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The Roanoke Star-Sentinel March 16 - 22, 2012

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Community | News | Per spective

Tepid Candidate Forum Reflects Lack of Issues RichardÊPettyÕsÊ#1Ê2010ÊDodgeÊChallengerÊmadeÊintoÊ theÊSuperbirdÊ-ÊcustomÊbuiltÊbyÊRichardÊPettyÊMotorÊ SportsÊandÊautographedÊbyÊRichardÊPetty.

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Incumbent Mayor David Bowers capped off his closing remarks at last week’s City Council candidate forum with a surefire winning political strategy – mention your mother. Bowers said, “she said [to me] well, when you’ve got a car with four good tires why would you change one.” She is a wise woman thought son, David. Mary Bowers sat grinning in the audience.

Past Roanoke City elections have had contentious issues that set candidates apart from each other or formed tickets around major issues like Victory Stadium. This year’s challengers are struggling to find an easy target in the calm sea of the current incumbent 1505

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Insert– Check out our Special Section on the Spring Home Show and Better Living Expo coming up on March 23, 24 and 25 at the Salem Civic Center.

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council.

Thursday evening at the Greater Raleigh Court Civic League a candidate forum was held. One Independent candidate, Brandon Bushnell, is challenging Democratic council incumbents Sherman Lea, Anita Price and Court Rosen. If the 80 or so attendees came looking for delineation between the incumbents and the challengers they came away empty. The mayoral contest between Democratic incumbent Mayor David Bowers and his Republican challenger Mark Lucas produced an entrepreneurial dialogue that was muted at best.

Moderator John Carlin noted that

there were few issues available for a challenger to make a mark in this year’s election. That was evident by the softball questions and equally soft responses.

The only issue Carlin asked about that has received some recent media play was the 2-cent meals tax that will expire on July 1. Councilwoman Anita Price’s response was non-committal.

Though Price took the stand of her other colleagues saying, “a promise is a promise” she also hedged saying, Photo by Valerie Garner “as whether or not it should continue, that’s a question that relies upon our Sherman Lea, Court Rosen, Brandon Bushnell and Anita Price take questions. > CONTINUED P2: Tepid

Entrance Entrance

State Budget Tinkering Impacts Schools

[Real Estate Development]

Keith McCurdy

Making it Right P4– Keith McCurdy says that too many parents look for excuses for their children’s bad behavior in lieu of getting them to “own it’ themselves.

The Wasena Ice House which began servicing Roanoke in the early 1920’s will soon become “home sweet home” for many.

River House Almost Ready N

Strong Run P7– Cave Spring’s championship basketball run ends in Richmond with a loss to defending state champion Brunswick.

Greater Tuna P9– ”Greater Tuna,” a two man tour-de force with 21 characters and many costume changes, comes to the refurbished Waldron Stage March 21-April 1.

estled in a quiet historic Roanoke neighborhood, a long neglected building is beginning to bustle with life. Wasena’s former Ice House will soon become one of the Valley’s most interesting housing alternatives.

The River House, at 806 Wasena Avenue, is slated to debut this Summer and will house 128 luxury stu-

dios and 1 and 2 bedroom apartments that are adjacent to both the Roanoke River and the Roanoke Greenway.

Ed Walker purchased the 146,000 brick building in 2004 with a vision to transform the empty storage facility into apartments. The potential for the building was inspired by the unique location on the green-

way and Roanoke River as well as Wasena Park. Tenants will have the benefits of city living while maintaining a connection to a hub of outdoor activities.

For more information contact Michelle Rose at (540) 904-5989 or info@roanokeriverhouse.com.

The regular session of the Virginia legislature concluded late Saturday night with a watered down transportation bill void of any serious funding. Democrats proposed indexing the gas tax to inflation while Governor Bob McDonnell proposed diversion of a portion of sales tax revenue to transportation.

Neither made it out of conference.

However, McDonnell was successful with his “naming rights” proposal for Virginia interchanges, bridges and highways. Exhausted Senators immediately sought to interject some humor into the moment by producing signs “naming” their desks.

Under pressure from the governor, two bills were rushed through at the last minute to reform the Virginia Retirement System (VRS). This will cost the Roanoke City School Board $4.3 million. Without a state budget RCPS is working with the governor’s proposed budget. Both the House and the Senate versions are more generous to schools.

Roanoke City School Board Chairman David Carson said in an email, “while there is some increased state revenue under each proposal (a reasonably large chunk of which is because the RCPS student population is increasing), an increased VRS contribution rate wipes this out and then some.”

“These are tough times, and I know the budget folks [in Richmond] are hard at it, but it would be nice to know what we are > CONTINUED P2: Budget

Renowned Astrophysicist to Present Lecture Evalyn Gates, Astrophysary state for most stars. icist, Author, and ExecuGates has a strong intive Director and CEO of terest in addressing the the Cleveland Museum of under-representation of Natural History, will preswomen and minorities in ent a public lecture titled, the physical sciences and “Einstein’s Telescope: The has written several articles Hunt for Dark Matter and on the topic of women in Dark Energy” on Thursday, physics.

March 29. The event will be Her lecture will focus on at 7:30 p.m. at the Graduhow “gravitational lensate Life Center Auditorium ing,” which was dismissed at Virginia Tech.

by Einstein in 1936 as a Evalyn Gates Gates’ book, with the same “most curious effect “ that title as her lecture, was pubhad little chance of ever belished by W.W. Norton in February ing observed, is currently one of the 2009. A book signing by Gates will be most powerful techniques for explorheld outside the entrance to the audi- ing dark matter of the universe. Using torium starting at 7 p.m. the warps and dimples in the spaceHer research focuses on various as- time continuum, which is described pects of cosmology and particle astro- by Einstein’s theory of general relativphysics, from neutrinos to the cosmic ity, as “cosmic lenses,” gravitational microwave background. Most recent- lensing allows us to search for black ly, she has been working on various holes and planets within our own galaspects of dark matter and searching axy, to map out dark matter in distant for ancient stellar fossils in the form of galaxies, and to detect the subtle inthe oldest white dwarfs. White dwarfs fluences of dark energy on the evoluare thought to be the final evolution- tion and formation of structure in the

Museum of Natural History in May 2010, Gates was the assistant director of the Kavli Institute for Cosmological Physics and a senior research associate in the Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics at the University of Chicago.

Gates received her Ph.D. in theoretical physics from Case Western Reserve University and held postdoctoral fellowships at Yale University and the University of Chicago. She was a member of the theoretical astrophysics research group at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory and spent seven years as an administrator at the Adler Planetarium in Chicago.

Gates’ lecture is free and open to the public.

Gates' book Einstein's Telescope will be the basis for her lecture March 29.

For more information go to: http://www. vtnews.vt.edu/articles/2012/03/031312science-gates.html

universe.

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> Tepid

Page 2 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 3/16/12 -3/22/12

Hit or miss showers and storms are forecast for Thursday and Friday, mainly during the afternoon and evening hours. Temperatures will top out in the low 80s. Hit or miss showers and storms are still possible for the weekend.

Temperatures will be slightly cooler in the upper 70s.

NewsRoanoke.com

From page 1

citizens.”

Independent candidate Bushnell is basing his campaign on keeping the 2-cent meals tax - pointing to the fact that, “it has not deterred anyone from eating out.” Even without the increase the meals tax rose over the two years it was in force. “I am a huge proponent of the meals tax,” said Bushnell. He said he has a vision for what could be done by keeping the tax. “Taking the schools beyond adequacy; beyond good enough where we are vulnerable to a budget-cutting state government and the economy.”

Court Rosen who first proposed the shortterm tax said it was meant as “a band-aid on a scab.” With the $12.5 million the schools have in contingency Rosen believes the tax should expire as promised. “You don’t tax people because you have the ability to and you can. You tax people because you need

to.”

Sherman Lea said it took courage and boldness to implement the meals tax. “This council supports our school system better than any other urban city in the state of Virginia.” He recounted a gathering he attended in Greenville, South Carolina where developers told him that they wanted to see consistency in government when choosing locations for business development. “We have that – we have good regional valley collaboration,” he said.

Bowers, in his opening remarks, was prepared for a little one-on-one with his opponent Mark Lucas. “My opponent suggests he is a visionary,” said Bowers. “I’m still that working class guy.” He hoped voters would agree that he has brought dignity and friendliness to the office. He contrasted the cordiality of council to the discourse in

> Budget

Washington and Richmond and read off a list of accomplishments. He emphasized the 1600 jobs created over the last four years.

Mark Lucas didn’t take the opportunity to take a whack at Bowers’ mayoral style.

Instead he mostly affirmed his opponent’s views but thought he could do better when it comes to jobs and growing businesses. Lucas and his wife Wendy own Lucas Therapies and have started and sold multiple businesses. Lucas, when asked what he would do differently to attract businesses, proposed an entrepreneurial day in the mayor’s office on every first and third Thursday.

When asked later Lucas said he had a few more poignant remarks about the current Mayor that he decided not to use. “He was sitting right next to me,” said Lucas.

By Valerie Garner • info@newsroanoke.com

From page 1

It’s possible for you too.

in fact facing next year budgetwise,” said Carson.

The school board approved a $147 million budget Tuesday night. Deputy Superintendent Curt Baker believed that the state sales tax estimate of $12.8 million was overstated and used the more conservative amount of $12.2. Adding $3 million for raises leaves the schools with a projected shortfall of $10.3 million. The shortfall will come from the $12.7 million unassigned fund (savings).

Roanoke City Director of Finance Ann Shawver said, “We’ll move along with our [budget] process as best we can – it has happened before and what we try to do is use some conservatism.” She hopes the state will present

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It has been said that the true measure of a man is defined by how he treats others and by what others who know him best say about his actions. Salem Superintendent, Dr. Alan Seibert, who is often described by his peers as being a visionary, passes those litmus tests with flying colors on a daily basis.

"Alan is an excellent superintendent with vision and passion not only for his profession, but for our school division, our employees and most importantly, our students,” said Salem School Board Chair, Sally Southard.

“We are very fortunate to have him on our team.”

Last week, his fellow school superintendents in Region VI recognized that passion and Seibert’s tireless work on behalf of Salem’s schoolchildren by naming him the Region VI Superintendent of the Year.

“I am honored, humbled and a touch embarrassed,” says Seib-

the city with a surprise uptick in funding. Though the city is on a separate pension system, the Sheriff ’s Department is on the VRS and that will impact the city.

The city’s retirement system will change too. One option was presented at a briefing to council last year. “We are continuing to analyze different options with actuaries,” said Sawver. Most of that is in the public safety area. “We do benchmark against the VRS plan … we’re keeping tabs on what is going on at the state level.”

Before returning to council Shawver said they would again reach out for input from city employees. It will be the end of the summer before they will have anything to bring back to

council so reform for city employees will be put off at least until 2014.

ert. “I don’t know from Alleghany to of a single educator Danville and Botewho answers the tourt to Floyd. Seibcall to teach, lead, ert will now repreand serve in public sent our area as the education because region nominee for he or she desires State Superintendent recognition. We do of the Year honors. so first and foremost “Alan Seibert is because we have one of the most Alan Seibert a heart for children, competent and innobut also because we care about vative superintendents I know,” our communities. For my peers, said Roanoke County Superinwho share this same philosophy, tendent, Dr. Lorraine Lange, the to recognize me in this manner 2011 State Superintendent of the is especially meaningful.”

Year. “He consistently leads Sa“There is no doubt Dr. Seibert lem City Schools to be one the is deserving of this recognition,” finest divisions in Virginia. He said Alleghany County Super- is most deserving of the honor intendent, Sarah Campbell. of being named Virginia Region “He is an outstanding leader in VI Superintendent of the year." education and his commitment Seibert is a New Jersey native to student achievement is repre- who earned his Bachelor’s and sentative of all superintendents Doctorate degrees from Virin Region VI.” ginia Tech and his Master’s from Region VI encompasses 15 Radford University. Along with area school divisions in the his wife, Michele, and their three Commonwealth that stretch boys, the Seiberts have made

By Valerie Garner info@newsroanoke.com

their home in the community he has served for more than two decades.

He was appointed to serve as Salem’s Division Superintendent in 2006, and before that was principal at South Salem Elementary. His educational career began in Salem in 1991 as an earth science teacher at Salem High School and he also has served the division as an assistant principal at both Andrew Lewis Middle School and Salem High School.

“I am profoundly thankful to live and serve in a community where citizens and generations of elected and appointed leaders get it, and by that, I am referring to the well-researched and proven fact that communities with high quality schools have a higher quality of life for all residents,” he said

In Memoriam: Joan Kastner

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Roanoke Star-Sentinel contributor Joan Kastner passed away last week and we shall miss her. I did not know Joan very well personally, having only occasionally met her face to face as we worked together over the last 5-6 years as editor and freelance contributor for several local papers. But when we would talk on the phone it was clear that Joan was meticulous (and often agonized) about making sure she delivered what was expected.

Joan was someone you could depend upon. Despite health challenges in recent years she soldiered on, working part time for agencies like LOA, where she was involved with the Meals on Wheels

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program.

Joan especially liked to contribute stories on non-profits; the Rescue Mission was a favorite topic and in fact she queried us recently about covering an upcoming art event there. Earlier this week StarSentinel publisher Stuart Revercomb said a friend once reminded him that, “life is happening out there . . . and death is very much a regular part of that.” This is true, of course, but it doesn’t make it any easier to say goodbye to such a good and faithful person. Rest in peace Joan.

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3/16/12- 3/22/12 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 3

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RAYSAC Hopes More Schools Join After Prom Program Prom season is just around the corner, and RAYSAC - Roanoke Area Youth Substance Abuse Coalition is already raising funds to support the After Prom Grand Finale. This event helps keep area teenagers safe at after prom parties. “We have not had an accident that resulted in injury or death to a student at a participating high school since the program started 24 years ago,” said RAYSAC Coordinator Kathy Sullivan.

And although the program has been a success, organizers are hoping even more high schools will participate in promoting drug and alcoholfree activities which are an excellent alternative to dangerous partying by offering students good music, food entertainment, prizes and fun in a safe environment. “We’ve had as many as 33 schools in the region participate in the past few years, but we would like to see closer to 40,” said APGF Committee Chair Ashley Hatcher.

Sullivan said RAYSAC was making changes to required training for participating schools. Since schools from nearly the entire western half of Virginia are invited to participate in the RAYSAC APGF we have added an online training video.

This online video will enable school representatives to do one of the required trainings online.

Again this year, RAYSAC will offer a powerful incentive – a new car. The vehicle is a brand new Hyundai Veloster donated by First Team Auto Mall. It is the 21st year First Team has donated a vehicle. “We believe strongly in giving back to the community,” said David Dillon, president and general manager of First Team Auto Mall in Roanoke. “If our donation of a car keeps all those teenagers in a safe environment on prom night, it’s an easy decision.”

A new Hyundai Veloster will be given away.

In addition to the car, organizers have added two iPads this year along with other electronics as incentives for youth to remain at their after prom parties. RAYSAC is looking for donations to pay for the other incentives. “We do our fundraising now, so we don’t interfere with the individual schools, which tend to solicit support closer to prom time,” said Sullivan. “We use the cash to buy gift cards, which the youth prefer.”

The Hyundai Veloster and other prizes will be given away at the After Prom Grand Finale at Valley View Mall on Sunday, June 3rd. Four people will be chosen from each high school to participate in the day’s events. Every student at the finale will select from a group of keys to the vehicle – but only one key will work. The student, who successfully unlocks the car, gets to keep it.

For more information on how to help keep kids safe on prom night or to make a donation to the cause, call Kathy Sullivan at (540) 982-1427 ext.

2123 or visit www.raysac.org

Award Winning Roanoke Student Turns Big Ideas Into Musical Reality Locher Grove had a dream; to provide one set of musical instruments for Roanoke City elementary schools. The Patrick Henry senior far surpassed his goal. He spearheaded the Noteworthy Music Festival-a music fundraising concert that netted about $15,000 - enough money to provide three sets of instruments for each school.

Locker was one of a dozen students across the U. S. to take part in last summer’s Aspen Ideas Festival as part of the Bezos Scholars Program in Colorado. They heard from speakers such as Sandra Day O’Conner and Justice Stephen Breyer.

“It was our responsibility to come back to our own communities and run some kind of festival to benefit some kind of cause in your community. So, music’s always been a big part of my life and I’ve played violin since I was six. The problem with Roanoke City is we have teachers, we have the capabilities to have more classical and band instruction, we just don’t have the resources.”

The school division recently received a VH1 “Save the Music” grant, which provides one set of instruments per school.

But “that doesn’t cover enough for students to take instruments home. You get to play

in the classroom once or twice a week and then they leave so they don’t get to cement the learning.”

He ran into some challenges preparing for the concert. “The biggest thing is having people actually listen to you. I’m only a high schooler so when I call them, some people don’t quite take me seriously. But the biggest thing is that once you get people on board and (once they understand the purpose of the fundraiser) they’re much more willing to open up and (help).”

Twelve bands performed at the event held at Patrick Henry High, including “Big Lik” whose keyboardist Linda Hanks is also Locher’s calculus teacher at the Governor’s School.

“It’s such a good cause and he’s such a great guy,” said Hanks.

“We thought if it (this cause) inspires one child to pick up an instrument that otherwise maybe wouldn’t have . . . we have done so much. We’re so blessed to have so many things that I feel like anything we can do to help contribute to that would just be huge. We have so much equipment; we have so many things that we could just donate to people. And if other bands would just clean out their garages or just get rid of some of the old and give it to a kid that can have just something to practice on.”

She says her husband, the band’s drummer, started out banging on tin cans because he wanted so much to play the drums. As a teenager, he purchased a drum set for $10 a month at a downtown Roanoke music store. “All he had was the snare drum and he just started with that.”

“Even as a 14-year-old child, he would get his mother to bring him to the music store to put his little $10 on that snare drum.”

Locker isn’t sure yet but says he might make the Noteworthy Music Festival an annual event.

By Beverly Amsler info@newsroanoke.com

The Time Is Now For Your New Beginning Daylight savings time is here and Spring is just around the corner so Summer isn’t far behind.

Soon there will be no more excuses for hunkering down indoors in front of the television or computer; no more reason for hiding underneath layers of clothing; no holiday excuse for overeating. Decision time is here. Are you going to finally make that commitment to yourself to get and stay healthy once and for all time? It really is up to you.

First ask yourself what you have to gain. Here are some things you may not have considered: -Less medication and more money. If you lose weight and exercise you will likely be able to get rid of some or all of your medications for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high blood sugar or pain medication. Add up how much money you would save every month. Many insurers are now adding a surcharge to premiums for those who are overweight, don’t exercise or smoke. You can save money on your health and life insurance too. Airlines may charge you for two seats if your weight makes it necessary to do so.

-More energy. Wouldn’t it be nice to have more gas in your tank to do the things you want or need to do? You can spend more time on your hobbies; more time with your family; take some classes; be with friends and family. Maybe you could plant a garden, walk your dog or even take a hike. Losing weight may even help you sleep better if you have sleep apnea. And sleeping better will help you lose weight. That is a win-win situation.

-Greater life satisfaction. Taking care of yourself allows you to more effectively care for others.

You owe it to those you love and care for to be your best. It isn’t selfish to take time to exercise and eat right. It is just the opposite. When you are well and healthy you will be more able to give to others. Achieving even small goals will help you build on larger ones and may inspire others. Set a good example for those around you - especially children.

-Mind & body connection. Becoming more fit physically can have a profound effect on your mental state. We are both our minds and our bodies. When one is unhealthy it often affects the other. Getting your mind-set right can help your physical being. It can be a vicious cycle that is difficult to break. Your body hurts so you don’t feel like doing anything so you become isolated which causes loneliness and sadness so your body feels worse and so on and so on. Making one small change in either system can have a positive outcome for both.

Decide for yourself to take one small step for you and your health. Get outside and walk a bit.

Give up soda. Decrease your portion size. Eat a healthy breakfast. Drink more water. Turn off the television. Let the sun shine on your face. Be a positive inspiration and role model. You can do it!

Dr. Kenneth Luckay DO is the Medical Director at the Center for Medical Weight Loss located at 4515 Brambleton Ave in Roanoke. He can be reached at 398-1547 or Email: dr.luckay@cmwlroanoke.com.

Perspective

Page 4 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 3/16/12 -3/22/12

Making it Right

T

o this day I still remember what my mother would make me do when I got into a fight with my sister…I had to hug her and make up. Do I need to tell you how repulsive that was to a ten year old boy? I would have to say that I never really understood the point when I was a kid. I often thought it was just a type of cruel punishment that my mom enjoyed forcing upon me.

Now as an adult, I think I get it. My mother made us “own” it. If we did the crime, we had to make it right. This type of simple, yet valuable, lesson is seen much less today. I regularly

deal with parents who struggle with having their kids “own” their bad behavior . . . and yes it is bad behavior, not just poor choices.

“Johnny was upset, that is why he did that”, or “Mary has difficulty in those situations and others just don’t understand her way of dealing with her friends,” are the type of comments I hear regularly when a parent is either defending or excusing bad behavior. The issue is not WHY they may have done something, the issue is wrong, bad, inappropriate behavior is wrong, bad, and inappropriate behavior . . . and it needs to be dealt with.

There are two obstacles that I

Community | News | Perspective 540-400-0990 Publisher | Stuart Revercomb | stuart@newsroanoke.com News Editor | Gene Marrano | gmarrano@cox.net Production Editor | Leigh Sackett | leigh@newsroanoke.com Technical Webmaster | Don Waterfield | webmaster@newsroanoke.com Advertising Director | Vickie Henderson | vhenderson@rbnet.com

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see most that keep parents from I was asked recently by a parhelping their children “own” ent. My answer was sure, I untheir bad behavior. The first is derstand it, but it is still wrong. difficulty accepting that all chil- Feeling bad or angry does not dren do bad things justify hitting or sayand secondly, we over ing mean things to focus on “why” they someone. It might do them. be why you did it, but First of all, all chilit doesn’t in any way dren do bad things. justify the response as All children lie, cheat healthy or appropriand steal. For some ate. When we follow reason we are very this logic, we teach uncomfortable with our kids that a certain Keith McCurdy this as parents yet we degree of offense by know it is true. Our another justifies bad own experience shows us this behavior. This leads to a kid with our very own children who always blames everyone when they are toddlers. This else for their problems. There does not just disappear on its is no ownership of anything at own. We have to train them. that point.

We can’t do this well if we act The good news is that our surprised as if Johnny is not ca- children and their behavior do pable of doing bad things. not dictate what kind of parents Regularly I hear from teach- we are. How we respond to ers about conferences or phone their behavior is a better indicacalls with parents who do not tor of our parenting. Secondly, want to accept that their child it is pretty easy to stop making has done something wrong. excuses and help a kid own These same parents defend their bad behavior. their inappropriate actions in First, call it what it is . . . bad, the classroom or towards other wrong, inappropriate behavstudents rather than hold them ior. Second, have them make accountable. In most cases, the it right. I have dealt with some parents are really defending of the most out of control, angry themselves. Many parents to- and violent kids over the years. I day believe that how their child have seen these same kids begin behaves is a direct indicator of to chart a different path when how they are doing as parents. the focus shifted from why No one wants to admit that they they did what they did to what are doing a bad job as a par- they were going to do to make ent so we defend our kids at all it right. When a child, or adult, cost. is held accountable for correctThe second obstacle to help- ing a wrong, they own it. Once ing our children “own” their they “own” it, they can begin to behavior is that we make ex- change it. cuses for them. We think why Take a look at how you apthey did it matters. I do not proach your child when they have enough paper to list all of are in the wrong. Do you hold the great excuses I have heard them accountable? Do you over the years as to why chil- have them make it right? The dren have done the bad, mean second step is vital for their things they do. There seems to healthy development. Apology be this notion that if the reason letters, seeking forgiveness, and is good enough, then the behav- making amends all serve as sigior doesn’t really matter. nificant character builders in a “It is understandable why child’s life.

Mary acted that way, isn’t it?”

Contact Keith at psycyou@msn.com

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My Advice: Avoid The Stroke

H

aving a stroke can bearings in a big, noisy eatery change your life. can be a challenge, especially You can trust me if the light inside is fashionon this. My stroke in Febru- ably dim. ary 2009 left me with a visual Visits to galleries can be impairment that means I can tiring to people who don't no longer drive. That means see so well, too. that in order to visit with my The funny part is that if I grown children, who live and hadn't had a stroke, I probwork in the Washington area, ably wouldn't be taking these I now take the Valley Metro D.C. Trips. At least I wouldn't connector bus that leaves the be doing them in this way.

Roanoke Civic Center early For one thing, I'd drive to each morning and delivers the nation's Capital rather its passengers to the Amtrak than ride the train. That station in Lynchburg. means I'd have to fight traffic The Amtrak train depos- to get to my kids' places and its its passengers at scramble for parkUnion Station in ing when we went Washington. downtown.

From there I join That means I'd my grown son and be less enthusiasdaughter and their tic about seeing so significant others so many sights, and I we can do the bigam certain that the city thing -- brunch Sunday afternoon in funky restaurants visit we made last or diners, visits to time to the Phillips Joe Kennedy galleries or other Collection would attractions and dinners at not have happened, because big, busy restaurants that are I'd be heading home instead overstimulating to a country- of waiting for the late-afterboy stroke survivor like me. noon train.

On my last visit we dined at On the other hand, I proban Italian place that featured ably would not have fallen dozens of brands of beer. off that curb 10 inches high The beer menu was several in front of Union Station and pages long and contained in mashed my foot or slammed a three-ring binder. my hand on the road, makI thumbed through it and ing me a one-finger typist, at noticed one brand that cost least for now. $40 per bottle. What did it When I went in the hospitaste like? tal the day I had my stroke, I don't know how it tasted. I asked the doctor what was Like beer, I imagine. the most Important thing I We also travel around by should do in the future. He cab. In big cities you can ride said, "Don't have another for several blocks in a cab for stroke." less than $10. When the wind Lots of people, particularly is howling and the sky is spit- men, do have second strokes, ting snow, it's a handy way usually within five years. to go, though I must say that They can, of course, be fatal. bounding around a big city That's the nightmare that becomes a bit of a challenge makes me vigilant about exfor someone who doesn't see haustion, which comes on well. suddenly during strenuous Heck, just getting your trips. When I feel it, I am not shy about saying I need a break, and taking one.

And I'm one of the lucky I work full-time. people. Significant though I want to advance my career. my visual loss may be, I got I am a face of National College. off easy. The consequences of my stroke could have been National College’s flexible class much worse.

Taking the train home schedules made it possible for me. from D.C and the bus back It’s possible for you too. Call, click, or come in... We’ll show you how. from Lynchburg can be a Roanoke Valley Campus hassle, but it provides an easy 1813 E Main St Salem, VA 24153 ride to tired travelers who National–College.edu 888.202.2643 would otherwise be in their cars battling traffic .

The doctor said, "don't have another stroke."

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Perspective

3/16/12 -3/22/12 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 5

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Whatever Happened to Civility? The Preacher’s Corner by Rev. Barkley Thompson

C

an you remember doctor—immediately-- because the time when men he has had . . . “the four hour opened doors for ‘problem.’” women, when random acts of Saddest of all is that there is kindness received a friendly an audience for this; there are wave or a thank you, when advertisers who pay tens of milpeople actually looked and lis- lions to sponsor such drivel. tened when you were talking to And now we get down to the them, when hats were worn by nitty-gritty. It must reflect who gentlemen and tipped in greet- we are as a people and we woning? Those, and many der why much of the others, were standards world is mystified by of courtesy. How things what we seem to enhave changed! joy.

Now, we have road Rush Limbaugh, rage, obscene gestures, Howard Stern, Don public displays of vulImus, to mention only garity, and more. As disa few, have parlayed turbing as these things our penchant for the are, I find their pubrude and prurient lic acceptance as the Hayden Hollingsworth, MD into personal fornorm even more tunes. When they alarming. have stepped over the line of I think I should write a sit- common decency, they suffer com; the formula is standard: little. They may be given a furA group of people, usually a lough for a few weeks, they offer combination of the painfully a totally lame apology such as, handsome or the inexplicably “I was only trying to be funny,” odd, are sitting in a living room. or sponsors may drop them . .

Conversations are dismissive . only to be replaced by new and often rude. A door opens, ones. in pops a newcomer who ofHow refreshing it would be to fers in greeting a sexual double have a political candidate whose entendre followed by a laugh- views have been supported and track explosion. extolled by such broadcasts inIt goes downhill from there. terrupt their self-promoting Then there are the commercials, speech with a ringing disenall sowing the seeds of discon- gagement from such talk. There tent for your life and offering a was a revealing political cartoon remedy. The most obnoxious by David Fitzsimmons in The of all are those for “ED,” as it is Arizona Daily Star last week. euphemistically called. I would It depicted the Republican elnot be surprised if a middle ephant excusing himself from school teacher has not had a the commentator’s diatribe only boy tell her he must go to the to have Limbaugh smugly call

J

after him, “You’ll be back.” Too, true, I am afraid.

What producer has had the guts to fire such a speaker on the spot, to give him 30 minutes to collect his pencil and paper, and then evict him from the broadcast studio forever? What candidate would state publicly that he or she would not tolerate being in the same room with someone who had spouted such vile words? None of which I know. The reason seems to be that the public would not support such a forthright approach.

How sad it is that we have lowered ourselves to such a level.

The bad-mouthed broadcasters are not to blame. They are who they are, lamentable as that may be. The blame lies with those who will abide such behavior or worse yet, endorse it, excuse it, or laugh at it. That group, or so it seems, includes most of the population. If it were not so, then the problem would have corrected itself years ago.

So there you have it: My Quarterly Curmudgeon Column. If I were not guilty of some of the infractions of common civility of which I have written, I could not convincingly speak against it. Unfortunately, I know personally the damage it causes to our society, particularly younger folk. If they don’t learn comity now, when will they?

I

The View from the Mountain

n 2008 I participated in Washington National Cathedral’s pilgrimage to Iona, a tiny island in the Inner Hebrides off the western coast of Scotland. Iona is the place where St. Columba landed in the mid-500s and founded one of the most important monasteries in Christian history.

Iona is only three miles long and a mile and a half wide. During my time there, I explored virtually every square foot of land.

I enjoyed getting away from the rest of our pilgrimage group and spending time in the wilderness areas of the island with only God and the wind to keep me company. For such a small place, Iona has an interesting variety of topography.

One afternoon, I walked the marked path to the center of the island and across to its western coast. I then headed due north to a “dun” or high rocky hill that marks the island’s northwest corner. I scrambled to the top of the small mountain and edged as close to the precipice as I dared.

From there I could see virtually the whole island. To the east, I could see the lights of the abbey blinking on, as dusk settled over the land.

Suddenly I realized night was coming too quickly for me to return the way I’d come, so I decided to head straight across the Contact Hayden at northern end of the island, where jhayden2003@cox.net there was no path and the land-

scape appeared to be tall grass.

Before coming down the small mountain, I made a mental picture of the landscape.

Within a few steps of trudging across the island on my new route, I realized the tall grass masked boggy ground. The wet mud sucked at my boots and made walking difficult. To add a comic note, at that moment my wife called me on the international cell phone I carried, and just as I reported to her, “Honey, I’m stuck in a bog and I don’t know my way out,” the call was dropped! From the valley I couldn’t see my way to the abbey, and as darkness fell I feared getting lost.

I said a quick prayer, and (maybe for the first time in my life) I was able to recall with crystal clarity the mental picture I’d constructed of the landscape. In my mind’s eye, I could see the narrow gap at the other edge of the bog, which would lead to the solid ground near the coast and then to the abbey. Eventually, I made it home without incident.

If I hadn’t remembered the view from the mountain, I’d never made it through the valley.

Early in Lent, churches in many denominations read the Gospel account of the Transfiguration, when the disciples on the

mountain see Jesus transformed into glory. After their vision, Jesus leads them down the mountain and begins the long trek to the cross on Calvary. It is the journey of Lent. It is difficult and arduous, and on the way it is easy to get lost.

What will direct the followers of Jesus through those difficult days, and what will guide we Christians through this Lent, is the view from the mountain, of the One who is the Son of God, the fulfillment of every promise God has ever made. The vision of the glorified Christ will illumine our hearts, minds and souls, and with it in the center of our vision, we will walk with confidence through this and any valley.

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., 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Find St. John’s on the web at www.stjohnsroanoke.org.

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So You Think Winter is Really Over?

ulius Caesar was warned, Skip would drive from Phila“Beware the Ides of delphia, where he was working March.” We had no such that week; we would drive to warning for the Ides of March, Raleigh and accompany Kathy.

1993. The results were not as Fortunately, Skip’s sister was dire as the fate that befell Cae- caring for their two girls, ages sar, but the circum6 and 3 at her home stances that evolved in Richmond. from an unexpected We planned to change in the weathmeet at the house, er made life chaotic. have dinner and Kathy and Skip sleep to rest up for were delighted that the busy day to foltheir house in Silver low. In the mornSpring, Maryland ing, we would load had finally sold and the U-Haul truck so that they could with the furniture move into a new they had left in the home they had built house to make it Mary Jo Shannon in Raleigh NC. For more attractive to two years they had potential buyers, been living in an apartment in and then Kathy and Skip would Raleigh with rented furniture go for the furniture they had left while they waited for a buyer. in storage.

Now the closing was set for That was when the plan beSaturday, March 13th, and Kathy gan to unravel. When they arasked if we could help with the rived at the storage facility, it move. Of course we agreed, an- was vacant. Empty buildings ticipating a pleasant weekend and no one around. with our children, sharing the “It was like the Twilight work and their company.

Zone,” Kathy said. The business Kathy had planned every- had moved over a year before thing in great detail. She ar- and no one had notified them. ranged for the rental company After finally locating it, they to pick up the furniture after her loaded the truck, being careful departure. On Friday afternoon, to place the dining room furni-

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ture Kathy inherited from her grandmother last so it would be easy to remove first. She had made an appointment to drop it off to be refinished when we arrived back in Raleigh.

Throughout the day we had been paying close attention to the weather reports – snow was on the way! By afternoon it had begun and the outlook was ominous – not the light snow we had expected in the middle of March. Harry suggested we change our plans and start the long drive instead of waiting until morning. So we set out, headed for Raleigh in what became known as the “Blizzard of ’93.”

Skip drove the U-Haul and we traveled in tandem, creeping along with poor visibility.

When we reached Petersburg, we were forced to stop – a whiteout made driving impossible.

We spent the night in a motel.

The snow continued to fall during the night, but in the morning we were able to resume our travel, although driv-

ing was slow and tedious. Of course, the carefully planned schedule was no longer useful.

The person who had planned to refinish the furniture was unavailable, (we had missed our appointment). Skip and Harry had to climb three flights of stairs with the dining room furniture to store it in the vacant apartment until new arrangements could be made.

When Harry and I prepared to head back to Roanoke, we discovered our battery was dead! One more obstacle to be overcome on this bewitched weekend! Arriving home safely many hours later we had to shovel sixteen inches of snow from our driveway before we could enter the house and tumble into warm beds.

So you think winter is really over? Beware the Ides of March!

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MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR SUMMER!

What Is So Profound About the Summer Camp Experience?

How do camp experiences make such a profound difference in the lives of young people?

It isn't rocket science, although if you read the adolescent brain research you can understand why our summer camp communities are so incredibly successful.

Or if you read what we know about hope and the human spirit the camp experience makes sense. Consider the following: • Fundamentally, having fun is an excellent way to learn. Fun, and specifically humor, is the highest form of abstract thinking. Fun keeps the brain alert and engaged.

• The outdoors is a natural and incredibly dynamic learning environment. Summer Camp provides the opportunity to be part of nature and our spirits are soothed when we return to the intimacy of the natural world.

• We suffer if deprived of

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human contact. As humans we need real relationships and camp provides a unique place to will seek them out.

• Finally, we value active participation at whatever level physically possible. We are human powered, heart powered, and organically designed to excel and thrive in nurturing environments.

A quality camp experience is single handedly unique in all of these attributes; and it is because the camp experience offers so much in these areas that it plays a vital part in the preservation of the planet and children.

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Summer Camp Jobs: Why Work at a Camp?

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You love the outdoors. You love hiking and biking and sailing. And your good friend says you're great with kids.

If you relate to this, then there's the perfect place waiting for you: summer camp. Over half a million college students will find their way from their campus to camp this summer to fill openings at camps across the United States.

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• Bank more money than you think with few expenses.

• Become a child's hero.

• Learn leadership skills.

Camp jobs offer invaluable skill-building, leadership, training, and enrichment opportunities that cant be found anywhere else! Regardless of your college major, camp experiences allow you to learn and develop skills that will enhance your job marketability. The benefits go far beyond a paycheck, too. Business executives often note that experience as a camp counselor translates into excellent management and personnel skills. College credit can sometimes be obtained from working at camp. Check with your college advisor to see if you qualify.

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The Benefits of Exposure to Nature Recent research suggests that exposure to nature can improve all children's cognitive abilities and resistance to negative stresses and depression More than 100 studies reveal that one of the main benefits of spending time in nature is stress reduction.

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Fascinating recent studies by the Human-Environment Research Laboratory at the University of Illinois show that direct exposure to nature relieves the symptoms of attention-deficit disorders.

By comparison, activities indoors, such as watching TV, or activities outdoors in paved, non-green areas, leave these children functioning worse.

In addition, anecdotal evidence strongly suggests that creativity is stimulated by childhood experiences in nature.

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Certainly camps, when sufficiently focused on the nature experience, bring such benefits to countless children.

Studies of outdoor education programs geared toward troubled youth — especially those diagnosed with mental health problems — show a clear therapeutic value. This is a rediscovery, really. Camp programs have been used to facilitate emotional well-being since the early 1900s. According to one study, an increase in selfesteem was most pronounced for preteens, but was positive across all ages.

In 1994-95, the National Survey of Recreation and the Environment conducted a national study of 17,216 Americans; a 2001 analysis of data found that people with disabilities indicated levels of participation in outdoor recreation and adventure activities equal to or greater than people without disabilities. Other studies show that people with disabilities participate in the most challenging of outdoor recreation activities; they seek risk, challenge, and adventure in the outdoors just as do their contemporaries without disabilities.

Everyone who lives with or works with children needs to know about these studies, and to alert themselves to the growing deficit of nature experience — and about the implications for our society as a whole. Healing the broken bond between our young and nature is in our self-interest; not only because aesthetics or justice demand it, but also because our mental, physical, and spiritual health depend upon it.

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Sports

3/16/12 -3/22/12 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 7

Cave Spring’s Magical Run Falls Wild Bill’s Weekly Sports Roundup Short In 48-33 State Final Loss

Cave Spring head coach Billy Hicks (in suit) accepts the runner-up trophy.

Cave Spring’s boys’ basketball team came up just short last Saturday afternoon, as the Knights dropped the Group AA Division 3 state final 48-33, against a Brunswick team that came in as the defending champion.

Cave Spring fell behind early, but stayed within reasonable dis-

to potentially close to within one possession.

Brunswick, with superior speed and height, regrouped for a 10-0 run down the stretch, pulling away in final three minutes.

“My hat’s off to Brunswick,” Hicks said. “They were absolute-

Cave Spring #24 Connor Baker motors past Brunswick defender #3 Antawn Valentine in the state final at VCU Saturday afternoon. Baker's three-pointer and two free throws got Cave Spring to within 6 points midway through the fourth. tance to the Brunswick school that was making its sixth consecutive appearance in the championship contest. The Knights had defeated Brunswick in the 2009 and 2010 finals that secured back-to-back state titles for Cave Spring.

For the Knights, few had expected that the road to Richmond would have been paved by a fourth quarter come-frombehind win over Abingdon in the Regional final, followed by a victory over Waynesboro in the state quarterfinal and a gutsy triumph over heavily favored Fluvanna County in last Tuesday’s state semifinal matchup.

A partisan Brunswick crowd packed Virginia Commonwealth University’s Siegel Center for the showdown, and high school basketball’s biggest stage may have proved somewhat unsettling for the Knights.

“I thought we came out a little tight,” Cave Spring Head Coach Billy Hicks noted afterward.

But, Cave Spring narrowed what had been a 15 point lead to six points midway through the fourth quarter, and had the ball

ly the better team today.”

Cave Spring opened the game with a plan to pack in the defense, to hopefully entice Brunswick into shooting 3-pointers.

Hicks plan worked to perfection as the Bulldogs fired up seven shots from behind the arc in the first quarter, making only one.

On the other end of the court, Cave Spring ran into what would become its downfall. Brunswick was tall and athletic on defense, and few Knights’ shots went uncontested. The Bulldogs led 15-4 after one quarter.

A Shaquille Jones layup gave Brunswick a 21-6 lead with 2:00 left in the first half, before Cave Spring closed to 23-11 at the halftime break.

Cave Spring defensive anchor, Jordan Bryant, said Brunswick’s 6’6” Brandan Stith, son of Bulldog head coach and all-time UVA leading scorer, Bryant Stith, was the big difference.

“Brandan Stith is so long, he affected everybody’s shot,” Bryant said. “It was tough. The length they had affected everybody.”

Brunswick’s advantage re-

mained in double digits throughout the third quarter, before Cave Spring leading scorer Amin Abuhawwas scored in the paint and was fouled with 1:02 left.

The free throw cut the Bulldog lead to 31-21 heading to the final frame.

Cave Spring offered one last push that got Brunswick’s attention. When junior Connor Baker hit a long-range bomb with 5:24 left, and followed with a pair of free throws at the 4:11 mark, the Knights were within striking range at 33-27.

The Knights had the opportunity to make it a one-possession game after Bulldog Alfred Mason III rimmed out both of a pair of free throw attempts, but Cave Spring had two good looks from behind the arc rattle out, and the Bulldogs scored the next ten points.

“I was all smiles on the sideline when we cut it to six and had the ball,” Hicks pointed out. “That was our window.”

Cave Spring was led in scoring

by Abuhawwas’ 16 points. Baker added 7, with Aaron Cupp and Ryan Gladfelter chipping in 4 and 3, respectively, Jon Evans (2) and Alex Couture (1) rounded out the Knight’s scoring.

Jones scored a game-high 17 for Brunswick, with Brandan Stith adding 12, and Mason 11.

Broderick Stith and Antawn Valentine each tallied 4 points for the Bulldogs.

“Neither team shot well,” Hicks added. “We were 9-of-43 (20.9 percent) from the field.

The Brunswick defense had a lot to do with that.”

“The first two Brunswick possessions set the tone,” Hicks noted. “They missed, got the rebound, and scored.”

“A lot of players stepped up this season,” Hicks said of his Knight squad. “We lost 4 games in overtime; otherwise, we could have been a 22-win team.”

“We dedicated the season to Kendall Bayne,” Hicks added.

“She was such an inspiration.”

March Madness for college Center in Richmond. basketball started this week, The only Wild Bill ‘Big-11’ and 68 teams will battle to de- girls or boys team to make a fitermine this year’s national nal was the Cave Spring boys. champion.

The Knights made a valiant run For those mathemat(see article and photos ically challenged, have to left!) before falling you wondered how to talented Brunswick, many games (which in coached by all-time the first couple weeks UVA leading scorer seem endless) does it Bryant Stith. take to settle the matHats off to Brunster? wick for their second Easy calculationstraight title and sixth Bill Turner each game has one straight final appearloser, so 67 games will thin out ance. Maybe Brunswick had the crowd. Plus, all original 68 the advantage with the game teams, except one, will end the being a family affair. Two playseason on a losing note. ers on the 15-man Bulldog rosFor the record, three teams ter were Stith’s sons- Brandan from the state of Virginia made and Broderick. The two scored the field- UVA, VCU and Nor- 15 and 6 points, respectfully. folk State.

With both underclassmen, Likewise, in the trivia cat- don’t be surprised to see Brunsegory, only two teams with less wick back in the 2013 final. than 20 wins are in - West VirCongratulations to the rest ginia (19-13) and via the Sun- of our ‘Big-11’ girls and boys Belt conference championship, teams for the commitment and Western Kentucky (15-18). hard work required to compete It’s been interesting to through the entire 2011-12 hear many so-called “brack- campaign. etologists” (what a goofy word As mentioned previously, coined by the ranters) pan the the most prestigious award of selection of UVA. Com’on guys, the season awaits a member of the Cavs were 22-9; although it each team when the Kiwanis becomes more evident each ‘Unsung Hero’ is announced year, the ACC power outside of during an exciting presentation UNC and Duke is fooling very scheduled for April 1st. few.

Now to the always interestThe high school version of ing mailbag, where sportsMarch madness concluded last manship and a reader’s plea to Saturday with the full slate of reconsider my rating on the title games at the VCU Siegel “GoJo” gadget take this week’s

center stage.

Dear Wild Bill: I watched the Cave Spring-Brunswick final on TV Saturday. The VCU arena looked packed. What was the greatest moment from that game? (Dennis/Roanoke) Answer: The one with 2:12 left. Cave Spring’s Connor Baker had gone down hard scrambling for a loose ball. While down on the court with a huge gash over his left eye, Brunswick Head Coach Bryant Stith offered words to Baker, followed by handshakes from all five Brunswick starters; sportsmanship was at its best.

Dear GoJo Bill: I just love my GoJo hands-free suction cup device that allows me to jump rope while talking on the phone. I’ve lost 50 pounds and haven’t missed one piece of gossip. Won’t you reconsider the ‘NoGo’ rating? (Oscella/ Lexington) Answer: Well, Oscella, I might bend. I used a GoJo tactic on a couple of telemarketers this week, and the TV pitch may have merits. Works wonders when you see the pesky, dinnertime nuisances on the caller-ID, and answer “Seventy-seven, North Dakota.” They hung up ON ME four times.

Until next week, GoJo your inquiries to: info@newsroanoke. com

By Bill Turner info@newsroanoke.com

Hokie Hockey Progressing Through Post-Season

Virginia Tech’s club hockey team finished ranked #7 in the Southeast Region this season and is headed to the national championship tourney for the first time ever. On Saturday Feb 18, VT played Liberty in the Semi-Finals of the MACHA (Mid Atlantic Collegiate Hockey Association) South tournament at Liberty University’s ice rink.

Despite losing 3-2, the Hokies advanced to the Southeast Regional tournament, where their ranking set up a first day match up against #6 Kennesaw State University. The Hokies controlled the play early and often as they went on to a 7-5 victory over the Owls.

On Day 2 of the regionals the Hokies faced inter-state rival Liberty University again.

After an early exit from the MACHA South Tournament against Liberty the week before, the Hokies “knew the game would be difficult,” said Chris Arnold, communications direcBy Bill Turner tor for the team, which plays info@newsroanoke.com its home games at the Roanoke

Hokie’s Club hockey team could win a national title Civic Center. “[But] the Hokies came out flying in the first period, scoring the game’s first two goals and never looked back,” said Arnold.

The Hokies defeated the Flames 5-3 to earn their first trip to the ACHA (American Collegiate Hockey Association) National Tournament in Ft. Myers, FL. The Hokies are now

one of the final 16 teams left in the country, and will be representing the Southeast region as the #4 seed on Pool B. That pool play is as follows: Friday March 16 Game 1 vs.

William Paterson (#1 Northeast) 9:00 AM Saturday March 17 Game 2 vs. Utah State (#2 West) 12:00 PM Sunday March 18 Game 3 vs.

Lindenwood (#3 Central) 9:15 AM Monday March 19 Semi Final # 1 Winner Pool A vs. Winner Pool C 1:30 PM Monday March 19 Semi Final # 2 Winner Pool B vs. Winner Pool D 1:45 PM Tuesday March 20 Championship Game Winner Semi #1 vs. Winner Semi #2 1:30 PM All games during the 2012 ACHA Division 2 National Championships will be videocast live on the internet courtesy of FastHockey.com.

By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

Come To Apple Ridge For Your Next Corporate or Group Retreat!

Our beautiful 96-acre mountaintop facility in Copper Hill, only 30 minutes from downtown Roanoke, is the perfect destination for meetings, retreats, workshops, and group outings of all sizes. Our environment and team-building activities teach individuals to work collaboratively, communicate quickly, and solve problems creatively.

Our amenities and exciting outdoor adventure programs serve groups of 25 to 100 and are available for an afternoon, a day, or a multi-day, overnight experience, and include: • Indoor & outdoor meeting, reception & classroom space • Commercial kitchen & catering • Jr. Olympic size pool • Team Challenge & High Ropes Course with Climbing Tower • Athletic fields & tennis/basketball courts • Dark Sky Observatory • Over 5 miles of hiking trails including a Universal Access trail • Overnight facilities as well as camping space Your Retreat Supports The Apple Ridge Mission

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Sports

Page 8 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 3/16/12 -3/22/12

North Cross - William Fleming Scrimmage Prepares Teams for Openers The North Cross and William Fleming varsity Lacrosse teams squared off on Tuesday night to sharpen skills and get a measurement of where they are relative to other programs in the valley. The Raiders who have been fielding lacrosse teams for over 25 years had a distinct advantage against the Colonels who are only in their third year of organized play. The Raiders team scored early and consistently and looked to be working out the kinks against Fleming’s less experienced players. Both teams begin their seasons on Friday with North Cross opening up against New River Valley at home (5:30 PM) and Fleming traveling to Lynchburg to take on E.C. Glass (7:30 PM).

Shamrock Festival Returns to Roanoke

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

William Fleming Baseball To Be Young Under New Coach

With only five starters back and a host of new talent, the William Fleming baseball team will be extremely young, as they prepare for the upcoming season under new head coach Jason Hall.

Ready to hit the diamond for the Colonels are freshmen Dillon Schrader, Zach Whitley, Jalil Holmes, Richard Goad, Anthony Sledd and Billy Eaton. Sophomores Kemonte Gaskin, Ethan Hilton and Devante Terry. Juniors Jesse Ferguson, Jabari Webb, Mike Stuart, Dontae Harvey, Harold Cheridieu, Tyler Chumbley, Drannan Altizer, Joseph Ray, Justin Jackson, Andre Cardwell, Ollie Howie and Will Haifield, along with seniors Julian Johnson, Jamal Wilson and KJ Sims.

When asked which players he thought would made an impact this season, Hall said, “Justin Jackson - 11th Grade. He has a great arm and potential to be a quality starter for us this year on the mound. Drannan Altizer - 11th Grade. He was thrown into the fire last year and caught every game and did a great job; he has a year under his belt and the desire to be the best. We are excited to see what happens with him this year. We have a great class of freshmen and sophomores that we will be keeping a close eye on this year.”

“This year’s team is a different team; a young

team. This year we want to develop a team mentality. Of course we want to have a winning season.

Who doesn’t want to see that? But more importantly, we want to put William Fleming Baseball on the map. We want people to notice that there is something exciting happening with WF baseball,” Hall stated.

The Colonels are young and will take advantage of the desire that such players have to play hard but being young and embarking on a season with more new faces than old will also provide plenty of challenges.

The Colonels see their top game of the season being with city-rival and Western Valley District foe Patrick Henry. “What a great rivalry,” added Hall. “So many of the players have grown up with each other, it’s hard not to circle that game.”

“I am excited about this team and the chemistry. We have great leaders in the upper class, with promising talent in the younger grades. I am excited to see what will develop over the next three months,” Hall noted.

By David Grimes info@newsroanoke.com

Knights Softball Poised To Defend Titles Lynsey Barker powers a serve over the net during one of last weekend’s match-ups.

If you noticed a large number of teenage girls in spandex shorts last weekend in Roanoke you were probably seeing players that participated in the annual Shamrock Festival volleyball tournament. Now in its 13th year, “Shamrock” as it is known, is the largest nationally sanctioned tournament in Virginia, hosting 228 teams from all over the east coast that bring over 6000 visitors to the Roanoke Valley.

The tournament was headquartered at the Roanoke Civic

Center Special Events Hall with 13 courts of volleyball being played simultaneously. The events started Friday night with a College Showcase highlighting over 300 girls displaying their skills for over 70 college scouts.

Tournament play began on Saturday and ran through Sunday afternoon with games played all over Roanoke including gyms at Cave Spring, William Fleming, Patrick Henry, North Cross, Glenvar, Hidden Valley, Roanoke College, Hollins College and the Spectrum

Sports Academy (formerly The Edge).

The tournament also acts as a fundraiser for the Roanoke United Volleyball Club which has 15 teams with players between the ages of 12-18 as well as a Volleyball Academy for younger children.

Many of local teams placed well. “Roanoke 18s” – 2nd place Gold, “NRV” (also a local club) 18s – 1st place Silver, “Roanoke 15 White” – 2nd place Silver, “Roanoke 14 White” – 1st place Silver.

After losing only one starter off of last’s River Ridge District and Region IV championship team, the Cave Spring softball squad, behind eight returning starters, is poised to make another run deep into the playoffs in 2012.

Donning the Knights uniform this season are Taylor Asimakopoulos (pitcher/infield), junior Lauren Roach (infield/outfield), senior Kayla Malkos (infield), junior Madi Billings (catcher), freshman Kylie Kent (infield), senior Noelle Patterson (outfield), senior Danielle Stump (pitcher/ infield), senior Dani Duff (outfield), junior Cortney Cooper (infield/outfield), senior Savannah Wilson (outfield), senior Hannah Sitze (outfield/ pitcher), junior Amanda Simmons (outfield/ catcher), freshman Abby Beatty (pitcher/infield), junior Victoria Muncy (outfield), senior Caitlin Ragan (infield) and junior Hannah Ferguson (infield).

“This year’s team is filled with potential,” said head coach Lindsey Moore. “We only lost one starter from last year’s team. We have two returning starting pitchers who led us to the state quarterfinals last year. Also returning are all-district players Duff, Malkos, Stump, Asimakopoulos and Cooper. There are two freshmen on this year’s roster who are expected to make an impact. Kent was a standout third baseman for the JV team year and Beatty spent the majority of her time on JV in the pitcher’s circle. She will see time on the

mound this year, as well as time in the infield.”

When asked about the Knights strengths and weaknesses, Moore replied, “We are a versatile team. Having so many pitchers is a good problem to have. The disadvantage to that is that we have to move positions around depending on who is on the mound. Fortunately, I have several players that can fill numerous roles on the team. Our infield is expected to be strong, with several veteran players. Our weakness this year will be in the outfield, particularly in the first part of season since we will be without all-state player, Duff, who is out for rehab from a shoulder injury. She is expected to be back in the lineup before the district games begin, barring any complications.”

Cave Spring sees its top games being with nondistrict foe Northside and district member Salem.

“I have high expectations for this year’s team at Cave Spring. We have a lot of veteran players returning to the lineup with the addition of some stand-out players from last year’s JV program. Like everyone, we have our strengths and weaknesses, but I believe with hard work and dedication this can be a great year for Cave Spring Softball.”

The Knights opened the season on Monday at William Byrd with a 4-2 loss.

By David Grimes info@newsroanoke.com

Hidden Valley Softball Working To Improve With New Head Coach

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With six returning starters, the Hidden Valley girls’ softball team has been working hard in the off-season to improve on last year’s 4-6 record in a competitive River Ridge District under new head coach Brett Newman.

Newman takes over the Titans program after spending the last two seasons at Patrick Henry and at Lord Botetourt two years prior to the Patriots’ stint.

Returning for Hidden Valley, who was 11-13 overall and lost in the opening round of the regional tournament last season,

are pitchers senior Kelsey Crotty and junior Liz Klussman, catcher senior Amanda Radford, along with junior Savannah Kramer, junior Margaret Lawson and sophomore Maleigh Lombard.

“We graduated nine seniors last year, including the entire outfield,” said head coach Brett Newman. “The six returning players all received significant playing time last year that will serve them well this year.”

Also taking to the field for the Titans this season are freshman

Sidney Agee, junior Katy Bell, sophomore Jordan Criss, freshman Madi Cupp, senior Amanda Davis, junior Kristen Perdue, junior MacKenzie Plaia and sophomore Sophia Robinette.

Newman sees his team’s strengths as being experienced pitchers and catcher.

Hidden Valley opened its season on Wednesday, March 14 (after we went to press) when they hosted Northside.

By David Grimes info@newsroanoke.com

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Arts & Culture

NewsRoanoke.com

“Tuna” Next Up On Waldron Stage

While the Trinkle How people react to main stage at Mill that – and to who did Mountain Theatre the judge in – are the may still be dark – siplay’s focus. There’s lenced first by finansomeone with “a dog cial problems and problem,” radio stathen by renovations at tion DJs that keep the Center in the Square townsfolk informed – the more intimate and assorted other Waldron Stage on colorful personaliChurch St. is gearing ties. Treadway said up for a third producGreater Tuna could tion. “Greater Tuna,” in fact to be about a two man tour-de“your family. I see my force with 21 charown family in this.”

Scott Treadway, Ginger Poole and Mike Edwards acters and many, many bring Greater Tuna to the Waldron Stage.

Being in the cozy Walcostume changes, comes dron space is “perfect,” seats about 120) came with new to the refurbished Walaccording to Treadway: dron Stage March 21-April 1. lighting, new risers for chairs “we’re right there in [people’s] It’s also a return to Roanoke for and renovated office space. laps.” former producing artistic direc- Poole and company moved back Treadway also called the decitor Scott Treadway, who left Mill in October; The Best Christmas sion to leave Roanoke “agony,” Mountain after less than a year in Pageant Ever and The Arctic Cir- adding that he was “thrilled to that position, returning to North cle, which came from the Hollins be back.” He had been to RoaUniversity playwright program, noke as an actor once before, in Carolina for family reasons.

Treadway returns as one of preceded Greater Tuna. “Our fu- a children’s production (at the the two actors in Greater Tuna, ture is collaboration,” said Poole Performing Arts Theatre), what a comedy that details the goings- of The Arctic Circle; she expects he called “the worst show in the on in a fictional Texas town. more Hollins productions on history of earth.”

The other actor is Orlando- the Waldron Stage in the future.

Edwards said he and Treadway based Mike Edwards, who has “That’s the future for the arts – have their timing down to a sciperformed Greater Tuna with we can’t survive [otherwise].” ence – important since the other Expect a sleeker, slimmer, actor may be off stage doing a Treadway in a number of venues. The play itself dates back to smarter Mill Mountain when quick change. They’ve also done the 1970’s and is one of the most the main stage returns – but a “Tuna Christmas” play seven produced works ever. Directing not less ambitious, according to times. “They’re real people – just is Ginger Poole, Mill Mountain’s Poole. There will be fewer pro- a little bizarre,” adds Edwards of managing director and direc- ductions (around six per year) Greater Tuna. tor of education – currently the and a definitive dark period over There are a number of venues only full time employee at Mill the summer. There may be co- for live plays in Roanoke now but productions with other theater Poole is okay with the competiMountain.

Poole said Treadway’s posi- companies as well. “It was crazy tion: “the more exposure that we tion won’t be filled right away: towards the end,” Poole recalls of as an arts community give [to the “our next move is a director of the time before Mill Mountain public] the better.” The granddevelopment, [at least] for the shut down in 2009, “we were do- daddy of them all – the Trinkle next several months until Center ing about twelve productions a main stage – could be back onin the Square finishes its renova- year, with a staff of 23.” Expect a line later this year. “We’re getting tions.” That’s slated to happen in full time staff closer to 6-7 people close,” said Poole, “I’m ready to December 2012. A new execu- this time around. see this [through] to the end.”

Edwards said he is fortunate See millmountain.org or call tive or artistic director could be hired early next year, according to be working again with Tread- 342-5749 for more about Greatway in Greater Tuna, which they er Tuna, March 21-April 1 on the to Poole.

The Trinkle main stage “will first performed together back Waldron Stage. Adult tickets are be the first to get the thumbs- in 1991. “It keeps cycling back $25.

By Gene Marrano up to move back into Center in to us,” said the full time actor/ gmarrano@cox.net the Square,” said Poole, a veteran director. Five dressers will help play director who also runs act- Edwards and Treadway into ing and dance camps for chil- costume for their 21 characters; dren and adults. Directing a play some of those changes occur in like Greater Tuna “is a challenge,” as little as 11 seconds. “It’s pretty but Edwards and Treadway have magical,” marvels Poole.

Greater Tuna details a day in helped make it easier for Poole.

The Waldron refurbishing (it the life after a judge has died.

Payment

3/16/12 -3/22/12 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 9

The Reel Deal: “John Carter”

The fantasy and sci-fi genre have many great movies such as Avatar or the Star Wars saga, but they all owe it to a book all the way back from 1917 called “A Princess of Mars” for their inspiration. Written by Tarzan creator Edgar Rice Burroughs, A Princess of Mars had a great plot, riveting sword-fights and spectacle to spare. Naturally a movie adaptation would seem inevitable, but the novel has endured somewhat of a development crisis, and other films such as Avatar have taken inspiration from the novel for their own film. Although some of its originality was lost on its way to the big screen, it is still an enjoyable and visually-stunning movie.

The film focuses on the titular character John Carter, who one day finds himself transported to Mars. The world is dying from war and chaos, and unless John can unite everyone to stand against their enemy that seeks to destroy Mars they are all doomed to extinction.

The biggest problem with John Carter is that it’s a bit confusing for those who have not read the book and are unfamiliar with the terminology and characters of the series. The movie tries its hardest, but 132 minutes can’t provide the amount of context the audience needs to understand the culture that the novel depicts.

Another issue with John Carter is that it has a lot of common clichés found in fantasy/ sci-fi films today. Though not the movie’s fault, the surprises in the story are now worn out thanks to the other movies in the genre that have used them so regularly.

Despite this, the movie is still very entertaining thanks to its spectacle and even its characters.

The two leading actors, Taylor Kitsch and Lynn Collins, both do

very well in their roles and also gimmick. have great chemistry together John Carter may have been that makes them an enjoyable a better movie if it had been repair to watch. leased earlier, but it’s still a fun The story also has its interest- movie that provides just the right ing moments despite its famil- amount of old-school thrills that iarity. The art direca lot of films are misstion of the world of ing today. The movie Mars is great, and the is visually stunning, movie does a decent and the story has its job of immersing fun moments. It’s a you in that world. shame that the conWhat’s even better fusing intricacies of than the art direction the culture and some are the visual effects, flaws in the script which are stunning and plot are there to say the least. The because otherwise scope of the movie this is a pretty solid Seth Childers is massive, and with movie. Despite this, the epic battles and the best way to see massive landscapes, it’s hard this movie is on the big screen. A not to be taken with awe at how small HDTV will simply never immense this movie is in scale be able to portray the enormous and detail. Even the 3D is good scope of this film. despite being a post-converted

By Seth Childers one, and it’s used to enhance the info@newsroanoke.com movie rather than serving as a

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What Do Jazz Musicians Play After The Gig? The Roanoke College Faculty Jazz Combo will be shaping and reshaping some standard and some not-so-standard tunes in the jazz repertory. Composed of Roanoke College music faculty and friends, the ensemble will present an afternoon of freewheeling jazz improv on Sunday, March 18, at 4:00 p.m. in Olin Recital Hall.

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Bill Purcell*, drums Joseph Blaha*, piano The repertoire for March 18 will include Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Oh, What a Beautiful Morning,” Ellington’s “Solitude,” Wayne Shorter’s” Wild Flower,” and Paul Desmond’s “Take Five” along with such standards as “It Don’t Mean a Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing,” “Girl from Ipanema,” “Willow Weep for Me,” and the premiere of Blaha’s “Livin’ the High Life.”

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Space #

Exhibitor (as of 3/12/12)

111 T – 5, 6 405 2503 415 401, 501 T-1 106-8 C-1 1801, 1803 815-16 104 317-18 1404 1503-4 1505 OS front OS front C-3, 4

Type of Exhibit

3 Day Kitchen and Bath/Potter Construction, LLC A Kitchen Must Absolute Insulation, LLC Adult Care Center of Roanoke Valley Alam Design Group LLC & Family Builders, LLC Alouf Custom Builders, Inc. American General Life & Accident (AGLA) Aquarius Pools, Inc. AquaTurf, Inc. Avis & Son Electrical & Mechanical Aztec Rental Center B & C Exterminating Baker Roofing Company Bartlett Tree Expert Co. Bath Fitter BB&T Blackwater Nursery & Landscaping Blue Ridge Antique Center Blue Ridge Heating & Air, Inc. and Crab Creek Country Store 190 2 Blue Ridge Homes of Southwest Virginia, Inc 715 Blue Ridge Wildlife Management, LLC 617, 717 Blue Stone Block Supermarket, Inc. 109 Bohon Construction Co Inc. 808-9, OS front Boxley 801-2 Bug Man Exterminating 206 Cabinetry with TLC 1101-3 Capps Home Building Center 607 Capps Home Building Center 508 CertaPro Painters 204-5 Closet Storage Organizers 818-19 CMC Supply Inc. 2504 Commonwealth Home Health Group 1704 Conrock 2301 Construction Marketing LLC 319 Cox Communications-Roanoke 320 Creative Concrete Design OS front Creative Curbs Inc. 709 Crowning Touch Senior Moving Services 704 Culligan/Stoner Quality Water 705-6, 807 Cundiff Heating & A/C Inc. 1501 Cutco Cutlery 414 Dan Chitwood Certified Landscape Architect 701 David James Homes 1601 Davis Heating and Air Conditioning Company 1302 Energy Management Services, Inc. 2102 eShield of VA 412-13 Evergreen Basement Systems 1905 Evergreen Insulation 602-4 F & S Building Innovations, Inc. 105, 2003-4 Ferguson Bath, Kitchen, & Lighting Gallery 2403 First Piedmont Corporation 314-15 G & H Appliance 2502 Generation Solutions 1001 Gold Key Resorts 513-15 Green Acres - Landscape Contractors 110 GreenEarth Naturally/EarthNet 2303-5 608-9 202 310-11 201 1904 2202-4 2101 306 1003-4 208 2001-2 1305 2205 OS front

GreyStar Construction LLC GroundScapes Hall's Garage Doors Health Craft HomeTown Bank ING Financial Partners Invisible Fence Brand of Virginia Jamison Design LLC Kinetico Quality Water Systems Kitchen Craft Kitchen Tune-Up Landscape Enterprise LeafFilter Gutter Protection Leisure Publishing Company Leonard Buildings and Truck Accessories

2405 1602-3 1203-4, 1303-4 615 511-12 1002 1104

Line-X of the Blue Ridge Lowe's Luxury Bath Systems of Roanoke M. H. Eades, Inc. Marshall Stone, Inc. Metwood Building Solutions Mid-Atlantic Masonry Heat

1201-2 716 2401-2 1301

Miller Roofing, Inc. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney Morris Tile Distributors of Roanoke MT Pro

Space #

Exhibitor (as of 3/12/12)

kitchen and bath remodeling kitchen gadgets spray foam insulation adult day health services architecture & home builder custom home builders/remodeling/additions life insurance products pools, waterfalls, fencing irrigation heating & A/C rental items exterminating roofing & renewable energy tree & shrub care bath remodeling products & services banking/financial products & services landscaping & nursery outdoor furniture HVAC & wood stoves, home dĂŠcor

502 2103 1502

Mutual of Omaha Nichols Welding Oakenshield Development Co., Inc.

312 1901 814 OS front

Old Virginia Brick Co., Inc. Ostrom Electrical Contracting, Inc. Outdoor Lighting Perspectives Outside Heating, Inc.

416-17, 516-17 605 905-6 1903

Pella Window & Door Co Pine Hall Brick Co., Inc. Premier Stone Fabrication, Inc. Professional Window Treatments, SW

703 904 203 402, OS front 601

R. A. Simmons Drilling Co., Inc RainSoft distributed by Aqua Clear Ram Jack of the Commonwealth ReBath of SW & Central VA/Energy Saver Remodel USA Inc.

home builder - stick-built/log home builders wildlife removal services masonry/hardscapes custom home builder masonry construction materials green pest services cabinetry and countertops Andersen Windows & Doors custom cabinetry and countertops residential & commercial painting closet & garage organizers plumbing supplies home health care equipment & products ready mixed concrete PVC and composite decking bending core services: video, internet & telephone decorative concrete decorative concrete moving, consignment & auction services water treatment HVAC Cutco cutlery landscape architecture David James custom home builder HVAC contractor HVAC geothermal eShield - reflective attic barrier basement waterproofing insulation - spray foam/cellulose residential remodeling Ferguson Bath, Kitchen, & Lighting Gallery waste removal services appliances in-home care/equipment vacation packages landscape contractor home heating oil tank remediation/green products ICF forms/concrete outdoor living garage doors cookware banking, mortgage, home equity loans financial services Invisible Fence brand pet containment home design water treatment products American made kitchen accessories kitchen - bath remodeling landscape/lawn care LeafFilter Gutter Protection Leisure Publishing publications utility buildings, gazebos, utility trailers, camper shells Aspart-X garage floor coating PSE - Project Specialist Exteriors bath remodeling custom home builder/remodeler/log homes natural stone/hardscape/landscape deck alternatives/structural components Tulikivi soapstone fireplaces, bakeovens & countertops roofing - siding, windows financial services tile and stone home electronics (automation, security & entertainment)

2501 OS side OS front 804-5 T-2-3, OS front C-5 112 1402, OS front 302-5 Loft T-4 114 OS front 810-11

Richfield Retirement Community Roanoke Golf Cars Roanoke Valley Siding & Windows, Inc. ROCKFAB Kitchen & Bath Rockydale Quarries Corp.

Roger Thomas Plaster & Design Ronnie's Vinyl Siding Rorrer Well Drilling, Inc. RUSCO Window Company, Inc. S. J. Neathawk Window & Door Gallery Salem VA Credit Union Sci-Tech Carpet Cleaning Scruggs Woodworks Seal-Tite Basement Waterproofing Co., Inc.

803 2302 702 307

Sentry Exteriors, Inc. Serenity Replacement Windows, Inc. SERVPRO of Roanoke, Montgomery, & Pulaski Counties Sharon Scharrer, Kitchen Designer

316 613-14, 713-14 1701-3 301 101

Shenandoah Valley Water Co. Skyline Door & Hardware, Inc. Smith Mountain Building Supply Snyder & Associates General Contractor Solar Tech, LLC

506-7 610 409, 509 OS front

South River Contracting of Roanoke, Inc. Southern State Electric & Plumbing Southwest Sunroom & Window Co., Inc. Specialized Saw & Mower, Inc., King's Hauling & Excavating, Inc. Stanley Steemer of Roanoke Structures Design Build, LLC Superior Exterminating Co., Inc. Superior Walls of Central VA, Inc.

806 903 817 113

Type of Exhibit insurance & financial services iron work Viceroy Homes LTD & Oakenshield Dev. Co. building/rennovation brick electrical services low voltage architectural & landscape lighting outside wood-burning furnaces & heating & air; Grasshopper mowers windows & doors brick & pavers granite, marble countertops window treatments, shades, blinds, shutters, soft treatments, drapery & retractable awnings drilling services water treatment systems Ram Jack of the Commonwealth bathroom remodeling services; radiant insulation Owens Corning basement finishing/Solace windows & doors; Safe-Step walk-in tubs Richfield Retirement Community buildings, golf/utility vehicles, mowers windows & exterior improvements kitchen & bath remodeling landscaping & stone products plaster & design siding and windows well drilling windows, doors, sunrooms, & awnings windows & doors financial services carpet cleaning hand made furniture waterproofing, foundation repair, basement finishing Leaf Solution walk-in tubs fire & water cleanup kitchen remodel design & installation, kitchen cabinets bottled water & coffee windows Marvin Windows waterproofing Solar window insulation, pool heat, hot water, space heat electrical, heating/cooling, energy conservation electrical & plumbing sunrooms, replacement windows, entry doors lawn & garden equipment; construction equipment

carpet & furniture cleaning & water mitigation design & build construction services termite/pest management services manufacture & install precast foundation/basement walls 505 The Building Specialist, LLC construction/remodeling services - commercial residential - broker/REALTOR - real estate 510 The Turf & Gardening Store/Landscape Supply landscape products 812-13 Tinbenders, Inc. HVAC 710 Touch of Purple all natural household & jewelry cleaner & polish 606 TPC Restoration, Inc. restoration & cleaning 901-2 VA Gutter, Inc./K-Guard K-Guard leaf-free gutter system 1802, 1804 Vacation Village Resorts Massanutten Resort OS front Valley Landscaping, Inc. landscaping materials 406-8 Varsity Landscaping & Grounds, LLC landscaping - design/build/maintain 1205 VIEWDIRECT LLC DIRECTV 1403 Virginia 811 - "Miss Utility of Virginia" utility locate service C-2 Virginia Foam Insulators, LLC insulation Parlor A Virginia Furniture Market furniture 2404 Virginia Society of Landscape Designers association of professional landscape designers 2005 Vitamix Vitamix blender 207 W. C. Butler Heating & A/C, Inc. heating & air conditioning 611-12, 711-12 Water By Design hot tubs & saunas 1401, OS front WDR Land Design landscape contractor 2201 Western Virginia Workforce Development Board Solar Energy/Energy Add-ons for Homes 707-8 Whitt Carpet One Floor & Home floor covering 313 Williams Lighting Galleries lighting 403-4, 503-4 Window Max, Inc./Kitchen & Bath Max windows, sunrooms, siding, doors, kitchens & baths 1705-8, 1405 Window World of Roanoke window replacement, siding, doors 2104-5 Windows and Home Renovations Direct windows, siding, doors 410-11 Wisler Plumbing Inc plumbing/bathroom remodeling 308-9 Woods Family Heating & Air Conditioning HVAC 616 Xpert Foundations foundation repair, piering/waterproofing

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Fox StanGard Pool Kit Fox Patented X-Brace system with deck support 1632 Rectangle (non diving) 20 or 24 mil genuine Fox liner Skimmer, returns, Dual Main Drain Kit 8’ Fox Stair Stainless steel handrails Fox pump and filter Excavation, backfill & rough grade, and plumbing 3 foot concrete deck Safety rope kit Offer Valid on Contract signed 2/1/2012 thru 4/16/12

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Page 4 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 3/16/12 -3/22/12 he’s also worked as a personal trainer, actor and fitness model/spokesman for Men’s Health magazine.

Cameron dishes about his career, his passion for the DIY life and ways to make that big upcoming home-improvement project less intimidating.

You’re pretty much a home-improvement guru these days. Have you always been into the do-ityourself lifestyle?

The whole home improvement thing has been a part of me for a long time, as long as I can remember. My dad was an electrician and he’d do roofing on the side. He introduced me to that type of work when I was still young. I grew up in upper Michigan, spending a lot of my time outdoors. We heated our house by wood. This meant that we’d go out every fall and summer to cut down our trees for the wood.

As a kid, I hated it. As I grew older, I see that all that manual work has been a valuable lesson to me.

When did you make the move to the world of entertainment?

When I turned about 28 or 29 – I knew that I couldn’t live in upper Michigan and pursue entertainment, so I went to New York. I ended up working as a fitness model, which was not my plan at the time. But fitness is the other side of my life, it’s my other passion. It was a good way to make ends meet.

[Eventually,] I landed a part as a carpenter on “While You Were Out” for TLC. I was amazed to

By DAN RAFTER | CTW Features realize that I could be on a TV icensed contractor and televi- show doing what I loved to do.

When “While You Were Out” sion star Jason Cameron was over, the DIY Network knows how to fix just about anything inside (and outside) people introduced themselves to the home. He shows off his expertise as me. Since then, I’ve had a great the host of “Man Caves” and “Desperate relationship with them.

Landscapes” on the DIY Network. But he It seems that very few went through plenty of career and life acting careers happen changes before he settled into this gig: the way people plan them.

Q

J

ason Cameron

The DIY Network star gives tips on how to get off the couch, make a plan and fix that house

Unique Solutions for Your Home Enjoyment

Retractable Door Screens

Q

L

Q

I went to school to be a cop.

You never know where life is going to take you.

What do you enjoy so much about home improvement? Homeimprovement projects are a real chore for some people.

A lot of people don’t like working out, either, and I like that, too. I’m a very mechanical person. No joke, when I go to bed at night, I build stuff in my head. Then when I wake up, I draw it on paper. I’m just mechanically inclined. I love working with my hands. I love the act of bringing something from my imagination to fruition.

That’s a great feeling. I hope people get the opportunity to experience that, to create something, after they watch our shows.

What advice do you have for homeowners who get around to completing their home-improvement projects?

I know that homeowners sometimes get nervous. They think they aren’t skilled enough to complete a home-improvement project.

Homeowners should spend the most time on a project to plan it out. They need to sit down and do some research.

What tools do they need? Write that down. Will you have to borrow or buy tools? Who do you need to hire to help you complete the project? If you don’t have a plan, you’ll end up wandering around aimlessly.

What can homeowners do to make themselves more comfortable with tackling home-improvement projects?

When you go into a home supply or hardware store and you have time on your hands, walk up and down the aisles. The more you familiarize yourself with the store, the more you understand where everything is and what they have, the less time you’ll waste when doing the project.

Q

Q

Q

To-Do List Jason Cameron, DIY Network star and licensed contractor, gives a list of chores every homeowner should do after winter passes: • Take a visual inspection of the roof. No need to get on top of it – use binoculars to get a good look from below. Any missing or cracked shingles or damage near the chimney needs to be fixed, or it will get worse with time.

• Inspect the gutters and downspouts. During the winter, they can pull away from the house.

• Look for cracks in the exterior walls, whether it’s brick or siding.

• Make sure there is enough caulk around doors and windows.

• Take a walk around the entire house to visually inspect it for any worrying features that catch the eye.

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Blockbuster @Home (1 disc at a time): Only available with new qualifying DISH service activated between 2/01/12 and 5/20/12. For the first 3 months of your subscription, you receive a bundle of Blockbuster @Home for $5/mo (regularly $10/mo) and your programming package at a promotional bundle price.

Promotional prices continue for 3 months provided you subscribe to both components of the bundle and do not downgrade. After 3 months, then-current prices apply to each component (unless a separate promotional price still applies to your programming package). Requires online DISH account for discs by mail; broadband Internet to stream content; HD DVR to stream to TV. Exchange online rentals for free in-store movie rentals at participating Blockbuster stores. Offer not available in Puerto Rico or U.S. Virgin Islands. Streaming to TV and some channels not available with select packages.

Digital Home Advantage plan requires 24-month agreement and credit qualification. Cancellation fee of $17.50/month remaining applies if service is terminated before end of agreement. With qualifying packages, Online Bonus credit requires AutoPay with Paperless Billing, email opt-in for DISH E-Newsletter, and online redemption no later than 45 days from service activation. After applicable promotional period, then-current price will apply. $10/mo HD add-on fee waived for life of current account; requires 24-month agreement, continuous enrollment in AutoPay with Paperless Billing. 3-month premium movie offer value is up to $132; after 3 months then-current price applies unless you downgrade. Upfront fee, monthly fees, and limits on number and type of receivers will apply. Prices, packages, programming and offers subject to change without notice. Additional restrictions may apply. Offer available for new and qualified former customers and ends 5/20/12. HBO®, Cinemax® and related channels and service marks are the property of Home Box Office, Inc. SHOWTIME is a registered trademark of Showtime Networks Inc., a CBS Company. STARZ and related channels and service marks are property of Starz Entertainment, LLC. SLICKS1937

Page 5 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 3/16/12 -3/22/12

The

Case for

Carpet

A matter of material

Nylon is the most durable of all carpet fibers, according to Valerie Ottaviano, vice president of product design at Bentley Prince Street, Inc., a California-based carpet and rug company.

When it comes to purely natural materials like straw, sisal and wool, she urges consumers to think twice.

“They look great but can be tough to clean,” Ottaviano says.

Sisal rugs don't react well to water or cleaners, for example.

“Something made with a solution dye may not be natural, but it can give you better performance, depending on your household.”

Green is growing

Still hoping for hardwood? Green and modular options could make a homeowner consider carpet instead

Perfect places for accent rugs Add flare to your floors with tips from Tam Wimolvan Vidulich, Chicago-based artist and owner of Tam Wimolvan Vidulich Carpets.

Entrance way: While an accent rug is unexpected here, Vidulich says, “A round rug can create a mise-en-scène for the home. Here’s the place to make a good first impression.”

By CATHY CASSATA | CTW Features

lich says. “It can transform a mundane transit space into your own mini gallery.”

F

or those who prefer the plush pile of carpet beneath their feet, Living room: Tie the room new materials and together with color, texture innovative adhesive provide and fabric. “Even the acousmodern options. tical properties of the fabric help create an atmosphere that enhances the moment, whether it’s a lively gathering with friends or a quiet evening with a book,” she says.

Bedroom: Start the day with a warm welcome underfoot.

“This often-neglected room deserves a little more love; after all, it is where we spend almost a third of our lives,” Vidulich notes.

Like all home industries, carpet makers are looking into sustainable options. Post-consumer nylon can be weaved back into new fibers.

“We can actually strip previously used carpet, shave off the top and put that back into a new fiber while still creating premium-quality carpet,” Ottaviano says.

There’s now carpet available that is made from yarn composed of used fishing nets. The production process is fed by different streams of post-consumer carpets, used fabrics and fishing nets together with industrial discards from all over the world. “This is really innovative, eco-friendly fiber and it looks gorgeous,” Ottaviano says.

NewsRoanoke.com Mix and match connects carpet tiles to each Modular carpet tiles make it easother in all four corners to creier for those who don’t want to ate one massive rug,” Coll says make a big, permanent decision of FLOR’s commercial counabout a large area. FLOR, a leadterpart, Interface FLOR ing carpet tile company based in Commercial. “You’d be amazed Chicago, has gained a lot of how many glue buckets you momentum in the past few save by doing this, and it’s an years for its ease of installation, environmentally friendly sysmaintenance and durability. tem,” These carpet tiles can be he adds.

Another concern for the arranged according to each underside of carpets is the person’s preference for area potential tripping hazard. Clint rugs, runners or play areas.

Schramm, vice president of This DIY solution may have marketing at Bentley Prince a higher up-front cost, but the Street, Inc., suggests tapered tiles are removable, washable rubber reducers, which are and can be moved from home adhesively fused and mechanito home, which can make it a cally stitched to the carpet’s more cost-effective option. edge to reduce the height of the carpet or area rug. This Sticking points reduced edge eliminates tripIt might be unpleasant ping hazards and allows easy knowing there’s a bunch of movement of wheelchairs. adhesive under the carpet, so “While these are mainly for go ahead and ditch the glue. rugs in buildings with highSome carpet tiles, like the traffic areas, they can certainly FLOR system, connect to each be used for any carpet or rug other rather than the floor. where an elderly person lives,” Scott Coll, CEO of Austin, Schramm says. “With the Texas-based Commercial aging of America, these seem Flooring Systems, says it’s a to be the way to go. ” faster and cleaner installation process.

“There’s no adhesive © CTW Feature involved. Instead you use a 3-inch-by-3-inch square that

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Page 6 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 3/16/12 -3/22/12

Breathers, beware!

The air inside your home could need some serious cleaning. Here are the top 5 culprits

By DAN RAFTER | CTW Features

P

coughs and sneezes that result from poor indoor air quality.

Some are miserable enough that they can’t complete their homework or struggle to focus in school.

Parents usually assume that their children are suffering from bacterial infections when the real culprit is closer to home: In fact, it is the home.

“It can take a long time to convince parents that their children could be coughing because they’re allergic to something in the air in their bedrooms or living rooms,”

ersistent cough? Always sneezing? Having trouble concentrating or sleeping?

There’s plenty of reasons this could happen, but it shouldn’t be because of the air you breathe, which is something that any homeowner can take steps to control.

Alanna Levine, a pediatrician in New York, sees plenty of children with persistent

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Levine says.

It could be as obvious as cigarette smoke or as hidden as mold or mildew. “People develop allergies at all points in their lives,” she says. “For parents, realizing this can force them to make a big investment in changing the way they think.”

The good news is that people can take simple steps to improve the air quality inside their homes. The bad news? The air quality in most residences is probably far worse than it is outside.

Laura Dellutri, a home and lifestyle expert for The Daily Buzz, a syndicated morning TV show, points to a study from the Environmental Protection Agency that says air pollution is often two to five times worse indoors than it is outdoors.

“The air in your home is compromised by indoor air pollution minute by minute,” says Dellutri, known as the Healthy Housekeeper on the show. “When you walk in from a day outdoors, your clothes are covered in allergens, as is your hair. Add in a garage door left open and windows open, and allergens

stay put in your home.”

Fortunately, homeowners can take some simple steps to lessen or eliminate five common sources of indoor air pollution.

CIGARETTE SMOKE: Levine points to cigarette smoke as the most irritating form of indoor air pollution.

Eliminating this is easy: Homeowners simply should never smoke inside their residences, she says. Cigarette smoke has a habit of lingering in a home’s carpeting, bedding, furniture and walls.

DUST MITES: Another common cause of poor indoor air quality is dust mites. These critters are microscopic. And it’s not the mites themselves that cause people to sneeze, tear up or cough – it’s the excrement they leave behind. These dust mite pellets trigger asthma and allergy symptoms.

Because they can’t be seen, dust mites enjoy living in bedding, stuffed animals and furniture, undetected by homeowners.

One way homeowners can cut down on this microscopic population is by keeping their residence’s humidity levels between 30 to 50 percent with a good humidifier.

Homeowners also can cover their beds and box springs with allergen-proof coverings.

PETS: Pets, too, are a common cause of indoor air pollution. The best solution is often a painful one; those who are allergic to pets, or who have children who are, might have to part with their furry companions.

If the allergies aren’t too severe, pet owners can lessen the allergic impact by making sure their pets stay off the furniture and beds and by bathing them more frequently.

MOLD/MILDEW: Tony Abate, vice president of operations at AtmosAir Solutions in Fairfield, Conn., says that mold and mildew can cause air quality problems.Mold and mildew usually pop up because of moisture problems, so it’s important to keep homes dry, especially in basements, crawl spaces and

NewsRoanoke.com

other areas susceptible to moisture.

Abate, a certified indoor environ mentalist, recommends that homeowners make sure their downspouts and gutters are working properly, that the grading of the land outside their homes slopes away from their residences and that they stock a dehumidifier in their basements.

CARPET: Dick Gebhart, technology manager for Owens Corning, a global building-materials provider, points to carpeting as a fifth culprit. Carpeting can prove an irresistible home to dust mites and chemicals that cause people to sneeze and cough. “I don’t think a lot of people are aware of indoor air pollution. They think that air pollution comes from the outside,” Gebhart says. “They don’t think about the impact that their furniture, their carpeting or even their electronic devices have on the quality of the air inside their homes.”

Gebhart recommends that homeowners replace old carpeting. They also can invest in a vacuum cleaner with a high-efficiency particulate air – HEPA – filter. This filter prevents vacuums from kicking up an abundance of dust.

Homes are built differently today, Abate says.

Construction is tighter. This means that indoor air pollution is a more serious problem: Tighter homes increase the chances for mold, and they make it less likely that odors and allergens will simply drift away.

This is why it’s so important for homeowners to take the relatively simple steps to eliminate the most common sources of indoor air pollution.

“Things are getting bottled up and concentrated in new homes,” Abate says. “A lot of people find that they feel better when they leave their homes. You don’t want to have this type of sick-building syndrome.” © CTW Features

Before You Lay Your Head Down…

Homeowners can provide relief for family members with allergies by purchasing anti-allergy bedding and pillows. Here’s a three-step guide to purchasing these bedding materials:

1

Nonporous fabrics provide the best protection against allergens, though some complain that these fabrics also become overly hot. Microfiber polyester fabrics also will do the job and usually provide a more comfortable sleeping environment. A tightly woven cotton fabric also is a good choice. The good news is that manufacturers are happy to advertise when their bedding products qualify as anti-allergy, so they aren’t too difficult to find.

2

Homeowners who purchase anti-allergy sheets and coverings should make sure that these products completely cover beds. This includes not only the mattress, but a bed’s box springs and pillows.

3

Homeowners shouldn’t dampen the effectiveness of their antiallergy bedding by making the mistake of letting their pets sleep on the beds that these coverings are protecting. Pets are a prime source of allergies in a home.

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Page 7 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 3/16/12 -3/22/12

NewsRoanoke.com

Last Year’s Paint,

This Year’s Projects That stack of leftover paint cans should be put to good use.

Try these easy DIY projects to help accessorize a room

Did you know?

A dash of paint: Bold colors on a door, lamp or wall hangings can brighten up a room.

By Dawn Klingensmith

used for interior paints within a dollhouse.”

No kids? A dollhouse is a quirky way to display collectibles and curios for those with a knack for arranging.

CTW Features

G

ot leftover paint from a recent paint job? Don’t consign it to the graveyard of paint cans in the basement. A small amount of paint can serve to touch up edges, molding or furniture.

Incidentally, leftover paint stores better and is easier to identify in a clear plastic peanut butter or mayonnaise jar, recommends Chris Ring, vice president of operations and training for ProTect Painters, a national house-painting franchise based in Ann Arbor, Mich.

As for the rest, why not use it instead of getting rid of it?

Here are some projects that breathe new life into last year’s paint and create new points of interest around a home.

Repurpose an ornate picture frame as art in its own right. “Look for a frame at a

flea market or junk shop that is in good shape and has something about it that speaks to you,” says interior design consultant Holly Becker, founder and editor of decor8, the popular home design blog.

“I like using ornate vintage frames because, with a little soap and water, a light sanding and a few coats of paint, you can lean it up against the wall or prop it on the mantel and use as a decorative element,” says Becker, also the co-author of “Decorate: 1,000 Design Ideas for Every Room in Your Home” (Chronicle Books, 2011).

“Just make sure to carefully remove and discard the glass and frame backing first.”

Paint only the shelf edges or door frames for an element of surprise. Painting the shelf

edges in a cupboard or closet adds an unexpected pop of color. It’s easy to do and doesn’t require a lot of paint; even leftover test pots will get the job done.

“A strong, clean edge – perhaps in black with white shelves – is bold and graphic.

That will give your cabinet or bookcase a modern edge,” Becker says. “If you tend to lean on the side of understated, go with something pale, like gray, mint or blue.”

Painting the moldings

When it’s time to part with paint, it’s OK to put it in the garbage if it’s dried or solidified. Add cat litter if necessary to absorb the moisture and harden the paint. Leftover paint that’s still usable can be donated to Habitat for Humanity or to local drama clubs for set design.

Objets d’art: A painted vintage frame with textured details becomes a piece of art all by itself. Group it with framed photos to create a stunning vignette.

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Prep time: Carefully prepare surfaces before adding a new layer of paint: Drawer fronts should be sanded and wiped clean, and hardware should be washed in soapy water. around a door “is a fresh way to liven up a space on a budget and adds a quirky touch,” Becker says.

Paint dresser drawer fronts or hardware for an entirely new look. If your dresser

already is painted or stained, you can paint over the finish, but any surface you plan to paint must be “clean, dull and dry,” Ring says.

Remove the knobs or handles and sand the drawer fronts using a fine grade of sandpaper. Wipe the sanded surfaces with a damp cloth and allow them to dry completely before applying a coat of primer, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Apply a coat or two of paint to the primed surfaces. Reattach the hardware once the paint has dried completely.

To prepare hardware for painting, remove it from the furniture and clean in soapy water first.

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Page 8 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 3/16/12 -3/22/12

3 Tools for an Exterior

Facelift

NewsRoanoke.com

Trying to boost curb appeal? Invest in these multipurpose tools that will make a big difference Angled Paint brush: A new angle on painting

By DAN RAFTER | CTW Features

I

t’s official. Your house has become an eyesore for anyone driving by – peeling paint, squeaky doors and dirt-covered siding attest to months, if not years, of neglect. But the toolbox is empty and you’re no home-improvement expert as it

is.

Luckily, people who are experts know how to spruce up a house exterior without breaking the bank. With three tools that are more than one-trick ponies, turn a run-down house into one that stops traffic – for the right reasons.

SPRAY LUBRICANT: A tool of 2,000 uses For just a couple of dollars, a bottle of household oil/lubricant can go a long way. The most ubiquitous of these lubricants is WD-40. In fact, the website for WD-40 lists 2,000 uses. Some might be repetitive, but some are surprisingly useful.

There’s the obvious: the product fights rust on porch railings, metal patio furniture, barbecue grills and more.

But Eileen Claar, Atlanta-based social media expert for Home Depot, says this is only the beginning.

A squirt of lubricant on a porch ceiling fan’s blades keeps it moving smoothly, eliminating any squeaks or squeals when they’re spinning. When the holiday season approaches, those animated reindeer or waving elves on the front lawn might need a tune-up. Spray lubricant can make sure that these animated creatures move as they’re supposed to.

“You don’t want reindeer that look like they have arthritis,” Claar says.

Some lubricant on the base of the garage door makes sure that it won’t stick to the bottom of the pavement underneath, potentially saving it from some unsightly damage if the garage door faces the street.

“Up to 30 percent of homeowners’ front exterior space is taken up by garage doors,” Claar says. “It’s important to take care of them.”

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Painting is a hassle. Painting the front porch railing, exterior trim or even backyard deck can seem even more daunting. But with the proper paintbrush, the perfect DIY exterior paint job is within reach.

Richmond, Va., homeowner Sherry Petersik – who, along with her husband John, documents home repair adventures on the popular blog Young House Love – says that painting doesn’t have to be a hassle for homeowners who rely on a short-handled angled paintbrush.

Petersik prefers the 2-inch variety. The tool provides her with far greater control than flat paint brushes. And it allows her to reach into odd, tight places.

When painting exterior trim on windows, she gets far less paint on the windows, which she would have to scrape off with a razor blade later.

“A lot of people are afraid to buy houses for some very superficial reasons,” Petersik says. “They don’t like a certain paint color, for instance. If people know just how simple it can be to fix these superficial things with the right tools, they’d be more willing to buy some of these wonderful homes that are out there.”

Nothing livens up a drab exterior like a fresh coat of paint. With this tool, Petersik can spruce up exterior trim, deck railings and her outdoor furniture. She estimates that where it once took her four hours to paint trim, she’s now cut that time in half thanks to her angled paintbrush.

“People tend to make painting a bigger deal in their heads than what it has to be,” Petersik says. “We’ve probably painted 30 rooms in the last few years… When you have the right tools, painting doesn't have to be a hassle at all.”

PRESSURE WASHER: The power of water When Jason Cameron needs to provide a quick boost to a property’s exterior, he turns to one tool: the pressure washer.

And Cameron knows of what he speaks. This licensed contractor is host of two shows on the DIY Network, “Desperate Landscapes” and “Man Caves.” He knows what’s easy and what isn’t.

“The pressure washer is such an important tool,” Cameron says. “There are so many applications for it. Unlike a regular garden hose, which won’t give you the pressure you need, you can use a pressure washer to remove dirt and grime and buildup from just about any exterior surface. And that’ll leave your home looking so much brighter.”

The pressure washer is also an economical tool when it comes to using water. Cameron says that it uses 70 percent less water to complete an average job than does a typical garden hose.

Cameron recommends using a pressure washer to remove the gray that builds up along concrete porches over the years. It can also remove green mossy patches that collect on house siding.

Cameron does advise homeowners to stay 12 to 16 inches away from their homes when using a pressure washer to clean siding; the fan tip gives a wider swatch of water when the user stands farther away, which allows people to clean more area in less time.

Homeowners can also turn to pressure washers to brighten faded pavers, cinder block

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walkways and deck surfaces. Basically, any surface rugged enough to handle the pressure could benefit from a quick pressure wash, Cameron says.

He says that pressure washers that provide 1,800 pounds of pressure per square inch (psi) are best for washing down a house exterior. © CTW Features

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Page 9 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 3/16/12 -3/22/12

Ways to a Better Bathtub

Before

2

By BETTINA CHANG CTW Features

W

1 Resurface It

You may have seen the infomercials on late at night, but how much do you really know about resurfacing a bathtub? This product, also known as a bath liner or bath fitter, is created to match the dimensions of your tub and is placed directly on top of the existing area.

Resurfacing covers up any ugly remnants of the tub without requiring the work of completely removing it.

“Our product is 100 percent acrylic and the walls are all one piece, so if you have mold or mildew issues, we would get rid of all of it and then put a liner over the existing [tub],” says Saiema Quadri, an event manager at Montreal-based Bath Fitter.

Bathtub resurfacing companies are increasingly adding options like grab bars, graphic art and other bathroom accessories attached to the liners. Bath Fitter, which operates in Canada and the U.S., offers an online tool where customers can design their own bathroom remodel virtually.

3

After

Refinish It

hether it’s grimy, chipped, discolored or simply the wrong style, an old bathtub can be made to look as good as new.

First, you might opt for a deep cleaning, but if that doesn’t do the trick, try one of these three methods.

Replace It

NewsRoanoke.com

One sticking point for the bath liners is that customers can get overeager to jump in their new shower or tub. “If people don’t follow directions to let the product sit so the adhesive can stick to the wall, something might pop off a little bit,” Quadri says, “but we’ll go in and fix that.”

Search for bath liners or fitters for resurfacing companies in your area.

Pros: • Cheaper than replacing the whole tub • No caulking in the liner so it resists the problems of bathroom tiles • Can be customized to turn a bathtub into a shower with a seat, etc.

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Cons: • If the product develops a crack, water will get between old bathtub and liner, creating problems • In some cases, plumbing may need to be changed, which may require a permit and a licensed plumber

you’re better off completely replacing your tub. For instance, for those who want to add luxury features like massage jets, effervescence, builtin lighting and aromatherapy, a full replacement is the right choice.

“It depends on personal preference,” says Aaron Hoegle, merchandising director in fashion plumbing of Lowe’s home improvement stores. “Do they want a new experience? What’s the motive?”

There are two ways to talk about refinishing a tub. For an easy fix to a small problem, there are DIY products that can repair cracks and chips in a tub if it is made of acrylic or fiberglass/gelcoat.

For a full overhaul, though, refinishing is an inexpensive way to make a big difference in the appearance of a bathtub. “It’s about being able to bring your bathroom up to date on a reasonable budget,” says Jim Pierce, senior account executive at Chicago-based Beautiful Finishes.

Refinishing typically involves first coating the existing surface in a base solution, sometimes known as an etching solution, which makes it easier for the new surface to adhere. Then a primer and topcoat are added. After the tub is refinished, it could take anywhere between four hours to seven days before it is ready for use.

Pierce says many of his customers have tubs with the bright retro colors of the ’60s and ’70s and want to neutralize the colors to prepare a house for sale. Finishes are available in a variety of colors to match with bathroom décor. Other common customers are landlords who want to make their properties more appealing to renters, according to Pierce.

The typical bathtub refinishing job, Pierce says, is about $300, though it can vary depending on the type of material, size of the tub and other considerations.

Pros: • Usually the cheapest option • No need to redo plumbing • While you’re at it, you can refinish tiles and countertops, too

A new tub can accommodate specific requirements, like accessibility, the desire for a different style tub, high-tech features or green materials.

For an aging home, Hoegle recommends a Kohler tub with a side that raises and lowers and is still customizable with bells and whistles that homeowners want. He cites accessibility as a growing concern for consumers looking to buy bathtubs.

Delta has also released a new tub, he says, that is made

with low-emitting product for a healthier indoor environment.

“It’s exciting because it’s an acrylic material for a fraction of the typical acrylic price.”

While Hoegle says that refinishing and resurfacing are viable options for many homeowners who are looking for a cheaper option, it all depends on the current tub and the customer.

Cons: • Many abrasive chemicals are involved in this process; each company has its own claims to how safe the chemicals are

• Cannot change the size/shape/ functions of the tub

Pros: • Get the tub with the features you want • See the final product at the store before you buy • Long-lasting Cons: • Removing and installing requires professional help unless the homeowner is particularly handy • In most cases, this is the most expensive option © CTW Features

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Page 10 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 3/16/12 -3/22/12

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Cesar Millan, better known as the Dog Whisperer, says that dog owners must claim their space consistently to set appropriate boundaries in the home.

By Patricia Rivera

CTW Features

S

ome people may not like the comparison, but dog-book author Ruth Strother insists that living with a pet is like living with children.

To maintain harmony – and to make the home more comfortable for people and their furry friends – it’s important to establish a routine and boundaries.

“Just like you wouldn’t let your kids play freely in a room with expensive furniture, you can’t let your pets play in there either,” says Strother, author of “The Dog Friendly Home: DIY Projects for Dog Lovers” (Creative Publishing International, 2011).

Those who don’t create boundaries and designated spaces for pets run the risk of knocking over water bowls or entertaining guests with an eyesore of a kitty jungle gym – or worse, a litter box – in plain sight. Dog behavior specialist Cesar Millan, who hosts “The Dog Whisperer” television show on National Geographic Wild, believes owners must claim their space – consistently.

“If you decide your dog is only allowed on the couch when you invite him, then you have to stick to that rule when you’re home,” says Millan, who is also author of three New York Times best sellers. “It’s all about discipline and consistency.”

Strother says living with a pet means dealing with occasional damage. But there are preventive measures for some common problems. Consider installing clear vinyl door protectors to prevent doors from being scratched.

Nail caps applied to dog’s nails help protect door and floors. Grooming is huge, experts insist.

Nails should be kept short no matter what.

Strother says regular exercise and regular stimulation also keeps pets more at peace. “You need to dedicate time to them and think about their needs,” she says. © CTW Features

Pet Projects In “The Dog-Friendly Home,” author Ruth Strother offers some ideas to make a pet area more comfortable for all the occupants in a house.

Pet toy chest: Just as with children’s toys, she explains, pet toys can overtake a home and cause twisted ankles, and the mess can create stress.

Instead of piling them in a corner, find or build a toy chest.

For a personal touch, paint the pet’s name on it or stencil pet symbols, such as bones and paws. “Take out two or three toys and a time – they don’t need more! Rotate them and when they’re done playing, put them in the chest,” she says.

Grooming station: An inhouse grooming station makes it easy to maintain a regular grooming regimen, which goes a long way in keeping the home clean of animal hair and dirt. The grooming station is a designated area with a table and shelves or wirewall grid to keep grooming supplies and pet supplies in general.

Attractive beds: A stylish house shouldn’t have a sloppy pet bed thrown on the floor.

Strother suggests some modern options: a platform bed made from Baltic birch plywood sized to match the dimensions of the pet bed cushion, or a nightstand-bed combo for smaller pets that incorporates a small mattress into a piece of household furniture.

Insulated doghouse: If Fido or Lassie spends a lot of time outside, he or she may appreciate an insulated home that protects from harsh elements.

Strother explains that flat-roof doghouses with a slight slope to the roof are easy to insulate with insulation board. In warm weather, the roof can be propped open slightly for ventilation. – Patricia Rivera © CTW Features