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The Roanoke Star-Sentinel March 25 - 31, 2011

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Community | News | Per spective

[Valley Sports]

Titletown Crowns “Tommies”

Countryside: Master Plan Unveiled

March 25, 26, and 27, 2011 Salem Civic Center

The Home Show

The old Countryside pavilion.

Insert: Check out our Special Homestyle insert for the latest in home design and information on this week’s Spring Home Show at the Salem Civic Center.

Double Dirt P4– Fred First and Bruce Rinker both independently decide to celebrate the glory of dirt in their columns this week. Is there a dirt festival we don’t know about?

Leadership Change P8– Carilion Clinic COO Nancy Agee takes over as CEO, succeeding Ed Murphy who will take a position at a New York investment firm.

Photo by Bill Turner

St. Thomas celebrates their first Division III National Championship Saturday afternoon at the Salem Civic Center.

he St. Thomas “Tommies” won their first national championship with a convincing 78-54 win over Wooster at the Salem Civic Center Saturday afternoon. Hats off to the City of Salem and the Old Dominion Athletic Conference as well as Carey Harveycutter and his staff, all of whom put on a dazzling event throughout the weekend. Fans from all four competing schools offered rave reviews on the hospitality of Salem and the big-time atmosphere. (See lead article in Sports - page 7.)

The neighbors adjoining the Countryside Golf Course property miss aspects of the old property that it offered at different times and in different seasons - both the pastoral peace of the grounds as well as the activity of golf carts moving methodically across the fairways. Many say the neighborhood will “simply never be the same.” Now they are faced with making the best of the situation. The course has deteriorated beyond repair. Only the layout of the 18hole championship golf course remains along with the $3 million still owed on the city’s loan. The city paid $4.1 million for it in 2005 and will make principal and interest payments for 15 years at 6.25%. The boarded up clubhouse > CONTINUED P2: Countryside

AG Visits Roanoke; Says He Is On Right Side Of Health Care Challenge

During a visit to his Roanoke office on Peters Creek Road last week, Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli expressed confidence that the challenge he and several dozen other state AG’s have mounted to the new health care legislation passed by Congress in 2010 will survive upcoming 2012 arguments in the U.S. Supreme Court. Winning that case could mean the end of “Obamacare” and its universal mandate that most people must have health insurance coverage or be penalized, something that Cuccinelli feels is unconstitutional. The Attorney General’s health care outreach task force, which fights Medicare fraud and other abuses of the health care system, is based out of the Roanoke office. “We have more cases than we can get to,” said the George Mason undergraduate, who was keeping a close eye on his Patri-

Cuccinelli’s office has also The “pure volume of health filed suit against the Environ- care fraud…that involves taxmental Protection Agency, to payer dollars,” has motivated require them to reopen hear- Cuccinelli to step up his efforts ings that led to their ruling that to weed out Medicare and Medregulates carbon dioxide as a icaid fraud, bringing the perpegreenhouse gas. He does “wor- trators to trial. “Elder abuse” is ry about” the percepanother component; tion that Republicans his office recently State Gov’t like himself might be brought charges seen as anti-science against a business in or anti-green, but Cuccinelli Covington that was incorrectly vows that he is “cold-blooded training employees who worked about being objective” on such with seniors. issues. The Roanoke area is often a He also said the lack of logic destination for health care fathat some lawmakers employ cilities, one reason Cuccinelli’s when making a decision purely task force is located here. The for political purposes – with- Western District of Virginia acout the analytical approach tually initiated that indictment he learned as an engineering in Covington before the AG’s student – can be frustrating office was brought in to help at times. “I still think like an with the investigation. engineer – not a lawyer,” said “Certain tools,” that are lackCuccinelli, “which can be frustrating in politics. There’s an > CONTINUED element of illogic to it all that P2: Challenge drives me crazy.”

[

Photo by Gene Marrano

Ken Cuccinelli was in Roanoke last week and talked about the health care law legal challenge. ots in the NCAA men’s basketball tourney at the time (they’ve since bowed out.) Cuccinelli actually studied engineering at Mason and called it “a very good foundation to build on.” Cuccinelli, elected in November 2009, said the biggest

surprise during his first year in office was learning just how “reactive” the Attorney General’s office can be – instead of being proactive. The most notable accomplishments “were reactions” to something that had occurred out of his office’s control.

]

Local Talent To Be On Display in SVB’s Cinderella

Suprising Opera! P9– Opera Roanoke puts on a performance of Madama Butterfly that ends in a standing ovation and one new addition to the world.

The talent of the Southwest Virginia Ballet emy of Dance, Dance Centre of Southwest VirCompany dancers has never been more appar- ginia, Francesca’s School of Dance, Linda Watkins ent than in the upcoming production of Cinder- School of Dance, Roanoke Ballet Theatre, and ella. The production is being brought to life with Valley Dance. original choreography by Southwest Virginia BalBria Gepitulan, a senior at Hidden Valley High let Artistic Director Pedro Szalay, and a beautiful School, dances the lead role of Cinderella. Bria bemusic score by Sergei Prokofiev. gan her dance training at the age of 3 in With a cast of over 65 performers, California. Moving to Roanoke in 7th Theatre Southwest Virginia Ballet (SVB) will grade, she continued her dance training bring this great classic to the stage of at Post School of Ballet, now the Dance the Roanoke Performing Arts Theatre on April Centre of Southwest Virginia. Bria trains at the 2nd and 3rd. With recently purchased props, Dance Centre during the week, and for the past backdrops, sets, and costumes from Ballet Flor- five years has trained and performed with Southida, SVB is gearing up for a presentation on the west Virginia Ballet. She plans to attend Virginia same scale as The Nutcracker. The talented cast Commonwealth University in the fall in addition of dancers comes from seven dance studios from to exploring a professional dance training opporBria Gepitulan and John Canfield; Cinderella and her Prince numerous Southwest Virginia communities: Ar- tunity with The Richmond Ballet. dell Stone School of Dancing, Blue Ridge Acaddance in the Southwest Virginia Ballet. > CONTINUED P2: Cinderella

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> Countryside

Page 2 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 3/25/11 - 3/31/11

Dry weather is expected for all by Friday. Temperatures will top out in the upper 50s with sun and clouds. Another cold front drops into the region for the weekend. Rain is possible Saturday through Sunday morning before drying out. Temperatures will top out in the low to mid 50s this weekend.

and the dejected pavilion remain. The swimming pool was filled in years ago and the ability to salvage the tennis building is now questionable. Roanoke City’s Master Plan will attempt to spare the barn and silo located near I-581 that is a welcoming icon to drivers heading home down I-81. Monday evening city council watched as Planning Administrator Chris Chittum unveiled the Master Plan for the property. It was the culmination of six months of Planning Commission work that included sessions in which neighbors were allowed to participate. City council in September had charged them and the Planning Department to devise a Master Plan that could then be marketed to developers. James Riddle, who lives on Laurel Ridge, sighed as Chittum pointed to a road that would skirt his home near his bedroom. Riddle said he is hoping to purchase enough of the property to prevent any “bedroom peeping.” The other property off of Laurel Ridge at the small dead end street of Sioux Ridge is

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From page 1

the only high spot in the flood plane. Houses or townhouses are planned to the rear of Eddie Wallace’s house but he says that on three occasions the water has risen into his backyard. City Manager Chris Morrill nodded when Valerie Garner, President of Countryside Neighborhood Alliance asked that the $1.5 million slated for Parks and Recreation Projects go toward the “greening” of the Countryside property. “Not only will it make the property more esthetically pleasing to developers,” said Garner, “but it will also go a long way in healing the wounds of the neighborhood.” When Councilman Sherman Lea asked, “Is this what you want?” Garner replied, “Yes, but the proof is in the pudding.” She explained that since 2005 the property went back and forth from being a golf course with improvements to something else - a gut wrenching process that ended with a sudden closure of the course last year. “All the neighbors want now,” said Garner, “is certainty and as much natural area as can

be spared.” Mayor Bowers commented that the neighbors “should have the same certainty as those in Old Southwest have with Highland Park.” The Planning Commission ultimately concluded that many of the areas are not suited for residential development either due to flooding, the airport’s runway protection zone, flight path noise or terrain. The path for Phase III of the Lick Run Greenway will make use of these areas with feeder trails that wander throughout the newly designated undeveloped natural areas. The next step will be to incorporate some additional changes and details followed by a public hearing and final Master Plan. It is expected to come back before council for adoption into the city’s comprehensive plan sometime in June. - Stuart Revercomb (RSS contributor and Neighborhood Activist Valerie Garner contributed information for this story.)

City Council Notes: Poff Project Supported

David Ehrenwerth, Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator, General Services Administration, traveled from Philadelphia to discuss the merits of the $51 million renovation of the Richard F. Poff Federal Building project. His presentation took place during the 2:00 p.m. session of Roanoke City Council. During his presentation he said that construction of a new building, as suggested by many, would cost twice as much. Congressman Bob Goodlatte (D-6) has vehemently opposed what he believes is a waste of Recovery Act (stimulus) money. Pete Larkin, Goodlatte’s aide listened as Ehrenwerth spoke. All council members were supportive of the renovation expressing their desire to keep federal employees working downtown where they would patronize city restaurants and retail businesses. Sales Contract - Buena Vista Center Scott and Ascension Horchler purchased Buena Vista Cen-

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> Challenge ing for enforcement, outside of Medicarerelated cases, was one issue that Cuccinelli tried to remedy in the latest General Assembly session, with mixed results. “We’re fixing that,” vows the father of seven, who attended law school at UVA and was a long time basketball official in his spare time. Testifying before Congress last month about the health care legislation “was fun,” claims Cuccinelli, who experienced some “interesting” questions about the constitutional boundaries of the law. Like other AG’s, Cuccinelli argues that individual states should have jurisdiction over any health care insurance mandates. Democrats on the Congressional panel tried to convince him that the new health

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In a recent conversation Bria shared, “When I dance, I can take on the world and anything is possible.” Bria enjoys modern and jazz in addition to ballet and says she never dreamed she would have the skills or opportunity to dance a lead role in a full length classic like Cinderella.

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The Huff Lane Elementary School building is now up for sale. garten through 5th grade. Huff Lane students have been attending classes at Round Hill since the beginning of this school year. Amy Cosner, President of the Dorchester Neighborhood, spoke at the 7:00 p.m. council meeting opposing the sale. She asked that it be retained as park space for the neighborhood. Riverland Road / Bennington Street / Mount Pleasant Blvd. Roundabout VDOT project The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is

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ready to proceed with improvements to the Riverland Road, Bennington Street and Mount Pleasant Boulevard intersection. Council approved temporary right of way access on a portion of the Greenway. To avoid disruption of the use of the Greenway, work will be performed at night as much as possible. The project will begin sometime in the summer of 2012. By Valerie Garner info@newsroanoke.com

From page 1 care law was constitutional because it involved interstate commerce but Cuccinelli said that logic was “skipping four steps.” He is also part of a legal briefing team that is involved with the lawsuit. As for health care reform itself, he does add that “there are a lot of things [both sides] can agree on,” - just not in the bill that was passed however. He hopes Congress is looking ahead, planning to craft new legislation if the current law is struck down as he expects. Cuccinelli’s “fall back” argument is that the penalty one might have to pay if they do not purchase health insurance is actually a tax - an issue that should be left to the purview of the states. At the Supreme Court

level, “they are sensitive to federalism issues … the separation between the federal government and the state government.” The state health care mandates in Massachusetts, on the other hand, are “perfectly constitutional” in his view. Cuccinelli became a Fox News Channel favorite for a while after he filed suit against the federal government over health care. He knows the fight could be a long and arduous one: “there are judges out there ready to grant [the federal government] that incredible power. They’ve never had it before.” By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

From page 1

John Canfield, a home schooled student from New Castle, dances the role of Prince in SVB’s April performances of Cinderella. John has been dancing since the age of 3, beginning his training at New Castle School of Dance and now dancing at the Dance Centre of Southwest Virginia. Following in the footsteps of his older brother, Aaron Canfield, John danced his favorite role, Nutcracker Prince, in SVB’s 2010 production of The Nutcracker. John has trained and performed with SVB for five years, focusing on a professional career for the past two seasons. His professional training will begin this summer as a student of Canada’s National Ballet School in Toronto, the training ground for Canada’s National Ballet. John’s love of dance and artistry is evident to all who dance with him or observe him, in the rehearsal studio or on stage. Molly Cook, a sophomore at Lord Botetourt High School, dances the role of Fairy God-

mother. Molly started her dance training at the age of three with Floyd Ward School of Dance, continuing with Roanoke Ballet Theatre, and now dances with the Dance Centre of Southwest Virginia. Molly joined SVB two years ago and has had the desire to pursue a professional career in classical ballet since the age of ten. She has fond memories of her mother reading a children’s book about a ballerina to her when she was little, creating a passionate interest that Molly continues to pursue today. Molly’s elegant portrayal of Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother has quickly become one of her most favorite roles. In addition to the many student dancers from around the valley, the roles of the two step sisters are filled by SVB alumni Abigail Williams and Rebecca Feather; both dance instructors in the Valley. Rebecca is also SVB’s Ballet Mistress. Last but certainly not least, well known and recognizable Roanoke thespians Larry VanDeventer and

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ter in Southeast Roanoke for $75,000 in September 22, 2010. The contract with the city was subject to the sale of their home in Midlothian, Virginia. They were granted an extension on the closing date to April 1, 2011. The Horchlers have not been able to sell their home in the current real estate market. They still want to purchase the property and have lowered the asking price on their home in an effort to sell their property quickly. The renovation was supported by the neighborhood. Huff Lane Elementary School: The Roanoke City School Board officially handed the Huff Lane Elementary School property to the city. The property was accepted and council unanimously agreed to instruct the city manager to issue a request for proposal to sell the property. The proceeds from the sale will go back to RCPS specifically to expand Round Hill kinder-

Tom Honer will complete the cast filling the roles of the ugly, cruel, and comedic stepmother and Cinderella’s Father, respectively. Larry has graced the stage as Herr Drosselmeyer, the magical and favorite uncle of Clara since 1996 in SVB’s production of The Nutcracker. Tom has filled many roles with SVB over the past 20+ years, including an annual stint as Grandfather in SVB’s production of The Nutcracker. Over the years Tom has made The Nutcracker’s Party Scene as memorable for the other performers on stage as for the audiences who have enjoyed his genuinely funny, and contagious antics. This delightful and “family friendly” production, like all other Southwest Virginia Ballet productions, would not be possible without the support of the family and friends of every participant, as well as the many volunteers and supporters from throughout the Commonwealth. Tickets are available for purchase at the Roanoke Civic Center Box Office and online at HomeTownBankTix.com or by phone at (877) 482-8496. For additional information about Southwest Virginia Ballet or the upcoming production of Cinderella, visit www.svballet.org By Nancy Kelderhouse info@newsroanoke.com

NewsRoanoke.com

A Sign to Help Show the Way—To “Peace” On a rolling hillside overlooking one of the Valley's busy thoroughfares—Cloverdale Road—there sits an inviting little church that was literally built by the hands of its members, bricks, mortar and all, about five years ago. The building replaces the trailer that for many years the surrounding community knew as Peace Presbyterian Church. Therein lies a bit of a dilemma; according to Leisha Cook, a member at Peace, people aren’t quite used to the idea that there is an updated new building housing the Peace congregation. Cook, who is also Chair of the Fellowship Committee, explains that “If you say ‘Peace Presbyterian Church,’ people often look at you quizzically for a second and then they say, ‘are you the ones that were in the temporary building for a while?” After much thought and prayer, Cook and her fellow Peace Church members are looking to God for a sign - a literal one that is. She said that

their loose change … we’ve talked about car washes,” but their sign fund still has a long way to go. In an epiphany moment, Cook recently sent out an “email to all the Presbyterian women across the United States that I know asking them to keep us in their prayers” regarding the effort to raise funds for the sign. She relays that, “there must have been an angel sitting on my shoulder whispering in my ear to send out that message because I received an email back” from nationally acclaimed author and speaker Donna Tyson, saying “I’ll be glad to do a program for you guys and all the proceeds (donations) can go toward the sign fund.” Tyson will be at Peace Presbyterian on Saturday April 2, at 10 a.m., which Cook is still finding hard to believe. Probably not coincidentally, Cook attended a women’s conference a couple years ago when she was going through a difficult time and loved hearing Tyson, who was one of the speakers. Cook says, “I can honestly say many of the things that she said still resonate with me today. Donna has been where many of us have been so she isn’t just trying to sell us a bag with some stuff and fluff in it to make us feel good Peace Presbyterian Church for the moment. “several years ago the congre- She’ll give you her phone numgation decided we really need ber and really mean it when she a sign to identify where we are says ‘call me.’” and to let the community know Tyson’s Facebook page says, what we are doing.” "I am very blessed! I love this Making the sign a reality is chapter of my Life! I know who I proving to be a challenge, but am and why I am here on earth. it has also gotten the group What a gift!” Tyson’s unbridled thinking more creatively along enthusiasm combined with the way. Cook ticks off various wit and wisdom is what Cook fundraising efforts: “We applied is hoping many will sign up to for grants; we have a change jar hear, and be changed by. where folks are asked to dump Cook also hopes the event will

3/25/11 - 3/31/11 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 3

Civil War Day at the Library

Photos by Leigh Sackett

The 60th Infantry Company K reenactors participate in the Civil War day activities at the Roanoke City Main Library last Saturday. R to L Doug Camper, Russell Chu, Curtis Anderson, Helen Beavers and Joseph Owens

Leisha Cook at Peace Church

Attendees at the library’s Civil War Day celbring more visibility to Peace ebration admire the Daughters of the ConfedChurch, whose core congrega- eracy’s display along with other artifacts from tion ranges in age from five to various participants. Nadine Abbott, a charter member who is now 95 years old. The “come as you are” church has the building and the "mission heart" and is now focusing on getting the word out to the volunteers who serve at one of community. the 11 volunteer fire companies It may be a little while until throughout the County. If space the church’s sign fund reaches is available, volunteers from its goal, but the encourageother localities are permitted to ment along the way is making participate for a small fee. the sign one worth waiting for. Besides, as Cook will readily tell Anyone wanting to find out you, it’s not really about the sign more about the volunteer fire after all, but what the sign will academy should call Jennifer be pointing to. The ninth Roanoke County ber and finishing in March. Conley Sexton at 777-8706. Volunteer Fire Academy con- The class is offered for all new For information about the sisting of 25 volunteers from Roanoke County firefighter program and to register, contact Roanoke County was held last Leisha Cook at 366-8117. A week with a graduation ceremobox lunch from Lucky Dog Deli ny. Each graduate was pinned will be provided by reservation with their firefighter badge by for $7.00 and Donations to the their respective chief. Church Sign Fund are appreciTwenty-five individuals repated! Donna Tyson will be availresenting Roanoke County Fire able to sign copies of her book and Rescue have spent more The Red Bow.Visit drtyson.com than 20 weeks and 200 hours reand peacechurchhome.org for ceiving instruction and practimore information on these mincal training in the areas of basic istries. firefighting skills and hazardous material operations. The course ended with a live burn at the Roanoke Valley Regional Training Center where recruits were By Cheryl Hodges able to test their practical skills. info@newsroanoke.com The Roanoke County VolCallÊorÊStopÊBy unteer Fire Academy is offered MondaysÊ-ÊSaturdays WeÊAccept AllÊMajor 8:30Êa.m.ÊtoÊ5:00Êp.m. each year, starting in Septem- 306Ê6thÊStreet,ÊRoanoke CreditÊCards

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Perspective

Page 4 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 3/25/11 - 3/31/11

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Correction / Publisher’s Note: Last week we accidently attributed a commentary piece to Ex-Senator John Warner that was actually submitted by present Senator Mark Warner - something that I am sure chagrined both men. Our apologies for the error. Now that we have “dirt on our face” (I know its supposed to be egg, but dirt works better in this instance) we have, by providence, two columnists who have chosen, quite independently of one another, to write on the subject of . . . dirt. I’m not sure either Senator could effect a movement that would result in a “National Dirt Week” being proclaimed, but if such were the case, this is what our Perspective Page might look like. Both columns are exceedingly appropriate as the land in Southwest Virginia awakens all around us. We hope you enjoy.

Terra Sapiens: On Our Beholding to the Soil

fter a recent and thrived or fizzled based on how welcomed early they cared for their soil. So it’s spring rain, I stood not comforting in that light in the soggy garden and stirred to know that the soils of our aimlessly with my boot at some world over vast areas are now old tomato vines and mulch. I being lost 10 to 20 times faster unearthed my first earthworm than they are being replaced. of the year. In that instant, two The recent term that is used worlds collided. And while by those who tie soil health to I’m sure the nightcrawler gave mankind’s future is “peak soil.” no thought to my part Peak soil is recogin the encounter, our nized as the most urmeeting left me staring gent of all the supply into the distance with peaks, and humanity uncertainty of our relamust end soil abuse tive merit in the grand now. If our soils bescheme of things, his come exhausted or and mine. eroded, it will not matIn an earlier time, ter that, by some future Fred First Shakespeare heaped miracle of changed praise on man as “the priorities, we were paragon of animals” and the moving toward alternative en“quintessence of dust.” If he ergy for communications and came be to life to give out commerce, were cleaning up awards in our time, considering the oceans and the groundwathe poor job we’ve done with ter, and were creating approprithat dust of which we are made, ate technologies and economies he might just give the prize to that sought to be sustainable. my earthworm—a species that History tells the story: as soils replenishes the soil, while man go, so goes the nation. No soil, has treated it like dirt. But soil no food. We can’t sustain sociis as precious as it is common. eties and civilizations on minSoil exists only in the un- eral earth and rock. imaginably thin and fragile We might yet create alterboundary of inches between native fuels; we will not create the mineral Earth and the air. alternative soils. Its generation It is out of this organic film that is an incredibly slow process of many of the essential building geology, and we have taken it blocks for life chemistry are for granted. Da Vinci, 500 years made available to green plants, ago, said that we know more and here, too, that the matter about celestial bodies than we of former life is ultimately re- know about this substance, and cycled to reanimate the new life sadly, our ignorance persists: of earthworms and of men. This we have not acknowledged the disassembly is accomplished by contribution of soil to civilizabacteria and fungi in the essen- tion, even as we watch with tial processes of decomposition indifference as it washes away and decay. There is alchemy on down muddy creeks and is Earth, as the ancients dreamed, stripped from bare ground by and it happens under our feet the winds. every day. So we have no choice, if we In the end, civilizations have are to survive by the billions,

but to move back from the precipice down which our soil disappears far faster than nature can replenish it. If humankind is to persist on the stage of history, we will stop compacting, eroding, poisoning and mining the life out of the agricultural treasures of the world. We will wake up, and see the unsustainable folly of spending 10 petrochemical calories for every 1 food calorie that finally makes it to our mouths. Local food production by methods that build the soil and leave it unspoiled is an act that grants us true homeland security. We owe an enduring debt of gratitude to our gardeners and farmers of Southwest Virginia for the good work they do to provide plates of food that fall far short of the 1500 miles most foods travel between the soil and our tables. It is worth noting that the words Homo, humus and humble all come from the same roots. I will try to remember this with every seed I plant in May. We are not worms, but neither are we gods. We are large-brained, not-so-humble creatures of the dust. And the degree to which history will confirm homo sapiens to be wise—or not—will be measured ultimately in the way we have tended the soil. Tending the earth will be at center stage on April 16 at the Land’s Sake: Floyd’s Journey Ahead event. [http://is.gd/zgrhWD] Fred First / Floyd County VA Books: slowroadhome.com Blog: fragmentsfromfloyd.com twitter.com/fred1st http://about.me/fredfirst

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A Thimbleful of Humility

t underlies the celebrated burning hot underfoot as a livcathedrals of the world. It ing system. underlies the Pyramids of Sadly, too often we let it wash Giza, the Great Wall of China, away with every storm event in the temple complex at Angkor the Valley. Through the scars Wat in Cambodia, Jerusalem’s of development or neglect, we Dome of the Rock, Thomas Jef- let rain and snowmelt carry its ferson’s Monticello, the Ameri- precious essences unrelentingly can South’s untold Civil War into our local streams and rivers battlefields, and even historic to pollute faraway Batchelor Bay St. Andrew’s Roman Catholic in North Carolina’s Albemarle Church here in Roanoke. Sound. Imagine the It underlies every home careless erosion along in the Valley, every parkthe Roanoke River’s ing lot and highway, ev410-mile-long jourery skyscraper and mall, ney from its headwaevery tennis court and ters in the Blue Ridge golf course, every colMountains to the lege campus, and every Outer Banks. You can rock and blade of grass. see it when the river It underlies the creations H. Bruce Rinker, PhD turns brown after our of humanity throughout major storms. In a our errant history. From proph- 2009 paper from the Geological et to plumber, it underlies the Society of America, researchers footsteps of every person who described the lower Roanoke has walked the planet from the River as “net depositional with dawn of time. a surplus of ~2,800,000 cubic Though it’s constantly under- meters per year.” That’s a lot foot, we probably know more of upstream movement of dirt about other parts of the galaxy downstream during a single than we do about it. year! Of course, at its extreme, What is it? Dirt. It’s what my erosion on Earth’s surface creatcolleague William Bryant Lo- ed the Grand Canyon and other gan called “the ecstatic skin of wonderful geological features. the Earth” in his 1995 book by But who wants another Grand the same title. Canyon cutting deeply from Dirt is a Lilliputian world Virginia southeast across the of biocomplexity. It’s not just Piedmont into North Carolina? pebbles or sand associated with Every discussion about dirt a bunch of rotting flotsam and will invariably involve a quesjetsam – though it’s often taken tion about humus. Author and for granted or summarily dis- colleague William Bryant Logan missed as something “dirty.” wrote of humus as that “pure Collectively, it’s a gas-and- black acrid matter having a texmineral matrix along with the ture like a cross between cotmanure of animals, fragments ton candy and damp sawdust. of plants, and all sorts of living This is the stuff from which all and dead things. A thimbleful life on the land is born.” It’s the of rich Roanoke dirt can hold uppermost layer of dirt where 1 billion bacteria, several miles decomposition has gone into of fungi, several thousand pro- hyperdrive. Like a primordial tozoa, several hundred nema- soup, humus is the crumbly tode worms, and much more! wet alchemy of pre-life that One thimbleful! How many spawns the microbes, worms, thimblefuls of dirt are there in and microarthropods essenthe mountains and valleys of tial for nutrient cycling. Logan the Roanoke region? Dirt is an argued that the words, humus awe-inspiring, integrated mix of and humility, are derived from life and nonlife descended from the same root meaning “of the long-ago stardust set adrift in an ground, lowly.” I relish this ancient galaxy. It’s a tiny world shared etiology. It reminds me

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Star-Sentinel Crossword 20

Joey CornweLL

of the humbling words spoken by Christian priests during the liturgy for Ash Wednesday to congregants as they are marked individually with the sign of the Cross in ashes: “Remember, you are dust and to dust you shall return.” It is a supremely mortal moment in the religious service that links our humanity with Earth’s ecstatic skin. Let me close with quotes from two of my favorite politicians, men who witnessed firsthand the imperative to steward a nation’s dirt: Franklin D. Roosevelt (1883-1945) and David BenGurion (1886-1973). In the midst of the “Dust Bowl,” in his 1937 letter to all state governors, Roosevelt wrote: “The nation that destroys its soil destroys itself.” David Ben-Gurion, Israel’s first prime minister, noted in 1951, “The soil is the source of life, creativity, culture, and real independence.” Of course, one of Ben-Gurion’s goals was to re-green the desert, a national strategy for Israel still in effect. Dirt is Earth’s layered epithelium through which courses the nutriment from life’s ancestors to sustain present-day biodiversity. Nurtured and conserved, it is also the foundation of independent peoples everywhere. Dirt represents a thimbleful of humility that we can offer to generations to come: a witness to all our achievements, great and small. We are a wealthy nation when we leave our soils enriched and living for those who follow us. In his 1949 book, A Sand County Almanac, the great American land ethicist Aldo Leopold called land a “sustained circuit like a slowly augmented revolving fund of life.” Like every healthy fund, dirt requires continued and diligent investment. Let’s celebrate a dirty – rather than dirt-free – world!

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Celibate Run away and marry Buzz Compass point Asian country Organic compound A indian name for shell beads that the name roanoke came from. Requires Eye Bullfight cheer Pacific Time Potato sprouts Rub out Those who make the food laws (abbr.) Loser Watch secretly Dry Ancient biblical empire in Asia Custard filled pastries Rainy Wheeled vehicle Honey abr.

43 Giving off soft glow 45 N&W Engineer whose grave sports a steam engine and tender 49 Popeye's yes 50 Dynamite 51 Eat quickly 52 Failure 54 Roanoke ----- and produce co., wholesale fruits and vegetables since 1910 56 Nix 57 A natural reason for Roanoke? 58 Rio de Janeiro 59 Cow's chow 61 Lack of good taste 64 Having to do with the navy 68 Genius 69 Noodles 70 Gods 71 Males 72 Salaam 73 Daunted DOWN 1 Roman emperor

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Utilization Recently East northeast Comedian Jay Roanoke's Polish sister city. Pacemakers Deer relative Hearing, for example Channel 13 around here. Dined Scarlet Married woman Full of swamp grass Crazy Polls Baboon Friday (abbr.) Director (abbr.) Advertisements Waitress on "Cheers" Root beer brand (3 wds.) Hand tool Ocean Short-term memory Picnic pest Water closet Cover with liquid African antelope First day of wk. Boxer Muhammad Football assoc. Rainbow fish Weapon Old Our own Fred. Cloak Thailand Menacing animal noise Pedestal part Computer part Summer month Wedding promise Lager Hallucinogen

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

Perspective

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The Real Business of The Day

his is a thing I’ve to my face. Not an anonymous never been able to ER doc, but Dr. Garvin. She’s do: take the day at anxious; can’t sleep; can’t eat. its full measure. I’m at work. Her family is unable to do Now a solid day’s accomplish- anything for her; they’re worments might include putting ried sick. I tell them she has an in a chest tube, saving a pa- enemy inside and it frightens tient in cardiac arrest. Some- her in a way we’ve never been thing dramatic, satisfyfrightened. For sixty ing; gratitude from the years she’s had two patient, thanksgiving legs; never gave it a from me. second thought. Now No, instead of that, she has but one, and there was Miss Nora. her left hip’s hurting... Again. She’s got the On those last two cancer; it’s spread to visits, I talked to her; her bones. Surgeons gave her some mediLucky Garvin relieved her of her macine to relax her torlignancy-encrusted tured anxiety; set left lower leg a several months her up with some counseling. ago. I’ve seen her twice since Then she smiled at me. First then. She’s been having this time. I hugged her. She went pain in her left hip. She knows home. what it means. But today she is back in the She comes in on a wheel ER. Terrible night; pain all chair, and rolls the hall with over. I saw her name on the half-wild eyes waiting to be patient board. I should have seen. just gone in to see her. Had I So terrified is she of the dis- done that, I would have been ease that reduces her, she can- on top of the business. But one not sit still. Her hair is wispy of my partners beat me to it. and thinned from her treat- I should have grabbed up her ments. That which remains chart ahead of the others, gone is disheveled with that care- in and just hugged her. lessness of appearance, that I can’t do anything about the distraction which real fear problem in her body, but how brings. about her soul? Maybe I would Over her last two visits, she have been given the words she began to see me through her needed to hear. I mean you are veil of worry. She put a name supposed to be a healer, aren’t

you, Garvin? And when you can’t heal, you’re supposed to what? Comfort? Wasn’t that the oath you took? I would have asked her if she’d been praying. They say there are no atheists in foxholes. The same is true of hospices. I bet she would have answered, `I pray all the time.’ There’s the problem. Prayer’s got two parts: you talk; then, you listen. I know. I get worried about a thing and pray without ceasing to the point that God can’t squeeze an answer in sideways. Too much prayer can be a sign of weakening faith. We keep talking because we don’t quite believe. Maybe she would have confessed - I’ve heard it many times before that she was being punished by the cancer for her sins of early life. So you’ve sinned. So what? The Creator not only permits U-turns; He counts on them. Yeah, that’s what I would have told her, if I had any talent at all for figuring out the real business of the day... Look for Lucky’s books locally and on-line: The Oath of Hippocrates; The Cotillian; A Journey Long Delayed. Contact Lucky at info@theroanokestar.com

3/25/11 - 3/31/11 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 5

Spring Diseases in the Garden

n mid to late summer, when things really start to get hot and humid, diseases begin to raise their ugly heads throughout the landscape. What many people do not know, however, is that some landscape diseases infect the plant early in the year, when it is cooler and wet as conditions are now, but don’t manifest symptoms until later. Fire blight is a bacterial disease. Bacterial diseases are opportunistic. They invade a plant through open wounds, fresh cuts, and open blossoms. We also spread disease through dirty tools, gloves, splashing of mud when we water, and numerous other ways that allow the pathogen to “float on in.” Fire blight is particularly bothersome to plants in the rose family. Many people know that includes roses, apples, crabapples, and pears but did you know it is also includes pyracanatha, cotoneaster, mountain ash, hawthorn, flowering almonds, quince, bramble fruit, potentilla, Indian hawthorn, kerria and even our stone fruits? In fact, at least 130 plants are prone to fire blight, including the pear many forget is a pear; our flowering pear, which is now beginning to bloom. Peach leaf curl is a fungus. Fungi attack by actively puncturing the cell wall. Spores overwinter in debris, on plants, containers, supports, and germinate when the conditions are right.

Preacher’s Corner - The Difference a Preposition Can Make

Preventative sprays may be applied for peach leaf curl, but only if it is done before bud break. Brown rot is another fungal disease which causes stone fruit to turn to mush. Often we pick them when they look beautiful and a few days later they must be discarded due to the numerous brown rotting regions. Sprays are applied just before blossoms open, during bloom (no insecticides please), and beyond until close to harvest. A similar disease is black rot of apples. Rusts attack a number of hosts: Cedars, apples, hawthorn, hollyhock, asparagus, beans, daylily, grasses and grains, asters, carnations, fuchsias, geraniums, lilies, snapdragons, marigolds, pansies, and others. Many strains of this fungus require an alternate host for part of their life cycle. Many lawn diseases occur in the spring. Though few are as famous as the warm weather “Brown Patch” disease, many can cause damage. Newly sown seeds can rot or damp off. Damp off is a fungus that rots new plants off at the soil line, often overnight. Black rot, black leg, and club

root occur in many crucifers (cabbage, kale, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, etc.) during cold wet springs. While drainage and weather may play an important role, so does plant selection for resistance. To get the upper hand on diseases which may appear later we need planning and prevention. Careful plant selection by choosing resistant varieties is a terrific method of control, though not a guaranteed approach. If you must spray, know your enemy. In many cases we must spray now to control disease which may not appear for months. In other cases we may be able to manipulate culture; air movement, drainage or other growing factors to prevent disease outbreak. To find out the proper control method for disease you have or anticipate, call the Master Gardener Help Desk at 7767178. Don’t wait until you see the disease. Find out if there is a way to prevent it before it becomes a problem!

At Your - Barbara Leach, Extension Horticulture Technician, VCE, Roanoke

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prepositional phrase that is key to Paul’s theology is repeated frequently in Galatians and Romans pistis Christou. To translate pistis Christou in the objective genitive, the phrase would read the way we have read it in almost every English translation: “faith in Jesus Christ.” Certainly, many lives have been blessed because of the radical choice this insistence demands. A famous quote during the Industrial Revolution comes from a poor miner’s wife speaking for many whose lives were redirected and transformed by a radical shift of allegiance to Jesus Christ. Her husband, the miner, had been saved by the preaching of John Wesley. He stopped doing what so many of his fellow miners were doing, and that is escaping from their harsh and dignity-denying life through drinking, often resulting in the neglect and abuse of families. The wife said something like this: “Jesus turned water into wine. I’ve seen a greater miracle. In our house, Jesus turned wine into furniture.” No one who reads history honestly can deny the power of conversion to transform a life. “I once was lost, and then was

found,” is the basic theme of countless life stories with many variations on the plot. There is another way, though, to translate pistis Christou that is just as legitimate, and that is in the subjective genitive as “faith of Jesus Christ.” “We are justified,” Paul said, “by the faith of Christ.” According to the rules of Koine Greek, it is legitimate to translate the phrase both ways, and include all that can be gained through both. To allow the phrase to be translated as “faith of Christ,” doesn’t take anything away from how lives can be transformed by the power of God’s love. It does open up other possibilities. First, “faith of Christ” alludes to a faith that comes not all at once in a conversion, but grows through a relationship. In a moment, one can believe in Jesus. It takes a lifetime to explore the faith of Jesus as we keep trying to understand what he is saying, what he is doing, and who he is as a person. Second, to be saved by the faith of Jesus doesn’t let followers of Christ off the hook. Followers are held accountable. Jesus believed in the God who created the heavens and the

earth, the God who hears the cries of those enslaved, the God who spoke through prophets in calling for the liberation of those who are oppressed. Jesus’ faith was a love of others as God’s children as thus as his brothers and sisters, loving them even in their sin. His faith compelled him to give his life by dying for the sake of those he lived for; dying for those who could not save themselves. To be saved by the faith of Jesus, then, is to be led into the causes of justice and reconciliation to which Jesus was led. Finally, to understand Paul speaking of the faith of Jesus opens up a whole new way of considering people of other faiths. We are less concerned as to whether or not they believe in Jesus as an intellectual assent and more concerned if others are for or against what Jesus taught, lived for and died for. Followers of Christ would find the abuse of the defenseless and weak to be sin whether the abuse comes at the hands of Muslims or of fellow Christians. We would find worthy of praise the work of reconciliation by whoever was about that work. Christ is resurrected and at work in places and among peo-

ple who do not know his name, but do know his love. Again, I do not think translating pistis Christou as “faith of Jesus” rules out the translation “faith in Jesus.” I just think that we can find profound inspiration in the reading of the phrase that is less common, but perhaps more appropriate to Paul’s larger message. The glorious thing about salvation is not getting our heads straight and our words right, but having hearts claimed by the love of Jesus which lives and moves among us working the beautiful work of justice, grace and reconciliation. George Anderson is Senior Pastor at Second Presbyterian Church. Visit them on the web at www.spres.org

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Last May 2010, United Way of Roanoke Valley’s BLOOM raised funds for basic needs in our community, while providing our guests with an amazing night to remember: wisdom from the great gardening guru André Viette, modeling of the most gorgeous spring fashions by Frances Kahn, fabulous local food and wine from the chefs of the Hotel Roanoke, incredible auction items of trips, jewelry, and more, wonderful music, and of course, scintillating company. BLOOM returns on Thursday,April 7, 2011 to the Hotel Roanoke with an encore by André Viette and even more fun and items for auction. Individual seats are $65, corporate tables of 8 are $800, and larger sponsorship packages are available.

Page 6 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 3/25/11 - 3/31/11

Virginia DAR Meets in Roanoke for Annual Conference Roanoke will host more than 800 Daughters of the American Revolution from all across Virginia when they arrive for their 115th annual State Conference on March 25-27 at the Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center. Chaired by Virginia DAR State Regent Patricia Musick Hatfield, of Marion, the conference allows the state’s 136 DAR chapters and various committees to report on their accomplishments in the past year. One key accomplishment is that the State organization is close to achieving its threeyear goal, announced by Mrs. Hatfield only last July, of raising $30,000 to provide the Abingdon Muster Grounds Interpretive Center in southwest Virginia with museum-quality display cases for housing items

related to the 1780 Battle of King’s Mountain near presentday Blacksburg, S.C. "The early success of this project is directly linked to the overwhelming support of Virginia DAR members who have embraced the Abingdon Muster Grounds and the story of the brave patriots who marched more than 330 miles from Abingdon to Kings Mountain,” said Mrs. Hatfield. “Virginia Daughters loved the stories of sacrifice and innovation that won the War of Independence." Virginia Daughters, now almost 9000 strong, have a long history of preserving historic artifacts and buildings; supporting schools and child and adult literacy programs; providing scholarships and awards; supporting active duty and veteran

State Regent Patricia Hatfield military members and their families; providing good citizenship programs and awards for youth, and commemorating historic events in American history. Support is not limited to writing checks – many Daughters

further DAR aims by volunteering at local schools, hospitals, libraries and other sites. Being located comparatively close to the National Headquarters in Washington, DC, Virginia Daughters also provide handson support to the Library, Museum and other activities there. One of the world’s largest, most active women’s service organizations, the DAR is dedicated to historic preservation, education and patriotism. Its more than 165,000 members in approximately 3000 chapters worldwide descend from men and women who supported the American cause during the Revolutionary War. For more information on the work of today’s DAR, see www. vadar.org and www.dar.org.

New Airport Kiosk Helps Travelers Explore Roanoke Region’s Outdoors Travelers at Roanoke Regional Airport can now plan their next adventure before even taking off. A new interactive, touchscreen kiosk in the gate area of the terminal features dynamic information about the region’s outdoor recreation opportunities, whether on land, on water or with a guided trip. It’s part of a broader mar-

keting campaign to remind visitors and residents alike – some of the region’s best assets are found right outside the window. “The Roanoke Region is quickly establishing itself as one of the best places on the East Coast to enjoy the outdoors,” says Pete Eshelman, director of outdoor branding for the Roanoke Regional

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Partnership. “Now we’re able to make everyone aware of our outdoor offerings in a place where they usually have to wait to board a flight.” The slim kiosk sporting the words “Now Boarding” and “Destination: Outside” provides information about getting outdoors, including ideas for hiking, camping, mountain and road biking, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, tours, trips and more. One of the features enables travelers to e-mail information to plan their next adventure. The kiosk also connects to www.roanokeoutside.com, a local resource for outdoor recreation. It’s the latest innovation to The new airport kiosk. promote the Roanoke Region’s osk is just the latest way we’re outdoor adventures and build sharing that message – this its outdoor brand as a place time to an audience that has where a hike, bike ride or pad- some time and doesn’t expect dle is just minutes away. this kind of information in the From the Blue Ridge Mara- middle of the terminal.” thon to a treasure hunt that Roanoke Regional Airport each drew hundreds, and from spokeswoman Sherry Wallace the Banff Radical Reels Film says the kiosk is a welcome Festival to a workshop helping addition to a terminal that those interested in starting an boards and welcomes 600,000 outdoor business, Eshelman passengers a year. says these events and activi“Between the mountains, ties are drawing interest from lakes, rivers, greenways, hikcompanies, organizations ing and mountain-bike trails and individuals seeking a life – and such icons as the Blue where the outdoors is acces- Ridge Parkway and Appasible and the living is easier. lachian Trail – there are so “The Roanoke Region bal- many choices to enjoy the ances outdoor recreation and region’s many outdoor assets urban amenities with low just minutes away,” she says. costs of living and doing busi- “We’re pleased to help get the ness,” Eshelman says. “This ki- word out.”

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Black History Month Art Contest Winners Announced

Front row (l to r) First Place: Allison Faulkner; Second Place: Bailey Browning; and Third Place: Jacy Marvin. Back row (l to r) Calvin Norwood, for U.S. Cellular, Laurie E. Gibbons for Boys & Girls Clubs, Sheriff Octavia Johnson, and Mayor David Bowers. Mayor David Bowers joined U.S. Cellular and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest Virginia to announce the winners of the 4th Annual Black History Month Art Competition at a special ceremony held at the Boys & Girls Club’s 9th Street location. "This contest provided a great way for our young people to learn more about African American history through research, which resulted in some great artwork," said Mayor Bowers. "It's always important for us to recognize our children's talents and to encourage them to strive for excellence and creativity." During the month of February, club members were invited to select an influential African American and develop his or her likeness into an original 8.5 x 11 portrait using any art medium. The top 10 finalists’ entries were on display Feb. 14-28, at area U.S. Cellular stores where the public voted for their favorites.

The contest winners are listed below: · First Place: Allison Faulkner, for a picture of Tyrod Taylor, won a $500 gift card · Second Place: Bailey Browning, for a picture of Mark Christopher Lawrence, won a $200 gift card · Third Place: Jacy Marvin, for a picture of LeBron James, won a $150 gift card “For the last four years this contest has provided a wonderful opportunity for our kids to share their knowledge of African American history and their creative skills,” said Laurie E. Gibbons, chief professional officer of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest Virginia. “U.S. Cellular has been so generous to our members while encouraging them to learn. The Black History Month Art Competition is more than a contest to us; it continues to help motivate our kids and boost their self-esteem while having fun.”

Roanoke Fire-EMS Conduct Training at Spanish Trace Apartments

The Roanoke Fire-EMS conducted an intense training session over the last two weeks at By Bill Turner the old Spanish Trace (Laurel info@newsroanoke.com Ridge) Apartments on Shenandoah Avenue. The apartments are slated for demolition and are being used for fire attack, search and rescue By: Roanoker Magazine as well as other training mod(540)-776-1117 ules. Firefighters from Roanoke County and the City of Salem Brazilian International Cuisine also participated. "We have been here for two Dinner or Lunch! Make weeks," Battalion Chief Melvin Sanders said during the operaEvery tions Friday afternoon. "This has been an excellent practice for baDay sic firefighting skills." A The property was donated for use by the current owners. " It is Special not often we get to use a facilOccasion ity you may have to respond to," Battalion Chief James Firebaugh 4167 Electric Road, "Every firefighter in the On The Hill, overlooking Roanoke County! added. City was involved."

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Sports

St. Thomas Claims Div. III Title Two great semifinal games and a not-so-great title tilt nevertheless made for a great weekend of hoops as the City of Salem hosted its 16th consecutive NCAA Division III Men’s Basketball Championship last weekend. When it ended last Saturday afternoon the University of St. Thomas (Minnesota) had won its first ever title in the school’s second trip to the Final Four – Division III style – and in the “Tommies’” first appearance in the championship game. St. Thomas’s journey began with a 59-57 semi-final win over Middlebury (Vt) College sending the Tommies to the final. Both teams came into the semifinal riding hot streaks; the Tommies had won 10 straight, the Panthers 12 in a row. Making its second trip to the DIII Final four, St. Thomas also knocked off 2010 champion Wisconsin-Stevens Point on the way to Salem. In the championship game on Saturday afternoon St. Thomas faced off against the College of Wooster (OH) which had staged a furious late game rally (after being down by as many as 19 points) to beat defending national runner-up Williams College 73-71 in the other semifinal. Less than 24 hours after knocking off Middlebury, the Tommies had to face off against the Fighting Scots – the winningest NCAA men’s team of the 2000’s percentage-wise at .854. Second? Try Division One’s

Photo by Bill Turner

St. Thomas #5 Teddy Archer splits two Wooster defenders on his way to the basket. Duke at .837. Wooster (31-3) spent eight straight weeks at the top of the D3hoops.com poll during the 2010- 2011 regular season. They had lost only two games by a total of five points before the title game blowout. The final score: St Thomas 78 - Wooster 54. Thirty year head coach Steve Fritz (his arm in a sling after tearing a muscle last week) - at one time a standout player for the Tommies - praised his “five great seniors, for leading St. Thomas (30-3) to its first title. “That’s exactly why we’re here today,” said Fritz. One of those seniors, Tyler Nicolai (11 points) was named the championship tournament’s Most Outstanding Player. Post player Tommy Hannon had 16 points and John Nance came off

the bench to also score 16. Alex Healy chipped in with 15. “All of the guys on the team work so hard,” said Nicolai, who helped slow down the tempo in the second half as the Tommies controlled the clock. “They deserve every bit of this.” St. Thomas scored 25 points off Wooster miscues and led 43-26 at the break. The Tommies couldn’t rest on their laurels however: the night before in a semifinal win over Williams College, Wooster was down 14 at the half and trailed by 17 with about nine minutes to play before mounting a comeback. There would be no Fighting Scots turnaround in front of a decidedly pro-Wooster crowd however on this day. The closest they would come was 10 down at 46-36 with 17:39 left in the second half. Fritz called winning the NCAA championship “an unbelievable feeling for us. We’re so thrilled for our kids [and] the University of St. Thomas. It’s great fun.” St. Thomas shot 54% for the game overall while Wooster managed just 41%. The Tommies scored 37 points off of Wooster’s 18 turnovers – a major reason why the University of St. Thomas is now the NCAA Division III champions. Now, a return trip to Salem next March is the ultimate goal, for the D3 version of March Madness.

3/25/11 - 3/31/11 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 7

Around the Hardwoods with Wild Bill

NCAA March madness moved to the sweet sixteen as two Virginia teams continued to amaze. VCU, considered by many to not be worthy of an at-large selection, promptly dispatched Southern Cal, Georgetown and Purdue in a five day span. The Rams play ACC member Florida State tonight (Friday) in San Antonio. Not to be outdone, the University of Richmond, knocked off Vanderbilt and Morehead State to book its trip to San Antonio where Kansas awaits the upstart Spiders in another Friday night matchup. Roanoke native, and former Hidden Valley standout, Luke Hancock, put George Mason on his shoulders in a one-man highlight reel down the stretch last Friday as the Patriots eliminated Villanova. Hancock had a clutch assist, step-back 3-pointer and long pass off a loose-ball scramble to lead Mason to the comeback victory. Hancock finished with a game-high 18 points. George Mason head coach

Jim Larranaga had the line of to the saner realms of baseball, the tournament when asked softball, lacrosse, soccer, golf how the Patriots won the game. and tennis. Major League base“I have NO idea,” he said with a ball opens the end of this month big laugh. It’s only been and our Salem Red Sox five years since Larranafollow suit at Salem Mega and George Mason morial Stadium on Fricaptured the attention of day, April 8th. the nation by advancing PGA golf returns to to the Final-Four. the Greenbrier Resort in However, the bubble White Sulphur Springs burst on the Patriots after an extremely Sunday when Ohio popular inaugural Bill Turner State dismantled GM showcase last sumwith Hancock being unable to mer. Those planning to attend play because of an illness. can support First Tee Roanoke Now, and you knew it was Valley by buying their tournacoming, a final knell on the No- ment badges from First Tee. The body’s Interested Tournament. weekly package includes entry You’ve got to give Va. Tech to the tournament each day, and its team credit. They hung parking, and concerts by Tim tough and admirably battled to McGraw and Keith Urban. Up the end against all odds. Finally, to 45% of all ticket sales made the legs gave out and they began by April 30th are returned to to run out of players before fall- First Tee Roanoke. For more ing in OT to Wichita State Sun- information contact First Tee at day morning in the collection 540-563-1835. The Greenbrier plate tip-off. Who in the world Classic runs from July 25th schedules a game at 11:00 a.m. through the 31st. on a Sunday? By Bill Turner With the arrival of spring this info@newsroanoke.com week, we thankfully can move

Hidden Valley Downs Carroll County With Strong Finish

Down 6-0 after two innings, the Hidden Valley bats caught fire as the Titans rallied for the 13-7 win Tuesday afternoon. Hidden Valley plated five runs in the bottom of the third and added four more in the decisive fourth to improve their record By Gene Marrano to 3-0 on the season. The Titans gmarrano@cox.net have scored ten or more runs in each victory. Chris Ferguson had four hits for Hidden Valley including a homer to deep center in the fourth. Nick Ratliff added four hits and 6 RBIs in the Titan ofPatrick Henry scored two runs in the bottom Hidden Valley third baseman Andy Richards (in white) tries to fensive attack. of the first, and it more than held up as the PatriBy Bill Turner put a diving tag on a Carroll County base runner. ots rode the arm of Zach Whitaker's one-hitter for the win over Blacksburg Monday afternoon. Whitaker struck out five and only walked one North Cross Dominates in 12-2 Win Over Eastern Mennonite Bruin batter in the victory. North Cross starter Craig Hoelzer supplied Whitaker led the Patrick Henry offense with a Sam Lawrence went the the long-ball with a pair pair of doubles and 4 RBIs. Patriot first baseman distance, throwing a one- of two-run homers on Cameron King had two hits. PH, which opened its season with a 10-3 win hitter, as the Raiders easily his way to collecting five over Northside last week, improved to 2-0 on the defeated Eastern Menno- RBIs. nite Tuesday afternoon season. By Bill Turner on the North Cross diamond. North Cross shortstop

Patrick Henry Downs Blacksburg 11-0 on Whitaker One-Hitter

Patrick Henry hurler #12 Zach Whitaker deals during his complete-game win over Blacksburg.

North Cross batter #5 Spencer Shaff connects for a Raider hit.

Patrick Henry base runner Aaron Burton steals second with a head-first slide as the Blacksburg tag arrives late.

North Cross pitcher Sam Lawrence goes to the plate on his way to a one-hitter Tuesday afternoon.

By Bill Turner info@newsroanoke.com

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Page 8 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 3/25/11 - 3/31/11

Carilion Clinic Announces Top Leadership Transition

Nancy Howell Agee will become President and Chief Executive Officer of Carilion Clinic on July 1, 2011, succeeding Edward Murphy, M.D., who is stepping down to take positions with TowerBrook Capital Partners L.P., a New York and London-based investment firm. Murphey will also be assuming duties as Chairman of the Board of Sound Physicians an investment firm and physician company. “The decision to leave Carilion was difficult, but the time is right”, said Murphy. “At Carilion, the building blocks for successful transformation are in place, especially in light of our new relationship with Aetna. The organization is in good position to move forward with excellent, stable leadership. This opportunity with TowerBrook and Sound Physicians will allow me to work on hospital / physician integration and ACO development, nationally.” Dr. Murphy joined Carilion in 1998 as Chief Operating Officer, and became President and CEO in 2001. He led the organization through its transition from a hospital-based system to a multi-specialty clinic, that presently has hospitals and outpatient centers serving a million people in Virginia. “We are greatly appreciative

Nancy Agee began her career in Nursing at Carilion in 1973. of Dr. Murphy’s work and the milestones we have achieved during his tenure,” said James Hartley, chairman of the Carilion Clinic Board of Directors. “Our organization is fortunate to have someone of Nancy Agee’s caliber to take the lead. As one of the architects of our vision with more than 30 years of service to our employees, patients, and communities, she will continue our growth and focus on improving health and patient-centered care.” Agee holds degrees with honors from the University of Virginia and Emory University. She began her career in nursing at Carilion, serving in various management roles over the past 20 years. In 1996 she was appointed Vice President of Medical Education. In 2000 she became Senior Vice President of the organization,

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BBB, Consumers Say Recent Newspaper Ad in Roanoke Times is Misleading

Consumers hoping to cash in on an advertised offer of “valuable, uncut sheets” of $2 bills may end up frustrated and disappointed, the BBB serving Western Virginia warns. The company behind the ad is World Reserve Monetary Exchange, Inc., of Canton, Ohio. “Roanoke area zip codes turn up cash for residents,” said the headline on the advertisement which ran last Monday in The Roanoke Times. “Valuable uncut sheets of never circulated $2 bills are actually being released to the first 7,026 callers who find their zip code on the distribution list below and beat the 48-hour deadline to get Vault Stacks full of real money.” “When placing a call to the company you are told you are eligible to buy five (5) bulk stacks of the $2 bills at $144.00 each”, said Julie Wheeler, President and CEO of BBB serving Western Virginia. “You are encouraged to do so and asked if they can put you down for five bulk stacks”. A bulk stack consists of three (3) portfolios containing four (4) $2 bills. When pressed, the operator states you can buy just one portfolio for $48; when asked about shipping charges, it was stated the charge would be $14.88 for one bulk stack and when asked about the limited 90-day money back guarantee we were told there was no information available. “If you buy just one portfolio for $48”, added Wheeler, “You need to consider the very real possibility that the worth of the four $2 bills may never increase; do you really want to pay $48 for money only worth $8?” World Reserve Monetary Exchange and several affiliated businesses, including Universal Syndications, Inc., have advertised in newspapers and other publications nationwide, including Virginia, Missouri and Illinois. The company is a division of Arthur Middleton Capital Holdings of Ohio and Miami Beach, Fla., according to the holding company’s website. The holding company also oversees companies that have sold controversial Heat Surge heaters, healthcare plans and “free” digital TV converter boxes. The TV converter box

ads were labeled misleading and confusing by the Columbus, Ohio, BBB in 2008. Almost 300 consumers have filed complaints against Universal Syndications/World Reserve Monetary Exchange with the Canton, Ohio BBB. Many of the complaints dealt with concerns over misleading ads, high-pressure sales tactics, an inability to get refunds and difficulty getting the company to stop charging for additional products. Since 2007, attorneys general in at least three states have taken action against the firm. The newspaper ad for the $2 bills states: “Roanoke area residents who find their zip code on the distribution list will feel like they just won the lottery. That’s because for the next 48 hours, full uncut sheets of never circulated $2 bills are being released by the World Reserve . . . directly to Roanoke area residents who beat the order deadline.” The same ad ran in St. Louis, MO to St. Louis residents last month except their ad offered four free $2 bills. The BBB suggests that consumers buying items offered as collectibles be extremely cautious. It offers the following tips when dealing with such advertised offers: · Read the entire ad carefully, looking for disclaimers and other information that indicates the offer may not be what it seems. Make sure you understand exactly what you are ordering and how much it will cost, including shipping. · Be wary of any offer that indicates the merchandise is a collectible and may increase in value. New items that are sold as collectibles often lose value. · Be cautious of any company that advertises free merchandise. Such offers usually are contingent on purchasing other items. · Be cautious of any company that advertises a time limit when offering merchandise. That is often done to create a false sense of urgency for the consumer. · Contact the BBB for a Business Review by going to www.bbb.org or by calling (540) 342-3455.

advancing to Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer in 2001. At the beginning of 2011, Agee was appointed President and CEO of Carilion Medical Center, Carilion’s Roanokebased hospital services. She will officially begin her role as President and Chief Executive Officer on July 1, 2011. “This is a unique organization, with truly remarkable people, and I am honored to have this opportunity,” Agee said. “I still remember the faces of my patients back in 1973 and as I see our patients today I know that even with new technology, new facilities and a new medical school our core mission remains the same – providing high-quality, coordinated, compassionate care tailored to meet the individual needs of our patients every day.” Agee has been at the forefront of the successful 2006 initiative to reorganize Carilion into a patient-centered clinic, working to develop a leadership infrastructure of physicians. She says both employed and private physicians will continue to play a key role in the organization’s success. “I am grateful for the leadership of our physicians, whose energy and insight are driving meaningful advances in treatment and improvement in quality,” Agee says. “I look forward to working with them as we continue our commitment to establishing new standards for patient-centered care.” Plans for Agee’s successor as Chief Operating Officer of Chris Morrill, Elliot Broyles, Waynette Anderson, Mayor Bowers, Carilion Clinic are currently Graeme Anderson, Kwania Melvin and Joyce Waugh under development.

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3/25/11 - 3/31/11 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 9

“Booth” Will Challenge Theatergoers Standing Ovation Well Deserved

Don’t go to W. David Hancock’s brand new play “Booth” at Studio Roanoke (downtown on Campbell Avenue) expecting to see a traditional play. That is, live theater with a beginning, middle and a conclusion, all wrapped up in one neat package. Hancock, who has received two prestigious Obie awards for two other works, The Race of the Ark Tattoo and The Convention of Cartography – both more traditional works – is premiering Booth at Studio Roanoke between now and April 3, with performances every day except Monday and Tuesday. Booth involves three people whose lives are intertwined – a seriously ill blackjack dealer, Ruth, who seems to murder people for a hobby (although the circuitous dialogue never gets that specific); Charlie, a somewhat crude, insecure seamy type who once had a relationship with Ruth; and Desiree, a “pre-op” transvestite man in a relationship with Charlie. It’s set in a booth at a Denny’s restaurant, in the middle of the night in – where else? – Las Vegas. In two acts, set over a several year period, the three go round and round, taking verbal jabs at each other. Its not that they move the action forward that much or seem to make progress; Hancock said after the final dress rehearsal that his aim was to write Booth as though theatergoers were listening in on three people having a conversation, possibly while under the influence of something, in the middle of the night at perhaps the only place open to eat. Denny’s fits the bill perfectly in that case. “The play is able to address the experience of life,” said Todd Ristau, who directs Booth. He called it “heightened reality.”

for Opera Roanoke Performance

(L-R) Dramaturg Maryke Barber, director Todd Ristau and playwright W. David Hancock discuss “Booth” with the audience. Warning: the dialogue is often graphic. Another twist: above the set, which features a diner booth and day-glo wall paintings depicting the neon signs of Las Vegas, a video screen displays both stage directions for the actors plus some of their inner thoughts, and background on the characters. Hancock said in a post-play discussion that using the device was like demonstrating in some ways, “I’m not a good enough writer,” to have included all of that detail in the verbiage. Ristau and Hancock also whittled down 1200 slides (which include celestial shots of the universe and some gruesome crime scenes) to about 700 before the final dress rehearsal. Hancock said Booth is a work in progress, with its official debut at Studio Roanoke over the next week. It most likely would be tweaked before it is staged again – or even during the current run in Roanoke. Chad Runyon, an MFA candidate at Hollins, does a courageous turn on stage as Desiree,

the transvestite, in full makeup, fishnet stockings and hot pants. Linsee Lewis is Ruth and Brian Turner returns to Studio Roanoke for a third time as Charlie. “I was extraordinarily intimidated the first time I read it,” said Runyon, who had praise for Hancock: “he writes for actors.” Turner said he didn’t understand the play at first but “didn’t care,” feeling it was something he had to tackle. Hancock had a warning for those who come to see Booth. “Its not a play about accumulation, [or designed] to tell a narrative. [There’s no] pre-determinism.” Studio Roanoke, the small, experimental theater space founded by artistic director Kenley Smith, is the perfect venue for a play like Booth. Those who attend will be challenged. (see studioroanoke.org for more information; tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door.) By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

Tech Carilion School Of Medicine Seeks Art For Inaugural Art Program

There is a lot happening within the walls of the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine and Research Institute but there is not much decorating them. That will soon change with the kick-off of the school’s art program. Several times a year, the school will ask local artists to submit work to go on display in the building. An open house will be held at the beginning of each new show for artists to showcase and exhibit their work for the community. “There are several reasons we wanted to start an art program here,” said Dr. David Trinkle, associate dean for community and culture. “It adds visual interest to our school, helps humanize the health care environment, and allows audiences to better understand the role of arts in healing. Second, it gives the community an opportunity to interact with the school, either by submitting a piece of art to go on display or by attending the open houses.” The inaugural art program show will begin at the end of April and run through July. The first public showing will be during the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine and Research Institute's Grand Opening on May 7. An additional art open house will be held at 5 p.m. on May 17. The school is still accepting art request entries from the community for the inaugural show. Interested artists should return a completed submission form and images no later than March 28. Artists selected to participate in the inaugural art program show will be notified by April 15. Only wall pieces will be accepted for the first show. In the future, all art forms will be under consideration for display. The inaugural art program show is only the start. Shows will be rotated every few months, so if a piece is not accepted for the upcoming

gallery, it may be selected for another show. “Our hope is that local artists will embrace us as a wonderful venue to showcase their work,” said Trinkle. “It’s a win-win for both parties.” In addition to a gallery featuring work from local artists, the inaugural art program show will also have a gallery featuring pieces from

local high school students. A separate display will feature pieces from Morgan Dana Harrington.

For more information visit: www.vtnews.vt.edu/articles/2011/03/inauguralartshow.html By Alison Matthiessen info@newsroanoke.com

Some common MYTHS about cat health: -Cats are naturally healthier and more problem-free than dogs -Feline health problems come from outside and don't affect indoor cats -Cats will display visible signs of illness like dogs do

Last weekend Opera Roanoke presented a fully staged version of the beloved opera “Madama Butterfly” by Giacomo Puccini to sold out audiences on two separate days. This extraordinary opera requires that the listener have a box of tissue close by as the heartbreaking saga of Cio Cio San’s love affair with her American lover, Lt. Pinkerton of the U.S. Navy unfolds. He is not as faithful to “Butterfly” as she is to him. She has visions of going to America, even renouncing her family and Japanese religion, but it is not to be. After a three year wait he does return to Japan with his American wife. Upon learning of his new wife, Butterfly commits suicide. Opera Roanoke put on an outstanding production that deserved the standing ovation it received at the end. Yunah Lee sang the part of “Butterfly.” The final act (and in particular “Un bel di” - one fine day) was a thoroughly captivating event, and Lee was utterly convincing in mood and presentation. With her stimulating, powerful lyric soprano she gave a commanding and touching performance revealing the highs and lows of Madama Butterfly’s emotions. Lee has performed throughout the world and holds a Masters Degree from the Julliard School of Music. Baritone Thomas Cannon as Sharpless and Christian Reinert as B.F. Pinkerton and Eunjoo Lee as Suzuki added to the overall enjoyment of this presentation with excellent acting and singing. (Reinert, as the villian Pinkerton, received well deserved boo’s and hisses at the end!) Also worth noting was the solo violin work by Concertmaster Nicholas Szucs and flute (and piccolo) by Julee Hickcox. When Steven White resigned as the full time conductor of Opera Roanoke he left a giant pair of shoes to be filled for the next conductor and General and Artistic Director Scott Williamson, did just that. He conducted the orchestra (made up of members of the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra) with a firm baton and brought out the beautiful music that “Madama Butterfly” is known for. He also received a well deserved standing ovation from the audience. An Interesting Sidenote: During the 2nd act on Friday April 2nd 7:00 pm night, principal violist, Katie Overfield-Zook, ran out of the pit. Flutist Julee Hickcox April 3rd 3:00 pm thought she had broken a string, as she had a big solo coming up soon. But it was not her string she broke - but her water! She and her husband rushed to the

Photo by Dominion Images

Lt. Pinkerton (Christian Reinert) and Cio Cio San (Yunah Lee) in Madama Butterfly. hospital Friday night where she gave birth to her 5 lb son 5 weeks early. Proving once again that the drama is not always just on the stage! By Jim Bullington info@newsroanoke.com

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Page 10 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 3/25/11 - 3/31/11

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Sunday School - 9:45 / Worship - 11:00

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It’s easy to use your Kroger Plus Card for fuel savings at Shell. For every 100 points you earn at Kroger, you instantly save 10¢/gal. on quality Shell Nitrogen Enriched Gasolines. Pick up a brochure at your participating Shell stations for more details. Start saving today! At Shell, we want you to get the most out of every drop. See store for details. Fuel discounts are limited to up to 35 gallons of fuel per purchase. Points earned in the current month are available for use through the end of the following month.