineers Council has donated several thousand dollars to the project during the past few years, as has the Ware Lab. A new bike for the incoming 2013 team already is in the planning stages, said Marshall. That bike also will be a newer model Honda CBR600RR. “There are some potential pack, and controller numbers on paper,” Marshall said. “Our challenge this last year was modeling the complex frame that we have, we’ve still got to find a better way to do that.” The ultimate goal, Marshall said: Race the bikes together. By Steven Mackay info@theroanoekstar.com

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