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My name is Michelle Logan, I work for Roanoke City schools, and I’m training to be a massage therapist. I have two daughters who enjoy the Y’s Teen Center while I’m working out. The Y has just what each of us needs.

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One year The Wright Kids have all the Right Stuff down, one more day to go [Emerging Artists]

From the publisher

Meet the Doctor P5–West African Dr. Oyidie Igbokidi shares her unique knowledge about women’s cardiac health.

Titans Place 2nd P14– The Hidden Valley Lady Titans finish a strong season with a second place finish in the AA state tournament.

Passionate Leader P17– Mill Mountain Theatre’s education director loves her kids and her profession.

Filming for Life P18– Former Cave Spring grad, Scott Blanding, returns from the Congo to screen his new film in Roanoke.

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Photo by Pam Rickard

Selah Wright demonstrates her young talent in her family’s Rocky Mount home, singing Randy Newman’s “You’ve Got a Friend in Me.” She is accompanied by her sister Sage and brothers Baruch and Levi.

“America’s Got Talent” finalists are the Real Deal It’s about time the “real Parents Barry and true Hollywood story” Suzi Wright admit that was told about The Wright while they both come Kids. from a “strong musiYou know, the adorcal tradition”, and have able brother-sister trio a deep love of music, from Rocky Mount who they didn’t inherit the recently returned from talent genes. Hollywood after making Their children obviit to the top 10 on NBC’s ously have. “America’s Got Talent?” The oldest Wright You’d have to believe, child, Mason, is a sophwith all the attention and omore at Shenandoah hype and jetting around, University’s Conservathey’d have to be spoiled tory of Music. The famprima donnas, probably ily says that he demondriven by the dreaded strated a natural talent Photo by Stuart Revercomb overbearing “Stage Par- The Wright Kids performed on Veteran’s Day to a capacity crowd with the violin at an early ents,” right? as part of the Emerging Artist Series at the Roanoke Library’s main age, ultimately earning a Absolutely not. branch. Fans began gathering hours before the 6:00 PM performance part in the Roanoke SymAre they really as tal- and by the time the Wrights took the stage the Fire Marshall had phony Youth Orchestra. ented, polished, joyful closed off the mezzanine and it was standing room only below on Sage has followed suit and down-home real as the main floor. Development Coordinator, River Laker said that and is currently playing they appear? violin with the RSYO. She it was the most enthusiastic response this year to the very well In the words of a for- received series of city promoted concert events. also plays the mandolin mer vice presidential canand sings. bluegrass trio. didate, “you betcha.” Baruch began to show his musical Baruch agreed with his sister. “We On a recent visit to the Wright’s prowess on a toy guitar, eventually love to play and [our] hard work pays modest home, the family spoke graduating to the ukulele, an instruoff when we get to perform and get openly about what motivates and ment not typically found in bluegrass good results.” drives them. music. The Wright’s first brush with na“We really love to perform,” said 12 tional notoriety and Hollywood was > CONTINUED year-old Sage, who with her brothers, in 2007, when Baruch won Oscar P3: The Wright Kids Baruch, 9 and Levi, 6, comprise the Mayer’s “Sing the Jingle” contest.

City Council approves 2.5 million for Center in the Square Center in the Square’s request figuration continues fine-tunfor $2.5 million from Roanoke ing of the rooftop. These latest City to support a $25.3 million revisions were just completed renovation that includes the by Spectrum Design, an archiScience Museum of Western tecture and engineering firm at Virginia and the Harrison Mu- 10 Church Avenue. The designs seum of African American Art will incorporate a butterfly habiwas approved unanimously at tat and multi-purpose flexible Monday afternoon’s Council teaching area that can also funcmeeting. The funding will be tion as dining space. Interactive provided over a five-year period green energy education will be and requires that Center in the integrated and a rainwater capSquare match each yearly con- ture system is in the works. The tribution with equal dollars. winged structure will be a dyThe project includes first namic skylight that suggests the floor façade improvements, an wings of a butterfly. interactive and open atrium Center in the Square and the area and upgrades to mechaniSpectrum Design concepts for Center in the Square (Rendercal, electrical and plumbing > CONTINUED P2: Center in the Square ings courtesy of Spectrum Design). systems. The most recent recon-

It’s hard to believe that 52 issues ago we launched the Roanoke Star Sentinel under the not-so-modest headline, “A Star is Born!” Counting our quarterly TMC editions like this one, that’s over 660 broadsheet newsprint pages of news, sports, perspective and commentary pieces . . . Not to mention calendars, pictures, captions, crossword puzzles, classifieds and display advertising. Did I mention advertising? Imagine the work that has gone into the production of the creative print ads found on these pages. While we don’t create all of them, we do create many and our lead designers have come up with some remarkably fun and effective concepts, often meeting deadlines in the process that would make a seasoned 1930’s Chicago Tribune editor swallow his cigar. And conditions in our newsroom may closely mirror those of the 1930’s. We work out of a small office with two at a desk on many occasions. There are dogs and cats about and some> CONTINUED P4: One Year Down

“Uncharted waters” ahead for County schools

Principal Karen Mabry (at center) and community members at the playground local residents helped build.

Barrineau speaks to budget crunch

Seems like every time money gets tight in the Roanoke County school system and tax revenues are flat, the issue of Bent Mountain Elementary comes up: whether the small school should be closed, with its 70 or so students bused down the mountain to Back Creek Elementary. But Bent Mountain Elementary is more than just a county facility: “the school is also our ‘community center’ with the butterfly garden, park [playground], trail and library,” said local resident Annie Krochalis via e-mail before a community meeting on Monday. That’s when Superintendent Dr. Lorraine Lange and Windsor Hills > CONTINUED P3: Bent Mountain

Page 2 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 11/21/08

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> Center in the Square From page 1

Science Museum serve 44% of the school districts in the Southwest Virginia region according to Dr. James Sears, President of Center in the Square. Studies show an equal distribution of people, 42% from Roanoke City and 42% from Roanoke County, have frequented the Center. Over nine million paid visitors have entered the complex since it opened.

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Renderings courtesy of Spectrum Design. With the City of Roanoke‘s contribution and the anticipated one million dollar contribution from Roanoke County, Sears projects that renovations will begin in June of 2009. “People expect some-

thing different after 25 years,� said Sears. The 154,000 square foot center will be renovated from the Campbell Avenue side to the Waldron Stage entrance on Church Avenue. The Harrison Museum of African American Art will be located on the second floor, in some of the old Art Museum space, after money is raised for renovations and moving. The Roanoke Weiner Stand will be updated and relocated with double the dining space. The facade will be designed to look as it did in 1917 for historical tax credit eligibility. Open doors will create a seamless view from the market square. There will be interactive walls, touch screens, a fish tank, and an interactive floor. Forty-five percent of the $20 million construction cost will be covered by tax credits. Private fundraising will take care of whatever is not covered by credits or grants. The “new� center will also be LEED certified, providing green technology education benefits at the same time. By Valerie Garner info@theroanokestar.com

Capital improvements, Civic Center lease, tax relief top council agenda

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Committee selected Global Spectrum, according to assistant City Manager Jim Grigsby. Both Lea and Council member Anita Price hesitated in their “yesâ€? vote while Councilman Court Rosen voted “no.â€? In an e-mail afterwards Rosen stated, “I would have liked to have seen two contracts negotiated on a parallel course to ensure the best deal for the city. We may have still been at the point we are at now but I would have been more comfortable with the decision.â€? Still, Rosen was hopeful that Global will run a tight, efficient ship: “I ‌will work to make certain that the privatization of the Civic Center is successful and reduces the burden on taxpayers by hopefully eliminating the subsidy.â€? Tax Relief qualifications adjusted for seniors by City Council: Roanoke City Vice-Mayor Sherman Lea and Councilman Court Rosen introduced a resolution on Monday to increase the qualifying limits for real estate tax relief, both for the disabled and seniors 65-plus. The annual income maximum for tax relief was raised from $34,000 to $42,000, with maximum net worth raised from $125,000 to $160,000. Net worth does not include home ownership. Ann Shawver, Director of Finance estimated that the revised threshold would result in about $200,000 in lost property tax revenue. Council member Gwen Mason commented that should the economy improve, “once relief is given you can’t take it back.â€? Lea countered that, “it was the right thing to do‌ this is time sensitive.â€? Rosen suggested that should the economy improve dramatically some of those covered by income level changes would be leaving the program anyway. The resolution passed unanimously. Valley View Bus Stop: Mayor David Bowers and Vice-Mayor Lea asked for an update on a Valley View Mall bus stop that was removed because it was creatI am the slowest ing a hazard for pedestrians, navigating busy roadways as they tried to reach it. City Manager Darlene carpet cleaner in Roanoke. Burcham said Valley Metro had made progress on a new bus stop and shelter that would be located at the mall prior to the holiday shopping season. Legislative Package for Richmond proposed - cigarettes targeted: a seven page legislative package was complete, according to the Chairman of the Legislative Committee, Councilman David Trinkle. Members of the legislature will be at the next Council I will give your meeting to discuss the upcoming session. Included carpet the time is a request to empower the City to regulate or proand attention hibit smoking in certain defined areas, outdoors and indoors. it deserves to Gwen Mason took it a step further, adding a “Cigaproduce the best rette Butt Depositsâ€? request that would authorize localities to impose a refundable fee on each cigarette results possible. sold. The refund would be made up on the return of the cigarette butt. Discarded butts are a pet peeve for 2 rooms and a hall for $75 Mason, who has even offered portable ashtrays emblazoned with the city’s logo to those she spies dis5 rooms and a hall for $155 carding them on streets and sidewalks. Other requests included extension of the proposed Trans Dominion rail service from Bristol through Furniture cleaning also available! Roanoke to Lynchburg, support for a Hotel Roanoke expansion and restoration of State budget cuts that affect the city.

improvement projects currently in the pipeline was presented by Roanoke City Commissioner of the Revenue, Sherman Holland, on Monday. That included Fire/EMS facilities, libraries, the Police Academy, the City Market building, storm water management, parking garages, and technology projects. City Manager Darlene Burcham pointed out that the Jefferson St. main branch library earmarked as a “Research Branchâ€? is not currently funded and requires a decision on whether to renovate it in place or to relocate it. Councilman David Trinkle asked about funding for the amphitheater, now slated for South Jefferson. Burcham said that $4 million was included in the Parks and Recreation Master Plan. Council member Gwen Mason asked to be reminded of Roanoke City’s debt limit policy. Director of Finance, Ann Shawver, explained that tax-supported general obligation debt service is not to exceed 10% of General Fund expenditures. Global Spectrum awarded lease to operate Roanoke Civic Center: after much discussion and comment, a resolution was adopted to execute a five-year contract and lease agreement with Global Spectrum, LP for management and operation of the Roanoke Civic Center. The vote passed 5-1. There was hesitation and questioning on why Red Light Management/SMG was not selected or at least included in negotiations. “Citizens hold each of us accountable ‌ we need to know for sure that they are the best company,â€? said Vice-Mayor Sherman Lea. Red Light conducted a feasibility study on the amphitheater project. The Roanoke Civic Center

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11/21/08 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 3

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> Bent Mountain

Women’s foundation awards largest grant to VWCC

From page 1

school board member Drew Barrineau met with dozens of concerned citizens at the school. Barrineau said Roanoke County is in “uncharted waters right now,� when it comes to the impending loss of state funds hinted at by Governor Tim Kaine in next year’s biennial budget, which will be debated in the General Assembly. Larger class sizes, a central administration reorganization and yes, layoffs, could be on the table. Already Central Middle School in Vinton will be shut down at school year’s end with students that attended for vocational and special studies sent back to their home schools. The school system has sweetened early retirement plans, hoping to induce the more expensive senior teachers to retire early. Increasing student class sizes from the mid-20’s to 31 at Hidden Valley High School, in his district, would eliminate eight teaching positions noted Barrineau. He sees non-core subjects as better candidates for larger classes. Make no mistake about it: “everybody will be impacted.� Closing Bent Mountain

cannot be taken off the table said Barrineau. He had planned on holding community meetings later on, once Kaine makes his proposed state budget cuts public, but decided this was a good time to address Bent Mountain with “a lot of rumors going on... a lot of talk and speculation.� He’s heard that five to ten percent of the funding Roanoke County receives from the Commonwealth for schools could be slashed, maybe even 20 percent. “We are trying to stay ahead of this the best we can.� A ten percent cut, based on the current operating budget, would amount to about seven million dollars. “Its pretty serious,� said Barrineau, who will hold a larger community meeting in southwest Roanoke County once the school system has a better handle on proposed cuts in state funding. Lange has been asked to provide scenarios that reflect budget reductions of five, ten and fifteen percent. Barrineau also claimed that state’s Standards of Quality will be harder to meet with budget cuts; e.g. requirements that mandate the number of guidance counselors, assistant principals or other positions per student

population. “There’s going to have to be some relief.� Barrineau said the school district has been keeping teachers and other employees in the loop via newsletters and additional dialogue, letting them know what could be coming down the pike. He noted that many residents on Monday night at the Bent Mountain meeting did not have children at the school but were concerned about the loss of a community focal point, should it be shut down. The local Roanoke County library branch is actually located inside the school, with a community playground and garden outside. “That building means an awful lot to the people that live up there,� said Barrineau. Monday’s meeting at Bent Mountain Elementary School was all about, “what to expect going forward,� said Barrineau. “The first thing that will come out will be Kaine’s budget. We’re planning for the worst and hoping for something less than that.�

The Roanoke Women’s Foundation has awarded the Virginia Western Community College Educational Foundation $100,000 to underwrite the pilot City of Roanoke Community College Access Program, benefiting Patrick Henry and William Fleming High School 2009 graduates. The award is the largest the Roanoke Women’s Foundation has ever granted to an applicant. Patrick Henry and William Fleming High School graduates can attend Virginia Western Community College tuition free through a program established by the City of Roanoke, the Roanoke City Schools and the Virginia Western Community College Educational Foundation, beginning in fall 2009. The program is need–based and supports as many eligible students as possible based on financial need, identified through the financial aid process, and

By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

> The Wright Kids From page 1

“When restrung and tuned to a mandolin, it [the ukulele] became, perhaps the world’s first “mandolele,� they explain on their website. Today, Baruch adds rhythm guitar to songs in every set. His singing and guitar playing earned first place in the youth band competition at the 2006 Galax Fiddler’s Convention. Sage and Levi joined him in the competition. Barry and Suzi joked that after Levi was born, “he had two choices for a bluegrass instrument, upright bass or banjo.� They remember watching Levi dance in the play- pen as he enjoyed bluegrass music, and said the banjo seemed to excite him the most. Levi began playing bass for the trio when they auditioned for “America’s Got Talent.� With the instrument towering over him, he does not appear intimidated. In fact, one of the more memorable parts of the act is when Levi spins his bass. They began their journey to the top 10 in competition this spring with a tryout for “America’s Got Talent� in Charlotte, N.C. From there, they advanced to Dallas and Las Vegas, before making the top 40 and national TV competition in Los Angeles. While the group prefers to stick to the traditional bluegrass and gospel music they’ve grown up with, producers provided pop songs for them to choose from when they advanced to the national competition of the show. They performed “Daydream Believer,� “Rockin’ Robin� and the Jackson Five hit “ABC,� respectively. Show judge David Hasslehoff told them they had a “special gift from God� after hearing their rendition of “Rockin’ Robin.� The Wright Kids made it to the top 10 before being eliminated by program viewers via telephone voting. Despite being voted off, the Wright Kids had only good things to say about their “America’s Got Talent� adventure. “Everyone we met was wonderful,� Suzie said. “The people from “America’s Got Talent� were all great to work with.� She said that they made quick friends with other contestants on the show and keep in touch with some of them via email. The Wrights would also agree with Hasslehoff that the glory for their talent and

success goes to God. Several tracks on their newest CD, “Playing on the Job� are traditional gospel pieces. Sung acapella, the song “Talk About Suffering� dramatically showcases the children’s ability to harmonize. In the CD’s liner notes, the family says, “Most of all, we are grateful to the one we trust to lead, guide and direct our lives, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.� While not officially in the band yet, the Wright’s fifth child, four year-old Selah Grace, shows tremendous promise. With no prompting from her parents or siblings, Selah asked if we “wanted to hear a song.� All the Wrights immediately pitched in to help set up her stepstool, and microphone stand (no mic yet), and Sage, Baruch and Levi accompanied her adorable, animated rendition of Randy Newman’s “You’ve Got a Friend in Me.� Suzie Wright homeschools the children and manages their practice times. She said the best part of the trip to Hollywood was the vacation time the family was able to

spend together. “We just take advantage of any opportunity to see and experience things together when we travel,� she said. Besides playing music, the kids said that their favorite things to do include riding (and racing) their bikes, playing board games like SpongeBob SquarePants Game of Life and playing with cousins and neighbors. When asked what they would like to be doing five years from now, Sage, Baruch and Levi all said they just wanted to keep performing. Sage said, “I’d like to be performing in front of larger audiences.� The Wright Kids are hoping for a large audience for their next public performance scheduled for Friday, December 5, at 6:00 pm at the Franklin County Public Library, located at 355 Franklin Street in Rocky Mount. Visit www.thewrightkids. com for more information. By Pam Rickard pam@theroanokestar.com

funds available for the program. It will fund tuition for two years or 72 credits, whichever comes first, if federal financial aid is not available or does not adequately cover tuition. It will not cover the cost of books and supplies or room and board expenses. This program is similar to a pilot program Virginia Western and the City of Salem introduced to graduating seniors in June. To be eligible for consideration for the Roanoke CCAP, each student must graduate with a 2.0 GPA as a member of the 2009 class of Patrick Henry or William Fleming High Schools, and have attended these Roanoke City schools for at least his/her junior and senior years. They must also meet all Virginia Western Community College admission guidelines and demonstrate the ability to benefit from a higher education by achieving satisfactory scores on the college's placement tests.

"Through this generous grant from the Roanoke Women’s Foundation and our partnership with the City of Roanoke Public School System, we are demonstrating that we believe in the value of education and want to provide the Roanoke Valley with individuals who have the desire to succeed and become productive citizens,� said Dr. Robert H. Sandel, President, Virginia Western Community College. For more information about the City of Roanoke Community College Access Program and eligibility requirements, email mroanokeccap@virginiawestern.edu.

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Skeptical residents meet with County, AEP and EPA on herbicide use Did a doe fall prey to poisonous herbicides used along Crystal Creek Drive in southwest Roanoke County last August? Appalachian Power said “no” at a public meeting held Wednesday morning at the Roanoke County Administration building. Crystal Creek homeowner David Barudin initiated the dialogue after AEP sprayed the herbicides near the creek, on plants in the power company’s right of way. A dead doe near the stream alarmed Barudin, who works for a DC foundation from his home. “Do you want to defend a potentially dangerous practice?” asked Barudin as the information session got underway. Several residents

said AEP crews ignore their requests to be exempted from spraying. Others said they’ve noticed a marked decrease in the presence of wildlife and fish right after spraying along right of ways and Crystal Creek. Other residents spoke of safety concerns and the use of toxic chemicals around children, pets and livestock, but AEP stressed that the two herbicides in question were EPA approved. One attendee that uses these chemicals for vegetation management in his private business said compounds found under the typical kitchen sink were a lot more dangerous. “I think we’re out of perspective,” said Lyle Anderson, noting that the oil used in chain saws by crews would be more harmful. Former Roanoke City Councilman Rupert Cutler, now chair of the Western Virginia Water Authority Board, also sat in. “My concern again is with the effect on the water supply,” said Cutler, Photo by Gene Marrano noting that AEP does not spray Crystal Creek resident David Barudin looks over his shoulder herbicides near local reservoirs when addressing someone at a public meeting on Wednesday. but uses manual clear-cutting crews instead. from bringing down power lines in the semi-rural area. Cutler wondered if AEP could EPA representative Myles Bartos said he would work through employ more crews in residential Cave Spring Supervisor Charlotte Moore with any additional inforareas like Crystal Creek Drive, mation he might be able to provide. The use of any herbicides is all where herbicides sprayed from a about “risk versus the benefit,” said Bartos, who asked that emotion truck are now used to save mon- not drive discussion of the issue. ey by eliminating crews. He also AEP spokesman Terry Hall said the power company had “a lot said the “ecological impacts,” of to lose,” if it used chemicals in an unsafe matter. “We use registered using certain herbicides may not products.” Hall did say AEP would work with homeowners along be fully researched. Crystal Creek Drive to address their concerns. “Hopefully we’ve done studMoore pledged to keep people in the loop as any investigation ies on the stuff we’re using,” said moves forward. “I don’t think we can ever be too safe. We certainly Crystal Creek resident Dan Cos- need to take every precaution we can.” By Gene Marrano tello, who did appreciate the work gmarrano@cox.net AEP did in keeping tree limbs

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Find the answers online: TheRoanokeStar.com Have a clue and answer you’d like to see? email: puzzles@theroanokestar.com 1 E xp e n sive je w e lry e sp e cia lly

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Photo by Gene Marrano

Chef-in-training Chris Poff creates saltimbocca.

> One Year Down From page 1

times lost children and while it’s usually dry and warm, the publisher has been known to yell, “Cratchet – no more coal on that fire!” But we all get along . . . Mostly. Spirited political and/or theological debate has been known to break out, but that usually gets resolved with wooden pistols at three paces. (Rubber bands hurt like the dickens at three paces.) We also have an old antique brass gong bequeathed to me from my eccentric Aunt McCall that hangs between two tusk-like horns probably taken from some sort of African beast in the 1800’s. We ring it whenever a large ad is placed. Which isn’t enough, of course, but we’re working real hard to hear it more often. And so, it would seem, are the rest of you. The market is tough for everyone these days. Many automotive dealers have all but locked their doors and realtors, the first

ones to endure the frigid temperatures of an increasingly cold market, have dug their trenches deep and settled in to ride out the gathering storm. This economic downturn is indeed serious and it doesn’t take a Wall Street financial guru to guess that it’s likely to get a whole lot worse before it gets even the slightest bit better. But hopefully, as we wrestle through these trying times, we will all get a better sense of what is most important in life – such an awareness, it would seem, is a blessing that is so wonderfully a part of these times whether we want it or not. Recently, I sent out a request for subscription and advertising support to friends and acquaintances – many of whom had said they’d been meaning to do one or the other over the last 52 weeks but just, “hadn’t gotten around to it.” I got a positive response from several and for that I am most grateful. But one dear old friend who shall

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Culinary delights: Virginia Western Community College culinary arts students cooked and prepared samples for visitors to the Claude Moore Education Complex on Henry Street during the recent Roanoke Arts Festival. VWCC runs their culinary arts program at the Moore building, across from the Dumas Center. Chris Poff (pictured, preparing saltimbocca) has one more semester left and hopes to open a bakery in Roanoke after he graduates. The “Exposition of Culinary Arts” was offered Nov. 8-9 and drew large gatherings to the Claude Moore Education Complex.

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go named because he is a dear old friend and he will forgive me, is Al Watts, who wrote a very thoughtful response that outlined some basic principles for surviving in business during these tough times. He indicated that the following suggestions were just some of the things his management team at Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield focuses on as they seek to maximize their abilities to operate efficiently: - Strategically think for the long term. - Be brief and keep it simple when possible. - Stick to the fundamentals. - Remember who you are trying to reach. - Don’t forget your successes so far. As I pondered each suggestion and applied them to our business model here at the RSS, I couldn’t help but also see them as valuable lessons for the living of one’s daily life. Re-read that list. Whether we apply them corporately or individually, such basic reminders can help guide us to a place of clarity as we make some of the most important decisions in our lives. But I’ve got one more suggestion to add to Al’s list that we plan on implementing for the next 52 weeks here at the RSS. It’s an old one to be sure, but no less important: Take one day at a time . . . Focus on the here and now and on what is attainable and can actually be accomplished. For the past does not have to define our today any more than we are a slave to any particular future. God is at work in this world and if we can trust him with even the smallest part of our heart, we’re probably far more on our way than we realize. Trust makes all things possible in any relationship. Thank you for giving us yours these past 52 weeks – we pledge to work one day at a time going forward to continually earn it. May we all find our share of successes in the challenging, yet surely enlightening, days to come.

By Stuart Revercomb stuart@theroanokestar.com

11/21/08 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 5

TheRoanokeStar.com

West African doctor shares knowledge on women’s health Heart disease is the number one killer today in America, and roughly half of all heart attacks are suffered by women. With that and other women’s issues in mind, Lewis Gale Medical Center (HCA Southwest Virginia) presented their Women’s Health Beauty Life EXPO recently at the Salem Civic Center. Among the special guest speakers on the panel dealing with women’s health issues was Dr. Oyidie Igbokidi. The thirty-something doctor was born in the West African nation of Nigeria where she studied medicine, met her husband Greg and got married to the Nigerian-American businessman. “I moved to the states in 1995, did my residency at West Suburban Hospital in Chicago and my fellowship at the University of Iowa,” Dr. Igbokidi said, displaying a glowing smile. “I had initially planned to go back to Africa after my training, but my husband and four children eventually convinced me to stay a while in America.” Dr. Igbokidi must balance life with a husband and two young children, plus two older stepchildren - with life as a cardiologist in great demand at Lewis Gale Hospital. Ten months into her position at Lewis Gale, the energetic doctor appears to be off to a tremendous start. She’s on the treadmill by about 5:30 am knocking back a fast cup of coffee before racing to the office for what often turns out to be a stupefying number of hours, particularly if she’s on call. “I love it!” laughs the doctor, “obviously referring to her career and not to the number

of hours involved. men,” Dr. Igbokidi “And yes, I would said. “Women may send my own hussimply feel extreme band to Lewis Gale fatigue or difficulty and nowhere else breathing; somein the world if he times pain in the were ever to have a jaw, neck or arm; heart attack.” and often pain, a Dr. Igbokidi burning sensation, likes to start most or pressure in the of her conversions Dr. Oyidie Igbokidi area above the abwith prevention domen – sometechniques. “One thing that times after eating or exertion.” Americans really need more But according to the docof is portion control,” said Dr. tor, women are programmed Igbokidi. “You can eat a little to care for others first and of what you like, but ‘a little’ this has always been a serimeans just that.” Obesity is re- ous problem when it comes to lated to everything from heart treating cardiac conditions. disease to cancer, and a host of “Women will neglect themother serious illnesses. selves as they care for their When asked by her pa- families, so that by the time tients how much exercise they I see them they have often should do, she often gives the developed advanced heart quick retort: “How much are disease which means that my you doing now? Do a little options for treatment are limmore!” ited,” Dr. Ikbokidi said. “Also, The doctor’s best advice is to some family physicians send resign totally from the seden- back tests for cholesterol and tary lifestyle. Make it a motto: other potential risk factors “If you eat, you will exercise.” without explaining exactly Other risk factors for men, what those risk factors mean, women and teens are the and they are different for each same, and some of them are individual.” rather surprising. The doctor said that by age “Marijuana is a direct toxin 40, everyone should know to the heart,” Dr. Igbokidi said. their risk score. People with “Pot and other illegal drugs “metabolic syndrome,” (more like cocaine may severely than three risk factors) should damage a teen-ager’s or any- take a proactive approach to one’s heart; there’s no question treatment and should be seen about it.” by a physician at least yearly. Other serious risk factors “There is a myth that womare: smoking, high blood pres- en are not at risk,” Dr. Ikboksure (hypertension), high cho- idi said, “but it is a myth and lesterol, a large waist circum- women need to know that by ference, abnormal blood fats eating properly to maintain such as triglycerides, a fam- their proper weight, stopping ily history of heart problems, smoking and exercising reguprolonged, acute stress, and larly, they can lower their risk diabetes. of a heart attack by between 40 “Women’s symptoms of to 50%!” heart problems tend to be And as long as women give atypical compared to those of their heart of hearts to men,

the men they love need to know the risk factors too. “Risk factors such as alcohol may rarely be discussed,” Dr Igbokidi said, “but excessive alcohol consumption acts as another direct toxin to the heart.” The enthusiastic, young doctor has dreams of helping to start a women’s comprehensive heart prevention and care center at Lewis Gale that would include such prevention techniques as meditation, yoga, stress counseling and diet management. “Along with 81 to 162 milligrams of baby aspirin everyday for people with metabolic syndrome,” the doctor said, “laughter goes a long way too in relieving stress, and that always helps your heart.” As for advice for girls and boys who might want to become doctors one day, Dr. Igbokidi has her own strong opinions. “Being a doctor doesn’t take a brilliant intelligence,” she said, “But it does require the quality of being very observant as well as a committed persistence. I’ve always had a lot of curiosity about everything and of course, lots of persistence.” Next week Dr. Igbokidi plans to arrange a visit to the local schools. “I want very much to talk to the young people about the dangers of drugs,” Dr. Igbokidie said. “I have a son in middle school, so it scares me.” There are a variety of cardiovascular problems caused by a host of factors, but there are just as many kinds of prevention. So when a cardiologist like Dr. Igbokidi says that losing even 5 lbs. can significantly lower your blood pressure and disease risk, you tend to put down the platter of French fries, and listen. Learn more at Lewis Gales Heart / Cardiac online reference center: http://www.lewis-gale.com/ healthcontent.asp?page=/contentSelection/hca/heart/index

Roanoke City holiday collection schedule

City of Roanoke offices will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 27, and Friday, Nov. 28, for the Thanksgiving holiday. As a result, all residents and business owners are asked to follow the changes listed below in their solid waste collection schedules: Monday, Nov. 24 - Trash, recycling, bulk and brush will be collected on schedule. Routes normally collected on Tuesday, Nov. 25 - Trash, recycling, bulk and brush will be collected on Monday. Routes normally collected on Wednesday, Nov. 26 - Trash, recycling, bulk and brush will be collected on Tuesday. Routes normally collected on Thursday, Nov. 27 - trash, recycling, bulk and brush will be collected on Wednesday. Bagged leaves will not be collected the week of Nov. 24. The Central Business District will be worked on schedule all week with the exception of Thanksgiving Day. Regular collection schedules will resume on Monday, Dec. 1. For more information, call the Citizen Service Center at 8532000.

Virginia Cooperative Extension-Roanoke brings you “Planting Landscape Trees”

Ever wonder just how trees and shrubs should be planted? What goes on afterwards? What happens to the roots? Just how much water do trees and shrubs really need, and for how long? Join us for two consecutive FREE presentations on Monday, November 24, 2008 2:00-4:00 pm in the large meeting room at Library Headquarters, Rte. 419 (For more information, call Barbara Leach 772-7524)

2008 Good Samaritan Hospice Love Light Tree

Good Samaritan Hospice celebrates the lives of loved ones each year through its “Love Light Tree” program. The 2008 “Love Light Trees” will be up from November 17-January 2 at both Tanglewood and New River Valley malls. For a donation of $10, you may sponsor a “love light” in honor or memory of someone. That person’s name is placed on the tree throughout the holiday season, representing the light that person has brought into the world. For a donation of $25, you can also receive a hand-made porcelain ornament that you can display on your own tree or Good Sam will send that ornament as a gift to someone you designate to let them know they are in your thoughts during the holidays. All donations are tax-deductible and allow Good Sam to continue to provide hospice care and grief support programs throughout Roanoke and New River Valleys and Smith Mountain Lake. Good Sam is the only not-for-profit, communitybased hospice in the area, and maintains the belief that anyone who qualifies and desires hospice care should receive that care, regardless of ability to pay. You can pick up donation forms at either mall or call Good Sam at 776-0198. You may also visit the website at www.goodsamhospice.org and download a form.

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Honestly approaching the Season of Giving Why we should give now after he was out of earshot. in the shadow of our current the Youth Symphony; dis“Who was that?â€? I inquired. economic state, the tremen- covering budding chemists at more than ever. Something funny happened to me recently. I was introduced to an acquaintance as a “fundraiserâ€?. The single most dreaded word in the book. I am not sure who flinched first. I believe it was me. “â€?No, no! Not anymore,â€? I explained. â€œâ€Ś.helping area non-profits, but not fundraisingâ€?! I had done it again. I had used the second most dreaded word: “non-profitâ€?. This was not going well. And then it came. The comment about “avoiding me when he sees me comingâ€? - while, gracefully looking for an escape. I stood there silent as the conversation finished. With the same gentle character, he bid us farewell -- indicating how nice it was to meet me. But worst of all – he remembered my name. Great. Now I am tagged. A fundraiser. Perhaps the most amusing part of the exchange happened

I’ll let you all fill in the blank on who it was – but clearly, I am the only person in town who didn’t know. While embarrassing stories are amusing – it wasn’t the humor that got me thinking. Why was I horrified at the prospect of such a label? After all, I have indeed spent the better part of the last 20 years doing just that‌.for both the non-profits (where they call it fundraising) and for-profits (where they call it sales). Isn’t the term “nonprofitâ€? a misnomer? Wouldn’t a better term be “public interestâ€? corporation? Why wasn’t this man proud to be in the “sitesâ€? of such people? After all, it means he is known as a successful and generous man. Why do people celebrate “philanthropistsâ€? but avoid “fundraisersâ€?? Which brings me to my point. As the holidays approach

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dous need in our community comes more into focus. I have been involved in fundraising my entire life and this personal tradition of philanthropic involvement has given me perspective on amazing things happening in the world. More importantly, I’ve had the opportunity to witness first hand, the incredible generosity of local businesses and have seen amazing acts of generosity by people who will never likely be termed a “philanthropist�. But my most compelling observation is simple. Those who have the least give the most. I can say with absolute certainty, this is the case. Perhaps they recognize the need because – like a small boat feels every wave of the ocean – they too, intensely feel even the smallest increase in the cost of living. Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the traditional season for giving – when individuals and businesses look for ways to collectively impact the community in which they live. Whether it is supporting inspiring musicians through

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the Science Museum or pooling resources by giving to the United Way -- these “nonprofitsâ€? are truly making our future a brighter place. These organizations thrive on faith and rely on philanthropy. They are leveraging every dollar to ensure it is affecting meaningful and lasting change in our community. While the trends in giving ebb and flow, philanthropy is a practice that has been around for centuries and is honored by nearly every religious tradition. It is voluntary, independent and is rooted in our basic willingness to help others. The literal meaning of the word is the “love of humankind.â€? So, as we enter this “season of givingâ€? -- remember to practice random acts of kindness and generosity. Whether you save your change for the Salvation Army bell ringers, clear out your closet for Goodwill, purchase grocery store gift cards for the Rescue Mission or write a check to an annual fund drive‌you are changing lives. If you are a “fundraiserâ€? who flinches with such an introduction – take time to recognize your efforts are deeply appreciated by those you serve. If you are – like the gentleman I met on the street – an individual or business that generously supports the many needs in our area -- thank you. Thank you for knowing that an investment in these programs ensures a vibrant future for all of us. It is true -- times are tough -- and like the squirrels outside my window, we should try to save every acorn we can find. I simply encourage you to also give in to the spirit of giving that moves all of us at this time of year. It is humbling what can be accomplished when we all work together.

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Environmental Partnership receives award from Scenic Virginia (Left to right) Scenic Virginia Trustee Lucille Miller, Roanoke City Attorney Bill Hackworth, Virginia Outdoors Foundation Trustee Rupert Cutler, Western Virginia Land Trust Executive Director Roger Holnback, Roanoke City Superintendent of Parks Gary Hegner, Western Virginia Land Trust Project Manager David Perry, Western Virginia Land Trust President Janet Scheid, Virginia Outdoors Foundation Communications and Outreach Manager Jason McGarvey. (photo by Jack Beilhart)

Scenic Virginia gave its annual watershed protection award to the City of Roanoke, the Western Virginia Land Trust, and the Virginia Outdoors Foundation on Thursday for their joint effort in protecting Carvins Cove Natural Reserve. Scenic Virginia Trustee Lucille Miller presented the partnership with the organization's "Scenic Water Corridor Preservation Award" for the group's record-setting conservation easement in Carvins Cove, which permanently protects 6,185 acres of land from development, as well as 14 miles of scenic views from the Appalachian Trail. The easement, recorded in April, protects the largest tract of land ever placed under easement in the Commonwealth of Virginia. While a private landowner could have received millions of dollars in tax benefits for protecting a property of this size, “the City of Roanoke didn’t place this easement on the Cove for any financial gain,� said Western Virginia Land Trust Executive Director Roger Holnback during the award presentation. “They did it because it was the right thing to do for future citizens of the City of Roanoke. We hope the City will protect the remainder of the Cove’s 12,000-plus acres in the near future with a second conservation easement.� Scenic Virginia chose the Carvins Cove partnership from among a group of more than 150 nominees from across the state. The award was presented at Scenic Virginia's 2008 Scenic Awards luncheon, held at the Kent-Valentine House in downtown Richmond.

By Stephanie Koehler info@theroanokestar.com

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Mayor Bowers presents a basket of apples to Stephanie Doyle while recognizing her. School Board Chairman David Carson stands to the left. Best in the state: Breckinridge Middle School educator Stephanie Doyle was recognized as the 2009 Virginia Teacher of the Year by Roanoke City Council on Monday. Doyle received a standing ovation from a full house of supporters at Monday evening’s Council Meeting. Doyle has started a mentoring program called GROW (Girls Rising Onto Womanhood) and will go to the 2009 National Teacher of the Year selection process.

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Internet friends meet “in real life�

T

he Internet This created a major is fertile dilemma for Kelly— ground what to serve for for 21st century dinner, and perhaps moms. Chat rooms, even more impordiscussion boards, tantly (to me), what due date clubs...digto serve for dessert? ital page after digital I offered to do page of breastfeedburgers on the grill, ing tips, craft ideas, but Kelly wasn't recipes, medical certain if hamburgDavid Perry advice, and more. er buns contained And while the Internet has eggs or gluten, or if Laura was brought people from different keen on the antibodies and walks of life closer together, growth hormones in grocery there's still a comfortable buf- store beef. She had similar fer between the keyboard and concerns about pizza. Being the mommies on the other end at the end of my personal list of the wire. So it gave me pause of menu choices, I left Kelly to when my wife asked if it were figure it out, which she did— okay if a friend of hers that she beef stew over rice, with the met online stopped in for din- vegetables being organic selecner while she and her husband tions from our CSA memberand son were traveling from ship. We decided to take our Chattanooga to Norfolk. Sud- chances with the beef. denly, the Internet had gone Soon the big day was upon from being a somewhat ab- us, and Laura, Troy, and Bizarstract environment in which ro Seth arrived at the appointone interacts with people in a ed hour, no worse for wear very non-committal, “here to- from driving for several hours day, gone tomorrow� fashion, on I-81. Bizarro Seth turned to a conduit by which com- out to be not so bizarre after plete strangers from another all, and even had something in state were going to come to my common with Seth Perry—a house and eat my food. Strang- love of toy trucks. Laura and ers who may be very well be ax Troy seemed like decent peomurderers, or who don't even ple too. After the first few awkrecycle. In my house, at that! ward moments and the usual Now, I don't text message exchange of pleasantries about and I'm not on Facebook. I do the trip and traffic, the rest have an MP3 player but not of the evening went well. The a color iPod. While I'm not only major glitch was the descompletely hip to what the sert choice—non-dairy frozen kids are up to these days, I do juice pops, which Bizarro Seth try to keep a toe in the pool so couldn't eat because they conas not to become an Old Per- tained Splenda. Unbeknownst son (at least not right away). So to us, Splenda gives Laura instead of balking at the pros- headaches and Troy seizures, pect of having ax-murdering and they couldn't take the landfill killers over for dinner, chance that Bizarro Seth may I quickly warmed to the idea. have a similar affliction. After all, I told myself, meeting At last the evening drew to an online friend IRL (In Real a close, marked by the arrival Life) is a very cool, 21st centu- of the Perry Boys' Bath Time ry thing to do. And there was (7:30 pm sharp) and then by no point in being a jerk about Way Past Bath Time (8:00), it and making my wife angry. so Laura, Troy, and Bizarro Ironically, the couple that Seth said their thank-yous was coming to dinner, Laura and goodbyes. I drew them a and Troy, had a 2-year old detailed map back to 581, and named Seth, as do Kelly and they were off. And we had surI. I was especially curious how vived our first Internet meetSeth Perry would handle meet- ing, IRL. ing another Seth (I dubbed him Bizarro Seth). It turns out Contact David at Bizarro Seth had some food aldave@davidperryonline.com lergies. He couldn't eat eggs or gluten and didn't do ice cream.

P

11/21/08 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 7

Standing in the Corner

arenting is such a public endeavor. If you go Once the time was served, which wasn’t very long, anywhere with your children, and hopefully the father called his son back to him. The father you do, others are watching. This can both quietly talked to him about what had happened. I be pleasing when your children rise to the occasion couldn’t hear the conversation but could see the quiet to make good choices and disappointing when they words of correction being whispered. Standing bedon’t. How we deal with their behavior says a lot about tween his parents, he sat down at the table to eat his us as parents. Granted, we don’t always know the best dessert. The father, sensing his son’s need for reassurway to react with every situation, but taking time to ance, said, “Son, you are okay. You disappointed me, teach and train is the job of the parent, and we had but it is over now.� The son seemed relieved and hapbetter do it, for their sake. pily finished his dessert. With the resolution of the Diane Kelly I love watching different styles of parenting. Truly conflict, he experienced the full circle of correction, there is no ‘best’ formula for successful parenting instruction, and restoration. because every child is different, but there are characteristics of This little boy has a father and mother who want him to know good parenting that help children learn right from wrong, good right from wrong. They know who they want their little boy to manners from bad, obedience, and respect for authority. be one day, and they are busy attending to his character with Recently I was privileged to witness good parenting in pro- every opportunity to teach, no matter where they are. Public or cess, and I have been waiting to share this story since that time. private, they want his behavior to be above reproach, upright, We were at a church dinner where there were lots of families reflecting a high standard for respect and honor of others. These with young children. The young ones were playing about while parents know the beauty and goodness of correction and inthe adults were in conversations with one another. Our con- struction. versation with friends sitting across from us suddenly stopped I marveled at the power of a few words, the strength of characwhen they both recognized the sound of their son’s voice from ter shown by the parents, and the willingness to shape his characross the room. Their eyes met and at once confirmed the oth- acter with intentional and deliberate training. It was a breath er’s hunch that the utterance they heard was inappropriate and of fresh air. No harsh words were spoken. No one tried to build needed attention. The father at once caught the eye of his son, his self esteem or coddle him into recognizing his poor choice who already had that guilty look, and motioned to the son to of words. He knew it deep in his soul. And it happened in the find the corner and go there. The young boy, probably four years corner. old, knew better. His guilt gave it away on the first meeting of “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he eyes and he knew the score. Go to the corner. Stay there with- will not turn from it.� Proverbs 22:6 out anyone’s attention to think and sort out what he did that was wrong. The father’s words were few. Silence was powerful. No Contact Diane at scolding. No belittling. Just direction from the dianekelly@gmail.com 11970 09 MKS ad.ai 8/5/08 11:07:59 AM father, pure and simple. “Stand in the corner.�

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Page 8 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 11/21/08

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Rescuing another kind of bank Money is like the tap-water of the economy. Banks are hoarding 'water' because they're afraid people will come demand 'water' from them. --Pete Kyle, Economist, University of Maryland

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ack of liquidity, stymied flow, a credit drought—what can the average American do to pump money through our banks and the economy itself? Very little. Yet under the surface of the world's financial woes, lies a bank with assets far more vital to our lives, which we can all do something about. That we seldom hear about this bank and its looming crisis is remarkable, since real liquidity—and our entire economy—depend upon its deeper, rarely-mentioned re-

serves. This bank holds actual water—the unseen, underfoot aquifers and groundwater that feed our springs, wells, rivers— and the economy. To water crops and entire cities, we've been withdrawing from this underground bank for decades, while increased development and drier weather have impeded deposits. Hence, water tables across the continent are falling beneath our feet. “There's a common misconception that there will always be plenty of good groundwater available for whatever use anybody wants,” said Scott Bruce, of the Department of Environmental Quality in Virginia, where droughts continue, reservoir levels have sunk and wells are going dry. “We are dealing with a finite

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system. The general perception needs to be changed to understand that we're not groundwater-rich.” Normally, nature restores her groundwater assets via direct deposit—of precipitation. But if the underground account is closed off by asphalt and denuded landscapes, valuable rainfall runs to streams as storm water. If the land can receive deposits, however, and protect those assets from quick evaporation, even minimal rains can be invested for a good return. That's what perma-culturist Brad Lancaster has done, in a landscape far drier than the mid-Atlantic. When Brad and his brother Rodd moved to a property in Tucson, Arizona—where rainfall averages twelve inches per year—they found a barren yard with poor soil and one fruitless, dried-up orange tree. When rains did fall, they tumbled off a roof and carved a ditch through the yard, eroding the house foundations. So the brothers dug a drainage ditch straight to the ailing tree, where they also composted every kitchen scrap to create a

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natural “sponge.” The increased his land's soil grew rich; the water wealth simply tree flourished and by paying attention. bombed them with When Maseko first oranges. They crestarted farming, his ated a wider spread dirt was eroded, of mulch to soak up dusty and poor. He rains, and planted began observing more trees, none of the rare rainfalls which require waand ways to bank Liza Field tering. them back in the Today, this onceground. barren Arizona lot is rich with Maseko found that fallen topsoil, vegetables, flowers, debris, rocks and plant roots shade-trees, and an orange crop. impeded run-off and helped Neighbors (who formerly didn't rain to make a long-term, loknow each other) now come for cal deposit. Soon, he created a marmalade-making parties and humus-rich, rooted landscape leave with rain-banking ideas that welcomed those priceless that are revitalizing the neigh- deposits of water and kept them borhood. from evaporating. His methods Lancaster hopes these ideas have allowed him to survive will keep flowing outward, for a two-year drought, and inhuman economies depend on creased water levels in his well, the wider bank of groundwater where his neighbors' have dried around the globe. up. Nowhere is this more obviWould it pay us, here in the ous than in Africa, where years Eastern U.S., to learn this kind of drought and famine have of water-banking? With the etched out the direct link be- Southeastern drought now tween water poverty and hu- creeping northward and the man poverty. costs of future water-shortages On a visit to drought-stricken mind-boggling, we can't afford Zimbabwe, Lancaster met Mr. not to. Phiri Maseko, a farmer who had Lancaster offers simple steps,

beginning with “long and thoughtful observation” of the land. Where does run-off go? Then, “slow, spread and infiltrate the flow of water” back into the ground, using berms, grading, compost and mulch. Next, plan for overflow and make use of it with life-enriching plants. Trees, for instance, not only protect ground water but provide food, shade a building, buffer wind and house songbirds. Even the sunlight of a drought becomes productive, he notes, having now installed solar panels. “As you harvest the water, you start to harvest the sun,” Lancaster says. “You tune in to what's around you, to the seasons, the rainfall. It makes you feel a lot more alive, a lot more connected.” It's a big kind of wealth that “the little guy” can create. And it actually trickles down.

Liza Field is a tree-planter and conservationist. She teaches English and philosophy in the Virginia Governor’s School and Wytheville Community College. Distributed by Bay Journal News Service.

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Untangling the knot that can be the Holiday Season

T

he shock of a piercing alarm in a different time zone and different country is disorienting. When this happened, knowing it was much too loud to be my watch, I checked it anyway. The sound stopped before my roommate for the tour and I could find the source. With relief, we settled back into our beds and went to sleep. Some minutes later, the alarm

by Pastor Donna Hopkins Britt pierced the room again. This time, Linda unplugged a borrowed phone charger. Though we doubted that was the problem, the alarm stopped, and again, we fell back heavily onto the pillows. At breakfast the next morning, we learned that the sound was not just in our room; it was a hotel-wide false fire alarm. Mary Alice said she had unplugged everything she could. Larry waved a hand across his alarm and thought he had stopped it. As much as each of us thought we had some control over the situation, we were powerless. The approaching holidays may make our blood pressure skyrocket like the adrenaline did from that fire alarm. “Who’s traveling where and when?” “What am I going to give to ____?” “Is Uncle Bob going to be as rude as he was last year?” Family dysfunction jumps to the forefront. Grief is heightened for those missing loved ones. The economic downturn inhibits generous giving. For some, the holiday season has spiraled out of control so that we feel powerless to reduce our growing anxiety. Over a large window hangs a set of blinds about five feet

wide. It takes three strong cords to raise and lower them and over time, the cords get tangled in a knot, which magically continues to grow. You can’t untangle it with force, or by pulling one cord tighter; you have to address each area of the knot slowly and patiently, until all dangle freely again. The cords of the holidays are family and social expectations, traditions, and even good celebrations and the genuine desire to make other people happy. We are tangled in this great big knot, but we are not powerless. Four things will disentangle us: time, patient work, courage, and help from others. Time and patience: count on years to make changes. My husband and I recently decided that, instead of buying presents for each other, we will choose a charity to which the other will send a donation. I would like to expand that to our families, but, for example, since my sister-in-law shops for Christmas the whole year, it will be at least next year before we can make that change. In coming years, people will see you more relaxed and will want to know your secret! Courage: Tony Campolo, speaking at the Roanoke Civic

Center recently, noted that we may wander the aisles of the stores looking for something newly on the market for “the person who has everything.” “Really” he said, “what do you get the person who has everything?” “Nothing!” responded the crowd. And then Campolo said, “But you haven’t got the guts to do it, have ya?” Have you? Help from others: Consider yourself lucky if you’ve got someone in your family who will work with you on this. If you have a friend who can help you think through a plan of action, that’s great, too. With or without human assistance, the unseen yet everpresent Spirit of God within you and around you is waiting for you to ask for help and guidance. When you take quiet moments to listen for God, at bedtime tonight, or just after that alarm in the morning, you eventually will find with God a wisdom greater than any human sage could offer, and courage to take a bold step or two. Happy holidays to you.

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

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11/21/08 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 9

Do you have a socially thirsty kid? Western Virginia Land Trust

M

y son is so shy, how can I ing a child to be aware of their facial help him?� is a question expressions and to smile or grin when that I often hear. There dealing with others helps to remove are some very obvious and appropriate negative impressions or misinterpreresponses such as get him involved in tations. As adults we have developed a team sport, take him to youth group, awareness in most cases of what our let him join a club at school. These are faces are doing. Children develop this great suggestions and in many instancat different rates and a little reminder es a child will open up naturally with can help this process along. Even as just this overexposure of the social enadults we make judgments based on vironment. In a handful of the cases, the facial expressions of others. Keith McCurdy however, the exposure alone is not Greeting others: Encourage a child enough. It’s the old “you can lead a horse to water to say “hello�, “hey�, “what’s up�, or any number of but you can’t make him drink� phenomena. things as you make eye contact with others. I ofIn the case of a shy child, the problem is often ten have kids set a goal of saying hello to at least lack of skill. While many children have a natural two people in every class by name. Using a child’s or innate skill level socially, it is not true for every- name is more personal and builds a desire in othone. In these cases it is our job to teach our chil- ers to say hello back and eventually when they see dren how to navigate the social world. Eye con- you coming, to say hello first. When they see each tact, Facial expression, Greeting others and asking other in lunch, at practice or at the mall, the hesiquestions are four simple skills that can be easily tancy to say hello is already gone and communitaught and reap significant rewards for a child. cation happens much easier. Eye contact: When a child can learn to walk Asking questions: The most common comdown a hall and look at those around them, the plaint I get from kids about being social is that school is not nearly as scary. The act of looking they never know what to talk about. Kids often others in the eye builds confidence almost auto- have this notion that they need to come up with matically. I tell kids to look others in the eye as something really “cool� or “funny� so that others they walk from class to class and especially when will like them. By teaching a child to ask questhey are in a conversation with someone. This tions of others, this burden is removed. The topic may sound simple, but is often the most difficult of conversation becomes the other person. This of the above mentioned skills. When a child is not only draws the other person in, but stimulates unsure of themselves, there is often an irrational more questions. The other child is left feeling valbelief that others will see this weakness in them. ued and typically is motivated to build the relaThis tends to create an avoidance process that be- tionship more from their end. This skill can easgins with not looking at others and avoiding eye ily be directed by providing a few scenarios from contact. In response to this, others often view this your child’s daily life. avoidance as fear or weakness, the very thing that By equipping our children in this way we help the child wanted to avoid. Just by lifting up their them in managing a very significant part of their head and looking at others, a child can begin to lives, the social world. So let’s not just lead them feel like “I can do this�. to the water, let’s teach them how to drink it. Facial expressions: I tell kids quite often, “If you are trying to be friendly, notify your face.� Putting Contact Keith at a smile on your face or having a pleasant exprespsycyou@msn.com sion rarely draws negativity from others. Teach-

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“Sea change� may alter the tide of history

f you do what you've always predicaments are matters we can only done, you'll get what you've aldeal with. We have plenty of both.) ways got" says the old bromide. Our personal, national and planAnd that's just fine for most of us most etary well-being are at risk in ways of the time. and to degrees that human civilizaIf we're honest, we tend to abhor tion has never known. How so many change and cherish the fixed and comthousands of millions of us will eat fortable routine in the ways we apand drink, heat and cool, travel, build proach our days at work or home and and prosper in an enfeebled and in our relationships. First the pants, moribund future world seem insolthen the shoes. Cereal in the same uble concerns given our old ways of Fred First bowl, coffee in the same cup. News at dealing with them. six. So why am I hopeful? Because for the first We structure our thinking about the world on time in decades--and maybe to a degree never a foundation of assumptions about how things seen before--even politicians are beginning to are. We build our realities, values, expectations grapple with the notion that we can't count on and beliefs on top of those fundamentals. Year the old kind of change to sustain our future. after year we hold tight our world views and They are remembering that economies are at understandably resist the threat of change that root built on the soil. Many world leaders now would require us to renovate. acknowledge that humans must think and act Both of the parties recently competed ad nau- with greater respect toward all races and the biseam to get the word CHANGE into their plat- ology of the planet if we are to survive as state, forms, their pitches and their robo-calls. Chanc- nation and species. es are, we are all weary of the word by now. But I'm encouraged that young people are once we don't have the luxury to sit on our laurels or again becoming engaged actively in the fate of other body parts and think the changes that lie their future. I am heartened that a world of voicahead can be left to the next administration. es, amplified and compounded by the Internet, There are changes and there are changes. The are speaking out in favor of bottom-up commuone kind we're used to in the modern era would nity-based solutions to many of these problems. simply tweak the ingredients a bit--add the celery Even many heretofore consumer driven Amerifirst instead of the onions--or toss in a dash more cans are starting to think in terms of the little salt. That's yesterday's recipe for change. The sec- they need out of the sum of what they desire. ond kind and the one that looms ahead of us toTo reach the distant shore of an uncertain fuday is sometimes referred to as "sea change." ture, we can't just do what we've always done. As From Shakespeare's Tempest we've adopted this tsunami of change comes to our here and the phrase to mean a profound transformation- now, we can float like flotsam or sink like a stone; -a complete shift in our world view and way of but if we will set our minds to do so, we will padthinking. Sea change is almost a kind of meta- dle for all we're worth and the flow of change will morphosis--a caterpillar goes in and a butterfly transform us for a future fit for living. comes out. What will be required of us if we are to sucContact Fred at cessfully face the problems and predicaments of fred1st@gmail.com the future is this kind of change. (I heard it said recently that problems are matters we can solve,

The Roanoke Star-Sentinel C o m mu n i t y | N ew s | Pe r s p e c t i ve Publisher | Stuart Revercomb | stuart@theroanokestar.com | 400-0990 Advertising Director | Pam Rickard | pam@theroanokestar.com | 400-0990 Production Editor | Stephen Nelson | stephen@theroanokestar.com | 400-0990 Technical Webmaster | Don Waterfield | webmaster@theroanokestar.com | 400-0990 The Roanoke Star-Sentinel is published weekly by Whisper One Media, Inc. in Roanoke,Va. Subscriptions are available for $44 per year. Send subscriptions to PO Box 8338, Roanoke,VA 24014. We encourage letters from our readers on topics of general interest to the community and responses to our articles and columns. Letters must be signed and have a telephone number for verification. All letters will be verified before publication.The Star-Sentinel reserves the right to deny publication of any letter and edit letters for length, content and style. All real estate advertised herein is subject to national and Virginia fair housing laws and readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis.

now depends entirely on us

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ard economic times have hit our country to a degree most of us never imagined, and that makes everything related to money more difficult, not least the noble task of fundraising for worthy causes. At the Western Virginia Land Trust, the approaching Christmas season – when nonprofit organizations benefit most from people’s generous impulses – is viewed as particularly crucial. In September, the Land Trust received its final $40,000 annual gift from the Colcom Foundation in Pittsburgh. Originally $50,000, the money had arrived faithfully since 1996. It enabled Rupert Cutler, executive director of Explore Park at the time, to become the Trust’s founding executive director in 1997. Now, the $40,000 amounts to 25 percent of the Trust’s $160,000 annual operating budget. Nowadays, Roger Holnback, the current executive director, spends about half his time raising funds. Last year, Trust members donated about $80,000, and the rest of the money came from grants and the like. The $40,000 gift – from the foundation of a friend of Cutler’s who preferred to remain anonymous – made Holnback’s task lighter. Now, he’ll have to fill that significant hole. The Trust’s Pennsylvania connection is gone – but not without abundant gratitude from everyone associated with the non-profit A land trust is a community-based, private, non-profit organization that encourages “balanced community development� and saving important local landscapes. As the WVLT’s Website puts it, such landscapes are “the natural and cultural features that define a community’s character and identify.� The Trust encourages voluntary conservation easements to protect open land forever, in exchange for estate and tax advantages, basically. Why should we care? Because we are surrounded by natural beauty vulnerable to

urban sprawl. Prehumor and an espeserving the best of it cially kind way with keeps our commuyoung people.â€? nity identity – and Last year, her a significant attracfoundations gave tion for outsiders – $23 million to intact. worthwhile endeavIt also helps proors, Holnback says. tect our water qualClearly, she ity and nourish our thought big and Joe Kennedy souls. thought ahead. The Trust’s sucThat’s a good habit cess stories include small farms, to develop, and the Land Trust 6,185 acres in the Carvins Cove is a good place to start. Natural Reserve and nearly 250 May’s annual contribution acres of Read Mountain. These may be gone, but as Holnback places will not be developed – says in the newsletter, “all over ever. America, hundreds of land The Western Virginia Land trusts ‌ are supported entirely Trust covers greater Roanoke from the generous support of and 10 counties. It has some local donors. Now our land 700 members, or donors, but trust will need to be, as well.â€? the figure has remained steady in recent years. Contact Joe at Without their support, the pilarcik2@cox.net Trust could not exist. Without Rupert Cutler’s friendship with Cordelia Scaife May, known to her friends as “Cordyâ€?, the Trust probably would not have come so far. Certainly, the task would have been more difficult. Payroll, made easy! (540) 776-5191 May died in 2005 but her (540) 981-1001 foundation staff kept the money coming to the Trust for a bit

longer at her request. The foun dation’s priority is southwest ern Pennsylvania, not SouthSize: 3 / '' x 7'' x 10'' west Virginia. Now, Holnback and David Perry, the Trust’s project manager, encourage Southwest VirPatented ginians to help replace that gift with donation of all sizes. IdeSolid Wood Pet-Urns ally, they’ll be inspired by May’s Premium Quality, example. Highly Personal. These hand crafted and hand finished Cordy May of Ligonier, PA, box-urns are available in Pine, Oak, was an heir to the Mellon for- Walnut and Cherry. Pet-Urns provide room enough for a collar and toy. Included is a tune and in 2005 was named custom engraved solid brass plaque. Satisfaction completely guaranteed. “the single most generous perRetails for $150-$175 For display information and son in the United States� by wholesale prices call: the Chronicle of Philanthropy, Integrity Burial Boxes,Ltd. Cutler says in the Trust’s up540-777-1233 Fax: 540-777-1234 coming newsletter. She was E-mail: integrityboxes @ aol.com “as nice a person as you can Visit our website: www. cremationboxes.com imagine, with a rich sense of 1

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PERSPECTIVE

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An opportunity to change the broken government we often complain about

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n a little over a month, four important bills will be introduced in the Virginia General Assembly that could fundamentally change the relationship between Virginians and their government. A few minutes of your time to lobby to get them passed could mean the difference between more power in government’s hands – or more power in yours. Bill #1: We see billions of our dollars going to Richmond and Washington with little accountability for how it’s spent (anyone remember that $700 billion financial markets bailout that was supposed to be spent on shoring up bad mortgages, but is now being used for everything but that?) Virginia’s budget is billions in the hole this year. How did it happen? Where was all the money spent? Why have we already run out? We are told just to “trust� our political leaders and unelected bureaucrats. No more. Virginia needs to put its budget online in a user-friendly, searchable database which citizens, legislators, and the media can easily access. (I mention legislators because our own legislators readily admit they don’t even know how the billions they vote to budget each year are actually spent!) You wouldn’t just see an agency’s annual budget; you would see exactly what your money is spent on. Several other states have budget transparency. That’s just commonsense, honest government. Bill #2: We’re told that Virginia’s transportation system has reached “crisis� mode and that there is never enough money to improve things. Yet a majority of our state legislators – to pay for other programs – have raided hundreds of millions of dollars

from the funds set aside specifically for fixing transjust the politicians) must vote to change the law. portation. Bill #4: New taxes and fees are often passed to fund The Transportation Trust Fund was supposed to be specific, limited-time purposes (so we are told), but a “lock box� where certain taxes and fees solely dedithen seem to remain forever, with us left to pay the bill cated to transportation were supposed to go. The Gen– forever. For example, many Virginians still pay a tax eral Assembly has had several opportunities to lock that was instituted to pay for the War of 1812 (in four the “lockbox� again to prevent further raids, but hasn’t years, we will “celebrate� its 200th anniversary). done it. That’s why a constitutional amendment to That’s why a bill is being proposed to require expiraprevent the funds from ever being plundered again is tion dates for all new taxes, fees, and tax increases. If being proposed. politicians feel it’s necessary to keep a tax after the exBill #3: We think that our home is our own. But piration date, they will have to publicly debate, defend, do you realize that by a simple act of the General Asand secure the votes to pass the tax again. Brian Gottstein sembly, your city council or board of supervisors can These four bills can fundamentally change the relatake away your property and sell it to a developer who tionship between the state and the citizens, and return wants to build a bigger home or business there (because it will some significant power to the people, where it rightfully belongs. bring in more tax revenues)? They are being forwarded by Tertium Quids, an organization that Two years ago, a law was passed to prevent this from happen- promotes the principles of small government and free markets in ing. Unfortunately, a law can be overturned by a simple major- Virginia. Several state legislators (both Republicans and Demoity of legislators. As Roanoke’s own Sen. John Edwards said, the crats) are sponsoring the bills, proving this is not partisan legislaRoanoke Redevelopment and Housing Authority (a big taker of tion; this is balance of power legislation. private property) should be able to “live within the parameters of You can be a part of this power shift by signing up to support the statute, and if not, we can come back and look at it another the agenda at TertiumQuids.org, where you can learn how to help year and see if tinkering needs to be done." push these bills through the General Assembly. Yes, changing the law to make it easier for government to take your home just involves a little “tinkering.� If this same law is Contact Brian at passed instead as a constitutional amendment, it will provide bgottstein1@yahoo.com stronger protection for citizens, because it means the people (not

Patience of Job no match for modern customer service

Normally, I am a very patient man. In fact, aside from still having most of my hair, the ability to withstand a substantial amount of non-sense is among my only redeemable qualities. Recently, that keen sense of tolerance has been tested by a collection of customer service professionals who seemed determined to drive me into a stroke induced coma. All of you have encountered these "helpful" folks. To encounter an actual human being on the phone you must first dial the gauntlet of instructed key strokes on your telephone. Some menus might allow you to speak the numbers into the phone rather than use your dial pad, WARNING, steer clear of this option at all cost. The site of a grown person repeatedly screaming the number "FOUR" head-faced into a handset is not a pretty sight. In fact, voice prompted phone systems are climbing the suicide charts as a leading cause of bridge jumping in males 35-50, falling third behind the economy and the Chicago Cubs. Worse are the phone systems that employ a virtual switchboard person who can only understand the specific language they are programmed to comprehend. I battled such an entity last week, who, here and after will be referred to as "Virtual Betty." Regardless of what I said Betty responded, "I'm sorry, I am having trouble understanding what you are saying". "Really?" I responded (forgetting for a moment that I was talking to a machine), "Do you mean nothing that I have said falls within your 250 word hard drive vocabulary?" To which she

replied "I'm sorry, I on the phone he volam having trouble, leyed a series of quesblah,blah,blah"‌. tions my way, trying you know the rest. to understand who A vein in my foreI was and why I was head began to take calling. I explained the shape of surfacthat my last name ing submarine, as I was Kaufman and lashed out at my mespelled my name for chanical antagonist, him. This astonishing spewing a stream of exchange followed. profanity that would Noel: Sir was the Jon Kaufman make Tony Sosecond letter of your prano's crew blush. last name an "a" or Perhaps shocked into submis- an "eight?" sion, my inflexible robot friend Me: (laughing) An eight? had apparently heard enough What am I a part number? No, and immediately transferred it's an "a". me to a living breathing person Noel: Thank you Mr. Coffin a matter of seconds. Had I man unlocked the passage around Me: Actually it's pronounced Virtual Betty? Was her distaste "Cowf-man". for colorful language the chink Noel: (indignantly) No its in her amour? not, its pronounced "Coffman!" Reaching the next level of Me: Noel, are you telling me customer service evolution that I am mispronouncing my (a human), I began my quest own name? to have my issue resolved. I Noel: I guess. was funneled to a woman, Me: (becoming a tad heated) who clearly specializes in foul You guess? Maybe I should mouthed customers who began scare-up a sÊance, contact my our conversation by chastising Dad and let him know that me for even reaching her exten- NOEL has discovered that we sion. Either Betty had ratted me have been saying our name inout or perhaps all of the par- correctly for all of these years? ticularly vulgar calls were sent Noel: Sir, can you hold for a to my new friend automatically. moment? When she was finished scolding Before, I could answer I was me, the woman put me on hold whisked away to phone purgaand transferred me to another tory once again. Nine minutes department. A young man an- passed and a familiar voice reswered and quickly put me on turned to the phone, it was my hold again. Gentle hold music earlier nemesis, Virtual Betty. played (it sounded like a soft- Betty's smiling voice prompted ened instrumental version of tears to well-up in my eyes, I "Highway to Hell," but perhaps I had gone full circle. I tossed my was mistaken). My Blackberry phone down and placed a bag of was beginning to feel hot on my ice on my throbbing head. ear. I continued to wait for anA wise fellow once said that other twelve minutes. patience and fortitude conquer When "Noel" arrived back all things, however, I doubt if that fellow had ever been summarily pummeled by a combination of technology, apathy and stupidity all in the same phone call. Patience has since He’s back - this time as an audiologist! tumbled off that short list of Jon's virtues. On the bright side, Dr. Michael W. Ridenhour now offers house calls for hearing I still have my hair. evaluation and hearing aid services. If you or a loved one can’t Contact Jon at get out and about easily, Dr. Ridenhour will come to your home Jon.Kaufman@sprint.com and help you with your communication needs. Don’t let yourself become isolated. Call Dr. Ridenhour’s office at 540-3457821 and to get back into the mainstream of life. Low interest payment plans available.

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I

The Gift Thing

t happens every year: Christmas comes earlier. This season, I saw Christmas decorations in stores in August and it wasn’t a specialty shop. National Public Radio, my usual listening post, played a Christmas song today. Maybe that’s because we had our first snowfall last night. It really doesn’t matter when the festivities are supposed to begin; everyone is trying to get the first oar in the water of holiday shopping. When my children were small I wondered why my parents didn’t buy presents for their darling granddaughters. The girls were equal opportunity gift receivers: they liked everything. It wasn’t as though they were real choosy about what they got but my parents always sent a check which evoked little excitement from anybody. I resolved that when I was a grandparent, I would be different. I would pick out fascinating gifts that would cement their affection in a never-to-be-forgotten fashion. How things change! Not only have I never been able to select such a Christmas present for my grandchildren, I have marginal interest in venturing out for a shopping spree. My parents, long since departed, are probably smiling in heaven that I have taken up their easy way out of the feeding frenzy that the holidays have become. My daughters felt treasured by their grandparents despite the paucity of presents. I love my own grandchildren fiercely but visiting the mall for them? Not going to happen. Alternatives abound. From

the privacy of my are no shortage of own One-Click options both locally Amazon account I and beyond. can get anything and Giving money have it delivered to to charities is partheir homes. The ticularly important odds that it will be a this year. With the thrilling package are economy so deeply no more than 50-50. in the tank and sinkWhy it seems beting fast, that’s an area ter than a check I that is getting hit can’t explain, but Hayden Hollingsworth hard and often. the Gift Card does Any extra contrilight up their little butions will be eseyes. Not only that, I can pick up pecially welcome now. a gift card for a hundred differThere’s a downside to this: ent venues in any supermarket. Merchants will suffer from dePlace it in a cute little Christmas creased gift buying. They’re recard and I’m all done. ally going to hurt this year and When my daughters were ap- the supermarket-sold Gift Card proaching middle-school age, idea doesn’t do anything for the the number of aunts, uncles, locally owned stores. and cousins for which we had There’s no reason the two to Christmas shop approached approaches can’t be combined. the high double digits. Some- There are those to whom we one in the family (a wise per- really love to hand a gift; there son, indeed) suggested that are those who would be equally we (the adults) not exchange thrilled by a contribution made presents but rather pick out a in their honor. charity and send a large check If you do choose to give a to them. When the children present be certain that you are reached twelve years old they not “re-gifting� the person from joined in and had their names whom you received a less-thanadded to the gift. I don’t think useful item last year. By sending we asked them for a contribu- money to where it’s really needtion, but they got the idea. No ed you can be sure you avoid one suffered from lack of pres- that embarrassing moment. ents on The Day but they grew Even though it’s not even up remembering that tradition. Thanksgiving yet, let’s try to Last year one of my daughters keep the right perspective on and her family gave a heifer to each day leading up to the holia mission project in our names. days. It’s not going to be as easy Glad she didn’t try to wrap it this year but Jewish, Christian, and put it under the tree. or Muslim we can all walk in the I pick a project in which I am same direction to help others. interested and make a contribution in the name of many family Contact Hayden at members. Deciding where to jhayden2003@cox.net send the money is fun. There

The Recipe of the Week from The Happy Chef by Leigh Sackett

Foil-Wrapped Turkey

This is how my mother prepared our Thanksgiving turkey and I have roasted a Thanksgiving turkey this way longer than I can remember. I roast a full turkey every year whether we are home or not because it is just so wonderful, I can’t resist. This method is a real timesaver but it is also very juicy, I guess the foil locks in those juices. The greatest thing though would have to be my mother’s stuffing. IT IS SO SIMPLE. I love stuffing and all the many variations of it, but in my opinion there is none better than my mother’s. (Maybe there’s none better than your Mom’s too!) How can you improve upon chicken broth, bread and tons of butter mixing with the juices of a beautiful turkey cooking for hours?! So if you are not absolutely in love with your own traditional Thanksgiving turkey preparation or have one too many memories of a drier than desired bird, you may want to try this out. You won’t be sorry! Turkey -Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Remove neck and giblets from both cavities of defrosted turkey. Rinse turkey, pat dry and brush with vegetable oil. -Tear off a sheet of 18-inch-wide heavy duty aluminum foil 2-1/2 times longer than the turkey. Place turkey, breast side up, in center of foil sheet. -Bring long sides of foil over turkey; close loosely by overlapping the ends. Turn up short sides of foil to hold in juices. Do not seal airtight. -Place foil-wrapped turkey in roasting pan at least 2 inches deep. Insert meat thermometer into inner thigh for whole turkey or into thickest part of breast for turkey breast. -Roast until meat thermometer reads 180 degrees to 185 degrees F for whole turkey or 170 degrees to 175 degrees F for turkey breast. For stuffed turkey, add 30 minutes to roasting time. -To brown turkey, open and turn back foil 30 minutes before roasting is finished.

-The approximate roasting times are 1-1/2 to 2-1/4 hours for 8 to 12 lb. turkey; 2-1/4 to 2-3/4 hours for 12 to 16 lb. turkey; 2-3/4 to 3-1/4 hours for 16 to 20 lb. turkey; 3-1/4 to 3-3/4 hours for 20 to 24 lb. turkey. -For easy slicing, cover turkey with foil and let stand 15 minutes after removing from oven. Stuffing This is exactly how my mother wrote out the recipe there are no true measurements, I just wing it every year and just mix it all up till it seems moist and yummy and then of course it becomes even more moist as it cooks in the bird‌ Buy a package of Pepperidge Farm Herb Stuffing and mix it with bread that you have torn into pieces and let dry over night. Mix melted butter and chicken broth into stuffing mix and stuff your turkey. * I use over a half a loaf of bread (more bread than Pepperidge Farm), about a stick of butter and probably 2 cups of broth.

11/21/08 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 11

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CALENDAR > Nov. 21 & 22

Northside Middle School PTA Annual Spaghetti Dinner and Craft Show Friday, Novemebr 21, 5 p.m. 9 p.m., Craft Show. Spaghetti Dinner, 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. Saturday 22, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Craft Show, light refreshments, door prizes & silent auction. More crafters welcome, call NMS at 561-8145. For more- call Sheree Anderson at 366-7048.

Compost Workshop The Roanoke Community Garden Association would like to announce a compost workshop Saturday, November 22 When - 1:00pm. Where- The workshop will be held at one of the RCGA plots at 655 Highland Av SE.

Crystal Spring Silent Auction fundraiser Crystal Spring will hold their annual fundraiser/Silent Auction event. The proceeds will be used to fulfill the teachers’ wish list which includes items such as video projectors, digital camera supplies, and computer software. Where - Crystal Spring Elementary School

> Nov. 21-24

Grandin Court Elementary Book Fair Come join for a coffee and tea tasting, musical performances by Beggars’ Circus, Bill Lininger, Stacy Hobbs, Cyrus Pace and Second Wynde. We have authors Leonard Adkins, Nelson Harris, Chris Manning, Tristan Perry and Scott Reighard available for book signing. “Minds in Motion� students will be performing as well as Fourth Grade Spanish students and the Grandin Court Children’s Choir. Storytimes with teachers and student artwork will be displayed throughout the store. Where- Tanglewood Barnes & Noble

> Nov. 22

Annual Grandin Village Holiday Children’s Parade The Grandin Village Business Association is sponsoring the Annual Grandin Village Holiday Children’s Parade, Saturday November 22nd. Held the Saturday before Thanksgiving each year, this is a neighborhood favorite and includes Santa on a Fire Engine and much more. No registration is required to participate and children of all ages are welcome. If you’d like to enter a float, come to the parking lot of Christ Lutheran

Church between 10:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. As this is a children’s parade, only small floats will be allowed (wagons, etc). No motorized vehicles, please. Scout groups, dance groups and baton twirlers are encouraged to participate as well. If music is needed for this type of group, then a motorized vehicle will be allowed for that purpose. Boy Scout Troop 8 will be collecting canned goods for charity so please bring a donation. When - 11 a.m. Where - The parade starts at Christ Lutheran Church (2011 Brandon Ave) on the corner of Grandin Road & Brandon Avenue and proceeds through Historic Grandin Village, ending at Mick or Mack (1312 Winborne St.) Concert with Jim Malcolm The Scottish Foundation presents in Concert JIM MALCOLM performing the Songs of Robert Burns in celebration of Burns’ 250th anniversary. Jim is from Perth Scotland. When - Doors open at 7pm and concert is at 7:30 pm. Cost - Tickets at the door-SFVH and CPC members & seniors $12, non-members $15, students $8, and under 10 free. Where - Colonial Presbyterian Church, 3550 Poplar Drive,

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> Nov. 25

Open Projector Night n November 25, the historic Grandin Theatre will continue this trend of reinvigorating the valley’s arts scene with its fourth Open Projector Night. This event, held quarterly at the theatre in Raleigh Court, is open to the public and will consist of a screening of short films made by local filmmakers. However, Open Projector Night is more than just an exhibition of local artistic talent. Audience members are invited to give feedback and choose a crowd favorite, which will then be screened at the annual Best of Open Projector Night Showcase in December. When - 7 p.m. Where - Grandin Theatre Cost - Tickets are $5.75 For more www.grandintheatre.com

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Neglected buildings make the 2008 Endangered Sites list

By George Kegley

Neglect of seven vacant buildings, a centuryold steam locomotive forgotten in a scrap yard and a city-owned stone wall was charged by the Roanoke Valley Preservation Foundation in its annual listing of Endangered Sites, announced recently. When buildings are unoccupied and maintenance stops, they deteriorate and lose value, the preservation group said. Ongoing neglect often raises the cost of renovation to more than the building is worth, creating white elephants. The foundation is concerned that structures are maintained and cared for at a minimum level so they survive for renovation. Leading the list in downtown Roanoke are the apparently abandoned Patrick Henry Hotel, closed last year, and the former Heironimus department store, closed in 1996, briefly reopened as an emporium of shops and finally shut down in 2005. The hotel could be auctioned if a tax bill is not paid by the end of the year, The threat of neglect is a bit unusual, said Mike Kennedy, foundation president. “So often, nowadays, it’s development that threatens our built heritage. With the slowing economy, I suppose we’ll see more neglect and fewer bulldozers tearing holes in our historic fabric.â€? These neglected sites were selected by a foundation committee: -A locomotive made in the old Norfolk & Western Railway East End Shops in 1911, left in the former Virginia Scrap Iron yard since 1950. Its owner, the Transportation Museum, wants to sell two other old engines to pay for moving the locally made locomotive to the museum. -The former Adams, Payne & Gleaves livery stable was once used for storage by Virginia Scrap Iron. A brick, two-story structure probably built around 1900 near South Jefferson Street is the last known livery stable in Roanoke. Horses were kept there for the Adams, Payne firm, a building materials supplier. -The 117-room Patrick Henry Hotel, opened in 1925, was closed in 2007 by its New York owner after being charged with inadequate fire protection. The classic building, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was purchased by investors in 1990. Ceilings have fallen and water has leaked. Proposals for senior living in the building failed to materialize. -The Heironimus department store building has been vacant since 2005 when the last of several emporium shops closed. The downtown store closed in 1996. -A stone wall, in need of repair by the City of Roanoke, on Wasena Avenue -Horton Building, on the southeast corner of Kirk Avenue and 1st St reet, SW, sold to a Charlottesville firm; is in need of exterior repair. A restaurant, The Judge’s Chambers, is under development in one area but three other building fronts are offered for lease. -1222 Campbell Avenue, SW, a craftsman style house labeled as “a public nuisance‌unfit for

human habitation,â€? by the City Code Enforcement office. The long vacant house has elephantine columns, a chimney of stone rubble and decorative notched rafters. -Buena Vista, an 1850 mansion and former Southeast city recreation center, listed for sale; in need of a new roof and exterior repair. -The Burke cabin, also known as the Tanyard House after it was built in the 1850s. The cabin, at Clay Street and Thompson Drive, is owned by Roanoke College. The 11/2-story frame building has been vacant for years. The structures are in different stages of neglect. Financial problems and uncertainty in the nation’s declining economy are expected to limit development even more in the future. Financial uncertainties are often blamed for neglect but the last decade has seen developers thrive. Lack of adequate concern and commitment by landlords, especially absentee owners, often holds up repair and restoration. The National Trust for Historic Preservation said that neglect of historic properties may be caused by “impoverished owners, difficulties arising from unsettled estates or simply an uncaring attitude by owners.â€? The Trust also identifies “a more disturbing trend‌an owner’s intentional use of ‘demolition by neglect’ to circumvent legislation aimed at protecting historic properties.â€? If owners neglect properties by choice, their attitude may be, “If you won’t let me tear it down, then I’ll let it fall down.â€? All six of the 2007 Endangered Sites remain under threat. They were the village of Bonsack, Elmwood Park, Buena Vista and Villa Heights, former recreation centers, Patrick Henry Hotel and the valley’s tree canopy. In recent years, two of the endangered sites saved are the Fellers house on Hollins Road, soon to be a new campus for Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare unit and the Oliver Hill boyhood home on Gilmer Avenue, now a Washington & Lee University legal center. On the other hand, a house at 806 Marshall Ave., SW, has been removed and log structures at Greenfield Plantation in Botetourt County, the corridors of Route 220 south and Route 122 in Franklin County and Roanoke Valley tree canopy remain endangered. A Georgia developer has missed several timelines for a Bonsack project so a threat to that village may have been averted. The foundation’s aim is to call public attention annually to endangered sites in the fall and to select successful preservation projects for awards in the spring. The annual meeting also featured a panel discussion of protection of Roanoke Valley mountaintops by Janet Scheid, county greenways planner; Ron Crawford, founder of the Read Mountain Alliance, and Gail Burress, a leader of the Mill Mountain Conservancy. The meeting was held at the Discovery Center on Mill Mountain.

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SPORTS

11/21/08 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 13

Winning a state title was player’s goal says Johnson Sure, he talked about it in training camp last summer and every coach wants one, but winning the Virginia Independent School Division III title was a goal North Cross players set for themselves early on. So says Lee Johnson, the second year head coach who just led the Raiders to a state title last weekend. “Its one thing to talk about it, its another thing to get there and do it,� said Johnson several days after North Cross beat Blessed-Sacrament 21-6. “I don’t think people realize how hard it is to get one. Everything has to come together.� Good health, a dash of luck and dedicated players were all part of the mix. The Raiders defense, “probably the most underrated thing about our program,� said Johnson did the job when the explosive offense wasn’t on the field. “We got so much better defensively. It was hard to score points on us.� Johnson said his Raiders were itching for a rematch with Blessed Sacrament after losing to the Knights in the opener. The title game on hostile

turf was “very business-oriented,â€? said the winning head coach, who left a public school job at Glenvar to succeed Jim Muscaro at North Cross. The Raiders (11-1 overall) didn’t get frazzled when they fell behind 6-0, something the team talked about with Johnson and his coaching staff earlier in the week. “We stayed the course‌and stuck with the game plan, and ended up taking it over. It was a good night,â€? said Johnson. Johnson said he loses a great group of seniors “that really bought in to this thing two years ago.â€? But, many younger players on the roster gained valuable experience in 2008, especially in some of the Raider’s blowout wins. “I’m proud of the way they went after it week after week after week.â€? There will be a banner hoisted at North Cross and probably a rally, then said Johnson it will be time to look ahead: “we can enjoy it for a little bit, then we’ve got to get to work for next year.â€? By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

(Above) North Cross coach Lee Johnson prowls the practice field early in the season. (Top Right). Standout North Cross wide out Sidney Brown hauls in a pass against Blessed Sacrament Hugenot. (Bottom Right) After falling behind 6-0 in the first half, the North Cross defense stiffened and held the Knights to less than 40 yards in the second half – half of which came on a single play.

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Faith Christian School has hired Roanoke College graduate Jacob Parr to be their new boys basketball coach. Parr takes over for Leon Caldwell, who resigned earlier this fall. Parr was a student assistant for the Maroons’ varsity team during his time at Roanoke College, as well as an assistant coach for the junior varsity. After graduating in 2006, he attended Virginia Commonwealth University, where he received a Master’s degree in Sports Leadership and Coaching. He has also coached at the AAU level in Salem. “One of my goals has always been to be a basketball coach,� Parr said. “I’m really excited about this opportunity.� Parr inherits a young roster with no seniors. However, Parr remains optimistic about his team’s chances this season. The Warriors boys squad struggled

last season under Caldwell, while the girls team went on to capture an independent small school state championship. “They are very teachable and coachable, and they catch on to things very quickly,� Parr said. As for his coaching style, Parr said he prefers to adapt it to the makeup of his roster. “I like to base the way we play on my team, and do whatever best suits them,� he said. “For example, we’ve been working Head Coach Jacob Parr constantly on being tougher, and on our fundamentals, so what we can control, and letthat we do all the little things ting the rest work itself out.� well.� The Warriors tip off their Parr let the players come up season on November 25 at with their own goals and team home against Gateway Chrisrules, none of which focused tian Academy. on wins or losses. “The goals they made have nothing to do with how many games we win this year,� Parr By Matt Reeve said. “We talk a lot about just Matt@theroanokestar.com doing our part, controlling

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SPORTS

Page 14 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 11/21/08

Hidden Valley athletes see hard work pay off

What started with nowYankee farmhand Mikey O’Brien in the spring continued recently as Hidden Valley High School sees three more of its senior star athletes put their name on the dotted line this year for college scholarships. Swimmer Lauren Hines is headed to the University of Richmond, while both Ben Boggs and Abby Redick are Virginia Tech-bound. Boggs caught the eye of Virginia Tech men’s basketball coach Seth Greenberg during a summer camp he attended even before he came to Hidden Valley. He knew he could be a Hokie at that point. “I really liked having made my decision at the start of last year,� said Boggs after a ceremonial signing with Redick and Hines. “I didn’t have to worry about who is in the crowd watching. I think it’s the best fit for me.� Boggs said his relationship with Greenberg is probably the best of any coach that recruited him.

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Lauren Hines, Abby Redick and Ben Boggs. “I think he is a players coach [although] he’ll be tough on you at times.� Greenberg said. Boggs will work on quickness, getting stronger, the longer three-point shot and the overall speed of the college game while spending his last season on the court for Hidden Valley. Hines has been at Hidden Valley for just a year-plus after transferring from Brookville High School in the Lynchburg. “I just couldn’t picture myself doing anything else in college,� said Hines, a sprinter who also competes for the Gators club, about her decision to keep swimming with the Spiders program. “I’ve always wanted to swim at a D1 school,� said Hines. Redick may be out all year for the Titans while she mends a torn ACL in her right knee, but Tech coach Beth Dunken-

berger offered her a scholarship anyway. “It’s a huge blessing. Not many coaches would do that,� said Redick, who can see herself playing both forward positions in college. “Its obvious Virginia Tech is the place I’m supposed to be with [that] support.� Redick said she got an “awesome vibe,� from the whole Hokies coaching staff and “chills� when Dunkenberger offered her a scholarship. Redick was able to start running recently for the first time in three months. While on the mend she may help do a little coaching from the Titans, something she hopes to do after college. With new Hidden Valley coach Brenda King battling cancer a quartet of people led by Bobby Beecher will fill. “Its going to be a good experience, at least to see what goes on,� said Redick, who is the last of five children in the family to earn Division I athletic scholarships. “You can definitely learn from older brothers and sisters. For my parents not having to pay college tuition, it’s a huge blessing.� Proud father Ken Redick said it was “truly by the grace of God,� that all five children earned scholarships. “Abby is the culmination of a lot of hard work by all the kids. She has learned from all of the obstacles they had to overcome.� Older brother J.J., a Cave Spring High School graduate, now plays pro basketball for the Orlando Magic. Jeannie Redick said her youngest daughter has been on the phone with older sister Catie, who also tore an ACL: “I think she’ll be able to make the transition [to college] really well.� There are no more Redick children – but an infant granddaughter is already about four inches longer than normal, says Ken Redick, who played small college basketball. Stay tuned.

Photo by Cheryl Hodges

The Hidden Valley Titans celebrate their second place finish in Richmond last Saturday. Gathered around the trophy are Samantha Ringer (on crutches), Sam Klostermann, Emily Gooding (#4),Liz Burke, Eva Delaney, Jessica Church, Lottie Meadows, Kathryn Reichel, Kimberly McDow.

Titans take second place State runners-up: in their first trip ever to the Group AA volleyball final four in Richmond, the Hidden Valley Titans came up just one match short. Hidden Valley lost to Loudon County last weekend after beating Salem in the five-game semifinal on Friday. The Titans, under head coach Carla Ponn Poff, finished 24-5 on the season.

Photos by Bill Turner

The Colonel defense strips the ball from an Eagle ball carrier (Left). Fleming running back #17 LaCalvin Hickman (Above) breaks into the open. Hickman managed just 34 yards on the day.

Colonels successful season ends in Northwest Regional Playoffs The William Fleming Colonels’ season ended with a thud on Saturday afternoon at Patrick Henry Stadium after a lackluster 35-6 loss to Liberty-Bealeton in the semifinals of the Northwest Region Tournament. The prolific offense that carried William Fleming for most of the season was nowhere to be found on Saturday, as the Colonels were held to under 50 yards of total offense. “We didn’t play very well across the board,� Coach Rob Senseney said. “We had some mistakes and missed opportunities, and just didn’t play a very good game.� Defensively, the Colonels were unable to contain the

Eagles balanced attack, which rolled up over 400 yards. Liberty-Bealeton took control of the game after a mistake by William Fleming early in the first quarter. On the Colonels’ first possession of the game, an errant snap from the shotgun sailed over quarterback Derek Brown’s head. Brown recovered the ball and tried to make a play, but was hit and fumbled in the end zone. The Eagles recovered for an early 6-0 lead, and would not look back. After Eagles’ quarterback Nick Potts threw for one of his three touchdown passes to make it 14-0, the Colonels’ offense finally showed signs of life, putting together a nice drive that culminated in a short touchdown run by LaCalvin Hickman that closed the mar-

gin to 14-6. But the Eagles offense marched right back down the field and scored again, this time on the ground, and led 21-6 at the half. Despite the loss, Senseney remains proud of his team and hopeful for the future. “They’re a good football team,� Senseney said. “It was one of those days. We told the boys that losses like this only hurt if you don’t learn anything from them. We still had a really good season, and we have a solid core for next year, so we’ll see what happens.� The Colonels finish the season with a record of 9-2, and as the champions of the Western Valley District.

By Matt Reeve Matt@theroanokestar.com

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11/21/08 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 15

Red Sox franchise comes to the valley

Salem general manager John Katz joked that any offended New York Yankee fans can sit on the visitor’s side – they are still welcome at the ballpark – but there was no denying the excitement as the newly-christened Salem Red Sox welcomed local baseball fans to Tanglewood Mall last Saturday. “Sawx” supporters lined up in a queue a 75 feet long or better to meet 2009 Salem Red Sox Manager Chad Epperson, several ball players who may not even be here and, most importantly, to have their pictures taken with the 2004 World Series trophy while wearing a championship ring. “We’re really excited about being here,” said Epperson, who is familiar with the Carolina League and Salem Memorial Baseball Stadium from 2006, when he managed rival Wilmington. “Its great to come out here and see people excited about [being] part of The Nation.” Katz said several curious Yankee fans that did show up refused to have their picture taken with the 2004 trophy. That was the year the Boston Red Sox overcame a 3-0 Yankee playoff series lead to advance to the first World Series they would win in 86 years. They won another last year. Kristi Maupin, who attends Radford University, had no problem posing with the trophy and ring. “I’ve always been a Boston fan,” said Maupin, who hails originally from Waynesboro. Fenway Sports Group, which owns the major league club, purchased the Single-A franchise in Salem a year ago, when the Houston Astros had a year left on its agreement. Nancy Griggs was on hand in part as a stand-in for her husband Douglas, the real Sox fan in the family. Douglas is from Boston and “his dad took him to [Fenway Park] when Ted Williams was playing,” said Briggs. “He’s just been waiting for them to become the [Salem] Red Sox. He can’t wait to get out there.” Katz said he notices people all over the valley wearing Red Sox gear, but the outpouring of enthusiasm at Tanglewood Mall was a pleasant surprise. “This certainly exceeded our expectations and was a whole lot of fun.” Some season ticket prices will be rolled back to 1995 levels next spring and Katz promises other fanfriendly innovations. “From the moment they pull into the parking lot until the moment they leave [the ball park experience] is going to be taken to the next level.” The name change was not a shocker, since the

Salem Red Sox manager Chad Epperson (bottom right) and several ball players sign autographs at Tanglewood Mall. Red Sox brand has been the most marketable in all of baseball for the past few years. Most of the fans at Tanglewood Mall were younger, although at least one on hand, George Sloane, remembered the Roanoke Red Sox, a Boston farm team that played at Maher Field on Reserve Avenue, and recalled when The Splendid Splinter himself - Ted Williams - made an appearance here for an exhibition game in the late ‘40’s. Sloane remembers Williams taking a poor kid through the gate when he played here, a game he didn’t see himself because he couldn’t afford the admission fee. The 74 year old “thought I was gonna die before I ever saw them win a World Series. I’ve been a Red Sox fan all my life.” Baseball is a family thing; Sloane’s daughter in suburban New York City paid a visit to Babe Ruth’s grave when the Sox were down 3-0 to the Yankees in ’04, asking for a miracle. Ruth was a star pitcher for Boston before the Sox sold his contract to the Yankees. Sloane’s daughter took beer and hot dogs to the Bambino’s grave as an offering, and well, the rest is history as they say. Roanoke City Councilwoman Gwen Mason and 6th District Congressman Bob Goodlatte, both transplants and ardent Red Sox fans, also showed up for the festivities at Tanglewood. “I think this is very cool,” said Goodlatte, who knows some of the older Sox fans in the area, their interest kindled long ago by the Roanoke Red Sox. “Its great to have them back in town,” added Goodlatte.

The Roanoke Star U 17 Boys Premier Blue soccer team recently completed their Blue Ridge Classic League season finishing first in their division with 8 wins and no losses. Only 4 goals were scored against the team in league play. Pictured are: First row: Scott Harriman, Tim Henderson, Tyler Farrar, Andrew Strauss, Collin Overacker, Marcus Rosti, Michael Farmer, and Ryan Armitage. Second Row: Coach Matt Neale, Ben Harris, Eric Bartocci, Jamison McCarty, Will Dooley, Chris Cook, Eric Imhof, Landon Epperly, Ben Nowak, Pratik Mody and Joe McAvoy. Not pictured is Evan Johnson. Goalkeepers are Will Dooley and Chris Cook.

North Cross Varsity update

Varsity Volleyball On Fri., Nov. 7, the North Cross School Varsity Volleyball team defeated Southampton Academy in five games to advance to the final of the VISAA State Tournament. After losing the first two games to Southampton in the semi-finals, the Raiders fought back and won the next three games. "The girls did not roll over and give up. They pushed every point, one at a time, until the match was over," said Varsity Head Coach Heather Donaho. The Raiders advanced to the final match between Blue Ridge Conference rival Grace Christian School on Sat., Nov. 8. The Raiders battled on and played a close match. Unfortunately, the girls could not get a run on their rival. Grace Christian went on to win their seventh straight State title. "We had taken two games from Grace earlier in the season, so I By Gene Marrano knew it would be a close match. gmarrano@cox.net

The girls played their hearts out, and I could not have asked for more than that," said Donaho. "We look forward to meeting up with Grace again next year and bringing the title home." The Raiders ended the season with a 19-8 record, taking second in the State with two members, Sarah Jessee and Marli Dabareiner, making the VISAA AllTournament team. Varsity Field Hockey The Varsity Field Hockey team ended their season in Fredericksburg, VA, falling to the number one seed Fredericksburg Academy. Although they fell short (2-4), the Raiders scored two goals on Fredericksburg Academy and held their opponents scoreless in the sec-

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een, raising over $1200. An 8-team Girls Jamboree is scheduled at Pulaski High School on Saturday, November 22. Coach King previously coached at Pulaski HS. There will be no charge for admission; however, donations are being accepted. Pulaski County HS is also selling tshirts. Finally, the Brenda King Hoops Benefit will take place at Roanoke College December 20 and 21. For more information, or to get your AAU team involved, go to www.slamdunkbasketball.com/. The Hidden Valley community would like to thank everyone in the Roanoke Valley and surrounding areas for its support over the past month. This has truly been a tremendous effort from many different people as we help Brenda to Fight Like a King. For more information, please contact Hidden Valley High School Katrina Kish Phone: (540) 776-7320 E-mail: kkish@rcs.k12.va.us

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Correction … and congratulations: Raiders fullback Brent Ring (#5), shown diving across the goal line in a semifinal playoff win against Isle of Wight, was incorrectly identified in last week’s Star-Sentinel edition. No doubt Ring was all smiles last Friday as the North Cross School varsity football team defeated Blessed Sacrament-Huguenot Catholic School by a score of 21-6 to win the VISAA Division III State Football Championship. Blessed Sacrament had beaten North Cross (11-1) to open the regular season but coach Lee Johnson’s team stormed back last Friday after trailing early to pull away for the title victory. Photo by Bill Turmer

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Still “Fighting like a King” During the month of October, the Hidden Valley High School community learned one of its own was diagnosed with cancer. Recently appointed Girls Basketball Coach, Brenda King, was about to undergo the toughest battle she has ever faced. The community has since rallied together, hosting many different fundraising activities to help with the costs Brenda and her family have incurred. HVHS hosted a Student vs. Faculty Basketball Game on October 31st with ticket donation money going to the family. In addition, Marketing students and Relay for Life members asked for donations at the HV vs. Pulaski and HV vs. Cave Spring football games. Other activities sponsored by different organizations include selling HV4BK t-shirts and Fight Like a King bracelets as well as a “Jeans Week” option for the faculty at HVHS with a donation to the family. The total so far for these activities has been $10,699.78. T-shirts and bracelets are still available and can be ordered by contacting the school. The Hidden Valley community has not been alone in its endeavors. Cave Spring High School sold “Boograms” on Hallow-

ond half. “The team had a great season, and I’m so proud of their determination and positive attitude. We look forward to repeating our success next year with a strong returning group of players,” said Varsity Field Hockey Coach Emily Phillips. The young field hockey team had a slow start to their season but finished strong. The team ended with an overall record of 7-8 and a Blue Ridge Conference record of 6-2.

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Page 16 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 11/21/08

VALLEY BUSINESS

TheRoanokeStar.com

IMD granted extension for Walgreen’s Completion For over an hour Monday afternoon Roanoke City Council bantered about three options relating to the time extension for the Ivy Market Walgreen’s. On October 23, Council tabled the resolution in order to better assess consequences the developer would undergo should the April 30, 2009, Phase One extension request result in default and/or the Phase Two completion date is not met. This was the fourth extension to the performance agreement of November 18, 2004, which gave IMD $9 million of incentives over 15 years for two Phases. The opening of Walgreen’s along with Ukrop’s would be considered completion of Phase One. Additional retail space, parking, and infrastructure for a Phase Two with a completion date of November 18, 2009. was determined to be unattainable. On voice vote the resolution was taken off the table. Mayor Bowers after some discussion with the city attorney, William Hackworth, entertained a motion to remove the original option from the docket. This motion passed. This left two options before Council - Option “A� and option “B“. Option “A� would have reduced the $9 million of incentives to approximately $6.5 million assuming that Walgreen’s (Phase One) completes by April 30, 2009 with default of Phase Two. Option “B� would have extended the maximum

yearly grant of $600,000 that IMD could receive out through the 15 years without completing Phase Two and would result in much less revenue for the city. If IMD did not meet the Walgreen’s completion date then default would result in no grant funds being honored. The attorney for Bland Painter, III, owner of IMD was Neal Keesee, Jr., of Woods Rogers Attorneys. Keesee said that his client preferred Option “A� with amendments. This resulted

in lengthy discussion between attorneys, client, and Council. Mayor Bowers attempted to table the resolution to give the City attorney, administration, and developer time to work it out. The motion to table failed. Council member Alvin Nash suggested that the December 1st deadline be extended to December 17th resulting in another motion to table which barely passed. The resolution was taken off the table at the 7:00 PM meeting and according to Brian Townsend, Assistant Manager for Community Development, Phase One and Phase Two were “essentially decoupled� and that a Phase One only agreement will continue for the next 14 years upon the opening of Walgreen’s by April 30, 2009. In addition the agreement will only allow IMD to request one half of the revenue derived in the form of a grant request beginning July, 2010, for the remaining years. The resolution passed unanimously. Townsend said, “if the City wants to contemplate an agreement for Phase Two [then] that will be its own agreement� and added that the IMD had not yet purchased any of the Phase Two property. By Valerie Garner info@theroanokestar.com

The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center wins Best of the South Award

The Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center has been honored among the Best of the South, an award that is bestowed by readers of the prestigious Meetings South, a publication read by thousands of meeting planners and meetings industry professionals. The Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center was chosen from hundreds of hotels throughout the South, and was one of just 56 properties to be designated Best of the South and one of three from the state of Virginia. The Meetings South’s award is voted upon by the publication’s meeting planner readers who are invited to vote for those properties that delivered the highest quality of service and expertise, and provided flawless, memorable meetings. The publication asked readers to choose their favorite properties based on certain criteria, including the quality of meeting space, guest rooms, staff, service, food and beverages, amenities, activities and value. Planners who voted were required to choose properties they had used within the last two years. “We're extremely proud of this award and the presence that the Hotel Roanoke has created in Virginia and the South,� said Gary Walton, general manager of The Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center. “These awards are earned through the hard work and dedication of our staff and by the support of our guests and customers. It is especially gratifying to be the recipient of this industry award.�

Photo by Gene Marrano

Skip Decker mans the Roanoke City booth at the 9th Annual Green Living and Energy Expo

Green Living expo offers alternatives, ideas

The 9th annual Green Living & Energy Expo this past weekend at the Roanoke Civic Center’s special events hall featured specialized contractors, energy management services, manufacturers with products that help conserve energy and several localities showing off how they have gone greener. Skip Decker, who spearheads Roanoke City’s solid waste recycling efforts, was there to with an award the city government has received for its drive to become greener. There were wind turbines, solar panels and electric bike kits from Roanoker Brent Baker, whose e-Power Wheels company was

showing off $500, 70 lb. packages that turn a manual cycle into one that can be powered by electric battery. Baker gave out information explaining that as of January 2009 employers can give workers $20 a month tax-free for expenses related to bike commuting - which can then be written off by the firm. The new law was actually part of the $700 million bailout package passed in Congress, according to Baker. The Association of Energy Conservation Professionals stages the Green Living & Energy Expo. By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

Environmental business coalition to announce emissions target The Clean and Green Business Coalition held a press conference on Friday, Nov. 21, at Orvis on Campbell Avenue, to announce the emissions target set out by its members. The Coalition has set a target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from each business' operation by a total of 20 percent over a period of five years (at 4 percent per year). "The purpose of the Business Coalition is to provide leadership across all sectors in the region. By setting goals that are double the community standard, we are making a significant commitment to the greening of the Roanoke Valley," says Stan Breakell, president of Breakell Inc., one of the Coalition's charter members. In March, a number of Roanoke's top employers and businesses joined efforts to create the Coalition. Co-chaired by City Council Member Gwen Mason and Stan Breakell, the Coalition's mission is to identify and implement environmentally sound business practices, including the development of sustainable business plans, the tracking of carbon emissions, and recycling.

"As an employer in the Roanoke Valley and a provider of a green energy source, natural gas, we believe it is important for our company to take a leadership role in protecting the environment. Not only are we taking steps within our company, we encourage our employees to be conscious of the environment in their personal lives as well," says Dale Lee, vice-president and secretary at RGC Resources. By joining the city in monitoring greenhouse gas emissions, encouraging green planning, and practicing conservation responsibly in business routines and processes, the private sector is demonstrating true leadership in environmental stewardship. Member companies of the Coalition include: Berglund Chevrolet, Breakell Inc., Carilion Clinic, Fralin and Waldron, Gentry Locke Rakes and Moore, HSMM AECOM , J.M. Turner Company, Lanford Brothers Co. Inc.,Orvis, RGC Resources, SunTrust Bank, Steel Dynamics, Virginia Western Community College

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ARTS & CULTURE

11/21/08 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 17

Mill Mountain Theatre education director loves her kids and her profession

Mill Mountain Theatre Education Director Ginger Poole said she would “probably characterize myself as an actor-dancer-singer.” Hired last spring for that post, Poole has acted in or choreographed at number of productions at Mill Mountain and will do so again during the 2008-2009 season. This is her third season at MMT; she’s acted in “Don’t Dress for Dinner” and “Hank Williams: Lost Highway.” Poole has choreographed “Into the Woods,” “Stinky Cheese Man,” “Big River,” “Arabian Nights” and the most recent production, “Spitfire Grill.” “I’ve always been drawn to the stage,” said Poole, a professional dancer in her teens who was “burned out,” before she went to college and became motivated again to pursue acting. The education post, where she conducts classes for everyone from small children to adults, provides a “great blend, as far as my …background. To put all elements that I love into one career, it’s been really wonderful.” She has added classes that focus on dance and movement. Some of her students have acted before or have taken classes, but many have not. “It’s a good balance,” said Poole. Fostering an appreciation of the arts and building self-confidence are her two primary goals. Poole’s predecessor at Mill Mountain, Pat Wilhelms, has now started an educational theater program based at the Taubman Museum of Art. Poole and Wilhelms had worked together on several productions previously. The South Carolina native grew up in Atlanta, earned a Master’s of Fine Arts for acting in Mississippi, and then lived in North Carolina, where she was involved with the Flat

Photo by Gene Marrano

Eric Fitzpatrick calls the Taubman “a great thing” for Roanoke.

Local artist encouraged by Taubman’s arrival

Zach Essig, Jay Forehand, Layla Harless, Jessica Leonard, R.J. Ragland and Eleanor Sizemore with education director Ginger Poole. Rock Playhouse before coming to Roanoke. Poole had worked previously with Mill Mountain’s producing artistic director, Patrick Benton, when he was at a theater in Jackson, Ms., so there was a comfort level there. Benton brought her to Roanoke several years ago for “Don’t Dress for Dinner.” “I really love it,” said Poole of the Star City, “it’s really easy to move here.” “Roanoke is very lucky to have [live] theater right here,” says Poole, who marvels at all of the cultural offerings concentrated downtown. “It really is an amazing city. We’re very lucky.” Poole is challenged by her young students and tries to challenge them. During one nine- week class geared towards middle schoolers she remains lively and animated, trying to keep the small group’s

Art Show People’s Choice Award Winner announced

The Arts Council of the Blue Ridge recently announced this year’s People’s Choice Award winner. Betsy Hale Bannan of Roanoke received the award for her piece, “Our Girl in Tinian.” The People’s Choice Award was chosen by votes cast by visitors to the show. The award is sponsored by the City of Roanoke. The 2008 Roanoke City Art Show was comprised of 43 works by 32 regional artists. The juror for the exhibition was Helen Frederick, Professor and Coordinator of Printmaking, and director of Navigation Press in the Department of Art and Visual Information Technology at George Mason University. According to

attention. During the course (priced at $150) they will memorize lines, learn where to stand (blocking) and put on a small skit for parents at the end, complete with curtain calls and playbills. Getting to that point can be a formidable task. “They [challenge] me every day. It does require a lot of energy,” she said. Ten year old Zachary Essig is one of those taking part in a class titled “Monologues, Scenes and Everything in Between.” The North Cross School student is drawn to acting and has been in several Mill Mountain productions: “I get to be someone else that I’m not.” “I like people looking at me and I like being a different character,” said Jessica Leonard, who attends Read Mountain Middle School. She also says Poole is “great.” The act-

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Local doctor releases holiday CD

“Our Girl in Tinian.” Frederick, “Our Girl in Tinian falls into the symbolic category. Both large in scale and impact it speaks of seasoned hands that know what to do with color and form to convey powerful content. Betsy Hale Bannan is fearless in her oil on linen rendition of 'Our Girl…' who embodies mythical proportions”.

Just in time for the holidays, local jazz guitarist Jeff Todd has released “Season’s Greetings,” a Christmas CD featuring a combination of traditional hymns and secular songs. Vocalists Deborah Liles and Ashleigh Judd, described by Todd as “two close friends with very different styles” can be heard in several of the pieces. Both Todd, a cardiologist by trade, and Liles, perform in locations across southwest Virginia throughout the year, occasionally joining forces to perform at venues held nearby such as Center in the Square, to the mountain setting of Chateau Morrisette, and many places in between. “Season’s Greetings” is Todd’s first foray into producing, which he did here locally at Flat 5 Studios in Salem. Todd and lifelong friend Craig Howland, a drummer, had wanted to put together a CD for years, and with the advent of digital technology, it

Land Down Under comes to Science Museum of Western VA

Australia: Land Beyond Time is a breathtaking journey through the exotic, surreal and dramatic natural environment of Australia. With its endless coastline and vast expanses of parched, sandy desert, this continent harbors unique inhabitants and striking scenery. At the Science Museum of Western Virginia’s MegaDome Theatre (Center in the Square), moviegoers will watch kangaroos bound larger than life across the museum’s 40-foot dome. The giant screen brings to life koalas, burrowing mice, thorny devils, platypus, giant

ing experience has also helped her in school with poise and confidence issues. A fondness for the limelight seems to be a prerequisite: “I love being in front of people, acting, singing, dancing, whatever,” said Layla Harless, who travels from Franklin County to take Poole’s class. If nothing else, being in a live theater environment may spur young students to return later on to watch a play – or it may bring back the parents for a class. Poole says her love for children and for the profession provides all the motivation required. If some of them wind up in Mill Mountain productions that’s even better. “I want to grow our own so to speak. I would love to see [students] come back as an intern, or as a professional.” (see millmountain.org for more on upcoming classes)

Well-known Roanoke painter Eric Fitzpatrick is one of many artists hoping that the excitement and buzz associated with the Taubman Museum opening doesn’t end. He hopes it will help create more art patrons for local galleries, and street fairs like the one in which he recently exhibited just three blocks away from the museum ribbon cutting. “I think it will good for everyone,” said Fitzpatrick. “Any time you ratchet up the excitement in the arts community …its good for all of us. Something’s percolating in the air now. You can see the new galleries cropping up [and] the Art Walk on Thursday nights. “I think the museum was indirectly and now directly is responsible for that energy.” Fitzpatrick will teach a class for the Taubman next summer and sees it as a “great resource in terms of knowledge.” Then there is the Taubman’s unique design: “I’m in love with the building, I think its just the most amazing structure,” added Fitzpatrick, whose brother Bev runs the Virginia Museum of Transportation and was a member of City Council. “Its such a great thing for Roanoke – its not oversold ... the most outstanding thing we’ve ever had around here.” By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

lizards and an assortment of fish, frogs, birds and dingoes— with survival skills that surpass any TV reality show. The film explores the continent’s incredible landscape and its inhabitants’ amazing ability to adapt, overcome and even flourish in the most threatening and tumultuous of conditions. The didgeridoo sounds throughout the score and nar-

ration is by Alex Scott, a wellknown Australian Shakespearean actor Australia: Land Beyond Time is produced by Living Pictures (Australia) Pty Limited, in collaboration with the Houston Museum of Natural Science; Museum of Science, Boston; Cincinnati Museum Center; Denver Museum of Nature & Science; and the Museum of Science, Museum Victoria (Australia). Australia: Land Beyond Time meets Virginia Science Standards of Learning requirements for many grades. For show times, visit www.smwv.org or call 540/342-5710.

became easy and affordable to do so. Todd observes that one of the neat things about the process was “being able to do exactly what I wanted, and how I wanted.” He looks forward to putting out a new CD every two years or so, allowing him to continue to focus on his music, which he considers to be an important and meaningful part of his life. “Season’s Greetings” is available at CDBaby.com and locally at Barnes and Noble. For more on Todd, visit www.myspace. com/jefftoddjazzguitar

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And Season Extra: Season Tickets Now on Sale for $55 Call the Box Office at 774-2660 or 877-366-9294 More info at www.showtimers.org

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Page 18 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 11/21/08

TheRoanokeStar.com

Roanoke “Sock Monkey” author is back with “Bee-Wigged” Author CeCe Bell gained some notoriety a while back with the Sock Monkey book series, based on a homemade toy that brought her some comfort years ago. Now she returns with another children’s book she also illustrated. “Bee-Wigged” is all about a bee that didn’t want to scare the kids he went to school with. Jerry finds what he thinks is a wig, and figures that wearing it will make him appear more like a boy, enabling him to fit in better. “Because he’s a bee everyone is afraid of him,” says Bell, who is married to another author and local journalist, Tom Angleberger. “Jerry looked at himself in the mirror. He had a wonderful thought – if he looked like a boy instead of a bee, maybe people would finally like him,” reads a passage from the book. Bell wrote “Bee-Wigged” from personal experience, having grown up with a hearing problem. She reads lips to get by because her hearing is very poor. The Montgomery County author, who studied illustration and design at Kent State University in

Ohio, will hold a launch party for “Bee-Wigged” this Saturday, November 22nd, at the Meadowbrook Community Center in Shawsville, from 1 to 5pm. The book will also be available at Ram’s Head bookstore (Towers Shopping Center) in Roanoke. The mother of two small children says “Bee-Wigged” is a book about “fitting in and discovering that if you are nice and kind and helpful to other people you can actually make friends that way.” Bell said she tried harder to fit in as a child when attending elementary school in Salem, something made more difficult 30 years ago since the cumbersome hearing aid devices of the time made her stand out and subject to teasing. Bell was determined to make good grades and be nice to fellow students, using her sense of humor to bridge the gap. It wasn’t all about appearance, as Jerry the boy-sized bee finally realizes in “Bee-Wigged.” “I hope [young readers] learn that lesson early on.” By Gene Marrano • gmarrano@cox.net

Scott Blanding works with women and children while filming on location in the Congo.

Local filmmaker screens “Women in War Zones”

Holiday Jazz on the Mezzanine Tuesday, Dec. 9, 6-8 pm Roanoke Main Library Lenny Marcus Trio performing the works of Vince Giraldi (Charlie Brown’s Christmas), among other jazz classics and originals. information 540-853-1057 free seasonal refreshments

dancing

Scott Blanding attended Cave Spring High School in Roanoke County, then went on to study film and media arts at Temple University in Philadelphia. Several years ago Blanding and another Temple alum, Brad Labriola, began shooting a documentary in Africa as part of a school project: Women in War Zones- Sexual Violence in the Congo. Thousands of women have been victims of violent gang rapes in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo since Hutu rebels, known as the Interahamwe, fled Rwanda after the genocide in 1994. “The most devastating loss of life since World War II,” said Blanding. “We just don’t hear about it.” As many as 20 rebel military factions remain, preying upon poor villagers, especially women, for their survival. These women are often abandoned by their husbands after being raped, left to raise children, some a byproduct of the sexual assault. Scott Blanding’s sister Melanie, who shot still pictures used in the documentary, first interested her brother in the project- and the plight of these Congolese women. She had been there the year before and visited Ponzi Hospital, where many of the abused women were recovering. “She was determined to go back to Congo and do a bigger project,” said Scott Blanding. Small grants, church congregations and their families supported the trio’s mission.

Blanding is the co-director, producer and the cinematographer of Women in War Zones, which was filmed in 2006 and then edited. It will be screened in Roanoke this Sunday, November 23 at 3pm, at First Presbyterian Church on Jefferson St. “Giving a voice to the voiceless,” said Blanding about what he hopes the 63-minute film does. Blanding, a 2008 Temple graduate, is now looking at graduate school film programs in New York and Los Angeles. He would like to continue making documentaries but also wants to explore the world of feature films. He spent several weeks after arriving in Congo making sure the women at Ponzi Hospital were comfortable with having a film made about them. “They [were] still sorting through a lot of psychological and emotional wounds,” said Blanding, “but we found out it wasn’t a problem.” In fact what struck Blanding about his trip to the Congo was how optimistic many of these women were about the future. “The ability of the women and girls … to keep hope alive despite everything they’re going through and really unite together.” Women in War Zones is “a really sad project in a lot of ways, but we also think it’s really inspirational.” Women in War Zones- Sexual Violence in the Congo: November 23 at 3pm, at First Presbyterian Church on Jefferson St. By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net Platinum and 18 karat white gold natural 2.15ct. fancy yellow diamond estate ring with two side modified trillions .63 carat total weight $23,500.00

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