The Roanoke Star-Sentinel

Dine On Time

Roanoke's Best Restaurants Delivered to Your Doorstep!

904-2202 • www.dineontime.net Restaurant of the week: Buffalo Wild Wings

Residential Customer ECRWSS PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID Whisper One Media

The Roanoke Star-Sentinel Apr. 16 - 22, 2010

POSTMASTER: Dated material, please deliver by publication date

Community | News | Per spective

NewsRoanoke.com

[Inaugural Parkway Race]

Roanoke Poised for Marathon Garden Tours

P2– The home and gardens of Webb and Molly Burns will be on display with five others in South Roanoke the week of April 17th -25th.

The Perfect Hand

P3– Now a writer living in Roanoke, Elizabeth Barbour enjoyed an early career as a Palmolive hand model and traveled the world.

Parenting Skills

P4– Keith McCurdy announces that leading syndicated parenting columnist John Rosemond is coming to Roanoke on April 29th.

Tell Your Story P11– Alan Hoal returns to Fincastle as an organizer and story teller for Sounds of the Mountains.

Tea Party Endorses Powell for City Council The Roanoke Tea Party held a press conference Tuesday to announce their endorsement of Republican Mike Powell as their choice for Roanoke City council.

C h i p Local Politics Tarbutton, one of the founders of the local Tea Party said, “It has been a tremendous year of growth for the Roanoke Tea Party, thanks to the outstanding support of concerned citizens from across the Roanoke Valley. Our mission is to promote political leaders at all levels of government that support our agenda of fiscal responsibility, support of free markets, individual rights, and support of the Constitution. We believe that government at the Federal, State and Local levels must return to these simple core values that the vast majority of our citizens cherish. We are honored today to offer the endorsement of the Roanoke Tea Party to Mike Powell in his candidacy for Roanoke City Council.”

Powell, a local business owner, welcomed the endorsement of the Tea Party, saying that “they

[

Photo Courtesy of BRM Gallery

Runners make their way beneath the “toll gate” and down the old road on the front side of Mill Mountain. The steep and winding section of road will be one of many challenging sections for participants in the Blue Ridge Marathon.

The National College in,” said Eshelman. In fact, Blue Ridge Marathon, those who operate estabwhich makes its debut lished running blogs were on April 24, has received given free admission if applications from more they want to participate. than 750 people up to this Downtown Roanoke point -- runners willing Inc. has encouraged its to challenge the demandmerchant members to ofing full (26.2 miles) or fer discounts on the weekhalf-marathon course. The end of the 24th. Eshelman Blue Ridge Marathon will has no doubt that the Blue begin on the valley floor, Ridge Marathon will bein downtown Roanoke, come an annual event, before winding its way up even though marketing to the Blue Ridge Parkefforts were started later way and then returning. than originally planned.

Photo Courtesy of BRM Gallery It’s been called one of the Organizers had to wait for most demanding marathon The views along the 26.2 mile course are spectacular. the National Park Service to courses in the country, with coming in.” There are even a helman said more than one approve a permit allowing several thousand feet of alti- handful of barefoot runners will be used in that case. runners on the parkway. tude gain.

National College, based in taking part.

One major goal of staging Pete Eshelman, Director Salem, “came out of nowhere” Some runners have tested a marathon here is to put the of Outdoor Branding for the the demanding course on spotlight on Roanoke, draw- to become a title sponsor, Roanoke Regional Partner- their own, checking out the ing in people that may not which was a huge boost for ship and co-chair for the in- altitude gains. “It’s going to be know much about the area. the effort. Other local busiaugural marathon, is pleased a challenge,” said Eshelman. Eshelman and others are en- nesses have come on board; with how well things are go- Strategically-placed water couraging local businesses Carilion will let race officials ing. He’s also expecting a late stops and transportation for to welcome out-of-towners, take a helicopter up to vidsurge of signees, especially those who may give up at cer- and all marathoners for that eotape the course. “Things from locals interested in the tain points are being planned. matter, saying, “We want to should only get better,” said half marathon. “[Some] will Musicians will play at venues make a good impression.” Eshelman. “We’ll come out wait to the last minute,” said along the course and Eshel- The marathon will add to the of this marathon with an esEshelman. man hopes that spectators area’s reputation as a running tablished marketing budget, Two runners are coming will come out in full force to center, augmenting some of ready to hit the ground runfrom London, just to run the cheer on participants. the smaller racing events al- ning [for next year].” See Blue Ridge Marathon. “It’s blueridgeparkwaymarathon.

The climbs on the course ready in place. [also] their first visit to the are so demanding that the Some runners will go home com for more on the April 24 U.S.,” notes Eshelman. Most electric cars being used as and blog about the marathon, race. states are represented as well, pace vehicles see a significant and about Roanoke. “We

By Gene Marrano said Eshelman, “[there’s] a drain on their batteries; Es- have lots of bloggers coming gmarrano@cox.net pretty wide range of people

Schools Release Trout to Area Waters

During the past six months, about the importance of their students at 23 area schools have natural water resources and ulbeen raising brook trout in their timately, teach them to become classrooms as an essential teach- stewards of very fragile cold waing element of the “Trout in ter resources. the Classroom” program (TIC) In October, 2009, the 23 sponsored by the Roanoke school sites each received apChapter of Trout Unlimited. proximately 250 brook trout In early 2009, members of eggs for their “Trout in the the Roanoke Valley Chapter of Classroom” aquariums from Trout Unlimited conducted a Paint Bank State Hatchery. The capital fund drive which pro- Virginia Department of Game duced over $25,000 in contribu- and Inland Fisheries strongly tions from area businesses and supports the TIC program and individuals. These contributions regards it as an essential method provided the capital equipment to instill in students an appreciaPhoto by Dick Taylor to support 23 TIC sites. “Trout 400-0990 Roanoke Catholic students release Brook Trout fry into Roaring in the Classroom” is a program > CONTINUED subscribe@theroanokestar.com Run. designed to educate students P3:Trout PO Box 8338 Roanoke,VA 24014

Get the

Roanoke Star - Sentinel delivered to your doorstep every week for only $44 per year!

> CONTINUED P3:Tea Party

Roanoke’s Original Fly Boy

Aviation Pioneer Wes Hillman

Wes Hillman lives in the shadow of the Roanoke Regional Airport. Or maybe it’s the other way around. Maybe the airport lives in his shadow. That’s because he was flying from cow pasture to cow pasture before the airport was a gleam in someone’s eye. He was experiencing carburetor ice in the air before he had a working refrigerator at his home.

Hillman has been flying since 1933, long before History they were regulating such things, spending time soloing up in the air at an age when most kids were still tied to their Mama’s apron strings. Some of the discipline he received came from the hands of the guys hanging out by the planes. When other boys were sent to the woodshed, he was sent to a little shack with spare parts.

He can recount story upon story at the drop of a hat. It’s easy for him to break out in his characteristic huge smile when he speaks with respect about the

[

4341 Starkey Road Roanoke, VA 540-774-4777

1376 Towne Square Blvd Roanoke, VA 540-265-6550

Call Huntington today. We’re nearby and affordable.

]

> CONTINUED P3: Fly Boy

If your child is struggling in school, success starts here.

•Certified Teachers •Customized, Individual Program of Instruction •Private Tutoring for SAT/PSAT/ACT Prep •Low Student to Teacher Ratios, Individual Instruction

]

50% Off Diagnostic Testing

Page 2 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 4/16/10 - 4/22/10

NewsRoanoke.com

Garden Day Tour Offers Visitors Beautiful Vistas with Dash of History

Thursday will be mainly sunny and much warmer with highs in the upper 70s. Clouds may thicken slowly through the day on Friday, but temperatures will be even hotter, reaching the lower 80s! A cold front will impact the area on Friday night, bringing a chance of rain. It looks like the heaviest showers will stay to our west, with the best chance for rain here locally occurring in the mountains.

Any lingering showers should be gone by Saturday morning.

It will be much cooler though with highs in the upper 60s.

We should enjoy plenty of sun on Sunday, but it will be cooler still with temperatures only in the low-to-mid 60s.

CONDO FOR SALE

Motivated Seller

ousePM Ope&n25H , 1PM - 4

3531 Peters Creek Rd. 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath 1011 Square Feet

Apr 11

$106,500

Mike Bailey 540-520-3898 LD GO

SMITH JEWELER S Since 1984

The Garden Day Tour of Homes in Roanoke on Saturday, April 24 will highlight the local celebration of the 77th anniversary of Garden Week in Virginia, which runs from April 17-25.

Sponsored by the Mill Mountain and Roanoke Valley Garden Clubs, “Garden Day” will feature self-guided tours of six south Roanoke homes and gardens from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

One such home, located at 2817 Avenham Ave., is owned by Webb and Molly Burns. A center-hall colonial built in 1958, the home was recently remodeled by a previous owner. To accommodate their young family, the Burns added a family room, deck, and ground-level enclosed patio onto the rear of the house, as well as a master bedroom.

The Burns have owned the home since 2002. Molly Burns says the new family room is her favorite, while the home's “beautiful oak floors” attracted her to the house. Webb Burns works for a local medical lab and Molly is a former teacher and currently a full-time mom.

The Burns' home also features something for history buffs— a display dedicated to General George C. Marshall, for whom

the United States’ post-World War II reconstruction plan for Europe was named. Marshall was Molly Burns' great-grandfather. The exhibit features a portrait of Marshall, memorabilia from Madame Chiang Kai-shek, and a photograph of the General and his wife with Lady Astor, a Danville native who was the first female member of the British parliament.

Porcelain china presented to the Marshalls as a wedding present from Lady Astor is also on display.

The Marshall items “might draw some men to the tour,” jokes Molly Burns.

The theme for Garden Day in Roanoke is “The Art of Flowers.”

Event chairman Kay Strickland said, “What is so special about Garden Week is that we have flower arrangements that interpret the rooms” in the homes on the tour.

She adds, “We wanted this year to be about our Taubman Art Museum. They've chosen a wonderful piece (out of their current exhibit from the Colonel Edgar William and Bernice Chrysler Garbisch Collection at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC) that one of our arrangers will interpret”

12th Annual Blue Ridge Kite Festival to be Held Saturday April 17

Back for its twelfth year, the Salem-Roanoke County Chamber of Commerce is hosting the 12th Annual Blue Ridge Kite Festival to be held on Saturday April 17, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at Green Hill Park in Roanoke County. Don't have a kite to fly, that's not a problem! As in years past, there will be free kites for kids as well as free shirts for the first 1000 kids. Don't miss out on the amazing kite flying exhibition by the Richmond Air Force Kite Club. Come out for a day of free, family fun. For more information about the event, please check out: www.s-rcchamber.org.

2203 Crystal Spring Avenue

985-3700

“The Cure for the Common Gold.”

43 years Expertise

Star City Creations Need help creating a website?

Rob Jones

(540) 342-2567 starcitycreations.com Locally owned and operated

Free Consultation

&

Fair Prices

$100 Off

Softeners, Filters and Drinking Water Systems

enjoy the benefits of Free Installation Free Salt Free 1-Year Service Expires 3/31/10.

6/31/10. Certain Certain restrictions restrictions apply. apply. Call for details.

Expires

Culligan Stoner 5201 Williamson Road Roanoke • 800-678-6203 culliganstoner.com

at the museum. The Taubman Museum is offering half-price admissions the day of the tour for all guests who present their tour tickets.

Strickland is pleased that the Burns' home is on this year's tour. “They're a young couple who have young children. People think Garden Week is about homes that people have had for a long time. They've chosen to add on and make it livable and elegant.”

Other homes on the tour include Cherry Hill at 301 23rd St., the Fairfax, Unit 108 at 2125 The Burns sun room.

Yellow Mountain Rd., 2833 Avenham Ave., and the gardens the City Market or Electric Rd. at 2901 Avenham Ave. and 218 locations, Lipes Pharmacy on 23rd St. In addition to the home Crystal Spring Ave., or Townand garden tour, a box lunch is side Gardens on Franklin Rd. available for an additional fee, Tickets may also be purchased as well as refreshments in the Moore garden at 2901 Aven- online at www.virginiagardenweek.org. Day-of tickets may ham Ave. Advance tickets for Garden be purchased at South Roanoke Day in Roanoke may be pur- Methodist Church. All adult chased until April 19 by sending tickets are $20 for the entire tour, checks payable to “Historic Gar- while children ages 6-12 are halfden Week” to Roanoke Council price and children 5 and under of Garden Clubs, 3640 Colonial are free.

Ave., Roanoke, VA 24018, or in

By Dave Perry person with cash or check at the same address Monday-Friday, 9 info@newsroanoke.com a.m. – noon. They can also be purchased at Chocolatepaper at

VDOF Ups Reward for Leads on Franklin County Fire The Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF) has increased the reward – from $2,000 to $5,000 – for information leading to the conviction of the person or persons responsible for setting fire to the agency’s fire dozer transport vehicle in September of last year.

The 2007 Sterling transport vehicle was a total loss.

The vehicle was parked September 11th 2009 on private land, near the intersection of Sontag Road and Goode Mountain Road approximately eight miles southeast of Rocky Mount, Va., in preparation for a prescribed burn that was to take place September 14th.

On September 12th, VDOF officials were contacted by the landowner that the transport vehicle was burned by an arsonist.

WEDDING “Unless this arsonist is brought to justice, the taxpayers of the PHOTOGRAPHY Commonwealth of Virginia 540-312-4585 will have to pay for the loss of

BY PROFESSIONAL this valuable firefighting equipPHOTOGRAPHER ment,” said Ed Stoots, VDOF WILLS HOLLAND regional forester in Salem. “The person or people responsible for Focusing On Excellence & Artistry this criminal activity should be held responsible for the damage At Affordable Prices they caused and the increased risk of danger from wildfire in WE ARE THE ALPINE GROUP which they’ve put their families, www.alpineonline.com VISIT OUR STATE OF THE ART 5000 SQ FT STUDIO

friends and neighbors.”

Law enforcement officers from the Virginia State Police (VSP) and the Franklin County Sheriff ’s Office are investigating the crime.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Special Agent Garland Snead of the VSP at 540.375.9547; David Edwards of the VDOF at 276.236.2322, or Ed Stoots at 540.387.5461, Ext. 229.

Christian School

Coming to Bent Mountain To Open Fall 2010

DISCOUNT EVERY DAY! GUARANTEED TO BEAT ANY RETAILER IN THE U.S.

Full Custom & Contract Framing Services

Division of Blue Ridge Moulding, Inc. Supplying Retailers & Distributors since 1981

Full time and home school classes taught in a rural supportive community.

Children are taught at their level on each subject and encouraged to excel.

For details come to our meeting: April 20, 2010 7 p.m.

Bent Mountain Rescue and Fire House 9606 Bent Mountain Rd.

To contact: 540-529-9168, 540-929-4253

Page 3 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 4/16/10 - 4/22/10

> Trout

> Fly Boy

where the water temperature must be maintained below 70 degrees. The eyed eggs began to hatch in November, 2009 and the small alevin (eggs with developing body segments) started to develop, but not without natural complications. Fungus attacks, and various other natural diseases, attacked the young fry and many of the alevin died.

Each class of students was given the responsibility to monitor the water quality (acidity level, temperature and ammonia levels) so that the young fry have the ideal environment to grow to the fingerling size.

one swallow of beer, two swallows of wine, and never tasted whiskey in his life.

Hillman has trained a lot of people to fly during the course of his career. He’s been called “the meanest flight instructor,” because he was a stickler for detail. No one that he trained has died in the cockpit because of pilot error. If you flew under Wes Hillman, you learned how to fly right. His recent past includes surgery at the hand of one of the pilots he trained. Some of the people he has trained have gone on to serve the world in many ways that have made a difference. That’s not bad for a guy who was training pilots just seven short years after his first flight.

He can tell you exactly how many times he’s “dropped a body” in ashes along these

A friend who was a food designer used Barbour as a tagalong. After less than a year of worn shoe leather and dimes in payphones, her portfolio had grown to the point that she was afforded the opportunity to sign a contract with Ford Models for exclusive representation. Once signed on with Ford, all appointments and bookings came from them. “I had put my whole self into it. I was determined,” noted Barbour.

While there was a glamorous side to her career, the hours were often long and the work could be tedious and physically demanding. “I wore long gloves almost up to the elbow most of the time, even to the beach, and I had my hands and arms waxed so they would be smooth and attractive as possible. Applying lotion regularly throughout the day was a necessity,” she commented.

Barbour got to the place where she became tired of being in that urban environment and relocated to Colorado where her work focused on real estate development, and writing magazine articles on such diverse topics as skiing, profiles and history.

In the early 1990’s, she made the decision to return to her hometown. Having earned a Masters in Writing from Hollins in 1998, she wrote a collection of short stories that stemmed from experiences she had while spending six months

Six months later, all 23 classes have released over 2,500 brook trout fingerlings into the wild.

The day was planned by Chapter 308 of Trout Unlimited and included presentations from the Forestry Service, fly fishing, and water quality testing.

This is the second year of the TIC program which grew from three schools in 2008-09 to 23 twenty schools in 2009-10.

This year the program added another important objective: “The Restoration of the Eastern Brook Trout into local waters.” In recent years, many of

NewsRoanoke.com

the local cold water streams have been unable to support cold water fish such as the Eastern Brook Trout because of increased pollution, increased water temperatures and recent droughts. Students from Glenvar High School, in particular, released the brook trout that they raised into Cove Branch, a stream that has maintained its quality cold water.

It is hoped that this release will restore the natural brook trout fishery which is native to the State of Virginia.

By Karl Miller info@newsroanoke.com

> Tea Party

From page 1 beautiful mountains at someone’s request. There is still one person alive in Roanoke who remembers manning the tower and hearing that phrase over the radio. Of course, Hillman was flying long before there was even a radio in the plane. Hand signals and gosports were his main methods of communication back in the day.

In the early days of aviation in the valley, a lot went on that was never documented. Many stories that go untold remain in the heart of Wes Hillman. After all, if you’ve flown 30,000 hours and filled out 26 log books, you have a story to tell indeed. If you spend any time in his presence, you’re bound to hear one . . . and probably more.

By Christine Slade info@newsroanoke.com

The Face Behind the Hands

Elizabeth Barbour in South America. Barbour has also written articles on a wide array of topics that have been published in a variety of publications. Her non-fiction book, “Telluride Images of America” was published in 2006 and is currently in a fourth printing.

While Barbour’s current profession is writing, she continues to have the beautiful hands of a hand model. Perhaps there really is something to the slogan from the ad campaign originating in the 1960’s, “Palmolive softens hands while you do the dishes.” Barbour says she still uses Palmolive; it’s easy on the hands and she looks for it whenever she travels internationally, so what does that say?

believe in citizens and so do I. I announced my candidacy at their February 4th Tea Party meeting and I have great respect for their organization.”

Powell has pledged not to raise taxes, for any reason, during his term on the Roanoke City Council. He said that “in just the four or five hours I have spent reading the city budget, I have already found over 15 million dollars in waste. We could have used this money instead of raising the meals tax by two percent.”

From page 1

He is frustrated by the fact that he is getting no cooperation from city leaders in his attempts to find out where all the money has gone. He has called numerous city departments asking how many employees they have, and according to Powell, all of the departments have refused to speak to him. “I cannot even find out an answer to a simple question,” he lamented.

He also noted that yards signs he has placed around the city have mysteriously disappeared during the night.

Tarbutton said they chose to endorse Powell for three simple reasons. “One, he has pledged to not raise taxes. Two, he has a great background as a business owner and three, he has integrity and can be the voice of the people because this city is rife with corruption.”

Powell will be a featured speaker at the Tax Day Tea Party on April 15th at Elmwood Park in Roanoke at 5:30 p.m.

By Carla Bream info@newsroanoke.com

Kids Count Down to Marathon Race Day Kids in and around the Roanoke Valley are running, walking, dancing, even rollerblading their way to the 26.2 mile finish line. Sound strange? The kid-friendly “Kids Marathon” is in conjunction with the upcoming Blue Ridge Marathon, being held in honor of the 75th Anniversary of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Organizers calculated the number of steps each minute of various activities would cover so kids in grades K-5 can tabulate how far they are toward completing their “marathon.” For those who may not have heard about it, there is still time to sign up.

The plan is for kids to complete 25.2 miles on their own, and then finish the last mile together on race day, beginning at the Kirk Family YMCA, threading through the streets of downtown Roanoke, and finishing at the Blue Ridge Marathon Finish line behind the Taubman museum. This means the kids will cross the same finish line as the elite athletes participating in the marathon later that morning.

Some area schools have put together teams so their students can cheer each other on and get in shape together—

even allowing students to clock miles during their physical education classes. The idea is catching on. There are even a few kids who are starting on their “second” marathon.

The Blue Ridge Marathon takes advantage of the renowned Blue Ridge Parkway; runners will experience that beautiful vista as well as get acquainted with Roanoke city as the course winds up down- Chick-Fil-A is sponsoring the town. The addition of a kid- Kids Marathon. friendly race modified just for kids dovetails well with the games, and swim fun (bring First Lady’s push to garner your bathing suit) as well as support in the fight against give-aways and goodie bags.

The entire experience is childhood obesity, which was again highlighted in early planned so that kids can have April at the White House Eas- a lot of fun while experiencing the benefits of exercise, along ter egg roll.

Cal Johnson, Executive with the whole community.

Director of the YMCA of National College and ChickRoanoke Valley, said “By par- Fil-A are sponsors of the ticipating in this program, we much-anticipated event, along hope to instill in each child with the YMCA. For more information, go a love and understanding of running and a chance to de- to www.ymcaroanoke.org, or velop a healthy lifestyle when go to Facebook/YMCA Kids Marathon to get registered. it is most important.”

After the marathon, kids Scholarships are available by are invited to enjoy “Healthy contacting Cal Johnson at (540) Kids Day” on April 24 from 527-9622 ext. 3102.

9 a.m. to noon at the Kirk

By Cheryl Hodges Family YMCA. There will be @newsroanoke.com an inflatable obstacle course,

By Susan Ayers info@newsroanoke.com

Now Available...

One Bedroom Apartment Independent and Assisted Living • • • • • • •

Assisted Living Services In Your Own Apartment 24-Hour On-Site Licensed Wellness Staff Dynamic Activities Program 3 Delicious Meals Served Daily Weekly Housekeeping & Laundry Linen Service Scheduled Transportation Small Pets Welcome ���� ������� ���������

�������������������� �����������

�������

������

����

IT’S BETTER TO REVIEW

YOUR ANNUITY THAN RETHINK YOUR RETIREMENT

.

����� ������� ����������� ������

�������

������

Most everyone at some point has used Palmolive dishwashing soap, or at least has seen its familiar label containing the perfect shot of a long, slender and smooth hand grazing a glass.

But few know the iconic hand on the label belongs to Roanoke native Elizabeth Barbour, one of the top hand models in the industry in the1980’s.

Barbour’s exclusive print agent for almost a decade was the prestigious Ford Modeling Agency, the pre-eminent New York agency during that era.

The two-hour Palmolive photo shoot took place in New York City near Union Square in 1983 for the purpose of reproducing the hand on the label.

“The set was very simple with only one assistant to help with lighting and loading film. It was in the days when the photographer would disappear under a black piece of cloth to peer into his camera and shoot real film,” recalled Barbour. The photo was then airbrushed, resulting in the glass having an illustrated appearance. She was paid $650 for the photo shoot.

The hand modeling trade proved to be a lucrative career.

Barbour was able to set her own schedule -- by earning $350 hourly and $2,500 daily, she was financially able to travel all over the world to numerous destinations including the Caribbean, Nepal, Australia and Thailand.

In addition to the pay that she received from photo shoots and television commercials, every time a commercial featuring her hand(s) was renewed for individual 13-year period increments, she received additional compensation.

Barbour left Roanoke for New York City shortly after graduating from high school. It was there that she took acting classes and visited photography studios to model for extra money. While she did some couture modeling, many of the photographers kept telling her that her 5’8” height wasn’t tall enough or that her hair was too curly.

Several of them asked her if she had considered hand modeling.

It was after completing a season on the couture runway circuit in Paris that she returned to New York and decided that hand modeling may be the route to go.

Barbour’s ultimate goal was to have the opportunity to sign a contract for exclusive representation by Ford Models. Her first hand modeling gig came about when her roommate introduced her to a magnum photographer who shot some photos of her hands holding a hair dryer. She then searched trade journals to find still life photographers and would often work for free in order to build her portfolio.

In some cases, she worked with photographers who were trying to build their portfolios as well, so it was a win/win situation for both parties.

From page 1

tion of nature and our cold water resources.

Brian Beers, the manager of Paint Bank Hatchery noted that “... DGIF is proud to be an integral part and cooperator in the Trout in the Classroom Program. Not only do the fish started in the classrooms contribute to the aquatic resources of the Commonwealth, but also the grass-roots environmental awareness in youth generated by this program is a unique approach taken in our public education system.”

The eyed brook trout eggs (eggs over 2 weeks old) were placed in the classroom aquariums

people he knew. The ten-yearold boy that started hanging around airplanes is still there to see behind the crinkly brown eyes. He’s right there inside the man who had enough courage to land nine airplanes whose engines failed.

Standing alongside him for sixty-three years is the woman that Hillman describes as “my right arm, believe you me.”

Edith Hillman has had her challenges with the guy who bought a flying business without consulting her in 1951, a short four years into their marriage. Their only daughter Melinda would play in the sandbox at the field while Edith learned to run the business alongside her husband.

Her steadfastness contributed to the history of aviation in Roanoke as surely as did Hillman, who will tell you that he has had

Learn About ��������������� Our Excellent Amenities and Reasonable Rates!

Call Today to tour our Community & enjoy a delicious meal with us!!

540-989-9501

4920 Woodmar Drive SW • Roanoke, VA 24018 www.parkoakgrove.com • mbelfiore @parkoakgrove.com

Celebrating 21Years of Excellence 1989-2010

If you own an annuity, it just makes sense to review it every now and then. That’s why we offer complimentary annuity reviews. Then you can make sure your annuity stays in sync with your goals. Plus, there may be features your current annuity simply doesn’t offer.

So regardless of where you purchased your annuity, call your local financial advisor today to schedule your complimentary review.

Carl M Grove, AAMS® Financial Advisor .

2115 Crystal Spring Avenue Roanoke, VA 24014 540-344-9211

www.edwardjones.com

Member SIPC

Perspective

Page 4 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 4/16/10 - 4/22/10

“Much Ado about Time …” Part 2

the Jewish calendar is lunisolar crucifixion, burial, and resurwith every month starting with rection. On the other hand, the a new moon as prescribed in the Western Churches do not use the astronomically correct date Book of Numbers.

Easter is calculated as the first for the Vernal Equinox but inSunday after the first full moon stead employ a fixed date of 21 on or after the Vernal Equinox. March. Further, by full moon, Early Christians had in com- these Churches mean an “ecclesiastical” full moon mon the custom of based on church consulting their Jewtables (thus, the ecish neighbors to learn clesiastical appellawhen Passover would tion) rather than an fall and setting their actual astronomical festival accordingly. full moon. This apDue to poor comproach allows the munications, howdate of Easter to be ever, the Jews in one calculated in adcity might determine vance rather than to Passover differently be determined by from Jews in another city. The emerging H. Bruce Rinker, PhD actual astronomical observances that are controversy between those who advocated indepen- naturally less predictable.

Parenthetically, if you think dent computation versus those who wished to continue the all these church politics about custom of relying on the Jewish the liturgical calendar are reprecalendar was formally resolved hensible, you should check out by the First Council of Nicaea the ownership of the Church in 325 CE that endorsed a move of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerutoward independent computa- salem: the historic site of Jesus’ tion. But it did not specify any death and burial. No less than particular method of calculation six congregations – Greek Orso the older custom persisted thodox, Roman Catholic, Aruntil the Gregorian reform in menia Apostolic, Coptic Orthothe 16th century. Imagine a dox, Ethiopian Orthodox, and Syriac Orthodox – are deemed 1300-year-long squabble!

This is where things get re- primary custodians of Christenally tricky. Eastern Orthodox dom’s holiest site. They all-tooChurches employ the old Ju- often come to fisticuffs when lian calendar while the Western someone simply moves a chair Churches use the contemporary (that started a brawl among Gregorian calendar – probably the faithful in 2002 that put 11 because of the snooty ecclesias- people in the hospital) or when tical politics surrounding that someone leaves a door ajar papal decree in 1582. Conse- into a chapel (that started anquently, only occasionally do other scrap among the faithful both Churches celebrate Easter in 2004). There’s even a ladder on the same day: for instance, left permanently outside a front on 4 April 2010 and again on 20 window in 1852 as part of the April 2014 and 16 April 2017. so-called status quo of territorial Unlike the Western Churches, division among these six relithe Eastern Churches set the gious communities. You can see date of Easter according to the the ladder in various engravings Vernal Equinox and the ac- and photographs of the building tual astronomical full moon as ‘til this day. Good grief. What observed along the meridian would Jesus say about all that of Jerusalem, the site of Jesus’ silly hostility?

Since the early 20th century, occasional attempts to change I am the slowest the date of Easter to a fixed holiday in the Gregorian calendar carpet cleaner in Roanoke. have all fallen flat. In 1963, the Second Vatican Council agreed to a fixed date (the second Sunday in April as the most likely “I will give your suggestion), provided that a consensus could be reached carpet the time among all Christian Churches. and attention Obviously, that did not happen. it deserves to Later, meeting in March 1997, the World Council of Churches produce the best proposed a solution: both methresults possible.” ods of calculating the Vernal Equinox and the Full Moon • 2 rooms and a hall for $75 • 5 rooms and a hall for $155 would be replaced with the most • Furniture cleaning also available! advanced astronomically accurate calculations available, using

In part 1 of this essay, I began my exploration of our modernday calendar, especially how it relates to the great religious observances of Passover and Easter. I even hinted that that calendar is somewhat controversial. Here’s the conclusion for my essay.

I guess just about everyone knows that Passover and Easter do not fall on the same calendar days year after year like the Feast Days of Christmas (25 December) or St. Mary Magdalene (22 July), the first person reported in the Gospels to see the resurrected Christ and, thus, called the “apostle of the apostles.” By the way, I’ve always admired this great lady and don’t believe for a minute all the ugly things church folks have said about her through the centuries. Passover and Easter are often called moveable feasts; they hop around like spring bunnies in March and April. But why in the world do they move around so much? As a kid, I wondered about this and asked many adults – ministers, teachers, community leaders – who offered nothing but blank stares, probably because there’s no easy answer.

Our starting point is the Vernal Equinox that always occurs around 20 or 21 March, thus marking the first day of spring.

It’s one of two times annually when the tilt of the Earth’s axis is inclined neither away from nor toward the Sun, the center of the Sun being in the same plane as the Earth’s equator. (The second time is the Autumnal Equinox on 22 or 23 September.) That’s the easy part.

Passover usually falls on the first full moon after the Vernal Equinox in the Northern Hemisphere although it occurs occasionally on the second full moon (7 times every 19 years).

In 2010, Passover began at sundown on 30 March and extends to sundown on 5 April. Thus,

“

” Williams Carpet Cleaning

Danny Williams • 989-1825

Local Crossword Star~Sentinel Crossword for 04/16/2010

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

14

15

16

17

18

19

20 24

25

26

30

21 27

31

34

22

33 36

37

42

45

46

54

38

43

51

56

59

40

68

69

24 25 26 28 29 31 33 35 37 38 39 40

48

50

55

39

44

47

49 53

29

32

41

7 8 9 10 11 12 13 21 23

13

23

28

35

12

52 57

60

61 65

58 62

63

64

66

70

71

72

73

74

75

67

42 44

www.CrosswordWeaver.com

ACROSS 1 Shade 6 Reference 11 Fast movers located in Vinton on Parker Lane.

14 Small bunch of flowers 15 Total 16 Bowler derby 17 Will 18 Plus eighty is the total feet in height of the Mill Mountain Star.

19 Vane direction 20 Limb 22 Earnings 23 It was re-planted in the middle of McClannahan Street where it didn’t belong in the first place 24 Old-fashioned Fathers 27 Alaskan territory 29 Live 30 Fortune 32 Bad (prefix) 33 Cry softly 34 A vacation (2 wds.)

36 Large zoo animals 38 High naval rank (abbr.)

41 Common axis 43 Help with waterproofing is just a phone call away.

45 Extra-sensory perception

46 48 49 50 52 53 56 58 59 60 61 63 64 66 70 71 72 73 74 75

Frog sound Rot Garden tool Scarf Region Roanoke ----- and produce co., wholesale fruits and vegetables since 1910 Rock and Roll "King" European sea eagle Relative Contagious disease Fellow __ Lanka Restaurants Green Make lace Protein part, with 'acid' Suppress Foxy Fender blemishes Get the ----- touch (slogan)

DOWN 1 2 3 4 5 6

Ship initials Miles per hour Women's undergarment Small brook Awry Maturity

47 49 51 53 54 55 56 57 60 62 64 65 67 68 69

Capital of Libya Mount Logan Livid Concord e.g.

Not here Committee Brace oneself Chicle Number of times Salem was attacked in the Civil War. Destination Vehicles Throw away Painter Freida Exits Kids cereal brand Computer part Stitch Roanoke's Russian sister city.

Love intensely Not as wet Downtown tobacconist since 1912 Be Environmental protection agency (abbr) Substance used for cleaning Bash Cause of sickness Goes without food Rustic Wholeness Mischievous Virginia's largest Town in 1960?

Glory Cafe Blackguard Distress call Help Those who make the food laws (abbr.)

Yea

the meridian of Jerusalem as the point of measure. There has been no further progress toward agreement since that time.

Trying to get the Eastern and Western Churches to agree to anything seems as impossible a task as extracting honey from stone. As a one-time Franciscan and philosopher, I was asked long ago by a colleague what I thought was the greatest challenge for modern-day Christianity. “That’s easy,” I responded, “Getting out of the church parking lot after Sunday service.” It appears that the practice of one’s spirituality can find its greatest challenges in the most mundane moments of our day-to-day living: whether constructing a calendar or leaving church.

On the other hand, as a scientist, I find all this fuss about calendars fascinating. It’s our attempt to find a comfortable absoluteness in the relativity of space and time. Sadly, throughout history, that attempt has been chaotic and cutthroat at times.

We just don’t like it when something as fundamental as time is actually relative to our direction in space. Instead we seem to be animals snug with our absolutes (including our traditions and religious identities) and woe be to the perceived interloper!

Let me conclude with a reference to Shiva as Nataraja: the great “Lord of the Dance” in Hinduism. I know I’m crossing party lines, but I’ve always been attracted to the ancient symbolism inherent in this great deity. Statues of Nataraja hold many attributes, but the two apropos to this discussion about time are his drum (shaped like an hour glass) and flame in his upper hands. These opposing concepts show the counterpoise of creation and destruction. In other words, the “tick, tick, tick” of time is only an illusion in the infinity of the Divine.

As a man of science, I find time essential to my work. As a man of faith, however, I find time meaningless. Eternity is collapsed into the here and now, and what I do with the present moment is a function of life itself. Even the Master Darwin encouraged us all to be all we can be in the present moment.

That is the value of life. As stewards of our ancient planet and as neighbors to each other, let us live fully and responsibly in this moment!

John Rosemond Coming To Town

If you have never heard of ogy. He added that strict behavJohn Rosemond, something is ior modification may work well wrong. Known as one of Amer- on dogs and rats but that it does ica’s most popular speakers on not have much to offer us with parenting issues and the author our parenting woes because our of a nationally-syndicated par- children have “free will.”

These and similar ideas paired enting column appearing weekly in more than 200 newspapers, with the notion that the marhe is hard to miss. He is the au- riage is the center of the family, thor of twelve best-selling books not the children, is what John on parenting and family issues, has been sharing and teaching gives talks that are informative for many years. When asked and entertaining, and best yet. . . what his theoretical foundation was, John shared that it was sim. . .he is coming to Roanoke.

My first exposure to John ple, the Bible and his upbringRosemond was about 15 years ing. He comments that his best ago. I was working with a fam- evidence, even though he has much research backily that had a door ing his work, is that slammer for a 13 year he has been married old daughter. After to the same woman hearing all of their for 42 years, has two woes and unsuccesspretty healthy kids ful attempts at dealand a bunch of welling with this, I recbehaved grandkids. ommended sending I also learned that the door on vacation. it all started with a Clearly the door was simple column on having a tough time parenting and famand needed a break.

Keith McCurdy ily in 1976 that led A door gone for a to invites to speak. few days usually clears the issue up for a 13 year Needless to say this grew and in 1990 John began speaking fullold girl.

In response to this the mother time. In ending our conversasaid, “That is what John Rose- tion I asked him why someone mond says.” At that point my would want to come see him thought was who is this John speak. “You’ll learn a lot and Rosemond guy? It did not take you’ll laugh,” was his comment.

If you are thinking that it is a long for me to figure out not only who he was but that he was little odd that another counselor on to something. So many in the who writes a column on parentfield of psychology and counsel- ing and family issues would be ing have missed the mark and so clearly encouraging everyone even done harm in the name to come hear John Rosemond, of helping others. John, on the remember that we are all in this other hand, has been a consis- together. The more individutent voice of wisdom and di- als, professionals and parents rection while at the same time that are pursuing how to raise making a clear departure from our families in a balanced and current psychological trends in healthy way, the better off the many areas. The more I became families and children of this familiar with John and his work, country will be.

I fully encourage anyone who the more I appreciated his basic, applicable approach that was has kids to come see John Rosegrounded in scripture, not psy- mond. He will be speaking two times on Thursday April 29th. chology.

Recently I had the opportu- The morning session, “Bringnity to talk with John regarding ing Out the Best in Your Child,” his upcoming trip to Roanoke. I will be at 10 a.m. at the Green asked him what he wanted oth- Ridge Recreation Center and ers to know about him. He was the evening session, “Parenting very clear that what he is doing the Strong-willed Child,” will be is a ministry, a mission, and that at 6:30 p.m. at William Flemhe feels a responsibility in his ing High School Auditorium. position to point out what is Tickets are only $10 ($12 at the wrong in psychology today and door).

For more information contact to point individuals and families towards what is true and right Paul Henny DDS, PC at (540) 774-1577. Come, learn a lot - a about raising healthy kids.

A couple key points that whole lot - and laugh.

H. Bruce Rinker, Ph.D. Science Department Chairman we discussed is how high selfBRinker@NorthCross.org esteem is not a healthy goal for Contact Keith at our children and is more consispsycyou@msn.com tent with many types of pathol-

OK Aspiring Writers, This One's Easy . . . Maybe Too Easy Your assignment today is to thought he could pull it off, but write a story of only about 1500 he did. He had read an article words. But there's a catch: all in Life Magazine that criticized the words in your story have to children's books and challenged be two syllables or less, OK? Oh, someone to do better. Geisel there's one other thing: you can rose to the challenge. He talked only use a total of 236 different to a publisher, who provided words, so you'll have to repeat a him a list of 400 words that lot of them. Oh, we also forgot young readers should learn. to mention: it can't be prose, it Geisel cut the list down to 223, and added a few that has to be a poem.

In fact, it has to be weren't on the list, in anapestic tetramand wrote a story eter, which goes like containing only 236 this, "da-da-Dum, simple words. (221 of da-da-DUM, dathe words are a single da-DUM, da-dasyllable, 14 have two DUM" over and syllables, and only 1, over again. This is "another," has three all pretty simple, syllables.) To give the right? Well, here's story a little juice, Mike Keeler the final challenge: Geisel wrote it as a write something so engaging poem. that it becomes a cultural icon The first line of the story goes and becomes one of the most like this: "The sun did not shine. popular stories of all time. OK? It was too wet to play. So we sat Ya think you can do that? in the house. All that cold, cold, We don't know if Ted Geisel wet day." The story is about

St. Thomas of Canterbury Anglican Catholic Church

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

By Don Waterfield

NewsRoanoke.com

Sunday: Holy Communion 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.

Christian Education 10 a.m.

Thursday: Holy Communion 9:30 a.m.

Bible Study 10:30 a.m.

4910 Hubert Rd NW Roanoke

366-9416

(at Hershberger, E of Williamson Rd.) www.sttofc.org

a little boy and his sister Sally who are visited by a mischievous cat dressed in a red bow tie and a red-and-white striped hat, who performs all sorts of daring tricks. While standing on a ball, he balances a teacup, a glass of milk, a cake, three books, the family goldfish, a rake, a toy boat, a toy man, a red fan and his umbrella. He essentially tears the house apart, and then, miraculously, cleans it all up only seconds before the children's mother arrives home.

"The Cat in the Hat" was published 53 years ago this month.

It retailed for $2, and a year later the price was reduced to $1.95. It has since sold over 11MM copies, making it the 9th best-selling children's book of all time. It has been translated into over a dozen languages: in Latin, it is known as "Cattus Petastus" (note the two-syllable words) and in Yiddish it is "di Kats der Payats." Oy. And looking at it now, it's all so simple, right? Anybody could do it. Even you. All that stands between you and literary immortality is one little story.

236 tiny words. Go ahead, we dare you, give it a try. It should be easy...

Contact Mike at info@theroanokestar.com

Perspective

NewsRoanoke.com

Children’s Trust--Honoring Local Heroes

Hardly a day goes by that we don’t hear about of a remarkable group of dedicated professionals our dwindling natural resources. While that’s and volunteers. Their mission statement lays it true, much less is written about the loss of our out: “At Children’s Trust we strive to prevent child most precious resource: our children. Without abuse and neglect by providing continuous supthem maturing into responsible and productive port for children through investigation and court adults, nothing else really matters. We want to proceedings. We help make kids safer and adults leave them a world in which they can prosper, but better parents through education.” to do that, we must pay special attention to their By working with other agencies in the valley, lives as they grow. thousands of children have been diverted from a For those of us who were raised by attentive and path that might have led to a tragic end. There loving parents, the world of child abuse is a place are hundreds of professionals in many fields with we never visited. It wasn’t until I worked as a vol- whom Children’s Trust partners. Take a ride by unteer in the jails that I began to understand the The Community Arboretum on Colonial Avenue. scope of the problem.

Children’s Trust has placed a pinwheel In addition to my teaching respongarden there: Over 1100 blue and silsibilities there, I was interested in the ver ornaments spinning in the wind— background of the prisoners. Most one for each child they served in the were there, and not for the first time, past year. because of drug-related crimes. One On April 22 at 6:30 PM in Fitzpatthing was almost universally shared: rick Hall the annual Golden Halo EveThey grew up where abuse or neglect ning Celebration will be held to honor was a fact of every day life. eight heroes for their dedication and James told a story I could scarcely support of Children’s Trust. They are believe. At age six his mother would Jenny Basham—Educator, Heather leave him as the caretaker for five Ferguson, Esq.—Legal/Judicial, younger siblings, none of whom had Hayden Hollingsworth Amy Ferguson—Child Protective the same father. A jar of peanut butServices, Karen Bailey—Mental ter and a box of saltines was the meal plan for the Health Professional, Candice Carroll—Medical entire week. Her only instructions were not to let Professional, Detectives April McCadden and anyone in the apartment. James learned early on Holly Willoughby—Law Enforcement Team, and to guard his charges with sets of car keys. By stick- Michelle Yopp—Foster Parent. This year, the voling three keys from two clinched fists he could unteer award goes to the memory of Sarah Ellis ward off even adults who might intend harm. I Floyd for her years of dedication to the Children’s have seen what such a blow delivered to the eye Trust Board. can do. He recounted his story with a flat affect These are heroes—they protect our most valuthat told me the only emotion he understood was able resource, our children. Please join us at The rage. He said he learned quickly there was no one Golden Halo Celebration where they will be he could trust. Then, he looked at me, and said, recognized. There will be excellent food, bever“Not even you, teacher.” age, and music followed by a presentation by the No child should ever have to endure what James Virginia Teacher of the Year, Stephanie Doyle. By went through. His life, and probably those of his attending you will show your support for preventbrothers and sisters, is lost. He was smart, but that ing stories like James, like Aveion, and countless wasn’t enough to overcome the abuse and neglect others. This is a fund raising event, but no soliciin which he lived. tations will be made; the price of the ticket goes While that story may not be typical it is all too toward the work of Children’s Trust. common. The good news is there are numerous For tickets and information about contribuagencies trained to intervene in such circum- tions you can make, please call 540-344-3579, ext stances. Often, they are able to rescue children 4. This is an important investment in the future . . from such tragedies; sometimes not, as we have . please don‘t pass by on the other side. seen played out in the short life of Aveion Lewis.

I have recently become aware of such a group: Contact Hayden at Children’s Trust of Roanoke Valley. It is composed jhayden2003@cox.net

Goodbye Sweet Sugar Maple

It’s just a tree . . . I mean there are trillions of them of all shapes and sizes and when it comes to Sugar Maples there are millions of those too. But this tree is . . . was . . . different.

This was our tree.

When I first saw the house on Stanley Avenue in Roanoke it was the very first thing I noticed - standing tall and full in its Spring glory like a sentinel on guard. The full canopy covered the entire front yard and what made it even more prominent was that it was the only tree of significant size in any yard on our side of the street for the whole block. Most every other house had the classic “Roanoke Railroad House” front porch.

Unfortunately, ours did not.

But we had the tree.

In summer it cloaked itself in resplendent verdant green leaves and shaded our house while others baked so fully in the sun. I don’t know for sure but I’m guessing it saved me at least a few thousand dollars in cooling costs these past 20 years. The summer leaves also provided a whole other world just 10 feet above our sidewalk and birds and squirrels built untold nests there - only inches from our upper windows in some cases. Our children watched their children grow and ultimately venture on just as they soon will. Things move fast, don’t they.

In fall its spectacular neonyellow-orange Canadian Flag beauties would come dancing, spinning and spiraling down in unpredictable flight paths that our children would follow

with joy as they sought to catch the innocence of our children the glowing treasures. Once and the ever-present stability of fully fallen and dried the piles things gave one the confidence we made were, of course, huge and feeling that anything was and one of my favorite pictures possible and always would be is of 10-year-old Rob sailing even as the years began to race headlong into last year’s giant by. collection.

But of course change comes Some of her leaves slow and steady if are still pasted in not blindingly fast, old art projects and and children grow books but they reup and favorite trees ally won’t be much die and have to be consolation now. taken down and Because by the time some of the dreams you read this the have to go with them. tree will be gone.

It’s okay in the end I It stands out front suppose - I mean, “I as I write like some know who wins,” as prisoner on death Ruth Bell Graham row - doomed to Stuart Revercomb once told me and I the fate that awaits also understand the it in the hands of the men that promise that new visions and will come tomorrow morning dreams are built upon a past to take it down, quite literally that is always fading away, no limb from limb. matter how wonderful. But like Even 20 years ago when we the death of a loved one who first bought the house I noticed is handed as confidently as is that there were some upper possible back to our Creator in limbs in distress and after con- eternity, it doesn’t change the sulting a couple of arborists it fact that we’re still going to miss was clear that the best I could them so very, very much. hope for would be to deadWe plan on planting a new wood it every so often and Sugar Maple - the children inhave it professionally fertilized. sist. But I’m going to miss that This would add several years old tree and all those times to its life I was told, but then beneath her branches with the the tough words followed that, people I love. “ultimately trees are like people Goodbye sweet sugar maple - they get old and then eventu- of my past - may our futures, ally go in to decline . . . the day no matter where they take us, will come when . . .” be built solidly upon all that Well that day is here and I am you have so graciously given. sad beyond words. Because it really isn’t just a tree - but rathBy Stuart Revercomb er a symbol of all the grand and stuart@newsroanoke.com glorious times we once had as a young family beneath it - when

Treasure Hunt

Maya Bohler Pottery Thank you and farewell Studio to our valued customers.

Open We will be closing our doors House Saturday, April 17th at 5pm. and Sale

Antiques & Collectables

The Recipe of the Week from The Happy Chef

by Leigh Sackett

Simple Scalloped Potatoes It is just SO TRUE that usually the simplest things are the best of things in life. Most of us eventually find this statement to be true even though it may take a lifetime. A lot of us chase the carrot and pursue a certain lifestyle only to find out what we really long for is simplicity and peace, two things money can’t buy. But then there are the lucky people who seem to be born knowing this truth; they seem to waste less time and energy worrying about things that are not too important in the end and more time living for the things that are.

I was trying to think of an extravagant recipe to impress you with this week and then I thought of this recipe that I made just the other night and have made for many years. It is not at all fancy but it is so simple and good and it reminded me of what really matters.

1/4 cup chopped onion 2 tablespoons butter or margarine 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon pepper 1 1/4 cups milk 3 medium potatoes -- peeled and sliced 3/4 cup shredded American cheese -For sauce: Cook onion in butter till tender. Stir in flour, salt, and pepper. Add milk all at once.

Cook and stir till thickened and bubbly. Add in cheese until melted. Remove from heat.

-Place half the sliced potatoes in a greased 1-quart casserole. Cover with half the sauce. Repeat layers.

-Preheat oven to 350 degrees; bake covered for 35 minutes. Uncover; bake 30 minutes more or till potatoes are tender. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

4/16/10 - 4/22/10 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 5

YouÕll Find Us at The LambÕs Cottage 3224 Brambleton Ave Roanoke

April 24th & 25th from 1-6 1155 Welch Rd, Roanoke

Vida Bela 1320 Grandin Rd SW Roanoke

Come watch local artists get critiqued!

Saturday April 17 10 am - 4 pm Roanoke Main Library

T I R C D E E P S

The Country Store Deli FREE All Beef Oscar Mayer Hot Dog... with Purchase of an ice cold 32 oz. fountain drink, that’s right FREE only at Stop In Food Stores.

We cater too!

Call your order in or place it online: www.countrystoredeli.com (540) 774-6875 4717 Starkey Rd. Roanoke, VA • info@countrystoredeli.com

Part studio crit, part Antiques Roadshow, SPEED CRIT provides area artists valuable feedback on their work from a seasoned art professional. Each featured artist gets a 15-minute critique of up to 3 artworks.

Hosted by Leah Stoddard, independent curator and artist advisor To participate or for more information phone 540-853-1057

Page 6 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 4/16/10 - 4/22/10

Questions for Council Candidates

NewsRoanoke.com

During the month of April the Roanoke Star Sentinel will feature a Q&A section with the seven candidates running for Roanoke City Council. At a time when budgets are strained to the limit and past visions for the city are under heavy scrutiny, we urge our readers to pay close attention to the answers found on these pages and to then get out to vote on May 4th.

“You will never know how much it has cost my generation to preserve your freedom. I hope you will make good use of it.” - John Quincy Adams

Mike Powell

Carl Cooper

7.) What is the last book you read?

The last book I read was written by the esteemed Dr. Seuss. The Cat In The Hat made a great bedtime story for my son Sean.

8.) How would you try to balance the budget? The Roanoke City budget needs to be gone through line by line to eliminate waste and figure out ways to be more efficient. The city government has to learn to live within it’s means. Our government has gotten far to large to support itself.

The only way for the city government to remain the same size is to raise taxes. Roanoke city already has the highest property tax rate in the Roanoke Valley and now because of the new meals tax, we have the highest prepared food tax rate in the United States of America.

That’s right, the highest in the U.S. Due to the 5% state tax and the cities 7% tax, you will walk out the door of a Roanoke City restaurant paying a total of 12% tax on your meal.Raising taxes is not the answer to balancing the budget. Having the highest tax rate in the surrounding area only drives away businesses and home owners. We have to lower our taxes to entice people to come back to Roanoke.

This will help generate new revenue year after year for the city.

9.) How will you attract new business to Roanoke? Roanoke City has to make itself look more attractive to businesses in order to get them here. One of the major things a business will look at when relocating is how much it will cost to operate in a specific locality.

Right now, Roanoke County, Botetourt County and Salem look like better options because of their tax structure. We have got to lower our tax rates in order to be competitive with those areas. Otherwise, it’s not likely they will come. New businesses have a very difficult time financially in their first two or three years. 90% of new businesses fail. If the city could give them a tax exempt status for their first two years of operation, we should begin to see a higher success rate. When those businesses succeed, it creates a consistent stream of tax revenue for many years to come.

Dr. David Trinkle 7.) What is the last book you read?

A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest Gaines -- as part of the Big Read Roanoke Valley and Percy Jackson and The Olympians by Rick Riordan with my daughter!

8.) How would you try to balance the budget?

Balancing a budget is about three things: managing costs, eliminating wasteful spending and sustainable revenue streams. First, we need to carefully evaluate current spending to be sure every dollar is yielding a maximum benefit to the citizens and businesses in the community. Are there projects/programs/initiatives currently being funded – that are no longer appropriate considering the changes in the economic landscape? We need to consider both the long term and short-term impact of these expenditures and perhaps make some changes. Secondly, we need to adhere to strict fiscal accountability – to make certain we are not wasting money unnecessarily. I also believe we need to evaluate the systems and structures throughout the city government and make sure they are efficient – especially considering advances in technology. Lastly, we need to accept the realities that state funding will not likely return to the levels of the past. Therefore, we need to be creative in finding additional – and sustainable -- revenue streams for the city that do not apply un-due burden on our taxpayers.

9.) How will you attract new business to Roanoke?

The advent of new technologies has changed the face of business, allowing the spirit of entrepreneurship to grow and small businesses to prosper. Furthermore, it has allowed business owners to choose their hometown based on quality of life more than ever before. This shift allows Roanoke – with its vibrant arts and cultural scene, spectacular natural amenities and abundant outdoor and recreational opportunities -- to move ahead of the competition. I am steadfast in my commitment to continuing the city’s progress in being a fun, livable city with a high quality of life. In addition, we must continue to create a more open and business friendly city hall to foster the relationship with new and exciting businesses.

Consigning Women

7) What is the last book you read?

• Hot, Flat, And Crowded: Why We Need A Green Revolution And How It Can Renew America by Thomas L. Friedman, 8) How would you try to balance the budget?

• Continue funding core services at austerity levels • Increase productivity and efficiencies of all departments and facilities providing city services • Freeze all but emergency capitol expenditures. • Assist Commissioner of Revenue to bill 100% of all taxes/fees/assessments due City • Assist City Treasurer to collect 100% of all billed taxes/fees/assessments • Demand and achieve better performance of city owned assets (Civic Center/Market Building) • Increase tourism dollars by aggregating Roanoke as part of regional attractions.

9) How will you attract new business to Roanoke?

• Establish an Economic Development czar to oversee a cohesive national and international business search focused on attracting new businesses and maintaining, growing and expanding existing businesses. • Focus on companies engaged in creating and exploiting emerging technologies. • Align with consortiums of universities and university business institutes to identify new technologies ready to come to market and lure associated companies to Roanoke. • Offer phased tax incentives to new and start up businesses. • Assist Roanoke citizens to create new businesses by equalizing assistance and incentives to small businesses and large corporations alike. • Diversity Economic Development Authority Bond issuances.

Ray Ferris 7.) What is the last book you read?

Roanoke, Virginia: 1882 – 1912. Magic City of the New South

by Rand Dodson 8.) How would you try to balance the budget?

We hear about “cutting the fat” from Roanoke’s budget. One of my opponents has actually proposed closing 3 or 4 library branches, which, in my opinion, will only serve to limit or eliminate access to the very tools children need to learn and sharpen reading and research skills. Some kids rely upon the library branches for computer access, and we all know that those skills are essential in today’s economy. City Manager Morrill, in his Budget Update to Council, has identified areas in which he proposes that certain cuts be made.

For the most part, I agree with the proposed cuts, but I have reservations about a few specific areas such as limiting the City owned pools to operating only 3 days per week this summer. Nevertheless it is a good start. I would explore areas where we can gain efficiencies by pooling resources with our neighbors, like Fire and EMS, Parks and Recreation and Waste Disposal. Finally, economic development is critical to increase the City’s tax base, which more important than ever in order to make up for the loss of revenue from the State.

9.) How will you attract new business to Roanoke?

First, let’s make sure we take care of the businesses we already have. When a business communicates with City Hall, that communication needs to be positive; the persons interacting with City employees need to come away from that experience with the feeling that the City really cares about helping that business achieve its goals.

I support the efforts of the Roanoke Regional Partnership. To the extent that budgetary constraints will allow, we need to actively promote the Roanoke Valley and especially the City. We should accentuate our quality of life which includes the Greenways, Parkway, Smith Mountain Lake, Downtown Roanoke, reasonable cost of living and all of the other reasons we all love to live here.

I believe that continuing to strengthen our relationship with Virginia Tech is critical and that, coupled with our new medical school, should raise the stature of Roanoke to that of a premier educational and medical destination. When you factor the quality of life variable into the equation, add a business friendly, can do attitude in City Hall, Roanoke should be successful in attracting new business.

Attic treAsures

From Target to Tiffany's... we have something for everyone!

2214 Electric Rd, Roanoke • 540.400.7975 Mon. - Fri. 10 - 6 • Sat. 10 - 4

Old, New, Used Antiques, Furniture, Gifts, Quilts and more!

Come see us at 3514 Williamson Road

Bill Bestpitch

7.) What is the last book you read?

Dinner at Mr. Jeffersons, by Charles A. Cerami 8.) How would you try to balance the budget?

By bringing expenditures in line with revenues and reducing the size of city government to live within our means.

9.) How will you attract new business to Roanoke?

By negotiating specific goals for the number of new jobs the city manager is expected to bring to Roanoke, directing him to hire the appropriate staff to meet those goals, and establishing more flexible incentive policies for both new and existing businesses that bring additional jobs to the city.

Tony Walker

7.) What is the last book you read?

The bible.

8.) How would you try to balance the budget?

Through proactive fiscal management, we can eliminate wasteful spending by working within the cities’ scope of resources, prioritizing the capital improvement plan to include selecting projects that are essential to Roanoke, while eliminating or postponing those that are not in direct need or would not be productive. Collaborating with other city council members to develop new ideas and an effective vision for the city. Working with departments by having them start with a zero baseline and to prioritize, consolidate, and departmentalize- all with the goal of saving money, manpower and resources. Monitor and maintain city assets and addressing problems early so that they aren’t overlooked or prolonged. This will reduce the issue of wasting funds by going back and repair/replace assets. Re-evaluate previous projects and programs for effectiveness, quality and profitability for revenue. Working to promote Roanoke’s image to the outside world by increasing the city’s amenities and green initiatives. Having periodic meetings with the city manager for system-wide financial updates and progress of existing and new businesses. Supporting the school system through the city budget, as well as proactively planning for additional funds when the sunset clause takes effect for the meals tax. This would eliminate our dependency on the meals tax and remove it from the city budget.

9.) How will you attract new business to Roanoke?

Utilize the Roanoke Regional Partnership as a resource to study economic trends. Supporting Roanoke’s existing businesses and using them as a springboard to expand and attract new businesses.

Working to lower Roanoke’s overall tax base. Many businesses are reluctant to operate in Roanoke due to the high tax base. So instead of repelling these forms of revenue, we need to work on reducing the tax base to attract them to root themselves in the Star City. Also, we could offer some businesses tax breaks for hiring employees from Roanoke City, and providing resources to the surrounding communities.

Colonel Bob Craig 7.) What is the last book you read?

War In A Time of Peace, by David Halberstram 8.) How would you try to balance the budget?

Balancing a municipal budget is simple, on paper. Expenditures equal (expected) revenue. The city can’t spend more than the revenue it takes in. That’s the easy part. The difficulty is in the accuracy of the revenue estimates.

For the past two years the revenue estimates for Roanoke have been badly off target. For the current year, revenue was overestimated by nine (9) million dollars. Consequently, the $257 million Adopted Budget for this year, (Fiscal Year (FY) 2010) is in reality, $248 million dollars. The $248 million FY 2010 ACTUAL budget is $1 million more than the $247 million revenue estimate for Fiscal Year 2011. That makes me question the validity of the city’s claim of a $10 million dollar shortfall. A balanced budget must reflect the spending priorities established by the City Council. To the best of my knowledge there are no established priorities. City Council has to establish the spending priorities for the city in terms of core services, and the level and effectiveness at which they will be delivered.

9.) How will you attract new business to Roanoke?

Before Roanoke can begin to attract new businesses, at least three things have to happen. First, a professional in Economic Development has to be found to head Roanoke’s Economic Development.

To say that Roanoke has an Economic Development program is to give credit where no credit is due. It will take time for a successful Economic Development Program to get up and running. It won’t happen overnight. Second, a business considering Roanoke will be interested in taxes first and foremost since making a profit is a function of business, but the very next inquiry will be about the quality of the School System because a business cannot be profitable unless it can depend on an educated and dependable workforce.

Third, not only should Roanoke be “business friendly” but it has to be perceived as being “business friendly” -- a perception currently not enjoyed by Roanoke, in my opinion. $1500 Tax Credit ends this year!

We Service All Major Brands Free In-Home Estimates Environmentally Green Indoor Air Quality Experts

A Breath of Fresh Air

Value. in akey, company did Dear Mr. O ne job your fi a t a h w ow to let you kn .

I am writing rrangements nt funeral a ce re r family. I ’s om m ing care of ou k ta handling my to es m hen it co e complete ays shines w r budget...th ou in h Oakey’s alw it w g u! r staff workin se. Thank yo preciate you comed surpri especially ap el w a s a w 5,000 g in below $ service comin t regards, With warmes Lisa

It’s a comfort to know that Oakey’s is here for you.

Call Wayne or Angie (540) 904-7600

12 NIGHT

CARIBBEAN CRUISE FROM BALTIMORE Bus Transportation Available

Sailing - November 8th

$899

+tax

Prices and Availability Subject to Change

Touch of Paradise Travel 540-297-0923 • 804-928-9283

Sammy G. Oakey, PreSident • rOanOke, nOrth, VintOn, SOuth and eaSt ChaPelS www.OakeyS.COm • 982-2100

Our mobile agency can come to you.

Full service agency! We sell it all!

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

Sports

Cave Spring Rallies to Defeat William Byrd 10-7 in Baseball

4/16/10 - 4/22/10 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 7

Patrick Henry Girls Defeat Pulaski County 7-3

Patrick Henry broke a 3-3 tie with four runs in the bottom of the fifth to get the win over the Cave Spring broke a 5-5 tie Cougars Tuesday afternoon. PH improved to 5-1 on the season. with a run in the bottom of the fifth, then added 4 in the sixth before holding off the Terriers at PH catcher Grace Putney gets the Knight's field. the sign from the dugout.

Nathan Wimmer got Cave Spring (3-3 season) going with a three-run homer in the first and Knight's Brian Kluge added a solo shot in the second.

After Byrd rallied to tie the score in the fifth, Cave Spring reliever Luke Munson came on to get out of a bases loaded jam and the Knight bats responded with the late rally.

Kevin Bowles had a two-run A William Byrd runner steals second as Cave Spring shortstop homer to deep left and Dallas Luke Feldenzer tries to get the tag down.

Patriot batter #7 Elizabeth Bedwell connects for a key Chocklette added a three hit performance to lead Byrd (4-3 hit Tuesday.

Recap and Photos by Bill Turner season).

Northside Unsung Hero North Cross Defeats Award Recipients Fishburne Military North Cross boys lacrosse improved to 5-2 on the season as they outmanned the Falcons from Fishburne Monday afternoon at Thomas Field. Quint Coles and Morgan Moskal led the Raiders with three goals apiece as North Cross jumped out to a 4-1 lead after one quarter and never looked back.

Northside girls: Jordan Kurtz (L) with Head Coach Tracey Coe.

Patriot first baseman #11 Brandy Sowers charges down the line as she looks for a Pulaski County bunt.

Recap and Photos by Bill Turner North Cross #7 David Quinn rips a shot through the Fishburne defense.

Recap and Photos by Bill Turner

NewsRoanoke.com Now Open! with this ad 25% off custom framing Now Open!

The Country Store Deli FREE Sausage Biscuit... on Starkey Road caters

Northside boys: Blake Thornburg (R) with Head Coach Billy Pope.

to your with an needs.

ExtraOffice meetings, tailgates, parties, any event, Large Coffee serving 1 to 1,000. for breakfast at Go to countrystoredeli.com ThetoCountry place an order today or Store Deli callon 774-6875.

Starkey Rd. Great food at a great value, 774-6875 homecooked.

DON’T TRIP! Carpet Restretching & Repair Steven W. Durrance Floors

776-9591

simply simply

FRAMING FRAMING

by Kristi

by Kristi

KRISTI P’SIMER, CPF KRISTI P’SIMER, CPF years of framing experience 21 26 years managing local frame shop 21 years managing local frame shop

26 years framing experience Sun. May 2nd - 35%ofdiscount on custom framing

NOW OPEN! Mon. - Fri. 9am - 5pm • Sat. 9am - 2pm We stress high quality framing and excellent customer service!

We stress high quality framing and excellent customer service!

3203Conservation Brambleton Ave. Roanoke, VA 24018 Framing, Shadow Boxes, Collage Conservation Framing,& Shadow CollageFax Phone 540.400.6600 • 540.400.7807 Artwork - Originals Prints byBoxes, Local Artists Artwork - Originals & Prints by Local Artists Tuesday - Friday Tuesday Saturday- Friday Saturday 3203 Brambleton Ave. 3203 Brambleton Ave. Phone 540.400.6600 Phone 540.400.6600

20

FREE

PRINCESSÊBALLETÊCLASS TuesÊ6:00-7:30 WearÊyourÊownÊPrincessÊGown!

GoodÊThroughÊApril

FREEÊTOUR

ReplaceÊyourÊDayÊCareÊwithÊ$85ÊaÊweek!

(MondayÊ-FridayÊ6amÊtoÊ8pm)

CallÊAboutÊOurÊSummerÊCamps!

BIRTHDAYÊPARTIES

BookÊourÊplayÊroomÊcarpetedÊgym withÊparachuteÊforÊyourÊBirthdayÊParty!

HaveÊaÊ3ÊhourÊpartyÊforÊupÊtoÊ40ÊpeopleÊforÊonlyÊ$30!

ReserveÊtoday!

SEEÊOURÊDOLLARÊMENUÊ$$$

ReplaceÊdaycareÊwithÊourÊ$2ÊperÊhourÊDayÊClasses 6am-6pmÊMONDAYÊTHRUÊFRIDAY! NoÊcontracts,ÊpayÊasÊyouÊgoÊclasses!

PARENTÕSÊNIGHTÊOUT

FriÊ6pm-11pmÊforÊ$15 SatÊAfternoonÊOutÊ3pm-8pmÊ$15 AÊnewÊthemeÊforÊeachÊweek inÊourÊcarpetedÊgymÊwhileÊparentsÊhaveÊfunÊout!

ÊCallÊForÊMoreÊInformation:Ê540-526-3341 theartofchildhood@rocketmail.com

Open House Friday Night and All Day Saturday Come and Check Us Out Look for the Balloons!

SPECIALÊNEEDS CLASSES AVAILABLE Tap Jazz Baton Twirling Little Gardner Classes Jumpy Jazz Special Needs Gym Classes Baby Sign Language Mommy and Me classes Spanish Friends Science & Discovery After School Tutoring Available

OpenÊ6amÊ-Ê8pm Ê753ÊUnionÊSt.,ÊSalem,ÊVaÊ24153

9am - 5pm 9am -- 2pm 5pm 9am 9am - 2pm Roanoke, VA 24018 Roanoke, VA 24018 540.400.7807 Fax 540.400.7807 Fax

Sports

Page 8 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 4/16/10 - 4/22/10

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

Teammates Snag College Contracts Sox Open Strong Against Potomac Home Opener This Friday

Devin Henry and Victoria Mesner have logged more than a few laps together. As teammates and co-captains of the Virginia Gators swim team, the duo trains 24 hours a week with the team’s elite Senior National group. With three predawn and five weeknight practices a week, plus five-hour workouts on Saturdays, their training schedule is not for the faint-hearted.

The girls’ dedication has paid off in record-breaking swims and college contracts with Division I schools. Henry has committed to William and Mary, while Mesner signed with Marshall University, having earned both academic and athletic scholarships.

Mesner plans on majoring in biomedical science, followed by graduate studies in Marshall’s pharmacy program. Henry has yet to decide on a major, but her strengths are math and science.

It won’t be the first time Henry and Mesner have competed for different schools. Although they’ve trained together for years under Gator coaches Doug Fonder and Greg Lake, Henry swam for the Hidden Valley Titans, while Mesner raced for the Northside Vikings. The schools are in different districts, but they face off at invitational meets and state championships.

Hidden Valley Head Coach Sheri Vaughn says, “Devin has been one of the most versatile swimmers in Hidden Valley’s history. She is the first Titan girl to qualify for the top eight at states in every event she swam for all four years. She’s always leading by example and always willing to do what was necessary to help the team. We could count on Devin giving 110 percent.”

Henry, who learned to swim at age two, is a Titan team captain and helped lead the women to back-to-back state championships in 2009 and 2010. A freestyler and individual medley swimmer, she belonged to two state-record-setting relay teams,

Victoria Mesner and Devin Henry poolside. one of which attained All-American status. As a Gator, Henry advanced to finals at the United States Swimming Sectional meet in Buffalo, N.Y., and qualified two years in a row for the National Club Swimming Association Junior National Championships.

Mensner’s Northside coach, Mich Peters, has high praise for her swimmer. “Victoria’s an incredible, incredible swimmer.

She’s the third-fastest 500-yard freestyler in the state. I felt honored that she wanted to be a member of my team.” She notes that, even though Mesner worked out with the Gators, she also came to the high school practices and led stroke technique clinics for her Viking teammates.

Mesner, a distance freestyler and butterflier, was named Blue Ridge District Female Swimmer of the Year all four years of her high school career. Undefeated in the district the entire time, she also is a seven-time state finalist and holds five individual and three relay school records. As a Gator, Mesner qualified in multiple events for the NCSA Junior National Meet and, along with Henry, was part of the team that won the Long Course Sectional Meet in 2009.

The two swimmers met seven or eight years ago when Mesner joined the Gators, where Henry had been swimming since she was six years old. They became friends while training together.

Henry, who learned to swim when she was two, says, “We’re

both pretty competitive when it comes to training. Neither of us really [competes in] the same events, so we don't usually swim against each other. When we do, though, it's a pretty good show.”

A case in point: both swam the 500-yard freestyle at the high school state finals this year, where Mesner out touched Henry by just .29 seconds.

The two are close out of the pool, as well as in. Both attend St. John’s Episcopal Church, where they serve as altar guides at least once a month and volunteer during summer Bible school. Both agree that, even though they have very different personalities, they have a lot of fun together.

“I consider Devin one of my best friends,” Mesner says, “and I’d say that we always have each other’s back. My favorite thing is hanging out with her outside of swimming.”

Henry says, “I guess you could say that we're kind of like magnets…opposites attract.

We keep each other in check…we balance each other out…Victoria and I have basically become sisters over the years and that's how it will probably always be.

The name of our swim team may change, but we'll always remain a part of each other...I’ll miss her.”

For now, though, there’s the long course season and the chance to log about 25,000 more laps together before parting ways.

-By Sharon Nanz Sharon Nanz is a local freelance writer and an avid Masters swimmer.]

Although the 2010 season began with a Thursday monsoon, the Salem Red Sox weathered the storm en route to taking three out of four from the Potomac Nationals at Pfitzner Stadium.

Salem took the first game 6-4 thanks to Oscar Tejeda’s tworun, two-out double in the top of the ninth inning. In the Friday nightcap, both squads scored an early run, but then the offenses went silent. A contest that was scheduled for seven innings motored into extra frames tied 1-1, and nobody scored again until Potomac finally plated the game-winning run in the bottom of the 14th.

The Red Sox exacted their revenge on Saturday, taking an early lead they would not relinquish in an 8-3 victory. A fourrun third inning, highlighted

by Tim Federowicz’ two-run homer, broke a scoreless game, and starting pitcher Fabian Williamson surrendered just one run in five stellar innings. Leftfielder Drew Hedman led the Sox with three hits, including two doubles, and Federowicz, Ryan Dent, and Will Vazquez each drove in two runs apiece.

Salem’s offense had powered up in game three of the series, but it saved its biggest punch for the finale. The Sox pounded

Lewis-Gale Field will come to life once again this Friday Night.

16 hits, including three home runs, as they came out on top of a 10-7 see-saw Sunday matinee.

The 3-4-5 trifecta of the batting order combined to go 11-14, led by Anthony Rizzo’s four hits and two solo homers. Dent also went yard, a three-run blast in the first inning for Salem. Outfielder David Mailman, who had struggled offensively before Sunday, belted a bases-loaded triple in the sixth inning, transforming a 7-5 deficit into an 8-7 lead. An inning later, Mailman delivered a defensive gem, taking an extra-base hit and multiple runs away from the Nationals with a remarkable running basket catch that forced the Nats to strand the bases loaded.

The Salem Red Sox return to Lewis-Gale Field for the 2010

home opener on Friday, April 16th at 7:05pm with 94.9 Star Country. Opening night will feature live pregame music, a Salem Red Sox magnet schedule giveaway presented by SpeeDee Oil Change, balloon animals and face painting by Ziggy the Clown, and post game fireworks.

The second game of the season will mark the first annual “Night of Elegance: Tuxedo Jersey Night” at the ballpark with K92. The first 1,000 fans will receive Salem Red Sox tuxedo t shirts courtesy of Fast Signs and the Salem Red Sox players will be wearing tuxedo jerseys throughout the game.

Wrapping up Opening Weekend 2010 is the Salem Red Sox first.

Patrick Henry Makes Run at Title Rebuilding and contending are two words that aren’t normally mentioned in the same sentence when it comes to the world of sports.

There are exceptions to that general rule, of course. And on such exception in the Roanoke Valley is the Patrick Henry Patriots Men’s Tennis team.

For James Hill, in his third year as head coach, 2010 was supposed to be a transitional season. After the 2009 season, Hill’s program lost their #1, #2,

#3, and # 5 singles players.

“We’re definitely in complete rebuilding mode,” Hill said. “We are so young.”

None of Hill’s top-five singles players this year are upperclassmen. The Patriots #1, Andrew Bazak, is only a sophomore.

Pierce Holt, the team’s #2, is a freshman.

“I’ve barely got anyone on the team old enough to drive other guys to practice,” Hill cracked.

But just because the players have yet to take Driver’s Ed,

STEPHEN H. KENNEDY, JR. ATTORNEY AT LAW Real Estate Disputes Estate Planning Business & Contracts Experience, Value,

Criminal & Traffic Personal Injury DUI Partnership

(540) 345-1767

Serving Roanoke, Salem, Botetourt, Smith Mtn. Lake

doesn’t mean they can’t win matches on the court. And so far the team has done surprisingly well. Through six matches, Patrick Henry is 4-2 (1-1 in the Western Valley District), still in contention for a district championship.

“We still have a good chance to win the district,” Hill said.

“We’ve competed in both matches we played in our district, and I’ve been telling our guys that it’s definitely a goal we can reach.”

In the four-team WVD, the Patriots have defeated Halifax 7-2, and lost a heartbreaker to G.W. Danville 5-4, losing the last match on a third set tiebreaker, 12-10. A crucial match against Franklin County Wednesday (too late for this edition), will help clarify Patrick Henry’s chances of staying in contention.

Surely the success hasn’t hurt, but Hill claims he’s had a ton of fun with this year’s team.

“By far the most malleable team I’ve ever had,” he said.

“They all respond well to direction, they’re willing to put in the work and take coaching advice.”

Win or lose, it should be an exciting couple of years for the Patriots tennis program, as the younger players get better and better.

“I’m really looking forward to see what will happen in years to come,” Hill said.

Roanoke has a Saltwater Fish Store!

• Large selection • Live corals • Aquariums & equipment • Delivery & set-up • Maintenance for home or business 540-580-7755 1428 Roanoke Road (Across from Lord Botetourt High School)

3-7 pm, Sat 12-6 pm, Sun 1-5of End of Season T-F Clearance 20% Instock Outdoor Furniture

End of Season Clearance 20% off Instock Outdoor Furniture

Gift Items Galore: Donna Sharpe Quilted Handbags etc., Boyd’s Gift Items Galore:Covers/ Bears, Woodwick Candles, Mailbox Donna Sharpe Quilted Handbags etc., Boyd’s Flags, Rada Cutlery, Apple Peelers, Apple ButBears, Woodwick Candles, Mailbox Covers/ ter, Cider Mix, GoodApple LuckPeelers, Stars Apple ButFlags, & Rada Cutlery, and soCider much more. ter, & Mix, Good Luck Stars so much Separate Building of and Amish Oakmore.

Furniture Separate Building of Amish Oak Furniture Bedroom, Dining Room, Pie Safes, Etc. Bedroom, Dining Room, Pie Safes, Etc.

81 Stoney Battery Road; Troutville, 24175 81 Stoney Battery Road; Troutville,VA VA 24175

2 1/2 Miles N. of Miles Exit N. 150 • Rt. 11• to • Turn onto Battery • Block 1/2 Block on Le 2 1/2 ofI-81 Exit 150 I-81 Rt.Troutville 11 to Troutville • Turn ontoStoney Stoney Battery RdRd • 1/2 on Left Mon.-Sat. 10-5; Sun. 1-5••966-5646 966-5646 Mon.-Sat. 10-5; Sun. 1-5

4/16/10 - 4/22/10 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 9

NewsRoanoke.com

Half Century Sees Great Change In Many Roanoke Churches Frances Stebbins has been writing about Roanoke area churches for more than 50 years, having been employed --mostly part time-- with her late husband, Charles Stebbins, by the former Roanoke World-News.

She now reads over 50 church newsletters monthly to keep up with staff changes and new programs and enjoys hearing visiting speakers like those who come to Second Presbyterian, St.John's Episcopal and Roanoke College.

Look for her new monthly column here in the Roanoke Star Sentinel.

It's the early 1960s and the stable life that many people active in their churches have been experiencing is about to undergo many changes.

Who remembers those midcentury days when some of us were children of the Baby Boom generation, others were young parents and fewer were still deep in the memories of the Great Depression and World War II? A scrapbook of clippings I wrote for the old Roanoke World-News about churches of that era reveals much that I've seen transpire since. Fifty years ago my husband Charlie and I had two small children, had recently moved to a house needing repairs in the burgeoning Hollins area of Roanoke County and a third child was on the way. Unlike most of my friends, who were at home caring for expanding families full time, I still drew a very small paycheck gained from using the phone to cover church news from my home. Computers --even electric typewriters--were still decades away, but the Saturday evening paper still carried my interviews with new clergy and profiles of interesting congregations.It kept me in touch and now I'm glad.

It was a time for starting new churches especially among the most numerous denomination, the Southern Baptists.

In one year, for instance, an agency called the Missionary and Social Union spent a total of $52,000 for three tracts in Roanoke County that became Preston Oaks, Windsor Hills and North Roanoke congregations. Among Methodists --not yet with "United" in their name --Windsor Hills, Northview

and Southview were getting off to strong starts. Presbyterians too had birthed three new churches in Covenant, Colonial and Green Ridge.

St. Elizabeth's Episcopal, now admittedly a small parish on Grandin Road, was vital and considered itself "liberal" in an era of racial change that disturbed many in older churches. It promised to grow big from the Southwest suburbs but for various reasons never attained that status.Nor did Green Ridge Presbyterian nor Emmanuel and Connelly Memorial Baptist, all of which remained family-centered congregations.

I knew of only two ordained women serving congregations during this period. The pastors of both Calvary Memorial Church near the new Towers Mall and of Masons Cove Chapel north of Salem both represented evangelical Christian groups who had ordained them independently. Pastors were always men in the mainstream denominations, but that would begin to change within the next decade.

In Salem the old Shiloh Baptist Church was still designated as a Negro congregation though its small building was on the site at Burrell and Alabama --now South Market--Streets where a $2 million structure is now. The pastor regretted that change was difficult because control was in the hands of too many long-time members.

Though hardly any women were ordained, two about whom I wrote enjoyed considerable influence in the Christian community. Roberta Renner taught a large weekly Bible class at the "Jesus Saves" Ghent Brethren church and Laura Norwood offered the same version of conservative theology as director of the Child Evangelism Fellowship.

As churches in the suburbs --among them Westhampton Christian (Disciples of Christ), Colonial Avenue Baptist and Good Shepherd Lutheran-Missouri Synod were getting started, the downtown Roanoke congregations were seeing a slow hemorrhage of younger members. New homes with more space for children and new hires to industries were

making an impact not fully faced for another decade.

Ministers of churches in Northwest and Southeast Roanoke already were seeing attendance dwindling as old factories closed and black churchgoers, who were beginning to press for membership in white churches but mostly stayed in their own, made an impact. Fifty years later churches like Greene Memorial United Methodist, St. John's Episcopal and Central Church of the Brethren are upgrading facilities and trying to secure young professionals. Their task has been difficult for a half century, but they're remaining downtown and looking to the future.

As for the four congregations named Belmont in Southeast, the Methodists have moved out of the city to the Hardy area, the Baptists-in 1958 one of the city's largest congregations with a $182,000 new education building--have dwindled to offering practical help for the poor, the Presbyterians are managing with a female pastor of retirement age and the Disciples of Christ struggle with trying to serve the neighborhood of the poor on a shrinking older membership.

As for the four congregations once called Melrose in Northwest, all have relocated to the city's outer fringes. The Methodists have disappeared, the Baptists resettled 40 years ago on Peters Creek Road as did the Disciples of Christ who follow the new practice of dropping a denominational name and are now called "Covenant" and the Presbyerians who changed to a more conservative group and are now established near the Baptists.

As these churches moved out, some like Pilgrim Baptist established themselves in the Rugby area where a white Church of God had once stood.

African Methodist Episcopal (AME) groups bought the former buildings of white members.

I haven't even touched on the Williamson Road neighborhood churches nor those that developed out of worship changes in the 1960s. Look for some history on those in an upcoming column.

Commentary - We Must Control Government Spending and Lower the Tax Burden

Depending on when you read this we are either troubled economy but it certainly hasn’t accomjust ahead or have just passed one of the most plished that goal. Most recently the Democrats dreaded days of the year. April 15th is a day filled in Congress pushed through their health care with aggravation and frustration as hard working reform bill, which I also voted against. The legAmericans are confronted with piles of forms, islation costs over $2.5 trillion and includes over confusing instructions, and the prospect of turn- $569 billion in tax increases on families, seniors ing their hard-earned money over to the govern- and small businesses. ment.

Since arriving in Congress, I have been a strong But on April 9th, we also marked "Tax Freedom supporter of policies that rein in out of control Day 2010." This is the day on which Americans government spending which ultimately help have earned enough money to pay all their fed- to lower the tax burden on hard working folks. eral, state and local taxes for the year. That means Lower more efficient government spending and that Americans had to work nearly a third of the lower taxes are fundamental to economic growth. year just to pay taxes. This year Americans will When we lower the tax burden on America’s famwork longer to pay for taxes than they will to pay ilies, we encourage investment, savings and job for food, clothing and housing combined. creation. I will continue pushing these pro growth By comparison, Tax Freedom Day in 1910 policies which is the best way to keep America was January 19th, when taxes were just 5% of a competitive. person’s income. Today it takes more than 100

- Congressman Bob Goodlatte days for Americans to earn enough to pay the To contact me about this or any other matter, government before they can start keeping their please visit my website at www.goodlatte.house. hard earned paychecks for themselves and their gov. families. And that doesn’t even include the higher cost of goods and services due to government regulations.

While Tax Freedom Day falls on April 9th this year, this figure also does not include the total cost of government, since it only A privately funded animal rescue counts what the government colorganization which takes in injured, lects in taxes, not the additional spending that is financed via borill or orphaned wild life. rowing. Once deficit-financed We need volunteers for the coming season! spending is added, the result is a figure which gives a truer glimpse Volunteers may choose one of two roles: of what current spending may mean to future taxes. If Ameri1. Transporting animals/birds within the area and to cans had to pay this year for all Waynesboro [Virginia Wildlife Center.] the government will spend this 2. Come to the center [Roanoke County] and learn year, they would be working un‘hands on’ how to manage wildlife.You must be 17 til May 17th before they earned enough to pay their taxes. years or older and have your own driver’s license.

As government spending con• Also needed, perhaps by a scout troop or a building contractor, tinues to spiral out of control, the tax burden on hard working is the building of stairs or walkways to outside cages, assembling pre-fab cages and/or constructing a storage building.

Americans has been significantly increasing. Just in the last year, the Democrat-controlled Congress pushed through multiple Important Reminder!! pieces of legislation containing Sabrina Garvin holds free programs for churches, an unprecedented and unsusschools and civic groups. She brings a Great Horned tainable level of government Owl and a Red-tailed hawk to these events! spending. First there was the $1 trillion stimulus bill, which I If interested, call Sabrina @ 798-9836 voted against. It was supposed to [leave message.] create jobs and reinvigorate our

Second Chance for Wildlife

Commentary - Gereau Center Should Remain Fully Funded Innovative schools of Franklin Co., including The Gereau Center for Applied Technology & Career Exploration, its Center for Energy Efficient Design (CEED) and other STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Math) initiatives are a priceless resource & capability which must not be diluted.

Franklin Co. is not a wealthy county but its people have a proud rural heritage, strong family values, and ties to land which has been passed down for generations. It is not uncommon for children to grow up on farms. Many government services taken for granted by other counties, such as houseto-house trash pickup, fire hydrants, or high-speed Internet simply can’t be accommodated by the county budget. One thing Franklin Co. does have in addition to its treasured cultural heritage, however, is an outstanding school system.

Despite a relative dearth of resources, in the 15 years since The Gereau Center’s opening Franklin Co. has transformed into an exceptional educational venue. Some of the best teachers in the nation have joined, with Superintendent Dr. Charles Lackey assuming the helm in 2006; and both parents & teachers working to make the Franklin Co. school experience a true preparation for life as informed American citizens. It’s a testament to their effort and success that despite challenges faced, students still score in the top fifth of educational testing.

Why, then, would anyone jeopardize or tamper with this delicately balanced formula for success? Isn’t striving against all odds and succeeding beyond expectation what this country is all about? The visionary Gereau

Center for eighth graders is especially important to the unique blend of educational capabilities which dedicated Franklin Co. educators have achieved. Imagine these child-adults becoming excited about learning, and exploring genuine, true-to-life career paths in every-otherday Problem Based Learning.

Could one ask for anything more priceless for our children, whom society soon will ask to assume the roles & responsibilities which we adults now fill?

All-too-often, however, when times get tough it’s precisely such innovative programs targeted for cuts. I’d argue it is institutions such as The Gereau Center which should be guarded with the same intensity we might bestow upon health care, pretty green parks, and personal bank accounts. What makes the greatest difference in one’s education is not standards-obsessed lecture classrooms, but individual adults who take the time, and are given the support & latitude, to do what drew them to the profession in the first place: Not only teach, but to inspire as living examples.

In Franklin Co. this intangible quality now is threatened. Once that special synergy of dedicated, highly trained professionals pulling together under the leadership of visionary, capable principals & administrators is lost, it is both difficult & expensive to recapture the educational magic. For the sake of the children & our future, this must not be allowed to happen.

But, what about government priorities and “tradeoffs”? Is it in fact the best balance to lavish so much scarce educational resource on so few, such as The Gereau Center? I assert, “Yes, considering the circumstanc-

es”. Franklin Co. exemplifies a unique confluence of socioeconomic factors: First, it’s the residential expansion zone for Roanoke - in turn, the main commerce center serving Virginia’s largest institution of advanced learning: Virginia Tech. It would be decidedly uncomfortable for elected officials to have to explain why SW Virginia’s rural ‘jewel in the crown’ education center was gutted.

Second, toward maintaining SW Virginia’s economic stability: The Gereau Center is not “just another example of Problem Based Learning.” Borrowing from ecological principles, it is more like the keystone species in an ecosystem, whose removal triggers diverging oscillations followed by swift collapse. Such phenomena encompass “tipping points,” with unintended consequences.

Finally, Franklin Co.’s Gereau Center and other exceptional schools stand as a symbol of what human determination can & should aspire to. If Richmond or even Washington D.C. ever seek a model for how struggling areas can self-actualize when given half a chance, or a testbed for future educational innovation, then the educational community of Franklin Co. stands ready & united.

I urge that the greater wisdom of those in power prevails over possible short-term, and short-sighted, expediency; with full funding protected for The Gereau Center during this and upcoming years of budgetary downsizing.

-Hollister Hartman, Ph.D., Boones Mill

Preacher’s Corner

Living As A People Saved And Free Those of us who would read a column like this one have recently celebrated THE greatest event of our salvation (thus far, that is!).

We Christians commemorated the suffering and death of Jesus and his rising from the dead and we shared the meal that makes all that he did (and does) present for us. Many of us heard again of Jesus’ appearance on the first Easter night, when he said to his disciples-friends: “Peace,” “be forgiven and (you) forgive,” and “receive the Holy Spirit” that makes us a new creation. In our gatherings for The Great Days (Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, Easter Sunday), as in every gathering, we proclaimed again: Amen, to all you’ve done, Jesus. And Lord, come again.

This year, at the same time, our forebears in faith celebrated Passover. Around tables at home/ temple/synagogue) they recalled the great act of being saved through the waters of the Red sea and set free from slavery in Egypt to be God’s holy people. They ended their prayed together with the fervent hope “next year in Jerusalem!”

Having celebrated these great events of salvation, we are now about the business of living in ever new ways the life of God’s people who have been saved and set free. In a sort of summary way, permit me to begin a list of what this “busi-

ness of living anew” looks like. (Feel free to add to it.) But note well, “gentle readers,” there’s nothing passive about it.

A people saved and freed do the work of justice, of repairing the world, and of reconciling all that is divided.

We strive to live in peace and we ask God always and everywhere to “make us an instrument (or channel) of Your peace” (using the words of Francis of Assisi).

We deliberately witness to the unity that is both God’s will and gift to us and we seek to deepen that unity by praying for it and working for greater understanding and respect of each other.

We value and make better the world whose care God has entrusted to us. We cultivate seeds of goodness in it, and we share in God’s delight Who looked at all that was done and said, “This is good”.

And lastly, we look longingly for that glorious day when THE FULLNESS of salvation will be ours…..when we will be fully one with God and God will be all in all.

After all, a people who are saved and free know that what’s to come will be even grander than what has been. For such is how our God works…and always has! -Joe Lehman

Correction:

In an article on the Annual Reagan dinner in our April 2nd edition we reported that Bob Goodlatte stated that ," A stack of 100 dollar bills worth a billion dollars stands only four inches high. A stack of 100 dollar bills worth a trillion dollars stands 67 miles high."

It should have read, "A stack of 1000 dollar bills worth a million dollars stands only four inches high. A stack of 1000 dollar bills worth a trillion dollars stands 67 miles high."

Time for a Second Opinion?

Put Our Experience to Work.

The Meridian Group at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney

Team’s Financial Advisors Combined Experience of over 50 Years N. Edward Link, Jr.

Michael B. K emp

Senior Vice PresidentWealth Management Portfolio Manager Financial Planning Specialist 23 Years of Experience

Senior Vice PresidentWealth Management Portfolio Manager Financial Planning Specialist 17 Years of Experience

Judith A. Honaker

Cynthia H. Shively

Jodie S. Wertz

Registered Client Service Associate 20+ Years of experience

Financial Advisor Financial Planning Associate 10 Years of Experience

Client Service Associate 2 years of Experience

213 South Jefferson Street, Suite 1600 Roanoke, VA 24011 ( 540) 345-1555 • (888) 449-4449 www.fc.smithbarney.com/meridiangroupsb

Valley Business

Page 10 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 4/16/10 - 4/22/10

Lewis-Gale Gets National Recognition The Lewis-Gale Breast Center has been designated as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology (ACR). It’s the only imaging center in Southwest Virginia with this distinction. In fact, fewer than five-hundred imaging centers nationwide have achieved this designation.

“This just reaffirms our long-standing commitment to provide high quality care for our community,” said Victor Giovanetti, President HCA Southwest Virginia. “We strive for excellence every day in the care we provide to our patients.”

To achieve this designation the Lewis-Gale Breast Center underwent a rigorous review process by board-certified physicians and medical physicists. The center also had to be fully accredited in mammography, stereotactic breast biopsy, breast ultrasound and ultra-sounded guided breast biopsy. For Lewis-Gale this voluntary process was important to show the community its ongoing commitment to provide the highest level of care in the region.

“It means patients can trust we’re providing them with highly-trained technologists, state-ofthe-art equipment, and care that exceeds national

standards,” said Darlene Scarborough, Breast Center Supervisor. “But most importantly we pride ourselves in providing personalized and compassionate care.”

Lewis-Gale Medical Center serves as the hub of HCA Virginia Health System’s Southwestern region. HCA Virginia is a network of locally managed hospitals, surgery centers, outpatient diagnostic and treatment facilities, and physician practices in Central, Southwestern, and Northern Virginia. HCA Virginia has 10,000 full-time employees statewide. Each year it provides approximately $100 million in free care to the uninsured, pays $100 million in taxes and donate monies to dozens of non-profit organizations and causes.

In Southwest Virginia, HCA Virginia includes Lewis-Gale Medical Center, Alleghany Regional Hospital, Montgomery Regional Hospital, Pulaski Community Hospital, several outpatient centers and hundreds of partnering physicians. All four hospitals consistently rank in the top 10 percent of all U.S. hospitals and in the top 10 in the state for quality care, including health outcomes, patient safety and patient satisfaction. For more information see www.HCAVirginia.com.

Beltone Electronics Celebrates 70th Anniversary in Roanoke Beltone Audiology and Hearing Aid Center has announced the opening of its newly renovated headquarters in downtown Roanoke as it kicks off Better Hearing Month in the month of May and celebration of the company’s 70th Anniversary.

The newly renovated office is located at 325 Elm Avenue (corner of Elm Avenue and I-581), adjacent to the Elm Avenue Bridge. A ribbon cutting ceremony and open house will be held on Thursday, April 29, from 4 – 7 p.m. with City Manager Chris Morrill in attendance.

The internationally-known manufacturer of hearing instruments has been represented in Roanoke since the mid 1940’s. Carl McCurdy became the authorized Beltone dispenser in January 1967.

McCurdy has grown the Roanoke-based Virginia headquarters to encompass 50 counties in Virginia and 2 in West Virginia, with 7 full-time offices in Martinsville, Lynchburg, Salem, Roanoke, Charlottesville, Harrisonburg, and Fredericksburg.

“We are very excited about our new hearing care facility,” states McCurdy. "While we are the

oldest hearing care facility in southwest Virginia, we are also now the largest facility all for the purpose of helping people to hear better.”

Beltone’s founder, Sam Posen, created his first hearing instrument to help a friend suffering from hearing loss 70 years ago which gave birth to the company. Since that time, Beltone has built a reputation for state-of the-art technology and superb commitment to customer care. One of the newest company products, the Beltone Touch, is the world’s smallest hearing aid, which is almost invisible. It is placed entirely in the ear and is 36% smaller than the second-smallest hearing instrument.

National Better Hearing Month, an annual event designed to raise awareness of communication disorders and to promote treatment to improve quality of life for those with hearing difficulties, begins May 1. Beltone’s Roanoke location will be open to customers and visitors daily offering complimentary hearing tests and opportunities for education and door prize drawings.

April 22, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Roanoke Higher Education Center, Room 408.

There are a number of local incentive programs and grants that can assist commercial property owners. Workshop topics will include:enterprise zone/rehabilitation/citywide

KENNETT & KENNETT PC CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

To Our Valued Customers: We would like to thank our clients for helping us complete another successful tax season.

Your patronage has enabled us to continue to be one of the oldest and most successful accounting firms in the Roanoke Valley. We appreciate your support, and look forward to supplying your future accounting and auditing needs. - Kennett & Kennett

tax abatement; façade improvement grants; building permit rebates; water/fire/sewer hookup rebates; brownfield grants and loans; real property investment grants; Virginia and federal rehabilitation tax credits; security grants; job creation grants; and entrepreneurship grants. These programs are available through the city's offices for Real Estate Valuation, Planning, and Economic Development. In addition, local architecture and planning firm Hill Studio will sponsor the workshop and

NewsRoanoke.com

Explosion of Color and Care Found at Local Yarn Shop

Sometimes a sense of community can be found in the most unexpected places and a riot of color is just an indication of the warmth available to all. “Yarn Explosion” has both in abundance. This little house on Airport Road houses enough yarn to knit a scarf that reaches the moon. It would be an elegant and colorful scarf to boot, knit of fine materials. The team of owners has enough skills combined to conquer any thready problem you might encounter.

In addition, outside crafters offer classes to increase your skill.

Jane Jones, Susan Davis and Marilee Williamson brought their friendship to bear in the business that is Yarn Explosion in October of 2008.

From cashmere to silk to wool and the finest of cotton and blends there is something for every discriminating buyer.

Colorful buttons and accessories peek out from the well crafted corners of the house. A whole room devoted to the fine art of needlepoint satisfies both the eye and the imagination. If you were coming just to buy, it would be a satisfactory experience.

Yet the richness of the inventory is actually only the icing on the cake. It is the back room of this little house on the corner that provides insight into the wealth that is available here.

This is where you will find the women (and men) that come to just sit and purvey their craft.

At any one time knitting needles will fly, crochet hooks will

City To Hold Workshop For Commercial Property Owners Wondering what kind of help is available to reduce costs and enhance the value of your commercial property or business located in the city?

The City of Roanoke will hold a free workshop on Financing Commercial Real Estate Improvements on Thursday,

present information on state and federal historic rehabilitation tax credits.

The back room at YE is a great place to make new friends. dip, and tiny needles will pierce a canvas with color.

Young and old alike share their stories, their craft and their varied personalities. They are constantly interrupted by someone coming in to explore the whole wall of yarn for sock enthusiasts or the wall of tools designed to make the job easier.

When these people talk of their “stash” they’re not speaking of anything illegal. Some people have a closet or even a room full of yarn waiting to be made into just the perfect item, and some people only keep yarn for one project at a time. That concept is a psychological study of its own.

Within the space of an hour the shop bustled with activity.

Williamson was on the floor organizing a section of yarn only later to be found manning the register with a knitting project in her hand. Davis was “working the back room” where she was untangling a mistake in a sock, helping someone else with

a sweater, and advising a woman with her needlepoint frame set up by a window.

The conversation ranged from lighting and tools to help see, to the horse of one of the women in the room, to some happenings at Hollins College. In the meantime, a young mother and new knitter decided to tackle a simple sweater and was alternating looking at yarn with singing “head and shoulders knees and toes” with her young daughter.

A grieving grandmother lifted her head with a gentle smile at the lively antics in the other room.

It is rare for a combination of passion, skill, and friendship to come together in a business venture. To experience the warmth of it visit Yarn Explosion at 5227 Airport Rd, or call 206-2638, or log onto yarnexplosion.com. In the words of co-owner Susan Davis “that’s what friends and your neighborhood yarn shop are for.”

- Christine Slade

The Lax Loft Holds Ribbon Cutting

Light refreshments will be served, and time will be available at the end of the workshop for individuals to meet with city representatives and ask additional questions. To register, contact Lindsay Hurt in the Economic Development Department at 540-853-5405, or Erica Taylor in the Planning, Building and Development Department at 540-853-1522.

On Friday, April 9, 2010, the Salem-Roanoke County Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting for The Lax Loft, located at 14 South College Avenue. The Lax Loft, owned by Zach and Matt Johnson, is a store dedicated to men’s and women’s lacrosse apparel and equipment. Several local politicians attended the event as well as other members of the Salem-Roanoke County Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber is excited to welcome The Lax Loft to the local community.

“What are we to make of Christ?

There is no question of what

we can make of Him, it is entirely a question of

what He intends

to make of us.”

– C.S. Lewis

The Country Store Deli FREE Sausage Biscuit... on Starkey Road caters to your with an needs.

ExtraOffice meetings, tailgates, parties, any event, Large Coffee serving 1 to 1,000. for breakfast at Go to countrystoredeli.com ThetoCountry place an order today or Store Deli callon 774-6875.

Starkey Rd. Great food at a great value, 774-6875 homecooked.

6244 PETERS CREEK ROAD

540-362-2727

kennett-kennett.com

At Your Service!

Your Hometown Business Directory

Dust Bunnies, Inc. Professional House Cleaning

540-904-7104 SERVING THE ROANOKE VALLEY

Brad R. Kennedy Owner Office: 540-904-7991 Cell: 540-520-4900 Fax: 540-772-0994 www.RainbowIntl.com • Independently Owned & Operated Franchise

1618 Roanoke Blvd Suite A Salem, Virginia 24153 540-389-5252 www.dustbunniescorp.com • gift certificates available

Angel’s Tree Service 540-293-6303

Tree Removal • Deadwooding • Gutter Cleaning Spring Aeration • Overseeding Mulch Delivered and Spread • Spring Cleanups Free Estimates • Fully Insured

Angel Tarabay

Own a BUSINESS? Need Marketing Advice?

TeamWork Media

Over 35 Years Media Advertising Experience Media Consultants

, LLC

107 Windward Drive, Roanoke, VA 24018

Bill Bratton

Phone: (540) -797- 6132

billbratton@cox.net

“The tool tool II recommend recommend most? most?

“The

telephone.”

The telephone.”

Use it to call Mr. Handyman.

Use it to call Mr. Handyman.

www.mrhandyman.com www.mrhandyman.com

540-977-4444 000-000-0000 540-977-4444 000-000-0000 FullyInsured-General Insured-GeneralLiability Liabilityand andWorkers’ Workers’Compensation.

Compensation.

Fully Eachfranchise franchiseindependently independentlyowned ownedand andoperated. operated.

Each

RICHARDKARN KARN RICHARD TVstar starand and“home “homeimprovement improvementguru.” guru.”

TV

Arts & Culture

NewsRoanoke.com

Storytelling Festival Returns to Fincastle Alan Hoal spent plenty of time at Camp Bethel in Fincastle as a child, when his father managed summer camps there.

Hoal currently lives in Raleigh, North Carolina, but for the past seven years he’s returned every spring as an organizer of the “Sounds of the Mountains,” a music and storytelling festival that will be held at Camp Bethel again this weekend.

Appalachian-style storytelling is the main attraction, with musical accompaniment to round out the event. Hoal himself is a veteran “teller of tall tales.” Others on the roster include Kevin Kling, heard on NPR’s “All Things Considered,” Linda Goodman, Beth Horner and Tim Livengood. Roanokebased Acoustic Endeavors and two-time Grammy winner Bill Harley (also a children’s story teller) will supply the music during breaks in the storytelling this Friday evening and all day Saturday (April 16-17).

Appalachian storytelling has its roots in Welsh, Irish and Scottish folk tales. “That’s the source of a lot of stories,” says Hoal, who works for IBM these days. That includes “Jack Tales,”

which Hoal describes as “a fixture of Appalachian folk lore,” often involving a young man off to seek his fortune, and following him as he gets in and out of trouble. Most have lessons to be taught; some can be very vivid or even scary. There are also wisdom tales and trickster tales; these stories are often used to pass on family history.

What makes a good story?

“The hook is the key, something that draws the audience in immediately,” notes Hoal.

“The sign of a good storyteller Alan Hoal is an organizer and is somebody that can grab your story teller for Sounds of the attention and hold it. Before you Mountains. know it you look at your watch and an hour’s gone by – and like.

“It can be life changing,” says you’re ready for more.”

Good versus evil is “often in Hoal, “in the sense that you will the mix. Or it could be just try- be encouraged [to tell stories].” ing to convey some message.” Every family has them and Hoal Hoal likes to bring storytelling encourages people to pass them festival neophytes to events like on, before they are lost to the Sounds of the Mountains, where ages. “Ultimately everybody is he says they are often hooked. a storyteller,” says Hoal, even if “It’s not what you expect. A they don’t want to tell it on stage good story well told, there’s ab- in front of 500 people.

See Soundsofthemountains. solutely nothing like it.” People org or call 919-469-1166 for have told Hoal they’ve left “mesmerized,” often inspired by the more information. stories they’ve heard – jack tales,

By Gene Marrano wisdom tales, tall tales and the gmarrano@cox.net

“Janey” Strikes A Chord With Museum Patrons

There’s still time to view an exhibit at the Eleanor D Wilson Museum, on the Hollins University campus, that director Amy Moorefield says has been “wildly popular.” “When Janey Comes Marching Home: Portraits of Women Combat Veterans” winds up a month-long run this Friday (10-4 p.m.) and Saturday (1-5).

The exhibit features the photography of Sascha Pflaeging, along with testimonials of female soldiers, as told to writer Laura Browder. “Janey” also contains audio accounts from soldiers that talk about issues such as balancing military life with family and readjusting to civilian life when stateside.

Browder boiled down 1012,000 word transcripts into the 300 or so words that accompany each of 40 photographs displayed. The Richmond-based author, who came back to lecture on the exhibit last Monday, has turned the project into a book of the same name.

The exhibit, organized by the Visual Arts Center of Richmond, is headed for Arlington National Cemetery after it leaves Hollins this weekend.

Next summer it will wind up at the National Museum for the Marine Corps.

Witness comments from Warrant Officer Chelsea Spier, U.S. Army, which are typical of those seen and heard in “When Janey Comes Marching Home:” “I was told from Day 1: you always take care of the soldiers, no matter what you do. And, if at all possible, you’ve got to try to stay positive because everybody around you is going through their own sacrifice, being away from their family and their everyday, normal life. I’m not saying I didn’t have my own personal issues; I missed my family

and friends, and I felt two years were taken away from me. I had to go back and be normal again, which I could not.”

Browder, who had previously written a book about the relationship between women and guns in American history (“Her Best Shot”), worked with Pflaeging, a friend, for two years on the project. She notes that, “the idea of women in combat has been controversial ever since Revolutionary War times. This controversy has been alive for Sascha Pflaeging, Warrant Ofcenturies.”

All of the soldiers interviewed ficer Chelsea Spier, U.S. Army, had been in combat zones in 2008.

Iraq and Afghanistan. Women moving stories. [Some] are inare being deployed there “in credibly powerful.” unprecedented numbers,” notes Browder, and some are dying, The Eleanor D. Wilson Mua reality that has drawn less at- seum is on the Hollins University tention back home than many campus. “When Janey Comes expected.

Marching Home” is available for Warrant Officer Chelsea Spi- viewing this Friday and Saturer strikes a chord that probably day (April 16-17). See Hollins. resonates with many combat edu or call 362-6532 for more veterans. “At first, you know, information. you’re mad because you have this time taken away from you.

By Gene Marrano You come back, and everyone’s gmarrano@cox.net gone on with their life. Everybody still has their cell phone in their car and their cable TV, and you come back, and they say, WEDDING ‘Oh yeah, you’re back. Nice to PHOTOGRAPHY see you. I’m going to work.’ And 540-312-4585 you’re like, ‘wait,’ you know?

You’re just trying to get back

BY PROFESSIONAL to that peace of being normal PHOTOGRAPHER again.”

WILLS HOLLAND Browder says those who see Focusing On “Janey” often note the “incredExcellence & Artistry ible diversity of experience,” At Affordable Prices from those women that have served their country. Browder WE ARE and Pflaeging hope that the THE ALPINE GROUP traveling exhibit will bring towww.alpineonline.com gether people with varying VISIT OUR opinions on the war in Iraq and STATE OF THE ART Afghanistan, so they can “expe5000 SQ FT STUDIO rience the visual beauty of the show…reading these incredible

4/16/10 - 4/22/10 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 11

Local Musician Dedicates Album to World War Veterans

Xanna Via, a Roanoker who calls herself “Xanna” professionally, attributes her interest in America’s veterans to boyfriend Bob Stull’s passion for model building - and her own interest in history.

“My boyfriend has been interested in modeling and. . .World War I and II, and I just thought this needed to be said through piano music,” Xanna explains. “I think that the veterans don’t get enough credit where due, and this was my way of dedicating to them something that should have been done a long time ago.”

Xanna has recorded “Winter’s Rage,” a CD album of original music, dedicated to both World Wars and America’s veterans, which is selling now both nationally and internationally. A number of veterans, Xanna says, “have sampled it on the Internet, at the website (http://cdbaby. com/cd/Xanna) and I’ve given it out to a number of them. A lot of them like it. They think it’s good.” The reaction has extended all the way to Moscow, where a friend of Xanna’s on the Internet viewed the album.

“They were very impressed with it.”

The album’s feature tune,” also called “Winter’s Rage,” is dedicated to the battle of Stalingrad in WWII, when the Russians retook their city from the Nazis. “I tried to portray everything I could in it,” Xanna explains, “all the different elements of Stalingrad. . . I have one section in the song where I slow it down because the German tanks were getting bogged down with snow, and getting stuck. I slowed down the whole piece of music down to a crawl. The tempo just comes down to almost nothing. It just grinds in like the

tracks on the tanks that can’t make it through the snow.”

“The Honorable,” another piece on the album, commemorates the Japanese submarine fleet of World War II, while “The Final Triumph,” is, in Xanna’s words, “a lot like the theme song from ‘Band of Brothers.’ It rides in the same jeep basically. It’s the same sort of theme but it’s my own The Cover of “Winter’s Rage.” theme of course.”

A Charlottesville native, house in Roanoke this comXanna has been playing music ing July 2nd from 8 - 10 p.m. since she was three-years-old. Among the pieces she’ll be “I learned from a man who performing will be selections had three degrees from Pea- from her second CD, “Heart of body. I also went to Shenan- the Oceans,” which has yet to doah University, and studied be released. The concert will music in 1996. My roots are be free but donations for the in piano–classical piano mu- artist will be encouraged. sic–and I learned from some When asked if she would other styles, too. I wasn’t too like to do another historically good at jazz but I learned rag- themed album, Xanna says, “I time and some popular music would. I would definitely conand learned how to do some sider it.” Indeed, “The Iraqi popular songs on piano. So I Sky,” one of the pieces on her learned a lot about arranging. second CD, was inspired by The style now would have to a program she viewed on the be somewhere between classi- Military Channel. cal piano and New Age.” With unabashed candor, Though she never knew any Xanna’s boyfriend, Bob Stull, veterans personally, Xanna ex- says, “Being totally objecplains that she “certainly had a tive, it seems that 90 percent lot of high respect for [them] of the people record other and what they’ve been through. people’s material and it’s very We go to the D-Day Memori- seldom that somebody comal; we’ve actually shook hands poses original material. But with veterans. My uncle was in this music is some of the finthe Second World War as well, est that’s come out in nearly a but he passed away many years hundred years.” ago. There were stories when I Copies of “Winter’s Rage” was a child, so the interest was can be purchased at Barnes always there.” and Noble Bookstore at ValXanna feels the hostil- ley View Mall and Bizarre on ity sometimes directed toward Colonial Avenue, near Towers veterans concerning war is Shopping Center. It’s available “very disheartening. “[They also at CDBaby.com. have] really been there to defend our freedoms and help freedom, [and] encourage

By Melvin E. Matthews, Jr. freedoms all over the world.” info@newsroanoke.com Xanna will perform in concert at the Third Street Coffee-

Lucia di Lammermoor

by Gaetano Donizetti Friday, April 30th at 8:00 pm & Sunday, May 2nd at 2:30 pm

Shaftman Performance Hall, Jefferson Center | For tickets, please call 540-982-2742 | www.operaroanoke.org

We’re There When You Need Us Most.

You are not alone in hospice and our experienced and loving staff will care for you as family. Our comprehensive care provides a full range of services including: • Long term employees with experience in palliative pain & symptom management, emotional support and grief counseling • Spiritual and bereavement care from a perspective that strengthens your faith, brings encouragement and inspires hope • Grief support groups for adults and children

24/7 Referrals... Same Day Admissions

Page 12 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 4/16/10 - 4/22/10

NewsRoanoke.com

Are You Ready for Spring?! g n i c n a n i F 0% until ** June 2011

PARK BENCHES

GRILLS

Starting at

49

$

STARTING AT

MOST Grills include FREE ASSEMBLY and a grill cover

$

99

3 PIECE BISTRO SET Starting at

$89

3pc. Wire Bistro Set

Several Styles Available

• Formica Table Top • Cushions included

iture Outdoor Fun

a s l ow a s

99¢

149

$

5-PC PATIO DINING SET

Garden Lamp Outdoor Light

Propane Patio Heater

119

PRIDE FAMILY

Your Choice

Propane Bistro Table

Gensun 5 Piece Patio Dining Set 48” Table

• Powder Coated Finish • Mildew & Fade Resistant Fabric • Steel Frame • 54” Tempered Glass Table • 4 Chairs with Cushions

• Up to 16,000 Btu • LP Gas only

4 Piece Real Wicker Patio Set

469

$

239

$

699

$

with 20,000 BTU remote ready Log Set

Electric Fireplace Packages

in Honey Oak

VENT-FREE GAS LOG SETS

STARTING AT

in White only

(Includes cushions)

Outdoor Wicker

Gas Chimenea

199

$

169

$

• LP Gas only • 40,000 Btu • Tank not included

• 3 electric lights • Height: 6’

$

Covers

$239

Complete Vent-Free Fireplace Packages

STARTING AT

WOOD STOVES

$

STARTING AT

399

299

$

STARTING AT

3342 Melrose Ave. • Roanoke, VA. 24017 • 342-6787 • 1-800-343-6780 • www.dixieproducts.com

DIXIE PRODUCTS Since 1959

SUMMER SHOWROOM HOURS: Mon-Fri 7:30 am–5 pm • Sat 9 am–2 pm **on approved credit on qualifying orders.

Shorter terms also available

Subject to stock on hand