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Community | News | Per spective

February 18 - 24, 2011

[Transportation Museum]

Roanoke is For Train Lovers Diversity

Celebrated P3– The US Postal Service holds its 22nd Annual Black History Month program entitled, “Lights, Camera, Action for Diversity!”

Hayden Hollingsworth

History Happens P5– Hayden Hollingsworth relates last week’s Jon Meacham lecture at the History Museum to people and events past and present and finds hope for the future.

T

N&W Class J #611

he Virginia Museum of Transportation hosted a day of fun and excitement for all ages with “Train Lovers Saturday” last weekend. The event kicked off a rare opportunity to see three of America’s steam locomotive powerhouses as the C&O 614 joined Museum favorites N&W 611 and N&W 1218.

The opening Day for the new exhibit entitled “Thoroughbreds of Steam: N&W 611 and C&O 614, the Pinnacle of Steam Locomotive Technology,” featured the three rival passenger locomotives displayed together for the very first time. In fact, the C&O 614 has not been publicly displayed anywhere in a decade.

Both Norfolk & Western J 611 and Chesapeake & Ohio J-3a 614 were among the last steam engines to pull passenger trains in America. Both share the same

council’s vote to keep the golf course via- master plan for the property. ble for 10 years. Followed closely behind Rick Williams, Planning Commission with a “shut ‘er down” council decision member used his Valentine’s evening to made behind closed doors. attend a Monday Countryside NeighNo golf course, no development, and borhood Alliance meeting. no park - only weeds, grass With the persuasion of and trash peppered with YouTube clips, data links and City Gov’t hidden shenanigans around vocal neighbors Williams has now vacant buildings. Susan been convinced that parts of Hall on Ranch Road calls it, “Shawshank the property are just not suited for development. Housing was planned in Roawithout the redemption.”

City council has charged the Planning noke Regional Airport’s flight path off of Commission with coming up with a runway 6. Williams agrees that it should

[

P9– VA Tech and The Science Museum create a new partnership geared towards enhancing science education in Southwest Virginia.

Members of Roanoke’s only biker church gather for worship.

Biker Church Rides Against Grain

P10– The Salem-Roanoke Baseball Hall of Fame dinner evokes tears and laughter as five new members are inducted for 2011.

]

be parkland and suggested vegetation requiring little upkeep.

Williams pointed to the forlorn neighbors – “we do listen to you” and “your input does make a difference,” said the impassioned Williams.

Roanoke City purchased countryside golf course in 2005 for $4.1 million and financed it for 15 years at 6.25% interest.

When paid off, the property will have > CONTINUED P2: Countryside

AEP Spokesman Hears Earful From Residents

More Science!

Memories

4-8-4 wheel arrangement, both represented the crowning technological achievement of their respective builders, and both are the last remaining examples of their class. The Museum’s Norfolk & Western Class J 611 was designed and built in 1950 by the N&W in its Roanoke Shops, while the C&O 614 was the last commercially manufactured 4-8-4, built by Lima (OH) Locomotive Works in 1948.

The exhibit is a joint project of the Virginia’s Rail Heritage Region partners.

The Roanoke Valley Model Engineers also held an Open House featuring an HO track that kids were able to run, plus a model sale. The group’s ON3, HO, and N scale layouts are only open a few times each year, and are located in the Museum’s basement.

- Photos by Bill Turner

Countryside Decision Proving to be Long, Slow Slog

It has been a “long slow slog” for the Countryside ex-golf course neighborhood. Distrust still permeates neighbors’ memories and some are so dejected they have hunkered down in their homes or vowed to move.

“Fat chance of moving in this economy,” says Sharon Blevins, a resident on Countryside Drive. The golf course was the marketing advantage that Countryside residents once had. City council closed that door a year ago. Probably the coup de grâce for most neighbors was

Great

N&W Class A #1218

C&O Class J-3a #614

“‘Well you walk into a restaurant, strung out from the road. You feel the eyes upon you as you’re shakin’ off the cold. You pretend it doesn’t bother you—you just want to explode…’” Brad Meador, 24, and member of Biker Church Roanoke (BCR), recited lyrics to an old Bob Seger song.

That’s what it used to be like for him walking into churches, he said. “I was usually the odd-man out wherever I went to church and you could see peoples’ heads turn or hear them whisper.”

A little later, Harley-riding, bearded Meador, nicknamed “Tank,” tugged at his ear. “These are zeros,” he said of his “gauges.”

BCR, pastored by Brian Robinson, 47, is the first biker church in Virginia and had its start in July of 2010. Six months after its commencement, between 40 and 50 bikers in Roanoke now regularly attend the Wednesday night services. The congregation includes women, too. “About half the peeps are chicks,” said Robinson, and they ride too.

What is unique about BCR, aside from everyone being bikers, is the way in which they are able to bond. > CONTINUED P2: Biker

Appalachian Electric “[but] we’re here to Power spokesman Tom talk about working toRotenberry and several gether in the future. It other AEP employees appears that most of met with about a dozen the trees … have been residents of southwest cut down.” Rotenberry Roanoke County’s said AEP would be Green Valley neighborflexible when it came hood on Tuesday night, to fixing the problem: concerning the cutting Photo by Gene Marrano “our company has aldown of trees for a high AEP spokesman Tom Rotenways tried to do what’s voltage power line. The berry reviews a map of Green right.” reception was less than Meeting with Moore Valley area with concerned warm. and AEP at the RoaHomeowners along homeowners. noke County adminisJanney Lane and Crawtration building, Green ford Road have complained to Cave Valley residents said the cutting down of Spring supervisor Charlotte Moore trees along the right of way has left an about what they called clear-cutting of eyesore, and will contribute to flooding trees and shrubs along an AEP right-of- of homes from a creek that runs along way where 100’ tall poles and many of their backyards, due high-voltage electric lines are to increased runoff. One resiCounty Gov’t being built. Those lines will dent said an insurance agent connect to a new substation told him that for the first being built near Ogden Road, adjacent time he would have to purchase flood into Tanglewood Mall. It is being done in surance. There were also complaints that response to the demand for more elec- AEP tree cutting > CONTINUED tricity in the area, according to AEP. crews were leav“We love our electricity,” said Moore, ing behind piles P2: AEP

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> Biker The warmest day of the week may very well come on Friday, when we reach the lower 70s.

Clouds will thicken through the day as a cold front approaches from the west. A few mountain showers are possible late Friday afternoon into Friday night. The weekend looks to see a mix of sun and clouds with highs ranging between 55-60.

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“The people who have given up on church—those are ours,” said Robinson. He added, “Because we ride together … I get to know these guys quick.”

Tim Scaggs spent 24 years of his life in prison, dealt with anger issues and a disgruntled family life. Eventually these life struggles brought him to become a Christian and not being able to quite find his fit in any church he attended, he finally found his home at BCR and is now a member of the Christian Motorcyclist Association. Repeatedly, Scaggs stressed how revolutionary his experiences have been at BCR. A friend of Scaggs was shot and killed last November. “The day we buried him, it was these guys that supported me,” Scaggs said of his fellow church-goers.

That day they rode to Blacksburg and got hamburgers. “We shot a couple games of pool together, listened to music and rode back … These are brothers.”

They also go out for an occasional beer together. “Jesus turned water into wine, not grape juice—and it was wine,” Scaggs explained. The bikers clarified, however, that drunkenness was out of the question. The latter was important for them to note as a spirit of accountability distinguishes them.

They also grinned widely when speaking of their “sanctuary worship.” You won’t find hymns at BCR. Instead they rock out to heavy metal tunes like Van Halen’s “Running with the Devil” which they’ve rewritten and renamed “Running with Messiah.”

Besides riding any time the weather is nice, the bikers also contribute to the community.

They are involved with Starting Point Ministries—a ministry that reaches out to people who have just been discharged from jail or prison to adjust back into life. They also donate to the battered women’s shelter.

> AEP

Many battered women are often afraid to go out into public to do simple things like shop for groceries or attend doctor’s appointments. In the near future, this is a need BCR feels it might be able to help meet by escorting these women.

Last week Robinson said, “When I asked our guys tonight how many of them had seen big changes in their lives since going to BCR, the majority of them raised hands.”

Robinson is pastor of both BCR and Layman Church, which both hold services in the same building on scenic Old Mountain Road. Layman Church services are held on Sundays rather than Wednesdays.

Robinson started riding a Honda Trail 70 in the first grade. Riding tapered off after he moved and started running 5k’s, marathons and triathlons.

He started riding again after receiving injuries that no longer enabled him to run.

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of debris that residents have had to deal with.

Marianne Huddleston, AEP right of way supervisor for the project, claimed they were “here to figure out what’s the best [solution] for everyone. [There are] lots of moving parts.” Many said they heard nothing beforehand from AEP or anyone else about the clearing of woods that also acted as a sound buffer from the Norfolk Southern rail freight line that runs through their neighborhood.

“Put up [new trees] for the noise,” asked Moore, who had wanted AEP to run the 138kv power lines underground when the project was first announced several years ago. That request fell on deaf ears; AEP cited the higher cost of burying them as one reason.

Matthew Owens, a Janney Lane resident, claimed that for the first time in memory property values are actually decreasing in the area because of the clear cutting and the unsightly high-voltage lines that will soon make their way from a substation on Starkey Road.

“All you see are the railroad tracks and the mud,” said Owens, worried that the home he purchased five years ago as investment property will take a hit when he goes to sell.

And, said Owens, who wants to come out of their house and look at 100’ high power lines? “You tell me [if you] would by my house?” asked Owens, talking again about the “eyesore,” the high voltage lines would represent.

“Please try to help these people,” Moore asked Rotenberry as the meeting conclud-

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cost taxpayers $6 million including the interest.

In the same year the city sold the city-owned Colonial Green property located off of Colonial Avenue near the intersection with Ogden Road for $35. Colonial Green is still in development.

Joyce Graham, managing member of Tom’s Creek Investors, L.C. in Blacksburg and Colonial Green, L.C. submitted a Request for Qualifications in 2005 for the Countryside property. Toll Brothers, Inc. did the same.

A RFQ is a first vetting of a developer’s experience and financial standing. Following selection from the RFQ process it then goes on to the RFP (Request for Proposal) process for detailed project plans.

For the Countryside property Toll Brothers was chosen over Graham. In a letter from Chris Chittum to Graham dated October 4, 2005, then Senior City Planner, Chittum told Graham

ed. Rotenberry, a former AEP executive called back from retirement several years ago, suggested that everyone wait another month or so, until the remaining vegetation starts blooming again “to see what we have ... I think I understand where you’re coming from.”

The former Vinton town council member also suggested that trees planted closer to or in the backyards to shield views of the right of way and the train tracks may be the best solution available, since the planting of trees in the 80’ wide path cut by AEP for the high voltage lines may not be feasible. “[In the past] we almost had a forest back there,” lamented one homeowner.

By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

From page 1

that: “After evaluating your Statement, we are not able to identify Tom’s Creek Investors, L.C. as a Qualified Developer for the purposes of the Countryside Development project. The primary reason for this determination is the components, so we are seeking a developer with extensive experience in developing a broad range of land uses.

The City did not see the requisite range and depth of previous development experience in your project team that will be required for the successful redevelopment of a tract of land such as Countryside.”

In early 2006 Toll Brothers withdrew their interest. In June 2009 Graham’s Village at Tom’s Creek, located on 120 acres with a mix of housing styles, celebrated their success in Blacksburg.

At last week’s Planning Commission work session and at the open house on January 27, Charles Price, President of the Northwest Recreation Club

The Countryside Golf Course Clubhouse has seen better days. pitched an idea. Price, who is a city council member Anita Price’s husband, Clay Dawson propose keeping the tennis building, club house, parking and pavilion and adding a large indoor recreation area.

The Planning Commission was cool to that idea. They thought that keeping the tennis building might be possible with extensive renovations.

Plans also include keeping the barn and silo that have become a landmark when entering Roa-

noke City from I-581. Chris Chittum, Roanoke’s Planning Administrator, thinks it can be put to good use.

The last Planning Commission work session is February 24 followed by meetings with developers before presentation to City Council on March 21.

Chittum will talk to neighbors at their next meeting March 14.

By Valerie Garner info@newsroanoke.com

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“I love being outside, so I took the opportunity to get back to riding a motorcycle and I love it,” Robinson explained.

“I still scream ‘wahoo!’ as I accelerate into a turn and feel the rush. I’m a biker at heart. And if I hadn’t had to stop running, I’d never have returned to motorcycles and started BCR. So it’s all good.”

These bikers ride against the grain of the stereotypical “Christian culture” and at the same time ride against the grain of stereotypical “biker culture.” They are a paradigm created by two worlds rarely intersected. They are Christian metal-heads with tattoos and piercings; bikers serving the community in positive ways.

They are not confined by stereotypes or alleged rules for either realm. They are lovesoaked mutineers.

From page 1

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LewisGale Hosts 2nd Annual Red Dress Tea

The event featured a panel of physicians who took questions from the audience. (L-R) Karen Annis, M.D., Caroline Kramer, M.D. Ph.D., Jacob Neathawk, M.D., Molly Rutherford, M.D., and LewisGale’s Joy Sutton, who moderated the discussion.

Kroger was one of the vendors present along with the YMCA, American Heart Association, and others. A Kroger pharmacist was on hand to offer blood pressure and blood sugar checks and discuss medications.

The afternoon tea hosted by LewisGale felt a lot like a relaxed lunch with good friends, but it was designed to bring extra attention to heart health all year long, not just in February (heart health month). Joy Sutton, Marketing Communications Manager at LewisGale, said that “we want people to know their numbers,” referring to bone density, height, weight, BMI, blood pressure, blood sugar – those statistics that help people get a handle on their heart health. The event targeted women, who often don’t realize that heart attacks are a major killer for them as well as men. Sutton added, [we want to] “empower them to take care of their health.”

Photos and Text By Cheryl Hodges If there was a “Best Dressed” award, it should have gone to Eleanor Dillard, whose elegant but very cool look -- black and white jacket with big red buttons, and chic red hat just stood out in the crowd.

General Assembly Passes Bill in Support of Hard Cider Industry with a strong preferWith a final unanience for locally-grown mous vote in the and locally-made agriVirginia Senate, the culture products. This General Assembly is an example of the yesterday passed the mutually-beneficial Virginia Cider Act, relationship between which will allow Virurban and rural parts ginia cider producers of our state." to naturally ferment "One does not know their cider without how to predict how far artificially capping it may develop or may the alcohol content. grow," said Shelton.

House Bill 2295, "After all, 30 years ago, sponsored by Delthe very term Virginia egate David Englin wine was a virtual oxy(D-45), will launch a moron, but today there renaissance in Virginare nearly 200 wineries ia's burgeoning hard in Virginia and Virgincider industry, openia wines have achieved ing the door for VirPhoto by Megan Lovett / Media General News Service an international reach. ginia to become the How much more logiworld's leading pro- Virginia Hard Cider from Albemarle Cider cal to think that Virducer of traditional Works. ginia Cider may do as hard cider, according and served at Mount Verto industry experts. non. Before this bill, Virginia well or better? After all, grapes "This legislation is a criti- ciders were required to be were a problematical crop for cal breakthrough for those seven percent alcohol or less. Mr. Jefferson, but he had two dedicated to reintroducing Our apples do not know this. orchards, one devoted excluVirginia and America to the Apples grown in Virginia fer- sively to cider apples." libation our forebears made ment naturally to something and enjoyed in the agrar- between four and 10 percent ian society from which we alcohol. This legislation frees sprung. It will be a significant Virginia ciderists to make the support to the development beverage apples were meant of a new industry, attractive to produce, without amendto the tourists who visit our ment or adulteration."

Commonwealth as well as our "I'm honored to have had own people," said Charlotte the opportunity to help a burShelton, founder and owner geoning industry and to supof Albemarle CiderWorks, port the market for locallywho testified for the bill. "This grown Virginia apples," said legislation permits Virginia Englin, who carried the bill ciderists to produce a natural at the request of the Virginia beverage without amendment Wine Council, whose memreminiscent of what Jeffer- bers include cider producers. son served at Monticello and "My constituents are ecologwhat Washington produced ically-conscious urbanites

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2/18/11 - 2/24/11 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 3

Annual Black History Program Focuses On Value Of Diversity

The U.S. Postal Service held its 22nd annual Black History Month program in the Roanoke Valley last Sunday, where the focus was on the continuing role of diversity in the workplace. Entitled “Lights, Camera, Action … for Diversity,” it was also a nod to pioneering African-American filmmaker Oscar Micheaux, who had an office in Roanoke in the 1920s and made movies here.

An old studio and theater where his films were shown is now home to the Claude Moore Education Center and Virginia Western’s culinary arts program.

A stamp recently released by the Postal Service was also on display at Roanoke’s Black History program, held at William Fleming High School.

Attendees sampled foods and visited booths that displayed Afro-centric clothing and jewelry, and information on one of Roanoke’s Sister Cities, Kisumu (in Kenya). Donations were also collected for school supplies that will be distributed through the Boys & Girls Club of Roanoke.

In the Fleming auditorium choirs and dance teams kept people entertained; participants included the Northwest Child Development Choir, the Virginia Western Community College drama team and Bibleway Pentecostal Church.

Meanwhile in the cafeteria as people ate, a panel discussion on diversity held sway. Panelists included USPS District Manager Robert Cavinder, William Fleming principal Gene Jones, mail carrier Robert Perkins and Roanoke assistant city manager (for budget) Sherman Stovall.

“Our diversity may be our greatest national asset,” a quote from Colin Powell, was read aloud to help kick off the discussion. Cavinder claimed that the Postal Service “is very much involved with diversity,” hiring a workforce that looks like the communities it distributes the mail in.

Cavinder said young people, no matter who they are, should “never regress – always progress. Go forward, with what you dream of doing.” Perkins agreed; the mail carrier said that, “you can go anywhere- if you have the education and the experience.

Photo by Gene Marrano

USPS District Manager Robert Cavinder, William Fleming principal Gene Jones, mail carrier Robert Perkins and Roanoke assistant city manager (for budget) Sherman Stovall discuss the value of diversity.

It’s up to you once you get the opportunity.”

Stovall mentioned Roanoke City’s Diversity Advisory Council, which aims to “provide diversity within the entire city’s workforce.” The budget director said Roanoke had made big strides on the diversity front over the past several decades when it came to the hiring process, which he also called “evolutionary. We will continue to make progress.”

As for making diversity a reality within the workplace locally, Cavinder, who rose from the ranks to become a district manager, said it was evident “whenever you go into the post office.”

The USPS holds diversity training sessions on a regular basis, he added.

Jones noted that the staff at William Fleming “looks like the [surrounding] community.” As for students, they recognize the differences in each other said Jones, “[but] it’s like normal.

They are all working together for a common goal.” All kids are equal in his eyes said the first year Fleming principal, “[they] are all students of one environment.”

Perkins sees “a mixture… a diversity,” when he’s on the job. Stovall said diversity in the workplace was necessary “to ensure there will be a mix of ideas [and] the perspective of another person.”

Jones said programs like the Postal Service’s annual Black History event were important, to “expose [attendees] to different lives and different groups of people.” Acknowledging that his athletic skills may have helped open doors for him in high school and college (Jones was a star basketball player and a track standout), he maintained that education “will take you further than anything else.”

He also urged young people of color to take heed of those that had fought for equal rights in the past: “you are really walking on a path … on the backs of others.

[Now] you have to make it better for the next generation.”

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Page 4 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 2/18/11 - 2/24/11

Beware of the Middle Man

J

ust recently, a parent came in court or individuals going in with much frustration. through divorce, the level of She described in great de- power and authority that each tail the ongoing conflict between have over the other is about her teenage daughter and hus- equal. When the school system band. Regularly they had been employs peer mediation, the arguing back and forth about students involved in the conflict almost everything. The to be mediated typically least little thing would have equal power and get them going and then authority in the situathis parent would have tion. When the power to intervene and mediand authority are equal, ate. “I just can’t take there is a higher probany more of this nonability that any agreesense. One of them has ments will be honored. to stop all of this,” I was In a family conflict, all told very adamantly. “I Keith McCurdy of this is different. First just don’t understand. of all, the power and I have helped them come to so authority of a child is very difmany agreements and yet they ferent than that of a parent. Not still go at it.” “If my attempts only does a child not have equal at helping aren’t working, what power and authority with a parshould I do?” she asked. ent, they shouldn’t. By mediatDoes this scenario sound fa- ing between a parent and a child miliar? How many of us oper- we elevate the child to parentate as middle men or mediators equal status. The result of this is between a spouse and a child? It potentially very damaging. The sounds good and mediation is a child often begins to think they hot topic today. Local schools have the same status as the pareven have peer mediators and ent and therefore is less respectthe courts are regularly sending ful. They begin to view conflicts people through mediation to re- as disagreements between equals solve everything from business instead of learning to be obedidisputes, to who gets the couch ent to authority. Secondly, when in a divorce. In many of these we mediate between a parent situations it even works. So, why and a child, we undermine that not in a family dispute? parent’s authority in parenting.

The flaw in the mix is related By mediating we are saying that to power and authority.

In this parent is not qualified or the instance of two petitioners does not have their own author-

ity in these matters. The end result is more conflict and a child who does not respect either parent’s authority.

The first step in changing this is “STOP mediating.” Never undermine the other parent’s authority. Unless a parent is being abusive, always support their authority in front of the child.

Yes, even if you think they are wrong or if you disagree with them. The united front that is demonstrated builds respect for the parental authority and honors the power that both parents have. If you disagree or believe them to be wrong, address it without the child around. If a correction, change or apology is to be made, that parent then needs to go back and address it with the child. As spouses, we are to correct one another just as “iron sharpens iron.” The whole process, however, should result in building each other up, not tearing each other down.

Whenever we attempt to mediate, this process gets distorted.

Take a moment and ask yourself whether or not you play the middle man and mediate. If so, stop. Focus on maintaining a united front with your spouse whenever you deal with your children. They will respect both of you more.

Contact Keith at psycyou@msn.com

NewsRoanoke.com

My Vice From The Past

P

eople who know me smoke, but how could I pass are often surprised to up the opportunity to sit and learn that I used to talk with the other girls? So smoke. I suppose it seems out of I bummed a cigarette from a character for me, but one must friend and joined them on the remember that during the 40's concrete porch with its heavy and 50's smoking was the norm steel screen from floor to ceiling for people – people, both young -- to keep patients from escapand old. ing. I can’t say I enjoyed my first My habit began the summer few cigarettes, but I puffed along before my junior year in college. with the others and before long I had just turned eighteen and it wasn’t too unpleasant. now qualified for a real summer After a week or so I decided to job. Western State Hospital of- buy a pack of cigarettes because fered summer employment for I felt guilty, taking advantage college students who of my friends. But the were interested in psycigarettes soon became chology, which hapstale with my smoking pened to be my major. only two a day, so I Undergraduates from began to smoke more colleges throughout frequently.

Virginia competed for By the time summer the positions, and sevended and I returned eral medical students to college, I was a from the University of bonafide smoker – Mary Jo Shannon Virginia also particias were most of my pated. I was accepted. friends. During our Periodically the staff gave free periods, we sat in the Club lectures to increase our under- at Mary Baldwin, played Canasstanding of the various types of ta and puffed away. mental disorders we encounThe habit was still part of tered, and we reported daily to my life after I graduated and our assigned wards to assist the became a Roanoke City school attendants in their routine care teacher. When I met Harry, we of the patients. smoked together. That is, until Students who smoked were one evening we were sitting in allowed a ten minute break his car in front of Lipes’ Drug during the morning and again Store in South Roanoke, drinkduring the afternoon. I didn’t ing a Coke and listening to mu-

sic on the car radio. At the news break, we heard the announcement by the surgeon general that cigarette smoke was a cause of cancer.

I looked at Harry and said, “I’ll stop if you will.” He replied, “I will.” And we did – cold turkey!

We tackled our problem together, and with mutual support we overcame it. Harry had a more difficult time than I – after all, he had smoked for twelve years- through two tours in the Army, and in college as well.

But he persevered and refused to give in, although he admits that occasionally he still dreams of smoking.

How fortunate we were to make this change before we married! When I think of the dirty ashtrays, the smell of cigarette smoke that lingers in clothing and furniture, and the unpleasant taste that lingers in your mouth, I am so grateful that we did not have to contend with it as a married couple. Nor did our children have to breathe our second-hand smoke. Almost fifty-six years have passed since we chose a different path.

And now our friends can’t believe that we once smoked so heavily!

Contact Mary Jo at info@theroanokestar.com

In Animal Kingdom Bigger is Better and The Happy Chef by Leigh Sackett Noah’s Winning Muffins Artificial Augmentation is a Key to Success

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ut in this case we're talking about birds, not humans. In a recent study, Spanish biologists were investigating the nesting habits of small birds of prey called kites. They discovered

that, across the species, the most successful mating pairs lived in the largest nests. The bigger the nest, the more impressive the territory they controlled and the more offspring they produced. But then the researchers

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noticed something else: many assaulted. The nests with the of these mongo nests were most garish amounts of white adorned with scraps of plastic, plastic - if you're a Spanish kite, which flapped garishly in the white is the new black - invaribreeze. At first the ably were home to the researchers assumed largest, most powerful the purpose of the and successful mating plastic was to attract pairs. mates, but then they One would think noticed that the kites that the success of kept adding plastic these artificial nest even after mating and enhancements would having families. lead all the other kites So the researchers to imitate that behavdid a plastic-nestior. But no. When audit. And they the researchers addMike Keeler found that smaller ed white plastic to nests usually had little or no some of the smaller nests, it was plastic and were inhabited by immediately removed.

And meek birds that were constantly surprisingly, it was removed by being attacked by other kites, those nests' own inhabitants, apsometimes up to six times an parently out of subservience to hour. As a result, they were their larger-and-artificially-enconstantly stressed and pro- hanced neighbors. So it seems duced fewer offspring. Mean- that plastic nest building is not while the larger, artificially en- so much a factor for success as hanced nests were almost never it is an earned privilege of the ruling alpha-kites, and a sign of their superiority over their pitiful organic neighbors.

It's survival of the fittest for the polymer age. And, fittingly, 4 Minds it brings a whole new mean5 Incise (2 wds.)

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The Roanoke Star-Sentinel is published weekly by Whisper One Media, Inc. in Roanoke, Va. Subscriptions are available for $44 year. Send subscripforper02/18/2011 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 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 articles and columns. Letters must be signed and have a telephone number 16 for14verification. All letters15will be verified before publication.

The Star-Sentinel reserves the right to deny publication of any letter 19 and edit letters for length, 17 18 content and style.

20 21 22 All real estate advertised herein is subject23 to national and Virginia fair housing laws and readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised 24 25 26 in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis.

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

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ell Sunday was one of those perfect days. It was fairly warm and my son responds like a butterfly - the first hint of spring’s warmth sends him and the neighborhood boys outside to spread their wings. It was not all that warm though, because the wind was so strong, but my son put on shorts and then I caught my daughter outside barefoot! It was like a great force pushed them outside to discard their winter clothing and celebrate the warmer air. I guess they call that Spring Fever.

The day consisted of a hike in the woods with each boy having a plastic weapon of choice in hand, metal detecting, digging holes and doing their boyhood best to discover as much buried treasure as can be found in one sunny Sunday afternoon. This was followed by a cooking contest, of all things, that the boys conjured up on their hike.

Anthony and his friend Caleb came running into the house and informed me that they needed to make a salad for the said contest. Noah had made muffins, Khean had made soup, Sam had made “a fruit mixture” and later in the evening Micah made shortbread.

Caleb and Anthony were not going to be outdone, so I supervised closely as those two wild Indians used knives to cut up

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Perspective

NewsRoanoke.com

A Character With Great Character

A

s a child, while sweat- remember the familiar tones ing it out in my den- of the Redbird's number one tist's waiting room, fan Robley Stearnes. An older I would often read back issues gentleman, Robley was a season of Reader's Digest to distract ticket holder of the highest magmyself from the blood curdling nitude, in fact, if he was not able grinding sound coming from to attend a game (which was althe examination room just three most never), he would call the feet away. My favorite Reader's office and let us know he would Digest feature was "My Most be absent so we didn't worry.

Unforgettable Character," a colFor a very nice, sweet old lection of memories man Mr. Stearns had about a specific person managed to forge an in the writer's life. Until infamous reputation as 1986, I never really met the Carolina League's anyone who I would tag number one heckler. as "unforgettable." Then Few were safe from I met Mike Bucci. his prodigious badgerThree years into my ing. Umpires, opposing twenty seven year trip players, batboys, and Jon Kaufman to Roanoke, I was the even the home team General Manager of - no one was spared the Salem Redbirds Baseball from Robley's wrath. Struggling Team. The team had just been through a rough season, Mike purchased by local businessman Bucci became a prime target.

Kelvin Bowles and recent Salem- Night after night Robley's boomRoanoke Hall of Fame inductee ing voice rained down from the Sam Lazzaro had traveled south stands admonishing the 'Birds from Upstate New York to be my for poor play and loudly remindnew boss and team's vice presi- ing the beleaguered Bootch that dent. The Redbirds were affiliat- his team was "Snake-Bit" (Robed with Major League Baseball's ley's signature phrase).

Texas Rangers franchise and a One night, just prior to the young, energetic, charismatic game, I witnessed Bootch strollmanager named Mike Bucci ar- ing up to the grandstand. When rived to manage the ballclub. he reached the seating area, Mike or "Bootch" as we grew Mike pointed at Robley, who to know him, had little baseball had begun to take his seat, and talent to work with that season, motioned for him to join him on but with Bootch at the helm, the the field. My first thought was summer promised to be at the that Bootch had finally snapped very least, interesting. and was going to administer a Whether he was riding on thrashing to our best customer. our mower cutting the outfield When Bootch and Robley disapgrass or negotiating the price of peared into the home clubhouse, batting practice balls he re-pur- I was not sure what to think. chased from the neighborhood When the game started, Robley kids stationed beyond the stadi- was nowhere to be found. I was um walls, Bootch had his hand nervous. in everything. The fans loved The Redbirds retired the Haghis style of play, yet one regular erstown Suns in order in the was less than thrilled with the first inning and I was on my results. way down to the clubhouse to Anyone who attended or perhaps recover Robley's body, played a baseball game in Salem when a roar came from the during the mid 1980's will surely stands. Standing in front of the

clubhouse, decked out in full uniform, his hands clasped and waving over his head, was old Mister Snake Bit himself, smiling ear to ear. Slowly walking on to the field, Robley removed his hat, waived to the crowd, and took his place in the first base coach's box! As Sam and I discussed the insurance ramifications of a man in his seventies on a minor league field, the inning quickly came to an end, as did Robley's coaching career.

From that moment Robley was Bootch's biggest fan and not another coarse word was uttered.

Mike had encouraged his antagonist to fulfill a true moment of glory that day. For Robley, it was one of the happiest days of his life, for Mike, an insightful solution to a problem, for the rest of us, an act of splendor not to be forgotten. My Dad would often say "Jon, strive to have character and not to be a character." As Bootch so unforgettably proved, one can be both.

Mike and his lovely and ageless wife Leesa live in Pennsylvania, where Mike still occasionally teaches hitting in his own in-house batting cage. Bootch also has a full time position with Health and Science Center, Inc. a health industry recruiting firm and owns Home Plate Baseball, a service that works with youth baseball league coaches teaching proper instruction techniques.

Their son Anthony founded and owns Revzilla.com a successful online distributor of motorcycle gear and accessories, and son Carmen is a 2005 graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and is an Army Captain with the third Battalion 75 Ranger Regiment, Fort Benning, Georgia.

Character and character beget Character, I suppose.

Putting History in Perspective

I

t’s not every week that his story line: Hope and change. something as monumen- Whether that will be enough to tal as the changes in Egypt give him a second term remains occur. It is too early to tell what to be seen. In history that most the long term implications will of us have forgotten, Andrew be. For certain, things will not Jackson saved national unity by be the same . . . we can hope telling the story of what Amerthey will be better but there are ica stood for and that swayed other possibilities. There is no the country away from the Nulsuch thing as a lasting political lification Act, which would have vacuum and how the void is been the beginning of the disfilled may be of even greater solution of the Constitution and significance than the overthrow disintegration of the Union. of Mubarak. History doesn’t Second, successful Presidents repeat itself but, as Mark Twain have gone directly to the peosaid, it often does rhyme. We ple with their message. While shall see. working with Congress, PresiLast Sunday, at a lecture spon- dents have had to gather pubsored by The History Museum lic opinion behind them. The of Western Virginia, forcefulness of Franklin Jon Meacham made a Roosevelt carried the number of interesting day when isolationism points about history. was on the rise. He did Among his many other this by educating and exinterests are the lives of plaining, the third mark Presidents. He won the of a successful President.

Pulitzer Prize for BiThe fireside chat motif ography with his 2008 Hayden Hollingsworth made everyone feel as book, American Lion: though FDR was exAndrew Jackson in the White plaining it directly to them and House. His presentation for the they understood it. I remember History Museum was entitled, as a child seeing a chat in a mov“History Now: Politics and the ie theater. Roosevelt showed a Presidency in Perspective.” map of Europe with the Nazi Against the sharp contrast of invasions spreading like black the situation in the Middle East, ink across country after counhe outlined four things that he try. He told all Americans to go thought marked our most suc- buy a map so they could follow cessful Presidents. First, each what happened. Every store that had told a story and did it in sold maps ran out of them the such a way it caught the hearts first week. I understood that of the people. Ronald Rea- something big was happening, gan, whose 100th birthday just although I was upset that my passed, was used as an exam- movie, Snow White¸ was deple. The shining city of the hill layed. That Jimmy Carter tried a and the restoration of a sense similar approach which had an of American pride were key entirely opposite effect spoke to points in his story. He wasn’t the difference in the times they called The Great Communica- served, as well as the strength of tor without credentials. Not yet their public personae. can we judge from a historical The final point is these Presipoint of view what Reagan’s true dents have been perceived as legacy will be, but he has be- bigger than we are. An example come a near-iconic figure since of the opposite might be brought Contact Jon at his death. President Obama has Jon.Kaufman@sprint.com

Preacher’s Corner

Called to More

“Trample my courts no more! Bring me no more worthless offerings! Make justice your aim; redress the wronged, hear the orphan’s plea, defend the widow.” (Isaiah 1) But here you are, putting your trust in deceitful words to your own loss! Are you to steal and murder, commit adultery and perjury, burn incense to Baal, go after strange gods that you know not….? (Jeremiah 7) “You have been told, O man, what is good, and what the Lord requires of you: only to do right, to love goodness, and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6) Blessed are the poor in spirit, the kingdom of heaven is theirs….. what I say to you is: offer no resistance to injury. Love your enemies; pray for your persecutors. (Matthew 5) The biblical prophets, both major and minor, and Jesus, Savior and Lord, were what today we might call revolutionaries. With their words and actions, they turned their worlds upside down and inside out. For those in their audiences who believed the more you possess the happier and more God-blessed you are and who relished the notice and praise they received from others, their words were stingers. And they stung hard.

In today’s culture of me, more me and a I’m working hard on a better me for me, their words can have the same effect. That is, if we are hearing them.

2/18/11 - 2/24/11 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 5

by Pastor Joe Lehman Life is not about me (or us). Those who make room for God and others - who put their trust in God, who show Godlike mercy and compassion to those in need around them – they are really the blessed ones. Conversely, those who put their trust elsewhere, and who make no room for other and THE OTHER in their lives, they have this moment and this moment only. No matter how “good it is” for them, what is now is “as good as it gets.” When hard times come, when praise from others is no longer showering down on them, and when their resources are all dried up, then they have nothing to draw from but their selves. And their empty self-s won’t satisfy for very long.

Thank God for us that God is for us … calling us to senses and to unity and reminding us of our callings.

For those who have God in their sights, no matter how good today is or is not, there is an even grander tomorrow. Toward that grander tomorrow, let us set our sights and let our feet follow. With St. Augustine, the great 4th century preacher and theologian, let us pray “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in thee.”

Joe Lehman is the Senior Pastor at Our Lady of Nazareth Catholic Church, visit them on the web at www.oln-parish.org.

up to contradict that point. Harry Truman, during his tenure, was portrayed as a failed haberdasher but history has proved that opinion remarkably wrong: He definitely was bigger than we, although it wasn’t apparent until long after he had left office.

In a time of great partisanship, it is difficult for those Presidential traits to succeed. Meacham commented that the two parties do have fundamental areas of disagreement but that on the truly basic issues, they are much the same. In a memorable phrase, of which he had many, he described the Democrats and the Republicans as being afflicted with extreme narcissism over small differences. When the chips are really down, then national interests are usually served. The leadership for that, of course, comes from 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Without a goodly measure of cooperation between the legislative and the executive branches then the whole system of checks and balances is out of whack. Hyperpartisanship acts as grit in the gears of government.

In post-Mubarak Egypt we can hope they will resist the rhetoric of the quick fix that will come from the extremists and realize in America we have been at this for 224 years and are still struggling to get the Constitution right. As Winston Churchill said, “Democracy is the worst possible form of government . . . except for all the rest.” Thank goodness America, with all its faults, is the longest surviving republic in history. We can hope others will follow and Egypt will be the first of many.

Contact Hayden at jhayden2003@cox.net

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Page 6 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 2/18/11 - 2/24/11

NewsRoanoke.com

Commentary - Rinker Column Misguided Commentary - Honoring and Remembering Dear Editor: The article by H. Bruce Rinker, Ph. D. about the unarguable necessity for a belief in evolution is a primer on how to write sophistry. Many of us are used to the sophistry commonly found in verbal discussions with those around us who are unable to clearly articulate proofs of their belief systems, but for a man of science to graphically produce such illogical dogma is rare and refreshing. I commend his courage for his wry attempt to foist nonsense on the readers of the Star Sentinel.

Despite his protestations of having a degree of understanding of Christianity, the statement that other religions, such as Judaism and Islam are well regarded pathways to the Divine equal to Christianity, belies Dr. Rinker's virtually complete misunderstanding of the faith he claims. This is, simply, error.

Jesus says there is one way, not two, three, or four.

Dr. Rinker begins his screed as all arguments written by zealots begin, with a denunciation of those who may disagree, those he denigrates with the statement that they would view him as someone to be burned at the stake for heresy. As a scientist, I'm sure he can produce proof that twenty-first century non evolutionists have done this or at least have threatened him in such a way. No? Well, then, how scientific is such a statement,

filled with emotion and feeling, but devoid of substance?

Rinker writes of substantial flaws in fundamentalist approaches to Scripture, but what of those of us who are not fundamentalists, who espouse a conservative Reformed view of Scripture? Those who also find evolution an exercise in illogic and make believe? I am a scientist. I hold a doctorate from an accredited university, as does Dr. Rinker. How will he dismiss me? I reject evolution in favor of a simple belief in what the Creator clearly says in his word, as do fundamentalists, my brothers and sisters in Christ. I marshal no arguments, I refuse to battle on his flawed battlefield, but rely on Christ and his word, the true science, for vindication.

Dr. Rinker condemns the belief in "intelligent design".

What of those of us who do not promulgate that explanation of creation? What if we are not creationists at all, at least in the pejorative sense his sort uses the term? This is the straw man thesis: set out parameters defined by yourself and criticize those who do not follow that which you have framed as their thought process. This is not scientific analysis, it is sophistry.

Much of the remaining article consists of the tired arguments of Dr. Rinker's hero, Stephen Jay Gould, whom I met and spoke with a few decades ago, where these same bromides were pre-

sented in a much more engaging fashion, without the venom against others Dr. Rinker demonstrates. There is no originality in Rinker's version, no fresh look at the issue, from what consists of just another belief system.

Hidden in the body of the article, Dr. Rinker trots out Ronald Reagan as an example of the illogic that he believes consumes people of faith. Aha! There it comes. Now it is clear that Dr. Rinker is writing polemically, not scientifically. He attacks a politician, not a scientist. His polemic is political posture.

From that realization, the arguments Dr. Rinker marshals for his belief system become much clearer. It explains the sophistry as just another attempt at the well-worn method of winning by attacking and demolishing your opponents' supposed leader, the Saul Alinsky approach to political discourse. Dr. Rinker refines the method: add arcane terminology and rank snobbery to befuddle rather than to try to educate.

That's okay. In a non-Christian post-modern world, all's fair in love and war, I suppose.

It just shouldn't be called science.

-Michael W. Ridenhour, Au.D. Roanoke

Letter - Rinker Right on Target Dear Editor: I must comment on the recent article in your newspaper by Dr. Bruce Rinker. I have read a great deal about the so-called debate between supporters of evolution (science) and intelligent design (religion). However, I don't believe I have read as cogent, as reasonable and just plain

sensible an article on the subject as the one you published by Dr. Rinker. To find an eminent scientist who is also a man of religious faith and who can reconcile the two positions so well and with such reason and clarity, is very refreshing and does much to counteract the vitriol that so often obscures the

arguments on either side.

Kudos to you for publishing such excellent writing and please, please, please, keep Dr. Rinker's articles coming for all of us who eagerly look forward to them.

- Sincerely, Terry Eckstein

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our 40th President, Ronald Reagan

Just days ago we marked what would have been the 100th birthday of our nation’s 40th President, Ronald Wilson Reagan. It was a time to honor a man who led such an extraordinary life which had a profound impact on the span of human history.

President Reagan was born in a small town in Illinois. At his birth his father remarked, “…who knows, he might grow up to be president some day.” He couldn’t have known just how true these simple words would be one day.

Ronald Reagan spent his youth on the football field and on the stage as president of his high school drama club. With dreams of a broadcasting career Reagan headed west to California. He became a star on the silver screen and had his first taste of politics as president of the Screen Actors Guild. It was apparent that he was destined for greatness.

Ronald Reagan was twice elected Governor of California and then on November 4, 1980 he was elected to his first term as President of the United States.

In his eight years as president, Ronald Reagan accomplished many things. I believe that he was the greatest president of the twentieth century. He led America to win the Cold War by rebuilding our military. He reinstilled the economic greatness of this country from the malaise of the 1970s by restoring our faith in the free enterprise system. His

efforts to reduce the tax burden on all Americans encouraged innovation. But most importantly he instilled in us his eternal optimism in America. In his first State of the Union address, President Reagan reminded us all to not “… let anyone tell you that America’s best days are behind her, that the American spirit has been vanquished. We’ve seen it triumph too often in our lives to stop believing in it now.”

I encourage all Americans to take a moment and reflect on these profound words which still ring true today. While as a country we will continue to confront challenges at home and abroad we must always remember that despite the challenging road ahead of us, we are more than equal to the task before us.

In his farewell address Reagan described how he envisioned the “shining city,” he had invoked countless times. He observed this of his time in office, “We weren't just marking time. We made a difference. We made the city stronger, we made the city freer, and we left her in good hands. All in all, not bad, not bad at all.”

Not bad reflects the modesty of the man but not the magnitude of his accomplishments. He set this nation on a new course that still inspires us.

We have a right to dream great dreams he said… because after all we are Americans.

- Congressman Bob Goodlatte

Commentary - Parkway Too Ready to Close Road to Peaks I find it discouraging the Blue Ridge Parkway Service deems it unnecessary to keep the Parkway open from Roanoke's Rt. 460 to easily access the Peaks of Otter Recreation Area. This is especially harmful to the survival of the Lodge, where staff are let go and winter revenues are essentially reduced to near zero.

The facilities at the Peaks are a major attraction during the other three seasons of the year, and could also be in winter. After a snow event, even a slight attempt to clear the road from Bear Wallow Gap to Rt. 460 would result in greater access possibilities from Roanoke.

This represents only a scant 15 mile stretch of road with much of that at elevation under 2000 feet. Minimal closures are understandable in the most difficult weather conditions. However, continued and extremely

prolonged closures seem to be the norm even after extended periods of warm and charitable weather.

The Park Service will suggest that Rt. 43 from Bedford and the nearly inaccessible section of Rt. 43 from Buchannan are available to service the Peaks of Otter recreation area, but neither of the Rt. 43 approaches is reasonable from Roanoke and precarious from Buchannan at best.

I have suggested to Representative Goodlatte that the Federal Government, in cooperation with the State Highway Department, be funded and directed to provide road ice prevention and snow clearance activities to this important section of the Parkway.

The State is seemingly oblivious to the potential for loss of the facilities and the potential tourism revenue and the jobs

it fosters. This negligence obviously denies lodge revenues and visitor access to the Peaks.

I contend access to this valuable recreation area should be a primary focus for the Federal employees receiving our tax dollars if the lodge is to remain viable.

And if Governor McDonnell wants to improve increased revenue to rural Virginia, look no further than keeping the Parkway open in winter, at least from Roanoke to the Peaks.

An open Parkway would also bring the benefits of winter park access to a great many more tourists who would enjoy the beautiful environment and vistas of a winter wonderland a wonderland that is presently seen almost exclusively by Park Rangers!

- Gary Shelton Carter, Troutville

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Sports

Patrick Henry Advances To District Final With 50-37 Win Over Halifax County Patrick Henry overcame a slow start to overtake Halifax County in the Western Valley District tournament semifinal Tuesday night on the Woody Deans Court at Patrick Henry.

The Patriots were held to one

point in a sluggish first quarter that ended with Halifax ahead by a somber-like score of 4-1.

PH got on track midway through the second quarter to take a six-point lead to the locker room. The Patriots main-

tained control in the second half as the outmanned Blue Comets could not overcome the Western Valley’s regular season champions.

Cam Jones led the Patrick Henry scoring with 13 points.

Kerris Epps added 11 points for the Patriots while B.J. Hamlett chipped in 10. PH will play GW Danville Friday night at Patrick Henry for the tournament title.

By Bill Turner info@newsroanoke.com

Patriot junior #5 Darrius Cunningham (in white) disrupts the fast break effort

by Halifax #32 Rak'juan Windsor.

PH senior #4 Melik Green pops a jumper over an unsuspecting Halifax defender.

Patriot senior #25 Cam Jones (in white) wraps up Blue Comet defender Cordero Brown for a rebound Tuesday night.

Cave Spring's Holley Signs To Play Soccer With Radford Cave Spring four-year soccer starter Graham Holley signed a letter-of-intent to play at Radford University for the Highlanders. Holley is seated with parents

Patrick Henry #2 Kerris Epps (in white) alters the shot attempt by Halifax #50 Keon Gutrich.

Woodrum Signs With Liberty University

Cave Spring starting quarAyn and Brock Holley, along with Cave Spring head soccer terback Josh Woodrum signed a letter-of-intent with Liberty coach Matt Neal University at a ceremony in the

By Bill Turner school auditorium. Woodrum info@newsroanoke.com is seated with parents Beth

HV Golfer Signs Letter Of Intent To Naval Academy

and Alan Woodrum along with Cave Spring head football coach Tim Fulton (standing)

By Bill Turner info@newsroanoke.com

Hidden Valley's Will Hare Signs With UVA

Hidden Valley's Will Hare has signed to play soccer with the University of Virginia. The four-year Titan standout chose the Cavaliers early, before playing overseas to expand his talent. Hare chose UVa over Duke and Virginia Tech.

By Bill Turner info@newsroanoke.com

By Bill Turner info@newsroanoke.com

Will Hare

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The district tournaments to reach the elite final-four in are in full swing so it’s time Richmond in mid-March. to look at the key matchups The winter of 2008 saw which hopefully will crown three girls teams, Holston, champions among our area Pocahontas and Covington, teams. Friday night (Feb. battle through their regu18th) will offer some great lar season, compete in the games for the basketball district tournament and adjunkie to check out. Pick vance to the first round of the your favorite and head out to regionals. On that same Febthe court! ruary night in those regional In the Western Valley Dis- games, Pocahontas lost by 40 trict Patrick Henry survived points to Narrows, Holston a slow start to down Halifax fell by 20 to Galax, and CovCounty and the Patriots ad- ington dropped their game to vance to play GW Danville in Bath County 42-39. the title game Friday night at For all three teams this PH. This one should brought their season be good. to an end. But their In the Blue Ridge, road to Richmond had the title game is set for more than its share Friday night at Northof potholes. The final side as the Vikings combined record of take on regular season those three squads was champion Alleghany 0-67. That’s right, all Bill Turner in a 6:00 p.m. tip-off. three advanced to the Can Billy Pope’s guys regional level withget the edge on Northside’s out winning a single game all home court? season. Pocahontas finished The River Ridge final will 0-23, with Holston and Covbe played at 7:45 Friday at the ington 0-22.

Bast Center on the Roanoke Surely, an award was in College campus. At press time order for both players and the teams were still undeter- coaches alike for their sheer mined with Hidden Valley, perseverance. And, this has Cave Spring, Christiansburg to take the cake for the guys and Salem in the hunt. I still who always want to find a say undefeated Christians- way to give everyone a troburg is ripe for an upset. phy.

On the girl’s side, Patrick Now, to the mailbag where Henry survived the lottery I’ll try to address numerous ball drawing for tournament inquiries we have received seeding and stunned regular over the last couple months season champ Halifax with about whether certain events authority Tuesday night. PH qualify as ‘sports’. travels to Franklin County Q: Women’s olympic curlFriday night for the Western ing? (Bob/Staunton) Valley title.

A: Absolutely, all that leanThe Blue Ridge girls square ing over qualifies. off at Northside Friday night Q: Texas Hold-em poker? at 8:00 pm- Lord Botetourt (Vinny/Danville) and Byrd remained in contenA: Sure. You can drink beer tion heading into Wednes- while you play. day’s semifinals.

Q: Men’s tag-team wresSalem will battle Pulaski tling? (Maude/Salem) County for the River Ridge A: No way--it’s all fake. trophy in a 6:00 pm start FriQ: Women’s tag-team wresday night at the Bast Center tling? (Mark/Pulaski) in a preliminary to the boy’s A: You bet it is!! See womchampionship. en’s curling, above.

This week we change the Q: Cheerleading? (Wanda/ format a bit and, rather than Vinton) the unusual game of the week, A: No need to go theretake a look at what has to be YES, anything with pomone of the strangest basket- poms. ball playoff runs in state high Q: Beaver hunting? (Conschool history. The date was rad/Hillsville) February 25, 2008 when three A: Hummm, No comGroup C Division 1 teams ment, Conrad. But maybe saw their road to Richmond you should start up a league. come to an abrupt, albeit predictable, halt.

Send your inquiries to: Keeping in mind that high info@newsroanoke.com schools play the regular season schedule, the district

By Bill Turner tournament, the regionals, info@newsroanoke.com followed by the state final-8, and it’s quite a hill to climb

S

Hidden Valley's Brad Elder has signed a letter-of-intent to play golf for the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Elder received his appointment from Congressman Bob Goodlatte.

Brad Elder

2/18/11 - 2/24/11 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 7

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Valley Business

Page 8 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 2/18/11 - 2/24/11

NewsRoanoke.com

Cabinetry With TLC Gives Personal Touch Commonly Asked 401(k) Plan Questions Home construction businesses were hit hard during the recession that began in 2007, and instead of building, many people are staying put and remodeling their home. That’s where “Cabinetry with TLC” comes in. The Roanoke business is owned by Terri Langford and Mike Reinschmidt who have put together a business built on the remodeling they love doing, along with a total focus on designing projects their clients will enjoy for years to come.

“Once the project is completed,” Langford says “we want you to love what we’ve accomplished.” She adds, “We’ve got to get it right the first time.”

Due to the recession Langford says, “We now see a lot of remodeling because people have decided, ‘Hey, I’m going to stay here longer than I thought I was and I need my home to work for me.’”

Reinschmidt, who has 33 years of experience, moved to the Star City from Mississippi a decade ago; Langford is a Roanoke County native with

Photo by Cheryl Hodges

(L-R) Ben Burch, Terri Langford, and Bob Brumfield stand in one of the model kitchens at their design center. a fully functional kitchen filled with lots of snacks and “K-cups” waiting to be brewed, making the office feel a lot like home.

“We wanted something really laid back, no high pressure … [a place] to tell you the pros and cons of cabinets and the pros and cons of different countertop materials,” to weigh the options carefully. Many of their vendors have commented how much they love stopping by the comfy showroom.

Langford and Reinschmidt started the company in January 2005. Langford says, “We both had been in the business for awhile and we just sort of wanted to provide a different experience from what we had been [doing] for other people.

We wanted to educate clients.”

She says remodels can be small or large projects and with the size of the project comes the size of the budget. “We provide the tools and the information so that you’re making smart decisions with your money, especially in this economy.” Langford wants customers to say, ‘I want that ‘wow’ look; I just don’t want the ‘wow’ impact on my wallet’.”

Part of that “wow” look comes from a 3-D design of the planned renovation. Technology has changed what they do “tremendously,” according to Langford. They used to handdraw the plans, but now they’re designed on a computer, which

Because your retirement planning is so important to your future well-being, you should ask questions about the retirement plans available to you and how they work, as well as how to best use your retirement dollars. Below are answers to several commonly asked questions about 401(k) plans.

Q. How do my 401(k) contributions lower my income taxes?

A. Your 401(k) contributions can be made on a pre-tax basis. This means that they aren't reported to the Internal Revenue Service as current income on your W-2 form.

For example, if you earn $50,000 a year and decide to contribute 10 percent of your salary ($5,000) to your 401(k) account on a pre-tax basis, only $45,000 will be reported as current income for income tax purposes.

Why does the government give you this excellent tax break? Because it wants to encourage individuals to save as much as possible with their own dollars today so that they are better prepared for their retirement in the future.

Q. What is a Roth 401(k)?

A Roth 401(k) is not a type of plan, but rather a type of plan contribution. If a 401(k) plan offers this feature, employees can designate some or all of their elective contributions as designated Roth contributions, rather than traditional, pre-tax elective contributions.

Roth contributions, however, are taxed in the year they are contributed to the plan (i.e., they are made on an after-tax basis). Upon distribution, Roth 401(k) contributions are received tax free. Earnings on Roth 401(k) contributions will not be taxed upon distribution if the Roth account has been open for at least 5 tax years and distribution occurs after 59½ , death or disability. Traditional 401(k) contributions and Roth 401(k) contributions are subject to a combined limit of $16,500 for 2011 ($22,000 if age 50 or older).

allows the customer to look at the proposed changes from various angles, including an amusing “pet view” which looks up from about 18 inches from the floor. “We can open doors so you can see the clearance of something, and it just really gives you a sense of what you’re getting.”

“This is what we do every single day.” She says unlike the big box stores, where employees may work in several departments, the staff at Cabinetry with TLC specializes in kitchens and bathrooms, and they can often find ways to keep the costs down even lower than those stores.

If a customer wants to do part of the work, such as tearing out the existing cabinet to save money, Langford says she and Photo by Cheryl Hodges her staff will tell the homeowner Popular "staff members" how to do it, “so you can help as Bella (L) and TC relax in front much or as little with the project of an innovative design opas you want.”

Customers love that Langtion: lighted glass block. ford also gives free design tips including paint color selection 24 years experience. She previand home décor. She has one ously worked with Cave Spring customer who called and wantRescue, and if her name sounds ed her to approve a bedspread familiar, she is a former PTA she had picked out before she president and Booster Club would buy it. president. She says taking care Helena Carvalho, assistant People find it hard to believe of people is important to her. “I that they will give clients free professor at the Virginia Tech guess it’s more than just a job room designs. “If your house is Carilion School of Medicine, for me. I’m in your home and I on the market, it might help the recently received the 2011 want you to feel good about [the seller negotiate a sale and the Young Investigator Award project] five years from now.” buyer may come to us later for from the Teaching Section of A dog and cat wander freely the renovation.” around the showroom; there is the American Physiological The free design policy is easier to understand after meeting Society (APS).

The American Physiologi- !

Langford; she loves what she is cal Society presents the award doing and says “I believe it [the to “outstanding investigators good will] comes back to you— Professional Cleaning early stages of his/her and it sparks the imagination of in the House what can be done.” career. Candidates should be investigators who have made 1618 Roanoke Blvd Cabinetry with TLC is located meritorious contributions to Suite A at 4325 Old Cave Spring Road; the scientific areas represented Salem, Virginia 24153 phone 540-777-0456. Visit their by the APS Teaching of Physiwebsite at cabinetrywithtlc.com 540-389-5252 ology Section.”

“Helena has made a positive

By Beverly Amsler www.dustbunniescorp.com • gift certificates available SERVING THE ROANOKE VALLEY info@newsroanoke.com impact in our learning environments ­from giving lectures to serving as a facilitator during small group sessions,” said Dr. Cynda Ann Johnson, founding dean of the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine.

Tree Removal • Deadwooding Gutter “We are• proud thatCleaning another orWarren Buffet once said, “Predicting rain doesn’t count; Spring Aeration ganization • Overseeding has recognized her building arks does.” The Meridian Group at Morgan Stanley efforts. ” Mulch Delivered and Spread • Spring Cleanups Smith Barney can help you manage risk while planning forFree the Estimates • Fully Carvalho will also Insured get the opfuture. We help you identify strategies to achieve the personal portunity to teach younger students at Kids’ Tech University. and financial goals that are most important to you and help

Q. Am I able to contribute to both a 401(k) and an IRA? A. Yes. Many individuals contribute to their 401(k) plan and to a traditional Individual Retirement Account (IRA) or Roth IRA. It may be best to maximize your traditional 401(k) contributions first, since they can be made with pre-tax dollars. (Your traditional IRA contributions may or may not be tax deductible, depending on your annual salary and other qualifications.) If your employer offers matching contributions and you qualify for a traditional IRA or Roth IRA, it may make sense to contribute enough to the 401(k) plan to obtain the maximum employer match, and then contribute to a traditional IRA or Roth IRA if eligible. If you have not then exhausted the maximum allowable contribution and can afford to do so, consider contributing additional amounts to your 401(k) plan.

Q. If I change jobs, may I take my 401(k) money with me?

A. Yes. All contributions you have made to your 401(k) account are 100 percent yours.

Contributions made by your employer (if any) may be yours depending on a vesting schedule. You will need to check your plan for specific vesting schedules.

In addition, if you do change jobs, it may be a good idea to consider either rolling your 401(k) money over into an IRA or another qualified plan (such as a profit-sharing or 401(k) plan) at your new employer. Otherwise, you may incur taxes and early withdrawal penalties. Be sure to check with your tax adviser before taking any distributions from your 401(k) plan.

Mike Kemp, Senior Vice President - Morgan Stanley Smith Barney 540-983-4906

This article is published for general informational purposes and is not an offer or solicitation to sell or buy securities or commodities. Any particular investment should be analyzed based on its terms and risks as they relate to your specific circumstances and objectives.

School of Medicine Assistant Professor Receives Young Investigator Award The program was developed at the Virginia Bioinformatics Institute at Virginia Tech in partnership with the Virginia Cooperative Extension’s 4-H Youth Development Program to spark children's interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines. Children between the ages of nine and 12 registered to attend the program on the General Home Repairs Virginia Tech! campus for four Saturdays during the spring seComplete Bathroom Remodeling • Tile Work Helena Carvalho mester.

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Arts & Culture

NewsRoanoke.com

2/18/11 - 2/24/11 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 9

VA Tech / Science Museum Partnership Brings New Opportunities Officials at Virginia Tech and The Science Museum of Western Virginia have announced today a new partnership to expand and enhance community-based science education.

The partnership formally establishes the university and the museum as educational outreach partners to promote and increase science literacy throughout the region.

Virginia Tech faculty and students will collaborate with staff from the downtown Roanoke museum to reinvent the museum as a living laboratory for informal science education. The collaboration will include the development of programs and events that stimulate curiosity and encourage exploration.

"This strategic partnership will enable both organizations to better serve the community," said Sam English, chair of the museum's board of trustees. "The Science Museum of Western Virginia has a 40-year history of engaging children in scientific exploration and serves as a resource for teachers, schools, and families throughout western Virginia. The addition of Virginia Tech's talent and expertise and will build upon that foundation."

"Virginia Tech sees this partnership as a new way to reach out to the community," said Virginia Tech Senior Vice President and Provost Mark McNamee. "It will allow us to showcase the university's exciting research locally and by working with the museum, to inspire future generations to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics."

McNamee and English further explained that the partnership is focused on developing new educational programs that combine community-

Virginia Tech Provost and Senior Vice President Mark McNamee announces the partnership between Virginia Tech and the Science Museum of Western Virginia. based science education with formal university science education.

A task force made up of representatives from the museum and Virginia Tech has been researching the partnership for two years. The result is that each organization will become appropriately embedded within the other's infrastructure. Virginia Tech will hold a minimum of two seats on the museum's board of directors, and the museum's executive director position will be jointly funded. Museum staff will meet regularly with students and faculty from Virginia Tech to brain-

storm ideas for exhibits, events, and outreach in local schools.

"Virginia Tech is on the cutting edge of innovation and research in everything from fisheries biology to robotics, architecture, aeronautics and more," said English. "We have this tremendous resource in our region, and it makes sense to demonstrate advancements in science that are happening right here in our part of Virginia."

In addition to showcasing advancements from Virginia Tech, the partnership with the science museum will offer the public the opportunity to engage with university professors and students.

Both sides believe the partnership is an important step in the much-discussed need for Roanoke and Blacksburg to connect in order to create a more unified region.

"The number and strength of linkages between the Roanoke and New River Valleys have been increasing for decades," said McNamee. "This partnership seems like a natural step in the right direction, where the university has a need that can be directly fulfilled by an icon that has been an anchor in Roanoke for decades."

Officials from the two organizations said they would begin work immediately, but the public would not see the fruits of their labor until the reinvented Science Museum of Western Virginia opens in about two years. The museum's home, Center in the Square, is undergoing a $27 million renovation. Plans call for an expanded science museum in the renovated space that includes exhibits not only on the fourth and fifth floors, but an extensive presence on the building's roof.

Plans there call for attractions such as fish ponds refreshed by rainwater, demonstrations of wind

powered technology and a much anticipated butterfly habitat. The Science Museum is raising funds to support the development of exhibits and galleries in the new space.

The science museum announced in January that it would begin a nationwide search for a new executive director, to replace Nancy McCrickard, who is joining ExhibitIQ, a company that specializes in creating innovative exhibits for museums and science centers. ExhibitIQ has partnered with the Science Museum of Western Virginia for the past four years to produce popular exhibits such as Big Mouth and In the Glow. McCrickard will help oversee the exchange of ideas under the new arrangement and then help take projects from concept to exhibit.

English said he hoped the new executive director would be in place by mid-year. "We want that person to play a key role in developing this partnership," he said.

The Science Museum of Western Virginia is one of the oldest science museums in the Commonwealth and is the closest informal science education venue for 25 counties in the western portion of Virginia. A not-for-profit 501c(3) agency entering its 40th year of service, SMWV is a "hands on" laboratory that offers visitors of all ages the opportunity to explore, discover, and interact with the exhibits and other visitors while answering self-generated questions.

For more information, please visit www.smwv. org, call 540.342.5700 or visit the Museum's fan page on Facebook.

“Rise Up Roanoke” Allows Citizens Faith Christian School Students To Participate in Art Project Present Classical Showcase

Retired Radford art professor Charlie Brouwer has a thing for ladders – you know, step ladders and the adjustable kind.

He’s done several installation pieces that involve ladders and will put the next one together at the Taubman Museum of Art over the next few weeks.

You may have noticed a collection of ladders leaning against a railing outside the Taubman recently – that’s Brouwer’s way of letting passersby know he is still looking to borrow ladders from those in the community. Don’t worry he assures, you’ll get them back. Those ladders on the balcony are already “creating a dialogue” with the community, according to Brouwer.

“Rise up Roanoke” will start to take shape on February 25th in the atrium of the Taubman, using whatever donated ladders Brouwer has collected by then. It will depict the famed Mill Mountain star that can be seen from the second floor balcony at the Taubman; Brouwer hopes to build his star high enough so that art patrons can peer through or around the top of it to see the real star on the mountain. The exhibit opens on March 3. Brouwer hopes to have 200-300 ladders on hand before he starts building Rise up Roanoke.

The Michigan native has used ladders in his hometown of Holland, MI and in his adopted home, Floyd, in WinstonSalem, Grand Rapids (MI) and in St. Louis. “Anything has that potential to be moved into art,” said Brouwer of his fascination with ladders. “I’ve made lots of sculptures and drawings that included ladders in them. I like the symbolism associated with

Ladders at Taubman will be used to create a Mill Mountain star in the atrium. them. Its quite broad.”

Ladders can be used to fix things he reasons; there is also a spiritual aspect, as in Jacob’s Ladder. Ladders evoke dreams and achievement for Brouwer, but they have a risky side too – as in the potential to fall off.

That risk is something people can identify with, since they often take risks in their careers or personal life. “I like that sort of vague symbolic [imagery],” said Brouwer.

He likes art that can move out of a gallery or museum and connect more closely with regular folks – who doesn’t have a ladder after all? Ladders also help build relationships said Brouwer: if you borrow one from a neighbor and give it back, “they feel more comfortable borrowing from you.” Borrowing ladders to help build his art piece is a logical extension of that relationship said Brouwer. Ladders that are not wanted back will be donated to a local non-profit that deals with home repair, like Habitat for Humanity.

Brouwer also likes being

able to create art in the lower level atrium at the Taubman, where none of the regular collection can be exhibited due to insurance restrictions, because of flood plain issues. “I think its just a great step … for the museum [and] its relationship with the community. In that grand space that people walk in to, to have art happening there, its very nice.” There are other plans noted Brouwer, to use the atrium space for art projects.

“I think it makes the museum more creative.”

Ladders can be dropped off at the Taubman Museum of Art (loading dock area on Norfolk Ave. at the back of the museum) on February 19 or 26 between 10 am and 5 pm. Lenders can also arrange for their ladder to be picked up by calling the museum at (540) 342-5760, or emailing riseuproanoke@taubmanmuseum.org. See riseuproanoke.com for more information.

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Faith Christian School, a distinctly Christian and classical K-12 school located in Roanoke County, presented its Classical Showcase last week to audiences totaling over 400.

The Classical Showcase provides parents and invited guests the opportunity to see students in grades 1-5 perform chants, recitations, songs, poetry and verse that are the foundation for the grammar stage in classical education. Rote memorization is key to this stage of development while students cover vast quantities of information spanning countless disciplines.

During the showcase, students covered topics such as History, Geography, Mathematics, Science, Latin, Literature, Spanish, Bible and Grammar. Each grade level performed for around 1520 minutes each.

The performance is a small representation of the curriculum learned by students at this point in the school year. This includes a brief statement about the topics taught or the classical methods utilized. It is fol-

First graders perform a Spanish recitation. lowed by sharing from the students in varied forms. During this performance, the students share many of the tools they are taught to apply to all learning.

This includes, but is not limited to, math songs, grammar jingles, scripture verses, geography songs, catechisms, elements of a novel, Latin roots, and even a poem that focuses on the work required to complete a task.

The Classical Showcase accomplishes several objectives.

It serves to inform parents and guests of the classical content and method. This also provides

student the opportunity to present information with confidence and eloquence - a skill which culminates their senior year when they are required to present and defend a Senior Honors Thesis. Students can appreciate the value of their hard work and diligence in preparing for this performance. Often times, parents and guests depart while remarking, I wish I had learned all that in school.

For more information, visit us on the web at www.faithchristian-school.com

Presents 2011 Schedule Mar. 3 - Wytheville... Wohlfahrt Haus -“SMOKE ON THE MOUNTAIN”, Matinee and Lunch...............................................$72.00 Mar. 24 - Wytheville... Wohlfahrt Haus -“BIG RIVER”, Matinee and Lunch.......................................................................................$72.00 Apr. 1-2 - Washington, DC - Visit monuments and memorials, Air and Space Museum, Night Tour, 2 Breakfasts, Dinner.............................................................................................................................................................................. $181.00 Apr. 13-17 - Charleston - Savannah - Beaufort... Harbour Dinner Cruise, Savannah Theatre, much more 5 Breakfast, 4 Dinners including Paula Deen’s Restaurant...........................................................................................$775.00 Apr. 30-May6 - New Orleans and Natchez-Natchez Luncheon Cruise, World War I Memorial, City Tour of N.O. and Natchez, Visit Two Antebellum Homes, Viscksburg Military Park and much more. 7 Breakfast, 2 Dinners..................................................................................................................................$866.00 May 12 - Wythville... Wohlfahrt Haus -“AMERICAN BANDSTAND”, music from the 50’s and 60’s.

Matinee and Lunch..................................................................................................................................................................................$72.00 May 23-25 - Philidelphia... Guided City Tour, See all the Famous Sites of the“City of Brotherly Love”, Longwood Gardens, Winterthur. 3Breakfast, 2 Dinners...............................................................................................$355.00 June 4-10 - Branson-6 Shows, Showboat Branson Belle Dinner Cruise. 6 Dinners, 7 Breakfast and more..........$975.00 July 7 - Abingdon, VA... Barter Theatre...“BEAUTY AND THE BEAST”Lunch at Greenway Haven...................................$81.00 Aug. 18 - Wythville... Wohlfahrt Haus -“RING OF FIRE”Story of the Man in Black, Johnny Cash.....................................$72.00 Sept. 12-14 - Ohio Amish... Guided Tour of the Largest Amish Region. Dinner in Amish Home.

3 Breakfast, 2 DInners and much more....................................................................................................................................$335.00 Sept. 21 - Wythville... Wohlfahrt Hauss...“HELLO DOLLY”Matinee and Lunch............................................................................$72.00 Oct. 1-7 - Vermont and New Hampshire... 2 Nights Kilington VT, 2 Nights Waterville Valley N.H., Stowe Village, Quechee Gorge, Lunch at Von Trapo Lodge, Guided Tours of areas, LOON GONDOLA, Fanchonia Notch Visitor’s Center, Squeam Lake Narrated BOAT CRUISE, Lake Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad and dinner on train, much more, 7 Breakfasts, 4 Dinners, welcome reception in VT and NH.............$965.00 Oct. 17-20 - Cape May, NJ - Beachfront Hotel, Tour Victorian Homes, 3 DInners, 4 Breakfasts Trolly Tour, Dolphin Watch Cruise and much more.........................................................................................................$695.00 Nov. 4-6 - Myrtle Beach... Hotel on beach,“Alabama Theater Christmas Show”,“Carolina Opry Christmas Show”, Palace Theater“Christmas on Ice”, Shopping at Tanger Mall, 3 Breakfast, 2 Dinners...................................$395.00 Nov. 10 - Charlotte... Southern Christmas Show... Crafts and Displays and More.....................................................................$55.00 Nov. 17-19 - Lancaster PA... Stay at Eden Resort, American Music Theater,“Christmas 2011”Biblical Tabernacle, Canning Company, Kitchen Kettle Village, Tour Amish Farmlands, see quilts and crafts of the Amish, “Miracle of Christmas”at the Sight and Sound Theatre, Millers Smorgasbord, Dinner in Amish Home and more 3 Breakfast, 2 Dinners...................................................................................................................................................$395.00 Dec. 1-4 New York City... Hotel in theater district, Tour of City, Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular Tickets Available at additional Cost......................................$754.00 Dec. 5 - Wythville - Wohlfahrt Haus..“A WOHLFAHRT HAUS CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR”, Matinee and Lunch $75.00

CLASSIC TOURS, please call Wayne or Brintha Gibson 540-366-2591 704 North Battery Drive, Roanoke, VA 24019 Fax (540-362-5464/Out of Town 1-800-221-5056) Prices Per Person, Double Occupancy - Continental Breakfast Served Morning of Departure Visa, MasterCard and Discover Welcome - Licensed and Bonded Visit our WEBSITE www.classictoursroanoke.com

Page 10 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 2/18/11 - 2/24/11

Baseball Hall Of Fame Dinner Evokes Tears, Laughter

The Salem-Roanoke Baseball Hall of Fame existed only as a roster of inductees and an annual dinner until a few years ago, before its new building finally opened adjacent to Salem Memorial Baseball Park. Filled with plaques and memorabilia from the 100 or so honored previously for their contribu-

tions to the game of baseball locally, the Hall became a bit more crowded with the induction of five more members last Sunday night, as the 20th annual banquet and induction ceremony took place.

As always a highlight of the banquet – also the main fundraising tool used to raise money

for the 2500’ sq. ft. Hall building – was the guest speaker.

Always a former major league player, this year ex-Orioles outfielder Al Bumbry took to the podium.

Bumbry, once the speedy centerfielder for the O’s, is no stranger to these parts – his son Stephen played in the out-

SNOW

IS ON THE GROUND

Winter in the Mountains traditional music, stories, art

Elizabeth LaPrelle & Anna Roberts-Gevalt FEBRUARY 24, 6:30 PM

Roanoke Public Library

field for Virginia Tech and was drafted by the Orioles. He may come through Salem this year with the Frederick Keys team in the Carolina League.

Bumbry did his best Earl Weaver impression, talking about the rocky relationship between his former fiery manager and star pitcher Jim Palmer. “They respected each other [but] you wouldn’t know it. They argued all the time. Earl knew how to push [Palmer’s] buttons.”

Bumbry was one of the few major leaguers at the time that had done a tour of duty in the Vietnam War, following a year of college. “My shoes were clean when I went out on the field,” he recalled, “that’s the way I was, [because] of my military background.” He originally went to Virginia State on a basketball scholarship and played just one year of baseball before being drafted.

As for the current state of the moribund Orioles franchise?

“Bear with them,” he pleaded, “It’s been a rough journey. I [hope] they turn the corner.”

Bumbry, who does some public relations work for the Orioles, also praised the five new members of the Salem-Roanoke Baseball Hall of Fame: “it tells me … that you love baseball and want to do whatever you can to provide baseball for the kids. I’m sure [your induction] is richly deserved.”

One of the five new Hall members inducted has become friends with Bumbry: Art Price, the director of Recreation, Parks and Tourism in Christiansburg.

The two became acquainted when Bumbry asked about getting some batting cage time for his son at a town facility. Price called his induction “one of the greatest things that’s happened to me. It’s a dream come true.”

Before the banquet was over Bumbry stepped to the podium to present Price with an Orioles jersey. Price played baseball in high school and college and was

NewsRoanoke.com

Photo by Bill Turner

(L-R) Sam Lazzaro, Art Price, Anthony Amos, Ervin "Budgie" Clark. (Also inducted was the late Harold Brown,) instrumental in bringing amateur baseball tournaments to Christiansburg.

Also inducted was the late Harold Brown, a Franklin County native who starred in high school and college, but chose to come home and tend to the family business despite being drafted by both the Oakland A’s and the Milwaukee Brewers.

Photo by Bill Turner

Former major league player Al Bumbry (Baltimore Orioles) was the guest speaker.

Anthony Amos played at William Byrd High School and has coached baseball at several levels, including AAU since then.

“The thing I’m most proud of is the middle school movement,” said Amos, alluding to the fact that he helped revive middle school baseball in the valley.

Ervin “Budgie” Clark was one

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of several new Hall members who choked up at the podium when giving his acceptance speech. A former standout at Salem High School and Virginia Tech, Clark has stayed in the game as a baseball field consultant, traveling the country and the world. “I’ve had five ‘awesomes’ in my life,” said Clark, who has consulted at three Olympics games (Athens, Sydney, Beijing), “and this is one of them.”

Sam Lazzaro was a longtime minor league baseball executive, including a decade-plus with the Salem Avalanche and several years in upstate New York.

“I’ve worked with some outstanding people over the years,” said the new inductee, who is now an attorney. Many were in the room at the Salem Civic Center last Sunday, including former Avalanche owner Kelvin Bowles, a Hall of Fame of Fame board member and the master of ceremonies.

Many of the past Hall inductees were on hand Wednesday, including Ron Hodges, a Franklin County native who spent 12 years as a backup catcher with the New York Mets. John Montgomery (Play By Play magazine) was also honored with the Wayne LaPierre Community Service Award.

By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

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