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Community | News | Per spective

May 21 - 27, 2010

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City Council Mulls Sale of Properties Sweet Keister’s P6– Roanoker Melissa Keister finds her calling in the specialty sweets and cheesecake business.

State Champs P7– The North Cross Varsity Lacrosse team runs the table and comes home as the 2010 VISAA Div III. Champions.

The sale of Fire Station #9 to Mahlon P. Maxey, Vice President of Maxey Seat Cover Center Inc., went smoothly at Monday’s 7:00 p.m. Council meeting. With council member Anita Price absent, the Mayor and five council members voted unanimously to approve the sale. Fire station #9 is located at 514 24th St. NW, adjacent to Maxey’s business, and was assessed at $308,900 with its use as a fire station. Maxey’s offer of $100,000 was accepted. The recommendation by City Manager Chris Morrill was to sell fire station

SW County Schools Will Do the Shuffle

P11– An original Gospel musical being performed in Roanoke will benefit the family of JoAnthony Page.

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Mayor Bowers recused himself, which led to the lack of six council members to affirm the successful offerer. The award was set aside until the June 21 council meeting when all council members will be present. In response to a question posed by Councilman Dave Trinkle, City Attorney Bill Hackworth explained that award of the fire station was a policy decision by council, and not a bidding process. They > CONTINUED P3: Fire Sale

[Perspective]

Option for Market Vendors Emerges

Robin’s Eggs and Graduation

District Lines Redrawn to Alleviate Crowding

The Roanoke County School Board approved a plan recently that will shuffle students around over the next few years in southwest Roanoke County at all levels: elementary, middle and high schools. With two schools currently exceeding capacity (Oak Grove Elementary, Hidden Valley High School) and some students having to share lockers at Cave Spring Middle School and at Hidden Valley High, the School Board was aiming for better balance. Part of the problem stems from the fact that Education Cave Spring M i d d l e School is in dire need of expansion. That would siphon students away from Hidden Valley Middle School and ultimately the high school of the same name, which was at or above capacity shortly after it opened eight years ago. The School Board held several public input sessions months ago, gauging how

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The Mary Project

#5, located at 215 12th Street NW, to Re- his certified fire gear repair and cleaning building Together-Roanoke, Inc., (RTR) service to the proposal. He upped his offor $12,768. RTR assists elderly and dis- fer to $25,000. “I saw no better place to abled homeowners in maintaining their do it than an old fire station and continue residences. to serve the men that served [fire station There were two other potential buyers #5] for so long,” concluded Brads. who pleaded their case for Speaking for the Omega the building Monday. Psi Phi Fraternity was Coach City Council Roanoke county resident George “Killa” Miller. “For Jamey Brads, a 1st lieutenant more than 75 years the frafor fire station #5, asked council to con- ternity has assisted Roanoke citizens,” sider his offer for the property. In addition explained Miller. The fraternity plans to to using the fire station for fire depart- initiate a ten block drug educational proment memorabilia, Brads wants to add gram using fire station #5.

John Venable addresses market vendors earlier this week.

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The doors will slam shut to the public on September 6, and it won’t be for “fall cleaning.” It’s the last day Roanokers can get a meal from Burger in the Square, New York Subs or a greeting from Zorba’s Adel Eltawansy. According to Rob Ledger, Director of Economic Development for Roanoke City, contractors will begin r e n o v at i n g Market September 13. By mid-May 2011, the old and / or new tenants can start their build-out for either an eatery or retail space in the renovated building. There will be less parking with the sidewalk expansion on Market and Wall streets – only parallel parking will remain on one side. When the current tenants move out, they may be gone for good. There seems to be no

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Photo by Stephanie Koehler

Robin’s eggs and roses are a sure sign of Spring and maybe something more . . . For weeks I have been watching a mamma Robin diligently tend her nest in the climbing rose bush outside my back door. While she kept a watchful eye as we came and went – her determination never wavered. Her job was to protect the four brilliant blue eggs – and she was succeeding.

> CONTINUED P2 County Schools

Saturday morning was the big event. I suddenly saw a tiny yellow beak pop up over the edge of the nest. Momma Robin was now tirelessly flying from the grass to the nest with little bits of food. While I didn’t want to upset her task – I couldn’t contain Continued on Page 2

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> CONTINUED P3: Market Vendors

Local Colors Participants Collecting Supplies for Haiti Mike Keeler

Saving History P4– Mike Keeler says hard economic times are no excuse for not protecting our irreplaceable heritage.

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big response,” he noted. Meanwhile, Local Colors visitors could view dozens of booths, each centered on a different nationality; they could also sample food from around the world or watch music and dance performances on the Elmwood Park amphitheater stage. “People seem to really enjoy it,” said organizer Pearl Fu, who called the crowd “the largest we ever had.” The crowds enjoyed everything from classical music to Hip Hop in Creole, and a host of dance performances. Surveying the bustling area on a perfect day, Fu deemed the 20th anniversary edition of Local Colors “a success.”

This Year’s Event Gets Record Turnout Every summer Gary Hunt talks 2025 people into taking a trip to Belize, asking them to carry on a plane the maximum amount permitted in school supplies – 100 pounds each – bound for impoverished students on that island nation. They then stay for a Good Works vacation, often taking advantage of special rates that Hunt has negotiated over the past 20 years. He calls himself the “Bookbag Santa,” and this year he’s taken on a second mission. Hunt is looking to collect a second ton of school supplies, then ship them off to Haiti, which was ravaged by an earthquake several months ago. “We always end up with [more] perfectly good stuff [than goes to Belize],” Hunt noted as people strolled by his Belize table at last Saturday’s Local Colors cel-

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Photo by Jessica Dodds

Four Burundi choir singers pray while chanting “Hallelujah.” ebration. Instead of offering it to local churches he’s looking for someone that can ship it all to Haiti – from pencils and staplers, to backpacks and threering binders.

Last year 26 people took the trip to Belize; more than 20 people wrote their names down on Hunt’s legal pad Saturday, expressing an interest in the Belize trip at the end of July. “This has been a

See bookbagsanta.com or call 3422083 for information on donating school supplies for Haiti and Belize – or to learn more about the group traveling to Belize. By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

Page 2 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 5/21/10 - 5/27/10

> Graduation A few storms are possible in the west otherwise Friday brings sun and clouds and heat, with highs in the low 80’s. A small rain chance is in the forecast for Saturday with highs near 80. Better chances for showers and storms move in on Sunday and Monday with highs in the upper 70’s.

myself. I gathered up a stepladder, mirror and camera to see the newest members of the neighborhood. First there was one… then two…then three. I marveled at the accomplishment of this small creature -- lovingly producing three offspring…but it was the fourth blue egg sitting in the nest that got me thinking. Was she sad one hadn’t hatched – or happy for three healthy babies? Did she see it as a 25% failure or 75% success? As I watched her switch from “nurturer/protector” mode to “teaching them how to survive the world” mode – I was suddenly struck by the similarities of human behavior. My mind immediately focused on all the parents who – during this graduation season – are watching their kids “leave the nest.” In the coming days – thousands of young adults will heading out into the world. It’s staggering and exciting to think that among the graduates walking across a stage -- diploma in hand – will be the future President

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of the United States, future Supreme Court Justices, Nobel Prize winners, inventors, teachers, scientists and artists. What mark will these young minds make on the world where we live? As I watched this Robin take care of her young – a different question came to mind. What is the impact we have made on these graduates who are now entering adulthood? Let’s face it…. kids learn their lessons from adults. What is our responsibility as mentors, role models, parents, advisors, teachers, neighbors, and friends? What kind of example are we setting? Have we instilled confidence or fostered dependency? Have we modeled grace or tolerated selfishness? Have we offered boundaries or created obstacles? Have failures been lessons or simply punishments? Have we built self-esteem or created a sense of entitlement? Have we set the example of forgiveness or judgment? Have we raised children to create the world we want – or

southwest county residents felt about realigning attendance zones. The redistricting plans for elementary schools take effect with the 2011-2012 school year; secondary schools will be realigned the following fall. Affected will be some students at Cave Spring, Clearbrook, Green Valley, Oak Grove and Penn Forest elementary schools, Cave Spring and Hidden Valley middle schools and at Cave Spring and Hidden Valley high schools. “With the completion of renovations and expansions to Cave Spring and Green Valley elementary schools, we see an opportune time to adjust the elementary school attendance areas, to allow us to better use the additional instructional space resulting from the renovations,” said Roanoke County Schools Deputy Superintendent Allen Journell. Preliminary architectural and engineering work for the Cave Spring Middle School renovations is also in progress. “Additional space at Cave Spring Middle will allow us to adjust the secondary attendance areas [and further] reduce the crowded conditions at Hidden Valley High,” said Journell, noting there would be better balance in the enrollments at Cave Spring and Hidden Valley high schools. Hidden Valley currently has about 400 more students than does Cave Spring. The southwest county high school attendance zone was carved up when Hidden Valley opened its doors in 2002.

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raised them to survive the world we created? So, as we scurry about to purchase the best gift for graduation -- perhaps the best thing we can give is some thoughtful reflections on the lessons we intended and some encouragement on the world we know they can create. Chances are the graduation pen will run out of ink and the watch will fall out of style – but your words will leave an indelible mark. Last – but not least -- I encourage you to take a few moments to think about the momma Robin and the simplicity of her annual parenting ritual. Make a home and stay close by. Keep them warm and feed them well. Celebrate the successes and forgive the failures. Teach them the basics and show them the world. And finally…. let them fly.

Elementary School Zone Map

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Page 3 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 5/21/10 - 5/27/10

> Fire Sale a portion of the building as a ‘reception hall’ in a manner that the building had previously been utilized, and would renovate the remainder of the house as their residence. The property will need to be rezoned to accommodate the use as a single family residential dwelling in part.” Three of the 12.7 acres will go with the property for that price if approved by city council. The exact use of the building after historic renovation remains unclear. City manager Chris Morrill advised council in a letter attached to Monday’s council agenda that

Cafeteria, has some “essential elements for eateries,” claimed Venable. “We are still exploring ideas … you tell us what you need,” said Garland to the Market vendors. BB&T will finance the $2 million renovation. After completion, they expect to get Historic Tax credits, Enterprise Zone credits and façade grants to offset the cost. In addition, they are also luring a grocery store and pharmacy to the first floor. The flexible design will have twelve stalls - six 12 by 20 feet with hood ventilation, depending on the use. Other stalls are unique in size and shape. The yet-to-be-revealed fitness center for the second floor is an 80 percent certainty, according to Venable. The third floor will include six apart-

John Marks and School Superintendent Rita Bishop. ing the TOY banquet last night at the Jefferson Center. Marks teaches math to sixth graders at James Madison Middle School. He will now advance to compete

in the statewide competition. In considering the award Madison Middle School principal Debra Deitrich said, “He has such a true passion for his subject and has the ability to infuse this passion into his daily lessons. His classroom is a dynamic place that motivates all students to achieve their very best—regardless of ability level or special needs. Marks is truly an exceptional educator and is an asset to our students and to our division.” During last night’s award banquet all 29 TOY Roanoke City Schools nominees were pampered with a limo ride to the event from Prestige Limousine Service and then escorted down a red carpet.

Festival in the Park Returns – Could Be Elsewhere Next Year

Roanoke’s venerable “Festival in the Park” returns with four days of music, food, culture, arts and crafts and more, to Elmwood Park May 28-31. According to information on the website (eventzone.org), the musical acts scheduled to appear on the main stage amphitheater at Elmwood Park have a total of 17 Top 30 hits, spread across several different genres. “The concerts will be just killer,” vows Event Zone executive director Larry Landolt. The private agency, funded in part by Roanoke City, also oversees other downtown events, including the Party in the Park series and the Big Lick Blues Festival (Oct. 2 this year). Returning this year is the high-def big screen that will enable concertgoers to see what’s happening on stage even if they are sitting at a distance. Families often like to come during the day, when there is no charge, as there is at night for concerts. “The daytime activities are going to be very cool,” promises Landolt. New this year is Larry’s Tropical Bird Show, Dr. Laura

Mann’s “Opera-tunity” Show and the Mega- Extreme Obstacle Course & Bungee Run. “Festival in the Park may in fact have outgrown Elmwood Park,” said Landolt, who is eyeing the city property on Reserve Avenue for next spring. Once several buildings are demolished (Parks & Rec., the National Guard Armory) as scheduled, there will be even more room. “We would be excited about a venue that’s bigger,” notes Landolt, whose organization helped out during the John Hiatt concert on the old Victory Stadium site. “[Festival in the Park] is getting so darned big,” he adds, and the current venue “was never designed for those things.” The Big Lick Blues Festival this October 2 has a “70 percent chance,” said Landolt of being relocated there from Elmwood Park this year as well. He sees the Hiatt concert and the upcoming Down by the River Festival on July 11, as a “soft challenge” for Roanoke – will the valley support major events in an outdoor venue? “We want

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the property is valued at $250,000 and includes the mansion and three acres. The letter states that a 2003 assessment to renovate the mansion was $285,000. The entire 12.7-acre parcel is assessed at $764,000 according the city’s GIS website. A public hearing on the sale will take place June 7 at 2:00 p.m. Activist Decries Gaskins’ Position on Gangs During the public hearing Jeff Artis of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference took the opportunity to voice his displeasure on retir-

ing Chief Joe Gaskins’ reluctance to acknowledge gangs in Roanoke City. “We know the gangs are here – we know the gangs are engaged in all types of criminal activity,” said Artis. He asked council to “clearly let the folks know in Roanoke that yes gangs are a problem … this is a request for prevention.” By Valerie Garner info@newsroanoke.com

From page 1

Madison Middle School Teacher Named Teacher of the Year

Madison Middle School teacher John Marks is the 2010 Roanoke City Public Schools Teacher of the Year. He received a $1,000 check from n’Telos dur-

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From page 1

> Market Vendors

incentive coming from council, city administration or the Market Foundation to entice them to return. Coming to the rescue -- or at least offering an option -- John Garland, President of Spectrum Design, plans renovation of 16 West Church Avenue next door to Heironimus. It’s the building that bears the name “Downtown Sports Club” on the front. The only current tenant is a chiropractor who will stay in the renovated building. According to Garland and Chris Venable, Spectrum senior associate, the ground floor vendor stalls can be ready for tenants when the doors close on the Market building. They can transition directly to “16 West” in September. The location, which once housed former S & W

to see if that [demand] truly exists,” said Landolt, who will help provide support for the July 11 event as well. Landolt also doesn’t think that an “out of town entity” needs to be brought in to manage an amphitheater if one ever gets built. Kirk Avenue Music Hall promoter Gary Jackson and “Ed Walker’s money,” he notes, helped make Hiatt a reality. “We now … have a track record of showing we can do it.” This year’s Festival in the park will feature Rodney Atkins, who will kick things off with a concert on Friday, May 28. Following many years’ tradition, the Beatles tribute band 1964 will wrap up the festival on May 31, Memorial Day. Chris Young, Atkins and Sister Hazel, all scheduled to perform next weekend, have had number one hits. And as in years past, Festival in the Park should be a hit for the tens of thousands that are expected to show up. By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

ments of about 800 square feet and will rent for about $850 a month. The hope is to get a mix of eateries and retail businesses. Ledger called it “a different model” compared to the Market building. Limited parking would primarily attract those who either work or live and work downtown. Darrell Morris of Poe and Cronk Real Estate Group will handle leasing. Garland said that Spectrum would “handle day to day management, needs and complaints.” Venable said that rent would be less or competitive to what the city currently charges the Market building tenants. They would prefer 5-year leases, but are willing to work with any tenant wanting to return to the renovated Market building.

Garland explained that to draw customers it would take more than one Market tenant to relocate. It’s now up to the vendors to express their interest and needs. Michael Jirousek, owner of Tokyo Express, was concerned about parking for takeout orders. Louis Wilson, who co-owns Burger in the Square with his wife Anita Wilson, said by phone he would talk to Garland further. The Wilsons have already opened a second Burger in the Square at Cave Spring Corners in Roanoke County. By Valerie Garner info@newsroanoke.com

Hidden Valley Food Service Director Competes for Award Kimberly Stevens, food service director at Hidden Valley High School, is one of only six food service directors competing for a national award to be presented in July. She is quick to credit her staff of nine with her success. “If I win an award, then this team wins an award” she states enthusiastically. One has only to look at her self-described “bling hat” to get an idea of the awards she has won and the service she has provided. Her black visor is covered in award and service pins. It is the second thing that is noticed after her warm smile and joyful personality. In order to be eligible for a national award, Stevens had to win first in the state and also in her region. She is the current holder of the regional Louise Sublette Award of Excellence, conveyed to her by the School Nutrition Association (SNA). The regional Louise Sublette Award of Excellence is in memory of Louise Sublette, a leader in school foodservice programs in Tennessee and in SNA. During Sublette’s 43 years in the profession, she worked with many areas of foodservice—public schools, colleges, hospitals and elderly feeding programs. SNA celebrates school nutrition professionals and their commitment to providing safe, healthy and well-balanced meals during the national School Nutrition Employee Week (SNEW), May 3-7. Two years ago Stevens received an award for turning the physical appearance of the school cafeteria from an institutional setting to a warm and inviting café environment. This year she has been awarded for her dedication and work ethic in providing nutritious meals for her students. She is responsible for improving the a la carte breakfast choices at the school to reflect a nutritionally dense, high fiber, low fat and low sugar life-

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Kimberly Stevens style. As a result of her efforts, breakfast participation at the school has increased by 6% in the last year, exceeding her own goal. Ever the goal setter, she already knows what she wants the number to be next year and she has a plan in place to make it happen. The star of her breakfast menu is the “ultimate breakfast round,” a tasty whole grain breakfast cookie with 260 calories and 6 grams of fiber. Stevens can easily quote the numbers of her favorite choices on her menu and often posts them for students to see. She is able to point out how she has changed items,

resulting in an increase in the nutritional intake of her students, sometimes without their awareness. Rhonda Huffman, Nutrition Coordinator of Roanoke County Schools, and State president of SNA, says “we’re very proud of Kim -- she goes above and beyond her job description.” That fact is evidenced by Steven’s Trimming Titans Program. Eight faculty and seventeen students participated in her nutrition and exercise program. Huffman states that nineteen schools out of twenty six have a breakfast program in place. Stevens has worked for the county school system for ten years. She is a self starter who left her stay- at- home career and engaged in many training programs to reach her position as food service director at Hidden Valley. Because of her efforts, Hidden Valley School serves a breakfast fit for a champion.

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could “continue to study the matter until [council] votes on it,” said Hackworth. Another Sale Pending: Scott and Ascension Horchler want to buy the former Buena Vista Recreation Center for $75,000. Scott Horchler is employed by SunTrust in Richmond, Virginia. According to SunTrust, Horchler has transitioned from a Community Development position to one involving Government Regulations. In an e-mail, Assistant Manager Brian Townsend said, “The Horchlers propose to continue to use

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Page 4 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 5/21/10 - 5/27/10

Just a Taste of Ticino

South of the great Alpine passes in eastern Swit- from the lake. The proprietress knows enough “hozerland the feel is decidedly Italian. Emerging from tel English” to get us settled in nicely. The tangled the Gotthard tunnel, which lies under the pass cobblestone streets of Lugano are easily shared by of the same name, one finds the Swiss German plainly-dressed old ladies carrying baskets of cut –schwyzertutsch- replaced by predominately Ital- flowers as well as flashy folk in their Aston Marian, with a little Romansch thrown in too. We’re on tins and Maseratis who are in town to tend to their a train headed south along a route which has been money. Lugano, like Zurich, is an international used for commerce and conquest –both inextrica- center of banking, and if there’s anything the Swiss bly linked of course- for at least 5,000 years. Most do particularly well it’s handle money. of the route into Italy is hemmed in on both sides The Lago di Lugano shoreline is prime for walkby the flanks of impressive Alpine peaks or their ing and we hike to Gandria, an hour away along the robust foothills. The passage to this day is watched shore above the blue-green water. We walk through over by ruined castles and towers, ghostly remind- groves of olive trees and terraced vineyards, down ers of the historical importance of this route. quiet lanes through silent, tiny villages. Gandria is We spend an afternoon in the vila jumble of buildings crowded onto the lage of Thusis, climbing high over the steep lakeside. It’s on the passenger boat town to visit the vertiginous ruins of line, so we take the next boat back to LuObertagstein castle, a medieval outpost. gano, the sun sinking low over the water Surrounded by substantial portions of and hills beyond. precisely placed stone, it’s not too diffiRiding a Swiss Post bus from Lugano cult to imagine being a lookout, monito Tirano, our route enters Italy as the toring movement of men and materials road follows the Lago di Como shorein the valley below. line. The 100-year-old Bernina Express This part of Switzerland is known train line heads back into Switzerland as Ticino –the German speakers call from Tirano and elegantly climbs over John W. Robinson it Tessen- and it has a character all its Bernina Pass, at 2323m the highest own. Not only are all the signs in Italpass in the Alps over which a rail line ian, but the further south one travels the more passes. The Swiss are consummate engineers, with Mediterranean is the ambiance. More sunshine tunnel building their forte. Swiss trains go places graces Ticinese valleys than reaches the brooding that normal people would deem impossible. My Alps further north, and vineyards cover terraced Swiss friend Roli tells me that his countrymen mountainsides. are forever building tunnels. “We see a mountain Bellinzona interrupts our train ride south. This and –besides climb it- we must build a rail tunnel picturesque town, a favorite of the English painter through it!” He gleefully points out on the map a William Turner, has been a fortress since Roman dotted line representing the longest tunnel in the times. It holds a prime position in guarding ac- world. Under the Alps, on the Zurich to Milan rail cess to three high Alpine passes: the Gotthard, the line the finished tunnel will be 58 kilometers long. Lukmanier and the San Bernadino. Three castles Under construction for several years now, it will be stand here, reinforced by the Milanese forces in the completed by about 2018. And they’re working on 1200’s to repel the Swiss invaders from north of the it twenty-four hours a day. Gotthard. To no avail, by the way. Today BellinJust beyond and below Albula Pass, which is still zona embraces her status of being part of Switzer- buried in snow in late April, we get off the train land. Make no mistake, the Ticinesi are proud of at Preda to walk the rail line trail to Bergun. The their Swiss heritage and nationality, but also cher- Swiss, justly proud of their engineering feats, have ish their Italian-ness, especially when it comes to created this 8 Km hiking trail to highlight some of Dolce Vita. These Swiss will just as quickly scoot the Bernina railway’s engineering elegance in the off to Milan for their chic big-city needs as they form of corkscrew tunnels and soaring stone viawill to Zurich. ducts. Further south Locarno beckons. This city on We enter the Ober Engadine valley and come to the shores of Lago Maggiore was a glass-manu- the town of Pontresina, where our hostess Reka, facturing town in Roman times, and its excellent surrounded by her busy and bright-eyed little bamCastello Visconteo museum is home to an exten- binos, welcomes us to the backpacker’s hostel. She sive collection of Roman and Bronze Age artifacts. feeds us potato rosti and other simple delicious fare Yes, a lot of humanity has passed this way prior to as dusk falls over the valley. Later, son Taylor and I my humble forays here. For the past few centuries stroll a meadow above town, watching for the first sunny Locarno with its palm trees swaying in the stars to appear. More than that, we’re watching for Fohn breeze, has been attracting tourists from the the full moon to rise above the towns of St. Moritz chilly north. and Sameden across the valley. Another lake side city on the Italian fringes of As that orb comes into view, preceded by a glow Switzerland is Lugano, and it begs the restless soul silhouetting the craggy skyline, my mind is full of for an overnight stay. I obey the call, and we find recurring thoughts about being far from home, una simple pension with tiny rooms a stone’s throw der the same celestial bodies that marvel me there, but in a much different land; a land of different heritage, history, landscape and people. Different I am the slowest ideas and different ways of doing carpet cleaner in Roanoke. things. And it occurs to me that this is what it’s all about, keeping ones eyes open to the possibilities in looking at things from different perspectives of time and “I will give your place. carpet the time It’s a beautiful night. I look out and attention the window of the hostel before I drift off to sleep. 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Quiet!3 British drink British Back On The ____ is a kid''s consignment shop 5 drink in The Tanglewood Back On ____ is Mall. a kid''s consignment shop 7 CrawlingMall. in Tanglewood 11 Thin sheets of metal Crawling Condemn Thin12sheets of metal 14 What a baby does Condemn 15 In Roanoke VA it’s against the law to advertise What a baby does on tombstones True or False? In Roanoke VA it’s against the law to advertise 17 Tree sloth on tombstones True or False? 18 Internal Revenue Service Tree19sloth Church usher Internal Revenue Service ground plot 24 Small Church usher 25 Descendant Small Fee plot 26 ground 27 Amoebas Descendant

DOWN

1 Afflict

Natural Resource Preservation Plea: Preserve Our Dark Night Skies

A favorite phrase reminds me that “in wonder is the beginning of wisdom.” And I would suggest that, in the darkness of the night sky, for so many of us, has come the beginning of wonder. And yet, over a large portion of the developed world, less than 100 stars are visible in the night sky—often, fewer than 10. During the occasional grid-failure black-outs in large American cities, urban populations have been “star struck” to see the Milky Way for the first time, between skyscrapers and from their own back yards. Here in northeastern Floyd County, we see the edge of our own galaxy often, but less intensely than we did even a decade ago. The orange glow of Salem and Christiansburg’s 460 bypass lighting have obliterated an uncertain portion of our stars by their misdirected lights. Urban sky glow can extend up to 150 miles from its source. To appreciate the growth in numbers of errant light sources that lead to astronomical sky pollution, one needs do no more than look at a night map of the world from space (nightearth.com) or remember a flight you’ve taken anywhere in the eastern US after dark. It’s amazing how lit-up our nation is at all hours. The surprising thing is how much of that ground-produced light is allowed to shine UP into space rather than out and down where it is needed. This is known as clutter: bright, confusing and excessive groupings of light sources that contribute

to urban sky glow, light trespass trols from ten to fifteen percent and glare. of our genes, so the disruption Outdoor lighting that shines of this pattern can cause a lot of directly upward is reported to health problems—even cancers. waste 3.6 million tons of coal or This is particularly an issue for 12.9 million barrels of oil a year. shift workers over time. You will This flagrant misuse of energy hear more about the role of light doesn’t even include lights left in human health in the coming on in cities overnight in empty years. office buildings. Consider that in Better lighting techJune 2009, the Amerinology is possible (incan Medical Associacluding shielding and tion “adopted resolumotion-sensing), and tions that support the might soon be manreduction of light poldated. Darksky.org lution and glare and offers both educationadvocate for the use al and practical inforof energy efficient, mation on using less fully shielded outdoor and better lighting— lighting. Ongoing reFred First a future change that search continues to must start at home. probe the connection Besides unwanted light in the between natural darkness and sky, there is the matter of envi- human health.” ronmental light pollution and Let’s start locally to re-emits impact on both wildlife and brace the dark. Visit a nearby human health and behavior. observatory at SELU, Apple The most widely recognized Ridge, or Primland to see what consequences of stray light on you’ve been missing in the coswildlife is perhaps in its effect on mos. Take yourself and your migrating birds and sea turtles. children out at night this sumThe response to light among mer, regularly and on purpose. earth’s animals is hardwired Carry along a copy of “Stars: A into their nervous systems, and New Way to See Them” by H. A. beachfront lighting or illumi- Rey (highly recommended by nated towers or skyscrapers give my kids!) Become reacquainted signals that misdirect them to with the dome of night and the their deaths. Hundreds of mil- wonders it can offer. http://bit. lions of birds die every year ly/9umZaL Light up a child’s from collisions with illuminated life by introducing them to one towers and buildings. We’re of our lesser-known natural reonly just beginning to appreci- sources: the marvel of SW Virate the unintended impact of gina's star-studded darkness! light injury, and not just for the Sources: http://bit.ly/cCqfrf wildlife. Contact Fred at Studies show that the circadifred1st@gmail.com an (daily light-dark) cycle con-

Can You Put A Price Tag On Your Heritage?

Take, for example, the case of the Old Barracks. a living history center hosting over 20,000 school The Colony of New Jersey built five military bar- children and other visitors every year. racks in 1758; the one in Trenton was at that time But now the Old Barracks is facing an entirely the largest building in town. In 1776, the "Old different kind of battle. New Jersey Governor Trenton Barracks" was captured and occupied by Chris Christie recently announced severe budget British and Hessian soldiers, after they had chased cuts for every historic landmark in the state, inGeorge Washington clear out of New Jersey. But cluding the complete elimination of state funding on Christmas night, Washington and for the Old Barracks. This elimination 2400 patriots crossed the Delaware may result in the Old Barracks closing (ask your kids just where was he goits doors for the first time since 1914. ing, their answers will scare you) and (You can see more about the Old Barmarched through a winter gale to win racks budget cut at www.youtube. a miraculous victory right outside the com/user/TheOldBarracks) Old Barracks' front door. This, togethSo what's the cost of saving the place er with subsequent victories at Second where the United States was saved? Trenton and Princeton, is remembered Less than a half million dollars. That as the "10 crucial days" which saved the should be easy to find, right? But the American Revolution. State claims it doesn't have it. CorpoFrom 1777-1783, the Old Barracks rations have their own troubles. PriMike Keeler served as a military hospital. In that vate donations are hard to come by. capacity, it was the site of perhaps the And the budgetary clock is ticking. first successful mass smallpox inoculations in hisThree days before the Battle of Trenton, Thomtory. After the war, the building fell into disrepair. as Paine wrote, "These are the times that try men's During Trenton's industrialization, the building souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine pabecame an apartment complex and at one point triot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of even had a road punched through it. But then a their country; but he that stands by it now, degroup of patriotic local women stepped in. They serves the love and thanks of man and woman." bought the building in 1902 and fully restored it by Perhaps there are some who will stand by the Old 1916. Along the way, they donated it to the State Barracks in THIS time of crisis. But if not, a criti(the Statehouse is right next door), with the legal cal piece of America's heritage will be . . . history. stipulation that they would run it and the State Contact Mike at would fund its maintenance "forever." Today, the info@theroanokestar.com Old Barracks is a National Historic Landmark and

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5/21/10 - 5/27/10 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 5

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“Who’s Jack Anyway?”

Who’s “Jack” in the name of extra set of leaf buds, thereby that wonderful spring wild- increasing its ability to photoflower throughout our region synthesize sugars and fortify its seeds with nutrients. So called Jack-in-the-pulpit? Jack-in-the-pulpit has long one trifoliate leaf indicates a fascinated naturalists, herbal- male flower and two trifoliists, botanists, and even art- ate leaves indicate a female. ists. Perhaps the most famous Perhaps then we should reartistic depiction is Georgia name this wildflower as JackO’Keefe’s oil-on-canvas por- or-Jill-in the-pulpit! Sexualtrayals that she painted in the ity, it seems, is much more 1930’s, sensuous renderings laissez-faire among the plant wherein O’Keefe believed that and animal kingdoms than our prudish tastes the most profound might otherwise knowledge of the prescribe for the subject revealed its economy of nature. abstract form. But who in the This native plant, world was Jack? also called Indian I searched my turnip, is unmistakbotanical referable in our moist ences and scoured woods and boton-line sources to tomlands: an herno avail. Then it baceous perennial dawned on me. growing from a corm with trifoli- H. Bruce Rinker, PhD The name, Jack, is common in folkate leaves and a flower contained in a spadix, lore: Jack-in-the-box, Jack or club, covered by a striped o’lantern, Jack the giant slayhood reminiscent of an old- er, Appalachia Jack, stingy fashioned pulpit. Taken to- Jack, even Jack Torrance in gether, the spadix and hood “The Shining.” It’s a generic supposedly look like a Sun- signal, if you will, for everyday-morning preacher ready man. First recorded in Euto deliver his sermon from rope in the 13th century, the his lofty podium to passersby. name appeared in the United To me, however, this other- States in Virginia prior to worldly wildflower seems like 1800, signifying an ill-discia meeting place for woodland plined or mischievous young imps and naughty spirits. man, a trickster-hero often Just a quick peek at its various motivated by poverty, quicknames in folklore tells you witted, fussy, sometimes nathat it’s held us spellbound for ïve, always successful. So there’s Jack, standing generations: Brown Dragon, Devil’s Ear, Dragonroot, and in his pulpit, ready to wreck havoc on an unsuspecting Memory Root. Jack-in-the-pulpit blooms world. But what kind of misfrom April to June and is pol- chief might he cause in this linated by gnats, flies, and seeming innocent, even revmosquitoes attracted to its erential, setting? Let me draw your attention smell and heat, the production of which is typical of back to two other common arums. The fruit ripens in names for Jack-in-the-pulpit: late summer and fall, turning Dragonroot and Memory from shiny green to bright Root. The first connotes fire. red before the plant goes The second portends somedormant. Along with may- thing unforgettable. Both are apples, trilliums, bluebells, accurate descriptors of the bleeding heart, and Solo- horrific sensation you will mon’s seal, Jack-in-the-pulpit have if somehow you eat the is a dramatic addition to our corm of this plant. It’s a fire spring palette of wildflowers in your mouth that you will never forget! throughout the region. Years ago, while standing in Most folks do not know that Jack-in-the-pulpit has the middle of a West Virginia the extraordinary ability to swamp, I was handed a large change sexes from year to corm of Jack-in-the-pulpit year, depending on its nutri- by two so-called friends who tion during the growing sea- raved about its exquisite flason. If poor soil conditions, vor and then encouraged or if transplanted, then it will me to eat the darn thing … set male flower buds and one which I did promptly, comset of leaf buds. If good soil pletely, naively, regrettably. conditions, it will produce Within moments, my mouth female flower buds and an was under attack, thousands

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and thousands of tiny crystalline knives plunging into the moist lining of my cheeks and throat. No matter how much spitting and gagging, I could not stop the fire in my mouth. The pain continued for 5 or 10 minutes, eventually diminishing from an intense burning sensation to mild irritation and then to just a horrible memory. My friends rolled with wicked laughter at my demise. The chemical reaction in my mouth resulted from the water in my saliva mixing with crystals of calcium oxalate found in Jack-in-thepulpit. Even a small dose of calcium oxalate is enough to cause intense burning sensations. In greater doses, however, these crystals can cause severe digestive upset, breathing difficulties, and even convulsions and death. Recovery from oxalate poisoning is possible, but permanent liver and kidney damage may also have occurred. Good grief, Charlie Brown! It was a nefarious prank indeed that my friends played on me in that remote West Virginia swamp! Its other name, Indian turnip, refers to its varied treatments by Native Americans for sore eyes, rheumatisms, bronchitis, snake bites and even sterility. One account from the Meskwaki Indians, the “people of red earth” of Algonquian origin, maintains that they used the plant to poison the meats of their enemies. No matter its usage by us humans, Jack-in-the-pulpit is an intriguing native plant with a long-standing mythology. It also introduces a phantasmagoric beauty to our woodlands and swamps during the spring emergence of wildflowers. Above all, it provides us with an important lesson about the natural world: like animals, plants have defenses to ward off their predators. Let us all exercise caution when tempted to sample the emerging vernal banquet throughout the Roanoke Valley!

The Recipe of the Week from The Happy Chef by Leigh Sackett

Grilled Salmon with Roasted Corn Relish

As I gazed upon my son’s desk today I smiled, the truth stood before me – his desk tells the story of who he is on this day in time with far greater detail than any photograph ever could. An old wooden treasure box, a small George Washington tin with two rocks inside, a few special coins, several star wars figures and a scattering of lego pieces, some half finished homework, a golf ball, more rocks, a wooden dinosaur puzzle and some jolly rancher wrappers – all together with some other unique and very important objects in a big unorganized pile on a very small desk. My children’s desks always frustrate me because they are a mess even when all else is clean. But today I saw their desks as a Holy place - a window into their world; a place where daily treasures end up, the story of their history for that day. If you love them and cherish the lives they lead then it can be like gazing upon the Constitution of the United States, it is the soul of their life in that moment captured and preserved. Do you remember this story, “The Littlest Angel” by Charles Tazwell? The little angel gave his treasure box to Jesus on the day of His birth. In the box was a butterfly with golden wings captured one summer day in the hills of Jerusalem, a sky blue egg from a bird’s nest in the olive tree outside his kitchen door, two white stones found on a river bank where he and his friends played and a tooth marked leather strap, once worn by his beloved dog. In the story God held up this gift as the one that pleased Him the most. Tazwell writes, “And the voice of God spoke, saying: Of all the gifts of the angels, I find that this small box pleases me most. Its contents are of the earth and of man, and my Son is born to be king of both. These H. Bruce Rinker, Ph.D. are the things my Son, too, will Science Department Chairman know and love and cherish and BRinker@NorthCross.org then will leave behind when His task is done.” Those inspired

words alone change the value of that common rock found on my son’s desk and it changes the value of each moment of each day. I found a GREAT treasure box at our preschool yard sale a few weeks back. It looks ancient like it may have been found on a pirate’s ship. I gave it to my son and told him to put all the things he treasures most in there. The start of summer is a great time for the gift of a treasure box. Give one to your child and see what ends up in there. Speaking of treasures - here's a fabulous salmon recipe for the barbie from Cooking Light Magazine - give it a go! 4 Anaheim chiles Cooking spray 2 shucked ears corn 1 cup diced tomato 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro 6 tablespoons fresh lime juice 1 teaspoon salt, divided 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided 1 teaspoon ground cumin 4 (6-ounce) skinless salmon fillets

-Place chiles on grill rack coated with cooking spray; grill 5 minutes on each side or until blackened. Place chiles in a heavy-duty zip-top plastic bag; seal. Let stand 5 minutes. Peel chiles; cut in half lengthwise. Discard seeds and membranes. Cut chiles into 1/4-inch strips. -Place corn on grill rack coated with cooking spray; grill 10 minutes or until lightly browned, turning occasionally. Cool slightly. Cut kernels from cobs. -Combine chiles, corn, tomato, cilantro, and juice; toss gently. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. -Combine remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, remaining 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and cumin, stirring well. Rub spice mixture evenly over both sides of salmon. Place salmon on grill rack coated with cooking spray; grill 4 minutes on each side or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork or until desired degree of firmness. Serve with relish.

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Page 6 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 5/21/10 - 5/27/10

NICU Celebration Brings Families Together The neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) staff at Carilion Clinic Children’s Hospital hosted a birthday party on May 15 in honor of the graduates of the NICU who are between one and two years in age. The party has taken place since the early 1980s and is held as a way to celebrate all the hard work that is put into helping babies get better and stronger. The NICU has between 600 and 700 patients come through each year and is the “regional referral center” for southwest Virginia, serving a

100 mile radius. Many family, friends, and NICU staff members were on hand for the event. Diane Goode has worked as a nurse in the NICU since 1967, and has witnessed a lot of improvements in technology for their small patients. Her role caring for babies is apparently unforgettable; she once had a lady approach her, saying “You took care of my son 31 years ago!” Cindy Johnson, also a NICU nurse who attended the party, called her job “very very rewarding … there are lots of miracles.”

Sweet Keister’s Delivers Unforgettable Desserts

It is sometimes hard to distinguish between serendipity and the fruits of a talent tried. In Melissa Keister’s case, it’s some of both, and the oh-so-sweet result is her business, “Sweet Keister’s” -- which delivers desserts of all kinds, including her ever-popular signature dessert, cheesecake. Keister’s freshly made cheesecakes and desserts are available to individuals, who comprise the bulk of her sales, and can also be found at some popular local eateries, including So Ro Chill & Grille, and even Pit Boss, whose customers are parJordan Anderson holds 20 month old son tial to her Key Lime pie and, to Erica Coen, with 20 month old daughter Ella, complement the recent event, Aiden, who was born six weeks early. who was in the NICU just under four weeks. “Kentucky Derby” pie. For years, Keister has enjoyed Myia Harris-Moore, baking and dessert making; she 16 months, with started out making the tradiher parents, Dustin tional New York style cheeseMoore and Amber cake and gradually branched Harris. Myia has fully out from there. Before long, recovered from the her reputation preceded her birth defect gastro(she was always asked to “bring schisis, a condition a cheesecake” to family / friend in which the intestines are outside the functions), so, bring cheeseRebecca Jackson with son Gavin. cake she did - along with other infant’s abdomen. desserts that have become part of her staple “menu,” which inAllyson Lester with cludes brownies, cookies and son Jayden Ferrara. The more. family travelled from Keister, who catered a few West Virginia so Jayden small events, had been mulling could be treated in the idea of starting a business Roanoke. when a friend, Mark Claytor, asked her if she could do all the desserts for his Christmas Christine Land holds Open House. Keister decided daughter Megan, who “let’s just go for it,” using the By Cheryl Hodges has had five defects in Open House as a test. She supinfo@newsroanoke.com her heart repaired. plied all the desserts for free, OP E N 6 A M T O 8 P M R E P LA CE Y OU R D A Y CA R E W / $ 8 5 A W E E K ( M ON . - F R I . 6 A M - 8 P M ) SPECIAL NEEDS CLASSES AVAILABLE desiring only feedback, saying, “I wanted to see how it went” Baton Twirling ONLY $10! so she would know what to Mon: 6-:730 For all concentrate on for the busiFine-Arts Princess Ballet ness. (That's one lucky Mark classes Tues: 6-7:30 Claytor.) & Girls Jumpy Jazz Her treats were so well reWed: 6-7:30 ceived she knew she was onto FREE TOUR something. When she and OPEN HOUSE partner Kenny Prickitt put FRIDAY NIGHT AND Thurs their heads together, one of ALL DAY SATURDAY! 1-2 the first items on the agenda Come and check us out! Free Refreshments.

Melissa Keister displays samples at a recent event in Roanoke. was a name for the new business. Laughing, Keister says that “There are sweet Melissa’s everywhere; when Kenny came up with ‘Sweet Keister’s – Simply delicious, no butts about it’ – it was so hilarious we decided let’s just go with it.” Keister uses only fresh ingredients and says “the product you’re receiving is made yesterday; nothing is frozen.” There are a few cakes that require a two-day process so she asks customers to give her a two to three day notice for orders, and a little more time on larger orders. She doesn’t hesitate a second when asked which flavors are the best sellers: “Red Velvet and Blueberry.” She says Red Velvet is “the ‘one’ -- the eyepopping show-stopper -- and people love it.” So Ro Chill & Grille owner

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Angela Drinkard says that both “Red Velvet, and the Berrylicious -- made with three different kinds of berries -- are the most popular.” She adds that customers love the cheesecakes; she even had one lady call ahead to make sure they still had a slice of the one she planned to order for dessert and had them “hold” it for her. Keister introduces people to her desserts by taking samples to potential customers and by setting up a booth at community events, such as the Vinton Wine festival she recently attended. She says she quickly learned that rather than ask questions, it is better to “watch people’s expression when they try some – their face will tell you everything you want to know.” She adds that people “always have something to say… it gets you tickled when they say ‘oooh’ and ‘aaah’… they’re really enjoying it, which is good.” Currently a home-based operation, Sweet Keister’s has plenty of room to grow right where they are. Keister is enjoying her delivery business, although she says it would be a dream of hers to “one day have an establishment called ‘Sweet Keister’s’” even though she admits that “it would be a lot of work running a place like that.” For now, she may have found her niche, and she adds that when her customers tell her “they are sold out, that is the biggest compliment.”

For more information, visit sweetkeisters.com which includes a list of the many flavors of cheesecake available, and to order, email sweetkeisters@hotmail.com or call 540-397-5253.

By Cheryl Hodges info@newsroanoke.com

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Sports

Raiders Win 2010 State Lacrosse Championship

5/21/10 - 5/27/10 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 7

Hidden Valley Clinches River Ridge Regular Season Title

Hidden Valley broke open a tight game by scoring three runs in the fifth and two in the sixth to pick up the 9-3 win over the Salem Spartans. The Titans improved to 8-1 in the district and clinched first place heading into tournament play next week. Salem dropped to 6-3.

The 2010 VISAA Division III State Champion North Cross Raiders.

The North Cross School Varsity Lacrosse Team won the Division III VISAA (Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association) State title after defeating Wakefield School, 14 6, on Sat., May 15. The state title is the first for North Cross School lacrosse. "I am so happy for our guys. They have really earned this title,” said Head Coach Stephen Belderes, who is also an upper school math teacher. Belderes also credits the NCS middle school lacrosse program, and coach Chris Pollock for teaching students to play the game well at such a young age.

Paul Ross ’12 scored four goals and George Revercomb ’12 added three goals and five assists Saturday. Morgan Moskal ’11 added three goals and an assist for NCS (11-4), while Paul McNeil ’12 added 11 saves. Revercomb was named MVP of the championship game. Dean of Students Chris Davies, who is also a history teacher, is the team’s assistant coach. A championship banner will be hung in the School’s James R. Muscaro Game Gymnaisum. NCS athletic teams have seen much success in recent school years, bringing home state titles in Varsity Volleyball in 2009,

Varsity Football in 2008, and Varsity Boys' Soccer in 2007. One of the main goals of the Salem shortstop #12 Alex Stepp sidesteps the slide by Hidden Valley #19 Cam Hodge to turn NCS athletic program is to give a double play for the Spartans. every child in the middle and upper schools the opportunity to participate in the athletic proHidden Valley base runner #3 gram. Each year approximately Beau Bredberg slides safely 90 percent of NCS students parto the plate as Salem catcher ticipate on at least one of the 31 teams offered. Carter Williamson looks for “We are very fortunate to have the ball. a dedicated coaching staff that teaches our student-athletes not only the skills necessary to be Photos and recap by Bill Turner successful in their sport but also life lessons that they will carry with them throughout life,” said Athletic Director Donna Satterwhite. “The work of our coaches and student-athletes has resulted in two state championships and eight teams participating in state tournaments this year,” she added. President,ÊKDÊCapitalÊSolutions

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Sports

Page 8 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 5/21/10 - 5/27/10

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27th Scott Robertson Memorial FCS Clinches Regional Title but Falls to Mount Carmel in Quarter Finals Golf Tournament

The Faith Christian girls soccer team (14-0-1) picked up another South Region title, winning over the Roanoke Valley Christian Eagles in convincing fashion by a score of 3-0. The lady Warriors moved on to face Mount Carmel of Luray and played them to a 1-1 halftime tie before giving up two second half goals and falling 3-1 in a VACA state quarterfinal Tuesday evening on the Faith Christian field. The The Scott Robertson Golf Warriors ended the season with a record of 14-1-1. Board presents Jessica Korda the championship trophy. Faith Christian #14 Sarah Graninger gets off a shot in the second half against Mount Carmel.

Photos by Bill Turner

Faith Chistian Mackenzie Clinton (in white) is hit as she battles a Mount Carmel player for the ball. Jessica Korda - Girls 15-18 winner scores-68-70-69 - 207 (6 under par).

Sox Shine Like the Sun in Myrtle Beach - Prepare for Home Stand

Drew Czuchry-Boys 15-18 winner scores- 67-6869- 204 ( 9 under par).

Linda Luo -- this year’s field had representatives from 17 foreign countries. Photos by Bill Turner

Roanoke Soccer Academy summer camp training Bringing you the BIGGEST and BEST Soccer Camp Experience for the Summer of 2010 Day Camp - June 28th to July 1st: 8am to 12pm for ages 6 to 10 Evening Camp - June 28th to July 1st: 5pm to 8:15pm for ages 11 to 18 Striker/Goalkeeper Camp June 28th to July 1st: Day Camp - 9am to 12pm for ages 11+ Overnight Camp - July 17th to July 20th: Overnight Camp for all ages (Day Camp Option Available) Day Camp - August 2nd to 5th: Jr. Soccer Academy: 9am-11am ages 4 to 8 Soccer Academy: 9am-1pm ages 8 to 18 Call or visit our website to learn more and register.

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Traditionally, Myrtle Beach is a tough place for opposing teams to play. In 2008, the Atlanta Braves Advanced-A affiliate led the minors with 89 wins, capping a phenomenal stretch that saw the Pelicans battling for division titles nearly every year. But in six meetings this year, including three this past weekend at BB&T Coastal Field, the Salem Red Sox have completely thrashed the Pelicans. Salem has gone 6-0 against the lowly birds and has won by a grand total of 35 runs. The aggregate score looks more like something you might see from a Virginia Tech nonleague mismatch. In six games, it’s Red Sox 49, Pelicans 14. Without a doubt, the highlight of the most recent weekend on the beach was Saturday evening’s bid for perfection. Behind starter Stolmy Pimentel, the Red Sox held the Pelicans without a single baserunner into the eighth inning. Pimentel, Salem’s 20-year old Opening Day starter in 2010, mixed his powerful fastball, knee-buckling curveball, and his deceptive changeup for six consecutive 1-2-3 innings. The Dominican Republic-native struck out four, while inducing four ground-outs and ten air-outs. Due to pitch count restrictions, he departed after throwing 74 tosses in six innings. Perfection continued in reliever Will Latimer’s first inning of work, as the southpaw from Colorado threw a perfect seventh. But Gerry Rodriguez led off the eighth inning with a double for Myrtle Beach, breaking the stretch of 21 Pelicans retired in succession to open the game. Myrtle Beach managed their only run on the night in the eighth inning, but it was not nearly enough to outscore the offensive explosion from Salem. Though easily overshadowed by the pitching

staff ’s bid for history, the offense erupted for a season-high 19 hits on Saturday night in Salem’s 9-1 win. Four different Red Sox batters mustered three hits apiece. In the series, Salem’s offense tabulated a .336 batting average and scored 20 runs, winning the three games by totals of 8-2, 9-1, and 3-2. Catcher/DH Ryan Lavarnway led the team with seven hits and four RBI in the three games, while right-fielder Alex Hassan belted Salem’s only homer in the series, a two-run blast in the third inning on Saturday. While Pimentel’s perfection was the story of the weekend for the Salem arms, the Sox’ other starters—Alex Wilson and Brock Huntzinger—also pitched very well, earning victories for their efforts. The Salem Red Sox return home Friday, May 21st as part of their “Pink in the Park Weekend” presented by Kroger. The weekend is dedicated to raising breast cancer awareness and funds for Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Giveaways for the first 1,000 fans include a pink Salem Sox T-Shirt on Friday courtesy of Lewis-Gale Medical Center, and a pink Salem Sox recycle bag on Sunday courtesy of Kroger. The Salem Sox players will be wearing pink jerseys on Saturday Night, and fans will be able to bid on each player’s jersey to receive it from the player after the game. The annual pink jersey auction is sponsored by The Back Resort. 100% of the proceeds will go to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. The team takes Monday, May 24th off but will return home for a three game home series against the Winston-Salem Dash starting Tuesday, May 25th. Visit Salemsox.com or call 389-3333 for more promotional info and tickets.

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Preacher’s Corner

Bernard, 4 Levels of Love I found the greatest love of all Inside of me. The greatest love of all Is easy to achieve. Learning to love yourself. It is the greatest love of all. These lyrics come from a Whitney Houston hit, “The Greatest Love of All,” which has become something of a Baby Boomer anthem. She urged children to find “all the beauty they possess inside.” We Boomers loved that song because we wanted to find our worth apart from our parents’ approval of us. Of course, when we became parents, we sought to build our children’s self-worth through our approval of them. The point is, self-acceptance has been our Holy Grail. I sympathize with this desire to build self-esteem. I agree that the golden rule, “Love your neighbor as you love yourself,” assumes a healthy love of oneself. However, I want to offer a warning. If we are not careful, our desire for worth can lead us to hurt others and ourselves. In true Baby Boomer fashion, I want to commend a “step program” to self-worth that comes from Bernard of Clairvaux who lived over nine centuries ago. 1. One begins, Bernard says, by loving oneself for one's own sake. Some of Bernard’s contemporaries so emphasized original sin that they totally condemned this kind of self love. Bernard agreed that it is dangerous to remain in this early stage. Those who live in faithful service of their own needs and desires can wreck havoc in relationships and in communities. However, a child is born into this kind of self love and there is nothing wrong with it. A baby has no choice but to be self-centered. Bernard doesn’t want to break a child of this kind of self-esteem, but to help the child grow to realize that there others are valuable too. This realization that others matter too may be a baby

by George C. Anderson

step, but is a first step toward a greater love of God. 2. The second level of love is loving God for one’s own sake. Bernard’s second level of love evolves as one becomes aware that “If I want what is best for me, then I’ll love and serve the one who can do far more for me than I can do for myself.” Though Bernard’s second level of love is still immature, it is the level of spirituality of many believers. It is why many believe in God. It is why most people join a church. “I want to be loved, so I will love God.” “I want to be saved, so I’ll believe in God.” “I want to be blessed, so I’ll keep God’s commandments.” Clearly stuck in this second level are those who make the claim that without the threat of hell there would be in incentive to be a good person. Do you catch the assumption in that sentence? “If it were left completely up to me, what I know to be good is not what I want for me.” Is that true? Is there no other reason not to cheat on a spouse except not to be caught? Is there no other reason not to steal than the fear of ending up in jail? Is there no other reason for serving God than the fear of eternal damnation? Again, Bernard doesn’t condemn this level of self-love. He knows that a four year old may love his parents, but the threat of consequences may be what keeps him from violating certain rules. But a parents hopes a child grows into someone who loves the good for the sake of the good. And this brings us to Bernard’s third level of love 3. Bernard’s third level of love is loving God for God’s sake. Threats of damnation are no longer relevant. One’s life has meaning and value in loving and serving the God who first loved us. It is difficult for us Boomers to understand the ancient mystics who practiced self-denial as a daily discipline, but their prayers for the people

and their heartfelt devotion to daily submission energized the church and resulted in tremendous ministries of compassion in otherwise dark and brutal times. That’s how it works, this “agape” love of God -it leads to an ability to love another so much that one can put their interests ahead of one’s own. One can even lay down one’s life for a family member like a spouse or a child, or a friend, or a community (or even, if one takes Jesus’ radical vision to be Gospel truth, an enemy). Yet, Bernard would say that “agape” is not the highest level of love. There is one higher. 4. The highest level of love is to love yourself for God's sake. When Jesus said that the greatest love is the willingness to lay down one’s life for another, it was not because one’s own life is of no worth. When he gave his own life on the cross, it was not because Jesus counted his life to be of no value. Yes, we are sinners, but, our core identity begins in what God finds salvageable, not in what we find flawed. Imagine the risen Christ asking of anyone who struggles with self worth: “Why consider worthless one for whom I died?” Or, to turn a question into an affirmation: “Don’t deem unworthy what I deemed to be a pearl of great price.” I began the column by noting that to love one’s neighbor as oneself assumes that one loves oneself. Before Jesus articulated that golden rule, he first said this: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength.” That self-worth we Boomers have been so frantic to find, is found in love of God. To truly love God is to love those God loves…such as the world… such as you.

5/21/10 - 5/27/10 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 9

Commentary: Take a Lesson from Lynchburg on Mill Mountain A few weeks ago, the family and I were returning from our trip out West, circling Lynchburg preparing for our landing when I overheard another air passenger behind me make a comment to another passenger "why did they do that?" She was referring to Candlers Mountain which constructed a fake ski slope which has become, to this particular resident, an eye sore above the city. No doubt, a neat idea at first, but I am certain that there are those wondering "why the heck did we support this?" Mill Mountain is no different. Rockledge Inn, perhaps a cool idea to many, but if it becomes a fixture on the mountain, there will be those who will have buyer's remorse or those who have been ignoring the topic (or out of the loop altogether) who will say, "who the heck gave approval to put that up there?" (See www.liberty. edu/snowflex) In reality it is a very similar situation to what we are facing in Roanoke, except that Mill Mountain is public land and Candlers Mountain is private. And being public, our local government is suppose to be the voice of the people, but sometimes those governing are hard of hearing since their ears are normally stuffed with "potential" tax dollars. When will City Council move the Valley in a forward direction by listening to the majority of the people and stop toying with this idea of developing Mill Mountain? Did we not learn anything

from the Taubman Museum project? Another great idea, funded significantly by the city (free land and 4 million dollars), lots of hype and initial excitement, but now, hurting from the so-called poor economy and basic lack of interest. It's a shame. Watch or read all the recent stories about the very tough times faced by the "Taubman Museum" with "Rockledge Inn." It will be no different. As for me, an athlete and recreational advocate (not an environmentalist, but "commonsensalist"), I am for protecting Mill Mountain from ridiculous development because there is no identifiable benefit to the majority of citizens in Roanoke City to build a restaurant masked as a "community center." If I want to ski, I will fly to Colorado or hop in my car to where snow actually exists. If I need a place to eat, Roanoke is ranked as having the most restaurants per capita of any city in the country. Clearly, there are plenty of eating establishments to satisfy any craving. Roanoke is on the map because of destinations like Mill Mountain, for its minimized development and beauty - not for having another place to stuff one’s face. - Ron Glowczynski, Roanoke

Commentary: Congress Needs a Budget

Traditionally, Congress is expected to agree on a will only continue. We have already seen the pasbudget for the upcoming fiscal year by April 15th. sage, without my support, of the so-called “ecoIt is this budget process at the beginning of each nomic stimulus” legislation which was supposed year where the decision is made regarding total to put Americans back to work. Not only did the federal spending for the year. It is the budget that stimulus legislation fail to create jobs but it is now sets the stage for how fiscally responsible govern- estimated to be costing American taxpayers over ment spending will be. Since the passage of the $1 trillion including interest. Budget Act of 1974, the House of Representatives Not only should Congress produce a budget has never failed to pass an initial budget to set the but, I am a strong supporter of several measures spending priorities for the following fiscal year. that promote the establishment of a balanced budHowever, we are now a month past the deadline get and the elimination of wasteful government and Speaker Pelosi and the Democratic Leader- programs, including a Constitutional amendship are showing no signs of complying with the ment that I introduced which requires the federal law and coming forward with a budget for fiscal government to balance its budget. Congress must year 2011. steadfastly hold the line on government spendFamilies and small businesses all across our na- ing which is why I have consistently voted for the tion understand what it means to make tough de- tightest budgets offered each year. cisions each day about what they can and cannot As elected officials and stewards of the taxafford. They understand the importance of creat- payer’s money, we have a responsibility to put toing and living by a budget. Unfortunately, instead gether a sustainable budget and stick to it. The of making the tough choices necessary to reduce Congress must continue to work to rein in spendspending, the Majority in Congress has decided ing and put to practice a spending approach that to forgo a budget altogether. Just four years ago many Americans already live by: if you don’t have the same leaders who are now shirking their re- it, don’t spend it. sponsibility and choosing to move forward without a budget were very clear on how important - Bob Goodlatte the budget process is to the operation of the fedTo contact me go to: www.goodlatte.house.gov. eral government. In 2006, Congressman Steny Hoyer, who is now the House Majority Leader, George Anderson is the seAnglican Catholic Church was quoted as saying enacting a nior pastor at Second Presbytebudget was “the most basic rerian Church in Roanoke, Visit Sunday: Holy Communion sponsibility of governing” and them on the web at spres.org 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Congressman John Spratt, who is Christian Education 10 a.m. now the Chairman of the House Budget Committee, said “if you Thursday: Holy Communion 9:30 a.m. can’t budget, you can’t govern.” Bible Study 10:30 a.m. Without the passage of a federal budget the reckless spending 366-9416 4910 Hubert Rd NW Roanoke that has run rampant in Congress (at Hershberger, E of Williamson Rd.) www.sttofc.org Valley to help people.” “One young man, confined to INTO Open Saturdays! a wheelchair as a result of childG N * I R WITH hood cancer, said, Even though S P I can’t do the stand-up Helping SPRING 1,2 & 3 Bedroom Apartments Hand (a large white hand cos*Offer good thru 4/30/2010 tume that people can get inside of to represent United Way), I You’ll love all the changes we’ve made at can give back to the community West Creek Manor for you and your family that gave straight to me when I plus you’ll save money with our affordable needed it. I’m very honored and rents and energy-efcient apartments homes! proud to be one of the guinea pigs, and I’m glad this program Stop by and see for yourself. is continuing next year.” Some of our new amenities: Jean Glontz, United Way • ALL NEW kitchen cabinets with under-cabinet lighting board member, who with Lucy Walton, former board mem• ALL NEW refrigerator, stove, range hood and kitchen countertop ber, lead the inaugural group, • ALL NEW dishwasher & garbage disposal thanked the parents for letting 410-1 Westside Blvd. • PLENTY of Parking as well as a convenient bus route us have them for a short time. Roanoke Va 24017 We are so proud of them, and westcreek@habitatamerica.com you can see why.

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Student United Way's Graduating Seniors Give Farewell Speeches There were some tears, there were a few laughs, and there were moments when the audience sucked in its collective breath in pride and amazement at what the graduating seniors of the Student United Way program had to say about themselves, their times, their community, and the future last Tuesday night at the Hotel Roanoke. Having been chosen as pioneers in a pilot Student United Way program, when they were but wee sophomores three short years ago, the young men and women made their farewell speeches to their parents, United Way staff and board members, teachers, and of course, each other. They spoke of great opportunities to demonstrate leadership and responsibility and how much they treasured this chance to give, advocate, and volunteer (the United Way motto). A sampling: On visiting the Turning Point and other United Waysupported programs early in their Student United Way orientation: When we visited the [battered women's shelter], there were some high school students there hiding out from us, because they didn't want to be recognized and it dawned on me that these were real people and everyone knows someone who has been helped by United Way. “I had no idea that this happened here.” “It was heartbreaking.” “The closest I ever came to that before was watching Lifetime with my mother.” “It opened my eyes.” On learning about United Way: “I learned that United Way is related to all these different agencies.” “United Way is so dedicated and it's in it for the people of the Roanoke Valley.” “I have learned the definition of giving - time and money.”

“United Way helps the community and brings the community together.” “It's many agencies coming together for one goal.” On their time in Student United Way: “I was flattered, but I had no idea what I was getting into what a great experience it was going to be.” “People are so generous here.” “We raised $ 1,700 in our student/ faculty volleyball game not bad for the first year!” “I leaned valuable lessons Ill take with me to college.” “We met CEOS from big businesses around the Roanoke Valley.” “This big thing has changed the person who I am, changed my fundamental beliefs.” “I got to collaborate with students from around the Roanoke

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Valley Business

Page 10 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 5/21/10 - 5/27/10

NewsRoanoke.com

“Batteries Plus” Grows Niche Business Be Ready In Case Disaster Strikes

The first of what could be several “Batteries Plus” franchise stores in Roanoke has opened at 4801F Valley View Blvd., next to Starbucks and in front of Super Wal-Mart. A store centered just around batteries of all types? “Why not?” says district manager Ken Burket, who came up from Nashville to help oversee the franchise opening last week. Another store opened in Lynchburg a few weeks ago. After all, as a press release notes, batteries are now a 24 billion dollar a year business in the U.S., and with all the electronic gear people use nowadays, having quick access to replacement batteries is a must for many. The Wisconsin-based chain has some 400 outlets around the country and has been recognized by Inc. Magazine as the nation’s fastest growing specialty retailer. Batteries Plus (open 7 days a week in Roanoke) can also rebuild battery packs at its instore tech centers. “We can put new cells in and it’s good as new,” said Burket, who used to work at corporate headquarters before moving south. Batteries Plus also carries a complete line of specialty light bulbs, many of the compact fluorescent style that can save users “hundreds of dollars,” according to Burket.

District Manager Ken Burket in the new Valley View store. About 4000 batteries and 1000 light bulbs are in stock locally. Batteries Plus tries to take in as many old units as it can for recycling purposes, since many of the materials can be reused. “We are all very conscious of being green,” said Burket. As for the size of the industry, Burket said many don’t realize how big it is. “The proliferation of different types of batteries is phenomenal,” said Burket. “New ones are being released almost daily… you never think about [batteries] until it doesn’t power your device any more. Then you search and search for the replacement battery. We’d like to have them come here first and save them all the trouble of looking around.”

Burket is scouting out several other venues in Roanoke for expansion and calls the Valley View Mall site (phone 265-5788) “a fantastic location.” Even on the first day “traffic was promising,” he noted. From tiny batteries for hearing aids to heavy duty ones for semi trucks, Batteries Plus aims to provide one stop shop shopping for those that need batteries, chargers and specialty bulbs. “No matter what battery you need,” vows Burket, “most likely we’ll have it.” By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

HomeTown Bankshares Reports First Quarter Earnings Increase

HomeTown Bankshares Corporation, the holding company of HomeTown Bank, reported increased earnings for the first quarter ended March 31, 2010. Earnings for the first quarter of 2010 were $255 thousand compared to a profit of $194 thousand for the first quarter of 2009. After a $77,000 gain on sale of other real estate in 2010 and a $160,000 securities gain in 2009, income from operations totaled $178,000 in 2010 compared to $34,000 in 2009. Net income available to common shareholders for the first quarter of 2010 was $105,000 after preferred dividends of $150,000 vs. $34,000 in 2009. Preferred dividends were payable on the Company’s $10 million pre-

ferred equity issued via the Capital Purchase Program during the third quarter of 2009. After preferred dividends, earnings per share available to common shareholders were $0.04 per share in 2010 compared to $0.07 per share for the first quarter of 2009. Earnings performance in 2010 was enhanced by a 50% increase in net interest income to $2.5 million, $817,000 higher than the same period of 2009. In addition, the Bank’s net interest margin has increased each quarter since the first quarter of 2009 from 2.90% to 3.13% for the first quarter of 2010. Continued loan growth, higher yielding investments and consistent repricing of deposit liabilities, in line with current

and historically low levels of interest rates, contributed to the improved margins. Non-interest income continued to be an important contributor to the Company’s yearto-date financial performance for 2010. A sizable increase in the number of transaction accounts and revenues associated with these accounts resulted in a 37% increase in service charge income. The Bank also realized a $77,000 gain from the sale of other real estate owned. Income from residential mortgages thus far in 2010 was down from 2009 due to a sluggish mortgage market during the first quarter. “We are very pleased with the consistent increase in earnings that we continued to realize in the first quarter of 2010, “said Susan K. Still, President and CEO. “Our focus throughout 2010 will be to grow earnings by continuing to increase our yield on earning assets and effectively controlling funding costs.”

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gency personnel] evacuated the whole building and they didn't let people in for three days because they thought someone had tampered with the HVAC system." She spoke of carrying a "Go Kit" in front of her laptop bag. It contains the COOP plan and other essential information to operate the business. These include "formatted computer discs -- normally you don't need to format them nowadays -- but flash drives, cell phones, chargers and things like that, just basics that you might need." She recommends that more than one person in the business have a copy of the Go Kit with them in case someone is out of town. The larger the agency, the more varied the needs. "What some people need in parts of VDEM are going to be different than what I would need. Those in the Emergency Operations Center [personnel] are going to have different things maybe in their Go Kit than what I would need. I would need our COOP

plan; they might need contacts for people on other state agencies that support the EOC. So it's whatever your critical functions are within that agency or essential functions and what you might need to carry those out." She says you may want to confer with “similar sized companies and draft a Memorandum of Understanding.” For instance, if something happens, can you share space for awhile? She says it's also very important to have relationships with local fire and police departments. "I can't stress that enough because then they know what you've got. If you've got hazardous materials in your facility, the fire department should know that." They could use your building for training and get to learn the layout as well as the people who work there. All that could save precious time in the event of a disaster.

By Beverly Amsler info@newsroanoke.com

Carilion Clinic Patient Transportation Receives National Accreditation

CAMTS Accreditation includes critical care ground transportation and Life-Guard emergency helicopters Carilion Clinic Patient Transportation (CCPT) has been granted accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems (CAMTS). The accreditation is based on an extensive site survey and valid for three years. CCPT has been accredited by CAMTS since 2004. CAMTS accreditation represents the highest levels of quality, treatment, safety, leadership, and education standards in the industry. "We are proud to announce Carilion Clinic Patient Transportation's accreditation," said CAMTS Executive Director Eileen Frazer. "CCPT provides highly skilled ground and flight nurse / paramedic

/ EMT teams to care for adult, pediatric and neonatal patients." "While accreditation is not required, we voluntarily engage in the rigorous CAMTS review process to maintain our focus on constant improvement, and to assure the public that we provide the highest level of quality care and safety," said CCPT Senior Director Paul Davenport. CCPT provides basic and advanced life support ambulance service, 911 response, ground critical care and air medical service with bases throughout Southwestern Virginia. All services are coordinated through a communications center based in Roanoke. CCPT provides service throughout Virginia, and into portions of West Virginia, North Carolina and Tennessee.

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“Be prepared" is a motto for more groups than just the Boy Scouts. Leaders from businesses, schools, hospitals, and nonprofit groups throughout the Roanoke Valley came to the Jefferson Center Monday to learn more about how they would continue to operate after a disaster. Members of the Virginia Department of Emergency Management were present to discuss the importance of developing a continuity of operations (COOP) plan. Brian Baker, with Beck Disaster Recovery, a contractor with VDEM, advised the guests to build on their existing plans. He remarked, “It’s hard to start with a blank piece of paper” and said many businesses did some kind of planning in advance of the H1N1 flu, so they could just build on that. Other speakers emphasized that every employee should be involved to some extent in the process of developing a COOP plan, because the definition of an essential service differs from department to department within each business. They urged employees to rehearse the plan, like a home fire drill, so it becomes second nature. The goal is that when a disaster does occur, reaction will be automatic. Donna Pletch, with the Virginia Department of Emergency Services, has had experience having to work from a remote location. "There have been times when I was working in downtown (Richmond before VDEM) that … they [emer-

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The “Mary Project” Aids Family of William Fleming Student Composer and lyricist Dana “Grace” Franklin Pannell couldn’t recall exactly how many Christian-themed productions she has put together over the years. “Ten to twenty” was her estimate last Saturday, when the Roanoker staged “The Mary Project” as a benefit at Pilgrim Baptist Church in northwest Roanoke, aiding the parents of a 16 year old boy who died recently from complications of sickle cell anemia. The late JoAnthony Page was a student at William Fleming High School; his father Tommy preaches at his own church in Salem (Acting Faith Ministries in Salem), while his mother Nicole is an evangelist. Nicole and Grace Pannell did all of the singing and acting during the 12 vignettes of The Mary Project last Saturday, with proceeds going to help defray the burial expenses for JoAnthony. “Since birth he had issues [with sickle cell anemia] but he never once complained,” said Page about her son. “He always had joy [and] was truly my inspiration.” JoAnthony lost all his toes to the disease and almost passed away in 2006. “We expected him to come back again but God had a different plan for him.” Sickle cell anemia, which is prevalent in the African American community, attacks red blood cells and robs the body of oxygen. “We’re just moving forward,” said Page in the aftermath of their son’s death. Pannell wrote music, centered on the Virgin Mary and Mary Magdalene, as they encounter Christ before, during and after his crucifixion. Two backup singers and a four-piece ensemble back up the two lead singers/actors. Pannell never studied music in school, and to complicate matters, she can’t hear herself sing. She is grateful when she says, “I truly know that it was a gift.” The Mary Project is now headed on the road, including a date on an Air Force base in Georgia. On May 29, a benefit concert at William Fleming High School will raise money for sickle cell

Mary” Nicole Page (left) and Grace Pannell in “The Mary Project” at Pilgrim Baptist Church. anemia research. Featured will be a student group called the Dorky Boys that JoAnthony used to play with. Page calls them “smart kids that have found a way to be smart and make it okay.” JoAnthony played bass for the group. One of Grace Pannell’s ten brothers introduced her last Saturday as “the author and producer extraordinaire of our family.” The Mary Project featured music with a pop sensibility, tinged with some soul, reverence and even humor in parts. As for teaming up with Pannell again on The Mary Project (they’ve collaborated before), Page called it “phenomenal.” Pannell asked her if she needed help financially; it took awhile but Page admitted JoAnthony’s funeral expenses were an issue. Pannell decided then that donations received for her “1 Above Productions” play would go to the Pages. “It was heartfelt and it was genuine, and I love her for it,” said Page. Pannell has also put together a soundtrack CD and a DVD of The Mary Project; call 330-3709 for more information. By Gene Marrano

Stars of Symphony Series

The Roanoke Symphony Orchestra with David Stewart Wiley, Music Director, has announced its 2010-2011 Picnic at the Pops concert series. The RSO's Pops series includes three concerts during the 2010-2011 season, offering a choice of table seating or stadium seating, presented at the Salem Civic Center. Concert goers enjoy a unique experience with combinations of full symphony orchestra, choruses, and pops solo artists, in a casual atmosphere that begins well before the music begins. This year's Pops series will open with Blake Shelton on October 29, 2010, and continues with the RSO's popular and traditional Holiday Pops Spectacular on December 10, 2010. Internationally acclaimed singer and Roanoke native, Jane Powell, along with the Roanoke Symphony Chorus and Roanoke College Children's Choir join the RSO on stage for Holiday Pops. Rounding out the series is star singer, songwriter and guitarist Boz Scaggs in concert with the RSO on April 8, 2011. The series is sponsored by A Friend of the RSO. The series begins with country star Blake Shelton performing songs from his chart topping albums. Shelton put his mark on the country music

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Blue Ridge Music Center Kicks Off Concert Season

Three members of the Red Stick Ramblers from Lafayette, Louisiana, will kick off the 2010 concert season Friday, May 28th at the Blue Ridge Music Center (milepost 213 on the Blue Ridge Parkway). The Music Center has evening concerts weekly through mid September in the outdoor amphitheater at the foot of beautiful Fisher Peak (only 10 miles from Galax). The Redstick Ramblers will bring their jazz tinged, spicy blend of Cajun music from the deep South to Galax for the first time. In addition to Cajun tunes, the band will offer a mix of oldtime, honky-tonk, swing and blues tunes billed to "captivate dancers and listeners alike." The Red Sticks new album, “My Suitcase is Always Packed” is their fifth album and second for Sugar Hill Records. It features traditional and original tunes and songs that are according to one reviewer "structurally daring and lyrically evocative, while still resounding proudly with the echoes of the traditions that inspired them . . . Cajun music developed along the same timeline as local old-time and bluegrass traditions and has many of the same musical influences." Opening band for the show will be Back-Step - traditional, Round Peak-style string band from Mount Airy, N.C. Advance tickets and info are available online at www. blueridgemusiccenter.org or by calling the Blue Ridge Music Center at (276) 236-5309. Tickets will also be available at the gate. Admission: $15. Chil-

RSR’s Linzay Young. dren 12 and under are admitted free. Concert: 7pm. Seating begins at 5:30 p.m. the day of the show. No pets or alcohol. Picnic food is permitted. Lawnchairs, blankets, and flashlights recommended. Concessions are available. The Blue Ridge Music Center is operated jointly by the nonprofit National Council for the Traditional Arts and the National Park Service. Admission to the Music Center and gift store is free. Blue Ridge Music Center 2010 Concert Season May 28 (Fri) - Red Stick Ramblers / Backstep $15 June 5 - Ginny Hawker & Tracy Schwarz / Benton Flippen Band $10 June 12 - Appalachian Songsters: Nat Reese, Melissa Mckinney, Tina Liza Jones/ Mac Snow and the Round Peak Ramblers. $15 June 18 (Fri) - Hot Pickers Guitar Concert: Wayne Henderson & friends $10 June 26 - Gandydancer / New Ballards Branch Bogtrotters $10

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July 3 - Holiday Concert: Crooked Road Ramblers / The Wolfe Brothers $5 July 10 - Claire Lynch Band / The Barr Family $15 July 17 - Clack Mountain / Zephyr Lightening Bolts $10 July 24 - Larnell Starkey & The Spiritual Seven / Pathway Bluegrass Band $15 July 31 - Kruger Brothers / John Lilly & the Cheating Hearts $15 Aug 8 (Sun) - Tony Rice Unit / Rich In Tradition $20 Aug 14 - No Concert (Enjoy the 75th Annual Galax Fiddlers Convention) Aug 21 - Piano Concert: Daryl Davis, Gary Patton & guests $15 Aug 28 - Paul Williams & The Victory Trio / Carl Jones & Beverly Smith $15 Sept 4 - Family Traditions Concert: The Sheets Family Band / Dale Jett & Hello Stranger $10 September 10,11,12 - Blue Ridge Parkway 75th Anniversary Weekend performances at BRMC. For more information go to: blueridgemusiccenter.org

5/21/10 - 5/27/10 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 11

Blake Shelton scene in 2001 when his first single "Austin," became a five-week #1 single. Each of his first three albums went gold and each produced a chart topping single "Austin" from his self titled first album; "The Baby" from The

Dreamer, and "Some Beach" from Barn and Grill. His fourth album, Pure BS, also went gold and produced a back to back #1 single "Home." In 2008 Starting Fires produced "She Wouldn't Be Gone," another #1 single that solidified Blake's reputation as a vocalist. Shelton's live shows

Jane Powell are renowned as some of popular music's most enjoyable. His latest CD, Hillbilly Bone, was released on March 2, 2010 and is receiving rave reviews. Following the series opener by Blake Shelton is the RSO's Holiday Pops Spectacular in December. The concert will feature internationally acclaimed singer Jane Powell. A native of Roanoke, Powell comes home and goes on stage with the RSO & Chorus at the Salem Civic Center with maestro David Stewart Wiley conducting. Powell began her career in Roanoke and has since demonstrated her fiveoctave-plus range to audiences throughout the United States, Canada and the Caribbean. Her musical flexibility of R&B, Jazz, Reggae and Gospel, along with her playful personality and humor has captivated audience members for decades. Powell has worked with such acts as Lou Rawls, The Crusaders, Joan Jett, Melba Moore, and Ray Charles among many others. In reference to opening for Ray Charles, The Washington Post said, "she stole the night from a legend." Powell creates powerful music by singing from the heart and uplifts the spirits of any audience.

To conclude the Pops series, the RSO and singer songwriter and guitarist Boz Scaggs will perform in concert together on April 8, 2011. Scaggs began his career as the lead singer for the Steve Miller Band. In the 1970's Scaggs broke out on his own and gained fame with several top 20 hits along with a #2 album in Silk Degrees. Silk Degrees sold over 4 million copies and brought Scaggs a Grammy award for best R&B song in "Lowdown."Scaggs' wide range of musicianship lead him to release over 15 albums including blues albums such as Come on Home, and jazz albums such as But Beautiful, which debuted as #1 on the jazz charts. His latest CD, Speak Low, is a collection of jazz covers, such as Duke Ellington's, "Do Nothing Til' You Hear From Me." Scaggs continues to sell out tour dates across the nation and his wide range of music keeps audiences pleased. Current RSO Pops series subscribers may renew their

Boz Scaggs

subscriptions now for the 20102011 Pops series. Beginning July 1, 2010, subscriptions for the Pops series will go on sale to the general public. Single event tickets will go on sale August 30, 2010, and will range from $20$80 each. For more information about RSO concerts and events in the current season, visit www.rso. com or call the RSO box office at (540) 343-9127.

10th Annual Poetry Competition Offers $100 First Prize

Virginia’s Roanoke Valley Branch of the National League of American Pen Women, winner of the 2009 Perry Kendig Award, has announced its 10th Annual Poetry Competition. This year the organization is celebrating Women in the Arts and all poems should address this as the theme of the work. Rene Parks Lanier, Jr., Professor of English emeritus at Radford University, will judge the poems. Professor Lanier served for many years as Poet-inthe-Schools at numerous Virginia counties and has been published in many small press and academic magazines. He also served five years as president of the Appalachian Writers' Association.

Proceeds from the Poetry Competition fund an annual scholarship, given to adult women who have returned to school. Postmark deadline for entries is July 30, 2010. Cost per poem is $5.00. Make checks payable to Roanoke Valley Branch, NLAPW. Mail entries to: Co-Chairman, Peggy Shifflett, 700 Cherrywood Road, Salem, VA 24153. Prizes are $100, $75, $50 and Honorable Mention $5. Rules are available at http://roanokepenwomen. blogspot.com. Entries which do not adhere to the rules will not be considered.

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Page 12 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 5/21/10 - 5/27/10

Athenians Anniversary

The Athenian Society for the Arts and Sciences recently celebrated the 30th anniversary of their founding. The organization has contributed countless volunteer hours and thousands of dollars to art and science organizations in Roanoke throughout the years. To join or get more information contact Center in the Square.

NewsRoanoke.com

Big Tug For Tots

Photo by Michael Vest Photography

Front row (left to right): Jennie Tully, Lisa Haemmerlin, Dorothy Zackmann, Marion Hody Back row (left to right): Margaret Ann Hoag, Dale Hahn, Ruth DeVerter, Winnie Bloom.

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Salem’s Spartan Field was the setting last Friday for the 14th Annual “Tug For Tots” fundraiser for C.H.I.P (The Child Health Investment Partnership). The event set records for donations and participation. A total of 30 teams signed up, donating $1000 each to face off in a good oldfashioned Tug of War competition. Winning the heavyweight division was Accellent, with the Roanoke City Sheriff’s Office taking the lightweight title and Allstate capturing the featherweight crown. The fun continued as the event concluded with a “Pig Drop,” featuring 100 pink stuffed pigs being dropped out of a helicopter onto the field. This, too, contributed funds for C.H.I.P., which provides free health care for children in the Roanoke Valley who do not have health insurance.

Danny Williams - Williams Carpet Cleaning In today's world of short attention spans, the visibility we get from putting an ad in the Roanoke Star Sentinel, a wonderfully concise newspaper for local area information, helps our Chamber of Commerce reach all demographics. Annette Stamus Marketing & Communications Manager - Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce

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Grandin Village Block Party The Grandin Village Business Association and the Greater Raleigh Court Civic League are co-sponsoring the sixth Annual Grandin Village Block Party, Sunday May 23rd from 2-5 p.m. Grandin Road will be closed to traffic between Memorial Avenue and Westover Avenue to allow for the street fair. This annual gathering provides an opportunity for neighbors to

meet and enjoy free family fun, music and activities. Please join in for an afternoon filled with food and friends. Events include live entertainment, children’s activities, and the annual favorite – hot dogs and dessert! The Block Party is free and everyone’s invited. This annual event is part of Roanoke City’s Neighborhood Month, a celebration of unity

and neighborhood pride. During the month of May, neighborhood groups sponsor events to come together as one community and celebrate our neighborhoods.

For more information go to: www.grandinvillage.org or contact Susan Stump at (540) 777-1790 or Kelly List at 540467-1047

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