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TheRoanokeStar.com community | news | perspective

June 1 - 7, 2012

[Memorial Day Weekend]

Twenty One Gun Salute

Roanoke anti-gang training event is 2nd in a series across the Commonwealth.

Lucky Garvin

Great Wisdom P4– Lucky Garvin discovers someone who makes a real difference at LewisGale Hospital and in life.

Photo by Valerie Garner

Spirit Riders P6– Giddyup! Covered wagon tours will be making the rounds at the Explore Park all summer long.

Patrick Henry Signings P8– A slew of Patrick Henry High School seniors sign their letters of intent to play at the next level in the fall.

Medical Art P9– The VT-Carilion School of Medicine Art Show will feature work by faculty, staff and their families.

Cuccinelli Hosts Gang Busting Seminar

In honor of all who have given their lives in foreign wars the Disabled American Veterans of the Roanoke Valley Honor Guard fired a 21 Gun Salute on Monday in front of the former Commonwealth Building in downtown Roanoke.

Remembering Those Who Sacrificed The Most On Memorial Day

s in years past, Lee Plaza was the site of Roanoke’s Memorial Day Service. On Monday one hundred veterans, family members and friends offered tribute to veterans who paid the ultimate sacrifice. While others prepared for picnics or were sleeping in Monday morning, the true meaning of the day resonated with many city residents. Before the service began, this reporter asked the name of the gentleman standing nearby. He was Commandant of the Marine Corps League Detachment 426 Michael Shepherd. He served in Vietnam in 1966 and was in charge of Atomic Demolition Munitions (ADA). Softly he said, “It is just like any other demolitions but it just makes a bigger bang.” An ADA is a nuclear device designed to be detonated on or below the ground surface, or under water, as a demolition munition against material-type targets to block, deny, and/or channel the enemy, as described by the Department of Defense. Gardner Smith, 71 was attached to the 1st Infantry Division. He served two tours of duty in Vietnam between 1965 and 1969 and is twenty-four years retired. Smith said he provided

logistical support and handled the remains of fallen soldiers to be returned to the U.S. “It was tough but it was a job that had to be done. Don’t leave anybody,” he said. Smith and Rusty Witt, who also served, were preparing for their return ride to the Veterans Administration. Both said they were there temporarily. Smith was in a wheelchair but said he would be up and around and dancing soon. After the posting of the colors by the Disabled American Veterans of the Roanoke Valley, Gloria Evans-Williams sang the National Anthem. Retired Army Lt. Col. Dan Karnes, president of the Roanoke Valley Veterans Council, introduced Major General Randal Fullhart, commandant of cadets at Virginia Tech, as speaker. To the veterans he said, “We know and appreciate the price of the path less traveled. We also know the satisfaction that comes with the company that we keep; the friendships that transcend time and location ... it is born out of common experience and > CONTINUED, P2: Memorial Day

Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli’s office hosted a day of gang training in Roanoke last week to teach members of law enforcement, prosecutors, and community members about current gang trends while giving them the tools to recognize and report gang activity. Presentation topics included: • Gangs 101 - A history of gangs, how to recognize gang affiliation, and a detailed overview of several gangs in Virginia. • Targeting Kids - Why kids join gangs and the manipulation gang recruiters use to entice them. • Gangs and Human Trafficking - Just as gangs evolve their clothing, graffiti, and language, they also evolve their criminal enterprises. This was an overview of recent Virginia prosecutions of gang members for human trafficking in the involuntary sex and labor trade. • Social Networking - How gang members use social media to recruit new members and commit crimes, including social networking sites like Facebook, and online games like Halo and World of Warcraft. “Gangs aren’t just selling drugs and guns anymore,” said Cuccinelli. “They’re en> CONTINUED P2: Gang Busting

Bob Slaughter - Voice Barbershop Chorus Competition of D-Day Passes Away Serious and Fun Business He was a veteran of the DDay invasion on June 6, 1944, and the face of the National D-day Memorial project as it got off the ground in Bedford. Sgt. Bob Slaughter, who also wrote a book about his World War II experiences, died earlier this week at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital. Slaughter, who was 87, could often be found addressing civic groups or school children about D-day and the war. According to one published report, National D-day Foundation President Robin Reed said Slaughter, a Roanoke County resident, recently suffered from some falls and was being rehabilitated when he took a turn for the worse. Passing away in the

Sgt. Slaughter during his Army years in WWII. morning hours just after Memorial Day seemed fitting for someone who gave so much of himself that the heroic ef> CONTINUED P2:Voice

Harmony filled the halls of the Hotel Roanoke this past weekend with melodies both old and new as the Southern Division Barbershop Quartet contest was held Friday evening. Barbershop Choruses competed Saturday morning. The Virginia Gentlemen Chorus of the Roanoke Valley hosted the convention with Dennis Ritchie as Master of Ceremonies. Bob Johnson, a baritone with the Harrisonburg Harmonizers Chorus said, “It takes practice ... practice and a lot of preparation and years of dedication.” New members must first learn the words and the music at home. A coach then helps with holding the vowels and the cutoffs. They get together several times a week with the director and they practice on a riser. Working in the choreography on top of everything else

Photo by Valerie Garner

“The Alexandria Harmonizers” from Northern Virginia have won international titles. takes long hours, said Johnson, who also sings with the Blarney Brothers Quartet. He explained that of the two song selections for the contest one is usually what he called a “gut buster” followed up by a soft song.

Ray Bishop, base singer with the Virginia Gentlemen of the Roanoke Valley said, “Staying crisp and in tune is the hardest > CONTINUED P2: Barbershop

> Memorial Day Widespread showers and storms are likely on Friday with temperatures rising to near 80. Rain ends Saturday morning with sunshine returning by afternoon. Temperatures rise into the mid 70s. Hit or miss showers and storms are possible Sunday through Tuesday with high temperatures near 80.

common purpose and common cause.” “We can be an example to others around the world of what free people in the respectful pursuit of happiness can accomplish,” said Major General Fullhart. After the wreath was positioned at the monument that bears the names of the fallen, bagpiper Brandon Davis played “Amaz-

ing Grace.” Following Taps, the Reverend Dr. David Dixon Deacon from St. Paul’s Episcopal Church said a prayer for peace. “In His perfect kingdom no sword is drawn but the sword of righteousness ... deliver us from hatred, cruelty and revenge,” he prayed. As Major General Fullhart said to those

> Voice forts of the nation’s veterans in WWII might be remembered. “It was a terrible ride to the beach,” Slaughter once told the PBS show, American Experience. “Over to our right, the battleship Texas was firing into the cliffs, and every time that big fourteen-inch gun went off a tremendous tsunami swamped our boat, and the water would come over the side and just soak us and

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part.” They have to peak at the right time and keep everything in line. Some choral groups were conservatively dressed in tuxedo or suits and vests. Others sported costumes matching various themes. The Virginia Gentlemen wore joker hats as they sang “A Fool Such as I.” The fifth place AAA chorus, the Fairfax Jubilaires wore costumes of the 1930s and took on a challenging song of soldiers leaving for war – “So Long Mother, Kiss Your Boy Goodbye.” Johnson says that all the hard work is worth it and it is all about going out into the community and “giving joy to people.” A roar went up in the audience as the Virginia Gentlemen, directed by Tim Service, won third place overall but were number one in their AAA plateau with a score of 69.3 percent. That was a significant feat, said President Bert Hubbard. First place went to AAAA plateau chorus, the Alexandria Harmonizers, who have won international championship titles. Second place went to AAAA Soundworks of James River, Virginia. The top five qualify

touched by the loss of a loved one in service to our country, “Memorial Day is every day; not just once a year.” By Valerie Garner info@theroanokestar.com

From page 1 make our seasickness worse.” Slaughter told those stories of courage often – now it’s up to other survivors and the DDay Memorial he helped create to carry on that legacy. By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net Photo by Gene Marrano

Bob Slaughter address a Roanoke County Public Library program several years ago.

> Barbershop American Tower Proposal

From page 1

for the October Mid-Atlantic District contest in Ocean City, Maryland. The pace was brisk for the 12 choral groups Saturday. Johnson said they are always a little nervous in front of such a large audience. Friday evening there were 28 quartets competing. First place went to Acme Chord Company from Alexandria and D.C. Hubbard was proud of Roanoke’s young fledgling group “Ben and the Boyz.” They won the “Novice Quartet” trophy and came in 15th overall. A barbershop quartet consists of four people who sing a cappella (without instrument accompaniment.) Many choral groups sing well-known barbershop tunes like “Sweet Adeline” and “Let Me Call You Sweetheart.” Many barbershop quartet singers also choose to sing in a chorus, like Bob Johnson. There are small choruses as well as choruses with over 100 members like the Alexandria Hamonizers. The Barbershop Harmony Society, legally and historically named the Society for the Pres-

> Gang Busting gaging in whatever crimes are profitable. These training sessions will help educate law enforcement about some of their new enterprises, including prostitution and human trafficking.” Localities around Virginia have reported more than 830 gangs statewide, with an average age of recruitment of 12 years old. The training sessions are part of the attorney general’s larger anti-gang initiative. Cuccinelli’s office, the Department of Criminal Justice Services, and the Virginia Gang Investigators Association partnered together to host the five day-long trainings around the commonwealth. Over the five sessions, staff from the attorney general’s office will train approximately 500 members of law enforcement, teachers, and prosecutors

From page 1

Photo by Valerie Garner

“The Fairfax Jubilaires” took 5th place in the compettition. ervation and Encouragement of Barber Shop Quartet Singing in America, Inc. (SPEBSQSA), is the first of several organizations to promote and preserve barbershop music as an art form. Founded by Owen C. Cash in 1938, the organization quickly grew, promoting barbershop harmony among men of all ages. In the United States and Canada there are about 30,000 members whose focus is on a cap-

pella music. The international headquarters was in Kenosha, Wisconsin for fifty years before moving to Nashville, Tennessee in 2007. If you can carry a tune all are welcome to give it a try, said President Bert Hubbard. The Virginia Gentlemen are on the web at www.vagents.org. By Valerie Garner info@theroanokestar.com

From page 1

about gangs in Virginia and how to help kids avoid gang recruitment. The Roanoke seminar was conducted on May 24th. “Like no other criminals, gang members target, manipulate, brainwash, and endanger kids,” Cuccinelli said. “We, as law enforcement, and you as a community, must get to these kids before gang members can. These training sessions will teach law enforcement effective ways to reach kids and steer them away from the gang lifestyle.” The Roanoke training was the second in a series of five taking place across the commonwealth. The first training was in Radford. The gang trainings will also be held in Newport News, Weyers Cave / Staunton and Alexandria.

Ken Cuccinelli discusses ways to prevent gang activity.

Local “Court Observer” Receives Honor

Judges come and judges go, and Murry White has seen them all. The 97-year-old Salem resident has been watching the court system in Roanoke County and surrounding areas as a private citizen for more than 30 years. He was recently honored by the Salem/Roanoke County Bar Association for his service. The Association adopted a resolution and presented it to him before judges, law enforcement personnel, lawyers, and legal staff at Salem General District Court before the day’s court docket began. His wife, Mildred “Susie” White, attended many of the legal proceedings with him before she died in 2005. Murry White says his love of the justice system began long ago in high school civics when his teacher took the class on a field trip to the courthouse. “And after going to court, we come back [and] she says, ‘We gonna have a mock trial here in the classroom.’ They appointed me Commonwealth’s Attorney on a murder trial. I got a conviction on it. So from then on

I’ve been interested in the court system.” White might even have become an attorney except for one thing - money. “I couldn’t because when I grew up, we didn’t have money to go to school for you to do that. When you’re my age, in September I’ll be a 98-year-old, back then, during the First Depression, [you’re] lucky if you’d get [enough to] eat.” So White spends his days sitting in the front row, convers- Murry White, Judge Vincent A. Lilley and members of the ing with attorneys about their Salem / Roanoke County Bar Association. case, offering advice on strategy or speculating on the outcome. side of the rail where things the years, he said by far the Jens He declined, however, to reveal frequently look different than Soering trial in Bedford was the the best advice he ever gave to when you’re up there question- most interesting because it was ing a witness or making an ar- a high profile case. He also said an attorney. large speakers were placed on Attorney John Koehler gument to a jury.” Judge Vincent A. Lilley even each side so people could hear echoed many of the sentiments made about White during the remarked how he felt Susie and every word that was said. Murry White acted like surroThe court watcher hopes to proclamation ceremony. gate parents, especially since the continue being part of the judi“Mr. White is probably better judge’s father had passed away cial process for years to come. attuned to what goes on during trial and how a trial is go- before he presented his first case ing than certainly many novice as an attorney. By Beverly Amsler Murry White was a bit emlawyers would be. And even info@theroanokestar.com barrassed by all the hoopla. experienced lawyers can benefit from that extra set of eyes; Watching hundreds, if not the observation from the other thousands of court trials over

TheRoanokeStar.com |Page 3

6/1/12- 6/7/12

Veteran Principal Set To Move On At Oak Grove

As an early retiree at 58, Oak Grove Elementary School Principal Cris Flippen must still come back about 30 days per school year for the next five years, but for the most part she will close the book on a 37 year career on June 30, when she leaves Oak Grove as the exprincipal. Flippen, who came to the southwest Roanoke County school in 2002, was feted at a community open house several weeks ago. Among the surprises: a display of pictures showing Flippen throughout the years, as a college student, a young teacher, growing up in West Virginia – even some from Cuba, the country that a very young Flippen and her parents emigrated from in 1961. After landing in Florida they settled in West Virginia, where her father was a practicing physician. Flippen arrived at Oak Grove Elementary just as the school was about to undergo a seven million dollar renovation in 2004. New infrastructure, classrooms, labs, etc. were added. “It was like trying to fly a plane while you were building it,” recalls Flippen, “with 500 kids at the same time. It was a long process.” Flippen had previously been the principal at Clearbrook Elementary when it was undergoing expansion and renovations as well. An accomplished dancer who has taken lessons (Oak Grove has held dance classes for older students), Flippen first graced the hallways at the school as a teacher in 1981, after teaching in West Virginia. She graduated from Concord College (WV) and then juggled work, family and school at Virginia Tech to complete her masters later on. Flippen was about 19 years old when she first thought that becoming a school administrator might be her ultimate career path. A principal she had growing up as a grade schooler helped seal the deal: “I just remember thinking, what a difference he made in the school.” That principal added a student newspaper and generally “spiced things up.” Flippen didn’t like

Cris Flippen in front of a display created by her students. the principals that were “sort of aloof,’ and vowed to be hands on and doors open, if and when she rose to that position. She credits former Roanoke County School Superintendent Deanna Gordon and current school head Lorraine Lange for offering encouragement, recognizing that she might be principal material. “It kind of put me back on the right path,” said Flippen, who resumed that career track through courses at Virginia Tech after starting those studies in West Virginia. Family obligations had put those aspirations on the back burner for a while. By 1994, five years after she started at Tech, Flippen became a principal for the first time, after working part time as a teacher at Cave Spring Middle while attending school. She was an assistant principal at Burlington Elementary in 1993. The biggest changes – and challenges – Flippen notes, is the technology that can make learning more impactful and immediate now – providing teachers know how to use the equipment. “All of our teachers have grown in the use of technology,” said Flippen, who is sold on Activboards. “You can bring the world to your classroom.” Accountability benchmarks like the Standards of Learning “is a huge difference.” Teachers know more about students than ever before, and are under a much greater “degree of scrutiny.” She commends her own staff for taking on the challenges

of the SOLs “head on. Our test scores continue to be excellent.” In fact, Oak Grove Elementary won the Governor’s Excellence Award for its scholastic achievements last year and has been fully accredited for the past three years, meeting criteria for reading and other benchmarks. “As a principal you’re only as good as your teachers,” noted Flippen, who wrestled with retirement for several years. “It was one of the toughest decisions I’ve ever made.” As she drove to the weekend open house several weeks ago, Flippen was surprised to see billboards and roadside signs congratulating her on retirement. It was one of the happiest days of her life. She hopes to mentor children, when not playing golf or dancing with husband Wayne. Politics is an option; though the 5:45AM workouts thankfully are a thing of the past after 20 years; “that won’t happen,” she chuckles. Kim Bradshaw is the new principal after moving over from Fort Lewis Elementary. What Cris Flippen will miss most is ‘the love of children on a daily basis; that connection every day with kids.” Flippen feels like a rock star at times when students see her in a public setting and are excited about it. “I don’t know too many adults that get what I do - everyday.” She will also miss her Oak Grove staff: “They keep me young, every day. We’re connected as a family.” By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

Garden Club Grows at Grandin Court Elementary School Roanoke students at Grandin Court Elementary had the opportunity to get their hands dirty gardening this spring as founding members of the school’s Garden Club. Started as an outreach initiative of the local non-profit Western Virginia Land Trust (WVLT), the Garden Club was formed to teach young children basic gardening skills and to help better connect them to the environment. WVLT Project Manager Diana Hackenburg worked closely with the school to design a program that would complement the curriculum, beautify the school grounds, and hopefully produce a bountiful harvest of vegetables this growing season. Outdoor activities, like gardening, have recently been touted as a way for children to gain valuable skills like cooperation, reduce stress, increase physical activity and even lessen misbehavior (for more information, check out Richard Louv’s book “Last Child in the Woods”). “We see Garden Club filling an integral role in the introduction of young students to the environment around them,” Diana Hackenburg noted. “I tend to agree with Thomas Berry when he states that ‘teaching children about the natural world should be treated as one of the most important events in their lives.” Due to its initial popularity with students, enrollment for the club was limited to 26 students ranging in age from kindergarten to fifth grade. Garden Club met once a week after school and each meeting started with an informative lesson on a plant-related topic. The students learned all about weeds, soils, how plants grow, and general safety tips to follow while working outside with tools. They had opportunities to taste basil, identify plant parts we eat, and experience how ‘milkweed’ gets

The Grandin Court School Garden Club its name. Additionally, each stu- environment and Garden Club dent planted their own bean or serves as the spark to a lifelong pea sprout to care for at home passion for nature.” and created personalized waAt the Garden Club’s last tering jugs made from old milk meeting, students were asked gallons. to write down one thing they On the playground, students learned or enjoyed about Garfilled four raised beds with a den Club. While most students wide variety of vegetables, herbs, mentioned either liking “garand flowers. All of the plants, dening” or “planting”, one stuseeds, and soil were generously dent responded simply “I like donated by businesses includ- to let things grow.” The Garden ing Mulch-N-More, Northwest Club did indeed grow this year True Value Hardware, Scotts both in terms of actual plants Miracle Gro, Southern Expo- and as an educational experisure Seed Exchange, and Town- ence for our community’s budside Gardens. Support was also ding young gardeners. given by several local individuBy Diana Hackenburg als and parent volunteers who info@theroanokestar.com helped supervise the children during meetings. With spring winding down and summer fast approaching, Garden Club has officially ended for the school year. However, students were encouraged to continue visiting and caring for the plants with their families over the summer months. They www.oln-parish.org were even encouraged to harvest any produce that becomes available later in the season. “Our hope is to continue the Garden Club again next year at Contact us: Grandin Court and potentially 540-774-0066 expand the program to other area schools,” voiced WVLT Executive Director David Perry. 2505 Electric Road, “As part of our mission, we want Roanoke VA, 24018 to encourage respect for the !

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American Life in Poetry Believe This

BY TED KOOSER, U.S. POET LAUREATE When we’re on all fours in a garden, planting or weeding, we’re as close to our ancient ancestors as we’re going to get. Here, while he works in the dirt, Richard Levine feels the sacred looking over his shoulder. All morning, doing the hard, root-wrestling work of turning a yard from the wild to a gardener’s will, I heard a bird singing from a hidden, though not distant, perch; a song of swift, syncopated syllables sounding like, Can you believe this, believe this, believe? Can you believe this, believe this, believe? And all morning, I did believe. All morning, between break-even bouts with the unwanted, I wanted to see that bird, and looked up so I might later recognize it in a guide, and know and call its name, but even more, I wanted to join its church. For all morning, and many a time in my life, I have wondered who, beyond this plot I work, has called the order of being, that givers of food are deemed lesser than are the receivers. All morning,

muscling my will against that of the wild, to claim a place in the bounty of earth, seed, root, sun and rain, I offered my labor as a kind of grace, and gave thanks even for the aching in my body, which reached beyond this work and this gift of struggle.

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Go Now In Peace!

fter retiring, I spent tessori approach to the story of much more time vol- the Bible. Their book, Young unteering at church, Children and Worship, was still and as the cliché goes, I benefit- in progress, but we were able to ted more than those I taught. I secure the working papers. learned, not only from the chilAt that time, prior to the dren, but also from other vol- book’s publication in 1988, the unteers. A friend who probably wooden figures for people and a taught me most was Susan Kes- multitude of other items needed sler, a member of the church the for presenting the stories were same age as my daughter Kathy. unavailable commercially, but I got to know her well when specific instructions were prowe worked together vided for creating creating a children’s these objects needworship ministry at ed to bring the bibRaleigh Court Preslical stories to life. byterian Church. Susan and I unAfter struggling dertook the project, for several years and spent the entire to find a suitable summer collecting curriculum that felt, foam board, would make worwood, shoe boxes, ship meaningful for baskets, candles and young children, innumerable other our Nurture and materials. Many of Mary Jo Shannon Education committhe items we made tee discovered the work of Sonja ourselves. We found other Stewart and Jerome Berryman. members to contribute specific Stewart, a Presbyterian Direc- skills, such as cutting the figures tor of Christian Education and from wood, sewing a delicate Berryman, an Episcopal priest, dress for a doll’s baptism, or developed a hands-on, Mon- drawing and laminating figures Computer Repair • Free Diagnosis • New & Used Computers & Laptops

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san continued to develop new ways for the church to serve children. She sought information about the Logos program, and created Kids’ Kirk, a midweek after school program for children, kindergarten through fifth grade. She researched and created Fun Shops, a new approach to teaching Sunday School, in which children rotate weekly each month, focusing on the same story in various creative ways. She also worked with the Pre-school director and initiated a weekly time for preschoolers in the chapel with Susan and/or the pastor (and often a few puppets!). At her retirement reception, Pastor Tupper Garden presented Susan with a bronze plaque to be placed in the children’s playground. It reads: “The Susan B. Kessler Children’s Playground, Dedicated to the glory of God and to the love of children.” Planning, equipping and supervising the maintenance of the playground was a significant accomplishment during her time as Director of Children’s Ministries. The plaque will help future generations to remember the dedication and sacrifice of time that Susan gave for the love of children and her Lord. At the close of the reception, the children of the church sang the benediction they sang at the close of each session of Children’s Worship: “Go now in peace, Go now in peace. May the love of God surround you, everywhere, everywhere, you may go.” Susan is a dear friend and I wish her well as she leaves her position in the church. Her retirement coincides with that of her husband, Dr. Reif Kessler. May God bless both of them and give them many years of joy together. Go now in peace!

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would not want Mr. ElI see him only for disaplis angry with me. He pointingly brief periods of is African-American; time. We exchange greetings. perhaps a bit over six feet in He is busy; I am busy. He says height, two hundred forty he models himself after me. pounds, shaved head, mus- I don’t know to what degree tache with chin-beard. that’s true, nor how A slight arching of his wise his selection, but eyebrows, a narrowlooking to learn from ing of his eyes would others is always wise. make him a fearsome Mr. Ellis is taking care prospect indeed; a about his growth, folman to walk wide of. lowing a spiritual way, But those eyes do not I think; walking that narrow nor those dim-lit path not beLucky Garvin eyebrows arch. With cause he must, but him, as with all spiritual in- because he chose to. We can dividuals, allegorical; more is always refuse the offer. hidden than is seen. What holds him to it I wonI much admire Mr. Ellis. He der, following an urging faint works as a patient transporter as wind-chimes? Like me, a in the hospital: he moves pa- determination to leave what he tients from the ER to their once was, the wiser for where rooms upstairs. When he he’s been? Too many lessons comes to our department, he learned in sorrow? Wisdom is unfailingly polite; but make so often comes after the fact. no mistake, his voice is strong, Or simply a rooted determinahis gaze direct. This is courte- tion to do what’s right? I’ve not sy, not subservience. If the pa- asked him. tient is too weak to move himSo for now he is a patientself, Mr. Ellis moves him; arms transporter and a soul under bulge, muscles knot across his construction; each day coming chest. He is powerful enough nearer and nearer still to what not merely to move a patient, it was intended he become. He’s but to move them with ten- a man I much admire for his derness, for the ability to do a decency and his self-respect. thing tenderly always takes an He nurtures carefully what the extra strength. Creator has given him. It’s said I know nothing of his past, each of us fashions our own but whatever it was, good or philosophy. Whether we treat bad, privileged or deprived, it patients or transport them, has bought him here, to this sweep a floor or run a corpoplace. What we forge of our ration, it makes no difference, past always brings us to our the Creator knows where we present. are. He started as a housekeepTo follow a far-vision, do er, emptying wastebaskets, the task before you; to be comsweeping floors. I began to see mitted to self-respect, steadhim as agreeably free of pre- ied and sustained by a healthy tense and possessing a strong pride is to come to maturity. Contact Mary Jo at sense of self; not a vanity, but The Creator, I believe, has maryjoshannon@ymail.com an abiding self-respect; a quiet plans for Mr. Ellis, this man I man who took no pains to be much admire. noticed. Yesterday, Jim Shore, our! He stayed busy at the task hospital administrator, a man before him, patient, methodi- who frequently walks the hosHouse ‘nothing Cleaning cal. His attitude seemedProfessional to be, pital because much `I clean now, that’s what I do. spiritual happens in my office.’ Not forever but for now. So 1618 I He Roanoke spoke to me:Blvd “I was walkshall do it well.’ True nobility ing through the cafeteria, saw Suite A is often a silent, solitary affair. a gentleman I’d never met, a W Salem, Virginia 24153 By staying at his assigned task, man who worked here, and on he becomes the quiet agent 540-389-5252 an impulse, although my time through which a great need is was brief, I asked if I could www.dustbunniescorp.com • gift certificates available SERVING THE ROANOKE VALLEY fulfilled. Surely this is the ulti- eat a quick meal with him. I mate self-stewardship. ended up sitting with him an hour and a half. Fascinating man. I came back to my office and listened to my phone calls. You had called me, Lucky, with Community | News | Perspective a recommendation to look up Tree Removal • Deadwooding • Gutter Cleaning 540-400-0990 Mr. Ellis in my travels. Spring Aeration • Overseeding Publisher | Stuart Revercomb | stuart@theroanokestar.com Guess who I had lunch with News Editor | Gene Marrano | gmarrano@cox.net Mulch Delivered and Spread • Spring Cleanups today?”

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for portraying parables. The church secretary saved envelope boxes for us to cover with gold paper for the parable boxes. Materials needed for each Bible story were assembled and stored in appropriately labeled shoe boxes. (Today, such materials are available to purchase – for several thousand dollars!) During that summer I grew to appreciate Susan’s spiritual depth, her dedication and her organizational skills. Due to her perseverance and attention to detail as we also trained volunteers to present the stories. The program still exists today, after 22 years. Children from preschool through first grade are dismissed after children’s time to worship in an age-appropriate way while their parents and older children listen to the sermon. After the story is presented using the visual props, children are allowed to manipulate the objects, retelling for themselves the stories they have heard. The method has been described as a “visual translation of the Bible”. The emphasis is on worship – not education. The atmosphere instills wonder and praise and the Christ candle is lit at the beginning of the closing worship. Responses from the Great Prayer of Thanksgiving are incorporated and children offer their own prayers. As word of our children’s ministry spread, we were invited to speak to interested persons in other churches, some as far away as Martinsville. Susan gladly gave her time and enthusiasm to spreading the word. Often visitors came to observe and many other churches established similar programs. When we needed a new Director of Education, we naturally turned to Susan, who had volunteered her services during the illness and death of Mary Lee Hartman, our DCE. During her ten years as Director of Children’s ministries, Su-

Respect Cadet Campbell is another one in dwtn Rke. Crow's cry Roanoke attorney on South Jefferson Scarlet Gray sea eagle Music used as practice

DOWN 1 Which local business says 'If water runs through it we've got it!' 2 Regret 3 Building addition 4 This Roanoker developed a move called the Gorilla Press Slam and is in the WWF Hall of Fame. 5 Roanoke's Kenyan sister city. 6 El __ 7 Her 8 Toyota truck 9 Take 10 Nothing 11 Impressionist painter 19 Prate 21 Table 50 has this online 22 Clean 23 Roman three 24 This is just a shade under 3300 feet for Mill Mountain in Roanoke 25 Reefy 28 Leather worker's tool 30 Cutting tool 33 Pouch 34 Environmental protection agency (abbr) 35 New Jersey's neighbor 37 NE French region 38 Kroger will provide this occasionally for a new product 40 Capital of Senegala 41 An International Church in Roanoke 42 Business ordinance amended 44 Rudy in Virginia Beach 46 Cut down 49 Famous Vinton Memorial 51 Flightless bird 52 Planet Fitness helps you work on this at Towers 53 Compass point

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TheRoanokeStar.com |Page 5

6/1/12- 6/7/12

The Danger of Online Education

uch has been writ- student. ten about higher In talking with successful education and its men and women in mid-career, problems. Financing has esca- almost without exception, they lated to the point that only the will point to specific professor very wealthy can afford a bac- or advisor who changed the calaureate degree to say nothing direction of their lives. Even of the cost of graduate educa- if the instructional quality of tion now needed to enhance an online-for-profit university one’s chance of landing a matches that of a firstjob with a bright future. rate standard campus, Student loans often leave there will be no gradugraduates saddled with ates who point to their more debt than they can laptop as their salvapossibly manage, espetion. cially at an entry level What about quality position. control? I can obtain With the advent of the an online “PhD” in totally wired society, less time than it will Hayden Hollingsworth educational institutake to finish this tions have added column. It will truanother wrinkle. Colleges are ly not be worth cost of the paper able to shut down expensive-to- my printer uses to produce it. operate bricks and mortar facili- Obviously, there are online unities and offer much classwork versities that have faculty whose online. Students don’t have to credentials are acceptable, but I be housed and fed, travel ex- do wonder if I could, with my penses are eliminated, faculty 25 years of formal education, be can lecture from the comfort of hired by such an institution just their homes, and tens of thou- on the basis of my curriculum sands of students can sit at their vitae? I would certainly hope computers and learn the finer not. points of quantum mechanics. Then there’s the matter of the Or can they? student. Is he/she really doing The media are full of adver- the work? I recently heard a tisements of colleges and uni- college professor (a bricks and versities that are one hundred mortar place) questioning a percent online. No idyllic tree- student about a paper entitled lined campuses; they have been “The Use of Symbolism in replaced by a massive computer Dante’s Paradise Lost.” When it network. One would think the was pointed out to the student cost savings for students would that John Milton would be mysquickly address the funding tified by his loss of authorship, problems, but that does not the student was incensed. “That appear to be the case. In some title can’t be wrong. My mother instances, the cost for an online wrote that paper!” The sense of associate degree (two years) can personal accountability can easexceed $50,000. In addition to ily be diminished when the prothe high cost there are other pit- fessor is a face 3000 miles away falls awaiting the unwary online who you will never meet.

Maybe even a greater danger is the loss of learning about social interactions. I know of a director of counseling in an outstanding traditional university who says the center is flooded with calls every year when the freshmen have arrived. Parents are demanding the Counseling Center go “straighten out my child’s roommate who has been ugly to her.” The hard drive may crash, the 21st century equivalent to “the dog ate my homework,” but sooner or later we all have to learn how to deal with difficult social situations. There will be no software for that. I asked Dr. N.L. Bishop, President of the Jefferson College of Health Sciences, how his school was going to deal with the online associate nursing degrees that are being offered at twice the cost of the traditional route. He said all educators are watching this carefully and being sure that the online course work they offer is monitored to insure quality on both sides of the lectern. Without question, there will be a place for online learning, but it is not without risks. To look on it as a cost effective tool, it clearly is not. More and more studies are appearing that the profit goes to the schools which now is a billion dollar a year industry. Slick TV ads notwithstanding, there are few data that support for profit colleges as an effective educational method. Like every other product on the market, when it comes to education let the buyer beware! Contact Hayden at jhayden2003@cox.net

Pork Renderings

espite its Northern One theory dates from ton Butt, folks in the South name, the Boston Shakespearian days when ac- are responsible for a more duButt is a favorite tors would use ham fat to re- bious political hog. The “pork cut of meat in the South. It’s move their heavy make-up. barrel” that familiar reference the best part of the hog to These performers became to appropriations secured by roast and in some areas is also known as hamfatters, eventu- Congressmen for local, pet known as pulled pork. Be- ally shortened to hams. projects has fed irate political ing so tender, it’s easy to tear And while no offence to any newspaper columnists for deapart, and break into smaller specific politician is indented, cades, and soured many peopieces for the sweetest sand- the hog has also found its way ple to the political system. wiches around. into government. America’s political pork But the origin of A familiar term for seems to have had its origin the term “Boston America “Uncle in the years before the civil Butt” is not what Sam” is said to war, from a somewhat comyou’re probably have come from mon practice in the South. thinking, since the a New York pork On special occasions Southcut actually comes packer named ern plantation owners would from the upper Uncle Sam Wil- place salt pork in big wooden part of the shoulson. He shipped a barrels for the workers, who der on the front boatload of several would rush to snatch what leg, rather than hundred barrels they could before the supply “down south.” It of pork to U.S. ran dry. Along these lines, seems that butchtroops during politicians have been grabNick Thomas ers of pre-revothe war of 1812. bing state or federal dollars lutionary New The pork barrels, for pet projects with equal England would pack their nearly enough to feed the en- enthusiasm ever since, often meat into casks or barrels tire army, were stamped “U.S.” themselves living high on the known as “butts” for storage and the initials would forever hog. and shipment. Other parts of link the country to its generContact Nick Thomas at the country soon began refer- ous “Uncle Sam.” info@theroanokestar.com ring to the shoulder region of While Yankees may be credhogs as “Boston Butt,” and the ited for the origin of the Bosname has remained popular today throughout most of the U.S. If you are fortunate enough to acquire a freshly barbequed Boston Butt, your family will likely congratulate you for “bringing home the bacon.” The origin of this familiar expression is a little obscure, but possibly comes from the 12th century English custom of giving a young couple bacon if they were still happy after a year of marriage. Sadly, with the high incidence of marital breakdown today, it’s more likely that the divorce lawyers will be the one’s pocketing the pork. Another popular pork product seen around holiday time is the baked ham, We come to you for Wills, Power of Attorney, Medical although this dinner centerDirectives, Trusts and Settlement of Estates. piece may not be the only ham at the family table. There Call today for a Free Consultation! always seems to be one famand review of existing documents Robert “Bob” Bersch ily member this term can be Attorney-at-Law applied to, but just how “ham” became associated with individuals who like to be the center of attention is a bit of WILLS ON WHEELS is a division of BERSCH LAW FIRM, P.C., Roanoke, VA a mystery. Reasonable Rates • Night & Weekend Appointments • 40 Years Experience

The Preacher’s Corner by Rev. Barkley Thompson

Who Fills Your Gas Tank?

n high school, my friend Patrick drove an enormous 1983 Oldsmobile Delta 88. It was burgundy-red, and due to its size and color we called it “The Delta Demon.” Invariably, on the way home from causing some (minor) mischief Patrick would glance at the Demon’s fuel gauge and exclaim, “Uh oh. Out of gas. We have to stop.” We’d coast into the nearest gas station on fumes. The Demon’s gas tank was insatiable. Patrick would pump gas, pay the cashier with the rumpled five dollars from his pocket, and collapse into the driver’s seat exclaiming in an exasperated tone, “Just once I wish I could top off the tank.” It seemed as if it took the entire five dollars—all that Patrick had—just to get us home. In 1988, the year I turned sixteen, the average price of gasoline was 98 cents. Today the average price of gasoline is $3.81. In this era of economic difficulty, it is not unusual to pull up to the gas pump and see that the people in front of us have put only five or ten dollars in the tank, because that’s all the money they have. Indeed, on some days we may be such people. Some days we lack the resources to fill the tank. Some days there’s not enough gas to get us home. Some days we subsist on fumes. Our spiritual lives are not so different from our gas tanks. Too often, we rely on our demons to carry us through the world, those insatiable aspects of our lives that drain us of our strength and our joy but which we cannot seem to let go. Too often, we find that when we need to endure and carry on our tanks are empty. We don’t have

enough gas to get us home. Who can fill our spiritual gas tank? What can top us off and see us through the long and crooked miles of life? St. Paul counsels, “Be careful how you live, not as unwise people but as wise… Do not get drunk with wine [which is, undoubtedly, one of the demons on which many people rely] but be filled with the Holy Spirit.” (Ephesians 5:15 & 18) The difference between filling our spiritual gas tanks with the Holy Spirit rather than demonic and destructive things is made clear when the Psalmist says to God: “You have made known to me the path of life; you fill me with joy in your presence.” (Psalm 16:11) Life is, indeed, a journey down many and varied roads. We can travel in one of two ways: We can move forward in fits and starts, lurching on fumes until we gather just enough worldly resources to get us down the road to the next stop. Or, we can fill our hearts and souls with God, who empowers us through hill and valley, along smooth stretches and over potholes. Best of all, God doesn’t charge us anything, and he will fill our spiritual tanks to overflowing. He will be fuel, vehicle, and riding companion all, and the road trip will be one of joy. So, who will fill your gas tank? St. John’s is located in downtown Roanoke at the corner of Jefferson Street and Elm Avenue and gathers for Sunday worship at 8 a.m., 10 a.m., and 5 p.m. Find St. John’s on the web at www.stjohnsroanoke.org.

The Happy Chef by Leigh Sackett

Summer’s Pizza On The Grill

his recipe combines two of my favorite things - pizza and summertime! Summer is more like something you put on than a simple season of the year. She is like a spirit that resides; a way of being. As summer takes over and quickly pushes out the new cool air of spring with her heavy warm temps and easy ways, I can feel her taking over me as well. Sometimes it feels like waking up from a deep sleep. As if to say, “Oh there you are, I am sorry I forgot about you while you were away.” If only I could keep her fully in my heart through the cold winter! But most likely I would not know her gift as well if it weren’t for the long winter with it’s firm yet serene grip. To cook a pizza on the backyard grill on a warm early summer evening is the greatest joy. The air is just right, the children race around playing - their imaginations uninhibited. The games they dream up seem to come out of nowhere as if summer herself lends them. My little ones are still young and free for at least one more summer . . . So all is indeed well! I love the smell of the honeysuckle and the way the

heat of the day lingers - how your bare feet are cooled by the freshly mowed grass that is just beginning to reach up to the sun again. Summer is a gift beyond most gifts and there are so many gifts to receive from our wondrous Creator who made it all. All of summer is like that to me, one big 3 month gift - I love her so! My hope is that you will be of a summer heart and have a chance to enjoy pizza from the grill this season! 1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast 1 cup warm water 1 pinch white sugar 2 teaspoons kosher salt 1 tablespoon olive oil 3 1/3 cups all-purpose flour 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil 1/2 cup olive oil 1 teaspoon minced garlic 1/4 cup tomato sauce 1 cup chopped tomatoes 1/4 cup sliced black olives 1/4 cup roasted red peppers 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese 4 tablespoons chopped fresh basil In a bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water, and mix in sugar. Proof for ten minutes, or until frothy. Mix in the salt, olive oil, and flour until

dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl. Turn onto a lightly floured surface. Knead until smooth, about 8 minutes. Place dough in a well oiled bowl, and cover with a damp cloth. Set aside to rise until doubled, about 1 hour. Punch down, and knead in garlic and basil. Set aside to rise for 1 more hour, or until doubled again. Preheat grill for high heat. Heat olive oil with garlic for 30 seconds in the microwave. Set aside. Punch down dough, and divide in half. Form each half into an oblong shape 3/8 to 1/2 inch thick. Brush grill grate with garlic flavored olive oil. Carefully place one piece of dough on hot grill. The dough will begin to puff almost immediately. When the bottom crust has lightly browned, turn the dough over using two spatulas. Working quickly, brush oil over crust, and then brush with 2 tablespoons tomato sauce. Arrange 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes, 1/8 cup sliced black olives, and 1/8 cup roasted red peppers over crust. Sprinkle with 1 cup cheese and 2 tablespoons basil. Close the lid, and cook until the cheese melts. Remove from grill, and set aside to cool for a few minutes while you prepare the second pizza.

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TheRoanokeStar.com | Page 6

6/1/12- 6/7/12

Festival Draws Big Crowds

Festival in the Park returned over the Memorial Day weekend for a 43rd year, featuring big-name music acts, arts & crafts, plenty of food and something a bit different – an Open Streets event on Jefferson that closed the thoroughfare to vehicular traffic. Instead there was a street circus, trick bike demonstrations, something called power tool racing and games like badminton that participants could play.

“Spiritriders” Brings Back Covered Wagon Days

-Gene Marrano

The Studfinders came out to support their favorite Power Tool racer. Some of the homemade racing vehicles that took part in the Power Tool racing competition.

The band “Relinquish” performs on the Franklin Road stage last Sunday.

BMX racers perform for the crowd.

Children compete to see who can spin a plate the longest. Muralist Toobz Noel, whose work currently appears outside the Wilson-Hughes gallery on Campbell Avenue, creates a portrait during Festival in the Park.

Mikel Carmon with her covered wagon and mule team at Explore Park. Contrary to what some might believe, Virginia’s Explore Park is not closed. Visitors to the former living history attraction, located off a spur to the Blue Ridge Parkway in Eastern Roanoke County, can hike, bike or run the miles of trails there. They can also fish, launch boats and learn more at the visitor’s center during its regular hours. Of course, the themed historical village did close several years ago after Roanoke County pulled the plug on any additional funding for the state-owned facility it had overseen, managed and funded for five years. What you can also do these days at Explore Park, until it closes for the season again on November 4, is go back in time by taking a covered wagon ride, straight out of the Old West. “Spiritriders” is the brainchild of former Wyoming resident Mikel Carmon, who was lured to southwest Virginia last year, in part by the potential she saw for Explore Park. Carmon has also enlisted the help of friend Susan Hall, who calls herself an “Outrider,” in getting Spiritriders off the ground. “I just fell in love [with Explore Park] and that was the beginning,” said Carmon of her big move here. She believes public-private partnerships with Explore Park, which is now overseen by the state’s Virginia Recreational Foundation Authority, makes perfect sense.

“It is just this untapped, beautiful, historical, educational, pristine place.” 1100 acres with two miles of the Roanoke River running through it – “absolutely beautiful.” New boat ramps, campgrounds and additional mountain bike trails means Explore Park is “reinventing itself,” said Carmon, who started the Spiritriders covered wagon rides in 2001 after she had driven covered wagon teams along the historic Bozeman Trail in Wyoming and Montana. Her horses lost 200 pounds each along the way because the wagon-master wouldn’t stop for much rest; Carmon vowed to “treat animals right” once she began her own venture. Spiritriders brings a bit of the Old West to the Roanoke Valley. “I love going down the trails in covered wagons with mules and horses,” said Carmon. Hall will be doing some historical narration during the trail rides around Explore Park and will even sing at times. She will be introduced as a mystery character, with riders eventually discovering who she really is, historically speaking. Hall will also help harness the mules, which weigh 1500 lbs. each: “I hitch the team to the wagon and ride with the visitors – sometimes along the river, sometimes through the 19th century village, answering questions. Historical education

is really important.” On Fridays and Sundays she also plays the guitar and sings. Hall, a Roanoke resident who has lived in seven states, has visited Explore Park many times and brought out of town visitors there when the historical village was open, but this is the first time she’s been involved with some facet of its operation. “It’s been a favorite spot of mine. I’m just thrilled and honored to work there every weekend for the season.” The people that know Explore Park is open again for business, albeit on a more limited scale, “are thrilled,” said Hall, “but a lot of people don’t even know it’s there.” Spiritriders covered wagon rides hopes to help put it back on the map. “I love simplicity,” said Carmon, who wants to give people a short break from this very complex world. She also wants to help “keep history alive,” even after the demise of the living history park. Call 597-4931 for information and to make required reservations. Prices began at $26 for rides; four-hour programs on Saturday nights include a catered meal from Wildwood Smokehouse and music for $55. See explorepark.org as well for more details. By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

Choking Hazard: English Ivy on Trees The Roanoke Tree Stewards are sponsoring a free event titled "Choking Hazard: English Ivy on Trees" on Sunday, June 3, from 2 to 2:30 p.m. at Valley Avenue Park in Wasena. Master Gardener Sharon Burnham will speak about the dangers and management

of ivy on trees. It is important for the community to understand how to properly care for english ivy. When it first covers the ground, it becomes a monoculture making it impossible for other plants to reproduce. This causes native plants

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that provide food and cover for wildlife to diminish over time. When the ivy climbs a tree, it competes with the tree for water and nutrients. Large amounts of ivy adds weight to the tree which puts the tree in danger of falling during a wind or snow storm. The Roanoke Tree Stewards are a group of volunteers trained by Roanoke Parks and Recreation to care for cityowned trees and share their knowledge of trees with the public. The next training session to become a Tree Steward begins in January 2013. For more information, contact Urban Forestry Planner Helen Smythers at 853-5225.

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Page 7 | TheRoanokeStar.com | 6/1/12- 6/7/12

PH Takes West Central Lacrosse Semifinal In 9-8 Win Over Knights

Patrick Henry freshman Sam Boxley bounced the game-winner home with just under three minutes left, as PH defeated Charlottesville 9-8 in a West Central Section boys lacrosse semifinal Friday afternoon on the PH turf. Washington & Lee-bound Will Douthat, Queens College recruit Brock Plantinga, and attacker Thomas Vance each scored twice for the Patriots, who guaranteed them a spot in the VHSL state quarterfinals on PH regroups during a timeout in Friday's win over CharJune 2nd. lotttesville that guaranteed the Patriots a spot in the VHSL quarterfinals June 2nd.

Send sports pictures, announcements and story ideas to info@theroanokestar.com

Lady Titans Looking Good On The Diamond

The Hidden Valley softball team, seen here after their second-place finsh in the River Ridge District tournament Friday afternoon at the Moyer Complex in Salem, advanced to this week's regional tournament play on the heels of capturing the River Ridge regular season championship.

PH defenseman #28 Brian Jones offers a stick-check to a Charlottesville attacker.

By Bill Turner info@theroanokestar.com

Titans Advance In Region IV Quarterfinal With Win Over Patrick County

Hidden Valley exploded with five second-inning runs, and the Titans rolled in the Region IV baseball quarterfinals with the surprisingly easy 8-1 win over Patrick County Tuesday afternoon at Titan Field. Hidden Valley advanced to play Bassett in a regional semifinal set for Wednesday evening at Calfee Park in Pulaski. Hayden Smith got things going for Hidden Valley in the second with a lead-off hit, and the Titans efficiently used aggressive baserunning, a sacrifice bunt and double steal to highlight the five-run outburst. Patrick County helped the Titan cause with an error and a passed ball that scored a Hidden Valley run. The big blow came from the bat of Jack Moore, who blasted a 2-RBI triple into the left-center field gap. Moore finished the day going 4-for-4 with a single, two doubles and the three-bagger. A pair of PH players look for Hidden Valley later added two a header off a corner kick as runs in the fourth and one in the Albemarle Keeper Matt Natale fifth to effectively put the game gets the deflection. out of reach. Patrick County’s only run came on a Tyler Belcher solo home run to deep left in the By Bill Turner Cougar fourth. info@theroanokestar.com Avery Pierce went the distance on the mound to pick up the win for Hidden Valley, allowing only four Cougar hits in his gem.

Patriot defender #26 P.J. Mollica extends to the maximum as he stops a Knight attacker from circling the Patriot goal.

Quick Start Leads Albemarle To Northwest Region Win Over PH Albemarle scored a pair of goals in the first ten minutes of the match, and the visitors held on the rest of the way to knock off Patrick Henry 2-0 in the Northwest Region boys soccer quarterfinal Monday evening at PH. Patrick Henry had two breakaway chances toward the end of the first half, but Albemarle sophomore keeper Matt Natale was up to the challenge, as the Patriot season came to an end.

Patrick Henry senior forward #13 Tyler Linkous escapes the Albemarle defense as the Patriots attack in the first half.

By Bill Turner info@theroanokestar.com

Titan baserunner Stephen Bernys slides safely into second with a stolen base during the decisive 5-run Hidden Valley second inning.

Hidden Valley starter Avery Pierce went the distance Tuesday as the Titans advanced with the 8-1 win.

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TheRoanokeStar.com |Page 8

6/1/12- 6/7/12

Thirteen Patriots Announce Patriot Girls Fall To Battlefield In College Intentions At Signing Day Northwest Region Soccer Quarterfinal The Patrick Henry girls soccer team saw its season come to an end Monday afternoon as Battlefield dominated the Patriots 7-0 in a Northwest Region quarterfinal played on the PH turf. Battlefield broke open a scoreless match 12 minutes in, with three goals in a three minute span. The Bobcats led 4-0 at halftime and coasted the rest of the way to advance.

Patrick Henry's gym was buzzing last Wednesday afternoon as thirteen PH athletes formally announced their intentions to play at the college level. The group comprised of seven different sports.

By Bill Turner info@theroanokestar.com

Golf

Elijah Tackett - Bridgewater.

Patriot sophomore defender #11 Sara Farthing drives across midfield past the Bobcat defense.

Football

(L-R) Evan DiLauro - Emory & Henry, Nicholas Conte - University of Virginia (as an invited walk-on), Trey Mauck - Emory & Henry. (Not pictured: Matthew Wood-Shepherd College.) PH senior midfielder #12 Emily Leivy launches a pass past the Battlefield defense.

Wild Bill’s Weekly Sports Roundup

Baseball

Andrew Stockstill - Emory & Henry.

Lacrosse

(L-R) Will Douthat - Washington & Lee, Minor Smith - Randolph-Macon, Brock Plantinga - Queens College.

Girls Basketball

Shakeia Salters - Patrick Henry Community College.

Track

(L-R) Anna Paden Carson - Washington & Lee, Harrison Toney Roanoke College. By Bill Turner info@theroanokestar.com

Boys Soccer

Max Davidson - Winthrop.

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Regional baseball and softball pressive in their 8-1 regional continue through the end of this win over Patrick County Tuesweek, with the state quarterfi- day, while Cave Spring trounced nals and the Radford Spring Ju- Abingdon 8-1. In softball, bilee set for the latter part of next Northside, despite falling in the week at Radford University. Blue Ridge tournament, stays Area teams in both sports are in the number one spot at 19-2. thinning out fast as the compe- The Vikings home game with tition gets tougher with Rustburg was a downeach round. Rain played pour no-go on Tuesday. havoc with several Glenvar (18-6) makes games on Tuesday afterthe jump to second noon, so regional play after its 5-3 win over will be compressed and Radford Tuesday in team pitching strength the Region C Division becomes a factor. 2 quarterfinals. Hidden Numerous upsets Valley (12-11), grabBill Turner took place in the disbing its first regional trict tournaments that win in school history concluded Friday, so let’s take a Tuesday, checks in at third. look at the latest Wild Bill ‘BigThe comments poured in this 11’ Top-3. week, after further discussion In baseball, Lord Botetourt of the now-famous Mill Moun(18-2) retains the top spot de- tain Star web-cam in last week’s spite losing in the Blue Ridge column, drew inquiries as to District tournament. Botetourt’s whether this gadget actually exregional game with E.C. Glass ists. was washed out Tuesday and reI can assure you readers it’s scheduled for Wednesday. all legitimate, and now offer you Northside (19-3), likewise a proof in what we call “Know Blue Ridge casualty, stays at #2, Your Roanoke Star Web-Cam’. with a matchup at Spotswood The camera’s official, so-called moved to Wednesday. Hidden name, ‘The Roanoke Star Cam’, Valley (15-6-1) and Cave Spring has a no connection to The Roa(15-7) tie for third after the nokeStar.com. Similarities in the Knights knocked off the Titans names are purely coincidental. in the River Ridge champion- But an easy way to access the ship. “Star Cam” is to go to TheRoaHidden Valley looked im- nokeStar.com and click on “Star

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Cam” under “Options” on the right side of the page. Immediately you will see a live picture of the goings-on at the star overlook, refreshed every 15 seconds. That means, if you’re at the star for activities you don’t want the public to know, you better do it quick, then run! In conjunction with a subject last month in the Wild Bill column, the Roanoke Star webcam may well be descibed as a legalized Peeping Tom. The star itself has 2,000 feet of neon tubing, so any nighttime shenanigans are played out under lights akin to Broadway. I will admit, while the picture in the day is clear as a bell, the night shots are somewhat shadowy. You may be well-advised to wear dark clothes and a droopy hat to conceal your identity at night if you’re pursuing activities incognito. Unless, of course, someone you know is at the overlook and sees you wearing dark clothes and a droopy hat. In that case, all bets are off. For the record, the camera sits near the bottom right point of the star. Facing that point and making faces with your hands will make you look like a nut to most viewers. If standing in front of the web-cam, you’ll hear a distinct humming. It’s the 17,500 watts needed to light the tubes. If you’re on the overlook, be civicminded and make sure out-oftowners are advised and don’t think Roanoke is being invaded by locusts. (Even though some parts apparently are.) The Mill Mountain Star is the largest free-standing, illuminated, man-made star. The operative word here is free-standing. El Paso, Texas now has a larger, illuminated, man-made star. But, their star was built flat on the ground. Wonder who came up with that splendid idea? Easy to build but tough to behold. Kind of like a 4 egg Souffle cooked in a microwave. When our beloved star was first turned on in November, 1949, then-mayor A.R. Minton threw the ceremonal switch. That switch was a dummy, with the real switch, behind the star in the bushes, being turned on by a guy named Bob Kinsey. Thus, I suspect, the origination of “bait and switch” political flipflopping at the local level. (Editors note: Can you say Nelson Harris and Victory Stadium?) Next week, we hear some of our reader’s comments after their initial preview of the onair soap opera web-cam that has become Roanoke’s own ‘Guiding Light’. Until then, see you on the overlook. Send your comments to: info@newsroanoke.com

Arts & Culture

TheRoanokeStar.com |Page 9

6/1/12- 6/7/12

Students Designed Amphitheater VT-Carilion Art Show Features Work by Faculty, Staff and Families Giving New Life to Clifton Forge The middle of downtown Clifton Forge once was dominated by an old industrial building that most recently was used as a tire wholesale business. The operation didn't fit with the vision town planners and economic development experts had for revitalization of the old railroad center. That's when a group of Virginia Tech third-year architecture students stepped in. Last Friday the student-designed and student-built Clifton Forge Amphitheater, now on the scenic lot next to Smith Creek, was dedicated and on June 23, live entertainment will take the stage for the first time. The 16 students are from a class taught by award-winning designers Keith and Marie Zawistowski, faculty members in the College of Architecture and Urban Studies at Virginia Tech. Students in the class have the opportunity to do just what the title suggests in the two-semester Design-Build Laboratory known as Architecture 3015 and 3016. For the 2011-12 class, the amphitheater project idea was picked because it would provide the community with something that will aid its residents. For Clifton Forge the goal was to add another facet to the growing arts center envisioned for the town. "Keith and I have a range of criteria as far as the scale and scope of what the students can do and build, and the project [should] benefit a large cross section of the community," said Marie Zawistowski, an assistant professor in the School of Architecture + Design. "It needs to be publically accessible." The 2010-11 class built a farmers' market for Covington, that has been so welcomed by the community that the Clifton Forge project seemed to fit both what the students needed for a project and what the town needed. Last fall, the entire class went to Clifton Forge to talk to residents and planners about ideas they had for the site, which is next to the about-to-be-renovated Masonic Theatre. The

The 3-D model in the foreground is an approximation of the new amphitheater designed and built by Virginia Tech architecture students. The full-size version was dedicated in Clifton Forge on May 25 and the grand opening, including noon to 7 p.m. entertainment, is slated for June 23. amphitheater is mostly locally sawn white oak while the acoustics for the facility are provided by a backdrop of zinc, titanium, and stainless steel. "This course is undeniably valuable for education in design, planning, innovation, communication, and building," said Keith Zawistowski, also an assistant professor of architecture and design. "The students have to interact with the community and each other, and clearly explain their ideas and objectives." The first semester of the yearlong class is research and talking with the town residents. The second semester is further discussions, designing and building. Construction of the amphitheater is not just ambitious because of the curvature incorporated into the design of this type of building; about 99 percent of those taking the course have no experience with structure building. "We let them make mistakes; we're here to catch them if they fall," Keith said. "They can make mistakes but we can't let the mistakes stand." The objective of the class is to teach the students how to be architects by learning how to take a project from the beginning concept to the end of construction. And it's a commitment to the community as projects will

Among the artwork featured in the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine's spring 2012 art be to clients once the students show is a photograph of Mabry Mill, a Blue Ridge Parkway landmark, by Dr. Robert Slackman. have become professional archiA metallic, mirror-studded hibiting artists. On display is munity and culture. Trinkle tects. skeleton depicting a pop- his photograph of Mabry Mill, added that the program also "The students have involved culture icon, a collection of a landmark on the Blue Ridge aims to bring healing arts to the whole community and it's decades-old German expres- Parkway. the school’s educational misall been so well done," said Da- sionist sculptures, and a phoA special gallery by par- sion and to involve commuvid Kleppinger, executive direc- tograph capturing a scenic ticipants of the Boys and Girls nity members in the life of the tor of the Alleghany Highlands watermill. These are just a few Club of the Roanoke Valley school. Economic Development Cor- of the pieces on display at the will also be featured, with art “The artwork not only enporation of which Clifton Forge Virginia Tech Carilion School centered on the theme, “What riches our space, but it also and Covington are part. "It's a of Medicine’s upcoming art Health Means to Me.” imparts the humanistic side great concept: They not only de- show. The show is sponsored by of medicine on students and sign, they have to build.” Though very different, the Virginia Tech Carilion those who work in our build"The amphitheater is part of the works share a common School of Medicine’s Creativ- ing,” he said. “The opening rewhat we see as a sprouting artist thread — all were created by ity in Health Education Pro- ception will allow us to build community," he said. "We hope the faculty and staff of the Vir- gram, an initiative dedicated relationships with the comto keep (the Virginia Tech De- ginia Tech Carilion School of to surrounding students, fac- munity in which we live and sign-Build Lab students) here Medicine, Jefferson College of ulty, and staff with the arts to work. By inviting the public doing projects." Health Sciences, and the Sa- expand their social, cultural, to explore art with us, we’ll be Admission is free for fes- lem VA Medical Center and and humanistic awareness. able to connect with commutivities at the Saturday, June 23, their family members. “After two successful exhib- nity members and introduce grand opening. It will begin at The school’s newest art ex- its involving local artists, high them to the medical school.” noon with the ribbon cutting. hibit was celebrated in a grand school students and mediThe exhibit will be on disThe entertainment is free and opening reception on May 31. cal students we’re excited to play through August. will include local and regional The public, local artists, and showcase the talent of our performers. Dancers and mu- members of the Virginia Tech own faculty and staff and their By Paula Byron sicians will provide blues, gos- and Carilion Clinic communi- families,” said Dr. David Trininfo@theroanokestar.com pel, jazz, country, and rock and ties attended. The new artwork kle, associate dean of comroll until 7 p.m. Grass Monkey, was on display on the school’s voted one of the best bands in first and second floors, with Roanoke, will play from 5 to 7 food and drink served in the p.m. Another popular group atrium. performing is Blues Jam. Food For some, the relationship vendors will be on site, and beer between medicine and art is and wine will be available later a natural fit. “Being a caring in the day. health provider involves as much art as science,” said Dr. By Sue Steeves Robert Slackman, an assistant info@theroanokestar.com professor in the school’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and one of the ex-

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Emily Sibitzky and Chelsea Brandt were busy at last weekend’s Festival in the Park, distributing free copies of VIA Noke, a new magazine they’ve created that highlights local artists. “Although we recognize the advantages of modern technology, we passionately believe that the impact of print media is too valuable to become obsolete,” the duo declares in their mission statement. Sibitzky and Brandt are both graduates of Radford University’s graphic design program and have Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees. Sibitzky works in marketing for the Arts Council of the Blue Ridge while Brandt freelances. Local artists from high school age and up will be spotlighted in future issues of the VIA Noke monthly. “We want VIA Noke to serve as a voice for the artists and a way for the community to get to know them,” declares Sibitzky and Brandt. -Gene Marrano

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TheRoanokeStar.com |Page 10

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Three Things We Can Learn From Hospice Patients Does our society hold too narrow a view of what defines strength? The things many would point to as indicators – youth, wealth, a fully capable body – fall short, says Charles Gourgey, a veteran hospice music therapist and author of Judeochristianity (www.judeochristianity.org), a book that explores the unifying faith elements of Judaism and Christianity. “Youth is ephemeral, abundant wealth is for just a few, and we all experience some kind of disability, usually at several points in our lives,” he says. “A car accident, the loss of a job or a home, grief over a loved one’s dying: such things can happen to anyone and easily destroy our happiness.” Gourgey says some of the greatest strength he’s ever seen was demonstrated by certain of his patients facing imminent death. “Some people have complete love and grace when facing death – it’s how they’ve lived their lives, and at the end of their lives, it’s what supports them,” he says. “Those who, at the end, are peaceful, grateful and confident share some common characteristics.” They are: • Their love is non-selfinterested. When we have awareness of and deepest respect and reverence for the individuality of others, we overcome the high walls of ego and experience a tremendous sense of freedom, says Gourgey. He says he continues to be inspired by patients who cared more for

the well-being of others, including their fellow hospice patients, than themselves while facing their own mortality. Non-self-interested love – loving others for themselves without expecting or needing anything in return – is the greatest form of love, he says. • They had an unwavering faith that transcended religious dogma. Faith is the knowledge that there is more to life than the apparent randomness of the material world; a sense that we are known to a greater reality and will return to that reality. No matter what their religion, the patients who were most at peace with their life’s journey were those who had faith in something higher than themselves. The problem with many concepts of faith, Gourgey continues, is that people attach specific doctrines to it, which means some people will always be excluded. A unifying faith – that all people are connected and love is the force that binds us – allows for trust, compassion and caring. • They were motivated by an innate sense of what is good. They didn’t get mad at themselves; they didn’t beat themselves up for mistakes they might have made in the past. That’s because they were always guided by their sense of what is good, and they made their choices with that in mind. That did not prevent them from making some bad choices or mistakes over the course of their lives, Gourgey says. But when they erred, they addressed the problem with the

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same loving compassion they extended to others. “Their compassion overcame even any self-hate they may have experienced.” Many patients left lasting impressions on Gourgey, and taught him valuable life lessons. He remembers one in particular. “She was in hospice, a retired nurse who had developed a rare, incurable disease,” he recalls. “She would go around every day, checking to see what she could do for the other patients. She fetched blankets for a 104-year-old lady who always complained of cold feet. She sat with and listened to patients who needed company and someone to talk to. She had an attentive awareness about her, like she was fully in touch with her soul.” Gourgey was with the woman when she died. “She was radiant, she just glowed. She kept repeating how grateful she was for her life,” he says. “It was as if the life of love she’d lived was there to transport and support her at the end.” Charles “Carlos” Gourgey, PhD, LCAT, MT-BC, is a board-certified and New York state-licensed music therapist. He has more than 20 years of experience working in hospices and nursing homes, and for 10 years was music therapist for Cabrini Hospice in New York City. He has published articles on psychology and religion in various journals.

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