The Roanoke Star-Sentinel

$100 8

I’m Olivia Smith

33463 00400 7

I AM THE YMCA

I love to cook* N 0MJWJB 4NJUI and work at my * MPWF UP DPPL BOE XPSL BU NZ store in Blue Ridge we make the best TUPSF JO #MVF 3JEHF XF NBLF UIF hot dogs you’ll ever CFTU IPU EPHT ZPV MM FWFS m find! I love coming to the Y! OE * MPWF DPNJOH UP UIF :

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID WHISPER ONE MEDIA

ZN ymcaroanoke.org

The Roanoke Star-Sentinel POSTMASTER: Dated material, please deliver by publication date

Community | News | Per spective

October 10, 2008

TheRoanokeStar.com

[November Elections]

Goodlatte and Rasoul go headto-head in local debate Connecting Trails P2– Roanoke City holds a public meeting on connecting the Tinker Creek and Roanoke River greenways.

Fred First

Green Writers

P5– The 18th annual Society of Environmental Journalists conference comes to Roanoke.

Photo by Valerie Garner

Sam Rasoul gives an impromptu stump speech to supporters before Monday night’s debate at William Byrd.

6th District Congressional debate held at William Byrd High School

W

Off and Running P7– Local schools compete in the Metro Invitational.

ith a sharp drop in the Dow and a rise in attacks on coalition forces in Afghanistan this past week, there was no shortage of issues for the major candidates in the 6th U.S. Congressional district race at a PTA-sponsored candidate forum this past Monday at William Byrd High School.

Eight-term incumbent Re- publican Rep. Bob Goodlatte and Democratic challenger Sam Rasoul, a 27-year-old local businessman, answered a volley of questions submitted

by PTA presidents and school board members from across Roanoke County. Roanoke Co. PTA Vice-President for Programs Chuck Lionberger , who is also a spokesman for the school system, moderated the discussion.

Fitting the school setting, the first questions fielded by the candidates concerned education, including one about the No Child Left Behind Act. That brought forth a call from Rasoul to modify the act; he believes in local control of education rather than federal mandates. Goodlatte said that he believed in allowing Virginia to waive out of NCLB

due to its high accountability hurdles for the Standards of Learning, which can also affect federal funding for state school programs. While Congress needs to get a handle on their spending, “special education funding should be a priority now,” added Goodlatte, who had been asked to debate Rasoul previously but deferred due to his work in Washington.

The economy was surely on everyone’s mind, including the $700 billion bailout package passed by Congress.

Rasoul expressed strong reservations about the “pork” attached to the package but said something had to be done to “prop up the credit market” because the American economy depended on it. He called for Congress to make sure that no special interests are included in the package.

Goodlatte, who voted against the bill, said the problem with the plan is that it empowers the Treasury Secretary and the federal government to own up to 70% > CONTINUED of the private mortgages P2: Debate

City Market Building opens in time for Harvest Festival

Bright blue skies, a bright “spiffed up” City Market Food Court, children, pumpkins, tractors, and music. Nothing could be finer then to be on Roanoke’s City Market last Saturday, as the annual Harvest Festival got underway.

The Ministers of Soul performed in the late afternoon, with Hoppie Va u g h a n Zorba gives his on guitar usual friendly and vogreeting. cals, James Pace on keyboard and Robert Vaughan on drums. Jerrell Crews, on fall break from Liberty University, said that if “you could stand still listening to this soul music you must have lead feet.“ Jerrell was certainly not standing still.

Along with her husband, RoaFestival noke City resident Ruth DeVey had just finished eating in the City Market building. They remarked about the insufficient and uncomfortable seating, with some loss of the homey feeling. (The older furniture is being replaced with new seats and tables from Twists & Turns.) However, this would not deter them from returning and more seating is on the way. They were quick to offer an opinion that the tenants should not be charged for the repairs in their stalls.

The DeVey’s were then off to secure free tickets to hear Dem-

[

]

> CONTINUED P3: Harvest Festival

Chestnut Restoration “Space@VT”: An emotional tie, Meeting Honors Past and three strikes of lightning New Gallery P12– Sculptor John Wilson talks about his new gallery and the Taubman Museum.

Only receiving promotional copies of

The Star-Sentinel?

Get it delivered to your doorstep EVERY week for only $44 a year!

400-0990 subscribe@theroanokestar.com PO Box 8338 Roanoke,VA 24014

For the past 25 years the American Chestnut Foundation has worked to breed blight resistance into vulnerable remnants of this keystone species of the Eastern forest. At this year’s Annual Meeting in Roanoke, the Virginia Chapter shines a light on complementary efforts to save the tree, and promising blueprints for restoration.

Keeping Hope Alive, a retrospective on the American chestnut restoration work of the Volunteers use Virginia Department of Forestry by former heavy gloves to Research Director Tom Dierauf is the lead remove chestpresentation at the October 11 meeting of the nuts from burs.

Virginia Chapter of The American Chestnut Foundation at the Roanoke Higher Education Center. Seminar presentations follow the Chapter Annual Meeting, which starts at 10:00 am.

Jon Rockett, former Director of the Powell River Project Research & Education Center at Virginia Tech, will highlight a new partnership initiative with Chestnuts and Mountaintops, a briefing on use of American chestnut to restore mixed hardwood forest in mine land reclamation.

Virginia Chapter Vice President for Education Kathy Marmet > CONTINUED, P3: Chestnuts

The naysayers said it couldn’t be done. But sheer determination on the part of Wayne Scales proved them wrong.

In 1992 Scales was among the nation’s entry-level assistant professors of electrical engineering. His specialty –“space plasma physics” - was not exactly the topic of household dinner conversation. Only a handful of universities in the country were powerhouses in space research.

They included Cornell, where he obtained his Ph.D., Stanford, University of Washington, University of Michigan, and several schools in the University of California system, including Berkeley.

Cornell, the home of the late Carl Sagan, encouraged Scales to consider joining its faculty.

When he countered that he planned to join the Virginia

Photosubmitted

Dr. Wayne Scales has put Virginia Tech on the map in the field of space research.

Tech Bradley Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering they were surprised since Virginia Tech did not have a space science and engineering program. His Cornell colleagues felt Scales would not be satisfied

in Blacksburg and that it would be too difficult for him to initiate an enormously expensive competitive research program > CONTINUED P3: Space@VT

Page 2 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 10/10/08

TheRoanokeStar.com

> Debate From page 1

in the United States. “This is a major federal government long-term intrusion into our economy,� said Goodlatte, who wants to explore alternatives such as requiring Wall Street firms to purchase insurance that could help to create liquidity.

Energy policy colored a large portion of the discussion. Goodlatte said a number of problems, ranging from jobs going overseas to the trade deficit, originated with sending oil money to countries and companies that do not reinvest in America. He suggested passing a domestic energy policy that allows for domestic for oil and natural gas drilling, along with programs for more nuclear power and development of alternative energy sources.

Goodlatte said both state-sponsored terrorism and dependency on foreign sources of energy were grave threats to America. Rasoul suggested that the U.S. “protect the jobs it does have,� but also create new alternative energy industries as a way to reduce dependency on foreign oil.

On Iraq, Rasoul said that political reconciliation between factions in Iraq are not happening; meanwhile the U.S. government cannot continue to pour billions of dollars into “policing the world.“ He suggested a phased withdrawal from Iraq and a timetable because

“My experience was total satisfaction and respect�

Photos by Valerie Garner

Bob Goodlatte is the Republican incumbent 6th District Congressman (Left). Sam Rasoul (right) is running against Goodlatte. “our priorities at home must be taken care of.�

Goodlatte, who visited Iraq in July, said he believes that the Iraqi people are very close to taking responsibility and that setting an arbitrary timetable risks “sending the wrong message to those who would like to see us leave and have the situation there fall apart.�

Goodlatte said he supports measures that give law enforcement officials more tools,

The PUMPKINS are here!!

South Roanoke United Methodist Church invites you to the Pumpkin Patch this October!

such as the Patriot Act, and disdains “kneejerk reactions� that call for its repeal. Rasoul agreed that “we have to be vigilant� but said the country must maintain perspective when it comes to the war, not allowing individual liberties to be violated. He also expressed concern over bureaucracy and the large budget involved with the Homeland Security Department.

The candidates agreed somewhat on necessary tax code changes but took different approaches. Rasoul called the current tax code “an abomination� and proposed a graduated flat tax, while Goodlatte suggested getting rid of the current tax code over three years - and then debate how to proceed. Both expressed dismay with the current healthcare system but Goodlatte suggested using association health plans (where small businesses band together to get lower rates), creating health savings accounts and passing litigation reforms to keep healthcare private and less expensive. Rasoul proposed a system that is publicly subsidized to bring down costs but privately delivered, so that citizens have a choice of plans.

Rasoul noted in his closing statement that neither candidate had bickered much with the other during the relatively-polite debate: “this was the kind of politics we need in America to move our country forward.� The difference between the candidate’s approach to the issues, though often to the same end, was made clear in their responses.

By Aaron Layman info@theroanokestar.com

Connecting two greenways: an engineering and financial challenge

Several dozen people turned out for a community meeting on Monday concerning efforts October 6 through October 30 to link the Roanoke River and Monday – Saturday 10 am til Dusk Tinker Creek greenways in the Sunday Noon – 6 pm vicinity of the 13th Street wahoosing the physical therapist to complement ter treatmentthe plant.prowess What they heard and saw described of my surgeon was a vital decision. My experience was totalat the Roanoke Performing Arts satisfaction and respect for the knowledge, and pro-for Theatre ability, were three options trails and bridges, with MMM fessional attitude of the entire team. My physical therapist, Bryon Design Group out of Norfolk Batty, was encouraging and caring to my physical as well as psychopresenting updates. Roanoke logical needs resulting from my injury. The Heartland RehabilitaCity hired an outside facilitator, Becky Clay Christensen, to keep tion Pumpkins team accommodated my scheduling needs and took into conthings moving and to solicit of all shapes and sizes, sideration profession type of work. Without and commentstheir from help an audience gourds, my Indian corn, andand much more! that largely identifi ed themknow I wouldn’t this close to 100% of my previous activity MAKEhow, YOUR PUMPKINbe DOLLARS COUNT! selves as bikers, hikers, runners toward service and mission projects andProceeds motorgoskills. and walkers. There were also youth and other church groups. of the landowners and realtors sitting Ted Remandaban, patient

2330 South Jefferson Street

hC

�

in.

MMM project leader Taylor Gould talked about steep grades in and around the water treatment plant, where the Roanoke River Greenway currently ends, and the challenge of building a trail/bridge connection to Tinker Creek that complies with ADA standards for those with disabilities. There is also a “fairly wide flood plain,� said Gould that must be risen above with any bridge, and no grade can be steeper than 12%. On one of three plan options presented a bridge would have cost “in the millions,� while the best option to date has a price tag around $600,000.

A hybrid of Plan A and Plan C seems to work best, according to Gould. The trail will be multiuse: paved, 10 feet wide with two 2’ grass shoulders. Any

Photo by Gene Marrano

The Tinker Creek greenway starts in southeast Roanoke City near the Vinton line. trail segment in the Roanoke River-Tinker Creek connector that winds up alongside a city street for short stretches would be separated from an adjacent sidewalk to preserve the greenway feel. “There’s tradeoffs,� admitted Gould, about having to take the greenway connection out of the woods and away from

4IRED /F 4HE 3AME /LD !UTUMN #HORES

doctor referred Your Neighborhood Physical“My Therapy Provider me to Heartland for physical therapy Conveniently located in the Roanoke Valley at:after I

had surgery to repair torn cartilage and a ruptured North Roanoke Salem ACL in my Buchanan right knee last November. have St. 6515 Williamson Rd. 126 Mill Lane 19733I Main always been active in 366-2243 387-4311high school sports, 254-2126 track and ďŹ eld and playing We accept Medicare, Medicaid, Worker’s Compensation and most insurance plans basketball, so I was really concerned about getting my full range of motion and strength back.â€? “Bryon Batty, my physical therapist at Heartland, understood how competitive I am and really challenged me to do the best I could to meet my goals.

I am doing great now.

I have 93 percent full function and strength in my leg and I have no pain in my knee.

Everyone at Heartland was very friendly and I looked forward to going to my physical therapy sessions there.�

%NJOY -AINTENANCE &REE ,IVING !T 4HE 0ARK /AK 'ROVE 2ETIREMENT #OMMUNITY 2ETIREMENT #OMMUNITY )NDEPENDENT Exceptional Dining, 3 Meals Daily Weekly Housekeeping & Linen Laundry Service 24 Hour On-Site Wellness Staff Medication Administration and Monitoring Licensed Nurse on Each Shift Personalized Care in Your Own Private Apartment

(540) 989-9501

www.parkoakgrove.com • mbelďŹ ore@parkoakgrove.com

too-steep slopes in order to save money.

Old service roads, lightly traveled neighborhood sidewalks and Golden Park in southeast Roanoke are all in the mix when it comes to plans for the twomile connection between the Roanoke River greenway and the Tinker Creek greenway, neither of which is completed. Tinker Creek will eventually run to Hollins University and then on to Carvins Cove; getting it through the city will be much more difficult than the final leg through Roanoke County.

Gould highlighted “observation areas� and decks at the end of the proposed bridge where greenway users can take a break to observe flora and fauna near the Roanoke River. “You’re going through forest for a lot of it,� said Gould of the connector trail, which will link the major east-west and north-south greenways in the valley’s 50mile system.

Look for more public input sessions, perhaps in January, with final designs and requests for bids by 2010. The city hopes to build it as money rolls in and while there are some federal transportation funds in place now they’re looking for more. “We’re not that far along yet,� noted Gould.

4920 Woodmar Drive SW • Roanoke VA 24018

Month-To-Month Lease

By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

Enjoy our Sunday Brunch!

Khaia Jones, Patient

Open at 10:00 am

Steak & Eggs • Eggs Benedict • Gourmet BLT with Potatoes

Your Neighborhood Physical Therapy Provider

House Specialties!

Conviently located in the Roanoke Valley at:

Grilled Salmon with Poached Eggs, Stone Ground Grits and Hollandaise Cheesy Western Ireland

North Roanoke

6515 Williamson Rd. 366-2243

Salem

126 Mill Lane 387-4311

Buchanan

19733 Main St. 254-2126

Additional VA locations:

(The Classic on a hot English MufďŹ n!)

Irish American Breakfast

(2 eggs, sausage, Irish rasher, bacon, potatoes, tomatoes and a biscuit)

Egg Biscuit with Irish Potatoes

(Build it as you like it with cheese, sausage, bacon, tomato, ect.)

%VCMJO t 8ZUIFWJMMF t )JMMTWJMMF t $IJMIPXJF t 5B[FXFMM t #MBOE $P

Stay and watch the NFL in a smoke free environment!

We accept Medicare, Medicaid, Worker’s Compensation and most insurance plans

Located at West Village on 419 - 3555-D Electric Road, Roanoke (540) 904-5466

10/10/08 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 3

TheRoanokeStar.com

> Space@VT

>

From page 1

by himself.

But Scales had an emotional tie to Southwest Virginia that outweighed the interest of other universities and government laboratories. He was the only child in his family, and he wanted to live close to his mother, who still resided in Ridgeway, Va. Scales followed his heart and his intellect and his fortitude prevailed, opening a number of doors along the way. In a little more than a decade, he became the director of the Center for Space Science and Engineering Research at Virginia Tech, otherwise known as “Space@VT,” with annual research revenues of about $2.5 million. The center is now making its own headlines around the world.

The center was the result of a successful proposal that Scales and Joseph Wang of aerospace and ocean engineering submitted to the National Science Foundation. It awarded them $805,000 in 2005 to create the interdisciplinary center for space research. Scales became the director and Wang the associate director.

The National Science Foundation funding allowed the hiring of Brent Ledvina, one of the most highly respected young space scientists in the nation. Next came Scott Bailey, a talented young space instrument and space mission scientist from the University of Alaska, Fairbanks, which has one of most highly recognized space science programs in the world. Last, but certainly not least, came Robert Clauer, one of the most noted names in magnetospheric physics in the country and a former National Science Foundation program manager, as the third member of the center’s initial cluster hire. Clauer was designated as the second associate director.

“These were like three strikes of lightning,” Scales reflects, “and the next bolt came” shortly afterward. Within a year of the research center’s announcement, Virginia Tech was able to persuade the highly prestigious SuperDARN Radar Group to relocate from Johns Hopkins University’s Applied Physics Laboratory (JHU APL) to the Blacksburg campus.

The SuperDARN network is an international radar network for studying the Earth’s magnetosphere, ionosphere, and connection into space. The laboratory group is now operating its radar at Virginia Tech’s Blackstone Agricultural Research and Extension Center. New faculty members Joseph Baker and Michael Ruohoniemi are responsible for its daily operations, aimed at studying magnetic storm associated electric fields. Ray Greenwald, described by Scales as the “godfather” of the SuperDARN group, is now retired but continues to consult with them.

“It makes sense that Virginia should excel in space science and engineering,” said Scales. “We are close to Washington, D.C. Also, Wallops Island, Va., is expected to become a more prominent launch facility. We have the Virginia Space Grant Consortium and the National Institute of Aerospace (NIA) located in Hampton, Va. A lot of things are coming into alignment.”

But Virginia is just one piece of the equation for Space@VT. For example, Clauer who works out of the National Institute of Aerospace is establishing an Antarctic chain of autonomous magnetic observatories along the 400 magnetic meridian. A prototype system has been tested successfully at the South Pole during the past two years. “The Sun-Earth system is our laboratory,” Clauer says. “It is a large electrodynamic system and the space weather in this system can affect many important technologies upon which our society depends.” Space weather includes galactic cosmic rays, micrometeoroids, solar cell damage, plasma bubbles, and airline passenger radiation.

The center is also making a concentrated effort to engage underrepresented groups in science and engineering in general, and in space science and engineering in particular. It is developing joint research and educational ventures with minority serving institutions such as the Inter-American University in Puerto Rico and North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.

TAP Seeks Letter Of Support For Low-Income Subdivisions City Manager, Darlene Burcham advised Council members that the reason a low-income housing development in Northwest Roanoke was previously turned down was that it would continue the high concentration of low-income housing in the city. But in a presentation sponsored by Councilmen Sherman Lea and Alvin Nash, Total Action against Poverty, made a case for granting approval to the development.

Ted Edlich, III, President of TAP was seeking a letter of support and a designation of two parcels as a revitalization project according to VHDA standards. Edlich said that this was a $9 million investment. He stressed that it would positively

Chestnuts

From page 1

affect homes in the area now valued between $90,000 and $106,000 and would provide the City with an annual tax increase of $94,248. Edlich emphasized that, “we are asking for no money from the City of Roanoke.”

The proposed single family 3-4 bedroom homes would range in value between $160,000 and $180,000 and target “middle income” families making up to $41,880. The vacant parcels are located in the northeast and southwest quadrants of the intersection of Old Stephens Road and Shenandoah Avenue. The homes would lease for $580 to $672 per month. After 15 years the homes would be offered for sale with the right of first refusal to the existing residents for the

balance of the outstanding debt estimated to be $61,000 providing instant equity in the home.

One of the goals is to provide “workforce housing for the employees of the City of Roanoke.”

There are 13 pay grades of City’s service workers that would qualify.

Cherry Hill and Wilmont Farms neighborhoods supported the subdivision with a petition of 127 signatures.

Councilwoman Anita Price said that “this would provide affordable housing for young professionals.”

Lea said he was “convinced it will fit….we’re talking about the middle class. I know probation officers who don’t make that kind of money,” which elicited

applause from the Chamber.

Mayor Bowers said the City Manager is following “comprehensive plans by previous Council… we are working with TAP and they have been around forever,“ said Bowers to more Chamber applause. These are vacant lots and there has not been one other housing proposal for these lots.

The vote was 5-0 with Councilman Rosen abstaining as a member of the TAP board. The City Manager was directed to endorse the project and the City Attorney was instructed to bring forth a resolution for the next Council meeting for a vote.

will look to the future in addressing the challenge of Growing Chestnut Scientists and Supporters.

Staff Pathologist Fred Hebard expects to return to Virginia just in time to report on his science expedition to China. Hebard heads the back- American chestnut trees that cross breeding research at The produce burs are relatively American Chestnut Founda- rare today. The goal is to retion’s Meadowview, Virginia, turn this once prolific tree to Research Farms. Chinese its former range throughout chestnut’s genetic resistance to the Appalachian region. the blight fungus that virtually eliminated American chestnut from the Appalachian forest canopy is key to the backcross program. Preparation for the science team’s journey to China included diplomatic negotiations and much planning to enhance the potential for results that will strengthen The American Chestnut Foundation effort to return an American timber-type chestnut tree to the forests of Appalachia.

The Virginia Chapter of The American Chestnut Foundation welcomes new members. There is no charge for this event, but contributions to assist with the cost of lunch are most welcome.

For information about the meeting, call (540) 364-0364.

State Chapters of the TACF advance the American chestnut restoration work by bringing new, locally adapted, mother trees intoTACF’s six-generation backcross breeding program. More information is available at www.vatacf.org.

>

Harvest Festival

From page 1

ocratic Vice-Presidential nominee Joe Biden speak on Sunday at Century Plaza. (Later it was announced that Senator Biden would be replaced by Senator Evan Bayh of Indiana as Biden’s mother-inlaw was gravely ill; she later passed away.) Meanwhile on Saturday at the City Market building tenants were all very busy after being shut down for two weeks, as the venue was thoroughly cleaned and exterminators finished their work.

The Virginia Department of Health had given each tenant the go-ahead to open by Friday. Zorba’s Adel Eltawansy, true to form, excitedly greeted everyone with “I’m so happy to see you.” Roanoke City Mayor David Bowers made an appearance on Saturday, greeting visitors, cheering on the reopened food court – and vowing it would remain clean.

By Valerie Garner info@theroanokestar.com (540) 982-6983

By Valerie Garner info@theroanokestar.com

Council ponders Storm Water Tax, November elections and other legislative issues At briefings preceding Monday’s Council meeting a discussion on how to pay for a storm water runoff control plan was “floated“ then “sunk“ under the weight of hard economic times. Phil Schirmer, City Engineer gave the presentation. Schirmer said there is ever increasing regulation in storm water collection and water quality control. These unfunded mandates are passed down to localities to implement. He said, “we currently don’t have the staff in place “to start the project but it has to at least be put in the “pipeline.”

The $60 million total price tag would have to be implemented in stages. Schirmer said the first stage would cost 3 to 5 million dollars the first year. The additional cost to a residential homeowner would be 3 to 5 dollars a month. Brian Townsend, Assistant Manager of Community Development equated it to the city parking garages saying, “It needs to pay for itself.” Businesses, churches, and other institutions would be charged according to the scope of the “mpervious surface.” An “impervious surface” is a land cover that repels water, restricts groundwater recharge, generates large volumes of storm water, and degrades water quality. This means roofs and parking lots for starters. The amount of surface coverage can be determined through technology and use of the City‘s Geographic Information System (GIS). Building permits would then be able to keep up with any changes to a property’s “impervious surface.“ Council agreed that in these economic times a tax would be difficult to swallow but it had to be put on the table with expected water quality mandates coming down the pike. Councilman Dave Trinkle said, “he is not opposed to it [tax] … we have to do something.”

Moving May Elections to November Raised Toward the end of the Legislative discussion Vice-Mayor Sherman Lea asked how May Council elections could be moved to November. City Attorney Bill Hackworth said, that it is already in the state code and all it would take is a voter referendum on the ballot or a Council Resolution. However, the registrar would need to be consulted prior to proceeding.

Tom Dick, Roanoke's long time legislative lobbyist, Bill Hack-

Classic Cuisine ~ Innovative Style EST. 1979

worth, Mayor Bowers, and Councilwoman Gwen Mason, (ViceChair of the Legislative Committee) discussed multiple legislative topics at Monday’s Legislative Committee meeting and working lunch. Bill Hackworth said, “anything we ask for that has a funding impact - we’ll be swimming upstream” referring to the current economic conditions. Many funding requests like the presentation recently on the Hotel Roanoke Conference Center expansion are going to be a “hard sell.”

Hackworth began listing several Legislative topics.

A law requiring recycling would allow localities to impose a fine on residential citizens who do not recycle. Businesses would be exempt. City Manager, Darlene Burcham likened it to the $25 fine imposed for leaving the trash totes on the street after several warnings had been issued. She said the whole idea was “not to penalize but to encourage recycling.”

Delinquent parking tickets presently prohibit the reissue of a vehicle license to an offender. But currently it is limited to City residents and the County cannot help out. If the law were changed then regardless of where the offender lives in Virginia they would be required to pay off their parking tickets before receiving a motor vehicle license. Billing and Collections informed Hackworth that there are currently have over 1500 unpaid accounts.

Other legislative topics included allowing cities to prohibit outdoor smoking in certain areas, rental inspection tightening, vacant building fee increase, blight issues, and fees for stop payments on checks issued to the Treasurer.

Mason suggested another spreadsheet be created with these items to be listed by priority. Bill Hackworth requested that any additions to the legislative list needs to include extensive “background data” in order for Tom Dick to be able to effectively present a case for why we need it.

By Valerie Garner info@theroanokestar.com

105 SOUTH JEFFERSON

ROANOKE, VA 24011 • WWW.ALEXANDERSINFO.COM

Great Prices! Great Food!

NEW COMBOS!

•Two Smoked Sausages • Chicken Tender Basket • Sliced Smoked Turkey Sandwich All Combos come with choice of Tater Tots or Kettle Chips and a Drink for only $5.39 each for a limited Time!!!!

Roanoke Location (540) 904-2727 677 Brandon Ave.

Across from Kroger @ Towers

Salem Location (540) 444-0551 1122 W. Main St.

Across from McDonalds

www.HenrysMemphisBBQ.com

Goodwill Job Development Center applauded Bruce Phipps, President and CEO of Goodwill Industries presented a $7.7 million project for a Job Development Center on 10 acres in the 2500 block of Melrose Avenue former site of the Kmart store.

The Job Development Center “includes career assessment and job training opportunities for dislocated workers, ex-offenders, seniors, and those with disabilities …all that seek job assistance at this site would be welcome,” said Phipps.

He believed that the one time $500,000 request will yield significant returns. Bond financing already secured will cover $6.4 million of the $7.7 million dollar project.

Soliciting from the community will yield the $1.3 million difference.

Phipps said the project will create 50 new jobs, 40 of which will have annual salaries of $27,000. We anticipate new sales tax revenue of at least $5000 annually. The latest assessment will increase Goodwill’s real estate taxes on this property to $45,000” said Phipps.

This project will support the Loudon-Melrose-Shenandoah 2002 Neighborhood plan

and has the potential to be the catalyst for the village center concept.

Phipps says they will serve older kids at risk for dropping out of school and will work with the Forest Park Academy located next door to the proposed campus. It will provide on-thejob retail training and frontline healthcare training. Phipps said, “we are eager to partner with the city.”

The matter was deferred for budgeting of the $500,000 request. Councilwoman Anita Price co-sponsored the presentation with Vice-Mayor Sherman Lea.

By Valerie Garner info@theroanokestar.com

The Way Milk Should Taste!

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

PersPective

Page 4 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 10/10/08

TheRoanokeStar.com

Pride . . . personal and beyond Politics: Transitions and a Creative Recommendation E

very six months or so, I find it necessary to loose my inner curmudgeon. The stimulus may be that I have stored up a series of complaints which are pounding on the door to be released or sometimes a particular set of circumstances have conspired to make me vent my spleen.

Whatever the reason, here it comes.

We just returned late last night from a delightful voyage to New England and the Maritimes. I could fill many columns about what we saw and how grand it is to vacation but this morning I thought how different travel and travelers have become. Not to belabor the obvious, transportation has been revolutionized but more importantly I am talking about the travelers themselves.

Last year on a trip to Europe, I noticed the natives in the countries we visited were quite a tidy looking bunch. It was easy to spot the tourists among them and it had nothing to do with language; it was about appearance. Not many of our group seemed to have given much thought to how they looked.

Now granted, we can’t always take everything we would like given the constraints of the airlines, but even early on, clothes appeared to have been slept in and had not visited a washing machine in recent memory.

On our cruise the line published daily dress guidelines for

dinner. They might none of them looked has well have been very professional, written in Swahili. which is what I want Ragged jeans, ofwhen they are chirpfensive T-shirts, ing about what to baseball caps worn do “in the unlikely backwards walked event” we land in right by the wellJamaica Bay. Afdressed staff to a ter I was served my sumptuous spread. twelve (12) peanuts The definition of Hayden Hollingsworth and given a 25 cent “Smart Casual” coupon toward the must have been purchase of more, expanded without my noticing. I felt much better.

It was not difficult to recognize Even worse, at Grady Hospinon-Americans: they all looked tal in Atlanta where I trained, trim, clean and well dressed. nurses were recently wearing That put me in mind of a Tweetie-Bird and Harley-Daquestion: Where does pride vidson Tees while scampercome from? When I was a ing through the halls in dirty child my father always wore a running shoes. The director tie when traveling. Certainly of nursing caught the national we don’t (or want to) do that eye when she ordered them to anymore. Casual is cool and return to white uniforms and should be, but sloppy is sad gave them a clothing allowance and speaks more to lack of self- to do it. esteem than it does to making a This may seem trivial, but I public statement about appear- believe pride is personal and ance. communal. If we don’t take “Casual Dress Day” has be- pride in ourselves, then it income a national phenomenon. fects the community. Dress is More interesting and unusual the least of it. It goes beyond would be “Look Neat and Clean ourselves and extends to how Day.” This was brought into we feel about our city, our nasharp focus on our flight from tion and the role we wish to JFK where the cabin attendants play. were dressed in T-shirts and The United States has long blue jeans. To be fair they were been a source of envy by much supporting Cancer Awareness of the world. Now we are beMonth by wearing pink, at least ing looked at as an object of cuthe ladies were; the men didn’t riosity and derision as to how cross that color line and wore we have let ourselves and our black with a white ribbon, but nation slide into such a sloppy state.

Every time we step outside our houses we are making a statement on how we feel about ourselves and those around us, not just in how we look but how we act. If we’re ever going to Local SoRo resident, recently retired at have personal and community age 62 from global technology pride maybe we need to pay company seeks opportunity as follows: more attention to those and be less absorbed with how much üPart or Full-time Gainful Employment we can eat. Don’t bother to ask how much weight I gained in üPartnership of Potential Ownership seven days: I’m not talking.

Opportunity In 1960 William Lederer and Eugene Burdick published a book, The Ugly American.

Primary areas of interest: While its theme was political Technology Sales Environmental I am afraid it has become perConstruction Industrial sonal, too.

Seeking Business Opportunity

Broad education and qualifications Call 540-761-4477 to discuss

2

10/10/2008 Star~Sentinel Crossword Local Crossword 3

4

5

14 17 20

1 1

2 2

3 3

4 4

40 44

24

20 20

29

28 28

30 29 29

32 32 40 40

5354 54 55 55 53 54 55

57

57 57 65 65

10

11

187 7

8 8

9 9

10 10

11 11

16 22 16

18 18

19 19

26 31

25 25

22 22

26 26

34

19 12 12

33 33

41 41

49

45 50

23 27

23 23 27 27

35 31

34 4235 34 35

36 36

42 42

43 43 47

46

45 45

46 46

50 50

51 51 56 56

58 58 58 66 6666

59 5960 59 60

70 70

72 72

73 73

www.CrosswordWeaver.com www.CrosswordWeaver.com

60

70 73

ACROSS

1 70's music ACROSS 1 70's music

56

67 67 67

69 69

13

13 13

36

37

38 43

39 39

31

41

12

16 10/10/2008

www.CrosswordWeaver.com ACROSS

1 6 10 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 23 24 26 28 31 32

9

15 15

33

30 30

53

72

25

8

21 21

49 49

69

6 6

21

44 44

65

5 5

14 14

24 24

32

7

15

17 17

28

Local10/10/2008 Crossword

6

6 Moiety 6 Moiety 10 Chops 10 Chops 70's music state denizen 14 Midwestern 14 Midwestern state denizen Moiety Native ruler in Asia 15 15 Native ruler in Asia Island 16 Chops 16 Island 17 Knowing Midwestern 17 Knowing state denizen 18 Comedian Jay 18 Comedian Jay Native 19 Smirkruler in Asia 19 Smirk Mutton Island 20 20 Mutton Table cloths 21 Knowing 21 Table cloths 23 Gray sea eagle Comedian eagle 23 Gray sea Jay 24 Black gem 24 Black gem Smirk 26 Gaudy 26 Gaudy "Mr." in Spanish 28 Mutton 28 "Mr." in Spanish Speed 31 Table cloths 31 Speed 32 Reduced (abbr.)

Gray sea eagle (abbr.)

32 Reduced 33 Spoken 33 Spoken Black gem (abbr.)

Institution 36 36 Institution (abbr.)

Eight 40 Gaudy 40 Eight __ Lanka 42 "Mr." Spanish Lanka 42 __ in 43 Festive Speed 43 Festive 44 Sports channel 44 Sports channel Reduced (abbr.)

45 45 48 48 49 49 51 51 53 53 56 56 57 57 58 58 61 61 65 65 67 67 68 68 69 69 70 70 71 71 72 72 73 73 74 74

47 47

37 37

48 48

38

48

38

39

3 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 7 8 8 9 9 10 10 11 11 12 12 13 13

21 21 22 22 25 25 27 61 62 63 64 27 61 62 63 64 28 61 62 63 64 28 68 29 68 68 29 30 71 30 71 31 71 31 74 34 74 34 35 74 35 37 37 38 Develop 38 Develop 39 Lentil dish.

39 Lentil dish.

41 Seaweed 45 Develop 41 Seaweed 45 Run 45 48 Lentil dish.

Run 46 Type of fin 46 Type ofSeaweed fin 49 47 High __ 47 High __ 50 Environmental 51 Run protection 50 Environmental protection 52 agency (abbr)of fin 53 Type 52 agency (abbr) 53 Lumberjack's call 53 56 High __ Lumberjack's call 54 Wander 54 Wander Environmental protection55 57 particle Small 55 Small particle 56 Look atagency (abbr) 56 Look at 59 Levied 58 Lumberjack's call 59 Levied 60 Sloven 60 Wander 61 Sloven 62 France & Germany river 62 France & Germany river Small particle 65 63 American Standard Code 63 American Standard Code 64 For Look at Interchange.

67Information 64 For Information Interchange.

66 Not Levied 68women's 66 Not women's 68 Gas burner 68 Sloven Gas burner 69 Soft-finned fish Soft-finned fish & Germany river 70 France 51

52 52

52

The Development of Decency

F

or the past week or more as I drive to and from work through Raleigh Court I have noticed several political signs. One in particular has grabbed my attention. Unfortunately it has done so because of its vulgarity. Each day as I pass and realize that hundreds of school children drive by this sign on a daily basis on their way to and from school, it ticks me off. I began to ask myself how someone, regardless of the politiContact Hayden at cal party or position that they jhayden2003@cox.net support, can be so limited in decency that they would post something like this in their front yard? How demeaning of others to purposely face this sign towards your neighbor who clearly supports a different political party than you. It is a good argument, don’t you water We shouldn’t post vul3 Played in the think? six.profane things in a pub4 Atomic number gar or 5 Less than twolic way as to make them easily seen and pondered by our chilPlayed in the water 6 Spiral Played in the water Atomic number six. dren. Somebody should take Prayer ending 7 Atomic number six.

Less than two action; call the mayor, the poLess than two8 Check out register wait Spiral lice, etc.

Spiral section Prayer ending9 ___ lobe, front brain This is often how we react to Prayer ending Check out register wait 10 Shoat different attacks on decency in Check out register wait ___ lobe, front brain section Hassection ears 11brain our culture and many times it ___ lobe, front Shoat Shoat is warranted. Yet these vulgariPurr 12 Has ears Has ears 13 Bright and pleasant ties do less to impact our chilPurr Purr dren than what they see in their Bright and pleasant demeanor Bright and pleasant own homes from us, their very demeanor demeanor 21 Greek stringed instrument own parents. The difficulty Greek stringed instrument Greek stringed Pouch 22 instrument Pouch here is that we teach things like Pouch Winter mo. 25 Winter mo. decency not by explaining or Winter mo.

Liberal 27 Liberal talking to our children about Liberal Rescue the concept, but by modeling 28 Rescue Rescue Wading bird Wading bird29 Wading bird it in our own behavior. Three Grasp things that we do as parents Grasp 30 Grasp Send Send that begin to set the stage for Please respond 31 Send Please respond how our children will deal with Brother.

Brother. 34 Please respond others in their lives and their Naught

Local Crossword

1

G

enerally speaking, I try to You would be right. But that situastay away from national tion did not suit me, and leaving it felt politics, but the recent vice empowering. presidential debate between Alaska Now, I’m freelancing as well as livGov. Sarah Palin and Delaware Sen. ing on my pension. I’m also sleeping Joseph Biden prompts me to make one better, enjoying a little leisure time and non-partisan observation. remembering who I am.

What on earth is a person with a I am the person who loves good special-needs child and a pregnant conversation, spending time with my teen-aged daughter doing gallivanting kids and picnicking on the New River, Joe Kennedy all over the country in a campaign for as I did the other day. I love writing high political office? and reading and other simple things.

I know where I’d be if I were she – tending to The freedom to come and go is important to my family first, and putting my political aspira- me, far more important than mere money. tions on hold.

At least, that’s what I say today. We’ll see how Where I come from, a pregnant teen-aged the future plays out, but I do know this: Living daughter would count as a matter of extreme im- is better than dying, and living is what I’m doing portance. A special needs child would be a chal- now. lenge I’m not sure I could meet.

Two weeks ago I went to Washington to see Palin’s habit of depicting her family as normal Carrie Fisher in her autobiographical, one-wommay contain more than a little truth. Difficult an play called “Wishful Drinking.” problems do occur in the lives of many people.

It recounts, in hilarious fashion, her bizarre But few of those people would jump into the childhood in Hollywood, when her father, singnational limelight at such a critical time for their er Eddie Fisher, left her mother, actress Debbie families, when their children need both parents Reynolds, for actress Elizabeth Taylor … and so around. on.

I know that Biden served in the Senate when he Fisher’s emotional and substance abuse issues was a widowed father, and, yes, I can identify with were covered extensively by the tabloids, and she him, as I have long been in that situation. Maybe hides little if anything about her troubled past. that makes me biased.

She said, in fact, that she had fairly recently But I have walked the walk, and believe me, undergone electroconvulsive therapy, and she families are better off with two present, function- recommends it highly, though it did cost her four ing parents than with one, no matter how well months of her memory. things turn out.

An artist is one who can transmute the episodes To me, Palin’s candidacy represents a moral, not of life into another form. I, for one, never lost sight political, failing. of sadness and pain beneath Fisher’s droll stories.

This judgment comes from my head as well as But I never stopped laughing, either. my heart. It will never change.

She is an artist, without a doubt. Her show was Recently I left my initial, post-Roanoke Times well worth the money. job as a fundraiser for a Roanoke non-profit. You may think it’s a perilous time to resign from a Contact Joe at spot, given the economy’s free-fall and the spiralpilarcik2@cox.net ing unemployment rate.

basic sense of desaid the word “crud.” cency are: How we He said, “Dad, you interact with others, are not supposed to how we deal with say that word, it is others when in disnot nice.” The scary agreement or conthing is that it did flict, and the words not even register and language we use with me that I had when we are upset said it. Children pay and angry. attention to what we How we interact say. When we are with others: After angry or upset, this Keith McCurdy leaving a hardware awareness is heightstore recently my ened. The words we daughter asked me if I knew choose at those moments demthe cashier. I said no and asked onstrate to our children what is why she wanted to know. Her appropriate and inappropriate response was that I was very about how we express our annice to her so she figured that I ger and frustration. This is esknew her. This was a reminder pecially true when it relates to to me that all of our interactions frustrations with another perwith others are watched by our son. How we express ourselves children. How we treat others, will be echoed by our children whether we know them or not, in the future. Our children demonstrates to our children need to see that even when we how to treat those around them are frustrated or have an isin life. We need to demonstrate sue with another person, that kindness. we are not demeaning or proHow we deal with others fane. We need to demonstrate when in disagreement or con- healthy management of our flict:.Children are nosey. Have emotions with our language. you ever noticed how they hang Remember that decency around whenever you need to is learned primarily through talk with or about someone re- modeling. This is most often garding a conflict or disagree- seen in how we value other ment? Children are eager to people in our lives. Our chillearn how to handle discord dren are constantly exposed and conflict. They pay close to how we deal with others attention to how we talk to or and from this exposure they refer to others during times of begin to develop their own set difficulty. This gives them a of relational coping skills and template as to how they are to an understanding of how they approach others with whom should value those around they have difficulty. At these them. Be a healthy model for times we need to demonstrate a your children. positive regard for others, even in conflict.

Contact Keith at The words we use: My son psycyou@msn.com scolded me last night when I

Naught 35 Brother.

Cuff Cuff 37 Naught Story Story Pen fillers 38 Cuff Pen fillers Kind of circular shape Story 39 shape Kind of circular Swerve Swerve 41 Pen fillers Escudo Escudo Sup 45 Kind of circular shape Sup Sacramental46 oil Sacramental oil Swerve Rationalism Rationalism 47 Escudo Roanoke's Polish sister city.

C o m mu n i t y | N ew s | Pe r s p e c t i ve Roanoke's 50 Polish sister city.

Sup City Boca ___ City Boca ___ __ cotta (clay) 52 Sacramental oil __ cotta (clay) Publisher | Stuart Revercomb | stuart@theroanokestar.com | 400-0990 Ham 53 Rationalism Ham Advertising Director | Pam Rickard | pam@theroanokestar.com | 400-0990 Seed or a head shot?

Roanoke's Polish sister city. Editor | Stephen Nelson | stephen@theroanokestar.com | 400-0990 54 shot?

Seed or a head Production Fairy tale opener Fairy tale opener 55 City Boca ___ Bride's headdress Technical Webmaster | Don Waterfield | webmaster@theroanokestar.com | 400-0990 Bride's headdress Modify 56 __ cotta (clay) Modify six pack? 59 Ham six pack?

Foreign Agricultural Service The Roanoke Star-Sentinel is published weekly by Whisper One Media, Inc. in Roanoke,Va. Subscriptions are available or a head shot?

60 Seed Foreign Agricultural Service

The Roanoke Star-Sentinel

for $44 per year. Send subscriptions to PO Box 8338, Roanoke, VA 24014. We encourage letters from our readers 62 Fairy tale opener on topics of general interest to the community and responses to our articles and columns. Letters must be signed and 63 Bride's headdress DOWN have a telephone number for verification. All letters will be verified before publication. The Star-Sentinel reserves the 71 American Standard Code DOWN right to deny publication of any letter and edit letters for length, content and style.

By Don Waterfield 64 Modify For Information Interchange.

All real estate advertised herein is subject to national and Virginia fair housing laws and readers are hereby informed 1 Call 66 six pack?

1 Call 72 Not women's that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis.

2 State 2 State 68 Foreign Agricultural Service 73 Gas burner Find the answers online: TheRoanokeStar.com

Have a clue and answer you’d like to see? email: puzzles@theroanokestar.com

Perspective

TheRoanokeStar.com

Hens in the Hen House

T

he topic of chickens is never far from my lips these days.

The chicks that hatched in kindergarten last spring came home to roost in our red roofed hen house, and just now they have gotten the rhythm of laying eggs. Every morning they are let out of their coop to scratch and putter in their small yard and sometime during the morning they wander back into the henhouse to lay an egg. Most of the time I am not around to see the event, but on Saturday I caught a glimpse of the excitement in the hen yard. All the hens, four that is, were nervous and excited, staying close by to witness the laying of an egg. One hen even perched herself right next to the laying hen, peering over the straw to see how she was doing. I didn’t wait long enough to see the egg pop out, but I did return in time to see her still sitting there with her egg still quite warm.

I remember so well when we received our first batch of live baby chicks several years ago. We ordered them online, first ordering only ten hens, but later increasing the order to the required minimum of twenty-five so they could stay warm in route. When they arrived in our Raleigh Court Post Office, a message was left on our telephone announcing their arrival. My husband picked them up and could hear them peeping from the back of the post office. They came in a small cardboard box with holes in the sides. There were twenty-seven fluffy day-old chicks. Our work was cut out for us!

This chicken connection started on a more hilarious

note several years manure home to ago when we lived ‘cheer up the lawn.’ on Washington To this day, I can Street in Winstill see my next chester, Virginia. door neighbor’s At the time, it was face peering over not that funny, but the fence, wondertelling a good stoing what the barnry always makes like smell was. I it a good laugh. do remember my Diane Kelly Wa s h i n g t o n own reaction on Street, a lovely seeing the small area near the Historic Dis- backyard covered in chicken trict, and right on the route poop, wondering what on for the Apple Blossom Pa- earth made him think that rade, was an area where peo- would make me happy. As it ple took great care of their turned out, the manure was homes and yards. While I so fresh and the quantity was away for the weekend, so large that we had to wait my dear husband, the do-it- until spring to see the grass yourselfer that he is, needed or play in the yard again. a manly job and decided Thankfully it was the winter that chicken manure would of 1996 with a record snowbe just the thing to boost fall, and the manure finally our lawn. He thoroughly disappeared. believed in using organic In the spring our lawn was materials to get nutrients the greenest of any house into the ground; none of the around, and the grass grew commercial fertilizers would at a record breaking rate, do. He wanted the real stuff: producing tall blades that fresh chicken manure. As needed cutting almost twice one might imagine, chicken weekly. It was also the spring farmers are happy as clams when my husband took a to give away their chicken new job in Roanoke, and manure to wanabe farmers. I was left behind to sell the I can just see my husband house and let the children showing up in his red Toy- finish school there. Yes, and ota Pick-up, with pitchfork mow the grass. in hand inquiring about the I never imagined how possibility of obtaining some valuable this little story chicken manure. Unfortu- would be, when twelve years nately on this day, the ma- later I now have chickens in nure mustn’t have had a very my own backyard. The story long time to ‘cure’ because it does come in handy on cold was fresh as it could be. But dark mornings when somethe time was right, (I was one needs to feed and let the out of town) and he had to chickens out in the morning move on it. So he did. When before work. All I have to say he piled it into the bed of the is, “Your turn.” We laugh and truck and headed for home, remember the day when the it must have smelled like a manure arrived on Washingrolling barnyard. ton Street.

Not having been there, I can only imagine what the neighContact Diane at bors were thinking when he dianekelly@gmail.com brought the truck load of

The Recipe of the Week from The Happy Chef

by Leigh Sackett

Good Ol’ Apple Pie

We went apple picking at the Apple Barn recently! It was a beautiful day and such a wonderful adventure for my kids. I love when something as remarkable, yet simple as rows of apple trees conjures up wonder and excitement in my children. Who needs malls and amusement parks when you have shiny, juicy, red apples growing from trees that spring up from the earth, what a miracle!

So I stood on a ladder and handed apples down from the tree to my daughter and I yelled, “Maddie, you and I could work at an apple orchard, I could climb the ladder and hand you apples all day long to put in your basket.” She was very excited about this idea and later in the day she told me she had added an apple picker to her list of things she wants to be when she grows up. So her list now reads: Veterinarian, Artist, Spy, Apple Picker. The spy one makes me laugh, because she is so very noisy.

I love a child’s list of jobs. They always say “I want to be” not “I want a career in” and they always seem to feel they can be many things because why not - they enjoy so many things! I love what they pick because it is always things they really do enjoy and care about, it is never (at least at a young age) based on where you can make the most money or move up the quickest in the company. I think it is wonderful that at this point in Maddie’s life being an Apple Picker is as exciting and as prestigious as being a Veterinarian. I love that because it is a truth that unfortunately too many do not see; yet our children see it.

It is no mystery to me why Jesus loved and spoke of children the way he did. If we value what a two year old child does and thinks as much as we do a fifty-five year old man and if we listen and learn from a six year old, I think we begin to understand life in the way we are meant to. Wherever Maddie finds herself in life - whether it is collecting information as Secret Agent Sackett or as a world renowned Veterinarian curing kitty diseases, I hope she wears that same happy smile I saw as I handed her apples to put in her basket.

I hope you have time to make this delicious pie during apple season. It is fairly easy and SO very good . . . Go apple picking to get your apples - it makes the pie extra tasty!

Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour ½ cup solid shortening ¼ tsp salt 1 tsp grated lemon peel 4-6 tbs ice water 3 lbs cooking apples, peeled and sliced 1/3 cup all-purpose flour 1/3 cup sugar ½ tsp cinnamon ½ tsp nutmeg ½ cup golden raisins 2 tbs butter, cut in slivers 1 egg white, slightly beaten 3 tbs sugar

Directions: -Combine flour, shortening and salt in large bowl using a pastry blender or 2 knives

-Mix in grated peel; add only enough ice water to make a smooth dough -Cover with foil, chill for 1 hour -Divide dough in half -Roll out 1 crust on a lightly floured board; place in 9-inch pie pan; set aside; refrigerate remaining dough -Toss apples with next 6 ingredients -Preheat oven to 400 degrees -Pour filling into prepared crust -Roll out remaining dough, place on top of pie and crimp edges, prick top with fork, cut a half inch hole in the center of the pie crust -Brush pie with egg white and sprinkle with sugar -Bake for 45 minutes or until pie is golden brown -Cool on rack for 5 minutes

10/10/08 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 5

National environmental journalist conference arrives in Roanoke

I

n 1962 Rachel Carson's Silent Spring sparked popular concern for issues in the environment. Early warnings of those times made us acknowledge that mankind's activities were having far-reaching and unintended effects on vast but degradable systems like oceans and weather, agricultural soils and groundwater.

The terms ecology and environment were certainly buzzwords when I entered graduate school in Zoology in 1970. It was an era in which many believed that the greening of America and the world had begun in earnest.

But sadly almost a half-century later, nations still bicker about how our generation should guide the future of the commons that belong to both humans and other life forms.

As the consequences of mankind's interaction with the planet become more grave in an age of spin and special interests, the public increasingly needs broad, objective and trustworthy accounting of the facts. More than that, today's magazine or newspaper reader or television viewer deserves reportage that makes these complex environmental issues relevant and comprehensible to the non-scientist.

According to Bill Kovarik of the School of Communications at Radford University, "there is absolutely nothing more important at this moment in history than making sure that journalists are well educated in science and technology and environmental issues." The Society of Environmental Journalists (SEJ) functions specifically to meet that need.

Since its founding in 1990, SEJ has worked to "advance public understanding of environmental issues by improving the quality, accuracy, and visibility of environmental reporting." This month (Oct 1519) the national organization hosted by Virginia Tech will meet in Roanoke for its annual conference that includes a slate of notable speakers, a wealth of informational sessions and regional field trips.

Governors Tim Kaine (VA) and Joe Manchin (WV) will welcome more than 500 SEJ members and registered guests at the Wednesday night reception and dinner at Hotel Roanoke. Entertainment will be provided by singer Kathy Mattea. For that evening's awards gala, plaques will be presented

by Philippe and Alexandra Cousteau, grandchildren of the legendary ocean explorer. A new recognition of excellence in the field this year will be the

Rachel Carson Book Finally, Sunday Award. morning's events On Thursday, atcenter around tendees from around environmentallythe country will venoriented books and ture out into our reauthors, with discusgion to explore eight sions and readings different landscapes

by Wendell Berry, and related issues.

Ann Pancake and Field destinations Denise Giardina. will include a West The central focus Fred First Virginia mountainwill be Appalachian top removal site; an Appala- community and culture related chian forest management area; to coal and coal mining. a sustainable organic farm; the The choice of breakout sesBlue Ridge Parkway; the Appa- sions later on Sunday morning lachian Trail; floats on the New will include presentations on River and the James River; and sense of place in environmen"the U.S's first uranium mine tal writing, natural history and outside the Southwest." travel writing, and writing about Notable local authorities Cara science and the environment.

Modisett, Rupert Cutler, Tom That will not be an easy choice Denton, Dan Smith and oth- for me to make! ers will offer their expertise and I look forward to attending the perspective as tour speakers for SEJ conference as a new memthe Parkway trip. Local officials ber this year and will share with and experts will be heard at you in a future column what I stops along the way to and from see and hear and learn during each trip destination. Virginia those mid-October days.

Tech's research and teaching faculty will provide relevant sciContact Fred at ence and technical grounding fred1st@gmail.com for all of the excursions.

Friday's plenary session is entitled "Old King Coal: What's His Role in America's Energy Future?" and Saturday's plenary, Roanoke has a "Election 2008 and the EnviSaltwater Fish Store!

• Large selection ronment." Concurrent sessions • Live corals Friday and Saturday will cover • Aquariums & equipment • Delivery & set-up coal, energy, climate, water, • Maintenance for home or business land, environmental health, in540-580-7755 1428 Roanoke Road (Across from Lord Botetourt High School) frastructure, and the craft of reporting. An afternoon keynote address will be presented by Noble Peace Prize winner Dr. R. K. Pachauri, Chairman of the International Panel on Climate Change.

T-F 3-7 pm, Sat 12-6 pm, Sun 1-5

Shop for Fall Fashions at Primarily Kids!

Hartstrings • Glorimont • E. Land Wes & Willy •Carriage Boutiques THE ROAN Funtasia • Mis-tee-v-us • Le Top Skivvydoodles • K.C. Parker • and many more..

HURRY IN - SIZES ARE LIMITED!

2130 Colonial Avenue, Roanoke Across upper level Towers Mall 540-342-1480

One inspired campus

Everything you need.

Retirement Living | Assisted Living Memory Care | Vacation & Recovery Program Healthcare & Progressive Rehab Program Onsite Pharmacy, Internal Medicine Practice, and Outpatient Therapy Clinic

(540) 380-6511 | 3615 W. Main St. Salem, VA 24153 | richfieldretirement.com

Page 6 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 10/10/08

TheRoanokeStar.com

PreAcHer’s corNer

[Non-profit Art]

featuring

Medi f ast

Meals

Certain living in uncertain times

T

he month of September and the early weeks of October in the 8 years of this new millennium have been tough months MAKE YOUR WEIGHT LOSS for many. In this country, we GOALS A REALITY! immediately think of the attacks Once you make the decision to in September 2001 and its anlose weight and improve your niversary. We also remember health, this program is fast, easy very well the pictures and stories from our gulf coast after and nutritious. Best of all we the double whammy of hurrioffer free personal support canes Katrina and Rita in 2005. without program fees and I will Then there’s this year. The be with you every step of winds and rains from four the way. storms have wiped out the The Rescue Mission helped celebrate the arts on Thursday evening by To Learn More: food crops and destroyed the having a local artist’s reception. “We wanted to celebrate 40 days and Call Julie Holt at (540)537-1810 irrigation systems in Haiti and 40 nights.â€? said Lee Clark, Rescue Mission’s Director of Development. “We or Visit www.JHolt.ts.com devastated the areas around wanted to say thank you to the artists at the Rescue Mission and show Health Coach ID # 22699401 Galveston, Texas. Gas prices the community how important the arts are hereâ€?

A health coach is not a substitute for a physician or qualiďŹ ed soared, stock markets dipped, medical practitioner for monitoring those using Medifast Meals.

This is the third year that the mission has called for entries and artists the world economy shook. submitted their own work in the spring, said Clark. Another art show is •Safe & Effective •Clinically Proven And to complicate things, Fanscheduled in April, he added. There were 22 artists participating Thursnie Mae, Freddy Mack, and AIG •Great Taste •Quick Results day night. (Joan Kastner) all “came tumbling downâ€?. Add •No Calorie Counting •Soy Based in the recent bombing of the Marriot Hotel in Islamabad and threats of an October surprise

by Al Queda, the fevered debate over global warming: myth or fact?, and the biting and increasingly vicious rhetoric of those running for our nation’s highest offices. There’s instability in the air. We are living in uncertain times.

And because times are uncertain, it may be helpful for us to remember the lessons we learned (or relearned) in the months following 9-11-01; lessons that were preached from pulpits, and taught in classrooms Recipients of the first Golden Halo Awards stand with their trophies as and shared on talk shows by presented by Children's Trust (The new combined organization consist- experts in stress and fear and ing of the former Children's Advocacy Center and CASA.) These their all too real effects on the individuals were nominated by citizens throughout the valley and winhuman spirit. We might sum4 bed, 3 full bath, 1 half bath, 3,022 sqft ners were selected and presented with the award for their outstanding marize those lessons as four : Beautifully decorated maintenace free patio home with upgraded cabinets, first floor bedrooms, hardwood floors, workout room, contributions to child abuse prevention, intervention and advocacy.

Number 1. Cling to what you cherry cabinets, granite couter tops, tumbled marble, ceramic From L to R: Helen Dean CommunityVolunteer Winner, know is true: God is gracious, is tile & carpeting. Crown molding, wine rack, exercise room double Jen Bath, accepting for Melissa Harper, Carilion Medical Professional in control and is with us. Crewalkin closets & with upgrades. Soaking tub.

Winner, Robin Dearing, Esq.Legal/Judicial Winner, Lynette Jobe, City ation is beautiful. The human of Roanoke Department of Social Services Child Protective Services person is resilient because God Presented by Chan Bolling Winner, Det.Adam Thompson, County of Roanoke Police Department has breathed God’s spirit into us.

MKB, REALTORS Law Enforcement Winner, Not pictured: Pat Davidson, LCSW, Family In many of the religious services Phone 540-989-4555 / 540-344-7415 Service RoanokeValley-Mental Health Professional Winner after September 11, Psalm 27

Art at the Rescue Mission

Beautiful Southwood Reduced to $525,000

2008 Golden Halo Awards

was read: “The Lord is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear? The Lord is my life’s refuge; of whom should I shrink?

For us who believe, the answer is, of course, nothing. Psalm 46 says “Our God is refuge and our strength, an ever- present help in distress�. On God living and true, I know to cling.

Number 2. Breathe deeply, and don’t give up on your routine, that is, what for you and yours is considered “normal�.

Uncertainty is scary and what scares us can paralyze us‌if we let it. In abnormal times, keep on living.

3) Look beyond your need particularly the imagined or feared needs that might be coming your way and find ways to be involved with those whose suffering is presently real and tangible. Individuals and families dropped everything and travelled to NY and Washington to help with rescue and recovery post September 11. Mission teams formed and today still journey to Mississippi and Louisiana to help residents clean up and rebuild after the storms.

Food, clothing, medicines, and building supplies were collected, boxed, bagged and sent where the need was greatest. Blood drives were scheduled and blood was given in record units.

We found ways to be of help.

4) Take hold of your neighbors’ hands. Talk about what is happening. Watch out for the other. Go to a place of worship.

Find a prayer group.

All 4 of these lessons could be summed up this way: in uncertain times, do something.

And be certain about it!

Joe Lehman is Pastor of Our Lady of Nazareth Catholic Church located at 2505 Electric Rd (Rte 419).You can learn more about OLN’s Ministry at www.oln-parish.org

Roanoke Valley Harley-Davidson It’s Fall and the 2009’s are HERE! Sportster

Electra Glide

R

Road Glide

R

V-Rod Muscle

R

R

Dyna Super Glide

Fat Boy

R

R

Come to Roanoke Valley Harley-Davidson and ride out on a new 2009!

Monday-Friday 8 to 6 Saturday 8 to 5 1925 Peters Creek Road Roanoke, VA 24017

t SWIE DPN

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

Sports

10/10/08 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 7

Photo by Bill Turner

The North Cross field hockey team (light jerseys) battles an opponent in a recent match.

Raiders break through

Photos by Bill Turner

Two bikers (left) fight the final climb of the race. Overall winner Robert Marion, (right) a professional rider, approaches the finish line. His winning time was 40 min., 31 sec. Star-Sentinel Columnist Johnny Robinson took first place in the 50+ sport group.

Poor Mountain Hill Climb is no lazy bike ride

Start out near Salem, climb over a mountain and end up near the radio and TV towers on Poor Mountain. Sounds like fun.

Not! Yet several dozen hardy bicyclists did just that last weekend, taking part in the Poor Mountain Hill Climb, which ends in southwest Roanoke County after the trek over Poor Mountain Road from West County. The Hill Climb is also the final race in the annual six-race Virginia Derailer Series. Misc. info on race: it starts at Camp Roanoke near Dixie Caverns; the course is 6 3/4 mile up Poor Mountain, ending at the communication towers. The last 3/4-mile is a 15% gradient on a gravel road--several bikers were off their bikes during this stretch. Overall winner Robert Marion (40:31) is from Lynchburg; Gary Roach (50:06) was the top finisher from Roanoke; Flavia Lepene (48:46) was the fastest biker among Roanoke women riders.

“ I am happy to report that North Cross field hockey team had their first win [recently],” reports North Cross School field hockey coach Emily Phillips of her young squad. “The girls played great! We played Chatham Hall and won 4-0. Sophomore midfielder, Hallie Martin scored the first goal of the game, junior midfielder Kaya Patel scored 2 goals and senior forward Grace Copplestone scored 1 goal, with an assist by sophomore Hannah Carter. Junior midfielder, Caitlin Verdu played a great game helping to keep the ball on our end of the field.” With no other high schools in the valley playing field hockey the Raiders must travel an hour or more when they hit the road for a game.

Then this past Tuesday North Cross got some revenge: “[we] had a HUGE victory … yesterday against Blue Ridge Conference rival, Carlisle School,” said Phillips. The Raiders came from behind, winning 3-2. Eighth grade goalie Meagan Mulhauser “played an incredible game,” said Phillips. The first goal was scored early in the 2nd half by sophomore Melinda Truslow to tie the game 1-1. Senior Grace Copplestone gave the Raiders the lead with a goal in the middle of the 2nd half. Melinda Truslow scored another goal to give the Raiders the game. “Early in the season Carlisle School beat the Raiders 10-0 so this was a very sweet victory,” added Phillips, the first year coach.

Photos by Sandy Gotschal

A William Fleming runner (left) pushes to the finish line.

North Cross Emily Chandel runner (right) on the course.

Local runners compete in Metro Invitational

Photos by Sandy Gotschal

They’re off! Women leave the start line as the 5K (3.1 mile) race begins (above).

Two runners from Roanoke Catholic and another from Cave Spring High School battle for position (right).

‘J t s la

o z az

h t n

’ o i t a eP

The 35th annual Metro Invitational at Green Hill Park in Roanoke County last weekend produced one cross-country course record and solid finishes from local schools, although Blacksburg took home both the girls and boys team titles. Glenvar’s Megan Marsico, a junior, set the course and meet record at 17 minutes, 45 second for the 3.1-mile, 5K course. Josh Morris (Jefferson Forest) won the individual boys race award at 15:51:89. Locally for the boys teams William Byrd finished 3rd, with Cave Spring 5th, Patrick Henry 6th, Roanoke Catholic 7th and North Cross 12th.

On the girls side Cave Spring finished 2nd, Patrick Henry 4th, Roanoke Catholic 5th, Glenvar 6th, Northside 9th, William Byrd 12th and North Cross 15th.

n o s a e s of

Jazz on the Patio with Latin Jazz Project Tuesday, October 14, 6 - 8 pm Roanoke Main Library Brody Room Patio food by Alejandro’s Mexican Grill

dancing encouraged

540-853-1057 this event is free

sPorts

Page 8 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 10/10/08

PH grads are top runners at college meet The Roanoke College men’s and women’s cross country teams placed second and third, respectively at the Lenior-Rhyne Invitational last weekend. Ian Robinson, a Patrick Henry High School graduate, and Alex Knutsen made the medal stand as they finished third and fourth respectively in the meet. Robinson, the ODAC Runner of the Week after his performance last weekend, made a case for the same honor again as he finished with an 8K best time for a NCAA Div. III runner, at 26:50.

The women had five runners finish in the top20, led by Jennifer Doughman, who placed tenth (20:15) on the shorter women’s course. Patrick Henry alumna Maggie Moore (20:28) placed 15th. Roanoke was the only Div. III school to compete in the event against NCAA Div. II competition. The Maroons will take the week off be-

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

Courtesy of Roanoke College

Ian Robinson Photo by Bill Turner fore traveling south again to compete in the Appa- North Cross linebacker #43 Devin Cain knocks the ball loose as he levels a Falcon ball handler. lachian State Invitational on Oct. 17. It will be the final meet of the regular season before the ODAC championships at Virginia Wesleyan.

North Cross Football

ANGELA GILLESPIE REALTOR, ABR Call today to learn more about my design and home staging services

www.cbtownside.com www.angelasellsvirginia.com

Discover the Possibilities

%JTDPWFS UIF 1PTTJCJMJUJFT t %JTDPWFS UIF 1PTTJCJMJUJFT t %JTDPWFS UIF 1PTTJCJMJUJFT t %JTDPWFS UIF 1PTTJCJMJUJFT t

6OMPDLJOH :PVS 3FBM &TUBUF %SFBNT

Raiders football update: North Cross School is on the road this week at Fishburne Military but the varsity football squad left home on a positive note, shutting out Fuqua 55-0 on its campus last week. Fuqua was held to 12 yards of total offense. Tailback Tyler Caveness continued his outstanding season for the Raiders (5-1), racking up another 164 yards on the ground and tallying three touchdowns. Wide receiver Sid Brown chipped in with close to 200 yards of total offense.

Faith Christian soccer: tough season for young team The varsity soccer team at Faith Christian School wrapped up a winless regular season on Tuesday with a 5-0 home loss to Roanoke Valley Christian School. It has been a difficult campaign for the Warriors on many fronts. An already inexperienced group has had to cope with the loss of seven starters from last season, resulting in a team that has no seniors and several middle school players.

Junior midfielder Rhett Adams, one of the team’s cocaptains, led the Warriors with four goals during the season. Right-wing Sam McSherry netted one goal on the season for Faith Christian.

The Warriors played in sev-

eral competitive games, including a 4-2 loss at Christian Heritage Academy, which was tied at 2 with 10 minutes remaining, and a 2-1 loss at SWVA Home School. “I couldn’t be prouder of the boys,� second-year coach Matt Reeve said. “With so many younger kids, it was extremely difficult to compete physically with some of the other teams. But the kids never gave up – not in practice and never in games. We may not have always played Photo by Bill Turner high quality soccer, but the Warriors’ Tyler Garner (a 6th boys always gave a high qualgrader) advances the ball ity effort.� against Oak Hill.

By Matt Reeve Matt@theroanokestar.com

Start your holiday shopping at the 9th Annual Blue Ridge Potters Guild Show & Sale at Cave Spring High School featuring...

The Largest Show of Pottery in SW Virginia!

Friday,Oct. 17, 6am-9pm, Saturday,Oct.18, 10am-6pm Sunday,Oct.19, Noon-5pm Proceeds from our special sale go to ‘CHIP’ a child health organization.

Watch Your Investment Grow at North Cross School

Junior Kindergarten - Grade 12 s !DVANCED COLLEGE PREPARATORY CURRICULUM s COLLEGE PLACEMENT s &OREIGN LANGUAGE INSTRUCTION BEGINNING IN *UNIOR +INDERGARTEN s %XTENDED DAY BUS SERVICE AND lNANCIAL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE

Free Admission & Free Parking!

Turn off Rt.419 onto Chaparral Drive, school is on left.

Lindenwood Private Lake

Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten OPEN HOUSE October 15, November 13, January 14 & February 3 8:30 - 9:30 a.m.

To register, please contact Deborah C. Jessee, Director of Admission & Financial Assistance, at 540-989-6641, ext. 330 or DJESSEE NORTHCROSS ORG

#OLONIAL !VENUE s 2OANOKE 6! s WWW NORTHCROSS ORG

Brick ranch with 2 kitchens, deck, patio, rec room, 2 baths, 2 fireplaces, 3 bedrooms.

All this on 4.4 acres. If you like to fish, this is for you! $237,000 Presented by Chan Bolling MKB, REALTORS Phone 540-989-4555 / 540-344-7415

New AD Seeks to Further Athletic Programs at Faith Christian

When Ed Elliott took over as the Athletic Director at Faith Christian School this fall (replacing Eric Lawrence), he inherited the challenge of a young program still seeking to establish itself. Elliott came to the school last year as a part-time teacher, and was hired as Athletic Director at the end of the spring. “I really believe in the school, and what it is about,� he said. “This is a tremendous opportunity for me, and Faith is a great environment to be a part of.�

Elliott also serves as a coach for the cross-country and volleyball teams as the school. “It’s a lot, but it doesn’t seem like work because of the passion I have for sports and the desire I have to be an impact on young people,� he said. The challenge for Elliott and the school will be getting more students involved in the athletic programs offered at Faith Christian. The school opened a brand-new facility last year, and is only in its fourth year of interscholastic varsity competition. Among his other chores: finding a replacement for boys varsity basketball head coach Leon Caldwell, who is not returning this fall. The varsity girls, coached by Pat Wolfe, won a state small private school title last winter. “If you look at the participation rate at the school for varsity sports, it’s probably not where you would like for it to be,� Elliott said. “It’s my hope that the kids here will get involved with athletics, learn different fundamentals and skills and enjoy it.�

By Matt Reeve Matt@theroanokestar.com

TheRoanokeStar.com

Letters

Commentary: Dr. Murphy's Risky Operation I have been following the Carilion Clinic controversy with great interest. I am retired executive from the automotive industries and so I have sadly watched this "restructuring" movie many times before. Allow me to share my experience.

First, it must be said that Dr. Murphy and his Board are to be commended for identifying a growing major problem long before it becomes an unmanageable, "Wall Street"like crisis. They have clearly seen the issue of ever-increasing demands for healthcare services by an expanding patient population, but one with a steadily declining ability to pay the bills. For his early call to action, Dr. Murphy deserves an "A", and maybe even part of his generous bonus for skillful diagnosis.

But now we must focus on Dr. Murphy's treatment plan.

When any provider of goods or services is confronted with the twin issues of everincreasing product demands and a declining revenue stream, the provider quickly realizes that there are only two solution-roads open: The "core-competency" route and the "re-invention" route.

The core competency road is simple in concept. It asks first what the market need is.

And then what specific skill sets does the organization already possesses, which are of such a level of quality excellence and cost-effectiveness that few other providers can match. It builds its foundation on this established excellence. This route is not easily traveled. An organization's recognition that it cannot be all things to all customers requires a painful, ego-bruising kind of honesty. And the requirement to never let-up on quality and cost effectiveness in areas already done well demands an unrelenting institutionalized discipline, in order that the many, small incremental gains will over time compound to a winning total.

It is not a glamorous or excit-

ing adventure- there are few ribbon cuttings at impressive new buildings or laudatory press reports along the way.

But the prospect of quiet, enduring success is very real.

Honda and MMM are textbook examples of hundreds of core-competency companies that have achieved market pre-eminence by "doing what they do best".

The "re-invention" route on the other hand is an alluring one for managements facing major difficulties. It is driven by an "out-of-the-box" vision of what the organization would prefer itself to be.

It is the announced route of Carillon, using the Mayo and Cleveland Clinics as models for its "wannabe" vision. The primary danger with this approach is that the wish fathers the thought and the thought in turn is charged with giving birth to the supposed market need. For example, it would not make economic sense for the Roanoke Regional Airport to try to transform itself to an O’Hare class international destination using the rationale that the local citizenry deserve better air service. It would also be folly to assume that this new international airport would steal passengers in any meaningful numbers from the major metropolitan centers of New York, Chicago, Washington or Atlanta. Is it not fair to ask, just how many patient-customers does Carilion hope to "steal" from John Hopkins, Duke or UVA? The track- record of the "build it and they will come" enterprise philosophy is not impressive.

But the possibility of a misjudged market need is not the only danger with the reinvention approach. History offers very few examples of large organizations transforming themselves in some fundamental way, especially using years as the yardstick as opposed to decades. Failed examples, on the other hand, abound. For the last ten years, Microsoft, a company with

virtually unlimited financial and technical resources has struggled to achieve even a second-rank listing in the explosive Internet business.

To their chagrin, the Internet business could not even begin to exist without the foundation created by Microsoft's own software! Ford recently sold Jaguar and Land Rover after having acquired the brands in 1989 and 2000 respectively, in an effort to establish a "Premier" car group.

The bottom line - Ford lost hundreds of millions of dollars and the upscale images of Jaguar and Land Rover were left severely crippled.

The root problem? Ford forgot that it only knew how to make Fords. Is it not fair to ask, does Carilion management and its employees have the culture and demonstrated skill-sets to run a Mayo-like, "high- tech" medical center?

One final danger with the re-invention approach: the conjured vision of "what might be" often takes the organization for a ride on some highly diversionary side trips.

In the case of Carilion, we already read of the hospital system being involved in health clubs, a venture capital group, murky real estate deals and a less than an arms- length relationship with a local bank.

The latter seeming to have sprung into existence almost overnight. What do these really have to do with high quality and cost-effective patient care?

The writer once met a young doctor who had just completed a grueling surgical residency. I asked him, "What was the most important thing he had been taught over those long years?" He simply said, "Think twice and cut once".

The people of Roanoke can only hope that Dr. Murphy has been imbued with that same lesson as he undertakes his risky operation.

Name withheld by request.

Commentary: Hollywood Says “I Don’t” to Marriage on TV

It seems that television writers have an anti-marriage bias.

Turn on the TV any night and you’ll see a glut of shows centered on attractive swinging singles with active, exciting sex lives. Programs centered on a family unit – once a TV staple -- are almost non-existent these days, and if you do come across a show that features a married couple, chances are they are shown as mismatched, unsatisfied in their sex lives and emotionally unfulfilled. Today’s TV landscape is littered with desperate housewives and philandering husbands.

Just take a look at CBS’s summer bomb, Swingtown. Set in the Chicago suburbs circa 1976, Swingtown follows Bruce and Susan Miller who have just moved into an upscale new neighborhood. The Millers are soon welcomed by Tom and Trina Decker, a childless, cosmopolitan couple who set out to introduce and seduce them into their partnerswapping/open-marriage lifestyle. Susan and Bruce happily play along, and by swapping partners with the Deckers, they are magically lifted out of their marital doldrums.

According to Carol Barbee, one of the series’ executive producers, Swingtown is “about sexual freedom, not sexual responsibility.” “It'll be interesting to see how far [the network] lets us go… We're doing a show about adult, free-thinking people having sex with whomsoever they choose. You don't want a scene to be a PSA for safe sex, and we don't want to punish people with TV morality."

Though TV producers and executives would have us believe they are merely daring to tell the truth and “hold a mirror up” to real life, Swingtown paints a picture of middleclass suburbia few Americans can identify with.

CBS no doubt prided itself for being daring and groundbreaking – but TV audiences clearly weren’t interested. Advertisers abandoned Swingtown and audiences never showed up, fortunately CBS doesn’t have the show in their fall line up right now.

But Swingtown is not alone in its campaign to undermine marriage. A recent study by the Parents Television Council found that prime-time broadcast television overwhelm-

ingly favors non-marital sex to marital sex.

TV’s anti-marriage bias is so transparent, it’s almost comical. On Desperate Housewives, for example, Gabrielle repeatedly cheated on her husband Carlos with the teenaged gardener. Now that she and Carlos are divorced, it seems their sex life has never been better – never mind the fact that Gabrielle is remarried to someone else and Carlos is involved in a relationship of his own.

In fact, verbal references to non-marital sex outnumbered references to sex in the context of marriage by nearly three to one. Scenes depicting or implying sex between non-married partners outnumbered scenes depicting or implying sex between married partners by a ratio of nearly four to one. References to adultery outnumber references to marital sex two to one.

With graphic sexual content, gruesome violence and explicit language filing up the airwaves, TV’s negative treatment of marriage may seem a trivial matter. Surely, one might argue, there are more pressing concerns?

TV, however, sets a powerful example. It’s why minority groups are right to be concerned about how they are represented on television – or whether they are represented at all. It’s why groups like the AAP and the AMA are right to be concerned when violence is treated as an acceptable solution to conflict on television. If America’s children grow-up watching TV programs that teach them that marriage is a soul-killing hell on earth, while sexual flings with an ever-changing cast of partners is not only fun, but riskand consequence-free – we’d have to be naïve to believe it won’t shape their world-view and affect their decisions.

Surely TV writers can do better justice to an institution widely regarded as beneficial to individuals’ health and happiness, as stabilizing to society, and as vital to a child’s wellbeing and chances for success in life.

Kai Rikken Southwest Virginia Chapter Director Parents Television Council

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

High expense of natural gas Dear editor, The Roanoke Gas Company is also gouging its customers. We were advised by letter that we would be paying more on our winter bills. My gas bills have been extremely high all summer. My June bill is $91.30, July bill is $63.19, August is $65.17 and September is $67.16. One of my friend's bill was $100, and she cooks with electric.Another friend's was also $100, and she lives alone.

We are not in business, our bills shouldn't be that high. We have the working poor in Roanoke, people on fitted incomes, as well as retired citizens. It is morally wrong and a disgrace that there is a residential heating tax on our gas bill for Roanoke City. If this city can help big business as well as paying thousands of dollars in consulting fees, why take money from the working poor?

Property taxes have gotten outrageous. Roanoke Gas Company, the Star City of the South, you have created more poverty in this city. Unlike Robin Hood, you have taken form the poor to give to the rich.

It saddens me to read about the homeless across America as well as right here in Roanoke Josephine Hutcheson Roanoke

Rasoul wrong on energy Dear editor, In response to the letter from Janis Owen, In support of Sam Rasoul and solar panels, 9/26/08 edition.

“The idea of being able to generate my own electricity so I can stop paying rising electrical bills is a very attractive one” - sounds like great idea as long as she has someone else (i.e. taxpayers) paying for it. If she is concerned about her “rapidly shrinking pocketbook” why isn’t she worried about other people and their “rapidly shrinking pocketbook” (i.e. increasing taxes)? If solar energy panels are such a great idea for saving money why doesn’t she pay for it herself? Why doesn’t she reduce her electrical usage? Reduced usage would help her “pocketbook” abd help “save our environment” in one simple stroke/ For example, the electric clothes dryer is an excellent example of unnecessary electrical usage when the sun (“solar”) and air currents can do their job quite nicely. But alas, the “federal subsidy” for clothes lines, clothes pins, and their installation is probably “prohibitively low,” like zero.

I guess Janis Owen can add these items to Sam Rasoul’s list of benefits the federal government (i.e. taxpayers) should be paying for. A bad idea is made no better by good, or perhaps better said, by self-serving intentions and throwing other people’s money at it. Sorry!

Kenneth Ison Roanoke

Congress should be ashamed of bail out bill “pork” Dear editor, Last week, Congress used the worst financial crisis since 1929 as an opportunity to carve up tens of billions in pork projects. Congress is famous for building bridges to

nowhere, but this abuse of the public trust is especially galling given the current vulnerability of our economy.

Reform of the financial sector is necessary and market stabilization is crucial, but the bill that passed was a bad deal for the current and future generations of taxpayers.

Congress should be working to bring accountability back to Wall Street, not dishing out pork to Hollywood, racetrack owners, or rum manufacturers.

Washington raised awareness of this very real crisis, correctly stated that immediate action was needed, and then stalled until they got their fill of pork at the taxpayers’ expense.

What Congress did is the equivalent of firefighters answering the alarm, rushing to the scene of the fire with sirens screaming, and then demanding a pay increase before extinguishing a raging inferno. Firefighters would never do this because they still remember they are public servants.

Business as usual in Washington while Wall Street is going up in smoke is not acceptable and I hope that those Congressmen who left a trail of pork fromWashington to their district will pay an appropriate political price.

A number of Virginians wrote to me angry that Senator Smith voted for the pork in the bailout legislation. They were correct to be angry, but it was U.S. Senator Gordon Smith of Oregon, not State Senator Ralph Smith of Botetourt County, who voted for the bill.

Congress failed us, but our region can be proud that Congressmen Bob Goodlatte and Virgil Goode did the right thing and voted against the pork-laden bailout. If this Senator Smith were granted a vote on the Emergency Economic StabilizationAct,I would have done the same thing.

Using taxpayer funds to reward political allies is always an immoral theft, but such acts during an economic crisis are the gravest of political sins.

I appreciate hearing from constituents and can be reached at 206-3597 or via email at RalphSmithSenate@cox.net.

Ralph Smith Virginia State Senate District 22

Obama and theVEA Dear editor, Readers should be aware of the VEA and their OBAMA promotions in our VA schools. We cannot even speak the name of God in our VA schools yet VEA President Kitty Boitnott defends her decision to promote Obama and Democratic politics to our children in VA schools. Is this even legal? I will be contacting the ACLU to see if this liberal organization will even investigate this action. Is there no one or no organization, legal or otherwise, to make these people stop and be accountable??

It seems there is no place to go anymore in this nation when

something like this happens.

Danny Shaver Roanoke,VA

Bayh steps in for Biden

Dear editor, For the second time during this presidential campaign many Roanokers have stood in long lines, anguishing with anticipation, securing tickets to see their favorite political candidate of choice visit the Star City. And for the second time they have been disappointed by the failure of the candidate to appear.

In February, strong winds prevented Democrat presidential candidate Barack Obama’s plane from making a safe landing at Roanoke Regional Airport; last weekend’s scheduled appearance by running mate Joe Biden was cancelled due to an illness in the family. Over a thousand tickets had been distributed for Biden’s appearance.

Sen. Evan Bayh (Indiana), who had been considered as an ObamaVice-Presidential choice at one time, stepped in to fill the void on Sunday. Although only several hundred people showed up at Century Plaza, it was a most enthusiastic and warm greeting for Sen. Bayh. Keeping with Obama’s theme of help and support for the middle class and common hard working people, Roanoke native and Southeast resident Mark Douglas Powell was honored with the request to introduce, at first Sen. Biden, and then Sen. Bayh.

Mark’s opening remarks focused on health care and the difficulties and expense that he and his wife must deal with, which is one of the central points of Obama’s campaign. Upon introducing Sen. Bayh, the Senator continued that same theme, focusing on the difference in health care plan proposals for all Americans under Obama’s plan, as compared to Republican John McCain’s.

Bayh fielded a number of questions from the crowd, including one from myself. I asked him how the recent tax bailout would affect the hard working people here in Roanoke. The answer was lengthy, but the point was that we are in for some difficult times, perhaps for a while. Bayh said after seeing how the global financial market fares we can hope for, at best, a positive return on the government’s bailout bill investment, but it is still wait and see.To some degree the details are still being worked on and formulated.

Sen. Bayh is certainly a most impressive, youthful candidate and was extremely charismatic. I told him I hoped that when President Obama took office that he would tap him for a cabinet position.

Duane Howard Roanoke Send your letters and contact information to info@theroanokestar.com.

Salem Clock Shop

Expert Clock Service - All Brands - All Sizes (Ridgeway/Howard Miller Authorized Services Center)

2302 Maiden Lane Roanoke, VA 24015

387-0912

toobreeze@cox.net

One year warranty on all work!

Roanoke, Virginia • Assets of Commonwealth Sign Company, Inc.

ABSOLUTE AUCTION

Thursday, October 30 • 10:00 AM Trucks & truck cranes, trailers, sign-making & metal fabricating equipment, power tools, sign materials and office furnishings. Sale includes hundreds of items. Previews & auction held on site at 1601 Siebel Drive, Roanoke, VA 24012 (Statesman Industrial Park). Contact Auction Company for sale brochure or visit www.woltz.com for inventory, terms of sale, photographs and other information. 10% buyer’s premium added to high bid.

For information, contact Jonna McGraw (VA#2434) or Boyd Temple (VA#1850) VA #321

540-342-3560 800-551-3588 www.woltz.com

Preview Dates: 3:00 to 5:00 PM on Thursdays, October 16 and October 23; 3:00 to 5:00 PM on Wednesday, October 29; and 8:00 to 10:00 AM on Sale Day

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

TheRoanokeStar.com

coMMUNitY cALeNDAr > Oct. 10

AIR: Art in Roanoke to hold “Meet the Artist” Artist Nicole Beck from Chicago will be installing her sculpture “Astroterra” that morning and will be with us for cookies and punch in the library. Beck’s work is part of the AIR: Art in Roanoke temporary public art exhibit being installed throughout the city during the month of October When - 1 p.m.

Where - Williamson Road Library

> Oct. 11

Gardening Workshop Virginia Cooperative Extension and the Community Arboretum at Virginia Western team up to host a fall gardening workshop, “Liven Up Your Dormant Garden,” Saturday, October 11, 2008. Those attending are promised many ideas for plants to enliven the winter landscape and will take home a beautiful container garden planted during the workshop.

The three-part workshop will include a slide presentation packed with ideas for blooming bulbs and cold tolerant annuals, a guided tour of plants with winter interest at the Community Arboretum, and a handson session making a container garden to take home that will be beautiful through fall, winter, and early spring.

The cost of the workshop is $25 per person to cover container garden supplies. Registration is limited to the first 30 paid applicants by September 12, 2008.

Registrants will receive return confirmation by email (postal mail if no email address is provided), containing directions and rain date instructions. Please help us manage postal costs by accepting email from Virginia Cooperative Extension.

When- 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Where- Natural Science Cen-

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

ter on the Virginia Western Community College campus.

Harvest Day Festival Saturday October 11th at Bible Baptist Church. Activities will include: Hayrides, Cake Walks,Apple Bobbing, Obstacle Course and Super Slide, Fire Truck, Mounted Police Horse, good Gospel Music, lots of food and much more. All food and Activites are Free and open to the community.

When - 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Where - 2929 Garden City Blvd.

SE For more - contact us at 4270121.

> Oct. 12

Latino Festival Traditional Food, Music & Art When - Noon - 6 p.m.

Where - Elmwood Park

> Oct. 14

Come meet Gov. Warner NewVaConnects is holding a meet and greet where residents of the Valley can meet and question Governor Warner, about his plans and opinions. Location likely to be Higher Ed Center.

> Oct. 15

Love Lived on Death Row discussion Please join us for a film screening and discussion on the death penalty. Film running time: 84 minutes. Discussion with Director/Producer Linda Booker to follow film. Love Lived on Death Row tells the story of the four Syriani siblings whose father was sentenced to die for the 1990 murder of their mother. Orphaned and estranged, they lived with hate, anger and confusion as their father lived on North Carolina’s death row.

But in 2004 they collectively decided to visit him in prison.

What transpired that day was a miracle of forgiveness followed by a journey of healing and then a battle for his clemency.

When - 7:15pm-9:30pm Where - The Grandin Theater For more - www.lovelivedondeathrow.com.

> Oct. 17

Rotary Club of Roanoke Valley Benefit The Rotary Club of Roanoke Valley will sponsor a benefit dinner, dance with games and live and silent auctions, to benefit three local charities Friday, October 17. The Rotary Club, which is part of Rotary District 7570 of Rotary International, is expected to raise more than

$20,000 for the Roanoke Valley charities.

The evenings activities include a buffet dinner and a dance with music provided by Timeless, the souths premier band, featuring selections from big band to beach music, the 50s, 60s and 70s, and top 40. Various area businesses have donated to the charity affair and attendees will have an opportunity to participate in silent and live auctions.

Various other games will be played throughout the evening.

Tickets may be purchased from any member of the sponsoring club or by contacting Ev Werness at (540) 556-4389 or Pete File at (540) 293-9105.

When- 6:30 p.m.

Where - Salem Civic Center For more- www.RotaryDance. com Stamp Commemoration Roanoke, VA Postmaster, Edward Schaben, will hold a lobby event on Friday, October 17, 2008 to celebrate the First Day Issue of the new Alzheimer’s Stamp. The Alzheimer’s Association will have a table set up with lots of information and literature for customers, as well as representatives to answer questions related to this terrible disease. A poster of the new Alzheimer’s Stamp will also be on display.

When - 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Where - Main Post Office located at 419 Rutherford Ave., NE For more - 985-8738..

> Oct. 18

Saddles & Bluegrass Hoedown Healing Strides Equine Assisted Therapies Program (formerly Roanoke Valley Therapeutic Riding Program) will hold its 2nd annual Saddles and Bluegrass Hoedown fall fundraiser on Saturday, October 18th, 124pm, featuring: Riding Demonstrations, Live Bluegrass Music

by Harwell Grice Band, a Kids’ Corner full of games and activities, delicious Henry’s Memphis BBQ, silent auction and raffles, emceed by Brett Sharp of 94.9 Star Country. This is an event the whole family will enjoy!

When- Noon - 4 p.m.

For more- www.healingstridesofva.org 334-5825.

21st Annual Crafts Fair And Bake Sale The 21st annual crafts fair and bake sale will be held on Saturday, October 18th, 2008. Items for Halloween, Thanksgiving

and Christmas; holiday wreaths; pillows; gifts; aprons; floral arrangements; hand made doll clothes; Christmas ornaments and many other hand crafted items will be available. We will have hundreds of home baked goodies for sale. Lunch may be purchased and there will be a room full of “white elephants.”

Proceeds benefit church outreach programs When- 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Where - Lady Of Nazareth Catholic Church 2505 Electric Road,Roanoke,Va

> Oct. 21

National Friends of Libraries Week Celebration Look beyond the stacks on our BEHIND THE SCENES TOUR! Roanoke Public Libraries and Friends of the Library of Roanoke City invite you to help us celebrate National Friends of Libraries Week. Enjoy light refreshments prior to the tour to see what makes the “pages” turn!

When- 6 p.m.

Where- Roanoke Public Library, 706 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke Cost - Free

> Oct. 23

Penn Forest Elementary Annual Pumpkin Sale Lots of fun games and crafts planned for the kids, a hayride, inflatables and in the past we’ve had a petting”zoo.” A preorder BBQ dinner sponsored by Pitt Boss BBQ on Brambleton Ave. will be offered and we also offer preorder pumpkins for sale and set up our “pumpkin patch” in front of our school.

When- 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Where- Penn Forest Elementary

> Oct. 25

Family Gaming Day Roanoke Public Libraries now invite not just the teens to enjoy gaming at the library! A new program, Family Gaming Day, starts Saturday, October 25.Try your hand at the Wii, Guitar Hero, and any of the other hit games that the library offers.

And if you don’t like computer games, don’t feel confined, we also have board games and other timeless family games.

When - 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Where - Roanoke Main Library For more - 853-2955

> Oct. 31 - Nov. 2

Dollywood Harvest Cel-

ebration - Bus Trip The Singles Travel Club (couples welcome too!), is sponsoring a bus trip to Dollywood, Country Tonite and The Smokey Mountains on Friday, October 31 Sunday, November 2, 2008.

Where- Passengers can board the bus at the Bonsack Walmart, Route 460, Troutville; and at Hardee’s, 2038 W. Main Street, Salem (Exit 137).

Cost- The price per person of: $295 double occupancy; $275 triple occupancy; $265 quad occupancy; or $365 single occupany includes: Roundtrip motorcoach transportation, 2 nights lodging, 2 breakfasts, admission to Dollywood, ticket to Country Tonite Theatre, a riding tour of Smokey Mountain National Park and a tour host.

For more- call (540) 366-2888.

> Nov. Extras Needed for Cycling Film There is a need for riders and extras.

Film Website: http://www.redcloudproductions.net/ People who are interested in being a part of the movie may confirm with the casting department at casting@maxvo2themovie.com.

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

> Fall Master Garden Training Roanoke VCE will offer MG training this fall. It is a daytime class on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 AM until 1:00 PM starting September 4, 2008.

Further details and official recruitment materials will be available 7/16/08. If you know of someone interested in the fall training class, please have them call the Roanoke VCE office (540-772-7524) and place their name on the waiting list.

You can get the latest information on our activities by visiting us on the web at http://offices. ext.vt.edu/view.cfm?webname= roanoke&section=calendar When- Fall 2008 Where- Roanoke VCE For more- (540)-772-7524 or http://offices.ext.vt.edu

> Nov. 1

Virginia Gentlemen Barbershop Harmony Chorus Presents 39th Annual Show “Songs of Love and Laughter” is the theme of this year’s Virginia Gentlemen Annual Show.

The Virginia Gentlemen is a

group of 35 male singers, led by a dynamic female director, Erin O’Dell. The show includes 12 songs sung by the chorus, including the songs “Always,” “Who Will Buy” from the musical Oliver, gospel songs like “I’ll Fly Away,” and a jaunty version of “Five Foot Two.” Joining the Virginia Gentlemen are the international competitors Lunch Break, a quartet that interjects a great deal of comedy into their performance. Also singing will be the perennial local favorites, the quartet Prism.

When & Where - The show will be performed twice on Saturday, November 1, 2008, at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at Hidden Valley High School in Roanoke.

Cost - All tickets are general admission.

Advance ticket prices are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and $5 for students. Groups of 8 or more seniors pay $8 apiece. Tickets are available at Blue Ridge Arts Council, 20 Church Avenue; from any chorus member; or from Ed Burke at (540) 9770472, (540) 314-8304, or online at eburke1038@aol.com.

Visit our website at www. vagents.org.

> Nov. 17

RAM Fundraiser Roanoke Area Ministries (RAM) staff and volunteers are working with the P. Buckley Moss Society, selling raffle tickets to win a framed, remarqued P. Buckley Moss print.

The print is valued at $1,076.

The drawing will be held November 17, 2008. A Raffle can be purchased for $1 each, or 6 for $5. All proceeds go to RAM. For more- to purchase tickets, please call 777-3681

> Nov. 21 & 22

Northside Middle School PTA Annual Spaghetti Dinner and Craft Show Friday, Novemebr 21, 5 p.m. 9 p.m., Craft Show. Spaghetti Dinner, 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Saturday 22, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Craft Show, light refreshments, door prizes & silent auction.

More crafters welcome, call NMS at 561-8145.

For more- call Sheree Anderson at 366-7048.

Have an item for the calendar? email it to submissions@theroanokestar. com

cLAssiFieDs > Help Wanted

345-7821

Schafer Shoe Repair NEW LOCATION! Same great service!

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

After School Program Coordinator Part time elementary coordinator for Presbyterian Community Center after school program. Requirements: combination of education, experience equivalent to bachelor degree in counseling, education, childhood development or related field. Experience working with at-risk children preferred. Resume to: PCC, 1228 Jamison Avenue, Roanoke, 24013 and/ or call 540-982-2911 for Tom MacMichael pathways@pccse.org ResearchTechnician Research Technician for Aerial Operations sought by Summit Helicopters, Inc. Pilot a helicopter to spray herbicides for the forestry, utility, and natu-

ral resources industries in its Cloverdale, VA office. Qualified candidates will have a Bach’s in Bio Aeronautics, Aeronautical Engin or related and 6 mnths of rltd exp, including organizing and planning agricultural aircraft operations and will have FAA comm pilots license and at least 250 hrs of flight time. Mail CV and salary reqs to: Summit Helicopter, Inc. Ref. RK/ RTAO/JF, 595 Cougar Drive, Cloverdale,VA 24077. No calls please. Equal Opportunity Employer.

Branch Manager Scottrade is looking for a Branch Manager to open the new office in Roanoke. Please apply if you are customer service oriented with 3-4 years online brokerage experience.

Salary plus bonus & excellent benefits.

WWW.SCOTTRADE.JOBS Administrative Assistant Local church is seeking a part time (20-25 hours) Administrative Assistent. Office and computer skills required. Call 345-1402

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

IGA / Super Fresh 1314 Riverland Rd Roanoke VA 24014

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

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

Vinton Post Office 119 South Pollard St Vinton VA 24179

Wildflower Hollins 7770 Williamson Rd Roanoke VA 24020

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

Ukrops Grocery 2331 Franklin Rd Roanoke VA 24014

New Yorker Deli 2802 Williamson Rd Roanoke VA 24012

The Cave Spring Post Office 4069 Postal Drive Roanoke VA 24018

Natural Food Co-op 1319 Grandin Rd Roanoke VA 24015

Towers Mall 1103 23rd St Roanoke VA 24015

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

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

Serta Perfect Sleeper $40.00 540-342-2183

ages 6 and up call Katherine Devine 427-5919 devinestudios@yahoo.com

World Book Encyclopedias 60’s and 70’sYearbooks $10.00 540-342-2183

Want to learn Chinese?

Learn it from a Taiwanese.

Call us right away!

Call Deborah, 776-3087

Girls Huffy Bike for 5-6 year old- Like new - $10.00 Contact Kimberly: 761-4657

Children’s filled aprons, Krayon keepers, crafts, quillows...

And ‘has beens’ galore.

Emily,Vendor 1806, 725-1464, emilym@cox.net

Antique Round Top Wooden Trunk $95.00 540-343-1473.

Antique black child’s rocker $45.00 540-343-1473 Matching sofa and chair - early American style - good condition - Wood trim $150 540-363-3986 Hardwire rotating container with center hole, 44 in. diameter, ten slots $20 540-563-0589

> Cool Cheap Stuff

> Haiku ads

Cool Cheap Stuff Place your ad in Cool Cheap Stuff, for items costing $150 or less, free!

Ads are published for 1 week. If item doesn’t sell feel free to run it again! Cool Cheap Stuff is available to private individuals who advertise one item costing $150 or less. Cost of item and telephone number must appear in ad copy. First 10 words are free. Additional 10 words are $5.00.

Some restrictions apply. Limit 8 Cool, Cheap Stuff ads per month!

For teens and adults, Fun Summer Painting Classes, With retired artist Call Janet Wimmer, 977-1681 or e-mail janet.wimmer@gmail.com

Honda Lawnmower HR173 $100.00 540-342-2183 Double Mattress, Boxsprings and Frame

Strumming a six string want to improve but need help Lessons are your hope Call Greg @ 540-354-2049 Summer-Fall tutor Enriches and reviews skills to keep learning fresh.

Call Emily 725-1464, emilym@cox. net Art Lessons private art lessons drawing ,painting and sculpture

I repair the tabs or whole shingles.

You provide material and ladder.

7 dollars per tab.

Robspad@hotmail.com spinet Piano in excellent condition Would you like to play?

Call Peggy@342-2183 or pae-onia@juno.com Real good condition Dot Matrix printer for sale No longer needed Call Crystal @ 989-6138 Self-defense lessons Free for women and children Fun and practical Call 345-7365 For teens and adults, Fun Summer Painting Classes, With retired artist Call Janet Wimmer, 977-1681 or e-mail janet.wimmer@gmail.com FREE!!!!

We’ll run any ad from a private party written in traditional Haiku form (5,7,5 syllabic format).

Telephone number at the end of the listing is excluded from the format requirements. Email info@ theroanokestar.com

10/10/08 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 11

TheRoanokeStar.com

North Cross Headmaster Installation Ceremony Oct. 17

Annual Potters Show October 17-19 at Cave Spring HS The 9th annual Blue Ridge Potters Guild Show/Sale will be held at Cave Spring High School on October 17,18 & 19. The show features both functional and decorative works created by about 40 area potters. The theme for this year’s show will be Child’s Play. A special gallery exhibit will show works from the 60+ members interpreting this theme. An invited juror will judge the gallery. A separate exhibit will feature pottery donated by guild members. Sales from this exhibit will benefit CHIP (Child Health Investment Partnership).

Demonstrations will be continual on Saturday and Sunday; some will be hands-on for children. Admission is free. A reception, open to the public, is Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. Show and demonstrations continue on Saturday, October 18 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sunday, October 19 from noon to 5 p.m. As a non-profit organization the Blue Ridge Potters Guild is committed to promoting the art of ceramics. For several years we have supported the Roanoke County Specialty School for the Arts. Members of the Guild work with the students at Arnold R. Burton School.

The Roanoke Star-Sentinel Send story ideas, announcements, and

2173 photos Bennington Street to info@theroanokestar.com Buck Mountain Road at Riverland Road / Rt. 1 6 4.45 acres New Retail Center ZonedC2 2,000 square feet available 2,725sqftsubleaseavailable

North Cross School’s eighth Headmaster, Tim Seeley, will be installed into office on Fri. Oct. 17, at 11 a.m. in the Carter Athletic Center. North Cross School students in first through twelfth grades, as well as trustees, faculty, alumni, families, friends, and community lead- North Cross Headmaster ers will attend the ceremony.

Tim Seeley The installation program will be enriched by musical selec- is available at www.northcross. tions performed by the School’s org. Formerly the School’s asSelect Ensemble and a solo sistant headmaster and upper performance by Mr. Seeley’s school director, Seeley was apdaughter, Molly Hall Seeley. pointed following an extensive Anne Lee Stevens, Chairman of nationwide search that took the Board, will preside over the more than three months. He ceremony and Gregory Floyd, officially took over in his new Founder and CEO of Gregory position on July 1.

Floyd and Associates in Maine Seeley earned a Bachelor of and long-time friend and men- Arts in Religion from Darttor of Mr. Seeley’s, will provide mouth College (where he was a the keynote address. member of the 1978 Ivy League The installation ceremo- Champion football team), a ny will officially kick off the Master of ThBOL eological Studies 08 BOL 08 School’s third annual Alumni from Harvard Divinity School, Reunion & Homecoming and a Master of Education Weekend festivities. More in- from Harvard Graduate School formation about the weekend of Education.

Environment meets the arts in Roanoke next week The Society of Environmental Journalists holds its 18th annual convention next week, this time bringing the Virginia Tech-sponsored event (Oct. 15-19) to the Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center. Several sessions are open to the general public while most must be paid for. Governor Tim Kaine will deliver a welcome address on the 15th.

Singer-songwriter Kathy Mattea, an outspoken opponent of mountaintop removal for coal mining, will perform at the opening reception. Mattea will also take part in the Eco Arts Week initiative at Jefferson Center that will include a panel discussion (October 14) on renewable energy, films on the environment and an assembly for schoolchildren with Philippe Cousteau on October 16. Former Roanoke City Councilman Rupert Cutler and Cabell Brand will take part in the panel discussion, as will several journalists from the convention at Hotel Roanoke. “We plan on keeping this going,� said Locke of the Eco Arts Week concept, looking to fur-

ther explore the link “between environmental activism and artistry.� When an artist talks about the environment, “I do think that has more of an impact,� adds Locke.

The new season at Jeerson Center promises plenty of variety: What’ya looking for? Jazz?

Bluegrass? Funk? Something a little hotter, like Salsa? No problem says Dylan Locke, who programs most of the music events held at Jefferson Center’s Shaftman Performance Hall. “We feel like we keep moving forward and we’re very excited about the upcoming season,� says Locke, adding that more “educational components,� and outreach to the Roanoke community via programs like Inspire are also in the works.

Jefferson Center is also pushing memberships that start at $50 each, offering advance notice and tickets discounts for starters. The theme for this season is “backstage passes� and in some cases that means concert goers can meet the artists beforehand. Most concerts are booked under the Star City, Jazz Club, Family Series and Appalachian

Jams labels; a complete listing of events, some not programmed

by Locke, can be viewed on line at JeffCenter.org.

Allen Toussaint (Nov. 14) wrote hits for other artists and everyone from the Rolling Stones to Glenn Campbell has covered his catalog. Ricky Skaggs’ Christmas show (Dec. 3), Latin trumpeter Arturo Sandoval (Jan. 24, 2009) and what Locke deems the “haunting a capella� of Ladysmith Black Mambazo (Feb. 12) are other highlights. A dance party at Fitzpatrick Hall will follow Sandoval’s Latin Jazz concert; Locke calls Sandoval “one of the most amazing musicians out there.�

Wynton Marsalis & the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra kicked off the Jazz Club calendar earlier this week. Robert Jospe (Nov. 16), former Roanoke resident Rene Marie (Mar. 27) and organist Joey DeFrancesco (April 17) are also scheduled.

Marie will come in a day early and give another concert at a local homeless center. “We want [the artists] to know what’s happening here in Roanoke,� says Locke. He’s enthused about 23

SM

painting. passion. professionalism. • • • • • • • •

Residential Commercial Interior & Exterior Powerwashing Light Carpentry Drywall Repair Custom Restoration Staining

• • • • • • •

Minor Repairs Wallpaper Removal References Free Estimate Licensed & Insured Warranty Locally Owned & Operated

Blue Ridge Drive Proudly serving all of Roanoke 1354 8th Stre t Call today to schedule your free estimate 3.236 acres 1-866-498-0343 26,000 sq ft available Schedule online at Branch Contact Tom Branch or Mike WiContact l Subdi24014 vide To Build to Suit www.certapro.com/sched 4552 Franklin Road, S.W., Roanoke, Virginia Phone: 540-774-1208 | Fax: 540-774-13594552 | Email:Frank bmc@ Wil Subdivide Phone: 540

year old bassist Esperanza Spal- BOL 08BOL 08 BOL 08 ding (Feb. 5), who has played on the Letterman and Leno late Contact Tom Branch or Mike Branch night TV shows. “She’s sort of 4552 Franklin Road, S.W., Roanoke, Virginia 24014 Phone: 540-774-1208 | Fax: 540-774-1359 | Email: bmc@branchmgt.com got that crossover appeal.� SpalContact Tom Branch or Mike Branch ding will also spend time in the Contact Tom Branch or4552 Mike Franklin Branch Road, S.W., Roanoke, Virg Space Available Branch Management Corp. specializes in unique solutions to| Fax: meet your Phone: 540-774-1208 540-774-135 4552 Franklin Road, S.W., Roanoke, Virginia 24014 Roanoke community doing Branch Management Corp. specializes in unique solutions to meet your needs.

Phone: 540-774-1208 | Fax: 540-774-1359 | Email: bmc@branchmgt.co Branch Management Corp. specializ some outreach before her conExpanding | Downsizing Ownership | Leasing | Selling | Selling Expanding | Downsizing | |Ownership | Leasing For more information on these and other properties that we have available, cert. please visit Expanding www.branchmgt.com today!| Downsizing | information on these and other properties that we have available Branch Management Corp.

Specializes in Michael Cooper’s Masked For more pleaseManagement visit today!

Branch specializes inon unique solutions Forwww.branchmgt.com moreCorp. information these and Marvels (Oct. 12), the Russianunique solutions to|inmeet your Branch Management Corp. specializes unique solutions toneeds. meet your needs. please visit www Expanding Downsizing | Ownership | Leasing American Circus (Jan.10) and Expanding | Downsizing | Ownership | Leasing | Selling

For more information on these and other properties that we h 1354 8th Street the kid-friendly rap of Illstyle For more information on these properties that we have available, today! please visit www.branchmgt.com and

other

please visit www.branchmgt.com today!

26,000 sq. ft.-Will Subdivide & Peace (Mar. 8) comprise the d

e

ur rty eclectic Family Series. Look for

t e

a

Fe r o p

Appalachian Jams featuring P

bluegrass and old time music at Palmer artists, many local, like Hollins 16-yearat Palmer Hollins at Palmer Center Hollins 80 Business Center old mandolin prodigyBusiness Sierra Business Center 802 Kerns Avenue Hollins at Palmer 24 acres 24 acres 24 acres For Sale or Lease Fo Hull and the group Highway 111 Build toCenter Suit Build to Business Suit 100,000 sq ft Build to Suit Will Subdivide Will Subdivide 10 24 acres on October 26. “A really incredWill Subdivide Build to Suit ible musician at 16,� says Locke, Will Subdivide noting that Alison Krause and Union Station produced Hull’s latest CD. Hull plays a day later 2173 Bennington Street for local school kids.

2173 Bennington Street Buck Mountain Roa at Riverland Road Rt. 116 at/Riverland Road / Rt. 116 “We’re trying to keep it inter- New Retail 4.45 acres Center New Retail Center Contact Tom Branch or Mike Branch Zoned C2 2,000 square feet2,000 available square feet available esting, [and] hopefully bring in 2,725 sq ft sublease available 4552 Franklin Road, S.W. , Roanoke, Virginia 24014 2,725 sq ft sublease available some meaningful2173 programs. �

Bennington Street Ph: 540-774-1208 | Fax: 540-774-1359 | Email: bmc@branchmgt.com

Space Available Space

Available SpaceSpace Available

Hollins at Palmer Business Center 24 acres Build to Suit Will Subdivide

802 Kerns Avenue For Sale or Lease 100,000 sq ft

Old Rocky Mount Road 4.9 acres Great office location

Peters Creek Road 10 acres Build to Suit Wil Subdivide

2173 Bennington Street at Riverland Road / Rt. 116 New Retail Center 2,000 square feet available 2,725 sq ft sublease available

Buck Mountain Road 4.45 acres Zoned C2

1354 8th Street 26,000 sq ft available Will Subdivide

Blue Ridge Drive 3.236 acres Build to Suit Will Subdivide

Old Rocky Mount Road 4.9 acres Great office location

Peters Creek Road 10 acres Build to Suit Will Subdivide

B 4.

Zo

at Riverland Road / Rt. 116

By Gene New Marrano 2173 Bennington Street Retail Center at Riverland Road / Rt. 116 gmarrano@cox.net 2,000 square feet available New Retail Center 2,725 sq ft sublease available Blue Ridge Drive feet available 2,000 square 3.236 acresBlue Ridge Drive 3.236 acres 2,725 sqBuild ft sublease available to Suit Will Subdivide

1354 8th Street 26,000 sq ft available Will Subdivide

Build to Suit Will Subdivide

Peters Creek Road 10 acres Peters Creek Road Build to Suit 10 acres Will Subdivide Build to Suit Will Subdivide Blue Ridge Drive

Blue Ridge Drive 3.236 acres Build to Suit Will Subdivide

Old Rocky Mount R 4.9 acres 13 Great office location

Pitzer Transfer & Storage, INC. Take care of your family and yourself with a sparkling, easy-to-clean Re-Bath System.

Re-Bath Bathtubs and Wall tubs and walls.

Tub-To-Shower Conversions

Lifetime Warranty

SAVE $300

on a Complete 3&t#ATH System

12 Months Same As Cash Cannot be combined with any other offer.

Coupon Expires 10-31-08

3.236 acres Build to Suit Will Subdivide

Established 1883

Roanoke’s mover for over 125 years!

Peters Creek Road 10 acres Build to Suit Will Subdivide

Peters Creek Road 10 acres Build to Suit Will Subdivide

t "XBSE XJOOJOH QBDLJOH t $MJNBUF DPOUSPMMFE TUPSBHF t -PDBM BOE MPOH EJTUBODF t 'BNJMZ PXOFE t 0ĂłDF SFMPDBUJPO t 'SFF &TUJNBUFT

t 0OF %By, 4USFTT 'SFF *OTUBMMBUJPO t 4PMJE 4VSfBDF PPMZNFS *OTUBMMFE 0WFS YPVS 0ME #BUIUVC PS 4IPXFS t )VOESFET PG %FTJHOFS $PMPST 4UZMF 0QUJPOT t WBMM 4VSSPVOET $PWFS 0VU 0G %BUF TJMF WBMMT t WBML JO #BUIUVCT t " 'SBDUJPO 0G 5IF $PTU 0G TSBEJUJPOBM 3FNPEFMJOH

Call for your FREE In-Home Consultation

6 4 %PU

540-769-2090 • 800-334-0064 “The Refreshing Remodelâ€?

540-344-6504

DESIGN YOUR BATHROOM AT www.rebathswva.com

$PPL %S 4BMFN 7" t XXX QJU[FSUSBOTGFS DPN

26 W

O 4.

G

Page 12 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 10/10/08

TheRoanokeStar.com

“In My Hands” takes its place at Civic Center

Photo by Alice Marrano

Mayor David Bowers (right) with Suzun Hughes and John Wilson before they cut the ribbon at the wilson hughes gallery opening

Wilson Hughes Gallery brings a touch of ‘Frisco to the Roanoke arts scene A general contractor by trade, John Wilson no doubt felt very much at home when he created “Penetration”, using recovered steel beams and his welding prowess. Wilson, who moved to Roanoke with wife Suzun last year, has now opened wilson hughes gallery with his spouse at 117 Campbell Avenue SW, in what has been dubbed the West Campbell Arts District after several galleries have opened there in recent times. Hughes is a painter and photographer, while Wilson likes 3-D sculpture and furniture art. Theirs is a working studio gallery, with Wilson’s shop on the ground floor and Hughes upstairs in the living quarters.

After searching the country when they decided to relocate from San Francisco last year the couple took advice from friends at Smith Mountain Lake and looked at Roanoke. “We were tired of working for a living,” says Wilson; the astronomical price tag of “owning more house then we could afford” and living in Northern California meant they couldn’t leave “real jobs” behind and focus on their art.

That option was still viable in a city like Roanoke. Perhaps Hughes’ background in real estate helped; no doubt Wilson’s as a contractor came in handy when they purchased a building that is 101 years old and completely gutted it, down to the brick walls. Hughes found the property on an Internet search; after considering Kentucky and Charlottesville they found Roanoke.

Driving in from a motel near the airport, where they had stayed for the night, Wilson and Hughes spotted the Taubman Museum, which was still in the throes of construction

more than a year ago. “That was a big plus for me,” says Wilson. A big Andy Warhol fan, he says the idea that Roanoke had committed to a project like the Taubman Museum may have been a deciding factor in relocating here, more than the growing arts scene was. “Any town that was innovative and forward looking enough to allow a building like that to be placed in a downtown setting had something going for it.”

Wilson also likes the fact that Roanoke is located between New York and Miami, where he expects to be showing at galleries next year.

“I know my work is good enough.” Out west he exhibited at San Francisco and Los Angeles galleries after getting serious as an artist just ten years ago. As a contractor he specialized in Victorian restorations, which allowed him to employ his artistic talents as well.

Wilson also says he grew up a “city kid. I wanted to live downtown.” As a contractor he was always looking at shapes and forms, experience that serves him well now. Picasso is one role model and some of his work is “pushed in that direction.” As for Warhol, “I love his pop art.”

Roanoke City Mayor David Bowers and City Manager Darlene Burcham were on hand for last week’s ribbon cutting at wilson hughes gallery, which is open Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from noon-5pm - and at other times by chance as the sign on the door states. (See wilsonhughesgallery.com for more on the couple’s art)

By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

Maryland artist Rodney Carroll was on hand as his modernistic, 30’ tall, stainless steel “In My Hands” sculpture was unveiled last week at the Roanoke Civic Center. Its not in the large plaza between the Performing Arts Theatre and the coliseum, as some might have guessed, but will greet those lucky enough to find a parking place on the Williamson Road side as they walk up the steps.

“I’m glad its up front,” said Rupert Cutler, former city councilman, who was there when the city’s “Percent for Art” program was put in place, taking one percent of capital funds from certain projects and dedicating them to the purchase and installation of public art around the city. Mayor David Bowers reminded those gathered that Cutler and former Mayor Nelson Harris, who attended the ribbon cutting, helped get Percent for Art off the ground.

The current mayor, who makes it a point to show up at cultural events, said that Carroll’s sculpture “expresses our people’s aspirations for the future.” Paul Anderson, chairman of the Roanoke Civic Center Commission, thanked the city for its support of the arts and said In My Hands would enhance a visitor’s first impression of the city when they arrive at the Civic Center for a function.

“We serve notice that Roanoke is a proud and vibrant community,” said Anderson, who added, “ultimately Mr. Carroll’s vision stood out.” Anderson noted that citizen sentiment asked for a “significant” piece, placed in a prominent place, to inaugurate the first official, permanent installation of public art under the city’s program:

Photo by Greg Vaughn

Rodney Carroll, creator of “In My Hands.”

“I believe Rodney Carroll has delivered that.”

Roanoke sculptor Betty Branch, who has a studio on Warehouse Row (Norfolk Ave.) was a member of the art selection panel, as was Anderson. “Rodney’s piece had that soaring quality, and also it was very grounded,” said Branch, who also appreciated the reflective metal surfaces the artist employed. “It’s a lyrical piece.”

Carroll, who studied landscape architecture at Virginia Tech and graduated with a degree in sculpture from Old Dominion, said In My Hands was designed to “celebrate our humanity. . . celebrate our creative spirit.” He said the notion of public art was “just wonderful,” and called the project for Roanoke City, where he was selected from 89 entries, “intriguing.”

Carroll used the city’s theme of People, Pride and Promise from its 125th anniversary in 2007, when the work was commissioned, incorporating those elements via arches, uplifted poles and a piece of steel that represents a waving flag. There’s an open hand gesture, with a bird flying away from it, said Carroll, pointing out parts of the work when he spoke briefly. Those that drive by on Williamson (the sculpture will be illuminated at night) or walk up the Civic Center steps can “think about their destiny,” declared Carroll, “how they fit into this community. This is my gift to you.”

By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

C o l d w e l l B a n k e r To w n s i d e , R E A L T O R S ®

10-Day Sales Event

Wirtz

Salem

r O e

5 Bedrooms, 4.5 Bathrooms Bill Gearhart, 354.4863 #726196

$599,950

Roanoke

5 Bedrooms, 3.5 Bathrooms Gwen Ashby, 529.4362 #730879

$359,000

Roanoke

Salem

ffe O e

$234,950

Roanoke

$259,950

$147,000

3 Bedrooms, 1 Bathrooms Anne Johnston, 224.8590 #731018

$159,950

4 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms Anne Johnston, 224.8590 #737190

Salem

$124,950

Roanoke

Goodview

ed uc ed

e M

R

ak

ed R

$199,000

3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms Angela Gillespie, 556.8565 #734335

$57,000

9 acres, Smith Mtn. Lake access Bill Mangus, 989.3311 #719686

Roanoke

$219,950

4 Bedrooms, 2.5 Bathrooms Angela Gillespie, 556.8565 #737629

Martinsville $1,500,000 6 Bedrooms, 6.5 Bathrooms Bill Gearhart, 354.4863 Angela Gillespie, 556.8565 #722634

Salem

$749,500

5 Bedrooms, 4 BA, 2 Half BA Bill Mangus, 989.3311 #731212

Salem

$189,950

3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms Anne Johnston, 224.8590 #736480

Roanoke

ffe O

ed

$182,400

3 Bedrooms, 3.5 Bathrooms Bill Mangus, 989.3311 #732181

Salem

$312,000

4 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms Barbara Meyer, 529.7097 #734612

Roanoke

M

R

ak

ed

e

uc

ed uc ed R

R

ed

uc

ed

r

3 Bedrooms, 1 Bathrooms Anne Johnston, 224.8590 #736134

O

ed uc

ed ed uc R

$400,000

2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms Bill Gearhart, 354.4863 #730577

ffe

r

4 Bedrooms, 2 BA, 2 Half BA Bill Gearhart, 354.4863 #723716

r

4 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms Kim Cook, 309.9600 #733886

ffe O e ak M

Roanoke

ak

Roanoke

Residential lots on Golf Course.

Gwen Ashby, 529.4362 #729650

O e ak M

$269,950

3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms Bill Gearhart, 354.4863 #730846

M

Ballyhack Building Lots

ffe

ed

$549,950

6 Bedrooms, 4.5 Bathrooms Kim Cook, 309.9600 #736922

$299,000

4 Bedrooms, 3.5 Bathrooms Gwen Ashby, 529.4362 #735366

uc ed R

Daleville

ffe

ed uc ed R

Roanoke

r

$689,900

5842 WINNBROOK DR: 419 to W on Grandin Rd Extension, past Jamison's Orchard to L on Winnbrook. On Left.

Larry Sherertz, 239.1609, #737202

ak

Roanoke

M

$449,000

4 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms Kelley Clark, 521.6021 #735679

r

Troutville

4005 Electric Road, Suite 100 Roanoke, VA 24018 540.989.3311

r ffe O e ak M

R

ed

uc

ed

O p 1- en 4 Su pm n .

October 10th-19th

TOWNSIDE, REALTORS®

$394,900

4 Bedrooms, 2.5 Bathrooms Bill Mangus, 989.3311 #737613

Roanoke

$229,000

3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Bathrooms Angela Gillespie, 556.8565 #736695

©2008 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All rights reserved. Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal