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Community | News | Per spective

September 19, 2008

TheRoanokeStar.com

“Something’s rotten in Roanoke�

The Columbia Journalism Review slams The Roanoke Times for lack of coverage and for moving a reporter off assignment after Carilion complains and pulls its advertising.

Driving School P4– John Robinson teaches his youngest son how to drive a manual transmission.

The leading school of journalism in America published two scathing articles after investigating the recent responses given by the Roanoke Times in light of their coverage of Carilion Health System and the removal of a reporter who began to cover issues involving the not for proďŹ t hospital group. The ďŹ rst story, published September 9th (and reprinted here) entitled “Something’s Rotten in Roanokeâ€? charges The Roanoke Times with failing to address the allegation that they removed sta reporter Je Sturgeon from the Carilion beat as a result

Countryside decision appears to be final Art Donation P7– Artist P. Buckley Moss gives an original piece of artwork to the Hotel Roanoke.

Staying On top

Mayor David Bowers had his hands full at Monday’s 2:00 PM City Council meeting that practically ran to the 7:00 PM evening meeting. Though the meeting started out cordial enough, it quickly became contentious with Councilman Court Rosen and Vice-Mayor Sherman Lea having some early heated exchanges. Vice-Mayor Lea introduced the motion that Countryside Golf Course remain an 18-hole golf course and that directed staff to prepare and distribute a Request for Proposal (RFP) that included identification of potential land that can be sold without jeopardizing the operation of a 18-hole golf course. Mason, Trinkle, and Rosen had issues with the timing and the story coming out in the newspaper as they took turns Countryside admonishing ViceMayor Lea and 3 other members for using backroom politics. Ms. Mason turned to the City Attorney, Bill Hackworth, to ask if he had seen the motion. Vice-Mayor Lea said “that it is not normally the roll of Mr.

[

P8– North Cross coach urges caution to his players after strong start.

> CONTINUED P2: Countryside

of complaints and pressure from the hospital. The second article, “Plain English Needed at the Times,� was published three days later. (Available online at www.cjr.org). It criticized Managing Editor Michael Stowe’s response to the question of whether Sturgeon had been moved at Carilion’s behest, calling the explanation “human resources gobbledygook.� The following is reprinted with permission from the Columbia Journalism Review Copyright 2008 – All rights reserved.

Something’s Rotten in Roanoke Times is silent on reassignment of reporter after local hospital pulls its ads The Roanoke Times is strangely silent about whether it reassigned a reporter at the behest of a big local business. A couple of weeks ago, a strong Wall Street Journal story peeled the curtain back on how a monopoly local hospital—and a nonprofit one at that—throws its weight around Roanoke, jacking up prices, cutting off referrals to independent doctors, and, tellingly, pulling ads from the Times after repeatedly complaining about a reporter who had been

aggressively covering the hospital. The Times moved the reporter, Jeff Sturgeon, to another beat, and in the Journal story, didn’t say whether its personnel decision was influenced by the hospital, Carilion Health System. That’s here: As tension between Carilion and Roanoke’s independent doctors grew in 2006, a group of 200 doctors formed an organization called the Coalition for Responsible Healthcare to protest the Car- > CONTINUED ilion Clinic plan. The group post- P2: Coverage

Amphitheater location debate loud and lively

[Local Government]

A hot day on City Council

Court Rosen

Gwen Mason

Dave Trinkle

David Bowers

Alvin Nash

Anita Price

After the Countryside issue had been resolved at Monday’s City Council meeting ViceMayor Lea made a motion that all planning, studies and other work by City staff and Consultants under contract with the City related to placing an amphitheater along Reserve Avenue cease and that City staff begin planning for an upgraded community amphitheater while not disturbing the library. Councilman Trinkle said, “Red Light Management has 1-2 weeks left before they finalize their report and we have to pay these people anyway and you are wanting [to] just not hear what they have Amphitheater to say.� Dr. Tr i n k l e then clarified that Vice-Mayor Lea was proposing a community amphitheater and not a commercial amphitheater. The definition of “community� and “commercial� was exhaustively defined but in essence “commercial� means “big acts� requiring additional amenities and “community� means “local acts�.

[

]

Sherman Lea

Gary Crowder and Sands Woody Photos by Valerie Garner

Roanoke City Council heated up last Monday as members made their convictions known on two key issues that have been before the local governing body for several years. Countryside golf course finally received a ten year reprieve after the City spent millions to acquire it and produce RFP’s that never materialized in the development envisioned by the city manager and past councils. There was no let up in the fireworks as council moved on to the long simmering amphitheater location issue. Several Roanoke businessmen were in attendance as council members hotly debated points and fired barbs up and down the bench. When the smoke cleared a 4 to 3 majority had the downtown Elmwood Park location squarely back on the table. Reporter Valerie Garner expertly unpacks the details of both stories in this weeks RSS.

]

> CONTINUED P3: Amphitheater

Roanoke City receives award at Land Trust Conservation Celebration Bowers accepts original painting for city.

Filmmaker Honored P12– Black ďŹ lmmaker Oscar Micheaux was honored with a historical highway marker.

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The Western Virginia Land Trust presented the City of Roanoke with the 2008 A. Victor Thomas Environmental Stewardship Award at its annual Conservation Celebration on George and Louise Kegley’s Monterey farm in northeast Roanoke. More than 250 people enjoyed bluegrass music from “Easy Pickin’s� and a catered dinner of locally-grown foods from Blue Ridge Catering. The Land Trust fundraiser drew elected officials, conservationists, easement donors, business leaders, and interested citizens, all gathered together to celebrate a year that will see a record 20,000 acres saved with conservation easements in WVLT’s service area. Hosts George and Louise Kegley placed a conservation easement on their historic 116-acre farm in 2007, making it the first and only property in the City of Roanoke preserved with a conservation easement.

acres of Carvins Cove Natural Reserve to the Western Virginia Land Trust and the Virginia Outdoors Foundation. The easement, the largest in Virginia history, forever protects about half of the catchment for Roanoke’s drinking water supply, as well as the view from the 14 miles of the Appalachian Trail that circle Carvins Land Trust Cove. Bowers praised the work of the Land Trust, saying that “we hope to have another 6,000 acres at Carvins Cove under easement soon, and an easement on Mill Mountain as well.� He also acknowledged the leadership of former mayor Nelson Harris, the other City Council members, City Manager Darlene Burcham, and former city councilman Dr. Rupert Cutler, in completing the Carvins Cove easement. Speaking just before Bowers was Virginia Secretary of Natural Resources L Preston Bryant, Jr., who cited > CONTINUED the work of the P3: Land Trust Western Virginia

[

Photo by Stuart Revercomb

Over 250 people enjoyed a beautiful evening on the George and Louise Kegley farm at the Western Virginia Land Trust’s annual conservation celebration. The Land Trust presented Roanoke Mayor David Bowers an original painting by local artist Nan Mahone in recognition of the award. The subject of the large oil-on-canvas work was Carvins

Cove Natural Reserve as viewed from Skip Brandemuehl and Lee Hartman’s conserved property atop Tinker Mountain. In April, the City of Roanoke donated a conservation easement on 6,185

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9/19/08 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 2

TheRoanokeStar.com

> Countryside From page 1

Hackworth to look at motions before the Mayor - we make motions all the time.“ Mr. Lea said we have been “planning for four years and with today’s motion lets put something in action‌ we’ve been prolonging this process ‌ I feel that this is a cross examination.â€? He added that they can get information from the Director of Finance anytime. Mr. Rosen then and provokingly asked Lea if he was the only one presently on Council when the vote was taken to buy Countryside. Mr. Rosen asked “did you vote to buy the golf course to be a golf course or buy it to develop?â€? Mr. Lea explained that it was to be both and developers did not materialize as expected with an ac-

ceptable plan. Ms. Burcham, defended her position saying the purchase of the undeveloped land was “still a good ideaâ€? and that the city could control the property’s usage. Mr. Nash responded, “with all due respect to the City Manager, we acquired a golf course and we didn’t acquire 136 acres of undeveloped land ‌ there is a big difference.â€? Mr. Rosen reading from his laptop said he would “vote no on this today and the reason being ‌ that city business should be conducted in public and not behind closed doors as is the case.â€? Secondly, “I believe the vote is premature and irresponsible as a government‌ I do think we should come back and

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tion anybody’s motives ‌ I have talked to 8 groups interested in responding to the proposalâ€? and “they are chomping at the bit to respond.â€? Ms. Price said “the process has been quite open and above board‌ we’re not just talking about Northwest Roanoke which I feel is in dire need of attention,â€? and that this RFP makes it clear that “it is a golf course and we are not trying to disguise it as something else.â€? Ms. Mason then complemented Mayor Bowers for “managing an issue that has everybody’s pulses racing and appreciated [his] graciousness and willingness to listen to all of us.â€? She stood by her no vote and said “I don’t vote for things until I know what they are going to cost.â€? Mayor Bowers with his closing remarks said, “I don’t know how many times the good folks of Countryside have been down to Roanoke City Council - and God bless you for your diligence in defending your neighborhood.â€? He commended Vice-Mayor Lea for taking a leadership roll and he “would respectfully disagree that this was a behind the scenes matter.â€? He said that there had been numerous discussions “ad infinitum“. Mayor Bowers said we should not be micromanaging the City Manager and said “with

this vote we sent a message and the buck stops here,� pointing his finger to his podium as he spoke. After the vote of 6 - 1 with Ms. Mason voting “no�, the City Manager clarified that an RFP would be issued for a period of 10 years and that the Director of the Roanoke Regional Airport would recommend to the Airport Commission that the lease of airport property where several fairways reside be extended for 10 years. Respondents will have 45-60 days to reply and negotiation with the current operator, Meadowbrook, would be initiated to operate the golf course for 8 months until fiscal year end, June 30, 2009. This is to give sufficient time for Meadowbrook to recoup loses from the winter months. Vice-Mayor Lea’s motion also stated that the city should prepare its own response to the RFP. Assistant City Manager, Brian Townsend, in an email afterward said that more than likely the City would contract out for irrigation and cart paths but there could be some maintenance tasks that city personnel could do but it was too soon to speculate.

Stowe, wrote a column headlined “Journal story prompts questions about Carilion coverage,â€? saying more than a dozen readers had written about the Journal story, with some questioning the Times’s own coverage of Carilion. He defended the paper’s coverage: We knew that Journal reporter John Carreyrou had visited Roanoke earlier in the summer to report on Carilion’s growing inuence in the region. What new facts or sources, we wondered, might he uncover? When the story published in the Journal on Aug. 28, we were pleased to see few surprises. But, like Tarrant, he failed to address the only allegation di-

rected at the paper itself: that it had removed Sturgeon at the hospital’s behest. Oddly, the column does address why the paper dropped the comic strip “For Better Or For Worse,� which is repeating its original story line, even though it still runs “Peanuts.� In an interview with me, Stowe said he believed the issue had “been addressed� by Tarrant in the original Journal story. He also repeated that the coverage of Carilion had not changed, even if the reporter had. “I can tell you that we feel like we cover Carilion better any other news media organization,� he said. “We have a track record.� As for Sturgeon, he said that “we restructure and change beats all the time,� but declined to say whether Sturgeon’s reassignment was part of a normal beat change. “We don’t get into personnel decisions and why we change beats,� he said. He said Sturgeon wasn’t “banned’ from covering Carilion and that, as he noted in his column, that Sturgeon did write a tough story about Carilion in May. Tarrant and Sturgeon both declined to comment to me. So here’s the record on Carilion and Sturgeon as it now stands: A hospital complains about a reporter and pulls ads from the paper. The paper reassigns him. The paper—offered three chances—declines to deny that one caused the other when a simple “no� would do.

By Valerie Garner info@theroanokestar.com

From page 1

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man and Director of the Senior Tour representing 131 members spoke saying “all it [Countryside] needs is to be run with good ol’ Southern hospitality.“ Woody Deans, former teacher, basketball coach and athletic director at Patrick Henry High School spoke to Council stressing that local management with ties to the community would cement the success of the golf course. Mr. Deans said that, “with the right people it can be a moneymaker.� Countryside Neighborhood member Mrs. Saunders later recalled that when Councilman Court Rosen dropped in at their September 8th Countryside Neighborhood meeting Rosen stated that “he did not have a problem with Countryside remaining an 18-hole golf course.� When asked at the neighborhood meeting if he meant “in perpetuity�, Mr. Rosen responded, “yes.� She noted a contradiction that Mr. Rosen made while addressing the City Attorney when he said he understood that Vice-Mayor Lea’s motion was to operate the golf course “in perpetuity.� He then asked the attorney “if this was law� to which Mr. Hackworth responded, “no.� Rosen then said, “that this made him feel better as he was against permanency.� Mr. Nash said “I do not ques-

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handle this publicly as opposed to privately amongst 4 colleagues who made the decision without 3 being included.â€? He reiterated that “we don’t know the numbers.â€? He asked to table the motion. A vote was taken and failed 4-3. Mayor Bowers then had to remind Council members to address the chair with their remarks and not each other. Mr. Lea said, “I resent a Council member [referring to Mr. Rosen] that has been here less than 90 days to sit here and tell me what’s backdoor politics ‌ this is not backdoor politics and I want to remind him that I’ve been here 5 years and he [Rosen] has more notice on some things than I’ve ever gotten.â€? Mr. Lea declared, “we know that there are developers out here now that want to delay this project to do something else out at Countryside ‌I know it and he [Rosen] knows it and everybody in the city knows it ‌ this is the purpose of the delay and I‘m not buying any of that... and I want that on the record also.â€? Mayor Bowers cooled things down saying, “its alright for passions to flare in a democracy ‌ if your purpose is to make a statement then I’ll allow that ‌ just make your position known and let’s hear our citizens and we’ll take a vote.“ Tommy Firebaugh, Chair-

ed a petition on its Web site and put up billboards around Roanoke that read: “Carilion Clinic. Big Dream. Big Questions.â€? The local newspaper, the Roanoke Times, covered the controversy in a series of articles written by its health-care reporter, Je Sturgeon. A few months later, in March 2007, the Roanoke Times moved Mr. Sturgeon o the health-care beat after Carilion complained repeatedly about his coverage. Carilion says it communicated its displeasure to the paper’s editors, but never asked that Mr. Sturgeon be reassigned. Carilion withdrew most of its advertising from the paper, but says it did that as part of a reallocation of its ad budget. “Any friction that

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exists between an organization like us and the media is entirely appropriate,� Mr. Earnhart says. Mr. Sturgeon, who now covers transportation, declined requests for comment. Carole Tarrant, the Roanoke Times’s editor, said: “We’re covering Carilion like we always have and always will, and have no plans to change how we cover Carilion.� She declined to elaborate. But in asserting that the paper’s coverage hadn’t changed, Tarrant didn’t address whether the hospital’s complaints, and the pulling of its ads, had played a role in the decision to move Sturgeon. The story caused a stir in Roanoke, and on Sunday the paper’s managing editor, Michael

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TheRoanokeStar.com

> Amphitheater

> Land Trust

From page 1

amenities and “community” means “local acts”. Mr. Lea said that he had received opinion that the cost would be 2 to 4 million dollars to elevate the amphitheatre to protect it from flood damage. He said it is all about “location, location” and talking with the business community that Reserve Avenue was not the place for an amphitheatre. “Let’s stop the train - why are we continuing to go forward with this,” said Mr. Lea. He referenced the $60,000 study that was discarded because according to the majority of Council at the time the consultants were bias toward downtown amphitheatres. Dr. Trinkle read his substitute motion saying that: Council authorized the City Manager and City Attorney to negotiate with Red Light Management to add to the current Phase 1 contract, if required, a new contract through a PPEA process per their discretion to perform similar studies and investigations for a commercial amphitheatre at the Elmwood Avenue site in downtown Roanoke as was done at the Riverside site. Including placement, siting, size, green space and options for moving, downsizing or reconfiguring our downtown library in congruence with what has been recommended specifically for our downtown library in the Roanoke City Public Libraries five year master plan. {In order} to make adequate room for such commercial amphitheatre; and the management company will work with charitable organizations and Event Zone to assure their continued use and presence in Elmwood Park. Dr. Trinkle said Mr. Lea‘s “motion is premature and if it succeeds at the 11th hour we will pull the rug out from under a contract” and “it is going to give a black eye to Roanoke...in terms of the entertainment industry this is not going to help us.” He said in just a few weeks Red Light Management is going to present to the public their results. He expressed his willing-

ness to give the same consideration to the Elmwood Park site as was given to the Reserve Avenue site and that he recently learned that charities and nonprofits could share a commercial amphitheatre. Trinkle read the substitute motion from his laptop resulting in delay of the meeting as the city clerk had to print and distribute the motion to other members of Council. Vice Mayor Lea said he had not met a single business person yet that preferred the Reserve Avenue site. In the audience were Mr. Sands Woody, Bill Carder, Mr. Gary Crowder, and others who did not speak. Mr. Lea said, “lets stop the bleeding if we are not going to Reserve Avenue.” Mr. Rosen said that “Elmwood is almost entirely rock which would be extremely expensive to dig out.” He again reiterated that he found out about this motion from a newspaper reporter. He concludee that possibly “either location is too expensive and we don’t have the money.” Dr. Trinkle said “if Red Light Management said they would be more successful downtown - I am all for that.” He said the previous study was done by a marketing company and not a management company and it was “a slanted study”. He concluded that seven to eight hundred thousand dollars had been spent on studies since 1996 regarding an amphitheatre or hybrid. Ms. Mason made the point that the marketing study consultants admitted that they were downtown amphitheatre specialists, “but the one thing I really deplore is this wearying cycle of going back and undoing decisions every two years.” Mayor Bowers referred to the City Attorney Ms. Price’s question on whether the Elmwood Park study could be included in the Red Light study of Reserve Avenue. Mr. Hackworth was not sure if you could “do a change order or if it should

From page 1 go back out for another RFP.” He said you usually don’t do a contract then do a major, major amendment to it This would effectively be giving all the work to one entity by, “{continually} adding to it … the idea is to have a level playing field,” said Mr. Hackworth. Trinkle said he allowed for that with language that either it be a new contract or an amended contract to address that very concern. Ms. Burcham clarified that the in-house staff has the capability to design a community amphitheatre such as expanding the stage in Elmwood Park but the staff does not have the ability to design a commercial one. She did not know how much money Red Light had used up of the $120,000 allocated. Therefore she could not answer Mr. Lea’s question about how much was available from Red Light Management at this point. Mayor Bowers then added his comments that “from the groups that I hear from they are opposed to the amphitheatre at Riverside and they are in favor of improving the amphitheatre at Elmwood Park. As an attorney, Mayor Bowers, feared that the motion was “fatally flawed” in that negotiation would be with Red Light Management and preclude other bids. Mayor Bowers liked the wording in Mr. Lea’s motion that “the amphitheatre should not disturb the library building” and that Dr. Trinkle’s purposed amendment says “it involved moving, downsizing, or reconfiguring the library.” Mayor Bowers said “in his opinion it is not being done in the 11th hour - it is being done at the 1st hour.” There are three parts to the contract - siting, construction, and management and they are separate and it is “time to separate it now.” Dr. Trinkle’s amendment passed 4-3. The three opposed were Lea, Bowers, and Price. Mayor Bowers relinquished the chair to Vice-Mayor Lea in order to make an amendment to Dr. Trinkle’s amendment just

Big Lick Blues Festival & Rib Cook-Off returns

Re-launched last year at the Suntrust Big Lick Blues Festival & Rib Cook-Off, the all day concert taking place at Elmwood Park this Saturday (2-9pm) followed the demise of the Taste of the Blue Ridge Blues and Jazz Festival, which reigned for over a decade. Event Zone executive director Larry Landolt said then that blues-only events seemed to be more popular nationwide, attracting a different audience than does jazz. “People really do travel for blues festivals,” said Landolt. This year early ticket sales came from all over the region. The only returnee from the 2007 festival is blues guitarist Jimmy Thackery, joined by newcomers Hamilton Loomis, Shemekia Copeland, Ana Popovic and several regional artists. More than 1300 paid their way into Elmwood Park in 2007 and Landolt hopes for around 2000 this Saturday. Event Zone is the quasi-public organization that stages the Suntrust Big Lick Blues Festival and a myriad of other events downtown. “I think we made a good decision,” said Landolt, who does hope to bring back a jazz event in the future. There’s also a benefit motorcycle show on Bullitt Avenue, with $5 entry fees being donated to a fund for Roanoke City police officer Bryan Lawrence, partially paralyzed while out on a call. As the “rib cook-off ” part of the title indicates, there’s a rib eating contest and a judged competition for eateries that will cook their own special version of ribs on site. Highlights at the Elmwood Park amphitheatre main stage include Thackery, once a fixture in the area when he played with the Nighthawks. Now recording and playing with a group called The Drivers, Thackery stayed away from Roanoke for a while but has returned for the Suntrust Big Lick Blues Festival. “I had been through the night-

9/19/08 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 3

clubs and all that stuff… there wasn’t much [new] to excite me. My philosophy is you kind of sit back and leave it alone for a while.” Some 30 years after he first played in Roanoke, the Arkansas resident is pleased to see new venues like 202 Market and the Blues Festival emerge. “There’s some really cool stuff going on in the Roanoke area now. I’m really having a good time going back.” With the typical blues audience getting older Thackery said many would Jimmy Thackery, comes back rather go to an outdoor fes- to Roanoke. tival for music than some also entertainment on the “smoky bar on a Wednesday smaller Rick Woodson Honnight.” The earlier hours for da BlueSkool Stage: Chicken this weekend’s show (the last Wings & Gravy is a regional performer should end by favorite said Landolt, with a 9pm) also helps. “traditional Chicago blues Thackery’s two latest CD’s sound.” Mike Wescott’s feature music that is all over Blues on Board, recent winthe map style-wise. “Not evner of the 2008 Blue Ridge erything has to be the ChiBlues Society competition at cago blues band song list,” Blue 5 restaurant, will also he notes, “I’m trying to be an play on the BlueSkool stage. alternative to that.” Thack“He will blow people away,” ery has played with everyone claims Landolt. Roanoker from Otis Rush to Big Walter Amy Nicole Alls, whose muHorton and Muddy Waters. sic has been featured at Mill “I’m incredibly fortunate... Mountain Theatre, will play there wasn’t anything better.” at 4:40pm on the BlueSkool Popovic’s CD Still Makstage. ing History reached #3 on “When you think of the the Billboard blues chart; music you love, there’s a blues the former Yugoslavian also root to all of it,” said Landolt, plays a mean guitar. Roanoke noting the genre’s influence keyboardist James Pace has on rock, pop, bluegrass, jazz, been playing with Popovic on etc. an East Coast tour. Landolt Main Stage Schedule said some are coming to the (performance start times Blues Festival on Saturday are subject to change, and just to see her. Copeland has all times shown are approxibeen nominated for Grammy mate) Awards several times and is 2:30pm Mike Westcott's the daughter of the late blues Blues on Board guitarist Johnny Copeland. 3:35pm Ana Popovic Robert Plant of Led Zep4:45pm Martin's Rib Eating pelin even called Copeland Contest the next Tina Turner. “That’s 5:00pm Hamilton Loomis pretty strong stuff,’ Landolt 6:05pm Jimmy Thackery noted. Loomis was a protégé 7:20pm Motorcycle Show of the late Bo Diddley at one Awards & BlueSkool Perforpoint and will perform a tribmance ute as well as some originals 7:45pm Shemekia Copeland on Saturday. Diddley’s last recorded appearance was on By Gene Marrano a Hamilton Loomis CD. gmarrano@cox.net For the first time there is

passed. Mayor Bowers amendment was to strike the words “Red Light Management”, the words “commercial amphitheatre” and any reference to “reconfiguring the downtown library.” Ms. Mason said “what you’ve done is turn a zebra into a tiger because it is not the same animal.” This amendment failed 5 -2 with Mayor Bowers and Vice-Mayor Lea voting “yes”. Dr. Trinkle’s motion then the “main motion” was adopted 6-1, Mayor Bowers voting no. Market Building RFP In regard to the RFP for the Market building Ms. Burcham said there would be a customer / citizen survey conducted as citizens come into the Market building on various alternating days and times. A community meeting will be scheduled for the evening of Sept. 25th at the Center in the Square Planetarium between 6:30 and 8:30 PM for public input that will be recorded. By Valerie Garner info@theroanokestar.com

Land Trust as exemplary. “There are several hot spots for conservation in Virginia, and Roanoke is one of them,” said Bryant. Land Trust Executive Director Roger Holnback said the organization’s annual celebration has been growing steadily over the years. “This began as an informal gathering of Land Trust board members and friends on someone’s porch. Then it grew to 100, 200, and now 250 attendees.” Holnback credited the event’s growth to increased awareness of the Land Trust and its conservation efforts. Two dozen local businesses contributed nearly $25,000 in sponsorships for the event, according to Holnback. “Just a few years ago, I would talk to a business about sponsoring an event like this, and I’d have to explain who we were and what we did,” said Holnback. “Now, businesses are eager to get on board. They understand that our breathtaking scenery is what makes Roanoke a special

place to do business, and they want to see our farms, forested hills, and rivers preserved.” Holnback said event proceeds would go toward the landowner outreach and land conservation efforts of the non-profit Land Trust. For more information, visit www.westernvirginialandtrust. org.

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PersPective

Page 4 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 9/19/08

TheRoanokeStar.com

Remember 9/11 and remember Learning to drive a “stick shift� Americans never quit R

eally, it’s getting to be a lost art. OK, that might be putting an overly romantic spin on it, but still, learning to drive a vehicle with a manual transmission is becomof the ball, twice. don't know about you, ing to get as much ing pretty unusual. I know, I know, there are still Clinton had bin but I'm still angry. I'm information about plenty of cars being sold today, especially small, laden and wouldn't angry that 7 years ago what happened as sporty ones, which have manual gears, but their pull the trigger mechanicals are so silky-smooth that they don’t today, mass murderers at- possible. because of his sex really count. I’m talking about learning to drive tacked us. These mass murLike most of scandal. Bush had an older car with a clunky gearbox and cantanderers like to call themselves America, I spent him and decided to kerous clutch. Anyway, it’s too bad that learning Muslims. I don't. I call these the next few weeks attack Iraq instead. this art is falling out of mainstream America, for people what they are, mass in a daze. No, I Both were dumb without it we lose some of that “master of mamurderers. And no, these wasn't afraid of moves. I never be- chineâ€? satisfaction and all that character building people are not at all repre- another attack as teaching me how to drive - we were sitting at a lieved the Bush that comes with it. sentative of the Islamic faith. some people were. Jeff Artis Our youngest son Taylor is in the process of traffic light on Franklin Road. I shifted the old Administration's They never have been. They I thought bin ladlearning to drive, and part of this adventure inAustin-Healy into reverse instead of first, by claims that bin never will be. Yes, I'm still en got lucky. He volves learning to drive the family truck, a well- mistake, something easy to do in that very memangry. Until my dying day, never could have imagined laden had ties to Iraq. No, used, well-loved Toyota. This vehicle is notable, orable car. Imagine our surprise when the light I will hope these people rot the World Trade Centers I'm not an international ex- not only for its 5-speed manual transmission, turned green and we started going backwards. in hell. Hell is the only place collapsing due to his attack. pert. But, I know history. I've but also for its lack of most any comfort and Dad hollered as I quickly came to grips with these mass murderers belong. Plus, I also felt the attack always known that any claim convenience features. It has no air conditioning, the thing. Luckily, the woman behind us must happened more to lapses by of any tie between bin laden of course, nor anything with a “powerâ€? prefix. have been suspicious already, and had given me No PC here. I was at work when the at- our National Security sector, and Iraq just didn't make To put the vehicle in four-wheel-drive one must plenty of room to mess up, so I didn’t run into tacks happened. When I first instead of some great master sense. In the meantime, to get out in the mud and manually fiddle with the her. My Dad and I regained composure someborrow a quote, bin laden hubs. And you do remember what it means to what and we proceeded to practice starting and heard about the first plane plan by a mass murderer. I'm also angry that 7 years has made more videos than have “roll-downâ€? windows, right? The truck is stopping on our home hill, Dillard Road. It was flying into the World Trade adorned with plenty of rust, scratches, and small exhausting but I was getting it, and that meant Center, I thought it was a after we were attacked, bin Michael Jackson. accomplishment, and that meant intragic accident. When the laden and his band of lunaMy anger about that day dents, some of which have been acquired during the driving lessons of dependence. second plane hit, I knew. I tics are still out there. I'm an- is offset by the pride I have Taylor’s two older brothers. Once when our son, Ian was learnspent the rest of the day try- gry that we took our eyes off in this great country of ours. When I learned to drive in 1975, ing to drive the truck, he drifted back We got hit in the gut on 9/11. automatic transmissions had already a bit in trying to start on a slight inWe got knocked to our knees. largely displaced the manual kind in Mike Bailey, LUTCF, CIC cline and lightly kissed the vehicle beMany of us suffered great loss the majority of family cars, though hind us. This vehicle happened to be Agent on that day. But, we didn't not in my family’s cars. We owned a large, shiny BMW sedan driven by Mike Bailey Insurance Agency a well-dressed and stern gentleman. I get knocked out. As Ameri- assorted vehicles -all foreign, which jumped out and inspected the bumper cans, we picked ourselves was a little weird at the time- and all Phone 540-366-8829 of the sedan and, after wiping off the up, dusted ourselves off and with manual transmissions. Learning Fax 540-366-6737 to drive was a real rite of passage, as flecks of rust with a red bandana, I got back to business. We did Claims 800-421-3535 PROOF #: 060408P-HBBQ it is today, and it can be intimidating noted that no harm had been done. John W. Robinson this because we are after all, baileym2@nationwide.com enough just dealing with traffic, stop The gentleman muttered something Americans. That's what we DATE: 06-04-08 lights, yielding, and merging. Throw under his breath and roared off. We hillbillies do. We don't quit for anyone, in trying to master a challenging technical aspect continued our driving lesson, humbled, and a bit 7307 Williamson Rd • P.O. Box 19684 • Roanoke, VA 24019-1078 especially for some two-bit of the vehicle –the standard transmission - and more experienced. PAGE #: 1 OF 1 psychopath who now lives in one has the makings of a potentially beyondAnother time, during son Adam’s learner’sa cave. memorable experience. permit phase, he started from a stop sign and America is the greatest Teaching our third son the rudiments of shift- stalled the truck abruptly. The guy behind us in country in the history of the ing gears has, as it did with his older brothers, the big Ford pickup was a bit overzealous and world. Period. End of discus- brought back many fond, and some not-so-fond crunched into us. No real harm was done, almemories of my own experience of learning to though since both vehicles involved had already sion. We are the Big Dog. No drive; shifting gears in hilly Roanoke. The “hillyâ€? obviously had a “hard lifeâ€?, it was not easy to other country comes close to part is especially significant, since that’s a detail discern new damage. We all drove off, none the which can add great excitement to the learning wiser. our greatness. And we owe experience, to which Taylor can attest. Some learning-to-drive-a-manual-transno one any apologies for our The classic start-on-a-hill maneuver is surely mission feelings came back to me in a particugreatness, especially to those one which strikes dread into the heart of a new larly strong way a few years ago when we were who hate us for who we are driver just learning how to manage a “stickâ€? or on a big family road trip out west. We owned a and what we represent. So “straight driveâ€?, as we used to call it. Deft foot- mini-van with a hard-to-find 5-speed manual at today, I want all Americans work is required to get the vehicle moving the time and we were exploring San Francisco. to do two things. First, re- smoothly without rolling backwards into the car Wanting to drive down “Lombardy,â€? the famous member those who suffered behind, or conking out completely. If that hap- steep and curvy street, we navigated our way horrible loses September 11, pens one must cling there as if on a cliff, trying to across town. Soon we found ourselves in slow2001. These Americans still start the car and somehow get going again. All of moving bumper-to-bumper traffic going up a need our support. Second, one’s appendages become engaged in the strug- long and unbelievably steep hill. I had to stop gle; hands on the wheel and parking brake, feet and start ten times with the traffic as I fought my give yourselves a pat on the Check out our web site for more details flying between the brake, clutch, and gas pedal, way to the crest of the hill, and my attempts to back. We are Americans. We and head bobbling around nervously. remain calm and cool were fruitless. I did manwww.henrysmemphisbbq.com never quit. So here we are, on the Ninth Street hill at age to avoid drifting back into the car behind us,

" ! # Campbell Avenue. Taylor is at the wheel and but just barely. The clutch on that car was never Phone: 540 ! the light is red. I am sitting in the passenger seat the same, and that was about the time Marybeth # Contact Jeff at trying to project an air of calm. “You can do it. started noticing grey hairs amongst my mop. Phone: 540 ! I’ve been shifting gears and enjoying driving column@jeffartis.com No problem,� I say as I glance behind us at the line of cars - there is a Chevy much closer to for almost 35 years now, but I drive an automatic our rusty bumper than I would prefer. The light car most of the time these days. The old truck’s turns green and Taylor gets the right combina- days are numbered and I have no more kids to e-mail or call us if you have any questions. tion of brake, clutch, and gas pedal movement teach to drive it anyway. If I ever get the chance, to uneventfully turn onto Campbell. “Excellent!� though, I’m going to teach my grandchildren I say, relieved, especially since we experienced how to drive such a vehicle, because learning O. Box 21391 - Roanoke, VA 24018 mild trauma earlier when he stalled the truck to drive a “stick� can be fun and interesting, 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 2 Poem hrcdesign.com cr8vqtdz9r@gmail.com at a light at a busy intersection. A bit unnerved, and of course there is that character building 3 Newly ___, Nearly Dead 13 14 15 he restarted the truck, then continued to grind part - something which you can never really get 4 Rocket builders 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 2 Poem 16 17 18 the starter, cranking an already-running engine. enough of. Seafood Dead 3 Newly ___,5Nearly 13 14 15 Honks from cars behind us added to the merri19 20 21 22 4 Rocket builders 6 Child ment. 16 17 18 Contact John at 5 Seafood 7 Among 23 24 25 26 27 28 I remember an occasion when my dad was jwr77@verizon.net 19 20 21 22 Child

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Star-Sentinel Crossword 09/19/2008 Star~Sentinel Crossword LAYOUT & ILLUSTRATION BY H. COX - HRCDESIGN.COM

Star-Sentinel Crossword 09/19/2008

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8 Equal

Among 9 Bisque Equal 33 34 29 30 31 3235 Pin 10 Bisque 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 11 Dine Pin 36 37 38 39 40 41 Dine 12 Love intensely 42 43 Love intensely 15 Indian currency 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 Indian currency 20 Rapid eye movement 44 45 46 47 48 Rapid eye movement 49 50 51 52 22 Sports channel 49 50 51 52 Sports channel 53 54 55 56 57 58 Father 23 Father 53 54 55 56 57 58 C o m mu n i t y | N ew s | Pe r s p e c t i ve 24 Slug Slug 59 61 63 64 65 59 60 60 61 62 63 62 64 65 Rod 25 Rod Publisher | Stuart Revercomb | stuart@theroanokestar.com | 400-0990 66 67 67 68 66 68 Giant in 'Princess Bride' in 'Princess Bride' 27 Giant Aged 69 70 71 30 Aged 69 70 71 A new manner of thinking in Advertising Director | Pam Rickard | pam@theroanokestar.com | 400-0990 www.CrosswordWeaver.com 31 A new manner of thinking in order to protect our www.CrosswordWeaver.com environment order to protect our ACROSS 42 Suspect Production Editor | Stephen Nelson | stephen@theroanokestar.com | 400-0990 environment IOU part 32 Suspect ACROSS 42 emperor 43 Roman of the year 35 The fourth IOU part 32month 1 Depressed 44 Fence Roman emperor 43 opening Technical Webmaster | Don WaterďŹ eld | webmaster@theroanokestar.com | 400-0990 37 Prompt 35 The fourth month of the year Part of atmosphere with an open hand 51 Hits 46 Depressed 44 Fence opening Card game 38 Thirst quencher Famous composer 10 49 37 Prompt 46 Part of atmosphere 5 Hits with an open hand 39 Sego lilyĂŒs bulb 51 Palter 13 Notion 38 Card game 10 Thirst quencher 49 Famous composer 40 Location 52 Grain 14 Gem carved in relief Star: to lift up that which is right, real and genuine about our community – the people 39 Sego lilyĂŒs bulb Notion 51 Palter 13 Study 41 Type a book 15 53 Lessons and events that make us who we are – the real spirit of Roanoke that past residents and Location 40 Brand of cotton tipped stick 42 Gem carved in relief 14 Cincinnati 52 Grain baseball team practical nurse 16 57 Licensed leaders have worked hard to create, that points us towards the bright and shining future letters to school 44 Assigned41 Type 17 59 Zero Study a book 15 Adios 53 Lessons that we all desire for our valley. no __ 18 60 To57 42 Brand of cotton tipped stick Cincinnati baseball team Licensed practical nurse work 16 Preposition 45 Publicist 19 Fortify 62 See 44 Assigned letters to schoolSentinel: to guard the truth, with consistent and complete coverage of key local issues 59 Zero 17 Adios 47 a husbandman; a cultivator; 21 One of our famous neons 66 Prayer ending that provides balanced reporting and equal editorial opportunity. To fully tell all sides of a work 18 Preposition 60 To no __ or a plowman 23 Cleopatra's slayer 67 Chop into small pieces story so that readers can make their own informed opinions, and express them to positively Publicist 45 Fortify 62 See 19 Government 48 Representative agency 68 Niche 26 impact others and our community. 49 Corrupt 47 a husbandman; a cultivator; One offlower our famous neons 69 Hallucinogen 21 French 66 Prayer ending 28 or a plowman organic process 70 Young 29 ChopRags-to-riches into small pieces 50 Tests Cleopatra's slayerof 23 The 67 boys 54 Dalai __ 48 Representative author bearing flowers 68 Niche 26 Government agency 55 Wicked 32 Start 71 To pour or shower down 49 Corrupt 28 French flower 69 Hallucinogen The Roanoke Star-Sentinel is published weekly by Whisper One Media, Inc. in Roanoke, Va. Sub56 Made music vocally from above 33 Seed pod 50 Tests scriptions are available for $44 per year. Send subscriptions to PO Box 8338, Roanoke,VA 24014. The organic process of 70 Young boys Rags-to-riches 29 Tired Approach 58 34 We encourage letters from our readers on topics of general interest to the community and author bearing flowers 61 Sorbet 54 Dalai __ 36 Old DOWN responses to our articles and columns. Letters must be signed and have a telephone number for Wicked 55 Resort hotel 63 Startpaper 32 Thin 71 To pour or shower down 37 verification. All letters will be verified before publication.The Star-Sentinel reserves the right to deny 64 Pounds per Madeinch music vocally publication of any letter and edit letters for length, content and style. 56 square Airpod Force (abbr.) 38 1 Directorfrom Seed above 33 U.S. money 65 Japanese58 All real estate advertised herein is subject to national and Virginia fair housing laws and readApproach 23

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The Roanoke Star-Sentinel

Tired Find the answers online: TheRoanokeStar.com ers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal 61 Sorbet Old DOWN Have a clue and answer you’d like to see? email: puzzles@theroanokestar.com opportunity basis. 63 Resort hotel Thin paper 64 Pounds per square inch By Waterfield U.S. Air Force Director (abbr.) 1 Don


Perspective

9/19/08 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 5

TheRoanokeStar.com

Some of us just don’t look our age It’s summer reading accountability time

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he Summer Olympics are over. Michael Phelps is back on dry land and several “sixteen year-old” child gymnasts are proudly displaying their medals in a Beijing fifth grade show-and-tell session. The Chinese women’s gymnastics team was truly spectacular whatever age they claimed during the games. Why should gymnastics have an age limit anyway? The controversy sparked a rare competitive instance where participants were suspected to be too young. Normally such disputes involve a bearded Little Leaguer mowing down frightened batters who, unlike their opponent, did not drive themselves to the ballpark. I was born looking old. Nearly fifty, I can honestly say that I was asked for age verifying identification only once in my life. Annually the neighborhood known as “Little Italy” situated in the lower east side of Manhattan stages the San Genarro Festival, a fund raising street carnival which attracts thousands of people daily. In 1980 I attended the gala with Roni, a young lady who I had just started dating. We strolled along the carnival booths, snacking on Neapolitan delicacies until we reached an odd looking man standing on the corner of Mulberry and Grand Streets. The gentleman was guessing people’s weights, ages and birthdays with remarkable accuracy. Surrounded by an enormous crowd, the man amazed the group with his skills, never presenting a single customer with any of the trinkets meant for someone who could stump him. Not one teddy bear or slide-whistle left that booth, at least until I came along. Chided by my charming companion, I stepped before

this would be psyting in his booth chic, paid my dolsince the early sevlar and dared him enties. Bereft of any to guess my age. vanity, the intrepid Placing his hand on Roni accepted the his chin, the man challenge and the looked me up and crowd quickly reasdown for a little over sembled. a minute, scribbling It took just secsomething on his onds for the leaky pad only to cross clairvoyant to proJon Kaufman it out again. The nounce her twentycrowd was growyears old and three ing restless. Finally, the man months. The crowd grew siwas ready. His clasped hands lent as a broad smile lit Roni’s tossed high into the air, the face. “Mister, you are way off would-be prophet boldly an- she announced proudly, I’m nounced “this gentleman is 29 only sixteen!” years old and was born in late I couldn’t believe it. Honestly, April”! The crowd stood silent I had no idea! Instantly, sweat awaiting my authentification. covered my body like a tropical Everyone was starring at me storm passing over Cuba, as two including Roni. I approached hundred judging eyes burned the man and assured him that through my skull. Roni lifted I was but twenty-one years old her Holy Trinity High School and was born in mid-Decem- student ID from her pocketber. Roni looked relieved and book as proof of her tender a somewhat angry horde vehe- years, while I quickly pondered mently demanded my birth- my exit strategy. I had managed date credentials. Producing to go from world weary youth my wallet for the mob to clear- to pervert in 6.4 seconds. ly see, I handed my driver’s Showered with a hail of catlicense to the fallen prophet calls, I wrestled Scooby onto my who sought to substantiate shoulders and (ironically) made my claim. Upon studying my haste for the safety of Chinapermit briefly, the stunned town. Roni explained that she seer drew close to me and didn’t think her age would be whispered something under a problem and that she always his breath. “You need to lay off liked “older” men (at twenty whatever you’ve been smoking one, that one hurt). In response pal, you look awful.” The dis- I explained that there are spetraught diviner begrudgingly cific laws that clearly illuminate handed me my well earned the prison sentence range for prize, a small teddy bear. The offenders such as myself, (innomob dispersed with a sigh of cent or not) and that I couldn’t defeat as Roni and I began to get off from work for that long a leave the scene. time period. Unwilling to relinquish his Roni, Scooby and I ended the title as “Mystic of Mulberry evening with a platonic meal Street” just yet, my former of Chinese cuisine. When the opponent stopped Roni and check arrived, my complimenI and offered us a double- tary fortune cookie read “Conor-nothing proposition. He fucius says: The greatest danger would guess Roni’s age within could be your stupidity.” Great, two months of her birth date now he tells me. against a four foot high stuffed replica of “Scooby-Doo” Contact Jon at which had probably been sitJon.Kaufman@sprint.com

I

Do you know where your kids are?

t’s nearly Fall. The blush is upon the crabapples; the leaves are drying. It may be barely safe to go ahead and discuss . . . Summer Reading. Is it just at my house? Does this render your body limp at the thought, kind of like the “P” word, as in, “I have a “Project”” due…. It should be noted that I am either related to or friends with LOTS of wonderful, professional, admirable teachers, all of whom are probably going to get mad at me. I’m ok with that I guess, because I suspect I’m not alone. Each year I actually debate which level English the kids should take, mostly hinging on whether I want to look forward to a real summer, with lazy days, bare feet, pool, the whole thing, OR, whether I am prepared to enter the Summer Reading War Zone. The battle begins. Before school lets out, I say things like “don’t forget to find out where the summer reading books are” and “be sure I see your summer reading list so I have time to find them online, please.” Both comments go largely ignored until well into June. I figure if we can dump some of the trash out of the back packs in mid-June, I’m still in the game. By the end of June, the speech goes something like this: “Ok, guys, I’m not asking for much. All it would take is about an hour a day to do EVERYTHING I would like you to do. That includes room cleaning, instrument practicing, and just a little bit of your summer reading. Why, you can even vary the routine! The other 23 hours are yours. Please just commit one focused hour a day to the things you are responsible for.” Nice, really lenient ground rules, no big deal. I’ve done the

math, counted the notes (that’s like pages of their books, Cliff notes to us oldthe days of summer, er folks) while the and figured an hour high-schoolers tell a day should be fine. me that “NO ONE” I’m feeling optimisthey know has tic once again. We started their books can do this!! either. Without further I ponder this fact. ado, we’re into July. I picture all the stuNary a page has dents at my kids’ Cheryl Hodges been read, predictschool graduating ably. I’m trying to continue to year after year and realize maysquelch the truth which I al- be they didn’t start their books ready know. I’m in a battle, and until August either. I wither. I’m losing it. My summer is not Then rally. my own. Never has been. August speech: I remind myself that reading “OK THIS IS IT!! No one is the fundamental skill which has listened to me all summer enables our youth to succeed! and now it’s August. You have It enables adults to succeed! succeeded in disrespecting I have spent years worrying your parent once again. I have about whether video games are called and gotten the admisdestroying this generation, by sion forms for Hargrave and the subsequent re-wiring (or I’m not kidding. In addition to non-wiring I fear) of young making you read whatever they brains that will nevermore be say, you also have to make your able to reach the potential they bed every single morning and might have had? When I men- that is where you will be going tion this to my kids they roll unless you read BOTH books their eyes wearily. in the next 48 hours!!!” So I continue to hang in Major, major, major eye rollthere. Only in July, the speech ing. has been modified: About a week before school, “Guys. We are already into one book is usually read and July!! Now you can’t get away I’m not sure if both are actually with just an hour a day. I want read by the time school starts. I 25 - no 30 pages read each day do not want to know. Somehow no matter how long it takes. they always manage to do fine What page are you on any- in class and in due time, sumway??? I am no longer going mer reading is once again a disto stand by and let you sleep tant, though somewhat painful, until noon. You can’t go to the memory. pool unless you have done your It is absolutely not fair that reading.” sometime in September they So for one day, I get about get to say “I told you so” when 20 pages. I am placated. I have they get decent grades on their things to do. I move on. summer reading projects / That’s right. It’s now August. quizzes / whatever. School starts in a couple weeks. This is where I give them the I am wishing I hadn’t said BIG Eye Roll that only mom anything until now because I has really perfected. could have saved myself a lot of frustration. I am wonderContact Cheryl at ing whether I should tell the cvhodges@aol.com middle-schooler about Sparks

Taxpayers sign pledge not to vote for tax-raising politicians

S

everal times in my columns, I have written how we are overtaxed. I once shared that the average middle class family turns over 50 percent of its income in taxes and fees to local, state, and federal government. I showed you the IRS statistics that the top 10 percent of income earners pays 71 percent of all income taxes. I also wrote about elderly people being forced out of their homes because their property taxes are more than their original mortgage payments of 30 years ago. You may have wondered what you could do to help stop this legalized theft. First, you can call and remind all your elected officials on a regular basis that you are taxed too much already. It really does help when they hear that from lots of you. Now there is another way you can reinforce that message yearround. This past week in Richmond, the nation’s largest taxpayers organization launched its nationwide “I Don’t Vote for Tax Hikers!” campaign. Many politicians often pledge to not raise taxes while campaigning, and some even put it in writing. But after the election is over, those pledges are often broken when those same politicians don't have the courage to cut budgets, and instead confiscate more of our income to pay for their irresponsible spending. In response, the National Taxpayers Union has created a unique pledge that lets taxpayers openly warn politicians that they will lose our votes if they support tax increases. At the NTU web site www.

NoTaxHikers.org, citizens can pledge to not vote for polinable government waste, fraud, and abuse, and yet we ticians who raise taxes. In return, signers will receive a are expected to turn over even more of our income to free bumper sticker declaring, “I Don’t Vote for Tax Hikthe politicians who run this system? ers.” These big government lovers always see things in As tens of thousands of bumper stickers begin to terms of how much government “needs” to pay for its populate our roads, they are intended to remind politiever-growing programs, but they have no compassion cians that besides the lobbyists who are always asking for for those of us who have to fund it all. They never ask more government money, there is another lobby out here how much you and your family need to pay your mort– one made up of taxpayers who are sick of footing the gage, put food on your table, put gas in your car, and bill. This is one pledge the politicians can't break, because just meet the daily expenses of life. They just know govthey aren't making it – we taxpayers are. ernment “needs more.” Why are government “needs” I’ve already seen newspaper editorials arguing that the considered more important than your family’s? Brian Gottstein pledge is too dogmatic. They throw out the discredited With the cost of everything from gas to food going argument that if we don’t raise taxes, we won’t have enough money up, an economy in rough shape, and unprecedented mortgage defor police, roads, schools, etc. Scare tactics; not the truth. When faults, taxpayers cannot afford another elected official who will dig government already takes ONE THIRD of all income produced in deeper into our wallets to increase the size of government. the U.S., and still doesn’t have enough to fund these basic functions, Contrary to what you might think, some politicians actually like there is some serious misappropriation going on. Government has the idea of a taxpayer pledge. Virginia Attorney General candidate more than enough money. The problem is all the other things gov- and state Senator Ken Cuccinelli said, “I’m glad to see something is ernment funds with our money: sexual aids for seniors covered being done to reinforce that the taxpayers are the sovereigns who under Medicare, billions in foreign aid to countries that hate us, hold control over government, and not the other way around.” money to pay corporate farmers not to plant crops, and multi-bil- There’s someone who gets it. lion dollar bailouts of private companies that failed because of the Contact Brian at greed of their management. We see stories every day of unimagibgottstein1@yahoo.com

As you age, your eyes change and can become more prone to disease. Cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration are just a few of the conditions that may cause problems with your vision. Learn about these and other conditions as well as treatment options.

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Page 6 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 9/19/08

TheRoanokeStar.com

Commentary: Rita Bishop deserves our strong support

I

applaud the past Roanoke City School Board for looking outside the box as afar as the hiring of a new school superintendent last year. When they hired Rita Bishop, I think they did one of the greatest things the school board has done in years. Bishop is a former Roanoker and Roanoke City school employee. She knows this city and our schools. I am actively part of our Roanoke City schools as a volunteer and a member of Roanoke City School Central Council PTA. Considering where we came from, I think we're in a great place now. I have never seen someone as enthusiastic as Bishop. I was the first to call her in PA and congratulate her and I also attended the schools convocation last year. I was a skeptic when I heard her plans, but I, as well as the PTA, had her back.We believed in her. Post Bishop era, I noticed the following: low teacher and staff moral, low test scores, lack of communication between ad-

ministration and teachers, lots of wasted money and an infrastructure that was crumbling. I have seen rat infestations, bad roofs, principals that didn't care, poor administration/parent communication. Not to mention administration in some areas of the school system that was under par. Bishop set goals for this school system and has greatly surpassed them all. Our school employees now get paid twice a month instead of once which the employees love. She had Kurt Baker hired and he has not stopped trying to make Roanoke City schools what it should and needs to be. She helped get teacher pay raises, changed school start times, which in my opinion, were silly and should have been changed years ago. She is opening the over aged academy to help raise the city's graduation rate, raised staff moral, found money to start replacing our over aged and dilapidated school busses thanks to the

Beautiful Southwood Reduced to $525,000

help of Baker, got a grant to place defibrillators in all Roanoke city Schools. She has placed gifted programs at all of our middle schools as promised. Will have foreign language classes at all our elementary schools, has traveled afar to attract great new teachers, has worked nonstop to maintain our existing teachers and attract new ones. She started a teacher mentoring program, hired a fine arts coordinator to over see arts education and music to make sure our kids have everything they need to succeed. She is a big supporter of PTA. She had security cameras and buzzers installed at all schools and is starting to install digital cameras on all of our school busses this year. She is always looking for grants to start new programs to help our kids succeed and the greatest thing on her agenda is to get rid of all the stupid trailers at our schools, which in my opinion were a huge waste of money and in the future, getting rid of unsafe campus style elementary schools. I am so proud to be a volunteer for such a wonderful school system with such fine leadership as Bishop and not to mention she has reached out to the community for support, opened her office everyday for staff to come see her and discuss their concerns. I know there will be a lot of hard decisions to come but I have no doubt we have a great administration team that will take the bull by the horns. Thanks Bishop, Baker and Carson and our great school board for all the hard work you do for our children.

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Schools not all they appear to be

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week ago, Roanoke City boasted that "almost all instructional vacancies had been filled", yet only days before, twenty four were posted on its website- something sure must have happened quickly. Additionally, photos of teachers no longer with the system, still appear on the Noel C Taylor website. Teacher recruitment must be great . . .or something. Without comparing Wizard of Oz Bishop to her predecessor, the fact is that many teachers were treated so badly last year, they did not return and told new applicants to steer clear. Roanoke City Public Schools continues to have serious internal problems and little has changed since enigmatic Bishop, (who left her Lancaster Pennsylvania job rather abruptly) took the helm. She continues to spin a good tale for reporter Roanoke Times reporter David Harrison who sits at her hemline, and indeed I once believed her as well. But as a first year teacher I was totally unsupported and harassed by my principal- to the point of tears several times. I quickly leaned that to Rita Bishop, teachers are easily disposable commodities and principals reign king, unaccountable for their treatment of their staff. This is also the position taken by human resource person, Billie K. Wingfield - a new transfer from Virginia Beach Public Schools. Low salaries, student vulgarity, personal threats, and now ridicule and punishment from their principals, has caused many teachers to leave or apply for transfers. While so-called “teacher accountability” increases with no student-parent accountability, teachers are left to Chris Craft sink without a float. Our ailRoanoke,VA ing economy must make for

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Commentary: Roanoke City Public teachers who are desperate enough to teach for a school system in which students are given incredible leeway to insult and demean them. Noel C. Taylor, a school for students with severe disciplinary problems and criminal records, was so poorly run last year that only three teachers on the high school side came back this year. We were fired, chased out, or threatened if we “bad mouthed” the system. My principal referred to me as a “cancer” that was ruining the school. He routinely berated us at faculty meeting for being “negative” and told us we needed to make our school look good for Bishop, so her new academy would be supported. He told us we were both obligated to intervene in fight situations, or be liable, as well as sued if we touched a student. Huh? He now runs the new academy for Bishop. Teachers struggle to teach shockingly diverse grade level abilities in Roanoke City, yet teaching materials were not provided that reflected grade level in my classroom. As a first year teacher, no mentor was appointed to me- I had to find one on my own. I was asked repeatedly by the principal, “why I wanted to be there?” (I am a white woman) and was continually monitored and evaluated with only one follow-up. (My male colleagues had no evaluations until I notified human resources.) That was a clear indication to me that I would not be up for renewal. Under Bishop’s leadership, it seems to be “par-for –the-course” that a teacher’s word, action, or judgment is always superceded by the word of the student, parent, and administration. Bishop’s who is paid $160,000 dollars a year, claims to “seek and retain” good teachers. Really? She’s

I

was visiting my family in Roanoke a few weeks ago, and I was quite pleased to come across your front page feature in the Roanoke Star-Sentinel about Roanoke passenger rail service, enough to where I had to clip the article and respond. Since much of my family has relocated to Roanoke since the 90's, leaving me aloof up here in CT, I have, of course, had to make the trek back and forth several times. What has been very disappointing is that rail service just isn't feasible even though the corridors have historically existed. If it was, I know well that the trip would be superior than any other mode. I hate driving the long 9 hrs (or more if there is construction, or traffic hangups, which is often). The truck congestion across the Cross Bronx onto the GWB, and thereafter on Interstates 78, 80, 81 is intolerable. So many trucks, it looks like, well, a long train on the highway. Hmm, you think maybe that would spark an

idea among so many people? (How many gallons of diesel on a convoy of 100 trucks, vs 2 locomotives pulling 100 freight rail cars? Isn't this a question for are you Dummer than a Fifth Grader?) As for air travel, which I have done a few times, it too is intolerable. In the past, I used US Airways which serves Roanoke, either from Bradley in Hartford, or LaGuardia in NY. It is at least a couple hours of ground time to get to either of them. Even when the air service was not as cost prohibitive it was still not worth it being that one always had to route through Pittsburgh or Cincinnati and the total travel time would then compare to driving. The rail service for anywhere between here and Washington DC is not bad. I can get on a train here in Norwalk any time of the day, and the service to DC is around 5 hrs. But, the problem is anything beyond that in terms of an itinerary is like going off a cliff. There is a several hours wait to change

trains at Union Station to go anywhere South of DC. And, then there is only one train that passes only as near as Lynchburg at around midnight-- when the station is closed, and there is absolutely nothing around. Other options? Well, there is bus service, I thought, from Union Station. But, that too, for whatever reason, takes at least 7 hrs from DC to get to Roanoke. I could almost bike it in that time. And, with any combination of these options, it comes to a few dollars shy of air fare anyway. I have been to the Roanoke Railway museum with my nieces, and I have wondered why is it in such a historical hub town that passenger service cannot be revived? It had famous service in the past, and the corridors still exist, not to mention the economic potential. It could only be an economic boom for Roanoke, many would likely even commute to DC for work and business, and both ways for tourism. And, the service could extend

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made it abundantly clear to many of my peers that if we question or assert ourselves as intelligent adults we face the chopping block. As she said when she exited Lancaster, “there was the mean factor…”- maybe she meant her staff. Bishop convinced the school board to spend $100,000 on PLATO instruction and computers for credit recovery, but forgot to make sure teachers were trained to use them. This caused even more student frustration and fights at Noel C. Taylor, and apparently, no one bothered to find out if the program was a success. . (An insider told me one student passed the Plato program last year with a “D”). Meanwhile, our principal Anderson, repeatedly told us “we were being watched. And that a student even was using a “video recorder.” (In other words, “shut up.”) We were asked to “fudge” grades for students who did not attend class so that stats would look better. The principal, his assistant (now principal of Noel C Taylor) started listening against the walls of my classroom to find evidence to get me terminated. (Three write-ups and you’re gonekind of like base ball). When a student threatens your life we are told it is our fault for “creating that situation” and are often written up. The school board must be awfully busy trying to hide skeletons, as they were well aware of the situation at Taylor, but as David Carson told me he, “totally supports Bishop.” News alert to new teachers: run, don’t walk away from Roanoke City. Shame on you, Rita Bishop..

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to NC and TN for so many stops there. Roanoke needs to get out of the 1950's urban design mode of drive-in everything, or it soon will wind up like Fairfax City. That any of this might detract from air service at Roanoke seems like a moot point when the airlines themselves are reducing services anyway. As I have said for a long time, air service can never get to a level of predominance because of so many constraints of weather, safety, comfort, and energy cost. Any trip that is under 1000 mile can easily be beat by rail service. Anyone can do the math and realize that while you can make 45mpg driving in some hybrid car, it doesn’t compare the several hundred MPG that one gets riding as a passenger on a train. I think that even if the freight rail industry has a depleted infrastructure, that perhaps if all rail received attention from the public, industry, and government, that passenger service would promptly revive. Why do dreamers urge the taxpayers to fund travel to Mars? I can't even get to Roanoke from Norwalk in a comfortable, cost-effective manner. Options were better in the 1930's than now. Also, why do politicians balk at rail subsidies when all other modes of transportation are so heavily subsidized? How many billions go into highway? Highway funding is one of the single largest expenses of government budget. How about those taxpayer funded bailouts for the airline industry, and auto industry in the past? Thanks for making mention of train service in Roanoke. I hope you will feature a series on this subject. Oliver Wellington Norwalk, CT


TheRoanokeStar.com

Kudos to the Roanoke Public Library Dear editor, I think that the public libraries in the Roanoke Valley do not receive enough credit for what they do to bolster the general literacy of this area. I see commercials from schools associated with the Higher Education Center and there is an impression that a good job means more money and not service to the community. I think a drive for general literacy-a love for learning and training in basic learning skills will go a long way in making this an area attractive to professionals but more importantly a community that loves to learn and sees education as a life-long activity. Wm. Jay Bender Roanoke

Constitution clarification Dear editor, A minor correction to “The Constitution - a glorious stand” article by J. Harland Lawrence. In that article he wrote that the U.S. Supreme Court “which is suppose to protect or Constitution, and pass Constitutional laws are now passing laws from the bench, with no regard to the Constitution, and what it represents.” I applaud Mr. Lawrence’s enthusiasm and support for the U.S. Constitution and I too share his support. However, he made a statement that is flawed. The Supreme Court doesn’t pass laws and is not supposed to pass laws. That is the legislature’s job. The Supreme Court’s job is to apply the law as it comes to

Letters

them according to the intent of the makers of the law and to protect the Constitution from laws passed by the legislature (strike down) that violates the original constitutional document and intent of its designers. Regarding the proper application of a law by the Supreme Court, James Wilson, an original Justice on the Supreme Court, exhorted, “The first and governing maxim in the interpretation of a statute is to discover the meaning of those who made it.” With regard to the Constitution itself Thomas Jefferson wrote, “On every question of construction, carry ourselves back to the time when the Constitution was adopted, recollect the spirit manifested in the debates, and instead of trying what meaning may be squeezed out of the text, or invented against it, conform to the probable one in which it was passed.” I’m certain this is what Mr. Lawrence really wants. Lee Carter Roanoke VA

Why You Must Listen to Sam Rasoul Dear editor, Recently we have sat in three different living rooms, including our own, listening to Sam Rasoul of Roanoke discuss his desire to represent us in the 6th district of the U.S. House of Representatives. There are few politicians we have met anywhere at any time who are as knowledgeable, articulate, personable, persuasive, passionate, committed, and capable of taking on the challenges facing our region and nation as Sam Rasoul. Brilliant, yes. Personally responsive and utterly respectful of those to whom

9/19/08 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 7

[P. Buckey Moss] he speaks, yes. Independent of thought and not beholden to any special interests, yes. Takes no campaign monies from PACs or from the Democratic Party but only from people who believe in him, yes. Able to sift through the complexities of economic, social, and political realities affecting us all, proposing new solutions for a new day, yes. A small businessman who loves family, neighborhood, and country and is willing to sacrifice for the future of them all, this is Sam. A fiscal conservative who will balance budgets, slash special interests, remove earmarks and wasteful pork barrel spending, limit terms of office, and seek affordable single payer health care for all citizens while allowing us to keep our own physicians, this is Sam. A progressive voice committed to new technologies for renewable energy and the creation of green jobs within our own congressional district without job depletion from outsourcing, yes, this is Sam! Sam believes in two essential articles of faith by which to live. Love God as you love yourself, and love your neighbor as you love yourself. And he practices what he preaches. If you have not yet invited Sam into your living room to listen and to speak with you and your neighbors, then do so this coming month. He will win your heart as well as your vote. Bless you, Sam! You are the best of the best! Some day we expect to hear that you are running for President of the United States! Charles and Ethlyne Davidson Lynchburg, VA

P. Buckley Moss presents original artwork to Hotel Roanoke

Photo submitted

World-renowned local artist P. Buckley Moss presented an original piece of southwest Virginia artwork of The Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center at the Friday opening reception of Moss’s two-day national Collector’s convention. The reception was well attended with lines of people having P. Buckley Moss autograph their paintings. Above, P. Buckley Moss presents Dr. Raymond Smoot, Chief Operating Officer of the Virginia Tech Foundation, her original painting of The Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center she painted specially for the Collector's Convention. The painting will be on display at the Hotel and prints are available in the gift shop. The Virginia Tech Foundation owns Hotel Roanoke.

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Roanoke Police Department Conducts DUI Enforcement The Roanoke Police Department has conducted several traffic details within the last two months focusing on DUI. A checkpoint was held September 13, 2008 at the intersection of 14th Street and Wise Avenue. One arrest was made for DUI and 24 additional charges were placed for other violations. Ten DUI roving patrols were conducted during the months of August and September with a total of 196 charges placed. The charges are as follows: DUI 11 Speeding 52 Safety Belt Violations 22 Child Safety Seat Violations 4 Reckless Driving 8 Suspended Operator’s License 15

Habitual Offender 1 Improper Land Change 4 Improper Turns 3 Equipment Violations 23 Disregard Traffic Signs/Signals 14 No Operator’s License 18 Other Traffic and Criminal Charges 21 The Police Department reminds citizens that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has declared September 20, 2008, as National Seat Check Saturday and September 2127, 2008, as National Child Passenger Safety Week. The department will conduct special operations focusing on the proper use of child safety seats. Reward Offered in Murder Investigation Roanoke, VA The City of Roanoke and a

private donor are offering an $11,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of a suspect or suspects in the murder of George Edward Rogers. Officers responded on August 18, 2008 at 11:49 a.m. to a residence in the 1300 block of Orange Avenue. They found the body of Mr. Rogers, age 89 of Roanoke, inside the residence. Mr. Rogers was active in the community, and those who knew him say he was always willing to help members of the community. Anyone with information regarding a suspect or suspects should call the Roanoke Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Unit at 853-5959 or the department’s main number at 8532212.

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Colonels stay on 802 Kerns Avenue the offensive ForSaleorLease

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a 40-6 blowout win over the Heritage Pioneers on Friday. “Overall I thought we played well,” Coach Rob Senseney said. “Our defense especially played well all night.” The Colonels prolific offense was explosive again on Friday, with the usual suspects doing most of the damage. Senior running back LaCalvin Hickman ran for two touchdowns, increasing his season total to six for the season, and quarterback Derek Brown threw for three scores. Senior wideout A.J. Johnson connected with Brown for one of those scores, and Johnson also returned a fumble for a touchdown.

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Patriots showing improvement

The defense stifled the Pioneers’ option attack for the majority of the contest, and forced two turnovers—the aforementioned fumble, as well as an interception by safety Brian Taylor, his third in two weeks. Penalties remain a problem, however. “They’re silly illegal motion penalties,” Senseney said, attributing most of the problem to some of the inexperience along the offensive line. “It’s nothing major, but once we’re able to limit those, we’ll be OK.” The Colonels (4-0) are off this week, and will use the time off to prepare for a huge contest against the Salem Spartans on September 26.

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Last Friday, the Patrick Henry Patriots football team fell to Northside 32-20. The loss, which dropped the Patriots to 0-3 for the season, might be seen as discouraging to some, but head coach Bob Gray was upbeat about the progress of his young squad. “We played a lot better as a team,” Gray said. “We made a few personnel changes that worked out well for us. I’m really pleased that we’re heading in a positive direction. The offense, which has been a sore spot as the team adjusts to its new single-wing system, was formidable against the Vikings. Senior quarterback Darren Thomas ran for over 160 yards and two touchdowns, and connected with tight end Kyle Smith for another score. “Part of our game plan was to get the ball into Thomas’ hands more often,” Gray said. Defensively, the team made a key personnel change, moving senior Larry Gunner, who also plays on the offensive line,

to linebacker. Gunner brought a physical presence to the unit, something the team has been lacking in recent weeks. “Kids tend to feed off of each other,” Gray said. “Gunner brought some of that physical play to the table for us.” Fumbles still remain a concern for the Patriots. The team has struggled to handle the direct snaps which are a huge element of the single-wing offense, and committed a crucial fumble late in the fourth quarter against Northside. “We still had trouble with the snaps, no question,” Gray said. “But that stuff will come with experience and learning the offense. We accomplished a lot of our goals this week, just not the ultimate goal of winning.” This week, Patrick Henry hosts the Cave Spring Knights at 7pm. “It’s a game we need to get,” Gray said. “Both teams need a win real bad.” By Matt Reeve Matt@theroanokestar.com

North Cross Raiders on a roll, but head coach urges caution

By Matt Reeve Matt@theroanokestar.com

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Don’t look now, but the North Cross School Raiders appear to have plenty of momentum as the varsity football team heads into Friday’s home game against Virginia Episcopal. Back-to-back 44-0 blowout wins against Massa“THE FIFTH ‘C’ - CONFIDENCE” nutten Military and Carlisle School on the road will do that for a team. “You hope to get better each week,” said second year head coach Lee Johnson earlier this week, in what might some might call an understatement. Johnson added that his squad was still working out the kinks. 44-0 blowouts aside, the 08 former Glenvar coach is “reDear Geoff, ally proud,” of his defense, I wanted to thank you for all of your help in finding me the perfect engagement especially how the Raiders ring. Laura and I got engaged last weekend and she absolutely adores the ring. It looks beautiful. As for most people, it is pretty stressful looking for a ring (2-1) are flying to the ball. tailback for this offense,” injury). “You can get players and you helped to alleviate all of my concerns by exceeding all expectations. Middle linebacker Devon said Johnson, who had to healthy now,” said Johnson, You were a pleasure to work with throughout the process. Thanks again for all of your help and I will always consider Frank L. Moose for all my future jewelry Cain, a Cave Spring High use slower fullbacks instead. who can dress as many as 40 needs. Contact Tom Branch or Mike Branch School transfer, has been Contact Sincerely, Nelson Bolling 4552 Franklin Road, S.W., Roanoke, Virginia 24014 Tom Branch or Mike Branch Caveness, another Cave or so now for a varsity game. BOL 08 BOL 08 a Road, key component. “On our 4552 Franklin S.W., Roanoke, Virginia 24014 Spring transfer, can carry the JV players Matt Watson and Phone: 540-774-1208 | Fax: 540-774-1359 | Email: bmc@branchmgt.com defense that’s where it all ball Phone: 540-774-1208 | Fax: 540-774-1359 | Email: 25-30bmc@branchmgt.com times a game if Morgan Moskal moved up to starts,” said Johnson of the necessary and has been “ab- play fullback during the CarContact Tom Branch or Mike Branch middle linebacker posi- solutely invaluable.” Having lisle game in Ring’s absence. 4552 Franklin Road, S.W., Roanoke, Virginia 24014 Phone: 540-774-1208 | Fax: 540-774-1359 | Email: bmc@branchmgt.com tion. The defensive line has a runner like Caveness who This week’s opponent, Contact Tom Branch or Mike Branch stepped up, pushing the line 4552 Franklin Road, S.W., Roanoke, Virginia 24014 can take a hit while running Virginia Episcopal School, Contact Tom Branch or Mike Branch Available Management Corp.Space specializes in unique solutions to| Fax: meet your needs. Phone: 540-774-1208 540-774-1359 | Email: bmc@branchmgt.com 4552 Franklin Road, S.W., Roanoke, Virginia 24014 of scrimmage back often – the ball inside or outside has typically features a passing Branch Management Corp. specializes in unique to meet your needs. Phone: 540-774-1208 | Fax:solutions 540-774-1359 | Email: bmc@branchmgt.com Branch Management Corp. specializes in unique solutions to meet your needs. Expanding | Downsizing |Ownership Ownership | Leasing | Selling | Selling another sign said Johnson of made life easier for Johnson, offense and “a ton of skill Expanding | Downsizing | | Leasing For more information on these and other properties that we have available, please visit Expanding www.branchmgt.com today!| Downsizing | aOwnership defense playing|well. Leasing |who Selling went 4-6 last season in players,” according to Johnor more information on these and other properties that we have available, Branch Management Corp. Specializes in As an I formation team on his first year at North Cross. son. (Case in point -VES pleaseManagement visit today! Branch specializes inon unique solutions meet your needs. Forwww.branchmgt.com moreCorp. information these andtoother properties that we have available, unique solutions to your Branch Management Corp. specializes inmeet unique solutions toneeds. meet your needs. offense the attack centers on Extra depth has also been graduate Danny Coale is now visit| Leasing www.branchmgt.com today! Expanding | Downsizingplease | Ownership | Selling Expanding | Downsizing | Ownership | Leasing | Selling the tailback position, and For more information on these and other properties that we have available, a positive factor, allowing a Virginia Tech Hokie and 1354 8th Street For more information on these properties that we have available, today! please visit www.branchmgt.com other and

the addition of fleet Tyler please visit www.branchmgt.com today! the Raiders to bring in fresh caught a pass from Tyrod ft.-Will Subdivide 26,000 d sq. rerty u Caveness this year has made t players and rest injured start- Taylor last Saturday). “Our a e

Fe r o p that approach more effecers like Brent Ring (the line- defensive backs will get a lot P tive. “Last year we didn’t backer/fullback sat out last of work,” said Johnson. er have what I consider a true week’s game with an ankle The Raiders lost their Hollins at Palmer Hollins at Palmer

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opening game this season to Blessed Sacrament but have rolled in two contests since. Still, Johnson is quick to warn his team that pitching consecutive 44-0 shutouts doesn’t mean they are on their way to an independent school championship just yet. It’s the proverbial one game at a time. “If they’re thinking beyond that … we can set them back really quick. We’re playing one game a week.”

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enjoy. Events include a car / bike the game at 7:30 p.m. show, concert, and meet and Tickets cost $3 to attend the greet session with the Hokie game only or $10 for game adHockey team, all taking place at mission, t-shirt, and entrance the Roanoke Civic Center start- into the post-game meet and ing at noon. greet social at Awful Arthur's Public skate isBuck available from in downtown Roanoke. Game Mountain Road noon to 3 p.m. 4.45 Spectators acres will tickets are free for Virginia Tech enjoy listening to the C2 K92 Re- students and children under 12. Zoned mote Broadcast, participating in The Virginia Tech Ice Hockey the jersey silent auction, raffles, team is part of the ACCHL, a and other events. The Burn- Division II member within the

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Location: Faith Christian School 3585 Buck Mountain Road One year warranty

Photo by David Abraham

Tyler Snow kicks off to Salem in last Fridays match up. Snow had one successful onside kick that helped pull the Terriers to within 3 points but Byrd wound up falling to Salem 24-21.

Turn Fall & Winter Items Into Cash. Maternity & Children’s Items (Toys, Clothes, Books, Etc.) Accepted. Consigners Welcome Drop Off Begin Wednesday, Sept 24

Faith Christian School’s Annual

Children’s Consignment Sale More Details: www.FAITHCHRISTIAN FAITHCHRISTIAN--SCHOOL.COM SCHOOL.COM or call Anna @ 989-0934

William Byrd falls to Salem in game with exciting finish The William Byrd Terriers football team entered last Friday’s contest with the Salem Spartans undefeated on the season at 2-0. Although Salem was in control most of the game, Byrd made it very close and exciting at the end only to lose to the Spartans 24-21. Salem scored on their second possession of the first quarter when senior Derrick Hickman hit Donte’ Harvey with a 77 yard touchdown pass. Harvey knifed through the Terrier defense and outran the secondary in route to the score. Robert Powell’s point after gave the Spartans an early 7-0 lead they would never relinquish with 4:04 left

in the first quarter. Early in the second quarter, a 27 yard field goal by Powell increased the Salem lead to 10-0. The drive was highlighted by a 2 yard run by Daniel Dyer. Two minutes later William Byrd answered the Spartans score when Derrick Palmer went over from the five yard line. John Minnich’s point after cut the lead to 10-7, but Byrd would not get any closer. Salem tacked on one more touchdown before halftime when Dyer scored from two yards out with 2:45 left in the half. Powell’s extra point gave the Spartan’s a 10 point lead again, 17-7, that they took into the locker room at the half.

A scoreless third quarter gave way to fourth quarter fireworks that made Coach Steve Magenbauer’s Salem Spartans fight for the victory. An early fourth quarter touchdown by the Spartan’s Dyer from 18 yards out, increased Salem’s lead to 24-7 with 8:46 left in the game. While some fans began to file out, Byrd Coach Jeff Highfill’s Terrier’s were not finished. After a Spartan punt, Byrd marched downfield on a 15 play drive and Palmer scored from the two yard line which cut the lead to 24-14 with 2:26 left in the game. An onside kick was recovered by the Terriers at the Salem 35 yard line.

It took Byrd just eight plays to find the end zone again. Once again it was Palmer, this time going over from the seven yard line. Brady Wallace’s point after cut the Salem lead to 24-21 with :28 left. Another onside kick was recovered this time by the Spartans and they proceeded to run out the clock for the victory. Salem (2-1) will travel to Northside this week while William Byrd (2-1) will travel to Brookville to take on the Bees. By David Abraham info@theroanokestar.com

on all work!

Saturday, Sept. 27, 2008 9 am - 1 pm

Faith Christian School’s Annual

F

Faith Christian School Children’s 3585 Buck Mountain Consignment SaleRoad

C C

Location:

Date: Saturday, September 27th Turn Fall & Winter Items Into Cash.

Maternity &- Children’ s Items Accepted Time: 9 AM 1 PM (Toys, Clothes, Books, Etc.) Location: Faith Christian School 3585 Buck Mountain Road

Consigners Welcome Drop Off Begins Wednesday, Sept. 24

Turn Fall & Winter Items Into Cash. Maternity & Children’s Items (Toys, Clothes, Books, Etc.) Accepted. Consigners Welcome For More Details goSept to: 24 Drop Off Begin Wednesday,

www.FAITHCHRISTIAN-SCHOOL.COM & Click On The Purple Shirt Or Call Anna @ 989-0934 More Details: www.FAITHCHRISTIAN FAITHCHRISTIAN--SCHOOL.COM SCHOOL.COM or call Anna @ 989-0934

Northside Lady Vikings down Spartans in Volleyball

The Northside lady Vikings volleyball team ran up against the Salem Spartans last week in a match that saw Coach David Turk’s ladies regularly score by attacking the ball. Salem scored most of their points on kills as they downed the Vikings 2518, 25-16, 22-25, and 25-9. Five Spartans totaled at least seven kills. Leading the way were seniors Kayla Paxton and Kelsey Bradshaw with

13 each. Fellow senior Jessica Bayne and junior Emily Richardson had nine and eight kills each respectively. Megan Bolton chipped in with seven kills. The senior laden Spartans ran their record to 8-0 after beating William Byrd later in the week. Amy Crawford’s Vikings were led by seniors Samantha Barney and Vannessa Chapman with 10 kills and 11 kills respectively. Molly Deacon

had five digs. Northside’s record stands at 2-4. They will begin District play in Early October. Salem will begin District play on September 23rd. A clash with the Hidden Valley Titans will take place two days later. By David Abraham info@theroanokestar.com

Colonels golf moving fore-ward The William Fleming golf team is off to a rough start this season, going winless in their first eight matches. Despite their early struggles, the team’s coach, Orren Prunty, is taking a long-term approach as the program seeks to build a foundation for the future. “We’re trying to build a program,” Prunty said. “I’m not really concerned with how many matches we win.” The team is comprised of only four players (most teams have at least six), three of whom are freshman and are brand-new to golf. That kind of inexperience has forced Prunty to preach the basics. “Because of our youth we have to really focus on the

fundamentals, from the way you grip the club, the proper stance, swing technique. I think it’s best to learn the game from the green back to the tee box, so our guys have done a lot of chipping and putting to start, things like that.” Prunty is excited about his trio of freshman: Xavier Clewis, Maquan Jones, and Kyree Clegg, and feels each has a tremendous amount of potential. Clewis, for example, has already shown improvement—his most recent round was a 28 stroke improvement from the week before. “Xavier is a great athlete, and if he sticks with it I think he can shoot in the low 80’s,”

Prunty said. “Jones hits the ball really long, and Kyree has great form. They’re all getting better.” The team is led by lone senior Ian Campbell, who shoots a very respectable average score in the low 80’s. “Ian has a great work ethic, and really cares about his game. He is always working on something.” The Colonels are back in action in a non-district match against Northside and Liberty. Next Monday, the team continues district play at Countryside. By Matt Reeve Matt@theroanokestar.com

Adult swim team invites new memberships The Marlins Masters have begun the new fall season and the team is seeking new members of all ability levels. Associated with the Carter Athletic Center at North Cross School, the program emphasizes stroke instruction, start and turn work, and cardiovascular improvement. Head coach Eva Steib has 26 years of coaching experience, including 15 years working with adult swimmers. She recently attended the American Swimming Coaches Association World Clinic 2008, a training event

that drew over 700 coaches from around the world. Masters members must belong to the Carter Athletic Center; membership levels range from $35-70 per month. In addition, there is a $25 per month fee to belong to the Masters group; new members receive a two-week free trial period. For more information about the schedule and fees, please call the Carter Center at 9897284.

Come To The Gathering Sunday Evenings. Experience worship and education that is relaxed, relevant and ready when you are. Come to the Gathering Worship Sunday evenings at 5 p.m. After, stay for a fellowship dinner at 5:45 p.m. and faith formation courses for all ages at 6:15 p.m. You belong here. Empty nesters, families, singles, children, professionals, jeans and sneakers are all welcome ! Courses: Sept. 21– Oct. 12 (6 Sundays) ♦

Christianity: The Basics

Courses: Nov. 2—Nov. 23 (4 Sundays) Option 1: Religion and Politics (Nov. 2-16) ♦ Option 2: Listening for God (Nov. 2—23) ♦ The Spiritual Elements in Van Gogh’s Paintings ♦ ( Nov. 23 only, 1 session ) ♦

Nov. 30: Advent Wreaths & Pot Luck

Courses: Dec. 7—Dec. 21 (3 sessions). Option 1: Injustice in the Light of Advent ♦ Option 2: Milton’s Paradise Lost ♦

Available during each session: Retro Café Faith Class for K-5th grade ♦ Youth Group (middle & high school) ♦ Elementary and Youth Choir ♦ Nursery Care for those preschool and younger ♦

St. John’s is downtown at Jefferson & Elm. Register: 540-343-9341. Surf: www.stjohnsroanoke.org.


Page 10 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 9/19/08

TheRoanokeStar.com

Community Calendar > Sept. & Nov. Extras Needed for Cycling Film There is a need for riders and extras. Film Website: http://www.redcloudproductions.net/ People who are interested in being a part of the movie may confirm with the casting department at casting@maxvo2themovie.com. The dates for the race scenes are: MTN bike race scene in Lynchburg September 13th and 14th (approximately 30 expert level racers and fans/spectators) MTN bike race scene in Lynchburg September 20th and 21st (Spectators and approximately 30 expert level racers)

Now Available For Those Choosing Pet Cremation

Road race scene at the Blue Ridge Parkway November 15th and 16th (spectators/fans)

Emerging Artist Series Food provided by Marie’s Caribbean Creole Cuisine. Genesis Chapman, artist. Matthew John Mortimer, musician Event is free and all folks of all ages and types are 100% invited! When- 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. Where- Roanoke Main Library For more- 853-1057

and sculpture on the second and third floors of the Center during the work week as well as before and after performances. A percentage of the proceeds from sale of the works will benefit Jefferson Center.The public is also welcome at a reception and awards presentation in the Atrium of Jefferson Center on Sunday, October 26, between 2:00 and 4:00PM. For more - call Nancy Stellhorn at (540)197-3262, or contact the League at www.leagueofroanokeartists. org.

> Sept. 22

> Sept. 23

> Sept. 18

Roanoke League of Artists Members of the League of Roanoke Artists will show their works in an exhibit at Jefferson Center, 541 Luck Avenue, from Monday, September 22, through Wednesday. November 14. The public may view the paintings

Size: 31/2'' x 7'' x 10''

Garden City Baptist Church

Patented

Solid Wood Pet-Urns Premium Quality, Highly Personal. These hand crafted and hand finished box-urns are available in Pine, Oak, Walnut and Cherry. Pet-Urns provide room enough for a collar and toy. Included is a custom engraved solid brass plaque. Satisfaction completely guaranteed. Retails for $150-$175 For display information and wholesale prices call:

Integrity Burial Boxes,Ltd.

540-777-1233

Fax: 540-777-1234 E-mail: integrityboxes @ aol.com Visit our website: www. cremationboxes.com

A Church with a Loving, Caring and Healing Heart (540) 427-0131 3536 Garden City Blvd Roanoke, VA 24014 Sunday School.......9:45 am Worship Service.....11 am Youth Ministry.........6 pm Weds. Bible Study..6:45 pm Choir Practice.........7:45 pm

Schafer Shoe Repair NEW LOCATION! Same great service! Call us for locations of drop off sites 342-2155 M, T, Th, & F - 9 am-6pm W & S - 9am-2pm 3310-B Brandon Ave. Roanoke, 24018 (Between Brewster’s & Dairy Queen)

Summit on Greening the City The City is hosting a Community Summit on Greening the City on September 23rd. This event is designed to get citizen feedback in developing a plan of action to get citizens involved in greening their homes and businesses to protect Roanoke’s environment. Dr. Sean McGinnis from Virginia Tech Green Engineering program will be available to navigate us through this plan of action and talk to citizens regarding how to get involved. When- 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. Where- Roanoke Civic Center old exhibit hall. Fall Festival Fall Festival at Mount Pleasant United Methodist Church. Craft items, baked goods, vendor booths, baked goods, hot dogs, flea market. Part of proceeds support the Mount Pleasant Rescue Squad and Hurricane Relief through the United Methodist Committee on Relief. When- 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. Where- 3009 Mount Pleasant Blvd. SE, Roanoke.

> Sept. 25

First Annual Downtown Neighborhood Association Meeting Please join us to help plan the future of the Downtown Neighborhood Association (DNA). Come meet the folks who have worked so diligently to bring us to this point. The Neighborhood Watch organization has already agreed to merge with our new group

and they will be attending the meeting, along with our friends from DRI, the DNA Steering Committee, and members of city staff. Refreshments will be provided by some of our most prominent Downtown Chefs. Soft drinks and ice will also be provided. If you prefer a stronger libation, please bring your own beer or wine. When - 6 p.m. Where- 309 Market Street, Suite 204, the offices of Hummer Construction Resources. The entrance to their suite is the door next to that of Table 50 restaurant. Please RSVP by Thursday, September 18, 2008 For more - 540-400-8650 or faye@quality-cost.com

> Sept. 26, 27, 28 & Oct. 3,4,5

Lu Merritt Tournament The 2008 Lu Merritt Tournament will celebrate its 30th year at Hidden Valley Country Club; Seniors: September 26, 27 & 28th; Junior & Novice: October 3, 4 & 5th USTA registered players can register online at: http:// www.usta-va.com/ Novice players, please call Tom Gibbs, Hidden Valley Tennis at 540-387-1524 All proceeds benefit Apple Ridge Farm’s academic and outdoor enrichment programs.

> Sept. 27 & 28

Green Hill Park Medieval Faire Experience the adventure, pageantry, magic and romance of medieval times at Roanoke County’s Green Hill Park. On Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.to 5 p.m. upon the spacious verge you will find fluttering flags and festive tentage of merchants offering wares from mystical lands and times. Revisit history made reality as the living history exhibitors display life as it was in the Middle Ages. Come witness the jousting and sword fighting which are among the many favorite forms of medieval entertainment. Smell the luscious aroma of roasted meats, tasty breads and delicious treats near the tavern pavilion. Throughout the day, you will witness laughter, music and merriment, colorful dancers, nobles, ladies, knights, and of course the

most noble of all creatures the regal greyhounds. Festive tents line the lawn with gifts, garb and wonders galore. Additionally on Saturday only, you can witness incredible feats of strength and endurance by some of the best athletes around at the Highland Games. A total of 32 athletes will compete in seven different categories. Also new this year, the lads and lassies can try their strength at the “wee” version of the Highland Games including Caber Toss, Sheaf Toss & Stoneput. Beginning that day at 7 p.m. a Masquerade Ball will be held at no extra charge, dress for the ball if you so desire and learn the refined art of hand kissing, engage in the wooing contest and learn the dances from days of old charm.Each day children of all ages are invited to play imaginative games such as Ratapult, Sheep Toss, Dragon Droppings, Unicorn Ring Toss, Boar Hunt, and Pole Jousting. You may also test your prowess at the archery range and ax throw. Take a step back into time, bring the whole family and make a little “history of your own”! Cost - only $5 per person with children under 5 being free. For more - www.RoanokeCountyParks.comor www. medievalfantasiesco.com or call Roanoke County’s Live Learn & Play Line at (540) 387-6455.

> Sept. 27 Singles Travel Club The Singles Travel Club (couples welcome too!), is sponsoring a bus trip to the matinee of Seven Brides For Seven Brothers at the Wohlfahrt Haus Dinner Theatre,Wytheville,VA,. Where- Passengers can board the bus at the Bonsack Walmart, Route 460, Troutville; and at Hardee’s, 2038 W. Main Street, Salem (Exit 137). Cost- $72 per person includes: Roundtrip motorcoach transportation, an all inclusive sit down lunch, ticket to matinee of Seven Brides For Seven Brothers and a tour host. For more- call (540) 366-2888. Roanoke Dog Park Fundraiser A day of fun is planned for the entire family, including fourlegged members (dogs are welcome on leash, please). Cash donations will be accepted at

this event, and official dog park t-shirts ($15 each) and dog park bumper stickers ($5 each) will be sold. A schedule of the day’s activities includes: • Dog Park Informational Showcase – 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. • Buddy Wash and Nail Trim – 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. . • Dogs for Dogs – 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm. • Roanoke’s Greatest Dog Talent Show – 2:00 pm. When - 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Where - Highland Park

Kids in the Valley, Adventuring! Kids In the Valley, Adventuring! takes a field trip to Roanoke’s finest public garden! Walk with us while we learn about the plants, walk through the maze and have a picnic. We will also learn about composting and see red wigglers at work! Come prepared to make a memory with your child(ren). No childcare is provided. When- 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. WhereFor more- www.kidsadventuring.org.

> Sept. 28

Blue Ridge PBS KidsFest Elmo, Curious George, Arthur, Clifford, Mr. McFeely and friends are coming to the Roanoke Valley for the first annual Blue Ridge PBS KidsFest. Admission is free. Activities include storytelling,live music, a children’s play zone with a moonwalk and giant inflatable slide, face painting, hands-on educational areas and up-close experiences with animals from the Mill Mountain Zoo. There will also be safety education information for children and their parents about the Internet, dangerous weather and emergency vehicles. Other PBS characters at the KidsFest include Word Girl, Maya and Miguel, and Digit. Bring your camera! When- 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. Where- Salem Civic Center For more- www.blueridgepbs. org Have an item for the calendar? email it to submissions@theroanokestar.com

Classifieds > Wanted Jukeboxes Paying cash for old jukeboxes, Wuritzer, Seeburg, Rockola Or Ami. Any Condition. Need model number on back. Call Larry 540-3143659 > Help Wanted

The Way Milk Should Taste!

Homestead Creamery (540) 721-2045 Burnt Chimney, VA • Home Delivery • Local Production • No Artificial Hormones Free ice cream for trying our home delivery service!

Now available at the following locations: The Roanoker 2522 Colonial Ave Roanoke VA 24015

IGA / Super Fresh 1314 Riverland Rd Roanoke VA 24014

Mill Mountain Coffee Tinnels Finer Foods 2205 Crystal Spring Ave 112 Campbell Ave Roanoke VA 24011 Roanoke VA 24014

YMCA – (Jefferson Center) 520 Church Street Roanoke VA 24016

Vinton Post Office 119 South Pollard St Vinton VA 24179

Wildflower Hollins 7770 Williamson Rd Roanoke VA 24020

Public Library – Cave Spring 3131 Electric Rd Roanoke VA 24018 Public Library – Salem 28 E. Main St Salem VA 24153

Ukrops Grocery 2331 Franklin Rd Roanoke VA 24014

New Yorker Deli 2802 Williamson Rd Roanoke VA 24012

The Cave Spring Post Office 4069 Postal Drive Roanoke VA 24018

Natural Food Co-op 1319 Grandin Rd Roanoke VA 24015

Towers Mall 1103 23rd St Roanoke VA 24015

The Raleigh Court Post Office Country Cookin 4325 Brambleton Ave 1733 Grandin Rd Roanoke VA 24015 Roanoke VA 24015

(Weekly delivery to your doorstep is still only $44 a year and you won’t miss a single issue!)

After School Program Coordinator Part time elementary coordinator for Presbyterian Community Center after school program. Requirements: combination of education, experience equivalent to bachelor degree in counseling, education, childhood development or related field. Experience working with atrisk children preferred. Resume to: PCC, 1228 Jamison Avenue, Roanoke, 24013 and/or call 540982-2911 for Tom MacMichael pathways@pccse.org Part-time Dining Room Assistant Are you looking for a part-time position with great hours in a professional work environment? Shenandoah Life has an opportunity for you. We are seeking a high-energy, customer focused, individual to join our Corporate Services staff. This individual will assist the dining room staff with the preparation of food services. Qualified candidates must have a desire to provide quality customer service and have good communications skills. Candidate must be able to lift up to 25+ lbs and stand for long periods of time. Previous experience with or knowledge of food service is preferred. Part-time hours: 20-25 hours a week between hours 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. with regular hours of 8:00-1:00 p.m. Starting salary $10 + 401K benefits. If customer service is your priority and have a strong work ethic, submit your resume today to: Shenandoah Life Insurance Company, Attn: HR Job # 1030-07, PO Box 12847, Roanoke,VA 24029, Fax: (540) 857-5915 or Email: human.resources@shenlife.com. or visit our website at www.shenlife. com.We are pleased to be an Equal

Opportunity Employer. > Cool Cheap Stuff Cool Cheap Stuff Place your ad in Cool Cheap Stuff, for items costing $150 or less, free! Ads are published for 1 week. If item doesn’t sell feel free to run it again! Cool Cheap Stuff is available to private individuals who advertise one item costing $150 or less. Cost of item and telephone number must appear in ad copy. First 10 words are free. Additional 10 words are $5.00. Some restrictions apply. Limit 8 Cool, Cheap Stuff ads per month! Honda Lawnmower HR173 $100.00 540-342-2183 World Book Encyclopedias 60’s and 70’s Yearbooks $10.00 540-342-2183 Girls Huffy Bike for 5-6 year oldLike new - $10.00 Contact Kimberly: 761-4657 Antique Round Top Wooden Trunk $95.00 540-343-1473. Antique black child’s rocker $45.00 540-343-1473 Matching sofa and chair - early American style - good condition Wood trim $150 540-363-3986 Hardwire rotating container with center hole, 44 in. diameter, ten slots $20 540-563-0589 > Haiku ads For teens and adults, Fun Summer Painting Classes, With retired artist Call Janet Wimmer, 977-1681 or e-mail janet.wimmer@gmail. com Strumming a six string want to improve but need help Lessons are your hope Call Greg @ 540-354-2049

Summer-Fall tutor Enriches and reviews skills to keep learning fresh. Call Emily 725-1464, emilym@ cox.net Art Lessons private art lessons drawing ,painting and sculpture ages 6 and up call Katherine Devine 427-5919 devinestudios@yahoo.com Want to learn Chinese? Learn it from a Taiwanese. Call us right away! Call Deborah, 776-3087 Children’s filled aprons, Krayon keepers, crafts, quillows... And ‘has beens’ galore. Emily,Vendor 1806, 725-1464, emilym@cox.net I repair the tabs or whole shingles. You provide material and ladder. 7 dollars per tab. Robspad@hotmail.com spinet Piano in excellent condition Would you like to play? Call Peggy@342-2183 or pae-onia@juno.com Real good condition Dot Matrix printer for sale No longer needed Call Crystal @ 989-6138 Self-defense lessons Free for women and children Fun and practical Call 345-7365 For teens and adults, Fun Summer Painting Classes, With retired artist Call Janet Wimmer, 977-1681 or e-mail janet.wimmer@gmail. com FREE!!!! We’ll run any ad from a private party written in traditional Haiku form (5,7,5 syllabic format). Telephone number at the end of the listing is excluded from the format requirements. Email info@ theroanokestar.com


TheRoanokeStar.com

The Recipe of the Week

Gainsboro Family YMCA holds grand re-opening

from The Happy Chef by Leigh Sackett

White Bean Chili As I write this column it is rainy and chilly. I am achy and have a really bad cold. (I sure wish someone would make me some White Bean Chili!) I often think of my mom at these times. She is not around to baby me anymore but if she were she would come by or call me all day to see how I was doing. But she did that regardless if I was sick or not. It makes me smile to think of this memory. My family has always laughed about my mom’s love for the telephone. I guess it was not the phone she loved as much as the people on the other end. Whenever someone was sick, grieving, sad, or hurt she was always there either in person or on the phone with just the right words. I believe this kind of nurturing love is one of the greatest gifts God places within us. When my mother passed away I was given so many comforting hugs, words and foods from so many friends. Food is such a great way to show people you care and this chili is certainly comforting on rainy days, cold fall days, sick days or even those sad days that are part of life. You really don’t have to bring me chili (I will be ok in a day or so!) but taking some to someone you love or maybe a friend who just needs a lift might be a good idea! Ingredients 8 skinned and boned chicken breast halves 2 medium onions, chopped 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 2 (14 1/2-ounce) cans chicken broth 4 (15-ounce) cans Cannellini or Great Northern beans, rinsed and drained 1 (15-ounce) can Cannellini beans or Great Northern beans, drained and mashed 2 (4.5-ounce) cans chopped green chiles 1 teaspoon salt 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon chili powder 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves 1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper Toppings: sour cream, chopped fresh cilantro Directions -Cut chicken into bite-size pieces. -SautÊ chicken, onion, and garlic in hot oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat 10 minutes or until chicken is done. -Stir in broth and next 10

ingredients; bring to a boil. -Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 30 minutes. -Serve with desired toppings. -Makes 10 cups

The newly-named Gainsboro Family YMCA recognized its past and celebrated its future in a special Grand ReOpening ceremony held Friday morning, September 12, at the YMCA's facility at the corner of Orange Avenue and Gainsboro Avenue. Formerly called the Family Center YMCA, the Gainsboro Y has just completed a $500,000 overhaul and upgrade, which includes new locker rooms for men and women, as well as a significantly renovated and equipped wellness and fitness center, new group exercise space, and a community meeting room. "We are here to recognize the work done in the past to get us to where we are today," said Michael Smith, Branch Director of the Gainsboro Family YMCA, "and to celebrate the vision of where we are going to be in the future." Over 60 persons from throughout the community attended the event, which included the traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony. Several government, community, and YMCA leaders spoke, including Roanoke City Vice-Mayor Sherman Lea, himself a member of the Gainsboro Family YMCA. In his remarks, Lea noted that the Gainsboro Y was open to all people throughout the region, and that it was an example of a successful publicprivate partnership with the City

9/19/08 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 11

Roanoke teacher named Virginia 2009 Regional Teacher of the Year Photo by Pam Rickard

Attending the Gainsboro Family YMCA opening ceremonies were (l to r) Leslie Dunnaville of High Street Baptist Church,YMCA corporate board president David Willis, YMCA board member Rand Garrett and Pastor David Chapman of High Street Baptist Church. to better serve the community. The Gainsboro Family YMCA, which is part of the YMCA of Roanoke Valley association, was founded in 1928 as the Hunton YMCA. It moved into its present location---a former YWCA site---in 1952. Today the Gainsboro Family YMCA offers a wide range of wellness and health activities, including a full line of cardio and strength equipment, personal trainers, and many group exercise classes, as well as numerous youth and family programs and sports activities for children. For more information, contact the Gainsboro Family YMCA at 344-9622 By Pam Rickard pam@theroanokestar.com

Ms. Stephanie Doyle of Breckinridge Middle School is one of eight Virginia Regional Teachers of the Year. Every year, the Department of Education selects eight talented and effective educators to represent their peers as Virginia Regional Teachers of the Year. One teacher is selected from each of the department’s eight administrative regions after first being recognized by their schools and school divisions. One of the eight regional winners is subsequently honored as the Virginia Teacher of the Year and represents the commonwealth in the National Teacher of the Year selection process. The announcement of the Virginia Teacher of the Year will be made on October 24, 2008, at a banquet held in Richmond. Doyle was named Roanoke City Public School’s Teacher of the Year in May. She has taught in the city schools for eight years and most recently has taught history at Breckinridge Middle School. She received her Associates Degree in Education from

Virginia State Assistant Superintendent Patty Pitts presents Stephanie Doyle with an award naming her one of eight Virginia Regional Teachers of the Year.Â

the Virginia Western Community College and her Bachelors Degree in Psychology with a minor in Education from Roanoke College. Additionally, Doyle was recognized as a top finalist for the McGlothlin Awards. She is also very active in the education industry and has attended and presented at multiple seminars. Principal Tracey Anderson says, “Mrs. Doyle is a vital asset to Breckinridge Middle School. She uses a multimodal approach to teaching and delivers effective instruction engaging all learners. She is a leader in our building and is committed to increasing student achievement.�

You are cordially invited to our Open Houses on: Sundays 2:00 - 4:00 Mon-Fri 9:00 - 5:00

JUST LISTED! Botetourt County 3br, 2 1/2ba all brick ranch w/ in-ground pool. Over 2400 sq ft finished living space with possible in - law qtrs on lower level. A lot of house for the money. Call today! Asking $229,000 INVESTOR SPECIAL! Super little 4br 2ba with TONS of potential. Just needs a little TLC and you have a winner! Full unďŹ nished basement w/ room to grow. Asking $119,500. 3215 Collingwood St. SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE - Deer Creek Estates - Moneta Nice off water lot - build to suit. Level, partially wooded w/ great building site. Easy access to Crazy Horse Marina. Asking $59,950. Owner says JUST BRING AN OFFER!

Angela Gillespie, REALTOR-ABR Coldwell Banker, Townside Realtors 540-556-8565 www.cbtownside.com www.angelasellsvirginia.com

.dN_Q dV[[V[T 3V[N[PVNY .QcV`\_ N. Edward Link, Jr., Senior Vice President-Wealth Management, has recently been named as one of Virginia Business’ Winner’s Circle Top 50 Wealth Advisors. This exclusive list recognizes financial advisors for their superior professionalism, success and dedication to clients. Eddie is a founding member of the Meridian Group at Smith Barney based in Roanoke, Virginia. Eddie has over 22 years of experience in the Wealth Management industry and has been with Smith Barney since the Roanoke office opened in 2000. The Meridian Group at Smith Barney is a highlyfocused five person team that serves high net worth clients and their families with a holistic approach to wealth management. His team works with individual investors, business owners and retirees. If today’s uncertain markets find you desiring a second opinion on your investment portfolio, please give us a call. 3 *EFFERSON 3TREET s 3UITE 2OANOKE 6! s nelson.e.link.jr@smithbarney.com www.fa.smithbarney.com/meridiangroupsb/

Virginia Business’ Top 50 Wealth Advisors, as identified by The Winner’s CircleÂŽ, LLC , bases its rankings on qualitative criteria: professionals with a minimum of 7 years’ financial services experience, acceptable compliance records, client retention reports, customer satisfaction, and more. With over 7,000 nominations, advisors are quantitatively ranked based on varying types of revenues and assets advised by the financial professional, with weightings associated for each. Additional measures include: in-depth interviews and discussions with senior management, peers, and customers, and telephone-based and in-person interviews with the nominees. Because individual client portfolio performance varies and is typically unaudited, this ranking focuses on customer satisfaction and quality of advice. For more information on ranking methodology, go to www.WCorg.com. The rating may not be representative of any one client’s experience because it reflects a sample of all of the experiences of the advisor’s clients. The rating is not indicative of the advisor’s future performance. Neither Smith Barney nor its financial advisors pay a fee to The Winner’s Circle in exchange for the rating. Š2008 Citigroup Global Markets Inc. Member SIPC. Smith Barney is a division and service mark of Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and is used and registered throughout the world. Citi and Citi with Arc Design are trademarks and service marks of Citigroup Inc. or its affiliates, and are used and registered throughout the world. Working WealthSM is a service mark of Citigroup Global Markets Inc.

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Page 12 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 9/19/08

TheRoanokeStar.com

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On Thursday morning a new historical highway marker was unveiled by the Department of Historic Resources commemorating pioneering black filmmaker Oscar Micheaux, who lived in Roanoke and kept an office in the historic Strand Theatre during the mid-1920s. The public ceremony took place at the former Strand Theatre building at 109 Henry Street. Rev. Kenneth Wright of First Baptist Church led the participants in prayer prior to the Ceremony. First Baptist Church was recognized for its courageous move in choosing a location that many churches would not have considered. Vice Mayor Sherman Lea speaking at the event said Oscar Micheaux was “not allowed to set foot in Hollywood because of the racism of the times ‌ [a time] when black people were ignored or belittled by Hollywood “Oscar Micheaux worked under difficult circumstances to create his own distinctive body of work.â€? Lea said, “it bares repeating [that] as a city Roanoke is enthusiastic about promoting a cultural awareness not only to the African American community but to the entire valley.â€? Dr. Tom McKeon, Executive Director of the Roanoke Higher Education Center said, “we took this building with three goals in mindâ€?. The first goal was to expand the education center and the second was to save the historical significance of the Gainsboro neighborhood. The third goal was economic development to bring vitality back to the neighborhood. Dr. McKeon “hoped that between the Dumas, the Dr. Martin Luther King bridge and memorial and this facility that further development of Henry Street would be encouraged. Ted Edlich, Director of TAP recognized the advocacy of Historic Gainsboro citizens like Evelyn Bethel and the Roberts sisters. He hoped to see a visual historic walkway of fame with other “similar distinguished citizens that played such a vital role in shaping the community.â€? Evelyn Bethel, of the Historic Gainsboro Preservation District, expressed her feelings by crediting the many hands that had a roll in planting and cultivating Gainsboro’s seed to maturity. “We remember you Oscar“, Evelyn said. “To ourselves we say what in the world took us so long to get that little seed to blossom‌to ourselves we must use this marker as an inspiration to use our god-given talents and skills no matter how dry the soilâ€? and “never, never give upâ€?. Oscar Micheaux wrote, produced and directed forty-four feature-length films between 1919 and 1948. Six of these films were produced in Roanoke between 1922 and 1925. He was an inspiration to scores of filmmakers worldwide and his films have attracted the interest of film historians, directors, and actors in recent years,

Photo by Valerie Garner

Sherman Lea stands beside the new state historical marker placed in honor of groundbreaking black filmmaker, Oscar Micheaux.

such as modern director Spike Lee and the late Ossie Davis. Micheaux sparked controversy in his time by depicting romance between interracial couples and taking on the hypocrisy of clergyman. He brought diverse images of ghetto life and related social issues to the screen for the first time. His first "talkie," was “The Exile� in 1931. The marker is part of an ongoing initiative by the Department of Historic Resources to create new signs that reflect the diversity of Virginia’s legacy by recognizing the contributions of women, African Americans, and Virginia Indians to the state’s history.

The marker reads: Oscar Micheaux, 1884-1951 Oscar Micheaux, renowned leading creator of African American “race ďŹ lmsâ€? between 1919 and 1948, produced up to six full-length ďŹ lms in Roanoke between 1922 and 1925. The Strand Theatre housed the Micheaux Film Corporation from 1923 to 1925, while Micheaux lodged across the street at the Hampton Hotel, now the Dumas. Many of Roanoke’s black professionals bought stock in Micheaux’s corporation and ďŹ ve served on its board of directors including Alfred F. Brooks, who built the Strand. Famous civil rights attorney Oliver W. Hill, Sr., then a student boarding in Roanoke, had a walk-on part in one ďŹ lm. By Valerie Garner info@theroanokestar.com

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