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The Roanoke Star-Sentinel December 30 - January 5, 2012

Happy New Year!

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City Council Weighs In On Parkway

[Virginia Tech]

Hanging in There

A General Management Plan is being finalized that will preserve resources and manage access routes to the 76 year-old Blue Ridge Parkway. The National Park Service held a public forum on the Plan on November 10 in Roanoke County. The National Park Service will use the input from stakeholders on how best to protect the Parkway, manage visitor’s use and better analyze the costs and alternatives. Roanoke City Council had until Tuesday to submit a resolution on one of three options. Option “A” was to leave the current outdated plan as is. Option “B” was the National Park City Gov’t Service’s preferred alternative. It would establish a partnership agreement with the city to manage the Mill Mountain spur road area and convert the campground to day use. The city balked at that idea since it required a sizable financial commitment. Council consensus was for Option “C” which was considered to be the most beneficial to the city. This option includes the potential for a parkway information desk and programs at off-site locations and management of the Roanoke Mountain and Mill Mountain spur road areas. Option C would increase the operating budget from $23 million to $226.5 million. Each option had elements that the city previously opposed. All of the options included a recommendation to > CONTINUED close “social trails.” P2: Council

Strange Party P3– Gene Marrano has the scoop on a “Festivus for the Rest of Us” that took place last week at the Kirk Avenue Music Hall.

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The Red-eyed treefrog (Agalychnis callidryas) is one of the species a Virginia Tech-led team will be examining in Panama in2012. Photo by Brian Gratwicke, Smithsonian Institution.

Joe Kennedy

Spreading Joy P4– Joe Kennedy reminds us that thinking positive can create wonderful memories for us and those whom we love.

2011 was a tough year economically for the nation and Roanoke Valley residents weren’t able to dodge the worst of it relative to declining property values and a rising unemployment rate. But like the remarkable little Tree Frog pictured above, Roanokers have hung in there and seem to be enduring the worst that the “Great Recession” has had to offer. One positive that our Valley has going for it is its proximity to Virginia Tech - the largest university in Virginia - which is one of the reasons we try to feature regular coverage on the work and life of the university. (And not just sports!) A short 35 minute drive away (an across town commute in larger cities), VA Tech has the ability to be a tremendous economic boon to Roanoke and the research conducted there (and now at the Carilion / VT Medical School and Research Institute) will go a long way in bringing recognition and investment to our area. One of the University’s recent studies highlights how microbial diversity defends against disease - the implications of which, of course, reach far beyond our little neck of the woods . . . and even a Publisher who happens to be a UVA alumni can appreciate that. Here’s to a great many successes for both Hokies and Hoos in 2012! > See Full Story on Page 2

Western District U.S. Attorney’s Office Collects $15.5 Million U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Heaphy’s office has reported that the Western District of Virginia collected $15.5 million in Fiscal Year (FY) 2011 related to criminal and civil actions. Of this amount, $11,530,676 was collected in criminal actions and $2,234,102 was collected in civil actions. Additionally, the office collected $2,784,034 in criminal and civil forfeitures. Nationwide, the U.S. Attorneys’ of-

fices collected $6.5 billion in criminal of the combined 94 offices for FY and civil actions during FY 2011, sur- 2011. passing $6 billion for the second con“During this time of economic resecutive year. A portion of covery, these collections are this amount, $1.3 billion, more important than ever,” State Gov’t was collected in shared said U.S. Attorney Timothy cases in which one or more J. Heaphy. “The U.S. AttorU.S. Attorneys’ offices or department ney’s Office is dedicated to protecting litigating divisions were also involved. the public and recovering funds for The $6.5 billion represents more than the federal treasury and for victims three times the appropriated budget of federal crime. We will continue to

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P8– David Tenzer of GFD&G says that any business that has more than one owner should have a well prepared Buy-Sell Agreement.

Photo by Gene Marrano

The new South County Library begins to takes shape as the long awaited opening day, Tuesday January 3, 2012, approaches.

Innovative New Library Arrives This Week

P9– Seth Childers offers reviews of the most recent movie releases, including War Horse, Mission Impossible and Sherlock Holmes.

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hold accountable those who seek to profit from their illegal activities.” The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. Statistics indicate that the total amount > CONTINUED collected in P3: District

Family Service Celebrates 110 Years Of Healing

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A day that has long been on many people’s wish list, let alone long on the drawing board, finally arrives on January 3 with the opening of the South County library on Merriman Road. The new main library for Roanoke County, located across from Penn Forest Elementary School, replaces the outdated and overcrowded main library on 419, which closed several weeks ago. During that time the books located there have been migrating over to the new location. That new space, which opens with an 11am ribbon cutting and other activities throughout the week, is a 54,000 square foot building that includes a large children’s section, a coffee shop (operated by Mill Mountain Coffee), views of Mason’s Knob from a reading nook located at the top of an impressive staircase and a large, curved circulation desk - very unlike the smaller space located at the old library. An expanded number of computers (around 80) will be available to the public on the second floor. The ceilings are wood, giving the place the feel of a ski lodge and > CONTINUED P2: Library

In 1967 a young my side.” couple was struggling After some iniwith money issues as tial discussions the well as a six-month counselor told the old child and their couple that he wantrelationship was falled to meet with them ing apart. every other day for a “He yelled at me week. “It cost us $2.50 all the time. Nothing for each session. I was right. The baby A volunteer serves at FSRV. remember that even cried all the time. that seemed like a The doctor bills were going through lot of money.” the roof. John worked hard but he Jean and her husband, John have couldn’t make enough to cover every- been married “mostly happily,” for thing. He was always worried about nearly 45 years and have two sons money, money, money. Nothing else and five grandchildren. seemed to matter to him,” said Jean. Providing affordable services to Jean said her sister-in-law sug- individuals and families in crisis for gested Family Service and said that it more than 110 years, Family Service might not cost a lot. of Roanoke Valley has kept up with “At our first appointment John the needs of the community by exand I bickered while we got panding services when ready to go, while we drove needed, including Adult Community there, while we waited in the Survivor, Anger Managereception and by the time ment / Group Therapy, we saw the counselor, we were both Couple / Marriage / Family, Dialectiangry and belligerent. The counselor cal Behavior Therapy, Domestic Viosimply asked: ‘What’s going on with lence, Drug Court, Employee Assisyou?’ We both started talking at once tance, Faith Integrated Counseling, and an argument started in seconds.” Individual Therapy, Play Therapy, “This wonderful man looked at TransParenting > CONTINUED us and smiled. I’ll never forget that and VASAP. beautiful smile. I felt like he was on Local attorP2: Family

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Page 2 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 12/30/11 -1/5/12

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Tech Research Team Explores How Microbial Diversity Defends Against Disease Amphibians are among the most threatened creatures on earth, with some 40 percent of amphibian species threatened or endangered. One of their primary threats is a rapidly spreading disease that attacks the skin cells of amphibians. "Chytridiomycosis, a fungal disease, has been a key factor in the extinctions of many species of frogs around the world," said Lisa Belden associate professor of biological sciences in the College of Science at Virginia Tech. Belden is leading a team of researchers from Virginia Tech, James Madison University, Villanova University, and the Smithsonian Institution who will study the microbial communities living on the skins of frogs that are surviving the fungal scourge. The 2 Million Dollar effort is one of 11 new Dimensions of Biodiversity projects funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) with the aim of transforming, by 2020, "how scientists describe and understand the scope and role of life on earth," according to an NSF news release. For Belden's team, the lofty goals will be achieved through hands on work in Panama, where the spread of chytrid fungus has been extensively documented. Researchers will swab the skin of frogs in areas with and without chytrid to collect samples of the microbes that live there. They will then release the frogs and assess the microbial commu-

nity, both in terms of what microbes are there and what they are doing functionally on the skin. To see what microbes are there, researchers will examine their DNA. To see what the microbes are doing, researchers will examine how well they inhibit the growth of the chytrid fungus, and also assess what chemical metabolites are being produced by the microbes. "We expect that in the presence of chytrid fungus, there will be strong selection for the bacteria to produce anti-chytrid fungus metabolites, regardless of what bacterial species are present on the skin," said Belden. It is all about appreciating the diverse roles of microbes, Belden said. "We are used to equating microbes with germs that make us sick, but, in fact, many microbes are critical to health. Healthy humans, for instance, carry around about 3 pounds of microbes, largely in our guts. These microbes help us absorb our food, break down toxins, and prevent pathogens from gaining a foothold." Belden's team is interested in whether microbial communities on the skin of frogs have a role in disease resistance, in particular to the devastating chytrid fungus. And if there is such immunity, does it rely on the same mechanism from one frog to another, on different species of frogs, and in different

> Council

City Council approved a the Chestnut Ridge Loop to the resolution for Option “C” with Wood Thrush Trail and other modifications that include in- trails in the Mill Mountain Park; creased federal funding for Link Parkway trails to the Roaroadway maintenance and noke Valley Greenway system provided reasonable and safe and work with the Roanoke access for hikers, bicyclists and ValIey Greenway Commission equestrians to the parkway be- to extend the Roanoke River fore closing social trails. Greenway to Explore Park. Support for unpaved multiFor more information on the use trails designed for shared plan go to parkplanning.nps. use by hikers, mountain bik- gov/blueridgeparkway. ers, and equestrians; AccomOther Council Business: modation for Parkway bicycle - The Roanoke Arts Comuse with paved shoulders mission will purchase the “Tro-! rather than adding separate jan Dog” which will be recrepaved bike paths; Creation of ated by the artist Ann Glover House Cleaning a seamless connectionProfessional from in fiberglass. The fiberglass the Parkway corridor through piece will take the place of the the Mill Mountain spur to Mill wooden “Trojan Dog” in front 1618 Roanoke Blvd Mountain Park and connect of the fire station on Memorial

locations? "Our long-term goal is to try to develop probiotics" to share the biochemistry employed by beneficial microbes with frogs who need it, she said. To advance that goal, Belden's team is working with Brian Gratwicke, a research biologist at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, and Roberto Ibáñez, a scientist at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. As leaders of the Panama Amphibian Rescue and Conservation Project, they are maintaining captive colonies of endangered Panamanian frogs that are highly susceptible to the chytrid fungus. The hope is that the use of probiotics will someday allow release some of these species back into nature. Belden is affiliated with the Fralin Life Science Institute at Virginia Tech, which strategically invests in targeted research areas within the life sciences. Research initiatives receiving the highest priority for support include vector-borne disease, infectious disease and microbial sciences, plant sciences, ecology and organismal biology, obesity, and cancer biology. By Susan Trulove info@newsroanoke.com

From page 1 Avenue. This is a partnership owned parking lot through a project with Raleigh Court Civ- separate license agreement with ic League, which will provide the City. The property will con$5,600 in funds tinue to be used for its commu- Roanoke City employees nity swimming programs. will have the Friday before the - Assistant City Attorney Christmas weekend as a paid Tim Spencer was appointed holiday in addition to Monday Acting Roanoke City Attorney the day after Christmas. until a permanent replacement - Gator Pool swimming facil- for William Hackworth, who ity’s 20-year lease of city-owned is retiring on December 31, is land expired in June 2011. With appointed. Spencer joined the consideration of the improve- city attorney’s office in 2004 ments at their sole expense, and has primarily provided lethe 1.36 parcel located adjacent gal services to the school systo Fishburn Park Elementary tem, police and fire/EMS.. School was conveyed to Roanoke Valley Swimming, Inc. for ! General Home Repairs By Valerie Garner $10. RVS will continue to have info@newsroanoke.com Complete Bathroom Remodeling • Tile Work joint use of an adjacent city-

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www.dustbunniescorp.com giftbegan certificates available there is airiness to the structure. •that and people saw what That’s what high ceilings and amenities would be in [the room to spread out will do for South County] library, it made you. There’s also a young adult it rather obvious that the rest room, an auditorium and refer- of the libraries were inadequate ence services. and needed to be brought up to The Roanoke County Board the same level,” said library diof Supervisors approved the rector Diana Rosapepe several Tree over Removal • Deadwooding Gutter project two years ago, after months• ago. New Cleaning Glenvar, Vinit was streamlined due to budget ton and Mount Pleasant librarSpring Aeration • Overseeding concerns. Favorable conditions ies are• Spring also on theCleanups to-do list. Mulch Delivered and Spread in the construction market acMore than 130,000 items will Free Estimates Insured tually brought down costs in •beFully moved to the new South the end. A grant will aid in the County library by the time it building of a wetlands trail on opens on January 3. Mill Mounthe library grounds, which will tain Coffee and Tea will anchor eventually connect to a planned the Commons Area, which walking path on a creek near features two 80-seat meeting adjacent ball fields. rooms and the 200-seat audiThe South County library is torium. The two smaller spaces only one of several that Roanoke can be used as a spillover for County is rebuilding. “Once events held in the auditorium

Forpage a Free Estimate Call or email James From 1 725-7343 jss25@cox.net Licensed/insured with 24 years experience (called The Forum), with an available Ken Farmer, who has appeared references audiovisual feed keeping people on the PBS program Antiques connected. Roadshow makes an appearBook drops for patrons drivat The Forum on January 6 “The tool I recommendance most? ing cars, trucks or SUV’s will be (6:30pm). In the meeting rooms available, and people can call on Saturday, January 7 from ahead to have book for 9am to 4pm there are free films Use ita to call held Mr. Handyman. them. Those wanting to pick for the younger crowd and muup a book before or after library sic set to digital displays. hours can do so from secure That same day in The Forum lockers. there is a magic show at 11am Openingwww.mrhandyman.com week highlights: and 2pm by Nancy Kenton, Action Animals USA (Tuesday, who promises “magic, music, 540-977-4444 Jan. 3, 3:30 and 5pm) features comedy and more!” Check out RICHARD KARN TV star and “home improvement guru.” exotic and domestic animals. the library page on the Roanoke James “Bud” Robertson speaks County website (roanokecounabout the Civil War that same tyva.gov) for more on opening night at 7pm (a ticket is re- week events at the newest public quired) in the auditorium/meet- library in the Roanoke Valley. ing room space. There’s a K92 By Gene Marrano teen social on Thursday, January gmarrano@cox.net 5 at 6:30pm. Antiques appraiser

> Family

From page 1

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ney Olin Melchionna said that in the early 1980s, Family Service and asked him to provide guardian / conservator duties for an elderly woman who was being taken advantage of with her money. “It worked out very well. I am impressed and appreciate the multi-faceted services they offer, especially the care and protection of the elderly.” Olin said that when his father, a Roanoke physician, was about 75 he lived alone. “One day Dad and I were in his kitchen when the housekeeper who had been with his father for many years, told them she was retiring. “Dad was old school. He said: ‘Why, I can fix supper’.” Olin said his Dad turned to him, pointed to the stove and said, “Do you know how to turn that thing on?” “I knew we needed help.” Olin’s first thought was to give Family Service a call. “Family Service came through when we needed them. They were so nice to him. They were honest and easy to get along with. It allowed Dad to stay in his home where he was happy. One of the things that Olin appreciated the most was the fact that their need wasn’t ignored because they were not impoverished. “Dad could afford to pay for the care he needed. We probably paid the same

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to Family Service as we would have to other providers but I knew they would have good people we could trust. It worked out perfectly.” Family Service offers Care Management, Adults Plus Counseling, Guardianship Program, Home Care and Personal Affairs Management in its Older Adult Services Program. Rebecca’s 17-year-old son was killed in a traffic accident in 2004 when he was driving home from college. “I had a lot of trouble dealing with it. Family and friends were supportive but they weren’t enough. I needed to find someone to help me. Someone who didn’t know me personally so I could talk freely. Rebecca said she called Family Service because she worked in Downtown Roanoke and their offices are located on Campbell Avenue. “Family Service has a lot of flexibility financially and it’s so important to work with a counselor that you can relate to. They have a full staff and if it’s not a right fit you can change. For anyone who has suffered a critical loss, Rebecca advises, “Seek out any resource you can. Don’t suffer alone. Family Services was there for me. I don’t forget . . . But I can now deal with it.” With over 110 years of service resulting in such stories of healing and compassion, Family Service of Roanoke Valley continues to reach out to the en-

FSRV unfurled a banner as part of their 110th year celebration. tire community regardless of economic, ethnic and cultural background. To learn more visit them on the web at: www.fsrv.org or call 540-563-5316. By Carol Kirtley info@newsroanoke.com

NewsRoanoke.com

12/30/11- 1/5/12 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 3

Roanoke Receives Accolades for LewisGale Physicians Help Make "Eat for Education" Campaign Christmas Brighter

The following article was featured in Governing Magazine, one of the most widely read public sector publications in the US. To see real leadership in action, our dysfunctional leaders in D.C. should drive down Interstate 81 to Roanoke, Va. Roanoke's schools were taking multiple hits in late 2009. State funding - covering about half of the district's budget -was being cut again, and the end of federal stimulus money loomed. David Carson, chair of the school board, felt as if the schools were "headed off a cliff." The community wanted to help. Roanoke's schools had been in bad shape. Fewer than 60 percent of students graduated. Most students were receiving free or reduced-priced lunches. Half the city's schools were not accredited. The city council, which provides the other half of the district's funding, targeted education as a high priority. In 2007, a superintendent search had reached out to a dynamic education leader, Rita Bishop, who dove in and sparked a turnaround. By 2009, the graduation rate was improving, and other results impressed the community. But the fiscal storm threatened that progress. The cuts would mean the end of summer school, fewer teachers and textbooks, and larger class sizes. As city Finance Director Ann Shawver put it, "Shame on us if we don't support Dr. Bishop." But finding a way to make up at least some of the funding loss was not going to be easy. Council member Court Rosen reviewed the limited options and landed on the city's prepared-meals tax. Despite being told that it would be "political suicide," he proposed a two-cent increase in the tax for two years to raise $4.4 million per year, covering about half of the state cuts. At the public hearing, restaurants and the hospitality industry opposed the increase, but no one else spoke against it, and the council passed it unanimously. Everyone recognized that "2 for 2" was only fiscal first aid, but it provided breathing room. Typically, that would have been a decent public policy outcome. Some people win, some lose, the community gains. Time to move on to the next challenge. But not for Chris Morrill, the newly arrived city manager. Morrill is widely recognized for inspiring collaboration, and he did not want the restaurants to be the losers. So Morrill and Joyce Waugh, who heads the Chamber of Commerce, put their heads together to see if they could "turn these lemons into lemonade," as Waugh put it. What they came up with was "Eat for Education," or "E4E." The result of a partnership of the city, the Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Convention & Visitors Bureau, Downtown Roanoke, and the Roanoke Valley Hospitality Association, "E4E" is a campaign to make the tax increase as much of win-win as possible. The city smartly hired the public-relations firm

> District criminal actions totaled $2.66 billion in restitution, criminal fines, and felony assessments. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid directly to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims’ Fund, which distributes the funds to state victim

that had represented the restaurants opposing the tax to help brand and promote E4E. Nowadays, everyone is encouraged to "eat for education" in Roanoke's restaurants. The city council led with a progressive dinner having appetizers in one restaurant, moving on to another for entrees and sampling desserts at a third, all with TV cameras in tow. The school board held a restaurant breakfast meeting. In Roanoke, you will see "Eat for Education" decals on restaurant windows and find entry slips for E4E drawings to fill out on the tables. Each month, the winner of the drawing receives a $50 Roanoke restaurant gift card, funded by the city. On Tuesday nights, families enjoy E4E specials, and school employees receive discounts on "Educators Day" each month. Supplementing the E4E promotion, Finance Director Shawver's office makes sure that residents can see exactly how every penny gets to the schools. The E4E website shows each step in the process, including the day each month that the money comes in and the day it transfers to the schools. The buzz worked. The tax brought in $4.6 million in the first year, and second-year receipts also are exceeding projections. Mealstax revenue is up 2.5 percent, after factoring in the rate increase. And restaurants have not suffered. Some owners have told Carson that they are actually doing better now. Roanoke residents make sure that their destination restaurant is within the city limits. Bishop and her team are delivering results with these added funds. For the first time, all of Roanoke's schools are accredited. The graduation rate has increased to 76 percent. Key to that success is what happens in the summer. Roanoke's enhanced summer school now helps remediate 2,600 students. When kids arrive in the fall "caught up," they have a much better chance of graduating. Bishop's strategy also includes Forest Park Academy, a special school for students who have been socially promoted or are at high risk of dropping out. Forest Park has produced more than 400 graduates in the last three years. As for political suicide, no incumbent who ran in May of 2010 lost because they supported "2 for 2." Rosen concludes, "Good policy is good politics." The folks up the road in D.C. could get some much needed education in Roanoke. While they're at it, they also could enjoy a nice meal that satisfies in more ways than one. Jim Chrisinger is a GOVERNING contributor. He is a Senior Partner at the Public Strategies Group. See the article online at: http://www. governing.com/columns/mgmt-insights/eatingeducation-tax-increase-roanoke-schools.html

From page 1

compensation and victim assistance programs. The statistics also indicate that $3.83 billion was collected by the U.S. Attorneys’ offices in individually and jointly handled civil actions. The largest civil collections were from affirmative civil enforcement cases, in which the United States recovered government money lost to fraud or other misconduct or collected fines imposed on

individuals and/or corporations for violations of federal health, safety, civil rights or environmental laws. In addition, civil debts were collected on behalf of several federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Health and Human Services, Internal Revenue Service, and Small Business Administration.

Hundreds of toys were delivered last week to children in one of the nation’s poorest communities, McDowell County, West Virginia. Doctors and staff with LewisGale Physicians spent the past few weeks collecting everything from diapers and games to MP3 players and mountain bikes. “Without these gifts many of these children would not have had a Christmas,” said William Caldwell Jr., F.A.C.H.E., Vice President Physician Practice Management. Over half of the children in McDowell County live below the poverty level. The toys were distributed to 182 children who are among the neediest families in the county. “We are in the business of helping and caring for those in need and this is just one more way we are giving back to the community,” said Caldwell.

Festivus: A Slightly Different Holiday Party It was indeed “A Festivus for the Rest of Us,” a Christmas party perhaps like no other at Kirk Avenue Music Hall last weekend. Inspired by the famous Seinfeld episode about an alternative holiday created by George Costanza’s father Frank, the local Festivus party was actually a brainchild of the Shadowbox microcinema, which operates out of Kirk Avenue Music Hall. Like the Seinfeld episode it featured an aluminum pole – no Christmas tree, thank you – feats of strength (thumb wrestling in this case) and the airing of griev- The Festivus “aluminum pole” was a centerpiece at last week’s ances. Co-organizer Sam Hen- Seinfeld-inspired party. sley, who helped Shadowbox director Jason Garnett get the this about three months ago and when she spent a few minutes party off the ground, was hoping knew that we would keep to the at the microphone. Another that one hundred or more people three tenets of Festivus – the alu- didn’t care for the daily grind would drift in and out of the mu- minum pole instead of a Christ- where he worked, and didn’t like mas tree, the airing of grievances the mundane conversations he sic hall as the party got going. In the background videos - where you tell people how they encountered on the job. Yet anplayed on the Shadowbox screen, have disappointed you through- other said a lawyer stole her iPod including a Pee Wee’s Playhouse out the year – and the feats of (“you have enough money to get episode (starring Pee Wee Her- strength. After [that’s] done that’s your own”) while also complaining about The Simpsons TV man) and, believe it or not, a when Festivus is over.” Those who got up to gripe show, which she said had run its really bad science fiction movie during the airing of grievances course. “[They] need to let it die directed by none other than the talked about how hard it was already.” late Kim Jung II, the North Koto tear people away from their The Festivus episode on Seinrean Communist dictator who video games; they complained feld was inspired by a real life, just died. about local politics, students who similar event staged by the famHensley, who also calls himself don’t read the syllabus (a college ily of a production team member a sculptor and furniture builder, teacher complained about that whenever they thought Christhas used discarded VHS tapes one, using somewhat colorful mas was getting out of hand. to create usable coffee tables language), former employers “We’re thankful for the people (like the one at the CUPS coffee house) and other items. “I take (“the roof will fall on your head”) that come out,” said Hensley about those who showed up for them and glue them together and Roanoke. One woman complained Festivus, “but also for those that [to] create art forms,” said Henabout guys with tattoos and turn out for every Shadowbox sley. As for Festivus, he loved it amorous advances from those event.” when Garnett bounced the idea who drink too much. “Please do for a party off him. By Gene Marrano “I’m a huge Seinfeld fan,” said not bring me your child when gmarrano@cox.net Hensley. “We started planning they are dirty…I will report you to CPS,” said one schoolteacher

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Page 4 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 12/30/11 -1/5/12

Spread A Little Joy Whenever You're Able

hen I think back - until a snowstorm showed up to Christmas, the and provided perfect condimemories are al- tions for riding. most all good - especially the We were a middle-class scent of the tree, covered with family, with parents who were ornaments and tinsel erected scrimping and saving for our in the living room bay window educations. We knew better of our childhood home. than to ask for ponies, even The annual, seemingly end- if four of our friends on the less discussion of who street owned horses was or was not old -big, dark beasts they enough to attend the rode during lessons Midnight Mass at our their parents paid Catholic church; The for at Mrs. Bosley's recurrent admonistables. tions, directed at my Sometimes we brother Jim and me, tagged along and not to rise too early were rewarded with and certainly not bebrief turns in the Joe Kennedy tween midnight and saddle, perching on dawn, to claw into the one nag or another wrapped boxes under the tree as it clomped slowly through thereby awakening the rest of tall grass thick with insects the family. toward the dusty outdoor ring Our presents were never where we would hang on for a outrageous -- no ponies or desultory circuit or two before Corvette convertibles -- but the horse clomped back to the they were always gratifying, barn. Someone would help us even when pajamas, robes, down to solid ground. But my slippers and books prevailed. brothers, sister and I did not We knew that, almost in- envy our horse-riding friends. variably, a new sweater or shirt Our wants were more pedeswould turn up to provide us trian. with proof that our parents One fall Saturday when I was loved us and wanted us to look eight or nine years old, our fagood, just as our friends' par- ther took my two brothers and ents wanted for them. me to a sporting goods store One year, I think, we received on East Baltimore Street in the a couple of shiny new sleds, to heart of downtown Baltimore. be shared (or not shared!) by The store occupied deep space the four of us kids. It wasn't in a short building that stood a long - a couple of weeks or so few blocks from the harbor, a couple of blocks from the U.S. Customs House, where my father worked. The area was perhaps a block from "The Block" - a national landmark for the soldiers, sailors and other men at loose ends who patronized its bars, strip clubs and burwww.oln-parish.org lesque theater. I had heard of The Block but developed no appreciation for it until age 16 or so, when an equally callow friend and I Contact us: ventured into the "Gayety Bur540-774-0066 lesque" one Friday night and watched a show. We thought we were brave explorers in the 2505 Electric Road, tradition of Ferdinand Ma-

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gellan and Vasco Da Gama, whose birthday, by thrilling coincidence, is marked on Christmas Eve. It took a few years for us to realize that that many, perhaps most, 16-year-old males in Baltimore had explored The Block. Some many times, no doubt, while my courage abandoned me after that one visit. The owner of the National Sporting Goods store was George Bratt, a heavyset fellow who starred as a baseball player in college and whom my father regarded with a measure of awe. Mr. Bratt wore his fraying hair combed straight back. This gave him a streamlined appearance, like the hood ornament of a Pontiac sedan, though his girth prevented him from conveying any illusion of speed. My dad and my brother John had just begun to discuss lacrosse sticks when I spied the wall behind the sales counter. It was adorned with small display shelves, and with Christmas on the way those shelves bore the most tantalizing footballs imaginable. My eyes locked on one and without thinking I asked my father if I could have it for Christmas. The price of $10 gave me pause, but my dad's response, calm and noncommittal, gave me hope. With the lacrosse stick in John's hands, we headed for the car. Once home, I mentioned the football, and its price, to my mother. "It costs too much," she said. Crushed, I put the football out of mind and expected another Christmas heavy on pajamas, robes and other necessities. My mother's word was law. Sometimes, it seemed as if "No" was her most favorite word of all. My father almost never contradicted her. I've told this story a thousand times but I guess one more rendition won't hurt. On Christmas morning we

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unearthed our presents and thanked our folks for the annual haul. Then someone handed me a box, tightly wrapped and just big enough for an I-don'tknow-what. A hush came over the room. The gift paper slid easily from the box. Inside of it I saw that football. Unbridled boyhood Christmas Joy ensued. I started tossing it around with my brothers that afternoon, and continued to play with it for more than 30 years. As I said, I've told this story a million times, once as a listener commentary on National Public Radio. It held special import for me the year my son was born when I began to see it in a new light. It's no longer just a story about kindness. It has become a story about automatic thinking, and buying without questioning into long held family beliefs. My father didn't have to break the bank to buy that football. But my mother believed he did. She grew up with a "poverty mentality," - a never silent inner voice that says "can't" rather than a more hopeful and optimistic, "maybe we can." I understand the "why" of her response, but also recognize the danger of hanging on to a way of thinking simply because, "that’s the way its always been." This column is not a plea for parents to be easier on their kids. Instead, it's a suggestion that we adults strangle that inner voice every time it automatically says, "no" when it could say "yes," every time fear drowns out the bold clean stream of truth that wishes the imparting of joy whenever reasonably possible. May your 2012 be filled with PLENTY of it. Contact Joe Kennedy cuppajoekennedy@gmail.com

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Words for The Departing Son

on Ches was leaving acknowledge her grief at his home for college. His leaving, yet to reassure him mom, disthat no matter how traught for many reafar he might sail, sons, not the least of however things might which was distance, go against him, his more so the inevitable mother’s love would changing of their relaever be a constancy tionship as he grew to no matter the storms maturity – he could be or reversals he might her ‘baby’ no more. encounter. I wrote Lucky Garvin She asked me to this for my Sabrina: write something that would

My Proud Young Sailor First I bore you, Then I held you, Now, I set you free. The first two joys were easy, The third so hard on me. Now’s come the time to see you off, You have your seas to ride. Oh my proud wanderer, It’s time to meet the tide. You’ll face your storms and rocky shoals, You’ll chance the waves and wind; Take heed: the truest compass is The one which lies within. Inside you there’s a beacon That will never let you fall; The North Star of the human heart, The truest point of all. You’ve fulfilled my every dreaming My morning, evening star; Do carry with you always Every blessing that you are. Travel where you must, my son, For there I sail too, For ne’er you’ll find a shipmate who’s As true as me to you. Fair winds and well-filled sails! How can I wish you strife? Just know that storms and flagging winds, Dear son, are a part of life. But if you tire of sailing and Safe harbor’s what you need, Remember, always waiting, I’ve a lantern lit for thee. I Love You Always Mom Contact Lucky Garvin at info@theroanokestar.com

The Happy Chef - Black-eyed Pea Salad by Leigh Sackett

little luck is certainly welcome in this world. So I will eat some black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day. But we have a limited view of luck or blessings. We tend to think being lucky is when everything turns out our way. The irony is what is most precious in life is often found in the experiences of life where nothing seems to go our way. 24 Repose The character, Ebenezer 25 Pastry Scrooge, in A Christmas Carol Abdominal muscles (abbr.) was26blessed by three ghosts; it 27 28 29 31 32 33 37

39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 48

Cow's chow Expression Doctoral degree Aegis Jazz instrument What horses eat Which local city was first explored 64 years after Jamestown? The Virginia cave that has the 'Fried Eggs' formation and a great organ too. Complies Torso extensions Brag Diet Small fry Reckless To Eye infection Pan

was the most terrifying yet life changing moment in his life . . . But he was very lucky. I know the plight of cancer, I have watched two family members battle it, so I hesitate to say this . . . but I have heard people say cancer was the best thing that ever happened to them, even though it caused them great pain and has the ability to shorten their life. This always amazes me but even in my awe I understand what they mean love is certainly not just discov-

ered through joy and they have found such love in the darkest of life experiences. So maybe we ARE lucky without peas, without a rabbit’s foot, without picking up a penny, without perfect health and even when a “ghost” wakes us from our ignorance. Our days on this earth and beyond where we uncover life’s mysteries, learn, love, live and even die are ALL lucky. We are God’s own creatures -Blessed by Him. This was a “lucky” thing from the beginning and it still is today. So all God’s Blessings to you wherever you may find them in this year of life that is 2012!

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2 (15.5 ounce) cans black-eyed peas or dried black-eyed peas simmered for 30 minutes to soften 1 large tomato, chopped 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped 1/2 red onion, diced 1 stalk celery, chopped 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar or white wine vinegar 3 tablespoons of lime 2 tablespoons olive oil salt and pepper to taste -In a medium bowl, toss together black-eyed peas, tomato, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, red onion, celery, and parsley. -In a small bowl, mix vinegar, lime and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Toss into the vegetables. -Cover, and chill in the refrigerator 8 hours, or overnight.

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12/30/11 -1/5/12 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 5

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A Weekend Routine For Unconventional Living This is The Last Column You'll Ever Need

veryone has a weekend routine. with that. Everyone wants fries with that. For some, it involves washing 11:43 - Finish hamburger joint's finest dishes before starting the day. For with large order of fries. The First Lady ain't others, playing Hearts online and catch- gonna like THAT! Head over to the nearest ing up on email is the way to go. For most, car wash. Begin by excavating approximateweekend routines have certain common ly 22,007 fast food bags from back seat. Obthreads, such as paying bills and dusting the serve that the french fry wedged between furniture. As a guy with a Bipolar disorder, the driver's seat and the console since 1998 my routine is a bit unconventional is somehow still in perfect con- and I wouldn't have it any other dition. way... 11:51 - Get into hand-to-hand 9:07 AM - Awaken to drill sercombat with wasp that snuck geant alarm clock. Get dressed through the open door while and be outside in five minutes cleaning the interior. While he before remembering that I'm not circles me, I quickly close with at Lackland AFB anymore. Why him. It's stinger versus vacuum does my alarm clock keep calling cleaner in a fight to the death. me a dirtball? Epic battle ensues. 25 cent high 9:24 - Watch the news. This velocity suction prevails, but I consists of four people screaming am spent. Robert Adcox at one another across a big table. 12:28 pm - Car is now polWatch images of people throwing ished to a proud show car-glisbottles in Syria. Make mental note to book tening shine. Observe car over in the next cheap hotel fare there if democracy ever bay undergoing bodywork. Think about the takes root. Charger I once owned. Muse about its many 10:19 - Brush teeth and take shower. shades of primer, flat black, and body filler. Observe that my conditioner reinforces For some reason I recall seeing a piece by my narcissism. What in the world is "Body Piet Mondrian on a black-and-white Zenith Boost"? TV we had when I was nine. 11:17 - Tailgated by lady who seems infat5:40 pm - Head over to supermarket. uated by rear bumper of my Accord. Either Spend seven minutes patrolling lot for that or she loves my conditioner. Swing by parking space. Find one, only to be cut off nearby burger joint for two hamburgers (no at last second by family of six plus English onions). Wonder why they ask if I want fries Bulldog. Bulldogs always win in these con-

ditions. Always. 6:38 pm - Fire up the computer and watch Dragnet on Hulu. Jack Webb is crazy: every time I watch this episode, he arrests the same people. Eat cheap chili; revel in knowing where to get nutritious food. Be thankful to God. 9:47 pm - Finish watching really bad movie on Netflix because I can. Seems there's a sequel to Ishtar and it has English subtitles. Eat Skor bar, which was lilely costlier than the budget of the movie. 10:19 pm -Turn TV on. See an ad urging me to "CALL NOW!" I do! Neither of us knows what to say next. I wasn't properly prepared to carry on any conversation once I "CALL NOW!" Rose guides me through the process. Because I wasn't pregnant between 1981 and 1996, I won't be getting a settlement. 11:15 pm - Check Facebook comments. Everyone else has gone to bed. I'm still psyched from the free Ishtar sequel. Or maybe it's the Seroquel. 1-whatever-it-is AM - Fall asleep, thereby waking with a start from falling asleep so quickly. Soon, I dream of Drill Sergeant Bill calling me a dirtball again. I know he doesn't really mean anything by it. I wouldn't trade my life, unconventional as it is, for the world. Contact Robert Adcox at robadcox@hotmail.com

The Preacher’s Corner - Risking No Man’s Land

By The Reverend Barkley Thompson

hanks to Hollywood blockbusters like “Saving Private Ryan,” “Pearl Harbor,” and Clint Eastwood’s “Letters from Iwo Jima,” even younger people today know quite a bit about World War II. However, knowledge of its predecessor, World War I, is often lost on us. We remember vaguely that World War I involved the same cast of characters as WWII, and we know that its unsatisfactory conclusion contributed to the rise of Hitler ten years later. What we may not be aware of is the stunning fact that 10 million people died in World War I. That's the combined populations of Virginia and West Virginia, wiped out in the span of four years, from 1914-1918. Millions of women were left widowed by World War I. Millions of children grew up without their fathers. Unlike WWII, the First World War leaves us few tales of glory. It was not, as they sometimes say, a “good war.” It was a depressing conflict marked by the use of poison gas, brutal machine gun fire, and warfare waged from deep trenches. In these squalid pits soldiers lived and died for four straight years, fighting back and forth in the attempt to gain a few hundred yards of territory between them. However, one story from the First World War does stand out. Hostilities had broken out between Germany, France, and England in August of

1914. By Christmas of that year, trenches had been dug across the French frontier, and already one million men had died. No Man's Land in between the trenches was strewn with bodies and craters made by artillery shells. The tension was incredible. Every soldier's finger stayed constantly poised on the trigger of his rifle. The only adequate way to describe the situation was as hell on earth. Yet that Christmas Eve 1914, something miraculous happened. As the day's fighting wound down and darkness began to fall, a German enlisted man set a small candlelit Christmas tree, sent to him from home, up along the edge of the German trench. Through the cloud of gunpowder and the smell of death, the tree served as a barely visible beacon of Christ in the midst of hell. For a while, troops on both sides were mesmerized by the sight, and then, slowly but surely, other candles and small, decorated trees appeared on both sides of the lines. The glimmering Christmas light grew brighter, and ultimately some soldier, whether he was British or German no one remembers, leapt over the trench and walked into the danger of No Man's Land. Any other day, he'd have been riddled with bullets. But no one fired. Other soldiers followed his example, and within hours the Germans and British were

celebrating the birth of Christ together. They exchanged gifts of food, beer, and cigars. Christmas carols were sung. Opposing soldiers embraced. For 24 hours this "Christmas Truce" continued. Death lost its hold on men who had just hours before hated each other, and they found a way to love one another as Christian brothers. Just as it did on that first Christmas night in the shepherds' fields outside of Bethlehem, the life-changing power of God miraculously found its way into the trenches of the Western Front on Christmas Eve 1914. The light of a Christmas tree shattered that hell, and once the beacon of Christ reached the soldiers, they, like the shepherds, couldn't resist it. Yet there is another lesson to be learned from the Christmas Truce. It truly happened, but it also only lasted twenty-four hours. As Christmas passed, the men moved back into their trenches, and the gunpowder grew thick again. The soldiers ultimately turned away from the beacon. Willful humans extinguished the light of Christ on the battlefield and allowed the veil of darkness to move back before their eyes. As it did for the soldiers, as it did for the shepherds, Christ's Gospel offers us both grace and risk this Christmas season. God's grace is abundant in the promise that God is with us, in our joys and in

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our sorrows, bearing us along in our lives always. But if this grace is to transform us, then we must respond, and it is in the response that we encounter the risk. The risk to us to answer the call of Christ is far less than the risk faced by the shepherds or the soldiers of World War I. We don't have to risk our entire lives or our livelihood in the face of either oppressive powers or enemy guns. Nevertheless, we must ask ourselves whether the risk of Jesus is too much for us to take. The call to recognize God's nearness and love one another requires much, and we presently live in a time of recrimination and fear in which it is easy and even encouraged to be suspicious of those who look, think, and sound different from us. This Christmas, I pray we will risk the No Man's Land of our world, leaping out of our trenches and loving our fellow human beings. When we do so with everything we are and everything we have, our lives are transformed and miracles happen. Merry Christmas.

nd your kids don't posted their entire courses need to study their online, citing Khan as their math tables. And all inspiration. MIT, Harvard and the homework you did in high Yale followed suit. And now, school was a waste of time. high schools are starting to And you shouldn't spend all integrate the videos into their that tuition money on college. curriculum. It's all becoming There's no need for college. available to anyone, anywhere, It's all available online for for free. free, thanks to Salman Khan. We think that's awesome, About six years ago, he started everyone should have free acusing YouTube to cess to the world's help his cousin with knowledge. And, her math homein that spirit, we work. Any time she checked Khan's site had trouble with a to see what he had concept, he'd film a to say about the reshort video explaally important stuff. nation and post it Where is the world's online. He soon had largest hokey-pokey? a pretty good invenWhat is bushusuru? tory of tutorials. Who is Lakshmi Mike Keeler And soon after that, Tatma? And why folks who googled are there so many up "quotient rule" or "Tau vs. stinkbugs but so few acorns? Pi" were finding his videos. He And we found absolutely ... started getting hundreds of nothing. No videos about the hits, then thousands, then mil- statistical probabilities of the lions. This drew the attention 13th day of the month occurof Bill Gates and other donors. ring on a Friday. No insights With their financial support, about soccer-player-voodooKhan organized all his videos dolls in Mexico City. And aband launched KhanAcademy. solutely nothing about PMS org, an online portal to ev- Red #137. erything you always wanted Oh well. We're sure Khan to know about anything, in will be getting to these critivideo. cal topics very soon. But until You can learn how to find then, we'll keep filling up your the first derivative of a func- inbox. tion, in 8 minutes. Find out what happened in American This column has gone all history from Jamestown to the bloggy. www.thequicksliver. Civil War, in 18 minutes. Even wordpress.com learn how to raise $10MM in an IPO, in just 15 minutes. The idea is catching on. Two Contact Mike at info@theroanokestar.com Stanford professors recently

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Former Office Manager Pleads Bird Feeders, Pet Dishes and Trash Cans Make Perfect “Bear Lures” Guilty To Medicaid Fraud

A former office manager at Health Care Virginia (HCVA) pled guilty to defrauding Medicaid in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Roanoke. Agnes Underwood Vint, 75, of Selma, VA., along with others, were indicted by a Federal grand jury in March on a number of healthcare fraud related charges. Last week, Vint pled guilty to one count of making false statements in writing relating to healthcare matters. "This case sends a strong message that providers who falsify official documents in a federal health care benefit program such as Medicaid or Medicare will be vigorously prosecuted," United States Attorney Timothy J. Heaphy said today. "This is the type of fraud that wastes our precious health care dollars. Ms. Vint has been appropriately brought to justice for her criminal activity." "Vint was part of a scheme that not only defrauded Medicaid patients and taxpayers, but it also potentially put infirmed patients in extreme danger. She even falsified documents to state that patients were getting required nursing visits when they were not. I am just grateful that our investigators were able to stop such a cold

and heartless act," said Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli. HCVA, based in Covington, Va. was incorporated in 2007 for the purpose of providing personal care services and respite services to Medicaid recipients in the Western District of Virginia. HCVA entered into a Home and Community Based Personal Care Services Participation Agreement with the Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) to become a Medicaid Provider in 2007. DMAS requires that all Personal Care Aides receive a minimum of 40 hours of training prior to employment, which must be taught and supervised by a registered nurse. DMAS also requires that all patients receive periodic nursing visits to verify patient safety and the continuing need for services. Today in District Court, Vint admitted that while serving as the office manager at HCVA, between March 2008 and March 2010, she issued false training certificates in order to cover-up the lack of training received by Personal Care Aides assigned to Medicaid patients. She also admitted falsifying Nursing Assessments to cover up the fact that the HCVA nurse, co-defendant Sandra Pope, the owner and

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sole RN employed by HCVA, failed to make the required visits. Under the direction and control of Pope, HCVA did not provide the required training of Personal Care Aides. Instead, Pope and HCVA issued false training certificates and assigned those Personal Care Aides to care for Medicaid patients in their homes. As a result, from October 2007 through June 2010, HCVA billed and was paid over $980,061.21 in Medicaid funds for non-certified, untrained Personal Care Aides placed with Medicaid patients. The other defendants charged with being part of the scheme, Sandra Pope McElwain, Melissa Cary and Health Care Virginia Inc. (HCVA) have each already pled guilty to similar charges. HCVA has been sentenced to three years probation, a fine of $10,000 and ordered to pay $323,420 in restitution. The investigation of the case was conducted by the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the Office of the Attorney General of Virginia, and other members of the Western Virginia Health Care Fraud Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Jennie L. M. Waering and Assistant Attorney General and Special Assistant United States Attorney Vaso Doubles are prosecuting the case for the United States.

Black bears forage for food over miles of territory. As Virginia's bear population rises and humans develop more of the bruin's habitat, bears are taking advantage of food resources made available in the trash cans, compost piles, bird feeders, and pet dishes found in residential areas. Bear sightings are becoming routine across the commonwealth. With bears living in 90 of Virginia's 95 counties, most suburban and rural residents can assume they are in bear country. Problems occur when bears come to expect food in residential areas. People may unknowingly feed bears without realizing that their actions often result in negative consequences for the bears. Some bears may have to be destroyed if they habituate to humans and repeatedly visit populated areas. "Feeding bears is illegal in Virginia," said James Parkhurst, associate professor and wildlife Extension specialist in Virginia Tech's College of Natural Resources and Environment, who also warns against interacting with bears. "If you see a bear in your neighborhood, leave it alone. Don't chase or corner it," he said. "Bears typically avoid humans. Waving your arms and making loud noises often will be sufficient to send it away, unless it is already a habituated bear." "If the bear shows no fear and doesn't leave, call the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries to handle the situation," Parkhurst added.

Black bears often venture into residential areas in the Roanoke Valley in search of food. To discourage visits from bears and avoid wildlife conflicts, Parkhurst recommends the following steps. * Secure your garbage: store garbage indoors, in a shed, or in a bear-proof container. * Put trash cans out on the morning of your scheduled pickup, not the night before. * Do not leave pet food outdoors. Feed pets only what they will eat in a single feeding or feed them indoors. Remove the food bowl soon after pets finish. * Remove bird feeders. Bears consume seeds and nuts found in the wild, so bird feeders are a favored target for bears. * Do not put meat scraps or any other strong-smelling food in a compost pile. Consider an enclosed compost bin. * Remove ripe fruit from fruit trees and surrounding grounds. * Make sure your neighbors take similar steps to prevent

bear problems. Bears are quick and powerful. They may become aggressive when they are surprised or defending cubs, and will damage property in their pursuit of food. If food sources are removed, bears will usually leave the area and seek food elsewhere. More information is available on the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries website Living With Black Bears in Virginia (dgif.virginia.gov/ wildlife/bear/living-with-blackbears) which includes a 20-minute video. The Virginia Cooperative Extension also offers a publication, "Managing Wildlife Damage: Black Bears" (pubs.ext. vt.edu/420/420-200/420-200. html). By Lynn Davis info@newsroanoke.com

Jefferson Surgical Clinic Honors Physicians with Donation

The Western Virginia Health Care Fraud Task Force can be The Staff of Jefferson Surgireached at 1-877-344-4743. cal Clinic presented a check this week for $1,500 to the Feeding America Southwest Virginia Food Bank in honor of the Clinic’s 16 physicians as part of the “Go Orange” campaign sponsored by FASWVA. “We all feel privileged to be participating in such a worthwhile cause, and made this a company-wide initiative to collect ‘change for Change’ knowing it will benefit people right here in our community who are going hungry,” said Karen Tuttle, Administrator of Jefferson Surgical Clinic. “It is gratifying and overwhelming to know that because Dr. Jesse Davidson and Secfretary Cheryl Morrison with Dr. of the efforts of FASWVA, our Robert Keeley, one of the original doctors at Jefferson Surgical donation of $1,500 translates into Clinic. $12,500 worth of food for those in need.”

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Sports

Is your team not getting enough coverage? Please send in your pictures and relevant subject / game info and we’ll feature the next week! info@newsroanoke.com - Deadline is 5PM Tuesday.

Wild Bill’s Weekly Sports Roundup Cave Spring Downs Radford 61-50 In Non-District Basketball Holiday basketball tourna- face 2 losses. ments dominate the high school #3- William Fleming- The scene this week with plenty of Colonels edge out Cave Spring action on both the boys and girls for the third spot this week due sides. Tournaments run Wednes- to their head-to-head win earlier day through Friday. this month. The K-Guard openThe K-Guard Holier against Hidden Valley day Classic at the Salem may tell the tale on the Civic Center features strength of the Colonels. the boys teams from #4- Cave Spring- The Salem, Hidden Valley, Knights picked up a Cave Spring, William quality win last week Fleming and Patrick over Radford to improve Henry. to 6-2. Cave Spring opens The local boys the K-Guard against teams at the Northside a tall Broadway team Bill Turner Invitational held at that may pose probNorthside High School include lems. The Knights play in spurts William Byrd and Northside. and when they get on a roll, can Like the K-Guard, the remainder score points in bunches. Cave Spring #52 Jordan of the 8-team field is made up of #5- Hidden Valley- No quesBryant blocks out a Radford out-of-town squads. tion, the big sleeper. The Titans On the girls side, the Cave open the K-Guard with Fleming. defender for a key rebound Spring Invitational at Cave Don’t discount Hidden Valley. against the Bobcats. Spring High School features Last year they struggled in this Lord Botetourt, Northside, Hid- tournament and finished second den Valley and Cave Spring in a in the state. round-robin format. Now, to the weekly, and final By Bill Turner The William Fleming Invi- thank goodness, Sugar Bowl info@newsroanoke.com tational at the Colonel gym in- update. Football and ticket sales cludes the girls teams from Flem- were quickly replaced in the ing, Patrick Henry and Salem. news last week by intrigue, mysThe Wild Bill “Big-11” Top-5 tery and handcuffs. No need Cave Spring's Aaron Cupp remained unchanged from last to discuss this further because stares down a free throw week. little information has been made in the final minutes to help #1- Patrick Henry- The 6-0 available. I’m not drawing conPatriots will get a big test in the clusions and think everyone is secure the Knight's win. K-Guard with three games in innocent until found guilty. three nights. PH may be the team No doubt, though, my good to beat with their speed being a friend Columbo would be askhuge factor for any opponent. ing, “Ahhh, Mr. Beamer, just one #2- Salem- The Spartan’s (5- more question.” 1) only loss came to PH and a Prediction: Va Tech- 27 Michrematch in the K-Guard may be igan-18 in the cards. There are no easy Finally, I leave you with the games set for the Salem Civic Wild Bill after-Christmas gift Center so the best of teams may exhange list. If you received cash

Cave Spring overcame a 10-point deficit in the second quarter by going on an 18-0 run as the Knights defeated Radford in non-district boys basketball at Cave Spring. The Knights trailed 24-20 in the final stages of the first half before scoring the last six points, including a longrange bomb from behind the arc at the buzzer by senior Ryan Gladfelter that gave Cave Spring the lead. Cave Spring carried the momentum into the second half by scoring the first 12 points of the third, and Radford never recovered. The Bobcats got to within seven points midway through the final frame, but the Knights hit free throws down the stretch to secure the win. Amin Abuhawwas led Cave Spring with 21 points, while Gladfelter tallied 11.

Roanoke Catholic Varsity Wrestling Has Strong December The Roanoke Catholic wrestling team started out the season with a tie for first place at the Carroll County Invitational season opener that had ten public schools participating. With 3 starters missing from the line up the rest of the team stepped up for the first major tournament of the season. ‘Nghia Pham (106) Sean Deer (160) and Nic Nester (195) took home Gold. Andrew Nolen finished 2nd in the Heavy Weight Division with Armando Herrera placing 3rd at 120. Alex Sakalas (132), Jack Pilgreen (145) and Tan Tran (152) following up with 4th place finishes. The team then went on to compete in 5 dual matches against single “A” schools Chilhowie, Tazewell, Lee High, Eastside and George Wythe at the Chilhowie tournament and won every match

from Saint Nick or one of those gifts that is the wrong size or color, here’s a few options to consider that I guarantee will make for an unforgetable memory of Christmas 2011. These are my Top-3. You make the call: 1)The .9999 pure (per the commercial, that’s right, four9s) gold clad $50 Buffalo coin: Doesn’t it seem strange that a $50 rare collectable gold coin sells for only $19.95 (of course, there is a limit of 5 per order). Seems like the logical thing would be to do multiple orders, buy a thousand for $19,950; then deposit them into a savings account at $50 each for the tidy sum of $50,000. As Steve Martin said in ‘The Jerk’ - “Ah-ha, it’s a profit game!” 2)The ChiaObama: Now I’ve seen it all. I’ve never had a Chiaanything and don’t know the first thing about the growing season of a chia seed. But, this seems to be an unusual way to honor a president even if we’re having a warm winter. 3)The Redem: Supposedly a gadget around since the 1950s. But I’ve been around that long and I’ve never seen one. The purpose? To retrieve a toilet paper roller accidentally dropped in the comode when a new roll of paper is being replaced. Advertised as being a “sanitary necessity.” Hmmm- looks strangely similar to a pair of corn-on-thecob tongs to me. That’s probably enough. See you next year. Send your inquiries to: info@ newsroanoke.com

Highfill is 2011 Senior Golf Tour Champion

Team to take first place for the second weekend in a row. ‘Nghia Pham, Armando Herrera, and Andrew Nolen all went undefeated for the day. The final against George Wythe was a classic with the outcome of the tournament coming down to

the final heavy weight match. With the score tied 39 to 39 Andrew Nolen stepped out on the mat and pinned his opponent to give Catholic the match by a score of 45 to 39 and the tournament championship.

Hank Highfill of Roanoke was the Overall Points Champion in the 2011 Roanoke Valley Senior Golf Tour. Highfill finished first out of a field of 130 players by accumulating the highest points total for the season’s nine tournaments, for which he collected a first place Dick's Sporting Goods gift certificate, a first place silver golf cup, and a traveling trophy. In addition to the individual tournament awards, the RVSGT awards gift certificates to the top 20 points finishers. The top 5 positions for 2011 were: 1st place, Hank Highfill; 2nd place, Woody Deans; 3rd place, Lee Hipp; 4th place, Ken Gross; 5th place,Crady Adams. The following nine Golf and Country Clubs have been select-

ed for 2012: All tournaments start at 9 AM and, with the exception of Roanoke Country Club, will be played on a Tuesday. - Roanoke Country Club Monday, April 16th -Botetourt Golf & Swim Club Tuesday, May 1st -Hanging Rock - Tuesday, May 22nd -Draper Valley - Tuesday, June 12th -Westlake - Tuesday, July 10th -Pulaski Country Club, Tuesday, August 7th -Vista Links - Tuesday, August 28th -Blue Hills - Tuesday, September 25th -Ivy Hill - Tuesday, October 16th The RVSGT has a full roster

Hank Highhill of 130 competitors signed up for the 2012 season, however, applications for a limited number of alternate player slots are now being accepted. For more information www. rvsgt.org.

Virginians May Need New Access Permit to Visit Public DGIF Land / Lakes The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (DGIF) owns more than 201,000 acres of land on 39 Wildlife Management Areas located across the Commonwealth. DGIF also owns 35 public fishing lakes statewide. Most of the land and the lakes were purchased using primarily revenue from the sale of hunting licenses, freshwater fishing licenses, and trapping licenses. Revenue from these sales has also paid for upkeep of the DGIF-maintained roads, parking areas, kiosks, and wildlife and fish habitat and management work done on these propThe Roanoke Valley Governor’s School for Science and Technology Will host a series of informational meetings for the 2011-2012 school year (see schedule below). Parents and prospective students are encouraged to attend any of the sessions listed below in order to obtain an application. Applications are not available at local schools. Thursday, January 5th 6:30 p.m. Governor’s School Tuesday, January 10th 6:30 p.m. Governor’s School Thursday, January 12th 6:30 p.m. Staunton River High School Thursday, January 19th 6:30 p.m. Franklin County High School Tuesday, January 24th 6:30 p.m. Governor’s School For more information call the Governor’s School at 853-2116 or check out the website at www.rvgs.k12.va.us

erties. Over the years, hunters and anglers who shouldered the cost to acquire and to maintain these sites, have shared the property with bird watchers, wildflower enthusiasts, horseback riders, and others who have had the benefit of accessing these locations at no cost. But that is going to change on January 1, 2012.

Beginning January 1, 2012, visitors to Wildlife Management Areas and public fishing lakes owned by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries who are age 17 and older will need to have an Access Permit unless they possess a valid Virginia hunting, freshwater fishing, or trapping license, or a current Virginia boat registra-

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tion. Daily and Annual Access Permits for Wildlife Management Areas and department-owned public fishing lakes will be available January 1, 2012 for purchase online at www.dgif.virginia.gov, by calling 1-866-721-6911 during business

hours, or at any license agent. DGIF has a network of more than 700 license agents statewide at most sporting goods stores and bait shops. Cost for the Daily Access Permit is $4 and the cost for the Annual Access Permit is $23. The Access Permit, whether Daily or An-

nual, can be used to access any Wildlife Management Area and DGIF-owned public fishing lake statewide. More information about the Access Permit as well as lists of Wildlife Management Areas and DGIF-owned public fishing lakes can be found on the agency website www.dgif.virginia.gov.

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Valley Business

Page 8 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 12/30/11 -1/5/12

Buy-Sell Agreements: Every Business Needs One

A buy-sell agreement is a contract by which the owners of a business address the circumstances under which they can and must sell their ownership interests. Any business which has more than one owner should have some form of a buy-sell agreement. However, most small businesses fail to enact them for a variety of reasons. Some owners do not want to think about an owner leaving the company. Others are concerned about the time and expense involved in negotiating such an agreement, or wish to avoid discussing potentially sensitive topics such as what happens if one of the owners dies, or is fired from the company. Prudent business owners view such concerns as secondary to the critical importance of their company having a clear path of succession. Existing owners need to know that they will be able to exit the company and receive fair value for their equity, with minimal disruption to the ongoing business operations. Remaining owners need to be certain that they do not unexpectedly end up in business with another owner's heirs, creditors, or ex-spouse. A proper buy-sell agreement helps to ensure smooth business transitions by addressing several key considerations: Triggering Events. A primary goal of the buy-sell agreement is to identify the events which will "trigger" a purchase and sale of an owner's interest in the company. Common triggering events include the death, disability, retirement, divorce, bankruptcy, or termination of an owner's employment. Redemption or Cross Purchase. A key provision in any buy-sell agreement is whether the company redeems the de-

David Tenzer parting owner's equity interest or the other owners purchase it, and whether that purchase is mandatory or optional. There can be significant tax and operational impacts on the company and the owners, so careful consideration and consultation with the company's legal advisors is important when deciding on these provisions. Voluntary Transfer. Some companies that wish to allow for voluntary sales of an owner's equity to third parties will grant the existing owners a right of first refusal to purchase the selling owner's interest in the company. Additional provisions, such as "tag along" rights, permitting other owners to participate in a voluntary transfer, or "drag along" rights, where the majority owners can compel other owners to go along with a decision to sell, are but two examples. Valuation. One of the most difficult terms to negotiate in the buy-sell agreement is valuation. At the time the agreement is prepared, the owners have no way of knowing what the future value of the company might be. There are three different meth-

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ods most commonly considered by companies for determining valuation. The first is a fixed value by agreement. Under this method, the parties agree on an initial value and also "agree to agree" on a new value periodically. Often the owners get too busy to reassess the value of the company, or wish to avoid any confrontation associated with changing value. The value set forth in the agreement can rapidly become outdated, and quite different from the true value of the company. The second method often used is a formula agreed to by the parties. Formulas can vary depending on the type of business and typically take into account various indicators of the company's financial performance. The third option is appraisal, under which one or more appraisers are hired at the time of the triggering event to value the interest of the departing owner. It is important that companies utilizing an appraisal method include in the buy-sell agreement any agreed upon factors for the appraiser to consider or disregard, such as goodwill. The owners should also state whether they wish to apply any discounts to the base value determined under the agreement. One example would be a discount in the event a departing owner refuses to return company property or joins a competing business in violation of the company's noncompetition agreement. Terms of Sale. Depending upon the valuation, a departing owner's interest in the company may be worth a substantial sum. Life insurance policies for the benefit of the purchaser on the life of the other owners can be used to fund purchase obligations in the event of an owner's death. However, in other instances, the buy-sell agreement can provide for a portion of the purchase price to be paid at closing, with the remainder paid pursuant to a promissory note over a number of years. The note may be secured in order to provide the selling owner with assurances that he will receive the full value of his interest in the company. A carefully drafted buy-sell agreement is among the most critical business documents for any closely held business. David Tenzer is an attorney with Glenn Feldmann Darby & Goodlatte. Visit www.gfdg.com to learn more.

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MKB Realty Receives Award for RRHBA Gift Giving Campaign

During its annual toy collecting drive to support the US Marine Corps’ “Toys for Tots” and the Salvation Army’s “Angel Tree” campaigns, the members of the Roanoke Regional Home Builders Association, Inc. (RRHBA) generously donated toys and money ($5,614) which enabled RRHBA to donate 941 items (for area children ages toddler to 16 years of age) to the US Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots program AND items for 30 Salvation Army Angels who live in the Roanoke Region. 2011 RRHBA President Neal Award presentation (left to right): Committee co-chairmen Jerry McLawhorn, Gary Judd and John Hopkins with MKB, REALTORS’ representative Suzi Fortenberry.

US Marines SSGT Flores (l) and SSGT Gentry with van load of donated items.

Frank-Rempel recognized the generosity and countless hours of volunteer effort demonstrated by RRHBA members year after year. In honor of these contributions, annually an award is given for the most toys collected by a single RRHBA member firm. For 2011, the Santa Award was presented to MKB, REALTORS (SW Roanoke County) for the donation of 175 items.

Amazon Coming to VA Amid Tax Revenue Questions

The Virginia Retail Federation says that they welcome the announcement that Amazon.com plans to come to Virginia. The VRF also applauded Governor McDonnell on his initiative to generate new revenue. The VRF says that they welcome the added employment and understands the significant impact to the state economy. The VRF maintains, however, that retailers including Amazon should be taxed consistently. Amazon has been under increasing criticism from state and federal officials for not collecting and paying state sales taxes. Several states have passed legislation requiring them to collect and pay sales taxes and Congress is considering several bills dealing with this issue. “All we want is a level playing field in Virginia,” said Nancy Thomas, President/CEO of Retail Merchants Association. “Amazon currently does not collect and pay sales taxes in Virginia which leaves existing retailers in Virginia at a competitive disadvantage.” All internet-based sales are subject to the same 5% Virginia sales tax. If an online-retailer does not collect and remit the tax, it is up to the customer to pay on their state income taxes at the end of each year. Because most Virginia residents do not know about this obligation, this means that Amazon’s products appear to be 5% less expensive. Amazon collects and pays state sales taxes in five states in which they acknowledge having a physical presence and recently agreed to start collecting taxes in California in September 2012. They also agreed to start collecting taxes in Tennessee and South Carolina in the future in exchange for new distribution centers being put in those states. “The Virginia Retail Federation assumes that Amazon has agreed to collect state sales tax in Virginia now that they will unquestionably have a physical presence in the state,” said Ray Mattes, President/ CEO of Retail Alliance of Hampton Roads.

Nominations Open For Secretary Of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award Congressman Morgan Griffith has issued a statement announcing that the nomination period for the 2012 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award is currently open. "Virginia Guard and Reserve members have the unique opportunity to nominate their supportive employers for the 2012 Freedom Award," said Congressman Griffith. "This award recognizes the efforts of employers who support these men and women in the workplace. Out of roughly 1,700 nominations nationwide, 78 have already been received from Virginia." "At a time when news of our economic situation is often told in grim terms and negative numbers, the untold stories highlighting thousands of employers showing extraordinary support to their Guard and Reserve employees and their families are really important," said James Rebholz, Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) National Chair. "Employer's steadfast commitment deserves our recognition and heartfelt gratitude. We are looking to our individual Guard and Reserve members to nominate their employers who are most deserving of the Department's highest honor -- the Secretary of Defense Freedom Award." Each year, 15 supportive employers are recognized by the Department of Defense (DoD). This is the DoD's highest award for civilian employers supporting Guard and Reserve members. Nominations may be submitted at www.FreedomAward.mil through January 16, 2012. The 2012 recipients will be announced in early summer.

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12/30/11 -1/5/12 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 9

Kandinsky Trio Welcomes David Movie Reviews by The Reel Deal Niethamer for January Concert The third concert of the Kandinsky Trio’s 24th anniversary season will be on Saturday, January 28, 2012 at 7:30 pm at Olin Theater on the Roanoke College campus. Guest artist, clarinetist David Niethamer will join the Kandinsky Trio in performances of Beethoven’s Trio for clarinet, cello, and piano, Op. 11 and Bartok’s “Contrasts” for clarinet, violin, and piano, originally composed for Benny Goodman and Joseph Szigeti. After intermission, the Trio will perform the G Minor Piano Trio of Ernest Chausson, a sweeping work in the grand Romantic tradition. Formerly the Principal Clarinet of the Richmond Symphony Orchestra (1979-2002), David Niethamer was also the founder and director of the Roxbury Chamber Players. He currently performs with the Richmond Chamber Players and the National Gallery Orchestra. Niethamer teaches clarinet at Longwood University, VCU, and University of Richmond, where he also directs the University Wind Ensemble. He has given Master Classes at UNC

David Niethamer will join the Kindinsky Trio on January 28th. Chapel Hill, Oberlin College, Furman University, University of Vermont, Tennessee Tech, and the University of Alabama/ Huntsville. Now in its twenty-fourth season, the Kandinsky Trio is celebrating one of the longest and most successful artist residencies in the United States with over a thousand concerts of high caliber chamber music in the U. S., Europe, and Canada, including New York (Miller Theater and Merkin Hall), Washington (The Kennedy Center), Atlanta (Spivey Hall), Oklahoma City,

Tampa (Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center), Portland, Charleston, San Francisco, Banff, Bratislava, Budapest, Vienna, and Zagreb. Tickets are $20 general admission, $12 for students and seniors.Tickets are available from the Roanoke College Olin Box Office by calling 540-375-2333 or going online to www.roanoke. edu/tickets. The box office is open Monday – Friday 1-4pm, closed school breaks and holidays.

Make Some Very Simple Wine Resolutions for 2012

Early January is the perfect time to reflect on the previous year and make resolutions for the new one. For those of us who take wine seriously -- or at least want to -- it's smart to include wine in our New Year's resolutions. So here are three simple resolutions that'll heighten your wine appreciation in 2012. 1. Learn! There are countless ways to learn about wine. Books are great, as you can move at your own pace. If you're a budding oenophile, pick up a copy of Kevin Zraly's "Windows on the World Complete Wine Course." If you're already somewhat advanced, make sure you have a copy of "The Oxford Companion to Wine" on your bookshelf. Edited by celebrated British wine writer Jancis Robinson, it's considered the world's most comprehensive wine encyclopedia. at its optimal temperature. If you're drinking a Wine courses are also a great way to learn - and red wine, pop it in the fridge for 25-30 minutes. they're typically lots of fun. There are plenty of ex- If you're drinking a white wine, pull it out of the cellent options across the country, but if possible, fridge about 25-30 minutes before you're going look for a school that's affiliated with the London- to drink it. Just remember that while it's easy to based Wine & Spirit Education Trust. For good warm up a wine that's served too cold (just wait reason, it's recognized across the world. longer), it's nearly impossible to chill a wine that's 2. Be Adventurous served too warm. If you like red wines, you're probably drinkThe list of resolutions could easily go on. ing lots of Cabernet Sauvignon. If you prefer If you're interested in seeing the wine-making whites, you're probably drinking Chardonnay or process and meeting with vintners, it's hard to Sauvignon Blanc. Either way, most of it's prob- beat a wine trip -- whether it's a day at two local ably coming from California. In 2012, resolve to vineyards or a weekend getaway to wine country. explore the unfamiliar by trying unusual grapes If you're serious about wine appreciation, then from unusual regions. you should keep a diary -- it's the best way to keep If you like Chardonnay, consider Virginia Viog- track of your discoveries and remember which nier or South African Chenin Blanc. If you like wines you've enjoyed. And everyone should reSauvignon Blanc, try Torrontes, from Argentinia, solve to drink more sparkling wine -- it matches or Albarino, from Portugal. If you're a red wine any number of dishes, so shouldn't be relegated drinker, consider ordering Argentinian Malbec or to celebrations. Chilean Carmenere. And don't be afraid to drink The world of wine offers endless possibilities. Merlot - even if it's from California. It's become So regardless of which resolutions you make - and cool to bash the grape, but it's often as rich as Cab- which resolutions you keep - just make sure wine ernet Sauvignon and more approachable when is a part of your life in 2012! young. 3. Serve Wine at the Right Temperature David White, a wine writer, is the founder and Most people - and even most restaurants - editor of Terroirist.com. serve red wines too warm and white wines too cold. When red wine is served at "room temperature" - which tends to hover at around 72 degrees - it can taste rough and alcoholic. When white wine comes straight out of the refrigerator, it's refreshing - but can be tasteless. This is unfortunate. If you're spending money on wine, you deserve to enjoy its aromas and flavors. Fortunately, you don't need a 4341 Starkey Road • 540-774-0171 fancy thermometer to serve wine

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Welcome to The Reel Deal. In this column you will find reviews for all of the movies that I go to see. I rate my reviews on a scale of 1 to 10 to highlight whether the movie is worth seeing in theaters or only worth renting once. I love to go to see movies whenever something good comes out, but if there's one thing I hate, it's when I end up paying $10 for a terrible movie! War Horse Review Before the time when soldiers had cars, tanks, and other vehicles to ride them out to battle, there were war horses. Even though a horse during a war didn’t have nearly as much value or importance as a soldier, they still played a big part in helping those soldiers. From carrying supplies to riding off in the frontlines with a soldier to battle, horses are the under-looked and forgotten heroes of many wars. Now, Steven Spielberg has returned to directing with his feature film “War Horse,” interestingly enough being released very shortly after his previous CG film, The Adventures of Tintin. But this is no kids’ movie; this is a war movie, and it captures the impact of it while also bringing in Spielberg’s classic storytelling. The result is a film that, while occasionally over-sentimental, is a thrilling and daring movie that quickly warms its way into your heart. Rating: 8/10 - Great. The Adventures of Tintin Review Steven Spielberg. That name alone is enough to sell tickets and possibly make cinematic gold. The critically acclaimed director has brought us many classics such as E.T., Jaws, and Close Encounters of the Third Kind. But he also brought us an action-adventure that everyone knows and loves, Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark. Every action-adventure film has tried to surpass this film, and though Spielberg’s own ‘Last Crusade’ came close, ‘Raiders’ still remains the pinnacle of the action-adventure genre. Now Spielberg is stepping into both new and old territory with The Adventures of Tintin, a movie based on the popular comic series that is filmed entirely with motion capture thanks to producer Peter Jackson. While the film is a ton of fun to watch and brings back a lot of nostalgia in its design, it’s not perfect. Nonetheless, Spielberg and Jackson have created a fun action-adventure movie that kids can probably get into. Rating: 7/10 - Good. Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol Review Well if it isn’t our old friend Ethan Hunt, back for Round 4 of action-craziness. Yes, Ethan is back in the fourth installment to the Mission

py p a H idays! Hol

Jeremy Irvine stars in Steven Spielberg’s “War Horse.” Impossible series, Ghost Protocol. Tom Cruise once again reprises his role in the series, but also brings along Jeremy Renner and director Brad Bird. The Mission Impossible series is known for having big action sequences that borderline on the insane and preposterous level (especially in the second film), but that’s what makes them so fun to watch. Director Brad Bird knows this, and energizes this film with adrenaline and heart-stopping action sequences. The result is a film that plays out in similar to its predecessors, but bigger and better than ever. Rating: 8/10 - Great. Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows Review When you think about famous detectives, your first choice is most likely Sherlock Holmes. But how would you react it somebody told you that he is also an action hero? Most likely you would scoff at the idea, but that’s exactly

what director Guy Ritchie did in 2009’s “Sherlock Holmes.” Drawing from Sherlock’s witty side while also invigorating the famous detective with action and style, Ritchie’s take was a vastly different caricature of Holmes, and the result divided some people. I enjoyed it watching it before going into the sequel, A Game of Shadows, though I admit I also have some mixed feelings about the first one. This movie is no different. Though “Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows” does make some improvements over the first movie, it also suffers from several stumbles that put this sequel slightly below its predecessor. Rating: 6/10 - Passable. Seth Childers is a Senior at Hidden Valley High School. For more in-depth movie reviews visit him on the web at: http://reel-deal.tumblr.com or send your comments to info@ newsroanoke.com.

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Page 10 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 12/30/11 -1/5/12

American Life in Poetry

BY TED KOOSER, U.S. POET LAUREATE Life becomes more complicated every day, and each of us can control only so much of what happens. As for the rest? Poet Thomas R. Smith of Wisconsin offers some practical advice.

Trust

NewsRoanoke.com

It’s like so many other things in life to which you must say no or yes. So you take your car to the new mechanic. Sometimes the best thing to do is trust.

Looking for 2011 Tax Relief? There’s Still Time

The package left with the disreputable-looking clerk, the check gulped by the night deposit, the envelope passed by dozens of strangers— all show up at their intended destinations. The theft that could have happened doesn’t. Wind finally gets where it was going through the snowy trees, and the river, even when frozen, arrives at the right place. And sometimes you sense how faithfully your life is delivered, even though you can’t read the address.

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Sunday School - 10:00 / Worship - 11:00

5646 Cloverdale Road, Roanoke, VA 24019 (Just up from Wal-Mart next to Murray's Apple Cider!) Any Questions? Call Stuart Revercomb: 330-7335

longest-standing A DEAL dealer D N in the O ER

40 YEARS

Mid-Atlantic

2012 Honda Accord LX Sedan (AT)

Model #: CP2F3CEW

2012 Honda Civic

LX Sedan (AT)

Model #: FB2F5CEW *Includes all “Destination & Freight” charges. Does not include taxes, title, tags, financing fees, or $299.00 processing fee. Some vehicles mayhave dealer-installed accessories which may not be included in theactual quoted price. All financing and leasing information is subject to credit approval.

www.rickwoodsonhonda.com

If you’re just beginning to think about your 2011 income tax return, you’ve got a late start – but it’s still not too late to cash in on some savings. “A lot of the deductions associated with the economic stimulus package will disappear in 2012, so if you want to take advantage of them, you’ve got only until Dec. 31,” says Jessica James, CPA and author of Justice for None (www.AuthorJessicaJames.com), an insider look at IRS tactics in a tax fraud investigation and trial. But, she says, there’s still plenty of time for some other measures to ease your share of the tax burden. Now is also a good time to resolve to start earlier in 2012 to minimize that year’s tax bill. Here are a some tips for both 2011 and 2012 savings. • Contribute to retirement accounts. If you haven’t already put money into your traditional or ROTH IRA account for 2011, you’ve got until April 17 to do it. If you have a Keogh or SEP (Simplified Employee Pension Individual Retirement Arrangement for businesses), and you get a filing extension to Oct. 15, you’ve got until then to make your 2011 deposits. The maximum IRA contribution for 2011 is $5,000, or $6,000 if you’re 50 or older by the end of the year. For self-employed people, the maximum for SEPs and Keoghs for 2011 is $49,000. • Don't fear the home office deduction. In the past, many tax filers didn’t claim a home office deduction because it was seen as an IRS red flag. But the requirements and forms have been clarified so people can do that properly – and not make mistakes that can lead to an audit. Also, the rules have been expanded so more people can claim the deduction. If you use a home office exclusively for business, even if you don’t meet your clients there, you’re eligible. For instance, a handyman who does his work at other people’s houses can

claim the deduction if he does his paperwork at his home office. Another change is that, in the past, if you claimed 10 percent of your home as an office, that amount would not be included in the $250,000 tax-free profit from the home’s sale that’s allowed for an individual by the IRS. Be sure to make your claim reasonable, or it will get questioned; a $25,000 home office deduction for a business with $50,000 annual gross revenue is not reasonable. • Maximize your Flexible Spending Account. The Health Care Act will limit the maximum you can put into these pre-tax medical expense accounts in 2013. So 2012 is the last year to use an FSA to pay for orthodontics and other large medical expenses using pre-tax earnings. A medical expense flexible spending account, or FSA, allows you to use before-tax earnings to pay for medical or health care expenses not covered by your health insurance. Assuming a 25 percent tax rate, you avoid $25 in taxes for every $100 you spend from your FSA. • Need to sell an investment? Next year may be the time. The Tax Relief Act maintains the tax rate cap on capital gains and dividends at 15 percent through 2012. In 2013, the cap for capital gains will increase to 20 percent and for dividends, 39.6 percent. The Health Care Act also created a 3.8 percent Medicare tax on investment income, effective in 2013. Given those scheduled increases, plan to take advantage of the rates next year. Jessica James is a CPA and the author of a novel, “Justice for None,” about her experiences as a minor target in a major federal tax fraud case. After her ordeal, she decided to write about it as a warning to others who think they can take on the government and win.