TheRoanokeStar.com by The Roanoke Star

Free Kids Meal

with the purchase of an adult entrée.

Limit 2 Kids Meals per Table Expires 6/8/12 PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit 342 Roanoke va

540.265.3555 4802 Valley View Blvd. NW w w w.Abuelos.com

POSTMASTER: Dated material, please deliver by publication date

TheRoanokeStar.com community | news | perspective

May 25 - 31, 2012

[Community]

Local Colors Delights Thousands

DPVA Chair Defends His Day Job

Dick Baynton

Student Loans P5– New Star Columnist Dick Baynton explains the ins and outs of the Trillion Dollar student loan cloud hanging over America.

Garden Time P6– Memorial Day means the beginning of gardening season for many homeowners. Gardening expert Melinda Myers has some great tips.

Brian Moran, DPVA Chair

Photo submitted by Local Colors

Mayor David Bowers is surrounded by local representatives of many countries during last week’s Local Colors Parade. Now in its 22nd year Local Colors draws over 25,000 people to downtown Roanoke.

he Parade of Nations, ethnic food vendors, music and dancing from some of the 70-plus countries involved, Local Colors, the annual showcase of Roanoke’s wide ethnic roots, returned to Elmwood Park last Saturday for a day of diversity. Founder Pearl Fu was on hand as well, posing for pictures and waving from the stage. Performers came from the featured country, Poland, and from Germany, the Philippines, Mexico, the Ukraine, South Korea, India, Egypt, North and South Sudan, Brazil, Ireland, Nepal, China, England, the United States, Kenya, Tanzania,

and more. “I would like to remind everyone that Local Colors is an organization that goes beyond just the festival,” said Fu a few days later. “Our organization works tirelessly throughout the year presenting programs to schools, colleges, businesses and government organizations. We provide advocacy, networking opportunities and conflict resolution for the community. Reach out to someone who is different from you - eat, dance and befriend them.” -Gene Marrano

Masons Cove Elementary Shows Off At Open House Titans Are Tops P7– Hidden Valley knocks off arch-rival Cave Spring to capture the River Ridge District Regular Season Title.

Festival Retools P9– Now in its 43rd year, Festival in the Park has a few nice surprises for attendees including music headliner Craig Morgan.

been a guidance The first thing a counselor at the old visitor will notice school before movwhen they see the ing to Glenvar Elenew Masons Cove mentary as an assisElementary School tant principal. Even – it opened last Aueleven years ago gust – is that it looks during her first stint very different than at Masons Cove, the average elementhere was talk of tary school. For the need for a new one thing, it looks facility. “It’s been a more like a commulong time,” said Satnity college campus terfield. Coal heatfrom the outside ing was actually and seems to blend very efficient said in perfectly with the Photo by Gene Marrano Satterfield, but “it rural environment was a mess.” around it; the earth Front entrance at Masons Cove Elementary School. The new atmotones used for extein on time and on budget ($12 rior colors have a lot to do with million was earmarked for the sphere for learning is better, for that. project,) Masons Cove Elemen- students, teachers and staff. SatIt’s also very green, using a tary School replaced a 50-year- terfield has heard plenty of good geothermal source on site for old building that was still heated things all year from parents heating and cooling, while tak- with coal furnaces. It was de- that have come to the school. ing full advantage of natural cided that replacing the school, “[They said] it’s warm and invitlighting to keep electricity bills on Bradshaw Road in Roanoke ing and welcoming; that it’s so down. Solar technology is used County’s Catawba magisterial bright and cheerful – just such a to help heat water in the caf- district, would be cheaper than change. They really like it.” Pateteria. Some materials recycled renovating the old one. G&H terns made with wood on winfrom the old school, like wood Contractors in Salem designed dows throughout the building depict tree limbs. from the gym floor, have also and built the school. Last Saturday the school held been incorporated at the new Phyllis Satterfield came back Masons Cove. to Masons Cove as the princi> CONTINUED There’s also new furniture and pal last August, just before the the latest in technology. Coming new building was open. She had P2: Masons

Meridian Wealth Management 540-855-3348 | www.ubs.com/team/meridianwealth

10 South Jefferson Street, Suite 1050, Roanoke, VA 24011

Brian Moran, the Virginia Democratic Party chair is still coming under attack for his day job as a spokesperson and lobbyist for the Association of Private Sector Colleges and Universities. The APSCU defends for-profit colleges that are said to offer students little hope of “gainful” employment but leave them with mounds of private and federal student loan debt. Moran took the reins of the Democratic Party of Virginia chairmanship after Dick Cranwell resigned at the end of 2010. To the chagrin of progressive blogs like Lowell Feld’s Blue Virginia and Ben Tribbitt’s Not Larry Sabato he became chair over their preferred candidate Arlington County Democratic Committee Chair Peter Rousselot. They say Moran is in direct opposition to President Obama’s clamp down on abuse by many of the for-profit colleges that prey on minorities and veterans. Besides having been in the House of Delegates Moran ran > CONTINUED P2: Chair

Kaine Holds Roundtable On Women’s Issues

Former Governor and Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Tim Kaine, on Tuesday, sat with twenty women at the Starkey Road Mill Mountain and Tea to discuss and listen to issues that were most important to them. Photo by Valerie Garner On the economy It wasn’t a “round table” but Tim Kaine Kaine told them was the center of attention on Tuesday. that there are things we have to do right “We have to figure out a way to away like ending unnecessary ease up on local lending regulatax subsidies and letting the tions.” Bush era tax cuts expire. To susHis talent strategy is educatain the economy he proposed tion based. “If you cut educaa combination of “talent and tion when you’re suppose to be balance.” Balance in budgeting growing your economy you’re and balance in politics in the going to hurt yourself,” he said. form of compromise. On the Kaine called for a national growth side he advocated for commitment that includes Preinfrastructure investment cit- K learning and college affording both roads and rail. “There ability. “Women have often had is an anti-investment mentality their talents discounted … We right now” that is stifling that still have a ways to go on that,” growth. said Kaine. Small businesses have been Kaine believes that the idea hit by bank regulations follow- of balancing a budget with 100 ing the 2008 financial collapse, percent cuts is flawed. “No he said. That has affected small local banks that lend to small > CONTINUED businesses trying to expand. P2: Kaine

> Chair

Hit or miss showers and storms are possible for Thursday and Friday. Temperatures will top out near 80 Thursday and in the upper 80s Friday. Scattered showers and storms are possible this weekend. The rain will be hit or miss. Temperatures will top out near 90.

At Hanging Rock Animal Hospital, we offer traditional, as well as holistic treatments for your furry family members.

We now offer Acupuncture, Laser therapy, & Homeopathic treatments!

www.hangingrockah.com Please stop by to meet our great team, tour our hospital, and find out why we offer the best compresensive wellness care for you pet. Cinthia L. Honeycutt, DVM

Todd Czarnecki, DVM, CVA

Laura Nelson, DVM

1910 Loch Haven Drive • Roanoke, VA 24019 • 540-562-4596

Angel Tarabay

TREE SERVICE Professional, Friendly and Experienced Excellent References Serving the Roanoke Valley and Surrounding Areas 24 Hour Emergency Service Free Estimates

540.293.6303

Chiropractic Wellness Dr. Nancy L. Meyer Chiropractic Physician

540-777-5556 4903 Starkey Rd., Ste 100, Roanoke www.drnancymeyer.com

A little Hot Fudge...

339-WAGS

Sure to add sweetness to your life! Chinese Crested/Chihuahua blend An older dog with love to give Plenty of life he has yet to live. A little fella, he has his own duds! Adopt a homeless pet and help us share the love.

rvspca.org

Your unconditional love headquarters

RESTORE YOUR CABINETS TO LIKE-NEW CONDITION! Get a beautiful, updated kitchen in only 1 day for a fraction of the cost of buying new cabinets!

Before

After

What’s a Tune-Up? We start by separating and then removing the build-up (dirt, grease, smoke and dust) from the original finish. Then we touch up and blend the areas where color Afterhave faded and apply a special colorant. may Finally, we treat your cabinets with a special penetrating oil that restores dried out wood fibers, or apply an entirely fresh coat of finish.

540.365.2990

kitchentuneup.com

Packages start at $699!

Kitchen Tune-Up is locally owned & operated by Bill & Cathy Fandel.

From page 1

for the Democratic nomination for governor in 2009 coming in third behind Creigh Deeds and Terry McAuliffe. Progressives continue to demand Moran’s resignation. Virginia law states that the chairman or any full-time paid employee of a state political party shall not be employed as a lobbyist by any principal. An attorney concluded it meant a lobbyist for the state and not a federal lobbyist as Moran is for the APSCU. When asked about the continuing controversy Moran said that as an unpaid chairman of the party, “I have to make a living.” Higher education has always been a passion he said but, “I freely admit that there are some challenges to our sector.” He said President Obama’s goal is to be number one in the world by 2020 and to reach that goal 10 million more students need to be educated according to the Department of Education. Only 41 percent of students go beyond a high school education, said Moran. Adult learners account for most of the need. “Our schools educate the adult learners,” he said. “They offer career focused education … you are not going there for anything

other than education. It’s not a social experience – no football games, no fraternities. They are taking a lot of courses online.” Moran referenced the law signed this year by Governor McDonnell that requires high school students to take one virtual course to graduate. “Our schools are doing that,” he said. “I’m familiar of the critics, believe me,” said Moran. He said that the criticism is lodged at the sector but there is a lot of good innovation in the sector as well. “I’m making sure that every one of our students that attends one of our schools gets a quality education that helps them find a job.” The objective is to make sure they are taking courses that equip them for jobs that are in demand like health care and information technology. When asked about the schools that may be “milking federal dollars” he said that there are regulations at all levels of government already that includes creditors. Forprofit colleges are said to account for the largest portion of student loan debt. According to Susan Adams of Forbes: “For-profit schools educate 11% of U.S. post-secondary students, but those students

> Masons a community open house and ribbon cutting, inviting those who might not have seen what their taxes helped pay for – a new home for 200 local children, built with plenty of room to grow should the rural areas around the school begin to develop. The joint contingency fund contributed to by the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors and the School Board (both chipped in $300,000 this year) means there is money to pay down debt service for major projects like Masons Cove and Cave Spring Middle School, which is nearing completion, with a target date for opening in August. Fifth grade teacher Brenda

> Kaine

one has ever cut their way to prosperity. If you just make cuts you’re not going to get better, you’re going to get weaker.” As an example he pointed to President Eisenhower, a Republican, who invested and built the interstate highway system following WWII. Kaine said, his opponent (George Allen) “has taken a pledge of allegiance to Grover Norquist that says, ‘I will never raise any taxes - ever.’” Kaine supports generating revenue by taking away unnecessary oil company tax subsidies and letting the Bush era tax cuts expire for the “top end” wage earners. Cuts will only hurt defense, federal college Pell Grants and seniors. He called Paul Ryan’s “radical” revisions to Medicare, “A cost shifter - not a cost reducer.” Kaine said he would redirect oil subsidies to alternative energy. It will help the environment and help manufacturing, he said.

Brenda Agee loves the new technology in her classroom. Agee loves the openness of her new second floor classroom at Masons Cove, which includes a view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. “We see more rainbows across the mountainside,” said Agee, who takes full advantage of the “tons of new technology,” as well. Everything is adjustable and can be moved around as

carry 26% of the nation’s student loans and they make up 43% of those who default, according to the DOE.” They cost twice as much as state colleges. As far as the federal student loan default crisis Moran said that, “For-profit colleges only account for five percent of the one trillion of student loan debt.” Students need to consider, “Are you getting into a program that is going to be able to accommodate that debt?” “All of our schools that are members of our association are accredited nationally and regionally.” Those regionally accredited are the same ones that accredit Virginia Tech, he said. “When things do occur they get slapped down,” said Moran. “They will lose accreditation and access to federal loans.” Moran said that he meets many successful students from for-profit colleges who say they received a good education but that “every time [for-profit colleges] are attacked it is diminishing the value of their education.” By Valerie Garner info@theroanokestar.com

From page 1 needed. “It certainly is a nice setting [for learning]. The technology piece, I think, is important.” Agee’s students “are very aware that it’s a green building.” That’s lent itself well to lessons on resource management and being good stewards of the earth. They even know how geothermal heating and cooling works. “At least the fifth graders Phyllis Satterfield is the principal at Masons Cove. do,” said Agee. Catawba school board repre- visors for working together on sentative David Wymmer was capital projects: “It’s a conscious outside greeting visitors, some decision by both boards… so of who were taking home bricks that we can do this. We hope as from the old school as a me- we go forward we can use that mento. Those who have visited [cooperative] environment to over the past year “have all been our benefit.” thrilled by what they’ve seen.” By Gene Marrano Wymmer also commends the gmarrano@cox.net school board and county super-

From page 1 Brenda Hale, President of the NAACP Roanoke branch, said that “voter suppression” was a pressing concern to her. Kaine said, “So many states have magically decided to make it harder to vote – it’s only explained by one thing, people are trying to game the system to get an electoral advantage.” The women became vocal when talk turned to wedge issues and women’s health. “There’s a reason why you call them wedge issues – they’re about pulling people apart rather than about bringing people together,” said Kaine. Kaine pointed to George Allen’s support for a federal law referred to as “personhood” that defines life beginning at conception. “That would have huge consequences; potentially criminalizing FDA approved birth control.” It would also dramatically change laws that refer to “persons.” Allen, he said, would also repeal employer-mandated contraception. Kaine, as a Cath-

olic, agreed with the adjustment made that offered contraceptive coverage directly to the employee rather than force it on the employer. “Having contraception actually reduces health care costs,” said Kaine with agreement from the women. Allen and Kaine have distinct differences. As governor of Virginia, Kaine fought to retain funding to Planned Parenthood. He believes that, “Women should be trusted to make their own moral and health decisions … it shouldn’t be government making people’s moral decisions.” In answer to a question about campaign donor disclosure by corporations and “Super PACs,” he said he would propose bills that would prohibit “secret money” and require shareholder votes before corporations could contribute. The Senate has used filibusters to block or delay action and has frustrated Senators and produced government dysfunction.

It takes 60 of 100 votes to break a filibuster. Instead of allowing arcane procedures to block floor votes, Kaine says the filibuster needs to revert back to its origins. “For anyone to filibuster they should have to stand on the floor and actually filibuster.” Kaine said people could decide if it was obstruction or a person “trying to do the public good.” There should also be a rule that defines use of the filibuster to only a few big things that are important, he said. When asked about marriage for same-sex couples, he said, “Legally we ought to treat committed couples the same way … They should be treated like everyone else. Churches should have the ability to make their own decisions as they have now. As a matter of law I believe treating couples equally is the right thing,” said Kaine. By Valerie Garner info@theroanokestar.com

Council Considers Work Group To Study Possible November Elections Acting City Attorney Tim Spencer, on Monday, hand delivered a letter of advice to council members detailing the steps he recommended to move Roanoke City’s May municipal elections to November. The one-page letter referenced an attached two-page letter that former City Attorney Bill Hackworth gave then Mayor Ralph Smith in December 2002. Spencer attached Hackworth’s letter that advised council of the change in Virginia Code that states: “The council of a city or town may provide by ordinance that the mayor, if an elected mayor is provided for by charter, and council shall be elected at the November general election date of any cycle as designated in the ordinance, for terms to commence January 1.” The law states that this cannot occur between January and May general election dates. There is a section that says no term shall be shortened unless the change to November general elections is implemented in odd-number years from a May general election in even-number years. In other words, now is an oppor-

tune time. Spencer advised, as did Hackworth that, “If council decides to move the municipal elections to November, it is my opinion that the city would need to amend Sections 4 and 16 of the city charter to ensure that our charter accurately reflects the November election date. I do not anticipate any problem with the General Assembly in approving such a Charter amendment. I would also recommend that any change in the municipal election date, be “pre-cleared” by the United States Department of Justice under the Voting Rights Act of 1965.” At Monday’s council meeting councilman Bill Bestpitch asked colleagues to consider forming a work group to study moving May elections to November. He suggested it be conducted in conjunction with a reduction in precincts as proposed by the electoral board. In January Melvin Williams, member of the electoral board, along with Gordon Hancock and Rev. Carl Tinsley pitched a reduction from 32 precincts to 19 precincts.

Councilman Bill Bestpitch Councilman Sherman Lea was not at the 2:00 p.m. council meeting and the other members wanted to wait to consult with Lea before proceeding. Lea initiated the proposal at a prior council meeting. A resolution will be drafted for the June 4 council meeting that will include the composition of the work group. The work group was suggested to comprise of a member of the NAACP Roanoke branch, SCLC, Roanoke Neighborhood Advocates, electoral board and city council. Councilwoman Anita Price wanted to wait for Lea’s input and Vice-Mayor Dave Trinkle wanted to see the group expanded and include forums. “There are many pros and cons,”

he said. Bestpitch didn’t want to see the issue brushed aside as in years past. “We don’t want to continue to kick the can down the road.” In a separate conversation, Bestpitch said he would have no problem with his term being shortened if November elections were conducted in “odd years.” Odd years would coincide with the governor and general assembly elections rather than even years where presidential races blitz the airwaves. Council members are still apprehensive on changing to November. They fear their campaigns would be overtaken by campaigns for higher office. There is also a concern that voters will either vote straight party line or not vote all the way down the ticket so that local offices are included. With localities feeling the funding pinch from the state and forced unfunded mandates November might turn out to be a good election fit. By Valerie Garner info@theroanokestar.com

5/25/12- 5/31/12 |TheRoanokeStar.com | Page 3

Roanoke River Greenway Expands Again Just weeks after the bridge connecting the Roanoke River and Tinker Creek greenways was officially opened, the ribbon has been cut on yet another piece of the Roanoke River greenway. The newest segment, about a mile long, begins at Vic Thomas Park (just past Wasena Park). After a jaunt across Memorial Avenue, which will be widened in the future to accommodate two-way greenway traffic, the path dips down along the Roanoke River again near Ghent Park. Two bridges take users back and forth across the river, following the bench cuts made during the Corps of Engineer’s flood control project, to its new terminus at Bridge Street. More than 100 people showed up for the ribbon cutting, including 6th District Congressman Bob Goodlatte, who has helped secure funding for the flood control project and greenway over the years. Roanoke City Mayor David Bowers and members of City Council were on hand to cut the ribbon as well, along with former City Council member Rupert Cutler, honorary chairman for the Bridge the Gap campaign. State Senator John Edwards and Roanoke County Supervisor Charlotte Moore – who is pushing for greenway construction in southwest Roanoke County – also helped cut the ribbon. Also unveiled at the ribbon cutting was a symbolic thermometer, showing that Bridge the Gap has brought in 3.6 million dollars to date. That fundraising effort aims to collect the seven million dollars needed –via grants and private donations – to finish off the last four miles of the Roanoke River Greenway between Salem and

Photo by Gene Marrano

Mayor David Bowers and company with a very big check. Roanoke. Once that piece is built, and Salem/Roanoke County complete segments stretching to Green Hill Park, the Roanoke River Greenway will be 18 miles long, when the link to the milelong Tinker Creek greenway is included. Carilion Clinic and Roanoke Cement have been the largest private donors to Bridge the Gap so far, but government grants make up the bulk of what’s been raised. The stretch from the Tinker Creek Greenway’s terminus in Fallon Park to the new Roanoke River greenway segment near Ghent Park is about nine miles long. Future plans could stretch it from the Montgomery County line to Explore Park; right now the Roanoke River Greenway terminates at 13th Street in Southeast Roanoke, where it connects to the Tinker Creek Greenway via a small detour on streets near the Water Authority treatment plant and the new bridge dedicated recently. Roanoke Valley Greenways Commission Chairman Mark McClain said that “a whole lot

of individual contributions,” have also bolstered Bridge the Gap to date. He’s pleased that in a year-plus more than half the money has been raised so far. The fundraising thermometer may be printed on a banner placed along the Roanoke River greenway, encouraging users to go home and make their own donations. The City of Salem is engineering a new segment and is finishing up construction on another, according to McClain, while Roanoke is also prepping for a new section. “It’s going to be built in bits and pieces,” noted McClain. Those bits and pieces so far have provided a pretty good stretch for runners, bikers and walkers. “It’s starting to gel – a lot of things are going on now,” said McClain. “We’ve got a section under construction and another will be done soon.” Expect more ribbon cuttings in the next year or two as the Roanoke River and Tinker Creek greenways continue to grow. By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

DAR Good Citizen Award Goes to Northside High Student At the Northside High School Awards Assembly on May 17, 2012, Carley Elizabeth Edwards was recognized as the recipient of the Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen Award. Carley is the daughter of Terry and Donna Edwards of Roanoke. The award was presented by DAR committee chair, Peggy Smith. The DAR Good Citizen program honors the outstanding high school senior exhibiting the qualities of dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism (love of family, school, community and nation). Edwards demonstrated these qualities with her leadership positions in student government, sports and drama. In her community she is active in her church and has participated in several mission trips. She also worked part-time while maintaining an “A” average, taking advanced placement courses and becoming a member of the National Honor Society. Other

Northside High School Awards Assembly. Left to right: DAR Committee Chair Peggy Smith, DAR Good Citizen Award recipient Carley Elizabeth Edwards, Donna Edwards, Terry Edwards. awards presented to Carley at the Awards Assembly included the World Language Department award, Social Studies Department award, Roanoke County Scholarship and Valedictorian.

By Gail Lambert info@theroanokestar.com

“Swing Fore A Cure” Golf Tournament To Feature Renowned Golf Instructor

Renowned golf instructor Hank Haney will be this year’s special guest at the fifth annual Smith Mountain Lake Swing Fore a Cure Golf Tournament. The tournament benefiting the American Cancer Society and presented by Advance Auto Parts will be held on June 4 at Water’s Edge Country Club. Haney is best known for instructing the former No. 1 golfer in the world, Tiger Woods and two-time major champion, Mark O’Meara. Hank has also instructed more than 200 touring professionals worldwide. He hosts a popular television show on the Golf Channel, The Haney Project. In addition, Hank has written four books, including his latest, The Big Miss: My Years Coaching Tiger Woods, which debuted as a New York Times Best Seller. “This is a wonderful oppor-

Hank Haney tunity for area golfers to join in the fight against cancer by raising money and helping to increase cancer awareness,” said volunteer committee member Eric Spencer, President of Spencer Home Center. “In its first four years, the Swing Fore a Cure tournament has raised more than one million dollars for cancer research and programs, making it one of the society’s top tournaments nationwide.”

The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be more than 41,000 new cases of cancer diagnosed in Virginia in 2012. An estimated 14,600 residents of Virginia are expected to die from the disease this year. Donations made to the American Cancer Society through events like the golf tournament help the organization save more lives from cancer through prevention and early detection screening guidelines, free programs and services for patients and caregivers, research and advocacy.

For more information on the tournament, visit golf.acsevents. org/swingforeacureroanoke. If you are interested in volunteering for the golf tournament, please contact Mark Hurley at 540-774-2716 or mark.hurley@ cancer.org.

PPerspective erspective

Page 4 | TheRoanokeStar.com

Notes From Home

Sabrina seemed a bit pre- dollars we paid her, who’s to occupied that morning. I say how long she could eke watched for a while, then out a survival. asked, “You seem to have Her stockings were knotsomething on your mind.” ted up at her knees; they “I hired a lady to help seemed to be of canvas; straighten up the animal Denny and I half-laughed room, and she’s coming to- at her, half felt sorry for her day.” [the beginnings of empathy?] That I could understand. Despite our giggling, we felt After the months of frenet- compelled to shadow her, to ic activity rehabbing wild stay near in the event she becritters, the winter gan a slow toppling; months are a weland like some helpcome respite for her. less turtle, land on “So, if you’re going to her back unable to have help straightenrise. We might have ing up the room, I worked more diliwould have thought gently than she, but you’d be more reit seemed the right laxed, knowing help thing to do. is coming, than if Well, if you’ll exLucky Garvin you were going to do cuse me, I’ve got it yourself.” to go clean up my desk; our “You don’t understand, cleaning lady is coming toGahv, I’ve got to get in there day you see. All of history is before she gets here. I don’t repetition… [Sigh.] want her to see the mess.” … This is one of those comOur latest Doberman is ments all women under- named ‘Lola.’ stand, but you could search You know those ‘fast enthe planet over and find not ergy drinks’ now so popular? the first man who did. Drink a few cases and you’ll “Sooo… you’ve hired be able to keep up with Lola someone to clean up, and for 10-15 minutes. We had a you don’t want her to see the friend, upon hearing about mess…? Do I get it?” Lola’s energy, scoffed, “I’ve “You’re going to get it, got an Australian sheep dog; knucklehead,” she said, ball- she can run for hours; she’ll ing up a fist. put Lola under the wheels.” I went on to work, [Read: So we decided to get them Beat a hasty retreat.] but as I together, and her dog did drove, a memory shook loose quite well for about four from the accumulations of hours, at which time she lay my boyhood. on the ground exhausted, The accuracy of these watching Lola bounce around recollections may be safely her ready to play some more. questioned given the soft yet Maybe I ought to bottle persistent abrading of time Lola… Think of the possiagainst memory. I think her bilities! name was Mrs. Fitzwater, … the lady who came to clean “Well, we should have no our house every two weeks. trouble winning this basketDad felt it worth the five dol- ball game.” It was high school; lars; mom worked hard and our school was quite small; over-saw three devil-spawn at 6 feet tall, I was the team males. center, the tallest guy on the Mrs. Fitzwater lived alone, team. [Our coach must have as I recall, having survived spent a lot of time crying into the heart-wrenching anguish a towel; his prospects for ever of having out-lasted her hus- winning a regional title were band. She seemed doddering, two: no way, and no how. but resolute. Without the five The fellow who made the

comment was his school’s center at 6 foot 6 inches. My teammates who had heard the remarks looked at each other in silence. So inspiring was his insolence, we totally owned the first quarter. I made ten points, two steals, and four clean blocks against boys far taller than I. Finally, however, we succumbed to their overwhelming advantage. Our coach, however, was far from displeased. “That’s how you guys should play all the time. Tonight you were at the top of our game.” Hmmm. Good advice for sports; even better advice for life: to play at the top of our game. I’ve lived long enough to know there’s a lot of things I’m not in charge of, and Life’s one of them. But I can always be in charge of me. … My wife, Sabrina, AKA, Herself Who Must Be Obeyed, knows something very important about Time Management. You all know there’s a philosophy in money management called “Leverage.” As I understand that term, it means using as little money as possible to earn as much money as possible. It business, this same principle is known as The Time Multiplier Effect. Here’s how it works: Herself and I are outside. She looks around. “Gahv, that tree blew over in the storm; we need to clear it out. [We is a synonym for Gahv, not both of us.] “Oh, we need to plant the twelve geraniums here, and here, and here. Gosh, look at my car; so dirty! We should wash it.” Then she sashays into the house, leaving me to fetch the chain saw, shovel, and a bucket of soapy water. Got it? She invested forty seconds in the chore list; five days later Ol’ Gahv is still heaving his way through it. Time Multiplier Effect; an essential underpinning of the HoneyDo List.

TheRoanokeStar.com

Look for Lucky’s books locally and on-line: The Oath of Hippocrates; The Cotillian; A Journey Long Delayed.

Contact Lucky Garvin at info@theroanokestar.com

    



        

5/25/12- 5/31/12

The Hazards of Spring Gardening

You have to wonder what winter nap and will soon grudgGod was thinking when He cre- ingly venture into the yard ated poison ivy. Was He having to perform his spring rituals, a rough day, or was He just furi- which include buffing the garous with Adam and Eve? den gnome and attempting to “I’ll teach those darn kids to start his lawnmower (which he rummage through my garden hasn’t done successfully since in their birthday suites and 1987). swipe my fruit,” said Failing to resusciGod, sprinkling on a tate his equipment liberal dose of Miraamidst much wailcle-Gro. ing and gnashing Lucky for Adam of teeth, Larry will the first thing he make a futile dash grabbed to cover his back to the comfort embarrassment was of his lounge room a fig leaf, rather than recliner. But he will a bunch of poison be quickly interivy. cepted by his wife Whatever the who, after decades Nick Thomas reason for its creof marriage, is faation, poison ivy miliar with her has few redeeming qualities. It is husband’s spring modus opelittle more than Kudzu with an randi. attitude. (If you’re a Kudzu-weaBooted from the house until ry Southerner, you’ll be familiar the job’s complete, Larry will with this relentlessly annoying, then begin angrily tearing into invasive species; if not, think of his forest of weeds by hand it as a Kardashian, with leaves). gloveless and shirtless, with And just like reruns of abys- flabby, pasty white legs protrudmal reality TV shows, poison ing from khaki shorts. Sporting ivy emerges in the spring to a bare body surface area apstalk millions of Americans in- proaching that of a humpback nocently exercising their God- whale, it won’t be long before given right for the pursuit of the ivy extracts its revenge. happiness. But according to Mrs. Larry, Such activities might include her husband’s mind functions a hike through the wilderness, a somewhat like RAM storage family camping trip, or tackling on a computer it reboots each a fresh batch of spring weeds in spring unencumbered by past the garden. While most people memories of gardening hazards. will take steps to avoid poison As a result, in his haste to comivy in these situations, there are plete his task, each year he insome who just seem to forget evitably succumbs to exposure the power of the wicked weed’s from irritating plants and other corrosive juices. backyard dangers. Take our neighbor Larry, for She has actually cautioned instance (name changed to pro- her husband many times about tect his stupidity). contact with poison ivy, but He’s just awoken from his Larry rarely listens preferring to

tough out the blistering bouts of discomfort to get the job quickly done. One year, while he was patching weed wacker wounds on his legs, he barely looked up when I even tried explaining that the plant releases a corrosive oily substance called urushiol (sensuously pronounced oo-rooshee-ohl) which is rapidly absorbed by the skin. Another time I informed Larry that he only had 5 minutes after exposure to wash the urushiol from his skin before it permanently bonded to the proteins in his bleached flesh. But he never even glanced at me too busy plucking thorns from his pelvis, I guess. Along these lines, nor was he especially attentive when I described the incredible potency of urushiol, and that most people will develop a rash if exposed to a mere 50 micrograms. That’s way smaller than the average tick I’ve witnessed Larry dig out of his eardrum during supper, after a day in the garden. So now, I’ve abandoned any attempt to offer my neighbor advice, leaving him to wallow in his Orchard of Itching. Some folks just aren’t receptive to gardening guidance. And that’s where any similarity between Larry and Adam of Eden fame ends. According to the Book of Genesis, Adam lived for 930 years and, you know, fathered the entire planet. Larry just dreams about moving to an apartment. Contact Nick Thomas at info@theroanokestar.com

“What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have never been discovered.” - Emerson

It's time we admit it: we can- has been used to treat stomach not kill the Lion's Tooth. Every problems and appendicitis for spring we carpet-bomb it with centuries. Native Americans pendimethaline (the toxic in- used it in dozens of treatments. gredient in Scott's Halts), hose Europeans have long used it to it down with 2,4-D treat liver problems. (Weed-B-Gon), and Today, herbalists use even go on searchit most commonly as and-destroy missions an appetite stimulant armed with glyphosand a diuretic. (Modphate (Roundup). ern scientists have yet But after we've spread to prove dandelion's these nasty chemicals medical efficacy, but all over the landscape thousands of years and polluted the of usage around the ground water, the globe has to be Mike Keeler Lion's Tooth, the based on some"Dent de Lion," just thing.) laughs at us. It keeps spreading What we CAN prove is that through the grass, popping up the dandelion is an extremely in the garden, and poking out of healthful food. The USDA every crack and crevice. ranks dandelions as the 4th Isn't there a better way to deal most nutritious green vegetable. with the dandelion? Well, part They are loaded with vitamins of the answer lies in the plant's A and C and have more iron official name, Taraxacum of- than spinach. They are rich in ficinale, which loosely trans- fiber, potassium, calcium, maglates to "the remedy for curing nesium, phosphorus, thiamine, disorders." Dandelion is one of riboflavin and trace minerals. the top six herbs in a traditional Young leaves and unopened Chinese medicine cabinet, and flower buds can be added to

salads. Older leaves become bitter, but are still fine cooked into soups. The roots can be chopped and roasted to make an herbal tea very similar to coffee. (Which is currently being tested in Canada for its ability to fight leukemia). If it's time to celebrate this plant instead of vilifying it, the dandelion can help there, too. Just boil a few quarts of the flowers in a gallon of water, add a little orange and lemon juice, plus a little ginger. Throw in some brewer's yeast, and put it in a cool dry place. In a few months, you'll have a dry white wine which tastes great, stays fresh and improves for a year or more. (Extensive field tests HAVE proven it has excellent mood-altering powers.) Wonder-drug? Super-food? Party-vegetable? Yep, it's time we stop trying to kill the dandelion, and let it help us live. Contact Mike at info@theroanokestar.com

PROSTHETICS – IT’S NOT ALL WE DO. Even though it’s our name, we’re much more than Virginia’s oldest and largest prosthetics provider. For 40-plus years, our board-certified orthotists have fit patients with custom-designed and locally-fabricated orthotics that deliver comfort, mobility and satisfaction. When you consider that we have the knowledge, experience, and convenient locations to help you believe in your possibilities, the choice for custom orthotic or prosthetic devices becomes clear.

Perspective

5/25/12- 5/31/12

Student Loan Program in Need of Major Overhaul

Funding of the education you enter public service for 10 loan landscape changed in years, much of your student March of 2010 when Presi- loan can be forgiven. After 25 dent Obama signed the bill years (probably soon to be 20 that overhauled the ‘Student years), your unpaid student Loan Program.’ The legisla- loan will be absolved. tion placed the government So, these provisions will alin charge of student loans, es- low present and future parents sentially taking student loans to pay for the educations of out of the hands of banks and both their own children and other institutional lenders one or more underpaid, overlike Sallie Mae (The worked college grad Student Loan Marthat sadly couldn’t keting Association, manage their assets. now a private comIt is time the Stupany). dent Loan Program Congress reduced underwent a thorthe interest rate for ough review by a college loans to 3.4% mix of private and in 2007, but to make government experts. the law appear more First of all, are some pragmatic, the rate students ‘gaming’ Dick Baynton would double to the system? In its 6.8% on July 1, quest to cover all 2012. Now, with the economy bases, government regulastill trying to climb out of the tions often provide gaps that tank, the President has urged encourage or at least allow congress to keep the student misuse and fraud. Are there loan rate at 3.4%. loans to students that are not Will this galvanize Obama competent to succeed at the votes by students with loans? college level? Are some loans Probably. But wait; former provided on the basis of poGovernor Romney has agreed litical friendship (quid pro that the 3.4% rate should be quo)? continued as well! Hooray! Could colleges and univerBut maybe not Hooray be- sities achieve some reductions cause that isn't so great for in costs? Are leaders in higher taxpayers, however as a one- education able to cut costs? year rate freeze will cost tax- Are some college staff doing payers a cool $6 Billion. virtually useless research? Is But $6 Billion is merely the system of tenure abused a drop in the bucket when and expensive? Are buildings, considering that total stu- classrooms and labs multident loan debt now exceeds purpose or single use? Are we $1,000,000,000,000. That’s building for luxury or utility? right, twelve zeros with the Do ALL students that want name TRILLION. to attend college expect to It is important to remem- go directly from their high ber that the original and other school to a four-year instituamended legislation regarding tion? Could some students student loans is complicated put off college and find a job and confusing. For example, and save money for college? there are provisions that if In many cases, a graduating

senior could work and attend their community college for a year or two and build up both savings and transfer credits. While many willing and able candidates for college are worthy, industry and construction and a host of other trades and occupations needs men and women as well. Those who visualize success in college should consider taking courses that are more likely to provide jobs upon graduation rather than esoteric courses of study that are interesting but have an aimless path to employment. In a Rutgers University study, just 49% of students graduating from 2009 to 2011 found a full-time job within a year of graduation. Two thirds of all students graduated with loans totaling more than $25,000. Government needs to return to some of the principles that made our country great; self-determination, self control and self-confidence. Student loans have become a debacle and will continue to unnecessarily contribute to the national debt now at more than $50,000 per US citizen. While special consideration should to be extended in some cases, it is time men and women students be treated as adults with the firm expectation that borrowed money will be paid back to lenders with interest. The USA offers opportunity, not cradle-tograve insulation from all the hazards of life. Contact Dick at info@theroanokestar.com

TheRoanokeStar.com |Page 5

Wild Bill’s Weekly Sports Roundup

High school baseball and soft- play tennis as a fall sport. Conball district play is in full swing grats to Min, a five-year varsity this week with numerous teams #1 player, and the entire Raider looking to advance to next week’s team. regionals. Now, to last week’s column, Most local district baseball ac- and the excitement evoked by tion will require a road trip for our noted publisher. As you may area fans. Glenvar plays Thurs- remember, it was questioned day at Kiwanis Field in Salem (I will mention it did not come in the Three Rivers tournament, from me) if people don’t have while Blue Ridge contenders any idea they’re being watched fight it out at Casey Field on the Mill Mountain in Covington. The River web-cam by those in Ridge showcases its Taipai? final-four at Calfee Park Apparently, our readin Pulaski. ership is more wideOn the softball side spread than thought, of district play, area fans so word quickly spread have plenty of options. to Taipei that Roanoke The Blue Ridge condoes indeed have an tenders play at Northisolated mountaintop Bill Turner side Wednesday and web-cam and that Friday, while the River untold numbers of Ridge teams invade the Moyer Taiwanese citizens have been Complex in Salem on the same observing our late-night overtwo days. Glenvar and schools look shenanigans. Now rumor from Three Rivers move to the has it that Roanoke has become Botetourt Sports Complex for the latest must-see destination their Thursday/Friday, semifi- among the populous Chinese nal/final lineup. island tourist crowd. Why go to In the Wild Bill ‘Big-11’ base- New York, Washington or Caliball Top-3, Lord Botetourt rules fornia, when, as the web-cam the number-one spot with an evidences, you can flock to Roa18-1 record after their second noke for the guarantee of excitewin of the season over Blue ment? Ridge rival Northside. The ViI look for the Taiwanese tourkings stay in the second spot at ist influx to hit the Star City by 17-2. Hidden Valley, after claim- late-July, so in order to be preing the River Ridge regular sea- pared for our welcomed visitors, son title last Thursday with a win I offer the following ‘Know Your over Cave Spring, holds down Taiwanese Facts’. third at 13-5-1. 1)Taipei, the capital of TaiIn the ‘Big-11’ softball Top-3, wan, despite what you saw last Northside is the runaway leader week from my editor, is spelled at 19-1. William Byrd follows at with an ‘e’. (Editors note: Taipai 15-5, with Glenvar coming in is traditionally fermented food . third at 16-5. . . Who knew Turner was on top Girls tennis gets attention this if his far-east capital city spellweek as Cave Spring, led by #1 ings?) player Lauren Sledd, stayed un2)The Taipei Financial Center defeated heading to regional play. is the second tallest building in North Cross, led by Amherst the world. College-bound Lara Min, fin3) Feel free to refer to Taiished the season 13-0 although wan, while being friendly to our being denied a state tournament guests, as Formosa, meaning berth because other VIS schools ‘beautiful island’.

4)There are 29.55 Taiwan dollars to a US dollar. That means if you’re working at a restaurant and there’s a $10 check, you need be hospitable and collect $295.50 Taiwan dollars. Taiwanese are typically technologically advanced and whizzes at math. We Americans should at least act like we can count money. Finally, a quick peek through the mailbag, where one reader wants an opinion on a recent Hokie quote and Indians get their credit. Dear Wild Bill: Any thoughts on new Tech basketball coach James Johnson’s comment that losing recruit Montrezl Harrell wasn’t a big deal since he hadn’t scored a point at Tech or gotten a single rebound? (Steve/Radford) Answer: Real shocker. I saw the 6’8” Harrell play a couple times and he’s impressive. As far as not scoring a point or getting a rebound- I guess you could have said that about Larry Bird at Indiana State, Magic Johnson at Michigan State, or Michael Jordan at North Carolina before any of those three played their first game. Dear Future Telecaster: Since you brought it up last week, why did television test patterns have Indians on them? (Louise/Rocky Mount) Answer: I checked with my TV connections on this one. Apparently it all began in 1938. The Indian test pattern had a specific purpose. It offered the keen-eyed studio technician, after the midnight national anthem signoff, an opportunity to adjust perspective, linearity, frequency response and framing for all cameras. It also gave the late-night movie viewer, after falling asleep during the film, the satisfaction of waking up with someone looking back. No. I’m not auditioning for a test pattern. But, in the meantime..... HOW.

The Preacher’s Corner by Joe Lehman

Why Are You Standing There Looking At The Sky? When Jesus was being taken into heaven, it appeared to his disciples to be over. He was no longer going to be physically among them and he told them his mission was accomplished. In reality, however, it was far from being over. For, at his Ascension, Jesus passed the baton. It was now the disciple’s time to act and “to shine.” THE mission was now theirs to continue and God’s power and all authority were theirs to use. In other words, Jesus’ ascension into heaven was not an ending of anything. It was a changing of the guard and a broadening of the sights of those who had followed him. And of those who would follow him in the future. So the above question is not a rhetorical one. Why are

you standing there? And why what is ours to do. “Let Mikey are your heads in the clouds? do it” (from the old Life cereal What’s got you stuck? commercial) we tell ourselves. Those questions are ours to Unfortunately, Mickey doesn’t answer. After all, witalways come through. nessing to Christ and A few years back, to his continuing saving I was talking with a and healing presence in mother who admitted the world is the work in casual conversation entrusted to those/us that she missed serwho’ve been called by vices on Easter SunChrist and are baptized day because of a tourinto his death and resnament for a travel urrection. team her son played Joe Lehman Of course, one evon. It got me thinkeryday way we witness to Christ ing: “Why are we Christians is in the choices we make: in our not standing up to those who decisions to act or in our refus- are scheduling these games on ing to do something because it’s our high holy day– and why not right or just. We can’t forget are we not saying “no” to those that our indifference is actu- who are “committing” us to do ally a choice. Too often, we are things that take us away from “leaving it up to others” to do the service we owe to God (as

lOSe WeiGht aS if yOur life depended On it.

our love response) – and from nurturing those bonds in our lives that are lasting? Are we not called to influence the culture – that is, to help it be better than what it is and change it where it is corrupt? It's not supposed to be the other way around. So, in the words of St Leo the Great (pope from 440-461) in his great Christmas sermon: “Christians, remember your dignity!” Said differently: So, disciples, let’s get with it and let’s get on with it. Joe Lehman is the Pastor at Our Lady of Nazareth Catholic Church located at 2505 Electric Rd (Rte 419. Visit them on the web at: www.oln-parish.org

R E N O VAT I O N S DIRECT

Start by losing 10 pounds in 2 weeks.**

Being overweight increases your risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and many types of cancer, it also can take years off your life. Our programs offer strategies unavailable to commercial weight loss programs. Non-surgical weight loss One-on-one with a physician Physician customized plan 99% keep the weight off after a year*

877.398.1547

cmwl.com

Grand OpeninG - BramBletOn COmmOnS initial COnSultatiOn Only $19!

Kenneth Luckay, DO - 4515 Brambleton Ave. S.W., Suite B, Roanoke VA *Based on a stratified sample of 349 patients over a six-year period. Patients must have remained on the program for a minimum of 28 days and be monitored with at least two physician visits within first 31 days to be included in the study. A variety of nutritional meal replacements were used. 99% of the patients that followed the CMWL program, including a low calorie diet and individual counseling with CMWL physicians, from one month up to a year, weighed less at their last weigh-in than their starting weight. **Based on a stratified random sample of 223 women and 99 men on a medically prescribed diet.

Call Today for a FREE Quote!

(540) 966-2808 or (540) 362-1567

TheRoanokeStar.com | Page 6

5/25/12- 5/31/12

Growth and Value Investment Styles: Family Time, Unplugged & Outdoors Which is Best for You?

As the U.S. economy exits the recession, and balance sheets at publicly-traded companies return to healthier levels, equity investors are paying closer attention to companies that are growing rapidly and cheaply priced. The two main types of investment approaches -- growth and value -- both have advocates on Wall Street because of several unique characteristics that make each style appealing to different types of investors. Growth Investment Approach In a growth investment strategy, investors opt for companies that post better-than-average earnings gains in hopes that the company will continue to deliver high profit growth. Often such companies are developing new technologies or products, and are considered by the investment manager to be wellpositioned in a rapidly growing industry. Some common ways to execute a growth strategy is by investing in emerging markets, recovery shares, blue chip stocks and smaller companies. Growth stocks do, however, also come with risk. For example, if the growth rate fails to live up to expectations, the price of the security can tumble as in the case of many technology

Get out the shovel and trowels – its Memorial Day weekend annd that means gardening for many. Spend a bit more time getting your garden off to a good start and reap the benefits all season long. Proper planting and post planting care means less maintenance, fewer pests and more produce and beautiful flowers in your landscape. Start by selecting healthy

companies during the dot-com bubble of the late 1990s and early 2000s. Value Investment Approach For investors who are less tolerant of the risk associated with high-priced growth stocks, a value investment style could be a more viable approach. Under this approach, the investment manager buys undervalued companies to capture the potential returns that may occur when the market price rises to reflect the companies' hidden values. These bargain stocks typically have low price-to-earnings ratios, low price-to-sales ratios and high dividend yields. Longterm investors, in particular, benefit from a value approach because the returns may become larger over time. As with the growth investment style, there are some drawbacks to the value investment approach. For example, buying shares in a bear market using the value approach may result in the purchase of shares that are overvalued as the share price could still drop along with the market. Another potential danger of the value approach could arise when a company has problems that justify its low share price, causing investors to hold on to the security for longer than in-

tended to generate a return. For investors seeking to diversify their investment style, building a portfolio that combines both growth and value stocks may be a viable option. Sometimes known as core equity portfolios, this approach blends growth and value stocks, emphasizing larger, blue chip quality growth companies with dominant industry positions. Regardless of whether you select a growth or value approach to investing – or a combination of both – there are professional investment managers available to help. A financial advisor can help you select the specific growth or value investment manager– or a combination of both – who is suitable to help you pursue your investment goals, and help you with the ongoing review of a professionally managed portfolio. Michael B. Kemp / Senior Vice President Meridian Wealth Management at UBS Financial Services Inc.

The information contained in this article is based on sources believed reliable, but its accuracy cannot be guaranteed. This article is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be relied upon as the basis for an investment decision. Consult your financial advisor, as well as your tax and/or legal advisors regarding your personal circumstances before making investment decisions.

plants free of insect and disease problems. There's no need to spend money on problems. And keep in mind that bigger is not always better. Instead look for compact plants with sturdy stems. The leaves should be deep green or the proper color for that variety. Avoid plants that show signs of stress such as spots, brown leaf edges, and holes. And when all things

are equal, purchase the perennials with multiple stems. Keep your purchase properly watered before and after planting. Check transplants daily and twice a day when temperatures rise, watering as needed. Increase success and reduce the stress transplants often face. Apply a plant strengthener such as JAZ Spray to protect potted plants from drying out until

From a lender that can make it happen! We Finance: u Small & large tracts of land with no acreage limits u Homes and home construction u Home and lot improvements u Mortgage refinancing u Recreation property u Outbuildings and barns

Loan Officer

three points subtracted for misidentifying the kind. • Beware of dairy drinks (and other smelly snacks): A spill in the backseat can eventually create quite a stink during a summer road trip. But do pack plenty of healthy snacks to save on pricey pit stops and avoid all the sugar and salt in junk food. • Avoid big-city rush hours: When traveling through metropolitan areas, consider the busiest traffic periods. Whether you plan to stop and check out the city or simply zip through it, bumper-to-bumper traffic is something to avoid. A bit of consideration can save your family hours of grid-locked misery. • Tech help: Various apps and websites can help drivers find the cheapest gas prices, food options, hotel rates and travel routes. Also, don’t forget a music mix that appeals to the entire family on one of these devices. (Remember, leave work at home – forget about work-related calls, texts and emails! Use a non-work-related smartphone, if needed.) • Schedule pit stops: Being in a hurry should be left for the morning commute; vacation should be different. When traveling across states and provinces, consider local culture. For example, barbecue in South Carolina is very different from Missouri’s version. Enjoy diners and unique attractions, and don’t be afraid to take notes. “The greatest family memories are created in shared adventure,” DiLorenzo says. “Outdoor recreation is filled with these memories just looking for a family to bring them home.” Michael A. DiLorenzo is a married father of three living in the outdoor-rich environs of Michigan. He created the “Adventures with Jonny” series to entertain and educate children (and parents!) about the activities available in the great outdoors.

Memorial Day Means Gardening for Many

Looking for room with a view?

Joey CornweLL

Don’t worry about record-breaking gas prices – the U.S. Energy Information Administration estimates prices to be $3.79 a gallon this summer, less than in 2008. That’s good news for families considering reviving the tradition of a road trip vacation, one of the best experiences parents and kids can share, says Michael DiLorenzo, author of Adventures with Jonny: Road Trip to the Parks! “This is a shared experience, and one that will be talked about during family gatherings for years to come,” says DiLorenzo, a father of three. “For busy parents, this is a time to savor their children’s youth. As moms and dads eventually find out, they grow up fast.” It’s also a chance to get children outside and away from their computers, he says. Children today already have a deep-rooted interest in technology, which is why a road trip to a natural, outdoor destination is an opportunity to “give your child the gift of the outdoors, which is a gift for life,” says DiLorenzo. The journey to a national park in the United States or Canada – perhaps Yellowstone in Wyoming or Banff in Alberta – is as bonding an experience as whatever happens at the destination. “And there are parks in every state,” he notes. “If you don’t have the time or money to go cross country, pick a park closer to home.” DiLorenzo offers these helpful tips for the road: • Games, games, games!: Yes, there is ample entertainment for both drivers and riders in cars these days. BUT, the goal is to bond with the family, so consider a fun, albeit off-color game like “Road Kill Round-Up.” A point system might break down like this: two points for the first to spot a poor critter; three for whoever first correctly identifies the species; two points subtracted for a false road-kill call;

Lynne PoLLoCk Loan Officer

540.977.5707 | 866.868.3307

We’ve been financing rural america for more than 90 years.

farmcreditofvirginias.com

you are able to plant. Or apply to transplants to get your plants off to a vigorous start. These organic products are not fertilizers but rather naturally occurring molecules that work like an immunization to help new and established plants better tolerate heat, drought, insects, disease, and other challenges plants face. Prepare the soil before planting. Though not glamorous building a good foundation for your garden will pay off this season and beyond. Dig one or two inches of compost, peat moss or other organic matter and a low nitrogen slow release fertilizer into the top 12 inches of the soil. Now slide, don't pull, the plants out of their containers to avoid damaging their roots and stems. If they resist, gently squeeze small flexible pots or roll larger pots on their sides over the ground. This loosens the roots, releasing the pot from the container. Gently tease any roots that encircle (girdle) the root ball. Or use a knife to slice through girdling roots or the

Did you Know

We may have been here for over 100 years but, we are constantly moving ahead while maintaining the same level of trust families have come to expect from Oakey’s. One example of staying current is our commitment to greener practices. Oakey’s has added a fuel efficient hybrid car to our fleet, we have been recycling our office products for years and now you can choose an environmentally friendly wicker casket. Oakey’s has been here for over 100 years because we are dedicated to the families we serve.

Sammy G. Oakey, PreSident • www.OakeyS.cOm • 982-2100 rOanOke, nOrth, VintOn, SOuth and eaSt chaPelS

tangled mass that often develops at the bottom of the pot. This encourages the roots to explore the soil beyond the planting hole. And a bigger root system means healthier plants that are more productive and beautiful. Set your plants at the same depth they were growing in their container. Tall leggy tomatoes are the exception. These can be planted deeper or in shallow trenches to encourage roots to form along the buried stem. Cover the roots with soil and gently Coleus, Lantana, Cuphea, Maritamp to insure good root gold & Alternanthera. to soil contact. Water new plantings thoroughly; moist- Plant strengtheners can be ening the rootball, planting applied to established plants hole, and beyond. Spread a to prepare them for the ofthin layer of shredded leaves, ten stressful season ahead. evergreen needles or other Treated plants will be betmulch over the soil to con- ter able to tolerate heat and serve moisture, suppress drought as well as attacks weeds, and keep the roots from insects and diseases. So get out and start plantcooler when hot weather ing to make this the best garmoves in for the summer. Check new plantings every dening season yet. other day and water thorNationally known gardenoughly and often enough to keep the soil slightly moist. ing expert, TV/radio host, Gradually reduce the fre- author & columnist Melinda quency until your plants Myers has more than 30 years only need to be watered once of horticulture experience and a week in heavy clay soils has written over 20 gardening and twice a week in sandy books, including Can't Miss soils. Of course you'll need Small Space Gardening. Visit to water more often in hot her on the web at www.melindamyers.com weather. And don't forget about the rest of your landscape.

American Tower Proposal American Tower Corporation is proposing to modify a telecommunications tower at 2707 Williamson Rd NE, Roanoke, Roanoke County, Virginia, 3100903. This property is zoned classified I-1 (light industrial). The existing tower is a self-support design and 102-feet in overall height. The modification consists of a compound expansion of 15.5-feet by 26.7-feet and antennas mounted at 75-feet on the existing tower. As part of this project, 30in all directions from the existing compound and expansion area will be reviewed. American Tower seeks comments from all interested persons on the impact of the tower on any districts, sites, buildings, structures, or objects significant in American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture, that are listed or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. Specific information about the project, including the historic preservation reviews that American Tower has conducted pursuant to the rules of the Federal Communications Commission (47 C.F.R. Sections 1.1307(4)) and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (36 C.F.R. Part 800) can be viewed weekdays between 8a.m. and 5p.m. at the companys offices at 10 Presidential Way, Woburn, Massachusetts. All questions, comments, and correspondence should be directed to the following contact by June 24, 2012: Jenna Metznik, Compliance Director 10 Presidential Way Woburn, Massachusetts 01801 Enviro.services@americantower.com

SSports ports

Page 7 | TheRoanokeStar.com | 5/25/12- 5/31/12

Send sports pictures, announcements and story ideas to info@theroanokestar.com

Hidden Valley Tops Cave Spring PH Falls To Glass 10-7 In 8-2 To Capture River Ridge Title Western Division Boys Lacrosse Hidden Valley followed Cave Spring's run in the top of the first inning with five of their own in the bottom of the frame, as the Titans won the winner-takeall regular season finale 8-2 to capture the River Ridge District title Thursday afternoon at Titan Field. Hidden Valley pitcher Hayden Smith went the distance for the Titans to gain the win. Nic Ratliff led Hidden Valley with four hits, while Drew Trampe connected on a lead-off single and late-inning homer to pace Hidden Valley. Cave Spring scored on a Jordan Bryant RBI double in the first and a Steve Klaiber triple,

E.C. Glass took control in the second half, and the Hilltoppers defeated Patrick Henry 10-7 in the Western Division boys lacrosse playoff Friday night on the Patriot home turf. Patrick Henry was led by middies Joe Clifton and Will Adams each of whom found the net twice for the Patriots.

Hidden Valley shortstop Nic Ratliff turns the relay to complete a Titan double play. one of his three hits, that led to a Knight run in the fourth. Both teams earned first-round byes in this week's River Ridge District tournament in Pulaski.

Patriot attack #5 Brock Plantinga races past a Hilltopper defender. By Bill Turner info@theroanokestar.com

By Bill Turner info@theroanokestar.com

PH #27 Jack Kepley looks to close as Glass attacks down the sideline.

Hidden Valley Advances In State Lacrosse With 18-5 Win Over Cave Spring Hidden Valley broke away from a 5-2 halftime advantage with nine third-quarter goals, as the Titans knocked off Cave Spring 18-5 Tuesday afternoon to advance in the state lacrosse playoffs.

Cave Spring slugger Jordan Bryant laces a first inning RBI double down the left field line that gave the Knights the early 1-0 lead.

Hidden Valley's #3 Hayden Smith moved from his normal catcher's position to throw the complete-game win over Cave Spring.

Patriot Girls Lacrosse Advance With 17-7 Win Over Salem Patrick Henry broke open a 2-2 tie with seven unanswered goals as the Patriot girls lacrosse team advanced in the Western Division playoffs with the 17-7 win over Salem Friday afternoon on the PH turf. Patrick Henry, 15-1 on the season, got five goals from attack Catie Vance, four from middie Ashley Lemon and three from midi Claiborne Lucas to lead the way.

Hidden Valley attacker Chris Murden looks for an opening as he closes on the Knight goal.

Titan middie #34 Massi Flici works his way around Cave Spring senior defender #13 Dylan Cohan. By Bill Turner info@theroanokestar.com

North Cross Falls in State Lacrosse Final The North Cross men's lacrosse team advanced all the way to the VISAA Division II State Championship game last week by knocking off rival Covenant before falling in the final to Hampton Roads Academy. The Raiders had the state title in their sites leading the #1 ranked Navigators through Patriot midi #11 Claiborne Lucas three quarters before a strong fourth quarter rally evened the Midi George Revercomb slips by a Covenant defender in Friraces past a pair of Salem descore at 9 all. fenders to set up a PH score. days' semi-final game while North Cross head coach Stephen The favored team from Belderes looks on. Tidewater then capitalized on a couple of Raider miscues to Computer Repair • Free Diagnosis • New & Used Computers & Laptops take home the title by a score By Bill Turner of 11-9. Christoper Pollock led North info@theroanokestar.com Cross in the final with 3 goals, (takes care of everything, parts not included) Paul Ross had 2 while Kurtis No matter what the problem is, we will take care of it! Bring in this ad! Naslovski, Penn Draper and George Revercomb added one No one else can do it for PH attack Anne Johnson goal each. Andrew Carpenter our quality and price! works her way past the Saearned tournament MVP for lem defender in the Patriot's 116 S. Poplar Street, Vinton • 904-2070 • www.vintoncomputer.com Hampton Roads. We can make your computer new again! Stop by at Woodland Square (behind Vinton Baptist). 17-7 win.

$50 Does it!

When times are tough you may need someone to walk beside you to offer encouragement and hope. That is why our hospice offers a FREE support network and bereavement program from a perspective that strengthens your faith and helps you get back on your feet and living again. Please contact Kathy Barton at 540-989-6265 for more information. Long term employees with experience in palliative pain & symptom management, emotional support and grief counseling

ROANOKE GRIEF SUPPORT SERVICES FOR ADULTS Mondays & Tuesdays, 12-1:30 p.m.

CHILDREN GRADES K-12 One Monday night monthly & pizza provided.

24/7 Referrals... Same Day Admissions

GSH0111-10.85x5.29 RSS AdultKid Ad.indd 1

3/1/11 1:20 PM

SSports ports

TheRoanokeStar.com |Page 8

5/25/12- 5/31/12

Cave Spring Advances In River Ridge With 5-1 Win Over Bruins Cave Spring starter Taylor Asimakopoulos pitched one-hit ball for five innings to pick up the win, and Danielle Stump shut down Blacksburg over the final two frames, as the Lady Knights advanced in River Ridge softball tournament play with the 5-1 win Tuesday afternoon at Knights Field.

Jutanugarn, Womble Capture Titles In Scott Robertson Golf

Moriya Jutanugarn made it back-to-back wins in the girls 15-18, and Davis Womble used a last-minute opening to take the boys 15-18 in the 29th annual Scott Robertson Junior Golf Tournament played Friday through Sunday at Roanoke Country Club. Jutanugarn, a 17-year-old from Thailand who blitzed the field last year with a 16-under 197 total, battled over the last 9 holes Sunday for a 69 and three-

Cave Spring starter Taylor Asimakopouos gave up one hit in five innings to get the win for the Knights.

Knights Dani Duff connects on a first-inning double to ignite a two-run rally. Cave Spring would get all the runs they would need in the bottom of the first when successive one-out doubles by Dani Duff, Cortney Cooper and Asimakopoulos staked the Knights to a 2-0 lead. Blacksburg's Hailey Porth led off the Bruin second with a homer to deep left that would be the only Bruin hit of the afternoon. The Lady Knights added a run in the second, and got two insurance runs in the bottom of the sixth when Madi Billings' drive to left caromed off the glove of the Blacksburg outfielder for a double.

Cave Spring was anchored by several defensive gems by second baseman and Virginia Wesleyanbound Kayla Malkos. "After two or three, I thought they may try hitting it another way," Malkos said with a grin. "I didn't see it fall in," Billings noted of her key hit in the sixth that clearly deflated any Blacksburg comeback. "I knew it was big, especially since we lost to them the last time we played." "I was waiting on my pitch today," Knight senior Hannah Sitze said of her two timely hits. "I've been hitting better and better in the last few games." "Defense was the key today," Cave Spring interim coach Chelsea Kelley pointed out. "We played the ball well. I never thought the two runs in the first would be enough; then Madi came up big with the double." By Bill Turner info@theroanokestar.com

Moriya Jutanugarn became the fifth two-time winner of the Scott Robertson with her 9-under finish.

Northside Wins Blue Ridge District Girls Singles, Doubles Tennis Titles

Northside's Karlie Pope defeated William Byrd's GraceAnna Chaney 6-1, 6-2 to win the Blue Ridge District girls tennis championship Friday afternoon at Waldron Park. Pope and Rebekah Washington knocked off Viking teammates Kelsie Hendren and Hallie Cole to capture the Blue Ridge doubles 6-4, 6-3. Karlie Pope took championships in singles and doubles in Friday's Blue Ridge District girls tennis.

“ I am the slowest

carpet cleaner in Roanoke.”

Williams Carpet Cleaning “I will give your carpet the time and attention it deserves to produce the best results possible.” • 2 rooms and a hall for $75 • 5 rooms and a hall for $155 • Furniture cleaning also available!

Danny Williams • 989-1825 • Cell - 765-7144

day total of 204. The 9-under finish bested runner-up Annie Park by two shots. Jutanugarn joined 4 other girls as the only winners in two straight years, the last of which were current-LPGA pro Paula Creamer in 2002-03, and Isabell Lendl in 2006-07. She will not be eligible to return in 2013 due to her age. Womble, who was a thirdalternate after a withdrawal by another qualifier, played like a seasoned veteran down the stretch. Tied with runner-up Chad Merzbacher with three holes to play, Womble saved par from the sand on the long par-3 16th, duplicated the sand trick for a birdie on the par-5 17th, then calmly got up and down for par on the finishing hole surrounded by a sizeable gallery. Merzbacher finished bogeypar-par to end the tournament two shots back. In the 14-under girls, Hiu Lam Vanessa Yan won by 6 shots with a 218 total, while Nathan Chowait took the boys 14-under with a three-day score of 215. The Scott Robertson has become one of the top-10 junior golf tournaments in the coun-

Davis Womble sinks his birdie putt on the 17th hole Sunday, on his way to a two-shot victory. try. with the 2012 field including participants from 22 different states and 18 countries. This year's field of 168 also included 12 American Junior Golf Association All-Americans. Over the last eight years the tournament has given over $100,000 to The First Tee Roanoke Valley. By Bill Turner info@theroanokestar.com

2012 Roanoke Rails Pre-season Preview

Over the past five years, the Roanoke Valley has produced a strong group of talented high school baseball players, Many of those players can now be found on college campuses, plying their trade and representing their university. During the summer By Bill Turner months, these top players gather in Roanoke, pool info@theroanokestar.com their talents, and hit the diamond as members of the Roanoke Rails. The Rails are the brainchild of former Roanoke Catholic pitcher Mike Blanchard and his father Dennis, who, created the team to provide a playing vehicle for local college talent. A member of the Carolina Virginia Collegiate League, based in North Carolina, the Rails play ball clubs from North Carolina, West Virginia, Virginia, and Tennessee during their doubleheader-heavy fifty plus game schedule. The 2012 edition of the Roanoke Rails will feature a distinct local flavor. The Carolina Virginia Collegiate League summer team which begins its fourth season on May 26, offers a long list of diamond stars who honed their craft in the Roanoke Valley. Newcomers will include 2011 Timesland Player of the Year Tyler Duke (James Madison/ James River HS) and 2010 Timeland Player of the year Craig Hoelzer (Johns Hopkins/North Cross). James Madison hurlers, and former Northside William Byrd's GraceAnna teammates, Trent Cundiff and Pat Arnold will also Chaney advanced to the Region III tournament with her join the Rails providing a potent one-two punch to Coach Matt Cox’s revamped pitching staff. second-place finish Friday. Like Cundiff and Arnold, the Rails will field several pairing of high school teammates including: outfielder Lincoln Evans (Lynchburg College/BoSend pictures, tetourt HS) and high school senior slugger, Dylan announcements and Powers (Botetourt HS), ODAC Freshman of the story ideas to Year, pitcher Zach Whitaker (Hampden-Sydney) info@theroanokestar.com and former Patrick Henry catcher Will Kauf-

man of Division II power California University of Pennsylvania, pitcher Aaron Stidham (Hampden-Sydney) and third baseman Jacob Clifton (Roanoke College) of William Byrd, along with the aforementioned Duke and outfielder Andrew Tucker (Hampden Sydney) of James River High School. First year players, infielder Nick Colliver (Patrick Henry CC/Franklin County HS), pitcher Tyler Grouten (Roanoke College) and infielder/ outfielder Alex Stepp (Roanoke College/Salem HS) will join a strong returning cast highlighted by ODAC stars Mark Manthe (Roanoke College/ Blacksburg HS) and Eric Houff (Emory & Henry/ Blacksburg HS). Houff ’s Emory and Henry teammates Brandon Lucas (Auburn HS)and Blake Camarillo (Roanoke Catholic) will reunite with 2011 Rails field mates pitchers Carter Brown (VA Tech Club/James River, Richmond) Zach Folger (Roanoke College/ Jefferson Forest HS), Ryan Anderson (Bryan University/Roanoke Valley Christian) and Roanoke College catcher Nick Spulati (Blacksburg HS) . A group of selected college players complete the Rails roster including Outfielder Andrew DeLuca (Adrian College) who returns from the 2011 team, new additions; infielder D.J.Russ (Emory & Henry), catcher Ronald Loy (Glenville State), and switch-hitting outfielder Kendal Fowler (Walters CC) from Mountain View High School in Stafford, Virginia. The Roanoke Rails home games are played at William Fleming High School in Roanoke, Virginia and admission is free to the public. For further information please contact Jon Kaufman (540-819-8040).

Come To Apple Ridge For Your Next Corporate or Group Retreat! Our beautiful 96-acre mountaintop facility in Copper Hill, only 30 minutes from downtown Roanoke, is the perfect destination for meetings, retreats, workshops, and group outings of all sizes. Our environment and team-building activities teach individuals to work collaboratively, communicate quickly, and solve problems creatively.

Our amenities and exciting outdoor adventure programs serve groups of 25 to 100 and are available for an afternoon, a day, or a multi-day, overnight experience, and include: • Indoor & outdoor meeting, reception & classroom space • Commercial kitchen & catering • Jr. Olympic size pool • Team Challenge & High Ropes Course with Climbing Tower • Athletic fields & tennis/basketball courts • Dark Sky Observatory • Over 5 miles of hiking trails including a Universal Access trail • Overnight facilities as well as camping space Your Retreat Supports The Apple Ridge Mission

For further information & reservations call 540.982.1322 or visit appleridge.org.

Arts & Culture

TheRoanokeStar.com |Page 9

5/25/12- 5/31/12

Festival In The Park Retooled

Returning for a 43rd year, the annual Festival in the Park event, based at Elmwood Park, has been retooled somewhat this time around. For starters, it has spread beyond Elmwood Park to neighboring streets. And for the first time in over a decade, 1964 The Tribute, the Beatles cover band that was the next best thing to seeing the Fab Four in action, will not return. Event Zone Executive Director Larry Landolt said part of the commitment to retooling Festival in the Park, which includes more collaboration from local groups that wanted to be involved, was the realization that many people had seen 1964 and were perhaps ready for something new. 1964 would typically close out Festival in the Park on Memorial Day night; this year a jam concert featuring area musicians takes its place. Before that, from Friday (May 25) through Sunday, there are concerts by headliners The Gin Blossoms, Lee Brice and Craig Morgan. The Gin Blossoms had pop hits like “Hey Jealousy,” in the 90’s; Brice was up for the Academy of Country Music’s Song of the year with a tune he wrote for the Eli Young Band (Crazy Love) and Morgan has had seven Top-10 country hits since 2003. Those concerts require a ticket but there’s plenty of free music (on four stages,) food and arts & crafts during the day. The AEP Festival in the Park 5k and 10K road races kickoff at 8am on Saturday. Daytime activities have been “completely revamped” according to Landolt, and include a sand sculpture being created outside the main library in downtown Roanoke by Carl Jara. Students from the Music Lab will program a whole stage near Franklin Road; an ensemble from the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra will perform and there will be blues music from the Blue Ridge Blues Society, as well. “If you think you have been to Festival [during the day] and have been there, done that, it’s no longer the case,” noted Landolt. Event Zone also oversees Party in the Park every Thursday and the Big Lick Blues Festival in September. Landolt credits inspiration he received at the CityWorks Expo earlier this year with some of the changes that will take place at Festival over the next few years. Developer Ed Walker staged CityWorks, a symposium focused on small and medium sized cities like Roanoke, where collaboration and community were stressed as ways to grow. “It’s no secret that Roanoke is blowing up in terms of creativity and doing neat things,” said Landolt, “the question I had was…how can we ask these [creative] individuals and groups to be part of Festival in the Park? It was as simple as asking.” Many told Landolt they had been waiting for that call. There has been plenty of collaboration and participation by local groups at Festival in the Park, “but this year it’s just been overwhelming,” said Landolt. “I hope that it just continues to blow up and be this incredible movement.” Like the Marginal Arts Festival earlier in the year, he hopes that

Virginia Tech Comes Alive With Summer Programs, Cultural Events

Virginia Tech will be alive this summer with cultural events, camps, conventions, exhibits, and professional development programs that will bring thousands of visitors to its main campus from June through mid-August.

Craig Morgan is the headliner this weekend. FITP is seen as one of those places creative people feel is a “must do” when it comes to venturing out. The mental shift at Festival in the Park includes taking it to the streets, with parts of Franklin Road and Jefferson Street being closed. RIDE Solutions is also putting on its Open Streets Festival, promoting alternatives to driving this weekend at the same time. “This is an urban festival,” notes Landolt, “so the idea of using the streets…is exciting to us.” As for the music headliners, Landolt said The Gin Blossoms “helped define that whole alternative pop-rock sound of the late ‘90’s.” Sunday’s main attraction, Craig Morgan, “is a man’s man,” ex-active military and the host of a TV hunting/fishing show. “We’re very excited about the three concert nights this year,” said Landolt. Event Zone has brought in some fairly big country acts over the past few years and has done well at the gate. “You can kind of tell who’s coming [up in popularity],” said Landolt, noting the demographic for country music in Roanoke. Brice crosses over to other genres anyway he adds; opening for Brice is local favorite Mountain Heart. As for Memorial Day’s Rock the Valley jam, “We have no idea how this is going to work,” said Landolt. “It could be absolutely stunning.” Then again, maybe not, but Landolt points out that the Roanoke music community is tightly knit and many of those who will be invited have probably played together anyway. This will be the last Festival in the Park before Elmwood Park undergoes renovations that begin in July. If all goes well, the new amphitheater should be in place next May. “Anybody would be excited about the changes,” said Landolt, who feels the revamping will only make Elmwood Park more festival-friendly. See eventzone.org for a complete list of events at this weekend’s Festival in the Park. By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

Review: “Postcards by Betty”

She’s done it of 20 postcard-sized again. A year ago, prints of original Betty Cody Pence work not including published her lightthe still life on the hearted memoir cover. The books titled, “My Very Last are priced at $9.00 Boyfriend,” with with proceeds again proceeds going to going to a charitable the Rescue Mission. organization – this Betty Cody Pence This year her project time to the Ameriis a book of postcan Cancer Society. cards bearing prints of original “Postcards by Betty” may be paintings by the Roanoke-born purchased at The Discovery painter and writer herself. Shop of the American Cancer If and when the purchaser can Society and the Herb Cellar part with a picture, the selected at Townside Festival Mall on A painted post card from paintings are designed on the Franklin Road as well as Tin- Betty Cody Pence’s Book. back to be mailed out as post- nell’s on Crystal Spring Avenue, cards. The paintings range from Too Many Books on Grandin colorful landscapes to whimsi- Road and Willow Grove at The By Gail Tansill Lambert cal scenes starring cats of many Forum on Starkey Road. info@theroanokestar.com colors and a still life or two. In all, the book contains a total

connection

Useful items for nursing mothers

Professional Bra fitting Nursing Bras Nursing Tanks My Brest Friend Pillows Hooter Hiders

540-774-7202

3142 Brambleton Ave, SW • Roanoke, VA 24018 At Classic Image Day Spa

http://sites.google.com/site/vickihoner/

* The Summer Arts Festival 2012: Sponsored by The School of Performing Arts and Cinema and the Town of Blacksburg, this is a smorgasbord of cultural arts events that take place throughout the summer. Included in this list are Friday Night Out Concerts (free live music on Henderson Lawn), free classic movies at The Lyric, movies on the lawn at the Alexander Black house, two free theatre shows including the Roanoke Children's Theatre production of "Go Dog Go" and, back by popular demand, "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare." Other events include the Summer Solstice Celebration, Art of the Market, and Blacksburg's 33rd annual Steppin' Out street festival. A complete list of events can be found by visiting the festival on Facebook. * 4-H Congress: From June 25-28, the Virginia 4-H will hold its 92nd State Congress at Virginia Tech. The event will bring more than 500 4-H members, volunteer leaders, and Virginia Cooperative Extension agents to campus. This annual statewide event offers educational experiences and competitions for outstanding 4-H members and adult volunteer leaders. * Future Farmers of American (FFA) Convention: More than 2,000 Virginia youth, advisors, and guests with a passion for agriculture will return to the university campus for the 86th annual Virginia FFA Convention June 18-21. This year's theme, "Ignite the Power," will encourage FFA members to continue the vision for excellence and success in agricultural education that the founders of FFA articulated on Virginia Tech's campus in September of 1925. Learn more about the convention. * Vocal Arts and Music Festival: Opera coaches, singers, and musicians from across the globe will visit Blacksburg June 14-29 to present two weeks of performances and master classes as part of the Vocal Arts and Music Festival. Presented by the Center for the Arts at Virginia Tech, the festival is one of only three International Vocal Arts Institute programs. Special events will be available each evening, including master classes from some of the biggest

“Panjammers” of Blacksburg, a local steel drum band, performs on Henderson Lawn. names in opera, a chamber music celebration, solo and group performances, and a one-act opera. Discounted packages for the entire festival are available. * World Polymer Conference: Virginia Tech and the Macromolecules and Interfaces Institute are hosting the World Polymer Conference June 2429. The international meeting will bring renowned speakers to the Virginia Tech campus, including Nobel Prize winner Robert H. Grubbs. More than 1,200 polymer-science experts from around the world will be housed on campus and in selected area hotels. * Master Gardener College: More than 300 master gardeners from across the state will convene on campus June 2024 for the 25th annual Master Gardener College. Participants learn the latest in environmentally sound lawn and garden practices and share horticultural knowledge. Learn more on the Virginia Master Gardener Web page. * Virginia Bioinformatics Institute internship: The Virginia Bioinformatics Institute is offering an internship for highschool-age youth July 9-13 to expose them to the fields of research in biology, plant pathology, the environment, climate, and bioinformatics. This weeklong program consists of several research activities, related tours, and a discussion and lecture series. Visit the program Web page for more information. * Newman Library: Don't

forget that materials, including DVDs of current films and popular leisure reading titles, are available for checkout to all Virginia residents. The library will host an exhibit commemorating the sesquicentennial of the enactment of the nation's Morrill Act, which paved the way for the establishment of land-grant colleges and universities such as Virginia Tech. A reception to celebrate this historic event will be held July 11. Visit the library online for more information and summer hours.< * YMCA at Virginia Tech: Open University classes at the YMCA at Virginia Tech offer a wide variety of continuing education programs from pottery to salsa dancing, learning Spanish and Turkish to outdoor grilling. The YMCA also hosts regular guided hikes, community gardens, and service opportunities for all ages. In addition, it operates two thrift shops. The YMCA's website is full of helpful information. * Sports camps: The university will host nearly a dozen youth sports camps, including baseball, soccer, basketball, and wrestling camps, among others. See a complete list on the HokieSports website. A comprehensive list of summer events coordinated by Continuing and Professional Education can be found online at: cpe.vt.edu/HOME/calendar/ index.html).

At Your By Catherine Doss info@theroanokestar.com

D 540-904-7104 SERVING THE ROANOKE VALLEY

Memorial Day 2012 Special Savings Offer During Memorial Day weekend take advantage of these special offers:

•Select Spaces for $500 •Discounts on Burial Vaults •10% Off on Niches and Bronze Memorials

EvergreenÊBurialÊPark InÊtheÊheartÊofÊRaleighÊCourt

1307ÊSummitÊAvenue,ÊSWÊRoanoke,ÊVAÊ24015 (540) 342-2593

5/25/12- 5/31/12

TheRoanokeStar.com |Page 10

NewsRoanoke.com 6:15 PM THURSDAY MAY 31 AUDITORIUM ROANOKE MAIN LIBRARY

“One of the best practitioners of the art.” -Los Angeles Times “Nothing less than brilliant!” -Performance Magazine “Fantastic!” -Dave Barry, Miami Herald

www.nizer.com Information: 540-853-1057 libraryevents@roanokeva.gov

THE BEST ENCHILADAS ON THE PLANET.

3311 Peters Creek Rd

540-366-0888

800-633-1210 OVER 150 USED VEHICLES

IN STOCK NOW!

STARTING AT JUST

$8.99 Each one is hand-rolled and made with pride, fresh-to-order! Get ‘em sauced, double-sauced, whatever, but if you Enchilada, you gotta’ Enchilada with us. 4802 Valley View Blvd. NW • (540) 265-3555

2003 BMW 325xi AWD Stock #:220615A

2006 CHRYSLER SEBRING CONV. Stock #:P4810A

2003 JEEP WRANGLER SE Stock #:P4809

2006 NISSAN PATHFINDER Stock #:220305A

2005 CADILLAC SRX Stock #:PB4874

$8,995

$11,995

$12,495

$14,995

2007 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER LT Stock #:220344A

2006 HONDA CR-V EX Stock #:220321A

2003 MERCEDES BENZ E320 Stock #:P4853

2011 NISSAN VERSA Stock #:PA4882

2009 HYUNDAI SONATA GLS Stock #:PA4892

$14,995

$15,995

2004 ACURA MDX Stock #:P4897

2004 FORD F150 SUPERCAB Stock #:220556A

2009 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY LX Stock #:PA4888

2006 PONTIAC SOLSTICE Stock #:P4906

2010 JEEP LIBERTY Stock #:220448B

$15,995

$16,995

$16,595

$16,995

$17,995

2008 HONDA CIVIC HYBRID Stock #:P4879

2010 HONDA FIT SPORT Stock #:PB4919

2010 HONDA CIVIC LX Stock #:220715A

2009 HONDA ACCORD EX Stock #:220585A

2005 MINI COOPER CONV. Stock #:PA4814A

$17,995

$18,995

$19,995

2011 VW JETTA SE Stock #:220704A

2007 TOYOTA CAMRY XLE Stock #:220414A

2011 HONDA CR-Z EX Stock #:P4872

2008 MINI COOPER Stock #:P4903

2007 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE LTD Stock #:PB4901

$19,995

$20,995

$21,995

All prices plus tAxes, title, tAgs, And $299 Processing Fee. All vehicles preowned unless stAted As new. photos for illustrAtion purposes only. offer ends 5/31/12.