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The Roanoke Star-Sentinel Community | News | Per spective

August 15, 2008

TheRoanokeStar.com

Roanoke County forced to give “local aid” to Commonwealth of Virginia

Art Work P7– Local arts and cultural organizations came together for the Arts Council of Blue Ridge seminar.

Fight Nite P8– Local contestants Donte King and David Novia duke it out at Fight Nite at the Salem Civic Center.

During meetings with the Virginia Municipal League and Virginia Association of Counties a model resolution was developed to highlight the effects of budget cuts imposed on cities and counties in 2008-2010.

To highlight the effect of these acrossthe-board budget cuts a resolution was adopted to record payment to the Commonwealth as “local aid” to the Commonwealth of Virginia. During Roanoke County’s Monday Board of Supervisor’s meeting, Chairman Richard Flora smiling reluctantly said “this is hard to say”.

The level of frustration was apparent.

Mr. Flora stated that “the General Assembly did not have the intestinal fortitude to raise the money so they shifted

Roanoker Restaurant owner E.C. Warren passes away

Driving the Spike P8– Lord Botetourt High and Northside High gear up for the upcoming volleyball season..

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In other Board of Supervisor Business Deborah Pitts Retirement: Deborah Pitts of the Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department was honored for her 36 years of service. Ms. Pitts served Roanoke County most recently as Executive Director of Explore Park and was first employed with Roanoke County as a Recreation Supervisor in 1972.

Capital Projects Status Report: A briefing on the current status of capital improvement projects by Brent Robertson, Director of Management and Budget. > CONTINUED P2: County News

[Mentoring]

Clowers Field dedicated for fallen hero

Professional introductions

Long time Roanoker Restaurant owner E.C. Warren II passed away unexpectedly last Sunday at the age of 62.

E.C. Warren or “E” as he was known by friends and family, died of complications from a liver ailment known as “nonalcoholic steatohepatisis.” Roanoker Restaurant co-owner Butch Craft, who began working at the restaurant in 1970 with Warren, said on Tuesday that family and friends E.C. Warren were never told of the seriousness of the disease, “that in keeping with his humble heart and not wanting to be a burden he never let us know how really serious it was.”

Ironically, as a Star-Sentinel employee I was picking up advertising information at the Roanoker last Friday and met with Mr. Warren and Butch Craft shortly before he was

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it back to localities to do. Thank you County that they were not going to reGeneral Assembly ... so we can help the imburse the state. The level of frustration State of Virginia.” He said all members was apparent for all cities and counties. will have to “swallow hard” to affirm this Mr. McNamara said, “this equates to resolution. $60 of tax per household” and “giving The $100 million will be recorded in the state 1/2 of an elementary school”. two installments for FY 2008-2009 and Mr. Altizer agreed that it “equates to a FY 2009-2010. The reductax increase” for the citizens tion equates to 2/3 of one of Roanoke County.

Roanoke County percent on real estate tax Mr. Church said that, “the rate per year and does not state is digging itself into a reflect on the other cuts that were actual- deep, deep, deep dark hole and we are ly imposed by the General Assembly to- given a teaspoon to dig our way out”. wards law enforcement, education, ABC Mr. Church reminded all that this is a profits, and the failure to fund trans- Dillon rule state that stipulates that local portation, water quality standards, etc. government only has the power granted More budget cuts are expected. The City to it by the General Assembly. All relucof Virginia Beach just advised Roanoke tantly voted “yes”.

Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets presents the colors at last Tuesday’s dedication.

Fallen soldier honored

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> CONTINUED P3: E.C. Warren

Photo by Pam Rickard

R

oanoke City Councilwoman Anita Price spoke to children last week at Apple Ridge Farm’s Academic Summer Camp. Approximately 48 professionals from the area will visit Apple Ridge Farm’s middle and high school age campers over a four-week period to share their experience, inspiration and support during the camp’s College and Career curriculum session. Other professions represented include teaching, law enforcement, publishing, real estate, accounting, social services, business entrepreneurship and medicine. Thanks to a grant from The Spetzler Fund of The Foundation for Roanoke Valley, day trips to visit area colleges are also included in the curriculum for the third and fourth sessions.

Tuesday, August 12th, the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors designated the main football field at Darrell Shell Park behind Penn Forest Elementary school as Clowers Field. The Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets Color Guard presented the colors at the ceremony acknowledging the one year anniversary of SSgt Jesse Clowers, Junior’s death.

The resolution was passed at the 3:00 PM Board of Supervisors meeting and the public dedication was held at Darrell Shell Park at 6:30 that evening.

At the meeting Board member, Charlotte Moore said that > CONTINUED P2: Clowers Field

Floating the Virginia Tech Housing and Dining Service goes medieval Roanoke Medieval Feast and Faire garners national honors

John W. Robinson P5– Johnny Robinson paddles the Roanoke River in search of urban wilderness.

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Virginia Tech’s Housing and Dining Services was recently awarded a 2008 Best Concept award by Food Management Magazine, a gold medal, and the grand prize Loyal E. Horton award for special event catering by the National Association of College and University Food Services for the Medieval Feast and Faire dinner.

The Medieval Feast and Faire, held in Owens Banquet Room and Hokie Grill & Co. in March, featured authentic medieval decorations, games, fortune-tellers, and a menu of foods true to the period. The event was held to offer students a fun alternative to the typical collegiate dining experience, as well as to thank the dining plan holders for their loyalty.

The best concept awards are presented each year by Food Management Magazine in recognition of outstanding foodservice innovations, with winners selected over a series of

Photo submitted

Students dress the part as they participate in the Medieval Feast and Faire, which brought a top award to Tech’s dining services division. elimination heats by the magazine gas, Oct. 28 through Oct. 30.

The grand prize Loyal E. Horton editors. The award will be presented award for special event cato Rick Johnson, director tering, which is designed of Virginia Tech Housing Virginia Tech to recognize exemplary and Dining Services durmenus and special event ing the 2008 Food Management Ideas Conference in Las Ve- planning, was presented at the Na-

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tional Association of College and University Food Services 50th national conference, held on July 14 in Washington, D.C. The Loyal E. Horton awards contest, a highly competitive and prestigious peer recognition program, is open to all active members of the association.

Loyal E. Horton grand prize-winners for each category are selected from that category’s gold award winners.

In addition to the grand prize Loyal E. Horton award, the National Association of College and University Food Services also awarded a silver and a bronze Loyal E. Horton award to housing and dining services for their “Road trip” and “Breakfast at Brennan’s” special events, respectively.

Virginia Tech holds numerous special dining events throughout the school year.

Learn more about special dining events at www.studentprograms. vt.edu/dining/specialcalendar.php

Page 2 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 8/15/08

TheRoanokeStar.com

> Clowers Field From page 1

SSgt Clowers “is a local hero to us”. Mr. Church choked up slightly while recalling the day a year ago when he was present at the airport when SSgt Clowers was brought home. Mr. Altizer reminded us to always remember those who “gave us the freedom we have today”.

Mr. McNamara said that the naming of the field was very fitting and was “the very least we could do”. Mr. Flora told the family standing

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at the podium that “we wish you all the peace and comfort God can give you.”

Tuesday evening at the dedication there were over 200 peoplewho had gathered to honor both father and son including Senator John Edwards and Senator Ralph Smith.

For many years a plaque and small garden lay beneath the Darrell Shell Park scoreboard as a memorial to Jesse Gladden Clowers, Senior., who served as a coach, mentor, and volunteer to the Cave Spring Recreation Foundation before he passed away unexpectedly in 1994. Jesse Gladden Clowers, Jr was 14 at the time.

Roanoke County’s Director of Parks, Pete Haislip and other’s repeated that “Jesse G,” as SSgt Jesse G. Clowers, Jr., was affectionately known, was “left as the man of the house” and achieved great success as a man from that time on.

Elmer Hodge, former County Administrator, said that “it takes a fine family to raise such a fine man”, referring to all the Clowers’ family present.

“Jesse G,“ graduated from Cave Spring High School where he played football and later graduated from Virginia Tech where he was a cheerleader. He joined the United States Army in 2004 and was promoted to the rank of staff sergeant and Green Beret with the U.S. Army Special Forces.

Pete Haislip, joked at the dedication, “Jesse G. was ribbed a lot by being the only Green Baret who was a cheerleader.”

“Fuzzy” Minnix, Roanoke County School Board, has known the family since the 1980’s. He was emotional when saying “this was a bitter sweet day … grieving for men we loved so much … freedom isn’t free”. He said that the family was “just plain great people” and both father and son’s “footprints were all over the field here”.

Illustration of plan for memorial.

Mark Alouf, President of the Cave Spring Recreation FoundaSSgt Clowers awards and decorations included the Army tion, said they were “proud to have this field named after father and Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Deson”. There were three football teams present. Mr. Alouf said this is fense Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Global War on about “fathers and sons”.

Terrorism Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Family friend W. H. “Kip” Connelly read from a letter sent by Army Service Ribbon, Parachutist Badge, and the Special Forces Ssgt Jesse Clowers’ Commanding Officer, and read in part, “he was Tab. a dedicated professional who lived his life to the fullest and served Money will be raised for a memorial to be constructed in the next selflessly with his teamates.” couple of months. The plans were drawn on a large board for all to Angela “Nikki” Clowers, sister of “Jesse G” said, father and son see. spent many an afternoon playing football and that they enjoyed beMr. Haislip said that the family only wanted one thing, “just don’t ing with each other so much. She said father, Jesse, always said, “you everyone forget”. can accomplish more together than by yourself ”.

Th en all gathered at the scoreboard where Jesse Clowers, Sr.’s SSgt Clowers was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 7th Special Forcplaque was erected many years ago. The family, Board of Superes Group, Fort Brag, NC. SSgt Clowers was deployed to Afghanivisors, and friends pulled the cover off the sign baring the name stan in March of 2007. His wife, Katherine, was 7 months pregnant “Clowers Field”. at the time.

Donations may be sent to the following address: He was killed in action on August 12, 2007, when an improvised Cave Spring Foundation Recreation explosive device detonated near his vehicle. SSgt Clowers, 27, was P.O. Box 20854 looking forward to coming home in September to see his wife, Roanoke, VA 24018 Katherine (Katie), son, Jesse G, Clowers, III now 3, mother, Joyce.

Checks should be designated Clowers Field Memorial Fund He especially looked forward to seeing their newborn daughter, Danielle, for the first time. Danielle is now 14 months old.

By Valerie Garner info@theroanokestar.com

> County News From page 1

South County Library Project – Total Cost: $18 million Construction bidding will close August 21st.

Multi-Generational Center – Total Cost:: $30,269,852 Completion still on target for December 28, 2009.

New County Garage Project – Total Cost: $7,701,390 The building permit has been issued to the general contractor, Thor, Inc. 800 MHz Public Safety Radio Upgrade – Total Cost: $9,082,780 Project timeline could be effected by the FCC mandated 800 MHZ re-banding project timeline. “Go Live” date is still scheduled for October, 20th, 2009.

North County Fire Station – Total Cost: $4,200,000 Completion date scheduled for Summer 2009 (July).

General Fund Unappropriated Balance: Submitted by Rebecca Owens, Director of Finance As of August 12, 2008 $16,743,199 – 8.90% of General Fund On December 21, 2004 – the Board adopted a policy to maintain the General Fund Unappropriated Balance for 2008-2009 at a range of 9 – 10% of General Fund Revenues..

General Fund percent will be increased over time to the following ranges: 2009-2010 increase 9.6% to 10.5% 2010-2011 increase 10%11%

A season of success for Roanoke Symphony Orchestra

Now in its 55th year, and with single-tickets about to go on sale for another season of concerts, the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra is celebrating the successful finish of its 2007-2008 season.

The RSO saw a 14% increase in the number of paying customers for its “Masterworks” series, and a 38% increase in its “Pops” series subscription revenue, without raising ticket prices. The RSO has finished the 07-08 season with a significant increase in its endowment fund, and now operates with a balanced budget of almost $2 million, up from less than $1 million just ten years ago.

2007-2008 also marked the first season the RSO presented as many as nine classical concerts in Roanoke (eight Masterworks concerts and one Messiah performance), plus Pops concerts and touring/runout performances elsewhere in Virginia. Other

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highlights of the 07-08 season included music director David Wiley’s Conducting Change, an innovative leadership seminar with Allstate executives participating on stage with the RSO, as well as “ROCK SYMPHONY CIRCUS” the RSO’s primary fund raising event of the season.

Growth continues in the RSO’s 2008-2009 season, entitled “The Power of Music.”

The new season will include even more classical performances in Roanoke, now up to eleven, the Picnic at the Pops series, special events, and regional performances.

Single-tickets go on sale August 25, 2008. The RSO also plans to unveil new features at the organizations web site this fall, to include an online web log (blog), podcast series, and other exclusive offers for concertgoers. Information about the RSO’s 2008-2009 season is available at www.rso.com.

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8/15/08 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 3

TheRoanokeStar.com

Sign-ups begin for Fall Waterways Cleanup Roanoke is urging area businesses, civic and environmental groups, and residents to plan now to take part in this year's Fall Waterways Cleanup and Celebration, scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 4, beginning around 9 a.m. This annual event, sponsored by Roanoke's Department of Parks and Recreation, Clean Valley Council, the Upper Roanoke River Roundtable, the parks and rec departments of Roanoke County and Vinton, and others, offers an opportunity for hands-on involvement in improving the region's natural environment.

For the cleanup itself, volunteers form teams that remove trash and debris from assigned sites along the Roanoke River and its feeder streams. Businesses, nonprofits, and other groups

may form their own teams, or individuals may sign up to join an existing team. The event also offers an opportunity for environmental groups to exhibit displays where participants can learn more about what these organizations do, and gather helpful information about being good stewards of the environment. Exhibitor hours run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the picnic shelter in Wasena Park. Groups may bring their own tables and tents, or request them from the event organizers (subject to availability).

Garbage and debris in Roanoke's waterways is a constant problem, whether carried there by flooding or just carelessly discarded. The Fall Waterways Cleanup has become an important strategy

for reducing this environmental threat. Last year, some 825 volunteers pitched in to help, which resulted in 6.8 tons of trash being removed from the Roanoke River and its tributaries.

There is no charge to take part in the 2008 Fall Waterways Cleanup and Celebration or the exhibitor display, but participants must pre-register no later than Sept. 25. For more information contact Bill Modica, Blue Ridge Environmental Network, at 540-387-2782. All volunteers need to register online at www.cleanvalley.org.

To learn more about other ways you or your business or organization can partner with the city on the Clean and Green Campaign, visit www.roanokeva.gov/green, or contact Faye Gilchrist at 540-853-5801.

Roanoke company selected to participate in Virginia’s VALET program

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) has announced the acceptance of a Roanoke company, Foot Levelers, Inc., into its twoyear Virginia Leaders in Export Trade (VALET) program.

Launched in January 2002, the program assists exporters in the Commonwealth that have firmly established domestic operations and are committed to international exporting as an expansion strategy.

Foot Levelers joins the program as part of the 14th class of VALET companies. To participate, each eligible business must meet several quantitative criteria and complete an application process. Participating firms are chosen based on their dedication to growth through export. Currently, more than 100 Virginia companies have been accepted to participate in the VALET program.

Foot Levelers, Inc. is the world’s largest provider of custom-made orthotics and other therapeutic products, with a focus on serving the chiropractic and other professional healthcare markets. Now, in its sixth decade, Foot Levelers is testa-

ment to the vision, hard work, and generosity of its founder, Monte H. Greenawalt, DC. “We are very excited about the opportunities and learning what VALET is offering,” said Dr. Brian Jensen, Associate Director of Professional Education for Foot Levelers, Inc . “Our market has become much more global in nature and we have turned to VALET for invaluable assistance in developing plans and programs. We are looking forward to enhancing our international sales and also understanding how to provide better service and create cost-effective strategies. Its great to have the VALET team as a partner in business.”

“VALET welcomes Foot Levelers into the program,” said Leslie Parpart, VALET Program Manager. “We look forward to working with its international team over the course of the next two years to assist the company in exceeding export goals.”

The VALET program incorporates services from a team of experienced international service providers who assist the VALET companies with their international goals. Service pro-

viders such as attorneys, Web designers, bankers, translators and freight-forwarders contribute essential skills for expansion into international markets.

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership, a marketing organization, was created by the Virginia General Assembly in 1995 to encourage, stimulate, and support the development and expansion of the economy of the Commonwealth. The Partnership is a state authority, which is governed by a 21-member Board of Directors appointed by the Governor and the Virginia General Assembly.

To accomplish its objectives of promoting economic expansion within the Commonwealth, the Partnership focuses its efforts on business recruitment, expansion and international trade.

VEDP has offices in Virginia, Belgium, Hong Kong, Mexico, Brazil, Korea and Japan.

To learn more about the VALET program, contact Leslie Parpart, VALET Program Manager, at LParpart@YesVirginia. org or visit the programs tab at www.ExportVirginia.org.

> E. C. Warren From page 1

rushed to Lewis Gale Medical Center. He appeared unusually quiet and distracted and at one point, Butch asked him if he was OK. E.C nodded that he was, but it was clear that he was not feeling well. In my conversations with Miss Craft on Tuesday we both agreed that even when facing such a high level of discomfort he was seeking to do his job for those who counted on him and didn’t want to worry anyone. E.C later passed away at the UVA medical center on Sunday surrounded by family and friends.

Long time friend Debbie Cannon said Tuesday that Warren would be sorely missed both in the community and by the hundreds of close friends who had come to know his generous and giving spirit over the years.

“Especially at VA Tech football games,” remarked Cannon. “Football at Virginia Tech for so many of us will

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worshiped weekly at the Sunday evening service at First Baptist in Roanoke because he was busy at the restaurant on Sunday mornings. According to Debbie Cannon he had a heart for both churches and was a committed member of each congregation and the greater church of which they are a part.

Wednesday afternoon’s memorial service was followed by a “tailgate” gathering at the Roanoker for family and close friends. “It will be the perfect sendoff for him,” said Cannon. “EC had so much love for so many people. He lived with a lot of dignity and died with a lot of dignity . . . he will be greatly missed.”

Roanoke has truly lost an outstanding community leader whose success in business and easy, friendly way will not soon be forgotten.

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never be the same – we just fed off his excitement and passion for the game and his desire for everyone else to have a good time. He was a real people person – he would invite people to join him that he didn’t even know well. He wanted nothing more than for people to enjoy themselves as part of the tailgate team”. Cannon said that his employees loved him and respected both his business ability and character and that since his death the message board on the website has been filled with comments and testimonies from people as far away as South Carolina and Florida.

The funeral service was held at Grandin Court Baptist Church on Wednesday afternoon and was packedwith hundreds of family and friends who came to pay their respects to the cherished community leader. Grandin Court Baptist was E.C. Warren’s family’s church but he

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Page 4 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 8/15/08

TheRoanokeStar.com

First summer job builds character, strength and awareness of really bad theatre

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s there a teenager laying about your home wasting the summer months away without any thoughts of employment?

Once upon a time I was that child.

Unlike like my son (currently employed as a bat recovery specialist for the Salem Avalanche), much of my youth was spent skirting work of any kind. My typical day began at the crack of two in the afternoon, followed by lunch, followed by a nap. In the vernacular of the time I was a "bum."

At the age of sixteen, my father took me to his place of employment, a dress factory in lower Manhattan, with the promise of a days pay. How hard could working in a dress factory be anyway, especially

for a strong young man like me? Following nine grueling hours of lifting and stacking forty-pound rolls of fabric I had my answer. I had never worked so hard before in my life! On the way home, dad, always one to lighten the situation, explained that not only would I be paid in full for my work, but I was to be offered a position for the rest of the summer as well. It was at that very moment when my childhood gasped its last breath and died.

For two summers I toiled in that city sweatshop. No airconditioning, no open windows, and a ninety minute one-way commute beginning at 5am. If Satan's underworld featured Hispanic radio blasting nine hours a day, I might have compared my workplace to hell. There were, however, two positives derived from this experience: 1) the respect I felt for my father and mother grew ten-fold. Witnessing and realizing what lengths my folks

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It arrived at the podium during the induction ceremony for the Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2008 in the person of Art Monk, the quiet, classy, dependable Washington Redskins receiver whose delayed entry into the Hall was decried by just about everyone in the NFL… but Art Monk.

You may have heard the story. Monk, the recalcitrant Redskin who could never be counted on for a clever quote, but who could always be counted on for a clutch catch (five seasons with 1,000 plus receiving yards; at least one catch in 164 consecutive games; 68 career touchdowns; 12,721 career receiving yards; three Pro Bowls, three Super Bowls, and on and on), had been passed over for Hall of Fame membership seven times. Redskins fans were displeased. Former teammates were incredulous. A growing number of commentators, pundits, and “ex-

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was "Damn Yankees," a musical starring former gridiron star Joe Namath. The best thing I can say about Joe's singing is that it was only slightly better than his running ability. The poor guy could barely walk. As ushers we were required to wear Yankee baseball uniforms, complete with cap. For a lifelong Mets fan (like myself), this was a truly repugnant. If the Yankees played ball against the Taliban I would gladly grow my beard long, wear a turban, and heckle Derek Jeter in Persian.

In 1981 the final season of stage plays were performed at Jones Beach Theatre. Barry Williams, known to most of world as Greg, the oldest son on the television show "The Brady Bunch," played the lead role of "Tony" in "West Side Story," and yes, it was as bad as it sounds. His best years behind him, Barry showed as much charm and stage presence as a broom handle with a smile painted on it.

Presently, the theatre hosts a concert series featuring Boston, The Allman Brothers Band and Journey on consecutive nights in August. From old time musical revivals to rescuing acts from the "where are they now" file, one can see a kind of symmetry forming in their scheduling format.

In retrospect, I am glad that my father pried me from the couch long ago. Pops often told me "Work builds character, and it is better to have character than be a character."

Still, I find myself loitering at the intersection of stability and eccentricity wondering which way to cross in search of my character. If only I had a cheerful yet tenacious singing nun and six talented Austrian children to guide me. Where are those Von Trapps when I need them?

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Commentary: Enduring humility of Art Monk should provide inspiration for all

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went to support our Jones Beach family was quite ilAmphitheatre is luminating. 2) I got an eight thousand a "B" in Spanish the seat outdoor venue following semester. which sits right on Jobless again the the ocean. In the following summer, late seventies, the my friend Neil and theatre featured I were parentally revivals of Broadpressured into findway hits from yesing gainful emteryear. In 1979 I Jon Kauffman ployment. Followwould experience ing a few weeks of a unique type of lackluster search, the State of torture upon viewing seventyNew York presented us with two straight performances of two opportunities to join the "The Sound of Music." Even work-force in tandem. The the indomitable Maria Von first position was a high pay- Trapp herself might have ing job filling pot holes on the "climbed every mountain" and Robert Moses Causeway; the leaped off the highest peak afsecond was a lower paying gig ter first forty or so shows. The working as ushers at the Jones cast was comprised of several Beach Amphitheatre. Hmmm, long in the tooth actors and shoveling hot tar on a road actresses who had not been on crew in the unforgiving heat stage since dinosaurs roamed or a helping elderly people to the earth. One night Captain their seats at a breezy sea-side Von Trapp's uppers slipped theatre? Neil and I consulted from his mouth right in the for a full three seconds before middle of "Edelweiss." I'm we decided to go into show talking old. business.

The next year's production

__ Minor (Little Dipper) Ocean movement Pencil end Lowest in rank Tied Chatty Scotsman Express objections Uneven Greek muse of music Priggish Strive Possessive pronoun Squeaky Abdominal muscles (abbr.)

Mexican sandwich Desert Lets borrow B Not (refix) Admire Bumpy Compass point

41 42 43 44 45 46 47 49 50 53 55 57 60 62 63 64 65 66 67 68

Travel term Shells Capital of Bangladesh Long time Famous cookies Nonprofessional Bury Miserable North American nation Beam Given compliments Smooth tightly twisted thread Absent View as Asian country What needs to be mowed Writer Bombeck Expired Bobcat Association (abbr.)

2 Go back 3 Dirty like a chimney sweeper 4 Wager 5 Seduces 6 Crawling vines 7 ThiefÌs hideout 8 Aborts 9 Twilled cloth 10 Pair 11 Ship initials 12 So long 15 Brain cell 20 Chest bones 22 Star Trek Dr. 26 Sleep disorder 27 Magazine stand 28 Gossip 29 One of these 30 Fees 31 Branch of learning 33 Dike 34 Smelly vegetable 35 __ -garde 36 Knife 39 Very big 40 Reporter's question 42 Small village 43 Father 46 Voice box 48 Eyed 49 Produce eggs 50 Drug doers 51 Gives the impression of being 52 Publicist 54 Fence 56 Notion 57 Limited (abbr.)

58 Three 59 South by east 61 Behavior

DOWN 1 Snappy

By Don Waterfield

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

perts” were questioning Hall of Fame voters’ sanity.

From Monk?

Nothing.

No whining, no lobbying, no making his case in the media for inclusion. As a husband, a dad, a man committed to helping, through his charitable foundation, underserved, needy children and families in Washington, D.C., he had more important things to do.

“What I've tried to convey to those who were upset about the process was that I was okay with it,” he said during his speech.

In life, as on the football field, Art Monk simply smiled and went about his business. And that business, as he so eloquently related in Canton, Ohio, Saturday night, is humbly serving the Creator he acknowledges as the source of all his success.

“In all due respect, as great as this honor is, it's not what really defines who I am or the things that I've been able to accomplish in my life,” he said. “Even now as a Hall of Famer, the one thing I want to make very clear is that my identity and my security is found in the Lord…what defines me is the word of God and it's the word of God that will continue to shape and mold me into the person that I know he's called me to be.”

Full disclosure: I share Monk’s faith and was deeply moved by his words. But even if one believes differently than Monk, one has to respect his commitment to be so transparent and honest – for no personal gain and, actually, at some risk to his popularity, in such a setting. How easy it would have been, one thinks, to simply bask in the adoration of the moment, to get caught up in the “it’s about time”s and the

“I deserve this”s of reaching such a pinnacle, especially after having been told how unfair it was that you had to wait so long for this moment.

Monk’s clear, bold proclamation of his faith may have caught some observers by surprise. Some may have considered it ill-advised, even inappropriate, to bring God into such a secular event. Indeed, the overwhelmingly pro-Redskin crowd (Monk’s former teammate, Darrell Green, and Redskins assistant coach Emmitt Thomas were also inducted), which had welcomed every Redskin reference with a raucous ovation, responded to Monk’s faith references tepidly.

But to have done anything less, to have diluted or muffled the truth of what is clearly at the core of his life, was obviously not an option for Monk. He was committed to giving credit where credit was due, a striking display of humility in a profession - and society - that rewards, celebrates, and pays attention to those who most loudly and repeatedly point to themselves.

How utterly refreshing.

At the risk of sounding hopelessly idealistic, I wonder what might happen if the men and women we watch and admire were to take a cue from Art Monk. What if mediocre football players stopped celebrating after making a routine play?

What if Hollywood celebrities acknowledged they really don’t have any more insight about life than the rest of us?

What if politicians admitted when they were wrong, took responsibility for their mistakes, and truthfully conceded that they can’t possibly address all of our concerns?

Could we handle it?

Such displays of humility – true humility, not phony “aw, shucks, t’weren’t nothing, ma’am” lip service – might unnerve us at first. We are a highlight and sound bite society. We want our information and entertainment in short, quick, easy to digest chunks. Humility is much more subtle, and would require us to shut up, pay attention, and think. True humility acknowledges the answers to our questions and problems are not always easy to come by. It asks for help.

It says “I don’t know.” It puts the interests of others first, and its focus is on what’s right, regardless of personal cost.

Are we ready for that?

All too often the message we send and receive as a society is that we had better look out for number one first. We have allowed ourselves to be conditioned to believe that we deserve more – more pleasure, more happiness, more cash, more accolades, more stuff – and so we’d better get out there and get after it. Art Monk has rejected that message, and look what it’s gotten him: a loving, thriving family; the unwavering respect of his peers; the opportunity to truly make a difference in the lives of those who need help; the deep peace, joy and satisfaction that come from a life rightly lived as an obedient follower of the God who loves us so much He made the ultimate sacrifice of His Son. Sounds like he’s on to something.

Tom Rickard Rocky Mount

The Roanoke Star-Sentinel C o m mu n i t y | N ew s | Pe r s p e c t i ve Publisher | Stuart Revercomb | stuart@theroanokestar.com | 400-0990 Advertising Director | Pam Rickard | pam@theroanokestar.com | 400-0990 Production Editor | Stephen Nelson | stephen@theroanokestar.com | 400-0990 Technical Webmaster | Don Waterfield | webmaster@theroanokestar.com | 400-0990 The Roanoke Star-Sentinel is published weekly by Whisper One Media, Inc. in Roanoke,Va. Subscriptions are available for $44 per year. Send subscriptions to PO Box 8338, Roanoke,VA 24014. We 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.

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8/15/08 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 5

A little wilderness in A Better Choice for President?

C our urban midst Y

eah, there is a bit of an odor, true. But it’s really not bad, just -you know- different.� Such is my assessment of the smell in the vicinity of the Roanoke sewage treatment plant. Ten minutes ago we parked the truck at the greenway parking lot near the facility and carried our old blue Wenonah canoe to the water’s edge.

After a few minutes of sliding over rocks in some small ries we found ourselves in quiet, still water. “It’s flat water all the way to the Niagara dam, which must be about 3 miles from here, according to the map,â€? I announce to son Ian, who has graciously agreed to accompany his Pop on this mission. The plan is to spend this afternoon exploring the Roanoke River from our put-in to the old dam and back.

We have the canoe nosed up into the euent as it flows clear from the huge pipe which leads into the bowels – pun intended- of the treatment plant. I’m amazed at the clarity of the outflow.

Unseen is the heavy nutrient load, which reveals itself in the luxuriant algae growth in the river downstream.

Paddling on, we enter a river corridor surprisingly wild in its appearance. Great Blue Herons entertain us with their cries, squawks which seem to be right out of the age of the dinosaur. Kingfishers chitter and criss-cross the river ahead of us. Now and then boulders rise from the surface of the still water, turtles perched in the sun. They slide and plop into the water upon our approach. A warm breeze caresses us. No buildings can be seen along the way, hardly anything manmade at all.

We’re amazed. And there’s nobody out here. Actually, there are a few fishermen on this stretch of the river, five or six of them, who greet us quietly and pleasantly. Except for one sullen guy, who gives us that classic this-is-my-private-fishing-spot look as we stroke by. We have to laugh.

There are fish, indeed. We sight some monstrous carp,

and small fish are frequently breaking the surface and flapping the air.

rusty steel cables, some orange floats in the river. We pull up to the left bank at an obvious take-out Tinker Creek point and tie up the flows in from the canoe, to explore left, under a railsome on foot before road trestle. I can’t we head back up wait to poke up river. Ian points out that sometime. that we are welJohn W. Robinson The Tinker Creek comed to the spot Greenway runs by a rubber ducky along the stream for a mile wearing sunglasses. We check or so, and I’d like to see how out the dam, which apparentfar up the creek we can get in ly is still used to generate electhe canoe, before we run out tricity; an amount which once of water. seemed sizable is probably alToday, however, we’re stick- most insignificant these days. ing to our mission of explor- Signs direct us along a gravel ing the Roanoke to the dam. path, a portage route along “So you were on this stretch of the railroad tracks. Below the river when you were my age?� dam the path take us to a nice Ian inquires. I had told him of spot to reenter the river. It’s a Boy Scout canoe trip which peaceful here save for the octook a group of us through casional car passing over the here many years ago. I haven’t Blue Ridge Parkway bridge far been here since, in fact I above us. We consider what a pretty much forgot about it. great little adventure it would I remember the stench of the be to keep going downstream, sewage treatment plant to be past the old Explore Park, on considerable in those days, to Smith Mountain Lake. But and the appearance of the not today. We throw rocks at water a bit unsettling. Today, the water cascading off the happily, all that has changed, dam for a while before reand beyond the mildly inter- turning to the canoe and our esting odor in the immedi- trip home. ate vicinity of the treatment By now the fishermen have plant, the river experience is gone, but as we approach the remarkably natural. little rapids at our take out The breeze is flipping the point we hear the animated foliage on the sycamores, ex- cussing of 14-year-old boys. posing the leaves’ light-col- Besides hurling expletives, ored undersides. The sky is they are slinging mud at each bluer than one would expect other, and swimming and on a July day, and the clean swinging on a rope hung over white clouds parade languid- the water. They drop into a ly overhead. As we stroke our chest-deep hole, and ignore way downstream I keep look- us as we cruise past, clamber ing for signs of civilization, out of our canoe and drag it and I continue to be amazed up river for a hundred yards at how few there are. We talk to the Greenway put-in. A about the river as it was cen- colorful character greets us, turies ago, the native peoples laughing and pointing out living here for hundreds of that we’re going the wrong years. I tell Ian about a Great way. He then tells us all about Grandfather who, in about the fact that young frogs are 1910, paddled the length of great bait for hefty smallthe river from Roanoke to mouth bass. We assure him Albemarle Sound in a canvas that we will certainly have canoe. He spent a month trav- to try that, maybe next time eling and living on the river, when we check out how far breathing it, sleeping it. I’m we can get up Tinker Creek. sure he was never the same.

Manmade stuff comes into Contact John at view again; the concrete works jwr77@verizon.net of the Niagara Dam, some

Providing Virginia with the tools to access its energy supplies

E

very day folks across Virginia and the the federal government’s longstanding barnation are confronted with the rising riers to these activities. The final decision of cost of energy, from the price at the whether to explore or drill is placed squarely pump to soaring electric bills. While the Ma- where it should be – in the hands of the people jority in Congress has succeeded in strangling of Virginia, through our state legislature and any efforts to tap into traditional energy re- Governor. sources in America, our nation’s citizens have Virginians understand that a major composuffered. They have suffered with skyrocket- nent in lessening energy costs is to produce ing gas and food prices, and they have suffered more energy. I believe that Virginia should have from the fear that we are increasingly depen- every tool available to access its energy supplies. dent on foreign and sometimes Unfortunately, a Congressional hostile nations for our oil supmoratorium on drilling in the Rep. Bob Goodlatte ply and they want something OCS prevents the Commondone about it. wealth from having every tool The Democratic Leadership in Congress can’t available to address rising energy costs. get their act together to solve this problem for Additionally, the Virginia OCS Act states the nation. Instead of addressing the current that all revenue generated from extraction of energy crisis by allowing the House to vote on these resources are shared evenly with the state a comprehensive energy policy, the Speaker of and federal government, with the federal share the House adjourned the House of Representa- going to the Clean Energy Fund. The Comtives for five weeks. As a representative of the monwealth’s share will be used to fund various people of Virginia, I cannot stand by and sim- state projects including transportation, educaply watch this spectacle. tion, tax reductions, coastal and environmental Last week I was pleased to introduce the Vir- restoration, energy infrastructure and projects, ginia Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Act, which alternative energy development, and energy efallows Virginia to request oil and natural gas ficiency and conservation. exploration activities off its coast. It has been While the Virginia OCS Act is no substitute estimated by the U.S. Department of Interior’s for a comprehensive energy solution, it is an Minerals Management Service that Virginia’s important component to any long-term stratOCS has 56 million barrels of recoverable oil egy to reduce our dangerous dependence on and 327 billion cubic feet of recoverable natural foreign oil. I intend to keep working to develop gas. legislation which will move America toward Should exploration activities prove fruitful, energy independence by increasing the supthen my legislation would allow Virginia to pe- ply, security and diversity of American energy, tition for drilling for these precious resources. promoting conservation and putting real alterThe legislation does not mandate that Virginia native fuel sources in the hands of consumers. explore or drill off its coast. It simply removes This is the only way to lower costs.

[

]

an’t bring yourself to vote for John McCain, because if you did, you would be rewarding him for promoting open borders for terrorists entering the U.S., increased taxes on the middle class, illegal immigrants overcrowding our schools and emergency rooms, and the suppression of our free speech rights?

That means you’re probably not likely to vote for Obama, either. Well, there is a way to make your dissension heard, do your American duty by voting in November, and still feel good about yourself the next day.

There is a Presidential candidate who was a Washington insider who is now just as sick and tired of the problems in Washington as you are. But I’m not talking about some no-name. I’m talking about former Georgia Congressman Bob Barr, who is running as a third party candidate.

You may remember Barr as the feisty Republican Congressman who rarely backed down from a fight. He was also one of the staunchest conservatives in Congress.

For those reasons, he was given the job of leading the Clinton impeachment in the House of Representatives.

I was one of 15 members of the media from around Virginia invited to a private lunch with Congressman Barr in Richmond this week. He was a guest of Tertium Quids, a statewide free market, limited government advocacy group (www.TertiumQuids.org).

During lunch, Barr said he was proud to once be a member of the party of Ronald Reagan, but like many, he felt the party strayed from its small government principles.

For a while, he was Americans keep part of that deviamore of their intion, but he said he comes by cutting eventually realized taxes, return power the error of his from the federal ways. He joined government to the the Libertarian states, and restore Party in 2006, and our civil liberties with his memberby getting governship fee came an ment out of our apology for many private lives.

Brian Gottstein of his past votes to When asked expand the power whether his run as of the federal government by a Libertarian was for his ego taking away power from the or to be a spoiler to take votes states and the people. The away from McCain, he said irony is that it was the Lib- that neither was worth all ertarians who helped unseat that he has sacrificed in time him from Congress in 2002. and money to be in this race.

Barr distanced himself He said that if McCain and from some of the legisla- the Republicans lose in Notion he once supported, in- vember, they can only blame cluding the Patriot Act. He themselves. In his opinion, called that vote a terrible the Republican Party has mistake, because it was sold no vision, no leadership, no to the American people as a agenda, and a lack of excitesurveillance tool for fight- ment, and that is what costs ing terrorism, but it has since elections, not him. been used for cases that have Barr has seen the true nanothing to do with terrorism, ture of government from and he now sees it as a major inside and out, and that has rollback of civil liberties. made him qualified and Barr also discussed his committed to work for the campaign issues, among American people in their them, drastically reducing interest — not the governgovernment spending by ment’s. Likely, Barr can’t limiting expenditures only to win as a third party candithe government’s legitimate date, but at least voters have functions enumerated in the the opportunity to vote their Constitution. He also be- conscience in November, as lieves private charity should well as send a strong message be the first resort for anyone that there is a significant porin need, and that government tion of the American populashould expand tax deduc- tion that won’t keep settling tions to encourage charitable for the subpar candidates the giving. He says government Republicans continue to give intervention in energy mar- us. kets through regulations, You can find out more at restrictions on energy pro- BobBarr2008.com. duction, and subsidies raises costs for consumers in the Contact Brian at end, and that free market bgottstein1@yahoo.com consumer choice should be the foundation of America’s Missing the Happy Chef? energy policy.

Check back next issue to He also pledges to preserve see what’s cooking! the Second Amendment, let

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Page 6 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 8/15/08

Goodlatte, not so good?

Dear editor, I thought Congressman Bob Goodlatte wanted to reduce government waste? Yet, this week I received a glossy, colorful political brochure mailed to me from his office in Washington DC. It was prepared, published and mailed at taxpayers’ expense.

I find it appalling that Bob is campaigning on our nickel and dime under the guise of "official business, annual report." I don't remember getting this report last year and find it interesting that is was mailed just 3 months before the election. Sam has to pay for his own literature and postage; and certainly will to get out his message to the constituents of Virginia's sixth district.

What Congressman Goodlatte did was wrong. In fact, it goes beyond wrong, it is arguably illegal. No political advertisements may come out of members' offices that were paid for by taxpayer expense.

His brochure should have been

prepared, published, mailed, and paid for from his own campaign funds and not our tax dollars.

Restore integrity in campaigning by voting for Sam in November, who has taken the full four-point Change Congress pledge. One of the points includes public financing of campaigns, so events like this don't happen again, because all candidates will have a fair chance.

Judy Hawks Roanoke

Fate of the Farmer’s Market Dear editor, Who knows who knows what on City Council I’d want to assure those who read my letters/opinion pieces that I don’t revel in my curmudgeon (i.e. disapproving) status.

I’d like to think my “disapproval” is based on some benchmark for comparison, which implies age and experience. I find that to be a reminder that I am fast closing in on 70. I don’t know how that happened and I’m afraid I’m not doing it gracefully.

It seems like only yesterday

Letters

I read The Peter Principle by J. Lawrence Peters, but in reality it was in 1970 during my second tour in Vietnam. The Peter Principle states that people, especially in bureaucracies, tend to be promoted to their level of incompetence. I was a young, upwardly mobile professional within a bureaucracy at the time and yes, dealt with many examples of the Peter Principle, then and later.

A favorite chapter in the book is about how people tended to deal, in detail, with things they know about. Things that are foreign are dealt with lightly or avoided. The example used was the board of directors of a large company that spend 15 minutes approving a multi-million dollar nuclear power plant and three hours on a $15,000 bicycle shed. My own experience was as Budget Officer for the Fleet Marine Corps, Pacific during the mid – 1970s. I discovered that if the problem was $100,000 or less every Colonel in the building was willing to “help”. I was a Major at the time. If the problem was a million dollars or more I was on my own. The

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helpful “advisors” understood $100,000 because that was the size of their mortgage.

I was reminded of this at the last (July 21) City Council meeting. Mayor Bowers did explain to the ignorant that council members do receive a “briefing” package on Thursday before council meetings containing the relevant information for the upcoming meeting.

That information is dealt with in “closed session” on Monday.

Closed session is defined as the public may attend but remain silent. The Council meetings actual, therefore, are more pro forma than substantive.

For the life of me after nine years I still haven’t gotten a handle on where “public input” comes into all this. It seems to be after the council has discussed and decided, but before the vote and has little bearing on the outcome.

In any case, a $6.6 million dollar general obligation bond package was approved. Roanoke will assume more debt and the parking garage on Church Ave between Williamson and Jefferson Streets will have a new façade – finally. One hopes the

fountain in front of the Norfolk and Western Building will also be released from captivity.

After approving the bond issue, Mayor David’s “suggestions” for symbolic change – for that is what they are – came up for discussion. This is where the nuclear plant - bicycle shed analogy kicked in. One council member asked if action on the simple symbolic changes could be delayed for six months while he and the other newly elected council member “learned how things worked”.

Ummm – learned how things worked? If a council members don’t know “how things work” what business have they voting for a $6.6 million general obligation bond package? How difficult is it to decide if citizens – you know those folks the council work for - may (figuratively) approach on bended knee, to address the August Body, while having the backs of their heads shown on television? What is wrong with this picture?

Council members are paid $15,000 a year – with some perks. The Mayor gets $20,000 a year and let us not forget that if they can hang on for five years they are vested and receive a pension from the City when they hit 60! It can be lucrative. Reverenced Dr. C. Nelson Harris drew almost a quarter of a million dollars for doing next to nothing during his public service and will receive a “generous” pension in less than 20 years.

More to the point, Council members assure the citizens they want to serve them. With the exception of Richard Cranwell, I have yet to see a candidate come forth with a specific workable program. Well, Mayor David and former Councilmember Brian Wishneff had a 12 point program, but David didn’t know how it would be financed and Brian never replied to my inquiries. The other candidates, of course, all support the school system and are going to get Roanoke “moving forward” – promises that reminds me of high school pep rallies where we were supposed to “fire up”. I never understood that either.

Roanoke has “moved forward” so much in ten years,

TheRoanokeStar.com

with no one steering, we have done a full 360 degrees and are back at the starting point. The school system has improved – but no thanks to the City Council – if anything the council has been an impediment.

Ok – the council approved a $6.6 million dollar bond package and probably didn’t know what they were doing. There is no one on the council that knows a general obligation bond from a revenue bond or a subordinated debenture.

The next important, truly important, item the Council will be dealing with is the fate of the Farmers Market Building. How well informed do you suppose Council members are on that subject? Tis just a guess on my part, but there are two council members that haven’t been inside the Market Building in the last six months – or longer. Yes, these things are tracked.

Have you, Mr/Mrs/Miss Citizen had any “input” on the matter as to what should be done with the Farmers Market Building? Do you know anyone that has? Did you know the City put a Request for Proposal on the street last January? Do you know there has been one responder – which, when we look behind the curtain isn’t the Wizard of Oz, but is the Center in the Square?

One has to wonder just how well the responders “agenda” for the Market Building fits with citizen’s desires? Heck, we have to wonder what are the citizens’ desires? No one has ever asked!

As I see it, we might never know, unless a lot of citizens start making a lot of noise.

Right now, by contacting the Council members, using Email and telephone – even better if you can find one of them in the open and actually talk face to face.

I think the Market Building falls into the nuclear plant category for the Council – and that should scare the heck out of all of us. I for one don’t want to be snookered again and again and again…….

This is, of course, just one man’s opinion – there are others.

Robert Craig Roanoke

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Legislative workshop designed for local arts organizations

Photo by Gene Marrano

Joyce Waugh (center) speaks at the Arts Council workshop. ing together is easier now for Roanoke organizations than it was years ago. “We’ve matured a great deal,” said Sears, who remembered being asked to leave a lawmaker’s office many years ago when asking for an amendment for funding. He believes politicians have a better handle now on the value of arts and culture as an economic engine.

Waugh, who has lobbied the General Assembly on behalf of the Chamber for years, went over some of the fine points of working with local legislators and then tracking the progress of bills during the lawmaking session. “Talk to your legislators now,” said Waugh, who is also an Arts Council board member, “not when they are getting ready to go to Richmond. That’s when legislators have time to talk.”

The arts are “more important than ever,” said Waugh, who cited tourism, quality of life

and attracting new business as primary reasons. “The process sometimes seems a little scary to people,” she added, “but once someone learns the ropes it gets easier. Talk to your local delegate or senator ‘early and often.’

The Arts Council (theartscouncil.org) may offer its “Legislative & Advocacy Workshop” again in the future, as demand warrants. “It informs people,” said Sears of the seminar. “We need to be ready when those dollars are available.” Still said Sears, organizations should “not count on state funds.” Thennew executive director Laura Rawlings said last year that she wanted to help organizations and artists navigate the waters better when asking for private grants and state funding.

The Honorable Martin Clark started writing well before he became a Circuit Court judge in Patrick County; in fact he began to write as an undergraduate at Davidson College. Now a bestselling author, Clark says it took him almost 20 years to get The Many Aspects of Mobile Home Living published. “Some times I tell people that and they are skeptical,” said Clark during a recent interview. He can point to a stack of rejection letters in his basement. Members of the New York Times staff even wound up in his backyard, shooting pictures after “The Many Aspects of Mobile Home Living” caught fire. The bestselling book is now being developed into a screenplay.

The UVA law graduate will talk about his writing career and his newest novel, “The Legal Limit,” during an appearance at Cantos Booksellers (18 Campbell Avenue) in downtown Roanoke on Wednesday, August 20, beginning at 5pm.

“Plain Heathen Mischief,” about a flawed preacher, followed his first novel, and now comes “The Legal Limit” from

Knopf Publishing. The Stuart, Virginia resident – who spent several days with his family at Floyd Fest last month – has been called by at least one reviewer “the drinking man’s John Grisham.” He doesn’t mind the comparison. On the bench and in his novels, Clark, who lives on a farm with his family, dogs, horses and assorted barnyard animals, appears to be fascinated by good people who do bad things.

“That’s certainly one of the tensions in the new book,” says Clark, who favors “trap doors and turns,” when he writes.

Some of the players in “The Legal Limit” are actually real folks in Stuart, while the main characters are “fabricated out of whole cloth,” he points out.

The novel involves a long-ago murder and two brothers that lock away the secret of that killing. One becomes successful while the other winds up in jail – then tries to use the murder to bring his brother down.

Clark says the book is about complicated decisions, about how the law is not always black and white.” He aims to “give folks a taste of how it

feels to make hard decisions [by putting] them in a lonely black robe.” The Legal Limit features “fundamentally good people faced with really, really difficult choices…how much do we bend, massage or break the law to do justice?”

Clark says fiction writers must like what they do if they want to be truly successful.

A Circuit Court judge since 1995, he’s careful not to let his day job suffer from the occasional book tour and has even turned back his paychecks instead of taking vacation time.

He appears determined not to let the recent notoriety go to his head any time soon: “There are a lot of people that are better writers than I am,” says Martin Clark, “the business of writing is a lot like any other form of entertainment …its a lot based on luck and timing … more than skill.” Clark appears to have both luck and skill. (Martin Clark at Cantos Booksellers, 18 Campbell Avenue, Wednesday, August 20 at 5pm.)

By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

Cindy Fendley, CCIM of Poe & Cronk Real Estate Group was named 2008 Rising Star by the CCIM Institute and featured in the July/August issue of the International publication of the Commercial Investment Real Estate Magazine.

Fendley was awarded the Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) designation by the CCIM Institute in 2004. She has also

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Fendley named “2008 Rising Star” by CCIM Institute com is an affiliate of received the Top Prothe National Associaducer Award by Poe & Cronk for the past tion of Realtors and is four years. The CCIM the governing body of Institute recognizes the largest commercial real estate neteach year Rising Stars work in the world. who have excelled Poe & Cronk is a through their real eslocally owned and tate-related achieveinternationally recments and communiCindy Fendley ognized full-service ty-service efforts. commercial real esThe Chicago-based CCIM Institute www.ccim. tate company.

Hotel Roanoke and Virginia Tech launch tourism website

The Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center and the Virginia Tech Foundation have launched a tourism web site promoting the transportation of choice for tourists and visitors to the Roanoke Valley 125 years ago.

Located on top of The Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center, the railcam looks out over more than four tracks of the Norfolk and Southern Railroad, giving a glimpse into Roanoke’s history, the downtown skyline and Mill Mountain.

RoanokeRailCam.com provides the path to explore, learn and access Roanoke’s rich railroad heritage with direct links to the O.Winston

Link Museum, Virginia Transportation Museum, The Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center and The Norfolk and Western Historical Society.

“This site is a celebration of Roanoke’s heritage and provides visitors and residents the opportunity to learn the history of the railroad in the Roanoke Valley,” said Dr. Raymond D. Smoot, Jr., Chief Operating Officer of the Virginia Tech Foundation. “I invite everyone to visit, learn and enjoy the bustling railroad, an integral part in the history and development of the Roanoke Valley.”

The Hotel Roanoke and

Conference Center has also created a Train Lover’s Package with accommodations overlooking the railroad, breakfast for two in the Regency Room, and a commemorative history mug and book to help tourists easily access the Valley.

“This is a unique opportunity for tourists, residents and visitors to experience how Roanoke became what it is today,” said Gary Walton, general manager of The Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center. “The Hotel and many of us wouldn’t be here if not for Frederick J. Kimball and Norfolk and Western (today Norfolk and Southern).”

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*UNIOR +INDERGARTEN 'RADE s !DVANCED COLLEGE PREPARATORY CURRICULUM s COLLEGE PLACEMENT s &OREIGN LANGUAGE INSTRUCTION BEGINNING IN *UNIOR +INDERGARTEN s %XTENDED DAY BUS SERVICE AND lNANCIAL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE To schedule a tour, or for more information, please contact Deborah C. Jessee, Director of Admission, at 540-989-6641, ext. 330 or djessee@northcross.org.

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Officers from local arts and culture organizations, and one individual artist, met recently at an Arts Council of the Blue Ridge-sponsored seminar, hoping to learn more about the ins and outs of petitioning legislators for funding. Members of the General Assembly can then offer amendments during the session each January. State funding for arts organizations and museums not owned by the Commonwealth has been harder to come by in recent years with budget tightening in Richmond and deficits in some years.

Interim Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce president Joyce Waugh, Alison Baird (the legislative assistant of Roanoke State Senator John Edwards) and Dr. Jim Sears, president/general manager at Center in the Square were speakers during a forum held at the Science Museum of Western Virginia.

The Center at one time received about three million dollars from the General Assembly, but despite being able to parlay that seed money into $20 million plus of revenue annually, state funding now stands at zero.

“The art that you need is to understand what you have to offer and how your organization is different than others,” said Sears before the seminar.

Center in the Square continues to ask for funding every year.

Sears said there is some merit in banding together, especially as a region, “rather than 15 or 20 different multiple asks.” Work-

Best-selling author to appear in Roanoke at Cantos

Sports

Page 8 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 8/15/08

TheRoanokeStar.com

High school volleyball Lord Botetourt

Lord Botetourt High School head volleyball coach, Nikki Johnson, will not mince words about her expectations of this year’s Cavalier team when she says, “We are looking for a really good year.”

The second year head coach is coming off a 1510 season and a loss in the quarter finals of the Region. While playing in the tough Blue Ridge District, Johnson notes it’s a fight every night.

However, Coach Johnson is looking toward her four seniors for leadership. “The seniors are certainly going to be the ones to lead us and carry us as far as we are going to go. Our goal is to go further than any other Botetourt team,’ notes Johnson. Her four seniors are led by MacKenzie Tyree who is a defensive specialist and was the Blue Ridge District player of the year last year and first team all Region. She has committed to play next season at Carson Newman College. Other seniors that Johnson is counting on include Abby Martin, Chelsea Guarino, and Nicole Davis.

Johnson certainly believes she has the team to contend with defending district champion North-

Northside High

Roanoke boxers are 1 for 2 on pro card

new middle hitters and a new setter and you have the makings of a team ready to defend their title.

As for your toughest competition in the District, Crawford notes that there are no easy matches out there and you have to be ready for every one. The Vikings begin their title defense on Monday August 18th with a match at Brookville. Their first home match will be 10 days later against the same Brookville Bees.

By David Abraham info@theroanokestar.com

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By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

When you talk to Northside volleyball coach, Amy Crawford, about last season she becomes very excited. Ask her about this year and the excitement builds in her voice.

Her Northside Vikings won the Blue Ridge District regular season and tournament championship last season before losing in the State semi-finals. “Last season was the furthest we had ever been and we had not been to the State Tournament since 1994, it was a real exciting year for us,” beams Crawford. When you find out she accomplished all of that with only seven players, it makes Northside’s run to the State Tournament seem even more amazing.

So what do you do for an encore? You return five of those seven players from last season and you add seven new players which rounds out your team, which makes practices much easier. “They were a good core group,” notes Crawford when talking about her returning players. The fifth year coach can boast about having 5’ 9” Senior Samantha Barney (a 2007 First Team Blue Ridge District selection) who is moving from a middle hitter to an outside hitter. Add a couple of

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or not he would get in the ring again. He’s been training with Hawkins since there was a gym at Victory Stadium, and had nine amateur fights before going pro on Saturday. “He drives you,” said Novia of Hawkins, who as a young man sparred with the likes of Ali and Thomas Hearns, according to someone at ringside.

“I still got a big heart,” said Novia, perhaps warming to the prospect of returning to the ring moments after the bout. Hawkins and Promotion may stage another card somewhere in the Roanoke Valley, probably in Salem, by February. “We promised we’d bring you back boxing, and we did it,” said Hawkins when he addressed the crowd before the main event. The crowd was very supportive of the two hometown boxers. “I wish I had won for all of them…I’m pretty sure I’ll fight again,” said Novia about a sport that took him “off the streets.”

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ing him out after minor brushes with the law over drugs. The other Roanoke City boxer was David Novia, a 34-year-old production worker for ITT Nightvision, who lost his professional debut in another four-rounder against Donte “Pound 4 Pound” King. Rick Hawkins, also Novia’s trainer, said he thought the fight was a draw. “I don’t cry the blues or anything. David Novia is a great fighter. He did a great job. He’s been with me ten years.

He’s a good kid.” King came by to tell Novia about his “pressure …his defense is so hard to get through. He’s tough. He caught me several times.”

Novia admitted that he might not have done enough punching to win the bout. “I didn’t the first two rounds [then] I started looking better. But the first and second rounds is what cost me. “[King] was looping punches.

I should have been throwing them straight down the middle.

It’s a big time learning experience.” Novia, married with two children, said he would “think on it,” before deciding whether

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Rick Hawkins, who trains boxers at his Champs Gym in Roanoke, pronounced himself pleased inside the ring on Saturday night with the first card his Promotion Sports company had staged at the Salem Civic Center. About 2000 showed up to see eight bouts, many of them entertaining, one or two with questionable outcomes, like the “technical draw” that even had Hawkins scratching his head. Two Roanokers were on the card, including David Hopkins, who trains with Manny Quesenberry at the Gators Boxing Club. The southeast city resident won his pro debut with a decision over Randolph “Rocket” Scott.

Afterwards, the 26-year-old sported red welts on his face but pronounced himself pleased with the outcome. “I was nervous,” said Hopkins, who faced a much taller opponent. “He was trying to grab me on my head. He smothered me pretty good. Gotta keep pushing,” said Hopkins, who credits boxing – and his wife - with straighten-

By David Abraham info@theroanokestar.com

Fra n

Photos by Bill Turner

David Novia (above right) battles Donte King. King went on to win the fight by decision. Trainer Rick Hawkins (seated) watches one of his fighters in the ring.

side. The two teams will not meet until later in the season after Lord Botetourt hosts their own tournament in late September. The regular season concludes with senior night against the Terriers of William Byrd. The district tournament rounds out the Cavaliers schedule the end of October. Lord Botetourt begins the season at home August 21st with a match against Jefferson Forest.

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8/15/08 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 9

TheRoanokeStar.com

> Estate Sales Cleaning out? Settling an estate?

We buy old books, postcards, photos, mags, estate items, etc. Paper Memories 774-1881. > For Rent Furnished Bedroom for Rent All utilities furnished. $100 (540) 345-8605 > 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

> Great Gas Mileage and Fun, too!

2002 Harley Davidson carbureted Road King for sale. Great condition, many chrome upgrades.

Leather saddlebags and Samson pipes. Only 15,000 miles. Perfect for trips around town or cruising on the Parkway. $14,000. Call 3533500. > Help Wanted Office Support ADMINISTRATION Full time position opening at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens Cemetery assisting the Administrator and Sales Staff. Requirements must include 2 years of Administrative Experience, Microsoft Office, Excel, Word, multiline phone experience, Customer Service and able to perform tasks with minimum supervision. Apply in person at 5737 Airport Rd., Roanoke,Virginia After School Program Coordinator Part time elementary coordinator for Presbyterian Community Center after school program. Requirements: combination of education, experience equivalent to bachelor degree in counseling, education, childhood development or related field. Experience working with atrisk children preferred. Resume to: PCC, 1228 Jamison Avenue, Roanoke, 24013 and/or call 540982-2911 for Tom MacMichael pathways@pccse.org Part-time Dining Room Assistant Are you looking for a part-time position with great hours in a professional work environment? Shenandoah Life has an opportunity for you. We are seeking a high-energy, customer focused, individual to join our Corporate Services staff.

This individual will assist the dining room staff with the preparation of food services.

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

experience with or knowledge of food service is preferred.

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

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

Home Repair Technician Part Time

Real good condition Dot Matrix printer for sale No longer needed Call Crystal @ 989-6138 Self-defense lessons Free for women and children Fun and practical Call 345-7365

> 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

For teens and adults, Fun Summer Painting Classes,

Strumming a six string want to improve but need help Lessons are your hope Call Greg @ 540-354-2049

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

Phone 540-366-8829 Fax 540-366-6737 Claims 800-421-3535 baileym2@nationwide.com

Art Lessons private art lessons drawing ,painting and sculpture ages 6 and up call Katherine Devine 427-5919 devinestudios@yahoo.com

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Schafer Shoe Repair NEW LOCATION! Same great service!

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

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Mike Bailey, LUTCF, CIC Agent Mike Bailey Insurance Agency

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

Call Emily 725-1464, emilym@ cox.net

Mr. Handyman of Roanoke seeks qualified person to service residential and commercial customers on a part time basis. Must have valid driver’s license and at least 15 years or more experience in all types of construction. Van furnished. Must supply own tools. Interviews by appt. only. Call 540-977-4444. > Cool Cheap Stuff

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Cool Cheap Stuff Place your ad in Cool Cheap Stuff, for items costing $150 or less, free! Emily,Vendor 1806, 725-1464, Ads are published for 1 week. If emilym@cox.net item doesn’t sell feel free to run it again! Cool Cheap Stuff is available IHENRY repair the tabs or whole shingles.

TO: CALDWELL to private individuals who adver- You provide materialBBQ and ladder.

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HERE ISRobspad@hotmail.com A PROOF OF YOUR AD FOR BELLA Cost of item and telephone number must appear in ad copy. First 10 words are free. Additional 10 spinet Piano words are $5.00. Some restrictions in excellent condition apply. Limit 8 Cool, Cheap Stuff ads Would you like to play? per month!

Call Peggy@342-2183 PROOF OF THIS PRINTING IS SUPPLIED IN Honda Lawnmower HR173 A or pae-onia@juno.com ORDER TO CORRECT ANY MISSPELLING, $100.00 PUNCTUATION MARKS, OMISSIONS, OR OTHER CHANGES YOU MY DESIRE. WE TAKE NO 540-342-2183 Garden City

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When Roanoke resident and triathlete Kati Derrick steps up to the starting line at Ironman Louisville, (2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, 26.2 mile run) She wont be competing just for herself. Shell also be raising funds for the Garretts Wings. Derrick is fundraising as a part of the Janus Charity Challenge, an innovative program designed and sponsored by the investment management firm, Janus.

The program acts as a catalyst to motivate Ironman athletes to use the race to raise money for charity. But unlike most other race fundraisers, there is no predetermined beneficiary. Each athlete can select the nonprofit organization they wish to support. Since the programs inception in 2001, triathletes have raised over $18 million for hundreds of charities throughout the United States.

According to Janus, they offer this program because it engages more people in meeting the critical needs of their communities. “The incredible commitment of athletes like Kati is a true testament to the caliber of Ironman athletes, and only helps to drive more awareness and support for vital nonprofit organizations throughout the country,� said Janus corporate sponsorship director, Casey Cortese. To inspire athletes to participate, Janus makes additional contributions to the beneficiaries of the top fundraisers at each of the full distance U.S. Ironman races.

Garretts Wings is an organization that began late in 2007 when Renee and Scott Campbell’s son (Renee is a childhood friend of Kati) was diagnosed with Infantile NCL. Infantile NCL is a rare but fatal neurological disease. Garretts Wings seeks to not only fund research for Infantile NCL, but also to provide help and non-medical care for terminally ill children and their families. Derrick is putting out a call to our community to support her fundraising efforts. To make a contribution, go to www. januscharitychallenge.com and click on “How to Donate. “ “Ironman Louisville� will be held in Louisville, KY on August 31, 2008. You can track Kati Derricks progress on race day live on www.ironmanlive.com.

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Local triathlete to compete in Janus Charity Challenge

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Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens Living Offer*

Two (2) Side by Side Burial Spaces $1715*

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For a limited time and on a pre-need* basis, Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens is offering (2) side by side burial spaces for people that don’t currently own cemetery property.

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These burial spaces are available on a ďŹ rst come ďŹ rst serve basis and this offer is limited.

Without obligation, CALL (540) 366-9274 or ďŹ ll out the coupon below and mail to: BRMG-Pre-Need Department 5737 Airport Road Roanoke, VA 24012 Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Pre-Need Department 5737 Airport Road Roanoke, VA 24012 Name______________________________________ Address____________________________________ City___________________State_______Zip_______ Phone #____________________________________

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Page 10 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 8/15/08

CoMMUNItY CALeNDAr

> Aug. 16 Walk to the Star!

Meet at Star Trail parking lot, on Riverland Road at 10:00 AM. Take the Star Trail to the Mill Mountain Star. Lemonade and snacks at the Discovery Center. Join our KIVA Kazoo Band! We will then walk down the “old road� and back.

When- 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Where- Star Trail on Riverland Rd. For more- http://kidsadventuring.org/blog/

> Aug. 19

Parks and Recreation Input Session The City of Roanoke has begun the initial planning process for a new community recreation center. The Department of Parks and Recreation will be holding two public input sessions on Tuesday, Aug. 19. Both of these meetings will be identical in nature and citizens are asked to select only one time frame to attend.

This state-of-the-art recreational venue has the potential of accommodating a variety of indoor needs such as fitness, family aquatics, meetings, active and passive programming areas, athletics, and much more.

When- 4 to 5:30 p.m. and 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Where- Roanoke Civic Center’s Performing Arts Mezzanine For more- 540-853-2236..

> Aug. 20

TheRoanokeStar.com

Step up to the Plate with the Salem Avalanche The Roanoke Public Library Foundation is sponsoring

“Step up to the Plate with the Salem Avalanche,� which will be held Wednesday, Aug. 20.

Tickets are $3 and can be purchased at any Roanoke Public Libraries branch. During the game, prizes will be given to the winner of a book cart race, as well as baseball seat cushions to the first 100 patrons who show their library card. All proceeds will go to the Roanoke Public Library Foundation.,Va. When- 7 p.m.

Where- Salem Memorial Baseball Stadium

> Aug. 22

Third Annual Roanoke Valley Democratic Women’s Picnic Bring a dish to share or make a $5.00 donation. Chicken, drinks, and paper products will be provided. Please contact Mary Bowers @ 3431186 and indicate the number who will attend and your choice of food to share or if a donation. Guests and family are welcome. This will be an opportunity to enjoy music and fellowship and learn about events and news for the upcoming election.

When- 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Where- American Legion Pavilion at 710 Apperson Dr., Salem,Va.

> Aug. 23 “Smokey Joe’s Cafe�

Wohlfahrt Haus Dinner Theatre The Singles Travel Club (couples welcome too!) is sponsoring a bus trip to see the matinee of Smokey Joe’s Cafe at the Wohlfahrt Haus Dinner Theatre, Wytheville, VA. The price of $72 includes: Round-

345-7821

trip motorcoach transportation, an all inclusive sit down lunch, ticket to Smokey Joe’s Cafe matinee and a tour host.

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

Cost- $72 For more- call (540) 3662888.

> Aug. 27 Postal Basics Workshop Roanoke Postmaster Edward Schaben, in conjunction with the Southwest VA Postal Customer Council (SWVA PCC) will be holding a Postal Basics Workshop for customers.

This is a free event to assist customers in utilizing postal products and services. Business customers are invited to attend the workshop.

When- 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM Where- Main Post Office located at 419 Rutherford Ave., NE For more- If you would like to attend this workshop, or have questions, please RSVP to Charlene Yeagley, Customer Relations Coordinator, at 985-8738.

> Aug. 29

VFFA Adult Flag Foot ball The City of Roanoke has a new look to its adult ag football league this year. For the first time, Parks and Recreation is joining the Virginia Flag Football Association (VFFA). Qualifying teams will now have the chance to advance and play for a Virginia state championship. VFFA leagues play an eight-man format, which allows for more realistic football rules.

Registration runs through Friday, Aug. 29, with games beginning Sunday, Sept. 7.

Cost- $349 per team.

For more- to register, visit the athletics web page at www. roanokeva.gov/athletics or contact Nat Franklin at nat. franklin@roanokeva.gov or 853-1110.

> Aug. 30

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IGA / Super Fresh 1314 Riverland Rd Roanoke VA 24014

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

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

Vinton Post Office 119 South Pollard St Vinton VA 24179

Wildflower Hollins 7770 Williamson Rd Roanoke VA 24020

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

Ukrops Grocery 2331 Franklin Rd Roanoke VA 24014

New Yorker Deli 2802 Williamson Rd Roanoke VA 24012

The Cave Spring Post Office 4069 Postal Drive Roanoke VA 24018

Natural Food Co-op 1319 Grandin Rd Roanoke VA 24015

Towers Mall 1103 23rd St Roanoke VA 24015

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

Screen on the Green Roanoke County Parks, Recreation & Tourism is hosting the Free Drive in Movie Series along with media sponsors K92 and The CW5. The continued growing popularity of this event makes it a summertime favorite. The final movie for “Screen on the Green� takes place on August 30th featuring “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.�

There will be concessions available serving your favorite movie snacks. The CW5 will be passing out free goodies to the kids. So come on out and park under the stars, sit back, relax, and enjoy the free movie with the entire family.

When- Dusk Where- Green Hill Park Cost- Free For more- (540) 387-6455

> Sept. 6, 20 & Oct. 5 Virginia DeRailers Series The series continues with the final three races in the fall with the MW Windows Mountain Bike Race in Franklin County on September 6th. Assault on Liberty Mountain in Lynchburg on September 20th and the final race the Poor Mountain HillClimb in Roanoke County on October 5th. Camp Roanoke will once again host the championship award ceremony for the entire series. Racers will have plenty of time to train throughout the summer months and come back strong for the finish this fall.

There are presently 156 competitors able to qualify for the series if they continue to race this fall. Cash awards totaling $2000 will be awarded to winners at the conclusion of the DeRailer series. Due to course difficulty no one under 14 years of age can participate in the Poor Mountain HillClimb. For information on how to join the series visit the DeRailer website at www. vaderailerseries.com

> Sept. 12-14 2008 Roanoke Greek Festival You are invited to participate in this cultural three day event where Greek food will be served up amidst ethnic costumes, energetic dancing and live music. Greek pottery,

jewelry and arts and crafts will fill the fellowship hall. The grounds will be the site of children’s activities, face painting, caricatures and tattoos with Greek mythological themes while the young and youngat-heart can try their hand or feet at grape stomping contests or climb Mt. Olympus! If you feel fortune is shining on you, you may even win a free trip to Greece.

In addition, guided Church tours will explain the unique Byzantine iconography and Church design and highlight the recently completed project of spiritual artwork. A drive through will be available to take food back to offices or homes. Once again, portions of the proceeds will be going to the Rescue Mission and the Center in the Square along with other charities.

When- Fri. & Sat. 11 a.m. - 10 p.m., Sun. - Noon - 7 p.m.

Where- Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church facilities, 30 Huntington Blvd., Roanoke, VA For more- www.roanokegreekfestival.com

> Sept. 17 Destroyer Leaders Association Former shipmates from USS NORFOLK DL1, USS MITSCHER DL2 / DDG-35, USS JOHN S MCCAIN DL3 / DDG36, USS WILLIS A LEE DL4, and USS WILKINSON DL5 will meet in St. Louis, Missouri, September 17 - 21, 2008 for their 12th annual combined reunion. Family and friends are welcome to attend.

When- Sept. 17-21 Where- St. Louis, Mo. For more- Destroyer Leader Association, 2311 Idavere Road SW, Roanoke,VA 240153903, email: DestroyerLeader1@cox.net

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

Admission is free.

Activities include storytelling, live music, a children’s play zone with a moonwalk and giant inatable slide, face

painting, hands-on educational areas and up-close experiences with animals from the Mill Mountain Zoo. There will also be safety education information for children and their parents about the Internet, dangerous weather and emergency vehicles. Other PBS characters at the KidsFest include Word Girl, Maya and Miguel, and Digit. Bring your camera!

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

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

> Oct. 1

Sculpture Unveiling at Roanoke Civic Center The public is invited to join the City of Roanoke and the Roanoke Arts Commission (RAC) for the unveiling of a signature sculpture at the Roanoke Civic Center on Wednesday, Oct. 1.The sculpture has been created by artist Rodney Carroll of Baltimore, Md., to celebrate the city’s 125th anniversary and its theme of “People, Pride, Promise.� The unveiling will include a “meet the artist� reception and music by musicians from the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra.

When- 5 p.m.

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

> Oct. 4

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

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

Where- Wasena Park For more- register to participate, please visit the Clean Valley Council’s website link at: http://www.cleanvalley.org/ fallwaterway.htmlgepbs.org Have an item for the calendar? email it to submissions@theroanokestar. com

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

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

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

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

3 *EFFERSON 3TREET s 3UITE 2OANOKE 6! s nelson.e.link.jr@smithbarney.com www.fa.smithbarney.com/meridiangroupsb/

Virginia Business’ Top 50 Wealth Advisors, as identified by The Winner’s CircleŽ, LLC , bases its rankings on qualitative criteria: professionals with a minimum of 7 years’ financial services experience, acceptable compliance records, client retention reports, customer satisfaction, and more. With over 7,000 nominations, advisors are quantitatively ranked based on varying types of revenues and assets advised by the financial professional, with weightings associated for each.

Additional measures include: in-depth interviews and discussions with senior management, peers, and customers, and telephone-based and in-person interviews with the nominees. Because individual client portfolio performance varies and is typically unaudited, this ranking focuses on customer satisfaction and quality of advice. For more information on ranking methodology, go to www.WCorg.com. The rating may not be representative of any one client’s experience because it reflects a sample of all of the experiences of the advisor’s clients. The rating is not indicative of the advisor’s future performance. Neither Smith Barney nor its financial advisors pay a fee to The Winner’s Circle in exchange for the rating. Š2008 Citigroup Global Markets Inc. Member SIPC. Smith Barney is a division and service mark of Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and is used and registered throughout the world. Citi and Citi with Arc Design are trademarks and service marks of Citigroup Inc. or its affiliates, and are used and registered throughout the world. Working WealthSM is a service mark of Citigroup Global Markets Inc.

8/15/08 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 11

TheRoanokeStar.com

Center in the Square to recreate Grand Opening with free downtown festival Center in the Square has announced a Free Family Fun Weekend for all Roanokers.

Twenty-five years ago, community leaders joined together with an idea for a cultural center that would revitalize a decaying downtown and boost the local arts scene. On December 9, 1983, that vision became a reality as Center in the Square first opened its doors with a free weekend and over 40,000 people in attendance. Now, in 2008, Center in the Square is planning to celebrate two and half decades of enhancing the region’s economic development, education, and quality of life by providing a free home to seven arts and cultural organizations.

Center in the Square has invited the community to share in this milestone by enjoying a “Free Family Fun Weekend� festival in downtown Roanoke. All day Saturday, August 16 and Sunday August 17 admission to the Science Museum of Western VA, and the History Museum and Historical Society of Western VA, will be free of charge. In addition, Center has

teamed up with “Young Audiences of Virginia� to offer two stages full of educational entertainment with performers both outside on the Market, and inside Center in the Square.

It will be a full street festival in Market Square, with main stage entertainment, inflatable jumpers, clowns, food, face painting, balloon sculpting, and appearances by Super Square and other local mascots. “Young Audiences of Virginia� will also have an Educational Activity Center on the 2nd floor of Center THE ROANOKE SUN | NOVEMBER 23-29 | 9 in the Square, with a music exploration area, “poetry explosion� along with an arts exploration area that will include a community painting section for children of all ages.

Hours for the festival are 10am – 5pm on Saturday the 16 and 1pm – 5pm on Sunday 17.

For more information, and a complete list of performers, please visit www.centerinthesquare.org.

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Consider Apple Ridge Farm for your meeting, conference or retreat

THE POWER OF MUSIC

Conferencing, Hiking, Swimming and Sports, Outdoor Adventure Program, and 96 acres of serene beauty... Apple Ridge is available to meet all your needs. Located just 22 miles outside Roanoke in Copper Hill, it’s a perfect get-away spot for meetings, team building activities, overnight retreats, environmental education experiences, family reunions, or an incredibly special wedding.

Visit us at www.appleridge.org or call Rosalie Kell at 982-1322

There’s a “mountain of possibilities� at Apple Ridge Farm!

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If a Car is Not Listed as New, it is Used. All Vehicles Subject To Prior Sale. Tax, Tags, Title, and $179.00 Processing Fee Additional. Sale Ends 08/19/08.

2008-2009 Season of the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra

SUBSCRIPTIONS ON SALE NOW! MASTERWORKS Subscription: $90-$216 for All 6 Concerts PICNIC @ THE POPS Subscription: $42-$168 for All 3 Concerts Pops Series is sponsored by A Friend of the RSO.

Page 12 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 8/15/08

TheRoanokeStar.com

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