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The Roanoke Star-Sentinel December 31 - January, 6 2011

NewsRoanoke.com

Happy New Year!

[Winter Wonderland]

FCC’s Net Neutrality Rules Not So Neutral

Year Ends With Magical Gift

No Major Changes Foreseen at Comcast / Cox

On December 21 the Federal Communications Commission voted 3-2 for new rules intended to prevent Internet providers like AT&T, Comcast and Verizon from acting as gatekeepers on the Web. Wireless carriers Media like AT&T and Verizon look to be exempt from the harshest rules. The objection by promoters of net neutrality is the fear of bandwidth control.

Cox Internet customers will receive a notice from Customer Relations tucked in their bill informing them of any changes in their policy.

Cox Communications already has three tiers of Internet service: Essential at 3 megabits per second download speed for $31.99, Preferred at 12 megabits at $45.99 and Premier at 15 megabits for $59.99 per month.

Their policy states that “If your bandwidth usage exceeds the amount included in your Internet package, Cox may suspend the Service or require you to upgrade the Service to a higher package and/or pay additional fees. In extreme cases, Cox may terminate the Service after providing adequate notice and opportunity for you to modify your bandwidth usage.”

ISP (Internet Service Providers) want the option to control the data pipeline and become the traffic cops of the Internet. Those with mus-

Fred First

Nothing to

Everything

[

P4– Fred First looks from infinitesimally small to infinitely big and finds humanity at its best sitting halfway in-between.

R

Deep

Fried Peas!

P5– Our very own Happy Chef offers up some wise words and one mean New Year’s Day “Fried Black Eyed Pea” Recipe!

Photo of South Roanoke United Methodist Church by Stuart Revercomb

oanokers didn’t have to dream of a white Christmas last Saturday morning as they awoke to a snow-scaped scene that even the old crooner Bing Crosby himself would have appreciated. It hasn’t snowed more than an inch on Christmas Day in Roanoke since 1969 so, after 41 years, many Roanokers (and certainly the sleigh riding youngsters) felt that the Valley was more than due. The snowfall was followed by temperatures in the 20s and some very strong lower level winds that lasted through Tuesday, causing drifting and the re-covering of some rural roadways.

But Old Man Winter is finally planning on loosening his grip a bit on Friday and by Saturday the Roanoke Valley is expected to top out with a high near 60 degrees to start off 2011. But don’t bet that the old year’s final trend will last too long into the new . . . The weather, like life, has a way of changing fast . . . Happy New Year!

> CONTINUED P2: FCC

Public Weighs In on State Issues Via Roanoke College Poll

In anticipation of the 2011 General Assembly session in Virginia, the Institute for Policy and Opinion Research at Roanoke College conducted a statewide survey of 601 residents. The questionnaire covered a variety of issues, but focused primarily on fiscal issues—the budget, taxes, and spending. Because of the timing of the poll not every possibility was covered, such as Governor McDonnell’s budget proposal which was released after the survey was completed.

General Views of the State and National Governments

A plurality of residents (46%) think are split on whether the state is heading sessions of the General Assembly are too in the right direction (45%) or if things short in duration, while about one-third have gotten off track (43%). A bare ma(34%) think they are the right length. jority (51%) trust the national governOnly 9% think they are too long. More ment at least some of the time, and by more than a three-to-one than half of the respondents ratio, they think things in (56%) think that members Commonwealth the country are off track of the Assembly are com(72%) rather than moving pensated appropriately, and slightly more think they are paid too in the right direction (21%).

Over half of the those interviewed much (22%) rather than too little (18%).

A large majority of respondents (83%) (57%) approve of the job Bob McDontrust the state government to do what is nell is doing as Governor, while only right at least some of the time, but they 36% approve of the job Barack Obama is

[

P7– Local High Schools provide plenty of hot hardwood tournament action - see Bill Turner’s coverage in Sports.

Dr. Andre A. Muelenaer Jr. (right) and graduate student Carlos Guevara practice using the large-screen digital format of the Broselow Tape.

VA Tech, Carilion to Create Digital ER Pediatric Response Chart

P9– Gene Marrano says that Roanoker Blair Peyton’s locally produced (but NY aired) TV Comedy is well worth the watch.

]

doing as President.

A majority of respondents (57%) think that government (state or national not specified) is trying to do things that should be left to individuals and businesses, while 34% think government should be doing more. In the same vein, residents prefer a government that provides fewer services with lower taxes over a government that provides more services with higher taxes by more than two-to-one (68%-32%). > CONTINUED P2: Poll

“Hand Of God” Trilogy Created

By Vinton Author

Holiday Hoops!

Tuned Out TV

]

A well-known paper-based medical chart used by pediatric emergency personnel across America is undergoing a 21st century boost in an collaborative effort between Virginia Tech’s College of Engineering, Roanoke-based Carilion Clinic Children’s Hospital and the physician who created the original method some 25 years ago.

The Broselow Pediatric Emergency Tape, ­otherwise known as the Broselow Tape, has been a staple of emergency rooms and child trauma units for nearly three decades. Created by Hickory, N.C.-based physician James Broselow, the Broselow Tape is a long, durable tape measure used on the child during a medical emergency. Using a color-coded format, it provides specific medical information to medical caregivers based on the height and weight of the child. This can include amounts of medicines to dispense, or level of shock voltage to emit from a defibrillator, for instance. This information now will be displayed on a large LCD monitor within emergency rooms, for > CONTINUED P3: Pediatric

An optician by trade, Judi The third and final Hand Ann Ehresman said she has of God novel is entitled always been a writer. Now “Where Two Agree.” In retired and living in Vinton the first novel a slave eswith her husband Richard, capes; that character, DeiEhresman has had the time dre, becomes the principal to write – and then some. player in the new book.

Her third novel in the “Hand Two other novels Ehresman of God” series is set to be has finished but are not yet published by OakTara in published are stand-alone mid-January. The novels are books, not related to the available on line at venues Hand of God trilogy. like christianbook.com and “If they could get over the amazon.com, and locally at border into Indiana [slaves] the Family Christian store Judi Ann Ehresman’s were considered free,” notes on Starkey Road in South- “On the Wings of Ehresman. “This young west Roanoke County.

Grace” - the second woman brings her infant Born in Virginia but raised book in the trilogy. child to Indiana … but her in Indiana, Ehresman set her husband was sold away.” The Hand of God trilogy in that story revolves around the state as well. Characters from each novel couple’s desire to be reunited. appear in the subsequent book, someEhresman’s husband runs the booktimes as secondary players in store at Hollins University the preceding novel and manow but is a retired minisInspirational jor factors in the next. “They ter, making the Christian are sort of separate stories [but themes in each book perhaps connected],” said Ehresman. She called more understandable. While freelancing the series the Hand of God “because for her local newspaper in Indiana, she in each of the three books, in different wrote “The Long Road Home” which is ways, you can see the way the hand of book one in The > CONTINUED God moves.” It’s a subtle approach, she Hand of God sepromises. ries.

P2:Trilogy

[

]

Page 2 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 12/31/10 - 1/6/11

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Wired networks operators will not be allowed to block any lawful content. Wireless providers are only prohibited from blocking websites that compete with the carrier’s voice or video services.

The “reasonable network management” blocking rule for wireless and wire-line networks includes allowances to “reasonably manage” their networks during times of congestion.

Fixed broadband providers like cable companies are prohibited from unreasonably discriminating against traffic on their network.

The compromise does not satisfy consumer advocates for net neutrality. They wanted stricter rules. This compromise could allow broadband providers to impose usage-based charges. ISP customers using more bandwidth would get charged more than customers using less. The FCC will also allow providers to offer special services like better quality for certain applications –

> Poll Specific Issues ABC stores While opinion is split, a slim majority of respondents would like to see the state get out of the business of selling alcohol.

About one-third (33%) think ABC stores should be sold if the Commonwealth can replace the lost revenue, and 18% said that the state simply should not be in the business of selling alcohol.

However, a significant plurality (41%) thinks the ABC stores should remain in their current status.

Redistricting A strong majority (69%) supports the idea of a non-partisan commission redrawing legislative districts.

Immigration Virginia residents support a variety of measures that would crack down on illegal immigrants. Strong majorities support allowing police to check a person’s immigration status during routine traffic stops (76%), requiring the government to verify the legal status of workers (84%), requiring school officials to collect information on students who cannot prove their legal status (68%), and increasing penalties for anyone who hires an illegal, knowingly or unknowingly (71%).

Health care With regard to health care, residents are almost evenly split between thinking that it is purely an individual responsibility (38%), a right for all citizens that should be provided by the government (34%), and supporting government-provided care for the elderly and the poor (29%).

A majority supports some role for the government in health care, but a sizeable minority sees health care as beyond the

purview of government.

Most residents (59%) are not willing to pay higher taxes for universal health care. As for what should happen to those without insurance (private or government-provided) who get sick, a plurality (43%) think that hospitals and doctors should be required to provide care for free or at a greatly reduced rate, and 28% think the government should pay for their care. Just less than one-third (30%), think those without insurance should be responsible for their own care.

Budgeting, taxing, spending In general, most respondents (72%) preferred a combination of budget cuts and tax increases as a means of balancing the budget, but a quarter (25%) preferred budget cuts alone, while only 3% preferred tax increases alone. Of those who supported some form of budget cuts, 82% still supported the cuts even if it was a program that benefitted them or their family. Similarly, 79% supported a tax increase even if it was one that they or their family would have to pay.

Presented with a scenario in which there had to be budget cuts, respondents were offered a choice of areas to cut—education (27%), health and human services (39%), public safety (29%), “all other items” (83%), and across-the-board cuts (52%). Those who opposed cuts in all those areas chose “other areas” (47%) or acrossthe-board cuts (41%) when forced to choose one area.

Presented with a scenario in which there had to be tax increases, respondents were offered a choice of taxes to increase—the sales tax (58%), per-

By Valerie Garner info@newsroanoke.com

sonal income tax (41%), business income tax (55%), cutting the state’s subsidy for the personal property tax (46%), and the gas tax (42%). Those who opposed all those tax increases chose the sales tax (42%), business tax (21%), gas tax (19%), and the personal property reimbursement (11%) when forced to choose one area.

Roads A question that has been asked on several polls over several years was repeated on this questionnaire. As a means of providing additional funding for road improvement, residents remain relatively deadlocked between moving funds from other budget areas (28%), placing tolls on some highways (27%), increase funding only as permitted without any tax increases (20%), or increase taxes and designate those funds for roads (17%). These percentages are largely unchanged over the past five years.

“Crosstabs”: Crosstab analysis shows that most of the differences are those one would expect to see. The largest and most consistent differences among subgroups are those found in political ideology and political party. Not surprisingly, Democrats generally adopt the more “liberal” position on most issues while Republicans take the more “conservative” position. In many instances, these differences are quite large. This is especially true on budgetrelated questions. There are few differences among those groups in views of Virginia government, perhaps because the Commonwealth has a Republican governor, but there are very large differences in views of the national government.

We can also see some differences in education subgroups, with those most formally educated staking out more liberal stances. There are significant differences in the expected direction between whites and African-Americans on views of the national government and approval of President Obama.

There are virtually no differences in views among different age groups and fewer and smaller gender gap differences than we might expect to see, though they are in the expected direction. There are also relatively few regional differences in the poll. Where there are regional differences, Northern Virginia tends to be slightly more liberal that the rest of the state. In summary, the largest differences between Virginians are based on political ideology and party, not on most demographic characteristics, with some exceptions, of course.

Interviewing for The Roanoke College Poll was conducted by The Institute for Opinion and Policy Research at Roanoke College between November 29 and December 8, 2010. The sample consisted of 601 residents of Virginia and was prepared by Survey Sampling Inc. of Fairfield, Conn. Questions answered by the entire sample of 601 likely voters are subject to a sampling error of plus or minus approximately 4 percent. A copy of the questions and all frequencies may be found on the Roanoke College web site. http://roanoke. edu/News_and_Events/Campus_News/RC_Poll_Va_General_Assembly_.htm

From page 1

“What really sparked the book,” says Ehresman, commenting on the oaktara.com website, “was seeing how un-forgiveness and grudge-bearing affected people’s lives. I wanted to portray the freedom that comes in letting go of hurts and wrongs.”

The second book in the trilogy, “On the Wings of Grace,” was just released at Thanksgiving. “It takes time to find a publisher,” said Ehresman, who shopped the

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for example home security and medical service applications.

Managing Director Craig Aaron of the media reform organization “The Free Press” was disappointed in the FCC’s watereddown protection of consumers, calling it “online discrimination.”

In a press release Aaron stated: “These rules don’t do enough to stop the phone and cable companies from dividing the Internet into fast and slow lanes, and they fail to protect wireless users from discrimination.

No longer can you get to the same Internet via your mobile device as you can via your laptop.”

But only time will tell whether the implementation of the new rules will greatly affect the average internet user in Roanoke and beyond.

From page 1

> Trilogy

The Country Store Deli

NewsRoanoke.com

From page 1

cle (money) can command the green light while the average Internet e-mail checker would be sitting at the yield sign waiting their turn.

It boils down to cable companies and telephone companies being viewed separately.

The FCC claims it will provide consumers, service providers, device makers, and application developers clear rules of the road for the Internet.

Network operators of both fixed and wireless networks will be required to disclose information that will be necessary for them to deploy services. If network management techniques are used that affect certain applications the ISP must transparently disclose the reason for the requirement.

Both fixed wire-line broadband network operators like Cox Communications and wireless providers like Verizon and AT&T are prohibited from blocking traffic on the Internet. But the stipulations for each type are different.

Sun and clouds and a warm up move in for Friday with temperatures in the mid 50s.

Rain is in the forecast as a cold front moves in on Saturday but ahead of the front we will see temperatures approach 60.

Dry weather returns for Sunday through Tuesday with temperatures in the low 50s on Sunday and upper 40s on Monday.

Hand of God series for two years before OakTara published them. She’s written two books a year recently, one in the spring and one in the fall, and gardens in the summer.

“I’ve just always written,” said Ehresman, who also dabbled in poetry while working as an optician. “I always knew someday I would write a book.” Now she has written five – three published as of mid-January – and hopes to see the other two in print

soon.

“I hope the books can help challenge people to help make wise choices in behavioral patterns, to be able to see how God works in our lives – when we let him,” said Ehresman, who hopes to conduct a book signing at Family Christian store and other local venues after “Where Two Agree” is published.

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> Pediatric all personnel to see.

“We are converting the existing Broselow Tape into an electronic format to improve resuscitation team communications and patient safety,” said Dr. Andre A. Muelenaer Jr., an associate professor of pediatrics at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, adjunct professor at Virginia Tech-Wake Forrest University School of Biomedical Engineering and Science, and director of the Pediatric Medical Device Institute, located in Roanoke.

Additional displayed information will include medicines administered to the patient, including the time of administration and the next scheduled allotment. In the instance of burns, an automated calculation of the affected surface area will be displayed, along with automated calculation of fluid resuscitation.

A click of a mouse/remote control can move responders from one screen

12/31/10 - 1/6/11 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 3

From page 1 to another. The software running the newly-dubbed eBroselow software program runs on LabVIEW, owned

by National Instruments. Known as TEAM Broselow, the method is being tested at various hospitals, including facilities in Roanoke; Austin, Texas; and Winston-Salem, N.C., and will be fine tuned as additional input comes in from doctors, nurses, and other medical personnel, said Muelenaer.

Many of the new features already include input from medical personnel around the country, Muelenaer said. One example: The ability to track by barcode-scan the exact types and amounts of medicine administered to the patient. “The idea is to give multiple people access to the same info, on a big screen,” said Al Wicks, an associate professor of mechanical engineering at Virginia Tech, who serves on the Pediatric Medical Device Institute’s leadership team with Muelenaer.

Much of the work to digitize the Broselow Tape for display on LCD televisions was completed by Carlos Guevara, a Virginia Tech master’s graduate student in mechanical engineering from El Salvador who recently became an American citizen. Emergency medical personnel still will rely on the physical laminated tape to determine the child’s care-need level, before utilizing the digital display version.

“Doing this was a rather simple task,” said Guevara. “The challenges arose in an attempt to take advantage of current technology in order to develop a much more enhanced device, such as using the available drug concentration information to calculate volume to administer once a drug has been scanned.”

The idea for a digital version of the Broselow Tape came two-fold, hundreds of miles apart. In Hickory, Broselow was working with a collaborator on a Web-based adaptation as far

Mumpower Proposes Legislation To Require Unemployed To Volunteer Many complain that the unemployed get a free ride and have little incentive to seek employment.

In the lame-duck session, Congress passed a 13week extension of unemployment benefits.

Some economists like the idea of extending benefits. They say it will put money into the hands of people who will spend it.

But the Democrat running in the 8th district House of Delegates wants to require benefit recipients to perform volunteer work in return for receiving unemployment benefits. “This program will allow people who are unemployed to volunteer and help their communities while they collect benefits and look for new work," said Ginger Mumpower in a press release. "This volunteer work will also allow them to build new skill-sets and establish new contacts for finding a job,”.

Unemployed workers would add their nonprofit weekly work hours to the forms they already submit to the unemployment office to receive their check.

Republican governor-elect Rick Scott of Florida has proposed the same concept for the unemployed in his state. Scott’s transition team suggests that after 12 weeks, the unemployed must start community service before they can get a check.

Scott would start requiring those applying for unemployment benefits to prove they've been looking for jobs and stop benefits to those who aren't.

The idea has received mixed reactions in Florida.

Some agree that the unemployed should work for their benefit. Others claim it cuts into their job-hunting time. Mumpower sees it as an opportunity for the unemployed to network, develop new skills while providing social interaction to keep a positive outlook.

In Florida the governor-elect sees it as a way to lower taxes on businesses. If the unemployed face circumstances that prevent them from volunteering, the number of people receiving unemployment checks would shrink.

Mumpower proposes legislation that will call for persons receiving state unemployment benefits to continue their benefits by volunteering at local non-profit organizations. Mumpower believes that “non-profits can use free labor now more than ever to keep their much needed programs alive and train a new generation of people to give back to the community.”

In Mumpower’s press release: “So many concerned citizens complain that we give free services, without requiring people to give back. This legislation addresses those concerns. Our society cannot work without people helping each other.

This is a favorable situation for both entities and will help people get back to work and become functioning members of society instead of falling into the poverty trap.”

back as three years ago. Meanwhile, more than a year ago, Stacy Steans, a pediatric physician at Roanoke’s Carilion Clinic Children’s Hospital, had his own epiphany about converting the paper-based data to a wireless format displayed on a monitor. Eventually, Steans, and Muelenaer at Carilion, the Virginia Tech College of Engineering and Broselow himself all came together to work on the process.

“We got together, we showed them what we had developed and they showed us what they had developed,” said Broselow, who developed the tape after moving from a private practice set-up to emergency room, and seeing the need for large medical teams to have set standards for child emergency care response. “The initial content on the large screen was a combination of what their thinking was and the content information we had.”

Funding for the project came from

Sheriff Mike Winston has announced that the Roanoke County Sheriff ’s Office has received accreditation by the Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standards Commission (VLEPSC).

VLEPSC allows law enforcement agencies in Virginia (Sheriff ’s Offices and Police Departments) to voluntarily seek accreditation of their agencies by demonstrating compliance with 187 accepted standards for the efficient and effective operation of their Agencies. The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) administers the accreditation program.

The Roanoke County Sher-

Janet Scheid, Roanoke County Greenway Planner.

Roanoke County’s Greenway Planner, Janet Scheid, will retire at the end of the year.

Scheid began her career with Roanoke County 22 years ago when she came to work as a Planner in the Planning Department. In 2008 she moved to the Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department to become the County's Greenway Planner. Prior to her work with Roanoke County, Scheid Goodlatte is a senior Member of the House Judispent nine years with the U.S. ciary Committee, which has jurisdiction over Constitutional amendments and other issues pertaining to the U.S. Constitution.

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iff ’s Office went through an extensive review of their agency’s Administration, Operations, Personnel and Training, policies and procedures, on November 15 – 17, 2010, by commission auditors. Auditors determined that 181 out of 187 standards were in compliance, as written.

The Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standards Commission Board awarded the Sheriff ’s Office Accreditation status at a meeting in Botetourt County recently.

There are a total of 123 Sheriff ’s Offices and 293 Police Departments in Virginia. The Roanoke County Sheriff ’s Office joins the ranks as one of 82 ac-

Roanoke County Greenway Planner to Retire

By Valerie Garner info@newsroanoke.com

that the Republican Leadership included my recommendation that the U.S. Constitution be read aloud on the House Floor during the first week of session. This historic and symbolic reading is long overdue and shows that the new majority in the House of Representatives truly is dedicated to the U.S. Constitution and the principles for which it stands. Additionally, I would like to thank Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli for his efforts to advance this initiative.”

As the written expression of the consent the American people gave to their government – a consent with restrictions and boundaries – Goodlatte hopes the public reading of the Constitution will set the tone for the 112th Congress.

By Steven Mackay info@newsroanoke.com

Roanoke County Sheriff ’s Office Receives Accreditation

Goodlatte Succeeds in Effort to Focus on Constitution

At the urging of Congressman Bob Goodlatte, the House Republican Leadership released House Rules for the 112th Congress that recommit the Congress to the text of the U.S. Constitution.

As part of the new Rules for Congress, all Members of the House will be required to submit a formal statement pointing to the exact Constitutional provision that authorizes each bill they introduce. In addition, as a further demonstration of its commitment to hold true to the fundamental principles upon which this country was founded, the new Rules include Rep. Goodlatte's recommendation that the U.S. Constitution will be read aloud on the House Floor during the first week of the 112th Congress.

“One of the resounding themes I have heard from my constituents is that Congress should adhere to the Constitution and the finite list of powers it granted to the federal government,” said Congressman Goodlatte. “I am very pleased

the Childress Institute for Pediatric Trauma. Rural hospitals, such as those located throughout Southwest Virginia, could benefit most from the software device, more so than urban hospitals with high-capita populations of children. “There are not as many children, so there are not as many cases,” he said.

The tape itself is designed for children 12 years old or younger, and having a maximum weight of roughly 80 pounds. Separately, Broselow and his company are continuing work on several digital formats for emergency rooms of all types and additional user formats such as iPhone applications and several publications, plus additional emergency response needs such as wounds sustained from chemical weapons.

Environmental Protection Agency.

In retirement, Scheid and her husband plan to spend time hiking, camping, kayaking and sailing, as well as traveling to visit family and friends in Lake Tahoe, Nevada and Bermuda. Scheid has a son who is a sophomore at High Point University, North Carolina.

Lindsay Blankenship, currently a Planner in the Community Development Department, will become the new Greenway Planner on January 1.

credited agencies; and only one of three Sheriff ’s Offices in the state to be accredited by both the VLEPSC and American Correctional Association. After receiving their initial accreditation, agencies must undergo on-site assessments every four years.

According to County spokesperson Teresa Hall, achieving this VLEPSC accreditation, "fulfills one of Sheriff Winston’s major goals that he established when he became sheriff."

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Perspective

Page 4 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 12/31/10 - 1/6/11

Between Nothing and Everything: A New Year

J

anuary takes its name With hands still cold from from Janus, the Roman my predawn cloud-watching, god of portals, of com- I first browsed to an Internet ings and goings, beginnings link of a new video journey and endings—an odd-looking, by microscope, a revelation two-faced deity who looks at recently made public by scienonce both where he’s been and tists at Stanford University. The where he is going. traveler moves ever deeper and And here in early January, at greater and greater magnifiwe stand at just that vantage cation into an immensely compointe—at least temporarily plex constellation of nerve cells resolved to take a fresh look that only mammals possess. It ahead into the uncharted new is called the cerebral cortex. year, even as we look The points of light back at the way we’ve in this cellular unicome for landmark verse are synapses— lessons learned. the communication The Leonid Meteor junctions between Shower of November nerve cells. Every is an event as regular memory and emoas cosmic clock work, tion, every idea and a landmark lesson I every word ever utcount on every year tered has come into to re-calibrate my being by the workown measure against ings of the memory Fred First the Grand Scale of storage and inforThings. mation processing Extraterrestrial grains of sand of synapses. These new studies trace luminescent blue dashes reveal that there are more synacross the black velvet sky with apses and that they are more a fine-tipped brush. Time spent complex than we’d ever imagalone and silent under a cano- ined. py of constellations instructs Our brains contain 125 trilin the cold-dark revelation of lion of them—a number equal place and proportion in the to the stars in the Milky Way world. But this year’s event was galaxy, 1500 times over. A sinobscured by clouds, and I came gle human brain is “the most inside disappointed. complex entity in the known Then, as if by accident, I universe” with “more switches found my landmark lesson. I than all the computers and traversed the expanse of the routers and Internet connecCosmos by way of two four- tions on Earth” the study reminute videos that together, ports. left me thrilled, pleasantly And then it came to me: I perplexed, and in awe of what had been on a remarkably simwe have been given thus far to ilar visual journey before, but know, from the micro-world through a telescope, with the of a human cell to the edge of lens peering out across lightspace and time. years of space towards the most

distant objects in the universe.

The Hubble Ultra Dark Field experiment in 2004 studied a view covering a tiny speck of sky equal to a grain of sand at arm’s length. What was recorded on the camera’s plates after ten nights focused on this narrow but “ultra deep field” were over ten thousand galaxies, some so distant their light had been traveling for 13 billion years when it reached the Hubble camera. As I drank my second cup of coffee the morning of the obscured Leonids, I watched the four-minute video to the very edge of the universe.

Even while our blue planet is less than a speck against all of time and space, we can wrap our heads around the cosmos.

Each one of us is a colossus of living, thinking cells that can grasp some truth from the physical world from microscopic to telescopic—realities of the Grand Order that no generation before us has been granted to know. How is it possible we are not struck dumb every minute by the wonder of this place?

We’ve come far in humankind’s short history, and yet have only just begun to fathom the order and intricacies of the universe and how to live honorably and responsibly on our small, solid and hospitable part of it. Like Janus, we stand at the portal of this new cycle around our star, looking ahead and back, from our vantage point half way between the Everything and the Nothing.

In the understanding of our proportion to the cosmos midway between the neuron and the super-nova, let humility in our smallness make us careful, boldness in our ability to create make us courageous, wonder in our capacity to comprehend the cosmos bring deep reverence, and so make us more appreciative and cooperative inhabitants and stewards of this amazing place in the year to come.

The Roanoke Star-Sentinel C o m mu n i t y | N ew s | Pe r s p e c t i ve

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Find resource reading and videos at http://bit.ly/gsNM41

Publisher | Stuart Revercomb | stuart@newsroanoke.com Features Editor | Cheryl Hodges | cheryl@newsroanoke.com News Editor | Gene Marrano | gmarrano@cox.net Production Editor | Leigh Sackett | leigh@newsroanoke.com Technical Webmaster | Don Waterfield | webmaster@newsroanoke.com Advertising Director | Bill Bratton | advertising@newsroanoke.com

Fred First / Floyd County VA Books: slowroadhome.com Blog: fragmentsfromfloyd.com

Local Crossword

Star-Sentinel Crossword

The Roanoke Star-Sentinel is published weekly by Whisper One Media, Inc. in Roanoke, Va. Subscriptions are available for $44 per year. Send subscripfor 12/31/2010 tions to PO Box 8338, Roanoke,VA 24014. We encourage letters from our readers on topics of general interest to the community and responses to our articles and columns. Letters must be signed and have a telephone number for verification. All letters will be verified before publication.The Star-Sentinel 1 2 reserves the right to deny publication of any letter and edit letters for length, content and style.

3 4 All real estate advertised herein is subject to national and Virginia fair 5 6 housing laws and readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity 7 8 9 basis.

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Find the answers online: NewsRoanoke.com Have a clue and answer you’d like to see? email: puzzles@newsroanoek.com

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www.CrosswordWeaver.com

ACROSS 1 3 5 7 11 12 14 15 17 18 19 24 25 26 27 29 30 31

Is Grate Greek god of war Downtown Roanoke's tallest building (2words) Major world religion Pull Showerer’s need Bearing Part abbr.

Males Movie "Miss __" Video Used bad language Channel 10 around here.

On other side of ocean Slue Antlered animal Deciliter

DOWN 1 2 4 6 7 8 9 10 11 13 14 16 20 21 22 23 24 26 28

Composer We smooth the wrinkles out - ---- specialty.

Assembly Thailand West southwest Brew California (abbr.)

Beasts Tiny amounts Holds Fast movers located in Vinton on Parker Lane.

Compass point The other half of Jima Governor (abbr.)

Miner's goal Steeled Tyrant Time period Market

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NewsRoanoke.com

Consider The Twelfth Night

don’t know about you, but I’m repulsed venerable meaning for its Christian observers. In every Fall when I see Halloween witches, keeping with ancient religious rites, a liturgical Thanksgiving pilgrims, and Christmas San- feast begins a new day at sunset so that Twelfth ta’s displayed on merchants’ shelves throughout Night (the evening of 5 January) precedes Twelfth the region – all at the same time! I really cannot Day (6 January). Epiphany recalls the visitation of abide the commercialization of sacred moments the Biblical Magi “from the East” to Bethlehem, in the liturgical calendar that blunts the meaning celebrating the incarnation of Jesus as the Christ. of the season, turning it into a sordid indulgence Through the millennia, the feast also commemoand stripping it of its historical/religious rated other moments in the life of Jesus: context. all his childhood events, his baptism, For this reason, I’ve advocated for a and even his supposed miracle at the long time a not-very-popular curative: wedding of Cana in Galilee. The earremove all reasons for its commercialliest reference to this feast is attributed ization. In other words, treat Christmas to St. Epiphanius, metropolitan of Cylike we treat Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kipprus, in 361 C.E. Twelfth Night was pur, and Chanukah in the Jewish liturgy. and, for some Christian traditions, conIf Christmas occurs on a weekday, then tinues to be a time of merrymaking and nonbelievers go to work as usual and gift-giving. Once again, if folks wish to believers take the day off for their obcelebrate Epiphany, then let them take servances, deducted from their vaca- H. Bruce Rinker, PhD that evening and the next day as vacation bank. Officially, the United States tion times – just like observers do for is not a Christian nation and so we should not Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Chanukah in treat Christmas as a national holiday and, conse- the Jewish liturgy. quently, shut down the country. If citizens really For the moment, sadly, we must endure this need a collective holiday in December, then let’s sacrilege of Christmas as merchants and Wall go for the Winter Solstice instead. Such a cura- Street define the day for society at-large. With tive might help us refocus our attention on the es- all its glitter and contrivances, the celebration sence, not the phony nonsense, of the season. I has become a tacky throw-away Hallmark card readily admit, however, that my proposition will that idolizes a 4th-century saint – St. Nikolaos of not be popular among most of my students!

Myra in present-day Turkey. When we stop buyOr perhaps we could move our obsessive gift- ing into the vulgar consumerism, and recall the giving to the Twelfth Night where it belongs tra- deep message of the season, then we may decide ditionally. That would liberate most people to to separate the sacred festival of incarnation from observe Christmas as a holy day, a reflective day, its more profane (in the secular or material sense) a gathering day, a day for song and for light as the elements. During this busy, frenzied time of the cold dark winter blankets the landscape. The date, year, too often we allow our priorities to become after all, is not known to be the actual birthday of whacky and topsy-turvy. Let’s reclaim the sacred Jesus and seems instead to have been a contriv- and throw Santa, Rudolph, Frosty, the elves, and ance by the early Church to supplant pagan winter the whole insufferable lot into the recycle bin. festivals. Still the day stands for its cosmic sym- Bah, humbug! bolism of incarnation and fulfillment and has H. Bruce Rinker, Ph.D. been honored as such for centuries.

Ecologist, Educator, and Explorer Twelfth Night, known as Epiphany, also has a brinker@northcross.org

It's The Holidays When All Thoughts Turn To South American Polo Players, Bathing Beauties, Xavier Cugat And Mistaken Identities

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ow's that? Here's also convinced Xavier Cugat how: It starts with and his orchestra to temporarily all-American beauty quit their gig as house band at Esther Williams and Latin lov- the Waldorf-Astoria and appear er Ricardo Montalban. In the in the film. What resulted was a 1940's Hollywood paired them musical masterpiece, with Wilin series of madcap musicals in liams and Montalban performwhich she would sing and swim ing the song romantically, and in tight bathing suits, Garrett and Skelton and he would sing performing it for and dance in tight laughs. The song pants. In 1949, MGM went on to win an rolled out "Neptune's Academy Award.

Daughter" with WilThat was just liams playing a baththe beginning. In ing suit designer March and April of (naturally) and Mon1949, no less than talban an Argentine four different verpolo player (claro). sions were recorded Her sister, played by and released, and Mike Keeler Betty Garrett, misthey ALL reached takes him for his the top 20 almost masseur, played by Red Skelton. simultaneously. More versions Throw in Mel Blanc as dopey rolled out throughout the 50's. sidekick Pancho and Keenan Perhaps the oddest version was Wynn as a local mobster, and a live duet between Rock Hudwhat you get is...a thoroughly son (pretending to be straight) forgettable formula flick. and Mae West (pretending to Were it not for THE SONG. be young and interested) at the It was written by Frank Loesser 1958 Oscars. (of Guys and Dolls fame), and But the song was still just he would sing it with his wife at a song, until Dino nailed it. parties. Much to her chagrin, Dean Martin included it on Loesser sold the rights to MGM his 1959 album "A Winter Rofor use in the movie. The studio mance" (bonus trivia: there are

no credits given for the female singers on the track). A year later, the album was re-released as "Holiday Cheer." And THAT turned the song into a holiday standard.

Yep, it's the classic sweet-butsexy Christmas duet covered by just about everybody. Dinah Shore and Buddy Clark, Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Jordan, Dionne Warwick and Ray Charles, K.T. Oslin and Barry Manilow, Ann-Margaret and Al Hirt, Zooey Deschanel and Leon Redbone, Dolly Parton and Rod Stewart, Bette Milder and James Caan. And no matter the pairing - Miss Piggy and Rudolf Nureyev in a steam bath? You bet! - it always works. There's one holiday sentiment everyone agrees upon.

Baby, it's Cold Outside.

Cold indeed. To all our friends, family, colleagues and readers, enjoy your holidays and let's all bid 2010 a fond good riddance!

The days grow longer, and 2011 is already warming up. Cheers!

Contact Mike at info@theroanokestar.com

Hip Replacement?

Product Recall?

The following side effects have been linked to certain recalled defective hip replacement devices manufactured since 2003, by DePuy:

• Fractured hip bone resulting from failure of the hip implant • Loosening of the hip implant • Hip, thigh or groin pain • Swelling or inflammation around the hip implant • Pain when walking, standing or carrying heavy objects

Individuals with the defective DePuy implant may need:

• Hospitalization requiring replacement of the defective implants • Ongoing medical monitoring and testing

If you or someone you know has experienced any of these symptoms or has experienced a recent hip replacement, we may be able to help you, and you may have a claim for a defective product.

T

HOMSON

L A W F I R M , PLLC

For more information, contact us:

540-777-4900 or 877-471-3353

2721 Brambleton Ave. S.W. Roanoke VA 24015 www.roanokeinjurylawyer.com

Defective Products- Automobile Accidents-Animal Attacks- Nursing Home Neglect

Perspective

12/31/10 - 1/6/11 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 5

NewsRoanoke.com

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"Until One Has Loved an Animal . . ."

was using my lathe in my outdoor self-sufficiency, the doves are moved to an wood shop when McChesney came aviary where they can gain flight-strength to call. He sat first here, then there, I and Sabrina can carefully watch them defed him just a bit, but he had not come for velop. Often, wild doves come, alight on food; just to visit. Then, as he has done be- branches near the aviary, and courtship before, he nestled into the shavings and saw- gins. When we release the rehabbed doves, dust coming off the lathe. He paid no heed it is not at all uncommon to see them fly off to the noise. When the shavings began to together. accumulate on his back, he would shudA more raucous and impatient visitor is der them off and slightly change Sir Nigel. He’s a Blue Jay, member of position. He visited for an hour and the ‘Corvid’ family which includes then he left.

Magpies, Crows, Ravens, Rooks McChesney is a Mourning Dove; and Jackdaws. ‘Blues’ are capable of one we have rehabbed. an infinite variety of vocalizations, He wasn’t there the next day, but are very curious and quite insistent. my contractor laying stone in the They, like many of our other birds, back yard told me McChesney had having been set free, remain around come to visit him. “Yeah, he just our large backyard. They aren’t Lucky Garvin sat on a pile of rock for about four pets; they’re also not stupid… they hours watching me.” That’s McChesney. know where the food is, and they rememMourning Doves are among the most ber who has fed them; so to have them diveendearing birds to rehab. When very young bomb you or land on your shoulder is not – just feathered – we keep them in spacious unusual. This will continue until they figure cages on a shelf, and when they see Sabrina out natural sources of food and protection coming, they run to her, wings flapping and in the nearby forest. cooing: Weep, weep, weep. They quickly A group of air-conditioning guys came make the connection: Mommy = food. Ba- to complain that Sir Nigel was swooping in, sic arithmetic. They seem not to mind that picking up small screw drivers and meters, she has neither beak nor feathers; it’s perfor- and flying off with them. Of course, he carmance that counts. ried them in the direction of the feeding Having attained a degree of maturity and area, his way of reminding them there was

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a hungry Blue Jay in their midst, a state of affairs not to be long-tolerated.

But for all of that, Sir Nigel is more persistent than other jays. It’s nothing for him to fly into the animal room while Sabrina is feeding squirrels, land on her head, and instruct her in loud and certain terms how to improve her technique. And of course, since the subject is feeding, he sees himself as an expert Rehabbing is a business of emotional extremes. I watch the new folks train with Sabrina, people with good hearts and wonderful intentions. They want to help but they don’t yet know how heart-breaking this business can be, i.e., the animal or bird you just cannot save even after exhausting effort. Yet I wonder if the old saying is true: That we can be no closer to God than we are to those animals and birds with whom we share His creation. But then, there are the rewards, like McChesney, and – okay, okay – like Sir Nigel.

"Until one has loved an animal, part of their soul remains unawakened." - Anatole France Look for Lucky’s books locally and on-line: The Oath of Hippocrates; The Cotillian; A Journey Long Delayed.

Contact Lucky at info@theroanokestar.com

Recognizing God’s Grace

od’s grace often comes in unex- sue another track to a dead end endeavor. pected, unrecognized ways, and, I looked forward to leaving home and retruth be told, is sometimes un- joiced in my independence when I came to welcome. Such was my experience when I Roanoke to teach.. learned that my father was coming to the Now, in his old age, I faced the responsiLutheran home in Roanoke. (This was in the bility of caring for him. I would have to go 1970s and the Virginia Lutheran Home was each week do his laundry and cheer him predecessor to the current Brandon Oaks.) up… Impossible! I would feel like a hypoMy sister informed me that after his third crite. I resented God for this unwelcome stroke, my mother could no longer responsibility. Why would He put care for him at home. Mom was a me in this position?

Lutheran and made arrangements But I went because I had to go. for him to be brought to the home I considered it my Christian duty. in Roanoke, knowing he would be But there was no joy in the task. near me and I could look out for Three strokes had left Dad unable him. Therein lay the problem for to communicate, and speech therame. py did little to correct the problem.

I was never close to my father.

Yet his mind was clear and I felt Mary Jo Shannon In fact, I lacked filial affection and his frustration as he tried to talk. often expressed my negative feelHis vision had been failing prior ings. I was the oldest child and resented the to the strokes and he was unable to read. A way he seemed indifferent or verbally abu- wheelchair allowed him to roam the halls. sive to his wife and five children. My father Eventually, his position of helplessness ridiculed education, and showed no inter- stirred feelings of sympathy and remorse est in our school work. He didn’t attend my in my heart. I believe it is impossible to go high school graduation and scoffed at my through the actions of caring for someone determination to go to college. without developing such feelings.

Although a talented tree surgeon, sought Then suddenly I experienced an epiphaafter by the wealthiest families in our home- ny. I had spent my adult life striving to meet town to care for their trees and shrubs, he the needs of children with specific learning failed to manage money well and was always disabilities, hoping to prevent a dismal fuin debt. He would have “brilliant” ideas and ture for them, should they not be remediinvest in them, only to lose interest and pur- ated. These children are normal or above in

Preacher’s Corner Quick! What two words strike the most fear into both Christian believers and nonbelievers alike? That’s right!

Everybody knows the answer to that one . . .

BIBLE STUDY! And with good reason most of us have all encountered at least some form of a less than inspiring, if not out-right “snoozer” of a bible study . . . Whether the cheesy, pre-packaged ones we encountered as a child or the dull, dry lecture variety we might have experienced from the recently retired lawyer who had nothing else to do with his spare time. (Though we should certainly offer an “A for effort” there.)

But it just doesn’t have to be that way!

I mean really - I happen to know because about 15 years ago I discovered a Bible Study program put together by those wily United Methodists that is “just killer” as my 11 year old son Rob would say.

“Well, how could that possibly be?” you ask.

The name of the program is quite simply, “Disciple,” and while it was originally created some time back it has been massaged and renewed and recreated such that it (like you and I) is a wondrous ongoing work in progress. But the three things that make Disciple so uniquely powerful have remained very much the same: • Group size is limited to 12 “souls on board” as a target.

(About 16 is “absolute maxi-

intelligence, but perceptual problems make learning through traditional methods frustrating and unproductive.

Now I recognized in my father the same symptoms these children displayed – impulsiveness, egocentric tendencies, lack of focus and failure to complete tasks, to mention a few. My father had dropped out of school when he was a teenager and I could imagine his negative feelings about education as he recalled the difficulty he must have encountered. He had no special training to overcome these problems, to achieve his potential. Now I realized I had denied him the compassion that I felt so strongly for the children I taught. I was witnessing the results of no remediation at an early age.

How many lives it had affected!

I could not use the special techniques with my father that I employed to help children achieve success. It was too late. But it was not too late to show compassion and understanding. Throughout the remainder of the two years my father spent in the home, my caring was no longer a burden. I believe he sensed the difference, the forgiveness and reconciliation, for my mother said on one of her visits just before his death, he managed to utter two words: “Jo good.”

When he died in May 1979, my tears were genuine.

Contact Mary Jo at info@theroanokestar.com

The Happy Chef

by Leigh Sackett

Deep Fried Black Eyed Peas Luck, luck, luck! Some days just seem to come together right before your very eyes and you know that you’ve had very little to do with your good fortune. It feels as if the stars have aligned and some great power has made all things right for just that perfect moment in time. Could it be the black eyed peas you ate on New Years?

And then there are the other days, where the expression “When it rains it pours” comes to mind. Maybe we should blame those on the peas eaten during the rest of the year . . .

Although we run around in this world as if we are the rulers of the day – in control of everything - most of us seem to have some sense that maybe we’re not. In addition to superstitious New Years traditions, we carry around a lucky rabbit’s foot or a lucky coin in our pocket, some read their horoscope and try to connect some meaning from their life to the words on that particular day, while others find answers inside fortune cookies.

I suppose God can work through just about anything - including black eyed pea traditions to effect His purposes . . . But I find prayer and ongoing “divine conversation” to be more in line with the traditional way of staying in touch with Him that I might better understand His purposes and direction for my life. Of course we make a bit of our own good fortune through the paths we choose, but we will encounter wondrous joys and terrible sorrows that were not of our design regardless of how diligently we have planned out our lives. (Or how many bowls of peas we have eaten!)

So our job is to trust these things, the good and the bad to accept them as much a part of our day and our lives as the things we have planned for. In

Nothing Puts the Fear of God in You Like . . .

mum occupancy.”)

• The class meetings are held once a week and are “Conversational” in lieu of being “Instructional.” Students are able to share personal understandings and experiences and there is a clear emphasis that “it really is OK” to disagree on various interpretations.

• Students tend to start out reading the Word, before realizing that somewhere along the way it has begun to “read them.” i.e. the Spirit has plenty of room to work in our lives and usually does week in and week out - and often in some rather unexpected ways.

“But why bother reading the Bible? I mean, I’ve heard it all before haven’t I?” Well, if you’re like most of us you really haven’t - most studies and even scripture based sermons tend to stick to the more familiar texts, but

in the first level of Disciple you’ll read almost 80% of the Bible over an 8 month period.

Sound challenging? In some ways, absolutely - but in others not at all. In fact, most students have a hard time stopping once they begin using the study guide and watching the weekly DVD presentations by leading scholars from all denominations and even other faith traditions.

Simply put, every preconception you ever had about a “Bible Study” will go right out the window.

Intrigued? Been thinking about doing such a study but “Just never got around to it?”

There are plenty of excuses to go around (believe me, I’ve had my own) but when you really get down to it, there is simply no more powerful, life altering, important, critical, peace-giving thing you will ever do. Ever. Way

Bent Mountain

Christian

Academy

Now Accepting Applications For The Upcoming Term:

by Stuart Revercomb

out of over 600 students drop out and I think four of them were pregnant and had other rather “large matters” to attend to . . .

The congregation I lead at Peace Presbyterian Church will begin offering Disciple classes the first week of February and groups are forming now. Contemplated meeting times are Monday evening 12:42:47 PM (710/29/10 PM), Thursday evening (7

PM) and Sunday mornings (9 AM), but if you have a suggestion and some others are seeking the same time slot we can make that work as well.

Please contact me at 3307335 or rev@cox.net if you’re interested or would just like to learn more.

Here’s to a Joyful and Wonderfully Prosperous NEW year - with many inspired new beginnings!

Beyond Your Expectations

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In Stock Now! The All New 2011 Lincoln MKZ 2

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The academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, or national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, and other academy-administered programs.

bentmountainchristianacademy@yahoo.com facebook: Bent Mountain Christian Academy 10140 Tinsley Lane, Bent Mountain, VA 24059

1 pound dried black-eyed peas, sorted and rinsed 1 onion, cut into large dice 2 bay leaves 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced canola oil for frying 2 teaspoons seafood seasoning 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt -Place the black-eyed peas into a large container and cover with several inches of cool water; let stand 8 hours to overnight.

- Drain and rinse the peas.

Pour in enough water to cover the peas by 3-inches, then stir in the onion, bay leaves, and jalapeno pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer until the peas are tender but not mushy, 40 to 50 minutes. Add more water if needed to keep the peas covered while cooking. Drain the peas in a colander set in the sink, and spread them onto a baking sheet lined with paper towels or dish towels to drain. Discard bay leaves, and refrigerate the peas until ready to fry.

-Heat oil in a deep-fryer or large saucepan to 375 degrees -Carefully pour about 1 1/2 cups of peas into the hot oil per batch, and fry until crisp, 4 to 7 minutes. Remove the peas, drain on paper towels, and toss the hot peas in a bowl with seafood seasoning and kosher salt.

Serve hot.

C

Spring Semester 2011, Grades K-8.

540-494-8356

big EVER. And that applies whether you’ve never graced the doorstep of a church or never missed a Sunday service in your life.

Don’t believe me? Give it a try - jump in for 6 weeks and then tell me how much money it would take to get you to STOP. I mean it - after leading these programs / classes for over 7 years collectively, 14312 10 MKS ad 10_29.ai I have only seen perhaps five

the New Year we should rejice in the lucky day because it is a surprisingly good gift, but we should also hold on to the “unlucky day” too, for even if we don’t see it - it is a part of our “blessings” as well.

Although I love fried foods, if you eat too many of these fried black-eyed peas your waist-line luck may change, but one bowl to bring in and celebrate a new year should be just fine! Enjoy and Happy New Year to of all you!

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Page 6 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 12/31/10 - 1/6/11

NewsRoanoke.com

“Pet Peace Of Mind” Hospice Program Roanoke Inventor Markets Simple Keeps Pets And Families Together Internet Security Gadget

Carilion Clinic Hospice has announced a new program, “Pet Peace of Mind,” which recognizes and actively supports the unique bond between hospice patients and their pets. The program began in early December and will provide helping hands and financial assistance to patients with pet care needs.

The “Pet Peace of Mind” program allows patients to complete their end of life journey without worrying about their pet’s current or future needs. The initiative provides volunteer pet care services for patients who are unable to care for their pets while on hospice. Services include assistance with pet food, medication and grooming costs, food and cat litter drop-off, veterinary medical needs, pet’s need within the home, transportation to pet appointments, pet placement decisions, and emergency treatment due to accident or life-threatening conditions.

“This new program will allow our patients to keep their pets during a time when they need them the most,” explains Lisa Sprinkel, Senior Director of Carilion Clinic Home Health and Hospice. “Pets offer unconditional love, acceptance, comfort and companionship. We try and help our patients live fully until they die and we feel that pets should be involved in this process.”

Offering “Pet Peace of Mind” places Carilion Clinic Hospice in a select group of other hospice providers that have joined a national network of hospice providers committed to ensuring this important patient need is met.

The program will launch in Roanoke at first, with hopes of extending into the other Carilion

A Carilion Clinic Hospice Patient receives comfort from a special pet.

Clinic service areas. You can help support this effort through a monetary donation or by becoming a volunteer.

For more information about the “Pet Peace of Mind” program, please call 540-224-4795 or email sghuntington@carilionclinic.org.

Roanoke County Schools Kindergarten Registration January 20 & 21 Roanoke County Schools will hold registration for upcoming kindergarten children, and children presently enrolled in private kindergarten who will attend first grade in public schools during the 2011-2012 school year.

All children who will be five years old on or before September 30, 2011, are eligible for kindergarten. Parents should register their children at the elementary school in their home area on Thursday, January 20 and Friday, January 21 from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Parents should bring the following information when registering their children: • child’s birth certificate • child’s social security card • child’s immunization record • proof of residency (a mortgage, a pending contract, a copy of a lease, or a property tax statement will be accepted as proof of residency).

A current vehicle registration indicating a Roanoke County address and a current Virginia driver’s license with a Roanoke County address

$10 or Less Lunch Menu

Open For Lunch

listed may be accepted if other proof of residency documents are unavailable.

Schools must have the child’s physical and immunization record on file prior to the first day of school or students will not be allowed to attend school. Pupils who are presently attending kindergarten in Roanoke County Public Schools are not required to register. Children currently enrolled in a Roanoke County Public Schools preschool program who are eligible for kindergarten must go through the registration process. If the date of the current physical and immunization record on file exceeds 12 months prior the first day of school, an updated physical and immunization record is required before the first day of school.

Is someone spying on you with your own webcam? Nowadays that could be possible. Recently there have been numerous instances of computer hackers remotely activating webcams – and the victims were completely unaware they were being watched.

Roanoker Jim DeLong, businessman, inventor and entrepreneur, has created the “SPYBLOCKER” to prevent scenarios such as the one in a Pennsylvania school system earlier this year, where an information technology employee activated multiple students’ computers remotely. In this particular case, the FBI recovered over 54,000 images that were taken of the students in their own homes.

DeLong’s SPYBLOCKER protects an individual's privacy from unknown and unwanted use of a laptop webcam. It is a small cover, designed to fit any laptop or netbook. Made from flexible plastic, the SPYBLOCKER slides on the computer frame, covering the webcam. It will adjust to fit all computer sizes and is a convenient alternative to tape or post-it notes, which can damage the camera lens.

Computer virus experts have identified commercial malware and spyware that can run the webcam on a laptop; once a hacker gains access to a computer remotely, they can activate any application on the computer including the webcam, which is standard equipment on most laptops today.

DeLong, the parent of two children and a netbook user, realized an invention like the Spyblocker would fill a niche that is likely to expand. No one likes the idea of hackers gaining access to anyone’s computers. “I think it is important to raise awareness about webcam spying and inform webcam and laptop users of potential dangers,” said DeLong.

“Unfortunately, hacking into someone else's webcam is possible and it is happening all the

Roanoker Jim DeLong’s security device. time. There are many people out there who know how to hack into webcams and many resources for people who want to learn how to do it. This creates a privacy issue -- no one wants to sacrifice their privacy and no one should have to.”

DeLong went on to say that he encourages parents to warn their children about webcam spying so they can protect themselves. “College students’ laptops are always open in their dorm room, and they are not aware they could possibly be spied upon. SPYBLOCKER does not require you to disconnect from anything, deactivate anything or download any software. The laptop webcam cover is a simple one-step option to protect yourself from webcam spying,” said DeLong.

Visit www.thespyblocker.com for more information or to order – a pack of two retails for $3.99

By Carla Bream info@newsroanoke.com

Faith Christian School Raises $300,000

Faith Christian School will finish the year having raised an additional $300,000 toward its capital campaign Finish in Faith.

The $8.2 million dollar campaign began receiving donations in the fall of 2002. Donations from families, friends, and the community have allowed the School to move from rented facilities in local churches to its own 68,500 square foot building on Buck Mountain Road in Southwest Roanoke County.

Capital Campaign Committee Chair and parent, Tim Lilley shares, "It is simply marvelous how the Lord has led us in this endeavor. God continues to provide Faith Christian School with the needed funds year after year even when it has not been clear where the money would come from - $6.3 million down, $1.9 million to

(From L to R) Director of Development Jay Whitmore, Campaign Chair Tim Lilley and Headmaster Sam Cox adjust the number upward.

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go! Thanks to all of the parents, grandparents and friends who have given and who continue to give to our Finish in Faith Capital Campaign.”

Faith Christian School serves students throughout the Roanoke region. For more information visit FaithChristianSchool.com.

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Sports

K-Guard Holiday Classic Brings Big Hoop Surprises

Hidden Valley's #44 Austin Beecher blocks out Salem's Michael Brown to secure a Titan rebound.

Patriot #2 K.J. Epps muscles his way for a score through two Brooke Point defenders in Tuesday night's second round.

Photos By Bill Turner Knight junior guard #5 Ryan Gladfelter drops the finger roll as he splits the Brooke Point defense in a first round game.

William Fleming 6'1" senior #30 Kris Whitfield skies to the rim as Salem's #24 Tyler Treski looks for the block.

Fleming Basketball: Boys Look To Rebound, Girls Want Another Title

Boys: Heading into the Christmas break, the William Fleming boys basketball team had tallied just one victory and four losses, as the Colonels look to improve on last season's total of just five wins.

"This is a rebuilding year," said head coach Mickey Hardy, who saw his team finish 1-7 in the Western Valley District and 5-12 overall last season. "We are very inexperienced, but the kids are very coachable.

The lone returning starter is Kris Whitfield (Sr, 6-1, G). Other players hitting the hardwood this year are Don Dunnaville (Fr, 5-7 G), Shalik Law (So, 6-0, G), Devin Richardson (Sr, 5-7, G), Raheem Caldwell (So, 6-1, G), Vincent Wyatt (Sr, 6-2, F), Caylan Trent (Sr, 5-10, G), Brandon Clay (Sr, 6-4, F), Jalen Pierce (Sr, 6-5, C), Brian Jones (Sr, 6-3, F), Ronald Holliday (Sr, 6-4, F) and Devon Brown (Sr, 6-5, C).

Caldwell, Law and Dunnaville played on the freshman team, which was undefeated last season. "We have some young good players who I hope … can mature," said Hardy, who is in his eighth season at Fleming.

The coach sees his top game of the season being on Jan. 14, when the Colonels travel to cross-town rival Patrick Henry.

"I hope we can get better as these young kids gain some experience throughout the season," said Hardy. "We are taking

Colonels coach Mickey Hardy says his boys team is young. one game at a time."

The Colonels, who played in the Salem Civic Center Christmas tournament this past week, will open Western Valley District play on Tuesday, Jan. 4, when they travel to Rocky Mount to take on Franklin County.

Girls: After opening the season with two straight losses, the William Fleming girls basketball team headed into the Christmas break with a 7-2 mark after winning seven consecutive games.

They prepare now to defend their Western Valley District title and make another run deep into the playoffs this season.

Suiting it up for the Colonels this season are Antavia Stevens (Fr, 5-2, G), Cheyenne Graves (So, 5-3, G), Antionette McBride (Jr, 5-4, G), Aureon Bannister (Sr, 5-7, W/G), Sharde Harbor (Sr, 5-0, G), India Anderson (Jr, 5-7, W/G), Keshonda Haynes (So, 5-0, G), Ryjae Anderson

(So, 5-8, W/G), Kayla Harvey (Sr, 5-9, P), Kelsi Bailey (So, 5-7, P/W), Erika Coleman (So, 5-10, P), Dateasha Barbour (Jr, 5-10, P) and Lateasha Barbour (Jr, 5-10, P).

"We lost experience in the two most important positions... point guard and center," said head coach Champ Hubbard, whose team finished 17-7 overall and 7-1 in the WVD. "Both players, Salessa Stovall (Marshall) and Ti'Asia McGeorge (American) are now playing Division 1 basketball. But, we gained youth and depth."

The coach expects Stevens, McBride, Lateasha Barbour and Dateasha Barbour to make an impact this season.

"We have speed and depth as far as our strengths go," noted Hubbard. "Our weakness is experience. All district games should be very competitive. The top three in our district will be very competitive as the dynamics have changed tremendously."

The Colonels played in the Patrick Henry tournament this past Wednesday and Thursday and will open Western Valley District action on Tuesday, Jan. 4, when they entertain Franklin County.

"Our motto is simple - We intend on coming for the No. 1 spot," said Hubbard.

By David Grimes info@newsroanoke.com

12/31/10 - 1/6/11 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 7

Around the Hardwoods With Wild Bill

We’ve hit the holiday “break” University of Michigan to the in full speed on the hardwoods San Francisco 49ers and the as local tournaments have tak- distractions can be unsettling. en place around the valley. The Plus, the Cardinal fan base K-Guard Classic at the Salem must be ticked to the point Civic Center gave way to a few of complacency. A perfect fit surprises as both Cave Spring for the Rose Bowl, or even and Hidden Valley lost first a reasonable trip to the Ariand second round games. At zona desert for the Fiesta, #4 press time the two were set to Stanford was sent packing to meet in round three for a pre- Miami in order to be part of a view of what is always a key bad juggling act that needed a River Ridge rivalry. Interest- place for Big-East, uh-champ, ingly, the four AAA U-Conn. Let’s hope schools swept the four this farce gives Mark AA members into the Cuban the energy to losers bracket after the get a playoff in place first round Monday. in the near future.

Patrick Henry adLikewise, hat’s vanced to the champioff to Tyrod Tayonship game and was lor, who pulled off set to tangle with Gareleven straight wins Field. as Tech’s masterful Bill Turner At the NorthQB. If Tech knocks side Tournament, off Stanford, it will undefeated Christiansburg surely be a case of what-couldadvanced to the final to play have-been had the Hokies AAA Franklin County. On not been victimized by somethe ladies side, Brookville and one (let’s call him Madam X ) Heritage were set for the final scheduling the first two games in the Lady Terrier Classic in five days apart.

Vinton.

Congrats on the hardwood There’s still football left in to Hidden Valley’s Tyler Evthe air as the college bowls are ans, who recently broke the in full swing. Quite frankly, all-time girl’s single game the bowl schedule and qualify- scoring record for the Titans, ing have become a little ridicu- scoring 35. lous, but since it’s cold outside, This week’s unusual game a little more pigskin won’t goes to the Floyd Countyhurt. Outside the five major Radford matchup Tuesday BCS bowls, thirty contests night. Floyd came in averaging dotted the map this year, thus over 102 points a game. Aprequiring 60 teams. Thirty two parently, Radford coach Rick of those sixty had five or more Cormany knew exactly where losses. With teams only need- to put the Xs and Os - the 102 ing six wins to be bowl-eligible mark was again hit, but it was there’s little wonder why many Radford that lit up the century schedule three non-conference bulbs with the 102-58 blowout patsies to get themselves half- over Floyd. way to the promised land.

With this being the last week The great predictor is ready of the year, the mailbox will for his first BCS pick of the give you a sample of the most year. Va. Tech will defeat Stan- unusual questions from 2010, ford in the Orange Bowl in a all of which involved rules. classic shootout that would Think you know your officiatmake Buck Jones and John ing? Take the test and watch Wayne proud. There’s too for the answers next week. much turmoil in Cardinal land #1)Football- A team is trailas head coach Jim Harbaugh is ing by 20 points and is on its on everyone’s “A” list, from the own one-yard line with two-

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seconds left in the game. The coach, resigned to defeat, decides to let his field goal kicker get in the record books with the longest field goal ATTEMPT in school history.

Assuming the normal 7-yard dropback for the placement, can the kick be made with the holder on one knee and the tee placed six-yards deep in the end zone, thus affording the kicker a 116-yard attempt? #2)Basketball- It’s 40-40 with five seconds left in the first half. A player rebounds a missed shot at the defensive end and throws the ball skyward with a hook-shot motion toward the opposite end of the court. A teammate of the shooting player runs under the ball inside the foul line at the opposite end, where the descending ball hits him in the head and goes in the basket before the buzzer. What’s the halftime score? #3)Ice hockey- If an ice hockey game ends regulation tied, each team is awarded one point for the tie. Then, an overtime period is played and, if still no winner, a shootout is conducted. If a team scores in overtime it gets a second point for the OT win. Likewise, if it goes to a shootout, the team scoring the most goals gets the extra point. A coach, knowing his team is horrible in shootouts, tries to win in the initial overtime by pulling his goalie for an extra skater to hopefully score first. The other team gets the puck and shoots it the length of the ice into the unguarded goal for the win. Assuming the coach’s assessment is right in that they would have lost anyway in a shootout, was his strategy flawed in any way?

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Page 8 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 12/31/10 - 1/6/11

Is Your Personal / Corporate Data Truly Protected?

Pretty much everybody knows the risks of driving without car insurance. So pretty much everybody takes precautions – and usually carries at least liability coverage in case the unexpected fender bender takes place and a lawsuit ensues.

But when it comes to protecting sensitive data, most people still act like they’re protected even when they're not. They leave their digital assets out in plain sight on their desk tops, laptops, believing that a computer password is protection enough. Any half-competent hacker or serious identity thief can get it in minutes. Maybe seconds.

Reality check: what about your digital files? The ones with your personal financial information? Or your medical records? Maybe some critical company data? How well are they protected? How would you feel if they suddenly went viral on the Internet?

It could happen quite easily if you lost your laptop. (FYI: there’s one lost or stolen nearly every minute in the U.S.). And what about files on a flash drive?

Who hasn’t lost one of them?

You get the point. Our (your) data is not safe. But it could be, pretty easily. There are dozens and dozens of software and hardware encryption solutions on the market. Some are excellent, a lot are adequate and a few are awful. Here’s a rundown on the pros and cons of four pocket-and-purse sized solutions that offer a range of effectiveness, economy and ease of use.

Top of the heap is the Iron Key Personal S200 solution (www.ironkey.com). Marketed as the world’s most secure flash drive, it’s got built-in hardware encryption chip to protect your

data. That it does really well, but it should for the high price: $80 for 1 gig, $300 for 16 gigs as of this writing. On the downside, it’s also much bigger than most USB flash drives and wouldn’t fit on a key ring. And after 10 incorrect passwords, it fries the USB memory (you lose all your data).

At the other end of the spectrum is TrueCrypt (www.truecrypt.org). Pluses: it’s free, open source and can encrypt your whole hard drive (that can be good or bad). Minuses: you have to do more than a little set up and formatting, the feature that makes it portable appears to be Windows only, which means that you will need to have TrueCrypt installed to use your secure volume on a Linux or OS X machine. And the account that you use TrueCrypt on must be administrator level, which could make it hard to use a TrueCrypt protected USB on a library terminal or corporate computer.

And because the encrypted volume resides as a container file on the unencrypted portion of the USB key, if someone got access to your drive without your knowing it, or if it were lost, they could copy off this file and subject it to brute-force password guessing methods. Free, yes, but at a price.

The two other solutions reviewed, SafeHouse (www.safehousesoftware.com) and Encrypt Stick (www.encryptstick. com), both give you a lot for relatively little. Both are very easy to use software solutions, both are fully portable, and both have free trial versions.

SafeHouse, a Windows only solution, makes you buy the more expensive upgrade (SafeHouse Professional at $59.95) to get the full strength 448-bit

encryption. Encrypt Stick does Windows and OS X, on the same flash drive, for one price. On the SafeHouse Explorer (their free version) and Personal ($29.95) you get only 256-bit encryption.

Nice, but a weaker offer than Encrypt Stick’s 512-bit polymorphic encryption, even on the free version. Among other extras, Encrypt Stick’s Full version gives you unlimited number of encrypted vaults (or protected folders), unlimited encrypted flash drive storage space, and a user definable timeout feature.

Three other Encrypt Stick features I liked: • Includes the world's first portable encrypted web browser.

• you only have to remember one password because a builtin Password Manager not only stores passwords, but can also automatically generate strong passwords.

• if you lose your flash drive you can access encrypted files on your PC or Mac through a new license via their website.

OK, you’ve got enough data to make a decision. You could have all the protection you need if you got an encryption solution in the next 15 minutes. Or would you rather wait until you see your private pictures on the Internet? Or the bank calls you to ask if you’ve been shopping in Hong Kong?

-By Patrick Cotter Patrick is a Vancouver, BC based freelance tech writer who specializes in reporting on new & innovative technology.

Managing Your Risk is More Important Now Than Ever

Habitat for Humanity in Roanoke Receives Funding from Thrivent Financial

Habitat for Humanity in the Roanoke Valley has received $65,000 in funding to help build one house in Roanoke as part of Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity in 2011.

Nationally, Thrivent Financial announced a commitment of $10.4 million to Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity and its homebuilding program, continuing its support of Habitat’s mission for a sixth year. This funding will make the construction of 164 additional homes in thirty three states possible.

In 2011, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, through its unique partnership with Habitat for Humanity International called, "Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity," will surpass more than $150 million in its total commitment over six years to create affordable housing. Habitat for Humanity in the Roanoke Valley built six homes as part of that effort.

“The Thrivent Builds partnership has helped Habitat for Humanity in the Roanoke Valley increase the number of families served in our community,” said Betsy Whitney, deputy Director. “We are so grateful for Thrivent Financial’s support of our efforts to provide decent, affordable homes in partnership with families in need.”

The fifth Thrivent Habitat house built in Roanoke is located in Southeast.

While Thrivent Financial provides at least 55 percent of the funding for each Thrivent Builds home, local volunteers— many of them Thrivent Financial members and members of area Lutheran congregations— assist with construction and help raise additional funds.

Since its inception in 2005, Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity has helped more than 2,500 families in the U.S. and around the world achieve homeownership. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans is one of the largest non-government supporters of Habitat for Humanity International.

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ship between Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and Habitat for Humanity International.

Thrivent Builds is designed to involve Thrivent members and Lutherans in helping provide a “hand up” to people who lack decent shelter, offering them a path to greater economic independence. Excluding government funding, Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity is Habitat's largest single source of funding, constructing nearly 2,500 homes in the U.S. and around the world since 2005.

For more information, visit ThriventBuilds.com.

Virginia Reports Tourism Economic Impact Figures for 2009 The Virginia Tourism Corporation has released annual figures on the economic impact of tourism statewide for the most recent year of available statistics.

Tourism in Virginia generated $17.7 billion in revenue, supported 204,480 jobs and provided more than $1.24 billion in state and local taxes in 2009.

Virginia receives its annual economic impact data from the

U.S. Travel Association. The information is based on visitor spending from per person trips taken 50 miles or more away from home. The data showed that nationally, revenue from domestic visitor spending was down 7.9 percent from 2008.

“In 2009 Virginia’s tourism industry generated nearly $18 billion in revenue for the state and supported more than 204,000

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jobs,” said Alisa Bailey, president and CEO of the Virginia Tourism Corporation. “Even in times of recession, the tourism industry remains a strong instant revenue generator for Virginia, with a proven 5:1 return on investment. Now more than ever, it is critical to invest in tourism marketing, to ensure our position in the marketplace and increase the number of visitors who contribute to Virginia’s economy.”

“As economic conditions remain challenging, travel demand is under pressure both in terms of trip volume and spend per trip,” said Adam Sacks, Managing Director of Tourism Economics. “In this competitive and constrained market, destinations must redouble their marketing efforts to succeed.”

The data also highlighted other important figures for the state, including a 16 percent increase in international visitation and the fact that Virginia remains eighth in the nation for domestic visitor spending.

For more information about state and local tourism impact, go to www.vatc.org. For information about Virginia’s travel destinations and trip planning resources, visit www.Virginia. org.

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12/31/10 - 1/6/11 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 9

“Tuned Out TV” Details Life at a Tech Awarded $3.8 Million to Fictional Radio Station Stimulate Eastern Wine Industry

Think “The Office” meets “WKRP in Cincinnati,” perhaps: what happens when a small town religious radio station turns Top 40 – with the same staff to boot? That’s the premise behind “Tuned Out TV” created

by Blair Peyton, with assistance from Christie Quackenbush and Bryan Hancock, among others. Peyton, the production manager for Fox Radio 910am, owned by his father Ben Peyton, was also a driving force behind the sketch comedy show “Funny Stuff,” which ran for four years on Cox Cable.

Eighteen episodes of Tuned Out TV have been filmed at the Fox Radio 910 studios in southeast Roanoke City; the winter finale aired on TunedOutTV. com this past Sunday. It’s also shown on a cable access television channel in New York City, where Peyton says three million viewers could potentially see Tuned Out TV. A message from a woman in Upper Manhattan’s Harlem neighborhood thanked them for “bringing something funny” to the cable outlet. Other feedback comes via twitter and Roanoker magazine named it the funniest free show of 2010.

“I told everyone to vote for us,” Peyton chuckles.

“The more we started shooting it the more the humor got out there – a little risqué,” said Blair, a wannabe actor who laughs that “nobody has hired me yet.” He did appear as an extra in a movie shot at Explore Park this fall and took a turn on stage during Mill Mountain Theatre’s “Overnight Sensations” project last summer.

He originally wanted to film a pilot episode or two and pitch it to a television outlet like WDRL,

L-R Christie Quackenbush, Blair Peyton and Bryan Hancock are “Tuned Out.” but when that Roanoke independent station shut down he decided to go viral. “[Then we thought] maybe we should try to build up a following before we try to … sell it,” said Peyton.

Tuned Out TV will take a break after the winter finale that aired for the first time last weekend, but it will return.

Tuned Out TV first aired over a year ago. When “Good God FM” is bought out, becoming “Pop FM” without a staff change, chaos and comedy ensues. “People are having a hard time adjusting to it, and it just kind of escalates from there,” notes Peyton, who writes each episode with input from the cast. There’s plenty of improvising as well. “If you have a funnier line than [the one written] throw it in there,” Peyton tells cast members.

Peyton, Quackenbush (the two also star in a weekly gabfest on Fox Radio 910), Hancock, Kristen Gainey and Becky May are the current headliners on Tuned Out TV, a half hour show which has also featured roles in story lines for people like Timo-

thy Martin, a reporter/anchor for WFIR 960am. K-92’s Kevin Scott has a recurring role on the show as well.

Quackenbush’s character, Delores Grace, is a composite of people Peyton went to church with when Ben Peyton was a minister. “It’s nice having a father that was a pastor [for material],” said the younger Peyton.

“Very religious but she’s kind … of a hypocrite,” he notes of the Delores Grace character.

Peyton plays the station manager, who is homosexual - but married to a woman. “Basically everyone on the show is an idiot.” Hancock is the station engineer “who doesn’t know how to fix a thing.”

Peyton doesn’t know where Tuned Out TV – he calls it a “soap satire,” might wind up taking the characters. “We just started out with a premise and a few story ideas.” The curious will just have to follow the gang on tunedouttv.com. “We just [will see] where it takes us.”

By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

Twenty Teachers Vying For $25,000 McGlothlin Awards Twenty outstanding teachers from across the Blue Ridge region are still in the running for two $25,000 McGlothlin Awards for Teaching Excellence. These teachers, all selected as semifinalists for the 12th annual McGlothlin Awards, now begin the second phase of the awards program which will culminate April 12, 2011 at Radford University.

The awards program, now in its 12th year, was established by the McGlothlin Foundation based in Bristol, Va. Blue Ridge PBS administers the McGlothlin Awards. This is the first year Dr. Rose Martin, the station's education services director, has led the program. Martin has worked in many schools over the past 28 years, as a teacher, principal and superintendent.

"I am extremely impressed with the quality of our applicants and the commitment to innovative teaching of this year's McGlothlin Awards semifinalists," she said. "The McGlothlin Awards are a great way to celebrate and recognize the best teachers in the Blue Ridge region."

The McGlothlin Awards are

among the largest teaching prizes in the U.S. They are given annually to exceptional educators from public schools in selected portions of Virginia, Tennessee, West Virginia and Kentucky.

Two teachers, one from grades K-5 and one from grades 6-12, are awarded $25,000 each, with the stipulation that $10,000 be used for international travel to broaden the thinking and experience of the winning teachers.

Four finalists will also be recognized with a trophy and a check for $1,000.

“Every year I’m amazed at the skills, creativity and professionalism we find among teachers across the Blue Ridge PBS region,” said Thomas D. McGlothlin, President of the McGlothlin Foundation.

Adele Morris, the technology director for Craig County Public Schools, has been a McGlothlin Awards judge for many years.

“The McGlothlin Awards are a fantastic opportunity for teachers to self-evaluate their craft, as they go through the submission process,” she said. “Any teacher making the semi-final round should be very proud of their

accomplishments.”

In the next phase of judging, the semi-finalists must submit a standards-based lesson plan with a 20-minute video of themselves teaching the lesson in their classrooms. Judges will evaluate the teachers’ classroom instruction, classroom management, interaction with students, and, if possible, use of instructional technology such as computers, video, or digital cameras. Six finalists, three each at the elementary school level and secondary school level, will be notified in January.

Roanoke area 2011 McGlothlin Awards semi-finalists are: Catey Moretz, Oak Grove Elementary, Roanoke County Schools, Lauri Gearhart, Preston Park Elementary, Roanoke City Schools, Debbie Harris, Read Mountain Middle, Botetourt County Schools, Susan Montgomery, The Gereau Center, Franklin County Schools, and; Mary Slone, South Floyd High, Floyd County Schools.

For more information go to www.BlueRidgePBS.org

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The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) has awarded $3.8 million to researchers in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Virginia Tech to lead a multistate effort to further improve grape and wine quality in the eastern United States.

According to Tony Wolf, professor of viticulture and project director, the five-year project seeks to create, refine, and encourage industry adoption of grape and wine production practices that integrate research-based recommendations with key market drivers to achieve a robust and sustainable grape and wine industry in the region.

“In order to increase wine sales in the eastern United States, including Virginia, wine grapes and wines must be of consistently high quality, and they must be produced on a cost-competitive basis,” said Wolf.

Virginia currently ranks fifth nationally in wine grape production, and its grape and wine industry has a total economic impact of more than $362 million per year. In addition to strengthening rural communities through employment and spin-off benefits to the service sector, the state’s vineyards and 180 wineries attract tourism and help preserve green space.

Wolf, who is also the director of Virginia Tech’s Alson H. Smith Jr. Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Winchester, explained that

Research vineyard at the Alson H. Smith Jr. Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Winchester. the underlying research addresses unique challenges of quality grape and wine production in the East, including unpredictable but often excessive rains during the growing season, frost and winter injury problems, unique grape varieties, and the high costs of grape production that result from the relatively small scale of most Eastern vineyards. The research also explores consumer buying preferences and perceptions about regional wines relative to other domestic and foreign brands.

Research conducted in Virginia will focus on what Wolf describes as vine “balance” — achieving a desirable combination of leaf area and crop to promote optimal grape quality and wine quality potential.

“Balance is an elusive goal in environments that have unpredictable, but often surplus moisture,” explained Wolf. The research explores practical means by which growers could

more predictably measure and attain balance, while reducing the amount of labor and other vineyard inputs.

In addition to coordinating a broad research agenda, the grant provides major funding of Extension and outreach tools to ensure that researchbased recommendations are adopted by the wine industry.

“One of the four objectives in our project is a detailed plan for benchmarking current industry practices and charting adoption and satisfaction of recommendations that are delivered over the life of this project,” said Wolf. A broad range of media and teaching methods will be employed to reach producers, including Web-based and print media, extension Community of Practices, workshops, and regional short courses.

By Lori Greiner info@newsroanoke.com

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Page 10 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 12/31/10 - 1/6/11

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