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The Roanoke Star-Sentinel NewsRoanoke.com

Community | News | Per spective

February 3 - 9, 2012

Progress At Countryside Coming Slowly

[Community]

A Little Ice Anyone?

Mary Jo Shannon

Loving Latin

Photo by Valerie Garner

Chris Chittum and Anita Price study the new plans.

P4– Mary Jo Shannon recounts her brief but very memorable experience learning the language of Latin.

Baseball Fame P7– Gene Marrano gives the inside story on the four new inductees to the RoanokeSalem Baseball hall of fame.

Bill Turner

A Ouija Win? P7– Our own Wild Bill Turner breaks down the High School basketball picture and uses his remarkable Ouija skills to help the Cave Spring girls notch their first win.

Photo by Stuart Revercomb

S

o far the winter of 2011-12 has been a bust for ice and snow lovers. Ski resorts in the mid-Atlantic states are singing the blues and Southwest Virginia has been pressing temperatures close to 70 degrees as recently as Wednesday. But Roanokers have been heading indoors in droves to get their winter weather whenever the Roanoke Civic Center has made ice available for open public “free skates.” Hundreds of mostly young skaters took to the ice on a recent Sunday as temps soared outside. Perhaps Mother Nature will fulfill their winter wishes before February gives way to Spring’s warmer breezes . . .

Redevelopment Leaders Star at Regional Forum For the past two-plus years, erything is connected,” said the Roanoke Regional Forum Kathryn Walker. That affects has brought dialogue and interRoanoke noted Walker, who esting speakers to the dais, as a advised the civic, cultural and joint effort by Roanoke College business leaders gathered not and the Regional Chamber of to look for that one big donor Commerce. Past notables have or mega-company “to replace included best-selling authors the railroad.” Instead we must and network television corre“do a lot with a little. What Rospondents. But one of the biganoke really needs is the best gest if not the biggest crowd of you – people willing to take ever turned out Monday night a risk.” at the Jefferson Center to hear She still hears the occasional two home-grown stars: Ed and “there’s nothing to do in RoaKathryn Walker, who are innoke,” but that happens less volved with redevelopment, and less these days, with assets leadership and the arts, promotPhoto by Brendan Bush like the Taubman Museum, ing their hometown tirelessly. the greenways and more restauKathryn and Ed Walker discuss the Valley’s future at this Ed Walker has become syn- week’s Roanoke Regional forum held at the Jefferson Center. rants per capita than just about onymous with downtown reany other city.

Mike Maxey during his introduction. development (the Cotton Mills, “I think Roanoke is becoming On Monday the husband and wife pow- more self-confident,” said Kathryn Walker, Hancock Building, Patrick Henry Hotel etc.) and for cultural projects like Kirk Ave- er couple spoke about community, coop- “we’re valuing our size.” She also had a sugnue Music Hall and 101.5 The Music Place, eration, ingenuity and turning Roanoke’s gestion the next time someone complains purchased via his CityWorks Foundation. liabilities – like its smallish size – into as- about the Roanoke Valley: “ask them what Kathyrn Walker helped found the Batten sets. It is vital that Roanoke connect with are you going to do about that?”

Leadership Institute at Hollins University other cities its size, to learn from what has Ever the optimist, Ed Walker said he been done successfully elsewhere, noted Ed wasn’t adverse to taking the occasional risky and is a major advocate for the arts.

“They are two people who believe in … Walker. flier on a project, There is a shift to a “network society” adding that the > CONTINUED the power of ideas and the power of community,” said Roanoke College president from a hierarchal one, a society where “ev- lower startup costs P2:Walkers

VWCC Library Makeover A Hit With Students House Honors P7– Delegate Greg Habeeb unveils the winning artwork from his 2011 8th District “Back to School” ar t contest.

Libraries are not just places where one checks out books anymore, lets face it. They are also community centers, social spots, computer access points and even coffee shops. Witness the downtown Roanoke City library’s ongoing series of events on its mezzanine level, and the new Roanoke County library in the Cave Spring area, which indeed does include a genuine coffee shop – as in Mill Mountain Coffee and Tea. So it doesn’t seem out of place that Virginia Western Community College spent close to

$500,000 on construction costs and another $300,000 for technology upgrades (including 40 computers) on the Brown Library’s main floor. Visitors now are greeted by an open, airy lounge featuring workstations, plush chairs and couches. There is a new self-serve coffee bar and rooms where students can work together on projects, using videoconferencing and iPads that are available for lending. Students can access the internet via > CONTINUED P2: Makeover

4341 Starkey Road • Roanoke, VA 540-774-0171

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An $800,000 renovation at the Brown library is complete.

Roanoke City Planning Administrator Chris Chittum was pleased by the response he received to the initial sketches of the new park, trails, natural areas and greenway section around the old golf course at Countryside.

The improvements are planned as part of the $1.5 million in Capital Improvement Project (CIP) funds that are earmarked for part of the now city-owned property.

Tuesday evening 60 anxious residents convened at William Fleming High School. City manager Chris Morrill started off by explaining that the input meeting in September 2011 had yielded an overwhelming consensus for a park and trails. > CONTINUED P2: Countryside

Star City Cat Fanciers Hold Show

Photo by Beverly Amsler

Ryan Lutzkanin from Stafford, Virginia and 1-year-old Flash, a “Cornish Rex.” One hundred twenty five cats strutted their best stuff at this year’s Star City Cat Fanciers cat show. Eight judges called the breeds; in various classes; up one at a time. They examined each one closely and made their decision independent of the others.

Sarah Sieffert from Lanham, Maryland entered her 10-monthold Turkish Angora, Lala, in the show. She’s been a breeder/ exhibitor since 1970 and was in the Star City to “have some fun.”

Sieffert says Lala branded in one show (beat 200 other cats to earn 200 points to earn her Grand Champion title) at eight months, when she became an adult.

“You can show them as early as four months and anytime > CONTINUED P2: Fanciers

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students to come in and do their work. They immediately made themselves right at home.

There’s so much more potential, we just can’t wait [to use it].” Dulaney likes that students can work on group projects, bringing up papers or PowerPoint presentations on the large monitors. Interactive CD’s can be used by students or teachers, for subjects like anatomy.

It’s a new world said Dulaney, all about meeting the expectations college and even high school students have these days.

It has been over a year since the neighborhood began working with the Planning Commission on a Master Plan that would eventually be adopted by Roanoke City Council.

The city purchased the golf course for $4.1 million in 2005 for development, about the same time the housing market went bust.

The city hired Meadowbrook Golf, Inc to operate the course. At one point City Council voted to keep it open for 10 years until the economy turned around. Ultimately the city closed it on March 1, 2010.

The past two summers the grass grew tall and a farmer baled hay where once green fairways were home to golf carts and challenging greens. The pool was closed and filled in, the indoor tennis building vacated and the clubhouse was boarded up.

The patio homes on the 10th, 11th, and 12th fairways were built and touted by realtors as golf course villas. The entrance-way “Countryside Cottage” signs posted there once proclaimed it so.

After the 2010 closing the fairway homes were devalued significantly. A poll of patio homeowners showed a reduction in assessments from 11 to 13 percent for 2011. Their hope is that the improvements will bring pride back to the neighborhood, said resident Rosanne Saunders.

My kids think I’m Having a Sponge Bath!

(The next Roanoke Forum presentation on Monday, May 14 at Fitzpatrick Hall features MSNBC’s JJ Ramberg, host of the Your Business program.)

By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

“They want a place where they can come and use whatever technology they are accustomed to using, and a place where they can be comfortable.” Dulaney likens it to a “Barnes & Noble feel. We’ve been getting a lot of oohs and aahs from students.”

With more classes promoting a team-based approach to the curriculum, the high-tech workplaces now located at the Brown Library become even more important. “For our purposes, for higher education, [students] are going to have this

type of stuff in the workplace,” said Josh Meyer, a spokesman for VWCC. “We have to give them the experience with it.”

The main floor at the Brown Library was closed for almost two years while renovations took place. “It’s not about sticking someone over in the corner [anymore to study],” said Meyer. “The students love it. This is really becoming the place… to hang out or work between classes.”

By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

From page 1

Following the original golf cart paths will be linear walking trails that will wind through areas of wildflowers, shrubs and trees. The trails will have fitness stops for more active adults. The natural areas will be low maintenance for ease of upkeep by the Parks and Recreation Department. Scheduled maintenance will be limited to pruning, bi-annual wildflower cutting and some mowing along the trails.

Underwood said the trails and Greenway would follow the topography. No neighbors wanted any bulldozing or leveling of the natural areas that are home to large oak trees. The park area at Lewiston and Ranch Road will have diagonal parallel parking.

“Folks of any age and ability can use it,” he said.

The ADA accessible trails will connect to the Greenway, though it will be stand-alone to Ferncliff Drive for now. They will wait to connect the trail across Hershberger Road when the Evans Spring area is developed; that will be after the Valley View interchange is completed sometime in 2015.

The pavilion will have rest-rooms, be lighted, have good visibility and the design will fit the neighborhood, explained Underwood.

Spectrum Design’s John Garland and Alta Planning and Design from Davidson,

> Fanciers between four and before they turn eight months, they can be shown as a kitten. And that’s when you see most of them (competing) to get them acclimated to being shown and handled by strangers; all the noises and the smells.”

Seiffert has a regime to get the all white cat ready for her big day. “She does get a maintenance bath during the week and then she will get a show bath either the evening before. . . or early in the morning Saturday.”

She’ll continue to show Lala until the end of the show sea-

Minneapolis-St. Paul, leaning on each other for particular strengths. He’s envious of a job creating engine like the Corporate Research Center on the Virginia Tech campus and hinted he may work on the same model here. “We’ve got to be more connected,” Ed Walker insisted.

Expect both Walkers to be part of any movement to get more connected, to Blacksburg or communities elsewhere that are similar in size to Roanoke.

From page 1

> Countryside

YES WE FLASH!

NewsRoanoke.com

“Friends, family and what we are taught growing up help shape our direction later on,” said Walker, who used a slide show to talk about the nurturing family that gave Orville and Wilbur Wright the direction needed before producing the first successful flying machine. “[That’s] the root cause of most change.”

As for his hometown, small cities like Roanoke must “engage with the rest of the world,” said Ed Walker. The valley can benefit from a familial approach to problem solving in order to move ahead. Bridge the gaps between different groups locally or “we are doomed to mediocrity.”

Walker also said that Roanoke and Blacksburg must learn to act as one locality, much like Seattle-Tacoma, Raleigh-Durham and

> Makeover Wi-Fi from the lounge and plug in their laptops when the battery (inevitably) starts to fail.

The five study rooms feature 42-inch HD monitors that connect to mobile devices. A classroom features whiteboard (touch enabled screen) technology. The “new” Brown Library main floor (the library has three floors in all) reopened to students in mid-January.

Dale Dulaney, the reference librarian for Virginia Western, said the renovations “have created a great atmosphere for

From page 1

in Roanoke make it the ideal place to do just that.

As for smaller cities in general he spoke about the “untapped strength [that is] hidden in plain view.” He had kind words for those working in the Roanoke City government offices and said City Manager Chris Morrill “has been absolutely stunning,” so far in his two years on the job.

Uncoordinated efforts by different groups – long a criticism of how things get done or don’t get done in Roanoke – results in a “massive amount of waste,” said Walker, who asked out loud how Roanoke can best leverage the assets it does possess. Turn weaknesses into strengths, “make something interesting happen,” he implored those in the audience.

Sunshine is forecast for Friday with temperatures in the upper 50s.

Rain chances return again for the weekend with highs near 50.

A lingering showers is possible Monday, otherwise look for sun and clouds with highs in the low 50s.

North Carolina teamed up and were selected to design a final working plan. The city is still negotiating the cost with the team.

City council members and Police Chief Chris Perkins attended the meeting. Perkins and the Neighborhood Community Resource Officer Billy Wood were asked by the neighbors to look for safety improvements. Chief Perkins took notes on lighting needs; there are no streetlights and the city turned off what lights there were at the golf course clubhouse and parking area.

The sticky notes pasted on the display boards will help refine the design, City Council and the Planning Commission will be briefed and final plans will be brought back to the neighborhood in May. Construction documents will be ongoing through the summer.

Steve Boucher, director of Parks and Recreation and Donnie Underwood took questions and suggestions. All in all everyone seemed pleased.

The only real vocal complaint was that it was not moving along fast enough. “Get it done … get started,” said Sharon Blevins of Countryside Drive. Construction is expected to begin in the fall of this year.

By Valerie Garner info@newsroanoke.com

From page 1

son, April 30th, with the hope to be in the top three of her breed. Then Sieffert will breed her and Lala will go into temporary retirement. “She seems to like showing, so she may come out (of retirement) when she’s finished breeding.”

Ryan Lutzkanin from Stafford, Virginia was showing his 1-year-old Cornish Rex, Flash. He says Flash won one round already that morning but was a little cranky. “He’s our house pet but he’s show quality so we bring him to shows. He doesn’t love it here. He’d rather be in front of the fireplace.”

Lutzkanin has shown him about three times. He’s won other shows in the Premier Class, which is for cats that have been altered.

“We’re going to show him until he gets his premiership as a Grand Champion. Once he’s a Grand Champion, then he’s done and we’ll keep him just as a house pet.”

Kathy Pritchard from Spotsylvania, Virginia, is Flash’s breeder. She recently had the number one cat in Europe and last season she had three of the top 10 Cornishes in the country.

Photo by Beverly Amsler

Bob Goltzer judges a cat from the long hair champion class.

“This breed is very, very hard because there’s so many curves you’re looking for… They’re supposed to look just like an Italian Greyhound; deep chest, tiny waist. You want big ears.

They have to have a curly coat.

You’re looking for curves on the forehead-no straight profile.

Also, good temperament makes a big difference.”

If you’re interested in showing cats, she suggests you first shadow someone who’s already involved in the cat show circuit.

“Just go but, she cautions, it’s a very expensive hobby. “It de-

pends on how far you want to go with it. If you want to run for a national or regional win, you’ve got to get out there every weekend. You’re talking $150 to $300 depending on where you stay, in motels, and gas. It is what you make out of it. If you go into it not worrying about winning, you get your best results. You don’t want to show a cat that’s not enjoying it. You really don’t. It’s not fun for you.

It’s not fun for the cat.”

By Beverly Amsler info@newsroanoke.com

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Democrat Mayoral Candidates Nothing to Fear From ICLEI Says RC Clear Chairperson Make Final Pitch Before Primary

Incumbent Mayor David Bowers’ campaign for re-election is based on the progress Roanoke has achieved during his term. The Roanoke City Schools are accredited and the graduation rate is up. “We have a remarkable school system,” Bowers told the Roanoke Valley Democratic Women at their monthly meeting.

The crime rate is down with “some work to do in some neighborhoods.” Police Chief Chris Perkins’ Drug Marketing Initiative will target drug dealers giving them the opportunity for a second chance or jail.

Bowers touted preservation initiatives like the Mill Mountain conservation easement and the Greenway that will someday connect with the surrounding localities.

During his term “all kinds of jobs have been created,” said Bowers. The future for Roanoke’s economy is in arts, culture and tourism. The museums and zoo “need our help … they need a long term plan,” he said. “This will give Roanoke an economic development model to promote the economy in Roanoke.”

Bowers wants to see universities in Roanoke. Examples he gave were “a pharmacy school, a law school and an art school.”

He also wants to encourage expansion of the Smart Beginnings preschool initiative.

“Keep a good thing going,” is Bowers’ message.

At a previous fundraiser Bowers told supporters that his opponent had hundreds of thousands of dollars in his campaign coffers. Bowers has raised over $35,000 in his campaign with a $25,000 check coming from a single contributor.

Rasoul addressed that saying, “Unfortunately we are not going to be blessed with the rumor of hundreds of thousands of dollars coming from all corners of the world … The biggest donor in this campaign is myself.” Not being the institutional candidate, Rasoul said he doesn’t have access to a lot of

Photo by Valerie Garner

Sam Rasoul

deep pockets.

Bowers has sent out mailers and dropped literature at doorsteps. Rasoul is also running a ground campaign knocking on doors and using social media.

Bowers claimed that he will not encourage continuation of the two-cent meals tax for RCPS that is slated to end in July. “That was the pledge to the people of Roanoke and I’m going to keep my pledge,” said Bowers. “It’s a matter of honor in a sense.”

His opponent Sam Rasoul said he would keep the meals tax permanently but reduce it.

It would be used to “pay our teachers a fair wage,” he said. It will keep teachers from moving to other localities.

Localities will have a harder time making ends meet with funding reductions from the state and federal government and burdening them with mandates. As chief financial officer for Kissito, Rasoul believes his experience will help the city “do more with less.”

He pointed to job loses at ITT and Food Lion and job creation misses like the Solstas Lab expansion that is expected to go to North Carolina instead of Roanoke.

He said most of the governor’s Job Opportunity Fund goes to northern Virginia.

Rasoul says he wants to be “a strong voice to say let’s bring those jobs here … make sure that Roanoke is in the conversation.”

Rasoul also plans to run a positive campaign. “I have a vision for the area that gave me so much … a vision for the val-

ley that raised me and I want to give back.”

On his website Rasoul asks Roanokers to vote on a list of ideas. The one receiving the most votes will get a jump-start with half of his mayoral salary.

Rasoul said he grew up in Roanoke living in a downtown one-bedroom apartment. He said he worked two jobs to pay his way through college while helping his parents pay the mortgage. Rasoul attended

Photo by Valerie Garner

Mayor David Bowers

Roanoke College and then received his master’s degree in international business in Hawaii.

He lived in Botetourt County prior to moving to the city a few months ago. Rasoul, in answer to the “the residency question,” said he lives in the Wildwood neighborhood at Glade Creek apartments.

Rasoul’s message - “We’ve got to think outside the box in order to move this city forward ... we have to create an inclusive conversation with the citizens of Roanoke.” He said he would not run as an Independent if he loses the primary.

The Democratic Firehouse primary is Saturday, February 4th at William Fleming High School between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Republicans will nominate their council candidates on February 23.

By Valerie Garner info@newsroanoke.com

By the narrowest of votes (32), the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors voted last week to continue its membership in ICLEI (the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives), despite opposition from some local residents. Roanoke County spends $1200 a year for its ICLEI membership, which gives the locality access to software programs that can help analyze the reduction of carbon emissions, and enables it to network with other ICLEI localities about their success stories.

“RC Clear,” Roanoke County’s local citizen-led committee that is affiliated with ICLEI, has launched a “Save A Ton” campaign, urging every household and local business to do their part by reducing carbon emissions – the carbon footprint – by one ton a year. That’s about 26 cubic feet, or almost as large as a small home. Those who object to ICLEI, RC Clear or even its Roanoke City counterpart, the Clean & Green committee, suspect ties to the United Nations or “Agenda 21,” an international planning document that calls for clustered housing.

No one will mandate when you can turn on a light or where you must live assures Nell Boyle, the chairperson for RC Clear.

“There’s no association that reflects anything [about] our work,” said Boyle. Indeed, RC Clear has focused on promoting homeowner energy audits, working with TAP contractors to visit a hundred homes, showing people how they can lower energy costs using simple methods like additional insulation, caulking, plugging air leaks, etc.

A round of free energy audits for local businesses is now underway. A small federal grant helped launch the audits and RC Clear.

“What we’re trying to do is educate as many people as we can that there is a real important need for us to monitor our use of energy and natural resources,” said Boyle, who now works part time for Roanoke City, helping businesses do just that. “Its really education as far as I am concerned.

We also want to positively affect the greenhouse gas emissions.

We live in a very beautiful area.

That’s why I [want] to protect the environment. The members of RC Clear support that.” The Roa-

Independent Candidate Anticipated For City Council

Brandon Bushnell’s campaign is in its infancy. He has not yet pulled together his paperwork but there is no keeping a secret long in Roanoke political circles.

Bushnell, 22 plans to run as an Independent.

Bushnell is serious. He already has a website started at www.brandon4roanoke.com and is on Google Plus. He is not yet ready to make a formal announcement though, he said. That will come once he gets his petition signatures.

Brandon Bushnell is a technical librarian at Miller-Motte Technical College in

Roanoke. He graduated from Virginia Western Community College and recently moved from Salem to Roanoke City. He is active in the Occupy Roanoke movement.

He was one of the originators of Occupy Roanoke. Their first gathering was dubbed “Occupy Wall Street” - a “flash mob” held at the Market building in October 2011 where he held the 99% Proud and Loud sign.

Photo by Valerie Garner

Brandon Bushnell

By Valerie Garner info@newsroanoke.com

Photo by Gene Marranor

A local homeowner undergoes an energy audit last year.

noke Valley’s air quality however has long been known as poor, with many calling for ways to reduce the carbon emissions that help degrade it.

Two Republicans on the Board of Supervisors – citing a lack of facts for any claim of U.N. dominance – voted with independent Charlotte Moore to keep the county’s ICLEI membership in place. Independents Butch Church and Ed Elswick voted against the membership. Moore has long championed ICLEI and RC Clear, and has made the environment a centerpiece of both of her runs for Cave Spring district supervisor.

RC Clear has appeared at several energy expos and has produced a list of ways to save on energy, starting with the use of compact fluorescent light bulbs, doing some weatherizing on the house, suggestions about making fewer car trips, etc. A modest marketing campaign and a new website (saveaton.org) has

recently been rolled out. There is also a tool online to help homeowners calculate the carbon footprint reductions associated with changes they make. The Roanoke Regional Commission will help oversee the Save a Ton website, which spans several localities, including Roanoke City and Salem. “We think there are a lot of good success stories out there,” said Boyle; “we just feel like this is a really important community message.”

There are no mentions of United Nations mandates or mandatory cluster housing, although Roanoke County’s community plan has long called for “in fill” of areas already developed and planned housing developments as a way to reduce urban sprawl – which also leads to poorer air quality from longer commutes.

“We have to think about future generations,” said Boyle, who wants to assure residents that there is no ulterior motive attached to RC Clear or the ICLEI membership. “The whole idea is to make people more aware of their choices [concerning energy]. Nobody is mandating anything there. We’re all protective of our rights, and that’s a good thing. In terms of anybody mandating any type of behavior change- that’s just not what we’re talking about here.”

By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

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Perspective

Page 4 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 2/3/12 -2/9/12

Why Work When You Can Be My Son?

Y

oung Sir Garvin had So, my son needs work to do. a religious experi- I suspect a thinning purse. ence the other day. Most jobs I give him, he goes He found a ten dollar bill on immediately to his room and the road. Stirred to a passing tells me his feet hurt. piety, he kept the Ten ComI begin to think. Clean the mandments for the better part bathroom? No, he just got of an hour. Then he went out over his fear of toilets. At one and spent the ten dollars. point he had enough dental My son is a wag and sin- plaque to obstruct his airgular wit. "I need some work, way, but he refused to brush Dad," he begins. `This should because the toothpaste was in be good,' I thought. the bathroom. That's `A request for emout. ployment from a kid Plus, he has confidwho would rather be ed to me that exertion clawed by a bear than [except while playbreak a sweat.' ing] causes him chest "The Beg and Plead pains and fresh air phone lines are now makes him wheeze. open," I settled comSo it will have to be a fortably, yea smugly `white-collar' chore.

Lucky Garvin into a chair.

Indoors. With low Speaking in capital kinetic demands. letters, he begins, "I was an "This job can't be anything orphan child. Just got released physical, Dad," he reads my from the Diphtheria Clinic. mind, "threw m'shoulder out Only have one good ovary..." drinkin' a slurpee. Should be I try to interrupt. "Dad, do well in a coupla months; I'm you mind? I'm tryin' to cre- young, I heal quick." My son, ate a mood here. Besides, you a respected voice in the preshould give kids a chance to adolescent community, unsay their piece. Y'never know derstands that it is one of the what might push us over the daily line operations of childedge." My dear son confuses hood to avoid work. He is not ‘old’ with ‘gullible.’ one to be crushed in the jaws Could consequences be of reason. more dire!? Like many parDoing the dishes is out. ents, I occasionally harbor Cailan is convinced there's a the urge to push him over the monster in the dishwasher. edge. Preferably a very high Oh, he's never opened it up one. to be sure; must be a part of He hoped for great advan- childhood mythology. I sense tage from this negotiation. He’s looking for some house-

Community | News | Perspective 540-400-0990 Publisher | Stuart Revercomb | stuart@newsroanoke.com News Editor | Gene Marrano | gmarrano@cox.net Production Editor | Leigh Sackett | leigh@newsroanoke.com Technical Webmaster | Don Waterfield | webmaster@newsroanoke.com Advertising Director | Vickie Henderson | vhenderson@rbnet.com

“ I am the slowest

carpet cleaner in Roanoke.”

Williams Carpet Cleaning “I will give your carpet the time and attention it deserves to produce the best results possible.”

hold chore that will put him into a six-figure allowance.

Not going to happen.

It’s beginning to look as if his purse will remain thin.

During one recent winter storm, school was cancelled.

Cailan managed his grief admirably.

We decided to go sleighriding. Well, he called it sleigh-riding. I call it grounds for psychiatric commitment.

When I was a kid, we contented ourselves to just go down the hill. Kids today consider the afternoon a total loss if they haven't had a brush with death.

But after sleigh-riding, there was work to be done.

Naturally he disappeared into his room and began rubbing his feet with rather more drama than I felt necessary. I entered and stared disbelieving at the mess. No one has ever made a sound case for Cailan being excessively decor-conscious. In fact he considers any efforts to make him clean up his room, however feeble those efforts might be, an invasion of privacy.

He insists on disorder with a sort of `brass-knuckles' ferocity, telling himself he must merely keep his head until his father’s inexplicable preoccupation with neatness and sanitation blows over. He and I have a fundamental disagreement: A personal inconvenience is not proof of the end of the world I stopped at the door and sampled the air. "Son, did Dwayne your hamster die or do you need to change your socks?"

"Not funny, Dad. "The chore: we had to slide under the crawl space of the house and tack up some sagging insulation. The crawl space has spider webs and a dirt floor.

Seeing this, Cailan was transformed.

"I love this job!!"

I thought he'd hit his head on a rafter.

"I can get dirty!" he explained, crawling off.

Silly me.

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

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Local Crossword

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Contact Lucky Garvin at info@theroanokestar.com

Star-Sentinel Crossword for 2/3/2012

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Inclined Utter Short-term memory Central Intelligence Agency Ornament Leer Brand of laundry detergent Clark's partner Licensed practical nurse Headquarters of British India Which local restaurant offers $1.50 tapas and the full flavor of Mexico?

Only Body of water Common allergy causing plant Fear Water (Spanish) Cover Den Literary composition Keenly Genetic code Mr..'s wife Area business bath remodeler who provides the right fit, best

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NewsRoanoke.com

Dead Language A Wonderful Part of Living

L

atin is dubbed “a dead tie. He walked slowly and somelanguage.” For centuries times used a cane. His snowy after the modern Ro- white hair, neatly coiffed, and a mance languages, derived from carefully trimmed white musLatin, were spoken in France, tache gave him a distinguished Spain and Italy, Latin remained appearance, and when he spoke the language of the Roman his accent marked him as a naCatholic Church, but today it is tive of the South. no longer required for the mass.

He knew I loved the study of Latin is often spurned by stu- Latin and gave me special attendents who prefer modern lan- tion to encourage me. I finished guages. However, anyone who the year with an A average and has studied Latin could hardly wait will attest how an for the second year understanding of the to begin. But no Latin roots of Engone else in the class lish words enhances wanted a second our understanding year of Latin. The of English vocabuprincipalannounced lary. Latin phrases that the class would are also used in the not be offered due to fields of medicine, lack of interest. I was law and the theater. devastated.

I was introBut Dr. Somerduced to Latin in ville persuaded the Mary Jo Shannon my freshman year principal to allow at Beverly Manor High School me to come to his home for lesin Staunton. Latin I was a small sons. I don’t know whether he class and its teacher, Mr. Frank was paid by the school system or Somerville, no ordinary teacher. whether he donated his services He retired from a nearby college – at my young age I was only dewhere he taught Latin and was lighted that I could continue to pleased to have an opportunity study with individual attention. to continue his career at the high Each day I walked to his home school level. He lived near the on Opie Street in Staunton and school and was present only for under his tutelage translated Juthis class. lius Caesar’s accounts of the GalYoungsters often describe lic and Civil Wars. Dr. Somerteachers in their thirties as “old” ville’s daughter, Betty, lived with – but Dr. Somerville was old by him. She welcomed me warmly anybody’s standard. I remember and often served me a small him as short and slight of build, snack before I headed back to dressed always in a dark suit, school. Both of my grandfathers with a white shirt and black bow died before I was born, and se-

C

cretly I adopted Dr. Somerville as my grandfather. And I believe he considered me as a surrogate granddaughter.

Mid-way through the year he began to discuss my competing in the regional Latin tournament. I was not enthusiastic about it, but knew it was important to him. I wanted so much to give him the pleasure of having his student excel. However, it was not to be. Although I did my best it was not good enough to rank above average. I ached, knowing how disappointed he must be. When I told him I was sorry, he replied, “It was my mistake, Maria (my Latin name). I should have had you read Virgil instead of so much Caesar.”

The following year Beverly Manor and three other rural high schools were consolidated, becoming Wilson Memorial High School at Fishersville, Virginia, and my special relationship with Dr. Somerville ended.

Latin was no longer an option at Wilson. I enrolled in French and later continued to study that language at Mary Baldwin.

When Dr. Somerville died, his daughter wrote to me, telling me how much teaching me had meant to her father. The feeling was mutual.

Vade in pace – (Go in peace – The Roman way to say “Goodbye”).

Contact Mary Jo at maryjoshannon@ymail.com

Holy Hedwig, What the Heck is Happening?

ome now, surely you habits. Some believe that the can't be such a mug- population of the owls' primary gle that you haven't food source - Arctic lemmings noticed. Owls! Owls every- - had a large spike, followed by where! Dozens of owls, clutches a crash, resulting in a similar of owls, whole parliaments of spike in snowy owls now left owls. And it's not just any type with nothing to eat. No one of owl. They're bright knows for sure. white, over two feet But whatever the tall, and active by day reason, there's no instead of by night. doubt that snowy owls They've been seen are everywhere, and everywhere, barnit seems like a lot of storming through fun. Folks are coming Binghamton, massout in droves to get a ing in Missoula, and look at these Hedwig chilling in Chicago. look-alikes, causIt's a veritable blizing snowy owl trafzard of owls. Merfic jams across the Mike Keeler lin's Beard! What country. However, sort of wicked wizsnowy owls are the arding warning is this? largest owls in North America, The nation has been invaded weighing up to 4 pounds, and by snowy owls. Up until now, if can cause some serious damage. you wanted to see a snowy owl, At Logan Airport in Boston, 21 you'd have to travel north of the snowy owls have been caught Arctic Circle. But for some rea- and removed. One snowy owl son, this year has seen a massive even managed to make it all influx of snowy owls into the the way to Honolulu Airport, Lower 48. Ornithologists refer whereupon air traffic officials to it as an "irruption" of their freaked out. It was the first and normal breeding and roosting only snowy owl ever sighted in

Hawaii. And they shot it.

Thankfully, some folks have chosen a wiser course. A joint project of the Cornell Ornithology Lab and the Audubon Society has launched a website where anyone can submit a snowy owl sighting or get help dealing with one. Scientists will analyze the response data and try to determine if this is all just a biological anomaly or a function of global, um, warming, er, I mean, "The Evil Planetary Condition Which Shall Not Be Named."

So if you see an exhausted, hungry or wounded snowy owl, and you're a wizard, grab your wand, concentrate, point in its direction, and yell clearly and firmly, "Repairo!" For the rest of us muggles, we can't do magic, but we can use the power of the Internet. www.ebird.org Contact Mike at info@theroanokestar.com

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value, and has an A+ rating with the BBB. Side note Past Smells Deface Ailing Italian "dollars" Pounds per square inch Caustic substance Absurd 'she had the drop on me, ted. why didn't --- shoot?' (from salt)

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49 Pixies 50 Run quickly 51 Canal 54 Fled

"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."

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Perspective

2/3/12 -2/9/12 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 5

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American Life in Poetry

BY TED KOOSER, U.S. POET LAUREATE

The first two lines of this poem pose a question many of us may have thought about: how does snow make silence even more silent? And notice Robert Haight’s deft use of color, only those few flecks of red, and the rest of the poem pure white. And silent, so silent. Haight lives in Michigan, where people know about snow.

How Is It That the Snow

How is it that the snow amplifies the silence, slathers the black bark on limbs, heaps along the brush rows?

Some deer have stood on their hind legs to pull the berries down.

Now they are ghosts along the path, snow flecked with red wine stains.

This silence in the timbers.

A woodpecker on one of the trees taps out its story, stopping now and then in the lapse of one white moment into another.

The Happy Chef by Leigh Sackett

I

Meatball Minestrone Soup

t would be so great to get at least a little snow! My children keep waiting and waiting . . .

Remember two years ago when we had not one, but three huge snow falls? During one of those big snows I told my kids, “stay out in this snow, don’t waste the opportunity, it may not come again for a long time.”

That turned out to be some sage advice! For my children may have another big snow to play in soon, but there will never be three big snows again when they are ages seven and eight. That is a beautiful part of their history, never to occur again.

I have lived before in anticipation of tomorrow. I have also, at times, lived in fear of tomorrow.

It has taken God some time and work to change this in me but I finally have learned to live for the day. Living for the day - knowing that it is precious and holds beauty and answers in it that I will miss if I am overly looking out for tomorrow. Sure we still must plan and prepare for the days ahead, but we should never forget where we are - today.

I hope my kids always remember the year of the three big snows. If I could go back in time I would have stopped and grabbed their hands in the deep snow and said, “Let’s look around for a quiet moment and take note of this miracle of a day so we will not forget it.” But I cannot go back in time and God has taught me not to worry for yesterday either. What I can do is be thankful for an awareness of the present day and grab their hands today and say those words!

Winter has so many wondrous gifts to it. One being warm soup for dinner on a cold winters day.

Serve up this delicious, hearty soup for your family this February. Maybe this cold month to

The Happy Chef’s son, Anthony, plows his way through one of the three big snows of 2010. come will bring another great winter gift – SNOW!!! Whatever happens I will be glad for the day!

1 tablespoon olive oil 1 small onion, chopped 2 garlic cloves, minced 2 carrots, thinly sliced 4 cups chicken broth 14-1/2-ounce can diced tomatoes in their juice 15-1/2-ounce can beans, rinsed and drained 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning 1 cup orzo pasta 2 cups meatballs Grated Parmesan

-In a large pot, warm the olive oil over medium-high heat, then sauté the onion and garlic until softened, about 2 minutes.

-Add the carrots, chicken broth, diced tomatoes in their juice, beans, Italian seasoning, and pasta. Bring the soup to a boil.

-Reduce the heat and add the meatballs. Simmer for 15 minutes, or until the meatballs are heated through and the pasta is tender. Serve topped with grated Parmesan.

The Preacher’s Corner -

A Positive Contribution of Faith

D

o not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all (Romans 12:17-18, NRSV).

I don’t know about you, but I am already tired of the political campaign season and the negative ads, commentary, and unhealthy discourse that come along with it. It really is a shame that election campaigns need to be run in such a negative fashion.

But to be fair, political ad writers aren’t the only ones contributing to the problem of unhealthy speech in our society. A significant part of the problem is the ease and availability of instant communication. Many of us enjoy this technology, having either reconnected with old friends or remaining connected with new ones thanks to text messaging, Facebook, email, and blogs. The difficulty with these forms of communication is that they make it very easy for us to comment without thinking. We can be sorely tempted to make a quick comment before we’ve had time to consider what we’re saying (whether our comments are both true and necessary) or the effect it will have on the other person (how our comments will be received, and if it is our place to say them).

Whether we like it or not, we are all part of the problem. We are frustrated by unhealthy communication, and we sometimes communicate in unhealthy ways.

Please don’t read over this point too quickly on your way to the sports page. It is an important spiritual matter. How is your speech these days? What about the thoughts that you have when someone angers you? When the driver ahead of you doesn’t go when the light turns green, what do you think, say, or gesture? When a coworker sends you an unkind email, how long do you wait before you reply?

When a neighbor criticizes your favorite political candidate (or party), how do you respond?

The New Testament gives us a great deal of help in the spiritual formation of our speech. In Matthew 5:21-26, Jesus describes the effect angry words have on our soul. In verse 22, he says that “if you say, 'You fool,' [to your brother or sister in anger] you will be liable to the hell of fire.” Now, calling someone a “fool” isn’t the most hurtful thing one of us could say to another. But in Jesus’ day, it was. The Aramaic word (the language Jesus spoke) which is translated “fool” is “raca.” To pronounce “raca” correctly, it almost requires you to gather up phlegm in the back of your throat as if you are going to spit on the person you are insulting. Even in

by Tim Harvey

our day, it’s difficult to imagine being more insulting than this. This is such an insult that Jesus says our souls are in peril for the action. Have you ever found yourself at this point in your anger toward another person?

So what is a person to do in light of the culture in which we live, a culture which does not encourage us in our speech patterns? Consider again the verses from Romans 12 at the beginning of the article. An amazing quality of these verses is that they allow us to make a positive contribution of faith to the negative discourse of our society. We need not be victims of someone else’s unkind actions! We do have a faith-filled response.

So, the next time someone really makes you angry consider the following options (and add your own to the list. There are many more that could be added!)

1.

If the unkind words come through email, Facebook, or a text message, don’t respond right away. Wait 24 hours if you can. This gives you time to think, and time to pray.

2.

Consider the circumstances of the other person. Is the angry response typical of them, or is it somehow out of character? If the angry words are typical, that will suggest one kind of response.

But if the anger is out of character, ponder that for a while. What’s going on?

3.

If you do need to confront the person for their words, actions, or tone, how will you do so?

If you think “getting even” is the best response, remember one thing: perhaps the worst part of getting even is that if you succeed, you will now be on their level. Is that where you want Jesus to find you?

A few weeks ago, I received a rather harsh email.

Part of what made the email frustrating was that some of it was based on inaccurate information.

Thankfully, I was out of town when I received the email, and not in a position to respond. Before I could respond, however, the person caught their inaccurate information and sent me a letter of apology. Their original concern remained, but it was much easier to respond to the concern after they had apologized for their misinformation. I consider this experience a true blessing from God, and look forward to a better relationship with a brother in Christ. May you find the same blessing in your own life, through the positive contributions of faith you offer to those around you.

Tim Harvey is the senior pastor at Central Church of the Brethren. Visit them on the web at centralbrethren.org

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Page 6 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 2/3/12 -2/9/12

United Way of Roanoke Valley Raises Over $6.14 Million in 2011 Campaign Over 400 people attended United Way of Roanoke Valley's annual campaign awards celebration at The Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center last Wednesday.

Debbie Meade, President and Publisher of The Roanoke Times and Chair of the 2011 Campaign, announced that the 2011 Campaign is projected to raise over $6.14 million, an increase of almost $100,000 over the 2010 Campaign. "With the economy still sluggish, this isn't an easy time to fund-raise, even for the worthiest of causes," says Meade, "The amount we've raised this year is a testament to the generosity and dedication of thousands of donors and their companies who know that together, through United Way, we can advance the common good by helping others improve their lives."

Kroger earned United Way's

Big Brothers Big Sisters of SW VA receive Shining Star Award. top honor, the Spirit of Community Award. The award is presented to the company exhibiting outstanding year-round support of United Way and the community through corporate giving, employee leadership giving campaigns, corporate sponsorships, supporting spe-

Linda Leap & Judy Pendleton; Cherry Bekeart & Holland LLP receive the Best Impact Supporter Award.

cial events, encouraging volunteerism among employees, and exhibiting year-round presence in community-building activities.

This year marks the beginning of United Way of Roanoke Valley's new strategic direction to advance the common good in the community by focusing on Education, Income and Health. "During these challenging times, our partners and volunteers are working hard to find and invest in the best solutions to improve lives and bring about lasting changes in our community," said Frank Rogan, President and CEO of United Way of Roanoke Valley. "When we LIVE UNITED, we can create a brighter future for our children, individuals and families."

YMCA Gets A Face Lift

The face of the YMCA will be changing for the first time in 43 years as the YMCA adopts an all-new logo and brand strategy to increase understanding of the impact that YMCAs make in communities across the country. The Kirk Family YMCA was the first of the Ys in the Roanoke Valley association to get all new exterior signage.

The YMCA has been in Roanoke since 1883 - a year before Roanoke was chartered as an independent city. YMCA President and CEO, Cal Johnson said, "The Y has always adapted to the needs of our community. We're excited to have a bold new logo that reflects the vibrancy and diversity of our organization. With the logo change, we're affirming our efforts to strengthen community by focusing our resources on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. What hasn't changed, though, is the Y's strong mission and Christian principles. " "The new emphasis on strengthening community couldn't come at a better time for the YMCA of Roanoke Valley. There are many exciting changes taking place at the YMCA of Roanoke Valley," said Johnson. "We are serving more members of our community through the expansion of the Kirk Family Y and looking forward to serving more people with the expansion of the Salem Family Y." The Y's former logo had been in place since 1967 and was the organization's sixth since its inception. The refreshed logo, with its multiple color

The YMCA’s new logo adorns the building. options and new, contemporary look, is said to "better reflect the vibrancy of the Y and the diversity of the communities it serves." The new logo's bold, active and welcoming shape symbolizes the Y's commitment to personal and social progress.

Fishburn Park Librarian Receives Surprise $1,000 Check

The Greater Raleigh Court Civic League along with Superintendent Rita Bishop made a surprise check presentation of $1,000 to Fishburn Park Library Media Specialist Lynn Pagans.

Pagans received the money to purchase environmentally focused books for the library as part of the GRCCL pilot classroom grant program.

To learn more, visit www. The grant application was open to Greater Raleigh Court area elementary school teachers from Wauwrv.org. sena, Highland Park, Virginia Heights, Grandin Court and Fishburn Park to help fund creative and educational classroom activities.

Fishburn Park Elementary School is a focus school which strives to establish a strong foundation for academic success for all students while fostering environmental stewardship. Fishburn Park will soon be accepting applications for students to be enrolled in their environmental focus program during the 2012-2013 school year.

Apple Ridge Farm Receives Gifts

The Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church presented Apple Ridge Farm with a check and a Troy-Bilt self-propelled lawn mower at their annual Board of Directors reception held on January 25th. The lawn mower was an item on the Apple Ridge Farm Wish List, said Peter Lewis, president and founder of Apple Ridge Farm. Apple Ridge Farm is a 96 acre Educational and Conference Center located in Copper Hill. The mission of Apple Ridge Farm is to transform the lives of underserved children and families through engagement in education, cultural and outdoor experiences. Over 100,000 children have been

NewsRoanoke.com

(Above L to R) Fishburn Park Librarian Lynn Pagans, Fishburn Park Students and GRCCL President Chad Braby.

For more information about Fishburn Park visit their website at www.fishburn.rcps.info.

Farm Organization Wants Sunday Hunting Ban Upheld

served though the programs of Apple Ridge Farm since 1980. The Greek Festival is supportive of area nonprofits, rotating their participation in the annual festival and donating a portion of the proceeds to each organization.

Photo (L-R) : Steve Peters, Father Peter Day, Pete Simopoulos, Janice Dunleavy, Peter Lewis and Dr. Paul Dallas.

Allowing Sunday hunting would create a lose-lose situation for Virginia citizens, and the state’s largest farm advocacy group continues to oppose it.

“Virginia Farm Bureau Federation, through its grass-roots policy process, opposes hunting on Sunday,” said Wilmer Stoneman, VFBF associate director of governmental relations. “People are trying to couch this as a private property issue, but if it is, then you should be able to hunt and fish on private property 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, not just on Sundays.”

Virginia is one of 11 states that prohibit hunting on Sundays.

The state Senate Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Re-

sources Committee last Thursday approved SB 464, which would allow Sunday hunting on private lands with landowners’ permission and on public waters. Public land would still be closed.

The full Senate will vote soon on the bill, and similar House of Delegates bills also will be heard in subcommittee.

“I think this legislation discriminates against rural residents,” said Bruce Richardson, a Northampton County farmer and Farm Bureau member.

“Rural residents and those visiting the country should be able to enjoy a safe walk in the woods or around farm property on Sundays.”

For decades, Farm Bureau

members in Virginia have discussed and voted in favor of opposing Sunday hunting, Stoneman said. In policy discussions among elected representatives of the organization, members cited faith-based beliefs as well as the ability of horse owners and riders and landowners to use the outdoors one day a week without worrying about hunters.

“I have to watch out for hunters wherever I go on my farm,” said Corky Shackelford, an Albemarle County farmer and Farm Bureau member. “I wear a blaze orange hat during deer season, because even though I post ‘No hunting’ and ‘No trespassing’ signs, hunters go on my land anyway.”

Shackelford said people who live in the country and people who want to visit the country “deserve a day of safety and peace.”

Professio Rural landowners have a responsibility to be good neigh1618 bors, and “giving up one day out of seven so people can enjoy peace and quiet is not too much Salem to ask,” said Richardson, who is 5 a hunter himself.

Stoneman said that if hunters www.dustbunniescorp.com are allowed to pursue their sport • g on Sundays, conflict between hunters and the general public will increase. “That ultimately will hurt the sport in the long run. We want people to hunt, but not on Sunday.”

If legislation is passed that alTree Removal Deadwood lows Sunday hunting• on private Spring Aeration lands, it is likely to expand to • other property as well. and Spre Mulch Delivered “If Sunday hunting is overFree Estimates • turned in any form, then there will be another bill next year and another one the next expanding hunting rights,” Stoneman said.

“It will just give people who oppose hunting a reason to further restrict it,” Richardson added.

With more than 150,000 members in 88 county Farm Bureaus, VFBF is Virginia’s largest farmers’ advocacy group.

Wilmer Stoneman - Info@ NewsRoanoke.com

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Cave Spring Downs Pulaski 72-43 With Second Half Surge

Cave Spring pulled away from a 28-25 halftime lead by outscoring Pulaski County 44-18 in the second half, as the Knights won in unexpectedly easy fashion, 72-43, Friday night at the Cave Spring gym.

Cave Spring improved to 10-9 (3-4 River Ridge) as River Ridge teams scramble to improve their seedings heading into tournament action. The Knights close their regular season with a pair of home games-Friday night (Feb. 3rd) against district-leader Christiansburg, followed by Tuesday night's rematch with Cave Spring senior # 14 Aaron Cupp sidesteps a Pulaski derival Hidden Valley. fender before his foot slides across the baseline. Cupp finished Ryan Gladfelter led the Cave with 10 points for the Knights.

Spring scoring with 22 points, while Amin Abuhawwas added 16, all in the Knight's secondhalf surge.

By Bill Turner info@newsroanoke.com Knight # 44 Michael Colozza battles Pulaski County # 10 Carter Brookman for a key rebound Friday night.

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Hidden Valley Pulls Away For 70-50 Win Over Christiansburg Hidden Valley # 20 Gracie Whiteside gets position to pull down a Titan rebound against Christiansburg.

Lady Titan # 22 Kelsey Crotty drives to the basket for 2 of her 14 points against the Blue Demons.

Hidden Valley's persistent defensive pressure proved to be the difference as the Lady Titans pulled away in the second half for the 70-50 win over Christiansburg in girls basketball at the Hidden Valley gym.

The Lady Titans improved to 14-5 (6-1 River Ridge) as they point to a rematch with Salem for the River Ridge regular season title.

Tyler Evans led Hidden Valley with a game-high 30 points, while senior Kelsey Crotty added 14.

By Bill Turner info@newsroanoke.com

Wild Bill’s Weekly Sports Roundup

We're on the regular sea- tans improved to 4-3 in the ever- blamed the Tech bowl woes on son home stretch with sev- tough River Ridge with Tuesday a curse, I offered to Ouija a Tech eral district champions already night's win over Pulaski County. win. Result: no takers on the crowned. Others are still in the Hidden Valley controls its own offer. Many suggested the stunt balance with key games on the destiny for a second place finish was ridiculous. Last week, in this slate Friday night. District tour- behind undefeated Christians- column, I gave advance notice nament action begins Friday burg, but the road will be tough. that I would "Ouija-a-win" for a February 13th as many teams The Titans close out district play local team. To avoid suggestion face make or break contests in with a pair of games against Sa- of a scam, I went to the sideline their quest for the road to Rich- lem and the big rivalry game at scorer, students and game anHidden Valley used a strong mond. Let's take a look at this Cave Spring. nouncer last week to give notice second quarter to take a 31-17 week's Wild Bill 'Big-11' Now, to the mailbag, of the upcoming effort. halftime lead, and the Titans Top-5. where a reader posed Tuesday night, in appropriheld on for the 64-48 River #1-Patrick Henry: an interesting question ate regalia, of course, (envision Ridge victory Tuesday night at The Patriots hold firm on winning vs losing. a fuzzy purple hat) I attended the Hidden Valley gym. in the top spot after Dear Wild Bill: the Cave Spring Lady Knight Hidden Valley improved to their win over George With teams, from high basketball game, Ouija Board 4-3 in district play, and controls Washington of Danville school and college, no- in tow. The Cave Spring girls their destiny for a second-place Tuesday night. PH (16torious for scheduling squad, who entered the contest finish behind Christiansburg, as 3) can clinch the Westeasy opponents to 0-19, came away with the 40-36 the River Ridge heads into the fiBill Turner ern Valley title with a insure wins - which win over, ironically (or maybe nal week of the regular season. win Friday night.

For is more likely in high not), Blacksburg.

Dylan Hodson led the Titan the record, PH has held the #1 school basketball - an undefeatJust want to point out, the scoring with a game-high 30 spot since week one. ed team or a team that is win- Lady Knights are now 1-19. points. Daniel Rowe added 9 #2- Northside: The Vikings less? (Adam/Lynchburg) Tech is 1-27 against Top-5 footpoints for Hidden Valley.

Titan senior # 10 Daniel (12-7) move up after their win Answer: Great question, ball opponents. If this were the Hidden Valley # 2 Zack LjungRowe connects on a late free over William Byrd Tuesday Adam. And, after some research, American League West, the CS

By Bill Turner throw to ice the game for guist drives into the Pulaski night. Billy Pope's squad keeps the answer was surprising. girls would be four games up. defense during fourth quarter info@newsroanoke.com Hidden Valley. getting stronger and a date In Southwest Virginia, there's See you next week. action Tuesday night. against Rockbridge County, al- only one undefeated team - the though not likely enough to win Galax boys. On the other side of Send your inquiries to: info@ the Blue Ridge, will give clues the ledger, six teams are winless newsroanoke.com on how they may fare in post- - 2 boys and 4 girls. season play.

Finally, we close this week #3- William Fleming: Flem- with the adage, 'he who laughs ing falls to third after a loss at last, laughs best'.

By Bill Turner The Salem-Roanoke BaseFranklin County. Irregardless, As many of you readers are info@newsroanoke.com ball Hall of Fame, which honors the Colonels may have enough aware, after some Hokie faithful those that have made a signififirepower to make a statement cant contribution to the game in the Western Valley. Expect locally, recently welcomed four the regular season finale at PH new inductees. Among those to be a shootout in front of an honored were an ex-ballplayer overflow crowd. who counted Manny Ramirez #4- Glenvar: The Highlandas a teammate at one point, and ers continue to impress with a former Salem minor leaguer a 15-6 record. They remain in who now runs a baseball trainthe hunt for a first-round bye in ing center there. the Three Rivers. Radford and Mark Sweeney played at the (L-R) Inductees Mark Sweeney, Ron Shockley, Dave ChristianFloyd County will be formiUniversity of Richmond after son, keynote speaker Billy Sample and Fred Corbett. dable opposition come tournastarring at William Byrd High ment time. my dad. He spent thousands 4341 Starkey Road • 540-774-0171 School. At Richmond, future game on the planet.” #5- Hidden Valley: The TiInductee Fred Corbett has of hours… showing me how NFL and major leaguer outfielder Brian Jordan was a teammate. been a mainstay as a coach and to love the game of baseball,” Signed by the Cleveland Indians then president of the Cave Spring recalled Christianson. Being after a tryout, Sweeney – now a National Little League. Now a elected to the Salem-Roanoke lieutenant in the Franklin Coun- district administrator for Little Baseball Hall of Fame was like ty Sheriff’s Department – was on League, Corbett, who also chairs “going to heaven before I die,” the same minor league club as the Roanoke County Parks and said an emotional Christianson, slugger Manny Ramirez. During Recreation Commission advi- who once smacked a 475-foot his acceptance speech he recalled sory panel, extolled the slower home run at Comiskey Park in pitching against the likes of Chip- pace of baseball, as he gave his Chicago during a high school Start by losing 10 pounds in 2 weeks.** acceptance speech. playoff game. per Jones (Atlanta Braves).

The game allows for chatter The keynote speaker was Billy “I was overwhelmed,” said Being overweight increases your risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and many types Sweeney about finding out he on the bench and in the stands, Sample, a former Andrew Lewis of cancer, it also can take years off your life. Our programs offer strategies unavailable had been elected to the Hall, building friendships, noted Cor- High School two-sport star in to commercial weight loss programs. which sits in a small brick build- bett. He also said fans of Little Salem (baseball and football).

Non-surgical weight loss ing adjacent to Salem Memorial League baseball or the game in Sample, who as a football player Baseball Stadium. Sweeney’s pro general need to attend the Little took part in the “Remember One-on-one with a physician career ended in 1993 when he League World Series in William- the Titans” game at Victory StaPhysician customized plan sport, PA at least once. “You have dium, spent nine years in the had arm trouble.

99% keep the weight off after a year* Also inducted was Ron Shock- to put that on your bucket list,” major leagues and later became a game broadcaster. “This is full ley, who pitched at Virginia Tech he advised.

The fourth inductee was circle for me,” said Sample, part after starring in American Legion ball while at Northside High Dave Christianson, who passed of the first Hall of Fame class 21 School – which did not have its through Salem as a minor years ago. “Welcome to the new 877.398.1547 cmwl.com own team at the time. Shockley leaguer for the San Diego Pa- members,” added Sample, who later coached multiple sports in dres 30 years ago. He came back lives in New Jersey and is trying Roanoke City middle schools be- when his playing days were over to get his screenplay about minor fore moving to Florida, where he and began a career in sales with league life turned into a movie. has won district and state cham- Shelor Chevrolet. Christianson “We’ve really got an impressive pionships as a high school base- also opened the Rip City base- group of people.”

Kenneth Luckay, DO - 4515 Brambleton Ave. S.W., Suite B, Roanoke VA ball coach. “I think coaching and ball training academy in Salem, By Gene Marrano where he has helped thousands *Based on a stratified sample of 349 patients over a six-year period. Patients must have remained on the program for a minimum of 28 days and be monitored with at least two teaching is what I was supposed visits within first 31 days to be included in the study. A variety of nutritional meal replacements were used. 99% of the patients that followed the CMWL program, including gmarrano@cox.net physician to do,” said a tearful Shockley, of young players along the way. a low calorie diet and individual counseling with CMWL physicians, from one month up to a year, weighed less at their last weigh-in than their starting weight. **Based on a stratified random sample of 223 women and 99 men on a medically prescribed diet.

“I immediately thought of who called baseball “the greatest

Hidden Valley Downs Pulaski County 64-48 To Move Into Second In River Ridge

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Page 8 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 2/3/12 -2/9/12

Co-Founder of JanSport to Speak at Roanoke College Skip Yowell, co-founder of JanSport, will share his outdoor adventures and economic success next month at Roanoke College.

His lecture titled, "The Hippie Sharing the Vision of Founding JanSport," will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 7 in the Colket Center's Wortmann Ballroom. The event is free and open to the public.

Yowell's journey from a small Kansas town to Seattle led him to the top of the outdoor industry and, along with two family members, helped him to build JanSport. Today, JanSport is one of the most recognized brand names in outdoor equipment.

Yowell has been an active climber during his time with JanSport, and he even collaborated with Rainier Mountaineering Inc. to create a five-day climb up

Mt. Rainier in Seattle. The climb, called the JanSport Seminar, is open to all employees of official JanSport dealers.

Now, Yowell tells the story of his adventures and expeditions. He is author of the book, "The Hippie Guide to Climbing the Corporate Ladder & Other Mountains: How JanSport Makes It Happen."

He will sign copies of his book on Feb. 7, after his lecture.

Yowell remains an ambassador for the JanSport brand, consulting for JanSport international partners in North America, Europe, Asia and South America.

His appearance at Roanoke is sponsored by the college's Honors Program, as part of its annual Honors Conference Week. Trivial Pursuit is the theme of this year's conference, which is Feb. 6 -10, and each day represents dif-

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ferent categories.

Monday, Feb. 6, has a history and geography theme, and it will include lectures on Salem's role in the Civil War and the topic of history as a vocation. John Long and Dr. Robert Willingham of Roanoke's History Department will give these lectures.

Tuesday, Feb. 7, will be a sports and leisure theme, and the day will include a hike in Shawsville and Yowell's evening appearance.

Wednesday, Feb. 8, will have an arts and literature theme. It will include a discussion at Mill Mountain Coffee & Tea in Salem and a Poetry Slam event in the Colket Center's Garrett Room.

Thursday, Feb. 9 carries a science and nature theme, and participants will learn the chemistry of tie dye. Lisa Goodwin also will give a public lecture on pediatric cancer and care at 7:30 p.m. in the Colket Center's Garrett Room. Goodwin is co-founder and managing director of Connor's Heroes Foundation, a nonprofit group that helps families whose children are treated for cancer at the Children's Hospital of Richmond.

The week concludes on Friday, Feb. 10 with a talent show in the Wortmann Ballroom.

Roanoke's Honors Program is designed for students who excel in academics, have strong leadership skills and pursue numerous extracurricular activities.

The program also offers students distinct educational opportunities and classes. Honors students spend time each semester doing volunteer work throughout the local community.

For more information, contact Dr. Michael Hakkenberg, director of the Honors Program, at hakkenbe@roanoke.edu.

or

P.O. Box 8338 Roanoke Va 24014

NewsRoanoke.com

Four Tips for Tax-Savvy Investors

A century ago, author Mark Twain ductions.2 wrote that the difference between a 4. Use gains — and losses — to your taxidermist and a tax collector is that advantage. If you have an investment the taxidermist only takes your skin. and hold it for at least one year before Today, the IRS isn't any more popuselling, you'll pay a maximum federal lar. Why not see if any of the followtax of 15% on capital gains. The same ing strategies could allow you to keep rate applies for dividend income.3 more of what your investments earn?

Keep it for less than one year and you'll 1. Look into tax-managed mutual pay regular income taxes — up to 35%. funds. Portfolio managers of tax-manAlso keep in mind that if you intend to aged funds can use a number of stratesell investments that have lost money, gies to help reduce the tax bite shareyou can do so by December 31 and deholders suffer. For example, they may duct up to $3,000 in investment losses Cindy Shively strive to keep portfolio turnover low from that year's tax return. Additional to help minimize taxable gains, or they losses can be carried over and used to may actively use losses to offset taxable gains. offset future capital gains.

2. Consider municipal bonds and bond funds.

If you’d like to learn more, please contact Cindy Because the interest on a municipal bond is usual- Shively at 540-983-4912 or toll free at 877-449ly exempt from federal taxes, and sometimes state 4449 or on the web at http://fa.smithbarney.com/ and local taxes, it may actually produce a better meridiangroupsb/ yield than a taxable bond with a comparable interThere are other tax strategies you can use, but be sure to consult est rate. The higher your income tax bracket, the your tax professional and investment professional before acting. more you may benefit from owning "munis."1 1Income may be subject to the alternative minimum tax. Capital 3. Contribute to tax-advantaged retirement ve- gains, if any, are subject to taxes.2Withdrawals before age 59½ are subto a penalty tax. Each type of IRA has respective income limits as hicles. You can now contribute up to $5,000 annu- ject well as deductibility rules.3Lower rates apply for long-term capital gains ally to an IRA plus an additional $1,000 per year and dividends for taxpayers who are in lower tax brackets.

Tax laws are complex and subject to change. Morgan Stanley Smith if you’re over age 50 (for the 2010 tax year). TradiBarney LLC, its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Smith Barney Financial tional IRAs offer tax deferral — you pay no taxes Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. This material was not inon earnings until withdrawal — and may provide tended or written to be used for the purpose of avoiding tax penalties tax deductions. Roth IRAs offer tax deferral and that may be imposed on the taxpayer. Individuals are urged to consult their personal tax or legal advisors to understand the tax and related qualified withdrawals are tax free, but no tax de- consequences of any actions or investments described herein.

Budget Watch BUDGET WATCH

During the past week, the US National Debt has increased by $26.5 Billion US Tax Revenue $2,330,890,000,000 (Trillions) Federal Budget $3,818,819,000,000 New Debt $3,635,722,000,000 National debt $15,293,059,000,000 Recent Budget Cut $38,000,000,000 Remove eight (8) Zeros from federal data above as a household budget summary: Annual Household Income $23,309 61% of expenditures Family Expenditures $38,188 164% of income New Debt including Credit Cards $36,357 156% of income Outstanding Household Debt $152,931 656% of annual income Family Budget Cuts $380 .25% (1/4%) of debt

New Restaurant to Open in Partnership With Frank Beamer The development group for The Lofts at West Station, the second largest mixed use project in downtown Roanoke, has announced it will partner with restaurateur Stephan Parry and Virginia Tech Football Coach Frank Beamer for a new concept called Beamer’s 25. Twenty-five was Coach Beamer’s playing number at Virginia Tech.

The restaurant will be located on the ground floor of The Lofts at West Station, a 71-unit project at 357 Salem Avenue SW in Roanoke’s West Station District.

The restaurant will seat 100 in

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a century-old warehouse and will include elevated street-side dining with an open fire pit on Salem Avenue.

The project’s developer, Bill Chapman, said, “Coach Beamer’s game plan for creating a winning program has been rooted on harvesting and developing Virginia talent. Beamer’s 25 embraces those same principles, and will seek out the best foods and craft beers made right here in the State of Virginia.”

Beamer’s 25 will serve up great burgers along with 25 craft beers on tap, the largest se-

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The project is a $7.6M investment and opened to residential tenants in early January. The project was 75% pre-leased and is on pace to be fully occupied within a month. It is the second development for Bill Chapman Enterprises in the West Station District. The Fulton Motor Lofts, a 22-unit mixed-use project at 400 Salem Avenue, was completed in 2008. Combined, BCE has invested more than $11 million dollars in five years in the downtown neighborhood.

For more information, visit the project’s website is www.loftsatweststation.com.

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2/3/12 -2/9/12 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 9

"Life in Shades of Gray" Exhibit Chinese New Year Celebration: Comes To Tech's Perspective Gallery Year Of The Dragon

Alexandra Gomez, a guest at the celebration, is keeping a watchful eye on the Chinese Dragon.

Gongxi Facai, or Happy Chinese New Year.

The year 2012 is the year of the dragon according to the Chinese zodiac and is known to be the luckiest of all the years. The Roanoke Chinese Association organized the celebration held at the Fiji Island restaurant on January 28th.

The Chinese New Year this year was on January 23 and is based on the lunar calendar, instead of the Gregorian calendar, indicating the beginning of spring. The celebration lasts for 15 days and then the Lantern Festival is held. Older members give the children money in envelopes that they can save or spend any way they like. The children in turn bow to the elderly to wish them longevity.

In the days preceding the celebration, the Chi-

nese enact ancient traditions, such as getting a haircut and buying new clothes and shoes in preparation for the New Year. There is also alot of cleaning, the belief is that in doing these things one is cleansing out the disease and bad luck from the previous year and making room for the good luck of the New Year.

The celebration will end on February 4th at the Taubman Museum with groups from Roanoke College and Virginia Tech presenting various Chinese musical programs. The program begins at 12 noon.

Text and photo by Jim Bullington.

Winners of Art Contest Honored

by House of Delegates Five students from the Roanoke and New River Valleys were honored Thursday by the Virginia House of Delegates and Delegate Greg Habeeb (RSalem) for winning artwork.

Delegate Habeeb unveiled the winning pieces of art from his 2011 8th District “Back to School” Art Contest held this past fall. The art was hung outside Delegate Habeeb’s office in the General Assembly building. The winners were also welcomed to Richmond on the floor of the House of Delegates.

The five winners of the art contest were: • Garret East, the son of Malinda Walters, from Eastern Montgomery Elementary School, • Courtney Johnston, the daughter of Timothy and Jane Johnston, from Hidden Valley High School, • Serena Fick, the daughter of Dorene and Ken Fick, • Alexxa Forrester, the daughter of Arlene Forrester-Lafon and Jason Dudding, from Craig County Middle School, • And Willow Pope, the daughter of Sharon and Curtis Pope, from Fort Lewis Elementary School “I am so very proud of each one of these students,” said Del-

Willow Pope, Alexxa Forrester, Serena Fick, Delegate Greg Habaab, Courtney Johnston, and Garret East at this week’s award presentation. egate Habeeb. “Their artwork captures the theme of our contest and presents the beauty of Virginia in many different forms. It was such a pleasure to meet these young people. I hope that more students will begin to see the value of creativity and expression.

Habeeb presented each winner with a certificate and took pictures with friends and family in attendance.

The art contest was initially launched in August of 2011 and closed in November. It was open to all students from the

8th District.

“We will definitely be doing this contest every year,” said Habeeb. “The enthusiastic response we got from teachers, parents and students has made this one of the best experiences I have had in representing the 8th District. I look forward to seeing more of the artwork that future students present.”

The 8th House of Delegates District includes the City of Salem, Craig County and parts of Roanoke and Montgomery County.

“Libra” by Randy Simmons, charcoal on paper 2011.

Life in Shades of Gray, an exhibit featuring the recent works of Kentucky artist Randy Simmons, will be on display Feb. 7 through March 3 at the Perspective Gallery at VA Tech in the Squires Center.

Simmons, an associate professor of art at Paducah School of Art at West Kentucky Community and Technical College, will be on hand for a Meet the Artist reception on Tuesday, Feb. 7, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the gallery. Both the reception and the exhibit are free and open to the public.

Simmons is currently serving as lecture artist in Assistant Professor of Music Alan Weinstein's Creativity and Aesthetics class at Virginia Tech.

Simmons works with charcoal on paper using a drawing technique called chiaroscuro, or light-

dark, which originated during the Italian Renaissance period.

On his website, he says his work is largely autobiographical, and that he often draws inspiration from social and political issues.

His work has been exhibited in galleries across the country. He has also worked as a photographer and with video shoots, including the shoot for Ben Folds' music video "Cologne" in 2008.

The Perspective Gallery is located on the second floor of Squires Student Center. Life in Shades of Gray will be on display during expanded gallery hours from Tuesday-Saturday, noon to 9 p.m., and Sunday, 2 to 7 p.m.

The gallery is closed on Mondays.

By Rachel DeLauder info@newsroanoke.com

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Page 10 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 2/3/12 -2/9/12

Valentines Banquet To Be Held At Rescue Mission

There will be a Valentine's Banquet in the private dining room at the Roanoke Rescue Mission on Monday evening, February 13, 2012, at 5:30 p.m. Attendees will take a tour of the mission, have dinner (served Family Style) and have a musical guest. The dining room can accommodate 100 people. This special dinner is available for singles

and couples. Anyone is welcome. The Modern Woodmen of America Fraternal

Organization has agreed to match your donation.

If you would like to attend, please send a check for $5, made payable to Modern Woodmen of America, and send it to: Ernie Dale, 3531 Peters Creek Road, # 507, Roanoke, VA 24019.

They will present these to the mission along with the matching funds.

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In the classic film "12 Angry Men," Henry Fonda's character sways a jury with his quiet, persistent intelligence. But would he have succeeded if he had allowed himself to fall sway to the social dynamics of that jury?

Research led by scientists at the Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute found that smallgroup dynamics -- such as jury deliberations, collective bargaining sessions, and cocktail parties -- can alter the expression of IQ in some susceptible people. "You may joke about how committee meetings make you feel brain dead, but our findings suggest that they may make you act brain dead as well," said Read Montague, director of the Human Neuroimaging Laboratory and the Computational Psychiatry Unit at the Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute, who led the study.

The scientists used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to investigate how the brain processes information about social status in small groups and how perceptions of that status affect expressions of cognitive capacity.

"We started with individuals who were matched for their IQ," said Montague. "Yet when we placed them in small groups, ranked their performance on cognitive tasks against their peers, and broadcast those rankings to them, we saw dramatic drops in the ability of some study subjects to solve problems. The social feedback had a significant effect."

"Our study highlights the unexpected and dramatic consequences even subtle social signals in group settings may have on individual cognitive functioning," said lead author Kenneth Kishida, a research scientist with the Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute. "And, through neuroimaging, we were able to document the very strong neural responses that those social cues can elicit."

The researchers recruited subjects from two universities and administered a standard test to establish baseline IQ. The results were not viewed until after a series of ranked group IQ tasks, during which test takers, in groups of five, received information about how their performances compared to those of the other group members.

Although the test subjects had similar baseline IQ scores -- a mean of 126, compared to the national average of 100 -- they showed a range of test performance results after the ranked group IQ tasks, revealing that some individuals' expressed IQ was affected by signals about their status within a small group.

The researchers wanted to know what was happening in the brain during the observed changes in IQ expression. The subjects were divided into two groups based on the results of their final rank -- the high performers, who scored above the median, and the low performers, who scored at or below the median. Two of every group of five subjects had their brains scanned using fMRI while they participated in the task.

Among the researchers' findings: 1. Dynamic responses occurred in mul-

The Roanoke Star-Sentinel

tiple brain regions, especially the amygdala, the prefrontal cortex, and the nucleus accumbens -- regions believed to be involved in emotional processing, problem solving, and reward and pleasure, respectively.

2. All subjects had an initial increase in amygdala activation and diminished activity in the prefrontal cortex, both of which corresponded with a lower problem-solving ability.

3. By the end of the task, the high-performing group showed a decreased amygdala activation and an increased prefrontal cortex activation, both of which were associated with an increased ability to solve more difficult problems.

4. Positive changes in rank were associated with greater activity in the bilateral nucleus accumbens, which has traditionally been linked to learning and has been shown to respond to rewards and pleasure.

5. Negative changes in rank corresponded with greater activity in the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex, consistent with a response to conflicting information.

6. Neither age nor ethnicity showed a significant correlation with performance or brain responses. A significant pattern did emerge along gender lines, however. Although male and female participants had the same baseline IQ, significantly fewer women (three of 13) were in the highperforming group and significantly more (10 of 13) fell into the low-performing group.

"We don't know how much these effects are present in real-world settings," Kishida said. "But given the potentially harmful effects of social-status assignments and the correlation with specific neural signals, future research should be devoted to what, exactly, society is selecting for in competitive learning and workplace environments. By placing an emphasis on competition, for example, are we missing a large segment of the talent pool?

Further brain imaging research may also offer avenues for developing strategies for people who are susceptible to these kinds of social pressures."

"This study tells us the idea that IQ is something we can reliably measure in isolation without considering how it interacts with social context is essentially flawed," said coauthor Steven Quartz, a professor of philosophy in the Social Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory of the California Institute of Technology. "Furthermore, this suggests that the idea of a division between social and cognitive processing in the brain is really pretty artificial. The two deeply interact with each other."

"So much of our society is organized around small-group interactions," said Kishida. "Understanding how our brains respond to dynamic social interactions is an important area of future research. We need to remember that social dynamics affect not just educational and workplace environments, but also national and international policy-making bodies, such as the U.S. Congress and the United Nations."

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Franklin Square Office Park 1917 Franklin Road Office Suites from 250 Sq Feet to 3000 Sq Feet Newly Renovated and Best Location Next to Green Way Restaurant/Lounge Space Over 3000 Sq Feet Plus Large Kitchen at Ramada Conference Center

Call Ssunny Shah 540.537.0618