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TheRoanokeStar.com community | news | perspective

August 31, 2012

[High School Football]

Let The Games Begin! Big Waste

P4– Dick Baynton says that the government waste we hear about is only the tip of an iceberg that can sink America’s ship.

Photo by Bill Turner

Radical Run! P6– Gene Marrano reports on the Roanoke Valley’s first ever 5K obstacle course race that included barrel rolling and water obstacles.

Hot Celtics

P7– Roanoke Catholic rolls past AAA Western Valley District frontrunner Patrick Henry by a score of 3-1 Volleyball.

The sound of excited fans, cheerleaders and marching bands returned to the Roanoke Valley last Friday night as high school football kicked off the 2012 season. In an early city-county matchup featuring two teams with big expectations this year, Patrick Henry knocked off Hidden Valley by a score of 24-21. (Above) Patrick Henry running back #23 Xavier Whorley takes a handoff from quarterback David Prince late in the game. See full story plus “Wild Bill Turner’s Sport’s Roundup” on page 7.

NRV AirShow To Feature Some of World’s Best Performers Southwest Virginians will performing in airshows be able to step into a time since 1974, when he joined machine and visit the GoldCol. Moser’s Flying Circus en Age of Aviation and more and learned his trademark at the NRV SkyFest AirShow maneuvers from the best in on September 7, 8 & 9 at the the business. He has more NRV Airport in Dublin. than 22,000 flight hours in In addition to aviators, over 165 different aircraft some of the top performers types. in the world – from wing The “Raiders Flight walkers to military specialDemo Team” is known ops parachutists will be on for thrilling airshow fans hand. all over the world with a Jane Wicker will demonunique and exciting six airstrate the daring and breathcraft formation aerobatic taking art of wing walking. demonstration. The Raider Not just wing riding, this is Pilot Greg Koontz flies a Super Decathlon aerobatic plane. Pilots are Level II Qualified the real thing. With no safety in both formation and solo the airplane rolls inverted leaving her line and no parachute, she will amaze aerobatics and display the capabilities sitting upright on the bottom of the airthe crowd by climbing, walking and of the Yahkovlev 52 and Nanchang CJ6 plane – low to the ground, and without hanging all over her beautiful 450 HP aircraft in precision formation and solo a parachute. Stearman she affectionately calls “Auaerobatic flight. They give a one-of-aPilot Greg Koontz will fly his Super rora.” kind demonstration of what a team of Decathlon aerobatic plane, opening the Jane does things on the airplane that professionals can do. show with a down low in the dirt inyou won’t see anywhere else. She is William F. Gordon III, from Copake, verted ribbon cut. It gets even better as the only female wing-walker in North NY, doesn’t have much to say but what he demonstrates the agility of his plane America that hangs beneath the airlittle he does say is worth listening to. with a full set of outside loops, vertical plane from the N strut with nothing Spectators will > CONTINUED rolls, tail slides, hammerheads as well more than her legs holding her on; then enjoy meeting as snaps & tumbles. Koontz has been she continues to hang from her legs as him in the auto- P2: AirShow

Greenway System About To Grow Again

Classic Viola P9– Megan Fergusson Yanik brings the soulful voice of the viola to Blacksburg to open the 2012-2013 University Chamber Music series.

When outdoor enthusiasts think “greenway” they usually think of the growing Roanoke River Greenway, often described as the “spine” of the valley’s urban trail system. Yet the Roanoke River Greenway is just one part of a network that ultimately could stretch 50 miles or more. The latest “spoke” trail that may eventually connect to the Roanoke River Greenway held a groundbreaking ceremony earlier this week. Construction on a 1.2 mile stretch of the Mason’s Creek Greenway – named for the tributary stream that feeds

into the nearby Roanoke River – kicked off in East Salem as dirt was turned over by Congressman Bob Goodlatte, who helped secure $250,000 or so in funding for the project. “It also ties people who live out this way in to the Roanoke River Greenway,” said Goodlatte, who has walked every inch of Roanoke’s burgeoning trail system with his wife Maryellen. Also on hand were Salem City Council members, greenway officials and a representa-

> CONTINUED P2: Greenway

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The groundbreaking featured 6th District Congressman Bob Goodlatte (third from left) and Salem dignitaries.

ICLEI, Chickens Get Thumbs Up From County

In the end various conspiracy theories about ICLEI’s connection to Agenda 21 and domination of Roanoke County by the U.N. did not carry the day. The Roanoke County Board of Supervisors voted once again, as they did about six months ago, to continue its annual $1200 membership in ICLEI, which comes with software that helps compute the carbon footprint of the region. The vote was 3-2 for staying in ICLEI, with supervisors Butch Church (Catawba) and Ed Elswick (Windsor Hills) voting against the renewal. Roanoke County’s annual $1200 dues for the ICLEI software and its ICLEI-related citizen’s committee, RC CLEAR, have been under the gun for some time, from members of the Roanoke Tea Party and others concerned that ICLEI – an international organization concerned with environmental issues – has ties to the United Nations and Agenda 21. Agenda 21 is a non-binding, voluntarily implemented action plan of the United Nations with regards to sustainable development. It is a product of the UN Conference on Environment > CONTINUED P2: County

Second Annual Sweet Potato Pie Contest Four chef ’s had the difficult task of judging six sweet potato pies Saturday evening at the Claude Moore Education Complex. The Harrison Museum of African American Culture sponsored the event by The Roanoke Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. which benefited the Henry Street Heritage Festival that will be held September 15 in Elmwood Park. Daphne Miles, general manager at Hollins University, Chef Warren Jones of Brandon Oaks, Doug Robinson owner of Wildflour Market and Bakery and Chef Jerome Bonds of Norah’s located in the Taubman Museum judged pies on appearance, taste and overall appearance. The Henry Street Heritage Festival is in it’s 23rd year and “serves as an annual reminder of the time when Henry Street was the hub of entertainment, small businesses and hospitality services for African Ameri> CONTINUED P2: Sweet Potato Pie

Page 2 | TheRoanokeStar.com

Sun and clouds will remain in place for Friday with high temperatures in the mid to upper 80s. Showers and storms will return with a cold front for the holiday weekend. The best rain chance is on Sunday. Temperatures will top out in the mid 80s.

C o m m u n i t y | N e w s | P e r s p e c t i v e

Publisher Stuart Revercomb | stuart@theroanokestar.com News Editor Gene Marrano | gmarrano@cox.net Senior Writer Valerie Garner| vgarner7@cox.net Production Editor Aaron Kelderhouse | aaron@theroanokestar.com Technical Webmaster Don Waterfield | webmaster@theroanokestar.com Advertising Director Vickie Henderson | vihenderson@comcast.net

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> AirShow

From page 1

graph booth after his performance at the NRV AirShow. Bill’s the control stick for the aircraft disconnected from the dashaviation career is beyond extensive. He is well-known as the board, losing both aileron and elevator. He managed to keep lead pilot of the Iron Eagles Team with lifelong friend, Billy the aircraft flying by using the trim wheel, his body weight Segalla: the tightest 2-man forand actually opening the doors mation team on the air show to steer the aircraft back to his circuit today. base – flying the airplane like Bill is also a performer and this for almost an hour before ride jumper at the Rhinebeck he landed it on a lake without Aerodrome where he flies WW incident. From that day on, I replicas such as the Sopwith his friends dubbed him “Super and the Tri-Fokker. Bill’s exDave.” perience working in such unThe U.S. Special Operations der powered aircraft translates Command Parachute Demonvery well to the Stearman, and stration Team perform precias the wing walking pilot for sion freefall parachute demJane Wicker, he says: “I do my onstrations across the United level best to impede power outStates, informing the public put by being a huge airbrake.” about the unique mission of “The Alabama Boys and The The Raiders Flight Demo Team in action. Special Operations Command, World’s Smallest Airport” are an and the great work being peract that utilize a 1946 Piper J-3 Cub. The journey begins as formed by the Special Operations Soldiers, Sailors, Marines Greg Koontz, aka farmer “Clem Cleaver,” climbs up on the and Airmen deployed to over 70 countries around the world. announcer’s stand, demanding a flight lesson. Thangs get a The jumpers exit the aircraft from an altitude of 12,500 feet, little outta hand, and Clem “steals” the plane and takes off freefalling at speeds in excess of 120 miles per hour wearing alone, with his whole crew chasin.’ Grandpa shoots a tire off a smoke canisters on their feet. During freefall, the members the plane trin’ to get him down, and Clem ends up landing on of the team maneuver their bodies like an aircraft to create his pickup truck as it races down the runway. Yep, he really formations in the sky. When the jumpers approach an altidoes land on top of the truck. tude of 4,000 feet, they break their formation and glide in “Super” Dave Mathieson will amaze you in his MX2, the different directions, opening their parachutes approximately world’s most advanced aerobatic aircraft that is designed for 2,500 feet above the ground. Once open, the members steer plus or minus 16G’s. It has an incredible roll rate of 500 de- their parachutes and land one behind the other with precigrees per second and is powered by a 380HP motor giving the sion accuracy in the landing area. aircraft a top speed of 300 MPH. He has over 15,000 hours of For more information go to www.nrvairshow.com or call flying experience. Dave was once flying a Cessna 180 when (540) 239-1639

> County

From page 1

and Development held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1992. Some Tea Party members and others allege that the program would force Americans to live in clustered housing and take away some of their individual rights in the name of reducing carbon footprints and greenhouse gases. “Other states are working on anti-Agenda 21-ICLEI [legislation],” Cave Spring resident Linda Laprade advised the Board. Gene Rose declared that “the climate models are badly flawed,” when it came to projections about global warming. Bill Gregory said, “Agenda 21 and ICLEI have hit organizations and businesses hard.” Developer Suzi Fortenberry, also a member of the RC CLEAR Committee, was all for the ICLEI membership renewal, saying “those goals are in line with what my husband and I believe in.” ICLEI supplies some of the tools said the green builder, “so we don’t have to come up with [all of them].” Builder Adam Cohen, who travels the world seeking out sustainable designs, said some of those who spoke at Tuesday’s meeting “have no clue about climate change.” The builder/designer had a simple message for the Board: “I urge you to stay in.” Cave Spring Supervisor Charlotte Moore, who later offered the motion to continue with ICLEI, which passed 3-2, said that the organization and RC CLEAR, which she helped found, “are educational tools. They do not mandate us.” Moore said pollution – like the growing haze in the valley one Bent Mountain resident said he sees all the time – will drive people away eventually. RC CLEAR has promoted an educational program in local schools

about reducing carbon footprints; it has also offered free energy audits and developed a website (saveaton.org) as a clearinghouse for information on living greener. Vinton Supervisor Mike Altizer said the “nasty messages” he received after voting for ICLEI previously would not deter him or make him change his vote this time – and again he voted to support ICLEI and the $1200 annual dues. “The case hasn’t been made,” said Altizer, when it comes to property rights being impacted in Roanoke County by ICLEI. Board Chair Richard Flora (Hollins) bemoaned the “really, really nasty tone of the debate,” and chastised some members of the audience for their rude behavior toward the few speakers that supported ICLEI. “I hope the vote tonight puts this thing to bed,” said Flora, who cast the final and deciding vote to stay involved with ICLEI. Residential Chickens: the Board also passed an ordinance that allows Roanoke County residents to keep up to six egg-laying chickens on their single home property, regardless of its size, as long as certain setbacks from adjacent houses are met. A permit will be needed as well, and no roosters will be allowed. Residents must also find ways to dispose of the chicken waste. There have been calls in recent years by county residents that wanted to produce eggs for their own consumption; Salem and Roanoke City have already passed ordinances permitting chickens on residential properties.

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tive from the adjacent General Electric manufacturing plant on Roanoke Boulevard, which donated a right-of-way that part of the Mason’s Creek Greenway will be built on this fall. Plans are now to take the greenway to a trailer park court on Lynchburg Turnpike; it will also sweep by other neighborhoods! that could use the trail. Greenway officials said they would eventually like to connect the Mason’s Creek Greenway to the Roanoke River Greenway atProfessional Peters Creek Road, perhaps by going House Cleaning through the Salem VA Hospital property if they can acquire a right–of-way. There are also railroad crossings that must be dealt Roanoke Blvd with if they are to connect the1618 two greenways. SuiteLizABelcher said that Roanoke Valley Greenways Coordinator Mason’s Creek could go allSalem, the way west and connect with the Virginia 24153 Hanging Rock Greenway if it follows the creek and all of the 540-389-5252 easements through private and commercial properties can be obtained. “They have some more money to keep available working on www.dustbunniescorp.com • gift certificates that,” said Belcher, who added that, “it’s challenging in terms of land ownership.” Groundbreaking for Mason’s Creek was a “momentous occasion,” said Roanoke Valley Greenways Commission chairman Mark McClain, who also coined the short stretch a “project of opportunity.” This is the only greenway outside of the Roanoke River Greenway currently under construction. “That’s our number one priority right• now, ” noted McClain, Tree Removal • Deadwooding Gutter Cleaning the former president of the local Sierra Club chapter. (A twoSpring Aeration • Overseeding mile trail from Plantation Road to Carvins Cove is set to open Mulch Delivered • Spring Cleanups in October. Eventually and it willSpread connect to the Tinker Creek Greenway.) Free Estimates • Fully Insured Elsewhere in Salem progress on the Roanoke River Greenway can be seen on a stretch completed within the past year, one that

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From page 1

connects a segment that starts at Rotary Park on Electric Road (at Apperson) to the Moyer softball complex. A new segment being worked on now will extend from Moyer toward Roanoke County’s Green Hill Park. Salem Mayor Randy Foley called the Mason’s Creek Greenway, “a project that will beautify the City of Salem and make us healthier.” He thanked Goodlatte, who used to represent Salem in Congress (Morgan Griffith has that honor now) for help in ! General obtaining funds and GE forHome the right of way donation. Repairs “It’s been a team effort, ” said Foley, alluding also toWork the greenComplete Bathroom Remodeling • Tile way system in general, “let’s keep it going.” Interior/exterior Carpentry • Plumbing GE representative Steve Roy said his company was, “very exWindow/door • Hardwood Flooring cited to be a partinstallation of this. [It’s an opportunity] to give something backFor to the community. ” GE employees will no doubt a Free Estimate Call or email Jameswind up using the greenway when itjss25@cox.net is completed later this year. 725-7343 Licensed/insured with 24on years experience Goodlatte said he had worked securing federal money for available Mason’s Creek overreferences the past several years and noted that Salem was “working very hard” to complete its portion of the Roanoke River Greenway. “The Roanoke tool I recommend most?City are each working Salem, County and Roanoke on segments within their jurisdictions; Goodlatte stated again that he was looking forward to that “Golden Spike” moment it towest calland Mr. the Handyman. when eastUse meets entire Roanoke River Greenway is a continuous 18 mile-plus path through the heart of the Valley. McClain said its “been in the plan for a couple of years” that the Mason’s Creek path will eventually connect to the Roanoke River Greenway. “It’s not that far from here. We hope someday www.mrhandyman.com to see that completed.” 540-977-4444 By Gene Marrano RICHARD KARN TV star and “home improvement guru.” gmarrano@cox.net

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cans,” said Joyce Bolden, chair of the festival. The sweet potato pie was one of the most popular deserts served at African American family gatherings. The recipes have been handed down from one generation to another said Bolden. Each contest participant gave a history of their recipe and did a bit of schmoozing with the judges – always a good idea. Each pie was slightly different in color from the light bright orange of a sweet potato to a more amber tone and one with pecans on top. Ingredients included a little ginger and nutmeg and no doubt a secret ingredient or two. The judges took their time and cleansed their palate between each taste. After they were satisfied that they gave each entry fair consideration they retired to another area to deliberate on their choice. They returned in silence and will keep the Judge’s Choice Award secret until it is announced at the Henry Street Heritage Festival. After the judges had meticulously viewed and tasted each of the Photo by Valeie Garner six pies attendees got their turn to taste them. Each pie will also The judges each taste-tested a slice of the six pies. be judged and voted on by the people. The People’s Choice Award Other Roanoke festivals have chili, barbecue and ribs, but the winner with the most votes cast on September 15 between 11:00 sweet potato pie contest will continue to be a staple at the Henry a.m. and 1:30 p.m. will be revealed at the festival. You must be Street Heritage festival. By Valerie Garner present to vote said Bolden. Valerie.Garner@cox.net

Obama Campaign Opens Roanoke Office

The Obama/Biden campaign opened an office at 109 Norfolk Avenue on Sunday. Virginia Senator John Edwards spoke to over 150 supporters and volunteers chanting that they were “fired up and ready to go.” The expansion of offices in Virginia sets the stage for a full-court press by both the Obama/Biden and Romney/ Ryan campaigns to claim the Commonwealth’s 13 Electoral College votes. Virginia is crucial for both parties. The Republican ticket has their headquarters in Roanoke County on the corner of 419 and Ogden Road. The latest news has Wisconsin now Photo by Valerie Garner firmly in the toss-up column as well Senator John Edwards addresses volunteers during the with Mitt Romney’s pick of Congress- opening of the Obama campaign office. man Paul Ryan. life.” Campaign offices serve as community hubs Romney campaign spokesman Ryan Williams for local campaign activities, including phone said, “President Obama has added trillions to banking, canvassing, and voter registration. “You our national debt, blocked domestic energy prohave to make people understand the importance duction, and presided over the highest chronic of this election,” said Sen. Edwards. “If Virginia unemployment in recorded history. He promgoes for Obama he’ll win the election … we’re ised to change how Washington works, but he going to win because of the ground game.” admits the nation’s capital is as broken as ever. Edwards blamed the cost of two wars, unreg- He raided Medicare to pay for Obamacare and ulated banks and the Bush-era tax cuts for the is proposing massive tax increases that will kill wealthy as the reason the economy was on the jobs and hurt our economy.” brink of collapse in 2008 when President Obama Romney campaign spokesman Curt Cushour came into office. It would have been the same said, “Women have suffered disproportionately collapse as the Great Depression in late 1920’s in President Obama’s economy, seeing higher and early 1930’s he said. He touted 4 million unemployment and increased poverty rates.” job increases under the Obama administration On Monday, Roanoke City Councilwoman versus 700,000 monthly job loses when the Bush Anita Price joined members of the Roanoke Coladministration left office. lege Democrats for a press conference to high“We’d do better if the Republican Congress light the contrast between President Obama’s would work with us,” said Edwards. support for education and Mitt Romney’s poliThe [Paul] Ryan plan will unravel the last 40 cies that would put college out of reach for more years in terms of the infrastructure of the health students. care system – Medicare and Medicaid. On the “As students return to college campuses across Affordable Healthcare Act Edwards said, “there the Commonwealth, the choice in this election is so much misinformation out there … we’ve could not be clearer. President Obama has fought got to get the truth out.” to keep college affordable and doubled funding Edwards also said that Obama isn’t getting the for Pell grants. Meanwhile, the Romney-Ryan credit he deserves for tracking down Osama bin budget could cut education spending by 20%, Laden. “They can’t touch him [Obama] on for- including the Pell Grant Program, resulting in eign policy,” said Edwards. 178,000 Virginia students losing about $1,000 in Alex Rudow, field organizer for “Obama For college financial aid. The Romney-Ryan budget America,” reminded the women that August 26, would also double student loan rates, forcing was the 92 anniversary of the 19th Amendment more than 177,000 students in Virginia to pay giving women the right to vote. She read a note up to an additional $1,000.” from President Obama that said in part, “We know we are better off when women are treated By Valerie Garner fairly and equally in every aspect of American Valerie.Garner@cox.net

8/31/12- 9/6/12 |TheRoanokeStar.com | Page 3

Anthony Flaccavento Eyes Griffith’s 9th Congressional District Seat

The Democratic candidate for the 9th Con- scription drug prices for Medicare Part D that gressional District Anthony Flaccavento is an would result in substantial savings for seniors organic farmer and owner of SCALE, Inc, a con- and the government. sulting firm. Last Thursday evening he spoke at The 9th District is heavy in the coal industry the Roanoke Valley Democratic Women’s annual and the ACA will greatly help miners, he said. It picnic. was another benefit that is not well known. “Coal Flaccavento doesn’t believe miners get what’s called the in throwing easy pitches to 15-year rule,” he said. It states his Republican opponent inthat a miner with at least fifcumbent Congressman Morteen years of underground gan Griffith or his political coal mine employment or party. “The current Republisurface mine work with can Party keeps saying what similar dust exposure who they actually believe … about has a totally disabling lung women’s reproductive rights impairment but a negative … and passing on more tax chest x-ray is entitled to the breaks to wealthy and powerpresumption that the disabilful people,” he said. ity is due to pneumoconiosis. More women are becomThe Black Lung Benefits ing business leaders and the Act applies to both miners policies his opponent supand widows in the ACA. A ports are taking away womwidow is automatically enen’s ability to progress, he titled to benefits if the miner said. “Their complete disparhad been awarded benefits at agement of women goes bethe time of his death. yond the most obvious … it is The coal operator can reat the heart of their economic but the presumption through policy,” said Flaccavento. “It’s Anthony Flaccavento, Democratic only two ways: by proving not trickle down but suck up.” candidate for the 9th congressional the miner did not have pneuFlaccavento was endorsed moconiosis or by proving by the AFL-CIO; an umbrella district. the miner’s disabling impairfederation made up of 56 unions. The AFL-CIO ment was not due to his coal mine employment. is represented in southwest Virginia by coal min- “Some of the coal miners would literally go to ers who belong to the United Mine Workers of their graves trying to get disability benefits,” said America, members of the Communications Flaccavento. “With this amendment if they have Workers of America, and manufacturing-relat- advanced stage restrictive lung disease and they ed groups such as the Ironworkers and United have been in the mines at least 15 years they’re Steelworkers unions. “Anthony Flaccavento has automatically approved and the company has to always been a strong supporter of union work- disprove.” ers and the labor movement,” said Virginia AFLFlaccavento lashed into Griffith’s comment CIO President Doris Crouse-Mays. “He is the that no major bills will be taken up prior to the right choice for the people of southwest Virginia.” election. Sequestration looms, as does the exFlaccavento said his opponent “has voted re- piration of the Bush-era tax cuts on January 1, peatedly to reduce benefits for union workers. I 2013. Sequestration came about when the super will continue to stand up for the labor movement committee could not agree on $1.2 trillion of adwhether in the coalfields, in manufacturing or in ditional spending cuts resulting in nine percent the communications industry.” cuts across the board including defense and The Roanoke Star asked him about the Afford- Medicare payments to providers. Social Security able Healthcare Act. He said the harping on the is exempt. $712 billion coming from Medicare is ironic. “It’s “My opponent says he hoped some things the same people that keep saying we’ve got to cut would get done,” said Flaccavento. “As Congressentitlements,” said Flaccavento. He said that Pres- man, I won’t just hope. I will get things done for ident Obama has presented a plan that gradually southwest Virginia.” reduces cost and “they scream about it … it won’t “I’m also curious as to why we haven’t heard my come out of the Medicare recipients pocket.” It is opponent talk about jobs,” he said. “It might be all a reduction in administrative costs and use of because in two years in Congress, he hasn’t introcomputerization of medical records. The saving duced or even voted for a single piece of legislathen goes to preventive care that in turn saves ex- tion to help working-class and middle-class famitended medical care costs, he said. lies. I’ve worked to build strong local economies Griffith said, “if you drop the amount of money for the past 30 years, and after I’m elected I will paid to Medicare doctors so they don’t even break continue to help put the Ninth District back to even then they will not accept any more patients.” work.” By Valerie Garner A primary objective for Flaccavento is to get Valerie.Garner@cox.net the pharmaceutical industry to negotiate pre-

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th 100 Anniversary 2012 1912

Patterson Memorial Grace Brethren Church

The public is invited to attend the 100th Anniversary celebration of the Patterson Memorial Grace Brethren Church. On Sept. 16th at 10:00 A.M. a two hour celebration of God’s blessings will include group singing, special music, video greetings and a message by Dr. James Custer from Worthington, Ohio. Following the service a fellowship luncheon will be provided.

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Perspective

Page 4 | TheRoanokeStar.com

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w w w . C r o s s w o r d W e a v e r . c o m ACROSS 1 Chitchat 4 Point 8 Basin 11 North American nation 12 Off-Broadway award 13 The greater bear in the Winter sky 14 Liberal (abbr.) 15 Truth seen too late 16 Perceives with eye 17 A man isn't a man until he has to meet a -------. Ivan Shaffer 19 As he thinketh in his ----- so is he. Proverbs 23:7 20 Wrath 21 Some say this is actually more 22 Seduce 25 Canoe propeller 26 We have never had one of these in Roanoke Valley skies AFAIK 29 Bloc 30 Gross national product (abbr.) 31 Metropolitan opera star Richard Zeller sang one of these at the Jefferson Center 32 Possessive pronoun 33 Fixed charge 34 Mr. Crawford does this for you in Salem sometimes for a #33 35 Cement 37 Greyhound will send you out on one of these 38 Not as false 40 Disinherits 44 Liquid water condensed from the atmosphere

45 The old timers speak of just a pack of these and a double cola for lunch 46 Beret 47 Means leads to this 48 French fashion designer magazine

49 a genus of 12–15 species of evergreen 50 Stretch to make do 51 Even 52 Ball holder

DOWN 1 Swig 2 Perl Fu made the Chinese city of Lijiang one of Roanoke's sister cities in this continent 3 Feeding a ---- is one sure way of finding gout how bady your suit spots.

4 The greatly missed Laban Johnson of What's Cookin, (e.g. we still have Larry though.) 5 White poplar 6 Tablet 7 Snake like fish 8 Where your -------- is there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:21 9 Exploiter 10 Plant fiber used in ropes 13 Usages 18 Two Van Winkles? 19 She 21 One of these around Smith Mountain Lake would be 500 miles long 22 Type of chi taught in Roanoke 23 Extension (abbr.) 24 Mislead 25 --- on God's side is a majority. Wendell Phillips 27 Evergreen tree 28 Furniture wood 30 "To the right!" 31 Ditto 33 Henri Kessler supplies this and outerwear in climate controlled galleries in Roanoke 34 Swore 36 Doctor Jessup is one of the best people to get these from in Vinton 37 The ----- is worth all the other books which have ever been printed. Patrick Henry 38 Elm 39 Tier 40 A strange painter that used alot of drawers and wooden supports in his works and has no works in Roanoke I know of. 41 Not one __ 42 Central church part 43 Eye infection 45 Fisherman's tool

8/31/12- 9/6/12

Government Waste You Don’t Know About

Water, Water Everywhere

That line from “The Rime of the Ancient problem? A Water Way Interstate system of Mariner” certainly doesn’t apply to the vast sorts where annual floods could be contained, majority of the United States. While our grass saving property and then sending it where it looks pretty sad that’s of little significance to was needed seems like a logical idea. We don’t what the rest of the country is suffering. I can- have any trouble finding oil thousands of feet not imagine the anxiety of wildfires sweeping underground, a half world away and getting it toward whole towns or farmers getting up delivered on a daily basis to extremely remote each morning, scanning the sky for hopeful parts of the country. Why can’t we do that clouds while their crops shrivel and with water? Brown water, as it is die, the livestock find no forage and called, is usually suitable for irrigathe watering ponds are empty. tion and livestock. After processing This raises an interesting quesperhaps it even becomes drinkable. tion: Is there less water in the world Such a system of distribution than a million years ago? I doubt it, would cost billions and generate but there certainly is a distribution more jobs that than CCC or the problem. The density of population WPA ever imagined in FDR’s time. centers has outstripped the water It would take decades to construct supply to the point that an estimatjust as the Interstate Highway sysed 40% of the world’s population tem did, but it would be worth it. does not have safe drinking water. The problems would be huge. Hayden Hollingsworth This leads to enormous problems Roosevelt did not have to deal in water-borne diseases about with the EPA or environmental which we know nothing in North America. concerns. At some point, something has to Our problems have to do with livestock and give. We cannot guarantee the survival of evcrops, on which we depend as well as much of ery plant, animal, and fish on the planet. Rethe world. member the snail darter on the Tellico dam We are told that the Colorado River supplies site in Tennessee? It took six years in the court more than 40 million people in the southwest before it was finally resolved and it was discovwith water and hydroelectric power. The wa- ered the snail darter could live quite well in the ter required for the area is so great that the Hiwassee River; they were removed from the river usually runs dry before it ever empties in endangered list in 1984. No one knows what the Gulf of California. the legal costs were, but they were huge before There are river systems that are much great- it reached the Supreme Court. er than the Colorado. The Missouri is the And finally, have you been to beach this second longest river in the country and is the summer? If you’re looking to win a Nobel watershed for more than a half million square Prize, then find a way to economically desalimiles, much of which is sparsely populated be- nate the oceans and harness their hydroelecfore it joins its great partner, the Mississippi, tric potential. That would solve the entire funorth of St. Louis. Ol’ Man River is the water- ror about nuclear power plants. shed for 31 states between the Appalachians Not easy, but we shouldn’t be ignoring the and the Rockies. problems just because it’s difficult. And I Many other major rivers scattered through- guess it’s not as entertaining as making fun of out the country and despite their varied lo- the candidates while totally avoiding policy cations, the all have one thing in common: solutions. If we don’t get some answers, then Periodically, there are massive floods. The po- no water may be the least of our worries. lar ice caps are melting at a furious pace and ocean levels are rising to the point that many Contact Hayden at sections of the coastal areas are predicted to jhayden2003@cox.net be under water in the next century. The problem doesn’t seem to be the amount of water available, but its distribution. Rainfall varies from year to year, decade to decade, but the Dr. Nancy L. Meyer amount of water on the planet Chiropractic Physician seems plentiful; it’s just not in the right locations. Here’s an idea for our political candidates: Instead of 4903 Starkey Rd., Ste 100, Roanoke sniping over trivia why not www.drnancymeyer.com address the water distribution

Following are some government expendi- dwindling while various highway and transit tures that didn’t make the headlines: projects need money. The problem with this The story of our government picking ‘win- legislation is that it pays for only 27 months of ners or losers’ is legendary. But how spending with revenues and phanmany of us have heard of L Capital tom ‘spending cuts’ over the next 10 Partners? This company was a startup years. formed by Jonathan Leitersdorf who The Veterans Administration held both British and Israeli passhas a backlog of 920,000 claims, of ports. Leitersdorf was able to secure which half are 125 or more days $96 million from the ‘Small Business old. Meanwhile a 2011 VA conferInvestment Company’ (SBIC), a unit ence near Orlando, FL is reported of the Small Business Administration. to have cost $5 million, including The Federal government, acting as a an 18-minute satirical film parody Dick Baynton venture capitalist, capitalized a venof a speech from the film ‘Patton’. ture capitalist! The company made Could that money have been better bad ‘bets’ and the US taxpayers are stuck with used to speed up claims settlements? the loss. The SBA budget shows that taxpayers The Department of Health and Human Serwill lose a total of $2.4 billion from the now vices had a 2011 advertising budget of $87.6 defunct SBIC. million. In partnership with the National Fair The Solyndra solar panel producer’s failure Housing Alliance, HUD has been running full has received wide media coverage. In addi- and half page ads in the Wall Street Journal tion to Solyndra, companies by the name of depicting a veteran in a wheelchair with an “Abound Solar” and “Beacon Power” have also American Flag in full color in the background. failed. They are three failures of the first five The headline is, ‘Housing Discrimination is Ilcompanies receiving guarantees from the $47 legal’. How many people that may have been billion DOE guarantee authority. subjected to housing inequity or racism read Remember hearing about the spending the Wall Street Journal? A full-page color ad abuses by the General Services Administra- in the WSJ costs more than $200,000 while a tion? The GSA’s Public Buildings Service half page is only an economical $137,000. spent nearly $823,000 on a conference at the The forgoing examples are a mere drop in M Resort Casino near Las Vegas. However, the bucket of government wasteful programs a lesser-known fact is that the GSA oversees and spending. Is it possible that investigations the maintenance of 12,218 surplus real es- are curbed by the fear of losing votes? With tate properties owned by the federal govern- the national debt at nearly $16 trillion and ment (that’s taxpayers). This real estate is now spending exceeding revenues by $1.2 trillion conservatively valued at $15 billion of non- for the current fiscal year, we are a runaway performing investment. Surplus buildings are train about to derail and overturn. located in all 50 states and Washington DC. Thomas Alva Edison (1847-1931), one of The Treasury Department recently an- the most prolific inventors of all time (1,093 nounced that the loss resulting from the auto patents), said this: “There is far more danger in bailout has increased by 15% to $25 billion. public than private monopoly, for when govThe GM and Chrysler bailout cost $85 billion ernment goes into business it can always shift in 2009. GM shares are hovering around $21 its losses to the taxpayers. Government never but must be at $53 for taxpayers to breakeven. makes ends meet – and that is the first requiIt must have slipped by us that in June, Con- site of business.” gress passed a $120 billion highway-funding Think he was maybe on to something? bill. The transportation trust fund, financed Contact Dick at with the 18.4? per gallongasoline tax has been info@theroanokestar.com

L A N I F KEND

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Operating Hours: • 11:00am to 7:00pm • Roanoke County residents may enter at 10:00am.

SplashValleyWaterPark.com

Perspective

8/31/12- 9/6/12

The Incredible and Mostly Edible Lima Bean

These things are so awesome and tasty, Lima beans were growing throughout Europe, they’re killer. and from there the Portuguese spread them to When the Spanish were first exploring the their colonies in Africa and Asia. Americas, they ran into many danIn 1865, a tramp steamer from Peru gers. One of the more subtle perils delivered the first known commerwas some curiously large seed pods cial shipment of Limas to the United which they found growing in Peru. States, at Santa Barbara, and soon they When the Spaniards opened them, were growing throughout California. they found each pod contained 2-4 Today, California grows more Limas huge beans which were almost too than anywhere else in the world. tough to eat. And, when the SpanLimas are full of fiber, protein, viish ate them raw, they suffered severe tamins and minerals, they help stabistomach pains which may have even lize blood sugar levels, and they may Mike Keeler been deadly. They called them Lima even help prevent cancer. Trouble is, beans, in reference to the Peruvian capital. you can usually only get them frozen (which They cautiously stuck some in their saddle- may reduce some of their nutritional value) or bags. canned (packed in salt and preservatives). Turns out that Limas, like many edible This time of the year, however, you can find plants, contain a mild insecticide to ward off them raw at roadside stands, still packed in pests. American Lima beans contain trace their poisoned pods. They’re just waiting for amounts of cyanide (and their cousins, Asian you to do what the Incas did: tear the pods Limas, are heavily laced with it). The Span- open, and throw out any soft beans. (If you’re ish figured this out pretty quickly, and learned really dedicated, soak them for an hour and from the native Incas that when Limas are then peel the skins off.) Boil the beans for boiled, uncovered, the beans become both soft about half an hour. Then throw in some corn and safe. (Designs on ancient native pottery and red peppers, a little butter and salt. Simsuggest that Limas were eaten only by the In- mer for 10 minutes. Grab a fork, or better yet can nobility, though we don’t know for sure.) a soup spoon. Once the Spanish realized they how good Sufferin’ Succotash! What a delicious discooked Limas were, they sent some home to covery. Spain. The raw pods are pretty much indeContact Mike at info@theroanokestar.com structible, so they traveled very well. Soon,

The Preacher’s Corner Ancient Document Creates Quite a Stir!?! -Gary Robbins

In my mind, the story goes something like this. A team of archaeologists, digging in the outskirts of Jerusalem, unearth an extraordinary new manuscript of the Gospel of Luke. The thing that most surprises them is that, for an ancient document, it has a surprisingly contemporary feel. For example, in the document’s version of the Parable of the Good Samaritan, a group of congregational leaders—and it’s not quite clear from the manuscript whether they were Lutherans, Baptists, Presbyterians, Episcopalians, or United Methodists—go to Jesus and ask, “What must our congregations do to have life—real, vibrant life?” Jesus looks at them and says, “Come on! You’ve attended Sunday School all your lives! What do the scriptures say?” All of the church leaders quickly huddle together—trying to piece together the various Sunday School lessons they’ve heard over the years—and answer: “We should love the Lord God with all our hearts, with all our souls, with all our strength, and all our mind; and we should love our neighbor as ourselves. Then, doing his best imitation of Regis Philben, Jesus asks, “Is that your final answer?” “Yes!” they said, “Final answer.” “Wow! I’m pleasantly surprised! That’s a really good answer,” said Jesus. “If you do this, your congregations will pulse with life.” But the congregational leaders, having just spent three years on a mission statement and an additional year and a half developing a long-range strategic plan, want to justify their efforts. And so they turn to Jesus. “Jesus, these are tough times for churches. Finances are tight. Volunteers are getting harder and harder to come by. We only have limited resources, so, who is our neighbor anyway?” So Jesus loads them onto one of their church buses and takes them on a tour of the city. He takes them by one of the school yards and wonders out loud how many of the children have books at home—or anyone to sit down and help them with their homework.

He reminds them that many of the kids who eat breakfast and lunch at the schools have little to eat during weekends. He asks them if they know that much of the early experimentation by young adolescents with sex and drugs takes place in the afternoons when parents are at work. He drives by the city jail and asks what it must feel like to be warehoused with little to really occupy your time. A few blocks later, he points out a guy living under one of the bridges and a cluster of others living in a small tent city over in a copse of trees. He shows them spots where the homeless hide their belongings because they get tired of having to carry their belongings with them all day. He shows them houses where the porches are rotting and the wind nearly blows through the walls. But then, after about an hour, he takes them to a little store-front church that provides a small after-school program, serves breakfast to about twenty kids every Saturday, offers a Parents Anonymous group, provides space for a small community garden, and is working on the neighborhood rat problem. “Tell me,” Jesus asked, “where did you see mercy at its most heartfelt and courageous? Who did you see being neighbor to those around them?” All of the congregational leaders suddenly became very uncomfortable and begin looking down at their shoes. “If you are really serious about finding life, then go and do likewise.” But the congregational leaders were a little ambivalent because, well, you know, they had worked so hard on their mission statement and their strategic plan had already gone to the printer and . . .

TheRoanokeStar.com |Page 5

Commentary Roanoke Dog Pound Case `Creates Conflicts

Dear Editor, I have been following the stories and developments concerning the Regional Center for Animal Control and Protection for some time now. As I have watched this story unfold, a number of things have occurred to me. The “Pound” sits within the confines of the City of Roanoke, which means that any criminal offenses occurring at the Pound will fall under the jurisdiction of the Roanoke City Police Department and the Roanoke City Commonwealth’s Attorney. Now one would think, with this being a Regional Pound, serving four municipal governments and housing the animals from four law enforcement agencies, that there would be a Regional approach to any investigation and prosecution. That seemed to be the case early on when the four law enforcement agencies and prosecutors presented a united front at the June Advisory Board meeting. However, it now appears that Roanoke County, Botetourt County and Vinton have been removed from the investigative loop. Why would this be? Roanoke City Animal Control has their office in the building that houses the Pound. As the only Animal Control agency with jurisdiction to enforce the animal welfare laws in the Pound, isn’t any investigation into a failure to abide by these laws also an investigation into the Roanoke Animal Control division for a dereliction of duty for allowing these crimes to occur in their building and for failing to act? There seems to be an overriding theme to all “investigations” at the Pound: “Let’s investigate ourselves and declare ourselves absolved of any wrongdoing.” Have the auditors from any of the other jurisdictions been invited into the “investigation” of the misuse of the public’s money? Are they not looking into the abuse of animals from all four jurisdictions and the embezzlement of money from all four governments? Should

Gary Robbins is the pastor of Greene Memorial United Methodist Church in downtown Roanoke. Visit them on the web at: www.gmumc. org.

the taxpayers of Roanoke County, Botetourt County and Vinton be forced to rely on the “investigation” judgements and decisions of Roanoke City with no input from their elected Commonwealth’s Attorneys? And speaking of Commonwealth’s Attorneys, let’s look at Roanoke City’s. If I’m not mistaken, Donald Caldwell was the Chairman of the Roanoke City Democratic Committee in 2011. During that time, both Warner and Barbara Dalhouse made considerable donations to the Democratic party, to include donations to most members of Roanoke City Council. That could make one question the integrity of these “investigations” into the RVSPCA’s handling of both the valley’s animals and money. Keep in mind that Barbara Dalhouse is president of both the RVSPCA and Animal Care Services, the corporation which directly oversees all operations at the pound. Isn’t the RVSPCA’s adoption site named the “Barbara and Warner Dalhouse Adoption Center?” And lest we forget, didn’t Barbara Dalhouse participate with Roanoke City Police Chief Perkins in the Valley’s own version of Dancing with the Stars? Perhaps it is time for Mr. Caldwell to avoid the appearance of impropriety and seek the input of others. We are fortunate in Botetourt to have a prosecutor who is recognized nationally as an expert in investigating and prosecuting animal cruelty cases. Surely Mr. Caldwell is reaching out to her as these “investigations” unfold? As stated above, these are simply some thoughts I have had as I watch the Pound saga in the news. I hope my musings are wrong and that all of the Municipalities are participating in these investigations and all will have a say in what, if any charges should be brought. Tony Wright Troutville

You’re Invited to the Western Virginia Land Trust’s

2012 Conservation Celebration Honoring Barbara B. Lemon of Roanoke with the A. Victor Thomas Award and Ned and Janet Yost with the Land Saver Award

Sunday, Sept. 16 ● 4-7 pm Braeloch in Roanoke County Live bluegrass music ● Blue Ridge Winery and Villa Appalaccia wines ● Devil’s Backbone beer ● Foggy Ridge Hard Cider ● Local gourmet foods dinner by Blue Ridge Catering ● Silent auction $55 members/$70 non-members before Sept. 7 For more information, call 985-0000 or visit westernvirginialandtrust.org/celebration.

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TheRoanokeStar.com | Page 6

8/31/12- 9/6/12

“Radical Run” Offers Twist On Racing

For those that don’t get enough of a kick anymore from your garden variety road race or trail run, Roanoke City Parks and Recreation offered a new twist last weekend: the Radical Runabout 5K. Centered in Fallon Park, the 3.1-mile (5k) race, which took in part of the Tinker Creek Greenway in Southeast Roanoke as well, also featured a series of obstacles – 11 in all – interspersed at spots along the course. How about something called the “Roller Derby,” where runners had to pause in order to roll large plastic barrels around a paved loop. Elsewhere they had to jump or climb over large wooden spools normally used for industrial wiring or crawl on all fours under plastic netting. They also had to start the race by running up and down a series of short, steep hills along Dale Avenue. “Really Tired” meant hopping through a stretch of car tires – like the football agility drill – while “Splash n Dash” meant filling up a large bucket with water. The catch there: the smaller buckets used to fill the larger one had small holes in the bottom, meaning it leaked. Thus the faster someone ran over to fill the larger bucket, the less water they lost in transit and the fewer times they went back for a refill Joe Hanning and Paul Chapman from the city’s parks and rec. department put Radical Runabout together and spent last Saturday morning setting up the obstacles in Fallon Park and on the Tinker Creek greenway. Hanning, hired by the city last year to focus on outdoor events, said 185 people signed up for the firstever Radical Runabout. “I was surprised at the enthusiasm of some of the people there,” said Hanning, who helped put together the Roanoke 100 Miler program earlier in the year and will now work on the second “Outdoor Circus” coming later this fall. Hanning noted that they didn’t ask people to come in costumes, but some did – including the shirtless guy in the ballerina tutu. “I think they really had a good time with it,” noted Hanning. Apparently there are several series of “extreme races” out there, for those looking beyond the “straight” road or trail race. One Radical Runabout participant was sporting a Tough Mudder t-shirt and had just completed a race that included running up a black diamond ski trail at Wintergreen. Warrior Dash is another extreme race series that includes obstacles.

Anne Holton Joins Volunteers to Kick Off Roanoke Area Canvassing

On Saturday Governor Tim Kaine’s wife, for“This is one of those years when you worry outmer first lady Anne Holton kicked off a volunteer side groups can put more zeros on a check and buy canvass at the Virginia Victory office in Roanoke. more negative advertising and think that’s how elecHolton, a Roanoke native encouraged 50 volunteers tions are won. But we know, and we’ll prove this Noand supporters to share Govervember, that’s not the case. It’s nor Kaine’s promises to create grassroots support like you,” jobs and strengthen the econosaid Holton. my as they spoke with voters in More than $8.5 million has their communities. been spent against Kaine by “This is a great opportunity outside groups said Holton. moment,” said Holton. “We Last quarter, grassroots dohave an opportunity in Tim’s nations helped Kaine raise race to send to the United nearly $3 million, marking his States Senate somebody that best fundraising quarter yet, will focus on bringing people with 70 percent of contributogether on the economy and tions generated from donors jobs.” Photo by Valeie Garner giving less than $200. Over She emphasized Kaine’s un- Former First Lady Anne Holton the course of the campaign, derstanding of women’s issues talks with volunteers. more than 30,000 donors have and “the need for someone joined the Kaine for Virginia to understand that women are half the economy.” campaign. “It’s so inspiring to see so many of you here today. Holton stressed the need for the Equal Pay Act and family and medical leave issues. “We do not need You’re here because you care about our country and legislators who are trying to put government be- because you believe that door knocking and talking tween women and our doctors when we’re making to voters and reaching out matters. And I do too,” Holton told the volunteers. our most intimate decisions,” she said. Since the beginning of the year, Holton has travDivisive issues should be left behind to enable the eled throughout the Commonwealth, meeting with country to “move on together as a whole,” she said. The polls have virtually remained tied and con- small business owners, seniors, educators and suptrol of the Senate hangs in the balance. Republicans porters to share Kaine’s economic vision for Virneed to gain four seats. Virginia is in the tossup col- ginia. Senator John Edwards, former Senator Bill Hopumn for both the Tim Kaine/George Allen Senate race and the presidential race. Negative ads have kins, Council members Sherman Lea and Bill Bestfilled most every station break and the Roanoke re- pitch greeted the former first lady. gion ranked number one nationally in campaign ad By Valerie Garner spending last week. Valerie.Garner@cox.net

Photos by Gene Marrano

The Radical Runabout was a first time event in Roanoke. Participant Navege Alexis Evans said the race “was more about endurance than speed. At some points you could go for it [but with the obstacles it was, just get through it. I’ve done a lot of flat races – this was a lot of hills.” Williams said she would “definitely” do the Runabout again or a similar race if another one was offered. Hanning said Radical Runabout was a kinder, gentler version of the extreme concept. When he interviewed for his current position, Hanning, who came from Ohio, declared that, “Roanoke is primed for an obstacle race.” From that conversation came Radical Runabout – no jumping through fire or crawling under barbwire however, as with some other extreme obstacle races. Radical Runabout was also aimed at a larger age group range and people at various fitness levels. “We had ten year olds out there doing it,” added Hanning. The winning time was 23 minutes-plus, which is slow for a 5K, but then there were those obstacles to get through, under and around. Will Radical Runabout return? “I would hope so,” said Hanning, “we’d love to have it back.” By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

Aneesh Chopra in Roanoke

Our Lady of Nazareth

Catholic Church www.oln-parish.org

Contact us: 540-774-0066 U.S. Chief Technology Officer Aneesh Chopra visited downtown Roanoke last Thursday and held a roundtable with small businesses. It was part of the “Building a Stronger Virginia Tour.” Chopra highlighted President Obama’s economic policies and investments in innovation that he says have helped Virginia’s small businesses and tech startups continue to thrive through the economic downturn. Chopra has also announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for Virginia Lieutenant Governor. By Valerie Garner Valerie.Garner@cox.net

2505 Electric Road, Roanoke VA, 24018 !

The Truth Behind Starving Artists Sales

Every year, the month of January boasts the all important after-Christmas sales. As advertised, there are exceptional deals after the holiday rush, particularly in the realm of home decor. After the holidays, many of us submit to the opportunity to spruce up the house with a new work of art. I’ll take Picasso for $50, Alex Over the years, you’ve seen the TV ads, “Buy a framed, sofa-sized oil painting for only $49.99!” Initially, you think to yourself, “For only $49.99, no wonder the artists are starving.” You temporarily consider a quick trip downtown to check out the art offerings at the hotel or convention center hosting the deep discount sale. You return to your senses, yet you’re still curious. Assembly Line Art Your fantasy image of a handsome young artist standing at his easel overlooking a snowy landscape creating a masterpiece just for you is—well, a fantasy. Most of us don’t think that there is a connection between overseas workshop labor and a $49.99 oil painting. On some level, we like the emotional image that artists are starving for the love of art! With this reality check in mind, here is all you need to know about the starving artist paintings. The $49.99 sofa-sized starving artist paintings are products of outdated printing plants and often times art sweatshops in Asia and other countries. The inexpensive offerings at starving artist sales are either cheap oleographs (fake paintings) or paintings produced in a repetitious assembly line manner. Imitation Oil The oleograph or imitation painting is a basically a reproduced print. The oleographic process dates back to the 1800s. Its name refers to any imitation graphic work just as the term “oleo” is used to describe imitation butter. For instance, an image of that lovely fruit bowl still life is nothing more than a machine-printed image produced onto a piece of canvas instead of printed onto a piece of paper. After drying, a clear varnish is applied to the print in order to simulate brushstrokes. Not unlike clear nail polish, the varnish is applied over the entire printed image and allowed to dry giving the piece the look of real painted brushstrokes. While printed oleographs rely on machines rather than artists, the starving artist sales keep the age-old sweatshop in business. These budget paintings are often produced by groups of underpaid and overworked factory laborers. Machine-Made Masterpieces Factory workers stand, for hours at a time, in

front of machines that support a long roll of blank canvas. With brushes and paint, each worker is responsible for painting one image or portion of a painting’s entire composition. For instance, when producing a landscape painting, Artist #1 will paint a tree, Artist #2 will paint a bird, and so on. At intervals and without warning, the canvas is automatically repositioned by machine to expose the next blank area of canvas to the workers who will paint it. The workers repeat the painting process. During the process, Artist #1 paints that same tree over and over again for the next 14 to 16 hours straight. Western Myths Well, just like Artist #1 whose job it is to paint that tree, there is another artist in the starving artist sweatshop who signs paintings. Despite their country of origin, the signed surnames on the majority of the paintings are not Eastern. Marketing dictates that westerners expect to buy paintings signed with western surnames like Smith, Worthington, or Jones, so the producers sign all of the paintings with a few of the most common western surnames. This piecemeal art process continues until hundreds of look-alike paintings are produced. Completed paintings are cut from the end of the canvas roll, stapled to a wooden stretcher, framed, and crated for shipment to a hotel lobby near you. Now that you know the inside scoop on the starving artists sales, don’t you think that your $50 would be better spent on a good pencil sketch by a student artist from your local art school or academy? I certainly do. Dr. Lori, star appraiser on Discovery channel’s Auction Kings will appear and offer free antique appraisals as part of the 17th annual FALL Home Show at the Salem Civic Center, September 1516, 2012. You can meet Dr. Lori, who will appraise attendees’ antiques and collectibles. Two sessions each day: On Saturday – 10 am & 3 pm and Sunday – 12:30 pm & 3 pm. Arrive early for one free appraisal per show attendee. Some guidelines apply. Additional objects can be appraised at $25 per object. Bring an object and attend both days since every show is different! Find out how to sell unwanted stuff for top dollar. Dr. Lori will tell you what people are really paying for antiques and collectibles. She will pull no punches as she evaluates the objects and makes you laugh. “I’ll break some hearts, I’ll make some millionaires. We’ll laugh and learn along the way,” says Dr. Lori. Contact her at:www.DrLoriV.com or (888) 4311010.

Did you Know

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Sports

TheRoanokeStar.com |Page 7

8/31/12- 9/6/12

Celtics Shock Patriots 3-1 In Non-District Volleyball Win

Patrick Henry Holds Off Hidden Valley 24-21

Patrick Henry used a key fourth quarter stand to quell a late Hidden Valley charge, as the Patriots held on to defeat the Titans 24-21 in the season opener for both teams at Gainer Field Friday The Roanoke-area volnight. leyball hierarchy has Hidden Valley, the Group AA River Ridge Dissome new company. trict member, came to play giving AAA Western Valley District PH all they could handle. The TiMove over guys, Roanoke tans took the lead twice in the first half, first on Catholic has validated its a Duke-bound Jake Kite 4-yard reception from membership. HIdden Valley quarterback Nic Ratliff that put the In an impressive comeTitans up 7-0. Later, Walker Brand went in from from-behind effort, the 8-yards out to put Hidden Valley ahead 14-7. Photo by Bill Turner. Celtics put on a clinic On both occasions Patrick Henry responded, The Patriot and Titan lines battle it out in Tuesday night at the with Virginia Tech-bound Patriot quarterback the trenches on Friday night. David Prince breaking a 37-yard run early in the Roanoke Catholic gym, Hidden Valley fell short when it failed to consecond quarter before Xavier Whorley found the knocking off AAA Westvert on fourth down on the subsequent drive. end zone from 12-yards out, sending the teams to ern Valley District frontPH topped the Titans 272-190 on the ground, the halftime break tied at 14. runner Patrick Henry 3-1. with Whorley picking up 136 yards on 21 carries. After neither team dented the scoreboard in the This one was no fluke. third quarter, PH seemed ready to take control in Prince added 88 yards on 15 keepers. Hidden Valley was led by Walker Brandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 92 yards, followed After a close first game Photo by Bill Turner Photo by Bill Turner the fourth with a Whorley 6-yard touchdown run, that saw PH rally to close Celtic Mairin Guilfoyle serves one of Patriot Abby Wolpert readfollowed by a 43-yard Jacob Otterman field goal by Mason Dermottâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 78. Hidden Valley had the decided edge in the air, with just over three minutes to play. her 11 aces in Roanoke Catholicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ies to hit. out a 25-20 win, the Celtwith Ratliff hitting 11-of-19 attempts for 97 yards, 3-1 win over PH Tuesday night. Hidden Valley wasted no time and cut the lead ics came to life and kept to the final margin with just under two minutes while Prince was 2-of-9 for 12 yards for the Pathe talented Patriots on left on Kiteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s second touchdown catch from 25 triots. their heels the rest of the evening. Catholic 15-13 lead by scoring six straight points in yards. Thirty-six seconds later, Prince fumbled gave PH fits with its uncanny ability to ex- route to a 25-18 victory. Things stayed close the snap, turning the ball over for a final Titan opBy Bill Turner ecute their digs and set for front-line kills to through much of game four, before Catholic portunity. info@theroanokestar.com sweep the final three games. went on a late run for the clinching 25-20 No small feat considering PH setter Caro- win. line Brailsford and power-hitter Sarah Miller Although Catholic won the Division Three are two of the best on the local volleyball independent school state volleyball champiofront. ship in 2011, this was unchartered territory With three wins already under their belt, the After the opening game setback, Catholic for the Celtics and their program that has North Cross volleyball team is hoping that its six raced out to a 10-2 lead in game two. PH nev- exploded under head coach Aaron King, a returning seniors will be the key to improving on er got closer than five before the Celtics won former assistant at River Ridge powerhouse last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s third place finish in the Blue Ridge Con25-14 to even things up. Hidden Valley. By Bill Turner ference. The Raiders, who finished 7-2 in the conference Game three saw the Celtics break open a info@theroanokestar.com and 18-11 overall, ended its 2011 season by finishing fourth in the VISAA, Division II state tournament. Returning for Head Coach Heather Donaho, who is starting her sixth season at North Cross, are Week one of high school football is in the its opener. Even though first-game jitters are seniors Gussie Revercomb (OH), Lynsey Barker books and the Wild Bill ledger came in at 5-3. inevitable, Salem probably still has too much (S), Ashley Donaho (OH), Kelci Dillon (M/Opp), Grace Cates (Opp) and Crystal Edwards (M). Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s right, for those who forgot, I predicted for a rebuilding Botetourt team. New to the varsity lineup will be senior Ragan Grundy to knock off Twin Valley by 24 for my Salem - 27 Lord Botetourt - 13 Photo by Stuart Revercomb. week-one teaser in the June 29th ediMartinsville at Cave Spring: Cave Comer (M), junior Ann Ickes (M), junior Dani- Senior Regan Comer (hitting) should be a key tion-for the record, Grundy won that Spring went to the wire last Friday with elle Dennis (M), junior Rosie List (M/Opp), ju- contributor for the Raiders this year. nior Hazel Lindahl (Opp), senior India Helmer one Friday night 36-6. Byrd before losing on the final play. (L) and junior Urmilia Bharathan (DS). â&#x20AC;&#x153;We look to finish near the top of the conference Otherwise, my prediction that Cave Martinsville was hammered by powWhen asked what the Raiders strong and weak and hopefully by playing in several early tournaSpring-Byrd would be close played out erhouse Brookville 49-0. The Knights points were this season, Donaho replied, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our ments we will increase our stamina,â&#x20AC;? said Donaho. with Byrd winning on the last play. hung 50 on the Bulldogs in 2011. This strengths are four returners plus the addition of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hopefully, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be back in Division III (after last Likewise, my upset special of Hidden one will be closer, but the Knights pass- a strong middle. While depth at certain positions year in Division II) for the state tournament to and a little bit of inexperience at the varsity level compete more evenly for a title.â&#x20AC;? Valley over PH wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t far off. Those exing game should prevail. When North Cross returns to action on Thursare our weaknesses.â&#x20AC;? pecting a Patriot runaway missed by Cave Spring - 30 Martinsville - 21 Bill Turner day, Sept 6 and hosts Grace Christian School they North Cross, who has already defeated SWVA a mile. Hidden Valley at William Byrd: will be back in full force after senior setter Lynsey Admittedly, I missed badly with The Terriers got the last-second win Home School twice and Timberlake Christian, Barker returns to action after a preseason injury sees Roanoke Catholic and Liberty Christian my Northside pick over Amherst, but the Vi- over Cave Spring, while Hidden Valley lost in a kept her out of the first 3 matches. Academy as their top matches this fall. king ship will get back on course soon, so no close one at AAA Patrick Henry last week. HidBy David Grimes What can the Raidersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; faithful expect in 2012? use crying over spilled milk. den Valley may have too much beef on the lines info@TheRoanokeStar.com All eleven â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Big-11â&#x20AC;&#x2122; teams are in action this for Byrd to handle. This one may well be the week, with seven games taking place through- most interesting game to watch this week. out the valley. Hidden Valley - 34 William Byrd - 25 Without further ado, hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a look at this James River at Glenvar: Glenvar took its weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s games and predictions. lumps at powerful Galax last Friday while James Patrick Henry at Bassett: Both teams were River got the same treatment at Lord Botetourt. Freshman Brent Colemanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 18-yard field goal yards. winners last Friday. Bassett lost by 30 to the Pa- Glenvar won this matchup by 26 in 2011. May as time expired propelled William Byrd to the 27The Cave Spring offensive show came through triots in 2011, but expect this one to be closer. be more of the same on the Highlanders field 24 win over Cave Spring Friday night at Dwight the air, as senior quarterback Connor Baker PH needs to clean up its turnover problems this week. Bogle Stadium in the season threw for 297 yards and three from the Hidden Valley opener. With that beGlenvar - 35 James River - 9 opener for both teams. touchdowns, including strikes ing the focus this week, PH should prevail in Virginia Episcopal at North Cross: North Colemanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s heroics were set of 58- yards to Jon Evans, Bengal country. PH - 31 Bassett -20 Cross survived its game on the road with North up moments earlier when 21-yards to Jack Woody, and a 30-yard completion to JorAmherst County at William Fleming: It Carolina powerhouse Charlotte Latin by stay- Terrier junior quarterback dan Bryant midway through never seems to get easier for the Colonels. ing competitive. The Raiders won this one 34-0 Zac Hill found senior Tanner the third quarter that tied the Fleming played Amherst close last year, losing in 2011. The Old Dominion Football Confer- Weaver on a hail mary bomb to the Knight 2-yard line with game at 24. 9-0. After the smoking that Amherst surpris- ence opener for North Cross will look better under ten seconds left in regThe second half was mainly ingly put on Northside, this may be a tough this week. ulation. a battle of field position as the task, even at home, for Fleming. North Cross - 26 VES - 13 Byrd ran a play to the center Cave Spring defense stiffened Photo by Bill Turner Amherst County - 29 William Fleming -7 Roanoke Catholic at Fredricksburg Chris- of the field, called a timeout until the final series unfolded. Pulaski County at Northside: A tale of con- tian: Fredricksburg took down the Celtics with 3.7 seconds left, and on Cave Spring Senior #9 Jordan BryBoth teams prospered in ant heads to the end zone with trasting first week results. Pulaski County had 42-0 last fall. This is a young Celtic team that came Coleman for the winthe kicking game as Coleman a 30-yard touchdown reception its way at home with Radford while the Vi- is challenged by a limited number of players. ning boot. that tied the game at 24 midway hit a field goal late in the first The two teams had put on through the third quarter. half as well as being 3-for-3 kings were humbled at Amherst. Things may Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s probably too early in the season to expect an offensive show in the first on PATs. Daniel Seymour get turned around at Jim Hickham Field for big surprises. half with a combined 41 points returned the favor for the Northside, although Pulaski County may not Fredricksburg - 33 Roanoke Catholic - 12 posted. The Terriers, coming from behind three Knights, hitting all three of his point-afters and be a bargain. Northside - 21 Pulaski County - 19 Until next week send your questions to: info@ times, scored the final ten points of the opening connecting on a 26-yard field goal in the second half to take a 24-17 lead to the locker room. quarter. Lord Botetourt at Salem: The Jamie Harless newsroanoke.com Byrd was led in its triple-threat running game William Byrd dominated on the ground, outera started well for the Cavs with a win over By Bill Turner by Hill, who finished with 152 yards on 32 keep- gaining the Knights 317-18 yards. James River last Friday. Salem will be playing By Bill Turner info@theroanokestar.com ers, along with Simeon Horstmannâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 109 yards on 15 carries and Darrylâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Prestonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 13 totes for 56 info@theroanokestar.com

North Cross Volleyball Returns Six Seniors in 2012

Wild Billâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Weekly Sports Roundup

Last Second Field Goal Sends Byrd Past Cave Spring 27-24

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Valley Business

Page 8 | TheRoanokeStar.com

CityWorks (X)Po Returns To Roanoke In October

Last year, local developer and philanthropist nity a stronger, vibrant, and sustainable place to Ed Walker brought his CityWorks (X)po to live.” downtown Roanoke’s Charter Hall in the City How many are expected to attend? Market building. The three-day event examined “ Last year we had almost 500 attendees over how small cities could thrive the course of the weekend, – cities like Roanoke – on the and we’re certainly on pace to strength of collaboration and match and exceed that numbold new ideas. CityWorks. ber this year. At the current (X)po returns to Charter Hall rate, the conference will be for a second time, from Octosold out in September.” ber 18-20. Who are the can’t miss Speakers from all over the speakers? country are on the agenda; “Everyone! Seriously, topics range from tactical urthey’re all really good. Some banism (Mike Lydon) to the of my favorites are Robert Egintersection of impact and inger, James Howard Kunstler, novation (Robert Egger) and Kennedy Smith, Mike Lydon, public space transformed (Jim and Christopher Allen.” Lasko). Roanoke City Manager Did you see action items Chris Morrill will also speak, as and evidence of change in Roahe did last year. noke last year after the first Q&A with CityWorks CityWorks (X)po? (X)po Director Brent Co“We have received a lot of Ed Walker chran: (Cochran, an employee feedback throughout the year of developer Ed Walker’s CityWorks non-profit, from both speakers and attendees who made is also the owner of the climbing wall that will connections and received ideas during (X)po be installed inside the River House apartment that generated new projects. While (X)po is complex this fall.) held in Roanoke and certainly highlights our reWhat’s the focus of the second CityWorks gion, it is not specifically focused on Roanoke. “ (X)po? What are the goals for this event? “This year’s theme is Radical Trust, because “Our hope for (X)po is that it will serve as we realize that trust lies at the heart of making a catalyst that connects people and ideas and positive things happen, be it on the community stimulates projects that improve our communior national level. However the focus this year ties on the macro and micro level.” is no different. The intention of Xpo is to build connections across disciplines within the growSee cityworksxpo.com for more information on ing community of extraordinary place makers; the conference, Oct.18-20. The registration fee is those people generating the ideas and doing the $310. By Gene Marrano work that makes their local and global commugmarrano@cox.net

8/31/12- 9/6/12

Need Work? Tech Companies are Hiring

Business Offers Insights for Future IT Job creators in other parts of the country may not Candidates be so lucky. “Do what you love” has been the advice emNational statistics reveal a gap between STEM bedded in American commencement speeches jobs and potential employees that will only grow for decades. Now, however, it’s “do STEM’’ — wider if trends continue unchanged: Science, Technology, Engineering and Math• Only about 6 percent of U.S. graduates leave ematics. college with a STEM-based degree, compared to “We have the brains, we have the educational 28 percent in Germany, 37 percent in South Korea capability and I’m pretty sure students want a and 47 percent in China, according to National job when they graduate high school and college. Center for Education Statistics. We do not have to go overseas to find our talent,” • STEM jobs are projected to grow twice as says decorated Army Ranger and entrepreneur quickly as jobs in other fields in the next five years, Matthew Brosious, co-founder of FreightCen- according to the U.S. Bureau of Statistics. ter.com. The third-party logistics company and • Eighty percent of jobs in the next decade will freight software technology provider does for require significant technical skills. freight shipping what Expedia does for travel. • Of the 20 fastest growing occupations proBrosious’ company is hiring and, for students jected in 2014, 15 will require considerable science and people interested in new careers, what it’s and/or mathematics preparation, according to the seeking in job candidates offers valuable insights. U.S. Department of Labor. “A formal STEM education is not necessarily Brosious says getting young people interested crucial to obtaining a job in a STEM career,” says in following a STEM track of education will reDoug Walls, FreightCenter.com’s chief informa- quire changes in the classroom beginning at an tion officer. Walls initially started as the com- early age. pany’s IT administrator and after seven years is “Only one in five college students feel that their now CIO. According to Walls: grade-school education prepared them very well • Often times, the best developers are the ones for their STEM college courses,” he says, citing a who have a natural aptitude and an ability to recently published survey by Microsoft. comprehend emerging technologies. That study also indicates students who pursue • Web development and IT offer stable careers STEM degrees do so because they’re inspired by with plenty of opportunity for placement straight a class or a teacher. And 16 percent more males out of college. than females are interested in those fields thanks • Web technology is increasingly going more to video games and clubs. mobile as users access the Internet via smart phones and tablets, so Information Technology: it’s important to continue to learn about new techniques to reach Systems Analysts (Roanoke, VA) this group of users. • Following development or IT Perform s/ware validation & testing of applicablogs and news is an excellent tion. Perform functionality, end to end, security, way to stay ahead in a progressive performance, & stress testing during the various field. phases of dvlpmt of application. Automate test • Having a well-designed and scenarios for GUI, functionality, integration, developed personal site offers employers like us an insight into d/base & regression testing. Utilize ICM Cisco Tool, your skill level and allows us to QTP, Mobile Testing, IVR/BRU, SQL, UNIX, .Net, determine how job seekers apply HTML, C++, UML & Rational Rose. Bach's deg in the knowledge they’ve learned in any field & 2 yrs exp or Associate's deg or equiv in school or on the job. any field & 4 yrs exp. Located in Florida’s Tampa in abdominal fat and decreased energy expendi- Bay area, Freightcenter.com does Send resume to: Virginia Transformer Corp, ture for women during the menopausal transi- well attracting qualified profes220 Glade View Dr, Roanoke, VA 24012 tion. Animal studies indicate weight gain may sionals, Brosious says. But job be due to increased appetite; decreased spontaneous movement and/or decreased metabolism associated with loss of ovarian function. These changes are prevented or reversed with estrogen replacement. And programmed exercise prevents the increase in abdominal fat as effectively as estrogen replacement. That’s the good news! The bad news in that a study published in 2008 said that the percent of 16-19 year olds meeting physical activity recommendations in this country was 5.5%; those aged 20-59 meeting it was 3%; those aged 60+ 2.5%. As a country we are barely moving out of our chairs. The really bad news is evidence suggests a clear association between sitting time and chronic disease risk as well as mortality from all causes independent of 3311 Peters Creek Rd leisure-time physical activity. Sitting all day will kill you faster even if you hike 10 miles on the weekends. Life is full of these good news/bad news scenarios. It is up to you to decide which you want. Do you want your life to be a good news story? You can make the decision today to have a better life. Get up and get moving. Enjoy a bite of chocolate now and then. Let the sun shine on your 2008 CHEVY COBALT 2006 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER LT 2003 BMW 325I 2009 NISSAN SENTRA 2007 TOYOTA SOLARA face. Smile for no reason. 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Bad News / Good News When It Comes to American’s Health

The good news is that a study published March 26 in the Archives of Internal Medicine says that frequent chocolate consumption correlates with a lower BMI (body mass index). This was not large amounts of chocolate – only about 1 oz. was eaten two times per week by those questioned. Those studied also exercised 3.6 times per week. While the study wasn’t able to say why; it is good to know that chocolate isn’t necessarily off the table for those who exercise and otherwise live a healthy life. The bad news is that a study published March 12 in Circulation, revealed that a soda per day raised your risk of coronary heart disease by 20%. The researchers did not find a similar risk with artificially sweetened beverages. The researches recommended switching to water, coffee or tea. The good news about exercise is that according to ACSM 2009 guidelines, effective exercise can be accumulated in 10 minute bouts of moderate to somewhat hard intensity and still be effective. To prevent weight gain you should get 150-250 minutes per week or to lose weight 200-420 minutes per week of exercise. If you do 10 minutes in the morning then another 10 minutes at lunch plus 10 minutes when you get home from work you can accumulate 150 minutes in 5 days. These 10 minutes of exercise don’t include your warm up or cool down. Who doesn’t have a spare 10 minutes here or there? The bad news is that aging brings on an unavoidable loss of lean mass; a gain in fat mass; and a loss of energy-burning capacity. This holds true even for people who maintain a vigorous level of physical activity. Studies show an increase

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Arts & Culture

TheRoanokeStar.com |Page 9

8/31/12- 9/6/12

Land+Link Photo Contest Opens Violist Megan Fergusson Yanik to Perform at Virginia Tech

The Western Virginia Land Trust in conjunction with the O. Winston Link Museum is sponsoring the 2ndLand+Link Juried Photo Competition and Exhibition. Submissions should highlight this year’s theme, “Nature’s Gift,” and will be accepted through October 5, 2012. This year, three divisions will be available for photographers: the young photographer’s division for students 18 and under, a college division for full-time university students, and an open division for all other entries. Finalists “Beyond the Fence” – last year’s winning entry by John Singleton. in all divisions will be exhibmajor line to exclusively operate under steam ited at the Link Museum from November 1 power. During those five years, Link captured through December 5. more than 2,400 images. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three The O. Winston Link Museum exhibits this winners of the Open Division as well as the Peo- body of work as well as the history of the N&W ple’s Choice award. The winners of the College Railway. Artifacts, films and interactive disand Young Photographer’s divisions will also plays compliment the more than 250 dramatic receive awards. black and white and color photographs taken The winning photographs will also be fea- throughout the Mountains of Virginia, West tured in the Roanoke Star, on the websites of the Virginia, Maryland and North Carolina. Link Museum and the Land Trust, and in upThe Western Virginia Land Trust is a commucoming issues of the land trust’s newsletter and nity-based, private, non-profit organization that the Link Museum’s newsletter. works to promote the conservation of western New this year, the People’s Choice photograph Virginia’s natural resources–farms, forests, wawill be chosen through an online vote. From terways and rural landscapes. November 1 through December 4, visit westQualified by the Land Trust Accreditation ernvirginialandtrust.org/photocontest/people- Commission, the WVLT covers seven counschoice to pick your top photograph from the ties including: Bedford, Botetourt, Craig, Floyd, competition. The People’s Choice winner will be Franklin, Montgomery, and Roanoke; and curannounced at the exhibition closing reception rently protects more than 15,000 acres of land on December 5th. and 33 miles of streams in 40 conservation easeFrom 1955 to 1960, Brooklyn photographer, ments. Winston Link, traveled to photograph and For a full list of rules and how to enter, visit document the end of the steam locomotive era westernvirginialandtrust.org/photo or contact on the Norfolk and Western Railway- the last Diana Hackenburg at (540) 985-0000.

Megan Fergusson Yanik brings the soulful voice of the viola to Virginia Tech to open the 2012-2013 University Chamber Music series. She will perform with Virginia Tech faculty members Tracy Cowden, piano, Ariana Wyatt, soprano, and Elizabeth Crone, flute, in a program of musical works highlighting the artistry of each member of the ensemble on Sunday, Sept. 2 at 3 p.m. in the Squires Student Center Recital Salon. The theme of the program will be “vocem viola,” meaning “voice of the viola.” The viola is often compared to the human voice in terms of its expressive capabilities and range, and the repertoire was chosen to highlight this quality. From Britten’s “Lachrymae: Reflections on a Song of Dowland” to Bolcom’s poignant cantata “Let Evening Come” for soprano, viola, and piano, the viola shines through as an instrument capable of profound expression. The ensemble will also present works by Maurice Durufle, Manuel de Falla, and Alan Smith. Yanik enjoys a multifaceted career as both a performer and teacher. She has performed with orchestras throughout the United States, as a chamber musician, and on numerous occasions with the Michigan Chamber Players. Her festival appearances have included the Wintergreen Performing Arts Festival, American-Romanian Festival, Tanglewood Music Center, Aspen, Spoleto USA, and Blossom. She has won prizes in several competitions, including first prize in the National American String Teachers Association solo competition. Formerly on faculty at Bowling Green State University, Yanik is currently on the

Megan Fergusson Yanik faculty of the Wintergreen Performing Arts festival and the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop in Washington, D.C. Tickets are $15 general, $12 senior/faculty/staff, and $5 student and are available at the Student Centers and Activities Ticket Office on the first floor of Squires Student Center. Tickets may be purchased online atwww.tickets.vt.edu or by calling 540-2315615. Tickets will also be available at the box office beginning one hour prior to the performance.

Local Author Wants To Overhaul Federal Government Marlin Thompson, who lives just over the line from Roanoke County in Boones Mill (the first house into Franklin County says Thompson) is a 78-year-old retired engineer with some strong views on how the federal government should be run. So strong in fact that Thompson, the holder of six patents (he’s working on a seventh, which has something to do with golf balls) has written and released a book, available only as an “e-book” now. A Benevolent Dictator: Restoring America to Primacy and Prosperity in One Year is all about taking a chain saw to the government – abolishing the IRS, installing a fair tax, making illegal drugs legal and taxing them (“go buy them at CVS”), shortening the campaign season drastically and lengthening the terms of office for U.S. Representatives in Congress, so they are not campaigning every two years. Available only for Kindle-type devices at Amazon.com for $4.00, Thompson hopes to have a print version available soon. He did give one printed copy to Susan Allen, the wife of former U.S. Senator George Allen, who is running against Tim Kaine for that same office in a duel of ex-Governors. Thompson is sure that George Allen has seen his manifesto by now. A self-described ultra-Conservative and a Constitutionalist, Thompson said, “the last four or five years, [and] the size of government…and the national debt,” were his motivation for A Benevolent Dictator. He cites (and uses for cover art) pictures of General Douglas McArthur and a statue of Israel’s King David (1010 B.C.-979 B.C.) as examples of strong yet fair dictators who guided countries through tough times. McArthur was the “absolute dictator of Japan” after World War II, even helping to rewrite the war-ravaged country’s constitution, yet they stood “ten deep in the streets” and cried when he left, according to Thompson, who is currently working on a book about Norwegian homesteaders in his native state of North Dakota. Thompson said a benevolent dictator here could make the changes needed in America in one year, then hand the country back to a chastened president and the Congress. He is against government stimulus (“let private industry do it”) and would replace most if not all taxes with a national sales tax, which he labels as a much fairer way to collect revenue. “That way nobody could cheat. That would do more than anything else.” Legalizing drugs and taxing them, an admission that the War on Drugs has failed, said Thompson, would also put murderous drug cartels out of work. Social Security would remain intact but the national sales tax

would fund it, not a payroll tax. Thompson said bold ideas like his – and many others who have championed a fair tax – don’t get very far because, “Congress would have to give up power,” something they are resistant to. “Then there wouldn’t be any favoritism or ‘gimmees’ to different groups.” Lobbyists would not be allowed in the capitol either: “K Street would be empty,” declares Thompson, who said Mitt Romney is closer to the president we need to make these changes than incumbent Barack Obama. He also favors an eight-year term limit for any person elected to Congress, including two fouryear terms for senators. Everyone except military leaders and those in the State Department would have to turn in their resignations when a new presidential term was in place, assuring that career bureaucrats that may not be doing the job adequately wouldn’t be entrenched. “They don’t care,” noted Thompson. He’s critical of the offshore tax shelters that Mitt Romney has been accused of using with his millions; Thompson in fact would get rid of those shelters. Thompson would also privatize Social Security, noting that in countries like Chile where that has happened, ordinary people are now “millionaires” in retirement. “If they could privatize Social Security it would solve that problem.” The government would collect the money but it would go to private investment managers, in his model. Health care would also be in private hands only, since competition drives costs down. The system would work better if the “unbelievable shackles” placed on health care providers were taken off. Tort reform – reducing a doctor’s liability – is part of the Thompson plan. Thompson would set up the federal government like the military, getting rid of a structure where he says 32 people now report directly to the president. “Half of them are those czars that weren’t elected by anybody. You can’t manage 32 people – that’s insane.” Thompson, who once made missiles for the Navy as a contractor, cut his political teeth working on the Barry Goldwater for President campaign in 1964. His new e-book, A Benevolent Dictator, certainly provides plenty of food for thought. See more about Marlin Thompson’s book at abenevolentdictatorthebook.blogspot.com.

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

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