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The Roanoke Star-Sentinel [The Holidays]

APCO Gets Approval For $85.1 Million Increase Lucky Garvin

Growing Wise

P5– Lucky Garvin says he’s reached a point where he’ll take the wisdom and peace of old age over the unbridled certainty of youth.

The State Corporation Commission (SCC) has approved a total of $85.1 million in revenue increases for Appalachian Power Company in two rate case orders. One case is a review of base rates that, under Virginia law, takes place every two years. The other case was filed under a provision of Virginia law allowing electric utilities to recover environmental expenses.

The original additional revenue increase requested by Appalachian Power in Utilities both cases totaled $203.4 million. In the biennial review case, the company also originally asked that $51 million be deferred, with carrying costs, to be collected later from customers. The SCC’s final orders in each case results in a combined total increase of $85.1 million.

For a typical residential customer using 1,000 kilowatthours of electricity per month, the monthly bill will increase by approximately $7, from $94.66 to $101.66.

The major components leading to the rate adjustment include: • Allowing recovery of $56.8 million in additional expenses for compliance with state and federal environmental regulations.

• Rejecting recovery through

[

Knights Advance P7– Cave Spring returns to Richlands and avenges last year’s title game loss with a 35-21 win over the Blue Tornado.

P8– Attorney Amanda Shaw says that everyone needs a plan when it comes to protecting young children with wise estate planning.

A New Shape P9– Residents in the Roanoke Rescue Mission’s recovery program learn more than pottery skills as they work with clay.

Cuccinelli To Cross Examine Candidates

The All American Tree

Ken Cuccinelli Virginia’s Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli, along with two other attorneys general, will cross-examine five of eight Republican presidential primary candidates Saturday, December 3 as part of Fox New’s 90-minute question and answer forum with the candidates beginning at 8:00 p.m. EST. Governor Mitt Romney, Newt Gingrich, Minnesota Congresswoman Michele Bachmann, Texas Congressman Ron Paul and former PennPolitics sylvania Senator Rick Santorum have all agreed to participate.

In a phone call Monday, Cuccinelli confirmed that Herman Cain, Texas Governor Rick Perry and Jon Huntsman have declined the invitation. He expects that will increase the Q & A time with each candidate to 15 minutes.

Others offering questions include Florida’s Attorney General Pam Bondi and Oklahoma’s Attorney General Scott Pruitt as well as Mike Huckabee who is hosting the forum. The three attorneys general have been preparing for the event for most of November, exchanging material

]

> CONTINUED P3:APCO

Plan Early

NewsRoanoke.com

Community | News | Per spective

December 2 - 8, 2011

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T

he “Fashions for Evergreens” event underway at The Hotel Roanoke is an annually celebrated Christmas tree competition featuring more than 27 professionally designed trees that present inspiring holiday ideas and concepts that supports the United Way of the Roanoke Valley. Once again the public is being asked to vote monetarily for their favorite tree (only U.S. currency and

checks accepted) and at the end of the public voting, the tree that raises the most money will be declared the winner of the People’s Choice Award. Last year the competition raised more than $2,750 for The United Way of The Roanoke Valley. If you like to combine a little patriotism with your holiday the Woodman of the World Tree above might inspire a few ideas.

]

> CONTINUED P2: Cuccinelli

Eight Preservation And One Barn Cats Get Second Chance At Life “Bulldozer” Award Announced

The Roanoke Valley Preservation Foundation has announced awards for six buildings, an environmental community and a book, as well as a “Bulldozer Award” to Carilion Clinic for demolishing the Carlton Terrace-Reid Building. They were announced at the Foundation’s annual meeting at the Patrick Henry on Tuesday.

Annual preservation awards are presented to raise public awareness of the value of restoring and reusing older structures and to encourage stewardship Photo by George Kegley and to recognize the work of individual efforts. The eight award The recently renovated Patrick Henry Hotel has been cited by recipients this year include Big the Roanoke Valley Preservation Foundation.

Lick Junction/ Community Gazebo in Lake Spring Park in previously as endangered sites.

School—adaptive reuse; MeridiSalem---reconstruction and a Big Lick Junction, built in 1925, um—commercial rehabilitation; book on the Deyerle was a three-story dry goods disCatawba sustainable family builders by tribution warehouse originally community—enviLandmark Michael Pulice--- operated by the Goria brothronmental stewarders at the corner of Campbell cultural resource. ship; Patrick Henry The Patrick Henry Hotel, the Avenue and Second Street, SE. Hotel---adaptive reuse; City Catawba Community (formerly The Community High School Market Building--restoration; Virginia Tech-Catawba Hospital of Arts and Sciences is on the Salem Historical Society Musefarm) and the Carlton Terraceum—environmentally and hisReed Building had been listed > CONTINUED torically sensitive addition; the P2: Preservation

[

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Many cat people like to have their favorite feline lie on their lap as they watch television at night or sleep next to them in bed. Feral cats don’t do that and many have been euthanized because no one wants to adopt an “unfriendly” animal.

But a Roanoke Valley rescue Photo by Diane Novak group is coming to the aid of Two recently relocated felines, these feral felines.

Barn Cat Buddies is “a pro- restaurants, etc. In Franklin gram dedicated to helping County they were routinely those cats that have no real euthanized. option for an inside home but Novak moved here from that are suited to go to non- New York where she was intraditional homes such as volved in animal rescue work. barns, marinas, warehouses There she would place friendor garden centers. ly cats mostly in “Anywhere that an homes but occaRescue animal could earn sionally on farms. his or her keep as Her comment on a rodent control technician,” moving here was, “I’ve never says director Diane Novak. seen so many feral cats in Barn Cat Buddies started one area. It’s rural; they had about 5 years ago. Novak took no chance at life. I loved the over the program, then named idea of them getting out of the “Barn Cat Babies,” from Tam- pound. It just seemed like a my Javier. According to Novak, there were no options > CONTINUED for the cats caught behind P2: Barn Cats

[

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> Cuccinelli

Page 2 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 12/2/11 -12/8/11

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and talking on the phone. After arriving in New York they will ride together to the Fox News studio.

“We’ll have plenty of tough questions,” said Cuccinelli. “We will focus on the powers of the federal government especially as it relates to states.” Topics will include federal regulations, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Federal Communication Commission, the National Labor Relations Board, health care, education, illegal immigration, the courts and judges and constitutional issues. Medicaid will even be in the mix “not just dollars but everything else that goes along with it,” he said.

When asked about possible vague responses from candidates, Cuccinelli was quick to clarify saying, “part of the deal here is cross-examination.” He added that both he and attorney general Scott Pruitt were disappointed watching previous debates when candidates had given either wrong or incomplete answers that moderators “not versed in the subject matter didn’t know how to follow-up on.”

“We’re going to drill down a couple of layers on these sub-

jects,” said Cuccinelli. He was adamant saying that if they don’t answer the question they might find themselves “cut off.”

The attorneys general won’t be asking the same questions of each candidate. The plan is to ask questions based on statements the candidates have already made. Cuccinelli insisted that they will be fair – none of the attorneys general have endorsed a candidate.

“We are all committed to seeing the current President beaten,” said Cuccinelli. “It’s not enough to say we want to stop this guy … We need to see a constructive alternative.”

Cuccinelli thought that all the candidates had made some constructive proposals in previous debates. They will be looking for not just opposition to the current administration’s policy but they expect to hear the candidates’ solutions. They’ll be pinning them down on federalism by asking the candidates if the federal or state government should handle certain concepts. If they are for limited government then they’ll ask “shouldn’t you let states deal with that issue?”

Cuccinelli said that, “lots of Republicans talk about limited

> Preservation first floor and a music and film department is in the basement.

Upper levels were renovated for 15 studio and one-bedroom apartments.

Meridium, a world-class software company, is in a four-story, renovated warehouse at 207 Bullitt Ave., SE. Bonz Hart, the founder, started the company in his garage in Goodview in Bedford County in 1993 and it has blossomed into a firm employing 130 in Roanoke and almost that many more in places like Dubai, Malta, South Africa, Australia and India. Hart put a new face on an old building formerly occupied by Mostly Sofas and American Chemical Co. The $5 million renovation of the building, now painted brick red, includes exposed heavy timber framing and refurbishing wood floors on the interior.

Catawba Sustainability Center, an umbrella organization in Virginia Tech’s Outreach and International Affairs Department, is using the former dairy farm of almost 400 acres for a variety of environmental practices.

The farm, with twin silos and a big barn in the heart of Catawba Valley, is the research site for Virginia Tech faculty and students to work with local farmers on water quality and quantity, energy, reduction in greenhouse emissions, food security and job creation issues.

Christy Gabbard, center director, worked with Catawba

Landcare, a community group seeking to preserve the unused farm and its deteriorating buildings. Current projects showcase innovative land management practices and support new and expanding agriculture and natural resources businesses.

The Patrick Henry Hotel was built in 1925 by a group led by former Mayor W. W. Boxley, who wanted to give Roanoke a sense of “status and a cosmopolitan atmosphere.” The 10-story hotel was designed in the Colonial Revival style by William Stoddart, a well-known New York architect. It featured an enclosed tea room projected over the opening, a grand two-story lobby with mezzanine, fine dining room and elegant ballroom.

It was vacant in recent years until developer Ed Walker led in restoring the main public spaces and renovations for retail operations and conversion to 133 apartment units in a $25 million project.

The Roanoke City Market, built in 1921-19, is a downtown landmark and an anchor to the City Market Historic District.

The Georgian-Revival-style building was designed by Frye & Chesterman architects as the second market building on that site. The original construction cost was $210,000. The $11-million renovation by the City of Roanoke returned the building closer to its original appearance with an open market hall, food

> Barn Cats

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win-win situation.”

She combined her background in marketing, advertising and social work to take over the program and change the name. She works with the Franklin County pound, the Regional Center for Animal Control and Protection in Roanoke, the Roanoke Valley SPCA and Angels of Assisi (“Because Angels often gets cats through hording situations that are unfriendly and don’t make it in a regular home”).

“This year alone, (from January through October) we’ve placed about 145 cats, both friendly and not so friendly, and we’ve done about 180 spays and neuters.”

Reba Dillon has 17 Barn Cat

Buddies. She owns a farm on Burnt Chimney Road in Wirtz with alpacas, goats, and cattle.

“We have a lot of feed. . . But I don’t have any mice at all in my greenhouse or in my barns.”

She’s terrified of rats but says they don’t go near the feed with the cats around. “You never see the cats. I mean, we know they’re there because occasionally you’ll see one sitting under a bush or you’ll see one, maybe walking through the field. So we know they’re there and they do their job, but they never come near the house because they’re feral.” She also manages a marina on Smith Mountain Lake and there’s one Barn Cat Buddy there.

About three years ago, Dil-

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From page 1 government but a lot of the same Republicans then turn around and try to have the federal government dictate to the states on how to do their business over issues they care about.”

On courts and judges the questioning will be directed toward “viewpoints.” When prompted further he elaborated that presidents tend to appoint people to judgeships that have similar world views to themselves … So we’ll flush that out as it relates to judging laws and the constitution.”

Education questions will vary by candidate and revolve around charter schools, No Child Left Behind and other federal programs.

The planned NLRB question was born out of a complaint against the Boeing Aircraft Corporation which is planning to build airplanes at a non-union plant in the right-to-work state of South Carolina - an effort deemed by some to be an attempt to break away from its unionized Seattle plant.

Cuccinelli also expects to ask a question regarding the FCC’s authority to regulate the Internet. “Most recently they have poked their nose in the AT&T

and T-Mobile merger,” he said.

He explained that the question is whether the FCC should have any significant role on whether the merger should go forward or not. Additionally, he plans on asking under what conditions, if any, the FCC should block a merger.

There is no doubt that the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act will also be on the table for discussion.

Cuccinelli used the term “cross-examination” of the candidates multiple times in Monday’s phone interview. This portends a tough no-nonsense line of questions for the candidates.

The format will leave flexibility for follow-up questions rather then simply asking a series of questions with responses.

There will be no audience and the candidates will not interact.

They will be given one-minute each for final thoughts. Following the conclusion of the candidate forum there will be 30 minutes for analysis that will include the three attorneys general, said Cuccinelli.

From page 1 vendors’ stalls of whit enameled tile, concrete floors and exposed brick walls. Restrooms and support space were also added. An exterior canopy has been restored and new windows and signs are more compatible with the historic building. Infrastructure has been upgraded and the building is handicapped accessible.

The Salem Museum is one of the oldest buildings and one of the greenest in Salem. The former Williams-Brown HouseStore, an 1845 structure moved several blocks in 1987, is LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) certified. A green roof is planted with sedum and short vegetation. Evaporating water from the plants helps cool the building. Rain water is stored in an underground cistern and used for landscaping.

The building, designed by Jennifer Smith-Lewis, has concrete block walls with insulation and brick sealed with heavy capstone.

A 170-year-old gazebo in Lake Spring Park in west Salem was heavily damaged by a runaway truck on June 24, 2010.

Originally built as a bandstand on the front yard of the old Roanoke County Courthouse, the gazebo was moved to Lake Spring Park when a new courthouse was built in 1909. The structure stayed in the middle of a pond for some time until it was moved to a hill where it

has been used for weddings and other events. The required precision millwork for the replacement/restoration by McClung Lumber Co. was based on the original design. Terry Mullins of Virginia Building Services did the restoration and reassembly of the gazebo for a total cost of more than $44,000.

Michael Pulice, architectural historian for 10 years in the Regional Preservation Office of the State Department of Historic Resources, has written Nineteenth Century Brick Architecture in the Roanoke Valley and Beyond: Discovering the True Legacy of the Deyerle Builders. A reviewer said Pulice, “a tireless researcher,” has related “the untold story in bricks and mortar—supported by pictures old and recent, maps and site plans, diagrams and charts—of one family’s lasting impact on the Roanoke Valley.”

The work of the Deyerles is seen at Belle Aire, Buena Vista, Lone Oak, White Corners, Monterey, Pleasant Grove, Salem and Blacksburg Presbyterian churches and buildings at Roanoke College and Hollins University. Pulice, who holds degrees from Radford University and Virginia Tech, formerly worked as a field archaeologist.

From page 1 lon started taking feral cats that would otherwise have been euthanized. “I only take the ones that are really ready to be put to sleep. Diane called me one day and she said, ‘We have this beautiful black cat and its time’s up and nobody wants it because it’s black.’ So I said, ‘Bring it to me,’ and that is the most wonderful cat in the whole world.”

She calls it Lucky.

It doesn’t bother her that they don’t cuddle. She says her husband isn’t really fond of cats in or near the house, so that’s why she takes the feral cats.

“I’ve got plenty of room and they do a great service for me.

Because if I didn’t have those cats, having that much feed and grain, we would have tons of

rats.”

Barn Cat Buddies will hold a fundraiser, Saturday, December 3rd from 1-4pm at AMC Hilltop Bowling Alley on Williamson Road in Roanoke. A $20 donation gets the person three games of bowling and rental bowling shoes. “We’re also going to be having a silent auction, door prizes and raffle prizes.”

Novak hopes to raise several thousand dollars to keep the program going until spring when the cat population will rise once again.

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City Hires Special Projects Coordinator The City of Roanoke Department of Economic Development has announced that Marc Nelson has joined the staff as Special Projects Coordinator. Nelson previously served as Development Services Liaison with the City of Savannah, Georgia Development Services Department.

The redevelopment of existing properties and new highly visible development initiatives will be led by Nelson. He will also be charged with the development and implementation of programs for new, existing and emerging businesses in technology and innovation-oriented sectors.

With more than seven years of experience in local and state government, Nelson most recently coordinated development efforts for four City of Savannah capital projects totaling over $50 million - including installation of $4.5 million in public

Marc Nelson utilities for a mixed-income, mixed use development replacing the City’s oldest public housing community.

“We recognized the need in the department to fill the Special Projects Coordinator position and are excited Marc will be a part of our team. He will make an impact by providing expertise in the construction arena and budgeting process to streamline and move our many

projects along effectively and efficiently,” said Rob Ledger, Economic Development Manager.

Nelson holds a Bachelor of Arts from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as well as a Masters of Public Administration from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Government. He is a native of Long Island, New York.

The City of Roanoke Department of Economic Development is charged with fostering stable economic growth in the City of Roanoke and providing continuous improvements to the quality of life for its citizens.

The Department seeks to implement innovative workforce and business retention, expansion and recruitment practices and the promotion of strategic asset developments city-wide to ensure a diverse and vibrant community and economy.

How You Give is Just as Important as What You Give Because of technology and the creativity of charities, there are many different ways that donors can give to a worthy cause. Whether you’re giving money, canned goods, used items or your time, the BBB Wise Giving Alliance wants to remind donors that how they give is just as important as what they give.

According to the Giving USA Foundation, total estimated charitable giving in the United States rose 3.8 percent in 2010 (2.1 percent adjusted for inflation). The increase reflects the continued determination of every American to support charitable organizations even during challenging economic times.

“Despite the downturn in the economy, people are still looking for creative or small ways that they can give back and support those who are even less fortunate over the holidays,” said Julie Wheeler, President & CEO of the BBB Serving Western Virginia.

“However you decide to give, it’s important to stop and take the time to research the charity thoroughly to make sure that your dollar stretches the farthest it can in this tough economy.”

The Wise Giving Alliance offers the following five common ways that people donate to charities over the holidays and a few things to consider: Give items. Many organizations solicit for donations over the holidays including coats, toys, and canned goods. Whatever you’re donating, make sure the items are of good condition and that the recipient charity is accepting such items to help further its cause.

Give when you shop. Many charities have had great success partnering with businesses that agree to donate some amount of the purchase price from sales of items to a worthy cause. This type of cause-related marketing means that you can help while you shop.

Check if the promotion identifies the actual or anticipated amount of the purchase price the charity will receive. Also some businesses, like grocery stores, ask if you want to donate to a charity and have that amount added to

your receipt (also called embedded giving).

See if the embedded promotion states which specific charity will receive the collected funds.

Give online. Giving online with a credit or debit card is among the most efficient ways to support a charity. Before you enter in your numbers, give the website a thorough review, look for the organization’s privacy policy, and verify if the organization has appropriate security measures in place to protect such transactions.

Give through text messaging. The option to give via text message took off in the wake of the disastrous earthquake in Haiti. After texting a message to a number, the donation is tacked on to your cell phone bill. While donating via text is fast and easy for the donor, the actual money can take 60 – 90 days to reach the charity since the funds are forwarded after you pay the donation charge on your next monthly cell phone bill. During disaster giving periods like Haiti, however, cell phone carriers work to forward funds faster.

Of course, charities welcome donations at any time during the year.

Give your time. In today’s tight economy, you may not have money, but you can always give a little bit of your time to help support a worthy cause. In addition to volunteering around the holidays, you can also be a vocal supporter of a charity and help raise awareness among friends and family and on your Facebook page or blog.

The BBB Wise Giving Alliance reports on more than 1,200 national charitable organizations at www.bbb.org/charity and determines if they meet 20 accountability standards addressing governance, finances and fund raising practices.

12/2/11- 12/8/11 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 3

Big Gains Made in Land Conservation Despite Recession

Land Trusts Conserve 10 Million U.S. Acres, See Increased Budgets and Endowments, Add Staff and Volunteers in Down Economy The first census of land trusts in five years found 10 million new acres conserved nationwide since 2005, including 1.1 million acres here in Virginia. Virginia ranked fifth nationally in acres conserved and first overall in the southeast.

The National Land Trust Census, released by the Land Trust Alliance, shows that voluntarily protected land increased 27 percent between 2005 and 2010. In the same time period, local land trusts and state agencies added 1,129,787 acres—a 77 percent increase since 2005—despite a recession that has seen a decrease in non-profit giving and state budget cuts. The census is online at www.lta.org/census.

A total of 47 million acres—an area over twice the size of all the national parks in the contiguous United States—are now protected by land trusts. A greater percentage of the new acreage comes through local and state land trusts like the Western Virginia Land Trust (WVLT).

“Virginia residents value their land, and we are conserving it at the community level,” said Roger Holnback, executive director of WVLT. “Here in Virginia, we are investing in our future with land trusts that ensure clean water, local food and places to play for our children and for generations to come.”

Since 2005, WVLT has permanently protected more than 13,300 acres in its 10-county service area surrounding Roanoke.

This includes 11,400 acres in Carvins Cove Natural Reserve— the largest city-owned park east

> APCO

a rate adjustment clause of $33.8 million in environmental components of capacity payments the company is already recovering from base rates.

• Denying recovery of $23.9 million in workforce transition costs, as these were deemed already recovered.

• Implementing depreciation schedules now, a $39 million impact, instead of deferring a greater cost to ratepayers in the future.

Appalachian Power had requested that the new depreciation schedule be deferred for recovery in the future with the company receiving a carrying cost on the amount deferred. The SCC, however, noted that doing so would only increase the cost on Appalachian Power’s customers and put the burden on future ratepayers.

In setting the company’s To review charity evaluations and get more authorized return on equity advice on how to give when times are tight, for base rates for the review visit www.bbb.org/charity. period of 2011 and 2012, the Commission determined that 10.9 percent is “fair and reasonable … within the meaning of the statute.” The 10.9 percent includes a half-per-

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of the Rockies—as well as nearly all of Mill Mountain and properties in Roanoke, Franklin, Craig, Bedford, Floyd, and Botetourt counties. WVLT earned national accreditation by the Land Trust Alliance in 2011, providing assurance of quality and permanence of land conservation, and publicly recognizing WVLT’s ability to protect important natural places and working lands forever.

Virginia’s Land Preservation Tax Credit has encouraged thousands of conservation-minded farmers and other landowners to permanently protect lands essential to Virginia’s rural and agricultural heritage through donations of land or conservation easements. An enhanced federal tax deduction for conservation easement donations has helped America’s land trusts work with farmers, ranchers and other modest-income landowners to sustain a remarkable pace of more than one million acres protected by conservation easements each year. But if Congress allows this incentive to expire at the end of 2011, fewer landowners will receive tax benefits from the generous donation of development rights on their land.

WVLT has been appreciative of Rep. Bob Goodlatte for being among the 262 House co-sponsors of H.R. 1964, a bill to make this important conservation tax incentive permanent. That’s more co-sponsors than any other tax bill in Congress. The Trust is hopeful that Reps. Morgan Griffith and Robert Hurt and Senators Mark Warner and Jim Webb

will join them as co-sponsors of this important legislation.

Other findings of the new National Land Trust Census include: • There are now 36 land trusts operating in Virginia, including 19 staffed groups and 5 all-volunteer groups.

• Virginia increased their full and part-time staff and contractors 17% in five years, for a total of 130 paid positions in 2010.

• Land trusts in Virginia drew upon the work of 1,305 active volunteers and the contributions of 15,394 members and financial supporters.

• As a signal of the land trust community’s commitment to excellence, there are now five accredited land trusts in Virginia.

Together, these five groups have protected 452,053 acres as of 2010.

The Western Virginia Land Trust (WVLT) was formed in 1996 and works to preserve the region’s unique scenic, historic, agricultural, recreational and natural features. WVLT protects more than 15,000 acres of land and 33 miles of streams in 40 conservation easements held by the land trust. The group works in ten counties in the Roanoke region: Bedford, Botetourt, Carroll, Craig, Floyd, Franklin, Henry, Montgomery, Patrick and Roanoke. WVLT is a private, 501(c) (3) non-profit and is accredited by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance.

From page 1 cent (50 basis points) incentive that Virginia law awards to the company for meeting certain renewable energy targets. The renewable energy incentive increases the com-

pany’s annual revenue by approximately $7.75 million.

The company was seeking a combined rate of return on equity of 11.65 percent.

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Page 4 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 12/2/11 -12/8/11

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The Preacher’s Corner - by Donna Hopkins Britt Black History, Southern Soils and Finding Our Way To Peace

P

ete and I started dating during college. He was an only child in a wealthy family who picked me up in his t-top Thunderbird, took me out to eat, and bought me roses. I was enchanted. The most significant gift he bought me was a dainty golden ring with a small diamond. It was called a promise ring, I guess because that little diamond was to be the precursor to a larger, more significant ring and promise later. Unable to offer a lavish gift in return, I cross-stitched for Pete a long-stemmed rose with a phrase from his favorite band’s song, “roses never fade.”

Well, the roses did fade, to my parents’ great relief, and that ring of promise never grew to a larger diamond, at least not from Pete. We learn in life that not all promises are kept. Promises of a future together blossom and then fade. Promises from a college that your education will lead to a well paying job languish as the job search continues for months or years. Promises that someone will take care of us are betrayed and we are so horrified that we pitch our tents in the Field of Promises Broken, where the grass is dry and brown, and crackles beneath our steps. We raise our heads

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long-repressed secrets would provide them with peace. Some think finding their soul mates would provide lasting inner peace. What would be different if we wanted peace on God’s terms?

Two years ago, people from a dozen Roanoke congregations gathered for a seminar called “City of Peace.” The theme verse was from the Prophet Jeremiah, “Seek the peace of the city where I have sent you” (29:7). Rabbi Fabian Werbin, from Beth Israel Synagogue, said that day that we start by seeking for peace in the home. That leads to peace in the city, which leads to peace in the land.

When everyone is on the same level (no valleys or mountains), dawn will break upon all of us, and there will be no more shadows, no more secrets, no more fears.

If this is the Advent season we intentionally bring to the light our regrets, our grudges and our betrayals, God’s light will bathe us in warmth and hope and comfort and forgiveness, so that we can move forward from the dry, barren wilderness of broken promises into Technicolor joy, with greater love and greater peace. Then we not-so-silently let it spread from us, to our city, into all our lands.

Hope in the Lord. And watch for a sign of light and life.

slowly each day, hoping to peek out and see something green: some sign of life and hope, but without it, we just slip back inside our tents and sigh again.

Luke 3 tells of a man named John, who traveled around “proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah, ‘The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: “Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth; and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.” Once the land is flat—no hills or valleys, no potholes or jolts when you drive from pavement onto the bridge—then the “the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace” (Luke 1:79).

Are we all seeking the way of peace? What would it take for you to find peace? Some think it would take a million dollars: pay off a house and other debts and then everything would be fine. Some think telling their

Donna Hopkins Britt is pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Roanoke’s Downtown West, where all are welcome: 608 West Campbell Avenue; calvaryroanoke.org.

Editors Note: This is Donna Britt’s last column for the Roanoke Star-Sentinel. I know I speak for all our readers in thanking her for sharing her inspiring words of hope, love and peace these last four years.

Blessings Donna and Godspeed - The Roanoke Star Sentinel Staff.

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Local Crossword

Virginia State Corporation Commission • License Number MC5508

Star-Sentinel Crossword for 12/2/2011

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South southeast Cave dweller Tempo Used Infant's crying disease North American nation Pooch Outwit Goose egg Ancient (2 wds.)

Heroic House coverings Marrow Blood disorder Dismiss TV lawyer Matlock Thorn Energy unit Drum What area business has the largest selection of stools in SW Virginia?

After awhile Bird portion Brass Eludes By way of Mischievous Flightless bird Creative work Bunches Free of Ball holder Allege Mr..'s wife

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Soft drink Walk Fringe Private sitting room Alternative (abbr.)

Ocean movements NC county Pounds per square inch Bad (prefix) TV detective Policeman Lode yield Winter hazard Which Christian school on Buck Mountain provides 'A Mind for Truth, A Heart for Christ, and A WIll to Serve'?

Round cracker

brand 47 Anger 49 Farming club (abr.)

25 Decorative needle case 26 Syrian bishop 27 Ne 28 Provide explanatory notes 29 'you see most places have mice or mosquitos, we have -------!" (from how to train your dragon) 32 Barrenness 35 African antelope 37 Doctoral degree 39 Cliff debris

By Don Waterfield 41 Wager Find the answers online: NewsRoanoke.com Have a clue and answer you’d like to see?

43 Cootie email: puzzles@newsroanoke.com 44 Native ruler in Africa 45 Soap bubbles 46 Value-added tax

A

A Franklin County Slave

few weeks back, while driving from idents and corporate magnates of the day, who Floyd to a Moneta destination just the contributed financially to Tuskeegee’s growth. other side of Smith Mountain Lake, But perhaps the single greatest decision Booker I passed a sign that made me do a double-take. T. Washington made for the benefit of Tuskeegee It read “Birthplace of Booker T. Washington.” A and the south in general was to bring onto the short distance later was a historical marker. I sped faculty the “peanut guy”—George Washington past it without stopping, and did the same at the Carver—in 1896. entrance into the national monument dedicated Carver, also a slave at birth in 1864, apparently to this individual--a historic figure whose name I had the same “charisma” and obvious potential as had heard so often in my home state, I Washington, and was granted an early just assumed he was an Alabamian. education. While he was gifted in mu“Isn’t that the peanut guy”? my wife sic and art, his passion even as a child asked when I told her of my surprise at was plants. His purpose in life became this discovery. to serve the soil, and southerners, black “No, that’s--what’s his name, I think.” and white, through agricultural discovIn this admission, I extended the depths ery and application. of my ignorance. I assigned it to myself Carver recognized the toll that gento fill this gap in my historical knowlerations of cotton planting had taken edge of a famous (and for me, forgotten) on southern soils, leaving many farmblack American and the other one we ers as impoverished as the ground they confused him with. worked. Carver was the first to advocate Fred First Booker T. Washington was born in for crop rotation, and he promoted niFranklin County in 1856, the son of a black slave trogen-building plants like peanuts and soybeans mother and unknown white father. He spent to replace bowl weevil-devastated cotton and remost of his first decade in a mining town in West build the south, from the ground up.

Virginia, and worked in the salt and coal mines But farmers could not find an adequate market as early as age 9. The wife of the mine owner saw for the abundance of these alternative crops they something special in the young boy and arranged were able to grow using Carver’s methods. He for him to enter Hampton Agricultural Institute in rose to the challenge, during 47 years as head of 1872. Nine years later, at the age of 25, he became the Agriculture Department at Tuskeegee, to crethe first president of the new Tuskeegee Normal ate new food and non-food products that used School for Colored Teachers (in southern Ala- soybeans, peanuts, sweet potatoes and pecans. bama), with a single shanty to house the school Dubbed by Time Magazine in 1941 as the “Black and a budget of $2000.

Leonardo” he created more than 300 uses for peaUnder Washington’s leadership, Tuskeegee of- nuts, 100 for sweet potatoes, and about 75 for pefered academic--but chiefly practical--education cans. From all of these inventions and discoveries, for farming, carpentry, brick-making, shoemak- he applied for only three patents. The epitaph on ing, printing and cabinetmaking. It was his con- his grave explains: “He could have added fortune viction that the negro population could best be- to fame, but caring for neither, he found happicome assimilated into southern society by what ness and honor in being helpful to the world.” its citizens would, with education, be able to conCarver is buried next to Booker T. Washington tribute. He considered that making a living and at Tuskeegee. And it turns out, I spent much of my acquiring property were more important that free time at Auburn University hunting flowering gaining (back) the right to vote. plants, salamanders and solitude in Tuskeegee Southern blacks had, as a result of the Civil War, National Forest. So at times I was not five miles gained the right to vote, but then many had subse- from the final resting place of these two great men quently lost those rights due to the machinations that, in the white schools of the day, were never of southern legislatures and the “Jim Crow” laws given much study. that, until 1964, prevented African Americans The Booker T. Washington National Monufrom full rights as citizens under the law. ment at his tobacco-farm birthplace is located 16 Booker T. Washington resisted the movements miles from Rocky Mount on VA 122. I promise-of more militant and aggressive proponents of next time, I'll stop and spend some time there. equal rights, and was considered by some as a Fred First / Floyd County VA white appeaser. His moderate stance, people skills Books: slowroadhome.com and eloquence gained him favor with several pres-

L

Breaking The Mold

ast night I noticed a vestigate. smell coming from my Now, cranking up one’s bedroom closet. This stress levels after taking a long, wasn’t some “oh, really, Ad- soothing shower is unpleasant cox?” kind of smell enough, but stepwhich some of you ping into one’s closet might be imagining and being met with but rather a Black“squish” under your Plague-of-Death-Soleft foot compels one Call-The-CDC kind to throw one’s copy of of smell. This odor, at “Politically Correct first faint for about a Bedtime Reading” week, eventually beacross the room in came overwhelming anguish and disgust.

- and it wasn’t some I pressed forward, field mouse that had however, and did Robert Adcox wandered in and gotwhat must be done. ten lost in the maze of In my case, that car magazines, old homework, meant a trip to WalMart for a screwdrivers, plastic crates and caulking gun and a cheap, dissweat pants. posable towel with which to beThis, my friends, was far gin drying the carpet. Disgustmore sinister. It was the smell ing, black deposits of mold had of mold. formed, leaving me to Rambo I stepped into the closet to in- my way through the mess with

a bottle of bleach and water. Dividing and conquering my way to the November 1986 copy of “Architectural Digest” (now soaked and covered with something commonly found in a Petri dish), I worked my way back to the doorway of the closet.

This, proved to be extremely touch-and-go as the cable TV wire had long since wrapped itself in a death-grip around an old vanity light I’ve been attempting to recondition. In turn, the light had also somehow attracted an ac adapter I’ve had since Reagan’s second term.

Don’t ask me why. I don’t know either.

This makeshift recreation of an octopus battling a squid was the final obstacle separating me from freedom and disentangling the moldy cords drew out my mission like a Donald Trump speech. Finally, after sopping up the last of the moldy water, I discarded the "new" towel into a nearby dumpster.

Perhaps the most joyous part of the evening was caulking around the tub in an heroic attempt to keep the shower from leaking into the wall. I have nightmares of mold, turning a nitrogen-rich black and snaking its way up, commando-style, into the apartments above and next to mine. The silent stalker, seeping its way into rooms inhabited by waitresses, students, and really good gin players is more than this semi-old man can endure.

Excuse me. As maudlin as that sounds, I believe I have actually staved off any and all mold (excluding the contents of my refrigerator) and I am now exhausted - nay drained - from my battle with acres of trespassing flora, but I’ll live in spite of millions of hostile spores.

Sure is a breath of fresh air.

Contact Robert Adcox at robadcox@hotmail.com

Perspective

NewsRoanoke.com

Growing Old[Er]

I

t was a sun-charged day; and part that I hadn’t cycled for the air was spiced with twenty years. But the large part scents of spring. I saw is that I have logged fifty years them as I sped by in my car. thus far escaping the process of T’was but a passing moment: natural selection. My son had to an old man with a poodle on wait for me. That must have felt a leash. He bent low to pet the strange to him. This realization dog’s head, though with forced its way painhis age-stiffened hand fully into his underit was more of an affecstanding. tionate thumping. His This bicycle trip achy knees wouldn’t this odyssey - was metloosen; his back joined aphor of his own odysin the conspiracy to sey. His all-powerful prevent flexion. It was poppa is slowly growan old man’s bend. ing older and weaker.

[One with which I am My son is becoming becoming progresstronger. That’s how Lucky Garvin sively acquainted.] human existence is.

He seemed to be saying to the Go back as far as you will; look little dog, “Oh, you have to use forward as far as you’re able: life the bathroom? I’ll turn my head is life. Still, it must be a somthen. Oh yes, take a moment ber realization for him. No less and smell the grass. No. No. I’m so for me. I knew as a parent, I in no hurry. Take what time you would model much for my chilneed.” dren. Somehow, the realization I thought about the full range, that I would also have to model the texture and richness of the aging for them never once ockindness I had witnessed. The curred to me. mysterious dispensations of providence: the poodle given to Present day: No question; the the old man; and he to the poo- mirror doesn’t lie: I’m getting up dle; a double-stranded blessing. there. I was walking along the The elderly live in a cold climate, other day and some kid yells out I think; and this little dog is the a car window, “Hey, old man!” I sun that warms an old man’s looked around for the `old man’ heart. in reference. As stark fate would During a cattle drive there have it, I was alone on the street. are three positions: scout, point But, I’m a bit far along for an and drag. Scout is way ahead; identity crisis. point is a bit ahead; and drag is So, I’m getting on in years, way behind the herd. Son Cai- starting to flake and, in spots, lan and I went cycling the other rust. But still, I wouldn’t go back day. He rode `scout’; I brought to what I was in my youth; too new meaning to the phrase much mis-spent energy; too `riding drag.’ He would loyally many wrong directions… And stop and wait for me to labor - ego? The memory shames me. and sometimes walk the bike - Still, I have no wish to out-live up the hills. I could see it in his the average sea turtle. I live, I face, long thoughts stole over hope, on a small planet called him, silent as ground-fog. `reality.’ I work towards this Part of the problem was a more private end: to finish my poorly adjusted bicycle, yes; soul’s manuscript; and finish it

The Happy Chef

W

e can still eat healthy through the holidays at least part of the time! This salad inspires me to do just that. With this salad next to some tenderloin and a whole wheat roll - I will feel much better about the Christmas cookies, pie and/or eggnog for dessert. Tis the season!

Seriously though, I believe the season of Christmas is to be relished and celebrated with joy through giving, worship, family, friends and certainly FOOD! So enjoy the riches of the culinary kind, but don’t forget to step-up the stepping on the tread mill so you can keep up with that extra food intake.

Throw in some healthy sides

well.

In the average lifetime there are but 27,500 days, and I have lived most of mine. Good news: the remainder are now the more precious to me. I’m sixty-five years in the making. [Never been this old before; but then, I’ll never be this young again.]

The pages of the novel entitled ‘Garvin’ are gradually yellowing and beginning to curl.

Still, the old book don’t look too bad considering how long it’s been on the shelf. I regard my dwindling inventory of strength and youth philosophically. To my added inventory has come a dropping away of me-centeredness; there’s a gathering calmness within. Also, now an older captain, I view some tranquil waters with suspicion. Having sailed certain seas before, I remember the hidden shoals just beneath the surface; shoals which appear only on dated maps, maps unavailable to the young. This is called wisdom.

In other words, just because a course seems safe and hazardfree, doesn’t make it so.

Pressed to honesty, most of us, even those not yet having our steps guided by the evening light of old age, sense the coming of our concluding years.

Hopefully, I watch as my earlier need to impress others is gradually over-taken by a tranquility which leaves me better able to concentrate on what is truly important, and to be grateful for what is and what has been.

Look for Lucky’s books locally and on-line: The Oath of Hippocrates; The Cotillian; A Journey Long Delayed.

Contact Lucky Garvin at info@theroanokestar.com

- Red & White Salad

by Leigh Sackett like this one to balance out the heavier foods fare and ENJOY! 4 cups thinly sliced hearts of romaine 2 heads Belgian endive, cored and thinly sliced 1 bulb fennel, trimmed, cored, quartered and thinly sliced 1 15-ounce can hearts of palm, drained, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced 1/2 head radicchio, cored, quartered and thinly sliced 1 red apple, cored and cut into matchsticks 1 cup thinly sliced radishes Champagne Vinaigrette, (recipe follows) Freshly ground pepper, to taste

-Toss romaine, endive, fennel, hearts of palm, radicchio, apple and radishes together in a large salad bowl. Add vinaigrette and toss to coat. Season with pepper.

Champagne Vinaigrette 1 shallot, peeled and quartered 1/4 cup champagne vinegar, or white-wine vinegar 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 3/4 teaspoon salt Freshly ground pepper to taste

Home Equity Loans

12/2/11 -12/8/11 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 5

The Thrill is Gone For Federal Law Enforcement Officials

O

n August 24th, Gibson's need for these hard- surprise!- a bi-partisan comheavily armed woods to create the classic mittee was set up in Washagents from the Gibson sound. ington to look into the raid.

Justice Department conductAnd then things got re- (Yeah, that'll resolve things.) ed a coordinated raid on four ally kooky, when columnists And shortly after that Gibson warehouses and across the south al- met with the Feds to plead corporate offices leged that the raid their case to get their gear in Nashville and was politically mo- back. No word yet on the fiMemphis.

They tivated. Gibson - nal results. broke through whose CEO Henry Meanwhile, somewhere, doors, ripped open Juszkiewicz is a sup- someone's busy banging out crates and boxes, porter of Republi- the first post-modern, rightand rifled through can candidates and wing protest song. What's it company files. And issues - has been gonna be? "G-Men Grabbed when the left, they raided twice, while My Gibson"? "Elliot Ness and took a million dolits main competi- the Indefensibles"? "Tin SolMike Keeler lars worth of sustor Martin Gui- diers in Tennessee"? picious material No matter how you play it, tar - whose CEO with them. The contraband? Chris Martin IV is a Demo- America's got a bad case of Exotic hardwoods like ebony cratic supporter - has not the Partisan Blues. and rosewood. And lots and been raided, though both lots of guitars. companies get their hardContact Mike at The Feds just busted the woods from similar sources. info@theroanokestar.com Gibson guitar company, As a result of the criticism whose instruments are played by music legends like B.B. King, Jimmy Page and Eric Clapton. Not because drugs were being trafficked inside, Community | News | Perspective or because forgeries were 540-400-0990 brought in from abroad, or Publisher | Stuart Revercomb | stuart@newsroanoke.com because they were made by Features Editor | Cheryl Hodges | cheryl@newsroanoke.com News Editor | Gene Marrano | gmarrano@cox.net illegal immigrants. In fact, Production Editor | Leigh Sackett | leigh@newsroanoke.com Gibson hadn't really broken Technical Webmaster | Don Waterfield | webmaster@newsroanoke.com any U.S. law. What Gibson Advertising Director | Vickie Henderson | vhenderson@rbnet.com had allegedly done is import endangered hardwoods in violation of the laws of India, the country of origin.

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Page 6 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 12/2/11 -12/8/11

The “Shocking” Truth About Christmas Decorations

Electrical breakers tripping, wall outlets arcing, warm to the touch extension cords, lights fluttering and the dreaded electrical burn smell when you walk through a room are the only warnings given by your electrical system that something is very wrong.

“The fact is that homeowners won’t know if they are in danger until it’s too late,” said Justin Enquist a second generation Master Electrician. (The certification of Master Electrician is the highest level of certification an electrician can be awarded.)

“Christmas time can push your electrical system further than other seasons,” Justin said because “people tend to use an abundance of extension cords as well as overload one or two electrical outlets. Too many extension cords can cause the plug in connections to work loose. If the connection is not secure there is a greater chance of overheating and arcing that over time will cause the wires to melt and cause a fire. They often buy unrated cheap extension cords and when is the last time they checked their outlets to see if they are dirty, rusted or corroded by time.”

Newer homes or electrical

systems that have been updated in older homes in the past 15 to 20 years will most likely be significantly safer.

“The breaker will trip and shut off the flow of electricity to the outlet. It is really the only way a homeowner will know that something is wrong. This is a significant signal that the electrical system is not functioning properly and it should not be ignored. An electrician should be called to check why the breaker tripped and trace the problem. Most often this is the only warning an electrical system will give,” Justin explained.

More problematic during the Christmas season to people who have new homes or older homes is the use of exterior lights and decorations, said Justin.

“Plugging up outdoor lights and other decorations without having a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) to protect a person from electrical shock is extremely dangerous. Standing outside on wet ground or in the snow and plugging lights or decorations into an ungrounded outlet could cause the body to become the connector between the electricity

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and the outlet. They will receive a serious electrical shock and it is very possible that they could be killed.”

Gregg Lewis of Cafe2, a non-profit community program helping our neighbors in Southwest Virginia save energy, reduce costs and improve the health and safety of their lives, agrees.

“Standing in water and hooking up electricity is a bad idea,” he said, adding “they’ll only do it once.”

Gregg also said that extension cords strung around the yard is also a bad idea.

“It’s dark by 5 o’clock. UPS, FEDEX, mail and newspaper carriers are delivering in the dark. They could trip on a cord and be injured, and injured seriously if the cords are not grounded,” Gregg said.

Gregg’s experience with energy saving products says that the new LED lights are safer because they use less electricity, thereby reducing risk of electrical issues caused by improper or overloaded circuits.

“They don’t eliminate electrical system problems, but they pull less electricity into a circuit,” he explained.

Cafe2 offers free home energy assessments, as well as grants and financial assistance where appropriate. The organization provides the home with an EPS (Energy Performance Score) that is quickly becoming as important as MPG when you shop for a car.

“We walk the homeowner through the entire process and we provide expert review of contractors’ work. Homeowners are usually not electricians.

There is no way they know if the work is done properly,” Gregg said.

Justin agrees saying that the average homeowner wouldn’t know if there was a wire that was too small for the breaker or if the breaker is sized to the wire.

“If there is a bad connection or a connection that is not made properly, there is trouble. Electricity is a silent killer and most often they don’t know they are in danger until it’s too late.”

Justin Enquist, Enquist Enterprises, Inc. 540.420.7277 and Gregg Lewis, www.cafe2.org have both agreed to answer any questions you may have about setting up your Christmas decorations safely.

Call: Don Lilly Agency 540-989-1931

www.donlillyagency.com

NewsRoanoke.com

A Life of Loves And Passions Inspired By Paper Dolls

An obsession with fashion and clothing people to look their best influenced a local business woman’s journey from a child playing with paper dolls to becoming the owner of one of the Roanoke Valley’s most personable boutiques.

Kathy Grosvenor, owner of Kathy’s Boutique in West Village on Rt. 419, said her greatest joy as a child was playing with paper dolls.

“I would spend hours cutting out and trying this on that doll and that on another. I was totally absorbed in making them look as good as I could. I loved playing with dolls of any kind. I didn’t just use the look and clothes the doll came with but I would make clothes and alter clothes to mix and match. It was so much fun.”

Kathy said she is sad to see that little children don’t play with dolls the way she did.

“They use the computer and click. It’s just not the same.

There’s no touching of the fabric or seeing the folds fall just right to flatter the body or working with colors and textures. It’s just not the same.”

Seventy-five years later, Kathy is finally putting away her living dolls.

“I’ve appreciated the opportunity to dress people during my career, but I have promised the love of my life, my Ed, that we will spend more time together.”

Kathy’s Boutique will close its doors on December 31, 2011.

“I’ll miss working with fashion, but I love Ed more.”

Growing up with a physically and mentally abusive mother, Kathy showed scars that are still visible on her face after decades of healing.

“My Ed saved my life.”

“People said I looked like Natalie Wood and my mother set up dates for me with lawyers and doctors and men whom she thought would be best for me.

Rich was her goal. But I went on

a blind date and before the date was over, I knew that Ed and I would be together. He walked me to my door put his hand lightly on my shoulder and said: ‘Can I see you again’?”

Kathy said she felt like she couldn’t breathe.

“All I could get out was ‘OK’,” she said with a giggle.

“I fell head over heels in love with him at that moment.”

Kathy said she knew her mother would be furious.

“I can see it as clearly as if it happened yesterday. I was afraid of my mother, but I marched into my parent’s bedroom. They were in bed waiting for me to come home. I looked her in the eye and said, ‘I’ve found the man I’m going to marry’.

Mother started yelling at me, ‘What does he do? You know you can do better than that’.”

“My Ed had nothing. He was just starting out. It was true what my mother said. He didn’t have a dime. But it didn’t matter to me.

I felt loved and safe and happy.

I knew in my heart that I could make him happy too. That’s all I wanted.”

“On our wedding day my mother said: ‘I’ll give that marriage five years!”

Ed is retired from IBM. Kathy took an early retirement from C&P Telephone Company and they celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary on November 3, 2011.

“I was only retired three months when Ed suggested that it was time that I do what I’ve always wanted to do. My Ed always wants me to be happy. I went to work at Patina’s for eleven and a half years. Then Ed and our sons helped me build my own boutique in Ridgewood Farms. It was so exciting.”

Kathy said that Ed says he is the janitor and handyman for Kathy’s Boutique.

“But that’s not true! The ladies who come here just love him!”

Kathy Grosvenor “My Ed is everything to me. I always want to look my best for him. My Ed knew my passion for fashion and he always notices what I’m wearing and I love to surprise him. My Ed knew that my dream was to make people look beautiful. That’s what fashion is really about.”

Kathy said she has never let someone leave her shop with clothes that don’t look great on them.

“I’d rather not make the sale.”

Retirement for Kathy and Ed isn’t sitting around watching TV. “My Ed and I are going to spend a lot of time just being together. Working around the house and I’ll help him and he’ll help me. He’s a man of God.” Ed is a Gideon. His chapter put Bibles in hotels in the Roanoke Valley.

“We don’t mind if you take them home with you,” he said laughing. The Gideon Chapter maintains the hotel Bibles and keeps Lewis-Gale Hospital supplied. Once a year Ed and the other members hand out Bibles to area high school students.

Kathy’s focus – other than her Ed – will be the new Charity Cottage in Vinton for abused women and women of low selfesteem and the West End Center for Youth.

“I’ve always supported the annual fashion show that creates money to fund the West End Center, but now I’ll have time to do more.”

By Carol Kirtley info@newsroanoke.com

“Do Good / Live Well” Initiative Gifts $10,000 To Fight Local Hunger UnitedHealthcare has donated $10,000 to Feeding America Southwest Virginia to help in the fight against senior hunger.

The donation was made in support of AARP and AARP Foundation’s broader “Drive to End Hunger” campaign, which seeks to end hunger among seniors, and is part of the company’s “Do Good. Live Well.” initiative.

“We thank UnitedHealthcare for its continued support in our efforts to fight senior hunger,” said Pamela Irvine, president and CEO, Feeding America Southwest Virginia. “Nearly 6 percent of Virginia seniors are at risk of hunger, according to a recent AARP Foundation Study, so we need to do all we can to ensure our seniors do not go hungry this holiday season. UnitedHealthcare’s generous donation will go a long way in helping us achieve that goal.”

“As a company devoted to serving seniors, the struggle of senior hunger is close to our hearts, especially as the holidays approach, when many people participate in food-centered celebrations,” said Mike Weneta, UnitedHealthcare’s Roanoke site director. “We’re thankful to partner with Feeding America Southwest Virginia to make a difference in the lives of Virginia seniors and to ensure they have access to fresh, nutritious food.”

The $10,000 donation is part of UnitedHealthcare’s continued support of Feeding America Southwest Virginia. In July, volunteers from UnitedHealthcare and the Salem Red Sox hosted a food drive at LewisGale Field, which was part of a week-long effort to benefit Feeding America Southwest Virginia.

UnitedHealthcare’s check is presented.

More than 150 UnitedHealthcare employees participated, and had donated or collected more than 6,400 pounds of nonperishable food items during the food drive. Since then, UnitedHealthcare employees have continued to volunteer on behalf of Feeding America Southwest Virginia by working at the local food bank and helping sort, package and distribute food throughout the Roanoke Valley.

For more information about the benefits of volunteering and to find local opportunities to get involved, visit www.DoGoodLiveWell.org.

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Sports

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Please send in your pictures and relevant subject / game info and we’ll feature the next week! info@newsroanoke.com - Deadline is 5PM Tuesday.

Knights Advance With Win Over Richlands In Region Final Cave Spring running back Sam Wright provided the offense and the Knight defense stepped up to shut down Richlands in the second half, as Cave Spring calmed the Blue Tornado 35-21 Friday night at Ernie Hicks Stadium in Richlands.

Wright ran for 303 yards and scored all five Cave Spring touchdowns to lead the Knights into this Saturday’s state semifinal against undefeated Brookville at Dwight Bogle Stadium.

The Region IV Division 3 championship win avenged Cave Spring’s 36-23 loss in the title game against Richlands played on the same field last year.

Cave Spring running back Sam Wright turns the corner for a 28-yard touchdown run in the first quarter.

Cave Spring linebacker #58 Tyler Francis closes for the tackle on Blue Tornado running back #44 Devon Johnson.

With a standing-room-only partisan Richlands crowd looking on, the Blue Tornado wasted little time getting on the scoreboard. Richlands took the opening kickoff and marched down the field for an early 7-0 lead.

Cave Spring, however, had the answer with Wright. Riddling the Blue Tornado defense, Wright scored on back-to-back possessions from 49 and 29 yards out to give Cave Spring the 14-7 lead after one quarter.

Richlands tied the game at 14 early in the second when running back Devon Johnson walked in from 4-yards out. That led to offensive fireworks to close out the first half, as the two teams combined for 21 points in the last 47 seconds.

Wright put the Knights up 21-14 on a 3-yard run and, when Richlands mishandled the ensuing kickoff, Cave Spring recovered. On the next play, Wright scored from 32-yards out, putting the Knights up 28-14. The margin was short lived, however, as Richlands connected on a 46-yard bomb from Blue Tornado quarterback Reece Strong to Johnson with 20 seconds left. The teams went to the locker room with Cave Spring clinging to the 28-21 lead and Richlands sensing the momentum.

Cave Spring turned the tide to start the second half. Opening at their own 10-yard line, the Knights went on a 12-play drive that consumed over half of the third quarter.

Wright again applied the final punch, beating the Richlands defense to the right side to score from 26-yards. Jordan Bryant added his fifth conversion of the game for the 35-21 advantage.

The Cave Spring defense rose to the occasion and shut down the potent Blue Tornado offense, which had posted over 500 points this season, the rest of the way.

“The key to the game was the third quarter drive that used up almost seven minutes,” Cave Spring head coach Tim Fulton noted as the Knights raised the championship trophy.

“We gathered ourselves at halftime. It was an excellent effort tonight. This is such a great group.”

PH Grapplers Aim For Top Spot When the Patrick Henry hits the mats this season the Patriots will be returning 25 wrestlers as they look to knock off Franklin County, which has won 10 straight Western Valley District titles.

“We have a lot of returning starters and district champions,” said third-year head coach Jesse Anderson, who saw his team finish second in the WVD and 28th in the Group AAA state tournament last year.

The Patriots top returnees include Elijah Tackett (Junior, 112 pound class, 39-4 ), John Stiles (Soph., 125, 34-7), Minor Smith (Junior, 135, 30-8), Will Ford (Junior, 140, 25-10), Herman Pfaeffle (Junior, 145, 27-11) and Keenan Hughes (Soph., Hwt, 2112).

The team’s other top wrestlers include Brandon Terry (Senior, 160, 23-7), Josh Friday (Senior, 171, 39-11) and Chad Migkins (Senior, 215, 31-9).

Anderson sees his up and comers as being Chris Wilson, Jimmy Smith, Logan Comer, Steven Washington, Anthony Robinson, Sydney Dobbins and Tyler Brown.

“We have a lot of experience in our middle

weights and heavy weight,” said Anderson. “We will get some new studs at the higher weight classes, so we will have to teach them quickly.”

Patrick Henry, which won the Titan Toughman, Alleghany Duals, Patriot Revolution and Amherst Duals last season, has a very tough road ahead. “We have a very difficult schedule this year, which includes four Top 10 teams in the state and five top teams from other states,” Anderson noted.

“We look forward to the challenge and will get our wrestlers in top physical shape.”

The Patriots listed their top matches for the upcoming season as being the Battlefield Duals in Colonial Forge on Jan 6-7 and the district tournament on Feb. 4.

“I’m going into my third year here at PH. My staff and I have never been more excited about the team,” added Anderson. “We have a lot of dedicated kids that will make this year very fun to watch.” Patrick Henry opens its season on Friday, Dec. 2 and Saturday, Dec. 3 at Staunton River High School.

-By David Grimes • info@newsroanoke.com

Depth Hurting Cave Spring Wrestlers Low numbers and lack of depth are just a couple of obstacles facing the Cave Spring wrestling team this upcoming season, in a tough River Ridge District that has been dominated by Christiansburg.

With eight returnees and five newcomers for the Knights, the season ahead could be a challenge.

The team's top wrestlers include Chase McDaniel (Soph, 120 pound class), who won the district, region and was a state runner-up; Travis Hodges (Senior, 126), a district runner-up, third in the region and three-time state qualifier; Austin Mobley (Senior, 132), a district runner-up and third in the region; Zach Hodges (Senior, 138), a district runner-up and a two-time state qualifier; Coty Love (Junior, 145), a district runner-up; and Logan Turner (Soph, 285), a district champion and is currently ranked No. 19 in the country preseason at 285 pounds.

"We only had nine varsity wrestlers out of 14 weight classes and still finished in the Top 3 in some

local tournaments," said second-year head coach Tim Nininger. "I expect a few to win/compete for state titles and the team to finish in the Top 3.”

As for the team's weakness, Anderson stated, "Low numbers, lack of depth and a weak middle school program." As for their strengths, "We have trained year-round and we have a tough schedule."

As far as the upcoming season goes, Cave Spring is looking to win the Titan Toughman and Knights of the Round Table tournaments. They will also be competing with some top competition at tournaments in North Carolina and South Carolina, and in-state at Winchester and Hampton.

“When I took this job, I made a five-year plan,” said Nininger. “We have trained hard and are ahead of schedule. We will have kids competing for state titles this year."

Cave Spring opens it 2011-12 season on Dec. 3 at the Battle of the Courthouse in Spotsylvania.

-By David Grimes • info@newsroanoke.com

Cave Spring’s Craighead Named AVCA Volleyball All-American

Cave Spring’s Shannon Craighead has been named to the American Volleyball Coaches Association Under Armour Girls High School AllAmerican Team as honorable mention.

The team, consisting of 100 players selected nationwide, represents 32 states. She is one of only three players selected from Virginia. Although Craighead is still uncommitted, many of the players selected have already committed to play collegiate volleyball at some of the top programs in the country.

A co-captain of the Cave Spring team that won the VHSL Group AA state championship two weeks ago in Richmond, Craighead has been the primary setter for the powerful Cave Spring offense. She accounted for 72 assists in the two Final-4

By Bill Turner wins over Loudoun County info@newsroanoke.com and Jamestown.

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Cave Spring pulled away from a 28-22 halftime lead with the help of an aggressive second half defense and timely scoring down the stretch, as the Knights knocked off William Byrd 63-48 in the season opener for both teams at the Cave Spring gym Tuesday night.

Byrd had closed to within six points with just under six minutes left in the game, but the Knights forced several turnovers and hit key free throws to secure the victory.

Amin Abuhawwas led Cave Spring with 26 points, with fellowseniors Aaron Cupp adding 12 and Ryan Gladfelter chipping in 9.

Joe Barton led the Terrier scoring with 9 points. Colton Patriquin added 8, with Zac Hill scoring 7.

By Bill Turner info@newsroanoke.com

William Byrd's #44 Timmy Meador fights for a rebound against Cave Spring #12 Harrison Richards.

Wild Bill’s Weekly Sports Roundup

High school football moves sive 35-21 win. Cave Spring has into December and that can now knocked off two unbeatens only mean one thing - the VHSL in their last four games. Previstate semifinal showdown Sat- ously, it was the state’s #1 ranked urday.

AA team, Christiansburg, in Cave Spring is the sole man their next-to-last regular season standing from the Roanoke contest. area. The Knights have Can the Knights pitch another tough task the three-peat against this Saturday as the Brookville? With the Brookville Bees swarm forecast for sunny skies into Dwight Bogle Staand temperatures in the dium for a 1:00 p.m.

50s, this should be a kickoff. Brookville (12picture-perfect setting 0) eliminated Northside for what is expected to last Friday night at Jim be a shootout leading to Hickam Field, 21-7. It the Division 3 final at Bill Turner was the second year Liberty University. in a row they accomBrookville brings a plished that feat on the North- pair of double-digit touchdown side turf. rushers to Bogle in Michael In the coalfields of Southwest Carwile and Hilson Atkins.

Virginia, Cave Spring (9-3) re- But even their combined total versed their fortunes from last is well below the 38 TD runs year against previously unbeat- Cave Spring’s Sam Wright has en Richlands, with an impres- put on the scoreboard. Wright

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accounted for over 300 yards and all five touchdowns against Richlands. Brookville is touted as the favorite, but #28 for Cave Spring can change things in a hurry.

Now, let’s move to the college scene, where questions poured in to the mailbag on Virginia Tech and ACC football.

Dear Wild Bill: Did the Tech-UVa outcome surprise you? (Adam/Roanoke) Answer: Tech winning, no.

The score, yes. It appeared UVa was content on knowing it was bowl eligible, irregardless of the outcome.

Who’s now the big dog in ACC football? (Sam/Blacksburg) Answer: You guess is as good as any, Sam. The ACC has tried to hang its crown on everyone from Florida State to Georgia Tech to Va. Tech to Clemson.

When you consider schedules and performance, there’s been no clear-cut standout.

What’s been the biggest surprise in the ACC this year?

(Jack/Montvale) Answer: I’d say this week’s announcement of the All-ACC First-Team defense. Not a single member of Bud Foster’s lunch pail group made the squad.

Odd that a team that was talking BCS title game as recently as last week wouldn’t have a single member on the conference list.

Either someone in Blacksburg or someone in the ACC All-Star voting regimen is pulling our legs.

Think Tech can beat Clemson on Saturday? (Bob/Lynchburg) Answer: With ease. Clemson, like several other ACC football teams this year has totally imploded.

Send your Orange Bowl questions to: info@newsroanoke.com

By Bill Turner info@newsroanoke.com

Valley Business

Page 8 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 12/2/11 -12/8/11

How to Find a Responsible and Safe Weight-Loss Program In 1994 the Weight- control Information Network (WIN) was formed as an information service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), part of the National Institute of Health (NIH). They have published a guide to choosing a safe and successful weight loss program. As we are approaching the winter months and soon the season of making New Year’s resolutions I thought I would share some of their tips so you can make a good choice for yourself.

How do I find a responsible and safe weight-loss program?

Look for one that is based on regular physical activity and an eating plan that is balanced, healthy, and easy to follow.

Weight-loss programs should encourage healthy behaviors that help you lose weight and that you can stick with every day. Safe and effective programs should include: • Healthy eating plans that reduce calories but do not forbid specific foods or food groups.

• Tips to increase moderateintensity physical activity • Tips on healthy behavior changes that keep your cultural needs in mind • Slow and steady weight loss. Depending on your starting weight, experts recommend losing weight at a rate of ½ to 2 lbs. per week. Weight loss may be faster at the start of a program.

• Medical care if you are planning to lose weight by following NOTICE OF SERVICE BY PUBLICATION STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF NEW HANOVER

a special formula diet, such as a very low calorie diet • A plan to keep the weight off after you have lost it. Weight maintenance is the most difficult part of controlling weight and is not consistently implemented in some weight-loss programs. The program you select should help to permanently change your dietary habits and physical activity.

What questions should I ask?

Gather as much information as you can before deciding to join a program. Professionals working for weight-loss programs should be able to answer these questions: *What are the staff qualifications?

-Who supervises the program?

- What type of weight management training, experience, education, and certifications do the staff have? *What does the program consist of?

-Does the program offer oneon-one counseling or group classes?

-Do you have to follow a specific meal plan or keep food records?

-Do you have to purchase special food, drugs, or supplements?

-Does the program help you be more physically active, follow a specific physical activity plan, or provide exercise instruction?

-Does the program teach you to make positive and healthy behavior changes?

-Is the program sensitive to your lifestyle and cultural needs? *Does the product or pro-

gram carry any risks?

-Could the program hurt you?

-Could the recommended drugs or supplements harm your health?

-Do participants talk with a health care provider, such as a physician or nurse?

-Does a health care provider, such as a physician, run the program?

-Will the program’s health care provider work with your primary care provider if you have a medical condition such as high blood pressure or are taking prescribed drugs? *How much does the program cost?

-What is the total cost of the program?

-Are there other costs, such as weekly attendance fees, food and supplement purchases, etc?

-Are there fees for a follow-up program after you lose weight?

-Are there other fees for medical tests?

There are many weight-loss programs. Look for a safe and responsible program that motivates you and fits your lifestyle.

Remember, weight control is a life-long effort. Find a program that teaches you long-term healthy eating and physical activity lifestyle changes. There is no magic solution. It takes dedication, commitment and work. The pay-off is a healthier, and hopefully, a longer future!

Dr. Kenneth Luckay, DO is the Medical Director at the Center for Medical Weight Loss located at 4515 Brambleton Ave in Roanoke. He can be reached at 398-1547 or Email: dr.luckay@ cmwlroanoke.com.

NewsRoanoke.com

Estate Planning To Protect Young Children

Now that the federal estate tax exemption is $5 million for 2011 and $5.12 million for 2012, who needs to bother with estate planning? Young people with small children are some of the first people who come to mind. While many of us are quite happy with the way our property would be distributed according to the laws of intestacy—first to our spouses if they survive us, then to our children, then to our parents, then to our siblings, and so on—everything changes when young children are involved.

Estate planning is necessary even for people who don’t have enough money or property to worry about having to pay estate taxes. Even more important than avoiding the payment of unnecessary taxes is making sure that children will be welltaken care of. Parents understandably want to make sure that there is enough money to provide for the health, education, maintenance, and support of their children so that an untimely death will cause as little disruption as possible in their children’s lives. But money is not the only concern: Parents also need to make sure that a reliable person they trust will be responsible for raising their children.

Fairly simple estate planning can meet both of these needs.

Of course, if the other parent or another joint legal guardian survives the parent who dies, that person automatically will get physical custody of the children. In the case of a traditional married couple, the other parent also would receive the proceeds of the estate to provide for the children.

Amanda Shaw Estate planning is critical, however, for single or remarried parents and in the event that both parents or legal guardians die at the same time. A simple will can create a trust to provide for the financial needs of children, while also nominating a guardian to assume physical custody of the children. While a parent’s nomination of a guardian for minor children is not binding on the court that ultimately will decide who will be responsible for raising the children, courts give great consideration to parents’ wishes. No one wants to subject his or her children to the spectacle of competing grandmothers fighting in court over who gets the kids. A simple will can help avoid this.

A simple will also can excuse the guardian from having to post a bond and from having to file annual reports with the court, requirements that the law otherwise imposes by default.

In addition to the issue of who will be responsible for raising the children, parents need to consider how their children will inherit financial assets. For parents of young children, the largest asset that will pass to those children often is life insurance. But life insurance can be substantial. In the absence of

a will with trust provisions, the parents’ financial assets, including life insurance if the children are beneficiaries or the policy is payable to the parent’s estate, will pass to their children pursuant to the Uniform Transfers to Minors Act. According to the provisions of the statute, a custodian appointed by the court will manage all financial assets until the child reaches age eighteen. Once the child reaches age eighteen, however, the custodian must transfer all assets to the child. Even the most mature 18-year-old is not responsible enough to handle inheriting valuable property or a large chunk of money.

Executing a will with a trust provision can avoid this situation, while still ensuring that the children’s needs are met. A trust can mandate that financial assets be transferred to children when they reach a more mature age or can “sprinkle” distribution of the assets over a period of time.

It’s hard for any of us to face the prospect of an untimely death. But we can’t let our own squeamishness put our children at risk. At the very least, all parents should have an estate plan that nominates a guardian to raise their children and controls when and how their children inherit financial assets. An experienced attorney can prepare an estate plan to address both of these concerns and help make the loss of a parent a little less devastating.

Amanda Shaw is an attorney with Glenn Feldmann Darby & Goodlatte – visit www.gfdg.com to learn more.

Revive Hair Is Making A Real Difference

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Star-Sentinel contributors often have interesting “other lives” as well. Carla Bream ran for Commissioner of the Revenue in Roanoke County (she lost to the incumbent) and Melvin E. Matthews Jr. just released his third book, Duck and Cover. Count Christine Slade among that group – her Revive Hair Restoration Solutions, profiled when it first opened last April, has been helping people deal with hair loss since then.

Slade’s journey to Roanoke included a barrier-free salon in New Jersey, where the Connecticut native was

determined to open a shop that would be easy for the wheelchair-bound to maneuver in. She had an affinity for those with serious medical conditions – Slade said she battled multiple sclerosis for 16 years, before waking up one day to find that the symptoms had disappeared, something that baffled her doctors as well.

At her shop in Roanoke, Revive Hair, Slade uses low-light laser therapy to rejuvenate hair follicles, leading, she said, to hair growth. “There are none [others] in the region and few in Virginia,” said Slade, who is a physician-directed practitioner. That means “constant access” to doctors and nurses if she has questions. Slade said she has been growing hair for clients since 1995. It’s a more commonplace technique in Europe, but “nobody… sought to concentrate on that area,” locally in the past.

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“It’s the opposite of most of the lasers being used in the Roanoke Valley.” Since April she has seen people, both male and female, from “lots of different age groups … and demographics who are losing hair or who have lost hair in the past.” Slade is a licensed cosmetologist who “always knew I would [serve] people with special needs.”

Hair loss can be due to an illness or treatment (like chemotherapy) or just the ravages of time. “It’s an emotional thing,” said Slade, “they have to deal with the fact that [we’re] stirring up their hope [for new hair] again.”

She also is a wonderful hairdresser and cuts and colors hair using only organic products and can fit clients with undetectable wigs when necessary. Those seeking laser treatments usually come twice a week for up a year; pricing varies per client and specific therapy program but can be less than $50 per visit.

It’s also a misnomer that women are much more prone to seek hair replacement therapy than are men, according to Slade. She recalled talking to a client – a Professio young male - who had put together a training video for his 1618 business. When he watched it, “he said, who is the bald guy?

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Arts & Culture

NewsRoanoke.com

Roanoke College Honors Herman Reavis With Charles Brown Award Radio airwaves turned Herman Reavis into a Roanoke Valley icon. Listeners throughout the region tuned into his “Squirm with Herm” boogie and blues show on WRIS radio in the 1950s. The pioneer in radio broadcasting retired several years ago with many accolades, including induction into the Virginia Communications Hall of Fame.

On Tuesday at Roanoke College, Reavis added another honor to his awards list as the 15th recipient of the Charles Brown Award, which is given each year by the College to a Salem citizen who has contributed significantly to the city’s quality of life. The award is named for Dr. Charles Brown, Roanoke’s first dean and a former mayor of Salem.

Reavis, a Salem resident, has mentored young adults and worked with some of radio’s best programmers and executives throughout his 64-year broadcasting career. He also was general manager at Mel Wheeler Inc., owner of several Roanoke area radio stations, including Q-99 and K-92.

In 2007, Reavis earned the state’s highest broadcasting

Roanoke College President Mike Maxey (l); Herman Reavis (r). honor when he joined the Virginia Communications Hall of Fame.

Aside from professional achievements, Reavis has played an important role in the city of Salem. He has served with numerous Salem organizations, including the Rotary Club of Salem’s Board of Directors.

He also has volunteered with the Salem Food Pantry and as an Air Force veteran, recently helped with the opening of a post-traumatic stress disorder center at the Salem Veterans Af-

fairs Medical Center.

“I’m proud to be one of you,” Reavis said to a crowd that included Salem city employees, officials and residents during the breakfast award reception Tuesday. “Salem does not have streets of gold, but our streets are filled with people with hearts of gold.”

Reavis and his wife, Sue, have been married for 28 years, and they have seven children, 11 grandchildren and a greatgranddaughter.

The “Real Santa” Returns to Fantasyland at New Location

Santa Claus shares both wisdom and good cheer with the children at Fantasyland.

Fantasyland began in the 1970s when several downtown businesses donated their retired Christmas figures, first to Downtown Roanoke, Inc., then to the Roanoke Valley History Museum (now History Museum of Western Virginia) to preserve their magic for future generations.

Last year, Fantasyland was enjoyed by over 4,000 visitors and schoolchildren. This uplifting program with Santa Claus and other holiday characters harkens back to a simpler time. Children love the elves in Santa’s workshop, the penguins and polar bears in Arctic snow, characters from many countries in a chorus poised to sing

songs from around the world and reindeer in their stalls waiting patiently for Santa to hook them to his sleigh and begin their most important journey around the globe.

This year Santa will welcome visitors of all ages in a new location – the historic Dumas Center at 108 1st Street.

Santa teaches important lessons of love and sharing as he tells original stories, sings, plays guitar and piano and interacts with the children through fun activities. Children and their families experience being loved and appreciated as well as learn important lessons about kindness, helpfulness, responsibility, tolerance and love. Photographs

are allowed so visitors may bring cameras.

Fantasyland is open through December 23 at 4 p.m. Santa has set program times so please call or check the History Museum's website for program times.

Admission is: $5.00 for Adults (18 -59) and Seniors (60+), $3.00 for Children (3 -17). Free for Children age 2 and under.

Donate a non-perishable food item and receive $1.00 off regular admission. All Fantasyland ticket purchases are good for one free pass to the History Museum at 128 East Campbell Avenue (Hotel Shenandoah).

12/2/11 -12/8/11 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 9

Taking on a New Shape: Mission Residents Learn Pottery Skills

Before taking up her current position as head of training in spiritual direction at the Roanoke Rescue Mission, Kelly Sisson was senior pastor for 17 years at a church in Blacksburg. During that time she sought a creative outlet outside her daily pastoral responsibilities. “I am a very intense, focused person in my work,” she explains. “I tend to give 200 percent, and I realized I needed something that was an outlet to refocus myself.”

Sisson took a clay pottery class through the YMCA at Virginia Tech and “was immediately hooked. There was an immediate connection.

Over time, the outlet became a vocation and now it’s so deeply in my being that working with clay is as necessary as breathing to my daily life.”

While on sabbatical from her church duties in 2002, Sisson was approached by The Rescue Mission’s Joy Sylvester Johnson about helping to turn an old kitchen into a pottery studio. At the time the mission was undergoing a major renovation and Sisson accepted Johnson’s offer— which she carried out as a volunteer assignment.

When Johnson learned that Sisson was leaving her church, over a year ago, she asked her if she would take on the full-time position of minister for spiritual direction and studio arts—an offer Sisson accepted.

Once the pottery studio was built, it was utilized as a creative arts facility for numerous mediums, before being ultimately transformed into a full-time clay studio to help those with addiction problems understand their recovery.

It’s part of the Rescue Mission’s recovery curriculum for people who stay at the Mission 15 to 18 months and are in an addiction or recovery program. The first part of their treatment is an introduction to a Twelve Step class, taught by Sisson, where participants examine the spiritual aspects of the program and how they will begin applying it to their treatment.

They then advance to a four-week clay class in the studio, where, in Sisson’s words, “we use the clay as a metaphor to understand and put those steps into practice. The [object] is to center the clay so that, even with all the chaos and all the movement in life going on, the clay appears to be unmoved. For all of us in life, we have to learn how to find our own sense of center and sense of spirit within us that can help us with all the chaos we deal with day in and day out in our lives.” During one exercise participants even “throw clay” while wearing a blindfold, striving to keep their pottery centered as it spins on the wheel.

Anger management skills are part of the class— what Sisson calls “de-airing” the clay. “How do we begin to get those pockets of anger out? One of

A Rescue Mission resident in the recovery program tries his hand at pottery. the things we learn is that it splatters back on us.

Anytime we inappropriately project anger, then it can splatter everywhere—including back on us.

There is a visual when you’re covered in clay to realize there might be another way to deal with this, that might be more healthy.”

Those in the pottery program focus all of their efforts on recovering from addictions. A volunteer service assignment is part of their treatment.

The purpose of the pottery program is about the recovery, not commercializing the items those in the program turn out. The program, in Sisson’s words, is “to get a feel for the clay, to understand how it works in relationship to getting an understanding of how an individual works.”

Sisson, whose own pottery has been exhibited and sold at the 2nd Helpings Gallery on Williamson Road, cites a text from the book of Jeremiah in the Hebrew scriptures: “This is just like clay in the potter’s hands. So we are in God’s hands.

What does it mean for us to allow ourselves to be molded into something far beyond what we imagined we could be molded into? We really emphasize that part of the process, and we don’t want them working on a product to be sold. We have had people go on to do pottery [outside the Rescue Mission] and we’ve even had a couple of professional potters come out of it. But that’s not our goal.”

By Melvin E. Matthews, Jr. info@newsroanoke.com

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