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February 20, 2009
Community | News | Per spective
TheRoanokeStar.com
[Local Response on Economic Conditions]
Nash, budget, Stimulus money take center stage at city council
Many questions, few answers at financial crisis seminar Quigg Lawrence
Nash sendoff: Outgoing Roanoke City Councilman Alvin Nash was honored Tuesday with a resolution and the Key to the City by fellow council members. Vice Mayor Sherman Lea praised Nash’s “insight into a lot of issues,� while David Trinkle City Council kidded him for rambling “Nash-isms.� Trinkle, who also served with Nash on the school board, cited his outgoing colleague for “points [that] are always well thought out,� even if it took Nash a while to get there. Court Rosen noted that Nash would return to the Blue Ridge Housing Corporation as executive director, saying, “I understand where your heart is.� Nash called his time on council “a wonderful opportunity. I [also] learned to have a thick skin. That’s the nature of the beast.� Nash also said he was ready to return to the Blue Ridge Housing Corp., to “see if we can turn things around.� The slump in real estate values has hurt the low income housing provider. City council is set to appoint a successor from 17 applicants on March 2. Budget concerns: City Manager Darlene Burcham cautioned that a final budget
Real Worship P5– Quigg Lawrence says it takes passion to experience the true joy of worship.
Cookin’ Again P6– Larry Bly and Laban Johnson return to your kitchen as “Cookin’ Cheap� comes out on DVD.
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Photo by Gene Marrano
Panel moderator George Morgan (at podium) and panel view a slide detailing monetary flow and how it is impacting the present financial crisis. Confused about the huge stimulus package passed by congress this past weekend - or what it will really take to fix the country’s financial crisis? You are not alone. At a recent panel discussion held at the Roanoke Higher Education Center, several Roanoke area bankers, an attorney, a realtor and others attempted to sort it all out. Sitting in were high school teachers, trying to learn more for themselves, hoping to be better equipped to explain it to their students.
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> CONTINUED P3: Council Notes
> CONTINUED P2: Financial Crisis
Goodlatte Reintroduces Legislation To Scrap The Tax Code
It’s all in the Game P11– Don Gunter discusses the immortal Tommy Edwards.
Tech is top School P12– Virginia Tech’s School of Architecture is ranked world-class with Harvard, Yale and Columbia.
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Congressmen Bob Goodlatte has introduced bipartisan legislation, the Tax Code Termination Act, to abolish the Internal Revenue Code. He has been joined by 65 members, both Republicans and Democrats, who have cosponsored his legislation. “It has become abundantly clear that the tax code is no longer working in a fair manner for our nation’s citizens,� said Goodlatte. “Americans devote a total of 7.4 billion hours each year to comply with our current tax code. It is unfair, discourages savings and in-
vestment, and is impossibly complex. asked 50 professional tax preparers to file a return for a fictional family.  No What we need is tax simplification.� The legislation would repeal the en- one came up with the same tax total, tire tax code, except portions that deal nor did any of the preparers calculate with Social Security and Medicare by what money magazine thought was the correct federal income tax. December 31, 2012, and Results varied by thousands calls on Congress to approve Bob Goodlatte of dollars. The need for tax a new Federal tax system by simplification is further July of the same year. This legislation has already been passed highlighted by the tax problems expetwice by the House of Representatives, rienced by some of President Obama’s first in 1998 by a vote of 219-209 and recent cabinet nominees. These are then in 2000 by a vote of 229-187. highly educated individuals, some of A few years ago, Money Magazine whom claim specialization in the tax
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code and one of whom who will actually be in charge of ensuring compliance with the tax code, Treasury Secretary Geithner, and even they cannot correctly file their taxes. If it is this hard for government officials, including those who write and enforce the tax code to comply with the code then imagine what it is like for the average American family to comply with it. With three out of five Americans us-
> CONTINUED P3: Tax Code
City wants “Creative Connectors� from all walks of life
Photo by Priscilla Richardson
Bill Overstreet (left) shares a laugh with Chaplain Jeffrey Clemens during last Sunday’s “Massing of the Colors� held at New Life Christian Ministries Church.
“Massing of the Colors� pays tribute to veterans During World War II, a P51 piloted by Roanoker Bill Overstreet was chasing a Nazi fighter plane. The German pilot had been calling for ground fire to get rid of this American on his tail, making Overstreet a target for every antiAmerican gun in occupied Paris. As they neared the Eiffel Tower, the German pilot expected Overstreet to crash as he came in low, because most American planes were heavily loaded with guns. But Overstreet, the only person on the plane – it had no tail gunner – deliberately only carried two guns. So, he maneuvered his aircraft straight under the Eiffel Tower while still shooting at the Nazi. Did he look up? “I didn’t have time,� he recalls. He did gun down the enemy that day. “God was with me,� he said. “What else could it be?� > CONTINUED P2: Colors
Economic develoption through the city’s ment and urban planwebsite at roanokeva. ning guru Richard gov/creative. AppliFlorida introduced his cants are not required “Creative Community to reside in the City of Leadership Program� Roanoke. (CCLP) about three “[Florida is] the years ago in other foremost authority in parts of North Amerthe new age of ecoica. Now Roanoke is nomic development,� one of just three cities, Stuart Mease and the city seek said Mease. along with Vancouver Creative Connectors. Other cities that and Bloomington, Ilhave gone through the linois, taking part in the program this CCLP have identified their own strong year. points and capitalized on them. Roanoke City is looking to recruit A strong film program at Florida about 100 people for the program. Of State (Tallahassee) led a Creative Class those, 30 will be selected to attend a group to develop a thriving indepentwo-day seminar at the end of March, dent film festival, while in Ohio success and agree to serve over the next 12 with the program in Dayton has led the months. Those not selected for the state’s governor to suggest a similar exsmaller group will also have input when ercise be undertaken in other cities. they are invited to attend the end of the “I feel this is a tremendous opportwo-day kickoff workshop. tunity to work with an elite Stuart Mease, special projeconomic guru,� said Mease Community ects coordinator with the in reference to Richard Florcity’s economic development ida, who teaches at the Unidepartment, said positioning Roanoke versity of Toronto. to “hit the ground running� when the In Roanoke, the Creative Class group economy picks up again is a major selected will be tasked with examining goal. Roanoke is accepting applica- the region’s strong tions for the Creative Connectors posi- points – the Four > CONTINUED P2: CCLP
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Page 2 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 2/20/09
From page 1
TheRoanokeStar.com
> Financial Crisis Virginia Tech finance professor George Morgan chaired the panel discussion, entitled “Understanding the Financial Crisis …Our Region’s Perspective,” which was sponsored by Junior Achievement. Like many others who spoke, Morgan said it’s hard to predict how effective the stimulus package will be in jump-starting the economy. He agreed with the approach of shoring up banks first, calling financial institutions “the heart of economic systems.” Allowing them to falter would be like introducing “congestive heart failure” to America’s economy said Morgan, the SunTrust Professor of Finance at Tech’s Pamplin College of Business. Small business consultant Bob Brudzinski said his clients have less worldly problems right now. ”They’re looking at the day to day fact that the phone isn’t ringing as much. [They hear] negative rumors every day,” said Brudzinski. Woods Rogers attorney Nick Conte said companies are hurting “across the spectrum. How many times can we say unprecedented?” Allowing aggressive investment banks and hedge funds to get into the day to day banking business led to trouble, he added, as assets became toxic and values plunged. Conte hasn’t worked with many clients seeking bankruptcy protection but said, “there have
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been shutdowns. That’s an ugly thing to watch.” Realtor Rhonda Spangler (RE/MAX All Points) said houses in the Roanoke Valley are still selling, “[but] we’re having to work very closely with consumers. [There is] fear and doubt. The media is telling stories that may not be pertinent to our area.” Generally this is not a good time to sell a home said Spangler, especially one purchased within the past few years when real estate values may have been inflated. Wachovia Bank market president Harold McCloud said his institution is still lending money, contrary to what some might think. ”It’s really business as usual. There’s money to lend. The challenge that I see is lack of confidence with the consumer. People are taking a wait and see approach,” he said. McCloud, a commercial banker who will work for Wells Fargo once the takeover of Wachovia is complete, considers himself an optimist. “I firmly believe there’s opportunity in every single situation. There are businesses in this area that are doing extremely well, [although] some are struggling,” he noted. C.E.I.-Roanoke (formerly Elizabeth Arden) manufactures perfumes, one of those items in far less demand as consumers watch
their pennies. C.E.I. vice president/general manager Randy McDonald, said current economic conditions wreak havoc on the planning process, whether for materials, labor, delivery schedules, etc. “[Manufacturing] needs to be predictable to be efficient. This financial crisis is negatively impacting predictability. It starts with the forecast... knowing what the market wants,” he said. Questions from the audience concerned the specter of inflation - especially with the U.S. Treasury printing bailout money for the TARP program - the lack of consumer confidence right now and the lengthy permitting process for infrastructure projects – which could delay the stimulus impact of federal money awarded for socalled “shovel ready” work. Portfolio manager Ron Thelin (U.S. Trust Bank of America) called for “context and clarity,” from those trying to define the current economic crisis and those attempting to explain government bailout programs. “Take it with a grain of salt,” he advised good-naturedly. “In times like these you have to stay calm.” By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net
Boucher and Pence Introduce “Free Flow of Information Act” Legislation Will Empower Reporters to Refrain from Revealing their Confidential News Sources Citing the need for a federal media shield law to protect reporters from being compelled
corporation or charity is a per- the public," Pence added. promote the free exchange of son on the inside of the organi"I am hopeful that Con- information in our society. zation who would like to bring gress will move with all de- This fundamental right is one the facts to public light, but that liberate speed in bringing this that distinguishes America person has a lot to lose and to legislation to the floor. With from many oppressive regimes avoid punishment at the hands the strong bipartisan support in the world, and shows our of superiors will only divulge which this legislation received commitment to seeking the the information to a reporter in the House of Representatives truth. Enacting a federal meif promised confidentiality,” last session, I am confident that dia shield law will encourage Boucher said. “If confidentiali- we can put a stitch in this tear whistleblowers and others ty cannot be assured, the public in the First Amendment free- with important information may never learn of the wrong dom of the press and ensure to come forward, resulting in Roanoke has a doing and never have an op- the vitality of a free and inde- more robust information disSaltwater Fish Store! portunity to take corrective ac- pendent press for generations semination,” Goodlatte said. • Large selection • Live corals tion,” he added. to come," Pence concluded. “The absence of federal leg• Aquariums & equipment Thirty-six states and the “Our founders believed that islation protecting reporters' • Delivery & set-up • Maintenance for home or business District of Columbia currently no freedom was more criti- sources limits the public's ac540-580-7755 1428 Roanoke Road have statutes protecting report- cal to our democracy than the cess to information which is vi(Across from Lord Botetourt High School) ers from the compelled disclo- right of American people to be tal to the functioning of a demsure of sources of information. fully informed by a free and ocratic society. The press allows "The time has come for Con- open media. It is no accident citizens to serve as watchdogs, gress to enact a federal media that among the very first items speaking out about and exposshield statute. This is not about listed in the bill of rights is the ing what are often illegal, corprotecting reporters. It's about notion that the government rupt, or dangerous activities by protecting the public's right to should not abridge the free- both private and government T-F 3-7 pm, Sat 12-6 pm, Sun 1-5 know," Pence said. dom of the press. Critical to actors,” Boucher said. “As a conservative who be- that freedom is the protection During the past few years, lieves in limited government, I of reporters from intimida- more than thirty reporters have believe that the only check on tion. I look forward to work- been subpoenaed or questioned government power in real time ing with my colleagues to pass in federal court proceedings is a free and independent press. legislation to protect reporters about confidential sources, and 08 The Free Flow of Information from being compelled to reveal several have been handed or Act would provide a qualified confidential sources. I expect threatened with jail sentences. privilege to journalists to shield broad bipartisan support for “Such actions inevitably have confidential sources from dis- this measure to strengthen the a chilling effect on the willclosure except in certain situa- freedom of the press so vital to ingness of reporters to rely on tions such as when our nation- our democracy,” Conyers said. confidential sources and on the al security is at stake. Ensuring “The freedom of the press willingness of sources to speak Contact Tom Branch or Mike Branch Contact Branch orcan Mike that reporters keepBranch sources is a right embodied in our to reporters,” Boucher noted. 4552 Franklin Road, S.W., Roanoke, Virginia 24014 Tom BOL 08 BOL 08 Road, S.W., Roanoke, Virginia 24014 and must be reconfidential is vital to ensuring Constitution The Free Flow of Information Phone: 540-774-1208 | Fax: 540-774-13594552 | Email:Franklin bmc@branchmgt.com Phone: 540-774-1208 | Fax: 540-774-1359 | Email: bmc@branchmgt.com the free flow of information to spected in order to protect and Act sets criteria which must be
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to reveal their confidential news sources, U.S. Representatives Rick Boucher (D-VA) and Mike Pence (R-IN) today introduced the Free Flow of Information Act of 2009. In the 110th Congress, the measure Boucher and Pence advanced was approved by an overwhelming, bipartisan majority of 398 to 21 in the House of Representatives. The Senate did not take up the measure in the last Congress. Boucher and Pence are joined in sponsorship of the bill by 37 of their colleagues in the House, including Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers (D-MI) and Vice Ranking Member of the Committee, Bob Goodlatte (R-VA). “Often the best source of information about public corruption or misdeeds in a large
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met before information can be subpoenaed from reporters in any federal criminal or civil matter. The standards set forth in the legislation balances the public interest in the free flow of information against the public interest in compelled testimony. Only when the national security is at risk or where imminent bodily harm is threatened will there be a compelled disclosure by a reporter of the source of confidential information. The measure makes these standards mandatory in all federal judicial, legislative and administrative proceedings, with heightened protection for the identities of confidential sources. "Our legislation appropriately places the public's right to know above the more narrow interest of the administration of justice in a particular federal case. In fact, in many instances, the critical information which first alerts federal prosecutors to conduct a criminal proceeding is contained in a news story which could only have been reported upon with the assurance of anonymity to the news source. Passage of this measure will assure a stronger underpinning of both freedom of the press and free speech in future years," Boucher concluded.
Space Available > Colors Space Available Space Available Contact Tom Branch or Mike Branch 4552 Franklin Road, S.W., Roanoke, Virginia 24014 Phone: 540-774-1208 | Fax: 540-774-1359 | Email: bmc@branchmgt.com
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From page 1
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“They live like animals. No electricity, maybe one lucky The Military Order of family will have propane for have available, the World Wars, Roanoke lights,” said Clemens, who Chapter, program sponsor, also served as Overstreet’s espresented a Christian and cort for the ceremony. patriotic program under the Jasper, wounded in Vietleadership of Captain Nor- nam, never returned to miliman J. Jasper, Jr., Angela H. tary service. He worked as a Jasper, his daughter, sang the pharmaceutical company repNational Anthem and God resentative and is now retired. Kerns AvenueColonel Roger S. Talmadge Bless America. 802 Colonel Glenn For Sale or Lease Hammond, retired from the came to Roanoke about 20 ft US Air Force,100,000 recitedsqJohn years ago and now serves as Jay Daly’s poetic salute to the president/CEO of the MiliPhoto by Priscilla RIchardson flag: “Here’s to the whole of it, tary Family Support Center, Color Guards prepare before stars, stripes and pole of it . . . Inc. in Salem. The Center as- Massing of the Colors. hearts in accord for it.” sists military families when a In addition to the formal member is deployed. Ham- designs and builds appropriprogram, audience members’ mond, now an administrative ate memorials so the public histories provided a patriotic judge, still suffers from cancer will not forget the sacrifices panorama. Army Chaplain he claims was acquired dur- made by American forces Buck Clemens, Mountain Road around the world. For more Captain Jeffrey ing a tour in Vietnam. 4.45 acres information about the Mili101st AirborneZoned Division, reThe Order invited ROTC C2 cently returned from a year groups from local high tary Order of the World Wars, in Afghanistan, spoke about schools to present their colors, visit www.militaryorder.net/. the wrenching poverty he saw and also presented awards to among the civilians in that outstanding Girl Scouts. The By Priscilla Richardson country. group also raises money, and info@theroanokestar.com
> CCLP From page 1
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T’s as Florida terms them: Talent, Technology, Tolerance and Territory. From there they will suggest programs and initiatives to capitalize on the assets identified, with a goal of making Roanoke a more attractive place to live, work or visit. Florida’s book The Rise of the Creative Class defines one of the T’s, tolerance, as the acceptance
of all people, all lifestyles, etc. “Tolerance of all people is going to attract your most creative individuals,” said Mease, who hopes to see a “diverse mix” of people get involved with the CCLP. “Everybody has a certain level Old Rocky Mount of creativity – its just tapping intoRoad it,” adds the Virginia Tech graduate, hired by Roanoke several years ago to focus attracting young professionals. 4.9on acres “We’re very excited aboutlocation the potential…of what this can do for our community. It’s totally userGreat office content driven,” said Mease of the CCLP. Sustainable projects are the goal; concepts that once developed, can stand on their own, longterm. Roanoke was contacted by Florida’s Creative Class group and invited to participate, said Mease, adding that the CCLP and its link to Richard Florida - widely respected by business and government leaders - could generate positive publicity, nationally and internationally, for the Roanoke Valley. By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net
2/20/09 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 3
TheRoanokeStar.com
School Briefs
Roanoke Star Week of the
Roanoke County Student Wins Fourth Straight Spelling Bee Sullenness… his or her individual that’s the word 8th school in order to grade Hidden Valqualify for the counley Middle School ty-wide bee. student Sachith “We’re so proud Gullapalli spelled of Sachith,” said correctly in the Roanoke County eighth round to win Superintendent Dr. his fourth straight Lorraine Lange. Roanoke County “He has done such Spelling Bee, held a good job of repFebruary 11 at Glenresenting Roanoke var Middle School. Hidden Valley Middle County before and Sreeroopa Som from School student I know he will do a Clearbrook Elemen- Sachith Gullapalli great job again this tary and Marvi Ali year,” Lange added. from Cave Spring Gullapalli is no Middle were the alternates. stranger to the National Spelling Gullapalli will compete in the Bee. The last two years, GullaRoanoke regional spelling bee, palli qualified for the national to be held March 14 at the Holi- bee. In 2006, he finished in 30th day Inn Airport. Winners from place and was seen during the the regional bee go to the 82nd national broadcast of the final Annual Scripps National Spell- rounds on ESPN. Last year, he ing Bee, which takes place May was eliminated in the fourth 26-28 in Washington, DC. round. Each Roanoke County Gullapalli and 22 other el- elementary and middle school ementary and middle school declared a winner and an alterstudents competed in the coun- nate after the county-wide spellty-wide bee. Each student had ing bee. previously won spelling bees at
Spelling bee winner Cierra Chance
Bee a good speller: Roanoke City’s Spelling Bee Winner
The winner of the Roanoke City Public Schools DivisionWide Spelling Bee is Cierra Chance, an eighth grade student from William Ruffner Middle School. Chance spelled alderman and manicure correctly to win the division title. The alternate is Karla Rodriguez, a seventh grade student from Stonewall Jackson Middle School.
Don’t mess with Denis:
Nancy Pullen grew up in Fincastle, Va., and graduated from Lord Botetourt High School in 1973. She worked for a bank for several years and then went to Va. Western Community College and got her Associate Degree as a Dental Assistant. She has been employed with Drs. Wolfe and Penn for the last 22 years. She and Earl Pullen were married in 2001 and have a daughter, Chelsea. They live in the NW area of Roanoke City. Nancy’s interests include Nancy Pullen volunteering for the free dental clinic, Volunteer Share program, and church work. Favorite places in the Roanoke Valley include the overlook on Mill Mountain, the Jefferson Center, downtown market area, The Olive Garden and Texas Steak House. By Jim Bullington Have someone in mind for “Roanoke Star of the Week?” E-mail Jim Bullington: JBullPhoto@hotmail.com
Denis Spencer, security staff member at Patrick Henry High School, recently completed his certification as a Tai Chi Chuan-Chi Kung Instructor with the International Fitness Professionals Association. Spencer teaches Tai Chi part-time at the Kirk Family YMCA.
> Tax Code From page 1
Roanoke Valley Governor’s School Produces First Place Winners at Project Forum Six Patrick Henry High School students earned first place in their events during “Project Forum”, the Roanoke Valley Governor’s School science fair. The event was held on January 31 at Patrick Henry High School. First place winners include Rachel Strauss – Engineering: Materials & Bioengineering/Physics; Liz Brailsford and Alan Thornhill – Product Design Engineering; Brittany Booth & Burgin Collis – Product Design Engineering; and William Breakell – Environmental Sciences Design.
Hidden Valley Team Headed to Statewide Competition The Hidden Valley Middle School (HVMS) “Math Counts” team participated in the regional Math Counts competition at Virginia Tech last Saturday morning. The following students competed: Sachith Gullapalli, Arsalan Khan, Shreyas Hirway, J.P. Stewart, Chandan Reddy, Howard Huang, Drew Luther, and Taylor Norman. This is the third year of competition for the HVMS Math Counts team. The Hidden Valley Middle team won the following awards: •2nd place team (missed 1st place by a narrow margin): Sachith, Gullapalli, Arsalan Khan, Shreyas Hirway, and J.P. Stewart. •1st place individual: Sachith Gullapalli (second year in a row) - highest score ever in our region “These students are dedicated ‘mathletes’ who work well on a team as well as individually. We practice after school whenever we can and they work on practice problems at home as well. I am very proud of their success,” said coach Renee Munsey, a math teacher at HVMS. These students will be competing in Richmond on March 28 in the state competition. The Math Counts competition is a national middle school coaching and competitive mathematics program that promotes mathematics achievement through a series of fun and engaging "bee" style contests. The program exists in all 50 states plus 5 U.S. territories
ing a paid tax preparer, everyone can agree that the current tax system is broken. While many questions remain about the best way to reform our tax system, the Tax Code Termination Act allow us, as a nation, to collectively decide what the new tax system should look like. Having a date-certain to end the current tax code will force the issue to the top of the national agenda. “Although many questions remain about the best way to reform our tax system, I am certain that if Congress is forced to address the issue we can create a tax code that is simpler, fairer, and better for our economy than the one we are forced to comply with today,” said Goodlatte. Goodlatte continued, “The Tax Code Termination Act will force Congress to finally debate and address fundamental tax reform. Whichever tax
system is adopted, the key ingredients should be: a low rate for all Americans; tax relief for working people; protection of the rights of taxpayers and reduction in tax collection abuses; promotion of savings and investment; and encouragement of economic growth and job creation.” The Tax Code Termination Act has been referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means for further consideration.
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County School Board Announces Administrative Changes The Roanoke County School Board announced at their Feb. 5 meeting several administrative changes for the Roanoke County Public School system, effective July 1. Jodi Poff, current principal at Back Creek Elementary, will become the principal at Cave Spring Elementary. Poff will replace current principal Thad James, who announced his retirement this year. Before serving at Back Creek, Poff was principal at Bent Mountain Elementary School. Dr. Carol Whitaker, current Director of Personnel/Staff Development, will become Assistant Superintendent for Personnel. Whitaker will replace current Deputy Superintendent Tom Hall, who announced his retirement this year. Allen Journell, current Assistant Superintendent for Instruction, will become Deputy Superintendent. “I look forward to working with Jodi, Carol and Allen in their new roles,” said Roanoke County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Lorraine Lange. “Each brings a great deal of experience to their new position,” Lange added.
> Council Notes From page 1
for the next fiscal year is still several months away from being crafted, but said she understood the concerns expressed Tuesday by council members and speakers. “Citizen of the Year” Estelle McCadden asked that residents be involved with the budget process, in addition to “consultants paid hundreds of thousands of dollars to do the same job.” The city will conduct two public meetings on the budget process, in part to hear concerns about services and schools that could be impacted by cuts: March 3, 6:30pm at Virginia Western; March 12, 6:30pm at the Roanoke Civic Center. “It’s not going to be an easy solution,” noted Mayor David Bowers. Budget shortfalls on the city government side now stand at about eight million dollars, with the school system down almost 16 million. “I’m not sure there’s any way we can make up the state shortfall,” admitted Trinkle. Gwen Mason said a discussion about layoffs might be on the table, while Rosen said neighborhood groups he meets with “recognize the dire straits we’re in,” and are fully aware that there may be a loss of some services. Burcham added, “There’s no way we can come forward with seven and a half million dollars worth of cuts (one number proposed) and not have to give you tax or fee increases – or take some things off the table.” The city is also hoping to receive a shot in the arm from the stimulus bill that President Obama signed on Tuesday, although Burcham said any money that makes its way to Roanoke would probably filter through the state. “We stand by with projects that are ready tomorrow,” said Burcham. Energy-related and
community development projects may stand the best chance of receiving stimulus funds, she noted. Market leases approved: Month-to-month leases were approved for City Market building food court vendors. The yearlong leases previously issued would have made it more difficult and costly for the city to shut the building down for major renovations as planned, said Burcham. “It allow[s] the city the greatest flexibility,” she said. Burcham added that no concrete plans have yet been approved. Other Business: Estelle McCadden also asked city council to appoint someone to replace Alvin Nash (they would serve until June 2010) who was not “a yes man [or] one with a conflict of interest,” as some contended Nash had been. Southeast City resident Duane Howard requested that additional police officers be assigned to that quadrant if Roanoke does away with mounted patrols to save money in light of the budget crunch, as has been suggested. Burcham gave an update on the city’s diversity efforts within the public sector. Those initiatives include upgraded diversity training, posters at workplaces that extol the value of diversity and an advisory council formed to make suggestions. NAACP chapter president Brenda Hale lauded the city’s efforts for the most part, saying, “All have proven to be agents of change.” By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net
Uncertain about the market? There’s a place for people like you. Here. Let’s be honest. No one knows with absolute certainty where the market is going. But, at Smith Barney, we do have some well-researched thoughts on the subject. For help in rethinking your investment strategy, come for a free consultation where we can discuss: • Where the market is now • The current interest rate environment • The importance of having a plan • What you can do now The Meridian Group N. Edward Link, Jr. Senior Vice President – Wealth Management Michael B. Kemp Senior Vice President – Wealth Management
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Perspective
Page 4 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 2/20/09
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parents. Of course that is just a byproduct of a slightly skewed societal dynamic that temporarily keeps them from absolute freedom just a little bit longer. No matter. They think they are adults, and they are heading en masse to the beach in June - a ritual better known as Senior or Beach Week. One interesting thing about Beach Week is that it is a great illustration of one of the laws of physics in action. Just as for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction, (pretty good for an English major), as the Seniors collectively build up this energy and focus which culminates in their muchanticipated departure to the beach, parents are somehow at the same time having their eyes blur over, their ability to reason fade away, and basically enter a state of catatonia. How else would they
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agree to such a thing, and in most cases, PAY for it?? Why, the Senior Explanation of course! This goes something along the lines of: “We have worked so hard, and for so long, that we just want this ONE LAST TIME to unwind, relax, hang out, and enjoy the company of our friends before we truly enter the difficult world of adulthood. Besides, the beach is fun! Reality Check: They have been unwinding, relaxing, and hanging out with friends their whole lives and are getting ready to do a lot more of this at college or wherever they are going. We all know what Beach Week is really about. Somehow, we parents often end up at a place much like limbo which is probably better called the spineless middle ground. We want them to “be happy, have fun, and to
ity. The economy continues to mystify even the experts. Congress has marked differences of opinion and underlying there seems to be a resistance to admit those with whom you differ may actually have better idea than your own. Which is better: government spending or tax cuts? The answer is neither and the combination of both requires responsibility from those who will be beneficiaries. One must suspend belief in recent history to hope the captains of industry have had a spiritual awakening acknowledging Gordon Gekko’s 1987 movie philosophy, “Greed is good!”
is not true. If you don’t think Wall Street is still operating on that premise, then explain to me the 18 billion dollars in bonuses paid from TARP money. Global warming predicts that Manhattan will be under water in the future and the hope that this is a normal multi-millennial event seems to fly in the face of scientific data. If you really want to feel hopeless, I mention cultural conflicts on every continent, genocide, starvation, millions of deaths from treatable diseases like malaria, AIDS, and our intractable addiction to drugs that fuel the econo-
Send your articles, story ideas and pictures to: info@theroanokestar.com Local Crossword
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like us.” Thus the age 21. kids get their way, Moderation is and most parents not the theme at live on edge for Beach Week. the entire week the Another parent kids are gone - and tells of the battle for good reason! to say no to their One mom I know senior. They held got a call at 2:30 the line through 2 am: “Um, Mrs. X, kids, and, when we’re calling for they got to the Cheryl Hodges help to take your third, had a real son to the ER. He’s had a lot fight on their hands. to drink and is throwing up “Why,” they said, “we love constantly and I’m a little you as much as we loved the worried about him. “ other two, so why would we The kid got an IV, rested not protect you equally?” a day or so, and other than Ha. I love clever parents. the $500 bill was none the They offered a nearby cabin worse for the wear. Hope- for the group of 7 friends fully he learned something. instead. Predictably, it got The friend, who was prob- turned down. When the othably also drinking, was good er parents realized there was friend to take that precau- one family who was non-netion. This scenario is not all gotiable, two of them joined that uncommon. I don’t even in and said no to beach week. want to address the obvi- The other 4 kids who were alous—that as seniors, none of lowed to go had an interestthese kids are anywhere near ing experience. In an attempt
to exit a parking garage, one of them drove the car over the side instead - from the second story. Everyone was miraculously okay. Not so sure about the car. Maybe they were trying out for America’s funniest home videos? Alas, June draws nigh. Decisions must be made. To beach or not to beach, that is the question. Whether ‘tis nobler in the mind to suffer The slings and arrows from an angry child hearing “no” Or to take a stand against them And by opposing perhaps save them? (Shakespeare is cool) Which shall it be?
Contact Cheryl at cvhodges@aol.com
The Hurdle of Hope
t is said by a reliable source that the following is true: “In a word, there are three things that last forever: faith, hope and love; but the greatest of them all is love.” (The New English Bible, 1970, I Cor.13:13). Just last week that was generally believed. February 14th is the day that love rules; too bad it is so easy to forget the rest of the year. Recently the idea of hope has been much on my mind in part because it seems so elusive. Despite the “feel good” front page of our local newspapers, bad news continues to roll over the horizons of hope with alarming regular-
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To Beach or Not to Beach
y Grandma, who lived her whole life up in Rochester NY, was a snowbird. She trekked to Clearwater FL as many winters as she could and I remember wondering as a kid why she did that. After all, winter is fun! Now an adult here in VA I wonder how she lived at ALL in Rochester and I am fervently wishing I could head south for even a week - much less six weeks - which incidentally, Punxsatawney Phil currently recommends. Sun and beach on the mind is not confined to just the increasingly infirm; it is practically la raison d’etre for a certain subset of our youth, specifically that elite group known as High School Seniors. They are convinced they have reached adulthood, although it is true that those pesky bills and expenses are still being paid by their
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ACROSS 1 Baboon 4 So, you ---- me. (from warlock) 8 Lasso 12 Marsh 13 Island 14 Informed 16 Renounced 18 Sickly 20 Roanoke's Polish sister city. 21 Chances of winning 23 Demise 24 Damage 25 Prompt 26 Adolescent 27 Two 29 Calf (2 wds.) 32 Large flightless bird from Australia. 33 Have to 34 Fragrances 38 Storm 40 To settle down; descend;
By Don Waterfield
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grow quiet. Guarantee Gal Catch Conciliate Positive Afloat Fib Dab Winter sport Towering Greek 'Z' Gorge (2 wds.) Train stopping crewman Shift Assistant Night before. Serving dish Idols Unworn
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Paeans Less coarse Time zone Brew Stronghold Put down Has Clod A group of lions. Canal Winged Women's partners Former north african ruler. Throw off Duces Peter, for short Prayer ending Transported by bus Motive Globes Meager Men ready to act and fight in a 'minutes' notice. Jewish calendar month Compass point Panther Building lot Mail shipment pouch Infirm The more things change the more they stay the ----. (from Escape from LA) Venemous snake. Skier's need Part of a doubloon or Pirates' Gold. Prods Canned meat Attorney (abbr.) Handed Fresh Possessive pronoun River (Spanish) To perform addition.
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Find the answers online: TheRoanokeStar.com Have a clue and answer you’d like to see? email: puzzles@theroanokestar.com
my of Afghanistan. Without the heroin/cocaine trade to America the Taliban would be as bankrupt as General Motors appears to be. There are hosts of other problems, some personal, some public, which seem to defy solution and give hopelessness a life of its own. Into this mental morasmus floated two books that I commend to you. First, Hope Endures, by Colette Livermore. Ms. Livermore was raised in Australia and at the age when most young women are fussing about their wardrobes, she decided to join Sister Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity. For more than a dozen years she dedicated her life to that amazing work. Read this book and it will give you a new sense of what hopeless means. Sister Tobit (as Colette was named in the MC) became so frustrated with the insurmountable misery she saw and the bureaucracy that resisted all change that she finally left the sisterhood. In order for her (and most of us) to feel a sense of hope we want to see some results of our efforts. She took her dedication to medical school and now practices in the outback living with Aborigines. Rather than just give up, her hope endured and took her
to another place present. Cerebral of desperate endorphins and ceneed. phalokinins, which The second act as analgesics, are book is truly a released when hope world away from is present. CholeDr. Livermore. cystokinins, which In Boston, Jeblock the internal rome Groopman, pain killers, are supMD, practices pressed when hope oncology. Now Hayden Hollingsworth abounds. This rethere’s an area search is in its inof medicine where hope is fancy but shows promising sometimes the only therapy. results for understanding the Through decades of practice, physiology of hope. Dr. Groopman saw many unThe distinction between expected results where hope, hope and optimism is dim seemingly unrealistic at the but the former may have time, was accompanied by a more foundation in fact than favorable outcome. Until he the cortical concept that “evhad significant health prob- erything is going to be fine.” lems of his own he did noth- Both are different from faith ing more than be grateful for which is a belief in somea surprising recovery. Only thing for which there is no after another physician in- evidence. Obviously, this is stilled a sense of hope in him a philosophical conundrum did he find a resolution to his worthy of a dissertation, not problems. simplistic definitions. He set about to find out So faith, hope, and love if hope plays a role in heal- abide. While love may well ing. His book, The Anatomy be the greatest, the others of Hope, is not related just are in a dead heat for secto the power of optimism ond. Don’t give up on any of but demonstrates that hope them. actually influences the way the brain works. In cleverly designed research, positron Contact Hayden at emission tomography shows jhayden2003@cox.net that the amygdala functions differently when the expectation (hope) of relief is
The Roanoke Star-Sentinel C o m mu n i t y | N ew s | Pe r s p e c t i ve Publisher | Stuart Revercomb | stuart@theroanokestar.com | 400-0990 Features Editor | Pam Rickard | pam@theroanokestar.com | 400-0990 News Editor | Gene Marrano | gmarrano@cox.net | 400-0990 Production Editor | Stephen Nelson | stephen@theroanokestar.com | 400-0990 Technical Webmaster | Don Waterfield | webmaster@theroanokestar.com | 400-0990 Advertising Director | Vickie Henderson | advertising@theroanokestar.com | 400-0990 Star: to lift up that which is right, real and genuine about our community – the people and events that make us who we are – the real spirit of Roanoke that past residents and leaders have worked hard to create, that points us towards the bright and shining future that we all desire for our valley. Sentinel: to guard the truth, with consistent and complete coverage of key local issues that provides balanced reporting and equal editorial opportunity. To fully tell all sides of a story so that readers can make their own informed opinions, and express them to positively impact others and our community. The Roanoke Star-Sentinel is published weekly by Whisper One Media, Inc. in Roanoke, Va. Subscriptions are available for $44 per year. Send subscriptions to PO Box 8338, Roanoke,VA 24014. We encourage letters from our readers on topics of general interest to the community and responses to our articles and columns. Letters must be signed and have a telephone number for verification. All letters will be verified before publication.The Star-Sentinel reserves the right to deny publication of any letter and edit letters for length, content and style. All real estate advertised herein is subject to national and Virginia fair housing laws and readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis.
Perspective
2/20/09 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 5
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Where Everybody Knows Your Name
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ost men have a place they can go at one time or another in their lives where everybody knows their name, like the old TV theme song says. It may be a bar, the gym, a restaurant, a bait and tackle store...whatever. But you know you've become a thoroughly domesticated husband when the place where everybody knows your name is Food Lion. Yes, the Food Lion. One of my jobs as husband and father in the Perry family, in addition to killing basement crickets, is to get the groceries on Sunday morning. This is often done with the Perry Boys in tow, who come along for the free swag—in this case, lollipops from Mary Ann the cashier. Here's the scene: We pull up in the slightly dented 2003 Subaru Forester. After completing the complicated bit of trickery known as “Unbuckling the Car Seats,” I walk across the parking lot with boys in hand. You've all heard of some of the great gatherings in history—the
Constitutional Convention, the Yalta Conference, and so on. All of these pale before our weekly gathering at the front of Food Lion, in which the Perry Boys decide which cart they want. Will it be the #5 race car or the #32? The delivery-truck style cart that seats the boys right at ground level? The cart with the yellow bench seat extension? Or just a plain Jane grocery cart? (Word to the wise: remove any food left behind by previous shoppers before putting children in the cart, because they will eat it, especially half-consumed Twix bars.) Once we've chosen a cart, we're actually ready to enter the building, and the parade of greeting and exchanges can begin. First stop is the produce section, where we chat with the gentleman unloading boxes of fruit who always asks if he's in our way (he never is). Then, it's over to frozen foods, where we're greeted by the guy with the moustache and Coke-bottle glasses who enjoys skateboarding. The fellow in the
Women can change your life . . . and how!
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seldom watch TV with Her but you can't enjoy it. Ladyship. And yesterday afOne thing's sure, no more TV with ternoon I was reminded why. her. By the way, who did do it?. We were viewing a mystery. It was The longer you live with someone beginning to get interesting. Sabrithe more apt you are to notice little na was entranced. She was in a state things. My wife Sabrina buys lots of akin to suspended animation; they food; and when I say `lots', I mean could have shipped her to Mars in cargo lots. When I lived alone, I kept that condition and she wouldn't have the two basic food groups handy, aged a day; like my son Cailan watchHoney Buns and Moon Pies. Water ing cartoons, that sort of thing. I got from the spigot, so no sense in Lucky Garvin She had baseline vital signs while going overboard buying drinks. I battled for her life with intravenous I even found a place where you feedings and turned her towards the sunlight so could rent groceries if you were expecting comshe could better synthesize Vitamin D; the fear pany and wanted to keep up appearances. of Couch Rickets never far from my mind; and Those days are done. all the while me trying not to lose the thread I can honestly say ours is the only refrigeraof the story. It's the closing minutes of the taut tor-freezer combination I have ever seen with a drama. "And the murderer is...." Oh thank kitchen chair wedged under the handles to keep God! At last I'll find out who did it....! the doors from popping open. The way she lays "Gahvin, we need to have some meaningful in foodstuffs, you'd swear she is momentarily conversation." Why now, Lord? Just sixty more expecting a reenactment of the Siege of Leninseconds of coma. Pleeeese! How women can grad. be so totally engrossed in a story and so indifAnd another thing! I haven't weighed 210 # ferent to the outcome, I lack the wit to under- for years, now I do. It’s a side effect of males in stand. But let it be fourth down and inches; or a love. When I lived alone, I did a thing which three and two pitch, World Series, bases loaded, may seem peculiar: I ate only when I was huntie score, final inning; or a murderer about to gry. I know, I know, seeing that in cold print be revealed, and it's like the hypnotist snapping makes it the more unbelievable, but there it is. his fingers. Now, if I refuse to eat, Herself looks at me as Now she's on my lap, facing me. No man though her favorite cat has become stranded alive is courageous enough to peak around to atop a four story cactus and says, "I have slaved see whodunit; I'd sooner battle army ants with over this meal for 25 minutes and you are not a hairbrush. "Do we have to have quality time going eat it?!! Sniff sniff." A ritual scorned. right this second!?" Hankie to the eye. "Only if you love me, Gahvin. And only if And thus, eating is - by feminine hand - elyour love is true." Brother, I'm here to tell you evated to a formal gravity on a par with takthis is one high-stakes poker game! You either ing the sacraments. So now I weigh 210. She miss the end of the show or she gets permanent looked at me critically the other day and said, skin creases wondering how she could ever "You're getting a little pudgy around the hanhave been so deceived about the nature of our dles, Gahvin. We're going to have to put you on relationship. Now, if the woman stalks off at this a diet." point, you say at least you got to see the end of Grrrrr! the show. But you know, that's a lot like having Contact Lucky at someone spit in your soup; you can still eat it, info@theroanokestar.com
Preacher’s Corner By Rev. Quigg Lawrence
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The Recipe of the Week from The Happy Chef by Leigh Sackett
Artichoke and Spinach Lasagna This is a really special and unique lasagna recipe. It is one of my favorite meals. It comes from a wonderful cookbook that all Roanoker’s should own – “Oh my Stars!” (From the Junior League of Roanoke Valley. ) My copy actually belonged to my mother, her dear friend Betty (another good Roanoker) gave it to her. I “borrowed” it years ago, just like I “borrowed” many things from my mother. I think my dad wants it back - now that he has become “Chef Tony” so sssshhhhhhh…Maybe he won’t read my column this week. This recipe takes a lot of work, as you can tell. But it is fun to make and SO VERY good. It is the kind of hard work that makes you feel alive - like that fast pace in the kitchen. The end product alone makes it well worth the fuss - HEY JUST LIKE THIS NEWSPAPER! Each time I make this lasagna I want to go to culinary school. Yet camping also makes me want to become a forest ranger, Bible study makes me want to go to seminary and Cesar Millan makes me want to train dogs. Life is too much fun, isn’t it? So get cooking and ENJOY! Mornay Sauce 2/3 cup unsalted butter ¾ cup flour 5 cups milk 1 cup grated parmesan cheese Salt and white pepper to taste Artichoke Filling 2 (9 oz.) packages frozen artichoke hearts thawed 6 oz. thinly sliced prosciutto ham 3 cups chopped leek bulbs 2 garlic cloves, minced ¼ cup olive oil 1 tbs. grated lemon zest Salt to taste Lasagna 12-15 uncooked lasagna noodles 2 tbs. salt 6 quarts water 1 lb. ricotta cheese 1 cup grated parmesan cheese Salt and pepper to taste 6 oz. fresh spinach leaves 1 lb. mozzarella cheese, shredded
-For the filling, pat the artichoke hearts dry and cut into ½ strips. Cut the prosciutto into ½ x 3 inch strips. Sauté the leeks and garlic in the heated olive oil in a heavy large skillet over medium heat for 5 minutes or until tender not brown. Add the artichoke hearts and prosciutto and sauté for 2-3 minutes longer, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and stir in lemon zest. Season with salt. -For the lasagna, cook the noodles with the salt in the water in a heavy large saucepan over high heat until the noodles are al dente. Drain and spread on kitchen towels. Combine the ricotta cheese with the parmesan cheese in a bowl and mix well. Season with salt and white pepper. Spread 1/3 of the sauce in a 10x14-inch baking pan and layer 1/3 of the noodles over the sauce. Layer half the spinach leaves and half the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles and sprinkle with 1/3 of the mozzarella cheese. Layer half the artichoke filling and half the remaining noodles over the cheese. Spread half the remaining sauce over the noodles and spread the remaining spinach leaves over the sauce. Layer the remaining ricotta cheese mixture, half of the remaining mozzarella cheese and the remaining artichoke filling over the spinach. Top with the remaining noodles, sauce and mozzarella cheese. -Bake at 350 degrees for 45-50 minutes or until bubbly and light brown. Let stand for 10-15 minutes before serving.
-For the sauce, melt the butter in a heavy large saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 2 minutes or until bubbly and smooth, stirring constantly. Whisk in the milk gradually. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until thickened, whisking constantly. Add the parmesan cheese gradually and cook unthe heart and we can never Kings. We who have trusted til melted. Season with salt and white pepper. know what is in another per- in Jesus’ work on the cross Remove from the heat. son’s heart. Some church have access into the “Holy of folk can be very demonstra- Holies” and can worship God tive and sing loudly but if in a deep and personal way their hearts are far from Him, through His Holy Spirit. their “worship” is not be Even introverts, when they pleasing to God . . . a stench taste of God’s goodness and in His nostril. mercy, cannot help but SING I do not want to judge peo- praises to Him and to worple. I am excited ship him freely. that we have many When I go to a VT unbelievers comor Navy or high ing to our worship school football services seeking to game, there is yelldiscover if God is ing, hollering, dancreal. I understand ing, attitude, hand that it is imposgestures and ocsible for non-becasionally a 1990’s lievers to worship throw back . . . the a God they do not entire stadium does We specialize in Affordable, High Quality yet know. All the “the wave”. Put Quigg Lawrence same, it is mighty those same people strange for believin corporate worHEALTH INSURANCE PLANS ers who have been rescued ship and many convert to for by Jesus Christ from sin and “Secret Service Agents.” death to seem so bored . Why? Maybe it is time to Individuals and Groups . . and checked out. It begs risk worshipping God with all some questions. our heart, mind and soul and Also ask us about our Given the biblical witness experience the joy of true MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT POLICIES of Moses’ face shining when and lively. worship. The alterStarting at $49.80 month in the presence of God and native is killing us. so many people falling down prostrate in the presence of Quigg Lawrence is Senior PasGod’s messengers (angels), tor at Church of the Holy Spirit it is curious that we could Visit them on the web at: be seemingly unmoved in www.coths.org the presence of The King of
A Snapshot of You in Worship
ave you ever wondered if God is pleased with your worship? Specifically, with your corporate worship? What does God see when he sees you worshipping in church? Most of the time I am in corporate worship, my mind and heart are fixed on God. During the singing and prayer, I often close my eyes. I do this to keep me from getting distracted and to better focus on the Lord. (Some amateur diagnosticians have dubbed me ADD!). Thankfully, I know most of the songs so I can sing with my eyes shut. Occasionally, I will open my eyes, because it is after all, corporate not private worship. I am usually greatly disheartened at what I see. Over half of the people are not singing, are mumbling under their breath or texting. Some look “major league” bored as if they are being forced to stand and endure something that is painful. I jokingly refer to expressionless worshippers who stand with their arms crossed as the “Secret Service”. Of course, we know that true worship takes place in
ice cream aisle is next, and he usually coupons that never scan and bag says something like, “I see you've got my groceries in paper, not plastic, your helpers today.” The helpers are, without complaint. Then the grand at this point, going slightly stir-crazy finale—four lollipops presented to and hanging off the cart. the Perry Boys, two for now and two (It has occurred to me that I should for later. This marks the first time run the children into shelves and the Perry Boys have been quiet the poles and other things to teach them entire trip, and it took a giant ball of a lesson about keeping heads and sugar on a paper stick to accomplish arms inside the vehicle at all times. I the feat. The cashier will sometimes mention that only as a hypothetical, say how good the boys are and how David Perry of course, and would never actually quiet they have been. She is lying. do it...or at least admit to it in the Maybe it's not Sam Malone's bar, newspaper.) or Central Park, or even Monk's diner, but it's About half the time we'll talk with the store all I got. And to that kind, kind gentleman in manager as he makes his rounds, he a Lakers line behind me today who cleaned up the egg fan, I a Celtics supporter, although we both pull that my mischievous son Kevin dropped— for the Redskins. And the kind lady with the thank you. Karma will pay you back a thouelderly mother who always speaks to the kids. sand-fold, I'm sure. Finally, we round the bread aisle and head Contact David at for the register, where the gracious and padave@davidperryonline.com tient staff trudge through my weekly stack of
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Page 6 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 2/20/09
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Bly returns to Cookin’ Cheap on DVD Fans of public television’s Cookin’ Cheap (aired on Blue Ridge Public Television from 1980 to 2002) are in for a treat. Long before the Food Channel was conceived, the foodies show enjoyed somewhat of a cult following, largely due to its hosts, Larry Bly and Laban Johnson. Cookin' Cheap Volume 1, featuring Bly and Johnson at their zany best in four episodes, is now available on DVD. Bly has recorded a new introduction for the series, and Volume 1 promises to be the first of many. Bly said, “[the series ran for] 22 long years ‌but it was all unscripted, so it was easy to do.â€? Fans of Bly’s lifestyle series on WCOX-9 will recognize his offthe-cuff humor and delivery. Johnson contacted Bly back in the ‘70’s, when he admits he was a “wacky disc jockey,â€? and not a TV personality. Johnson wanted to have fun on the air while they whipped up “cheap recipes,â€? recalled Bly, who played off his co-host as the guy who couldn’t cook. He improved as the series went on. Initially not interested, Bly warmed up to the concept. Johnson was a school teacher “and
a really good cook,� said Bly, “[but] we were not chefs.� Bly recalls the first episode, aired live from a freshly painted set – with paint sticking to the bottom of pans whenever they picked one up. “It was a complete disaster. It was the only time we did a show live. We ran around like two crazy people,� Bly said. Despite the confusion reviews were good and off they went. “[But] we never did a another live one – thank heavens.� Within 12 months, the show was completely underwritten, and remained so for the rest of its 22-year run. “It went pretty fast,�’ said Bly, noting that the show was taped in real time – no second takes if they dropped a pot, burned someLarry Bly brings back Cookin’ Cheap thing – or had to go off-stage to laugh at the other one’s antics. Blue Ridge Public Television disposed of the master tapes several years ago. However, Doris Ford, who appeared on the show worse it was, the funnier people thought it was.� Visit cookincheap.net for more information. as “the giggling lady,� had taped many of them, storing 145 shows in her basement. Bly has been digitizing episodes ever since. The By Gene Marrano first five years of Cookin’ Cheap have not been recovered. gmarrano@cox.net “It was a show where you could do no wrong,� said Bly. “The
Championship goes to the dogs in Salem
Dogs and their handlers, from neighboring states and all over the valley, visited the Salem Civic Center last weekend, competing in the AKC Agility, Obedience, and Rally Trials. The event was hosted by Star City Canine Training Club of Roanoke, which meets regularly at its own building in Salem. The club holds classes that help prepare dogs for a regular series of agility and obedience events (see starcityk9training.com for more information). Tec (a male Border Collie) and his handler, Lisa Roberts, traveled from Durham, North Carolina for the competition. Roberts was introduced to the sport when her German Shepherd, purchased for her 10year-old son, was too much dog for him to handle. When puppy
obedience classes stopped for the summer, Roberts knew she had “a wild German Shepherd who needed to keep training,� and found a private trainer who also taught agility. Roberts calls Tec, (short for Aztec), a “once in a lifetime dog.� He’s currently working on an Obedience Championship, the highest honor awarded, at three different levels: novice, open, and utility. “In order to get an OTCH (Obedience Trial Championship), you have to get 100 points [in the Open and Utility classes],� said Roberts. “You have to win at least three times and beat [about] six dogs each time. You get points for how many dogs you beat in each class.� Tec has earned the Master Agility Championship, which
A dog trained at Star City competes in an agility event. he’s won twice; he has also won the Herding Championship five times. “That’s our favorite thing to do, herding,� notes Roberts. But Tec had a problem with
the obedience course at this competition in Salem. Instead of sitting on a glove as he was told to do, Tec decided to pick one up instead. Roberts laughs it off, saying “Sometimes you’re
the windshield; sometimes you’re the bug.â€? Even with all the honors her dogs have won, Roberts likes training dogs better than showing them. “I just like‌seeing the light bulb go off when they ‘get’ an exercise.â€? That’s how she got into herding. “It’s fascinating to watch them go out there and to what they were bred to do.â€? Tony Vallone, and five-yearold “Ellieâ€? from Centerville, participated in the Excellent B agility class. Ellie has been doing agility routines for two to three years, and at age five Vallone says she is at her peak as an athlete. He and his wife have been competing for about nine years. “It’s fun; it’s a hobby; it’s a family event. It re-
quires some dedication because you do have to train your dog for pretty close to a year before you try to do this.� Vallone says Ellie is working toward her Master Agility Championship title: “she’s a wannabe, just like everybody in that ring.� However, doing things perfectly to achieve that championship title is tough. Ellie wasn’t successful this particular weekend, faltering on a jump. She knocked a bar down on one run, which disqualified her. “You can’t make a mistake at this level,� noted Vallone, who deflected the blame from Ellie. “Usually it’s about 80 percent handler error.� By Beverley Amsler info@theroanokestar.com
In Memoriam: William E. Lavery, former president of Virginia Tech
William Edward Lavery, the 12th president of Virginia Tech and a Blacksburg resident since 1966, died on Monday, Feb. 16. He was 78. “Bill guided Virginia Tech as it transitioned and matured as a research university. I had the pleasure of serving as professor and dean during his time of leadership, which I recall as dynamic and exciting,� said Virginia Tech President Charles W. Steger. Lavery brought stability to the university following the years of explosive growth under President T. Marshall Hahn Jr. But, he ushered in rapid growth in other areas, complementing Hahn’s successes.
He emphasized research, and expenditures in support of research totaled more than $70.2 million by fiscal year 1987, moving the university into the top 50 research institutions in the nation. He enhanced research opportunities by initiating the Corporate Research Center (CRC) and Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties (VTIP). During his 12-year term, the first two buildings were begun at the center and two more were planned. Under Lavery, the university made giant technological leaps. The CRC received an antenna to link Virginia Tech to the world via satellite, and the
Extension division developed a series of 26 downlink sites throughout the state. Installation began on a new communication system for the campus, the university purchased a supercomputer, and the first proposal was developed for what later became the Blacksburg Electronic Village. Lavery also placed a high priority on alleviating shortages of classroom, laboratory, and office space, and during his term the total inventory of available space increased by 50.1 percent. A $108 million construction program during his presidency included additions to Newman Library and the War Memorial Gymnasium
and construction of Johnston Student Center. Another $17.5 million funded a complex to house the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, which was established during his presidency and opened to students in 1980. Under his watch, the university introduced a core curriculum and added degree programs. The number of minority scholarships and fellowships grew, and students applied in record numbers. Faculty salaries moved from the bottom third to the top fourth among research universities. Lavery hired the university’s first vice president for develop-
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ment, Charles Forbes, who launched a campaign to raise $50 million — then raised more than $118 million. Large contributions during his presidency included gifts from John Lee Pratt of $11 million to support engineering and agricultural programs William and Marion Bradley Via of $3 million to establish the Harvey W. Peters Research Center and $5 million each to support the departments of civil engineering and electrical engineering. Additionally, Robert B. Pamplin Sr. and Robert Pamplin Jr. gave $10 million to support the College of Business. Assets of the Virginia Tech Foundation grew from $6.2 million to $140.1 million during his term. Lavery also hired the university’s first woman vice president, Sandra Sullivan, vice president for student affairs. “Bill was a fine person ‌ very caring and compassionate. He was the consummate ‘people person’ interested in others,â€? said Minnis Ridenour, who served as executive vice president under Lavery. “Bill Lavery was passionate about Virginia Tech from the very first day he arrived in the late 60s, and always promoted [Virginia] Tech to every constituency he could. He loved invitations to join our alumni reunion groups even in his retirement, and did so often,â€? said Tom Tillar, vice president for alumni affairs. Lavery joined the faculty at Virginia Tech in 1966 as director of administration for the Extension division before being tapped as vice president for finance in 1968. In 1973, he became executive vice president, and he was appointed president in 1974, effective Jan. 1, 1975. Born in Geneseo, N.Y., Lavery earned his bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University, his master’s in public
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administration from George Washington University, and his doctorate in extension administration from the University of Wisconsin. He began his professional career as a teacher and coach at Clarence Central High Lavery School in Clarence, N.Y., before serving two years in the Army. He began working for the federal Extension Service’s Division of Management Operations in 1956, where he remained until 1966. Lavery married the former Peggy Johnson of Pawnee City, Neb., in 1956, and the couple had four children. During his presidency, he received numerous honors and awards. Among them, the National Conference of Christians and Jews presented him with the Brotherhood Award, the governor of Virginia appointed him to serve on the Commission on Virginia’s Transportation in the 21st Century, United States President Ronald Reagan named him chair of the Board for International Food and Agricultural Development, and the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury appointed him to the National Savings Bond Committee, where he chaired the Higher Education Industry Campaign. In 1985, Xavier University in the Philippines presented him with an honorary doctorate. After stepping down Dec. 31, 1987, he continued to serve the university, first as honorary chancellor, then as the William B. Preston Professor of International Affairs. After his retirement on Aug. 1, 1991, he was named president emeritus. The university recognized his contributions by presenting him with the Ruffner Medal in 1993 and by dedicating the William E. Lavery Animal Health Research Center in his honor in 1995, the same year he was named an honorary alumnus of Virginia Tech. Additionally, the Class of 1997 named its class ring in his honor. His life will be celebrated at a Funeral Mass, on Friday, Feb. 20, 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Old Mill Road, Blacksburg. The family suggests that, in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to the William E. Lavery Professorship at Virginia Tech, 902 Prices Fork Rd., Blacksburg, 24061 or to the St. Mary’s Catholic Church Building Fund. From Virginia Tech News Service
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Sports
2/20/09 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 7
Hidden Valley beat Cave Spring for the first time this season in the River Ridge District boys basketball semifinals. Hidden Valley beat Christiansburg, 76-58, in a quarterfinal, and went on to top the Cave Spring Knights, 42-40, in the semi-final. Second-seeded Pulaski was beaten by Salem 6249 in the other semifinal. All four teams will advance to the Region IV playoffs next week. Hidden Valley, 12-12, struggled for much of the season but the Titans have found their footing under first year head coach, Troy Wells.
Patrick Henry basketball coach Jack Esworthy.
Patriots Riding Momentum into Tournament A little over a month ago, the Patrick Henry Boys Basketball team was 3-9 and going nowhere fast. That seems like a long time ago. The Patriots (10-13, 6-4) entered their semifinal match up against William Fleming in the Western Valley District Tournament last night (Wed.) riding a renewed confidence and a three-game winning streak, the team’s longest of the season. Standing in the way of a fourth consecutive win were their cross-town rivals, a team they have already disposed of twice. “We’ve played really, really tough against them, and we’ve made key plays at the right time,” head coach Jack Eswor-
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“Put it this way – we want to try to make people who aren’t used to scoring, score,” Esworthy said. If the game did indeed come Photo by Bill Turner down to the wire, the Patriots Chad Earhart drives against no doubt drew on their newChristiansburg in the River found confidence – a confiRidge quarterfinal. dence that was lacking only a month ago. “It’s the old cliché – you want to be playing your best at the end of the season,” Esworthy said. “Well, we’re doing that now, and the kids are starting to get pretty confident that we can compete with anybody. We definitely couldn’t say that back in January.” With a win against Fleming There’s a saying in sports the Lady Patriots escaped with Keisha Preston, for the turnthe Patriots would move on to that it is difficult to beat a a 51-49 road win, watching around. the district final Friday night. team three times in one sea- helplessly as a potential game“They’re really competitive,” By Matt Reeve son. Maybe that’s why Patrick winning shot by the Eagles Dunleavy said. “They don’t Matt@theroanokestar.com Henry girls basketball coach in the waning seconds just like to lose.” Toree Dunleavy is concerned missed. In order to avoid losing about her team’s upcoming “It was a back and forth kind against G.W. Danville, Dungame against G.W. Danville in of game, anyone’s game to win, leavy has been preaching funthe semifinals of the Western really,” Dunleavy said. damentals to her squad. “We Valley District Tournament. The Patriots enter the tour- need to do the little things, “I really have no idea what nament having righted the like rebound and play solid to expect,” Dunleavy said. “All ship after a brief two-game defense. I guarantee whoever I know is it’s going to be a very losing streak, including a 67- does the little things is going tough game for us.” 65 defeat at the hands of cel- to win.” The Lady Patriots (16-5, lar-dwelling E.C. Glass. Rather “It’s win and advance, or 7-3), the second seed in the than fold, the team rebounded lose and go home,” Dunleavy tournament, have beaten the to beat Danville and Halifax to continued. “It’s not necessarily Eagles twice already this sea- end the regular season. about who the better team is.” son. But if their most recent “I looked at our schedule Note: with a win against contest is any indication, ad- and thought, ‘gosh, we could G.W. Danville and a Franklin vancing to the district cham- lose four straight,’” Dunleavy County win in the other Westpionship is hardly a certainty. said. But we turned it around, ern Valley District semifinal, In their first meeting back in and we’re playing pretty well Patrick Henry will qualify for January, Patrick Henry cruised right now.” the Group AAA Northwest to a 48-29 victory, dominating Dunleavy credits the team Region Tournament. Jamelle Hagins (left) battles a PH defender. the Eagles on both ends of the leaders – Ally Doane, Kate By Matt Reeve court. But just two weeks ago, Norbo, LaToya Flint, and the team had a hard time adjusting. Matt@theroanokestar.com “It’s a challenge for us when we lose him, because we don’t have a lot of size,” Hardy said of The arts … and boxing? Hagins. “That, coupled with Eric Thomas being sick, hurt us a lot against Danville.” Thomas, the The Roanoke Arts Festival, in partnership with the Dumas Center and the Melrose Athletic team’s second-leading rebounder, missed the Club, is facilitating a boxing event titled "An Exhibition of the Sweet Science" on Saturday, Feb. 21, game with flu-like symptoms. from 1-4 p.m. at the Dumas Center, 108 Henry Street in downtown Roanoke. The event is free and Despite their recent struggles, Hardy says the open to the public. team remains focused. The classic sport of boxing has deep roots in the region, especially the neighborhood around “They all know what’s on the line,” he said. Henry Street, which was once commonly known as "The Yard." For this unique event, amateur and “It’s a win-or-go-home situation. It’s not re- professional athletes will exhibit their talent, discipline and skills in this venerated contest that is ally about X’s and O’s, it’s about who wants it part sport, part art form. more.” "The Sweet Science" is one of the Roanoke Arts Festival's year-round branded events, and is part By Matt Reeve of the 2009 Marginal Arts Festival, a multi-exhibit series that encourages offbeat interpretations of Matt@theroanokestar.com the lively arts. Other offerings will run from Feb. 19-24 at various locations around Roanoke.
thy said of the Patriots’ two wins over William Fleming. “Both games have come down to the last 30 seconds, and fortunately we’ve been able to make the big play and get the big stop. There’s no reason to believe that it won’t come down to the end on Wednesday night.” Regardless of the outcome, PH can look back at both games as major accomplishments. The Patriots boasted tremendous defensive performances in both of their wins over the Colonels, holding them to 43 and 46 points, respectively. Patrick Henry placed a special significance on shutting down the Colonels two leading scorers, Jamelle Hagins and Troy Daniels.
Lady Patriots Face Familiar Foe in District Tourney
Colonels Seek Redemption in District Playoffs The William Fleming Colonels entered their Western Valley District tournament semifinal matchup against Patrick Henry on Wednesday night searching for answers on the heels of their first losing streak of the season. The Colonels (18-4, 8-2) had a chance to clinch the regular season district title twice, and failed on both occasions, losing 49-46 to Patrick Henry on February 13 and then falling again in a one-game playoff to G.W. Danville 49-46 on February 16. Though the Colonels had already defeated the Eagles twice in the regular season, Western Valley District rules do not use headto-head results as a tiebreaker. In order to bounce back in the tournament and finally solve the Patriots, the Colonels will have to find a way to score more consistently. “We’re getting good shots, we’re just not making them,” Colonels Coach Mickey Hardy said. “We kind of picked a bad time to struggle in that regard, but we are getting the shots we want. Our guards just have to make shots – simple as that.” Foul trouble hurt the Colonels in both of their recent losses. Forward Jamelle Hagins missed significant minutes against Patrick Henry and G.W. Danville due to early foul difficulty, and
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Sports
Page 8 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 2/20/09
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North Cross wrestling team celebrates at state championships.
North Cross wrestlers finish 9th at state tourney
North Cross School finished ninth at last weekend’s Virginia Independent School Athletic Association (VISSA) state wrestling championships, the best year-end results to date for the Raiders. “We added two new coaches this year - former Cave Spring wrestler Travis Carter and [recreation team] coach Robert Martin,” said Raiders’ coach Jax Ring. “We took twelve wrestlers to Photos by Bill Turner state and placed sixth. The team placed ninth overall, not bad for North Cross # 31 Toles Hartman (Left) goes under a Woodberry Forest defender for a score Tuesday night. Raider’s A.D. Banks [an upper] school with 80 boys. We are the small school cham(Right) hits a free throw against Woodberry Forest pions for the second year in a row, also not bad for a 3-year-old program.” the state runner-up VIS team in Division III, the North Cross boys basketball The VISAA combines independent schools of all sizes, some team seems poised to make another playoff run. The Raiders tuned up by beating Woodberry Forest 107-67 on Tuesday at home. much larger than North Cross, for its state tourney. The Raiders Toles Hartman led the Raiders (19-6) with 30 points, while A.D. Banks added 29. squad filled 12 of the 14 weight classes. “The nearest small school to us finished 11 places behind,” said Ring. Senior Brent Ring finished 5th, at 160lb., qualifying for Nationals, and Spencer Shaff finished 6th, at 130lb. North Cross wrestlers Devin Cain, Jamie Willis and Matt Watson all earned 7th place in their weight classes, with Ike Podell finishing 8th. Roanoke Catholic finished 19th out of 28 schools at the VISAA. Virginia Tech’s ice hockey club team is hosting the Atlantic By Gene Marrano Coast Collegiate Hockey League (ACCHL) Division II Tournagmarrano@cox.net ment at the Roanoke Civic Center this weekend. The tournament will be held from Friday (Feb. 20) through Sunday, Feb. 22. The Hokies, clinched the regular season title with a win over Georgetown University on Feb. 7 and are ranked Synergy Cheer Dominates Cheerfest No. 1 in the ACCHL standings. Nationals at Civic Center This year's tournament will include six teams: Virginia Tech,
Raiders primed for postseason:
Virginia Tech hockey team to host post season tournament at Civic Center
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the University of Virginia, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Duke University, North Carolina State University, and Georgetown University. The ACCHL is a Division II member within the American Collegiate Hockey Association. Virginia Tech started its ice hockey team in 1984 as a Roanoke adult league team. The last time Virginia Tech was ranked No. 1 going into an ACCHL Tournament was back in its first season of competition. "It's great to have a home ice advantage, hopefully the team can benefit from having lots of Hokie fans in attendance," said Alan Glick, assistant director of Sports Clubs and Marketing at Virginia Tech. The tournament will be played Olympic-style, which guarantees each team at least two games. Multiple games will be played Friday and Saturday. The bronze medal game will be held at 11 a.m. on Sunday, while the 2 p.m. game will be for the gold. Miss Virginia Tara Wheeler (she played hockey at Penn State) will sing the National Anthem for the championship games. Carrying the No. 1 seed into the tournament, the Hokies will play their first game Feb. 21 at 6p.m. “We are excited coming off our most successful season ever, it will be a big help going into the tournament ranked No. 1, especially at home," said Ryan Chafe, Virginia Tech Club Ice Hockey president. Tech drew about 5000 for a game vs. Virginia last month. All Virginia Tech students with a Hokie passport and children under age 12 will receive free admission. Adult prices are $3 per session. See hokiehockey.com for more information.
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Synergy Cheer of Virginia, a local cheer training and competitive cheer program, attended the Star City Cupid’s Classic Open Nationals at the Roanoke Civic Center on February 7. Five Synergy Cheer teams ranging in age from Synergy celebrates after Roa3-18 years old, dominated the noke event. competition. Sparks competing in the Tiny Level 1 Division (ages 3-5) and Embers competing in the Mini Level 1 Division (4th grade and under) both took 2nd Place, earning bids to the Cheerfest Ultimate Nationals in Tampa, Florida. Flames competed in Youth Level 2 (6th grade and under) and took 1st Place and were National Champions in that division, also earning a bid to Nationals. Blaze competing in Junior Level 3 (9th grade and under) and Heat competing in Senior Coed Level 4 (ages 12-18) both also took 1st Place and were National Champions for their divisions. Junior Blaze also took the Divisional Grand Champion title for Level 3, outscoring every team in every age group competing in the Level 3 division, and earned a Gold, partially paid bid to Nationals. Senior Coed Heat not only took the Divisional Grand Champion title for Level 4, outscoring all teams in every age group competing in the Level 4 Division, but also outscored every other team in all age groups and all levels, including level 5 teams, at the competition, earning the title of Overall Grand Champions and a Platinum, fully paid bid to Ultimate Nationals in Tampa, Florida. Synergy Cheer competitive cheerleading (located in the former CMT building on Brandon Ave) combines tumbling, dance and stunting, competing in approximately six local or national competitions per season.
Faith Christian Lady Warriors are top seed in Conference Tournament The Faith Christian Lady Warriors look to wrap up yet another successful regular season on a positive note this week as they play their final Virginia Association of Christian Athletics (VACA) regular season games. The Lady Warriors (15-3, 5-0), winners of 14 of their last 15 contests, beat Christian Heritage 49-29 to capture VACA-South girls’ basketball title on Tuesday. The Warriors now aim to defend their VACA small school state title as the top seed in the conference tournament, which begins February 24. Despite their gaudy record, Faith Coach Pat Wolfe was unimpressed with the team’s performance during a two-week stretch at the end of January, which included a lackadaisical effort in a loss to Craig County High School. However, the Warriors have since bounced back to win six in a row. “We kind of hit a snag, a low spot,” Wolfe said. “It happens
Photo by Bill Turner
Faith Gardner steps on the sideline while chasing a loose ball against Christian Heritage. during the season, and you just hope you can ride it out. It was just a lack of focus and intensity. But the last two weeks, we made a switch mentally, and it almost looks like a different team out there.” Wolfe used the team’s recent win over Dayspring Academy as an example of the turnaround.
“We were ahead 26-9 after the third quarter, and we just played great, stifling defense. We were a lot better, and a lot smarter, and that’s what you want to do at the end of the season,” Wolfe said. By Matt Reeve Matt@theroanokestar.com
2/20/09 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 9
TheRoanokeStar.com
Community Calendar > Feb. 20
The American Society of Training and Development (ASTD) - V alleys of Virginia Chapter will host its February meeting on Friday, February 20, 2009 at the Roanoke Higher Education Center, Room 403. 108 North Jefferson Street, Roanoke,Virginia. The meeting is from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. TThe program topic is High Impact Presentations by Sheryl Crawford of Dale Carnegie Training. Pre-register at www.roanoke. astd.org or contact Linda Ferguson, Vice-president Communications at lferguson@ roanokecountyva.gov . Cost includes lunch: $18 for members, $20 for memberinvited guests, $25 for visitors and $15 for students Agenda: 11:30 a.m. – Registration &; Lunch 11:45 a.m. – Welcome & Introductions 12:00 p.m. – Best Practices 12:15 p.m. - Presentation Rockin with Roxie the Cow YMCA of Roanoke Valley and
Shamrock Farms are working together to get kids moving in a fun way and encourage families to get up and get active. Saturday, February 28, from 11:00 AM 1:00 PM, Shamrock Farms will be hosting a “Rockin’ With Roxie Dance Party” at Valley View Mall.
> Feb. 23
The Blue Ridge Wildflower Society Meeting at Monday, Feb 23, 7:00 pm at the Roanoke Church of Christ, 2606 Brandon Avenue. The speaker will be Larry Wilcox of Chesapeake who will speak on Wildflowers of the Kansas Prairie. Visitors are welcome. For further information, call Rich Crites at 774-4518.
> Feb. 27
Roanoke Valley Democratic Women Meeting Meeting at the Roanoker Restaurant, 2522 Colonial Ave, Craig Kirby, Deputy Manager for Senator Mark Warner”s successful campaign will be the guest speaker. Visitors and prospective members are welcome. Call Mary A. Bowers for additional
Commentary: There can still be opportunity in Roanoke
information - 343-1186 When - 11 a.m.
> March 4
Career and Lifestyle Fair he City of Roanoke will host another job fair on Wednesday, March 4, from 9 a.m. until noon at the Roanoke Civic Center Exhibit Hall. For more information on being an exhibitor, contact Stuart Mease at stuart.mease@roanokeva.gov or visit www.roanokeva.gov/fairs.
> March 14
St. Patrick’s Day Parade Parade Starts at 11:00 a.m. Downtown Roanoke,VA (Jefferson Street, Campbell Ave. and Williamson Road) HomeTown Bank Celtic Festival: New Festival location! Parking lot at corner of Williamson Road & Church Avenue 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Have an item for the calendar? email it to submissions@ theroanokestar.com
Volunteer Needs Training Opportunities
Conflict Resolution Center will hold basic mediation training March 4th – 6th. Contact Cherie Hall at 342-2063 for more information. Good Samaritan Hospice will offer training for Family Support Volunteers March 17th – April 9th, Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6PM – 9PM.These volunteers work directly with terminally ill patients and their families, visiting for 2 -4 hours each week. No experience needed, only a caring heart. Please contact Becky Harris (bharris@goodsamhospice.org) or Melinda Bern at 7760198. Deadline for registration is March 12th. Refugee and Immigration Services will hold a training session on Saturday, March 14th from 9AM – 3PM for volunteers who would like to teach English to refugees. Commitment is twice a week and scheduling is flexible. Training and teaching materials are free and no experience is needed. Contact Alice Duehl at aliced22@ ris-roa.org or 342-7561.
Special Events/OneTime Opportunities
EventZone needs volunteers for the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Celtic Festival March 14th from 10AM – 5PM, and for the March 20th Cabin Fever event from 5PM – 10PM – dinner provided.Visit www.eventzone.org or call 342-2640. Presbyterian Community Center will be holding its annual fundraiser, “Dancing Under the Stars” on Friday, March 20th.Volunteers are needed for silent auction tables and decorating. Contact Cheryl Poe at volunteers@
pccse.org or 982-2911. Southwest Virginia Second Harvest Food Bank needs volunteers to make phone calls between March 16th and 27th. The calls will be to law firms throughout the region that have been invited to participate in a food drive by the legal community to ask whether they plan to participate. A call script will be provided. Calls can be made from the Food Bank or a location chosen by the volunteer. Contact Harry Van Guilder at hvanguilder@swvafoodbank. org or 342-3011 x42.
On-Going Needs
Volunteer
American Cancer Society Discovery Shop would love some volunteers who love to visit yard sales and antique malls. Carilion Clinic has many opportunities for volunteers who have an affinity to help others. Volunteer opportunities include working in gift shop; staffing waiting rooms; running hospitality cart; and working with employees on patient floors. Commonwealth Catholic Charities needs volunteers for friendly visitors to seniors. Free training, flexible schedules! Conflict Resolution Center is seeking volunteers willing to be trained as mediators, as well as general volunteers for occasional administrative tasks and special events. Family Service of Roanoke Valley Be a mentor for a youth in need! Mentoring a local child is a way to make a huge impact in our community. It doesn’t take much – just a little time each
week and a desire to make a difference.
For those baby boomers, as we are sometimes called, when making our way in Roanoke there was one thing you could count on – Roanoke City Schools. During those times, you could also buy your wedding ring at Finks, you could get your clothes at Davidsons, and your wife’s clothes at Sidneys, and buy your furniture at Grand Piano- all on credit and sometimes directly from the owners on the sales floor. As a young man in Roanoke, fresh out of High School- just barely, after great teachers taught me, when sometimes I knew more than they did, my girlfriend and I got married. We did not have a dime. But we both had a good education from Roanoke City Schools. And I had business classes where I learned about how to get a job, and how business was done. We went to these stores and asked for, and were granted Credit to get the things we needed to start out. Then our friends gave us a wedding shower with gifts of household items from Heironimus and Miller & Rhodes, both family owned businesses, and charged on their accounts to..
Later when we bought a house, it was financed at a local bank- Bank of Botetourt- then known as Bank of Buchanan. Back then you could get a loan almost with a handshake, and how could you ever not repaywith that commitment with a friend at the bank. In those days I was lucky enough to get a job at Norfolk & Western Railway right out of Roanoke City public schools, although just barely out. The problem was the yearly layoffs caused us not to be able to pay our bills on time. That’s when you could go to these businessmen and tell them your problem, again things I learned in Roanoke City schools, and they worked with you to make payments and keep you off the dreaded Roanoke Merchants Associations slow credit listing. I can remember Christmas at Finks- asking Mr. Fink to let me buy something small for my wife, while I was two months behind on my account- he always helped me out. Those days are gone forever, but the education I got from attending Roanoke City Schools never left me. From the first day at Huff Lane, where we at-
tended school for only a half day, because of overcrowding, and classes were held one in morning and one in afternoon. I did not understand the problems, but fortunately some did, and they did what it took to see that I got a good education. Then came desegregation and more tough decisions to be made aboutwho, and where people would attend what schools- people panicked and complained, but it was all worked out by local officials and came into being with no major problems. Well it seems we as a Community are in a similar position now- only worse. The only thing I would ask is, we all listen, and do whatever it takes to support the elected leaders of our local governments and schools boards, to help out as they have to make the tough decisions just as those made years ago. I know it made all the difference in my life and I am willing to do what it takes to make sure those who come behind have these same chances I was afforded in Roanoke. Tommy Jordan is a proud product of Roanoke City Public Schools.
Letters to the Editor Voting machines prone to failure
Joseph C. Thomas Center would like volunteers for oneDear editor, to-one visits with residents, St. Two years ago the Virginia Patrick’s Day entertainers, and legislature took a major first volunteers to help with a paintstep towards verifiable voting ing class. by passing a law banning localities from buying any more of Medi-Hospice is seeking pathe paperless electronic vottient care volunteers, special projing machines known as DREs ect volunteers, and administrative the computers that most of us volunteers. have been voting on, but which have been shown nationwide Presbyterian Community to be prone to failure, subject Center is seeking volunteers to to programming errors, and work at the front desk (greeting vulnerable to manipulation. clients, answering phones, etc.). Since then, some jurisdicVolunteer client interviewers, tions have begun to purchase pantry helpers, tutors, and comoptical scanning machines, puter skills are also needed. which read paper ballots filled out by voters. The paper balRescue Mission is seeking vollots are retained to be availunteers for data entry, reception/ able in the case of a recount, office work, Microsoft Office and could be used to audit the instruction, physicians/physician accuracy of the machines. This assistants/nurse practitioners/ is precisely what lawmakers pharmacists, men’s hairstylist, intended to have happen, and Recovery Program helper, thrift what voters and election secustore help. rity advocates have demanded from their legislators. And the Southwestern Virginia Secoptical scanning machines have ond Harvest Food Bank offers done more than provide verifivolunteer opportunities Monday ability; one can do the work of – Thursday for individuals and many DREs, so they eliminated groups of up to 25.These volunwaiting times for voters where teers sort, inspect, and repackage they were used in this past food items for distribution to the election. hungry. Two-hour commitment Now, incredibly, committees per visit is requested. Great opin the House and Senate are portunity for team-building! considering a reversal of the ban. SB 988 and HB 2422 would These are only a few of the many make Virginia the only state to volunteer opportunities available reverse course and embrace a in the community. Contact us for technology that other states more information! have been abandoning. Even Florida, which bought new VOLUNTEER ROANOKE DREs after the 2000 election VALLEY debacle, has since scuttled the 540-985-0131 ext. 500 machines following a second vrv@councilofcommunityserdisputed election, and after vices.org regulators determined that
optical scan machines would save the state money. So why would Virginia go backwards? Lawmakers are experiencing a full-court press from local registrars, many of whom never liked the ban and see their chance now to reverse it, while voters aren t paying attention. The registrars say they can t afford to change over all their machines at once, and they don t want to use DREs in some precincts and optical scan in others. But allowing them to buy more of a bad technology now would simply push the problem down the road. Meanwhile, these officials run the risk of making Virginia the next Florida. Legislators should not cave into these shortsighted appeals, but should vote no on SB 988 and HB 2422. Ivy Main McLean,VA
Gratitude for supporting the Junior League Dear editor, I just want to thank you for your support of the Junior League's Bargain Bazaar. We saw the ad in the paper on January 30 and thanks to media donations like yours we had people lined up outside the door on the day of the bazaar. We had a goal to raise $3,500 at the event and ended up raising over $4,000! This money will be used to fund our annual Pediatric Blood Drive in March, this is one of the largest pediatric blood drives in the area.
Thanks again for your support of the Junior League. Carolyn Kiser Roanoke
TV is taking control
Dear editor, I loved the `American Idol` story, from the Publisher. I work for a large electronics company and sell these digital converter boxes. People come to the store in panic.What will I do? Will I lose my TV? How can I afford it? I don`t think that they remember that they can still read a book for entertainment, or a newspaper for information - and for a lot less money! Keith West Roanoke
> Help Wanted Moms and Dads. Stay home with the kids and still make great money! Call 540-588-1977 Garden City Baptist Church 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
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Valley Business
Page 10 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 2/20/09
Some questions and answers about Shenandoah Life
Founded in 1914, Roanoke-based Shenandoah Life Insurance Company, located on Brambleton Avenue in a building that looks more like a school than a corporate headquarters (school design plans were indeed used to save money) has been placed into receivership by the State Corporation Commission. That means the SCC will provide oversight and protection for policyholders after a planned merger with OneAmerica fell through early last week, further exposing the firm to risks that stem from declining values in certain investments. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Receivership efforts are made to conduct the Company's affairs as normally as possible and to remedy the conditions that resulted in its financial difficulties,â&#x20AC;? states a ShenLife press release. Shenandoah Life Insurance Company, also well known as a corporate sponsor for numerous local nonprofit events, lost about $50 million from its investment portfolio â&#x20AC;&#x153;when the value of its equity position in Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac preferred stock was significantly diminished.â&#x20AC;? ShenLife operates in 31 states and Washington D.C., and employs about 280 people. The following are excerpts to a series of questions for policyholders provided by the company. Should I continue to pay my premiums? While the decision is your own and you should consult your advisor, non-payment of premium may cause your policy to be canceled or reduced in value. We believe you should continue paying premiums. Is Shenandoah Life going to be placed in liquidation? Concerted efforts are being made to rehabilitate the company so that such action is not necessary. However, it is too early for the [SCC] or the Deputy Receiver to provide any assurances as to eventual outcomes. What is being done to rehabilitate Shenandoah Life? The Deputy Receiver [Alfred Gross, appointed by the SCC] cannot at this time disclose the details, but a number of rehabilitation measures and options are under serious consideration or are being implemented. Is Shenandoah Life currently paying all of its claims? No. At this time, the Deputy Receiver has imposed certain moratoriums upon policy loans (other than automatic loans), payment of cash or surrender values, surrenders, fund transfers, cash-outs, and similar payments and certain contract changes or conversions pending further orders. The moratorium may be adjusted when the Deputy Receiver and/or the State Corporation Commission find that the circumstances are appropriate. At this time, the Deputy Receiver will allow accident and health claims, death claims, and periodic annuity payments, and they will so continue until further notice. Will I continue receiving periodic monthly principal payments under my annuity? Yes. At this time such payments will continue. However changing circumstances may require that such payments be suspended in the future. Is Shenandoah Life issuing new or renewal insurance policies or contracts? At this time the company is not accepting applications or premium for new insurance. However, the company may renew existing contracts and may issue additional certificates under existing group insurance policies. Can I move my Shenandoah Life policy or annuity to another company? No exchange agreement between Shenandoah Life and any other company exists at this time. A moratorium has temporarily been imposed upon the surrender of any annuities.
Carilion Hospitals Receive Magnet Recertification Carilion Roanoke Memorial and Community Hospitals and Rehabilitation Center (Carilion Medical Center) received Magnet recertification by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). The Magnet Recognition Program recognizes healthcare organizations that provide excellence in nursing. Magnet designation is the highest level of recognition that nurses can obtain for their health care organization. It was created to promote quality in an environment that supports professional practice, to recognize excellence in the delivery of nursing services to patients, and to provide a mechanism for the dissemination of best practices in nursing. "We are so proud of our nursing staff for embodying what the Magnet Recognition Program stands for," said Nancy Howell Agee, chief operating officer for the hospital. "The magnet process is a complete and rigorous evaluation of our professional nursing environment. We're delighted and honored to achieve the highest nursing benchmark in the country." There are 14 qualitative factors, referred to as the "Forces of Magnetism," that are evaluated during the Magnet designation process. Each force represents an outcome that exemplifies nursing excellence. The forces include quality of nursing leadership, organizational structure, management style, personnel policies and programs, professional models of care, quality of care, quality improvement, consultation and resources, autonomy, community and the healthcare organization, nurses as teachers, image of nursing, interdisciplinary relationships and professional development. For more information, please visit www.carilionclinic.org/Carilion/Magnet.
Hagy and Clapsaddle honored for contributions to medical care Dr. John â&#x20AC;&#x153;Alâ&#x20AC;? Hagy, as President of the Sr. and Dr. Gene ClapVirginia Academy saddle were honored of Family Physion Friday, February cians and have been 13 at the Roanoke honored by the Blue Valley Academy of Ridge Academy of Medicineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 7th Annual Family Physicians as Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gala. Drs. Family Physician of the Year. Dr. Hagy has Hagy and Clapsaddle volunteered numerreceived the Roanoke ous hours at the RoaValley Academy of Dr. Al Hagy noke Rescue Mission Medicineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lifetime Achievement Award in rec- Health Care Center and most ognition of their dedication, recently has been helping the leadership and contributions underserved in Bassett, VA. Dr. Clapsaddle has served to Family Medicine in the Roanoke Valley. the Blue Ridge Academy of Both physicians have served Family Physicians, the Roa-
noke Valley Academy of Medicine and the Medical Society of Virginia in various offices. Previous lifetime a c h i e v e - Dr. Gene ment recipi- Clapsaddle ents include: Dr. Kenneth Tuck, Dr. Robert L. A. Keeley, Dr. Alexander McCausland, Dr. Louis Ripley, Dr. Charles Bray, Dr. Douglas Pierce and Dr. Robert Berry.
TheRoanokeStar.com
Brandon Oaks opens new â&#x20AC;&#x153;Vitality Centerâ&#x20AC;?
Healthy living means practicing a healthy lifestyle, especially for seniors who want to live longer. Brandon Oaks Retirement Community has taken a proactive stance with the recent opening of a new Health and Vitality Center, which encourages seniors to utilize a variety of options to increase their physical activity. The goal is to enhance overall well being and promote more active lifestyles for residents. According to Bonnie Allison, Director of Marketing and Sales, "it's probably the most advanced health center [at a] retirement community in Virginia." The Health and Vitality Center opened in mid-January. A newly renovated wing that houses the Center in the main building includes a heated indoor pool and separate whirlpool. One room contains 16 pieces of state-of-the-art exercise equipment, including treadmills, stationary bicycles, and weight machines. Another room is used for classes supervised by Wellness Director Susan Bryant. "Susan has a lot of experience with water and floor fitness," said Allison. An entry-level exercise class led by Bryant called "Easy Does It" consists of gentle stretches and range-of-motion exercises while participants remain seated. Others are designed to improve strength, balance and flexibility. Bryant also teaches an Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program called "Twinges and Hinges," which utilizes water's buoyancy and resistance to help improve joint flexibility. A favorite class for Wanda Miller is water aerobics; she spoke of participating in a â&#x20AC;&#x153;horse raceâ&#x20AC;? in the pool that morning, riding buoyant "water noodles" and bicycling with her legs from one end of the pool to the other.
A Body Recall Class - designed to improve muscle tone and flexibility. As Wellness Director, Bryant is more than a class instructor. She first makes sure that every resident who wants to participate in an exercise program has a physician-signed release form. She then conducts a 30-minute consultation to talk about health history. "I get to find out a little more about them. I don't think itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all about gimmicks and incentives to get them here. I think it is more about getting to know the residents personally and investing in them," she said. Bryant works with residents one on one or in small groups, teaching them how to use the equipment. She shows them exercise routines and what repetitions to use. Once established, they are on their own to come and go whenever it is convenient. Since there is no lifeguard on duty, except during designated "Free Swim" periods, the only requirement for residents in the pool is that they need to have a buddy with them. Currently 60% of the Independent Living residents participate in some level of physical activity, which includes the equipment room and exercise classes. Brandon Oaks wants to reach 75% participation among this group, realizing that
if a resident stays active, it will keep them independent longer. The Health and Vitality Center is also available to residents in the assisted living wing, medical conditions permitting. The Center is more than just a place for physical fitness: it includes a theater for movies, an arts and crafts room with an activity director, a game room with flat screen TV and activities such as bridge and scrabble. The Community Room is a gathering place for lectures, singing groups, and guest speakers. An auditorium supports Monday night line dancing, bingo, large meeting groups and receptions. Another new feature of the center is "The Grill", a more casual dining area that offers a coffee and juice bar, hot menu items, sandwiches, pizza, homemade bakery goodies and handdipped ice cream. "It's been well received and certainly means a lot to the residents,â&#x20AC;? said Executive Director Andy Dickinson of the new Health and Vitality Center. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We're delighted that people are using it." By Dot Overstreet info@theroanokestar.com
New Century Venture Center offers courses
First Aid/CPR Certification Courses:  Thursday, February 26, and Wednesday, March 25.  First Aid will be from 8 AM to 12 noon, and the CPR course will be from 1 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 5 PM. The courses will be held at Safety & Compliance Services, 2728 Colonial Ave., SW, Suite 113, in Roanoke. Both certifications are good for two years. Registration is $40 per course, or $75 if taking both FA and CPR.  Call 719-2500 to register, or respond to me via e-mail. Payment must be made prior to the course date to secure a space in the class. Registration is limited to 25 participants.  15-Passenger Van Course: Wednesday, March 11, from 8 AM to 12. Class includes classroom and hands-on training, and participants will receive a certificate for successful completion of both parts. Take advantage of this spring class to get your drivers trained before school is out. Registration is $75 per person; limited to 20 participants.  Registration fee must be prepaid to secure a reservation for the class. Registrations accepted on a first-come, first-served basis through Friday, March 6; no refunds on cancellations after March 6, and non-attending registrants will be billed. The class will be conducted at Safety & Compliance Services, 2728 Colonial Ave., in Roanoke. Registrants are encouraged to bring their vans. Call Karen at 540-719-2500 to register, or respond by e-mail. Drug & Alcohol Use on the Job -- What Does it Cost Your Company?: Presented by Tim Fitzgerald, Safety & Compliance Services, Thursday, March 19 - 8:30 - 11:45 AM (Registration and Continental Breakfast at 8 AM) Registration $69 per person or $59 per person if sending three or more from one organization. Does your company have a written drug and alcohol policy? Did you know you can save up to 5% on your workerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s comp insurance if you have a drug and alcohol policy? Whether you already have a policy or need to develop one, this seminar is for you. The New Century Venture Center, 1390A Southside Dr., Salem, VA. To register or for more information call 387-1555 or e-mail Lisa Ison at lison@ncvc.com. Â
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Arts & Culture
TheRoanokeStar.com
Live theater update
Gamut Spring 2009 Production to run March 4-6 and 11-13: the amateur theater troupe Gamut announces its spring 2009 performance of ART written by Yasmina Reza and translated by Christopher Hampton. Directed by Patrick Kelly, this darkly comedic exploration of fine art and friendship features Miriam Frazier, Mary Jean Redon Levin and Jayne Brill. ART will run evenings March 4-6 and 11-13 at the Jefferson Center’s Recital Hall. Tickets ($12.00 adults, $8.00 students) are available through the Jefferson Center Box Office at 345-2550. ART, a play about the fragility of human relationships viewed through the lens of an artistic commentary, explores whether the value of a piece of art can or should be quantified and whether the perceived value of art can affect the perceived value of human
relationships. In conjunction with ART, members of “The Gang of Lost Souls” and ArtCentrik along with young and emerging artists will exhibit artwork expanding upon the themes explored within the play. General inquires may be directed Miriam Frazier, Jayne Brill and to Miriam Frazier at 540- Mary Jean Redon Levin in a 380-3168 or 540-224-8032 or rehearsal for ART. gamut@cox.net. Information about the concurrent art show renovations,” reads a new capis available from LoLo Monae ital campaign brochure. “All at 540-958-0255. Performanc- we need now [are] funds for es will begin at 7:30 pm of the seats, lights, computers, Wednesdays and Thursdays equipment and all the other stuff necessary to start putting and 8:00 pm on Fridays. Studio Roanoke looking on shows!” Those “forward for 100 angels: meanwhile thinking initial supporters” the Studio Roanoke space that (donations are tax deductible) hopes to open this spring with will be honored with a plaque readings and then smaller in the former home of New staged works by newer play- York Fashions. (See studioroawrights is looking for the “First noke.org for more informa100,”, as in 100 people that will tion) By Gene Marrano donate $1000 each. “We’ve got gmarrano@cox.net the building, we’ve done the
Standing Ovations for Wiley, RSO and Nakamatsu The Roanoke Symphony Orchestra, led by Maestro David Stewart Wiley, performed to sold out audiences on Feb 8th and 9th at the Jefferson Center’s Shaftman Performance Hall. Selections included Mozart’s “Eine kleine Nachtmusik, K. 525” and Tchaikovsky’s “Serenade for Strings, Op. 48.” Both selections brought standing ovations from the Photo by Jim Bullington very appreciative audience. Featured soloists were violinists Akemi Takayama and Jana Ross. Adding to the rich sounds of the string sections was the placing of the violins and violas opposite each other and in the front of the orchestra with the cellos in the center. Maestro Wiley again brought out the best in his orchestra. The second half of the program featured world renowned pianist Jon Nakamatsu playing Mozart’s “Piano Concerto No. 23 in A Major”. Nakamatsu received a standing ovation and rewarded the audience with an encore playing of Schumann/Liszt’s “Vidmung”. By Jim Bullington
“It’s all in the game” – the Tommy Edwards story You may not know the name Tommy Edwards, but those over 40, or folks with a penchant for oldies, probably have heard the late crooner’s seminal hit, “It’s All in the Game.” Edwards, who died in 1969 at age 47, was called “the Sepia Sinatra” by some, an African-American singersongwriter who had crossover appeal to white audiences. Edwards charted 17 songs on Billboard but none was ever more popular than “It’s All in the Game”, which was actually a hit twice for Edwards in the ‘50s, once as a more upbeat rock ballad. Edwards had a style and sensibility perhaps better suited to the 1940’s – he wore a suit and tie onstage (a la a young Frank Sinatra) but he gained a following, largely on the strength of his signature song. One of his champions is Roanoke native Don Gunt-
er, now an assistant editor for the Library of Virginia in Richmond. The Jefferson High School graduate was researching the Tommy Edwards story for a state publication (the Dictionary of Virginia Biography, vol. 4) and decided it was a tale worth retelling. Area fans of Edwards’ music can hear all about him at the Roanoke County Hollins Library branch on February 26, when Gunter returns home to talk about the late singer. “There was a compelling story here to tell. I’ve been a fan of this music from the time I was growing up in Roanoke.” Gunter attended Roanoke College before earning a master’s degree at Virginia Commonwealth in Richmond. “Not everyone realizes that he was an African American,” said Gunter, “his voice was very well matched to that
2/20/09 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 11
crooner style.” A songwriter as well, Edwards even penned a tune sung by Tony Bennett. For a while, he teamed with a prominent songwriting partner in New York, turning out hit tunes like “That Chick’s Too Young To Fry.” “He needed to be recognized,” said Gunter. “I wanted to Tommy Edwards had one smash hit resurrect his reputa- with “It’s All in the Game.” tion among Virginians.” Don Gunter speaks about Tommy Edwards and “It’s All in the Game” at the Roanoke County Hollins Library branch (Peters Creek Road), on Thursday, February 26 at 7:00 pm.
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Local author pens book about little-known Virginian Retired Civil Engineer John Hildebrand went from recreating the journal of a Civil War-era ancestor to writing a full-fledged book about John Brown Baldwin, a Staunton native and an instrumental figure of the period, if little remembered. Baldwin was a member of the Virginia General Assembly several times, visited Abraham Lincoln in a futile attempt to keep the state in the Union, and then was on hand afterwards to fight off the more onerous aspects of Reconstruction. Yet his story was little known, until Hildebrand researched, wrote and published The Life and Times of John Brown Baldwin, 1820-1873 recently. Hildebrand used the Roanoke City library’s Virginia Room for research, as well as resources available through the Salem and Augusta County historical societies. “It’s amazing how much help they can give an aspiring author,” says Hildebrand, who arranged for microfilm and books to be delivered for his project. “He was an influential politician during the Civil War era,” says Hildebrand, whose great
grandfather encountered Baldwin in 1862, when stationed with the Army of Northern Virginia on Alleghany Mountain. Baldwin gave the regiment a “pep talk,” says Hildebrand, a member of the Salem Historical Society. His great grandfather kept a diary from 1862-1865. While editing it for publication he came across John Brown Baldwin and decided he was worth writing about in a fullfledged book. Baldwin, also an attorney, Author John Hildebrand was a member of the UVA writes about John Brown Board of Visitors and made Baldwin. a secret visit to see Lincoln, trying to keep Virginia in the Congress thought he was too Union. Many at the time in lenient towards the ConfedAugusta County were pro- erate States as they sought Union. “It didn’t work out,” re-admittance to the Union. noted Hildebrand, who said “There is little doubt,” adds there were “pro-war” forces Hildebrand “about what the that wanted the President to Civil War was fought for.” He punish the South, rather than quotes Baldwin, speaking at try to work out differences the Virginia Convention: “the diplomatically. Baldwin was a issue here is slavery.” legislator for one term in his The Life and Times of John 20’s, then was reelected much Brown Baldwin, 1820-1873 is later in life. available through the Salem Baldwin aligned himself Museum/Historical Society with President Andrew Jack- and at Ram’s Head bookstore. son after Lincoln was assassinated; Jackson was almost By Gene Marrano impeached because many in gmarrano@cox.net
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Page 12 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 2/20/09
TheRoanokeStar.com
Virginia Tech architecture program ranked world-class with Harvard,Yale, and Columbia
From left to right: Gavin Hollingsworth, Shelby Putnam, Tyler Caveness and Claiborne Fletcher.
North Cross School Introduces New Forensic Science Class
Virginia Tech’s architecture program, in the School of Architecture + Design, has been recognized as one of America’s World-Class Schools of Architecture with highest distinction, tied with Harvard, Yale, and Columbia Universities. The multidimensional ranking by Design Intelligence, the only national college ranking survey focused exclusively on design, is based on five criteria: current rankings by professional practices; historic 10-year rankings by professional practices; rankings by academic department deans and chairs; overall campus environment and student evaluations; and program accreditation. The individual programs within the School of Architecture + Design were also nationally ranked by Design Intelligence: undergraduate architecture, No. 2 (No. 4 for analysis and planning, No. 2 for communication skills; No. 2 for computer applications, No. 3 for construction methods and materials, and No. 2 for design); graduate architecture, No. 6; undergraduate industrial design, No. 13 of 47 programs; undergraduate interior design, No. 9 of 148 programs; and graduate interior design at No. 6. Virginia Tech’s School of Architecture + Design is one the most comprehensive of its kind, with more than 1,100 students, about 700 of which are in architecture, and nearly 100 faculty and staff. The College of Architecture and Urban Studies is composed of four schools: the School of
Much like the team on CSI, students enrolled in North Cross School’s newest course have made casts of shoe impressions, analyzed fingerprints, and determined sex/age from fake bones. These lessons are some of the many students are learning this year in Jennifer Landry’s new Forensic Science course. “I have always been interested in Forensic Science and was excited at the prospect of getting to teach it this year at North Cross,” said Landry. “Forensics is an excellent example of how science is used in the real world. Students get the opportunity to apply the concepts they learn in chemistry, physics, and biology to real-world problems. This is just the first year, but I am already looking forward to making the class even better next year.” In a typical trimester, students enrolled in the class learn about DNA, toxicology, firearms, and evidence collection. Students participate in several different hands-on activities in their labs that coincide with the course concepts. Some of the activities include making casts of shoe impressions, studying fingerprints, and DNA analysis. This year is the first time the year-long class has been offered and only juniors and seniors are eligible to register. To enroll, students must have taken chemistry and biology. Editor’s note: “everyone” Landry earned her A.B.D. in Pharmacology/Biomedical Engineering from Boston University and blogs these days – don’t they? – her B.S. in Chemical Engineering from UCLA. including Roanoke City Council members David Trinkle and Court Rosen. Star-Sentinel contributor Valerie Garner – she Good Samaritan Hospice introduces grief support classes starting March 16. “Living with Loss” is a also blogs - has been following support group for adults grieving the loss of a loved one. Sessions will be held once per week for eight another local online pundit – a weeks on Monday evenings from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm, at Good Sam’s new office at 2408 Electric Rd., Roanoke City cop.
Sean Andrew Witty, who received his bachelor of architecture in spring 2008, works on a model for a project.
Architecture + Design, including architecture, industrial design, interior design and landscape architecture; the School of Public and International Affairs, including urban affairs and planning, public administration and policy and government and international affairs; the Myers-Lawson School of Construction, which includes building construction in the College of Architecture and Urban Studies and construction engineering management in the College of Engineering; and the School of the Visual Arts, including programs in studio art, visual communication and art history. From Virginia Tech News Service
Anonymous Roanoke Police blog gives inside view
Good Samaritan Hospice needs volunteers; offers classes
SW. Class sizes are limited. Cost is $40, but scholarships are available. For more information, call (540) 776-0198 or visit Good Sam’s website at www.goodsamhospice.org. Family Support Volunteers needed: Good Samaritan Hospice will offer training for new volunteers starting March 17. The training sessions will be held twice weekly on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm for four weeks, ending April 9. They will be held at Good Sam’s new office at 2408 Electric Road, SW, Roanoke. Hospice Family Support Volunteers work directly with terminally ill patients and their families, visiting for 2 to 4 hours each week. They are often asked to sit with patients while their families run errands or take needed time away. Family Support Volunteers bring loving companionship to homebound patients or those in facilities. No experience is needed, only a caring heart. Applications may be obtained by calling Good Sam’s office at (540) 776-0198 and asking for Becky Harris or Melinda Bern or email bharris@goodsamhospice.org. Deadline for applications is March 12. For more information, visit www.goodsamhospice.org.
Recession? Everyday is a good day on a Harley.
“Stupid criminals” is one of Jay Leno’s favorite news clip topics he reads to his audience on late night television, but those stories have nothing on some of the posts from this anonymous Roanoke City Cop, a 10-year Roanoke City street police officer who is unknown - except by possibly some of his fellow officers. This reporter has been reading his blog at http://roavapd.blogspot.com/ since it started in July of 2008. His funny escapades include this one: “Tonight there were no signs of forced entry. A brief chase ensued and resulted in a rookie jumping out of the car and running the suspect down on foot. A bit of good luck helped as the suspect had a rope dragging behind him. The rookie grabbed it and ran around a tree, tying the suspect up. Usually we like to use handcuffs but in this instance tying the suspect to a tree was more appropriate. He was after all a 500-pound donkey. It was hilarious, the rookie chasing the donkey down the street, grabbing the rope and then running in circles around the tree. There were a few jokes about cops chasing donkeys. Except we used the common slang for the ani-
mal.” Though this would make anyone laugh, there are the not-so-funny stories that can make a grown man cry - and give them nightmares. “A 6 year old child hit by a car in a shopping center. I kneeled down and cradled his head in my arms. I was telling him he was ok and was trying to calm him down but that's not what sticks with me. Holding him in my lap and stroking his hair, telling him he'll be ok and to stay still. Knowing now what was unknown to me then, that I was holding a dying child in my arms, that's what sticks with me. People may not believe in ghosts but I see them all the time. I see the ghost of that little boy laying in my arms in the parking lot every time I drive by.” You may be thinking this reporter would be curious to know the name of the author of “Roanoke Cop”. I don’t need to know his name – he is every police officer I see. At the bottom of his blog is this disclaimer: “The opinions and views expressed here are mine, and mine alone. They don't necessarily reflect the policies and views of the police department or the City of Roanoke. The stories I tell here are all true but my purpose is not technical accuracy, like my reports or testimony. My purpose is to illustrate the nature of my job in an educational and entertaining way.” See more posts at roavapd.blogspot.com
By Valerie Garner Valerie.Garner@cox.net
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