The Roanoke Star-Sentinel by The Roanoke Star

A fresh approach to buying a car. PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit 342 Roanoke va

POSTMASTER: Dated material, please deliver by publication date

The Roanoke Star-Sentinel April 22 - 28, 2011

NewsRoanoke.com

Community | News | Per spective

[Home and Garden Tour]

2012 Roanoke City Budget Less Painful

Southern Hospitality

[

Soggy Racers P3– The skies opened up above last week’s Blue Ridge Marathon but it didn’t stop runners from setting records and having a great day.

Spring tulips burst to life offering a striking contrast of color along this Boxwood hedge on the Garden Tour. The 78th Annual Roanoke Home and Garden Tour will be held on Saturday, April 23, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., rain or shine. The tour is sponsored by the Roanoke Valley Garden Club and the Mill Mountain Garden Club and is part of Historic Garden Week, an annual event presented by the Garden Club of Virginia in which homes and gardens all around Virginia are open to the public. Well known as the oldest and largest statewide house and garden tour in the United States, tourists from all across the country travel to Virginia to take part in this springtime event. The event began in 1929 and has been in > CONTINUED P2: Garden Tour

Not so Smart P4– Stephanie Koehler has to give up her “smart” phone for a few days and realizes the very “dumb” impact that technology can have.

> CONTINUED P2: Budget

cy for the open position. That Karen Kwiatkowski will challenge had fallen ill and was “under election is on May 7. 6th District incumbent Congressman the weather.” She plans to take Goodlatte Republican Bob Goodlatte in a June Kwiatkowski has made apto task on his “term limit” 12, 2012 primary or convention. Kwiat- pearances in Lynchburg, Staunpledge. His term has been up kowski was the top pick of Libertarians ton and Harrisonburg. She has long ago, explained Oddo. His to run for President in 2008. She de- made contact with acting 6th “yes” vote on the budget bill to clined the draft attempt and has not run District Republican Chair Chaz extend funding the federal for any other office until now. Evans-Heywood, RockingShe is running as a Republican, looks ham Clerk of Circuit Court Karen Kwiatkowski government through Sepnotifying him of tember without sufficient for Tea Party support and is her intentions. budget cuts, is also a bone of contention making the rounds preparPolitics Since Trixie Averill’s res- she has with Goodlatte. ing for an official announceignation, Chaz Evans-HeyThe Patriot Act is unconstitutional, ment in June. Her campaign manager, Joe Oddo, said in a phone call wood of Harrisonburg has been acting says Kwiatkowski on her website, KarTuesday that she had intended to come Chairman. Lynchburg GOP Chairman, enKforCongress.com. “In fact, he asked to Roanoke’s Tax Day event April 15 but Mark Peak has announced his candida- me to show proof that the FISA warrants

]

were being used on American citizens. I have seen the evidence. His campaign donors benefit from his looking the other way,” she said. She admonishes Goodlatte for not proposing the elimination of ethanol subsidies and mandates. Kwiatkowski would repeal the 17th amendment to the Constitution and return the power to Governors and state legislators to appoint Senators to the U.S. Senate. She would also repeal the 16th amendment that gives the federal > CONTINUED P2: Challenger

Project Faith Can Move Mountains – Or Make Them Look Better

Pop’s Shop P10– Pop’s Ice Cream and Soda Shop in Grandin Village is not just another eatery. It dispenses far more than its name indicates.

Photo by Valerie Garner

Ralph Smith, John Edwards, Sherman Lea and Bill Bestpitch listen closely.

Democrats Put On The Spot At Tea Party Tax Day

P12– The Vinton Dogwood festival has become one of the Valley’s largest and longest standing events - attracting visitors from around the region.

]

Goodlatte Will Have Challenger in 6th District

[

Top Dog

Fiscal year 2012 projected revenue for Roanoke City will be two percent above that of fiscal year 2011 totaling $258.6 million – a $6 million increase. If predictions are correct revenue stability will alleviate some painful budget City Gov’t decisions of the past. The slight uptick in revenue will not get your leaves picked up this fall or bulk and brush collection returned to weekly pickup. That is probably gone forever. Bulk and brush collection remains on the same schedule - every other week. The hotly debated bus schedule will do the same. Peak morning and late afternoon/evening runs will stay on a thirty-minute schedule for now. The buses, however, will not carry students downtown unless the colleges want to pay for it. TAP and Blue Ridge Behavior Health will be funded. The city has shrunk the government by 188 positions since the budget crunch began. Employees are working harder due to less staffing but are not getting a raise. City Manager Chris Morrill will advise city council if employees can get a one-time stipend in their next budget work session on May 9. For downtown residents there will be no

All elected officials in the Roanoke area were invited to attend but none were permitted to speak. They were there “to listen to us” explained Greg Aldridge. It was threatening rain at Elmwood Park Friday as about 200 people gathered to protest “Taxed Enough Already.” There was the smell of barbecue in the air (did someone say pork?) as the event dubbed “a reverse town hall” got underway. The event was the third of its kind since a group of 500 people assembled on Reserve Avenue to express frustration over increasing deficit spending. That day led to the formation of the Roanoke Tea Party. Those attending were Senators Ralph Smith and John Edwards and Roanoke City Council members Sherman Lea and Bill Bestpitch. Councilman Ray Ferris observed from afar as did Clerk of Court Brenda Hamilton and other Democrats. Lea said, “first and foremost, I’m a public servant … I don’t ask them if they are a Republican, Democrat, Libertarian or in the > CONTINUED P2:Tea Party Tea Party. If they are a citizen of the city then

Faith Christian School Jubilee Acres, a summer in southwest Roanoke camp for the underpriviCounty will celebrate its leged in western Roanoke 10th annual Project Faith County, for cleanup and day of volunteerism painting. next Friday (April 29) “We’ve outgrown goby pitching in at several ing to just one place,” locations on or near Mill said Lilley. The 10th anMountain. Volunteer niversary was a chance to chairman Stacy Lilley go to places “that don’t (she has three children get many services. We at the K-12 school) says wanted to get stuff done.” the 500 or so volunteers Kindergartners through – about 300 students in second graders will work all grades, parents and with local garden club Photo by Gene Marrano others – will be spread members at Mill MounFaith Christian students out among several work tain Zoo; third through projects: mulching wild- work at Jubilee Acres during fifth graders will head to flower beds outside Mill a previous service project. the campground, where Mountain Zoo, clean“huge budget cuts” in ing up at the Roanoke Mountain camp- the Blue Ridge Parkway budget have led ground and doing some work on horse to less maintenance. “They are in despertrails near the Blue Ridge Parkway. ate need this year,” said Lilley. Project Faith is also a major The recent threat of a govfundraiser for the school, with ernment shutdown could Service expected pledges of $150,000 have meant that a backup from businesses and individuplan was necessary, since als. The school spends months prepar- the parkway is part of the National Park ing students for the day of volunteering, Service; Lilley said the organizing comwhich ends with a celebration on cam- mittee pledged “not to talk about it” but pus in the afternoon. Previous Project she was relieved when the U.S. Congress Faith efforts took students to the Salva- found a way to > CONTINUED tion Army, Roanoke Rescue Mission, pass the federal the YWCA in downtown Roanoke and budget plan. P3: Faith

[

]

> Garden Tour

Page 2 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 4/22/11 - 4/28/11

Friday looks cool, highs only reaching the lower 60s with cloudy skies and scattered showers in the forecast. We should warm up again this weekend, topping out in the mid-toupper 70s on Saturday, climbing to near 80 on Easter Sunday. Both weekend days will see more clouds than sunshine, On Easter Sunday there is a 40% chance for showers/ storms. Sunrise on Easter Sunday is around 6:34 am.

Snoopy... 6 month old adora-Bull Friendly, happy & playful Likes people, kids & other pets

339-WAGS

rvspca.org

Adopt a homeless pet and help us share the love. Your unconditional love headquarters

YouÊBreakÊit... WEÊFixÊIt

continuous existence with the exception of several years during World War II. This year’s tour is titled “Southern Hospitality in Salem”. The self-guided tour takes place in Salem and includes five homes and one garden. Highlights include beautiful gardens, both formal and informal, as well as interesting statuary and lovely outdoor living spaces. All homes will feature superb flower arrangements created by members of the two sponsoring garden clubs, with emphasis on colorful seasonal flowers and plants native to this area. Visitors will be delighted by exceptional collections of artwork, silver, china, and fine American and European antiques, artifacts and rugs. Gardens will feature mature landscaping as well as recent renovations. To celebrate Historic Garden Week, a one-day show featuring works of local art-

From page 1

in tough city revenue times they were able to assist the schools by $3 million. “We are living up to our responsibilities,” she said. Property taxes are up by five percent above forecast, as are sales and meals taxes. Court Rosen asked about funding of the Budget Stabilization Reserve and Undesignated Fund balance. Shawver confirmed that $250,000 would be placed in both. City Manager Chris Morrill bemoaned an increase in traffic signal sign changes mandated by the state. “It is another state unfunded mandate the city will

MondaysÊ-ÊSaturdays WeÊAccept 8:30Êa.m.ÊtoÊ5:00Êp.m. AllÊMajor

306Ê6thÊStreet,ÊRoanoke CreditÊCards

CallÊorÊStopÊBy

400-8800

Sealcoating rejuvenates the asphalt and provides a longer life, and protects against the elements.

To Keep It Looking As Good As New, Partner With Us.

556-6156 w w w.sealcoatingsolutions.com

From May 2002 to February 2003, she served in the Pentagon’s Near East and South Asia directorate (NESA). While at NESA, she wrote a series of anonymous articles, “Insider Notes from the Pentagon.” Kwiatkowski was in her office inside the Pentagon when it was at-

A gourmet box lunch by Roanoke College’s Executive Chef will be available for $12 at Roanoke College’s President’s Home, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., through prior reservation only, by e-mailing csleitch@cox.net. Weather permitting, light refreshments will be served from 2-4 p.m. in the garden of one of the homes on the day of the tour.

have to pick up,” he said. Maintenance of city facilities will be stepped up as well as sidewalk repairs. Shawver cautioned that revenue could turn south quickly. The area of concern is real estate taxes. This tax comprises 30 percent of the city’s revenue. Real estate valuations are falling throughout the region. At the time of a home sale the actual sales price is compared to its assessed value. The goal is that the assessed value is 95 percent of the sales price. Overall city adjustments to the assessed value of property would possibly bring Roanoke another revenue

crisis. With foreclosures and shortsales pressuring home values there is a very real possibility the city’s revenue could take a hit. Time will tell, said Shawver. There will be a public hearing on the budget in council chambers on April 28 at 7:00 p.m. Then it will be back to council by May 6th. Adoption is expected on May 9 at the 2 p.m. session. At the 7:00 p.m. council session on Monday School Board Chairman David Carson and School Board member Lori Vaught were reappointed for another term. By Valerie Garner info@newsroanoke.com

From page 1 tacked on September 11, 2001. Kwiatkowski is primarily noted for openly and publicly denouncing what she sees as a corrupting political influence on the course of military intelligence leading up to the invasion of Iraq in 2003. She has taught classes at the

University of Maryland and The American Public University System. She also has served as an adjunct faculty member in Political Science at James Madison University. By Valerie Garner info@newsroanoke.com

Democrat Vies For Nomination In 6th District

Dr. Andrew Bard Schmookler, 65, is vying for the 6th District Democratic nomination in May to run against Republican Congressman Bob Goodlatte in 2012. Dr. Schmookler is a writer living in Shenandoah County ,two miles from West Virginia near Orkney Springs. He spends time writing a blog at nonsoblind.org. He is married with three children. “I feel that what I’m fighting for is the soul of America. …It is a grave crisis this country now faces,” says Dr. Schmookler.

My kids think I’m Having a Sponge Bath!

He is using friends for his campaign staff and admits that “There’s no way I’m going to match [the funds] that the incumbent can raise.” He’ll get his message out hoping to level the playing field and making “David’s slingshot a match for his [Goodlatte] Goliath’s sword.” He said his campaign is “deeply committed to truthfulness” something he believes is lacking in politics today. He says he is not a generic Democrat. He has an “unusual and powerful message.” “The country is acting like it is normal politics when forces that we’re not confronting actually are degrading it.” His campaign theme reflects his message - “Let’s talk about the elephant in the room - It is a crisis, an emergency.” Schmookler said he feels “duty bound to do everything that’s in my power to protect the country from going down the tubes.” He plans to bring out Goodlatte’s untruths about telling constituents he’s on their side when he is not. Schmookler called Goodlatte “a loyal foot soldier of the Republican army.” Schmookler is running as a

Andrew Bard Schmookler Democrat because he believes that the “Democratic Party is the only thing that can possibly protect us from the destructive force that the Republican Party has become.” When it comes to voter apathy there are two kinds said Schmookler. One just doesn’t care and the other feels that anything they do won’t matter. His job will be to make them understand that the current state of politics is robbing them and their children of a future. Others feel “a form of despair.” They need to rise up and demand a government with integrity. “We’ve seen that on the streets of Cairo [Egypt] and Madison

> Tea Party

Independent & Assisted Living

Don’t worry... we won’t tell your kids how much you love living here!SM

Gate, 4710 Starkey Rd., Roanoke; Millie’s, 109 E. Main St., Salem; Countryside Classics, 120 E. Main St., Salem; and all local Valley Bank branch locations. For more information and to purchase tickets by mail, contact the Roanoke Council of Garden Clubs at 540-343-4519. For internet tickets, please access www.vagardenweek.org.

From page 1

> Challenger government taxing authority. Kwiatkowski, age 50, is a retired USAF Lieutenant Colonel. She lives on a farm in Shenandoah County near Jackson with her husband and three of her four children. She has a Ph.D. in World Politics from Catholic University of America.

NewsRoanoke.com

ists will be on display and for sale at Roanoke College’s President’s Home - one of the featured homes. The works will include watercolors, oils, mixed media and pottery. A partial listing of participating artists include: Lee Penny Baker, Judy Bates, Tracy Budd, Mary Boxley Bullington, Vera Dickerson, Eric Fitzpatrick, Tom Lawson, Pam Ogden, Greg Osterhaus, Harriett Stokes, Gari Stephenson, Nancy Stark, Nan Mahone Wellborn, Barry Wolfe, Elizabeth Perkins and Laura Blue Palmer. The cost of a full ticket is $20.00. (There will be no single house tickets.) Tickets may be purchased on tour day at any of the houses open for the tour, or in advance at the following businesses: Townside Gardens, 3614 Franklin Rd., Roanoke; Chocolatepaper, 308 Market St. Roanoke or 3260 Electric Rd., Roanoke; Through the Garden

> Budget more free parking. Citizens were originally allowed to park two vehicles free which was then reduced to one vehicle, and having to pay for the second parking space. Downtown dwellers with one car will now receive a 75 percent discount on parking garages and lots. Decals will be issued and on street parking will also be provided. Two cars get a much betterl and actually cost less than paying the old full price for the second vehicle which was $45 a month. Now citizens will pay $22.50 for two. If they have one vehicle it will cost them $11.25 for a space. Council member Sherman Lea made a point that “this City Council has stepped up to the plate” in their extra funding for the schools. Director of Finance, Ann Shawver, said that even

4920 Woodmar Dr. SW Roanoke, VA 24018

540-989-9501

www.parkoakgrove.com • mbelfiore@parkoakgrove.com

I am there to help them.” Mike Powell who ran as a Republican in the 2010 city council elections took the stage and railed on the $300,000 for another study of an Elmwood Park revamp. He called it a “boondoggle – a project that wastes time and money.” Later Lea and Bestpitch countered that argument saying the $1.5 million held for the more costly architectural and engineering plans was reduced to $300,000 for plans for the entire park. Bestpitch thanked the Tea Party members for holding their event in Elmwood Park. Following the speeches that ranged from wind turbines to government overreach elected officials got their chance to ask questions. Senator Smith asked Roanoke Tea Party President Chip Tarbutton if he’d like to see him reintroduce the bill requiring that legislators have the states budget to review 72-hours before a vote on it. Tarbutton responded with an unhesitating “yes.” Senator Edwards is a favorite target of the Roanoke Tea Party, as their website makes clear. He defended his “no” vote on Smith’s bill saying, “We already have in the senate a procedural resolution

[Wisconsin],” said Schmookler. Dr. Schmookler has conducted radio conversations, authored many books and makes regular speaking appearances. He studied as an undergraduate at Harvard University, where he graduated summa cum laude in Social Relations in 1967. Schmookler went on to earn his doctorate in 1977 at the University of California at Berkeley and The Graduate Theological Union, in a program specially created to accommodate his comprehensive theory of human history. In 1984, Dr. Schmookler was awarded the Erik H. Erikson Prize by the International Society for Political Psychology. And in 1985, he was selected by Esquire Magazine as “one of the men and women under forty who are changing the nation.” The International Biographical Centre (of Cambridge, England) selected him, in 1999, as one the “Outstanding People of the Twentieth Century”. By Valerie Garner info@newsroanoke.com

From page 1 that is put in place every four years that the budget bill must be on our desk 72-hours before we vote on it … and it is on the Internet.” That didn’t satisfy Aldridge who asked the audience if they thought they crammed the budget through as fast as they could so they could head home. He enamored the crowd saying, “They’re afraid we’ll find something wrong with it before it has already passed … we don’t buy it … it’s a way to hide what’s going on and we’re tired of it.” Later Senators Smith and Edwards were in a private discussion with Smith doing most of the talking. Both were smiling and when asked Edwards said, “He wanted to see some compromise on redistricting but I haven’t seen any specifics from the other side.” The current Senate redistricting plan puts Senator Smith in Senator Steve Newman’s district. Smith said with a smile that he was “flexible” and with children grown was able to live anywhere. It won’t be long before citizens know whether Smith will need to call the moving company. By Valerie Garner info@newsroanoke.com

NewsRoanoke.com

4/22/11 - 4/28/11 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 3

Blue Ridge Marathon Runners Set > Faith New Records Despite Dismal Weather Despite the dismal weather, more than 690 runners spent Saturday morning taking in some of the most beautiful views in Roanoke as part of the second annual National College Blue Ridge Marathon last Saturday. The 26.2 mile race, regarded as “America’s Toughest Road Marathon, is estimated to have brought between 1,200 and 1,600 people to the Roanoke Valley, as either runners or spectators. About 400 volunteers helped with the event. The runners hailed from 37 states and Germany and ranged in age from 12-years-old to 64-yearsold, according to race records. This year’s race was first threatened by the federal budget deadlock and possible government shutdown. Shortly after the government reached a budget, local meteorologists began forecasting rain. That forecast was made worse when news of thunderstorms and torrential downpours, along with possible tornados, were predicted. An estimated 368 people who registered for the event did not show up on race day. On average, about 10 percent of registrants typically do not show up, accounting for nearly 106 people. It is likely that the remaining 262 racers did not show up as a result of the weather conditions. On Friday, organizers adjusted the course, eliminating part of the Roanoke Greenway route near Wasena Park. The changes affected miles 22-25 of the 26.2mile course. The race was cancelled at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday due to thunder and the [34] runners who had not yet finished were pulled off the course, according to Pete Eshelman, race co-chair and the Roanoke Regional Partnerships Director of Outdoor Branding. The runners competed in a variety of ways, participating in either the full marathon or half marathon or as member of a walking team or a five person relay team. An additional 170 local students competed in the YMCA Kids Marathon on race day. Fourth place marathon finisher and local cross country coach Edward Dickenson was pleased to have broken three hours (2:57:18) at this first attempt at

Photo by Stuart Revercomb

A soaked runner receives orange slices from a young volunteer. this marathon. Dickenson spent seven months training for the race, which included three 10k races, one 10 mile race, and two half-marathons. “Once the race started, I didn’t notice the rain too much except for the deep puddles and small creeks on the roads; however, you could feel the extra weight of your shoes and clothes in the later miles of the race,” said Dickenson. “Only four of us broke three hours for the day, and the weather made every finisher work extra hard.” Roanoker Nancy Simmons (who works for the marathon’s title sponsor National College) and her husband David ran the half-marathon. The couple began training for this race in January. “The rain actually kept me cool,” said Nancy Simmons. “While I was training, I found myself getting fatigued more quickly in the heat. My stamina was better in the rain.” The Simmons’ both finished the half marathon with a time of 2:59:19. Nancy credits the cooler weather with having beaten her 2010 time by eight minutes. One elderly marathon runner collapsed just feet from the finish line and was taken, by ambulance, to a local hospital. Although he appeared unresponsive at the site, race organizers say he had a heart attack and is alive but remains in the hospital. Proceeds from the Blue Ridge Marathon will benefit the FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway. FRIENDS is a nonprofit, volunteer organization that is dedicated to preserving and protecting the Blue Ridge Parkway. “Our goal is to put Roanoke on the outdoor sports map,” said

Eshelman. “It is a long process and it won’t happen overnight, but the vision of Roanoke being a top outdoor destination is one step closer.” A half marathon awards ceremony was held at noon in the Taubman Museum. A full marathon awards ceremony was held at 2 p.m. By 5 p.m., when the Roanoke Twilight Criterium, a semi and professional road cycling race began two blocks from the finish line, the rain had cleared and the temperatures had dropped. Many runners and spectators joined friends and family members to celebrate Saturday evening with music and drinks at various venues in downtown Roanoke. “Combining events like the National College Blue Ridge Marathon, the YMCA Kids Marathon, Down by Downtown Music Festival, and the Roanoke Twilight Criterium into a packaged weekend allows participants and spectators to be part of more than just one single event,” said Eshelman. “They get to experience Roanoke in all its glory.” Twenty-eight-year-old Fanwood, NJ resident Michael Dixon took first place in the men’s full marathon with a time of 2:41:27. Twenty-six-year-old Arlington resident Nicole Terry took first place in the woman’s full marathon with a time of 3:19:49. Twenty-two-year-old Spotsylvania resident Andrew Kirk took first place in the men’s half marathon with a time of 1:24:25. Thirty-five-year-old Roanoke resident Sarah Glenn took first place in the woman’s half marathon with a time of 1:32:55. By Laura L. Neff-Henderson info@newsroanoke.com

170 of Roanoke’s Youngest Athletes Complete Marathon in Long Form One hundred and seventy of Roanoke’s youngest marathoners completed the final mile of the Second Annual YMCA Kids Marathon on Sat., April 16, in conjunction with the National College Blue Ridge Marathon. The children completed 25.2 miles on their own prior to April 16, finishing the last mile together on race day. The group was scheduled to begin their last mile 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. The severe weather; however, forced organizers to take the race indoors to the Kirk Avenue YMCA. Younger children used the first floor gymnasium, while older children used the upper level track. “The rain made it pretty soggy outside, but it didn't dampen our spirits,” said Bratic. “Parents and volunteers lined both the Y gym and the upstairs track to provide ample cheering for our young runners.” All participants received a race shirt, race number bib, finisher’s medal and goodie bag. Perhaps due to the predicted severe thunderstorms and pos-

On the 29th sixth and seventh graders will head to adjacent horse trails near the campground and older students will work on the Gorge River Trail that starts at a bridge on the parkway. “These trails haven’t been touched in years, they just don’t have the manpower. They are really excited [by Project Faith],” said Lilley. Trail maintaining, brush clearing and the painting of park benches are on the agenda. Parents will help out and in some cases, chuckles Lilley, they are asked to back off and let the kids do some of the work, “because they are so eager.” For the most part Project Faith has been blessed with good weather over the past ten years during its annual day of volunteerism. For many of the younger children it’s the first time they’ve ever pitched in for a worthy cause, a good life lesson notes Lilley, who is also a mental health therapist. “There’s not enough [volunteer] service going on,” she adds. Students were encouraged to send out at

From page 1 least15-20 letters before Project Faith, all part of the effort to raise $150K for the school. “We feel very confident we’re going to make that goal this year,” said Lilley. “Its [part] of our operating budget.” Corporate sponsorships will raise another $25,000, with company names going on the back of Project Faith t-shirts and brochures. Letters asking for pledges have gone out across the country and internationally in some cases. Even with the sluggish economy and tight family budgets, Lilley expected that fundraising would hit its target. School administrators toyed with the idea of splitting Project Faith into several days this year, since it’s become so popular with a growing student body and adult volunteers. “It’s a good problem to have,” said Lilley of an undertaking they began planning for last August. (See faithchristian-school.com for more on Project Faith or to make a donation.) By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

City Takes Hard Look at GEM Electric Get-Arounds

Just before Monday’s 2:00 p.m. council meeting, in front of the Municipal Building, Dominion Dodge was demonstrating two electric vehicles that could be used by the parking police, said Lt. Hartman of the Roanoke City Police Department. Mayor David Bowers, in passing caught me taking pictures and well, you know our Mayor’s camera shyness. Don Walker, Account Manager from Bedford, said that the car runs 30 miles before recharging and can reach a speed of up to 25 mph. It plugs into any 110-volt outlet but a 15 AMP is preferred. They come in four and six passenger models. The parking police are being moved from the Police Department to Billing and Collections in fiscal year 2012.

By Valerie Garner info@newsroanoke.com

GET TAX RELIEF

To Introduce You to Our Office $10.40

FOR ONLY $10.40 YOU WILL RECEIVE: • A Health History & Consultation • An Orthopedic & Neurological Examination • Initial X-rays of the Spine (if needed) • Report of Findings to Patient

Don’t Let Stress TAX your system Offer valid 3/11/11 - 4/29/11

BARKER CHIROPRACTIC AND WELLNESS CENTER Photo by Laura L. Neff-Henderson

Young marathon participants warm-up before the race. sibility of tornados, about 50 of the 220 registered children did not show up on race day to complete the final mile. The non-timed, non-competitive event was sponsored by Chick-Fil-A. Registration, which began in January, was open to local students in kindergarten through fifth grade. Students from nearly every local elementary school participated in the event with large groups coming from Troutville and Bonsack elementary schools and Trinity Lutheran Church, according to YMCA of the Roanoke Valley Communications Director Kim Bratic. “The YMCA Kids Marathon is designed to challenge, moti-

vate and inspire future runners. It’s a great way to encourage kids to develop a healthy lifestyle when it is most important,” said YMCA of Roanoke Valley’s Executive Director Cal Johnson. Following the marathon, the Kirk Family YMCA hosted the Y’s Healthy Kids Day from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. The free event was open to the community and included an inflatable obstacle course, games, swimming and giveaways. Despite the nasty weather, about 650 parents and children participated – an increase of about 100 over last year’s attendance. By Laura L. Neff-Henderson info@newsroanoke.com

Dr. Jeffrey S. Barker 3260 Electric Road, Suite 502 Roanoke, VA 24018

Call 540-400-0802 TODAY!

The Country Store Deli Our catering will surprise you!

We're more than just fried chicken

for tailgating (although we do that better than anyone else around). Our creative kitchen can customize a menu for your business meeting, provide elegant and delicious appetizers for your parties as well as a breakfast event to start the day off right.

GRAND RENTAL STATION Come to us for all your Home Impovement Needs... Construction

Lawn & Garden

Remodeling & Decorating

Hand & Power Tools

Call your order in or place it online: www.countrystoredeli.com Aztec Rental Center • 2069 Apperson Dr. Salem 540.989.1231 • www.aztecrental.com

Grand Rental Station • 1000 Vinyard Rd. Vinton 540.343.1000 • www.grandrentalvinton.com

4717 Starkey Rd. Roanoke, VA 24018-8507 (540) 774-6875 info@countrystoredeli.com

Perspective

Page 4 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 4/22/11 - 4/28/11

The Sound of One Hand Typing

’ve been around the pilot sort of pattern to which writer’s block a time or my head-hands-and-eyes have two. Pretty much every grown so accustomed. early morning for some years The hand part of the equation now, I’ve plopped down at the is the issue. One of mine is gokeyboard and waited for ideas ing to take a vacation. We don’t to become thoughts to become know how long it will be away. words, and for my hands, the Let me be quick to say that executors in this process, to this is, at least from the surtypeset the related sentences geon’s point of view, a routine and paragraphs on the outpatient procedure. digital page in front of The “basal joint” of the me. Something usually thumb is a common site emerges, at least a basefor wear-and-tear aron-balls, for the blog or thritis (chiefly in womfor this column or some en.) Mine is worn and other destination. torn sufficiently to need I tell you this because, repair in such a way that as I sit here typing two(they don’t quite promFred First handedly in the middle ise me) I will not whine of March, I am without and whimper quite so traction, a deer caught in the much after it heals up. I imagheadlights of approaching dead- ine a time when I will be able to lines. What I see bearing down do buttons and play the guitar on me in two weeks I am sure again. (I’m sure, though, with a will provide ample personal ex- written excuse from my doctor, perience about which to write. that I will never be able again to The twin problems with writing do the dishes again. Ever. Never about this particular impend- ever.) ing adventure are: one, that it is It’s the course over months of wholly a ME experience; and, healing and recovery that is the while I’m not shy (as you know) great unknown. To someone for about telling personal stories, I whom (relatively painless) typam reluctant to wallow in my ing has become a kind of voice, own tribulations on a public I’ll be speechless for weeks— wailing wall. maybe months. And it is finally Secondly, and most signifi- sinking in how convenient and cantly, I won’t be able to write efficient it has been to be funcabout this episode in my life at tionally bilaterally symmetrical all—at least not in the usual, in all other realms of daily life morning-habitual, automatic for lo these many years.

“ I am the slowest

carpet cleaner in Roanoke.”

Williams Carpet Cleaning “I will give your carpet the time and attention it deserves to produce the best results possible.” • 2 rooms and a hall for $75 • 5 rooms and a hall for $155 • Furniture cleaning also available!

Danny Williams • 989-1825 • Cell - 765-7144

As the future fiddler-crab of Goose Creek, I am appreciating that any day this April won’t find business-as-usual here. I will be limited. I will be dependent. I will be the sound of one hand typing. It has taken me years of pain to bring me to chose this major detour, blundering by a sort of orthopedic forced march off the calendar of predictability into the potholed territory of rehabilitation. Think about it. When does one decide it is convenient to take on the world single-handed for a few months: during the long season of woodcutting and stove-tending, or during the six months of grass mowing, weed-whacking and gardening? So here in middle-March, knowing what lies ahead, I’ll use the chain saw for the last time until Fall, getting in enough dry split wood while I still am able, to last until June. I’ll put the screens in today, be sure the mowers are ready for her to operate, and do what I can to get this year’s garden ready, even though this season, the hoeing, raking and such will be beyond my reach, so to speak. I can at least meet writing deadlines early—the ones I can plan for—like this column for April 22. Since January, I’ve been training my speech-to-text software to clumsily dictate what I want to say during the handicapped season. I will confess that I find this immensely frustrating. It’s like trying to leave an essay on somebody’s answering machine. I’m doing good to make a complete sentence when a recorder of any sort is listening. The words that sprint so effortlessly through my fingers stumble all over themselves as they exit my mouth, like greyhounds in hip-waders. So I will be briefly pitiful and worthless around here, a shortterm servant of handicaptivity. But I’m betting that, like physical therapy patients I have worked with after this very surgery, I will wish I’d done this thing years ago. Meanwhile, I’ll find ingenious unidextrous ways to get up and do what needs to be done. And in May and June, find my column right here--after the sound of the beep. Fred First / Floyd County VA Books: slowroadhome.com Blog: fragmentsfromfloyd.com twitter.com/fred1st http://about.me/fredfirst

Local Crossword

Star-Sentinel Crossword for 04/22/2011

27 33

50 55

56 59

61 67

58 60

35 39

41 45

10 16

21 24

62 68

www.CrosswordWeaver.com

ACROSS 1 Shade tree 4 Fast movers located in Vinton on Parker Lane. 7 Chinese seasoning 10 Cooking fat 13 Pen brand 14 Seafood 15 Number of times Salem was attacked in the Civil War. 16 Condemn 17 Mislead 19 A well loved city matriarch. 20 August (abbr.) 21 Tallest mountain nearest to roanoke salem and vinton area and holds the broadcast towers for our television stations. 22 Posttraumatic stress

disorder 24 We smooth the wrinkles out - ---specialty. 27 Poem of praise 29 Am not 32 Group of trees 34 Marvel 35 Track 36 Electroencephalograp h (abbr.) 37 Herons 40 Past 41 Which local business says 'If water runs through it we've got it!' 42 Epoch 44 Back On The ____ is a kid's consignment shop in Tanglewood Mall. 48 Essay of original research 50 Government worker 53 Hurt

By Don Waterfield

54 Eastern Standard Time 55 Eulogy 57 Adolescent 58 Teaspoon (abbr.) 59 Channel 15 around here. 60 Bunsen burner 62 Channel 38 around here. 65 United Parcel Service 67 Snacked 69 Giant (2 wds.) 73 That girl 74 Eye infection 75 Beverage 76 Lavatory 77 Spots 78 Popeye's yes 79 Cook 80 Dynamite DOWN 1 Recede

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 18 23 24 25 26 27 28 30 31 33 34 38 39 43 44 45 46 47 49 50 51 52 56 58 61 62 63 64 65 66 68 70 71 72

Fib Metric weight unit Three Horse game Visionary I want my ___ Purloin Sheep-like animal 6th century B.C. prophet Note of debt Lumber Onto A natural reason for Roanoke? Compass point North American Indian Scrap IOU part Dislike intensely North northeast X December Foot parts Time zone __ Lanka Viper Gnawer Genius Dairy product types Clark __ (Superman) Sixth sense Second month (abbr.) Serving of corn Genetic code Amiss Frayed Rocket builders Public radio in roanoke va. Look Doctor's picture North American nation Doctoral degree Peeper Sandwich Cation Received

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

NewsRoanoke.com

Smartphones and Being Smart

recently had a series of on their phones – they hardly hardware malfunctions speak? It makes me sad. Certhat left me intermittently tainly they have something to without my smartphone for sev- interact about – or they wouldn’t eral weeks. While I frequently be there. How about someone profess to NOT being on their phone -- so enone of “those people” gaged with a conversawho is attached to this tion about their impordevice like a chain-smoktant charity event that er to a cigarette – a bit of they run over the sweet self-evaluation gave me elderly woman in the a slightly different pergrocery store? When spective. But something did being an “important even more interesting Stephanie Koehler humanitarian” become happened while I wasn’t more important than constantly twitching from the being human? vibration of an incoming email, Perhaps it’s the writer in me – text, facebook message, tweet or or perhaps it’s my innate human phone call. I started noticing – desire to connect on a meaningwith heightened awareness – an ful level – but it seems to me the unfortunate cultural phenom- art of communication is getting enon. Smartphones are making lost with this technological adus dumb. vance. The subtleties of human My first disclaimer is to admit expression are lost -- reduced that I have almost certainly been to statements that can be made guilty of all of these behaviors at in 140 characters or less. It one time or another. My second seems that excellence is being disclaimer is that I suspect I will replaced with ease. The concept again be guilty of these same of investing forethought, vision, things in the future. However, if strategy and planning seems awareness is the first step to im- to have been replaced with the proving – I’m on my way. notion that speed of delivery is Have you ever noticed a cou- more important than accuracy ple (or a group of friends for and intention. that matter) having dinner at a Another interesting – and restaurant – yet they are so busy stressful – concept reared its

head during this time of “disconnection”. Unrealistic expectations. We have become a society that expects to have an instant response and immediate answer to everything. At first, I was along for the ride – scurrying to apologize for not being able to produce work at the speed others determined necessary (whether they were paying clients or just demanding people). After staying up nearly all night to make up for what seemed to be lost productivity – three very critical thoughts hit me. First, while everything seems to have become a crisis and everything seems to be important – very few things actually are. Second, the more “connected” you are to technology – the more likely you are to be “disconnected” from what it means to be human. Third, I think I am actually smarter when I don’t have my smartphone. While it’s not realistic – as a business owner – to completely reject the conveniences of this technology – I am grateful for the lessons learned during those weeks. By Stephanie Koehler stephaniekoehler@cox,net

Green Flames and Solar Salamanders: Evidence of Evolution At-Large

arlier this spring, sci- sense. The flare is a bloom of alence writer Connie Bar- gae, probably drawn to a release low sent me an e-mail of nitrogen-rich waste from the about an awe-inspiring scientific embryo’s cells, that provides – in discovery. Scientists in Uruguay turn – oxygen and carbohydrates had stumbled across the first ex- needed by the mitochondria ample of a photosynthetto “burn” glucose into ic organism living inside ATP. a vertebrate’s cells! Just as Such intimacy bethe nervous system of an tween an autotroph embryonic salamander (sugar-producer) and began to develop, a tiny a heterotroph (sugaralgal species bloomed eater) had been noted inside the amphibian’s in invertebrates such cell membranes like little as corals and sea slugs, green flames next to its H. Bruce Rinker, PhD but never before inside countless mitochondria. a vertebrate’s cells. So Usually, the immune systems of what does this discovery of little vertebrates ban such close in- green flames and solar salamanterspecific relationships so this ders teach us about modern-day discovery seemed to challenge biodiversity? – once again – the dogma about The lesson is a simple one. the integrity of species. Here was Our cells disclose a 3.5-billiona living green flame to “solarize” year-old framework wrestled an otherwise common salaman- from fortunate, but unplanned, der, revealing what looks like the reciprocity in the madcap chemearly steps in a co-evolutionary istry of ancient times. Darwin dance for two far-flung species. himself encapsulated the aweThe main characters in our someness of this lesson by statUruguayan drama: the spotted ing, humbly, “There is grandeur salamander, Ambystoma macu- in this view of life.” Furthermore, latum; the single-celled alga, Oo- evolution moves forward by takphila ambystomatis. The stage: ing surprising twists and turns as the tiny spaces in the amphibian’s Earth’s 30 million species dance cells adjacent to their multitudes together on our whirling blueof mitochondria. That space is green mote. key to understanding the posAt this point, we must quessible outcomes of the play. Mi- tion the meaning of that othertochondria are tiny organelles wise ineffable term in biology, where cellular respiration oc- species. Biologists usually emcurs. These cytoplasmic power- ploy a seemingly straightforhouses convert simple sugars to ward definition: a species is a an energy-rich compound called population of similar organisms ATP. Thus, the viridescence in that can interbreed successfully. the salamander’s cells makes One of the problems with this

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

6244 PETERS CREEK ROAD

540-362-2727

kennett-kennett.com

definition is that it equates species with a single behavior, i.e., reproduction. But think about all other activities in which the individuals of a given species engage during their lifetimes: for example, all the wondrous variety of race, culture, and creed for our own species, Homo sapiens. One species of human, one species of dandelion, one species of monarch butterfly, one species of northern red oak, and so forth, adding up to 30 million different kinds of life forms on Earth, each with a range of genetic diversity ready to go off like a cocked pistol to interact with its brethren species in the economy of nature. So how can we reckon the merits of a species just by its reproductive success? As it turns out, the word, species, may be as indefinable as life itself. Like the 1964 admission of Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart about pornography, we may know a species when we see it, but that’s about the limit of our concreteness. With this discovery in Uruguay, we see that species are dynamic entities that may or may not cohabit with others in the most intimate ways. This discovery forces us to answer, philosophically, “What is an individual?” In other words, is the salamander an individual or not? If it’s made up of salamander cells and algal cells, is it then two organisms? If they’re two organisms at first, but later their interrelationship becomes essential, then are they considered a single organism? By extrapolation, are we humans seven billion individuals or seven billion communities since our mitochondria, originally, were separate and distinct organisms? As a transgenic animal, am I an “I” or a “we”? As researchers Timothy Allen and Thomas Hoekstra wrote in their 1992 book, Toward a Unified Ecology, “nature is continuous.” What will become of this viridescent salamander is anyone’s guess. Any perceived progression in evolution is always viewed with the twenty-twenty certainty of hindsight. But you can bet that this kind of interspecific “hanky panky” is not exclusive to this relationship, but may instead be a tenet for life itself as it struggles to survive any way it can. Green flames and solar salamanders are but two awe-inspiring colorful combinations in life’s palette. They also represent two reasons why I’m so exhilarated by life’s messy exuberance, part of Darwin’s “entangled bank” of discovery. H. Bruce Rinker, Ph.D. Ecologist, Educator, and Explorer brinker@northcross.org

Perspective

4/22/11 - 4/28/11 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 5

NewsRoanoke.com

Welcome to the United States of Diversity

K, kids! Time for a geography lished. And if he could read the results, pop quiz: where in the world Norman Rockwell wouldn't recognize are the following cities, and this eclectic place: - We've grown 10% in the last 10 years, what do they have in common? 1. An African city, brutally poor, home to about 309MM people to 700,000 people, the vast ma- Across the country, 72% of jority of whom are Black; 2. A the population is White, 16% Latin-American city known for is Hispanic, 12% is Black and about 5% is Asian. That's huge fashion and culture, 2.5MM news: Hispanics are now the people, two-thirds of whom are largest minority group across Hispanic; 3. An Asian city on the country and in more than the Pacific Rim, extremely coshalf of all metro centers. Not mopolitan, 1MM people, evenjust in Texas and California, all ly mixed between Asians and over. non-Asians; 4. A small EuroMike Keeler - Meanwhile, the Black perpean city, just 300,000 people, centage is falling in major citoverwhelmingly White. Give up? Here's a hint. What these ies like New York, Cleveland and St. Louvastly different cities have in common is. Some African-American leaders are is that they are all in the United States. worried that their constituents did not Does that help? The cities are 1. Detroit; fully participate in filling out the Census 2. Miami, 3. San Francisco and 4. Min- (despite a massive marketing campaign neapolis. aimed at them) and now will receive less The 2010 Census has just been pub- than their fair share of federal funds.

- There are many other groups, (3MM Native Americans, a half million Pacific Islanders...) and fully 6% of the country considers itself "Other". - Our two most noteworthy cities are complete hodgepodges. In New York City, 72% of Staten Island is White versus only 27% in the Bronx. Los Angeles is only 8% Black, but in East LA, that number is 50%. - Cedar Rapids is 85% White You can play along! The data is available online in a sortable, searchable format. Just in time to give you hours of springtime-Friday-on-the-job-timewasting pleasure! Go ahead, but beware, it's addictive. Welcome to the United States of Diversity: http://factfinder2.census.gov/main. html. Contact Mike at info@theroanokestar.com

Troubles and Joy On the Road to Santa Theresa

“Push! Come on, puuusssssh; keep…. it.…moving.” Thomas, Jim, and I strain at the bumper of the "Bandierante," our truck. If we can just get it over this little rise we’ve got it made. For the last two days we’ve been traveling in a vehicle with a non-functional charging system and therefore a consistently dead battery. Unable to find a mechanic to successfully diagnose the problem in the small towns through which we’ve passed, we’ve been charging the battery on the fly by jump starting it from other vehicles as we go. We press on to the town of Santa Theresa, where the German expat Thomas assures us there is a mechanic who can fix the problem: "German Bosch trained!" he proudly assert. “It’s the diode!” he exclaims in that thick accent, every time the subject arises. He pronounces it like “coyote” and Jim and I find this funny beyond reason. This part of Brazil, Espirito Santos, was colonized by European immigrants in the late nineteenth century. Prior to that, during the colonial period, the Botocudo Indians held the Portuguese at bay in this mountainous, verdant region. By the time the Italian, German, and Swiss immigrants arrived, the native people had moved westward, and the Europeans settled in this beautiful part of the world for the long term. Like immigrants throughout history, these folks were looking for opportunity, a new lease on life, escape from relatives, that sort of thing. The new land suited them well. “It must be over 1000 meters high…” Jim remarks, nodding toward one of the many soaring spires of black granite found in this province. Such monoliths jut from the Mata Atlantica, the lush forest that once covered all the coastal parts of southern Brazil, and lend an other worldliness to the scene. Along with the granite spires and Mata are expansive coffee fincas- plantations- with occasional rows of banana plants sown like embroidery within the greater quilt of coffee plants. We’ve come here on a good-

Jim Lacheman (foreground) on the back roads of Brazil. will mission and to fly paragliders. "Voo livre" -free flight in Portueguese- is popular in this big country; world class paragliding sites abound. Earlier today we found ourselves flying at a stunning place called Biaxu Guandu with several ever-ebullient Brazilian pilots as well as a Swiss and Polish one too. My headlamp shines with a feeble glow up under the rear of the truck -so much for the hope of no more roadside meditations- as I tighten the wire securing the muffler. Steve, our enthusiastic Brit driver reminds me that this one is a bonus; the truck will run fine without its muffler. Nevertheless, we’ll try to hang on to it if we can. That task completed, I crawl out from beneath the vehicle and brush my hands on my pants. Meanwhile, Thomas is engaged in an animated conversation –he’s the only one of us possessing a working knowledge of Portuguesewith a weathered-faced coffee farmer who is perched on his diesel tractor pulled up next to the Bandierante. The tractor shakes with internal combustion, and from it jumper cables run like umbilical cords to the truck, our battery thirstily taking on juice. Underway again, we laugh at the ridiculousness of our transportation situation. “It’s the story of my life,” I wail with all the drama I can muster. The closer we get to Santa Theresa, the stronger are the echos of Europe, and as we finally pull into town it is easy to imagine that we are in the foothills

Voted “Best Restaurant Overall” By: Roanoker Magazine

(540)-776-1117 Brazilian International Cuisine

Make Every Day A Special Occasion

Dinner or Lunch!

of the Italian Alps. Ahhh, it’s good to be here. Shouldering our dusty packs, we shuffle into the guesthouse just off the cobbled main street. Steve has stayed here before and is acquainted with Merita, the proprietor. She immobilizes him with a smile and a hug fit for a long-lost son. This is Brazil; reservedness need not apply. Our new friends are taking us on a nighttime tour of the town, padding the stone streets and crossing the neat, moonlit village square. We slip into one of the 100-year-old saloons, whose floor is laid with black and white tiles which are cracked and unevenly settled and deeply worn from a century of devoted passage thereon. The walls are dark wooden

panels between masonry columns that stand stoically at intervals. The place breathes with the colorful history of the people who have lived their lives in the comfortable dolce vita of towns like this one. I sit and admire the walls plastered with decades-old notices, and I sip my passion fruit juice, suco de maracuja. I leave to my more intrepid companions the potent cachaca, the famed Brazilian sugar-cane rum. The streets are silent as we head back to the pousada. We pass the unmistakably Italian Igreja Matriz, an old church complete with cupola and roundels. Tomorrow we’ll get the truck fixed, visit the hummingbird museum, and let our hosts show us the local paragliding sites. The day after that we’ll head to the Swiss-settled town of Santa Leopoldina, one of the earliest European colonies of Espirito Santos. But that’s tomorrow. Tonight I dream of endless roads through colorfully shaded lands, a rich heritage, and the smiles and laughter of the kind and generous Brazilians.

On The Hill, overlooking Roanoke County!

rom years age: Herself patchy skin fungus and my is a bit tired of mort- water bill is up. But she tells gage banking and me its all well worth it. "You wants a new job. She would can't put a price on a good love to be an animal curator. `Rrrrrribbitt', Gahv." She so wishes to be involved I'm sure she is right. with animals that she walks We go to the huge warearound the house practicing house store, Sams. I get the animal sounds. For example, cart and move to the middle she will be wiping the of the warehouse and counter and without do ever-enlarging warning, lift her head concentric circles. I and bay at the track get dizzy and sit down lighting, "Whooooo. hard near the Cocoa Whooooo." A wolf Puffs. "Your middle call. A bit unnerving. ear acting up, Gahvin? It’s a combination of You have an attack Lucky Garvin a primal canine matevery time we come ing howl and The Lithere." tle Engine Who Could. She leaves me to go pick "`Hoo-de-hoot'. That's the something up and hollers Great Horned Owl, Gahvin. over her shoulder, "Get me `Hoo-de-hoot'. Now that's some gravy!" I've been here the Barn owl. before. They've got 8 million `Hoo-de-hoot'. And that's varieties of gravy. Minimum. the rare Southern Owl of the I yell to her, "What kind of North, Gahvin. See?" gravy?" Her voice trails back "Honey, if that's truly how to me, they sound, there may be a "The kind I want." fall-off in mating this seaOf course, there's only one son." type of kitty litter she will buy Still, her squirrel chatter is and its three stories up on not too bad actually. It is gen- a rack, little clouds drifting erally rehearsed from our bed by the pallets up there. Must at first light, since that's when set'm in place with a crane. squirrels wake up. "They're Sign says: Don't climb after out looking for nuts, Gahv." the merchandize. "Is this a "Well, I know where they can big problem around here?" find one if they can make it I mumble to myself staring into the bedroom," I grum- straight up. "People bring in ble. Her squirrel chatter and grappling hooks, pinions and crow calls are quite the envy oxygen masks to buy kitty litof the neighborhood. ter? Small tents to pitch for When she cuts loose with the night half way up the side her raccoon trill, it is pure of the rack?" Not me, Clyde. melody for those of you who I'm going to risk my life so a are interested. This may be cat can doo-doo in conforheard from our bedroom mity with upper middle class window 11 PM to 3AM; expectations? Right. Nope, I you will recall that raccoons much prefer a natural death. are nocturnal.( I wish they weren't.) Her wolf call is Contact Lucky at coming along but her `Rrrrrinfo@theroanokestar.com ribbitt' practiced in the bathtub, I mean, it is a frog call after all; (frogs-water, get it?) needs work as she would be the first to admit. So she practices; takes 8-10 baths per day, has developed a

Contact John Robinson at jwrobinson77@gmail.com

Ugly

Bath Tub? It's In The

Greg and Julie Robert's Kitchen

Details...

Every Job... Small Or Large!

777-0456

4 3 2 5 O L D C AV E SP R I N G R D, R OA N O K E

QT C

From Chip Repairs to Complete Refinshing Remove Old Tub and Install New Tub or Walk in Shower Complete Bathroom Remodeling

Quality Tub Care Call Now: 992-2406 or Visit Us at www.qualitytubcare.com

Cabinetry & Countertops

C H EC K O U T H U G E MO NT H LY S AV I NG S ! ! !

Saturday April 30th Noon - 5pm

Route 122, Downtown Moneta

Smokin’ Good BBQ Rockin’ Live Music Family Fun for Everyone $5 Admission (12 & under free) Call 1-540-721-1203 or go to: www.visitsmithmountainlake.com

Signature Sponsor

4167 Electric Road,

A Husband’s Diary – Entry #2177

with Special Guest: Wilson Fairchild

Tickets on Sale NOW!!

THURSDAY, MAY 5, 7:30 PM

Tickets: Salem Civic Center Box Office, www.ticketmaster.com and charge by phone (800) 745-3000. Service charges apply at outlets, online and phone orders.

Celebrating Easter

Page 6 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 4/22/11 - 4/28/11

Preacher’s Corner - The “Chreaster” Christian Recently, I asked a friend of my daughters what church she went to and received the following reply: "We go to 'So and So, Typical, Episcopal, Lutheran, Presbyterian Church . . .' But we only go at Christmas and Easter . . . That's the only time my Mom and Dad really take me . . ." Ah ha, I thought - they're Christmas-Easter Christians - or "Chreastians" as they're sometimes known. It set me to thinking about such a practice. Of course, as a Church leader I was dismayed because from my perspective those folks should be thanking both God and their lucky stars for their many blessings each week (not the least of which was this beautiful child) and offering meaningful worship to the Creator that gave them life. But what really steamed my craw (I think I'm mixing my metaphors there!) was the fact that this girl who is in her very formative teen years, had so little opportunity to consider and investigate the spiritual part of her nature. And believe me that part of her nature is alive, whether they know it or not. Now I could be wrong, I suppose, I mean maybe her parents go over all sorts of spiritual considerations in their household on a regular basis. But you know what - I doubt it. Because my experience is that most of us are too caught up in the pace of modern life with all its technological "advantages" (see Stephanie Koehler's column) and "opportunities" that fill one's life to overflowing . . . But flowing into what? Mostly an overwhelmed state of busy-ness, and exhaustion that leads to complete distraction from the more important things in life. And that's why moms and dads, in addition to their spirit / faith

R E M E M B ER I N G EA S TER Maundy Thursday Service: April 21st, 7PM

by Stuart Revercomb

starved children, need to come up for air and re-ground themselves each week at a place of worship that truly suits them. Whether that's a high energy and fast paced sort of service (Dwight Steele's wonderful church, Pilgrim Baptist comes to mind) or something more reflective and quiet (there are so many good ones.) Helping you keep tuned to those "most important things" is a very big part of the Church's job. In fact, here's a big tip and you don't have to say you heard it from me: Being in right relationship with God tends to solve a whole lot of problems. Maybe a good way to think about it is to consider your senses. Really, for just a moment stop and consider what it would feel like to live the rest of your life in total silence - unable to hear a sound - ever. Really, stop reading right now and imagine that reality. Cover your ears if you need to. Go on - do it for 10 seconds or longer. Got it? Well, that's what you're missing when you don't exercise the spiritual part of your being - and just like all of your senses inform one another, so likewise does your spiritual health influence both your mental and physical health as well. And that works in all directions. Mind, Body and Spirit - the Apostle Paul, Gandhi and many others have all had it right. So if you're looking for a new beginning and are tired of being so inundated with the cacophony of the world, but so deaf to the more beautiful sounds of life, go on and be a "Chreastian" this weekend - and then keep on seeking to be one week in and week out. In some ways those of us who have the greater part of their "walk" before them should be considered the most blessed. So very much to discover . . . So very much true Joy ahead. A Most Blessed Easter to All.

The Happy Chef

EASTER

Be Our Guest

As We Begin An Exciting New Series HOT TOPICS!

A come and go event for the entire family to experience the “Stations of the Cross.”

Easter Sunday, April 24th: Services at 9AM and 11AM

1st Time Guests on Easter receive $10 Kroger or Sheetz Gift Card (One Per Family)

ONE CHURCH TWO LOCATIONS

Sunday School for infants through 6th grade during both services.

North Campus

(Read Mtn. Middle School) 182 Orchard Hill Drive Cloverdale, VA 24077 540-986-1117 Sun 10:45am

w w w.orchardhillschurch.org

6032 Cloverdale Road, Roanoke, VA 24019

mother took me) to the church where we worship the giver of all gifts - the most important gift being His very life and Love. May you too know that Peace this year as you celebrate Easter. 2 Tbs. butter 2 Tbs. milk 6 eggs, room temperature 2 Tbs. shallot, minced 6 Tbs. tomato, deseeded and small diced 2 Tbs. fresh basil, minced -Crack all six eggs in a bowl. Be careful not to break the yolks. -Set your broiler on high and position the rack at about 6-8 inches from heat. Add the butter to a shallow gratin dish and place under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, or until bubbly but not brown. Remove from the broiler. -Add the milk to the butter and gently slide the eggs into the dish. Sprinkle the top of the eggs with the shallots. Season with salt and pepper. -Return the dish back to the broiler. Cook the eggs for an additional 3-4 minutes or until the whites have completely cooked through. Watch the tops to make sure the yolks don’t burn. Remove from the broiler. Sprinkle with tomato and basil and serve.

Harmony EQUESTRIAN CENTER, LLC

APRIL 23 & 24

Good Friday “Journey to the Cross”: April 22nd, 6PM-8PM

by Leigh Sackett

Basil and Tomato Baked Eggs

hen I think of what to prepare for Easter breakfast or lunch or dinner I obviously feel the desire for the meals to be really special and memorable; so I begin to search through recipes. It is then that I am struck by the feeling that there is nothing on this earth I could prepare that would even give half a measure to the magnitude and glory of such a day. But instead of feeling frustrated with this realization, I feel blessed. For this is what we should feel – insignificant in the light of things, yet so grateful to be loved and chosen for such a wondrous gift as God’s unlimited Love. On Easter morning I get up early and watch the sunrise when the weather allows; it always seems so much bigger than life and I am overwhelmed at the thought that it exists so that I may have life. I serve my family more of the gifts that sustain our Stuart Revercomb is the Minister at Peace Presbyterian Church and lives – eggs with fresh basil and tomatoes – good things brought the Publisher of this newspaper. You may reach him at rev@cox.net. forth from the earth. I laugh at the fact that my children contemplate how a giant bunny gets in the house to leave candy. And I take those children dressed in their pastel spring best (as my

Special guest will be Norm Arrington who will present a Biblical monologue of the "Last Supper" in conjunction with Communion. Childcare will be provided.

NewsRoanoke.com

Where Friendships Are Made.

Lessons All Levels Vacation Programs Workshops

Salem Campus 1226 Red Lane Ext. Salem, VA 24153 540-387-3200

Sat @ 4:15 & 6:00pm Sun @ 8:30, 10:00 & 11:30am

www.fcclife.org

Contact Stacey

978-618-3273 Fincastle, VA

Join us...

Ponnie’s Boutique

w w w.harmonyequestriancenter.com

..for the Easter Drama “A LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS”

4005 Old Town Rd Shawsville, VA 540-268-5404 ponnies@yahoo.com

Our Lady of Nazareth

Catholic Church A FAMILY RESTAU

www.oln-parish.org RANT

Celebrate at The Great 611 Steak Company Come

Sun. - Thur. 11am - 9pm • Fri. & Sat. 11am - 10pm

3830 Franklin Rd Roanoke VA 24014 540-989-4675 • www.thegreat611steakco.com

2505 Electric Road, Roanoke VA, 24018 !

Presbyterian Church in America

ESTMINSTER

Westminster Presbyterian Church invites the community to join their Holy Week services: April 21 (Maundy Thursday) at 7:00 p.m. A service of scripture and hymns focusing on events from the last supper to Christ’s burial. Good Friday from noon to 3:00 pm The church sanctuary will be open to the public for individual meditation and prayer. All are welcome to come and go as your schedules permit. Written materials will be available to assist your meditation. Easter morning at 6:30 a.m. Celebrating an Easter sunrise service at Cedar Lawn Memorial Cemetery on Cove Road. Easter morning at 10:30 a.m. A joy filled worship service in the church sanctuary. Read more about the church at www.westpca.org. Westminster is located on Peters Creek Road next to Duncan Acura Car Dealership

Easter Blessings to You and Your Family! From the staff at the Roanoke Star-Sentinel

Friday, April 22 & Saturday, April 23 at 7:30PM and the Easter Sunrise Service on Sunday April 24th These events are FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC You will not want to miss them!

1250 East Main St., Salem, VA 24153

(540) 389-1049

www.sherwoodmemorialpark.com

Sports

4/22/11 - 4/28/11 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 7

Cave Spring Defeats Blacksburg 4-2 To Wild Bill’s Weekly Sports Roundup Remain Perfect In River Ridge Baseball Cave Spring plated three runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to erase a 2-1 Blacksburg lead as the Knights won their third consecutive River Ridge game Tuesday afternoon at the Knights Field. Cave Spring had little luck against Bruin left-

handed starter Ben Fraley until a misplayed grounder allowed Knight base runner Zack Utterback to score the tieing run in the sixth. Cave Spring followed the Bruin miscue with two hits to take the 4-2 lead, reliever Storm Furrow shut down the Blacksburg bats to pick up the win. Below: Cave Spring catcher Jeremy Wimmer heads to the dugout as home plate umpire Ben Minton rings up a Blacksburg batter.

Knight base runner #5 Storm Furrow slides safely into second to beat the Blacksburg relay.

By Bill Turner info@newsroanoke.com

Cave Spring Club Lacrosse Defeats Forest Cavaliers 17-4

After splitting off from the Southwest County lacrosse team, the Cave Spring club lacrosse team is making its mark on the high school lacrosse scene. Playing its home game on the upper Cave Spring field, they easily defeated a club squad from Forest 17-4 last Wednesday afternoon. The team is known as the Warhawks since it currently has students from Lord Botetourt and Glenvar on its roster.

Cave Spring attacker #8 Nick Bondurant (black jersey) circles behind the Forest goal while applying pressure during a penalty opportunity.

By Bill Turner info@newsroanoke.com

High school baseball and softball moved into high gear this week as teams are starting to establish their position in district races. In Wild Bill’s baseball Top-3, Hidden Valley remains atop the pack with an impressive 8-1 record. The Titans are showing strength both on the mound and with their bats in the early going. Lord Botetourt (11-3) and Salem (8-3) hold down the other two spots. Breakthrough teams include Cave Spring, with three straight River Ridge wins, and North Cross, at 10-3. The Wild Bill softball Top3 got a shake-up this week after William Byrd’s convincing 6-0 win over defending state champion Northside. The Terriers (10-3) take over the top spot, followed by the Vikings (9-2) and newcomer Cave Spring (7-5). The Lady Knights have won four straight games by three runs or less to evidence their fortitude in the close ones. The sizzling game of the week belonged to North Cross with their 23-0 win over Roanoke Valley Christian. North Cross slugger Thomas Weaver belted three home runs in the game while Craig Hoelzer continues to be one of the area’s leaders in batting average. Interestingly, it was the first loss of the season for RVCS. North Cross has scored 20 or more runs in four of its wins. It was a big day at Patrick Henry’s Gainer Field last Thursday as new Patriot head football coach Alan Fiddler was introduced to the media and PH players. Fiddler brings a coaching background that includes a seven-year stint in the college ranks at Division II Glenville State, and ten

years at the high school level at the road. Moorefield (WV) that includes Now for a quick look at this six state championships. week’s mailbox: University of Richmond Dear Wild Bill- Can I ashead basketball coach Chris sume you don’t think Tiger Mooney had the RoaWoods is a gentleman noke Valley Sports golfer? (Gene/Salem) Club laughing MonAnswer: Makes no day night when he told matter what I think. of his early coaching But, earlier this week duties as head coach a Norfolk journalist of Division III Beaver called Woods a certiCollege (now Arcafiable jerk. Somebody dia University). The must know somePennsylvania instituthing to certify it. Bill Turner tion of higher learnDear Mr. Wild ing had as its campus center- - When Hokie head football piece, Grey Tower Castle. The coach Frank Beamer retires in stone castle was popular for a few years, and Sean Beamer weddings, and Mooney took is named the new Tech coach, on the extra duty as wedding will Cheryl Beamer retain Bud coordinator for those wanting Foster as defensive coordinato tie the knot at Grey Tower. tor? (Hoos fan/CharlottesWith the success of the Spiders ville) and his new 10-year contract, Answer- I know you’re pullI suspect Mooney will be more ing my leg, Hoos fan. But it did likely to be throwing cash, get a chuckle. than rice, in the future. Hats off to everyone who “I never forget a face ... but braved the elements in the in your case I’ll gladly make an National College Blue Ridge exception” - Groucho Marx Marathon Saturday. That includes the volunteers and law Send your inquiries to; info@ enforcement who guided the newsroanoke.com runners. It was a true test of grit for those who completed the entire 26.2 mile course. At By Bill Turner the height of the deluge, I had info@newsroanoke.com trouble just keeping my car in

CLOCKMAN ClockÊRepair

Isn’t it about TIME you got that clock repaired?

Expert Clock Repair

On all Spring and Weight Driven Antique and Modern Clocks Free Estimates | Makes House Calls

Authorized Service Center for Howard Miller and Ridgeway Clocks

904-2299 | w w w.clock manclock repair.com

presents

Some common MYTHS about cat health:

Where FUN and FRIENDS Create a SWEET Summer! Summer Camp 2011: Jun 13 - Aug 19

•Swimming at Star City Splash-Our Private Pool! Present this Coupon •Visits to Star City Skate Center & Thunder Valley •Rock Climbing, Zip Lines, Squirrel Swings ...too fun! at any HoneyTree Location prior to April 29 and •Virtual“Wipe Out”Obstacle Course...good luck! SAVE $30 •Free T-Shirt & Sports Bag Included! on your Summer Camp Rising 1st Graders - 12 Year Olds Registration Fee!

Registration Fee: $100 Per Child

Warhawks #12 Trent Settles (in black jersey) heads upfield looking for an offensive drive.

Call (540) 344-4543 for More Information www.honeytreeelc.com

StarSentinel Savings William’s Carpet Bring thisCleaning coupon in for a

Free carpet cleaner in Kid’s Meal! the Valley.Ó

ÒIÕm the slowest You Break it...WE Fix It

Buy one entrée and receive a free kid’s meal after 5p.m.

2 Rooms and a Hall: Expires $754/30/2011

Call or Stop By We Accept Mondays - Saturdays 5 Rooms and aLimitHall: $155 2 kid’s meals per table. All Major 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

400-8800

Credit Cards 306 6th Street, Roanoke 540.265.3555 • 4802 Valley View Blvd,765-7144 Roanoke Danny Williams • 989-1825 • Cell

-Cats are naturally healthier and more problem-free than dogs -Feline health problems come from outside and don't affect indoor cats -Cats will display visible signs of illness like dogs do

The truth is, cats need regular veterinary care, including annual exams and vaccinations, just like dogs do. And because they are naturally good at hiding signs of illness. We believe that annual exam and/or blood testing are especially important for early diagnosis of health problems.

Phone: 562-4596 Emergency Service:563-8575 1910 Loch Haven Dr. • hangingrockah.com

Find out more about these businesses from their other full advertisements found in this issue!

Glazed Bisque-It Pottery Painting Studio

50%

Tues-Thurs

discount on studio fee for walk-ins 985-4567

120 Campbell Ave, SE | www.glazedbisque-it.com Downtown between Market Sq. and Williamson Rd.

Free Appetizer

$100

Diagnostic Testing

4341 Starkey Road • 540-774-0171

with the Purchase of Two Regular Priced Entrees. Any of the Following Appetizers Qualify: Onion Rings, Zucchini, Fried Calamari, Cheesy Fried Potatoes.

10%

all labor and materials 10%OFF Please present coupon after estimate.

776-9591 | carpetroanoke.com

Full Custom & Contract Framing Services Division of Blue Ridge Moulding, Inc. Supplying Retailers & Distributors since 1981

This coupon can not be used with any other specials or coupons.

1336 Peter’s Creek Rd NW, Roanoke, VA 24017 (540) 562-1870 • www.parkersseafood.com Expires: 4/30/2011

Place Your Coupon Discount Touchless drive thru car washes may be cheap or faster, Here at the same time theyAd use recycled water soap suds forand Veterans car after car. While at Howards Car Care we are clean water on &using their famies! and get results! every car. Howards Car REAL Care

Free Pick-up & Delivery or Detailed at Your Home!

Steven W. D ur ran ce Fl o or s

The Picture Frame Outlet

experience detailing. Sealcoating Services Rejuvenate and Protect! Oil Change Buy 1 Hand Wash & Wax and Window Tinting Call the Roanoke Star Sentinel today: also Available!

Get 2nd HALF OFF! 540-556-6156 w w w . s e a400-0990 l c o a t i n g Save s o l u t$34.99 ions.com

293-6441

619 WARWICK ST. • ROANOKE, VA 24015 • 343-1751 • MON-FRI 9-4 WWW.THEPICTUREFRAMEOUTLET.COM

MORE THAN A TOUCH

Monday through Sat 10AM-8PM N a i l , H a i r & B a r b e r 5 4 0 -8 5 7 -0 0 4 4 • 3 22 7 M elrose Ave, R oanoke VA, 24 01 7

Place Your Coupon 10% OFF AdYOUR Here1st VISIT Nailand Care getBarber Beauty Salon Careresults! REAL Gel Nail All women need hairdone. Cut All

Gina Smith

Tonny Holland

Jeanett D. Wade

Pedicare & Manicure Curly Perm Men and Kids Acrylic Nail Relaxer,Tint Nail Design 3D Roanoke11th Call the Star Sentinel today: Press and Curl,Hair cuts Much More Haircut Free Conditioners,Frostings 11th Filling Free

540-206-8977

400-0990 540-793-6103

540-366-9534

Sports

Page 8 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 4/22/11 - 4/28/11

Alan Fiddler Named Patrick Henry Head Football Coach

University Of Richmond Basketball Coach Speaks at Roanoke Valley Sports Club Who would had ever imagined that not one but two men’s basketball teams from the city of Richmond would make it to the Sweet 16 round or further in the recently-concluded NCAA men’s basketball championships? Yet that is exactly what happened, as Virginia Commonwealth shocked the world by making it all the way to the Final Four. Right behind them was the University of Richmond, which advanced to the Sweet 16. Richmond Spiders head coach Chris Mooney, the guest at the most recent meeting of the Roanoke Valley Sports Club, was a subject of speculation during the tournament – as was VCU coach Shaka Smart – with major basketball schools looking for new head coaches. Mooney instead signed a tenyear contract extension with Richmond, saying he appreciated the support received from athletic director Jim Millers and others. “I knew I wanted to stay,” Mooney told Sports Club members and guests, which included a number of Richmond alumni. Mooney, who sounds like the Philadelphia-area kid that he is, was a high school standout who went on to a solid career at Princeton. He taught and coached in grade and high schools before getting a headcoaching job at Division III Beaver College. There, Mooney did everything from wash uniforms to wedding planning. His first team had only six players on the

Reception Items

Photo by Bill Turner

Chris Mooney (left) with Sports Club Vice President Dave Ross. roster. “Very difficult,” recalls Mooney, who was just 25 at the time. “It’s a long way from there to Richmond.” Mooney made it to Division I basketball as an assistant head coach at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, and became head coach for one season, earning an 18-12 record. He came back east to accept the Richmond job in 2005 leading the Spiders to the NCAA postseason tourney in 2009 and 2011. “It's incredibly humbling for me every time I walk in the Robbins Center,” says Mooney of the Spider’s home gym. Ironically, one of the basketball players he often sees out on the court practicing is Abby Oliver – former Hidden Valley High School standout and a guard for the women’s team at Richmond. “A great worker [and] great representative for the school,” notes Mooney. When he took the Richmond

Tables Chairs China Linens Center Pieces Arches Trees Gazebos White Lattice Screens

Aztec Rental Center 2069 Apperson Dr. Salem 989.1231 • aztecrental.com

Garden Occasions

GRAND RENTAL STATION 1000 Vinyard Rd. Vinton 343.1000 • grandrentalvinton.com

job, Mooney took over a program that had been down. He decided to recruit players of good character and after an initial 8-22 season things started getting better in the Atlantic 10, which he called “a very good conference.” As for cross-town rivals VCU, Mooney terms it “a very good rivalry,” and “an amazing thing that both schools did so well [this season].” Mooney loses four seniors from this season’s Sweet 16 squad but felt the program has “recruited well,” even luring one high school senior away from several ACC offers. “We can be very good at Richmond for a long time,” he declared. “Having actual footage of that much [post season] success is very important” when recruiting, added Mooney. “We feel like we were able to compete with some schools for good players.” Sweet 16 finishes and national TV exposure will do that for recruiting, even for a small private school where the undergraduate population is less than 3000. Mooney also called Roanoke a “great sports town,” when thanking club members for the invite. The club meets every month except during the summer at the Salem Civic Center. “We’ve gotten some good speakers here,” said Sports Club Vice President Dave Ross as he introduced Mooney. By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

West Virginia native Alan Fiddler was named the new head football coach at Patrick Henry High School last Thursday afternoon at Gainer Field. Fiddler replaces former PH coach Brad Bradley, who is moving to Amelia County High School to assume dual responsibilities of head football coach and athletic director. Bradley had been at PH for two years. Fiddler brings extensive experience to the Patriots. He previously was the head coach at NCAA Division II Glenville State College (WV) where he had a winning record of 45-32

BE GREEN!

45 OFF

Our Tune-up is Guaranteed! Your System will not break down.

A SERVICE CALL OR TUNE-UP

Cannot be combined with other offers or towards Diagnostic fees.

If your system fails within 120 days of our tune-up then the tune-up is free!!!!

By Bill Turner info@newsroanoke.com

Alan Fiddler was introduced Thursday as Patrick Henry’s new head football coach.

Golf Tournament To Raise Funds For Ecuador

“’Go ye and preach the Gospel’- Five Do and Die” reads the headline in Life Magazine’s January 30, 1956 issue. Fifty five years later, a group of 10 Roanoke teenagers and adults will return to the area from where this shocking news originated. Prior to 1956, the beautiful land located on the equator in the dense Amazon rainforest was the home to what turned out to be a very dangerous indigenous tribe. But as a result of five missionaries giving their lives and the continued effort by their families, this area has become open to mission work. After hearing the stories of what was called “Operation Auca” and seeing the movie “End of the Spear,” Jason Cockayne, youth pastor at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church in Roanoke, felt

TUNING UP YOUR HEATING SYSTEM WILL SAVE 10% ON HEATING COSTS IN ADDITION TO REDUCING 350LBS OF CO2 EMISSIONS.

The Most Comprehensive Tune-Up in the Area

over seven years. He also was head coach at Moorefield High School in West Virginia for seven seasons ('93-'99), and, after an assistants job at Marshall University, returned to Moorefield for an additional three seasons (2001-03). In the ten total years at Moorefield, Fiddler won six West Virginia Class A state championships, going 98-28 in the process. Fiddler is married to wife, Amy. They have four children.

Brazilian International Cuisine 4167 Electric Road

(540)-776-1117

on June 27th. The tournament, being held at Roanoke Country Club, will not only help send them to serve the people of Ecuador, but will also help meet some of the financial needs of a specific Compassion International site as well. “Because we believe Christians should do things with excellence, we want this golf tournament to be a first-class experience for all those who participate,” Jason shares. The tournament will have prizes for the top 10 teams, closest to the pin, farthest drive and will also offer a memorabilia auction as well as food for all participants. Currently, their biggest need is for additional corporate sponsors to join them in making this event as successful as possible.

called to serve this area. “The first thing I felt burdened to do was to sponsor a child in this area through Compassion International,” says Jason. “My wife and I sponsor a little girl for $38 a month to provide her with her basic life needs and more. Soon after, the teenagers at our church began to also sponsor a girl in this area by donating their change every week.” Along with sponsoring a child in Ecuador, the group of teenagers and youth leaders have decided to travel to the Amazon jungles in Ecuador to help run a children’s camp and to visit their sponsored children. To help cover the costs for this trip (over $2,000 per person), the team is hosting the "Compassion International Golf Tournament,"

To find out more visit www. MPBaptist.com/golf.htm or call Mount Pleasant Baptist Church at 540-427-5494.

Special

Lunch Prices

Monday Through Friday

Send sports pictures, announcements and story ideas to

11:30am-2pm

Lunch Menu Items Under $10

info@newsroanoke.com

EVEN MORE LUNCH ITEMS TO CHOOSE FROM

INSTALL A

TRANE

LIKE ''The Salem Civic Center' on FACEBOOK

HIGH EFFICIENCY XL SYSTEM

AND SAVE

UP TO 50%

Event

BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU SECURE YOUR ID DAY

CALL THE WOODS FAMILY TODAY! #1 IN SERVICE SINCE 1985 We’re open on Saturdays!

SALEM GUN & KNIFE TRADERS SHOW

ZAC BROWN BAND

w/ BLACKBERRY SMOKE

$40

Tickets

NO CHARGE LIMIT 3 CONTAINERS

FREE

Sat, April 30 Sun, May 1

9:00 am – 5:00 pm 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Arena

Day of Event

Admission - $8 Children 12 & under free when accompanied by an adult

VISIT CEGUNSHOWS.COM

Wed, May 4

Pit $59.50 Field G/A $49.50 Stands $49.50 all except Salem Stadium $39.50 in last section from stage Section E

7:00 pm

On Sale Now!

Thu, May 5

and

WILSON FAIRCHILD

7:30 pm

Reserved seat tickets: $39.50 & $29.50

Arena

On Sale Now!

Adult Book: $37 Youth Book: $22 Adult Day: $11 Youth Day: $7

Moyer Sports Complex

TBA

$25 Advance $30 at Door

Arena

On Sale Now!

Adult Book: $37 Youth Book: $22 Adult Day: $11 Youth Day: $7

Moyer Sports Complex

TBA

$4 Weekend Pass Children under 16 free when accompanied by an adult

Arena

Day of Event

Reserved seat tickets: $45, $40 & $20

Arena

On Sale Now!

VISIT GEORGEJONES.COM

NCAA DIVISION III SOFTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

May 20- 23

TBA

VISIT SALEMCHAMPIONSHIPS.COM

SHRIMPFEST

Sat, May 21

6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

PRESENTED BY SALEM / ROANOKE CO. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOUNDATION 540.387.0267

NCAA DIVISION II SOFTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

May 26-30

ROANOKE VALLEY SPRING BEAD, GEM, MINERAL & JEWELRY SHOW

Fri, May 27 Sat, May 28 Sun, May 29

TBA

VISIT SALEMCHAMPIONSHIPS.COM

The Tournament will begin at 7:30 am, Friday, April 29th, at FoxPort Marina (now Gill’s Creek Marina) on Smith Mountain Lake and continue through 12:00 Noon, Sunday, May 1st. All entries must be caught and weighed in between these hours.

TICKETS are

8:00 am - 11:00 am

Setup Parking Lot in front of the Stadium

VISIT ZACBROWNBAND.COM

GEORGE JONES

Prizes awarded up to $15,000 CASH!

Tournament!

Sat, April 30

Prices

CONCEALED CARRY CLASS 11:00 am – 2:30 pm EACH DAY

Fishing Tournament

43rd Annual Fishing

Time

CONTACT THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU AT 540.342.3455

ON YOUR HEATING AND COOLING COSTS 540-992-3944

The Cave Spring Optimist Club

Date

2011

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Registration Information: Call Carol at 540-588-3502

ROANOKE SYMPHONY BRITISH INVASION

10:00 am – 6:00 pm 10:00 am – 6:00 pm 11:00 am – 6:00 pm VISIT TOTESHOW.COM

Sat, June 4

8:00 pm

A ROCK/CONCERT EVENT

FOR RESERVED TABLES PLEASE CALL THE ROANOKE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA AT 540.343.9127

GREAT RACE

Sun, June 12

40th ANNUAL

Mon, June 20 Tue, June 21 Wed, June 22 Thu, June 23 Fri, June 24 Sat, June 25

BLANK

Parking Lot

FREE

Super Pass Mon-Wed Adults $16 / Children (2-12) $8 Mon, Tue, or Wed Adults $8 / Children (2-12) $4 Thu & Fri Adults $12 / Children (2-12) $6 Saturday Adults $15 / Children (2-12) $7

Arena

On Sale April 21

Salem Civic Center Grounds

TBA

GREATRACE.COM

ROANOKE VALLEY

HORSE SHOW

RSO.COM

NO CHARGE

5:20 pm

~ Saturday Grand Prix

6:00 pm 6:00 pm 6:00 pm 6:00 pm 6:00 pm 6:00 pm

VISIT ROANOKEVALLEYHORSESHOW.COM

24th ANNUAL

SALEM FAIR

Thu, June 30 Fri, July 1 Sat, July 2 Sun, July 3 Mon, July 4 Tue, July 5 Wed, July 6 Thu, July 7 Fri, July 8 Sat, July 9 Sun, July 10

4:00 pm - 11:00 pm 4:00 pm - 11:00 pm 12:00 pm -11:00 pm 12:00 pm -11:00 pm 4:00 pm - 11:00 pm 4:00 pm - 11:00 pm 4:00 pm - 11:00 pm 4:00 pm - 11:00 pm 4:00 pm - 11:00 pm 12:00 pm -11:00 pm 12:00 pm -11:00 pm

FREE GATE ADMISSION BLANK RIDE TICKET PRICES TBA

VISIT SALEMFAIR.COM

For tickets, visit the Salem Civic Center Ticket Office, Ticketmaster.com or charge-by-phone at 800.745.3000 Convenience charges apply to all tickets except those purchased at the Salem Civic Center Ticket Office. ALL LISTED INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE.

Printed 4/18/2011

4/22/11 - 4/28/11 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 9

NewsRoanoke.com

Commentary - Elmwood Park Proposal Needs Closer Look

Gene Marrano's article last week, "City Manager Takes Elmwood Park Plan on the Road" raises some important questions. In my opinion this plan is a rough road, fraught with bumps and pot holes who's fixes are simply too costly in these austere times. The City Manager ask for input from the Parks Advisory Board. If the Advisory Board acts on behalf of the citizens of Roanoke it will take his request seriously and should advise against this project at this point in time. In my letter to the Roanoke Times on March 14th. I accused council of wanting to destroy the natural hillside amphitheater. I received an email from Council Bill Bestpitch, harshly criticizing that statement and even questioning my ability to serve on the Parks Advisory Board. What does that say about city council? Should all members who they appoint to boards and commissions only have opinions that agree with theirs? Yet City Manager's Morill's plan does indeed call for a terracing of the hillside. I guess its all in the definition of "destroying" something that is natural.

The public needs to understand this whole process of "improving Elmwood Park" is more about council and the business community pushing the need for a amphitheater down our throats at any and all cost, just like we "needed the Taubman." As stated in Marrano's article the amphitheater would be the first phase of the project. Mr. Morill says he wants a vibrant park that can be used for events other than festivals. He refers to one in Savannah, GA where he came from. Mr. Morill, we do not have a population over three hundred thousand like Savannah. We are not Savannah, we are not Charlotte, nor do we want to be. "WE ARE ROANOKE" and we just want what we can presently afford - a cleaner, greener, well maintained Roanoke. What the city manager is proposing is tantamount to a person who has trouble making their home payments with a poor credit rating, not enough money to clothe the kids, in need of car and house repairs and deciding it's time for a back yard makeover. This would be totally irresponsibility for a person to do. How is it

Commentary - The End Is Near . . . ?

responsible for the city to do? They tore down Victory Stadium opposed by a majority of the voting public. Now, two years in a row they are touting the success of the "Down by the River" concerts, pitching huge tents for this event. Why is there not bells going off in heads as to this being the proper and best location for an amphitheater - when and if we could (or should?) afford one? I find it utterly amazing, that given all the cuts back to basic services in the city and shortage of money for schools, that the article mentions adding more parks to our system. The city can't maintain the most basic maintenance of cutting grass around the city, yet has 5 million to spend on Elmwood Park and wants to add more parks to its inventory? Something is fundamentally wrong here. If you agree, you should attend the City Council's Public input hearing on April 28th at 7 PM in Council Chambers. You don't have to speak, just come show your support for sound spending of your tax dollars. -E. Duane Howard, Roanoke

Letter - City Still Making Bad Decisions Dear Editor You would think our today leaders would have learned from some of the dumb decisions our past leaders made, when they voted to demolish such a grand landmark as The Victory Stadium. By the way citizens were given bricks from the stadium to lessen their hurt. Some one has come up with another bright idea, eliminate the half hour valley metro services

in the morning and late afternoon. That could mean 17 to 18 drivers would lose their jobs. Yet up to $300,000 dollars may be spent to study the Elmwood Park Project. Shame on The Star City of the south, if this plan does take place, you will be adding to the unemployment rolls as well as the welfare rolls. I noticed there wasn't anything mentioned about the trolley car. They run every 15

minutes, and it's free to ride. I suppose the trolley can run on fresh air, and the drivers have volunteered to drive the buses. Our leaders can and should find the money to keep the peak hour services moving. Be thankful that I only have one vote to cast. -Josephine Hutcheson, Roanoke

Commentary - Goodlatte Defends Policy I want to take this opportunity to respond to the uninformed advertisement that ran in last week’s Roanoke Star Sentinel. Obviously the organizers behind this ad failed to do their research. Otherwise, they would have found that I have in fact taken a strong position on President Obama’s recent actions in Libya and my concerns have been well publicized by several local media outlets including a recent story that ran in the Roanoke Times. As everyone is well aware, on March 18th, President Obama met with Congressional leaders to inform them of U.S. action against Libya. The following day, U.S. forces, at the command of President Obama, began attacking targets, controlled by Libyan dictator Moammar Gaddafi, by air. I think most Americans, including myself, agree that seeing Moammar Gadhafi and his regime of thugs removed from power would be a good thing. However, I think most Americans, including myself, also feel strongly that American forces should not be committed to this kind of mission without the consent of the U.S. Congress. President Obama cites the War Powers Resolution of 1973 as giving him the authority to commit U.S. forces to the mission in Libya. However, the War Powers Resolution clearly states that the President's powers as Commander in Chief to introduce U.S. forces into hostilities can be exercised only when a

declaration of war has been issued, specific statutory authorization has been given or in the event of a national emergency created by an attack on the United States or its forces. While the President did notify Congress of the use of force, he has failed to define the mission in Libya and America's role in achieving that mission before committing troops in Libya. For that reason, Congress is currently evaluating the steps taken by the President in Libya to determine if he has violated the law. In addition, I am a cosponsor and strong supporter of two resolutions introduced by Representative Tom Cole which require both the Secretaries of Defense and State to provide the House of Representatives with all documentation that their Departments posses which relate to any consultation with Congress regarding the military action the U.S. has taken in Libya. I am also a cosponsor of a resolution recently introduced by Representative Ron Paul of Texas, which expresses the sense of the Congress that the President is required to obtain in advance specific authorization for the use of U.S. Armed Forces in response to civil unrest in Libya. Rest assured that I will continue calling on our Congressional

leaders to hold a vote on the Constitutional authority of the President to use force in Libya. Finally, anytime constituents have a question about my position on the important issues facing our nation I encourage them to be in contact with me. Every day I receive hundreds of phone calls, e-mails, faxes and letters from folks all across the 6th Congressional District and as your elected Representative in Washington, D.C. nothing is more important to me than the thoughts and concerns of my constituents. -Congressman Bob Goodlatte

Howard’s Car Care

6 Month Guarantee on Hand Wash Wax APPOINTMENT ONLY

Vehicles Washed-Polished

$69.99

Hand Wash & Wax (Exterior Only) Complete Car Detailing - 35 Yrs Experience Oil Change Available

MKB REALTORS

apocalypse is under way, and encouraging his followers to head for the hills. In either case, the tens of thousands of people dutifully following his teachings will be sorely disappointed. The tragic results of Camping’s failed predictions will be clearly seen in the spiritual harm done to his followers. With these hurting souls in mind, I have contacted Reverend Camping and made a personal offer. I will take over ownership of his ministry on May 22nd of this year. If the Rapture has occurred as predicted, I will continue broadcasting his teachings on all 125 of his radio stations until the FINAL END on October 21st. His ministry will go on without him, preaching God’s judgment faithfully. If, however, the rapture does not occur, I will use his radio stations to minister to his hurting followers, and then liquidate the ministry assets and donate the proceeds to legitimate Christian ministries. Unfortunately, like every effective cult leader, he refuses to entertain any possibility that his predictions are wrong. He refuses to consider any plans past May 21st, and so will give me no response to my sincere offer. We can only hope that his followers react to their coming disappointment by turning their backs on Camping rather than turning their backs on God. As for me, I will be contacting Harold Camping again on May 22nd. My sincere offer still stands. David Duncombe is a teacher of High-School biblical studies at Parkway Christian Academy in Roanoke.

Computer Repair • Free Diagnosis • New & Used Computers & Laptops

$50 Does it! (takes care of everything, parts not included)

No matter what the problem is, we will take care of it! Bring in this ad! Expires 4/30/11.

No one else can do it for our quality and price! 116 S. Poplar Street, Vinton • 904-2070 • www.vintoncomputer.com

We can make your computer new again! Stop by at Woodland Square (behind Vinton Baptist).

MT PLEASANT BAPTIST CHURCH presents

Compassion International

GOLF TOURNAMENT at the

Ro an ok e C ou ntr y C lub

on June 27th

All funds raised from this high quality tournament go to help Compassion International release children from poverty and our Youth’s efforts to help in their upcoming trip to Equador. Participants and Sponsors Needed Registration and Details found at www.mpbaptist.com/golf.htm

For More Information: 540-427-5494

Window Tinting Available

Buy 1, Get 1 FREE (Save $69.99), With this AD

Have you suffered a recent loss? Need help settling the estate?

Overwhelmed?

Looking for room with a view?

Bewildered?

From a lender that can make it happen!

I Can Help.

We Finance: u Small & large tracts of land with no acreage limits u Homes and home construction u Home and lot improvements u Mortgage refinancing

Down Payment Not Required Past Credit, Even Bankruptcies Can Be Overcome

540-815-7929

obvious problem is that this allows one to force the Bible to say anything. If you are concerned that Mr. Camping’s prediction may prove true, rest easy in the fact that he has been wrong before. His ‘connect the verse’ scholarship previously led him to predict that Jesus would come in 1994. When Jesus did not return on time, Camping discovered his error and moved the date forward to 2011. In addition, over the years he has uncovered the biblical ‘truths’ that the doctrine of the Trinity is false, the Lake of Fire is temporary, all churches are ruled by Satan, and the only true believers are those who believe his version of the Bible. Yes, the only people being saved on May 21st are those who believe in Camping’s version of THE END. The rest of us carry the ‘Mark of the Beast’ (namely, membership in a Christian Church) and are eternally damned. Perhaps you are like me, both fascinated and grieved over Harold Camping’s teachings. It is indeed fascinating to see the creation of a modern-day apocalyptic cult. Camping has followed the cult-leader playbook page for page. When his coming May prediction is proven wrong, he will have a couple options to continue his ministry. First, he can move back the date. Unfortunately 2012 has already been taken by the Mayans. Maybe a later date would be better anyway, one far enough in the future that he can expect to have died before THE END fails to come again (pun intended). Second, Camping might ‘go Waco’ on May 22nd, warning that the

Play with a Purpose

Howard’s Car Care

Home Ownership is Easier Than You Think!! You Can Be Pre-Approved

Call Tom Zarske

Clean Water & Soap

Touchless, Drive-Thru car washes may be cheaper or faster, but, they use recycled water and soap suds carafter-car. At Howard’s, we use clean water every car.

Experience Your Dream Today!

See How Much You Qualify for:

So I hear the end of the world is near. In fact, according to Reverend Harold Camping and his roadside billboards, May 21st is the beginning of THE END, the day of the Christian Rapture and the prelude to the final apocalyptic destruction of the Earth on October 21st, 2011. With only a month or so to go, you might like to hear the specifics. Forewarned is forearmed; look before you leap; better safe than sorry; whatever. How is the Rapture to go down? A massive earthquake will strike this May 21st in New Zealand at exactly 6:00pm. The earthquake will slowly travel around the earth, shaking every place at 6pm local time. This earthquake will shake open all the graves, releasing dearly departed Christians who will join living believers in their flight to meet Jesus Christ in the sky and travel to Heaven for their eternal reward. All those left behind will live through five months of God’s punishment, culminating in complete destruction this coming October. While most Christians agree that ‘no man knows the day nor the hour’ of the rapture or apocalypse, how is it that Mr. Camping has uncovered a specific date and time? It is actually very simple. First, using the biblical genealogies, and taking into account certain gaps that only Mr. Camping has discovered through his vigorous scholarship, we find that Noah’s flood took place on May 21st, 4990 BC. In Genesis we read that Noah spent seven days on the Ark before the flood came that destroyed the world. In the book of Peter we read that to God a day is as a thousand years, and Jesus preached that the end times would be like the days of Noah. Putting all the pieces of this prophetic puzzle together, Camping claims to have ‘absolute proof’ that the Rapture must occur exactly seven thousand years after Noah’s flood. Unfortunately for us, the big day comes this May. Isn’t it simple? Reverend Camping’s approach to interpreting the Bible is akin to a ‘connect the dots’ game on the back of a kid’s meal menu. However, instead of following the numbered dots and completing the intended picture, Camping connects his dots in any order he chooses. In this ‘connect the verse’ game, he links a verse in Genesis to a verse in Matthew to a verse in Peter to a verse in Revelation and concludes that Jesus will return next month. Camping claims that the Bible is filled with hidden spiritual messages which can only be discovered by connecting the correct verses together. The

u Recreation property u Outbuildings and barns

I can meet you

whenever and wherever you wish to meet.

Prompt, Friendly, Confidential and Professional

Free Consultation Robert “Bob” Bersch Attorney-at-Law

Joey CornweLL Loan Officer

Lynne PoLLoCk Loan Officer

We’ve been financing rural america for more than 90 years.

540.977.5707 | 866.868.3307 farmcreditofvirginias.com

(540) 774-0044

hoolaw@aol.com

ON WHEELS

WILLS ON WHEELS is a division of BERSCH LAW FIRM, P.C., Roanoke, VA

Valley Business

Page 10 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 4/22/11 - 4/28/11

NewsRoanoke.com

Do Your Property Taxes Reflect True Value? By Amanda E. Shaw, Law Firm of Glenn Feldmann Darby & Goodlatte

Do your local property taxes reflect the true value of your property? In Virginia, property subject to local taxation includes real estate, vehicles, machinery and tools, merchant’s capital, and all other types of tangible personal property. In these tough economic times, localities are reluctant to let go of any source of revenue. This often results in the unfair treatment of taxpayers, both business and individual. The fair market value of your assets may have dropped significantly, yet the locality has made no adjustment to its valuation of your assets or to the amount of tax it assesses. What can you do? The first option is to file an application for correction with the commissioner of revenue. Taxpayers have three years from the last day of the tax year in which the commissioner makes an erroneous assessment, or one year from the date of the erroneous assessment, whichever is later, to file

the application. If the commissioner determines that the assessment was, indeed, erroneous, the locality will exonerate you from having to pay any erroneous tax and will refund any erroneous tax you have already paid, with interest. If, however, the commissioner determines that your property was assessed at less than fair market value, the commissioner will increase the assessment to the fair market value and will assess you additional tax based on that value. Another option is to appeal the tax assessment to the commissioner of revenue. This option is available in the case of local mobile property taxes—taxes on airplanes, boats, campers, recreational vehicles, and trailers—as well as in the case of local business taxes, such as machinery and tools tax, business tangible personal property tax, and merchant’s capital tax. Taxpayers have only one year from the last day of the tax year in which the

tax was assessed, or one year from the date of the assessment, to file such an appeal. The commissioner of revenue may require you to provide additional information to establish the value of your property. If the local commissioner of revenue denies your appeal, you can appeal that denial to the state Tax Commissioner in Richmond. Finally, the taxpayer can bypass the local commissioner of revenue and the state Tax Commissioner and proceed to court. Taxpayers can file an application for correction directly with the circuit court for the jurisdiction in which the assessment was made within the same timeframe as an application for correction to the commissioner of revenue. If the commissioner of revenue or the state Tax Commissioner rules against you under either of the two options noted above, you have one year to appeal that ruling to the local circuit court using this same procedure.

The commissioner of revenue’s assessment, however, is presumed by law to be correct, and the taxpayer has the burden of overcoming that presumption. You can do this by proving that the assessor committed manifest error or disregarded controlling evidence. As a practical matter, you must be prepared to hire a professional appraiser. Simply asserting that the value of your property is not as high as the locality says it is will not be sufficient to prove your case either in court or to the commissioner of revenue or the state Tax Commissioner. You must have an expert witness ready to challenge the locality’s assessor. Litigation, including the hiring of expert witnesses, can be expensive. If your locality is overassessing your property by a significant amount, however, it may well be worthwhile to pursue one of these options.

POP’S Ice Cream and Soda Bar Thrives on Grandin Salem Terrace at Harrogate There are very few things in the world that a good Lime Rickey cannot fix, but what the Rickey can’t accomplish, surely Brandon Davis’ special brand of “Zen Healing Soup” can. Both cures can be found at POP’S. That’s POP’S Ice cream and Soda Bar; a place where homemade ice cream in all the flavors of the rainbow and sumptuous, homemade veggie soups are dished up with colossal sides of friendship as fast as whiskeys at other sorts of bars. POP’S, located at 1916 Memorial Avenue, has gracefully assumed the edifice that used to be the Raleigh Court Library from 1920s to the 1970s. It has retained its white, neoclassical columns and external façade, but floors, walls, plumbing, and wiring had to be restored. “We replaced only what had to be fixed and purchased used (circa 1950s) bar equipment from Ebay,” said owners Anna Robertson, 34, and Brandon Davis, 41. In everything they

do, the couple is mindful of the Earth’s need for people to re-utilize resources and seek balance in both work and life. The vintage soda bar equipment creates the shop’s centerpiece along with wainscoting and vintage 1930s wooden booths; art and other accoutrements that evoke the late 1920s/1930s corner soda shops - once a predominant feature of many of America’s small towns. “We got married in May of 2005 and opened the place in March of 2006; we’d already begun renovations,” said Robertson, who confessed that it was love at first site when she met Davis as a patron while she was working at a convenience store on Grandin Road. Both Robertson and Davis had worked in the restaurant business before, and they shared a passion for somewhat slower paced days that were unencumbered by modern technology and the society’s ever increasing addiction to mobility. They

When it comes to your to-do list,

put your future ﬁfirst. Decisions made in the past may no longer be what’s best for the future. To help keep everything up to date, A financial review is a great opportunity to sit face to face with an Edward Jones financial advisor and develop strategies to help keep your finances in line with your short- and long-term goals.

To ﬁfind out how to get your ﬁfinancial goals on track, call or visit today.

Carl M Grove, AAMS® Financial Advisor

www.edwardjones.com

Member SIPC

Celebrates Grand Opening

Photo by Mary Campagna

POP’S Ice Cream and Soda Bar located on Grandin Road. dreamed of a soda shop, but the larger chains have become so soda/ice cream shop that they impersonal,” said Davis. “It may be important to note envisioned has bloomed into that we’re not going anywhere,” much more. “Almost every afternoon we added Robertson, “in an era have a few kids who drop by,” when many entrepreneurs are said Davis. “They seem to need looking for something bigger someone to talk to, so I’m here and better, we’re here to stay.” The community understands for them.” Davis and Robertson cel- the couple’s intentions and some ebrate the fact that the family folks are amused that devotees atmosphere at POP’S extends an from around the globe blog open invitation to a wonderful, about the restaurant when they diverse group of people; some can’t visit in person. Davis says of whom – have special needs. that one group of major POP’S Maybe that’s why customers Facebook fans are Indonesians come in throngs to the welcom- from Jakarta. “They like us even ing little shop that has been writ- more than Salemites,” he laughs, ten about in numerous publica- preparing to stir his famous Aftions, including The Roanoker rican-peanut soup. Robertson has stepped up as Magazine, The Oxford American Journal and The Garden a role model, representing hope, light and an empathetic attitude London Magazine. “There may be a longing for toward all the strangers she seats nostalgia, but it could also be at POP’S, who soon become the fact that with fast food, ev- fast-friends. She was diagnosed erything looks the same and the with non-hodgkins lymphoma nearly a decade ago. This trauma came upon her just as her life was changing dramatically to include a divorce, the rearing of two teenagers and a new marriage to Brandon Davis, as well • Divorce • Traffic as a brand new career as part • Social Security Disability owner and operator of POP’S. “I believe in miracles and the value of naivety,” said Robert33 28 Years Years son. “I mean, I didn’t know how Experience Experience hard it was all going to be, but I made it through partly because I 345-6622 didn’t have a clue. Brandon and I just took it one step at a time, and somehow everything fell 335 W. Church into place.”

Pasta Land Lovers h s i F Salads Fin andwiches S h s Fi Shell

STOP IN FOOD STORES

Established 1919

Dine-In Tuesday - Thursday Lunch 11am - 2.30pm Dinner 4pm - 8:30pm

Take-Out Friday Lunch 11am - 2:30pm Dinner 4pm - 9pm

Salem Terrace at Harrogate is managed by Coordinated Services Management, Inc. of Roanoke, a professional management firm with over 30 years of experience that is owned by White Whale Enterprises, LLC of Salem. (Louis Waldrop and Preston Waldrop, MD) “With innovative programs and events, an elegant architectural design, and unrivaled community features, Salem Terrace fills a unique niche in the greater Roanoke Valley. It provides a complete living experience for independent seniors who seek comfort and luxury, as well as those in need of assisted living or memory care services. We are very excited about the future of this community,” says LeeAnn Brochero, administrator. For more information visit SalemTerrace.com.

Annual Business & Technology Expo Brings Hundreds Together

True to its mission to provide leadership, advocacy, and action that will help the Roanoke Region achieve its potential as a desirable place to live, work, and visit, the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce brought together hundreds of local business owners, employees, and job hunters together on Tuesday afternoon. Nearly 80 exhibitors participated in the 18th annual Business & Technology Expo, which was held from 3-7 p.m. at the Roanoke Civic Center Special Events Center and was open to the public free of charge. A job fair was added to this year’s event to help address local unemployment rates, which are hovering at 8.8 percent in Roanoke City and 5.7 percent in Roanoke County according to February 2011 United State Department of Labor records. Participants were encouraged By Mary Campagna to share their resumes with repinfo@newsroanoke.com resentatives from six local em-

Ave., Roanoke (Next to City Courthouse)

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

Salem Terrace at Harrogate, the newest senior living community in the Roanoke Valley opened December 1 but residents and staff were proud to debut their new look for senior living with the community’s official Grand Opening Celebration this Thursday. The threestory community features 60 residential and assisted living apartments and a specialized memory care center with 16 apartments. Currently 37 new team members work at Salem Terrace and at full capacity the community will create 45 new jobs in the Valley. The community features a spacious dining room, theater, living room with fireplace, outdoor decks and terraces, library, and social club. First-class dining is provided by a talented culinary team led by Chef Michele Carder, food service director for Salem Terrace.

Jen Ward, Principal of Blue Filly Productions, spoke with workshop attendees about the importance of a strong marketing program in the success of any business. ployment agencies. Guests were invited to attend two free workshops as well as a free Business After Hours event from 5-7 p.m. The Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce was established in 1890 and currently has about 1,200 members across 40 localities in Virginia. By Laura L. Neff-Henderson info@newsroanoke.com

SAVE

gal.

at Shell when you shop at Kroger Fresh Seafood Market Saturday Dinner 2:30pm - 9pm

Closed Sunday & Monday

1 3 3 6 Peter ’s Cre e k R d N W, R oa n o k e, VA 2 4 0 1 7 ( 5 4 0) 5 62 -1 87 0 • w w w. p a r k e r s se a fo o d. co m

It’s easy to use your Kroger Plus Card for fuel savings at Shell. For every 100 points you earn at Kroger, you instantly save 10¢/gal. on quality Shell Nitrogen Enriched Gasolines. Pick up a brochure at your participating Shell stations for more details. Start saving today! At Shell, we want you to get the most out of every drop. See store for details. Fuel discounts are limited to up to 35 gallons of fuel per purchase. Points earned in the current month are available for use through the end of the following month.

Arts & Culture

NewsRoanoke.com

Hidden Valley Destination ImagiNation Team Going Global The Hidden Valley Middle School Destination ImagiNation team, the “Hidden Valley Hoodlums”, is going global – but they need help from the Roanoke community to get there. The team is asking for donations to raise the $5000 needed to enter the Global Finals of the worldwide Destination Imagination competition in May in Knoxville, Tennessee. The seven-member team scored first place among nine Virginia middle school teams during the recent DI state competition, which tests students’ creative and critical thinking skills through playwriting and performance. Matthew Harris, AJ Vail, Adam Wood, Elizabeth Wilkin, Hollins Vieth, Morgan Day and Faith Settles are now poised to represent Roanoke and join 14,000 participants from the U.S. and more than 30 countries to compete for the world-wide championship. The team is in need of donations and sponsorships to raise the $5,000 needed to enter the Global Finals and take their skit to the next level – and it’s a story worth telling. Tasked with the goal of using three different storytelling methods to tell the same story to three team-chosen pretend audiences, the Hidden Valley Hoodlum’s skit took a unique triple-take on the classic Red

Left to right in the photo are: Faith Settles, Hollins Vieth, Elizabeth Wilkin, Morgan Day (Wolf), A.J. Vail, Adam Wood, Matthew Harris. Riding Hood fairy tale that wowed the judges: The performance is described as follows: The stage is set on the heels of another successful performance of the Red Riding Hood story by the all-girl drama group, the “Princess Story Portrayers.” All of the sudden a group of evil gangsters with a faulty (at best) plot to kidnap the late Walt Disney for ransom threatens to infiltrate the group to gain access to Disneyland, the Princess Story Portrayers’ next performance venue. Our villains demand our heroes teach them the fairy tale so they can convincingly disguise themselves as part of the drama team – and an original rap song seemingly does the trick. But when the gangster group tries to perform the skit them-

selves, their misguided version catches the attention of a cop who quickly realizes they are not who they appear to be and whisks them off to jail. Their only hope of escape is to try and butter-up the guards with a performance of the story to which they can relate – a Law & Order parody! But the final verdict? The evil-doers will be doing some hard time! The team designed, built and operated their own props and special effects, which included a detailed wolf mask, and a tour bus that transformed into a paddy wagon at the touch of a button. According to team member and 7th-grader Adam Wood, “our team is proudest of our chemistry on stage, which gives us a wider range of interactions,

sketches, jokes and stories. The most challenging part to execute and develop was the Law & Order portion of the performance which required a lot of studying of the show to nail the mood and sense of it.” Hidden Valley Principal Ken Nicely says the team really does deserve to move ahead: “These students have worked incredibly hard and tenaciously to reach this level of success. It is encouraging to see students employ critical thinking and problem solving skills in such a creative outlet. Equally important is that these students are not only bright and hard working, they are young people of good character.” The Global Finals will be held May 25-28 at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. Competitors come from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, ten Canadian provinces, and 30 countries will be represented including Australia, Brazil, China, Columbia, Ecuador, England, Guatemala, India, South Korea, Mexico, Peru, Poland, Scotland, Singapore, Trinidad, Turkey, and Venezuela. Donations can be made by check to Hidden Valley Middle School-DI. For more information, contact Laura Wood, 5890119, lwood468@gmail.com.

RSO Season Introduces New Genres \ Public Participation

The Roanoke Symphony Orchestra will additional cost. Other perks will include introduce Bluegrass music into its repera pre-sale “invitation” to meet flutist James toire, with a newly commissioned work, the Galway during a private reception following Concerto for Mandolin and Orchestra, by his Roanoke debut performance, as well as composer and musician Jeff Midkiff. Mid“Refer-A-Friend” discounts to other events. kiff and the RSO will perform this piece in “This year will be an exciting one and we concert on Opening Night of the 2011-2012 hope these new programs and options will season. make it easier for anyone who wants to enMidkiff, is an award winning mandolin joy the symphony experience to be able to player and fiddler and former member of do so,” says RSO Marketing Director Rodthe Lonesome River Band. According to ney Overstreet. RSO Music Director David Stewart Wiley, Much of the new programming and ticket Midkiff's piece reflects the “rich and coloroptions are thanks to a host of corporate ful palette of music performed and enjoyed sponsors, the largest number in the history right here in the Blue Ridge.” of the organization, that have pledged supThe RSO made the announcement durport for the season. ing a news conference this week announcing “Our relationship with these many generseveral major artists and concerts planned ous sponsors helps defray the cost of orchesJeff Midkiff and David Wiley perform. for the upcoming season including: tra musicians,” adds Pline. “Partnering with The RSO's “Picnic at the Pops” series will More information about the competition is other organizations, venues, colleges and grow to four concert events including The expected to be announced later in the year. schools adds variety and even more enterMusic of Queen, a concert collaboration As the community anticipates an excit- tainment value to live music.” with rock bands and vocalists from group ing season line-up and international music Corporate sponsors for the 2011-2012 Jeans 'n Classics (Spring 2012). Other major competition, RSO Executive Director Beth season include Advance Autoparts, AEP, solo artist confirmations for the new Pops Pline says “it’s more important than ever to Allstate, Brandon Oaks Retirement Comseries will be made as the season progresses. ensure that performances are accessible to as munity, Benefits Group, Business Solutions, Sir. James Galway – The internationally many people as possible.” Carilion Clinic, Caroline LaRocca Event renowned flutist will perform with the RSO To this end, the organization will offer Designs, Catawba Capital, Gentle Shepherd at the Roanoke Performing Arts Theatre reduced ticket prices on the popular three- Hospice, Grand Home Furnishings, ITT, (Fall 2011) concert Picnic at the Pops package, and LeClaire Ryan, Member One Federal Credit A free concert offered (Fall 2011) – part more flexibility and affordability through Union, John Nordt & Company, the Roaof a series presented by St. John’s Episcopal a new set of “Symphony Samplers” which noke Arts Commission, Roanoke Times, Church in Roanoke will allow ticket buyers to create their own The Shenandoah Club, SunTrust Bank, Vir“Runaway Bunny”, a collaboration be- entertainment package of three, four, or five ginia Business Systems, Virginia Tech Fountween the RSO, Hollins University, and the concerts from any RSO series at a discount- dation, Virginia Western Community ColTaubman Museum of Art to commemo- ed cost. lege, Wells Fargo, and Woods Rogers. rate the works of Margaret Wise Brown, an Current Masterworks subscribers will American author of childhood classics such also see a new incentive to sample the vaThe RSO's 2011-2012 season, 'Art that Enas “Goodnight Moon.” riety of programming on the upcoming tertains,' goes on sale to subscribers in April, Stravinsky’s “The Firebird” presented by season by adding their choice of any one and to new subscribers in June. For more inthe RSO's Roanoke Youth Symphony Or- Pops Series concert to their renewal at no formation visit www.rso.com. chestra, and the Southwest Virginia Ballet. “Roanoke’s vibrant arts community is deserving of top quality entertainment that stimulates mind, body, and spirit,” continued Wiley. “Our patrons apprePaint your own mugs, bowls, ciate and expect entertainment picture frames, pet dishes variety, musical innovation, and leadership and the upcoming & much more! season will deliver.” Adding to its pledge for variety We can help you create and entertainment, the RSO ana unique gift nounced that the upcoming season will offer an opportunity for for someone special. pianists from around the world No experience necessary! to vie for the opportunity to perform with the symphony, through We host its “Star City International Piano birthday parties, Competition”, presented in collaboration with the Jefferson bridal showers, Center, Hollins University, the ladies night Roanoke Valley Convention and and field trips! Visitor’s Bureau. The competition, before a live audience, will take place in JanuSat: 10-6 | Sun: 1-5 ary 2012 at Jefferson Center. The Tues, Wed, Fri: 11-6 first place winner will receive a Thurs: 11-9 $5,000 cash prize and will be featured as a soloist with the RSO in two concert appearances during April 2012, performing Rach120 Campbell Ave, SE | www.glazedbisque-it.com maninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2. Downtown between Market Sq. and Williamson Rd.

4/22/11 - 4/28/11 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 11

Jane Seymour to be Speaker at CVB Meeting

The Roanoke Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) has announced that Jane Seymour, Golden Globe and Emmy award winning actress, will be this year’s annual meeting speaker. The CVB’s annual meeting and luncheon event will be held at The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center’s Roanoke Ballroom on Thursday, May 12th at 11:30 a.m. Ms. Seymour is perhaps best known for her role in “Dr. Quinn: Medicine Woman” a long-running television series. Her most significant movie roles have been in the James Bond thriller “Live and Let Die” with Roger Moore and “Somewhere in Time” with Christopher Reeve. Just last year, Ms. Seymour was cast for a principal role in “Lake Effects,” which was filmed on location at Smith Mountain Lake and sites throughout the Roanoke Valley. Ms. Seymour plays the family matriarch, Vivian Tisdale, in a story about two daughters and their mother who embark on a journey of rediscovery after the family patriarch dies. Music for “Lake Effects” was composed in part by Maestro David Stewart Wiley, director of the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra. Several members of the symphony including Wiley will perform during the annual meeting. Sara Elizabeth Timmins, the producer of “Lake Effects,” has plans to give those in attendance the first look at the film with the movie trailer. “We are honored to have Ms. Seymour as our featured speaker,” stated Landon Howard, Roanoke Valley CVB Executive Director. “The setting for “Lake Effects” in Virginia’s beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains offers a fabulous opportunity for millions to see our area perhaps for

Jane Seymour the first time through this film.” Howard continued, “It is our hope the popularity of Ms. Seymour and her starring role in the movie will lead to increased visitation to the region.” Business leaders are banking on the film to be an economic driver for the region and for tourism. In 2009, Roanoke Valley tourism generated over $610 million in annual expenditures, 7,100 direct jobs, and $131 million in annual payroll. In the same year, Virginia’s film industry had an economic impact of more than $346 million, contributing $33 million in tax revenue and providing work for 2,700 Virginians. Filming and tourism are big business and the Roanoke Valley CVB plans to celebrate both on May 12. Tickets to the event are $45 per person which includes lunch as well as a private book signing. Limited seating is available to the general public. Reservations may be made by contacting Heidi Mowry at the Roanoke Valley CVB, hmowry@visitroanokeva.com or (540) 342-6025, ext. 116.

Steven W. Durrance Floors 540-776-9591

At Your

carpetroanoke.com Licensed & Insured

REPAIRS – NEW SALES - EXPERTS

540-904-7104 SERVING THE ROANOKE VALLEY

Pottery Painting Studio

985-4567

THE CHOICE IS CLEAR. It isn’t the end of the world, but it can be the start of a new one. For over 40 years we’ve been Virginia’s leading provider of prosthetic and orthotic technology. When you consider that we have the knowledge, experience, and 16 locations to help you live your life to the fullest, the choice becomes clear.

Page 12 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 4/22/11 - 4/28/11

Jefferson Center Fun Day Big Hit For Kids

The sound of torrential downpours against the skylights on the second floor of the Jefferson Center made it a bit difficult to hear the musicians perform, but that didn’t stop the hundreds of families who attended the Second Annual Jefferson Center Family Fun Day from having a great time Saturday afternoon. Organizers had planned to hold the event on the front lawn, but moved it indoors due to weather. Jefferson Center Development Director John Levin believes about 350 people attended this year’s event, a slight increase over last year. The event was free to the public. Christ Our Redeemers Church volunteers grilled hot dogs free of charge for everyone who attended. The Old Southwest Neighborhood Group sold drinks and baked

Photo by Laura L. Neff-Henderson

Children enjoyed activities in spite of the heavy rain that hit the Valley last weekend.

goods. Mill Mountain Zoo Education Specialist Bambi Godkin and a colleague brought a few zoo friends with them, giving children and adults the opportunity to get up close and

personal with an owl, a lizard, a tortoise and a snake. A large inflatable slide and face painting by Katherine Devine were among the favorite children’s activities. Several Roanoke Symphony volunteers worked with children to make musical instruments out of recycled materials. Einstein's Monkey and the Quest Academy Marimba Ensemble had guests dancing to the music while they enjoyed a host of activities. Other vendors included Commonwealth Catholic Charities, Apple Ridge Farm, Local Colors, Children’s Trust, Member One Federal Credit Union, Mill Mountain Zoo, Roanoke Children’s Theatre, the Roanoke Symphony and the Music Lab, among others.

By Laura L. Neff-Henderson info@newsroanoke.com

A Most Blessed Easter to You From

Service of Darkness - 8:30pm Worship and Celebration of the Resurrection - 11:00am

Sunday School - 9:15 / Worship - 11:00

5646 Cloverdale R o a d, R oa n oke, VA 24019

( Just up from Wal-M ar t nex t to Murray's Apple Cider!)

More M o r eQuestions? Q u e s t i o Call n s ?Stuart C a l l Revercomb: S t u a r t R e330-7335 vercomb: 330-7335

Dail

Spec y 4pm ials -7 Sun

pm - Fri

NewsRoanoke.com

Dogwood Festival Is Regional Favorite The Vinton Dogwood Festival has come a long way in the Roanoke area. Originating from a William Byrd High School Marching Band fundraiser to buy uniforms, it has grown over the years from a humble town event to a four-day extravaganza with a carnival and countless performers, drawing people from all over Southwest Virginia. On the eve of the 56th festival, many community members are reflecting on just what the festival means to the town. Mayor Brad Grose is quick to point out that the drive behind the festival comes from the community itself. While the town supports the festival with both financial aid and assistance from public works, "traditional leaders in the community have been the ones who have sat on the festival committee." He notes that the festival is made up of all volunteers, stressing the work done to "stage everything the way that they do." Vinton Town Manager Chris Lawrence considers the festival one of the best unifying forces in the town: "It's really one of the biggest things that defines Vinton. The Dogwood is basically our brand. It's a testament to how strong our community is." Dogwood festivities symbolize the kickoff for the town's spring and summer activities, says Lawrence, emphasizing that there are special events going on almost every week after the Dogwood Festival up through Halloween: "We're a small town of festivals." Among this year's events are a 5K run, a craft show and a bike rally, complete with an eardrum-shaking "loud pipes" contest. For the youngsters, there's a carnival that runs all four days (next Thursday through Sunday) along with a "Kid's Zone" on Friday with inflatables, games and visitors from both Mill Mountain Zoo and the Salem Red Sox. Music lovers can take in the sounds of rising Country Top 40 breakout Steve Holy, along with local groups like "The Young Rockers," "7 Mile Ford" and the bluegrass group "Acoustic Endeavors." Musical guests and the Festival parade (next Saturday) attract not only the immediate town citizens, but a wide range of regional festival goers. Grose says that he often hears of Cave Spring and Salem residents venturing across the valley to take in the festivities. Those at-

Photo by Aaron Layman

The Queen and her court from last year’s Dogwood Festival. tending aren't limited, however, to the immediate Roanoke region. Last year, Grose explains, he met a couple that had been coming down from Covington for several years: "That means there's something special here." The highlighting of a tight community isn't the only benefit that the festival provides. Business often benefits both directly and indirectly. Grose claims that many local establishments have very good days in terms of business volume. Jeff Janney of Vinton Appliance is a large booster of the festival because of the ex-

Even though vendors and the parade may block off the downtown streets that potential customers would otherwise use for business parking, Janney takes a relaxed tack to being inconvenienced. "The exposure for downtown Vinton is well worth losing some of that day's business that you can reschedule to another day," he says, relating that customers don't usually buy large appliances on impulse any ways. "I'm all for it . . . for all of our businesses." While Lawrence estimates that between 15,000 and 20,000

Photo by Aaron Layman

Children guide a hot air balloon in last year’s parade. posure it allows. Janney claims that he's often had customers come in several months later who live outside the town limits but remember seeing his business during the festival. Woods Auto Center dives in headfirst into the festival events by holding the annual bike rally at its Washington Avenue location. Lawrence says the festival allows Vinton to show off its center district, allowing out-oftowners to take note of a downtown corridor that features restaurants, retail shops and a florist that they might otherwise drive right by during most days.

people are expected to attend the festival over four days, he stresses that modest charm of the festival makes it the longlived attraction that it is. With the carnival and the crowning of a high school Dogwood Queen, he adds, "it's about as small-town America as you can get." See vintondogwoodfestival.org for more information and a complete schedule of events for April 27-May 1. By Aaron Layman info@newsroanoke.com

Managing Your Risk is More Important Now Than Ever Incl

udin

Tap a S tart

ing at $1.5 0

Warren Buffet once said, “Predicting rain doesn’t count; building arks does.” The Meridian Group at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney can help you manage risk while planning for the future. We help you identify strategies to achieve the personal and ﬁnancial goals that are most important to you and help you manage the risks you may encounter along the way. Call us today to get started.

Left to right: Cynthia H. Shively, Jodie S. Wertz, Michael B. Kemp, Judith A. Honaker and N. Edward Link, Jr.

540.265.3555 4802 Valley View Blvd. NW w w w.Abuelos.com

N. Edward Link, Jr. Senior Vice President—Wealth Management Portfolio Manager Financial Planning Specialist Cynthia H. Shively Financial Advisor Financial Planning Associate Jodie S. Wertz Client Service Associate 213 South Jefferson Street, Suite 1600 Roanoke, VA 24011 540-345-1555 • 888-449-4449 www.fa.smithbarney.com/meridiangroupsb

Michael B. Kemp Senior Vice President—Wealth Management Portfolio Manager Financial Planning Specialist Judith A. Honaker Registered Client Service Associate

A Morgan Stanley Company NY CS 6488998 10/10