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July 20 - July 26, 2012

City Manager’s Brother-In-Law Hired as New Roanoke City Attorney Selection Not Unanimous

Made In Shade P4– Columnists Liza Field says we have become too dependent on electricity in lieu of relying on nature’s ways of staying cool.

Daniel Callaghan is Roanoke’s new city attorney but it was not a unanimous decision. He is City Manager Chris Morrill’s brother-in-law. He starts with the city October 17 with a salary of $150,000. Callaghan, 57, hails from Manchester, New Hampshire where he is a partner in the law firm of Devine, Millimet & Branch, one of the largest law firms in New Hampshire. The firm has 60 attorneys and 80 staff, with offices in Manchester and Concord. He earned his law

degree from Villanova University. A council member who did not want their name used said the recommendation was not unanimous and that there was “another candidate that was first choice.” When asked if it was the ActingCity Attorney Tim Spencer they confirmed that it was. Councilman Sherman Lea said he disagreed with the statement. Lea said Callaghan’s ability to work with lobbyists and the legislature set him above everyone else. “It was a close race with many good applicants but this gave him the edge.” He said that it was a really interest-

[Presidential Visit]

ing process but he would not elaborate. “He’s a real classy guy.” Lea said the council will vote once he is approved by the Virginia Bar. In a phone call with Councilwoman Anita Price, head of the Personnel Committee she said, “It was an exhausting and meticulous process.” All council members interviewed candidates one on one and then as a group, said Price. Colin Baenziger of Baenziger & Associates was the recruiter and the same recruiter that was used in the selection of City Manager Chris Morrill. Mr. Baenziger, in an email, said, “It was

Obama Campaigns in Roanoke

Graeter’s Is Great

Photo by Valerie Garner

U.S. Senator Mark Warner, President Barak Obama and U.S. Senate Candidate Tim Kaine at last Friday’s rally.

P9– After premiering numerous original theatre works over the last 3 years Studio Roanoke is forced to close its doors.

Republican Response P3– Bob Goodlatte offers up a conservative response to President Obama’s remarks made in Roanoke - some of which are making national headlines.

> CONTINUED P2: City Attorney

Employee Pension Plan Doesn’t Satisfy All

Roanoke City Council

P8– Somebody’s gotta do it. .Gene Marrano sucks it up (literarily) by agreeing to test Graeter’s Ice Cream for this newspaper. Thank you Gene.

Studio R Closes

a very difficult recruitment. Prior to my firm being hired, Roanoke HR tried at least once to find candidates. There were not a huge number of well-qualified local government attorneys in the Roanoke Valley who wanted to give up their jobs and move into the City. It is not like the DC area where there is an attorney on every corner. Also, for practical reasons, we needed someone who was licensed to practice in Virginia or who could waive in. Sitting for the Bar exam was simply

he lines began forming by 1:00 p.m. Friday afternoon for the people holding tickets to see President Barack Obama at the historic Fire Station No. 1 in downtown Roanoke. The weather was threatening and some light rain fell followed by smothering humidity. That combined with over 3000 people pressing up against each other in a small section of Church Avenue between Jefferson Street and Williamson Road contributed to 20 people needing medical attention.

According to Ronnie Campbell, Roanoke Deputy Fire Marshall, the official tally was 3,040 people that came for the President’s address. By 5:30 p.m. the line to get in stretched down Franklin Road around 1st Street and around the block at Valley Bank and back down Church Avenue. Obama arrived with U.S. Senator Mark Warner and Gov. > CONTINUED P2: Obama

Changes to Roanoke’s pension plan will take effect July 1, 2014 and not everyone is pleased with the changes. Roanoke firefighter Lt. Rodney Jordan told council that staff had not done their due diligence. He said that there were 23 firefighters currently looking to leave the department. Jordan and JJ Price said that Roanoke City had become the “training ground” for other localities and noncompetitive benefits and pay were the cause. Price claimed that compared to other localities Roanoke public safety was already 15 percent behind the Virginia Retirement System. Now, the city’s pension change will put public safety 27 percent behind Salem and Roanoke County according to Price. > CONTINUED P3: Pension

Trees Can Be Protected From Summer Storm Damage

Recent storms wreaked havoc upon trees across a wide swath of Virginia and other eastern states. While there is little landowners can do to avoid damage from a 70 to 80 mph wind, thoughtful planting and routine maintenance can go a long way toward protecting your trees from the average storm, says Virginia Tech College of Natural Resources and Environment Associate Professor and Extension Specialist Eric Wiseman. “Mindful planting of the right trees in the right places and correct routine pruning can help you avoid tree damage from summer storms,” says Wiseman, who specializes in urban forestry and arboriculture in the Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation. Property owners should be discriminating when planting or retaining trees on their property. Most oaks are “wellbehaved,” Wiseman notes. They are slow-growing trees known for strong wood, with less tendency to develop co-dominant leaders, an unstable con-

Many trees fell victim to the derecho winds that hit Roanoke on June 29th. dition of multiple main trunks. Besides oaks, Wiseman recommends hickory, fruitless sweetgum, beech, and blackgum as storm-tolerant lawn trees. He advises against landscape plantings of silver maples, willows, ashes, white pines, and loblolly pines, as well as the notoriously fracture-prone Bradford pear. These faster growing

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trees tend to be weak-wooded and decay-prone, he explains. Even the right tree can be easily uprooted if not planted properly. Selecting a tree with a well-developed root system and planting it at the correct depth is crucial to the tree’s longevity. “You get what you pay for,” he warns, “so buy your tree from a reputable

nursery.” Trees need routine maintenance, particularly during their “adolescent years,” Wiseman says. Periodic pruning improves a tree’s structure by removing dead and defective branches, such as multiple leaders or trunks and weak branch attachments with embedded bark. Both of these conditions make trees susceptible to storm damage. Topping, or indiscriminate reduction of tree height, is not an appropriate pruning practice. In fact, topping will likely weaken the tree in the long run. When pruning alone cannot remedy a structural issue, a professional tree service can sometimes install cables or bracing to support weak branches. Signs that a tree is in trouble include cracks, cavities, decay, dead limbs, and sometimes mushrooms at its base. Recent excavation beneath the tree damages its roots, which in turn weakens the tree, increasing its susceptibility to decay, pests, and wind damage. > CONTINUED P2:Trees

Page 2 | TheRoanokeStar.com

We will see lingering storms on Friday but turn cooler. Temperatures will rise into the mid 80s. Hit or miss showers and storms are possible for the weekend, especially in the south. Temperatures will rise into the mid 80s. Showers and storms are possible Monday and Tuesday with highs near 90.

7/20/12- 7/26/12

> City Attorney not feasible. In our research, we discovered that any person who had been admitted to practice before the highest court in the state where they were licensed (i.e., the Supreme Court of the particular state) could waive into Virginia. That helped. Once we were hired, in addition to our networking, we advertised once and then re-advertised as we were not overwhelmed with our initial results. We ended up with 33 applicants from all over the United States. Mr. Callaghan came to our attention when he responded to our initial advertisement. Prior to his applying Mr. Morrill mentioned that Mr. Callaghan might apply and that he was a very good lawyer. He also mentioned that Mr. Callaghan was his brother-in-law and that might cause some concern or at least raise some eyebrows. That was the only time I spoke with Mr. Morrill about Mr. Callaghan. I think we both knew that if Mr. Callaghan applied it would be a sensitive matter and that Mr. Morrill seemed to feel it would be best if he was not involved in the process in any way. Mr. Callaghan applied on March 22nd through the normal application process. I talked to him around that time as our candidate pool was pretty limited at that point - the closing date was April 6th. I was impressed with his credentials and aptitude. He was very up-front about his relationship

From page 1

to Mr. Morrill and said that if that presented any problems, he would withdraw his application. When I looked at the applicant pool on April 9th, I decided to re-open the advertising period. We had some very good applicants - such as Mr. Callaghan - but we simply did not have a huge number of very good applicants. We also did not have much diversity in the field. When the second application period closed in early May and we had more well-qualified applicants but still not much diversity. Ultimately we narrowed the field to six strong candidates. When the Council reviewed the top candidates, the Council Members were well aware of Mr. Callaghan’s relationship to the City Manager and at least some of them considered it. I think the Council Members ultimately decided to consider Mr. Callaghan on his own merits and if he was the best candidate, then to work through the rest. I also think, if anything, Mr. Callaghan’s relationship to the City Manager was a negative because it would obviously raise some eyebrows if he were the selection. And why raise eyebrows if you can avoid it? Ultimately, though, the Council deemed him to be the best candidate. Price said that his! qualifications were the deciding factor for the majority. “It feels like a good match. He has the honesty and

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integrity to bring all qualities to the office.” She feels very confident that they made the appropriate decision. “He would never subject the city to anything that would not be in the best interest of the city,” said Price. She was certain that Callaghan or Morrill would recuse themselves in a conflict situation and it would be handled in a professional manner. “We didn’t feel that it would become a real issue.” County Attorney Paul Mahoney said, “he looked forward to working with Mr. Callaghan, and to continue to work with Mr. Spencer on issues affecting our community.” Callaghan, 57, takes the place of William Hackworth who retired in December of 2011 but first he will have to apply to the Virginia Bar. The State of New Hampshire provides reciprocity with the Commonwealth for attorneys and he is not required to take the Bar exam, said Melinda Mayo the public information coordinator. Callaghan and his wife Clare, Morrill’s sister, will search for a downtown apartment.

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Vietnam vetthey listened to “The Church eran Rick O’Dell led the Pledge Use it to call Mr. Handyman. Sisters” play bluegrass music as of Allegiance and Meg Harlow Tree Removal Deadwooding • Gutter part of the buildup. •The crowd of Roanoke sang Cleaning the National Spring Aeration • Overseeding of supporters seemed to enjoy Anthem. itMulch all. In • Spring his speech, President Delivered and Spread Cleanups www.mrhandyman.com Obama took Virginia in 2008 Obama said he believes that no Free Estimates • Fully Insured and various polls show he leads one who fights for this country 540-977-4444 PhotoRICHARD by Valerie Garner KARN his Republican opponent Mitt should have to fight for a job TV star and “home improvement guru.” Romney by three to eight per- when they come home, and re- Crowds gathered early prior to President Obama’s arrival. centage points. minded the crowd that he has the financial crisis was going to that should be up—such as job “We’re a major battleground signed two new tax credits into take “more than one year, or one growth, consumer confidence, state right now,” said political law for businesses that hire un- term or one president. Prior- manufacturing activity, and the analyst Dr. Bob Denton. Com- employed veterans and wound- ity number one is to put people number of new business startpared to his 2008 visit this event ed warriors. back to work but also to build ups—is down. Everything that was much more controlled. It Romney responded in a re- an economy where that work should be down—such as unprevents chances of being heck- lease, accusing the Obama ad- pays off. What’s missing is not employment, the national debt, led, crowds are more friendly ministration for delayed veteran big ideas … the problem right the regulatory burden, and the and it presents well for the me- disability claims. “The backlog now is that we’ve got a stalemate number of Americans on food dia. for wounded warriors receiv- in Washington.” He blamed the stamps and in poverty—is up.” Obama has support in north- ing their disability has nearly Republican Congress. President Obama spoke ern Virginia and Hampton doubled, and unemployment The Republican’s theory is for over 40 minutes and then Roads. “Now we’re beginning among young returning veter- “the economy grows from the worked the crowd with secret to see that Obama is going to ans is in double digits.” top down … while the investors service watching his and the take it to this area and that is In his speech, Obama called are doing well everybody does audiences every move. He went showing that we are one of the on Congress to immediately well. Tax cuts for the high end back up on the stage then decidtop three or four battleground extend the middle-class tax cuts and rollback regulations. Here’s ed to work the crowd a second states,” said Denton. “Virginia’s scheduled to expire at the end the problem we tried this in the time. During his speech Obama never had that before and now of the year. He said it would last decade and it did not work,” solicited cheers when he said, joins the likes of Florida and prevent a tax increase on the said Obama. “I’m coming back.” Ohio. You can tell by the televi- 98 percent of families who earn Virginia Congressman Bob The motorcade rolled down sion PAC ads.” Dr. Denton said less than $250,000 a year and Goodlatte responded say- Jefferson Street on its way back he expects the candidates to the tax cuts that benefit only ing, “Four years ago, President to the airport. People standing return to the area two or three high-income taxpayers would Obama promised that his plan on the sidewalks cheered as he more times. expire. “This would help cut the would lead to an economic re- waved from inside the limouThe day before Obama’s ar- deficit by more than $4 trillion covery. And while President sine. rival streets began to close at – including $2 trillion in deficit Obama may think our economy 10 a.m. Eric DiLauro, owner reduction signed into law last is taking a “step in the right diof Table 50 restaurant on Mar- year, ensuring that everyone rection,” the Obama economy is By Valerie Garner ket Street, said he expected the pays their fair share while cut- on its head, especially for midinfo@theroanokestar.com President’s visit to bring people ting waste,” he said. dle-class Americans, small busidowntown and said that he was He said he knew that the eco- nesses, and veterans. Everything used to streets being closed. “It’s nomic turnaround following

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Wiseman says. “Virginia has no certification requirement for arborists, so look for someone certified by the International Society of Arborists. Tree service companies accredited by the Tree Care Industry Association are also well qualified.” Even the best trees are put to test during high derecho winds like those experienced June 29. Under these conditions, it’s impossible to abso-

lutely avoid tree problems. “The only thing you can do to eliminate tree problems is to get rid of all trees, but that’s not a good idea,” Wiseman says. “Trees reduce cooling and heating costs in homes, mitigate air pollution, protect water quality, and have aesthetic value.” By Lynn Davis info@theroanokestar.com

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> Pension

Jordan and Price also pointed out that there are 53 firefighters that are not vested - an indication that there is a problem with retention. They asked council to delay a vote on the new pension plan for 30 days. Councilman Sherman Lea and Mayor Bowers were amicable to that but the three other council members, Ray Ferris, Court Rosen and Dave Trinkle were not. Anita Price and Bill Bestpitch were absent. Morrill said that some cities have separate systems for fire personnel. The Roanoke Fire Department has one of the lowest turnover rates, he said. “I recommend one retirement system.” Director of Finance, Ann Shawver said that she knew the hazard pay was less in the city but believed that with the 2.0 multiplier and public safety retirement age difference it made the city competitive with VRS. She said staff met with public safety leaders and all meetings were open to every employee. Ferris said, “nobody’s calling anybody a liar … the money just isn’t there for a separate pension plan. We’ve got to be fiscally responsible here.” Roanoke City has always fully funded its annual contribution to the employee pension plan. “We are not in a state of crisis,” said City Manager Chris Morrill. But if changes are not made now in 15-20 years it could im-

From page 1

pact us, he said. “With some small changes we can ensure that we have employee retirement security. We can make sure we designed a system so that no current employees would be impacted. The needs of employees are changing.” The city has a $300 million pension plan and is 86 percent funded. “We come from a position of strength,” said Shawver. It has been a two-year process that will result in a prudent long-term financial plan. The pension supplement for health insurance to age 65 will be replaced by health savings plans for employees hired after July 1, 2013. The employee will contribute one percent of their salary to the health savings plan offset by a one percent raise. Cost of living adjustments for retirees will be based on a formula instead of ad hoc. There is an optional hybrid plan for mobile employees that will be available July 1, 2014. Employees will contribute 5% of their salary either to the current Defined Benefit Plan or the hybrid Defined Benefit Plan/ Defined Contribution Plan. Higher retirement ages and a lower multiplier will take effect in 2014. The vote was unanimous to adopt the new pension plan. In Other Business: The 2012 Democratic National Convention will be held in Charlotte, North Carolina from

Tuesday September 4, 2012 through Thursday September 6, 2012. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department asked for security aid from the Roanoke Police Department and 20 other jurisdictions. Roanoke will send a detail of eleven officers, a sergeant and a lieutenant to assist. The officers will be trained and all expenses will be reimbursed to the city. The bumpy Wells Avenue crosswalks next to the Hotel Roanoke will be replaced with stamped asphalt at a cost of $200,000. A performance agreement was approved between the city and Roanoke River Associates, LLC. The 22 acres of property located east of South Jefferson Street adjacent to the Roanoke River and will be developed into a mixed use configuration containing commercial, office, retail, and residential buildings. The public infrastructure will be supported by an initial up-front economic development grant of $2 Million and subsequent annual economic development grants for Eligible Expenditures by RRA based on amounts equal to seventy-five percent (75%) of actual designated revenues received by the City from the property. By Valerie Garner info@theroanokestar.com

Bob Goodlatte's Response to President Obama's Roanoke Address

At an event in Roanoke last week, President Obama made a telling statement. “If you’ve got a business,” he said to a crowd of cheering supporters, “you didn’t build that. Somebody else made that happen.” It's an admission that serves as a window into President Obama’s impression of America, and it explains many of his decisions as President. In the President’s eyes, it's the government that is responsible for the accomplishments of the American people; individuals play some role, of course, but it's federal bureaucracy that is the backbone of our economy. According to Barack Obama, the one thing a small business owner should never forget is that he or she owes the government for their good fortune. It's on this basis that President Obama justifies his proposed tax hike on people earning over $250,000. It’s not that he doesn’t know that most small businesses file under the individual tax code. It’s not that he doesn’t understand that the small businesses that create the most American jobs are also the ones that will be hit hardest by his tax proposals. He is well aware of those facts. Barack Obama is willing to tax job creators because he believes they have a debt to their federal government, one he wants them to pay. In Barack Obama’s view, small business owners are akin to free-loaders, living off the largess of Washington, D.C. while refusing to contribute their fair share. Barack Obama’s personal experiences have no doubt shaped his view. During his

term as President, the cronyism between his administration and corporate entities has been unprecedented. In Virginia, for example, the General Services Administration (GSA) provided the highest contract price to companies on a project to increase the energy efficiencies of the Richard H. Poff Federal Building in downtown Roanoke before the bidding process had even begun, resulting in the waste of tens of millions of taxpayer dollars. With regard to specific companies such as Solyndra, Fisker, Bright Source Energy, and First Wind, the Obama administration has repeatedly picked winners and losers. The President has shoveled out hundreds of millions of dollars to these companies, most of them connected to donors who have given generously to the President’s campaign. Many of these companies have become infamous, symbols of failure and governmental waste. Solyndra is bankrupt. Fisker‘s success can only be found in Finland where Finnish workers build Fisker automobiles. These particular companies, it's true, owe much—if not all— of their success to the federal government. But that's not true of most American businesses. Yes, government can help create an environment conducive to job creation. But it cannot build the businesses. It cannot put in the late hours and the hard work that is necessary to make them grow. That’s the job of the American people, whether President Obama recognizes it or not.

People like Mitt Romney, however, believe that our entrepreneurs, our small businesses, our captains of free enterprise, and great American workers are what made our economy prosper. They have built this country on good ideas, fearless decisions to take risks, and a willingness to work hard. They invest money into their dreams, but it's their blood and sweat that ultimately determines their success. This distinction between Barack Obama and Mitt Romney, more than any other, defines the choice in this election. What is the strength of this country? What made it great? Was it the federal government and the ever increasing bureaucracy it has created? Or was it the men and women from around this nation who had a dream and acted on it? That's the question that every American will have to answer when they decide how to vote this November. The answer they choose will define our country for not only the next four years, but for a generation. No election in my lifetime has been more important.

TheRoanokeStar.com |Page 3

Gov. George Allen Hits Roanoke Streets Before Obama Visit

Republican U.S. Senate candidate George Allen made the rounds in Roanoke Thursday morning. His first stop was a tour of Lloyd Electric Company on 3rd street. The company is 100 years old having been passed down through three generations. The owner Rick Lloyd says his small business employs less than 50 people. Obama’s energy policies, “especially the assault on coal” is having a detrimental impact on people in coalfields and is the cause of higher electricity rates claimed Allen. He would push to open up Virginia’s coast to oil and gas drilling if elected. On government regulations Allen said, “they can be a help or a hindrance.” He proposed performing an impact analysis to determine the effect on small businesses when implementing regulations. Two years ago Lloyd was faced with the Environmental Protection Agency’s hyper regulation of incinerators. “All we had was a little burnout oven that was used for rebuilding the winding process for electric motors. It wasn’t worth that extra micro per million – I couldn’t afford a new oven,” he said. If the EPA had not removed the burnoven from its definition of incinerators it would have cost him $200,000. Allen called Obama’s Affordable Care Act a healthcare tax law. “Tim Kaine calls it a great achievement. I want to be the deciding vote to repeal and replace it,” he said. Allen said he would, however, keep the part that allows children to stay on their parent’s health insurance policy until age 26 because so many young people are graduating from college without jobs. “Most insurance companies are doing that anyway,” he said. Allen is an advocate for portable health savings accounts. “Small businesses should be able to ban together across state lines too,” he said. “There may be some good ideas in there [ACA] somewhere but it ought to be repealed and we ought to have a much more personal affordable approach where patients and doctors make the decisions and not the bureaucrats rationing care in Washington.” Lloyd provides his employees with health insurance. His health care provider increased premiums by 28 percent this year. He hopes to find another provider at a lower cost. He told Allen that his business would have a hard time continuing healthcare for his employees with increases like that. Allen accused his Democratic opponent Tim Kaine who while as DNC chair and governor of Virginia “was going around the country raising money for the Democratic National Committee while trying to raise taxes on Virginia.” Kaine’s campaign noted that Allen spent two years as chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee traveling the country and fundraising while he was a Senator. “It gives Allen a lot of political IOUs to cash in.” In comparing his term as Virginia governor to

Photo by Valerie Garner

George Allen speaks with 10 year old Andrew Stegner at Mill Mt. Theatre’s summer camp. Tim Kaine’s, Allen said, “leadership is determining what the priorities are and getting others to join in those goals. That’s what I did as governor.” On extending the Bush-era tax cuts Allen said, “raising taxes has never created any jobs … other than maybe for the IRS.” He advocated for a more simple fair and competitive tax code. “That’s what I’m going to be working on,” he said. As an example he said John Deere pays a 33 percent tax and there are some that pay zero taxes. “The code is convoluted with special exemptions and a tax code that is full of holes like Swiss cheese. There ought to be a level playing field,” said Allen. Allen would eliminate subsidies for oil, coal and natural gas “if you had a completely non-subsidized non-incentivized energy approach that’s fine for me.” House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA) proposed a 20 percent tax deduction for small businesses and Allen thought it sounded like a good idea but would have to look at it further. Democrats want to tie it to new employee hiring. The proposal is tied to Obama’s plan to only extend the Bush tax cuts to those making $250,000 or less. Republican’s want to extend it in its entirety. The Senate debate continues and compromise seems light years away. Former delegate and Democratic Party of VA chair Dick Cranwell of Vinton responded to Allen’s Roanoke visit calling Allen divisive and that “we tried things George Allen’s way during his last term in the Senate and we're still paying the bill for it.” Allen’s campaign raised $2 million last quarter he said. Allen will continue on to Big Stone Gap than on to Norton on Friday with final stops in Radford, Blacksburg and Pounding Mill Quarry Corporation in Bluefield. By Valerie Garner info@theroanokestar.com

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Page 4 | TheRoanokeStar.com

“Thankfulness Takes Work”

ave you ever noticed fellow I talked to recently put it how hard it is to be who had a tree fall through his thankful? Our natu- house, not on it but through ral tendency is to focus more on it….”It is all a matter of perspecthe negative than what is positive tive. You either see yourself as a in our lives. And we also know victim and are mad and blame that whatever we focus on be- everyone else for your circumcomes a larger part of our per- stance or you are more aware of ception. The more we focus on just how many things you have the negative…the more to be thankful for.” “In we see the negative. the long run, it is just The more we focus on an inconvenience, a big the positive…the more one in the living room, we see the positive. The but an inconvenience.” problem is, focusing on For the majority of the positive or good is us who did not suffer more difficult, especialmajor loss, but were ly when our environinconvenienced, which ment adds to the mix. category do we belong As I was always told Keith McCurdy to? I would suggest in Chemistry class, add that how we responded a little heat and you learn more to this circumstance may be an about the true nature of a sub- indication of our character that stance. Let’s just say we have all is not so clearly observed in been involved in a little chem- uneventful times. Did we write istry experiment the last two letters to the editor about how weeks or so. What did we learn the power company didn’t care about ourselves? There is no about us or did we take water out question that some have suffered to the men from out of state that tremendous loss including fam- worked and are still working 16 ily and friends and my heart and hour days in some places to get prayers go out to them. the electricity back on? Did we That thankfully has not been go on TV and complain about the case for the majority. As a how all of our food had been

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7/20/12- 7/26/12

Made in the Shade

ow’s your cooling system, this summer? “Down,” said a lot of hot people in early July, when extreme high temperatures kicked fierce storms up — and a swath of the power grid down — across the mid-Atlantic. We Americans, who live mainly indoors now, emerged from buildings like bugs pouring out of boxes. Neighbors greeted neighbors they’d never met. People looked at the sky, hoping for clouds, and toted chairs around the landscape, looking for shade. It was like the old days — almost! As in earlier centuries, many windows (long shut) were opened to the summertime air. But newer buildings, designed on the groundless premise of unceasing electric power, offered only plate glass windows never meant to open, and quickly became heat traps. Even many windows that did open were met by relentless heat from sun-baked landscapes of lawn and unshaded asphalt. So offices, retail stores and churches closed; apartments, houses and trailer courts emptied — everyone looking for a livable refuge from the greenhouse effect of these sun-broiled boxes. Temporary shelters opened and a state of emergency got declared — not because a disaster had destroyed homes, but because the contemporary American home itself, unplugged from the power grid, now constitutes a disaster. Who can live in a broiling greenhouse, many people wondered for the first time, walking outside in a daze? Old Coolers Our forebears, just 100 years ago, would have marveled over this 21st-century crisis. Contact Keith at While many had electricity, psycyou@msn.com even some window fans, a power outage would hardly have put

spoiled in our fridge or did we thank the volunteers, many who also did not have power, who gave their time and energy to serve free meals and provide a cool place to relax? Did we fuss about the lack of cable or phone service or did we ask our neighbors how we could be of help to them? Luckily, there were many who took care of their neighbors, thanked volunteers, and went out of their way to thank the utility workers that were restoring power. But in which category did you find yourself? It is often the case that when an individual sees themselves as a victim, they have great difficulty seeing beyond self or being aware of the needs of others. They believe that they deserve certain things and are constantly aware of any perceived injustice. When something happens in life that is difficult, their focus is how they have been wronged. This is in many instances a part of the “Me” culture we live in. On the contrary, when a person is humble, they are typically more aware of the needs of others and less likely to complain about their own circumstance. They see life as full of both good and the possibility for bad. When something difficult does happen it is often a reminder of just how many other things they have to be thankful for. Maybe the better question to ask is which category do we want to be in? Other difficulties will occur, that is for sure. It was no accident that Paul, while in prison, wrote to the Philippians that being at peace in life is less to do with our circumstance and more about being aware of just how many things we have to be thankful for.

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them out of their homes. For one thing, many were frequently “out” already. Far more American life took place outdoors, between the ground, water and sky. “Air conditioning” consisted of cold creeks, rivers and springhouses, an evening porch, open windows, and nature’s oldest cooling unit. “When Americans got air conditioning, they cut down their trees and moved indoors,” observed Betty Besal, city arborist for Lexington. She’d noticed this enormous cultural change over a few brief decades. The United States has become one vast landscape of giant walk-in coolers (the buildings in which we now spend more than 90 percent of our lives). Residential trees have become “unnecessary.” They’re obstacles in the lawnmower’s way; they drop messy fruit and leaves on the perfect lawn, might fall, might buckle the driveway asphalt, might get “too big.” We find so many reasons, ridiculous or expedient, to cut down residential trees, why keep any standing? Another Shelter The only people I know who didn’t suffer from the July power outages lived among trees. Many had never had air conditioning and were amazed that anyone’s lack of it constituted a federal emergency. Personally, I’d seen how a building could become an oven. When I moved into my little ranch house 18 years ago, only two trees grew in the broad lawn. The sun-beaten house roasted like a brick oven, storing up heat to radiate long into the night. The previous owner had installed a heat pump, whose cooling mechanism apparently allowed her to survive without shade. I used it greedily, indiffer-

ent to the power-bill spike, but began planting trees. Today, a shady woodland has grown up and the summer power bill has plummeted. These trees are now my only “AC,” shading the yard, the street, the house walls and much of the roof. Branching Out Community forest programs raise this kind of cooling effect over entire cities. According to The City of Pittsburgh Shade Tree Commission, “20,000 new trees = $800,000 worth of utility savings to our region annually.” Why? Tree-shade keeps asphalt from absorbing and radiating heat. Trees also help stir up muchneeded summer rains. They then absorb storm-water, helping to recharge the local aquifer. Later, they slow evaporation with two water “lids”: their shade and the humus they drop as needles or leaf debris. All of this helps because groundwater keeps local springs, creeks and rivers flowing during dry spells. These waters, in summer, provide nature’s coolant to their region, modifying the larger climate. Currently, we assume we can escape that larger climate and live indefinitely within artificial, indoor climates, but the inside and outside of our walls are not as separate as we think. Air conditioning’s massive draw on the U.S. power grid requires expensive reserve operations to meet each summer’s peak demand. That costly reserve operation drives up everyone’s electricity rate. It also accelerates global warming, as the planet's fossil fuels go up in smoke, for “air conditioning.” In essence, we’re burning the planet to stay cool. How long can that insanity last? Contact Liza Field at info@theroanokestar.com

Stand For Religious Freedom Rally To Be Held

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The Foundation For America will hold a rally to demonstrate against the intrusion of the federal government in the freedom of the exercise of free speech and religious beliefs. The event will occur in Elmwood Park in Roanoke on July 21st from 9 am to 1 pm. This rally is to demonstrate in support of the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County and other Virginia Counties that

the citizens of Virginia have the right to exercise free speech and their religious convictions and against the intolerance of those who would deprive the citizens who serve on local governmental boards from exercising these rights. Organizations from outside the Commonwealth have threatened lawsuits against the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors. The Freedom From

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1 Electric light 5 Anger 8 Stings only contribution to the song 'Money for Nothing' was 'I want my ---' 11 Opposed 12 Playing cards with single spots on them 13 Before, poetically 14 What they call officers who have their chest full of medals 15 Deep mountain corn cake 16 Negative 17 You can get one of these specialties at Texas Steakhouse in Roanoke 19 Mike salvages this on shenandoah in roanoke 20 Stellar 23 Reporter's question 25 Inner floral leaves of flower 27 365.2425 mean solar days

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Religion Foundation and the ACLU have threatened the BOS of Roanoke County with frivolous lawsuits that may cause taxpayer monies to be spent in defending the basic rights protected by the United States and Virginia Constitutions. Many faith-based organizations will be represented and many pastoral leaders have agreed to speak to show support for the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors.

30 One of the specialties of the K&W Cafeteria 31 Chest 33 Salton area of California, now a ghosttown. 35 Comedian Jay 37 Which local rock had a skirmish during the Civil War? 39 Thanksgiving vegetable 41 You learn this along with some respect at Boo Dog's Den in Salem 42 Little Mermaid's love 45 White poplar 47 Sward 48 Skin 49 Southwest virginia hunterjumper org in salem 53 Crony 54 Some people get around on these at smith mountain lake, but not too many 55 Prod 56 Compass point Find the answers online: NewsRoanoke.com Have a clue and answer you’d like to see? email: puzzles@newsroanoke.com

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Pouch Card game Old Ford type Hilltop restaurant in Vinton Roanoke texas tavern To overhaul your drivers license at the dmv. Vane direction Table 50 has this online Ride a horse Vote against Deity A dance you can learn along with the Jitterbug Stroll and Shim Sham at BodyWorks fitness. Yes American College of Physicians (abbr.) Dirty What grew in the middle of carolina ave., came down in a storm, and was replanted? A book of songs at the First Baptist Church Fire remains Land mass Lacerated The local funeral service which has served Roanoke for over 100 years. Stage of life This abbreviated city is 460 miles from Roanoke Fatty Thailand's Peninsula Hokies football tv channel

By Don Waterfield

Perspective

7/20/12- 7/26/12

Is California A Window Into Our Future? I Hope Not

Obscenity of Assets, a Dearth of Compassion

s a citizen of this good nation, and as a 10thgeneration Virginian native to the Shenandoah Valley, I am embarrassed – and revolted – by a devil in our midst. No matter its Republican or Democrat dressing, that devil is the SuperPAC with its spawn of Superdonors. According to National Public Radio, by midJune 2012, more than two dozen people or groups had donated at least $1 million each to the new SuperPACs, which can raise unlimited funds to help one candidate and bash another. In June alone, the Democratic Party raised $71 million; the Republican National Committee, $106 million. Increasingly, their media propaganda, advertisements, and internet campaigns too often seem twisted fabrications of the truth, shrewdly leading many astray and away from the issues that really matter to a nation of 313 million souls of wondrous variety. Some estimates suggest that $1 billion or more will be raised and spent in 2012 on the U.S. presidential campaign. In my book, that is an obscenity of assets misspent for a nation of many needs. Imagine how $1 billion might be directed otherwise to cure a disease, solve an environmental crisis, or educate our youth! Imagine how just part of that $1 billion might be spent to build a library or hospital or research laboratory or art center or recycling facility or house for the unfortunate in communities across the nation! But to squander $1 billion instead on abusing a presidential or Congressional candidate in a breathtakingly negative campaign cycle? To be sure, the perception of high political stakes is an enticing argument. Ultimately, however, it’s the art of respectful and strategic compromise – not dogged fundamentalism or unyielding idealism -- that wins the day in a democracy. From all the candidates, let’s hear how they pledge to foster a society of compassion and mercy, not how they intend to rout their political opponents. Other devils flourish in our midst. An obscenity of assets is peppered throughout diverse parts of American society. For example, let’s take a quick look at the petroleum industry. ExxonMobil reported a total profit of $41 billion in 2011 – that’s $112 million per day! Shell announced $31 billion for the same period, and BP showed a profit of $5.3 billion just a year after the Deepwater Horizon disaster in the Gulf of Mexico. (So tell me again why I have to pay so much per gallon at the pump?) Another example: Sports. Boxer Floyd Mayweather earned $85 million between June 2011 and June 2012; in the same period, golfer Tiger Woods, $59.4 million, basketball player LeBron James, $53 million, tennis player Roger Federer, $52.7 million, football player Lionel Messi, $39 million, and race car driver

Fernando Alonso, $32 million. (So tell me again why I have to pay so much for a sports arena ticket?) A third example: Actors and Program Hosts. Katie Couric, $15 million; Johnny Depp, $30 million; Harrison Ford, $65 million; Angelina Jolie, $20 million; Brad Pitt, $25 million; Daniel Radcliffe, $52 million; Will Smith, $30 million; and Oprah Winfrey, $165 million. (So tell me again why I have to pay so much for a movie theater ticket?) And a fourth example: University Presidents. Henry Bienen at Northwestern University, $2.2 million; William Brody, Johns Hopkins University, $3.8 million; Donald DeRosa, University of the Pacific, $2.4 million; and Constantine Papakakis, Drexel University: $4.9 million. (So tell me again why undergraduates have to pay so much for tuition?) Can anyone argue that such staggering profits and salaries are sustainable, fair, and bona fide indicators of value? Politics, industry, sports, the arts, academia - all seem awash in assets during a global economic downturn often compared to the Great Depression. They all have devils of affluence that smack of a callous dog-eat-dog capitalism to chill the soul. Mind you, I’m not calling the Democratic or Republican parties “devils” nor am I picking on ExxonMobil or Floyd Mayweather or Katie Couric or William Brody. These represent, arguably, gainful opportunities for individuals or corporations (aka “corporate personhoods” as a long-standing, but much maligned, legal concept) who have exercised their legal rights as citizens. I’m most concerned instead about an underlying attitude of tolerance that accompanies a dearth of compassion in these early years of the 21st century. We’ve allowed a heartlessness to take hold in the machinery of society that seems to turn its back on the poor, the needy, the sick, the abused, the forgotten; and, increasingly, we seem to favor a

top-down approach to prosperity – a belief that “the wealthy know best” how to cure our woes and fix our misfortunes. Where is compassion or mercy or an ability to carry suffering in this mountain of money? One unassailable need for any great nation is the prerequisite of a healthy environment as the context for a functional and sustainable society. Yet we hear again and again about self-serving political assaults on some of our greatest science-based environmental laws: for example, the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, the Endangered Species Act, and the Wilderness Act. When one political party or another (1) assaults our environment by saying incorrectly that protective regulations harm business, (2) supports big businesses and industries that have a longstanding record of environmental injury even with the regulations, and (3) misleads the polity with their anti-science rhetoric, then an informed public must defy avidly the indoctrinating politico-speak. To borrow words from the façade of the National Archives, “The price of conservation is eternal vigilance.” Without a healthy environment, all our ideals, sensibilities, and arguments as a nation are meaningless. The mountains of money then become the price, not of conservation and a sustainable society, but of entry through the gates of Hell into a world where extinction, climate change, and pollution reign supreme. Our choice in the months ahead: an obscenity of assets, a dearth of compassion? Or a nation of leaders in a free, equitable, and sustainable society that empathizes readily with the downtrodden: both human and nonhuman?

TheRoanokeStar.com |Page 5

overnor Jerry Brown for pensions and retiree health received news that benefits. This debt will grow at California is #50 in the rate of 7.5% or $60 million a business magazine that ranks annually. business climates of the states. With a population of more The good news is that the state than 37 million and a GDP of can’t be lowered in future rank- $1.8 Trillion dollars, about the ings! size of Italy’s, California’s unGovernor Brown (D) esti- employment stands at 10.8%. mated the Golden State’s budget In 2006 when the economy deficit at $9.2 Billion in January. was more promising, the LegThe recently revised islature, in cahoots estimate of $16 Bilwith environmentallion was just a mere ists, passed AB32 in73% higher. April tax tended to become a collections were down model for the nation. $2.44 Billion, 20.2% The law, offering new below projections. greater regulation is To help fill the budnow expected to raise get holes in revenues, energy costs that will the public-employee reduce the state’s unions are backing GDP by up to 8.9% Dick Baynton a bill that will raise by 2020 or close to sales tax rates to $450 Billion. The 7.5%. Another provision of this cost for each California family dead-end idea is to increase the will be about $2,500 in higher top income tax marginal rate energy costs. from 10.3% to 13.3%. The California Senate just Tax hikes may not fill the gap voted to approve a $4.5 Billion in the budget however, as a re- bond issue to fund high-speed cent study shows that businesses rail between LA and San Franmoving out of California has in- cisco. Critics of both political creased five-fold since 2009 due parties have said that after the to regulation and high taxes. first section into Central Valley Stockton, a city of 290,000 is accomplished, the line will about an hour east of Oakland probably never be finished. Alis on the verge of bankruptcy. It though the state receives a Fedwill be the largest bankruptcy eral grant amounting to $3.2 (Chapter 9) by a city in the US Billion, they will need to come (so far). The city suffers from a up with more billions from a high rate of foreclosures. Un- budget that is filled with imemployment has risen to 15%; possible funding gaps. Florida, the violent crime rate is second Ohio and Wisconsin have all –highest in the state. The $35 rejected Federal grants for highmillion city hall has been re- speed rail. possessed. Stockton has $800 Is California a microcosm million in unfunded liabilities for the challenges that lie ahead

H. Bruce Rinker, Ph.D. Director of Scientific Advancement and Development Biodiversity Research Institute bruce.rinker@briloon.org

Helping

veterans achieve

career success

for the USA? The California Governor has no experience in running anything but political bureaucracies. Hand-in hand with a compliant Legislature, spending is $30 Billion higher than in the 2007-2008 budget cycle, sources of revenue (taxes) continue to increase and entitlements become a way of life for vast segments of the population. On the national political scene, there is a dearth of government officials with experience outside politics and academia. Are we teaching young people and those lost in the fog of welfare how to fill out public assistance apps when we should be showing them how to fill out education and job apps? Taxpayers and politicians may be suffering from ‘role-reversal’. Voters elected candidates to create a transparent environment that encouraged innovation and self-determination. Taxpayers are now being told about cumulative public debt and shoddy policies that were created in the opaque galleries of city halls, state houses, legislatures and Senate and House chambers. A great future lies ahead for the USA, but only when and if our citizen-lawmakers start practicing fiscal discipline with accountability rather than vote pandering for vanity and power. Contact Dick at info@theroanokestar.com

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Fun for the Little Ones and Young at Heart

Draw An Olympic Mascots

The Olympic Games The 2012 Summer Olympics are in London, England, Great Britain. The opening ceremonies will be on July 27, 2012. The closing ceremony will be on August 12, 2012. The motto of the London Olympics is 'Inspire a generation'. The Ancient Olympics: The ancient Greeks dedicated the Olympic Games to the god Zeus. The original games were held on the plain of Olympia in Peloponnesos, Greece. The Greeks held the first Olympic games in the year 776 BC (over 2700 years ago), and had only one event, a sprint (a short run that was called the "stade"). The race was run by men who competed in the nude. A wreath of olive branches was placed on the winner's head (in Greek, this is called a kotinos). The olive tree was the sacred tree of Athens, Greece. The four-year period between the Olympic

games was called an olympiad. Every four years, for 1,170 years, the Greeks held an Olympics, which continued to grow and change. Many other sports were added, including other races, wrestling, boxing, pentathlon (five events, including the long jump, javelin throw, discus throw, foot race, and wrestling), and equestrian events (events with horses and people, like chariot races and horse races) The Olympic games were banned by the Byzantine Emperor Theodosius II in the year AD 394. The Modern Olympic Games: Over a fifteen hundred years later, Pierre de Frédy, Baron de Coubertin (1863-1937) (a French educator and sportsman) revived the Olympic Games. The Olympic games were held in 1896, in Athens, Greece. The first winter Olympics were held in 1924, in Chamonix, France.

The Games Word Search

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tour! O UR S UMMERSATURDAY, C AMPS Meet our talented and committed Time: 1:00pm to 4:00pm Sizzlin’ JULY 21 Safari 2012

___S ESSION 1 _____S ESSION 2 ______S ESSION 3 C HILD ’ S N AME : _____________________________ A GE : _____ A DDRESS : ______________________________________ ______________________________________ P HONE : ________________________D.O.B.___________ E MAIL :________________________________________________ D O YOU ATTEND A PRESCHOOL ? Y N IF YES , WHICH ONE ?____________ P ARENTS ’ N AMES :________________________________________ E MERGENCY CONTACT (N AME ): _______________________________ E MERGENCY C ONTACT (P HONE ): ______________________________ A LLERGIES AND / OR S PECIAL R EQ UESTS :________________________ A MOU NT E NCLOSED : ______________________________________

Date: August 5th

SALEM’S We’re open for business and want to give you a LONGWOOD PARK

teachers Join us for a jungle safari! We’ll make safari maps, and We offerp.m. Full- Day, our Unique Curriculum that makes kids 3:00 - 4:00 “StarPart-Time City Swing”follow paw prints to See find eleand After-School Programs. phants, monkeys 4:20 - 5:30 p.m. - “Ocie Davis and the Ocie lions, Three” hate toandleave Learning Areas includeSt.: James” more! We’ll explore the 5:45 - 7:00 p.m. - “Emme 1 roll of prepared cookie Join in the Fun! We’ll be offering: sizzlin’ hot jungle, learn about exotic wildlife 7:20 - 8:20 p.m. - “Sunray”, Lenny Marcus Tribute to Late dough (any brand will do) Spanish, Melody Makers, RCPC Preschool welcomes you and taste some unique Great Jazz/Blues Pianist Ray Bryant 1 container vanilla frosting *Children’sto Art Activities our Summer Camp program delicacies! Dancing, Gymnastics, Cook1 large bag of M&M's (any 8:30 9:30 p.m. “Distant Dream” Feat. Cyrus Pace, Tom ing, Golf, Homework *Dance just for children ages two Artwick, Chris White, Scott Walker & n ovariation) s through seven! Centers, Tutor available and u t 10-20 black jelly beans i The Jazz Allstar Band s *Games i K V Etiquette Skills in addition to BOODirections: Raleigh Court Presbyterian Church E C A *Face Painting our leadership-based High Scope 1. Separate the red, blue, Come join us for lots of great F Exploring the Arctic Preschool is seeking a positive, green, and yellow M&M's Curriculum. *Food summertime fun! Each weekExplore the Arctic,-learn about the unusual and the black jelly beans into JURIED ART SHOW - 3:30 7:30 P.M. energetic Christian leader with a long session will feature a dif*Ice Cream to beat the heat Juror: Leila Carter, Curator at William King Museum, their own bowls. Set aside for wildlife that calls this extreme climate it’s ferent heart theme.for We will learn, servant the position of Abingdon, Virginia later. “Ribbon at 1:30 by Mayor Bowers” home. We will play some icy Cutting play and explore together with 2. Flatten the cookie dough, Preschool Director. makeblanket. some cool crafts and Bring a picnic, lounge games, chair, and stories, games, arts and crafts. and mold cookie dough on a If interested in this position discuss the importance ofWellingtonChildrensAcademy.com this Food and Wine will be available to purchase. cookie sheet into the shape of

Olympic Ring Cookies

Preschool Director Position Available

June 18-22

ADMISSION IS FREE

please contact Leigh C a m p Road h o uin r s Roanoke w i l l Sackett b e f r at om 628 Townside 9 : 0 0 Aleigh@rcpres.org M to 1:00PM daily. Register at July 16-20 Please provide a lunch for your or call the church at 343-5541. wellingtonopenhouse.eventbrite.com child. Sign up for one camp or

beautiful environment.

*No outside alcohol

the Olympic rings (3 circles on top, 2 circles on the bottom.) Bake the cookie dough in the oven according to the directions on the dough

all three! The cost for each Down on theGO Farm ANYONE CAN TO DAY CARE—COME SEE ROANOKE’S NEWEST camp is $100. We will spend our week learning about ALTERNATIVE Space! is limited farm animals and functions that make

the farm an important and amazing –so sign up today! place! Chickens, pigs and cows, oh my! REGISTER AT Jump on the ol’ wagon and WWW.WELLINGTONOPENHOUSE.EVENTBRITE.COM Due to class size, campers will be placed in a class join us as we “moo-”ve to silly songs and make some according to age. While we will make every effort “farmtastic” crafts. to honor class requests, no guarantees will be made. We’re open for business and want to give you a All class assignments are final.

Date: August 5th

August 6-10

Time: 1:00pm to 4:00pm We offer Full Day, Part-Time and After-School Programs. Learning Areas include : Spanish, Melody Makers, Dancing, Gymnastics, Cooking, Golf, Homework Centers, Tutor available and Etiquette Skills in addition to our leadership-based High Scope Curriculum.

tour!

Meet our talented and committed teachers See our Unique Curriculum that makes kids hate to leave Join in the Fun! We’ll be offering: *Children’s Art Activities *Dance *Games *Face Painting *Food *Ice Cream to beat the heat “Ribbon Cutting at 1:30 by Mayor Bowers”

wrapper. 3. If the shape of the rings has somehow metamorphasized in the baking process, while the cookie is still warm, trim the rings back to the desired proportion. Once the cookie rings are cooled off, frost them completely with the vanilla frosting. Be generous so that the M&M's and jelly beans have something to sink into. 4. The colors of the rings are blue, black, and red across the top and yellow and green on the bottom.When it is finished you will have a replica of the Olympic rings for your Olympic party.

Our Lady of Nazareth

s on u t i s K Vi BOO E C FA

Catholic Church www.oln-parish.org

WellingtonChildrensAcademy.com 628 Townside Road in Roanoke Register at wellingtonopenhouse.eventbrite.com

2505 Electric Road, Roanoke VA, 24018 !

Sports

TheRoanokeStar.com |Page 7

7/20/12- 7/26/12

Roanoke Post 3 American Legion

Former Patrick Henry infielder Roanoke Post 3 won single games over New River Valley By Bill Turner Aaron Burton easily puts the force and Vinton, along with a dou- info@theroanokestar.com out on a New River base-runner after bringing in a shot to third. ble header sweep of Botetourt to clinch the American Legion District 9 Senior West Division regular season race. Post 3 improved to 7-0 in West play with only a makeup game left against Salem that was previously halted on the night of the Roanoke Valley now-famous storm with Post 3 leading 6-0. The Roanoke squad consists of present and former players at Cave Spring and Hidden Valley, along with former North Cross standout Sam Lawrence and former Patrick Henry infielder Aaron Burton. Legion tournament play takes Roanoke Post 3 starter Cory Smith (Hidden Valley) delivers a place this weekend at Kiwanis pitch in a come-from-behind Post 3 win over New River Valley. Field in Salem.

Castle Rock's Steph Karras speeds through the water in impressive fashion.

Prospective high school basketball players will have a unique opportunity to learn from a pro when the J.J. Redick Skills Development Camp comes to North Cross School for a three-day run August 14th-16th. Redick, current shooting guard for the NBA Orlando Magic, will be in Roanoke for the hands-on camp at the Carter Athletic Center designated for boys ages 13-18 who are interested in improving their basketball skills. The camp will focus on offensive and defensive fundamentals, as well as teamwork, committment, sportsmanship and what it takes to become a well-rounded basketball player.

J.J. Redick Sessions will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. Cost is $200 with all proceeds going to J.J.'s charitable organizations. Since this is a day camp, out-of-town participants will be responsible for their own lodging arrangements. Current Cave Spring Head

Basketball Coach Billy Hicks is camp director, and will be assisted by other Cave Spring staff, along with current and former players. Redick was a former Cave Spring player and member of the 2002 state championship team. He attended Duke University where he rewrote numerous scoring records on his way to garnering AllAmerican honors at the college level. Registration is on a firstcome basis since space is limited. For further information or to obtain a required registration form contact Billy Hicks at whicks@rcs. k12.va.us

Wild Bill’s Weekly Sports Roundup

It may be the dog days of In Salem, the Salem Red summer, but little doubt this Sox return home for a week offers the sports enthu- 10-night homestand. Beginsiast one of the most varying ning Friday night at 7:05 and range of activities imSaturday at 6:05, fans maginable. will undoubtably witThe 23rd Subness one of the most way Commonwealth underrated sporting Games kick off Friday events to hit Salem night with the athMemorial Stadium in lete tailgate party and years. Washington RedThe Monkey Roskins 80th Anniverdeo takes to the Bill Turner sary Thank You Tour diamond at Lewis at the Roanoke Civic Center Gale Field, where monkeys Special Events Center. dressed as cowboys ride dogs Girls leave the platform in The Civic Center doors in a you-gotta-see-it-tothe 50-meter butterfly. open at 4:30, with the Red- believe-it extravaganza. Adskins appearing at 5:00. mittedly, I've already got my Here's your chance to meet cowboy outfit ready to go for By Bill Turner former and current Redskins this one, and Wild Bill will be info@theroanokestar.com players and their cheerlead- on the field to hopefully get a ers. good look-see at the world of Following at 7:30 Friday monkey bronco-busting. Olympic Park's Hunter night in the main arena, the If you haven't seen a monDunnington sets on the Commonwealth opening key riding a dog, come to the platform for the starter's ceremonies take center stage ballpark Friday and Satuday horn. with special guest, Olympic to see what you've been missGold Medal Speed Skater ing. (Editor's note: Or not.) Joey Cheek. Special congratulations go The exciting evening in- out to Hidden Valley Head cludes the traditional parade Basketball Coach Troy Wells, of athletes, pyrotechnics, who has been named as one of Miss Virginia, lighting of the nine inductees into the 2012 cauldron and the Rise Above Virginia High School Hall of BMX Bike Show. Fame. The formal induction This will be the main week- dinner will be held October end of the competitions, with 15th in Charlottesville. events in dozens of sports Wells guided Martinsville takng place across the Roa- High School to three VHSL noke Valley. Pick up a copy Group AA basketball chamof this month's Play-by-Play pionships in 2001, 2002 and sports journal for a listing of 2006, before leading Hidden dates and locations for each Valley to three state tournaevent on page 11. ment appearances, includFifty five sports and 10,000 ing state runner-up in 2011. athletes in all ages and skill Wells has compiled 250 wins, levels offer the Olympic ex- and has been AP and VHSCA perience at Virginia's largest coach of the year twice. He multi-sport festival. was an assistant to legendary

Spring Run and Castle Rock Visit Olympic Park

Elizabeth Simkins of Spring Run is all smiles as she waits for her call to the platform.

J.J. Redick Basketball Camp Coming to Roanoke

Martinsville coach Robert 'Husky' Hall for 16 years. Finally, we make a quick check of the mailbag, where one reader agrees there's something a little dark about the Olde Brooklyn Lantern. Dear Wild Bill: The Olde Brooklyn Lantern sounds fishy to me. You're an accomplished predictor. If we have another extended power outage, will this thing really illuminate continuously for over 11 years? (Meg/Hardy) Well, Meg, let's put it this way. If your next power outage lasts for 11 years, it won't be the Olde Brooklyn Lantern you need to worry about. We'll all be ready to jump off the Olde Brooklyn Bridge. Until next week, I'm getting the Olde Brooklyn Lantern out to keep the light on for you. Send your questions to: info@newsroanoke.com. By Bill Turner info@theroanokestar.com

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Sports

Page 8 | TheRoanokeStar.com

7/20/12- 7/26/12

“Graetest” Ice Cream In The World A Closer Look at Municipal Debt, Advantages and Risks

Oh, the things I do for my craft, you know, journalism. Like last week for instance, when a public relations agency alerted me to the fact that Graeter’s Ice Cream is now available in the Roanoke Valley at local Sheetz stores. “The fourth-generation, family-owned company stands apart from the rest, having pioneered the French Pot process of making only two gallons at a time with all-natural ingredients like heavy cream and pure cane sugar,” said the media advisory. “End result… a dense, creamy texture and massive chocolate chips,” it added. That also means a higher calorie and fat content than some ice creams; much higher than (about twice as high) as the lower fat/reduced calorie ice cream I normally consume. Anyway, the PR firm send me four 1-pint containers of assorted flavors: chocolate, black raspberry, mint and vanilla, all four featuring dark chocolate chips. Made since 1870 in Cincinnati – again, just two gallons at a time – Graeter’s, apparently, is the choice for celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, George Clooney, Emeril Lagasse (the TV chef) and Sarah Jessica Parker. If the super-skinny Parker (the Sex and the City star) eats Graeter’s on a regular basis, with its high calorie and fat content (about 50% fat) she must not eat anything else all day, or she works it off. Make no mistake however, Graeter’s is good stuff. I enjoyed the Black Raspberry chocolate chip most of all, in part for nostalgic reasons – my late father adored black raspberry ice cream. Others involved in my impromptu taste test also approved: “You actually breathe in the mint,” said 8-year-old Jaccob Bell about the mint chocolate chip. “It tastes like peppermint cake,” added his 7-year-old brother Brady. All four samples had a creamy, fresh texture – like the ice cream stand I remember as a kid on vacation in New Hampshire, where my father would make a beeline to the Mill Stream Ice Cream stand, looking for that Black Raspberry. “Almost a homemade taste,” noted Beth Bell,

Roanoke Star News Editor Gene Marrano tries out some new ice cream. Jaccob and Brady’s mother. The chocolate chips were more like slabs or large shavings of dark, rich chocolate that melted in the mouth. Very well done. For the true ice cream aficionado not too worried about the calorie or fat content, Graeter’s may be the closest they come to homemade perfection. It is really good stuff, maybe a guilty pleasure. And that’s based on just a few teaspoons from each of the four flavors they sent me in a Styrofoam mailer, packed in dry ice. For others that do read labels, they may want to save Graeter’s for special occasions –like rewarding yourself after running a half marathon or hiking part of the Appalachian Trail. There’s another benefit to picking up your ice cream at a local Sheetz station in Roanoke or Salem, of course – you can also gas up at the same time. By the way, I am more than willing and able to review other products – steaks, wings, new salsas, interesting pastas, adult beverages, etc. The things I do for my craft. The Graeter’s ice cream taste test was just another example, and a delicious one at that. By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

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because their returns tend to be less volatile, helping bond buyers predict how much they will earn, and when their principal will be returned. Municipal bonds holders are predominately individual investors. Since retail investors typically buy and hold municipal bonds until maturity, the market experiences less volatility than other fixed income asset classes. With municipal bonds offering such attractive benefits, new investors may be ready to incorporate the bonds into their investment portfolio. However, before investing, you should be sure you understand the market risk. For instance, municipal bond prices fluctuate in response to changing interest rates, as do other fixed-income securities. Prices increase when interest rates decline, and prices decline when interest rates rise. Since each investor's goals, and portfolio size and history are different, the process of building a municipal bond portfolio should be conducted with an experienced financial advisor, who can weigh their personal financial objectives with current market conditions to deliver sound investment guidance. Whether you are searching for tax-advantaged income, trying to help safeguard your principal, saving for college or targeting other financial objectives, consult with your financial advisor to determine if investing in municipal

bonds could help you pursue your goal. As a firm providing wealth management services to clients in the U.S., we offer both investment advisory programs and brokerage accounts. Advisory services and brokerage services are separate and distinct, differ in material ways and are governed by different laws and separate contracts. For more information, please visit our website at www.ubs. com/workingwithus The information contained herein is based on sources believed to be reliable, but its accuracy is not guaranteed. UBS Financial Services Inc. does not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. Please contact your tax advisor regarding the suitability of taxexempt investments in your portfolio and your accounting advisor to determine the appropriate accounting treatment. Income from municipal bonds may be subject to state and local taxes as well as the Alternative Minimum Tax. Call features may exist that can impact yield. If sold prior to maturity, investments in municipal securities are subject to gains/losses based on the level of interest rates, market conditions and credit quality of the issuer. N. Edward Link, Jr. Senior Vice President UBS Financial Services Inc. 540-855-3349 e-mail: eddie.link@ubs.com

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The market for municipal bonds -- debt obligations issued by states, cities, towns or public commissions to fund schools, hospitals and public works projects -- appears to be holding steady despite heightened uncertainty in recent years. For some investment specialists, municipal bonds represent an option for incomeseeking investors looking for high-quality fixed-income assets. Municipal bonds are also increasingly being coveted by investors because they offer several unique advantages over other fixed-income securities. So should you move in to municipal bonds now? The answer depends on your situation. For investors whose financial objectives include the preservation of principal or reliable cash flow, bonds should be a consideration. Investors are attracted to municipal bonds because they are generally exempt from federal taxes, and sometimes, from state and local taxes. As a result of their unique tax-exempt status, municipal bonds may provide investors with tax-equivalent yields that are greater than taxable bonds, including some Treasuries and corporate bonds. What's more, municipal debt is typically of high credit quality, with many investment grade municipal bonds maintaining their credit rating despite default worries. Municipal bonds can also be attractive to some investors

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Arts & Culture

7/20/12- 7/26/12

Studio Roanoke Can’t Overcome Debt; Closes Its Doors

Studio Roanoke opened its doors in April 2009, a small theater space on Campbell Avenue that would cater to new plays, readings and emerging playwrights. One thought was that very new works could work out the kinks there before going on to venues like Mill Mountain Theatre just down the block. Of course, Mill Mountain shut down soon thereafter when financial debt piled up – and now Studio Roanoke will do the same. Artistic Director Melora Kordos announced earlier this week that Studio Roanoke (30 Campbell Avenue) is out of business. Owner Kenley Smith, who made his money in the high performance and car-racing world before going on to pursue a masters in playwriting at Hollins University, will sell the building. Smith had named it and the theater space itself after his father and mother, Pete and Virginia. Corporate sponsorships and grants were being counted on to cover most of the operating costs, estimated at $6000 per month or more. At the time Smith said the talk around town since Mill Mountain shut down, was that arts organizations should have a solid business model, but he saw things a bit differently: “deep down theater doesn’t make sense. There’s no legitimate business reason to do theater in Roanoke. The key is the passion.” Smith said then he had that passion, for drama, for new works, and “is just a little bit crazy.” He was the artistic director for a while after Todd Ristau gave up that role; Smith was in Ristau’s playwriting program at Hollins University. Smith had not been heavily involved with Studio Roanoke – he sunk around $500,000 into purchasing and renovating the theater space, which had been a clothing store – for some time. “It is not unknown that the small size of our venue made it very difficult to financially sustain ourselves on ticket sales alone,” said Kordos in a statement, “and we have been greatly dependent on grants and donations to keep our doors open. While the 2012/2013 season was look-

Todd Ristau (L) and Kenley Smith in 2009 as Studio Roanoke opened its doors. ing more promising, (the largest amount of grant money awarded to the theatre to date) our private donations had tapered off to an all-time low.” “Since it’s opening, it has brought over 30 new plays to Roanoke, showcasing some of the most exciting new writers from around the country and here in our own town. It has filled a much needed niche not just in Roanoke, but in the Commonwealth of Virginia,” noted Kordos. Now those new plays and readings will have to look for a home elsewhere, perhaps at Mill Mountain’s smaller Waldron Stage, the June McBroom stage at Community High School or at Hollins University. Ristau had just staged Overnight Sensations on the Hollins campus, a celebration of live theater at venues like Studio Roanoke. “I think that first, and foremost, it is important to draw a distinction between the KW ‘Pete’ Smith Theatre building and Studio Roanoke, which was the resident theatre company housed there,” wrote Ristau in an e-mail earlier this week. “Ken[ley] owned one and founded the other, so there are two things to be sad about--that this amazing theatre space is up for sale (and unlikely to remain a theatre space when purchased by a new owner), and also that the resident company is not in a position to continue as a viable company outside that space and without Kenley’s direct support.” A “divergence in philosophy,” with the Studio Roanoke board of directors led to Ristau’s departure as part-time

artistic director, but he continued to direct shows there and Hollins students like Samantha Macher had works produced at Studio Roanoke – her To the New Girl was the last play that opened in that space, which seated less than 100. “I am very proud of the work we did together to open that space and provide a home for new plays and the people who create them,” added Ristau, who wished Smith well as the founder heads out of town for a new opportunity in Nashville. The professional theater troupe GAMUT called Studio Roanoke home for a season, before settling in to the McBroom space at Community High School. “It is always sad to see dreams falter or fail. Studio Roanoke was a courageous concept that became a bold reality,” noted Artistic Director Miriam Frazier. “Gamut certainly understands struggling and our hearts are broken to see Studio Roanoke fold under similar struggles.” Frazier, who just directed three GAMUT actors in an Edwards Albee play, is optimistic that, “Roanoke can certainly remain a hotbed of new plays and premiers through the strength of the playwriting program at Hollins University - but the loss of such a unique space that offered new experiences on and off-stage is a sad one indeed.” GAMUT stages three plays every season. “Even though Studio Roanoke is closing and the building is up for sale, the commitment and support for new works by our playwriting program is actually stronger than ever,” said Ristau. “Even with the closing of that great space, those efforts by the playwright’s lab [at Hollins] will continue. I think there is cause for a lot of hope and enthusiasm for new works in Roanoke, even as we lament the closing of this innovative space. Remember that a theatre is really a reflection of the community it serves, not simply the brick and mortar where that community gathers.”

The Reel Deal Savages Review

Oliver Stone is a great di- the Baja Cartel led by Elena La rector in how he tackles often Reina, who in return kidnaps controversial and dark mate- O. As Ben and Chon struggle rial in his movies. From the to find a way to save both gritty war zone of Vietnam themselves and O from the in ‘Platoon’ to the cartel, everything investigation of spirals into chaos John F. Kennedy’s as an all-out war assassination in of high stakes and ‘JFK,’ Stone has wits breaks out to never shied away see who will come from getting to the out on top. core of the subject Oliver Stone is a matter to deliver a master of directing compelling story. actors and buildOliver Stone newest ing tension, and film ‘Savages’ goes he brings both of back to his much those skills to Seth Childers darker and violent the table here. side of filmmakThe characters ing, and while it falls more un- of the movie are somewhat der a standard (though excep- one-dimensional on paper, tionally violent and mature) but the actors pour all of their thriller compared to his previ- effort into their roles and give ous films, it is an exciting and them an immense amount of tense movie that has plenty extra depth. The villains in of twists and shocks to spare. particular are excellent and Suffice to say, is NOT for the manage to bring out tension faint of heart. just from their presence on the The story focuses on Ben screen. Salma Hayek excels as and Chon, who have been the leader of the drug cartel, friends for many years and but Benicio del Toro is terrifyhave started a very successful ing as a sadistic torturer who business growing marijuana. works for Elena. They both have a relationship Both of the villains are cawith O, who in turn loves both pable of terrible deeds and of them. Everything goes out- graphic violence to the point of-control however, when they that even something as simple reject a partnership deal with a as the threat of violence is just Mexican drug cartel known as as suspenseful as seeing the ac-

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chorus member, John Tully is awarded to high school seniors who have demonstrated leadership in choir, scholarship, and excellence in all aspects of the high school experience. “Alyssa is an extremely gifted and talented young woman and we are thrilled to honor her hard work through the presentation of this scholarship," said chorus member, Dave Davis. "Her credentials are stellar and she exemplifies what we look for in the presentation of this scholarship.” The Virginia Gentlemen is the Roanoke Valley Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society, a premier male a capella singing organization in South-

western Virginia. The Chapter’s Virginia Gentlemen chorus appeals to men of all ages seeking to be part of a high quality vocal performing group known for its fun, fellowship and harmony. The organization is a 501(c) 3 and contributes a portion of its performance proceeds to the John Tully Memorial Scholarship Fund to aid local collegebound high school students and to The Harmony Foundation, providing grants promoting vocal music education in schools and communities. To learn more about The Virginia Gentlemen, visit www. vagents.org.

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tual threat unfold. That’s where ‘Savages’ shines; the stakes are always high and it’s never afraid to get its hands dirty when it needs to. This is a hard R-rated movie, and a lot of the stuff that happens is bad. The suspense is tightly paced and almost never lets up, and there can be tension even in the quietest and calmest moments of the movie thanks to Oliver Stone’s excellent direction. While ‘Savages’ is a great thriller, it does have two major flaws that hold it back a bit. O is not a particularly likeable character and makes it hard to root for the main characters to save her, and the ending in particular is terrible. For a movie that features high stakes and graphic violence, the ending feels like a major cop-out that ends on an inauthentic note. Even with the questionable ending, the suspense is some of the best this year, the performances and (most of) the characters are great, and overall this is a fine return-toform for Oliver Stone’s darker side of directing. Rating: 8/10 (Great)

Local Non-Profit Organization Awards $500 Scholarship

The Virginia Gentlemen Barbershop Harmony Chorus has announced the recipient of the organization’s annual John Tully Memorial Scholarship. Alyssa Melchers, a 2012 graduate of William Byrd High School received one of two scholarships from the Virginia Gentlemen; Melchers was awarded a $500 scholarship. She plans to attend the College of William and Mary in the fall majoring in mathematics. While maintaining an intense workload and excelling in her academic requirements, Melchers was involved in the school band, choir and theater at William Byrd. By Gene Marrano The John Tully Memorial gmarrano@cox.net Scholarship, honoring former

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