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The Roanoke Star-Sentinel Mar. 5 - Mar. 11, 2010
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[City Government]
City to Sell Landmark Building Muskrat Skin?
P5– Never a slave to fashion, Johnny Robinson was nevertheless the coolest kid in school - at least for a couple of days.
P6–7 Take one more look at the best summer camps available in our area in this weeks extended camp pages.
A city employee operates a snowblower in front of the Commonwealth Building on a recent snowy morning. Roanoke City Council voted 6-1 on Monday to sell the landmark Commonwealth Building in downtown Roanoke located across the street from City Hall. The building was constructed in 1932 and has served as a center for governmental offices on all levels - most recently serving the Virginia State Department of General Services and the State Bankruptcy Court. The selling price of only $3.7 million was a bit of shock to many including some members of council. The building was recently appraised at $4.8 million and the square foot selling price based on 81,856 square feet of space works out to $45.20. According to a leading local commercial real estate firm, new office construction in the area typically goes for over $150 per square foot, leaving the new owner over $100 per square foot to renovate the building - something the same firm estimated would take $40 per square foot to complete. The amount of money potentially left on the table would then amount to $60 per square foot - or over $4.9 million. > CONTINUED The estimate to rebuild the Commonwealth Building as it stands today with its granite facade and P2: Landmark
Democrats Pick Their Ticket For City Council Race
Another World
P9– Creatures from throughout the galaxy and beyond descended on Roanoke during last weekend’s “SheVaCon” festival.
Prodigy Perfect
New City Manager Chris Morrill was sworn in at the beginning of Monday’s Roanoke City Council meeting. He may have gotten his first taste of the political grandstanding which the panel has often been City Council accused of when Mayor David Bowers tried once again to send the Countryside Golf Course matter back to the City Manager’s office for further review. City Council, over the objections of Bowers, voted at its previous meeting to close the course as of March 1, because the city couldn’t reach an agreement with Meadowbrook Golf on managing it. Bowers got no takers when he asked for a motion and a second, which blocked his attempt to send it back to Morrill for review. Vice Mayor Sherman Lea also took objection to Bower’s comment that the city would get “a bad reputation” for changing its mind on major projects. “I resent the accusation that you make, that this council is flip-flopping [on Meadowbrook],” said Lea. “What might have made sense a few years ago
[
Photo by Stuart Revercomb
Best Camps
Morrill Debuts Countryside Finished
At 8:21 p.m. Tuesday Democrats in the field. “I night David Trinkle ended was as surprised to see it a cell phone call and shoutout there as anyone else.” ed across a crowded room One phone bank caller at his restaurant, Fork in dialing up local Demothe City. “Bill, you’re in,” crats for Garner last week the incumbent Roanoke warned them that Ferris City Council member told has supported RepubliBill Bestpitch, who was cans in the past. seeking a return to counGarner has said that the cil after an absence of six local Democratic Party has years. “treated me just as fairly” Both Trinkle and Bestas it has the other candipitch were nominated in dates. She chose to run a Democratic city-wide phone banks on her own, primary on Tuesday, along without the other three with political newcomer Photo by Gene Marrano candidates, and did not Ray Ferris, who ran neck Bill Bestpitch, Ray Ferris and David Trinkle savor victory. appear at Fork in the City and neck in the vote count with other local Democrats with Trinkle. Fewer than on Tuesday. Mayor David stranglehold on City Council, broken three percent of those eligible to vote in only by the election of Bill Carder and Bowers and council members Gwen Roanoke did so; Trinkle had the most former Mayor Ralph Smith ten years Mason and Court Rosen did attend. votes with 1693. “I loved getting out and talking to ago. The trio will face off against three Bestpitch edged out Valerie Garner, Republicans and an independent candi- folks… about what they were concerned who was the fourth Democrat seeking date in the May 4 general election. [with],” said Ferris of his first campaign. one of three nominations,, by just 37 Garner said last week that she had He was “disapvotes. The Trinkle-Ferris-Bestpitch tick- nothing to do with a reported allegation pointed” with the > CONTINUED et will look to continue the Democrats’ that she didn’t want to be linked to other low voter turnout. P2: Democrats
Genuine Roanoker Provides Genuine Service
When was the last time you location for medical offices. He had your car’s gas tank filled by turned them down because he P11– Roanokers Sage a man of great character, or any- knew that some long-time, valWright and Kathleen Kenone at all for that matter? If you ued customers who had never nedy are at the very top of lived and shopped in Grandin pumped their own gas would be their musical fields. Village you would have that op- lost if he closed. portunity. Bill Millner opened When he purchased the busihis first gas station in 1971. In ness the previous owners asked 1973 and 1977 he experienced that he take good care of their the infamous gasoline short- customers. Millner held to his ages. word and that is why on a recent Millner was approached by cold day, at the age of 68, he was the original owners to buy what shivering as he filled a customer’s is now Grandin Automotive in tank. The full service customers 2003; they wanted to sell to him at the station subsidize the loss because they appreciated his generated by the self service cusvalue system. That value system tomers. To his knowledge there was soon put to the test when he are only three other full service was offered a $200,000 profit to Bill Millner at the hood of a ‘57 Oldsmobile Super 88 with a 400-0990 > CONTINUED sell the property to some real esJ2 engine option that they are mechanically restoring for a subscribe@newsroanoke.com tate developers hoping to use the P3: Gas? client. PO Box 8338 Roanoke,VA 24014
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> CONTINUED P3: Morrill
From Taubman to T.T. - Art is in the Eye . . .
Jon Kaufman Cartoonist Al Capp once described abstract art as “a product of the untalented sold by the unprincipled to the utterly bewildered.” While Mr. Capp wields an undeserved heavy hand towards artists and those who represent them, I can see myself standing beside the end of that famous quote. Call me a low-brow, backward, Perspective ignorant, or “utterly bewildered,” but I possess no lucid understanding of certain art forms. This creative deficiency began in my formative years when visiting the great museums of New York City. Walking through the echoing halls of the Museum of Modern Art at the age of six, I could overhear adults discussing their interpretation of the various works which adorned the massive walls. Listening intently I looked at the painting before me and thought “Are these
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Page 2 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 3/5/10 - 3/11/10
> Landmark A few light mountain snow showers are possible Thursday with sun and clouds elsewhere. Highs will top out in the low to mid 40’s. Sun and clouds are in the forecast for all on Friday with highs in the mid 40’s. Lots of sunshine is in the weekend forecast. Temperatures will get warmer with highs topping out in the mid 50’s. Sunshine continues for Monday with highs near 60. A few rain showers then move into the area on Tuesday with highs in the upper 50’s.
other architectural amenities is estimated to cost over $350 a square foot. So the actual replacement value of what the purchaser received for his 3.7 million bid is closer to $28.5 million. One local broker who wished to remain anonymous observed that, “the real shame of the whole transaction is that until recently the city had the building fully leased to state and federal offices and gave them all
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notice that they needed to move out so that the school board, housing authority and other city offices could move in. But that never happened and once the majority of the existing tenants had been forced to relocate they then decided to sell it. Most people would maximize the value of their property before selling, but the city kind of did the opposite.” So instead of a fully rented landmark
Trinkle isn’t even sure what major differences there are between the Democratic ticket and the Republicans in the race, noting that everyone is focused on the ailing economy and cash-starved budget. “We all have to pay attention to the budget…and the schools. It’s all a matter of how we want to come out of the recession.” “Republicans,” said Trinkle, “are adamant about saying no to new revenue-producing taxes, while all of us are willing to have everything on the table.” Bestpitch echoed the notion that everything should be in play, even talk of higher taxes. This is also a good time, with new City Manager Chris Morrill in place, “to help shape the direction of Roanoke for the next decade.”
Roanoker Receives Top Award at National Bike Show
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“The Cure for the Common Gold.” 43 years Expertise Roanoker Aaron Dykstra won Rookie of the Year. Aaron Dykstra, the owner of the Six Eleven Bicycle Company, designed and hand built a beautiful Tuscan red and black track bike featuring design references to the famous 611 steam locomotive the Norfolk & Western railroad designed and built in Roanoke in the late 1940's. The NHMBS is the annual showcase for North America's most highly regarded hand builders to display their best works for the public and the media. Over seven thousand spectators attended the three day show and
building that produced a solid income stream of over $350,000 a year from the state alone, the city will take a single payment for the property that is approximately 1/4 its present day replacement cost and 1/8 its actual “architectural” replacement cost. Mayor David Bowers cast the lone dissenting vote in opposition to the sale.
By Stuart Revercomb stuart@newsroanoke.com
From page 1
STEPHEN H. KENNEDY, JR. Real Estate Disputes Estate Planning Business & Contracts Experience, Value,
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From page 1
> Democrats
“But the goal was to get on the ticket.” Ferris, an attorney, sees “great things” ahead for Roanoke City, acknowledging that budget woes may take center stage for a while. “We need to take this opportunity to make things better.” Trinkle, seeking a second term, said his re-nomination might be an indication that citizens “like my leadership style and personality [that] I bring to council.” He likes the makeup of the Democratic ticket but FREE bottled watersaid he would have supported any of the with large coffee. three candidates that might have been electDetails inside. ed Tuesday night. With such a small turnout Trinkle wouldn’t read too much into the Fresh. | Free. results. “We still have a big campaign ahead of us.” The Country Store Deli
125 exhibitors showed everything from cycling apparel to five figure hand built bicycles. "Six-Eleven Bicycles is named after a famous steam engine built in Roanoke, Virginia, the base of this company. This bicycle is inspired by the aesthetic of the six-eleven steam engine, which is the pride of Roanoke. It seemed fitting that I should make it a track bike, and I've added a small grille to the top of the head tube, and the serial number plate is derived from the train too, " said Dykstra.
Corrections!
- Last week an article published on the celebration and success of the 2009 Untied Way Campaign incorrectly listed their assistance information line as 911 . The correct number is 211. - A commentary in last weeks Roanoke Star-Sentinel entitled, “The Foundation Of The Future Is Our Children - So Why Do We Want To Cut Them Out?” was written by Stephen C. McClintic, Jr.
Bestpitch said Republicans in the race seem to have made up their minds beforehand that they won’t seriously consider tweaking the meals tax or other levies that can raise much-needed revenue. “That just doesn’t make a lot of sense to me.” He would consider tax or fee increases – and more cuts in the budget as well. Bestpitch said voters may have opted for him in part because he does have a track record – even if he lost in a second primary six years ago. “I think they realized I learned some things when I was on Council before.”
Roanoke Seaman Stays Busy on Way to Mediterranean
Navy Seaman Sean Keoughan, a native of Roanoke, is currently deployed aboard the Amphibious Landing Assault Ship USS Nassau (LHA 4) enroute to the Central Command Area of Operations in support of ongoing operations in Afghanistan. Nassau is deployed as part of the Nassau Amphibious Ready Group/24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (NAS ARG/24MEU) and was a vital component supporting Operation Unified Response, the humanitarian aid/di- Navy Seaman Sean Keoughan. saster relief mission way to conduct operations in in Haiti. Seaman Keoughan is an the 5th Fleet area of responsiAviation Electronics Techni- bility. This area encompasses cian, responsible for testing, the Persian Gulf, Arabian Sea, maintaining and repairing Gulf of Aden, Red Sea and aircraft electronic devices. His coast of east Africa as far south mother Sandy and wife Caitlin as Kenya. Their mission is to work currently reside in Roanoke. The Nassau Amphibious with regional, joint and other Ready Group departed their partners to enhance the overNorfolk home port Jan. 18 for all security and stability of the a regularly scheduled seven- area’s maritime capabilities. month deployment. Soon after Their forces complement the activities their departure, the group was counterterrorism directed to Haiti to support with partner Navy and Coast Operation Unified Response Guard personnel through exfrom Jan. 23 – Feb. 7. While ercises, training and coordithere, more than 57,000 meals, nated operations. The force is also ready to re1,300,000 lbs. of rice, 31,000 bottles of water, 3,200 lbs. of spond to the full range of crimedical supplies and 79,000 ses, including environmental jars of baby food were deliv- and humanitarian as well as ered to the people of Haiti. preventing piracy, reducing ilAdditionally, 16 patients were legal trafficking of people and drugs and promote the maritreated on NAS ARG ships. NAS ARG then began its time environment as a safe transit across the Atlantic place for legitimate business. Ocean to resume its deployment and is currently on its
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Page 3 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 3/5/10 - 3/11/10
> Kaufman
porary architecture that continue to puzzle this addled mind. The first is the new Taubman Art Museum. Like the rounded edge design of the Guggenheim Museum in New York, The Taubman is a work of art housing other works of art. I get it, a feast for the eyes both the inside out. However, for one who is void of sophistication and an eye for the transcendent (me), the building seems to be more of an oddity that a masterpiece. To me, it is as though the City didn’t want to bruise any feelings and thus decided to buy all of the competing designs hoping to construct a workable edifice out of a potluck stew of blueprints. Riding past the museum each day on my way to work I wondered if the suicide blonde statue which sat isolated on an upper ledge, was the creator of this monument sent to serve her time in solitude for marring our traditional brick laden landscape. When the statue was finally removed
from the ledge, I assumed that she had finally jumped. The second curious example is the bus stop infront of Patrick Henry High School. Yes, I understand that the structure in question was designed by students, who, at their young age are infinitely more talented than the person writing this diatribe; however, I am baffled by this creation as well. Immediately upon seeing the figure for the first time, I thought of Audrey II, the giant maneating plant from the off-Broadway hit musical “Little Shop of Horrors,” nearly warning an unsuspecting Valley Metro rider that his life might be in danger if the bus stop should begin to feel hungry. My lovely and graceful mother was a patron of the arts, enjoying opera, ballet, poetry readings and all forms of painting and sculpture. In an effort to expose my father to the beauty in life, she
often brought him along on her journeys, and, aside from the occasional impromptu evening nap, Pop’s cherished his explorations into a world far from factory life. Would it be unreasonable to assume that some of this art adoration would be genetically passed on even to an uncultured lout such as me? If I have offended anyone with this observational piece, simply consider the source, and accept my humble apology. My intent is not to be polarizing, but to understand my surroundings in a more intelligent manner. I love the Roanoke Valley and I am not in the business of casting a critical eye on the area’s sacred cows. By the way, I love the Texas Tavern and consider the Cheesy Western a miracle of culinary ingenuity. I might not know a Picasso from a pizza, but I do know food. Contact Jon at Jon.Kaufman@sprint.com
didn’t care to meet his standards. He will choose to lose income rather than do poor work. “If I don’t feel that I or my technicians are fully competent, the job won’t be done here,” stated Millner emphatically. That is why he often receives referrals from other service garages in the area. “It is rare that I get a job that we can’t resolve.” On the other hand, he does not rebuild engines or transmissions because that is a job “best left to the specialists.” He boasts of having one of the best maintenance specialists in the area in
From page 1 Morrill noted the ribbon cutting he attended last week for a new police training academy and spoke of the city’s decreasing crime rate in recent years. The new academy “will help keep that going,” he said during brief remarks. “Hiring you was one of the easier [decisions],” said Councilwoman Gwen Mason, who will not seek reelection in May. She and several others noted the sacrifice Morrill was making in leaving his wife and two young sons behind in Savannah for the remainder of the school year. Regional Report: Roanoke Regional Partnership Executive Director Beth Doughty gave a report on the past year’s efforts to Council, noting that business “was bad” when it came to recruit-
Price, who felt “hamstrung,” couldn’t see how it was feasible to continue with the money-losing proposition. “Perhaps this is one of those times when grass roots efforts come into play,” she suggested. Morrill, the former Assistant City Manager in Savannah, Georgia, also heard Council members heap praise on his arrival. He in turn said it was “a real big day in my life,” and an “incredible opportunity.” Morrill said the passion and love residents seem to have for Roanoke will help it weather the economic storm in the coming months and years. Morrill said he hopes to position the city so that “we will be ready to seize that day [after the worst of the recession recedes].”
“It’s really neighborhoods that build strong cities…you can’t lose sight of those,” he observed. Morrill also likes some of the big city amenities in a small city like Roanoke. “The quality of life is great and [so is] the connectiveness to the natural environment.” Morrill said outgoing City Manager Darlene Burcham “was very helpful” during the transition process, sitting down with him several times to go over issues. “She left a very good foundation,” Morrill noted. The Council-City Manager form of government found in Savannah and Roanoke is his favorite. “I like professional government – especially for sustainability.” One thing stood out to Morrill as he met people over the past few weeks. “People love living here. It’s fantastic.” One person told Morrill that he had arrived “at a good time… we know you’ll do a good job.”
a former Peace Corps volunteer who served in Ukraine. His mission now is to guide Roanoke through tough economic times, working with the council as the city tries to keep moving forward. His first day on the job included a 90-minute budget workshop. “That was good – I like working and getting my hands dirty,” he said. His much talked-about “budgeting for outcomes” methodology includes “prioritizing and a
heavy dose of employee involvement,” said Morrill. “You’re seeing more and more local governments turning to priority-based budgets,” said Morrill, who calls it a byproduct of the recession. He co-wrote an article on the subject for a national magazine, to be published next month. Morrill heard plenty of “good lucks” and “welcome to Roanoke” platitudes, as well as pleas from residents outside of downtown, saying they need help.
By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net
Roanoke Recognized as "StormReady" The National Weather Service held an awards ceremony recently in the Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building's Emergency Operations Center, to recognize the City of Roanoke as having earned "StormReady" Certification. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service developed the StormReady program in 1999 to help communities throughout the United States prepare for severe weather. "StormReady encourages communities to take a new, proactive approach to improving local hazardous weather operations and public awareness," said Phil Hysell, Warning Coordination Meteorologist with the Blacksburg Office. Earning StormReady recognition indicates that the City of Roanoke has done everything possible to improve emergency first responder and citizen preparedness in the10-22-07 event of a natural disaster. According to the National Weather Service's Guidelines, Roanoke's improved communications in-
frastructure and increased level of severe weather awareness will minimize the loss of life and/or property in the future. To be recognized as StormReady, a community must: • Establish a 24-hour warning point and emergency operations center. • Have more than one way to receive severe weather forecasts / warnings and to alert the public. • Create a system that monitors local weather conditions. • Promote the importance of public readiness through community seminars. • Develop a formal hazardous weather plan, which includes training severe weather spotters and holding emergency exercises. Participation in the StormReady program is voluntary. Roanoke is one of approximately 1,500 StormReady communities in the country. The StormReady recognition will be in effect for three years, after which the city will go through a renewal process.
ing business prospects for the valley – down some 25% from the year before. She noted that 2010 looks better so far. One concern from prospects: not enough shovel-ready, flat sites in the area. “Roanoke still suffers from an identity crisis,” said Doughty, with many not knowing much about the area’s amenities. “We have to continue to work [on image],” she added. “The year-long push to brand the area’s outdoor assets appears to be paying off,” said Doughty, with outdoor guides printed for area hotels, a new website devoted to recreational amenities and the recruitment of businesses and people “that want to be associated with that outdoor brand.” By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net
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(L to R) Mayor David Bowers, new City Manager Chris Morrill (in background), retiring City Manager Darlene Burcham, Councilman Rupert Cutler and City EMS personnel look on during last weeks presentation. For more information, contact Mike Guzo, Emergency Services Coordinator for the City of Roanoke, at 540-853-2426, or Phil Hysell at the National Weather Service, Blacksburg. Office, at 540-552-1613, ext. 2.
By Christine Slade info@newsroanoke.com
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New City Manager Receives Warm Welcome
Chris Morrill meets well-wishers, including City Council member Anita Price (second from right).
duty” it’s talking about the stop and go traffic about town. Have the thermostat checked and replaced in your car. A car engine is designed to run at 210220 degrees; when it is running lower than that you are at risk for expensive oxygen sensor damage and sacrificing gas mileage and performance. When it comes to saving you money, take your advice from an expert—in Millner’s case, one who really cares.
Tim Kessler. Kessler has worked at the shop for more than 23 years, and their mutual respect and trust is evident. Millner offered his top three tips for high performance in these tough economic times. The first of these is to use “top tier” gas. All gasoline is equal when it comes out of the pipe line; it is the additive package when loaded on the tractor trailer that earns a gasoline the distinction. If you are going to make economic cuts, DO NOT cut back on your oil changes because when your owner’s manual talks about “severe
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eliminate his wife’s bookkeeping salary rather than trim the pay of his remaining employees. An attitude of trust pervades both the employees and his customers as evidenced by a customer’s comment; “I trust him, my brakes have never been better since I owned the car,” said Cindy Pinkston as they got her out the door on time to leave for work. Because having a car leave his garage “like it has been to a dealership” is important to him, Millner has lost some employees over the years that
– buying the Countryside property with hopes of selling it to a developer – became a burden in these tough economic times,” noted Lea. Councilman Rupert Cutler spoke of a nationwide trend to turn municipal golf courses into open space and parkland, his preference for Countryside. “We’ve really tried to make it work,” added Councilman David Trinkle. Court Rosen noted that Meadowbrook wanted to be able to walk away from its management contract with just a 45 day notice, which would leave the city holding the bag for maintenance costs and major repairs. Even those that supported Countryside remaining a golf course, like Councilwoman Anita
Chris Morrill has traveled the world, been an assistant city manager for nine years, earned a master’s degree in public administration at the University of North Carolina and earned a reputation in several positions as a budget expert. Now he’s in Roanoke, replacing Darlene Burcham, who just completed a long stint as City Manager. After Monday’s City Council meeting – Morrill’s first official day on the job – he met with well-wishers along with some who may have an agenda during a two-hour reception at the Performing Arts Theatre. For two hours people lined up to welcome Morrill to Roanoke from Savannah, Georgia. The crowd included current City Council members, along with then-candidates like Valerie Garner and Bill Bestpitch. Congressman Bob Goodlatte was on hand to offer a welcome as well. The Massachusetts native, who is 47, came south after graduating from Holyoke College and time spent in Lynn, MA as a project manager, is also
NewsRoanoke.com
From page 1
pumps in the Roanoke Valley. Gasoline is not a high profit business and Millner can quote his numbers in a flash to prove it. He’s got the snapshot of his business in his head; he was keenly aware of the loss he was sustaining when he used to keep the business open on Saturdays. He has consistently made choices to trim his expenses while maintaining an excellent reputation for repairs and maintenance; that is why he is certain he will weather this recession as he has others in the past. He chose to reduce his salary and
> Morrill
From page 1
people nuts, this “art” is clearly the work of Tommy Sweeney, a runny-nosed classmate of mine who was expelled from Mrs. Bradshaw’s class for fungo-ing a paint bottle with a yardstick!” There are aspects of art that I can and do appreciate; in fact, I have two brothers-in-law who are noted artists. Jim, who is married to my sister Eve, is a skilled painter of beautiful still lifes. When I admire Jim’s work I know exactly what I am seeing, marveling at the detail and truthfulness of his art. My sister Emily’s husband Robert is a photographer who covers the streets of New York with the passion only a native son can possess. Robert’s amazing images put you right in the heart of Manhattan and even a dumbbell like me can ascertain what is happening. Abstract art is where my confusion sets in. Locally, there are two examples of contem-
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Page 4 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 3/5/10 - 3/11/10
Life with Mr. Fix- It
Our first trip to Europe occurred in 1983 when We had been married only four years when we our son was studying law at the University of moved into our house, which had a dishwasher Munich. On the day of our departure, I had just and garbage disposal. One evening I accidentally finished washing the breakfast dishes when I no- dropped the baby’s silver spoon in the garbage disticed a puddle of water on the kitchen posal. I immediately flipped the switch floor by the sink. Investigation showed and retrieved the spoon, cringing to it was not water but bleach! The gallon see the ugly nicks and bent handle. I plastic jug beneath the sink had a punctold Harry I had dropped the spoon in ture, resulting in a slow leak. the disposal, but said nothing about its Harry was urging me to hurry so we condition. Without saying a word, he wouldn’t miss our flight. I couldn’t take brought his tool box from the garage time to find another jug to transfer the and proceeded to dismantle the disbleach, so I picked up the bottle and deposal. posited it in the sink. Now the bleach Now I was really worried! Not only could run harmlessly down the drain had I ruined the spoon, but had I Mary Jo Shannon while we were gone. also damaged the disposal? Wrong! I watched silently as he examined When we returned home after three wonderful it carefully, then turned to me with a puzzled weeks, I discovered the bleach had eaten a hole in expression and said, “It must have ground it up our brand new stainless steel sink! I shuddered to completely!” think of the expense -- and inconvenience -- fac“No, it didn’t!” I said, handing him the daming me while it was replaced. But Harry, the veri- aged implement. “Here it is.” table “Mr. Fix-It”, had other thoughts. He simply Whereupon he silently proceeded to replace filled the holes with epoxy resin. the disposal unit. I think I would have had a few Harry enjoys a challenge, although he certainly words – and not nice ones -- to say does not encourage carelessness to create one. His During our 53 years of marriage Harry has first reaction to a problem might be perceived as done all the maintenance on our home, -- plumbindifference. He says nothing, does nothing – just ing, painting, and electrical. He spent three years walks around with a serious expression on his building a family room addition, complete with face. I used to think he was angry, but I’ve gradu- bookshelves, built-in cabinets with drawers for ally learned he is mulling the problem over in his storage, and a Formica-topped table large enough mind, anticipating what needs to be done and the for our family and two or three guests. best way to accomplish it. When he decides what Harry especially enjoyed designing and buildto do, he gets his tools and goes to work -- in si- ing camping equipment. First, he made a carlence. I’ve learned to stay out of his way unless I’m rier for the top of our car to haul the tent and summoned to be a “go-for” or assist in some other other essentials. Then, as our family increased, menial way. he constructed a trailer to hitch to the car. Next, he designed and built an elaborate chest with compartments CITY OF ROANOKE, VIRGINIA the exact size to accommodate two plastic dishpans, cooking utensils, salt, pepper sugar and coffee -- all the necessities for a successful camping experience. The hinged lid dropped down to create a Formica-topped space for preparing meals and washing dishes. Perhaps his being a child of the Great Depression is the root of this resourcefulness. Or it could be because he enjoys the thrill of accomplishment. Or maybe he’s frugal and unwilling to disTUESDAY, MARCH 16 • 2:00 PM card something that can be fixed. Now our grown children consult Sale of 4,235± sq. ft. pre-fabricated metal building on him for advice as they face situa0.3667± acres. The building, constructed in 2003, is divided tions in their homes. into an office/reception area (360± sq. ft.) and a shop Harry can fix almost any(3,975± sq. ft.) with three overhead doors. Paved parking thing except electronic equiplot in front and security fence in rear. Zoned: CG, ment. The television, computer, Commercial General. Roanoke City Tax Parcels 2310602 & and modern cars are for another 2310603. Tax assessed value: $198,800. Address: 201 & 211 generation and are off limits for 24th St., NW, Roanoke, VA 24017. Sale held on site. him. But the epoxy resin in the 5% buyer’s premium on real estate. kitchen sink is still holding after VA #321 27 years!
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Sob Basic beliefs Leader Wields Prepared Tel __ (Israel's capital) Chilled Tears apart We just had a near ---experience. (from fight club) Movie star Taylor Tug Not as short Men's jewelry Snaky fish Finis Ammunition Tangle Association (abbr.) Fat Compass point Bride's dishes Mongrel dog. Leaves immediately Bolted Plucky
45 Subdivision 46 Any small white hatchback. (US slang) 47 Gaiety 48 To wager. 50 Very dry wine 51 Prayer beads 55 What children attend 58 Asian nation 60 Remind 61 Smooth 62 Moses' brother 64 Unconsciousness 65 Grass 66 Shoe bottom 67 Globes 68 Follow 69 Black 70 Tiny insect DOWN 1 Constructed 2 American Standard Code For Information Interchange. 3 To take something from another without permission. (us slang)
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As you may recall, when the first part of this pulse was to shake my fist angrily at the heavens. tale ended, the author lay sprawled spread-eagle My second thought was to simply sit right down on the icy brink of disaster. A wrong move—any in the ice at the foot of the steps to see if it was true that freezing to death was actually not so bad once movement at all—seemed destined to be his last. I dare not move for fear of taking the same path you became numb all over and your metabolism I’d already seen my briefcase travel some minutes reached the point where thought and pain were earlier. As I hit the ice, my bags flew out of my merely faint shadows. A brilliant white tunnel of hands. I had watched helplessly as my satchel light would point to a place warm and safe, with hot vegetable soup waiting in a golden slalomed down past the fruit trees, bowl. bounced over the moguls in the yard, In a last twilight of consciousness swooshed past the garden fence and before total indifference consented to ski-jumped over the lip of the stone wall, airborne into the dark ice-encased defeat, I was able to reach an old shovel forest and out of sight. I didn’t want to under the steps. I busted through the ice enough to expose enough wood to go there. Oh Lord, make me a bird, so I give a little traction. At the top of the can fly far; far, far away. steps, my numb fingers fumbled in the But I dare not just lay there. It had dark with the key in the door lock. It started to rain again. The longer I was still, the wetter I became. My body heat occurred to me in my growing stupor drained away and the internal gears that maybe I was even at the wrong Fred First were grinding slower, weaker every house. The world had obviously been moment. All at once, from want of under a New Order for the last few food, from the delusions that come from a chilling hours, possibly under control of the White Witch brain and from the sheer absurdity of it all, I be- of Narnia. I wouldn't know for sure until I got ingan to laugh out loud. Surely soon I would wake side this door. The lock turned in slow motion and the cabin up from this preposterous winter dream. But no. The quakes of laughter were all it took to break door opened. I entered a dark womb of relative what little traction my wet body held against warmth, and began to reinhabit my former limbs the lubricated ledge, and I began my spinning, digit by digit. About that time, the phone rang. It spread-eagle slide down the rest of the slippery was Ann in Carolina. She asked casually what I slope. A sorry tangle of arms and legs came to rest was up to. "Oh, I had a little trouble getting home today" I just short of the rock wall ski jump. I was, at least, slurred. "Listen: how 'bout if I call you back after spared the agony of that particular defeat. At the edge of the woods beyond the garden I've had me a little soup? I can’t tell you how badly where I came to rest, there were trees to clutch. I need a hot meal." If I had, she wouldn’t have beI managed to grab a small ice-coated trunk and lieved me. I kindled the fire in the stove and soon it cast pull myself unsteadily to my knees. The silhouette of the cabin roof was barely visible against a warm flickering light into the cold shadows. foreboding, gray-pink sky. I winched my way tree With the cat in my lap, I ate my soup cupped in to tree over the ice, back up through the woods my hands in my favorite bowl. The last thing I reand onto the road, exhausted and drenched with member is crawling under the covers alone, slipsweat even in the frigid cold. At last, I reached the ping down, down peacefully into a long dreamless cabin, but my heart sank: the steps had become winter sleep. impassable—an eight-tiered waterfall of ice. Contact Fred at My mental and physical resources were exfred1st@gmail.com hausted and there was no humor left. My first im-
The Recipe of the Week from The Happy Chef
Find the answers online: TheRoanokeStar.com Have a clue and answer you’d like to see? email: puzzles@theroanokestar.com
By Don Waterfield
by Leigh Sackett
Irish Nachos?
This is a recipe from Rachael Ray. Just the other day I saw a picture of Irish Nachos and I had to investigate. Half of my family is Irish but I had no idea about the Irish way to make nachos. What a wonderful surprise and treat to find such a dish for my little Leprechauns to enjoy on St. Patrick’s Day. Whether you are having a big celebration or small, share it with your Leprechauns as well. It includes some very delicious ingredients sure to give you the luck of the Irish!
1 20- to 24-ounce bag waffle fries 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 pound deli-sliced corned beef, chopped 1 small onion, thinly sliced 1/2 small head green cabbage, thinly sliced Contact Mary Jo at (about 2 cups) info@theroanokestar.com Salt and ground black pepper 2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons flour 1 cup light beer 1 cup chicken stock 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
Drug A short trip to do something. Adolescent Ball player __ Aaron Unpaired Methods Brand of throat lozenges Sinister Abundant Done Yang's partner Soothing agents Pennsylvania (abbr.) Nail filing board Treat badly Import Negative (prefix) Evaluate; examine. Land unit Thick carpet Yodel Eight Aggressive feelings Severs Howl Hard liquor Billion years Comely The fruit of an oak. Cuban dance Leaven Farm building Clawed sea life British general. Dunking cookies Complain Stock trader. Wheel tooth
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Slippery Slope of Winter ~ Part Two
Star~Sentinel Crossword Roanoke Star Sentinel 3.4 x 5
-Preheat oven to 450º. -Arrange the waffle fries on a baking sheet and cook according to package directions, adding
about 10 minutes onto the baking time to make them extra crispy. -When the fries have about 10 minutes left, place a medium skillet over medium-high heat with 2 turns of the pan of olive oil, about 2 tablespoons. Add the corned beef to the skillet and sauté until light golden brown and heated through, 2-3 minutes. -Add the onions and cabbage to the pan, and cook until the onions have softened and cabbage has wilted, 4-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and reserve warm. -While the veggies are cooking, place a medium pot over medium-high heat and melt the butter. -Add the flour to the pot and cook for about a minute. -Whisk the beer into the mixture and cook for about 30 seconds to cook off the alcohol. Whisk the chicken stock into the pan and bring up to a bubble. Simmer until thickened, 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat and stir in the cheese to melt. Season the sauce with salt and pepper. -To serve, arrange the crispy waffle fries on a platter, top them with the corned beef and cabbage mixture and douse with a good helping of cheese sauce.
Roanoke Star Week of the
Joe DiPeppi grew up in Fredericksburg, Va., and graduated from Fredericksburg High School in 2003. He then went to Virginia Tech earning a degree in Marketing Management in 2007. After graduation he worked in the employment industry for two years as a placement manager. He eventually joined Verizon where he is employed today as a Consumer Business Consultant, working in the Valley View store. While in college Joe was a member of the boxing club and
today is very active in martial arts. He met his wife, Dawn, while going to Va. Tech and they are expecting their first child. His favorite places in the Roanoke Valley are Downtown Roanoke Market area, Aikido at The Brambleton Center, and running on the greenways. Joe's favorite restaurants are Kubuki, Metro, Roanoke City Food Court, and Taaza Indian Cuisine. Joe Di Peppi Joe and his wife live in the Text and Photo by Jim Bullington Southwest County area.
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Perspective
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Preacher’s Corner
The Confusing Call - By George Anderson I got permission from my daughter, Paige, to tell you the story I am about to tell. It is a confusing call. Paige, my daughter, is to go to a movie with her friend, Maggee Dorsey, but can’t find her cell phone. So, Millie, her mom, gave her cell phone to Paige as a safety precaution. Paige is late in leaving to pick up Maggee because she can’t find the car keys. Paige wants to ask her mom where the keys are, but by now Millie is off doing errands. So, Paige calls her mom’s… cell phone. So, naturally, the phone in her pocket rings and Paige assumes it is Maggee calling to ask where she is. Paige answers the cell phone and says, “Hold on a minute, I need to ask Mom where the car keys are.” Before I go on, I promised Paige I would let her explain something here. Let me read to you from an e-mail she sent me so you’ll see how what happens next could have happened to anybody:
A. Paige Anderson_________________________________________________ From: To: Sent:
“A. Paige Anderson” apanderso@presby.edu pastor@spres.org Friday, January 22, 2010 10:22 AM
Dad, At this point, be sure to explain about the delay in our cell service; how after someone says something it takes a moment for it to be heard. OK, with that helpful clarification in mind, here is what happens. Paige puts the home phone receiver back to her ear to see if her mom has answered and she hears Millie talking. So Paige says, “What?” Then, she hears Maggee on the cell phone say, “What?” And Paige tells Maggee, “I said hold on, I’m talking to Mom.” But then her mom is talking in Paige’s ear again, so Paige says in the other phone, “What?” But Maggee interrupts and says, “What?” And then a light comes on. Maybe at this point in the story, you were wondering if there was a light in that attic to come on, but let’s remember her e-mail explanation, OK? Paige looks at the two phones in her hands and realizes…that she has been a onesome in a threesome conversation. Samuel is confused by a call. He is a young boy left in the care of Eli, both a High Priest and a Judge; something akin to being a bishop and also the nation’s president. If God is going to speak to, and through, anybody, one expects it would be through Eli. So when the boy hears, “Samuel, Samuel,” he thinks it is Eli calling him, and he answers, “Here I am.” That’s the RSV translation. The Andersonspeak translation is “What?” Eli hears Samuel and responds according to the RSV, “I did not call you. Lie down again.” But the boy hears the voice again, “Samuel, Samuel.” And Samuel yells, “What?” And Eli answers, “Nothing, go back to sleep!” And then the boy hears the voice again and says, “What?” At this point Eli looks at the phones in his hands and realizes that their twosome conversation is actually a threesome conversation. And so he tells the boy that if he hears the voice again to say, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.” It had not occurred to Samuel, you see, that it might be God speaking to him. At this point, let me read an e-mail I received from Samuel who wants you to understand how this could have happened to anyone:
Samuel, Prophet___________________________________________________ From: To: Sent:
“Samuel, Prophet” kingmaker@shiloh.bce pastor@spres.org Thursday, January 21, 2010 2:23 PM
Dr. Anderson, please explain that there had been a long delay in Israel. In those days, the Word of the Lord was rare. We were not used to hearing God’s voice. We depended on judges and priests to explain to us what the voice of God wanted us to hear. OK, with that helpful clarification in mind, here is what happens next. Samuel hears God call him again, and he answers, “Speak Lord, for your servant is listening.” God then explains that the judges and the priests have not been listening so well. Eli’s sons, who already are priests, are taking advantage of their positions to pad their own pockets and seduce women. It is time for tradition to change. Samuel is to be a new kind of leader. Only, here’s the thing. You heard me tell you about the flaws of Eli’s children. You need to know that Samuel’s children were not much better. “They turned aside after dishonest gain and accepted bribes and perverted justice.” (I Sam. 8:3) And how about King David’s son, Absalom, who rebelled against him and Solomon, who was called wise but grew rich at the expense of his people. You see, among the many, many things that I do not have time to say about this story, there is this. The family of faith, with a flawed past has a flawed future because of flawed leaders. It was true with Israel and it has been true with the church. How could such a people survive? Well, I have an explanation in an e-mail from a church historian who explains how a witness can be made by any faith community in any age despite its flaws:
Historian, Church_________________________________________________ From: To: Sent:
“Historian, Church” chhistorian@anyseminary.edu pastor@spres.org Friday, January 22, 2010 5:09 PM
Rev. Anderson, please explain to your congregation that Samuel’s conversation with Eli happened over three millennia ago. Only the continuing and renewing grace of God could keep a movement going through the rise and fall of empires, and despite the many failings of its leadership. God will continue to speak, to call, and to redeem God’s people so that God’s Word will always, even with delays, be heard in God’s world. -George Anderson is the Senior Pastor at Second Presbyterian Church in Roanoke. Visit them on the web at www.spres.org.
3/5/10 - 3/11/10 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 5
The Muskrat Skin Jacket
I guess my Dad thought it would serve as a great anatomy lesson, of sorts, and he was right. I don’t remember what might have befallen the muskrat, but it was freshly dead. The details of its acquisition are hazy now, but I think we came across the deceased rodent towards the end of an afternoon family hike. My dad placed it on newspapers spread out in the back of the Volkswagen Squareback –amid mild exhortations of anguish from my mother- and we headed for home. At age six, I had seen plenty of dead animals, but mostly from a distance, such as the back seat of a car on the highway. Yes, my siblings and I had buried a few pets by then, but that had involved an unreal, tender kind of dead. The muskrat, however, was quite dead in the most regular sense of the word. I immediately felt a sense of awe and curiosity at this up-close and personal touch with a dead thing. My paternal grandfather lived for bird dogs and bird hunting, but other than that we hadn’t any hunting experience in the family. I had never killed an animal, or seen one killed, and I had never taken part in the butchering or “field dressing” of one. Although not a practicing hunter, my father was a keen outdoorsman, and had learned much along the way. This, in spite of “being too stubborn to listen when I should have,” as he often remarked with a shake of his head. When we got home with our prize, my mother disappeared, but the rest of us followed the leader into the backyard. “Daddy says we’re going to skin a muskrat!” announced my big sister to the girl playing across the street. In no time there was a small knot of kids –mostly girlssurrounding our picnic table, my dad’s form towering above them, the laid-out muskrat the center of attention. With his sharpened, fixed-blade sheath knife my father proceeded to skin the muskrat. We were rapt with attention. I’ll spare you the visceral details, even if you are one who eats meat or wears clothes made of animal skins, but my dad reverently carried out the process, and kept up a running commentary about the way the Indians utilized every part of the animal, leaving nothing to waste. Before long the muskrat skin was laid out flat on the table. The girls and I touched the soft fur and thought about the Indians. The group of kids dispersed, absorbed into the neighborhood again, and my dad and I stretched the muskrat pelt out on a scrap of plywood. We tacked the skin to the board to dry. We may have done some other things to the hide, such as soak it in hot salty water, but that part wasn’t interesting enough for me to remember very well. A few weeks went by as the hide dried. Or it could have been months–who knows, I was a boy distracted by other things. But along the way we
Johnny Robinson and friends with the cherished muskrat pelt. hatched a plan for the fate of the muskrat pelt: We would sew it on the back of my beige J.C. Penney jacket. Now that would certainly make for a unique “fur coat!” Luckily - or not - my dad was expert at using the sewing machine - I can’t imagine my mother assisting us in such an endeavor - and the Kenmore was heavy-duty enough for the task. It looked great, the dark chestnut-colored pelt spanning the back, and then some, of my jacket. My dad’s enthusiasm for the muskrat jacket - it was definitely his idea - had spilled over to me, and I couldn’t wait to wear it to Crystal Spring School. My classmates were duly impressed with this most unusual of jackets, and I was the talk of the school for a day or so. I’m sure my dear teacher, Mrs. Hamilton, was not particularly enthused about this hillbilly distraction, but she was so wonderfully kind that she just smiled and indicated mild interest in my odd cloak. I guess she knew that soon enough the novelty would wear off and the muskrat jacket would be forgotten. Like all of my great teachers, she was always right, and this time was no exception. The muskrat skin jacket soon faded away and was
completely forgotten. Well, not quite of course - it has come back to life once again in this retelling . . . For life is not about remembering so much the bland and mundane, as it is celebrating the unique, curious and exotic adventures that thankfully bless our short number of days. I hope you have your own muskrat jacket or two that harkens hilariously from your past. Don't forget to share those stories.
Contact Johnny at jwr77@verizon.net
Roanoke has a Saltwater Fish Store!
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Page 6
Summer Camps “A Successful Camp Experience”
I thought it was quite humorous in the Sentinel last week to have a summer camp promo. We have just come through one of the most significant winters that most can remember which has led to our children not only being out of school, but at home all day, every day. I’ll bet the
phone lines of camps were ringing off the hook after the paper came out. I can hear the message left at the camp now, “Do you think you can take all three, including my husband?” With the summer coming and camp weeks and months getting scheduled remember to
Hollinsummer 2010 New this year: classes for middle school girls • July 11-16 for rising 7th-8th graders • July 11-23 for rising 9th-12th graders Students will live on campus with girls from all over the country, take two noncredit classes, choose from seven sports clinics and rock climbing, and enjoy other extracurricular activities.
think of this question. How do you define a successful summer camp experience for your child? Regardless of what you are looking for, considering the following may help make camp a very successful adventure: Your child’s social and psychological development, whether a camp is a good fit for your child, the role friends play when going to camp and the connection to home. When choosing a camp ask yourself whether or not your child is ready. A wonderful camp can be a nightmare if the child is not prepared developmentally. An example of this is an 8 year old boy that has never stayed away from home, not even at Grandma’s, and has difficulty in the dark. This is not a child to send to an overnight
For more information: 800.456.9595 or 540.362.6401 www.hollins.edu/hollinsummer
Blue Ridge Autism and Achievement Center
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Since 1925, campers have enjoyed overnight outdoor adventures such as canoeing, field games, a climbing tower, hiking, campfires and more. Older campers enjoy off-site excursions like rock climbing and caving. Younger campers can stay for the day with FREE satellite transportation from Tanglewood Mall. Starting at $165 per week with EARLYBIRD savings.
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Need full-day entertainment for the kids this summer? Join us for daily fun including arts, crafts, cooking, games, and daily field trips Based out of Bonsack or Penn Forest Elementary. Starting at $125 per week with EARLYBIRD savings.
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camp far from home and expect success. Ask yourself about your child’s social skills, does she make friends easily or does she require a long period of time to connect with others? Are there any significant fears that your son has that would arise if away from home? Does my child do fine in new situations if with a group of peers? These type of questions often lead us to determining whether or not a day camp close to home is a better option than an overnight camp far away. Another point to consider is the fit of camp to kid. Many of us dads have hidden hopes that junior will go to football camp and come back a Peyton Manning. The problem is, junior doesn’t like football and has never played. Yes this is an exaggerated example, but it is vital that what we know of a camp is in line with what we know of our kid. It is OK and even one of the great benefits of camp to expose our kids to new and exciting things, but our child needs to be one that does well with adapting to new and exciting things or the week will be a constant process of staff trying to talk junior into something that he won’t do. This will not make for a good camp memory and will likely hurt ideas of camp in the future. Another part of fit is also age. The older the kid, the more
Enjoy full-day summer fun, plus daily use of the exciting features of Green Ridge Recreation Center, like the indoor pool and interactive games. Plus fantastic off site trips! Starting at $150 per week with EARLYBIRD savings.
adaptable they typically are. The younger the kid, the more they need to not be surprised or overwhelmed by camp. It is rare to find elementary kids that do nearly as well as older kids at overnight camps. The older one gets, the more variations in the camp experience they can deal with successfully. A wonderful thing to consider when sending a child to camp is the role their friends play. I often recommend sending a kid to camp with a friend, especially if they are younger. Do not send your child with two friends. I don’t care how close they are or how well they get along; odd numbers do not function well at camp. Facing a new, challenging, anxiety provoking experience by going to camp is always weathered better in pairs. The friendship has already been through that awkward stage and there is a level of trust and security with the other person. This strength in numbers often translates into taking on all of the exciting challenges and opportunities at camp with less hesitation then is present in a single individual. This fuller experience is what leads to better camp survival and enjoyment. WARNING: Choose the friend wisely. The last thing to consider is how to maintain a connection with home. Our children look to the family for their foundation and stability in life. You can help establish a little of this even
when your child is at camp by how and how often you maintain contact. I don’t usually recommend phone calls. These can often end tragically with homesick junior crying on the phone and Mom or Dad jumping in the car and driving 5 hours to get him only to realize when they get there that he is swimming, has now made a new friend named Joe and wants to stay. It happens, don’t call. What I do recommend is letters. They need to be often and funny. You can even go the extra step and pre-address and stamp stationary for your child to take with them to send to friends and family while they are at camp. A letter written by a child after a full day of crazy activity is often funny and memorable. Then there is the holy grail of all camp things from home….. the care package. I believe it should be law that you can’t send a kid to camp without them receiving at least two care packages. This is the ultimate connection to home. If you are not sure where to start, try a day camp nearby. You might even want to volunteer at the camp for the week yourself. Once a child has mastered that experience, move on to overnight camps with the more adventurous ones coming down the road. There are camps for everyone. Send a kid to camp!
Contact Keith at psycyou@msn.com
Athletics Camps
Get a jump start on team play by gaining a better understanding of the fundamentals, with half and full day camps in 14 different sports! Starting at $54 per week with EARLYBIRD savings.
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www.RoanokeCountyParks.com
2010 Junior Program 2010 Summer Jr. Golf Camps June 14 - 18 June 21 - 25 July 26 - 30 Aug. 9 - 13
Innovative hands-on summer day camps offer a fun-filled exploration into science for students in pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade. Camp Hotline 540.857.4381
3 - Sport Camp 8:00 - 3:00 p.m. Jr. Camp #1 8:00 - 11:00 a.m. Jr. Camp #2 8:00 - 11:00 a.m. Jr. Camp #3 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Cost for Junior Camp #1,2,3 - $125
www.smwv.org :: Science Museum of Western Virginia
Summer Programs
2010
Sign up the kids for any of over 40 halfday camps based on themes such as arts, crafts, travel, cooking, culture and much more. Programs starting at 3 years. Starting at $60 per week with EARLYBIRD savings.
Camps begin on June 7 and run through August 13.
3 - Sport Camp This will be the second year for the 3-Sport Camp, a unique program found nowhere else in the valley.Your child will participate in golf, tennis and swimming each day of the camp! This is a great opportunity to get your child involved in 3 sports that last a lifetime! This camp runs Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. and includes lunch. Cost for 3-Sport Camp - $200.
Junior Player’s Camp Brand new for 2010! The Junior Player’s Camp is designed for juniors who currently play (or intend to play) competitive golf, whether it be the Roanoke Valley Junior Golf Tour or in preparation for High School Golf.This program will focus more on playing the game of golf rather than swing fundamentals.The junior player will aslo be exposed to; course management, match play and stroke play variations as well as sportsmanship and integrity.This is a great next step for the junior that wants to take part in competitive golf. Cost for Player’s Camp - $125.
Call today to enroll your child! 992-4653
Join Us for Fun Under the North Cross School Sun! Enrichment Camps provide a structured setting for students in junior kindergarten through fifth-grade. Opportunities include fun classroom sessions in art, drama, and science with tennis, swimming, dance for girls and gym sports for boys. Middle School Madness provides rising fifth through eighth-grade students with five-day workshops, including guitar, video-game design, cooking, chemistry, drama, woodworking, jewelry making and more! Sports Camps appeal to male and female students of all ages and include football, basketball, volleyball, soccer, lacrosse, tennis and baseball. To view the full 2010 Summer Programs Catalog, please visit www.northcross.org/summerprograms. For more information, contact Stephen Belderes at 540-588-8320 or sbelderes@northcross.org.
Page 7
Summer Camps
Super Secrets for Summer Camp Packing! sleeping bag and pillow is a must. A rolled sleeping bag always comes unraveled when walking through camp. • Place toiletries in a type of plastic bag kit or plastic basket that would make it easy to travel to the showers. The kit should be big enough to hold shower shoes/flip flops. • The day before your child leaves for camp, recheck the list, pack up all of the gear and close the bag. • Make a list of what is packed and include it with your child's belongings, so she knows what she's bringing • Familiarize yourself with any camp regulations regarding food and money • Include plastic bags or a laundry bag for wet or dirty clothing
• Encourage your child to pack a favorite picture or stuffed animal as a reminder of home • Include some stamped envelopes or pre-addressed postcards and sharpened pencils or ball point pens. • Do not pack things that are on the 'not allowed' list. This will just cause problems for your child when they arrive at camp. If you have concerns about something on the forbidden list, talk with the camp director before your child leaves.
3230 King Street Roanoke, VA 24012
A Christian Summer Day Camp for Young People Ages 5-12
Elyse Hart Mitch Instruc
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e Crime Scen rs Investigato
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3513 Brambleton Ave Suite B Roanoke, VA 24018
Dance, V Acti
Held at Ferrum College in the beautiful foothills of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains.
Ages 3 to Adult
Elyse Hart & Trey Mitchell, Instructors
Dance, Voice, & Acting
Ages 12 & up
Now enrolling for our summer programs!
Aug. 9-13th 10am - 3pm
Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Clogging, Hip Hop, Musical Theatre, Modern
Ages 12 Aug. 910am -
Musical Theatre Camp
Our 21st Year!
Web Page Design and More
Cooking 101
Kids don’t have a second to complain of boredom! And no more wasted summers in front of the television! A safe, friendly environment and plenty of adult mentoring make our program excellent.
Reach us at (540) 982-2400 or at ParkwayChristianAcademy.org to sign up or for more information.
Musical T Cam
774-02 Ages 12 & up
3513 Brambleton Ave Suite B Roanoke, VA 24018
Ages 3 to Adult
Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Clogging, Hip Hop, Musical Theatre, Modern
Ages 12 & up 3513 Brambleton Ave., Suite B, Roanoke • divinedancecenter.com Ages 3 to Adult Dance, Voice, & 3513 Brambleton Ave Acting Suite B Roanoke, VA 24018 Elyse Hart & Trey Mitchell, www.divinedancecenter.com Instructors
Now enrolling for our summer programs!
iPod Mania
www.divinedancecenter.com
774-0296
The Art of g Bookmakin
when putting one together. Check with the camp regarding guidelines on food as many do not allow it. If you do send food, be sure to include enough for everyone in the cabin! Packing for camp is the beginning of an exciting time for your child. Get them involved and excited as you start shopping and they'll be counting down the days until camp begins!
m The Ferru Challenge
Swimming – Hiking – Sports - Adventures – Arts & Crafts Cooking Class - Nature Activities - Service Projects Bible Lessons - Reading Time – Science Fun DAILY Field Trips
enrolling for our Theatre Now Now enrolling for MusicalMusical Theatre Camp summer programs! Aug. 9-13th: 10am Camp- 3pm summer programs! Ballet • Tap • Jazz Dance • Voice • Acting Tap,• Musical Jazz, ClogAug. 9-13th CloggingBallet, • Hip Hop Elyse Hart 10am & Trey Mitchell, ging, Hip Hop, Musical - 3pm Theatre • Modern Instructors Theatre, Modern
portant day. • Look into your camp's phone call regulations and discuss them with your child. If the camp has a no phone calls policy, then honor it and make sure your child also understands this policy. If you do plan to make calls, then reach an agreement ahead of time with your child on when and how often. • Care packages can be the highlight of your child's day when at camp, but think smart
r Summe r Theate
Come for a day, a week, or the summer! Daily and Weekly Rates.
774-0296
Ages 3 to Adult
• Stick a note in your child's bag where it will be found in the first couple of days just so he/she will know you're thing about. • Buy a couple of books by your child's favorite author or the next few books in the series they're reading. Books are great to have for rainy days or other "down time" • Send a letter to your child at camp before camp begins to that she will have a letter waiting for her on that first, very im-
Parkway Christian Summer Camp
Inspired by Math & Science • day camp • June 28-July 9 • 5th-8th graders • girls & boys
www.divinedancecenter.com
Three weeks before camp, begin shopping for items your child needs to take to camp. This task should take about one week, but the extra time will allow you to locate items that are out of stock or harder to find than you anticipated. • Purchase an extra set of hygiene items for your child so that the items can be packed and he/she will not have to remember the day that camp begins. For example, purchase a toothbrush and toothpaste to pack and leave their home set at home. • Label all of your items with his/her name. This is important. You can go online and order press-on labels for clothing, towels, etc. Use water repellant markers for other items. • A "stuff" bag for your teen's
July 11–17 OR July 18–24 For Academically Motivated Students Grades 5–7 • 2009-2010 school Year
Combines aCademiC enriChment Classes with traditional summer Camp fun
540-365-2121 • www.feRRum.edu/fcsec
A golf and life skills program for ages 7-17
No experience necessary Equipment provided Scholarships available
For spring/summer schedule, call 563-1TEE (1833).
www.hollins.edu
ÊÊÊÊÊPaintÊYourÊOwnÊPotteryÊ ÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊandÊArtÊStudio
Summer Camp 2010
We will have 11 weekly themes that will tailor its specific activities and field trips around these themes Please visit our website for more information Give us a call to schedule a tour!
www.childcarenetwork.net 4225 Brambleton Ave Roanoke 540-989-0144 866-521-kids
Mon-Fri 10am - 1 pm Ages 6-13 Cost: $170.00 Every week from June 21 to Aug. 23 Each camp will include projects in clay, pottery, mosaics, glass fusion, & tie dye
www.glazedbisque-it.com
Making Grades Climb.
Hargrave
Military Academy
Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia.
800/432-2480 www.hargrave.edu
Summer School and Camp ~ June 27 to July 24, 2010 College prep; Grades 7-12 and Post-Graduate
• • • • • • •
• • • •
Champions in Learning
Expiration Date: 3-31-10
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Patrick Henry Defeats Gar-Field to Faith Christian Advances to State Semifinals Capture NW Region Championship It was a total blitzkrieg Monday night at the Patrick Henry gym. Precision shooting and swarming defense led the way as the Patriots made short order of the visitors from Gar-Field to capture the NW Region title, and advance to the state AAA quarterfinal this Saturday with a convincing 6749 blowout. PH (20-4) will play Langley High at the Salem Civic Center in their quest to advance to next week's final-four in Richmond. Gar-Field advances to play Chantilly in quarterfinal action, with a potential rematch against the Patriots, should both teams make it to the AAA final on March 13th. Monday night's matchup was over early. Thanks in part to the long-range shooting of Terrell Wilson, the Patriots jumped out to a 22 point advantage midway through the second quarter. Wilson netted his first 6 shots from behind the arc and scored 20 points as Patrick Henry led by a whopping 35-12 at halftime over the totally outmanned Indians. Any hope Gar-Field had, after an ankle injury to Wilson confined him to the bench early in the third quarter, was short-lived. The Indians had little success in denting the margin until late in the game, long after the decision had clearly been made. PH ended up with eleven 3-pointers for the game and gave Gar-Field trouble throughout with their defensive pressure. After Wilson's 20, the Patriots were led by Ronnie Thomas' 16 points, with Melvin Henderson adding 11. Ty Smith also chipped in 9 for Patrick Henry.
It was a classic standoff. Faith Christian was in the four corner spread offense with their ball handler dribbling alone near midcourt. Shenandoah Valley Christian was packed in a tight 2-3 zone defense, refusing to budge. There was only one problem - Shenandoah Valley trailed by 24 points. Such was the action late in the third quarter as Shenandoah Valley was reeling from a full-court trap by the Faith Lady Warriors which their opponents from Stephens City couldn’t come close to solving. Faith Christian pulled away to the 55-26 win Tuesday night to advance to the VACA girls state semifinal scheduled for Friday night at Timberlake Christian in Lynchburg. With only 8 players in uniform, Shenandoah Valley fell behind 9-0 before gathering themselves to only trail 14-7 at the end of the first quarter. Faith led by as many as 14 in the second quarter before heading to the break 27-17. The Lady Warrior full court press went into overdrive to start the third as Faith opened with 14 unanswered points, and held Shenandoah without a field goal in the entire quarter. Even with the three minute slowdown, Faith managed to outscore their opponents 20-2 to take command. Faith was willing to trade baskets in the final frame as their bench got in valuable minutes. Senior Morgan Oliver led the Faith Christian scoring with 16 points. Rachel Nymeyer added Patrick Henry #30 Kalleene Moret and #5 12,with Sarah Graninger, Jackie Jessop and MoniRonnie Thomas alter the path to the basket ca Pollard each scoring 6 in the victory. for a Gar-Field shooter. Faith Christian Head Coach Eric Walker thinks his 19-1 squad can make a serious run at the state title. “I’m a believer,” he said after the Photo and Recap by Bill Turner game.” This team is well balanced.” Walker was clearly pleased by the results of the swarming Faith full court pressure.” We live and die by the press,” he added.” I’m trying to ad-
Harlem Globetrotters Player Scores as Community Ambassador
The Patrick Henry High School gym was packed on Thursday, February 25, when Hot Shot Branch of the Harlem Globetrotters came to entertain. His visit was part of his work as an Advance Ambassador for the Globetrotters, and was put together by the Roanoke Civic Center Marketing Coordinator, Sharon Pratt, as a way to recognize and reward good character and grades. “We have had a tight schedule,” Pratt said, “I have really been thrilled to be able to set these events up.” Pratt said they spent the morning at the America’s Best Eyeglasses & Contacts in Town Square Shopping Center, which is the Harlem Globetrotter’s sponsor. “We asked TAP (Total Action against Poverty) Head Start to identify a family that needed eye care,” she explained. Pratt said that a mother and her two sons were invited to the store where Hot Shot wore a white doctor’s coat and presented each of them with a $150 voucher for glasses and a free ticket to the Harlem Globetrotters’ performance on March 4. Branch spent much of Thursday’s visit to PH doing ball tricks with the Patrick Henry Boys’ Varsity Basketball team, accompanied by the fa-
mous “Sweet Georgia Brown” whistle. All who made A/B Honor Roll for the second nine weeks attended for free, while those with at least a C average paid $2. The 13 students chosen by teachers to be the Students of the Second Nine Weeks were also honored. “Our students need to be recognized,” said PH principal Connie Ratcliffe, “and to have the opportunity to see a star athlete who is a professional communicator.” Pratt said the two were on their way next to the popular “C.H.E.E.R. For Character” (Cooperation, Healthy mind & body, Effort, Enthusiasm, and Responsibility) program at the Civic Center. The program has been highly successful because of the Harlem Globetrotters’ efforts since its 2004 inception. Hot Shot, a Houston, Texas native and Baylor University graduate, is in his seventh season with the Globetrotters and said he has been to 34 countries. He is a self-taught D.J. and says that he’d like to be a probation officer following his basketball playing career. By Deborah K. Wood info@newsroanoke.com
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Lady Warrior #20 Monica Pollard fires a pass past a Shenandoah defender leading to a Faith score Tuesday night.
dress every situation we may face in the upcoming games.” Faith Christian last won the VACA state championship in 2008, and current senior Rachel Nymeyer thinks this team can bring in another championship. “We’re as good as the 2008 team, “Nymeyer noted after the Shenandoah win.” We’ve picked up on this team what we lost from ‘08.” And, if she needs any pointers, Rachel has the perfect person to consult. Her sister, Christina, was a member of the 2008 champs before moving on to play college basketball.” She lets me know when there’s something I need to work on, “Rachel laughs.” For instance, she’ll go over our game and let me know I need to box out better.” Photo and Recap by Bill Turner
Jerry West Subject of Lazenby’s Latest Book The Pride of Cabin Creek, West Virginia--Jerry West--is the subject of a new book by Salem resident Roland Lazenby, a nationally recognized basketball author and journalism instructor at Virginia Tech. Lazenby, who has written about the Los Angeles Lakers and the Chicago Bulls in the past, decided to take on the complex Lakers legend of the 60’s and early 70’s. “Jerry West: The Life and Legend of a Basketball Icon” (Random House) details the highs and lows: the six failed attempts by the Lakers to beat the Boston Celtics for a championship in the 1960’s; finally winning a title in the 70’s; West’s unhappy stint as the Lakers coach; and his later success as a General Manager. Lazenby also touches on West’s uneasy relationships with Laker coaches Pat Riley and Phil Jackson, both Hall of Famers in their own right. Along with Oscar Robertson, his backcourt mate at the 1960 Rome Olympics, Jerry West was considered the best guard in the National Basketball Association for a long stretch. His legend first grew in several small towns in West Virginia, where he grew up in a family with little money. But West could hit a jump
shot and landed at West Virginia University, where he became a statewide hero. In 1959 he took West Virginia to the NCAA title game, where the Mountaineers lost by a point. West had the ball in his hands at the end. “There just wasn’t time to get up a shot,” he lamented to Lazenby many years later. “Losing always ate at West,” noted Lazenby, something that made it hard on him as a coach. Being thwarted so many times by Boston as a player “just drove him crazy.” How iconic is West? Consider that his image was morphed into what is now the NBA logo – the outline of a player driving to the basket. That’s West, often just called “The Logo” by some. Lazenby has spoken to West many times over the past twenty years or so. “He was such an important figure in my father’s life,” says the West Virginia native. Lazenby’s father was a high school basketball standout himself and kept a picture of West taped up in his bedroom. Lazenby would often call West, who lives in California, to fill in the details when assembling his book. He also spoke to West during the 2008 NBA finals. The legend opened up to him about abuse he suffered as
a child, among other things. The influence of his hard-charging mother is examined as well. “Everything had to be perfect for her,” said Lazenby, noting that West inherited that penchant for perfectionism. Random House quickly made Lazenby an offer once his agent finally decided to shop the book idea.He had written for midlevel publishers before but the West book deal is more or less the “big time” for Lazenby. It was released about a week ago and is available at online bookstores.
By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net
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WSLS Debuts “Our Blue Ridge” Natalie Faunce is a familiar face to viewers of Roanoke area television news. “I was a TV news anchor-reporter. I spent about ten years in the news business…here in Roanoke, people will probably recognize me from the Fox affiliate,” says Faunce. “I was doing the Fox Ten O’clock News Monday through Friday [for] about two years, and I did some out-and-about segments that people might remember.” Faunce briefly left television journalism for a job as the director of public relations for Ferrum College–one that involved a daily 45-minute (or more) commute each way to work and back. The opportunity to leave that behind arose when she learned about co-hosting a new, daily local lifestyle program on WSLS-Channel 10. “It sounded like a lot of fun,” she explains. “When I interviewed for it, I thought, ‘This is right up my alley.’” Beginning March 1, Faunce and veteran radio personality Jay Prater began co-hosting “Our Blue Ridge.” Airing at 12 noon on WSLS, the new program will spotlight lifestyle events in the Roanoke area. Prater grew up with broadcasting in his family. His father, Bart Prater, was a DJ on 1240 WROV AM in the 1960’s and ‘70s; he later moved on to K92 in the early 1980’s. Currently, the elder Prater is director of computer operations at WVTF Public Radio. Jay Prater comes to “Our Blue Ridge” from a 25-plus year career in radio broadcasting that began in Roanoke when he was a teenager on K92, followed by a stint on Q99. Leaving the Roanoke area, he held various radio jobs around the country, recently returning to Roanoke to join WROV. Prater learned about the opportunity to host “Our Blue Ridge” from a member of the WSLS sales department. “He put me in touch with Warren Fihr [the WSLS general manager]. Natalie and I interviewed with him, and, lo and behold, a guy with a radio face–they decided to put on television!” As the title implies, “Our Blue Ridge” will feature stories and segments pertaining to the people and culture of the region. “It’s more of a lifestyle program rather than a news-driven show,” says Faunce. “In fact, we’re not going to be really talking about anything newsworthy on the show.” One of the features will involve local restaurants. “We will be doing an ongoing segment with Marty Montano from Montano’s–who will be joining us every week for a new recipe,” says Faunce. “We also have a few segments that we’ll do with the Hotel Roanoke. We will probably feature many, many more as we go along.” Other segments will involve local nonprofit groups discussing projects they’re working on, community events, and the Pet of the Week segment that formerly appeared on WSLS’ 12 o’clock newscast. “We’ll have Angels of Assisi and the SPCA on,” says Prater. Authors, theater groups,
Photo by David Hungate
Co-Hosts Jay Prater and Natalie Faunce. the Jefferson Center, and both area civic centers will be featured as well. “You name it,” Faunce says, “it’s going to be featured on our show.” The concept of “Our Blue Ridge” grew out of a program that many of WSLS’s sister stations currently air. “Media General owns several stations around the country, mainly in the Southeast,” says Faunce. “And at least seven or eight of our sister stations already do this program. For example, we just recently visited [the] TriCities market. We went to Johnson City, and they do this program. They call it ‘Daytime Tri-Cities,’ and this is a prime example of how successful the show can be–and, hopefully, will be here in Roanoke. They started as a half-hour show in 2007 or 08, and within that first year, they went to an hour-long [show].” Neither Faunce or Prater believe that dropping WSLS’s noon news broadcast in favor of “Our Blue Ridge” will adversely affect the amount of news programming WSLS airs to local viewers. “I think that people can get their news anytime, and any day now with online,” says Faunce. “I think that this really gives the station an opportunity to…focus more on community events, local businesses, local restaurants, a little bit more than maybe a traditional news program can.” “Keep in mind, too,” Prater adds, “that even with the loss of the 12 o’clock newscast, WSLS carries more news than about anyone in the market [including the] 5:30 p.m., and seven o’clock shows.” Noting that viewers can also get news from Channel 10 from 5:30 a.m., Faunce says, “It’s not like we’re dropping a whole lot of our news product.” By Melvin E. Matthews Jr. info@newsroanoke.com
Science Fair Winners Advance to Regionals place: Wind Turbine by Doug Hartley (HVHS), 3rd place: Oxy Acetylene Cutting by Travis Meador (WBHS) Environmental Sciences, Environmental Management: 1st place: The Phytoremediation of Heavy Metals by Brassica juncea by Allison White (CSHS/RVGS), 2nd place: Effects of Phosphate Pollution on Algal Growth and Pond Snails by Elyse Parker (HVHS), Hon. Mention: The Effects of Raising Acidity Levels in the Ocean on Shellfish by Shyvilli Peterson (WBHS) Medicine & Health, Cellular & Molecular Biology: 1st place: The Effect of Body Mass Index and Lung Capacity on Range and Volume by Zachary Kemp (WBHS/RVGS), 2nd place: Periodic Reproduction of Bacteria by Joshua Slakman (CSHS) Microbiology: 1st place: NonThermal Effects of Microwave Radiation on E. coli by Sachith Gullapalli (HVHS/RVGS), 2nd place: Effectiveness of Preservatives to Inhibit Fungal Growth on Strawberries by Jared Johnson (NHS/RVGS), 3rd place: The Effect of Dog Saliva on Bacteria by Sarah Thomsen (GHS) Plant Sciences: 1st place: Separating a Parasite from its Host: A Dodder Story by Alexander Snodgrass (CSHS/RVGS), 2nd place: The Effects of UV-C Radiation on the Growth of Dunaliella salina and Chorella Algae by Madhura Chitnavis (HVHS), 3rd place: Use of Yellow Squash to Remove Lead and Cadmium from Water by Morgan Shannon (CSHS/ RVGS), Hon. Mention: Effect of UV Exposure on the Growth of Lactuca sativa by Ethan Scott (CSHS/RVGS) Middle School Division: Plant Sciences: 1st place: What is the Affect of Various Lights on Plant Growth by Emily Hadfield (CSMS), 2nd place: Which Type of Water Has the Greenest Thumb? by Hannah Delaney (HVMS), 3rd place: Cucumbers and Clorine? by Doug Murray & Reid Williams (HVMS) Energy & Transportation:1st place: Which Material Best Insulates Sound? by Sarah Clark (CSMS), 2nd place: Bridge Testing by Ben Jenkins (GMS), Hon. Mention: Cookie Fun! by Hannah Shepard (HVMS), Hon. Mention: Heat Energy in LEDs
by Devashish Sinha (HVMS), Hon. Mention: Batteries You get what you pay for by Caleb Smith (WBMS) Environmental Sciences, Environmental Management, Microbiology*: 1st place: How Does Acid Rain Affect the Cell Structure and Color of Spirgyra Algae by Gillian Horn (CSMS), 3rd place: Bacteria by Madeline Balliet (WBMS), Hon. Mention: Every Breath We Take by Emily Wyatt (HVMS) Medicine & Health, Animal Sciences, Biochemistry: 1st place: Glass, Plastic or Paper? by Hallie Urquhart (HVMS), 2nd place: Can Food Calories be Measured Using Fire? by Grant Iannella (CSMS), 3rd place: Ibuprofen by Rebecca Rice (WBMS), Hon. Mention: Bowl Color & Bird Feeding Habits by Maria Figaro (GMS) Chemistry I: 1st place: Effect of Ice Melt Components on Melting Time of Ice by Stephanie Weisberg (CSMS), 2nd place: Growing Crystals by Andrew McClung (GMS) Physics, Chemistry II: 1st place: Which Brand of Mascara Lengthens Eyelashes the Most? by Bonnie McGowan (NMS), 2nd place: Popping Up Savings by Will Spotswood (WMBS), 3rd place: Plop, Plop, Fizz, Fizz by Hunter Wilson (GMS)
Member SIPC © Edward Jones, 2009
About 60 Roanoke County middle and high school students competed in the Roanoke County Science Fair Saturday, February 27th at William Byrd Middle School. Students competed in different categories and school levels. Projects ranged from determining which material best insulates sound to fixing the BCS (in college football) to experimental designs on bridges. In the High School Division, all 1st, 2nd and 3rd place finalists qualified for the regional competition. In the Middle School Division, only 1st place finalists advanced to the regional science fair. The Western Virginia Regional Science fair will be held at Roanoke College March 20. Listed below are the results of the 2010 Roanoke County Science Fair: High School Division: Animal Sciences, Behavioral and Social Sciences: 1st place: The Effect of Bisphenol A on the Development of Artemia by Sarah Zillioux (CSHS/RVGS), 2nd place: Effect of Maze CrossSection on Porcelius scaber Spontaneous Turn Alteration by McKennon Flint (CSHS), 3rd place: The Effects of Mnemonic Devices on Short Term Memory by Bonnie Wei (NHS/ RVGS), Hon. Mention: The Effect of Birth Order on Personality by Erin Keener (HVHS) Chemistry: 1st place: Recrystallization by Zachary Hudson (CSHS), 2nd place: Oxidation by Lain Diehl (WBHS), 3rd place: The Effects of Dry Ice on Different Liquids by Luke Johnson (WBHS), Hon. Mention: How Permanent is Permanent by Joel Yost (WBHS) Computer Science, Mathematical Sciences: 1st place: Air Cooling vs. Water Cooling by Evan Spiker (HVHS), 2nd place: Mathematical Logic, Probability, and Blackjack by Abby Caldwell (GHS/RVGS), 3rd place: Fixing the BCS by Scott Wiggington (HVHS) Earth & Physical Sciences: 1st place: Cooling Rate Not Affected by Surface Area of Ice by Kathryn Butler (CSHS) Engineering: Electrical & Mechanical, Materials & Bioengineering: 1st place: Testing Different Dyes in Organic Solar Cells for Efficiency by Michael Zhang (CSHS/RVGS), 2nd
3/5/10 - 3/11/10 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 9
Convention is Other-Worldly
Creatures from throughout the galaxy descended on the Holiday Inn-Tanglewood last weekend for the 18th annual “SheVaCon.” That stands for Shenandoah Valley Convention-three days filled with activities like Sci-Fi writing workshops, panel discussions, a costume contest and art auction. Captain Scott Gibson from High Point, North Carolina and Ensign Eric Bowman from Randleman, North Carolina manned a booth promoting the USS Bonaventure, which is part of STARFLEET International, an international Star Trek fan group and one of more than 200 chapters worldwide. Both were wearing costumes from the movies Star Trek II through VI. According to Gibson, "They're called the 'monster maroons' because they're basically maroon in color. They're the dress costume for our organization, for important events like conventions or conferences or social events." The group does a lot of community service work and Gibson says sometimes members will dress in costume just to cheer someone up. When asked which version of Star Trek is the best, Bowman replied, "Which is your favorite Andrew Schwartz dressed as “Dr. Satan's child?" He sighed before continuing. "Original Robot.” series--I saw it first [when it came out in syndication]. I've enjoyed most all the series and most from Charlotte, was one of the writing workshop of the movies, not so much Voyager." Bowman panelists. She writes fantasy adventure novels liked “The Next Generation,” which he was able and is the author of the "The Chronicles of the to see in its first run; he was too young to see Necromancer" series. "I think women have made a very significant the original series when it first aired. He also enimprint over the years in science fiction, espejoyed the last couple of seasons of “Enterprise” cially in fantasy, so I think we're extremely well and is sorry it received a limited run. Gibson says the original series is also his fa- represented in fantasy." She just turned in the vorite because that was the first science fiction manuscript for the fifth book that will be volume series he saw as a youngster. "My mother got one in the “Fallen King Cycle--The Sworn,” to me involved with science fiction when I was come out in print next year. four years old, and I've been a Star Trek fan ever since." While the original series is his favorite, By Beverly Amsler he says “The Next Generation” and “Deep Space info@newsroanoke.com Nine” are close seconds. Melanie Schwartz acted as a guide for her husband, Andrew, as he prepared for the costume contest. Andrew had limited vision in his costume, Dr. Satan's 2308 Longview Ave. Robot, which dates to a 1940’s (South Roanoke) serial. It was also seen in some 3 BR / 2BA Duplex of the holo-deck scenes in Star gas, hot water, heat Trek: Voyager. The Reston, Vir(beats total electric), ginia resident was encased in a Garage gray “sonotube.” Melanie says googly eyes from a craft store $775 / month outlined the costume. On Andrew's head was something that resembled a trash can lid. Asked why he decided to dress up as this character, Andrew said, "I don't think anybody else has ever done it." Building robots is his hobby; he has also built an R2D2, a B9, a K9 and he wanted Full Time and Part Time positions available to build a costume "that a kind of large guy like myself could fit Competitive Wages Bonus Pay into, and this one seemed to fit Flexible hours Growth Potential the bill." Building robots keeps Ongoing Training Guaranteed Income him out of bars at night, he added with a chuckle. 540-525-4643 or www.greatclips.com Gail Z. Martin, an author
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Wall Street Journal Columnist A Common Sense Checklist of 2010 Peggy Noonan to Give Cutchins Small Business Considerations Distinguished Lecture at Virginia Tech Wall Street Journal columnist and best-selling author Peggy Noonan will give the Cutchins Distinguished Lecture at Virginia Tech on Thursday, March 25, 7:30 p.m., in Burruss Auditorium. In a talk titled “An Evening of Perspective with Peggy Noonan,” Noonan will draw on her 30-plus years in journalism to discuss American history, politics, and culture, including domestic and foreign policy, the economy, and the current administration. Noonan’s essays have appeared in Forbes, Time, Newsweek, The Washington Post, The New York Times, and other publications. A CBS News producer earlier in her career, Noonan is a frequent guest on political talk shows. She has been nominated for Emmy Awards for the writing of a post-Sept. 11 television special and for her work on the TV drama “The West Wing.” Time magazine called her first book, “What I Saw at the Revolution,” “a love letter to the American political process.” Her most recent book, “Patriotic Grace: What It Is And Why We Need It Now,” was published in 2008. Noonan’s other books
include “When Character Was King: A Story of Ronald Reagan” and “The Case Against Hillary Clinton,” both bestsellers, and a collection of post-Sept. 11 columns, “A Heart, a Cross, and a Flag: America Today.” Noonan was a special assistant to President Ronald Reagan from 1984 to 1986 and was chief speechwriter in 1988 for George Bush when he ran for the presidency. Her book, “Simply Speaking,” was published in paperback in 1999 as “On Speaking Well,” of which Forbes magazine said: “Peggy Noonan packs a wallop of Peggy Noonan practical wisdom and insightful tips for rookie and veteran ecutive and former rector of the speechmakers alike … this wee Virginia Tech Board of Visitors. volume, written by one of this The lecture series is named for century’s premier presidential the late Clifford A. Cutchins III, speechwriters, will guide you a former bank chairman and rector of the Board of Visitors. correctly.” The Cutchins Distinguished Cutchins received a degree in Lecture is sponsored by the accounting from Virginia Tech Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets in 1944. The center aims to eduRice Center for Leader Devel- cate students about leadership opment and the Pamplin Col- and prepare them to be leaders lege of Business and is also held of integrity and ability. The talk is free and open to in celebration of Founders Day. the public, no tickets are reIt is named in honor of the late quired. For assistance, please W. Thomas Rice, who received call (540) 231-9457; parking a degree in civil engineering information is available online from Virginia Tech in 1934, a www.parking.vt.edu retired railroad industry ex-
Being a small business owner has never been for the faint of heart, but the last two years have been especially difficult. In fact, more businesses declared bankruptcy in the first nine months of 2009 than in all 2008. But with a slowly improving economy, small business owners have something new to consider: what to do next? "There is excess capital sitting on the sidelines, waiting to be tapped by businesses – bank loans, prrivate equity, and government assistance," said John Asbury, head of Regions Bank's Business Banking, "It's about determining the right next step – whether i's growth, succession or stabilization. There is uncertainty and difficulty still, but there is also opportunity." As a top traditional bank lender to small businesses in the U.S. (Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy, 2009), what is Regions advising clients to consider as next steps for 2010? It's a combination of honest assessment, common sense and goals, according to Asbury. A Common Sense Checklist for 2010 Get a fiscal –“ Realistically look at current financial positions and projections for 2010 (expected, not hoped for). Enlist an accountant or bookkeeper but come away with a realistic vision of financial expectations, outlook, cash position, debt, capital needs, etc. Talk to your friends – Who are your trusted advisors? Theyy should include a banker/financial advisor, tax advisor, accountant and maybe more. Remember that they bring more to the table than just a specific expertise; they also have a wealth of knowledge from helping other small business owners. Examine your cash flow – When do receivables come in? When do you make paayments? Can you increase cash on hand? Talk to your accountant, banker or financial partners with a goal of optimizing your cash operating cycle. Stay plugged in – In 2009, several small busi-
ness goovernment programs were announced and implemented. These included recovery loans, increases in SBA guarantee programs, waivers of guarantee fees, and additional deposit insurance. Spend wisely – How are you planning to capture business from struggling or out-of-business competitors? What's your plan to thrive through marketing or promotion? Protect yourself against fraud – Start with the simpple, like dividing bookkeeping and payments functions, and then consider moving to electronic monitoring of transactions, electronic payments and having additional checks and balances in your business. Know your safety nets – Equity in your business is not the same as debt. Equity is like air in a balloon and debt the ballasts. A balloon that is having difficulties rising isn't aided by more ballasts; it typically needs more air. Price it right -“Consider/re-evaluate what you should charge for your services to be able to reasonably run your business . . . and remember: it's more typical for business owners to undercharge, than overcharge. How have you differentiated your value proposition? Avoid price-driven competitive strategies. Borrow with purpose – Strong, businesses should consider how they can expand right now – for a host of reasons. Because rates aare great. Supply is available and because there are incentives for expansion. If you've been parked on the sidelines, when will there be a better time to move/expand? Plan for the future – Growth will return. Then what? Retirement? Succession planning? Keep an eye on potential estate tax liability, which is often overlooked by small business owners. Estate tax laws are in flux as we enter 2010 and change is certain. What are the implications to your plan? Evelyn Mitchell - Corporate Communications, Regions Financial
Union Membership in Virginia − 2009 StellarOne Corporation Chairman Elected MID-ATLANTIC INFORMATION OFFICE Philadelphia, Pa. For release: Wednesday, February 17, 2010 PLS – 4631 Technical Information: (215) 597-3282 • BLSInfoPhiladelphia@bls.gov • www.bls.gov/ro3 Media Contact: (215) 861-5600 • BLSMediaPhiladelphia@bls.gov
In 2009, the number ofMEMBERSHIP work- counted for− 4.7 UNION IN VIRGINIA 2009 percent of wage In 2009, the number of belongingwas to a unionand was 166,000 in the Commonwealth Virginia, the ers belonging toworkers a union salary workers in ofVirginia U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Sheila Watkins, the Bureau’s regional commissioner, 166,000 in the Commonwealth 2009, compared pernoted that union members accounted for 4.7 percent in of wage and salary workers inwith Virginia4.1 in 2009, with 4.1 percent posted in 2008. At its peak in 1992, the union membership rate for the ofcompared Virginia, the9.3U.S. cent posted in 2008. At its peak Commonwealth was percent.Bureau of Nationally,Statistics the number of workers belonging 771,000 to 15,327,000 in 2009. Labor reported re-to a union in declined 1992,bythe union membership The union membership rate was 12.3 percent, essentially unchanged from 12.4 percent in 2008. In 1983, cently. Sheila Watkins, Burate for thethe Commonwealth the first year for which comparable the national union data are available, union membership rate was was 20.1 percent. Interestingly, the Commonwealth of Virginia has had union membership rates below the reau’s regional percent. U.S. average since 1989,commissioner, the first year state data was9.3 gathered. (See chart 1.) Chart 1. that Members of unions as a percent ofacemployed in Nationally, the United States and the Commonwealth noted union members the number ofof Virginia, 1989-2009
12.4
12.3
12.1
12.5
12.0
12.5
13.3
12.9
13.3
13.9
13.4
14.1
14.9
14.0
13.9
Virginia 14.5
15.7
United States 15.5
16.0
16.0
15.7
16.4
16.0
18.0
9.3 8.7
8.7
9.1
10.0
8.3
6.5 6.0
4.1
4.0
4.0
3.7
4.7
4.8
5.3
6.0
5.5
5.8
6.8
1996
6.6
6.8
1995
6.5
8.0 6.7
Percent of employed
12.0
workers belonging to a union declined by 771,000 to 15,327,000 in 2009. The union membership rate was 12.3 percent, essentially unchanged from 12.4 percent in 2008. In 1983, the first year for which comparable national union data are available, the union membership rate was 20.1 percent. Interestingly, the Commonwealth of Virginia has had union membership rates below the U.S. average since 1989, the first year state data was gathered.
n/a
2.0
Members of unions as a percent of employed in the United States and the Commonwealth of Virginia, 1989-2009
0.0 1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
Talecris Plasma Resources Cuts Ribbon on New Donor Center
A new company in town is offering citizens the opportunity to help others. Talecris Plasma Resources recently opened a newly renovated plasma donor center in Roanoke, 502 5th Street, S.W. It is one of 60 such centers located all across America providing plasma that is used to make more than 50 essential treatments for people with immune deficiencies, hemophilia and other rare illnesses. The new Roanoke center will bring 40 new jobs to the area, including on-staff physicians and will generate an estimated annual payroll of more than $1 million plus $1.5 million per year in reimbursements to donors. The total positive economic impact is projected to be at least $12 million.
Talecris Biotherapeutics uses the donated plasma to discover, develop and produce life-enhancing protein therapies. According to the company, these plasma-derived therapies treat rare, chronic and often genetic diseases such as hemophilia, primary immune deficiencies and genetic emphysema. These therapies are also used to treat medical conditions such as shock, trauma and burns. Plasma is essential for a wide range of critical medicines. Additional information about human plasma, and the company's plasma-derived therapeutic agents, can be found at www.talecris. com
The Board of Directors of StellarOne Corporation elected Raymond D. Smoot, Jr. Chairman effective March 1, 2010. This election was subsequent to the retirement of William P. Heath, Jr. as Chairman on February 28, 2010. Dr. Smoot has served as Chief Operating Officer and Secretary-Treasurer of the Virginia Tech Foundation, Inc. since October, 2003. He previously held several vice presidential posts at Virginia Tech including Vice President for Administration and Treasurer. As Chief Operating Officer of the Virginia Tech Foundation, Dr. Smoot is responsible for management of assets in excess of $1 billion including the university’s $500 million endowment, the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center, the Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center, and the River Course, a Pete Dye golf course. He is also Director and Treasurer of the university’s technology transfer company
and its bookstores and related operations. Dr. Smoot is a native of Lynchburg, Virginia and earned bachelor and masters degrees from Virginia Tech and a Ph.D. from The Ohio State University. Dr. Smoot has previously served as Chairman of StellarOne Bank and director of StellarOne Corporation. Active in community affairs, he serves as director and investment committee chair of Carilion Clinic, and director of Warm Hearth Raymond D. Smoot Jr. (a non-profit retirement community), RGC Resources, Inc., as recipient of its 2005 National and the Virginia College of Community Leadership Award. Osteopathic Medicine. He has “All of us at StellarOne Corpreviously served as Chairman poration are indeed fortunate of the Investment Committee of to have Dr. Smoot’s guidance the Virginia Retirement System, and professional experience one of the nation’s largest pen- leading our board as we move sion funds. He also serves as the company toward enhanced an investment advisory board profitability and future growth,” member of Harbert Ventures stated O.R. (Ed) Barham, PresiPartners and the NewVa In- dent & Chief Executive Officer vestment Fund. Dr. Smoot was of StellarOne Corporation. recognized by the Association of University Research Parks
Goodwill Elects New Officers and Board Members
Goodwill Industries of the Valleys recently elected new officers for its Board of Directors to serve one-year terms, which began on January 1, 2010: Jeffrey Glenn – Sycom Technologies, Chair, John Coker – Retired, SunTrust Investment Services, Vice-Chair, Howard Lyon – RGC Resources, Inc., Treasurer, Lisa Ison, Secretary Three new board members have also been elected to serve on the Board of Directors for three-year terms, which began on January 1, 2010: Sharon H. Johnson, Shenandoah Valley Partnership, Inc., Rhonda Shannon, Carilion Clinic, Jeffrey A. Van Doren, LeClair Ryan Goodwill Industries of the Valleys, a United Way partner organization headquartered in Roanoke, serves 31 counties and 14 cities in the New River, Roanoke, and Shenandoah Valleys. Its mission is to help people and families in our community achieve a better life through work and independence. In 2009 Goodwill served over 32,000 people and placed 664 into competitive community employment.
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Arts & Culture
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“The Big Read” Draws Crowds
It’s not just school kids in English classes all over the Roanoke Valley reading “A Lesson Before Dying,” by Earnest J. Gaines, but also poets, musicians, and adult book clubbers. The WVTF/ Public Radio Book Club’s genial host, station manager Ben Martin, was kept busy bringing in extra chairs for the overflow crowd at the monthly meeting this last Tuesday evening in February. Guest leader, Pulitzer Prize-winning and former Roanoke Times reporter Mary Bishop, offered observations and questions that tapped into the interest generated by the story of the execution of an innocent black man in a rural Louisiana community in 1947. Book club leader Ellen Aiken introduced Big Read Co-Chairs Lucy Lee and Ann McCallum, who expressed delight at the deeply engaged conversation about “A Lesson Before Dying.” The official Kickoff Event, “Jazz & Justice: A River of Words and Music Collide,” was held Sunday afternoon at the intimate setting in the Jefferson Center Rehearsal Hall. It featured: David Stewart Wiley, Composer & Pianist (Music Director & Conductor of the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra); T.J. Anderson III, Poet; Tracy Cowden, Pianist; and Julee Hickcox, Flute. Using dissonant jazz and forceful poetry to connect the audience with the harsh, violent, unpredictable life as experienced by blacks in the rural South in the 1940’s, the music also embodied the slow sweetness of life as well as the slap-happy nature of ragtime tunes. T.J. Anderson, III, poet and associate professor of English at Hollins University captured the audience with the power and musicality of his words and matching delivery. Wiley’s brief lecture before each musical piece greatly enhanced the audience’s enjoyment level,
The Big Read Roanoke Valley Kickoff Event and Reception in the Jefferson Center Atrium followed the program "Jazz & Justice: A River of Words and Music Collide" held last Sunday. particularly for those of non-jazz-literate persuasion, but the background story of one musical piece in particular was utterly stunning. In 1978, Dr. T.J. Anderson, Jr., celebrated music professor and composer at Tufts University near Boston, gave his then-student David Stewart Wiley, a composition entitled “Street Song,” which is a deconstructed composition of a children’s song he had heard on the streets of Atlanta. For the first public performance of “Street Song,” Wiley played the piano solo on the stage with T.J. Anderson, III, son of his mentor. Together…In Roanoke--all those years later. What are the odds? The Big Read Roanoke Valley continues with events planned through March 31. Visit bigreadroanokevalley.org for a listing of events By Gail Lambert info@newsroanoke.com
Opening Reception for New Artists at The Market Gallery The Market Gallery will welcome three new artists to the gallery on Friday, March 26 from 5:30-8:00 p.m. -- Donna Ramsey Nevers, Anna Wentworth and Cheng Fen Yeh. Donna Ramsey Nevers incorporates archaeology, travel and her passion for the Virginia landscape into her mixed media works. Anna Wentworth's love of theater, travel and storytelling find their way into her oil paintings, and Cheng Fen Yeh blends Chinese and Western art traditions into her arresting watercolors. The New Artists show continues through April 24. The gallery is located on the historic City Market, on the corner of Salem and Wall Streets across from Wachovia Tower.
3/5/10 - 3/11/10 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 11
Veteran Appalachian Trail Hiker Releases New Book
Regional author Leonard M. Adkins will be signing his new book, “Images of America: Along Virginia’s Appalachian Trail,” at Barnes and Noble in Valley View on Saturday March 13 from 12 – 2 p.m. The book offers approximately 200 vintage photographs that provide a look at life in the mountains before and during the trail’s creation, along with how it came into being, who its early champions were, the many changes / relocations the trail has experienced, and the volunteers who have constructed and maintained it. The photos were selected from the archives of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, the National Park Service, and local Appalachian Trail maintaining clubs. Adkins has hiked the entire Appalachian Trail five times, walked more than 19,000 miles in North America, Europe, and the Caribbean, and is the author of 16 books about the outdoors and travel, including five concerning the trail. He has aided the Appalachian Trail Conservancy in identifying and protecting rare and endangered plants by being a Natural Heritage Monitor and a ridgerunner. He has also been on the Roanoke Appalachian Trail Club’s Board of Directors and is a volunteer maintainer of a trail section near McAfee’s Knob. Among others, his photographs and articles have appeared in “Islands,” “Back-
Leonard M. Adkins and wife on the Appalachian Trail. packer,” “Caribbean Travel and Life,” and “Blue Ridge Country.” Among his books are “Walking the Blue Ridge,” “50 Hikes in Southern Virginia,” and “West Virginia: An Explorer’s Guide.” “The Appalachian Trail: A Visitor’s Companion,” was presented the Society of American Travel Writers Foundation’s Lowell Thomas Journalism Award. “Wildflowers of the Appalachian Trail” is a winner of the National Outdoor Book Award. He is currently “The Hike” columnist for “Blue Ridge Country,” Roanoke Outdoors writer
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[ Roanoke Prodigies Make Solo Debuts
On Friday, February 26th, two local violinists made their solo concert debuts at the home of their mentor and teacher, Benedict Goodfriend. Goodfriend is principal violinist with the Kandinsky Trio and performs world wide. Thirteen-year-old Sage Wright, from Rocky Mount, Va., began taking violin lessons at age three. She is described by Goodfriend as a "prodigy" and he says "if she continues to improve at the rate she is going she will be frightening by the time she reaches college." Her plans are to continue with her music studies and be a concert violinist. She played the first movement from the D minor concerto by Wieniawski, a very technically challenging piece. It is a virtuoso concerto rarely played by a thirteen year old, according to Goodfriend. Sage plays with the Roanoke Youth Symphony Orchestra. Kathleen Kennedy is a fifteen-year-old very talented young lady who started playing at the age of five. She has had
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Sage Wright, Benedict Goodfriend and Kathleen Kennedy. experience playing at church functions, weddings, and other venues. She also plays with the Roanoke Youth Symphony Orchestra. Kennedy played the last movement of the Max Bruch G minor concerto. It is considered an entry concerto into the virtuoso world and is one of the German composer’s most enduring works.
Kennedy eventually plans on studying engineering. Both girls originally took lessons from Jane Wang, a celebrated violinist with the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra, and eventually became advanced students of Goodfriend, Wang's husband. Text And Photo By Jim Bullington
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Page 12 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 3/5/10 - 3/11/10
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The Virginia Glee Club to be Featured in "Music on the Corner" Series
The Virginia Glee Club, the University of Virginia’s premier all-male choir, will perform in Roanoke on Friday, March 12, at 7:00 p.m. at St. John’s Episcopal Church. The group will be making the stop as part of its “Songs of Virginia Spring Break Tour of the Northeast.” As the oldest musical organization on Grounds at 139 years old, the group carries with it the beloved traditions of the University and will be bringing timeless songs of UVA along with classic men’s choir repertoire on its first domestic tour in four years. The Virginia Glee Club is also very honored to be joined by the Oriana Singers of Roanoke College as part of the “Music on the Corner” series at St. John’s Episcopal. No tickets are required for this concert, but a free will offering will be provided. St. John’s Episcopal is located on the corner of Jefferson Street and Elm Avenue in Roanoke. For more information, please contact the church at (540)343-9341 or the Virginia Glee Club at gleeclub-president@virginia.edu.
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