The Roanoke Star-Sentinel

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID WHISPER ONE MEDIA

$100

POSTMASTER: Dated material, please deliver by publication date

Postal Customer ECRWSS

8

33463 00400

7

The Roanoke Star-Sentinel Community | News | Per spective

6/6/08

Contact us: (540) 400-0990 info@theroanokestar.com

Banger Rally P11– The ‘Big Apple to Big Easy’ rally brought some colorful characters to Roanoke recently, with one group stopping off at Annie Moore’s.

A Good Run P9– The Patrick Henry Lacrosse team made it all the way to the state finals, but lost to a strong Chantilly team.

Bowers: no more camps on council Mayor-elect David Bowers told his fellow Kiwanians on Wednesday that he wants to work with other members of Roanoke City Council, even when they may not see eye to eye on issues like a downtown amphitheater or development on Mill Mountain.

Bowers, who will take office as mayor for a third term (but the first Bowers time in eight years) next month, said a recent conversation with current Vice Mayor David Trinkle was encouraging. Trinkle said he wanted, “no more camps” on city council and Bowers said he agreed with that sentiment: “there will be no more camps on this city council,” vowed the veteran politician, “strike the tents.” In general Bowers told the audience that he was, “very encouraged about moving forward with a new day for Roanoke City.”

Bowers said he had spoken

TheRoanokeStar.com

Old Southwest awarded for ‘Food with Friends’

Tornado rips through Roanoke

It started two years ago when Tim Taylor and Bob Clement were thinking of ways to engage their neighborhood of Old Southwest.

“In essence, just to get to know who our neighbors are,” said Taylor, the Holiday Parlor Tour Chair for Old Southwest, Inc. So, they imported an event they had in a former neighborhood in Northern Virginia called “Food with Friends.”

The idea was to invite the entire neighborhood for food and fun and offer an opportunity to meet and mingle with the people they lived near.

“What better way to share a meal than to share it with a neighbor,” Taylor said.

They had 90 people at the first event, and have averaged between 35 to 75 since then.

“People who know one another look out for one another and take care of one another and that’s what neighborhoods are all about,” said Clement, Neighborhood Services Coordinator for Roanoke City.

The event is hosted monthly by a different resident who chooses a new theme for each gathering.

The event has become so popu-

Photos by Lawson Koeppel

O

fficials at the National Weather Service finally called the storm that left a swath of damage through Roanoke a tornado, albeit classifying it the weakest category, an EF-0, with winds between 70 and 80 miles per hour.

That fits the descriptions residents gave of funnel clouds and the tell-tale freight train sound.

The storm tore down trees and power lines from Colonial Avenue to the base of Mill Mountain.

> CONTINUED P2: Bowers

Work crews were still cleaning up Wednesday, sawing limbs from the tops

of cars, replacing telephone poles and cleaning up downed powerlines.

> CONTINUED P3: Neighborhood

U.S. Military invades Roanoke Emerging Artists

series celebrates its first anniversary

Va. Heights Walks P8– Virginia Heights Elementary held their first ever walkathon May 30. The fundraiser garnered $3,000 for PE equipment.

Free Fallin’ P5– John Robinson takes us for a soar over Eagle Rock in Botetourt.

Photo by Gene Marano Photos by Stuart Revercomb and Gene Marrano

A United States Air Force MH-53 Pave Low takes off from Rivers Edge Park in South Roanoke.

Below, visitors get a tour of the soon-to-be-retired helicopter.

The United States Air Force likes to train helicopter crews in and around mountainous landscapes when possible, in large part because that’s the type of terrain they will face in places like Afghanistan. When a venue used in Asheville, North Carolina wasn’t available, the 20th Special Operations Squadron from the 1st Special Operations wing came north from Hurlburt Field in Florida to Roanoke on Friday.

They landed one of several choppers on a soccer field at the River’s Edge complex after making several passes.

Meanwhile, in the old Victory Stadium parking lot support crew members that came north from Florida watched from the ground as pilots and navigators negotiated the hills that sur-

Sheila Umberger, River Laker and Brian Sal Corral of the Roanoke Library.

The Roanoke City library tor Sheila Umberger that the system is celebrating the first Emerging Artists series could anniversary of its Emerging be one way to attract a youngArtists series, a monthly of- er, more diverse group of fering of music and visual art people to the library, exposing from some of the area’s lesser them to other amenities like known, but very talented, peo- a teen area at the same time. ple that are looking for a toe- Umberger, who rose through hold in the artistic landscape. the library’s ranks over the Once a month the main past 26 years, came from branch, with the help of a household where her ARTS local companies, holds an father was a graphic artopen house attracting an ist. “I grew up thinking eclectic mix of artsy types and everyone’s father could draw,” the plain curious. The visual she said while discussing the art remains in place all month whimsically-named “one-yearon the mezzanine level, and in since-we-started-celebrationsome cases listening stations, extravaganza” that will be held have featured tunes from mu- at the main library branch on sicians that have played as part Saturday, June 14. From 11 a.m. of the series. to 4 p.m. all of the visual artIt wasn’t hard for development coordinator River Laker > CONTINUED to convince libraries direc- P3: Artists

[

round the Star City.

The 20th Special Ops Squadron then spent the better part of a week conducting training exercises in Southwestern Virginia and West Virginia, using the MH-53 “Pave Low.”

That came about after clearing the mission with city officials and alerting others that might be affected by large military > CONTINUED P3: Military

]

Page 2 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 6/6/08

TheRoanokeStar.com

Wolf Creek has a new water fountain

> Bowers From page 1

with every current or incoming city council member, and that all have taken a pledge to be, “civil, friendly and cordial.�

He recalled his early days on council when some sparred on the dais and then almost came to blows in the back meeting room. That’s when longtime councilwoman Elizabeth Bowles would tap combatants on the shoulder and say something like “that’s enough boys.�

The future mayor and Roanoke attorney remembers it fondly as “the Elizabethan Rule.�

Outgoing mayor Nelson Harris was “gracious� after the election in a message he left Bowers and the two may get together after Harris returns from a trip out of the country. “It really has sent a message for smooth transition of government,� said Bowers, who also singled out

Democrat Court Rosen, narrowly elected to City Council over the man he campaigned with, Brian Wishneff. The two have spoken since the election and the 29-year-old Rosen who was at the Kiwanis meeting. “He’s a bright young man,� said Bowers. “He’s going to do great things for our city.�

On specific issues, Bowers reiterated his support of keeping neighborhood schools like Forest Park Elementary open, but said he wasn’t sure “that there’s anything that can be done,� at the council level, since it was a School Board decision. If he is convinced by other council members that his campaign stands on issues like the Mill Mountain restaurant (opposed) and an amphitheatre on the old Victory Stadium site (which he also opposed) are wrong then

A frost free water fountain was dedicated Thursday, May 29 on Wolf Creek Greenway near the Hardy Road parking lot. The 2005 Board of Directors of the Blue Ridge Bicycle Club of the Roanoke Valley initiated the purchase of the fountain. Local bicyclists use the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Wolf Creek Greenway for recreational riding and as an alternative transportation connector between Mt. View Road and Hardy Road bike lanes.

The Blue Ridge Bicycle Club of the Roanoke Valley and the Town of Vinton are responsible for the purchase and the installation of the fountain. Vinton Veterinary Hospital donated the pet fountain. Greenway users and their pets can enjoy the water from this fountain 12 months out of the year.

By Gene Marrano Attending the dedication gmarrano@cox.net

Bowers said he may reconsider when they come up for a vote. “Sure enough I should make a change in those types of things,�

Bowers said.

If he doesn’t win a battle he decides to fight, Bowers - recalling 6-1 votes where he was the lone dissenter - promised to “get over it and move on.�

Bowers recalled how his father was turned away numerous times before he became a bread truck driver, a career he stayed with for 36 years, relating it to recent failed attempts to regain a foothold on City Council or in the mayor’s office. Persistence finally paid off last month.

At the end of his prepared remarks, Bowers said, “You don’t give up on your dreams-thank you Roanoke.�

Photo by Peggy Bryant

Members of the Blue Ridge Bicycle Club of the Roanoke Valley were on hand to dedicate the new fountain at the Wolf Creek Greenway. were Wolf Creek Greenway maintainers, Lynn and Peggy Bryant, Barbara Duerk, representing the Blue Ridge Bicycle

Club and greenway users and pets.

Stop by for a sip any time of the year.

Call these professionals for your Home Makeover Concrete Floors Rock Walls & More

$2)6%7!9 3%!,).' $

E

• Sales & Installation of carpet & floors • Re-stretching & Repairs • Cash & Carry wholesale orders

“Explore Your Dream Kitchen� at Virginia Tech

L.R. Bramlett and Son, Inc.

/&&

AY 3 W E V RI

Floors

Explore Your Dream Kitchen, a two-day workshop offered in Virginia Tech’s Center for Real Life Kitchen Design, For more information call will be offered Aug. 6 through Aug. 8, 2008.

(540) 344-6902 776-9591 In a fun and interactive setting, participants will learn • To plan a kitchen that meets the needs of you and Full Service WaterprooďŹ ng & Foundation Repairs your family; • About the principles of a well-designed kitchen; • About new technologies in the home and the latest in kitchen appliances; • To plan a universally-designed kitchen to meet changing needs and abilities; • To plan a kitchen that is a safe and healthy part of your home; and t *OUFSOBM &YUFSOBM 8BUFSQSPPĂśOH • About new kitchen prodt 'PVOEBUJPO 3FQBJST TFUUMJOH DSBDLJOH ucts and materials. t 'PVOEBUJPO 1JFSJOH Attendees are asked to bring t $BSCPO 'JCFS 4UBCJMJ[BUJPO plans, ideas, and questions t 3FCVJME 'PVOEBUJPOT about their homes and kitcht #BTFNFOU DSBXMTQBDF WFOUJMBUJPO ens, as participants will have the opportunity to discuss their personal needs during an individual kitchen consultation.

The Center for Real Life Kitchen Design (http://www. ahrm.vt.edu/Dept/center_intro.html) in Wallace Hall on the Virginia Tech campus was opened in the fall of 1998 in

Frank Smith

.EW CUSTOMERS ONLY

Steven W. Durrance

O KE N A O 2

F / ALING ,OCALLY /WNED /PERATED 3ERVING THE 6ALLEY FOR MORE THAT YEARS

#ALL FOR A &2%% ESTIMATE #ANNOT BE USED WITH ANY OTHER DISCOUNTS

VA Licensed 2705 043443 | Bonded & Insured

C & A Remodeling Specializing In: $VTUPN 3FNPEFMJOH r %FDLT r 4VOSPPNT r ,JUDIFOT 1BJOUJOH r 4JEJOH r 3FQMBDFNFOU 8JOEPXT “No Job Too Small�

4FOJPS %JTDPVOU r PGG KPCT PG PS NPSF Charlie Hartman, President 0GGJDF ] $FMM ] $FMM

t EPOUNPQJUTUPQJU DPN

Celebrating 35 years of serving the Roanoke Valley

Aquarius Pools

A name you can trust offering maintenance-free pools with totally automatic cleaning and sanitizing systems.

You spend your time enjoying your pool

The Termite Specialist

Green Pest Control Services Available

“Bugsy�

Certified Termite Detection K9

r 'SFF &TUJNBUFT r .PTRVJUP 1SPHSBNT r 5FSNJUF -FUUFST r /FX $POTUSVDUJPO r 1FTU .BOBHFNFOU r .PME 'VOHVT 5SFBUNFOU

7ITH GAS PRICES SO HIGH DON T GO OUT 3TAY AT HOME )MMEDIATE INSTALLATION AVAILABLE &INANCING AVAILABLE AS LOW AS

Call (540) 345-2200

&2%% CUSTOM DESIGN TO lT your landscape

Small Service Business of the Year! www.bugmanext.com

This Coupon Entitles Bearer to

$25 OFF

Visit our website www.aquariuspoolsinc.net #ALL s "ARNS !VE 2OANOKE 6!

Any New Termite or Pest Control Agreement

Beautiful and EfďŹ cient.

Cabinetry and Countertops at an Affordable Price Our trained staff will help you make the right choices for your cabinet and/or countertop needs.

Come experience the difference, experience Cabinetry with TLC.

4325 Old Cave Spring Road, Roanoke, VA 24018 • 540.777.0456 Owners: Mike Reinschmidt and Terri Langford

a collaborative effort by both the university and the kitchen industry and is the first of its kind in the nation. The center re-opened in spring 2007 after extensive renovations and upgrades. The center is made up of six fully operational and very different kitchens. It is not only used by university students, but also for training and continuing education for consumers and industry professionals. As opposed to solely learning by lecture in the traditional classroom, the center provides a truly handson experience.

The six kitchens represent various price levels and space designs; they also reflect the diversity of the family unit today. The kitchens illustrate how to accommodate a kitchen to young children, the elderly, and the disabled.

The workshop will be led by a trio of Virginia Tech faculty experts who published the industry guidebook in 2007 entitled Kitchen Planning. This reference contains information to design kitchens that are convenient, functional, efficient, and that meet the needs of today’s lifestyles.

With approximately 560 pages and 200 color photos and illustrations, Kitchen Planning explains in great detail concepts with regard to infrastructure, environmental considerations, universal design, and mechanical and kitchen planning.

Workshop Leaders: • Julia Beamish, a certified kitchen design educator who served as an at-large delegate for the White House Conference on Aging, teaches about residential space planning with a focus on housing for older adults, universal design, and accessibility design. • With an expertise in environmental issues, Kathleen Parrott is also a certified kitchen design educator and co-author of Home*A*Syst: An Environmental Risk Assessment Guide For The Home, which received a U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary’s Honor Award.

For more information, visit the Explore Your Dream Kitchen Workshop website (http:// www.cpe.vt.edu/dreamkit/) or contact JoAnn Emmel at jemmel@vt.edu at (540) 231-9259.

6/7/08 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 3

TheRoanokeStar.com

Roanoke City Schools, Council held joint meeting Monday

Monday’s Roanoke City Council meeting began with an update of the collaborative efforts between Roanoke City Public Schools (RCPS) and Roanoke City. Curt Baker, the Deputy Superintendent for Operations of Roanoke City Public Schools, said, “bringing together two staffs, is a slow and challenging process.”

Baker touched on grounds maintenance, saying there is an “odd and awkward” arrangement, consisting of the City and RCPS, which has a custodial staff

and maintenance crew all trying to “handshake” for the management of the grounds. Baker assured council that RCPS is venturing down a path to streamline the care and maintenance of the schools’ appearances. Roanoke Parks and Recreation will now be caring for the seven playgrounds in Roanoke City, which will benefit the city and the school system.

Steps are being taken to landscape and improve the grounds and appearance of the city schools. Other improvements

will include “inter-operable radios” on school buses and twoway radios in school buildings, and to incorporate a new financial system to streamline recordkeeping and payroll.

One half of Patrick Henry High’s 3-D Design class attended the meeting to show council members their designs for a bus stop that will be located close to the high school. The collaboration is the first public art project between Patrick Henry High and the Greater Roanoke Transit Corporation. A second bus stop

to be placed at William Fleming is also planned. Jennifer Fowler, the teacher of the 3-D design class, and Ed Dolinger, an artist and professor at Hollins, led the students in helping them develop ideas and create designs.

The students have been working on the project for almost two months. The students collaborated with one another, and with students from Patrick Henry’s welding class. Each student offered designs, and the class settled on three final which were presented to Valley Metro. Two

of the designs were presented at the meeting. The first was modeled after an umbrella, with the post slanted in the ground and available seating around it. Translucent materials would make up the umbrella ribs. The second design was a man-made tree constructed out of polycarbonates. The decision process will continue into the summer, with installation to begin by September 1.

“and this was an opportunity to break that down and make it all encompassing.”

He said events like Food with Friends help unite neighborhoods and lead to revitalization.

“This makes for a fun interaction, which in turn builds the neighborhood organization because they want to get involved in their neighborhood,” Clement said.

He said it takes these kinds of events to help stimulate that participation.

“One thing people forget is it’s all volunteer,” Clement said about the neighborhood associations. “These people aren’t getting paid to step up and lead a neighborhood organization.

They become a voice for their community.”

As a direct result of Food with Friends, Taylor said, Wasena has started “Fridays on the Front Porch.”

Clement said his role as the services coordinator is to serve as a bridge between the city and 32 active neighborhood groups.

He said neighborhoods across Roanoke are showing activity like Old Sowthwest. He pointed to Norwich as one neighborhood that’s picking up steam.

“It’s exciting stuff to see what’s happening in Norwhich,” Clement said.

Those interested in more information about Food with Friends can contact Taylor at (540) 344-4466.

By Stephen Nelson stephen@theroanokestar.com

> Neighborhood From page 1

lar that the hostings are booked through November, Clement said. Kids are welcome and new people attend every week.

Taylor said it was about bringing the neighborhood together.

“Because your neigbhoods are only as strong as those who participate,” Taylor said. “I love livinig in Old Southwest and it’s about the people... and I really like the people I live among and with.”

The event gained national attention by winning second place last month at a Neighborhoods

USA event in Hampton in the Revitalization/Neighborliness category. It was selected out of 28 entries nation-wide.

The neighborhood association received a plaque and $300, which Taylor said will go back to neighborhood projects.

Clement said one of the unique aspects of Food with Friends is its inclusiveness. He said no excuse was accepted for skipping the event.

“It’s so easy, I think, for people to get involved in their social cliques,” Clement said,

We are not alone.

There’s a wonderful world around us. Full of fascinating places. Interesting people. Amazing cultures. Important challenges. But sadly, our kids are not getting the chance to learn about their world. When surveys show that half of America’s youth cannot locate India or Iraq on a map, then we have to wonder what they do know about their world. That’s why we created MyWonderfulWorld.org. It’s part of a free National Geographic-led campaign to give your kids the power of global knowledge. Go there today and help them succeed tomorrow. Start with our free parent and teacher action kits. And let your kids begin the adventure of a lifetime.

It’s a wonderful world. Explore!

By Lawson Koeppel lkoeppel@theroanokestar.com

> Artists

A National Geographic-led campaign

From page 1

ists, musicians and dancers that have been part of the Emerging Artist series will return.

Umberger has been, “very supportive,” said Laker, who finds it easier these days to find the less-than-well-known artists he likes to promote with Emerging Artists. With a lack of gallery space at times for neophyte artists, the Roanoke City Public Library also filled a niche that way added Laker.

“We wanted to help the professional development of [local] artists.” Umberger hasn’t heard of many events like Emerging Artists elsewhere, but does see “the concept of the library as a community center…the heart of the community,” taking off nationwide. It’s not just a place to check out books anymore.

With more residents moving downtown and visitors check-

ing out events in Roanoke, including more young people, Umberger said the series “was a response to that audience.” With 768 programs system-wide last year (up from several dozen not that long ago) she adds that circulation activity does increase when Emerging Artists takes center stage once a month.

Much of it revolves around getting younger people to come check out the library: “living in the same world that the teens live in,” is a major goal according to Umberger. Teen librarians receive input from an advisory council on books, games and other things they want to see at the downtown South Jefferson branch; Jackson Park and Gainsboro will also open teen centers in the coming months.

Brian Sal Corral, a local artist with degrees from Virginia

> Military From page 1 choppers buzzing the area just outside of downtown. Nearby Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital lands its Lifeguard 10 patient transport helicopter on their roof, which also required some coordination.

Lt. Col. Gene Becker said Roanoke and the Blue Ridge Mountains that surround it were a good venue for training, especially with Hurlburt Field located on the flat Gulf Coast. “we don’t have any mountains down there. We go to places all around the world where there are mountains, so we have to be ready, sharp and able to operate in a safe way.” The 20th Special Ops have typically trained in southeastern U.S. cities like Asheville that offer some hills and mountains to navigate.

Becker said his squadron has been “constantly engaged” in the Iraq and Afghanistan theaters since the start of the war.

A Botetourt County native now serving with the Air Force at Hurlburt Field, Linwood Stull, suggested Roanoke. After landing and de-boarding the massive MH-53, which is used for long range search and rescue, Major Brian Roberts said he appreciated the natural beauty of the Roanoke Valley, but this exercise was about much more: “I love to train around Roanoke. It’s a very pretty area and it’s a lot of training we can’t [do] down in Florida. Obviously we have a global mission in special operations command, so we’re ready to go any time, any place – and mountains can be a big part of that.”

The MH-53 helicopter is scheduled to be decommissioned this fall by the Air Force, after coming on-line in the

Tech and Radford, said he “really enjoyed” his experience as the featured artist in the initial year of the Emerging Artist series. In fact, he was the first visual artist to be exhibited. “I really do feel that it helped me get some exposure locally,” said the painter, who likes to take his sketchpad to coffee shops and draw people. “I love going to the shows,” he said of Emerging Artists, “they’re fun and the music is always great.” Corral will be joined by other visual artists- BillyBob Beamer, Sarah Williams, Cricket Powell, John Reburn, and others- as well as musical acts like Red Clay River, Juniors and the Magic Twig Community are scheduled to be on hand June 14 for the “oneyear-since-we-started-celebration-extravaganza.”

Corral likes the feedback

from the public at exhibitions like Emerging Artists: “I thrive on that.” (See myspace.com/ emergingartistsroanoke or call 853-1057 for more information)

2937 Brambleton Ave • Roanoke, VA 24015

Direct 540-580-6920

Gwen Goodman

By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

Hair Stylist

Game Plan Will your money keep working long after you retire?

Navy Week June 28- July 8

Retirement today means living a longer, more active and productive life. To help you have the lifestyle you want in years to come, your retirement plan needs to work as hard as you do.

The Navy will follow the special forces invasion and be in Roanoke June 28 through July 8 for 2008 Navy Week. Roanoke was selected as one of 22 cities to participate in this year’s event.

LT Dave Hecht, a public affairs officer for the Navy, said Navy Week was a chance to show citizens who do not live along the coast, what their tax dollars go towards.

“This is our opportunity to go to people in the heartland of America, who never see the Navy, and thank them for supporing us,” Hecht said.

He said this was the third year the Navy has held the events and that they try to tie the week in with a local festival. He said Roanoke’s participation in Navy Week was tied to the Salem Fair.

It won’t mean large ships floating down the Roanoke River, but will mean folks will get to use F/A-18 simulators to try and land on a carrier deck, experience SEAL training with the SEAL Accelerator and see what it’s like to be in the drink with the Navy Diver Dive Tank.

Hecht said Admiral Gary R. Jones would also be in town to meet with local civic groups. Hecht said Jones is the director of all Naval education, and that he would meet with Roanoke City Schools Superintendent Rita Bishop.

He said they’ve also put together an all-Navy softball team that will challenge a team made up of media members. The event will be free to the public at the Moyer Sports Complex, but that they will ask those who attend to bring a can of food for the Second Harvest Food Bank.

“We’re trying to give the people of Roanoke [an idea of ] who we are, what we do and why we do it,” Hecht said, “and a big ‘Hooyah,” or thanks.”

1960’s. “Aircraft can be maintained for a very long time,” noted Becker, “it’s not like a car. We have very intensive inspection schedules to keep the aircraft flying.” Until then, according to a press release, it will be “heavily engaged in combat operations support of the Global War on Terrorism until the end, with their final flight being flown in combat.”

Roanoke and the surrounding region did its small part this past week to make sure crews that fly the MH-53 are familiar with the sort of mountainous terrain they might see else-

A Smith Barney Financial Advisor can help you determine: • How to establish your financial goals for retirement • How to allocate your investments • How to structure your retirement plan For a no-obligation retirement plan analysis, call The Meridian Group N. Edward Link, Jr. Senior Vice President – Wealth Management Michael B. Kemp Senior Vice President – Wealth Management

213 South Jefferson St. Roanoke, VA 24011 (540) 345-1555 nelson.e.link.jr@smithbarney.com http://fa.smithbarney.com/meridiangroupsb

where, in far less peaceful parts of the world.

4-28-08

By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net Citigroup, Inc., its affiliates, and its employees are not in the business of providing tax or legal advice. These materials and any tax-related statements are not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used or relied upon, by any such taxpayer 540-387-5059 for the purpose of avoiding tax penalties. Tax-related statements, if any, may have been written in connection with the “promotion or marketing” of the transaction(s) www.ghcontracting.com or matters(s) addressed by these materials, to the extent allowed by applicable law. Any such taxpayer should seek advice based on the taxpayer’s particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor.

Quality Construction since 1989 © 2007 Citigroup Global Markets Inc. Member SIPC. Smith Barney is a division and service mark of Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and its affiliates and is used and registered throughout the world. Citi and Citi with Arc Design are trademarks and service marks of Citigroup Inc. Vinton First Aid Crew Building Global Markets Inc. and its affiliates, and are used and registered throughout the world. Working WealthSM is a service mark of Citigroup Commercial

“

Overall, we are very pleased with the outcome. It’s a great building and it was an amazing project. Your staff was very accommodating.

”

-Consuella Barbour Asst. Town Manager

Industrial Churches Design-Build Pre-Engineered Renovations

PersPective

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

Education first, athletics second

I

have known Roanoke City Public Schools’ Athletic Director, George “Killa” Miller for 25 years. I consider him a friend. I have taught with him, coached with him and learned from him.

Most important, I know when it comes to the well being of any student in the Roanoke City Public School system, especially any student-athlete in the Roanoke City Public School system, Coach Miller is like E.F. Hutton. When Coach Miller speaks, people need to listen.

Coach Miller has proposed a new plan for the 2009-2010 school year. Athletes in the Roanoke City Public School system would be required to have a C average in the semester before they play sports. Athletes whose GPA is below 2.0 on a 4.0 scale would have to take part in a tutoring program. I support Coach Miller’s plan.

The great myth in sports is athletes cannot keep up in the classroom. Because of this myth, we feel we should cut athletes some slack when it comes to the academic requirements that allow them to play.

2415 jefferson st, s.w. roanoke, virginia 24014

gg

The truth is an athlete that high school’s dewill meet any realistic velopmental sports academic requirement programs. Simply needed to play if they put, a strong middle have to. The goal of school sports proany athlete is to play. gram translates into If this means hava strong high school ing to improve their sports program. grades in order to Coach Miller unplay, athletes will imderstands it is not prove their grades. the job of a school Jeff Artis The great myth in system to produce education is athletes athletes. A school will quit school if they cannot system’s job is to produce eduplay sports because they cannot cated young people. If these meet realistic academic require- educated young people can run ments. Again, nothing could fast and jump high, so much be further from the truth. The the better. Coach Miller undertruth is when it comes to meet- stands that sports are a means ing realistic academic require- to an end, not an end onto itself. ments needed to play, athletes Most important, Coach Miller will train their minds the same knows first hand what happens way they train their bodies. All when high school athletes, esthey need is a little help. pecially Black male high school The great myth about high athletes, put sports ahead of acschool athletic programs is a ademics. So do I. Our prisons, high school’s sports program graveyards and unemployment will suffer if realistic academic lines are full of former high requirements are instituted in school athletes who put sports order to allow athletes to play. ahead of academics. If you love Once again, nothing could be our RCPS athletes, you will further from the truth. The support Coach Miller’s plan. If truth is the success of any high you support the exploitation of school sport’s program is solely our RCPS athletes, you won’t dependent upon the quality of support Coach Miller’s plan.

Education first, sports second. It’s that simple. w w bb Contact Jeff at jeff@jeffartis.com

guy w. byrd, jr. insurance advisor and travel consultant

540.989.1990 phone 540. 989.1990 fax guy24014@cox.net

The Roanoke Star-Sentinel

“I am never happier than when I am with a child.”

Dr. Douglas E. Pierce The Child Health Investment Partnership of Roanoke Valley will honor its founder, Dr. Douglas E. Pierce, at its 20th anniversary dinner at 7 p.m. at the Hotel Roanoke on June 27, 2008. Dr. Pierce’s vision has led to two decades – and counting – of improved health and dental care and stronger families for more than 13,000 young children from low-income homes. For this, CHIP will salute him with its first Bridge Builder award.

Keynote speaker: The Rev. William Lee, pastor, Loudon Avenue Christian Church.

Tickets: $75 For reservations, call (540) 857-6993 ext. 131 by June 16.

Children who have health have hope! www.chipofroanokevalley.org

The Roanoke Star-Sentinel C o m mu n i t y | N ew s | Pe r s p e c t i ve Publisher | Stuart Revercomb | stuart@theroanokestar.com | 400-0990 Editor | Lawson Koeppel | lkoeppel@theroanokestar.com | 400-0990 Advertising Dir. | Vickie Henderson | advertising@theroanokestar.com | 400-0990 Technical Webmaster | Don Waterfield | webmaster@theroanokestar.com | 400-0990 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 do not offer refunds on subscriptions.

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

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

TheRoanokeStar.com

The good works of CHiP

M

ultiple sclerosis struck down Gwen Harris one month after the birth of her sixth child. It took her mobility and, four years later, robbed her of her eyesight.

Harris, of Northwest Roanoke, was overwhelmed. Her children were ages 10, 5, 4, 3, 2 and newborn. Her husband was selfemployed. Her emotions went haywire as she coped with her disease.

Then came CHIP, the Child Health Investment Partnership of Roanoke Valley. Its case managers made sure Harris’s children had medical care, and transported them to it. They went to school for teacher conferences. They referred her to other agencies for assistance, and they talked to her not as social workers but as friends.

In early May, Harris’s daughter, Lauren, 24, earned a master’s degree from Radford University and accepted a job at Virginia Tech.

As she plans to attend CHIP’s 20th anniversary on June 27th, Gwen Harris has no problem giving her opinion of the non-profit organization that stepped in to save her family.

“CHIP will get you involved,” she says. “They are the avenue to whatever you need.”

Life is hard for the children from birth to age 7 from the low-income families that CHIP serves. But praise comes easily from their parents.

Ask Selena Gray what CHIP is about and she’ll say, “Do you have an hour? Because I can tell you some fantastic things that CHIP does for people.”

The monthly visits from her case manager helped her rear the three grandchildren of whom she received custody just when she was saving, at last, to buy herself a house.

CHIP enabled her to obtain child safety seats at no charge and helped her learn how to manage her children’s asthma and other

health issues. school diplomas and “There are a lot of reGEDs and found jobs. sources out there that I Children have been didn’t know were there immunized before until I got involved they enter kindergarwith CHIP,” she says. ten, and evaluated to CHIP refers kids make sure they are dewith emotional issues velopmentally ready for counseling, kids for school. with learning issues From a few kids and Joe Kennedy for assessments, kids a few doctors in its with asthma to pediatearly days, CHIP has ric pulmonologists. grown to serve more than 750 It teaches parents how to care children from 550 families at any for chronic illnesses, like Jasime given time – exceeding 13,000 Letterman’s. Jasime, 3, has severe children in all. It does it with a asthma. $1.8 million budget from founda“In the year before she started tions, corporations, governments seeing [her doctor], I would say and other sources, a third of it she was in the emergency room raised locally.

50 or 60 times,” says Jasime’s “We started off because of a mother, Bertha Brown. lack of health care for these chilAnd in the year since CHIP be- dren and we soon found out their came involved? family situation was complex,” “None.” says Pierce, now retired but still The agency’s community health on CHIP’s board. nurses dab non-toxic fluoride Poverty, he says, is complicated, onto the budding teeth of very discouraging and never the fault young kids to help prevent tooth of the children born into it – and decay, which occurs dispropor- rarely their parents’ fault. tionately in youngsters from lowHe is most proud that CHIP income families. has profoundly affected families Its staffers advise and encour- “in a way that they feel responsiage pregnant women and moth- ble, they still have their dignity.” ers of newborns. CHIP enables Because of CHIP, Lacee Mixon needy children to get health in- of Buchanan changed from a sinsurance, and more than 70 doc- gle mother with two jobs, no high tors and dentists accept that in- school diploma and a attitude, to surance and provide the level of a successful student at Virginia care that more affluent children Western Community College receive. who dreams of becoming a lawCHIP even has alerted authori- yer – and a judge. ties after finding evidence that “CHIP gave us hope,” says Julia children had been abused. It is Artrip, whose son, Cory, now 18, not an exaggeration to say that was the 1,000th CHIP child.

CHIP has saved lives.

Gwen Harris speaks softly Thanks to a group of concerned from the hospital bed in the dincitizens spurred by Dr. Doug- ing room of her home. las E. Pierce two decades ago, “Happy Anniversary, CHIP,” needy children and their parents she says, “and I love you and I have received the leg up that has thank you for the support over lifted them into the mainstream. the years and I will never, ever Hospitals have been spared un- forget you because of who you necessary visits from uninsured are and who I am and how I have children with problems that a pe- made out to be.” diatrician could have handled.

Contact Joe at Parents have earned high pilarcik2@cox.net

Why are gas prices so high?

A

s we watch gas prices go up throughout Southwest Virginia and across the country, we often wonder, who’s making money off my pain at the pump?

Of course, the biggest chunk of money goes to the ownerproducers of the oil, generally, the countries/ governments where the oil is found. Companies like Exxon and Shell purchase the oil from these countries at world market prices. Cartels and foreign governments can control oil prices by colluding and by holding back production to decrease the supply and make oil more expensive.

Gas and oil prices also fluctuate in the short term because of events around the world, such as when Islamic radicals in Nigeria blew up oil pipelines, when foreign employees of Exxon went on strike for more pay, or when the threat of conflict between nations means that oil may be cut off and there’s a rush to build up a country’s oil reserves.

But one of the biggest reasons for increasing gas prices is the law of supply and demand.

Demand for oil (and natural gas) is increasing worldwide as developing nations like China and India grow economically and develop their own middle classes. These growing middle classes want what we have – cars, air conditioning, faster delivery of goods and services, etc. As demand for oil increases, supplies get tighter and costs go up.

Members of Congress (mainly the more liberal ones) have called on foreign governments to increase oil production, yet have been just as vocal in their opposition to efforts to expand our production here at home.

They repeatedly “windfall profits” block exploration in taxes on the oil comthe Arctic Nationpanies as punishal Wildlife Refuge ment for high gas (ANWR) in Alaska, prices. But there is although estimates something that few show that oil drillpeople realize: Coring there would have porations do not pay a negligible effect on taxes!

Increased the environment and business costs are wildlife.

The Dealways passed on Brian Gottstein partment of Energy to consumers, and estimates that ANWR could al- higher taxes are just increased low America to produce about costs of doing business. If the 27 million gallons of gasoline price of chicken feed goes up, and diesel every day. That the price of chicken in the suwould likely mean lower gas permarket increases accordprices and less dependence on ingly. That’s Economics 101. foreign oil.

So when the government imMany politicians dismiss poses higher taxes on gas prodrilling in ANWR and other ducers, the taxes are just passed places, saying they wouldn’t on to us in the form of higher produce oil for 10 years. But gas prices! that’s what Bill Clinton said Additionally, almost 71 perwhen he vetoed legislation in cent of oil and natural gas com1995 that would have permitted pany stock shares are owned additional domestic oil explo- by mutual funds, 401k plans, ration. If his view would have pension funds, and individual been more long term, ANWR’s retirement accounts. These are oil would be flowing today. mainly investment accounts Many of those same poli- of the middle class. So when ticians who don’t want new politicians propose punishing domestic drilling operations oil companies by taking their needed villains they could profits, they are not targeting blame for high gas prices. They industry executives, but the easily find them in U.S. oil com- hard-earned savings of workpanies. While these politicians ing people. claim “Big Oil” is making huge A big reason gas prices are profits at the expense of the so high is because supply is consumer, consumers are actu- not meeting demand, and our ally paying more in taxes on a elected leaders have not passed gallon of gas than the oil com- an energy plan to allow oil panies are making in profits. companies to drill for more doThe federal gas tax is 18.4 mestic oil and build new plants cents per gallon, and Virginia’s to refine it. Instead, their reacgas tax is 17.5 cents per gallon tion is to shift the blame to “Big (nearly 36 cents combined!), Oil” and the increased cost to while oil company profits are us. It’s one of the biggest cases generally about 8 to 9 percent of passing the buck I’ve ever (31 to 35 cents on $3.85 gas). seen.

Despite the fact that governContact Brian at ment gets the biggest take of all bgottstein1@yahoo.com from a gallon of gas, members of Congress want to impose

Perspective

6/6/08 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 5

TheRoanokeStar.com

Eagle Rock free flight -- the perfect way to fly solo

“Perfect”, Dwayne says softly The modern paraglider is an elas he steps out of the truck, his egantly simple, yet sophisticated gaze fixed to the northwest. I’ve ultra-light aircraft. It consists of a never heard him say that before, fabric wing attached to a harness and I like the sound of it. He’s by a network of high- tech lines. quite conservative when it comes Very lightweight, the entire flyto evaluating flight conditions. ing kit can be packed into a large The windsock is fluttering in the backpack and carried anywhere. gentle breeze, the zephyr blowWe are laying out our wings ing in from the west northwest. and setting up our harnesses for It’s exactly perpendicular to the launch. I will go first. Dwayne is flawless ridge on which we stand. clipping the radio to my shoulIt’s gorgeous up here, atop this der strap, and helping me premountain near Eagle Rock, and flight my gear. We discuss my my son Taylor and I are prepar- flight plan, including landing ing for our first “big mountain” approach and various contingenparagliding flights. cies. Dwayne will be instructing We have been fascinated with me via radio, but we have plans to paragliding for many years, since deal with radio failure too. Confirst seeing the colorful wings fly- ditions are still ideal, and I am ing over the European Alps, and ready to launch. since Taylor’s two older brothers I feel excited yet calm. We have are away from home in college, we prepared diligently for this flight figured this would be a great time and. I am ready. The landing zone to find instruction in paragliding is a huge field 1250 vertical feet and become licensed pilots. below us. I can see the sunlight We are fortunate to have found shimmering off of Craigs Creek Dwayne, a professionand the James River, John W. Robinson al instructor based in and the undulating West Virginia, and curves of the Blue for the past year have been under Ridge stretch out to westward. his expert tutelage. Our log books Standing ready I wait for Dwayne’s describe the many days spent in cue to start my short launch run. the fields and on the gentle hills “Looks good John!” I run towards of Webster County. Starting with the valley far below, leaning over ground school and basic handling “torpedo-style” firmly tugging at of the glider on the ground, called the lines. Immediately my wing kiting, we have slowly progressed inflates and rises over my head in our skills, flying at sites of in- from behind me. A few more creasing height and complexity. steps and the ground drops away Paragliding is the simplest form from my feet. I fly away from the of flight in which we humans can ridge, settle into my harness, and participate. It is similar to hang then make a smooth turn to the gliding in that it utilizes a foot- right. Since the gentle breeze into launched, engineless aircraft ca- which I have launched is perpenpable of extended soaring flight. dicular to the ridge, it is deflected

Photo by John Robinson

Taylor Robinson flies high above the Blue Ridge Mountains of Botetourt. upwards and keeps me aloft. I rise above the top of the ridge 100 feet or so. The entire valley is off my left wing as I glide northward along the abrupt edge of the mountain. The radio crackles and Dwayne gives me encouragement and reminders. I execute a gentle 180 degree turn away from the ridge and glide back towards launch. I’m still at the same altitude and it is truly exhilarating. I am instructed through a few more turns and I glide back and forth for a few minutes, until Dwayne sends me away from the lifting air of the ridge to begin

my gradual landing approach.

Ten feet off of the ground I flare the wing and execute a smooth landing after a fifteen minute flight. Dwayne squawks through the radio, “Beautiful John!” and a minute later, “we’re about to launch Taylor”. I’m giddy over my amazing flight, but I really lose it when I see Taylor soar off of the mountain, his blue and red Bolero glider radiant in the afternoon sun. I find myself giggling involuntarily as I watch Taylor’s perfect flight. Like I did, he glides back and forth high on the ridge before soaring away from the

mountain and lazily descending to a beautiful landing. We’re still happily chatting, congratulating each other, and bundling up our gear as Dwayne arrives in the 4WD Toyota to take us back to launch. No time to waste, conditions are still ideal, and there’s plenty of daylight left for another flight. We debrief with Dwayne about the technical aspects of our flights. He’s proud of us and pleased with our progress. Like young children, we eat up his praise.

We’re back on “launch” and conditions are still great. I have

a smooth take-off and soon I am sailing along above the ridge line again. I look below me and see three deer moving through the woods of the steep mountainside. I fly back and forth for ten minutes. It is surreal. The radio beeps, reminding me that I am not actually a bird. Taylor has just launched and Dwayne is coaching him. Looking down the ridge toward the launch site I see Taylor’s beautiful wing come into view. For the first time we are in the air together. I yodel with delight.

For the next twenty minutes we fly together, cruising along above the mountain, our paths lazily converging and diverging. We whoop at each other as we pass.

The sun is low in the sky and the light is golden as we fly away from the mountain, high over the valley, to begin our landing pattern. We descend with smooth S-turns, and a few minutes later we softly touch down in the hay field together. We bundle up our gear and lay in the grass, basking in the last rays of the setting sun and chatting happily. As we talk I feel like I’m dreaming, up in the sky and looking down on this father and son lounging there in the warm grass. I get the feeling that this is what life is all about: learning, sharing, loving; and recognizing our blessings. In my daydream I’m flying higher and higher, the father and son are just specks now, disappearing into the green earth tapestry below.

Contact John at jwr77@verizon.net

Extension Connection--In memory of Uncle John

M

y 95 year old uncle, whom I was very close to, just passed away of natural causes.

We can’t ask for more than to lead a full life in good health, with plenty of friends and family, and to keep our humor and vigor until the end. I think he knew what an impact he had on my life and I hope you take a moment to reflect on the impact you can have on children’s lives. In this busy and electronic world our children are losing touch with the natural world. In fact, so are many of us. Knowing about our world and how to take care of it can and should be as natural as breathing; something that is instilled in us from before our memories begin. My uncle did that for me. Being a science teacher, he knew about all kinds of things and delighted in teaching me about the natural world around me.

No hanging around the house for us! We were always off on

some adventure. From him I learned how to prune and train his sister’s grapes. I learned how they smelled when they were ripe, and how the colors looked from beneath when the sun shone through the arbor.

I came to know that if we did not protect them from fungus early in the season the fruit would develop rot just before or after picking. Oh, the taste!

Do you know the taste and feel of a warm grape, just off the vine? I knew that after harvest we had to pick any “mummy” fruit because they harbor the fungus that over-winters and will infect the fruit again next year. I learned respect. When your dinner table is depending upon what you grow you quickly learn to respect the fruit, the value of the hard labor, the awesome wonder that this plant CAN feed you. Because you respect and revere it, you would never consider damaging or impeding another’s crop. You understand the

toils of your fellow man. You learn humility when you watch as a summer hailstorm shreds your crop in the blink of an eye. When your tomatoes get blossom-end rot you learn not to brag about them until they are on the table.

My aunt had blueberries, highbush and lowbush. I learned how high bears can reach. I learned the purple color of my Uncle’s tongue as he roared in laughter with us. A man came and grew a vegetable crop for the farmer’s market on my aunt’s land. I remember lessons learned that have stayed with me, while the memory of his name has long ago faded, but not the memory of his gentle smile. I learned to trap, to be patient, to identify weeds, and that if you ran through the tomato patch you would stain your clothes and earn my mothers wrath. I learned how to carefully twist the fruits from the vine without bruising them and how to stack them in the wheelbarrow so none would spill. I

The Recipe of the Week from The Happy Chef

by Leigh Sackett

Buffalo Wings OK it’s time for grilling! These wings are made for the grill.They are delicious hot or cold. Serve them as a finger food at your next backyard picnic, who knows, it could become a tradition! Make them spicy or mild by altering the amounts of chili powder and Tabasco sauce.The blue cheese sauce is yummy but you may also want to experiment and come up with a variety of dipping sauces. Another fantastic thing about this recipe is it can be passed off to the men folk. Guys are in charge of the grill in my home.This recipe can serve as a joint venture as a break for the ladies.

FOR THE MARINADE: 1 cup cider vinegar 2 tbs. vegetable oil 2 tbs.Worcestershire sauce 2 tbs. chili powder 1 tsp. red pepper flakes 1 tsp. salt 1 tsp. ground pepper 1 tbs.Tabasco sauce 4 lbs. chicken wings (about 24) FOR THE BLUE CHEESE SAUCE: 2/3 cup sour cream ½ cup mayo 1 large clove of garlic, minced 2 tsp.Worcestershire sauce 1 cup crumbled blue cheese Salt

Freshly ground pepper 2 tbs, more or less, milk Celery sticks MARINADE: -Stir together vinegar, oil,Worcestershire, chili powder, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, and Tabasco -Place wings in large plastic bag, pour in marinade, seal -Massage the bag lightly to distribute the marinade -Refrigerate for several hours, turning and massaging the bag occasionally BLUE CHEESE SAUCE: -Whisk together sour cream, mayo, garlic, Worcestershire and blue cheese

-Season to taste with salt and pepper -Add enough milk to make a sauce the consistency of pancake batter -Cover and refrigerate GRILL: -Heat up the grill -Remove wings from marinade, pat dry, reserve marinade -Arrange wings on oiled grill rack -Grill 25-30 minutes, turning frequently and brushing with marinade -Serve with dipping sauce and celery sticks

learned how strong my uncle was as he helped haul the market goods. I learned about sunburns and sweat. Weights and measures was a math lesson that stayed with me, as well as the knowledge of how those weighing contraptions worked. Engineering was born of necessity and every person who worked the land seemed to have some invention or another to help them save time and energy. I learned the smell of pennies; pennies earned for helping or counted from the market proceeds.

My uncle taught me to climb trees safely. He taught me to respect that the tree was a living being and that some trees

were just not meant for climbing, while others had strong limbs and thick enough bark to tolerate my presence if I carefully climbed barefooted or in sneakers and never, ever picked the bark or broke the branches or damaged the tree in any way!

In return, the tree taught me its song and the meaning of a duet when it sang with the wind.

I remember hydrangeas in mid-summer. I know how heavy they get in the morning dew and how limp they get if you fail to water! I know how much my grandmother loved hydrangeas.

My uncle valued family, so he gave hydrangeas to my grandmother to make her smile. I

remember the feel of my uncle’s hand in mine as we stood at the cemetery over my grandmother’s gravesite. I took note that Hydrangea Pee Gee grew nearby and knew that would please my grandmother.

Life comes full circle, and each of us has a responsibility to pass on the lessons that the earth teaches us. Though you may not think it is that important, the children will. They will remember, and they will love you for it.

Your turn, pass it on…

Extension Connection Barbara Leach, Horticulture Technician, VCE Roanoke

Perspective

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

Letters

Forest Park School has resources, needs help from parents

some errors of implication in the Monday June 2 edition of the Roanoke Times. The MMC has not, to my knowledge, been a part of any food service planning discussions with Valley Forward and/or Mill Mountain Zoo officials. Nor have we discussed within our ranks the notion that encouraging the Zoo to partner with Valley Forward and go into the restaurant or cafe business might offer some sort of compromise in our battle against Valley Forward’s proposal to further develop Mill Mountain Park.

Food service planning and/or facilitating on Mill Mountain is not within the MMC’s mission in Mill Mountain Park.

We simply see ourselves as a citizen, volunteer, pro-active ( We want a conservation easement on the entire MMP.) and re-active ( Don’t be bringing that new Rockledge Inn junk up to this mountain.) group seeking to maintain the quality and quantity of the green space in Mill Mountain Park.

The Roanoke Times story implied that the MMC was involved in “...a number of ideas and potential compromises that have been floated regarding the project.” The MMC has been steadfast in opposition to both development proposals that Valley Forward has brought forward. We have not sought compromises nor have we offered counter-proposals. Personally, I think that at some point down the road an expansion minded Zoo could present as much of a threat to the green space of MMP as Valley Forward does now. It will certainly be more difficult for the MMC to garner public support against a warm, cuddly Zoo-Valley Forward partnership especially if they start to nickle and dime away at the green space in MMP. Partnering with the Zoo might be exactly the public relations windfall Valley Forward needs to get it’s high dollar restaurant. In that case, the Zoo would become just another chain saw wielding, bulldozer driving business chipping away at Mill Mountain Park.

Dick Howard Roanoke

Dear editor, In reference to May 23 article headlined “Forest Park parents file federal complaints,” Martin Jeffery seems lacking in knowledge of the professional staff provided to Forest Park school.

He states that Forest Park has been deliberately denied a reading specialist. If he were to visit the schools web site he would see that there are three reading resource teachers listed.

I am a Roanoke City teacher and feel that perhaps Mr. Jeffery’s time would be better spent encouraging the parents of the students who are failing the SOL’s to become more involved in their child’s education.

Encouraging these parents to read to their children, to turn off the T.V. and read a book instead, to help the students with their homework, send them to bed at an appropriate hour, not to feed them junk food and to ensure that the students get to school each day would be a much more rewarding task than his current endeavor.

We are all, community leaders, parents and teachers, reaching for the same goal - the success of the children. There is a direct correlation between parental interest in their child’s education and the child’s success. Teachers can only do so much in less than 7 hours a day, we rely on parents to send us children who are ready and willing to learn.

Ciara Corrigan Roanoke

Times error implicating MMC Dear editor, As a member of the Mill Mountain Conservancy and a citizen who has followed this issue for the last sixteen months, I noticed

Garden City Baptist Church

Rasoul’s values closer to home

Come Worship With Us (540) 427-0131 3536 Garden City Blvd Roanoke, VA 24014

Dear editor, I believe that as more voters become familiar with Republican Bob Goodlatte’s appalling record, including broken promises on term limits, they’ll look for someone else to vote for.

For example, Goodlatte opposed the new G I Bill which was passed with broad, bipartisan support.

Our veterans deserve much more than what elitist, out-of-touch extremists such as Goodlatte think

Sunday School.......9:45 am Worship Service.....11 am Youth Ministry.........6 pm Weds. Bible Study..6:45 pm Choir Practice.........7:45 pm

they deserve.

Sam Rasoul, the Democratic nominee to oppose Goodlatte, supports the G I Bill. Sam’s values are much more typical of the voters in Goodlatte’s district. Sam Rasoul is a moderate, pro-smallbusiness Democrat.

Goodlatte’s positions on nearly all issues are identical to those of George W. Bush. Sam’s are much more comparable to those of the popular former Governor Mark Warner. Let’s vote against the corruption and failed policies of Goodlatte and the Bush administration. Let’s vote for progress by voting for Sam Rasoul.

Brian Lang Roanoke

Memorial Day celebration of note for who was, wasn’t there Dear editor, Despite frequent references to my extended miss-spent youth, I don’t often think of myself as “old”. I think of “old” as a state of mind. I know people in there twenties who are “old”. They are very boring. However, every so often something happens which reminds me that I am in far reaches of the second standard deviation from the mean of the average age.

At such times I don’t feel old, I feel like a curmudgeon.

I’ve lived long enough to remember when we had National Holidays that honored people such as Lincoln and Washington or events such as Armistice Day (now Veterans Day) and Memorial Day. Now we have Federal Holidays, conveniently designated to provide three-day weekends so Americans can climb in their vehicles, drive mega-miles and spend, spend, spend. For the time being, the gas crisis and credit crunch may have put the kibosh on that.

I was five years old when World War II ended. I vividly recall sons and brothers returning, and parades with banners flying and bands playing on the “real” Memorial Day. Afterwards there were trips to the cemetery at the edge of town where flags with 48 stars were placed at the markers of the fallen from all wars. I remember this as an activity the entire town participated in, but at five things seem bigger.

Since then I’ve served in the military, participated in many parades, found out my parents were smarter than I thought, and married a woman who has patience and understanding. Together we raised a family and now find ourselves in a state called “retired”. That means I don’t go to “work” every morning. Instead, I go to Mill Mountain Coffee and Tea, have coffee, a bagel,

Local Crossword Puzzle!

1

2

1 3

2 5

6

4

3

4

5

9

8

7 10

9

13

8

10 11 14 13

12

11

12

“My boss makes me feel like a slave.” “I am a slave to my children’s schedules.” “My painful 17 18 17 18 past enslaves me and won’t let me move forward.”

19 19 Though we prefer to think of 20 21 20 21 ourselves as completely independent, the question is not whether 22 23 22 23 we will serve a master. We are like slaves. We will serve a master.

24 24 The question is which master we shall serve.

25 26 Preparing his listeners for some 25 26 comments about prioritizing thoughts, time, and energy, Jesus 27 of Nazareth says, “No one can 27 serve two masters; for a slave will

By Don Waterfield either hate the one and love the Across (11) closed after 27 years 21What local business or be devoted to the one Across (11) closed after 27 years 21What localother, business it is trying to come has a slogan which 2Formerly Gish's2Formerly Mill 19Which local business it is trying to come has a slogan which and despise the other….”

Gish's Mill 19Which local business back. (2-words) (10) says(10) 'Save moneysays 'Save money (6) slogan is 'Keep the back. (2-words) What or whom do you serve?

(6) slogan is 'Keep the Live better?' (7) Live better?' (7) 6Eng. (2wheels turning'? wheels (2channel. (3) 8Roanoke's Grand Old 6Eng. channel. (3) turning'?

It helps to examine our priorities, 8Roanoke's Grand Old words) (11) 23Hypertext Markup Lady. (2-words) Lady.

(12) (2-words) words) (11)7Locality. (4) 7Locality. (4) 23Hypertext Markup (12) because when they’re out of orLanguage (abbrev.) of the Blue Language (abbrev.)

9Your --- is uglier than I--- is 22Jewel 10Railway that built the 22Jewel of the Blue 9Your uglier than I 10Railway that built the (4) der, our blood pressure goes up, Ridge Mountains.Ridge (3- Mountains.

(4) am. (from American Shenandoah Ave.Shenandoah and (3am. (from American Ave. and our headaches increase, or we words) (17) 24Tallest mountain Graffiti) (3) words) (17) Randolph Street Randolph Street 24Tallest mountain Graffiti) (3) nearest to roanoke don’t sleep as well.

26Artist stations.

(18) who created the to roanoke 13Which animal 13Which hospital animal hospital 26Artist who created the stations. (18) salem and vintonnearest area and vinton structure inside the salem Rick area Warren, in his book The is located almostisatlocated almost guess there structure 11'I inside the sometime at 11'I guess sometime there and holds the Roanoke Municipal and holdsPurpose-Drive the the end of Peter'sthe end of Peter's just aren't enoughjust ----Life (chapter 3), Roanoke Municipal aren't enough ----- towersbroadcast broadcast for (2- Courthouse. (2towers for Creek Road? (6) Creek Road? Courthouse. .' (from Forrest .' (from Forrest suggests five common purposes (6) our television words) (13) our television words) (13) Gump) (5) 15Downtown location of Gump) (5) stations. (4) that drive people: guilt (Does 15Downtown location of stations.

(4) 27friend (US slang) (7) (US 12'This Roanoke's sister city is where 12'This I start tois where 27friend slang) (7) Roanoke's sister city I start 25To listentoto (slang) (4) your past control you?), resent25To listen to (slang) (4) totems.( 2-words)totems.( 2-words) have ---. (from Laura have ---. (from Laura made up of ment or anger (Do you need to 26A surface Down (13) Croft Tomb Raider) 26A surface made up of Down (13) Croft Tomb Raider) rectangles. (3) rectangles. release your pain through forgive(3) 1Attractiveness (3) to the 17Nearby location of the location of the (3) 1Attractiveness to the 17Nearby ness?), fear (Does a past event or opposite sex (5) opposite sex AAF Tank Museum.

14Local filming location (5) AAF Tank Museum.

14Local filming location (8) for the 2006 movie unrealistic expectation control 3'Mongo only ----3'Mongo in (8) for the 2006 movie only ---- in 'Borat' (3-words) (16) game of life.' (from your life?), materialism (Do you 18Artist who created the who created the 'Borat' (3-words) (16) game of life.' (from 18Artist Blazing Saddles)Blazing (4) bronze work outside 16Father of Modern Saddles) (4) feel that possessions are the only bronze work outside 16Father of Modern the Roanoke Cookery. (9) 4Person who serves as a who serves the Roanoke Cookery. (9) way to happiness and security?), 4Person as a Transportation Transportation sailor (4) (5) and sharp. (5) sailor (4) 19Strong and sharp. and need for approval (Do peers, 19Strong Museum. (2-words) Museum. (2-words) 5Downtown business (3) 5Downtown20Social business worker?20Social parents, spouses, teachers, friends worker? (3) Find the answers online: TheRoanokeStar.com rule your life?).

Have a clue and answer you’d like to see? email: puzzles@theroanokestar.com Has one of these become your 14

15

15

TheRoanokeStar.com

Roanoke Revisited Sponsored by

Battle between the sexes

Bud Feuer

F

or some strange reason, Southwest Virginia has always been a hotbed of unusual stories. One reason is probably the many interesting people who have lived in the area.

In the 1940s, a newspaper story created a firestorm of controversy among the city's young ladies.

On May 6, 1940, J. T. Overstreet, a retired furniture dealer, walked into the office of the Roanoke World-News and stated that he would donate a ten room frame house near the center of town to, "Any American born man with his American born wife and their 12 children, providing these children are living with their parents. All must be of good character.

I won't give the property to anyone who is lazy or a drunkard, and the family must have a record free from arrests and convictions."

When asked by a reporter why he was doing this, Overstreet stated, "Because I can live without the house, and I want to make somebody happy. The property will be given only to a family without wealth and that owns no real estate. The children must all be the offspring of one marriage. Stepchildren are ineligible.

"The house has ten rooms, two baths, a back stairway, hot air heat, and a double garage. It is worth at least $3,750 to any person who can meet the requirements."

The day after the story appeared in the World-News, Overstreet was swamped with letters and his telephone rang

constantly.

One lady promised to keep him supplied with pies and cakes for the rest of his life if he would give her the house. Another woman wrote, “I’m not married, and do not have 12 children. But I’m all alone and have no one to look to for help. I only have a little nephew nine years old. I’m of good character and desire to go into business, but do not have the means to do so. Wouldn’t you like to make me happy with a small sum?” A mother of nine declared, “You say that you want to make somebody happy. Nobody would be happier than I to know that I owned the roof over my head.”

Another wrote, “I wonder if you would be in a position to lend me some money. I would like to build a large house.”

A lady from Marion, Virginia stated, “I’m an attractive young girl, hard working and honest.

I read that you want to make somebody happy. How about me?

Then, of course, there were several fast-talkers who wanted to meet with Overstreet to discuss "fabulous business opportunities.”

But not everyone appreciated Overstreet's offer. In a letter-tothe-editor in the World-News, dated April 13, 1940, Mrs. G. G. Garst wrote, “Talk about highpowered press agentry! Roanoke really got on the map last week with some exciting publicity spot-lighting Mr. J. T. Overstreet in the role of a would-be benefactor offering for free a nice large 10-room house on terms that practically precluded any possibility of a successful bidder.

Preacher’s Corner

6 7

and often interesting conversation.

Not surprisingly, I also find things important to me now that were not important to me twenty years ago. Similarly, things that were important to me twenty years or thirty years ago don’t show up on my current radar screen.

When it comes to honoring our nation’s military, past and present, I am bemused by the hordes of “patriotic Americans” who wear an American flag lapel pin, have “support the troop” bumper stickers, but would never dream of actually serving or encouraging their children to do so. That is for “others” to do. I have more respect for the combat veteran who carries an End the War placard.

These thoughts were prompted by the brief Memorial Day ceremony held today, at 11 AM, at the Memorial Plaza where Roanoke’s war dead are listed. The crowd was small perhaps less than 100.

One gentleman who attended was proudly wearing his uniform (I can’t fit in mine), highly polished (nonregulation) cordovan jump boots, jump wings with four stars (he missed Africa), European campaign ribbon attesting to eight campaigns, a Presidential Unit Citation with one star and a the highly prized Combat Infantryman’s Badge. I’m sure his eighty, possibly ninety, something year body would object to jumping out of an airplane today, but it didn’t object to showing up for the Memorial Day ceremony.

Prior to the ceremony, I perused the Roanoke Times for the City’s proclamation. The record is intact – it didn’t issue one as it should, or I missed it. As for the ceremony itself? I saw and chatted with Sherman Lea. He attended on his own volition not as the designated City Council representative. Missing were our “esteemed” outgoing Mayor Reverend Dr. C. Nelson Harris, Vice Mayor David Trinkle, outgoing Councilman Bev Fitzpatrick who has never knowingly done anything wrong, Councilwoman Gwen Mason our green advocate, outgoing councilman Wishneff, and Mr. Nash who doesn’t have the common sense to resign. Not attending were Class President-Mayor elect David Bowers who would have had to share the spotlight with Representative Goodlatte, Sam Rasoul and Brigadier General Farrell who came down from VMI. Nor did I see Mrs. Price.

Funny thing, I have this peculiar idea that it is incumbent upon public officials to do certain things as a duty. Showing up on Memorial Day, because they are public officials is one of them. Picking up trash from the Roanoke River is optional.

However, that’s just my opinion. I’m sure the council members not attending today’s ceremony will have American Flag lapel pins proudly displayed at the next council meeting. I hope they enjoyed their weekend.

Robert Craig Roanoke

16

16

master? All five of these feed the insatiable appetite of worry.

When we are driven by them, God is pushed aside.

Teaching us to put God in the driver’s seat (Matthew 6:25-34), Jesus invites us to look around at the beauty and simplicity of creation: pelicans diving into the surf, robins pecking at the ground, lilies extending their stems preparing to bloom. If God cares enough for these birds and lilies, are you, humans, not of even greater worth, you to whom God gave responsibility for this magnificent creation?

“Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ … your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

In college, my roommate got mad at me because the trash had to be falling off the loaded trashcan before I would empty it. Our lives can feel like that brimming trashcan: add one thing and several others will fall to the floor!

We brim with worry about health, children, parents, work, eating, retirement, debt, death, and those are just the big things.

One or more of these might get you started in releasing those worries.

1. Start each morning offering your day to God.

2. When you catch yourself worrying, admit it. Cry out, like the psalmist of Psalm 131: “O Lord, my heart is not lifted up, my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me” (italics mine).

But don’t stop there; keep reading the short psalm: “But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother [who can express his needs in some way other than crying]. “… hope in the Lord ….”

3. Ask someone to pray for you.

4. Ask for help, without shame.

5. “Nip it in the bud.” Arthur Somers Roche says, “Anxiety is a thin stream of fear trickling through the mind. If encouraged, it cuts a channel into which all others thoughts are drained.” Catch it while it’s small, before it cuts that larger channel and depletes the energy you have left.

While greater faith would be great, the key thing we need is God and to direct our thoughts and attention to God before anyone or anything else. Somehow, if we’re putting God first, and doing what God wants, the rest really does take care of itself.

Donna Hopkins Britt is pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, 608 Campbell Avenue, SW, Roanoke, www.calvaryroanoke.org.

Schools

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

TheRoanokeStar.com

Education Foundation World famous Kandinsky Trio performs at PH announces scholarships

The following are the 2008 Education Foundation scholarship recipients: Pepsi-Cola Company Scholarship: The 2008 recipient is Jordan Emile Cates.

Gordon C. Willis—Rockydale Quarries Scholarship: The 2008 recipient is Lelyn Blake Johnson.

Bayes E. Wilson Scholarship: The 2008 recipient is John Tyler Cook.

Ruth C. Wade Scholarship: The 2008 recipient is Emily Anne O’Rourke.

Helen E. Wade Scholarship: The 2008 recipient is Helen Nguyet Pham.

Wachovia Bank Scholarship: The 2008 recipient is Rachel Hope Wilkinson.

Laurence E. Poteat, Jr. Scholarship: The 2008 recipient is Kacie Elizabeth Hoffman.

Marketing Education Scholarship: The 2008 recipient is Julie Elizabeth Dyer.

John David Wingate Memorial Scholarship: The 2008 recipient is Kaitlin Kathleen Grove.

J.D. Sisson Golf Scholarship: The 2008 recipient is William S. Avery.

Carilion Health System Nursing Scholarship: The 2008 recipient is Sarah Elizabeth Kerr.

Friendship Retirement Community Scholarship: The 2008 recipient is Brittany Nicole Leftwich.

Gary A. Kelly Scholarship: The 2008 recipient is Kristen Nicole Cutting.

Bank of America Scholarship: The 2008 recipient is Samantha Jane Sedivy.

Deanna Gordon Scholarship: The 2008 recipient is Sean M. Guzman.

Justin T. White Memorial Scholarships: The 2008 recipient is Joshua Dean Hale.

Department Of Social Services Scholarships: The 2008 recipients are Allison Fay Broyles and Melissa Alexander McDonald.

Shirley Pruitt Memorial Scholarship: The 2008 recipient is Courtney Lynn Morgan.

Joe Charles Brown Memorial Scholarship: The 2008 recipient is Michael Pearson Struble.

Engineering Department Scholarship: The 2008 recipient is Garrett Harold Page.

Corrugated Container Corporation Scholarship: The 2008 recipient is Maria G. Pasquarell.

D.J. Higginbotham Memorial Scholarship: The 2008 recipient is Richard Xiao.

Heartfelt, Inc. Scholarship: The 2008 recipient is Sabrina Danielle Rackow.

Lynn W. Saunders Softball Scholarship: The 2008 recipient is Courtney Paige Cooper.

Susan Ashley Carter Memorial Scholarship: The 2008 recipient is Hannah Elizabeth Swann.

Ronald M. Martin Memorial Scholarship: The 2008 recipient is Evan Thomas Mixon.

Sara Lee Allen Memorial Scholarship: The 2008 recipient is Timothy Daniel Smith.

Hartwell Glass Memorial Scholarship: The 2008 recipient is Leah Michelle Miles.

Howell’s Motor Freight, Inc. Scholarship: The 2008 recipient is Shiry Raouf Guirguis.

Cole Thomas And The Junior League Of Roanoke Valley Memorial Scholarship: The 2008 recipient is Samantha Nicole Kessel.

Sandy Huffman Memorial Scholarship: The 2008 recipient is Jessica Renee Washington.

Debra Coker Williams Me-

morial Scholarship: The 2008 recipient is Meghann Elizabeth Eisner.

Michael H. Calhoon Scholarship: The 2008 recipient is Cynthia Danielle Hedge.

Ruby M. Mclearn Memorial Scholarship: The 2008 recipient is Chad Matthew Jarrett.

Northside High School Challenge Scholarship: The 2008 recipient is Amanda Renee Lawhorn.

Michael J. Aheron Scholarship: The 2008 recipient is Su Ngo. Dr. Thomas S. Bennett Memorial Scholarship: The 2008 recipient is Kendal Jarell Booker.

Jerry L. Canada Scholarship: The 2008 recipient is Chelsea Lynn Willis.

Quincy Development Company Scholarship: The 2008 recipient is Amanda Dawn Vongphakdy.

Tina Cook Woods Memorial Scholarship: The 2008 recipient is Catherine Marie Shelor.

Adam Wickham Memorial Scholarships: The 2008 recipients are Whitney Elissa Eakin,Taylor Elizabeth Tran, Daniel Scott Wickham and Brian Michael Wood.

Jenna Sobolewski Memorial Scholarship: The 2008 recipient is Lauren Paige Miller.

Vinton Mcdonald’s Scholarship: The 2008 recipient is Joanna Katelynn Frye.

Hildegarde & Cecil G. Smith Memorial Scholarships: The 2008 recipient are Tima Lauren Bulach Hambleton and Kellie Leanne Overstreet.

Robert A. Patterson Scholarship: The 2008 recipient is Cara Marie Cooper.

Student Advisory Council Scholarship: The 2008 recipient is Kendall Elizabeth Cannon.

Anthem Bluecross Blueshield Scholarship: The 2008 recipient is Angela Jennifer Foy. BB&T Scholarship: The 2008 recipient is Erica Catharine Lester.

Ball Corporation Scholarship: The 2008 recipient is Hannah Elizabeth Malloy.

Blue Ridge Copier Scholarship: The 2008 recipient is Rebecca Marie Smith.

Jefferson College Of Health Sciences: The 2008 recipient is Jessica Marie Wolter.

Jostens Scholarship: The 2008 recipient is Hatcher Gibson Cox. Kroger Scholarship: The 2008 recipient is Samantha Christian Hoback.

SAS Photography Scholarship: The 2008 recipient is Lauren Paige Miller.

Stop In Food Stores Scholarship: The 2008 recipient is Danielle Marie Pence.

The Homestead Scholarship: The 2008 recipient is Brittany Lynn Sutton.

General Foundation Scholarships: General Foundation Scholarships: The Education Foundation, through its general donations and fund-raising events, awards 28 scholarships; 5 for each high school and 3 for the Arnold R. Burton Technology Center.

Megan Marie Lyle, Todd Garnett Harris, Andrew Christopher Sarver, Allyson Catherine Paone, Laura Olivia Reese, Katie Michelle Smith, Jessica Nicole Williams, Patricia Noela Wright, Jacob Matthew Brogan, Erin Michelle Brookshier, Charles Campbell Johnson, Kelley Marie Knoebel, Ashley Nicole Owen, Travis Stuart Andrews, Katherine Emily Degen, Matthew Scott Pettygrove, Erika Corinne Troia, Elizabeth Anne Wingfield

Roanoke College’s Ensemblein-Residence and member of the Chamber Music of America, The Kandinsky Trio, performed for Patrick Henry music and theatre students on Thursday, May 22.

The trio, consisting of Elizabeth Bachelder on piano, Alan Weinstein on cello, and Benedict Goodfriend on violin, tours the country playing such venues as The Kennedy Center in Washington, DC and Miller Theatre in New York City.

This is the first time they’ve come to Patrick Henry, according to orchestra conductor and teacher David Lipps, and the visit was made possible through a grant. “It is wonderful to bring in world class performers for students to not only hear in-depth musical insight into the pieces, the musical structure of the piece, and the composer’s world view, but also to hear these performers talk candidly about why classical music like this has such longevity.” Lipps said that

cellist Weinstein clearly explained why it is that today’s music has a certain shelf life; it is geared for the enjoyment of the moment and to be moved out quickly to make room for the even newer.

Classical music such as this endures, according to Lipps, because it represents life; we don’t always understand it, but like classical literature it is a picture of the universal themes that bind us all.

Lipps has been an employee of Roanoke City Schools for 38 years and said he studied violin, while his daughter took private cello lessons for seven years with Weinstein. Lipps said he used to work in the music programs at several schools but retired six years ago; since then he has been running the orchestra program exclusively at Patrick Henry, as well as founding a thriving new guitar program. The guitar instruction is now handled by Mike Havens, who Lipps said is doing a great job. The greatest challenge facing

Photo by Deborah K.Wood

The Kandinsky Trio - first time performing at Patrick Henry High the department now, he said, is “to see the feeder schools come up to the level necessary to keep our programs growing.”

The music, theatre, and art programs at Patrick Henry are in better shape now than they have been in years, mainly, he said, due to the “renewed and tangible support from central office since Dr. Bishop has come. Actual actions

are backing up the words ‘We support the arts.’” Another plus has been the addition of Fine Arts Coordinator Cyrus Pace, said Lipps, because he is so in touch with what the music departments of Roanoke City Schools need.

By Deborah K. Wood info@theroanokestar.com

ROTEC Car Show motors into Patrick Henry

Saturday, May 31, marked the second official year for the Roanoke Technical Education Center (ROTEC) car show, held in the side parking lot at Patrick Henry High School. According to ROTEC auto body teacher Michael Toney, 53 owners registered cars and motorcycles for the show.

“I think we had a great turnout since the weather was calling for severe thunderstorms and hail,” Toney said, “and most people won’t bring their cars out in these conditions.” He said what he liked best was that his students got to really see what goes into building, maintaining and judging a car of this caliber.

Trophies were awarded to the 26 top cars/motorcycles, with four other special prizes: “chick pick,” two principal awards, and “Best in Show,” which went to Randy Sturgill, owner of a Su-

Photo by Deborah K.Wood

Old-time cruisers find their way to PH. zuki Hayabusa. James Williams, who had just pulled into town on his Suzuki RTL 1000 from “Bike Week” in Myrtle Beach, SC, also received a trophy. Williams is soon to be featured on the front

cover of 2 Wheel Tuner, a popular sport bike magazine.

The show was sponsored by many organizations and businesses, but mainly, Toney said,

by Bumper to Bumper Parts

Depot, which donated $800 in cash and $1,000 in door prizes, including four custom stools and 24 Dodge Nascar collectible cars. Although mostly organized by Toney and Kathy Duncan, principal of the Patrick Henry ROTEC site, Toney said nearly everyone played a role. A team of judges, led by John Beels of Beels Performance & Design and members of the Star City Cruisers and Roanoke Valley Mustang Club, scored each entry. Next, members of Business Teacher Marc Nester’s computer applications class and his Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) club tabulated and analyzed all scores on the computer.

FBLA president Stacy Wolfe then announced the winners.

By Deborah K. Wood info@theroanokestar.com

Roanoke Catholic poetry garners accolades for students Poetry is in the air at Roanoke Catholic School. Six RCS students have been awarded honors in both state and local poetry competitions. The Poetry Society of Virginia recently announced the winners of the 2007 Virginia Student Prize. Second place honors went to Andrew Cha, a junior at RCS. The Poetry Society of Virginia, founded in1923 at the College of William and Mary, is the second oldest state poetry society in the nation and sponsors annual poetry contests for students, as well as adults. Cha also recently had a poem cho-

sen for publication in the state and national award-winning literary magazine Currents, a publication of James River High School’s creative writing and art students under the direction of Mrs. Rebekah Woodie.

In addition, six RCS students received accolades from the Young Writers’ Contest sponsored locally by the Roanoke Valley Reading Council.

These students, competing with students from 27 other area schools, won for entries in the Haiku poetry competition. Entries were judged by

the Blue Ridge Haiku Club.

Earning first place honors were Andrew Nolen in the 8th grade division, Abby Bagliani in the 10th grade division, and Frank

Wolowski in the 11th grade division. Also receiving special honor awards were Elizabeth Surat, Connie Milliron, and Andrew Cha.

Schafer Shoe Repair NEW LOCATION! Same great service!

Call us for locations of drop off sites 342-2155 M, T, Th, & F - 9 am-6pm W & S - 9am-2pm 3310-B Brandon Ave. Roanoke, 24018 (Between Brewster’s & Dairy Queen)

Breckinridge Art Students Correspond With Orphans in Africa Through Artistic Work Breckinridge Middle School’s art teacher Dan Kuehl recently contacted the Children of Zion Village orphanage in Africa to request pictures of the children who are affected by the AIDS crisis. Kuehl has since involved his Breckinridge class in an art project that allows them to draw portraits of the African children while learning about a worldwide problem.

The Breckinridge students have spent many hours creating the portraits of the children in Africa and they also wrote letters to them. The portraits and letters will be sent to the children in Namibia soon. Many of the students will include their home addresses with their letters in hopes of continuing to correspond with the African orphans.

The AIDS epidemic in Africa has become more personal for the Breckinridge students now that they have pictures of children their age who have lost their parents because of the virus.

To learn more about the African orphanage, go to www.childrenofzionvillage.org.

2003 BMW 530I................................................only $19,900 Blue Water/Gray Leather, still under factory warranty, low miles stock# 97105A

2004 BMW X3...................................................only $19,900 Silver/Gray int., All wheel drive, panorama sunroof, stock# 38039X

2004 BMW 325I................................................only $21,490 Red/Beige int., BMW Certified, automatic, great on gas, stock# 97100

2004 BMW X3...................................................only $21,700 White/Beige int., All wheel drive, panorama sunroof, stock# 97103

2002 BMW X5...................................................only $22,900 Black/Gray Leather, All wheel drive, local trade in! Great shape, low miles stock# 38113A

2004 BMW 525I................................................only $28,900 Black/Beige Leather, BMW Certified, Premium pkg., heated seats, stock# 38059A

2006 BMW 325XI..............................................only $29,900 Arctic/Beige Leather, All wheel drive, only 6,200 miles stock# 38124A

2004 BMW M3..................................................only $33,900 Silver/Gray, BMW Certified, Loaded, stock#38084A

2005 BMW 330 Convertible............................only $34,900 Convertible, Gray metallic/Gray Leather, Loaded only 20,600 miles stock# 38036A

2007 BMW 328I................................................only $35,500 Silver/Gray Leather, heated seats, Premium pkg., only 6,300 miles, stock# 37076A

2008 BMW 328XI..............................................only $37,900 Bronze/Beige Leather, Navigation, All wheel drive, Loaded up to stock# 98019

ÓnÓ{Ê À> Ê, >`]Ê-°7°ÊUÊ, > i (540) 342-3733 or (540) 344-9274 www.ValleyBMW.com

Valley BMW 6/30/08

Sports

Page 8 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 6/6/08

TheRoanokeStar.com

Virginia Heights Walkathon Goodlatte announces $630,000 grant to Roanoke City schools

Virgina Heights Elementary School Walkathon took place on May 30th. They raised almost $3,000 to go towards new PE equipment for the school. It was their first ever walkathon.

Right, Mrs. Gardner leads the pack as they head up the hill.

Congressman Bob Goodlatte announced that Roanoke City Public Schools has been awarded a $630,561 grant from the Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools Program, which is administered by the U.S. Department of Education.

This important grant will be used to initiate a program that can help students improve their performance in the classroom and increase their positive impact on the community. Specifically, this funding will be used to improve emergency management plans for individual schools and the school district as a whole. Additionally, the grant will be used to increase awareness and understanding of emergency management procedures throughout all Roanoke City Public Schools.

Photos by Josh Crawford

“I am pleased to announce that the Roanoke City Public Schools have been awarded this vital funding,” Goodlatte said. “This grant will help foster a lasting partnership between the school system, the city, and a variety of community organizations, all working together to improve the lives of Roanoke’s children.”

“I am just so pleased,” said Dr. Rita Bishop, Superintendent of Roanoke City Public Schools. “This funding will enable Roanoke City Public Schools to provide the safest possible environment for our students.”

The purpose of the Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools Program is to provide funds for local school districts to improve and strengthen their emergency management plans.

Valley Character Rocks Patrick Henry 450 Patrick Henry High School tenth graders had their characters rocked on Friday, May 23, during a hard rock concert by local band Madrone interspersed with a positive, upbeat message from Valley Character Board of Directors president, State SenaPhotos by Josh Crawford tor John Edwards. Valley CharVirginia Heights received many generous donations for prizes from Walmart, Va. Museum of Transporta- acter is a nonprofit organization tion, Vinton Bowling Lanes, The Salem Avalanche, Mick or Mack, Roanoke Fruit and Produce, My Gym, that focuses much of its energy YMCA, Skate Center, Brusters, Pops and Steve and Barrys. This innovative fund raiser promotes fitness on character education.

The as well as getting students actively involved in helping their school and community. proponents believe, according Above, Preschoolers walk with Mrs. Newsome and Mrs. Garland. to their website, “that positive growth in school, the workplace, Governor’s School relationships, and in one’s own receives recognition inner self is highly dependent on the character that surrounds The Roanoke Valley Governor’s each of us, every day.”

School for Science and Technol Senator Edwards took ogy has been named a Claes Nobel the stage midway through the School of Distinction for its lead- driving concert to talk to the ership and innovative approach to students about how important integrating science and mathemat- their choices are. “We all know ics education. about the three R’s in education, Open 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Mon. - Sat. Claes Nobel Schools of Distincreading, writing, and ‘rithmetic,” tion are selected and awarded to Closed Sundays he said, “but we have to add two secondary schools through the National Society of High School more: respect and responsibility.” After his message, students Scholars (NSHSS) Foundation.

Throughout the academic year, heard important nutrition facts RVGS serves 270 students in grades from Kroger nutritionist Doro9-12 for a half-day program.

Ninety-nine percent of the students go to colleges or universities within the first year after graduation. Colleges often make an effort plus tax to attract Governor’s School students with advanced standing and/ or scholarship money. Of the 65 Roanoke Location Salem Location students in the class of 2007, seven (540) 904-2727 (540) 444-0551 The first “Multi-Cultural Exwere finalists, one was a semi-final677 Brandon Ave. 1122 W. Main St. travaganza, ” held Saturday, May ist, and sixteen were commended Across from McDonalds Across from Kroger @ Towers Mall 31, at Patrick Henry High School, in the National Merit program. was a success and a precursor to www.henrysmemphisbbq.com even better things, according to festival coordinator and special education teacher Tina Bhandari. “This is the start of a new Discover how my 25 years as an investment professional can help you tradition here at PH,” she said.

The idea sprang out of a PH achieve your financial goals and successfully plan for the future. faculty “Community Committee” which focuses on how the school can effectively reach out to neighboring areas. “We have so many diverse students and groups who come from very TM CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER professional diverse homes,” Bhandari said, 3959 Electric Road, Suite 325 “they continually stay silent and Roanoke, VA 24018 in the background. We wanted them to come out and be proud 540-774-7688 or 800-774-1997 of their heritage.” Bhandari herSecurities offered through Multi-Financial Securities Corp. Member NASD/SIPC. self is Indian in ethnicity, moved to the U.S. from Tanzania six years ago, and has just undergone a grueling process with the immigration department to get her green card.

More than nine community

Low Carb BBQ? Try a BBQ Wrap & Iced Tea 95

Only $5

Discover Your Money

Service • Advice • Performance Suzanne Osborne, CFP®

Photo by Deborah K.Wood

Madrone, a local hard-driving rock band, played for students on May 23. thy Shaver, then the second half of the concert began.

Valley Character teamed up with Madrone in order to present the Vally Character mission to as many schools as possible.

PH principal Connie Ratcliffe said she was contacted about the opportunity to hold this assembly through the guidance department at the Roanoke City

Schools’ central office. “I thought it was important that our kids see that you can be cool and have fun,” Ratcliffe stated, “and still do the right thing.” Madrone also played recently at Festival in the Park, where they presented their upbeat, positive message to Roanoke residents.

By Deborah K. Wood info@theroanokestar.com

Multi-Cultural Extravaganza brings PH community together organizations and school clubs were represented, and $200 was raised for Refugee Immigration Services. Gary Hunt, from Bookbag Santa, collected used school supplies and cell phones to take to a hurricane-hit area of Belize, an effort that the PH Student Government Association is continuing throughout the last two weeks of school. There was Thai artwork, Indian food, and even some down-home fried catfish and lemon pound cake.

Bhandari said she was especially pleased to have Pearl Fu in attendance, as she is the founder of the Local Colors Festival downtown and symbolizes diversity.

Next year’s plans are exciting already, said Bhandari, as they are going to hold the extravaganza in the late fall due to the celPhoto by Deborah K.Wood ebrations and festivals to follow The Guest of Honor was Pearl and the beautiful colors of fall.

Fu, a local icon who founded

By Deborah K. Wood and runs the Local Colors Festiinfo@theroanokestar.com val at Elmwood Park.

Dedication marks expansion of Higher Ed. Center Located at West Village on 419 - 3555-D Electric Road, Roanoke

(540) 904-5466

Check out our

Daily Lunch Specials!

Salad & 1/2 Sandwich

House salad with your choice of 1/2 chicken salad, ham or turkey sandwich on wheat with lettuce tomato and mayo. $5.95

Ploughman’s Wrap

Hummus, cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, cucumber, carrots, sprouts, and red onions in a whole wheat wrap. $5.95

Fried Chicken Salad

Breaded chicken breast strips over salad greens with cheddar cheese tomatoes, red onions,and cukes, served with apple-walnut vinaigrette. $6.95

The Roanoke Higher Education Center will dedicate the Claude Moore Education Complex Wednesday June 4, 2008 at 10:30 am. The public is invited to attend the ceremony in front of the Complex at 109 Henry Street. The new facility was developed from the renovation of the Strand Theatre, more recently known as the Ebony Club, and the Henry Street shops. Members of the Claude Moore Charitable Foundation Board of Trustees will participate in the dedication.

The Foundation’s gift of $1,500,000 was the impetus that initially moved the project forward.

In keeping with the significance of the grant award, the renovated facilities bear the Claude Moore name.

The Roanoke Redevelopment and Housing Authority donated the Henry Street shops and the Strand Theatre to the Center. Additional grants came from the Commonwealth of Virginia, the Kresge Foundation and the Roanoke Times. Other funding sources included enterprise zone allocations from the City of Roanoke

and the State, federal and state historic tax credits, and new market tax credits. The total cost of the project was $5.3 million.

Renovation of the buildings provides the Roanoke Higher Education Center with facilities for expanding programs. The shops were transformed into kitchens to support the Culinary Arts Institute of Virginia Western Community College. The Strand Theatre provides space for lectures, conferences, meetings and community events.

In addition to following historic rehabilitation guidelines the facilities were developed in accordance with the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED certification standards.

The project design was executed by SmithLewis Architecture of Salem. Martin Brothers Contractors, of Roanoke, was the general contractor. Financial partners in the project include Valley Bank, Apollo Equity Partners and Hampton Roads Ventures.

sPorts

TheRoanokeStar.com

A season far from home

Kayla Lewis State Champ, again

Renovations are a challenge for Colonel sports

Throughout the course of a season, every team will deal with some sort of adversity, whether it be injuries, academic issues or heartbreaking defeats. But for the athletes at William Fleming, those things seemed minor compared to the challenge they faced this year: no facilities.

Earlier this year, massive renovations began at the school, which will continue until the fall of 2009. As a result, none of the teams at Fleming had on-campus practice facilities to use, and none of the teams played a home game.

“It was a no-win situation for all of us,” baseball coach Al Holland Jr. said. “The main problem when you don’t have facilities is that you’re up against everything. It’s hard to gain an advantage or even be on the same playing field as everyone else.”

Most of the teams used city athletic fields for practices and home games. The soccer team practiced on a field on Reserve Avenue near the Old Victory Stadium, and played some of their home games at Rivers Edge Sports Complex. The baseball team practiced and played home games at Maher Field. Getting the players to and from those sites became a huge issue, both for the school administration and the coaches.

“It took practice time away,” soccer coach Landon Moore said. “Those 30 minutes of traveling to and from the fields was time we could have spent on

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

the field.”

“Our greatest challenge this year was transportation without a doubt,” athletic director John Elliot said.

The track team had to be especially creative in order to practice. With no track to run on and no equipment such as hurdles to use, the team often found itself running in the hallways at the school, or in a vacant parking lot nearby.

However, the teams and coaches kept a positive attitude about the situation.

“We got it in our minds that we wouldn’t let it bother us,” boys track coach Rudy Dillard said.

“We didn’t dwell on it, and we made do with what we had.”

Elliot was proud of all of the student-athletes, “not having home-field [advantage] has added some stress,” he conceded, “but our athletes have been superb during the transition.”

Though the school building will be completed in time for the 2009 school year, the athletic teams will have to wait until 2010. That’s when the athletic facilities, including a new soccer practice field, will be ready, according to assistant principal Roland Lovelace.

Kayla Lewis, a junior at William Fleming, won the Virginia AAA State Championship in the shot put last weekend. It is the second state title for Lewis, who also won the in the same event at the Indoor championship.

Lewis has always had potential as a shot putter, according to her coach, Rob Vineyard. As a ninth grader at Fleming, Lewis competed in the state championship, but did not place. But last year, Lewis suffered a hairline fracture in her knee—an injury that caused her to sit out the outdoor season.

After months of rehab, Lewis has experienced tremendous success this season. “She worked

really hard,” Vineyard said. “She overcame that knee injury and has really blossomed.”

At the state championship, Lewis was one of nine girls to make the finals, where each is allowed three throws. And though she entered the finals in second place, Lewis was not throwing well. “I’m a consistent 41-foot thrower,” Lewis said, “but I was only throwing around 38 in my first few attempts [in the preliminary trials].”

So before the finals, Lewis took a minute alone to regroup.

“She wasn’t throwing the way she wanted to throw,” Vineyard said.

“So she went off on her own and

gathered herself.”

“I went to clear my head and remind myself that I came here to take care of business,” Lewis said. “I just thought to myself, ‘I can do this.’”

On her first attempt in the final, Lewis recorded a throw of 40 feet and 3 inches—which held up for the victory. “She kept her composure and made a huge throw under pressure,” Vineyard said.

“I was excited and surprised,” Lewis said. “It was definitely a relief.”

By Matt Reeve Matt@theroanokestar.com

By Matt Reeve Matt@theroanokestar.com

Photo by Ken Potter

Patrick Henry’s Charlie Dickinson fights for position.

PH boy’s lacrosse ends in Chantilly

The bus loaded with the Patriot’s varsity lacrosse team headed out of the parking lot at noon on Saturday, May 31 ready to take on the Chargers in Chantilly, Va. for the state quarterfinals tournament. However, the weather had a different plan. The team got half way there and received a call to turn around and head back - “a storm has come through and flooded the field.” So, without a back-up plan for Saturday’s game, the Patriots would have to head home and head up again Sunday morning at 8:30 am to try to take on the Chargers for a 3:00 pm game. The Chargers were in full force Sunday. Representing part of their team, forty were dressed - an all American player, sixteen seniors of which six are going on to play in college. It was an eye opening experience for the Patriots, but their fans were proud that Patrick Henry went The Patrick Henry Baseball Team ended the season with a picnic at Coach Aaron Haigler’s house Sat- to their first state tournament. The game ended 22 to 3 in favor of Chantilly.

Now the team is focusing on another big game as the team takes on the Alumni Saturday, June 7th at urday, May 31. Clayton Metz and Yates Sayers each received the Most Valuable Player Award. Metz, a 3 p.m. at the Patrick Henry Stadium. senior, was a pitcher for the Patriots, and Sayers, a junior, plays shortstop.

Sophomore Bradley Sowers, who plays left field, received the Coaches Award. Six players also received All-District Team honors. Clayton Metz was selected All District 2nd team. AlI- District Honorable Mention went to Yates Sayers, Kemper Steffe (first base), Bradley Sowers, Will Kaufman (catcher), and Zach Whitaker (pitcher & third base). A highlight of the Patriots’ season came in the first round of the district playoffs when Patrick Henry defeated GW Danville (9-3) for the first time since 1978.

PH baseball season ends with awards

North Cross takes silver in Commonwealth Games

Experience, incoming talent lead to high expectations for 2009 The Patrick Henry girls soccer team’s season ended two weeks ago with a 2-0 loss to Franklin County in semifinals of the Western Valley District Tournament. The loss ended a transition year for the Lady Patriots, but according to coach Whitney Wright, the season also served as a positive step towards the future.

“We were kind of a young team,” Wright said of a group that lost seven seniors from last year’s roster.

“Our girls hadn’t played together a lot, so this was kind of a rebuilding year for us.”

Despite being called a rebuilding year, the Lady Patriots had some success to build on. They finished in second place in the regular season standings, and came one win shy of qualifying for the Northwest Regional Tournament. And there is plenty of talent on the roster, led by rising senior Kate Norbo.

Norbo, who scored 30 goals this season to go along with 15 assists, was named the Western Valley District Player of the Year for the second consecutive season. She is one of the team captains, and is the emotional leader of the squad, along with sweeper Maggie Dent. “They always try to get everyone as excited to play as they are,” Wright said.

In addition to 8 rising seniors, the Lady Patriots have a talented incoming freshman class of players, many of whom play for the Roanoke Star Soccer Club. For these reasons, Coach Wright is confident heading into next year.

“Expectations for us are always high heading into the year,” Wright said. “If we can come together as a The North Cross middle school lacrosse team took home the silver medal from this year’s Commonwealth Games. team in the off-season, I think we will be the team to watch out for next year.”

Reach Focused Customers Reach 27,000 readers each week for as little as $22.50 Contact | 540.400.0990 | advertising@theroanokestar.com

The Roanoke Star-Sentinel

Page 10 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 6/6/08

> June 7

Square Dance Club Indoor Yard Sale Fundraiser Coffee and donuts for sale too.

When- 8 a.m.- 2 p.m.

Where- Lions Club Building in Cave Spring. From 419 go west on Brambleton Ave. Watch for signs.

For more- call 540-776-6326 for donations to be picked up.

Olivia Shroades Medical Fund Fundraiser Yard Sale and Home Vendor Open House.To view Olivia’s Story go to www.caringbridge.com and enter site name “oliviabelle”. Yard sale outside, home vendors inside with Raffle and Door Prize Items When- 8 a.m. -1p.m. (no early arrivals please) Where- Covenant Community Church 955 Bird Ln Salem VA 24153. From I-81 exit 140 towards Salem.

Wildflower Society Rhododendron Day Meet at the parking lot at the Peaks of Otter Visitor Center at 10:00 am, or join others to eat breakfast at the Peaks of Otter Lodge at 8:00 am. We will be overlook hopping and walking will be minimal.

Bring lunch.

For more- Rudy Albert 774-2279.

City Pools Opening When- June 7, noon-7:00 p.m., and Sunday, June 8, noon-6:00 p.m. The pools will reopen for the remainder of the summer on Friday, June 13, noon-7:00 p.m., and close on Sunday,August 17.

Where- The pools are located at Fallon Park and Washington Park.

For more- call 853-2236 for directions.

National Trails Day A brand new trail is being built which will be a nice addition to the trail network in this park. Lunch and snacks will be provided. We would like to have a great turn out for this event, so please try to make this one.We will be starting at 9am and working most of the day. If you can only work part of the day that is fine too. We are hoping to get

around 50 volunteers for this.

Please let us know if you can make this so that we have enough tools and food.

When- 9 a.m. - throughout the day Where- Green Hill Park For more- contact Brian Batteiger 467-1629 or bbatteiger@cox.net.

> June 8

Crystal Spring Pump Station The History Museum of Western Virginia is pleased to announce that the Crystal Spring Pump Station is once again open to the public through September 28, 2008, visitors can experience the spectacle of the great fly-wheel rotating, the pistons pumping, and the sound of steam escaping with a hiss. The Crystal Spring Pump Station has been recognized as an important part of Roanoke’s history. Through restoration efforts, clean-up and new exhibits, the Pump Station and the Snow Steam Pump have been been returned to their grandeur. The Station is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the Snow Steam Pump is recognized as one of the last, best examples of its kind by the Smithsonian Institution.

When- On Sundays from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. through Sept. 28.

Where- Intersection of Jefferson Street and McClanahan Avenue For more- Carolyn Payne, Operations Manager, 540.342.5724

> June 8 - July 27

American Guild of Organists Summer Concerts The Roanoke Chapter of the American Guild of Organists will be in its 27th year presenting the Summer Organ Concerts.

This summer programing ranges from traditional organ repertoire, theatre organ, patriotic music, demonstration of the varied sounds of the organ, children playing, and the extraordinary skills os a sixteen year old organist.

The public is invited. There is no charge for the programs, but donations are accepted to insure the continuation of the series.

June 8 Mitchell Garcia student of Richard Cummins

TheRoanokeStar.com

Festival of the Rivers welcomes Dailey

Greene Memorial United Methodist Church, Roanoke

July 20 Kelly Wheelbarger

This year’s Festival of the Rivers welcomes Mary Dailey of Green Sulphur Springs at the 2008 Labor Day Weekend music event. The free festival is located in Hinton WV at the confluence of the Greenbrier, Bluestone, and New rivers. As the “Gateway Community” for the New River Gorge National River, the community and festival are near both the National Park Service’s New River Visitors Center on Interstate 64 and the breathtaking beauty of Sandstone Falls.

On August 30th, Ms. Dailey is performing a musical intermezzo at 7:30 between Mike Seeger’s Saturday night performances. The performance will be a mix of original and traditional songs with instrumentation on lap dulcimer, guitar, autoharp, fiddle, and bodhran. Mary makes her home in Summers County and has appeared at coffeehouses, house concerts, outdoor festivals, historic events, weddings, and venues such as the Purple Fiddle, Mountain Stage NewSong Festival and the Kennedy Center. Her recorded music has aired on National Public Radio.

Ms. Dailey had her first exposure to traditional American music at the Appalachian South Folklife Center in Summers County near Pipestem State Park. Soon after she began singing some of the old songs and realized their connection to the old ballads of England, Scotland, and June 15 Robert Chapman and Susan Braden The Theatre Organ and Broadway Show Tunes First Presbyterian Church, Roanoke June 22 Oliver Wolcott, Charlottesville,VA 16 year old award winning organist First United Methodist Church, Salem June 29 Richard Cummins Celebrating the 4th of July Greene Memorial United Methodist Church, Roanoke July 6 Music by Children. Music for Everyone!

Demonstration of the varied sounds of the organ.

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Salem July 13 John T. Lowe,Jr. Organist from Gainesville, Florida Calvary Baptist Church, Roanoke

June Meeting The Roanoke Jaycees will hold a

Ireland. Eventually Mary got a “hankerin’” to write songs after reading Woody Guthrie’s autobiography “Bound For Glory”, which helped her recognize the power of song in the human story.

Ms. Dailey performs solo, as well as with South Mountain String Band, Flat Foot Holler, Whippoorwill Dulcimer Duo, and fellow songwriter David La Fleur who appeared last year’s Festival of the Rivers.

Beginning at 11 am and ending at 9 pm daily, the Saturday and Sunday event at Hinton’s City Sidetrack Park, “Festival of the Rivers 2008”, remains FREE to the public. The festival features something for every member of the family and the Water Slide is open each day from 11 am till 7 pm. Hinton’s “Jewel of the Hills” features traditional, regional, and international music performed by musicians from around the world.

The free festival is held by the FlannaganMurrell House, Inc. (FMH), a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit corporation dedicated to using the arts for the benefit of the people of Hinton, Summers County, and West Virginia in general. FMH is maintained through community support and staffed by volunteers. For more information on the organization please call publicity coordinator, Gregg Wingo, at (304) 646-3960 or visit the event website at www.cfm-fmh.org .

Symphony No. 5 C. M.Widor First United Methodist Church, Salem July 27 Karen Harwood Dean, Roanoke Chapter AGO Windsor Hills United Methodist Church. Roanoke

> June 9

The Virginia Gentlemen the Virginia Gentlemen will be hosting a GUEST Night. If you like to sing, we invite you to come and learn about Barbershop Harmony singing, enjoy meeting new people, and partake of some great food.

If you can carry a tune and have a desire to become a better singer, then The Virginia Gentlemen Chorus is for you!!

When- 7:15 p.m.

Where: Health Focus of SW Virginia, 3807 Brandon Ave, Across from Brandon Oaks retirement facility.

For more- Call Ed Burke- 977-0472 or go to: www.vagents.org

> June 10

Roanoke Valley Community Band Spring Concert The Roanoke Valley Community Band will present it’s annual Spring Concert on June 10. The concert will feature a variety of music including marches, Chicago Medley and selections by Hoagy Carmichael.

When- 7:30 p.m.

Where- Cave Spring High School.

For more- (540) 774-8885 Roanoke Jaycees

monthly membership meeting on Tuesday, June 10th. The meeting is open to all people age 21 to 40. Members and those with an interest in the Chapter are encouraged to attend. Membership meetings are used for announcements and discussion of Chapter events, as well as committee planning sessions. Committees include Community Service, Professional Development, Special Events and Social. The Roanoke Jaycees are a leadership development and community service organization for young professionals.

When- 6 p.m.

Where- Jefferson Center, Suite 300 For more- www.roanokejaycees. com.

> June 11

Mountain Momma Ride for Women A slow, flat ten mile bike ride for women, that meets every Wednesday. Canceled if raining.

When- 10 a.m.

Where- Wasena Park parking lot For more- Call Barbara Duerk 540-343-1616

> June 12

Roanoke Parks and Recreation Workshop Roanoke Parks and Recreation will hold a workshop for the department’s Feasibility Study to develop the third phase of the Lick Run Greenway. The Lick Run Greenway extension could eventually connect to schools, parks, the Roanoke Regional Airport, the

Countryside area, and surrounding neighborhoods. The public is invited to this workshop to provide their input.

When- 7 p.m.

Where- the cafeteria at William Fleming High School, 3649 Ferncliff Ave. For more - contact Donnie Underwood, Parks and Greenways Planner, at 540-853-1166, or Donnie.Underwood@roanokeva.gov

> June 13

Energy Crossroads:A Burning Need to Change Course This award-winning documentary from Tiroir A Films is a comprehensive, provocative look at how we make and use energy. It explains how our dependence on imported energy and fossil fuels places our very society at risk and what we must do to recover from an unsustainable energy policy.

Concrete suggestions are given for those who want to educate themselves and be part of the solutions.

Optional, bring a healthy snack to share.

When- Mingling and snacks at 6:30, Program at 7 p.m.

Where- Unitarian Universalist Church,2015 Grandin Road,across from Patrick Henry High SchoolFor more- Bob Egbert (384-7448) or visit the Sierra Club’s website at http://virginia.sierraclub.org/roanoke

> June 14

Garden Gala The fourth annual Hahn Horticulture Garden Gala - “Blue Ridge Blooms” - will be held on Saturday, June 14,The theme this year is “Blue Ridge Blooms” and the garden will be specially decorated for the gala, further enhancing what is already a beautiful location. Guests are asked to come in elegant casual attire for a festive evening.

Attendees will enjoy gourmet hors d’oeuvres, beverages, and live music by the Celtibillies.The Roanokebased ensemble, with Celtic and Appalachian influences, was selected to represent the best of music from Appalachia at the 37th Smithsonian Folklife Festival.The evening will also feature the dedication of the Hahn Meadow Garden, which includes Peggy’s Meadow and the new amphitheater.

In addition to ticket sales, the fundraising effort includes silent and live auctions, featuring an array of unusual plants, art, and gardening goodies.

When- from 5:30 to 9 p.m.

Where- the garden on Washington Street on the Virginia Tech campus.

Cost- $50 For more- to request tickets or for more information visit the garden online (http://www.hort. vt.edu/hhg/), call (540) 231-5970, or contact garden staff via e-mail (mailto:vtgarden@vt.edu).

Classifieds > Business Opportunities RESTAURANT Excellent Salem location, all equipment, ABC, highly profitable, good lease, Call 540-992-4156 > Auto 2004 Jeep Cherokee 36,000 miles, loaded $15,000 344-3441 > Real Estate Myrtle Beach Condo for Sale Beautiful 2 bedroom/2 bath condo in Kingston Plantation. Lake front and ocean view. Great for family and golfing vacations.Tremendous rental opportunities. $350,000. Call 989-9168 after 6pm.

Flexible Term Rental Rare opportunity to lease home in beautiful new SW County subdivision with FLEXIBLE lease terms. Luxury living in 2600 sq. ft.

Master suite on 1st Flr., 3 BR with Bonus room, 2.5 BA, HW floors, ceramic tile, granite countertops, Energy Star stainless steel appliances, low utilities. Convenient location. $1,850/mo. Call 540-353-7763 > Estate Sales Cleaning out? Settling an estate? We buy old books, postcards, photos, mags, estate items, etc. Paper Memories 774-1881. > Wanted Baseball and other sports cards and items from 1870 to 1975. Tobacco, Candy and early gum cards especially wanted. (540) 977-5222 4/25-5/23

> 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 > 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 Beautiful kittens Gift from a neighborhood stray Seeking loving homes contact Debra @400-8555 dscarey@cox.net

Summer-Fall tutor Enriches and reviews skills to keep learning fresh.

Call Emily 725-1464, emilym@cox. net Art Lessons private art lessons drawing ,painting and sculpture ages 6 and up call Katherine Devine 427-5919 devinestudios@yahoo.com Want to learn Chinese?

Learn it from a Taiwanese.

Call us right away!

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

And ‘has beens’ galore.

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

You provide material and ladder.

7 dollars per tab.

Robspad@hotmail.com spinet Piano in excellent condition Would you like to play?

Call Peggy@342-2183 or pae-onia@juno.com FREE!!!!

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

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

6/7/08 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 11

TheRoanokeStar.com With their “Banger� vehicles outside of Annie Moore’s Pub on 419 are Matt Russell, Alex Duff, Pete Tibault, Annie Moore’s waitress Christina Evans (who, at last report, was still in Roanoke,) Max Gain, Justin Styles.

345-7821

an m d l e F

Submitted Photo

Stringed Instrument Repair and Custom Work

All manner of work on all kinds of Acoustic and Electric instruments

Master of Fret-work and Action Set-up

30+ e! ars experienc

Ye

‘BABE’ Rally (Big Apple to Big Easy) draws some ‘super’ folks to Roanoke eatery You just never know what you’re going to see on the streets of Roanoke Last week I enjoyed a lovely lunch at Annie Moore’s pub on 419. (Please note that they are an advertiser with us, so I will shamelessly, yet unabashedly say my meal was absolutely fantastic {which it truly was} and that you should dine there at least once a week and tell them you do so because of the wonderful ads in this wonderful paper. Have I digressed? I think so . . .)

Anyhoo, while departing said fine establishment of incredibly fine food and beverage, I noticed two vehicles pulling in the lot that looked anything but road worthy. One was a thoroughly banged up 1980’s Volvo (reputation for durability or not – this one was way beyond borrowed time) and the other, a vintage 1970’s Ford product painted a rather sickly combination of chalky red, yellow and green.

To compound the questions ofTinnell's what,Finer why and who that Foods | Roanoke, VA were

going through my head, was the fact that the gentlemen inside these decrepit machines were all dressed rather expertly in Superman outfits. Go figure.

My curiosity was certainly piqued but I was running late to my next appointment. So I decided to press on leaving the questions to remain in the rather large pile of unanswered ones that reside amongst the rafters in my already full brain.

But fate was not to allow it.

As it turns out I had left my business folder (containing nothing short of everything needed for this business) on the hood of my car which slid off in the adjoining parking lot unnoticed. In returning to Annie Moore’s in a rather panicked search for it, I discovered these five young supermen piled in a booth, while a waitress calmly took their order. I was desperate to find my folder but my curiosity had the better of me.

As soon as the waitress was finished I stepped up to the table laid my business card on the table and palms up for effect

ď ‚ď Żď Žď Ľď€­ď Šď Žď€ ď ?ď Żď ˛ď Ťď€ ď ƒď ¨ď Żď °ď ł 

 ď °ď Ľď ˛ď€ ď Źď ˘

offered a simple, “why?�

They all laughed. “We’re going to New Orleans,� one of them responded. “It’s a banger rally,� said another. “A banger rally?� I queried. “Yup – it’s a rally from New York City to New Orleans,� said Mathew Russell, who somehow stood out as the ring leader of the group. “Pretty simple really – you can only spend $250 on your vehicle and the team that makes it all the way to New Orleans having picked up the most ‘competition points’ along the way wins a whopping $1500.00.

We think we have it in the bag . . .� They all laughed.

I did as well, “Are those cars going to make it out of the parking lot?� I asked. The group looked around at each other. “It’s possible,� one of them replied. “Anything’s possible,� he added. “I think that’s about the only thing you really learn doing this rally,� said another. There was hearty laughter again – probably in reference to a story

ď †ď ˛ď Ľď łď ¨ ď ‚ď Źď ľď Ľď ˘ď Ľď ˛ď ˛ď Šď Ľď ł 

 ď °ď Ľď ˛ď€ ď °ď Šď Žď ´

or two that they weren’t about to share with a newspaper publisher.

They went on to advise me that the superman outfits were their own idea and had sure added to people’s interest as they breezed through town after town between the Big Apple and the Big Easy. I wished them well in their journey and recalling some of my own wanderings at such an age, offered a subliminal prayer for their safe travels as I departed. A few days later the picture that accompanies this column showed up.

That’s one brave waitress.

Ah, the happiness and hazards of youth – perhaps it demands the greatest of God’s grace – but as the joy and hilarity of such adventures unfold, surely He laughs long and loud with them I found my folder a few minutes later, none the worse for the wear. Losing it had allowed my wonderful chance meeting with these guys. Imagine that.

Alan Feldman (540)387-3914

feldmanguitarworks@comcast.net

www.feldmanguitarworks.com

& Exceptional Dining, 3 Meals Daily & Fully Equipped Kitchens & Weekly Housekeeping Services & Rehabilitation Services Available & Free Scheduled Transportation

& Spacious Apartments with Ample Storage & Personalized Care in Your Own Apartment & 24 Hour On-Site Wellness Staff & Medication Administration and Monitoring & Small Pets Welcome

The Roanoke Star-Sentinel Subscribe Today!

Weekly Delivery for only $44.

By Stuart Revercomb rev@cox.net

400-0990

Pitzer Transfer & Storage, INC. Established 1883

“Serving Roanokers like family since 1937�

2205 Crystal Spring Avenue • (540) 345-7334 www.tinnells.com • Open Monday-Saturday 8am-7pm

How Does Six Months Free Rent and a Free HD TV Sound?

Roanoke’s mover for over 125 years! t "XBSE XJOOJOH QBDLJOH t $MJNBUF DPOUSPMMFE TUPSBHF t -PDBM BOE MPOH EJTUBODF t 'BNJMZ PXOFE t 0óDF SFMPDBUJPO t 'SFF &TUJNBUFT

Come to the Wellington Open House at Friendship on June 14 for a chance to get our best deal ever — a Grand Prize of six months free rent and a free HD TV. Even if you don’t win the Grand Prize, you’ll still receive one month’s free rent and a free HD TV when you sign a Wellington lease through the remainder of 2008.* 6 4 %PU

To learn more, please visit www.friendship.us/openhouse or call Ken Srpan at (540) 265-2230. *Grand Prize recipient to be selected on June 14. Free televisions distributed after 30 days of moving in. To be eligible to win, a 12-month Wellington lease must be signed on or before December 31, 2008. Contest open to new residents only. Friendship does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, or age in admission, treatment, or participation in its programs, services and activities, or in employment. For further information about this policy, contact the Corporate Compliance Officer (540) 265-2222.

http://www.tinnells.com/delivery.html [3/24/2008 9:39:18 PM]

540-769-2090 • 800-334-0064 $PPL %S 4BMFN 7" t XXX QJU[FSUSBOTGFS DPN

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

Second Annual Offermann Fly In June 14-15

TheRoanokeStar.com

How will you cool off this summer?

THE ROANOKE SUN | NOVEMBER 23-29 | 9

The Roanoke Valley Radio Control Club (RVRC) will be hosting the second annual Paul Offermann Memorial Fly In on the weekend of June 14-15 at the RVRC flying field behind the Timber Truss Company in Salem. Pilots from as far away as Ohio will be flying large scale, radio controlled model airplanes all weekend. Turnout was so good last year, that the club has decided to make this an annual event. A “model� train will ferry spectators

from Timber Truss to the flying area. Concessions will be available. Spectators are welcome and will have an excellent view from bleachers.  Offermann was a skilled craftsman, excellent builder of models and was instrumental in much of the construction of improvements at the RVRC field. He passed away in Sept. 2006. For more information, contact David Reynolds at 540-998-5424 or visit the club web site at http://www.rvrc.org/.

One inspired campus

The DYNA Series

Everything you need.

Retirement Living | Assisted Living Memory Care | Vacation & Recovery Program Healthcare & Progressive Rehab Program Onsite Pharmacy, Internal Medicine Practice, and Outpatient Therapy Clinic

The Sportster Series

(540) 380-6511 | 3615 W. Main St. Salem, VA 24153 | richfieldretirement.com

EMERGING ARTISTS

e w e c n i n s o i t r a a r e b y e l e e n a c o z d n e a t g r a a st xtrav e

the Touring series

saturday june 14 11 am - 5 pm inside & outside roanoke main library all the bands

all the artists

The softail Series

yummy food

magic twig community • lil blackout • dickie • sam knapp • smooth • juniors • monica novicki fritz po mack • red clay river • BOE • blackout entertainment • leonard straub • solo • betty white sarah williams • jason kincaid • jim thompson • palmz • ebony • cricket powell • cloaca cadabra john reburn • javel • nancy & 2 meteors • doe boey • billy bob beamer • off da hook • angel • dj boo martin jeffrey • case jones • young c • brian sal corral • boogz • exquisite corpse • saletti • receptors plus other interactive creative endeavors yet to be decided upon

Come to Roanoke Valley Harley-Davidson and let us help you find out!

showing roanoke what this city is made of visual art displayed until July 3 • curated by beth deel & talia logan everyone is invited • no charge for anyone • 706 south jefferson street • 540-853-1057 www.myspace.com/emergingartistsroanoke

.POEBZ 'SJEBZ UP t 4BUVSEBZ UP

t SWIE DPN 1FUFST $SFFL 3PBE t 3PBOPLF 7"