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February 27, 2009

Community | News | Per spective

TheRoanokeStar.com

Williamson provides leadership to company and community

Mountain Karma P5– Johnny Robinson and son receive a touch of grace in the high country of Switzerland.

Utility stocks have long been valued for steady returns, but most don’t deliver as consistently as Roanoke Gas (Roanoke Gas and Application Resources are now known collectively as RGC Resources).

What’s their secret? Perhaps it is John B. Williamson III, Chairman of the Board, CEO and President. His policy aims to plan and execute solutions before problems come up, such as replacing underground pipes before they disintegrate, and keeping costs down while keeping service expectations high.

Williamson, 54, is a well-known community leader, who at one point served as Botetourt County Administrator. Since the late Frank Farmer recognized his talent and lured him to Roanoke Gas Company, Williamson has used his position to do far more than enrich stockholders. Even as

a county official, he worked with the Roajob itself. Currently they are looking for noke Regional Economic Development a successor to Georganne C. Bingham, Partnership, continuing that effort today. who plans to retire.

Williamson reports that, “not much is “We have hired a search firm with happening” regarding new industry in the a specialty in museum professional current climate. However, the partnership searches,” said Williamson. “We just got (now headed up by Beth Doughty) continstarted [and] hope by mid to late sumues to lay the groundwork to capitalize on mer that we may be done.” better economic times, when businesses RGC Resources has helped sponsor around the country expand again. There a number of cultural organizations and are some bright spots: for example, Car- John Williamson III events in the Roanoke area.

Speaking of summer, by then Wililion Clinic and the joint medical school project with Virginia Tech are moving along, fur- liamson will be growing things in his garden, dether strengthening Roanoke as a regional medical spite a demanding schedule.

“I don’t have the time, I make the time,” he decenter for southwestern Virginia.

Williamson also uses his executive talent while clares.

Williamson enjoys the > CONTINUED serving as president for the board of trustees at the Taubman Museum of Art - almost a full time healthy fresh produce and P2: Williamson

[Focus on Education]

Washington Park pool renovations considered

Get Moo-vin’ P6– YMCA joins Shamrock Farms in promoting physical fitness for children.

Photo by Gene Marrano

Roanoke City School Board members prepare for Tuesday’s meeting at the school administration center.

School board to close Ruffner Middle and Raleigh Court Elementary

New Attitude P7– Brad Bradley will be bringing a whole new approach to Patrick Henry football this fall.

The Roanoke City School Board voted Tuesday to close William Ruffner Middle School and Raleigh Court Elementary, beginning this fall, hoping to save at least three million dollars. Facing a deficit now close to $16 million for the upcoming year, the board decided it was also the best time to address the problem of too many school buildings for the number of students in Roanoke City.

For example, at Ruffner, about 360 students attend the northwest city school, compared to 700 just a few years ago. Ruffner students will

be dispersed along attendance zone lines to Lucy Addison and Breckinridge Middle Schools. In general, the school system has seen “a serious decline” in the number of middle school students said Superintendent Rita Bishop, with some leaving the city system or opting for private schools.

Meanwhile, Raleigh Court Elementary students will attend Grandin Court and Fishburn, again along attendance zone lines that will be redrawn after public hearings scheduled for March.

Board member Mae Huff said she had many “sleepless nights” thinking about the closing of Raleigh Court and Ruffner, “[but] we realize as a board we have too many facilities.”

As for Ruffner Middle, in particular, Huff said it was “in the best interest of children that we place them at other facilities.”

Ruffner principal Melva Belcher said it’s all about the children, “I’m hoping and praying that the school board will follow through…and try their best to > CONTINUED place [teachP3: School Board

Roanoke City Parks and Recreation Department recently held a community input session to discuss possible renovations to the pool at Washington Park.

Michael Clark, Roanoke Parks and Recreation Superintendent, emphasized the need to renovate the facility to make it more appealing.

“One of the driving forces behind this project is to make the pool more familyfriendly,” he said. “Our hope is that Washington Park can become a signature park in the community.”

Three options were presented for public discussion, each varying widely in terms of cost and scope. Scott Hester, a consultant with Counsilman-Hunsaker in St. Louis, explained each design, emphasizing that the options at this point were “merely conceptual” and “only objects of discussion.”

The first and least-expensive option, costing just under $590,000, would address only the basic repairs needed for the 40-year old pool, including repairs to the mechanical and filtration system.

“This option addresses only the physical needs – it’s like having a brand-new 1970’s pool,” Hester said.

The second option, priced around $1.9 million, involves cutting the pool in half to create two separate pools – one which would contain six 25-yard lanes, to be used for leisure training or perhaps even com> CONTINUED P2: Washington Park

Legal experts lay down the “Rule of Law” to local students

Grandin On The Go P11– Having been saved by the community, the Grandin Theatre now takes care of its patrons 365 days a year.

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Parents may talk about laying down the law for their children, but thanks to several area judges, attorneys and politicians, middle school kids in Roanoke City, Roanoke County and in Salem now know “The Rule of Law.” The main principle behind “The Rule” is that no one is above (or below) the law, there are no exceptions.

The presentations were the brainchild of Michael Pace, a managing partner with Gentry Locke Rakes & Moore, who wanted his own child, now in middle school, to know more about the inner workings of law.

Judge Jacqueline Talevi (General District Court, Roanoke City) spoke to kids at Lucy Addison Middle School, U.S. Congressman Bob Goodlatte appeared at Andrew Lewis Middle School in Salem and Judge Michael Urbanski (U.S. District Court) was at Roland E. Cook alternative school in Vinton.

The Rule of Law event is a pilot program that could eventually be implemented statewide. “[Its] all about everybody agreeing to play by the rules,” said Pace on a DVD presentation shown before guest speak-

Attorney Corey Houmand speaks at William Byrd Middle School. ers addressed the issue.

Pace was president of the Virginia Bar Association for 2008. “The Rule of Law,” is the basis for our “special government,” noted Pace. On the DVD, a young student held up a placard that stated “The Law Rules.”

Wake Forest Law School graduate Corey Houmand, currently clerking for

Federal Judge Samuel Wilson, visited William Byrd Middle School in eastern Roanoke County, speaking to students from civics classes and taking questions.

“I didn’t really understand [the concept] until I went to law school,” said Houmand, noting that fledgling democracies elsewhere look to the United

States as “a model” when it comes to the law.

Still, the American system is not perfect. A teacher asked about the impression some have that celebrities and star athletes might be above the law, to an extent.

“There’s a lot of gray areas [where] it might seem like somebody gets favorable treatment,” admitted Houmand.

“The more money you have the better attorney you can hire.”

Houmand called the pilot program a “fantastic opportunity for our students,” to learn about the rule of law. “Its important to understand that the law is inherently a fair system.”

Civics teacher Craig Hodge liked exposing his students to the legal profession and hopes to see similar programs that could bring other professionals to the schools. The first “Rule of Law” event piqued the interest of some at William Byrd.

“The kids were very curious about … their rights,” said Houmand.

By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

Page 2 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 2/27/09

> Washington Park

Two Washington Park pool options under consideration. increase.”

There are, however, several drawbacks to a proposed aquatic center. According to Clark, ticket prices would be increased under the third option. The current price of admission is $3 for anyone age

BAKE CAKES?

16 and up, and $2 for children between the ages of 5-15. Children under 4 are admitted for free.

Competition may also become an issue. Roanoke County has already begun construction on a $30 million recreation center at the junction of I-581 at I-81, which will include its own indoor and outdoor aquatic facility, with “water play” areas.

Public reaction to the proposed renovations was mixed, with some at the meeting disagreeing with the third option concept. They cited the high cost and questioned whether or not the facility had sufficient parking to accommodate a sizable increase in customers.

Many also did not approve of the elimination of swimming lanes in the third model.

No one, however, disagreed with the need for renovations for the pool.

“We need an outdoor facility to encourage living downtown,” said Barbara Duerk, a grandmother and community activist who attended the discussion forum. “It can help property values, and it can be a money generator,” said Duerk, also known as an avid bicyclist. “I’d like to see a well-rounded park program for our young people – to fight obesity, self-esteem issues, and stuff like that.”

Now that they have received some feedback, Clark said consultants would prepare a final report, which will be submitted to the Parks and Recreation Department, and then to Roanoke City Council for review.

Even if approved, it is unknown when construction will begin, considering Roanoke’s budget issues. When asked if current economic conditions would delay the project, Clark deferred to the city council, simply saying, “That’s not for me to determine.”

By Matt Reeve Matt@theroanokestar.com

> Williamson From page 1

Decorating & Tasting Contest support maternal care

change of pace. And, for another change of pace, he’s currently teaching a class on marketing at Roanoke College.

“I’ve been doing a little teaching off and on for three years. It’s a way to stay fresh and be exposed to the way 20 year-olds think,” he said.

A resident of Buchanan, Williamson has served as a board member for local corporations such as Optical Cable, Ntelos and Synchrony.

He’s lobbied in Richmond for utility companies like Roanoke Gas, founded in 1883, and has contributed to Democratic candidates.

Williamson is fascinated

by the “long tail” concept that illustrates how today’s products can have a much longer impact as a result of technology. For example, a book that would have gone out of print a few years ago can now stay available on demand via the web. Meaning books, as well as many other products, may enjoy a “longer tail,” or longer existence in the marketplace.

Musing on his position as the head of Roanoke Gas Company/RGC Resources, Williamson said, “It’s exciting to be CEO of a publicly traded company. And, it’s comforting to be CEO of a company doing reasonably well in this environment.”

He remembers a few years back when the dot coms were thought to be exciting and utilities were stodgy.

Now, “energy is back in vogue…it’s fun to be back in vogue,” he said.

By Priscilla Richardson info@theroanokestar.com

This year go ahead and love your lawn.

TheRoanokeStar.com

Our Take:

From page 1

petitive practices and events.

The other pool would include several features targeted at attracting area youth, including zero-depth entry, a climbing wall, and a spray ground.

“This design adds recreational value to the facility,” Hester said.

The third, and most expensive option, which is estimated to cost upwards of $2.5 million, involves a complete transformation of the pool into an aquatic center, with the existing pool being renovated into a leisure pool full of multiple waterslides, interactive play structures, and a lazy river.

“We feel this would create more of a recreational experience for the whole family,” said Hester of the last option.

There are several potential ancillary benefits, should the city decide to proceed with the third option. For one, it may create a few more jobs: a new aquatic center would potentially bring in a larger customer base, and would also see a change in its hours of operation.

“This is where you’d see the biggest ‘bump’ in terms of our part-time staff,” Clark said.

The aquatic center may also help increase surrounding property values. Clark called it the Approximate Principle: “It basically means where you have new facilities like …an aquatic center, the surrounding real estate values tend to

Water, water, everywhere From the news editor I recently returned from a lovely weekend trip to Berkley Springs, WV, where I was one of 11 judges in the 19th annual International Water Tasting festival ... waters from all over the world, in four categories, including municipal water, carbonated, non-carbonated and purified. It was very interesting, and the packaging for some of the waters was also interesting. CNN carried footage from the event, which draws entries from Canada, Japan, Bosnia, etc.

Several Virginia bottlers are represented and in fact the best non-carbonated bottled water came from a source outside of Martinsville - for the second year in a row. Who knew?

The free hotel (two nights) and free meals didn't hurt either. However, after two days of “frou-frou” finger foods, even at the brunches, I was ready for “real food” and stopped on the way home to pick up a cheeseburger and fries. I normally don’t eat that stuff but, as Andy Griffith might say, it was g-o-oo-d.

The people were interesting - one fellow judge had small roles on “Third Rock from the Sun” and the “Young and Restless” when he was an actor. Now he writes about water for a website (bottledwaterweb.com) that's all about - water.

Another judge, Scott Shipe, with the American Water Works Association, spoke to the possibility of a dire water shortage coming in the southeastern U.S., where cities like Atlanta have planned poorly for future growth. He also said it would be prudent to connect the Roanoke Valley’s water supply to Smith Mountain Lake, eventually completing a closed circuit.

As for event’s “Water Master” - Arthur von Weisenberger – he travels around the world investigating - water. Again, who knew?

“This is important, what you do,” said von Weisenberger to the judges. Having water deemed as being the best “validates” companies or municipalities, he added.

A winner last year – Tumia – was written up in the Swahili News, since profits from sales of the bottled water go to African relief efforts. Former South African president Nelson Mandela is scheduled to learn about the Virginia company in a few weeks.

By the end of the night judges had tasted about 100 different water samples for clarity, odor, taste, refreshment, after-taste. I've now

sworn off water for a while. I could hear it sloshing around in my stomach when I was walking around at one point.

Von Weisenberger told judges that there are about 100,000 taste buds in the mouth, “all connected to the brain.” We would be using those taste buds to ferret out the best of the best among the waters entered.

Interesting too, was the “water rush" at the end, when spectators - yes, there were spectators, plenty of 'em, water geeks and bottlers looking for a marketing boost that comes from winning a bronze, silver or gold, were allowed to grab bottles from an elaborate display set up from all of the entries.

Bottles with an unusual shape - like one shaped like a flask - were the first target.

One woman was knocked over by folks who came prepared, some with garbage bags to scoop up multiple bottles. No one got hurt.

Debbie Custer of Botetourt County, a spectator with Smith’s Beverage Corporation, told me that Roanoke area fans of Quibell, a nowdefunct sparking water sold here more than 10 years ago, can look for a replacement sometime within the next six months under a different name. The company now sells a non-carbonated water, Sweet Springs, at Ukrop’s and elsewhere. It’s bottled just past Paint Bank in West Virginia.

Check out Berkley Springs sometime; about 220 miles from Roanoke. George Washington owned several lots in the town there and bathed in the mineral water that bubbles up from the ground.

The water in Berkley Springs itself won a bronze for best bottled water. The town is also chockfull of art galleries and curio shops. Much like Roanoke, albeit on a smaller scale, Berkley Springs has hitched part of its economic survival to the arts.

H2O, however, remains at the core of what the town is all about. An international festival all about water- who knew? Now I do.

(Note- this weekend I will help judge a beauty – umm, scholarship pageant - at William Byrd High School. The only water involved hopefully is in the event’s title: Miss Smith Mountain Lake)

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2/27/09 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 3

TheRoanokeStar.com

> School Board From page 1

ers] in very strategic areas of great need.”

Belcher had no problem with the highly visible process that led to the closing of her school.

“They have done an outstanding job in providing factual information to the public. I think they have the best interests of the students at heart. They’re making the best decision,” she said.

The “Plan 3” option to close Ruffner and Raleigh Court was adopted by a 4-3 vote, defeating a more aggressive scenario championed by Carson that would have created a 6th grade academy and a larger elementary school at Woodrow Wilson. Those middle school students would have been sent

to what was deemed the Fishburn-James Madison complex at Tuesday’s meeting, which did not include a public hearing. Most of those in attendance were teachers or administrators. Some board members felt that “Plan 2”, which would have also closed Ruffner and Raleigh, might have been too disruptive.

Despite seeing his preferred option go down in a 4-3 vote, Carson said he and other school board members would now come together to make sure the new plan works.

“I have the utmost respect for my colleagues,” Carson said.

With last fall’s closing of Forest Park Elementary (now a magnet school), and Oakland Intermediate scheduled to be

shuttered this spring, Roanoke City will enter the next school year in a leaner mode.

Bishop said that ultimately the changes would mean better schools and improved services for students. “We’ll be ready to go the first day of school,” she vowed, “[with] a better educational product.”

Since taking over in the fall of 2007, Bishop (and the school board) has signed off on changes like the magnet school, longer school days and the swap of school start times for younger and older students.

The School Board also voted to hear formal proposals from three different bidders for transportation services, scheduled for March 3, between 1:00 pm and

5:00 pm at the administration center. Deputy Superintendent Curt Baker estimated annual savings of at least $250,000 if the service is privatized, not including the $70,000 replacement cost for each bus. Negotiating with a private carrier might be “a long and difficult process,” said Baker. One criterion may be the willingness of a private transportation company to hire Roanoke City bus drivers.

Baker also outlined details on health care costs for retirees and said the city could save several million dollars a year if retirees picked up more of the liability insurance costs. Current retirees and those retiring as of/by June 30, 2010 would be grandfathered in.

Roanoke native returns with new initiative for city schools When Robert Mason graduated from Patrick Henry High School his GPA was less than 2.0. Today, Mason has a master’s degree from Clark-Atlanta University and is working on his doctorate in international affairs.

As president of EDU, Mason is working to share his success with other young black men. His new program, the Getting African-American Males Educated (G.A.M.E.) initiative, aims to get more students interested in college.

Mason has been working with Roanoke Vice Mayor Sherman Lea and his son, the Roanoke Youth Commission’s Sherman Lea, Jr., to bring the program to a city that Mason, who now lives in Atlanta, still refers to as his home.

At a recent news conference, Vice Mayor Lea asserted that even through these economically difficult times, “we must still move forward in educating our young people. That’s not going to stop.”

Lea, who in his job with the

Department of Corrections often sees juveniles that have taken the wrong path, is on board with G.A.M.E. “We must sustain increased performance among what we call the ‘cool posse kids’,” Lea said. “Research indicates that if we can improve achievement among African-American males… Then you’ll see our overall achievement scores improve.”

For Mason, his involvement stems from a sense of personal responsibility.

“Being an African American male, coming from a single parent home, being raised in the Lincoln Terrace projects, I felt an obligation to reach out to these kids,” Mason said. “I owe a deep sense of gratitude to Vice Mayor Lea for helping us to bring this effort to Roanoke.”

Started in 1998, EDU, Inc. allows black college students to apply to 35 participating colleges for a flat application fee of $35 (according to Collegeboard.com, the average fee

is $25 per application). For G.A.M.E., the students will be taken to National Basketball Association games before being presented with the application, a perk which Mason hopes will entice students to get involved, while giving them a different life experience.

“A lot of this is just about experiencing something different,” Mason said. “Lots of these kids have never been out of Roanoke, much less been to a professional [basketball] game.” He also hopes to be able to let the kids participate in a fine dining experience, something Mason says he was never able to do when he was growing up.

At Patrick Henry High School, Mason’s alma mater, the 2008 graduation rate was just 53.8% for black students, compared to the 81.3% overall graduation rate for Virginia high schools. William Fleming High School, where 18-year old Shaquan Manning attends, reports a 60.1% graduation

rate for black men.

“These people are reaching out to us to give us the hope [and] the strength so that we can (graduate),” said Manning, also a basketball player for the Colonels.

Mason suggests that the problem with the graduation rates is not with the students, but with the generations before them.

“I take it personally that we’ve almost lost an entire generation,” Mason said. “My generation became so concerned about out BMW’s that we almost forgot about this generation.”

Through programs like G.A.M.E., Mason hopes that he can combat some of this attitude.

“When you see these kids, when you hear these kids, you know you’re doing something good,” Mason said.

By Caitlin Coakley info@theroanokestar.com

The School board voted Wednesday to have future retirees pick up some of the health care coverage costs, beginning next year.

School closings remained the focal point of Tuesday’s work

session however.

Melva Belcher remains optimistic, “I have faith and trust and belief. When one door closes another one will open.”

By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

Roanoke Star of the

Week

John Flick is orginally from Poland, Ohio and graduated from Ohio State in 1979 with a degree in Business and Marketing.

He then moved to Hawaii and pursued opportunities as a life insurance salesman and stock broker. John is married to the former Laura Baker and they have 4 children, Ashley, Hunter, Daisy, and Lily. The family resides in the Salem area. John purchased the insurance firm of Burgess DeMarco in 2004. He is active in the Salem Choral John Flick Society, Salem Rotary Club, Smith Mountain Lake Antique and Classic Boat Society, and the Masonic Order.

Favorite places in the Roanoke Valley are the Blue Ridge Parkway, Montano’s, Texas Tavern, and Downtown Salem.

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

E-mail Jim Bullington: JBullPhoto@hotmail.com

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Perspective

Page 4 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 2/27/09

Virginia cries poor, then spends more

J

ust a few weeks ago, we Virginians were wailing about how horrible the economy was, that the state’s budget deficit was approaching $4 billion, and that state and local government spending would have to be cut, programs would have to be slashed, schools would no longer be able to educate all of our children, crime would run rampant in the streets because we didn’t have enough money to fund the police, blah, blah, blah.

Some cutting was being done in Richmond and in our localities to make the budget balance, but right in the middle of cutting, a new $1 billion-plus credit card offer came in the mail. And even though the terms were bad, we jumped on it. That credit card offer was the federal stimulus package.

With this new credit offer, we could forget budget cutting! No one would have to trim the fat. Not only could we do the wrong thing and pay our state bills with that credit card (you should pay your bills from your income, not credit), but we could do the really wrong thing and go out and buy new stuff!

That's right, rather than realizing the economic downturn may be with us for a few years and that we should cut spending so we don't run into the same problem in future years, we decided to stop cutting and spend even more money!

Governor Tim Kaine cre-

ated a new web site is only temporary. It this month to colmay not outlast our lect recommendaeconomic downturn tions from citizens, (the economists I groups, and local talked to predict an governments about eight to 10 year ecohow we should nomic slump with spend all this new intermittent upfederal stimulus ticks). In addition, money we’re gothe state’s projected ing to receive. At tax revenue numBrian Gottstein Stimulus.Virginia. bers keep dwinGov, more than 3,300 ideas for dling, which means the budget projects have been submitted. shortfall continues to grow (in Here are some of the great just the last two months alone, new spending ideas: build- the shortfall increased by ing a scenic trail, building new more than $800 million). So bathroom facilities at a state in a few months, we may need park, building environmen- this stimulus money just to tally friendly homes, fund- rebalance the budget, but we ing expansion of a private won’t have it, because we will resort and retirement village, have already spent it on new helping first time home buy- projects. ers who don’t have enough The stimulus money is bormoney saved for a down pay- rowed money that we taxpayment (wasn’t putting people in ers will have to pay back, which homes they couldn’t afford the means that when the bill comes cause of this whole mess in the due, we’ll have more money first place?) taxed out of future paychecks.

Our memories are short. It The cost to U.S. taxpayers of was just weeks ago that we were this month’s stimulus/ bailout whining and gnashing our bill, last spring’s stimulus bill, teeth that we didn’t even have this fall’s bailout bill, and anenough money to educate our other stimulus/ bailout bill that children or hire enough police may be coming in the next few to protect us anymore. Now months, plus the interest on all we want to build scenic trails this borrowed money, is about and fund private construction $3-$4 trillion, according to projects with our new credit Wall Street Journal economist card!

Stephen Moore. Our children Our habit of government and grandchildren will still be overspending (and the willing- paying this debt off years into ness of the people to go along the future. Is building new with it) is a chronic problem. bathroom facilities at a state The state’s budget has more park really worth it? than doubled in just the last Contact Brian at decade. This stimulus money bgottstein1@yahoo.com

TheRoanokeStar.com

Bridging the Nature Gap: leading children outdoors

N

ature was our first our backs or the dry-leaf smell of classroom, playground, mountain woods in October. While and teacher. Woods we are curious by nature, less and and forest, hillside, meadow and less is it nature that we are curious shore were fertile soil for young about. imaginations. Those places offered We are constantly entertained grownups who are now my age a but not easily awed. For our kids, first glimpse of beauty and adventhe ordinary joy of play outdoors ture. Playing in those places left us no longer competes for their attenwith a feeling of awe and freedom. tion or appreciation, and we adults We knew wonder as children, but are at least in part to blame. They Fred First for many, it didn’t survive adultwant to be like us. They do what we hood. We were born with such curiosity in do. They become curious about those things things outdoors. Do you remember? that hold our interest, about the things we Maybe your first memory from nature talk about, the tools we use. They want to go is a caterpillar crawling on the back porch the places we go. We are their guides. They step, or making a wish as you swirled away will follow where we lead them. the thistle-down of a dandelion, spinning til Parents, grandparents, and anyone who you were dizzy-drunk. You might remember cares for children: let me invite you back out, a sunny afternoon chasing butterflies in the to rediscover your neglected sense of wonder. park or cupping lightning bugs in your hands To find that still place again. There is a part of on a balmy June evening, or breathing in the you that still lives, waiting. You are the field smell of a summer thunderstorm and fresh- guide for your children charges. You must go cut grass. first.

A woodlot was a wilderness then and we Share what you learn to see again with new made up the rules as we went along. Hide and appreciation--for their sakes, and for the seek, tag—you’re it! Tie a thread on a June good it will do you in many ways of heart and bug’s leg. Climb a tree. Find a four leaf clover. soul. You can learn to love being enveloped Turn rocks in the creek for crayfish, and don’t by and enthralled in nature again. get pinched. Throw pebbles at a can, skip It is a worthy task--to reconnect body, them on the pond, turn them in your hand mind and spirit with the living planet that so for flecks of mica or fool’s gold. needs our respect and care just now. And if We find our treasure where our hearts are. you persist in following this enjoyable jourOne great treasure we possess is earth itself, ney, you will be become a capable companion the landscapes of our lives. We've always and teacher, able to lead the children in your known this. But somehow our hearts have life back across the nature gap. moved indoors.

Adult and child alike we rush through the From Fred's new book, What We Hold In outdoor world on our way to life inside. There, Our Hands: A Slow Road Reader, available we are satisfied with nature infrequently and this spring! vicariously browsed by dazzling media technologies, entertaining but unnourishing subContact Fred at stitutes for the feel of a cool boulder against fred1st@gmail.com

Preacher’s Corner

Finding the real faith of Abraham

By Rev. Tupper Garden

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aith is hard to define. One doesn’t “have faith” as if it were a possession. Faith is an experience of a relationship. It is trust. And trust can only be experienced as we are trusting. And, we do not simply “have faith in faith.” No, there is always one to whom our faith, our trust is directed. So, it is not really faith to say that we are “spiritual” people, as so many say today, whose devotion knows no particular object. That is like saying, “I love, or, I am loving,” but there is no one in particular who receives my love.

First, faith is faith in God, who confronts us with an offer of relationship and a new way.

Sometimes we are only willing to hear this offer when life is in the tank, when we are in crisis.

But, the offer is to newness, to a life lived in relationship with God. Christians are those who look to the particular offer of life God gives in Jesus Christ, who tells us that he loves us, and will live in and through us to accomplish his purpose of love in the world.

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

Faith, you see is always built on a promise. The question is whether or not we can or will trust it, and it seems to me that our trust is often based on how desperately we want to believe that the promise is true, that the Promise-Maker is trustworthy. In the case of the Father of our faith – Abraham, the promise was extraordinary, that old as he was and old and barren as Sarah was, they would have children, and that the world would be blessed through them.

And for us? The promise is every bit as extraordinary, that the risen Christ will live in us, and that we and others will know the love of God through us.

Secondly, real faith involves leaving. Abraham can not stay where he is and trust God. He must leave, not knowing where he is going, except that he can expect to be led there. That’s scary business, isn’t it? There is a real vulnerability involved in true faith, in faith that is lived out. Jesus says, Follow me!, and I take it that we cannot both stay where we are and live in faith that he knows best where we ought to go.

Now, this may mean to physically leave your surroundings, I suppose, but I think the point here is that we must be willing to turn away from doing things our way and turn toward doing things his way. It may mean leaving behind our dependence upon a person, or a job, or alcohol, or controlling everything and everybody in our life. But it surely means that we must put ourselves behind the priority of going where God wants to lead us.

One thing is clear to me, however. The call to faith is not primarily to leave, but to go. It is positive. Faith is not so much about not being a particular type of sinner as it is about being God’s person.

True love involves trusting the object of your love and acting on that trust in the moment.

It is a relationship of trust that our life is fulfilled in giving ourselves to one another. One never possesses such love. It is constantly being renewed or it is dying. Its form and particulars change with time and experience. Its life and blessing is not found in the denial of other loves, but in the full and faithful embrace and pursuit of this one love.

So it is with God. We trust him, his way, in the moment. We act in loving response to his love, in response to the true and final object of our love, Christ. We leave behind our life of self-seeking and go…where? To the place Christ will show us. To the place he would have us to be and to live. To that far country where we are conformed to the image of Christ, where we live in love with God and neighbor and every act and interaction is Christ honoring others through us. To a place Jesus called the Kingdom of God. Is this where you are headed? Is this where you want to go? This, and only this destination is the one to which he calls us. It was what he lived and taught and showed in his death for all of us. It is the goal for each and every one he calls, not just a few - young or old, rich or poor… will you trust him and go to the place he shows you?

Tupper Garden is the Senior Minister at Raleigh Court Presbyterian Church.

Visit them on the web at: www.rcpres.org.

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

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

Perspective

2/27/09 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 5

TheRoanokeStar.com

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A Touch of Grace High Above the Gretschtal

tug at my thick sock and what the heck, it’s a beautiful it tugs back. I gently peel day, and how complicated could it off my foot, teasing the it be anyway? matted wool away from the We estimate ourselves to be oozing blisters. Fresh air, that’s less than halfway to the Baltwhat these dogs need, and I shiederklause, in spite of our wiggle my toes in delight. We’ve brisk pace since leaving the been hiking pretty much non- Oberaletsch. It seems like ages stop for 5 hours, and it’s time since the hut mistress Katerina to stretch out and have some plied us with peppermint tea lunch. and fresh bread and jam, and It’s noon on a bright, blue-sky, waved us off with a cheery “Auf puffy-cloud day in mid-August. wiedersehen und viel Glück!”

My son Ian and I are marathon I rearrange my socks, having hiking in the central Swiss Alps, swapped the old ones out for high above the Goms region the semi-fresh ones pinned on of the Rhone river valley. The my pack, and gingerly lace up “marathon” part of the trip was my boots again. “Let’s go.” But unintended; it seems that our Ian is already off. “I’m coming!” time and distance estimates in I yell as I lurch in his direction. this rugged part of the Bernese The old woman is squinting Oberland have proved a little at the map flapping in the aftershy of reality. But that’s OK. Ian noon breeze. Her braided silver is a college cross-country run- hair is nicely tamed by a plain ner, and I, for my part, am rest- scarf tied in that neat Swiss less by nature, unable way. We’ve come to to sit still for long. So a quiet village, and this fast all-day hikhope to secure some ing suits us, in spite intelligence as to of the toll it takes on our relative wheremy aging body. abouts. I point to Today we’re hikwhere we want to go ing from the Obera–the Gretschtal- and letsch Hutte, a tiny shrug. The woman hut spectacularly smiles gently and situated above the points up a faint trail Aletsch Glacier, to above the settlement. the Baltshiederk“Danke schön!”, John W. Robinson lause, a similar hut and off we go. in the upper reachWe are now off es of the Gretschtal valley. We of our maps, and are decidedly knew it would be a long day on lost. One of our chosen trails an intricate course, but there is ends abruptly at a cliff overlookadditional intrigue in that we ing the valley of our intended do not have full map coverage destination thousands of feet of our intended route. We’re below. “Something tells me far from certain about this, but we can’t get there from here.” I

mutter to one of the crucifixes attached to the rock there, as it gazes silently out over the abyss.

We backtrack for an hour until we come to the last intersection at which we puzzled. We pause for gorp –the water bottles are long empty- and muster all of our navigational sense in choosing a likely trail.

It’s evening now, and our footfalls are considerably heavier than they were twelve hours ago. The white puffy clouds have been replaced by uniformly dark ones. We’re beyond tired and thirsty. I think I know where we are now, and it is obvious that we will not make it to the Baltshiederklause tonight.

The trail is winding along a steep, open mountainside, and

the tiny settlement of Eril is in sight.

The village consists of eight or ten weathered wood structures surrounding a white stucco chapel, all situated on a steep mountainside way above the Gretschtal. As we trudge towards it I’m thinking about getting water there, and maybe crashing in a barn for the night.

Funny, I don’t hear the everpresent cow bells, and I don’t see any clothes hanging in the breeze. The place looks deserted. We wander among the small traditional Swiss dwellings and flop down at a bench next to a trough into which fresh water gurgles from a pipe. “Ian, you will have a hard time moving me from this place anytime

soon, that’s for sure.”

Ian is bushed too, and we decide that, if at all possible, we will find a place here to pass the night. Rain is obviously moving in, which further increases our desire to nest. Exploring the settlement further, it’s evident that there’s nobody home. Our cheery Guten Tags reverberate among the silent dwellings.

“Hey, let’s see if the Chapel is open. Maybe we can sleep in there.” No such luck. It’s secured by an old lockset of massive proportion.

Back at our gear by the bench, we pause and contemplate that this may turn out to be a mildly wretched night. I’m feeling resigned to spending it hunched up under the over-

Short on unconditional Love? Just go find a big blue dog

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love my dog Jack. One doesn’t have to talk with me for very long until you hear about how much he brings to my life – and has for over 7 years.

He was born on September 11, 2001 – a day when so many horrible things were happening. I like to believe all the “goodness” in the world that day was saved up and put into this little multi colored mutt with white paws. (Well, he’s about 100 pounds now…not so little).

I had been considering the idea of getting a dog, but was living in the San Francisco Bay area at the time.

My office was a considerable distance from my home and my job often meant 10-12 hour days – so, I wasn’t convinced that I could properly care for a puppy. Then I went Christmas shopping at a little independent bookstore on 4th street in Berkeley. How does one go shopping for books and come home with a dog?

Good question. Easy answer.

There was a wonderful animal rescue that was holding an adopt-a-thon near the bookstore. It was getting dark so they were packing up the last – and only – un-adopted puppy. The minute I caught eyes with this 12 week-old straggly mutt, I was hooked. He was the runt of the litter whose siblings had chewed his whiskers off and left him looking like the dog version of a Charlie Brown Christmas Tree. Pathetic really.

Nobody else wanted him. So, I paid the $40 to cover the cost of his immunizations and put him in the car.

At that moment, I could have never guessed what an impact he would have on my life.

While I am now happily settled in Roanoke, the seven years since that fateful day have been riddled with upheaval and personal tragedy. But through this unbelievable series of difficult events and times of profound loneliness – I have been blessed with a companion with unwavering loyalty and unconditional

by Leigh Sackett

Chicken Fried Lamb Chops with Creamy Gravy I don’t watch a lot of TV these days as so much of what I do see I find appalling to my senses. But late at night just before falling asleep I will sometimes lazily watch shows like How it’s Made, History Detectives, and the wonderfully fabulous Dog Whisperer. All these shows speak a bit of a time that seems lost. They are comfort shows, like a warm glass of milk before bed or a soft teddy bear.

One great comfort show that brings you tons of comfort food is Guy Fieri’s “Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives” on the Food Network. Guy tours the country trying out locally owned, unique, casual dining establishments that have really made a name for themselves in their neck of the woods. The food is always amazing and the people so friendly and happy; glad to be a part of something simple and good. I am always thinking when I see that show… “I have to cook that or I need to go there!”

This recipe comes from a restaurant that was featured on Guy’s show – “Mac & Ernie’s Roadside Eatery” in Tarpley, Texas. It looks like such a fun place full of great country cooking!

For the lamb: Oil, for frying 2 teaspoons kosher salt 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper 2 cups all-purpose flour 12 single-rib frenched lamb chops, 2 chops per person 2 cups buttermilk For the gravy: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, add flour and oil.

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540-580-7755 1428 Roanoke Road love. How many of us can say that? I am option -- but also a wonderful way to (Across from Lord Botetourt High School) grateful every day. make friends with other doggies in the For those of you who have a similar athood. He has also learned the difficult tachment to a family pet – you will unlesson that big Blue dogs are not the same derstand the thoughts that began to go size as chipmunks and squirrels...and even through my mind as Jack advances in though big Blue dogs can get into a small age. In fact, I am the person who gleespace...they cannot always get themselves fully read through the book Marley and out. His first “over the fence” adventure Me – abruptly stopping at the chapter led him right to the local 7 Eleven where T-F 3-7 pm, Sat 12-6 pm, Sun 1-5 where he gets sick. I couldn’t even bear he wandered right into the the thought. I have never finished the store as if to say, “I’d like book and have avoided the movie. But, it Stephanie Koehler two hot dogs to go please”.

I am the slowest got me thinking. There must be another Thank goodness he has his and Jack carpet cleaner in Roanoke. wonderful – younger-- dog out there fancy new Blue collar with who needs a loving home. After all – my life is much his very own address and phone nummore settled now, I primarily work from home, have a ber on it. As we like to say “it takes a fenced in back yard and am already used to the issues village to find the big Blue dog”. of dog hair and poop scooping. (Or should I say I have I have learned so much through my a significant other who is willing to do the scooping.) experience as a dog owner: lessons of While I wasn’t actively looking – a recent series of loyalty, patience, responsibility and unevents introduced me to a two-year old dog named conditional love. I have experienced I will give your Blue. He had been saved from starvation and neglect the joy of simple things: a new squeaky carpet the time by a local animal rescue and was being fostered by toy, a pat on the head and a warm weland attention friends. His gentle nature and sheer gratefulness to be come home. alive was all I needed - Jack now has a brother.

What’s my point in all of this? Simit deserves to While Jack was always prone to stay in close prox- ple. If you have the inclination or opproduce the best imity – Blue has a more “wanderlust” approach. We portunity – find an animal in need of a results possible. live in South Roanoke where there are many neigh- good home. The return on this investborhood “friends” and he is fascinated by each and ment will be immeasurable. every one that goes by. This is where the adventure Oh, and if you see a big, dark brown 2 rooms and a hall for $75 begins. In fact – in the two weeks he has lived with us, dog with floppy ears and a blue collar I already have the material for a wonderfully amusing wandering around South Roanoke – 5 rooms and a hall for $155 children’s book chronicling The Adventures of a Big call me. The story just might make it Blue Dog. The first entry might look a bit like this: into my book!

Blue has been quite adventuresome today and has Contact Stephanie at Furniture cleaning also available! determined that jumping the fence is not only an stephaniekoehler@cox.net

“

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Cook over medium heat for about 10 to 12 minutes whisking constantly until a peanut-brown color. Whisk in milk, salt, pepper, and sugar.

Bring to a boil, continuing to whisk. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes whisking frequently until sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon (not too thick, but not too thin). Make gravy before you fry the chops.

For the lamb: Add 1-inch of oil in a straight-sided 3-inch deep pan. Preheat oil in frying pan to 365 degrees F. Mix salt and pepper with flour. Dredge the lamb chops in the seasoned flour. Dip lamb chops in buttermilk, then back into the flour. Slowly add chops to preheated oil, about 4 per batch. Cook 2 minutes per side for medium doneness. Drain on a rack.

Serve with gravy.

”

Williams Carpet Cleaning

The Recipe of the week from The Happy Chef

For the gravy: 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 cups whole milk Salt Freshly ground black pepper 1 teaspoon sugar (preferably turbinado sugar)

hanging roof of the dwelling standing beside us. Ian rises to investigate it, and his hand unconsciously moves to the rafters, where they terminate at a narrow ledge. “Hey Pop, look.” My weary eyes open wide as he holds up a key, illuminated by the last rays of the sun shining beneath the clouds. Hmmmm.

It’s raining steadily outside as we prepare our basic dinner in absolute coziness, at a heavy table of unvarnished spruce in a simple and tidy room. We’ve opened the window so we can watch the clouds move and hear the rain fall. We delight in the simple details of the room, and we half expect the owners to show up at any minute, which we oddly feel would be just fine. Utter exhaustion creeping in, we struggle to stay awake to write in our journals.

As we fall asleep under the caressing duvets of the double sleeping loft, I give thanks to God, and to Wolfgang, and Margaret as well, who unwittingly left the key to their tiny cottage where Ian could find it without even looking.

In such moments we seem to be so forever in His sight.

Small Pets Welcome

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Page 6 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 2/27/09

YMCA Joins Shamrock Farms to Celebrate Staying Active

TheRoanokeStar.com

Roanoke County notes

Roanoke County Board of Supervisors praised its school board and Superintendent Lorraine Lange for their response to budget shortfalls during a meeting Tuesday, issuing a proclamation for “Play every day,� says Becci Emanuelson, “School Board Appreciation Month.�

Membership Director at the Kirk Family While a hiring freeze, early retirement incentives and layoffs YMCA, “exercise doesn’t need to be compliare still on the table, Lange was commended by Supervisor Richcated. It can be as simple as dancing to your favorite tune.� ard Flora (Hollins district) for “adjustments� made in light of the Playing and dancing is exactly what will be budget situation and reduced tax revenues. going on this Saturday, February 28 at Valley “We’re facing tough times we haven’t seen together, financialView Mall when Shamrock Farms, complete ly,� said Catawba supervisor Butch Church. “[But] we’re gonna with their “spokescow� Roxie, partners with make it.� the YMCA to host a Rockin’ With Roxie Dance Meanwhile, Roanoke County firefighters were recognized Party from 11:00 am 1:00 pm. The event is again for their response to the massive Green Ridge fire that bemeant to encourage kids and parents to get gan on February 10, 2008, and burned for nine days. Green Ridge up and get active – even in the cold winter consumed 4,000 acres and threatened more than 60 homes. months.

Eventually, crews from as far away as 130 miles came in to help.

As WSLQ-FM plays family-friendly tunes, Super-dry conditions helped provide plenty of fuel for the fire. fitness experts from the YMCA will be onhand to teach the latest, hip dance routines Roanoke County Fire and Rescue Chief Rick Burch noted that and share tips for staying healthy. the county has won the Governor’s Fire Services Award several Keeping your family active is important, times. Governor Tim Kaine came to the area shortly after the but it can be challenging in the cold, winter Families can keep moving with fun activities, no matter what the weather, at fire was contained to praise the work and cooperation of all inmonths. In Virginia, more than 30% of chil- the Kirk Family YMCA’s Indoor Inflatable fun center. volved. dren are overweight or obese, but a healthy family active every day.

Burch recalled the event on Tuesday, remembering “fire condidiet, including milk, and remaining active as a family will 4. Allow enough time for free play. Kids can burn more cal- tions as bad as I’ve ever seen in my career.� help to reducing these numbers. In fact, research shows par- ories and have more fun when left to their own devices. Playents who exercise themselves have a positive influence on ing tag, riding bikes around the neighborhood, and building their kids’ attitudes about fitness. snowmen can be fun and healthy.

Tips for staying active: 5. Keep a variety of games and sports equipment on hand. Goodlatte Announces $2.2 Million Federal 1. Visit your local YMCA It doesn’t have to be expensive — an assortment of balls, huwhere you’ll find fun, multi- la-hoops, and jump ropes can keep kids busy for hours.

Grant for Roanoke Regional Airport generational program and 6. Be active together. Kids love to play with their parents fitness offerings that are af- and other caregivers.

Congressman Bob Goodlatte announced Wednesday that the fordable and accessible for “Staying active has to be encouraged as something that you Roanoke Regional Airport has been awarded $2.2 million in all; everything from ballet, want to do, not something that you have to do. Keep it simple, grant money from the U.S. Department of Transportation. The basketball and swimming, to keep it fun and you will keep it up,� says Emanuelson.

08 funding will be used to rehabilitate Taxiway T, as well as to proadult fitness classes. vide important drainage improvements in the general aviation 2. Play your favorite music WHAT: Rockin’ with Roxie Dance Party and dance; play musical chairs WHERE: Valley View Mall, in Marble Area (near JC Pen- area. “I am pleased to announce this vital funding for the Roanoke or a quick game of tag. ney) Plants • Shrubs • Decorative Stone • Mulch 3.

Incorporate physical acRegional Airport. Improvements like the updated taxiway will WHEN: Saturday, February 28, 2009, 11 a.m.- 1 p.m.

Fertilizers & Garden Chemicals • Topsoil tivity into the daily routine -put Roanoke Regional Airport squarely into aviation’s 21st cenwww.mulchnmore.org from orhousehold Contact Tom Branch Mike Branchchores to an tury.

This development spells good news for our efforts to conFor more information visit www.ymcaroanoke.org or www.

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Emissions Reduction Target, Recognizes Work of Cool Cities Coalition and Affiliates

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Culminating nearly two years of planning and anal802 Kerns Avenue ysis, the Roanoke County For Sale or Lease Board of Supervisors ap100,000 sq ft proved three resolutions yesterday, paving the way for a multi-year campaign to re• l -1 Zoning • 30 Parking Spaces For a virtual tour of both estates visit www.angelasellsvirginia.com Bennington Street duce greenhouse gas emis2173 Bennington Street Buck Mountain Road erland Road Rt. 116 Buck Mountain Road at/Riverland Road / Rt. 116 sions.  These emissions are 4.45 acres New Retail Center New Retail Center 4.45 acres Angela Gillespie, REALTOR-ABR Contact Tom Branch or Mike Branch Zoned C2 square feet2,000 available Zoned C2 square feet available widely acknowledged to be a Coldwell Banker, Townside Realtors q ft sublease available 4552 Franklin Road, S.W. , Roanoke, Virginia 24014 2,725 sq ft sublease available 540-556-8565 principal cause of global cliPh: 540-774-1208 | Fax: 540-774-1359 | Email: bmc@branchmgt.com et www.cbtownside.com Buck Mountain Road 6 mate change.  Prior to intro2173 Bennington Street www.angelasellsvirginia.com 4.45 acres er ducing the resolutions, Cave Buck Mountain Road Zoned C2 eRiverland Road / Rt. 116 Spring District Supervisor 4.45 acres New Retail Center e 1354 8th Street Blue Ridge Drive Charlotte Moore acknowlZoned C2 000 square feet available 1354 8th Street 26,000 sq ft available 3.236 acresBlue Ridge Drive 26,000 sq ft available 3.236 acres Will Subdivide 25 sqBuild ft sublease available to Suit edged the work of county Will Subdivide Build to Suit Will Subdivide staff, local scientists who Will Subdivide

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ICLEI Planning Group, a task force of county officials and staff, academic consultants, and volunteers. Â This report detailed the measurement of the carbon footprint of the entire Roanoke County Community, with separate statistics for county government operations. Â The carbon footprint is a calculation of the total amount of carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere as a result of fossil fuel combustion and other activities. Â Funding for expert assistance with this project was provided by Roanoke Valley Cool Cities Coalition through a special grant from Roanoke Cement, an affiliate of the coalition.

The second resolution was to set a goal for reduction of the community's carbon footprint by 3% each year for the years 2010 to 2020. Â The goal for the county government operation is to stabilize the level of emissions by 2012, then reduce it 3% per year for the years 2013 to 2020. Â Roanoke County is the second municipality in the Roanoke Valley to pass such a resolution. Â Last September, the City of Roanoke announced a goal of annual emissions reductions over a five-year period of 2.5% for city government operations and 2% for the community as a whole.

The third resolution was to authorize the establishment of and approve the bylaws for an action-oriented citizen's committee to identify ways to reduce emissions and energy costs by developing strategies for improved energy efficiency and conservation in the community. Â This committee will be known as Roanoke County Community Leaders Environmental Action Roundtable (RC-CLEAR) and will consist of two citizens from each of the five magisterial districts, to be appointed by their respective Supervisor, plus one senior county staff member. Â The Board pledged quick action on appointment of members of the new committee.

Sports

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

Colonels Rebound

The William Fleming Boys Basketquarter. The Eagles were able to fight ball team snapped out of their recent back, and had a shot to tie the game funk in a big way last week, scoring at the buzzer, but the Colonels held two impressive victories en route to the on for a 48-45 victory. Daniels led all Western Valley District Tournament scorers with 20 points in the win.

Championship.

“You just don’t win in Danville, The Colonels convincingly defeated but we’ve been blessed and fortunate cross-town rival Patrick Henry in the enough to play two good games there semifinals, 56-39, enacting revenge on this season,” Hardy said. a Patriots squad that had twice upset Hardy credits the team’s renewed them this season. The Colonels con- Mickey Hardy focus on defense as the main reason fused the Patrick Henry team by play- credits renewed for the victories. ing a triangle-and-two defense aimed focus on defense.

“Our defensive intensity has really at limiting the Patriots leading scorers, picked up, and that’s one of the things Terrell Wilson and Melvin Henderwe had been preaching before all last son. week,” he said.

“We mixed it up a little bit defensively against Despite winning the tournament crown and them – we wanted to try to force some other defeating the Eagles three out of four times this guys to score,” Coach Mickey Hardy said. season, the Colonels had to travel to Stafford for With the Patriots keying on Troy Daniels de- the first round of the Northwest Region Tournafensively, the Colonels found some much needed ment on Tuesday. offense in guard Stephon Anderson, who led all “I know they’re a small team, they love to scorers with 18 points. Jamelle Hagins chipped dribble-drive and trap and get out into transiin with 15 points to go along with 14 rebounds. tion,” Hardy said of the team’s first-round oppo“Stephon played really well for us, both offen- nent. “We’ll just have to stick with what we do sively and defensively,” Hardy said. “They were – spread the floor, work the ball inside and play really concentrating on Troy again, so we needed good defense.” other guys to step up.”

Fleming beat Stafford 51-45 and advanced to a In the tournament final at G.W. Danville, Wil- semi-final against Gar-Field next Thursday. liam Fleming played brilliant defensively, and

By Matt Reeve built a 14-point lead midway through the fourth Matt@theroanokestar.com

Cave Spring, other local schools move on The Cave Spring Knights boys walloped Richlands 80-42 Tuesday night in the Region IV, Division 3 basketball opener and moved on to a semifinal vs. Graham. Big man Josh Henderson scored 22 for the Knights while Clay Lacy added 14. Southwest Roanoke County rivals Hidden Valley also advances in the Region IV, Division 4 tourney, as did the Northside High School boys (Region 3, Division 3) and the Faith Christian girls in the VACA independent school tournament.

Photo by Bill Turner

Clay Lacy skies to the basket for a Knight score against Richlands.

Virginia Tech reigns supreme on the ice:

2/27/09 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 7

New PH football coach promises change and excitement

Recently named as Bob Gray’s replacement, Brad Bradley, brings an impressive resume to his new position with the Patriots.

Bradley’s father was a longtime, successful middle school football coach, he played for the legendary Willis White at Salem High School, and has won two Group A state titles with William Campbell. Patrick Henry High School’s new head football coach also played in college at Glenville State (WV) for Rich Rodriguez, now coaching at the University of Michigan after a stint at West Virginia University.

Patrick Henry went 1-9 on the season in 2008.

A head coach since age 22, Bradley, 35, went 9123 at William Campbell in nine seasons. He was the VHSL coach of the year in 2002 and 2005.

“It was a hard decision to leave,” he admitted last week. Jumping from Group A to AAA, Bradley has a big job ahead: “my goal is to put Patrick Henry football on the map.”

Taking over a 1-9 team will be his “biggest challenge.” With William Campbell, Bradley often played AA schools, so making the jump from A ball will not be a big issue, he said. Bradley, a wide receiver and defensive back in high school, will interview coaches on Gray’s staff from last season before putting together his own group of assistants.

One big reason Bradley made the move was a chance to be closer to his father, who lives within walking distance of PH’s Gainer Field, and is now retired from the Salem schools. Depending on what happens with the reconfiguration of the city’s middle schools, the elder Bradley has agreed to either coach one middle school football team, or act as director of football if two schools continue to feed Patrick Henry.

Getting kids excited about playing ball for the Pats at a younger age is the goal. Doing it the way his son intends to coach is one goal.

“Making sure they’re running our offense and our defense. We want the middle school coaches to be part of the varsity staff [as well]. That’s the way we did it in Salem. That way … the coaches are more invested in it,” Larry Bradley said. And, he adds that many who play recreation ball find out when they get to middle school that football might not be their game.

Finding those diamonds in the rough, kids that can help make Patrick Henry’s program better, will be the mission for Larry Bradley, a high

New PH football coach Brad Bradley.

school head coach himself at Grundy and Lexington before he settled in at Andrew Lewis Middle School in Salem, working hand-in-hand with Willis White and his successors at the high school.

Brad Bradley’s grandfather also won a Virginia state championship as a coach in the 60’s.

“Friends of Patrick Henry” helped find Brad Bradley, who was introduced at Gainer Field last week by deputy superintendent Curt Baker as “someone who was committed to the success of the program in every aspect.”

Bradley said he felt like the community support is there for the Patriots program, which already boasts a state-of-the-art football stadium.

He also pledged to work “tirelessly every day of the week,” and vowed that his Patriots would “outwork anybody we play against.”

Center/guard Sam Hughes was among a handful of players that watched his new coach’s debut: “I can’t wait for it. I’m really excited… to see what this offense is going to do for us…and how this program is going to change.”

Bradley promised that he would be the same bundle of energy on the sidelines that he was last week at his coming out party.

“Its going to be a change, its going to be exciting… we’re going to throw the ball [with the spread offense], I promise you that,” he said. “Everything starts from the ground up.” It all sounded good to win-starved Patriots players, school administrators and friends on hand. “We’re gonna have some fun,” added Bradley, looking like he couldn’t wait for the start of training camp.

By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

Lady Patriots fall in District Championship

Despite Loss, PH clinches berth in Northwest Regional Tournament: LaShe Walker scored 17 points, and Latoya Flint added 12, as the Patrick Henry Lady Patriots defeated G.W. Danville, 50The Virginia Tech Hokies hockey team 44, in the semifinals of the Western Valley District Tournament. are now champions of the Atlantic Coast It was the third matchup between the teams this season, all won by Patrick Henry. The Lady Collegiate Hockey League after winning two games last weekend at the Roanoke Patriots used a stifling defense to shut out the Lady Eagles in the second quarter, and built a comCivic Center. Tech wrapped up the clubfortable 11-point lead heading into the fourth quarter. The Lady Eagles hit several three-pointers level title with a 5-2 win over Duke on to make the game interesting, but the Patriots held on to advance to the tournament final.

Sunday. Late in a tight game Tech pulled “To be able to shut a team out for an entire quarter – obviously we played pretty good defense,” ahead, scoring an empty net goal to exCoach Toree Dunleavy said. “The last few minutes seemed to go by pretty slow, though.” tend their margin of victory.

In the final against Franklin County, the Patriots held a one-point lead heading into the second The Hokies wrapped up their ACCHL Photo by Bill Turner half, but suffered a disastrous third quarter, making only 4 field goals and falling behind by 11 season with an 18-6-1 record (11-0-1 in ACCHL Commissioner Don Martin (left) presents points heading into the fourth. conference). Virginia Tech, ranked for the regular season championship trophy to VT Head “We played a good first half, but we just couldn’t hit anything in the third quarter,” Dunleavy first time ever this season, now hopes to Coach Michael Spradlin and VT Captain Jimmy Pope said.

“We had open looks, but we couldn’t make them.” move on to American Collegiate Hockey Despite the loss, Patrick Henry earned a berth in the Northwest Regional Tournament and travAssociation Division II championships in Grand Rapids, Michigan, March 17-21.

The Hokies must finished ranked in the ACHA’s top ten for the southeast region, although they eled to face Stafford in the first round on Tuesday.

By Matt Reeve fell out of the rankings with two late losses to East Carolina. Should they move on, a regional in The Patriots season came to an end Tuesday after they dropped a Matt@theroanokestar.com Ohio this weekend would be the team’s next stop. close game, 41-38, to Stafford.

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Sports

Page 8 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 2/27/09

Local schools compete for wrestling crowns

Hidden Valley's David Williams (Above) has the upper hand in his win in a 145-lb match Saturday. It was the Titan junior's 100th career win.

He took 3rd place by winning 5 matches after an opening round loss.

Cave Spring C.T. Talevi (Left) looks to gain position in his 135-lb match Saturday. Talevi finished 5th in the state.

Photos by Bill Turner

Referee signals points for Hidden Valley's Daniel Teal (on top) as he defeats Steven Brown of Waynesboro 13-7 in the 285-lb class. Teal finished third in the state.

There was plenty of action on multiple mats last weekend as the Group A and AA state high school championships took center stage at the Salem Civic Center. Locally, Glenvar captured its second Group A title in three years, with Jason Ayers (135 lb) taking an individual championship. In VHSL’s Group AA category Christiansburg dominated again to win an 8th straight state title. Northside (8th place), Hidden Valley (17th), William Byrd (24th), Salem (32nd) and Cave Spring (39th) also competed in the two-day event.

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

Four welcomed to Hall of Fame

The Salem-Roanoke Baseball Hall of Fame now boasts more than 80 members, including four men inducted on January 31, people who made an impact locally on the game of baseball. As the ceremony got underway one who wasn’t there was honored: the late Posey Oyler, the first Hall president and a member himself, who died a year ago without seeing the physical building that will house all of the plaques and memorabilia actually open.

That should happen some time this spring, adjacent to the Salem Red Sox offices.

“He did so much for this hall,” said board member Kelvin Bowles, who used to own the franchise known as the Avalanche until this year.

Former Cave Spring High School infielder Dee Dalton was the first of four inductees to speak; he noted that in playing the game from age 5 to 27 (Little League through Virginia Tech and a stint in the minors) he “learned a lot of valuable life lessons.”

Long time Cave Spring National Little League coach Jerry Ellis, who has helmed a Roanoker Restaurant-sponsored team for many years, said he was all about teaching “fundamentals – the nuts and bolts of the game.” Ellis, also elected to the Hall, gives out game balls to any of his outfielders that actually catches a ball on the fly, so “[they are] about ten feet off the ground.”

Salem Civic Center facilities director Carey Harveycutter is known for a lot more than baseball, but that’s what got him elected. “I’ve been involved in baseball in some way since I was a little

Photo by Bill Turner

Salem-Roanoke Baseball Hall of Fame inductees Jerry Ellis, Dee Dalton, Carey Harveycutter and Roger Spencer. kid,” said Harveycutter, a lifelong Salemite who actually worked on the game day staff at old Salem Municipal Stadium before he was even a teenager.

Meanwhile the fourth inductee, Bruce Spencer, said he got involved with Vinton area Dixie League ball “for the love of the game.” Despite never having played baseball as a youngster, Spencer, also a teacher at Northside, has won several state championships as a head coach.

A chance encounter on the old Jaycee Field at the Vinton War Memorial – he was next door playing basketball – led to his first head coaching position with a team of 11 year olds. “Its amazing how God places you where you belong,” marveled Spencer.

“Jaycee Field no longer exists – but the memory will never go away.”

Now owned by the same organization that operates the Boston Red Sox, the newly christened Salem Red Sox partnered with the SalemRoanoke Baseball Hall of Fame on the annual banquet for the first time ever this

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year. That helped bring former BoSox star Fred Lynn to town as keynote speaker.

The former American League Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player in the same season – 1975 opened by saying “it’s about time,” for his outfield mate Jim Rice, who had finally been elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame just days earlier.

Lynn talked about pitchers he had a hard time hitting (the Angels’ Frank Tanana was the most difficult) and “the best game I ever played in,” namely Game 6 of the ’75 World Series, won by the Sox on an extra inning Carlton Fisk home run he “willed” fair by waving his arms – one of the most famous baseball images ever. Lynn still gets choked up because he never a World Series title during his 17-year MLB career. Expect to see more Red Sox-affiliated headliners at future Hall of Fame banquets in Salem.

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2/27/09 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 9

TheRoanokeStar.com

Commentary: Phil Sparks is the right appointment for Council

Next week will see the appointment of a new city council member to fill the seat vacated by Alvin Nash. At this time there are 9 people who have applied for the position -- some have city council experience some do not.

As a relative newcomer to the region, I do not assume to know all the intricacies of local politics -- however, I served as part of a political strategy team that successfully positioned new and "life experienced" people (not seasoned

politicians) to city council in Toledo, Ohio -- a city where economic issues are among the worst in the US. We used a very simple approach. "If we do what we have always done, we will get what we have always gotten." It resonated with the community and the resulting change has been very positive for economic development, existing businesses and citizens alike.

Here is my concern relative to Roanoke’s present situation: It has come to my attention

that many of those influencing this upcoming -- and critical -- appointment are only interested in considering former city council members because of their "experience". While I am certain all the candidates have useful skills and valuable experience, I ask you to consider a thought: When Captain Sullenberger and his crew successfully landed the recent troubled US Airways flight on the Hudson River -- they had no "experience" in such a maneuver. Howev-

er, they were able to draw on their valuable life experiences to make a thoughtful, expert and deliberate decision.

We need to continue growing city council in a positive, creative, collaborative and useful direction. We need a person who has experience in brokering and navigating complex issues with many competing interests - someone who acts collaboratively -- and doesn't just use it as a buzz word. We need someone who is seeking the position for

Community Calendar > Feb. 27

Roanoke Valley Democratic Women Meeting Meeting at the Roanoker Restaurant, 2522 Colonial Ave, Craig Kirby, Deputy Manager for Senator Mark Warner”s successful campaign will be the guest speaker.

Visitors and prospective members are welcome. Call Mary A. Bowers for additional information - 343-1186 When - 11 a.m.

> Feb. 28

2009 Kimoyo Concert “From Africa to Appalachia” Tickets are available at the Jefferson Center and are $25 for adults and $15 for Students.

When - 7:30 p.m.

Where - Jefferson Center For more - 540-345-2550

> March 3

Renewanation Reception The reception will be held at the Vinton War Memorial on

Tuesday, March 3rd, at 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm

> March 4

Career and Lifestyle Fair The City of Roanoke will host another job fair on Wednesday, March 4, from 9 a.m. until noon at the Roanoke Civic Center Exhibit Hall.

For more information on being an exhibitor, contact Stuart Mease at stuart.mease@roanokeva.gov or visit www.roanokeva.gov/fairs.

> March 5

RVCS Open House RoanokeValley Christian Schools will hold its second of three open houses on Thursday, March 5, from 9:00 a.m. until 12 noon.

Visitors will have the opportunity to tour the school, meet with the administration and teachers, visit classes in session, and will be provided lunch at no charge.

RVCS is a private, coeducational Christian school for students in K3 through Grade 12, and is

fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the Association of Christian Schools International.

Both of these accrediting agencies hold their member schools to high standards of operation, including curriculum, services provided, academic excellence, etc. For more information, visit www.rvcs.info or call (540) 3662432, ext. 120.

Fruit Tree Pruning Class A free presentation by Virginia Cooperative Extension, Roanoke March 5, 10-11 am Where - The Brambleton Center, Rm 16 3738 Brambleton ave, sw Roanoke 24018 Pre-register at 772-7524

> March 6

World Day of Prayer Sponsored locally by Chruch Women United in the Roanoke Valley.

When - 9:30 a.m.

Where - St. Marks Lutheran

Conflict Resolution Center will hold basic mediation training March 4th – 6th. Contact Cherie Hall at 342-2063 for more information.

Good Samaritan Hospice will offer training for Family SupportVolunteers March 17th – April 9th,Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6PM – 9PM. These volunteers work directly with terminally ill patients and their families, visiting for 2 -4 hours each week. No experience needed, only a caring heart. Please contact Becky Harris (bharris@goodsamhospice. org) or Melinda Bern at 776-0198. Deadline for registration is March 12th.

Church For more - call 343-5165

> March 14

St. Patrick’s Day Parade Parade Starts at 11:00 a.m.

Downtown Roanoke,VA (Jefferson Street, Campbell Ave. and Williamson Road) HomeTown Bank Celtic Festival: New Festival location!

Parking lot at corner of Williamson Road & Church Avenue 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Roanoke Valley Chapter , NSDAR Open House The RoanokeValley Chapter,NSDAR, will host an Open House for prospective members on Saturday, March 14, 2009, from 11 A.M. until 1 P.M. at St.Timothy Lutheran Church, 1201 Hardy Road,Vinton,Virginia . For more information contact Lee Hardin Woody, Regent, at 397-3173 Have an item for the calendar? E-mail it to submissions@theroanokestar.com

Refugee and Immigration Services will hold a training session on Saturday, March 14th from 9AM – 3PM for volunteers who would like to teach English to refugees. Commitment is twice a week and scheduling is flexible.

Training and teaching materials are free and no experience is needed. Contact Alice Duehl at aliced22@ris-roa.org or 342-7561.

Special Events/One-Time Opportunities

EventZone needs volunteers for the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Celtic Festival March 14th from 10AM – 5PM, and for the March 20th Cabin Fever event from 5PM – 10PM – dinner provided.Visit www.eventzone. org or call 342-2640.

Presbyterian Community Center will be holding its annual fundraiser, “Dancing Under the Stars” on Friday, March 20th.Volunteers are needed for silent auction tables and decorating.

Contact Cheryl Poe at volunteers@pccse.org

or 982-2911.

difference.

Southwest Virginia Second Harvest Food Bank needs volunteers to make phone calls between March 16th and 27th. The calls will be to law firms throughout the region that have been invited to participate in a food drive by the legal community to ask whether they plan to participate.A call script will be provided.

Calls can be made from the Food Bank or a location chosen by the volunteer. Contact Harry Van Guilder at hvanguilder@swvafoodbank. org or 342-3011 x42.

Joseph C.Thomas Center would like volunteers for one-to-one visits with residents, St. Patrick’s Day entertainers, and volunteers to help with a painting class.

On-GoingVolunteer Needs

American Cancer Society Discovery Shop would love some volunteers who love to visit yard sales and antique malls.

Carilion Clinic has many opportunities for volunteers who have an affinity to help others.

Volunteer opportunities include working in gift shop; staffing waiting rooms; running hospitality cart; and working with employees on patient floors.

Commonwealth Catholic Charities needs volunteers for friendly visitors to seniors. Free training, flexible schedules!

Conflict Resolution Center is seeking volunteers willing to be trained as mediators, as well as general volunteers for occasional administrative tasks and special events.

Family Service of Roanoke Valley Be a mentor for a youth in need! Mentoring a local child is a way to make a huge impact in our community. It doesn’t take much – just a little time each week and a desire to make a

have no ability to directly vote in this particular case -- we do have the opportunity to weigh in on the process. I encourage you to share your thoughts with the members of city council who will be making this decision. (Go to www.roanokeva.gov ) Time is of the essence since a decision will be made by March 2, 2009.

Stephanie Koehler Roanoke, VA

Letter to the Editor

Volunteer Needs Training Opportunities

the right reasons.

In my opinion, Phil Sparks is perhaps the best fit at this difficult time. His calm nature, deep understanding of issues facing the city/region and considerable life experience will serve us well. But I am not asking you to "vote for my guy". I am - as a Roanoke city resident - simply asking you to recognize the incredible importance of this appointment and to do your own research and take an active role.

While we as city residents

Medi-Hospice is seeking patient care volunteers, special project volunteers, and administrative volunteers.

Presbyterian Community Center is seeking volunteers to work at the front desk (greeting clients, answering phones, etc.).Volunteer client interviewers, pantry helpers, tutors, and computer skills are also needed.

Rescue Mission is seeking volunteers for data entry, reception/office work, Microsoft Office instruction, physicians/physician assistants/nurse practitioners/pharmacists, men’s hairstylist, Recovery Program helper, thrift store help.

Tax Troubles Dear editor, In reference to the Star-Sentinel's article about Bob Goodlatte and the Tax Code Termination Act: I find the assumption put forth in this piece that Tim Geithner's tax troubles arose from a basic misunderstanding of and confusion about the current tax code laughable.

Let's pause and take a look at something that was curiously left out of this article, namely the facts. Mr. Geithner worked for the International Monetary Fund from 2001-2004.

A 2006 audit revealed that he had failed to pay a sum totaling $17,230.00 (including interest) in the form of Social Security and Medicare taxes for 2004 and 2005. If one were to assume that Mr. Geithner innocently failed to pay as a result of simple tax code confusion, as your piece naively assumes, one would still be left with this question: Why then, once he was informed of this oversight did he still choose not to pay these same taxes for 2001 and 2002? Only when being vetted for the cabinet position that he (amazingly) secured - head of the IRS, among other things - was this "oversight" discovered. Mr. Geithner then ponied up an additional $25,970.00.

Mr. Geithner also attempted to claim the money he paid for his child's attendance at summer camps for the years 2001, 2004 and 2005 as dependant tax deductions. Even I know that you can't do THAT. So, were Tim Geithner's unpaid taxes a result of pure confusion and ignorance? Possible, but highly improbable. I assume that the

Roanoke Star-Sentinel aspires to be a newspaper that is taken seriously. If this is true, I would suggest that it put an emphasis on coherently constructed and factually-based pieces and stay away from articles containing ill-formed assumptions that read more like a poorly-written high school opinion paper.

Leigh Ann Martin, Roanoke

Gratitude for coverage

Dear editor, I wish to thank Dot Overstreet for authoring - and the Roanoke Star-Sentinel for publishing - the interesting report of the showing of the documentary, “Witness to a Century” (created by the Virginia Historical Society) at Brandon Oaks on Jan. 29.

Charles Fisher Roanoke

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Southwestern Virginia Second Harvest Food Bank offers volunteer opportunities Monday – Thursday for individuals and groups of up to 25. These volunteers sort, inspect, and repackage food items for distribution to the hungry.Two-hour commitment per visit is requested. Great opportunity for team-building!

These are only a few of the many volunteer opportunities available in the community.

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Valley Business

Page 10 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 2/27/09

The Perfect Job Seeker

During a recent Finally, she saw an weekly Monday sesopportunity to help sion with job seekother struggling job ers at the City of seekers by creating Roanoke economic a business to assist development office, them in writing rea young lady told me sumes, which has of her current emalready yielded two ployment strategy. clients and some adUnfortunately, the ditional income. woman had been Collectively, these Stuart Mease laid off twice from four approaches two separate jobs – first from a have kept her quite busy and larger employer and then from not allowed time for frustraa small business. She has good tion, pity or grievance. She is skill sets in technology, but did also creating multiple revenue not have the educational pedi- streams and diversifying her gree to go with her experience. “working” hours. Additionally, Wondering what she could do she is branching out to discover to keep from being laid off three new opportunities through contimes in a row, she crafted four tinuing education. Finally, she separate, yet connected, strate- is contributing to the entrepregies to diversify her brand in neurial spirit of the region. the regional economy. Thus, Ultimately, during the receswe dubbed her “The Perfect Job sion, “The Perfect Job Seeker” is Seeker” not only weathering the storm, First, she continues to net- but she is positioning herself work with people, attend events, nicely when the recession eases. and conduct an active search in This approach will yield signifiher field of technology. cant long-term benefits as future Second, she humbled herself recessions occur in her lifetime. and acquired a job “beneath her Individual job searches and skills” simply to pay the bills. career management activities Third, she enrolled in a health are undergoing a fundamencare class at Virginia Western tal paradigm shift. Seekers Community College, which is must embrace “The Perfect Job completely out of her field, to Seeker” approach to survive determine if the health care in- and overcome this rough patch. dustry – offering many jobs in (Stuart Mease works for Roanoke the region – would be of inter- City’s Economic Development est.

Department) Upcoming Events : Spring Career and Lifestyle Fair Sponsored by WDBJ 7, The Renick Group and Express Employment Professionals Wednesday, March 4 (9:00 a.m. – 12 noon) Roanoke Civic Center Exhibit Hall www.roanokeva.gov/fairs Monday Sessions with Job Seekers Every Monday (4:00 pm – 5:30 pm) City of Roanoke Economic Development Office (117 Church Ave.)

TheRoanokeStar.com

Tour bus convention parks in Roanoke

Why hold the North Carolina Motorcoach Association annual convention in Roanoke?

“Why not?” said Melissa Burke, with Burke Christian Tours.

Burke was manning one of 24 booths, meeting with representatives of cities, regions and attractions during a “speed dating” session of sorts, where everyone had about 10 minutes to tell their tale, to explain why these North Carolina-based tour bus companies should head their way.

Burke said the Motorcoach Association has ventured out of North Carolina once before when the annual meeting was held in Nashville. Participants were given a tour of the new Taubman Museum of Art. Burke admitted that while she wasn’t an “art lover. It was

Photo by Gene Marrano

Getting to know you: North Carolina tour bus operators hear about possible destinations. neat though.”

Having the convention in the Star City meant that, “all of these people that came to Roanoke [got] to see what the city has to offer,” said Burke.

Guests also enjoyed tours of

the O. Winston Link Museum, the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, Smith Mountain Lake, the Mill Mountain Star and the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Time was also set aside to experience dining in downtown

Roanoke.

Burke said business had indeed “been hit,” by the current recession, down by as much as 30 percent vs. a year ago. Still it was worth it for her company (online at burkechristiantours. com) to attend the convention, to see what possible destinations might be a hit with travelers watching money more closely these days.

The Roanoke Valley Convention and Visitor’s Bureau made a pitch for the region and chaired a seminar during the convention, held at Hotel Roanoke. The CVB even conducted a “Historic Downtown District Scavenger Hunt”. Perhaps some of those North Carolina tour buses will be heading this way in the future.

By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

Business incubator likes new digs in Salem

New Century Venture Center president Lisa Ison with warehouse space. A few tenants are now rentsays the small business incubator’s new Salem home ing at $200 per month, for spaces that begin at 100 gives the organization the breathing room it needs. sq. ft.

Ison estimates there is room for about 30 clients, Located on 8th street in Roanoke since 1996, the Venture Center moved to Salem in January, after who may also receive professional, legal and financial advice from volunteer experts. being courted by both Salem and Roanoke County “[Many] don’t have a clue about the business for several years. end,” said Ison, who worked in economic develop“We just like the business climate [in Salem],” ment for Montgomery County before she took the said Ison.

New Century Venture Center position. “Our misIson questions the support of Roanoke City, saysion is to be [fully] involved with the businesses.” ing that lack of support may have been due to the With many middle-aged professionals suddenly city’s goal to focus on nurturing higher-tech startout of work in the current economy, the idea of ups.

Lisa Ison is president of owning your own business – perhaps an idea toyed To date, 49 service-oriented businesses have the New Century Venture with but put off for years – suddenly has become “graduated” from the incubator. Success stories Center. more attractive. include Access Advertising and PR Firm, who has “We’re reaching out to those folks now,” said Ison, recently grown in their third “home”, in downtown “that’s always a positive time for an incubator.”

Roanoke.

The New Century Venture Center also presents a series of busi“I enjoy working with the smaller companies,” said Ison, adding that there are “less hoops to jump through” in Salem as compared ness seminars available to non-tenants as well, providing another to Roanoke City for the types of startup businesses she hopes to way to raise operating funds.

Right up front, along with her group of volunteer experts, Ison attract to the Venture Center.

Ison said the 19,000 square feet available at the Salem space pro- looks to see if a would-be entrepreneur has that “fire in their belly,” vides more leasable space than the former Advance Auto Parts and an exit strategy, to sell, grow or franchise the business should building it occupied in Roanoke City. Included is 3,500 sq. ft of it take off. Most of that advice comes free with the rent payment. manufacturing space, which was not available in Roanoke, along Call 397-1555 for information or e-mail Lison@ncvc.com.

Carilion Clinic Ranked 18th Most Integrated Healthcare Network In The U.S.

Architect announces Roanoke Office, new Regional Manager

Carilion Clinic is ranked 18th in the 2009 list of the country’s most integrated health networks, one of its highest rankings to date. In addition, Carilion ranked 5th on the list of the top ten health organizations in the south. The list is developed by health care analytics firm SDI and published by Modern Healthcare magazine. SDI’s report is regarded as the nation’s premiere ranking system and evaluates health systems on their degree of integration and overall performance.

With 570 non-specialty, local and regional healthcare networks in the United States, being ranked among the top 20 is a significant accomplishment for Carilion employees, indicating success in several key areas. SDI evaluates the health care networks’ ability to function as a unified organization in eight categories: integration, integrated technology, contractual capabilities, outpatient utilization, financial stability, services and access, hospital utilization and physicians. Health systems receive an overall score between 0 and 100. This year the top hospital scored 92.03. Carilion Clinic scored 84.43.

Areas where integrated health networks performed better in 2009 than in previous years included outpatient utilization and physician participation. Additionally, the implementation of information technology specifically electronic medical records played an important role in coordinating care across health systems, allowing for better integration.

To view the entire list of top integrated health networks, visit the IHN information page at www. sdihealth.com.

Cole + Russell Architects, Inc. (C+RA), a national, employee-owned architecture firm, has announced the opening of a new regional office in Roanoke. The strategic location and the addition of long-time resident and Regional Manager Brenda Landes will allow the company to better serve its existing client-base and expand its service offerings.

C+RA served as the design architect of the Roanoke Fire/EMS Headquarters, a 30,000-square foot, three-story station completed in 2007, as well as the recently completed Williamson Road Fire/EMS Station No. 3. Currently, the firm is providing professional services for the City of Roanoke Police Academy and Melrose Avenue Fire/EMS Station No. 5.

“We have a history with the City of Roanoke and are excited to grow our company in the MidAtlantic Region,” said President and CEO David Arends. “We have provided professional services in the region since 1987 and specifically in Roanoke for the past five years.”

Landes has 19 years of experience in the architecture and planning industry and has worked with C+RA as an architectural partner for nearly five years prior to joining the firm. She is a graduate of Virginia Tech and holds a Master of Architecture and Bachelor of Science in housing, interior design and management.

C+RA was assisted by the Roanoke Regional Partnership and the City of Roanoke Office of Economic Development with its expansion. The new office address is 119 Norfolk Avenue SW, Suite 110.

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Arts & Culture

TheRoanokeStar.com

Making the Grandin go

Kathy Chittum, Executive Director for The Grandin Theatre knows a lot about movies, and can share plenty about how the Grandin still runs a movie business 365 days a year.

Located in one of Roanoke City’s most desirable neighborhoods, the theatre “runs movies that no one shows,” said Chittum recently. They’ve just finished a third year in the black, a good thing for a nonprofit business, or any business for that matter.

Theatergoers can see a matinee for $6.50 before 6:00 p.m.

Once inside the front doors, it still smells like the old Grandin, with a popcorn aroma permeating every square inch.

Four screens show a variety of films that movie producers hope you’ll want to see—usually R rated, according to Chittum, since that is what sells.

They show independent, foreign, art, documentaries - and some mainstream Hollywood films to help pay the bills.

Brightly colored paintings line the walls in the second floor lobby, said Chittum, due to a partnership with the Taubman Museum of Art to feature local works. Currently showing is Jamie Nervo’s colorful cartoon character-like people. Chittum says the art shows usually last about six weeks. She likes the way rotating artists help change the atmosphere of the upstairs lobby.

The Grandin has partnered with Taubman Museum of Art in presenting Open Projector Nights, where filmmakers can show movies that run for 10 minutes in length or less.

Those who want to submit their work for consideration must do so 30 days in advance of the showing. Screening dates are scheduled for May 26th, August 25th and November 24th.

Chittum was at the Sundance Movie Festival held in Park City, Utah from January

Moviegoers can see a matinee for $6.50 before 6:00 p.m.

Once inside the front doors, familiar aromas like the famous popcorn permeate every square inch.

15 to the 21st-- a bigger festival than the Virginia Film Festival - looking for possible future titles. She marvels at how many people it takes to make a movie.

The Grandin also holds the “Friendship Retirement Classic Movie Series” every second Saturday of the month at 10 a.m., with free admission for seniors. In March, Ma and Pa Kettle, and in April, The Maltese Falcon are scheduled.

When school is out, children’s movies are scheduled on the third Saturdays of June, July and August, also at 10:00 a.m.

The snack bar has candy, cream cheese brownies from Wildflower Restaurant and other goodies, in addition to the aromatic popcorn. Theater patrons can still park on the street or in the parking lot behind Roanoke Natural Foods.

“It’s a great neighborhood,” said Chittum. “I’m glad to see it’s become so vibrant.”

Since 2001 the Grandin Foundation’s 501(c) 3 nonprofit status has kept the board of directors busy overseeing the theater’s operations. Chittum and Manager Jason Garnet are the only full time employees.

A staff of 16-18 part-timers are kept busy working the box office, concession stand and running the projectors. A new part time position--Director

of Development and Marketing--has been added this year and is held by Barbara Peery Wise.

Brass seat plaques are still available for a donation of $250 each. The sidewalk is not quite filled with personalized Hollywood-like stars, and still are available for $1,000.

The donor receives one movie pass each month for life, according to Chittum. The Grandin will soon conduct a demographic survey to help attract more theater patrons.

The Academy Awards are a big deal at the Grandin. The night of the event—February 22--the Grandin was open, with the awards show presented on the big screen and tickets selling for $10. Admission price included a small popcorn and Chris Henson served as the evening’s host.

Chittum wants everyone to feel the “Grandin Experience,” as she calls it, a neighborhood theater without the “big box mentality… a locally-owned and operated, independent” operation. The refurbished building itself is historic—now 76 years old, with a “character and a feel that the others can’t offer,” said Chittum- “including the staff.”

2/27/09 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 11

Feast Your Eyes on Art: Presented by The Arts Council of the Blue Ridge

The Arts Council of the Blue Ridge will present ARTFEAST: Installation + Wallworks February 19 – March 20. The free exhibition will take place in the Second Floor Galleries in Center in the Square.

More than 20 regional artists and students have turned the now vacated Art Museum space into a celebration of collaborative and interactive art projects.

Installations include Patterned Portraiture and silk screened panels depicting images created from community interviews by artists Jennifer Fowler, Jenny Garnett and Erin Wommack.

Recent SPCA Best in Show recipient, Brett LaGue and student artists created Generation 30, which features white boxes containing personal items and other memorabilia collected by each participant. Audiences are invited to open each box; several at a time, while glimpsing into the personal world of these young, aspiring artists.

ARTFEAST gallery hours are Thursday – Saturday from 11-4:00 p.m. For additional information contact Rhonda

Artfeast at Center in the Square (Above).

A Hollins University exhibit of Irish stained glass made its U.S. debut, along with two other exhibitions that will be on display until April 18 (Right).

Hale at 342-5791 or rhale@ theartscouncil.org ARTFEAST is part of the Marginal Arts Festival presented

by Community High School.

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

By Joan Kastner info@theroanokestar.com

Have some art with your “Bread & Butter”

The Arts Council of the Blue Ridge will present Bread & Butter Art on Thursday, March 26 from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. While embracing the philosophy that art is a “staple of life” just like “bread and butter”, emerging visual, performing and literary artists will connect with new art collectors during this one-night only art show and sale. Bread & Butter Art will be held in the Second Floor Galleries in Center in the Square and is underwritten by Allstate Insurance Company.

Bread & Butter Art is a free event, but audiences are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items for the Southwest Virginia Second Harvest Food Bank.

“We approached SW Virginia Second Harvest Food Bank about a possible collaboration, given not only the title Bread & Butter Art, but as a way to reach out to another non-profit organization,” said Rhonda Hale, Artist Services and Arts Education Director. “We couldn’t think of a better way to bring the arts and human services together, while raising awareness about the important role each respective organization contributes each and every do to our community.

The Arts Council of the Blue Ridge is funded, in part, by the Virginia Commission for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Arts and the City of Roanoke. For additional information contact Rhonda Hale at 224-1205 or rhale@theartscouncil.org

Special Event! March 14th 5:30pm COME TO THE FAIR! Hoedown, Games, Dinner & Show! Reservations: (540) 309-6802

Salem Choral Society concert

The Salem Choral Society presents two of the most beloved works in the choral music literature: the Faure' Requiem and the Durufle' Requiem, with small orchestra and two soloists, mezzo-soprano Tara Bouknight, baritone Philip Bouknight and Aaron Garber conducting.

Both Requiems at two different venues, Sunday, March 15, 3:00 pm, Shiloh Baptist Church, Salem, and Sunday, March 22, 7:00 pm, Trinity Ecumenical Parish, Moneta.

The public is invited. No admission charge; an offering will be received. For directions or information, call 540-761-4727 or 540-343-0703.

All performances at the Taubman Museum of Art

March 12-22, 2009 Tickets: $15 & $10

Audition for first play at “Studio Roanoke” The Biology Lesson And Other Experiments is the first show that will be staged at the Studio Roanoke space (30 Campbell Ave.). It begins rehearsals on April 4 and opens on April 28th. It will run through May 3rd. There are roles for up to 13 women of various ages and ethnic backgrounds.

Auditions will be held at Hollins University on February 27 (6-9pm) and at Studio Roanoke on February 28 (12-3pm). “[We’re] not sure at this point how complete the Studio Roanoke space will be for this first production, but in whatever state it is in, Biology Lesson will be our shakedown cruise of the space,” said artistic director Todd Ristau. The grand opening for Studio Roanoke will be in May, featuring Ant Farm (by Ben R. Williams), which was originally selected to be performed as part of the Norfolk Southern Festival of New Work at MMT

Call for tickets (540) 309-6802 roanokechildrenstheatre.org

Page 12 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 2/27/09

TheRoanokeStar.com

Local educators receive Governor’s Award A group from Roanoke County Public Schools is recognized by Governor Timothy M. Kaine for receiving the Governor's Award for Educational Excellence. Five Roanoke County schools earned Nicole Cooper, Wesley Brandi, Delegate William Fralin, Kaitlin Hinton and James Brookover on this distinction. Left to right: Karen Mabry, Bent Mountain Elementary Principal; Tammy Newcomb, the House Floor.

Green Valley Elementary Principal; Rhonda Stegall, Hidden Valley HS Principal; Gov. Tim Kaine; Dr. Lorraine Lange, Roanoke County Public Schools Superintendent; Leslie Clark, Glenvar Elementary 3rd Grade Teacher; L. Thad James, Cave Spring Elementary Principal; Danny Guard, Glenvar Elementary Principal.

By Wesley Brandi A student at Virginia Western Community College

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We held brief conversa-

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We shared with them the value of not only Virginia Western, but also the Virginia Community College System.

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I was impressed with Delegate Fralin’s attitude and direction. He supports com-

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There is a lot of history in Richmond, along with various breath taking paintings and sculptures in the building. Even the wallpaper that lined the ceiling was detailed and hand painted. A special treat was when Delegate Fralin led us onto the House floor where the voting takes place.

This was a privilege because only delegates and guests of delegates are allowed onto the floor. The opportunity to meet with some of the most powerful men and women in the state was an honor that I appreciated. It has changed my outlook on how I view politics and our politicians.

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$13,495

05 Buick Lacrosse #PA3637A

$10,595

05 Nissan Altima #P3657

$13,495

07 Ford Mustang

08 Dodge Avenger

#P3560

#P3589

$11,495

$11,595

One Brand, One Family, One Philosophy

06 Buick Lacrosse #280496A

$11,995

06 Scion TC #PA3670

$12,495

Used Car Financing as Low as 3.9% on Select Certified Hondas With Approved Credit thru AHFC

05 Jeep Grand Cherokee #PA3664

$12,495

04 VW Touareg #281024A

$14,995

SOLD 07 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab

#P3476

$16,995

05 Volvo XC70 #PA3650A

$17,995

06 Mini Cooper S #PA3671

$19,995

08 Nissan Rogue #290342A

$21,495

06 Mercedes E350 #PA3665

$23,995

06 Acura TL Navigation #P3656

$24,995

06 Lexus GS300 AWD #PA3668

Visit us online at www.rickwoodsonhonda.com. All prices plus taxes, title, tags, and $199 Processing Fee. All vehicles preowned unless stated as New. Photos for illustration purposes only. Offer Ends 03/7/09.

$26,995