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The Roanoke Star-Sentinel Community | News | Per spective

7/4/08

Cake Mountain P2– A cake was made in the shape of Mill Mountain as part of Ukrops ﬁrst anniversary celebration.

Alaskan Journey P5– John Robinson takes us on a journey deep into the white trails and mountains of Alaska.

TheRoanokeStar.com

Apple Ridge Farm, helping kids grow

ummer, for most ture studies, language arts teachers, is a weland computer science. We come and needed also provide opportunities break from the challenges, for kids to explore differdemands and responsibilient career choices and colties of teaching and nurturlege preparation,” said Aping a classroom full of chilple Ridge Farm President dren. For Quiana Parker Peter Lewis. and her fellow camp counDuring the third and selors at Apple Ridge Farm, fourth sessions of camp, however, their summer is the 11 through 16 yeareight weeks of continually olds participate in “Career meeting the needs of more Days”, when adults from than 450 children. several businesses and And they wouldn’t have organizations within the it any other way. Roanoke Valley meet with Parker, along with Camp the kids to discuss specific Director Jonathan Rosser paths to a variety of occuand other camp counselpations. ors serving at Apple Ridge Thanks to a grant from Farm’s Academic Summer The Spetzler Fund of The Camp, is a Roanoke City Foundation for Roanoke schoolteacher. Valley, day trips to visit Rosser, a PE teacher at area colleges are also inWestside Elementary, has cluded in the curriculum worked with Apple Ridge for the third and fourth Farm for eight years and sessions. Schools vissays he keeps coming back ited during the summer because he sees “the future” of 2007 included Radford when he works with the University, Virginia State kids. Photo by Rosalie Kell University, Virginia West“This camp experience is TeAsia Thomas exploring for pond critters during the environern Community College, like an oasis for these kids,” mental education segment of Apple Ridge Farm’s summer camp. Virginia Tech, Virginia Rosser said. “It’s a safe haUnion, Ferrum College ven for them and a healthy an eight-week period. The in classic summer camp and Liberty University. change of pace. When I see camp consists of four two- activities such as swim“Away from the heat and the kids I had at camp in week sessions. The youngest ming, tennis, basketball and distractions of inner-city past years graduating with campers, ages six to eight, hiking. The leaders of the streets, we want to provide honors or going off to col- attend the first session, with program, however, stress these young people with the lege, I feel like I see the each succeeding session that their primary focus is opportunity to engage in future in the kids we have hosting an older age group. strengthening the academic activities designed to help Children are bused from development of the chil- them face challenges, stimnow.” This summer marks the Roanoke to Apple Ridge dren. “We use the great outdoors > CONTINUED Academic Summer Camp’s Farm’s 96-acre retreat facility in Copper Hill to enjoy to develop interest and apti- P2: Apple Ridge 20th season serving sixthe outdoors and take part tude in reading, science, nato sixteen-year-olds over

Bowers holds open house on his first day

Photo by Mill Lambert

Mayor David Bowers on his first day back on the job as Mayor of Roanoke City.

“Welcome to the Mayor’s office,” said David A. Bowers as he greeted people on July 1, 2008, his first day on the job as Mayor of the City of Roanoke. Spirits were high as citizens were ushered into his office, many for the first time, and were invited by the mayor to City Council “sit down,” and “here’s a chair.” Bowers, looking fit, told well-wishers he was “glad to be back” and that a recent viewing of the musical “Hello, Dolly!” was replaying in his mind with the words, “Hello Roanoke, it’s so nice to be back….” He was clearly among friends as well as people interested in getting to know him. He grew animated talk-

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> CONTINUED P3: Bowers

Westport chooses City of Roanoke e-Library offers new technological services to Garden City

Sunny Trails

P7–Hiking the trails of Mill Mountain is a perfect way to spend a blissful summer day with the family.

Westport Corporation, a Kentucky-based automotive components company, announced June 26 it will invest approximately $3 million to open an assembly plant in the City of Roanoke. The company will occupy the 203,000square foot former Smurfit Stone building. The new facility, which will assemble axles for the Volvo heavy truck plant in Dublin, will employ 60 people. Virginia successfully competed against West Photo by Tim Trevillian Virginia for the project. Westport’s management team, pictured left to right, Alex Founded in 1986 in LouisVan Leyen President, Jim Kidd Volvo Account Manager, ville, Westport began operaDavid Foster HR Manager (Roanoke Assy Plant), Saloni tions as a just-in-time facilPires Project Manager, Allen Fink Plant Manager(Roanoke ity for Ford’s Kentucky truck plant. Since then, the com- Assy Plant), Rena Sharpe - VP Operations, Carlos Rego pany’s product offerings have Corp. Controller. expanded to include modular our newest corporate citizen and Yokohama Tire. assembly and sequencing for and look forward to watching The company was aided various automotive compo- the company grow here,” said in its decision by the City of nents, including the front Roanoke Mayor Nelson Har- Roanoke, in particular the steer axle modules ris. “It is always Office of Economic Developfor commercial vegratifying to see ment, the Economic DevelDevelopment hicles, recreational an empty building opment Authority of the City vehicles and tag / be filled with new of Roanoke (EDA), the Roapusher axles used mainly on jobs.” noke Valley Economic Develconstruction vehicles. “This is strong evidence opment Partnership, and the “This is an important move our automotive / transpor- Virginia Economic Developfor the company,” said Rena tation sector is healthy and ment Partnership. The EDA Sharpe, vice president of op- growing,” said Beth Doughty, approved a $50,000 grant for erations for Westport. “We executive director of the Roa- building upgrades and the acare pleased to be working noke Valley Economic Devel- quisition and installation of with Volvo and to be oper- opment Partnership. West- equipment for the new proating in the Roanoke Valley. port joins other automotive duction line. This building fits our needs firms in the region, includand we are impressed with ing Metalsa Roanoke, Dynax > CONTINUED the region’s business climate.” America, JTEKT Automo- P2: Westport “We welcome Westport as tive Virginia, Virginia Forge

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Grand Slam P8– Advance Auto Parts came from behind and won the Roanoke Men’s Recreation Blue Championship.

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Garden City residents are already taking advantage of a new service provided by Roanoke Library, an e-library kiosk installed in the Garden City Community Center, a center maintained by Roanoke Parks and Recreation. The official ribbon-cutting ceremony was held last Thursday, June 26, in front of the Community Center. Former Mayor Nelson Harris, City Manager Darlene Burcham, and Library Director Photo by Lawson Koeppel Sheila Umberger praised Pictured left to right, are those who planned and in- the ribbon-cutters at the stalled the kiosk before the ceremony, President of ribbon was officially cut and Breakell Construction, Stan those in attendance were Breakell; Garden City Civic able to begin using it. League President, Helen Harris took this time to Hancock; Outgoing Mayor also announce his inten- Nelson Harris; library direction to serve on the Library tor, Sheila Umberger; and Advisory Board, which is City Councilwoman Gwen composed of nine people ap- Mason. pointed by City Council and usually consists of a three- ian who attended, “My favorite part was getting to try year term. “The e-library kiosk allows the kiosk myself.” According to Lifolks in Garden City Library brary Director Sheiwho do not have a la Umberger this is community library the second such service to be to choose library items and instituted here in Roanoke. have them delivered to the Community Center,” said Anna Wentworth, a Patrick > CONTINUED Henry High School librar- P2: Library

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Page 2 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 7/4/08

TheRoanokeStar.com

> Apple Ridge

> Library

ulate trust and cooperation, and build self-esteem,” said Lewis. For campers, ages 13 through 16, the experience includes activities focused on goal setting, budgeting, resume writing and job searches. Last summer, through a partnership with Roanoke City, Apple Ridge Farm offered several of the teen-aged campers employment as Junior Counselors. Ten to fifteen younger children were also “employed” as Junior Counselors-In-Training. Lewis explains, “we feel that this taste of Photo by Rosalie Kell work experience not only gives our chilTanaiah Emmans, Thomas Gearhart, Kyle dren a chance to earn money, but it also Barrentine, Denesia Wright, Arianna Coles, Caylan increases their self-esteem, and recycles Barrett and Quiana Parker. our resources within the community.” No child is ever denied the opportunity completed her first year of teaching 6th gradto attend the camp, as the proceeds raised ers at Ruffner Middle School and works fullthrough Apple Ridge Farm’s annual “Send A time over the summer as camp secretary. Kid To Camp” campaign cover the costs for “I do a little bit of everything...I am sort the children and no fees are charged for the of the ‘go to’ person. I love the atmosphere, camp experience. All campers are also offered the children and the people I work with. We a free health screening before the beginning truly are a family,” Parker said. “I love interof camp, provided by volunteers from the Ro- acting with the kids, especially the 11 to 12 anoke Adolescent Health Partnership. year olds. I’m still young enough that I really Parker came up through the ranks at Apple remember being a camper,” she laughs. Ridge Farm starting as a 6th grade camper in Quiana Parker is one of more than 8,000 1996, and quickly earned the role of Junior children who have benefited from an Apple Counselor. She is one of Apple Ridge’s many Ridge Farm camp experience since its beginsuccess stories. ning in the summer of 1989, and at least 475 After graduating as valedictorian from will be added to that number this year. For William Fleming High School, she went on to more information, or to find out how to help complete her bachelor’s degree from Virginia support ApCommonwealth University. Parker recently ple By Pam Rickard Ridge pam@theroanokestar.com

An e-library kiosk opened last spring beside JC Penney’s in Valley View Mall and was officially dedicated this past October. Users can actually have touch screen access and can order what material they want. If they have questions during library hours there is a telephone receiver connected to a DSL line and they can speak directly to someone in reference or circulation at a public library. “I think this is a nice, personal touch,” Umberger said. Users have access to lockers (there are 50 at Valley View and 25 at Garden City) and can come back, use a PIN to access a locker, and simply pick the items up. When finished there is a convenient book drop, which, Umberger said, is already being used daily in Garden City.

From page 1

“I like blending traditional and nontraditional library services,” said Umberger, who has been director for two years but has worked for Roanoke libraries since 1982. “It may surprise people to know that we are the cutting edge when it comes to technological services, especially in our teen section,” she continued, “the library has a lot to offer.” Other special guests at the ribbon-cutting ceremony included Steve Buschor, Director of Roanoke Parks and Recreation, Stan Breakell, chairman of the Library Advisory Board, Helen Hancock, president of the Garden City Civic League, and City Councilwoman Gwen Mason. By Deborah K. Wood info@theroanokestar.com

Local student wins congressional art contest

Congressman Bob Goodlatte announced today that the artwork of Lord Botetourt High School student, Nick Weirup, is being displayed in the United States Capitol. Nick Weirup, son of Mark and Lorna Weirup, lives in Blue Ridge and just completed his sophomore year at Lord Botetourt High School. He was chosen as the winner of the District-wide Art Competition sponsored by Congressman Goodlatte. The Congressional Art Competition, An Artistic Discovery, first began in 1982 and is open to all high school students. The winning entries are displayed in a corridor of the U.S. Capitol, in an area which has been designated for the artistic talents of today’s youth. “The Girl Behind the Barn Door,” a water color, was selected by Congressman Goodlatte to represent Virginia’s Sixth Congressional District in the national art exhibition at the U.S. Capitol. “The Congressional Art Competition is a great opportunity for students from Southwest and Central Virginia to showcase their talent in a national forum,” Goodlatte said. “We were all very impressed with Nick’s work and I was pleased to nominate him to represent the Sixth District of Virginia at the Congressional Art Competition.” To view a complete listing of the artwork featured in the Congressional Art Competition visit www.publicgov.org/art2008/Art08.html

Ukrops bakes a cake in the shape of Mill Mountain (Pictured left to right) Jeff Ukrop, zone manager for Ukrops, Jim Goodman, Ukrops executive pastry chef, and Jason Woodcock, Ukrops Roanoke store manager, stand behind their work – a 200 pound cake in the shape of Mill Mountain that served over 400 people. The cake was made as part of Ukrops first anniversary celebration that took place in Roanoke on Saturday, June 28. The custom Mill Mountain cake took roughly 15 hours to complete, including baking, preparation and decorating time. The cake was made of Ukrops signature pound cake and was iced with traditional butter cream. It was decorated with rolled fondant and modeling chocolate. The cake’s designer, Jim Goodman, Ukrops executive pastry chef, currently serves on the board of directors of the Virginia Chefs’ Association as its vice president.

> Westport From page 1

The company is eligible to receive state benefits from the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. The Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide training through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program. As managing partners, Branch Management of Roanoke, handled the negotiations for the property owners who are leasing the facility to Westport. Branch currently manages 70+ tenants and owns approximately $60 million in commercial and industrial real estate. The company maintains its headquarters in Roanoke serving clients throughout the region.

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7/4/08 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 3

> Bowers From page 1

ing with hiking friend Bobbie Stitcher, explaining to the rest of us that he lives on Mill Mountain and designated five trails on the mountain when he served as mayor. Today he hikes the trails every Sunday morning after church (and before football games in the fall). Talking about regional trails, he described Devil’s Marbleyard, a hiking place near Natural Bridge Station, as “a spewing of

marble thrown out of the earth, a great natural phenomenon of Virginia.” The real business of the day began when Bowers invited those present to sit in the Mayor’s Chair, a tradition that started when he first took office following the tenure of Dr. Noel Taylor as Mayor of the City of Roanoke in 1992. Conscious of the great honor of sitting in that revered Chair,

he insisted that his father sit in the Chair now engraved with the words, “This Chair belongs to the people.” Each person to sit in the chair brought a different perspective. Flynn Wilson, originally from Long Island, New York, was glad to have Bowers “on board” and said, “I think you’ll do a great job.” Mike Hubbard of Branch & Associates, Inc. invited the new mayor to the company’s

new offices, and Bill Craft and the mayor talked about their barber. Bruce Robinson was there with his son-in-law Brian Granzo and three grandsons on vacation from Midland, Michigan. Alice Freeman, who works downtown, was appreciative of the Open House and looked forward to more citizen involvement in government affairs. Suttie Economy was a Belmont Elementary school-

Girl Scouts of Virginia celebrates 45 years Before 1963, there were six councils (and a handful of lone troops) in the geographical area that the Girl Scouts of Virginia Skyline Council (GSVSC) now serves. As part of a national reorganization plan, Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) had been studying the feasibility of a merger for years. A merger made good economic sense so on July 1, 1963, the merger was completed and Miss Gertrude Willie Richardson became the new councils executive director. Since that day, GSVSC has had an impact on the community, the economy, and the lives of thousands of girls. At the time of the merger, three sites were considered for council headquarters: Roanoke, Lynchburg and Charlottesville. Roanoke was chosen, and it remains the headquarters. The first headquarters office was at 625 First Street in Roanoke - on the third floor, with no elevator. In 1974, the council bought the one-story building at 413 Apperson Drive in Salem. The location became so engrained in the public’s mind that to this day, the occasional local resident will show up at that address expecting to find the office. But on February 8, 2003, GSVSC moved its corporate headquarters to 3663 Peters Creek Road, Roanoke. Service centers have been added at 21940 Timberlake Road in Lynchburg and 380 Greenbrier Square, Suite D, in Charlottesville.

The new council held its first cookie sale in March 1964. Cookies were 40 cents a box, of which the troops received six cents. By 1982, cookies were $1.75 a box, and troops received 30 cents. Today, cookies sell for $3.50 a box, and troops receive 60 cents a box plus bonuses. Let us not forget nuts and candy. “The Nut and Candy Sale” took place for the first time in Fall 2003. Girl Scouts stress community service, and troops in GSVSC have always been dedicated to helping others. Over the years, Girl Scouts have collaborated with Habitat for Humanity, the Rescue Mission, the Red Cross, Ronald McDonald House, Food Pantries, Head Start, various rescue squads, and other nonprofit organizations. Girl Scouts also have hosted parties for nursing home residents, assisted the elderly in their homes, built a nest for an eagle at the zoo, cleaned and planted around public schools and parks, collected eyeglasses for the Lions Club, and even taped a public service announcement about bullying in schools, just to name a few. In 2007, in one council-wide project alone celebrating the 95th anniversary of Girl Scouts of the USA, Girl Scouts in the council provided nearly 2,500 hours of community service. In addition, Girl Scouts in the council have continued to support our military overseas. Last year, the Girl Scouts shipped 800 pounds of food,

recreational items, books and Girl Scout Cookies to service men and women in time for the holidays. The Gold Award, Girl Scouting’s highest award a scout can achieve, requires at least 65 hours in projects helping some facet of the community. Incidentally, the first Gold Awards in the council were earned in 1981 by Gail Hottel, Sharon Rhodes and Faith Hannah, all of New Castle. During the merge, the previous councils came equipped with campsites they had purchased or leased. Over the years, the council sold or stopped leasing all except Camps Sacajawea in Lynchburg and Sugar Hollow in Crozet. In 1968, the council made its first camp purchases: Lake Catherine, a 175-acre site in Botetourt County; and Camp Shawnee Program Center, 197 acres in Ringgold. The council purchased Camp Massawomee Program Center, 154 acres near Rockbridge Baths, in 1979. All three were eventually sold when further development became unfeasible. In September 2007, the council bought 63 acres on Yellow Mountain Road in Roanoke County, now called the Icimani Adventure Center, named by two active Girl Scouts in the council. It is a site offering new and innovative programs that started this summer. Girl Scouts are sisters for life and GSVSC has been trying to

Striving for energy independence As we approach the height of U.S. is the world's largest energy the summer travel season, fami- producer. Over the past 25 years lies must factor in a much high- we have pumped 67 billion barer cost for gasoline. It is becom- rels of oil, and strong reserves ing evident that many families remain. The fact is the oil is there are being forced to either cancel - in Alaska, the Rockies, and offtheir summer travel plans or shore - but political roadblocks at the very least limit much of keep it in the ground instead of their activity to an area closer in your gas tank. I am a strong supporter of to home. With every passing legislation day, as gasoline which would surpasses $4 a Rep. Bob Goodlatte modernize the gallon, our dannation’s energy gerous dependence on foreign oil grows more policy by tapping into more of our massive energy resources and more apparent. While there is no easy fix to located in the deep seas on the rising gasoline prices, we must outer-continental shelf (OCS). focus our efforts on developing This important legislation gives a comprehensive solution to coastal states the power to deincreasing energy supplies and cide if they would like to pursue encouraging cleaner, more effi- energy production 50 miles off cient energy use. Our reliance the coast of their state, and gives on imported energy did not the federal government the abilcome about overnight, and it ity to produce energy 100 miles will take time to reverse. Many off coastal lands. The legislation Americans don't know that the also makes the U.S. competitive

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in the global development of energy sources. Currently, the U.S. is the only developed nation in the world that forbids safe energy production on its OCS, a fact that has put us at a severe disadvantage in the global marketplace. Additionally, I am a strong supporter of and have many times votes for legislation that would open the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, known as ANWR, to energy exploration. According to estimates by the U.S. Geological Survey, ANWR holds between 5.7 and 16 billion barrels of recoverable reserves, potentially producing nearly a million barrels of oil a day. Exploration and development in ANWR would open only 2,000 of the 19 million acres of the refuge, or the equivalent of an area one-fifth the size of Dulles Airport in an area the size of South Carolina. In addition to environmentally sound oil and natural gas production, we must expand production of electricity for nuclear power. We must also increase the performance of existing renewable research and focus on those areas that offer the greatest ability to tap or expand these new sources of energy. It is only through a comprehensive energy policy based on exploration, innovation, and conservation, that we can grow our economy, create quality jobs, and make America stronger.

make certain Girl Scouts don’t lose track of troop leaders or members. The council is in the process of setting up alumnae groups throughout its 36 counties. Find out what your sister Girl Scouts have been doing. Learn about the exciting activities now going on. Since the inception of Girl Scouting in 1912, more than 50 million women have been positively influenced by participating in Girl Scouts. Whether you were a Girl Scout or a volunteer who worked on the national or local level to help Girl Scouts reach their full potential, you are forever connected with this life-changing movement. For more information about joining, volunteering, or supporting Girl Scouts, contact us at 800-542-5905 or visit us at www.gsvsc.org.

Roanoke Valley’s Most Beautiful Cemetery 1045 Lynchburg Turnpike Salem, VA 24153 Family Service : 540-389-1049 www.sherwoodmemorialpark.com

(540) 375-2990 for Free Estate Planning Guide

boy when President Roosevelt visited Roanoke in 1934 to dedicate the VA Hospital in Salem. After exchanging friendly insults with the mayor, he was heard later to say, “Hooray for Mayor Bowers!” Full of stories, the Mayor’s last one was about the visit of Ruby the tiger to this office when Dr. Taylor was mayor. Bowers pointed to the small sofa where Ruby “reclined,”

providing just one more cool place to sit in the Mayor’s Office. Roanokers may love to look back but if the first day is any indication there is a positive and optimistic feel at City Hall as we all look forward to discovering what the future holds for our fair city. By Gail Tansill Lambert info@theroanokestar.com

Blue Mountain Gems

Christmas in July Sale! 50% Off

All Finished Jewelry in Showcases and on Display Located at the Forum, 4714-C Starkey Rd. Roanoke, VA 24018 (540) 776-0039

Page 4 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 7/4/08

perSpeCtiVe

We should mine the sea’s last big gift The sea does not reward those who are too anxious, too greedy, or too impatient. One should lie empty, open, choiceless as a beach—waiting for a gift from the sea. --Anne Morrow Lindbergh

TheRoanokeStar.com

Learning less from more and more from less

y earnest hope for this prised by what they found – a shortera of High Gas Prices age of tables and shelters, restrooms in Publishers Note: Liza Field’s column will once again be available to us via syndication through Bay is that will force us to redisrepair, a lack of care attributable to Journal News Service. We are thankful to have her thoughtful and inspiring environmentally oriented create community, or, to say it more tight budgets and citizen misuse. writings back on our pages. Welcome back, Liza. emphatically, Community. They also might find their voices, ach June, sea-loving species caught by ful fishing methEven before the publication of voices that could go before governing Americans begin to the fishing industry ods, consumption, “Bowling Alone,” we knew that the inbodies and demand better, not just in flow shoreward like worldwide, comeven cargo ship- stitutions of our forebears had begun fields for the travel teams that bring tax rivers, seeking from the coast prises over 16 bilping—to the speed to decline. Civic club memberships revenue from weekend tournaments, those treasures no other envi- lion pounds of fish of life. The ocean were graying and young members but also in basic amenities. ronment can give. per year, along with teaches slowness, were joining at a slower rate. Front Joe Kennedy They might notice the greenway sysThe raucous cry of gulls. The numerous seabirds, and it is her slow porches disappeared from houses, and tem that gradually is opening splendid warm fish-rot air, switching turtles and marine c r e a t u r e s — l i k e were replaced by decks in back, out of sight and parts of metropolitan areas to spirit-lifting walkwith cool salt winds. Flumes mammals. the right whales, view of many of the neighbors. ing, biking and hiking. They might break out the of pink sunrise over the Reading up on vulnerable to ship Travel went from European trips for the family canoe and take it, not to some river-to-dieLiza Field waves. Night swims among these losses, as strikes—who suf- wealthy to England (or France or Spain) for Ev- for in West Virginia but to the Roanoke River – the starry phosphorus. These beach season opens, fer from human eryone, it seemed. Youth athletic leagues began to the banks of which, they might notice, often have images remain perennially in has eliminated “seafood” from haste. While the Bush Admin- span states with Travel Teams in soccer, baseball, litter problems. the brine of our blood, even if the gift list I used to take to istration has dallied for years basketball, swimming and cheerleading, among More than all of this, they might begin to find we return home with nothing the sea. Canadian food jour- to enact recommended ship other sports. For whole seasons, families devoted their voices and speak to each other – to people more than a sunburn. nalist Taras Grescoe, author speed limits, our scant right their weekends to athletic facilities in suburban they don’t know, even, about topics besides the More tangibly, the sea has of Bottomfeeder, articulates whale population remains in areas of communities they otherwise would never latest material things, including mini-van regiven humankind food, in- it well. In his overview of our decline. visit. views, premier golf courses, vacation resorts or land rains, a vast coolant to role in the demise of ocean Life. Complicit in human Cultural highlights on those trips generally little Timmy’s plan to become a surgeon, although balance Earth’s climate, and life, Grescoe explains his own speed today is our miscon- peaked with dinner at Chile’s and nights at the he is only six. unpaved, open roadways to reduced appetite for seafood, ception that “time is money.” Ramada Inn. Getting there and back seemed to Croquet might make a comeback. Wiffle Ball foreign lands. The very life reasoning, “I would get no Immediate (not longterm) require vans and SUVs that drank like barflies. might require no explanation. Adolescent kids and history of humankind pleasure from eating a nearly economic gain is the reason Sales of foldable, cloth-and-metal sideline might play stickball or touch football on their has been a “gift from the sea.” extinct songbird. For me, a we hesitate to slow down chairs reached unimagined levels, as did sales of neighborhood streets. The errant play might Today, we’re waking up to pleasure that diminishes the ships or create marine pro- sunscreen. cause a ball to roll across the pristine yard of prissy the stunning fact that our experience of everybody else tections that could save ocean Indeed, discussions of family vacation plans neighbors, who would call the law, dispersing the ocean’s life is itself imperiled. on Earth is no pleasure at species. But time isn’t money; took on a can-you-top-this tone. The old-fash- children for, oh, maybe 10 minutes. Rising temperatures, pollu- all.” time is life. And since life is ioned car-camping trip across the United States In the short term, a return to such simplicity tion, acidification, the effects For the same reason, I can’t not a commodity, but a gift that I so envied my childhood friend Bob and his would cause the economy to crash, but that’s a of cruise and cargo ships, stomach the notion of further we can’t create, it isn’t ours to family for taking in the 1950s would have been natural consequence of our hell-for-leather pureven inland spills of plastic imperiling our coastal waters destroy for short-term gain. hooted at by others’ stories of private beaches and suit of More, when we can learn so much from pellets have taken a toll on with offshore drilling, simply Nor would that gain be viable, Summer Breezes on the decks of rented ocean- Less. everything from phytoplank- to save human beings a scant as our oceans’ predicament front homes. That’s my dream: communities where competiton to shellfish, sea turtles to few pennies (if even that makes clear, since the human Rising fuel costs won’t affect the truly wealthy tion is restricted to the workplace, where leisure birds, whales to wetlands. much) at the gas pump. economy comes from life, not very much, but for the many of us who viewed a time is valued and where people get to know not Ninety years of industrialIt’s hard to find joy in taking vice versa. hint of elegance as an occasional birthright, the only their like-minded, income-approximate scale overfishing have mean- anything the sea can no lonOceanic Vision. When we reality could be bracing. neighbors, but all kinds of other people, and enjoy while led to what biologists ger sustainably give. Yet fac- stand shin-deep in the ocean, Suppose even middle- to upper-middle-class their company. are calling an ecological melt- ing the overwhelming mess we touch foreign shores, myr- people began to spurn luxuries and return to Contact Joe at down, dismantling the ocean’s we’ve made of our oceans, iad other creatures, the earth simple pleasures like picnics by the river in a city pilarcik2@cox.net food chains. Cod, blue fin, it’s clear we still need some- and sky, past and future. This park. In many communities, they might be surhaddock, mackerel, red snap- thing from the sea to help us position can help us rememper, whale and shark—once navigate this confusing di- ber that the world is one place. abundant in our seas—are lemma—among many others. What we do inland to the air, among those whose numbers In fact, that something is the water and ground affects the have plummeted. one remaining resource our distant ocean, the whole cliTheir loss leads to others. commercial age has under- mate and every nation of the As many shark species have harvested: wisdom. globe. This is the bigger view dwindled to 1 percent of their Earlier peoples received we need to gain from the vast he Virginia General tivist who has fought about violating the former populations along the this resource in abundance eye of the ocean, whose life— Assembly passed against the online law anyway, but it’s Atlantic coast, the rays and from the sea. As a society we now see—is our own. a law last year re- publication of govan attempt to stop skates they once fed on are that has become good at takLiza Field is a hiker and quiring that public records ernment records for Ostergren’s “pesky” flourishing, consuming clams ing, perhaps we have much conservationist. She teaches containing your Social Security years for this very campaign against and scallops toward extinc- to learn from the oceans English and philosophy in the number, date of birth, signature, reason. To demonthe politicians. tion. who have known, through Virginia Governor’s School or other sensitive information strate how easy it is Are you outraged Wasteful harvesting meth- the ages, how to give. Here and Wytheville community be posted online, available to for criminals to get yet? ods globally contribute to are a few sea pearls emerging College. Distributed by Bay the world as of this July 1. Yes, our information, How can the these declines. The practice of into view from the grit of our Journal News Service. in the age where identity theft is she has downloaded government punish “finning”—slicing off sharks’ problems. Contact Liza at running rampant and destroy- 21,000 Social Secupeople for dissemiBrian Gottstein pectoral and dorsal fins for Pace. To save marine life, ﬁeldnotes@wiredog.com ing credit records and lives, a rity numbers off the nating information soup ingredients—wastes 40 biologists say, the human majority of our elected legisla- Internet, and has acthe government million of these creatures per world must slow down—our tors have made it easier for your cess to millions more. makes openly available on the year. “Bycatch,” the unwanted inland development, wasteidentity to be stolen. Ostergren has asked for a law Internet? That sounds unconNot only is the General As- requiring the blacking out of stitutional, and Ostergren is sembly aiding criminals by sensitive personal information challenging the law on First making your information read- before records are put online. Amendment grounds. She has ily available to them, it has also That has even proved to be a filed suit to try to keep the new created a law to go after the problem. The General Assem- law from taking effect in Virwoman who has tried for six bly passed a law in 2007 requir- ginia. She wants legislators to years to stop the government ing the information be stricken pass a real law to stop the postfrom posting our most sensitive from documents, but the law ing of sensitive information, information on the Internet. didn’t take effect because mon- rather than target her for raising Court records such as deeds, ey wasn’t appropriated to pay awareness of the issue. mortgages, tax liens, powers of for the time and labor for court Virginia Attorney General attorney, wills, and divorce de- clerks to do it. Bob McDonnell’s office agreed crees have always been available Since most legislators not to charge Ostergren under as a matter of public record, but wouldn’t listen, she started the new law while she is chalseeing them required going to posting THEIR information lenging it, but that exemption the courthouse in person and she obtained from government doesn’t apply to the rest of us. looking them up. Now that the websites on her website, www. The office said in a prepared General Assembly has mandat- TheVirginiaWatchdog.com. statement that, “There is no ed all court clerks in the state put Rather than learning their les- First Amendment right to discertain records online, it creates son and stopping the posting seminate the Social Security a goldmine for scammers and of our information online, the numbers of citizens…. [This identity thieves to easily pull So- politicians decided to pass a agreement not to prosecute cial Security numbers and cop- law this year aimed at stop- Ostergren] pertains only to the ies of signatures off the Internet ping Ostergren from posting plaintiff. We will enforce the by the thousands. Anyone can theirs. The new law makes it il- law prohibiting such activity sign up to access these records, legal for anyone to disseminate should anyone else decide to which can also contain dates of Social Security numbers from violate it.” birth, mothers’ maiden names, public records, even records on The case will be heard July minor children’s names, and fi- government websites. There 24. nancial account numbers. is a $2,500 fine for each violaContact Brian at Betty “B.J.” Ostergren is an ac- tion. It doesn’t do much to stop bgottstein1@yahoo.com the criminals, who don’t care

General Assembly helps crooks steal your identity

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 Advertising Director | Pam Rickard | pam@theroanokestar.com | 400-0990 Production Editor | Stephen Nelson | stephen@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.

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7/4/08 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 5

Alaska or bust

arybeth shakes oot becoming quiet wilderthe coarse sand ness once again. As we hike out of her boots along the deeply wooded and joins me as I lounge in trail today we see few signs the sun in front of the cab- of all that frenzy, just the ocin. She’s seven casional rusting months pregnant carcass of an iron with our first son, boiler or cook and naps come stove. Marybeth easily and welread that there are come. It’s been the remains of at raining all day but least 6 pianos unthe sun is out now der the lush ferns and it feels good along the trail. just to close our Imagine that. eyes and soak up Besides the John W. Robinson the warmth. Into scurrying mice, the clearing comes we’ve got the cabmy sister Ginny, preceded in to ourselves. As the girls by the tinkling of the “bear settle in, I ditch my pack and bell” hanging from her pack. go scout the trail ahead. I’m There’s no shortage of bears anxious to find out if what here in southeast Alaska, and we were told is true, that we we have been tenting among can’t get over White Pass this them for a week now. It’s go- early in the season; that most ing to be nice to sleep in the likely there will be snow up cabin here at Sheep’s Camp to our waists and we will lose with its real door, windows, the trail in the vast expanse and cook stove. . of nothingness above the tree We’re on the Chilkoot Trail, line. The pass is only a few the historic gold rush route miles above Sheep Camp, of the late 1800’s. The trail and as I scamper up the was traveled by thousands of trail my optimistic boundexcited, optimistic -perhaps ing becomes less so. Soon I desperate- characters headed am plowing through kneeinto the Yukon gold fields. deep snow and climbing, but From California and beyond, I’m still thinking “we can do they funneled into Skagway, this, even my very pregnant the coastal village that marks wife!” However, it doesn’t the start of the trail. At the take long before I am above height of the rush in 1899, the tree line and practically towns were springing up crawling, with no clear idea along the trail almost over- of the direction of the trail. night. As much fortune was OK, forget it. I return to the made in these settlements as cabin, and find it even more was made in the gold fields, appealing than before. I reprobably, considering how port my findings of the imbusy the general stores, sa- passable trail ahead and the loons, and brothels were said inescapable conclusion that to be. The bust came quickly we will have to return to Sktoo, and in the blink of an agway and hike or hitchhike eye it was over; the Chillk- into the Yukon via White

Pass road. Yes, this means we will have to stop at the Northern Lights Diner in the town to get some sourdough pancakes. The girls take the news surprisingly well and we settle down to an evening of eating beans and rice, reading and writing. Any hints of bear noises outside our cozy cabin are easily ignored. It’s a few days later and the pancakes are but a luscious memory and we are trudging up the gravel White Pass road, Our destination is Whitehorse, Yukon where we plan to catch a bus to Fairbanks. We assumed it would be easy to hitchhike on this road but we’ve been walking for over two hours and have yet to see a single vehicle. Finally an Alaska DOT truck pulls up and we hop in the back. Ginny and I hop, that is. Marybeth, being with child, hasn’t done much hopping in the last month or so. The road guys take us as far as the desolate pass, where they are rearranging gravel. It is remarkably quiet and austere here. Snow capped peaks surround us. No trees, just expansive patches of snow and rock and this gravel road. After another hour of hiking in the middle of the road we see an approaching dust cloud coming our way. “Big smiles everybody!” The old Chevy pick-up slows and shudders to a stop, a shower of rust flakes falling like dandruff from its pocked body. The friendly couple takes us all the way to Whitehorse, stopping to show us various points of interest along the way. We immediately find

Photo by John Robinson

Hitchhiking along White Paths Rd. on the way to White Horse, Yukon Alaska. Whitehorse to be a wasteland of a town, dry and desolate, and we are glad to be moving on to Fairbanks the next morning. As we’re pitching camp for the night in a patch of woods by the road, a dusty Greyhound bus passes by with “Fairbanks” on the placard. Well, the buses are running. That’s good. Early the next morning we arrive at the bus depot, which is not much bigger than an outhouse, and find it closed. The tattered schedule taped to the door indicates that there is no bus coming today. The one we saw the day before is the weekly bus to Fairbanks. Could it be? Yes, there will not be another bus going in that direction for seven days. “Heck, the next bus through here ain’t ‘till Tuesday,” says the scraggly proprietor of the nearby trading post, “and that one’s headed south.” This is

discouraging. We can’t survive Whitehorse for a week, that’s for sure, and there are no other feasible ways out of town, so we spend the next two days restlessly roaming the three dusty streets. We set our sights on our new direction, south, and think about exploring a bit of the Yukon and British Columbia, before returning to Seattle and home. Fairbanks, Talkeetna, Denali, all will have to wait for another time. Finally, we’re climbing onto the bus in the broad daylight of 4:00 AM, after having slept on the porch of the little bus depot. There are 16 other passengers and a pair of drivers. They’ll take turns on the 917-mile stretch between here and Dawson Creek. That’s right, 917 miles, with nothing in between but wilderness and a few trading posts. It’s raining

again as the bus lumbers onto the gravel highway, grinds through gears and builds up speed. I’m amazed at the relative comfort and luxury of the old bus. Like the womb, I muse and chuckle. I think about how this trip has had more than a few unexpected twists and turns. That’s life I guess. You never do know exactly what direction you will take in spite of the “best laid plans.” You just have to embrace what comes. Marybeth’s head is against my shoulder. She takes my hand and places it on her abdomen, and my fingers pulse with the kicking of the baby. I gaze through the rain and dust-streaked window and smile. Contact John at jwr77@verizon.net

“Harry” the pyrotechnics junkie gets ready for the 4th

ach year (around this time) a friend of mine begins a week long metamorphosis. This pal, who I will call "Harry" for the purpose of self-protection, appears to be a rather quiet middle-class fellow. You might have a neighbor like Harry, someone who blends into society well under the radar, a drab, hardly noticeable chap with no discernable quirks or flaws. You know the type; if Harry were a paint color he would be light beige, Autumn Summer Mist for those who frequent aisle twelve at Lowe's. What would possess a man like this to become a starkraving maniac driven by a controllable impulse to destroy, desecrate, and demolish? Turn your calendars to Friday and you will have your answer. Harry is a fireworks super-freak who lives

for that one day per an empty truck year when he can and a three break out of his tehundred dollar dious routine while spending limit breaking a little law (Harry's wife reor two in the barserves the right gain. to check any and Harry has loved all receipts), we the Fourth of July cruised towards since childhood. the Great Smoky From the first time Mountains on Jon Kauffman I-81. Harry had he saw a five burst made many trips mortar shell nearly destroy his parents garage, to this area before and had Harry was a goner. A native mapped out his route preof Long Island, New York, cisely. In all we covered a little Harry (much to his dismay) lives miles from the near- over five hundred miles durest legal fireworks depot. In ing our journey. My favorite fact, every year "The Mad stop was an old converted gas Bomber" travels through our station just outside of Knoxcozy little town on his way ville. The proprietor was a to Tennessee, a safe haven world-weary woman named for those with a hint of gun "Granny" who was missing powder in their veins. her right arm. Noticing her Last year, strictly out of handicap I nearly bolted, curiosity, I accompanied concerned for my safety. my buddy on his quest for What chance did I have if the perfect payload. With the owner couldn't stay out

The Roanoke Star-Sentinel Puzzle 1 (Very hard, difficulty rating 0.80)

SU DO KU RULES: Every row, column, and 3 x 3 mini-square must contain the numbers 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9 once and once only.

8 7

4 4

8 2

2 3

7 8

of harms way? Sensing my paranoia, Granny assured me that it was safe to enter the store, waving me up the stairs and into the building. I could immediately see why Harry had scheduled this location for our tour. Granny had everything! She even had DVD footage of every air-born missile for sale, clearly displaying its unique explosion of colors in the night sky. As Harry scurried around the establishment with a shopping cart, Granny and I watched the best indoor, almost live fireworks show I had ever seen. I found out that she had not lost her arm in an explosion, as I previously surmised, but

to a piece of farm machinery at the age of three. Her family had been selling fireworks for decades, helping the brood through leaner times. Harry had filled his cart in less than fifteen minutes and it was time for us to checkout and head back down the road. Just before we reached the door I was startled by a loud POP! My back tightened and I gasped for air. Standing with a party popper wedged under her arm was Granny, doubled over with laughter. "Sorry son, I couldn't resist," she chuckled slamming her hand on the store counter. Harry found this hysterical, I, on the other hand, was shaken but pleased

that I had not soiled myself. No doubt Harry's backyard must have sounded like downtown Baghdad later that week, his plunder assaulting the heavens and filling his neighbor's yards with smoke. I confess I too had a hunger for pyrotechnics after visiting Granny's place and squirreled away some projectiles of my own to take back to Roanoke. If you are a law enforcement official and are reading this story, please be kind. A stranger named Harry and an old one-armed lady made me buy those mortar rounds, honest! Contact Jon at Jon.Kaufman@sprint.com

Page 6 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 7/4/08

Gun lawlessness is the problem

uns aren’t the problem in America – but gun lawless-

ness is Twice, I’ve been robbed at gunpoint. Through the years, my house has been shot at a few times. In high school, I saw my mother down on her knees, begging for her life, with a sawed-off shotgun at her head with the trigger cocked. I have had several family members, friends and former students I’ve taught through the years who have been killed through gun violence. I know folks who have been jailed because they have either shot someone or have killed someone. In one case, while I was teaching in Newport News, VA, a student threatened to kill me on a Friday afternoon because he couldn’t get his way in my class. This same student was in the news the next day for killing a cab driver on a dare that Friday night. Roanoke’s drug dealers, gang bangers and White supremacists have been threatening to kill me for some time

now. I hear these know that there isn’t threats on a weekly a gun in the world basis. Still, I support that can take itself last week’s Supreme out of its case or safe, Court decision reafload itself, aim itself, firming a person’s shoot itself and kill Constitutional right or maim whenever it to own a hand gun. wants to. Guns don’t I am a gun owner. kill people, people In fact, I’ve been kill people. After all, around guns all of my no gun company has Jeff Artis life. I often joke with participated in a gang my family members war, killed someone that we have enough guns in my while robbing them or has shot family to start a small revolu- an innocent bystander. tion. I don’t hunt. But, I love to Guns aren’t the problem in eat a good meal of deer, rabbit or America. Those who misuse squirrel. A reporter once asked guns in America are the probme what I’d do if someone broke lem. Gun ownership is a simple into my house and tried to hurt matter of personal responsibility my family. I told the reporter, and accountability. I know how I won’t get down on my knees to shoot a gun. I know how to and sing, ‘We Shall Overcome.’ hold a gun. I know the damage I’ll introduce these people to my a gun can do. I was taught you two friends; Mr. Smith and Mr. never use a gun in anger and Wesson.” you only use a gun for target I’m not a gun nut. I don’t be- practice, hunting or to protect long to the NRA. Frankly, the your family. NRA gives regular gun owners Yes, gun lawlessness has gotlike me a bad name with their ten out of hand in America. Yes, government boogeyman anti- many of our communities are gun ownership paranoia. I just nothing more than war zones. However, those responsible for gun lawlessness are the problem, not guns or legitimate gun owners. The Supreme Court was correct in its decision upholding our Constitutional right to gun ownership. Contact Jeff at jeff@jeffartis.com

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preaCHer’S Corner

Finding our way from the sidelines to the field of life

In high school I, like most other boys in rural Arkansas, played football. At the time, I weighed-in at 145 pounds. In my football helmet and shoulder pads I resembled one of those potato figures school children carve with toothpicks for legs. In order to get off the sidelines and onto the field, I learned pretty quickly that all I had to do was hit the guy across from me with reckless abandon. The problem was, I was afraid to look at the person I was hitting. I knew if I saw the berserker fury in his eyes I might lose my nerve. So I tackled with my head down. By midway through my sophomore year I ruptured a disk in my neck. I still remember when the doctor gave me the bad news. “You’ll-have-toquit-playing-football,” he said, seemingly in movie-like slow motion. Football was my life. I was crushed. “You mean I have to sit out for the rest of the season?” I asked. “No,” he replied, “you have to quit playing football altogether. The risk of serious injury to your neck is too great.” At that point I, all sixteen years of gridiron toughness, began to cry. The doctor crouched down so as to look at me, coach-like, square in the eye. “Son,” he said, “You weren’t college material.” And that was the end of my football career. I was sidelined. Is there anything worse? Is there anything in all of human experience more lamentable, By Leigh Sackett more frustrating, than being sidelined? Growing up, we experience it in sports. In adult New England Clam Chowder live we experience it in many This is the recipe for clam chowder that I mentioned a few weeks ago in the Happy Chef col- arenas, when we feel as though umn. It was the first meal I ever cooked. It is such a delicious recipe. When I went to look it up the we are marginalized in our sopage in the cookbook was so wrinkled and stained from being used so much I could barely read cial lives, when we experience a passing over in our profesit. (It was very well loved once upon time!) This recipe comes from Better Homes and Gardens “New” Cookbook which is not exactly new sional lives. As we age, we anymore. Everyone should have this book and most everyone does - it has all the basic recipes. It find ourselves sidelined from would be that book you would take with you to that proverbial deserted island. You know - the activities simply because our bodies will not allow us to do one with the really nice kitchen . . .) What would I take to the deserted island? - That cookbook, “The Message” by Eugene Peterson, that teddy bear and some friends to eat the clam chowder. There is my deserted island answer now all I need is one to be stranded on!!

Recipe of the Week from The Happy Chef

1 pint of shucked clams or two 6 ½ oz cans of minced clams 2 slices of bacon 2 ½ cups finely chopped, peeled potatoes 1 cup chopped onion 1 teaspoon instant chicken bouillon granules 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 1 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed ½ teaspoon pepper 2 cups milk 1 cup light cream 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour -Shuck or drain clams reserving juice, if necessary add water to clam juice to equal 1 cup -Cook bacon until crisp, reserve one tablespoon of drippings, crumble bacon -In a large saucepan combine reserved bacon drippings, reserved clam juice, potatoes, onion, bouillon, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and pepper. -Bring to boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer about 10 minutes or until potatoes are tender -Mash potatoes with the back of a fork against the side of the pan -Combine milk, cream, and flour until smooth, add to potato mixture -Cook and stir until slightly thickened and bubbly -Stir in clams, return to boil, cook 1-2 minutes more -Sprinkle with crumbled bacon -Salt to taste -Makes 4 main-dish servings or 6-8 side-dish servings

all the things we once enjoyed. But despite this aversion, there are times—ironically—when we sideline ourselves. And perhaps this happens never so often as in our lives of faith. This is the context in which Jesus speaks in the 11th chapter of Matthew. Jesus has castigated the gathered crowd for sidelining themselves in faith. They claim to wait for word of the Messiah, but when John the Baptist came proclaiming, he was such an odd ascetic who didn’t joke or play or enjoy life, that they dismissed him as possessed by demons. Then Jesus himself came along—the very opposite of John, one who did joke and play and even have a drink or two—and the people dismissed him as a drunkard and a glutton. The crowd, who claim to yearn for new life and new love in God, have conveniently restricted themselves to the sidelines. Jesus says the people are like moody children who sit in the town square, begging to play but being unsatisfied and unresponsive to the music and games offered them. It would be one thing if the people could claim not to have heard the music in the market place, the Gospel call of Jesus. But they have heard, and yet they rationalize away every opportunity to leave the sidelines and enter into the life of active faith. So do we. It would be easy for me to focus on a lack of church attendance as sitting on the sidelines, but I mean much more than that. Even being in church regularly can be little more than being a spectator in the life of faith. I’m not exactly talking about involvement in church activities either (though I’d surely encouragement increased involvement). We sideline ourselves just as the ancient crowd did. We hear the message that God wants to be in relationship with us, not in

some esoteric or intellectual way, but with the same depth and intimacy as a friend, or, if you’ll allow, a lover. The invitation is alluring, as when we hear a good sermon or religious song, but it also makes us uncomfortable. And so we rationalize staying on the sidelines: When the kids get older…when things settle down…when I get over this illness…when I find a more open-minded church, or when I find a more orthodox one… Forget all that, Jesus says! God wants to know us—to love us. Can you imagine? We are a priority in God’s life, and he wants us so to enter into faith that he becomes a priority in ours. What would that look like? It would change everything, wouldn’t it? No decision would be made in the same way. No interaction with another person would be quite so blithe and dismissive. It would affect every aspect of our lives. Sounds like a heavy burden. Sounds like a yoke around the neck. There is a legend that at the creation birds had no wings. When wings were given to them, they rebelled, saying that the new appendages were heavy, awkward, and burdensome. But when the first bird finally, reluctantly accepted his wings, he found that he could fly! Only that burden could lift him to the sky. Again this day and every day, Jesus comes to us and offers his burden. He tells of the God he knows, the God who through him we can know. We sit on the sidelines, but a voice is calling us onto the field. We sit on the sidelines. Will we take wing and take flight?

Barkley Thompson is Priest and Rector at St. John’s Episcopal Church at the corner of Jeﬀerson Street and Elm Avenue. Visit them on the web at: www.stjohnsroanoke.org

Roanoke Revisited Sponsored by

Killroy was here I imagine that it would be hard to find anyone who has not heard of the expression, "Kilroy Was Here!" But, the rest of the story is worthy of one of Paul Harvey's monologues. In 1946, shortly after the end of World War II, the American Transit Association sponsored a nationwide contest to find the real "kilroy." The prize was an original

trolley car to the person who could identify himself as the genuine article. About 40 men stepped forward to make the claim. But only one, James Kilroy from Halifax, Massachusetts had the evidence to support his identity. James Kilroy was a 46-year old shipyard worker during the war. His job was to go around and check the number of rivets that had been completed. Riveters were on piecework and were paid by the rivet Kilroy would count a section of rivets, and put a check mark in semi-waxed chalk, so that the rivets would not be counted twice. But, when Kilroy finished his shift, other riveters would erase his marks. A short time later, an inspector would come through and count the rivets a second time, resulting in double pay for the riveters. One day, Kilroy's boss called him into the office. The foreman was upset about the money being paid to riveters, and asked Kilroy to investigate the problem. It didn't take Kilroy long to figure out what was happening. The tight, narrow spaces he had to crawl through did not lend themselves to carrying a paint can and brush, so Kilroy stuck with the chalk. Only this time he added KILROY WAS HERE in large let-

Bud Feuer

ters next to his chalk mark. He soon added the famous sketch of a fellow with a long nose peering over a fence. The riveteers got the message and stopped wiping away the marks. Ordinarily, the chalk marks would have been covered up with paint. But with the war on, ships were leaving the yards so fast that there wasn't time to erase the markings. As a result, Kilroy's inspection "trademark" was seen by thousands of servicemen who boarded troopships. The figure soon began to take on a life of its own. Soldiers and sailors quickly added the symbol to tanks, landing craft, airplanes, and whatever els~ their imagination might dream up. In 1945, accordin9 to legend, an outhouse was built for the exclusive use of Roosevelt, Churchill, and Stalin at the Potsdam Conference. The first person to use the facility was Stalin, who, when he emerged, asked his aide, "Who is Kilroy?" SuDoku Answers for pg. 5 Puzzle 1 (Very hard, difficulty rating 0.80)

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7/4/08 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 7

The joy and wonder of hiking Mill Mountain’s trails

he grandchildren are coming! Last summer we walked up the Old Road to the Mill Mountain Star, the baby at four years old proving his mettle by arriving first at the top with his speedster dad, brother and ten-year old sister. I brought up the rear, entertained by the six & seven year-old girls who danced and sang songs from “High School Musical” all the way up the mountain. This summer husband Mill and I are scouting Mill Mountain trails for them to climb. First, we used the drop-off space on the J.B. Fishburn Parkway where the Star Trail crosses the road to start up the mountain, climbing steadily on a wide trail with an easy grade. Songbirds in the trees provided background music as squirrels and chipmunks raced across last winter’s dead leaves. We were stopped in our tracks at the sound of a white-tailed deer as he came crashing down the mountainside before disappearing off to our left. About halfway up we stopped to chat with a trio of women led by Mill Mountain’s most passionate protector, Betty Field, all smiles and happily at home on the woodsy path. We went on to complete the trail which

had become somewhat steep and narrow toward the top in a leisurely hour, and were rewarded with views from the Mill Mountain Star overlook and clean new restrooms. Next we hiked the Monument Trail (for bikers too), named for the handsome stone monument at the eastern end of the trail in honor of philanthropist Junius B. Fishburn, media and banking mogul. For this trail we parked on Walnut

Avenue and accessed the trail from a Private Road to the left where Sylvan Road becomes Prospect Road. At 9 a.m. on a Saturday, the trail was cool and dark beneath the leafy canopy. The narrow, stony path rises in altitude across the midsection of the mountain going east and crossing the Star Trail (hikers only) until it comes to the intersection of Mill Mountain Parkway Spur and J.B. Fishburn Parkway. Parts of

the trail have upper rock walls embellished with tree roots, ferns and rich green moss, surely homes for forest fairies when humans are absent. The return trip features a downhill decline in altitude as the trail approaches Prospect Road. On that segment we passed a group of six hikers including a short-legged friendly dog and Beth Macy, Roanoke Times staff writer. The former food editor shared winterber-

Acting troupe runs the “Gamut” in staging little-known plays They call themselves Gamut, as in Gypsies and Misfits Unknown Theatre, a local acting troupe that has been together officially only since 2003, although many of them have know each other or worked in theater elsewhere since the 1980’s. In conjunction with the “Gang of Lost Souls” art show being held at the same time in the same building, Gamut will stage four plays by Harold Pinter from July 3-July 13, on various dates and at various times, at Jefferson Center. All four works by the British playwright will take just over an hour to perform; two are one-act plays and two are short sketches. Miriam Frazier may be typical of the Gamut crew: she’s a legal secretary by day for a Roanoke law firm but will direct all four plays, appearing in one (Party Time)

as an actor. “We’re sort of the remnants of the Acting Company,” said Frazier, recalling an earlier group. “Some of us have worked together for over 20 years.” She said the group seems to come together when they want to do theater “that’s not readily available to the community… at any other venue.” The Gamut performances will take place at Jefferson Center’s smaller recital space behind Shaftman Hall. “Gamut is the only place where we can do exactly what we want,” notes Frazier. “Its goal is to absolutely produce pieces of theater that cannot be seen anywhere else in this area. We’re not going to do the Sound of Music.” She likes the small, intimate “black box” feel of the recital hall. Frazier knows the people staging the Gang of Lost

Souls exhibit, which features new and emerging artists, feeling there is good synergy between the two groups. “We all know each other and are friends. We definitely coordinated to make sure these events happened at the same time. I just think it makes sense.” Harold Pinter is a favorite playwright for Frazier, who majored in theater. She was a board president for Showtimers and artistic director for the Acting Company. “It’s the rhythm of the way that he writes,” said Frazier of Pinter, still productive in his late ‘70’s. “And quite frankly it’s the subject matter.” The four plays Gamut will stage are all “fairly dark…and absurdly funny,” with a common thread running through them she promises. Pinter also leaves much of the interpretation in the hands of

YMCA honors Roanoke City with naming ceremony The newly named Roanoke Aquatic Center will continue to serve the community at the Kirk Family YMCA on Fifth Street, after a special “Naming Ceremony” was held last Thursday, June 26, in an area overlooking the family and exercise pools. Distinguished city guests included former Mayor Nelson Harris, City Council members Court Rosen and Gwen Mason, City Manager Darlene Burcham, and Parks and Recreation Director Steve Buschor. The YMCA credits its partnership with the city of Roanoke as a reason for the expansion, the member growth, and the help they have in turn, been able to give the community. “It is that commitment to this community, and our strong partnership with the city of Roanoke that brings us to this moment today,” David Willis, President of the YMCA of Roanoke Valley Board of Directors, said during his comments about the past, present, and future of the YMCA. According to Willis, the “public-private partnership” with the city began in 2001, when City Council approved an agreement to invest two million dollars over a ten-year period for a new downtown YMCA. Membership has grown from the original 3,300 when the branch opened in 2004 to the now more than 9,000 members. “One out of every eight Roanoke City residents are served by the YMCA through memberships, wellness, childcare, swim les-

Photo by Sylvia Wood

Roanoke City Manager Darlene Burcham and former Mayor Nelson Harris received plaques of appreciation on behalf of the city as the new name was unveiled. sons, and so much more,” Willis said, adding that Roanoke residents can receive financial assistance for memberships as well as childcare and other services. “In the most recent fiscal year,” he said, “the YMCA provided financial assistance of almost $790,000 to city residents.” Willis’ comments were followed by short speeches about what the aquatic program has done for them by members Hallie Cole, Rob Lawson, and Pearl Fu. Roanoke City’s response to the honor was presented by Harris and Burcham; all present then unveiled the Roanoke Aquatic Center plaque which will now be displayed near the Aquatic Center. By Deborah K. Wood info@theroanokestar.com

Taubman Museum of Art reveals name for museum’s atrium The Taubman Museum of Art recently unveiled the distinctive logo for the facility and announced the new building’s dramatic atrium will be named in honor of the City of Roanoke’s $4 million contribution to the capital project. C. Nelson Harris, outgoing mayor of the City of Roanoke, was presented with a resolution by the Board of Trustees in the press conference held on June 12 and thanked for his exemplary support of the museum during his tenure as mayor. City Manager Darlene Burcham was also presented with an image of the new museum signed by award-winning architect of the project, Randall Stout. The Taubman Museum of Art in downtown Roanoke is scheduled to open Nov. 8.

the actors, director, even the audience. “They’re going to want to talk about what it is they just saw. I like that. Its not spelled out for us. I’m very fond of Harold Pinter but it’s challenging, in a good way.” Gamut dates and times: July 3, 7:30pm; July 5, 8pm; July 6, 2pm; July 10, 7:30pm; July 11, 8pm; July 13, 2pm. Tickets are $10 and may be purchased at Jefferson Center. For more information call 380-3168. By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

ries with us -a delicate and delicious berry I had passed on earlier believing them to be unripe blackberries, such as I had known in the Georgia woods growing up. The trail is not strenuous and delights with sights, sounds, and smell of the earth and mountain air. A picnic on Mill Mountain is always a singular experience. On a day that the temperature

topped out at 91 degrees in the Roanoke Valley, the air was cool and breezy atop Mill Mountain. We spread a tablecloth over a picnic table beneath the shade of two large oak trees. The grassy level picnic area provided space for children to run and play while the adults set out the food. From our picnic bench we could enjoy the view of the Roanoke Valley, bathed in sunlight and emitting the distant noise of traffic and construction as well as the opposite view of Roanoke Mountain and high-altitude Blue Ridge Parkway territory. To celebrate summer we indulged ourselves in boxed lunches from the Roanoker Restaurant – fried chicken, ham biscuits, potato salad and apple pie, plus a quart jar of home-brewed iced tea in the cooler. Ahh . . .The pleasures of our mountain-retreat-in-the-city never fails to renew our spirits and please our fortunate family and friends. Go to www.greenways.org/ millmt.htm for information and trail maps. By Gail Tansill Lambert Contact Gail at info@theroanokestar.com

Sports

Page 8 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 7/4/08

“Professional” Baseball

TheRoanokeStar.com

Custom Tool overcame an early loss and came back to defeat B & D Siding to win the Men’s Rec Green Championship Below: Custom Tool pitcher Justin Dent, delivers an underhanded knuckleball.

Roanoke Valley professionals participate in Men’s Recreational Baseball leagues.

B & D batter Tyson Saunders, above, checks the opponents defensive allignment.

Photos by Bill Turner

Advance Auto Parts came from behind to defeat A&W High Rollers 9-7, winning the Men’s Recreation Blue Championship. Advance ended the season with a perfect 16-0 record. Advance’s Craig Jarrell, above, connects in the title game. A&W slugger Shay Keese, right, gets a few high-fives after he homered to deep left.

Swimming Spotlight:

Photos by Bill Turner

North Lake’s Chandler Jearls, above, launches from the platform. North Lake swimmer Brooke Abele, top right, heads to victory in her 50- meter race and Justin Wood, far left, shows his form in win, Monday.

North Lakes swims at Castle Rock

Fun and fellowship Area churches participate in summer softball leagues During the summer months, community athletics are in full force in Roanoke and Salem. There are many options to choose from: soccer, basketball, flag football, baseball and softball—even kickball and dodgeball. And if you happen to venture out to the Moyer Sports Complex in Salem during the week, you’ll probably find an adult-league softball game going on. There are leagues for area businesses and churches that run from May until July. Two such games from this week involved churches from Salem. Both games featured a mix of talent, competitive drive and a tremendous amount of sportsmanship. Players from each team chatted amicably throughout the game, with both sides offering encouragement for every

base-hit or defensive gem. And after each game, the teams gathered around one another to pray. In the first game of the night, Fellowship Community Church (in black) defeated First Evangelical Methodist Church to improve their record to 3-5-1 for the season. First Evangelical Methodist fell to 1-8. The second game pitted Bethel Baptist against Life Church. Bethel withstood a late rally to prevail 6-5. With the win, Bethel improved to 5-3, while Life Church’s record fell to 4-4. For more information on these summer leagues, visit www.ci.salem.va.us/depts/ parks_rec/index.html. By Matt Reeve Matt@theroanokestar.com

Life Church SS Jeff Harris, above, fields a grounder and flips to 2B Jeff Floyd for the force out. Bethel Baptist would hang on to win this game 6-5.

Photos by Matt Reeve

Jared Purdue of First Evangelical Methodist Church digs in against Fellowship Community Church during this week’s game at the Moyer Sports Complex. Fellowship Community Church prevailed 6-3.

TheRoanokeStar.com

How to be a better gardener

People often ask me, “How can I be a better gardener?” or “How do you KNOW that?” Gardening need not be a big mystery. Nature has basic principles that are as true for plants as animals or rocks or sky. The nature of living things is complex, because it is a dynamic system. Gardening is not like working with widget A and widget B that are the same this morning as they were yesterday, and the day before. Plants are driven by many forces, and just like our moods, a plant functions differently this morning from the way it will this afternoon, or tomorrow. Therefore, the old farmers’ saying, “Make hay while the sun shines,” could not be more appropriate to live by when gardening. If you want to be a good gardener, it takes a dedication to working on the plant’s schedule, not necessarily your own, and to hone your powers of observation. The other thing that will stead you is a good dose of common sense. Just as we give up things for our children, we must be willing to shuffle our schedule a little to accommodate our plants. For example, summer annual weeds are appearing in our lawns and gardens as the heat begins to set in. They become more visible as the grasses begin to go semi-dormant in midsummer. While it may seem that we woke up one morning and the lawn was yellowing and these weeds were everywhere, they actually started germinating when warm weather began. That means that their juvenile life, when they would

have been susceptible to weed killers (April-May) has passed. We need to bite the bullet and recognize that what we can do now is remove them or prevent the seeds from germinating by mowing regularly, even when the grass may not need it. Use a crabgrass preventer in the lawn during mid-late August, or use a pre-emergent in our flower beds any time the weeds are freshly pulled. All weed killers will say on the label to apply them when the weeds are actively growing. The word “active” often slips past us. Being green does not constitute being active. They mean when things are growing rapidly, in spring or fall, not during the hot hazy days of summer. A constant complaint I hear is “Weed killers didn’t work,” to which I have to ask, “When did you apply it?” Even during the cooler seasons, it stands to reason that after a fresh rain, things will grow faster than at the end of a 2 week dry spell. Timing is everything. Fertilizer should be applied when things are actively growing, too. If we apply it too early we force things out of dormancy prematurely, leaving them susceptible to late frosts. The unused fertilizer carries a monetary cost, as well as the cost of contaminating our groundwater. After the initial flush of spring growth, trees and shrubs won’t need a lot of fertilizer, while your flowering bedding plants will. Generally, feed small plants until mid July. Watering should be done infrequently, but deeply. Sprinklers are the least effective way to water, due to evaporation.

VCCS To receive nearly $2 million The U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration today announced more than $17 million in awards to nine state agencies and one community college system that competed to assist dislocated workers. Funding will be used to implement demonstration projects that build the skills and employment options of workers either already or at risk of becoming dislocated. “These $17 million in grants will help workers develop the skills they need to succeed in new careers and even start new businesses,” said Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao. A total of 32 proposals competed in four categories. First, “Entrepreneurship for Dislocated Workers” projects will help workers who have lost their jobs start small businesses. Selected proposals came from the North Carolina Department of Commerce ($1,605,506), the Virginia Community College System ($1,970,291), the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs ($1,000,000), and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development ($2,000,000). Two projects were chosen for funding in the second category, called “Getting Ahead

of the Curve: Raising Educational/Skill Levels of Workers in Declining Industries.” The Connecticut Department of Labor ($2,000,000) and Iowa Workforce Development ($1,999,620) will develop strategies to upgrade the skills of workers who are likely to face layoffs. Three “Innovative Adult Learning Models for Dislocated Workers” projects will identify new ways to train dislocated workers. The New Hampshire ($1,818,755) and Michigan ($2,000,000) Departments of Labor and the Kansas Department of Commerce ($821,527) were chosen to carry out these demonstrations. In the fourth category, the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development ($1,980,846) was selected for its proposal to help former recipients of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families maintain employment and enter or advance within highgrowth careers. “These projects will result in innovations that help vulnerable workers build their skill sets and advance their careers in the 21st century economy,” said Deputy Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training Brent R. Orrell.

Consider how you can conserve our water resources. Soaker hoses, a pail with a nail hole in the bottom, drip irrigation, rainwater and grey water collection, are all things we should consider. Pruning timing varies by plant. There is the ideal time, and then there are things you can get away with if you don’t mind sacrificing bloom or berries. Consider the plant, however. Would you like a lot of fresh wounds during 90 degree weather if you were a plant? Pruning in the summer is hard on them due to water loss and the prevalence of insects and disease. The Extension office can provide pruning calendars to help you. Planting is best done when roots are actively growing. It is no surprise that it’s when weather is cool! Again, spring and fall. However, if you can water and baby it, perhaps providing a shade cloth temporarily, you can plant any time you can dig a hole. The question is, are you prepared to monitor it daily or at least every few days and will you observe the warning signs of stress? Water stressed plants lose their shininess and become dull, perhaps even a grey-green color. As for the question “How do I KNOW that,” observation is the key. “To every thing, there is a season…” Watch for insects and disease, get a diagnosis early, practice prevention, learn the natural rhythms and cycles in the garden, and you, too, will blossom! Barbara Leach, Horticulture Technician, VCE, Roanoke

FutureCare from Sam Rasoul Dear editor, Health Care for all children is one of several good reasons I'm supporting Sam Rasoul, for Virginia-6th Congressional District. Sam supports funding CHIP at the national level so that all children can receive accessible, affordable and quality health care. (20 years of kids, kindness, Roanoke Times June 23rd, 2008) I've worked closely with CHIP for over 15 years both in my current position as a school nurse and former position with the health department. It is heartbreaking knowing that without programs like CHIP many children will not succeed in school and be successful because they lack basic health care and/or specialty services. In addition to serving children birth to age 5, CHIP provides an outreach worker who assists older children in obtaining health insurance. Unfortunately, there is not enough money available to hire more outreach workers. Even with adequate funding many children will fall between the cracks either because they are over income, don't meet residential requirements, have no social security number, and a host of other reasons. Sam proposes FutureCare, for these children living in this district that do not have health

Hidden Valley Middle receives $2,500 gift from Food Lion Hidden Valley Middle School has received $2500 from the Food Lion Charitable Foundation. Hidden Valley Middle School will use the gift to help fund its new Literacy Library. “We are very grateful to Food Lion for this generous infusion of funds in support of our Literacy Library,” said Ken Nicely, principal of the school. The Literacy Library will be an important part of the middle school’s goal of helping students of all reading levels improve their reading skills. Specifically, the Literacy Library will provide classroom teachers with sets of high-interest, leveled reading materials, correlated to Standards of Learning. “Our students spend time every week reading independently in class and the Literacy Library will allow more students to develop a love for reading,” said Nicely. Established in 2001, the Food Lion Charitable Foundation provides financial support for programs and organizations dedicated to improving the communities in

which Food Lion operates. The Foundation places an emphasis on the support of primary and secondary education, feeding the hungry, and organizations that enhance the quality of life in Food Lion’s local communities.

7/4/08 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 9

Letters

care but don't qualify for CHIP. This is a fleet of mobile clinics that will travel around the district and provide basic health care and physicals to children. Sam pledges to use part of his salary to create this initiative while asking for community support in the way of volunteer health care providers as well as medical equipment. While Sam doesn't promise to have all the answers to our children's health care crisis, he is open to input from nurses, doctors, and others regardless of your party affiliation. Please learn more about Sam's plan and voice your concerns at www.SAM2008.com Judy Hawks Roanoke,VA

Alternative means in mind?

Dear editor, With the high cost of gas, I would like to see the city of Roanoke do more for alternative forms of transportation such as buses, bicycles and making it safer for pedestrians. I know that will take a great deal of money but I am thinking of the future. Are there organizations in the Roanoke Valley working toward that goal? Wm Jay Bender Roanoke ,VA

Page 10 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 7/4/08

> July Salem Farmers Market Events By Roanoke County Master Gardeners Please join us, it’s all free!!! July 5th – Speaker Donna Haley – “ The Good,The Bad And The Ugly”. Good and bad bugs and the use of pesticides. July 12th – Speaker Suzan Anderson- ‘No Rain No Problem’. Learn about native plants who adopt to drought conditions. July 19th – Speaker Nancy Goodman,- “Floral Arrangements With Weeds, Yes Weeds! Really”. Make a floral arrangement with flowers and weeds from your yard. July 26th – Speaker Trina Nicholson.-” Got Butterflies?” We’ll show you plants that attract them.

> July 4-6 ID3 Bike Races July 4th weekend Roanoke, Virginia will be the site of the ID3 races. The Barkett Allen Capital Criterium is the first of three races for the ID3 weekend. This race carries a $3,000 purse + Primes and Medals. Located in the heart of downtown Roanoke, Virginia. This five corner, 3/4-mile course of-

Community Calendar

fers fast, long straight-aways and classic brick sections. Starts and ends on Salem Ave. while circling the Wachovia tower. Where- Downtown Roanoke, Blacksburg. For more- For cost and registration info visit www.id3races. com

> July 8 Jazz on the Patio The band for July 8 is The Marc Baskind Trio, made up of vocals, guitar, piano and drums. Enjoy their renditions of classic jazz.. Dancing is encouraged at these events. Light refreshments and seating are provided. And while you are here have a browse through the extensive CD collection of jazz music that the library provides. The event is free. When- 6 - 7:45 p.m. Where- Roanoke Main Library For more- 540-853-1057

> July 10 Emerging Artists Kicking the new Emerging Artists year off strong with a new show, opening reception July 10. Come out and take part in the fun, so we all can say “you playin’, aren’t you, you playin’!” Featuring:“A Natural History of Imaginary Birds and Real Bats” with, Joe Kelley, artist, showing his latest new paintings. Rootstone Jug Band, www.rootstone.net (offspring of New Roanoke Jug Band), playing a rare 2008 gig. And Alejandro’s Mexican Grill providing the food. Plus real live parrots (the birds) will be here too! Everyone is welcome, all ages, and there’s no charge for anyone. Joe Kelley’s art is on display from July 10 till about Aug 2. When- 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. Where- Roanoke Main Library Downtown For more- 540-853-1057 for more information or check out www.myspace.com/emergingartistsroanoke

> July 10, 11, 12

7thAnnual Virginia Southern Gospel Jubilee The Pentecostal Outreach Church in Buena Vista will sponsor its 7th Annual Virginia Southern Gospel Jubilee on July 10, 11, and 12. On Thurs.- special guest singers: Kevin Spencer and Friends;The Browders; and Mike Upright, Friday -Restoration; The Singing Cookes; and The Cooke Brothers will perform. Then on Saturday the event will conclude with The Bowlings; The Oxendines; and Carla and Redemption. Food concessions and camping will be available. The event will be held rain or shine. Everyone is advised to bring a lawn chair. When- Thurs. & Fri. - 6 p.m., Sat.5 p.m. Where- Our event will be held in Glen Maury Park; 10th Street; Buena Vista under the multipurpose shelter. For more- call Pastor Larry Clark 540-261-2556 or go to the event’s web-site: www.VaSouthernGospelJubilee.com

> July 11 Earth-Friendly Friday Polls show that, in addition to high gasoline prices, Americans hate two things: sprawl and congestion. Dom Nozzi, this month’s Earth-Friendly Friday speaker, will show how communities built for cars rather than people create both sprawl and congestion, dramatically reducing quality of life. Car-based design creates barriers for travel by transit, bicycling, or walking. When- 6:30 p.m. Where- Unitarian Universalist Church, Grandin Road, SW For more- contact Bob Egbert (384-7448)

> July 14 First Steps to Starting a Business Learn the basics on what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur at this introductory seminar for prospective business owners. Monday, July 14. When- 5:30 - 9:00 PM, Where- Roanoke Regional

Chamber of Commerce Boardroom. Cost- $25/person. Prepayment and pre-registration required by Friday, July 11. For more- contact Taryn at 983.0717 ext. 239, e-mail sbdc@ roanokechamber.org or visit www.rrsbdc.org..

> July 22 Jazz on the Patio The band for July 22 is The Leslie Brooks Jazz Duo performing great jazz standards and originals, with the finest guitar accompaniment by Marc Baskind. Dancing is encouraged at these events. Light refreshments and seating are provided. And while you are here have a browse through the extensive CD collection of jazz music that the library provides. The event is free. When- 6 - 7:45 p.m. Where- Roanoke Main Library For more- 540-853-1057

> July 23 Comedy Hypnosis Junior Achievement of Southwest Virginia presents Comedy Hypnosis, featuring James Kellogg, Jr. - “the Amazing Hypnotist.” When- 7 p.m, Where- Whitman Auditorium, VWCC Cost- Adults- $12, Children & Students- $8 For more- (540)-989-6392

> July 25 Western Virginia Regional TRIAD Conference on Crime Prevention for Senior Virginians This conference is for seniors and those interested in issues involving senior citizens. Lunch and seminars are provided at no charge, but prior registration is required. Local agencies, businesses and organizations providing services to seniors will be on hand as exhibitors. Presentations will be on: “Elder Abuse”, “Senior Driving”, “Digital Television Conversion” and “Home Repair Scams”. When- 8 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Where- Whitman Auditorium, VWCC For more- contact Kathy Terry at the Office of the Attorney General, 540-562-3570

> Aug. 2 Rock Churches of Blueridge Parkway - Bus Tour The Salem Parks & Recreation is sponsoring a bus trip to tour the Rock Churches of the Blue Ridge Parkway, built by Rev. Bob Childress, on Saturday, August 2, 2008. The group will travel to Fancy Gap, VA, for a brief orientation tour at the historical Carroll County Courthouse. They will pick up a step-on guide and begin the tour up the Blue Ridge Parkway. The focus will be on the six historical rock churches built by the Rev. Bob Childress. These churches are on Buffalo Mountain, Slate Mountain and the counties of Carroll, Patrick and Floyd. In a biography entitled “The Man Who Moved A Mountain,” it is told how Rev. Childress braved the wilderness and brought the light of the gospel to wild and brutal areas. The Hillsville Massacre in 1912 helped Bob Childress to realize that the drinking, fighting and killings so much a part of the mountain peoples lives were not normal. Come and learn how one man made such an impact on these mountain people. Where- Passengers can board the bus at the Bonsack Walmart, Rt. 460, Roanoke; and at the Salem Senior Center, 110 Union Street, Salem,VA. Cost- The price of $59 per person includes: Roundtrip motorcoach transportation, a step-on guide, fudge sampling at Nancy’s Candy Company, an all inclusive lunch and a tour host. For more- call (540) 375-3054.

> Aug. 8-9 Jefferson High School 60th Reunion Jefferson High School Class of 1948 is planning its 60th year reunion When- August 8-9 Where- Hotel Roanoke For more- Lorena Terry (540)774-0283

> Aug. 11 Business Basics Discover business planning, forms of organizations, marketing strategies, and the realities of being a business owner at this quick introduction to owning your own business. Monday, August 11.

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When- 4:00 - 5:30 PM, where- Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce Boardroom. Cost- $10/person. Prepayment and pre-registration required by Friday,August 8. For more- contact Taryn at 983.0717 ext. 239, e-mail sbdc@ roanokechamber.org or visit www.rrsbdc.org.3

> Sept. 6, 20 & Oct. 5

Virginia DeRailers Series The series continues with the final three races in the fall with the MW Windows Mountain Bike Race in Franklin County on September 6th ,Assault on Liberty Mountain in Lynchburg on September 20th and the final race the Poor Mountain HillClimb in Roanoke County on October 5th . Camp Roanoke will once again host the championship award ceremony for the entire series. Racers will have plenty of time to train throughout the summer months and come back strong for the finish this fall. There are presently 156 competitors able to qualify for the series if they continue to race this fall. Cash awards totaling $2000 will be awarded to winners at the conclusion of the DeRailer series. Due to course difficulty no one under 14 years of age can participate in the Poor Mountain HillClimb. For information on how to join the series visit the DeRailer website at www.vaderailerseries.com

> Sept. 17

Destroyer Leaders Association Former shipmates from USS NORFOLK DL1,USS MITSCHER DL2 / DDG-35, USS JOHN S MCCAIN DL3 / DDG36, USS WILLIS A LEE DL4, and USS WILKINSON DL5 will meet in St. Louis, Missouri, September 17 - 21, 2008 for their 12th annual combined reunion. Family and friends are welcome to attend. When- Sept. 17-21 Where- St. Louis, Mo. For more- Destroyer Leader Association, 2311 Idavere Road SW Roanoke, VA 24015-3903, email DestroyerLeader1@cox.net

Have an item for the calendar? email it to submissions@theroanokestar.com

Classifieds > 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. > Estate Sales Cleaning out? Settling an estate? We buy old books, postcards, photos, mags, estate items, etc. Paper Memories 774-1881. > Wanted 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

> Help Wanted Office Support ADMINISTRATION Full time position opening at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens Cemetery assisting the Administrator and Sales Staff. Requirements must include 2 years of Administrative Experience, Microsoft Office, Excel, Word, multiline phone experience, Customer Service and able to perform tasks with minimum supervision. Apply in person at 5737 Airport Rd., Roanoke,Virginia > 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! Honda Lawnmower HR173 $100.00 540-342-2183 Double Mattress, Boxsprings and Frame Serta Perfect Sleeper $40.00 540-342-2183 World Book Encyclopedias 60’s and 70’s Yearbooks $10.00 540-342-2183 Canon StarWriter Word processor, good condition $25. (540) 725-1329 > Haiku ads For teens and adults, Fun Summer Painting Classes, With retired artist Call Janet Wimmer, 977-1681 or e-mail janet.wimmer@gmail. com

Strumming a six string want to improve but need help Lessons are your hope Call Greg @ 540-354-2049 Beautiful kittens Gift from a neighborhood stray Seeking loving homes 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 Children’s filled aprons, Krayon keepers, crafts, quillows... And ‘has beens’ galore. Emily,Vendor 1806, 725-1464, emilym@cox.net I repair the tabs or whole shingles. You provide material and ladder. 7 dollars per tab. Robspad@hotmail.com spinet Piano in excellent condition Would you like to play? Call Peggy@342-2183 or pae-onia@juno.com FREE!!!! We’ll run any ad from a private party written in traditional Haiku form (5,7,5 syllabic format). Telephone number at the end of the listing is excluded from the format requirements. Email info@ theroanokestar.com

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7/4/08 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 11

Community Briefs Magic City Ford acquires Friendly Lincoln-Mercury

Magic City Ford in Roanoke is proud to announce the acquisition of Friendly Lincoln-Mercury, Salem. This transaction will take place immediately according to Penny Burch, General Manager of Magic City Ford. Magic City Ford is one of the Roanoke Valley’s oldest dealerships, celebrating 70 years in the business. “This is a perfect way to celebrate,” said Burch. “For 70 years we have been proud to be a single-make dealership. Now with the addition of Lincoln and Mercury we can offer our customers so much more.” “Needless to say these are very challenging times in the car industry. Adding two new lines to our already fantastic inventory is very exciting,” Burch said. “This gives us the opportunity to provide our customers with so many more options.” In addition to an already impressive selection of vehicles; F-150’s, Fusions, Escapes, and Explorers, Magic City Ford, Lincoln-Mercury will be offering the new MKX, Mariner and Mariner Hybrid, Mountaineer, Sable, and Navigator. For more information about Magic City Ford, call 540-345-0911, stop by the dealership on Williamson Road, across from the Roanoke Civic Center, or visit them online at www.magiccityford. com.

Army Cadet Cari M. Kelso receives George C. Marshall ROTC Award

Army Cadet Cari M. Kelso is one of 267 cadets who attended the 2008 George C. Marshall Foundation Awards Seminar at Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, Va. The cadet received the George C. Marshall ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps) Award at the seminar. The award is named in the honor and legacy of General of the Army George C. Marshall, who served in World War II and outlined a post-war era program of economic assistance and recovery for worn-torn Europe. The award is presented annually to the most outstanding senior Army ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps) cadets in military science studies and leadership values in each battalion at host universities or colleges. Top cadets from each cadet battalion represent the very best of a highly selective organization. This national award is the highest award an ROTC cadet can receive.

At the seminar, cadets participated in focus groups and round table discussions and lectures on the theme of national security issues of the U.S. and the Army's security role in the international arena. Cadets received formal speeches from the highest echelons of the U.S. Army's leadership ranks, scholars and experts, and civilian and government officials in the national defense and homeland security arena. Upon graduation from the host college or university and completion of the ROTC program, the cadet will receive a bachelor's degree and a commission of second lieutenant in the Army. The senior cadet is a student at Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Va. He is the son of Harry C. Kelso of Gilmer Ave., and Robin M. Kelso of Summit Drive, both of Roanoke, Va. Kelso is a 2004 graduate of William Fleming High School, Roanoke.

Army Reserve Specialist Sasa Ackar has been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom

Army Reserve Specialist Sasa Ackar has been mobilized and activated for deployment overseas to a forward operating base in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Operation Iraqi Freedom is the official name given to military operations involving members of the U.S. armed forces and coalition forces participating in efforts to free and secure Iraq. Mission objectives focus on force protection, peacekeeping, stabilization, security and counter-insurgency operations as the Iraqi transitional governing bodies assume full sovereign powers to govern the peoples of Iraq. Members from all branches of the U.S. military and multinational forces are also as-

sisting in rebuilding Iraq's economic and governmental infrastructure, and training and preparing Iraqi military and security forces to assume full authority and responsibility in defending and preserving Iraq's sovereignty and independence as a democracy. Ackar, a light-wheeled vehicle mechanic, is a member of the 444th Human Resources Company based in Pittsburgh, Pa. The reservist has served in the military for five years. He is the son of Mehmed and Ifeta Ackar of Run Drive, Roanoke, Va. The reservist is a 2003 graduate of William Fleming High School, Roanoke.

CASA receives FACT award

Scout Fundraiser

At The Family & Children’s Trust Fund (FACT) of Virginia Conference on Community Collaboration in Preventing Family Violence in Richmond, VA, The Roanoke Valley CASA Foundation was recognized and presented an award for their local program on making a difference in the lives of children and their families. CASA collaborates daily with the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts, Department of Social Services, Child Protective Services, Foster Care Services, Adoption Services, Court-ordered Custody/Mediation Services and the Juvenile Justice system on child abuse and neglect cases before the courts. The program provides trained advocates who work with parents and children to provide support, resources, and referral for services. The effect of CASA intervention and court advocacy benefits the child and the family by coordinating collaborative community efforts in providing access to services in the community.

Pack 2 and Troop 2 will be holding a fundraiser on Saturday July 5th at the Lowe’s on 220 near Hunting Hills. They are raising money to buy a covered trailer for the troop and pack to use for all of the different events, campouts, camporees, etc that they do each year. Hotdogs and chicken barbecue will be served from 10 am until 7 pm. The scouts will be working hard to raise all of the money needed for acquistion instead of just asking for the trailer to be donated or funded by donations. Head on out and give them your support!

Page 12 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 7/4/08

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Roanoke Police Department Investigates Attempted Robbery

Roanoke, VA The Roanoke Police Department is investigating an attempted robbery that occurred on July 1, 2008. Officers responded at 3:07 p.m. to the Sanco Drug in the 1200 block of Riverland Road. They found two males who had been shot. One was transported to Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital and the other was pronounced dead at the scene. The investigation indicates that the individual transported to the hospital worked at the store and has been identified as Robert Kennedy, age 61 of Hardy. The individual pronounced dead at the scene was the suspect and has been identified as Corey Scott Ramsey, age 22 of Roanoke. According to police Mr. Ramsey entered the store and attempted to commit a robbery. Mr. Kennedy then brandished a firearm. A struggle occurred between Mr. Kennedy and Mr. Ramsey. Mr. Kennedy shot himself and then shot Mr. Ramsey. The investigation remains ongoing.

Bats and birds from the latest Emerging Artist on July 10

Photo submitted

Post card image with some of Joe Kelley’s imaginary birds. The latest person to be spotlighted by the Roanoke City Library Emerging Artists series will be Joe Kelley. The Blacksburg area resident and Virginia Tech graduate is an architect and custom builder by trade but his secret passion may be painting small portraits and building displays for them. “A Natural History of Imaginary Birds and Real Bats: New Paintings by Joe Kelley,” will debut with a reception on Thursday, July 10 from 6-8pm on the mezzanine at the library on Jefferson Street. Music will be provided by another emerging artist, Rootstone. Kelley was in the “Stick to Your Guns” show a few years back and said he exhibits maybe once a year on average. He’s built pavilions for his small bird paintings, calling it “almost sculptural.” The birds aren’t real either – they are figments of Kel-

ley’s imagination. He’ll show off a few carvings also. “I’ve been painting birds since the early ‘90’s,” said Kelley, who started by doing portraits on scrap wood. A fan of nature, Kelley came up with the notion that he was “developing a natural history of un-described or never before seen birds. They’re [all] in my imagination.” The numerous bird discoveries of the 19th century, when many species were drawn for the first time - often inaccurately - also intrigued Kelley, who likes the idea of exhibiting at some place non-traditional like a library. “I sort of rifted that I was making up my own species of birds.” The bat paintings on the other hand are real, brought to life by an inspired Kelley after a bat inhabited his attic this spring. “I thought it was humorous to include them

in with the birds” said Kelley, who was “creeped out” at first but grew to admire the species more after reading several books about them. They are also important to the ecosystem, adds Kelley, eating plenty of insects along the way. “They’re just amazing creatures,” evolving from several different animal genres said Kelley. “I love that it’s the library and not really a gallery,” he adds, feeling his bats and birds may be more at home in the setting provided by Emerging Artists. Kelley’s paintings will be on display all month at the Jefferson St. main library after the opening reception on July 10, which comes with catered food from Alejandro’s. By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net