The Roanoke Star-Sentinel by The Roanoke Star

8 Beers on Tap PLUS

Located beside the BAC (Botetourt Athletic Club)

on route 604, Cloverdale Road, halfway between route 460 and i-81. www.luckydogpub.com

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit 342 Roanoke va

POSTMASTER: Dated material, please deliver by publication date

The Roanoke Star-Sentinel

November 25 - December 1, 2011

NewsRoanoke.com

Community | News | Per spective

[Volleyball Champions]

City Properties have Firm Renovation Commitments

Knights Win State Title

The 56-year-old YMCA located at Church and 5th Street came back on the Market after Anthony Smith failed to close the deal on renovations by the January 31, 2011 deadline. B-MAT Homes, Inc., a Richmond Va. based builder will now pay the city $225,000 up front with an attached $425,000 performance security guarantee. Scott will have 160 days to perCity Gov’t form due diligence on the 52,000 square foot building. The assessed value of the property is $971,500. According to the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) B-MAT Homes, Inc. operates as 425 Church Avenue LLC and Church and Campbell LLC. Ricky Scott is president of B-MAT Homes, Inc. They will have two years to complete the project following closing on the property and city’s approval of B-MAT’s plans. The plan calls for 8500 square feet of commercial space and 38 apartment units. They will also apply for EarthCraft Virginia Multifamily Certification. Scott and Ascension Horchler have returned to purchase the Buena Vista mansion in Southeast’s Jackson Park for $30,000. Unable to sell their home in Midlothian the Horchlers and the city abandoned the contract in July. The earlier contract had the Horchlers paying $75,000 for the 3-acre historic property. That contact was subject to the sale of their Richmond home, This new contract has no such provision. Alison Blanton, Roanoke Valley Preserva-

Troubled Waters

[

P5– Who knew a little fishing outing could get so convoluted and confusing not to mention expensive.

Photo by Bill Turner

The 2011 Group AA Virginia State Volleyball Champion Cave Spring Knights. ave Spring’s season of dreams came to fruition Saturday evening as the Knights overpowered Jamestown 3-0 to capture the Group AA state volleyball championship at the Virginia Commonwealth University Siegel Center in Richmond. The Knights parlayed the perfect Final-Four as Cave Spring defeated four-time AA defending state champs Loudoun County 3-1 on Friday night, before returning Saturday to sweep Jamestown in dominating fashion. Cave Spring’s five seniors, Shannon Craighead, Morgan Shannon, Kelsey Sine, Lauren Sledd and Kelli Long had set the bar high from the first day of practice- anything less than a state championship would be unacceptable. The Knights proved they > CONTINUED P8: Knights

State Champs! P6– North Cross ignores the pundits and takes down powerhouse Norfolk Christian to win the VISSA Division 3 Title.

LewisGale Regional Health System (LGRHS) announced this week that it has reached a new provider agreement with Carilion Clinic to be a participating provider in its Medicare Advantage plans. The agreement gives enrollees full access to all LewisGale facilities and physicians, effective January 1, 2012. “We are very pleased that Carilion has asked us to participate in its Medicare Advantage plans,” said Victor Giovanetti, president of LewisGale Regional Health System. “As our presence in the

marketplace has grown and our health tal Alleghany as well as eight outpatient system has been recognized locally and centers and 135 employed physicians. nationally for providing exceptional The new agreements with Carilion care, an increasing number of people and recently-announced Humana plan, want an insurance plan that along with four other Mediallows them access to our care Advantage companies Healthcare physicians and hospitals.” that LewisGale is participatThe new provider agreeing in, gives 90 percent of ment covers inpatient, outpatient, and the population enrolled in Medicare primary care services at all four hospi- Advantage plans access to the health tals—LewisGale Medical Center, Lewis- system’s facilities and physicians. Gale Hospital Montgomery, LewisGale While LewisGale employed physiHospital Pulaski, and LewisGale Hospi- cians are automatically part of the new

[

]

agreements with Carilion Clinic and Humana, the health system’s 500 independent physicians – making up the majority of LewisGale Hospitals’ medical staffs – will also be invited to participate in the new agreements, according to Humana and Carilion. “This is a ‘win-win-win’ for everyone – the insurance companies and healthcare providers, but, most importantly, it’s providing the best option for our community,” says Giovanetti.

Roanoke Women’s Foundation Announces Grant Recipients

P7– David Harris and David Mikula have come a long way since opening their branding and design agency.

Photo by Gene Marrano

The Patrick Henry High School marching band parades down Grandin Road.

Grandin Parade Kicks Off The Holiday Season

P7– Promoter River Laker’s latest social project has him forming a band and composing music from scratch.

> CONTINUED P2: Properties

LewisGale Signs New Agreement With Carilion Clinic

Strong Imprint

Laker’s Latest

]

One of the traditional kickoffs to the holiday season, the annual Grandin Village Holiday Children’s Parade drew thousands of spectators – and participants – on a sunny and mild Saturday last weekend. The Patrick Henry High School marching band and the Air Force Junior ROTC provided some of the pomp and circumstance during the parade, which featured everything from neighbors wheeling their kids down the street in little red wagons to members of Roanoke City Council (Mayor David Bowers, Anita Price and Sherman Lea were on hand) and Santa Claus, who always arrives at the end of the parade on a hook and ladder truck courtesy of the Roanoke City Fire/EMS. The annual Holiday event, sponsored by the Grandin Village Business Association, also draws visitors that may not otherwise venture out to the Grandin Village, help- > CONTINUED P2: Parade

The Roanoke time is a real testaWomen’s Foundation ment to the commu(RWF), a component nity’s generosity and fund of Foundation desire to make our for Roanoke Valley, region an even better has announced the place to live,” added recipients of its grant Alan Ronk, executive awards, the largest todirector of Foundatal given to date. tion for Roanoke ValThe latest grants, ley. a total of $242,000, awarded at a lunNow in its seventh year, RWF has cheon held at the Patrick Henry on funded 26 organizations and programs. November 18th, brings to $1,244,000 This year, 46 organizations applied for the total in grants funded since the or- funding from the RWF. Through a ganization’s inception in 2004. rigorous grant making process, that “Despite a tough economy, The Roa- number was narrowed to a group that noke Women’s Foundation reached a was presented to the membership for milestone this year with 121 members, their vote. Based on those results, the an all time high for us” says Ginny Jar- following grants were awarded in the rett, co-founder of the RWF. Jarrett 2011 grant cycle: and co-founder Kandy El$100,000 to Roanoke Valliott established the RWF as ley Greenway Commission Philanthropy a way for women in the Roato support its “Bridging the noke and New River Valleys Gap” campaign to provide to pool their philanthropic goals and for the construction of a 4.1 mile unresources in order to make significant funded section of the greenway located gifts to the community. between Bridge Street in Roanoke City “Ginny and Kandy’s original vision and Rotary Park in Salem. The goal is for RWF has played out in a truly re- to have this secmarkable and exciting way, and the in- tion completed > CONTINUED credible growth in RWF members over by the end of P2: Grant

[

]

If your child is struggling in school, success starts here.

4341 Starkey Road • Roanoke, VA 540-774-0171

•Certified Teachers •Customized, Individual Program of Instruction •Private Tutoring for SAT/PSAT/ACT Prep •Low Student to Teacher Ratios, Individual Instruction Call Huntington today. We’re nearby and affordable.

$100 Off Diagnostic Testing

> Properties

Page 2 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 11/25/11 -12/1/11

Plenty of sunshine is in the forecast for Thanksgiving on Thursday all the way through Saturday. The highs will be in the low 60s Thursday and the upper 60s on Friday and Saturday. A chance of rain returns on Sunday and Monday.

tions Foundation told council Monday evening that the Buena Vista mansion was a very important historic landmark. The mansion dates back to the mid-1800s and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and Virginia Landmarks Register. We regret the city was unable to maintain it she said. Blanton was glad that it would be restored keeping in mind its original design. She requested that a preservation easement be placed on the property for the first 10 years and asked that the proceeds from the sale be invested in maintenance for the city’s other neglected historic landmarks. Assistant city manager Brian Townsend named five restrictive covenants that were part of the sale to protect its historic designation. Saying only the owner of the property can request a preservation easement. The mansion once renovated will serve as a single-family residence for the Horchler family. Previously they had planned to offer the ballroom for events but have abandoned that use. The property can never be demolished or subdivided in whole or in part with-

> Parade

Steve n W. D ur ran ce Fl o or s

10%OFF

all labor and materials

Please present coupon after estimate.

776-9591 | carpetroanoke.com

How Does Guaranteed Income Sound?

ing to fill shops and restaurants. It’s also a kickoff to the holiday shopping season, which gets into full gear this weekend with “Black Friday.” Wal-Mart will actually kick off Black Friday on Thursday night, giving Thanksgiving diners an excuse to go walk off their holiday meals. Economic forecasters have been sending out mixed signals about the strength of retail shopping sales this season, worrying many local stores that base their livelihood on strong holiday season activity. Downtown Roanoke Inc.,

out the city’s approval. The renovation is estimated to cost $330,000. Roanoke City Council voted unanimously to approve the sale of the properties. The Roanoke Ice building in Wasena was rezoned for mixed-use development. Ed Walker will renovate it into apartments on the upper floors with commercial on the first floor. In other business: After extensive discussion at the 2:00 p.m. meeting and after the addition of an amendment by Councilman Ray Ferris council voted on a resolution asking the state to retain the ban on uranium mining. Ferris’ amendment added language watering down the resolution. It provided an “if the Virginia Uranium study” found it to be unsafe and also asked that it not be considered in the 2012 session. Former Council member Rupert Cutler gave extensive dialogue lobbying for the firmer resolution. In the end Councilman Sherman Lea cast the only dissenting vote on the softened resolution.

the organization that promotes businesses downtown and manages the Farmer’s Market, is making a heavy push for people to shop at small retailers in the area. DRI is even telling men, via radio spots, that they can celebrate the purchases made for the “special ladies” in their lives at one of the restaurants downtown that carry football games on big screen TV’s. Downtown Roanoke Inc.’s Dickens of a Christmas kicks off on December 2 and runs for three consecutive Friday nights. Dec. 2 features the City of Roanoke Christmas tree lighting;

Underwritten by United of Omaha Life Insurance Company, Mutual of Omaha Plaza, Omaha, NE 68175-0001 AFN41703

C A R E

BUSINESS CLOSING SALE!

20/20 Vision is Liquidating its Entire Inventory

%Off! 50 We want to thank all of our patrons All In-Stock Frames

for your business these 25 years. Diane Etter

2122 Colonial Ave (Across from Towers Mall) 342-1796 / Email: detter2@verizon.net It's In The

Greg and Julie Robert's Kitchen

Details...

Every Job... Small Or Large!

777-0456

4 3 2 5 OLD C AVE SPRING RD, R OA NO KE

Cabinetry & Countertops

C H E CK OUT H UGE M ONTHLY SAV I NGS!! !

NewsRoanoke.com

Photo by Valerie Garner

The 56-year-old YMCA building located on Church and 5th Street. Cutler in an email said, “I did my best to show that there is no such thing as safe uranium mining in Virginia.” Advocates for keeping the ban “will keep after it and try to get Council to clarify and strengthen its resolution next month,” he said. By Valerie Garner info@newsroanoke.com

From page 1

Don Lilly Agency | 540-989-1931

V I S I O N

From page 1

Ask me how annuities can help.

20/20

Photo by Gene Marrano

Pop’s Ice Cream always brings coupons and entertaining characters to the lively Grandin Village Holiday Parade.

> Grant

2013. Once this section is built, the Roanoke Valley will have 18.3 miles of uninterrupted greenway along the Roanoke River in the center of the Roanoke Valley, making it one of the longest urban greenways in the eastern United States. $50,000 to The Salvation Army, for Turning Point, the only domestic violence shelter in the Roanoke Valley. Funds will be used to help meet the costs for case manager and children’s coordinator positions, food and utilities as funding sources have been reduced due to budget cuts in federal, state and local government. Having served the area for over 20 years, Turning Point provides safe housing and shelter for more than 250 women and children each year. It also serves more than 500 callers to its crisis hotline. $32,000 to Roanoke Area Ministries (RAM), which has been feeding nutritious noon-time meals to impoverished and low income citizens in the Roanoke Valley since 1987. The grant from the RWF will replace donated and used equipment with new, commercial grade equipment in the RAM House kitchen. The goal is to help improve efficiency of the kitchen operation as well as improve the quality of

Photo by Gene Marrano

Santa Claus arrives! there’s a Christmas parade on Dec. 9 and a pet costume contest on the 16th. Strolling carolers in Victorian era costumes, horse drawn carriage rides and all types of goodies offered for sale are all a part of Dickens of a Christmas, which is sponsored by SunTrust. The Farmer’s Market and many downtown businesses stay open for Dickens and people often pick up a wreath or other Christmas-related items while taking in the festivities. The Dec. 2 debut for Dickens of a Christmas also coincides with

Art By Night this year (now on Friday nights) and Betty Branch’s invitation-only sneak peek inside her sculpture studio on Warehouse Row, which she only opens to the public once a year. The Grandin Holiday Children’s Parade is unique in that no pre-registration is required – you just need to show up by 10:30 Saturday morning in order to join the fun. Nonetheless many groups plan well ahead to be there, and Grandin area businesses like Pop’s Ice Cream, Local Roots, the Natural Foods Co-op and even 7-11 were represented. Make no mistake about it, however - the arrival of Santa Claus on the fire truck at the end is enough to remind people that the parade is all about ringing in the start of the Christmas holiday season. See downtownroanoke.org for more about Dickens of a Christmas. By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

From page 1 the meals that are served. Last year, over 45,000 lunches were served to 2,900 unduplicated persons, including children. $30,000 to Craig County Youth & Community Services for the Craig County Recreation and Conservation Association’s “Field of Dreams”, a multipurpose outdoor recreation complex including accessible fields for sporting events and physical activity. Currently, Craig County has no public recreation complex. This complex will be ideally situated to serve the school age populations as the “Field” will be in walking distance of the schools. In 2009, Craig County had the second highest level of poverty (18.1%) and the highest adult obesity rate in Virginia (33.9% compared to the state average of 25.5%). The goal of the grant is to effect change in the community by encouraging healthy lifestyles and providing alternatives to dangerous and unhealthy behaviors. $30,000 to West End Center to jump start its West End Leaders program. Using a program titled “Leadership for the 21st Century” (a curriculum developed by the Virginia Department of Education), funds from the RWF will provide

program development and marketing support. The program helps children develop leadership skills and practices and to apply those skills through community service activities. Although they are among the most disadvantaged in the Roanoke Valley, West End Center’s children have demonstrated impressive achievement. Since 2000, the West End Center children have graduated at the rate of 83%, significantly higher than those of Roanoke City. The Roanoke Women’s Foundation is open to any woman who makes the commitment to support the RWF for at least three years at a level of $2,100 per year. Members have no other obligation than to fulfill the annual contribution and to participate in the voting process determining the recipients of the pooled fund grants. For more information, visit www.roanokewomensfoundation.org or Foundation for Roanoke Valley’s website www.foundationforroanokevalley.org. Foundation for Roanoke Valley currently administers over 260 named endowment funds on behalf of the community.

When times are tough you may need someone to walk beside you to offer encouragement and hope. That is why our hospice offers a FREE support network and bereavement program from a perspective that strengthens your faith and helps you get back on your feet and living again. Please contact Kathy Barton at 540-989-6265 for more information. Long term employees with experience in palliative pain & symptom management, emotional support and grief counseling

ROANOKE GRIEF SUPPORT SERVICES FOR ADULTS Mondays & Tuesdays, 12-1:30 p.m.

CHILDREN GRADES K-12 One Monday night monthly & pizza provided.

24/7 Referrals... Same Day Admissions

GSH0111-10.85x5.29 RSS AdultKid Ad.indd 1

1/25/11 2:27 PM

11/25/11- 12/1/11 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 3

NewsRoanoke.com

It’s Not A Roundabout But Traffic Flows Smoothly At New Intersection It took seven years of negotiations with city councils, administrators, the airport commission, VDOT, city engineers, and local merchants but finally there is relief for motorists navigating oddly constructed access roads out of Town Square Shopping Center and into the Roanoke Regional Airport. After all the wrangling between the various entities it took less than a year for Roanoke’s Branch and Associates to complete the intersection. The process involved giving a little here and a little there and ultimately all parties gave a little land and money including Sam’s, Kroger’s and Kimco Realty. Originally the intersection was slated to be a roundabout. On May 4, 2009 City Council was ready to give the go-ahead for a “roundabout.” Then it stalled with the realization that connecting one way to Aviation Drive would require closure of Thirlane Road. The closing of Thirlane was quickly dismissed by local businesses. But the Airport Commission kept pushing for a two-lane roundabout. Mark Jamison, the city’s traffic engineer thought residents who were not accustom to a roundabout would be confused. He feared traffic would queue up back into Sam’s and Kroger’s with everyone using the outside lane for fear of missing one of five exits. In a September 2008 joint meeting with the Airport Commission members “Fuzzy” Minnix said, “don’t sell the Virginia drivers short … we’re as smart as the French, aren’t we?” This brought to mind a scene from the movie European Vacation where Clark Griswald drives his family endlessly around England’s busy Lambeth Bridge roundabout for hours, unable to maneuver his way out. The Airport Commission in 2008 brought in a roundabout consultant trying to sell the idea while promoting its safety aspect. An attractive landscaped roundabout for Roanoke visitors would be an added bonus. Chairman Jay Turner, Jr. stressed that the airport was the gateway to Roanoke and needed to be “easy to use, easily marked, and aesthetically pleasing.” Granger MacFarlane haggled with then City Manager Darlene Burcham asking her “what are you expecting … money or land?” Burcham replied, “whatever you are willing to put on the table.” On Monday all the years of indecision were over. “The nice thing about this project is that it is funded from a lot of different sources … the people that are affected want it,” said Salem’s VDOT

The Roanoke Valley Republican Women held their new Officer Installation Ceremony Tuesday night at Hunting Hills Country Club. Officers for the 2012 year are President – RoxAnne Christley, 1st Vice President – Mildred Scott, 2nd Vice President – Gerry McGrath, Corresponding Secretary – Toni Harris, Recording Secretary Photo by Valerie Garner Ashley Suetterlein, Treasurer – New intersection turning left into the airport. Maggie Wood. Each officer will serve for a term of one year. district administrator, Richard Caywood. The total cost of the project was $2 million with By Carla M. Bream $1,032,000 coming from VDOT. The city’s porinfo@newsroanoke.com tion of the cost was $722,000. Kroger’s, Sam’s and the airport supplied the rest. Caywood explained that from a common-sense standpoint the intersection is not only fixing the airport entrance and exit from Town Square but it is solving the traffic backup at Rutgers onto Hershberger and the congested ramp where motorists try to make a left to get to Valley View Mall. It is a two for one traffic solution. “The whole area circulates better,” he said. The sixth annual Gallop This is especially true during the holidays. This 4 the Greenways will take holiday will be different if people remember that place on May 12, 2012, under the new intersection is there. Traffic was heavy at the leadership of Roanoke the intersection during Monday’s press conferParks and Recreation. The ence as Mayor David Bowers spoke over motor noise while standing in the overflow airport park- event was originally created by Valley Forward in 2006 as ing lot. After the press conference Caywood said that a way to support the growing the Elm Avenue exit redesign would start with network of pedestrian and some fieldwork at the end of 2012. They have the bicycle trails in Roanoke. “design/build” firm selected from three finalists Valley Forward stated, "We but he was not ready to announce the success- are very excited for Roanoke ful bidder. Actual construction of the $40 to $50 Parks and Recreation to take million part stimulus funded project won’t begin over Gallop 4 the Greenways. until 2013. The event has been a sucAt the same time construction will begin on cess because of the support the Valley View Interchange. “These two projects will definitely overlap,” said Caywood. There will of the city, volunteers, race be some impact to traffic flow especially as the participants, and local busiramps at Hershberger Road are connected to the nesses. However, the event new ramps at Valley View that will create four has gotten so big that Vallanes between the two interchanges. “There are ley Forward and Pathfinders not many interchanges around that connect like for Greenways can no longer this,” said Caywood. By Valerie Garner Send pictures, info@newsroanoke.com

City to Take Over Management of Gallop 4 the Greenways

Service-Minded Roanoke Student Gives to New Orleans

Julia Childers of Roanoke is among 30 people from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, who are heading to destinations throughout the United States to spend Thanksgiving Break volunteering. Instead of returning home to their families and celebrating over turkey and mashed potatoes, students will serve hot meals to the homeless, build affordable housing and spend time with patients living with HIV/AIDS. Three Alternative Thanksgiving Break trips planned by students will take place in Georgia and Louisiana during JMU's Nov. 19-26 break. JMU's award-winning Alternative Break Program provides learning opportunities for students outside of the classroom where they focus on social issues by interacting with a local nonprofit, living simply and reflecting on the critical issues faced by the people they serve. Childers is a part of a 10-member team working at Project Lazarus, a New Orleans-based organization that works to provide long-term care for HIV/AIDS patients in a home-like environment. During the trip, students will spend one-on-one time with patients and assist when needed throughout the facility. "We are looking forward to visiting Project Lazarus and putting both faces and personalities to the HIV/AIDS disease," said Childers, senior

New Officers Elected for Republican Women's Club

health sciences major. "It's important to realize every statistic we hear about the disease correlates to an individual, such as the ones we will meet in New Orleans. We can't wait to go and to be able to celebrate Thanksgiving with a 'new' family." Students pay $250 to participate in the Atlanta trip. Fundraising projects led by the students and advisors help with some of the costs of the trips. From the first Alternative Spring Break in 1992, the JMU program has grown to encompass alternative break trips at Thanksgiving, Spring Break and May Break. The JMU program is the Break Away National Program of the Year for 2010 in recognition of the university's commitment to active citizenship. The program earned the same award in 1999 from Break Away, a national nonprofit organization that supports the development of quality alternative break programs at colleges and other nonprofit organizations. For information about JMU's Alternative Break Program, including an interactive map showcasing past service trips, and Community ServiceLearning, check http://www.jmu.edu/service/.

handle organizing it." With more than $120,000 raised in the past five years, the Roanoke Parks and Recreation Department says they plan to keep the Gallop going strong for many years to come. In 2012, Gallop funds will go to the Bridge the Gap campaign to finish

the Roanoke River Greenway between Salem and Roanoke for a continuous 18 miles of trail. For more information, contact Recreation Specialist Joe Hanning at 853-1276.

Kathy’s Boutique with a touch of elegance

Store Closing 12/31/2011 50% Off Everything WEST VILLAGE 3555 ELECTRIC ROAD ROANOKE, VIRGINIA 24018

announcements and story ideas to

info@newsroanoke.com

540.904.6585

GIANT SALE

SIDEWALK

Every Item on Sale!*

*Special Orders and some consignments not included

ALL Books

ALL Puzzles, Games & Toys

20% OFF

20%OFF

Regular Price

ALL Calendars & Greeting Cards

IANT S i d e Select walk Bar Sa

20%OFF

in Boo le ks 75%gaO FF

Bring in this ad and get

75,000 in Prize-Dollars

PR | Advertising | Marketing | Media

toward our Fantastic Prizes Contest! 10 great prizes worth over $1,000 including First Prize Apple™ iPad2!

Limit 1 Ad Per Person, Per Day | Expires 11/29/11

marketing meets

life

(540) 815-0669 carlinagency@gmail.com www.carlinagency.com

Sale Hours: Monday-Friday 10am-9pm Saturday 10am-8pm Sunday 12pm-4pm Ram's Head Book Shop Sale Terms: At Towers Shopping Center Cash | Checks | VISA | Mastercard | Amex 2137 Colonial Ave SW, Roanoke, VA All Sales Final

Perspective

Page 4 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 11/25/11 -12/1/11

A Final Reflection on My Dear Rock

n the 4th of May, cal artist Carol Nelms, commisthe waters took my sioned by my Sabrina, captures beloved dog Rock Rock’s somber mood perfectly. It Home. I wrote a short series is titled, “My Master’s Chair.” of columns about his passing Through the dimness in that and my grieving but I still have room, my boy watches me, or some final thoughts to share. I keeps watch over me; not like no longer cry over him; I trust God does, but as he is able. Alhe knows that’s just the normal though I know it’s just oil and course of grief, not to canvass, perhaps this be confused with not portrait also sends missing him each day. forth an octave my In the beginning Saears are not suited to brina sometimes set out hear suggested in ‘The one bowl too many at Rainbow Bridge.’ [Bedinner time. She would low.] Be it true or be it call for Rock, then, redelusion, it is neverthemembering, look down less comforting. I fully and sadly pick up the realize that wanting Lucky Garvin no-longer-necessary with all your heart for bowl. a thing to be true does Is he safe; happy? This is the not make it so. And yet, it could thing I need to know; I not only be granted… need to believe he is, but to know, THE RAINBOW BRIDGE like I know the Earth is round, There is a bridge connecting like I know gravity is a physical Heaven and Earth. It is called law; but such certainty is not the Rainbow Bridge because of its possible temporally. This pud- many colors. When our beloved ding is too thick for my spoon. pets die, they journey to this idylI typically finish each day in lic spot. There are meadows and a room towards the rear of the hills enough for all to frolic freely house; a large area lit only by a and plenty of food, water and single lamp as I read or watch the sunshine. Each and every animal news. To my left, is a portrait of is warm and comfortable. my boy, his crossed paws philoThose pets that have been ill sophically resting on the uphol- or aged are restored to health stered arm-rest where I often and vigor. Those who are hurt sit. The portrait, painted by lo- or maimed are made whole and

Rod, Reel and Lawyer

strong. Each is just as we rememargan Coggeshall’s legal troubles began ber in our dreams of days and in June 2010, when he and his brothertimes gone by. Our pets are happy in-law, Frank Garden, decided to fish on and content at Rainbow Bridge, the Jackson River near the home of Dr. John Felexcept for one small thing. They denzer, a surgeon from Roanoke. Matt Sponaugle, are not with their special person the owner of a housing development called River’s who loved them on earth. Edge, who had sold the riverfront property to the So each day they run and play, Feldenzers, insisted that the anglers leave that secbut the day comes when one sud- tion of the river immediately. He pointed to the denly stops, and looks into the “no trespassing” signs posted on the banks of both distance. Bright eyes are intent, an sides of the river that indicated that neither fishing eager body begins to quiver. Sud- nor wading was allowed there. Coggeshall, who denly, running from the group, had fished that part of the Jackson for years prior flying over the green grass, legs are to the home being built, countered that his map, going faster and faster. issued by the Virginia Department of Game and You have been spotted, and you Inland Fisheries (VDGIF), listed this section of and your special friend come to- the Jackson River as public property. gether in joyous reunion. Happy Eventually Sponaugle called for an Allegheny kisses rain upon your face; your County deputy sheriff to check the anglers’ fishing hands again caress the beloved licenses. The deputy found that their licenses were head; and you look once more in order and, because the state said that they had into the trusting eyes of your pet, a right to be there, refused to arrest them. Undeso long gone from your life, but terred, Sponaugle tried to sue the anglers in criminever absent from your heart. nal court; the case was dropped, however, because Then you cross the Rainbow the court found the ownership of the river in disBridge together, never again to be pute. Now Feldenzer and Sponaugle are suing the separated. anglers in civil court to the tune of $10,000 apiece - Author unknown for trespassing. So I ask again, is this how Sponaugle contends that he has a crown grant, it truly is or just the hoping- a deed issued by the Crown of England, that gives against-hope of the aching hearts him title to the land, including the bottom of of those of us who have lost be- the river. If you’re not a Virginian, this probably loved pets? I spoke to a friend sounds spurious. But in 1996 the Virginia Suthe other day who, knowing I preme Court, in a case called Kraft v. Burr, upheld had had other pets before, asked, the exclusive crown grant land and water rights “So why did you love Rock so of a particular group of Jackson River landownmuch?” Because love is love, ers. Sponaugle was not one of the Kraft v. Burr two-legged or four; feathered or landowners and his land is not a part of the refurred love is love; only rarely stricted “crown grant section” of the Jackson, but to be understood. But, this one he asserts the same rights to the property and inthing is true: when my dying day sists that the state is being negligent in refusing to comes, and I arrive on the other prosecute “trespassers.” side, if my Rock is not there, I’ll Unbeknownst to them when they headed out know for a certainty that I’ve for a peaceful day of fishing on the Jackson, our ended up somewhere other than two hapless anglers had stepped into what was Heaven… already a hornet’s nest. In June 2009, the VDGIF Look for Lucky’s books locally had informed Sponaugle by letter that his posted for 11/25/2011 and on-line: The Oath of Hippo- signs on this milelong stretch of the Jackson were crates; The Cotillian; A Journey illegal, the Kraft v. Burr decision having no bear5 7 8 9 10 Long Delayed. 1 2 3 4 ing on his6 property. Because the VDGIF does not Contact11Lucky Garvin at12 have 13 the authority to actually take the signs down, 14 info@theroanokestar.com confusion ensued, creating dire financial conse-

Local Crossword

ACROSS

NewsRoanoke.com

quences for Coggeshall and Garden, who were relying on VDGIF provided maps for their outing. Where private property rights and public access and usage rights conflict, we often witness fireworks. The landowners in this case clearly believe that they have an exclusive claim, and they might even be correct. But instead of petitioning the state and following proper channels, onerous as they often are, to recognize their claim to the river bottom, they have opted to sue individual anglers. If the anglers lose their case, or run out of money to defend themselves, which is a very real possibility, it really won’t matter whether the landowners have exclusive rights to the property or not: Anglers will flee the Jackson River altogether just to stay out of court. Outdoorsmen everywhere might wonder where the Virginia Attorney General’s Office is in all of this. According to a letter released by the AG’s office, “This is a civil trespassing case between private parties, and the Commonwealth of Virginia generally does not intervene in disputes between private parties.” Now, I’m no lawyer, and I am a staunch believer in private property rights, but the fact remains that these sportsmen were fishing in that section of the Jackson River because state-printed materials told them they could do so. Where private property rights are violated, Virginians expect authorities to protect them. Similarly, where public property access and usage rights are violated, we expect the authorities to defend them. Civil or not, North South Development v. Garden, is a critical case with implications for a number of Virginia waterways. The embattled anglers told me that they have already incurred $40,000 worth of legal bills defending themselves against the charge of trespassing on property that the commonwealth says is public. Concerned sportsmen across the Old Dominion have set up a website to help defray the costs of their defense: www. virginiariversdefensefund.org. Tourism dollars are crucial to Virginia’s economy, and yet state authorities are sending outdoor enthusiasts a curious message: We’ll sell you a license and give you a map, but attorneys’ fees are on you. In other words, fish elsewhere. Beau Beasley is a freelance writer and the author of Fly Fishing Virginia: A No Nonsense Guide to Top Waters. Distributed by Bay Journal News Service

1 Heroic 5 Sixth sense 15 16 17 8 The local tub care business which 18 19 20 21 does everything from chip repairs to complete refinishing. 22 23 24 25 26 Leaving a 401(k) with a previous employer could type mean 11 Music leaving it alone with no one to watch over it. 27 28 29 13 Canoe propeller remember when this before Macy's did. They flew the streets grew dangerous. and gave me new windows. At Edward Jones, we can explain options 14 Be for your 401(k) 30 meant some-31 the world's largest 32 33 34 town really American People started getting angry And then they did something and help you select the one that’s best for you. If you’d 15 Deer thing. Mr. Henry Ford flag out front, that's about war, and about skin color. even more amazing: they put 35 36 now in the like to roll it over to an Edward Jones Retire Winter sport 16Individual was busy making his cars, and Smithsonian. And on all four A scuffle broke out over on 12th me right into a new football ment Account (IRA), we can help you it without Beige 17 do 37 38 40 lots of folks were getting pretty sides,39porcelain-covered copper Street that turned into the worst stadium. They laid a new field paying taxes or penalties. And you 18 canBrew feel confidentthat someone is looking out for you20and your 401(k). rich. They all41 needed a nice letters flashed "HUDSONS" in American riot in 100 years. just north of me, and built the Crash 42 43 Type of with seasoning (2 wds.) place to shop, so Mr. Hudson 22 to red neon. Beautiful. 7000 people arrested, new place for the Lions to play. To ﬁnd out why it makes sense talk 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 Edward Jones about your 401(k) options, 26 Bacon built that huge store down on But they needed almost 100 killed and They turned me into offices and call or visit your local ﬁnancial today. Small ground plot 27 advisor 51 53 Woodward Avenue way back52 even more room. So 2000 injured. My restaurants, and on the side facMeasured in 1911. It grew and grew unthey built a bunch of buddies and I watched ing the field, they put in private www.edwardjones.com Member SIPC Carl M Grove, AAMS® 28 54 55 56 30 Traveler's aid Financial Advisor til it was 2 million square feet. us warehouses over as 1700 of our fellow rooms for wealthy folks to eat, 31 Diced 2115 Crystal Spring Avenue www.CrosswordWeaver.com Store space, restaurants, offices, on Brush Street, to buildings were looted drink, and watch the game. ToRoanoke, VA 24014 32 American sign language 540-344-9211 the whole thing. They had a hold all the goods. We and 1400 were burned day, as you enter Ford Field, you 35 Kinds 24 Talk incessantly . Thanksgiving parade two years stood here for a halfto the ground. After can see me. I'm the whole south 36 Healing plant 25 Yarn century, watching a that, things just kept side of the stadium, four glori37 Association (abbr.) 29 Subatomic particle proud city thrive. I getting worse, and ous levels of club seating. Imag39 Playing noisily 31 Faultfinding remember Gordie people kept leaving. ine that, me - a lowly Hudson's 41 Equatorial 32 Boxer Muhammad 43 Doze Howe bringing us They demolished merchandise warehouse - hostMike Keeler 33 Child 44 Pot 1 the Stanley Cup in Mr. Hudson's beau- ing Detroit's high-and-mighty 34 2 3 4 5 6 7 Limb 8 9 10 ACROSS 45 Lad 1952 (we got more of those than tiful store in 1998. Most of the every Sunday! 35 Teaspoon (abbr.) 11 12 13 14 to a dry environment 47 Adapted 36 Look any other American team); the warehouses followed soon after, And, would you believe it? 1 Heroic Price sticker 51 Tapestry 37 5 Sixth sense 15 16 17 Lions winning 3 NFL Cham- until only two of us were left. In Our Lions are having a respectMonkey 38 Tunes 8 The local tub care business which 52 pionships in the 50's; and the 2000, we heard wrecking crews able season at 7-3. I do believe 18 19 20 21 Steam room 53 local ice cremory is 'sweet 40 Which does everything from chip repairs Tigers winning the 1968 Series. coming up Brush Street to take I'm the luckiest warehouse in 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 ACROSS Ship initials 54 to the taste, smooth on the tongue, to complete refinishing. 22 23 24 25 26 People around the world drove us down... America! 55 Drug 11 12 13 and 14 yummy on the tummy'? 11 Music type 1 Heroic our cars, and blared Diana Ross But then something strange Rive 56 27 28 29 41 Skirt 13 Canoe propeller 5 Sixth sense 15 16 17 out 7ofdays the speakers. happened. Mr. William Clay 42 Coffee and Tea shop open Be 14The 30 31 32 33 34 local tub care business which 8 Contact Mike at DOWN Ford (Henry's great-greata week on Grandin Rd. in Unfortunately, it didn't last. Deer 18 19 20 21 15does everything from chip repairs info@theroanokestar.com Times got hard and people grandson) saved me. His crew 35 36 Roanoke. sport 16toWinter complete refinishing. 22 23 24 25 26 away 1 Move started moving out. At night opened me up, cleaned me out, 46 Berth 17 Beige 11 Music type 37 38 39 40 Legume 2 48 Regret Brew 18Canoe 27 28 29 propeller 13 computer co. 3 Large 41 42 43 49 Hotel 20 Crash 14 Be Element 4 30 31 32 33 34 50 Scoundrel Type of seasoning (2 wds.) 22Deer 15 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 5 Aurora Bacon 26Winter 35 36 sport 16 Rice wine 6 27 Small ground plot 51 52 53 17 Beige 7 Got ready 37 38 39 40 28 Measured 18 Brew 8 Asian 54 nation 55 56 30 Traveler's aid 41 42 43 20 Crash 9 Hunt Diced 31Type www.CrosswordWeaver.com of seasoning (2 wds.) 22 10 Coin 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 32 American sign language 26 Bacon But I do like sleeping in a ----. (from 12 35 Kinds Talk incessantly 24Where 27 Small ground plot 51 52 Are) 53 the Wild Things 36 Healing plant Yarn (2 wds.) 28 Measured 1925Devour Association (abbr.) 37Traveler's 54 56 Subatomic particle55 aid 30 detachment 2129Spacecraft 39 Playing noisily Faultfinding 31Metronome 31 Diced marking 22 www.CrosswordWeaver.com 41 Equatorial Boxer Muhammad 32 American sign language 2332Wing Doze 43Kinds Child 33 35 Talk incessantly 24 44 Pot Limb 34Yarn 36 Healing plant 25 45 Lad 35 Teaspoon (abbr.) 37 Association (abbr.) 29 Subatomic particle 47 Adapted to a dry environment 36 Look 39 Playing noisily 31 Faultfinding 51 Price sticker 37 Tapestry 41 Equatorial 32 Boxer Muhammad 52 Monkey 38 Tunes 43 Doze Free initial consultation, 33 Child 53 Steam room 40 Which local ice cremory is 'sweet 44 Pot Call 540-777-4900 34 Limb Ship initials 54Lad to the taste, smooth on the tongue, By Don Waterfield 45 35 Teaspoon (abbr.) Or visit www.roanokeinjurylawyer.com Drug 55Adapted Find the answers online: NewsRoanoke.com and yummy on the tummy'? to a dry environment 47 36 Look Have a clue and answer you’d like to see? 56 Rive Skirt 41Tapestry 51 Price sticker email: puzzles@newsroanoke.com 37 42 Coffee and Tea shop open 7 days 52 Monkey 38 Tunes DOWN a week on Grandin Rd. in 53 Steam room 40 Which local ice cremory is 'sweet Roanoke. 54 Ship initials to the taste, smooth on the tongue, 1 Move away Berth 46and 55 Drug yummy on the tummy'? 2 Legume Regret 48Skirt 56 Rive 41 3 Large computer co. 49 Hotel For more information, contact us: 42 Coffee and Tea shop open 7 days 4 Element Scoundrel 50a week DOWN on Grandin Rd. in 5 Aurora Roanoke. 2721 Brambleton Ave. S.W. 6 Rice wine 1 Move away 46 Berth Roanoke, VA 24015 Got ready 7Legume 2 48 Regret Asian nation 8Large www.roanokeinjurylawyer.com computer co. 3 PLLC 49 Hotel 9 Hunt 4 Element Scoundrel 50 Defective Products- Automobile Accidents-Animal Attacks- Nursing Home Neglect 10 Coin 5 Aurora But I do like sleeping in a ----. (from 12Rice wine 6 Where the Wild Things Are) 7 Got ready Devour (2 wds.) 19Asian nation 8

If You Aren’t at Your Last Job, Why Is Your 401(k)?

Talk About Rising Out of The Rubble!

Local Crossword

Star-Sentinel Crossword for 11/25/2011

Local Crossword for 11/25/2011

Nursing Home Neglect? Assisted Living Negligence?

• Bed sores • Falls/Fractures • Wandering • Malnutrition/Dehydration • Wrongful death • Poor care/staﬃng

Attorney Paul Thomson protecting the rights & dignity of our elders through the Civil Justice System

If you don’t fight for quality care for your loved one, who will?

HOMSON L AW FIRM,

540-777-4900 or 877-471-3353

Perspective

11/25/11 -12/1/11 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 5

NewsRoanoke.com

Home-Made Gifts From The Heart The Happy Chef - Gorilla Bread by Leigh Sackett

ot everyone will agree with me, but I shouted, “Oh NO!” Her family had four children have always believed that home-made and had finally consumed last year’s gifts! gifts are more meaningful than those Many of my gifts have been made during the purchased at the mall or gift cards that leave the summer when fruits and vegetables were plentiful selection up to the recipient. Love and patience, in our garden. Jellies and preserves and pickles are time and talent are all required to choose and cre- usually welcomed, as well as baked goods such as ate just the right gift – a gift that is actually part of whole wheat bread, which few people make these the person who created it. days. When my children were small I encouraged Early in our marriage, I learned an important each of them to make gifts for family members. lesson about the limitations of gift making. Each Even before the stores displayed Christmas deco- year I tried to get the most value for the money we rations (shortly after Halloween) I started plan- had saved for Christmas. I enjoyed sewing and one ning, reading craft books and women’s maga- year I decided to make robes for the three women zines, searching for ideas. Since I had on my list. I found a simple pattern that preschool and kindergarten children included three sizes and purchased at school, and sixth and seventh gradenough pale blue velour for three robes, ers in Sunday School, in addition to the matching blue satin for the trim, and three at home, I needed projects for sevthe thread and interfacing that I would eral different age levels. My goal was for need. gifts that would be useful and attractive, That night I proceeded to cut the which parents would welcome. material, carefully pinning the pattern Christmas tree ornaments our chilpieces, then placing the cut material in dren made through the years become three neat piles. The following mornmore precious as time goes by. It’s ing I had a sore throat, and as the day Mary Jo Shannon amazing how Elmer’s glue, gold spray passed I felt worse. I set my sewing paint and glitter can transform recycled machine up in the living room, and milk tops, stars cut from Styrofoam meat trays, alternated sewing and stretching out on the sofa and plastic lids from margarine, into attractive or- for two weeks. I had spent the money and couldn’t naments. Glue a picture of the giver in the center, buy other gifts, so I had to finish those robes. Forprint name and date on the back with a gold pen, tunately they turned out well and I didn’t tell the and you have a unique decoration. These simple recipients what a struggle it was to make them. projects were easy and suitable for the younger As a result of this experience I vowed never again children, although they required preparation by to overextend myself. I would limit my gift making an adult. to one person and rotate those on my gift list so all Items found on nature walks, summer and fall, would eventually receive a home-made gift. were saved to make Christmas presents. Shells My children continued to make gifts for family from the beach became mobiles or soap dishes. members as they grew older and no longer needed Hemlock cones glued to brown paper rings made my supervision. During her high school years, individual candle rings. A more ambitious candle Kathy sewed shirts for her father and brothers and ring consisted of a variety of seed pods and cones a blouse and pot holders for me. John is artistic glued to a plywood ring. (Harry has always been and made pencil portraits of his parents and his willing to cut the wood we needed for more ad- children. His love of woodworking has produced a vanced endeavors.) storage unit for CDs for his dad. I’ve written before When I organized a gift-making workshop for about Harry’s soap carvings, and now that he has all age levels at church, one gift every child made a farm, we get sausage and his home-made wild for his/her parents was a jar of nine-bean-soup raspberry jam. mix. Children of all ages could decorate a jar, scoop Home-made gifts come straight from the heart! the beans to fill it and attach a recipe. This gift was Contact Mary Jo at such a hit with parents we decided to repeat it the maryjoshannon@ymail.com following year. When we told the children, one girl

The Preacher’s Corner - by Mark Graham

was reminded by my wonderful friend Katherine that one of the great joys of the Holiday season is baking. Of course, there are so many things that we all love to do during the Holiday season but often we don’t have enough time for half of them. Well, I am doing all my Christmas shopping early this year so that I am certain to make time for baking. This recipe would be great to give as a gift, make on Christmas morning or as a special treat for the kids before heading off to church on a Sunday morning to enjoy Christmas hymns. This bread is from the fabulous Paula Deen and it sure is sweet and wonderful! With a name like Gorilla bread it must be an even bigger and better than monkey bread. A perfect ten!

1 1/2 cups coarsely chopped walnuts -Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. -Spray a bundt pan with nonstick cooking spray. Mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon. -In a saucepan, melt the butter and brown sugar over low heat, stirring well; set aside. -Cut the cream cheese into 20 equal cubes. Press the biscuits out with your fingers and sprinkle each with 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon sugar. Place a cube of cream cheese in the center of each biscuit, wrapping and sealing the dough around the cream cheese.

-Sprinkle 1/2 cup of the nuts into the bottom of the bundt pan. Place half of the prepared biscuits in the pan. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, pour half of the melted butter mixture over the biscuits, and sprinkle on 1/2 cup of nuts. -Layer the remaining biscuits on top, sprinkle with the remaining cinnamon sugar, pour the remaining butter mixture over the biscuits, and sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup of nuts. -Bake for 30 minutes. -Remove from the oven and cool for 5 minutes. Place a plate on top and invert.

At Your

1/2 cup granulated sugar 3 teaspoons cinnamon 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter 1 cup packed brown sugar 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese 2 (12-ounce) cans refrigerated biscuits (10 count)

540-904-7104 SERVING THE ROANOKE VALLEY

lOSe WeiGht aS if yOur life depended On it. Start by losing 10 pounds in 2 weeks.**

Being overweight increases your risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and many types of cancer, it also can take years off your life. Our programs offer strategies unavailable to commercial weight loss programs. Non-surgical weight loss One-on-one with a physician Physician customized plan 99% keep the weight off after a year*

A Psalm for the Season

ecently Psalm 95 came around as part of our worship at the congregation I serve. I love all 150 Psalms; but, truth be told, it’s only been recently that I’ve taken the necessary time to give these songs and prayers of the Bible their proper attention. It’s amazing what God has waiting for us when we do. In Judeo/Christian use of the Psalms, Psalm 95 has long been beloved as a call to worship. “Oh come, let us sing to the LORD; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!” It doesn’t get any better than that as an invitation to set one’s mind and heart on the Lord. Psalm 95 also reminds us that God is our Maker and our Shepherd, for we are “the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand.” Here we learn that we are both handmade and hand-held by God, and that revelation alone is worth a study of the Psalms. But suddenly, Psalm 95 takes a dark turn. Just like that, God warns us not to harden our hearts “as at Meribah, as on the day at Massah in the wilderness…” Four hundred years before this Psalm came to be, the people of God rose up in the wilderness in complaint against

the Lord and Moses for a lack of water, as read in Exodus 17. Never mind that God had saved them from slavery, had shown them miracle after miracle, and had always provided for their needs. No, a deep complaining, quarreling spirit had pierced their hearts against the Lord, and their hearts became hardened against Him. All those hundreds of years later, the Lord’s anger over their complaining still burned like hot bile in His mouth. Few things, it seems, triggers the righteous wrath of our God more than for His own people to say He hasn’t done enough for them. So this sharp truth of Psalm 95 leads me to see these coming holidays in a new light. Yes, ‘tis the season to be merry. But more so, it’s the time to be grateful—grateful to the Lord for all that He has done for us, grateful to the point that if God never does another thing for us, He has done more than enough already. Gratitude is the best way to protect our hearts from a hardened spirit of complaint. This week, take time to be very specific in developing an “attitude of gratitude.” Write down a list of blessings for which you are grateful to God. Tuck that

The Perfect Gift for Cat Lovers and Story Lovers Alike! Local Author

Mary Elizabeth Siske McManaway’s

Warm Children's tale about a cat from Tinker’s Creek separated from his family by a storm.

English : S7.95

Spanish: $10

For Purchase Contact Mary at McMary24019@msn.com or 540-366-7147 (voicemail)

list in your wallet or purse and pull it out occasionally. Add to it over the days ahead. Soak your heart with gratitude, rejoicing in the love for you of your Maker and Shepherd. Mark Graham is the Senior Pastor at St. John Lutheran Church in Roanoke. Visit them on the web at stjohnlutheran.org

877.398.1547

cmwl.com

Grand OpeninG - BramBletOn COmmOnS initial COnSultatiOn Only $19!

Kenneth Luckay, DO - 4515 Brambleton Ave. S.W., Suite B, Roanoke VA *Based on a stratified sample of 349 patients over a six-year period. Patients must have remained on the program for a minimum of 28 days and be monitored with at least two physician visits within first 31 days to be included in the study. A variety of nutritional meal replacements were used. 99% of the patients that followed the CMWL program, including a low calorie diet and individual counseling with CMWL physicians, from one month up to a year, weighed less at their last weigh-in than their starting weight. **Based on a stratified random sample of 223 women and 99 men on a medically prescribed diet.

Page 6 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 11/25/11 -12/1/11

NewsRoanoke.com

Roanoke College Poll Measures New Virginia Specialty License Consumer Sentiment in Virginia Plate Supports Community Trees

As the holiday spending season approaches, Virginians have weighed in on their opinion of the economy. The Roanoke College Institute for Policy and Opinion Research (IPOR) surveyed 603 Virginians about their financial situation, general business conditions and their inclination for purchasing durable goods. Indexes of current conditions, consumer expectations, and consumer sentiment were constructed. This is the first gauge of Virginia confidence, and it will be repeated in February 2012. Virginians Optimistic about the Future The IPOR developed three indexes of consumer confidence in Virginia modeled after the University of Michigan’s widely publicized set of indexes measuring national consumer sentiment. The Virginia Index of Current Conditions (VAICC) considers household financial situations compared to the past year and consumers’ willingness to purchase durable goods such as refrigerators and furniture. The Virginia Index of Consumer Expectations (VAICE) gauges household expectations of their finances and business conditions in the coming year. The Virginia Index of Consumer Sentiment (VAICS) is an aggregate measure of current conditions and future beliefs of Virginia households. The November VAICC is 64, compared to the preliminary national value of 76.6. This was the highest for the national number

since June, although the number is well off the 90-100 range sustained during the mild recession of 2001 and the 111.3 in the first quarter of 2007. The national number has not gone above 90 since January 2008. Specifically, 44% of Virginians felt they are worse off financially now than they were a year ago and 60% reported that they thought business conditions were worse today than they were a year ago. The VAICE is 76, suggesting that households are optimistic that their financial situation and business conditions will improve over the next year. Nearly a third, (32%) of Virginians reported a belief that they would be better off financially a year from now. Comparably, the nation is less optimistic about the coming year. The national preliminary ICE is 56, although the national number considers expectations over the coming five years, rather than just one year from now. The VAICS is 70, which is higher than the preliminary national value of 64.2. The national preliminary values are based on a sample of 250 to 300 consumers. The final national November values will be released November 23, 2011. Potential reasons for the greater optimism in Virginia versus the nation include a statewide unemployment rate that is 2.5 points lower than the national rate of 9.0% and per capita income that is more than 10% higher than the national average. Optimism lower in Southside

and Southwest Virginia The economic situation varies substantially across the state. The VAICC is lowest in Southwest Virginia (55) and Southside (58), and highest in NOVA (73). Almost 59% of Southwest Virginians reported being worse off financially today compared to a year ago. Residents of Southside Virginia demonstrate optimism about the coming year, reporting a VAICE of 72, compared to 66 and 83 for Southwest and NOVA, respectively. Variations in consumer confidence reflect differences in regional economic outcomes. Unemployment rates are highest in Danville (9.5%, Bureau of Labor Statistics, September) and lowest in Charlottesville (5.4%, BLS, September), although optimism could be improving in Southside due to the considerable drop in unemployment in that region in the past year (falling from 12.0% in the summer of 2010.) Confidence and Spending The fourth quarter of the year is typically a big time for retail sales. Additionally, holiday travel is anticipated to increase this year. As consumers feel more confident about the future of the economy, and travel more during the holidays, the quarter could be a plentiful harvest for Virginia businesses. Interviewing for The Roanoke College Poll was conducted by The Institute for Policy and Opinion Research at Roanoke College in Salem between November 7 and November 15, 2011. The sample consisted of 603 residents of Virginia. Questions answered by the entire sample are subject to a sampling error of plus or minus approximately 4 points at the 95 percent level of confidence. A copy of the questions and all frequencies may be found on the Roanoke College web site: roanoke.edu/News_and_Events/ C a m p u s _ Ne w s / R C _ Po l l _ Nov_2011.htm

A new Virginia specialty license plate is available for pre-order. The Virginia Loves Trees license plate, featuring a community skyline enhanced by trees in eye-catching blues and greens, is designed to raise awareness of the value of community trees. Supporting organizations include the urban forestry program in Virginia Tech's College of Natural Resources and Environment, Trees Virginia (the state's Urban Forestry Council), the Virginia Nursery and Landscape Association, the Mid-Atlantic Chapter, International Society of Arboriculture and the Virginia Green Industry Council. The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles requires that 450 plates be pre-sold before it puts a proposed plate into production; the deadline for reaching that threshold for the Virginia Loves Trees plate is June 30, 2012. Once the minimum number of pre-orders is received, the plates will be made available at any Department of Motor Vehicles location. Plates can be pre-ordered online or by mail using forms at the Virginia Loves Trees website. Susan Day, assistant professor of urban forestry at Virginia Tech, urges prospective buyers to order a plate as soon as possible: "Since the plates won't go into production until 450 are ordered, the sooner those 450 founding plates are sold, the sooner the Department of Motor Vehicles can begin producing them." "The value of the plate isn't just supporting community trees monetarily, but also showing other Virginians that you care about the trees in

With the advent of the ebook, and with the excitement of a new round of e-readers and lower pricing, we all hear the speculation (and, sometimes, the proclamation) that the bound book is dead. It’s true that, increasingly, e-book sales are outstripping the bound book in many venues. However, the most avid readers who own an e-reader also keep their bound books. Why? Because there are still things an e-book can’t do. Here are five examples: 1. An e-book has no scent.

OFFICE SPACE Franklin Square Office Park 1917 Franklin Road

c e le b r a t in g t h e p u b lic a t io n o f M e lv in E . M a t t h e w s J r. 's

BOO K PA RTY

DUCK

AND

Office Suites from 250 Sq Feet to 3000 Sq Feet

COVER

Tuesday November 29 5:30p.m. - 8:00p.m. The Shenandoah Club

Newly Renovated and Best Location Next to Green Way Restaurant/Lounge Space Over 3000 Sq Feet Plus Large Kitchen at Ramada Conference Center

Call Ssunny Shah 540.537.0618

your neighborhood and community," she added. "It raises people's awareness of a valuable component of their community that many take for granted until it is gone." The Virginia Loves Trees plate is a revenuesharing specialty plate, meaning that $15 of the $25 plate fee will go to the sponsoring organizations. Revenue sharing begins after the first 1,000 plates are sold. Proceeds will benefit the urban forestry program at Virginia Tech and Trees Virginia, which helped start and continues to be a strong supporter of Virginia Tech's urban forestry program with student scholarships and funding for other student and community programs. The Virginia Loves Trees plate was designed by a student graphic design group at Virginia Tech; a group of marketing students are developing a plan to promote the plate statewide.

For further information please call Linda Webb at (540) 293-8714

You can’t smell an e-book. Did you ever go into a used bookstore looking for your own copy of a favorite classic? The bookseller searches for the book with you and, finally, you’re both rewarded. You are holding in your hands a nineteenth century copy of Jane Austen’s “Persuasion.” You open it and a whiff of another time meets your senses. That smell of old paper becomes part of the experience of reading for you. That aroma is a bit of the icing on the cake of literature. Try that with an e-book! 2. An e-book can’t let you feel the differences in reading material. One e-book feels the same as every other. Smooth. Pick up a hardback copy of Kathryn Stockett’s “The Help.” Feel the weight of it. Run your fingers over the embossed cover. Turning each page is part of the eager anticipation of the next development in Hinds County, Mississippi. You can’t feel the touch and texture of an e-book. 3. An e-book can’t really be kind to the environment. You have a paperback copy of Steven Saylor’s “Roman Blood.” You’ve read it twice and lent it out three times. Your grandson pulls it off the coffee table and totes it happily to the muddy spot in the yard that the dog has created with that incessant bone burying ritual. It’s sad, but you know you have to replace the book and use this copy for fuel at the next weenie roast. It has begun the process of decomposition. However, should you de-

of Roanoke

THE CHOICE IS CLEAR. It isn’t the end of the world, but it can be the start of a new one. For over 40 years we’ve been Virginia’s leading provider of prosthetic and orthotic technology. When you consider that we have the knowledge, experience, and 16 locations to help you live your life to the fullest, the choice becomes clear.

MOBILE PHONES & ACCESSORIES PAYMENT CENTER BUY, TRADE OR SELL YOUR PHONE

YES WE FLASH!

Samsung Gem for only a PENNY!

*Phone offer is after mail in rebate with 2 year contract.

T Mobile New Phone $10 OFF allPurchase and Activation!

FREE ACCESSORY with New Activation

By Lynn Davis info@newsroanoke.com

5 Things E-Books Can’t Do

The readers of The Roanoke Star Sentinel are cordially invited to a

AVA I L A BL E

The Virginia Loves Trees license plate will support education, outreach, and partnerships to enhance Virginia's community trees.

*Restrictions Apply Only one offer per purchase, offers can not be combined. While supplies last.

Sat - Fri 10am-7pm, Sun 12pm-4pm Extended Holiday Hours 540-427-1213 | www.gomobileva.com 2110 Bennington St (Next to Food Lion)

cide to dispose of your broken or outdated e-reader, how environmentally friendly do you really think it is? “Roman Blood” is biodegradable. Can you say that about an e-reader? 4. An e-book can’t operate without a battery or a power cord and, preferably, a wi-fi hotspot. That’s a real limitation for those who are marathon readers. However, a first edition hardback of Alan Furst’s “Night Soldiers” can be read anywhere there is good light, a hot beverage, and a footstool. And you can read for as long as you like without worry of a power failure. Seriously, you can even read it by candlelight in a power outage. Alan Furst… no batteries required. 5. An e-book is not easy to share. Option one: You go to the store. You buy a copy of Katrina Kittle’s “The Kindness of Strangers.” You read it, cry, and know you have to give it to your friend, David, to read. (Mostly, because you like to see men cry, but Kittle really is brilliant.) You give it to David, he reads it, he cries, everyone’s happy. Option two: You get the e-book. You read it. It’s great, and then you start the hunt for a flash drive but eventually realize that you can’t put the book on the drive. You have to figure out how to get permission to share it. And by the time you figure it out, David has left for Chicago and the moment is lost. An e-book is not easy to share and sharing may not even be legally possible, anyway. For those of us who are bookaholics, we know the future. We get it. We are not in denial. Ebooks are here. That’s clear. Get used to it. But there will continue to be those of us who will want our heavy, embossed, old-papersmelling, environmentally green, easy-to-share bound books, because we, too, are looking to the future. One hundred years from now, try to smell the digital copy of next year’s yet-tobe-released classic. The future of the bound book is not dead, just moving toward an active retirement that’s physically fit and engaged with a sense of the beauty of living. Michael McGee London is a playwright and the creator of limited edition hand-made novels. You can see his work at londonhousepublishing.com.

Sports

Cave Spring Cages Bulldogs To Advance To Region Final

Cave Spring relied on a relentless ground game and running back Sam Wright scorched the Martinsville defense, as the Knights defeated the Bulldogs 41-9 Friday night at Dwight Bogle Stadium in the Region IV Division 3 semifinal. Cave Spring travels to Richlands this Friday in the region final rematch of last year’s 36-23 win by the Blue Tornado. The Knights faced a Martinsville team they had topped 5029 in week-two of the regular season, but any advantage the Bulldogs hoped for in the second meeting was dispelled by the Cave Spring defense.

Please send in your pictures and relevant subject / game info and we’ll feature the next week! info@newsroanoke.com - Deadline is 5PM Tuesday.

North Cross Wins State Title

The 2011 VISSA Division III State Champion North Cross Raiders.

The Knight’s defense, led by #20 Ryan Gerhardt and #57 Clay Woody, throws a Bulldog ball carrier for a loss in the region semifinal Friday night.

Cave Spring running back #28 Sam Wright breaks into the open field on his way to a 4-TD night against Martinsville. The Knights swarmed every Martinsville offensive effort, holding the Bulldogs to 104 total yards. The lone Bulldog touchdown came in the final minute on a 75-yard fumble

Is your team not getting enough coverage?

return, long after the Knights were deep into their bench and the outcome clearly settled. Wright was the primary offensive weapon for Cave Spring, picking up 297 yards on the ground on 31 carries, and scor-

ing four touchdowns from 7, 20, 28 and 46 yards. Wright, the alltime career and single-season rushing leader for Cave Spring, now has 33 TDs on the season. Cave Spring also surprised any Martinsville game plan by bringing back quarterback Reece Kingery, who had been sidelined for the previous two games with a leg injury. Kingery responded with 125 yards in the air on 7-of-12 attempts. The totals included a 16-yard strike to Jon Evans in the second quarter and a 5-yard toss to junior Jack Woody early in the fourth. Jordan Bryant tacked on three PATs for the Knights and hauled in a trick-play 2-point conversion pass from backup QB Tony Simmons. By Bill Turner info@newsroanoke.com

Wild Bill’s Weekly Sports Roundup

The North Cross Raiders churned out consistent yard- ploded in celebration. The traveled to VA Beach last Fri- age and wideouts Hugh Cun- Ambassadors were able to get day night to take on VISSA diff, Brice Woodliff, Josh Mur- on the board one more time Division III powerhouse and ray and George Revercomb to make the final score 26-13 defending State Champion hauled in a variety of sharp but the better team seemed to Norfolk Christian Academy passes from Weaver (12-24 for have the upper hand until the and though picked to lose by 154 yards and 4 touchdowns) final gun. every sportsAfter the writer in the game head state (except coach Stephen our own Bill Alexander Turner) pulled praised Taylor off an impresand his coachsive victory ing staff and against the his players for Ambassadors. their hard work North Cross and discipline jumped out to in preparing an early lead for a team that in the first clearly had sevquarter (12-0) eral superstars on two touchwho would down passes be moving on by quarterback North Cross linebackers George Revercomb and Chris Shelton to the college Thomas Weav- stop Kwontie Moore for a short gain in the first half. ranks. "Our er that were guys listened backed up by an aggressive in building an 18-0 halftime and bought into doing things defensive scheme put together lead. the right way . . . as a team," by Defensive Coordinator and Norfolk Christian came out said Alexander. "They never former UVA star and Balti- swinging in the second half and gave up - they gave it their more Raven Shannon Taylor. seemed poised for a comeback all and they executed . . . I've The Ambassadors, with four but on 4th and 1, trailing by never been so proud to be a UVA commitments and an- a score of 26 - 7, North Cross Raider!" other Division I prospect be- stuffed 6'-3" 240 pound Army North Cross finished 9-3 on ing recruited by Navy, seemed All-American Kwontie Moore the year in earning the VISSA confused by North Cross' at the line of scrimmage and Division III State Title. speed on the outside and re- the Raider coaching staff exlentless pressure from defensive linemen Paul Smith, AusWe now offer tin Mylott, Derek Mason and Acupuncture, Paul Ross. The Raiders forced Laser therapy, & At Hanging Rock Animal Hospital, we offer traditional, Homeopathic four fumbles and pressured as well as holistic treatments for your furry family members. treatments! Norfolk Christian Quarterback Mekel Watson into three interceptions on a night in which he went 12 of 28 for 204 yards. On the offensive side of the ball, Head Coach Stephen Alexander had the Ambassadors reeling with a creative mix of plays run primarily out of the Raider’s spread offense. www.hangingrockah.com Please stop by to meet our great team, tour our hospital, and find out why North Cross moved the ball we offer the best compresensive wellness care for you pet. consistently in the first half as Cinthia L. Honeycutt, DVM Todd Czarnecki, DVM, CVA Laura Nelson, DVM running back Evan Anderson

Hold the applause. Stop the has an enjoyable turkey day 20, but have no doubt - this is music. I am humbled by your and, when we return, the hoops one road they did not want to e-mails and face-to-face com- season will be upon us for a travel. ments about this column and wild ride well into the winter. Dear Dr. Turner: Can heel its uncanny, if not eeDear Wild Bill: My calluses be safely removed by rie, clairvoyance. husband, Oliver, mar- number-four sandpaper? The predictions hit vels at your psychic ac(Myrtle/Roanoke) the jackpot again last curacy. I know it’s out Answer: No, no, Myrtle. week with a perfect of your sphere of in- Like last year, you’ve sent your 5-0 performance in the fluence, but could you inquiry to the football colultimate test; playoff offer any prediction umn. It’s the foot CARE feature football, where only when the transmission you’re looking for. Help me, I the best are left standon my ‘93 Pontiac need this break. Bill Turner ing and the onus falls may blow? (Geneva/ squarely on the preCallaway) Send your inquiries to: info@ dictor to show his savvy. Answer: Well, Geneva, iron- newsroanoke.com The highlight last Friday was ically I’ve heard your car’s noisBy Bill Turner the pick for North Cross to win es and witnessed your driving info@newsroanoke.com the VIS Division 3 State Cham- habits. I’m not into mechanical pionship with a feat most felt duration patterns, but I can improbable, if not impossible. make a recommendation. Buy This one did not take the guts a AAA membership tout-suite. many have given me credit for. Dear Predictionist: Any Having covered North Cross thoughts on this weekend’s all season, I saw the potential Tech-UVa football game? for this Stephen Alexander- (Andy/Bedford) coached team and went for the Answer: It should be a glory. Great win, North Cross. dandy. The last thing most incarpetroanoke.com Licensed & Insured Two of our local-eleven re- telligent Hokies wanted was main in the playoff mix. Cave a Hoos win over Florida State REPAIRS – NEW SALES - EXPERTS Spring travels to Richlands, last Saturday. Tech may win by and Northside entertains Brookville this Friday night in exact rematches from last year’s respective regional finals. Look for some different results in It’s hard to believe winter is right around 2011. the corner. Shoveling snow. Treacherous It’s also time to look back roads. Feeling trapped in your home. on volleyball results after last At The Village on Pheasant Ridge, we are an weekend’s VHSL championattractive, affordable, alternative to the stress of ships closed the book on 2011. home upkeep. We bring harmony to your life Congrats go out to Patrick and let you get back to the things you love. Morning exercise, trips to museums, daily Henry, Hidden Valley, and outings, shopping with friends, poker with the North Cross on valiant runs boys... your social life begins here. deep in the playoffs. Two other local teams brought home state Independent living without the hassle of everychampionships in their respecday home ownership. As the cold weather sets in, spend your life doing what you love and not tive divisions. worrying about the hassles of winter! Roanoke Catholic captured • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • the VISAA Division III title BE PREPARED FOR THE WINTER AND CALL FOR YOURSELF with a win over Grace AcadeOR A LOVED ONE TO JOIN US FOR A LUNCH & TOUR! my. Cave Spring won the VHSL Group AA championship with The Village on Pheasant Ridge Independent & Assisted Living a win over Jamestown. With these results, Roanoke appears 4428 Pheasant Ridge Road Roanoke, VA 24014 to be well on its way to being 540.400.6482 the volleyball mecca of the www.villageonpheasantridge.com state. info@villageonpheasantridge.com Now, a last look in the mailRoanoke’s Premiere Senior Living Community bag before a well-needed holi• No Large Buy-Ins • Month-to-Month Rental • Inviting 1 & 2 Bedroom Apartment Homes with Washer/Dryers day break. I hope every reader • Free On-Site Transportation • Weekly Housekeeping/Linen Service •

1910 Loch Haven Drive • Roanoke, VA 24019 • 540-562-4596

Steven W. Durrance Floors 540-776-9591

No winter stress here at The Village!

BECOME A THERAPEUTIC FOSTER PARENT! Help a child in need and earn extra income at the same time. National Counseling Group is looking for people who are committed to helping those in need. We are now recruiting dedicated people to become therapeutic foster parents!! Training session starting soon!! Contact Todd Martin for more information at (540) 776-0716

Sports

Page 8 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 11/25/11 -12/1/11

Knights Sign Letters Of Intent With College Scholarships

A pair of Cave Spring athletes signed to play at the college level during a ceremony in the school auditorium last Wednesday afternoon. Morgan Shannon has decided to play volleyball for Davidson College after receiving the prestigious Lowell L. Bryan Scholarship, awarded for character, leadership, academics and service. After competing with 300 students, she received notice earlier this month Catawba-bound Lauren Sledd with mom Carol Hall and dad of being one of two recipients. A Tracy Sledd. valedictorian at Cave Spring with a weighted GPA of 4.4043, Shannon had also considered William & Mary. She is the daughter of Rhoda and Mike Shannon. Also at Cave Spring, Lauren Sledd signed to play tennis for Catawba College, located 20 minutes outside Charlotte. A starter for the Knights, Sledd pointed to the Catawba coach and the school’s location as her deciding factors. She had also considered Radford and USC-Aiken. Sledd, who helped Cave Spring win the Group AA state volleyMorgan Shannon, with parents Rhonda and Mike Shannon, ball championship last weekend signed with Davidson. as the team’s standout libero, has By Bill Turner an impressive 3.7 GPA. She is the daughter of Carol Hall and Tracy info@newsroanoke.com Sledd.

My kids think I’m Having a Sponge Bath!

> Knights could deliver. With a pair of six-foot front liners, Jamestown looked to be a force at the net, especially when combined with an array of talented back-row defenders. But, the power game of the Eagles was frustrated all evening by a Cave Spring defense that time-after-time brought Jamestown shots off the hardwood. That, followed by the rapid Knight passing game that typically led to Cave Spring kills, had the Eagles scrambling. Cave Spring took game one with ease. The Knights jumped out to a 9-2 lead, eventually increasing the margin to eleven, 23-12, before closing with the 25-14 win. Game two had the Knights

From page 1

Cave Spring players mob the court as the Knights secure the clinching point against Jamestown. up early at 8-3, before Jamestown rallied to get within one point at 12-11. But, Cave Spring turned on the burners, forging ahead with their precise pass-set-kill game for a late 22-16 lead. A pair of Jamsestown service errors doomed any chance of a comeback, and the Knights took the second game 25-19. Jamestown hung tough in the third as the Eagles only trailed 14-13 midway through. Once again a Knight surge at the net put Cave Spring up 22-18, and set the stage for a

Cave Spring front-liners #11 Kelsey Sine and #1 Shannon Craighead reject a kill attempt by Jamestown outside hitter #7 Becca Schroeder.

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF NEW HANOVER IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE DISTRICT COURT DIVISION 11 CV 001836

TO: Marshall Edward Williamson PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a petition seeking relief against you has been filed in the above-entitled action. The matter of the relief being sought is as follows: DIVORCE.

Independent & Assisted Living 4920 Woodmar Dr. SW Roanoke, VA 24018

540-989-9501

www.parkoakgrove.com • mbelfiore@parkoakgrove.com

YOU ARE HEREBY REQUIRED to make defense to Such pleadings no later than forty (40) days from the date of the first publication if this Notice, or from the date Complaint is required to be filed, whichever is latter; upon your failure to do so, the party seeking relief against you will apply to the court for the relief sought. THIS IS THE 18th DAY OF NOV, 2011. WILLIAM T. BATCHELOR, II Attorney for Plaintiff 107 Castle Street Wilmington, North Carolina 28401. Telephone: (910) 796-7230 State Bar No.: 13250 (Legal notice published in the Roanoke Star Sentinel. )

2011

In Memory of Family & Friends. Each year, we pause to remember and honor our loved ones with an annual Service of Remembrance. We invite all the families Oakey’s has served during the past twelve months to attend one of the Services of Remembrance listed below.

Cave Spring all-state #10 Morgan Shannon brings up a dig as middle-line hitter #3 Erin Holsinger positions for a kill. dramatic finish like no other. Jamestown, facing match point, down 24-22, played what appeared to be the perfect set-kill combo to draw within one. But, when the laser kill headed toward the hardwood, Cave Spring’s Craighead dove across the court for a desperation dig. As Jamestown prepared to celebrate the sure score, the ball bounced off Craighead’s outstretched foot, bounded across the net, landing squarely in the middle of four stunned Eagles who never moved. The ref on the platform signaled point-Cave Spring as the Knights mobbed the court in celebration. Cave Spring’s game plan was executed flawlessly. All-State hitter Morgan Shannon, who finished with a Cave Spring career-high 1,431 kills, pelted Jamestown with 19 kills, several of which tumbled Eagle defenders who had little answer for Shannon’s power. When Shannon wasn’t scattering the Jamestown back line, junior Erin Holsinger came from the middle, finishing with 12 kills of her own. Holsinger also provided 2 blocks and became the single-

the Cave Spring quarterback, setting the Knight offense with 34 well-placed assists. It was too much for Jamestown to overcome. “This was by far the best defensive team I’ve seen all year,” Jamestown head coach Tom Stephenson said afterward. “That’s the reason they’re state champions.” “We were really on today,” Knight’s head coach Tamalyn Tanis said with a huge grin. “I get nervous before any game. This was nice to watch. These girls had this goal all season. It was the seniors’ determination and leadership that was key.” It was Cave Spring’s fifth volleyball state championship since 2003, moving them past six other teams who had previously been tied with the Knights in all classifications, at four. All five have come under Tanis. “It’s humbling,” the 10-year Knight coach said. “These girls work all season to prepare for this. It’s hard to imagine what they go through.” For the Davidson-bound Shannon, her final game in a Cave Spring uniform was one she’ll never forget. “It hasn’t hit me yet,” she said with a smile. For the equally talented Craighead, the win capped off her impressive career at Cave Spring as well. “(This was the) best defense I think I ever played.” By Bill Turner info@newsroanoke.com

Charlie...

Saturday, November 19, 3:00 p.m. - Roanoke & South Chapel Memorial service to be celebrated at Oakey’s South Chapel, 4257 Brambleton Ave.

3 mo. old Aussie/Lab mix. Eager to begin his life as someone’s best friend!

Saturday, December 3, 3:00 p.m. - Vinton Chapel Memorial service to be celebrated at Oakey’s Vinton Chapel, 627 Hardy Road

We look forward to observing this special time with you.

Adopt a homeless pet and help us share the love.

*A reception will follow each service. 339-WAGS

Sammy G. Oakey, PreSident • www.OakeyS.cOm • 982-2100 rOanOke, nOrth, VintOn, SOuth and eaSt chaPelS

season block leader for the Knights, while Craighead and Sine each added three blocks at the net. Craighead, however, was

Knight seniors #1 Shannon Craighead and #11 Kelsey Sine frustrate the Jamestown defense with a passing attack for which the Eagles had no answer.

NOTICE OF SERVICE BY PUBLICATION

IN RE: BARBETTE SHERRIE WILLIAMSON , PLAINTIFF VS MARSHALL EDWARD WILLIAMSON, DEFENDANT.

Don’t worry... we won’t tell your kids how much you love living here!SM

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

rvspca.org

$100

Your unconditional love headquarters

Diagnostic Testing

4341 Starkey Road • 540-774-0171

11/25/11 -12/1/11 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 9

NewsRoanoke.com

Commentary: Senate Control

Letter to the editor: Given the recent elections resulting in a 20-20 split between the parties in the Senate of Virginia, some Republicans have suggested that they have the upper hand in drawing the rules, assigning chairmanships and controlling committees because the Lieutenant Governor, who presides over the Senate and breaks tie votes on legislation, is a Republican. However, this is not so. The last time the Senate was split 20-20 in 1996, the precedent was established to share power between the parties. This was successfully and amicably done when the Lieutenant Governor was a Democrat. Power was shared; committees and committee chairs were divided to accommodate in a reasonable way each party regardless who might be the Lieutenant Governor. Moreover, the Constitution of Virginia does not call for the Lieutenant Governor to vote on reorganization which occurs every four years. His power to vote to break ties does not include all matters. For example, he does not vote on the budget, taxes or the election of judges, as the constitution provides that a majority of members elected to each house is required in such cases. Va. Const., Art. IV, §11 (budget, taxes); Va. Const., Art. VI., §7 (judicial elections). Other matters, such as resolutions to amend the constitution, also require a majority of members elected to cast an affirmative vote. Va. Const., Art. XII, § 1 (amendments). Likewise, he does not vote on reorganizational matters as he is not elected to the Senate. On reorganizational matters, the constitution provides that "Each house shall select its officers and settle its rules of procedure." Va. Const., Art. IV, §7. Each house is defined as consisting of members who are elected to the respective house; thus, a majority of members of each house is required to select officers and settle rules of procedure. The constitution expressly states that "The Senate shall consist of not more than forty and not less than thirty-three members, who shall be elected quadrennially by the voters of the several senatorial districts . . . . " Va. Const., Art. IV, §2. The Rules of the Senate - agreed to by both parties - further

provides that "A member of the Senate shall be a Senator elected to represent one of the 40 senatorial districts". Rule 5, Rules of the Senate, adopted Jan 9, 2008, as amended Jan. 18, 2010. Clearly, the Lieutenant Governor is not a Senator and not a member of any house. He does not sit on committees, does not debate legislation on the floor, and is not elected contemporaneously with Senators. There is no reason that he would inject himself in reorganization of the Senate every four years. In short, since the Lieutenant Governor is not a member of the Senate, he has no role to play in reorganizing the Senate. The Senate Republican caucus took this position in 1996; that position prevailed and became the established precedent for reorganizing the Senate of Virginia. Thus, the forty senators will have to decide this issue in the manner they did in 1996. There is no reason they cannot do so when the Senate convenes in January. Some Republicans have also suggested that redistricting of the U.S. House of Representatives should be delayed until the new year when they will have more influence over the new Senate. Again, the Virginia Constitution is on point. It states that Congressional redistricting must be done in 2011. Article 11, § 6 dealing with apportionment expressly provides that "The General Assembly shall reapportion the Commonwealth into electoral districts in accordance with this section in the year 2011 and every ten years thereafter." Va. Const., Art. II, § 6. Thus, the legislature has no jurisdiction to reorganize in other years; to do so would allowa majority to take advantage of reapportionment to improve its political position whenever it wishes. If the 2011 redistricting session ~ which was continued until after the elections — fails to agree, the only remedy is for a federal or state court to resolve the matter and redraw the congressional seats in Virginia as required by the constitution. -John S. Edwards, State Senator 21s t District of Virginia

Steve Jobs, Occupy Wall Street and Us Apparently the greatest industrialist in American history was not always the nicest guy. He yelled at people. He insisted they do it his way. He fired them if they did not. Sometimes he fired them if they did. Steve Jobs set out to change the world though one simple goal: Perfection. He had to settle for excellence. He inspired a lot of people along the way. Jobs would not have been welcome at the Occupy Wall Street protests. He was a not a “wave your fingers in the air if you want to let me talk” kind of fellow. Nor did he care a darn about creating jobs. Steve Jobs was all about creating excellent goods and services for people. The jobs were a side effect. Not a driving force. From what anyone can tell, members of the Occupy Wall Street crowd think talking about creating jobs by waving your fingers is the same as actually creating jobs. Of course it is not. And if the Occupy Wall Street crowd would put down their iPads and iPhones for a moment, they can learn why by looking at a tale of two companies: Twenty miles apart in the Silicon Valley sit two buildings: One is empty, funded by $535 billion of guaranteed government loans. The other is a bustling campus that belongs to the largest publicly traded enterprise in the world; started by two guys in

their mom’s garage. As for government guarantees, they were not even guaranteed their moms would let them work there. One is thriving. The other is dead. One changed the world. The other may change an election. One is Apple. The other Solyndra. Solyndra touted its solar panels as unique. Scientists saw little that was revolutionary, but the marketing people did not want to hear that. Neither did a bedazzled Department of Energy before it cut them a check for half a billion dollars. A Livermore movie theater was one of the first to install the government funded solar panels. They were not as effective as advertised. But few knew. Or wanted to know. Construction of Solyndra’s state-of-the art plant continued. Somehow it is human nature to be more lavish with other people’s money, something Jobs and Steve Wozniak never experienced. Solyndra opened its “Taj Ma-

hal” of plants in September 2010 with much fanfare. It was nothing like the Steve Jobs’ garage. But it did have alternative energy A-Listers such as Governor Schwarzenegger and Vice President Biden. For $535 million, Solyndra created 3,000 construction jobs and 1,000 permanent jobs -that lasted one year. The plant was closed one year later, on August 31, 2011. It was never close to breaking even. Many knew that before Solyndra admitted it. In May of 2010, Solyndra’s own auditors issued as “going concern” letter -- only issued when auditors believe that serious doubt exists that the company will survive beyond twelve months. Mysteriously, this did not stop President Obama from showing up at Solyndra in May to hail it as a model for a bright new future in our economy. He had the right idea. Just the wrong building.

Letter: Operation Christmas Cheer, Inc. Says Thank You!

In this the season of thanks, we at Operation Christmas Cheer, Inc. would like to take time to thank those who support us and our mission. Operation Christmas Cheer has entered into our fourth season serving children in Botetourt County through a partnership with the Botetourt County Department of Social Services. Over the past three years we have provided Christmas for 81 children of 39 families. This year we are serving 30 children in 20 families! In the past we have been able to provide the children with a toy, at least one if not two new outfits, a coat, hat, mittens, blanket, stuffed stocking, box of hard candy and an orange. Additionally we have provided each family with Christmas Dinner and the fixings as well as food staples including flour, sugar, salt, pepper, peanut butter, jelly, canned

fruits, vegetables and meats, rice, beans, spaghetti and sauce, meal helpers and more. All of this is done with 100% volunteer labor and monetary donations from individuals. The final touch on our charity is the delivery method. We throw a Party with Santa for the children at which they can get their picture taken (we give them a picture in a frame to take home), sing Christmas Carols and Songs and make crafts. Then the children and their parents take their gifts home to open on Christmas Day. We have been blessed to have the donations and volunteers to accomplish all we do and are beyond grateful! This past year we obtained 501(c)(3) status with the IRS. In addition, Operation Christmas Cheer was nominated for a 2010 and 2011 Roanoke Regional Chamber Small Business Award in the Category

of Not-For-Profit Health & Human Services. It truly has been an exciting year at Operation Christmas Cheer! Again, you make this all possible. We have our Angels. Our humble request is that you make a donation that you or your business can afford. Through you we can all help these children have a nice Christmas experience with warm clothes, toys and food. Your continued support is appreciated more than you can imagine. Can we count on you? Again, we take this time to thank the individuals and businesses who have participated in and been supportive of Operation Christmas Cheer, Inc. Sincerely, Bob & Wendy Jones, President & Vice President, Operation Christmas Cheer, Inc.

“The Anonymous Rant . . .”

You know why I WILL NOT go on Facebook because I believe it feeds the self gratifying and narcissistic nature found in us all. Also I know I will think negative thoughts about all the people being “showy” on FB and I don't want to think negative thoughts about people. I don’t want to be tempted to judge people I would otherwise enjoy. I want to love and like people and share thoughts on life, God and love with them. I want intimate one on one relationships with people where we use more than four words to reflect on the day and it's beauty or struggles. I don't want to hear 300 or more "friends" tell me how great I look or how they like my pics of my trip to Disneyworld or how cute my kids are. I don't want to see the results of a survey they did on how I drive a cool car and would not let people cheat off of me on a test. Or a survey on which Orange County House-

wife I am most like - because I hope to God no such comparison could ever be made! It all seems a little like a flashback to High school. Do people really want to go back there? Isn’t life to be a progression, not a regression? Are we spending too much time back there on FB? I am sure there are redeeming qualities found in the FB experience but I believe it often may inform people in a way that pulls them away from God and REAL life. I wonder how we might be different or transformed if we used our free time more wisely and read a good book or walked in the woods or wrote down our thoughts on some big or little things in life or shared lunch and real conversation with a friend. What if we began to believe that it does not matter so much who we are and how much praise we get but what really matters is who God is and how much praise we give Him. In see-

ing who God is we may begin to understand who we are and then maybe we would no longer thirst so desperately for the attention of others for we would be full of a confidence from God. Such a light would show us how very unique and beautiful we are but more importantly how beautiful others are and more than that how very beautiful the God who created us all is. Facebook is like anything else - it is all in how you use it. Many people probably use it for great things and they are sharing in wonderful relationships with others. BUT I wonder if like we often find with television - the bad outweighs the good. Like with cigarettes - I wonder if we would be better off without FB. A spade is a spade. - A Roanoker If you have an anonymous rant you would like to submit send it to info@newsroanoke.com

Blue Ridge Dental Group

offersÊaÊwideÊrangeÊofÊservicesÊandÊhasÊa highlyÊreputableÊandÊcaringÊteamÊwith theÊskillsÊandÊtechnologyÊtoÊprovideÊyouÊandÊ yourÊfamilyÊwithÊtheÊcareÊyouÊdeserve.ÊWithÊ ÊofficesÊthroughoutÊSouthwestÊVirginia,ÊweÊatÊ BlueÊRidgeÊDentalÊGroupÊwantÊtoÊseeÊyouÊsmile. AÊfriend EndÊInsu lyÊreminder,ÊYea rÊ ance Ben soonÊberÊe xpiring..eﬁÊtsÊwillÊ .d letÊyo Êh ardÊearn onÕtÊ beneﬁÊtusrÊg oÊtoÊwas edÊ te!

-Bill Gunderson

Ugly

Bath Tub?

QT C

From Chip Repairs to Complete Refinshing Remove Old Tub and Install New Tub or Walk in Shower Complete Bathroom Remodeling

Quality Tub Care Call Now: 992-2406 or Visit Us at www.qualitytubcare.com

Accepting New Patients New River Valley Dr. Charles Fultz

540.674.8891

4664 Lee Hwy., Dublin, VA

Salem

Dr. Greg Harvey, Dr. Peggy Lovecchio, Dr. Brice Roberts

540.389.0720

1618 W. Main St., Salem, VA

Smith Mountain Lake

Dr. Sheila Hardee, Dr. William Morris

540.721.2448

12925 Booker T. Washington Hwy. STE 202, Hardy, VA

Vinton

Dr. David Black and Dr. Sarah Kandrac

540.342.7865

1335 Hardy Rd., Vinton, VA

www.blueridgedentalgroup.com • 888-853-4477 www.blueridgedentalgroup.com

Valley Business

Page 10 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 11/25/11 -12/1/11

Manage Your Money Carefully This Holiday Season

As you know, the holiday season can be joyous, hectic, celebratory — and expensive. And while you certainly enjoy hosting family gatherings and giving presents to your loved ones, you’ll find these things even more pleasurable if they don’t add a lot more weight to your debt load. And that’s why you’ll want to follow some smart money-management techniques over the next few weeks. To begin with, try to establish realistic budgets for both your entertaining and your gift giving. When you host family and friends, don’t go overboard on your expenditures. Your guests will still appreciate your efforts, which, with a little creativity, can create a welcoming and fun experience for everyone. As a guiding principal, keep in mind these words attributed to Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, the famous German poet and philosopher: “What you can do without, do without.” Set a budget and stick to it. And the same rule applies to your gifting. You don’t need to

find the most expensive presents, or overwhelm recipients with the sheer volume of your gifts. This is especially true if you, like so many people, have been affected by the tough economy. Everyone you know will understand that gifts don’t have to be lavish to be meaningful. Furthermore, by sticking to a budget, you won’t be tempted to dip into your long-term investments to pay for fabulous parties or mountains of gifts. It’s never a good idea to tap longterm investments for short-term needs, but can be especially bad when your investment prices are down, as they may well be this year. So, if you want to stick to a budget but you don’t want to raid your investments, how can you pay for your holiday season expenses? If you can spread out your purchases, you may be able to pay for them from your normal cash flow. But if that’s not possible, you might want to consider “plastic” — your credit card. Using your credit card does not, by itself, need to

“ I am the slowest

carpet cleaner in Roanoke.”

Williams Carpet Cleaning “I will give your carpet the time and attention it deserves to produce the best results possible.”

amount to a financial setback, especially if you’ve chosen a card that offers favorable terms and you’ve already shown the discipline not to over-use that card. Just try to minimize your credit card usage over the holidays and pay off your card as soon as you can. Of course, you can make your holiday season much easier, financially speaking, if you’ve set up a holiday fund to cover your various expenses. While it’s too late to set up such a fund this year, why not get an early start on the 2012 holiday season? All you need to do is put away some money each month into an easily accessible account, separate from your everyday accounts. You don’t have to put in a great deal, but you do need to be consistent, which is why you may want to have the money moved automatically, once a month, from your checking or savings account to your holiday fund. When next year’s holiday season rolls around, you might be pleasantly surprised by how much you’ve accumulated. But for now, following some common-sense money management practices can help you get through the holiday season in financial shape — and that type of result can get your new year off to a positive start. Carl Grove is a Financial Advisor at Edward Jones located in Roanoke. He may be reached at 540-344-9211 or carl.grove@edwardjones.com. Edward Jones, its associates and financial advisors do not provide tax or legal advice.

• 2 rooms and a hall for $75 • 5 rooms and a hall for $155 • Furniture cleaning also available!

Danny Williams • 989-1825 • Cell - 765-7144

NewsRoanoke.com

Inprint Makes Strong Move Towards Tourism Branding

Taking a vacation is good business for Inprint, a creative firm based in downtown Vinton. Building off the success of winning a joint Virgo Award from the Virginia Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus with the Botetourt County Office of Tourism this past spring, Inprint has continued its move into strategic brand building with a large focus on tourism. Inprint’s David Mikula and David Harris first met while the latter was employed by Leisure Publishing in the early 1990s. Mikula was working with him doing color pre-press specialty work for Leisure on behalf of Moody Graphics. They decided to pool their expertise together and start Inprint, named after their objective to “provide the creative services for any kind of project that would end up in print.” The duo quickly established themselves in the Roanoke region, designing brochures and logos for clients such as the Roanoke Express hockey franchise, for which they won their first ADDY in 1994. In 2002, they moved their operations out of an industrial park to a cozy former home in downtown Vinton. In 2008, Inprint shifted their focus and decided to specialize in a few particular areas: tourism, hospitality and foodservice. The firm has made a deep commitment to the first area in particular, becoming part of the Southeast Tourism Society and putting Mikula through their three-year continuing education program. He’s also written scholarly articles on the unique challenge of brand building. While Mikula says that they “treasure the relationships” they have with clients outside of tourism and foodservice, he attributes the redirection to past successes in these fields and a better affinity with their philosophy. “These are industries in which wild creativity helps move the needle and we’re a wildly creative firm.” Along with this specialization came a different approach in the form of, as Harris puts it, “getting involved a little more upstream in strategy.” Mikula has taken point as the firm’s brand strategist and

David Harris and David Mikula have carved out their own creative niche. research expert. He uses surveys, online research and on-site visits to get a comprehensive view of a client’s strengths and weaknesses. One method specific in the field of tourism is examining conversion studies, which is for a destination (for example, Botetourt County). He follows up with those who have requested travel information from a tourism board to ask them if they visited and gathers feedback. Mikula stresses the importance of research in strategic brand development for their campaigns: “the combination of good research and good creative work is what becomes needed to stand out from the bombardment of ads nowadays.” Inprint guides clients through the development of media plans that feature e-newsletters and social media, showing them “the most effective ways to get their message out there.” Botetourt County has been the domain of some of their largest tourism initiative successes. In addition to creating the county’s logo, brochure and website, they brought the overall look of the campaign to niche travel markets such as wine routes in their campaign for the Botetourt Wine Trail. Their Upper James River Water Trail campaign, which won them the Virgo Award in Eco-Tourism in addition to the ADDYs locally, highlights the kayaking, canoeing and tubing opportunities on the 45 miles of the James River in Botetourt County. Botetourt is also part of their

Crossroads to Settlement ad campaign which taps into heritage and cultural tourism as visitors retrace the steps of settlers across five southwestern Virginia communities. Heritage tourism is a growing niche that presents its own unique marketing challenges in the form of more affluent and educated travelers that have higher expectations. One of their Botetourt initiatives that brought them to national attention was a simple online ad for Blue Collar Joe’s that was placed on the Food Network’s website when the donut shop was featured on the Food Network Challenge. According to Mikula, the ad received triple the click-through rate of typical ads on the site. USA Today and Southern Living are among the national publications that have featured Inprint’s campaigns. Their other regional tourism efforts include a campaign for the Allegheny Highlands that began this past summer with the launch of their tourism website and work done for both Abingdon and Franklin County. Efforts to brand Allegheny Highland tourism netted Inprint a Gold Davey Award recently from the International Academy of Visual Arts. More than 4000 entries competed for the awards in several categories. They’re currently in the process of working with Page County, home to Luray Caverns. When asked if they’ve noticed any tourism trends in recent years, the duo says they’ve seen states marketing more within their own boundaries than before, due to a slowed-down economy necessitating smaller budgets for travelers. Whether it’s tourism or in other markets, Harris says the brand researching and strategizing they’ve been building on in recent years has become more important to the people they work with: “clients are wanting to make sure that they know where their money can do the most good.” (see inprintinc.com for more details on the firm) By Aaron Layman info@newsroanoke.com

Wood’s Service Center To Expand Build

&Grow Whether you are planting the seed of innovation or expanding an enterprise, our business and construction attorneys have the dedication, experience and knowledge to offer comprehensive, creative legal counsel for businesses and individuals. With a foundation of integrity and professional responsibility, we recognize that being client-based means being relationship focused. GFD&G attorneys take pride in their reputation for developing strong and lasting relationships with clients and the community. As the only Meritas affiliated firm in SW Virginia, GFD&G can provide personalized service with worldwide reach. When it comes to planning…

Build Smart. Grow Strong.

In the tradition of keeping up with the latest technology and equipment that has kept Wood’s Service Centers serving its customers since 1957, the company Center will begin construction on a new addition to it's facility at 418 Washington Avenue in Vinton. Wood’s will be adding an additional 5600 square feet to the existing 6700 square foot building. The addition will be used to make more room for inside parking of towing and recovery trucks and equipment, while adding more room for its automotive repair services, tire department and wheel alignment departments. Kellen Williams of Wood's said that the company "believes in staying up to date with the latest technology and with this new addition the locally owned family business is continuing this trend."

The family business has evolved from a small service station to an operation that includes, automotive and truck service, towing, hauling and involved recoveries. Plans are in place to start construction in November of this year with completion around March of 2012.

Your Roofing Your Way Superior Benefits • • • •

METAL ROOFING

S U P P L Y ,

Energy Efficient Weather Resistant Long Lasting Color Highly Durable

Customization Capabilities • Variety of Colors • Profile Options • Choice of Gauge

I N C.

POLE BARNS SNOW GUARDS

www.gfdg.com | Roanoke, Virginia | 540.224.8000

Metal Roofing Supply, Inc is a one stop shop to meet all your metal roofing needs. We offer superior products and service no matter what type of structure your customers are considering. Our metal roofing requires little to no maintenance and is available in a wide range of colors.

540-992-2400

www.MetalRoofingSupplyInc.com

Arts & Culture

NewsRoanoke.com

11/25/11 -12/1/11 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 11

Roanoke College Jazz And Wind DOWNSIZING - An Exhibit of Art By Ensembles To Present Holiday Concert Kirk and Barbara Norman Lashley The Roanoke College Jazz and Wind Ensembles under the direction of Dr. Joseph Blaha will present its annual joint Holiday Concert Thursday, December 8, in the Olin Hall Theater at 7:30 p.m. The concert will feature the Jazz Ensemble performing arrangements of such diverse tunes as Sammy Nestico’s exciting “Basie Straight Ahead,” written for and recorded by the Count Basie Orchestra, and a very complex work influenced by the rhythms of India by guitarist, Pat Metheny. There will be the usual salute to funk and fusion with Bill Liston’s “Fall Madness” and a samba offering of the familiar “Tico, Tico” by Zequinha Abreu. The ballad for the evening will feature Roanoke College trombonist, Peter Foxen, performing the Stan Kenton Orchestra version of “Polka Dots and Moonbeams” arranged by Bill Holman. Band vocalist and trumpeter, Dumar Daniel, will put his own holiday spin on the old, familiar, “Ain’t Misbehavin.’ The Wind Ensemble will open its portion of the concert with Blaha’s own, The Kiron Processional, a work that coincidentally has themes based on the first four notes of two familiar Christmas carols. The band will then follow up with William Slocum’s arrangement of Girolamo Frescobaldi’s magnificent, Toccata. Other compositions will in-

The Jazz and Wind Ensemble performing. clude the dynamic tribute to those fallen in battle entitled, Black Granite, by former arranger for The United States Army Band (Pershing’s Own), James L. Hosay and Malcolm Arnold’s fiery Four Scottish Dances. The evening will conclude with a concert suite of music from the holiday motion picture, The Polar Express, composed by Alan Silvestri and Glen Ballard—a piece that coincidentally uses a theme based on the first four notes of a famous Christmas carol. The concert is free and open to the public. No tickets are required.

Another Foray - Music By River Laker First, let’s get this straight: River Laker, who puts together programs for the Roanoke City Library system, is not a musician or a songwriter. At least he wasn’t, until the Laker Experiment came along. And his band, Laker? It’s really just him and one other person now, producer Josa Wakes, who plays several instruments but could just be manning a beat box when Laker takes to the stage this Friday night at Kirk Avenue Music Hall. The show will feature some or all of the 11 tracks River Laker composed for his musical debut. Other Roanoke area performances may be scheduled in the near future. Those 11 tracks will be released in three stages in the EP (extended play) format, beginning with the first EP that will be available at Kirk Avenue Music Hall on Friday Nov. 25 during the 8pm show. A portion of the proceeds will go to Bethany Hall, a women’s center for recovery from substance abuse. Laker’s music will also be available on The Uncmonwealth label (theuncmonwealth.com) run by Wes Powell, who has taken on the Brit’s latest excursion. Powell also can be reached through a Facebook page and on Twitter. You may remember the Carless Brit, wherein Laker sold his Volvo, on somewhat of a whim, and then turned his life without a vehicle into a media happening, urging others to think about going without a car, at least in short spurts. Then there was the month when Laker tried to subsist by bartering with others for everything – the plan was not to purchase anything. And of course, the incident at 202 Market where he shed his clothes on stage, which led to an inquiry from ABC officials. The Laker Experiment and the band Laker is a lot less controversial but maybe just as interesting: can a non-musician who has never written songs compose a handful of them in a short period of time? That’s what River Laker did, using sounds on his iPad to come up with the beats he wanted. “River’s our first electronic dance group,” said Powell of the artists on his label, which has been up and running for a year-plus. He’s worked mainly with hip-hop artists from the Richmond and Charlottesville areas. Laker helped Powell book the first live show for one of the bands he promotes, during the Emerging Artist series at the main library branch on Jefferson. Now Powell, who also works for the library system, is returning the favor. “He had a program at the library with iPads and iPhones, creating music, beats and stuff,” recalls Powell. “I think he got intrigued by it.” With typical cheekiness, Laker jokes that, “I always felt I would be a star.” He’s never written music, never played an instrument. A program on his iPhone called Thumbjam helped him come up with the notes he wanted, in the sequences that turned into

Photo by Sam Hensley

River Laker during the shooting of the “Laker” music video, directed by Matt Ames. songs. He saw another local band use electronic music during a show at The Coffee Pot, also taking cues from that. Laker hopes that his venture serves as inspiration for other creative types of all stripes, pushing them to think outside of the box. He documented the whole process on a blog, available at lakerexperiment.tumblr. com. There’s also a Laker page on Facebook. “It’s taking a lot more time than I thought it would,” said Laker of the seven month process, which has also included the shooting of a music video for his band. At one time there were other members besides Wakes but the slow process of bringing The Laker Experiment to fruition may have led some of them in other directions. “I hear that’s the sign that you’re a real band, that they come and go,” said Laker, who also recorded sounds like his foot scraping across a grating to use on one of his tunes. “Josa Wakes has been incredible, trying to simplify it so we can play it live,” he noted.

“He’s not a technical musician … and I’m not sure he knows how to count,” jokes Powell, who attended the Art Institute in D.C., “but he’s progressed a lot in seven months.” “I’m more nervous for this show than anything in my whole life,” said Laker, who started out wanting to create “perfect pop songs” but found what he came up with to be a lot more complex. He’s hoping for the best this Friday night, when he makes his debut as the leader of a band, singing vocals on songs he created: “I really don’t want it to be a train wreck.” David Sylvian, the subject of Laker’s first single, was a real life musician in England when Laker was a teen. “I became totally obsessed,” he admits. Laker even tracked Sylvian down and spoke to him over the phone as his music hero asked him repeatedly how Laker had gotten his number (he had fibbed to the phone operator about being a relative who needed Sylvian’s number.) David Sylvian, Cookies and Cream and You Would, Would You? are the three songs available this Friday and online as the first EP. Laker has also uploaded his tunes to an iPhone, where they are shuffled with songs from established artists. “It’s incredibly satisfying to listen to a song that you’ve totally made yourself… its really great.” If it is indeed a train wreck (the first single, David Sylvian, is melodic, with Laker speaking most of the lyrics) those attending the show at Kirk Avenue Music Hall probably won’t be able to take their eyes off of River Laker anyway.

Liminal Alternative Artspace at the Community School for Art and Academics, 302 Campbell Avenue in Roanoke will feature husband and wife, Kirk and Barbara Norman Lashley, in a joint exhibit opening on Art by Night, December 2, 2011 from 5 to 9. The show will run through January 13. When Kirk's fourth grade teacher awarded a blue ribbon to his horse picture he knew he was an artist. As a teenager Kirk designed model cars. Barbara, who grew up in Martinsville, drew clothes for her paper dolls and dreamed of traveling the world as a famous fashion designer. The Lashleys have been married over 51 years. They met as freshmen at Bluefield College. Kirk is a retired minister and Barbara has been a practicing artist for over thirty years. They have traveled to nearly fifty countries and visited many major museums of the world. The Lash- A totem sculpture leys have three grown by Kirk Lashley. children, seven grand-

An example of Barbara Lashley’s oneof-a-kind cards. children and three great grandchildren. They reside in Roanoke County. Kirk will primarily show wooden sculptures created since his retirement. Barbara will exhibit several paintings and one-of-a-kind cards constructed using discarded monotype prints, paintings, photographs and drawings. The couple will display one collaborated piece enti-

tled “High-Low Collaboration.” It consists of six components, each fashioned from recycled tin roofing. This will be the third time Kirk has exhibited his art. Last year he was a guest artist at The Market Gallery and “Venus in Oak” was included in the Roanoke College Biennial. Barbara is a member of The Market Gallery. Her work is in over thirty educational and corporate collections in the U.S., Norway, Germany and Australia. Her work was included in a traveling exhibition in Brazil. “Downsizing” was selected as the title of this exhibit by Gallery Director, Brian Counihan. The title suggests the Lashleys stage in the life as they plan to move into a smaller home. It also contrasts Kirk's large sculptures with Barbara's small cards. Both Lashleys graduated from Bluefield College. Kirk is also a graduate of the University of Richmond, Southwestern Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas and Southeastern Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina. Barbara graduated from Averett University and holds a M.A.L.S. from Hollins University. By Cara Ellen Modisett info@newsroanoke.com

Book Release: The Battle of White Sulphur Springs Averell Fails to Secure West Virginia

Though West Virginia was founded for the purpose of remaining loyal to the Union, severing ties with Virginia, home of the capital of the Confederacy, would prove difficult. West Virginia's fate would be tested on its battlegrounds. In August 1863, Union general William Woods Averell led a six-hundred-mile raid culminating in the Battle of White Sulphur Springs in Greenbrier County. Colonel George S. Patton, grandfather of the legendary World War II general, met Averell with a dedicated Confederate force. After a fierce two-day battle, Patton defeated Averell, forcing him to retreat. Civil War historian Eric J. Wittenberg presents a fascinating in-depth analysis of the proceedings in the first book-length study of this important battle. Eric J. Wittenberg is an By Gene Marrano award-winning Civil War gmarrano@cox.net historian. Originally from

By Eric J. Wittenberg southeastern Pennsylvania, he was educated at Dickinson College and the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. He is an attorney in private practice. He is also the author of more than fifteen published books on the Civil War and serves as a member of the Governor of Ohio's Commission on the Sesquicentennial of the Civil War and as vicepresident of the Buffington Island Battlefield Preservation Foundation. Wittenberg’s Civil War book. Computer Repair • Free Diagnosis • New & Used Computers & Laptops

$50 Does it! (takes care of everything, parts not included)

No matter what the problem is, we will take care of it! Bring in this ad! Expires 12/31/11.

No one else can do it for our quality and price! 116 S. Poplar Street, Vinton • 904-2070 • www.vintoncomputer.com

We can make your computer new again! Stop by at Woodland Square (behind Vinton Baptist).

Dickens’s classic tale of redemption, A Christmas Carol - in 30 minutes! Gather around this mobile outdoor stage and share in an intimate marvel of stagecraft with full production values: Lights, Sound, Sets, Props, Puppets, Costumes, Special-Effects. Performance is outdoors, so dress warm! Refreshments provided. Free!

6:30 pm Tuesday Dec. 6

Front Patio Roanoke Main Library 540-853-1057

libraryevents@roanokeva.gov

Join us

Page 12 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 11/25/11 -12/1/11

and make your pledge for the

best seats

in the house!

NewsRoanoke.com

Cirque du Soleil “Quidam” Nov. 26 at 7 p.m. Celtic Woman “Believe” Dec. 3 at 7 p.m.

Call: Don Lilly Agency 540-989-1931

www.donlillyagency.com

Riverdance “Final U.S. Tour” Dec. 4 at 7 p.m.

Winter Festival details at BlueRidgePBS.org

Blue Ridge UPCOMING EVENTS

Event

Date

Time

ROANOKE VALLEY

Fri, Nov 25 Sat, Nov 26 Sun, Nov 27

2:00 pm – 7:00 pm 10:00 am – 6:00 pm 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Thu, Dec 1 Fri, Dec 2 Sat, Dec 3 Sun, Dec 4

7:00 pm* 10:30 am & 7:00 pm 10:30 am & 2:00 pm 1:00 pm & 4:30 pm

GEM & MINERAL SHOW RVMGS.COM

SESAME STREET LIVE

BLANK

BLANKBL

*OPENING NIGHT SPECIAL ~ ALL SEATS (excluding Gold Circle & Sunny) ~ $12.00 VISIT SESAMESTREETLIVE.COM

BBBBHOLIDAY POPS BLNKSPECTACULAR

Fri, Dec 9

7:00 pm

FOR RESERVED TABLES PLEASE CALL THE ROANOKE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA AT 540.343.9127 RSO.COM

DIII SENIOR CLASSIC

Fri, Dec 9

7:00 pm

VHSL FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS

Sat, Dec 10

12:00 pm 4:30 pm

BBBBAMOS ALONZO BBBSTAGG BOWL

Fri, Dec 16

7:00 pm

VISIT NCAA.COM/CHAMPIONSHIPS/FOOTBALL/D3

SALEM GUN & KNIFE TRADERS SHOW

Sat, Dec 17 Sun, Dec 18

9:00 am – 5:00 pm 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

CEGUNSHOWS.COM

K-GUARD HOLIDAY CLASSIC Wed, Dec 28 Thu, Dec 29 Fri, Dec 30

3:00 pm 4:30 pm 6:00 pm 7:30 pm

Fri, Jan 6, 2012 Sat, Jan 7, 2012 Sun, Jan 8, 2012

7:30 pm 7:30 pm 2:00 pm

Thu, Jan 12, 2012 Fri, Jan 13, 2012 Sat, Jan 14, 2012 Sun, Jan 15, 2012 Mon, Jan 16, 2012

TBA

BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT Participating Teams: ALLEGHANY, SALEM, WILLIAM FLEMING, HIDDEN VALLEY, GAR-FIELD, PATRICK HENRY, BROADWAY, CAVE SPRING

BBKROGER VALLEYDALE

COLERIDES.COM

Fri, Jan 27, 2012

7:00 pm

RODNEYCARRINGTON.COM

For tickets, visit the Salem Civic Center Ticket Office, Ticketmaster.com or charge-by-phone at 800.745.3000 Convenience charges apply to all tickets except those purchased at the Salem Civic Center Ticket Office. ALL LISTED INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE.