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Community | News | Per spective

Feb. 26 - Mar. 4, 2010

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State Champions Honored Summer Camp! P6&7– There may still be snow on the ground but it’s time to make reservations for summer camp. See our special pages in this issue.

Strong Start

P8– Cave Spring begins the defense of their Region IV Division title with a 35 point margin win over Marion.

Photo by Chuck Lionberger

he Group 3, Division AA state champion Northside High School Vikings football team was recognized last Thursday by the General Assembly and met Governor Bob McDonnell who posed with them on the steps of the State Capital in Richmond. The Viking’s win over Bruton in the state final delivered Roanoke County’s first football title ever. Northside (12-2) trailed in three playoff games this season but won them all and defeated Cave Spring the week before to

advance to the State Championship game. It was also the first appearance by a Roanoke County school in the championship game since Andrew Lewis lost to T.C. Williams in 1971 - a game that has become famous for being portrayed in the 2000 movie “Remember the Titans” which was played at Roanoke’s Victory Stadium. A blocked field goal by Northside on the final play of the game against Bruton gave head coach Burt Torrence and the school its 2009 VHSL State Championship.

School Board Reacts to Budget Crunch

The numbers differ somewhat based on a variety of scenarios, but one thing seems certain -Roanoke City Schools are in for another round of personnel,, program and perhaps even facility cuts for the 2010-2011 fiscal year. The final numbers depend on what happens to state funding sent down from Richmond and revenues produced in Roanoke City, but the mood at Tuesday night’s School Board work session was less than optimistic. The board watched a budget PowerPoint presentation from assistant superintendent Curt Baker, then discussed the whatif ’s. On the table: eight furlough days in the next school year for all employees, fewer teachers and more crowded classrooms, the elimination of preschool programs and all but a minimal summer school program. The fourth grade Spanish class may be bumped to fifth grade and the retirement system may not be funded for several months. The public was invited to speak since an earlier hearing was sparsely attended due to a snowstorm, and although several dozen showed up, only middle school teacher James Settle made comments. He said there were “some advantages” to the idea proposed by School Board > CONTINUED P3: School Board

Full Moon Café Dishes Up Fabulous Roanoke Valley United Way Donations Strong Food with a Dose of History Raise the Curtain

P11– Despite a succession of snowstorms the show goes on for Hidden Valley High School’s cast of “Cinderella.”

Military Lessons

P12– Robert and Beth Eby Bohr’s service in the military imparts valuable perspective as they make Roanoke their home.

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Francis Moon was putting away bowls of cold salads behind the glass counter when I walked in and asked him if this was a good time for our interview. “Okay,” he said. “How long will it take?” “Oh, about 20 minutes,” I replied. We sat down at a table. My first question was simple: “What brought you to America?” He took a deep breath and said, “I need to tell you my story.” An hour and a half later, he was done. And what a story it is. Photo by Dave Perry Moon, co-owner and chef at the Full Moon Cafe in south- Veronica and Francis Moon work side by side at Full Moon. west Roanoke County, was born in what is now North Korea on duced Moon to his future wife, plunge and bought a pancake August 15, 1945—Liberation Veronica, who was an RN at a house in Rockford, which hapDay, the day that the Korean large hospital nearby. They were pened to have a large Swedish population. “I still make a good Peninsula was freed from Japa- married in 1973. The newlywed Moons rec- Swedish pancake,” he says. nese rule during World War II. Still not satisfied, this oneWhen Moon was just two years ognized that South Korea was a poor country and yearned for a time refugee and chicken farmer old, his family fled the North better life for the children they decided to move to the culinary and crossed into South Korea by boat, stuffing socks into the wanted. They looked east across capital of America—Manhatyoung boy’s mouth to hush his the Pacific Ocean. Veronica tan. He bought a struggling cries. An uncle who promised Moon got a job at Kirkwood French bakery on the corner of General Hospital 23rd St. and 2nd Ave., and conto follow soon after in Detroit, and the vinced the owner to stay on for never arrived. The Local Eatery young couple arrived one year and teach him the art family ran a soapon American soil in of French baking. Soon Moon making business Hawaii soon thereafter. grew it into a wholesale croisin Seoul while the Korean War Moon was a grown man with sant business running around raged around them, and later a store in Busan. After the war, a college degree and a veteran of the clock, making five to six the Moons started a farm with the Korean army, but he need- thousand bagels a day with a ed work, so he took a job at an staff of 10 employees. about 300 chickens. Despite their success, the Moon helped with the grow- Uncle John’s restaurant—as a busboy. Moons felt the urge to move ing family farm, and by the time “The food was very good, ” on once again. After reading an he went off to college to study Moon said. “It was very good article on Roanoke in “Money” animal science, the Moons’ operation had grown to 10,000 quality. People lined up every magazine, they bought a house chickens. After a year in the day.” He learned to cook and in southwest Roanoke County, army, he finished his degree and worked 16-hour shifts because and now reside not too far from > CONTINUED took a job in purchasing with he could expedite orders well. Purina. A doctor friend intro- Soon Francis Moon took the P3: Full Moon

[

]

Despite Tough Economy

Astounding a crowd of over 350 friends and supporters of the organization, United Way of Roanoke Valley’s 2009 Campaign Chair Dan Carson of Appalachian Power Company announced this week that the 85-year-old charity had raised $6,109,084 last year - more than was raised in 2008. “We Outgoing United Way Board should all feel proud to live Chair Reverend Bill Lee. in a place with such generous Crucial to the success of any people,” he declared. He also reminded the many year’s campaign are the many dedicated volunteers in the au- company campaigns that take dience that their achievement place all over the Valley at difin the face of the difficult times ferent times of the year, though we are going through is admi- mostly in the fall. Several rable. However, he pointed out companies were recognized that there is still much to be for outstanding campaign performance this year, including done. Nevertheless, in one of the Advance Auto Parts, which reworst economic climates in ceived the Spirit of Community recent memory, the Roanoke Award, the highest corporate Valley once again posted the honor given by United Way highest per capita giving rate of Roanoke Valley, as well as of any United Way campaign the Milestone Award for comin the entire Commonwealth, panies raising over $500,000 a distinction it earns annually. and the Most New “Impacters” Each United Way is unique to Award (unrestricted gifts to the its own region, and UWRV has United Way Impact Fund). The Cornerstone Award, adapted over the years to what for companies raising over the community has indicated are its top priorities: to ensure $250,000, was awarded to Carthat all children and youth suc- ilion Clinic and Norfolk Southceed, that the elderly are treat- ern Corporation. Outstanding ed with respect and dignity, First Time Employee Camthat families are strong, and paign went to the employees that everyone is healthy and of the Shenandoah Club, and self-sufficient. Lofty goals, and the Shining Star Award went to not perfected yet, but with the UWRV Partner Agency Greenincredible giving spirit of its vale School. Greatest United nearly 25,000 donors behind it, Way Impact Fund Support United Way of Roanoke Valley went to Levy Home Entertain> CONTINUED has made progress even in the toughest years. P3: United Way

Page 2 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 2/26/10 - 3/4/10

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“Best in Show” Opens to Huge Crowds "Best in Show," an art show that benefits the Roanoke Valley SPCA, launched last Friday, at the Taubman Museum Friday through Sunday all look of Art. All of the entries in to be partly sunny, with sun the ongoing show - more than east and more clouds west. 300 paintings and sculptures Temperatures will go up by of pets and animals - were on the weekend, but still hover display. well below normal for this Barbara Dalhouse, SPCA time of year. Highs on Friday board president, reports that and Saturday will reach the the number of entries in the lower 40s, and by Sunday we show is almost double that of should be back into the middle last year. All of the art is for 40s. Monday and Tuesday both sale, with artists agreeing that look to offer more sun than clouds at this point with highs at least 50% of the proceeds both days in the mid-to-upper go to the SPCA. In addition, 40s. There has been talk of juror Charlie Brouwer, a rea coastal low developing on tired Radford University proTuesday and Wednesday of fessor, has chosen eight prize next week, and as of now, but winners, including the Best right now this storm system in Show that went to Marie looks to stay to our south and Gobble Levine for "Chuck's should not impact the region. Chew Toy." A packet of note cards printed with images of winning artworks are now FREE bottled waterthe available for sale. with large coffee. Brothers Cyrus and James Details inside. Pace provided the music, and Cafe provided free Fresh. | Free. Norah's food. In addition, those who The Country Store Deli came to the reception had on Starkey Road caters free access to the Taubman's to your needs. Office meetings, Bottle Of second floor galleries, where tailgates, parties, any event, the Rembrandt exhibit is still Nestle Life serving 1 to 1,000. showing. Go to countrystoredeli.com Water with Stop In Poster Coffee.pdf

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Over 500 people attended Friday night’s opening at the Taubman Museum. The show has now moved to The Market Gallery on Roanoke's City Market at 23 Salem Ave. S.E., where it will stay through Saturday, March 6th. The Market Gallery is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. For more info, call 342-1177. Next, the show will continue, relocating to The Shenandoah Club from Monday,

March 8th to Friday March 19. The club is open Mondays through Fridays from 2 to 5 p.m. For more info, call 3451576 ext. 211. Purchased works and artists who need to collect their canvasses can do so beginning Tuesday March 23rd at the Market Gallery. The Winner of Best in Show

Patrick Henry Revitalization Project Rolls Forward

Last Tuesday, members of the development team of The Patrick Henry building -- located at 617 Jefferson Street in downtown Roanoke – presented an update on the landmark property and outlined the details of available commercial spaces. “We recently passed the 100th day of The Patrick Henry project and are excited to share the commercial opportunities and progress of this revitalization effort with the community,” said local developer Ed Walker. Purchased in late October of 2009, restoration of the historic building began immediately and the project is poised to be at the forefront of Roanoke's continued downtown revitalization. In the weeks following the purchase announcement, the clean-out has progressed well – including a public sale of items that resulted in $68,000 profit for Habitat for Humanity and Goodwill Industries. This rediscovery phase has uncovered some spectacular historical elements, such as a skylight in the lobby and intricate design details in the ceiling of the Jefferson Ballroom that will be incorporated into the final design. “It’s a rare occasion when a building of such historic stature becomes available for occupancy in any city,” said Blair

Godsey, Director of Corporate Leasing. “The success of The Patrick Henry’s redevelopment will rely on the inspired commitment of five to six flagship businesses. These companies will be able to choose from among some of the most distinctive and well-appointed commercial spaces in the state of Virginia.” Plans for the building include areas for living, working, dining and shopping -- all of which will come together to create an exciting, and energized atmosphere. Commercial opportunities include: Office: Prominently located in the central business district of downtown Roanoke, Virginia. There is approximately 17,000 square feet of available Nathan Vaught shares the discovery of architectural details in office space for lease on the the Jefferson Ballroom of The Patrick Henry. mezzanine and second floor. Retail + Restaurant: There is approximately 9,300 square feet of retail and/or restaurant space available for lease. Each space offers a storefront with a significant presence along downtown Roanoke’s Jefferson Street corridor. Document Storage: Approximately 14,000 square feet of space will be customized to accommodate secure and professional records management services at a competitive price.

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Page 3 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 2/26/10 - 3/4/10

> United Way continue to present chances for everyone to get involved in the Roanoke Valley’s big-hearted response to their fellow citizens’ needs. Several upcoming fundraisers were announced, including “A Golden Opportunity,” where people can contribute their broken or unused pieces of gold jewelry at drop-off points at area Kroger stores and allow UWRV to convert these items into much-needed cash for basic needs in the community. In addi-

tion, on May 6, a major dinner and auction special event called “Bloom, All Things Grow With Love” will be held at the Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center, again focusing on raising funds to address basic needs in the Valley. Wrapping up the celebration, President and CEO of UWRV Frank Rogan said, “Once again, the supporters of United Way of Roanoke Valley have demonstrated their steadfast commitment

had on their children’s education, saying “we probably didn’t make enough noise about it.” “Declining tax revenues and lower than expected attendance levels have contributed to a loss of funds,” said Baker. He speculated that the General Assembly now in session may look to “dramatically reduce” pension contributions to the Virginia Retirement System as well. Reducing salaries is “not considered viable,” said Baker. School board member Suzanne Moore noted that city school system salaries already struggle to remain competitive with other Virginia districts. School Board member Jason Bingham praised Roanoke for offering to find

more money, calling it “unbelievable,” since the city government has its own budget shortfall woes. Governor Bob McDonnell’s budget proposals could mean $5-9 million less for Roanoke City Schools, unless the General Assembly modifies that plan, according to Baker. In all, state funding of 10-13 million dollars less than the current year could be in the offing. No salary increases, perhaps for two straight years, the closing of CITY school and the elimination of 61 preschool positions (plus the pre-K program) are all on the table. The School Board must deliver its proposed budget to City Council

of them, because it’s healthier eating. For example, Moon said “a sausage biscuit is a lot of grease.” Compare that to a croissant, which uses a small amount of butter. “The proof is the French people,” said Moon, known for their good cardiovascular health despite a high-fat diet. Moon is proud of his Korean heritage. He expresses his gratitude to the US for its role in South Korea in the last half-century, and in the same breath extols the virtues of Korean companies like Samsung, LG and Hyundai. “The Korean people

are very diligent and very smart,” said Moon. “Korea is a place where anybody can learn anything. They want to be the best.” As proof, Moon points to Olympic speed skating. With a grin, he said, “Shani Davis won the gold—but the coach was Korean.” Striving to be the best is part of who Moon is, too. Any of his regular customers would vouch for the exceptional quality of the food he prepares. His croissants, bagels and homemade cookies make his Cafe a destination for many of them.

law enforcement division, Funkhouser has established a solid reputation as a caring professional who works tirelessly to conserve natural resources and devotes many hours to community service. "Greg's conviction rate of poachers is extraordinary," VDGIF Sgt. Brian Young said. "He averages a yearly arrest total of nearly 500 cases and is a district leader in narcotic detection. He is an expert in his field who consistently goes beyond the call of duty." Young adds that Funkhouser's devotion to his job and quick thinking once led him to jump into frigid waters to save the life of a distraught man who attempted suicide. Because of Funkhouser's efforts, the man survived and

later thanked Funkhouser for giving him another chance at life. The NWTF initiated the State Wildlife Law Enforcement Officer of the Year award in 2000 to highlight the contributions from wildlife officers across the country. In addition to playing a crucial role in helping to convict wildlife criminals, many wildlife officers volunteer their own time to help educate youth about the importance of wildlife, conservation and hunting traditions. The NWTF was founded in 1973. According to many state and federal agencies, the comeback of the wild turkey is arguably the greatest conservation success story in North America's wildlife history.

By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

Their goal was to bring people and generations together by offering programs and exhibits that appealed to all ages and sensibilities. In January of 2008, The Pamela Jean Gallery received high praise for their presentation of “The Art of Dr. Seuss” which included the great work of Theodor Geisel (Dr. Seuss) and offered activities for children and adults alike. In the months following Christy’s aneurism, she would undergo surgery and therapy to begin a long road to recovery, which included time at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, the same facility where Roanoke police officer Bryan Lawrence spent much of the previous year. With the love and support of family, friends and the Roanoke arts community, Pam was determined to keep her daughter’s vision alive by keeping the gallery open. A family endeavor indeed -- her son Sean has been the framing coordinator and her daughter Tricia (who was born with a handicap) has been working with her in the gallery. Pam and her husband also have a son, Andrew, who is a senior at North Cross. “It has been overwhelming at times,” she admits. “Trying to balance the life of raising a teenager, caring for a handicapped adult child, helping manage Christy’s therapy and recovery, and run a gallery -- all while caring for an infant grandchild so Christy’s husband can con-

I stopped by the restaurant again the next day. “I didn’t finish my story,” Moon said. “My uncle was a POW and was released after the war. He spent the rest of his life in South Korea.” “And the short track skating coach is Korean, too.”

By David Perry dave@davidperryonline.com

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St. Thomas of Canterbury Anglican Catholic Church Cleggett Gregory Funkhouser has earned the National Wild Turkey Federation's National Law Enforcement Officer of the Year award.

Family Owned Gallery Closes

“I can remember the moment with perfect clarity,” said Pam Floyd, owner of Pamela Jean Gallery in downtown Roanoke. “Christy was screaming with an excruciating headache. The kind of scream only a mother knows is different.” Within minutes the trajectory of the entire family’s life had changed. Pamela’s 27-year-old daughter who was 5 months pregnant at the time, had suffered an acute aneurism that would leave her debilitated for the foreseeable future. That was almost one year ago. “The greatest blessing was the fact that in the middle of all this trauma she was still able to carry a healthy baby to term,” said Pamela. Addison Jean was born August 11, 2009. Just three years earlier, Pam and Christy has realized the lifelong dream of opening a gallery across the street from what would be come the Taubman Museum of Art. With a passion for art and a fundamental understanding of its value to a community, The Pamela Jean Gallery was committed to providing education about artists, art styles and media. The gallery represented regionally, as well as internationally acclaimed artists, such as Chico Harkrader, Christine Graefe Drewyer, Margaret Lee, Susan Saandholland, John Hinkle, Michael Creed, Ana Lazovsky, Markus Pierson, Mio Studio, Petra by Renie and K Robins.

by March 15. The School Board asked Bishop to outline its list when it comes to making cuts. “We really need to have our priorities lined up,” said Todd Putney. Bingham said the board would have to “be very flexible” when considering where to use the knife. Chairman David Carson may have summed it up best: “We’re looking at tough stuff in front of us.”

From page 1

Roanoke Based Wildlife Officer Earns National Award

Master Officer Cleggett Gregory Funkhouser of Roanoke has earned the National Wild Turkey Federation’s National Law Enforcement Officer of the Year award for his efforts in conserving America’s wildlife. Funkhouser received the award during NWTF's 34th annual National Convention held in Nashville, Feb. 18 to Feb. 21. "As a boy, I grew up wanting to be a wildlife officer and it's been great doing something I love that makes a difference for wildlife," said Funkhouser. "The NWTF is a great organization and I'm honored to accept this award." An 11-year veteran of Virginia's Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF)

to improving lives and advancing the common good in our community. I am very grateful to all who made sacrifices both great and small to help our friends and neighbors in the Roanoke Valley during very challenging times. Our donors and volunteers have proven that they truly Live United.” By Linda Webb info@newsroanoke.com

From page 1

> Full Moon their latest endeavor, the Full Moon Cafe DeliBakery Restaurant on Brambleton Ave. Full Moon offers a wide assortment of bagels, pastries, croissants, cookies and other baked goods, in addition to salads, subs, sandwiches, wraps and a breakfast menu. Full Moon is the first restaurant that Francis Moon started from the ground up. “I want to make good food, good quality food,” Moon said. He explains that while delis and bakeries are common in the northeast, the South needs more

NewsRoanoke.com

From page 1

> School Board chairman David Carson for furloughs, versus teacher layoffs. “That way no one loses their job,” said Settle. “It’s not life altering like a layoff would be,” added the James Madison educator. The loss of teacher’s aids and other support personnel since last year has already made this school year “the hardest” of Settle’s career. School superintendent Dr. Rita Bishop reminded the board that 88 positions were cut before the current school year, referring to those as “real legitimate positions.” She added, “I cannot speculate what the final impact will be [of future cuts].” Bishop said parents were probably not fully aware of what impact last year’s cuts may have

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Roanoke will miss Pam Floyd's gallery in Downtown. tinue to work.” Pamela is the first to admit she doesn’t do it alone. Alongside gallery manager, Susan Moore, the artists have loyally stood by her as she and her family dealt with this tragedy. However, as the realities of a severe brain injury including the length and uncertainty of recovery -- begin to unfold, difficult decisions had to be made. “With the deepest sense of gratitude to everyone in our wonderful community, the time has come for me to close Pamela Jean Gallery and focus all my

attention on family, in particular helping care for our beautiful granddaughter while her mother fights her way through recovery,” said Floyd. “Her husband, Brian Hogan, has done an amazing job managing but I feel like they need our additional support as Addison begins to walk.” Pamela Jean Gallery, located at 115 Salem Avenue, S.E. in historic downtown closed its doors for good on Saturday, February 20. Contact Stephanie at stephaniekoehler@cox.net

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Page 4 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 2/26/10 - 3/4/10

Spring Semester - begins Thursday, March 4 • Open House: 6:30 p.m. • Class begins: 7:00 p.m.

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Why Did God Create Babies?

Kids Talk About God - By Carey Kinsolving "God created babies to entertain people," says Jacob, age unknown. "They entertain by looking cute and talking baby talk. For some reason, people find it entertaining. Personally, I think it is silly." Jacob, just wait until you and your wife have your first baby. You'll be there with all the other dads saying, "Goo, goo, gah, gah." "God made babies to be his treasures. He loves every one," says Ben. The Bible says children are a "heritage from the Lord." In the agricultural economy of ancient Israel, children were compared to "olive plants all around your table." Also, they were compared to "arrows in the hand of a warrior," which is symbolic of strength. For a fuller picture of children being a blessing, read Psalms 127 and 128. "The fruit of the womb is a reward," declares the psalmist, in contrast to some people in our society who view their own babies as a hindrance to their lifestyle or career. Others refuse to be inconvenienced. They discard the reward by visiting the nearest abortion clinic. "God created babies to keep the human race alive," says Ben. God's first command to Adam and Eve was "Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it" (Genesis 1:28). Babies are a vital part of God's plan for mankind, and so are good parents. "If babies weren't born, they couldn't learn about God," says Madeline. Jesus said there were certain things he had hidden from the wise but revealed to the childlike (Matthew 11:25). The "wise" of whom Jesus spoke were those who had heard and seen God's revelation in his teaching and miracles, but had not turned to God. In contrast, little children love to be taught. God reveals himself to the humble, childlike and simple. We must learn to depend on God as

a child looks to a parent. It's akin to what Jesus taught about becoming as children to enter his kingdom. The Lord responds to simple, childlike faith. The faith that depends on the Lord Jesus as the only hope for heaven is the same faith we need to trust him with everyday problems. When it comes to life after death, the spiritually perceptive know they need the new life that the Lord Jesus offers to all who trust in him. But when it comes to everyday problems, our tendency is toward self-sufficiency. We enter this world as babies totally dependent on others. When born from above by God's Spirit, we enter the spiritual world as babies. It takes time to grow up where we can say with the Apostle Paul, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13). "I think God made babies so that they would grow up and serve him," says Julia. "God made people to worship him," adds Lymay. Think about this: The idea of God creating babies so they could grow up to serve and worship him may sound strange to some, but not to those who know that God has a master plan for each of us from our mother's womb. Christians have a biblical basis for imparting a sense of destiny into the lives of their children. Unfortunately, many parents impart chaos and confusion by using television as a babysitter. "Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord. The fruit of the womb is a reward" (Psalm 127:3). Ask this question: Have you devoted as much time and thought to your children's relationship with God as their relationships with other children, physical health and recreational activities?

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Preacher’s Corner

The Slippery Slope of Winter ~ Part 1

There was just me and the cat that year, liv- side, curled up, warm cat in lap, contentedly ing alone in a cabin on Walnut Knob. Only watching Seinfeld. I was home! But it turned two of the dozen homes beyond ours were out that I was more than an hour away yet, occupied over winter. The isolation was pro- with miles to go before I slept. found and ominous when fog roostI eased my city shoes onto the ed against the Blue Ridge for weeks glassy driveway, and, holding onto on end. And with the fog in winter the truck door, was able to stand came the ice. There was one evil while I tucked my briefcase under ice storm I remember especially—a one arm, a sack of groceries from day when the White Witch almost Farmers Foods under the other. I claimed me for good. turned to kick the door closed with It was nearly dark that ice-foggy my foot in habitual fashion, and January afternoon. I groped along about here is where the story began the icy road toward home in fourto go, well, down hill. I had parked wheel-drive, creeping along from at the top of the drive where my one fence post to the next as each intended path would take me a Fred First came into view in the dim frozen level fifty feet to the porch steps. mist. “Stay in the center of the road; don't The other ice-covered lane descended steeply brake or change direction suddenly. Get as down the north-facing slope a hundred feet close to the cabin as you can before abandon- to the garden. ing ship” I repeated aloud to boost my courAlas, the inertia as I kicked the door shut age. At least the freezing rain had stopped. combined with the icy absence of friction sent Already a good inch of ice coated the wire of me sprawling backwards, spread-eagle on the the pasture fence beside the road—my only ice, to my horror trending in the direction visible guide toward home in the white fog. of the road less traveled, downhill, toward Then all the tension melted away like an the garden, and I was utterly and completely April snow as the truck slid sideways like a helpless. I might as well have had my skeleton inebriated ice skater to the edge of my drive- removed (like Gary Larsen's boneless chickway. I let go my death-grip on the steering ens) so futile were my efforts to rise even to wheel and breathed a prolonged sigh of re- my hands and knees. I lay their motionless. lief, thanking a merciful God for the angels Think brain, think. If I began to slide farther in ice cleats who had managed to keep me out downhill at this point, I would most certainly of two miles of frozen ditch. Already I was build momentum along the garden path until thinking about the big crock-pot of vegetable I came to a jolting stop jack-knifed around or soup waiting for me inside the dark, cold lit- straddling a fence post. tle cabin. I could imagine the salty fragrance; Each attempt to stand only drew me inches I could almost feel the soothing heat radiat- closer to the point of no return. Resistance ing from the woodstove and see myself in- was futile. In the end, I reasoned that, like the drunk found uninjured JACKSONVILLE THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY asleep in the mangled car who escaped death by virtue of his highly relaxed condition, I must relinquish control and let gravity and fate carry me where they would—a sledding bug on the icy windshield of life. Maranatha Fellowship Church Will our human bobsled ever be united with his warm 2715 Green Ridge Rd. Roanoke, Va. 24019 540-562-0075 cat and salty soup? Will his Earn a degree in your field of ministry! wife drive up from Carolina the following weekend and find Fred an object of frozen yard art? Tune in again next time for the final installment of “The Slippery Slope of Winter.”

389-5533

As the snow melts my excitement grows . . . What a wonderful thing to see – those first signs of Spring. Contact Fred at A few days of warmth and my mind immediately goes to Summer and camping. Of course, I will be signfred1st@gmail.com ing my kids up for camp this year – Maddie will go to horseback riding camp, Anthony will go to Cub Scout camp and I am sure we will find a Vacation Bible School or two to frequent. These camps are so great for them but I also want us to make our own camp, outdoors together as well. Maddie and Anthony were very young when we began camping. We are a lot more adventurous with the places we camp now but there are plenty of State Parks right here in Virginia that are an easy and wonderful trip for anyone at any age, even if you are one of those people who thought you would never camp! With an air mattress, a shower close by and just a one or two night reservation you will wonder why you ever put off this great adventure. Tent camping is only $15 a night or so and most of the parks have the option of cabins as well. Douthat State Park offers camping right along the lake; it is one of the most beautiful and easy-going sleepy summer camp parks I have ever visited. Claytor Lake has modern cabins right on the lake and very wide and flat hiking trails that are great for little ones. Smith Mountain Lake has new bath houses and a great beach. Hungry Mother has a wonderful recreational lake and camp sites on decks, built in the 14 15 16 woods. To see your children out there as free as birds and as wild as little Indians is worth any temporary discomfort. I hope when my kids are grown they remember, with fondness, all the vacations of their youth, but if they are like me their best vacation memories will include woods, fireflies, campfires with friends, fresh summer air, a cool refreshing lake, and climbing to the top of the highest rock. One of my favorite camping activities is to plan camp meals and 46 47 48 cook out in the open air. Here is a wonderful camping shrimp recipe. Hot dogs are always great but don’t be limited to them!

Local Crossword Star~Sentinel Crossword for 2/26/2010

ACROSS 1 Turkish ruler. 4 Raise one's shoulders 9 Wiliness 14 Flurry 17 Limbs 19 Repeat 20 On foot 21 Exodus 22 Dictation (abbr.) 23 City 24 Not north 25 Am not 26 Physical 28 Lease 30 Croaking 32 Toward the stern. 33 Time period 36 Compass point 37 Indulge 40 Shirt protector 43 Pondered 45 Approximate date 49 Make 50 End 52 Wiats 54 Island 55 Central Intelligence Agency 56 Breaking forth 58 Let your attention --before you, not beside you. (from warlock) 59 Coffee brand 60 Trinitrotoluene 61 Tacky 62 Telegraphic signal 63 Bluish white metal 64 Sweet and __ sauce 65 Strictly 67 Musician (3 wds.) 69 Banal 70 Okay 71 Sayonara 73 Any small white hatchback. (US slang) 74 Greek uppercase P 75 Lucre 78 Bird __ 80 Planter’s nuts 84 Borrowed money 85 Tribe 86 Supernatural being

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88 Umpire 89 BB association 90 Advertisement s 91 Males 92 We pronoun 94 Lightweight bed. 95 Bottom 97 Trainee 100 Former name of Jerez 101 Natural sand pile 102 Songs you sing alone 104 Moses' mountain 106 Defeat 107 Given a ticket 108 Greek letter. 110 Coin 112 To bleat. 113 Most correct 116 African antelope 118 Tucked in

121 Superman's Ms. Lane 122 Eagle's nest 125 Secret messages 127 Long time periods 129 Institution (abbr.) 130 Squirrel's dinner 131 Japanese city 132 Small amount 133 Winged insect. 134 __ of drawers 135 Boat 136 Sup DOWN 1 Awful 2 Little Mermaid's love 3 Song by the Village People 4 Crouch

By Don Waterfield

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Throw Hustle Beehive State "I dream of __" (old TV show) Ethane Flying saucer Promissory note Unwilling Guiding principles Bloc Have dinner Over the top. (us slang) Tax Insect Football assoc. Revolutions per minute Most basic Time zone Curing Factions Make a

picture of 39 Speak 40 Small 41 Business title ending 42 Fowl 44 Wilting 46 Gossip 47 Acadian 48 Cupboard or pantry 50 Combustibles 51 Imbued 53 Part of a min. 56 Had 57 Doctoral degree 63 Zig's partner 64 In the near future 66 Baseball's Nolan 68 Author of "Phantom of the Opera" 69 Stalks 71 Party legume dip (2 wds.)

72 Japanese money 74 Brings in a fish 75 Boredom 76 Cowboy show 77 Painting prop 78 Ankle biting insects 79 Self-esteem 80 Primp 81 Complete 82 Cut of beef 83 Filled 85 Which local business says ''If water runs through it we''ve got it!'' 87 Traced 93 __ Lanka 96 Grasshopper 98 East northeast 99 Conversation sidetrack 101 Jeweled headdress

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Her Hotel Bounder Jacob's father Nasty Stupefy Tint What you do for the judge Technical Soybean Elizabeth's nickname Canal Input Liberal (abbr.) Caviar Tax agency Physician Jell

Find the answers online: TheRoanokeStar.com Have a clue and answer you’d like to see? email: puzzles@theroanokestar.com

1 lb. fresh, large Gulf Shrimp, peeled and devined with tails on 5 large cloves garlic, chopped finely 1 T. dried red pepper flakes 2 T. fresh lemon juice 1/4 c. chopped fresh Italian parsley 3/4 c. extra virgin olive oil Gallon size Ziplock bag Long metal skewers for BBQ Reynolds Release Foil

in the ziplock bag. Toss to mix well. Marinate up to a day in your cooler or refrigerator. -Cover grill with Reynolds Release Foil. Heat charcoal or gas grill on medium high heat. -Skewer shrimp and place onto grill. Watch carefully and turn frequently for no more than 10 minutes total or until shrimp are pink in color. Serve with Zatarain’s Rice Pilaf.

-Place all of your ingredients

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2/26/10 - 3/4/10 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 5

Curious Coincidences Lucky Is as Lucky Does

Have you ever felt like the heavens have con- celled flights. It’s just plain statistics, right? That there are people who have actually spent spired against you? I have, and I’m not too happy about it. Let me provide you some seemingly hours calculating all these odds tells me that they, compelling evidence for this divine intervention too, have wondered – way deep inside – if the gods are bullies toward us poor primates, pickin my life by tracking backwards in my career. Let’s begin with the recent snowstorms in Vir- ing on hapless blobs of bipedal protoplasm on our ginia. National Public Radio labeled our recent speck of dust somewhere in the Milky Way. Have we divined any extraordinary influences weather in early February an “epic storm.” Prior to my move this past summer back to my home state in our day-to-day lives, airline flight cancellations from Florida, I judiciously interviewed some fel- notwithstanding? For that matter, have we divined any extraordilow Virginians about the winters in the Roanoke Valley. “Don’t worry,” they responded gleefully. nary influences in the great evolutionary history “Our winters here have been mild ones for years of life on Earth? Not yet, anyway. Did Somebody now.” Thus far this season, we’ve already endured (that is, Somebody with a really big “S”) really mean to construct the planet and all the 9th snowiest winter dating to 1912, its marvelous complexity exactly as we and it won’t take much more to get us know it? Was it all inevitable? Was it a all the way to 6th. Snowmageddon, numerical certainty? Just like we can’t President Obama is calling it. Hmm. put God under a microscope or peer When I moved into Pinellas County, at Him through a telescope, we have Florida in late Summer 2004 to direct not yet found Him lurking in the staa land conservation program for local tistical details of an ancient universe. government, the Sunshine State was hit So who knows for sure? by four major hurricanes. Remember “Everything happens for a reason,” Charley, Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne? they say. Either that’s a threadbare cliThose storms contributed to one of the ché or a ludicrous twist on the equally deadliest and most costly Atlantic hurricane seasons on record. The last three H. Bruce Rinker, PhD vacuous statement that “Well, it was meant to be.” Statistically speaking, I were direct hits on Pinellas County, of guess I can understand all those storms and volcourse, where I lived and worked. Hmm. Years ago, when I was about to set up the field canoes peppered throughout my career. Given work for my Ph.D. dissertation in the mountains enough time, even a chimp can peck out Shakeof Puerto Rico, my first flight from Tampa to San speare’s “Twelfth Night” on a laptop. But what are Juan was cancelled out of the blue on a beautiful the odds that one person – namely, me – will live late-summer day. Why? An exploding volcano through Snowmageddon, a freak storm, an erupton the nearby island of Montserrat dumped tons ing volcano, and all those other pan flashes of ill of ash on the airport, thus closing it for nearly a luck in the course of a decade or two? What’s my retort to all the homespun wisdom? week. Hmm. Throughout my doctoral program, I endured I shrug my shoulders and offer humbly, “It is what cancelled flights due to snow storms, ice storms, it is.” No, I really don’t think God’s a bully. And, wind storms, thunderstorms, and even dense fog across the country and abroad – so many cancella- like Einstein, I don’t think He throws dice all day, tions, in fact, that some “friends” refused to board coolly calculating the odds for or against our feeany flight with me on the passenger manifest. ble lives – all 6.8 billion of us humans plus 12,000 And, just after I started a decade-long sojourn blue whales, 300,000 wild chimps, 2000 Bengal tiin New York’s Mid-Hudson Valley way back in gers, and one Snowdonia hawkweed–that’s right, the 1980s, I asked the locals, “When does it start one single solitary plant, making it the world’s rarsnowing in Millbrook?” It was raining cats and est flowering plant. I guess He could throw dice dogs at that very moment in early October: the all day; how would I know? Some say God can now-infamous night of October 3rd. “Oh, don’t do anything, being omnipotent and all, but is that worry,” they responded cheerfully. “We won’t get really true? For example, can God take away free our major snows until January or February.” That will? Can He put effect before cause? Can He do night, it snowed one and a half feet during a “freak evil? But I digress. If I did think my bad meteorological luck was storm” (labeled as such by the local weather station) that only blanketed my location in the Mid- willed by God, then I’d also have to say with equal certainty that God willed a certain migrating bird Hudson Valley. Hmm. And don’t even get me started on near-count- to fall into the ocean or a certain flower to wilt on less airport delays and diverted flights because of its stem or a certain worm to get squashed underweather-related headaches. One summer I even foot after a spring rainstorm or a certain blackfly sat in an overheated plane on the tarmac at La- to bite a certain caribou on a certain part of its Guardia for 6 hours because of bad weather and nose or …. I think you get the picture: it is what it other issues at Dulles International, our destina- is. Why would something be less certain and deserve less attention from God simply because it’s tion. What a nightmare! Storms – lots of them. Volcanoes – at least one. not human? Whether plant or animal, them’s the What next? A meteor strike? Colleagues and stu- chances we take on our walk, or flight, or crawl dents alike, who know about this meteorological through life. Such events are nothing more, nothtrend in my life, call it the “Rinker Effect.” Does ing less than curious coincidences. But, from all those facts and figures in the my evidence convince you about any heavenly conspiracy? Or are they all just curious coinci- “Book of Odds,” it sure does seem to me that God dences? You see, whatever it is, it’s been going on likes the spring, especially May. Did I tell you that my birthday’s in May? for years now. They say everything happens for a reason. Who are “they” anyway? A bunch of smarty-pants, I’m sure of it. And couldn’t the reason be no reason whatsoever … except perhaps for a lucky or unH. Bruce Rinker, Ph.D. lucky draw of life’s cards? Ecologist, Educator, and Explorer According to the “Book of Odds” (www.bookobrinker@northcross.org fodds.com), December ranks as the worst month for flying: 1 in 3.23 flights is delayed and 1 in 30.65 flights is cancelled. February is worse yet for cancellations: 1 in 27.64 flights. In contrast, October seems the best time to fly with 1 in 7.57 flights delayed and 1 in 171.2 flights cancelled. As with delays and Motivated Seller cancellations, diversions peak in 3531 Peters Creek Rd. the winter: 1 in 224.1 flights as 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath opposed to May with 1 in 709.9 1011 Square Feet diverted flights. Ah, lovely May. So it stands to reason that, if you fly a lot during any time of the year, especially during the winter months, you’re bound to face delayed, diverted, or can-

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I am frequently asked how I came to be nick- with him being mute for the most part, I don't named "Lucky." know how she figured to know he had changed It all began on the fashionable Lower East Side, his mind. I guess, although he never did say, Dad when my Mom, an original `caretaker', a nurse, was in a hurry because 1] he didn't have anything met my father, a service-man {Coast Guard, not else to do that evening and 2] what with the war Maytag.} on [WW2] he could be called to active duty any During said first meeting between those two minute. As it turns out he played a key role in the lovers, my Mom assumed that Dad had, in adoles- Seige of Yonkers, a little publicized but critical viccence, suffered a brain stem stroke which had de- tory in the over-all war effort, so Mom said.... prived him of the faculty of speech, when in truth During that conflict, he was hit in the head by a he was merely the original non-verbal male. This mortar round. The impact did considerable damclinical oversight on her part was never fully ex- age to the shell but Dad also sustained a wound plained to me despite her being a nurse which necessitated two stitches and a and all. I guess we all find what we are steel plate in his head. For a long while looking for, even if we have to invent it. he got along OK. Well, they started dating. She taught But with the advent of newer kitchhim some basic signing so he could en appliances, there arose a problem: pass species' muster in society; introwhenever Mom would turn on the duced him to utensils, taught him to microwave, Dad would forget who read and helped him practice apposing he was and wet himself. He never his thumbs - this bit of history being said anything about it but Mom said supplied by Mom in later years. Dad this bothered him and I think she was just shrugged when I asked him if all right. I wouldn't presume to speak for this was true. him, but I suspect it made even Dad, Lucky Garvin The loving couple frequented Dad’s not a man easily unsettled, feel a bit favorite dating venue; his favorite not awkward. because he loved the music of the time, but beWell, they had the plate exchanged for one cause while the band played loudly, he didn’t have made of space-age plastic, which, if you ignore to talk. The trouble came when the band when on the fact that he sometimes went into orbit, worked break. very well. They were at a night-club when she popped the So, they got married and although the marriage question. "Jack, don't you think you'd be better was less like a balmy day in the tropics and more off with me than without me in the future?" Dad like an uneasy cease-fire in Beirut, they lasted 25 grunted; Mom presumed consent and they be- years. Something of a feat in this day and time. came engaged on the spot. Mom said that Dad And I got a nick-name; all because Mom then became quiet although how she could dis- thought Dad had suffered a stroke in his formatinguish this from his customary silence is still tive years. It's the little things make the biggest something of a mystery to me. difference, I tell ya. During this spell of quietude in the night-club, Dad nervously fumbled with napkins and straws Publishers Note: The word "luck" entered Engand made a stick-figure. He held it up and with a lish from either German or Dutch in the 15th cendiffident attempt at humor mumbled his first sen- tury as, not surprisingly, a gambling term, meaning tence ever, "This is our first son, Lucky Lucifer." good (or bad) fortune. "Lucifer" did indeed mean Mom finished her drink, fell out of her chair "light-bearing" in its original Latin ("lux," light, and started speaking in tongues to the ceiling plus "fer," bearing), and originally referred to the fan while the band came back and played "Moon planet Venus, known as the morning star when it River." appears at sunrise. The connection between Lucifer Now, she was raised better than that and even the morning star and Satan goes back to the Biblical today excuses her behavior that evening by re- passage of Isaiah 14:12 ("How art thou fallen from porting that when Dad said this to her [not mere- heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning?"), which, ally the part about `our first son', but the fact that though it was addressed to the king of Babylon, was he had finally said anything] she took it as cosmic later interpreted by religious scholars to be actually confirmation that she was to marry this man. referring to Satan, the "fallen angel." So perhaps our Epiphanies can be nerve-wrackin', so I guess dear Lucky Garvin in the best and proper interprewhat she did made sense. tation was very appropriately named: Fortunate And so, to finally pin the tail on this tale, Him- giver of light. self and Herself hurriedly sought out a Justice of Contact Lucky at the Peace and `done the deed.' Mom was in a info@theroanokestar.com hurry lest Dad have second thoughts, although

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Summer Camps Choosing the Right Summer Camp

There are so many different kinds of camps out there! For example: • “Traditional” camps that offer a little bit of everything. • Academic camps that focus on science, math, or even creative writing. • Adventure camps that are all about outdoor hobbies like rafting or mountaineering. • Arts camps that specialize in theatre, music, film, or painting. • Religious camps that focus on faith and worship. • Sports camps that let you sharpen your skills in tennis, soccer, or baseball. • Special needs camps that are especially for kids living with an illness, such as cancer or diabetes, or a physical disability. • Day camps that offer the fun of camp without the sleepaway part. Every camp is unique in its own way. Here are two campers who had very different ex-

periences with the camps they chose: “I went to summer camp and it stunk!!!!! All of the people in my cabin were soooo mean!!!!! The camp I went to made it feel like school. I am going to a new camp next year. Hopefully it'll be better.” --Rocky, 12 “I had tons of fun! I got to make new friends and I got to do a whole bunch of fun activities. We played fear factor. It was so cool. I can't wait until next year!” --Ashley, 13 So how do you make sure that your camp experience is like Ashley’s, and not Rocky’s? The first step is to think about what YOU want out of a camp. Ask yourself these questions: Do I want to go to a day camp, or am I ready for sleepaway camp? There’s no rule that at a certain age, you should be going to one or the other. A day camp might be a great first experience that will get you ready for sleepaway camp in future years.

It’s also a good choice if you or your family aren’t sure you’re ready to spend time apart, or if the cost of camp is an issue. How far away do I want to go? Are you anxious to go to a camp that’s halfway across the country, or would you feel more comfortable at one that’s just A golf and life skills program for ages 7-17

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mean that you make even more friends, or are you the type of person who gets lost in a crowd and does better in small groups? How “traditional” do I want my camp to be? Are you looking to really get back to nature with rustic cabins and few of the luxuries of home, or do you want your camp to be up-to-the minute modern with extras like cell-phone privileges and Internet access? In other words, how “camp-like” do you want your

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outside of town? How long do I want to stay? Do you think you want a camp that lasts two, four, or six weeks, or would four or five nights be enough for you? Are you ready to be away from home for a long time, or do you just want a short camp experience? How big do I want my camp to be? Which would fit you best: a big camp with lots of cabins and hundreds of kids, or a smaller camp with just a few dozen campers? Do big groups

For spring/summer schedule, call 563-1TEE (1833).

2010

Summer Programs

Camps begin on June 7 and run through August 13.

Students will live on campus with girls from all over the country, take two noncredit classes, choose from seven sports clinics and rock climbing, and enjoy other extracurricular activities. For more information: 800.456.9595 or 540.362.6401 www.hollins.edu/hollinsummer

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Kids In Camp

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Blue Ridge Autism and Achievement Center

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camp to be? Remember: not all camps are in the “deep woods.” Some are close to towns, and others are on college campuses! What activities are important to me? Are you determined to go canoeing, swimming, and fishing? Then you’ll want to look for a camp that’s on a lake and offers those activities. Are crafts and theatre more important to you? Look for a camp that has these programs and don’t worry so much about a lake. If you have a favorite camp activity that’s a “deal-breaker” (in other words, you’d never be happy at a camp that doesn’t offer it), make sure the adults who are helping you choose a camp know about it. Do I want a co-ed camp? Would you be more comfortable at an all-girls or all-boys camp, or do you want a camp that has both? Sure, it’s fun to have crushes and even “date” at camp, but you might decide that a single-sex camp might help you really relax, be yourself, and make the most of all the activities. Do I want a lot of structure? Some camps fill up the days and nights with scheduled, structured activities, while others allow campers more free time. Which type of atmosphere is better for you? Do I want a general camp, or one with a specialty? Are you looking for the “classic” camp experience with lots of different activities, or do you want to accomplish one thing, like losing weight, performing in a musical, or training in a particular sport? There will be a big difference between “general” summer camps and camps with a single theme or goal. What can my family afford? If there’s a camp that you desperately want to go to but the fees are too high for your family’s budget, it’s important to accept that. Camps run by non-profit or community organizations may be less expensive (and just as much fun). Many camps offer scholarships or financial aid to deserving campers, so be sure to explore this option too! The camps listed on these pages offer some of the best opportunities in our area for many of the above mentioned activities. Be sure to check out their websites or call them directly for an information packet!

nd April 12

Savings E

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Enrichment Camps provide a structured setting for students in junior kindergarten through fifth-grade. Opportunities include fun classroom sessions in art, drama, and science with tennis, swimming, dance for girls and gym sports for boys. Middle School Madness provides rising fifth through eighth-grade students with five-day workshops, including guitar, video-game design, cooking, chemistry, drama, woodworking, jewelry making and more! Sports Camps appeal to male and female students of all ages and include football, basketball, volleyball, soccer, lacrosse, tennis and baseball. To view the full 2010 Summer Programs Catalog, please visit www.northcross.org/summerprograms. For more information, contact Stephen Belderes at 540-588-8320 or sbelderes@northcross.org.

Learn to swim

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Page 7

Summer Camps The Top Reasons to Reserve Your Space at Summer Camp Now!

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Elyse Hart & Trey Mitchell, Instructors

Did you know that over TEN MILLION American kids go to camp every summer? Whoa! Summer camp has been a U.S. tradition for over 150 years. Back then, before air conditioning was invented, hot city summers were miserable and even unhealthy for children, so escaping to the country for a few weeks became a popular trend. Today, kids have different reasons for making camp a part of their lives, such as: To Meet New People Camp might give you a chance to be with people from different states, or even different countries. It’s a great way to make cool new friends and learn about different places and cultures. Michiko, 13, puts it like this: “I loved camp. I met this girl named Manny who lives in New York and she is cool. She speaks Spanish and I speak Japanese. We taught each other words. We liked to swim in the pool a lot. She was a really nice girl. We are going to camp again this summer.” To Try New Things Most camps offer games and activities that you probably can’t do in your backyard or even your neighborhood. You might try archery, sailing, pottery, dance, obstacle courses, and a hundred other cool things! Staying home and doing “the same-old same-old” can be boring, and camp can let you mix things up. To Challenge Yourself Not all the things that kids do at camp are easy…they’re not supposed to be! Fresh challenges -- like trying new sports, learning new crafts and games, or pushing yourself to achieve something -- can be very rewarding. Take it from Arabella, 13, who told us: “I went to summer camp and I passed my swimming test! I can barely swim, so it was a big accomplishment. I felt great afterwards.” To Appreciate Nature There’s a great big natural world out there, and going to camp helps you learn how beautiful and important it really is. Without trees, soil, water, and wildlife, the Earth (and all the people on it) couldn’t survive, and getting out into the woods or mountains can give you a better understanding of how the web of life works. To Get a Change of Scenery Sometimes it’s important to get away from familiar territory and find a “new place” for yourself. Camp offers the perfect opportunity to make a fresh start, see and experience a variety of things, and find

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out how you think, feel, and act outside of your normal surroundings. It can even be great to get away from your family and friends for a while and just be you. To Learn New Skills All the activities and instruction at camp are great opportunities to learn something new -- such as pottery, sailing, or tap dancing -- that could end up being your favorite hobby. Camp can also help you develop important life skills like independence, self-reliance, and confidence. Since you’ll be living with a whole group of people, it’s also a great way to learn about cooperation, compromise, and tolerance. To Get Healthy With all the fun, games, and physical activity, going to camp can be a great way to get exercise and fresh air. Swimming, hiking, and playing sports are a much healthier alternative to hanging around at home all summer. To Have FUN! When you get right down to it, going to camp is all about having a good time. Check out the variety of awesome programs and activities offered at the camps found on these pages this week and next in the Roanoke Star Sentinel. Be sure to visit their websites or call the numbers listed for more information!

9 Months to 5 Year Olds Classes Held at Oak Grove Plaza 989-9177 • www.MelodyMakersMusic.com

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Adventures at Girl Scout Camp.... The Experience of a Lifetime for ALL Girls

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Champions in Learning

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Cave Spring Routs Marion 85-50 North Cross Advances in in Region IV Division 3 Opener VIC-Division II Tournament

Cave Spring opened defense of their Region IV Division 3 title Tuesday night with a 35-point blowout of Southwest District foe Marion at the Knight’s gym. And it could have been a lot worse. The Red Hurricanes, which took Cave Spring deep into the fourth quarter in last year’s regional final before falling ,were reduced to a light breeze against an upstart Knight team that roared out of the gate and never looked back. Using their speed and superior height advantage, Cave Spring led 24-10 at the end of

the first quarter and increased the margin to 23 (44-21) by halftime. When the Knights weren’t racing the ball up court for easy baskets in the paint, the Cave Spring offensive ball rotation led to open looks from long range. Cave Spring hit 12 bombs from behind the arc. At one point in the fourth quarter the lead had mushroomed to 80-38 and, if not for the liberal substitutions throughout the contest, the century-mark bulbs on the Knight scoreboard would have been easily dusted off. Cave Spring was led in scor-

ing by Clay Lacy’s 23 points. Josh Henderson added 22 and Adam Hager chipped in 12. Knight’s Head Coach Billy Hicks attributed the tough River Ridge District as a key factor in the win.”The teams in the River Ridge are battle tested,” he noted.”Our district is strong top to bottom. You have to be prepared every game. “I was extremely pleased with our play tonight,” Hicks added.”We had great starts to both halves, and it helps to be able to go to our bench to give the starters a breather.”

Photo by Bill Turner

North Cross' Gavin Hollingsworth (white jersey) battles for a rebound against Eastern Mennonite Tuesday night as the Raiders advanced in the VIC.

Photo by Bill Turner

North Cross big-man #1 A.D. Banks looks for a pass in the paint.

Roanoke Valley Christian School Finishes Championship Seasons

Knights Josh Henderson battles two Red Hurricanes for a rebound in Cave Spring's regional opener. Cave Spring Josh Henderson hits a jumper over a Marion defender for 2 of his 22 points Tuesday night.

RVCS Junior Varsity girls won the VACA South Region Championship, capping off an UNDEFEATED season. The lady Eagles are coached by Christa Weaver and Mary Hale. The Middle School Boys finished their 19-1 season by winning the VACA South Region Championship as well. The Eagles are coached by Charles Jones and Donald Scott.

Recap and Photos by Bill Turner

Maroons Have Top Seed Heading

For the second consecutive season, the Roanoke College Maroons women’s basketball team has captured the regular season ODAC crown. Roanoke began their bid to add a conference tournament title – which would be their first in a decade -- on Thursday afternoon at the Salem Civic Center against Lynchburg College. To say the Maroons (22-2, 191) are hot right now would be a severe understatement. Scorching might be the better word. Roanoke carries a 14-game winning streak into the tournament, and hasn’t lost since early January. “It’s been a very satisfying

“I am the slowest

”

year,” Head Coach Susan Dunagan said. “The kids have really worked hard and things little by little have been coming into place for us.” The Maroons are led by a pair of senior guards. Jalessa Osbourne, whom Dunagan calls “one of the best guards in the ODAC,” leads the team in steals, and is second in assists. Cave Spring graduate Caitlyn Long is second on the team in scoring, averaging 11.1 per game, and was a First Team All-ODAC selection in 2008-2009. Somewhat surprisingly, Roanoke’s success hasn’t translated to much national attention as of yet. The Maroons received 4 votes in the most recent D3Hoops.com Top-25 rank-

ings, and currently are ranked #2 in the NCAA Division III South Region. Lack of national respect will be the least of Roanoke’s worries come this weekend. Though it would seem that the Maroons are in good shape to make the NCAA tournament field even if they should stumble in the ODAC tournament, nothing is guaranteed. Just last year, the Maroons went 23-4, but fell in the ODAC semifinals and were left out of the NCAA’s. “The kids are hungry this year,” Dunagan said. “We’ve just got to earn it. The pieces are there, but it’s up to us to put it all together. And that starts by taking care of business this weekend.”

Titans and Knights Excel at State Swimming Championship

Photo by Jenny Kellinger

Relay members Nathan Ewold, Luke Munson, Jacob Siar and Josh Klimaitis turned in two strong performances for the Knights, placing second in the 200-yard freestyle relay and third in the 400-yard free relay.

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The Cave Spring women tied for fifth place and the men ranked sixth at the state championship meet at Old Dominion University in Richmond.

Historic Grandin Village, located 2 patios, serving everything from miles from Downtown Roanoke, has seafood to pizza. And shops galore! something for everyone for the warm Formal furnishings to funky antiqu Photo by Jennifer Adams summer months. Avoid home the stress of last Natural an old-fashioned The Hidden Valley Titans brought top honors weekendfoods at theand AA State Swimming crowded malls & traffic jams! earned their second-straight ice cream parlor. folksy and Diving Championships. The women stateAtitle and barber the mensh came in second. and a sophisticated spa. Browse the Shopping, Outdoor Dining & used bookstore or find the perfect So Much More! outfit. Then enjoy the night life with Relax and enjoy the delightful dinner, live music and a restored art Need help a website? shops andcreating restaurants in a friendly deco movie theatre. Rob Jones neighborhood setting. There are For an hour, a day, or a lifetime, DON’T TRIP! (540) 342-2567with outdoor several restaurants Life is Grand in the Village. starcitycreations.com

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Three North Cross Seniors Sign Football Athletic Commitments Devin Cain - Glenville State College Cain was selected to the Virginia Independent School Athletic Association first team all state as a linebacker in 2008 and 2009. He was also selected by The Roanoke Times as a second team All Timesland player in 2009. He plans to study physical therapy at Glenville State College. Cain is the son of David and Marla Cain. Dillon Meacham - Bridgewater College Meacham was selected to the Virginia Independent School Athletic Association second team all state as a defensive lineman in 2008 and 2009. In 2009, he had 17 tackles for loss of yardage and 13 sacks, was a team captain, and received the school's Coaches Award. Meacham plans to study criminal justice at Bridgewater with hopes of pursuing a career in the government security industry. Meacham is the son of Michael and Amy Meacham. Tyler Caveness - Harvard It was a tough choice for Tyler Caveness, who received offers of admission from Harvard and Princeton this fall, but the decision was clear after the senior visited the Harvard cam-

(L to R) Dillion Meacham, Devin Cain and Tyler Caveness sign with their chosen schools as family, coaches and administrators look on. pus in the fall Harvard it would be. Although schools in the Ivy League do not give athletic scholarships, they compete on the Division I-AA level. Caveness rushed for 2,185 yards and scored 26 touchdowns as a junior, when he helped lead NCS to the VISAA state title. He first played varsity football at Cave Spring High School before transferring to NCS in January 2008. At five foot nine inches and 176 pounds, he has been timed in the 4.4-second range for 40 yards. His career high of 345 yards was against

Hargrave Military Academy last year. Caveness plans to study pre-med, and hopes to become a doctor. He is the son of Chris and Tara Caveness and has two siblings, Zach 14 and Emma 11 who attend NCS. In November, two of the School's varsity basketball players, Anthony "AD" Banks and Toles Hartman signed NCAA Division I schoalrships to play basketball at the University of Tenessee at Chattanooga and UNC Asheville respectively. 100 percent of NCS graduates attend college each year.

2/26/10 - 3/4/10 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 9

Glenvar Repeats; Titan’s Williams Rolls at Wrestling Championship It’s not a shocker that Christiansburg won its ninth consecutive Group AA wrestling title over the weekend at the Salem Civic Center, although Grundy gave the Blue Demons a run for their money. Glenvar won its second straight Group A title at the 18th annual A & AA Virginia State Wrestling Championships as well, after two solid days of action in front of near-packed houses at the Civic Center. Hidden Valley finished 10th in Group AA, with senior David Williams capturing the 160 lb. title. Salem was 13th, Cave Spring 25th and Northside 30th. For the Naval Academybound Williams it was the capping to a senior season that saw him rush for more than 2,000 yards on the football field. Williams finished 3rd in the state last year at 145 lbs. in the wrestling championships. “It’s awesome,” said Williams, who started wrestling in the 7th grade after being cut from his middle school basketball team. “After winning the districts in 7th grade I set

Photo by Buddy Manspile

Cave Spring’s CT Talevi (right) wrestles hard during his semifinal match last week. the goal of winning state.” Five years later that goal was realized in front of his hometown crowd. “A great way to finish it,” said Williams. All of the extra effort -- the summer camps, wrestling outside of the school season, “all of that paid off,” said Williams, who had to wait until he was a senior at Hidden Valley to blossom on the football field, since he was stuck behind established runners. Williams said he has no

second thoughts about leaving competitive wrestling behind: “I’m playing football at the Naval Academy. I finished my senior year winning a state championship, which is awesome.” Williams was also the first Hidden Valley Titan ever to reach a state wrestling final. “And I ended up winning it. It feels amazing.”

By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

Commentary: The Foundation Of The Future Is Our Children So Why Do We Want To Cut Them Out?

The government is a business. And as a business owner, I completely understand the challenges one faces during difficult economic times. When times are lean, the need to cut back is a necessary evil. But when it comes to making cutbacks, businesses must make strategic decisions to ensure the short-term gains will not ultimately have negative, long-term effects. A perfect example is the pending reduction in Virginia’s education budget, which locally, could result in the closure of three Roanoke County elementary schools. In a nutshell, the decision to drastically reduce the education budget to the point where schools close, teachers and staff lose their jobs and the quality of education available to our children decreases is just bad business. During campaign speeches and political promises, the American people are constantly reminded that ‘our children are our future’ and we need to invest in them to carry the societal torch. If our government is supposed to be responsible for looking out for our current and future interests, shouldn’t it be accountable to further strengthen our educational foundation instead of weaken it? Isn’t our government expected to back up its promise to make our educational system the best in the world? Of course it is. So how is it good business to make cuts to a foundation that’s responsible to prepare our children as the country’s future leaders? Reducing the education budget is a short-term benefit to help

balance the state budget, but it is unequivocally a long-term disaster. Here in the Roanoke Valley, the decision to close three elementary schools: Bent Mountain, Clearbrook and Fort-Lewis is one that stands in the face of hypocrisy. In recent years, Roanoke County has built a new high school, Hidden Valley, to address over-crowding issues at Cave Spring. In Roanoke City, Patrick Henry has expanded to meet the school’s growing needs. The same goes for William Fleming. The government’s decision to close these three local elementary schools is a move that will take us steps backward. It will create over-crowding among the elementary schools. Déjà vu all over again. We need to continue to move forward. Closing these three elementary schools, which would require students to assimilate into other elementary schools and increase the student-to-teacher ratio, doesn’t make sense. Not only would this decision cost so many teachers and staff their jobs, it would also increase the workload of teachers and staff in the schools where students will be consolidated. A teacher with 20 students could increase to 35. Personal attention will reduce, especially for those students who absolutely need extra time with a teacher. A principal with 300 students could increase to 450. Physical fitness activities will be compromised to handle the additional student load. Bus

routes will take longer to drop off children, digging into a child’s opportunity to get homework completed during a decent hour. This would just be the beginning of the snow ball effect. And let us not forget about morale among our school staff. It takes very special people to commit their lives to a field in which salaries are nowhere near what they deserve. Just as important, we should not forget about the effects these decisions will have on standardized testing. Teachers are already challenged to ensure their students are properly taught to pass these tests. We want our students to meet educational standards that exceed worldwide expectations. How does cutting the education budget, reducing teachers and over-crowding classrooms accomplish this – all while telling those teachers who are taking on more responsibilities they will not be additionally compensated? If we start chipping away at our future’s foundation, we will be making a catastrophic decision that will be difficult to recover from for many decades. Now more than ever, we need to learn from past mistakes, make solid financial decisions that will yield positive long-term results and find ways to make monetary adjustments that will not put our future – our children – in jeopardy. Closing three elementary schools may not seem like a big deal to some, but the small, incremental effects of this decision that will occur over time will be more costly than any government deficit that exists today.

Community Service for Alfred Dowe?

Times Columnist Misses Mark

Goodlatte Doesn't Consider All the Facts

One of the most despicable acts of crime is that of an elected official who would turn around and steal from those who put their faith and trust in electing them to govern. Alfred Dowe has been shown nothing but despicable favoritism from day one through his “so called” community service. For him to not even have spent one weekend in jail shows how favoritism was rampant throughout the entire, so called, judicial process through to his community service. I guess I have a mistaken belief that “community service” was so supposed to be a form of punishment. What Dowe has been forced to do in his “so called” community service is tantamount to punishing a teenager by sending him to his room with his Ipod, computer, Xbox, cell phone and a box full of candy. The even more laughable quote in the Roanoke Times article was from his attorney

that Dowe said, “out of respect for the process, Dowe declined an interview with the newspaper until at least May 2011, when he is scheduled to complete two years of probation” Like all politicians, golfers, rich and famous, what 12 step program will he be rushing out to join as an excuse? There is no better time than now for the good citizens of Roanoke to hear from Mr. Dowe as to why he was so desperate for money that he cheated his city and state. The man took an oath of office to uphold the Constitution of the United States of American and our Commonwealth let him off with a mere slap on the wrist. For repentance and forgiveness, we the people he stole from need to understand what we are forgiving if Mr. Dowe wants to have this behind him some day. -E. Duane Howard

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With all that has been said in response to Roanoke Times columnist Dan Casey’s gratuitously unkind column about the Texas Tavern, one fact has not been mentioned. The Bullington family has always been known for their unfailing kindness. As “Official Physician for the Texas Tavern” for the 30 years I was in practice I could not possibly recall the number of times Jim called me to see one of their employees. The stories were always the same. He had failed to show up for work and, after searching the market hangouts and flophouses or the city jail, he had been found in “poor shape.”

More often than not, it was simply a needed “drying out,” but a number eventually developed serious illnesses. Jim, my friend since childhood, was always there to take them back to work when they were able. Never once did I see anything other than concern for someone who was in need of help. My impression of the TT is this: It’s not about the food; it’s about 80 years of helping men who were on hard times. We could use a few more like Jim and his family. - J. Hayden Hollingsworth, MD, Roanoke, VA

starting with the wealthy who, by the way, are closely connected to Congress and the Senate. Add a small amount each year to everyone's taxes. It seems to me that this would be a very patriotic thing for all to do since as Americans we are all in this together. Warren Buffet said recently that his secretary paid a larger percentage of her income than he did and he was an advocate of the change. And so our new president has to borrow just as the last president did to fund two wars and try to fix a collapsed economy. So Congressman Goodlatte instead of telling us what others might be doing wrong, tell us what you are doing right and give up the smoke screen tactics. -Ray Stone, Roanoke

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In response to Bob Goodlatte's article on 2/12/10 about President Obama titled Spends Too Much, Taxes Too Much and Borrows Too Much. Bob, why should investors and fund managers who make Millions pay a maximum of 15% when those who have to work and produce pay up to 35%? President Obama wants to repeal these and other tax cuts for the wealthy, that Bush signed into law. An article in the Roanoke Times 6/22/08 cited that this move would bring in 2.5 trillion dollars. But I believe we are fooling ourselves if we believe that we can fund two wars that have cost trillions and save Social Security and Medicare, without new taxes. I say let's all pay our fair share

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• Willingness to take reasonable risks — When you watch ski jumpers at the Olympics, you might think that they are taking incredible risks with their lives and limbs. Yet, because they have practiced so many times, have studied the angle of the jump, have mastered the position of their bodies in the air and taken all other factors into account, they have substantially reduced the risk associated with their jumps. And, of course, if they were to eliminate all risk, they’d have no sport. As an investor, you also need to incur some risks. But like the ski jumpers, you can help control risks. How? By familiarizing yourself with all aspects of your investment choices and by building a portfolio mix that reflects your individual risk tolerance, time horizon and long-term goals. • Confidence — Above all else, Olympians must have self-confidence; they must believe that they can succeed. And when you invest, you need confidence in yourself and in your decisionmaking. While you can’t control the movements of the financial markets, you can control your response to them. You can avoid panic when prices are down and you can avoid complacency when things are going well. You can structure your investment portfolio to meet your needs and you can make changes when necessary. By believing in your ability to succeed, you will free yourself to act in your best interests. You may never stand on the victor’s platform at the Olympic Games. But emulating the best qualities of the Olympic athletes can help you reach your investment goals. . 'Carl Grove is a Financial Advisor at Edward Jones located in Roanoke, VA. He may be reached at 540-344-9211 or carl.grove@edwardjones.com.

Governor to Speak at Trade Workshop Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell will speak on March 3 at a workshop on international trade of agricultural products in Norfolk, Va. The governor's remarks at the conference's opening luncheon will be his first major speech on agricultural issues since assuming office as the commonwealth's top elected official. Sponsored by Virginia Tech's Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation, and the Virginia Port Authority, the international trade workshop will focus on the theme "Agricultural Trade: From Farm, to Port, to the Global Marketplace," and will be held at the Sheraton Waterside on March 3 and 4.

"Trade is vital to the profitable growth of Virginia agriculture and to creating jobs in Virginia," said Richard T. Crowder, former U.S. chief agricultural trade negotiator and professor of agricultural and applied economics at Virginia Tech's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, "We are particularly pleased that the governor will use this event to make his first remarks to the state's agriculture community since he was inaugurated." Along with McDonnell and Crowder, the list of workshop Governor Bob McDonnell speakers includes Joe Glauber, Registration is limited. For chief economist for the U.S. more information, call SpenDepartment of Agriculture cer Neale at (804) 290-1153 (USDA); Larry Pope, CEO of Smithfield Foods; Michael or visit the international trade Scuse, USDA deputy undersec- workshop website<http://www. retary; and Everett Eissenstat, vafb.com/trade/welcome.htm> assistant U.S. trade representa- (http://www.vafb.com/trade/ welcome.htm). tive.

Roanoke Expands Recycling of Bottles and Cans to Central Business District The City of Roanoke has announced that Solid Waste Management will expand the collection of bottles and cans for recycling to all businesses and residents within the Central Business District (CBD). This expansion of service is the result of a three-week pilot program conducted with several CBD restaurants. Anyone choosing to participate in the program is reminded to place only bottles and cans (no general trash) in city-issued containers or clear

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Keeping Our Guard Up

Are You an “Olympic” Investor? In February, skiers, skaters, hockey players and other athletes will be swarming into Vancouver for the Winter Olympic Games. As spectators, most of us can only dream of duplicating the feats of these world-class athletes — but as investors, we can learn quite a bit from the traits that distinguish these Olympians. Here are a few of these winning characteristics: • Discipline — To reach the top of their sports, Olympians train diligently for years. Along the way, they also train themselves to ignore distractions and avoid negative behaviors that could detract from their performance. As an investor, you too, need the discipline to avoid those emotional decisions — such as taking a “time out” from investing when the market is down or chasing after today’s “hot stocks” — to help you reach your goals. • Long-term focus — Many years ago, skaters, skiers, bobsledders and other athletes started training, while keeping their eyes on the prize — the 2012 Olympic Games. As an investor, you may also want to focus on a distant goal — such as a comfortable retirement — to guide your daily, monthly and yearly investment decisions. • Ability to overcome obstacles — Most Olympic athletes had to overcome obstacles at one time or another. But whether it was a series of bad performances or a career-threatening injury, they persevered . When you invest for decades, you will also encounter obstacles along the way, such as market downturns, recessions and investments that just don’t pan out. But if you’re resilient enough to bounce back from these setbacks, you can keep progressing toward your financial objectives.

When the National Guard armory in Roanoke was shut down this past December to make way for a new city park, four units that were head quartered there were able to move to Guard facilities in neighboring cities. The National Guard recruiting office that was based there, however, needed to remain in the area to fulfill its mission. Eager to support the armed forces and the men and women who serve, National College stepped up to the plate and offered the National Guard office space on its Roanoke Valley Campus. The partnership between the National Guard and National College is a logical one. The National Guard offers tuition assistance to soldiers who attend college, providing between 75% and 100% of tuition reimbursement. National College also offers military veterans and their spouses, including National Guard members, exclusive educational benefits including the Serving America Grant and Armed Services Spouse Appreciation Grant. The National Guard offers part-time opportuni-

Sergeant First Class Morris, Roanoke Valley Campus Admissions Representative Michele Clause, and Staff Sergeant Carter of the National Guard.

ties that require one weekend of service a month, and a two-week annual training each summer. For more information on National College's military benefits, visit www.national-college.edu/ military.

Carilion Implements New Policy for Interacting With Pharmaceutical / Medical Sales Representatives Carilion Clinic will follow the lead of several other leading medical institutions and soon implment changes in the the way they manage relationships with pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers. The new policy, developed after more than a year of consideration, is intended to provide vendor representatives with continued opportunities to share valuable information, without the appearance of improperly influencing caregiver’s decisions. Carilion’s new policy is similar to those implemented by the University of Virginia Medical Center, Geisinger Health System, and the Cleveland Clinic. According to Carilion it is also in line with recommendations from the American Association of Medical Colleges and the Joint Commission. “Nothing should interfere with the relationship between a doctor and his or her patient,” said Tony Slonim, M.D., Carilion Clinic’s Vice President for Medical Affairs. “We put the needs of our patients first, and want them to feel confident that we are making decisions based on their best interests.” Carilion used the following guidelines / principles in the devlopment of the new policy: • Quality, effective and ef-

ficient care is the Clinics top priority. • Information provided by pharmaceutical representatives generally promotes newer, more expensive medications that may not always offer a significant advantage over existing, lower cost alternatives. This can drive up the cost of care, contrary to Carilion Clinic’s stated goal of cost reduction. • The distribution of medication samples is largely uncontrolled and undocumented, making recalls and other issues difficult to manage. • Pharmacies are the best option to manage the distribution of medications to patients. • Physicians’ office time should be spent with patients, not with drug and device manufacturers’ representatives. • The presence of representatives and branded gifts and paraphernalia sends the wrong message, and can leave the impression of improper influence on care decisions. The new policy takes effect throughout the Carilion system on July 1, however several locations are already implementing the new guidelines. Key components of the new policy include the following: • Visits by vendors are by appointment only, and limited

to non-patient care hours. • All vendors must be registered through Carilion Clinic’s Corporate Purchasing Department. • Vendors will be issued a temporary visitor’s badge and must wear the badge at all times when on Carilion property. • Vendors are not allowed in patient care areas, and may not be present during patient appointments. • All gifts, food and meals from vendors are prohibited. • Carilion physician practices will no longer accept or keep medication samples from pharmaceutical representatives. As an alternative to medication samples, Carilion Clinic physicians will prescribe generic medications (available from retail pharmacies for $4.00) whenever possible, encourage pharmaceutical representatives to provide vouchers that can be used to obtain a free supply of medication from pharmacies and maintain current information about assistance programs provided by pharmaceutical companies.

plastic bags. Bags must not weigh more than 60 lbs. Bottles and cans can be placed out for collection at the same time that paper products are placed at the curb. Solid Waste Management is coordinating with the Downtown Neighborhood Association and DRI to communicate with businesses and residents about how the bottle and can Habitat for Humanity Joins with StellarOne Bank recycling collections work. For more information, contact Skip Decker at Habitat for Humanity Virginia has joined the current economic crisis, this is an impor540-853-6848. forces with StellarOne Bank to help provide tant step in helping many families gain finanaffordable homes for Virginians. The Fed- cial stability. Home Loan Bank (FHLB) of Atlanta has Habitat for Humanity of Virginia and StelAFP First Virginia Chapter Names 2010 Board of Directors eral awarded Habitat a grant of $994,000 to help larOne Bank will be working with Habitat afThe Association of Fundraising Professionals ciation of individuals responsible for generat- purchase foreclosed homes and re-sell them to filiates from Loudoun, Prince William, Louisa, First Virginia Chapter have elected the following philanthropic support for a wide variety low income families. The grant will be distrib- Alexandria City, Colonial Heights City, Daning individuals to serve on its Board of Direc- of charitable organizations. The First Virginia uted through StellarOne. StellarOne’s partner- ville City, Fairfax, Orange, Roanoke City, Wartors for 2010: Chapter, founded in 1982, is based in Roa- ship with the FHLB is vital to the success of the ren, Bristol City, Caroline, Culpeper, Fauquier, Affordable Housing Program (AHP) to lever- Fluvanna, Gloucester, Halifax, King William, John Harlow President, Carissa South Presi- noke. age AHP capital to create affordable housing Lynchburg City, Manassas City, Manassas Park dent-elect, Jay Whitmore First VP for MemberFor more information about the organiza- and job opportunities in the community. City, Martinsville City, Petersburg City, Shenanship, Erin Hildreth Second VP for Programs, tion, join the AFP First Virginia Chapter fan Working with the Neighborhood Stabiliza- doah, Westmoreland, Winchester City, Wise, Fran Ferguson Treasurer, Laura Wood Secre- page on Facebook or visit the national website tion Project and the new FHLB funds, Habitat Norfolk City, Portsmouth City, Chesapeake tary, Jan Smyth Member-at-Large www.afpnet.org. plans to purchase 71 foreclosed homes, rehabil- City, Richmond City, Fredericksburg City, The Association of Fundraising Professionals itate them with volunteer labor, and resell them Stafford, Spotsylvania, and Frederick counties, at an affordable rate to low income persons to complete this mission. (AFP), formerly the National Society of Fund across the Commonwealth of Virginia. With Raising Executives, is the professional asso-

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Hidden Valley Show Goes On

Despite two snowstorms this month, the Titan Theatre Troupe of Hidden Valley High School will present their musical production of “Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella” in the school auditorium. According to Theatre Arts teacher and director Sally Miller, three performances are scheduled for this weekend: Thursday Feb. 25 and Friday Feb. 26 at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. Doors will open 30 minutes before each performance. Kevin Jones of the Kevin Jones Performing Arts Studio serves as the musical director. The 47 member cast and crew features juniors Lauren Harris and Nate Wulff as Cinderella and the Prince. The stepmother and stepsisters are seniors Julia Peltier, Sarah Meade, and Stephanie Woodson. Another senior, Lauren Calhoun, portrays the whimsical Fairy Godmother with seniors Patrick Lynch and Alison Downie performing as the King and Queen, respectively. Representing Hidden Valley Middle School is seventh grader Nicole Ebel who appears as a young villager. The reigning Miss Teen Roanoke Valley, Abby Erdman, plays Charles the cat and four elementary school age children play mice in the production. Olivia Honaker of Cave Spring Elementary School, Kate Pufko of Roanoke City Schools, and Miranda and Noah Jones who are home-schooled double as mice in Cinderella’s house and children in the village.

Hidden Valley’s cast of “Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella.” Rounding out the principals in the cast are sophomore Kiera Fogle who plays a Dove who guides Cinderella and freshman Katelyn Meade plays Lionel, assistant to the Prince. The ensemble of ladies, horses, coachman and footman include Erinn Forbes, Erin Geiersbach, Maggie Hirst, Dakota Croy, Sara Manning, Meredith Hartsel, and Molly Christopher. Student musicians include: Suellen Li on violin, Nick Penthorn on viola, Kelly Blair on flute, Brian McMillen on bass guitar, Amanda Rice on clarinet, Shannon Haines on Oboe/English horn, and Rachel Rosenfeld on percussion.

The production was a combined school effort with scene construction by choir director John Myers, scene painting by art teachers Sara Layman and Erika Breiding and members of the student Art Club, costumes by Consumer Ed teacher Pat Ammen. Parents also used their talents with Dr. Stephen Harris creating special effects including a pumpkin carriage, Teresa Wulff with costume coordination, Melia Jones with scenery and set detailing, and Carrie Honaker on food coordination to provide dress rehearsal dinners to a hungry cast and crew.

Roanoke County Author Says Two Is Enough For Some

Sometimes two is really enough – as in couples who opt not to have children. Roanoke County resident Laura S. Scott and her husband made that choice and now she has written about it in a new book, “Two is Enough: A Couple’s Guide to Living Childless By Choice.” Scott also shot video when she interviewed more than 100 people for her “Childless by Choice” project, footage she is now assembling for a television documentary. Scott writes screenplays as well, although that is more of a hobby at this point. Scott, who appeared on NBC’s Today Show recently to talk about her book, couldn’t find much material about those that chose to remain childless for reasons they can control. “There hadn’t been much written on the topic, particularly about couples that had made that choice,” said the Canadian native, who moved to southwest Virginia about 20 years ago. “Most of the books had been written [for] women.” So Scott set out to survey almost 200 people, including men, who are heard from in her book. Those who remain childless by choice still battle stereotypes she notes, being viewed as

2/26/10 - 3/4/10 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 11

Virginia Tech Offers One-Man Play Recounting Lives of Slaves

In the play "One Noble Journey – A Box Marked Freedom" character Henry "Box" Brown sees no alternative but to mail himself in a small crate to freedom. The one-man performance by Roanoke native Mike Wiley highlights Virginia Tech’s celebration of National TRIO Day. The play tells the gripping stories of three slaves, with actorplaywright Wiley portraying more than 20 characters in the course of the drama. The play is at 1:00 p.m. Feb. 27 in the Hancock Auditorium on the Virginia Tech campus. Admission is free. With his acclaimed original dramatic theatre works founded on pivotal moments in African-American history, Mike Wiley shares a new definition for inspired blending of art and education. National TRIO Day takes place around the country to promote a constellation of federal programs, including Upward Bound, that help economically challenged and first-generation students earn college degrees. Virginia Tech’s three TRIO programs are Upward Bound, Talent Search, and the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Program. Wiley, a participant in Upward Bound during his Roanoke College days, went on to earn a master of fine arts degree from the University of

North Carolina at Chapel Hill. His career includes work with theater companies such as Shenandoah Shakespeare Express, and he travels throughout the country giving performances that put students into the thick of American history. “We are ecstatic to have an artist of his caliber on campus,” said Thomas G. Wilson, director of Upward Bound/Talent Search at Virginia Tech. “His works are fascinating – they explore milestones of AfricanAmerican history such as the Tuskegee airmen and Rosa Parks, and in ‘One Noble Journey’ he literally draws students up on stage to participate in the drama.” Virginia Tech’s three TRIO programs, funded by the U.S. Department of Education Office of Postsecondary Education, are part Outreach and International Affairs. The Upward Bound and Talent Search programs target students from families with parents who did not earn fouryear degrees or who have low incomes. If students show potential for college, they can receive tutoring and other support as early as middle school. The Ronald E. McNair PostBaccalaureate Program draws students from the same pool – those who are traditionally underrepresented in universities – but the program encourages those students to pursue

Mike Wiley will also present a “One Man Interactive Play” at Patrick Henry High School on Feb. 26 at 9 a.m.

master’s and doctoral degrees. Wiley is received with enthusiasm; one reviewer comments that: “Mike’s performances nurture opportunities for selfdiscovery and interpersonal respect like none I’ve seen in a long time. He’s one of those persons for whom you search to find ways to thank. ‘Mike Wiley’ doesn’t leave when the curtain comes down. Whether you’re a child or an adult, what he brings doesn’t come with an expiration date.”

To park near Hancock Hall: Free parking is available around the Drillfield. Parking is also available in Perry Street Lot 1, 3, 4, and 6 near Prices Fork Road. Find more parking information online (http:// www.parking.vt.edu) or call (540) 231-3200.

Mingle With the Stars and Celebrate Women in the Arts

selfish and lazy for starters. She The Arts Council of Blue called the decision made with Ridge and Jefferson Center her husband a compromise and will celebrate “Rising Stars: a “negotiation,” although Scott Women in the Arts” during told him on an early date that a free reception on Friday, kids weren’t on her radar screen. March 5 at 7 p.m. The recep“If one person really wants a tion will be held at the Jefferchild and the other one does son Center and is open to the not, it’s a tough road.” public. Artists and organizaScott, who will speak at Holtions participating in Rising lins on March 3, advises to have Stars will present information the “kid conversation” early about their upcoming events in a relationship if it looks like and activities. The recepthings might get serious. The tion is followed by Jefferson reasons couples remain childCenter’s presentation of Toni less are multiple; some like life Blackman: Travels of a Lyrical the way it is and don’t see a child Ambassador at 8 p.m. Tickets as enhancing it. “They don’t feel “Two is Enough” book cover. for Toni Blackman’s perfora void that a child can fill.” Some mance are $15. don’t want the “huge responsi- filled as a child-free person.” Rising Stars: Women in bility” of raising a child while However, “there is a stigma,” others simply don’t like children warns Scott. “People will think the Arts is part of the stateor are around them all day, per- you’re strange or selfish [or that] wide initiative MINDS WIDE OPEN: Virginia Celebrates haps as a teacher. something’s wrong.” Recession Peer pressure from parents and economic depression also Women in the Arts March and friends wanting “baby bud- helps lower birth rates as well. “I 1 – June 30, 2010 (www.vadies,” makes it tough on some think people recognize now that mindswideopen.org/). Both childless couples, who some- parenthood has moved from an programs celebrate and hontimes separate from some of assumption to a decision. You or women and their contributheir friends when those people do have a choice in the matter.” tions to the arts. Rising Stars highlights instart having children. “About Laura S. Scott will speak twenty percent of American about her book on March 3 at clude: Anna Devere Smith women remain childless at age Hollins University, at 4:30 p.m. lecture “Engaging the World: The Role of the Artist in Soci40,” said Scott, a percentage that in the Green Drawing Room. ety” at the Taubman Museum is creeping upward. She didn’t By Gene Marrano of Art - April 8; Southwest find much “evidence of regret,” gmarrano@cox.net Virginia Ballet’s production while surveying childless couples. “You can be happy and ful-

the four month celebration.

Toni Blackman of “Coppelia” – March 27 & 28; Lynchburg Symphony Orchestra’s “Cherish the Ladies” - May 6; a photography exhibition by Susan V. Lockwood at the O Winston Link Museum - May 6; Opera Roanoke’s production of “Lucia Di Lammermoor” – April 30 & May 2; and Jacksonville Center’s “All This I Am” exhibition featuring the arts and fine crafts created by women in the region – May 7 – June 30. Hampton Inn-Salem is also offering Rising Stars Get-Away Packages where guests will be treated like “stars” throughout their stay. More than 70 events and activities featuring female artists, composers, performers, and themed programs about women will take place during

For a complete listing, visit www.risingstarsinthearts. com or contact Meagan Smith at 342-5790 ext. 4 or msmith@ theartscouncil.org. For tickets to Toni Blackman call 3452250 or www.jeffcenter.org. Rising Stars is funded, in part, by a grant from the Virginia Commission for the Arts, National Endowment for the Arts and Virginia Tourism Corporation.

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Roanoke is Happiest Place on Earth for Former Military Couple If you walked past the house of Robert and Beth Eby Bohr you might catch a glimpse of their son Jack as he tears down the driveway on his bike with the training wheels lifting off the ground. The old black Labrador lies on her side and occasionally wags her tail. Sounds like another idyllic day in Roanoke doesn’t it? If you think that this is just a plain old family in a plain old town you would be wrong. Both of these thirty-something’s have been tried and tested in life and in war, though you would be hard pressed to see the drama now in their young and attractive faces. More than one conversation with Beth elicits self deprecating descriptions of herself as a young teen. Having been raised by professional parents, (father John is a local dentist and mother Pat is a nurse), she entered her young adult life expecting the same level of living that her parents had given her. She worked hard at unskilled labor and the service industry to make ends meet and after a few false starts and a relational mistake or two Beth entered the army in 1993 at the age of 20. “I entered the military as a full fledged brat and my drill sergeant had me pegged from the get-go”. Rob, on the other hand set an astounding goal at the age of eleven. He decided that he wanted to go to the United States Military Academy at West Point New York. The idea to enter the Academy was Rob’s alone and his teen years were spent laying the ground work to achieve that goal. He joined the “Long Gray Line” (see

Beth Eby Bohr during her tour of duty in Iraq. USMA.edu) in 1999. In his words his academic career was without distinction. He graduated with a BS in German and French. “Attending West Point actually opened my mind to realize that the military might not be the be all and end all of my life.” But he left the academy with the honor code firmly trenched in his heart. A Cadet will not lie, cheat or steal, or tolerate those who do. After choosing an assignment to Baumholder, Germany Rob was named Executive Officer of his Company in two short months. His area of expertise included logistics, support and maintenance. In the meantime, Beth had worked her way through the ranks and just arrived at Redstone Arsenal in Alabama as a Drill Sergeant. By 9/11 Rob had returned to Germany from a deployment to Kosovo and As Rob remembers it…”We were on a former Yugoslav base and there were always kids around. My most disturbing moment happened when we saw a kid playing with a small blue ball. It was a “bomblet” from a cluster bomb. We all surrounded him and without the ability to speak his language we got him to gently lay the ball on the ground and walk away.” “The worst thing I ever saw was an abandoned shipping container with a body inside. I will never forget the smell or the sight By March of 2003 Rob was a Rear Detachment Commander and in his estimation the most important part of his job was providing

support for deployed soldiers and their family members. Though his Battalion did not suffer any deaths during this time, it would have been his job to be first point of contact for those family members left behind. He considered it “the single most important thing to do.” By the time Beth arrived in November of 2003 she was in great demand. It wasn’t her pretty face that made her so popular among the 47th FSB (Rob’s battalion) and the 123rd Maintenance Battalion. Both battalions worked together and both were in Iraq. Both were in desperate need of a missile maintenance Warrant Officer and Beth fit the bill. By the time that Rob and Beth became an item she was assigned to the other Battalion. In the midst of their burgeoning relationship she was sent to Iraq. The following is from her hand written journal: “USO has been a fabulous host, over-feeding us, offering free toiletries, playing cards, movies, snacks, coffee etc. At the processing center in the Ramstein area they had phones and internet even in addition to pool tables, cots and various other entertainments and comforts. Robert and Beth Eby Bohr with son Jack. Division has this thing down. It’s a well oiled machine - at least in the area of entertainment. We may get killed because someone is rushing mm rockets buzz over my head and covering my face, wondering if I us through without proper preparation, but on our way we are going was about to be blown up or not. I wondered and yelled, “Run! Run to the hangar!” We were supposed to drop our rucksacks and run, but to have plenty of chapstick and cookies.” “I thought it was interesting that so many of us Seniors up here I forgot to. I tried to run with my 80 pound rucksack and could barely in the front were so obviously praying. It makes me feel safer some- get there…It was so heavy and my back was already killing me from how. Speaking of safety and being safe reminded me how much Rob- unloading so many duffle bags tonight from a 5-ton…So, I finally reert makes me feel protected and comforted by his company. I know it alized to dump my bag and run faster. The others still were passing sounds silly….but I can’t think of those dangerous things right now me and I cursed my lack of fitness. But we all made it to the hanger safely, because the rocket actually made it all the way to our LSA’s because it unnerves my already antsy feeling of dread.” DFAC where it took out a soldier’s leg with shrapnel. (Expletive!) (Little did she know!) Rob and Beth had kept in close touch, and sometime during her “The next major glitch is that originally we were to go to Kuwait harrowing tour in Iraq she wrote him and told him she loved him. to the holding/prep area before, after several days of training being Rob responded that he couldn’t say that just then, he couldn’t be flown some kind of way into BIAP.(Bagdad International Airport) false. In reality he was struggling inside and was afraid to trust himBut I don’t think we are going to get that training now and are going to fly into Iraq instead to just get OJT for our brief but very dangerous self. By Spring of 2004 he realized that he had made a mistake and two month stay there…and we will move in without ANY weapons, was ready to tell her that he loved her dearly. One day back in Germany they sat down over a pitcher of beer without ANY prior training…and without leadership counsel (sic), and held a “what if the world were perfect” planning session. They and will drive through enemy territory possibly facing an ambush, IED attacks, vehicle problems etc., etc. …”I think if we have soldiers plotted out what their life would look like together. Their plan get attacked and it gets out to the media that we weren’t even given included children and a career in the military. They married in weapons to defend ourselves, it will be a disaster. I’m very uneasy, and December of 2004 in Virginia. Jack was born in September 2005. the SGM in charge isn’t communicating clearly with me, even though Their young married life was spent in Germany and Jack was born there. As life progressed a back injury of Rob’s and difficulty with I’m the flight commander. That’s (expletive)…” child care resulted in mutual decisions to leave the military. Sunday, 15 Feb When Rob visited Roanoke in 2004 he really liked it. “It seemed “Tonight’s adventure is to move forward to BIAP via UH-60 Blacklike a good place to raise a family.” They made Roanoke home in hawks. The dust storm lifted a couple hours ago, leaving a good highway for the helicopters to get us out/in. Flying a B-Hawk into BIAP May of 2008. They lived in an apartment for a few months as he job is flat-out scary but I’m trying to keep my perspective and stop feeling hunted. Two months after finding a job in logistics they bought an so consumed with self-protective feelings. I want to relax and be a old home that they loved and have carefully nurtured. They deliberately chose a lifestyle that can be supported with his good example.” income. When asked what his top three priorities are, Rob quickly …0118 Monday morning. (Expletive)! Tonight we had to fly into BIAP via F UH-60 Black- replied “Beth, family, and to live in a good place.” He was also very hawks, flying black (lights out), in formation across the precarious quick to state “It would be really good for every American to go to Iraqi landscape. To ease my mind, I prayed. I also thought about a desperate country so that they can appreciate what America is. each of the people in my life that I loved, imagined their voices & man- Stop complaining and find out what really matters . . . Stop wastnerisms, and kept my head down fearing a bullet in my face. We ing time. I haven’t had a bad day since I’ve been here in Roanoke. were all crammed in with our heavy rucksacks across our laps, un- Anything that is difficult or inconvenient - I only have to think back able to move an inch strapped in with our four-point seat belt: As I to realize that it’s really not that bad.” Beth quickly speaks up and says, "When I came back from Iraq was thinking about Rob’s big hug around me, protective and loving, I was different . . . I saw life differently . . . I had an appreciation for the 50-cal. machine gun started firing from the front right side of the life. Before then I had never feared for my life and it made me taste bird. I sucked my head further into my outer body armor, closed my the metallic taste of adrenalin . . . I still taste it if I can’t find Jack. I eyes tightly, and thought of my parents and Rob again. Tears secretly formed in my eyes, but then I heard the gunner sounding off “Got am completely content as a stay at home mother investing in him.” Both of them agree that with all of their accomplishments, "no Him!” and somehow I felt relieved. But I still kept my head down.” previous relationship or job has ever compared to the relationship “We landed, got out, & were being led to the hangar for our briefing with our son." when the SFC leading us suddenly turned around & boomed, ”IncomJack is one very lucky boy. ing!!” He saw that we didn’t hear and again yelled “Incoming! GET By Christine Slade DOWN!” I was directly behind info@newsroanoke.com him and was also immediately on the ground, hearing French 127

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