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The Roanoke Star-Sentinel January 28 - February 3, 2011

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Community | News | Per spective

City, County Schools Get High Marks

[Charity Benefit]

Souper Party at Taubman

Grandin Court Elementary, Crystal Spring Elementary and Preston Park ElemenKathy Tate tary have all received the 2011 Virginia Index of Performance (VIP) Awards from Governor Bob McDonnell and the State Board of Education. Crystal Spring and Grandin Court received the Board of Education Excellence Award and Preston Park received the Board of Education Competence to Excellence Award. Crystal Spring principal Kathy Tate wasn’t sure at first why Crystal Spring was singled out- then she named everyone from the teachers Education and PTA to bus drivers and cafeteria workers as being responsible for the Excellence Award. “It’s a matter [of] being life long learners,” said Tate as to why the governor bestowed the VIP award. “We have very high expectations.” From bus drivers who “get the kids to school on time,” and a cafeteria staff that serves nutritious meals, Tate said many are involved in making the South Roanoke school stand out. An “outstanding preschool program,” said Tate helps prepare students to be “well prepared,”

Sweet Ride! P3– Chocolates and a free showing of Willy Wonka helped Roanokers heed the call to regular winter bicycling.

[

Fred First

Music Binds P4– RSS Columnist Fred First debunks the critics and offers an outstanding perspective on music’s power to heal, inspire and transform.

Photo by Gene Marrano

Souper Bowl II A Rousing Success

sellout crowd of 400 paid up to $30 in order to sample soups from 16 eateries and kitchens last Sunday. It was “Souper Bowl II,” a benefit for the Rescue Mission of Roanoke and RAM House. Held in the Taubman Museum of Art atrium, it was actually the first Souper Bowl - last year’s inaugural event was snowed out. Patrons took home handcrafted soup bowls donated by area potters. 2nd Helpings Café, Metro!, Lo-

cal Roots, Rockfish, Flanary’s and the Happy Belly Deli were among the local restaurants that entered soups in a People’s Choice contest. The Regency Room at Hotel Roanoke had the most votes for “She-crab soup.” Above: Local Roots owner Diane Elliott serves up a smile with her sweet potato soup topped with ricotta, molasses and walnuts. - By Gene Marrano

]

> CONTINUED P2: Schools

Free Clinic Looking For Roanoker Receives Presidential Award More Volunteer Dentists Feline Frenzy P6– Roanoke Public Libraries ever-creative event director hosts a party for 51 cats and everyone lives to tell about it. Dr. Wharton Ramsey (right) and hygienist attend to a patient at the Dr. G. Wayne Fralin Free Clinic. Now a year old, the free- of development and finance standing Dr. G. Wayne Fralin Lee Clark about the eligibilFree Clinic on Tazewell Avenue ity criteria. The clinic itself, originated at the Roanoke Res- which operates like an urgent cue Mission that is located just care center according to Clark, around the corner on 4th Av- opened last month on property enue. Offering medical ser- the Rescue Mission had purvices and mental chased and then health options to renovated. Health the homeless, the All of the clinic also hopes physicians who to expand its dental service. spend time at the clinic are Last Friday two local dentists, volunteers. “We don’t have any Drs. Wharton Ramsey and on staff,” noted Clark, who said Dan Thompson, spent the bet- the Rescue Mission is “working ter part of a day taking x-rays hard” to have dentists available and pulling teeth from those on a weekly basis. The medical who cannot afford dental care center is affiliated with the Virelsewhere. “You have to be homeless,” > CONTINUED said Rescue Mission director P2: Clinic

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Gallery Debut P9– Acclaimed artist Jane Lillian Vance is set to premier new works at her gallery opening in downtown Roanoke on Feb 3rd.

]

For the second straight year, a Roanoke native has received the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers, the highest honor bestowed by the United States government on young professionals in the early stages of their independent research careers. Catherine Bradshaw, an associate professor in John Hopkins University’s Bloomberg School of Public Health, was selected along with 84 other young researchers. Roanoker Dare Goodrum, an assistant professor in the Department of Immunobiology at the University of Arizona, received the award in 2009. Bradshaw, 35, is a graduate of North Cross School. Her research at Johns Hopkins focuses on bullying as well as ways to make schools safer for students, and eliminating student mental health problems and substance abuse later in life. In December, she joined the other award recipients in a special ceremony in Washington, DC, where she was recognized for her achievements and had a chance to meet President Obama. “He was incredibly generous and personable,” said Bradshaw of the president. “When we met with him, he talked about how

John Bradshaw, Catherine Bradshaw, and Matilda Bradshaw shortly after the award presentation ceremony. important science and research transferred to North Cross for is. He spoke about trying to the remainder of her education. increase funding for research,” “I was very pleased to able to go a comment which was well re- to North Cross for 12 years,” she ceived by the group. said. “The small learning enviBradshaw’s path toward a ronment really helped me a lot budding career as a mental just because of my learning style health researcher being very interbegan at home. “Edactive.” Honors ucation was very, One teacher very important to in particular, Dr. our family,” she said. “My grand- James Palmieri (now an associfather set aside some money for ate professor at Virginia Tech) my sisters and me to pay for our was especially motivational for post-secondary education, and Bradshaw. Palmieri had done all of us have gone on to get at research on the AIDS virus—a least a master’s degree.” different route than Bradshaw Bradshaw, who is married, at- would one day take—but her tended kindergarten at Crystal Spring Elementary School but > CONTINUED P2: Presidential

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Page 2 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 1/28/11 - 2/3/11

> Schools

Western slope snow showers are expected Thursday through Saturday with sun and clouds for the remainder of the area. Temperatures will top out in the upper 30s Thursday with 40s on Friday and Saturday. Sun and clouds are in the forecast on Sunday with highs in the upper 40s.

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From page 1

for first grade and beyond; Spanish taught in the 4th and 5th grades helps those who will take up the language in high school. Credits earned for Spanish at Crystal Spring can apply towards high school requirements as well. Teachers are willing to tutor after hours, “just to assure that all kids succeed, [and] they don’t get paid for it,” added Tate. “Wonderful,” instructional assistants help out in the classroom as well. She also cited parents and the PTA, which has “provided a ton of technology.” The PTA has made sure each teacher has a laptop and is working on supplying interactive whiteboards for each classroom. Parents also take advantage of special nights at Henry’s Memphis Barbeque, Maggie Moo’s and Sonic, when 10% of the proceeds goes to Crystal Spring. “Some extra money,” is how Tate put it. The VIP award is based on each school’s student achievement and for far exceeding minimum state and federal accountability standards during the 2009-10 school year. “It takes all of us,” said Tate as to how Crys-

tal Spring was honored, “we’re always on the go.” Tate also said that Crystal Spring meets Standards of Learning benchmarks “every year.” County Schools Also Honored: three schools in Roanoke County also earned the 2011 Virginia Index of Performance (VIP) Awards from Governor McDonnell and the State Board of Education: Cave Spring Elementary, Clearbrook Elementary and Cave Spring High School, This is the third straight year Cave Spring Elementary School has received the Governor’s Award and the second year for Clearbrook Elementary School. “I’m very proud of the staff, students and parents of these three schools,” said Roanoke County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Lorraine Lange. “Receiving the Governor’s Award is a result of a tremendous amount of effort and dedication.” To qualify for the Governor’s Award for Educational Excellence, schools and school divisions must meet all state and federal achievement benchmarks for at least two consecutive years. Other guidelines pertain

to nutrition and physical activity. Twelve schools in Roanoke County earned the Board of Education’s Excellence Award, the second-tier honor in the VIP program. Statewide, 323 schools statewide earned the Excellence Award. The elementary schools in Roanoke County are: Back Creek Elementary, Bonsack, Glen Cove, Glenvar, Green Valley, Masons Cove, Oak Grove and Pen Forest. Glenvar and Hidden Valley middle schools also received the award. Seven schools in Roanoke County earned the Board of Education’s Competence to Excellence Award, which recognizes schools and divisions that have met all state and federal benchmarks for at least two consecutive years and are making progress toward VIP objectives. Named were Burlington, Fort Lewis, Herman L Horn, Mount Pleasant, Mountain View and W.E. Cundiff elementary schools, and Glenvar High School. By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

Salem Schools Earn Excellence in Education Award

All six Salem schools and the Division, as a whole, received a pat on the back this week as Gov. Bob McDonnell and the Virginia Board of Education honored Virginia’s elite public schools. Andrew Lewis Middle School, Salem’s sole middle school with over 900 students in grades 6 through 8, is one of just 110 Virginia public schools to earn the Governor’s Award for Educational Excellence. This prestigious award is the highest honor given in the Board of Education’s incentive program for schools and school divisions known as the VIP – Virginia Index for Performance. This is the second straight year Andrew Lewis has won this honor.

To qualify for this honor the state says a school must - “Meet all state and federal achievement benchmarks for at least two consecutive years and meet Governor McDonnell’s goals for achievement in elementary reading; enrollment in Algebra I by grade 8; enrollment in college-level courses; attainment of advanced diplomas and career and industry certifications…” The Salem School Division is one of just eight divisions statewide to garner the Board of Education’s Excellence Award. Salem’s four elementary schools - East Salem Elementary, G.W. Carver Elementary, South Salem Elementary and West Salem Elementary - also earned the Board of Education’s

> Presidential

Excellence award. In addition, Salem High School was awarded the Board of Education’s Competence to Excellence award. “Our students, their families, and all of the terrific people who have answered the call to serve Salem’s children deserve this recognition and much more,” says Salem Superintendent, Dr. Alan Seibert. “We are blessed to carry out our core business of teaching and learning in a community that places great value on its young people. When our children thrive, our community thrives, so credit for this recognition is shared with every citizen of Salem.”

From page 1

interaction with Palmieri “piqued my interA month later, the Dept. of Education what’s made available to you. est in getting a Ph.D. and pursuing higher confirmed that she was their nominee and “I valued the opportunity for leadership education.” would be sent on to the White House Of- at North Cross,” she said, where she was After graduating from North Cross in fice of Science and Technology for the final captain of the lacrosse team and editor of 1993, she attended Mary Washington Col- cut. Right around Labor Day of last year, the school yearbook. lege before graduating from the University Bradshaw received notice that she would Bradshaw also encourages girls to seek of Richmond in 1997. A master’s degree be joining some seven dozen other talented out role models, which was something of from the University of Georgia followed in researchers as winners in the 2010 competi- a challenge for her. “There weren’t as many 1999, and she earned her doctorate from tion. professional women then, so I didn’t have Cornell University in 2004. She then joined Bradshaw said that while there is no cash as many role models as the kids nowadays,” the faculty at Johns Hopkins. prize or research grant presented for the she said. ! The Baltimore resident, who works with award, it does have its benefits, as she points As her career progresses, Bradshaw said school districts all across Maryland and is out, “It will open some doors for me as far she hopes her work makes a difference in the recipient of several grants from the US as collaboration on projects and people ap- the lives of students, and results in more Professional House Cleaning Dept. of Education, learned in October of proaching me to get my input on things.” than just academic papers and journal ar! re- ticles.Home Repairs 2009 that she was being considered to be She’s already been asked to write two General Complete Bathroom • Tile Work the department’s nominee for the Presidensearch briefs for an upcoming White House SaidRemodeling Bradshaw, “I hope that the research I 1618 Roanoke Blvd tial Early Career Award. She submittedSuite her summit on bullying. do isn’t just research for research’s sake.” Interior/exterior Carpentry • Plumbing A c.v. and letters of recommendation, includLike any good teacher, she has wordsinstallation of Window/door • Hardwood Flooring Salem, Virginia 24153 Contact David at ing one from Maryland Chief Superintenadvice for current high school students who For own a Free or email James 540-389-5252 dent Nancy Grasnick, the longest-serving may be wondering about their direc-Estimate Calldave@davidperryonline.com 725-7343 jss25@cox.net chief in the country. tions in life. Her advice: take advantage of Licensed/insured with 24 years experience

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“The tool I recommend most?

ginia Association of Free Clinics. Clinic personnel also preach dental hy“There’s definitely a need,” said Padgett Those seeking services do not have to giene to the homeless that seek help there: about the uninsured homeless who cannot be a resident of the parent Rescue Mission. brushing on a regular basis, flossing, etc.call afford regular dental care. Of the 6 to 8 paUse it to Mr. Handyman. Anyone who is homeless, uninsured and Laura Padgett, a dental hygienist who also tients that might be seen when a dentist is Tree Removal • Deadwooding • Gutter unemployed is eligible for clinic services, worksCleaning in Bedford, is the clinic coordinator available, “six are in pain,” she noted. One according to Spring Clark. A Aeration nurse, case manager for the dental practice: “my goal is to have a man who came in recently had never had • Overseeding and a receptionist are on staffSpread at the clinic. dentist here [at least] every Friday.” his teeth cleaned- at the age of 52. Mulch Delivered and • Spring Cleanups www.mrhandyman.com Those with more serious problems are reShe’d like to have one volunteer dentist Better-looking teeth might give someone Estimates • Fully Insured ferred to localFree hospitals. come in every day at some point in the more 540-977-4444confidence when it comes to looking Full mouth x-rays were taken of new near future. “Any help we can get would be for a job. “Its definitely a ministry, ” added RICHARD KARN TV star and “home improvement guru.” patients, with images sent to a laptop com- much appreciated,” said Padgett. “[hope- Padgett, who is also looking for volunteer puter screen where Ramsey and Thompson fully] more dentists will get the message.” hygienists to work alongside the dentists. could look for teeth that needed work. “It To that end Ramsey, president of the Roareally helps to deliver patient care fast,” said noke Valley Dental Society, said he would For more information about volunteering Clark of the technology available. There are spread the word about volunteering at the contact: laura.Padgett@rescuemission.net or four dental exam rooms at the clinic; Ram- Fralin Clinic. “It’s a way they can give back call 777-7671. sey and Wharton worked two rooms each to the community,” said Ramsey as he took By Gene Marrano last Friday. Clark anticipated beforehand a short break between patients. Ramsey gmarrano@cox.net that 60-100 teeth might have to be pulled. said he chips in on a “semi-regular basis.”

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1/28/11 - 2/3/11 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 3

NewsRoanoke.com

Downtown Bike Jaunt and Willie Allen Declares For Senate, Holds Wonka Provide For Very “Sweet Ride” Healthcare Town Hall in Roanoke

RIDE Solutions has been doing its part in the last few years to promote alternative transportation options, as a way to make the quality of life and the environment better in the Roanoke Valley. Through its BikeRoanoke.com website and riding events it has encouraged people to take up bicycle riding as one viable alternative. But what to do when the weather turns cold and people long to return to the comfort and warmth of their automobiles? For starters, offer cold weather riders a sweet from Chocolatepaper, the confectionary haven on Market Street downtown. That’s what ambassador River Laker has been doing this winter; the Carless Brit has been stopping bikers in the street, asking for comments about riding in the winter and why they do it. In return he offers them a voucher good for a

Cyclists head out for a ride throughout downtown Roanoke before watching the movie “Willie Wonka.” is [just] stepping out the door out there doing this all the time,” and doing it.” Chris Robitalle said Holmes of an initiative not told Laker that “as long as I have geared toward the “Lycra clad,” my music, I’m good,” even in crowd. “Bicyclists are every day peothe cold weather. Working with Laker was a natural: “he’s out ple,” noted Holmes, who sees there every day on his bike and evidence that more people are is not afraid to go up to people,” riding bikes on a regular basis said Holmes. in Roanoke. More businesses are interested in the “bicycle friendly” designation and the bike racks offered by Ride Solutions, which also encourages carpooling and mass transit options. “We’re very eager to get more [racks] out,” said Holmes, who also recognizes the City of Roanoke for installing additional racks as well. “That’s another piece of evidence that people need them.” Holmes estimates that 20 RIDE Solutions racks have been installed in the downtown area and at venues as far away as the Mojo Café on Brambleton Avenue and Lord Jeremy Holmes describes the day’s Sweet Ride activities. Botetourt High School. “If I saw someone riding “People tend to put their treat at Chocolatepaper. RIDE Solutions called it the around during this past month bikes away when it gets cold,” “Sweet Ride.” It celebrated the or two when its been cold…I’d said Holmes. We were trying to effort by offering hot chocolate holler out to them to stop,” said encourage people to still ride in at Chocolatepaper last Sunday, Laker. All but a few agreed to the winter.” We just wanted to along with a 20-minute bike ride a quick interview and a photo, come at it kind of light and fun through the streets on a cold, which wound up on bikero- [with Sweet Ride] and recogcrisp day and a free showing of anoke.com. He then explained nize the folks that are doing it.” Willie Wonka and the Choco- Sweet Ride and offered a voucher He anticipates that something late Factory at the Shadowbox for Chocolatepaper. Laker sees like Sweet Ride will return next Cinema on Kirk Avenue. “We more bikers on Roanoke roads winter in some fashion, rewardwanted to just step back and say overall, even in cold weather. ing cyclists who ignore the cold [bicycling] is fun,” said RIDE Riding in the winter is all about weather to keep riding on two Solutions program director Jer- mind over matter: “once you’re wheels. See more comments from cold emy Holmes, “just like eating a out there, its all right.” Capturing the stories of peo- weather bikers, plus route maps, chocolate bar.” “You just have to give your- ple who ride bikes every day, etc. at bikeroanoke.com self permission to do it,” said primarily for transportation, By Gene Marrano Michael Meiser about riding in was another reason to offer the gmarrano@cox.net cold weather. “The hardest part Sweet Ride incentive. “They’re

The Americans for Prosperity (AFP) town hall bus rolled into Roanoke with former Governor, Senator and now Senate Candidate, George Allen aboard. He made an appearance at the Holiday Inn Tanglewood along with state AFP director Ben Marchi and local doctor, Dane McBride. Last Monday, Allen formerly declared himself a candidate for the U. S. Senate for 2012. Since that time he has been touring the state with the AFP town hall tour, meeting with constituents and participating in question and answer sessions regarding the new healthcare law and other issues. Ben Marchi, the 3rd state director for AFP, is leaving his position soon to be a new dad and entrepreneur, forming his own home healthcare company along with his wife. He said, “I intend to create some new jobs because my child was $40,000 in debt at birth.” He explained that AFP was touring the state with Allen because, “he has been involved from the very beginning, espousing lower taxes and actually listening to people and their problems . . . as Governor he cut wasteful spending and reformed the welfare rules, a full year before the federal government got around to it. He has been a friend to the taxpayers.” Allen said he was glad to be back in the Star City and to see so many familiar faces. He started right in on the healthcare law by stating that, “we as Americans do not like dictates and mandates, we are for freedom and personal responsibility, for opportunity for all people. The government says you must buy a certain product and that is abhorrent. People don’t realize that when the federal government says you

must increase Medicaid, it results in higher college tuition costs in our state . . .We have to defund this monstrosity.” He spoke at length about the personal health savings account, which individuals would own, that would cover major medical expenses. He said someone should not be tied to a job they dislike simply because a family member has a disease that would not be covered under a new plan because it is considered a preexisting condition. Under a health savings account, you are not stuck to a certain employer or beholden to the government. The plan goes where you go. Allen also spoke at length about competition. “You are lucky if you have two insurance companies to chose from at your job for health insurance. There are all kinds of companies that want to offer competition and will do so. There reason that there is not any competition is because it is a government rigged system that does not offer options. Insurance should be sold across state lines and be competitive.” Chants of “run George run,” echoed throughout the ballroom as Allen finished his speech. Dr. Dane McBride, a Roanoke allergist, shared his views on the healthcare law. He gave compelling reasons why he thinks Obamacare should be repealed. McBride said there are three points to consider from the doctor and patient perspective. “First, it will rip apart the doctor patient relationship. Obamacare will institute ‘pay for performance’, making the doctor worry about cost of care instead of quality of care. Second, is DUS, ‘Doctor Unavailability Syndrome.’ What good is a

George Allen shiny new insurance card if there is no doctor available to see you? Third, Obamacare will drive private practice into the ground. It will shift medical care to the large medical centers, where costs are driven up. A private practice doctor will charge a fraction of what the large medical centers will charge. The answer is to unleash markets, not unleash the government.” One local doctor in the audience spoke up and said he charges $800 for a colonoscopy, whereas the hospital charges $4500, and he had the patient bills to back up his claims. Another audience member said he recently lost his health insurance of more than 30 years and blamed it on the new healthcare law. Now, under the new plan his employer offers, he cannot be covered due to a pre-existing condition. Marchi closed by reminding people that the time to rally about the healthcare law has passed. “It is now time to reach out to your neighbor, to contact your representative, to send a letter to the editor. You have a unique opportunity to sway public opinion by speaking out.” By Carla Bream info@newsroanoke.com

Five Achieve Rank of Eagle Scout Five Boy Scouts who have achieved scouting's highest advancement honor were recognized at an Eagle Scout Court of Honor on Sunday, January 16. All five scouts are members of BSA Troop 17 sponsored by St. John's Episcopal Church. Will Douthat - a Junior at Patrick Henry High School & The Roanoke Valley Governor's School Son of John & Kelly Douthat Tyler Lystash - a Senior at North Cross School Son of John & Dara Lystash, Roblyn & Harry Brand Christopher Moore - a Senior at North Cross School Son of Chris & Forrest Moore Morgan Moskal - a Senior at North Cross School Son of Joe & Pam Moskal Jamie Willis - a Sophomore at Virginia Tech Son of David & Cydney Willis, Paige & Jack Matthiesson

Surf Photo - Left to right: Will Douthat, Jamie Willis, Morgan Moskal, Patton Coles (scout leader) Tyler Lystash, Christopher Moore. To earn the Eagle Scout rank, a scout must fulfill requirements in the areas of leadership, service, and outdoor skills. He must earn a minimum of 21 badges, complete an Eagle Scout Leadership project that benefits an area non-profit organization and have a minimum of 120 volunteer hours. The organizations that benefited from the five scout projects are: Roanoke City Department of Parks & Recreation - Murray Run Greenway, North Cross School, the Discovery Center on Mill Mountain, and the Va Museum of Transportation.

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Perspective

Page 4 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 1/28/11 - 2/3/11

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Music: Binding Our Lives Together Blessed Unrest: A Story of What’s

A friend of mine is writing a of an old girlfriend, it builds an book about people and places emotional bridge to those times along the Crooked Road. On with these very people. The muone of his interview excursions sic of our times is like a book he spoke to a miner in far West- binding that holds together the ern Virginia. “Music’s nice and chapters of our lives. That’s not all, but it really don’t amount fluff. When I’m 64, I’ll still hear to nothing. It’s just fluff.” On a the music. Music and the Changeable similar note, one language expert has recently called music Brain Our grandson has a birth“auditory cheesecake, a delightdamaged brain, ful drug that could and what he will be vanish with no harm capable of, physito the species.” cally and intellectuI disagree. ally, is unknown. A rebuttal could But he loves music. fill books, and in fact, It reaches him, and has. But my thoughts this is encouragabout the subject ing. Discoveries of here will be brief, and the brain’s ability to reinforced by two rechange over time cent facts: the brain (the neuroplasticity can now be watched Fred First I mentioned) have diagnostically to rerecently abolished veal the extent and location of brain areas active many of our former certainties when we listen to or play music, about limits to a brain’s ability to repair, recover and re-allocate or rehearse it in our heads. The second new reality that functions around injured rethrows music into a different gions of the organ. Neurologist Oliver Sacks’ light (or to a different pitch might be a more appropriate 2007 book, Musicophilia, is a word) is the understanding fascinating study of the theracontained in the word neuro- peutic role of music. Parkinson’s plasticity: the brain is capable sufferers can be released from of far more change and adapta- their rigidity and inability to tion than we have believed. And initiate movement. Tourette’s music, not surprisingly, is one of Syndrome sufferers playing the influences that can change a percussion together lose their impulsive tics and outbursts. brain. I’d like to briefly suggest just a Memory, music and emotions few of the fascinating functions all activate the same regions of of music, which I offer to coun- the brain, so Alzheimer's sufferers, with music, find lost memter the cheesecake verdict. ories and experience genuine Music and Memory I have a high school reunion pleasure. Another recent book called in June. I see on the web page the faces of those I should remem- “The Brain That Changes Itself ” ber, but I can’t quite recover the shares a variety of cases of husense of who we were to each man brains injured by events like other. Then I listen to the mu- the strokes our grandson sufsic of our times (Beatles, Stones, fered at birth. The afflicted show Bob Dylan, the Moody Blues) abilities and behaviors altered and while the music may not in amazing ways by experience, help me remember the name by determination and merely by

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“taking thought.” Those changes can be confirmed by new ways to see the brain “light up” as it thinks and perceives. “Changing your mind” has taken on a vastly new meaning and potential. Our family hopes that music will have a reorganizing effect on our grandson’s brain and mind in its quest to think, feel, remember, move and sing. Music and Culture Sophisticated brain scanners are not necessary to witness the energy of music on those under its spell. Just watch an animated Friday night crowd listening to Sally Ann or Shady Grove. Music is to dance as a warm wind is to the lifting leaves of a forest. Since the very earliest human history, music’s power and permanence throughout all civilizations may be because of its ability to bind us together in motion, emotion and common identity. I think about this when I consider that many southwest Virginia communities—with Floyd as a shining example— are known for their ongoing celebration of music across a wide range of genres. Much of it is drawn from Appalachian roots, which were handed down in turn from our settler-ancestors and the reels, chants and ballads they brought with them from Germany and Africa, Scotland, Ireland and elsewhere. Our “traditional” music is a kind of cultural memory we cultivate each time we play the old-time tunes. So a night of music in the heart of town or a house concert from a living room or single banjo ringing out in the night air from a front porch represents one of the most human things we do. Making music is a healing enterprise for our heads and our hearts, our homes and humanity that we joyfully create for good. We are bound together by the beat of the music of our lives. And for those who can happily live without music . . . Let them eat cheesecake!

During my recent attendance at the COP16 In 1992, the United Nations Conference on EnU.N. Global Climate Change Conference in Can- vironment and Development, informally known cún, I learned from a friend and colleague about as the Earth Summit, convened in Brazil with a soul-filled book published in 2007 by environ- nearly 20,000 attendees to produce a comprehenmentalist and entrepreneur Paul Hawken bril- sive action plan called “Agenda 21.” The plan is liantly titled “Blessed Unrest: How the Largest divided into four major sections with more than Movement in the World Came into 2500 specific actions to deal with our Being and Why No One Saw It Commost urgent global problems: ing.” It is a visionary prescription for • Social and economic dimensions healthy ways of living that honor Earth (including ways to combat poverty and its inhabitants. A summary of and promote human health) Hawken’s overall message can also be • Conservation and management of viewed at http://www.blessedunrest. resources for development (including com/video.html. The book has been chapters on the atmosphere, deforesendorsed by Jane Goodall, Bill McKibtation, agriculture and rural developben, Terry Tempest Williams, David ment, freshwater resources, and hazSuzuki, and numerous other scientists ardous wastes) and activists. For the life of me, I don’t • Strengthening the role of major know why I had not heard about this H. Bruce Rinker, PhD groups (including NGO’s, local auincredible book until the Cancún thorities, trade unions, farmers, busiconference. ness and industry, and the scientific and techno“Blessed Unrest” is a field guide of hope-filled logical communities) creative possibilities for social and environmen• Means of implementation (including finantal action in a wounded world. And we are its cial resources, education, international cooperawounded healers. tion, and capacity-building strategies) Hawken’s arresting title refers to the emergence A quick online search for “Agenda 21 followof a million nonprofits around the world that up” yields millions of hits to show how governwork toward interconnected, intertwined issues ments and agencies around the world have relike ecological sustainability, economic justice, sponded through the past two decades to the human rights protection, political accountability, clarion call of the United Nations for action. and peace. Many of these organizations can be Humanity imparts a substantial and relentless found via an online commercial-free database at footprint on Earth’s column of life: from atmowww.wiserearth.org. I located 33 groups listed sphere to bedrock. “Agenda 21” provides a clear within 10 miles or so of Roanoke including the blueprint for local, national, and global action in Friends of the Blue Ridge Parkway, the National just about every area of governance that affects Organization of Women, the Blue Ridge Orchid our environment. Despite the lack of significant Society, Total Action against Poverty, and the change at the international level since 1992, imChesapeake Climate Action Network. These portant environmental and social progress has global nonprofits are the keepers of the flame, so been made by individuals, corporations, and loto speak, for right action in our world of nearly cal governments around the world with billions 7 billion souls. Representing thousands of dis- of dollars invested in sustainable development ciplines or practices, they do not share a charis- projects. Certain change is happening from the matic leader or unifying ideology. As Hawken bottom up across the planet. declares plainly in his book, these nonprofits Indeed, a “Blessed Unrest” confronts us daily are “humanity’s immune response to toxins like with its drive toward equity and sustainabilpolitical corruption, economic disease, and eco- ity. The movement has emerged time and again logical degradation.” Their diverse emergence throughout our recent history, each time widenidentifies what is humane and not humane in a ing the context beyond ourselves to include the wounded world, just as our immune system rec- world around us. Now, thankfully, it has a hoognizes self and non-self. listic view of the human condition. It embraces For a moment, let me return to the idea of three our species within its broad social and ecological interacting factors that promote sustainable de- contexts with an eye toward the distant future. velopment: environmental soundness, economic I heartily recommend Hawken’s book, “Blessed viability, and social equity. In response to one Unrest,” to my readers here in the Roanoke Valof my recent columns, one reader accused me ley and beyond. In this new year, let us all vow of being a “thumb-sucking socialist” for my call never to rest until we have achieved environmenfor sustainable development (see “How to Make tal soundness, economic viability, and social eqa Cow,” http://newsroanoke.com/?p=8162). In a uity across the globe. That is my blessed hope in world of 7 billion people, we simply must learn 2011. Further Reading: http://bit.ly/ to share our resources in common purpose as a H. Bruce Rinker, Ph.D. frVMo5 single species on an ancient planet. Call such an Ecologist, Educator, and Explorer estimable goal whatever you wish. brinker@northcross.org

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By Don Waterfield

A Father’s Diary #1

Fred First / Floyd County VA Books: slowroadhome.com Blog: fragmentsfromfloyd.com Although my dear boy is now within me, I harbor the misgivtwitter.com/fred1st twenty-seven years old, he was ing that Cailan has no true bent http://about.me/fredfirst once much younger; at which or talent for cleaning . . . anytime the following observations thing. were recorded. To say there are times when He tries. There is no question I suspect his heart is not truly about it. He tries. in his work, would qualify me Cailan, my youngfor the "Understateest son. ment of the Century Example: the launAward." DOWN dry. It is not mete, 1 College football conference (abbr.) I asked him to do you might chide, 2 Chowder ingredient a load of clothes. for a parent to make 3 We smooth the wrinkles out - ---He considers calling such conclusions specialty. 4 Wash the `battered child' of incapacity about 5 Epoch hotline, shrugs his his offspring, but I 6 __ in shoulders and desincerely believe, ex7 Time zone 8 Sounds alike cides to throw me a amining the facts as 9 Army Surplus supplier in crumb. He packs they exist, that he downtown Roanoke whites and colors will ever care one 10 Dueling sword Lucky Garvin together. "White's a in the least about 11 X 13 Chap color too, Dad," he the mechanisms of 15 Orange cheese mumbles irritably as I protest. cleanliness. 20 Record The washing machine is humThe other morning I faltered 22 Has 24 Shake ming along. I check it. I look down the stairs in a state of 25 Local home originally known as inside. Clothes going round profound caffeine deficiency. I 'Rock of Ages' from a rock ledge and round; soap powder being think I made it to the counter on which it stands. 26 Roanoke's Russian sister city. slung all over the place. and peered closely. "Yo, Garvin," 27 State And no water. said I, "Who put the asphalt in 28 Daddy Dry clothes; dry soap pow- the pitcher?" 30 Cowboy John der; round and round. "It's coffee." 32 Clothing stitches 33 This Roanoker developed a move "How did you do that, son?" I "What is?" called the Gorilla Press Slam and asked, more mystified than an"The stuff in the pitcher." is in the WWF Hall of Fame. gry. He answers without turn"Isn't light supposed to pene34 Common people 37 Hubbub ing his head, deeply engrossed trate coffee? Shouldn't it pour?" 38 __ of the covenant in his seventh viewing of the "Dunno. Never drink the 44 Sparse same Daffy Duck cartoon that stuff. Made it for you." 45 Flightless birds 48 Gain knowledge morning. I felt like a heel. 51 Doors "Dunno. Pushed a coupla Note his use of very short 53 Flub buttons." sentences. In the morning he 55 Strata I think the reason he hates to watches cartoons [and at noon, 56 Roman garments 57 Back On The ____ is a kid's do laundry is that there's no TV eventide and well into the wee consignment shop in Tanglewood near the dryer. He thinks we're hours] and the less he speaks, Mall. a poor family. the more cartoon he is able to 59 Darling 60 Women's magazine If I were a good parent, I hear. Not wishing to miss one 61 Nonprofessional would not reveal the follow- nuance of animation, he rations 63 Government agency ing to you. Instead, I would sit his words with an impressive 64 Spacecraft detachment 65 Wing down and have a heart to heart husbandry. 67 Long-term memory with him. But, since I know Another thing: he seems to be Find the answers online: NewsRoanoke.com I can trust you to hold this in under the illusion that drawers Have a clue and answer you’d like to see? email: puzzles@newsroanoke.com confidence, I confess that deep and doors can only be closed by

Local Crossword Star-Sentinel Crossword

The Roanoke Star-Sentinel is published weekly by Whisper One Media, Inc. in Roanoke, Va. Subscriptions are available for $44 per year. Send subscriptions to PO Box 8338, Roanoke,VA 24014. We encourage letters from our for and 01/28/2011 readers on topics of general interest to the community responses to our articles and columns. Letters must be signed and have a telephone number 2 3 4 6 7 8 11 for 1verification. All letters will be5 verified before publication.9The 10 Star-Sentinel reserves the right13to deny publication of any letter and 15 edit letters for length, 12 14 content and style. 16 17 18 All real estate advertised herein is subject to national and Virginia fair housing 19 laws and readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised 20 21 22 in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis.

Right about a Wronged World

(that they are only responsive to) parental pressure; that the same one who opened them is not required by any proddings of obligation, to close them. He also believes, with the same fervor and dedication which energizes those of us who believe that the earth is round, that there exists in some distant, but readily accessible land, a Carrot Fairy. Cailan has developed what will probably prove to be an immoderate taste for carrots. He scrapes them and walks off. He NEVER cleans up his mess; but when he comes back, the heap of carrot shavings is gone. Conclusion to the 9 yr old mind? Carrot Fairy. "Cailan, I'm the one who cleans up your mess." "What mess?" "The one you leave in the sink." "In the what?" "Sink?" I get a blank stare. This is understandable. Given the fact that the sink is principally a place where things are cleaned, it is clear why he would have never heard of it. "It's the white hole in the counter near the refrigerator." Always orient a child with a point of reference he can, because of multiple visits understand. Basic rule of parenting, really. All prayers welcome. 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

Perspective

1/28/11 - 2/3/11 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 5

NewsRoanoke.com

The Happy Chef

Riding the Hangzhou Express

by Leigh Sackett

Ruby’s Liver Chip Cookies Dogs are such well loved creatures; the main reason, of course, being that they love us so well to begin with - they are our constant companions no matter where we are or what we have done in life. I don’t believe my life was empty before we got our dog Ruby, but now I can’t imagine life without her. I guess I just didn’t realize what I was missing. We found Ruby at Angels of Assisi’s about a year ago. On the one year anniversary of her arrival in her home I kissed her and this is what I told her: I loved you so much when we brought you home this day a year ago but I love you so much more today. Then I thanked her for being such a good dog and great friend. Ruby truly does adore me, and I know she would lay down her life for me. She makes it very clear that she is ours. That kind of surrender and love leaves you with no other choice but to adore her right back. It also leaves me in awe, wishing that I could love everyone more like she does. But God says we can be like this. It is exactly why Jesus asked

Ruby crosses the creek on her first camping trip. the fishermen to come and follow Him. He knew they could be His disciples; He knew they could love like Him; He knows all of us can. There are many examples and whispers of God’s love in the world, and one very clear one that I am blessed to know is the love of my faithful dog. May you recognize and cherish that gift from your pet as well and strive to love as they love. Tell them thank you with this homemade special dog treat. Have the kids or grandkids help you make it and teach

them about the great gift of a dog’s love. Liver Chip Cookies For Dogs 2 cups Whole wheat flour 1/3 cup Butter -- melted 1 Egg -- beaten 6 tablespoons Water 1/4 cup liver -- dried or jerkystyle treats -- chopped -Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine flour, butter, egg, and water. Mix well. -Blend in liver bits. Turn onto a greased baking pan. Bake 20 to 25 minutes. Cool and cut.

Preacher’s Corner One Spirit, One Body, One Church by Donna Hopkins Britt Labrador retrievers were bred to swim; they have webbing between their toes to prove it. At a farm, we would walk our Labs through the woods and around to an open space were they could run. When they crested the hill, the pond came into view and they would race down and jump in. One of them would splash out till he was halfway immersed, then drop his head and drink the cool water with sloppy gusto. Let that be an image for us as the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity concludes: that we all splash with gusto into the inviting waters of the Holy Spirit. In a letter the Apostle Paul wrote to the congregation at Corinth, he said, “For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free— and we were all given the one Spirit to drink” (I Corinthians 12:13, NIV). Great things can happen when we get immersed in God’s Holy Spirit. Last year, a survivor was pulled out of the rubble of Haiti’s earthquake after eleven days. Normally the body can’t last that long without water. Similarly, we can last for a while without a sense of the Holy Spirit’s presence, but when we drink in the Spirit like a partly immersed dog drinking water in a pond, we find surprising refreshment, renewal, and inspiration. Baptists have a history with drinking spirits. A bunch of us fought for prohibition. One of the earliest pastors of Calvary Baptist spoke out strongly against drinking alcohol. I hope he preached as strongly in favor of drinking of one Spirit, the Holy Spirit of God. Historian Leon McBeth writes that, “Baptists accepted the personality and deity of the Holy Spirit and defined His work from a biblical perspective in such areas as inspiration, comfort, and illumination of Scripture” (The Baptist Heritage, Broadman Press, c. 1987, p 68). True Baptists continue to trust the Holy Spirit to inspire, comfort, and illuminate our understanding of Scripture; and we trust the Spirit to

guide other people’s understanding of scripture, even when it differs from our own. We recognize that the Spirit is alive and active within every child of God. Together, we make up the “body of Christ.” The image of the body had been used by others for subjugation in the first century: certain people were in control and the rest were simply to respond to the direction of the head. For Paul, the body of Christ was different. In the body of Christ—a group who worships and serves God together—there is no hierarchy. A committee chair is no more important than the person who has never been nominated to a committee. A pastor is no more important than the person who was baptized last weekend. Imagine how grotesque the body of Christ would look if we all were hands, or if we all were eyes, or ears, or noses. Paul presents a humorous picture of what happens when a foot or ear secedes from its place of service to the whole body. It’s less humorous when it actually happens in a church – as when someone is offended and secedes from a place of service out of spite. Even lacking one person, the body is no longer whole and healthy. Broadening this picture, each community of faith is a part of the larger body of Christ and has unique gifts to offer the Roanoke Valley and the world. There is a congregation for each person who seeks to be immersed in God’s Holy Spirit. Together, let us pray for unity through the one Spirit. As each church drinks of the Spirit with gusto—conservative or progressive, urban or rural, large or small—we take part in spreading the good news of Christ to a society that needs to be able to trust churches and Christians once again. Donna Hopkins Britt is pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Downtown West: 608 Campbell Avenue, SW; web site, calvaryroanoke.org.

The three gray-suited workers hover like bees over the gracefully-shaped nose of the most beautiful train I have ever seen. OK, so I am a hillbilly at heart but still, not only is it reminiscent of a supersonic aircraft, but even more so like an intergalactic spacecraft. The men lean across the sensuous shape, their reach extended by aluminum booms, and enthusiastically remove every spec of dirt. Slack-jawed tourist that I am, I snap some photos and board the train. Next stop: Hangzhou. There is no conductor slowly making his way down the aisle punching some antiquated data terminal; all seats are assigned automatically in China’s latest high speed train prepares to the ticketing process, and access to the platform, depart Shanghai. and thence to one’s assigned carriage and seat, is totally controlled. Automatic scanners confirm of the most splendid cities in the world. One thing and check as one makes their way to their seat. responsible for Hangzhou’s enduring fame is its The flow of passengers is amazingly smooth and position as the southern terminus of the Grand orderly. I’m soon ensconced in my comfy seat, Canal. This 7th century engineering feat links next to a Chinese businessman who politely hides the Yangzi and the Yellow River basins via an behind his newspaper, coming out to grin at me 1800km-long canal. This astonishing feat is still unmatched in many ways, the canal still being the now and then. An hour ago I arrived at Shanghai’s Hongqiao longest in the world. Today, Chinese tourists, and rail station, and was taken aback by both the scale a few foreigners, come to Hangzhou in droves to of the place –large enough to have its own weather stroll the causeway and shores of West Lake and systems I’m sure- and its beauty; the design and to visit the city’s traditional Chinese gardens of its execution. Video screens six stories tall show timeless design and meticulous upkeep. Later, I’m strolling the pleasing paths of one constant footage of what I assume to be China at her best, and equally expansive timetable screens such garden, Yuyuan Zin. I lean over the railing clearly display all pertinent information about the of a half-moon footbridge and stare mesmerized trains’ comings and goings. As a proud American at hundreds of lily blossoms in the water below. I was more than a bit humbled, a feeling which On each side of the bridge, Peach and Plum trees overhang the rippling pool. Their foliage sighs in continues to dog me on this trip. I barely detect movement when the train pulls the afternoon zephyr, and I feel the centuries-old, out of the station; I see the world through the calming ambiance. Hoofing it back to the rail station, I’m munchwindows accelerate. This is a non-stop train to Hangzhou, an ancient city known for its beauti- ing street food –dumplings- and it quite hits the ful lake, green hills, and Buddhist temples. Since spot. Soon I’m in my seat on the train and underthis svelt transporter moves at 345 km per hour way to Shanghai. As I gaze at the landscape speedwe arrive there in less than 30 minutes. That’s 100 ing by as night falls on the Yangzi plains I think miles at 214 miles per hour. “Oh yeah, we do this of what a brash American businessman told me all the time back home,” is the spirit I want to con- a few days previous, in a conversation about the vey to my silent, grinning seatmate, but I come up high speed rail system. “We could never do that in the United States,” he stated flatly, ”due to all the short. The entire 175km line to Hangzhou is elevat- hassle with lawsuits over property rights, and our ed on graceful concrete piers, seventeen meters not-in-my-backyard attitudes.” Hmmmm, I wonabove the flat, uninspiring plains of the Yangzi dered. I hope he’s wrong about that. “Anyway,” he river delta. On this day a thick haze blankets the added with a hearty laugh, “When China wants to region, and we fly by industrial complexes which do something she just does it!” Traveling beyond familiar surroundings always feature dull and lifeless architecture. Farm plots nestle amid the industry, and occasional clusters stretches one’s patterns of thinking, and for me, of apartment towers rise abruptly in the haze. The this foray into mainland China is no exception. rail line crosses and parallels stretches of multilane It’s good for me, I know. But as I make my way highway, much of it under construction. There’s through Shanghai’s French Concession, far below plenty of traffic, its pace sedate compared to this the bright colored lights of the skyscrapers around People’s Square, I’m feeling just a bit of something rocket on rails. Arriving in the ancient city I finally swim away I haven’t felt in a while: homesick. As much as I from the frenetic scene which is the Hangzhou love to travel, there are times when I wish there rail station, and armed with street map and com- was a high-speed train heading in that direction. pass I make my way to Hangzhou’s pride and joy: Contact John Robinson at West Lake. jwrobinson77@gmail.com The willow trees sway in the soft breeze, and the 600-year-old Su Causeway stretches invitingly I am the slowest across the lake, dreamily disapcarpet cleaner in Roanoke. pearing into the fog. Walking across the lake on a path on this thin strip of land, I’m enchanted by the meditative feel of the “I will give your place. Across the lake, I climb carpet the time the forested hills and pause on and attention an outcropping of rock, overlooking the Yue Fei Temple and it deserves to the lake below. produce the best Hangzhou has been here a results possible.” while, at least since the Qin dynasty of 221 BC. Marco Polo • 2 rooms and a hall for $75 • 5 rooms and a hall for $155 passed through here in the 13th • Furniture cleaning also available! century and described it as one

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“Cat Party” a Big Hit at Roanoke’s Downtown Library

Angels of Assisi brought "Skittles" the calico cat, who is up for adoption. Anyone within a few blocks of Roanoke’s Downtown Library last Thursday evening who did NOT have a cat, that’s C-A-T, in tow had to feel terribly out of place. Reminiscent of something out of a Hitchcock movie, the dark cold evening saw bundled up passersby -- hurrying to escape the frigid temperatures-- quietly converging on the Library – most with a pet carrier containing a cat in hand. For the uninitiated, the awkward confusion was broken by a hearty “WHERE is YOUR cat?” by another cat-less pedestrian who found the scene quite amusing. Turns out that a lot of Roanokers were headed to their first-ever “Cat Party” sponsored by Roanoke’s Main Library. The event was promoted through ads and flyers featuring a gorgeous “shoulder shot” of a fluffy feline whose spellbinding amber / green eyes seemed to beckon even those who are not so fond Kyleigh Smithey holds "Clay- of cats. ton," who more than accomThe event “drew around 200 people and about 51 cats,” esmodated his many admirers timated River Laker (Creative by behaving on his leash.

'Sharrows' Help Roanoke Drivers, Cyclists Share The Road Roanoke bicyclists and motorists will notice a new type of pavement marking called a "shared lane marking" or "sharrow" to help them safely navigate city streets. According to Mark Jamison, manager of the city's Transportation Division, drivers as well as cyclists are often confused over proper etiquette and traffic laws for navigating streets safely. "Sharrows indicate where a bicyclist should ride when the lane is too narrow for a conventional bike lane or for a car and a bike to travel side by side," he says. "Additionally, they help to make motorists aware that a particular street is on a designated bike route and that the motorist should expect to see cyclists." Jamison says Transportation has completed installation of sharrows in seven downtown locations, along streets such as Church Avenue, Second Street, Gainsboro Road, and Williamson Road. Additional sharrow locations will likely be added in the coming months. Sharrows have been used on an experimental basis in some U.S. cities, but were not approved for national use by the Federal Highway Administration until about a year ago. "In

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addition to safety and awareness benefits, these initial sharrows will help designate the downtown connection between the Mill Mountain and Lick Run Greenways," says Jamison. "Ultimately we want to promote cycling as a healthy and safe alternative to motorized transportation." Tom Carr, Roanoke's Director of Planning, Building and Development and staff to the City of Roanoke Bicycle Advisory Committee, says sharrows are a part of an overall effort by the city to promote bicycles for commuting as well as recreational use. In 2010, Roanoke became one of only four Virginia cities to be designated as Bicycle Friendly Community" by the League of American Bicyclists. This year, the committee will join other Virginia groups to increase awareness of the advantages of cycling and how to do so safely. "Bicycling is a great way to get exercise, reduce your carbon footprint, and enjoy the beauty of the Roanoke Valley, but safety is key," says Carr. "Sharrows will help us all share the road more effectively." For more information, contact Mark Jamison at 540-8532676.

Development at City of Roanoke), who put together the plan after learning of photographer Vickie Holt’s work, which has raised pet adoption rates by as much as 30% since shelters began using her innovative approach to showcase animals in need of a home. Holt combined what started out as a hobby - taking photographs and video - and her love of animals, and came up with the idea of providing high quality photographs of animals awaiting adoption to post online. It has worked so well that she is now also training others in hopes of spreading the method across the country. Holt says, “It is the duty of every human heart to do everything possible to find a home for every animal before its time is up. An effective online photo is a great first step.” Holt was also in attendance at the Cat Party, which seemed to be a group in nearly constant motion, as people mingled with cats in crates, cats on leashes, and cats draped over their owners, leaving some to wonder who was Roanoke College students Brittany Frye (L) and Lauren Griggs showing off whom. Laker mentioned one couple who each had a cat perched on their took a respite from studies to attend the Cat Party. shoulder for the entire evening. The animals looked deceptively with a fairly good “Cats” look and brought their cat along for good measure. Laker found this was the first time he could not get the crowd to settle down, even when it came time to perform the “Cat Talk” skit he had prepared; apparently everyone was just having too much fun cat-mingling and enjoying the camaraderie. He said “this time it was impossible to get everyone quiet—I’ve never had that happen before. Most people were content to just hang out with their cats,” which was fine by Laker. The program managed to go on as planned, with just a bit of background Roanoke Library Events Coordinator, River Laker, in front of noise. artist Paula Sunny Smith's cat and lion backdrop, prepares to In addition to highlighting entertain the audience with the "Cat Talk" skit. the work of both Angels of Assisi and Holt, the event reaped Sam the Burmese cat is content and complacent unless someone got too close, in which tangible goods; partygoers were happy to be shown off by his case they got a loud warning hiss, which most found quite enter- asked to bring a donation of cat owner Debra. taining. One lady brought her one-eyed cat which she had adopted food or litter. Laker was clearly from Angels of Assisi—a success story for a compromised animal pleased that they “got a huge amount to donate to Angels of Assisi.” who found a loving home. He added that he has gotten “really great feedback, people really Two young ladies from Roanoke College said they “saw the flyer enjoyed this event; it’s just no one had the nerve to do it before.” downtown and we had nothing to do so we figured, ‘why not? Let’s By Cheryl Hodges • cheryl@newsroanoke.com go to the Cat Party.’” They didn’t stop there; they painted their faces

Discovery Shop - “Upscale Retail” For A Worthy Cause Since 1995 the Discovery Shop at Townside Festival Shopping Center on Franklin Road has been raising money for the American Cancer Society by selling quality new and gently used merchandize, including fashionable clothing and shoes. All of the revenues generated by the shop go to the Roanoke chapter of the American Cancer Society. “We cover all of our expenses from sales,” explains the Discovery Shop’s manager, Amy Peck, who calls her position the “best job” she’s ever had. “We don’t cost the American Cancer Society anything.” The Discovery Shop has a boutique-like atmosphere— one stressing one-on-one interaction between the shop’s staff and customers, akin to the kind of personal shopping experience one has at a fine ladies store, men’s store, or department store. “You get a little bit more attention from the people, and we actually help you with your selection,” says Peck, who labels it upscale resale. “We offer more fashion items [including many] that actually are brand new. It’s a difference in atmosphere - a difference in quality and customer service.” The local Discovery Shop grew out of the conviction of several leading American Cancer Society volunteers, who figured that Roanoke would be a good location for such a facility. “We were fortunate in that as

soon as people recognized the difference in quality between what we offer at Discovery Shop vs. what a thrift store might offer, we soon developed a very large and happy customer base”, said Peck, who used to work for Event Zone. Related to the sluggish economy perhaps, over the past year-and-a-half it has experienced a tremendous upsurge in traffic. Donations have also risen. “More and more people are making sure that their excess goods—whether it be clothing or fine home furnishings and such, goes on to serve a second purpose,” said Peck, who attributes the up tick to both the economy and the fact that people are thinking more in terms of green. Consequently, “we’ve been able to contribute more to the American Cancer Society, [to] help more patients and their caregivers here in the Roanoke Valley.” The Discovery Shop has a base of 125 volunteers, who are always busy promoting the shop and encouraging people to donate items. Shop personnel visit civic and religious groups, and make presentations to inform the public about its existence and mission. The Discovery Shop also contacts realtors about people who are moving or downsizing, as well as retirement homes, to ask about donations. Peck knows people in the home organiz-

ing field who encourage their customers to donate items they eliminate from cluttered closets and attics. Some have contributed to the shop for years and continue to do so—what Peck calls “returning donations. It can come from anywhere and everywhere.” Those items that don’t quite fit in are donated to other notfor-profit organizations in the Roanoke Valley: the Rescue Mission, women’s shelters, the Veteran’s Administration in Salem and area churches. “We make sure that [all] items donated go to somebody that can use it,” said Peck, who is the only salaried staff member for the Discovery Shop. She came to her present job at the shop after working with other notfor-profit organizations much

as the United Way. Before that she was a customer and a donor. “Like a lot of other savvy women, I enjoy the thrill of the hunt - finding a beautiful item [for] much, much less than the retail price. I had always been a fan of the Discovery Shop.” When the job became available five years ago, she applied for it. While she enjoyed her time with the Event Zone, which organizes downtown Roanoke events, she calls the Discovery Shop “the best job I’ve ever had.” Those interested in volunteering with the Discovery Shop can contact Peck at amy.peck@cancer.org, or by calling 345-2572. By Melvin E. Matthews, Jr. info@newsroanoke.com

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Cave Spring Knocks Off Salem 69-66 in River Ridge Classic

Cave Spring used an up-tempo offense to build a 14-point third quarter lead as the Knights held on for the River Ridge win Tuesday night at the Cave Spring gym. The Knights were able to maintain a nine point lead with less than a minute to play before a late Salem run came up short. Storm Furrow led the Cave Spring attack with 25 points, while Tyler Kemp and Aaron Cupp added 11 each for the Knights. Seth Carroll led the Salem scoring with 20 points. Both teams are now 2-4 in River Ridge action. Cave Spring senior #11 Michael Cole pulls up on the baseline against Salem Tuesday night. By Bill Turner • info@newsroanoke.com

Knight's #33 Amin Abuhawwas looks to come down safely as Salem's #44 Marty Bishop defends.

Roanoke Catholic Rolls in 68-35 Win Over Craig County Roanoke Catholic scored the game's first 17 points as the Celtics easily dispatched Craig County 68-35 at the Catholic gym Monday night. Roanoke Catholic's height advantage made it a cakewalk as the Celtics led 61-21 after three quarters, allowing head coach Bill Hodges to go liberally to the bench. Catholic (8-5) was led by Andre Washington and Matt Moats, each scoring 17 points. Bennett Holley added 12 and Wayne Radford 11 for the Celtics. Forest Morris tallied 13 to lead the Rockets. Catholic's #41 Matt Moats drives the baseline for two of his 17 points Monday night.

By Bill Turner info@newsroanoke.com

District races are set for the trailed at Bridgewater by 6 I wanted to help the guy, so home stretch and everyone is points with 11 seconds left in I looked for clues. For starters, hoping to position themselves the game. Salem High product he had a propensity for using for the opportunity to advance Melvin Felix hit a three pointer parenthesis around numbers. past the district tournaments and, after a steal, Corey Poin- He said he was a season ticket and on to the regionals. Here’s dexter tossed one in from near holder (4)--I wasn’t sure if that a look at what’s going down for midcourt at the buzzer to force meant he’s had tickets for four our area teams. overtime. The stunner clearly years or he has four seats. Next, Patrick Henry still leads in shook Bridgewater as the Ma- he indicated he was a Tech grad the Western Valley, but the roons won by 10 in OT. (67)--does that mean, I asked Patriots opened the door to Now, to the infamous mail- myself, he’s 67 years old, graducontenders when they lost at bag, where a die-hard Hokie ated in 1967 or took 67 years home to GW Danville came running to the to graduate? Finally, he said last week. Things don’t Great One for some he was a Golden Hokie, which get any easier for PH, advice. The letter came means he has money and a as they have to travel unsigned, which usually couple VT yard ornaments. to talented Franklin means it gets ignored. My Columbo instincts County Friday night. But, a second glance got worked and I figured the guy At 0-5, William Flemmy attention and re- out, so I’ll ID him in a sinister ing will need a quick quired me to dust off way only he will know. I used Bill Turner turnaround and a lot my Columbo trench to use Mannix for my detective of help to advance. coat to ID the perpetrator. rationale until Mannix kept Alleghany took care of busiThe writer started off by call- leaving his office and driving ness with their win over North- ing me a comedian, obviously down the Pacific Coast Highside Tuesday night, and the trying to get under my skin. But way, where some thug was alMountaineers look to be on actually, I found that flattering. ways trying to force him off an cruise control to win the Blue In 1974, I had the opportunity 100-foot cliff into the ocean. Ridge. Northside and William to talk to Rodney Dangerfield If Mannix was so smart you’d Byrd will now look for a favor- and he’s one of the zaniest guys think he would take a back able seed in the district tourna- I’ve ever seen; so I’ll accept the road after this scene repeated ment. comedian moniker. itself seventeen times. The River Ridge is still up Next, the poor ‘ol Hokie took Well, Mr. VT grad, if I’ve got for grabs as Hidden Valley and an 180-degree turn and agreed you pegged, how about sendChristiansburg remain unde- that Tech football scheduling, ing me some support money feated in the district at 5-0. The which he called ‘hooey,’ needs for that black cat I took off your Blue Demons visit Hidden Val- revamping. Then, he pointed hands. Oh, and say hi to Caroley Friday night for the first of the blame for all this at, well, lyn for me-she’s a sweetheart. two games between the leaders. I’ll just call him Madam X. He My assistant coaches have This one will give a good idea pointed out that Madam al- asked me to hold off before rehow good Christiansburg re- ways had an excuse for avoid- vealing my defensive trick play. ally is after the Blue Demons ing quality opponents who So, check back next week when opened with 14 straight wins. wouldn’t work toward ‘mutual I’ll draw it up in a photo. Cave Spring and Salem are advantage’. I’ve seen the term battling to hopefully claim the ‘mutual advantage’ in personal Meanwhile, send your inquithird seed. ads, but never in football. Fi- ries to: info@newsroanoke.com On the girl’s side, PH and nally, the writer folded his tent Fleming are sitting in the third and asked me, of all people, and fourth position in the “what should we do”? HintBy Bill Turner Western Valley. Lord Botetourt play my Maroons!! info@newsroanoke.com is looking for separation from the rest of the Blue Ridge as the Lady Cavaliers look to be OPE N HOU SE February 1st, 8:30 - 11:00 the team to beat. In the River Ridge, Hidden Valley is still chasing Pulaski County for the top spot, with Salem and Cave Spring seemingly destined for the 3 and 4 spots. The Glenvar girls have slipped in the Three Rivers and now trail Radford and Floyd County. In the unusual games of the week we turn first to the Radford boys for our top pick, as a normal high school game AS • M IT R usually lasts 32 minutes. But, last Saturday the Bobcats endured 64 minutes of playing time without a single overtime. Radford played Blacksburg in a tournament game at Floyd in the afternoon, then traveled down Rt. 221 to tangle with Cave Spring that night. The 3585 Buck Mountain Road, Roanoke VA 24018 Bobcats won both, and hopewww.faithchristian-school.com fully the team managers got For more information, contact some overtime benefits after Cathi Weber, Director of Enrollment at 540.769.5200 washing two sets of uniforms. or by email at cweber@faithchristian-school.com And, how about those Roanoke College cagers, who A Mind for Truth • A Heart for Christ • A Will to Serve

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Regionals and the ACHA nationals beckon. For more information regarding the team and their run for the playoffs, check out www.virginiatechicehockey. com. By Kevin Gilmurray info@newsroanoke.com

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a 5 on 3 power play, but were unable to capitalize, as Liberty held on for a 6-3 win. After five road games to end the regular season Virginia Tech will begin its run through the Mid Atlantic Collegiate Hockey Association playoffs on February 18th. If the club moves on, the Southeast

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Virginia Tech's club hockey season ended its home schedule on a bit of a down note last weekend, blowing a 5-2 lead on Saturday to finish in a 5-5 tie with East Carolina. The Pirates knotted the game with 17 seconds left and neither team scored in overtime. About 3000 hockey-starved fans made their way to the Roanoke Civic Center on Saturday, including a strong walk-up crowd that stretched around the outside of the building. The Hokies then set their sites on Liberty for Sunday's home finale but the Flames came to the Roanoke Civic Center looking for revenge from a 6-1 home loss against Tech back on November 6th. Liberty lived up to their name and came out on fire, scoring the first 3 goals of the game, and never looked back. Trailing 6-3 late in the third period, Virginia Tech had a chance to cut into the lead with

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1/14/11 - 1/20/11 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 7

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Page 8 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 1/28/11 - 2/3/11

Gentry Locke Names Three New Partners Gentry Locke Rakes & Moore is pleased to announce that attorneys Travis J. Graham, Maxwell H. Wiegard, and Spencer M. Wiegard have been named partners with the Roanoke based law firm. “Travis, Max, and Spencer are impressive personally and professionally,” said G. Michael Pace, Jr., Managing Partner of Gentry Locke Rakes & Moore. “Each has demonstrated an outstanding work ethic and dedication to our clients. Their contributions continue to be a tremendous asset to both Gentry Locke and the clients we serve.” Travis Graham joined Gentry Locke’s Commercial Litigation group after having previously practiced for a number of years in Tennessee. He represents parties in the state and federal courts of Tennessee and Virginia. His practice focuses on trust and estate litigation, products liability, medical malpractice

Travis Graham claims, and general commercial disputes. Travis is a frequent consultant, writer, and lecturer on issues of civil procedure. Travis received his undergraduate degree from Virginia Tech, and graduated from The University of Tennessee College

of Law in 1998 as the class valedictorian. Following law school, he served as law clerk to Senior United States District Judge Glen M. Williams in Abingdon,

Max Wiegard Virginia. Travis also served as an adjunct professor of law at The University of Tennessee. Max Wiegard represents corporations and individual clients in environmental, real estate and land use litigation, commercial transactions, and zoning matters. Max serves on the Executive Council of the Real Estate Section of The Virginia Bar Association, is Chair of the VBA’s Young Lawyers Division Roanoke Mentorship Program, and volunteers with the Blue Ridge Legal Services Pro Bono Hotline. He is currently a participant in the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce’s 2011 Leadership Roanoke Valley program. Max is also a member of the District of Columbia Bar and the Maryland State Bar. Other memberships include the Virginia Association of Defense Attorneys, The Virginia Bar Association, Roanoke Bar Association, and the American Bar Association. Max earned his law degree from the College of William and

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The Roanoke College Maroons are pumping big money into the Salem economy, according to figures from the college’s Maroon Card program. In the 2009-2010 academic year, nearly $358,000 in “Maroon Money” was spent in area retail businesses. Seventeen local businesses, a combination of national chains and locally-owned businesses mostly in Salem, participated in 09-10 and made sales to Maroon Card holders. Top earners of Maroon Money sales were Sheetz, CVS, Mac and Bob’s, Mill Mountain Coffee & Tea, Salem Pizza and Frank’s Pizza. Today there are 21 businesses on board. “The Roanoke College community is a big part of the vibrant business atmosphere in Salem and the Roanoke Valley,” Mark Noftsinger, Vice President of business affairs, said. “We’re pleased to see how the Maroon Money off-campus vendors are benefitting from this program.” A 2008 economic impact study indicated that College related spending, including student spending in the community and visitor spending, had an estimated total impact on the Roanoke

Spencer Wiegard Bar Association Young Lawyers Division. Spencer has served on the Board of Directors of the Military Family Support Centers since 2006, is an Associate Member of Associated General Contractors, an Executive Committee member of the Associated General Contractors (Roanoke Division), and is a member of the William and Mary Environmental Law and Policy Review. He is a member of The Virginia Bar Association, the Roanoke Bar Association, and the American Bar Association. Spencer earned his law degree from the College of William and Mary, Marshall-Wythe School of Law in 2004 , and a B.A. from the University of Virginia in 2001. For more information visit www.gentrylocke.com.

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Dr. C. Kathleen Dorey, professor at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, was named the 2010 Reviewer of the Year for Current Eye Research this week. The journal's editors selected Dorey for the recognition because of her "frequent, timely and pertinent contributions made during 2010." "There are so many people who contribute their time and expertise to the scientific community by reviewing articles," Dorey said. "I am pleased and humbled." Dorey has reviewed more than 30 articles for Current Eye Research in just the last two years. "Kathy is an outstanding asset to our team and the scientific research community," said Dr. Cynda Ann Johnson, dean of the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine.

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Valley of $98 million dollars annually. Since 2006, the Maroon Card has served as the ID card for Roanoke students, faculty and staff. The Maroon Card also serves as a facility access card, a library card, a meal plan card and provides access to students’ financial aid for books. In addition, each card includes debit accounts where students, parents, faculty and staff can deposit funds through an online portal. The Maroon Money account can be used anywhere the card is accepted to purchase goods, services and meals at the participating vendors, including the Roanoke College Bookstore. Maroon Cards also include a Dining Dollars Account, which can be used for meals at the Sutton Commons and the Cavern on Campus, and a Bookstore account, which can be used in the College Bookstore. For more details on the Maroon Card program and a complete list of vendors, visit www.roanoke. edu/marooncard.

LewisGale Physicians opened a full-service optical center in Salem this week, making it the first for the physician group. Patients will find an array of products from high-end sunglasses such as Armani and Gucci to more than a 100 different types of specialty lenses you typically won’t find at retail outlets. In addition, Ophthalmologist Richard R. Johnson, M.D., is on-site to provide eye care

and surgery for the entire family including eye exams. “Patients will find products that are specifically designed to fit their unique eye care needs to ensure they receive the best vision possible for their prescription,” said Matthew Tucker, Licensed Optician for the optical center. Specialty products include a children’s line of glasses, occupational lenses designed for

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Dr. C. Kathleen Dorey "She is well-deserving of this recognition." Dorey joined the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine in July 2009 as a professor of basic sciences. Among her many responsibilities at the school, Dorey has helped implement and execute problem-based learning (PBL) into the curriculum. Her

current research addresses the influence of inflammation on retinal neovascularization. Dorey has an adjunct appointment as a professor at the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine. Dorey has a distinguished academic record, with significant research related to retinal diseases and teaching experience in research, cell biology, embryology, and histology. Dorey received her bachelor's degree from the State University of New York, Buffalo, and a master's degree from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. She completed her Ph.D. from Georgetown University and post doctoral work at the University of Southern California. By Alison Matthiessen info@newsroanoke.com

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computer work, and sports/ recreational glasses tailored for a variety of activities including motorcycle riding, swimming, and baseball. “We wanted to offer patients a one-stop shop for eye care services on our Salem campus,” said Victor E. Giovanetti, President, LewisGale Regional Health System. “This is a first for LewisGale Physicians but a much needed service for many of our patients who rely on our health system to meet all their healthcare needs.” The optical center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome; eye exams by appointment only. For more information about the optical center, patients can call 540-772-3771. For more information see www. lewisgale.com.

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Arts & Culture

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1/28/11 - 2/3/11 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 9

Acclaimed Artist Jane Lillian Vance To Premier New Works at Gallery Opening in Downtown Roanoke Artist, Jane Lillian Vance, announced plans to premiere several recently completed works at the February 3rd public opening of her new gallery located at 309 1st Street in Roanoke. Excitement has been building in recent weeks as passers by have watched the downtown gallery space come to life with nearly 100 brilliantly colored paintings and a festoon of Buddhist Prayer Flags. Several of the 8ft x 10ft signature works featured in the gallery have never been shown in public and several others from private collections will be on display opening night. The gallery opening follows a flurry of international interest in Vance’s paintings after her work was featured in the documentary “A Gift for the Village” produced by Jenna Swann and Tom Landon. The film chronicles seven friends as they traveled from the Blue Ridge Mountains to a village in western Nepal to deliver a painting by the artist about Tsampa, a Tibetan amchi-lama-doctor and mind-healer. Jane Lillian Vance is the first woman and first westerner to be granted permission to produce such a piece. The team was welcomed with an elaborate festival celebrating the artist, the work and the man it honors. A Gift for the Village documents the remarkable story of their trip -- offering unprecedented access to a vanishing tradition. The film’s US premier was held at the Taubman Museum of Art in September of 2010 where it received standing ovations at both sold out screenings. “Over 400 people attended the reception at the US premiere where I shared several paintings that appeared in the film,” said Jane Vance. “Following that evening, there were so many requests to view the larger body of my work – a gallery seemed the most logical next step.” Jane Lillian Vance’s highly narrative, Tibetan-focused and studiously detailed oil paintings have always been concerned with bridging the space between East and West but went largely with-

"Disarmament" was painted by Jane Vance in the days surrounding the one year anniversary of Morgan Harrington's disappearance. Morgan was a student of Jane's at Tech and was scheduled to travel to Nepal with her this past summer.

Blue Ridge PBS Celebrates Roanoke Arts With Special Broadcast Blue Ridge PBS premieres “On the Road: Roanoke Arts” a program that will remind viewers of the creative talent and vibrant arts organizations that can be found across the Roanoke Valley. “On the Road: Roanoke Arts” includes short stories about Roanoke treasures such as the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra and Roanoke Ballet Theatre. A segment on the Music Lab at Jefferson Center showcases a state-of-the-art recording studio where teens learn about music performance, recording arts and the music business. Also featured is Studio Roanoke, a black-box theatre that specializes in the development and production of new works. These and other segments were selected from the ongoing Blue Ridge PBS “On the Road” series, which features short, localinterest stories that are broadcast at various times throughout each day. “Through ‘On the Road,’ Blue Ridge PBS shines the spotlight on some of the gifted individuals who make our area a rich, lively artistic hub,” said Susan Jennings, the City of Roanoke’s arts and culture coordinator. “The city is pleased to support this project that spreads the word about the great arts and cultural offerings in the region.” “For over 40 years, Blue Ridge PBS has offered front row seats to world-class symphonies, Broadway shows and the best in

Jelly Bean is an example of the public arts made possible in part by Art In Roanoke, a project the City of Roanoke established to provide art in city neighborhoods and public places. This sculpture is located in South Roanoke Village at 2224 Crystal Spring Ave. The artist is John Clement of Brooklyn, N.Y. documentary film,” said James Baum, station president and CEO. “As a community-owned multimedia organization, we are proud to use our ‘On the Road’ series to help raise awareness of the growing arts scene in the Roanoke Valley.” A couple of the “On the Road: Roanoke Arts” stories include information on free opportunities to experience the arts. Art In Roanoke (AIR), for example, is a City of Roanoke project that provides temporary outdoor art installations in city neighborhoods and public places. “On the Road: Roanoke Arts” shows several AIR sculptures that people can enjoy anytime.

Art by Night, held during the first Thursday of every month, is a free evening event that showcases Roanoke’s thriving arts community. Visitors can take the self-guided walking tour among the diverse galleries in the downtown area, where there are exhibit openings, demonstrations, refreshments and live music. “On the Road: Roanoke Arts” was made possible in part with a grant from the City of Roanoke, through Roanoke Arts Commission. All “On the Road” stories are also available in streaming video at BlueRidgePBS.org. The program will air on Feb. 6 at 5 p.m. and Feb. 20 at 5:30 p.m.

out public notice, until several years ago when internationally acclaimed art critic Suzi Gablik visited Vance and began their great friendship, writing about her paintings in Satish Kumar’s Resurgence magazine, and in Images of Earth and Spirit, an English anthology of spiritual contemporary art. “They are gorgeous and spectacular and they are powerful,” says Gablik. “Engaging and alluring.” The February 3rd Jane Lillian Vance Gallery opening will include The Honorable Scott DeLisi, Ambassador to Nepal who hosted the World Premiere at his home in Katmandu in the summer of 2010. “Ambassadors are charged, among other things, with building bridges between cultures and societies,” wrote Ambassador DeLisi in remarks offered at the Taubman Premiere. “Jane and Jenna and the others who created A Gift for the Village are true Ambassadors.” Vance lives in Blacksburg, Virginia where she is currently adjunct professor of The Creative Process through the Department of Religion and Culture at Virginia Tech, as well as a public school aide for middle-school-aged children with special needs. She adores her two children, daughter, Iris Lillian Vance and son, Emerson Arthur Siegle. When they were young, she spent a year in New Delhi, India, and another year in Kandy, Sri Lanka, homeschooling her children and researching South Asian art. Vance continues to create paintings with brilliant detail, vivid iconography of Tibetan Buddhism, Hinduism, and the folk arts of the Subcontinent as well as the Appalachian Blue Ridge Mountains. Her paintings are in private collections on four continents. For information about Jane Lillian Vance visit: http://www.janevance.com

Van Gogh, Other Masterpieces on Display at RU Community leaders and officials from the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) and Radford University gathered on Thursday evening, Jan. 20, for a preview of “Van Gogh, Lichtenstein, Whistler: Masterpieces of World Art from the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts,” an exhibition commemorating the museum’s 75th anniversary. The exhibition features the work of about 30 artistic masters from around the world. Featured pieces include those from masters such as Post-Impressionistic icon Vincent Van Gogh, American impressionist James Abbot McNeil Whistler, pop artist Roy Lichtenstein, and contemporary artist Sally Mann. During welcoming remarks, Radford University President Penelope W. Kyle told guests about the history and 18-month planning process associated with the exhibition. “Suddenly we at Radford were getting stars in our eyes,” Kyle said, referencing the kinds of cultural opportunities planners envisioned for the community when the Covington Center for Visual and Performing Arts opened in 2009. “Now the stars are not just in our eyes,” said Kyle. “They’re on our walls.” Hosting the classic exhibition is a wonderful opportunity for Radford University to provide southwest and southside Virginia residents with a chance to see timeless works of art they

Radford City Mayor Bruce Brown and his wife, Cary, examine the painting "Wheat Field Behind St. Paul's Hosptial, St. Remy" by Vincent Van Gogh. on display at Radford University. may not have otherwise seen in their lifetimes, according to Kyle. During comments presented later in the evening, VMFA Director Alex Nyerges discussed the museum, its 75th anniversary celebration and expressed his gratitude and excitement about partnering with Radford University on the venture. Built in Richmond in 1936, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts was designed with one purpose in mind, according to Nyerges: to serve as the state's flagship art museum and headquarters for an art educational network bringing masterpieces from throughout the ages into every corner of the commonwealth. With the success of the VMFA exhibit, Bay sees unlimited potential for the RU Art

Museum to establish itself as a major destination “hotspot” for the art community. “I want this to be the first of many [special exhibitions],” said Bay. “There’s so much more we can now make happen.” To be selected by the VMFA to house the exclusive art exhibition, the RU Art Museum was upgraded to include improved climate control systems, museum -standard lighting and enhanced security measures. RU Art Museum hours are Monday thru Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. The exhibit will run from Jan. 21 - March 4, 2011. Admission is free. For additional information, please call 540-831-5754.

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Page 10 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 1/28/11 - 2/3/11

$50K Contributed for Station Restoration

Almost 10 years after the historic Virginian Railway station at Williamson Road and South Jefferson Street was nearly destroyed by fire, the restoration project that is underway received a major gift of $50,000 from the Roanoke Chapter, National Railway Historical Society. The chapter expects to issue an invitation for bids on Phase I of the reconstruction in February. Jeffry Sanders, chapter president, said his organization is able “to make this contribution because of the support the public has given for our excursion train rides and other fundraising projects.” The public also supports the chapter’s contribution to the recovery of the “Lost Engines of Roanoke”

project in cooperation with the Virginia Museum of Transportation and others, he said. In addition to more than $900,000 in public grants received for the restoration project, James Cosby chapter treasurer and chairman of the Virginian Railway Restoration Committee, said the chapter has also pledged over $100,000 in contributed services and over $100,000 in Virginian Railway artifacts. The chapter has also raised over $50,000 in private and corporate contributions bringing the total of grants and contributions for the station project to more than $1.2 million. Cosby also acknowledged the contribution of the chapter’s restoration partner, the

Roanoke Valley Preservation Foundation, in joint work for the past decade. “The public should know that,” he said. Sanders, chapter president, said the preservation group “has helped this project tremendously. Without their consistent support and expertise, particularly in dealing with grant applications and other technical information, it would have been more difficult to achieve our goal.” Another group, the Friends of the Virginian Railway, made up of Virginian veterans and other interested people, has also contributed significantly toward the project, Sanders said. For more information visit: http://www.roanokenrhs.org

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Making Friends Without Facebook Children’s Book Teaches Kids About Friendships Outside of Cyberspace

Back when Marilyn Randall was a kid, she didn’t have to send a friend request in order to become someone’s friend. “When I see kids with their heads buried in laptops, or texting on cell phones, it disturbs me to think of how technology has changed the way our kids socialize,” said Randall, who has authored a series of children’s books on friendships including For Faithful Friends, The Best of Best Friends and Share From the Heart (www.marilynrandall.com). “Our social networks are actually raising our kids to be extremely unsocial, and I think it’s changing society for the worse.” Randall’s point is that the way kids make friends, and learn how to value those friendships, becomes the way they look at friendship as they grow to adulthood. If the only socialization that our kids learn is from cyberspace, friendships will become less valuable in their lives, and as disposable as email. “If we allow our kids to learn that all you need to do to make and keep friends is to click ‘accept friend request,’ then we’re devaluing the power of friendship,” she added. “Conversely, if all they have to do to end a friendship is click on ‘block user,’ then friendships become fleeting and easy to discard without a second thought. It also causes this ‘all about me’

mentality, prompting many children to grow up without consideration for others because they haven't learned to properly interact with others.” Randall wants children to learn about friendship outside of cyberspace, more like the last generation of kids who grew up without PDAs and ready access to Internet social networks. “When I was a kid, we didn’t have cyberspace,” Randall said. “The only space we knew was where the astronauts went and the space in our backyards. We didn’t meet in chat rooms. We met at the park or the playground. And we didn’t just talk -- we played and we interacted and we learned about the world around us through experiences together. I’m afraid the next generation of kids will miss out on that socialization because of their dependence on technology to manage their friendships.” Randall’s tips for parents who want to help their kids better value their friendships include: Balance Cyberspace with Real Life -- If your kids use social networks, make sure they actually get together with their online friends once a week to do something. Take the time to make your home available, even if their friends simply come over to share a pizza. Help your kids balance cyberspace with the real world.

Limit Internet Use -- A generation ago, parents would limit the amount of television they would allow their kids to watch, and monitor what they watched. Place time limits on the time your kids spend online in the same way, and monitor which sites they use to chat with their friends. Set An Example -- Show your kids how you interact with your friends, and show them the value those long term friendships have in your life. If your kids see that you have long-term, close and fulfilling friendships with others, they’ll emulate those kinds of relationships in their lives. “It’s ironic to me how the existence of all these different communication technologies has actually managed to make us feel more distant from each other,” Randall added. “We all have multiple email addresses, online profiles and cell phones, but somehow we feel more far apart than ever before. Maybe what we need to do is teach our kids to put the computer down, and go outside and play with their friends.” Marilyn Randall is a retired award-winning veteran graphic artist whose mission is to help restore traditional values to the next generation of children.