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Community | News | Per spective

February 25 - March 3, 2011

Habeeb Winds Down Session With Town Hall Meeting

[Entertainment]

Hot Riffs in Big Lick Cougar Sightings

Photo by Valerie Garner

P4– Fred First has his doubts about Mountain Lions roaming the hills of SW Virginia but others “only know what they saw.”

Habeeb at Town Hall Meeting.

Photo by Gene Marrano

Brad Paisley came to town and took Roanoke by storm last week wooing young and old alike with a fast paced show that also featured Darius Rucker, (former lead singer for Hootie and the Blowfish) and rising young star Jerrod Niemann. Check out more pictures from the show and Gene Marrano’s full review in Arts and Culture on Page 9.

Summer Camp!

P6– It may still be cold outside but the time to plan for Summer is now - check out the offerings on our Special Camp Page!

Marginal Arts P9– Roanoke’s 2011 Marginal Arts Festival will be bigger, stronger, longer and as whimsical as ever.

The Wertz’s Say Goodbye to Farm Market

Pulling up to Wertz’s Farm their store 50% off and the Market on Brambleton Avenue shelves are beginning to look finds things looking like they more barren than not. Elsie always do, except the trees outhas taken home most of the side are still barren and there are framed pictures they had disno fresh homegrown vegetables played of the numerous newsand fruit inside for sale … and paper and magazine articles there won’t be again. that have been done about Ezera and Elsie Wertz took them through the years. She out a small ad in the Roanoke even has one about her daughTimes recently saying “After ter, Robin Craig, an accommore than 50 years, it’s time plished businesswoman who to say goodbye, and the Wertz left the area to pursue a career family would like to thank our in Arizona. customers for their years of supDaughter Sharon, who lives port and friendship.” nearby, reminisced about The short but sweet message growing up on the farm with Photo by Cheryl Hodges barely scrapes the surface of the dad Ezera, who “turned us into long tenure and presence they Ezera and Elsie Wertz in their store on Brambleton Avenue. boys for quite a few years. But have had in the community-they taught us a good work more.” the years of busyness: of tilling, planting, Their goods were always high quality ethic, which paid off years later.” growing, sorting, transporting, unload- “homegrown—that’s what dad always said,” Ezera, has no problem letting people ing, displaying and then sharing the story daughter Sharon interjects, but to many the know he is 85. He was raised German Bapof the high-quality produce they were real value came in knowing both Elsie and tist and his dad was also a farmer. Elsie says so long known for. Before moving to the Ezera Wertz and their three daughters. Elsie of her husband, “This is what he has done Brambleton location in 2003, they were a is matter-of-fact but proud when she says all his life; it’s his work and his hobby.” Elfixture on the Farmer’s Market for decades emphatically, “Ezera is just a people per- sie worked hard too; she spoke of the early (since 1949); the market has changed a lot son; he always has been.” His big smile and years when she and her sister-in-law “made since then. According to Elsie, “It’s not like wonderful way of connecting with people all the jams and it was—it’s just people selling things like endeared him to just about everyone. jellies until it got > CONTINUED crafts—not hardly a Farmer’s Market anyThey have marked down everything in too much [so they] P2: Wertz’s

Education Rally Supports Senate Budget Plans

Tops in Tennis P10– Former Tennis Professional Johan Kriek has high expectations in selecting Roanoke for his new Tennis Academy.

Governor Bob McDonnell’s idea for Charter Schools was called a “mugging of Peter to pay Paul” at the education rally held in Roanoke on Monday.

Teacher, parents, administrators, officials and students from all over the valley filled the Patrick Henry High School auditorium. They were holding signs that said, “Stick with the Senate,” and “Repair the Damage.” All were in support of the Senate’s two-year budget plan favoring education.

They wielded Report cards giving the Senate’s budget an “A” and the House budget an “F. Others held signs saying, “We

will remember in November.”

Thom Ryder, a Roanoke County third-grade teacher had his class size increase from 19 to 26 students. Ryder, Executive Board Member of the Roanoke County Board of Education System, said “we’ve cut $17 million and 150 positions.”

Loraine Lange, Roanoke County Schools Superintendent, said the defunding of K12 public education has been disproportionate to other services and “we need a change.” She urged passage of the Senate’s version > CONTINUED P2: Rally

Photo by Valerie Garner

Rally attendees gave the Senate an “A” and the House a “F.”

Delegate Greg Habeeb of Salem had a friendly audience of 25 at his Saturday morning town hall meeting held in the Cave Spring High School Auditorium.

Everyone at his first town hall seemed pleased with his grasp of the issues.

“We’re happy with his service so far,” said Bob and Jenny Hardin of Cave Spring.

His whirlwind campaign and January 11 special election victory left him no time to prepare for the 2011 General Assembly session. He was in Richmond the next morning and sworn into office by noon.

Habeeb said the hardest part of being a delegate is being away from family. “Leaving early Monday morning or late Sunday night has been extraordinarily difficult,” he said. The pace is faster then he envisioned. “You go at the speed that it takes you.”

“I’ve been very pleased with the lack of heavy handedness,” There are very few instances > CONTINUED P2: Habeeb

United Way Holds Its Own During Tough Times An agency created to help people during tough times is experiencing some of that itself: “I think the economy’s had a rather dramatic impact on the programs, our fund raising ability, and our ability to help people,” says Frank Rogan, President and CEO of United Way of Roanoke Valley. “(The) first thing is that we’ve seen more people coming for help than we’ve ever seen before. More of our partner agencies …are seeing more clients show up, and at the same time, they’re seeing some cuts in our funding from the government [and] the individual level.” Rogan adds that, “we are trying very hard to really re-engineer and redesign some of our systems so that we can help people in a way with less resources.”

Such efforts are paying off.

The current economic hard times notwithstanding, United Way of Roanoke Valley has held its own and in some instances, has actually raised the amount of donations coming in. During the last two years, > CONTINUED P2: United Way

Page 2 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 2/25/11 - 3/3/11

> Habeeb

where the Republican caucus takes a stand.

This allows him the freedom to do what he thinks best for his constituents. Habeeb said that he reads every bill.

“The partisanship in Richmond is a lot less then I anticipated – it’s a lot more regional then it is partisan,” said Habeeb. Most of the time delegates fight for their area.

Habeeb says he has learned that “a bill may have come up for a decade. I think I’m better off not having that history.” Others may have a voting history that prevents them from voting a different way. “I can look at every [bill] fresh and new,” said Habeeb.

An example of regionalism and history is the contest over the Labor Day bill that Habeeb framed as “institutional inertia” saying the state is way past the days of schools not being able to open before Labor Day. “It takes a long time to turn that around. It will get done, we’re going to get it done,” insisted Habeeb.

Delegate Bill Cleaveland (R-17) introduced the bill. Habeeb met with Governor McDonnell who previously opposed it but now has a neutral stance. The bill will give

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Rain chances return for Sunday and Monday with highs in the upper 50s.

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It seems likely that their retirement will be a lot harder on everyone yearning for those homegrown Wertz vegetables than it will be on the Wertz’s themselves. They have a lot of long-time friends who aren’t going anywhere, and many who they see frequently at church activities throughout the week— the Wertz’s are longtime members at Poage’s Mill Church of the Brethren. It has been a focal point in their lives for many years; Ezera “had a big hand in building the fellowship hall”

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food chain. “As long as [the state] is going to micromanage localities’ use of their money [then] we’ve got to come up with the money for them,” said Habeeb. He reassured Elswick that refunding was more likely the scenario this budget year.

Business-friendly legislation will get the economy going again. “Instead of fighting over who gets what piece of the pie we [need to] grow the pie so everyone can get their piece,” he said.

Transparency is a large part of Habeeb’s philosophy. For example, he voted for HR64, a bill that allows anyone at a glance to judge the voting record of his or her representative without having to sort through each individual bill. Though the vote was not unanimous, it was bipartisan. The Senate has yet to make that commitment.

There is one more week left – a week of budget negotiations between the Republican held House and Democratic controlled Senate. Localities will receive news of the size of their “piece of the pie” and their budget process can then start in earnest.

By Valerie Garner info@newsroanoke.com -

Stevens telling of the fellow down below him who saw six coons at one time in his apple tree. Johnny Sowder thought he could beat that with the mystery of the apple tree branch slowly bobbing up and down back in his yard. Turns out a groundhog was “climbing up to grab an apple, then sliding down a branch and riding it to the ground” – a feat not even they knew a “whistle pig” could do.

By the end of the month the familiar red truck with the white cargo cover and the “Wertz2” license plate won’t be parked out front. Their departure brings to From page 1

volunteers.

During the next six months, United Way will have some of its volunteers, board members and outside experts come together to identify some of the major problems confronting Roanoke - the root causes and what the community can do to solve some of them. Reducing Roanoke’s poverty rate is a concern, as is the city’s climbing but still-low high school graduation rate.

Then there is the issue that Rogan calls “really the basis of a lot of things in life”: health.

“If you have your health, you have everything. United Way’s role is unique in that we really try to find those big issues out there, bring people together and provide the resources that get things done - working in partnership and collaboration with many folks in the community.”

As United Way’s Director of Development, Linda Webb’s job is to get individuals and companies to participate in United Way’s activities. “I run a lot of special events,” she explains. “I talk with individual givers - the high-level givers as well as people that give a very modest amount for a long time, . . . [all] are very, very crucial to our mission. We have many people who have been giving for twenty-five, fifty years.”

Currently United Way is preparing to invest the money raised during the most recent

our fair city a quiet void, but as with all changes, big and small, comes new beginnings.

As Elsie said, “Oh I’ve got plenty of jobs he can do …”

Ezera’s laugh interrupts her, “I’ll be working for ‘honey-do,’ that’s true.”

Wertz Farm Market’s last days open are February 24, 25, 26 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

By Cheryl Hodges info@newsroanoke.com

-

Jerry Canada with the Roanoke County School Board said, “it’s just plain wrong … when and how have our children become such a low priority” in the General Assembly. Canada pointed to the philosophical difference between those cutting K12 funding for education and those who support private education.

Canada asked supporters to call the six House conferees and demand funding for K12 education and have them support the Senate’s education-friendly budget. Canada said that “Virginia is the 7th wealthiest state in the nation but it is 38th in state support for its public schools … the assault on K12 public education has to stop and needs to stop right now.”

Roanoke City Council member and retired school counselor Anita Price said the city would receive an additional $1 million under the Senate budget. Price reminded that the House version of the budget cuts pre-school education completely. By cutting pre-school Price called it “penny wise and

> United Way the funds raised by United Way’s annual campaign has remained at the same level— approximately $6.1 million.

Rogan says, “I can tell you, there’s not many communities in the country that can say that their United Way is being able to holds it’s own during a very, very difficult time”—a fact he attributes to the dedication of the agency’s loyal donors and

-

From page 1

back in 1958.

A couple of fellow church members were hanging around the store with Ezera and Elsie, keeping them company. When asked if they were going to continue farming, the Wertz’s said they are going to have a garden, but they “are through with apples and peaches.”

Ezera chuckled, saying “If you want an apple you better carry a ladder with you; they’re all at the top,” in reference to the –at least so it would seem -- universal problem of deer.

From there, the conversation went “varmint,” with Kenny

of the budget. With the additional revenue announced by Governor, “he still proposes cuts to education …the House of Delegates budget version cuts even more,” said Lange.

Jeff Bain, President of the Virginia School Boards Association said the percentage of General Fund and direct aid dollars “has fallen from over 35% in 2009 to 30% in the current budget. While funding for public education decreases, the number of students has increased. Localities can’t make up the difference indefinitely. “The state has failed miserably in its obligations,” said Bain.

David Carson, Roanoke City School Board Chairman, summarized the resolution adopted by seven Southwest Virginia localities.

Charter Schools were a sore topic. Dawna McDowell, Craig County School Board member, said “the vast majority have not shown to be any better than a public education.” All school systems are not the same and McDowell called for “flexibility,” especially for rural school systems.

11:30am-2pm

Author Donna R. Tyson

Roanoke City Public Schools the option to open before Labor Day – a sorely needed tool for a school system with 70% of its students on free or reduced lunch. The tourism lobby is putting the pressure on the Senate.

Noah Tickle, a Roanoke County Tea Party member had a written list of three bills to ask Delegate Habeeb about. Tickle praised Habeeb for having the town hall meeting.

“I believe if this had been going on at the beginning of the republic then there would have been an entirely different attitude in the public sector. This is a wonderful thing and I hope you will keep it up …it will be an example to other people.” Tickle’s comment was met with applause.

Roanoke County Board of Supervisor’s member Ed Elswick blamed the state for passing the burden of the state budget shortfall to localities to resolve. He said the state is “dumping on localities to raise money and shirking their duties.” Elswick wanted to see the state finance localities based on population. “If the state won’t decrease requirements then the state should raise taxes,” said Elswick.

Localities are at the end of the revenue

> Rally

Monday Through Friday

NewsRoanoke.com

From page 1

> Wertz’s

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pound foolish because dollars spent today on our young children are dollars that are saved in the future.”

“Counties and Cities appropriate more funding to public education than required by the state,” Mayor David Bowers pointed out. He said the city of Roanoke has greater needs but less means to meet those needs.

Chuck Lionberger, Community Relations Specialist for Roanoke County Public Schools, had everyone hold up their signs.

“We have waited patiently for the economy to turn around and now it’s time to repair the damage,” said Lionberger.

He called McDonnell’s idea of Charter Schools not just “robbing Peter to pay Paul” but more like “mugging Peter to pay Paul.”

Only time will tell whether the cries from such rallies are ultimately heard in Richmond.

From page 1

Linda Webb and Frank Rogan fund raising campaign. About 100 volunteers will review applications submitted and make recommendations as to how much money they should receive.

Once the United Way board of directors gives final authorization in June, the agencies United Way supports will learn what their funding for the year will be. United Way is seeking to identify which community issues are most important and make certain the right partners are being served.

Rogan feels that if people volunteer for this community investment process, it would shatter barriers and provide “a whole different view of who needs help and how that help is being provided.” He believes volunteers receive “a real sense of satisfaction knowing that they’re doing something to help improve lives in the Roanoke Valley.”

On April 7, United Way will hold its second annual “Bloom” special event at Hotel Roanoke, to raise money for such basic needs as food and

By Valerie Garner info@newsroanoke.com

shelter. The theme for this year’s “Bloom” is “All Things Grow With Love,” and will feature the renowned gardener Andre Viette as guest speaker. Last year’s “Bloom” raised $60,000—unprecedented for a first-year event.

That money, along with funds from other sources, led to the establishment of the Community Housing Resource Center on Williamson Road— which provides a one stop help location for people in need. Since last September, the center has helped 256 families, and by May, Rogan feels it will have assisted over 500 families.

“We created a better system by using our abilities to work in partnership and collaboratively. [Through] a data base …we were able to help people who, through no fault of their own, are down on their luck and help them in a way that’s more compassionate, effective and efficient.”

Rogan characterizes United Way’s fund raising efforts as “a means to an end … to make sure that we have people that are healthy; able to take care of themselves and their families. Rogan aims for a “a strong community”—one where “all of us can enjoy the wonderful qualities [of life] that the Roanoke Valley has to offer.”

By Melvin E. Matthews, Jr. info@newsroanoke.com

2/25/11 - 3/3/11 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 3

NewsRoanoke.com

Roanoke recently saw some fresh young faces who were in the area to perform as part of the “Children of the World International Children’s Choir” – and “perform” somehow falls short of the experience they provided to those in attendance at Cave Spring Baptist Church in SW County. The kids, all around eight or nine years old, hail from several different nations and speak different languages but they have all learned to sing together—in English—along with their own drum accompaniment and vigorous aerobic dance routines that leave their audiences hard-pressed to take their eyes off the show, even for a moment.

The kids’ repertoire is impressive, and perhaps even more so when most American parents watching also have to be wondering how these children can be so enthusiastic and so well disciplined, to learn these routines -- when here in our culture it is a challenge just to get our kids to take out the trash. As the program unfolded, several of the kids got up individually and spoke at the microphone, saying “This is my story” to introduce a short video of their homeland and the life they left behind to join the 10-month tour with the choir.

One of the young ladies, Victoria, stood while the rest of the kids sat down together, and as her video unfolded explaining her background and homeland (Uganda) her smile was so bright, most everyone watching found themselves grinning even as they took in the images of the poverty-stricken land she had left behind.

The homelands for the 14 children, who are “a special group of orphaned and disadvantaged children,” include Nepal, the Philippines, and Uganda. All of them come from poverty and those left behind struggle to have enough food and water, much less educate their children.

The organization behind the effort, “World Help” explains that the little choir puts “a voice and

The Children of the World Choir performed at Cave Spring Baptist Church recently. a face to the desperate needs of children whose lives have been devastated by civil war, famine, poverty, unclean water, and preventable diseases.”

World Help gives people the opportunity to sponsor a child like these, for a small monthly contribution which will make a huge difference in their lives. In tandem with that effort, “causelife” is bringing attention and funds to the larger scale need for clean water in so many of these places. They point out that “for just $15,000, one deep bore well can provide life-saving water for a village of 1,000 people for 20 years.”

The choir kids’ young faces are more than enough to tug at one’s heart strings; watching the program unfold is a little overwhelming at times—many a mom had to be wondering about adoption much less a monthly donation!

Jennifer McKinney, Children of the World Office Coordinator, explains that “These children come from countries where we have national partners. They help us choose the children on the choir. All of the children are a part of our sponsorship program to help provide them with money for school, food, medical attention, and all around care.”

The kids have come a long way from their homes and are getting to see many wonderful places; they have performed at Disney World, Brooklyn Tab-

ernacle, Crystal Cathedral, and Focus on the Family. This lifechanging experience will not end with the completion of their choir tour; thanks to World Help, “All of these children that are a part of the Children of the World Choir for one tour will receive a college scholarship from World Help to further ensure their chance at a better future.”

McKinney adds, “It is our priority to send these children back to healthy, loving environments, and we are continually communicating and overseeing their transition upon their return to ensure this happens.”

Once the kids concluded their performance and hopped and skipped off the platform, there was a brief moment in which there seemed to be no words quite sufficient with which to conclude. Pastor Pete Schemm, recently called to pastor the church, deftly managed to bridge that pause when he said with a smile, “Doesn’t this just make us feel like we need to get out more?”

It would be interesting to know how many went home and checked to see if their passports are up to date …

For more information on World Help and causelife, visit worldhelp.net and causelife.org.

By Cheryl Hodges cheryl@newsroanoke.com

Cave Spring And Hidden Valley Hold Fashion Show

The Prevention Clubs at Hidden Valley and Cave Spring High Schools partnered to hold a Fashion Show fundraiser last Sunday, with proceeds supporting After Proms at both schools.

Over 30 students from both schools modeled dresses from Patina and Amrhein’s. Information

Macy Kinder (Cave Spring)

was shared about the risks of underage drinking during the event.

Emily Murphy, Co-Chair for the South County Prom Fashion Show for HVHS said, “… We are doing this because After Prom is so important.”

Cave Spring senior Brittney Meyers.

Hidden Valley senior Elizabeth Burke Photos by Bill Turner

Roanoker Helps To Make Permaculture A Way Of Life “Permaculture” is all about finding ways to live more naturally, and Ron McCorkle says it’s part of a movement that is becoming more mainstream all the time. The Urbiculture Foundation will display some of that permaculture movement – living “off the grid” so to speak - at the Grandin Road Earth Day celebration on April 23rd.

The exhibit will also feature pedal-powered devices that “will be inspiring to a lot of people,” said McCorkle, who calls permaculture “a way of life that allows us to more fully integrate with nature.”

Meanwhile McCorkle, an accountant by trade and owner of Sharebike, will host a brainstorming session for those interested in aspects of permaculture on Tuesday, March 1 from 6:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Sharebike, which is located at 513 S. Jefferson St. Anyone with a permaculture idea or method is also welcome.

Sharebike is a 3-year-old company that lends bikes free of charge at various sites in Roanoke, encouraging people to leave their motorized vehicles behind for a while to explore the streets and greenways of Roanoke on two wheels.

“Sharebike is going really well,” said McCorkle, who hopes to have bicycles available at Vic Thomas Park and other venues this spring.

“We’re taking the next step forward and that’s good for everyone.” Grandin Gardens and Black Dog Salvage hosted Sharebike locations last year; only one has not been returned on the honor system program over the past three years.

“Hundreds of people have used them,” noted McCorkle, who is studying for a master’s in integrative eco-sociology.

That focuses in part on permaculture, which he said has “exploded over the past year.

A lot more people are interested in it.”

Never heard of a rocket stove, a cob structure or a rainwater collection system?

That’s what permaculture is all about said McCorkle.

Rocket stoves are very efficient wood stoves used for heating, the most efficient available at 90%. “They are used a lot in other countries [and] a lot of people are making their own.” Cob structures are 100% natural buildings made using materials like clay and straw. Many have “living roofs,” with plant materials that help to heat and cool more efficiently.

Photo by Gene Marrano

Ron McCorkle preaches permaculture to the Roanoke Valley.

“The generation now in their 20s are seeing permaculture as something great. They grew up in a world that is finally seeing the importance of reducing our energy consumption and recycling,” said McCorkle.

Many of the older ways of doing things he adds “don’t make sense to them.”

The Internet, noted McCorkle, has made it easier to share knowledge about permaculture techniques, and a realization that the earth’s natural resources are indeed limited have inspired many young people. “They’re doing amazing things … it’s way different than it was in the 70s and 80s.” A Pittsburgh native, McCorkle said he had changed his perspective over the years, helped in part by joining the Roanoke Permaculture Association. “I was really intrigued,” said the now-certified permaculture instructor.” The Permaculture Association has held workshops on rocket stoves, harvesting shiitake mushrooms, rainwater collection

systems, etc.

As for the pre-Earth Day session next Tuesday, McCorkle said all are welcome.

“A lot of people have really great ideas. Brainstorming sessions are great for harvesting all of that inspiration.”

See sharebike.org for more information or contact McCorkle a ron@sharebike.org.

By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

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Page 4 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 2/25/11 - 3/3/11

Mountain Lions: Mystery, Myth and Matters of Fact

I

nside the rustic cabin planted that seed earlier during a few easy miles from the ghost stories. Shame on us. the heart of Camp Win"Why yes, we lost a camper nataska, a dozen ten year old up here coupla years back" we'd campers scrambled to choose told them. "Started off hiking bunks, exhausted from the towards this cabin with 13 kids longest hike some of these Bir- your age and when we got here, mingham city boys had ever there were only 12. Found most taken in their short lives. of little Kenny back along the The chatter waned toward trail we walked today, draped a whisper as night fell. "What across a fork of the tree about if there are bears and stuff out ten feet up--where she pulled there!" wondered one of our him for dinner. Man!" charges, a wonderfully terrible We half believed it ourselves, idea that quickly morphed into so common were the tales we'd an hour of swapping heard from our selies, ghost stories and niors, obliged as each legends of woodland generation is to pass monsters. on to the next the fear As the boys' fiand reverence we owe nally began to wear to the legend of the down somewhat toBig Cats. wards bedtime, anI bring this up beother camp leader cause twice, in totally and I slipped away. independent party Fred First We could still hear the conversations lately, I buzz of conversation heard grown men in inside through the thin walls. tight little knots of conversaIn the near-dark we hauled a tion, perpetuating myth and campfire stump over next to rumor, tales of sightings and the cabin so I could reach the sworn testimony of reputable corrugated metal roof with folk declaring the Certain a claw-like branch. Scratch Truth of these Ultimate Predascratch with the branch on the tors among us. metal; we waited.

The Convinced swear that "Listen!" a high-pitched voice they (or more often someone called out above the back- they know who knows someground little-boy babble, fol- one who) got a good look at the lowed by collective holding of tail--almost as long as the body. the breath. "Did you hear that?" "Now don't tell me that was a Scratch. Wait. tabby or a bob cat, no sir. And I And when the timing was just was (or the other guy was) soright, I let loose my "mountain ber as a judge" they swear. lion" scream through cupped If a big cat was to want to be hands--a growling, throat- left to himself, he could hardly rending scream modeled after find a better place than our the terrible howl of man-eating remote edge of Floyd County. tigers on Tarzan. But for our Yes, I can imagine Mountain purposes that dark and starry Lions out there, padding along night, this was the terrible in the moonlight silently up on cry of a Mountain Lion. We'd our ridge tonight.

“ I am the slowest

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Those majestic predators were once common across all of Virginia and North America. Their demise (until recently?) in the East was in part because of the dwindling of the deer population. Well that particular item is prominently back on the menu, with only the local pack of Killer Subarus to keep deer numbers in check.

Unless...

Rumors abound. We want to believe. But I am, at times, a rational man, a science-oriented kind of guy not given to Elvis sightings. And so, in light of the recent party conversations and the pervasive hope and conviction there are "painters" in our woods (and even in spite of the Facebook picture this month of one ostensibly killed just off Route 8--show me the body), I did some studying on the matter of the Cougar of Floyd County and the East.

Here are the facts in a nutshell: a couple of organizations (like easterncougar.org) exist with the chief purpose of investigating sightings of eastern cougars. I want to believe, but listen: "Since the ECF's inception in 1998, years of fielding, following up, and soliciting evidence from such reports have failed to produce a single cougar confirmation." Oh ye of little faith.

If they are in fact not here (and I know some folks, sober as judges, who swear they've seen them) they ought to be-on Wills Ridge, in Free State and along the Little River. We gain by that hope and belief that wildness lives immortal just beyond our door.

And these magnificent reminders of life's fine balance do live as we sustain their existence in our imaginations-generation after generation of campers, hunters, tellers of tales--believing we might reach the crest one day and see a panther disappearing into the distance.

We imagine them out there, watching, even as you read this final sentence, watching without a sound; waiting . . .

Scratch scratch.

Fred First / Floyd County VA Books: slowroadhome.com Blog: fragmentsfromfloyd.com twitter.com/fred1st http://about.me/fredfirst

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Local Crossword

Star-Sentinel Crossword for 02/18/2011

1

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12

4

13

16

6

7

8

21 24

28

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35

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40

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52 56

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www.CrosswordWeaver.com

ACROSS 1 4 9 12 14 15 16 17 18 19 21 23 25 26 29 31 35 36 39 40 41 42 43 44

Bother Where money is kept Admiration Water (Sp.) Broker Small bird Energy Bell riser Mind Knobby Leading Past Vessel Hide away Football assoc.

Sheds tears Fortify Government Body of water Mamma Grumble Thai Snake Salem college started in 1847 and was originally moved in a single wagon.

46 Sea eagle 47 Sleep disorder 49 Food and Agriculture Organization (abbr.)

50 Lived 52 Leave now!

54 Cart for hauling heavy things 56 Disguises 58 Make better 61 Baby's "ball" 62 Effigy 66 Frog's cousin 68 The name of the Tiger at Mill Mountain Zoo 69 Challenged 70 Scorn 71 Wing 72 Foe 73 Movie 2001's talking computer DOWN 1 2 3 4 5

Apprehend Against Wise man Forest god Gone by

6 7 8 9 10 11 13 15 20 22 24 25 26 27 28 30 32 33 34 37 38 44

45 48 51 53 55 56 57 59 60 61 63 64 65 67

Hardly any Vane direction What broke the camel's back Location Unwanted plant The __ (final word) I'm thinking -----. (slogan) Journalist's question Danish physicist Cut down Implant Library park.

Dance Boy scout unit Capital of Jordan Female singer ___ Apple Sugar-free brand Ivory Holy person Pride Antlered animal Back On The ____ is a kid's consignment shop in Tanglewood Mall.

Swiss-like cheese Written material Artist Andrew Side note Full of swamp grass Mangle Father Prophet who built the arc Input Undergarment Male Be Jewel Delaware

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

F

NewsRoanoke.com

The Dear Friend

rom years ago . . . sleep.

Most physicians beCailan cried. He had lost a come acquainted with friend, you see. death in late medical school; But he gained something. the clinical years. For ER phy- He gained the knowledge that sicians, at least, we’ve seen a lot sometimes mercy is bestowed of ‘good-byes.’ For my youngest with a fatal hand; and that lovson, however, he particing neither protects ipated in his first goodnor preserves. Necesbye when he was too sary lessons. young to understand, I must go to my son; too young to cope. go to him in that deep, My son Cailan made secret place where he a puppet to entertain is trying to make sense his new friend - an orof this loss. phaned baby beaver I cannot get there recently dropped off at by being me; I must a local wildlife rescue leave myself to see Lucky Garvin center where Cailan this as he sees it. I alsometimes volunteers. Cai- ready know of cycles and death lan fed and burped him, loved and the often hard face of mercy. and stroked him, watched him I am only to well aware that life swim in a small vinyl pool. His hangs like a leaf, suspended for friend had little bucky teeth and a catch of time by some invisible a wonderful flat tail. thing; and sometimes the leaf He would call the center and falls before we think it should. check up on the little beaver on This was true when the winds those days he could not visit. were young and I can do nothThen, one day, his friend got ing to change it; not for me; not sick; inexplicably and irretriev- for him. There is a deep mystery ably sick; and had to be put to here I cannot begin to fathom.

Preacher’s Corner -

I

I, now an adult, am left to wonder what it must be like to learn of death; to experience it close in for the first time. What was it like for me ... the first time?

Ahhh … I have forgotten.

I am so sad for this necessary lesson that the young, the helpless, the innocent sometimes die. How do I explain it to him when no one has yet explained it to me?

I can only tell my son - conscious of how little help it is to know - that this is the way of our life here; and with that thin explanation, the world becomes a little colder place to him; still a happy place withal; but now one where shadows lurk… Cast by objects and moments between us and the light.

Look for Lucky’s books locally and on-line: The Oath of Hippocrates; The Cotillian; A Journey Long Delayed.

Contact Lucky at info@theroanokestar.com

“Morphosis” by Joe Lehman

n 1991, a new word en- textbook) and pay attention. tered our common lexiIt turns out, though, that the con. The term was the idea of morphing—of miracuproduct of two events in pop lously transforming from one culture that occurred almost thing into another—is not new simultaneously: the release of at all. It is as old as the ChrisMichael Jackson’s “Black or tian Church. St. Gregory of White” music video and the Nyssa in the 4th century speaks Arnold Schwarzenegger film repeatedly of morphosis as the “Terminator 2.” The goal of Christian word was morphing. life. The very reason Until 1991, any for being Christian, television or film Gregory contends, special effect that is so that we can be involved something morphed into new transforming from creatures, so that— one state of being as Jesus says in the to another had a Sermon on the choppy and meMount—we can Joe Lehman chanical quality “be perfect as our to it. Think of old heavenly Father is movies like the “Wolfman,” in perfect” (Matthew 5:48). which the protagonist’s tranGregory is not so naïve as sition from person to feral to think we will attain perfeccreature was accomplished by tion fully in this life. But he a stop-and-start, chunky se- does believe that Christians quence of frames. “Black or can—through humility, study, White” and “Terminator 2” prayer, attention and accountchanged all that. With them ability to one another, always came a new technology that assisted by the grace of God— allowed for fluid, almost mi- experience a divine transforraculous transformation. At mation. In fact, he dedicated the end of the music video for his entire life to assisting his “Black or White,” for instance, fellow Christians in this very a sumo wrestler “morphs” endeavor. It’s crucial to note into supermodel Tyra Banks that, unlike the instantaneous seamlessly. In 2011 this tech- special effects in our Hollynology is so ubiquitous that wood films and music videos, we scarcely notice it. It has true morphosis is the result been fine-tuned and is used in of years of faithful practice. It movies, television shows, and takes time, and progress may even commercials so often as be at any given moment imto be mundane. But when I perceptible. (True morphosis was a college student in 1991, is more akin to the stop-andthis new morphing effect start, chunky experience of was enough to make me put transformations in old movdown my Nintendo Gameboy ies!) (um…I mean my philosophy We most often obey the

commandments in the Sermon on the Mount (when we obey them at all) in apprehension that if we do not we ultimately will be punished by God. But Gregory’s idea of morphosis frees us from such a punitive understanding of faith. For Gregory, Jesus’ sacrifice of himself acquits us of guilt, and we are freed to live not to avoid divine punishment, but rather to enjoy the divine presence.

In other words, through the miraculous morphosis that grace accomplishes in us when we cooperate with it (we have to do our part!), we become more Christ-like and therefore able to cleave more closely to God. We actually begin to experience God’s presence more fully and more often in our daily lives. What an incredible gift! This is a transformation worth experiencing, for a life worth living.

By God’s grace, we can morph from being creatures mired in sin to being children in the embrace of a loving Father. Our morphosis can begin this very day. This can be our 1991, when something new and profound enters our lives.

St. John’s Episcopal Church is located in downtown Roanoke at the corner of Jefferson Street and Elm Avenue. The congregation gathers for Sunday worship at 8 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m., and 5 p.m. Visit St. John’s on the web at www.stjohnsroanoke.org.

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Perspective

NewsRoanoke.com

2/25/11 - 3/3/11 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 5

“Car Talk” and “Science-Speak”: The Importance of Standards for a Country Losing Ground in Scientific Leadership

D

uring a recent edition of “Car Talk” on National Public Radio, I learned an amazing little fact about America’s automobiles. No matter their make or model, all cars manufactured in the United States share a single common measurement as an industry standard. It is the distance between two points on each and every vehicle. Can you guess what this is?

Give up? It’s the distance between the holes in license plates where they attach to the automobile.

Of course, such a standard is needed to avoid pandemonium. Since license plates are required to operate vehicles on public roadways, then it makes sense that the industry is regulated to provide a universally applicable standard. Once the standard is applied everywhere uniformly, then each state can design its license plates creatively. For example, Florida offers its residents about 120 different plate designs; and Virginia offers more than 200 unique plates for its citizens! Imagine what would happen if we didn’t have that countrywide standard!

One important standard in the “industry” of education in a pluralistic society is scientific literacy: a basic working knowledge of scientific principles and processes. If we all understand and accept these fundamentals of science, then we can make informed decisions about biomedical research, nuclear power plants, electronics, bioengineering, emerging diseases, healthcare, sustainability, and so many other topics important for living in the 21st century. Such understanding and acceptance allows all Americans, familiar with the science basics, to have fuller

and more productive lives in competitive mar• How much of that water is freshwater? (Ankets at home and abroad. Science then can be swer: 3%.) a powerful unifying force in our nation. As the • Did humans and dinosaurs live at the same National Resource Council stated in 1996, “In time? (Answer: No, 65 million years of life on a world filled with the products of scientific in- the Earth separate the last dinosaurs from the quiry, scientific literacy has become a necessity first humans. Sorry, Flintstones!) for everyone.”

Furthermore, in a 2009 Gallup poll, only four According to recent research, approximately in ten Americans say they “believe in the theory 28% of American adults qualify today as scien- of evolution.” As a fundamental for the biologitifically literate: an increase from around cal sciences, an understanding of evolu10% in the late 1980’s and 1990’s. That tionary principles and processes is akin still means, however, that about 70% of to an understanding of gravity for physAmericans cannot comprehend the sciics or atoms for chemistry. You can read ence section of The New York Times. more about this poll at http://www.galThough the United States has a slim lup.com/poll/114544/darwin-birthdaylead in science literacy over its European believe-evolution.aspx. Believers and counterparts, it holds that lead only benonbelievers – along with every turnip, cause (1) college students are often remushroom, and worm on the planet – quired to take year-long general science are products of that ancient process, no H. Bruce Rinker, PhD courses and (2) Americans frequently matter their clever protestations. use informal science education resourcFor decades, Americans have maines such as museums, magazines, documentaries, tained a global lead in science and technology. and the internet for current information about And, thankfully, four out of five adults in the the natural world. Is it acceptable that seven out United States still think that science education of ten Americans are illiterate in the sciences? is “absolutely essential” or “very important” to Is it acceptable that seven out of ten Americans the U.S. healthcare system, the reputation of the have no clear understanding of science reported United States among the nations of the world, in a national newspaper? and the U.S. economy. The need for investment What kinds of questions need to be answered in science research and education has never been correctly for one to be considered “literate” in greater than now. Maintaining the lead, howevscience? Here are some examples: er, means more than knowing how to click away • How long does it take for the Earth to re- on a keyboard or operate an otoscope. It means volve around the Sun? (Answer: Approximately having a deep, ever-growing understanding of 365 days.) who we are as one species among millions on an • What percent of Earth’s surface is covered ever-evolving planet. with water? (Answer: About 70%.)

Standards will help us keep our edge. Nu-

There is Nothing Exceptional About Cedric Hakeem

H

merous examples exist including the “National Science Education Standards” as proposed by the National Academy of Sciences and “Project 2061” from the American Association for the Advancement of Science. A high rigorous standard in science education will help us build toward an innovating and sustainable society.

At times, listening to a science lecture is like listening to someone speak in foreign tongues: ancient Latin and Greek and various other languages. This is the way I feel sometimes when listening to sports announcers. Being the world’s most ignorant soul about sports, I hardly know the difference between the Super Bowl and the U.S. Open, much less about a touchdown or grand slam. I hear the English, but what in the world does all that “sports speak” mean? Yet I would argue that sports on a national level has very little to do with species survival. Knowing “science speak” is essential, however, to our survival as leaders among the league of nations.

We’ve lost some of the edge and will continue to do so unless we embrace those science standards rigorously, evolution among them, and work collectively toward a scientifically literate society.

We intuit the sense of standards in the automotive industry. Now let’s extend that awareness to science as an essential for national leadership, cropping away the arcane, the mundane, and the insane that lurk in the shadows.

H. Bruce Rinker, Ph.D. Ecologist, Educator, and Explorer brinker@northcross.org

Shameless John Rosemond Promotion

I

t is always refreshing to aration for this event, I asked hear someone else talk John earlier this week what he about parenting, espe- wanted people to know about cially when he makes good the two topics he would be sense. I have enjoyed getting to discussing. The morning sesknow John Rosemond over this sion is entitled “Parenting with past year and after a few din- Love and Leadership” and the ners and much conversation, teaser from John is that “suchave been even more intrigued cessful discipline is easy as long by his passion for paras you don’t listen to ents and children. It psychologists”.

The is encouraging to me evening event entitled when I find others that “Teen-Proofing” John share an intense interdescribed this way. He est in helping families wants parents to take to operate in the way away from this event that God has intended. that “teenagers are not With that in mind, difficult to live with; I am pleased to plug Keith McCurdy it’s a matter of proper for John about his upmanagement.” coming event here in Roanoke.

Not only do I think that all Next Tuesday March 1st, John will enjoy John’s wit and fawill be in town for two speak- miliar approach to both toping engagements. The first will ics, I believe that his insight is be at the Green Ridge Recre- valuable to all parents. Underational Center at 10:00am and standing that parenting is not the second later that evening at about one particular strategy the Patrick Henry Auditorium beginning at 6:30pm. In prep-

is house caught the country! And THERE ceptional, it's miraculous. fire on New Year's is the exceptional part: all This week the school held Eve. But he and 104 members of the class are a celebration in which the sehis family got out OK. Then young African American men niors exchanged their all-red the fool ran back from some of the school ties for red-and-gold into the smoky blaze toughest neighbor- ties that they will wear unto retrieve his laphoods in Chicago. til graduation. The ties were top. Why? Because They all attend Ur- presented to them by Chicago it contained all his ban Prep Academy, Mayor Richard Daley. college applications But there was a more notethe nation's first allthat had to be mailed black, all-male pub- worthy attendee in the audion January 1. He lic charter school. ence, a young man named saved the computer, And this year, for Israel Wilson. He graduated mailed in his applithe second year in from Urban Prep last year.

Mike Keeler cations, and got aca row, Urban Prep He's now a freshman at Morecepted into college. has sent 100% of house. Dean's List. 3.3 GPA. No big deal, really. its boys to 4-year colleges. On his way to a great life.

Compare his story to that Compare that to the Chicago He's no big deal either. Just of his classmate Alfonso Hen- average of only 54% of all another everyday, ordinary, derson. His house didn't public school students going unexceptional miracle. burn down, and he also got on to college, and only 41% of accepted into college. But not black males graduating high Contact Mike at just one college, twenty-one school at all. And it becomes info@theroanokestar.com colleges! And many of them pretty clear this isn't just exoffered Alfonso full-ride academic scholarships. (He's still waiting to hear from the slacker admissions staffs at Harvard and Yale.)

Community | News | Perspective But still, neither of these guys is exceptional. If you 540-400-0990 take a look at Cedric and Publisher | Stuart Revercomb | stuart@newsroanoke.com Alfonso's classmates, you'll Features Editor | Cheryl Hodges | cheryl@newsroanoke.com find that not just many, not News Editor | Gene Marrano | gmarrano@cox.net just most, but ALL of them Production Editor | Leigh Sackett | leigh@newsroanoke.com got accepted into 4-year colTechnical Webmaster | Don Waterfield | webmaster@newsroanoke.com leges. The entire senior class, Advertising Director | Bill Braton | adverstising@newsroanoke.com headed to the best schools in

or skill and that we are in this for the long haul, not just the moment, is key in being an effective parent. I believe that John communicates this well and his common sense and practical approach is one that is necessary in raising healthy families today.

Next Tuesday, join me in welcoming John back to Roanoke and come have a laugh and a little fun as well.

Tickets are available at the following locations: Green Ridge Recreation Center PH: 540-777-6300 Online: www.roanokecountyparks.com Course numbers: 17927 and 17926 Dr. Paul Henny PH: 540774-1577 Contact Keith at psycyou@msn.com

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Sports

Lady Titans Pull Away for 59-36 Win in Region IV Division 4 Playoff

Sunday afternoon, Hidden Valley senior Liz Burke walked the stage at Cave Spring High School modeling prom gowns for an After Prom fundraiser held jointly with the Knights.

Tuesday night, Magna Vista surely wished the demure Burke was still on the runway rather than the basketball court.

Burke parlayed a career-high 17 points with a strong 21-point performance from Lady Titan standout Tyler Evans as Hidden Valley advanced in the Region IV Division 4 playoff at the Ti-

Lady Titan #5 Tyler Evans drives to the paint for 2 of her 21 points.

easier than this," Burke said with a laugh outside the Titan locker room after the game. "I didn't want this to be my last game at Hidden Valley. The adrenaline was really flowing."

"We worked our transition game well," Hidden Valley head coach Randy Bush noted. "It was a career-high for Liz against a tough team, and we held off their big scorer."

Hidden Valley guard #10 Kelly King leads a Titan fast break. tan gym.

Facing a scrappy Magna Vista team that hung tough for three quarters, Hidden Valley pulled away from a 22-20 halftime lead and outscored the Lady Warriors 24-6 in the final frame to advance to the regional semifinals against Carroll County.

Evans received attention all evening from Magna Vista's box-and-one defense, but it was the swarming Burke as well as Lady Titan guard Kelsey Crotty who keyed the pullaway in the final half. Crotty finished with 14 points.

"The fashion show was sure

Hidden Valley #20 Liz Burke looks for help as she secures a Titan rebound against Magna Vista.

By Bill Turner info@newsroanoke.com

Harlem Globetrotter Buckets Blakes Visits YMCA

“The important thing is to get up and get moving - to ‘Spin’,” Globetrotter Buckets Blakes told children last week at the Kirk Family YMCA. S.P.I.N.™ (Some Playtime Is Necessary) is the Globetrotters’ program designed to make fitness fun and to help kids cultivate an active lifestyle.

“An active lifestyle can include anything from dribbling a basketball to walking the dog,” said Blake.

The legendary Harlem Globetrotters celebrate their 85th consecutive season when their dazzling 2011 "4 Times the Fun" Buckets Blakes shows some World Tour stops at the Roanoke Civic Center on March fancy basketball skills to the kids 3rd.

Around the Hardwoods with Wild Bill

High school tournament pulling the plug on my gas play has reached the regional station. level and for our local teams I prefer the hands-on apthe troops are beginning to proach, so the Wild One paid dwindle. Here’s a quick look his quarterly visit to Valley at who’s still standing on the View for your RSS economic road to Richmond. update and a layman’s look At press time, in the North- at what’s going down on the west Region boys, Patrick Roanoke scene.

Henry remains in contention, First stop was a major dealthough Mother Nature may partment store where I got a play the spoiler. The Patriot’s look at spending habits and home game Tuesday how retailers are hannight against C.D. dling the discounts.

Hylton was postponed Right away I saw red when snow disruptflags as I happened ed Hylton’s trip from upon a guy checking Woodbridge. PH now out a sales rack offering potentially faces three an aggressive promogames in four nights. tion on my favorite Bill Turner The Lord Botetourt clothing brand, Polo. girls are still in the mix in Re- The sign said 50% off original gion III Division 4, while no price- then, above that one, area teams remain in Division the word ‘clearance’- take an 3. additional 50% off. To me, if Hidden Valley was the big you take half off, then take winner in Region IV Division half off a second time, you 4 with both the boys and girls should be getting the item winning Tuesday night. The free. girls were set to play Carroll After clearing this rack of County Wednesday while the items in my size and proceedTitan boys took on Abing- ing to the register with what don. The Salem girls were fac- I felt was a windfall, the reing a Wednesday showdown ality hit. A lot of scanning, with River Ridge foe Pulaski register button-pushing and County. seven shopping bags later, In Region C Division 2, the clerk informed me my tothe Glenvar girls and boys tal was 632 dollars. After the remained in the pack head- girl explained taking 50% off ing into Wednesday night’s twice was like taking 75% off games. once, I cancelled the whole With basketball winding transaction, resulting in andown on the high school level other series of scannings and and baseball still a few weeks a comment from the clerk in away, the opportunity pres- a foreign language that didn’t ents itself for the Wild One to sound like “we appreciate give you readers my periodic your business.” Obviously, take on the state of the econ- this pricing gimmick tells me omy. As gas prices rise, the retail sales are still sluggish. discretionary dollar for sports You shouldn’t need an abacus gets squeezed, so we look at to buy a pair of pants. what to expect.

At this point, I decided to I’ve never understood how investigate what the analysts they calculate the Consumer call ‘big-ticket items.’ Since Price Index or Gross National Valley View doesn’t have a Product figures. I’m not even car or boat dealer, I reverted sure anyone knows the for- to the next best thing in the mula, except to announce a luxury category - pianos. number and simultaneously Whenever I see a piano or a have people on the stock ex- harp, I always think of a Marx change floor go wild as the Brothers movie, so choosing a Dow soars or plummets a couple hundred points. Then, a talking-head economist explains it has something to do with a storm in the Indian J E W E L E R S Ocean or a poobah in Kuwait

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piano store may have been a faux pas on my part from the start.

Having never taken music lessons of any kind, this was unchartered territory for me. But, I felt anyone could expand their horizons amid the world of pianos. Unfortunately, the encounter got off on the wrong foot.

I was wearing one of my old Roanoke Express warm-up jackets, and when the salesman asked if I played, I laughingly responded ‘no, not anymore.’ By the disgusted look on his face I finally realized he was asking if I played the piano, not hockey. This is where I blew my chance. Once I said ‘no’ again, I was no longer a hot prospect for one of the baby grands. I should have firmly extended my arm, said yes, and introduced myself as Wild Bill Liberace. The whole store would have been at my fingertips.

I tried to ask a few pianorelated questions, like what do you call the top of a piano and why the piano top, when raised, has two height notches. Neither inquiry impressed this guy, so I decided to move to the bench and bang out a few notes. That is until I saw the list price on this monstrosity was $17,000.

I wouldn’t have dished that out if they threw in lessons, a candelabra, sequined jacket and Liberace. Bottom line no other customers the whole time I was there, so the luxury items are moving slowly.

I give the Wild Bill Economic Index a C- for the first quarter with negative bias due to rising gas prices.

Hang in there folks - economic improvements or not, Spring sports are on the way!

Send your inquiries to: info@ newsroanoke.com

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Valley Business

Page 8 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 2/25/11 - 3/3/11

NewsRoanoke.com

Estate and Gift Changes in the 2010 Tax Relief Act

By Ted Troland of Glenn, Feldmann, Darby & Goodlatte

The 2010 Tax Relief Act (“the Act”) was signed into law in December of 2010.

Before the new law, there was no estate tax for 2010, but some beneficiaries could have faced higher taxes because there were less favorable income tax basis rules.

For example, heirs might face increased capital gains when they sold inherited assets. Before the Act, estate and other transfer taxes were scheduled to rise substantially for post-2010 transfers.

Overview. The Act provides temporary relief. It reduces estate, gift and generation-skipping transfer (GST) taxes for 2011 and 2012. It preserves estate tax repeal for 2010, but in a roundabout way: estates wanting zero estate tax for 2010 must elect that option, along with the less favorable carryover basis

rules that were set to apply for 2010. Otherwise, by default, the estate tax is revived for 2010, but with a higher exemption and lower tax rate than heretofore, with a full step-up in basis. Also, and for the first time, a deceased spouse’s unused exemption may be shifted to the surviving spouse.

Note, however, these generous rules are temporary— much harsher rules are slated to return after 2012.

Rates and Exemptions.

For individuals dying in 2009, the top estate tax rate was 45% and there was a $3.5 million exemption. The top rate was to rise to 55% with a $1 million exemption for individuals dying after 2010.

Now, at least for 2011 and 2012, the top rate is reduced to 35% and the exemption increased to $5 million, with

a further increase for inflation in 2012. Again, however, these changes are temporary. After 2012, the top rate is scheduled to be 55% with a $1 million exemption. (The author of this article has officially now ceased speculating on what Congress might someday do.)

Gift Tax Changes. For a number of years, the gift tax and the estate tax were unified—they shared a single exemption and were subject to the same rates. This has not been the case since 2001.

For example, in 2010, while the estate tax vanished, the top gift tax rate was 35% and the exemption was $1 million. For gifts made after December 31, 2010, the gift tax and estate tax are reunified and an overall $5 million exemption applies.

GST Tax Changes. The

generation-skipder prior law, the ping tax is an exemption of the additional tax first to die would on gifts and bebe lost if not used. quests to grandThis could hapchildren when pen where a spouse their parents are with resources still alive. The below the exempAct lowers GST tion amount died taxes for 2011 before the richer and 2012 by inspouse. One way creasing the exto address that was Ted Troland emption amount to set up a trust for from $1 million to the poorer spouse $5 million and reducing the or to transfer assets into his rate from 55% to 35%. or her name. Now, the porNew Portability Feature. tability may make setting up Under the 2010 Act, any ex- a trust unnecessary in some emption remaining unused cases, and the need for direct as of the date of a spouse inter-spousal transfers is obdying after 2010 and before viated.

2013 is generally available for Note, however, there still use by the surviving spouse may be reasons to employ in addition to that spouse’s the old “credit shelter” trusts. own $5 million exemption For example, a trust may for taxable transfers made protect appreciation occurduring life or at death. Un- ring between the death of the

Blacksburg Company Named to Green Top 20 by Time Magazine One year ago, Kirk Cameron decided his company MiserWare would give away its main product, Granola.

He picked this common cereal name for his computer software product because "it puts the personal computer or your laptop on an energy diet, ensuring you only use what you need," Cameron explained.

Using social media and one university press release, the Virginia Tech computer science faculty member and his partner and former student Joseph Turner found they had an overnight success. Within 100 days, Granola was downloaded 100,000 times. Today, it exceeds 200,000 downloads.

Recently, Cameron found out exactly how valuable his software giveaway program was when he googled Granola and learned to his surprise that Time magazine had named it a Top 20 Green Tech Idea.

Bryan Walsh, the author of the Time article, wrote, "Granola, for example, can run in the background of your operating system and tune up your computer's own energy-saving hardware, ensuring you're not wasting volts unnecessarily."

"It was awesome to read this.

You can imagine how surprised I was, and pleased," said Cameron, who is also the co-founder of the Green500 List, a ranking of the most energy efficient su-

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Kirk Cameron’s company Miserware offers energy savings. percomputers in the world and a complimentary view to the well-established Top500 List, a ranking of the various speeds of the existing supercomputers.

"We set out to save the world," said Cameron, director of the Scalable Performance Laboratory and an associate professor of computer science at Virginia Tech. "We wanted to spread the impact of the technologies we developed to reduce energy waste in computers by creating software for use by the masses."

Turner, vice president of engineering and Cameron's former student, said the technology is intelligent. "Our software adapts to the user's needs. It's like having a car that is as fast as

Helping Business Owners Bridge The Gap N. Edward Link, Jr. is Inducted Into the Business Owner Executive Council The Morgan Stanley Smith Barney Business Owner Executive Council is an invitation-only program reserved for the top 2% of Financial Advisors who have shown a deep understanding of the needs of small- and middle-market business owners. The goal of the council is to share new and innovative strategies to help business owners bridge the gap between successfully running their own business and reaching their personal goals.

a Ferrari when you need it, yet as efficient as a Prius."

Today, MiserWare offers other products, including Granola Enterprises. But like all good things, there is now a price tag associated with the enhanced software containing many additional features.

They have a patent pending for their intelligent software power management green software for use in servers, personal computers, and laptops. The intelligent software tracks and predicts a system's power usage and reports on the energy saved. Cameron said, "Projected reductions in system energy costs of up to 35 percent ensure no loss of productivity."

They have customers from around the world, and Cameron says he believes they are registering between 300 and 500 new users daily. The company of two has grown to seven at its Blacksburg location.

first spouse and the death of the second from being subject to estate tax. A trust can also protect against creditors. Also, the transferred exemption may be lost if the surviving spouse remarries and is again widowed.

Conclusion. The estate tax relief in the new law is substantial, but it is temporary. Sadly, estate planning to reduce taxes remains an important consideration.

Even if taxes are not a concern because an estate is below the exemption level, it is vital to have a proper estate plan to ensure that the needs of intended beneficiaries are met.

Ted Troland is an Estate Planning and Tax Attorney with Glenn, Feldmann, Darby & Goodlatte – visit www. gfdg.com to learn more.

Roanoke to Host Conversation on Economic Security Roanokers are invited to join a national conversation on how to achieve future economic security at forums co-sponsored by the City of Roanoke, in partnership with Virginia Cooperative Extension and Virginia Tech’s Center for Public Administration and Policy.

Three approaches to economic security presented in the booklet, “Economic Security: How Should We Take Charge of Our Future” will be considered and discussed.

Participants can engage questions of how we should save, work together, and grow our way out of the recession. Deliberation on the issues is nonpartisan and encourages diverse viewpoints.

The forums will be facilitated

by Scott Tate, Virginia Coop-

erative Extension, and Larkin Dudley, Virginia Tech’s Center for Public Administration and Policy.

The discussions will take place on Tuesday, March 1, and there are two opportunities to participate on that date: from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at the Roanoke Higher Education Center, 108 North Jefferson St., Room 709; or from4 to 5:30 p.m. at Virginia Western Community College, Natural Sciences Center, 3102 Colonial Ave. SW. To register or for additional information, contact Scott Tate, Extension Specialist at Virginia Cooperative Extension, by email to atate1@vt.edu or by calling (540) 231-9423.

City to Hold Commercial Grants / Tax Credit Workshop

The City of Roanoke will hold a free Commercial Grants and Tax Credits Workshop on Wednesday, March 2, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Roanoke Higher Education Center in Room 409.

The seminar is an opportunity to learn about local incentive programs and grants that can help reduce costs and enhance the value of commercial properties or businesses located inside the city limits.

Workshop topics will include enterprise zone/rehabilitation/ citywide tax abatement, façade improvement grants, building permit rebates, water/fire/sewer hookup rebates, brownfield grants, real property investment grants, security grants, job creBy Lynn A. Nystrom ation grants, and entrepreneurinfo@newsroanoke.com ship grants.

Presenters will offer an over-

view of programs available through the city's Real Estate Valuation Office, the Department of Planning, Building and Development, and the Department of Economic Development. In addition, Roanokebased landscape architecture and community planning firm Hill Studio will present information on state and federal historic rehabilitation tax credits.

Light refreshments will be served during the information session, and time will be available at the end of the workshop for individuals to meet with city representatives and ask additional questions.

To register, contact Lindsay Hurt in the Department of Economic Development at 540-853-5405.

Guess Where The Newest 5 Star Dining In SW Roanoke Is The Park-Oak Grove

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A Morgan Stanley Company

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Smith Barney Financial Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. This material was not intended or written to be used for the purpose of avoiding tax penalties that may be imposed on the taxpayer. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning and other legal matters. © 2011 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC.

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2/25/11 - 3/3/11 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 9

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Country Tripleheader A Big Hit A sellout crowd at the Roanoke Civic Center coliseum found themselves in for a treat last Friday as headliner Brad Paisley returned for a high-voltage show that included video clips and special effects on a giant screen.

“It is such a pleasure to be back,” said Paisley as he opened his set, “I love coming back to your city.”

One segment featured the venerable Andy Griffith of Mayberry fame on the video screen, as Paisley played his hit song, “Waitin’ On a Woman.” Paisley also worked the crowd into a frenzy at times, wading out into the crowd on special gangways.

Darius Rucker (Hootie and the Blowfish) is now a country singer.

He even sang a song at the back of the arena to fans in the “cheap seats,” as he called them, while working his way around the arena floor. The gesture was much

had “the distinct honor to play a round of golf with Virginia Tech [head] football coach Frank Beamer,” -- who was attending the concert with his wife Cheryl.

Beamer gamely posed for pictures and signed autographs after Niemann’s set. Rucker ended with a stirring rendition of Prince’s “Purple Rain” as he

Headliner Brad Paisley. appreciated. Paisley’s sense of showmanship certainly matched his formidable guitar work and singing.

Jerrod Niemann, one of the newer faces of country music, opened the concert and cor- Opening act Jerrod Niemann rectly told people that they were is a relative newcomer. “in for quite a show.” Darius Rucker, more familiar to some warmed up the crowd for Paisfrom his work fronting Hootie ley. The Civic Center has another and the Blowfish, followed him. sellout coming up – the James If one didn’t know better they Taylor concert at the Performing may have thought that Rucker Arts Theatre in May sold out in was the headliner, judging by the less than two hours. enthusiastic reception to his set Story and photos by – which included several Hootie songs.

Gene Marrano Rucker also mentioned that he gmarrano@cox.net

Taubman Donates “Big Al Carter” Mural to City

The mural created by “Big Al Carter” and students from Roanoke area high schools.

The Taubman Museum of Art approached the Roanoke Arts Commission (RAC) about donating a large scale work to the City of Roanoke. The piece was created in 1995 during a workshop when local students worked with artist Benny Carter. “Big Al Carter” was an African-American painter based in Alexandria, Virginia, who had previously worked on many other mural projects before conducting one for the Art Museum of Western Virginia.

The week-long workshop for gifted art students from the surrounding area was held in conjunction with an exhibition at the museum of Mr. Carter’s work. Fifteen students were selected from four area high schools (North Cross, Cave Spring, Lord Botetourt, and Patrick Henry) based on their demonstrated artistic talents.

Using imagery symbolic of

STOP IN FOOD STORES

Roanoke’s history, Mr. Carter and the students planned and executed the 24-by-8 foot mural on six plywood panels, using exterior-grade paint. After completion, the mural was exhibited in Mr. Carter’s exhibition, and then was mounted on the outside of Center in the Square facing the City Market for several months.

The piece is currently in storage at the Taubman Museum.

The Collections Committee of the RAC recommended that

it be accepted into the City of Roanoke Art Collection and the Arts Commission concurred.

The Collections Committee met with staff, including the General Manager of the Roanoke Civic Center and chose a location for the mural to be installed on the wall in the pre-function area immediately outside the special events center at the Roanoke Civic Center.

The work is currently valued at $6,125.

Marginal Arts Is Bigger Than Ever This Year

Marginal Arts Festival founder and director Brian Counihan has a bit of a problem: he wants the fourth year event to continue to grow, attracting new sponsors and participants, yet at the same time the Community High School art instructor wants Marginal Arts to retain much if its original mission - to celebrate, with a bit of offbeat whimsy, the more unknown artists and art lovers among us.

Highlights this year once again include the “All-Comers” parade on Saturday, March 5, beginning at noon (from Community High School at 2nd and Campbell), which will be led by an 8 foot “Art Rat” float and 16 foot puppets from the Bread and Puppets Theatre in Vermont.

There are numerous visual artists who will display their works; several from Floyd can be found at the old Twists & Turns space that is now a temporary gallery. Their “Marginally Floyd” show opens with a reception on March 3 from 3-8 pm. “It’s about twice as big [as previous festivals],” said Counihan, “we spent a lot more time thinking about how this festival could reach out into the community.

The Art Rat float headlines this year’s parade.

Roanoke College’s Olin Gallery (a juried art show) and the Eleanor D. Wilson Museum at Hollins University are also part of this year’s festival, as is Metropolitan Community Church in southeast Roanoke, which will house works by local artists. “They have a wonderful facility,” said Counihan, who will use it as a community arts center. The Roanoke College show will feature jurors from the Whitney Museum in New York, evaluating the work of regional artists.

The opening night for Marginal Arts also coincides with the monthly Art By Night, which is timely since many of the downtown galleries will be open. An artist’s masquerade and Contra Dance at Fitzpatrick Hall (8-11p.m.) on the 3rd helps kick things off. No Strings attached supplies the music.

The Unicorn Stables Project, labeled as a scifi drawing adventure (March 3, 5-9 p.m., 419 Luck Ave.) is “probably one of the more exciting things that’s happened around Roanoke in my view of the art world,” said Counihan, referring to a project curated by recent Hollins graduates.

The Taubman Museum gets involved as writer Malcolm Jones discusses his work there on

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Local artist Chico Harkrader will exhibit his work.

March 4 at noon; Studio Roanoke will offer a play, “And They Dance Real Slow in Jackson.”

There are Punch & Judy shows, vaudeville, absurdist street carnivals and the like. Two performance artists from England that travel the world represent “a really big coup,” said Counihan.

The City of Roanoke chipped in with about $6000 this year, “twice as much as in the past,” said Counihan, with much of that going towards marketing expenses. “We [also] have a lot more community partners,” he notes. Next year’s festival may stretch to other neighborhoods in Roanoke and even to Blacksburg.

Counihan is wary of getting too big or too beholden to grants from the city or anyone else, lest the festival stray too far from its roots. Counihan would like to slip in to the background and focus on his own visual art; he hopes that soon someone else will take the ball and run with it when it comes to planning Marginal Arts.

Most of the Marginal Arts events are free although a handful require paid tickets. They can be purchased online, at Jefferson Center, Community High School and the Taubman. A $20 festival “passport” will save patrons some money to those paid events. “It gives a chance to spotlight [artists] that are doing things anyway,” said Counihan of what Marginal Arts is all about, “and they can all be seen in one long weekend. A lot of times [these artists] don’t have a venue … no place where you see this type of thing.”

See the full schedule at marginalarts.com scheduled. The events will be held March 3-8 at various venues in Roanoke and Salem.

By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

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International Tennis Professional Lands Academy In Roanoke with their six month old baby from Sarasota, Florida and hit the ground running. They teach at Sun Tennis on Starkey Road in southwest Roanoke County; this summer Kriek will spend time on the outdoor courts at Hunting Hills Country Club, working with young players and club members. He also calls his wife “one of the best female coaches in the country.”

Youth is what Kriek is focusing on – he is still auditioning young tennis players in two groups,

ages 8 and up, and will work with a select handful where he feels there may be some potential.

“The sooner the better,” he says about playing tennis, with a solid background in the basics a must. Kriek says he is not looking for the next Pete Sampras or Maria Sharapova; instead he hopes to find kids “who want to strive for excellence.” Inspiring young players to “find their passion” is his goal.

As for the state of the game today, Kriek says other countries may have an edge in turning out tennis pros because of the relative lack of other sports that can lure a child prodigy from the game. “If you’re a jack of all [sports] and a master of none, I’m not sure how good that is,” says Kriek, who beat Steve Denton twice in back to back years to win his Australian Open titles.

Now the head tennis coach at Texas A&M, the hard-serving Denton and Kriek remain friends.

“He had just a huge serve,” says Kriek.

The men’s pro game today is “unbelievably exciting,” claims Kriek, although things on the women’s side are down a bit. He feels poor coaching has helped shorten the careers of oftinjured Venus and Serena Williams, at least at their peak.

Kriek started teaching at age 17, even before he turned pro as a player, after emigrating from South Africa to Austria. “I had no money, [so] I coached before my tennis career.” He didn’t come from the moneyed background many associate with the sport; his parents were farmers.

Kriek moved to the U.S. shortly after that with $230 in his wallet and knew he had to start winning as a pro. “I was extremely quick on the court,” he recalls. “When I was ‘on’ I could beat the best in the world - and I did.” Kriek has been in the tennis academy business now for about four years.

It hasn’t been unusual for tennis prodigies to make their way to Florida in the past, to academies run by Nick Bolleteri and others, even if they have to spend their last year or two of high school away from home.

Kriek, who calls tennis “the sport of a lifetime,” says there is no reason he can’t bring that type of academy here. “I don’t think there is any other person in the United States with my credentials - nobody.” He hopes that local high school standouts find their way to him as well and is looking for players that desire to “strive for excellence.” He won’t talk strategy much

Photo by Gene Marrano

Former Pro Player Johan Kriek until they master the fundamentals.

Moving the Johan Kriek Tennis Academy to Roanoke from the populous west coast of Florida made perfect sense to a man who also won 8 doubles titles in his 24 years as a pro: “I’m a small town guy anyway,” said the South African native, an American citizen since 1982, “so this is a perfect fit for me [and] a fun challenge.”

He found out about the area through his brother George, who is the director of tennis at a country club in Southside. Kriek was helping out there last October and discovered that parents were bringing their children over from Roanoke for lessons. “That’s how the ball started to roll.”

Kriek wants to promote the sport in the Roanoke Valley and would like to start high-level amateur tournaments here. He notes that dedicated parents often have to take their children all over the region to find competitive tourneys – why not put Roanoke on the map? “I think there’s definitely some talent in Roanoke. Nobody [or any area] has a lock on it. Tennis talent can come from any small town or small city.

I really hope to be here for a long time.”

See johankriektennis.com or call 941-9146054 for more information.

By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

TUNING UP YOUR HEATING SYSTEM WILL SAVEÊ10%ÊONÊHEATINGÊCOSTS IN ADDITION TO REDUCINGÊ350LBSÊOFÊCO 2ÊEMISSIONS.

The Most Comprehensive Tune-Up in the Area

BEÊGREEN!

Once he was tennis royalty, battling the likes of Jimmy Connors and John McEnroe, winning fourteen singles titles, including the Australian Open leg of the Grand Slam twice. Now Johan Kriek, who has also been one of the top teachers in the world for many years, has moved his tennis academy to Roanoke after living in Florida for 34 years.

Kriek and his wife Daga (a former tennis star at Virginia Tech) arrived in Roanoke last month

25ÊOFFÊ

$

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

A SERVICE CALL OR TUNE�UP

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

INSTALL A

TRANE Ê ÊÊÊÊÊXLÊSYSTEMÊ AND SAVE

UPÊTO 50%

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

ON YOUR HEATING AND COOLING COSTS 540-992-3944

Cannot be combined with other offers or towards Diagnostic fees