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Community | News | Per spective

June 26 - July 2, 2009

TheRoanokeStar.com

“Grow By Degrees” Seeks to Secure Virginia’s Economic Future

Hog Rally P2– Members of the Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle club team up with HOG Members to honor past heroes.

Cheryl Hodges

Tough Call

P5– Cheryl makes a big decision in choosing between a puppy and a tummy tuck.

1.87 Miles Of Pain P6– The ID3 Bike Races return to Roanoke on July 3, 4, & 5.

Heywood Fralin thinks that we “get it.”

According to a bipartisan poll retained by the Virginia Business Higher Education Council (VBHEC), more than 75% of Virginians believe that a college degree will provide an advantage in today’s tech-centric economy.

However, the pollsters also found that only 35% of the state’s collegeaged population is enrolled in college.

It is this gap that Fralin, VBHEC chairman, hopes to address and cor-

rect with the “Grow By Degrees” The ultimate goal of the new camcampaign and coalition. Funded by paign, initiated by the VBHEC, is for the private sector, the campaign aims Virginians to earn 70,000 additional to secure Virginia’s economic future associates, bachelors, and graduate by investing in its young people by degrees by 2020 – a number which making higher education assumes that 50% of Virginmore accessible. ia citizens will have earned Education “If you want to make Vira degree within the next 11 ginia the economic growth years. capital of America, you have to first “This is not just the same old, same make Virginia the workforce train- old,” said Nancy Agee, COO of Cariling and higher education capital of ion Clinic. “It’s not just about reform, America,” Fralin said at a June 22 press conference held at the Taub- > CONTINUED P3: Grow by Degrees man Museum of Art.

[

Miss America 2008 to CoHost Miss VA Pageant

T h e Roanoke Per for ming Arts Theater ( R PAT ) and Hotel Roanoke are abuzz for the next few days as 2008 Miss America the stateKirsten Haglund wide Miss Virg ini a Scholarship pageant, and two other competitions for young women come to town. The Miss Virginia finals takes place Saturday night at 8:00 pm at RPAT after two days of preliminary competitions and interviews. Local television picks up coverage Saturday at 9:00 pm.

Miss America 2008, Kirsten Haglund, will co-host the televised portion of Saturday night’s final.

“Very few state pageants are > CONTINUED P3: Miss Virginia

]

Photo by Caitlin Coakley

Heywood Fralin says education system is “off track.”

[Summer Camp]

21 Years of Camp at Apple Ridge Farm

Photo by Rosalie Kell

A

pple Ridge Farm began its 21st year of Academic Summer Camp this past Monday at its 96-acre facility in Copper Hill,VA. Tommy George, the camp’s head tennis coach, and assistant coach Jefferson Jones, encourage the campers to “get their wiggles out” before beginning the day’s tennis lesson. George serves as the girls’ tennis coach at Hidden Valley and Jones is tennis coach at William Fleming.

An Apple Ridge camp experience includes daily reading and science instruction as well as tennis and swimming lessons.

“We are particularly thankful to offer the water safety component as many inner-city children are unable to afford swimming lessons and do not have access to water safety programs,” said Founder and Executive Director, Peter Lewis.

Visit appleridge.org for more information.

United Way: Needs Are Greater Than Ever

Frank Rogan, Executive Director of United Way, and Dan Carson, chair of the 2009-10 UW campaign.

The kickoff for this year’s United Way campaign was somewhat sobering.

“I want to reveal something,” said Dan Carson, an AEP vice president and chair of the 2009-2010 United Way campaign for the Roanoke Valley. In short, Carson said, the needs are greater. Agencies are struggling, and even if everyone gives as much as they did last year, more will be needed.

This serious message quieted the crowd at the Taubman Museum of Art, gathered at a recent thank you and kickoff party for supporters. Frank > CONTINUED P3: United Way

Electric Fleet Hits the Streets of Roanoke

Music Lab Move P11– The Music Lab at the Jefferson Center begins its summer session at a new location.

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The City of Roanoke’s Fleet stewardship.

Facilities Management staff Management Division recently acquired two electric has installed volt meters on vehicles--a compact sedan and each vehicle to track the eleca pickup truck with a dump tric energy consumption, and bed. The sedan will be utilized those measurements will be by the Planning, Building and compared to the use of unDevelopment Department pri- leaded fuel in other vehicles. marily in the downtown dis- From this data, city will evalutrict to perform building Code ate whether future purchases Enforcement and inspections, of electric vehicles are a viable and the truck will be utilized by option. the Department of Parks and Each vehicle operates off a Recreation for maintenance 72-volt battery system, with and cleaning of greenways and a top speed of 28 mph, which parks. is why these vehicles are used Manufactured by only within the city, Government Miles Industries, a where speed limits California-based are low. The estimatcompany, the vehied monthly expense cles were purchased in May with for recharging the battery sysallocated Capital Equipment tem (assuming full depletion of Funds established through sur- batteries each day) is about $8, 2 loader bucket scoops of mulch plus equipment sales. and a completely depleted batAccording to Ken Bernard, tery takes about seven to eight Fleet Manager, the city hopes hours to recharge.

The new electric pickup truck will be utilized by the Department of Parks and Recreation to identify potential fuel savfor maintenance and cleaning of greenways and parks. ings as well as demonstrate its

By Pam Rickard commitment to environmental pam@theroanokestar.com

City of Roanoke’s New Electric Vehicles Electric Pickup-Parks & Recreation Electric Car- Housing & Neighborhood Services

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Scattered showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 86.

Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. Saturday night: partly cloudy, with a low around 67.

Photo by Wade Thompson

Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Sunday night: mostly cloudy, with a low around 70.

Hungry riders pack up their gear in time for lunch Saturday after completing their ride on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Buffalo Soldiers Honor Past, Present During HOG Rally

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Photo by Wade Thompson

Aaron “T-bone” Thompson, President of the Roanoke Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club, pauses for a photo in front of the American Legion in Salem.

They did so this past weekend when the Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club sponsored a gathering coinciding with the Harley Owners Group (HOG) rally in Roanoke. The 70-member Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club of Roanoke sponsored a biking event at the American Legion in Salem. It drew numerous bikers from as far away as New

York and Florida. The event was held to honor those first African-American soldiers in the 9th & 10th US Cavalry Regiments, who served their country - like many of these club members continue to do today.

After a guided motorcycle tour of the Blue Ridge Parkway, more than 100 bikers were treated to an afternoon

lunch and then an evening dance at the Legion Hall.

Aaron “T-bone” Thompson, President of the Roanoke Buffalo Soldiers club, explained: “Our club has two main goals.

One is to educate the general public about the role that the Buffalo Soldiers played in American history immediately after the Civil War. The other is … to enjoy motorcycling and for others to just see that bikers are good people.”

Money raised during the event would go “primarily to the Harrison Museum of African-American Culture in Roanoke since they are in need right now,” Thompson said.

The museum hopes to move into vacated space at Center in the Square, but that will take several million dollars. In past years, the Buffalo Soldiers have given the proceeds to charities like MDA, the Women’s Shelter and the American Cancer Society.

By Wade Thompson info@theroanokestar.com

Great Awakenings Along the Creeper Trail

After reaching the milestone of our daughter’s high school graduation, my husband and I felt the urge for a getaway. The tension she’d felt in those last months of senior year had been contagious, of course, and we needed a brief retreat to breathe a prolonged sigh of relief. We had reason to celebrate: she’d finished at the top of her class and would be entering a fine university in the fall. We were savoring a natural high that came with reaching that momentous landmark. We couldn’t stop smiling.

After exploring several travel options, we settled on the charming town of Abingdon, Virginia. It sounded just right – low key, yet cultural and historical. For our two-night stay, we chose the magnificent Victoria and Albert Inn for its location within walking distance of downtown. We hiked along brick sidewalks, stopping at inviting shops. We saw the spot where one of my ancestors, Daniel Boone, had supposedly run into wolves that sneaked from a hidden cave and attacked his dogs. We ambled through the antique-filled halls of the Martha Washington Inn. We bought tickets for the next night’s play at the famous Barter Theatre. After dinner, we walked down to the trailhead of the noted Virginia Creeper Trail, a former railway line that had been converted to a bicycle path. We explored a few hundred yards, admiring the well-groomed trail, before darkness drove us back to our inn.

The next morning, over breakfast, we discovered that we were the only guests, and the innkeeper took the time to chat with us. We learned that she had a daughter graduating high school the next year, so we commiserated on the ups and downs of seeking colleges.

Then she asked what our plans were for the day. We told her we’d probably stroll around town, visit the winery, and go to the theatre in the evening.

She suggested, “Why don’t you ride the Virginia Creeper Trail?”

Photo by Debra Madaris Efird

The old depot at Green Cove, along the White Top-to-Damascus route, on the Virginia Creeper Trail.

I demurred, saying I hadn’t been on a bicycle since I was 20.

She explained how most of the ride was a gently descending incline with hardly any pedaling needed.

I hemmed and hawed, claiming to be uncoordinated.

Then she persisted, “Oh, why don’t you? It would be a new experience to tell your daughter about.”

That gave me pause. Then, the statement that clenched it: “An 80-year-old lady could do it.”

Well! I certainly couldn’t let that pass. She explained various trail options and gave us brochures listing bicycle outfitters. The whole trail was 34 miles, but we selected the White Top-to-Damascus route, a mostly downhill one consisting of a mere 17 miles in the bicycle seat. That choice meant driving to Damascus, a small community known for all the trails intersecting there – including the Appalachian Trail. We picked the first bicycle rental shop we saw, and a young man selected a couple of mountain bikes for us. Then I told him I wanted one for an 80-year-old lady.

We were then taken on a 20minute ride by shuttle van up a bumpy gravel road to White Top and deposited at a starting point along with a handful of other riders. We put on our helmets and mounted our bikes. I tested my brakes and even hopped off the bike a few

times, planting my feet on the ground to show the bike that I was in control. Then I was ready to plunge into the new experience!

Barely pedaling along in places and coasting in most, we passed picturesque farmhouses and pastureland. We rode through the dappled light of leafy forests and the sunny expanses of open grassy meadows.

For much of the trail, a twisting, sparkling creek babbled beside us. Once, we stopped to rest on the sun-baked rocks edging the stream. We crept slowly by the old depot at Green Cove. The highlight of the trip was crossing the wooden trestle bridges.

We saw deer and ducks and even spotted a snake under one of the bridges. After two hours, we stopped at a small cafe in Taylor’s Valley. When we rolled into Damascus, we were disappointed that our journey was over. But we had taken pictures to prove to our daughter that her humdrum parents had risked trying something new.

When we packed to leave, I thanked the innkeeper for her insight. She helped awaken us to a time of new beginnings for ourselves and not just for our daughter. It was a transition in perception, a fresh way of thinking. As we drove home, my mind raced, imagining the adventures that lay ahead.

And, several years later, we’re still smiling.

By Debra Madaris Efird info@theroanokestar.com

6/26/09 - 7/2/09 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 3

TheRoanokeStar.com

> Grow by Degrees From page 1

or more funding. It is about the resources… investment, and innovation.”

As state funding for public higher education has decreased, more of the tuition burden has fallen on students and their parents, a measure which hurts “taxpayers and tuition payers alike,” according to Fralin.

At a state level, more college graduates who earn twice as much as high school graduates pay more taxes while consuming fewer social resources. By neglecting to make tuition more affordable, “Virginia is seriously off track,” Fralin said.

For students in, or entering college, the “Grow By Degrees” program aims to open more routes to quality degrees, such as improving the quality of Virginia’s community colleges, providing more

resources for high school students to accumulate college credit, and increasing flexibility of class schedules and incorporating distance learning so that students may hold a job while working toward degrees.

By making college more affordable and accessible, the program intends to reach out to lower-income families.

“We will never reach our goal if we only educate the sons and daughters of wealthy families,” Fralin said.

The vision of “Grow By Degrees” is not limited to a student’s work while in school.

Much emphasis is placed on investments in the fields of science, mathematics, engineering and technology so that graduates will be able to compete in today’s “knowledge-based economy.”

Agee referred to her son,

who recently graduated from a university, to illustrate the influence of technology on today’s students.

“I say he’s fluent in three languages: English, French, and texting,” she said. “It’s the texting that’s important, because today’s students take technology for granted.”

It may be the same technology that helps the educational system evolve rather than become extinct.

“Frankly, there is simply no way for Virginians to afford to pay for 70,000 additional degrees in 10 years using the traditional approach of a residential four-year institution,” Agee said. “We need models of education that meet the needs of today’s students.”

Roanoke Youth Advocate Programs Initiates “Summer of Peace”

Roanoke Youth Advocate Programs, Inc. (YAP) has announced its inaugural Summer of Peace. YAP intends to “engage youth in thoughts and actions that keep them safe this summer and that contribute toward building strong and peaceful communities.”

Volunteers are encouraged to sign on as a “Partner for Peace,” sharing the 64 principles of Non-Violence developed by the Association for Global New Thought, with ideas for activities in English and Spanish for children, teens and adults. To become more involved in your community, contact YAP is included in the profiles of programs that display

By Caitlin Coakley promising practices in the info@theroanokestar.com

> United Way From page 1

Rogan, the local United Way CEO, was quick to thank SunTrust Bank, the law firm of Gentry, Locke, Rakes and Moore, and Carilion for sponsoring the event.

Carson and Rogan lauded charity by way of payroll deductions.

“It’s one of the most effective ways to give,” Carson said, “because you can spread your gifts out over the year, you can be five times more generous. And without having to worry about writing a check.”

United Way’s funding does not come from any government source.

The strategy works well here, Rogan said. “The Roa-

noke Valley’s per capita giving is the highest in the state.

But in times like this, people want to know ‘how can I help even though money is tighter?’ … They’ll step up as they’ve never stepped up before.”

United Way, which funds other non-profits, also emphasizes getting kids through high school.

“If they do graduate, the social cost is less and the benefit is greater,” said Carson. “It’s hard to make a go of your life without a high school diploma, and since the early years are the most important, we invest heavily in early child care and education. Helping teachers, fund-

ing after-school programs and targeting kids on the edge to give them the right kind of mentors. We aim for preventive services.”

United Way volunteers visit agencies to see what they do, but they also pitch in personally: working with children, painting a room. This gets the volunteers ready to give and advocate giving.

This army has to have some captains, such as Rev. Bill Lee of Loudon Avenue Christian Church, who heads the board of directors. Each member of the board has a specific responsibility. For example, Jeff Marks of WDBJ-7 solicits participation by businesses.

“I’ve called on about 25 so far,” Marks said, “with a lot more to go.”

United Way of the Roanoke Valley will dispense over $5 million as of July 1, which means a lot of oversight.

“We have 100 volunteers, led by a financial expert,” said Carson. “They make sure each agency is working its program in an efficient manner. We focus on actual outcomes, not just the number served.”

And in these times, said Carson to those at the Taubman, “United Way needs your donations now more than ever.”

to enter a pageant.

“I’ve been through that struggle,” said Haglund, who has lobbied the U.S. Congress on eating disorder issues. Being fit and toned but “not looking like a walking eating disorder,” should be a young woman’s dream, said Haglund. The experience she gained at a young age with her Miss America platform on eating disorders will help with her foundation.

This is Haglund’s first trip to Roanoke and she hopes to take in some of the sights, like the Taubman Museum, before she leaves town. “It’s really cute…historic. And it’s warm,” said Haglund of her first trip to Roanoke.

The next few days can be intense, said Haglund, who avoided comparing herself to others while competing.

It was all about doing her best and letting the chips fall where they may.

“Basically who wins is the last one standing. You have to take care of yourself mentally and emotionally,” she said.

Haglund often speaks to young girls and offers a simple bit of advice: “don’t let it be your entire identity…be a whole complete person outside of pageantry.”

Weekend pageant schedule: Sat., June 27th: 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm, Miss Virginia Teen & Preteen Final Competition; 8:00 pm, Miss Virginia finals, all at Roanoke Performing Arts Theater.

Annie E. Casey Foundation’s Workforce and Youth Development for Young Offenders. The Youth Policy Forum, Washington, D.C., has also cited YAP’s communitybased programming as an innovative approach. YAP, Inc. has been designated as one of the fastest growing non-profit organizations in

the country, and since 1975 has operated 125 programs serving 16 states and Washington, D.C. Visit www.yapinc.org for more information contact Valerie Koeppel, Roanoke Advocate Program, at 540342-1261.

Roanoke Star of the Week Beth Pline was born in Moscow, Idaho. She grew up all around the United States as her father was an engineer with the Boeing Corporation.

She graduated from high school in Huntsville, Alabama in 1972 and the University of Alabama (Bear Country) in 1976. She later went on to get her Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Houston in 1992.

Beth was employed by the Beth Pline United Way in Houston for 13 years before moving to Roanoke. She and her husband, Tom, have one daughter Colleen. They make their home in Roanoke City. Her favorite places are downtown Roanoke, Mill Mountain Theatre, and the Taubman Art Museum. Beth is the Executive Director of the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra.

Have someone in mind for “Roanoke Star of the Week?”

E-mail Jim Bullington: JBullPhoto@Hotmail.com

By Priscilla Richardson info@theroanokestar.com

> Miss Virginia From page 1

even on TV anymore - only five or six.…and we have last year’s Miss America with us,” said Mark Schreier, the Miss Virginia Marketing & Production Director. “She’s adorable, like Kelly Ripa on stage. The crowd and contestants will love her.”

Haglund notes that the Miss Virginia winner will only have six months in that role before they head to Las Vegas for the Miss America pageant.

“The best preparation you can do is doing your job,” said Haglund, “rather than get caught up in what swimsuit to wear, what evening gown would be best.”

“Speaking every chance you can to the public, having as many conversations as you can about who you are… your future, your goals,” is more important, she added.

Putting together a marketing plan for the platform each

contestant must have is also a key.

Haglund said while sitting in the Hotel Roanoke Palm Court earlier this week that she was not a serial pageant competitor growing up, and in fact went straight from her first local title to Miss Michigan and then Miss America in the same year. At the Miss America finals she was “totally shocked at each stage,” as she got closer to being chosen.

After studying musical theater in college, Haglund is now pursuing a performing career in California and is hoping for a movie role this fall. She has also started a non-profit, the Kirsten Haglund Foundation for Eating Disorders, which provides assistance to families and individuals seeking treatment for conditions like anorexia.

She warns young girls against starving themselves in order

By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

Invest in Women.

Town of Vinton Celebrates 125 Years During July 4 Festivities The Vinton 4th of July Celebration, held on the 4th from 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. at the Vinton War Memorial, will feature Zambelli Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Activities highlighting 125th anniversary of the Town of Vinton will include a Civil War skirmish and camp by the 51st Virginia Company D, an antique car display by the Roanoke Valley Antique Automobile Association, a historic military uniform display by Matt McKeever, a display of historic items of Vinton by the Vinton History Museum, a history exhibit of Girl Scouts by the Girl Scout Troop 171 and a exhibit by the Roanoke Valley DAR. The Kings, and “the stars of tomorrow” featuring William Byrd High School cast members of Smokey Joe’s Café, will provide the music. At 7:15 p.m., the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4522 of Vinton, Mayor Brad Grose, and the Vinton – Roanoke County Veterans Monument Committee will lead a flag ceremony by veterans of World War II and the Korean War. Festival foods such as hot dogs, barbeque chicken, snow cones, soft drinks, and lemonade will be for sale throughout the evening. Please bring blankets or chairs for seating on the lawn or parking lot. Please do not bring dogs or other pets, alcoholic beverages, firecrackers, cherry bombs, or other similar items to the event or surrounding area. For more information call (540) 983-0613, or visit www.vintonva.gov

Roanoke County Receives Emergency Food and Shelter Funds The Local Emergency Food and Shelter Board will award $10,488 from monies from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, through DHS/FEMA, to assist residents of Roanoke County. Funds will supplement ongoing emergency food and shelter programs. The local board has determined priority to be given for programs serving residents in zip codes 24018, 24019, and 24179.

Agencies considered for funding must be private volunteer nonprofits or units of government, have an accounting system, conduct an annual audit, practice nondiscrimination, have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs, and if a private volunteer organization, have a volunteer board. For an application, contact Local Emergency Food and Shelter Board at 777-4209, or email mariem@uwrv.org.

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Perspective

Page 4 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 6/26/09 - 7/2/09

I

Tattoos—Do You Want One?

f you have had at least one eye open in the past decades you have noticed the increasing frequency and intricacy of tattoos. Years ago the only people with tattoos were sailors and criminals. Most of them were crudely done as well as, in many cases, crudely expressive.

Obviously, a lot has changed. In any social setting today you see men and women who display body art that is pretty amazing. With this observation I set about to do a little research.

Not surprisingly, I found that tattoos have been around for 5000 years and are seen in every culture. The word itself derives from the combination of the Polynesian word ta, meaning “to strike something” and the Tahitian word, tatau which means “to mark.” The artistry of ancient tattooing put to rest my uneducated preconception.

To gather facts, I made a visit to Star City Tattoo. The door was held open for me as I entered and was warmly greeted. I introduced myself to Roger, the owner, who invited me to conduct my interview while he worked. A quick look around convinced me I had much to learn. The establishment was impeccably clean and well lit, not the murky, black-lit, smokefilled den I had envisioned.

Roger’s client, Brian, was a startlingly handsome physical fitness trainer who, at age 22, has an impressive array of tattoos. How long had he wanted tattoos, I asked; since he was 4. When did he get his first one; when he was 18.

How does he choose his designs; by reading Dante’s Inferno and selecting symbols from other Greek classics.

So much for the intelligence testing.

Roger, 38 (who looks 24)

has a series of elegant tattoos. that marks the transition to He plans to continue until, as adulthood and tattoo is part he put it, his body has only of that.” one tattoo. He worked with That seemed a superficial the precision of a watchmaker answer on the surface, but wearing sterile gloves. After then I thought about beards four years of apprenticeship and moustaches, about before becoming licensed by makeup and earrings, about the state he maintains strict clothes styling and footwear. rules about what he will tat- They all give the same mestoo. No symbols that would sage: “Look at me. I am difoffend, no criminal mark- ferent from you. This is who ings, no racial inI am and although nuendo and no we are different, we one under 18. He’s are the same. These been at this for a things give me a long time. sense of self beyond I asked about the obvious and his background. that’s an important He was a graphpart of my selfics technician for esteem.”

Tattoos the navy and first are a piece of that learned the art whole process then.

All the Hayden Hollingsworth and today people designs he uses are more open in are original and his studio expressing themselves. is covered with professionAm I going to get one? ally framed paintings and No. Some would say I aldrawings of his work in oils, ready have more self-actuacrylic, and watercolor. An alization than I need .When additional portfolio shows my grandchildren are of age, all the tattoos he has done. will I be all right with their All tattooists are required choice? Yes. to take continuing education A few words of advice if courses on protecting their you go the route of body clients from pathogens and art: Make sure you choose a how to deal with emergen- qualified artist, someone like cies. Failure to meet these Roger. Look at their portrequirements and the state folio. Talk to clients who will pull your license. In have used the service. And just a few minutes I was con- remember this: Removing a vinced he knew what he was tattoo is a lot more expensive doing. and painful than getting one But why does anyone (now placed. many) want to go through One final word: The last this? Roger maintains that private patient I saw before tattooing is no more preva- my retirement had no part lent than it was in the past, of his body that was not tatbut people are just more tooed. His parting comment open about displaying them. to me was, “Doc, you saved Perhaps so, but in 40 years of my life a bunch of times. practicing medicine, I saw a When I die, I’m going to have lot of tattoos but only a single a lamp shade made of my one that showed any sense of skin for you.” I appreciated the artistry I found at Star the thought, but I am happy City Tattoo. that gift has never arrived.

“It’s a right of passage,” Roger said. “Every culture Contact Hayden at has a ceremony of some type jhayden2003@cox.net

Send your articles, story ideas and pictures to:

info@theroanokestar.com Local Crossword

Star~Sentinel Crossword for 6/26/2009

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www.CrosswordWeaver.com ACROSS

55 Walnut 57 Mischievous Walnut 59 Lodges 62 Monger Mischievous 65 Hi! Lodges 66 Shock 68 Airy Monger 70 Association (abbr.)

Hi!71 Act in response to something 72 Crippled Shock 73 Honey makers Airy 74 Deoxyribonucleic acid (abbr.)

75 Baths Association (abbr.)

24 26 55 SS 27 1 U.S. Department of Agriculture 28 5 Wonder 57 30 8 Lady S. Department Agriculture 59 32 Pillow covering 12 of 33 13 Layers nder 62 34 15 Voiced dy 65 36 16 Cab 38 City 17 ow covering 66 42 18 Seed ers 43 19 Setting the ball on the peg 68 46 21 Tunnel ced 70 49 23 Strength in response to something51 b 71 ActDOWN 25 Snake 53 26 Chocolate tree y 72 Crippled 56 1 North American nation 29 Not (refix) Honey makers ed 73 58 2 Zip 31 Seasoned rice Woo State capital 3 35 ting the ball on the peg 74 Deoxyribonucleic acid (abbr.)59 4 One-celled animals 37 Type of dance nnel 75 Baths 60 5 Pellet gun 39 Italian currency 61 6 Cobweb 40 Wrath ength Times 63 7 41 Water absorber ake DOWN8 Howl (2 wds.)

64 44 Lie 65 9 Location ocolate tree 45 Hoist 67 10 Christ's mother 47 Thai North American nation (refix) 1 69 11 Tree 48 Pale Bonito Scare 13 50 asoned rice 2 Zip 14 Scorn 52 Farm credit administration te capital 3 Woo (abbr.)

20 Pressers 22 Hit 54 Outmoded One-celled animals

pe of dance 4 an currency 5 Pellet gun Find the answers online: TheRoanokeStar.com ath Have a clue and answer you’d 6 likeCobweb to see? ter absorberemail: puzzles@theroanokestar.com 7 Times 8 Howl (2 wds.)

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Mean (2 wds.)

Son 24 Mean (2 wds.)

Eagle's nest Split 26 Son Badger Picks up27 Eagle's nest Aries the RamSplit 28 Aesop's writing 30 Badger Able High-school club 32 Picks up Klutz 33to Aries Agreeable the mindthe Ram Sinews 34 Aesop's writing Summer shoes Carpet 36 Able S. American llama 38 High-school club Rend Touched42 Klutz first Rescue squad founder and to the mind 43 Agreeable Roanoker Comfort46 Sinews Rushed 49 Summer shoes Caper 51 Carpet Writer Bombeck Fare's ride S. American llama 53 Wok 56 Rend Affirmative

TheRoanokeStar.com

Preacher’s Corner How Big Is the “Our” in “Our Father?”

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By Pastor Gary Robbins

everal years ago, Bruce Wilkinson published a 92-page book entitled The Prayer of Jabez. The book took an obscure prayer in the Old Testament and promoted it as the model prayer for believers. To everyone’s surprise, it became the fastest-selling book of all time and created a cottage industry almost overnight.

My problem is that when you look at the prayer, the most prominent, recurring words in the prayer are “me” and “my”: ‘Oh that Thou would bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast [territory], and that Thine hand might be with me, and that Thou would keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me!’

The prayer is only one sentence long, but the words “me” or “my” appear five times!

When it is all said and done, the prayer can be boiled down to just two words: “Bless me.”

What a dramatic difference between the “Prayer of Jabez” and the “Prayer of Jesus.”

In the Lord’s Prayer the key words are not “me” and “my.”

The key words instead are “our,” “us,” “thy” and “thine.”

Jesus did not instruct his disciples to pray, “My Father… give me…,” but “Our Father… give us.”

By teaching us to pray “Our Father,” Jesus is not insisting that our needs are not important. But he is inviting us to move beyond our singular preoccupation with ourselves

and to experience a sense of shared humanity with others.

By praying not just for “my” bread, but for “our” bread, we are invited to pray in solidarity with people in need everywhere.

What difference would it make, for example, if in our mind’s eye we were to take the hand of one of the 98,000 children in Virginia who live in extreme poverty and earnestly pray, “give us this day our daily bread?”

How would our hearts be different if we were to close our eyes and mentally place ourselves in the midst of one of the refugee camps in Palestine or Pakistan and pray, “give us this day our daily bread?”

But there is a danger in praying “Our Father,” for once you pray, “Our Father,” you have to wrestle with the question: How big is the “Our” in “Our Father?”

Does the “Our” include only your family or the people with whom you go to church? Is it restricted to your close circle of friends—or is it much vaster than that?

There are over a quarter of a million families in Virginia who are having a difficult time putting enough food on their table—including single mothers in Roanoke who are trying to feed their families on food stamps that until recently totaled only $2.55 per person per day. Does the “Our” include them?

What about the families who have to sleep in their cars at night or those who know

the icy chill of winter winds blowing around their doors and windows?

What about the inner-city children who live with the fear of being the next victim of a drive-by shooting?

What about the children in southern Africa orphaned by AIDS or the teenaged girls in Sudan, terrified of being murdered or raped?

What about the millions of people in the Two-Thirds World who live on the equivalent of a dollar a day?

Does it make a difference to consciously include them when we pray, “Our Father?”

I think it does—and I cannot help but believe that the world would be a very different place if those of us who pray the Lord’s Prayer prayed it not just for ourselves, but in solidarity with all of those who are so desperately in need of the basic physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual provisions of life.

Tonight, when you go to bed, try praying the Lord’s Prayer in solidarity with those throughout our communities and across the globe who struggle each day for their daily provisions. Who knows, maybe that simple act will take us a step closer to the day when God’s kingdom will come and God’s “will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”

Gary Robbins is pastor at Greene Memorial United Methodist Church.

The Recipe of the Week from The Happy Chef

by Leigh Sackett

Strawberry Cream Pie with Custard Pie Filling

YUMMY! I love custard. My grandmother made the best custard and sometimes on special occasions my mom would make it for us. I will have to find Grandmother’s custard recipe (I am sure my Aunt Helene is in possession of it) but in the meantime I found this recipe on the internet when I was looking up strawberry desserts for the 4th of July. It looked so good. I will be on the Cape for the 4th. My in-laws have rented a house for the Virginia clan and the New England clan to stay in for a week. I can’t wait to see all the little cousins playing together. What a great summer adventure. I plan on showing my gratitude with these pies and other Happy Chef creations. My favorite thing to do at the beach is to cook seafood and of course roll around in the surf. I hope my southern blood can handle that cold New England water.

1 cup sugar 6 tablespoons cornstarch 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 1/2 cups milk, scalded 2 eggs, slightly beaten 3 tablespoons butter 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 9-inch pastry shell, baked 2 cups strawberries (1 pint), washed and hulled 1 cup heavy cream, whipped and sweetened, or 2 cups (8 ounces) whipped topping

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-In top of double boiler mix sugar, cornstarch, and salt; gradually add milk and cook over simmering water, stirring constantly, until thickened.

-Add a small amount of the hot mixture to the beaten eggs; whisk in quickly.

-Return egg mixture to hot sauce mixture in double boiler.

-Cook, stirring constantly, until thick. Remove from heat; add butter and vanilla extract.

-Cover and chill.

-Pour chilled mixture into the baked pastry shell.

-Arrange halved strawberries over the filling.

Chill.

-Spread with sweetened whipped cream or whipped topping just before serving.

-Garnish with more halved berries. Store leftovers, covered, in the refrigerator.

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Perspective

6/26/09 - 7/2/09 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 5

TheRoanokeStar.com

Tough Choice: Pot Belly Pup or Tummy Tuck

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ith a name like mine (which incidentally dates me to being born sometime in the 50’s or 60’s, unlike “Elizabeth”, which is timeless--thanks mom), when someone calls your name, you generally know what part of the country you are in. Here in the south, my name ranges from “Shirrrlll,” to the generic “honey” and “darlin,’” often tossed about like a friendly hug via southern osmosis.

I recently traveled up north, to visit my Yankee relatives, some of whom now reside in northern New Jersey… where I am called “Shah-roll.” My Yankee family welcomes us with open arms; there is home-cooked food (prepared faster: think great sauerkraut), and all the northern hospitality you could want. But I have become a true transplant: I sure do love the south!

My first priority upon arrival is to hang out with the 25 adult dogs and two litters of puppies at my uncle’s Brittany breeding utopia--such a fun diversion. The dogs are fantastic and the puppies irresistible. With slight trepidation, I turn my attention to the visit with my cousin, who happens to be a plastic surgeon.

This is an issue, because now I am old enough to flunk even a cursory look by his well-trained eyes. He loves me for who I am but I know what

tion has been handling this aging sitution. Methinks thou dost not protest ation in a mature way for quite some enough? time. Where we once pushed strollers, Hypocrite. hauled diaper bags and strapped little The visit with my cousin dearest people in and out of car seats, these went great. He is a wonderful, talentdays find us out playing tennis, teached guy who is immensely respected ing our kids to drive, and watching in his field. Mostly I love him because them play umpteen sports. Behind the he is my cool cousin. I had big ideas, scenes, some are trying “facial procebut I chickened out on the botox et al. dures,” getting their eyes “done” and In an unforeseen turn of events, one considering certain other surgical of the 15 already-claimed Brittany Cheryl Hodges options. It is happening all around puppies became un-claimed just as us. So much so that I’m beginning to our visit wrapped up. Said puppy is feel left out. Many in my cohort are suddenly now at home in my kitchen. looking downright dewy, with forehead creases Pipe dreams of coming back to Roanoke looknothing but faint memories replaced by smooth ing anywhere from “rested” to “fabulous” have evaporated into a regressive lifestyle of houseglowing skin. Am I feeling restrained jealousy?

Then there’s the more dramatic. I point out that training a young puppy and placating the dethere are many gals who are a whole lot bustier throned family dog. I am finding new gray hair than I remembered; has the head of household and deeper wrinkles by the hour.

Just how did I go from a tummy tuck to a potnoticed? His answer: “of course not?” bellied puppy? At least the kids think I have my Liar.

In an effort to test the waters and bolster the values and priorities straight! case for the tummy tuck, I glibly point out that if one were to enhance the bust perhaps in contrast Contact Cheryl at the stomach would look smaller. I am caught by cvhodges@aol.com surprise at the lack of response to this sugges-

Perry Family Endures Wilds of Delaware

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s I write this, I'm four days into a ten-day vacation (counting weekends) at the beach in Delaware. Thus far the trip has been (thankfully) non-eventful despite a persistent low pressure system that in addition to causing havoc at the U.S. Open has kept our actual beach time to a minimum.

This is our second year of what will hopefully become a family tradition: a week at the beach in my wife's grandmother's condo, aka the “Sand Dunes,” just over the dune from the ocean.

(Although I have a feeling that this will become one of those things that was sweet

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he will be thinking: “sun damage, wrinkles, deep creases, slouchy look; she let herself go!” Those minor flaws aside, I have been wondering for some time: just WHO IS the loathsome diabolical individual who thought himself so clever as to apply the name of a formerly loved baked good to one of the more common afflictions resulting from having a child. I am referring, of course, to what is now known as a “muffin-top.” Cruel, cruel, the accuracy of that word coinage—one rued by many a mother.

Therefore, just for fun, and only for fun, I will be asking my cousin about a tummy tuck. I tentatively ran this by the head-of-household and primary encourager at my house. I was told that this was entirely unnecessary, a bad example for our kids concerning values and priorities, as well as a total waste of money, family discount or not.

Not to be totally defeated, I timidly threw out a desire for perhaps a bit of Botox – to soften the ever-present scowl trying to make its way into prominence and which is deepening by the second as we speak? His kindly, gentle response: “Absolutely not. Once you start things like this, you can’t decide when to stop.” I want to argue, but I wonder if he’s right.

I politely inform him that some of my genera-

but short-lived; we'll wax nostalgic and say “Remember when Nana had the Sand Dunes and we stayed there when the boys were little?

That was so much fun.”)

Last year the Perry Boys were but toddlers on the beach, but this year they're preschoolers and are a step faster both mentally and on the hoof. We took them, along with their Aunt Meg and New Jersey cousins Haley and Ben Liberto (we call him Ben 'Berto) to the playground last night after a father's day dinner of pizza celebrated with Pop-Pop and Mom-Mom. But it wasn't just any playground—it was one of those institutional

plastic and painted metal modules where it's well nigh impossible to watch your kids due to the sprawling and intricate placement of steps, slides, stairs, tubes, tunnels, fences, and walls spread over a third-acre or so. (Think the handicapped accessible playground at Penn Forest Elementary with 100 screaming tourist kids on it.)

Realizing that the only way to attack the playground was with a zone defense—manto-man would prove impossible due to the enemy's fortifications—the three parents and two grandparents took up strategic positions around the perimeter. As the children passed from section

to section, we'd call City, Maryland, out their locations which makes these and hand them off hot hand-dipped to the next adult donuts that have down the line as anprobably been other child entered outlawed in New our radar screen.

York and Califor“Haley's coming nia due to their your way! I've got trans-fat content.

These along with Seth...where's the pizza and Kevin? This way, David Perry other beach treats Ben!” I don't recall my mother employing like caramel popcorn and a these kinds of organized pack few Coronas will necessitate hunting techniques to guard another of dad's 30-minute her own young, but that was runs down the beach road a simpler time, I guess. We this afternoon, if my aching didn't have an SUV or Twit- right leg obliges. The trip to the donut store was folter then, either.

So far this morning, Seth lowed by a stop at CVS to and I have already been to get an eyeglass repair kit to the donut store in Ocean fix Seth's broken sunglasses,

Summer Survival Strategies for Mom and Dad

ummer break is here, kids are out of school, vacations are in full swing, pools are open, are you worn out yet? I know that I look forward to summer more and more the older I get. The problem is that I forget that while summer is, in most of our minds, a break and time for relaxation, it presents a whole new list of challenges that if not managed well, can actually wear us out. Then we are desperately looking for fall. As some parents told me last week, “It is only two more months and they will go back to school.” To keep summer fun and positive, here are a few ideas that may help.

Have a schedule or routine. When there is a clear understanding of what is going to happen there are fewer unrealistic expectations. A typical kids thought process may look something like this, “Today I am going to sleep in, followed by 4 or 5 hours of television and video games, then I will go to the pool and Oh, I can’t wait to get all of my Legos out all over the family room floor and then Johnny will come over to watch movies and do a sleepover and blah, blah, blah.”

At the same time Mom or Dad’s thoughts might be “We need to be up at 7 AM so that we can get to the dentist on time and then across town to pick up Aunt Mabel for her hair appointment. Then we need to be back home by 11 to get the whole house picked up, vacuumed and dusted for the meeting tonight.” Do you think these two paths may collide at some point?

If we put a few routines or schedules in place, a lot if this can be avoided. An example of this might be telling the kids that after the house is cleaned up, they can go to the pool until 2, or letting them know in advance when an early morning or busy day is coming up. A little communication and scheduling will avoid much frustration.

A second idea that will also

make the schedtice? Has it ever uling a bit easier killed a kid to stay is having healthy at the pool for just boundaries. It is a few hours versus always humorous all day? When we when I hear young maintain healthy kids tell me about boundaries and what they think limits, we all functheir summer days tion better.

We will be like. I hear have to be careful things like, “I am that we don’t view Keith McCurdy going to play video summer as a time games all day long”, to just throw out “I am going to live at the the healthy lifestyles that we pool”, “I can stay up as late as have worked on the rest of I want, it’s summer.” Yes, it the year. is pretty much the same type The third strategy is to set of thoughts that I had when a budget. I have to admit I was a child, and just as un- that I am possibly the worst realistic. By setting limits at running to get Slurpees on the amount of time play- and Big Gulps whenever my ing video games or watching kids want. It just seems like television and by sticking to the summer thing to do. The bedtimes, even though they problem is that I am teaching may be later than during the the wrong lesson. They are school year, we give our chil- learning that wanting somedren boundaries that help thing means that they will authem and us to stay healthy. tomatically get it. This is the Have you noticed how diffi- beginning of building a child cult it is to get up early and with a sense of entitlement. get to work when you gave A budget goes a long way in in to temptation and stayed helping to avoid this. When up to watch a late movie with a child knows they have $5 at the kids during the work the pool for the week, they beweek? The rationalization gin to add things up. My son was that it is summer and it might get a $5 hamburger for is no big deal, then you feel the week and be done or get a the results the next day. Or $.75 popsicle on several days. how about letting Johnny With the budget, I do not have play video games all day and to explain this to him, he will night only to then experience learn it experientially. Often the result of a grumpy, irri- this lesson is learned quickly table kid when you need him and then a child begins to to help out around the house be a little more careful. The or get ready for swim prac- budget also helps us as par-

SAVE $500 7

ents evaluate all that we can do for and with our children over the summer and aids in the decision making process for camps and activities.

Summer can and should be a fun and enjoyable time for our kids. Remembering a few strategies will aid in the pro-

but we emerged with a plastic beach toy, too. Funny how that happens.

Still to come, we have visits with old friends, fishing in Pop-Pop's little Boston Whaler, and a bonfire on the beach. And there's still that pesky weather. But this morning, it's four days in and all is well. Keep the star lit for us, and see you back in town next week.

Contact David at dave@davidperryonline.com

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cess and make for an easier transition back to the more significant structure of school in the fall. Have a great summer!

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Sports

Page 6 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 6/26/09 - 7/2/09

TheRoanokeStar.com

Swimming Battle of the Hills Perennial Roanoke Valley Aquatic Association champ Hunting Hills Country Club visited Forest Hills Monday night for a spirited southwest Roanoke County meet.

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Hunting Hills swimmer Zach H'Doubler competes in the 50meter breast stroke during Monday's action.

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John Vitello of Forest Hills plies through the water during Monday's meet.

Fan favorite Kasey Skaff (Above) of Hunting Hills heads to the finish line in her 100-meter event. Skaff was double-lapped by several swimmers but refused to give up or not complete the event; she finished to a standing ovation.

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Independence Day weekend brings the ID3 time trial road bike races back to downtown Roanoke, July 3, 4 and 5. The Mill Mountain Time Trial, July 3, starts at the bottom of the mountain, covering 1.87 miles, with 900 feet of elevation gain. The SkyPix Criterium is a sixcorner, .7 mile timed course for ages 4+ Saturday, while the East Coasters Criterium Sunday, July 5 is another short course featuring 5 corners, “long straight aways and classic brick sections,” as described in the brochure at id3races. com.

Entry fees range from $10-$30, although the youngest races (4-9) can try the SkyPix Criterium on Saturday for free. Cash prizes and other gifts will be awarded to the top finishers.

“We are trying our best to make this a signature event for not only the valley but for the Roanoke Regional Partnership and its outside campaigns [to attract people to the area],” said ID3 marketing director Bob Bowman, who is also with the Roanoke Cycling Organization.

“We have great new routes …like the Mill Mountain HillClimb - 1.87 miles of pain.”

Despite economic jitters and some ups and downs regarding biking events, Bowman is hopeful that Roanoke is on its way as a road racing Mecca.

“I have faith in the valley as an area to be

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Education

Send sports pictures, announcements and story ideas to info@theroanokestar.com 6/26/09 - 7/2/09 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 7

National College Graduate now First Lady of Mongolia

Bolormaa Hajidsuren,a na- a platform that emphasized tive of Mongolia, was a stu- economic improvements in a dent at National College from nation rich in mineral wealth 2002 through 2005, earning but where many citizens still her associate degree in Medi- live in poverty, told his audical Assisting, all while caring ence the election results were for her two as much a children who victory for were in Roathe rights and noke County freedoms of Schools perMongolia as fecting their it was for him English. and the DemHajidsuren ocratic Party. watched her â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is a win husband for the entire Ts a k hiag iin country,â&#x20AC;? he Elbegdorj said. (referred to in Ron Smith, the MongoNational Collian press as lege Director â&#x20AC;&#x153;the George of AdmisWashington sions and Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj, Prime of Mongoliaâ&#x20AC;?)

International Minister of Mongolia served as first Programs, Prime Minismet ElbegThe 2nd annual Juneteenth Freedom Day Black Tie and Dinner Dance was held at the Taubman Museum of Art last Friday Delter of Mongolia following that dorj when he visited the camegate Onzlee Ware presented the "Freedom Day Award" to Richard L. Chubb, retired principal from the Roanoke City Schools, countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s independence after pus in 2002. for his outstanding civic leadership and excellence in the field of education. the breakup of the old USSR. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He was very pleasant, very

By Jim Bullington The Harvard-educated bright,â&#x20AC;? Smith said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;He wantElbegdorj was declared the ed to help his wife pursue her winner last month and gave education here in the United his victory address to a huge States as he had done earlier. throng of supporters in the Bolormaa was one of our best capital of Ulan Bator. In his students, really dedicated and Emerging politicians from is much the same as in her speech Elbegdorj, who ran on talented.â&#x20AC;?

Serbia, Italy, the Netherlands, country. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If enough students Germany, the Czech Repubdo not enroll, the school shuts lic, and Poland converged at down.â&#x20AC;?

Local Roots CafĂŠ on Grandin The six European leaders Road earlier this week for a are participants in the Gerdiscussion about education, as man Marshall Fund of the part of a whirlwind tour of the United Statesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; (GMF) Marshall Commonwealth.

Memorial Fellowship (MMF) The six European leaders program. In its 27th year, the were Ms. Lamis Khalilova, MMF provides opportunities Head of Center for Middle for young leaders from the Eastern Studies, Metropolitan United States and Europe to University Prague, Czech Retravel abroad to learn about public; Mr. Alessandro Gonzacurrent economic, political, les, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and social issues facing both Italy; Ms. Vesna MarjanoviĂŞ, the United States and Europe.

Member of Parliament, NaEuropean fellows visit varitional Assembly of the Repubous U.S. cities to meet forWe Smooth lic of Serbia; Ms. Bilkay Ă&#x2013;ney, mally and informally with Out the Member of Parliament, Gerpolicymakers and prominent Wrinkles many; Mr. Maciej Ptaszynski, members of the business, 3346 Shenandoah Ave Advisor to the Speaker of the government, political, nonRoanoke, VA 24017 Polish Parliament; Mr. Caspar governmental, and media 540-345-7955 Van Den Berg, Assistant Procommunities. Other stops in fessor, Leiden University, The Roanoke included a discus- European, Asian & American Collision Repair Photo by Jeff Crooke Netherlands. sion on politics at the home On this occasion, the Eu- Roanoke City School Board Chairman David Carson speaks to of Nelson Harris and a hike to ropean delegation, with for- European contingent at Local Roots Cafe.

McAfeeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Knob along the ApI Sure Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Want to Sell This Bike. mer Roanoke mayor Nelson es many face. palachian Trail. dents,â&#x20AC;? noted Carson.

But, I have toâ&#x20AC;Ś Harris as facilitator, met with German Parliament MemLamis Khalilova from the

By Jeff Crooke David Carson, an attorney and ber Bilkay Ă&#x2013;ney noted simi- Czech Republic said that this info@theroanokestar.com chairman of the Roanoke City lar issues in Germany. While School Board. Roanoke City many European countries do Public Schools has an overall not have standardized testing, enrollment of about 13,000 as Maciej Ptaszynski, Advisor students and is one of the most to the Speaker of the Polish HANGING ROCK diverse student populations in Parliament, pointed out, they ANIMAL HOSPITAL the state. do have similar challenges in â&#x20AC;&#x153;doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t your pet deserve the very best...â&#x20AC;? you have trouble remembering to give your That diversity was quickly assimilating immigrant popu- DoHanging Rockmedication Animal Hospital dog heartworm every month? and understandably the fo- lations. is a full-service veterinary We can now offer you a better solution to hospital. We offer many cal point of the conversation, monthly heartworm prevention.

The discussion also ad- once services to promote and as Carson ably demonstrated dressed how such challenges PROHEART Purchased new in 07 â&#x20AC;˘ Black & Chrome 6 is health an injection that is given at preserve the of your office that protects your dog from deadly how local schools must work are amplified during tough the Less than 1500 miles; 1500cc â&#x20AC;˘ Always garaged pet. We have serving for 6been months.

Whenour the next through federal and state economic times such as these, heartworms clients isand Roanoke injection duepets you of willthe receive a reminder to Boulevard windshield â&#x20AC;˘ Shaft drive; Fuel injection the office for. the next injection. funding requirements, such as particularly when enrollment return Valleytosince 1996 Boulevard passenger seat with backrest the No Child Left Behind Act is down, as it is in Roanoke $PNQSFIFOTJWF XFMMOFTT DBSF t 'VMM EFOUBM TFrWJDF t 5-$ GPS FWFrZ QBUJFOU t 4VSHFry Price $5,950 enacted during former Presi- City, which recently had to "DVQVODUVSF t )PNFPQBUIJD BOE IFSCBM SFNFEJFT t 4QFDJBM JOUFSFTU JO FYPUJD NBNNBMT dent Bushâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first term, while close two elementary schools.

Janice Annis, DVM Cinthia L. Honeycutt, DVM Todd Czarnecki, DVM, CVA Please call Mel at 614-395-7681 meeting the needs of the chil -PDI )BWFO %SJWF t 3PBOPLF V" t â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re down 1,000 studren of a growing immigrant population.

4444 Pheasant Ridge Road, Roanoke, according to CarSouth West Roanoke son, is an immigration focal (Across Rt. 220 from Hunting Hills) point for much of Southwest www.pheasantridgecondos.com Virginia, because it is an urban center with the social services network that immigrants ~Henry David Thoreau need to succeed. In turn, however, this places extraordinary demands upon the schools.

Carson used the example of an African immigrant who does Weeknights at 5, 5:30, not speak English. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Within one year he is ex6 and 11. pected to take the (SOL) test and pass it,â&#x20AC;? said Carson, while noting that at Virginia Heights Elementary alone there were Last Phase of Pheasant Ridge Now Available! eight different African â&#x20AC;&#x153;dia1 to 3 bedroom condominium units - 7 ďŹ&#x201A;oor plans to chose from! lectsâ&#x20AC;? that staff had to recognize.

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Carson is not a big fan of the â&#x20AC;˘ Private road with gated entrance funding loss that can occur if a â&#x20AC;˘ Underground parking, automatic garage door opener school fails to meet SOL stanâ&#x20AC;˘ Nine-foot ceilings / Ceramic Tiled Foyer dards over a period of time. â&#x20AC;˘ Crown moulding and chair rail in dining room ONLY on â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reasonable to have cerâ&#x20AC;˘ Master bedroom with huge walk-in closet â&#x20AC;˘ Master bath with double sink and walk-in shower tain expectations,â&#x20AC;? said Carâ&#x20AC;˘ Kitchen furnished with top of line G.E. appliances son, who added that it is diffiâ&#x20AC;˘ Gas heat/central air / Closet Organizers cult for standardized testing to â&#x20AC;˘ Pre-wired for internet, cable TV and telephone measure the overall progress â&#x20AC;˘ Views, location and quality! of schools, given the challeng-

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Education

Page 8 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 6/26/09 - 7/2/09

Send sports pictures, announcements and story ideas to info@theroanokestar.com

Four Local Child Care Centers Participate in Pilot Program Roanoke is one of 10 localities across the state selected to pilot Virginias Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) to improve the quality of early childhood education.

Four Roanoke child-care centers are participating in the QRIS pilot and are slated to receive a star rating in coming weeks: Downtown Learning Center, a private, nonprofit center; Raleigh Court Presbyterian Church Preschool, a private, faith-based center;

Jefferson Street Child Development Center, a TAP Head Start facility; and Noah’s Landing Preschool, a private, faithbased center.

Mama Marlees, a homebased program participating as part of the local initiative, is a private, for-profit site owned and operated by Marlene Campbell of Roanoke City. Although no formal star rating will be received, the site participated in quality assessments and improvements similar to

those of the other early childhood programs.

Dr. Susan Jakob, a local early childhood expert, was trained by the state as part of the QRIS pilot and served as the rater for the sites. Jakob completed an initial visit with the sites in December 2008. The findings from the QRIS observation visit are being used by Smart Beginnings of Greater Roanoke as a guide to provide follow up support services to these sites.

Smart Beginnings, housed at

United Way of Roanoke Valley, one of the many community partners in the collaboration, is the program lead for the QRIS locally. Financial support for the program has been provided by a grant awarded by the Virginia Early Childhood Foundation (VECF) and local matching funds.

Dr. Jakob is completing follow up evaluations this month to document quality improvements that resulted from the additional support services.

Children in the sites are being assessed using Brigance developmental screenings and PALS-PreK assessments.

Teachers in the sites are learning how to use these assessments to improve their work, if evaluation methods are already not in place.

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Smart Beginnings is also forming a network of support for early educators and parents of young children such as: •Free monthly workshops for preschool teachers and childcare providers to meet their training needs. Topics are aligned with Virginia’s Milestones of Child Development and Core Competencies for Early Childhood Professionals.

•A community literacy program that provides a set of books to start a library for

classrooms as well as traveling book bags that children can take turns bringing home to read with their parents.

•A series of parent education classes to help support the growth and development of children. This parallel track helps to reinforce the topics covered with childcare providers but with the parents in mind.

by Debra W. Brauch, United Way of Roanoke Valley

School Briefs PH Ranked a Top School by Newsweek

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Patrick Henry High School is one of the top 1,500 high schools in the United States, according to Newsweek Magazine. The magazine ranked schools based on a ratio of the number of Advanced Placement, and International Baccalaureate tests taken by all students at the school in 2008, divided by the number of graduating seniors. Patrick Henry ranked number 1,421 in the Newsweek listing.

Retirement Party for Athletic Director George “Kila” Miller

Long-time educator, coach and mentor George Miller will be recognized for his years of service within Roanoke City Schools during a retirement reception, July 10, 6:30 p.m., at Holiday Inn Valley View. Tickets are $25 per person and can be purchased by calling 520-9928.

Stop compromising the things you want for the things you need.

School Bus Rodeo Held at Northside

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In addition to offering competitive living costs, we’re offering a free washer and dryer pair with any 12-month lease at our Wellington properties, now through July 30. That’s one less thing to worry about and one more way you can afford to splurge.

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Friendship does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, or age in admission, treatment, or participation in its programs, services and activities, or in employment. For further information about this policy, contact the Corporate Compliance Officer (540) 265-2222.

More than 40 school bus drivers from across Virginia competed Tuesday in the statewide school bus rodeo, held at Northside High School. The event, put on by the Virginia Association for Pupil Transportation (VAPT), tested drivers in a series of nine practical events. These involved driving and maneuvering a school

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bus in certain conditions and sequences in addition to laws governing school bus operation. A written test accompanied the driving events.

Drivers competed in three categories: transit bus, conventional bus and special needs bus. The 2009 statewide school bus winners were: Transit Bus: 1st place: Tyler Reynolds – Virginia Beach City 2nd place: Jeff Long – Newport News City 3rd place: Russell Altizer – Montgomery Co.

Conventional Bus: 1st place: Jeremy Click – Accomack Co. 2nd place: Mike Burroughs – Montgomery Co. 3rd place: Peggy Wilson – Portsmouth City

Special Needs Bus: 1st place: Josh Simpkins and Judy Simpkins (asst.) – Montgomery Co. 2nd place: Karen Schoonover – Roanoke City 3rd place: Tammy Seibert and June Hartman (asst.) – Charlotte Co.

First-place winners at the statewide level in each category will move on to compete at the national school bus rodeo in Greensboro, NC in July.

TheRoanokeStar.com

Farm Team Nurtures Women Candidates

The only woman ever elected to a statewide office in Virginia was in town recently for a meeting of the Roanoke â&#x20AC;&#x153;Farm Teamâ&#x20AC;? chapter, an organization she started to help encourage female candidates on every rung of government. Former Attorney General Mary Sue Terry, who later ran unsuccessfully against George Allen in the â&#x20AC;&#x2122;93 governorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s race, sat at a back table during the meeting at Hunting Hills Country Club as several speakers, including 17th District Democrat nominee Gwen Mason, talked about their interest in politics.

Mason regaled those gathered with tales of growing up in Richmond, the daughter of a judge, where political discussion often ruled the day. She also noted that â&#x20AC;&#x153;there werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t people that looked liked me,â&#x20AC;? in that field. Mason called Terry â&#x20AC;&#x153;my hero,â&#x20AC;? and said her trip last fall to Terryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Patrick County farm helped cement her belief in the Farm Team concept.

The chapter meeting took place one day after Mason, also a Roanoke city council member, found out that she would be meeting Republican challenger Bill Cleaveland this fall.

Roanoke County Supervisor Charlotte Moore, elected to her first position in the Cave Spring magisterial district in 2007, called the Farm Team, â&#x20AC;&#x153;a great ideaâ&#x20AC;ŚWeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re here supporting women.â&#x20AC;?

Women have multi-faceted roles, often juggling family and careers, something that Mason thinks might hold some back from running for office. In any

case, sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s apparently ready to role up her sleeves and duke it out with Bill Cleaveland on the issues. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have experience that my opponent doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t haveâ&#x20AC;ŚIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve balanced budgets. [and lobbying trips to Richmond are another plus] said Mason. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You darn well better put someone in the General Assembly who knows what theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re talking about.â&#x20AC;?

Former Roanoke city councilwoman and current 6th District Democratic chair Linda Wyatt (all of those present were Democrats) said she was, â&#x20AC;&#x153;really excited about the Farm Teamâ&#x20AC;? concept.

Attendees were asked to become Farm Team members (if not already) and were asked to list skills and talents which could be accessed by female candidates. â&#x20AC;&#x153;[Even] if you can baby sit while someone goes out to campaign,â&#x20AC;? implored Wyatt.

Terry, who served two terms as State Attorney General, told those gathered, â&#x20AC;&#x153;all great movements begin with small groups.

Lets not underestimate what we can do between now and November.â&#x20AC;?

A practicing attorney now, Terry hopes to see Democratic Lt. Governor hopeful Jody Wagner become the second women elected to statewide office this November.

Two more women announce runs: hard on the heels of Charlene Waybrightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s announcement that she will run for Roanoke County supervisor in the Hollins District, a last minute entry came from the Democrats in

Windsor Hills. English teacher and realtor Sarah Goodman filed at the deadline and will challenge Ed Elswick, who deposed GOP incumbent Joe McNamara in a primary.

A Cave Spring High School graduate and Roanoke College alumna, Goodman made her formal debut earlier this week. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As a realtor and a tax-payer, I understand the value of keeping our county government efficient to keep our taxes low,â&#x20AC;? said Goodman.  â&#x20AC;&#x153;We deserve better decisions than weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve seen from the Board of Supervisors over the past several years. Whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the 37 million dollar multi-generational rec. center being built in north Roanoke County, or the down-sizing of the planned replacement for the obsolete library headquarters here in Windsor Hills, we all know our government can and should do better,â&#x20AC;? Goodman said.

Meanwhile, House of Delegates Majority Leader Morgan Griffith will not go unchallenged in the 8th District. Democrat Ginny Weisz, who teaches nursing at Radford University, touted an extensive background in health care while making her announcement.

The Bent Mountain resident stated, â&#x20AC;&#x153;we need to create more jobs, preserve Virginiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s natural environment, promote law enforcement and public safety, and increase access to health care and education. To do this, we need to end partisan gridlock in Richmond.â&#x20AC;?

Some 300 people attended the All Nations Metro Church & Metro Ministries 3rd Annual block Party last Saturday at Day Avenue Park. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We really wanted to reach the people in the community in which we regularly minister,â&#x20AC;? said Metro Church pastor, Matthew Murphy (pictured).

All Nations Metro Churchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home church, Trinity Life Church, located in Lawrenceville, GA (metro ATL), helped to organize the event.

and to committing repeated The Constitution gives the acts of nonconsensual sexual House of Representatives the contact with court employ- power and responsibility to ees. Earlier this month, he impeach federal judges and reported to prison to begin it is a power that Congress his 33 month sentence. How- utilizes only in cases involvever, because the Constitu- ing very serious allegations tion provides that federal of misconduct. The case now judges are appointed for life, goes to the United States Samuel Kent, Senate for a despite the trial to deterRep. Bob Goodlatte fact that he is mine if Judge sitting in prisKent should on, continues to collect his be removed from office. The taxpayer-funded salary of Task Force on Judicial Im$174,000 per year, continues peachment, the House Juto collect his taxpayer-fund- diciary Committee and the ed health insurance benefits, full House of Representatives and continues to accrue his worked together in a bipartaxpayer-funded pension tisan fashion to ensure that unless he resigns his office or swift action was taken to root is impeached. This amounts out corruption in our judicial to an attempt to extort hun- system. dreds of thousands of dollars from the American people and is simply unacceptable.

It is not a pleasant task to impeach a federal judge, yet when a judge so clearly abuses his office, as in the case of Paying cash for WWII German helmets, uniforms & memorabilia!

Judge Kent, it becomes necAlso BUY/SELL/TRADE â&#x2C6;&#x2122; All wars essary to take the appropriate All Countries â&#x2C6;&#x2122; All items action in order to restore the J. Crocker Militaria 514 West Main St. Salem, VA confidence of the American 540-556-7463 people in the judicial system.

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Claude Moore Building Cited

The Claude Moore Education Complex (across from the Dumas Center) has been selected by the editorial advisory board of the Real Estate & Construction Review as one of the best new green projects in the Northeast region. The project, done by Smith Lewis Architecture in Salem, will be publicized as a Green Building of America Award-winning project, and will be featured in the upcoming 2010 edition of Real Estate & Construction Reviewâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Northeast Green Success Stories. Winning projects will be featured in one of five regional Green Success Stories editions including Northwest, Southwest, Northeast, Southeast and Midwest.Â

Tea Party Planned for July 4 Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time for another Tea Party. Elmwood Park will be the site of the next gathering, scheduled for July 4, 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Speakers will take the stage beginning at 5:00 pm, to discuss views concerning the current economic/political crisis. Scheduled speakers, limited to 5 minutes each, include Jim Ludington: Constitutional Historian; Morgan Griffith GOP Member of the Va House of Delegates; Scott Wolk: Local Chairman of the Constitution Party; Bill Cleaveland: GOP House of Delegateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Candidate for the 17th District; Jim Bowles: Chair of the Libertarian Party of Va.; Stuart Bain: Libertarian Party Candidate running for 6th District House of Representatives and Jackie Bledsoe, District Director for FairTax.

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Community Calendar > June 22 - 26

Bible Baptist Church -VBS Bible Batist Church located at 2929 Garden City Blvd, invites you to Polar Extremes, our 2009 VBS. The excitement will begin on Monday June 22nd @ 6:00pmSat. June 27th. The fun begins with Bible Study, games, snacks, crafts, music and other extreme activities.

Classes are provided for ages 2-18 years.

For more info, call 427-0121.

> June 25

Hope for America Roanoke Rally Penn Forest Worship Center 3735 Chaparral Dr. Roamoke, VA 24018 Doors open at 6pm and Rally begins at 7pm. Admission is free www.hrarallies.org

> July 1

Rooting Out Corruption in Our Judicial System

It is a rare occasion when the House of Representatives must vote on articles of impeachment against a federal judge. Indeed, the last time this occurred was 20 years ago. However, when evidence emerges that an individual is abusing his judicial office for his own advantage, the integrity of the judicial system becomes compromised, and the House of Representatives has the duty to investigate the matter and take the appropriate actions to end the abuse and restore confidence in the judicial system.

Just days ago the House of Representatives considered and passed, without any dissenting votes, four articles of impeachment against Judge Samuel B. Kent. Kent is only the 14th federal judge in the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history to be the focus of an impeachment in the House. The charges include two articles on the grounds of sexual assault, one article on the grounds of obstruction of justice, and one article on the grounds of providing false statements to the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Justice.

This vote came after a thorough investigation and much work by the Task Force on Judicial Impeachment, on which I serve as Ranking Member. The Task Force

By Gene Marrano conducted an investigatory gmarrano@cox.net hearing on the matter, at which two court employees who were victimized by Judge Kent testified about the extent of his sexual abuse.

While Judge Kent and his attorney were both invited to testify and participate in the hearing, both declined to attend.

Judge Kent pled guilty to felony obstruction of justice

Block Party

6/26/09 - 7/2/09 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 9

Mayorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Open House The second annual â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mayorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Open Houseâ&#x20AC;? will be held onWednesday, July 1, 2009 in the Mayorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office, 215 Church Avenue, S.W., Room 452,Noel C.Taylor Municipal Building. The open house times will be as follows:

9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

12:00 noon - 1:00 p.m. or 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Appointments are not necessary, but citizens are encouraged to contact the Mayorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office at (540) 853-2444 or by email at mayor@roanokeva.gov

> July 4 - 25

GrowYour Own Virginia Cooperative Extensionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Grow-Your-Ownâ&#x20AC;?Workshop Series at the Salem Farmers Market.

VCE Master Gardeners will be speaking about different gardening topics, including companion planting,food preservation,erosion control, and worm composting.

Mark your calendars to attend these free classes! Registration is not required.

Call 772-7524 for more information.

> July 21

Writerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Workshop July 21, 7-8:30 p.m. Cara Modisett -â&#x20AC;?What Magazine Editors Want fromYouâ&#x20AC;?

> August 14

VCE Food Expo The Alleghany, Botetourt, Craig, and Roanoke offices of Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) have teamed up with many sponsors to host the first â&#x20AC;&#x153;Taste of the Roanoke Valley Food Expo,â&#x20AC;? Friday, August 14, 2009, from 2 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 8 pm, at the Greenfield Recreational Park just north of Daleville.

Those attending will taste the freshness and flavor of locally grown food with samples of locally produced, in-season fruits, vegetables, beef, pork, lamb, and poultry.

Tickets are $2 each (children 12 and under free with paying adult) and can be purchased by calling Botetourt (540-4738260), Craig (540-864-5812), or Roanoke (540-772-7524) VCE offices. Tickets are limited and should be purchased prior to the Food Expo.

Have an item for the calendar? E-mail it to submissions@theroanokestar.com

Call our advertising team and ask about our Flex-Ad program that gives you up to 50% off our already competitive open rate.

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Valley Business

Page 10 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 6/26/09 - 7/2/09

TheRoanokeStar.com

Governor Kaine Signs Law Requiring Fair Insurance Coverage for Artificial Arms and Legs

Photo by Pam Rickard

The 34 ft. Airstream trailer was parked in downtown Roanoke next to SunTrust Plaza last Friday and Saturday interviewing and recording Roanoker’s “aha moments.”

The “Aha Moment” Tour Rolls into Roanoke

Local residents had their shot at fame as Mutual of Omaha’s “aha moment tour” made its way to the Star City.

It’s all part of the company’s search for their next commercial spots featuring real people sharing real stories.

Participants stepped into a one-of-a-kind, 34foot Airstream trailer –turned-mobile-televisionstudio, parked for two days last week outside the SunTrust Plaza. The tour covers 7,800 miles across the country, stopping in 25 cities. From the “aha moments” recorded along the tour, several new

30-second ads will be produced to air next year.

According to Brittany Thoms of SeeSpark!Go, the company coordinating PR for the event, “the ad campaign turned cross-country tour is part of Mutual of Omaha’s belief that when everyday people have clarity of purpose, the possibilities are endless. That clarity is the definition of an ‘aha moment’, an instance where real wisdom can transform a life and a community.”

Visit www.ahamoment.com for more information.

By Pam Rickard pam@theroanokestar.com

Virginia Tech Students Make Own Biodiesel Derived from Waste Vegetable Oil To Fuel

A group of Virginia Tech students have produced more than 200 gallons of biodiesel as part of a senior design project for the department of mechanical engineering. The Virginia Tech BioFuels group is putting the fuel to direct use, running two pickup trucks on the liquid in a bid to not only stave off the use of foreign-bought oil but also to be environmentally friendly.

The B100 biodiesel is made from waste vegetable oil (WVO) obtained from local restaurants and processed in a nondescript warehouse along Virginia Tech's Plantation Road, surrounded by fields dedicated to farm animals. The 200 gallons were made during the past two months, mainly by processing equipment donated to the student team.

The project is overseen by Foster Agblevor,associate professor of biological systems engineering for the College of Engineering and the College of Life Sciences and Agricultur.

Agblevor already has made headlines with experimental alternative fuels such as converting poultry litter into bio-oil.

The project began in 2008 when the now senior team consisted of juniors. The first year consisted of planning, research, and obtaining the funding and needed equipment for the project. This year consisted of more research, design, construction of process equipment, and converting the WVO into biodiesel for consistent use.

The group produces B100, or 100 biodiesel.

"In the summer, the viscosity of the 100 percent biodiesel is low enough to use," said Christopher Block of Lake Forest, Ill., who received his bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering in spring 2009. During winter months, certain biodiesels derived from animal fat have been known to gel or freeze in the tank. Therefore, the fuel must be mixed with regular petroleum to operate properly. "We learned via emissions testing that the B20 and B50 blends produce more favorable emissions than the B100 fuel," Block said, referring to mixes that use 80 percent petroleum and 20 percent biodiesel, and an even split, respectively.

The group limited its project to 200 gallons of biodiesel because of space limitations at the

A Virginia bill designed to ensure fair insurance coverage for artificial arms and legs was signed into law by Governor Tim Kaine last Tuesday.

The bill, known as the Prosthetic Parity Act, requires insurers that cover prosthetic care to provide meaningful coverage for prosthetic devices and better care for people with limb loss by creating a consistent standard for prosthetic benefits. This removes special caps and exemptions placed on prosthetic and orthopedic care that made these very basic services cost prohibitive for many individuals. Because of its potential to help people with limb loss keep their jobs, take care of their families, and live healthy, active lives, the bill was strongly supported by the Amputee Coalition of America, the premier nonprofit organization working on behalf of people with limb loss.

“Unfortunately, many amputees have nightmarish stories of fighting with insurance companies to try to get the prosthetic devices they need to simply work and live,” explained said Kendra Calhoun, president and CEO of the Amputee Coalition. “People pay their monthly health insurance premiums and expect their coverage to take care of catastrophic situations like losing a limb. This is the very reason people purchase health insurance.”

Senate Bill 1116 was introduced by Senator Patricia Ticer (D) with delegates John O’Bannon (D) and Lee Ware (R) sponsoring in the House.

It was passed in the Senate by a vote of 33-7 on February 3. It was then passed in the House unanimously, 99-0, on February 24. Sponsorship of the bills was bipartisan.

When Susan Bailey became infected with E. coli bacteria that ultimately resulted in the amputation of both her legs above the knee in 2007 at the age of 23, Virginia didn’t have a law ensuring that she would receive meaningful prosthetic care. Because no law was in place, she ran into

problems with her insurance company when she wasn’t able to get the prosthetic legs her doctor recommended. As a mother of two, Susan was given above the knee prostheses that didn’t allow her to walk up and down stairs, let alone keep up with her children. Susan had been paying her insurance premiums and expected to be covered adequately to allow her to get her mobility back.

“Thanks to the leadership of the Virginia General Assembly and Governor Kaine, people with limb loss in Virginia can now get the care they need to get back to work and live independent, productive lives,” said Morgan Sheets, the national advocacy director for the Amputee Coalition. “Spread across the insurance pool, the cost of prosthetic care is less than a dollar per month.

Because of the lack of productivity caused by inadequate prosthetic care, the cost to the healthcare system in the long run of not providing prosthetic care far exceeds that of providing it.”

Seven states (MD, IA, AR, VA, TX, MO and CT) have already passed prosthetic parity legislation this year. These states join the 11 other states (CO, ME, NH, CA, MA, RI, OR, NJ, IN, VT and LA) that have previously enacted laws.

The Amputee Coalition is now working with activists throughout the country to advance similar state legislation. Additionally, the nonprofit organization is working on a federal prosthetic and orthotic parity bill that has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives as H.R. 2575 and to re-introduce a bill in the Senate.

“We are fighting for people like Susan Bailey and even for those people who are not aware of their lack of coverage,” said Sheets, “but it’s a difficult battle. Insurance companies have a powerful voice, and the Amputee Coalition and our citizen lobbyists are like David taking on Goliath. Still, with the support of those like Governor Kaine and the Virginia General Assembly, we believe that we can help win this victory for American families.”

Balance Chiropractic and Wellness Relocates with Growth

Balance Chiropractic and Wellness recently Balance Chiropractic and Wellness provides relocated its business, to larger quarters to ac- state-of-the-art chiropractic care including cold commodate a growing practice and newly laser and spinal decompression. Walker’s staff added patient services. Now located in Town- offers patients a variety of massage and physiside Festival Center at 3615 Franklin Road SW cal therapy techniques as well as newly added (near the intersection with Route 220), Balance naturopathic services.

Chiropractic and Wellness was previously loWalker opened Balance Chiropractic and cated in downtown Roanoke.

Wellness in Roanoke in 2006 after relocating “The move to our new facility provides us her practice from Cape Cod, MA. Balance Chiwith additional space to expand our growing ropractic and Wellness offers a “no wait polipractice and our services to patients in need of cy” to treat established and new patients in a The Virginia Tech Bio-Fuels senior design team care,” said Dr. Jennifer E. Walker, DC. “Addi- timely manner. More information is available tionally, this new location near Route 220 pro- at www.BalanceRoanoke.com, or by calling spent the better part of two years refinvides easy access to everyone across the Roa- 540.343.0055. ing a biodiesel system that converts waste vegetable oil into an environmentally friendly noke Valley seeking our help,” she added. product with high mpg. Left to right are Andrew Yard, Matteo del Ninno, Christopher Chelko, Brian Eggleston, Blake Gordon and “No Bills Night” Planned for June 30 Christopher Block. Behind the students are The annual “No Bills Night,” sponsored by the Young Lawyers' Conference of the Virginia State tanks, agitators, heaters and assorted equipBar, provides an opportunity for callers to consult with legal counsel free of charge. ment used to make the fuel.

Calls will be accepted Tuesday, June 30 between 4:45 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Two numbers will be warehouse, but could produce more if needed. available: 1-866-975-7697, toll-free, between 4:45 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., and (540) 985-0131, between For now, the team can make up to 50 gallons at 5:30 p.m. and 8:30p.m. a time, so the potential for fueling a small fleet is Lawyers from throughout the Roanoke area volunteer their time to participate in this program. possible. Already there are some takers.

Other regions throughout the Commonwealth will be holding similar "No Bills Nights" through"We are building a new team for next year who out the month of July. will take it to the next level," Agblevor said. "Giles County Wheatland Eco-Park would like them to Blue Ridge Beverage Celebrates 50 Years install the unit on their property for education and other purposes." An unnamed company is The Archer family is celebrating 50 years at largest beverage distributorships in Virginia. interested in commercializing the project, and the helm of Blue Ridge Beverage Company, To mark the milestone, Blue Ridge Beverage that the university's cafeterias could provide Inc., a beverage distributor serving a 49-county held a celebration for its employees and busithe waste grease product. "I will be encouraging [biological systems engineering] department to area in central and southwest Virginia. Head- ness partners June 20 at The Hotel Roanoke & start using our biodiesel on some of the equip- quartered in Salem, the company has been in Conference Center. existence since 1938, with the Archer family “We are thrilled to celebrate the 50th Anniment that runs on diesel fuel," he added.

Block will remain on campus next year as he taking over in 1959, when it had only 10 em- versary of Blue Ridge Beverage and are proud of their many accomplishments over the past pursues a master's degree in mechanical engi- ployees and four beverage delivery routes. neering. He hopes to continue with the biodiesel Since that time, Blue Ridge Beverage has 50 years. As a small business, their growth project, but a permanent home for the operation expanded its territory, with facilities in Salem, has been tremendous and we recognize their must be found. The team had hopes to acquire a Waynesboro, Lynchburg, South Boston, Marion success as one of Roanoke County’s finest cortrailer so they could take the equipment around and Norton. The company’s 350 employees dis- porate citizens,” said Doug Chittum, Roanoke the state, including the Virginia State Fair, for tribute more than 7million cases of beer, wine County’s Director of Economic Development. tours. However, the idea proved too expensive. and soft drinks each year, making it one of the

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Arts & Culture

TheRoanokeStar.com

Emerging Artists Features the Music of Argentina

Ada Lis Jimena, mezzo soprano, and Kerry Morgiewicz, pianist, showcased a variety of musical styles and composers Monday night at the latest edition of the Emerging Artists series, held at the Roanoke City Library main branch. Jimena, an Argentinean now living in Salem, performed songs written by several South American composers.

The show’s first half was dedicated to Argentinean formal composers of the 20th Century, while after a break, the paced quickened with the Tango, a music style originated among European immigrant populations in Argentina and Uruguay around 1900. Library development coordinator River Laker saw Jimena in concert at Hollins University last year and thought she might be a

Newly Relocated Music Lab Builds Momentum and Community

Photo by Gene Marrano

Ada Lis Jimena sings while Kerry Morgiewicz plays the keyboard at Monday night’s show. good choice – if somewhat different – for the Emerging Artist series at the library.

Laker said Jimena would return in August for several more concerts and a lunchtime lecture series.

“Its nice to kind of broad-

en it a bit,” Laker said of the Emerging Artists series, which normally features folk, rap, Americana and the visual arts.

By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

Southwest Virginia Ballet Summer Notes

Southwest Virginia Ballet (SVB) partnered with the American Cancer Society (ACS) during the April performance of Reecuenctro. The idea behind the partnership was that the ACS would help grow the audience through their large network of volunteers and contacts. In exchange, SVB offered to donate all profits above production costs to the ACS. The SVB donated $1,200 and a check was presented to the American Cancer Society during a recent Relay for Life celebration meeting. At that point, the ACS had raised $308,000.

In May, Southwest Virginia Ballet awarded $3,000 in student scholarships to 12 area dancers. The Vaszary Scholarship fund was created in 2008 to recognize the talented young dancers of Southwest Virginia in the Roanoke Valley.

A scholarship committee comprised of a SVB board member, SVB artistic director, and community volunteers considered financial need and the student's ability and attitude toward dance. Merit and financial based scholarships ranging from $100 to $500 are awarded annually for summer programs and annual tuition assistance. 2009

recipients include Johanna Crick, Sarah Francisco, Kara Hauenstein, Courtney Hood, Rachel Lawson, Tiffany Lawson, Kate Oborn, Zoe Smith, Carina Stern, Annelise Straw, Dylan Summers, and Sydney Vaughan.

Southwest Virginia Ballet is a pre-professional youth dance company, celebrating nearly 20 years in the Roanoke Valley. Over 40,000 residents and 15,000 school age children have enjoyed SVB performances of The Nutcracker, Cinderella, Coppelia, Firebird, Snowmaiden, Graduation Ball, Paquita and other original works.

Upcoming performances: "Motown" at the Taubman

6/26/09 - 7/2/09 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 11

Museum Saturday, September 26. SVB will also perform TIES, an original ballet portraying railroad history, during the Roanoke Arts Festival Saturday, October 3. Visit www.svballet.org for more information.

“Developing the educational component has really allowed the Music Lab to move to the next level” said, Chris Stup, Executive Director.

“The combination of a cutting edge curriculum with the new Jefferson Center partnership has increased the credibility and community ‘buyin’.”

This week marks the beginning of the summer semester at the newly minted Music Lab at Jefferson Center. This innovative model of experiential learning for 6th – 12th graders serves as an extension of the music education area schools provide. The program helps kids gain unparalleled access to state-of-the-art music production equipment and methods -- preparing them for future education and careers in music, digital arts, and audio engineering.

“The program formerly known as the Downtown Music Lab has grown from a great place to hang out and play music to an intentionally designed education experience,” said Stup.

Under the leadership of newly hired Stup, the program includes phased instruction allowing students to design customized programs and select activities to progressively build skills in music performance, recording arts, as well as learn the business side of the music industry.

With an impressive resume that includes JMU and University of Colorado faculty positions, he brings “real life” music industry experience as well – having worked for the likes of Virgin Records and Live Nation – one of the largest concert promoters in the nation.

Last Monday, as Stup delivered an orientation to a room full of interested parents and eager students, he often pointed to the sound proof window where several high school students were laying down vocal tracks for an upcoming recording project. His presentation clearly defined the expectations of accountability and discipline – leaving plenty of room for creativity and individuality.

Photo by Stephanie Koehler

Chris Stup delivers new member orientation to incoming students and parents at the Music Lab.

“The Music Lab is committed to building a respect for diversity by drawing students and instructors from a variety of backgrounds and communities,” he said.

Whether a student wants to sing, play guitar, make beats, write songs or produce and engineer professional recording sessions – the Music Lab can help make it happen. With the operational support of The Jefferson Center as well as partnerships with Kirk Avenue Music Hall, public and private schools, area colleges/ universities and equipment manufacturers – the image of Roanoke as a musical hotbed is quickly becoming a reality.

“With world class performers just down the hall, you never know who will show up,” said Stup. “It makes for a unique and exciting experience every day.”

For more information visit: www.jeffcenter. org/musiclab or call 540-343-2624 x209.

By Stephanie Koehler stephaniekoehler@cox.net

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The Big Pine Trout Farm of New Castle hosted a group of special needs children from the Mental Health America of Roanoke Valley organization last Wednesday.

“Boy, we had fun,” said Chris Richardson of Big Pine Trout Farm. “Each child caught a large trout and participated in a living classroom tour of pond and mountain stream trout habitat.

These are children from a very special summer camp sponsored by Mental Health America of Roanoke Valley. We had 16 children and 8 Chaperones.”

Mental Health America is the country's oldest and largest nonprofit organization addressing all aspects of mental health and mental illness. For more information, visit www.nmha.org. For more information on Big Pine Trout Farm, visit www.bigpinetroutfarm.com.

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