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The Roanoke Star-Sentinel January 7 - 13, 2011

NewsRoanoke.com

Community | News | Per spective

City Real Estate Values Decline

[Higher Education]

VA Universities Among the Best

For the first time in 40 years real estate values have declined in Roanoke City.

According to the Director of Real Estate Valuation, Susan Lower, the .17% marginal decrease in real estate valuation in fiscal year 2011 reflects a national trend: “… The challenging economic conditions, unemployment concerns, rising foreclosure activity, the reduced volume of valid market sales data, including; Economy single family residential, office, multifamily, industrial and retail properties and a continued slowdown in new construction activity.”

The total reduction in dollars is $11.6 million. Fiscal year 2010 had a slight increase in valuations at .11%. It is comprised of both residential and commercial valuations.

The decrease was somewhat offset by new construction values projected out to July 2011, adding .40%.

Portions of land values on Melrose Avenue were reduced by 10%. Lower explained to council that the Peters Creek Extension had drawn traffic away from Melrose businesses, reducing their value.

Reductions in neighborhoods included: Wilmont Farms, Cherry Hill, Signal Hill, Melrose area, Old Mt. Rd. and The Glen and Glen Ivy condos. The remaining residential neighborhood assessments have not changed. Lower explained that these neighborhoods were “hit hard” with assessment increases in boom times.

Seven condo neighborhoods went up 3% to 5% including: Avenham House, Avenham Terrace, Colonial House Condos, Crown Point Condos, Highland Square Condos,

New Digs P3– The Virginia Room at Roanoke City’s Main Public Library starts off the new year with a complete makeover.

[

Photo by Jim Stroup

Students enjoy a beautiful day last fall on the Drill Field in front of Burruss Hall on the Virginia Tech Campus.

Shanghai Surprise P4– Johnny Robinson travels to the “Jewel of the Orient” and discovers a wealth of Chinese surprises.

New

Beginnings P6– Have you made a New Year’s resolution? See our special page that highlights businesses that can help you keep it!

Bill Turner

Gridirons &

Hardwoods P7– Wild Bill Turner offers some Hokie Football commentary before covering high school hoops and the ever-present mailbag.

Kiplinger's cites UVA, William & Mary, JMU and Virginia Tech among the Top 25 schools that offer the best value in American higher-education.

A

ccording to Kiplinger, Virginia’s two leading universities and the College of William and Mary deserve high accolades when it comes to offering both quality and value in education. The magazine even offered, “special Kiplinger kudos” to UVA and William and Mary for consistently maintaining their position in the top five since the magazine’s first rankings in 1998.

The magazine reported Tuesday that, among the top 100 schools in the U.S., “the University of Virginia (#3) and the College of William and Mary (#4) each draw high-scoring incoming freshmen and post the highest four-year graduation rates on our list, delivering degrees to more than 80% of their students in four years and more than 90% in six. UVA also brings its cost, after aid to students with need, to less than $6,000.”

Virginia Tech, who may not have been able to close out the year as strong as it desired in the football rankings, was also ranked by Kiplinger’s as being “among the top public colleges and universities in the nation to offer a high quality education at an affordable price.” Kiplinger ranked Virginia Tech 24th among the top 100 institutions “that combine outstanding economic value with a first-class education,” according to the publication’s editors.

Three other Virginia Schools that placed on the list were: James Madison University with a ranking of 19th; the University of Mary Washington with a ranking of 26th, and George

Mason University with a ranking of 61st.

According to the magazine’s editors, private colleges cost on average $36,000 a year — a sharp difference to the public schools listed in the February issue. “Despite rising tuition costs, there are still many first-rate institutions providing outstanding academics at an affordable price,” said Janet Bodnar, editor of Kiplinger’s. “Schools like these on the Kiplinger 100 list prove graduates can enter the workforce with a great education — and without a huge cloud of debt.”

More than 60 percent of Virginia Tech students receive some type of financial aid and the school continues to increase its affordability for students by increasing instructional funding for student financial aid. Additionally, Tech’s “Funds for the Future” program protects certain groups of low-income undergraduates from increases in tuition and fees, and reduces other unmet needs for low-income undergraduates. Presidential Campus Enrichment Awards also assists academically talented, low-income high school students from Virginia who demonstrate persistence.

The University of North Carolina and the University of Florida earned the top two spots on Kiplinger’s 2011 list just ahead of UVA and the College of William and Mary.

- Mark Owczarski of VT News contributed to this report.

]

> CONTINUED P2: Real Estate

New Book Looks At Candidate Forum For 8th District The “Two Virginias”

Michael Abraham has long been interested in the two Virginias: the differences and similarities between Virginia and West Virginia, which was born in the Civil War era over the issues of secession and slavery.

Thus, Abraham has written and published his second book, “The Spine of the Virginias: Journeys along the Border Between Virginia and West Virginia.” The book is a non-fiction look at the people, history and Michael Abraham culture in the border counties of Virginia and West Virginia.

In “Spine” we encounter people and places in small vignettes, as Abraham interviews everyone from maple syrup producers to miners, Local History senators, lawyers and doctors. He describes the region as having a patina that is a “pall of resentment, resignation, affection, divided loyalties and constitutional ambiguities.”

West Virginia was created just 73 days after a South Carolina militia attacked Fort Sumter, ushering in the Civil War. That’s when what Abraham describes as a group of railroad executives and politicians from 27 Northwestern counties in Virginia met > CONTINUED, P2: Spine

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[

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The forum held at Andrew Lewis Middle School Monday night turned, at times, into a debate. As expected, education topped the question list.

Debbie Cook, President of the Salem Council of the PTA was the moderator.

In spite of the Orange Bowl kick-off just an hour into the forum, there were at least 100 in attendance. Republican candidate Greg Habeeb, a partner with Gentry Locke Rakes and Moore law firm drew most of the support and applause with oratory like “enough of DC running our lives.” Democrat Ginger Mumpower, a small business owner, drew applause with her support of teacher pay raises.

On education funding questions, Habeeb said that

Photo by Valerie Garner

Ginger Mumpower and Greg Habeeb at Monday’s forum. “it’s time for a new way of and not fall short when fundthinking about education.” He ing public education. She believes that growpraised the Salem Politics ing the economy school system and and jobs would its ability to “do more with less” while avoid- produce the needed revenue ing layoffs. Mumpower said, to support education. “the state must do its part” > CONTINUED, P2: Forum

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Page 2 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 1/7/11 - 1/13/11

> Real Estate

Another storm system drops in on Friday. This could also bring a light round of snow, though the computer models seem to be backing off on this a little bit.

Temperatures will get cold with highs in the mid 30s.

Dry, but windy, conditions are expected for the weekend with temperatures in the mid 30s. The 40s return on Monday with sunshine.

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New projects Lower expects will add to the tax base include: the Virginia Tech/ Carilion Medical School and Research facility on Reserve Ave, Jefferson College, Member One Corporate Offices and Branch Bank, O’Reillys, Cheddars, CVS on Plantation, Kohls, the new rehab at Meridium, the Patrick Henry Hotel and properties at 302 Campbell Ave (school and apartments).

Home sales have declined by 22% from 2009 but the median home value for

From page 1

the city remains the same at $133,000.

The average sale price increased 2% to $153,505.

Assessment appeals to Real Estate Valuation will be conducted from January 3 through January 31, 2011. Hearings will begin in March.

At Monday’s 2:00 p.m. council meeting Director of Finance Ann Shawver presented the financial results of the first five months of fiscal year 2011.

Revenues increased and expenditures decreased from fiscal year 2010. Shawver remains cautiously optimistic with sales

> Spine in Wheeling, laying the foundation for a pro-Union state, the nation’s 35th.

Despite his desire to see the country remain whole, President Abraham Lincoln, ever the pragmatist, according to Abraham, welcomed in West Virginia. Still, the only Civil War monument he came across in a border West Virginia county (Union) honored locals who fought for the Confederacy.

Abraham hopscotches back and forth on each side of the border, telling tales from towns like Bluefield, Paint Bank and Strasburg along the way. “I’ve always been intrigued by West Virginia and the relationship between the [two] states,” says Abraham.

“While Virginia is often seen as cavalier, the [birthplace] of presidents … West Virginia has always had this hillbilly, mountaineer, Rodney Dangerfield

> Forum

Mumpower voiced opposition to school vouchers, saying that she would not support anything that took away from funding public schools.

Habeeb said it was a nonstarter and he would vote against it. He would however, consider tax credits and the charter school concept.

Both candidates said “no” to an elected school board and term limits for Salem.

Mumpower said “if it’s not broke don’t fix it.” Both also agreed that the lottery needed accountability. Habeeb was looking forward to an audit, saying to audience applause, “if it’s anything like the VDOT audit” that he hoped to find a stack of money in the couch cushions.

Governor Bob McDonnell had ordered an audit of the Virginia Department of Transportation where they found $1.4 billion of unspent funds for projects.

Mumpower agreed that teachers needed a 3% pay raise but was unsure of how to pay for it without having the budget in front of her. Habeeb said, “the reality is every state employee has suffered … a lot of people don’t have jobs.” He alluded to politicians who promise raises with no revenue to support their promise.

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tax down slightly at .4% from last year but above budget expectations at a positive .2%. Shawver was encouraged by the most recent two months of consecutive improvement but was cautious as unemployment remained at elevated levels.

General Fund revenues through November of fiscal year 2011 are 1.2% or $974,000 above last year.

To view the entire presentation go to www.roanokeva.gov.

By Valerie Garner info@newsroanoke.com

From page 1 of states, ‘can’t-get-no-respect,’ kind of image. How did that emerge? How did that happen?” he asks.

Abraham calls West Virginia “homespun,” with “good American values,” that haven’t changed much in over a century.

Yet his book puts the spotlight on many accomplished people that poke holes in any myth that all West Virginians are indeed hillbillies.

Abraham was also intrigued by the fact that West Virginia is the only state formed from another (Virginia) without the parent state’s consent. “The only successful example of secession in America, and it was approved

by Lincoln – who was fighting a war to prevent secession.”

Welcoming West Virginia to the fold also meant Lincoln picked up two senators and a congressman sympathetic to the Union cause. “[Lincoln] was

Michael Abraham’s book looks at the two “Virginias” border counties. a brilliant tactician in terms of his politics,” notes Abraham, “but the southerners were furious about it.” Virginia was in no position to defend that part of the state, thus West Virginia was born. “I just got real in-

trigued by that - the relationship between the two states.” He found more commonality then differences in the border counties – including their distaste for goings-on in the remote capitals of Richmond and Charleston.

They include “a lot of very talented people,” notes Abraham, “it’s my way of helping people take a look at themselves.”

Abraham, a Christiansburg writer, has previously released a novel, “Union, WV,” and is about to publish another nonfiction piece, “Harmonic Highways: Motorcycling Virginia’s Crooked Road.”

“The Spine of the Virginias” is available at www.bikemike. name and Abraham says it can be found at Rams Head bookstore in Roanoke.

By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

From page 1 On funding the Virginia Retirement System, Habeeb said to a questioner who has been a teacher for 30 years that “if the state fails to keep its promise then it has failed in its primary and ultimate responsibility.” Mumpower thought that to offer a 3% raise to teachers and then require them to put 5% of their earnings into the VRS was an unacceptable net loss in their pay.

On the state’s “Standards of Learning” Mumpower said the entire system needed to be revisited. She received applause when saying, “the best people to give input on that are the educators.” Habeeb thought that though Virginia’s Standards of Learning were not perfect, it was better then the national standards that had been proposed by the federal government.

Governor McDonnell boasted that Virginia’s state standards are “much superior” to the national ones while at the same time refusing $4 million of funding for the federal “Race to the Top” grant competition.

Both candidates promised not to raise taxes, including the frequently debated gas tax for transportation. Habeeb believes Governor McDonnell’s bond proposal needs serious consideration and he

expects new sources of revenue to come online to fund transportation.

On the state budget shortfall Mumpower avoided committing to raising taxes or cutting spending saying “it’s not an either/or question … sometimes it’s a matter of misappropriation of funds.”

Habeeb saw auditing of agencies as a way to cut expenditures, saying that there “are a lot more [cuts] to be found.”

Mumpower sees bringing rail connections to commercial hubs as a way to boost the local economy. Habeeb countered saying the area is already a commercial hub but “passenger rail does not work.” He claimed that the only reason Amtrak is in business is because of subsidies. He discredited State Senator John Edwards’ initiative to start rail service between Roanoke and Lynchburg. Mumpower then argued that it was already being done successfully from Lynchburg to Washington, DC adding that it costs less then adding highway lanes.

Habeeb rebutted saying that other localities already had infrastructure in place. He quipped that Edwards never mentions the cost of federal subsidies needed to get the other rail projects going.

On the Patient Protection

and Affordable Care (Healthcare) Act, Mumpower does not support the Act as is but believes the PPACA is within federal authority. Habeeb railed against the individual mandate taking Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli’s stance that it is unconstitutional. He believes the U.S. Supreme Court will overturn it.

Mumpower touted her experience as a Radford City council member at the age of 23, where she lead the initiative to annex part of Montgomery County for a hospital.

Habeeb challenged Mumpower’s claim that she did not raise taxes during her tenure as a Radford City council member. He pointed to documentation that showed Radford had increased real estate taxes and other fees.

Finance reports due Monday for the period ending December 31, 2010 show Habeeb with total contributions of $138,018 and cash on hand of $66,911. Mumpower has $3,122 in cash on hand with total contributions of $26,702.

The special election is Tuesday January 11th. The 2011 General Assembly session starts on January 12th.

By Valerie Garner info@newsroanoke.com

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1/7/11 - 1/13/11 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 3

Study Details Support For a Bus Habeeb Runs Hard Race to Replace Griffith Connector to Amtrak in Lynchburg A study released last week on the anticipated ridership levels for a connector bus service that would run between Roanoke and the Lynchburg Amtrak station – a forerunner perhaps to Amtrak service in Roanoke – detailed evidence of support for such a “bridge bus.” Prepared by the Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) and delivered to the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) after being ordered by the General Assembly, the report estimates that an Amtrak connector bus service, running from downtown Roanoke to the Lynchburg station, would generate an extra 3600 Amtrak passengers per year.

The cost to operate such a bus would be around $150,000 per year, according to the report, with federal and state grant programs picking up most of the tab, but a local matching grant, perhaps from Roanoke City and other localities, would be required. The connector bus service would increase ridership on the Lynchburg line by 2.8 percent, according to the study.

The report also concludes that the one hour long bus trip from Roanoke to Lynchburg may deter some riders. Daily buses would have to leave from Roanoke around 6 a.m. and would arrive back from Lynch-

burg around 10 p.m., in order to accommodate current Amtrak schedules. “Based on forecasting experience the bus service will attract riders but is on the outer edge of acceptability for most travelers,” notes the study.

A further extension of connector bus service to Blacksburg, suggested at a recent town hall meeting on passenger train service, would add about 40 percent to the operating costs, according to the study, while yielding just 800 additional passengers per year for Amtrak’s Lynchburg (Kemper Street Station) runs, which have been successful to date.

In fact the Commonwealth is funding several trains itself from Lynchburg, which connect to Washington D.C. and other points north/south. Combination bus/train tickets have been suggested as one way to make it easier for people to use a connector bus. The first year of a three-year pilot program on the state-funded Amtrak train from Lynchburg found that actual ridership was more than double the forecast of 51,000.

“Overall ridership on the Connector service could be potentially improved if train arrival/departure times in Lynchburg could be modified,” the study concludes, “ but this could have other ridership impacts and operational impacts

for service in Virginia and the northeast corridor.”

Annual costs to purchase or lease buses – pegged at $130,000 annually – must also be factored in, according to the study. If the DRPT doesn’t find a local public transit agency willing to take on a connector bus service the agency can amend its agreement with Amtrak to let a private company provide the same service. Roanoke City Manager Chris Morrill said at the town hall meeting that Roanoke City might be willing to do offer such service as early as this spring.

At least initially, such a bridge bus would not come close to paying for itself, according to the study. Bus passenger revenues for a year are estimated at $11,000, with the state responsible for finding sources of funding for the other $330,000 annually. “Regardless of delivery method, the Commonwealth Transportation Board is responsible for funding allocation decisions related to this type of service,” the report concludes.

Any direct passenger train service originating from Roanoke would only come after track improvements between the city and Lynchburg, with funding for such a train not expected to bring direct service before 2015.

By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

Virginia Room Reopens After Makeover The Virginia Room at Roanoke’s Main Library will kick off the New Year with a month of events to help showcase what the specialized section of the downtown library is all about.

To help celebrate the Virginia Room’s recently renovated Research Library and Archives, an Open House was held on Thursday, Jan. 6. Folks were enticed to “Join kindred spirits to tour the facility, learn about the resources that are available, and enjoy refreshments.”

Throughout the month of January, the Virginia Room will host a series of “Lunch & Learn” classes to help both novices and experts get better acquainted with the resources in this unique research center. All of the following classes will be held in the Brody Room at the Main Library, from noon to 1 p.m. The classes’ titles alone hint at the wealth of information available to the community.

• “Using Legal Resources in Research” Thursday, Jan. 13 Presenter: Joseph Klein, Law Librarian Changes to laws regarding property, marriage, rights of women and African Americans can have an effect on the direction of your research. This program will shed light on how to track historical legislation as well as offer methods for finding historical legal decisions pertaining to your descendents.

• “Keeping Your Genealogical

When Greg Habeeb announced his campaign in November to replace Morgan Griffith in the Virginia House of Delegates, not many people were surprised. Habeeb has been a long time political activist and is a well-known local lawyer. But it has been his work within the community that has attracted the attention of his many supporters.

“People encouraged me to run and I think people expected and wanted me to run because I have a record of service,” said Habeeb. He teaches Sunday School at the Church of the Holy Spirit in Roanoke County and he is on the Board of Directors for Big Brothers, Big Sisters. He also works with youth through Young Life.

Habeeb also volunteers at the Military Family Support Center, an organization that supports the families of active duty members serving overseas and with veterans, where he offers his legal services at no charge.

“Helping other people is an important part of who I am. It's how I grew up,” says Habeeb. “I was taught to always live by the Golden Rule.”

Habeeb grew up in SW Virginia. While attending Christiansburg High School, he became interested in Virginia politics. He served as Governor at the YMCA Model Mock General Assembly conference and has been active in politics ever since. He attended Wake Forest for both his undergraduate and law degree. After graduation, he returned to the Roanoke Valley to raise his family and practice law.

“Family is the most important thing to me. I have three beautiful children and a wife that supports me,” says Habeeb.

“I could not be more blessed.”

He and his family live in Salem, where is oldest son is in kindergarten, his younger son is in pre-school and his daughter will be two years old soon.

Habeeb's wife, Christy, is a former school teacher. Christy says that she and Greg are concerned about the future for their children, both in terms of education and the economy. “We both just want the best for our children. The best schools and the best future. I think that is a big part of why Greg is running,” she says.

Habeeb says his experience as a business attorney will help him accomplish his goals. “I've worked with small business owners across the valley, and they all tell me the same thing.

Turning around our economy and helping businesses hire new workers is the first step toward a better future.”

He is a partner at Gentry Locke Rakes & Moore and has been named one of the “Top 20 Business Leaders Under 40” by The Blue Ridge Business Journal. The Virginia Business Magazine named him to their list of “Legal Elite” Attorneys. He boasts endorsements from over 40 valley business leaders, part of a coalition called “Business Leaders for Habeeb.” He has also received the endorsements of Governor Bob McDonnell, Morgan Griffith, Bob Goodlatte and Ralph Smith, to name just a few local political leaders.

Habeeb says he is “proud to have the support of small business owners - they know I will fight to keep taxes and regulation low and work to encourage investment.”

Greg Habeeb The NRA released an endorsement of Habeeb, giving an "AQ" - the highest rating possible for a first time candidate.

A spokesman for the NRA said they are endorsing Habeeb because he is “a pro Second Amendment, pro hunting candidate who supports the rights of gun owners and sportsmen in Virginia.”

Habeeb says he is a conservative Republican, but also says he understands the need for bipartisanship. He wants to work for "more accountability and transparency and will protect the Second Amendment."

“Ultimately, it's not about Republican or Democrat, it is about working for the people of Salem and Roanoke County,” says Habeeb.

This is Habeeb's first campaign for public office and he says things have gotten off to a fast start. “We have a ton of momentum. People have been unbelievably supportive and I am really grateful for all the work people are doing,” he says.

By Carla Bream info@newsroanoke.com

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Records & Family Tree Organized” Saturday, Jan. 15 Presenter: Don Vaughn, Southwest Genealogical Society Board Member A genealogist shares his insights and experience in preserving family history and data, and the pros and cons of some popular software programs.

• “A Historian in the Virginia Room” Thursday, Jan. 20 Presenter: Dr. John Kern, retired Regional Director of the Virginia Department of Historic Resources City directories, Sanborn Fire Insurance maps, census records, historic maps and photographs are essential research tools for historians and genealogists alike. Discover how to make use of and interpret these resources,

which establish context for historical events.

• “Tangled Family Ties: A sometimes frustrating but always exciting search for my African American ancestors” Saturday, Jan. 22 Presenter: Jewel Taylor, Genealogist Ms. Taylor discovers that her family was not just ordinary folk leading ordinary lives, but that they were a resourceful people with unexpected ambitions and strengths.

Classes are free and open to everyone, but registration is required. Light refreshments will be provided, or bring a bag lunch.

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Perspective

Page 4 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 1/7/11 - 1/13/11

The Happy Chef

by Leigh Sackett

Spicy Mahi Mahi and Mango Tacos

I

have a confession to make. I turn 40 this year.

Although I am small and in fairly good shape, I have really let myself slip from my normal athleticism. Life gets busy, tiring and difficult; I guess I just have not felt the motivation in the last year to be in top physical condition - other things have gotten in the way.

Well, it is a new year but I shudder at the thought of joining millions of others with resolutions that don’t seem to last past February. So I had to make this about turning 40; that way I will make it past February at least, for my birthday is in March! Don’t laugh but my goal is to look like Jillian Michaels by my 40th birthday. You may be thinking good luck with that but I was there once and it wasn’t when I was 18, it was 5 years ago. So just call me Leigh-Jillian now that I have written it down and placed it in this newspaper, I am holding myself to it!

You may think I am vain, and certainly I struggle with vanity like any good woman does but my physical condition is about much more. I was listening to a "Biggest Loser" contestant last night (I am taking the Jillian thing to the extreme!) and he spoke of how losing all the weight allowed him to begin to become the person he was meant to be.

What a true statement - we are held back in this world by so many things, obesity is only one of the problems people face. The world gets the best of us much of the time. But God has another plan for us but (and here is an important little detail) we have

to do OUR part. As hard as it can seem sometimes, we just have to begin the process and then He will step in and guide us. It is the deciding to do something that is the hardest part, once we start something we usually wonder why we didn't do the thing so long ago!

No need to beat ourselves up though, it's just the way we are!

WE STRUGGLE! I think it is one of the things that make us so beautiful, if you watch those Biggest Loser contestants or any person losing weight or kicking a bad habit or turning their life around - it is their failures that make them so determined and passionate, it is from whence they come that makes them know where they are to go. The struggle they once faced really makes all the difference in the world for who they become. So don’t give up, we are all worth it to God and that means everything!

I will keep you updated on my Jillian progress. I know I sound silly picking another person’s physique as my goal but I have to have specifics, my goals cannot be vague, this may work for you too. Make a plan and hold yourself to it. Find a friend to go along the way with you too, we are meant to go in pairs.

This is one of Jillian’s recipes; I get a newsletter from her now, ahaha! I am also very sore from her workout on the Wii. Once I set my mind to something I tend to jump into it full force!

3 tablespoons fresh lime juice 3 tablespoons fresh orange juice 1 garlic clove, chopped 2 teaspoons chili powder

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Local Crossword

1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 pound mahi mahi, rinsed and patted dry, cut into bite- size chunks 1 large ripe mango, peeled, pitted, and coarsely chopped (about 2 cups) 1 tablespoon chopped red onion, rinsed and drained 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped 1/2 teaspoon seeded, chopped fresh red chile 2 teaspoons virgin coconut oil 4 (8- inch) whole-wheat tortillas 1 ripe avocado, pitted, peeled, and coarsely chopped Lime wedges, for serving -In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of the lime juice, 2 tablespoons of the orange juice, the garlic, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.

-Add the fish and gently stir to coat.

-Let stand for at least 10 minutes, or cover and place in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours.

-In the meantime, in a medium bowl, combine the mango, onion, cilantro, chile, and remaining 1 tablespoon each lime and orange juice. Stir gently until well combined.

-Set aside in the refrigerator if you are marinating the fish longer than a few minutes. Let stand at room temperature for at least 20 minutes before serving.

-In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the fish and its marinade and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, turning frequently, until the fish is opaque.

-While the fish cooks, wrap the tortillas in damp paper towels and microwave on high power for 30 seconds.

-Gently fold the avocado into the mango mixture.

-Divide the fish evenly among the tortillas. Divide the mango mixture among the tacos, spooning it on top of the fish.

Serve with lime wedges.

Calories: 405.2 kcal Fat: 13.9 g Protein: 26.8 g Carbohydrates: 43.9 g Sodium: 409.2 mg

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 01/07/2011 readers on topics of general interest to the community and responses to our articles and columns. Letters must and have a telephone 1 2be 3signed 4 5 6 7 number 8 9 for verification. All letters will be verified before publication.The Star-Sentinel 13 14 15 reserves the right to deny publication of any letter and edit letters for length, 16 17 18 content and style.

All real estate advertised herein is21subject to22national23 and Virginia fair 20 24 housing laws and readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised 26 27 in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis.

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

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ACROSS 1 7 13 15 16 17 18 19 20 22 24 26 27 28 29 32 33 35 37 39 40 41 44 47 48

Evening gathering Next to Open ocean animals 'Fallen Fire -------' A bronze by Betty Branch outside the Roanoke Transportation museum.

Ego's partner Artist Van __ Exhort Santa's laugh Year in the 40s that mill mountain star was constructed.

Judged College (abbr.)

Environmental protection agency (abbr) Yellow cabs Street abbr.

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Backbones Freud’s ___ complex Caesar’s 49 Storm Pride Plus eighty is the total feet in height of the Mill Mountain Star.

Flying singers Poached food Popular stadium Neuter pronoun Which local shipping company has a slogan that says, 'Let us Run for you'?

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Weathered Deludes Rages North Atlantic Treaty Organization Wood chopper Animal house Relating to birds Recently Roanoke's Korean sister city.

Aleutian Caviar Large weight unit Person In Roanoke VA it’s against the law to advertise on tombstones True or False?

Cola brand Like a new book Take aback Irritatedly Gaelic Gone to lunch Elevates Help Reason Tender Branch of learning School group American Cancer Society (abbr.)

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NewsRoanoke.com

Wandering in Shanghai, Jewel of the Orient

treet food is always a good bet, so I try some more. The grinning vendor/cook is baking a tortillalike pastry on a half-meter wide skillet. He throws on an egg, some sauce of unknown identity, some cilantro, another layer of batter, some more stuff and cooks it for a minute or so. He folds it into a sandwich-sized package and wraps it in thin paper. Some RMB (money) changes hands, and I’m off with a wave and a “xiexie!,” munching and striding my way down the avenue to my next stop: The Shanghai Museum.

I’m in Shanghai visiting an artist friend who lives here, and I’m walking around slack-jawed most of the time, blown away by this spectacular mainland China city. One quickly runs out of superlatives, but it is one of the most state-of-the-art, modern, clean, and beautiful cities this traveler has ever seen.

The Shanghai Museum is world class, and is brimming with elegant and sophisticated exhibits of wonders like ancient Chinese porcelain, bronze, and jade work. Spending a few hours here gives one a feel for the profound history of the country the centuries upon centuries of evolving arts and crafts, of warfare, of commerce, of government. I’m looking through the glass at Chinese pottery fragments from 6,000 BCE, and unbroken, elegant pieces of work from 5,000 BCE, and I shake my head in amazement and disbelief. The exquisite bronze work and precise jade carving from thousands of years ago is testament to the passion, skill and patience of the ancestors of the modern Chinese people around me.

And around me they are - in very great quantities. I’m jostled as I board the metro at People’s Square, said to be the busiest metro station in China. It’s obvious that lots of effort is going into people moving in modern China, from the sleek metros like this one to the high-speed trains that seem to copy the best aspects of their French, German, and Japanese counterparts.

Everybody has a job, everybody has a uniform - well, so it seems anyway. In any direction you look there are people in green suits industriously sweeping the sidewalks and others dressed in ill-fitting gray

T

Johnny Robinson in front of the unique Shanghai skyline. jumpsuits serve as crosswalk assistants, to help keep pedestrians from getting killed by the numerous maniacal drivers.

There are parking assistants stationed near parking meters, and unarmed guards in yet another style of uniform positioned throughout the city. And then there are the soldiers of the Peoples Republic, standing at attention at the entrances to public buildings.

The Pearl of the Orient is queen of the skyscrapers, and the building boom is showing no signs of letting up. There are more ultrahigh crane rigs employed in new construction in Shanghai than are utilized in the rest of the world’s cities combined. That sounds pretty far-fetched, but looking out from the observation deck of the Jin Mao Tower, over the sea of buildings under construction to the horizon in all directions, the cranes are too numerous to count.

Most of Shanghai’s 19.5 million residents live in the hundreds of apartment towers, but the traditional homes called "shikumen" are still found as well. These narrow two-story buildings, distinguished by their stone arch entrances, are found off pedestrian alleys called "longtang." The streets of the French Concession, where I’m rooming, are lined with Sycamore trees - the locals call them Napoleon trees after the guy who introduced them - and the ambiance of the neighborhood is one of peace and tranquility amid the hustle and bustle.

So, I’m a big fan of hitting the streets, exploring on foot for hours at a time in my restless curiosity to get the feel of a city.

Walking through People’s Park,

between people practicing Tai Chi amid the trees dressed in fall colors, I gaze upward and outward beyond the perimeter of this green space at the skyscrapers standing staunchly against the hazy blue sky. I contemplate this port city’s interesting past, and its link to the west starting in the late 18th century, when the British established trade with China through Shanghai. High demand for tea and porcelain back home became matched –through the shrewdness of British merchants- by Shanghai’s demand for opium.

The English, of course, did not produce opium themselves but slipped into India on their way to China, filling their ships’ holds with the drug. The opium business gradually dwindled to be replaced by trade in silk and ceramics, and now, a century or two later, China is the product source for Walmart, one of the world’s largest companies.

I’m on a promenade called "the Bund," overlooking the Huangpu River and the spectacular skyscrapers of the Pudong district on the other side.

The last gleam of the setting sun bathes the buildings in golden light. Soon, the sun will dip below the blocky horizon and on will come the colored lights which strikingly adorn the high-rises. As I turn and head off down Nanjing Street I shove my hands in my pocket to ward off the evening chill, and my fingers touch my rail ticket to Hangzhou. Tomorrow I board the high-speed train to that ancient city and I’ll hit the streets there.

I can’t wait to get the feel of that place.

Contact John Robinson at Jwrobinson77@gmail.com

52 Wishes for the New Year

he beginning of a new ated work. year always seems to …time in a space where you send me into a re- feel stimulated and peaceful. flective and thoughtful state of …an overwhelming sense of mind. As part of a holiday gift harmony and balance. for a friend, I decided to write …respect and admiration. her 52 individual wishes for …the ability to listen with an the coming year – one for each open heart. week in 2011. It got my gears …days filled with inspiration. turning. So, instead of …the joy that springs encouraging anyone from a job well done. to make “resolutions” …a heart filled with I’m encourage you to charity and love. dust off your dreams …the strength to and place them back stand behind your on track.

Writing decisions. them down and hang …the wisdom we it on the refrigerator or learn from nature. place it on your desk. …the kind of deep Read it from time to Stephanie Koehler laughter that makes time – just to remind you cry. you who you are and …the opportunity what mattered to you when the to stretch your mind. year began. Remember – if you …health and vitality. don’t have dreams – they can’t …access to interesting and come true. Here are my wishes creative minds. for 2011, in no particular order: …consciousness of the beauty around you.

Wishing for… …the inner strength to forge …hearts filled with tolerance. new paths. …a long and beautiful spring …new adventures. with crocus forsythia blooming …a world filled with humility in abundance. and grace. …a world filled with human …the time to appreciate the compassion. world around you. …the comfort of home.

Wishing you… …a heart filled with hope. …love. …the perseverance to exceed …kindness. your goals. …more time and connections …a chance to do what you love. with friends. Wishing you days …the hidden treasure of opfilled with useful and appreciportunity.

…the courage to stand up for your beliefs. …forgiveness. …the strength to love people more than they deserve. …a world filled with ladybugs and fireflies. …the security of loyal friends. …worthy role models. …the power to use your words for truth and love. …the joy of music. …the chance to make one person happy each day. …the audacity to create and achieve. …health of body and mind. …the wonder of a child. …a world led by courage and integrity. …words of wisdom. …unexpected moments of happiness. …a life with no regrets. …days filled with colorful sunsets.

May you… …never know the limits of possibility. …dispose of the barriers to your dreams. …know the satisfaction of growing things in the soil. …know the power of acquiring knowledge. …know the excitement of a challenge and the joy of success.

Contact Stephanie at stephaniekoehler@cox.net

Perspective

NewsRoanoke.com

Time Flies . . . One Way or Another

E

ven if you’re not hav- emotional reactions to each of ing fun, that’s true. those are all over the map, but It’s hard to believe no thinking person has ignored that the first decade of the 21st them. century is in the history books.

The election of George W. Remember the widespread Bush on November 7, 2000; near hysteria about who can forget that?

Y2K? Every electriThat was the third cal grid in the world time in our history was predicted to colwhen the candidate lapse, every plane in with a majority of the the air would have no popular vote did not idea where they were, win the Presidency. everyone’s bank acIt happened in 1876 count would be zero; when Rutherford B. and that was just the Hayes (one of our beginning.

Well, more forgettable the ball dropped in Hayden Hollingsworth chief executives) deTimes Square and feated Samuel Tillife was ploddingly den; then again in unchanged. To be truthful I was 1888 Grover Cleveland got the relieved at 12:10 AM January 1, White House when Benjamin 2000 my computer booted with Harrison won the popular vote. only a yawn and there was still In the case of President Bush, money in the bank.

Thomas Jefferson must still be I remember at a very young twirling in his grave since the age becoming aware of the new judicial branch, not the legislayear number and figured out tive branch, made the choice on how old I would be when 2000 December 9, 2000. Jefferson, in rolled around: I would be dead; the style of Tom Clancy, viewed no one would live that long. the Supreme Court as a clear Now ten years beyond I still and present danger to democralook at the grass from above and cy. The country survived their hope that continues. decision peacefully. There were National publications have no riots in the streets and of that looked at the signal events of we can be proud. One cannot the decade and there have been help but wonder how different many. In our personal lives that things might have been with a has been true and frequently President Gore. It might have of more importance than what been worse: Federal control has happened on a global scale. over our thermostats, combat We have had deaths of those we rules for showers (90 seconds love. We have seen new lives only), or family statistics on oxtake their places. We have had ygen consumption/carbon disuccesses. We have lived with oxide production. Who knows? bitter failures. There have been September 11, 2001. Somehealth challenges and changed where around 2800 Americans lives. The ten years have left (no one is sure of the World their indelible mark on each of Trade Center number) were us. killed that day. That’s more Superimposed on our per- than were lost on D-day, and sonal lives have been four probably the second bloodiest world-wide events that had day in our history; the battle of implications for everyone. Our Antietam in 1862 with almost

24,000 causalities would rank as first and worst. On that pristine Tuesday morning our world view was forever changed. So much of what has happened in this decade had its genesis there. America as a hated nation, the threat of terrorism, our response to unsupported intelligence, how we view the humanity of our enemies, who really is a citizen? These thoughts are still roiling as of the collapse of the twin towers replays in our minds.

The financial collapse of September 29, 2008 and the continuing fallout of the housing, banking, and investment markets will influence the world economy for decades, perhaps forever. Robert Reich in his book, After Shock, notes alarming parallels with October 1929.

In both cases, 1 percent of the population controlled more than 23% of the nation’s wealth.

He posits that is not sustainable.

The whole thing is too complicated to explain but here’s a word that should be applied institutionally as well as personally: Greed.

And finally, November 4, 2008, the election of Barack Obama. It’s too early to state all the implications of that date but it was hugely important. It will be for the historians to sort out the politics of the period, but one can safely say that The Shining City on the Hill looks today a lot more like a landfill.

Let’s hope that can change.

The decade passed quickly and it has not been fun but we and the world have survived it.

My hope for the next ten years is that we can do better. At least everyone should try.

W

hat form does empty nest syndrome take when the flock comes home to roost?

This is a question I murmured to myself over and over again while lying awake in bed weeks before the winter school break.

Like death, taxes and mudslides in California, it was inevitable.

They were coming back.

My son Will, like his posse of friends, has been residing at an institute of higher leaning for nearly five months. During that time he has attended classes, prepared meals for himself, washed his clothing and even cleaned his room a few times.

Meanwhile my wife Janet and I had enjoyed a kind tranquility not often seen at our home; call it a peaceful interval free of video playing, fridge robbing and never leaving house guests.

Minus the clamor provided by our three hound dogs, you might even describe our respite as serene.

Foolishly clinging to the hope that somehow the gathering hoard might have stumbled across adulthood while they were gone, the gang arrived last week and simply picked up where they left off last summer. Releasing these guys into a greater environment of their peers brought home some added facial hair, but little cultivation.

Their friendship remained fully intact, as was their appetites.

Several months ago I began to carry my lunch to work. I never minded leftovers and I felt like my break from fast foods would suit me well, physically and in the wallet. Two days into the return of the masses I realized that there would be no leftovers until these marauders had safely returned to their respective cafeterias.

For a solid month our den once again became their club-

Preacher’s Corner - “Thinking and Believing”

I

by Dr. George C. Anderson

once flipped through a notebook of sermons – sermons gathered over the years from fellow preachers I meet with every year. I started reading the middle of a sermon, and it was good stuff. It taught me something I didn’t know and provided me with a fresh insight. That sermon blessed me. I turned to the first page of the sermon to see who wrote it.

And there was my name. It was a sermon I wrote years before. I once knew what I didn’t know and once realized what I needed to learn. Did I once believe what I no longer knew to be true?† Thinking the faith is important. The unexamined life is a dangerous one. It is possible to learn your way into a greater understanding of what it means to be a follower of Christ. We are not simply sensate creatures who live by instinct. We have this amazing ability to imagine a world that was here before we squawked our first baby cry and will be here after our last breath is taken. We are able to consider our place and significance within a family and community, within an ever-expanding cosmos, and in relation to a God that we envision is not contained within our community and not bound by creation. That ability to “transcend ourselves” makes us human. We can refuse to consider our place in the world, but it takes that; it takes refusing. We have to choose not to ponder the significance of our lives. We have to choose not to reflect upon value, morals, Contact Hayden at worth, and meaning. Thinkjhayden2003@cox.net ing is very much a part of believing, and learning is very much a means of growing in the faith.

And yet, believing can’t simply be thinking.† Let me tell you about Carson. Carson has made mishouse. Tearfully, I said goodbye slice of chocolate cake I had to my recliner, knowing that I been saving for dessert. I could would be relegated to the living have survived the rest of my days room couch. Over the preceding without Will solving the conunmonths the dogs had claimed drum of the missing cake. Some the vacant living room as their mysteries should simply remain own. Needless to say, shrouded amidst the I was coldly received. fog.

The entire dynamic Next month our of the house reversed mailbox will contain in time. The fleeting tangible evidence of comforts that I had the invasion in the grown to love were form of noticeable quickly if not tempospikes in our water, rarily shelved. electric and grocery Once again we bills. The house will were open for busiagain grow silent and Jon Kaufman ness for every like the gang will return aged person in the vicinity. to their respective universities.

When the boys weren't mow- But the truth is that despite ing down the Soviet infantry in being exiled from my com"Call of Duty," they were play- fort zone, I will miss these kids ing cards and leaving the strewn more than ever. What happens 540.989.9501 www.parkoakgrove.com remnants of late night snacks when the flock comes back to Independent & Assisted Living for me to discover the following roost? Well, some troubles to be morning. Following a straight sure - but we are reminded how week of food, fun and firearms, fortunate we are to witness the the swarm was showing signs of vibrancy of youth in a season boredom. In an effort to spice that celebrates the importance up the proceedings, Will de- of family and friends. cided to purchase a can of Skoal And besides - it's probably and join the leagues of baseball good to get thrown out of your players who prefer a pinch be- recliner every now and again. tween their cheek and gums.

This ill conceived experiment Contact Jon at ended badly for Will, resulting Jon.Kaufman@sprint.com in the reappearance of a large

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1/7/11 - 1/13/11 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 5

takes, as everyone has. Yet, when the evidence of his life is weighed, he is someone for whom it is easy to say he had been a faithful follower of Christ. He set an example as to how to live in a faithful way at home, at work, in the community and at church.

Carson once had a fine mind. He learned from others and became wise in his own way so that others learned from him. Only when I visit him he is forgetful. He repeats himself. A tide is receding in his mind as he is in the process of forgetting a lot of what he had learned starting with the recent and moving back through the years.

Maybe down the road when the tide recedes some more, Carson will forget everythingmaybe even God. But in that nursing home room, I know that what matters is not what he forgets, but that God will not forget him. He learned that truth once and taught it to others. Forgetting it does not make it any less true, and forgetting it doesn’t negate the impact he made on others in teaching that truth, and living according to that truth.

So, what Carson forgot still matters. The reason why is one of the great mysteries

of the faith that I have been taught but am still, myself, trying to fully understand.

Carson’s believing and his witnessing were never his work alone. His faith was the Holy Spirit believing and witnessing in and through him.

When he had a mind, God inspired what he learned and taught. Now he is confused, but God still cares for him, and is making contact with others through him. One day he will die, and God will use his dying. What matters most is not what Carson believes, but what God is doing in and through Carson.

Believing and thinking are not the same. The latter is what we do. The former is what God does in and through us. Believing uses thinking, but believing always begins and ends in a conversation that comes of a relationship with God … that God makes possible.

Are you afraid you will forget what you believe? Try to remember this: God will not forget you.

George Anderson is the senior minister at Second Presbyterian Church, visit them on the web at spres.org.

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Hidden Valley Opens River Ridge Play Around the Hardwoods with Wild Bill With 74-33 Romp Over Blacksburg

Well, readers, I’m sure you’ve dropped to 1-27 all-time against lot of interest and guesses, plus realized from my picture in to- top-5 opponents- playing Ar- my bowl watching gets some day’s edition that I was able to get kansas State or Central Michigan scrutiny from a reader.

Hidden Valley rolled to a 45-19 halftime lead and never looked back as the Titans easily disall the egg off my face after my won’t improve those numbers In the football inquiry, most patched Blacksburg Tuesday night in the Hidden Valley gym. Hidden Valley placed 12 players in prediction on Monday night’s down the road. thought that since the holder was the scoring column in the River Ridge District opener. Taylor Walker led the way for the Titans Orange Bowl debacle. Last week Now, to the hardwoods where on one knee in the end zone, the with 22 points and Carter Wright added 12.

I admittedly gave the thumbs up district play is just beginning call was a safety. Others thought to Virginia Tech defeating Stan- and predictions are in order for a 116-yard field goal attempt was ford in the Miami showdown. some Roanoke area teams. Pat- reason to invoke the deception Unfortunately for the Hokie Na- rick Henry looks strong in the rule. Sorry, this play is totally tion this ended up being a total AAA Western Valley where Jack legit- and the holder can be on meltdown for VT, leading sev- Esworthy’s squad looks capable a knee for the kick placement eral people on Tuesday to ask of playing with anybody. Flem- as long as a kick is attempted. me why I made such a ing is still growing as a Thanks to high school ref Chris preposterous claim. young team, but keep Moody for the answer. I hope After reflection, that’s your eye on the Colonels’ there was a strong gale at the a good question and one Kris Whitfield. Watching kicker’s back for that boot. that needs examination. this guy play is worth the In basketball, the ball off the First of all, I’m going price of admission. player’s head drew some laughs, to point out it wasn’t the In the River Ridge, but it’s in the book. The basket players. Tech has a bevy Christiansburg has set counts as a two-point shot. Some of talented athletes the bar high with their thought a 3-pointer and others Bill Turner who, if given the opoffensive prowess. Hid- said no basket since there were portunity, can play with den Valley may be the no hands used. High school and the best. There lies the problem. sleeper here - the Titan’s Head college ref Dennis Layman got The higher-ups in Blacksburg Coach, Troy Wells, is an inge- us straight on this one.

(I’ll call him Madam X) can’t nious mentor who doesn’t have Finally, the ice hockey coach expect for the team to compete three state championships under needs to read the fine print in with the best, if they rarely do his belt because of all those life the rule book. Each team earns what it takes to play the best. savers he dishes out. a point in a regulation tie. But, if I heard an ESPN radio analyst Northside is my pick to cap- you pull your goalie in overtime once say the road to being a top- ture the Blue Ridge. Allegheny is and the other team finds the Hidden Valley center #44 Austin Beecher splits two Blacksburg five team requires scheduling the a possible breakthrough, but I’ll empty net, you forfeit that point. defenders as he drives for a Titan basket. top teams, backing down from take the Vikings as Billy Pope has I saw former Express coach Perry no one and taking some lumps been around long enough to put Florio research this on a road trip

By Bill Turner until you can start playing with all the pieces together. to Greensboro ten years ago. No info@newsroanoke.com confidence on the top-5 opposFor the unusual high school problem, though - the Generals ing team’s field, thus garnering game of the week, we look no were dispatched in regulation as national attention. That scenario further than the Lady Terrier goalie Daniel Berthiaume stayed Hidden Valley guard #20 Dylan Hodson puts up a baseline does not include dragging in un- Classic third-round contest be- comfortably between the pipes. jumper past a Bruin defender. knowns from the Mid-Ameri- tween Hidden Valley and NorthDear Wild Football Man: can Conference in the heretofore side. Late arrivals must have Did you watch all those bowl annual MAC lovefest at Lane suspected a scoreboard malfunc- games on New Years Day? ( Bob/ Stadium. 2011 gets worse with tion. Randy Bush’s Lady Titans Smith Mt. Lake) Arkansas State, Appalachian were clicking on both ends of the Answer: No Bob, I was State and East Carolina visiting court, leading 25-0 after the first through with the bowls by the - not exactly a group of marquee quarter. The final was 56-13 as time the ball dropped in Times prime-timers.

Northside faced a rare game in Square. I flipped the channels Roanoke College took ad- Bob Sheldon his 319th caDon’t most fans think their which they only attempted two and came upon the Three Stoogvantage of strong performanc- reer victory. Tufts was led by team would show a little more free throws, making neither. es Marathon on AMC. When es by several local players as the Amauris Quezada's 20 points. swagger if they played quality An equally strange college you get Larry, Curly and Moe Maroons split their two games Roanoke had three players in opponents, home-and-away, on game played out in the Morris working on the plumbing in a in the Morris Cregger Invita- double figures, with Kwasi a regular basis? Likewise, let’s call Cregger Invitational at Roanoke Beverly Hills mansion, you’ve tional played earlier this week Amponsah leading the way ACC football what it is - medio- College Sunday when Hiwassee got it going on. at the C. Homer Bast Center with 22. Senior, Melvin Felix cre at best. ACC officials like to College called four timeouts in We’ll do another set of odd on the Roanoke campus.

(Salem HS) and junior Logan think they have top-notch com- the last 1.2 seconds against Em- rules next week. In the meanSingleton (Hidden Valley) petition because games go to the ory and Henry. The prolonged time, send inquiries to: each added 12 for the Mawire in front of frenzied fans. breathers didn’t work as Hiwasinfo@newsroanoke.com roons.

I’ve got news for you--this could see fell by one point.

By Bill Turner On Monday afternoon, Roadescribe an Ivy League matchup Now, to the mailbag where last info@newsroanoke.com noke blew out to a 47-32 halfbetween Yale and Brown. Tech week’s questions on rules drew a time lead and never looked back in defeating Hiwassee TUNING UP YOUR HEATING SYSTEM WILL SAVEÊ10%ÊONÊHEATINGÊCOSTS IN ADDITION TO REDUCINGÊ350LBSÊOFÊCO 2ÊEMISSIONS. College (TN) 87-71. Felix led all scorers with 24 points with Zach Barrett (Hidden Valley) Singleton adding 14 and Matt makes his move in Monday's Crizer chipping in 12. The win over Hiwassee.

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The tournament honored Morris Cregger, Class of 1964, who lettered in four sports Maroon's #24 Clay Lacy (Cave INSTALL A (basketball, track, soccer and Spring), at left, arm extended, tennis) while a student-athlete checks Tufts' #32 Alex OrÊ at Roanoke. In the 2007-08 chowski during first-round season Cregger donated the action. state-of-the-art scoreboard in the Bast Center. He is presentOn Sunday, Roanoke fell ly a businessman in Columbia, AND short in a 90-72 loss to Tufts, CALL THE WOODS FAMILY TODAY! #1 IN SERVICE SINCE 1985 as the Jumbos used a hot hand Roanoke #34 Logan Singleton SC. We’re open on Saturdays! from behind the arc to knock battles in the paint as HiwasBy Bill Turner ON YOUR HEATING down 10 3-pointers, giving info@newsroanoke.com personable Tufts' head coach see's #25 KaDarius Donaldson AND COOLING COSTS looks to deny the pass.

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Valley Business

Page 8 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 1/7/11 - 1/13/11

Goodwill Opens New Store in Salem Goodwill Industries of the Valleys held the grand opening of its newest retail store on West Main Street in Salem on Thursday January 6th. Goodwill Marketing Manager Suni Heflin said, “We are very excited about the opening of this new store right in the heart of Salem. It will be a convenient location to donate and shop.”

The grand opening led off with a “Tie” cutting ceremony at 8:45 a.m. and featured local officials, community leaders, and Goodwill representatives welcoming the new store to the area. The doors opened for shoppers for the first time immediately following the ceremony.

During the grand opening festivities, which will continue through Sunday, January 9th, shoppers will have the opportunity to register to win a new flat screen television and take advantage of thousands of bargains throughout the store.

The new store offers over 7000 square feet of retail space filled with high quality, low cost furniture, books, household items, and clothing for the entire family, as well as a drive-thru donation center.

“Goodwill is excited to expand to better serve the Salem community,” stated Bruce Phipps, President and CEO. “When the community donates and shops at Goodwill, they

NewsRoanoke.com

Do You Know Who Your IRA Beneficiary Is? Why It Matters.

Deciding whom to designate as a beneficiary for your IRA might seem like a no-brainer— you probably want your money to go to someone near and dear to you. But is the person (or people) you’re thinking of actually the one(s) you named on the IRA beneficiary form all those years ago when you opened the account?

Employees hang clothing and stock the new Goodwill West To be certain, it’s wise to review your beneficiary desigSalem store in anticipation of this week's grand opening. nation form at least every few are helping people achieve the main open.” pride, dignity, and self respect For many households, the years, or whenever you’ve had that comes from real work.”

New Year means sorting and a change in circumstances, such The addition of a new store purging possessions, and while as a divorce. Changing your is timely, as Heflin explained, Goodwill is perhaps best known beneficiary is easy—you sim“The need in our community as a convenient place to find a ply complete a new beneficiary is greater than ever before. In new home for those items, He- designation form. Keep in mind 2010, Goodwill served 40,000 flin wants to remind the com- that a will or trust does not overindividuals just in the 31 coun- munity that “Helping people ride this form unless you name ties we serve. This number was and families in our community your estate or trust as your up from approximately 32,000 achieve a better life through beneficiary; however, spouses the year prior. The stores are the work and independence is our may have special rights under economic engine that funds the mission. Without donations state law (community property job training and employment and a way to sell those dona- statutes vary by state). Because programs we offer.” tions, our mission can’t be met.” beneficiary designations are imHeflin added, “Convenience Goodwill retail stores support portant estate-planning docuis a real key factor we consider the training and employment ments, you may want to review when deciding where to open programs for individuals who them with your attorney before a new store. We want donors face barriers to employment. filing them with your IRA cusand shoppers to have the most Last year the donated goods op- todian.

Beneficiary designation forms convenient locations and West eration generated $24.1 million offer the option of naming priMain Street in Salem is one ex- in revenue and provided over mary and contingent beneficiaample of an absolutely perfect 578 jobs in the communities ries.

The primary beneficiary is location. The Lakeside Salem served by Goodwill in Virginia. your first choice to receive your location is still a great place to The new store, Goodwill’s 32nd retirement benefits and can be donate and shop and will re- store location, will employ 17 more than one person or entity. people, including supervisory If you choose more than one positions. primary beneficiary, you may!

The new Salem store, located specify a percentage to be paid at 1830 West Main Street (the to each person and indicate whether a beneficiary’s share Professional House Cleaning former Dave Sarmadi Mitsubishi will be void if he or she predelocation) will be open Monday – ceases you or if that share will Saturday from 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.

1618 Roanoke to his or herBlvd children. This and Sunday noon – 6 p.m. Do- passSuite A comes into situation typically nation Center hours are Monday playVirginia when you designate Salem, 24153 equal –Saturday from 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. shares to all your 540-389-5252children. You and Sunday noon – 6 p.m.

also can name a minor as a di- with your tax and legal advisors rect beneficiary of an IRA, but and other members of your adyour local probate court may visory team. require the appointment of a A Primary Beneficiaries guardian for the minor.

Primer A contingent beneficiary is When naming a primary someone you designate to re- beneficiary, some designations ceive your IRA only if all prima- to be familiar with are all my ry beneficiaries predecease you, children, per stirpes and per die simultaneously with you capita. Terminology and defior disclaim their rights to the nitions may vary from state to IRA assets. These are the only state, however, so you should circumstances under which a consult with an attorney before contingent beneficiary would making a final decision. be entitled to the assets in your All My Children: If you use IRA. this term or name each child If you have special circum- specifically, your IRA assets will stances (for example, you would be divided among your survivlike to leave dollar amounts ing children only. If one of your rather than percentages to your children dies before you, the beneficiaries), it also is pos- remaining children will share sible to customize a beneficiary equally in the deceased child’s designation—you will probably portion. want to enlist professional help Per Stirpes: Also known as to guide you through this pro- “rights of representation” in cess. some states, per stirpes means Distributions from an IRA that the children of a benefimay have tax consequences ciary who predeceases you will for your beneficiaries. While share equally in the portion of taxes shouldn’t be the primary your IRA originally left to the determining factor in naming now-deceased child. your beneficiaries, ignoring the Per Capita: This method diimpact of taxes could have sig- vides your IRA assets among nificant consequences for your your beneficiaries and the defamily. A tax advisor can help scendants of any beneficiary you weigh the pros and cons who dies before you. For excarefully in order to make sure ample, if you name your three your wishes are executed in a daughters as your primary bentax-efficient manner. eficiaries and one of them dies Selecting your IRA benefi- before you, each of her own ciaries can be challenging, both three children will receive a emotionally and financially, share equal to that of your other given the potential tax implica- two daughters—splitting the tions. Remember to look at your IRA into five equal parts.

IRA assets in context with the ! General rest of your estate before makMike Kemp is a Financial AdHome Repairs ing any decisions.

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Commentary

1/7/11 - 1/13/11 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 9

NewsRoanoke.com

Letter - Support for Mumpower Dear Editor, Ginger Mumpower is clearly the better candidate for the House of Delegates. Mumpower, a moderate Democrat in the tradition of Senator Mark Warner, is a long-time small business owner who has proven she knows how to create jobs. Mumpower has owned Ginger's Jewelers for over 25 years. She has directly employed many Roanoke-area citizens, and indirectly employed many by purchasing jewelry components from local suppliers. Mumpower's opponent is a liability lawsuit lawyer who seems to think businesses exist to be sued. Habeeb's law firm's website even brags about how much he has sued businesses. I ask you, how good could Habeeb be for our busi-

ness community with a record like that? Mumpower has support of business leaders from both parties. I can not think of a better person who would represent us. Earning bi-partisan support and standing firm on issues while campaigning are strong indicators of how Mumpower will lead.

Her opponent has flip-flopped and made many self-contradicting statements in attempt to sway voters; this front is easily seen by all. Our region deserves a Delegate who will represent all of us, support a job-creating business environment, and protect our schools. Vote for Ginger Mumpower.

- Scott Adkins, Roanoke

Letter - Voter Fraud Unacceptable

Dear Editor, American people should no longer be willing to accept vote fraud simply because "both sides do it." Vote fraud is a crime regardless. It robs Americans of the government that was voted for. It has become rampant as it was promoted by many voting drive groups.

There were many cases of ballots exceeding votes legitimately cast. The following are examples of misdeeds that transpired this past election.

1. When votes were cast for one candidate in Boulder City, Nebraska, the touch screen machine was already pre-set for another candidate.

2. In New Bern, North Carolina, Sam Laughinghouse claimed he pushed the button twice to vote Republican in all races, but the voting ma-

chine screen displayed that all Democrats were checked.

3. The return address of 250 absentee ballot applications is 1238 North Avenue, which happens to be a vacant lot.

4. In Illinois and perhaps numerous other states, military personnel overseas were "accidentally" denied the right to vote since deadlines were missed. Apparently the DOJ will not pursue any punitive action.

5. In Connecticut, a "Sanctuary City" issued thousands of ID's accepted for voter registration, allowing illegal aliens to possibly elect the governor.

Reports of voter fraud have become endemic. There needs to be an end to software driven elections. Perhaps paper ballots or a vote count based on adding machine technol-

ogy, coupled with grassroots verification, is the solution.

In any event, objective investigations need to be launched into the vote gathering tactics in every city or county where the ballots in the ballot boxes exceed the number of votes legitimately cast, where properly registered voters were not allowed to cast votes, where pre-punched ballots were issued, or where any kind of vote fraud took place.

To curtail the wholesale manipulation of the electoral system, the prohibition of the wholesale manipulation of the legal system is in order.

Transparency, uniformity, and clarity are a must.

- Harsha Sankar, Covington

Looking Ahead to the 112th Congress Last week marked the official start to the 112th Congress.

Members of this new Congress, including myself, have been officially sworn into office by the new Speaker of the House, John Boehner. We face many challenges as we enter into this historic session, including out of control government spending, record unemployment numbers, and many others.

These issues touch the lives of every American.

As economic uncertainty continues, many across our nation are looking to the government for leadership during this difficult time. The Democratic controlled Congress responded by raising taxes, increasing federal spending at an unsustainable pace, allowing our national debt to spiral out of control, and passing legislation that gives the federal government more control of our daily lives.

They have spent trillions on bailouts and stimulus packages to help grow our economy, but all it has done is increase our debt and the size of the federal bureaucracy while leaving our nation’s unemployment rate hovering around ten percent.

We simply cannot continue down this fiscally irresponsible path. It is time Congress takes control of spending instead of letting it control the Congress.

In these challenging economic times it is even more important for government to control spending. The federal government must work to both eliminate every cent of waste and squeeze every cent of value out of each dollar our citizens entrust to it. With families and small businesses all across our nation making tough decisions each day about what they can and cannot afford Congress should not be allowed to ignore these tough decisions when creating spending policies for the federal government.

For this reason, in the opening days of this new Congress, I will be introducing a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution. My legislation, which has had bipartisan support in the past, ensures that the federal government is held accountable and that the money our citizens work so hard to earn is not squandered on wasteful spending and programs. Specifically, the legisla-

tion forces Congress to enact fiscally responsible spending measures and reduce the deficit by requiring that total spending for any fiscal year not exceed total receipts. Reigning in out of control government spending is the first step in growing our national economy.

I am proud to represent one of the most beautiful and diverse districts in the country and I am honored to continue to carry the voice of the 6th Congressional District to Washington, D.C. Be assured, as your Congressman I will not shy away from the challenges at hand. I look forward to working in the 112th Congress on real solutions that will reduce government spending, grow our economy, and create American jobs. We in Congress must all work together to create effective public policy that benefits the American people.

To contact me about this or any other matter, please visit my website at www.goodlatte. house.gov.

- Congressman Bob Goodlatte

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Letter - Support for Habeeb

Dear Editor, I was dismayed a few weeks ago to discover that my yard sign supporting Greg Habeeb as the Republican candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates had been removed. The same thing happened to a neighbor who lives a few blocks away.

The wind could not have removed them, because the signs are made in the shape of a short, wide pillow case, and they slide down tightly over a metal frame. A yard sign is an extension of a homeowner's free speech, which is guaranteed to all Americans by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution, a document that has recently been on the minds of many persons.

A few days or a week later I read side by side letters in two different weekly newspapers. In both cases one was in support of Mr. Habeeb, and the other was in support of his Democrat opponent, Ginger Mumpower. In both instances, the letters

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- Virginia Hardin, Retired Teacher for Habeeb, Southwest Roanoke County

Letter - Mumpower Will Hold Power Companies Accountable Dear Editor, It seems our power bills continue to escalate at an alarming rate. We need our representatives to understand this is a major problem for Virginians.

Ginger Mumpower understands power bills are skyrocketing. She knows many residents of the 8th District can't continue to meet the rate hikes. Ginger

will put people before corporate profits.

Why has Habeeb remained silent on this very important issue? It appears Habeeb is more concerned about the power companies than the people he will represent. This is not surprising, since Habeeb is a corporate lawyer, and has spent much of his career representing

corporations against the people.

The power companies and corporations have enough representation. Why would we vote for Habeeb and give the power companies more lawyers to fight to raise rates? I will be voting for the people, and Ginger Mumpower.

- Chris Martin, Roanoke

Letter - Habeeb Clear Winner

Greg Habeeb was the clear winner in Monday night’s Candidates Forum, hosted by the Salem PTA. Habeeb professionlism was unmistakable and he answered questions articulately

and honestly. He said he would always look us in the eye and tell us what needed to happen. He addressed every issue and didn’t duck any questions. He was comfortable in front of an audience

and his answers drew a number of applause breaks. Habeeb deserves to be our next delegate.

- Michael L. Bream, Roanoke

Letter - Passenger AMTRAK To and From Roanoke

Dear Editor, I strongly feel there is a need to push for funding for passenger service to return to Roanoke - a city built on rail service.

Looking at traffic and receipts from Lynchburg is a "base start," but we should also consider NRV/Roanoke traffic traveling to Raleigh. When we travel on business/personal trips by

AMTRAK we travel to Raleigh for southern destinations. It's worth the time and savings to travel to Raleigh rather than from Lynchburg or Hinton.

However a short pop to Roanoke would make the extra rail ticket price far more feasible.

Since the huge investment is needed to upgrade the Roanoke "yard," then the bus "bridge"

Letter - Poff Federal Building Question Dear Editor, Now that Congressman Bob Goodlatte has discovered that the GSA broke the law with regard to the awarding of contracts to renovate the Poff Federal building, I have to wonder if those involved in this lawlessness will now lose their jobs and

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for Mr. Habeeb extolled his character, experience, accomplishments and honors. The letters supporting Ms. Mumpower's candidacy had few sentences about her, and many about Mr. Habeeb.

Those latter sentences were not complimentary.

I do not believe that Ms. Mumpower had anything to do with the sign heists or the nasty letters.

But I surely hope that these are not indications that dirty politics have reared their ugly head in this portion of Virginia that my husband and I have chosen to call home these past 47 years, where our children have grown up and received excellent educations, and where we have been impressed with the honesty and integrity of the people.

makes more immediate sense.

Let's stop the debating and "political agenda" and make it happen. We're living during a time of "the two fake fuel crises" 1974 and now. Let's get off the hidden agendas and make it work.

Period!

- H. Guess, Roanoke

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Page 10 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 1/7/11 - 1/13/11

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The Roanoke Valley's First Baby of The New Year The first New Year's baby in the Roanoke Valley was born at 12:32 a.m. at LewisGale Medical Center. Andrew Paul Schaltegger weighed 6 pounds, 9 ounces and was 20 ¼ inches long. Andrew's parents, Zachary and Kimberly, are Roanoke County residents. This is the couple's first child.

"It's a great start to the New Year with Andrew as part of our family," said Kimberly Schaltegger. "He is such a sweet baby." Andrew's parents weren't expecting a New Year's baby; they were quite surprised because he came three weeks

ahead of schedule. But as a wise doctor (Pie Garst) once told our Publisher, "Stuart, there is

no such thing as a 'late' or 'early' baby . . . All babies come when they're supposed to . . ."

Hip Replacement?

Product Recall?

The following side effects have been linked to certain recalled defective hip replacement devices manufactured since 2003, by DePuy:

• Fractured hip bone resulting from failure of the hip implant • Loosening of the hip implant • Hip, thigh or groin pain • Swelling or inflammation around the hip implant • Pain when walking, standing or carrying heavy objects

Individuals with the defective DePuy implant may need:

• Hospitalization requiring replacement of the defective implants • Ongoing medical monitoring and testing

Thursday January 13 6:30 pm Howery Mezzanine Roanoke Main Library

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If you or someone you know has experienced any of these symptoms or has experienced a recent hip replacement, we may be able to help you, and you may have a claim for a defective product.

T

HOMSON

For more information, contact us:

540-777-4900 or 877-471-3353

L A W F I R M , PLLC

2721 Brambleton Ave. S.W. Roanoke VA 24015 www.roanokeinjurylawyer.com

Defective Products- Automobile Accidents-Animal Attacks- Nursing Home Neglect

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Michael B. Kemp Senior Vice President—Wealth Management Portfolio Manager Financial Planning Specialist

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