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The Roanoke Star-Sentinel Community | News | Per spective
5/16/08
[Greenways Benefit]
TheRoanokeStar.com
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Candidate says he may take legal action against paper
Gallop 4 the Greenways WF - PH At bat P8– Crosstown rivals Patrick Henry and William Fleming went head to head with the Patriots coming out on top 13-4
Photo by Lawson Koeppel
Brian Wishneff holds a reproduction of the ‘Joe Smith’ ad, critical of Court Rosen, as it ran in the Roanoke Times.
Wishneff accuses Roanoke Times of election manipulation Photo by Bill Turner
Families and competitive runners gathered for the 2008 Gallop 4 the Greenways.
Doyle Honored P7– Stephanie Doyle was honored as Roanoke City Schools’ Teacher of the Year. The honor came with a $1,000 award from sponsor Shenandoah Life.
Patriots Sweep P9– Patrick Henry swept E.C. Glass in lacrosse on Tuesday with varsity boys, girtls and the JV team winning all three match-ups.
Keno’s Keynote P9– Keno Shepherd has one final shot to address his dream of being an Olympic Champion.This week he’s taking his best game to the mat in Colorado, Springs, Colo.
Roanokers pound the pavement for local Greenways Valley Forward hosted Gallop 4 the Greenways last Saturday in downtown Roanoke. The proceeds from the event are used for greenway maintenance and preservation. This was the second year for the race which raised $35,000 in 2007. Gallop 4 the Greenways promotes a family atmosphere, and even if you didn’t run, you could still raise money and qualify for some prizes including a weekend stay at the Hotel Roanoke. Gretchen Weinning, a spokesperson for Valley Forward, said, “we want to create a family atmosphere and get corporate teams involved.” This year’s race was dedicated to Tom Farrell, an avid runner who was killed in January while completing his morning run. His family was present and there was a moment of silence in his memory. A total of 583 runners covered the downtown streets, almost 300 more runners than last year, according to Weinning. “We had 400 runners sign up the last week
prior to the race,’ Weinning said. With excellent weather conditions for the race, Weinning expects to exceed last year’s total dollars raised, although a final is yet to be determined. At least 1200 attended the after-race party and there were more than 100 walkers. The 5K race (3.1 miles) started behind Carilion Roanoke Community Hospital and ended in Elmwood Park. The overall winner was Jeremy Bartley with a time of 17:27, almost one minute better than runner-up Matthew Storie who was timed at 18:11. Interesting enough, the overall third place finisher was 14 year old Jordan Bazak. Bazak finished a half a minute behind Storie with a time of 18:43. First place for the women was Pennsylvania resident, Lisa Horney, who covered the course with a time of 20:06. She was followed by Shannon Summerlin with a time of 20:30 and Pam Gaborski > CONTINUED P2: Greenways taking third at
TAP Receives grant and honors In response to the record number of home foreclosures and evictions, TAP opened its Housing Loss Prevention and Education Center at 141-A Campbell Avenue on February 20. The Center was the brainchild of TAP’s CEO, Ted Edlich. His vision was that there would be one single place, a “One Stop Shop,” where those experiencing foreclosure or eviction concerns could come to receive counseling or direct financial assistance. On April 14 the Virginia Housing Development Authority (VHDA) announced that TAP would be awarded a grant of $22,287 to assist in operating the Center. During a recent meeting of the Virginia Association of Housing Counselors TAP was awarded the prestigious Housing Counseling Empowerment Award. In making the award, the Associations Awards Committee Chairperson, Shelita Adams of Loudoun County Family Services, emphasized TAP’s innovation and creativity as an agency and TAP’s history of going the extra
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2007 City budget falls short
Photo Couresy TAP
From left to right, are Charlotte Davis, Sonya Cooper, Earl Reynolds, Antoinette Brown, and Aldith Ellis. mile to help those in need. Attending the conference to represent TAP were, Charlotte Davis, Sonya Cooper, Antoinette Brown, and Aldith Ellis. Earl Reynolds, director of TAP’s Housing and Community Development component, submitted the nomination which won TAP the Top Honors. While at the
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Brian Wishneff is taking a final swing at one of his old opponents, The Roanoke Times, by accusing them of trying to influence the outcome of last week’s elections. Wishneff lost his seat to newcomer Court Rosen by just over one percent of the vote May 6. In a press conference held May 9, Wishneff outlined what he said was intentional manipulation of information that included: attacks from the Times’ editorial page based on information the paper knew was inconsistent, withholding stories that would benefit his candidacy and rushing stories into print without verification. “In my humble opinion [their actions were inElection 2008 tended] to influence the outcome of the election and to maim my character,” Wishneff said. “The accusation that is being made by the newspaper and by the editorial page today [May 9] is that I purposely placed the name Joe Smith on a paid advertisement in order to fool the public about the real people behind the Court Rosen ad,” Wishneff said. “That is a complete lie. A total complete fabrication.” Wisheff said it was the Times’ own internal policy, and the suggestion from their staff to make up a name, that led to the placement of Joe Smith on the ad. At the press conference Wishneff handed out a packet of information that contained what he said was the original ad sent to both the Roanoke Times and to the Roanoke Star-Sentinel. The original material had, at the bottom, “Paid for by Citizens for Sensible Decisions,” without a mention of Joe Smith. He showed that the ad ran without that name in the Roanoke Star-Sentinel. “So the obvious question is how did we get from an original ad sent to the Roanoke Times with no Joe Smith,” Wishneff said, “to a Roanoke Sentinel ad that was run with no Joe Smith, to one that we had to have Joe Smith’s name in the ad.” Wishneff said Suzanne Osborne is chair of Citizens for Sensible Decisions, and it was Osborne who called to place the ads with her credit card. He said a few hours after the ad was placed his office received a call from the Times’ advertising department. The advertising representative said > CONTINUED P2: Wishneff he had problems with the ad that needed to be
conference Charlotte Davis and Aldith Ellis obtained CEU credits needed to maintain their Certified Comprehensive Housing Counselor Certifications. Sonya Cooper obtained her Certified Housing Counselor certification and Antoinette Brown passed the Certified Comprehensive Housing Counselor’s exam.
[Subscribe!] Mail your request to: PO Box 8338 Roanoke, Va. 24014 or Call 400-0990
For the past several weeks this sign has hung on the front door of Roanoke’s Social Services department advising that no more funds were available for emergency services for the most needy of families in our community. Social workers advised that the funds controlled by the city usually do run out just before the city budget renews in July, but they could not remember ever running out over two months before that date. On Wednesday, May 14 some extra monies were made available for families with children only, but aid workers said it was very limited and would only last for a short window of time. The City Council approved a $260 million budget Monday, but the budget isn’t effective until July 1, 2008.
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Page 2 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 5/16/08
“Turtle Guy� to collect supplies at Local Colors
TheRoanokeStar.com
The annual Local Colors celebration this Saturday at Elmwood Park will once again celebrate the Roanoke Valley’s diverse nature, with 80 or so nationalities in attendance. Beginning with the Parade of Nations at 11am the amphitheatre stage will be filled with music and dance from countries like South Korea, Mexico, India and China. There will be all sorts of food for sale as well and ethnic games like bocce ball during the 11am-5pm event. (see localcolors. org for more information). “The Turtle Guy,� also known as Gary Hunt, will man one of the booths at Local Colors. For 16 years the Roanoker has organized drives
to collect school supplies for the impoverished Caribbean nation of Belize. The tiny country is a tourist destination, but the native population often gets by with little money and the public schools are lacking. Hunt, who has a fondness for turtles, hence his nickname, persuades people to join him in Belize every summer; paying their own way, bringing with them the 100 pound maximum weight limit allowed in luggage by the airlines, all in school supplies. “Over the years now I think its been five different schools [that have been supplied],� said Hunt, who goes to several every summer on a rotating basis.
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If 20 people make the trek on July 26th as planned, that would amount to a ton (2,000 lbs) of supplies in a country where schoolchildren use pencils down to the metal band that holds the eraser, according to Hunt. He has special deals worked out with a Belize resort to help lower costs for those that decide to make the trip. Last summer he persuaded several local folk musicians to make the trip also, offering free concerts as well as delivering supplies. What is considered junk or unnecessary here can make all the difference in Belize. “American school kids throw away tons of stuff,� said Hunt, who will also display information
about the country itself inside his Local Colors booth. “There are Belizeans in Roanoke, because I’ve talked to some, but nobody has ever set up a booth.� He’ll also try to persuade more people to make the trip with him. Hunt will even take old fish aquariums, busted glass or not, saying that schools in Belize can use those as well. Hunt, who works at the Roanoke Athletic Club, has been a fundraiser and has promoted local concerts in the past. He now lines up acoustic musicians to come play for free several times a month at Ronald McDonald House, helping to brighten the day for sick children and families that come in from out of town
> Greenways From page 1 21:26. Gaborski, a math teacher at Hidden Valley High, recently finished the Boston Marathon and was unsure how she would fare in a 5K. “I haven’t run a 5K since high school,� Gaborski said. Additionally, she raised over $200.00 by soliciting sponsorship at the high school. The fund raising portion of the event is a large aspect of the celebration in Valley Forward’s effort to raise money for the greenways. Richard Burrow led all fund raising efforts, raising $1651.00. All in all, Weinning said she was very pleased with this year’s event and
promises improvement for the 2009 race. Weinning said Valley Forward is a volunteer organization whose aim is making Roanoke a better place to live, work and raise a family. Weinning is very passionate about her work with Valley Forward. She said the members are “doers, who put together ideas and try to be progressive. We try to find bold ideas to create an economic impact.� She admitted their bold ideas aren’t always met with a positive response, but said, “we do listen to what people say.�
corrected. Wishneff said he offered to help the advertising representative with problems on the ad. Wishneff said the representative told him the paper had problems with the line, ‘Court Rosen was hand picked by Nelson Harris,’ and that they didn’t believe it could be verified. “We were outraged and said, ‘well if you have to prove every comment in every ad in the newspaper there won’t be any ads in the newspaper,� Wishneff said. He said a second problem the paper had with the ad was that they wanted a name from a member of Citizens for Sensible Decisions (CSD). “Again, we argued vigorously that it’s not a standard we have ever seen before,� Wishneff said,
citing other political action committee ads such as those place by MoveOn.org. “[The Times’ representative said] ‘I agree with you and I tried to make the argument, but they’re insisting that we change those two things,’� Wishneff said. Wishneff said he then asked the representative to check once more with management on those two issues. When the representative called back he said they wanted to change the punctuation on the ‘Court Rosen was hand picked by Nelson Harris’ from a period to a question mark. He said the representative told him the management was insistent, per their own internal policy, that a name from CSD appear on the ad. Wishneff said he told the representative that he did not have permission to give him Osborne’s
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She pointed to other events Valley Forward holds such as Forum for the Future in which local star Tiki Barber participated. Weinning said Valley Forward’s membership is 125 members strong. A one-page online membership form is available to anyone interested. Most of the membership includes young professionals but Weinning notes, “there is no age limit involved.� You can find more information about the organization on www.valleyforward.net.
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for treatment and stay at the group home in southwest Roanoke City. “Some of those people are there for months at a time. This is just something we do to distract them, give them an hour or two [of relief].� He’s always on the look out for musicians that just “want to do a good deed.� The Turtle Guy will accept school supply donations for Belize at Local Colors and will announce other drop off locations soon. He’s even willing to pick up at private homes if contacted. Call Gary Hunt at 3442083, or e-mail him at turtle-guy@ att.net. “Its amazing the stuff we take for granted,� he says. “They need every scrap down there.�
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name without approval. “And that’s when he said, ‘Just make up a name,’â€? Wishneff said, “’I have to have a name to put on here, just make up a name.’ We repeated back to him, ‘You just want us to make up a name.’ “ Wishneff said the representative replied back, “yes, we want you to make up a name.â€? “So, out of complete frustration I said, “okay, Joe Smith.’â€? Wishneff said. “And so that’s how Joe Smith got on the ad.â€? The Roanoke Times released a statement saying they disagreed with Wishneff ’s account of the transaction, but Wishneff said his oďŹƒce manager, Kim Duncan, could verify the conversation because it was on speaker phone. “It’s a complete fabrication that we purposely tried to slip by anybody the name of Joe Smith,â€? he said. “It just could not be further from the truth.â€? Wishneff then accused the Roanoke Times of trying to influence the election by rushing a story to press that their internal policy created. “Despite that, they had a reporter work until 11 o’clock that night to write a story for the next day’s newspaper. With no verification from either party about what happened.â€? He said the paper did that after holding a story he sent them six days prior that proved the city had posted the final amphitheater agreement April 11, instead of April 10 as claimed by a release the city sent out. Wishneff said that story would’ve vindicated his claim that the city administration was trying to influence the election and negated their editorial which bashed Wishneff for the claim. Wishneff said that citizens should wonder why the Roanoke Times could work until 11 pm on the day before the election with no substantiation, yet were somehow too busy to get a story out before the election on a key campaign issue (amphitheater location) that involved the misrepresentation of information by city oďŹƒcials. Wishneff said the Joe Smith story energized his opponents’ campaign. He cited evidence by showing an email from Jay Foster, the person who filed the complaint about the Joe Smith adwith the commonwealth’s attorney, which used the material from the story. Wishneff cited another story that quoted Nelson Harris and Rosen talking about how negative Wishneff ’s campaign was. Wishneff said he sent the Times an email from Nelson and Rosen supporter, Councilman Dave Trinkle that would’ve painted their campaign in the same light. Wishneff was asked by Times reporters at the conference if he received three voicemails for the original Joe Smith ad. “That day before the election I was just a little bit busy,â€? Wishneff said. Wishneff said he was talking with his attorney about suing the Times based on these events, though he said he knows it will be a long, uphill battle. By Lawson Koeppel lkoeppel@theroanokestar.com
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5/16/08 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 3
PersPective
Page 4 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 5/16/08
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“You can do this!” Morgellon’s disease or delusion?
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have several taken on many new mottos that I and different responsay aloud from sibilities that have time to time when I pushed me past my need to take on some comfort zone. Pausnew challenge. One ing before a challengof them is: “I can do ing task I will say, “I this.” I remember can do this.” In my when I first spoke mind I am saying, “I those words. It was have to do this, and Diane Kelly over a copy machine. I will.” As a new director As parents we to a preschool program, I was have the privilege and responfaced with the daunting task of sibility of raising children and managing a copy machine. I instilling in them a sense of caknew I could handle children pability. Children are watching and programming, but I honest- us as we try new things. They ly, hadn’t had to manage a tem- want to know if we are willing to peramental copy machine in any try something new, even though job before. I knew that I had no it may mean we make mistakes choice but to figure it out. It was or even fail. They learn from our my first chance to prove myself attempts to grow by imitating confident and capable. I had how we take on new challenges never loaded a toner cartridge in our world. If we believe it is for a machine before, never had our job to show them how to try to figure out the various capabil- new things, then we had better ities of a machine, or ever had choose the more challenging to know how to fix a paper jam. task. It was my time to prove myself Great leaders build strong oras a capable director, even at the ganizations of confident people. copy machine. This goes for families as well. Part of the incentive to con- When children grow up in a quer the unknown was the very home where they learn how to fact that it was my job or “office” be capable and strong through as director to figure things out. imitating parents who try new I knew that figuring things out things, their confidence and was a way to learn and grow, ability to attempt new things and I wanted to model this for soars. Children need strength my teachers. If I failed, at least I and confidence to take on the had tried, and I wanted to dem- unknown challenges that await onstrate this zeal for learning in them. Imagine how confident the school where I was work- they will be when they have ing. That type of courage was heard you say, “I can do this!” required in order to be a strong Or better yet, they have heard leader. I knew that the direc- you tell them, ‘You can do this!” tor position required that I not It still is my verbal mantra hide from hard things, and that and although no longer does a I had to at least try, even if I had copy machine intimidate me, to convince myself by saying out there are many days when I hear loud, “I can do this.” myself say, “I can do this.” Since those first days of convincing myself that I could figContact Diane at ure out the copy machine, I have dianekelley@gmail.com
cully dictates of what has been into a tiny known since 2002 as re c o rd e r, Morgellons Disease peering intently at (and CDC really is a freshly-prepared on the case) you too slide through a statemight have an X-files of-the-art micromoment like mine. scope. Fox Mulder Matters become even slouches in the shadmuddier when you ows of the lab, awaitfollow the threads ing the diagnosis. (bad pun) that atFred First "Fine irregular fitempt to connect this bers of several colors, skin and neurological matching no known man-made condition to a cause. substance, definitely not hair of The popularly-held Interanimal origin, woven into and net-spread ideas of where protruding from the dermis to Morgellons comes from range the surface of the skin. Hmmm. from substances being intenNo bugs here that these victims tionally sprayed on the popudescribe crawling under their lace by way of "chemtrails" (a skin, but no wonder they itch!" well-established conspiracy "And there are more than theory I had not been aware 12,000 similar cases now from of) to a consequence of genetevery state and 15 other coun- ically-modified foods (search: tries" Mulder mutters "so even agrobacterium). the CDC is taking an interest Medical types are divided on now." the legitimacy of Morgellons. "Hard to believe it has taken Segments on Nightline, The Toso long" the svelte X-file sleuth day Show and other prominent replies. "But I can tell you this programs have brought the conwon't be thought of as a delu- dition into the national spotsional dermatitis any more!" light briefly. Sure enough, CDC If you read the description through Kaiser-Permanente of
I
have just finished reading a most interesting book, ‘Breaking News,’ by Martin Fletcher. Currently he is NBC News Bureau Chief in Tel Aviv and has spent more than three decades as a war correspondent. Starting off as a functionary for a small European news service, he has risen to his current position by a lot of hard work and not a little luck. That he has survived is due to whole lot of luck. Fletcher has covered mostly civil wars in the Middle East, Africa, Afghanistan, the Balkans to name just a few. Reading of his exploits, several common themes emerge. First, some serious drinking and womanizing, traits that he, happily, laid aside as he matured. Second, his beginning to see these wars with an eye cast more toward the victims rather than what would sell on NBC Nightly News. As I read of the
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Local Crossword Puzzle! Across
1 3
6Famous local black educator we named a school after. (2words) (11)
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9Salem group who fired the last shot at Appomattox prior to surrender. (2-words) (15)
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12Any mollusk with two shells. (7)
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16Shovel (3) 17Loud advertising and promotion (US slang) (4)
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19Oblivion or a dance type. (5) 23They sell all types of string instruments downtown Roanoke. (2-words) (8) 24Puts into piles. (5) 27Formerly Shenandoah Homes. (2-words) (15) 28Who was Fort Lewis named for? (2-words) (11) 30Extremely funny (10) 31You can buy cut fresh flowers there 24 hours a day! (2-words) (16) 35To draw slowly or heavily (4) 36Roanoke's only nonprofit school of dance. (2-words) (13) 38Vice President of the United States (6) 39A drum (4) 40Brush wolf (6) Down 1'The Principle of -------' Art structure by Brower Hatcher inside the Roanoke Municipal Courthouse. (7)
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By Don Waterfield 2Music Director and Conductor of the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra (5) 3Vinton tower (5) 4Where is Jubal A. Early buried around here? (9) 5One of the many greyhound destinations out of roanoke (9) 7An ancient city in southeastern Greece (5) 8Artist who painted the mural across from Roanoke city hall. (2words) (16) 10I'm not a smart man but I know what ---- is. (from Forrest Gump) (4)
ported and unexplained condition like Morgellons seems farfetched. I'm not so sure though, and will wait for hard facts to rise to the surface on the sea of speculation. Interesting to me too is that to follow the development of Morgellons, disease or delusion, is a study in the way information and mis-information evolves in our times. It isn't easy to know who to believe while across the globe, victims of rare symptoms find each other on the internet and tell the world. Perhaps such rare afflictions have always been with us, and we simply have the tools now to see them aggregated and visible in our web of digital connectedness. Will the CDC findings on Morgellons in 2009 represent a final debunking of mass delusional itch or a shocking exposé of X-files revelations? Real people are suffering real symptoms. I hope for their sakes that they find real answers. Contact Fred at fred1st@gmail.com
Hungry or thirsty: the Haves vs. the Have-nots
2937 Brambleton Ave • Roanoke, VA 24015
3To sing very well (US slang) (4)
Northern California (an area with a high concentration of this "unexplained dermopathy") has begun an investigation. Results won't be known until sometime early in 2009. Here's how CDC describes the condition: Persons who suffer from this unexplained skin condition report a range of cutaneous (skin) symptoms including crawling, biting and stinging sensations; granules, threads, fibers, or black speck-like materials on or beneath the skin; and/or skin lesions (e.g., rashes or sores). In addition to skin manifestations, some sufferers also report fatigue, mental confusion, short term memory loss, joint pain, and changes in vision. Maybe I'm more interested in following this story than most folks. Some of that curiosity comes from the fact that, over the past almost 20 years as a physical therapist, I've witnessed not a few patients who suffer from (and most recover from) conditions that never have a name or known cause. For those who think we have all the medical answers, a pur-
11The castle in chess (4) 14They produce 'bilevel security' in Salem. (6)
retreating federal forces in the Civil War? (2-words) (11)
15Famous inventor who visited Hotel Roanoke in 1906 (2-words) (12)
27Newest restaurant in downtown roanoke (7)
18A state of being essentially equal (3)
31'This is where I start to have ---. (from Laura Croft (3)
20Independent grocer in southwest roanoke close to memorial avenue. (3-words) (10) 21Formerly Gish's Mill (6) 22Elegant (7) 23The greenroom (5) 25Our Museum of African American Culture (8)
29Stir (4)
32The largest continent with 60% of the earth''s population (4) 33To sicken (6) 34'Every man dies but not every man really -----.' (from Braveheart) (5) 37A plot of ground in which plants are growing (3)
26What local area did confederate forces catch and defeat
Find the answers online: TheRoanokeStar.com Have a clue and answer you’d like to see? email: puzzles@theroanokestar.com
unspeakable horwater yet we have rors he saw visited no plan of surviving upon the combatits loss. In countries ants, I was drawn where water and to a question he food are in short did not explore: supply, there soon Was there a comcomes a desperation mon theme in all that leads to war. these wars, other I recall talking than ethic cleansto a gentleman from ing? Addis Ababa some Hayden Hollingsworth The anyears ago. The swer is, not surfirst of the widely prisingly, yes. I suppose it has televised Ethiopian famines was been thus since the beginning ramping up and every night we of time: It is “The Haves” vs. were horrified by what we saw. “The Have Nots.” Most of the My friend was remarkably sanwars have been waged over that guine about the one million who simple principle. The common were expected to starve to death denominator is not power. Al- that year in his homeland. “It’s though The Haves universally a natural disaster and it happens possess it, the core problem ever ten years or so. There’s goes deeper than power and nothing that can be done about it often revolves around two it,” he commented. The first things: Land and resources. statement is true, but the secThere are three major drives ond is open to discussion. Left that humans, as well as lesser unaddressed war results and it species, possess: Thirst, hun- can start very subtly. ger, and sex in that order. Once In Rwanda, where upwards those three are satisfied, they al- to 800,000 have been massacred ways return with alarming fre- in their civil war, the Hutus and quency and there are no limits the Tutsis are all the same ethto what we will do to one anoth- nic group. The trouble started er to meet those needs. When a with class division by the Belwhole ethnic group is deprived, gians a century ago. Anyone particularly of the first two, who owned ten or more cows then war will surely follow and was a Tutsi and anyone with less in its aftermath, the third drive than ten was a Hutu. After the surfaces as rape. Where there is Belgians left, in a half century, water and food, those in power the Tutsis took control of everywho will not share it do so at thing, including water and food. their peril. To control water and Eventually, the Hutus had had food is to control your world. enough and started killing their In this country, there is no oppressors. The first clue that serious hunger when compared trouble was brewing was the with much of the world. To be Hutu ordering of 6 million masure, many are need more to eat chetes, making that farm impleand have a hard time getting ment the most common weapon enough but a walk through any of war in the world today. shopping mall will demonstrate In a similar vein we see the that many of us could go without starvation in Darfur and the adequate food for months and world’s inability and indifferstill be overweight. Now, water ence to doing anything about is another matter. You can find it. The only time we seem to it nearly everywhere but most of get really exercised about all it is not safe to drink. In a very these disasters is when our perfew days we will die without sonal interests are involved. A
presidential candidate recently mentioned, and later “clarified,” that we should be energy independent “so we will never again have to go to war to protect our oil supply.” The real message is that while these things happen elsewhere, we somehow believe that they cannot happen here. That’s a delusion. If famine ever struck this country, and it easily could, when the grocery shelves are empty and the water is poisoned, then we each will arm ourselves to protect what little we have and/or take it from those who have more. Thomas Robert Malthus, an economist of the 18th century, predicted as much. Said he, a certain segment of any population seems to be relegated to poverty and as the world’s population increases, it will outstrip the earth’s ability to sustain it. Pestilence, famine, and war will correct that problem. That is already happening in much of the world. Efforts are being made to feed our poor. The United States Postal Service has its annual campaign. Help Stamp Out Hunger was just last week end. Mail carriers reported that the heaviest donations came from neighborhoods that have the least. Observed one, “Those people know what it means to be hungry.” Unless “we who have” take a more progressive attitude toward those “who have not,” that disaster will reach our shores and our grandchildren will be the machete-buyers. If you read about what has happened in our lifetime in Rhodesia, in Zaire, in Kosovo, in Sudan, in countries of the former Soviet Union then your complacency may be a little shaken. Mine certainly has been. Contact Hayden at jhayden2003@cox.net
The Roanoke Star-Sentinel C o m mu n i t y | N ew s | Pe r s p e c t i ve Publisher | Stuart Revercomb | stuart@theroanokestar.com | 400-0990 Editor | Lawson Koeppel | lkoeppel@theroanokestar.com | 400-0990 Advertising Dir. | Vickie Henderson | advertising@theroanokestar.com | 400-0990 Technical Webmaster | Don Waterfield | webmaster@theroanokestar.com | 400-0990 The Roanoke Star-Sentinel is published weekly by Whisper One Media, Inc. in Roanoke,Va. Subscriptions are available for $44 per year. Send subscriptions to PO Box 8338, Roanoke,VA 24014. We do not offer refunds on subscriptions. We encourage letters from our readers on topics of general interest to the community and responses to our articles and columns. Letters must be signed and have a telephone number for verification. All letters will be verified before publication. The Star-Sentinel reserves the right to deny publication of any letter and edit letters for length, content and style. All real estate advertised herein is subject to national and Virginia fair housing laws and readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis.
Perspective
TheRoanokeStar.com
I
5/16/08 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 5
Can local government steal your property?
magine if your local city council forced you out of your home so it could sell it to someone else who would be willing to pay more taxes. Imagine the state government made that use of force illegal, but your local government went ahead and broke the law to do it anyway. Imagine no more. Welcome to Roanoke, where to make room for the new biomedical business park, the Roanoke Redevelopment and Housing Authority (a government agency) wants to force a thriving business off its land because the business refused a lowball offer from the authority to buy the property. Many businesses in the area designated for the business park willingly sold their properties to the housing authority and moved to other locations. The authority plans to turn around and bundle and transfer that property to Carilion so it can build its biomedical center. But Surfaces, a successful flooring company located in part of the area slated for the park, decided
helped write the law that prevents governnot to move. The housing authority ofment from doing these kinds of takings. fered to buy Surfaces’ property for about The law said government could not take $175,000 below the assessed value. Since private property from one owner and give the owners refused this generous offer, the it to another to create economic developauthority wants to force them to move by ment opportunities or for the purpose of “condemning” the property and then conincreasing tax revenues. fiscating it (likely for a price even lower It’s because of this law that Surfaces’ atthan the previous offer). torney said this week that the city’s confisIn the past, believe it or not, this was cation attempt is illegal. perfectly legal for the city to do. GovernThe housing authority claimed it wasn’t ment entities in Virginia could force home Brian Gottstein taking the land for economic developand business owners to sell their property ment reasons, but rather it was trying to for below market value, and then turn around and give the property to other private entities eliminate blight (deterioration) and redevelop the to develop into something more valuable, which cre- area. The authority is arguing that even though the business may be thriving, if most of the land around ated more tax revenues for the governments. In response to this travesty, organizations fought it is blighted, the authority can condemn and take it for years to reform these laws. Finally in 2007, Ter- all. This is in direct violation of the 2007 law, which tium Quids (TertiumQuids.org), an organization also prohibits governments from taking a propI work for that advocates for smaller government, erty solely because other properties in the area are
Irises can solve landscape problems
Though I don’t usually talk about one specific plant group, what better time to talk about iris than now, at the height of bloom for Bearded iris? This is the iris that some people consider to be the only iris! It is the iris of our grandmothers, and our grandmother’s grandmothers. It conjures up all kinds of warm and fuzzy feelings for many of us, so let’s take a look at them. Technically, Iris is a genus name. There are 200-300 species of iris, or different “types” of iris. However, iris is also used as a common name for any of the many species. The word comes from Greek and means rainbow. Indeed, irises come in more color variations than many plants. Iris that come from bulbs usually hail from drier climates and may bloom early, so make excellent candidates for growing in the company of trees that lose their leaves in the winter. The bulb gets full sun in the early spring, before the tree leafs out, and the tree takes up much of the moisture in the summer while the bulbs are dormant and prone to summer rots. It is often hard to grow plants around trees, so these little gems can solve some gardening problems. Examples are my favorite, Iris reticulata (Reticulated or netted iris), Iris danfordiae (Danford iris) and Iris xiphium (Dutch and Spanish iris—florist irises). Reticulated and Danford irises are called rock garden iris in some books. As we struggle to find plants that can tolerate our hot and humid, but dry summers, these are plants we should consider. Though they are dormant in the summer, some water is still necessary. They will tolerate heavy soil, as long as it is well drained. Fertilize in the spring, at or just after bloom, and leave the foliage on to build energy for next year’s bloom. Once the foliage yellows it can be gently tugged to remove it. These
are very short irises and belong in the front of the bed. Because the bulbs are small the squirrels often miss them and, even when discovered, are often reburied in the digging. I have had some interesting surprises when plants have been moved in this manner. Because they bloom very early, they are harbingers of spring. For a really special treat, try planting some of these petite beauties right outside the door. I once had some right at the foot of steps that would bloom with snow all around them and greet me on my way to work. What a hopeful sign of spring for a gardener! The Dutch and Spanish iris and their hybrids are taller (usually 1.5-2 foot) and bloom later, coming in late May, June or July. Iris bulbs may be purchased and planted in fall, or divided soon after bloom, while foliage can still be located. Iris cristata (Crested iris) is a low groundcover-type iris that spreads by rhizomes. The foliage will stay attractive throughout the summer. Usually never getting more than 4”-10” tall, this iris prefers more moisture, but can take anything from full sun to dense shade. For best bloom and heat tolerance, plant in partial shade where they are protected from hot afternoon sun. Crested iris are a native and bloom in mid April to May. Please insist upon nursery grown plants and do not collect from the wild. A closely related species is Iris tectorum (Japanese roof iris.) Siberian irises are another tough group that can take our weather. Drought tolerant once established, this group would be best shaded from afternoon sun, but can bloom well even with part sun. This is a clump-forming iris with a 2’-4’ upright habit. Some consider this to be the best iris for Southern gardens. Its fibrous root system is not as susceptible to borers as the rhizomatous types. Most bloom
in May, around the time peonies bloom. The bearded iris is probably the best known group. Most bloom in late spring as other bulbs are fading. Their rhizomes spread to create large patches, but act as water-storing devices, as well. The foliage may suffer some in the hottest part of the summer, but plants will usually recover with the fall rains. Consider using these shallow-rooted plants in places where soil depth is limited. They can be damaged by borers and the subsequent bacterial soft rot that sets in. Provide good drainage and groom the plants regularly and you should do well with them, without having to resort to pesticides. Scout for signs of borers regularly and use a dandelion fork to pluck out plant sections that have the tell-tale wet looking foliar bases. In hottest spots, adequate moisture will help reduce stress that can encourage borers. Dwarf bearded irises (less than 15”) are divided into Miniature dwarfs (6”-8”) and Standard dwarfs. Both bloom early (April). Intermediate bearded irises are 15”-28” and bloom slightly later than the dwarfs. The tall bearded iris can get up to 4’ tall. They are the latest of the bearded iris (May). Many of our grandmother’s plants were the true German bearded iris, but as plants have become more hybridized they are more commonly just referred to as Tall bearded iris. All irises can be bothered by slugs and aphids from time to time, but both are controllable. In weather where we are just happy to have something as carefree and beautiful as these plants, who is looking for perfection?!
blighted. That would be like losing your right to free speech solely because your neighbor got arrested for shouting “fire” and a crowded theater. Even though the law is clear, and the wishes of the citizens of Virginia were expressed in its passage, it looks like the housing authority will use your taxpayer dollars to fight in court the very law that protects you and your property from overreaching government. If this confiscation is allowed to go on, today’s recipient of stolen property must realize that tomorrow an even bigger development may come along for which the government will use the same excuse to confiscate the property from it. If that happens, will any of us really own our property, or will we just be “renting” it from our government landlord until another renter willing to pay more knocks on our door? Contact Brian at bgottstein1@yahoo.com
Preacher’s Corner
The incredible truth of God’s everyday people By George Anderson he movie, The Incredibles, suggests there are living among us, in our very neighborhoods, living our kind of lives, having the same kind of jobs we do, paying the same kinds of bills, superheroes. They are ordinary seeming people with extraordinary gifts. The Parrs are a family of these extraordinarily gifted people. But Bob Parr isn’t supposed to use his super human strength, and his wife, Helen, her incredibly elasticity, because their gifts no longer meet code. By the end of the movie, though, the Parrs realize that to deny their gifts is to deny who they are. The Parrs learn to accept the risk and express their gifts so as to be true to themselves. I like the movie’s message. For instance, I’ve noticed that there are pressures in some quarters for adolescent girls not to excel too much at anything because it is not cool to stand out. As a father of three daughters, I want them and the young women of the church I serve to embrace their gifts without embarrassment, and forget about “dumbing down” to fit in. However, I want to go back to the movie’s premise. The Incredibles are seemingly ordinary people with extraordinary power. They have gifts that make them unlike most other people. Allow me now to introduce you to some different Incredibles. Over sixteen centuries before a Walt Disney screenwriter imagined making up the term, St.Augustine, the great bishop of Hippo, talked about his three Incredibles in the book, The City of God. Only, when Augustine talked about his Incredibles, he was not talking about people, but about what he saw as spiritual truths. His first two Incredibles might be embraced only by Christian readers, but the third could be embraced by people of other faiths. The first is that the crucified Jesus rose from the grave. That so many found Jesus’ resurrection to be their own birth canal to a new life is Augustine’s second Incredible. Augustine’s third Incredible is in stark contrast to the movie. Once again, the movie’s premise is that there are living among us ordinary people these Incredibles with extraordinary powers. Regardless of the movie’s intended message, the premise is that among the many are the gifted few. While the movie might empower those who feel themselves to be the
T
gifted few, it might leave out those who feel they are among the many. And so, most of us wait for a Mother Theresa to come rescue the poor. We wait for the next St. Augustine to be the theologian among us, and think through how God is working in our community and in our lives. We want the spiritual superheroes to do God’s work because we are not the ones who can fly, or lift an SUV with one hand, or have X-Ray vision, or the power to read minds. Augustine’s third Incredible, though, is different. If the movie suggests that there are among common people a few with extraordinary power, Augustine finds it incredible that an extraordinary power works among common people. He finds it incredible that God called such ordinary, unimpressive, everyday people like Peter, Andrew, James and John. Those did not rip off fishermen’s robes to reveal the super disciples they really were. They were not the A list, the ones brought to Jerusalem because they are expected to be the top choices of the first round of a Disciple Draft. Augustine called them rude, lowly, unschooled and unaccomplished. Yet, incredibly, God used them to build the church. The miracle is not that the church has been built and the Gospel proclaimed through super human efforts of saints, Augustine said, but that God built the church in and through ordinary people like potters and weavers, blacksmiths and leather workers, maids and court officials. If Augustine were writing his book today, he perhaps would speak of super market clerks and paralegals, surgeons and homemakers, accountants and web page designers, the disabled and the unemployed, the honored and the convicted felons…; all those who make up the membership of ordinary churches throughout this country. He would look at them- at us- and perhaps say: “This is incredible. Nothing has changed. God still uses sinners as saints. He continues to inspire an incredible witness through the extraordinary commitment of ordinary people.” So, look at the clothes you are wearing as you read this column. Consider that if Augustine is right, you are wearing the uniform of an Incredible. The community of faith is built and the world is changed because of people like you. Isn’t that Incredible? George Anderson is the Senior Minister at Second Presbyterian Church at 214 Highland Ave. in Roanoke. www.spres.org
Barbara Leach, Virginia Cooperative Extension Horticulture Technician
The Recipe of the Week from the Happy Chef by Leigh Sackett
Roast Beef Swirl-wiches I usually ignore recipes that are found on commercial product labels but this one caught my eye. I am glad it did because these “swirl-whiches” are so very delicious. A few weeks ago the kids and I took these yummy roll-ups to Smith Mountain Lake to have a birthday lunch with my dad. It is wonderful to cook food for someone you love and watch them enjoy it. My parent’s approval for the food I prepare has been important to me since I cooked my first dinner for them. I was a recent college graduate, and I surprised them with a batch of clam chowder when they arrived home from a trip. I’m not sure how good that chowder was but I remember they made me feel like a “Top-Chef” winner. (Before that it had been nothing but Spaghettios and grilled cheese!). Since my mother passed away in 2006, my dad has become a wonderfully adventurous cook and I love sharing this passion of the “sport” with him. I also love hearing about all the meals he is making for his friends and all his new discoveries as he has entered this new phase in his life. It means so much to me that he is finding happiness but there is something even greater than that at work that makes my heart leap…It is the reminder that even in the midst of great loss there are new and wonderful beginnings to be found.That is how it has been for me and that is a story that
we see again and again throughout history – that God is indeed a God of new beginnings. One day I am going to make my dad contribute to this column. Not to worry – I’ll try it out on the kids first! ½ lb thinly sliced roast beef ¼ cup Kikkoman Teriyaki Marinade & Sauce 1 cup shredded havarti with dill cheese ½ cup minced green onions and tops 6 (8 inch) flour tortillas 1-1/2 cup coarsely chopped lettuce 1 tbs. vegetable oil -Spread roast beef slices out in shallow pan, pour in teriyaki sauce.Turn to coat each piece, marinade at least five minutes -Sprinkle 2 tbs. of cheese and 1 tbs. of onion evenly on each tortilla -Remove beef, drain off excess marinade -On each tortilla place equal amounts of beef slices and lettuce -Roll up tortilla, stick toothpick vertically through center of roll -Place rolls seam-side down on baking sheet, brush top of rolls with oil -Bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes -Serve warm
419 at Colonial Avenue · Valley View Mall www.finks.com
Letters
Page 6 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 5/16/08
Re-thinking the development of Mill Mountain Park
Lack of knowledge and control leaves lasting impression of Rosen
The City of Roanoke is reaching out to become a good steward of the environment, thanks to our city leaders and citizens. The new Roanoke City magazine, “Citizen,” includes 13 pages listing Roanoke's accomplishments in the environmental field. Left out of this magazine was Roanoke's best environmental resource, Mill Mountain Park. This vital ecological treasure provides contiguous habitat for plants and animals and helps to provide protection for the air and water quality in our valley. Uncommercialized, contiguous open space for human recreation is a rarity in our sprawling landscape today—an heirloom nobody can create, and one which many green cities would love to protect and boast about—if only they had the chance. How strange for our city leaders even to consider countering environmental principles with Valley Forward's plan for building a commercial restaurant, café and meeting room in this public mountain park. Their building would make a 10,000-square-foot imprint in the most popular portion of the mountaintop. A city code for two eating establishments requires 70-90 new parking spaces—another big footprint. A third footprint would be provided by the back entrance road that would bring in delivery and garbage trucks. The dump trucks, material trucks and bulldozers that would be in transit and working during the construction of this development for 2.5 years would themselves create another footprint. Although the construction process would not create a permanent impact, the construction product would. Once developed in this fashion, a oncenatural area almost never can be returned to its former condition of quiet simplicity. Surely, these big footprints would never be called Roanoke City leaders' most outstanding environmental accomplishment by future citizens, for whom commercial-free green space will be extremely in-demand and scarce. When assessing the footprint of development on a natural area, one has to include more than dollars and square feet. A person's five senses—since they will take in the impact—must also be considered. The restaurant, café and meeting room building will replace 10,000 square feet of mountain beauty. While some people find beauty in commercial buildings, these buildings can be found in every direction below the mountain. Why not leave some of God's beauty for those who hunger for unmanufactured, natural settings? The smells of clean fresh air, pine needles and forest trees will be replaced by smells of cooking-exhaust fans, truck fumes and dinners. Again, there is an abundance of this kind of air throughout the sprawling city and county below. Why not leave a place where people can breathe free of this human imprint? The sounds of birds singing, the wind passing through the trees, the stillness of peace and quiet that people seek will be changed into the noise of commercial activity. If one doesn't believe a restaurant generates noise, try setting up some camp chairs in the parking lot of any local eatery. The heat pumps and fans, motors and delivery noise go with the territory. Then, there's good taste. Urban planners worldwide tell us that thoughtfully-designed communities separate natural areas from urban centers and town cores. Eateries and pubs belong where people can leave their cars and walk from place to place on foot. Then, when residents and visitors want to take off for a quiet hike or picnic in nature, the nearby natural area is waiting with its unspoiled beauty and opportunities for solitude and reflection. Good taste includes more than a culinary experience inside a building. Finally, a place provides a feeling. Anyone who has appreciated both settings knows the difference between the feeling of a commercial development and a natural area. Mill Mountain draws and attracts people to feel its changing seasons, its sense of ancient “dwelling,” its palpable peace. Why must this living atmosphere be buried under the same monotonous commercial activity that one may find anywhere? It's true that those who represent these green values have no charts, graphs, brochures or P.R. consultants to convey our message, and must seem rather insignificant next to Valley Forward's well-planned strategies, consultants and representatives. But we insignificant volunteers are speaking for a place that belongs to everyone, including those quiet visitors who have no high-powered connections, no money for rearranging mountaintops, no PR firm and no means to patronize a restaurant to be built in their own public park. We also speak for the timeless ethic of honoring a mountain for its spiritual, recreational and ecological values, not as merely “underutilized” commercial property. Betty Field Roanoke
Dear editor, I’ve always been involved in politics as an active voter. I can’t recall on election in which I didn’t vote since I was old enough to vote. A number of years ago, I decided I wanted to do more than vote; so I “volunteered” to be an officer of election. I didn’t realize I would get paid for working inside the polls. Although I’d never worked for anyone’s campaign (never even allowed a yard sign) until this local election, I volunteered to work a few hours at a precinct for my candidate of choice. I wondered how it would be to hand out literature for my candidate while others would be doing the same for their candidate(s). I thought of the times I would go out to do an Outside Poll Vote. I would see everyone getting along, joking, talking, and generally enjoying being together. I had hopes my first experience would be the same. When I arrived at the polling place Tuesday morning, I saw a friend who was working for other candidates, but it didn’t matter. We enjoyed catching up on family news. Two other workers were there working for the same candidates as my friend, and Brian Wishneff was there. It was as I’d observed in the past....everyone getting along, talking, joking, enjoying ourselves even though our politics differed. We didn’t even talk politics! Mr. Wishneff said he was going to get something to drink and offered to get coffee or something for anyone else, and one person accepted. He stayed for a while after returning before he moved to the next location. Soon, another candidate came to work the poll. He greeted voters and talked at length with some. Listening to him, I learned several things. He was unfamiliar with that section of town. When told there was a polling place at “Westside”, he asked if that was an elementary school. I have to at least credit him for making an educated guess, but it was distressing to know that a potential councilman was not familiar with the schools in the city. What was especially surprising was that he called our community college “Western Virginia”. He shared his expertise by telling us that while working for a campaign in Washington, he learned that what we were doing was a waste of time (that made me feel really great). He also told us that yard signs didn’t do anything. He pointed to himself and said that “he” was what makes the difference. Interestingly, his name was on sample ballots being handed out by the others in the group to whom he was talking; and I’d seen his lawn signs around town. Although some of these comments and his lack of knowledge were troublesome, they were not the low point. Even though I was
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Northside coverage a plus Dear editor, Thank you very much for your article about the Northside vs. Lord Botetourt fast-pitch softball game in the May 2nd edition of The Roanoke Star-Sentinel . Fast-pitch softball is a sport that is mostly ignored by other papers in the Roanoke area. If a game is mentioned, usually all you get the score and 2 sentences – one for the winning pitcher and one for the player who had the winning RBI. The fact that your article actually described some of the details of how the game was played was exceptional, and the addition of an action photo made it outstanding – nice job! Fast-pitch is becoming quite popular around here, especially in the summer with travel softball. (I’d say that at least 2/3’s of the Northside’s varsity team plays summer ball.) 5 years ago or so, there were only one or two teams in the area that travelled to tournaments during the summer. Now I would bet there are between 5 to 10 teams based in the Roanoke area. If you drew a 50 mile circle around Roanoke you could double that number easily.Tournaments happen locally every weekend from May through August, but they rarely get a mention in any paper. Thanks again for the nice article, and keep up the good work. I look forward to seeing more softball in your paper. You’ve earned a new subscriber Larry Blankenship Roanoke County
Zoning integral to city planning
2931 Avenham Avenue, SW, Roanoke, VA
W ALKER
wearing a sticker with my candidate’s name, he walked over to me and asked who I was working for. I told him I was working for Valerie Garner. He pointed to the papers in my hand and said, “She viciously attacked me!” I told him I didn’t know anything about it. He continued and said he had never said anything bad about her. I told him he just had, but that it was not the time or the place for this to be discussed. We were in the middle of the sidewalk where people were coming and going. I told him if he had a problem with Ms. Garner that he needed to discuss it with her and not with me. He tried to continue. I held up my hand, said I was not going to discuss it, and walked away. Later, he apologized and did so again before he left. Sometimes the apologies come after the damage has been done. That was the case Tuesday. Although I spent about almost 2 1/2 hours working the polls and enjoying it, this five minutes (or less) confrontation made a lasting negative impression. After he left, I asked some others if they knew what he was talking about. They didn’t know either. If there was a “vicious attack”, it was not public knowledge. I hope that in the time he is on council that he will learn more about our city and her people. Also, let’s hope that he learns a better way of dealing with conflicts than to confront people who didn’t cause his distress to begin with. If he learns that lesson, there will be less need for Mr. Rosen to have to apologize to anyone for anything. Becky Johnson Roanoke
(540) 344-6160 www.walker-inc.com
Dear editor, Just recently, I was made aware of an article one of your reporters did in last week’s edition of The Roanoke Star-Sentinel entitled “Are zoning laws simply socialiststyle central planning?” Upon reading this article I must be honest and state that this reporter is rather uneducated on the neighborhood of Old Southwest and the Roanoke City appointed body, the Architectural Review Board. I had to chuckle on some of the ridiculous points that were made to the affect that residents of Old Southwest have no choice regarding paint colors for our homes exterior or the ability to choose plants and/or shrubs we’d like to plant along our homes landscape. However, this state-
ment would be true if you lived in one of the many newly built “planned communities” springing up in and around the valley, but certainly not here in the neighborhood of Old Southwest. Your reporter could have gained valuable insight on the subject had he taken the time to visit the neighborhood and speak to neighbors or even possibly attend one of the neighborhood meetings that take place once a month at our Alexander-Gish House (641 Walnut Ave. SW). I have lived in the neighborhood of Old Southwest for nearly four years now and have enjoyed it very much. I’ve said it time and time again that I believe this neighborhood is the greatest in the city with a true sense of community spirit. I cannot imagine what Paula Anselmo has been going through and can only offer her my sincerest sympathy with regards to her situation. I would like to add however, the neighborhood of Old Southwest did not put her into this predicament. The factor that put this resident and others in her shoes into similar situations are those that knowingly choose to not include the Architectural Review Board in their renovations and/or construction projects with regards to exterior modifications to their homes (paint color or choice is not a decision of the ARB). You see for many, many years following the neighborhoods decline (the end of World War II thru the 1970’s) the neighborhood of Old Southwest fell victim to property owners and/ or investors performing horrendous exterior modification to these historic gems. Many homes in the neighborhood were divided into multiple apartments further stripping the structures of their historic integrity, and many homes were lost due to being razed for urban development and renewal. In July 1979 the City of Roanoke passed an ordinance that created the Architectural Review Board and designated the H-1 Market District. In 1985 in response to the resurge of homeownership interest in Old Southwest, historic designation was given to the City’s Southwest Historic District. Since this time the neighborhood of Old Southwest has benefited from the ARB’s existence and recently recognized for 3 years running as being the City’s fastest growing neighborhood in regards to property values. You see, without the Architectural Review Board and the Historic Designation that protects our neighborhood I truly believe Old Southwest would not be the beautiful place I and many others have come to love. I would encourage anyone that is interested in pursuing an exterior repair or modification project in the Old Southwest neighborhood or neighborhoods that share the H1 or H2 historic designations to include the oversight of the Architectural Review Board. I hope this response has shed some light on the subject and put a clearer perception on the Old Southwest neighborhood. Jeffrey Campbell Roanoke
Kudos to the RSS for shining rays Dear editor, Congratulations to you for the good news about circulation. There is a need for the Star Sentinel for many of us have been without a voice in Roanoke for so long. As one of the falling trees in the empty forest, I can tell you we do not make a sound. There is only one reason for the constant secrecy and that is the plans they are making are not honest ones. From credit cards to poor law enforcement to covering every spot of green with asphalt, rock or cement, our town has a need for better government. Thank you for shining rays of light into the dark forward plans for our tax money. Sue Collins Roanoke
Amphitheater, the right way Dear editor, My Right Honorable Friend,
TheRoanokeStar.com
Vice Mayor-Dr. David Trinkle did the best he could recently (see RT Op ed. Amphitheater decision 4/19/08) to explain the wretched Amphitheater site debacle, however, I am sad to say he fell far short. The siting issue, is not about a “multiphase approach”, “milestones”, “consultant reports”, “capacity, design, layout”, or even funding at this point. The issue is simply about proper location of the facility, and the regrettable and unfortunate use of a flawed voting process that was devoid of public input. Amazingly, the taxpayers were not informed or offered a chance to comment. Even our inexperienced Roanoke Times newspaper editorial board figured this out on their own. All of this current Amphitheater mess has been delivered to us, the taxpayers, to sort out, because inexperienced council persons, advised by a short sighted administration, brought on malfunctioning government and it was followed by a fundamentally flawed decision. Even if six important and influential business persons and five Council persons all believe in and vote in the affirmative for a bad idea - it’s still a bad idea! What in the world have we conceived and delivered unto ourselves to bring us such a City leadership crisis? Without a doubt, and certainly subject to careful landscaping and adequate parking, the modest size Amphitheater should be sited on Elmwood Park. This action will emphasize and compliment the to-be remodeled and refurbished downtown market building, a restored Patrick Henry Hotel and a re-located library. If we are going to rebuild, reenergize and expand downtown, let’s get the four downtown main priorities in order, organize and secure the forward funding priorities and get the packages right. Then let’s do it right. J. Granger McFarlane Roanoke
Bowers should move quickly to open local government back up
Dear editor, As Mayor Bowers steps on board, driving us down the road for the next four years, he needs to be cautioned that his victory was not so much based on his campaign, but more on the overwhelming sentiments of the voters to get rid of Harris at all cost. It is my hope that one of the first council changes will be to open council back up to a fairer, accessible public in-put forum. 1) Take away the restrictions that citizens must sign up to speak before the start of the meeting. 2) Restore the respect to our citizens by showing them from the front as they speak. While under Harris’s reign, only city employee’s, honored guest and the privileged were shown speaking from the front. Don’t we the citizen deserves that same respect? 3) Establish a more sensible, fair time limit for speakers who have signed up in advance to speak. The present rule is five minutes for the first four speakers - if more, the time drops to three. This simply is not fair. Citizens that plan to address council ahead of time and go to all the time and effort to prepare a five minute address deserve the time to do so in lieu of being cut off at three minutes. The system needs to be fair to the public. 4) ANY item printed on the Council Agenda should be heard and seen accordingly, instead of moving it to the end of the meeting, or to a private conference, out of sight and view from the public. 5) Last and certainly not least, the 9AM work session should be televised so that citizens may be privy to the inside, detailed discussions of what is ultimately “their” business, thereby having a more open form of government. After all, wasn’t this one of the primary issues of David Bower’s campaign? “David, we are going to hold you to a campaign promise that we expect you to carry through on” E. Duane Howard Roanoke
schooLs
TheRoanokeStar.com
Stephanie Doyle receives RC Teacher of the Year
Photo by Lawson Koeppel
Stephanie Doyle receives award from Roanoke City Schools for Teacher of the Year.
Stephanie Doyle has been named this year’s Roanoke City Schools Teacher of the Year. Doyle received a $1,000 award and the three semi-finalists received a $200 award from Shenandoah Life Insurance Company. The semi-finalists were Carolyn Hoyt from Jackson Middle, Fred Hoffman from the Governor’s School, and Loretta Shrewsbury from Garden City Elementary. The division-wide banquet was held Monday in the Jefferson Center’s Fitzpatrick Hall. All seventeen Teacher of the Year nominees and their guests were honored with a dinner, special tributes, and recognition items. Doyle has taught in the city schools for eight years and most recently has taught history at Breckinridge Middle School. She received her Associates Degree in Education from Virginia Western Community College and her Bachelors Degree in Psychology with a minor in Education from Roanoke College. Doyle was recently recognized
North Cross battles Romans
On Wednesday, 40 North Cross School fifth graders replicated a Roman legion, or a row of marching Roman infantrymen. Students carried a hand-painted plywood shield and an authentic-looking Roman sword. They dressed as Roman legionaries. The students faced in battle another fifth grade class, replicating an army of barbarian Celts, also dressed in full attire. Fifth grade history teacher Victor Lamas led the Romans. Upper school English teacher Henry Wise portrayed the Celtic king Vercingetorix. The activity follows a unit on ancient Rome that students have been studying for a month. (Above) Roman legionaires and barbarian Celts face off to replicate a Roman legion battle with "swords and shields" (Above Left) Roman legionaires Ashley Lemon (on left) and Sophie Bradford in battle garb photos by Bill Turner
PH students study politics and government at Sorensen Institute Juniors Martina Hairston, Sonora Braun and Ben Ries will study for two weeks—July 12 through July 26—on the campus of the University of Virginia. They have been accepted into the Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership High School Program, a program that trains students for leadership in Virginia government and public service. “This is truly a wonderful experience,” Hairston said. “I’m really looking forward to it.” Hairston is eager to learn more about Virginia government. Her brother is serving in Iraq, she said, and learning the mechanics of government will help her appreciate his service all the more. Patrick Henry is one of two Virginia high schools where three students have been accepted into the Sorensen program said Robin Parker, Social Studies Department Chair. A total of six students were nominated at PH. Maggie Walker Governors School in Glen Allen is the other high school with three students accepted into the program.. “We’re absolutely thrilled,” Parker said.
Academics, class participation, critical thinking--including the ability to grasp abstract concepts--were all considered in the nominees, said Parker. Interpersonal skills were important, especially the ability to relate well with people with various backgrounds, she added. She credits student participation in the application process to Roanoke City School Timothy Isaacs, Director of Curriculum, whose enthusiasm for HSLP got students and teachers involved. “We want to encourage students to go after this type of opportunity,” Isaacs said. HSLP is open to Virginia high school students who are 16 or older or are rising juniors. Graduating seniors are considered also. These Roanoke City Public School students are the first from the school district to be awarded entrance into the HSLP since it started in 2003, according to a RCPS press release. Becky Ferris, one of two teachers who nominated the students, said she would like to see the HSLP students share what they learn when school startss back in the fall. She sees Sorenson as a major tool that
can benefit everyone, not just the participating students. HSLP is designed to “give students the practical skills and political knowledge to become highly effective advocates in their communities and schools,” according to the release. The release also stated that the multidisciplinary curriculum’s goal is “to prepare future leaders for ethical and responsible citizenship,” and “to connect Virginia’s youth leaders from different backgrounds and philosophies with each other and with current leaders in government, business and non-profit sectors.” Ries is involved with the Issue Forum, a PH debate group. He is looking forward to more opportunity to debate governmental issues. He hopes to study law and believes the Sorenson study will open up doors to further education. Hairston and Ries each said studying at UVA will give them a taste of college life. It’ll be an opportunity to study under professors in the program while they learn more about governmental leadership. By Joan Kastner info@theroanokestar.com
as a top finalist for the McGlothlin Awards. She is also very active in the education industry and has attended and presented at multiple seminars. Principal Tracey Anderson says, “Mrs. Doyle is a vital asset to Breckinridge Middle School. She uses a multi-modal approach to teaching and delivers effective instruction engaging all learners. She is a leader in our building and is committed to increasing student achievement.” All Teacher of the Year nominees were judged based on their Instructional Leadership, Professional Development, Philosophy of Teaching, and Educational History. A division-wide committee of ten judges from within the school division and community selected four finalists from the seventeen nominees. A special thanks to Shenandoah Life, N’TELOS, the Roanoke Valley Chamber of Commerce, Hotel Roanoke, Prestige Limousine Service, and Cuts Creative Florist for supporting this year’s banquet.
Kindergartners learn about Albert Einstein
Librarian Kay Anderson reads “Albert Einstein” to students.
5/16/08 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 7
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PH artists shine for the first time in four years Art displayed by Mary Page Watts, (left) while students gather in the new arts wing, below Photos by Quinton Simpson
PH celebrates art students and new Arts Wing For the first time in four years, art students at Patrick Henry High School were able to showcase their talents at a visual arts show in the beautiful new arts wing from Friday, May 9 to Tuesday, May 13. According to art teacher Fletcher Nichols, who has been teaching at PH since 1986 and teaches African American Culture, they have been unable to plan anything before this because of construction and having to hold all of their classes in trailers. “This is one of the most exciting times of the year for us,” Nichols said, “because we get the opportunity to show off our students, which is what we are all about.” The show featured work by all
Photo submitted courtesy of North Cross
About 37 North Cross School kindergarten students spent their library time Wednesday morning learning about Albert Einstein. Librarian Kay Anderson read students the book, “Albert Einstein,” by Don McLeese. The decision to move the class into the School’s Logan Gallery area today was one Anderson made watching several students walk by the lifelike “Einstein” in the Gallery and wave and talk to the statue. Thursday morning Anderson will read the book to 30 junior kindergarten students. “Einstein” is the work of local artist Jason Fizer. The piece is on display in the Gallery as part of the School’s annual Art With A Twist show. The show is on display through the end of the week. An opening reception was held on May 2.
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grade levels in just about every medium, including photography, masks, oils, sculpture, metals, sketches, and clay. The focus of the show, however, centered on the seniors who show particular promise, such as Pierre Wright, Jesse Bass, Jake Kotchish, Mary Page Watts, Marc Lexima, Ricky Eades, and Austin Phelps. These students were given entire panels to fill with their work, as well the opportunity to sell any piece to the highest bidder. There are many exciting plans for the art department in the near future, said Nichols, including an entire arts festival in the spring of 2009 which will include both visual and performing arts. By Deborah Wood info@theroanokestar.com
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Sports
Page 8 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 5/16/08
TheRoanokeStar.com
Patrick Henry baseball team searching for consistency
A William Fleming varsity baseball player takes a powerful swing and connects in the 4th inning against cross-town rival Patrick Henry Tuesday night. With the game tied at 4-4, this particular shot rocketed directly at PH Pitcher Zack Whitaker who took it squarely on the knee. Whitaker went down briefly but bravely arose to throw 5 strikeouts and lead the Patriots on to the 13-4 win.
Over the past few weeks, the Patrick Henry baseball team has struggled to play a complete game. “As of late we’ve been stubbing our toe,” Coach Aaron Haigler said. “We seem to always play for six out of seven innings, but that one big inning is where we’ve let games get away from us.” The problems for the Patriots (6-13) have come from all areas— mental lapses, lack of run production and even bad luck. “It’s been a combination of everything,” Haigler said. Despite their recent lack of success, there have been a few bright spots. Yates Sayers, the team’s clean-up hitter, has a batting average of .415 and has been a stabilizing force in the lineup all season. “He’s been swinging the bat well for us all year,” Haigler said. Infielder Kemper Steffe, who has struggled for most of the season with a batting average hovering around .200, has broken out of his slump over the past few games. “He’s been working hard on his own to find his stroke,” Haigler said. “He’s definitely got his confidence back.” As the team prepares for the beginning of the Western Valley District Tournament next week, the Patriots have several keys to success. The first is more production out of the lineup with runners in scoring position. “We’ve got to do a better job of getting runners across,” Haigler said, “that’s been our Achilles heel all season. The second is continued stellar efforts from their top pitchers, senior Clayton Metz and freshman Zach Whitaker. “With those guys we have two pitchers who can go out and give us a quality start every time,” Haigler said. The final key is limiting mistakes. “We have to try not to give our opponents extra outs,” Haigler said. No matter what happens, Haigler knows he has a resilient team. “It would have been easy for the kids to go through the motions, but instead they stayed the course and kept working hard to fix the problems despite the fact that things haven’t been going our way.” The Patriots finished the regular season with a 13-4 victory over William Fleming. They begin the district tournament next week. Their opponent and game time are to be determined.
North Cross Student Will Tee it up at Local Golf Tournament This Weekend
Baseball Scoreboard dedicated at Patrick Henry
This weekend, May 16 through 18, the Roanoke Country Club hosts the 25th annual Scott Robertson Memorial Golf Tournament. The tournament honors Robertson, who was a young, potential-filled golfer from the Roanoke area. Robertson was a 9th grader at North Cross School when he died in 1982 of infectious mononucleosis at the age of 14. On Friday, golfers from throughout the United States and the world will gather to play in Robertson’s memory. Among them will be North Cross’ own Connor Walters. Walters is an eighth-grader at the school who has been competing in golf since a young age. A 5-6 handicap, Walters decided to participate in the tournament qualifying round on April 26 in hopes of securing one of four slots available for his age group. After a rain delay, Connors was tied for the final slot and entered a sudden-death playoff. On the first playoff hole, the par-3 ninth, both Walters and his opponent, Trevor Times, had a good look at birdie putts. Times missed his, and Walters holed a 15footer to clinch his spot in the tournament. “I think it’s really cool that I’m playing in the same tournament [named after]someone who went to my school,” Walters said. Connor is not the only one from his family to participate in the tournament. His older brother, Jeff, competed several times in the event. And despite this enormous accomplishment, Connor has his sights set even higher for himself. If I had the chance to make golf my living, I would definitely do it,” Walters said. By Matt Reeve
A new baseball scoreboard was dedicated Tuesday night at the end of the third inning between Patrick Henry and cross town rival William Fleming. The scoreboard was dedicated in memory of Deborah Dorsey, wife of Roanoke Circuit Court Judge Charlie Dorsey and a former Roanoke City Schools Speech Pathologist who passed away last year after a brave battle with cancer. The plaque also recognizes 2008 Patrick Henry Seniors, Charley Dorsey Jr (son of Deborah Dorsey), John Gentry, Clayton Metz and Kenny Wright who are shown standing above with the plaque that will be permanently mounted when the new scoreboard is installed later this year.
Matt@theroanokestar.com
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George “Killer” Miller, former wrestling star at William Fleming High School and coach there for 19 years, was inducted into the Roanoke Valley Wrestling Hall of Fame May 13. Miller had a prestigious career as a wrestler and a coach. “One of the best decisions I ever made in my life was getting into wrestling,” Miller said. After graduating from William Fleming, Miller was a 3-time CIAA Champion at Elizabeth City State University. He returned to Fleming to coach the wrestling team, where he enjoyed similar success. In 19 years, Miller’s teams went 209-34 and won 6 Big Orange Wrestling Championships. Miller was a 9-time District Coach of the Year, a Virginia State Coach of the Year, and a Regional II National Coach of the Year.
During the ceremony, Miller was lauded for his commitment to his players. “Kids were the main thing in Coach’s life,” said Doug Depuy, who introduced Miller and is one of his former players. During his acceptance Miller talked about his passion in coaching—transforming his kids into winners. “I wanted my kids to be winners,” Miller said, “I knew if they could be winners out there on the mat, then more importantly they could be winners in the game of life.” Also inducted were former William Byrd wrestling coach Perry Altice, Northside alum Jeff Edmundson, former Lord Botetourt wrestling coach Mark Emick and William Fleming alum Guy Alfred “Al” McClearn.
William Fleming Spring sports roundup
The 2008 season has been a tough one for William Fleming spring sports. Almost all of the sports lacked a true home game due to the building of a new school. Coaching staffs in transition, young teams, and even a new athletic director added to the difficulties. Softball: The Bruce Palmer-coached team has a District record of 1-8 and an overall record of 1-12. While disappointing, they did manage an impressive 13-9 win over rival E.C. Glass heading into the district tournament. All of their home games were played at Breckinridge elementary. Boys and Girls Tennis: Coached by Bill Hodges and Zoie Park, the team has had problems with youth and inexperience this year. They’ve struggled to come up with a win but have had a few close matches that could have gone either way. They have played all their home games at Rivers Edge or Crystal Spring. Soccer: The Landon Moore-coached group has had an up and down year as they continue to develop a lot of young talent. Their district record is 3-5-1 and they have an overall record of 4-8-1. They still look to make a run for the district title this year, their home turf has been at Rivers Edge on Reserve Ave. By Jason Hawes jasonhawessports@gmail.com
Fleming Girls Tennis Team progresses despite many obstacles To the casual observer, the William Fleming girls’ tennis team had a disappointing season- the Lady Colonels team was winless. Despite that, first-year coach Zoie Park is proud of her young team. Perhaps it’s because of all the obstacles the team overcame. Park was not hired by the school until after spring break, with the beginning of the season nearing. Because of this, the team was only able to practice twice before their first match. To make matters worse, the team had several inexperienced players. “Many of the girls had not ever picked up a tennis racket before,” Park said . Despite their growing pains, the team still experienced some success. Many of the girls won individual matches. The team is only losing one player this
year—senior Sarah Hanley. Sydney Sparrow, playing in the team’s second position, “is going to surprise next year,” Park said. The future is bright. Though the team didn’t achieve much success in terms of wins and losses, the players gained valuable experience and left a positive impression on all who watched them compete. “We may not have won a lot, but every game we had parents commenting on what a pleasure it was to watch them on the court,” Park said. The Lady Colonels also impressed their coach with their effort. “I always told them, ‘I don’t care if you win, just play your hardest,’” Park said. “I couldn’t be prouder; I think they did a great job.”
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sPorts
5/16/08 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 9
Patrick Henry sweeps E.C. Glass in lacrosse
The men’s varsity, women’s varsity and boy’s JV Patrick Henry lacrosse teams rolled over their counterparts from E.C Glass on Tuesday night. The varsity men won by a score of 10-7, the junior varsity by a score of 8-2 and the women held on to win a 10-9 thriller, which completed the trifecta. The District title game is a rematch with E.C. glass at Lynchburg College on May 20. The girls begin at 5 p.m. and the boys at 7 p.m. Above: PH Varsity attackman Drew Anderson drives for a shot on goal early in the action against Glass. Top Right: Patrick Henry JV Goal Keeper Minor Smith stops another shot in their 8-2 win. Bottom Left: The Patrick Henry women’s lacrosse team celebrates their narrow victory.
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Keno Shepherd’s takes his last shot at qualifying for the 2008 Olympic team On Thursday, May 15 in Pueblo Colorado, Roanoke native Keno Shepherd will take a shot at his last chance to qualify for the Olympic wrestling team. If he loses this weekend his hopes and dreams of becoming an Olympian will be dashed and left in the thin air of the Colorado Springs Olympic Training Center. However if he wins, Keno will be, at the least, an Olympic alternate for the 2008 games in Beijing, China this July. “I’m ready now more than ever and I’m pumped up and hyped about it, Keno said of his goal. "I just can’t sleep at night because it’s all I think about and it consumes Photo by Jason Hawes my thoughts. My trainers and The Keno Shepherd takes a break from training. He’s currently in ColoEdge facility have been great and rado trying to earn a spot on the U.S. Olympic Wrestling team. I feel ready now more than I have ever been. I’m just going to go out team in Colorado Springs. He will order to become an Olympic Gold there and give it all that I have and then head down to Pueblo to make medalist from Roanoke. let God do the rest." weight and wrestle in the threeIf you would like information Keno started his journey on day Greco-Roman and Freestyle on how to support Keno please Wednesday, driving to Greens- regional Olympic qualifier tour- send an email to JasonHawesSboro and flying to Dallas, TX and nament. His hope is to come back ports@Gmail.com. then to Denver, CO where he will with a Gold medal and a reason to By Jason Hawes work out with the current world step up his training even more in jasonhawessports@gmail.com
North Cross girls’ soccer season ends in State Quarterfinals The Lady Raiders finished second in the BRCL championship with a loss to Eastern Mennonite 3-0 but it was the 1-0 win over VES that sent North Cross to the finals and they were rewarded with a state playoff game win or lose. North Cross had the seventh seed and had a tough road game at Atlantic Shores. After the long bus trip the Raiders came out strong and were
playing well until a corner kick goal by Atlantic Shores made it 1-0 in the 20th minute. By halftime North Cross fell behind 3-0 and needed a big second half. Hallie Martin scored a goal and then North Cross gave up a late goal and lost 4-1. Atlantic Shores will meet Eastern Mennonite in the Semi-finals in Richmond. North Cross finished the season 10-6.
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Page 10 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 5/16/08
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> May 15
Women & Veterans Small Business Conference Get On Target: Learn Steps to Grow Your Business On Any Budget. Discover marketing techniques used by industry experts to be successful in today’s competitive market. When- 7:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. Where- Virginia Western Community College. Cost- $20 includes breakfast and lunch. Pre-registration required. Open to public. For more- information or to register, contact Taryn at 983.0717 ext. 239
> May 16, 17, 18
Dog Wash in the Alley Fundraiser “Dog Wash in the Alley” – will be held across the street from Fork in the Alley, at South Roanoke’s Fire Station #8. The public is invited to bring their dogs (on leash, please) to the grassy area beside the fire station where, in exchange for a $10 donation, dogs will be bathed. For an additional $10 donation, leashed dogs can receive a one-hour walk around the neighborhood while their pet parents enjoy the offerings at Fork in the Alley, where 15% of all food and beverage sales from Friday night, May 16 through Sunday night, May 18 are being donated to the dog park. When- 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Where- Fork in the Alley, 2123 Crystal Spring Avenue in South Roanoke. and Roanoke Fire Station #8 For more- www.roanokedogpark. com
> May 17
On the Home Front The Unitarian Universalist Church of Roanoke Social Action Committee and Plowshare Peace and
> Found Found - Money - Rosalind Ave / South Roanoke Area - Call to Claim: 342-7583 (After 5:00 > Auto 2004 Jeep Cherokee 36,000 miles, loaded $15,000 344-3441 > Real Estate Myrtle Beach Condo for Sale Beautiful 2 bedroom/2 bath condo in Kingston Plantation. Lake front and ocean view. Great for family and golfing vacations.Tremendous rental opportunities. $350,000. Call 989-9168 after 6pm. DISTRESS Sale Bank Foreclosures. Priced $58,500 to $156,000. Free List & Recorded Message call1-800-490-5075 ID number 5042 RE/MAX 1st Olympic REALTORS FLEXIBLE TERM RENTAL Rare opportunity to lease home in beautiful new SW County subdivision with FLEXIBLE lease terms. Luxury living in 2600 sq. ft. Master suite on 1st Flr., 3 BR with Bonus room, 2.5 BA, HW floors, ceramic tile, granite countertops, Energy Star stainless steel appliances, low utilities. Convenient location. $1,850/mo. Call 540-353-7763 FIXER UPPER - Bargains, these homes need work. Priced from $20,000 to $176,900. Call for Free List & Recorded Message 1-800-490.5075 ID number 5048 RE/ MAX 1st Olympic REALTORS FIRST TIME BUYERS - Why continue renting when you can own? Free list of homes available for $1000 or less down & payments under $8OO per month. Recorded message 1-800-490-5075 ID number 5051. RE/MAX 1st Olympic REALTORS
Justice Center of Roanoke will host a forum/discussion on Saturday, May 17. The forum/discussion is entitled: On the Home Front The Impact of the Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan on Military Families, Veterans, and Communities Panelists will include: Dr. David Cooley, Staff Psychologist,VA Medical Center David Frackleton, Jr., Executive Director, Military Family Support Network Yuji Hairston, Iraq War Veteran Free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served. When- 7 - 9 p.m. Where- Unitarian Universalist Church of Roanoke, corner of Grandin and Brandon, across from Patrick Henry High School. For more- Contact George Loveland at gloveland@ferrum.edu, 540-365-4427
Baseball and other sports cards and items from 1870 to 1975. Tobacco, Candy and early gum cards especially wanted. (540) 977-5222 4/25-5/23
> Businesses Opportunities CONVENIENCE STORES. Two to choose from; locations Salem & Alleghany Highlands. Call 540-992-4156 Salem
loca-
tured country is the Philippines. New countries this year: Burma, Slovakia, Palestine, Ukraine - and Canada and Japan are back! When- The event starts at 11 a.m. with the Parade of Nations. Where- in Elmwood Park, downtown, For more- www.localcolors.org, 540-904-2234.
Rescue Squad Open House Roanoke Emergency Medical Services Inc.Volunteer Open House. Did you know Roanoke is home to the 1st all volunteer Rescue Squad in the world? Ever wonder what a Rescue Squad does? Come see for yourself and help us celebrate 80 years of Emergency Medical Service to the citizens and visitors of Roanoke City. Ambulances, CPR Demo, Health Safety Demo, Blood Pressure Check, Children Monkey Dance Activities, Fire Safety House, Rain Documentary Film Screening or Shine Series to celebrate Asian/Pacific When- 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. American Heritage Month. Three Where-At the corner of 4th Cambodian-AmericanAd teenagers street and Day Avenue in SouthID 10851992 come of age in a world shadowed west Roanoke, 374 Day Ave by their parents’ nightmares of the Roanoke,Va. Khmer Rouge. Traditional Cam- For more- Call 540-344-6256 bodian dance links them to their parents’ culture, but fast cars, hip > May 18 consumerism, and new romance Northwest Jazz Band pull harder. Gradually coming to Swing into Spring with the big band appreciate their parents’ sacrifices, sounds of the Northwest Jazz the three teens find a balance be- Band under the direction of Edtween their parents’ dreams and die Wiggins.To benefit the Military their own. Family Support Center. Tickets When- 2:00 - 3:15 p.m. available at Ram’s Head in Towers Where- Main Library Mall; Merle Norman in Tanglewood For more- 540-853-1057 Mall;Too Many Books, Grandin VilLocal Colors Take a trip around the world without ever leaving Roanoke! Local Colors, Roanoke’s annual multicultural festival, takes place Saturday, May 17 with food, vendors, music, dance and costumes from more than 70 countries. This year’s fea-
tion, profitable, excellent equipment and clientele, good lease. Call 540-992-4156 > Cool Cheap Stuff 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! Schwinn Matching His and Hers BikesSporters Model $80 - 540-977-5222 Go-Cart Frame - Very Large - $50 540-977-5222 after 3 p.m. Christmas House Collection - New in Box - $150.00 540-977-5222 after 3 p.m.
lage; Wheeler’s Laundry/Cleaning, Brandon Ave.; Ridenhour Music, Main St. Salem When- 3 p.m. Where- American Legion Post No. 3, 710 Apperson Dr., Salem,VA Cost- $10
contact Debra @400-8555 dscarey@cox.net Summer-Fall tutor Enriches and reviews skills to keep learning fresh. Call Emily 725-1464, emilym@cox. net Art Lessons 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
Emily,Vendor 1806, 725-1464, emilym@cox.net
Japanese Animation VHS - Large Assortment - $3.00 Each - 540-977-5222 after 3 p.m. Pokemon Collectibles in Containers - $5.00 Each - 540-977-5222 after 3 p.m. Knitting Machines,Thread, Instruction Booklets and Much More in Box - All For $20.00 - 540-977-5222 after 3 p.m.
www.depaulfamilyservices.org
offices: Roanoke 540-265-8923. Account managers As part of our expansion programmer’s, Russell Thomas Associates,LLC is looking for part time Work from home account managers, accountants and sales representatives are needed to work on their own flexible schedule time. It pays $3000-$4000 a month plus benefits and takes only little of your time. Please contact us for more details . Requirements • Should be a computer Literate. • 2-3 hours access to the internet weekly. • Must be 20 yrs and above of age • Must be Efficient and Dedicated If you are interested and need more information, Please send your resumes to jrussell1003@gmail.com
Senior Engineer - Electrical Designs building power, lighting, communication, fire alarm, telecommunications and security systems. Ad shown not actual Performsis specifi c project designprint and I repair the tabs or whole shingles. development tasks, including drawings, You provide material and ladder. calculations, cost estimates, and speci7 dollars per tab. fications. HSMM 540-857-3133 Robspad@hotmail.com Architect II Architect II performs specific projFREE!!!! ect building design and development We’ll run any ad from a private tasks, including programming, reports, party written in traditional Haiku drawings, calculations, cost estimates, form (5,7,5 syllabic format). and specifications; responds to client Telephone number at the end of questions and comments; reviews the listing is excluded from the contractor submittals, provides clariformat requirements. Email info@ fications during instruction. HSMM theroanokestar.com Fax: 540-857-3133
> Jobs Caring Foster & Adoptive Parents Needed
Antique Window Frames From Old Home - $20 Each - 540-977-5222 after 3 p.m.
Big hearts and happy homes needed for chil“Overcoming Challenges & Bows For Sale - Call For Information dren and teens Building Brighter Futures” $50 Each - 540-977-5222 after 3 p.m. w/ special needs. Receive quality training + casework services + finan> Haiku ads Parents are will cialFoster support. Non-profi t agency match child or teen with your family. Special People! For teens and adults, Be a turning point in someone’s life. Fun Summer Painting Classes, ● Foster parents give hope Whether you are an Training sessions beginning soon. For With retired artist ● Foster parents provide a safe haven individual or a couple, ● Foster parents nurture growth and self-esteem or without more information,with call the children, following ● Foster parents teach children that they are worthy to be loved
you can become a foster
> May 20
Mai’s America Documentary Film Screening Series to celebrate Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month. A spunky Vietnamese teenager named Mai gets the chance of a lifetime-- to study in the United States. Expecting Hollywood, she instead lands in rural Mississippi -- from cosmopolitan Hanoi to the heart of the Deep South, Mai’s unforgettable journey offers an outsider’s glimpse inside America. When- 7 - 8:30 p.m. Where- Raleigh Court Branch Library For more- 540-853-1057
Pool Assistant Manager Performs responsible, professional specialized work as it pertains to public safety and recreational work in pool operations, supervision of aquatic staff, administrative paperwork, preventing injuries, enforcing rules, and effectively communicating with the general public. City of Roanoke hr@roanokegov.com Fax: 540-853-1218 Maintenance Worker I Performs unskilled manual work in the completion of maintenance and construction projects. Loads and unloads gravel, dirt, timber, chemicals, and other materials, tools and equip-
WhenFriday May 23 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday May 24 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday May 25 Noon - 4 p.m. Monday May 26 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Where- Hospitality Room at the Main Library, located at 706 S. Jefferson St. For more- contact Laura Wickstead,Virginia Room Librarian, at 853-2073
> May 29
Wolf Creek Fountain Dedication BRBCVA is proud to announce the donation of a frost free water fountain for users of Wolf Creek > May 22 Greenway. The pet fountain atPilgrimage Documentary Film Screening tachment was donated by Vinton Series to celebrate Asian/Pacific Veterinary Hospital. Cyclists can locate the fountain behind the Best American Heritage Month. Two young Japanese Americans set Little Hair House in Vinton on out to find an obscure place called Hardy Road. Ride the Greenway Manzanar in the California desert, after the dedication. Additional Wolf Creek Greenway parking is in 1969.This was one of ten sites where over 120,000 people of Jap- at Lynn Haven Baptist Church on anese ancestry were incarcerated Rt #24. When12:50 PM6:30 p.m. during World War II. Time This redisWhereWolf Creek Greenway off covery then became a pilgrimof Hardy Road age” and the first public event in For moreBarbara Duerk at (540) the U.S. that called attention to 343-1616; 540-580-1621, barbthe reality of these camps. With a gary@cox.net hip music track, never-before-seen archival footage and a story-telling style that features both old and > May 30- June 1 new pilgrims, PILGRIMAGE is the St. Elias Lebanese Festival first film to show how the WWII A popular event drawing visicamps were reclaimed by the chil- tors from all over the valley, the festival will continue its successdren of its ful formula of delicious Lebanese victims. food, toe-tapping Lebanese music When- 7 - 7:30 p.m. and Lebanese dances, while addWhere- Gainsboro Library ing some new features. There will For more- 540-853-1057 be new costumes for the youth of the parish who perform the tra> May 23-26 ditional dances and perhaps new Roanoke Library Book Sale Thousands of titles not previously dances as well. New games have available will be on sale, > CONTINUED including books, videos, children’s P10: Calendar titles, fiction, non-fiction, and cookbooks.
ment. Performs general laboring and custodial tasks such as cutting grass, raking leaves and cleaning buildings. City of Roanoke hr@roanokegov. com Fax: 540-853-1218
Beautiful kittens Gift from a neighborhood stray Seeking loving homes
Firewood For Sale - $100 Pickup Load - 540-977-5222 after 3 p.m.
Camaro Hood - $50 540-977-5222
CarvinsDate Cove Trail Workday 04/30/2008 Work on armoring some more muddy creek crossings on Comet with large stones. Workday will be canceled if it is raining. Plan to wear clothes and shoes that may get wet and muddy. Safety glasses and gloves also recommended.. Please let one of us know if you think you can help. Also if you can come later in the day, let us know, we could make a trip back to the parking lot to swap out workers so that we can get a whole day of work in. When- 9 a.m. Where- Bennett Springs parking lot For more- Call Skip @ 540-4004854 or e-mail skip2ride@gmail. com or Call Brian @ 540-467-1629 or e-mail bbatteiger@cox.net
Call Janet Wimmer, 977-1681 or e-mail janet.wimmer@gmail.com
Children’s filled aprons, Krayon keepers, crafts, quillows... And ‘has beens’ galore.
Trailer for Sale - Needs Hitch - $150 - 540-977-5222 after 3 p.m.
Hershey’s Track & Field Games Hershey’s Track & Field promotes youth physical fitness (ages 9-14) whileproviding a fun learning experience for children in which they discover their potential, make new friends, and gain self-confidence. Hershey’s Track & Field is the largest youth sports program of its kind in the United States and Canada and takes place in every state and province in North America. Events include 50 meter dash, 200 meter dash, 800 meter dash, standing long jump, softball throw, and much more. Participation in the Games is free. Registrations will continue through May 16. Note: There will be no on-site registration! When- 2 p.m. Where- Patrick Henry High For more- visit the Roanoke Parks and Recreation athletics Web page at www.roanokeva.gov/athletics, or contact Nat Franklin, 853-1110 or nat.franklin@roanokeva.gov
cLassiFieDs
Fishing Equipment - Bamboo Poles and Old Reels $125 - 540-977-5222 after 3 p.m.
Water Cooler For Shop or Office $75 - 540-977-5222 after 3 p.m.
> Wanted
RESTAURANT,
TheRoanokeStar.com
Registered Nurse I Provides nursing support for ongoing laboratory studies. Duties include placement, monitoring and removal of venous catheters; drawing blood; monitoring and withdrawal of arterial catheters; preparation and administration of medications; assessing vital signs of subjects undergoing study. Virginia Tech Fax: 540-231-3830 Account Services Specialist Account Services Specialists. Duties include: Reviews monthly A/R list of accounts to determine accounts requiring attention. Assesses and works problem accounts to determine appropriate course of action. Express Employment Professionals 540-389-8979 Electronics Technician Electronics Technician: Second shift openings available. Must be able to understand AC/DC controls, instrumentation, read schematics, control panel. Express Employment Professionals 540-389-8979 HVAC Installation & Repair Senior Technician Under minimal supervision, performs size maintenance, inspection, installation, troubleshooting, and repair of air conditioning and refrigeration equipment (both electronic and mechanical). Performs start-up on new equipment; assists in supervising and planning, maintains related records. Virginia Tech Virginia Tech Fax: 540-231-3830 UNIX System Administrator Reports to the Director of Technology. Maintains Oracle and UNIX/ Linux systems and is responsible for designing, installing, implementing, and maintaining UNIX Servers and workstations.Verify integrity of Oracle and UNIX/Linux systems. Troubleshoot performance and configuration issues. Delta Dental jobs@deltadentalva.com Fax: 540-725-3890 Underwriting Business Analyst 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. Delta Dental jobs@deltadentalva. com Fax: 540-725-3890
Technical Writer / Software Trainer Qualtrax, Inc. (subsidiary of CCSInc.) is looking for a Technical Writer/ Software Trainer for its compliance management software product. The position will design and develop user manuals, training programs, and assist with customer implementations. CCS-Inc hr@ccs-inc.com Fax: 540-382-1801
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 and software issues. CCS-Inc hr@ccs-inc.com Fax: 540-382-1801
News Photographer/Editor Entry-level position for News Photographer to shoot and edit videotape news stories. Experience with broadcast video cameras and editors desired. Must have valid driver’s license with a good driving record. Two-year technical degree preferred. Background and pre-employment drug screen required. WDBJ7 Fax: 540-344-5097
Sales Associate New and Pre-Owned Vehicle Sales. High income potential with established dealership with a great reputation in the Roanoke - Salem area. Income ranges with current sales staff from $45000 to over $100000. Pinkerton Chevrolet smcdaniel@ pinkertonchevy.com 540) 491-0116
In-Home Therapist Provide intensive in-home, crisisoriented counseling and case management to youths and their families. Work with clients to foster the development of new improved coping, problem solving, and communication skills Madeline Centre jberkley@madelinecentre.com Fax: 434 239-0181
5/16/08 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 11
TheRoanokeStar.com
Executive
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The DYNA Series
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“Serving Roanokers like family since 1937â€? 2205 Crystal Spring Avenue • (540) 345-7334 www.tinnells.com • Open Monday-Saturday 8am-7pm
The Sportster Series
Sherwood Memorial Park Will Host a Presentation of The Colors By The U.S. Naval Ceremonial Guard May 26 at 3 P.M.
the Touring series
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The softail Series Come to Roanoke Valley Harley-Davidson and let us help you find out!
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Those present will receive a Sherwood Memorial Veterans Flag. Ask about our New Premier Veterans Garden and our Veterans Discounts. (540 ) 389-1049 1045 Lynchburg Turnpike Salem, Va 24153
Page 12 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 5/16/08
TheRoanokeStar.com
> Calendar
From page 10
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been added for children of all ages. During church tours visitors will hear traditional liturgical music in Syriac, something totally different from the live music offered by a Lebanese band. On May 30 there will be a special “Kids’ Day” acquainting area school children aged 5-12 with Lebanese culture, including a special Lebanese meal, Lebanese music and dancing. Admission is free, with a moderate charge for food and games. The festival features Lebanese delicacies like tabbouli and spinach pies, stuffed grape leaves, falafel, various wraps, meats cooked on the grill and wonderful Lebanese pastries. Takeout orders will be available by phone or fax; call 562-0012 for details. A Lebanese band from Ohio, “Al Layali,” will provide live music all three days. Special treats for children include a visit from the Cat in the Hat and rides on a special 4-car train, courtesy of the Knights of Columbus. A Silent Auction will feature baskets of goods from many of the valley’s most popular firms. For the first time, outside vendors will be on hand, one offering Lebanese food and goods and the other a nonprofit organization raising funds for severely disabled Lebanese children.ek Greenway parking is at Lynn Haven Baptist Church on Rt #24. When- The festival will be held rain or shine on Friday from noon-8 p.m., Saturday noon-10 p.m and Sunday noon-8 p.m. Where- St. Elias Maronite Catholic Church at 4370 Cove Rd., Roanoke For more- Call St. Elias at 562-0012 or www.lebanesefestival.info
We are a volunteer driven organization and welcome your involvement.
Travel Try-Outs 2008/2009 May 11th - May 18th
> June 7
Square Dance Club Indoor Yard Sale Fundraiser Coffee and donuts for sale too. When- 8 a.m.- 2 p.m. Where- Lions Club Building in Cave Spring. From 419 go west on Brambleton Ave. Watch for signs. For more- call 540-776-6326 for donations to be picked up.
> June 10
Roanoke Valley Community Band Spring Concert The Roanoke Valley Community Band will present it’s annual Spring Concert on June 10. The concert will feature a variety of music including marches, Chicago Medley and selections by Hoagy Carmichael. When- 7:30 p.m. Where- Cave Spring High School. For more- (540) 774-8885
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Answers. It’s a comfort to know where to find answers when you’re met with life’s challenges. Turn to The Oakey Collection at the Roanoke Public Library. From end of life issues, chronic illness and caregiving to estate planning, what to say to grieving families and even helping a child deal with losing a beloved pet, there is certain to be a title that can help you. Through donations provided by Oakey’s, the Roanoke Public Library has amassed a deep, yet specific, collection of books, magazines and DVDs that can provide answers, comfort, and information when you are facing some tough issues.
It’s a comfort to know that Oakey’s is here for you.
To view the numerous titles and topics available, logon to rvl.info and enter “Oakey Collection” in the search field.
S AMMY G. OAKEY, P RESIDENT • WWW. OAKEYS. COM • 982-2100 ROANOKE , N ORTH , V INTON, S OUTH AND E AST C HAPELS
We’ve always been here for you.