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Community | News | Per spective

September 26, 2008

Roanoke seeks to be a cleaner and greener city Joe Kennedy

Star City P4– Joe Kennedy reects on the Mill Mountain Star’s ability to grow on you.

Building Bridges

P6– The Murray Run Greenway Bridge was dedicated at its opening in Fishburn Park.

Roanoke City held its firstever “Community Summit on Greening the Environment�

Tuesday night, where residents had the chance to mingle with city officials, brainstorming on ways to reduce Roanoke’s carbon footprint. Opening remarks by Mayor David Bowers and by emcee Robin Reed, News7 meteorologist, preceded a ten-minute video that highlighted some of the measures Roanoke City has taken to become greener as a municipality . In the past three years the city has reduced its carbon emission level – thus its footprint - by 833 tons according to a Virginia Tech study.

Fluorescent lighting in public buildings, biodiesel fuels in city vehicles, an urban forestry program, higher efficiency HVAC equipment and Going Green an aggressive curbside recycling program has earned Roanoke national recognition. Now the city wants to know where priorities for “going greener� should come from in the future. After a presentation by Virginia Tech professor Dr. Sean McGinnis the 100-plus present at the Roanoke Civic Center on Tuesday broke into smaller groups

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> CONTINUED P2: Environment

Patriots Win P7– Patrick Henry Patriots get their ďŹ rst win of the season by beating Cave Spring 14-7.

Big Lick Blues P11– Hamilton Loomis perfromed at Saturday’s Big Lick Blues Festival in Elmwood Park.

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Unwelcome CITY students stand in for McCain guests close and Obama with mock debate market building

Darlene Burcham ďŹ elds questions at Monday’s press conference.

A 3:00 PM Press Conference was held Monday by City Manager, Darlene Burcham, to clear the air of conjecture and misinformation regarding the City Market Building. The press conference was held on the second floor of Center in the Square.

Dr. Stephanie Harper, City News Director of the Roanoke and Allegheny Health Districts, Anita Wilson, Market vendor representative, and Robert Parker, regional spokesperson for the Health Department spoke and answered questions.

Dr. Harper clarified that the health department is responsible for permitting and regulating restaurants and are independent of other agencies and organizations. Dr. Harper emphasized

Photo by Lawson Koeppel

CITY students take turns giving positions for Barack Obama and John McCain during Monday’s mock debate sponsored by Cox Communications and the C-SPAN network.

M

aybe the kids should explain it to the rest of us: CITY school students held a mock presidential debate and vote on Monday at Mill Mountain Theatre, with high school seniors researching the positions of John McCain and Barack Obama, then defending their candidates on stage. It was all part of “Campaign in the Commonwealth,� sponsored by the C-Span network and Cox Communications. Afterwards students had a chance to tour C-Span’s Campaign 2008 tour bus, parked on Campbell Avenue.

CITY students are high school seniors from Patrick Henry and William Fleming High Schools, around 80 all told, that must apply to take classes at the downtown

Boys and Girls Club opens 9th Street Teen Center

campus. From the podium, director Ginger Weckstein called the selection criteria for “highly motivated high school seniors ‌a competitive process,â€? while stating the curriculum was academically challenging. Roanoke City Mayor David Bowers, a confessed C-Span “junkie,â€? greeted CITY students and guests that included school superintendent Rita Bishop, school board chair David Carson and city councilman Court Rosen.

Iraq, health care, economic issues and education were topics covered during the 40minute debate. A “Team Obama� spokesman addressed > CONTINUED Iraq first, claiming P2: Mock Debate troops would be

Older kids want a place of their own, to play video games, do homework or just ponder the future, and now teens who take advantage of the Boys & Girls Club location on 9th Street in southeast Roanoke City can do just that. A 2000 square foot, $900,000 teen center made its official debut last Friday with a ribbon cutting and entertainment by some of the children for an audience that included board members, Mayor David Bowers, councilwoman Anita Price and City Manager Darlene Burcham.

Boys & Girls Club of Southwest Virginia raised $450,000 Photo by Gene Marrano to take advantage of a grant challenge issued by Doris Buf- Mayor Bowers and friends cut the ribbon to the new center. fett, sister of billionaire inves- called it “a whole community center, which will be dubbed tor Warren Buffett. Doris Buf- project,� that would help keep The Club for 13-18 year olds. fett has been to Roanoke on at-risk children on the straight During the building of the behalf of her Sunshine Lady and narrow. “We don’t want to center Lionberger ConstrucFoundation to support the lo- lose our teenagers,� said Eman- tion also oversaw a renovation cal Boys & Girls chapter, which uelson, who worked for Boys of the 2700 sq. ft. older section manages afterschool programs & Girls in her native Arkansas that took down partitions and in the Roanoke and New River before coming to the valley. remodeled the kitchen. “It’s so Valleys, and in Henry County.

Bowers, surrounded by chil- gorgeous and new,â€? exclaimed The new Teen Center was dren who had just arrived by one youngster during a brief about two years in the mak- school bus, said the 9th Street song-and-dance performance ing, including fund raising club and the teen center was staged for visitors. Newly hired and construction that began in in a “perfect location for this director of programs Ty McElJanuary. It’s also a coda of sorts neighborhood,â€? one that he roy looked forward to the teen for Executive Director Becci felt was about to “transform,â€? center: “its going to enable us Emanuelson, who is leaving as like his did in Old Southwest. to get more youth in here‌ of September 30 - not burned “Teenagers have different de- teens like a place they can call out, just “full and looking for mands and challenges and their own.â€? new challenges,â€? said Emanu- needs,â€? noted Bowers in recogelson before the ribbon was nizing the value of the new teen

By Gene Marrano cut. As for the teen center, she gmarrano@cox.net

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> CONTINUED P3: Market Building

Public art takes off in Roanoke

There has been public art in Roanoke for years, pieces acquired or commissioned by the city government, but now the first real fruits of a formal program are coming to bear. In the next few weeks eight works by artists selected from as far away as Arizona – and as close as Roanoke County – will be installed at sites around the city. “Starlight� has already been installed in South Roanoke and others will follow Photo submitted by mid-October. The City A depiction of Polly Branch’s of Roanoke and the Roa- work to be installed outside noke Arts Commission has the Jackson Library. announced that the first exhibit, titled AIR: “Art in Roa- a permanent piece of modern noke,� will be in place for 18 sculpture that will be dedicatmonths. A panel of citizens ed at the Roanoke Civic Cenand representatives from city ter Plaza, represent tangible government chose the eight evidence that the project is artists for this first round moving forward. A public art to go on display. Two works plan developed over the last will be installed in down- several years was “a prerequitown Roanoke as the annual site [before] putting any projHarvest Festival takes place. ects in place,� said Susan Jen(See roanokeva.gov/publicart nings, City of Roanoke Public Art Coordinator. for more on all of the Roanoke has purchosen works.)

Arts chased works for a A “Percent for long time from the Art Ordinance� that takes money from certain annual City Art Show, which capital projects and dedicates debuts this week with a reception and awards ceremoit for public art projects in the city has been in place > CONTINUED since 2002, but installation of the temporary works and P2: Public Art

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Page 2 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 9/26/08

TheRoanokeStar.com

> Mock Debate From page 1

out of Iraq by mid-2010, while the McCain stand-in reiterated the Arizona senator’s support for sending more personnel to Afghanistan. Obama, from Illinois, has served on the U.S. Senate’s Foreign Affairs Committee and was “well received” on a recent trip to the Middle East, while “McCain” derided the Democratic candidate’s apparent willingness to use diplomacy when dealing with Islamic extremists.

Honesty and integrity will help solve the problems on Wall Street now said the McCain proxy from the podium, while Obama wants to enforce regulations in place now - rather than create new laws. McCain wants to cut federal taxes on fuel during summer months while Obama will lower taxes for all but the wealthiest, claimed CITY students. Loan programs can help bail out homeowners trapped with risky mortgages, said McCain, while Obama wants to stop marketing campaigns that mislead the public on mortgage loans.

New tax credits and easier application processes for those

seeking loans or grants are advocated apparently by both John McCain and Barack Obama.

Likewise both would seek more funding for teachers and schools, while McCain claimed he would make it easier to recruit better teachers. Obama favors grants for early learning programs.

Both want improved access to health care plans, claimed the eight students that represented the two presidential candidates on stage (four a side); McCain wants citizens to have more control over that process while Obama favors a large tax credit to help pay for health care.

Afterwards students voted for the positions of the candidate they felt made the most compelling arguments, with Obama coming out on top. Then they toured the C-Span bus outside.

Poster shots show location and site preference for the approved dog park in Roanoke City’s Highland Park.

On November 4 many of the CITY students should be able to vote for the next president of the United States; on Monday some of them appeared to have a good grasp on the issues.

Dog park at Highland to be appealed

“It is not that we are opposed to a dog park at Highland,” said Doug Turner when contacted by phone. “It is that there has been

By Gene Marrano no comprehensive planning on dog parks by the City of Roanoke,” gmarrano@cox.net concluded Turner who lives on Highland Avenue.

Turner said he had purposed 4 alternative locations at the August 14th Architectural Review Board (ARB) meeting but was told that JUST LISTED! to coordinate each alternative location’s cost and benefit was not on Botetourt County any departments timetable.

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16% with only the “no dog park at all” option receiving the lowest at Call today! Asking $229,000 7%. Options “A” , “B” near the Gish House, and “C” near the tennis courts were all preferable over option “E”. Turner observed that option “C” and option “E” were not handicap accessible and option “A” was considered by some too narrow. That left option “B” the logical choice and in Turner’s opinion neighbor’s homes could be screened from view by trees. Steve Boucher, Director of Parks and Recreation, said that a shed on this site was currently being used to house heavy equipment though there had been some discussion on

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From page 1 ny (5pm, Sept. 25, in the old Art Museum space), often by displaying winning entries in public buildings. “There are 100 works in the city collection [already],” noted Jen-

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whether that was a permanent situation for Parks and Recreation.

Turner also questions that now with an amphitheatre location at issue with Roanoke City - “why do they want to destroy the Highland Park community amphitheatre.” Option “E” is adjacent to the community amphitheatre in Highland Park and will take up approximately ½ of the amphitheatre’s sloped seating.

Turner plans an appeal to city council at the October 23rd, 7:00 PM Council meeting, asking them to reconsider the location of the dog park and further request that a “comprehensive” evaluation of all 4 locations be conducted in Highland Park. He also would like the evaluation to include additional dog parks throughout the entire city.

In a phone conversation the same sentiment was echoed by Claire English on Allison Avenue who has reinvigorated the Highland Park Conservancy composed of over 50 members that she refers to as “an old idea under a new umbrella.” Claire said she wants to ensure that Highland Park remains an inviting urban green space while continuing the park’s cultural and recreational activities for all Roanoke citizens.

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nings, who inventoried all of that when she took the coordinator’s position after leaving the Arts Council of the Blue Ridge.

The “signature sculpture,”

by Maryland artist Rodney Carroll to be unveiled next Wednesday, October 1st at 5pm was commissioned to celebrate Roanoke City’s 125th anniversary and was selected from a pool of 89 entrants.

It features benches where visitors can sit and reflect. A meet-the-artist reception and music from members of the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra will help mark the 30-foot tall steel sculpture’s debut.

Carroll has ties to the Commonwealth, having studied at Old Dominion University and

Virginia Tech.

One of the eight artists selected for the temporary installations, Polly Branch works with various media as an artist, and is involved with afterschool art programs in the city and Roanoke County. Her mother Betty Branch, a sculptor, has a studio on Warehouse Row downtown. Branch’s selected entry is a tile mosaic on three concrete discs, “Rainbow Children,” which she will create on site at the Jackson Library in southeast Roanoke.

She encourages passersby to stop and watch.

“I think it’s a beautiful, wonderful aspect of the city, to inspire people by having art in public view,” said Branch, a Clearbrook resident in Roa-

noke County whose siblings are also talented artists. “I wanted to be part of that process.” Branch has done tile mosaics elsewhere on outside building walls; indoors she often paints on canvas. “I see it as a way of inspiring our citizens … perhaps to say ‘I can do that.’”

It’s not an accident that the first sites selected for the temporary exhibits – or the Civic Center Plaza where the permanent sculpture will go – are typically high traffic spots in the city. “We want them in areas where people will see them and react to them,” said Jennings.

By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

> Environment From page 1

for roundtable discussions on what those priorities should be. “This event is about taking action,” said McGinnis. “It will take everyone in order to make real progress.”

Bowers noted the presence of students from Patrick Henry, William Fleming and Virginia Western, saying “it’s our obligation to turn this earth over to you in as [good] a shape as we can.” The mayor pointed out that while he was at PH in 1969 the environment was also an issue, with the first observance of Earth Day. Now he was asking for help from citizens: “we want you to tell us what you think our community focus should be on this issue.”

The top issues identified from the community meeting will be used as part of the city’s action plan as it looks to reduce its carbon footprint and greenhouse emissions.

McGinnis said it was all about balancing human activities and the environment, realizing that if the situation isn’t managed properly there could be “dire impacts.” The city has already established its Carbon Emission Baseline, with the help of McGinnis, who is with Virginia Tech’s Green Engineering program.

Photo by Valerie Garner

Clarice Walker, a Roanoke Neighborhood Advocate, gathers with others at the Community Summit on Greening the Environment.

The city government however is responsible for just two percent of the carbon emissions emitted annually in Roanoke noted McGinnis, so reducing the three million tons or so sent into the atmosphere will truly involve a community effort. Suggestions at the dozens of roundtable discussions often were in the same mode: more bike lanes, a better mass transit system, including longer hours for Valley Metro, reducing public lighting at night, more marketing by the city as to the virtues of going green, etc. Participant Claire English

pondered, “Can we make bus transportation hip?”

Encouraging more residents to use CFL’s - the fluorescent light bulbs - was a common theme. Roanoke City will tabulate comments received at the community meeting and use the top ones suggested as part of its action plan, which calls for a 22.5 percent drop in carbon emissions by the year 2014, including both the private and public sectors.

By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

9/26/08 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 3

TheRoanokeStar.com

Roanoke City School Instructor wins Region 6 Teacher of the Year Award Stephanie Doyle was most definitely surprised when television cameras, reporters and members of the Virginia State Department of Education and the Roanoke City School Board walked into her classroom while she was teaching history at Breckinridge Middle School.

It was just before 10 a.m. last Wednesday morning when David Carson, Roanoke City School Board Chairman, board members Todd Putney, Suzanne Moore, Lori Vaught, and May Huff came into her classroom. Patty Pitts, Assistant Superintendent for Teacher Education and Licensure of the Virginia Department of Education read a resolution to honor Doyle as the Region 6 Teacher of the Year, also presenting her with a congratulatory letter from Governor Tim Kaine.

While Pitts read the proclamation, Doyle’s students witnessed this official announcement

that her teaching efforts and relationships with students brought her this recognition. Dr. Rita Bishop, Roanoke City Public Schools Superintendent, presented her with a bouquet of flowers. Breckinridge Principal, Tracey Anderson, was there, too.

“This is a wonderful honor. I wasn’t sure what to think,” Doyle said. “I am very excited to represent Roanoke City in Region 6.”

Two of Doyle’s students, eighth graders Briana Sprouse and Briana Preston were present to see their teacher receive the honor. They are part of a mentoring program Doyle supervises and founded--GROW----Girls Rising onto Womanhood. They told about how Doyle helps them in her spare time. They both agreed that she really connects with her students.

“This is just phenomenal. I am so proud of Stephanie,” said Anderson. “She deserves the

honor. She helps out and lends support” to her students.

GROW is a one-on-one mentoring program where Doyle monitors academics, and social problems, where girls might be inclined to make bad choices and have bad self-control said the RCPS website. The program promotes self-respect, self-worth and ambition for a secure future. Each girl in the program passed the Standards Of Learning test and recently traveled to Washington, DC in order to learn more about government and U.S. history. GROW was recently recognized at the September 9 School Board Meeting.

Each regional winner for Teacher of the Year will attend a banquet in their honor in Richmond on October 24 where the Virginia State Teacher of the Year will be announced.

Eight regional teachers of the year were giv-

en surprise announcements, like the one given Doyle, across Virginia Wednesday morning by the Virginia Department of Education Assistant Directors, said Pitts.

Roanoke City Public Schools named Doyle Teacher of the Year for 2008, winning a $1,000 award over three semi-finalists, according to a RCPS May 2998 press release. She was one of 15 teachers to be considered for the Region 6 Teacher of the Year award.

The press release goes on to say that Doyle has completed eight years as a teacher with the city. She holds an Associate Degree in Education from Virginia Western Community College and a Bachelors Degree in Psychology with a minor in Education from Roanoke College.

By Joan Kastner info@theroanokestar.com

> Market Building

From page 1

that “we ensure the food you eat is safe.”

In July, 2008, the health department received a comment from a vendor concerned about mice in the basement. Dr. Harper said, “at that time food operation was not directly impacted.”

They met with the City of Roanoke and a contracted extermination service to set strategies to deal with the issue. Educational material was distributed to the food vendors to minimize conditions that would attract mice.

No additional complaints were received. However, a September 19th inspection revealed that the mouse problem had escalated and had directly impacted all ten food vendors. The food vendor permits were suspended. Dr. Harper stated that, “since Friday the hard work of the landlord [Roanoke City], the exterminator, and food vendors have been productive” and that “all have been involved in the massive cleanup and repair of the facility.”

Dr. Harper and Ms. Burcham repeated that they “do not know when the food vendors will reopen.” Once repairs and cleaning are complete and another inspection establishes compliance then the vendors will be re-permitted. Aggressive monitoring will continue with another inspection occurring two weeks after re-permitting and then monthly rather than quar-

terly inspections for a period of six months.

Burcham said that upon notification by the Health Department and mutual agreement between the city and the vendors the Market Building was closed.

Since Friday the city has been working to address cleanliness and cosmetic issues and though progress has been made there is still much work to do. Burcham said that in the future, as a preventive measure, the city will call for regular cleaning twice a year that will involve temporary closure of the building. Terminix is currently making weekly visits but will visit twice a week once reopened. Burcham stressed that the Health Department will make the decision about reinstatement of the licenses and not the City. Once re-permitted the City will determine when to re-open the Market Building.

When the food court reopens the city will hold a “Grand Reopening” and Dr. Harper has agreed to be there.

Mayor David Bowers said that the “public’s health and safety is paramount and he is sorry about the way it happened … though I’m glad it happened as this major overhaul demonstrates our commitment to the Market Building as well as a real partnership between the city and the tenants.” Mayor Bowers said he had been calling for “spiffing up and fixing up”

the Market Building during his campaign and has repeated the same ever since. Mayor Bowers also asked that citizens come to the “Grand Reopening” when announced and show their support for the food vendors.

Anita Wilson, Market vendor representative, said “I just want to shed some light on the situation. It is mice - it is not rats and there are not that many of them.” Ms. Wilson alluded to the construction across the street and that mice did not have anywhere else to go.

Burcham and others were pressured by media on the “size” of the rodent and fingers spread to various “inch” lengths to satisfy the question.

This continued for several minutes until media representatives finally became satisfied that the measurement indicated mice and not rats. Burcham was interrupted by the media several times while answering a question and admonished one while asking to please let her finish.

Burcham said there had been no discussion on compensation to the vendors by the city, however the agreements have the vendors responsible for the cleanliness and maintenance of their stalls and the city for common areas.

She asked for the support and encouragement of the citizens and the media by not

continuing to use the word “rat.”’ “No one has used that word and “it came from someone totally outside the system,” said Burcham. She added that she thought it was “not important to assign blame and that people have acknowledged and accepted that there is an issue and that they are doing their darndest to address it as soon as possible.”

When asked when was the last time that the city cleaned the building, Burcham said that the City had only become directly involved in managing the building since 2001. Anita Wilson said that the building has never gone through this kind of cleaning in the ten years that she has been a vendor. Anita said she has seen only two mice in ten years and “they have not caught any mice in my establishment.” She said the vendors were losing between $650 to $1000 a day.

Dr. Harper said that “the way you control mice is to make sure they don’t have access to food and water and ensuring that we are storing our food items appropriately and we are not providing shelter for the mice.” She said that closing an eating establishment is a last resort and that they are required to take action when it is determined that there is a significant risk to the public. The issue was aggressively addressed and the

action being taken is a true testament to how serious the issue is. The plan is for every vendor to open up together and not just one open at a time. Media representatives were not allowed to film the interior.

By Valerie Garner info@theroanokestar.com

the win resulted in it being included in the graphic design book, “Logolounge 5.” Over 33,000 logos were submitted by designers from all over the world. An international panel of judges selected 2000 winners, with Chase’s design among them. The CIC logo and brand was launched over a year ago, and the logo designed by Chase had greatly contributed to the recognition of CIC in the valley. In August Carilion announced it was taking over the private practice.

“The news of winning was wonderful, but a little bittersweet, given that the brand will be dropped. More disappointing about the Carilion purchase of CIC, is that it results in losing one of my best clients. CIC has been just terrific - fully comprehending and embracing why a brand is such an integral part of the growth of a company. I’ll miss the great work we were doing together, and I’m only thankful that my other client projects will help me through the

Goodwill unveils redevelopment plans for job campus Goodwill Industries of the Valleys will host a breakfast ceremony on Thursday, September 25th at 9:00am to officially unveil plans for the redevelopment of its Corporate and Roanoke Facility offices as well as announce plans for its $1 million capital campaign. Located at 2520 Melrose Avenue, Goodwill recently purchased the property including the building which now houses the newest Goodwill store. During the event the attendees will have the opportunity to put their personal touch on what will become artwork in the new facility.

The $7.7 million redevelopment plan includes an exterior redesign and landscaping of the inner city parcel, but will go far beyond what is visible to those passing by. The resulting Jobs Campus will have an economic development impact on the Roanoke City neighborhood. In an area where the average annual per capita income was $11,500 according to the 2000 census, Goodwill will create 50 new jobs, of which 40 will have an average salary of nearly $27,000 per year.

In addition to offices and a renovated work center the new facility will house a Job Development Center. Here the public will be able to access workforce, employment, and training services in one centralized location. Those interested in a ca-

reer in health care services or the retail industry will have the opportunity to enroll in classroom training. Additional training will be offered to help individuals become work ready. Understanding the importance of proper workplace behavior, financial stability, and a commitment to long term employment will be key components of this program.

“This is an exciting time for Goodwill and the communities that we serve,” states Bruce Phipps, President and CEO. “Each year we see an increased need for the training and employment services that Goodwill provides to this community and throughout our service area in Virginia.

The Jobs Campus is the next step to ensure that we are able to meet and exceed the needs of program participants now and in the future.” The new facility should be operational by fall, 2009.

The capital campaign is the first ever conducted

by Goodwill Industries of the Valleys. The organization is financing most of the jobs campus project through industrial revenue bonds, but is also seeking community support from individuals, businesses, government, and foundations. Commitments to the campaign already total more than one third of the million dollar goal.

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Logo wins big but brand is dropped - another business impacted by Carilion expansion

Karen Chase of 224 Design designed the logo and brand for Consultants in Cardiology (CIC), a Roanoke private medical practice that was recently purchased by Carilion hospitals. The logo has won an international design competition. Here in Roanoke, Carilion will begin the process of the merger, which includes ceasing use of the brand in exchange for the standard Carilion identity.

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PersPective

Page 4 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 9/26/08

TheRoanokeStar.com

A kiss good-bye Shameless Boy Scout Promotion

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t’s not everyday enough to help one that you see a endure the grueling daddy kiss his pace and long hours daughter in the hallof work. way at school. SomeFor a child, a sweet times the daughter kiss from a loved is too old for kisses. one is the signature She might barely acof love and the afknowledge the presfirmation that ‘you ence of her dad if belong to me.’ That she is nearby her sense of belonging Diane Kelly friends and of the is an intense need age when it is no in humans, and eslonger ‘special’ to receive a peck pecially for children. This little on the cheek. But this last week, girl knew that her daddy could I saw the sweetest kiss of a dad kiss one and only one person in and his young daughter, and it the hallway. Her brother, older made me think of how impor- and more appropriate for a slap tant those moments in life are, on the back as an equivalent even though for some, they last show of affection and encouronly a short while. agement of ‘have a good day, I was walking down the hall, Son,’ was well on his way down and just beyond me, I saw a the hallway. She was alone with dad leaning over a little girl, her daddy and waiting for her his daughter, who was looking stamp of approval to send her straight up at him, fully expect- on her way. ing a good-by kiss from her I know my own girls, now dad. He leaned over to deliver grown young ladies, still love to his daily morning kiss right on receive a kiss on the head from her cheek. The kiss was sweet their father when he greets them. enough to remember, but the They still call him ‘daddy’ and bright eyes and wide grin of the know that his kisses for them daughter were worth a million are signs of endearing commitwords. She knew she was loved! ment and belonging. Affection, It reminds me of the kiss and appropriate and tender, is necride areas in northern Virginia essary to cement caring words right by the subway into DC. into their hearts when a father You are only given a minute to has to say, ‘No, you may not say your good-byes and deliver go there.’ I care about you too the last kiss before seeing one much.’ Those tender memories another hours later. You won- of daddies taking care of their der if that last kiss would be girls keep them close to home when other choices are tempting and dangerous. It is in the Garden City daily walk of life that we build in our children their great sense Baptist of self, belonging, independence Church and courage.

There is no certainty that this little girl will grow up and reA Church with a Loving, member her daddy kissing her Caring and Healing Heart good-bye in the hallway. But I will never forget it, and I will re(540) 427-0131 mind her that it was in that spot, 3536 Garden City Blvd the kissing spot, that her daddy Roanoke, VA 24014 reminded everyone watching Sunday School.......9:45 am that he loved her very much.

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ver so often there is an organization that walked on the moon stands out as invaluable to our society so 142 of the 214 former and present astronauts in place of my regular article this week have taken part in scouting with 33 becoming EaI wanted to tell you about one that rarely toots its gle Scouts including Neil Armstrong, the first man own horn and yet deserves a good toot or two. to walk on the Moon This month is the beginning of the Boy Scout year Out of any 100 boys that become scouts, unforaround the nation. Scout leaders begin planning tunately thirty will drop out the first year. The meetings and campouts and boys from first grade all ones that remain do some pretty interesting things. the way through high school begin earning patches 12 will receive their first ever religious contact with and merit badges with abandon. We sell popcorn at 5 earning their religious emblem. These contacts Keith McCurdy the local Lowe’s and Wal-mart and show up at your become priceless in the lives of these scouts and elementary school to get others interested in jointheir families. 6 scouts will become pastors or reing. We plan camping trips, go hiking, canoeing, fishing, and ligious leaders. Half will join the military. 17 will become learn to cook something called a “silver turtle.” scout leaders. 28 will develop hobbies that they pursue for a All this sounds great, but what is scouting really about? lifetime. Only 1 of these 100 will ever stand before a juvenile To give you a different look at scouting let me introduce court judge. 1 will use Scouting skills to save the life of anyou to a few of the scouting alumni: other person and 1 will use that same knowledge to save their 63% of Air Force Academy graduates own life. 2 will become Eagle scouts.

68% of West Point graduates If you are looking for something to do with your son, give 70% of Annapolis graduates the Boy Scouts consideration. Over the next month scouts all 72% of Rhodes Scholars over our region will be out selling popcorn to raise money for 85% of FBI agents their yearly activities. Take the time to talk with the leaders 65% of college graduates and the scouts themselves to learn what they are about…..and 65% of US Congress make sure you buy some popcorn too.

85% of airline pilots The Scout Law states: A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, 85% of student council presidents friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, 89% of senior class presidents clean, and reverent. This is what we should be teaching our 80% of junior class presidents sons! Scouting is not just about developing boys of character, 71% of football captains it is about developing men of character.

65% of basketball captains 88% of school newspaper editors Contact Keith at 26 of the first 29 astronauts including 11 of the 12 that psycyou@msn.com

The Star has a way of growing on you

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friend of mine from out of town looked up at the Mill Mountain Star recently and said, “I don’t get it.”

“Get what?” I asked.

“That star,” she said. “I just don’t get it.”

We were on the Roanoke River Greenway near Piedmont Park in Southeast Roanoke.

Worship Service.....11 am I went into full sales Youth Ministry.........6 pm Contact Diane at mode.

Weds. Bible Study..6:45 pm dianekelly@gmail.com Had she ever seen the star Choir Practice.........7:45 pm lit up at night?

She had.

“And?” I asked.

Mike Bailey, LUTCF, CIC She shrugged.

Agent Had she ever spotted it Mike Bailey Insurance Agency from an airplane as the plane descended for a landing at Phone 540-366-8829 night?

Fax 540-366-6737 She hadn’t.

Claims 800-421-3535 Had she ever entered the baileym2@nationwide.com valley on Interstate 81 south 7307 Williamson Rd • P.O. Box 19684 • Roanoke, VA 24019-1078 and looked to the left at

Star~Sentinel Crossword 1

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www.CrosswordWeaver.com

ACROSS 1 An ancient city in southeastern Greece 6 Use up 9 Capital of Norway 13 Capital of South Korea 14 Hearing part 15 Gloomy 16 Pearl 17 Anger 18 Water retention 19 Cat's nemesises 20 Disconnect 22 24 hours 23 Wing 24 Compass point 25 The largest continent with 60% of the earth''s population 27 Tries 29 ProfessorÌs goals 33 Transportation 34 Atmosphere 35 Grant

36 39 40 41 42 43 44 46 49 50 51 53 56 58 59 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68

Teacher Escudo Small Mediterranean boat Seaweed substance Chart Mutt Copse Beginning String up __ Lanka New York City Resort hotel Sacking Mexican sandwich Japanese poem Cause of sickness Shelter under vines The fourth month of the year Concord e.g.

Crook Spar Eye infection Small amount

DOWN 1 Side note 2 To sicken 3 Search engine or the act of internet searching 4 Belongs to us 5 Artful 6 French flower 7 Retired persons association (abbr.)

8 Pastoral 9 Not young 10 It grows into another plant 11 Dalai __ 12 All right 15 Commence 20 Union of Soviet Socialist Republics 21 Exploiter 24 It glows inside our city limits 26 Drills 28 Blacken 30 Cut of beef 31 First woman 32 Part of a min.

34 Cleopatra's slayer 36 Make lace 37 Expression 38 Thai 39 Graze (2 wds.)

40 Member of an Arizona Indian tribe 42 Restaurant dinner listing 43 Corporation (abbr.)

45 Capital of Afghanistan 47 Endow 48 Baron 50 Briny 52 Banal 53 Pillow covering 54 Pa 55 Ventilates 57 Tilt 58 Very tall plant 60 Set of tools 62 Behind

Find the answers online: TheRoanokeStar.com Have a clue and answer you’d like to see? email: puzzles@theroanokestar.com

By Don Waterfield

night to see the star beaming a warm welcome her way?

Nope.

I gave her a three-minute spiel about those two thrills.

Had she ever …

Uh, no.

“Have you ever been up to it?” I asked.

“No,” she said.

When we finished walking on the greenway, I asked if she’d like to inspect the Star more closely.

“OK,” she said.

Driving up Mill Mountain, I told her about the Star’s history, and explained that for me, too, its allure took a while to develop after I came to these parts more than three decades ago.

Back then, I could see it from the place I rented in Old Southwest. Back then, the Star shone red for three days after each traffic fatality.

At times I felt as if the Star were my only companion, and an insufficient one, at that, I said.

She laughed.

But, I said, over the years I came to accept it, and eventually to love it. Now, it’s an important part of the land-

scape. had failed to get When we arrived my friend’s fiat the overlook, my nal verdict on its friend read every magic. word on the hisI sent her an etorical marker in mail and asked, front of the Star – “Thumbs up or about how it was thumbs down on promoted in 1949 our cherished civby business groups, ic landmark?”

Joe Kennedy and how it is 88.5 She said she was feet tall, and all the unimpressed by it, stuff about the tons of con- but loved the overlook and crete in its base and linear would like to go there after feet of neon tubes that con- dark and see the lights of the stitute its lights. valley before her.

Then she stood at the rail It was a bit of a disappointof the overlook and asked ment, but I still believe that questions about landmarks with sufficient exposure and and neighborhoods. She a better understanding of the wanted to know the moun- way we Roanokers love our tains’ proper names and unsophisticated side, everynicknames. one can appreciate the Star.

She seemed fascinated by Especially once they stand nearly everything, except the in front of it, with the valStar. ley at their backs, and gaze It was time for lunch. We up at its brilliant tubes shinwent to Wildflour in Old ing against the black sky at Southwest, drank iced tea, night. ate and talked.

Or maybe that’s just me.

Then she left for home, about 45 minutes away.

After she left, I pondered the power of the Star and its Contact Joe at talent for working its way pilarcik2@cox.net into our hearts over time.

The next day, I realized I

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

Star: to lift up that which is right, real and genuine about our community – the people and events that make us who we are – the real spirit of Roanoke that past residents and leaders have worked hard to create, that points us towards the bright and shining future that we all desire for our valley.

Sentinel: to guard the truth, with consistent and complete coverage of key local issues that provides balanced reporting and equal editorial opportunity. To fully tell all sides of a story so that readers can make their own informed opinions, and express them to positively impact others and our community.

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 encourage letters from our readers on topics of general interest to the community and responses to our articles and columns. Letters must be signed and have a telephone number for verification. All letters will be verified before publication.The Star-Sentinel reserves the right to deny publication of any letter and edit letters for length, content and style.

All real estate advertised herein is subject to national and Virginia fair housing laws and readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis.

Perspective

9/26/08 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 5

TheRoanokeStar.com

Lawns Spawn Fawn Pawns: Next Summer’s Solution to Mowing?

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eekends since springtime, 58 million humans have poured 270 billion gallons of water onto 23 million acres of ground, burning 800 million gallons of gas in the process.

For many, the outcome of this ceaseless undertaking is a serious matter of personal esteem and identity.

What could possibly warrant such unnatural human toil and natural resource cost? Keeping our precious lawns manicured and well fed week after week all season long, that’s what. Lawns are a recent historical obsession whose future is far from certain.

LAWN GRASS is the most widely planted agricultural crop in this country. And return for investment, it is among the most environmentally costly; the benefits of a perfect lawn are far more about satisfying our acquired cultural tastes

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than about tangible returns.

For many reasons, how we manage the landscapes near us in the future--like so many other unsustainable fifty-year habits and tastes--will need to take into account the increasing costs of doing it the way we’ve always done it.

The solution in a nutshell: increase the benefits from municipal and residential landscapes and/or reduce the environmental costs of maintaining them.

As with most change, lawn care abatement will be motivated first by the dollars and cents wisdom of the choice.

Some cities are already projecting up to a 90% reduction in dollar cost per acre for municipal maintenance by replacing lawn-type grasses in parks and other public places with more naturalized plantings or tall grass zones that are drought resistant and otherwise self-

here's why. and nitrogen oxides Our mower’s and 18 times more two-cycle engines carbon dioxide than deserve a disprothe electric varietportionate blame ies. But until we refor air pollution and place lead in mower CO2 production, batteries and find accounting for up to alternatives to coal 10% of urban smog. for electricity, all Your gas mower things considered pumps out as much and cradle to grave, Fred First pollution per hour corded or cordless as 11 automobiles. electric mowers are By 2011, EPA will require a not much of an environmental 35% reduction in pollution savings compared to gas power from new lawn and garden mowers. Wind or solar sources equipment. for electrical powered mowers Of course you may chose to may someday change that, and use an electric mower, at pres- Saturday mornings in town ent costing about $5 a year to will be much cleaner and quioperate compared to far higher eter then.

So let’s get to where the rubcosts for gasoline power. However, all is not sunshine and ber meets the road: how can roses with an e-mower. True, this change the way we do lawn gasoline-powered mowers in care in where we live? I’m glad use result in as much as 1,500 you asked that, for I have a times more carbon monoxide, dream.

31 times more hydrocarbons Let our local municipal gov-

The fact has not been ignored even in urban settings that much of the land now in grass or otherwise unproductive could be growing a much richer diversity of more useful edibles. City garden allotments are appearing from what were once abandoned parking lots or neglected rectangles of weeds.

Mulched boxwoods and hostas in suburban foundation plantings are giving way to rambling squash, herb gardens or colorful, bee-beneficial mixed wildflowers.

Even so, we will continue to need some open spaces that let in the light, keep the trees and their droppings at armslength from our roofs, and give us grazing places for children and other small semi-domestic beasts. So while mowing is not going away overnight, we need new mowers very soon, and

ernment hire a “deer whisperer.” He or she will reprogram the behavior for a few dozen resident bucks and does so that they prefer to only eat lawn grasses. BUT--they will become violently ill at the sight of garden veggies, bedding plants or anything other than lowgrowing grasses within 100 yards of our homes.

Untrained woodland deer will pattern their behavior after their well-educated deer-peers, and then, if we can only lure them close to where we live (?!) our lawns will become simultaneously pruned and fertilized, using the resources we have in such awful abundance about us. All of which will work to our individual and collective good. There – that was easy wasn’t it? You’re very welcome.

Contact Fred at fred1st@gmail.com

Local competition and medical care

wash with stories of political drama, we now have our own (not so little) bit of controversy. On August 28 The Wall Street Journal published an article about the skyrocketing healthcare costs in southwestern Virginia. They cited the burgeoning profits of Carilion Healthcare System and the lack of competition it faces.

Ironically, the day before the WSJ article, the group of which I was co-founder in 1975, Consultants in Cardiology, made the decision to join Carilion Clinic. Although I am retired, I have been following the political climate of medicine in Roanoke with interest as well as consternation.

As a veteran of decades of negotiating with hospital administrations, I have great admiration for their foresight. Although few mention his name anymore, had it not been for William H. Flannagan’s vision in the 1950s and beyond the medical center of which we can be justly proud would not be possible in its present form. Ham, as Mr. Flannagan, was known to friend and foe alike, began buying up property adjacent to Roanoke Memorial Hospital. Over several decades the hospital became one of the largest property owners in the city. Had that not been done, the expansion which we are now witnessing would not have happened with such ease.

When plans for the Carilion Clinic were unveiled, a large portion of the medical community was upset, particularly by the often stated premise that local medical care was in need of improvement.

Of course, it is; everything can be made better, but it sounded as though those of us who practiced medicine here for a lifetime had nothing to do with the professional excellence which Carilion pro-

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sustaining.

the leadership of both sides that it was in everyone’s poses to increase. interest to hire profession mediators to hear all arguCarilion rolled out its plan for The Clinic without, ments in non-binding arbitration. All parties greeted to my knowledge, any meaningful discussion with the this with a barely suppressed yawn. practicing community. I have been told by a hospital Now the threat of Justice Department investigaboard member that even they did not know of the plans tion has been mentioned, and not for the first time. until the Carilion Board made its announcement. Who In 1987 a group of local physicians interested in overwould not be upset that in addition to unstoppable sight in the formation of a local managed care plan competition the citizenry might well have concluded was the target of a Federal Trade Commission inquiry that the local physicians are less than adequate? which effectively ended local physician interest in The issues are very complex. I mentioned to a senior official at Carilion that a better way of launch Hayden Hollingsworth managed care.

I do not believe there are simple answers to these would have been to convene a task force of Carilion complex questions but I can say from personal experiofficials and selected private practitioners to discuss the planned project. Simply to have it presented as a fait accompli ence, often painful, if the current level of name calling on both sides galvanized resistance and certainly demeaned the incalculable con- continues there will be many losers, the greatest of which will be the tribution the private medical community has made in the last fifty public whom we all are dedicated to serving.

I renew my plea: Convene a bipartisan group with a mediator(s) years. I suspect that Carilion decided that it is easier to get forgiveness than permission. Had the physicians decided they wanted no to work toward solutions that will not split the community into part of a competitive mega-clinic then the battle lines would be be- those who are looking for a seat at the table while the elephant fails come quickly hardened. After a lull following the announcement, to provide any chairs. the WSJ has inspired The Coalition for Responsible Healthcare, a professional advocacy group, to renew their efforts. More recently J. Hayden Hollingsworth, MD, FACC a second group, Citizens for Responsible Healthcare, has garnered Clinical Professor of Medicine (Cardiology), Retired great public interest. Each day letters to the editor and commentarUniversity of Virginia Healthcare System, Roanoke Contact Hayden at ies to our local newspapers have appeared heightening the rhetoric jhayden 2003@cox.net of accusation and defense.

Witnessing the gathering storm, I suggested several years ago to

Preacher’s Corner

here is a Reuter’s photograph from September 11, 2001, that always stops me in my tracks. It shows the limp and lifeless body of a priest being carried over a mound of dust and rubble by four other men: a police officer, two firemen, and an emergency responder. The gritty looks on their faces match the grit that billows all around them. The cleric is Fr. Mychal Judge, chaplain to the New York City Fire Department. When the planes were flown into the World Trade Center, Fr. Judge rushed to the scene and began granting Last Rites to those he found near death along the sidewalks. As the conflagration blazed above his head, Fr. Judge moved ever closer to the epicenter. He ultimately found himself in the lobby of the North Tower of the Trade Center when the South Tower collapsed. A wave of concrete and steel came crashing from the one building into the other, and as he prayed with victims Fr. Judge became one himself.

There were twenty-four minutes between the collapse of the first and second towers. It was in that momentary interlude between hells that the five men retrieved Mychal Judge. They had just witnessed the apocalyptic crumbling of the first tower, and they could look above their heads and see the second smoldering. Yet, despite what they’d seen, they rushed back into the dust, rubble, and smoke. They knew that the number of those who needed their life-saving assistance was staggering. They knew that unless they returned again and again into the dangerous, confusing, disorienting scene, others would be lost. And they did return, again and again.

In the 20th chapter of Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus says the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who goes to the marketplace at daybreak to hire laborers for his vineyard. He promises his workers the wage necessary to sustain them, and then he sends them into the vineyard. But then the landowner returns at 9 a.m…. at noon…at 3 p.m….and again just an hour before dusk. Each time he hires whoever he finds in the marketplace and sends them into the vineyard. At the end of the day, he calls all the workers back to him. To those he’d hired only an hour before, the landowner pays a full day’s wage. Those who have worked all day begin to think they will surely receive some greater reward. But when their turn comes, they receive no more than the sustenance that was originally promised them, and they grumble at the landowner’s generosity toward the others. Either the latecomers should receive less than a full day’s wage, they believe, or else those who worked from dawn ‘til dusk should receive a bonus!

We can relate, I think. We consider ourselves industrious, hardworking people, and we expect to receive our due for our labor. If we’re honest we’ll admit that those who skirt by—the rule-breakers, the latecomers, the bystanders, and the lazy—irritate us, even if our irritation goes unspoken.

But then our focus is the disciples’ focus, and the entire reason Jesus tells this parable in just this way is to point out that we direct our attention to the wrong place. The kingdom of heaven, he says, is not one in which reward is doled out according to those who perceive themselves to work the hardest or be the most commit-

ted and pure. That’s not the storyline at all. The kingdom’s story is about a landowner who keeps returning to that place where the aimless and the desperate are to be found. In the morning light, in the heat of the day, and even when time is almost up he keeps returning, offering a place in his vineyard to any who will respond.

There is no indication that he needs more people. Rather, he returns because there are ever more people who need the place and sustenance he has to offer.

As Duke University Chaplain Craig Kocher says, “the story is about a God who wants everyone inside the vineyard, who will not stop rushing out into the marketplace until all have been rounded up, who will not rest until the outsiders, the forgotten, and the lonely have been included alongside the skilled, the timely, and the hardworking, even if it costs God everything.”

Thank God the kingdom of heaven isn’t one in which the reward we receive is contingent upon our commitment and labor!

Because our indignation begins to break down when we realize what real commitment to the kingdom looks like. It is defined by the God who will return again and again, come what may, to rescue and restore the forgotten and the hurting. It is by that model that our Christian lives and labor are judged, and by that model, how do we fare? What does our work for the kingdom look like? In the world—and in the church—about what do we worry and fret?

Theology? Politics? Who’s right and who’s wrong? Compared to these things, how much of our love, energy, and resources do we expend for those who are lonely and lost, without thought of payback in any way?

It turns out we aren’t those who have labored to spread God’s grace since daybreak. We’re more often like those who barely show up at quitting time, and sometimes not at all.

In the Reuters photograph, we find another kingdom parable of those who return again and again, offering grace to those in need. No time is spent weighing merit or parceling out different rewards. Instead, what is offered is the same to all and is nothing less than salvation.

For most of us, most of the time, the task before us won’t be as momentous as 9/11, but it may be no less daunting. We live in a world in which every impulse is to react and respond like the laborers who have put in a day’s work, exalting ourselves and judging others by artificial standards that don’t matter in a world so full of despondency and pain.. But Jesus the Christ gives us a better storyline by which to live. It is the story of the God who rushes in with arms outstretched in grace, again and again. And we accept that grace, we are called to become its agents, sharing grace with whomever has need of love.

In all our churches, this is a new program year. God returns to us yet again, offering us a place in the vineyard. Will we accept, and will we then go to work for the kingdom?

Reverend Barkley Thompson, Rector St. John’s Episcopal Church www.stjohnsroanoke.org

Doing it the hard way

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y son in few bites before he law was began to throw his away food. His mother with my twelve year corrected him. He old grandson, his was not deterred. nephew, to attend He then went to the the Auburn Univergravel paths that go sity football game. through my garden This is their special and began to throw annual pilgrimage. gravel, first at his sisBut it meant that ter for which he got Ruth Graham my daughter, Noa “time out” then elle, was alone with her their into the grass where the lawnthree, under-five-years-old mower was sure to find it. He children. was corrected again with a After church on Sunday she “time out”. Finally he seemed to thought it would be a good di- get the idea that he could play version for them to come to my with the gravel within the pathhouse for a picnic in my back- way. But he soon lost interest. yard.

He then began to scoot beThey arrived and my almost hind the furniture his sister two-year old grandson, Rea- had rearranged. To do this he gan, headed straight for the had to go to the very edge of the jelly bean bowl in my living patio where there is about a two room. It is there for them but foot drop into a flower bed. We I had remembered to put it cautioned him but he was unon the mantle so he could not deterred. He could easily have just help himself! Then he went gone around the furniture in a back to the spare bedroom to much safer way. He would have get the Matchbox toy double- no part of it. He was going to decker bus. He is a very busy do it the hard way; the way he little boy! Now he was set. wanted to. Stubborn and willIt was a beautiful cool-ish fall ful. day. My backyard is terraced by How many of us are just like railroad ties with a large brick my grandson, Reagan? patio. My soon-to-be-five-year Is there something God is old granddaughter, Virginia cautioning you about? An acRuth, had rearranged the fur- tion that you are about to make niture to suit her for the picnic that could result in harm for while little brother kept getting you or others? A relationship in her way much to her con- that isn’t the best for you? A desternation. Their mother went cision that goes against God’s to get the picnic food. And I word? God isn’t a joy killer by thought they would settle in to any means. He wants us to have eat. What a foolish grandmoth- joy – lots of it. But His way is er! It wasn’t long before little always best and easier in the Reagan was moving his spot. long run.

He decided he would eat on Today make the choice to do the steps. We cautioned him it His way. but he persevered. Finally he got to the top step with some info@theroanokestar.com food still on his plate and ate a

Page 6 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 9/26/08

TheRoanokeStar.com

When geniuses collide: Shakespeare and Verdi

[Murray Run Bridge]

Murray Run Greenway Bridge Opens The newly constructed Murray Run Greenway Bridge was dedicated on Thursday evening at Fishburn Park.

The bridge connects the gap in the 2.9 greenway which runs from Shrine Hill Park on Grandin Road to McNeill Drive at Colonial Avenue. “It’s a work of art,� said Steve Buschor, Director of Roanoke City Parks and Recreation as he introduced Roanoke Mayor David Bowers. “Thank you for all your hard work,� said Bowers. “Thank you for making this investment.� He told about the importance of the bridge, which crosses over a storm water ravine. It will keep walkers and bicyclists out of traffic after they cross Brambleton Avenue at Shenendoah Life Insurance, said Donnie Underwood, Greenway and Park Planner for Roanoke City.

Roanoke City Manager, Darlene Burcham, said Roanoke City Parks and Recreation was responsible for arranging over 1500 volunteer hours

for the project since it began in April 2008. According to a Parks and Recreation press release, volunteers include Pathfinders for Greenways, the Greenway Commission, the Greater Raleigh Court Civic League, the Elfuns of General Electric, area schools, neighbors and the Department of Parks and Recreation. Pathfinders for Greenways paid for the bridge. The bridge was designed by a volunteer architect.

Each of three commemorative trees were marked by a green ribbon, which were planted in memory of three late Roanoke Valley greenways

enthusiasts—Barton Morris, Bill Hubbard and Jack Smith. The trees were planted previously by the Urban Forestry Commemorative Tree Program.

Burcham described the Rain Garden as a depression where plants filter water that accumulates after heavy rain, making runoff cleaner.

Bowers was one of the first to walk over the bridge as participants walked and cycled across it following the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

By Joan Kastner info@theroanokestar.com

Rotary event to beneďŹ t local charities The Rotary Club of Roanoke Valley will sponsor a benefit dinner, dance with games and live and silent auctions, to benefit three local charities Friday, October 17, at the Salem Civic Center. The Rotary Club, which is part of Rotary District 7570 of Rotary International, is expected to raise more than $20,000 for the Roanoke Valley charities. The charities are Virginia Amateur Sports, Project Lifesaver and the Roanoke Valley Speech and Hearing Center.

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

The Roanoke Speech and Hearing Center provides diagnosis and speech, language and hearing therapy to indigent children in the Roanoke Valley.

Project Lifesaver is an under-funded program of the Roa-

noke County Police Department that provides wrist locator beacons to handicapped individuals who are prone to wandering. Individuals with beacons can be located in a matter of minutes, rather than hours or days. The funds are specifically identified to provide additional beacons and location electronics.

The evenings activities start at 6:30 PM and include a buffet dinner and a dance with music provided by “Timeless,� featuring selections from big band to beach music, the 50s, 60s and 70s, and top 40. Various area businesses have donated to the charity affair and attendees will have an opportunity to participate in silent and live auctions. Various other games will be played throughout the evening. More details on the 21st annual benefit event may be obtained at www.RotaryDance.com. Tickets may be purchased from any member of the sponsoring club or by contacting Ev Werness at (540) 556-4389 or Pete File at (540) 293-9105.

inebriated Falstaff, at a The genius of Steven table littered with botWhite’s Opera Roanoke and David Wiley’s tles, begins his ridicuRoanoke Symphony lous scheme to woo the merry local wives, Dr. Orchestra collide FriCaius (local tenor Nick day, October 3rd and Leitch) enters the pub, Sunday, October 5th to already irate because perform Giuseppe Verof Falstaff ’s drunken di’s comic masterpiece Falstaff is one actions the day before.

Falstaff. of Shakespeare’s The banter begins and Set in 15th century most eccentric calls for another bottle England, Falstaff is the characters. of sack, a Spanish wine. story of a fat drunken As in Shakespeare’s knight who, like Shakespeare’s Sir John Falstaff in The The Merry Wives of Windsor, Merry Wives of Windsor, pro- the settings in Acts I and II are a pels absurd twists and turns of pub and a country home outside events in hilarious motion. The of London. The stage of Fal“fat bastard� plots to seduce and staff should be a visual delight extract money from two proper because the sets and costumes wives who he believes control are straight out of “Merry Olde the purse strings of their well- England.� In Act III, when Sir heeled husbands. Of course, the John, our fat greedy knight, is old knight is a ludicrous roman- reduced to his final idiocy for all tic figure with an ego beyond to see, the setting is a forest with bounds, as is his greed. He is Huntsmen and disguised playthe center of our entertainment ers on the stage and horns in as the wives and their husbands the orchestra. Elves and fairies uncover his scheme. They then flit around as the music and the plot to make him the laughing plots surprise us in their exuberant climax. stock of the town.

When the opera culminates Meanwhile, as in Shakespeare, Verdi librettist, Arrigo with the idea that the entire Boito, creates plots within plots world is a stage, and that womwithin plots with only one end en and men are mere players, we in view—to entertain us with realize that geniuses have indeed quick actions. Verdi’s music collided. Verdi died with a copy creates the backbone of these of Shakespeare’s plays on his often-absurd events. In both bedside table. The two geniuses music and lyrics there is always shared a common value system. the element of surprise, as in Both loved their rural roots, and any farce. John Falstaff shows both returned to them at the his ego and we see how far he end of their lives.

Our valley is fortunate to have must fall in the lusty refrain, “Va, Vecchio John, va!� And, a unique musical match in the down he tumbles as we hear all leaders of our opera and symthe stories from the various in- phony. Indeed, our geniuses struments and singers as they collide October 3rd and 5th as play their parts in the orchestra the Shaftman Performance Hall at the Jefferson Center is filled and across the stage.

We immediately see the cen- with musical excitement and ter of all the mischief, Sir John merriment as the high jinks unFalstaff, in the Garter Inn, a pub fold. in the rural town of Windsor,

By Carol Fralin not far from London. When info@theroanokestar.com

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Ron Cervin, designer of the electric motorcycle by Hybrid technologies, shows off the new bike delivered to Williams Supply of Roanoke.

Electric Motorcycle lights up Williams Supply Gallery With gas prices reaching record highs, wouldn’t it be nice to fill up your car at home on clean, environmentally friendly electric power before cruising past all those filling stations on the way to work? Hybrid Technologies, a North Carolina based company that exclusively manufactures lithium battery powered, fully electric transportation devices, is currently taking orders for a range of pure electric transports. Among these is a fully electric chopper-style motorcycle that caught the eye of Roanoke’s Arnold Jones, President of Williams Supply Inc. The bike was delivered to Williams Supply Inc. headquarters on September 12, just in time for the “Everything Electrical� trade show. Designed by Hybrid Technologies’ Ron Cervin, the customized chopper is detailed with custom paint and upholstery.

Neon lights located along the length of the bike can be activated at the touch of a button. The chopper tops out at 74mph, and has a range of about 40 miles. Hybrid Technologies can make bikes with a longer range, but Cervin says, “This bike was built for show.�

The chopper joins the ranks of two other electric transports owned by Williams Supply: a three wheeled, pure electric car called a Corbin Sparrow, and a Segway. The electric vehicles serve as attention grabbers at trade shows, but also represent Williams Supply’s commitment to eco-consciousness and green technology.

At $24,000 to $30,000, custom electric choppers may not be for everyone, but there are plenty of cheap, environmentally friendly technologies available at Williams Supply’s Lighting Gallery in Salem. The company is on the cutting edge of new energy saving and non-polluting lighting. “Light sources are undergoing a major revolution,â€? Jones says. One simple option is switching traditional light bulbs to florescent ones, which are more efficient and less polluting. Jones notes that these florescent lights â€œâ€Ślast twice as long as traditional light bulbs, and consume about half as much power.â€? Another option for power conservation is simply adding a dimmer switch to your existing lighting structures. “For every ten percent that you dim an incandescent light source, you probably double the life of the bulb,â€? Jones says.

Williams Supply can help to install dimmer switches, one of the many services they offer in the arena of lighting.

A Williams Supply’s Lighting Gallery is located at 1871 Dillard Drive, Salem Virginia.

Their phone number is (540) 389-9285. Information on Hybrid Technologies can be found at their website, www.hybridtechnologies.com.

By Ryan Blackwell info@theroanokestar.com

TheRoanokeStar.com

Contact Tom Branch or Mike Branch 4552 Franklin Road, S.W., Roanoke, Virginia 24014 Phone: 540-774-1208 | Fax: 540-774-1359 | Email: bmc@branchmgt.com

sPorts

9/26/08 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 7

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Photos by TJ Witten

The Patrick Henry defense pursues Cave Spring ball carrier Zac Osborne (above left).

Patrick Henry quarterback Darren Thomas (above right) goes in for the winning touchdown against Cave Spring The Patrick Henry Marching Band (left) prepares to take the field during halftime of last Friday’s matchup.

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Patriots get first win of season Despite the rough start to the season, Patrick Henry football coach Bob Gray has insisted that his team was improving with each game.

On Friday night, the team’s growth was evident as the Patriots earned their first victory of the season, a 14-7 decision over the Cave Spring Knights.

“We executed much better offensively and defensively,” Gray said. “I think that’s probably the best defensive performance we’ve had in two years.”

The fumbled snaps that have plagued the Patriots offense in previous games were nearly non-existent against the Knights, save for one early in the contest that was recovered by Patrick Henry. Two key personnel changes can be attributed to the improvement – the Patriots changed centers for the game, and also started standout tight end Kyle Smith at fullback. Smith was effective, if not spectacular, gaining nearly 70 yards on the ground.

Quarterback Darren Thomas accounted for all of the Patriots’ scoring, rushing for two touchdowns as well as a two-point conversion, as Patrick Henry took a 14-0 lead after the first half.

“Our offensive line did a great job of blocking all game,” Gray said. And the Patriot defense, which

had struggled mightily in recent weeks, forced two fumbles, one of which led to a score, and held the Knights’ offense in check for most of the game.

Again, personnel adjustments aided in the defensive resurgence. Sophomore Xavier Stanley, who forced one of the Knights’ fumbles, and Senior Jameko Manns were moved from linebacker to defensive end. “They did a heck of a job stopping the off-tackle runs,” Gray said.

“We’re just trying to get our players in the right places,” Gray said of the personnel changes.

“We’re trying to get people in the right spots, and fortunately some of the moves we’ve made have worked out in a positive way.”

The Patriots face the dangerous Christiansburg Blue Demons (3-1) this week. “They’ve got a lot of speed, play very aggressive, and they’re very physical,” Gray said. “They’re gonna try to get to the outside by running a lot of sweeps, so we’re going to have to have some speed on the edge. It will be a real challenging game for us.”

Kickoff in Christiansburg is set for 7:30pm.

By Matt Reeve Matt@theroanokestar.com

Northside vs. Salem football

Buck Mountain Road 4.45 acres ZonedC2

For the second week in a row the Sa- in the half. Two pass plays by senior quarlem Spartans had to hold on for a victory. terback Derrick Hickman moved the ball This time it was the Northside Vikings downfield setting up Coles' touchdown. that caused the knuckles of the Salem Robert Powell’s point after gave Salem the fans to turn white. Unlike last week when slimmest of leads at 7-6.

The remainder of the second quarter Salem built up the score against William Byrd only to hold on at the end, this week was scoreless but it didn’t come without the Spartans made two extra points stand some very interesting moments. A Sparup as the difference for a 14-12 win at tan punt with 5:03 left in the half to the Salem Stadium. Three Viking turnovers Viking’s Phelps resulted in what appeared aided the Salem defense who had allowed to be a Salem penalty. It looked as though the two Northside scores from 26 and 24 Phelps was interfered with as he attempted to catch the punt. A long officials yards respectively.

It was the Vikings who were on the conference, mostly with Northside coach board first with 2:56 left in the first quar- Burt Torrence, resulted in Salem punt08 ing again, after the penalty yardage was Photos by Cathy Abraham ter when junior Dustin Phelps scampered 26 yards down the right sideline for the marked off against the Spartans. A secThe “questionable call” in last weeks Salem – Northside score.

Th e point aft er was blocked but ond Salem punt was fumbled by Northmatchup seems clear enough as the picture sequence above Northside had the early lead 6-0.

It looked side and recovered by the Spartans. The captured by RSS photographer Cathy Abraham shows Northas though Salem was going to get the half ended as Salem attempted a short side’s number 25 Dustin Phelps being pasted by a Salem score back quickly when Antonio Medfield goal that was wide and the Spartans defender prior to theContact ball arriving in his hands.

Salem went Tom Branch or Mike Branch Contact Tom Branch or Mike Branch ley returned the ball to the Salem 45 yard took their 7-6 lead into the locker room.

4552 Franklin Road, S.W., Roanoke, Virginia 24014 on to win the matchup by a score of 14-12 BOL 08 BOL 08 S.W., Virginiabut 24014 The third quarter saw both teams put lineRoad, only to fall Roanoke, down with nothing Phone: 540-774-1208 | Fax: 540-774-13594552 | Email:Franklin bmc@branchmgt.com Phone: 540-774-1208 | front Fax: 540-774-1359 | Email:points bmc@branchmgt.com on the board, with Salem striking real estate in of him. The Spartans did score 13 plays later as Kirk Coles went first. After a Spartan interception, Salem Contact Tom Branch or Mike Branch over from the three yard line with 9:05 left started on the Northside 35 yard line and 4552 Franklin Road, S.W., Roanoke, Virginia 24014

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seven plays later Coles scored from the seven yard line. Coles’ second touchdown of the night came with 4:54 left in the third quarter. Powell’s point after increased Salem’s lead to 14-6. Northside came downfield quickly highlighted by a 44 yard pass from junior Ryan Keith to Isaiah Martin. On fourth and six from the Salem 24 yard line, Keith found Phelps who outracing the Spartan secondary and he threw up a pass that Phelps ran under for the touchdown. Northside went for the two point conversation, however, Salem sacked Keith. With 1:55 left in the third, the Spartans held a 14-12 lead.

Neither team could mount a sustained drive in the fourth quarter and it was junior Stephen Barnette’s interception of Keith with 2:32 left in the game that sealed the Salem victory. Northside (2-3) will be at home this Friday against Hidden Valley. Salem (3-1) will travel to play William Fleming.

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Colonels prepare for showdown vs. Spartans

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By David Abraham info@theroanokestar.com

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Contact Tom Branch or Mike Branch 4552 Franklin Road, S.W., Roanoke, Virginia 24014

Contact Tom Branch or Mike Branch Management Corp. specializes in unique solutions to| Fax: meet your needs.

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ur rty Th e Colonels (4-0) are off to a tremendous start to the season, them into a few stressful situations, and see how they handle it.”

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led by an explosive offense that features senior quarterback DerPutting points on the scoreboard won’t be easy an easy task P

ek Brown and senior running back LaCalvin Hickman. “They for the Colonels this week. “They don’t get caught out of posier have a lot of weapons of the offensive side of the ball,” Salem tion too often,” Senseney said. “They are gonna make you drive Hollins at Palmer at Palmer er Hollins 802 Kerns Avenue Business Center 802 Kerns Avenue Business Center 802 Kerns Avenue Head Coach Hollins at Palmer Stephen Magenbauer said. the whole 80 yards, and they’re not going to let you get a cheap 24 acres 24 acres s For Sale or Lease For Sale or LeaseFor Sale or Lease Build toCenter Suit 802 Kerns Avenue Build to Business Suit 100,000 sq ft 100,000 sq ft touchdown.”

But the Colonels fi gure to be severely challenged by the Sparit Will Subdivide Will Subdivide 100,000 sq ft 24 acres For Sale or Lease e Whatever happens, both coaches certainly respect their optans.

Salem (3-1) is off to another strong start, and has been Build to Suit 100,000 sq ft Will Subdivide dominant over the past four seasons, going 50-3 with four con- ponent. “We both know each other real well,” Magenbauer acsecutive District championships, and two state titles in 2004 and knowledged. “They’re the most confident, and most likely the best team we’ve played all year.”

2005.

Coach Senseney was equally complimentary of the Spartans.

“Th ey’re obviously a strong program, ” William Fleming Coach 3 Bennington Street 2173 Bennington Street Buck Mountain Road erland Road Rt. 116 Buck Mountain Road at/Riverland Road / Rt. 116 “Th ey’re going to the best team we’ve seen so far. We’re going to Rob Senseney said.

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sPorts

Page 8 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 9/26/08

TheRoanokeStar.com Photo by David R. Jones, Jr.

The William Byrd marching band performs their demonstration routine on the field in last Saturday’s regional band competition.

Middle School Football:

Patriots vs. Knights Photo by TJ Witten

The PH Junior Varisty Team stacks its defensive line against Cave Spring. The Patriots won the JV matchup as well by a score of 34-20.

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9th Annual Poor Mountain Hill Climb on October 5 The 9th Poor Mountain HillClimb, the final race in the Virginia DeRailer Series takes place on Sunday, October 5. The course is a gnarly route covering 7 ¾ miles of asphalt, dirt, rock and gravel.

The incline is a steep pitch often worse than the toughest alpine climbs tackled by pro cyclists during the Tour de France. The HillClimb is hosted by Roanoke County Parks, Recreation & Tourism along with sponsorship from Cardinal Bicycle and Saturn of Roanoke Valley.

Flavia Lepene, resident of Blacksburg, Virginia raced in the HillClimb last year and was first in her category to reach the top of the mountain. “It was fun and I am glad I came” said Flavia Lepene. Ms. Lepene just earned the title: 1st Mt. Washington Hill Climb, NH (2008) and will be returning again this year as one of Roanoke County’s special guest cyclist.

The annual Poor Mountain and DeRailer Series’ awards ceremony will take place at Camp Roanoke. A total of $2,000 in cash prizes for the DeRailer Series will be awarded. The Poor Mountain HillClimb will award $2200 in cash prizes which includes $250 each for the male and female record breakers. Online registration is available until October 3rd. Powered by Active.com, simply log onto http://www.active.com click on cycling, enter “Poor Mountain HillClimb in Salem, VA” in the search engine then click on the link provided and register. Check-in begins at 8:00AM and will close promptly at 10:00AM. Day of registrants are welcome, please bring $25 cash for day of registration fee. For more information call (540) 387-6078 ext. 251 or visit www.RoanokeCountyParks.com.

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Marching bands compete at William Byrd People driving by William Byrd HS Saturday were surprised to see the parking lot filled with buses and tractortrailers while multiple bands marched all around the campus. Those stopping to see enjoyed the sites and sounds of the 13th annual Preview of Champions marching band competition. This start of the season event brought 14 bands together from high schools across southwest Virginia who gathered to see how their half-time shows compared in judged competition against other schools.

The William Byrd Marching Terrier Band led off the day with a demonstration performance as host bands do not compete. Judges later commented their show would have placed first in their size category if they had been in competition.

Other bands followed in a continuing stream. Each was judged on the following categories ñ color guard, percussion, visual performance, music individual, music ensemble

and overall effect. The scores were then tallied and winners in each size group presented trophies. Winning bands were Group I: Liberty Christian Academy, Group II: Magna Vista High School, Group III: Patrick Henry High School, Group IV: George Washington High School, and Group V: Bassett High School.

Additional participating bands included: William Byrd High School (Host Band) Lebanon High School Liberty Christian Academy Staunton River High School Magna Vista High School Pulaski High School Rustburg High School Glenvar High School Patrick Henry High School Lord Botetourt High School Franklin County High School Northside High School George Washington High School Bassett High School Salem High School

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The Roanoke Star-Sentinel

9/26/08 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 9

TheRoanokeStar.com

Pinwheels for peace planted at Community School As part of the International Day of Peace recognized on September 21st, Community School students recently made and placed over 100 Peace Pinwheels on their campus.

The entire school assembled on the front field, adjacent to Williamson Road, installed the pinwheels and then sang a “Peace Song.”

“Pinwheels for Peace” is a recognized art and literacy installation project that offers as a way for students to express their feelings about what’s going on in the world and in their lives. On September 21, 2006, the first year of the project, people in over 2400 locations throughout the world “planted” approx-

imately 1 million pinwheels in public places.

Pinwheels for Peace is a way to help students make a visual statement about their feelings on war, peace, tolerance, cooperation, harmony, and unity.

Community School was the first “Peaceable School” in Southwest Virginia. The Peaceable School program is administered through the National Center for Conflict Resolution Education. Since June 2001, the faculty and staff at Community School have integrated a comprehensive conflict resolution program into the school’s curriculum.

Commentary: Arts Festival Encore? Commentary: Making the Most of the The billboards for the Roanoke Arts Festival promise an encore. When you take a look at the first arts festival that’s a little scary! In more closed door meetings, Darlene Burcham and her minions (appointed to oversee her brilliant projects) looked at a financial fiasco for taxpayers and instead of admitting to it, decided on an “encore.”

Rick Salzberg’s $65,000 per year job, not bad in the local Arts community, was advertised for people around here on the City web site at $36,000 per year. Salzberg who had never produced or managed an arts festival was brought in and his salary was somehow raised to $65,000 for him as well as an assistant being hired and a consultant - Rob Cross of the Virginia Arts Festival who was contracted to help Salzberg figure out how to do it. This festival was being compared to Cross’s success story and of all things Charleston SC’s Spoleto! Likely, had Salzberg’s salary been advertised in those arenas a qualified person would have applied.

But Burcham has a way of reinventing things and as the City is governed she has supreme control over personnel, hiring and Council does not interfere in any way, even to get rid of her “mistakes.”

Since the City Manager is too busy running everything in Roanoke she placed Salzberg directly under Jim Grigsby, Assistant City Manager whose years as Fire Chief has apparently made

Carilion referral policy not so simple Dear editor, Though Case Blackwell made some points well in his article published Sept 12th concerning “referral leakage” at Carilion, I have several point to discuss. I believe Paula "Battenger" is really Paula Bittinger, the former Lab Director of Dr. Mountcastle's group IMA and fervent supporter of the Coalition.

Though I am not an official spokesperson for Carilion, I believe it may not be well understood by all Carilion employees that referrals and self referrals by patients are possible. Patient preferences for home health agencies are always offered by social workers and case managers when these services are requested.

Many physicians only take referrals from the Emergency Dept on days they are on call and are quite resistant to see patients, particularly when they do not have insurance.

This was one of the reasons Carilion was forced to hire their own Neurosurgeons and Orthopedists. Unassigned patients (those without physicians) are very difficult to find care when discharged. Pulmonary medicine specialists require over $300 up front for the first visit. Many private physicians have refused to cover the Emergency Dept and yet 24hr coverage is federally required for Carilion to maintain their Trauma Level I status and avoid EMTALA vio-

him an expert in the Arts, just as it does overseeing another Roanoke “success story”: The Civic Center. Melinda Mayo who was never a Public Information Officer was elevated to that capacity by Burcham to support the festival and other City involvement with the media.

It would be interesting to see who, with qualifications, applied for that job.

Then there was the $250,000 of taxpayer money that went into the festival.

The line up ranged from a concert at Green Memorial attended by three to a Judy Collins concert not long after she had just appeared here.

Revenue on the quarter million investment was $8,000.

In most circles that would have been called a failure, a disgrace and “good-bye Charlie,” but Burcham in her infinite wisdom saw something the rest of the taxpayers didn’t and when jobs like EMS were cut Salzberg stayed on and the Festival was funded again. And what a line up: A musical starring puppets and Crystal Gayle! We’ll be the envy of every festival in the nation! And included is the promise that more festivals will come!

Dare we ask what amount of private funding (part of Salzberg’s job to raise) did indeed get raised? And if this year is a failure you can be sure that Salzberg’s salary and the festival will encore again if she is still City Manager. At $250,000 a year it won’t take long to reach a

Letters

lations. As you can see, this is a very complex issue and requires research and conversations with knowledgeable people.

James Gooding, MD Hospitalist/ Internal Medicine Carilion Clinic

In support of Sam Rasoul and solar panels Dear editor, I am longing for the day when I can install solar energy panels on the roof of my house. The idea of being able to generate my own electricity so I can stop paying rising electrical bills is a very attractive one. If you have the same interest, I hope you will take a moment and vote to elect Sam Rasoul to Congress in the coming November election. Sam will push for congressional bills that subsidize renewable energy generation.

Right now the only federal subsidy for installing residential solar panels is prohibitively low. I know we can rely on Sam to work toward making a significant increase in that federal benefit for those of us who want to save our environment and, at the same time, our rapidly shrinking pocketbooks.

Janis Owen Waynesboro

million dollars that would be far better spent in support of Roanoke’s Arts anchor: Center in the Square.

Arts Festivals are usually put in place as Economic Development incentives with the goal of attracting visitors to a city, filling its hotels and having those people drops lots of money as well as getting a look at a place they have never been. In other words the whole city becomes a showcase with the festival being the draw. Of course if the festival looks like a joke the visitor wonders if the rest of the environment is the same. Normally this is accomplished by experienced professionals who know what they are doing. It is based on research, appeal factors and the humbleness of those in charge to seek out and incorporate ideas that have worked elsewhere.

In the big picture, the misguided practices will continue in Roanoke and taxpayers will be footing these bills until they aggressively convince City Council to change things.

Meanwhile Roanoke has a mechanism in place: Event Zone, that does what it does well, produces a number of events and mini festivals and secures the backing for them; backing extended by people based on trust at delivering!

Is there a message here?

Dillon Morris Roanoke VA

Railways, a great way to travel Dear editor, I was pleased to see an entire article on the need for rail transportation for Roanokers.

In addition to the lack of decent air service, I have heard rumors that Greyhound will be closing up shop here pretty soon.

Now, I’ve traveled Greyhound from here to New York City a few times, and it’s not fun, nor pretty, nor all that inexpensive.

The flighs that go to New York force you to walk out on the tarmac both here and at LaGuardia in all kinds of weather; US Air doesn’t seem to care if you fly with them or not.

I would LOVE to be able to take a train to New York or other places--I do want to visit friends in Las Vegas but it’s so hard to get there by plane from here, not to mention prohibitively expensive. Same thing Alberquerque and San Francisco.

It would help save fuel, maybe some money for me, and, I assume, from previous trips across Canada, a whole lot of stress.

The tracks are there, the passenger cars are available, railroad workers need jobs--why not give it a shot? Clean up one or two of those old stations, give us some parking and see what happens! Roanoke can’t be a town that’s “going somewhere” if you can’t get to it or get out when you need to!

Betsy Day Roanoke

Retirement Years When Pearl Buttons, retired from her job she was thrilled to be able to spend all her time doing exactly what she wanted to do. She had a long list of things she had been putting off because there just wasn’t time to do them and live her life too.

After the retirement party, Pearl and her husband, Shel, went on a lovely vacation cruise to Puerto Rico. When they came home Pearl started ticking items off that list. She finished some; decided others weren’t worthwhile.

In six months, the list was completed!

Two months later, she was bathing and changing clothes every few days. She read the paper, did the Sudoku, the crossword and the word jumble. She watched two game shows and three soap operas.

Sometimes for dinner she and her husband only had a bowl of cereal.

Pearl wasn’t unhappy but neither was she happy. She and Shel sort of just rocked along.

One day while sitting on the deck reading a romance novel, Pearl realized she was absolutely stone bored out of her mind.

Then Pearl got nervous. What if this was all there was to being retired? Doing this for years to come until she died!

She talked to Shel about her thoughts but came up with no clear idea of how to deal with her fear of dying from boredom. When the Saturday paper arrived, she noticed an advertisement about retirement life planning. Intrigued, Pearl called and enrolled in a seminar at the local community college.

Pearl and Shel Buttons spent one day at the seminar. They had a good time learning about themselves and each other in a new way. Once they each identified what they wanted out of their retirement years, they learned how to put a plan together that would meet their needs, wants and dreams.

Today, Pearl and Shel they are having a ball. They are actively involved in the community.

Pearl is a volunteer at the Red Cross and also in Habitat for Humanity. She has enrolled in more classes at the community college and is learning American Sign Language.

Shel started bike riding to get in shape and now belongs to a cycling club that rides throughout Southwestern Virginia. He serves breakfast at a homeless

shelter and works part time as a courier. Their only complaint is that they didn’t start planning while they were still working… they could have saved so much wasted time!

Pearl and Shel are perfect examples of how planning and thinking proactively can shape retirement into a rewarding, meaningful time. Meaningless activity is boring. Humans in today’s culture were not bred to sit around idly for too long.

We are happiest when we have meaning in our lives.

As Pearl and Shel Buttons learned, retirement is a major life change and requires the same energy and attention that every other life change does.

They have been rewarded for their efforts. They look and feel younger than they have in years; they have more friends than ever before and sleep well every night. It just doesn’t get any better!

Helen Arden Roanoke Va

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Page 10 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 9/26/08

TheRoanokeStar.com

coMMUnitY caLenDar > Sept. 26, 27, 28 & Oct. 3,4,5

Lu Merritt Tournament The 2008 Lu Merritt Tournament will celebrate its 30th year at Hidden Valley Country Club; Seniors: September 26, 27 & 28th; Junior & Novice: October 3, 4 & 5th USTA registered players can register online at: http:// www.usta-va.com/ Novice players, please call Tom Gibbs, Hidden Valley Tennis at 540-387-1524 All proceeds benefit Apple Ridge Farm’s academic and outdoor enrichment programs.

> Sept. 27 & 28

Sheep Toss, Dragon Droppings, Unicorn Ring Toss, Boar Hunt, and Pole Jousting. You may also test your prowess at the archery range and ax throw. Take a step back into time, bring the whole family and make a little “history of your own�!

Cost - only $5 per person with children under 5 being free.

For more - www.RoanokeCountyParks.comor www. medievalfantasiesco.com or call Roanoke County’s Live Learn & Play Line at (540) 387-6455.

> Sept. 27 Singles Travel Club The Singles Travel Club (couples welcome too!), is sponsoring a bus trip to the matinee of Seven Brides For Seven Brothers at the Wohlfahrt Haus Dinner Theatre,Wytheville,VA,.

Where- Passengers can board the bus at the Bonsack Walmart, Route 460, Troutville; and at Hardee’s, 2038 W. Main Street, Salem (Exit 137).

Cost- $72 per person includes: Roundtrip motorcoach transportation, an all inclusive sit down lunch, ticket to matinee of Seven Brides For Seven Brothers and a tour host.

For more- call (540) 366-2888.

Green Hill Park Medieval Faire Experience the adventure, pageantry, magic and romance of medieval times at Roanoke County’s Green Hill Park. On Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.to 5 p.m. upon the spacious verge you will find fluttering flags and festive tentage of merchants offering wares from mystical lands and times. Revisit history made reality as the living history exhibitors display life as it was in the Middle Ages. Come witness the jousting and sword fighting which are among the many favorite forms of medieval entertainment. Smell Roanoke Dog Park Fundthe luscious aroma of roasted raiser meats, tasty breads and delicious A day of fun is planned for the treats near the tavern pavilion. entire family, including fourThroughout the day, you will legged members (dogs are welwitness laughter, music and mer- come on leash, please). Cash riment, colorful dancers, nobles, donations will be accepted at ladies, knights, and of course the this event, and official dog park most noble of all creatures the t-shirts ($15 each) and dog park regal greyhounds. Festive tents bumper stickers ($5 each) will line the lawn with gifts, garb and be sold. wonders galore. Additionally on A schedule of the day’s activities Saturday only, you can witness includes: incredible feats of strength and • Dog Park Informational Showendurance by some of the best case – 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. athletes around at the Highland • Buddy Wash and Nail Trim – Games. A total of 32 athletes 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. . will compete in seven different • Dogs for Dogs – 12:00 noon categories. Also new this year, to 2:00 pm. the lads and lassies can try their • Roanoke’s Greatest Dog Talstrength at the “weeâ€? version of ent Show – 2:00 pm. the Highland Games including When - 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Caber Toss, Sheaf Toss & Stone- Where - Highland Park put. Beginning that day at 7 p.m. a Masquerade Ball will be held Kids in the Valley, Advenat no extra charge, dress for the turing! ball if you so desire and learn the Kids In the Valley, Adventuring! refined art of hand kissing, en- takes a field trip to Roanoke’s gage in the wooing contest and finest public garden! Walk with we learn about the learn the dances from days PROOF of us#: while 060408P-HBBQ old charm.Each day children of plants, walk through the maze have a picnic. We will also all ages are invited to play imagiDATE: and 06-04-08 native games such as Ratapult, learn about composting and see

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red wigglers at work! Come prepared to make a memory with your child(ren). No childcare is provided.

When- 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

For more- www.kidsadventuring.org.

Mount Pleasant United Methodist Church Flea Market at Mount Pleasant United Methodist Church.

Christmas crafts. tools, household and decorative items and books. Some proceeds support the Mount Pleasant Rescue Squad and Hurricane Relief through the United Methodist Committee on Relief.

When - 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Where - 3009 Mount Pleasant Blvd. SE, Roanoke.

> Sept. 28 Blue Ridge PBS KidsFest Elmo, Curious George, Arthur, Clifford, Mr. McFeely and friends are coming to the Roanoke Valley for the first annual Blue Ridge PBS KidsFest. Admission is free.

Activities include storytelling,live music, a children’s play zone with a moonwalk and giant inflatable slide, face painting, hands-on educational areas and up-close experiences with animals from the Mill Mountain Zoo. There will also be safety education information for children and their parents about the Internet, dangerous weather and emergency vehicles. Other PBS characters at the KidsFest include Word Girl, Maya and Miguel, and Digit.

Bring your camera!

When- 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Where- Salem Civic Center For more- www.blueridgepbs. org

> Oct. 1

Sculpture Unveiling at Roanoke Civic Center The public is invited to join the City of Roanoke and the Roanoke Arts Commission (RAC) for the unveiling of a signature sculpture at the Roanoke Civic Center on Wednesday, Oct. 1.

The sculpture has been created by artist Rodney Carroll of Baltimore, Md., to celebrate the city’s 125th anniversary and its theme of “People, Pride, Promise.� The unveiling will include a “meet the artist� reception and music by musicians from the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra.

When- 5 p.m.

Where - Roanoke Civic Center For more- www.roanokeva.gov/ publicart.

> Oct. 2

Thursday Morning Music Club The first program in the Thursday Morning Music Club 2008

Roanoke Police Department to host memory ride The Roanoke Police Department's Crime Prevention Unit is holding its annual Memory Ride on October 4, 2008. Bikes will leave from the Roanoke Valley Harley Davidson shop at 1925 Peters Creek Road.

Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and the first bikes will

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Mill Mountain Coffee Tinnels Finer Foods 2205 Crystal Spring Ave 112 Campbell Ave Roanoke VA 24011 Roanoke VA 24014

> Oct. 4

Annual Fall Waterways Clean-up Save the date for the annual Fall Waterways Cleanup and Celebration to be held valley-wide is scheduled October 4th.

When- 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.; celebration to follow at 11:45 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Where- Wasena Park For more- register to participate, please visit the Clean Valley Council’s website link at: http://www.cleanvalley.org/fallwaterway.htmlgepbs.org Roanoke Council of Garden Clubs Yard Sale Roanoke Council of Garden Clubs will have a Yard Sale on Saturday October 4, 2008 When - 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM Where - 3640 Colonial Avenue SW Fall Open House Homestead Creamery is having an open house with free samples, fall activities and lunch served from 11:30 to 2:30 p.m.

When - 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Where - 7254 Booker T. Washington Hwy. ,Wirtz,VA 24184 For more - call 540-721-2045

> Oct. 4-5

Barbara Norman-Lashley Open Studio Barbara and Guest artists Ann E. Hale, Rayma Lacks, Martha Brown Mayo and Roberta McGuire will host a two-day Open Studio of small gifts, framed and unframed art.

When - 10am-5pm. Refreshments.

Where - 2460 Twin Mountain Rd in Vinton (Rt. 24 through Vinton to Rt. 641, follow signs) For more - 540-890-3889.

> Oct. 5

9th Annual Poor Mountain Hill Climb Mountain Bike Race The annual Poor Mountain and DeRailer Series’ awards ceremony will take place at Camp Roanoke. A total of $2,000 in cash prizes for the DeRailer Series will be awarded. The Poor Mountain HillClimb will award $2200 in cash prizes which includes $250 each for the male and female record breakers.

Online registration is available until October 3 When - Check-in begins at 8:00AM and will close promptly at 10:00AM. Where - Camp Roanoke For more or to register (540)

387-6078 ext. 251 or visit www.

RoanokeCountyParks.com.

> Oct. 6

Biblical Blueprints for Business The trainer is Mike Garrison and he will help you learn how to build your business based on biblical principals and how to align your faith with your life in the business community.

When - 3:30 - 5:00 p.m.

Cost- is $49.00/person.

Where - Roanoke Higher Education Center in Room 403.

For more or to register - call The Garrison Group at 4007471 or Jocelyn@thegarrisongroup.biz. Advanced registration is not required.

> Oct. 9

Roanoke College Center for Religion and Society Father Richard John Neuhaus, Editor of First Things, author of The Naked Public Square and many other books, including the forthcoming American Babylon: Notes of a Christian Exile, will speak on “Moral Issues and Political Choices: A Christian Response.�

When- 7:30 p.m.

Where- Wortmann Ballroom in the Roanoke College Colket Student Center St. Francis Blessing of the Animals St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church will hold its 9th Annual Blessing of the Animals service Saturday, October 4, 2008. St. Francis is well known for his love of nature and we mark the anniversary of his feast day with a blessing of the animals special to you. All animals, on leashes or in carriers and their owners are welcome. You will receive a personal blessing and photo of you and your pet. Please bring a can or two of food to be shared with the St. Francis House Food Pantry.

When - 9 a.m.

Where - The setting is outside under the church’s beautiful oak tree at 2339 Grandin Road, SW. For more information you may call the church, 540.774.8652 or visit our web site, www.stelizabethsroanoke.org

> Oct. 11

Gardening Workshop Virginia Cooperative Extension and the Community Arboretum at Virginia Western team up to host a fall gardening workshop, “Liven Up Your Dormant Garden,� Saturday, October 11, 2008. Those attending are promised many ideas for plants to enliven the winter landscape and will take home a beautiful container garden planted during

the workshop.

The cost of the workshop is $25 per person to cover container garden supplies. Registration is limited to the first 30 paid applicants by September 12, 2008.

Registrants will receive return confirmation by email (postal mail if no email address is provided), containing directions and rain date instructions. Please help us manage postal costs by accepting email from Virginia Cooperative Extension.

When- 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Where- Natural Science Center on the Virginia Western Community College campus.

> Oct. 12

En Plein Air Painting Day Roanoke Valley’s first En Plein Air Painting Day. The picnic pavilion across from the caboose will be the artists’ base and there are numerous vistas and river views to paint throughout the park. There is no entry fee, and all mediums are welcome.

When - 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where - Green Hill Park Artists are asked to pre-register by calling Gallery 108 at (540 )982-4278

> Oct. 17

Rotary Club of Roanoke Valley BeneďŹ t The Rotary Club of Roanoke Valley will sponsor a benefit dinner, dance with games and live and silent auctions, to benefit three local charities Friday, October 17. The Rotary Club, which is part of Rotary District 7570 of Rotary International, is expected to raise more than $20,000 for the Roanoke Valley charities.

The evenings activities include a buffet dinner and a dance with music provided by Timeless, the souths premier band, featuring selections from big band to beach music, the 50s, 60s and 70s, and top 40. Various area businesses have donated to the charity affair and attendees will have an opportunity to participate in silent and live auctions.

Various other games will be played throughout the evening.

Tickets may be purchased from any member of the sponsoring club or by contacting Ev Werness at (540) 556-4389 or Pete File at (540) 293-9105.

When- 6:30 p.m.

Where - Salem Civic Center For more- www.RotaryDance. com

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

vaLLeY BrieFs

e-mail or call us if you have any questions.

The Roanoker 2522 Colonial Ave Roanoke VA 24015

– 2009 year will be Thursday, October 2.

When - 10:30 a.m.

Where - Calvary Baptist Church in Roanoke,Virginia.

YMCA – (Jefferson Center) 520 Church Street Roanoke VA 24016

Vinton Post Office 119 South Pollard St Vinton VA 24179

Wildflower Hollins 7770 Williamson Rd Roanoke VA 24020

Public Library – Cave Spring 3131 Electric Rd Roanoke VA 24018 Public Library – Salem 28 E. Main St Salem VA 24153

Ukrops Grocery 2331 Franklin Rd Roanoke VA 24014

New Yorker Deli 2802 Williamson Rd Roanoke VA 24012

The Cave Spring Post Office 4069 Postal Drive Roanoke VA 24018

Natural Food Co-op 1319 Grandin Rd Roanoke VA 24015

Towers Mall 1103 23rd St Roanoke VA 24015

The Raleigh Court Post Office Country Cookin 4325 Brambleton Ave 1733 Grandin Rd Roanoke VA 24015 Roanoke VA 24015

(Weekly delivery to your doorstep is still only $44 a year and you won’t miss a single issue!)

leave at 10 a.m.

Registration is $20 per bike, and participants can register the day of the event. For more information or to pre-register contact the Northeast Satellite Office at 853-2132.

All proceeds will benefit Roanoke Valley Project Lifesaver and the Greater Roanoke Valley Autism Action Group.

Annual fall bazaar at Brandon Oaks Brandon Oaks Nursing and Rehabilitation Center invites all to attend its Annual Fall Bazaar, Saturday, October 4, 2008, 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Brandon Oaks Auditorium, 3804 Brandon Avenue, SW., Roanoke.

Lots of Christmas Decorations, Arts and Crafts items, Gently Used Jewelry, Canned goods (jams, jellies, pickles) Baked Goods, and a Silent Auction. Do your early Christmas Shopping and support your Lutheran Nursing Home.

All proceeds go to enhance the lives of our Nursing Home residents.

2008 Roanoke Arts Festival Tickets are now on sale for the second annual Roanoke Arts Festival.

The 2008 Festival, re-timed this year to help celebrate the opening of the new Taubman Museum of Art, will be held Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 8-9 with many free events and activities.

The 2008 Roanoke Arts Festival will complement the museums grand opening weekend and once again pay tribute to arts of the region and beyond with a host of rich offerings capped by a performance by countrymusic legend Crystal Gayle.

The Festival will include a free downtown rock nroll concert, great Bluegrass music, a musical puppet show, an exposition of the culinary arts, theatrical performances, classical music, film and more.

Tickets and pricing information as well as a complete schedule are now available at www.RoanokeArtsFest.org.

Tickets will be sold through the Roanoke Civic Center.

“Seussical� opens William Byrd Players’ fall season

William Byrd Players announce that the first show of the season, “Seussical� will open October 2nd at 7:30pm at the William Byrd High School Auditorium. Featuring members of the National Award Winning Theatrical Troupe presenting the stories of Dr. Seuss, such as “The Cat in the Hat,� “Horton Hears a Who,� and many more. Seniors Andrew Nicely, Maegan Puckett, Dorian Dozier, Luke Overstreet and Ian Price and sophomore Christie Vernon won medals at last year’s National Theatre Competition in New York City, and this year showcase their talents in “Seussical.� The William Byrd Players season will continue with “Smokey Joe’s Cafe,� in February and “High School Musical� in May. General Admission prices for “Seussical� is $5.00. Additional show times include October 4th at 7:30pm and October 5th at 2:30pm.

9/26/08 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 11

TheRoanokeStar.com

[Big Lick Blues Festival]

Blues fest draws big crowd Picture-perfect weather helped draw several thousand people to the second annual SunTrust Big Lick Blues Festival and Rib Cook-Off, held last Saturday at Elmwood Park. Among the highlights were young, leatherclad guitarist Ana Popovic the Serbia-born musician was also a favorite of those who brought their camera. Hamilton Loomis (left) played a rectangular, red guitar signed and sent to him by the late Bo Diddley, and area favorite Jimmy Thackery ďŹ nished with his version of Jimi Hendrix’s take on the Star Spangled Banner. There was a rib-eating contest (with a three minute time limit) and a “best of showâ€? ribs cook-off, won by Martin’s Restaurant.

By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

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> Wanted Jukeboxes Paying cash for old jukeboxes, Wuritzer, Seeburg, Rockola Or Ami. Any Condition. Need model number on back. Call Larry 540-314-3659

> Help Wanted

After School Program Coordinator Part time elementary coordinator for Presbyterian Community Center after school program. Requirements: combination of education, experience equivalent to bachelor degree in counseling, education, childhood development or related field. Experience working with at-risk children preferred. Resume to: PCC, 1228 Jamison Avenue, Roanoke, 24013 and/ or call 540-982-2911 for Tom MacMichael pathways@pccse.org

Part-time Dining Room Assistant Are you looking for a part-time position with great hours in a professional work environment? Shenandoah Life has an opportunity for you. We are seeking a high-energy, customer focused, individual to join our Corporate Services staff. This individual will assist the dining room staff with the preparation of food services.

Qualified candidates must have a desire to provide quality customer service and have good communications skills. Candidate must be able to lift up to 25+ lbs and stand for long periods of time. Previous experience with or knowledge of food service is preferred.

Part-time hours: 20-25 hours a week between hours 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. with regular hours of 8:00-1:00 p.m. Starting salary $10 + 401K benefits.

If customer service is your priority and have a strong work ethic, submit your resume today to: Shenandoah Life Insurance Company, Attn: HR Job # 1030-07, PO Box 12847, Roanoke,VA 24029, Fax: (540) 857-5915 or Email: human. resources@shenlife.com. or visit our website at www.shenlife.com.We are pleased to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Research Technician Research Technician for Aerial Operations sought by Summit Helicopters, Inc. Pilot a helicopter to spray herbicides for the forestry, utility, and natural resources industries in its Cloverdale,VA office. Qualified candidates will have a Bach’s in Bio Aeronautics,

Aeronautical Engin or related and 6 mnths of rltd exp, including organizing and planning agricultural aircraft operations and will have FAA comm pilots license and at least 250 hrs of flight time. Mail CV and salary reqs to: Summit Helicopter, Inc. Ref. RK/ RTAO/JF, 595 Cougar Drive, Cloverdale,VA 24077. No calls please. Equal Opportunity Employer. > 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 Girls Huffy Bike for 5-6 year old- Like new - $10.00 Contact Kimberly: 761-4657 Antique Round Top Wooden Trunk $95.00 540-343-1473.

Antique black child’s rocker $45.00 540-343-1473 Matching sofa and chair - early American style - good condition - Wood trim $150 540-363-3986 Hardwire rotating container with center hole, 44 in. diameter, ten slots $20 540-563-0589 > 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 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?

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Call Deborah, 776-3087 Children’s filled aprons, Krayon keepers, crafts, quillows...

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Emily,Vendor 1806, 725-1464, emilym@cox.net I repair the tabs or whole shingles.

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Call Peggy@342-2183 or pae-onia@juno.com Real good condition Dot Matrix printer for sale No longer needed Call Crystal @ 989-6138

Students at William Byrd High and Middle schools assemble for a prayer gathering called See You at the Pole which is held the 4th Wednesday in September.

The gathering is based on the verse from Jer. 33:3

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.dN_Q dV[[V[T 3V[N[PVNY .QcV`\_ N. Edward Link, Jr., Senior Vice President-Wealth Management, has recently been named as one of Virginia Business’ Winner’s Circle Top 50 Wealth Advisors. This exclusive list recognizes financial advisors for their superior professionalism, success and dedication to clients.

Eddie is a founding member of the Meridian Group at Smith Barney based in Roanoke, Virginia. Eddie has over 22 years of experience in the Wealth Management industry and has been with Smith Barney since the Roanoke office opened in 2000.

The Meridian Group at Smith Barney is a highlyfocused five person team that serves high net worth clients and their families with a holistic approach to wealth management. His team works with individual investors, business owners and retirees.

If today’s uncertain markets find you desiring a second opinion on your investment portfolio, please give us a call.

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Self-defense lessons Free for women and children Fun and practical Call 345-7365 For teens and adults, Fun Summer Painting Classes, With retired artist Call Janet Wimmer, 977-1681 or e-mail janet.wimmer@gmail.com FREE!!!!

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

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Page 12 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 9/26/08

TheRoanokeStar.com

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The Roanoke Star-Sentinel

On Tuesday, September 23, a full-scale emergency exercise was conducted by Roanoke City in conjunction with Norfolk Southern Railroad. This exercise simulated a train derailment and hazardous materials (ammonia) release along the rail at the end of Patterson Avenue.

At the conclusion a briefing was held at the Municipal Building that included information from Fire-EMS - Chief David Hoback and Deputy Chief Tartaglia, Police Department - Lt. Sam Roman, and Emergency Management regarding responses in those areas.

Emergency response training during the week prior to this weeks exercise by the “Whistle Stop� train tour had 200 emergency responders participate. It served as “the final exam with instructors from throughout the country and it was a very successful program,� said Mr. Schoendorfer. Additionally, several local firefighters traveled to Pueblo, Colorado, as part of their emergency response training for the regional hazmat team. Mr. Schoendorfer said that, “today’s exercise was the big finale.� He is Chairman of the Roanoke Valley Emergency Planning Committee. He said that the number of tank cars with ammonia that travel by rail through the area is very small compared to asphalt and alcohol (for gasoline) being the most predominant hazardous material make the traverse through Roanoke.

Dubbed “Operation Thoroughbred Star,� the exercise was coordinated through the Department of Homeland Security and the Virginia Department of Emergency Management and is part of the Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program.

At 9:50AM, the city’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) received notification that a train derailed along Patterson Avenue and that there was an ammonia release in the 2400 block of Patterson Avenue with the plume moving Southeast across the Norwich area. “The first priority is to evacuate the area,� said Chief Hoback.

Crews were evacuating the area in the Norwich community.

Evacuees were taken to Patrick Henry High School. Residents

were asked to stay calm. Though residents were not actually evacuated they were contacted door to door with information and told where they could go. Lt. Roman said that about 25 officers would be used to systematically evacuate the approximated 500 residents in a real emergency and that masking tape would be used to identify those homes that had been visited.

Residents in the Virginia Heights and Grandin areas were asked to shelter in place and to turn off their air conditioning units and move to an interior room. If residents felt they must leave, they were asked to go to an established shelter at the Patrick Henry High School.

Residents also were advised that symptoms to be concerned about were difficulty in breathing, and that the smell of ammonia can cause some mild irritation to the eyes and mouth. If they had respiratory problems, citizens were advised to please call 9-1-1. Thirty-six volunteer citizens were taken to Carilion Medical Center and about half were kept for evaluation of respiratory symptoms.

The exercise provided required yearly testing for the hospital in emergency situations.

Triage was conducted involving pediatrics and the elderly. Some were driven to the hospital and some went by ambulance. Chief Hoback confirmed that “all survived� and should this type of chemical leak actually occur it would be highly unlikely that anyone would die unless they were involved in the accident itself.

Hazardous Materials and emergency crews were sent to the scene to assess the situation and try to stop the ammonia leak. According to Chief Hoback placards are used on shipments to identify the hazardous material in the tanker. “After assessing the kind of chemical and direction of the plume, water was used to disperse it and then they identified a way to contain it. It involved actually plugging the leak and putting a band around it to stop it from coming out of the container,� said Chief Hoback.

At 11:40 AM., the EOC was informed that the ammonia leak had been stopped and con-

tained. At noon residents were allowed to return to their homes and students resumed normal classroom activity. Parents were told to expect to receive a phone call update through the rapid notification system. Residents in a real emergency would be contacted by reverse 9-1-1.

Deputy Chief Tartaglia said the simulated amount of ammonia release was about 1500 lbs.

The scenario even had “pretend� reporters calling in and staff disseminated the information as it came in. They also used media students from Virginia Tech and Radford University to send news releases.

Overall, city staff were successful in responding to the staged crisis. From the communications standpoint, a team of Public Information Officers from different agencies were involved, and a good flow of information was maintained between the joint Information Center and the Emergency Operations Center regarding health and safety information the public would need to know in a real crisis.

When asked what could have been done better, Chief Hoback said that “there were some communication issues and response issues {relative to} obtaining information a little quicker on how we coordinate with other agencies ‌ we’ll need to work on that.â€? He also said that, “the Emergency Operation Center (EOC) was overstaffed but we always would rather have more than less and it worked out well . . . that is what this test was all about and with anything you can always improve.â€? The City partnered with the City of Salem, Roanoke County, and Botetourt County, Carilion Health systems, and several other agencies as part of the operation.

By Valerie Garner info@theroanokestar.com

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