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December 16 - 22, 2011

[Dickens of a Christmas]

All Dressed Up For . . .

Cuccinelli Plans Run For Governor

Bronze Star

P3– Staff Sgt. Daniel Shepard Garrett has been awarded the fourth-highest combat award of the U.S. Armed Forces for his service in Afghanistan.

Ken Cuccinelli

Photo by Stuart Revercomb

The Holidays in Downtown Roanoke! The Roanoke Christmas Parade took place last Friday night

Fred First

Stolen Holiday? P4– The Grinch’s original motives may have been wrong but Fred First says he was definitely on the right track.

Brand New Digs P8– Pam Berberich’s interesting journey as proprietor of “The Glazed Bisque-It” continues at her new location in Roanoke County.

as part of the 29th annual Dickens of a Christmas. The parade enjoyed the largest turnout in recent history with over 95 entries making their way down the route that ran from the intersection of Albemarle Ave. and Franklin Rd. to the corner of Campbell Ave. and Williamson Rd. DRI President Sean Luther was thrilled with the record turnout saying, “This is what happens when it’s not 20 degrees and blowing!” in reference to the weather experienced in recent years. Above, members of the VA Highlands Pipe and Drum Corps sport their Christmas best. (See more pictures from Dickens of A Christmas on Page 6!)

Housekeeper Brightens Hearts at LewisGale For the past seven years, a small blond woman has walked the halls of the 6 East Oncology Unit at Lewis Gale Hospital by day and, sometimes, by night. At 49, she still looks a lot like the young Debbie Reynolds in the 1960s film, “Tammy.” That’s a coincidence because the woman pushing the cleaning cart at LewisGale is Tammy Davidson. Last month she received a merit award from HHS, the hospital’s environmental services department; not just for cleaning, but for recently receiving fifteen personal notes from patients on the unit who said that she had touched their lives in a profound way. “Altogether, I’ve gotten about twentyfive letters over the past seven years since I’ve been working at the hospital,” Davidson said. “HHS took over housekeeping in 2007, but I was here before that.” Davidson said she started working for just over minimum wage and somehow managed to raise three children on her meager salary. She’ll celebrate the holidays this year with her five grandchildren as well. “When they put me on the oncology unit, I felt like I couldn’t do it at first,” Da-

Photo by Mary Campagna

Housekeeper and healer Tammy Davidson. vidson said, “because it was just too sad, but later I began to see the difference I was able to make just by letting the patients see my heart and by doing small things for them to brighten their days.” Director of Oncology, Georgine Kamide, said she has worked in hospitals across the country for the past 27 years and has been employed at three major medical centers, but she has never seen a hospital as bright

and clean as LewisGale, nor has she ever met an environmental services worker as dedicated as Tammy Davidson. “Tammy is not just a housekeeper,” Kamide said. “We greatly admire her kindness, her integrity and her professionalism. Other departments have tried in vain to steal her from us, but we’ll never let her go!” Kamide said that Davidson never comes in without a radiant smile on her face and sincerely asks each and every patient how they are, waiting to hear the answer, while she sets up a breakfast tray or tidies the bedside table. “I guess I do a lot of little things that are not on my job description,” Davidson said. “But I do it because I really care about these patients and I feel like they are a part of my extended family.” “Lorrie Clements, Tammy’s supervisor on the floor frees her up to contribute all that she can because Lorrie is such a professional, loving woman herself,” Kamide explained. “I believe that’s why this team of theirs is so unique and wonderful.” “We’ve never > CONTINUED seen anything P2: Housekeeper

New Bethany Hall Director Hopes for Program Visibility

Double Booked P9– Hollins Political Science Professor and former Republican Party Chair Ed Lynch releases two books on major political players.

Denise Yopp has been the executive director at Bethany Hall, a long-term residential recovery program for women battling substance abuse, for the past few months, although she’s been working inside the program as a therapist and program director for 12 years. The program can last up to nine months. “With others you’re lucky to get up to thirty days,” said Yopp, who once had to recover from her own substance abuse issues. Bethany Hall, which began 42 years ago as a halfway house, is one of only two programs for women in Virginia where they

can be housed with their children. Centered at a large house in Old Southwest with room for 14 patients, the program rents additional apartments nearby when space is a problem. Women from across the state and elsewhere find their way to Bethany Hall, which is listed as a treatment center on government databases for substance abuse programs. There is “no magic cure” to help these women break the cycle of substance abuse, according to Yopp, but Bethany Hall

> CONTINUED P2: Bethany

The Bethany Hall Residential Recovery Program began forty two years ago in Old Southwest.

“The Attorney General has said both publicly and privately, he’s going to seek re-election to the office of attorney general,” said Lt. Governor Bill Bolling. This was his response to media when asked if Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli would seek the governorship in 2013. “He’s a man of his word, and I take him at his word,” said Bolling in past months. But a leak by a Republican official last week revealed that Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli was indeed planning to run for governor in 2013. With no denial possible, Cuccinelli issued a statement through his political director Noah Wall last Thursday. In the statement Cuccinelli said: “At some point in 2012 I will more formally announce that I will seek to succeed Governor McDonnell in the 2013 election, and continue his posi> CONTINUED P2: Cuccinelli

Research Says Experienced Doctors Are Poorest Learners

When seeking a physician, you should look for one with experience. Right? Maybe not. Research on physicians’ decision-making processes has revealed that those who pay attention to failures as well as successes become more adept at selecting the correct treatment. “We found that all the physicians in the study included irrelevant criteria in their decisions,” said Read Montague, director of the Human Neuroimaging Laboratory at the Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute, who led the study. “Notably, the most experienced doctors were the poorest learners.” Researchers used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to look at the brain activity of 35 experienced physicians with a variety of non-surgical specialties as they made decisions. The doctors were instructed to select between two treatments for a series of simulated patients in an emergency room setting. “First they had a chance to learn > CONTINUED P3: Doctors

> Cuccinelli

Page 2 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 12/16/11 -12/22/11

A cold front slides in to keep rain going for many of us on Friday. Temperatures will top out in the upper 50s. Rain ends Saturday morning with sunshine returning by afternoon. We get cooler with highs near 50. Sun and clouds are forecast for Sunday and Monday with highs in the mid 50s. Rain chances return next Tuesday.

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tive record of pursuing opportunity for all Virginians.” He added that his focus until then would be to “continue to work toward less government, fostering an environment that increases jobs and improves our economic condition.” Bolling responded by expressing his feelings in a statement saying, “I am very disappointed by Mr. Cuccinelli’s decision to run for governor in 2013. During the 2009 campaign, and since taking office in 2010, Mr. Cuccinelli had repeatedly stated that he intended to seek re-election as Attorney General in 2013 and that is what I and other Republican leaders had expected him to do. Unfortunately, he has now decided to put his own personal ambition ahead of the best interests of the Commonwealth and the Republican Party.” In his statement he explained how he set aside his own ambitions to let then Attorney General Bob McDonnell run for governor in 2009. The Mc-Bolli-Nelli ticket hit the jackpot by presenting a united front. “Unlike Mr. Cuccinelli, I set aside my personal ambition and did what was right for the Commonwealth and our party,” he said. “I will also continue doing the work I have been doing to lay the foundation for my own gubernatorial campaign in 2013. If I do that work well, the political future will take care of itself.” The understanding was that McDonnell would then support Bolling for governor in 2013. McDonnell has publicly stated his support for Bolling following Cuccinelli’s announcement. This sets up a contest between Bolling and Cuccinelli for the Republican nomination. Cuccinelli’s hint and the Republican official’s leak begged for confirmation. Speculation that Governor McDonnell might be tapped to be a vice-presidential running mate adds another head spinning

From page 1 twist. With this scenario, Bolling would step into the governorship finishing McDonnell’s term - leaving the attorney general’s office having to issue an opinion on Virginia law as it relates to tie-votes cast by the Lt. Governor. The whole scenario is looking more and more like a wrestling match for the Republican party. Which candidates will Republicans endorse? Salem Delegate Greg Habeeb was noncommittal for either Bolling or Cuccinelli but said, “I think we’re very lucky to have two great options.” Odds are now that Cuccinelli just might pull it off but will there be a backlash from Republicans who may call “unnecessary roughness” and instead hang out on the sidelines like Habeeb? Republican attorney general candidates have already begun declaring their candidacy, either knowing or speculating that an opening for attorney general was in the offing. Delegate Rob Bell of Albemarle county announced that he will seek the nomination for attorney general. Bell first won his General Assembly seat in 2001. He has served five years as a state prosecutor in Orange County. He calls himself a conservative and a crime fighter. He has written laws against drunk driving and child pornography. Another candidate is Harrisonburg Senator Mark Obenshain, a personal injury attorney who has served in the State Senate since 2003. He refers to himself as a Reagan conservative. Fairfax County Clerk of Court John Frey has also jumped in the race. Democrats say Frey has a conflict of interest and that he should resign his Clerk of Court position. Dave Foster, a former School Board member, says he is considering jumping into the mix as well. Even John Brownlee’s name has been mentioned.

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like it,” RN Lynn Clark said, it away.” “Tammy, Lorrie and the enviOne patient’s husband “John” ronmental services department recently sat in the hospital room have created a caring environ- next to his terminally ill wife in ment that actually sparkles; it’s the dim light of early evening. so clean and makes our patients He wanted to say a few words feel cared for.” about Davidson: ! “I started out cleaning in ho“My wife has cancer that has tels in ’87,” Davidson said, “so spread all over her body, but I’ve been doing this kind of work I have House to say that Tammy DaProfessional Cleaning a long time, but as the years go vidson has given her a reason along, I’m not as limber as I was to keep pushing. I would give Blvd and just about my whole body1618 herRoanoke the ultimate compliment is sore sometimes by the time I by saying that she Suite A is an upliftleave in the evenings.” ing person; the kind of person a Salem, Virginia 24153 A child of divorce, Davidson sick person needs to be around. helped bring up her brothers 540-389-5252 She has a gift for uplifting your and sisters in Tazewell County. spirits and she uses it. She’s been www.dustbunniescorp.com • gift certificates available She said that may be where she such a positive presence here first developed her maternal in- that my wife and I both love stincts, but she never had time her.” or money for college. “When I started on this unit “I got what was important,” I began to ask myself what I Davidson said. “I realized early would do if it were me or someon that life and happiness can one in my family who was sick,” never taken for granted; not Davidson said. “Then my mothTreebeRemoval • Deadwooding • Gutter Cleaning for a day or even a moment – er was diagnosed with lung can• Overseeding and that a bigSpring heart forAeration people cer, so it did hit home.” and Spread • Spring Cleanups isMulch one of Delivered the most important One of Davidson’s most poithings you can haveEstimates because it •gnant was witnessing Free Fullymemories Insured just gets bigger when you give the marriage of a blissful young

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Bill Bolling Brownlee, formerly of Roanoke, challenged Cuccinelli in 2009. Republicans say they are looking for someone to excite their base, while Bolling, to some, just doesn’t fill the bill. Others have commented that Cuccinelli should wait his “turn” and let Bolling be the nominee. That united ticket proved successful in 2009. While the Republican base is pleased with the high profile Attorney General’s decision, it may help open the door for a Democratic ticket. Former Democratic primary candidate Terry McAuliffe has been the only gubernatorial candidate bandied about for 2013. Former House Minority Leader Ward Armstrong, before he lost to Delegate Charles Poindexter, had hinted at a statewide run. Even Roanoke’s Delegate Onzlee Ware, when questioned about his travels, told the press he was testing the waters. DPVA chair Brian Moran on a party conference call last week said they are concentrating on the 2012 U.S. Senate elections.

By Valerie Garner info@newsroanoke.com

From page 1

woman who was wed in her he said that it was okay; we both hospital bed on the unit. She cried.” reportedly went home for a few Tammy Davidson cries with weeks, and then passed away. the patients when they cry, tells “I’ve seen so much,” David- old stories and laughs. “Small son said. “I’ve seen a lot of trag- stuff like stopping to chat a minedy, but I’ve seen miracles too; ute, or getting a patient a jug like the young man who recov- of ice water means so much,” ered from acute leukemia. But she said. “The main things I’ve sometimes it’s just the change learned by working here are in someone’s ! outlook; like Home the that everyone’s important, no General Repairs man who was angry and didn’t matter what they do, so everyComplete Bathroom Remodeling • Tile Work trust anyone with his sick fam- one should take pride in that. Interior/exterior Carpentry Plumbing ily member, yet he changed and And the•other thing is that it’s Window/door installation • Hardwood began to accept the love that he so important to Flooring tell the people got from me and from the staff you love that you love them toFor a Free Estimate Call or email James here.” day, because tomorrow may be 725-7343 jss25@cox.net Davison says she has so many late.”experience Licensed/insured with 24too years references stories and memories to share available As of this writing Davidson’s but that one stands out in par- prayers for her mother have ticular. She had a very special been answered. She’s in remis“The tool recommend most? relationship withIan older man sion. Standing in her favorite who was a regular patient on pale green room on the ward the unit for quite some time. He looking out at the mountains it toworld call Mr. Handyman. had no oneUse in the he said, Tammy says, “Look at those but he knew he had me. Before hazy, blue mountains from this he died, he asked to say good- window at sunset . . . What bye. could be closer to heaven?” “I leanedwww.mrhandyman.com over and touched By Mary Campagna his face,” “Davidson said, “and info@newsroanoke.com 540-977-4444 my hair brushed his cheek, but

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> Bethany employs the 12-step methodology. Behavior therapy, a holistic approach that includes yoga and acupuncture, and teaching about better critical skills involves a “wraparound [approach]” to the problem. Many come to the program after being raised in an environment where substance abuse – drugs or alco-

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hol – may have been the norm. “They don’t know how to do anything different,” said Yopp, who adds that 90 percent of the women involved were abused in some way. Three months into the program clients are encouraged to find a job. A transition period begins at six months and after nine months the program hopes they are ready for the real world. There is some tough love involved: women can be discharged from Bethany Hall if they slide back into substance abuse, or even smoke cigarettes. “It’s about changing the behaviors that people learn in addiction,” said Yopp. A structured schedule from 7am to 10pm helps keep the women on track. Partner agencies like Blue Ridge Behavioral Health Care are often involved. A one-year aftercare program and a thirty-day cycle for those who have slipped a bit are also part of the agenda.

“Jackie” graduated from the program and is now in aftercare. She was seven months pregnant and homeless when she entered Bethany Hall. Opiates were her drug of choice. “I wanted to desperately stop,” said Jackie, who left Bethany Hall early the first time when she wasn’t “ready to change.” She lost a three-month-old son and spent time in jail. “That was kind of my bottom.” She came back to Bethany Hall and eventually got back on track. At any time of the year two to three graduates, like Jackie, come back daily to help current residents or administrators with programs or fundraising, like a recent bake sale. “What we create at Bethany Hall is a family,” said Yopp. The program is funded by United Care, Medicaid and local social service agencies, grant requests and several fundraisers, including a fashion show, are also the norm. The annual campaign is underway now. Local governments chip

in a bit, but state and federal funds are hard to come by. “It’s a constant battle,” said Yopp, who hopes to raise the visibility quotient for Bethany Hall. “We certainly need help and support.” The holiday season can be tough: “A lot of family issues come up during the holidays, a lot of loss issues,” notes Yopp. “It’s a stressful time for everybody.” Dealing at the same time “with a chronic disease that kills people,” makes it especially difficult. It is “personally rewarding to provide [these women] what was provided to me,” said Yopp about her own experience with the substance abuse recovery program at Bethany Hall. It’s not just about quitting drugs and alcohol. It’s also about “not being down on themselves so much.” See bethanyhall.org for more on the program or to make a donation. By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

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Local Soldier Receives Bronze > Doctors Star For Service In Afghanistan

Staff Sgt. Daniel Shepard Garrett (‘Shep’) – a 1998 graduate of Staunton River High School – has been awarded the fourth-highest combat award of the U.S. Armed Forces. Garrett, who has served nine years in the US Air Force with an Explosive Ordinance Disposal Team and is now stationed at Eglin Air Force Base, has served two tours in Iraq and returned in September from his 2nd tour in Afghanistan. Col. Sal Nodjomian, 96th Air Base Wing commander, presented Tech. Sgt Garrett the Bronze Star medal for his service as an explosive ordnance disposal team leader while deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom during a commander's call at the Eglin Enlisted Hall. "I feel very honored to stand on the same stage as [this] serviceman," said Nodjomian. The Bronze Star is a United States Armed Forces military decoration that may be awarded for bravery, acts of merit, or meritorious service. "When I think of the folks that came before [me] and

Sgt. Daniel Shepard Garrett earned this medal − to know I'm a part of them, makes me proud to wear this medal," said Garrett. During a mission into the Zana Khan district of Afghanistan, his patrol encountered heavy enemy contact. Garrett positioned his driver to engage the enemy as he directed his gunner to provide covering fire for dismounted soldiers. Under his leadership, the patrol suppressed the enemy until air support

arrived. He also destroyed 3,500 pounds of enemy explosives and prevented the potential assassination of Afghan government officials. After completing six month tours Garrett was excited to be home, just in time for the holiday season. "We are very proud of them for everything they do," said Garrett’s wife Christine Garrett, speaking about all the soldiers receiving awards at the ceremony. "They don't make a big deal when they receive awards, so it means a lot to us to see them getting the recognition they deserve." Parents, Danny and Judy Garrett, live in Hardy. “We are very proud of ‘Shep’ for his sacrifice and service in the cause of freedom for everyone here in America and for others around the world. We are grateful for all of our brave men and women who have served and who serve now that all people may always know that freedom. May we all understand the responsibility that we share to preserve that liberty for all men. To live in freedom is a blessing that all deserve.”

by experience which of two medications worked better in a series of 64 simulated heart-attack patients, based on a simplified history with just six factors,” said Bhatt. Unknown to the test subjects, of the six factors, only one was actually relevant to the decision: diabetes status. One medication had a 75 percent success rate in patients with diabetes, but only a 25 percent success rate in patients without diabetes. The other had the opposite profile. The physicians had 10 seconds to select a treatment. Then they were briefly presented with an outcome of “SUCCESS: (heart attack) aborted” or “FAILURE: No response.” “After the training, we tested the physicians to see how often they were able to pick the better drug in a second series of 64 simulated patients,” said Bhatt. “When we looked at their performance, the doctors separated into two distinct groups. One group learned very effectively from experience, and chose the better drug more than 75 percent of the time. The other group was terrible; they chose the better drug only at coin-flipping levels of accuracy, or half the time, and they also came up with inaccurate systems for deciding how to prescribe the medications, based on factors that didn’t matter at all.” In fact, all the doctors reported including at least one of the

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From page 1

five irrelevant factors, such as age or previous heart attack, in their decision process. “The brain imaging showed us a clear difference in the mental processes of the two groups,” said Montague. “The high performers activated their frontal lobes when things didn’t go as expected and the treatments failed.” Such activity showed that the doctors learned from their failures, he said. These physicians gradually improved their performance. In contrast, the low performers activated their frontal lobes when things did go as expected, said Bhatt. “In other words, they succumbed to ‘confirmation bias,’ ignoring failures and learning only from the successful cases. Each success confirmed what the low performers falsely thought they already knew about which treatment was better.” The researchers termed this counterproductive learning pattern “success-chasing”. “The problem with remembering successes and ignoring failures is that it doesn’t leave us any way to abandon our faulty ideas. Instead, the ideas gain strength from each chance success, until they evolve into something like a superstition,” said Downar. The fMRI showed that a portion of the brain called the nucleus accumbens “showed significant anticipatory activation, well before the outcome of the trial was revealed, and this anticipa-

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tory activation was significantly greater prior to successful outcomes,” Montague said. “Based on the outcome of the training phase, we were actually able to predict results in the testing phase for each low-performing subject’s final set of spurious treatment rules.” The authors state in the article that the formation of spurious beliefs is universal, such as an athlete’s belief in a lucky hat. “But the good news is that physicians can probably be trained to think more like the high performers,” said Downar. “I tell my students to remember three things: First, when you’re trying to work out a diagnosis, remember to also ask the questions that would prove your hunches wrong. Second, when you think you have the answer, think again and go through the possible alternatives. Third, if the treatment isn’t going as expected, don’t just brush it off – ask yourself what you could have missed.” “These findings underscore the dangers of disregarding past failures when making highstakes decisions,” said Montague. “’Success-chasing’ not only can lead doctors to make flawed decisions in diagnosing and treating patients, but it can also distort the thinking of other high-stakes decision-makers, such as military and political strategists, stock market investors, and venture capitalists.”

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Perspective

Page 4 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 12/16/11 -12/22/11

A Few Thoughts at 63 and Counting

lying across the high- ers. She was raised on a farm way in front of me was in a time of such financial a crow; and in its beak, impoverishment that people a long piece of limp brown were forced into a sympathy grass; the common, underfoot and partnership with Nature's type of limp brown provision. The earth grass; no treasure. has mulched itself But to the crow, this for uncounted ages. will form a part of the I recall the old saynesting which will ing: if it’s stupid, and house its family, keep it works… it ain’t stuthem warm from the pid. winds and safe from ....... predators. One of the injured In nature - perhaps Sabrina and I took in in life- there is a value last year was a blueLucky Garvin to everything, taken bird, a creature that from the right perspective. mates for life. He hit a window ...... and knocked himself out. The There's a storm making up folks who bought him to us outside my window; pewter- told how his mate tried to nuzcolored clouds rolling in. The zle his unconscious body into wind is fitful; birdcalls uncer- wakefulness, but flew off to a tain. The man who does my nearby branch as the human yard is hurrying to mulch the Samaritans came to rescue leaves before the storm hits. I him. It looked bad. Sabrina is pause, for I have a feeling of well acquainted with stunning; seeing this before. At some it’s like a concussion. Three moment in childhood, I must days later, he was fully recovhave lingered before some kin- ered and we took him back to dred scene and been unaware where he had been injured. His that a memory was being im- mate was still there; he flew up pressed and stored. to her; they perched together In the Fall, brother Denny on the bough, and I can just and I and Mom would rake imagine the conversation: the yard and heap that harvest She: So you just take off and of leaves upon the flower beds. leave me. No ‘good-byes’, not "A blanket for winter; nour- even an email… ishment for spring'" Mom thus He: I was knocked out! explained mulching the flow- When I came to, I’d been taken

by aliens! She: Aliens. Right. He: Honest! They were huge, at least five feet tall! And they had no feathers or beaks… Then all of a sudden, they bought me back here! She: [flying off] You must think I’m a bird-brain! You’re sleeping on the sofa tonight, bucko! Poor guy! ....... Circumstance and choices: a quilting; a counterpane that lies across time and interconnects the generations. A spur of the moment decision - nothing more than a whim long ago, sets a certain wrinkle in the quilt, and, years later, the tug is felt; the effect revealed. The year is 1945. A PT boat bobs quietly out in the peaceful, lonely expanse of the Atlantic Ocean. World War II. It’s hot. Three of the crew decided to sleep on deck to capture whatever furtive, cooling breeze might chance by. I wonder what they thought of as the lapping waves lullabied them to sleep? And when the explosion shook the ship; what thoughts then? A torpedo from a marauding German U-boat. The boat sank; all the men below decks perished. The only survivors? Two men. And my father, [recently engaged to my mother.] He took a notion to stay on deck that night. “What the heck. I’ll sleep outside.” It was hot that night, you see. Look for Lucky’s books locally and on-line: The Oath of Hippocrates; The Cotillian; A Journey Long Delayed.

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ACROSS

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47 48 50 54 55 56 57 58 59

Notify Pod vegetable Farm credit administration (abbr.) Asian nation Sphere Amateur Month Central nervous system Be Ornament Higher Southern California city Peaks Caustic substance Rough clothing Bark in pain Ornament Opaque gem Asian country That (possessive) Shaped Decayed Painter Richard The yoga instructor on Grandin Road in Roanoke. Touch affectionately Fire remains Welcome Stretch to make do Cow sound Uneven Hearing part Extra-sensory perception St. Nick

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Precedes an alias Chop Goof Who provides last years prices at this years savings in fine furnishings? 'did he actually refer to himself as the ------?' (from groundhog day) Blemish Sea eagle Droll What a bird's wings do Insertion mark Which Star Sentinel writer received 2 VA Press Women Awards in 2010? Fearful person

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NewsRoanoke.com

Extra, Extra! Christmas Stolen Grinch Exonerated!

ranted, his methods good Whos should do? were nefarious the Considerations of date and year he stole Christ- original intent of Christmas mas. But his tiny heart secretly aside (see http://goo.gl/CDOSF) was—and is—in the right place. it is the vast global seasonalHe relented in the end, and industrial complex built up returned the Roast Beast, the around Santa—his legions of pandookas and tartookas. He box-store elves and digital assislet Cindy Lou Who have her tants, and his enormous bag of Christmas in Whoville, after all. toys and not-so-goodies—that It just might be that his inten- most grieves these resistors. tion was not to steal Christmas For as long as there has been to do away with all the fliffer a nativity celebration, it has, to bloofs and wuzzle wuzz, but to one degree or another, opened show the misguided Whos that the floodgates to increasing cait was not about things, after all. loric and material consumption, And what you may and thus to enormous not know is that His profits that have morDespicable Greenness phed the manger into is only one in a vast a lucrative global army of seasonallytreasure chest. afflicted beings, pink In recognition of and brown, great and the cash cow that small—who are of Christmas shopping a state of mind and had become, Conheart that reaches back gress in 1941, offimany generations, cially moved ThanksFred First continuing right up to giving back a week to our day. The resisters’ allow another seven Giftmas discomfort is strong days of spending. Our heaping and their numbers are growing. shopping carts of mostly-unNot because their hearts are necessary stuff between Black two sizes too small do they re- Friday and Dec. 25now bring fuse to become Santa’s little in as much income in the US robotic shoppers. Composed as the gross national product of of Christians and unchurched Ireland. alike, this throng longs for a Among other concerns, special time in December that today’s anti-Festivus underis not as unnatural as an alu- ground is increasingly put off by minum tree sprayed with toxic the pervasive holiday music—a snow. They look for ways, short two-month brain-worm multiof another Winter Heist, to keep media cluster bomb that mashthe good and real of it, and cast es up the sacred and secular, off the counterfeit and increas- stirring the cloying and smarmy ingly oppressive expectations of and glorious into an acoustic this particular Winter Tsunami mantra, guiding us to that last of Stuff and Fluff. widget we can perch high atop Who are these rebellious our heaping cart with just one Grinchlings and why do they more reflexive swiping of the grumble and rumble and fret magic plastic wand. instead of mindlessly beating Do you hear what I hear? It their blumbloopas and wham- is the epiphany of the New AdContact Lucky Garvin at ming their whowonkas like vent! “Let’s give thanks to the info@theroanokestar.com

Community | News | Perspective 540-400-0990

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The Happy Chef

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Shekel Pilot Seed bread Snake like fish Et __ Epoch But I do like sleeping in a ----. (from Where the Wild Things Are) Hole Snacked Drug Bun topping seed Huge cabins Indian house Japanese city Swimming mammal __ cotta (clay) Sock Distress call Long time Time zone Drink

Cornish Hens with Cornbread Stuffing

love giving a Christmas dinner recipe to all of you. The problem I always find is that I make the same dinner each year as a tradition and I have already put my beef fondue Christmas dinner recipe in the Happy Chef. I also have run the traditional Surf and Turf Christmas dinner I grew up eating. But if I did not eat these things for dinner on Christmas and I was asked to make a NEW tradition I would undoubtedly chose Cornish Game Hens! So if you don’t have a traditional dinner already planned or if you want to try something different, this recipe comes from the Food Network and it is FABULOUS! Thanksgiving is so close to Christmas, and although a roasted turkey is always won-

derful, I find it is sometimes fun to try a different but similar type of poultry paired with the same rich Southern style foods like whipped potatoes and green bean casserole that give Thanksgiving its charm. Then, as it should be, you have that same warm feel of the Blessed Thanksgiving meal yet a different separate unique tradition for the glorious holiday that is Christmas. The bounty of it makes me think of the meal served at the Cratchit house in Charles Dicken’s A Christmas Carol . . . God Bless us Every One! 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided 1 small leek, white part with 1 inch of green, finely chopped

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To ﬁnd out why it makes sense to talk with Edward Jones about your 401(k) options, call or visit your local ﬁnancial advisor today. By Don Waterfield Find the answers online: NewsRoanoke.com Have a clue and answer you’d like to see? email: puzzles@newsroanoke.com

Fred First / Floyd County VA Books: slowroadhome.com

by Leigh Sackett

www.CrosswordWeaver.com

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Lord above, ‘cause Santa Claus is coming tonight!” Parumpapumpum and a partridge in a pear tree. The wrappings of Christmas have become the reason for the season. That can change, the Grenchlings say, and each of us can play a part. “Every Who down in Whoville, the tall and the small, Was singing without any presents at all! He hadn't stopped Christmas from coming! It came! Somehow or other, it came just the same!” Here are some of the Grinch’s thoughts on how we might yet reboot Christmas: Find peace and joy in stepping back all year long from slavery to stuff and consumer debt. On December 25, celebrate your blessings with family and friends, thankful for the marvels of this planet and each other, a thanksgiving wider and deeper than what we forget so quickly from a frenzy of tissue and cardboard under an aluminum conifer. What if you asked your gifters this year to bypass you, who have enough of enough stuff and fluff, and give needed and beautiful things, from local goods and creations, to those in your community truly in need? Spread your generosity and love, especially but not only this time of year, far beyond the bounds of kin and friends and those like you, to find room in the inn for a hurting world of strangers. Grow your hearts by two sizes or more, for good! And if the Grinch could find this true, perhaps there’s hope for Whoville, too!

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and rinsed 1 small apple (about 4 ounces), peeled, cored, and diced 1 1/2 teaspoons minced fresh sage, plus sprigs for garnish 1 tablespoon minced flat-leaf parsley, plus sprigs for garnish 2 cups cubed day old cornbread 3/4 to 1 cup chicken broth, homemade or low-sodium canned Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 4 Cornish hens, giblets discarded, patted dry -In a medium skillet, heat the 2 tablespoons of the butter over medium-low heat. Saute the leeks for 8 to 10 minutes, until softened. Add the apples and cook for 3 minutes more. In a medium bowl combine the leek mixture with the sage, parsley, cornbread and enough broth to moisten. Season with salt and pepper to taste. -Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Stuff the birds with the cornbread mixture and tie the legs of each hen together with kitchen twine. Melt the remaining butter. Brush the birds all over with butter and season with salt and pepper. Put the hens on a rack in a large roasting pan, breast-side up. Roast until an instant read thermometer inserted in the thigh registers 170 degrees F., about 80 minutes. Set the birds aside at room temperature, loosely covered with foil, for 10 minutes before carving. Split the hens in half through the breast with a sharp knife or poultry shears, and keep the stuffing intact. Arrange birds skin-side up, on a platter, garnish with sprigs of herbs and serve.

Perspective

NewsRoanoke.com

The Family Seamstress

grew up in Roanoke in the 1960’s, in what was normal at the time; that is with a dad who worked at a job in town, and a mom who ran the household. In those days – just in case you didn’t know- one of the many things in the realm of the mom’s domesticity was sewing. Lots of sewing. My mother-in-law, for instance, made clothes for my wife and her four siblings all the time when they were growing up. Now, I know people still sew today; it’s not exactly a lost art. However, the tendency now seems to be replacement rather than mending or altering, to say nothing of actually creating from scratch. But yeah, moms sewed a lot back then, dads not so much. Therefore, it was kind of weird that my dad was the seamstress –the sewing machine guru- in our family. I guess my dad was just naturally drawn to it, what with the creativity of it and the mechanics of the sewing machine itself. Besides, mom had her hands plenty full with other things. At least once a week, my dad could be found in the basement hunched over the old Singer, patching a hole in a pair of pants, replacing a missing button on a shirt, or letting out cuffs on a pair of growing-boy trousers. However, my dad’s real love, when it came to sewing, was not mending and altering clothes but creating other things. Exciting things like tents, duffle bags, custom-designed canvas covers for just about anything, and even colorful sails for homemade boats. There was always some cool sewing project in the works. I used to stand on my tip toes and watch as my dad fed the cloth into the sewing machine, the “walking foot” grabbing as it went. As I watched, I felt mesmerized by not only the visual

Johnny Robinson with some of his early sewing work. feast of thread flying through its intricate path and the flywheel turning and the needle in a blur, but the whir of the gears and the “kathunka” of the needle and bobbin. Such sounds to me were, and still are, a most pleasing cacophony. “The sewing machine is one of man’s greatest inventions,” I can remember my dad exclaiming above the ticktick-kathunka. So of course, I caught the bug, and I gradually learned the basics of sewing, and of the use of the sewing machine. I became acquainted with topics such as threading the needle after properly feeding the thread along its circuitous path from the spool. As necessity dictated, I learned about shuttle hooks and bobbin cases, and how to load and change the latter. I learned to adjust the thread tension, and lubricate the machine. My seamstress career was launched. I made canvas bags and I sewed patches onto jackets and scout uniforms. I sewed Christmas presents, like a ski bag for my sister, and when I built a homemade kayak I sewed a sprayskirt to fit onto the cockpit. Years spun by and I spent little time with the sewing machine. But one day I found myself married, and raising a growing family. Along with those happy

days of children under foot came the sadness of the death of my paternal grandmother, ever a powerful inspiration to me. I inherited her veteran Kenmore sewing machine and took my place –what do you know- as the family seamstress. With a little refreshing on operating the machine, especially the ever-temperamental thread tensioning, I was up to speed, doing all those sewing things that my dad did decades before: mending clothes, attaching cub scout, and later, boy scoutpatches on uniforms, and making covers and bags. It ‘s never been a chore, but rather a satisfying, aesthetic pursuit: feeding fabric from fingers to machine as it pleasantly whirs, snipping the thread from the finished product, holding it up under good light for inspection, then folding it neatly and gently. On one of our walls hangs a large quilt, sewn by my grandmother over fifty years ago. The design is of sunflowers, their slender and swaying stalks on the perimeter of the quilt, the grand blossoms full and reaching to the center. The colors of the fabric pieces are rich shades of green, brown, and of course yellow. It’s not an exaggeration to describe the effect of it all as stunning. “Boss” as we called our grandmother, used both a machine and needle-in-hand to assemble the quilt. It was a labor of much time, but - more importantly- of much love. I’m sure that Boss had a feeling that her creation would transcend her relatively brief mortal existence, would reach beyond her years to convey the love, grace, and inspiration she knew so well in life. I feel it whenever my eyes are drawn to that old quilt. Amazing. All that love through sewing.

The Preacher’s Corner - The Preposterous Gospel

omfort, O comfort my people … Get you up to a high mountain … lift your voice with strength … lift it up, do not fear; say to the cities of Judah, “Here is your God”. It is a dark winter afternoon and the wind blows wildly as I gather my jacket around my chest and open my truck door and quickly shut myself away from its bite. But I can’t shut out the sadness of the past half hour, the sadness that bites down deep. I look back at the fine house I have just left and there he stands looking out the door as if at nothing at all. Grief grips him like a vice and appears to squeeze the life out of him, for the one he loves is most surely dying in a room a few feet away, and there is nothing, nothing at all that he can do about it. He is a strong and a good man, but as I pull away I can’t help but think about how small he looks. Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God. O God, how I wish I could! How I wish there were magic in my words, in my prayers, that would change things, but they don’t seem to … not really. I’ve been in this very spot hundreds of times, at different houses with different people, and though the circumstances change, there is always the same unutterable pain and I wonder, Is there any comfort, or are there only words? Still the command comes with startling clarity from far away across the centuries from the prophet’s pen, and still the command comes in the moment when any of us sees another made small in the face of Contact John Robinson at pain; it comes to all of us with jwrobinson77@gmail.com

Out of the Darkness Came a Pretty Bright Idea

amburg is one tough took a large cart wheel, covered by adding treats and miniatown. Since it was it with evergreens and laid it flat ture figures to the wreath. By established by Char- in the school's common room. the 1900's, the idea was being lemagne in 808 as the northern On each weekday, he would mass-produced in miniature; outpost of the Holy light a small red can- the first known printed "advent Roman Empire, Hamdle and place it on the calendar" was made in Hamburg has endured one circle. On Sundays, burg in 1902. When millions of brutal setback after he would use a larger German Lutherans emigrated another. It was dewhite candle. In this to America in the 1930's, they stroyed by Vikings in way, for 24 days in brought the advent custom with 845 and again by PolDecember, he would them. ish invaders in 1030. work his way around So now you know who to In 1350, more than the wreath, while his thank for getting your kids amhalf the population students visually an- ped up all month. And for rewas killed by the ticipated the com- minding you how many shopMike Keeler Black Plague. But ing of Christmas. ping days you have left. the city's excellent The idea caught position on the Elbe River near fire, and soon "advent wreaths" the North Sea allowed it grow to were blazing in churches each Contact Mike at become a major seaport. By the year throughout northern Gerinfo@theroanokestar.com 1800's, Hamburg had become many. Folks starting embelthe third largest port in Europe. lishing the daily proceedings That is, until a large part of it was destroyed in a massive fire. Into this rough-and-tumble city came a man of compassion. Johann Hinrich Wichern had of Roanoke studied theology in Berlin and, upon graduation, he dedicated his life to helping the new class MOBILE PHONES & ACCESSORIES of urban poor created by the PAYMENT CENTER Industrial Revolution. He travBUY, TRADE OR SELL YOUR PHONE elled through Germany establishing hospitals, schools and rescue stations, before arriving in Hamburg. Appalled at the city's conditions, he established the Rauhes Haus, a industrial *Phone offer is after mail in rebate with 2 year contract. institution for neglected boys, in 1833. About 100 students were housed here and given vocational training to help them all T Mobile New Phone make their way in the world. Purchase and Activation! With so many young folks gathered in one place, each December Wichern would be constantly pestered by the same with New Activation question: "How many days until *Restrictions Apply Christmas?" Wichern quickly realized he needed a visual aid. Only one offer per purchase, offers can not be combined. While supplies last. He was inspired by the medieval Sat - Fri 10am-7pm, Sun 12pm-4pm German tradition of placing an Extended Holiday Hours evergreen wreath on a wall to signify the persistence of life and 540-427-1213 | www.gomobileofva.com the turning of the seasons. He 2110 Bennington St (Next to Food Lion)

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the same startling clarity; it speaks to us in our own hearts, Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God, as if, of all the things you and I might ever do, of all we might accomplish, that this is the thing, the one thing, that people most need: to be comforted. But do we have any comfort to give? It is not just the grieving who need to know God’s comfort expressed, of course. It is also those of us-and isn’t it all of us?- who are held in the grip of our anxiety about, well, everything and nothing in particular. We, who walk this world uncomfortable in our own skins, who are lonely despite all the friends, and are sick at heart despite our robust health, and who are busy, too busy, despite the fact that if we stopped to think about it we have all the time in the world; we who dream, but fear that our dreams for ourselves and those we love will be only dreams and no more. It is we, it is all of us, who need someone to speak tenderly to us and say to us the words of comfort. But, what comfort is there in words? Are there words that hold the power to ease our discomfort with ourselves, with the life we lead, with the troubles we boldly bear, and the troubles we ignore? Comfort, O comfort my people. Advent is the time when we prepare for the Lord’s coming. Perhaps the greatest preparation is time spent amid all the rest of the doing mulling this preposterous word of comfort. For the message of Christmas is precisely this preposterous word: that God has come and

removed the valleys and the mountains that make God a distant power. God has come to us. Though we live in the exiles of our making, he has provided our way home, nearer than our own breath, closer than the thoughts that occupy us. God as come and smashed those barriers by his own love given, body broken, blood shed, and nothing in all creation shall separate us from him, not even our sins, for they have been paid. That is the Word, the self-revealing of God, the Word made flesh, that endures forever. It is that Word that is the word of comfort, the Word of Christmas, the Word of the preposterous Gospel. Is there comfort that you and I have to give? There are no magic words. There is no litany of comfort that takes away grief. There is only the preposterous speech of Christ living in you and me. The word of comfort is you, and the word of comfort is me. The word of comfort is us when we go to the other and say in word or in simple presence, God is still God. You are loved. You are forgiven. Comfort, O comfort my people. The command comes to us. It is clear every time we see another’s pain. We have a word of comfort to speak , but we must receive it, preposterous though it may seem. Of course it is preposterous. Nothing less will do. Could we be bearers of such a powerful and comforting word? Of course we can. Tupper Garden is the Senior Pastor at Raleigh Court Presbyterian Church. Visit them on the web at rcpres.org.

Page 6 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 12/16/11 -12/22/11

First Educators & Legislators Lunch Held in Roanoke

Educators and Legislators from across the Roanoke Valley and Southwest Virginia met Tuesday at a luncheon co-hosted by Delegate Greg Habeeb and Region VI members of the Virginia Association of Secondary School Principals. “This meeting was incredibly successful,” said Delegate Habeeb. “It was a great opportunity for educators and legislators to cultivate the personal relationships we need in order to better communicate about the challenges facing Virginia’s education system. I look forward to more of these meetings in the future and want to thank all of those who participated.” The meeting included educators from eight school divisions and State Senators John Edwards and Ralph Smith, Delegates Greg Habeeb and Charles Poindexter and Delegates-Elect

NewsRoanoke.com

Dickens of a Good Time

The annual Dickens of a Christmas celebration in downtown Roanoke kicked off on the first of three Friday nights in December. Strolling Christmas carolers, kids games, an appearance by Santa Claus, street vendors, a live Nativity scene and horse drawn carriage rides followed a tree lighting ceremony, which came complete with handbells and Roanoke mayor David Bowers. Elsewhere actors played out scenes from A Christmas Carol. Downtown Roanoke Inc. created Dickens of a Christmas in part to attract visitors to the holiday shopping options in the heart of Roanoke. “Dickens” concludes Educators from 8 school divisions attended this week’s luncheon. this Friday, December 16, when Joseph Yost, Chris Head and ple,” said Scott Habeeb, VASSP Market Street will be filled with Nick Rush. Region VI Director. “I hope that tons of trucked in snow for a “It was encouraging to see so the conversations started today true Christmas feel. many legislators willing to take will grow into productive and time out of their busy schedules positive relationships that will By Gene Marrano to spend time building relation- better enable our representagmarrano@cox.net ships with those of us who are tives in Richmond to meet the "in the trenches" working to specific needs of the young peomeet the needs of young people in our region.”

Farmer Wins Eminent Domain Suit Against VDOT Ed Jennings proved that farmers sometimes can prevail over eminent domain. Jennings recently won a lawsuit against the Virginia Department of Transportation for its taking and damaging his Wythe County farm during repairs to the Interstate 77 bridge, which looms over his house and cuts his 300-acre farm in half. “I thought the ruling was great and showed great courage on the part of Judge Showalter,” Jennings said. Circuit Judge Joey Showalter ruled that VDOT’s use of Jennings’ land adversely affected access to his property. Between Jennings’ grandparents’ house and his parents’ house is a mound of construction debris, covered by dirt, that VDOT left under the I-77 bridge following the 2002 repair project. A jury eventually will be impaneled to determine how much compensation Jennings should get from VDOT. “Money is not the issue,” Jen-

nings said. “We didn’t sue them for money. We want to make condemning authorities think before taking other people’s property.” Condemning authorities such as local governments, state agencies and utilities can exercise the right of eminent domain to take private property for public use. They must compensate landowners. In most of the takings on Jennings’ land, including a natural gas pipeline, electric power lines, an interstate highway, a cable television line, an overhead bridge and a county road, the family has been compensated. But Jennings got nothing for the I-77 bridge repairs. “Ed learned that, despite the old saying ‘You can’t fight city hall,’ you actually can,” said attorney Joseph Waldo, president of the law firm Waldo & Lyle which has represented Jennings. “This should teach farmers that they can fight eminent domain.” Jennings said farmers have so many issues to deal with that it’s

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hard for them to focus on land ownership. “But if you don’t have protected rights to your land, you have nothing.” The Virginia Farm Bureau Federation and others have been supporting an amendment to the state’s constitution that would protect private property rights by clearly defining public use. “The only way to protect homeowners and landowners is to have a constitutional amendment that ensures land cannot be taken and given to another private owner,” said Trey Davis, VFBF assistant director of governmental relations. The 2011 General Assembly passed a resolution to amend the Virginia constitution. The proposed amendment states that no more private property may be taken than is necessary to achieve the stated public use, and that the condemner has to prove the use is public. It also ensures that just compensation be given to the property owner. Condemning entities would not be able to exercise eminent domain if the primary use is for private gain, private benefit, private enterprise or increased jobs, tax revenue or economic development, Davis said. The amendment must pass the 2012 General Assembly with the same wording in order for it to be on the ballot for Virginia voters next November.

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Sports

Byrd Free Throws Sink Knights In 54-51 Terrier Win

William Byrd overcame a one-point deficit with clutch free throws in the final minute, as the Terriers defeated Cave Spring 54-51 in girls basketball Friday night at Cave Spring. Cave Spring trailed 26-20 at the half before the Lady Knights stormed back in the fourth quarter to take the late lead.

added 9 and 7, respectively. Hailey Sitze topped the Cave Spring scoring with 15. Jourdan Markey added 11, while Cassie Parulis chipped in 10 for the Knights.

Is your team not getting enough coverage? Please send in your pictures and relevant subject / game info and we’ll feature the next week! info@newsroanoke.com - Deadline is 5PM Tuesday.

Patriots Roll In 81-52 Romp Over Martinsville

Patrick Henry broke open a tight game with a 7-0 run in the final minute of the first half and it was a prelude of things to come as the Patriots defeated Martinsville 81-52 Tuesday night on the Woody Deans

Patriots #34 Austin Dunnithon looks for a pass along the baseline against a Martinsville defender.

The Terriers #21 Lindsey Carver and Cave Spring’s #10 Hailey Sitze battle for a rebound during Friday night's game.

Byrd's #3 Alexis Ratliff connects on a clutch free throw in the final minute to help Byrd win Friday night.

Patrick Henry #2 B.J. Hamlett Byrd hit their free throws down hits a free throw on his way Cave Spring #22 Cassie Paruthe stretch, while Cave Spring to a game-high 24 points missed several opportunities to lis looks to inbound for the Tuesday night. maintain their lead at the char- Knights. ity stripe. Kamara Hagins led William By Bill Turner Byrd with 15 points, while Hayinfo@newsroanoke.com ley Overstreet and Alexis Ratliff

Raiders Fall 47-41 in VIC Battle With Liberty Christian Liberty Christian used clutch free-throw shooting to pull away from a 34-34 tie as the Bulldogs knocked off North Cross 47-41 Monday night at the James Muscaro gym.

Raider #15 Bryce Woodliff looks for an opening from the perimeter against a Bulldog defender Monday night.

North Cross #33 Sam Lawrence makes his move to the basket against a Liberty Christian defender.

North Cross led 14-9 after the opening quarter on a fast start fueled by four 3-point baskets. The Bulldogs took a 22-21 lead to the halftime break on a last-second putback before Liberty Christian rallied down the stretch to

hand the Raiders their first loss of the season. Sam Lawrence led the North Cross scoring with 14 points and Matt Doughty added 7. By Bill Turner info@newsroanoke.com

Salem Names New Baseball Coach

The Salem School Division has announced that Jamie Garst has been named the new varsity baseball coach at Salem High School, effective immediately. Garst replaces Jim Stepp, who resigned in October after 15 successful seasons with the Spartans. "I am very grateful for the opportunity to work with these student athletes,” says Garst. “We have a strong group of players returning this coming year and I truly look forward to getting back on the field with them." Garst has been teaching chemistry and International baccalaureate level biology at the high school since 2008, and he was an assistant baseball coach at Salem in 2010 and 2011. “I am very pleased that Mr. Garst will be joining our coaching staff,” says Salem High School principal, John Hall. “He will bring us leadership and skill sets that will greatly benefit our athletes and programs, and I have the greatest confidence in his maturity and dedication to Salem High.” Garst he was a four-year starter in both baseball and football before graduating from Salem High School in 1999. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in biochemistry in 2003 from Virginia Tech and later earned Masters’ degrees in biochemistry and curriculum and instruc-

tion from Tech. “I had the distinct privilege of being one of Jamie's teachers when he was a freshman at Salem High School,” says Salem Superintendent, Dr. Alan Seibert. “He was a remarkable young man then and he is an accomplished professional educator now. “As Division Superintendent

and as a parent of children in Salem City Schools, I am thankful to have role models like Mr. Garst serving in Salem and am delighted that as the Spartans’ head baseball coach he will have yet another opportunity positively impact young lives,” he says. Garst and his wife, Sarah, have a young son, Jackson.

Court. The 36-25 advantage at the break mushroomed quickly in the third quarter, and PH was able to coast to the easy win over the outmanned Bulldog squad. B.J. Hamlett led the PH attack with 24 points, Jamel

Tucker added 12, and Darius Cunningham scored 11. Marcus Banks rounded out the Patriots in double digits, chipping in 10. PH improved to 4-0. By Bill Turner info@newsroanoke.com

Wild Bill’s Weekly Sports Roundup

High school basketball is in example for a squad that was full gear with non-district play shaky in December and sharp continuing through the end of in March. Never underestimate the month, and several holi- a Troy Wells-coached team. It’s a day tournaments worth a look sure way to get you a peg in the taking place between loss column. Christmas and New #5- William FlemYears. ing: Are the Colonels It’s time for the first a early-season blur or Wild Bill “Big-11” Topdoes Mickey Hardy 5 picks among our local have a giant to unleash? teams, so let’s take a look Fleming has started at the inaugural group 2-1, including a win at that leads the pack. powerful R.E. Lee of #1-Patrick Henry: Staunton. If the ColoBill Turner The Patriots take nels young group gets down the top spot after improv- in a groove, opponents will have ing to 4-0 Tuesday night with a their hands full. A good look 29-point win over Martinsville. Friday night comes when Cave PH has size and quickness that Spring visits the Colonel gym. should make them the team to Salem’s number-one tailgate beat in the Western Valley Dis- party, the Stagg Bowl, moves trict. A big test comes tonight, to prime time this Friday night where they meet undefeated Sa- when the NCAA Division III lem on the Spartan’s court. championship airs on ESPN2 #2- Salem: The Spartans at 7:00 pm. Mount Union and check in at 4-0 and may prove to Wisconsin-Whitewater will be a factor in the always-tough tangle for the seventh straight River Ridge District. The sched- year in Salem Stadium. Both ule maker may have stacked the teams are 14-0. cards against Salem. They must The Stagg Bowl is a Wild Bill travel to scrappy Lord Botetourt five-star recommendation as it Thursday night before return- is always a first-class event put ing home 24 hours later to find on by the City of Salem and Patrick Henry invading the the ODAC. Great location, two Spartan gym. We’ll see who’s in great teams and a major-bowl shape in a hurry. championship atmosphere. #3- Cave Spring- The Knights Plus, after attending the last have opened at 3-1, with their only loss coming on the road at Radford. Impressive was their 17-point fourth quarter comeback to defeat James River in overtime. With the addition of 3 players from the state semifinal football team, Cave Spring looks to get better. #4- Hidden Valley: The Titans always start slow and finish big. Last year’s run to the state www.bridgebyte.com final in Richmond was a prime

six games, split 3-3 by the two teams, I can firmly vouch that the game will be worth the price of admission. See you there! Finally, we close with Wild Bill’s Sugar Bowl update. It seems, as predicted in this column last week, ticket sales for the Sugar have been less-thanstellar on the VA. Tech side. As of midweek, Tech reported they had sold just over half of their 17,500 allotment, and orders had slowed to a snail’s pace. Granted, this does beat the 2009 Orange Bowl sales, where Tech only sold 3,342 of its allotment, and took a $1.77 million bath in unsold tickets. Is it my imagination, or weren’t we told that the Sugar Bowl bid was based on Tech “traveling so well”? Sorry, guys - this is like traveling in a covered wagon. I hope the Hokies can right the ship before the Jan. 3rd matchup in New Orleans against Michigan. Watch for next week’s Sugar update. Until then, send your questions to: info@newsroanoke. com

By Bill Turner info@newsroanoke.com

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Page 8 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 12/16/11 -12/22/11

The “Bisque-It” Bounces To SW County “Look at this!” says Glazed Bisque-It owner Pam Berberich, holding up a long plate with a detailed picture of challah bread (if you are from up north you know what challah bread is) on it to a customer named Marci. Marci smiles and turns to the young woman next to her exclaiming, “I did that!” Such is often the scene with the unveiling of finished ceramics at Berberich’s new location at Promenade Park in southwest Roanoke County. She may be the queen of painted-and-kiln fired ceramics now, but Berberich started her professional life in the halls of academia by teaching organic chemistry at Gettysburg College, also her alma mater. Afterward, she worked as a research chemist for three years before embarking upon a career as a pharmaceutical sales representative for a decade-plus. She first came to Glazed Bisque-It when she accompanied her two sons to the store’s former Campbell Avenue downtown Roanoke location while a stay-at-home mom. When the previous owner Jane Schultz had to sell due to a relocation in 2007, she jumped at the opportunity to buy the pottery studio. “I had always loved the business and thought there could be more done,” she says. That could include expanding the studio’s reach; taking services to schools and retirement homes. Berberich also instituted a flat studio fee along with the cost of the ceramic, rather than a per-hour fee, because she feels it makes customers feel less rushed and more relaxed. Berberich, who admits she isn’t an artist, claims that one of the reasons she enjoys the business so much is that she’s offering experiences, not just a finished product; Every-ones got some type of artistic talent. It’s the experience of creating some-

Glazed Bisque-It owner Pam Berberich assists Chad Quiñones with painting ceramics. thing with whoever you’re with.” For customers who may not want to pick up a brush to glaze, she and her six employees present such options such as pressing paints on with lace patterns or using stamps. After realizing that she had to leave downtown - due in large part to a leaking roof and customer complaints about parking - she scouted out other locations downtown, along with spaces at Towers, Valley View Mall and in Salem. The new location on Electric Road, which she moved into in September, brings many advantages: in addition to improved access and parking, Glazed Bisque-It has added a new dedicated party room that wouldn’t have fit in the downtown space. Berberich estimates that the business is up over 20% from last year in the months she’s been at Promenade Park From Spider-Man banks to plates and spoon rests, the range of blank ceramic pieces spreads out far along the right wall of the store. A display at the back holds Christmas ornaments of snowmen and other holiday favorites. Patrons choose a blank and paint it; the piece is fired in a kiln and they come back to pick it up in a few days.

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In addition to the pottery firing, Berberich added glass fusion to her repertoire. In glass fusion, pieces of glass are layered to make a design and then fired in one of her four kilns, melting the pieces together. One of her favorite new techniques with the kilns is “slumping,” where the fused glass is shaped in molds into forms such as bowls. Berberich says she’d like to emphasize glass in the New Year, due to its capabilities for the customer, saying “there are bowls on Etsy [a e-commerce site for crafts] for $300 that you could do here for $42.” She’s also excited about the possibilities of making glass jewelry, which she wasn’t allowed to do under her lease on Campbell, at the new space. Customers can also bring in wine, liquor and beer bottles to “slump” and make into new objects. The crowds are diverse. Girl Scouts recently came in to make glass fusion nightlights, while on another night fifty sorority sisters from Roanoke College painted their mascot, a ladybug, on various objects. Groups from Hopetree Family Services and Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare have also come through to paint. A recent store-packing “Ladies’ Night” (which she holds every third Friday of the month) makes her glad that she moved to the new location: “We had over 75 people in here and it didn’t feel crowded. We would have been stumbling over one another downtown.” After getting Marci situated at a table with others working on ceramics, Berberich comes back with a smile to show off some of her patterned glass: “[That] is why I do what I do! To see this reaction people have to what they’ve done.”

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short-term price movements influence your investment decisions. Many of the factors that cause jumps or declines are not that relevant to longterm results — and as an investor, you want to focus on the long term. Concentrate on building a portfolio that’s suitable for your individual goals and risk tolerance. • Be aware of different types of risk. For many investors, “investment risk” strictly means the possibility of losing principal when the value of an investment drops. Consequently, to cut back on their risk in the face of a volatile market, they may sell off stocks and load up on certificates of deposit (CDs), bonds and other so-called “safer” investments. But each investment actually carries its own type of risk. For example, if you own CDs that pay a 2 percent return, and the inflation rate is 3 percent, you will lose purchasing power over time. And if you wanted to sell your bonds before they had matured, you’d have to sell them at a discount if the market interest rate had risen above the “coupon” rate of your bond because no one would pay you full price for them. Just be aware that no investment is “risk-free,” and try to build a diversified portfolio that can lessen the impact of one specific type of risk. By following these suggestions, you can go a long way toward making 2012 a good year in which to make progress toward your important financial goals. So plan ahead — and make the right moves. Carl Grove is a Financial Advisor at Edward Jones located in Roanoke. He may be reached at 540-344-9211 or carl.grove@edwardjones.com. Edward Jones, its associates and financial advisors do not provide tax or legal advice.

JCHS Approved To Offer 4 Year Degree In Respiratory Therapy

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Once again, it’s time to make some New Year’s resolutions. This year, in addition to hitting the gym, learning that second language and getting better organized, why not also consider a few financial resolutions? What types of resolutions might you consider? Here are a few suggestions: • Contribute more to your retirement accounts. The new year means that you are one year closer to retirement. To help yourself build resources for the lifestyle you’ve envisioned as a retiree, try to boost your contributions to your 401(k) or other employer-sponsored retirement plan. You can do this if you get a salary increase and devote at least part of it to your 401(k). At the same time, try to “max out” on your Individual Retirement Account (IRA). For 2012, you can contribute up to $5,000 to an IRA, or $6,000 if you’re 50 or older. • Reduce your debts. Look for ways to cut down or consolidate your debts. It may not be easy, but it’s worth the effort because the lower your debt load, the more money you’ll have available to invest for the future. • Build an emergency fund. If you don’t already have an emergency fund containing between six and 12 months’ worth of living expenses, start building one soon. Keep the money in a liquid vehicle — one that’s separate from your everyday checking and savings accounts. Without such an emergency fund, you may be forced to dip into your long-term investments to pay for unexpected costs, such as a major car repair, a new furnace or a large medical bill. • Don’t overreact to volatility. In 2011, the financial markets have been volatile, with big gains followed by big drops followed by big gains — a true roller-coaster pattern. Try not to let large,

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The Jefferson College of Health Sciences (JCHS) has approval from the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) to offer a fouryear Bachelor of Science degree in Respiratory Therapy (BSRT) beginning in the fall of 2012. The new baccalaureate program will run concurrently with the existing associate-level RT program at JCHS with plans to eventually move the curriculum to the bachelor's level. "We continually communicate with local, regional and national employers who hire Respiratory Therapists," says Chase Poulsen, M.Ed., Director of the JCHS Respiratory Therapy (RT) Program, "and they are telling us that they see significant value in a graduate with a four-year degree. Many alumni of the JCHS By Gene Marrano RT Program have gone on to gmarrano@cox.net earn their bachelor's degrees because they've found the addi-

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tional education and experience is an essential element in their success in the healthcare field." Evidence from studies conducted by the American Association of Respiratory Care (AARC) show that there is a trend toward a bachelor's level education for RTs. In 2000, only 24.6% of RTs had a bachelor'slevel degree. By 2005, that number had risen to 32.5% and currently, 45% of RTs surveyed had a baccalaureate degree or above. The new program will offer BSRT students enhanced opportunities including diverse clinical rotations in neonatal, pediatric, adult critical care, operating room, sleep lab, ground transport and other specialty units. In addition, students can choose elective rotations in education, management and home health. "Today's Respiratory Therapist is a vital part of a healthcare team," says Poulsen. "By offering the bachelor's level degree to our students, we are preparing them to enter the profession on an entirely new and exciting level. And the opportunities for our graduates are growing every day." Like many of their healthcare colleagues, RTs are currently in high demand. With an aging baby boom population, that demand is expected to grow in coming years. Already at the associate level, over 90%

of JCHS RT students find employment within an average of three months after graduation. The average salary for all RTs is $62,223, which has risen 10.7% since 2005. Respiratory Therapists beginning their careers can expect to earn between $42,000 and $47,000 annually. Both the employment opportunities and starting salaries are expected to increase for an RT graduate with a four-year degree. "The advancement of the Respiratory Therapy Degree to the bachelor's level at JCHS is another important step toward ensuring that we're prepared to meet the healthcare needs of our friends, families and neighbors," says JCHS President Dr. Nathaniel L. Bishop. "We're proud of everyone who was involved in developing this program and look forward to welcoming our first class next fall." BSRT students entering the program in fall 2012 will have access to applying for generous federal, state and internal grant opportunities through the College's Office of Financial Aid. The JCHS RT Program is accredited by the Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC). For more information, visit the Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy page on the JCHS website at http://www.jchs.edu/ page.php/prmID/981

"Listen to your life. See it for the fathomless mystery it is. In the boredom and pain of it, no less than in the excitement and gladness: touch, taste, smell your way to the holy and hidden heart of it, because in the last analysis all moments are key moments, and life itself is grace." -Frederick Buechner Sunday School Classes for All Ages Begin at 10:00 AM Morning Worship Every Sunday at 11:00 AM

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Hollins professor Ed Lynch has released two books on major GOP figures of the last quarter century. ing the son of former Redskins coaching legend George Allen may have had something to do with that. “Fighting back and starting over were a way of life. George learned it from his dad.” Defeated in his first run for the state legislature and then redistricted out of a Congressional seat, he was written off at that time. Of course, Allen then went on to be a governor and United States senator. His victorious race for governor in 1993 helped set the stage nationally for the Republicans in 1994, according to Lynch. The GOP then took back the House of Representatives from the Democrats and captured a slew of governorships. Allen won his Senate seat on the night George W. Bush became president in 2000. “His career parallels modern Republicanism [and] conservatism,” said Lynch. Allen’s views on taxes, economic development and tough sentencing laws were issues used by Republican candidates elsewhere in ’94. His career mirrors the ups and downs of the GOP. “He keeps coming back,” said Lynch, who feels the “macaca” comment directed at someone taping him on the campaign trail was handled badly. For one thing said Lynch, the Allen camp kept changing the story on whether or not the candidate knew the word was seen as a slur to those of the nationality of the man videotaping him. “You give the same answer and people stop asking questions,” said Lynch, who feels that the lack of a future-oriented agenda was the real reason Allen

lost in 2006. “It wasn’t clear what he was going to do if reelected.” Tim Kaine is “doubling down” and gambling that his connection to Barack Obama will be a plus in 2012, according to Lynch, but expect Allen to use that against him. How Obama fares in Virginia next year may dictate how Kaine does against Allen, who was mentioned as a presidential contender in 2008, before his ’06 Senate campaign crumbled. Indeed, Allen’s possible run for president was a major inspiration for Lynch when he decided to write this book. As for the Reagan volume, Lynch drew in part from his Central American policy experience, when he was “the only White House staffer,” at that time studying the issue. “It was a major area of controversy … and concern at the time,” recalls Lynch. Reagan had a real plan “for doing away with the Soviet Union,” according to Lynch, which included everything from strategic weapons to psychological warfare. Determined to promote a domestic agenda, just days into his first term, however, Reagan had to turn his attention to Communist-influenced regimes in South America. The “shadow of Vietnam” hung over Central America, according to Lynch. A strong believer in a powerful military, there are parallels today to the Reagan era: “it is more necessary than ever, given the nature of the enemy we confront in the war on terror, that our defenses be top-notch and well prepared.” Lynch, who has appeared often on national radio and TV programs, even has this piece of advice for President Obama – something that could help him avoid the Jimmy Carter syndrome: (Reagan, of course, defeated Carter in 1980 and made the former Georgia governor a one-termer) “you have to capture Reagan’s optimism about the future. That’s really what wedded him to the American people.” By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

Opera Roanoke and St. John’s Episcopal Present "Amahl and the Night Visitors" St John’s Episcopal Church "Music on the Corner Series" and Opera Roanoke will present a special performance of Amahl and the Night Visitors, Gian Carlo Menotti’s beloved holiday opera at St. John’s Episcopal Church in downtown Roanoke. The performance will be held at 6:00 pm on January 6, 2012. Joseph Flummerfelt has been named by Leonard Bernstein “the greatest choral conductor in the world” Maestro Flummerfelt is founder and musical director of the New York Choral Artists, is an artistic director of the Spoleto Festival USA Joseph Flummerfelt and for 33 years was artistic director of the world renowned Westminster Choir College. He was Music, will accompany on the Aeolian-Skinner selected by Menotti as the first maestro del coro Quimby pipe organ. forthe Festival dei due Mondi in Spoleto, Italy, a “This is a wonderful opportunity for us to colpost he held for 23 years. laborate with Opera Roanoke” said Dr. John R. “Joseph Flummerfelt is one of the greatest mu- Wood, chairperson of Music on the Corner. “This sicians alive, and it is a privilege for us to welcome joint production will be an extraordinary epiphahim to Roanoke for this production of an opera ny gift to the community.” by a composer with whom he was closely associated for decades,” said Opera Roanoke General For more information, contact St. John’s Episcoand Artistic Director, Scott Williamson, who will pal Church at 540-343-9341 or Opera Roanoke at sing the role of Kaspar, one of the three kings in 540-982-2742. the opera. Joining him will be acclaimed soprano Amy Cofield Williamson, last heard in Roanoke as the title character of Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor. Zachwith a touch of elegance ary H’doubler, a student at North Cross School and a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church, will make his operatic debut as the title character in Amahl and the Night Visitors. Members of the Opera Roanoke Young ApprenSpecial Hours: tice Program will also perform, Mon Sat 10 am to 6 pm WEST VILLAGE these include students from Sun12:30 pm to 5 pm 3555 ELECTRIC ROAD Radford University and other ROANOKE, VIRGINIA 24018 540.904.6585 regional colleges. David Charles Campbell, St. John’s Minister of

Sculptor Betty Branch opens her Norfolk Ave. studio on Warehouse Row to the public for a few weekends every December, when she also exhibits works of art from her talented children. Branch held an opening night reception earlier this month. By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

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Ed Lynch, chair of the political science department at Hollins University and former chairman of the Roanoke County Republican party, has now written four books, with the release of “Starting Over: A Political Biography of George Allen,” about a year ago, and the recent debut of “The Cold War’s Last Battlefield: Reagan, the Soviets and Central America.” The latter is a serious academic work that Lynch envisions seeing on reference bookshelves for the most part. He knows something about President Ronald Reagan first hand: at the age of 25, Lynch was a member of The Gipper’s Central American policy team, working with the National Security Council at a time of great unrest (remember the Sandinistas?) in that part of the world. Lynch recently went on sabbatical from Hollins in order to do some traveling (he will lecture on cruises to Australia, New Zealand and Europe) and to finish yet another book on the legacy of American governors. The Allen book is timely, given the former U.S. Senator and Governor’s latest political comeback. Allen will be the presumptive nominee against Democrat Tim Kaine, another ex-governor, in 2012. Allen’s career has “featured multiple returns from oblivion,” said Lynch, who gives him much credit: “he reinvented conservative political action in the post-Reagan, post-Cold War era. The issues on which he had his greatest successes became the issues that fueled the Republican comeback in the 1990’s.” Allen lost his Senate reelection battle to Jim Webb in 2006, in part because of a perceived racial slur he used at a campaign stop. Webb is now retiring after one term, meaning an open seat for the Kaine-Allen slugfest next year. The recent endorsement from Governor Bob McDonnell “was a huge help to George Allen,” said Lynch, who feels Allen would thrive in the current Senate climate. Lynch was also a Senate staffer at one point in his career. He interviewed Allen 3-4 times at his law office in preparing for the book. Scrappy on the campaign trail and highly partisan at times, be-

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12/16/11 -12/22/11 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 9

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On Wednesday Fishburn Elementary School students donated 2,500 Chocolate Chip Cookies to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southwest Virginia at Fishburn Park Elementary's gymnasium. The Roanoke City elementary school has been participating in the "Caring Community Cookie Celebration" that is taking place with more than 150,000 students and teachers around the world in celebration of the 25th anniversary of the DoubleTree by Hilton Chocolate Chip Cookie. Interacting with their teachers and volunteers from The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center, the students worked through various lessons to learn about organizations that care and help others in our community. The various lessons concluded with the youngsters being asked a unique question: If they had 2500 chocolate chip cookies to give to a special group of people that cared about their community, who would they give them to and why? The Ronald McDonald House was an excellent choice!

Is the Romance of Traveling Gone? Not to World Explorer and Author Henry Biernacki

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Expensive air fares for cramped planes, irritating baggage fees and exhaustingly long security lines – traveling isn’t what it used to be in that bygone era when boarding a plane for exotic destinations held the imagination. But world traveler and writer Henry Biernacki says travel doesn’t have to be a trauma – it just depends on how you approach the journey. For Biernacki, a luxury airline captain who has explored the world on meager means and reaped a lifetime of experience, it truly is about the journey as much as the destination. Biernacki is the author of the recently released novel No More Heroes (www.theglobalhenry. com), which explores the inner journey of a young man who finds deeper joy in life, spiritual growth and love as he crosses borders. “Travel allows people to live with intensity, follow their interests and enjoy the fleeting moments of each passing day spent with people they care about,” says Biernacki. “People are

genuinely attracted to unknown parts and far off countries. Who cares about being lost? That is where you find the best experiences.” Biernacki has been traveling with his rucksack since he was 17 and boarded a Greyhound bus for a journey from Colorado to Mexico. In 1997, he traveled around the world, sleeping in the streets and living amongst the humblest people, spending a scant $3,700 to circle the globe. On that journey, though, he experienced one of the most significant moments of his life: meeting Mother Teresa just three days before her death. He has traveled to 120 countries, including such difficult locales as North Korea, never staying in anything more luxurious than a guest house and carrying only a small rucksack and a few plastic zipper bags as luggage. Surprisingly, it is Biernacki’s profession that gives him such an unusual perspective on travel: He’s an airline captain for Virgin America Airlines, an

airline most travelers associate with the height of luxury. His novel explores the inner journey of Niklas, a man searching for deeper meaning in his life when a series of unexpected friendships sends him to an exotic and difficult destination. The novel has been praised for its rich detail and sensitive exploration of the innately human need to connect with others, no matter where they happen to be. “Traveling makes people adapt to new situations and open their minds to new cultures and people in a way that can’t be achieved by staying with what is familiar,” Biernacki said. “It is because it’s uncomfortable, unusual and there are strange sights and new foods you’ve never seen before that it opens up your mind and your soul to others.” So with holiday travel, vacation or business, Biernacki advises travelers to enjoy the unexpected. Doing that allows them to enjoy the journey and the destination equally.

Celebrate the Miracle. Come to St. John’s Episcopal Church this Christmas. St. John’s Episcopal Church is your place to welcome the Christ-child this Christmas with beautiful liturgy, an acclaimed choir and a grand and welcoming place to celebrate the mystery of Christ among us. You belong at St. John’s . . . singles, professionals, empty nesters and families, are all welcome here!

Four Services on Christmas Eve:

(Nursery available for the 2, 4, and 8 p.m. services) 2:00 p.m. The Gathering on Christmas Eve 4:00 p.m. Family Holy Eucharist, Rite II 8:00 p.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite II (Music at 7:30 p.m.) 11:00 p.m. Festival Holy Eucharist, Rite II (Music at 10:30 p.m.)

Celebrate on Christmas Morning: 8:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m.

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