The Roanoke Star-Sentinel

Hi,

I’m Kristen Simpson

I AM THE YMCA

and I teach in the Salem City school

system.

I really enjoy coming to the Y

and seeing the parents of my kids there,

as well as many others from the school

community.

We have so much fun

sharing the Y together!

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID Whisper One Media

ymcaroanoke.org

The Roanoke Star-Sentinel POSTMASTER: Dated material, please deliver by publication date

Merry Christmas!

December 19, 2008

TheRoanokeStar.com

Roanoke City’s self-imposed debt policy tested

Giving Marines

P2– Area Marines pull joyful duty by joining Children’s trust in distributing toys to local children.

Holiday Spree P3– The Roanoke Valley YMCA and J.C. Penney host a children’s shopping spree.

Rev. Barkley Thomas

Advent Waiting

P9– The Reverend Barkley Thompson says that waiting expectantly is the only real way to the heart of Christmas.

Roanoke City Council members had their first peek at a dismal preliminary budget during a Monday morning briefing, presented by Director of Finance Ann Shawver.

A previous Council’s self-imposed debt policy, adopted in 1999, looms large. It states that the tax-supported general obligation debt service will not exceed 10% of general fund expenditures. Growth assumptions have declined significantly since the last projections were calculated: a 1% decline is projected for 2010, followed by growth of 2% in 2011 and 3%

thereafter. agencies approved of, as we proceeded Director of Finance Jesse Hall ex- with a City Council-adopted capital plained the 10% debt service cap in improvement program that included an e-mail dated June 23, 2006: nam- these and other projects such as stadiing the many school projects planned, um financing, the ‘Biomed Park’, curb, including the two new high gutter and sidewalks, storm schools. Hall said, “we were drains, a new police buildCity Council aware at that time that these ing, new fire stations, and big ticket items, in addition various other projects.â€? to a number of city projects included “There is no room for any additionin our capital improvement program, al projects,â€? said Shawver on Monday, would significantly change our debt as she advised Council to reprioritize: position. Thus we realized that a debt “if the Market building [becomes] a policy would be an important point priority ‌ then something else has to of reference, one that our bond rating come off.â€?

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2009 Revenues expected to decline include the sales tax, personal property and business license taxes. Fiscal year 2010 revenue is expected to decline even further. The loss of state funding now stands at $1.4 million.

Governor Tim Kaine is expected to release additional cuts for 2010 in his December 17th budget proposal and localities could get more bad news shortly thereafter. > CONTINUED P3: Budget

[Downtown Christmas]

VWCC gives most perfect gift

Why Roanoke should support Ukrops

Jingle Bell Run

From the publisher

[

Sammi Rader, Sabrina’s Place program coordinator; Rebecca Balzer, Cave Spring High School senior; and Amy Balzer, assistant in the Virginia Western president’s office are surrounded by Giving Project donations.

Every Christmas season the holiday luncheon committee at Virginia Western Community College selects a local charitable organization as the recipient of its annual Giving Project. The project has provided organizations such as the Ronald McDonald House and the Roanoke Valley SPCA with donations of money and goods from employees and retirees of Virginia Western.

This year, the committee selected Sabrina’s Place, a Roanoke center that was established to provide a safe, secure place for domestic violence victims > CONTINUED P3: VWCC

It’s not every day that citizens within a community receive a notice advising them that a business needs their help if they are to continue operating, but such was the forthright notice issued by Ukrops last week.

According to comments left on valley media websites Our Take and the “word on the street,� the effort to rally customers to their cause has been met with as wide a variety of responses as there are Ukrops take out desserts. Ranging from, “I really like the store but I forget to go there,� to “it’s their fault for not selling beer and wine and being closed on Sundays . . .�

The latter point, which is often cited, holds little water in my view and Ukrops 29 other successful locations throughout Virginia prove it.

There are just as many people and maybe more who will support a store like Ukrops for the fact that they aren’t open on Sundays and don’t sell alcohol, as there are those who insist on frequenting stores that do.

It’s a wonderful way to vote one’s conscience really – I’m

Photo by Gene Marrano

A happy group of reindeer gather in support of the Jingle Bell Run. The event in Roanoke last week drew its largest crowd ever.

T

welve-hundred participants donned festive holiday costumes last Saturday for a chilly 5K morning run, joining friends and neighbors in support of the Arthritis Foundation’s mission to prevent, control and cure arthritis and related diseases. The occasion was the Roanoke– Humana Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis.

Participants and local sponsors raised

over $55,000 to help the 46 million Americans 1.5 million Virginians impacted by arthritis.This year’s event exceeded all expectations with the number of participants and funds raised. Last year the event had 864 participants that raised $44,000 – this year’s Jingle Bell run saw an increase of 50% in participation and 25% in funds raised compared > CONTINUED P2: Jingle Bell Run

]

> CONTINUED P2: Ukrops

Transportation museum showcases unique ornaments Collectible Hallmark series ornaments on display

Taubman Talent P11– Roanoke Children’s Theatre takes root at the Taubman Musuem of Art.

Get the

Roanoke Star Sentinel

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Duane Howard loves “all things transportation,� especially when it comes to planes, and he’s pulling for the Virginia Museum of Transportation. The former airline employee and southeast Roanoke neighborhood activist, a past Roanoke City Council candidate, has taken it upon himself to decorate a Christmas tree now on display in the front window of the Virginia Museum of Transportation.

Howard hopes it spurs people to come inside and pay the admission fee, so they can see the entire tree and all of the decorations he used. Most are from the Hallmark collector’s series he has acquired over the years. “Awesomely beautiful ornaments,� said Howard, who has also offered some ornaments to be used for giveaway contests. He’s loaned the downtown museum some of his airline-related items in the past, although the aviation hall itself is still in development.

Howard went through his attic and found more than enough ornaments

The Christmas Tree at VMT is decorated with a variety of transportation themed ornaments provided by Roanoke resident Duane Howard. to decorate the VMT tree – and his telling a Chamber of Commerce auown. dience that it may take three million Norfolk Southern recentdollars to transform the ly issued a one million dolVMT into a truly worthy Tree Trimmings lar challenge grant for the facility.

Virginia Museum of TransRoanoke Mayor David portation, with CEO Wick Moorman Bowers also spoke about the museum

[

]

when he addressed the Southeast Action Forum recently, where Howard is a Vice-President. Bowers wants to see City Council come up with funds towards the one million dollar match. “It was a perfect tie-in,� said Howard, who told him about the decorated Christmas tree. “[Bowers] was excited about that.�

The activist and one time City Council meeting regular, who admits that recent home ownership has made him less confrontational, hopes to see the city and the valley rally around the under- funded museum: “When you love transportation like I do, you want to see it be successful.�

Santa Claus at VMT: Santa will be at the Transportation Museum (on Salem Avenue) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, with free gifts for the first 200 children who come to visit. Admission is only $1 for the day.

Guests are encouraged to bring nonperishable food items for donation to the Presbyterian Community Center Food Pantry in southeast Roanoke.

By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

Page 2 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 12/19/08

TheRoanokeStar.com

Area marines bring joy of Christmas to children > Ukrops

Most would agree that we live in a time when people need someone to look up to.

People who, through the very nature of their actions, improve the lives of others - making the world a little brighter and a little better. That spirit was in action during the Children’s Trust/CASA’s annual holiday gift distribution last Wednesday.

From the spirit of generosity that lives in the hearts of all those who supported the Marines’ toy collection efforts, to the love and patience of the educators and administrators who serve these children yearround; to the respect and guidance of the advocates and mentors. It gives me hope.

This is the fourth year Children’s Trust (CASA/CAC) has partnered with the Marines for the Toys for Tots event. The objective is to offer gifts – and some holiday cheer -- to children living away from their parents, often in foster homes. Book donations from Barnes and Noble, alongside a toy drive by Valley View Grande allowed them to provide fun and educational gifts for 75 vulnerable children and families in our area.

In recent months, the Children's Advo,-'. cacy Center of Roanoke Valley (CAC) and Roanoke Valley Court Appointed Special 23 :(;.-< Advocates (CASA) joined forces to become â&#x20AC;&#x153;Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Trust.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Both organizations have dedicated years of service to preventing abuse against

Roanoke's children and advocating on behalf of those who have been mistreated,â&#x20AC;? says Linda Moody, Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Trust Director of Development. â&#x20AC;&#x153;With such a legacy of success, we can think of no better benefit to our children than to combine efforts to allow for a seamless continuum of care,â&#x20AC;? she concluded.

Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Trust is charged with the mission of preventing and reducing the incidence and trauma of child maltreatment; to provide support to families through education; and to be a voice for a child in court through trained volunteer advocates. The CAC has been a leader in child abuse prevention in the Roanoke Valley and has offered a multidisciplinary team approach to ensuring the safety of children in the community through innovative education programs and quality public awareness activities.

CASA has been the child's voice in court for thousands of Roa- A volunteer tells a story during the Toys for Tots noke Children and is comprised program. of dedicated volunteers with a room. Children giggled and played with goal of improving the quality of life for members of the Roanoke Marines, Bravo the abused and neglected. Each advocate Company and CAC board members and serves as a constant companion to support staff (dressed as Frosty and Santa). Seva child throughout eral read aloud to the group and the faces the often long and of grateful parents glowed with appreciadifficult court protion. cess.

Marines are known for â&#x20AC;&#x153;leading the Anyone witnesschargeâ&#x20AC;? when itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most needed and their ing this festive event efforts in Roanoke are certainly appreciat the Brambleton ated by the families and children whose Center couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t help lives they touch every year. but notice the genuine care for these

By Stephanie Koehler children and famiinfo@theroanokestar.com lies that filled the

!"#$%

From page 1

no stranger to a glass of beer or wine but the cultureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gross over-obsession and often over-consumption of alcohol turns me off to the point that I truly enjoy supporting a store with values like Ukrops. As for Sundays, I am a Sabbath believer and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t so much as pump gas if it can be avoided. But it might take a month or so of Bible study to convince you on that one.

As far as â&#x20AC;&#x153;forgetting theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re there,â&#x20AC;? that particular customer may have a point. Ukrops marketing has been a bit inconsistent and given their somewhat â&#x20AC;&#x153;off the beaten pathâ&#x20AC;? location, it seems like staying before the public with a more consistent approach might be required. From what I gather from marketing personnel in Ukropâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Richmond headquarters, some re-vamped marketing may be on the way.

But Roanokers need to do their part as well â&#x20AC;&#x201C; for in addition to being a uniquely wonderful place to grocery shop, Ukrops is one of the best corporate citizens a community could ever hope for. Many already know the story â&#x20AC;&#x201C; as Christian businessmen James and Bobby Ukrop have built their business on core values that are modeled from the top down and extend well into the lives of their employees and customers as well as the greater communities in which their stores are located.

I encourage you to go online and read their mission statement â&#x20AC;&#x201C; it will not only astound you but make you proud that there are still such business owners around today (think Wall Street lately) and that they have selected Roanoke as a community in which they would like to do business.

The question that seems to remain is whether Roanokers will appreciate it enough to go out of their way to â&#x20AC;&#x153;rememberâ&#x20AC;? and support a store that doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just talk the talk but rather intentionally and actively walks the walk.

I recently heard a wonderfully applicable expression, â&#x20AC;&#x153;What you believe is not what you say â&#x20AC;&#x201C; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what you do . . .â&#x20AC;?

I think Ukropsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; actions have demonstrated that premise quite well.

I wonder if enough Roanokers will.

!"#$%&$'()*+,-./-'0(1

By Stuart Revercomb stuart@theroanokestar.com

Angels with Scissors give of themselves year round

Open Christmas Day

Compassion for the homeless and thirty years exsion Month and a fundraiser every October for perience as a hairdresser are among the reasons Shaother charitable organizations like the Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ron Mirtaheri helped the Rescue Mission create two Miracle Network. hair salons. An idea that came to her, while touring â&#x20AC;&#x153;God did all of that. He just took it on. I just hapthe Rescue Mission with Development Director Lee pened to be the person who pulled it all together,â&#x20AC;?

Clark, has turned into something bigger than Mirsaid Mirtaheri. taheri ever imagined. During that tour, she rememâ&#x20AC;&#x153;Hairdressers usually have no health insurance,â&#x20AC;? bers asking Clark if they had room for a hair salon. she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;One or two illnesses and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re on the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Yes, actually,â&#x20AC;? he said, they had room for two. streets,â&#x20AC;? she said as she explained why hairdressers Thanks to Mirtaheri and her organization, Angels as a group are so empathetic toward the homeless. with Scissors, there are now three hydraulic chairs Mirtaheri is a senior at Hollins College majoring in the womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shelter salon and two chairs in the in studio art with a minor in creative writing. She menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shelter, complete with mats, supplies and two plans to graduate next summer and hopes to have hairdressers volunteering their time. more time to devote to Angels with Scissors then.

The chairs and equipment were donated to the Volunteer Judy Roberts She said much of her communication with the saMission by area salons. Mirtaheri first talked to Su- provides a trim at the Roa- lons and hairdressers is by phone--because many san Brown at Gone CoCo who recommended talkdonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t use computers yet--which takes more time. noke Resuce Mission. ing to Veronica Underwood of First St Salon Inc. Eddie Sparks, manager of Cost Cutters at Towers, Underwood â&#x20AC;&#x153;called at least 20 salons--she called cuts hair at the womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shelter once a month. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a everyone she knew,â&#x20AC;? Mirtaheri said. great feeling to help someone else. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a way to give back,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My little pea ideaâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;God turned into a big thing,â&#x20AC;? Mirtaheri Lisa Vann of Roanoke works with Sparks. She said she heard said. about the need for hairdressers in a newspaper article about three She said she originally planned to raise $2,000 to $3,000 for a years ago. She believes that for her clients â&#x20AC;&#x153;their history is not their couple of hydraulic chairs. But when hairdressers and salons gave destiny.â&#x20AC;? Cutting hair at the Rescue Mission is â&#x20AC;&#x153;an opportunity to in excess of what they expected, she was able to do far more. share God with themâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;to tell them how much Jesus loves them.â&#x20AC;?

Donations included chairs, mats and accessories. Scott Kitts of More volunteer hair cutters are needed at the Rescue Mission The Salon Ltd ordered towels when asked to help with the project. salons. Mitraheri said there were 13 volunteers at one time, but that The Angels with Scissorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; first â&#x20AC;&#x153;Cut-a-Thonâ&#x20AC;?, held in May of 2005, number has dwindled over time. She said individuals can volunteer, involved 43 salons and 150 hairstylists, according to Mirtaheri. The or salons may choose to commit their hairdressers on a rotating event raised $6,000 toward the permanent salon, as well as $6,000 basis. Hair professionals who can help are encouraged to contact worth of professional products. She said even salon clients donated Leslie Littlefield, Volunteer Coordinator at the Rescue Mission at money to the cause.

777-7651.

The 2006 â&#x20AC;&#x153;Cut-a-Thonâ&#x20AC;? event netted $2.000, even without Mirtaheriâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s personal visits to each salon. Mirtaheri hopes that Angels

By Joan Kastner with Scissors will have a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Cut-a-Thonâ&#x20AC;? every May for Rescue Misinfo@theroanokestar.com

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> Jingle Bell Run From page 1

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The Roanoke course went down Jefferson Street from the Chamber of Commerce building, over two bridges that span the train tracks to Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital and back again. Overall male race winners included George Probst in first place (16:14), David Angell, second (16:24), and Andrew Parkins, third 17:09). Overall female winners for the 3.1 mile (5K) course included Mary Cather Sowder in first place (20:33), Erin Wheeler, second (20:54), and Melissa Teeple, third 21:42).

During an after race party held at Center in the Square the highest fundraising award went to Spa Fit, which brought in $2600. The largest team award went to the Back Creek Elementary School Roadrunners, part of the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Girls on the Runâ&#x20AC;? program, which brought out 78 students and their families. Student runners from other local schools including Grandin Court Elementary also participated.The highest individual fundraiser was Robin Rouse, who raised over $840 for her team, Brittanyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Brigade.

By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

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12/19/08 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 3

TheRoanokeStar.com

Roanoke YMCA hosts children's shopping spree

Smiles lit up the faces of 31 underprivileged children from the YMCA Magic Place program when they were treated to a holiday shopping spree on Thursday â&#x20AC;&#x201C; thanks to a generous grant from J.C. Penney supporting the after school program for school aged children.

Braving the rain, 14 volunteers and staff met in the entrance to J.C. Penney at Tanglewood Mall waiting for the bus filled with excited kids to arrive. The event was organized by Jackie Grant, YMCA Associate Executive Director was clearly a highlight for everyone involved.

"As times get tough for many families, the YMCA Magic Place will always be there to provide quality child care support," Grant said. "Now, more than ever, the YMCA's many services to our community are touching lives. These kids represent hundreds more whom we are helping every day. We appreciate everything we are able to do for them through the support of our many partners, such as JCPenney."

Each volunteer, armed with a previously prepared wish list complete with sizes, was partnered with several children ranging from kindergarteners to 5th graders. In an instant, the sound of giggling kids filled aisles of the store as children took their time picking out their â&#x20AC;&#x153;perfectâ&#x20AC;? items.

Each with only $30 to spend, these children were amazingly mindful of making good choices with limited resources. However, the reality of our current economic state proved to be an upside for these young shoppers, as any of the items on their list were already dras-

of the

Judge Strickland assists two eager shoppers at the YMCA / J.C. Penney shopping spree. tically reduced for the holiday sales. â&#x20AC;&#x153;J.C. Penney has always been involved with community programs,â&#x20AC;? said Rick Bessette, store manager. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The After School Foundation donates nine million dollars nationwide to underprivileged children. We have been fortunate to be able to support the valuable programs at the YMCA and give back to our local community. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wonderful,â&#x20AC;? he concluded.

The YMCA Magic Place offers a quality after school program in a safe, supportive environment that fosters the physical, social and emotional growth

Roanoke City Council News

Tribute to the 2008 William Fleming Varsity Football Team: William Fleming High Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s varsity football squad was honored by Roanoke City Council on Monday for winning the Western Valley District Championship, and for completing the season with a 9-2 overall record. Vice-Mayor Sherman Lea recognized head football coach Rob Senseney, who overcame the disadvantage of not even having a practice home field.

Lea said â&#x20AC;&#x153;[Senseney] had a lot of opportunity to complain â&#x20AC;Śhe did this all while making the transition to a higher level, AAA.â&#x20AC;? Senseney is also the 2008 Western District Valley Coach of the Year.

Fleming gets its own football facility next year.

Technology Department Recognized: for the sixth time since 2001 the Roanoke City Technology Department has been awarded first place as a â&#x20AC;&#x153;digital city.â&#x20AC;? This year the department distinguished itself by implementing wireless technology with access points for police, WiFi on the Smartway bus and the Starcam on Mill Mountain.

Celebration and Presentation by Roanoke Library Advisory Board: The Roanoke Library Advisory Board, Roanoke Library Foundation, Roanoke School Board, Roanoke Friends of the Library recognized the work and dedication of Councils past and present in support of the Library Master Plan. Recognized was the award-winning Valley View e-branch and Garden City e-branch that have attracted more than 25,000 visitors in the past year.

The Jackson Park branch and Gainsboro branches, with new community and study rooms, additional books and Teen Centers should be complete in early 2009. The Library Master Plan calls for new â&#x20AC;&#x153;Superbranchâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Storefrontâ&#x20AC;? branches, both state-of-the-art model facilities.

Roanoke City Has Second Highest Pregnancy Rate in state: Brooks Michael, the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Coordinator or Carilion Clinic, spoke on new data that shows Roanoke City has 71.1 teen pregnancies per 1000 females. In 2007 there were 386 teen pregnancies overall. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If the trend continues over the course of the

Roanoke Star Week

next five years Roanoke City will have almost 2000 teen pregnancies, which is about the size of one of our high schools,â&#x20AC;? said Michael to City Council.

Teenage pregnancy services cost Virginia taxpayers $177 million in 2004. The city continues to have the second highest teen pregnancy rate in Virginia, out of the 130 cities and counties surveyed.

Michael named the four programs that combat teen pregnancy in Roanoke and said that for the first time in years not only Roanoke City, but the entire nation has experienced an increase in teen pregnancy rates. Teenaged girls who take one of their programs have a 95% success rate in avoiding teen pregnancy said Michael, who asked that funding for these programs, some targeted for elimination, be included in the Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s legislative package. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The future does not look good for the programs here in Roanoke City,â&#x20AC;? said Michael.

Swap of City-Owned Land at Countryside Golf Club with Roanoke Airport: A public hearing was held on the swap of 17 acres of City-owned property, part of Countryside Golf Course, for 15 acres of Airport property. The equally- appraised property ($214,000) was part of a deal to widen the Runway 6 protection zone. It also comes with a deal that allows the city to lease the entire tract for continued use as a golf course. City Manager Darlene Burcham said the Roanoke Regional Airport Commission would be responsible for maintaining tree heights on the leased property.

Formal Presentation of Roanok Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Citizen of the Year: Estelle McCadden, 82, was formally presented and proclaimed Citizen of the Year for 2008. As detailed earlier in the Roanoke StarSentinel, McCadden is a neighborhood activist and is well known by all the neighborhood organizations. The retired teacherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s motto? â&#x20AC;&#x153;May the work I do speak for me, then my living will not have been in vain.â&#x20AC;?

Amy Burkholder Spangler graduated from Patrick Henry High School in 1980 and the Virginia Western Dental Assistant Program in 1982. She is married to Steve Spangler, Principal of Cave Spring High School, and they have two daughters, Ashley 16, and Sydney 13. Amy has been employed as a dental assistant

by Dr. William Deyerle for 26 years.

Her favorite past times are spending time with family, keeping in touch with Tiki and Ronde Barber (who Steve coached when they played football for Cave Spring), church work, gardening and walking. They make their home in the Southwest area of Roanoke County.

By Jim Bullington Have someone in mind for â&#x20AC;&#x153;Roanoke Star of the Week?â&#x20AC;?

E-mail Jim Bullington: JBullPhoto@hotmail.com

of each child. School aged children experience the joy of interaction with their peers while guided in daily learning adventures by positive role models. With supervised homework and tutoring, athletic activities, varied indoor games and projects it enables parents to have a feeling of confidence that their child is being From page 1 well cared for.

This is the fourth year in a row that J.C. Penney has partnered with the YMCA for the holiday shopping spree -- bringing joy and smiles to over 100 underserved and deserving families.

> Budget

> VWCC From page 1

to bring their children for supervised visitation with a noncustodial parent. The center â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a collaboration of Total Action Against Poverty and the City of Roanoke â&#x20AC;&#x201C; also serves as a neutral exchange point for parents to pick up their children for visitations.

At a Dec. 5 luncheon sponsored by Virginia Westernâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Educational Foundation, the holiday luncheon committee presented Sabrinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Place with more than $500 in monetary donations and more than $500 worth of toys and supplies for the center.

Representing Sabrinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Place were Sammi Rader, program coordinator, and Annette Lewis, TAPâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s senior vice president of programs and director of TAP This Valley Works. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Because of Virginia Western and their generous donations, families at Sabrinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Place now have a more welcoming and inviting facility,â&#x20AC;? Rader said.

This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Giving Project donation was made all the more meaningful because the center is named for a Virginia Western graduate.

Sabrinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Place is named in memory and honor of Sabrina Reed, a Roanoke woman who was shot and killed in 2005, by her estranged husband. Reed was a 1999 nursing graduate of Virginia Western. She went on to earn bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degrees in nursing from Radford University.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;We had no idea going into this that Sabrina went to school here,â&#x20AC;? said Amy Balzer, an assistant in the Virginia Western presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office and member of the holiday luncheon committee. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This ended up being the perfect Giving Project. We were giving back to someone who had actually been here.â&#x20AC;?

Designating the 2008 Giving Project to Sabrinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Place was suggested by Balzerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s daughter Rebecca, a Cave Spring High School senior who has been a big supporter of the center since it opened last year. When the luncheon committee sent out a request for suggested recipients of this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Giving Project, Rebecca wrote a letter to the committee recommending Sabrinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Place.

Rebecca has been a proactive volunteer for the center, organizing two toy drives and a coin collection drive for the center, and spending numerous hours painting the walls of visitation rooms and supply rooms at the center. â&#x20AC;&#x153;She is very passionate about this,â&#x20AC;? Amy Balzer said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be going away to college next year and sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s already told her sister, who is in the eighth grade, that sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll have to take over for her.â&#x20AC;?

The purpose of Sabrinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Place â&#x20AC;&#x153;is so necessary,â&#x20AC;? Balzer said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There is no reason for people to be in danger in this day. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m all behind the center too.â&#x20AC;?

Shawver said that employee medical coverage for Roanoke City has increased by $800,000. City Manager Darlene Burcham said that if the fiscal situation improves the first priority would be to add back the half million dollar yearly increase that Council had committed for the schools. Burcham put it bluntly: â&#x20AC;&#x153;we will have to cut positions to balance the budget.â&#x20AC;? Hiring freezes are in place now, with the only exception being public safety.

Sherman Stovall, Director of Management and Budget, wanted to â&#x20AC;&#x153;plant the seedâ&#x20AC;? with suggestions of possible service reductions â&#x20AC;&#x201C; reduced library and recreation program hours; mowing and refuse collection frequency; reduced Human Services and Cultural Agency funding increases; a possible library branch closing and leaf collection elimination.

Council members David Trinkle and Alvin Nash wanted to see a more comprehensive list of possible reductions but Burcham didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to

By Valerie Garner info@theroanokestar.com

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;wait on a listâ&#x20AC;? and asked for Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s input so she could present them with operational impacts.

Councilman Court Rosen asked about reallocating and/ or pushing out the incremental funding of some projects.

Burcham indicated that this was a possibility but said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;there is no getting around that we are going to have to change the services we deliver - or the way we deliver them.â&#x20AC;?

Rosen was adamant that this was the worst time to implement any tax increases. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are going to look at all the moving parts,â&#x20AC;? said Burcham. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are not going to let the â&#x20AC;Ś debt service [exceed] your guidelines.â&#x20AC;? A financial planning work session is slated for February; the public will have to wait until April 30th to weigh-in on the recommended budget.

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Perspective

Page 4 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 12/19/08

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Merry “Ultimate” to you! The Judge at Christmas

B

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eing a judge is not al- his own sons, near been able to get a ways a fun job, even the East End shops. fire started all day on the best of days. It would be a bleak in it, so we’re just You see people at their abso- time for that family, trying to keep warm lute worst, and rarely does the there was no doubt the best we can.” judge do anything that makes of that. As the judge He turned to his everybody happy. On Christ- turned into his wife. “While you’re mas Eve, it’s even worse than neighborhood with putting the grocerusual. Everyone wants to get all the beautiful ies up and showing out of there and go home to bright lights, he had her about the ham, their families. But it doesn’t a sense of antici- Hayden Hollingsworth we’ll see what we always work out that way. pation of getting can do about the Finally, it was the last case on home to his own furnace.” There the docket and it was a familiar sons and wife. The Christmas was no Christmas tree, so he face to everyone in the court. ham would be cooking, the turned to his sons and said, The judge had told Ronald-- boys would be putting the last- “Just put the presents on the many times--that if he didn’t minute touches on the decora- sofa.” Ronald’s children mend his ways, he was going tions. It would be wonderful looked at them, wondering if to end up in real trouble. Most time together. they were for them. of his problems had to do But the bleakness of RonThe basement was a coloswith being drunk and disor- ald’s family problem seeped sal mess, empty beer cans evderly, and even trips to Honor into his mind to the point he erywhere, as well as expensive Court, a special session run by really couldn’t think about whiskey bottles. If Ronald Alcoholics Anonymous, had anything else. He knew that spent his money on food rathnot curbed Ronald’s drinking. thought was going to suck the er than booze, they wouldn’t Now, here he was on Christ- joy right out of his Christmas. be in this fix, he thought to mas Eve, standing in front of When he got home, he could himself. The boys found wood the judge--yet again. smell the wood smoke from in the yard, half covered with “Ronald, I told you if you the fireplace and it was begin- snow, and with some dry kinshowed up here one more time ning to snow. It was just about dling from under the front this year, I was going to send perfect . . . perfect except he porch, they were able to get you to jail. And here you are knew the evening would have the fire started. As the wawith the same old story.” to be different from what the ter in the boiler heated, they Ronald, a man in his thirties, family had planned. could hear the pipes creaking looked as ashamed as he was “Come on, boys. Get your as they expanded. disheveled. He always looked mother. We’ve got an errand After they got upstairs, the ashamed. He always promised to run.” house was beginning to warm it would not happen again . . .

“What about dinner, the up and the children seemed but, invariably, it did. ham? We’re ready to eat,” they to like the toys his sons had “It’s Christmas Eve, Judge. chorused. brought. “We’ll check back in My family is expecting me “Later. Right now, I want a few days and see how you’re home tonight. Please . . . please each of you to go get a toy that doing,” he said. “I know this don’t put me in jail, especially you really like and wrap it up. is a tough time for you, but I tonight!” he pleaded.

Get something nice, some- hope you have a good ChristThe judge looked at the bai- thing you would like to get if mas, even if it’s not too merliff, already shifting from one it were going to be your only ry.”

Give them a gift every foot to the other and looking present.”

On the way home, one of the week of the year with at the clock. He didn’t want “What’s going on?” asked boys asked what they would a subscription to the Ronald to go to jail; that would his wife, coming out of the have for their Christmas Eve put him even later going home. kitchen. dinner, since they had given Roanoke Star Sentinel!

The judge didn’t want to do it “A little Christmas cheer, my away their ham. either, but he had meant what love. Get the ham, some gro“Don’t worry about it,” their For only $44 they’ll he said and there was no way ceries and put on your coat. mother said. “It was just a picreceive a gift card around it. He had been more We’re making a call to East nic ham. We’ve got plenty of direct from us and than lenient with Ronald dur- End.” soup and other things. We’ll 52 issues delivered ing the past year and now it When they arrived, the just have a different kind of weekly to their was time to make his words house looked even more dis- dinner this year. Who knows? stick. mal than he had imagined. Maybe it will become a tradidoorstep!

“Ten days in jail, then six There was one light on in the tion.” months’ probation. If you’re front room and they could The snow was falling harder Call or email today! back here during probation, see through the door the fam- when they got home. The walk I’ll give you thirty days. I’m ily was sitting on the sofa, the into the house was as smooth sorry, Ronald, but I meant only piece of furniture in the as any white comforter, their what I said.” room, staring at the wall. He departing footprints all covThe bailiff rolled his eyes as knocked on the door, the boys ered. When they got to the Contact Cheryl at cvhodges@aol.com he walked over to escort Ron- dancing behind him in the front door, they were surprised ald to the city jail. cold. to see it standing slightly ajar. subscribe@theroanokestar.com | 400-0990 “What about my family? It’s “Hello, I’m the judge from “I was sure I locked it,” the Christmas time. They won’t City Court and I know that judge commented, as they know what to do if I’m not Ronald isn’t going to be home stamped the snow from their there,” Ronald called over his for a while, so we brought you feet. When they walked into shoulder as he left the court- a few things to tide you over.” the foyer, on the hall table sat 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 DOWN room.

The lady looked surprised, a fully cooked Smithfield ham.

13 15 1 2 3 4 5 6 14 7 8 9 10 11 12 DOWN The judge didn’t answer. He then suspicious, but she There was no note about from 1 Beef servings 1 13 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 DOWN didn’t know anything to say, stepped aside. The house was whom it had come.

16 17 18 19 2 Harassed 1 Beef servings but as he was driving home, freezing.

13 16 14 15 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 2 1Harassed Advertisement he thought about it. Ronald 3 servings Beef “Gee, it’s cold in ere. Isn’t Contact Hayden at 16 20 18 19 21 17 22 23 24 25 3 2Advertisement Harassed 4 Active lived with his wife and three your furnace working?” jhayden2003@cox.net 26 27 28 4 Active 20 26 21 2227 23 24 28 25 3 Advertisement 5 Foot extension small boys, about the age of “I guess so, but I haven’t 5 Foot extension 29 30 31 32 33 34 4 Active List of highly desired 30 31 27 32 33 34 26 29 28 desired 6 List of6highly 5 Foot extension 35 37 38 3529 37 38 33 guests guests 30 31 36 36 32 34 6 List of highly desired 7 Calf 7 Calf 39 40 35 36 37 38 guests 39 40 8 Note of debt of debt 41 42 43 44 45 46 Calf8 Note 7 39 40 a striker 9 Replace 41 42 43 44 45 46 Note of debt Replace a striker 8 9 47 48 49 50 51 I see 10 41 42 43 44 45 46 along striker 9A Replace 47 48 49 50 51 I see 410 mile river that 11 10 52 53 54 55 47 48 49 50 51 I see through 10travels Roanoke A 410 mile long river that 11 C o m mu n i t y | N ew s | Pe r s p e c t i ve 52 53 58 54 55 56 57 59 A 410 mile long river that of the week 1211Day 52 53 54 55 travels through Roanoke travels through Roanoke 60 61 62 63 64 65 14 Enfold 56 57 58 59 56 57 58 59 Day of the week Publisher | Stuart Revercomb | stuart@theroanokestar.com | 400-0990 12ofcountry African 15 Day the week 12 66 67 68 69 Enfold 60 61 62 63 64 65 14 Tropical edible root 21 60 61 62 63 64 65 14 Enfold 70 71 Features Editor | Pam Rickard | pam@theroanokestar.com | 400-0990 sickness 2315Cause African country country 15ofAfrican 66 67 68 69 66 67 68 69 instrument 2521Band www.CrosswordWeaver.com Tropical edible root 21 Tropical edible root 70 71 freely 3023Runs News Editor | Gene Marrano | gmarrano@cox.net | 400-0990 70 71 Cause of sickness of sickness 23 Cause 39 Lubricate ACROSS 3125Ooze Band instrument www.CrosswordWeaver.com instrument 25 Band 40 Night bird www.CrosswordWeaver.com method (2 33 Instructional 30 Runs freely Production Editor | Stephen Nelson | stephen@theroanokestar.com | 400-0990 41 Peacekeepers 1 Soft drink brand wds.)

Runs freely 30 39 Lubricate ACROSS 31 Ooze __ 44 Et 7 Render harmless 34 Eyed31 Ooze Lubricate 39 ACROSS bird 40 Night 33 Instructional method (2 Technical Webmaster | Don Waterfield | webmaster@theroanokestar.com | 400-0990 47 Thicket 13 Frog predecessor 36 Bullfight cheer Night bird 40 41 Peacekeepers 1 Soft drink brand wds.)

33 Instructional method (2 48 Estimated time of arrival 15 Circles the zoo and has 38 Poet Edgar Allen Et __ harmless 44 Smells 7 Render 34 Eyed wds.) drink 41 1 Soft only brand had one accident.

50 Peacekeepers key holder 41 Real Estate Advertising Director | Vickie Henderson | advertising@theroanokestar.com | 400-0990 Thicket predecessor 47 1316Frog Bullfight cheer Et __ Cancer Society Tvharmless show 44 7 Render 52 American Eyed 4236Church 34 part Star: to lift up that which is right, real and genuine about our community – the people 48 Estimated time of arrival 1517Circles Poet Edgar Allen Tack the zoo and has 4338Required Thicket predecessor 47 (abbr.)

13 Frog 36 Bullfight cheer and events that make us who we are – the real spirit of Roanoke that past residents and Smells only had one accident.

50 Real Estate key holder 41 53 Prepared food 18 Water (Spanish) plants Estimated time Society of arrival 44 Lilly-like the zoo and has 48 15 Circles Edgar Allen leaders have worked hard to create, that points us towards the bright and shining future 38 Poet American Cancer show 52 1619TvComes Church part 42 metal before a vowel 55 Unrefined 45 The castle in chess that we all desire for our valley.

Smells only had one accident.

50 41 Real (abbr.)

1720Tack Required Chichi 56 Alter TimeEstate of __ key holder 4643Estimated American Cancer Society show 52 Prepared food 16 Tv Water (Spanish) 53 1822 Hindu religious teacher 58 Strangely Lilly-like plants part 42 Church 4744Rook Sentinel: to guard the truth, with consistent and complete coverage of key local issues Unrefined metal before voweland need A great sci-fiawriter 55 1924Comes 59 Skier's bitcastle The in chess 4945Little (abbr.)

17 Tack Required 43 that provides balanced reporting and equal editorial opportunity. To fully tell all sides of a Roanokes 60 Tuberculosis Alter 56 20 Chichi topping seed 5146Bun Estimated Time of __ Prepared food (Spanish)own.

53 18 Water story so that readers can make their own informed opinions, and express them to positively Lilly-like plants 44 Killedreligious in actionteacher 61 Own Strangely 58 2226Hindu 5347Stirred Rook impact others and our community.

Unrefined metal before a vowel 55 19 Comes The castle in chess 45 63 Realm 5449Pancake Skier's need great sci-fi writer and 59 2427A Clan Little bittopper Alter 56 20 Chichi Estimated 46topping locale Constrictorown. snake 65 Richmond 28Roanokes by rubbing 5751Sharpen Tuberculosis 60 Bun seed Time of __ down Slaves 66 Let Strangely religious teacher 58 22 Hindu 5953Spoken 47 Rook Own in action 61 2629Killed The Roanoke Star-Sentinel is published weekly by Whisper One Media, Inc. in Roanoke, Va. SubStirred American country Boxer Muhammad 68 S 32Clan be 6254ToPancake scriptions are available for $44 per year. Send subscriptions to PO Box 8338, Roanoke,VA 24014.

Skier's need great sci-fi writer and 59 24 A27 Realm 63 bit topper 49 Little the doorway Truant student game 70 Used period We encourage letters from our readers on topics of general interest to the community and 64 Time Richmond locale snake 65 2833Constrictor by topping rubbing seed Tuberculosis 57 Sharpen Roanokes own.

60 51 Bun responses to our articles and columns. Letters must be signed and have a telephone number for 71 Oar 35 Small scoop Wisconsin (abbr.)

67 down 66 Let 29 Slaves 59 Spoken Own in action 61 26 Killed Stirred verification. All letters will be verified before publication.The Star-Sentinel reserves the right to deny 53Dakota part 37 Orbit North (abbr.)

69 68 S American country 32 Boxer Muhammad 62 To be publication of any letter and edit letters for length, content and style.

63 Realm 27 Clan 54 Pancake topper 70 Used the doorway 33 Truant student game All real estate advertised herein is subject to national and Virginia fair housing laws and read64 Time period Richmond locale

By Don snake 65 28 Constrictor Sharpen 57 Waterfield 71 Oar 35 Small scoop (abbr.)by rubbing ers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal 67 Wisconsin opportunity basis.

Find the answers69 online: TheRoanokeStar.com 66 Let down 29 Slaves Spoken 59 37 Orbit part North Dakota (abbr.)

Have a clue and answer you’d like to see? email: 68 S American country 32 Boxer Muhammad 62 To be puzzles@theroanokestar.com

ack in the day when we were young moms and expecting moms, we were already laying the groundwork for raising a generation of kids who think the world revolves around them.

We pictured preparing our academically gifted children for the Ivy League, or for the world of the symphonic or the arts. What I never pictured was a passion for…Frisbee?

I remember a friend exposing her unborn baby to Mozart and Beethoven through headphones wrapped around her growing belly, supposedly lulling her child into a peaceful and, of course, advanced intellectual state. Doing things like this helped us to believe that our Harvard-bound baby was well ahead of the game! I wish I could have focused on things like that, but my thoughts were clouded with more urgent matters like: “when will I not feel like throwing up?”; why won't I throw up?”; I will never, ever do this again!”; and, “I take it back: I don't want a baby!”

No one at our house ended up heading to Harvard. But I have heard William and Mary called the "Harvard of the South." When we dropped off son #1 several years ago, we were in the midst of the only unnamed hurricane I have ever experienced. It was terrible. There was little chance for good-byes or last minute platitudes. We could only rush

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to get rain-soaked beWhen that disc is longings to their destiairborne, you've nation. Then the monever seen so many ment was gone. guys flocking in for Back at home, I picthe killer catch—all tured the challenges of them oblivious of college life: buying that they are on books, meeting new a collision course friends and studywith several other ing for impossible bodies charging tests. But it soon bein their direction.

Cheryl Hodges came clear that all Ultimate is a selfof those details were secondary officiated sport, which adds to the main reason for being at to the intensity when players this prestigious institution: Ul- challenge their opponent's call. timate Frisbee. For those of you Truth be told, it is the epitome snickering at the word "Fris- of collegiate cool. It also makes bee," I hear you. It sounds like for a really great Bumper sticker it should be in a category with for your parents, as in “Ultimate badminton and ping pong.

Mom.” This is a common misconcepIt was gratifying to see that our tion. Ultimate Frisbee is serious own talented amateur Ultimate business. Neither rain nor sleet, player did, in fact, write papers nor injuries, nor homework or while in college. Said papers, tests, nothing will keep an “Ul- written for philosophy classes, timate” player from playing his/ were increasingly difficult to her game. This illustrious sport follow. I think my son emailed is reportedly the brain child them to me to edit in part beof Joel Silver, who hails from cause he was too lazy to catch Lafayette which he attended in some of the technical errors afthe early 1970’s. Our friend Jeff, ter staying up all night writing, a Lafayette alum, frequently and also to let his mother know reminds us of this important that he has a working brain. I connection. I'll be sure and call began to see that it was workhim when my son tears him- ing so well that I needed to take self up trying to win a point, is Motrin immediately after readmaimed and unable to graduate ing them. This twisted philosofrom college. phy stuff really got to me. Ever The thrill of the match is tried to engage in a discourse on contagious. These guys have legal positivism vs. natural law? to work hard to keep the Fris- It’ll make you head over to Frisbee in play. it requires constant bee practice early. running and skillful Frisbee Babies, self-absorbed parents, throwing. It’s a battle out there. Frisbee, and heady philosophy have, in a very circuitous way, reminded me of the Christmas story.

Here are my $64 questions: Was that baby born 2,000 years ago simply precocious or was there perhaps something more going on?

Is there more to life than how much we can play?

Do our man-made philosophies really suffice in the end?

How do we fix our fixation upon our selves?

Is it time to slow down and decide whether we care?

At the risk of being “Un-PC,” Merry Christmas!!

Now, that’s the Ultimate!

Star~Sentinel Crossword

The Roanoke Star-Sentinel

Perspective

TheRoanokeStar.com

I

Whither Winter Weather?

It's Anybody's Guess in '08

t IS the weather after all. But it seems that for the winter of 2008-9, for what it's worth, the consensus of opinion is that it will be "colder and wetter" than usual for much of the eastern US. The first predictions I heard that southwest Virginia was in for a doozy of a winter was because of the productive and abundant summer we just had. I'd never heard that connection before, but it makes sense.

"Oh yeah" said one local old-timer, "if we have a bumper crop of walnuts, the gardens are full of produce and apple trees hanging heavy, why, that's nature's way of providing for the wild creatures in the hard winter we'll be having." (Paradoxically, there were NO acorns over most of Virginia and the East this summer.)

That summer provision for a hard winter seems logically efficient on the part of natural providence, merciful at the hand of a caring God whose eye is on the sparrow (if not the squirrels of '08) and poetic to the romantics among us.

But is it accurate and should we lay up more of those potatoes, apples and veggies than we would ordinarily keep in the root cellar to see us through the hard, cold and snowy months to come?

Of course we tion anything about would not be good New Orleans where rural mountain folk it snowed the other if we did not conday for the first time sider in our progin 19 years!) Follownostication what the ing an active hurriwooly bear caterpilcane summer and lars tell us is coming with currently coolour way, but I could er South Pacific and never keep straight Gulf waters, some their supposed places will surely black versus brown see a colder, wetter Fred First message. winter.

Consequently, my Rule of Or not. the Wooly Bear has always In the end, we must augur been that, when I see them the future months' weather in great urgency crossing the from all the signs at our disroads seeking shelter in Oc- posal and take our chances. tober (and to my wife's hor- Whimsy or wisdom, brain or ror swerve to miss them), no heart? Wet finger in the wind matter what the mix of brown or the home anemometer dial to black, it will be more or less on your desk? Your guess is as cold sooner or later and I'll good as any. need a furry coat like theirs to We'll hope for the best and keep me warm. prepare for the worst. HunTo predict tomorrow's ker down, neighbors. Keep weather, look at today's. The the snow shovel handy just in Amish say, "August fog blooms case. Have plenty of cocoa on winter's snow." Wow. That hand, bring in an extra cat and means folks over on perpetu- toss another log on the fire. ally-foggy Walnut Knob along Because three black crows the Parkway are in for it, while called on a clear and cloudless we here on Goose Creek, not day from the roof of the barn so much. in October, I predict an espeJoe Bastardi, chief long- cially pleasant third month of range forecaster for Accu- the year by and by if we can Weather, is calling for one of just hang on through the hard the coldest, snowiest winters or not-so-hard winter of '08. in years in the East (that's just See you on the other side. barely north of us) that will be one to tell your grandchilContact Fred at dren about. (He didn't menfred1st@gmail.com

Simple moments provide greatest joy

S

ome say beans are the magical fruit, but in our house, it's the much more colorful, flavorful clementine. Oh, my darling. There are several things that mark the holiday season for us—my wife's homemade beverage concoction “Russian Tea,” her Mom-Mom's mixture of orange, pineapple, and lemon juices, tea, and spices, served hot; a house full of knick-knacks and decorations, all put into place promptly on Black Friday; eating “monkey bread,” homemade sweet rolls and egg casserole on Christmas Day; and clementines. For those of you not in on the secret, clementines are tiny mandarin oranges, easy to peel, usually seedless, sweet as candy and a favorite snack. Sold in neat wooden boxes, they're only available (and affordable) during the winter, thus my connection of them to the holiday season.

The Perry Boys have discovered clementines. Being the more dexterous of the two, Seth is more skilled at peeling them, while Kevin is better at eating them, being our house gour-

mand. The other to the kitchen for evening after dinmore. Juice ran from ner, Seth told me he face to shirt to pants. “needed something An old quilt from my else,” code for “I childhood served as didn't eat my dinner our plate, napkin, and want some junk and trash can to keep food.” We headed stains off the velvety into the kitchen and white chair.

I offered him a clemThere have been entine. He grabbed times in my life one from the box, when I did not live David Perry and Kevin, joining in the moment, not the party, grabbed pausing to allow two. We all sat down in the big, the spontaneity and of joy of overstuffed chair by the fire- the experience to permeate me. place in the living room, Kevin Not knowing that I would one poking holes in his clementine day look back on that time with with his thumbs and Seth mak- bittersweet fondness and longing tiny piles of fragrant orange ing. And there have been times skin. when I've had the good sense to Soon, Kevin and Seth were soak up the moment and let the back in the kitchen, pulling warmth sink in like the summore clementines from the box mer sun on the beach. This was lying on the “Nee Nee table,” the one of those times, watching the round table my mother gave us pure delight of two little boys when we needed more counter peeling and eating fruit, one of space. Back to the chair. Citrus the simplest of all nature's pleapeel piled high as the juice ran sures. down Kevin and Seth's faces, Clementines are the most each boy keeping his tidy little magical fruit. segments in their own piles, Kevin borrowing from Seth's Contact David at pile when his ran low. And back dave@davidperryonline.com

The Recipe of the Week from The Happy Chef

12/19/08 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 5

“Christmas Lite” might be just what we need

O

ver the past several weeks it has been quite interesting to hear comments about Christmas and the current economic struggles that we are facing.

Some parents mention how they are not able to do as much for their kids this year and children talk about not getting all of the toys they really want. On the other end of the spectrum are those who want to project to their children that nothing has changed and are determined to buy or provide yet another Christmas day filled with every kind of gift and toy imaginable.

There seems to be this concern among many that our children should be protected this Christmas season from the economic realities around us and that it would cause great suffering for them to experience a less commercial Christmas. I would suggest that this is a wonderful time to teach a few good lessons that can last our children a lifetime.

Last week a young girl was talking to me about Christmas and said “You know, it’s not like there is anything that I really need anyway.” Not only was I pleasantly surprised by her wisdom at such a young age, but even more delighted when she stated that not getting as much this year made her appreciate more the things she already had.

It was obvious that her parents had taken this opportunity to discuss the financial issues in the world around us today. This knowledge did not develop a sense of fear or hopelessness in her, it gave her perspective. Perspective that you can’t always have what you want and should be appreciative for what you already have and glad that your needs are met. What a powerful way to fight against the overpowering sense of entitlement that many of our children have today.

“Well, if it’s not about the presents, what’s the big deal?” was probably the funniest comment I have heard the past few weeks from a first grade boy. After a few chuckles I came to realize that he was serious. He didn’t know what the big deal was if it wasn’t about getting stuff. So here is both the dilemma and the opportunity. The dilemma is that if we stop feeding the entitlement/commercialization notion of Christmas, what do we do? The opportunity is that when we have a Christmas Lite, we have the chance to make Christmas about something other than the presents. No, I do not mean that we should not get our children toys and

gifts at Christmas, we on Christmas Day or should. I would just going to grandmas’ like to suggest three house, do something ideas to emphathat your children size besides getting will begin to look things. forward to each year.

The first is giving.

Traditions keep Kids often get lost families together at Christmas in the and emphasize the notion that it is all importance of beabout what they get. ing a part of a bigger Keith McCurdy Take the opportunity whole. This type of to create a tradition of giving. heritage gives a child roots. It Angel trees, Toys for Tots, win- gives them a sense of belonging ter coat drives, etc. all provide and a healthy jumping off point wonderful opportunities for to go out into the world. our children to experience the Thirdly, celebrate the birth of joy of giving, often to those less Christ. Yes I know the time of fortunate than they are. When Christmas has many different a child is in the role of giving to roots, the winter solstice, pahelp meet the needs of another, gan holidays, etc. but we should they develop a sense that even know that it as our time to celethey can make a difference in brate the birth of the King. With someone’s life. This awareness Christmas being one of the first of the needs of others and our longstanding memories that own ability to make a difference children encode, make sure that can stay with a child for the rest you share the Truth. Tell the of their life.

Christmas story, have a nativity The second is family. What scene, or just go to church. As do you remember most about I was told by a kindergartener Christmas, was it the presents last week, “the best present in or the family traditions? It may the world was the one God gave just be me, but in this world of me…baby Jesus”. electronic stimulation, it seems It’s possible that having a that family traditions have Christmas Lite might just be fallen by the wayside. Make a what your family needs this tradition. Whether it is going to year. Merry Christmas! the Christmas Eve church serContact Keith at vice or having a family dinner psycyoy@msn.com

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Beef Fondue I love Christmas day. I love watching my kids get excited over the magic of it all - Santa, flying reindeer and of course the presents. I remember being so excited on Christmas Eve that I couldn’t sit still. It is so wonderful to watch in my own children. But my favorite part of the season is the time before Christmas - the planning, the anticipation, the waiting - the celebrating of something to come. I recognize that now as the season of Advent making a home in my heart - the preparation for something so glorious and so much greater than me that I am just happy that I can be a part of the celebration.

Christmas is so alive and vivid, our senses are heightened by the sights, sounds, smells and feelings - all those past Christmases create such a strong bank of memories in our minds. I love

helping to create that for my own family through our various Christmas traditions. I know I can’t force my children to grasp with their hearts the true meaning of Christmas (although they have done pretty well so far) but I can help inspire that spirit through the joyous ways we celebrate.

A few years ago, at Christmas, my mother explained to me what the word Grace meant to her.

She became really quiet and said, “God was born into the world for us.” I keep thinking about those words and what they mean… “Unto YOU a Child is born.”

I hope we all take time to get quiet and reflect on this most precious gift of love.

Merry Christmas to all of you!

This is our traditional Christmas dinner, something very different and so much fun…

Beef Fondue!

I either buy beef sirloin or beef tenderloin for the meat.

I use any type of vegetable oil in the fondue pot, whatever I have on hand. Then you just heat it up, cook your meat and dip! The sauces below are fabulous but get creative - I love trying out new sauces!

sauce salt and pepper to taste

Horseradish Cream Sauce 1 cup sour cream 3 tablespoon prepared horseradish 2 teaspoons lemon juice 2 scallions, finely chopped 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire

Sour Cream Mustard Sauce 1/2 pint sour cream 1/2 mayonnaise 1/4 cup prepared mustard 1 tablespoon finely chopped onion Dash of Hot Pepper Sauce,

Herb Butter Dipping Sauce 1 cup butter or margarine, melted 2 tablespoons lemon juice 1/4 teaspoon fines herbs blend Dash hot pepper sauce such as Tabasco

such as Tabasco Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce: 1/2 cup mayonnaise 2 tablespoons honey 2 tablespoons Creole mustard or other hot wholegrain mustard Pinch salt Pinch cayenne, or to taste I also buy a couple of red sauces such as jalapeno ketchup, BBQ sauce, and of course regular ketchup for the kids!

”

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Page 6 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 12/19/08

tenants Send your articles, story ideas Market 2173Anita BenningtonWilson, Street President of the Market Building Tenants and pictures to: Association, at Riverland Road / Rt. 1 6 and co-owner info@theroanokestar.com of Burger in the Square with

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plea for their future Buck Mountain Road 4.45 acres ZonedC2

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her husband Louis, pleaded with Council Monday to tell them specifically how their businesses would factor into 540-580-7755 1428 Roanoke Road (Across from Lord Botetourt High School) the extensive renovations of the Market Building. Wilson said she wanted â&#x20AC;&#x153;straight answersâ&#x20AC;? on whether the City Open Christmas Day even wanted them to remain Bounty Paper in the Market building. WilNestle Life Water Towels son contended that they have T-F 3-7 pm, Sat 12-6 pm, Sun 1-5 20-pack $3.99 $1.29 each had â&#x20AC;&#x153;no inputâ&#x20AC;? in the selected architectural firmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s redesign.

Photo by Valerie Garner â&#x20AC;&#x153;There is no future for Anita Wilson addresses City Council as Darlene Burcham looks most of us â&#x20AC;Ś shutdown on. decisions will be made in Burcham said it would be struction. days, not months,â&#x20AC;? she said, no earlier than March 2009, Price then asked about the â&#x20AC;&#x153;[knowing our future] is not and then the tenants would tenantsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; concerns regarding a lot to ask â&#x20AC;Ś we need to BOL 08 receive at least 60 days nowhere the trash is stored. make plans now so we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t BOL 08 tice.

Following the meeting, Wilson said that the trash is drown.â&#x20AC;?

Burcham said she offered the stored indoors at the corner Councilwoman Anita Price tenants assistance in locating of the Market building and asked City Manager Darlene to other temporary locations that she had tried unsuccessBurcham if she had a timeduring renovations.

She did fully to procure trash comframe for the tenants. not say who would pay for pactors from the City.

Burcham said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;unfortuContact Tom Branch or Mike Branch relocation or necessary conGlenna Johannessen, ownContact nately we do not.â&#x20AC;? 4552 Franklin Road, S.W., Roanoke, Virginia 24014 Tom Branch or Mike Branch BOL 08 BOL 08 er of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Seeds Of Lightâ&#x20AC;?, located Road, S.W., Roanoke, Vi Phone: 540-774-1208 | Fax: 540-774-13594552 | Email:Franklin bmc@branchmgt.com BOL 08 on the outside of 540-774-13 the Market Phone: 540-774-1208 | Fax: building, spoke after Wilson.

Contact Tom Branch or Mike Branch Johannessen commented on 4552 Franklin Road, S.W., Roanoke, Virginia 24014 Phone: 540-774-1208 | Fax: 540-774-1359 | Email: bmc@branchmgt.com the effect the closure of the Contact Tom Branch or Mike Branch Special Holiday Hours!

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hoosing the physical therapist to complement the prowess two-week Market closure had negatively impacted of my surgeon was a vital decision. My experience was Hollins totalat Palmer at Palmer Hollins at Palmer Business Center Hollins 802 Kerns Business Center 802 Kerns Avenue theirAvenue business through writBusiness Center 802 Kerns Avenue Hollins at Palmer 24 acres satisfaction and respect for the knowledge, ability, and pro-24 acres Build24toacres For Sale or Lease For Sale or LeaseFor Sale or Lease Build toCenter Suit Business Suit ten statements.

100,000 sq ft 100,000 sq ft Build to Suit Will Subdivide Will Subdivide 100,000 sq ft 24 acres fessional attitude of the entire team. My physical therapist, Bryon While there were no definWill Subdivide Build to Suit itive solutions offered, WilWill Subdivide Batty, was encouraging and caring to my physical as well as psychoson said she believed they 5217 Williamson Road 1928 logical Since needs resulting from my injury. The Heartland Rehabilita[Council members] listened â&#x20AC;˘ 5,000 sq. ft. â&#x20AC;˘ Drive-Thru Capabilities to her, and she preferred neâ&#x20AC;˘ CG Zoning â&#x20AC;˘ Excellent Location tion team accommodated my scheduling needs and took into con- 2173 Bennington2173 Street Bennington Street Buck Mountain Road gotiation at Riverland Road Rt. 116 Buckand MountaincommunicaRoad at/Riverland Road / Rt. 116 4.45 acres New Retail Center New Retail Center sideration my profession and type of work. Without their help and 2,000 square 4.45 acres Contact Tom Branch or Mike Branch Zoned C2 feet2,000 available tion over legal action.

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2173 Bennington Street at Riverland Road / Rt. 116 New Retail Center 2,000 square feet available 2,725 sq ft sublease available

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4552 Franklin Frank L. IMoose Jeweler, Inc.close to 100% of my previous activity 2,725 sq ft sublease available Road, S.W. , Roanoke, Virginia 24014 know how, wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be this 2173 Bennington Street Ph: 540-774-1208 | Fax: 540-774-1359 | Email: bmc@branchmgt.com 207 Street,skills.

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

PH Coach resigns Robert Gray announced that he will be stepping down as Varsity Head Coach of the Patrick Henry High School football team. Mr. Gray will continue in his role as a health and physical education teacher at Patrick Henry.

“I basically just felt that the time has come for a change,” Gray said. “I’m still a big supporter of Patrick Henry. I think that we’ve done a lot of positive things as a program over the past few years. I think we’ve laid a good foundation there, and that there are a lot of good things in place.

I just thought it was time to step aside and give someone else a shot.”

Throughout his four-year tenure as head coach, Gray has been a strong supporter of high academic standards for all student-athletes. He assisted more than 20 athletes in gaining admission to colleges around the country. He has been a leader in implementing the new Roanoke City Public Schools athletic eligibility standards.

“We are sincerely grateful for Bob’s good work,” said Patrick Henry Principal Connie Ratcliffe. “Bob insists that his players truly be student-athletes.”

"Many of Coach Gray's former players will come back to see him during their college breaks to thank him for helping them with college admissions," said Athletic Director Patricia Sheedy. "

Sports

12/19/08 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 7

Photo by Bill Turner

Gimme the rock: Cave Spring’s Ellen Vest gets in position for a rebound Monday night against a Patrick Henry player during a 52-32 loss to the Patriots. PH went to 5-1 on the Patrick Henry’s record over the past four sea- season with the win; Cave Spring fell to 3-2. sons was 10 wins, 30 losses.

Deputy Superintendent Curt Baker indicated that the school division will immediately commence its search for a new varsity head football coach. “We have a rigorous selection process in place. We expect to be able to name our new coach by the end of February.

Former Patrick Henry Coach Bob Gray

By Matt Reeve Matt@theroanokestar.com

Lady Patriots Rolling

The Patrick Henry Lady Patriots (6-1) have (,-'. run 123 their winning streak to six games with

6(:(;.-< convincing

double-digit victories over Cave Spring, Hidden Valley, and Martinsville.

“I think the biggest thing in the last couple games has been our defense,” head basketball coach Toree Dunleavy said. “We’ve been able to get a lot of steals, which have led to some easy baskets.”

The team has seen production come from some surprising places. Kate Norbo, who has earned a soccer scholarship to the University of Virginia and did not play on the team last season, led the Lady Patriots with 21 points in an 80-29 victory over Martinsville on Tuesday night.

Dunleavy also praised forward Latoya Flint for her efforts. “She does all the little stuff that doesn’t necessarily show up on the stat sheet. Whatever we’re in need of, whether it be a key rebound or an assist, she does it.

She’s really been an unsung hero so far.”

The Lady Patriots (6-1) will look to continue their recent success when they travel to Albemarle for a tournament on December 27 to face Waynesboro High School.

“We’re starting to round into form,” Dunleavy said. “We’re getting into better shape, which has helped our shooting and our defense. Basically, we’re just learning to play together.”

By Matt Reeve Matt@theroanokestar.com

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Christian School Warriors defeated United Christian 55-38 in girls basketball last Friday to improve to 4-2. Faith Christian is a defending small independent school champion in Virginia.

Faith Christian #20 Monica Pollard (Above) hits a free throw Friday night Warriors Faith Gardner (Left) drives to the basket for a score Friday night

(Bill Turner photos)

Colonels Off to Fast Start

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Warriors win: the Faith

Three years ago, Ron Hubbard and Troy Manns made a commitment to build a competitive girls’ basketball program at William Fleming High School. After a winning season in year two, the Lady Colonels hope to continue their progress and contend for a Western Valley District Championship.

So far, so good.

Hubbard, in his first season after replacing his good friend Manns, has the Lady Colonels off to an unblemished start through four games, with victories over Northside, Salem, Magna Vista

and Pulaski.

“We have a veteran team,” Hubbard said of a roster that contains two seniors and six juniors.

“These girls have been through a lot together, and have been playing with each other for a while now.”

Offensively, the Lady Colonels possess a balanced attack, led by their two junior guards, leading scorer Tashiana Pack and point guard Tiasia McGeorge. “She is the one that makes everything go,” Hubbard said of McGeorge. “She’s our floor general out there.”

The team doesn’t want to be-

come too dependent on their guards, however.

“We’ve really focused on getting the ball inside whenever we can,” Hubbard said. “In the past we may have relied a little too much on our guard play, but we’re doing a better job of being more balanced.”

In the frontcourt, senior forward Siopa Johnson leads the team in blocks and rebounds thus far. “She is a definite force down low, and she does a lot of things for us,” Hubbard said.

Through the first few games of the season, the team has modeled

an intensity that Hubbard demands. “We want our kids to be active, and to play hard,” he said.

“Our district is really tough, but we’ll be all right if we stay humble and keep working hard. If we play like we’ve been practicing, we’ll be fine.”

The Lady Colonels head to Hidden Valley High School for the Titans Invitational this weekend for a contest against Virginia Episcopal High School on Friday, and then face the Titans on Saturday.

By Matt Reeve Matt@theroanokestar.com

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Page 8 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 12/19/08 Solution:

S T E A K S

C A S T L E

H A R R I E D

L O C K B O X

A S T D P O R E T Y A R F S O L L O I A W M P S E S E W H A W E R I T E

A L I S T

D E Z O N A G W A M I R I B E A L I O P A P L O E N C E E T A M E A L S O D D L Y V E A R E D S U D P

I S A R O C H O U A A B O N B O H O O K O G E E W L T E R A O D O R O R S K I E A V R I N A A D D L

M O N D A Y

S E S A M E

Sports

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

Answers to Crossword Puzzle on Page 4

Open Christmas Day

Titan Trey Patterson (Right) took second place Saturday.

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Knights win wrestling tourney: on a rivalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home turf â&#x20AC;&#x201C; or in their gym at least â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Cave Spring traveled to Hidden Valley last weekend and took home the team trophy in the Photos by Bill Turner Titan Toughman wrestling championships. Northside lost all four final round matches to the Bloody, but unbowed: Ryan Mecca (Above) Knights, falling in to second place. Blacksburg was third after winning the Toughman title last fall. Other local school finishes: William Byrd (5th), Salem (6th), Hidden Valley (7th), Patrick wins 152-lb match to capture Titan Henry (12th), North Cross (14th) and Roanoke Catholic (17th).

Toughman win for the Cave Spring Knights. Ryan Mecca clinched the championship for Cave Spring with a win over Northsideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Brady Craft at 152lb. Other local individual winners included Andrew Nicely/William Byrd (112lb); Zakk Moorman/Byrd (119); RJ Hall/Salem (189); Cray Webb/Cave Spring (215 and Daniel Teal/ Hidden Valley (275).

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Roanoke native living large in Vietnam as head golf pro

Kenny Saunders, Jr. still ships that last a lifetime says marvels at the notion that he Kenny Jr. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You can go to a is a PGA level A-1 golf progolf course by yourself, pair fessional living and working up with another threesome - if you can call it working and when the day is done you - at the Nick Faldo designed will have three new friends.â&#x20AC;?

Ocean Dunes Golf Club Valley Character, a Roanoke in Phan Thiet, Vietnam. organization that promotes Opened in 1994, the course character-building programs has garnered worldwide acfor youth, has used clips with claim for its windswept sand golf professional Chip Suldunes. The notorious par-3 livan, head PGA golf pro at 9th hole by the sea has been Ashley Plantation in radio hailed by GOLF (USA) Magpromotions. To that end, azine as one of the best 500 Kenny approached a Vietholes in the world. Faldo is namese school and asked if an Englishman and member any of the students would of the World Golf Hall of like to learn how to play golf.

Fame.

Now he has 20 school-age At age 42 Saunders got kids in his program. Ken Sr. the push he needed from his has been invited to Saigon then future wife, Millie, quitto share his experiences, in ting his job as a jewelry salesteaching school children man five years ago to become how to play golf. A program a cart caddy at $6 an hour, at similar to â&#x20AC;&#x153;First Teeâ&#x20AC;? is now the Nashville Golf and Athin the works. letic Club.

Saunders says the touristNow as head golf pro and fueled golf business in Vietdirector of Ocean Dunes, nam is going strong in spite Kenny and Millie live in a of the economic downturn in rent-free villa on the coast the U.S. The number of golfof the South China Sea. They ers has mushroomed from have a housekeeper and their only 400 ten years ago to own personal driver, who has Roseanne, Kenny and Ken Saunders Sr. on the Ocean Dunes over 7,500 today. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tourism is become part of the family. course. (Top) Something you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t see every day: cattle block booming here. [Local] busiEverything is done for them, a road to the golf course. ness people are [also] becomeven their laundry - they pay ing affluent. In Vietnam, you took his final test while suf- The only U.S. participant, join a golf club as expensive for absolutely nothing.

Saunders was pro and op- fering from extreme jet lag, he played with golfers from as you can afford. This shows France, Korea, New Zealand, everyone that you have made erator at Dalet Palace - the but passed anyway.

Parents Ken Sr. and Ro- and Australia. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The young it.â&#x20AC;? oldest golf course in Asia, (built in the 1920â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s as the pri- sanne Saunders of Roanoke Vietnamese girl caddies do Kenny and Millie will be vate domain of Emperor Bao made their first trip to Viet- everything for you,â&#x20AC;? recalled back in the States as a guest of Dai, Vietnamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s last emperor) nam to see their son during Saunders. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They ride on the Nick Faldo for the Indianapbefore moving to Ocean the Thanksgiving holidays. back of the golf carts, give olis 500 in June 2009. They They are still recovering from advice, spot and clean your will also visit his parents, Dunes. thethe 30-hour flight. Their ex- that golfwill ball, and even retrieve it who It was a hard road liveofoff theSouth 10th fairway Pleasethat review advertisement below appear in the upcoming issue The Roanok Saunders traveled to land periences were both amus- from the hole for you.â&#x20AC;? at Countryside Golf Course opening.

Ken send Kenny Jr. reminisced OK as in is.Viet- ing and eye Make corrections, another proof. via a in Northwest OK to print after noted his plum assignment Roanoke.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ac nam. For starters, the tests had young girls come up to memo from Vietnam - it was sure bet that father and son corrections and approvals must emailed 24ahours theon tim him and rub hisbe ample tum-to lisa@southroanokecircle.com just yesterday when he and within to attain aAll PGA Class A level will play roundfrom or two my,call smiling and calling him Circle his father playedoffice at Countryreceived.

The South Roanoke advertising with yourtheverbal at 540-35 takes three to five You yearsmay to also courseapproval where Kenny Jr. at Rosanne on the side Golf Club, then named complete. Flying back last â&#x20AC;&#x153;Buddha.â&#x20AC;? age five took his first swing not hear from you within 24 hours, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll consider your ad approved and run it as is. summer from Vietnam, he other hand had her tummy Arrow Wood Country Club. at a golf ball - with Dadâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s churn with some of the local â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was 5 years old when Dad sawed-off golf club. food she ate. had to saw off my clubs and Ken. Sr. had his moment black tape the handle for on the Ocean Dunes course grips because they were too when he was tapped to re- tall.â&#x20AC;?

By Valerie Garner place a no-show for an InterGolf teaches many of lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s info@theroanokestar.com national Golf Tournament. lessons and cultivates friend-

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12/19/08 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 9

TheRoanokeStar.com

Ensuring Oversight of the Taxpayers’ Money Just two months ago Congress passed the Financial Stabi- (CEO) from any of the TARP participants has been called to lization Package which was designed to stabilize the growing testify before the House Financial Services Committee refinancial crisis currently facing our country. This legislation, garding their need for or use of the hundreds of billions of which I voted against, created the Troubled Asset Relief Pro- taxpayers’ dollars they have received. In fact, the application gram, known as TARP, and gave the U.S. Treasury Depart- to receive funding from TARP is only two pages long and ment broad authority to distribute $700 billion of the tax- doesn’t even ask the purpose of the loan. This is in comparipayers’ hard earned money with hardly any oversight and no son to the eight page application package for a home loan and accountability for the irresponsible behavior of the financial the eleven page application package to qualify for a student institutions that led to this very situation. This $700 billion loan from the federal government. price tag translates into a cost of nearly $8,000 I am encouraged that Congressional hearfor every family of four in the U.S. ings are now being held to examine the root Rep. Bob Goodlatte While I disagree with the approach the Fiof our economic problems and to examine the nancial Stabilization Package takes and believe Treasury Department’s execution of their new it is not the solution to our long term financial problems or authority, including Assistant Treasury Secretary Neel Kashour short term credit liquidity crisis, it has been signed into kari’s management of the program. Additionally, a Congreslaw and so I believe that Congress must ensure proper over- sionally appointed oversight panel has been formed to ensure sight of this extremely expensive program. transparency and accountability of the TARP funds.

Earlier this month the Government Accountability Office Our economy faces historic and unprecedented challenges.

(GAO) released a report on TARP detailing a complete lack Nothing is more important to me than ensuring the future of oversight of this program. The report concluded that the growth of our economy and job creation and we can all agree TARP funds were being handed out without adequate con- that Congress has a responsibility to act to ensure that credit, trols. This is not surprising considering the Treasury De- the lifeline of our economy, remains available to individuals, partment has already distributed – or made commitments families, students, and small businesses all across this counto distribute – some $335 billion to a wide range of U.S. fi- try. However, Congress also has a responsibility to ensure nancial institutions. That means nearly half of the funds in that the taxpayers are protected by ensuring proper oversight the program were handed out before accountability measures and transparency of any funds distributed from the Troubled were even enacted. This funding has been given to various Asset Relief Program financial institutions but not a single Chief Executive Officer

[

]

Community Calendar Santa’s on his way to the Roanoke Public Libraries Santa’s elves have just sent us a message that Santa, along with his wife, Mrs. Clause, will be visiting Roanoke Public Libraries in December.

Santa and Mrs. Clause will be reading, providing refreshments and having their photos taken with anyone visiting them at Roanoke Libraries.

Phone 853-2955 for more information.

Please refer to schedule below for locations and times: Raleigh Court Library, Friday, Dec 19, 10 a.m. - noon; Roanoke Main Library, Saturday, Dec. 20, 10 a.m. noon; Williamson Road Library, Monday, Dec. 22, 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.

> Dec. 19

Dickens of a Christmas: WACHOVIA PLAZA

6:30 p.m. – SPCA’s Pet Costume Contest CAMPBELL AVENUE 7:30 p.m. – Pepsi’s Outdoor Holiday Movie – “A Christmas Story” CAMPBELL AVE. & MARKET 6-10 p.m. – Strolling St. Nicholas 6-10 p.m. – Carriage Rides 6-10 p.m. – Street Actors (Theatre students from William Fleming High School) 6-10 p.m. – Pony Rides & Holiday Photos 7-9 p.m. – Mark Fuller, Magician 7-9 p.m. – Photos with Santa 7-10 p.m. – David Bear Stuart, Juggler 7-10 p.m. – Sally Edelman, Face Painter WALL STREET 7:00 p.m. – Quest Academy of Music CAMPBELL AVENUE 6-10 p.m. – Living Nativity Scene – Penn Forest Christian Church SANTA’S WORKSHOP 6-8 p.m. – Taubman Museum of

Art KIRK AVENUE Suntrust’s Kids Zone Games,Activities & More

> Dec. 20

Christmas at Hillbilly Hidea-way Cost - $69 per person includes: Roundtrip motorcoach transportation, visit to Church of the Talking Mural and refreshments there, a visit to Madison Dry Goods, an all inclusive Family Style Meal at Hillbilly Hide-a-way, a three hour music show and a tour host.

Where - Passengers can board the bus at the Bonsack Walmart, Route 460, Troutville; at Hunting Hills Lowes, Route 220, Roanoke; and at Food Lion, Rocky Mount, VA. For more- call (540) 366-2888.

> Dec. 21

City’s famous Rainbow Room When - 4 p.m. & 7:30 p..m.

Where - Covenant Presbyterian Church, 1831 Deyerle Road, Roanoke.

Child care provided

> Jan. 24

KIVA OneYear Anniversary This was the place of our first meeting. We would love to have you stop by for a piece of cake.

We are asking our members, and the public, to bring an item for the Southwest Virginia Second Harvest Food Bank, instead of birthday gifts.

When - 2 - 4p.m.

Where - Mill Mountain Discovery Center For more - www.kidsadventuring.org Have an item for the calendar? email it to submissions@theroanokestar.com

A Big Band Christmas Christmas as heard in New York

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Advent Waiting

t’s Advent season. We talk a lot about waiting during the season of Advent.

We do our very best—at least within the walls of the church on Sundays—to fend off the culture’s Christmas rush and participate in the season of expectation. But what, we might ask, is the character of our waiting?

Too often, the Christmas upon which we wait is entirely backward-looking. It is a pining for what we perceive to have been a simpler, more agreeable time. Sometimes we hearken to images from our childhood.

For me, it’s the film “A Christmas Story” about little Ralphie Parker who wants nothing for Christmas but a Red Rider BB gun. For my parents, it’s Frank Capra’s “It’s a Wonderful Life” about George Bailey and the good people of Bedford Falls.

We also, it’s true, set our expectation on the stable, the star, and the shepherds in Bethlehem. But these, too, are usually imagined in the manner of Precious Moments ceramic figurines, gathered together doe-eyed in a table top Nativity scene. Is that what Advent intends?

I am a runner. In high school, despite my spindly build, I was a sprinter, serving as the first leg of the 800 meter relay. With clarity, I remember those few seconds crouched in the starting blocks, waiting for the relay to begin.

The year of our best relay team I was the youngest and slowest of the four on our team.

As I approached the blocks, I would scan the track and take in my fellow team members.

Immediately in front of me was Zach Branch, beyond Zach was Bradley Welchel, and finally there was Chad Register—the anchor leg—who could release a burst of speed on which I hung a fair amount of hope. I would look at these three and

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By Reverend Barkley Thompson take a deep breath, acknowledging that my near future was tied to theirs. And then I’d set my feet in the blocks.

The next few seconds were some of the fullest I’ve experienced. Before it ever fired, I could hear the crack of the starting pistol. I could smell its acrid smoke. Energy pulsated through me in those moments, my legs wanting to burst out of the blocks toward their destination. In my mind I could see myself bending into the curve of the track. I could feel the sure and practiced contact as I passed the baton to Zach.

With clarity, I could see Chad crossing the finish line, having anchored us all and winning the race. I imagined what was to come with such vividness that it was almost as real to me in the blocks as when I actually ran the track. In the small and insignificant event of a high school track meet, I lived into the future with all that I was. It truly was expectant waiting.

Why don’t I wait this way upon things of real import?

Why don’t any of us? Why don’t we expect an explosive, transformative, potent and pulsating future—one in which we play a part—instead of pining for what was and what may never have been?

When our Advent waiting is merely a pining, then nothing changes, either within ourselves or in the world round about us.

Advent is spent nostalgically, and when Christmas comes, for two days (if we’re lucky) we greet one another with an unaccustomed courtesy. But then we slip back into the cadences of our lives. The tinsel and ornaments are put away, and we remain the same. Like a stiff mug of eggnog, Christmas becomes a palliative to get us through what is otherwise a bleak and cold time of year. It numbs us.

But for the runner in the

blocks, numbness is deadly. He needs to feel every nerve ending and experience the pulsating energy that readies him for the sound of the gun. He needs to dwell not on some past race but envision the coming one, hoping that he will be transformed by the experience. So it is with Advent. We are called to wait expectantly like the runner in the blocks, to imagine that we will be transformed when Christ arrives among us.

We’re called to see ourselves bending into the track, carrying forward the baton of God’s vision, sometimes passing it on to others and other times taking it into our hands, but always knowing that there are those who run this race with us.

We’re barely a week away.

Can you smell the stable stall?

Can you hear the cry of the anxious mother about to give

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birth, the sounds of the skittish animals gathered round?

Can you anticipate what the unknowing shepherds will soon see erupt in the night sky? Can you imagine what it will mean for the God who so loves the world to be born into it—and to come again at the Second Advent?

He is coming. Feel it in your muscles and your bones as we wait expectantly, not pining for a porcelain figurine of a God, but readied to fire out of the blocks and become the agents of a mighty and blessed vision for the world.

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Valley Business

Page 10 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 12/19/08

TheRoanokeStar.com

New county administrator is a familiar face Clay Goodman celebrated his 54th birthday on Tuesday in a big way: the former Vinton Town Manager was introduced as the new County Administrator for Roanoke County. The Virginia Tech undergraduate, who earned a masters in public administration at West Virginia, will assume that position within the next 90 days, after wrapping up his current post as Administrator in Montgomery County. Goodman has held that post since 2003 and was Town Manager in Vinton for ten years before that.

At the Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday the words â&#x20AC;&#x153;integrityâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;honestyâ&#x20AC;? were thrown around a lot, with board members heaping praise on Goodman, also a former manager in Buena Vista, Georgia and West Virginia.

He succeeds John Chambliss, the interim County Administrator since Elmer Hodge retired last summer. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also a homecoming for Goodman and his wife Connie, who put two children through William Byrd High School.

Roanoke County employed a search firm that narrowed the field of finalists down to

ten before the tough economic Board got intimes: â&#x20AC;&#x153;instead volved. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You of the gloom certainly rose and doom you to the top durcan look for ing the process,â&#x20AC;? opportunities chairman Richto build things ard Flora told â&#x20AC;Ś Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d rather Goodman when build bridges the new hire, than tear them slated to make down.â&#x20AC;? $152,000 a year, Assessments was introduced up again: the on Tuesday. Clay Goodman Roanoke ValCatawba superleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s penchant visor Joe Butch Church called to avoid the extreme highs and Goodman â&#x20AC;&#x153;the best [from] a lows of the real estate market good group of candidates.â&#x20AC;? seen elsewhere means properWith the county facing low- ty assessments are going up â&#x20AC;&#x201C; er tax revenues in a shrinking again. Real estate valuation dieconomy the issue of budget rector Billy Driver pegged the cuts within the local govern- increase in Roanoke County ment and school systems at about 2.5%. The Board of are all but certain to land on Supervisors can adjust the tax Goodmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s desk. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Roanoke rate so that property owners County will be in very good donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t see an effective increase hands,â&#x20AC;? said Windsor Hills su- in the coming year. Supervipervisor Joseph McNamara, sor Butch Church said heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s adding on a cautionary note getting plenty of calls: â&#x20AC;&#x153;a lot of that â&#x20AC;&#x153;we certainly have a lot of citizens are surprised to see an work ahead of us.â&#x20AC;? increase [in real estate value] For his part Goodman of any kind.â&#x20AC;? Property owners pledged to work with the can appeal their assessments Board â&#x20AC;&#x153;in any way possible,â&#x20AC;? to the county through January and said he preferred to look 27. on the bright side when it from VT News Service comes to budget issues in

Financial system rescue package necessary; but think twice about politicians running auto industry "There are a number of significant misconceptions about the economic crisis," said George Morgan, the SunTrust Professor of Finance in the Pamplin College of Business at Virginia Tech. These include that deregulation was the cause; that the financial system bailout rescues only financial businesses; and that bankruptcy is necessarily a bad strategy for the auto industry.

"The most important misconception -- repeated by the press over and over -- is that people believe that deregulation of the financial services industry was a cause of the problems when just the opposite is true," said Morgan.

"The deregulation that allowed holding companies to own both commercial and investment banks has allowed the more stable banks to rescue the volatile investment banks."

Without the deregulation, the crisis would have been much worse, he said.

"The financial rescue package was necessary to respond to what was a panic in financial markets that threatened not just financial businesses but all businesses from ports to factories to fast food to telephone companies. The financial sector is the heart of the economic corpus in the United States, and we could not allow a "heart attack" to totally debilitate the working body of the economic system."

On the other hand, "Whether the auto manufacturers constitute the same threat is a legitimate subject for debate," said Morgan. "There seems to me to be a misunderstanding of what it means for the company to 'fail.' So called prepackaged bankruptcy is the most likely outcome, and this does not mean that the companies shutter their doors and disappear. Just the opposite, bankruptcy would allow them to continue operating and implement a new plan of action,"

Morgan said.

"Legally, such a measure is apparently necessary in order to change labor agreements and debt contracts," he said.

"A government intervention could also help in abrogating past agreements and restructuring the business. But one has to ask the question whether the government can run the auto industry any better than the heads of Toyota, GM, or others, who are all facing 30 to 50 percent declines in sales of their product," Morgan said.

"Given the political pressure and demands placed on Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae to expand lending to the less credit worthy - in other words, subprime borrowers, and to increase homeownership proportions to records of over 69 percent, we should think carefully about politicians next imposing requirements on, or even running, the auto industry."

Send your articles, story ideas and pictures to: info@theroanokestar.com

Graceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Place opens second location

Fans of Graceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Place in Grandin Village that live closer to Southwest Roanoke County now have another option when they need a pizza-pasta-sandwich fix: the new Graceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Place takeout location at 4321 Brambleton Avenue. The new Graceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Place, opened about two months ago, also delivers with a four-mile radius of the Brambleton Avenue store.

Graceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Place in Grandin Village opened about five years ago said Ruben Liendo, a member of the family that owns both restaurants. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been wanting to do it for a while,â&#x20AC;? said Liendo of the new location. Things have been a bit slow at both venues but Liendo chalks that up to the economy: â&#x20AC;&#x153;we have to stay positive â&#x20AC;&#x201C; things will change.â&#x20AC;?

Southwest County residents can order on line at gracespizzeria.com or can call 904-5424. Besides large specialty pizzas, Graceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s makes calzones, several types of sandwiches, pasta dishes and Italian appetizers.

Rotary Club of Roanoke Valley Donates to Three Charities

The Board of Directors of the Rotary Club of Roanoke Valley has announced the benefactors of its recent benefit dinner/dance held at the Salem Civic Center. The club has presented checks to the following charitable organizations: Virginia Amateur Sports $3,000; Roanoke Speech and Hearing Center $2,000; and Project Lifesaver $2,000.

Virginia Amateur Sports of Roanoke develops and promotes amateur athletics throughout the Commonwealth by stressing the benefits of physical fitness and a healthy lifestyle. The various events sponsored by VAS in Virginia include the Coventry Commonwealth Games.

Get Healthy Virginia is also a current activity of VAS. The Roanoke Speech and Hearing Center provides diagnosis and speech, language and hearing therapy to indigent children in the Roanoke Valley. Project Lifesaver is an underfunded program of the Roanoke County Police Department that provides wrist locator beacons to handicapped individuals who are prone to wandering. Individuals with beacons can be located in a matter of minutes, rather than hours or days. The funds are specifically identified to provide additional beacons and location electronics.

The Rotary Club of Roanoke Valley meets each Tuesday at 7 AM at the Hidden Valley Rotary Club. Tarek Moneir is president of the Roanoke Valley club.

U.S. District Court settlement checks legitimate The BBB Serving western Virginia has been receiving telephone calls from local consumers who have received a check for $149 from the U.S. District Court Settlement Administrator in Philadelphia, PA as part of a settlement agreement with Wachovia Bank. Consumers are concerned about the legitimacy of these checks and are also confused about why they are included in the Wachovia settlement.

According to BBB President & CEO, Julie Wheeler, â&#x20AC;&#x153;these checks are legitimate and consumers who receive them can safely de-

posit the check in their banking account or cash the check at a Wachovia branch.â&#x20AC;? Â Checks were mailed to 740,000 consumers on December 11, 2008 as part of the $150 million dollar settlement agreement.

The settlement arose from banking arrangements that Wachovia had with telemarketers to process payments for product orders made by telephone. Consumers who receive settlement checks ordered products or services from one of these telemarketing firms and paid by electronically created checks over the telephone.

Bonsack Elementary Middle School receives gift from Food Lion Bonsack Elementary School has received $2500 from the Food Lion Charitable Foundation.

Bonsack Elementary School will use the gift to support math literacy programs. Â Established in 2001, the Food Lion Charitable Foundation provides financial support for programs and organizations dedicated to improving the communities in which Food Lion operates. Â The Foundation places an emphasis on the support of primary and secondary education, feeding the hungry, and organizations that enhance the quality of life in Food Lionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s local communities.

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Arts & Culture

TheRoanokeStar.com

12/19/08 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 11

Roanoke Children’s Theatre takes Designing with Art: A Downtown Renaissance Part II root at Taubman Museum Downtown Roanoke is experiencing a renaissance in the visual arts. This week, we continue to observe the excitement of the revitalized downtown art scene by exploring Signature 9 Gallery. The atmosphere of Signature 9 is warm, calm, and inviting. West Coast galleries have influenced the sophisticated, understated interior design. The work of 27 regional artists is represented in this flexible and beautifully lit gallery.

For those of us who appreciate a representation of familiar places, whether near or far, the scenes by Winn Ballenger want to be with you over and over again. Viewing On 221 in Fall reminds us of the natural beauty all around us as we follow familiar routes in our beautiful Valley.

David Eakin, of Lynchburg, exhibits soft, realistic impressions of the surrounding counties.

An oil on paper, titled Heavens Late Morning, would calm the most hectic playroom or busy foyer; the perspective in this piece would make a narrow space feel more open. Nothing would enhance a room more than these interpretations of the peaceful nature that surrounds us.

If grass and trees are not your cup of color, the water scenes in watercolor by Allen Berkshire or the oil entitled Newport by Mark Shepheard will “float your boat.” An artist’s interpretation and depiction of a place you love creates fresh perspective, which can generate energy and “oomph” when placed in your home.

Landscapes by Vera Dickerson quietly lead us to observe the artist subtly changing the reality of the scene to the “feeling” of the scene. One of Dickerson’s bold contemporary landscapes over a sidepiece, a mantel, or as a focal point on a wall would uplift and update any décor.

Two generations of artists show in Signature 9 Gallery. Erin D’Alessandro creates reasonably priced small and delicate works of art for adornment, which can be purchased for under $100— and some under $50! Her stepmother Sandi is showing large, bold paintings that would be a feature on any large wall. Nothing gives a room a lift like a large abstract painting.

Groupings also make a statement—think of replacing an ordinary decorative mirror over a chest or sideboard with a group of four colorful abstract acrylics by Gari Stephenson. Pop! The room comes alive!

Bonnie Neuhoff ’s Afternoon Inspiration or Tea at Hotel Roanoke, acrylics with strong reds, would also be great additions over a chest or table—and are extremely reasonably priced.

The most unusual works in Signature 9 consist of Nancy Stark’s “trains,” which are painted on boards. These are delightfully colorful and fun for anyone who loves color—and, of course, anyone who loves trains. Norfolk Southern should have one in their boardroom!

Betty Calabria’s elegant pierced steel sculptures stand free and tall. Any garden or open room would be more interesting with one of these pieces. Our highest praise is to say that a room or a piece is timeless in both its composition and material; Calabria’s forms are truly “timeless.”

“Sculpture to wear” is an art form Peter Wreden began during the local art renaissance of the 1960s, and he still sets a standard for sculpture and jewelry nationally. His “sculpture to wear”—reasonably priced rings, earrings, and necklaces—are perfect as gifts or for personal adornment.

Annie Trinkle, one of the region’s most sought-after jewelry makers, presents necklaces that would be the only addition one would need for an “outfit.” Particularly enchanting is a large bronze flower with beads and fabric. A casual necklace of nautical cork and beads in a neutral

Engineers Blues by Nancy Stark. color scheme would be smashing with sweaters and tweeds. After all, composing our attire is not unlike composing our home!

During the local art renaissance of the 1960s, it was popular to collect works of nationally known local illustrators Walter Biggs and Allen Palmer.

Laura Palmer clearly has inherited the “artist gene” from her grandfather, Allen Palmer. She is not, however, an illustrator but rather a painter in every way. She loves the lushness of paint and smoothes and swirls it to create a feeling of mystery redolent of the beginning of time.

Another medium represented in the Signature 9 gallery is pottery. A turquoise and red cup created by Ben Carter looks fit to serve a beverage to a knight in medieval times. What a great, inexpensive gift for someone with a discerning eye for art, who loves his or her java!

Lyn Jordan’s handsome, decorative accessories would update a tabletop wonderfully. Her plates on stands might replace traditional reproduction Chinese porcelain and update an area of our homes.

One of the area’s most popular photographers, Barry Wolfe, exhibits in this space. His colorful and bright photographs are well composed and appealing for almost any décor.

Signature 9 has something for every taste and puts Roanoke “on the map” in terms of gallery design. An exploration of the art displayed in Roanoke’s downtown galleries presents an adventure full of excitement and possibility as you discover which pieces please you and work with your décor.

The Market Gallery – 23 Salem Avenue Signature 9 Gallery – 301 South Jefferson Street Wilson Hughes Studios and Gallery – 117 West Campbell Avenue Pamela Jean Gallery – 115 East Salem Avenue Gallery 108 – 108 Market Street Fleda A. Ring Artworks – 7A East Church Avenue Patton and Phillips Gallery – 110 West Campbell Avenue Roanoke Valley Printworks – 108 East Salem Avenue Betty Branch Sculpture Gallery – 123 Norfolk Avenue

By Carol Fralin info@theroanokestar.com

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Some differences of opinion over what direction the education program should take helped lead to Pat Wilhelms’ departure at Mill Mountain Theatre in Roanoke. But now she’s back, just several blocks away with Roanoke Children’s Theatre, based at the new Taubman Museum of Art. Wilhelms and her small staff are now forming classes for the very young up to age 18, and will stage several plays during the year with students in those classes.

On stage now through December 23rd is “Madeline’s Christmas,” based on the popular French books in the Madeline series. Wilhelms auditioned for young actors, even before the student classes start formally next month, and the cast includes children from a number of local schools. Hidden Valley 9th grader Heidi Klockenbrink has the lead role in Madeline’s Christmas, which features set graphics lifted right from the pages of the classic books.

“Its all about these 12 little girls in a boarding school and their adventures,” says Wilhelms, with Madeline the “curious headstrong, imaginative,” leader of that group. This particular adaptation at the Taubman “embodies what the holiday season is all about – love, family and a little bit of magic.”

School matinees are tied in to SOL’s; plays are one hour long

to make it more acceptable to teachers and principals.

Wilhelms will also call on professional actors and believes that having them work with young students is beneficial. That’s a new wrinkle that Wilhelms, the artistic director, has introduced with Roanoke Children’s Theatre. Several professional actors are coming in from New York City and elsewhere to appear in the play with her students, who Photo by Gene Marrano will learn meaty roles in many Heidi Klockenbrink has the cases. “The [young] people in lead role in “Madeline’s these plays will learn from professionals at the same time they Christmas.” are performing and rehearsing.”

Web (March 12-22), with anThe upstate New York native other play called Honk! in late was a theater major in college May, based on the ugly duckwho later became involved ling tale. with children’s theater in BufDespite the presence of sevfalo. “It has been a part of me,” eral other organizations that said Wilhelms, who sees plenty provide youth classes for budof good coming from kids that ding actors, Wilhelms calls have to learn lines, know where RCT a welcome “addition” to to stand and act in front of an our region. “There are in the audience. “They get the experivalley a number of talented ence of working with a group people and I think that’s why of people and the pride that we realized there was a need for comes out of that - the accomRoanoke Children’s Theatre, to plishment [of] working hard as [provide] more opportunities a team.” for children.”

Classes for those aged 5-18 Go to roanokechildrensthestart in January. The youth atre.org for more information workshops and stage producon youth classes and productions will be held in the musetions like Madeline’s Christmas, um’s “black box” space, which on stage now at the Taubman has been fitted with a set of Museum of Art through Derisers and seats. “Year round cember 23rd. we will have something for every age group,” said Wilhelms.

By Gene Marrano Next up on stage is Charlotte’s gmarrano@cox.net

Chaos - and Christmas - on stage at Jefferson Center this weekend

Artistic Director Miriam Frazier says dinarily funny,” Frazier promises of Gamut’s production of “Reckless,” on Reckless. Tickets are $12 each; contact stage at Jefferson Center’s recital hall this Miriam Frazier at 540-380-3168 or weekend (Dec. 18th through 20th) will 540-224-8032 or by email to gamut@ strike a chord with those used to a frecox.net for more information. Anothnetic pace at holiday time. The play was er one-act play called “Art” is already also staged twice last week. Curtain time scheduled by Gamut for March 2009 this weekend is 8pm on Friday-Saturday at Jefferson Center. In that play (March and 7:30pm on Thursday, for the 904-6, 11-13) three middle-aged people minute play written by Craig Lucas. see their friendship threatened by a Beer, wine, and mixed drinks will be piece of abstract art one member of served beginning a half hour before each the trio purchases. performance, and during intermission. Kris Laguzza is Mini-review: The recital hall at JefFrazier, a theater major now working at Boffo in lead role. ferson Center, behind the Shaftman a law office, says patrons can sit at tables Performance Hall stage, is a nice, inand enjoy a beverage while they watch Reckless, timate space; the set for Reckless was spare but which is not quite a comedy but certainly has striking and the audience is almost on stage with comic overtones, including several surreal scenes, the cast. Think the best of off-off Broadway. An like one where the “family,” as it is, appears on a almost full house on opening night last week was game show under false pretenses to win money a testament to the interest in live theater here, on a desperately needed. less than grand scale.

As for the play, “it’s about the chaotic nature of Kris Laguzza is excellent in the lead role as Ralife at times,” says Frazier, who also directs this chel/Mary etc., a woman trying to run away from production of Reckless, “and the strange order her past while trying to regain a bit of normalcy that can sometimes exist in the middle of chaos.” at the same time. She’s slightly neurotic, but likeChristmas as it transpires over a number of years able, someone the audience can root for. There’s figures into the story. This is the Gamut’s second comedy, there’s tragedy and there’s reflection as official production although the troupe (Gypsies well. The rest of the cast, including her husband and Misfits they call themselves; that’s where the Ross Laguzza (both are veterans of local producname Gamut came from) has worked together in tions) is uniformly good. Well worth the time and one form or another for several decades. All have money.

By Gene Marrano “real” jobs but have been bitten by stage bug. gmarrano@cox.net “If you have a dark sense of humor it’s extraor-

The Residents and Staff of

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Page 12 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 12/19/08

TheRoanokeStar.com

One of the faces of music in the Valley: Professor Joseph Blaha conducts the Roanoke College Wind Ensemble in one of their regularly scheduled concerts last Thursday night in Olin Hall.

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