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The Roanoke Star-Sentinel Community | News | Per spective

3/21/08

TheRoanokeStar.com

[Everyone loves a parade]

Honors Night P7– Roanoke City Schools celebrated the achievement of their seniors at the 2008 Scholars Dinner.

Photo by Stuart Revercomb

The Kazim Shriners on Fire Brigade Unit Ladder No. 1 participating in Saturday’s St. Patrick’s Day Celebration Parade.

Roanoke shows its Irish colors Talent Show P7– Patrick Henry showcased its talentdancing, singing, playing, rapping- in their annual talent show.

Going for Gold P8– Keno Shepherd is wrestling his way, trying to make it to the Olympics in Beijing this summer.

Hope Brokers P11– The Presbyterian Community Center in Southeast Roanoke adds some hope to the lives of many residents.

Green was in abundance Saturday, March 15 at Roanoke City’s McDonald’s St. Patrick’s Day Celebration Parade. Thousands showed up to witness a smaller parade than in past years, but the weather couldn’t have been better despite a rainy forecast. Bright blue sunny skies contrasted richly with the masses of green decorations, hair spray and costumes that adorned floats, highland bands, color guards, baton twirlers, an assortment of local politicians and a showing by the Star City Roller Girls.

To the dismay of everyone, the festivities following the parade were canceled by Eventzone on Thursday at 4 p.m. following weather reports. Larry Landolt, executive director of the Eventzone, contacted parade participants along with members of the executive committee and came to the decision that having a possible rain-out would not be beneficial to anyone. The rain managed to hold off until about 3 p.m. and many spectators ate in the City Market Building, which was filled to capacity, or listened to the Virginia Highlands Pipes and Drums Corps that entertained in the Farmer’s Market area.

Photo by Willow Rosenblatt

Two children in green- Emily, 10, and Andrew, 6, Stegner watch the parade.

Face painting was available, as were other outdoor venders that took advantage of the wandering crowds and festival atmosphere.

The drum major for the Highlanders on Saturday was Bob Copenhaver, who expressed major disap-

pointment regarding the cancelation. Tom Rogers, a piper with the band also voiced his concern.

“We are obviously disappointed, but we understand,” Rogers said. “You try and plan ahead for bad weather, but you have to look at the big picture. This is a hobby for us that we enjoy, but being able to entertain after the parade is something we look forward to every year.”

Some people in the area that recognize and celebrate their Irish roots go to great lengths to make the most of the holiday. One such couple is Richard and Suzanne Corcoran. Richard is a second generation Celt. They invite numerous guests to their home to enjoy their warm hospitality at a special breakfast that includes both Scotch eggs and Irish slaw. Dinner is a combination of lovingly cooked lamb, called “colcannon,” a dish made of cabbage, kale or other greens and potatoes boiled and mashed together. They also enjoy swede (rutabaga) sugar snap peas and a mint butter-- Irish soda bread. The Guinness, of course, flows non-stop.

A variety of new bands played in the area to celebrate > CONTINUED and bar schlepped green beer. P12: Parade

Yankees and Hokies play for healing While playing baseball for Hidden Valley, Brandon Lower was a big fish in a decent-sized pond.

He finished his career at Hidden Valley with a .414 batting average and a total of 82 runs batted in. He was named first team alldistrict and all-region three times. As a senior he claimed an honorable mention for an all-state honor and played in the Virginia High School All-Star game. Voted MVP of his team four times, he still holds records at Hidden Valley.

Now he is working hard to make a name for himself playing baseball for the Hokies, and Tuesday’s visitors to English Field, The New York Yankees, didn’t make it easy.

Lower’s parents, brother, sister and grandmother got to take in the game and watch as he went up against Yankee pitcher Chris Britton.

His at-bat resulted in a strikeout, but his feelings weren’t hurt. He was thrilled to have been pitched to by a Yankee.

Lower spent last season recovering from a hip operation but managed to practice last fall. He is trying to readjust his body to the pace of playing again. Tech coaches admit he has good power potential that will be an asset to the team.

Before the game against the Yankees, Lower said the Hokies were taking the game seriously. It would be distracting with his favorites, Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez, on the field but he was looking forward to it.

“I really like the way those two handle their business,” Lower said.

“The infield is pretty solid with them out there.”

He never thought he would have the chance to be on the field with such talented professionals, let alone play against them.

Lower was a freshman at Virginia Tech last year when the tragic shootings took place. The tragedy not only affected Blacksburg and surrounding communities, but shook the entire nation with the news that 32 innocent lives had been lost.

“It was sad, really sad, just unbelievable what happened,” Lower said. “We were all hoping we didn’t know anyone involved and praying for those that were.”

Subscribe Today! info@theroanokestar.com

Photo by Willow Rosenblatt

Johnny Damon, left, and Brandon Lower, right, get ready before the Hokies took on the Yankees.

After seeing the news about Virginia Tech last May, Yankee owner George Steinbrenner donated $1 million to the Hokies Spirit Memorial Fund and offered to play an exhibition game at Virginia Tech.

The Yankees arrived from spring training on Tuesday to cooler temperature than they were accustomed to, having spent spring training in Orlando.

The teams’ first stop was to pay their respects at the Hokie Memorial that was erected to honor the 32 slain in the shooting. Manager Joe Girardi said in a pre-game press conference that the viewing, “brought tears to my eyes. It’s a real reminder of how precious life is and it > CONTINUED should have moved our players.”

P8: Yankees

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And they’re offfirst candidate debate focuses on hot topics

The Greater Raleigh Court Civic League held the first mayoral and city council candidate debate on Tuesday March 18th.

“Its every citizen’s responsibility to educate themselves about these candidates and this is an excellent opportunity to do that,” said Chad Hyning, President of the Greater Raleigh Court Civic League.

Candidates for mayor included current Roanoke City Mayor, Nelson Harris (D), David Bowers (I), Anita Powell (I), and George Sgouros (I). City Council candidates were Dale Edmonston( I), Valerie Garner (I), Sherman Lea( D), Anita Price (D), Court Rosen (D), and Brian Wishneff (I).

The issues for the night didn’t seem to be a surprise to any of the candidates or the audience. The Mill Mountain development issue (Valley Forward’s well publicized development plan), the city council credit card scandal, education, ways to attract new businesses to the area, parking downtown, and the museum were all thoroughly discussed.

> CONTINUED P3: Debate

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Page 2 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 3/21/08

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Planning Commission receives $800,000 grant for improvements to an accident-ridden Route 419

252 What if Route 419 were less congested? What if commuters on Route 11 42 SALEM DISTRICT 11 56 419 were able to travel by bus? What if Route 419 were more friendly 18860 39 SALEM DISTRICTHighway Safety Corridor Candidate Segments 64 60 to bicycle and pedestrian traffic? These are questions that many in the 60 220 303 159 64 US Highway & VA Primary System IRON GATE 251 159 Safety Segments Roanoke ValleyHighway are asking, or at least questionsCorridor they are thinkingCandidate about COVINGTON 251 LEXINGTON 18 60 159 501VISTA while stuck in traffic.

BUENA US Highway & VA Primary SystemCrash Rate Rank* Density Rate Rank** 251 60 220 BO TETO URT 18 BUENA VISTA 311 Enter Jake Gilmer, a Regional Planner with the Roanoke Valley Al11 1 1 130 Top 10 Top 10 23 18 60 ER ST AMH 23 leghany Regional Commission (RVARC). He makes a living by making 501 11 11 60 11 + 11 + Crash Rank* Density Rate Rank** 130 501 it easier for the rest of us to get from “point A”Rate to “point B.” Gilmer’s emBO TETO URT GLASGOW 24 * Crash Rate per 100M VMT above district average with 99% confidence.

130 1 ployer, the Roanoke Valley Area Metropolitan Planning 1 16 18 ** Density Rate based on fatal & injury crashes per mile.

43 23 130 Top 10 Organization Top 10 17 CRAIG AMH ER ST was recently awarded an $80,000 planning grant to study the 419 corri14 23 220 11 5 dor connecting Roanoke and Salem11and develop11recommendations for 11 + + 6 130 130 GILES BUCHANAN NEW CASTLE 7 2 improvements.

ROANOKE 43 24 501 * Crash Rate per 100M VMT above district average with 99% confidence.

FINCASTLE 311 BEDF OR D 29 MONTGOMERY Route 419 is well-known to have problems a high 16 ** Densitywith Rate congestion based on fataland & injury crashes per mile.

1 8220 7 122 1 17 15 CRAIG 61 rate of accidents. One of Gilmer’s most important mandates as a re501 8 11 14 2 9 15 29 14TROUTVILLE 5 gional planner is to maximize transportation efficiency in the region.

10 42 29 43 219 460 BLAN D 12 13 3 LYNCHBURG 5 320 5 3 The logic is as follows: less congestion means better business; better busi11 21 6 16 GILES 42 22 221 14 100 128 221 311 460 ness means a better economy; and a better economy means everyone 7 501 460 2 PEMBROKE 43 BEDFORD ROANOKE 460 460 benefits.

460 11 101 460 NARROWS BEDF OR D 122 11 112 419 PEARISBURG WYMONTGOMERY THE 460 102Intergovernmen460 598 ROANOKE 24 According to Gilmer’s grant proposal, the Route 419 100 61 24 10 1 460 221 61 PU LASKI8 7 1 15 11 tal Coordination Plan will “examine ways in which three local govern- 61 24 VINTON BLACKSBURG SALEM 24 412 220 FRANKLIN 8 460 4 314 42 11 FLOYD2 221 16 coordinate together and with the ments in the Roanoke Valley can better 77 9 100 100 15 61 5 52 14 43 67 2210 25 PIT TSYLVANIA 29 114 State of Virginia to improve the multimodal mobility of Route 419.”

BLAN D 12 25116 460 94 19 13 114 3 9 57 12 “Bikes, cars, buses, and airplanes are all called ‘modes’ of transporta43 5 21 11 43 3 29 11 21 29 42 16 16 22 19 42 DUBLIN 11 14 tion,” Gilmer said.460“Improving multimodal mobility means integrating ALTAVISTA 17 11 98 HENRY 122 29 20 232 177 6 CHRISTIANSBURG 24 11 373 360 11 18 41 52 HURT BOONES MILL 220 18 the different modes more efficiently.”

RADFORD 100 20 94 99 19

By June, Gilmer expects to have formed a project steering commit369 PULASKI 4 ROCKY MOUNT tee. Members of19the committee will16likely include representatives from WY THE 11 PATR ICK 58 13 89 40 CARRO LL 42 10 local city governments, VDOT, businesses along Route 419, and other WYTHEVILLE 21 42 220 91 221 PU LASKI 29 100 11 336 365 121 stakeholders. Led by Gilmer, the committee will gather data, make proGRETNA 40 FRANKLIN 4 52 90 jections, and gather input from the public. They FLOYD FLOYD 69 90 348 29 77 100 91 40 11 8 94 plan to announce their recommendations by 52 220 25 107 22 PIT TSYLVANIA 21 217 summer112009.

25 94 100 57 11 69 16 9 57 12 The Route 419 project steering committee 91 CHATHAM 220 94 21 346 29 plans to develop recommendations about pe108 19 21 HILLSVILLE 16 11 17 57 HENRY 57 destrian mobility, public transportation, traffic 29 20 174 6 24 18 FRIES 58 360 41 41 MARTINSVILLE 11 signal timing, and park-n-ride facilities, Gilmer 91 29 360 GALAX 18 52 57 58 57 20 said.

94 94 457 19 148 97 58 “Th e crosswalks at the intersection of 419 STUART 91 29 274 220 89 4 and Main in362Salem are an example of the kind58 58 58 PATR ICK 58 58 360 58 93 58 13 89 58 221 58 of improvements that 16 might be recommended, ” CARRO LL 51 8 RIDGEWAY DANVILLE 87 Miles 29 103 119 62 Gilmer said, when asked what actions the com29 398 4 2 0 4 8 12 16 Jake Gilmore 220 86 TMPD 3/22/06 - #119.6 SALEM mittee might propose relative to pedestrian VDOT Planning commissioner received $80,000 grant to study Route 419. Above is an accident profile of the Salem district of the Virginia mobility.

Gilmer noted that bicyclists currently use the shoulder on some Deaprtment of Transportation. Below is 419 on a typical day. stretches of 419. The committee may consider the possibility of installing “Sometimes businesses are willing to sell an unused parking lot to use an off-road trail for cyclists and pedestrians parallel to the road. Another for a Park-n-Ride facility,” Gilmer said. possibility would be to tie in 419 to the bike and pedestrian paths in the Finally, the planning committee will investigate the issue of traffic greenways system. signal timing. At present, different jurisdictions along the 419 corridor Ways to improve public transportation will also be a focus of the com- do not coordinate their traffic lights. In other words, traffic lights in Samittee. Some businesses along the 419 corridor which employ workers lem operate on a different schedule from traffic lights in Roanoke. The at minimum wage might be interested in recommending expansion of committee plans to investigate whether coordinating traffic lights along public transportation options for their workers.

Route 419 would alleviate traffic congestion problems.

“Businesses are generally happier with less congestion,” Gilmer said.

Securing funds for improvements will be the main obstacle local “Less congestion means better business.” transportation jurisdictions will face when it comes time to implement Lack of adequate parking is also a huge concern for businesses along RVARC’s recommendations. But the Route 419 project steering comRoute 419. To address this concern, RVARC and the Route 419 project mittee’s recommendations will try to take the realities of money into steering committee will investigate the possibility of installing additional account, as well.

Park-n-Ride facilities such as the one which currently exists at I-81 exit “Our goal is to identify a range of options at various cost levels and 140. prioritize them,” Gilmer said.

More information about the Roanoke Valley Alleghany Regional “The Park-n-Ride facility at exit 140 is quite popular with commuters According to Gilmer’s grant proposal, the Route 419 improvement between Roanoke and Blacksburg,” Gilmer said. He added that imple- committee plans to hold its first public input meeting in September, with Commission and its work can be obtained at:

By Daniel Voss menting public transportation and establishing Park-n-Ride facilities a second public input meeting scheduled for April, and a final public http://www.rvarc.org. dvosster@gmail.com are relatively inexpensive. hearing scheduled for July 2009.

252

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251

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3/21/08 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 3

TheRoanokeStar.com

> Debate From page 1

The mood in the small but reactive audience was that the debate was good. If Roanokers were confused before the debate about where these candidates stood on the issues, they may have a clearer picture now. Of course, there is sure to be plenty of twists and turns as May 6th draws closer.

Most of the candidates however, drew very clear lines on where they stand on the issues, with the exception of the Mill Mountain development project, currently being pushed

by Valley Forward. Just about all the candidates had wishywashy responses to the quesPhoto By Michael Beaulieu tions on this topic, but were David Bowers and Nelson Harris square off for the mayoral race. primarily open to some kind of development on the mountain, were trying to send a message cisions about how downtown except independent mayoral to the rest of the candidates. could attract more business. candidate, and former Roa- Bowers also pointed out that Of course, the usual topics got noke City Mayor David Bow- several months ago current city thrown around such as parkers. “I’m opposed to a restau- council members were trying ing costs, the museum, and rant on Mill Mountain, it’s too to protect Mill Mountain from the farmers markets. Current big for the site,� said Bowers. development, and now most of Roanoke City Mayor, Nelson Harris touted plenty of proThe audience responded with them are open to it.

Another hot topic ripe for grams and money allocations loud applause after Bowers debate had to do with the dewithin his last four years in made that statement. As if they

office. His message was positive and followed strict talking points. He didn’t address parking fees. Instead, he pointed out that he successfully spearheaded a new downtown housing revitalization program, and achieved national accreditation of Roanoke’s public services, including the police and fire departments.

Nearly all of the candidates agreed on the issues that have been pressing the downtown for the last couple of years.

Lowering parking fees, finding new ways to attract business to downtown, revitalizing the farmers market, dealing with future museum parking, and expansion of the airport were discussed. “I stood alone in opposing the increase in parking fees, and have a record of proven leadership,� said longtime City Council member Sherman Lea. All of the candidates had positive, yet sometimes vague ideas, as to the direction Roanoke should go. Most of the

Work begins on Goodwill’s 27th retail store Work began in late January on Goodwill Industries of the Valleys first retail store located in Roanoke City. Scheduled to open in early summer, the store will be located in the former bread store on Melrose Avenue adjacent to Goodwill’s corporate headquarters. The approximately 8,000 square foot facility will be remodeled to accommodate a retail store and donation center.

Goodwill retail stores support the training and employment

programs for individuals who face barriers to employment.

Last year the donated goods operation generated $20.1 million in revenue and provided over 400 jobs throughout the area in Virginia served by Goodwill Industries of the Valleys. The new store will be the 27th retail store and add 15 jobs in Roanoke, including management positions. “We see this first store in Roanoke City as a way to give back to the community that has given

us so much,� said Bruce Phipps, President & CEO. “It will provide a great place to work, a place to recycle clothing and household items, and a wonderful low cost alternative to find great quality clothing and household items for the entire family.�

The close proximity to local Goodwill operations will also allow the new store the added functionality of becoming the first training store for individuals in Goodwill training programs

who are interested in a career in retail. With the purchase of the Melrose property, Goodwill expects further announcements in the near future regarding additional opportunities and training programs for the community.

The Career Opportunities page on the Goodwill website www. goodwillvalleys.com provides a complete listing of job opportunities available. Positions in the new store will be advertised later this spring.

candidates said the city needed to move “forward.�

City Council member Brian Wishneff asked, “what does it mean to move forward?� Other candidates like Anita Powell just want to put “citizens first�.

But all the candidates seem to agree that improving education will be a vital part of Roanoke’s future. Roanoke educator and Educational Chair of the NAACP Anita Price all but declared improvement in education the main focus in her city council campaign. “Education, education education,� said Price. Mayoral can-

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didate George Sgouros pledged to bring about progressive change, have an open-door policy, and listen to neighborhoods. “No more of the same ole, same ole,� said Sgouros.

Elections always require voter attention, and certainly the candidate’s chosen will have a big impact on Roanoke’s future. By the time the May 6 elections roll around a clear front-runner may emerge. As it stands now, it will be a horse race to the finish line.

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Council inches closer to replacing Dowe The Roanoke City Council took a step closer to replacing Alfred Dowe, Jr. at Monday’s regular meeting when they cut the list of 22 applicants to four individuals. Council chose Rupert Cutler, Alvin Nash, Earl Reynolds and Vivian Sanchez-Jones as those they would interview publicly Thursday afternoon before making their final decision. The interviews will be held 4:30 p.m. in council chambers and are open to the public. There will be a meeting at 7 p.m. to hear public comments.

Mayor Nelson Harris said the list of candidates was impressive and that his criteria for selecting the four he nominated was community involvement. He said the council did not want to be in the position of having to seat someone, but that the court’s decision earlier this month had placed this task upon them.

In other council news: • Council also narrowed the list of candidates for placement on the city school board. They selected David Carson, Dolores

Johns and Lori Vaught as those they will interview May 1. There will be a public hearing May 5 with a final decision May 19. • City Manager Darlene Burcham told council that city employees suggested the Mill Mountain Star be turned off April 16 to recognize the anniversary of the Virginia Tech shootings. Burcham said the city recognized the 2001 terrorist attacks in the same manner. Council agreed that it was an appropriate way to acknowledge the anniversary. • Burcham told council that due to the flood control measures taken the city received an upgrade from the Insurance Services Office from a Class 8 to a Class 7. The upgrade means a 5 percent deduction in premiums for those who are required to have flood insurance. She said it meant a total of a 15 percent deduction for residents due to measures the city has already taken. • Burcham said the 911 dispatch recently received national accreditation. Now all of Roanoke’s emergency services have

national accreditation. • Council heard a 2007 report from the Roanoke Valley Economic Partnership. Former Executive Director Phil Sparks said the partnership received 218 inquiries for development in the area and that 75 percent of those were generated by the partnership. Of those inquiries there were 10 formal visits for development in Roanoke City, the largest number in the Valley. Sparks said the economic outlook was tough, “but we’ve all been through this before.â€?

Newly appointed Executive Director, Beth Doughty, said economic lulls were a good opportunity for the partnership to take a fresh look at their approach.

Doughty held the same executive director position form 1992 to 1999 before leaving to be the Roanoke Regional Chamber president. • Larry Landolt, executive director for Event Zone, told council that 2007 saw more than 150,000 people visit downtown and that Event Zone was respon-

Kaine holds townhall meeting at PH With Governing Magazine’s A- rating for Virginia on display via a poster facing the audience at Patrick Henry High School, Tim Kaine came to town Tuesday evening to talk about the General Assembly session that still has some loose ends to tie up over the next few weeks. The Democrat governor touched on a variety of topics, discussing bills that were passed and some that were not, in many cases praising a General Assembly that is predominately Republican. The Town hall-style meeting included a question and answer session at the end, a segment dominated by environmental questions, with a proposed coal-fired plant in Wise County a concern for some. Kaine said the technology to be used will be the cleanest available and indicted there was widespread support for the plant from the people that live there.

Roanoke Mayor Nelson Harris introduced his “personal friend� to the stage of a half-filled Patrick Henry auditorium. Kaine began by noting that Virginia is fifth in per capita income in the U.S. but

only 36th in state government spending. He didn’t get “too worked up� when the legislative session went a bit long this year, noting the short 45-day time frame. Virginians can now vote electronically if they are overseas and Kaine hoped out loud that one day all Virginians would be able to cast a ballot that way. Additional steps were taken to put off home foreclosure in hopes of finding a better solution and the GA “wrestled with payday lending,� coming up with measures that cap interest rates.

Crime victims no longer have to take polygraph tests for certain charges they make, money was set aside to preserve open space and matching funds that farmers can access to help them put better runoff systems in place also became law. The Virginia Tech shootings were addressed primarily on the mental health front said Kaine: “we didn’t have sufficient people to follow up [on treatment].� Funding for community health services was increased. “The legislature did a great job on this,� said Kaine,

who did not get a bill passed that would have required background checks for those wanting to purchase firearms at gun shows.

There’s more money for education, including 22 million for Pre-K programs the governor likes to promote. “It’s a good investment,� he promised. Kaine said the legislature has now funneled most of the workforce training programs through the state’s community college system, noting that there were 22 agencies involved in making those decisions before. “Too many,� he pointed out.

Kaine’s “least favorite� subject to discuss on the night were the abusive driver fees passed last year as a way to raise revenue for transportation but rescinded in the session that just ended. Without passing a gas tax that action did leave “a hole in the budget.�

An upcoming mini-session will work on education legislation and Kaine will bring back the assembly “to deal with transportation,� this spring.

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sible for 80,000 of those with its events. Landolt said the 2007 Big Lick Bluegrass Festival was tied for first place as the best event in the city, according to a recent magazine poll.

Landolt thanked the council, which is responsible for 23 percent of the non-profit’s operating funds.

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Page 4 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 3/21/08

Finding beauty and weeds in the garden of life

Back off Bambi, this ain’t no cafeteria

I

stand half-hopeful in this rectangle of lawn whose lines bound our renewed attempt at vegetable gardening.

A window of sky, a patch of earth and the economy of nature: how perfect it will be. The heart soars.

And then it crashes back to the cold damp earth again.

All of nature has worked against the possibility of our having a successful vegetable garden, I remember painfully, still feeling the sting of last year’s total failure to feed ourselves.

In this water-gouged crease of northeastern Floyd County, our day-lit hours are not as long nor our soils as soon warmed as garden plots west of us and higher up. And more

than that, the blessed solitude and freedom from traffic we enjoy in this isolated frost pocket translates to a very safe haven indeed for far too many deer. Ratson-stilts, we call them.

And so, for the past few years, I have darkly referred to our beleaguered, wouldbe garden as The Wildlife Salad Park.

Scarecrows, pie-pans Fred First on strings, hair and other human sprinklings have failed to discourage the deer from jumping the electric fence and helping themselves. But this year, we’re upping the ante.

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Stopping short of razor wire, the new containment even so will look from the road like a concentration camp for cabbage and carrots. And if deer can jump an eight foot fence of cattle panels, well they’ll soon be turning door knobs and coming inside to raid the fridge. At that point, I’ll say uncle.

This new garden space is closer to the house--not that these deer give a rip about proximity of humans or their meager pets. The newly turned plot in contrast to the old one will get another couple of hours more sun and is not over the septic field. And surely the stalag fence will help keep out the deer--but not the crows, moles, grubs, wilts and rots with which gardeners also compete for those coveted Mason jars of green and gold.

We’ll be hoping this time next year to be planting seeds saved from this year’s non-hybrid varieties--many of which lack the perfect shapes and brightest colors or blight resistance of the Big Seed Company hybrids; but by saving seeds, we hold on to a little more control of where our food comes from. We’d best be thinking a lot more about that.

We’ll be thankful for adequate and well-timed rains this summer, and failing that, for enough flow in the creek to water rows with buckets. Goose Creek vanished completely in the drought of 2003, so mulching to keep in the ground what moisture we get is one of our goals.

Our Fortress Garden will have its costs, it’s true. But we think of the greater costs of being dependent on unsustainable agriindustry to ship us what we can grow locally for ourselves. We consider how good it tastes to eat sugar peas fresh from the vine.

To have a garden again will enlighten, entertain and reconnect us to the geology, geography, climate and biology of where we live. And by golly, we’ll put our garden behind a stockade wall, if we must, before we’ll let the deer take that away from us.

Back off Bambi – this ain’t no critter cafeteria.

Contact Fred at fred1st @ gmail.com

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I

t is time to garden again.

This week marks the first day of spring, and close to this day we also welcome Easter. It’s not every year when both coincide so closely. I think it is especially wonderful when they do, for in the earth there are many lessons that draw us to the deep truths of life, death, and rebirth. At the beginning of the Lenten season we are reminded that we are but dust and to dust we will return. As we draw closer to Easter, we are reminded of the wonders and hope in the Resurrection. That is what the earth also sings of with spring just around the corner.

On returning to the garden this year I have found many signs of spring. The tips of buds are just about to burst on the apple trees in our small orchard. The peach trees are about to bloom as well.

I have seen two robins and a cardinal which makes me think we are certainly close. Those early daffodils and crocuses, the first to draw us out to the garden, are now in bloom. The earth is waiting for a return to life.

I think that is why I so love to garden. Lessons of life are but a shovelful away. With quiet moments digging away, one has plenty of time to think and wonder about the way things are. I

marvel at the detail and beauty of the flowers and plants that grow. The array of colors and delicate patterns tell of a creation designed with intention and creativity. I wonder also, about the plentiful weeds and why they thrive so veraciously in my garden. Why do they spread and grow without tending or watering? And why do they return in spring without being asked! I can’t help but wonder if there is a lesson in those weeds as well.

We pull and pull, but the hidden roots spring forth unwanted shoots to begin growing once again.

Diane Kelly I once thought that I would rid myself of the chore of weeding by spraying a poison on the unwanted plants, and that would be that. It would be so simple, and I could just sit back and be so proud of such a beautiful garden. Just before convincing

myself, I happened upon a huge warty toad hiding among the leaves and dirt. He looked at me with those big grey-brown eyes, and I knew I couldn’t poison his home. I grabbed him up, ran into the house to show him off to my family renouncing my previous intentions. In all my gardening I hadn’t met up with a toad in the garden! I was so excited to have discovered him because it meant that my garden was a healthy place for the toad.

I think that the act of pulling weeds instead of spraying, although healthy for the toad, is also healthy for me. Bending low and pulling hard is good physical work. Time to contemplate the creation is also a healthy act of worship. Those weeds remind me that I also have weeds in my life that need pulling. It reminds me to keep searching for those things that grow hidden and unwanted in my life. In my garden of life, I need to recognize weeds and pull them out by the roots, replacing them with beauty and goodness. I must get back to the garden!

Happy gardening, and blessed Easter.

Contact Diane at dianedkelly@gmail.com

PreAcher’s corNer Go Ye into All the World and Steal Sheep?

F

irst, let me start with a confession. When our church (Church of The Holy Spirit) was beginning in the late 1980’s, we definitely benefited from receiving new members from other churches. It did not even occur to me at the time to discourage that influx of believers or to call the pastor who had been the “shepherd who watches over them” to discuss the situation or what was in the best interest of the Kingdom of God and that person’s soul.

I guess I was so excited by all the new folks and increased attendance that I was blind. If you are one of those pastors, please know the Lord has reproved me for this oversight.

With that failure on the table, I want to address an unhealthy trend I see in church circles in Roanoke. I do not aim this comment at any person or family; it is a broad concern. Every year or so, there is a church that is the new “in”church in the valley. Think back over the last ten years. I am sure you could name them. People stream to the “in” church because “God is really moving there,” or because they have a pretty new sanctuary, or a great youth or singles program.

A year or two later, the roving

sheep inevitably come to realize that that church is made up of sinners and is not up to their expectations.

They become disillusioned. So the sheep pick up and move on to the new “in” church -- an exodus of saved sheep to yet another church.

Round and round it goes.

There are some valid reasons for leaving your church. If your church is legalistic – that runs counter to God’s grace, and you need to pray and work to change that. Work with your pastor or priest. If it still does not change after some time - - LEAVE! If your church is not teaching from the bible or does not focus on making disciples, then you may need to leave (remember that was the Commission Jesus Himself gave us!). Always meet with the pastor and try to address your concerns in a loving and listening manner. Be humble.

Consider that you do not know everything. Show some commitment. Even secular researchers are noticing that Christians have little commitment and leave their churches, families, and jobs for the slightest reasons.

Pastor John Ott of Parkway Wesleyan addressed the large group of new people who were gathered at Parkway the first month they moved into their

majestic new sanctuary and basically told them that if they were at Parkway Wesleyan because they were mad at their pastor or someone in their church, they needed to return to that church and work it out. Those words were spoken by a wise man, one who cares more about men’s souls than his own church numbers.

I am asking pastors to learn from my mistake; stop being intoxicated by the influx of sheep from other churches to your own and do the right thing. Talk to the pastor of the church from which the sheep have come. Try to serve as a peacemaker. Work hard to actually lead some unsaved, unchurched people to Christ and grow the kingdom of God To the wandering sheep, I exhort you in the name of Jesus Christ, to stop looking for greener grass. Do not be like the world, which displays no commitment to anyone or anything but its own happiness. Commit to God, commit to your spouse, and commit to your church family.

Quigg Lawrence is Senior Pastor at Church of the Holy Spirit 6011 Merriman Rd. www.coths.org

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3/21/08 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 5

Multi-tasking, rushing, and stupidity - a dangerous combo

S

ome days everything tend to “Tiny Tim,” her snow falls together in a rhyth- white, three-legged cat whose mical way; others end sole purpose in life is to esup as if they were directed by cape from the pleasant home in Darth Vader. When the latter which he is held captive. Somehappens it helps if you can laugh how this creature knows all the about it. moves that suggest a door to the Air travel can set the stage outside may be about to open. where rhythm will not be the By all indications the cat is clairexpected. With a voyant. Maybe all cats flight to Florida in are. the offing, I should

My lunch time have anticipated had arrived. The bird as much. Arriving feeders required fillat the aerodrome ing, there was garbage in plenty of time, I to be taken out, mail thought all would go to retrieve and I had well as Beloved took an appointment in less the budget, non-stop than an hour. A peaflight to visit her nut butter sanddaughter and Hayden Hollingsworth wich would have grandson. Unto suffice. While fortunately the TSA found her the bread was defrosting in the combination of lipstick, hand microwave, I found the peanut cream, and other emoluments butter in the refrigerator. It was suggestive of bomb making. It the consistency of year-old plastook a while to sort things out, tic wood filler. The bread, now but after a lot of conversation limp as cooked linguini, would and a body search, she got on not survive a spreading, so I deboard. The rest of the day prom- cided to soften the peanut butised to be less stressful, but alas ter. Into the microwave went sometimes past performance is the plastic jar; a minute and a indeed indicative of future re- half should do, I decided. After sults. punching appropriate buttons, I I returned to her house to at- rushed off to fill the bird feeder,

take out the garbage, and clean the litter box. Only when I had reached the end of the yard did I hear Tiny Tim meowing with delight. Having failed to close the door firmly, he was on the patio and already thinking of the birds that would soon be within his clawless grasp. You know the saying about herding cats Tiny Tim wrote the Manual for Feline Evasive Tactics. With a modicum of cursing, throwing of apples, and threatening him with my trekking stick, he finally galumphed back into the house.

Lunch time! The bell was chiming the announcement that the peanut butter was now suitable for consumption. I opened the microwave door to be greeted with a cloud of black smoke and a mass of molten plastic on the tray. From the top of the oven was hanging a blood-red blob the size of an orange with black puffs of smoke issuing from it.

A sensible person would be correct in assuming that one should wait a few minutes for things to cool down. Not so in my case.

Unless you have had the misfortune of sticking your fingers into a molten red Peter Pan top you will not have a proper under-

standing of my reaction. Since this is a family publication, I will leave it to your imagination.

After the smoke cleared and the clot had cooled, I systematically inspected the damage.

The entire assembly of the oven top was destroyed, the formerly pristine white interior was black as pitch and there was no sign of anything identifiable as food.

My first thought was thank goodness I hadn’t burned the house down. Losing the cat - that I could have explained but Beloved would have a hard time ever leaving me in charge of anything after this debacle.

Could I get the thing replaced before she returned so that she would never know?

Fortunately, a lot of Bar Keepers Friend, that wondrous cleanser, restored the inside, but the “stir cover,” (as I later discovered it was called) fell from the top as I was cleaning it. It looked like a miniature version of the Roswell flying saucer: Charred beyond recognition and with a hole the size of mortar shell in the middle of it.

After I convinced myself there was no remaining fire, I called my favorite appliance person

Traveling on the blitz- few items, little time, lots of fun

W

hen traveling on what we affectionately call a “blitz trip”, one never knows just where one may be when the day ends. Plans are ever changing.

Decisions are made on the fly.

Its travel often practiced by the restless wanderer, and it involves moving fast and light. One goes with the flow, goes with the culture, leaving routine existence behind. Freedom is being unencumbered, carrying only a small daypack for essentials, and that list of “essentials” gets shorter all the time. Mostly we go with the clothes on our backs, which can be hand-washed in a sink -or creek- as necessary. A few things in the pack, passports and money tucked in a pouch, and off we go.

Traveling in this way is fun and exciting, but not for everybody.

In fact, normal people may find the idea of such travel unappealing at best. My wife Marybeth is particularly experienced in this kind of travel, although as of late, when I mumble something about blasting off somewhere, she has been known to say, “I’ve paid my dues!” whatever that means.

Yes, a certain amount of physical discomfort and occasional mental anguish are part of the daily routine in touring in this fashion. Misadventure is part of it; mishaps are unavoidable. But the amazingly good things that happen, the fun, the serendipitous discoveries, are priceless.

There are lots of opportunities for “adventure” in blitz travel.

For example, there are always challenges associated with transportation between and within countries, whether by road, rail,

W

boat, or foot. Getting there, or not eating and sleeping. Did I mengetting there, is half the fun, as tion occasional discomfort? For they say. One may run up against example, if one cannot afford to train schedules that can’t be de- stay in the nice hotel in the old ciphered, tickets which can’t be part of the city, this may actually bought, and places that, come to be a good thing, because it forces think of it, “you just one to find lodging elsecan’t get there from where. The seedier parts here!” of town, perhaps ones Of course, one can frequented by prostiimagine the adventutes, drug addicts, and ture associated with thugs, can be decidedly communicating in more interesting. Lack a land whose native of funds in blitz travel tongue is completely has been known to open unbeknownst to the all kinds of doors of optraveler. This chalportunity! lenge calls for all John W. Robinson As the reader, has sorts of shenaniprobably gathered, gans, courage, and otherwise odd reservations of any kind are not behavior. It’s encouraging what made on such trips, and one of can be communicated through the more exciting aspects of blitz the use of basic and advanced tripping involves on-the-fly acgesturing, as well as through commodation finding. Indeed, sketching with pen and paper. one may not be sure of the counAlthough yelling loudly does try in which one may be spendnot seem to aid in communica- ing the night, much less the city tion, smiling always helps, such or village. Some of our best adas while one is being scolded by venturing has involved late-night an excited policeman for doing wanderings in foreign cities, something stupid. Also, a sheep- looking for that nice, clean cheap ish expression can help keep one room. The search may evolve to out of trouble. “any room”, or “let’s find a park Blitz travelers are out there be- bench”. This aspect of blitzing is cause, as I said, they are restless. especially captivating with young They need to go. They can’t help children in tow. it. Even if they can’t really afford Late one summer evening we it. So, money management is step off the train in the silent town critical, and going cheap leads to of Bolzano, Italy. It is 21:00 on a all sorts of enhanced adventures. Sunday night, and the place is just One must quickly learn the mon- nailed up tight. We don’t see anyone ey of the country or countries in anywhere, and of course we have which one may end up, or risk no place to stay. Our three sons are mismanaging a meager supply ages 4, 6 and 7, and I’m sure we are of Rubles, Sidis, etc. Fortunately, a sight as we wander the streets. it is not too difficult to travel on That is, if there had been someone the cheap, especially when it to see us. We encounter a couple comes to important things like of inebriated guys and I attempt

to ask them where there might be a pensione. They gaze at us with amused but otherwise blank expressions, before stumbling off into the dark. It’s been a full, long, tiring day, and the fun factor meter is dipping into the epic zone.

The boys are sleepy, and Marybeth and I are extremely sleepy.

I say “no problemo”, with less enthusiasm than usual. Then the angels come. Out of the lamplight ahead two figures come towards us, two elderly local women engaged in spirited conversation.

Neither are much over four and a half feet tall. They are dressed in traditional ankle-length skirts, and they speak with sweeping gestures and great animation of hands. We soon find that these two passionate souls are exceedingly kind and generous in spirit.

They immediately recognize our plight and take us by the hands as they lead us through the cobbled streets. They laugh and cry and wail as we move along, their staccato Italian revealing the word “bambino” every sentence or two. They are completely taken by our three blonde bambino sons. With us in tow, they bang on selected doors, rousing the occupants and inquiring of a place for us to sleep, we surmise.

At the third door to which they take us we are handed off and welcomed by another sweet old Italian woman who ushers us to a cozy room for the night. Before we pass out fully clothed, we hear our two friends continuing down the lane, talking about the American bambinos. Or did I just dream that part?

Contact John at jwr77@verizon.net

The power of human and divine touch

hen my daughter was an in- times however, that physical touch can be fant and toddler, she was so beneficial and often the only thing that not the best travcan effectively begin to help them eler. While sweet and adoring calm down. Positive physical at home, put her in a car and the touch sends a powerful message beast would awaken. I remember that words struggle to commuhaving to stop many times on the nicate….You are valuable, you simplest trips to walk her around are loved, you are acceptable, you or entertain her back to a state of matter. These are often the very calm. Eventually she grew out of things that our children doubt as this and I was so thankful, previthey grow and develop into adoously fearing that we would never lescence. When we reach out and be able to go on vacation more offer our child physical comfort than 30 minutes away. Along the Keith McCurdy or a physical gesture of love, the way I learned that just reaching message cannot easily be misback and touching her on the leg or holding interpreted. I often encourage parents to her foot (easiest to reach) or hand would find as many moments as they can to hug, calm her down. I began understanding the squeeze, kiss and hold onto their children. power of touch.

Don’t be afraid to put an arm on their So many children that I work with suffer shoulder, let them lean on you while you from a lack of meaningful physical touch. It watch a movie, hug and kiss them when you is easy to understand, given the myriad of tuck them in at night. All of these examples difficulties that children often suffer with confirm that “I am loved” to a child. Words today. It is true that when a child’s emo- can say that you love them, but the action tions override their intellect, they are not always delivers the strongest message.

A great demonstration of this is one of that approachable. Stated another way….

It’s hard to hug a porcupine! It is at these my favorite stories of Christ. It is the story

of when he was approached by a leper in the book of Matthew. The most powerful thing to me was not that Christ healed him, but that he “reached out his hand and touched him”. How astounding was it that a man with leprosy, alienated from all who did not suffer the ailment, at risk of punishment for coming in contact with others, could be touched? I truly believe that it was not necessary for Christ to touch him, so why? To this man with leprosy it was the ultimate demonstration of love and said clearly that you are never too awful to be touched. This is the message that our children need, and daily. In a world that is continually confusing to our children regarding what it really means to be loved and valued, physical touch sends an unmistakable message…..You are loved!

I leave for work and come home to the same thing every day….my daughter coming to me, getting me to stop whatever I am doing and not give, but receive a hug and kiss from her. It sure feels good to know you are loved.

Contact at Keith at psycyou@msn.com

and told him “there had been a slight mishap with my microwave,” an understatement of monumental proportions. Yes, he did have that model in stock, but perhaps the stir cover was all that needed repairing. He gave me a dealer to call. Yes, they could replace it, but I should bring the damaged part to them to make certain the proper piece was ordered.

To bring this bit of evidence of my stupidity to the public eye was going to require more explanation that I was prepared to give. Fortunately, I have in my home the identical model of microwave and now I was an expert at removal of stir covers. I took mine to the appliance shop; he ordered it, promising delivery in two days.

When it arrived, I expertly snapped it into place and turned

on the microwave; it functioned flawlessly. There is a God who is merciful! For only $25.52 my disaster had been corrected and could be concealed.

When Beloved returns, of course, I will tell her the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. I hope she will continue to trust me with her house and cat. The next trip she may feel she has to take me along for reasons of safety. I definitely will advise her to be more careful about her carryon luggage: no peanut butter. If the TSA is worried about Estee Lauder they surely must know of the explosive power of Peter Pan. On the other hand she may just decide that I’m too stupid to fly and leave me with responsible friends.

Contact Hayden at jhayden2003@cox.net

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Letters

Page 6 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 3/21/08

What else has The Times not reported? On one issue alone the list is long.

I would like to extend a salute to the Roanoke Star-Sentinel for its story, Anatomy of a news story and a resignation (2/29/08) You demonstrated the highest standards of journalism by wishing to give councilman Dowe the opportunity to comment before running the story. Searching for and reporting upon facts and only facts is something Roanokers are not accustomed to seeing in print. In another article, Mr. Gottstein pointed out a few things concerning the way the Roanoke Times can be counted upon to handle material that it would rather see not reported upon at all, or at a minimum, have it swept under the carpet.

But there was something about the “Anatomy� article, which went unanswered. Running the story just because the Sentinel was going to run it is hardly an adequate explanation for why the Roanoke Times failed to report the Dowe story in a more timely manner. I think you touched upon it somewhat later in the article when the question was posed, “what other stories and facts have been delayed or not reported at all in recent years?�

Something about that question kept prodding my subconscious.

I ignored it at first but the prodding continued. Has the Roanoke Times been guilty of simply ignoring facts about the goings on in Roanoke just because they did not wish to see such facts surface and just because such facts would get in the way of the agenda or objectives of the Roanoke Times, the City Council majority or others in the city administration? At the risk of covering ground well tilled and somewhat settled, let me offer a few examples of notions that were in the arena of public in-

formation a few years ago and that would have made good fodder for a story IF truth and facts were important to the Roanoke Times.

The Virginia High School League is recommending a portion of all games be played during the day.

(This was not true.)

The school system has adequate funds to maintain the high school stadiums. (This was not true.)

The racial mix of the two city high schools is “about the same.�

(Not true.)

We have estimates from other contractors on the stadium construction. (FOIA requests of the school administration proved this untrue.)

It is 7 miles from Victory Stadium to Patrick Henry. (Ha ha ha ha!!! Godek had quite an imagination.)

Athletic programs directly improve the educational performance of a school system. (Not proven by the articles posted on the school system web site and acknowledged in an email from Board member, C. Penn.)

Ongoing concerns over student safety as reported by the State Department of Education.

(Were never considered and maybe are worse today than 2 years ago.)

Making false statements under oath during a BZA hearing.

(Godek at it again.)

Funds cannot be used for any purpose other than stadium construction. (Seems the total school board failed to understand they could have used it for any capital purpose subject to proper public hearings.)

We will not build a stadium over the objections of the neighborhoods. (Chaorman Stockberger tells a tall one.)

OK, maybe one or two of these are attributable simply to an administrator’s total ignorance and inability to read an odometer. But the balance represent

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serious news stories glossed over and unreported by the Roanoke Times. Any responsible journalist would have had to see there were efforts being made by some people in positions of public trust and responsibility to whitewash the situation and create the perfect little picture to show the public.

And why would they do that? I think the reason is obvious. The intent was to keep the public from knowing the facts and the truth and to achieve an objective deemed worthy.

Funny thing, however, when you look at it all today. Roanoke City Council “secrecy� during those days was not viewed as a problem. Doing things without openness or explanation was not deemed a problem. Doing things contrary to the will of the public so vocally expressed time and time again was not deemed as a problem. But for some unknown reason, the Roanoke Times now finds those methods very objectionable. Maybe they have discovered what many knew all along. Some day this City Council majority will bite you too. See how you like it then.

So yes, the conclusion I have come to is that the Roanoke Times will only report or investigate stories that serve to further the interest and objectives of the Roanoke Times and those whom they support. You can bet that if Mr. Wishneff had been guilty of Mr. Dowe’s “poor judgment� it would have been handled in a totally different manner.

Allan Scanlan Roanoke Fitzpatrick should have seen the train coming Dear editor, Perhaps it is just my imagination, but it seems to me there has been a spate of letters/opinion articles since the highly critical $50,000 consultant’s report of the Virginia Transportation Museum was released.  Interestingly at least two of them were from volunteers who work at the Museum.  It reminds me of the spate of letters to the Editor that inundated the Roanoke Times when the Judge’s oldest boy had to publicly protest that he had never done anything wrong.  Most of them, so the rumor goes, were “solicited�.

I’m not sure what one would expect a volunteer to say other than they worked hard at their volunteer job.  Why else would they volunteer?  However,  I find it very strange, that a long-term member of the Transportation Museum’s Board of Directors (if I remember correctly he was so knowledgeable he was appointed to the board at 15 and  he’s now in his sixties) could be totally unaware of the museum’s long standing problems.

The $50,000 consultant’s report — half of which was indices and appendices — only documented what everyone already knew.  For the record, I have read the report.  There were no surprises, except that it cost $50,000.

During my extended miss-spent youth, the name of the game in the business I was in was command.  The  scorecard was accountability and responsibility.  One didn’t get (quietly) fired or loaned out for four years, as can happen in the civilian world if you didn’t measure up.  Instead, you got relieved.  Relief from command was a real career killer!  As a long time board member Fitzpatrick should have known what the problems were going in as the (new)  Executive Director of the Museum.  That is, unless he was asleep at the switch.  He has had more than enough time to start a turnaround.

Instead, problems at the Museum are worse than before and Bev’s only solution is give him more money, although there isn’t any coherent spending plan.  I don’t know why anyone is surprised.  From where I sit, I don’t assess Mr. Fitzpatrick’s record of accomplishment as a manager as stellar.  I think he is the problem, not the solution.  It’s that darn accountability and responsibility thing.

I suppose it isn’t polite to say this, but to me the logical this is pull the plug on the Transportation Museum.  Then wrap the City’s assets into the O.Winston Link Museum where they can be

properly showcased and provide synergy with the new Art Museum across the tracks. Â Do it now rather than later. Â Doing so would save money too!

Fifty-thousand dollars has already been wasted  documenting what everyone knew, just to save face, Now C. Nelson Harris has solid ground for making a justified management decision to move the City’s assets, principally the two primo locomotives, to the Link Museum.  Or, is that to logical?  I keep forgetting  “things  are different here in Roanoke�.   Well they shouldn’t be.  After all, no one is “owed� a job because of their name.

Robert Craig Roanoke Valley Forward needs to retool its efforts?

Dear editor, Valley Forward board member Melissa Byrd’s letter to the editor, “Why does Rockledge debate have to be all or nothing�, reveals a poor knowledge of Mill Mountain’s history that seems to be common within the inner sanctum of her group’s leaders.

They have no idea where the original Rockledge Inn once stood. She states that the proposed Rockledge Center would be built â€œâ€Śin the very footprint of the original Rockledge Inn‌â€?

Hardly. But my point here is not to school her in Mill Mountain History 101.

I find it interesting and revealing that Valley Forward has recently changed the name of their proposal to the “Rockledge Center�.

Also gone is the term “destination restaurant.� It seems that they have figured out that “community center� sounds more consistent with the mission of our parks and that “destination restaurant� implies entrees that top out at $43.

Ms. Byrd states that â€œâ€Ś there is room for everyone‌â€? on Mill Mountain Park and if you take her statement literally, it is true.

Just like there is still more room to shoehorn in another pawn shop or nail salon on Williamson Road, there is space to cram the new Rockledge on to Mill Mountain Park. No one has ever debated the existence of that space. The debate has always swirled around the question of the use of that space. Valley Forward has taken the position that the space is vacant and “unused� and therefore it is highly developable. Those opposed to this classic, tunnel vision, developer’s mentality (V.F. is the developer of record, by the way) are saying that, no, the space IS being used in all of the ways that open, accessible, green areas of public park space have been created, used, preserved, loved and valued for hundreds of years.

I also find it interesting that after conducting a nationwide search, not one experienced developer came forward when the City issued its request for proposals to build a new Rockledge Inn. Wouldn’t this indicate that no developer in the entire United States thought that this could be a profitable project?

Wait a minute! A developer did come forward and it was... the envelope please‌ Valley Forward! What a coincidence that Valley Forward, a volunteer group with no property development on its resume or in its mission statement, could step into the breech and try to keeps this project rolling. Yes, Valley Forward, a self styled “group of community volunteersâ€? is now calling itself a property developer. But in reality this quick change of hats was a rather simple one as they already had a thirteen member “Rockledge Design Teamâ€? in place and sprinkled in with the architects, designers and engineers were four more licensed Realtors and commercial property developers. How convenient.

Valley Forward needs to be thanked and encouraged for the many things it does well. But what this broken down Rockledge Edsel of a proposal needs is not another Valley Forward applied hand wax job. It needs a tow truck and a trip to the Junkyard of Really Bad Ideas.

Dick Howard Roanoke Roanoke symphony reflections and visions for the future

Dear editor, As the Music Director of the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra (RSO), it is my privilege to serve our vibrant 54-year-old organization. There has been much in the news recently about the challenges and reinvention facing many of our region’s cultural organizations, and I feel compelled to share my perspective and vision. I believe that our region’s arts organizations, including the RSO, remain vital now and into the future.

First, I want to share some great news about the RSO’s successes, and to clear up any lingering misconceptions. There is much positive news to report at the Roanoke Symphony, and that is good news for our region. The myth that symphony orchestras are a waning institution is not true, certainly not in the Roanoke Valley. In my experience traveling throughout the U.S. and abroad to other orchestras there are many success stories, and the RSO is surely one of them. We are pleased to report that in the last two seasons at the Roanoke Symphony we have seen a remarkable 25% increase in ticket subscriptions each year in our Pops Series. Attendance for our traditional Masterworks series at the Civic Center is steadily growing, and our added orchestra performances at Shaftman Hall are essentially sold out.

Our Holiday Pops concert in Salem alone attracts in excess of 3200 people, and enthusiastic audiences hear this and other family-friendly RSO programs in Blacksburg, Martinsville, Staunton, and Marion to name a few.

We provide music lessons and scholarships to African-American school children through the Friends of the RSO. We provide life changing musical experiences through the Roanoke Youth Symphony, the Junior Strings, the Harp Ensemble, in-school music ensembles, and the Summer Music Institute. We have increased our partnership with WVTF public radio in broadcasting our events to a wider geographical audience, and our latest CD release is on the Delos International label, giving us both a national and international presence.

During the past decade our balanced budget has grown from less than $775,000 annually to more than $1.8 million this coming year. We had a few challenging financial years along the way but quickly returned to our pattern of success several years ago, matching new challenge grants and exceeding our goals. When we show a budget surplus, we put those funds into our growing endowment for ensuring the future, while simultaneously increasing vital education and outreach offerings to those who can least afford it. We work diligently to keep ticket prices low. It is a fact that ticket sales alone account for less than half of our needed revenues, and we have tried to keep subscription prices reasonable while working to raise revenues from other sources.

We have a dedicated and experienced administrative staff, a committed board, enthusiastic volunteers, a wonderful regional Roanoke Symphony Chorus, and an orchestra of professional musicians passionate about every performance and educational endeavor. The RSO is a fun place to work, and it has truly been a team effort to achieve this level of success. With our success now comes a curious challenge: we need to trumpet our artistic and financial successes of the past few years without giving the incorrect impression that we do not need every dollar of support or are somehow rolling in money. We are truly grateful for the support we have received through increased attendance and in the investment from individuals, businesses, foundations, and government. We work hard to be prudent stewards of these valued resources.

As our society changes, the RSO has a realistic and detailed long-range plan for institutional change as well as making the arts vital and accessible to all.

We believe that great music is for everybody, and we see that live music and music education can be a life-changing experience. Without abandoning the traditional orchestral

TheRoanokeStar.com

& choral programs that our patrons cherish, we are pushing the boundaries of what a professional symphony can provide for new audiences and a younger generation. An upcoming example of just such an experiment will be an exciting event this coming May 31 called ‘Rock Symphony Circus.� This event, to be held at the Roanoke Civic Center Coliseum, together features our orchestra, a rock band, and veteran Cirque performers -- with a student price of only $15. We continue to actively collaborate with many of our regional arts groups, and are looking forward to being a part of the grand opening of the Taubman Museum this fall. We all need to celebrate the successes of our fellow art groups, and each of us can step up our attendance at events and provide donations for those who falter and can effectively recover. A rising tide lifts all trains, if you get my drift (and mixed metaphor).

I firmly believe that the RSO can and will be a vital part of our region’s growth for generations to come. Imagine, for instance, the accomplished doctor who chooses to move her family to Roanoke in the coming years to teach or do research at the new medical school. She will expect a high level of cultural and educational opportunity, and the RSO is a vital part of that fulfilled expectation. The symphony will have a spot for her children in our youth programs, we will partner with our region’s schools to provide musical ensembles vital to a broad and creative education, we have a seat at a table for her and her colleagues at a fun and relaxing “Picnic at the Pops� event. Oh, and she might even buy that house you’ve been trying to sell, so replace those shingles that blew away during our recent wind storm.

This positive vision can and will be our future together, and all of us involved deeply in the arts are grateful for your support in making it so.

David Wiley Roanoke Response to Burcham’s spending sprees

Dear editor, Is it reasonable to spend over $5,000/ year (over $400/ month) of taxpayer money for meal time pow-wows when one’s office is less than a mile from one’s restaurant of choice? Apparently city manager Darlene Burcham thinks so.

But who else in the real world practices such financial foolishness?

As a taxpaying homemaker, I find such spendthrift ways symptomatic of the deep-rooted problems in our government. Instead of states-people who find their duty in serving the public good, we have professional politicians who personally benefit off the public coffers. In my family, we pack our lunches most of the time and after speaking with friends, I believe such frugal behavior is fairly average. Maybe Ms. Burcham could learn a thing or two from her lowly constituents. Doesn’t she already have a tax-payer funded office where meetings could take place over a bag lunch?

If you’re like me, you’re probably tired and rather angry with the expensive habits of politicians living off the public dime. However, until taxpayers actively decide to cut off these public pariahs our tax bill will always rise because such leeches can never be satiated. As a newer member of Roanoke City, I truthfully don’t know much about Ms. Burcham and hope that this one practice is not emblematic of her entire public career. However, in my mind, for her to speak of her massive public tab at the Hotel Roanoke as reasonable and necessary presents her in the most absurd light and puts her in the company of what we want to change in our country.

As it seems most politicians exhibit little financial moderation, taxpayers must hold not only Ms. Burcham but all “public servants� accountable for their spending habits.

Sharene N. Duncombe Roanoke

Schools

3/21/08 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 7

TheRoanokeStar.com

Roanoke City students and faculty recognized at 2008 Scholars Dinner

The Roanoke School System set aside March 13 to celebrate the accomplishments of their top seniors from both Patrick Henry and William Fleming high schools. The 2008 Scholars Recognition Dinner saw 46 students honored for various achievements. Joining the students were 38 mentors that each scholar selected for their inspiration and encouragement.

“Mentoring is important,” said Roanoke City Schools Superintendant Dr. Rita Bishop.

“Kids need to have a caring adult other than their parents that are really there for them.”

The opening of the ceremony began with thanking administrators and supportive parents, along with the deserving mentors that offered constant encouragement throughout the scholars school careers. A small token of appreciation was awarded to the students by members of the school board, Mae Huff, Courtney Penn, and Suzanne Moore. The mayor, city manager and members of council were also in attendance.

“It’s not an Oscar,” said Bishop. “More importantly, it’s about supporting the accomplishments of our future leaders.”

To be selected for the honors,

the students must have met one or more of the following criteria: have a 4.0 GPA or higher, ranking in the top 5% of their graduating class, SAT scores of 1870 total on the same test date or 700 on one test, an ACT score of 28 or higher or perfect attendance in grades 9-12 with a 3.5 GPA or higher.

A few of the Patrick Henry seniors that were recognized included Coleman Davis, Sarah Beddingfield, Olivia Smith, Carter Norbo, Dante Barrows and Tyler Whitney.

Mark Ryan, another Patriot senior, shows that being wellrounded is important. He plays golf and lacrosse and has hopes of being accepted to the Naval Academy.

Emily Robertson plays soccer and is active in her church youth group and mission trips.

She is looking for an offer from UVA. Katie McNally participates in the PH Youth court and theater and has already been offered the Presidential Scholarship from Randolph Macon but would really like to see an acceptance to Notre Dame. Deciding your future is not an easy feat when the options are limitless, but most say they will wait to make their decisions closer to the deadline when all available options are known.

William Fleming is also loaded with excellent minds and enthusiasm. One talented young lady is Salena Sullivan who is involved with the schools’ theater department and played a part in this past weekend’s performance of “The Crucible.”

She enjoys being part of a free dance company and spends extra time working part time at the Gainsboro Library. Busy as she is, she spends her summer volunteering at Woodrow Wilson. Looking forward to becoming a History teacher, she has already been accepted at Agnes Scott in Decatur, GA. and Mary Baldwin. Her first choice of universities would be the University of Chicago.

She thinks UC is academically challenging.

Andrew Krawczyk is yet another standout. He spends his time outside of school competing in Chess tournaments nationwide. He takes part in bowling, playing tennis and volunteering for Camp Easter Seals. Andrew recently competed and placed nineteenth overall at the State Chess Tourney and has received an offer from the Rochester Institute of Technology. He is awaiting word from VT and UVA before deciding.

The high schools will choose their valedictorians about a

Above, Katie McNally, Emily Robertson, Dante Barrows, Tyler Whitney, Mark Ryan and Coleman Davis at the awards ceremony. Below, mother, Tonya Sullivan and Salena stand with Fleming Prinipal Susan Willis.

Photos By Willow Rosenblatt

week before graduation, thus making the necessity for many of these young scholars to get a head start on writing their speech in the hope they will be chosen to represent their class.

Patrick Henry’s graduation is set for June 13 at 10 a.m. at the Roanoke Civic Center. Fleming’s will be held at the same venue and date, but at 2 p.m.

By Willow Rosenblatt willow@theroanokestar.com

Patrick Henry High’s talent showcased in 2008 school-wide talent show

The school-wide talent was evident if you were lucky enough to catch the show on March 13 in Patrick Henry’s new auditorium.

Twenty-one diverse and entertaining acts brought laughs, cheers, gasps, and standing ovations to a sold-out crowd.

The evening began with old-fashioned rock and roll from “No Signal” that brought the audience to life with a cover of the Red Hot Chili Peppers’, “Give It Away.” A talented Christian rapper made a powerful statement and high-energy dance groups with differing styles lit up the stage. Classical music and original piano compositions rang through the auditorium. Comedians kept the crowd in stitches. Various gifted vocalists, guitarists, a rocking drum duo that did battle, and even a juggler that played the banjo as an opener.

The admission charge was split for three purposes. The first third of the money went to prizes for the talent show winners- $250 for first place, $200 to second place and $150 for third. The second portion went to the Student Government Association (SGA) that helped sponsor the show. The SGA is planning to use the money to buy a cover for the new gym floor, provide new purple trash cans for the school and purchase paving stones. The last third went to the Theater Department who co-sponsored the show.

Steve Rittenhouse from theater and Nicole Doherty, representing the SGA, held the auditions, made the selections, and held practice for the contestants. Their hard work made for a well rounded and successful evening.

The participants had to wait until Friday afternoon to find out who the winners were since they performed again on Thursday for a student-only show. The panel of judges consisted of both teachers and students.

First place was awarded to Robbie Day, who provided a very unique juggling routine that included balls, bowling pins and some

Ariel Good-Phlegar, Gloria Bowman, and Meredith Scott, comedy and dance routine--as a tribute to the eighties. very sharp-looking knives.

Second place went to Sam Prescott who elegantly performed “Waltz No.14 in E-minor” by Chopin. He has studied classical piano for 10 years.

Third place was a definite crowd favorite called “Nu Kidz On Da Block.” This duo featured basketball standout Bianca Jones and Keontra Martin doing a hip hop dance routine. They described their fun group as “New rap music with an old school flow.” star team.qxd

4/26/2006 3:25 PM Page 1

By Willow Rosenblatt Keontra Martin and Bianca Jones Nu Kidz willow@theroanokestar.com on Da Block, hip hop dance routine.

“Connections” enriches Roanoke City middle schoolers Monday night was the last of four meetings at each of Roanoke City’s four middle schools. The meetings were designed to spread the word about “Connections.”

Timothy Isaacs, Director of Curriculum Development with Roanoke City Schools said the meetings were one of several ways he was reaching out to students and parents about the immediate and long-term benefits of the Middle School Connections Program for gifted and talented and high achieving students.

The program offers sixth, seventh and eighth grade students challenging and exciting coursework that prepares them for further schooling in high school and college levels.

Isaacs believes the Connections Program will keep students engaged and is good com-

petition to distractions such as television, cell phones and what happens on the streets outside the classroom. Students classified as gifted are one third of those who drop out of school, said Isaacs, with 56 percent dropping out of high school. He said the program will reduce the incidence of students dropping out.

“Middle School Connections offers to students who are looking for a challenge,” said Isaacs.

The Connections logo stresses the five R’s of the program: relationships, richness, retention, rigor and relevance. Isaacs said a balance of nurturing and academic rigor is vital in teacher-student relationships.

The Challenge Program at Lucy Addison, the Middle School Honors Programs at Jackson, Madison, Ruffner and Wilson middle

schools and the Middle Years International Baccalaureate (IB) fall under the Connections umbrella.

Options at the high school level are the Patrick Henry Center for the Humanities, CITY School, Roanoke Valley Governor’s School, Advanced Placement Courses, International Baccalaureate Certificate and Diploma Program and dual Enrollment Courses.

For applications or questions Timothy Isaccs may be contacted at the Roanoke City Schools at 853-2300 or tisaacs@rcps. info. Students will receive a writing prompt as part of their application process on April 15. April 30 is the application deadline. Announcements of decisions on applications will be mailed May 30.

Joan Kastner info@theroanokestar

Photos By Willow Rosenblatt

Airman Thomas graduates Air Force basic training Air Force Airman Corey J. Thomas has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

During the six weeks of training, Thomas studied the Air Force mission, organization, and military customs and courtesies; performed drill and ceremony marches, and received physical training, rifle marksmanship,

field training exercises, and special training in human relations.

In addition, airmen who complete basic training earn credits toward an associate degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

He is the son of Tangelene Small of Marlian Ave. N.W., Roanoke, Va., and James Thomas of Pualaa St., Aiea, Hawaii.

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Virginia Western introduces high school students to career pathways to the future It’s an innovative approach to educating high school juniors and seniors who have creative, curious minds and a strong interest in applied academics and it’s an opportunity afforded only through Virginia Western Community College.

The Regional Academy for Advanced Technology will educate students in engineering, advanced technology in mechatronics (ATM), culinary arts, and heating, air-conditioning and refrigeration in a career pathways focused half-day program.

“These types of jobs are in demand, and offer an opportunity for exciting careers and great in-

come,” said Jim Poythress, dean of the college’s Business Science, Engineering and Technology Division. “Students also learn these skills in high school and can simultaneously graduate with a high school diploma and a college degree,” he added. Students also have the option of furthering their education through additional training at Virginia Western or can move toward a four-year degree.

All classes will be taught in the new Advanced Technology Center (formerly Webber Hall) on the Virginia Western Community College Campus with the exception of the culinary classes,

which will be taught in the Culinary Institute at the Claude Moore Educational Complex near downtown Roanoke.

There is a screening process for this program. Students can obtain an application, or receive additional information through a school counselor.

“The Academy will make every effort to stress critical skills and behaviors identified as being the most important knowledge, skills and abilities for success for workers in modern business integrating core academic, workplace readiness skills, and enhanced computer literacy into all curricula,” said Poythress.

Virginia Western’s service area includes Craig, Botetourt, Franklin, and Roanoke counties, as well as the cities of Roanoke and Salem.

Virginia Western will hold an open house on its campus in the Natural Science Center, located off Winding Way Road on March 31, 2008 from 7- 8:00 p.m. Anyone interested in receiving more information and find out more about the programs is welcome to attend. Faculty members will be available to answer any questions from the students and their parents and will be available to give a tour of lab facilities.

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Sports

Page 8 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 3/21/08

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Keno’s dream Keno Shepherd’s dream is to become the best and help others do the same

In the world of Olympic sports the word ‘veteran’ applies to some athletes who are merely 18 yearsold. By 34, most have given up on trying to make it to the games. For Roanoker and former William Fleming High School wrestling standout Keno Shepherd it’s a dream that’s finally coming true.

Keno spent the first 10 years of his wrestling career taking one step forward and two steps back.

Though winning on the mat, he was losing in life, making bad decisions and leading a lifestyle contradictory to who he really was. Those decisions were not benefitting himself, his family, or his Olympic aspirations. He had to make adjustments and sacrifices in his life to get where he wanted to be.

“I had plans and scholarship money in place and headed to Virginia Tech to wrestle for them and become an NCAA champ,” Shepherd said, “but after finding out that I was gonna be a father I just dropped that idea and just went to work.”

Shepherd was speaking of his daughter Brittany who now plays basketball at Northside.

Shepherd was a district, state, national champion and even a Team USA member who wrestled in Korea. With all those achievements under his belt, he still had one illusive accomplishment that remained, he was not an Olympian. He attempted but fell short in 2000, lacking trainers and financial support.

“I have three kids now, a wife, a family and it’s very hard but I’m also closer than I’ve ever been,” Shepherd said. “I can feel it and feel like I’m in the best shape of my life right now. I’m stronger than ever, faster than ever and more motivated than ever.”

He’s had a lot more help this time around. His trainer, Jason Hawes, a former Northside state Greco champion and national team member brought Keno to a whole new level of physical condition.

Such great condition, that after only 4 months of training Keno took over a close match against a very strong Russian opponent in New York city last November at the NYAC (New York Athletic Club) international Christmas classic. Shepherd placed fifth overall at the meet.

“I just said, ‘Keno, it’s time- now just run up that mountain,’ Hawes said. “He did just that and now that his strength and conditioning has caught up with his skill and technique level there’s no stopping him. The sky is the limit.”

Photos by Jawson Hawes

Keno Shepherd practices against Coach Pelliot, who is a former Bulgarian Olympic Champ.

Above right, Shepherd takes a break during practice.

The mountain Keno was told to envision was one he had personally seen many times, it’s called Dragon’s tooth and while this three mile up and down hike is a beautiful trek, it is no walk in the park.

Keno frequently did things others wouldn’t think about in the summer heat. He was all around the valley, running through downtown, up Mill Mountain, around Carvins Cove, running up and down Fifth Street and parking garages and thousands of pushups and sit ups all in 100 degree heat.

He knows he has a lot to work towards but, more importantly, he knows he has a lot to work for. His wife, Tamika, daughter Brittany, oldest son Taylor and youngest Kye all mean a great deal to him. His two boys look up to him and try to wrestle like their dad. Taylor wrestles for Salem and this past weekend placed in the top four at the Eastern national championships. Kye is 4 years-old and having fun, but he’s already winning matches and medals at var-

ious tournaments in the region. He practices at the Gladiator wrestling club at William Fleming high school where his dad helps coach and sometimes wrestles.

If Shepherd is not there, or working, you will find him at North Cross school where he is an assistant coach to their high school team. He also haunts the Edge Sports Performance training Center where he trains and receives nutrition advice.

All of his training is aimed at being in Beijing, China this summer as a member of Team USA. One of his first qualifiers will be April 3 in Brockport, NY. If he wins there, he is in the Olympic trials. The trials will be held in Las Vegas, NV June 13 and 15 and will boast all of the top wrestlers in the nation.

If he fails to qualify in Brockport then he will have two more chances to qualify for a spot. He will also wrestle in the senior national championships which are also held in Las Vegas beginning April

> Yankees From page 1

Stars such as Derek Jeter, Jason Giambi, Jorge Posada, Johnny Damon, Robinson Cano and of course Alex Rodriguez, signed multiple autographs, posed for pictures and chatted with the thousands of fans.

The Yankees closed out the game in seven innings with a 11-0 score in front of 5,311 excited fans and almost 100 local and national media members.

One thousand VIP’s were invited that included victims of the shootings and their families. The Hokie seniors from last year’s baseball team were in attendance as well as former Coach Chuck Hartman.14,455 Tech students entered a lottery for a mere 3,000 tickets while a second lottery was held for an additional 1,000 tickets that 2,268 faculty and staff applied for. The game was not open to the general public, but you could see some spectators that had gathered on the hills surrounding the field trying to catch the action.

The Yankees retired their starters at the end of the third inning and to the surprise of the Hokies dugout, Rodriguez was headed in their direction. The three-time All-American League MVP spent the next three innings sitting with the players, telling stories, talking about life, signing autographs, and held a trivia contest for the players in which he gave out his gear as prizes.

Lower was happy to get a ball signed by Giambi, Rodriguez, Jeter, Posada, Damon and Cano.

“It was pretty cool just being able to talk to all those guys,” said Lower.

After the game Jason Giambi was still excited from

the energy he had experienced.

“I had a great time, I felt great, the fans were great,” he said. “It was an honour to be here and be part of the healing process, it moved each and every one of us. This reminds us how trivial this game is, and how fragile our lives can really be.”

“Sometimes tragedies bring us together but they also make you take time to stop and think and appreciate what you have,” said Rodriguez.

Jeter was jovial and showed fans a lot of love, even laughingly fielding a question about finding romance in Blacksburg.

“It’s nice to be here and represent New York,” said Jeter. “We want to do some good here and bring attention to this situation.”

Johnny Damon was the last player to leave the field and said he couldn’t see himself playing for any other team. In regard to this being the last season for the famed Yankee Stadium, which is being rebuilt, Damon said, “there are a lot of great memories for me, a lot of great memories for the fans, and definitely one of the greatest places ever.”

Memories were what Tuesday, March 18 was made of- memories of lives lost, of new beginnings, of a nation coming together in a healing process that included love, prayers and support in many forms.

Virginia Tech is still recovering but will never forget those it lost one

By Willow Rosenblatt year ago. willow@theroanokestar.com

Photos By Willow Rosenblatt

23. Placing in the top six will give him an automatic bid to the trials as well as high rankings going into the tournament.

“I like my chances in Vegas,” Shepherd said, “I feel great and if I can just stay focused, stay strong, and injury free, God willing, I can win this thing and shock the world.”

It’s a very tall order to fill. However, ask anyone around him and they will say no matter what’s going on he always wants to help others. He loves people and seeing kids succeed. They will tell you about his love and passion for the sport of wrestling and life.

“It’s who he is,” said one parent at practice. “He makes others around him want to do their best, that’s Keno.”

Keno will definitely need the community’s help.

He has received some help from grateful North Cross wrestling parents but he will still need all he can get to take some of the financial burden off himself and keep his mind focused on training.

If you would like to donate to his Olympic fund you can do so by going to any SunTrust bank and depositing in the ROANOKE UNDERDAWGS WRESTLING account.

If Keno and his trainer raise enough money they hope to sponsor Staff Reports and train under info@theraonokestar.com privileged youth.

Sports

3/21/08 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 9

TheRoanokeStar.com

Pine Spur Sports brings in some big names from the golden era of NFL

Relocated from Colonial Avenue to the Townside Festival shopping center, next to Montano’s on Franklin Road, Pine Spur Sports celebrated its new grand opening recently by bringing in a member of the 1972 Miami Dolphins team that went undefeated through the regular season and playoffs, culminating with a win in Super Bowl VII. Veteran backup quarterback Earl Morrall stepped in for an injured Bob Griese that season, much like he did in Baltimore for Johnny Unitas back in 1968, and took the Dolphins to the championship. “You’ve got to be in the right place at the right time,” said Morrall to one man as he signed. He remembered those heady days with the Dolphins too: “that’s where I had my most success – with [head coach Don] Shula.” Morrall sported his Super Bowl VII ring at Pine Spur.

Morrall signed autographs on Miami and Colts gear as he made small talk with a steady stream of customers at Pine Spur Sports, which features team paraphernalia of all sorts, mainly items signed by top name athletes and purchased by owner Bill Campbell, who deals with several wholesalers, like bigname Steiner Sports, and travels to shows to sell and buy new autographed merchandise. Pine Spur Sports also include the former Wax Box store merchandise, where Campbell focused on sports trading cards for the

son, like the New England Patriots did this year, ’72 Dolphins like Morrall, Larry Csonka and Mercury Morris are trotted out and the old QB did his share of radio and TV this past year. The Patriots made it through unscathed until the Super Bowl, where they lost in February to the New York Giants. “I wasn’t rooting against them,” said Morrall with a slight smile as he continued to auto-

NEW LOCATION! Same great service!

Call us for locations of drop off sites 342-2155

M, T, Th, & F - 8:30-5:30 W & S - 9:00-2:00 3310-B Brandon Ave. Roanoke, 24018 (Between Brewster’s & Dairy Queen)

Foundation for Roanoke Valley’s Youth Leadership Committee (YLC) is accepting Letters of Intent from local qualified, tax-exempt agencies serving the cities of Roanoke and Salem, the counties of Botetourt, Craig, and Roanoke.

Only one letter of intent may be submitted for each organization.

The YLC will consider projects that focus on one or more of the following five target areas: Mental Health Issues, Medical or Dental Care for Underprivileged or Underserved Individuals, Teen Pregnancy Issues, Helping Special-Needs Individuals, and Organ Donation Awareness/Related. Letters of Intent must be received (not postmarked) by April 18, 2008.

Organizations that wish to submit Letters of Intent to the YLC should visit the Foundation’s website at www.foundationforroanokevalley.org/ TPPLOI.htm. For more information, please contact Carly Oliver, Associate Director, at (540) 985-0204.

around a table during an Easter meal, that like all meals, should honor the God who loves us so unconditionally.

These recipes come from my sister-in-law Lucinda and brother John who always perfect the holidays by cooking up wonderful meals together to serve to our family.

So enjoy your delicious brunch! Add sausage links, biscuits, fruit - whatever sides you wish to complete this feast and have a VERY HAPPY AND BLESSED EASTER!!!

All in One Egg Casserole 4 cups of day old bread or French bread cubed 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

10 eggs 4 cups milk 1 tsp. dry mustard 1 tsp. salt ¼ tsp. onion powder Dash of pepper 8-10 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled ½ cup mushrooms sliced ½ cup tomatoes, peeled and chopped -Grease a 9x13 pan -Arrange bread cubes in dish and sprinkle with cheese -Beat together eggs, onion powder, milk, mustard, salt and pepper -Pour evenly over cheese and bread -Sprinkle with bacon, mushrooms, and tomatoes -Cover and chill up to 24 hours

Why do you look for the living among the dead?

He is not here.

He has risen!

—

Luke 24.5

Piccadilly Square 2,537 SF Available Immediately The only space available Bill Poe: 855-3643 Edgeeld Homes Offered at $344,950 to $450,000. Come See This Sunday!

East County’s Most Prestigious Address, A Charles R. Simpson Community

Edgeeld Homes Offered at $344,950 Edgeeld Homes Offered at $

(LOGO)

Since 1956

NEW HOMES County’s Most Prestigious Addre Edge eld Homes Offered $344,950 to $450,000.

Come See This Sunday!

EdgeOffered eld Homes Offered at at $344,950 to $450,000.

Come See This Sund Directions: through Vinton, Edgeeld Homes at 24E $344,950 to $450,000.

Come See ThisEast Sunday!

Roanoke County’s Newest Community

East County’s Most Prestigio Edgeeld Homes Offered at&$344,950 $450,000.

Co • New Colonials Ranches • to Full Basement

Left on Spring Grove Dr., (Before William Byrd High), Left on Fountain to top of hill - see signs.

• Gas Fireplaces • Designer Baths Edgeeld Homes Offered at $344,950 to $450,000.

Come See This Sunday!

• All Brick Construction Homes • Tilt-in Windows

By Leigh Sackett

YLC accepting grant proposals

RETAIL SPACE

Photo by Gene Marrano

Ex Dolphin’s quarterback Earl Morrall, left, signs autographs while store owner Bill Campbell, right, looks on. collector’s market.

Bill “Big Tuna” Parcells (that’s buy at Pine Spur are “sports fanatA signed Ted Williams poster how he autographed it) and ics,” noted Campbell, the other of his last at bat with the Boston Jack Lambert of the legendary forty percent are women fans who Red Sox (the Splinter hit a home Steelers squads of the 1970’s are like Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, run but did not acknowledge the among the dozens on hand. Pine Brett Favre and the like, or are crowd at Fenway) goes for $900 Spur also does custom framing buying the gift of a life time for a but a store employee said there if someone has sports gear they husband or boyfriend. Some are is room some times for negotia- want mounted. speculators, purchasing a particution. Signed pictures of current The move to Townside Festival lar athlete, “hoping the value goes and former New York Yankees was all about “location, location, up over a period of time,” accordlike Derek Jeter and Whitey location,” said Campbell, an ath- ing to Campbell.

Ford are available. For the foot- lete in high school and college.

Every time an NFL team gets ball crowd signed helmets from About sixty percent of those who close to having an undefeated sea-

from The Happy Chef!

Long before I knew what the resurrection really meant to my life there was something about that Easter morning celebration that stirred the spirit within my heart. The smell of spring, the bright clothes (our Easter best), the tulips and lilies, the children searching for Easter eggs, the celebratory church services, the beautiful hymns and the Easter brunch!

Sometimes these things can be a distraction from what we should really be focusing on during Easter but to me there is joy, life, and new beginnings expressed in all of them. If we think about it, our celebrations are all reflections of the love of the risen Christ and the love we seek to give in return. Of course it should be easy to find him

By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

Schafer Shoe Repair

Recipe of the Week All in One Egg Casserole and Cheese Grits

graph items – I was cheering for the other team. It’s a record that we’re proud of.” Campbell plans to bring in big names like Morrall every few months and has set his sights on the 1961 Packers NFL championship team, plus former Yankees like Bucky Dent, Goose Gossage and Mike Torres.

• 2 and 3 Car Garages • Granite Counter Tops BUILDER WILL TRADE East County’s Most Prestigious Address, A Charles R. Simpson Community Gas Heat Community • Blue Ridge Parkway nearb HOMES NOW AVAILABLE TO East County’s Most Prestigious Address, A Charles R.• Simpson Lots of Hardwood • Greenway Walking Trail East County’s Most Prestigious •Address, A Charles R. Simpson Community TOUR Directions: 24E through • Decks & Patios • 2,3, Vinton, & 4 car garages Roan Left on Spring Grove• Dr., (Before • Paved Driveway heating Open Sundays 1-4 pm Directions: Zoned 24E through Vinton, New Co William Byrd High), Lefttoon3200+ sq. • • County Schools • 2300 ft.

Lots Available forCounty’s Custom Left on Spring Grove Dr., (Before • Gas East Most Prestigious Address, A Charles R. Fir Si Fountain to top of hill see signs. eld Homes at $344,950 to $450,000.

Come See This Sunday!

EastEdge County’s MostOffered Prestigious Address, A Charles R. Simpson Community Building William Byrd High), Since 1956Left on • All Bric 7Since Homes under Construction 1956 Fountain to top of hill see signs.

NEW HOMES • 2 and 3 BUILDER WILL TRADE NEW HOMES Directions: 24E through Vinton, RoanokeHOMES County’s Newest Community • Gas He Directions: 24E through Vinton, NOW AVAILABLE TO Since 1956 Roanoke County’s Newest Community Left on Spring •Grove BUILDER WILL TRADE • Lots of BuyingDr., (Before Left on Spring Grove Dr., (Before & Ranches TOUR • Full Basement William Byrd High), Left on& Ranches• New•Colonials HOMES NOW AVAILABLE TO • New Colonials Full Basement NEW HOMES • Decks & Proudly • Selling William Byrd High), LeftFountain on • Gas FireplacesServing • Designer Baths to top of A hill - see signs.

• Gas Fireplaces • Designer Baths Homes Newest 24E Address, through Vinton, TOUR East County’s Prestigious Charles Community • Paved D • Custom BuildingR. Simpson Fountain to topDirections: ofMost hill - see signs.

Roanoke County’s Community • All Brick Construction • Tilt-in Windows Open Sundays 1-4 pm The Roanoke Valley & • All Brick Construction Homes • Tilt-in Windows Left on Spring Grove •WILL Dr., (Before Investment Property • 2 and 3 Car Garages •for Granite Counter Tops • County Lots Available Custom BUILDER TRADE Since 1956 Sundays • 2 and 3 Car Garages •Smith • Mountain Granite Counter Tops Open 1-4 pm nearby New Colonials & Ranches • Ridge Full Basement Lake BUILDER WILL TRADE • Gas Heat • Blue Parkway William Byrd High), Left on TO Call Me Today Building HOMES NOW AVAILABLE • Gas Heat • Blue Ridge Parkway nearby Lots Available for Custom

-Preheat oven to 325, bake uncovered until set, about 1 hour Cheese Grits

1 cup of quick grits • Gas Fireplaces • Designer Baths AVAILABLE • Lots of777-7070 Hardwood • Greenway Walking Trail Tom Palmer HOMES Fountain to TO top of hill - see signs. NEW •TOUR Lots of Hardwood •& Greenway Walking Trail • 2,3,Building 4 cups boiling water HOMES NOWTOUR NEW HO • Decks Patios 4 car garages •Advantageonestop.com All Brick Construction Homes •&Tilt-in Windows 540-777-7070 ext.

216 Directions: 24E through Vinton, • Decks & Patios • 2,3, & 4 car garages Roanoke County’s Newest Community • Vinton, Paved Driveway • Zoned heating Counter Tops Directions: 24E through Open Sundays 1-4 pm 540-871-3727 • 2 and 3 Car Garages • Granite Dr., (Before 1 tsp. salt Left on Spring Grove Roanoke County’s N • Paved Driveway • Zoned heating BUILDER TRADE Open Sundays 1-4 pm LotsWILL •• Buying NEW& HOMES • County Schools 2300 to 3200+ sq. ft.

Available for Custom New Colonials Ranches • to Full Basement • Gas Heat • County Schools • 2300 3200+ sq. ft.

Directions: 24E through Vinton, Left• on Spring Grove Dr., (Before Lots Available for Custom William Byrd High), Left on Roanoke Newest Community Proun • Selling• Blue Ridge Parkway HOMES NOW AVAILABLE TO BuildingCounty’s • Buying Left on Spring Building Grove Dr., (Before ½ stick butter • New Colonials • Gas Fireplaces • Designer Baths • Lots of Hardwood • Greenway Walking T 7 Homes under Construction • Custom Building& Ranches Fountain to top of hill see signs.

•William New Colonials & Ranches • Full Basement Byrd Left on TOUR The Roa 7High), Homes under Construction William Byrd-High), Left on • Selling All Brick Construction Homes • Tilt-in • Windows •• Gas Fireplaces Designer Baths Decks & Patios • 2,3, & 4 car garages • Investment Property Gas Fireplaces Fountain to top of hill - see signs. Fountain 2 cups grated sharp cheese • Custom Building to topGarages ofHomes hill ••-• see signs.

Smith M •• All2Brick Construction Tilt-in Windows T CallTops Me•Today and 3 Car • Granite Counter • Paved Driveway Zoned heating Open Sundays 1-4 pm • Buying • All Brick Construction Home • Investment Property BUILDERBUILDER WILL TRADE • 2 and 3 Car Garages • Granite Counter Tops WILL• Buying TRADE Tom Palmer S County Schools • nearby 2300 to Today 3200+ sq. ft. 77 Gas Heat • Serving Blue Ridge Parkway 3 eggs, well HOMES beaten NOW Proudly • Selling •• Gas Heat ••Blue Ridge Parkway nearby Lots Available for Custom Call Me HOMES NOW AVAILABLE TO AVAILABLE TO • 2 and540-777-7070 3 Car Garages Proudly Serving • Selling ext. 216 Since 1956

•• Lots of Hardwood • Greenway Walking Trail •of Custom Building BUILDER WILL TRADE Lots Hardwood • Greenway Trail Tom Palmer Advanta The Valley &Walking TOUR TOUR• Custom BuildingBuilding • Decks & Patios car garages 7 Homes 540-871-3727 The Valley• 2,3, & & 4Roanoke •Roanoke Investment Property Gas Heat under Construction 540-777-7070 ext. 216 HOMES NOW AVAILABLE TO Decks &MePatios • 2,3, &Lake 4•car garages Investment Property A Smith Mountain •• Paved Driveway • Zoned heating Open Sundays•1-4 pm Call Today Smith Mountain Lake 540-871-3727 Lots of Hardwood Call Me Today •• County Schools • 2300 to 3200+ sq.

Lots Available Custom Paved Driveway • ft.

Zoned•heating -Pour grits slowly into boiling 777-7070 TOUR Tom Palmer Open Sundays 1-4 for pm 777-7070 BuildingTom Palmer • Decks & Patios 540-777-7070 ext.

216 • County 7Schools • 2300 to 3200+ sq. ft.

Homes under Construction Advantageonestop.com Lots Available for Custom 540-777-7070 ext. 216 • Buying Advantageonestop.com salted water stirring constantly 540-871-3727 • Paved Driveway 540-871-3727 Building Proudly Serving • Selling Open Sundays 1-4 pm

till mixed -Cook 2 ½ to 5 minutes stir• Buying ring occasionally • Selling • Custom Building -When grits are cooked add • Investment Property butter, cheese and eggs, mix Call Me Today Tom Palmer well 540-777-7070 ext. 216 -Pour into greased 9x13 540-871-3727 baking dish -Bake at 350 for 30-40 minutes

• Buying • Selling • Custom Building • Investment Property Call Me Today Tom Palmer 540-777-7070 ext. 216 540-871-3727

7 Homes under Construction

• Custom Building • County Lots Available Custom Roanoke Valley & Schools Proudly Serving for The Property The• Investment RoanokeBuilding Valley & Smith Mountain Lake Call Me Today 7 Homes Smith Mountain Lake 777-7070 Tom777-7070 Palmer Proudly Serving 540-777-7070 ext.

216 Advantageonestop.com Advantageonestop.com The Roanoke• Buying Valley & 540-871-3727 Smith Mountain Lake • Selling 777-7070 • Custom Building Advantageonestop.com • Investment Property Call Me Today Tom Palmer 540-777-7070 ext. 216 540-871-3727

und

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Experience Easter at St. John’s.

Experience Easter at St. John’s, Roanoke’s downtown Episcopal Church at Jefferson & Elm. You are invited any time, most especially during this Holy Week. Come and make St. John’s your home.

Holy Week, March 16, 20 & 21 Sunday March 16:

Palm Sunday Service at 10 a.m.

Thursday March 20: Maundy Thursday Service at 6 pm.* Friday March 21: Good Friday Services at Noon & 6 p.m.*

Easter Sunday, March 23 Sunrise Easter Vigil at 7 a.m.

Easter Service at 9 a.m.* and 11 a.m.*

(There is no Gathering Service on Easter Sunday.)

* The nursery is available during these services.

St. John’s Episcopal Church at Jefferson & Elm Call : (540)343-9341 or www.stjohnsroanoke.org

Page 10 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 3/21/08

> March 20 Girl Scouts Reunion Reconnect with former Girl Scouts.

Learn what the Girl Scouts are currently doing in the Roanoke Valley. Volunteer or participate in an internship through our Council. Join the National Alumnae Network to locate long-lost friends and troop leaders When- 5:30 - 7 p.m.

Where- Council office, Girl Scouts of Virginia Skyline Council 3663 Peters Creek Road, NW, Roanoke For more- Contact Kait Berry, Alumnae Coordinator, 540-7775107

> March 21 Faculty/Student Basketball game James Madison faculty will take on the 8th grade boys and girls basketball teams. The parents of the 8th graders will also play alongside the faculty.

When- 9 a.m.

Where- James Madison

> March 21 Shine Time Talent Contest $5,000 grand prize with a free album recording with Comprevox Production. Auditions: 3rd of March to the 7th at The Venue located on Melrose Ave. $10 fee per act. If you would like to

TheRoanokeStar.com

coMMUNitY cALeNDAr

be a sponsor, help coordinate, promote, or be a part of one of the biggest events in Roanoke, contact James Lewis Where- Jefferson Center For more- Contact James Lewis at 540-566-4668

> March 22 Hearts of Virginia Benefit Concert The Heart of Virginia Campaign was founded in response to the shootings on the campus of Virginia Tech. We are hosting a year long fundraising campaign to provide financial support to New River Community Services for mental health services and hope to develop a Center for Integrated Arts as well. Musical Performance by Tommy Edwards When- 7:30 p.m.

Where- High Point Coffee, Brambleton Ave.

> March 22 Musica Viva 2008 Romantic Affair: Music of Schumann and Brahms.

Musicians for the concert include Teresa Ehrlich, piano; David Ehrlich, violin; Benjamin Wyatt, cello; members of the Avanti Ensemble with guest soloist, Paul Coletti. Coletti has performed throughout the world, making major appearances at the Edinburgh

Festival, the Sydney Opera House, and London’s Queen Elizabeth Hall.

When- 7:30 p.m.

Where- Squires Recital Salon, Virginia Tech Cost- $18 adults, $8 students, $5 18 and under For more- Vickie Epstein (540)951-7407

> March 25 Art Town Meeting Do you have ideas to share about the arts and culture in your region? The Arts Council of the Blue Ridge wants to hear it. The council has scheduled Art Town Meetings around its service area and invites anyone interested in learning and sharing their thoughts about arts and culture in their community to attend.

When- 5:30 p.m.

Where- Community High School & Dumas Drama Guild – held at Dumas Center, Roanoke For more- 540.342.5790, Ext. 5 www.theartscouncil.org

> March 26-29

Latin American Theatre Today Conference Scholars from around the world will come together with dramatists, directors, and performance groups from Latin America and the United States to engage in

scholarly debate and to explore and enjoy Latin American and U.S. Latino theatre. All performances and plenaries are free and open to the public. Festival highlights include a reprise of María Irene Fornes’ play Abingdon Square by the Virginia Tech theatre arts department on Wednesday, March 26, 7:30 p.m., in the Squires Studio Theatre.

On Thursday, there will be two events in Haymarket Theatre. At 7 p.m., ¡¿Quién te entiende?! will be performed by Seña y Verbo/ Theatre of the Deaf from Mexico City.

This will be followed at 9:30 p.m. by a short play titled ¡Se formó la rumba!

Talks, readings, and plays will continue throughout Friday and Saturday, both on-campus and at The Lyric Theatre in Blacksburg.

That schedule includes: Friday, March 28 Dramatic reading: Quince para cuarenta, written by Claudia Barrionuevo, Costa Rica 2:30 p.m., Drillfield Room, Inn at Virginia Tech (duration 1 hour) Talk and reading: El grito del Bronx, Migdalia Cruz (New York)* 5 p.m., Lyric theatre, College Ave., downtown Blacksburg (duration 1 hour) Volvió una noche, written by Eduardo Rovner, Argentina, and performed by students from the Tec de Monterrey, Mexico

7 p.m., Haymarket Theatre, Squires Student Center (duration 75 min.)

La culpa la tuvo el tranvía, written and directed by Cristina Merelli, Argentina Recipient of the I Premio de Teatro George Woodyard 9:30 p.m., Haymarket Theatre, Squires Student Center (duration 1 hour) Saturday, March 29 Dramatic reading: Hurricane in a Glass, written by Kimberly del Busto and directed by Jason Ramírez (Dos Alas Theatre, New York)* 3 p.m., Lyric Theatre, College Ave., downtown Blacksburg (duration 1 hour) Dramatic reading: Parrita y sus verdugos, written by Guillermo Schmidhuber, Guadalajara, Mexico 4:30 p.m., Lyric Theatre, College Ave., downtown Blacksburg (duration 45 min.)

Quisimos tanto a Lydia, written and directed by Aravind Enrique Adyanthaya and performed by Casa Cruz de la Luna, Lajas, Puerto Rico 7 p.m., Haymarket Theatre, Squires Student Center (duration 1 hour)

> March 27 Hearts of Virginia Benefit Concert The Heart of Virginia Campaign was founded in response to

the shootings on the campus of Virginia Tech. We are hosting a year long fundraising campaign to provide financial support to New River Community Services for mental health services and hope to develop a Center for Integrated Arts as well. Musical Performance by Tommy Edwards When- 9 p.m.

Where- Awful Arthur’s, Salem, VA

> March 29

Planting Trees On the Parkway Join FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway at the N&W Railroad Overlook, milepost 106.9, to plant 250 seedlings. FRIENDS plants trees to preserve the views of America’s Favorite Scenic Drive – the Blue Ridge Parkway. Refreshments, live music, children’s art project, and seed packets to youth volunteers.

Register at the site at 8:30. Bring a bag lunch and listen to bluegrass music as you watch your seedlings grow!

When- Register at site at 8:30 a.m.

Where- Blue RIdge Parkway, Milepost 106.9 For more- 540-772-2992 or visit the website to register for the event: www.BlueRidgeFRIENDS.org

cLAssiFieDs & JoBZcAFe.coM

> Cool Cheap Stuff TV & Stereo Stand Glass doors, 40” wide, 20” deep 59” high $40. 989-1521.

Motorcycle Windsheild Honda windshield $150, on 1982 Silverwing, also for sale- 342-2083 Travel Join a group to Belize this summeronly $35. 342-2083 Cool Cheap Stuff Place your ad in Cool Cheap Stuff, for items costing $150 or less, free!

Ads are published for 1 week. If item doesn’t sell feel free to run it again!

Cool Cheap Stuff is available to private individuals who advertise one item costing $150 or less. Cost of item and telephone number must appear in ad copy. First 10 words are free. Additional 10 words are $5.00.

Some restrictions apply. Limit 8 Cool, Cheap Stuff ads per month! > Haiku ads Belize vacation deliver school supplies do a good deed cheap contact Gary at 342-2083 turtle-guy@att.net Private art lessons drawing ,painting and sculpture ages 6 and up call Katherine Devine 427-5919 devinestudios@yahoo.com Want to learn Chinese?

Learn it from a Taiwanese.

Call us right away!

Call Deborah, 776-3087 Does your grade school child Need a teacher-tutor to Help them stay on track?

Call Emily 725-1464 emilym@cox.net Homemade crafts and such, Children’s aprons, quillows, gifts.

Shop “Buy the Season”.

Emily,Vendor 1806, 725-1464, emilym@cox.net FREE!!!!

We’ll run any ad from a private party written in traditional Haiku form (5,7,5 syllabic format).

Telephone number at the end of the listing is excluded from the format requirements. Email info@ theroanokestar.com

> JobzCafe.com

Jobzcafe is a progressive career destination connecting local companies with a dynamic talent pool. We serve Southwest and Central Virginia including Roanoke, Lynchburg, New River Valley, Martinsville, Danville and Smith Mountain Lake.

For Information Contact: 540563-2249 Caring Foster & Adoptive Parents Needed Big hearts and happy homes needed for children and teens w/ special needs. Receive quality training + casework ser- “Overcoming Challenges & vices + financial Building Brighter Futures” support. Non-

profit agency will match child or teen with your family. Be a turning point in someone’s life. Training sessions beginning soon. For more information, call the following offices: Roanoke 540-265-8923.

After School Program Coordinator Part time position with potential for full time; assist with planning, supervising and managing all aspects of Presbyterian Community Center’s comprehensive after school program, Pathways for Youth. This position is responsible for direct supervision of the middle school group comprising about 18-20 youth. Requirements: any combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in human services, counseling, education, childhood development or related field. Two to three years experience working with at-risk youth preferred. Send resume to: Presbyterian Community Center, 1228 Jamison Avenue, Roanoke, VA 24013 and/or call 540-982-2911 and speak to Tom MacMichael (submit via email: pathways@pccse.org.)

Accountant Representative, Sales Representative, Store Keeper, Clerk and Secretary Requirement (Computer Literate, Along With CV.) for more informarion write us below: Gina Shoes Limited EMail: gina.limited@gmail.com Senior Computer Engineer Candidates must possess strong leadership skills and outstanding technical skills. Responsibilities include ability to resolve complex technical issues, design computer hardware, design and test computer systems, and impact product roadmap strategy. Expertise required in Microsoft operating systems and applications. Unix experience a plus. Excellent communication and customer service skills, innovative thinking, and the ability to manage competing demands. Position requires a B.S. in Computer Engineering or other engineering discipline with an emphasis on Computer Technology and at least 3 years of experience in a manufacturing or technology field.

Masters degree and technical certifications preferred.

CCS-Inc. 540-382-4234 hr@ccs-inc. com Software Developer Position is responsible for the full lifecycle development of all internally developed reports and applications, administration of CRM and ERP systems, and administration of our internal and external facing websites. Ideal candidates will have 3+ years experience developing database driven web applications and reports, XML, ASP, HTML, JavaScript, IIS 5 and IIS 6. Computer Science or related degree preferred; knowledge of Microsoft SharePoint a plus.

CCS-Inc. 540-382-4234 HYPERLINK “mailto:hr@ccs-inc.com” hr@ ccs-inc.com Call Center Representative Receives telephone inquires and provides information to subscribers, providers, and group administrators regarding their dental benefits. Resolves claim problems, writes up corrections, and watches for claim adjudication of the adjustment. Returns calls to the providers and subscribers.A minimum of one year prior customer service experience.

Delta Dental of Virginia 800-2376060, Ext. 3302 jobs@deltadentalva. com Engineer 2 - Fire Protection

Design of fire suppression systems.

Design of fire alarm systems. Design of stairwell pressurization and smoke control systems. Building and life safety code analysis.

Multi-discipline design support and project coordination for fire protection related items.

Professional licensure when eligible.

B.S. in Fire Protection Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field. Good oral and written communication skills. Good computer skills.

HSMM 540-857-3100 Customer Service Representative Fincastle manufacturer seeking candidates with strong multitasking skills.

Duties will include handling inbound calls and building/maintaining customer relationships. Associate must be willing to learn product line and pricing. Other duties will include order entry; assisting with production and shipping scheduling; preparing in-

LABORER $8.74 per hour Duties include: • General facility repair • Clean & paint apartment units • Lawn maintenance • Grounds care Skills Required: • 6 months experience in lawn care and/or maintenance work • Knowledge of grounds/landscape tools and equipment • Ability to perform manual labor for extended periods of time in adverse weather conditions • Ability to carry out oral and written communications VALID VA DRIVERS LICENSE A MUST APPLY THROUGH MARCH 25, 2008 APPLY: • In Person: 2624 Salem Turnpike • Online: www.rkehousing.org • Fax: (540) 345-5494 • E-mail: HR@rkehousing.org • Mail: P.O. Box 6359 Roanoke, VA 24017 EO E/AA Minorities and women are encouraged to apply.

voicing and performing other general accounting duties. Candidates must have a minimum of two years experience in a busy office setting and be proficient with Word and Excel. Pay based on experience.

Express Personnel 540-389-8978 Engineer 2 – Traffic Traffic Engineering technical design for the preparation of traffic impact analyses, signal design, traffic modeling, and equipment specification. Oversight of junior engineers in the preparation of the above tasks. Management of projects. Bachelor of Science degree in Civil engineering.

8 years of experience in traffic engineering design with experience working with VDOT and municipal clients.

HSMM 540-857-3100 Medical Receptionist Do you thrive in a fast paced environment? Expanding medical office needs additional receptionist! Candidate must possess strong customer service skills, medical background a plus.

Good computer skills a must- testing required. Duties will include answering telephones, scheduling appointments, data entry, filing and other general clerical duties.Very busy environment; must be able to handle stress well.

Must be available to work from 7:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. during the weekdays (schedule will rotate) and 10:00 a.m.6:00 p.m. on Saturdays (schedule will rotate). Evaluation to hire.

Express Personnel 540-389-8978 Sales Rep New and Pre-Owned Vehicle Sales.

High income potential with established dealership with great reputation in the Roanoke Salem area. Income ranges with current staff range from $45000 to over $100000 Pinkerton Chevrolet - 540-562-1337 - smcdaniel@pinkertonchevy.com Engineer 2 - Highway Design and preparation of plans for roadway and site/civil projects. Geometric layout and drainage for roadway projects. Bachelor of Science degree in Civil engineering. 8 years of experience in highway design with experience working with VDOT and municipal clients.

HSMM 540-857-3100 Underwriting Business Analyst Delta Dental of Virginia is looking for a Underwriting Business Analyst.

Perform a variety of tasks relating to support of the Underwriting Department goals and objectives. Perform analysis of dental claims, enrollment, and benefit information to determine costs factors for use in underwriting process. Assist in retrieval and compilation of group specific data to support department’s customer reporting requirements.Assist in preparation of annual revenue and claim forecasts.

Four-year college degree in finance, mathematics, economics, or related field.

Delta Dental of Virginia 800-2376060, Ext. 3302 jobs@deltadentalva. com Registration Specialist Immediate opening for individual who is very detail oriented and thrives in a fast paced environment. Must be computer literate and familiar with Word, Excel and Outlook.There is no phone work required, but candidates must be open to working with patients face to face. Previous medical office experience and insurance knowledge strongly preferred. Hours are 7:30am5:00pm M-F with rotating Saturdays.

Pay will be $10/hr.

Express Personnel 540-389-8978

Engineer 1 - Site/Civil Design site plans, utilities, storm water management, erosion and sediment control plans under the close supervision of an experienced engineer. B.S. in Civil Engineering, accredited program.

3 years minimum experience.

HSMM 540-857-3100 Computer Design Engineer Position is responsible for understanding customer requirements and designing computer solutions to meet those requirements. Design engineer also manages the evaluation of new products and new components and acts as a pre-sales technical resource to help customers understand their options for industrial computing solutions. Engineer works closely with Purchasing to assist in vendor selection and vendor relationships, qualifies new vendors and new products, and assists Sales and Marketing to design new product offerings based on market research and market demand.

CCS-Inc. 540-382-4234 Customer Service P/T Much more than just customer service! Busy call center environment.

Good phone voice a must. Individual must be dedicated to learning the business. Will be put through a week long training period with homework and tests. Will be talking with doctors and people associated with the medical industry. Basic computer skills and good data entry scores required; will be tested. Flexible hours up to 35 hours/week. Must work 1-2 evenings a week until 7:00 pm. $11/hr.

Express Personnel 540-389-8978 Computer Technicians CCS-Inc. is looking for Full-time and Part-time Computer Technicians.

These positions will be responsible for the integration and manufacturing of industrial computer systems.The ideal candidates will have a strong background in troubleshooting computer hardware (including PC’s, laptops, & components), software problems and other related issues. Candidates should also possess excellent verbal/ written communication skills. One year certificate from college or technical school; or three to six months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience preferred.

CCS-Inc. 540-382-4234 hr@ccs-inc. com Non-Profit Fund Raising Temporary long term assignment available for local non profit organization. Hours are 9-5 M-F, 1 hr for lunch, 35 hrs/week. $9/hr. to start with potential to go to $10/hr after first week. 100% cold calling to businesses.

Will be given a list and a script. Must be comfortable in a sales environment and communicate well. Outbound calling or sales experience preferred.

Must be persistent and reliable. Ability to meet goals and produce results essential. Small office environment working with 3 or 4 other people in same room. Apply now to get the satisfaction of working for a great cause!

Assignment is for at least 6 weeks with the potential to go several months or even until December.

Express Personnel 540-389-8978 Web Designer/Developer Design & develop web pages.Advanced knowledge of HTML, CSS, Flash/Actionscript, Photoshop, Illustrator and CMS systems such as e107 or Joomla. All applicants must have intermediate knowledge of DOB scripting and demonstrate a working knowledge of designing for print me-

dia. A portfolio is required.

Shelor Motor Mile 540-382-2981 bshaver@shelor.com

Structural Engineer- Contract Position Part-time contractual position. Engineer needed for 2-3 days per week for approximately 3 months. Candidate must be familiar with Structural Engineering principles and AutoCAD. Person will be converting drawings from architects/builders to reflect using their products. Working remotely may be an option.

Express Personnel 540-389-8978

Engineer 1- Mechanical Prepare basic deliverables and products such as presentation materials, calculations, drawings, specifications, cost estimates related to heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems. AutoCAD and/or MicroStation drafting experience. B.S. in an accredited engineering program.

HSMM 540-857-3100

Maintenance Technician Experienced Maintenance Technicians needed! Technicians will be responsible for installing, maintaining and repairing machinery, equipment, physical structures, and electrical systems in plant manufacturing. Candidates must have one year certificate from college or technical school; or minimum of six months experience in a related field.

Electricians license desirable. Second or third shift. Direct hire. Pay DOE. Express Personnel 540-389-8978

Police Officer Patrols assigned beat on foot, motorcycle, bicycle, in patrol car, or on horseback to control traffic, prevent crime or disturbance of peace, and arrest violators. May perform assigned work in either a uniformed or nonuniformed capacity.Associate’s degree or equivalent from two-year college or technical school with a major in social or police science desirable but not required; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

City of Roanoke HR@roanokegov. com

Administrative Assistant This position provides administrative and clerical support to sales team.

Duties will include: creating and distributing reports; preparing presentations; coordinating meetings and travel; providing customer service; and performing other duties as assigned.

Ideal candidate will have a minimum of 2 years experience in a similar role. Candidate must have advanced proficiency with Microsoft programs (testing provided). Person must have excellent communication skills and be able to interact with many different personalities.

Express Personnel 540-389-8978

Manufacturing Engineer Direct hire opportunity within the New River Valley. This position will develop and implement manufacturing processes. Other responsibilities include: enforcing a weekly schedule to meet manufacturing goals, and assisting in implementation of quality control standards. Successful candidate will be highly organized and focused on making the best product possible.

B.S. degree in an engineering discipline required. Minimum of 5 years experience required.

Express Personnel 540-389-8978

3/21/08 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 11

TheRoanokeStar.com

PCC is a center for hope in Southeast Roanoke

It’s three o’clock on Tuesday and the noisy energy of 50 children fills the Presbyterian Community Center in Southeast Roanoke. After a nutritious meal, the students relax and visit with one another before “smart time” begins at 4 p.m. Many will work one-on-one with volunteer tutors who help with homework and provide loving encouragement. The Pathways for Youth after school program is just one part of the Center’s 40-year-old mission in this underserved, working class Roanoke neighborhood.

The Presbyterian Community Center was established in 1967 in response to the frightening economic situation that began over a decade earlier when the American Viscose rayon factory closed, putting most of the neighborhood out of work.

Today, the Center’s Emergency Services program assists those in dire financial need with funds to help with rent payments, utility bills, prescription medication and other necessities of life.

RRHA has new director

Recognizing Glenda Edwards’ leadership abilities and acknowledging the outstanding work she has accomplished as Interim Executive Directorp, the Roanoke Redevelopment & Housing Authority (RRHA) Board of Commissioners announces the appointment of Ms. Edwards as Executive Director effective immediately.

“After Glenda’s outstanding performance and leadership during this transition period, the Board is confident that her appointment as Executive Director will continue to assist in RRHA’s provision of top-notch services to all of our residents” said Joseph Lee, Board Chair.

Prior to Ms. Edwards’ appointment as Interim Executive Director on March 30, 2007, she served RRHA in the capacity of Senior Vice-President, Intergovernmental & Public Affairs. Ms. Edwards came to RRHA in May 2006 from Lutheran Family Services of Virginia, where she was Chief Operating Officer, providing leadership for a statewide network of community services. Glenda completed her undergraduate studies at Christopher Newport University and obtained her MBA from Averett University. She holds certifications from the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials as a Senior Professional Housing Manager and from Quadell Consulting for Asset Management for Public Housing.

grades 3 through 12. Besides tutoring and homework assistance five days per week, the program also provides numerous enrichment opportunities. Students in middle school and high school receive adult mentors, leadership development opportunities and community volunteer experience.

Last September, responding to a need for a neighborhood therapeutic treatment program, the Center began “Path-Finders,” an after school day treatment program that deals with the emotional and behavioral problems brought on by living in extreme poverty. The Center has been a long time partner of Family Service of Roanoke Valley, which provides counselors for both after school programs.

Many dedicated individuals, churches, the City of Roanoke, foundations, businesses and

community organizations support the Center’s important work in Southeast. With only a small paid staff, the Center depends heavily on a dedicated group of over 150 regular volunteers who work within one or more of its programs.

In April, the Center will host a special event to raise awareness and supplement program funding. “Dancing Under the Stars” will take place on Friday, April 11, 2008 from 7:30 until 10:30 p.m. at the beautifully renovated Vinton War Memorial. For more information or to make reservations, please call 982-2911. More detailed information about the Presbyterian Community Center’s programs and volunteer opportunities may be found on the web at: www.pccse.org.

Tired of the ordinary?

Looking for a change? of the ordinary? Looking for a change? Craving a fresh new start?

Craving a fresh newTired start?

Photo courtesty of PCC

Members of the staff and after school attendees from the Presbyterian Community Center.

They also operate a food pantry, which is stocked by individuals, churches of all faiths and several community organizations. Last year, Emergency Services helped over 1,500 Roanoke families with $81,000 in financial assistance.

The food pantry distributed over $85,000 in food, providing

for 2,300 families that included 5,175 family members.

The Presbyterian Community Center believes the future of Southeast lies in encouraging its youth to break the cycle of poverty by realizing the power of education. To that end the Center began the Pathways for

Youth after school program in 1995. “Pathways” offers a safe and nurturing environment for neighborhood children in

By Staff reports info@theroanokestar.,com

Saturday, April 5, 2008 | 7:00 p.m.

Sunday, April 6, 2008 | 3:00 p.m.

Call Today!

345-7737

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TIES will be presented at The Jefferson Center Tickets: $30 adult | $17 ages 18 and under Call (540) 345-2550 or www.jeffcenter.org

121 Duke of Gloucester Street (Turn off Franklin Rd. at the light by Red Lobster)

Southwest Virginia Ballet P.O. Box 3275 Roanoke, VA 24015

Relive railroad history with “TIES”. Audiences of all ages will be thrilled with this lively collage of film, music, and dance.

This unprecidented collaboration with the

Oakey’s presents O. Winston Link Museum, musician David Austin,

Living inNancy theStark “Shadow of the Ghosts of Grief” and artist is

Date: Thursday, May 8

A Seminar for anyone, who in anyway, cares for the bereaved. a must see!

Time: 9:00 am - 3:30 pm

With Alan D. Wolfelt, Ph.D., Author, Educator, Grief Counselor

Registration fee: $40.00

Location: Jefferson Center

A past recipient of the Association for Death Education and Counseling’s Death Educator Award, Dr. Wolfelt is Director of the

Includes lunch and materials

Center for Loss and Life Transition located in Fort Collins, Colorado. He is known throughout the U.S. and Canada for his educational contributions in the areas of both childhood and adult grief.

To register, by May 2, or for further information call, 800-638-0710 or 540-982-2100

SAMMY G. OAKEY, PRESIDENT • ROANOKE, NORTH, VINTON, SOUTH

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We’ve always been here for you.

Page 12 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 3/21/08

TheRoanokeStar.com

> Parade From page 1

Despite the cancelation of after-parade activities, Eventzone had 85 entries for the parade with about 10 no-shows due to the forecast.

Winners in the parade include: Best Celtic Theme, Emeraldettes Baton Corps; Best Patriotic Theme, Gregory Guard Honorary Military Society; Best Business, Creative Fitness; Best Neighborhood, Old Southwest Neighborhood Association; Most Creative, Roanoke Outdoor and Social Club; Best Overall, Parrot Heads of the Blue Ridge.

Photos by Willow Rosenblatt & Stuart Revercomb

Roanoke Valley Harley Davidson Celebrates it’s 25th Anniversary 1983-2008

WATCH for upcoming events to commemorate this occasion!

25 Peters Creek Rd.into • www.rvhd.com Ride Spring!!

Come ďŹ nd all your motorcycle needs...Motorcycles, Collectibles, Apparell, Jewelry, ect.

Peters Creek Rd. • www.rvhd.com

Peters Creek Rd. • www.rvhd.com

nday - Friday 8-6 Saturday 8-5 • (540) 562-5424

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ay - Friday 8-6 Saturday 8-5 • (540) 562-5424