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April 10, 2009 - April 16, 2009

Community | News | Per spective

TheRoanokeStar.com

School Board Votes to Privatize Bus Service The school board chose to delay voting on attendance zones changes past our press time - look for full coverage in next week’s issue.

The Roanoke City School Board postponed a decision regarding revised attendance zones, but did vote Brian Gottstein Tuesday to privatize its bus service. The Pennsylvania-based George Krapf Jr. and Sons transportation company will take over for the school system in July, hiring its own drivers and purchasing new buses over the life of a five-year P4– Gottstein reports that members of Congress are hypo- contract.

The 4-3 vote to privatize bus service crites when it comes to taxing was not popular with some of the drivthe bonuses of others.

Bogus Bonuses

Roanoke Battles Budget on Many Fronts

Car-less Soiree P6– Roanoke’s very own Car-less Brit kicks up his heels in celebration of reaching the half-way point.

Salem Sox P8– Successful Salem “Sox Fest” ushers in a new era for baseball in the Roanoke Valley.

Roanoke City Council will hold a public hearing April 20, to review budget cuts and fee hikes outlined earlier this week, as part of a Sherman Stovall $257 million dollar 2009-2010 budget. More than $7 million in service cuts could mean an end to things like loose-leaf curbside pickup, the Bookmobile and the downtown mounted police patrol, as well as the closing of library branches on certain days.

A number of fee increases and parking garage rate hikes could also be in the offerings if the budget package is passed as proposed at the May 11 meeting.

Two days after giving Roanoke City Schools less than half of the additional $3.7 million requested to avoid more teachers’ layoffs, city council was grappling with its own shortfalls. The result could mean that public pools at Fallon and Washington

ers present, who will have to apply to 5.5 offered by the city. Those changes work for Krapf, although most of them didn’t sit well with drivers in attenare likely to be rehired, according to dance at the meeting. deputy superintendent Curt Baker.

The city has the right to terminate “Their job is to take what we do and the 5-year deal with Krapf at any time, make it better,” said Baker. He with 120 days notice, and the Education also said the reports concernmoney it saves every year will ing the transportation propay for buses the city would vider, received from other dishave to buy back if it takes the tricts, were positive. service in house again at the end of Drivers will have to pay more for the contract. School Board chairman health care benefits and will be sepa- David Carson wants that fund put in a rated from the city’s retirement system, special account so it cannot be used for which drivers just earned the right to other purposes. join a year ago. The hours guaranteed Roanoke City doesn’t have any monevery day will also fall to 4.5 from the ey for bus driver raises in the next bud-

[

> CONTINUED P3: School Board

[Roanoke’s VT Nation]

Hokie Pioneer Honored George Will

George Will Brings Lessons to Roanoke

Photo submitted

1896 was a good year for Virginia Tech.

That was the year the Virginia legislature changed the institution’s name from Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College to Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College and Polytechnic Institute. After that, the school was popularly known as VPI. That was also the year the college

PEDESTRIAN PROMENADE

> CONTINUED P3: City Budget

]

get year, Krapf promises a 10% hike for the drivers it hires. The age of Roanoke’s bus fleet, currently about 14 years old, will dip to 9 years, as Krapf buys more buses, noted Carson. And most busses will have video cameras and phones installed by the end of 2009.

Carol Underwood, a driver with 30plus years of service, said, “[I feel like] we’ve been kicked in the stomach. It’s just not right. It took us years to get benefits [like retirement]. We’ve always been put on the back burner.”

It was also revealed that close to 60

adopted its motto and seal and the school colors of Chicago Maroon and Burnt Orange. Perhaps the most influential change occurred when the school held a contest for a new spirit yell.

The ranking cadet officer that year was O.M. Stull of Lexington, Va. He wrote the > CONTINUED P3: Hokie Pioneer

Syndicated conservative columnist George Will addressed an audience of more than 1,400 Monday night at Roanoke College’s Bast Center as part of the Henry H. Fowler Public Policy Series. Will, whose column is featured twice weekly in over 500 newspapers in the United States and Europe, is a regular contributing editor of Newsweek Magazine and has been featured in the Washington Post since 1974. He received a Pulitzer Prize for his work in 1977, and is generally accepted as one of the brightest spokespeople for conservatism in the country.

Prior to his address, I found Will relaxing in a small room behind the stage with College President Michael Creed Maxey and C. William Hill, the Director of the Henry H. Fowler Lecture Program. Will looked tired if not > CONTINUED P2: George Will

Elmwood Park Recommended for Amphitheater

Studio Roanoke P11– Live theatre returns to downtown as Kenley Smith and Todd Ristau open the doors to Studio Roanoke.

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Photo submitted

A computer generated rendering of the Pedestrian Promenade as it flows around the proposed amphitheater at Elmwood Park.

Red Light Management, a consulting firm hired by Roanoke City Council to research the feasibility of an amphitheater, recommended Elmwood Park Monday as the best site for potential construction.

Red Light, (which also runs the Charlottesville Pavilion), along with Grimshaw Architects, selected Elmwood Park over Reserve Avenue (the old Victory Stadium site), due to several factors, including cost, topography, and location.

“We wanted to find a site that would be commercially viable, and that would be a long-term asset to the com-

munity,” Ken MacDonald, the director of venue management at Red Light, said during a public meeting.

The proposed amphitheater would seat approximately 5,000 people, 3,000 under covered seating, and 2,000 for lawn seating.

The consulting team stressed that an Elmwood Park RED LIGHT amphitheater wouldMANAGEMENT possess a “synergy” with other area venues, including the Virginia Transportation Museum and the Taubman Museum of Art, as well as downtown restaurants, helping increase revenue flow to the city.

The consultants also estimated that the amphitheater

would host an additional 50-75 events per year in comparison to the Reserve Avenue site, including many local events.

However, the long-term financial viability of a proposed amphitheater remains in question. 17 Though the consultants appeared confident that the Elmwood Park TECHNOLOGIES location would SPEC create additional spending at other downtown locations, there were no such assurances offered that the capital investment needed for the project > CONTINUED P2: Amphitheater

Page 2 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 4/10/09 - 4/16/09

TheRoanokeStar.com

> George Will From page 1

comfortable reclining on a sofa as he prepared to offer his lecture entitled, “Lessons Drawn from the Twentieth Century.”

When I asked him if it was alright to take some up close flash photography as he began his talk, he quickly replied with a warm smile, “My 24 year old daughter is a photographer and I know the challenges – feel free to take all you wish.” But his voice belied some level of fatigue, and I got the impression that this was just one stop on a long road of speaking engagements that, while profitable and professionally rewarding, was often exhausting as well.

But after a well received introduction Will showed no signs of fading. He hit the ground running and didn’t let up for over an hour and twenty minutes as he pounded his fist and drove

home his points with almost no reference to his notes. He left the lectern frequently and seemed such a master in the ordering of his own extensive knowledge and thoughts that one quickly forgot that they were watching a commentator known more for his writing than for his oratory.

Will punctuated his well conceived points with witticisms garnered from both history and baseball – his other abiding passion – and the well-placed anecdotes framed up his ideas with an almost Rockwellian Americanism that served to further validate his succinctly conveyed, yet sometimes complex, arguments. They also brought relief from the effort required to keep up with his fast moving presentation.

The apparently partisan crowd seemed very well

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pleased in spite of his, “having talked dangerously close to tip off.” (Will taught Political Science at Michigan State who didn’t fare as well as their former professor in Monday’s College Basketball Championship.) But if he was in a hurry to watch his old school play, it didn’t show as he fielded several questions from the crowd as presented from a panel of two Roanoke College students and a professor. Before leaving the stage, Will was presented with a complimentary Roanoke College T-shirt. One can safely assume there was a sizable honorarium at the bottom of the bag as well.

Roanoke College continues to impress bringing some of the world’s most evocative and respected speakers to the region. The evening concluded with the announcement that the next speaker in the Fowler series would be none other than former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Conner.

(Sept. 2009) Quotes from George Will’s “Lessons Learned from the Twentieth Century.”

•“Be wary – be very wary of the power you give the government - the state - to essentially erase the distinction between the public and private sectors . . .”

• “Ladies and Gentlemen the relationship between the government and the economy has changed more in the last seven months than it has in the last 75 years.”

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•“We are getting ready to see government intrude itself more than ever before into the 17% of our economy that is healthy . . . including the energy sector - which is a little bit alarming when you consider that the speaker of the house said not once but twice that we should use more natural gas than fossil fuels. Unfortunately, we are not always governed by the brightest Crayolas in the pack . ..”

•“I believe we are seeing a recasting of the liberal / conservative argument, and it turns on the two polar values of western political thought that are always in tension and always being adjusted – they are freedom and equality. Today liberals tend to stress equality – not equality of opportunity but equality of social outcome. To that end they believe the multiplication of government entitlement programs enhances the public good - which is perfectly defensible by men and women of good will. Conservatives tend to stress freedom over equality and are willing to countenance wider inequalities of social out come and income and tend to regard the multiplication of entitlement programs as subversive of the attitudes and aptitudes essential for a free society to prosper. This is the argument and it is growing rapidly.”

•“Today’s welfare state exists to subsidize two things that did not exist in 1934 – protracted retirement and competent medicine . . . The average retirement has expanded from 2 years to about 20 years . . . and 23% of the average family’s pre-

tax income goes to medicine and on a current trajectory of 20 years it will be 41%. That is unsustainable. Something has to be done. The problem is we are going to let government go deeper and deeper into this until we think we’re somehow going to have free medicine. If you think medicine is expensive today, just wait until it’s ‘free.’”

•“Americans spend $100 billion a year treating what is now called “Type II Diabetes” brought on by obesity. It used to be called “Adult Onset Diabetes” – they changed the name because so many children were getting it. 1 in 3 American children today are overweight and 1 in 6 are technically obese . . .

Why are American children so obese? It could have something to do with the fact that the average 8-10 year old spends 6 hours a day in front of a television screen or computer terminal . . .”

•“Because of this entitlement mentality a majority of Americans feel entitled to an exemption from the income tax. The top 1 percent of American wage earners pay 40% of the income tax - the top 5 percent pay 60% of income taxes . . . The bottom 60 percent pay only 5% of the income taxes. That means for an American majority, in terms of the income tax, there is no incentive to restrain the growth of the government - so more and more Americans are taking advantage of an entitlement system that they are not paying for. The question is can the top 5% of income earners pay for the entire demands of

an exploding government.”

•“I think its time Americans grow up, become more mature, less infantile, less preoccupied with entitlements, more preoccupied with facts, and with the complexities of the life they live.

Our problem is that we have a kind of galloping economic illiteracy driven in part by the way we discuss these things.

We live in the age of television and television is the survival of the briefest . . . where the average sound bite is 7 seconds.”

I believe that Winston Churchill was right – that the American people will always do the right thing . . . after they have exhausted all the other alternatives . . .”

•“I think that although our entitlement mentality is subverting the American character in important ways that the American majority still understands that the benevolent government is not always really a benefactor – that capitalism doesn’t make us better off that it makes us in fundamental ways better . . . I think the American people still understand what Robert Frost meant when he said I do not want to live in a homogenized society, I want the cream to rise . . . I think they understood what Ronald Reagan meant when he said I do not want to go back to the past but I want to go back to the past way of facing the future . . .”

By Stuart Revercomb stuart@theroanokestar.com

> Amphitheater From page 1

would be recouped. No revenue forecast was presented at the meeting, and when asked, the consultants remained vague, saying only that revenue projections were not involved within the scope of their research.

“One thing that the city council has to think about is the difference between operational versus capital cost,” Brian Townsend, Assistant City Manager for Community Development, said.

The issue of a new amphitheater, which has been hotly debated since 2006, comes during a time in which the city is considering other expensive capital projects, including renovations to the pool at Washington Park and Countryside Golf course.

The total cost of building the proposed Elmwood Park amphitheater is a just over $12.2 million.

The Reserve Avenue site was rejected by the consultants, in part, because of the high price tag associated with building an amphitheater at that location.

The total cost of an amphithe-

ater there would have been projected at $21.3 million, with much of the additional money allotted to demolish the National Guard armory building, flood-proofing the area, and altering the natural (flat) topography of the site, in order to give customers a better view during concerts and other events.

Elmwood Avenue is not without its issues, however. Limited parking and traffic could present major headaches during events, though Townsend estimated that upwards of 5,000 parking spaces existed within one-quarter mile of the park. In addition, as a smaller site, Elmwood Park presents a greater challenge from a design standpoint, according to the consultant group.

Public reaction to the plans was skeptical. Duane Howard, a community activist, voiced several concerns regarding the proposal.

“For one, I would imagine that security is going to be an issue,” Howard said. “The potential that the place would be van-

dalized…and the large homeless population in Roanoke possibly seeking shelter there could be problems.”

Howard also noted his reluctance to alter the history of the park, and suggested, if built, the amphitheater be named the Terry Pavilion, after Peyton Leftwich Terry, who once owned an estate on the land after which the park is named.

“What is personally upsetting for me is this history seems to be forgotten,” Howard said.

“Elmwood to me is, and should continue to be, a memorial to that man.”

Construction for this project is not likely to begin anytime soon. The city this week tentatively approved massive budget cuts for 2009-2010. Townsend indicated, if approved, the amphitheater is still between two and five years away from becoming a reality.

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TheRoanokeStar.com

> City Budget

> School Board

From page 1

Parks won’t be opened this summer.

It may also mean that a consultant’s report recommending Elmwood Park (and not the Victory Stadium site) as the best home for a major amphitheater (a report heard on Monday) won’t be acted on any time soon.

Sherman Stovall, Director of Management and Budget for Roanoke City, said several days before Monday’s meeting that the current budget year planning, “was unlike any that I’ve seen in my 15 year tenure with the city, as a result of the state of the economy. We expect to see a contraction…in revenue as we head into fiscal year 2010.”

Stovall, in his current position for five years, is more used to seeing “moderate growth,” when helping to plan a new budget, and in fact, said this was the first year where the city started the process in the red.

“It presents some pretty significant challenges,” said Stovall.

Four work sessions to date with city council have focused on a leaner city administration going forth, with positions not filled and ineffective programs eliminated.

“A daunting challenge,” said Stovall, a Fleming graduate and lifelong Roanoker.

The survey says: Roanoke City held a round of public budget workshops in recent months and also allowed citizens to weigh in via a survey on what they could live with in terms of budget cuts – or tax increases. Available for review online at roanokeva.gov, respondents overwhelmingly reported they do not want to see taxes hiked to pay for budget gaps. A few said they could live with tax increases for cigarettes, alcohol and meals.

Many said the city should stop spending money on outside consultants or studying issues multiple times; a majority did not want to see cultural agencies lose much funding but could live with fewer public flower beds in the city. Cutting the Jefferson Avenue trolley line received some support, although the city’s share of trolley expenses is just $20,000 annually, with Carilion picking up much of the tab.

Respondents also wanted to see reduced pay for city officials, a

4/10/09 - 4/16/09 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 3

From page 1 reduction in travel expenses and the elimination of non-performing, inefficient services. Education funding should be of the highest priority.

“I think the survey did indicate a willingness on the part of some citizens to make tax rate adjustments,” said Stovall, “if the revenue from those adjustments were used to provide additional funding to the schools and also mitigate service level reductions as well.”

Those who attended the budget workshops, said Stovall, “gained a better understanding of the challenges municipalities face in developing a budget.”

He’s not sure what next year will bring and is preparing for the prospect that there will not be “significant improvement in revenues,” before the city does it all again in early 2010.

Fair Housing Board lives on: Roanoke City Council, which is reviewing many of the boards to which it appoints citizen members, has changed course and will not shut down the Fair Housing Board.

Despite the fact that many of its powers to investigate claims of unfair housing practices, like racial steering, have been taken over by the state, several advocates said there was still a place for the board as an educational tool for tenants, landlords and property owners.

Neighborhood activist and Northwest City resident Evelyn Bethel spoke in support of the board, pointing out that Roanoke, “has the reputation of being the most segregated city in Virginia.”

Several City Council members repeated concerns heard at a previous public meeting, wondering if the Fair Housing Board could work with other groups or have its duties absorbed elsewhere.

“We just didn’t see any action,” Vice-Mayor Sherman Lea told new FHB chair Christie Cooper. He noted, however, that members have appeared to rally around the cause since city council first considered disbanding the board last month, and ultimately, a resolution to abolish it was voted down 7-0. Councilman David Trinkle said he would like the Fair Housing Board to report to city council annually concerning its activities.

school employees will lose their jobs as part of the budget cutbacks, including 15 teachers. That blow was softened somewhat by the extra money Roanoke City Council approved during a special four-hour meeting last Saturday.

The School Board is scheduled to meet at the Administration building’s media center Friday at 10:00 am for an expected vote on the attendance zone shifts, prompted by the closure of several schools.

Student killed in accident recognized: School Board chairman David Carson recognized the passing of Kirian Cedillio in the Starkey Road car crash that took four lives on Monday, calling the accident “tragic.” Cedillio was a former ESL (English as a Second Language) student at William Fleming. She also was a cook at Grace’s Pizzeria, along with two others killed in the collision with a moving truck (Jose Amaya and Nelson Amaya). The restaurant was closed in their memory on Tuesday.

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> Hokie Pioneer From page 1

winning cheer, “Old Hokie,” and gave us a tradition that lasts to this day.

On March 20, 2009, the Roanoke Valley Hokie Club honored Stull with a memorial stone and plaque placed at Stull’s grave at Stonewall Jackson Cemetery in Lexington.

Three generations of Stull’s family attended the event, held on a perfect early spring day.

Also attending were members of the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets Honor Guard. The cadet presence was important, said Ut Prosim Society member Don Huffman, “because many of us have been cadets and we all marched to this cheer.”

Brian Wilson, president of the Roanoke Valley Hokie

Club, which sponsored the memorial, remarked that he used to get lots of questions from people wanting to know about Blacksburg and Virginia Tech. These days, Virginia Tech has made its mark and the questions are less frequent.

But one he still gets is, “What is a Hokie?” Stull’s cheer answers that question. “It is my honor to dedicate this memorial to O. M. Stull,” said Wilson at the dedication.

Huffman was the driving force behind the memorial and chaired the committee that made it happen. Huffman, a Lexington native, knew Stull in the 1950’s when both men attended meetings of the Rockbridge County Alumni group. A few years ago, while

visiting his parents, also buried in Stonewall Jackson Cemetery, Huffman noticed Stull’s grave and thought the man who wrote “Old Hokie” needed to be recognized for his contribution to the Hokie Nation.

That recognition is now a reality. The 500-pound Hokie Stone memorial, cut from Virginia Tech’s quarry, sports a bronze plaque recognizing Stull and his cheer.

Committee members Jay Rule, Al Hardy, Wally Newton, and John Rokisky played a critical part in getting the memorial in place. Robert L. Faulkner & Son of Rockbridge County, Va. installed the stone.

spring is just down the road!!

In Stull’s original version of Old Hokie, several words were spelled differently including “Hokie” itself. The current version adds the ‘e’ to Hokie, takes off the ‘S’ from Tech and Polytech, and also adds “Team! Team! Team!”

According to Stull, “Hokie” is a nonsensical word he made up purely as an attentiongetter.

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Perspective

Page 4 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 4/10/09 - 4/16/09

TheRoanokeStar.com

Rites of Passage: Growing Down More Bonuses Handed Out at Failing

I

t never occurred to me until lately that this odd medium of time we're immersed in has a kind of reverse gear, a peculiar force of gravity, if you will.

Growing "up" we look forward to with great anticipation. It promises new opportunities as we become stronger physically, new challenges as we grow smarter intellectually, new perplexities as we grow wiser of spirit. We welcome rites of passage that mark our moving up into new and richer territory. We take control over larger boundaries, shoulder bigger loads of responsibility and opportunity, go a little farther into the unknown of adulthood than we've ever been before.

This week, for the first time since I cut my first hatchbackload of wood with a bow saw in 1975, I've paid another man to cut my firewood, and this has been a rite of passage, an early marker of a new age.

Now I know this doesn't sound like a big deal to you.

But for me, this has been a first occasion to relinquish control, to hand the wheel in this small way to another who drives a part of my life in a place where I have always been master. It is an acknowledgment of dependence. And it has not passed by unnoticed.

If there is a growing up in life, there also is a growing

down. It always lapsed, back up the seemed a concern valley along the for everybody else, New Road, broken for our parents' off rotten at the base generation, not after we had just the mine. It's not that least little ice. MostI haven't known to ly, it's as solid as it expect a latter-day can be up top. See senescence on the all the sapsucker back side of things, holes?" but knowing hasn't "This is some of made it any easier that locust without Fred First to adapt, now that the bark on it that this one small need from oth- we dug out of the leaves up on ers whispers that my time is the ridge. It must have been coming. on the ground since our first With “store bought” fire- winter burning firewood three wood, we will be warm next decades ago, still solid as it can winter with a higher quality be. Took us a lot of miles to the woodpile than we've gotten cord to fetch it down off the on our own, cutting culls and hill, up out of the creek to the windfall from our own place truck to the house to the stove. or those places that nature and It heated us at least a half dozweather and the kindness of en times, didn't it?" friends have brought us since It was often the wood itself 1975 as each winter approach- as it was the suddenly interes and I've wondered if I could esting news item or photogather enough. I always have. graph (sometimes, my own And I could tell you the his- picture!) that jumped off the tory, some connection with crumpled newsprint page that person and forest season and gave me momentary pause in events in our lives from every my morning fire-building. But piece of wood as I loaded it in not any more. the stove of a January mornThe wood we burn next year ing. will be generic. It will be anon"This piece of oak is from ymous, rootless, unplaced oak the Sharps who gave us their and hickory, locust and cherwood when they moved from ry. It will have many BTUs of the house in Check to the heat, but it will not warm me apartment in Blacksburg. I in the same way as what I have wonder how they're doing." located, lifted, loaded and split "And this big split came myself. I will not know this from that tall maple that col- wood. It will be mere commodity. And I have to learn to let it go.

"Lord be with us and guide us in the temptations of youth, the challenges of middle life and the indignities of age."

This was the way one of our former ministers often phrased it in his prayers with the congregation of mixed generations. I gave that third stage of life little thought when I was forty. Twenty years later, I'm thinking more about a different rite of passage and beginning to learn a new kind of opportunity that comes as we grow down, to let others do for us what we've always done for has the resources and expertise to help ourselves. To everything, there is a season. you file your taxes or extensions.

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was one of the small percentage of people who it seems was appalled when all 11 of Virginia’s U. S. Congressmen (five Republicans and six Democrats) voted to tax financial executives’ bonuses at a confiscatory 90 percent rate.

Nearly everyone was calling for the heads of these employees and was willing to tear up the Constitution to do it.

But the biggest failing institution in the country – the one that’s trillions of dollars in debt, has to borrow money from a loan shark called the Chinese Communists to stay afloat, and is at risk of bankruptcy – is handing out bonuses, too, but with little criticism. Yes, your Congressmen and Senators who run this crumbling institution called the federal government, recently gave their staffers some sweet bonuses; and a few, like Virginia’s Rep. Eric Cantor, took some for himself.

That’s right. At the end of December, in the middle of this economic crisis, Congress gave its staffers millions of dollars in taxpayer-funded bonuses.

In addition, some of the very Congressmen who publicly condemned the companies that took federal bailout money and bonused their employees with it, gladly took bonuses of their own (in the form of campaign contributions) from these same companies. Newsweek reported that during January and February, the political action committees of five big bailout recipients handed out campaign contributions to Congressmen who oversee the bailout program, including Cantor, Virginia’s highest ranking member of Congress. “This certainly appears to be a case of TARP funds being recycled into campaign contributions,” said Brett Kappel, a D.C. lawyer who tracks donations.

The Recipe of the Week from The Happy Chef

Fred's new book, "What We Hold In Our Hands: a Slow Road Reader" will be available A friend of mine sent me this soon - go to his website www.

Easter story cookie idea. I hope fragmentsfromfloyd.com to you will make this a tradition learn more or pre-order! with the young people you love.

What a wonderful way for chilContact Fred at dren to experience the beautiful fred1st@gmail.com yet complicated story of the resurrection. I can’t imagine they would ever forget making these cookies. The idea, of course if for us all to remember Him and 7 8 9 the sacrifice that reconciled the 13 world at Easter.

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24 25 26 27 28 29

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By Don Waterfield 44 Decorative needle case Afloat 45 Take a break 46 Unhappy Recently vowed coupleFind the answers online: TheRoanokeStar.com Have a clue and answer you’d like to see? email: 47 Lingerie They''re big 49 in Congressional the AM and only 1 left in the vote puzzles@theroanokestar.com

Cantor voted for out of the cage, and the 90% tax on AIG likely, you might not and other executive be able to put him bonuses. back.

Now in Virginia You see, if Conthis week, we find gress gets its way, an out that another unelected political economically failappointee will soon ing institution, the have the power to Virginia Departdecide what conment of Transporstitutes “excessive tation, handed out compensation” and Brian Gottstein hundreds of thouconfiscate it. sands of dollars in The Libertarian bonuses and pay raises to its Party alerted us this week to a employees in December, too. bill in Congress called the “Pay At the same time the agency for Performance Act,” which is handing out bonuses, it’s gives the Treasury Secretary claiming to be too poor to fix (tax-cheating Tim Geithner, our roads, is closing more than who is now head of the IRS) half of our highway rest stops the discretion to confiscate the to cut costs, and is laying off pay of ANY employee at any 450 workers and cutting 1,000 company that received bailout more full-time jobs. funds, if he thinks they didn’t The Washington Post report- earn it. ed that VDOT is not the only The bill gives the federal govstate agency handing out good- ernment the power to dictate ies. The state doled out $3.65 the salaries of millions of primillion in one-time bonuses to vate employees, from CEOs to employees during this financial secretaries. If the government train wreck, while experiencing deems your salary as too high a $4 billion budget shortfall. for what you do, it could take But where is the public’s your paycheck from you. outrage now? I haven’t heard Perhaps with this bill, the much in the Virginia media sheep, led by their noses by or seen people writing their self-serving politicians and the Congressmen or the Governor, media that distort the truth to demanding these federal and protect a political agenda they state bonuses be given back to favor, are getting what they dethe taxpayers. serve. It’s just a shame that the Is it because you were more rest of us will be forced to go to happy that the “evil capitalists” the slaughter with them. at AIG got what was coming to them? Were you more exBrian Gottstein takes his colcited that the government was umn on the air every Sunday able to reach out and punish a Night at 8:00 PM on WFIR 960 single group of people by con- AM. National guests and a fastfiscating their income, so you’ll paced half hour of informative, forget about this other stuff? controversial, and humorous If you are one of those people, talk radio focused on Virginia it may soon be time for you politics. Sponsored in part by to get yours. That same gov- The Roanoke Star-Sentinel ernment you cheered when it overstepped its constitutional Contact Brian at authority to get the “bad guys” bgottstein1@yahoo.com is now able to turn on you, because you let the monster

To be made the evening before Easter. You need: 1 cup whole pecans 1 tsp. vinegar 3 egg whites pinch salt 1 cup sugar zipper baggie wooden spoon tape Bible *Preheat oven to 300 degrees (this is important-don't wait until you're half done with the recipe.)

-Place pecans in zipper baggie and let children beat them with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces. Explain that after Jesus was arrested, He was beaten by the Roman soldiers.

Read John 19:1-3

by Leigh Sackett

Easter Cookies -Let each child smell the vinegar.

Put 1 tsp. vinegar into mixing bowl. Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross, He was given vinegar to drink.

Read John 19:28-30 -Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave His life to give us life.

Read John 10:10-11 -Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand. Let them taste it and brush the rest into the bowl.

Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus' followers, and the bitterness of our own sin.

Read Luke 23:27 -So far, the ingredients are not very appetizing. Add 1 cup sugar. Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to know and belong to Him. Read Psalm 34:8 and John 3:16 -Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. Explain that the color white represents --in God's eyes -- the purity of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus.

Read Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3

-Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto wax paper-covered cookie sheet.

Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was laid.

Read Matthew 27:57-60

-Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF. Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door. Explain that Jesus' tomb was sealed.

Read Matthew 27:65-66

-GO TO BED! Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight. Jesus' followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed.

Read John 16:20 and 22

-On Easter morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow! On the first Easter, Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty.

Read Matthew 28:1-9 Share the Easter Cookie Story With Friends and Family!

The Roanoke Star-Sentinel C o m mu n i t y | N ew s | Pe r s p e c t i ve

540-400-0990 Publisher | Stuart Revercomb | stuart@theroanokestar.com Features Editor | Pam Rickard | pam@theroanokestar.com News Editor | Gene Marrano | gmarrano@cox.net Production Editor | Stephen Nelson | stephen@theroanokestar.com Technical Webmaster | Don Waterfield | webmaster@theroanokestar.com Advertising Director | Vickie Henderson | advertising@theroanokestar.com The Roanoke Star-Sentinel is published weekly by Whisper One Media, Inc. in Roanoke,Va. Subscriptions are available for $44 per year. Send subscriptions to PO Box 8338, Roanoke,VA 24014. We encourage letters from our readers on topics of general interest to the community and responses to our articles and columns. Letters must be signed and have a telephone number for verification. All letters will be verified before publication.The Star-Sentinel reserves the right to deny publication of any letter and edit letters for length, content and style.

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

Perspective

TheRoanokeStar.com

L

Green Guilt

4/10/09 - 4/16/09 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 5

The Resurrection: The Greatest News Event of All Time

By Dr. Bryan Smith

etâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s face it, we all get a shocking resemblance to the twinge of guilt when one that promoted Pee Wee an you imagine how the report of Christâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s resurrection since. Without His resurrection we wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have had the eviwe climb into our Hermanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Big Adventure. You would play on the evening news if it were to have oc- dence that he had overcome death nor been welcomed by God gas guzzling SUV -- or worse know the one, the classic Britcurred in times like these? In a day when some of the the Father in heaven. In the words of the Apostle Paul, â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;Śand if yet -- when a friend or fam- ish looking guy wearing a grey more popular news stories include the personal family problems Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in ily member proudly shows off suit and bowtie with his cool of Governor Sarah Palin, the latest fashion trends of first lady Mi- your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have their new hybrid vehicle. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s red bike. No, that isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t a movie chelle Obama, and the latest current favorites on American Idol, perished. If we have hoped in Christ in this life only, we are of all the same guilt I used to feel poster, its Roanokeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own â&#x20AC;&#x153;Car- I wonder what kind of coverage todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s press would give to the men most to be pitied.â&#x20AC;? (1 Corinthians 15:17-19 (NASB95) each week, as I saw an increas- less Britâ&#x20AC;?.

Resurrection? Probably not what you would think if the polls are It should be no surprise to us that for this very reason Christâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ing number of green recycle â&#x20AC;&#x153;On a whim, little thought correct in noting that news reporters today do not place a very Resurrection continues to be attacked by skeptics, atheists, secubins lining the street and a good dose of high priority on God and religionâ&#x20AC;Ś especially if the religion hap- larists and cultists around the world. His resurrection provides us on garbage day. It excitement I sold pens to be Christianity. with an entirely new and radical perspective of life. In the midst The celebration of Easter is a reminder to the world that the of so much pain, sorrow and loss which are experienced every didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t take long unmy carâ&#x20AC;? he says on til we ordered our his website. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This miracle of the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ is the ultimate second around the world, the Resurrection of Christ declares to very own. Perhaps whim had oc- story in humankind history. His miraculous return to life in a res- us that for those who place their faith in Him it isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t death that the worst is when I curred before - but urrected physical body was contrary to all known laws of science reigns over us but life! Our hope of heaven and that God will one find myself looking left without action. and a precise fulfillment of a specific prophesied event. Moreover, day make everything right can only be reality if Jesusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ResurrecChristâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Resurrection validates beyond doubt or argument that tion literally, physically, truly took place. If not, then how can Jesus around for glares This time I moved everything else He ever said or did was undeniably true. After forgive sin and grant eternal life if He couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t break the hold of of judgment when quickly and the car all, if Jesus was right about his own death, burial and resurrection death over his own body? It is the certainty of His Resurrection I reach for a packwas gone within a then what good reason would a person have for not believing Him that motivates me to keep on living now while looking forward to age of conventional day. In the thrill when He said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;ŚI am the Way, the Truth and the Life, no one living again. light bulbs at the Stephanie Koehler of the sale I com- comes to the Father but through Me!â&#x20AC;? (John 14:6, NASB96). His What a difference Easter makes! Whether it is in giving us grocery store. No, mitted to being death on the cross wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t a mistake but the reason for His incar- the perspective of eternity when death separates us from a dear â&#x20AC;&#x153;Going Greenâ&#x20AC;? is certainly not car-less for six monthsâ&#x20AC;?. If you nation and mission in accordance with Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s divine plan. "For Christian friend or loved one, giving us hope for those times when just something for those crazy have Facebook page or Twit- God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that life doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t make sense, or finding purpose and meaning in knowCalifornians anymore -- it has ter account, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s likely you have whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. John ing Christ and making Him known- His Resurrection is without found its way to Main Sreet also seen the hysterical video 3:16 (NASB95). His resurrection validated the truth of His identity question, the greatest news event of all time.

America. promoting his upcoming Car- and His message.

His resurrection was to give each of us more than enough reaDr. Bryan Smith, is Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church in Roanoke.

The good news is -- Roa- less Roanoke Party at the Main son to believe in Him. There isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t anything particularly impressive Visit them on the Web at: www.firstroanoke.com noke is keeping pace. Some Library on April 14. if He had just died like so many other religious people before and might even say we are ahead of All of these campaigns -the game. We have developed some based on thousands of the Roanoke Valley Greenways dollars in market research and initiative aimed at building some just based on whimsy a network of paths and trails and clever marketing â&#x20AC;&#x201C; are cerlinking together neighbor- tainly making a differenceâ&#x20AC;Ś hoods and protecting commu- even if only to make me stop t is rare to have someone succeedâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; practice cases, then as a plaintiff â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attorney. potentially tense situations. His devotion to nity resources; the Children & and think about what I can do and brilliantlyâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;in more than one In each of these areas he was recognized for his wife, Sara, and his sons, Brooks and J.D., Nature Network who dedicate better. While I am not likely field. In the death of Preston May- outstanding contributions. In addition, he to his friends, to his church, and to his prothemselves to giving every to give up my car completely, son we have lost such a person. He was a was an excellent golfer and an accomplished fessional colleagues will not be forgotten. child opportunities to expe- recycle every piece of printer remarkable scholar as demonstrated by his artist whose paintings have received wideHis influence will continue to be felt by rience nature directly; then paper or use the funny shaped graduation from the United States Military spread acclaim. all those who knew him. No one will take there are the miles of protect- light bulbs in every lamp -- I Academy, the George Washington School of While these achievements made him his place, nor should we try. His enduring ed land along the Blue Ridge do find myself paying more at- Medicine, and Washington & Lee Univer- quite remarkable, he will be remembered legacy will be that in remembering his quest Parkwayâ&#x20AC;Śjust to name a few. tention to how my actions im- sity School of Law. He put all those degrees equally for less tangible characteristics. His for personal excellence and demanding the While Roanoke City has (in a pact the earth. Maybe â&#x20AC;&#x153;greenâ&#x20AC;? to good use. In service of his country, he warm and sunny disposition brightened best of himself, he helped each of us become fit of inspiration and forward isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just an initiative but rather was an army officer serving with distinction every room into which he entered. His more than we are. A true Renaissance man, thinking) hired a Director of a more thoughtful way of life. in numerous theaters. He was an excellent constant habit of looking you in the eye he earned the words, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Well done, good and radiologist practicing in Roanoke for 18 while listening intently let you know he faithful servant.â&#x20AC;?

Outdoor Recreation Branding Contact Stephanie at years. Retiring from medicine, he complet- was paying close attention. His keen sense and Marketing to let the whole ed law school and returned to Roanoke as a of humor and ready laughter often defused

By Hayden Hollingsworth stephaniekoehler@cox.net world know about our natural defense attorney in medical malplayground, there are some other very clever and notable campaigns percolating under Call the professionals... the surface as well. so you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t end up with this!

First came A Useful Paper.

This well designed and colorful monthly event calendar popped on the scene a few months ago and can be found â&#x20AC;&#x201C; for free â&#x20AC;&#x201C; all over town. While it certainly has useful information about the plethora of fun things to do in Roanoke, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the underlying â&#x20AC;&#x153;greenâ&#x20AC;? element that sets it apart. Not only have they found a way to condense a monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s worth of activities onto one sheet of FSC Certified recycled paper â&#x20AC;&#x201C; printed with soy ink, of course Full Service Tree Work - Prompt and Dependable â&#x20AC;&#x201C; they have a monthly origami project as an alternative way to recycle the piece when it becomes outdated. This month itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an Easter Basket and featured on the back cover -- the or Free Consultation w/ Staff Horticulturist Car-less Britâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Car-less RoaAtlantic Tree Service â&#x20AC;˘ 397- 4460 noke Party â&#x20AC;&#x201C; another clever endeavor.

Surely by now, you have seen the poster â&#x20AC;&#x201C; striking a

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Page 6 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 4/10/09 - 4/16/09

TheRoanokeStar.com

“Car-Less Brit” Celebrates Arrival at Halfway Point

River Laker is more than halfway into his six month car-less experiment, living and working in Roanoke without the luxury of four wheels, or a motor. The Roanoke Library system’s resource development coordinator has drawn media attention and has chronicled what life is like without a car on YouTube and Tumblr sites.

Meanwhile, the public library system has become a sponsor of Laker’s “CarLessBrit” odyssey (he’s from England), showing environ-

mentally centered films, and holding other events, since, after all, Laker is doing his part to reduce the valley’s carbon footprint.

Laker rides his bike in all sorts of weather, has learned which streets are more pedestrian friendly and bums a ride when need be. He figured it was time to celebrate, so on Tuesday, April 14 (6:00 pm), the “Car-Less Roanoke Party,” will take place at the main branch library on Jefferson Street.

“It rapidly came to seem like the norm, to be walking

or riding a bike,” said Laker.

“Cars seem like an alien entity [now]. I’m surprised that people own them.” Laker hints that he may go longer then the planned six months without an automobile.

Besides music from PetShopTimeBomb, the Roanoke Valley Cool Cities Coalition will be on hand to give out energy saving light bulbs and information on going greener. Diana Christopulus said Cool Cities advocates “clean, smart energy.

The best thing you can do is drive less. The CarLessBrit is

kind of a peddling advertisement for what we’re talking about.”

Prints by Jenny Garrett, a “Mastermind” environmental quiz game modeled after a British TV show, an alternative transportation expo and the CarLessBrit movie premiere (a five minute feature) are all part of the offerings. Laker has taken the whole Car-Less experiment to another level, even posing PeeWee Herman-like in a wig (his head is normally shaven) for a Car-Less Roanoke Party ad.

Wray is Officially in for 17th District Race

6th District Republican Party chairman Fred Anderson said the best year on record Roanoke County had where economic development was concerned happened when Mike Wray was chairman of the Board of Supervisors. “Good jobs for a good community,” said Anderson, the former Roanoke County treasurer, when he introduced Wray as a candidate for the 17th District seat in the House of Delegates last week.

Wray will face off against a handful of other Republicans in a June 9 primary, for the right to battle Gwen Mason or another Democrat in November.

“Gwen’s a friend of mine. We’ve been in meetings together,” said Wray of the only person to announce a bid for that party to date. He has also served on a number of boards, which has helped him network to other parts of the sprawling 17th District, which runs through parts of the county, Roanoke City and Botetourt County.

Roanoke County Supervisors Joe McNamara and Mike Altizer, both up for reelection

themselves, were on hand with City of Salem GOP chair Greg Habeeb, former State Senator Brandon Bell and others to endorse Wray’s bid as well.

He left the Board of Supervisors in 2008 after one term, due to increasing demands with his job at Norfolk Southern, but Wray said he would retire after 39 years if elected to the General Assembly this fall. “Proven, effective leadership,” is what the Cave Spring High School alum said he would offer a district that leans Republican.

As one of his first moves, Wray also said he would introduce a bill to privatize rest stops along I-81 if VDOT follows through on a plan to close them due to funding cuts. “I feel these rest stops are a great asset to the Commonwealth, said Wray, who urged more “common sense thinking,” in the General Assembly and in Washington.

He said 17th District voters “were mad” about the recent round of bills that authorized trillions in spending for stimulus and bailout projects.

Giving up a chance to run

again for the Board of Supervisors was tough for a man who said he “loves serving the public.” If elected, finding the funds to add passenger train service from Roanoke would be “another added layer of transportation,” Wray could support.

Three local attorneys – Josh Johnson, Melvin Williams and Bill Cleaveland – have also announced bids for the GOP nomination.

“I bring the experience I have [to the table],” said Wray of why he would be the right choice. He also noted that Virginia Lt. Governor Bill Bolling was a county supervisor before being elected to a statewide office.

McNamara will have a Republican challenger: long time Windsor Hills supervisor Joseph McNamara will have a challenger in southwest Roanoke County for his seat this fall. Bent Mountain resident and civic league activist Ed Elswick will challenge McNamara for the Republican Party nomination. The retired engineer said many on Bent Mountain feel McNamara ignores their

front of Center in the Square.

“I’d set a lot of precedents in doing this,” noted Bird, a freelance graphics designer. He also plays guitar for South of Sanity, which he described as a “progressive Christian,” rock band, and has worked as an associate

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minister for inner city churches, undertaking missions to places like New Guinea.

His mother and campaign manager, Sandy Bird, introduced the prospective candidate.

“He believes that he can relate to most of the people in District 11,” said Sandy Bird of the heavily Democratic district.

Stating that he has “strong empathy for the working poor,” Bird said he has “been there, “ and has even been homeless at one point.

“I can connect to the voters.

I served in this neighborhood [and] I think I can reach across party lines. I’m not running as a Republican per se, I’m running as the man that I am,” he said.

As of last week, Bird was still seeking to collect enough valid signatures in order to be nominated by the local GOP to appear on the ballot.

A “healthy respect for our nation,” and “strong conservative, Christian values,” are Bird’s selling points. He urged a common sense approach to problem solving in the General Assembly. Bird criticized the federal, top-down approach to

By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net River Laker posing for the CarLess Roanoke Party ad.

Jeffrey Touts His Vision

Photo by Gene Marrano

Mike Wray is backed by county supervisors Mike Altizer (left) and Joe McNamara as he announces a bid for the 17th district seat being vacated by William Fralin. part of the district as a member of the Board of Supervisors.

Some Back Creek Civic League members have voiced that feeling as well in the past, noting that McNamara rarely shows up at quarterly meetings. Elswick (68) spoke with party members before making his decision and planned to announce it on Thursday (April 9) at the Roanoke County Administration building. No Democrat has announced a bid for the supervisor’s seat to date

By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

Republican to Vie for 11th District Seat as Well

Troy Bird, 26, figures he will be the first pony-tailed member of the Virginia House of Delegates if he is elected as a Republican from the 11th District in November. Onzlee Ware is the Democratic incumbent. Bird announced his bid recently in

“I think I must have been driving for the fun of it, when I had a car,” said Laker, who has found the streets around Roanoke to be a lot more bike-friendly then he thought they might be.

Now Laker plans to celebrate his four-months plus without a car, with anyone else that shows up on Tuesday night.

Photo by Gene Marrano

26-year-old Troy Bird wants to be a delegate. fixing the country’s educational system, and noted the abysmally low rates of graduation in Roanoke City, which constitutes most of the 11th District.

“We need change and we need it now,” Bird said.

No other Republican has stepped up to challenge Ware at this point.

“I’ve always marched to the beat of my own drum,” said Bird. Besting Ware or his Democratic challenger, Martin Jeffrey, in November would certainly help prove that point.

Martin Jefwould like to frey calls himsee “no taxes, self a “change no fees” for a agent.” He said 3-5 year perihe’s been in od, for green contact with business more than startups.

1,000 people Jeffrey in the 11th also touted District since a health care announcing plan to cover a bid three the uninweeks ago to sured, which challenge instarts with cumbent Onorganizations zlee Ware in a like Carilion Photo by Gene Marrano June 9 Demopouring some crat primary. Martin Jeffrey describes his of its profits Jeffrey out- vision at a news conference into a system lined some of on Monday. to provide his campaign that care. Jefplatform planks during an frey said he wanted to work appearance Monday at the in concert with parties like Gainsboro Library. the Bradley Free Clinic and The neighborhood activist Project Access to avoid duand former president of the plication of efforts.

Roanoke NAACP chapter deSome of Jeffrey’s vision rided the incumbent delegate will require self-described, as being part of the status “bold, courageous leaderquo, and said voters are look- ship,” which the Democratic ing to reject that - as well as hopeful said he would bring negative campaigning and to the table. First he will have putting special interests over to beat Onzlee Ware in a prithat of regular constituents. mary June 9, then face off “The people want vision,” against any Republican chalJeffrey said, reading from a lenger in November. prepared statement.

Campaign manager Mark That vision includes green Powell noted that Ware spent jobs, which he said he want- $100,000 during his last eleced “to go to residents in this tion campaign, and said as a community.” The 11th dis- way to keep special interests trict includes much of Roa- at bay, the Jeffrey campaign noke City and the Town of will only accept contribuVinton. tions from those who live or “We want Roanoke to be work in the 11th district.

Virginia’s green capital,” said Jeffrey, who claimed there

By Gene Marrano were “untold opportunities,” gmarrano@cox.net that could be accessed, perhaps with the help of federal stimulus money. He also

Keenum Enters Race for Sheriff

Add Brian Keenum’s name to the list of people who want to be the next sheriff in Roanoke City. The former deputy sheriff, who now works for the Special Olympics, will announce his independent bid on Saturday at the City Market Building (1:00 pm).

Keenum’s platform includes working more closely with

By Gene Marrano Roanoke’s neighborhoods, gmarrano@cox.net and reducing turnover within the sheriff ’s office, in part,

by getting deputies more involved in day-to-day functions.

“Employee retention is a great cost savings to the operational budget,” said the Roanoke native and Patrick Henry High School graduate on his website, roanokesheriff.com.

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

Lady Patriots Rule on Cold Night On an unseasonably cold night, where temperatures dipped into the ‘30’s and the snow swirled at Gainer Field, the Patrick Henry girls soccer team rolled with a 9 - 1 victory over GWDanville on Tuesday. The Patriots rose to 4-3-1 with the win.

Photo by Bill Turner

PH senior captain #16 Kate Norbo maneuvers around a GW defender.

Catholic Rolls Over North Cross

North Cross Mid Fielder and Senior Captain Jamie Willis tries to outrun two Roanoke Catholic defenders in last Monday’s varsity lacrosse match up. But it was no use as Catholic punished the Raiders by a score of 14 to 3. The two rivals will meet again later this season.

Sports

4/10/09 - 4/16/09 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 7

Fleming Softball Team Just Wants to Play They may be young, inexperienced, and admittedly not as talented as many of their opponents.

But, for the girls who play softball for William Fleming, none of that really matters.

Neither do the lopsided losses, or the lack of a home field.

They just love to play.

“We have a really young team, but they’re a group of girls who come out here and want to play high school softball,” said Head Coach Bruce Palmer. “Some of them didn’t have gloves or bats or cleats at first, but they came out anyway because they wanted to play.”

The results over the past couple of season haven’t been pretty – just three wins last season and none in three tries thus far this spring, but Palmer insists his team doesn’t worry themselves too much with results.

“We have to start from the beginning,” he explained. “We don’t have a feeder program like a lot of schools have, and we don’t have a J.V. But we just teach them the basics of the game and help them improve.”

The girls have proven to be a resilient bunch – enduring many games in which the score is never close. Many have never technically played a home game; due to the ongoing renovations, the team has practiced and played games at Breckenridge Park for the past

Cave Spring Rallies for Win

It’s softball season again and local high school teams are beginning district play. Perennial River Ridge District power Cave Spring used a late rally to beat Christiansburg 5-4 Monday afternoon in a home game. Courtney Gaddy singled in the bottwo seasons. But they continue tom of the seventh to plate the winning run for the Knights. to come to practice each day, and according to their coach, continue to get better.

“These are the kind of girls you can really see improve because of where they started,” Palmer said. “It really makes you feel good. I’ve seen some of them -- girls who couldn’t hit or field or run the bases – come a long way.”

Don’t feel too sorry for the Lady Colonels, however. They do have some talent – Palmer insists that junior Danielle Banks, the team’s catcher and occasional centerfielder, “could play for anyone.” And rival schools beware – the team isn’t above pulling the surprise Photo by Bill Turner upset. Just two seasons ago, Fleming beat Alleghany, then Knights #3 Courtney Gaddy fights off a pitch against Chrisin second place in the district, tiansburg. for one of their few wins on the season.

“They’re a bunch of good girls, and they have a great attitude,” Palmer said. “Nobody likes to lose, obviously, but they just want to play softball.

For them, it’s fun. And we keep telling them, ‘Hey, it’s gonna come, it’s gonna come.’”

It is a refreshing thought, perhaps – a team that desires to play the game they love… no matter what.

By Matt Reeve Photo by Bill Turner Matt@theroanokestar.com Cave Spring’s Monica Boatwright slides around the Christiansburg catcher’s tag for a Knight run.

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To view the full 2009 Summer Programs Catalog, please visit www.northcross.org/summerprograms. For more information, contact Stephen Belderes at 540-588-8320 or sbelderes@northcross.org.

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Page 8 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 4/10/09 - 4/16/09

Sports

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

Sox Fest Ushers in a New Era for Salem Baseball A damp and dreary day didn’t keep the fans from showing up to welcome the new Salem Red Sox to the Valley. March 28 was “Sox Fest” day at Lewis Gale Field, a new name for the facility; gone is Salem Memorial Baseball Stadium. Fenway Sports Group, which owns the Boston Red Sox, the New England Sports Network (NESN) and a racing team, purchased the Single-A Carolina League franchise in 2008. After the final year of an agreement with the Houston Astros ran its course, the BoSox moved their Single-A team here from California.

The big attraction for many, besides the free hot dogs grilled up by Salem Red Sox general manager John Katz, was the chance to pose with the 2007 World Series trophy, or a replica thereof. It had also made its way around the valley the day before, stopping at schools like Roanoke Catholic and at Roanoke City’s municipal building.

Fan David Purdy is not an ex-New Englander; the West Virginia native is a long time Roanoke Valley resident – and a Boston Red Sox fan. Having the storied franchise’s Single-A team in Salem strengthens that bond for Purdy.

“I’ve been a fan…for nearly 50 years,” said Purdy as he filled out a form that would guarantee a picture of him posing with the trophy. Others on line were simply fans of the game itself – even Yankees followers, perhaps.

Purdy sported a David Ortiz jersey. “My dad was a Ted Williams fan, growing up I was always a [Carl] Yastremski fan.” Having a Sox presence here will be “really good for the whole community,” said Purdy as he lined up with dozens of others to pose with the World Series trophy.

Salem Red Sox assistant general manager Alan Lawrence, a North Cross graduate, is looking forward to this new wrinkle in his professional career.

“I think its been even better than we expected, and we had pretty high expectations coming in,” said Lawrence, who has been with the franchise in some capacity for about a decade.

File photo by Bill Turner

Darren Thomas in action carrying the ball.

PH Pipeline to Glenville State Continues with Darren Thomas

Photo by Gene Marrano

Fans line up to see Boston’s title hardware from 2007.

Lawrewnce’s father, William, attended Roanoke Red Sox games – the RoSox – back in the ‘40’s and ‘50’s, when the defunct Piedmont League team played at Maher Field.

The Salem Red Sox have rolled back season ticket prices somewhat, and will cordon off about 1,500 seats in an effort to make the ballpark experience more intimate for fans.

Limiting the number of seats available may also spark advance sales for those that used to rely on walking up for giveaway nights and fireworks.

The focus at “Sox Fest” was all about getting primed for the coming season.

“Its great to see all the people in Red Sox gear. We just never saw that with the Astros,” said Lawrence, who was sporting a nifty red jacket himself. “Hopefully it will create a much better atmosphere in here.”

The Carolina League home season gets underway April 9.

By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

Patrick Henry’s starting quarterback for the past four years, Darren Thomas, is going to Division II Glenville State College in West Virginia. The school is the alma mater of new head coach Brad Bradley and a frequent destination for Patriot football players in recent years.

Thomas, who may become a running back for Glenville, continues that tradition after committing formally during a recent signing ceremony. The Roanoke City School Board will honor Thomas in June.

His father, Reggie, who coached him for many years in sandlot ball, and his mother, Michelle, was present for the occasion. On hand as well was former Pats coach Bob Gray, who gave up that post after a 1-9 season in 2008, but still teaches physical education at Patrick Henry.

“Darren has worked to get to this point,” said Gray, 10-30 in four years as head coach. Glenville State is “ a good match for our kids. [The school] gave these kids a chance.”

Thomas said being a quarterback from age six and starting

all but one game at QB for the Patriots “played a big role,” in getting him ready for the next level.

“That’s been a goal of his since I met him four years ago,” said Gray, who has now sent three former players to Glenville, a current conference champion that recruits the Roanoke Valley “hard,” according to the excoach. “[Thomas] earned what he’s got.”

Thomas visited some colleges and found the whole recruiting process “up and down,” emotionally. Glenville’s campus and student population struck him as being just the right size.

“I just had a good feeling,” said Thomas. “Its what I’ve been waiting for my whole life.”

Thomas is a workout devotee who also played basketball and ran track at Patrick Henry.

Now he wants to help continue a winning tradition at Glenville State, where current Michigan head coach Rich Rodriguez once roamed the sidelines for the Pioneers: “we’re looking to do that again next year.”

By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

Patriots Soccer Squad Loses Close One

The Patrick Henry Patriots boys soccer team, in the midst of a five game stretch in eight days, fell for the first time this season when the team dropped a 2-1 decision to Frank W. Cox High School in Virginia Beach last Friday night. The Falcons were the first team to score on the Patriots so far this season.

All is well otherwise with the defending Western Valley District champs, who now sit at 7-1 overall and an undefeated 3-0 in district play. Prior to their loss to Frank W. Cox, Patrick Henry enjoyed successive 6-0 routs over E.C. Glass and Salem, respectively. Monday, the team continued its recent frenetic schedule with a 3-0 win over William Byrd, and the next night soundly defeated G.W. Danville, 7-0.

The team has seen 11 different players score a goal thus far this season – an amazing distribution on offense. Defensively, the team is allowing only .25 goals per game. The Patriots will face William Fleming at home on Thursday before spring break.

By Matt Reeve Matt@theroanokestar.com

What’s Better than Earning Magnet Status?

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The American Nursing Credentialing Center says that Carilion Clinic’s Roanoke hospitals* have the only nurses in southwest and central Virginia who have been recognized twice for providing patient care at the gold standard – Magnet Recognition Program® designation. That means no other nursing team and no other facilities in the region have been acknowledged for such high levels of care and patient outcomes for the second time in a row.

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Earning Magnet a second time, and maintaining that status, is even more difficult than the first due to increasingly higher standards placed on performance and results. That’s something to consider when choosing your health care.

Whether it’s a new baby or a new chance at life following an illness, you’ll find no one treats you better than the nurses at our Roanoke hospitals. This Magnet recertification reflects the passion and commitment our nurses have for their profession. You can count on their trust in one another to provide excellent care every day, for every patient. *Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital Carilion Roanoke Community Hospital

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4/10/09 - 4/16/09 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 9

TheRoanokeStar.com

Community Calendar > April 11

Eggstravganza oanoke Parks and Recreation invites the whole family to come out and enjoy this year’s Eggstravaganza to be held at the Reserve Avenue fields on Saturday, April 11,from 10 a.m.to 12 p.m.

The rain date is Sunday, April 12, at 2 p.m. in the same location.nstead of the traditional Easter egg hunt, this year our main activity will be an “egg roll.” Children will be divided up based on their age and will race to the finish by rolling an egg across the ReserveAvenue field.Other activities will include a sack race, an egg toss, face painting, a visit from the Easter Bunny,and much more!

The event is free, but you must bring your own basket. For more information, call Parks and Recreation at 853-2236.

IntegratedArts Yard Sale The Center for Integrated Arts Grand Opening is Saturday, April 18th noon-4pm in conjunction with the Earth Day festivities-- music,food, art,workshops and games.

When - 10 am - 4 pm Where - 1731 Grandin Road SW Roanoke,behind Local Roots.

Murray Run Greenway Workday If you love the Murray Run Greenway,please join your neighbors at the Dan Wright Trailhead this Saturday.

The Greater Raleigh Court Civic League has received a second grant to improve the trailhead, and we need some help to finish the work.

Kids and adults are welcome. We’ll be landscaping and spreading mulch, as well as installing five new benches.

DanWrightTrailhead by the PH tennis courts on Grandin Road,Saturday, April 11, 9am until noon. Bring work gloves, shovels, wheelbarrows. Coffee, juice and breakfast snacks will be procivided.

> April 12

72nd Annual Westminster Presbyterian Church Easter Sunrise Service Cedar Lawn Memorial Park Cove Road (one block West of Peters Creek Rd.,NW Roanoke) Speaker: Dr.John Furman Dramatic Presentation: Betsy Foster In the event of rain, the service will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church (2216 Peters Creek Rd) This service will be interpreted for the deaf and hard of hearing.

Sponsoring churches: Grace Church, New Covenant Christian Church, Westminster Presbyterian Church For information,call: 797-7131

> April 15

ATea Party Event:Tax Day RoanokeArea FairTax will again be at the main Post Office to bring information about the FairTax to the late filers. In addition to our usual activities, we are encouraging supporters to come out in large numbers to walk around with FairTax signs and generally enhance our presence. Come and make your feelings known. Bring a friend or relative!

When- 3 pm until closing (about 8 pm) Where- Main Post Office, 419 RutherfordAve.,Roanoke Cost- Free For more- RAFT@att.net

> April 18

Celebrate Earth Day Be sure to come by Grandin Village on Saturday, April 18, for the annual Earth Day celebration. There are free talks, local farmers and vendors, lots of samples, children’s activities, a raffle, organic seedling sale and more at Roanoke Natural Foods Co-op.

There is a free film on solar energy at the Grandin Theatre and demonstrations, artists, musicians, gardens and more at Grandin Gardens. Free music at the end of the day. 8am-8pm.

River Guerguerian Percussion Workshop and Concert 3:00-4:15 Beginners Drum Workshop: explore tone production and our internal rhythm, play harmoniously with others; $20, $5 for children 4:30-6:00 DrumWorkshop Intensive: learn finger-style rhythms, vocalizations and odd time meters from the Middle East and other cultures;$25 8:00 Multi-media Earth Day Concert: featuring a collaboration of unique drums, gongs and Himalayan bowls, guest modern dancer Liza Deck,and captivating visual images from around the world; $15 ($10 if attending a workshop) Where - Roanoke Ballet Theater Studios 1318 Grandin Road,SW Call to Register for your Workshop: 540-206-2472 www.ShareTheDrum.com

No Child Left Inside Days at Lakewood Park No Child Left Inside Days! Come out and see one of Roanoke’s most interesting parks. Bring a magnifying glass,a butterfly net and other Inspector Gadget type tools, to discover the lovely nature right in our back yards.Help us celebrate Earth Day by exploring this lovely park.Then head up to Grandin Road for their annual Earth Day celebration.

Car and Motorcycle Show ValleyView Wesleyan Church is having a Car and Motorcycle Show on April 18, 2009. Trophies and Door prizes given away.There will be food for sale.Come for the fun and fellowship.

When - 9 am - 2pm Where - Valley View Wesleyan Church is located on Oakland Blvd next to Round Hill School (just off Williamson Rd). Call Norman for details - 977-1003 or the church office 366-5053 The April Meeting of the RoanokeValley Chapter,NSDAR Patricia Hanzel of Blue Cross and Blue Shield ofVirginia will be presenting a program dealing with women’s health issues immediately following the business portion of the meeting.

Interested prospective members are welcome.

When - 10:00A.M. Where - St. Timothy Lutheran Church, 1201 Hardy Road, Vinton, Virginia For more information contact Regent Lee HardinWoody at 397-3173 or lhwoody@gmail.com

> April 21

First Steps to Starting a Business Learn the basics of what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur at this introductory seminar for prospective business owners. Tuesday, April 21, 5:30 - 9:00 PM, Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce Boardroom. Cost: $25/person. Prepayment and pre-registration required by Friday,April 17. Sponsored by: Business SEED Capital, Inc., BB&T, Cox Business, and City of Roanoke.

For more information or to register, call 540.983.0717 ext.242

> April 23

Financing Commercial Real Estate Improvements Worksgop Wondering what kind of help is available to reduce costs and enhance the value of your commercial property or business located in the city? Local incentive programs and grants can assist you. Interested? Then you’re invited to attend a free workshop sponsored by the City of Roanoke onThursday,April 23,from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the Noel C.Taylor Municipal Building,Room 159. This is the

second of two workshops held by the city for this purpose.

AnnualWine & Cheese Fair The Roanoke Valley Democratic Women will host the eleventh “Annual Wine & Cheese Affair.” It will be held on Thursday, April 23, 2009 from 5:30 to 7:30 P.M.at the Ramada Inn, 1927 Franklin Rd. S.W. Tickets are $10:00 and available at the door.

Candidates for up coming elections and local and state officials have been invited. You won”t want to miss this event which is well attended by Democrats and guests. Come and enjoy good food, music, fellowship and much more. Contact Mary A. Bowers at 343-1186 for additional information.

Times may be tough, but the Easter Bunn . . . , er, Mouse still comes . . .

Reach over 85, 000 readers in our next TMC edition on May 1st! Call 400-0990

> April 25

Help Me Help My Child Seminar CommunityAwareness & Early Identification of Learning Disabilities.

National Business College,1813 East Main Street,Salem.

Please RSVP , by April 22 to Leslie Richards, The Achievement Center, (540) 366-7399 That 70’s Event Great party with dinner by Carraba’s, wine byAmrhein,live dance music by Monkey Fuzz.

A fundraiser with the emphasis on FUN! Dust off that leisure suit and go go boots or your tie dye shirt and peace sign.Tickets: order online at smwv.org ($40 each for 10+; $45 each for 2-9;$50 for 1) Thank you, Lynne Pope bentpopes@aol.com

> May 9

The 86th National Federation Music Club’s National Music Week The event will be celebrated at Tanglewood Mall, Roanoke,Va. on Saturday,May 9,10:00 a.m.to 6:00 p.m.

The theme, “Music…Poetry of the Heart,” is being presented by the Thursday Morning Music Club.

> May 16

TheAmazing CountyTreasure Hunt Join in Roanoke County’s exciting new Geocaching event! Using state of the art GPS technology, you, your family or student team will be asked to locate 10 scenic destinations throughout the County. Search for boxes at each location containing gold, silver and bronze coins for points.See who can get the most and win!Your hunt begins at Garst Mill Park.

Pre-register beginningApril 1 For more - (540) 387-6078 ext.251 www.RoanokeCountyParks.com

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REGISTRATION/CHECK-IN: 8:30am 9am on Turf Field, Sunday, April 26 **Forms also available at www.hokiesports.com/lax

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Email ________________________________________________ Phone _______________________ Parent/Guardian ________________________________________ Emergency Phone ___________________ High School __________________ Club Team ____________________ Yrs Played _____ Virginia Tech Lacrosse Clinic is open to girls of all ages and ability. Groups will be divided based on skill, and instruction will challenge players of all ages and levels. Please include to guarantee your spot in the clinic a check made payable to Virginia Tech Foundation Lacrosse. Registration form and Health Waiver are available online at www.hokiesports. com/lax. BOTH FORMS ARE REQUIRED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE CLINIC! Contact Virginia Tech Lacrosse at (540)231-9454 with additional questions. GO HOKIES!

Valley Business

Page 10 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 4/10/09 - 4/16/09

Colonial w/ 4br, 3ba & a large bonus rm as a possible 5th br! 4 finished levels of superb living space! A grand kitchen complete with stainless steel appliances Formal & granite counters.

TheRoanokeStar.com LR & DR, hardwoods throughout.

Finished bsmt w/ rec room & fireplace.

It goes on & on! To top it off, this house has 2 extra lots! Perfect setting.

Local Homeowners Have Many Options When Looking to Sell It’s no secret that many Roanokers are trying to sell their homes. Signs and balloons have become as commonplace as planted flowers at neighborhood entrances.

Deciding to sell your home may be a difficult choice to make; however, today there are a number of avenues a seller may take to add the “SOLD” topper to their “For-Sale” yard sign.

Some homeowners, empowered by the internet and its wealth of information, are choosing a more self-sufficient model, such as “For Sale By Owner.”

“I think this is going to be what happens in the future,” said Linda Brown, president of FSBO Publishing, Inc, who publishes Roanoke’s For Sale

By Owner magazine, Brown’s magazine lists ads for homeowners who wish to sell their houses themselves, rather than going through a real estate agency. For $1,975, a seller receives: an ad in three issues of the magazine, an ad on FSBOroanoke.com, yard signs, directional signs, open house toppers, and the assistance of Brown and her network of attorneys, appraisers, and home inspectors.

Abby Bartlett, a Roanoke resident who recently sold her home, says that she had her house on the market with two different agents for eight months, during which time they received a lot of traffic and a lot of offers, but none that produced a sale. Bartlett decided to take matters into her own hands. In addition to listing the house on some real estate websites, she took out an ad with For Sale By Owner magazine.

“We felt that we knew the house better than our agent, and we knew how to market our house better than they did, so we decided to do it ourselves,” Bartlett said.

For those who are intimidated by the thought of selling their own home, many real estate companies are beginning to move away from the traditional 6% commission.

Affordable Commission Realtors offers all the services of larger real estate agencies for a 3.9% commission. In the beginning, broker Jack Richards says people were hesitant to let them list

Dr. $479,000. ence.1120 BeingOakwood a realtor, Gallia is able to price the house based on a market analysis, negotiate the price with buyers and sellers, and provide all the services a realtor may offer..

“If you would like professional services, with a Gosh jeepers...this house is HUGE! very experienced broker/owner, and would like to 5br, 3.5 ba, large master suite. Richly have the opportunity of saving thousands of dolappointed throughout! Hardwoods lars rather than paying commission, why wouldn’t main level,nice open foyer,custom you use Help-U-Sell?” Gallia said. Enlisting the eat-in kitchen w/stainless appliances. help of a realtor is still a wise decision, according Entire lower level finished in 2008 to Laura Benjamin, president of the Roanoke Valcomplemented by a lovely new marble ley Association of Realtors. full bath. Tons of space & storage.

“I think in today’s market, it’s very difficult for Ready for immediate possession. sellers and buyers to get their property sold without the help of a professional,” she said. “We are Located on a quiet cul-de-sac.

6426 Garrett Ln. $342,000. seeing in the Roanoke market increased business – more buyers looking, more deals being done each month - a REALTOR-ABR lot of activity due to the $8,000 Angela Gillespie, tax credit.”

Coldwell Banker, Townside Realtors One of the biggest benefits of listing with a Re540-556-8565 altor is the exposure. When going through a Realtor, sellers are able to list their house on real estate www.cbtownside.com websites owned by the National Association of www.angelasellsvirginia.com Realtors, which gives them a head start in allowing people to find a listing. According to Realtor. parative Market Analysis to help price the home com, 75% of buyers today begin their search on based on the current market conditions, and a the internet. lockbox on the property. Each of these programs Another benefit is what Gallia refers to as the is based on a set fee rather than commission. The “human side of the business.”

Gold and Platinum services are still based on a “Can a seller objectively and fairly negotiate percentage of the home’s sale price. the value of his home to a perfect stranger and “It is our belief that sellers today— like any be truthful and honest about its real value, as opconsumer today—appreciate and expect choices posed to what he, the homeowner says it’s worth?” in products and services received,” said Kit Hale, Gallia said. “That’s where the Realtor comes in as General Manager at MKB Realtors. “No longer are a neutral party and negotiates objectively.” consumers accepting traditional real estate comWhatever direction a seller decides to take in mission models… we want to offer them choices order to market their property, most in the busifrom a seller-empowered limited service.” ness agree that the market is moving in a direcThe fee-for-service real estate company, Help- tion in which the homeowner can exercise more U-Sell Valley Properties, does away with the com- control, while holding onto as much of their profit mission model altogether; instead, the company as possible. charges a $2,950 fee at the time of closing regardless of the price of the home.

Steve Gallia, Broker/Owner of Help-U-Sell, is a

By Caitlyn Coakley licensed real estate broker with 28 years of experiinfo@theroanokestar.com

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their homes, because they were afraid the selling agent would overlook their listings in favor of those on which they’d make a bigger commission.

The company has sidestepped that issue by offering the selling agent a 3% commission, while his company keeps only .9%.

Richards says that they’re able to offer a lower rate by focusing more on the volume of clients.

“Our listings come from all over the valley, it seems. We don’t focus on any one area.”

Even larger realty companies are offering alternative pricing. This past January, MKB Realtors introduced the Seller’s Choice program, which offers different levels of service for different prices.

In the Bronze service, an agent assists the buyers and sellers to fill out necessary documents and lists the house with the Multiple Listing Service, but allows the seller to market his or her own property; the Silver service includes everything in the Bronze service with the addition of a Com-

Under The Tent with André Viette André Viette, horticulturist, author and lecresource for our customers.” turer will appear in Roanoke, Saturday, April 25, Viette earned his Biological Science certificate at “Under the Tent with André Viette,” sponsored at The State University of New York at Farmby The Turf and Gardening Store of Roanoke. ingdale, and is a graduate of The School of FloViette will hold his weekly live radio broadcast riculture of Cornell University. He developed from the retailer’s 101 Madison Avenue location, André Viette Farm and Nursery in Fishersville, beginning at 8 am. A Q&A session will follow, Virginia, growing over 3,000 varieties of perenalong with lunch, compliments of The Turf and nials for sun and shade. Viette has taught 10 difGardening Store, a lecture, “Top Ten Tips for ferent horticultural courses over the last 29 years, Green Thumb Virginia”, and a book signing of and conducts a radio gardening program for WSVA in Harrisonburg.

Viette’s latest books.

André Viette Viette’s national weekly three-hour call-in ra“We are thrilled André will join us as we kick off our spring and summer season here in Roanoke,” said dio program, ‘In The Garden,’ airs locally on WFIR, Saturdays, Kip Connelly, owner. “The expertise he brings to the world of from 8:00 am to 11:00 am. horticulture is phenomenal and we are blessed to have him as a

Answers to Sudoku on Page 9

Beacon Wealth Consultants Inc. Hires Wealth Advisor Beacon Wealth Consultants Inc. announces the hiring of Shaun J. Redgate Jr. as an Associate Wealth Advisor. Redgate is a 2003 graduate of the University of Virginia, where he earned a BA in Economics. For the past five years, Redgate has served as a Portfolio Analyst and Client Manager at a Fortune 100 wealth management firm in Charlottesville, Beacon Wealth Consultants, Inc. specializes in Values-based Asset Management, Comprehensive Financial & Estate Planning and Legacy Coaching for families, family-owned businesses and faith-based organizations.

Shaun J. Redgate Jr.

IRS Seeks Volunteers for Taxpayer Advocacy Panel The Internal Revenue Service seeks civic-minded volunteers to serve on the Taxpayer Advocacy Panel (TAP), which listens to taxpayers, identifies key issues and makes recommendations for improving IRS service.

"TAP members are your friends and neighbors, walking in the shoes of the average taxpayer. A better understanding of how to serve the taxpayer well is a key to sound tax administration," said Doug Shulman, IRS Commissioner.

TAP provides a forum for taxpayers from all 50 states as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. TAP is a federal advisory committee that reports annually to the Treasury Department, the IRS and the National Taxpayer Advocate, which is an independent organization within the IRS. The National Taxpayer Advocate provides oversight and funding of TAP. "As the IRS continues to examine taxpayers' needs in the area of service, the Taxpayer

Advocacy Panel has emerged as a vital source for gathering and providing information from the perspective of taxpayers," said Nina E. Olson, National Taxpayer Advocate.

"TAP's role will ultimately aid taxpayers by helping the IRS to provide them with the top quality service they deserve."

To be a member of TAP candidates must be a U.S. citizen, current with their tax obligations, able to commit 300 to 500 hours during the year and pass an FBI criminal background check. New TAP members will serve a three-year term starting in December 2009. Anyone chosen as an alternate would be considered to fill any vacancies that open during the next two years.

Applications to become a member of TAP will be accepted until April 30. Applications are available online at www.improveirs.org. Applications can also be received through the mail by calling toll-free 1-888-912-1227

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Arts & Culture

TheRoanokeStar.com

Studio Roanoke Set to Debut Downtown

Kenley Smith made his money in the high performance car-racing world before selling his business to pursue a masters in playwriting at Hollins University. Now heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s teaming up with the head of that Hollins program, Todd Ristau, to open â&#x20AC;&#x153;Studio Roanoke,â&#x20AC;? a new theatre space in downtown Roanoke. Studio Roanoke will also take on the improvisational â&#x20AC;&#x153;No Shame Theatre,â&#x20AC;? which lost its home when Mill Mountain Theatre shut down.

Smith was a regular at â&#x20AC;&#x153;No Shame,â&#x20AC;? which Ristau originated several years ago, writing and performing short pieces in front of an audience of peers. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Best of No Shameâ&#x20AC;? revives the series, April 10th and 11, at Studio Roanoke. Smith named the building and theater space after his father and mother, Pete and Virginia. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Angel of Brooklynâ&#x20AC;? by Dwight Yancey was the first installment in the free Lunchbox Reading Series (April 8). â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ken is one of our real No Shame success stories,â&#x20AC;? said Ristau of Smith, whom he has also cast as an actor.

Smith, the board president, has sunk more than $500,000 in to the building so far, in-

cluding the purchase price, without doing much to the upper two floors. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s where the â&#x20AC;&#x153;First 100â&#x20AC;? capital campaign comes in, seeking 100 people who will donate that amount to help pay for stage equipment and further renovations that might include dorms for visiting actors and playwrights, rehearsal spaces and meeting rooms.

Studio Roanoke is located in the recently closed retail store, New York Fashions, which was once used as a theater space many years ago. Smith uncovered terrazzo floors in the lobby, which has also been extended, and built a green room for actors on the mezzanine. Outfitting the space with seats on risings, better lighting etc. will take some time.

Corporate sponsorships and grants are anticipated to cover most of the operating costs, estimated now at less than $200,000 a year. The space will be formally dedicated this summer. Smith said he has heard talk around town since Mill Mountain shut down, and that arts organizations should have a solid business model, but he sees things a bit differently. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Deep down, theater doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t

make sense. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no legitimate business reason to do theater in Roanoke. The key is the passion,â&#x20AC;? Smith said.

He added that he has that passion, for drama, for new works, and, â&#x20AC;&#x153;is just a little bit crazy.â&#x20AC;?

What has both Ristau and Smith truly excited is the mix of new works they intend to present, from local college students and other emerging playwrights, a mix of experimental works and staged readPhoto by Gene Marrano ings.

The building is named for â&#x20AC;&#x153;I cut my teeth in profes- Smithâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s father. sional theater, in New York, velop new works, and as a low at a small storefront studio cost living option for emergspace, almost exactly like the ing playwrights. one that weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re creating here,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m going forth with the said Ristau. love for what weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re doing,â&#x20AC;? said Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also a â&#x20AC;&#x153;loungeâ&#x20AC;? Smith, who will finish up his planned every Tuesday night MFA in playwriting at Hollins ($5 cover) that will include this summer. He already has a time for poetry, comedy, read- masters from the same school ings, etc. Tickets for staged in creative writing, earned plays are set for $10, a price more than two decades ago. they set intentionally low to Fully staged plays at Studio make live theater more acces- Roanoke begin their run in sible. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll see if that busi- late April, and Kenley Smith ness model works. has his own scheduled for Auâ&#x20AC;&#x153;Our hope is that Studio gust. Visit studioroanoke.org Roanoke will be an ignition for more information, or call point for new works develop- 343-3054. ment,â&#x20AC;? added Ristau. He wants

By Gene Marrano Roanoke to develop a national gmarrano@cox.net reputation as a place to de-

4/10/09|The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 11

Send your articles, story ideas and pictures to: info@theroanokestar.com

R E E N C U E N T R O

Southwest Virginia Ballet

Pedro Szalay, Artistic Director

World Renowned Percussionist to Help Celebrate Grandin Village Earth Day

World-renowned percussionist River Guerguerian will be performing, and offering drum workshops, at Roanoke Ballet Theater Studios on Grandin Road Saturday, April 18. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Once we understand what sounds we truly resonate with, we have the ability to influence our environment,â&#x20AC;? says Guerguerian, Master Percussionist, Composer, and Educator. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Music-making is an innate form of human expression.â&#x20AC;?

From a beginner drum workshop for all ages, to an intensive drum workshop for adults, participants will learn how to achieve a well-rounded tone, and build upon their own naturally given internal rhythm by learning rhythms from around the world. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is an opportunity to learn how to play harmoniously with other peopleâ&#x20AC;? said Lindsay McKinnon, event organizer.

The day will end with a Multi-Media Earth Day Concert featuring a collaboration of unique drums, gongs and Himalayan bowls, guest modern dancer Liza Deck, and captivating visual images from around the world.

Visiting from his home in Ashville, North Carolina, Ca-

nadian-born, River Guerguerian (from Armenian-Egyptian extraction) earned a Bachelor of Music from the Manhattan School of Music Conservatory.

For over 25 years, he has been performing with such groups as the BBC Concert Orchestra, Paul Winter Consort, Tan Dun, Chuck Berry, and Ziggy Marley/Gypsy Kings project.

His resume includes performances at International Music Festivals in New York, Berlin, Moscow, Edinburgh, Rome, Hong Kong, Athens, Barcelona, Istanbul, and has recordings on over 120 albums and including the soundtrack from the Academy Award winning film, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. River currently travels internationally with Turkish Sufi musician Omar Faruk Tekbilekand and performs with an Asheville-based world-fusion jazz trio, Free Planet Radio.

The event is part of the Grandin Village Earth Day celebration, where the streets will be lined with artists, local farmers and vendors, lots of samples, kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; activities, a raffle, organic seedling sale, and more.

Facts about drums and sounds: Our brains receive up to

Jefferson Center . April 24 & 25 at 7:00 pm

Box Office: 540-345-2550 . www.jeffcenter.org Adults: $30, Students: $17 All ticket proceeds above production costs will be donated to the American Cancer Society www.svballet.org

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80% of its energy through the ears.

The use of gongs and bells has been traced back 4,000 years in Asia Minor.

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Playing or listening to a steady beat has a regulating effect on the biological functioning of the human body.

We remember 20% of what we hear, 40% of what we see and hear, and 80% of what we do.

More interesting facts can be found at www.ShareTheDrum.com When: Saturday, April 18th 3:00-4:15 pm Beginners Drum Workshop ($20, $5 for chil-

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Page 12 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 4/10/09 - 4/16/09

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