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The Roanoke Star-Sentinel July 8 - 14, 2011

Smith Gives Summary of New State Laws Budget Reform

P3– Morgan Griffith says he is hard at work in Washington doing everything he can to bring about fiscal responsibility.

The Turbo Microbus P5– Life was lived just a little looser in the 1960s and 70s and the customized Robinson Family VW Microbus will bring back the memories.

NewsRoanoke.com

Community | News | Per spective

During this year’s “short” legislative session, the General Assembly considered 1892 bills and hundreds of resolutions.

Ultimately 888 bills were signed into law by Governor Bob McDonnell after they passed the House of Delegates and the Senate.

The vast majorState Gov’t ity of these new laws went into effect on Friday, July 1. Folowing are brief summaries of some of the new laws that Senator Ralph Smith says he is most frequently asked about - but does not necessarily support. Smith introduced bills that resulted in new laws in the areas of crime prevention, transportation, property rights and voting regulations.

Alcohol Drivers under 21 that drink and drive (.02% BAC limit) will now face class 1 misdemeanor charges, must forfeit their driver’s license for one year, and pay a mandatory minimum fine of $500 or serve 50 hours of community service.

Properly licensed restaurants will be allowed to let customers bring their own wine and charge

[

Council Gets Lesson In Stormwater Management

“ID3” Race is Growing Tradition

Photo by Valerie Garner

Lack of sediment control is evident at Lick Run.

]

> CONTINUED P3: State Law

Roanoke City faces new stormwater quality mandates from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. “It is their number one enforcement priority,” said Phil Shermer, engineer for Roanoke City.

But the City continues to feel the effects of manCity Gov’t dates with no funding attached. Funding for the water quality mandates “trickles down” to the state, then to the locality to implement and fund.

The estimated cost to comply is $70 million.

Mayor David Bowers said the cascading effect is “coming down from the holy city of Richmond.”

Virginia’s Department of Environment Quality assesses the streams and the Virginia Department of Recreation and

[

Photo by Bill Turner

Women's pro-classification riders turn onto Salem Avenue during Sunday's ID3 Criterium that was part of the three races held over the July 4th holiday weekend.

A

trio of bicycle races highlighted the Fourth of July weekend in Roanoke in the annual prelude to the main weekend of the Coventry Commonwealth Games which run Friday through Sunday, July 15-17.

On Saturday, riders tackled the Mill Mountain Time Trial, a 1.87 mile uphill struggle

that tests even the most experienced of riders.

The course, with a total elevation climb of 900 feet, began near the Walnut Avenue Bridge.

After a series of subtle inclines and plateaus on Walnut Avenue, riders turn right on Pros-

]

> CONTINUED P2: Stormwater

> CONTINUED P7: Criterium

Roanoke Railhouse Bicentennial Locomotive “1776” to Shine Again at VMT Brewery Fresh Option Art By Bike!

P6– Roanoke’s newest piece of public art, “In A Tangle” is finally unveiled as the starting point for the Valley’s “Art by Bike” tour.

The Virginia Museum of Transportation has announced a campaign to restore a unique symbol of this nation’s fight for its freedom. In the mid-1970s, the Norfolk & Western Railway boldly painted a locomotive— the number 1776—red, white, and blue to celebrate the USA’s Bicentennial and to demonstrate the railroad’s commitment to America’s strong future.

Today, the 1776 is one of the most beloved diesel engines in The N&W Locomotive “1776” awaits restoration at the VMT. the Museum’s collection. The her proud gleam once again.”

Southern Corporation donated locomotive’s last restoration In 1974, the Norfolk & West- the 1776 to the Virginia Muwas in 1991 and her paint and ern SD45 diesel locomotive seum of Transportation that it glory are now fading. The Mu- 1776 received its distinctive was once again painted in its seum has set a goal of $10,000 paint scheme in honor of the patriotic red, white and blue. to bring back the engine’s true 200th Anniversary of the Decla- The 1776 was built in 1970 by colors. ration of Independence in 1976. the General Motors Electro“This museum is Virginia’s From 1974 through 1978, the Motive Division -- one of 115 official transportation museum, engine proudly headed trains of its type purchased by N&W. but doesn’t receive any state across the 14-state The 1776 was retired from serfunding,” said BevN&W system. vice on Leap Day in February, erly T. Fitzpatrick, Museum The cab of the lo- 1988.

Jr., the Museum’s comotive featured executive director. an eye-catching circle of thirOn July 4, one dollar of every “When state support ended a teen stars on a blue field rep- visitor’s admission fee was desigdecade ago, our restoration ef- resenting the original thirteen nated for the 1776’s restoration. forts came to a halt, until now. colonies that declared their Supporters can donate securely We have completed the cos- independence from England online at www.vmt.org, mail a metic restoration of several in 1776. Striking red and white contribution to the Museum at pieces of rail stock in the past stripes ran the length of the lo- 303 Norfolk Ave SW, Roanoke, year, and are now preparing to comotive.

VA 24016, or call 540-342-5670 begin work on this locomotive In 1978, the engine was re- during normal business hours. that is a true railfan favorite and painted N&W black, and it For more information, visit national icon. It’s time to restore wasn’t until 1991 when Norfolk www.vmt.org.

[

The Lover P9– Gene Marrano reviews the GAMUT Theatre’s new production of the Harold Pinter production that runs through July 16th.

]

For Beer Aficionados

Some time ago Steve Davidson, a realtor with Remax Allpoints, worked with a gentleman in Roanoke who dreamed of starting a brewery. Davidson kept a lookout for a building that included all the necessary facilities for such an operation: high ceilings, industrial gas, industrial electric capability, loading dock and drains on the floor to help collect water from processing Later on, an old high school friend of Davidson’s, Mark Hall, (owner of Wimmer Tire Company) moved his busi- The Roanoke Railhouse brew ness to the McClanahan Street crew gets the job done. site where the old Dr. Pepper bottling plant was located near source from a known location.

This “perfect find” and his Roanoke Memorial Hospital.

Wimmer asked Davidson to own interest in micro-brewed see if he could find a tenant to beers got Davidson fired up. occupy some of the building at The gentleman who had originally dreamed of a brewery was his businesses’ new location. now out of the pic“I looked in the ture, so Davidson back,” says DavidBusiness became a man with son, “saw the high a mission: to conceilings and the loading dock and the drains on vince someone to open a brewthe floor and the industrial gas ery at the McClanahan Street and electric, and then he point- location. “After a year-and-aed out to me that this building half of making that pitch and had its own [water] well”—an extolling the virtues of microextremely significant component of a brewery as it would > CONTINUED provide a continuous water P2: Railhouse

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Page 2 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 7/8/11 - 7/14/11

> Railhouse

Storms chances will continue for Thursday, Friday through Saturday morning.

Saturday afternoon looks dry. Any storms we see could be strong to severe. Highs will be near 90 on Thursday dropping into the mid to upper 80s on Friday and Saturday.

Hit or miss showers and storms are possible Sunday through Tuesday.

Temperatures return to the low 90s.

Steven W. Durrance Floors 540-776-9591

brewed beers … I finally sold someone on the idea—and that individual was me.”

In January 2009 the Roanoke Railhouse Brewing Company opened for business. Today, over two years later, the brewery has just announced its latest Summer Seasonal Beer: a Blonde Ale described as “lighter, crisper,” with “a hint of citrus,” a brew the brewery expects “to deliver even more refreshment in the heat of the summer season.”

At present, the brewery produces what it calls “three distinctly different styles of craft brews,” with its product available in a wide variety of locations—Roanoke City and County, Salem, Vinton, Lynchburg, Danville, Rocky Mount, Charlottesville, the New River Valley—as well as stores in the Raleigh-Durham and Cary, North Carolina, region.

Davidson said, “We are currently available in Virginia, either in bottle, or on draft, at approximately 100 different locations. We made our first shipment of beer into the Raleigh-Durham area [on] March the 17th, St. Patrick’s Day—what a lot of people think is the official start of beer season.”

In the short-term Davidson hopes his company’s product can be distributed throughout all of Virginia and North Carolina. Long-term, “We would like to be in the District of Columbia and possibly Mary-

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land, parts of West Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky, and probably South Carolina as well. Beyond that, there are really no dreams or plans at this point because they would also entail either building another facility or moving from our current physical plant.”

Davidson describes the micro-brewed industry as more of a hands-on business, making a far superior product that caters to “a discriminating individual who wants a lot of flavor in his beer vs. the mass marketers that want to make a product, spend a lot of money advertising it and making it glamorous and having it out there, with a goal of having as little flavor and, therefore, appeal to as many people as possible by not offending anyone with having some character and flavor.”

That’s not what Davidson believes beer should be all about. “I like to think of the people who [enjoy] ‘craft’ beers as being gourmets. Throughout the country at this point we are seeing, in the larger restaurants, the fancy restaurants, the gourmet restaurants, the chefs doing pairings with different beers just like they’ve been doing with wines for years.”

In reaching his clientele, Davidson is relying on the Internet as “the place where the people in this country are truly creating the desire for micro-brewed beer”—that target

> Stormwater

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market is often the 25-to-30-year-old professional. “You cannot communicate with these people in the traditional manner.” Toward that end, the Roanoke Railhouse Brewery has its own Facebook page and publishes a monthly electronic newsletter—“The Platform.”

As to why the company has the railroad imagery as part of its name, Davidson feels that, owing to his age, “there is no finer symbol of quality than ‘R. R.’” “We really wanted to keep the railroad nomenclature because, if you look at our label on the Track 1 - our flagship beer - I think it [describes] the core of Roanoke,” noted Davidson. “You have a depiction of a J-class engine, Mill Mountain and the Star in the background, and I think nothing says Roanoke more than those two unique properties.” Davidson likes to think that Roanoke Railhouse Brewery is another thing that says “Roanoke” these days.

For more information, call the brewery at 540.293.2423, visit roanokerailhouse.com, find them on Facebook or e-mail Matthew J Machtay at mjmachtay@gmail.com.

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

From page 1

Conservation enforces the regulations. The es are assigned a portion of the diet or Waste for pollutant load.

Roanoke Valley’s unique geographical fea- Load Allocation (WLA). Roanoke has seven There are a total of 203 stormwater projtures create a “funnel effect.” percent of that load. ects Valleywide. The top-ten projects are the Roanoke has thirteen major watersheds “Roanoke has the highest repetitive “worst of the worst” totaling $3.6 million. in the city and thirteen 100-year flood flood loss insurance claims in Virginia,” The first project to complete engineering plains. Each watershed has a stream associ- said Shermer. The 100-year floods have a will be first to go to construction. “We don’t ated with it and nine of these are impaired, one-percent chance of occurring in any have all the resources available for all of it,” according to the DEQ. Impairment is a given year. These 1985 ! type events are not said Shermer. measure of sediment load and bacteria like controllable. The intent of stormwater manMaintenance funding will need to ine coli and arsenic. “If you take care of sedi- agement is to address the two and ten-year crease tenfold to $1 million annually. City ment you take care of all the other things,” floods.

Manager Chris Morrill said you just “can’t Professional HouseSudden Cleaning said Shermer. Sediment comes from develextreme intense thunderstorms build your way out of it … this is a program ! General Home Repairs opment sites and impervious surfaces like don’t reach the two-year flood level. “You that never ends. ” Complete Bathroom Remodeling • Tile Work parking lots. just can’t handle that much water quickly, ” Public outreach, engagement, compli1618 Roanoke Blvd Interior/exterior Carpentry • Plumbing Water from the Roanoke River flows to said Shermer. ance tracking and fee collection are some of Suite A the Albemarle Sound in North Carolina; Roanoke participates in the National the added overhead costs. Staff will have to Window/door installation • Hardwood Flooring Virginia Roanoke, as the upper basin,Salem, encompasses Flood24153 Insurance program. The $70 million be increased substantially. a Free Callother or email James 500 square miles. Getting rid of 540-389-5252 the sedi- flood reduction project hasFor helped to miti-Estimate On average localities charge a $40 725-7343 jss25@cox.net ment before it hits the drains is key. [We gate some of the flood danger. “There is not per capita fee to cover stormwater funding.

Licensed/insured with 24 years experience www.dustbunniescorp.com • gift certificates available want to] “keep it dispersed – spread it out, ” much else we can do,” said Bowers. Shermerreferences Richmondavailable has a graduated three-tier fee said Shermer. agreed, saying the city should consider pur- system. It is based on a home’s square footCouncilman Ray Ferris asked how much chasing parcels in the floodplain to prevent age. It starts out at $25 and tops at $70 annuwas specific to Roanoke City. Shermer said, development. ally for homesmost? over 2400 square feet.

“The tool I recommend “We are going to be the ones held accountRoanoke City has the highest rating for In 2013 the city will be required to test for able and each individual locality has its own its efforts in flood control. The “class 7” rat- PCBs. A single test will cost $1100. By July permit.” ing gives home and business owners localities will take over issuing perUse itato15call1,Mr.2014 Handyman.

The degradation of water quality comes percent reduction in flood insurance pre- mits and collecting fees.

Tree“everyday Removal • Deadwooding • Gutter from human living - litter, fermiums.Cleaning “We don’t want to put Roanoke City at a Spring Aeration • Overseeding tilizer, oil, pesticides, soil erosion, air and Since 2003, localities under 100,000 pop- competitive disadvantage,” said Ferris. “We heavy metal, ” explainedand Chris Blakeman, ulation count must comply with the state- don’t want to put ourselves in peril,” added Mulch Delivered Spread • Spring Cleanups Roanoke City’s Environmental Manager. issued MS4 permit. “We are part ofwww.mrhandyman.com the diet,” Shermer. Blakeman said that secondary Free Estimates • Fully Insured The onset and force of intense storms said Blakeman. An MSR4 permit requires businesses could develop out of the regula540-977-4444 RICHARD wash accumulated pollutants into local that the city assess and control all pollution tions. People needTV star to and know “this isKARN the new “home improvement guru.” streams and the Roanoke River in what is sources and perform bi-annual “first flush” normal,” said Blakeman. called a “first flush.” On the plus side, Roa- sampling of city-owned property.

“Our city can show leadership. We are all noke has separate storm water and sewer There are thousands of inlets and pipes in in the same boat,” said Shermer. systems, though there are still septic tanks the city that need to be looked at every six and open ditches and culverts in the city. months. Pipes are needed where there are

By Valerie Garner In 1972 the Clean Water Act put the na- none and 367 existing pipes discharge into a info@newsroanoke.com tion on a pollution discharge diet. All sourc- stream or river. Every pipe will be regulated

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Councilman Court Rosen left the dais the meeting was halted until he returned. Council members Sherman Lea, Bill Bestpitch and Dave Trinkle were on vacation.

Council amended the city code to coincide with the General Assembly’s Senate bill 757 introduced by Senator Roscoe Reynolds. The bill removes a locality’s authority to regulate air guns. It passed unanimously in the House and the Senate in the 2011 session.

At the previous Council meeting the amendment was tabled so a resolution could be drafted to express “extreme displeasure” in putting law enforcement and the public’s safety at risk.

The bill states that pneumatic guns are allowed to be discharged on private property with permission of the owner when discharge is conducted with reasonable care to prevent a projectile from crossing the bounds of the property.

Councilman Court Rosen said since there were only four council members present he would reluctantly vote for the amendment. He said, “they complain about the federal government overreaching, then turn around and force mandates on localities.”

Councilman Ray Ferris said he was not against gun ownership but he comes to council “with a lawyers perspective … we have no choice – to leave the city’s code inconsistent with state code would be irresponsible.”

The resolution called for re-

peal of the legislation.

Line of Duty Act: Line of Duty Act responsibility has shifted from the state to localities. The death benefit in the line of duty is $100,000 and $25,000 within five years of separation.

Andrea Trent, assistant director of finance, explained the recommendation to selfinsure and opt out of the VRS system. The benefit does not change. Coverage is for 730 employees in law enforcement, the fire department and the sheriff department.

“We can budget for an amount and keep it in our own bank,” said Director of Finance Ann Shawver.

Smaller localities with less risk exposure are opting out of VRS including Roanoke County, Lynchburg and Danville. The deadline to opt out is July 22 and a locality can’t elect back in. The finance department will establish a fund strategy for estimating liabilities.

May Financial Report: As of May 2011 revenue was 1.9 percent above fiscal year 2010. However, revenue in fiscal year 2010 declined 2 percent from 2009. Expenditures were 3.3 percent less than fiscal year 2010. May’s financial results showed an increase in real estate revenues primarily due to new construction but Ann Shawver director of finance was cautious.

With real estate sales data indicating foreclosures and short sales, Shawver remains cautious as some are antici-

pating downward pressure on home values. Real estate taxes comprise 30 percent of the city’s revenue. A one-percent reduction of the real estate tax would be a substantial blow, reducing revenue by about $800,000.

Councilman Ray Ferris mentioned he has seen many real estate transactions below assessed value. Shawver said that foreclosures put downward pressure on pricing and unemployment remains high.

Sales tax increased 2.4 percent from the previous year but could come in at 2 percent for fiscal year 2011 due to the loss of Walmart. The meals and lodging taxes are up.

Council lamented the loss of Walmart to Roanoke County and Shawver admitted the sales tax figures would have been stronger if Walmart was still in the city. However, she anticipates Kohl’s Department Store will take up some of the slack. Kohl’s is expected to open in October.

School Board Appointment: Richard “Dick” Willis was chosen out of seven applicants for the Roanoke City School Board. Willis will replace Jason Bingham who resigned effective June 30 due to a promotion and increased job responsibilities requiring extensive travel.

Willis is a systems engineer for the Roanoke-based software company SoftSolutions.

By Valerie Garner info@newsroanoke.com

7/8/11- 7/14/11 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 3

NewsRoanoke.com

Griffith and Company Take On Budget Issues Morgan Griffith picked an interesting time to be a freshman in Congress. With the debt ceiling argument a major political topic these days in Washington, the 9th District GOP lawmaker from Salem has a front row seat as the two major parties wrangle over budget cuts, possible tax increases for the wealthiest Americans and the idea of raising the country’s debt limit.

If it’s not done, according to many Democrats, the government could default on some payments and be forced to shut down certain public agencies.

“Let it happen,” some Republicans say, adhering to the belief that this country must learn to live within its limits.

Griffith is no political rookie, so it’s not exactly like “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.”

“I feel relatively comfortable,” the longtime Virginia House of Delegates majority leader said on a recent trip back to the Roanoke Valley. He’s currently working on a list of rules he’d like to see changed. “There’s [also] lots of policies I’d like to change but we have to pass bills and get them through the [Republican] side first.”

Whereas Griffith needed to cobble together 51 votes in the Virginia House in order to get a bill passed, now he must collect 218 in a very partisan Congress.

“Other than that it’s pretty much the same, except the issues are more complex and the rules between Congress and administrative agencies are a mess. They don’t make a lot of sense.”

Griffith would like to see more Congressional oversight of certain federal agencies. He doesn’t blame it solely on the Obama administration and figures those changes are about 3040 years overdue.

He landed only one committee assignment as a freshman – energy and commerce – but

Photo by Gene Marrano

Morgan Griffith has hit the ground running in Washington. calls that a plum role, on “one of the most powerful committees up there.” Energy policy and discussions on “Obamacare,” as he terms it, come through that committee before heading out to the floor for debate.

Griffith said criticism of Wisconsin Congressman Paul Ryan’s plan to curtail Medicare costs is unfounded. The bottom line, he claims, is that without substantial changes, “those programs will not exist in 20 years, in my opinion. We have to make changes if those programs are to exist down the road.”

Those changes would not affect people over 55 he notes. “It may not be good politics,” said Griffith, but “good governance,” and that is what’s needed at the moment in D.C. “The country can no longer afford good politics verses good governance.”

He’s willing to put everything on the table, including defense spending.

“Borrowing 40 to 42 cents of every dollar spent on running the government is not sustainable,” said Griffith, who is opposed to any tax increases.

When tax rates have been increased in the past “they haven’t cut spending. We have to focus [on that].” If everything that can be cut is and revenues are still not healthy enough to balance the budget, Griffith said future Congresses can decide on tax

hikes. “We have to draw the line – we have to make the cuts.”

As for the debt ceiling debate, which could come to a head within the next few weeks - with August 2 proposed as a “D-Day” - Griffith doesn’t view it as a bargaining chip. “Bring me a dump truck load of cuts [however] and I’d have to start thinking about [raising the ceiling].”

Raising the debt ceiling would allow the federal government to borrow more money, in order to finance its obligations. At age 53, Griffith feels people of his generation should solve the problem now, not leaving it for a younger generation to grapple with. It’s also why Griffith believes many Republicans were elected to Congress last fall—to solve the debt issue.

None of the plans offered balance the budget soon enough to please Griffith, who doesn’t want to see his young daughter have to bear the burden of debt being incurred now. “Not raising the debt ceiling—with a systemic change in the way Washington thinks about spending—is the best tool we have to make sure we get the cuts we need. I don’t say that lightly. I understand that not raising the debt ceiling is a drastic measure.” It’s a bargaining chip many Republicans are willing to use.

By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

Renowned Motivational Speaker John Register to Visit Roanoke A Breakfast of After graduating Champions featurin 1988, he enlisted ing Paralympics in the U.S. Army Medalist John Regbut continued to ister will be held at pursue athletics the Blue Ridge Indethrough the Army’s pendent Living CenWorld Class Athlete ter on Thursday, July Program winning 14, beginning at 9:30 many medals dura.m. to bring awareing his service. ness about the abiliAfter qualifying ties of people with for the 1988 and John Register disabilities.

1992 Olympic trials, Register is a motivational Register set his eyes on the 1996 speaker who has spoken on a Olympic team. Unfortunately variety of occasions with his on May 17, 1994, Register hyperpowerful keynote, “Hurdling extended his knee while training.

Adversity.” He has appeared on Following surgery, gangrene set countless national television in ultimately requiring amputaprograms, has been profiled in tion of his leg. newspaper articles, and has enIn 1996, Register qualified for couraged people of all ages to the Paralympics, swimming as pursue their dreams. the anchor in the finals 4x400Register dedicated himself medley relay. In 2000, Register to track becoming a three-time won the Silver Medal in the long All-American in track and field jump setting the American’s long from the University of Arkansas. jump record. He also earned

> State Law a “corkage fee” for the service.

Agriculture Agricultural produce and eggs will be exempt from both the sales and use tax and the litter tax when sold in farmers markets or at roadside stands, provided the seller’s annual income from the sales does not exceed $1,000.

New animal care standards will require the owner of an agricultural animal to provide feed to prevent malnourishment, water to prevent dehydration and veterinary treatment as needed to address impairment of health or bodily function when such impairment cannot be otherwise addressed through animal husbandry.

Crime The Attorney General will now be empowered to investigate complaints of elder abuse against victims in nursing facilities that receive Medicaid or Medicare dollars, regardless if the victim individually receives those benefits.

Courts will now be required to order restitution to be made to the Department of Medical Assistance Services for any loss caused by a felony conviction of making a false statement or representation in applications for payment under Medicaid.

Synthetic marijuana, also known as “Spice” or K2, is now illegal to buy, sell, manufacture, or posses. This bill included an “emergency clause” so it immediately became law on March 23.

The statute of limitations for pursing civil actions for sexual abuse committed during the infancy or incapacity of the abused person has been increased from 2 years to 20 years from the time of the removal from the infancy or incapacity.

Education Roanoke City may now choose to start the school year before Labor Day. Firearms One firearm, not to exceed $3,000 in value, may be on the list of items that every householder shall be entitled to hold exempt from the bankruptcy or creditor process.

Good Government The civil penalties for will-

fifth place in the 100 and 200m dashes.

Blue Ridge Independent Living Center is a private, nonprofit organization that assists individuals with disabilities to be independent. BRILC also works with the community to ensure it is accessible. This event is made possible through a collaborative effort with Virginia Amateur Sports, organizers of the Coventry Commonwealth Games.

Bagels and fruit will be provided

by Panera Bread. Those in attendance will have a chance to win Abuelo’s VIP Passes or 2011 Festival Tickets from Chateau Morrisette.

Seating for the event is limited.

If you are interested in attending the Breakfast of Champions, please RSVP by Friday, July 8 by calling 540-342-1231

From page 1

fully and knowingly violating the Freedom of Information Act have been doubled.

Health/Medical Health insurers, health care subscription plans, and health maintenance organizations will be required to provide coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorder in individuals from age two to six, subject to an annual maximum benefit of $35,000 of coverage for applied behavior analysis.

The cap on recovery in medical malpractice lawsuits will increase from $2 million to $2.05 million on July 1, 2012. The cap will continue to increase $50,000 annually until it reaches $3 million.

The State Corporation Commission has been directed to establish limitations on the authority of electric utilities to terminate electric service to the residence of a customer who has a serious medical condition or resides with a family member with a serious medical condition.

Illegal Immigration Any business with more than 50 employees with a state contract valued over $50,000 will be required to register and participate in the federal E-Verify program starting December 1, 2013.

Property Rights State agencies seeking to exercise eminent domain will be required to provide all of their appraisals to the property owner and if the property is not used for a public use within 20 years of the taking, it must be offered back to the former land owner at fair market value. *Although not a new law, this year the General Assembly passed a resolution calling for

a strong constitutional amendment protecting property rights. The General Assembly must pass an identical resolution next year and then be approved by voters in a statewide referendum before the amendment can be added to the Constitution.* Transportation Inmate labor may now be used to provide maintenance work at rest areas. All plans for such activities shall take into consideration the “safety of the traveling public.”

State Police will no longer have to visit truck weigh stations to issue overweight citations written by DMV employees. Now the DMV employees will be able to issue the citation themselves.

New license plates will become available from DMV including those for Friends of the Blue Ridge Parkway and supporters of the James River Park System. Other newly available plates will include ones that read DONT TREAD ON ME and IN GOD WE TRUST, as well as plates marking the bicentennial of the War of 1812 and the centennial of Fort Belvoir.

Motorcycles, mopeds and bicycles will be allowed to proceed through red lights so long as the rider comes to a complete stop for 120 seconds, treats the light as a stop sign and determines that it is safe to proceed.

Voting The State Board of Elections and the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries will make voter registration application forms available where hunting and fishing licenses are sold.

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Perspective

Page 4 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 7/8/11 - 7/14/11

Changing of the Carilion Guard

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remember when Nancy Clinic is, to date, the most imAgee, then Nancy How- portant. It was created in recogell, was a first-year student nition that the delivery system nurse at the erstwhile Roanoke for healthcare in this county has Memorial School of nursing. been on the cusp of major change She was a good nurse and went and Carilion has placed itself in a to work on a ward in the long- position to respond to forces that since demolished south wing are beyond the control of indiof the old hospital. Soon she vidual practitioners. was named “Miss Hope” by the The manner in which this was American Cancer Society in rec- presented to the professional ognition of her comcommunity left a lot to passionate care. To say be desired. As has been that since those halcyfrequently mentioned, on days Nancy Agee’s physicians who had rise has been meteoric dedicated their private would be a vast underpractices to southwest statement.

Virginia health care Ed Murphy, for reaand the development sons that are not readof Roanoke Memorial ily apparent, is moving Hospital as a regional on to another pasture, center felt threatened TowerBrook Capital Hayden Hollingsworth by the creation of a Partners, an investclinic staffed with ment firm and will serve as Carilion physicians. This was chairman of the board of one of not a new concept. Years ago their subsidiaries, Sound Physi- Carilion began buying up pricians. No one would deny the mary care practices. To be sure, monumental changes that took there may have been economies place under his decade as Caril- of scale in doing this but it wasn’t ion CEO. He has been regularly until the Clinic was launched that recognized as one of the leading many physicians felt they would healthcare professionals in the not be able to sustain themselves county and according to reports in such a competitive climate. A is one of the highest paid hospital number moved their practices system executives in the United to Lewis-Gale Hospital; others States. chose to give up hospital practice It remains to be seen how his and confined themselves to their legacy will play out. Certainly offices. Still others moved away. the formation of the Carilion The Carilion professional staff

Community | News | Perspective 540-400-0990 Publisher | Stuart Revercomb | stuart@newsroanoke.com Features Editor | Cheryl Hodges | cheryl@newsroanoke.com News Editor | Gene Marrano | gmarrano@cox.net Production Editor | Leigh Sackett | leigh@newsroanoke.com Technical Webmaster | Don Waterfield | webmaster@newsroanoke.com Advertising Director | Bill Braton | adverstising@newsroanoke.com

CLIENT APPRECIATION DAY It’s Our

15th

Anniversary!

Saturday, August 6th 2-4pm Come Help Us Celebrate with Food, Fun, & Freebies Pet Photos, Demonstrations, & Hospital Tours Contribute to Nellie’s Fund

with $5 Nail Trims or by Dunking the Doctors in the Dunk Tank!

Costume & Talent Contests

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o what does the 4th of In the two World Wars, that July mean to you? The notion was the same. Our effort other day my daugh- would pay off. In the 40’s when ter and I were coming down the majority of the adult male Grandin Road. While stopped population was overseas fighting at a red light, I noticed a curi- two wars, the women and chilous thing in front of us. There dren kept the country running. was a young boy, riding his bike. Ever heard of Rosie the Riveter?

Tied to the bike with a rope was These things are the shadows of a little red wagon like we had Independence Day. The only when we were kids. In difficulty is that we the wagon was a lawn see less of that today. mower, sticking over I should not be both sides and tied surprised when I with a piece of rope. see a boy pulling a The light turned green mower with his bike. and he took off down I should not be surGrandin, riding his prised by seeing selfbike, pulling a wagon, reliance in action. carrying a mower …

We used to strive for “Now that is a kid who the freedom, to have is going to make some the opportunity to Keith McCurdy money” I commented be self-reliant. Today to my daughter … we often avoid it. In that is self-determination and this country’s history, whenever self-reliance. That is what Inde- we have been faced with war, pendence Day is all about. poverty or intense struggle, our It is amazing how things have response has been a display of changed. It used to be that the determination and self-reliance way to freedom was the path like no other. Remember the of self-reliance and determina- folks we call the “Greatest Gention. Everyone understood that eration”? concept. Even as late as the early By contrast today, when faced 1900s, it was well understood with struggle, poverty or conthat hard work and determina- flict, it all too often leads to detion was the path in life. Children pendence. Phrases like “Give were often the main farm hands, me Liberty or give me death” used to working from as early as started getting replaced in culthey could remember and school ture with “I want my MTV,” We was something that was seen as a subtly began replacing the value privilege and to be pursued to get of freedom with the sense of ahead in life. What was valued entitlement. Freedom comes highly was the notion that with from self-reliance; entitlement is our own determination and ef- a journey into dependence. Infort, we could survive and live a stead of considering what I can free and fruitful life. do for myself or others, it has be-

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come what others can do for me.

I realize that this article has the flavor of being political, but it truly is not. It is about family, but there is a connection. For as the family goes, so goes the country.

Most of our difficulties and solutions in this country are in direct relation to how we raise our children. When we raise children with a large sense of entitlement, they look for and expect a country to take care of them. When we raise children with a strong sense of self-reliance, they look for a country to serve … they realize they can take care of themselves.

The most confident children I have ever met are the ones that understand self-reliance. I rarely deal with a depressed or anxious child that has a strong sense of self-reliance. I deal with many that think things are unfair in their life. If we truly want our children to experience freedom, we need to build self-reliance into them. We need to do less for them and require more of them. We need to encourage and affirm their achievements and development rather than buy them happiness. As parents, we all struggle with this balance, but the battle with our current culture is worth it. We not only need to celebrate Independence Day, we need to celebrate in our children the character and behaviors that led to it. Hope you all had a great 4th.

Contact Keith at psycyou@msn.com

Letter to Editor - In Response to Pastor’s Column on Abortion Pastor Quigg Lawrence’s Column Ran in the June 3rd Edition

I also believe tolerant dialogue is important on most any subject. Here are some of my thoughts related to yours expressed, and not expressed!

Life does not begin at conception, but requires a living ova egg) and sperm to connect. ( fertilize). Thus, the PREVENTION OF PREGNANCY, (birth control methods) not mentioned by you, IS THE MOST EFFECTIVE METHOD OF PREVENTING ABORTION! (Some would say that any form of birth control is wrong because it interferes with a living process.) Getting parents interested in increasing their own, and their children's information about human sexuality, and specifically how to Hanging Rock Animal Hospital 1910 Loch Haven Dr, Roanoke Contact Hayden at prevent pregnancy, is very difficult. There are many 540-562-4596 jhayden2003@cox.net sources encouraging free sexual intimacy present in our society today! Prevention of pregnancy www.hangingrockah.com is not mentioned in your article! What does your ALL PETS MUST BE ON LEASHES church offer to counter this major gap?? What do you suggest in this regard? for 6/24/2011 Your description of women who have had abortions is valid for some women, yet in my experience 8 9 10 they are the minority, as many women, and men, 48 Soybean 49 Thought understand the consequences of the 'abortion vs./ 13 53 Estimated time of arrival no abortion process' and accept them as a product 16 54 Extremely long time periods of human sexuality! Emotions (your use of pup55 Invalidated 19 pies) sometimes get in the way of logical thinking, 56 Short-term memory as do your use of "every sane person" and "innocent 57 Decade blood", without proper definition of their relation28 29 58 German "money" ship to the subject of abortion.

33 34 The importance of life is variable in our society.

DOWN 38 For example: 'death at age 92 after 10 years of de1 Gross national product (abbr.) cline and Alzhimer's Disease vs. a 16 yr. old teen of

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Independence Day A Celebration of Self Reliance

Star-Sentinel Crossword

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Stop by our office to register in advance

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now numbering in the five to six hundred range has absorbed most of the large subspecialty groups, including my own, Consultants in Cardiology, of which I was a founding partner 36 years ago.

In the immediate future, I suspect there will be but a handful of individual physicians’ offices in the area. The reasons for that are many, not the least of which is, younger physicians have different professional goals that those of previous generations. A more manageable life style is certainly one of the most understandable and that is virtually impossible to maintain in an individual practice, particularly with hospital care.

This has given rise to a new type of physician—the hospitalist. Such doctors confine themselves to hospital work only and generally do not give follow up care after discharge but refer the patient back to the primary care doctor. There is now a subspecialty in hospitalists—the “nocturnist,” one who works only at night and soon to be followed, I suspect, by the “weekendist,” and then the “holidayist.” It is to this professional population that Dr. Murphy will direct himself at Sound Physicians. For a fee, they will supply hospitalists wherever there is a need. It would not be reasonable to suspect that their physician employees will have a demographic loyalty to the community to which they are assigned.

One cannot say whether this will be more efficient but I would strongly suggest that continuity of care is already an early casualty. If you have not had a hospitalization in the last year or so you may be surprised to find that you see a different physician every day during your confinement. More than once I have asked friends who their doctor was during their stay and the answer has been depressingly the same: “I have no idea.”

As the Bob Dylan song of my youth said, the times, they are a’changin. Perhaps the Miss Hope of Nancy Howell Agee is alive and well as all this unfolds.

If she can re-establish a sense of collegiality with the private practice sector, that would be an important step. We shall see.

drug overdose'; 'the volunteer for military service vs. a person waiting to be drafted'; 'the use of the death penalty to atone for another person's life being taken'; , a planned pregnancy vs. an unexpected 5th child'; 'the 14 year old forced to give up her child due to lack of family funds or support, never to see the child again.'; 'the prostitute who "accidently becomes pregnant" in her work for money'; 'the abuse of alcohol at the expense of one's own and needs of the family'; and the list goes on ....

Your article says nothing about the father who may never even know he was the parent; nothing about pre 3rd semester diagnosis of a severely abnormal fetus present; not a word about "menopausal pregnancy" with its possible life threats to the mother; none about cases where mother or father have genetic disorders known to cause major problems in the offspring; not a word about the medical choice between letting the mother die due to severe health problems if the pregnancy continues; etc.!

I believe the unborn fetus, incapable of sustaining its own life if separate from the placenta /uterus attachment, should be considered NOT A HUMAN BEING! Human Life is defined as the process from birth until death. I think we should not force our concepts upon others, rather make them freely available as an option in this a major question of living together as humankind!

-Gerald W. Roller, MD (retired)

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Perspective

7/8/11 - 7/14/11 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 5

NewsRoanoke.com

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loved that bus. It was one of the coolest vehicles I could imagine, and I should know; I was crazy about cars. At the age of seven I could identify most every make and model on the road.

I’m certain my dad Fuller felt the same way about the 1963 Volkswagen Combi, or Microbus. It was a fully-outfitted model, complete with more windows than my little sister could count and possessing an expansive canvas sunroof that could be slid open in such a way that the effect was reminiscent of a large, opened sardine can. Not only did the bus come safari-equipped from the factory in West Germany, but my dad –ever the mechanical tinkerer- endlessly worked and schemed at customizing it himself. Such modifications were to make the bus even better equipped for our family road trip camping excursions. Fuller couldn’t leave anything mechanical alone; he was ever gripped by the desire to re-engineer.

It’s June of 1967 and we’re rolling through New Mexico.

My siblings and I are lounging in the meticulously designed and constructed plywood bus-top camper box which Daddy built. It was like a tiny little low-ceiling room affixed to the roof of the bus, which we kids accessed through the partially opened sunroof and a hatch in the bottom of the camper box itself. The box had little windows through which we could wave at the truckers, and best of all a portion of the roof consisted of a snap on and off canvas panel. So yeah, the four of us would hang out the top of this camper box as we sped down the highways of the USA. Today, parents would be jailed for allowing such behavior, but there you go. Most of the activities in which I engaged as a kid would be considered highly incorrect by today’s standards.

Oh well.

The bus, which was twotoned white and “Mouse Grey”, had other memorable Robinson features such as a folding table, reading lights, storage boxes, and a narrow bunk which opened into a little bit wider narrow bunk for my parents. Fuller even sewed individual curtains for all of those windows. Especially neat was the galley box which opened antique-deskstyle to the rear when the back of the bus was opened, the overhead door lending a bit of shade and shelter to the happy cook. There were myriad cubby holes and compartments in the galley, everything in its place. The look of the bus with the galley unfolded in the rear, the double doors on the side open, produced the uncanny look of a two-bit wiener stand, and once in a parking lot on the California coast a man ap-

The Robinson family in their suped up micro bus circa 1967. proached and asked my dad as he cooked lunch, “Gimme two hot dogs with the works” One thing with which the bus was not well endowed was a powerful engine. I think the little motor was rated at 49 horsepower, and proved woefully inadequate for transporting a family of six and assorted camping gear, including the aforementioned plywood contrivances. In fact, on those long grades in the Rocky Mountains we fairly crawled, joking that we could get out and walk alongside just as fast. This recalls bumper stickers of the era such as “Zero to Sixty in Fifteen minutes” and “Never Get Behind a VW Bus”. Anyway, this lack of power, this blemish on an otherwise stellar vehicle, got my dad thinking.

In the weeks following our return home from yet another shoestring budget, VW bus tour of some distant part of the US, my dad began conferring by phone with our cousin Andy who lives up the Shenandoah Valley. Andy was the soft-spoken mechanical genius of the family who engaged in things like building airplanes and racing cars, and since Fuller is no slouch in the mechanical department either, the two made headway in planning something big.

And that something big was a heart transplant –engine swap- for the bus.

Volkswagen engines at the time were air-cooled; there was no radiator or liquid coolant system. To make the bus repower project a little more feasible, Andy and Fuller sought another air-cooled engine for the replacement.

Their search narrowed with the realization that a Chevrolet Corvair engine just might be made to work. Some readers will recall the forlorn Corvair.

Consumer advocate Ralph Nader succeeded in getting this unusual automobile off of the American road due to significant safety issues. Hmmm.

Anyway, especially attractive was the fact that the Corvair engine was suitably powerful for the intended project, possessing over twice the horsepower as the original Volkswagen “sewing machine.”

Fuller predicted, ”It’s gonna’ run like a scared rabbit!”

A used Corvair engine, extracted from a recent arrival to a Waynesboro junkyard, was obtained and the project commenced in earnest. The work was carried out in the old barn on Andy’s farm, and Fuller spent endless hours in collaboration both on the phone and on forays up the valley. Such a project is not for the faint of heart. Some of the fun challenges to the puzzle included things like modifying the engine compartment to accept the much bigger “mill”. And then there were issues like mating the existing bus gears and transmission components with the Corvair engine, and then all sorts of things like alternators and electrical systems and heater and battery and airflow and fuel tank and supply lines, and other things which personally I can’t even imagine.

Well, the dream was coaxed to fruition, and it worked amazingly well. As a kid I was fortunate to witness the delightful creativity and perseverance necessary to carry the project to completion, and I took it to heart. And Fuller enjoyed tooling around in the mild-mannered looking bus with secret powers, while planning his next project, his next adventure. It was only for a fleeting few years that the Corvair-powered bus was a part of our family, but for me it still evokes fond memories.

I especially miss hanging out of the top of that roofmounted camper box.

W

e do things differently. If we're going out, I get dressed once. She averages 6-8 changes. "Does this match, Gahvin?" "I think you go with either the necklace or the sweat pants, baby, not both." It could just be me, she always seems to end up in an outfit remarkably similar to the first one she had on.

I come home from work.

She's out on the patio. "I came out here to do something...," she mused. It came to her. "Oh yeah! I am going to kill myself.

Almost forgot. Such a memory I have... uh...".

"Garvin."

"Right." She moves over to the balcony rail and looks over at me standing there with a grocery bag in my hand. "Oh Gah, my Last Will and Pepsodent is in the refrigerator next to the fudg-

sicles where I knew you would stuff." find. It’s self-explanatory."

"Screw top or cork?"

"Is this an inconvenient time "Cork." to ask why you are suicidal?"

"You've been reading Es"I can't get my hair right. It's quire again. Very cosmopolitan. a mess! Close your eyes You're a dear little thing, when you look at me, Gahv," she concluded, Gahv!" When I lived coming in the house. alone, I only thought I "I know." had emergencies. She "Don't get cocky, can't get her hair right.

Gahvin." She read the Might have known it label and sighed, "You'll was serious. be the ruin of me yet, "Look, honey, it’s spoiling me so. Three only a four foot fall off dollars and fifty cents Lucky Garvin the balcony. Won't be for a half gallon of Hafatal. It will only bruise you and waiian Chablis." annoy the grass." I pressed on, "It’s even got an expiration "Instead of killing yourself, come date," I exclaimed proudly. and have some wine with me," I "Where did you find this soothed, reaching into the bag." wine? Next to the bleach?"

"The type of wine you buy, "I liked the color." the results might be the same, Contact Lucky Garvin at Gahv." info@theroanokestar.com "No, I think this is pretty good

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Page 6 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 7/8/11 - 7/14/11

NewsRoanoke.com

Girl Scouts Dedicate Dark Hollow Fandango Draws Holiday Revelers Platform Tent Unit at Icimani There was plenty to do over the Fourth of July weekend locally for those that didn’t feel like battling traffic to get away.

Thousands ventured just outside of Floyd to attend Floyd Fandango, the beer and wine festival held on the same grounds where the FloydFest music extravaganza will be staged later this month (July 28-31).

Six platform tents that make up the new Dark Hollow platform tent unit at Icimani Adventure Center were dedicated last week in a ceremony witnessed by Girl Scouts, alumnae, parents, donors and the full complement of Dark Hollow Day Camp attendees.

The platform tent unit is named after a camp that Girl Scouts of Virginia Skyline Council (GSVSC) sold in 2007.

The spirit of Camp Dark Hollow lives on in the summer camp that meets at Icimani, and now, in the platform tent unit.

The unit is unique in that it is accessible to girls with physical challenges, it has a central meeting place for all campers, and it is nestled in the trees — almost creating a “tree house” effect.

In 2009, HelenRuth Burch —Girl Scout volunteer, archivist, troop leader, and former council employee — initiated a grassroots campaign to honor sister Girl Scout Tricia McMahon, who was Camp Director of Dark Hollow Day Camp for 30 years. This campaign raised

Two of the tents at the Girl Scout Icimani Adventure Center. funds to bring water and elec- Development department aptricity to an outlying area of proached Kroger Mid-Atlantic.

Icimani Adventure Center and Kroger donated $10,000, while was pivotal in building momen- individual Girl Scouts gave a totum around the development of tal of $6,000. this area for outdoor camping To build the unit, the council and programming. first needed a roadway capable In 2010, the Marietta McNeill of transporting heavy construcMorgan and Samuel Tate Mor- tion materials and equipment. gan, Jr. Trust awarded a match- Joe Bundy & Son and Alexaning grant for $15,000. Tricia Mc- der & Son worked on erosion Mahon and HelenRuth Burch control, put gravel on the road, reached out to the Girl Scout removed stumps and brush, and family while the council’s Fund delivered mulch.

Once the area was prepared, work began on the construction of this unique unit. Eric Spencer for 6/24/2011 of Spencer Home Improvement in Lexington donated composite decking. Breakell, Inc., doA D M K I M nated sweat equity by building O S E P E A the ramps and benches, and assisting with the deck and railing L A W I L L construction. Lowes discounted materials for the framing, hardN A T A I L ware and concrete.

C I A Participating in the ribboncutting were Tricia McMahon, S S I L L HelenRuth Burch, Anne Jenkins and Shannon Toth of Kroger, O M S I I I James Breakell of Breakell, Inc. T A U B M A N and Jean Ann Hughes, GSVSC’s chief executive officer. Dark E B O R N R Hollow Day Camp was repreR I S K sented by 16-year-old Sienna Cramer, who is legally blind Y A I D E A and has attended the camp for 10 years.

A S N U L L GSVSC’s next goal is to fund N G E L T and build an outdoor program pavilion at Icimani.

Local Crossword Crossword Solutions Solution:

G I F T N O A H P U R R A N A S S O R C H T E A A N N F A B E L C U D E T A S T M

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R A I L E D A F S O E R T E

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There was also plenty of music at Floyd Fandango, from bands like the aptly named These United States, along with a wine tasting tent featuring local and regional vintners that included Roanoke County’s own Amhreins. A juried contest

There were smiles all around as the new bike rack on Grandin Road was dedicated last Friday (July 1), even if the engraved plaque reads May 21. The “functional but whimsical” piece’s arrival was unexpectedly delayed after being slightly damaged when it first left LA, but after repairs, it finally made its way across the country to its intended home in the heart of Grandin Village.

The sculpture is a giant comb with a rounded handle—all made of highly durable Mangaris wood, and running through the comb is a strand of steel “hair” which bikes will actually be locked onto. The rack is a head turner, perhaps at first because of its play on proportion – and because it really does scream “whimsy!”

During the installation, several passersby paused to ask City workers what it was going to be and most reacted with laughter and approval. The ribbon cutting drew a nice crowd in spite of the heat. Several people rode up on their bikes to lend literal support to the bike rack sculpture, parking their bikes there at the conclusion of the remarks.

Both Vice Mayor David Trinkle and Jeremy Holmes, director of RIDE Solutions, which cofunded the project, addressed the group. Trinkle said the “In a Tangle” sculpture brings the number of pieces of public art in Roanoke to 106. He said Roanoke is “very committed to the public art program which includes the greenway system.”

Holmes stated that, “This project emphasizes the links between the Valley’s growing bicycle culture and the region’s already vital arts and cultural community.”

Photo by Cheryl Hodges

Roanoke City employees and artist Kagan Taylor (far right) work together to install the bike rack titled “In a Tangle.

There were several other familiar faces on-hand including state senator John Edwards and Rupert Cutler. Artist Kagan Taylor said he had never been to Roanoke before, but found it to be a very friendly and welcoming city, saying “it is a delight to find such a tight knit community in this area.”

He went on to explain the creative process behind the unusual bike rack. He said it “came from the germ of an idea—what would you look for in a bike rack if you were really, really small?”

After thinking of a comb, “the obvious solution was to have a hair running through the comb.”

He likes the shift in scale, saying it reminds people that bikers ARE small—smaller than cars and more fragile.” He hopes his art in even a small way “lends to an acceptance of our [bikers’] position on the road.” He added that he believes biking itself is a good and worthwhile endeavor.

City of Roanoke Arts and Culture Coordinator Susan Jennings offered the reasoning for choosing the location for the rack.

Bath Tub?

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Story and Photos by Gene Marrano

“In A Tangle” Sculpture First Stop on Art-by-Bike Tour

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“The newly extended greenway through Vic Thomas Park and the bike lanes on Memorial Avenue allow for easy access for bikers to Grandin Village. We needed a space with sidewalks wide enough to accommodate the art and wanted a location with a lot of activity so we could encourage people to use bicycles to do their shopping, eat out, and attend events. Grandin Village offers all of this in a compact area.”

The bike rack is also the starting point for the “Art by Bike” tour which “offers a happy synergy between Roanoke’s public art collection and the city’s nationally recognized commitment to cycling as a transportation alternative.” The tour brochure includes a map of the route along with photos of the various art “stops” on the 8 mile loop. This innovative partnering of art and greenway projects has allowed the city to be well on its way to being recognized as an art hub in southwestern Virginia.

A stop in Grandin Village, for an official event or otherwise, would not be complete without running into the self-proclaimed “Angel of Grandin Road,” James Tarpley, who watched the goings-on with bemused serenity, then slowly went about tidying the area. Though no one asked, he seemed to be just fine with the new sculpture, which may be one of the higher compliments of the day.

By Cheryl Hodges cheryl@newsroanoke.com

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Sports

7/8/11 - 7/14/11 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 7

USA National Team Sweeps > Criterium Juniors In Softball Doubleheader The USA national softball team knocked off the USA junior national team 6-1, 11-0 in the muchanticipated fast-pitch softball doubleheader last Wednesday night at Salem Memorial Ballpark.

Nearly 3,000 fans watched as the experienced national team easily wore down the juniors with a combination of superior pitching and talented

pect Road and ‘game is on’. The course continues on the old automobile road up the face of Mill Mountain, through the toll gate and several switchbacks, before ending near the base of the Mill Mountain Star.

World-class rider Bernie Sanders has called the Mill Mountain course one of the best in the state of Virginia.

As the riders crossed the finish line, most were gasping for breath as they were cheered on by cycling teammates and specta-

glove work that kept the crowd entertained.

The national team last appeared in Salem in 2008, when the pre-Olympic "Road to Beijing" tour played at Kiwanis Field in front of over 4,100 fans and included high-profile players Jennie Finch and Cat Osterman.

National team member Stacey May-Johnson (#5, at right) gets a greeting at the plate after her mammoth homer over the center field fence helped propel the opening game win.

By Bill Turner info@newsroanoke.com Junior team hitter Kourtney Salvarola bunts through a heater during Wednesday's first game.

Women's pro-classification criterium winner--Emily Joyner.

Showdown in the RVAA - Hunting Hills Visits Roanoke Country Club

tors. Cave Spring resident, Ellen Sortore, looking more collected than most, placed her bicycle against a guard rail before con-

Hunting Hills swimmer Isabel Blackshaw gets some last-minute coaching.

By Bill Turner info@newsroanoke.com

From page 1

Men's Pro-classification criterium race--riders bank off Salem Avenue through Warehouse Row in Sunday's criterium. senting to a post-race interview beside the star.

For Sortore, a mother of five, it was her second time in the event.

“I rode in this one time many years ago,” Sortore noted. “It took me many years to try it again.”

“This ride is very painful,” she added. “It’s unrelenting and mentally hard. It’s all uphill with no flats.”

Things were put on flatter ground Sunday in the first of two criterium races in downtown. The five-corner, 1/4 mile course with long straight-aways Roanoker Ron Glowczynski and cobblestone was a spectator- pedals up Prospect Road as friendly route along Salem and his ascent up Mill Mt. begins.

Norfolk Avenues. This event included classifications for all Franklin Rd. and Jefferson Street. age groups and levels of experi- Commonwealth Games medals ence. On Monday, the third race, were awarded in all three races. a six-corner, 3/4 mile criterium,

By Bill Turner traversed the other side of downinfo@newsroanoke.com town along Church Avenue,

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Valley Business

Page 8 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 7/8/11 - 7/14/11

NAACP Recognizes Freedom First Credit Union as Corporate Citizen of the Year Seven General Electric employees started with $40 of their own money and founded Freedom First Credit Union in 1956. Today they have grown to be a full-service community credit union with 10 branches and 36,000 member-owners.

Freedom First Credit Union’s CEO Paul Phillips said, “Helping people prosper is more than just a mission statement.” Their belief is that everyone should have access to affordable financial services.

The award from the Roanoke Branch of the NAACP Friday evening was in recognition for providing financial products and programs to those underserved by traditional banks.

Freedom First was designated as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) by the United States Department of the Treasury. Sixty percent of their members are considered low or moderate income.

Rod Nunez, Assistant Vice President of Community Development, explained how they help those with challenged or no credit. Besides providing them with free checking and savings accounts, they also have access to what is dubbed a “Micro Loan” program.

These loans are personal loans for amounts less than $3000. “Banks won’t give a loan for less than $3000 because of the interest, the time frame and the amount of money is just not worth it to them,” said Nunez. Most of these loans are for home improvement, medical needs and car repairs.

“Without a credit card they don’t have a lot of options,” he said. That in turn is what leads people to seek high interest payday lenders. The payday lending cycle can make matters worse by turning a temporary crisis into an ongoing problem.

To combat the pitfalls of payday lending, Freedom First has what is termed a “Payday Alternative Loan.” The interest rate is no higher than 18 percent and the borrower has a month to repay.

The “Credit Builder Loan” helps those with tar-

Photo by Valerie Garner

CEO, Paul Phillips and NAACP Roanoke Branch President Brenda Hale.

nished credit by putting the borrowed money into a savings account, and having the borrower make payments in advance of receiving the loan. After paying off the loan, they receive the money plus the accumulated interest. “It’s like forced saving and at the same time helping them rebuild their credit with the credit bureau,” said Nunez.

The “Responsible Rides Program” provides access to affordable, dependable cars. For this service Freedom First partners with Total Action Against Poverty, New River Community Action and Enterprise Car Sales. Seventy-three percent of the car loans are to single parents. Ninety-four percent of the loans are to females. Since starting the program in January 2010, Freedom First has closed about 70 car loans.

Responsible Rides is available to households whose income is at or below 200 percent of the poverty level. Other requirements in the program include successful completion of three hours of free financial education and attendance of a two-hour vehicle maintenance class.

Freedom First offers free educational classes for nonprofit agencies, schools, and local businesses in the Roanoke and New River Valley areas. With classes like “Money Mondays” Freedom First helps families achieve economic success and a better quality of life.

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Roanoke Days Inn-Civic Center Rises From The Ashes

Just one day before its scheduled reopening on January 18, the Days Inn Civic Center on Orange Avenue was the site of a major fire that destroyed 81 rooms, about half of the hotel’s total, causing $2.4 million in damage. Property owner Ssunny Shah (the extra “S” is intentional), who had purchased the hotel several months previously and found its condition “simply unacceptable,” went back to work with his team, remodeling it for a second time. The wallpaper in rooms, carpeting, furniture and air conditioning system are all new.

After a seven month delay, the Days Inn is open for business once again. Shah celebrated with a ribbon cutting last week, an event hailed as another economic boost for the City of Roanoke. Speakers at the delayed grand reopening included City Manager Chris Morrill, Mayor David Bowers and State Senator John Edwards.

Shah, who also owns the Ramada Inn/Conference Center on Franklin Road, the Howard Johnson-Airport and the Days Inn-Daleville, was all smiles as he offered tours of newly appointed rooms and lunch to a tent full of invited guests. He also had praise for his staff, 17 or so among all his properties (from almost 80) that have worked for him for more than 10 years. He has 19 employed at the Days Inn-Civic Center.

“This day would not have been possible without the help of many people,” said Shah; “we came together as a team.” The long time Roanoker, who has been in the valley for almost twenty years, praised Morrill and the can-do attitude of Roanoke City staffers that were always on the spot and quick to act when inspections were needed to keep the renovation process rolling along. “We partnered [with Shah] and tried to support him with that,” Morrill said of the cooperative role the city had in the project.

“They touched my heart,” said Shah of the city staff. He is now a board member for the Roanoke Valley Visitors & Convention Bureau as well. Executive Director Landon Howard also spoke at the ribbon cutting. “It’s just remarkable what everybody here has done to make a huge difference in this property,” noted Howard, who is pleased to have another downtown hotel (rooms are moderately priced, starting around $50) that he can market to out-of-towners. “The location helps us tremendously.”

Tourism in the valley is worth $600 million a year according to Howard, generating more than four million dollars in annual tax revenues for the

Photo by Gene Marrano

Ssunny Shad (second from right) celebrates his grand reopening. city. With people like Shah on board, “you see the vision of where we are headed.”

Morrill claimed it was critical “that we have people like Mr. Shah” in the valley, an unabashed booster for his adopted hometown. Morrill said downtown Roanoke could still use several more hotels/motels, featuring perhaps another 300-400 beds, before reaching a saturation point. The Days Inn-Civic Center “is another piece in that puzzle.”

Morrill added, “Projects like this … are an asset for the entire region. There is a momentum picking up. We are on a path to the world knowing what we have here [in Roanoke].” Opened several weeks ago, the Days Inn-Civic Center was already able to cash in with reservations for last weekend’s Jehovah’s Witness convention and the upcoming Commonwealth Games.

John Edwards called Shah’s hotel “the perfect location for the [adjacent] Civic Center.” He said the remodeling after the major fire meant the property had been “developed literally from the ashes.”

A construction worker may inadvertently have started the blaze, which was discovered as final inspections before the January 18 opening were taking place.

David Bowers recalled seeing the smoke from his house on Mill Mountain. He termed the reopening “like a Phoenix rising up from the ashes,” and thanked Shah for his investment in the property.

“We will make Roanoke a destination place,” vowed Shah, who wants to make the Days InnCivic Center and his other properties a destination for some of those visitors.

By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

County Hires New Parks & Rec Director Roanoke County leaders are preparing in advance for next year’s retirement of longtime and well-known Parks, Recreation and Tourism Director Pete Haislip. Next month, Doug Blount will begin work as an Associate Director under Haislip, who will retire on March 1, 2012. During his six months as Associate Director, Blount will begin transitioning to the role of department director.

Roanoke County conducted a nationwide search for Haislip’s replacement. The County received approximately 70 applications for the position. The pool was then narrowed to four finalists. Roanoke County Administrator Clay Goodman was among the panel of seven that selected Blount for the position.

After a nationwide search, we’re excited to announce the selection of Doug Blount as the newest member of Roanoke County’s administrative team," said Haslip. "The selection committee was impressed by his rich background and years of expe-

Doug Blount rience in parks and recreation management. I’m certain that Doug will continue to build on the department’s strong reputation as a provider of the quality leisure services and outstanding natural areas that our residents depend on.”

Blount has more than 16 years of experience in the field of parks and recreation, most recently as the Recreation Operations Director for the Prince William County Park Authority in Manassas, VA. Blount was responsible for

the operations and programming of Prince William County’s parks, recreation centers, community centers, outdoor pools, and waterparks. He also served as an inaugural board member for the Prince William County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Prior to moving to Northern Virginia in 1996, Blount worked for the Town of Jonesborough in Tennessee.

Blount grew up in the Roanoke area and is a graduate of William Byrd High School.

He has a Bachelors in Business Administration from East Tennessee State University. Blount and his wife Melissa have two children, ages six and nine.

Pete Haislip says he’s happy that Roanoke County has chosen a person with Blount’s knowledge and experience. “We have a great staff and wonderful facilities already in place. I know Doug will continue to move the department forward.”

Blount’s first day with Roanoke County is August 8.

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Arts & Culture

NewsRoanoke.com

7/8/11 - 7/14/11 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 9

“The Lover” Is Newest Offering “Salem After 5” Rocks with Soul From GAMUT Theater Ensemble Miriam Frazier, artistic director for the GAMUT amateur theater troupe, calls Harold Pinter’s “The Lover,” a one-act work that she will direct for its upcoming run at Studio Roanoke, a “very sexy, weird play,” that will make some in the audience “uncomfortable.” And that’s okay with Frazier and with the GAMUT group, which likes to push the boundaries a bit with the works it has offered over the past few years for local patrons of live theater.

GAMUT (Gypsies and Misfits Unknown Theater), which has been based at several venues recently, will offer “The Lover”

by Pinter, the legendary British playwright, at Studio Roanoke for two weekends beginning Thursday July 7. Frazier won’t give away the exact details as to how this version will be staged, but described it in a release as exploring “the divided self and compartmentalized life, using a middle class married couple as the vehicle.”

“The Lover” has been staged elsewhere both as a drama and as a comedy. Frazier likes Pinter’s sense of humor, observing “he melds anguish and wit seamlessly together and he can do it in fewer words than most anyone else.” In some versions one actor plays two characters – both the husband and a lover – but Frazier is tight lipped as to how it will all play out in Roanoke. “You’ll have to come watch,” she says.

“This is about two people who love each other and feel passionately about each other [but] they are trapped inside a suburban, middle class marriage,” said Frazier, who works for Virginia Tech when not involved with GAMUT. “They are trying to find a way to connect inside that arena,” looking for the spark that

Scene from “The Lover” now playing at the GAMUT theater. attracted them in the first place.

“Pinter wrote many one act plays and even rough sketches that were never fully fleshed out,” noted Frazier. The use of silence and pregnant pauses in key spots is a signature Pinter tool, even “labeled as ‘Pinteresque’ within the industry,” according to Frazier. “What I think people fail to realize about Pinter is that he is hilarious. He has an extremely dark and dry sense of humor.”

Frazier labels “The Lover” a comic drama and one that will challenge audiences. She intentionally cast a married couple (Michael Mansfield, Amanda Mansfield) in the lead roles, feeling they would best understand the dynamics of such a situation, “the trappings of marriage. They’ve been great to work with.”

A dance element will be added as an interlude during the play, a feature not written into “The Lover” by Pinter. Frazier is working with Elyse Daye Hart and Trey Mitchell on that aspect. The couple works both in Roanoke and in New York.

Frazier said she first “fell in love” with “The Lover” in college more than 20 years ago, and waited all this time to mount a

production. Those in their late 30’s and 40’s may appreciate it more than younger people, but all who come can find elements they can identify with. “The Lover” also gives small ensembles like GAMUT “a lot to really work with – and it has. We’re looking for things that stretch us, stretch the actors and will stretch the audience.” Frazier wants patrons to leave discussing what they just saw on stage. “‘The Lover’ is definitely a show you will want to talk about.”

“The Lover” by Harold Pinter opens July 7 and runs the 7th, 8th, 9th and 14th, 15th, 16th at Studio Roanoke on Campbell Avenue. (The troupe may stage its plays elsewhere next season.)

The actors are Michael Mansfield, Amanda Mansfield and Brian Cabaniss, with dance elements

by Elyse Daye Hart and Trey Mitchell - HartMitchell/Dance.

Performances begin at 8 p.m. and tickets are $12 adults/$8 students.

For more information call Gamut Theatre at 540-521-6049 or email the theatre at gamuttheatre@ comcast.net.

By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

If you’ve ever enjoyed the sounds of Earth Wind and Fire, Al Green, Marvin Gaye, Kool and the Gang, or Tower of Power - you should have been at this Friday’s “Salem After 5” celebration that featured the Roanoke-based band, Dominos.

“We started out with blues and turned it into soul,” said Steve Finch, director of the 21 year old band. “We plan to cut a new CD in about six months.”

After 5 bands set up at Salem’s Farmers’ Market, one of the most appealing loops in the impressive signature of the community that dates back to 1802. It’s the place where young and old, rich and poor, intellectual and down-to-earth folks all gather to salute the stuff that made this all-American town so beloved, namely: friendship, homemade/handmade/ homegrown cultural icons like preserves and vegetables – and music.

In May, Key West high-tailed it up north from Florida to grace this small, southern city with its Jimmy Buffet sound, rockin’ the market with oldies and goodies and a chance to mingle with friends. And this past Friday Dominos’ alluring sounds of the 60s, 70s, and 80s tantalized a sizable number of the fifty-something bunch – but the under fifty-somethings were there too doing the electric slide with their kids in tow.

“Actually, I think there’s always a nice mix of young and old here,” said Rick Gumpert, owner of Closet Storage Organizers in Salem. He and his wife Claudia swayed to music at the last event, looking as snuggly and relaxed beneath their shades as a honeymoon couple lounging beside a pool in Malibu.

“We love the fact that there are things here to do for the kids

Theatre For Special People Studio Roanoke Announces New Program

The world of theatre can be magical. Comedy, tragedy, mystery … whatever the genre, it is easy to become engrossed in the story. For those on and behind the stage, the theatre experience becomes an outlet for creativity; a place to work with like-minded peers. Writer, performer, or technician, the theatre is a place to call home; a place to share gifts with fellow artists that understand the need to be involved in theatre.

For members of our community with disabilities, that opportunity is limited to participation in the audience. Studio Roanoke would like to change that by offering a program tailored specifically to the special needs population of the Roanoke Valley.

On July 13 at 6 p.m., the first information session of Theatre for Special People (TSP) will be held in the fellowship hall at Raleigh Court Presbyterian Church, located at 1837 Grandin Road SW. The purpose of the meeting is to arouse interest in the program, recruit volunteers, and to receive valuable feedback from individuals and caregivers on how to proceed.

Programs that promote self-awareness, intellectual stimulation and athletic participation have been created specifically for the disabled community with great success. For example, Eunice Kennedy Shriver created the first public summer workshop for children with intellectual disabilities in 1962 at her home in Maryland. Mrs. Shriver’s program continues to be very successful and is now widely known as Special Olympics. Today, over 40,000 athletes are involved in Special Olympics each year in the state of Virginia alone.

Therapeutic Recreation Services of the Roanoke Valley provides a popular program for young adults with developmental disabilities.

Fitness, hands-on art projects, movies, dances, bowling outings and pizza parties are all activities that members of the program enjoy. For Geoffrey Weaver, his Tuesday Mingle group has become an important part of his weekly routine.

“We like to have dances or see a movie, but we don’t have theatre for our group yet. I have a lot of friends. They know I am an actor. I tell them that the new program will be good for them too,” said Geoffrey. He is a member of the committee that has been working on creating the TSP program for Studio Roanoke, providing valuable information about what a theatre program could provide for him and his peers.

“People with different ways need to get involved with theatre.”

Geoffrey added, “We need to have fun and have ideas and make promises to commit ourselves to it.” The idea of being a part of a the-

atrical ensemble excites him.

Like any new program, TSP will need many pairs of hands to see the idea come to fruition. Some potential participants may need caregivers to assist them. There is an immediate need for a sign language interpreter to help communicate with current committee members and possibly others. Volunteers with experience in special education and the disabled community are essential to help with teaching methods.

Therapists, actors, directors, playwrights, teachers and musicians can all be a part of the plan and design of a program that has the potential to reach numerous Roanoke Valley residents.

If you or someone you know has a special need that has prevented him or her from participating in the creativity that theatre provides for other members of the community, consider attending the information session on July 13th. Refreshments will be provided for this first brief session.

If you would like more information prior to the meeting, email mommajonz@cox.net or call (540)293-3745.

By Elizabeth Matthews Jones info@newsroanoke.com

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too,” said Claudia Gumpert, adding, “we find that life in Salem is kind of ‘Mayberryish’ and family-friendly. This event is an example of that.”

“The Salem Parks and Recreation Department and the City of Salem began the event about 13 or 14 years ago,” said event coordinator, Kathy Murphy.

“Salem City has always paid between $1,800 and $2,500 for the bands, and they work with SRO Productions in Roanoke to enlist some of the finest musicians now touring the country.”

Murphy said that one of the greatest things about ‘Salem After 5’ is that the money raised from beer sales and the $ 5.00 adult gate fee goes to charities like the Salem Roanoke County Food Pantry and the Salem Sports Foundation.

“Salem Parks and Rec presents the event in cooperation with Q99 and the Pepsi Corporation,” said Murphy. “It’s kind of a gift from the city to the city, and well worth the expense.”

“I always see lots of people I know here,” said Holly Taliaferro; her blond hair shimmering in the late afternoon sun.

“And I meet people as well.”

Taliaferro said she loved the giggly children bouncing in the yellow rubber bouncy machine behind her while she relaxed and re-connected with old friends.

Stephanie Shively and her husband David, both in their 30s, stood among a coterie of friends chatting while they nibbled on barbecue and sipped the ice cold Budweiser.

Mike Luster said he came with a group from Yokahama.

“I’ve lived in this area since the 1970s and I’m part of the Yokahama bunch who all appreciate this event. We keep coming back to see old friends,” Luster

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said, adding, “The warmer the weather becomes, it seems the more people come out to hear the music.”

The crowd loves the fact that proceeds go to RAM, the Salem Kiwanis Club, LOA, the Salem Rescue Squad, the Community Christmas Store, and other charities.

Tammy Engel of Roanoke County said she thinks the community needs more inexpensive, family-oriented activities like this one to attract more people to the area.

“It’s my first time here this Friday to see the Dominos,” said Cynthia Wayne, 62, of Roanoke, adding - “I want to bring my husband with me next time.”

Silver-haired veterans of the event in shorts and Hawaiian shirts led the posse to the dance floor, followed by rejuvenated young moms and dads, who may have been exhausted upon returning home from work a few hours before, but were now enlivened by the sultry sounds of an Al Green song like “Let’s Stay Together.”

As Sherry Stover of Salem patiently awaited “Brick House,” her favorite tune, the sun finally set in bands of crimson, awash with colliding streaks of gold.

Hands and feet all around were thumping as a small boy twirled around amid the circle of his jean-clad mother and father.

Two Roanoke College couples shared an orange as they embraced during a slow number, and another tiny dancer in a pink skirt danced alone to the music, lost in her own blissful fantasy as her grandparents looked on.

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