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Community | News | Per spective
February 6, 2009
TheRoanokeStar.com
Audit Committee investigates sale of Civic Center Storage Shed
[Fate of the City Market Building]
Market Building Makeover ?
It was “probably not the best thing to do,� stated Municipal Auditor, Drew Harmon reporting to Roanoke City Council on Monday. Harmon gave a synopsis of his finding regarding the storage shed disposition and will distribute his final report this week. The 5600 square foot shed was built as temporary equipment storage Council news during construction of the Special Events Center in 2002. It was designed in-house by engineers to eliminate disturbance of the asphalt parking area. Darlene Burcham, City Manager, said Sharon Gentry, the city’s purchasing manager, felt significant pressure to have the shed removed following completion of the Special Events Center in 2007. “The parking spaces were sorely needed for events,� said Burcham. Harmon estimated that to reconstruct the shed at another location would have cost $35,000 to $40,000. It was offered to Public Works and the school system. Both declined the offer due to the substantial cost involved in moving it. But after a brief attempt to sell the shed that
Celebrity Slip P3– Local radio personality, Tim Martin, takes an unexpected fall and winds up in the limelight.
Brian Gottstein
Dangerous Law
P4– Brian Gottstein reports that local leaders are on the wrong side of the fight when it comes to eminent domain.
Watchful Eyes
P8– Roanoke citizens come together to form a “safe community task force� to help enforce existing codes and laws.
Terrific Trio P11– The Kandinsky Trio plays to sold-out audiences at Roanoke College, Virginia Tech and around the world.
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Built in 1886, the Roanoke City Market Building has prospered through a lot of changes. Now consultants are coming in back of consultants as the city tries to decide on a new direction for the future. Roanoke City Council served a $120,000 “melting pot of visionâ€? to the architectural team of Cunningham Quill Architects of Washington, D.C. on Monday. Lee Quill stated, “we understand our charge here and it is not to reinvent the wheel.â€? They plan to use the previous studies as a framework along with Council’s direction that will then culminate in initial schematic design(s) for Council’s consideration by March 16th. “We are not about doing studies that sit on a shelf‌ we design to build,â€? > CONTINUED P2: Market
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> CONTINUED P2: Audit
Glenvar asphalt plant one step closer to being a reality The Roanoke County Planning Commission voted 3-1 on Tuesday to recommend, with proffers, the construction of an asphalt plant on U.S. 460/W. Main St. About 300 people showed up, voicing concerns about odors, traffic, the safety of schoolchildren and their overall quality of life. In the end, most of the Glenvar-area residents who came left disappointed. Approval would also require a rezoning of 12 acres from less intensive I-1 to heavy industrial I-2. Catawba commission member Martha Hooker registered the lone vote against the petition filed by Adams
Construction, who has three other as- member absent, the 2-2 vote meant it was not placed on a future meeting phalt plants in the Roanoke Valley. The 300-ton per hour facility would agenda. Therefore, supervisors need to vote again next Tuesday to place the be in Hooker’s district. The Board of Supervisors may con- matter on its Feb. 24 agenda. The prosider the matter at its February 24 pub- posal will move to the board for considlic meeting, which would give residents eration with Adams having agreed to 13 proffers (so far) that would one more chance to have the reduce dust, odors, lighting project voted down. Two suDevelopment and visual impact. pervisors voted against the Cave Spring supervisor asphalt plant on a first reading at its last meeting, which is normally Charlotte Moore said earlier this week a pro forma “yes� vote before items are that she does not regret her first readsent to the planning commission. ing “no� vote, saying she opposes the With Catawba supervisor Butch asphalt plant. Moore’s vote did not imChurch also voting no, and one board pede the matter from going to the plan-
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ning commission. Moore asked why “have a yes or no vote on a first reading anyway if supervisors do not have the right to vote against an item? “ Also at Tuesday’s planning commission meeting, Windsor Hills panel member David Radford excused himself from any participation in the matter, announcing that he had just taken a job with English Construction, an affiliate of Adams. Attorney Maryellen Goodlatte, a hired air quality expert, Adams executive Vice-President Rick James > CONTINUED P2: Asphalt
102 year old Roanoke College graduate truly a witness to a century
Photo by Stuart Revercomb
Virginia Seventh District Congressman Eric Cantor discusses President Obama’s stimulus package with Roanoke business leaders.
Republican Whip Eric Cantor speaks to large crowd at Jefferson Center Sixth District Congressman Bob Goodlatte hosted a luncheon on January 29 at The Jefferson Center in Roanoke with Congressman Eric Cantor as his special guest. Congressman Cantor represents the Seventh Congressional District of Virginia in the United States House of Representatives. In December 2008, Congressman Cantor was elected to serve as the Republican Whip, the second highest position in Republican leadership in the House. About 170 business leaders listened as both Congressmen Cantor and Goodlatte talked about President Obama’s stimulus package and the Republican initiatives they would like included in the legislation. They also explained why all GOP members of the House voted against the package. Congressman Cantor also described the party’s initiatives on a number of issues affecting the nation, detailed other legislative proposals, and outlined the GOP’s plans for better explaining its positions using modern methods of communication like the Internet. Also in attendance were Congressman Rob Wittman from Virginia’s First Congressional District, former Sixth District Congressman Caldwell Butler, and former Fifth District Congressman Virgil Goode.
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Dr. Charles “Hap� mer chemistry. He Fisher, 102, was reserved as director of cently honored at the Southern RegionBrandon Oaks Real Research Laboratirement Community tory in New Orleans during the Roanoke and was instrumental premiere of PBS’s docin the development of umentary, “Witness to wrinkle-resistant and a Century�. Fisher is flame-resistant cotton. featured as one of 11 He is especially proud Virginia centenarians of his participation in Photo by Dot Overstreet who give first-hand the development of accounts of events and Hap and Betty Fisher at a synthetic specialty changes they have ex- Brandon Oaks. rubber (polymer Hyperienced during their car 21) which is resislifetimes. tant to heat and hot oils. Fisher, a 1928 Roanoke College gradMore than 65,000 people have uate, enjoyed a distinguished career as reached the age of 100 in the United a research chemist. After his first re- States, and about 2,000 of them are Virtirement, Fisher returned to Roanoke ginians. Although tremendous change College as an adjunct research profes- has occurred over the past 100 years, sor. He then retired a second time at the general population seems to have the age of 100. lost the art of passing stories down Roanoke College President Mike from generation to generation. “WitMaxey attended the event at Brandon ness to a Century� gives viewers the Oaks, along with several faculty mem- chance to hear personal stories dembers and students. Also atonstrating the wide range tending was William Obroof experiences among 20th Community chta, Director of Education Century Virginians. for the Virginia Historical Fisher remembers back Society - one of the sponsors of the when the economy was booming in the documentary, produced by public tele- 1920s. Jobs were plentiful and salaries vision broadcaster WCVE. were high. When the stock market Fisher has authored more than 200 publications and holds at least 72 pat> CONTINUED ents in the fields of organic and polyP3: 102 Years
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Page 2 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 2/6/09
TheRoanokeStar.com
> Asphalt From page 1
“Adams does not object to those conditions,” said Goodlatte of all the proffers suggested by Roanoke County planning staffers. The plant would reuse some of the buildings on site and no structure built would be taller than 75 feet. An average of 50 trucks per day would access the site, said James, who added that during the winter and construction down time there would be little or no traffic at the plant, which is dependent on contracts with VDOT for work. Asphalt plants must be
and a principal from Harrisonburg all spoke about asphalt plants as good neighbors. Adams wants to place the new facility on the site of the old City of Salem water filtration plant, and has offered $1.2 million for the property, which is actually in western Roanoke County’s Glenvar area. Goodlatte showed sketches that detailed large tree buffers and the removal of old filtration equipment now on the property, which was abandoned by Salem in 2004 when its new treatment facility opened.
placed in close proximity to where that product will be used; planned future work in the U.S./460 corridor makes the Glenvar location ideal James added. Art Nunn, president of Air Compliance Group, derided information being passed around in the Glenvar area, which details environmental problems at asphalt producing facilities. Nunn said those studies were based on older technologies and are “not applicable,” to the new plant proposed. “[There will be] no measurable impact from these pollutants,” Nunn claimed. Joe Glick, a principal from Harrisonburg, said his middle school, was built adjacent to an Adams asphalt plant, and has not been a problem. “[They’ve] been tremendous neighbors,” said Glick, who volunteered to drive down and
vouch for Adams at the meeting. Cherokee Hills resident Herman Lowe was not convinced. “How would you feel if this plant was coming to your neighborhood?” he asked commission members. Lowe, a former VDOT worker, said it was “almost impossible,” to eliminate the odor from asphalt. Resident Charles Landis worried about a “chain reaction” that could lead to the rezoning of more property in the area to I2-heavy industrial, Photo by Gene Marrano while Dawn Smith worried Adams Construction attorney Maryellen Goodlatte adjusts her about the health of her children charts. and became emotional. Now the Roanoke County ”They may not be able to concerns shared Tuesday night. Only a handful of those who Board of Supervisors will have stop all of the toxins,” Smith spoke to the planning commisthe final word. said. sion expressed support for the Hundreds of residents also showed up at a community asphalt plant, which Adams meeting at Glenvar Middle representatives said would be By Gene Marrano School several weeks ago, ex- state-of-the art and more envigmarrano@cox.net ronmentally friendly. pressing many of the same
> Market
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said Quill. Anita Price took the first turn asking Quill “what kind of vision do you have in mind?” Quill responded that he was supposed to be asking for Council’s vision. One direction they were looking for was a cost range so they could produce a cost analysis for each schematic. It is unclear whether they received an answer. Price later said she would like to see the Market building function as a “community hub.” She recalled past uses of events like “after prom parties.” Price wanted to make sure that the school children on field trips to Center in the Square could be accommodated as they eat at the food court and require a substantial amount of seating. Vice-Mayor Sherman Lea wanted to make sure that the “vendors are comfortable” with the plans. Councilman Alvin Nash, the only golfer on council, likened the Market building to a “signature hole” on a golf course. The building “is what it is” said Nash and he did not want to see it made into something different. He wanted to see the current vendors be able to expand and grow. Councilman David Trinkle wanted to see vendors have autonomous control of their space. “I am a big fan of the mezzanine,” said Trinkle. He
continues his support of balcony seating on all sides of the building and working it into a step plaza coming off the Hotel Roanoke bridge. Councilman Court Rosen asserted that “it is against the mission of a local government to be in the property rental business … it should be self-sustaining.” Rosen wanted outside management of the building. He did not want to see it done with minimal resources to just “do it.” How the vendors fit into the ultimate design resonated through most of the Council’s remarks. Architectural team member, Chris Morrison, said that so far the team had received more of what was not wanted for the building than a vision. Later that afternoon the architectural teams met with vendors. The team was empathetic to their weariness of the subject. Anita Wilson, co-owner of Burger in the Square spoke later to architect, Lee Quill, saying that Downtown Roanoke Inc.’s suggestion about moving the vendors to the 3rd floor during renovation was not feasible. There is “no hood system” for one thing, said Wilson. She also thought that “working around the vendors” during renovation wouldn’t work either. She wondered how they would be able to operate without water and
Lee Quill of Cunningham Quill Architects speaks with vendors about possible options for the 123 year old building. electricity for extended periods of time. Market building and city’s capacity for debt: Speaking with Ann Shawver, Director of Finance, following the Market discussion, revealed her continued concern regarding the issuance of additional debt by the city. In the preliminary 2010 budget briefing Shawver stated that “if the market building comes on as a priority capital improvement project (CIP) than something else has to come off.” Shawver said Monday that her statement was meant to advise Council that the self-imposed 10% debt limit was upon them and that action would be re-
quired by Council to raise the limit to accommodate any additional CIP debt funding. When asked how raising the debt limit to for example, 10.5%, would affect the city’s exemplary “AA” bond rating, Shawver explained she would be advising Council on the risk of doing so at this time. She stated that Moody’s rating agency had already put the city’s bond rating on “watch.” Agencies sometimes issue a “credit watch” to suggest that a bond rating may soon be lowered (downgraded) or raised (upgraded.)
By Valerie Garner Valerie.Garner@cox.net
> Audit From page 1
involved nothing more than hanging a small “for sale” sign on the side, Gentry gave it to her father, Bobby Twine, owner of BT Paving Company, who paid $2,000 for the permit to remove it. When asked by a Star Sentinel reporter in early April if Twine was her father, Gentry refused to comment. The shed now lies on Twine’s property. Harmon said that 101 inquires were documented meticulously and there were no written offers for the shed. He pointed out there was no profit made and Twine’s $2,000 cost for the permit came out of his pocket. However, Harmon said that the relationship with Gentry was not disclosed until May 11th, 2007, about a month after the shed was taken away in April even though the Star-Sentinel ran an article a
month earlier on April 11th that broke the news that Gentry had given the shed to her father. Burcham said she did not have knowledge of the circumstances in advance and administrative action had been taken. Burcham did not elaborate but said that there was no doubt that the relationship between Gentry and Twine was not disclosed. Councilman Court Rosen found it “staggering that it [the relationship] was not disclosed” and that the city should “lead by example” when it came to such matters. Harmon concluded that there was no intended misappropriation though it was “not a wise thing to do.” By Valerie Garner Valerie.Garner@cox.net
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2/6/09 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 3
TheRoanokeStar.com
Local radio reporter lands a spot on “America’s Funniest Home Videos” Radio reporter and anchor Timothy Martin figured the video of him trying to put up Christmas tree lights that he posted on YouTube was good for a few laughs – but the WFIR newsman never thought it would earn him a trip to La La Land. But there he was in Los Angeles last week, courtesy of ABC Television, as one of three finalists on an installment of America’s Funniest Home Videos. About four years ago, as was customary, Martin videotaped himself putting up outside Christmas lights at his family’s home. He fell off the roof of a gazebo, landed on a deck, got mad and threw the lights around, then fell down again, slipping on the ice. It all made for good YouTube viewing. “I’m a huge Christmas fanatic… I have all [of them] on video,” said Martin. Friends suggested he send the video to the show, which Martin finally did in
December. Then he “sort of forgot about it.” ABC liked it however and next thing he knew it was off to LA with his wife Holly. Holly Martin is a teacher at Westside Elementary. Viewers can find out how Martin fared on Sunday, February 8 (7pm, WSET-13). He can’t talk about it contractually before then. The Radford University journalism graduate will of course be WFIR’s Tim Martin in seen sitting in the first row Hollywood. of the audience, reacting to the video after it is shown. While in California the Martins checked out Hollywood, the Sunset Strip, the Walk of Stars and other notable tourist destina-
tions in Tinseltown. “I’d never been out there,” said Martin, back from his brief star turn on ABC. For the top prize he’s up against a video of high school girls reacting to a birthing video and one of a Chihuahua, umm, relieving itself, so the competition is tough. Regardless of how it all turned out the NewsTalk 960am reporter is grateful for the experience: “it was amazing to wake up one morning and be in LA. It was so surreal…it was pretty interesting.” By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net
> 102 Years From page 1
crashed in October 1929, an economic implosion was set off that stretched around the globe. “Fortunately I always had a job, but many people did not,” said Fisher. “Some of my fellow graduate students with PhD’s didn’t get jobs and would drive cabs, dig ditches - anything they could do to make a living.” The documentary, which aired for the first time earlier this week on Blue Ridge Public Television, focuses on social, economic and technological changes. Centenarians talk about segregation and the Civil Rights movement, the 1918 flu epidemic that killed 11,000 Virginians in just a few months, two World Wars and the changes brought about by telephones, television and computers. Fisher recounts owning his first automobile, a Model A Ford that had to be cranked at the front bumper. “If you wanted to take a spin you would put it in neutral, crank it and get in,” he said. According to Fisher, “the
City Offers Opportunity for Homebuyer Assistance There's good news for those interested in owning a home in the City of Roanoke. In the midst of a troubled housing market, help is available to purchase a residence in the city's conservation or rehabilitation districts through a program called the Market Rate Mortgage Assistance Program (MAP). Supervised through the city's Department of Planning, Building and Development, this program offers the opportunity to receive financial assistance of up to 50 percent of the required down payment for a home. This assistance is in the form of a 10-year, forgivable, no-interest loan of up to $8,000 from the city, which can be used for a down payment and closing costs for a mortgage through a participating local lender. Qualification for assistance is based on the location of the house, family size, and income of the applicant. The Market Rate MAP is only for homes that will be the property owner's primary residence. There are no maximum sales prices for homes using the Market Rate MAP loan, and the applicant does not have to be a first-time homebuyer. However, buyers must contribute at least $1,000 toward the purchase. For information regarding program eligibility, contact Angie Williamson, Housing Development Specialist, at 540853-5647. You may also use the city's GIS (gis.roanokeva.gov) to see if the house you want to purchase is in a conservation or rehabilitation district.
20th century is the first century to have benefited from a great deal of research.” He spoke in the documentary segment of how much easier life is today with electricity, water from a spigot and major advances in agriculture. “There are more conveniences, more luxuries, but I’m not sure that these have brought more happiness,” he observed. Fisher added that he would like to come back in 50 years to view the changes at that time. In addition to the hour-long documentary, the producers created a four-minute piece featuring Fisher alone, speaking of witnessing the development of the petroleum industry. “We can’t do without it, but we are learning how,” he quipped. With his self-deprecating sense of humor, Fisher said he was active and healthy until he was about 92; then a cataract operation, hearing aids and a pacemaker were added to help keep him going. Fisher appre-
ciates being able to remember the great changes of the 20th century, but he tries not to talk about them too much, fearing that “some people do not want to listen”. After the viewing of “Witness to a Century,” Fisher shared a bit of wisdom with those gathered to honor him. “If you want attention, I’ve learned something... if you just live to be 100 years old, you’ll get a lot of attention. To do that, you should be a vegetarian and have a brother who is an MD who gives you advice,” he said. He also credited “good selections” such as when he chose Roanoke and Salem as his home, as well as when he chose Roanoke College for his education. As a parting comment, Fisher also gave credit to his wife, Betty, and his home, Brandon Oaks. “When I became older, I thought it would be nice to have a young and attractive wife to give me a lot of tender loving care. Then when I got even older, I thought that I
had better go to a retirement home, and I selected the very best, Brandon Oaks,” he said. By Dot Overstreet info@theroanokestar.com
Send your articles, story ideas and pictures to: info@theroanokestar.com
Roanoke Star Week of the
Jim Roberts was born in War, West Virginia and grew up in Marion, Va. He graduated from the Medical College of Virginia in 1956 with a degree in Pharmacology. His wife, the former Ruth Bruce, also attended MCV and graduated in 1957 with a degree in nursing. They were married in 1955, have two children, ten grandchildren and live in Northwest Roanoke County. Jim and his partner, Ed Crockett, who has since retired, purchased the Williamson Jim Roberts Road Pharmacy in 1959 and Jim continues to operate it in the same location. He is very active in church work, and has been involved with the Jaycee’s and other civic organizations. Golf and bowling are his hobbies. Favorite places in Roanoke include the Downtown Market Building food court, Mill Mountain Star and zoo area, and K & W Cafeteria. By Jim Bullington Have someone in mind for “Roanoke Star of the Week?” E-mail Jim Bullington: JBullPhoto@gmail.com
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Perspective
Page 4 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 2/6/09
TheRoanokeStar.com
Local leaders threaten your right to own your home
T
his week, a group of Virginia state Senators, including our own John Edwards, voted to kill a bill that would put your right to own private property in the Virginia Constitution. Instead, these senators sided with money-hungry local governments and greedy property developers who lobbied for the ability to confiscate your home or business so they can develop bigger homes or businesses on your land – for profit and higher tax revenues. Included in the lobbying effort against the amendment was our very own servant to the people, the government of the City of Roanoke. (I forgot, doesn’t the government work for us, or is it the other way around? More about this below….)
The property rights amendment was in response to the Kelo-like eminent domain abuses the U.S. Supreme Court approved of back in 2005. Developers and governments were justifying taking your home on the grounds that the land could better be used to develop businesses, create more jobs, or increase tax revenues to the government. Two years ago, we passed a law in Virginia to prevent these abuses from happening. Unfortunately, a law (not a constitutional amendment) can be overturned by a simple majority of legislators in the General Assembly. As Sen. Edwards said two years ago, big confiscators such as housing authorities and local governments should be able to “live within the parameters
of the statute, and may not be taken if not, we can come if the primary back and look at it purpose is private another year and financial gain, prisee if tinkering vate benefit, an inneeds to be done." crease in tax base or Since changing tax revenues, or an the law to make it increase in employeasier for government. In addition, ment to take your no more property would be taken home or business Brian Gottstein than would be necjust involves a little “tinkering,” some legislators essary to achieve the stated this year proposed passing a public use. That seems pretty constitutional amendment – easy for government to live which would mean the people with, doesn’t it? Sen. Mark Obenshain from (not just the politicians and the lobbyists who donate to Harrisonburg, sponsor of the their campaigns) would have amendment, said that some of the arguments against the to vote to change the law. The amendment simply amendment included, “We stated that except for property can’t do this now, because it taken for true public purposes would detract from localities’ such as utilities, schools, pub- development toolboxes,” and, lic buildings, etc., property “We can’t have this amend-
ment, as it isn’t in the best interest of the business community.” “But what about the interests of land owners?” Obenshain argued back. Some of the organizations that came out against stronger property rights protections included local governments, gas and electric companies, redevelopment authorities, the hospitality industry, and government planners. You may be familiar with some of those that signed a letter opposing your right to keep your land: the City of Roanoke (the City even spent your tax dollars to lobby legislators to deny us this right), Verizon, Appalachian Power, and Norfolk Southern. Signers also included groups that should be on the side of
home owners and business owners but who might profit as your property transfers ownership. These groups include the Virginia Association of Realtors, the Homebuilders Association of Virginia, the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, and the Virginia Association for Commercial Real Estate. Also voting against your property rights was Sen. Creigh Deeds, one of the Democrats who wants to be governor in 2009. The constitutional amendment still remains alive in the House of Delegates, and has another chance of being voted on in the Senate if it passes the full House later this month
Contact Brian at bgottstein1@yahoo.com
Taming technology for your kids sake Living within our means, Family Affair: A.F. Waldron
T
here are a few things that offend me as a mother. I don’t like it when someone tries to tell me how to discipline, feed or clothe my children. One of the most horrific stabs to my motherly self-esteem is when one of my children comes home with failing grades. I take it as a personal reflection on my parenting skills. The second nine weeks came to a close last week and the paper of my child’s demise arrived. I froze as I glanced at the D in English, then in French, then in Math. Thanks to Gym class there was a reprieve. You can always count on Gym class. I reflected on where I could have gone wrong. Then out of the corner of my eye did appear a glimmer of a computer screen and the sound of eight tiny text messages arriving simultaneously. I realized that we had six computers in the house, six cell phones, a home phone and a fax machine. We were way too connected in the enigma of communications. I was getting ready to embrace the 1980’s again. Might as well, the recession is back and the housing market is in a slump. Tin cans, some string and big hair was on its way into our family. It is hard as a mom to bring harsh punishment unto a child that looks so pitiful. I got over it after about three seconds. The house was going to implode, or it seemed. My daughter looked at me as if she was waiting to be hauled off to prison. I stared into her face and said the words no 14-year-old ever wants to hear. A statement so blasphemous that lightning was awaiting my utterance. I almost smiled and said, “Honey, no
means needing what we have
One Floyd Countian's Woodlot in Life Turns Out to Be Enough
Facebook or text messaging until mid-term. Oh, and you have to have at least a B average to get them back.” Also her social life disappeared along with anything else I could think of. She cried like a baby. Her friends even pleaded with alf-jokingly I often me. They commented on my Facebook page. say that the true Funny, I see her more. She sits next to me on measure of a man the couch and talks. She is reading a book and studying flash cards. She almost seems happier, can be taken from the size, orless stressed, although she was having Face- derliness and contents of his book withdrawals. I let her keep her phone in woodpile. If that is indeed the case, order to call home but I blocked everything else - with one phone call to the wireless carrier. No then I have in the past couple texting. The kitchen seems cleaner too. I think of years devolved to a brutish I saw her carpet, free of clothes, in her bedroom and slovenly derelict of our species. You see, I've taken to 02/06/2009 the other day. When I was her age we didn’t have remote burning sissy wood--more on 1 2 3 4 6 7 9 10 11 of glorified kindling order controls, cordless phones or5 cable. I watched8 the 12 60 Minutes and Lawrence13 Welk with my14grand-15 than real wood with a manly 02/06/2009 parents. I played with my friends and dug holes18 heft to it. 16 17 3 4 7 11 still bring home looking 1for 2treasure. Life has 5been6 made easier 8 9 We10 can 19 20 21 22 by technology and information is always 14at our 15truckloads of wood from the 12 13 23 24 25 few acres we have access to fingertips. But there are things that are missing. 16 17 18 along Creek but we 27 28to make life better; 29 30 31 we 32 33 Nameless 34 We are26 trying however, 19 20 21 22 can't make it happen from forgot35why we made the36advances. Life 37 38 made39 23 24 what windfall and decay offer more efficient should mean 42that we have25more 40 41 43 44 us.32We'll have to cut live and 26 27 as 28 friends and family. 29 30 31 33 34 time together Reflecting 45 46 47 48 49 standing shrubbery--a term on the restrictions imposed, 35 36 maybe 37 my parent38 39 50 52 53 54 I'll use because honestly, the ing skills work better51than I thought. 40 41 42 43 44 object of our chain saw this 55 56 57 58 45 46 47 48 could hardly be called A.F. Waldron is a freelance writer and cur- 49year 59 60 61 62 63 64 50 51 52 53 54 "timber." rently pursuing her Ph.D. in Industrial and 65 66 67 68 69 And herein is my enthusiOrganizational Psychology. comments on 55 56 Send57 58 70 72 asm and rationale for a sissy this column to 71afwaldron@yahoo.com 59 60 61 62 63 64 73 74 75 woodpile: a pound of wood 65 66 67 68 is a pound69 of wood. As I unwww.CrosswordWeaver.com 70 71 72derstand it, the BTU capacity Greece. 13 Security ACROSS 02/06/2009 73 74 75of the different wood species 52 Turkey 14 Father comes more from their rela1 Flightless birds 54 Any system of principles or 20 Sound receiver www.CrosswordWeaver.com tive than from any in5 Chinese flavoring beliefs. 22 density High mountain. 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 02/06/2009 Greece. Security 8ACROSS Baggage 55 Medical practitioner 2413Dalmatian (2 wds. )of energy herent differences Find the answers online: 02/06/2009 Turkey Father 13 14 15 12 Mexican sandwich 5752City 2614Non __ (not welcome) storage in the wood itself. It 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 TheRoanokeStar.com Flightless birds Any system of principles or Sound receiver 13 1Scoops out water 5954 Spanish explorer 2720Type of eclipse takes twice the poplar, say, Have a clue and answer you’d like 17 18 5 Chinese flavoring beliefs. 22 High mountain. 15 Margarine 62 Airplane for mass transportation 28 Mistreating 02/06/2009 12 1 13 15 8 2 3 4 5 6 714 9 10 11 to see? Baggage concerned with Medical practitioner Dalmatian (2units wds. ) of heat 16 8Organization 6555Pointed cylinder to3024 produce x substance Sticky black 21 22 sandwich 16 12 17 18 15 6657 13 14 email: 12civil Mexican Citypuzzles@theroanokestar. Non liberties (abbr.) Mont __ 3226Heavy machinery because it__ is(not halfwelcome) as dense as 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 com 13 Scoops out water Spanish explorer Type of eclipse 17 Computer characters 6859Ancient Indian 3327Eagle's nest 19 20 21 22 16 17 18 something like oak. But wood 24 25 13 Margarine Airplane for mass transportation 28 Mistreating 12 14 15 7062 1815Baby bears What horses eat 34 Termed
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burns at a given rate resources will be of heat yield, species commonplace and compared pound for post-modern propound and at the gressive: to meet same moisture level. our needs from You will find all what we have so kinds of hardwood that we have what species rated for we need. It's just BTU's on a by-thecommon sense on cord basis: oak and the right-hand side Fred First hickory, locust and of the petroleum cherry. But you will curve. not find our wood du jour that The best kind of (fill in the makes up the stacks for next blank: salad greens and woodwinter: spicebush and witch en bowl, cool drink, knitting hazel. yarn) is what we have at hand Both are considered shrubs locally and can get with relaor small trees--spicebush, tive efficiency, the least posgrowing wrist-sized trunks sible depletion or risk to the of 8 to 15 feet and witch ha- source that provides it, a thing zel, smooth calf-sized trunks produced in such a way that it of equal length. They grow in keeps on giving for the long abundance along the creek term to those who consume bank, splaying toward the hor- it. izontal as their multiple trunks So maybe I shouldn't be gain size in the soft sandy soil. so apologetic for my wimpy They are safe to drop, easy to woodpile after all. Let's just carry and both about as dense say that I have had a change in in my hands as hickory. my vision for what's enough This new way of doing and have come to appreciate things has got me to think- and use what I already have at ing. The old timers say that hand. Along with millions of the best kind of wood to burn others in the Post Peak world is the kind of wood you have ahead, even though my grip is at hand. There's a certain kind not what it once was, I'll be exof wisdom in this that reach- ploring options to supply my es beyond the choices we've demand for natural resourcesmade in the woodlot. -out of what lies within my loSoon, perhaps this old- cal grasp. fashioned living-within-one'sContact Fred at means way of thinking about fred1st@gmail.com
Sticky black substance 3630Off. Heavy machinery 3832Net Eagle's nest 4233Obese Termed 4334Decoration Off. 4636Irreligious 4938A Net horse known for stamina and 42versatility. Obese Decoration 5143Cry Irreligious 5346Unkind person A horseplayer knownTyfor stamina and 5649Baseball C o m mu n i t y | N ew s | Pe r s p e c t i ve versatility. 58 Chip 51 Cry 59 Wild pig Unkind person 6053Wager Publisher | Stuart Revercomb | stuart@theroanokestar.com | 400-0990 Baseball player Ty 6156Alack's partner Chip 6358Reverse Features Editor | Pam Rickard | pam@theroanokestar.com | 400-0990 Wild piga computer 6459Input into 6560ToWager make the sound of a dove. Alack's 6761Snacked News partner Editor | Gene Marrano | gmarrano@cox.net | 400-0990 6963Is Reverse 64 Input into a computer Production Editor Stephen Nelson | stephen@theroanokestar.com | 400-0990 65 To make the sound of a| dove. 67 Snacked 69 Is Technical Webmaster | Don Waterfield | webmaster@theroanokestar.com | 400-0990
The Roanoke Star-Sentinel
Advertising Director | Vickie Henderson | advertising@theroanokestar.com | 400-0990 Star: to lift up that which is right, real and genuine about our community – the people and events that make us who we are – the real spirit of Roanoke that past residents and leaders have worked hard to create, that points us towards the bright and shining future that we all desire for our valley. Sentinel: to guard the truth, with consistent and complete coverage of key local issues that provides balanced reporting and equal editorial opportunity. To fully tell all sides of a story so that readers can make their own informed opinions, and express them to positively impact others and our community. 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
2/6/09 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 5
TheRoanokeStar.com
Penny Candy from Bill and Buddy’s
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e lived on the edge of the frontier, or so it seemed to me as a little boy. From my house, on the fringe of suburban Roanoke in the 1960’s, I could see Franklin Road easing into the farmland of the country. Sitting on my front porch watching the sunset, I could see cattle grazing where Red Lobster and Kmart sprawl today. In fact, the land between our house and Salem was mostly farms and woods, the 419 corridor then known for orchards and dairy farms, instead of insurance companies, banks, and restaurants. Tanglewood Mall was mere sketches on a design board. And Rt. 220 was, as it remains today, a primary artery to and from points south, but at that time, commercial enterprises along the way were not so plentiful. There was one such concern, however, that was particularly memorable to me as a child: a small, ramshackle store, just across the highway from my street, called Bill
and Buddy’s. The place had character and charm, to me anyway, and besides its many other attributes, it gave me and my cohorts a glimpse into another world. The little wood-framed building was scarcely 15 feet wide by 30 feet long. Its white paint job was due for a new coat, and the few windows it possessed were blocked by provisions stacked against them from within. Fixed high on the tin roof was a long, narrow sign which proclaimed “BILL and BUDDY’S” in plain red letters on a pale yellow background. This sign was flanked on each end by two other signs, round ones, two feet in diameter, which advertised Clover Creamery. The store was situated in a modest patch of gravel, dirt, and weeds, and it backed up against the woods and steep hillside behind it. A trek to Bill and Buddy’s was a frequent affair for me as a child. Traveling in small packs, we kids would make our way to the store with one main objective in mind: pen-
ny candy. The main challenge was crossing the highway which separated our neighborhood from the little trading post. As I said, then as now Rt. 220/ Franklin Rd. was a major artery, and eighteen-wheelers would rumble through day and night. The idea of young children crossing such a highway unsupervised is certainly not something which we deem correct today. In fact, when I discussed this with my mother recently she sighed with reservation at the memory of it. Nevertheless, we did it all the time. The older kids ushered the younger ones along. I remember Beth, a neighborhood kid several years my elder, holding my hand tightly but calmly, as trucks whizzed by inches away from us. In general, the older kids took seriously their responsibility to protect the younger ones. Anyway, all of us survived to adulthood, by the grace of God, no doubt. Surviving the trek across the highway, we entered the
colorful and cluthard-as-a-rock tered world of Bill Mary Janes, Tootsie and Buddy’s. I’d Rolls, and Mint Julike to say that I releps. There were member the propriplanks of sticky, etor as a jolly man rainbow-colored or gentle woman taffy. And, oh who greeted us yeah, Pixie Sticks. with warm affecEating them contion, but in fact, I sisted of biting off remember little the paper straw John W. Robinson about the folks end and pouring who ran the place. I do recall the colored sugar into ones however, that they offered us mouth until the end clogged a hazy glimpse beyond our up, then biting off a fresh bit 1960’s American Suburbia, of straw and continuing the a peek into the world of the process. There was lots of road, of country music, of bubble gum including Bathe frontier. The way they zooka, of course, with their talked was a little different, little comics, but also cellothe things they said suggest- phane-wrapped gum balls. ed a gritty life of hard work, My favorite was the grape a life spiced with moonshine flavor, and I can taste it now. and honky-tonk. I was very For a few more cents one timid, and very fascinated. could get into a bigger cateThe penny candy rack was gory of candy, and that meant around the corner to the left Cracker Jacks. It’s amazing as one entered the store, just how exciting it was to get the past the counter where the little prize within, something magnificent old cash regis- otherwise described as an inter resided. There was great significant piece of junk abundance and variety, Some of our favorite canCaramel Cremes, Atomic dy were unusual things like Fire Balls, Charm Pops, and Nips, which were little wax
The Recipe of the Week from The Happy Chef by Leigh Sackett
Romaine Sweet Hearts & Main Squeeze Lobster Skewers Love is in the air! When you hang out with 12 two year olds all morning the important stuff like Valentine’s Day becomes your focus! So I went all out and I am giving you two recipes for the price of one. These come from Rachel Ray’s Valentine’s Day dinner recipes. Just add delicious bread, the soft glow of candlelight and some kind of chocolate and you will have a complete romantic dinner just for you and your sweetheart. HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY! lemon juice. Add the artichoke hearts, hearts of palm and avocado and toss to combine. Season with salt. -In a bowl of water, peel the pomegranate to release the seeds; drain. Spoon the tossed salad onto the lettuce leaves and sprinkle the pomegranate seeds on top.
Romaine Sweet Hearts 3 tbs mayonnaise 11/2 tbs chopped fresh mint 2 tsp fresh lemon juice ½ cup chopped marinated artichoke hearts ½ cup chopped hearts of palm ½ avacodo, chopped Salt ½ pomegranate 4 leaves romaine lettuce from the heart -In a medium bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, mint and
Maine Squeeze Lobster Skewers Two 6-ounce fresh lobster tails 1 tbs grated orange peel, plus juice of 2 oranges (about 1 cup) 1 medium shallot, finely chopped ½ tsp fresh lemon juice Pinch of salt 4 tbs butter
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lobster tails, lower the heat and simmer for 8 minutes. Transfer to a work surface. In a small saucepan, boil the orange juice and shallot over medium-high heat until reduced by half, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the orange peel, lemon juice and salt. Let stand for 3 minutes, then strain the mixture over a bowl, pressing to extract any liquid. Return the strained liquid to the saucepan, place over low heat and stir in the butter, 1 tablespoon at a time, until incorporated. Cover the sauce to keep warm. Using kitchen scissors, slit the lobster tails and pry out the meat. Halve the meat lengthwise, then cut crosswise into thirds. Thread the meat onto 4 skewers and place in a shallow serving bowl. Pour the orange-butter sauce over the lobster skewers just before serving.
There's A Better Way Forward
This past week the House of Represen- fers immediate tax relief for working famitatives considered the so called “American lies. Rather than a refundable credit based Recovery and Reinvestment Act”. This on payroll taxes, our proposal reduces the legislation, which will cost the American lowest individual tax rates from 15% to taxpayers more than $1.1 trillion includ- 10% and from 10% to 5%. As a result every ing interest, is just another example of American taxpayer will see an immediate wasteful Washington spending at its worst increase in their income. disguised as an economic I also believe that we stimulus bill. The goal of need to ensure assistance Rep. Bob Goodlatte this legislation was to profor America’s small busivide tax relief to families nesses. Small businesses and invest in infrastructure. Unfortunate- are crucial to our economy and account ly, the legislation has been loaded up with for a significant majority of new product pork barrel spending like $600 million to ideas and innovation. Small businesses buy new cars for government workers, $44 are also central to the American dream of million for repairs to the U.S. Department self-improvement and individual achieveof Agriculture headquarters, $355 million ment which is why it is so vital that Confor prevention of sexually transmitted dis- gress enact legislation which reduces the eases, $50 million for the National Endow- tax burdens that hinder small businesses ment for the Arts and the list goes on and and ultimately overall economic growth on. and job creation. Small businesses employ In fact, the nonpartisan Congressional about half of all Americans, yet they can be Budget Office (CBO) released its review of subject to tax rates that siphon away onethe spending contained in the “economic third of their income. To ensure the future stimulus” legislation. The CBO concluded stability of America’s small businesses, our that this legislation will not jump-start the economic stimulus legislation allows small American economy now when we need it businesses to take a tax deduction equal to most. Instead of offering tax cuts, which 20% of their income. This will immediput more money into the hands of con- ately free up funds for small businesses to sumers quickly, the Democrats’ bill relies retain and hire new employees. on slow government spending. Only 15 Another key component of our ecopercent of the money included in the bill nomic stimulus plan is assistance for the will be spent this year. unemployed. Surprisingly, the Federal Nothing is more important to me than Government imposes income taxes on ensuring the future growth of our economy. an individual receiving unemployment While I do not support the “Recovery and benefits. We must make unemployment Reinvestment Act”, I strongly supported benefits tax free which will allow individuand voted for alternative legislation which als between jobs to focus on providing for focuses on creating jobs and tax relief for their family. American families and small businesses. Finally, our economic stimulus plan It has been estimated that the Republican takes the first steps toward stabilizing economic stimulus proposal could create home values. Our real-estate market has 6.2 million jobs over the next two years. been paralyzed. In order to encourage reOur economic stimulus legislation of- sponsible buyers to enter the market and
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stabilize prices, our proposal provides a home-buyers tax credit of $7,500 for those buyers who can make a minimum downpayment of 5%. Our economy faces historic and unprecedented challenges. A massive increase in government spending is simply not the answer to this current crisis. I remained committed to working with Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle to enact responsible legislation which puts money back into the hands of those who can really turn our economy around – the American people and small businesses.
soda bottles about four inches high. One would bite off the top and suck out the minute amount of colored sugar water from within. And there were other wax delights, such as the fat, red lips and white teeth which one could wear over one’s own. We still had teeth at the time. And we really loved those candy cigarettes, the hard, white kind with the red tips, as well as the light green and pink bubble gum ones. You just don’t see candy cigarettes today. Most of our forays across the highway to Bill and Buddy’s were in our pursuit of candy, but other things came as a result. We learned a little about freedom and independence, a little about responsibility. We learned life’s lessons from the older kids, and we passed on our wisdom to the younger ones. We entertained ourselves, and we glimpsed the world beyond. And, of course, we enjoyed smoking candy cigarettes. I really miss those things. Contact John at jwr77@verizon.net
Preacher’s Corner Our Economic Crisis: Danger and Possibility By Rev. Mark Graham
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ast summer’s Olympics from China fascinated me for many reasons, not the least of which was the way it offered insights into Chinese culture. Listening to the commentary, I learned for example that in the Mandarin language the word “crisis” is formed by a combination of two characters, the ones for “danger” and “possibility.” I find that interesting, understanding a crisis as an opportunity for both danger and possibility, and it may be helpful for us to consider this truth as we deal with our current economic crisis. Obviously, we can count many dangers with the economy’s downturn. Jobs lost. Incomes slashed. Retirement plans wiped out. Children and families, singles and couples, the young and the old left wondering how ends will be met. Dangers indeed abound. But so do possibilities, given the crisis we’re in, and they too are many. We’ll learn to love and trust God alone, loving the Lord more than money. We’ll become more thankful to God for the blessings we have rather than pining for the desires we want. We’ll discover new ways of supporting family
GOT A LOT OF IDEAS? The Roanoke Star-Sentinel wants to hear your stories and know about your events. Send pics, info and contact info to submissions@theroanokestar.com
and friends in need. We will find more time for prayer. We’ll be led to confess our sins of greed and hubris and seek the Lord’s ways of living more for others. In short, we’ll become different people, more like the people God wants us to be. This economic crisis, as with any crisis, means danger is afoot. But walking beside that danger is possibility. Through God, in fact, this crisis may yet prove the best thing that’s ever happened to us.
Mark Graham is Senior Pastor at St Johns Lutheran Church located at 4608 Brambleton Avenue in Roanoke (24018). He may be reached at 7740712. www.stjohnlutheran.org
Roanoke has a Saltwater Fish Store!
• Large selection • Live corals • Aquariums & equipment • Delivery & set-up • Maintenance for home or business 540-580-7755 1428 Roanoke Road (Across from Lord Botetourt High School)
T-F 3-7 pm, Sat 12-6 pm, Sun 1-5
“I am the slowest
”
carpet cleaner in Roanoke.
Williams Carpet Cleaning I will give your carpet the time and attention it deserves to produce the best results possible.
2 rooms and a hall for $75 5 rooms and a hall for $155 Furniture cleaning also available!
Danny Williams 989-1825
Page 6 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 2/6/09
TheRoanokeStar.com
[Community Service]
Photo by Dawn Galbraith
Each grade level at Roanoke Catholic School participates in community service and the fourth grade classes have adopted the preschoolers at the TAP center on Jefferson Street. The students earned over $800 by performing chores to provide Christmas gifts for the TAP children. In early January, several of the fourth grade girls expressed an interest in learning how to knit. Three girls who knew how to knit then taught their classmates and there are now about fourteen children who are actively knitting. The children have all decided to put their knitting skills to good use and knit scarves for their TAP buddies.
Con Artists Use Cell Phone Text Messages to Scam Consumers BBB Serving Western Virginia warns consumers about a new 'phishing' scam con artists are using to steal personal and financial information. These solicitations are currently rampant in Tennessee and Alabama but BBB experience shows that the phishing scam will appear in our area using the names of our local financial institutions in the near future. This information is to prepare consumers and help them recognize the scam when they are solicited. BBB of Nashville, TN has received calls from consumers who have indicated they received a text message on their cell phone which states "Your SOUTHEAST FINANCIAL FCU account is closed due to unusual activity. Call us now at 888.554.6426 or 888.391.4771." The message appears to come from Southeast Financial Federal Credit Union, a legitimate Nashville financial institution. BBB called the phone numbers provided in the text message and found the recording is requesting three pieces of information. It first asks for the consumer's 16 digit credit card account number. Once the account number is entered the recording repeats itself and never moves forward with requests of the other two pieces of information. Similarly, BBB of North Alabama reports that consumers have received text messages stating, Application Center / This is an automated message from Cullman Savings Bank. Your ATM card has been suspended. To reactivate call urgent at 1-888-873-9356. It seems that consumers are being targeted by their cell phone prefix and some consumers are customers of this local bank. Phishing is a term coined by computer hackers, who use e-mail and, most recently, cell phones to "fish" consumers hoping to "hook" recipients into giving them logins, passwords and/or other sensitive information. In all these scams, the phisher first impersonates a legitimate company. In a typical scam, the phisher instructs recipients to call a number or click on a convenient internet link to receive or provide information that can then be used by phishers to access the recipient sensitive personal or business information and commit identity theft. BBB advises consumers to NEVER give personal information to parties you are unfamiliar with, and to keep in mind your bank, credit card company or other financial institution would never ask for personal information they already have on file. If you have any further questions contact the BBB on our website www.vawest.bbb.org or by calling (540)342-3455.
Business at Goodwill thrift stores has been brisk recently.
Council of Community Services offers assistance in tough times In these difficult economic times, with many people simply trying to make ends meet, the Roanoke-based Council of Community Services (CCS) agency is offering assistance to those who call Virginia 211. For people out of work, or those whose hours have been reduced, it can be easy to get behind financially, but CCS is standing by to help. Many who call the councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 211 phone number are lower-middle income families that need help with mortgage payments, according to Pam Kestner-Chappelear, CCS Executive Director. The agency acts as a clearinghouse for information on social services available in the region. People who need answers to questions about handling their money more effectively can be referred to the Consumer Credit Counseling office, said Kestner-Chappelear, who urges people to call for help before things get â&#x20AC;&#x153;really bad.â&#x20AC;? According to Daniel Merenda, Vice President of Planning at CCS, financial aid for utilities and fuel bills was the main reason cited from those who called in during the last half of 2008. The agency received 257 calls over the past six months, compared to 177 calls from the same time period in 2007, an increase of 45%. The number of callers seeking information about monetary assistance for housing costs also spiked during that time frame. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I believe we are doing everything we can to help people find resources to meet their financial needs,â&#x20AC;? said Merenda, â&#x20AC;&#x153;[but] the calls we are receiving exceed the resources that are available to help people meet those needs.â&#x20AC;? If in debt, â&#x20AC;&#x153;donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let it get out of hand,â&#x20AC;? added KestnerChappelear. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let pride get in the wayâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; [and] you are
not alone.â&#x20AC;? Mental health issues can be a challenge these days, with more people becoming anxious and depressed, noted Kestner-Chappelear. Believing there is no way to get ahead, some folks lose focus and see the bad times as a reflection of themselves. They blame themselves for not being a good provider. To help combat those issues, CCS can make referrals for mental health counseling. One of many local resources, the Council of Community Services also refers people to Goodwill of the Valleys. The donations received by Goodwill in December 2008 were higher than in 2007, according to Jim Shaver, Goodwillâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Vice President for Marketing and Development. Figures were derived from tracking individual donors. In the first half of the current fiscal year however, donations â&#x20AC;&#x153;were beginning to slow down in quality and quantity,â&#x20AC;? he said. Shaver said â&#x20AC;&#x153;[Goodwill needs to] more aggressively solicit donations from the community to meet the demand of services we need for helping the dislocated worker.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;?[Goodwill] can assist people with job loss, [and offer] high quality merchandise at a fraction of the cost of other stores,â&#x20AC;? Shaver explained. Many of the Goodwill outlets have reported brisk business lately, including a growing customer base of people considered middle class. Goodwill is one of 12 partners with the Workforce Development Center at the Virginia Employment Commission. Goodwill administers aptitude and job skills assessment testing for those who have applied for unemployment at the VEC. According to Dolores Vest, president of the Workforce
Development Board for Region 3, â&#x20AC;&#x153;the Workforce Center [near Valley View Mall] provides much more than unemployment filings and job search services. There are, in fact, 12 major services available through the center. In addition to the VEC, Goodwill Industries of the Valleys, TAP -This Valley Works and Roanoke City Schools have full-time staff to assist individuals and businesses with job search, career assessment, training and education.â&#x20AC;? Goodwill offers help to the unemployed as well as to those undergoing â&#x20AC;&#x153;life-changing events that cause a person to change direction,â&#x20AC;? said Shaver. The clothing, furniture, etc. given to Goodwill is vital to the entire â&#x20AC;&#x153;donation stream,â&#x20AC;? and helps fund a variety of services. The Southwestern Virginia Second Harvest Food Bank is also a resource referred by the CCS. The food bank has 350 partner agencies in their service area, said Jeremy Butterfield, communications coordinator. He encouraged people who need food assistance to call. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll get you in touch with the closest food pantry,â&#x20AC;? Butterfield said. Second Harvest is not government funded and relies on the generosity of the community. With a slowdown in the economy, the food bank encourages residents (who are able) to donate more. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are trying our best to provide food to everyone who needs it,â&#x20AC;? added Butterfield.
By Joan Kastener info@theroanokestar.com
City Seeks Creative Connectors to Transform Community
Choices. Just like the comfort of your best friend, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s comforting to know that Oakeyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s provides choices. No matter where in the Roanoke Valley you live, each of our five chapels is available to you for visitation and services. If you prefer the assistance of a particular Oakeyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s funeral director, we are happy to assist you at whichever chapel you prefer. If you prefer cremation or a traditional service, we provide options. Honoring your wishes with comfort and compassion is what is most important to us. Contact an Oakeyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s chapel of your choice and let us know how we can serve you. 3!--9 ' /!+%9 02%3)$%.4 s 2/!./+% ./24( 6).4/. 3/54( !.$ %!34 #(!0%,3 777 /!+%93 #/- s
Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a comfort to know that Oakeyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s is here for you.
The City of Roanoke is issuing a call to the community to identify 30 local leaders who hold the key to turning Roanoke into one of the most desirable and sustainable communities in the country. The 30 individuals selected must be willing to serve as "Creative Connectors" by volunteering their time and skills for four to five hours a week for the next 12 months as part of the Creative Communities Leadership Program (CCLP), which was launched by the Creative Class Group (CCG), a world renowned advisory services firm associated with leading academic Richard Florida. The "Creative Connectors" will represent a diverse team of community leaders through their background, industry, age, race, orientation, and experience. The team's task will involve working with the community to build a more authentic and prosperous region through the creation of sustainable projects. Furthermore, this group will encourage the entire community to support these projects, which will be aimed at fostering a creative base for Roanoke. "The city is asking anyone who is willing to commit the time and skills to take on a leadership position, to put in a formal application," says City Manager Darlene Burcham. "Even if people do not want to take on the leadership role, we would still encourage them to attend meetings and learn about the program." The CCLP will be launched at a two-day seminar for the selected leaders on March 30 and 31, where the Creative Class Group will work with them to build an understanding of the creative economy, the community's 4T's (Talent, Technology, Tolerance, and Territory Assets), identify strategic economic goals, and develop a framework of projects to engage the Roanoke community. CCG Director of Communities and Research Steven Pedigo says, "We have led community engagement projects around the world, and we are thrilled with the enthusiasm of Roanoke and look forward to our research and seminar."
Send sports pictures, announcements and story ideas to info@theroanokestar.com
Sports
2/6/09 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 7
Oak Hill Academy rolls past William Fleming
The excitement surroundthe field and scoring only 9 ing the William Fleming – Oak points. Oak Hill extended the Hill match up turned out to be lead to 64-33 going into the more hype than substance, as fourth quarter, leaving many the Warriors cruised to a 75-45 fans scrambling for the exits. rout over the Colonels in front Despite the score, there were of a packed house at the Saseveral memorable moments lem Civic Center last Saturday during the contest. Early in the night. first quarter Colonel forward Defeating the Warriors Jamelle Hagins grabbed a miss (30-0), ranked #2 nationally by by Troy Daniels and scooped it ESPN.com, has been an imposup and in – without ever looksible task this season, and Wiling at the basket. Hagins, who liam Fleming (15-2) proved to led William Fleming with 12 be no exception. The Colonels, points, was also involved in two perhaps worn down from their other eye-opening sequences. road victory over GW-Danville In the second quarter, as on Friday night, could only Photo by Bill Turner Oak Hill began to pull away for muster their second-lowest Fleming scores against Oak good, Keith “Tiny” Gallon stole point total of the season and Hill in the Valley shootout. a pass from the Colonels and shot 27% from the field for threw down a thunderous dunk the game. The contest was the that put the Warriors up 27-13. nightcap of the Member One Valley Shootout. Not to be outdone, Hagins threw down a rim“Hopefully we get some more experience,” rattler of his own a mere 30 seconds later, leavsaid head coach Mickey Hardy afterwards, ing many in the crowd on their feet cheering. “against bigger guys, taller guys. Hopefully The two were at it again in the fourth, when down the road it will help us. I think we played Hagins challenged the 6-foot-9, 300-pound well at times. I’m proud of these guys.” Oklahoma signee not once, but twice, sending The first half was sloppy as both teams tried a second blocked shot right back in the face to find their rhythm. The Colonels hoisted up of Gallon. “We definitely got a measurement several air balls and were clearly out of sync of- against the best in the country,” said Hagins. fensively, struggling to handle Oak Hill’s full- “They’re not ranked third in the country for court pressure. However, the Colonels found nothing.” Hagins came on in the second half themselves within striking range at the end of when he decided, “it was time to go play. There the first quarter, trailing 17-10. was no time to be scared.” It was in the second quarter that William Gallon led all scorers with 18 points to go Fleming appeared to hit a wall. Oak Hill, which along with 11 rebounds. Byron Allen, who has looked to push the ball at every opportunity, committed to West Virginia, added 15 points overwhelmed the Colonels with their relentless for the Warriors. transition game, and used an 8-2 run, including Hardy said he wouldn’t make any excuses but a 3-pointer just before the buzzer, to seize a 40- said the Colonels “left a lot down in Danville,” 23 lead at halftime. when they got back late on Friday after a tough The third quarter was much of the same, as win. “But that’s a very good Oak Hill team we the Colonels continued to shoot poorly, miss- played out there tonight. They deserve that (#3) ing several open looks. Troy Daniels, William ranking.” Fleming’s leading scorer, had a particularly By Matt Reeve rough night, shooting a woeful 3 for 15 from Matt@theroanokestar.com
Photo by Bill Turner
Millbrook’s #32 Clayton Rodney passes to twin brother #34 Calvin as Knights Josh Henderson and Clay Lacy defend. Cave Spring's Josh Henderson (Right) goes over Millbrook #32 Clayton Rodney for a dunk.
Knights learn a valuable lesson at Valley Shootout Even high school basketball teams sitting pretty with a record of 15-4 (6-1 in the River Ridge District as of Wednesday) can learn something new about different ways to win. That’s what happened to the Cave Spring Knights boys team last Saturday at the Member One Valley Shootout in Salem, when the team shot very poorly in the first half (29%) and trailed defending state AA champion Millbrook (Winchester) 33-20 at the break. “I challenged them [at the half],” said head coach Billy Hicks, “because I really thought Millbrook was playing harder than us. They were getting every loose ball and every rebound.” Cave Spring may have been put off by Millbrook’s physical style, highlighted by twin brothers Calvin and Clayton - team leaders who also play football. Whatever Hicks said worked, because after the break it was a different game, with 6’10” big man Josh Henderson blocking a half dozen shots to lead the way. Hicks chided Henderson for only having one personal foul midway through the fourth quarter, urging his coveted junior to become more aggressive. Hicks also enjoyed playing on the bigger college-size court at the Salem Civic Center, which enabled him to spread out his offense.
“It’s a concentration thing [with Henderson],” said Hicks of his star center’s turnaround. Henderson had no fouls and just one point at half time but finished with 16, and 10 rebounds. “When he comes out really focused he’s fantastic. When he’s not as focused [he] tends to wander a bit.” “I was trying to be more physical,” said Henderson of his play in the second half. “We worked as a team [better] and we all just fed off each other.” It took the Knights a while to get used to Millbrook’s style of play admitted Henderson. “We were able to fight back. This prepares us for the [postseason] tournament.” The coaching staff at halftime told Henderson to go out and take over – which he did with the help of teammates that hit outside shots. Hicks said Henderson is “exceedingly intelligent,” and may actually get “bored” at times. There won’t be much time for boredom come playoff time. “We said we were going to approach this game like a regional [playoff] tournament,” said Hicks. “It was an opponent we didn’t know a lot about. I always like to play a tough, non-district game late in the season. They’re the defending state champs. That’s a tremendous win for us. That was a good team we beat.” By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net
Photo by Bill Turner
Ex-Titan honored: now a New York Yankees farmhand, former Hidden Valley pitching ace Mikey O’Brien became the first athlete ever to have his number retired by the seven-yearold Southwest Roanoke County school. The ceremony took place before a basketball game last Thursday. Pictured: (L-R) Susan O’Brien (mother), James O’Brien (father), Mikey O’Brien, Hidden Valley head baseball coach Jason Taylor. O’Brien reports to spring training in Tampa early this month.
Super Bowl weekend gets started early with breakfast Super Bowl XLIII pre-game festivities began as early as last Saturday morning at St. John’s Lutheran Church. About 100 people gathered for a breakfast – joining another 500 sites around the country where groups met to enjoy a closed circuit telecast from Tampa. The local event’s emcee, Doug Kirtley, a member of St. John’s ministry staff, is a Denby High School (Norfolk) Alum, as is Pittsburgh’s head coach Mike Tomlin. “We are called to go out of the huddle and run the play,” said Kirtley as the pancakes and sausage breakfast were served. “We are called into action.” The occasion was the annual Athletes in Action Super Bowl Breakfast, hosted by former NFL quarterback Brent Jones. Cave Spring High School head football coach Tim Fulton attended the local gathering along with several of his players. Coaches from Hidden Valley (Randy Bush - basketball-football), North Cross (Eric Lawrence-baseball) and Salem (Jim Fedison-football) were also on hand. Former Cave Spring quarterback Cory Paxton, now serving as a youth minister for St. John’s, was there, chasing his young daughter around the fellowship hall. The annual Athletes in Action Super Bowl Breakfast has become a major event over the past two decades, and this year was no different. Former NFL
head coach Tony Dungy was honored during the ceremony and served as the telecast’s keynote speaker, with legendary Green Bay Packers QB Bart Starr on hand to present an award. Former Tampa Bay Bucs defensive lineman, Lee Roy Selmon, was also among those who spoke during the telecast.
Former players and friends spoke about Dungy’s humbleness, faith in God and community commitment, and said they were excited to see what he would do next, now that he is retired.
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Page 8 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 2/6/09
Planning Commission members warn Council of unattainable tree canopy goal During a joint meeting with Roanoke City Council earlier this week, Planning Commission member Rick Williams declared there was “zero chance of [Roanoke City] achieving its tree canopy goals.” In 2003, Roanoke City Council set a goal of reaching a 40% tree canopy within city limits over 10 years. Planning Commission Chair Kent Chrisman said Roanoke is suffering from the “Urban Island” effect, which can occur when temperatures are elevated due to the thermal effect created by an increase in asphalt and pavement. He also noted that without the help of the private sector, Roanoke will not meet its goal. Williams said most of the available land in the city is publicly owned or unshielded street corridors. He called the tree canopy a “civic obligation” and said the city does not have enough open space available to reach its goal. City Council member Anita Price said, “it’s deplorable. [I do]
not want to see the goal brushed aside.” Chrisman suggested tax abatement incentives that would result in minimal financial impact on the city. Williams identified VDOT’s 10th Street project, which will leave just a two-foot wide area for trees to be planted. Four to five feet of space between a sidewalk and street is considered ideal. Williams said this is contrary to the city’s comprehensive plan and that large street corridors need sufficient tree canopy to create effective thermal protection. It was suggested to include additional tree and landscape incentives when the city offers business incentives. City Councilman Court Rosen said, “[I] don’t want to see another hurdle …to incentives by adding restrictions.” Other business at joint meeting: Planning Commission member Richard Rife presented a plan to add four wind turbines to the light poles at the new William Fleming football stadium.
Rife said turbines would generate enough electricity to light the football field at night. During daylight hours, the electricity would feed back into the grid, thereby reversing the electric meter and saving money. The stadium wind turbines will be 92 feet tall – only 10 feet higher than the light pools. Rife wants Council to consider zoning changes for the future use of wind turbines throughout the city by both commercial and residential property owners. Anemometers can be used to determine where there is sufficient wind to make placement cost effective. Rife said that the level area near the airport is a sufficiently windy location. The Federal Aviation Administration requires notification if a wind turbine is sited within 20,000 feet of an existing runway. The new school and stadium are less than 5,000 feet from the closest runway at Roanoke Regional Airport.
TheRoanokeStar.com
[Kids Adventuring in the Valley]
Photos by Jon Beard
Kids Adventuring in the Valley’s (KIVA’s) “First Birthday Bash” was held Saturday, January 24th, at the Mill Mountain Discovery Center with more than 110 people joining in the celebration. Mr. and Mrs. Van Guilder of the Southwest Virginia Second Harvest Food Bank spoke to the group about how the Food Bank provides for the community. KIVA members were encouraged to help by spreading the word and volunteering. Over 132 pounds of food were collected at the event. The kids made “dirt” and “worm” covered cupcakes and hiked to the Mill Mountain Star. The families who stayed late for clean up duty were treated to a tour and preview of upcoming events and exhibits at the Mill Mountain Discovery Center.
By Valerie Garner Valerie.Garner@cox.net
“Spots on Spec” puts Craig Wright back on the radio Craig Wright’s voice is well known in the valley, having hosted a talk show on WFIR for more than six years, and providing voice-over talent for many local radio and television commercials over the past few decades. Now Wright is hoping to take his career to the next level with a new business, “Spots on Spec”. A website bearing the same name, “SpotsonSpec.com”, will “point people to a place where
they can hear samples,” said Wright. At “SpotsonSpec.com”, Wright demonstrates regional dialects and other voices, showing potential clients a range of styles. He’s even written jingles for local companies such as For Sale By Owner. Admittedly, Wright feels much of the voice-over work he hears is not very good. Wright, who hosts the weekly Cox Cable show, In the News, and also runs a gaming
business, is a longtime television and radio producer who had worked in several major markets before settling in Roanoke. Production work on spots, when an advertiser buys airtime, often becomes an afterthought said Wright, with radio station personnel typically voicing the ads themselves. Radio station staff may do so many, a particular client’s message can get lost; that’s where Wright aims to step in,
offering competitive prices for more distinct voice-over work. “I don’t know why people would spend money on the advertising time … and then ‘settle’ for a spot when they could have one that delivers their message better,” he said. “I think jingles are making a comeback,” said Wright, who followed the morning news program on WFIR 960am with a talk/phone-in program that leaned conservative. He
left the station more than eight years ago. Pricing depends on how much work is involved. Wright works out of his own homebased studio. “Spots on Spec” enables Wright to be heard once again on radio. “If they’re going to go out and spend $2,000-$3,000 dollars on air time, hopefully I can sell them a spot for $75$100,” he said.
Craig Wright is a familiar face and voice in the valley.
Roanoke City Neighborhood Leaders Form "Safe Communities Task Force"
Neighborhood leaders and their members are frustrated by the city’s inaction or slow response to home and rental property code violations in their neighborhoods. Last Thursday evening at the Gish House in Old Southwest 20 neighborhood leaders and activists bluntly vented examples of inaction by thinly spread code enforcement officers. Jeff Campbell, President of Old Southwest and Chair of the Roanoke Neighborhood Advocates facilitated the meeting that resulted in a decision to form the “Safe Communities Task Force” (SCTF). Campbell named several weekly rental properties on Mountain Avenue where tenants regularly engage in criminal activity – primarily drugs and prostitution. Prominent citizens in the community own many of these neglected properties. The intent of the task force is to educate homeowners on code enforcement with the goal of strengthening
city code and addressing a lack of timely enforcement. The Southeast Action Forum expressed dissatisfaction in the handling of “requests for service” that were “closed” but lacked resolution or explanation. Steve Hanson, code enforcement officer with the City of Roanoke, said in a phone call Tuesday that he had just come from a meeting that emphasized this very complaint. Hanson said in the meeting that he stressed to the code enforcement officers to be more cognizant in their explanations when closing an online service request. Hanson said that many of the requests lack contact information or are anonymous complaints. He added that increased foreclosures have added to their workload. Bank-owned properties are being vandalized resulting in deterioration and neglect. On the brighter side Hanson was encouraged by increased code compliance due to education efforts in
the city and the full staffing of the 13 code enforcement positions. He credits City Manager, Darlene Burcham’s efforts saying, “she actually drives around” the city and brings issues to their attention. Jay Moran of the Williamson Road Area Association confirmed Burcham’s cooperation whenever he had brought issues to her attention. Moran is working with law enforcement and the city attorney’s office in a cooperative effort to address property in his neighborhood that has been ongoing for five years. Though Moran’s issue is on the verge of being resolved he is committed to citywide attention being focused on blighted city properties. “Blighted properties bring down adjacent property values resulting in tax base deterioration for the entire city,” said Moran. In the Commonwealth Attorney’s office, Bill Braxton, who prosecutes criminal code enforcement cases said, “the court is geared
toward compliance not prosecution.” He understands the perception, as does Hanson that Judge F. W. Talevi is lenient when it comes to actual convictions. Talevi takes into consideration the financial resources of the individual
and is more apt to give the defendant more time to come into compliance, said Braxton. According to Braxton one individual has served jail time in the year he has been with the Commonwealth Attorney’s office.
Leaders in the Southeast Action Forum have crime issues that in some instances have resulted in the exchange of gunfire. Deputy chief of operations, Chris Perkins, said that law enforcement takes it as far as they can and understands neighborhood frustration. Calls for service that result in a homeowner or tenant repeatedly being criminally charged is frustrating for law enforcement as well. “Each case is different”, said Perkins and in some cases a judge will take into consideration extenuating circumstances such as an accused person’s efforts toward drug rehabilitation. This may be of little comfort to those who live adjacent to these dwellings as they witness drug transactions and the brandishing of firearms in their front yards. The task force will meet again on February 26 at a place yet to be determined.
By Valerie Garner Valerie.Garner@cox.net
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2/6/09 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 9
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> Puppies for Sale
Classifieds
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Found: Dog - Male boxer running alongside Rt. 419 just south of Our Lady of Nazareth church. He is a neutered fawn
and white male with a white chest blaze and some graying or white whisker hairs. No collar, but appeared clean and healthy. Now in possession of Roanoke County Animal control. > Help Wanted
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O Sacred Heart of Jesus, may you be praised and adored, glorified and loved, now and forever, throughout the world, until the end of time. O Sacred Heart of Jesus, pray for us. St. Jude, worker of miracles, pray for us. St. Jude, help of the helpless, pray for us. Amen > Haiku ads Place a haiku ad (5,7,5) for $5 per week Good brick work for you Home improvements and repair Free estimate too! 540-314-8386
Community Calendar > February
02/06/2009 8:00 PM Author of “The Rope Walk” and “Confinement” Carrie Brown to speak. Hollins Room,Wyndham Robertson Library, Hollins University. Craft Talk at 3:30 p.m. Green Drawing Room Main, Reading 8:00 p.m. in the library. For more information, visit www. hollins.edu/calendar. 02/06/2009 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM Western Virginia Workforce Development Board Meeting Goodwill Industries of the Valleys Corporate Office
02/13/2009 to 02/14/2009 Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam Set at Roanoke Civic Center 02/13/2009 to 02/15/2009 Star City Canine Agility Trials & Obedience At Salem Civic Center 02/13/2009 to 02/14/2009 Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam At Roanoke Civic Center Coliseum 02/13/2009 to 02/15/2009 Star City Canine Agility Trials & Obedience At Salem Civic Center
02/06/2009 7:30 PM to George Jones Concert Set With Special Guest Conway Twitty Salem Civic Center Admission $39.50
02/13/2009 to 02/14/2009 Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam At Roanoke Civic Center Coliseum
02/06/2009 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM Virginia Tech Roanoke Center Distinguished Faculty Research Forum The First Interracial Marriage
02/15/2009 3:00 PM to 02/15/2009 Roanoke College Senior Music Project In Roanoke College’s Olin Recital Hall. Reception immediately following.
02/07/2009 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM 10th Annual Tons of Fun at Tanglewood Mall is transformed into an indoor winter carnival, complete with rides, games, performances, hands-on activities, costumed characters, and more! Free Family Fun Day
02/15/2009 3:00 PM Music of Argentina Mezzo soprano Ada Lis Lara. Talmadge Recital Hall, Bradley, Hollins University. For more information, visit www.hollins. edu/calendar.
02/07/2009 9:00 AM Salem Police Officers Ball At Salem Civic Center
02/19/2009 to 04/18/2009 Binh Danh: In the Eclipse of Angkor Art Exhibition
02/07/2009 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM 10th Annual Tons of Fun 2009 Free Family Fun for all ages! 02/09/2009 7:30 PM “Hairspray” Coming to Roanoke To the Roanoke Performing Arts Center 02/11/2009 7:30 PM Fowler Lecture: “The Conservative Intellectual Movement” In Roanoke College’s Colket Center Wortmann Ballroom. 02/11/2009 5:30 PM NewVaConnects Board Meeting The Young Professional’s Voice for Action 02/11/2009 7:30 PM “An Evening with Oscar Wilde” Hollins Theatre. ickets are $7, free to the Hollins community. For reservations, call the box office at 362-6517. 02/11/2009 7:00 PM “Pimps Up, Ho’s Down: A Discussion of Hip-Hop and Feminism” Black History Month Event 02/12/2009 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM Ladysmith Black Mambazo Heavenly Harmonies. Airy a capella. Serene stage presence. 02/13/2009 Darwin Day Roanoke College’s biology department will host a celebration of Darwin’s 200th birthday and the 150th year of the Origins of the Species.
02/19/2009 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Artist Lecture and Opening Reception Bin Dahn: In the Eclipse of Angkor 02/19/2009 Reimagining The Distaff Toolkit Art Exhibition 02/19/2009 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Opening Reception for “Reimagining the Distaff Toolkit” Art Exhibit and Reception 02/19/2009 to 04/18/2009 The Light Fantastic: Irish Stained Glass Art Art Exhibition 02/19/2009 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Art Exhibition Opening Reception The Light Fantastic: Irish Stained Glass Art
> Feb. 5
FairTax Educational Meeting Roanoke Area FairTax will have a 30-minute presentation, “FairTax Websites,” followed by 30 minutes of questions, answers, and discussion. This is a good introduction to the various online groups that have sprung up to promote the FairTax. When - 6:45 p.m. (sharp) – 7:45 p.m. Where - Edinburgh Square’s Community Room, 129 Hershberger Road NW, near Planta-
tion Road, directly across from Star City Skating Center. For More - RAFT@att.net or www.RoanokeAreaFairTax. com.
> Feb. 8
Bridal Gala and Tea Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center 110 Shenandoah Ave. Admission $7 per person All brides receive a canvas bridal tote. 1:00 -5:00 pm Visit the Venders Explore the possibilities for your big day. 2:00 - 3:30 pm Afternoon Tea Enjoy a cup of tea and sample the goodies 3:30 - 4:30 pm Bridal Showcase Tickets are available from: Brides House & Formals, Belk of Tanglewood, Jewells Fine Jewelry For more info call 540.366.8360
> Feb. 14
Give Your Valentine an Arts Experience From the Taubman Museum of Art’s Tattoo Fashion Show, a special free film screening of Casablanca (1942) at The Grandin Theatre or a serenade by a quartet from the Virginia Gentlemen’s Barbershop Chorus, your Valentine will shower you with love and appreciation. And so will Mother Earth! For a complete listing of experiential gifts and art inspired offerings, visit The Arts Council of the Blue Ridge’s Virginia GEMS (Give Experiences. Minimize Stuff.) www.myvirginiagems. com and select Valentine’s Day GEMS. Virginia GEMS is sponsored by AEP, Cox Communications, the Roanoke Times, and WDBJ. For more - contact Krista Engl 540-224-1203 or kengl@ theartscouncil.org
> March 4
Career and Lifestyle Fair he 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 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. Have an item for the calendar? email it to submissions@theroanokestar. com 9-24-07
City offices will be closed on Monday, Feb. 16, for Presidents Day. As a result, the following schedule will be in effect for collection of trash, bulk/brush items, and recycling during that week. Residential/Commercial: All residential/commercial solid waste collection (including trash, recycling, bulk and brush) will be delayed one day. Central Business District: Solid waste collection in the CBD will be worked Monday, Feb. 16, through Saturday, Feb. 21, on schedule. For more information, please call the Citizen Service Center at853-2000.
Letters A comment public prayer
Dear editor, The current discussion about what name is used and to whom prayer is offered during invocations at Roanoke City Council meetings would be comical if it were not indicative of an intolerant and deep rooted problem in our society. Prayer is a two way conversation between a spiritual infinite Deity who is omnipotent, omnipresent and omniscient and finite humans who have the capacity to live spiritually while existing in the physical body. Prayer is also a way of paying homage to the highest of all authorities while seeking guidance for spiritual growth. Based upon the place of our birth, home training and personal development we are Christians who believe that God, our heavenly Father is the one and only Deity to whom we pray in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Others have, no doubt, been taught and believe differently depending upon their birthplaces, etc. using another name for God. The use of different names does not mean there are two or more deities. I and you are known by more than one name but there is only one of us. Is it then so unbelievable that the one and only all powerful, all knowing and ever present Deity could have different names while being only one? God is worshipped and adored in many different ways depending upon the organized religion of the believer. However, it is still paying tribute to one and only one Deity. Throughout the Holy Bible Christians are encouraged to love one another by our actions and our words. We are cautioned and strictly warned not to emphasize the material things in life. Surely other religions have similar doctrines to instruct their believers and followers to live their faiths with love and concern for each other. Just think how much more beautiful this world would be if all actually applied the teachings of our faith to our daily activities, including our work environment. If we were respectful and more tolerant of the religious belief of others, especially since there is one and only one Deity who loves each and every one of us, how wonderful our lives would become. The local, non-prevailing thought is that prayer should not be a part of City Councilor other governmental meetings. We believe the subject arose after Vice Mayor Lea used the name of Jesus during an invocation and one citizen objected. Councilman Trinkle has suggested doing away with prayer altogether in Council meetings and someone has even suggested not inviting ministers to offer an invocation! As citizens we find each of these suggestions abhorrent and unacceptable. Are Roanoke citizens so blind and arrogant that we will refuse to acknowledge God, the very creator and sustainer of our lives? Ministers/leaders of all
faiths should be invited to and they should participate in Council invocations. The discussion resulting from the use of Jesus' name shows just how much work there is yet to do. In conclusion we pray that our Father who is in heaven will bless you and your loved ones. We also pray that God will enlighten each of us as we travel together on this life's journey.We offer this prayer in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Evelyn D. Bethel and Helen E. Davis Roanoke
MMT Ticket holders forgotten? Dear editor, We have season tickets for the Mill Mountain Theater. In fact, we have another couples’ season tickets under our name, for simplicity sake, since we go with them and usually make the reservations. That means technically, that we have 4 season tickets under our name. I called the MMT box office, like everyone else, to try to reserve our seats for a specific night to see Driving Miss Daisy, only to learn that the box office wasn’t taking any calls. I went to the website and found their message about being sorry and hoping that season ticket holders would support them when they resurrect. I also found an email address. So, I emailed to ask how season ticket holders could reserve seats for this last show. I received an email back saying they would assist me and asking that I call. I was also advised that the alternative would be to show up an hour prior to the show to see if seats were available. I phoned and left a message. Then I phoned again and left another message and then I emailed again. The email response this time was brief and to the point -- “all tickets are sold. I am very sorry.” This email is correct to a point: my tickets are sold -- to me! How is it that the theater can re-sell our four seats without our permission? This adds insult to injury, and most certainly does little to promote good will.
Frankly, I am outraged. To resell these seats seems close to being illegal, particularly when ticket holders have notified theater personnel of the desire to reserve seats, prior to any mention of all shows being sold out. No other industry I can think of is allowed to resell something that’s been purchased, without at least notifying the owner. After many years of attending plays and being season ticket holders, we, like so many others, are crushed to see Mill Mountain Theater close, but we are gravely disappointed to be treated in this manner. How sad to have so many great memories soured by such poor treatment. Chriss Ross Roanoke
“We heard it through the grapevine . . .” Dear editor, I just heard from a pretty good source that the city will try to acquire the Roanoke Mountain campground possibly as a location for VF’s restaurant dream . . . thought you might want to know . . .”
Anonymous Roanoke
Send your letters (and confirmation contact information) to info@theroanokestar. com. 250 words or less please; subject to editing
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Page 10 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 2/6/09
TheRoanokeStar.com
Roanoke Company Selected to Roanoke Regional Partnership Participate in Virginia’s VALET Program Elects 2009 Leadership The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) today announced the acceptance of a Roanoke company, PESCO-BEAM into its two-year Virginia Leaders in Export Trade (VALET) program. Launched in January 2002, the program assists exporters in the Commonwealth that have firmly established domestic operations and are committed to international exporting as an expansion strategy. PESCO-BEAM joins the program as part of the 15th class of VALET companies. To participate, each eligible business must meet several quantitative criteria and complete an application process. Participating firms are chosen based on their dedication to growth through export. Currently, more than 100 Virginia companies have been accepted to participate in the VALET program. PESCO, Inc., established in 1991, produces custom designed and manufactured, turnkey, skid mounted, affordable systems for solvent recovery, used oil recovery, soil remediation, ethanol production, biodiesel production and byproduct recovery, evaporation and wastewater treatment. In November 2007, after investing 12 years of training and learning in a fabrication partnership with
Beam Engineering of Chennai, India, PESCO and Beam Engineering merged to form an international corporation PESCO-BEAM Environmental Solutions, with PESCO-BEAM Environmental Solutions, Inc. located in Roanoke, Virginia and PESCO-BEAM Environmental Solutions, Pvt. Ltd, located in Chennai, India. PESCOBEAM has more than 30 recovery systems in place on three continents. “PESCO-BEAM today continues to build on the legacy of PESCO’s well documented superior technology as a leader in the design and manufacture of recovery systems,” said Ashok Ganapathy, General Manager at the Roanoke facility. "PESCO-BEAM has already participated in the Accessing International Markets (AIM) program of 2006-2007, and one very profitable trade mission with VEDP to the Middle East,” said Luke Staengl, President. “Our excellent and productive experience with both of those programs is the main reason we are interested in participating in the VALET program. Our business is highly dependent on a successful export program, so we are eager to learn." The VALET program incorporates services from a team of experienced interna-
tional service providers who assist the VALET companies with their international goals. Service providers such as attorneys, Web designers, bankers, translators and freight-forwarders contribute essential skills for expansion into international markets. “VALET welcomes PESCO-BEAM into the program,” said Leslie Parpart, VALET Program Manager. “We look forward to working with its international team over the course of the next two years to assist the company in exceeding export goals.” During the 2005-2007 period of consideration, VEDP's International Trade Division assisted more than 100 Virginia companies through its export development programs, Accessing International Markets (AIM) and Virginia Leaders in Export Trade (VALET). The Virginia Economic Development Partnership, a marketing organization, was created by the Virginia General Assembly in 1995 to encourage, stimulate, and support the development and expansion of the economy of the Commonwealth. To learn more about the VALET program, contact Leslie Parpart, VALET Program Manager, at LParpart@YesVirginia.org or visit the programs tab at www.ExportVirginia.org.
Spectrum Design reopens N. Morris Building The historic N. Morris Building in Rocky Mount is reopening its newly restored doors today as one Franklin County’s premier spaces, and a cornerstone of the town’s uptown revitalization efforts. Spectrum Design, a Roanoke architecture and engineering firm (Church St.), was responsible for the restoration. The firm, which purchased the building in 2007 from the Historic Rocky Mount Foundation, completed a nearly $1 million historic preservation and restoration of the 95-yearold 9000 square ft. building, utilizing state and federal historic preservation tax credits – the first project in Rocky Mount to do so. “We’re pleased that we could play such an important role in Rocky Mount’s revitalization efforts,” says John Garland, President and Principal of Spectrum Design. “Cities and businesses everywhere are faced with the same challenge of needing to move forward in an economic decline. Historic tax credits are one way to ease some of that burden and we hope the N. Morris Building will serve as an example for future projects, and a costeffective rent solution for area businesses.” The firm, which specializes in historic preservation projects, restored all facades, original wood floors, pressed metal ceilings, and unique woodwork, and retained the original light fixtures with scalloped cast iron end caps. Third floor exposed raw timber beams
The Board of Directors for Shelor, Dr. Charles W. Steger, the Roanoke Regional PartnerJohn R. Strutner, Dr. Richard ship has elected the following R. Teaff, Charles Wagner, Joyce officers for 2009: Dr. Edward Waugh and John B. Williamson G. Murphy, president; Bittle III. Beth Doughty continues as Porterfield, vice president; executive director. Gerald Burgess, secretary; and The Roanoke Regional PartRichard Huff, treasurer. nership was founded in 1983 as Directors for 2009 are: Mia regional economic developchael W. Altizer, Don A. Asment organization for the greatsaid, Stephen A. Bennett, Kevin er Roanoke area that includes Boggess, David A. Bowers, Dr. Dr. Edward Murphy, Alleghany, Botetourt, Franklin, Jennifer Braaten, Darlene L. Partnership President for 2009 and Roanoke counties plus the Burcham, R. Daniel Carson, cities of Covington, Roanoke, Jr., John Chambliss, Stephanie R. Clark, John and Salem and the town of Vinton. Its proV. Doane, Randy Foley, Nancy Oliver Gray, gram of work includes image building, asset Bradley E. Grose, Teresa A. Hammond, Janie development, and business recruitment. The Hopkins, Dr. Victor Iannello, Debbie Kavitz, Partnership has been involved in business loChristopher S. Lawrence, Robert C. Lawson, cations and expansions that have created more Jr., Hal Mabe, Michael C. Maxey, Daniel C. than 13,600 jobs and $1.3 billion in investment Naff, Jr., G. Michael Pace, Jr., Melinda Payne, in real estate and equipment. To learn more, Dr. Robert Sandel, Dr. Carol M. Seavor, Cindy please visit www.Roanoke.org.
Two Woods Rogers Attorneys Selected as Officers in Virginia Bar Association Woods Rogers PLC is pleased to announce that two of its attorneys have been named officers in the Virginia Bar Association. Thomas R. Bagby, Chairman of Woods Rogers, has been selected to serve on the Board of Governors. Bagby also serves as the chair of the Virginia Bar Association’s Labor Relations and Employment Law Section. B. Webb King, a principal at Woods Rogers, has been named Secretary/Treasurer of the Young Lawyers division of the Virginia Bar Association. King previously served on the division’s executive committee. For additional information on the Virginia Bar Association, please visit www.vba.org.
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Hughes Associates Architects adds a little “Witt”
Hughes Associates Architects, an architectural and civil engineering design firm has joined in collaboration with the Architectural Division of MarshWitt Associates, P.C. under the Hughes Associates banner. Hughes Associates specializes in architecture and civil engineering design projects for religious assembly, retail, commercial, elderly and healthcare and high-end residential private clients. Donald Witt of MarshWitt Associates specializes in architectural projects for state, municipal and government agencies. This collaboration will ensure that Hughes Associates has the best of both worlds when it comes to architectural and civil engineering projects. A bit of irony is that Hughes Associates Architects will be celebrating a 25-year anniversary this year and MarshWitt Associates is closing in on their 25th year in business. and interior brick walls were preserved, along with renovated decorative column and beam covers and stair components. Among the building’s distinctive features are floor-to-ceiling shelves with a rolling ladder. Spectrum Design also added a rooftop It’s hard to feel bad when you’re listening to The Blues. observation deck, which offers a one-ofEspecially great, live Blues. a-kind, 360-degree view of historic Rocky The Blue Ridge Blues Society is presenting The Winter Blues Bash & Benefit, Wednesday (FebruMount and the surrounding Blue Ridge ary 11) at the Blue 5 Restaurant, from 7:00 pm to 12:00 am, featuring The Fat Daddy Band. Mountains. Donations will be accepted at the door and dinner reservations are recommended. The N. Morris Building underwent comThe evening also includes a “Blues Jam” and silent auction. plete plumbing, mechanical, and electrical The Blue Ridge Blues Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation, promosystem upgrades, which included the instaltion and presentation of The Blues as a true American art form. lation of high-efficiency heat pumps, and has The Fat Daddy Band has opened for several national acts such as The Fabulous Thunderbirds, been re-wired for computer use. Now comTrain, Susan Tedeschi, Cravin Melon, Zackk Wylde, the legendary Nighthawks, and Bobby Mespleted, the building is available for lease to sano and New Blues Orchestra. The special chemistry amongst Fat Daddy Band members is what multiple office tenants. Contact John Garland sets them apart. The band mixes their original music along with the “greats” of contemporary and ay 540.342.6001. For more information about traditional blues artists such as B.B.King, Howlin’ Wolf, Muddy Waters and John Lee Hooker. the building, visit www.spectrumpc.com. For more information, visit www.blueridgeblues.org or www.blue5restaurant.com
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TheRoanokeStar.com
One of the new images at the Link Museum – the old N&W passenger station.
Photo by Jim Bullington
The internationally acclaimed "Kandinsky Trio" consisting of Benedict Goodfriend, violin, Alan Weinstein, cello, and Elizabeth Bachelder, piano, recently performed to sold out audiences at both Roanoke College and Virginia Tech. Selections included Haydn's "Trio in A-flat Major", D'earth's "Suite from Silent Faustus", and Shubert's "Trio in E-Flat Major, Op. 100." The trio who have been together for over 21 years, has performed all over the United States and Europe, and is based in Roanoke, Va.
Kandinsky Trio: Bringing chamber
music to life far and wide The internationally acclaimed “Kandinsky Trio” consisting of Benedict Goodfriend, violin, Alan Weinstein, cello, and Elizabeth Bachelder, piano, recently performed to sold out audiences at both Roanoke College and Virginia Tech. The trio, which was formed in 1987, is one of the longest running chamber music groups playing today. When asked what he thought contributed to them staying together so long, Goodfriend, who has a very sharp and dry sense of humor, said “we hated each other when we first met and it could not go down from there.” However, the warm friendships, interaction, and mutual admiration for each other is evident when they are performing. Goodfriend and Bachelder, both live in Roanoke, and are connected with Roanoke College where they teach, lecture, and perform. Weinstein, who lives in Blacksburg, is on the faculty at Virginia Tech. The Kandinsky Trio are “artists in residence” at Roanoke College. The Kandinsky is one of only five piano trios ever to win the prestigious Chamber Music America Residency Award. In addition, the ensemble has received awards from the Presser and Carpenter foundations to
2/6/09 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 11
extend its artistry and visionary residence ideas to underserved communities. This led to recitals with orchestras, radio and television appearances with programs such as the MacNeil /Lehrer Report, National Public Radio, and the Minnesota Public Radio. They have also played in over 200 cities across the United States and many venues in Europe. Weinstein said “they average 50-100 concerts per year but have had years where they played over 100 concerts”. In addition to their teaching responsibilities and playing as a Trio, each artist also does solo work with various orchestra’s and groups both in the United States and abroad. The group is also well known for its work with students of all ages. The ensemble has conducted residencies at the Blair School of Music at Vanderbilt University, Interlochen, Purdue University, Penn State University, and the University of Maryland. They also have been invited to perform at many concert series where well known groups worldwide have participated. Goodfriend kiddingly said of one series they played “we were the only well known group I had never heard of “ !
Bachelder said “their mission is to bring classical music to as many people as possible and make it as much fun as possible”. They especially like to inject humor to lighten the atmosphere, and as Goodfriend says “make it music for everyone to enjoy, not just a boring elitist event.” He also points out “that when Brahms and Beethoven were playing, audiences were comprised of people from all walks of life, not just the upper crust”. Their popularity was evident recently as they had to turn away people at both Roanoke College and Virginia Tech. The highly appreciative audience was comprised equally of both adults and students. Selections at these concerts included Haydn’s “Trio in A-flat Major, D’earths “Suite from Silent Faustus”, and Shubert’s “Trio in E-flat Major, Op. 100. They are next scheduled to play at several schools in the Roanoke area as well as the Taubman Art Museum before going on tour in March. From the Kandinsky Trio, to the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra, and Opera Roanoke, the Roanoke Valley is rich in classical musical assets and talent.
Roanoke Youth Symphony Orchestra Auditions For 2009-10 The Roanoke Youth Symphony Orchestra (RYSO) will hold auditions for potential new members on Saturday, March 14, 2009 at Jefferson Center in Roanoke. These auditions will fill vacancies for the 2009-2010 academic year and the 2009 Roanoke Youth Symphony Summer Music Institute to be held June 14 20 at Ferrum College in Ferrum, Virginia. Membership is open to young musicians up to age 18. The RYSO has vacancies for the following instruments: all orchestral strings (violin, viola, cello, and bass), flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, French horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba, and ● Brandon Oaks sponsors Feb. 8 percussion. Under the direc● Woods Rogers PLC sponsors Feb. 9 tion of Roanoke Symphony Orchestra Associate Concertmaster James Glazebrook, the RYSO is the only professional with Jon Nakamatsu, piano orchestral training for young & the RSO musicians in southwestern Virginia. Over 60 young muFeb. 8 & 9, 2009 sicians come from six counties Shaftman Performance Hall across southwestern Virginia 3 p.m. Sunday; 8 p.m. Monday and West Virginia to attend weekly Sunday afternoon rehearsals and perform public concerts throughout the year. Musicians may participate ● Mozart Eine Kleine Nachtmusik with the RYSO through the ● Tchaikovsky Serendae for Strings spring semester of their senior year of high school, with ● Mozart Piano Concerto No. 23 other participation requirements. To request an application and schedule an audition, $20 to $48 ea., incl. tax. please contact the Roanoke Students $8. Internet , add $1/ticket. Symphony Orchestra's Education Director at (540) 3436221, ext. 231 or liz.lochbrunner@rso.com. Tickets & Info 540.343.9127 www.rso.com
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Link Museum is about more than train photos these days Roanoke’s O. Winston Link Museum recently celebrated its 5-year anniversary with a ribbon cutting and unveiling of ten new images by the famed New York photographer. Link originally traveled south to photograph trains in the waning days of the steam locomotive era. The Link Museum has some 2,400 negatives from that project., but only 350 have been shown to date. Link used Roanoke as a base, since it was then home to Norfolk & Western. Not all of them are exhibitworthy but museum director Kim Parker says there are plenty of images yet to be unveiled. “A lot of really stellar photographs [are coming]” says Parker. “He [Link]was fascinated with locomotives [and] Norfolk & Western was the last main line company operating exclusively on steam. He knew that would be ending and wanted to capture that...before they went away.” Link’s black and white photos also depict life in southwestern Virginia, often with trains as a backdrop. He would often wait for a steam locomotive to come chugging through a scene before taking pictures and wasn’t above staging a shot, such as placing a couple in a convertible at a drive in, waiting for the train to come by. “He constructed a moment in time,” Parker said. The O. Winston Link Museum has welcomed visitors from all over the world since opening
its doors five years ago in the former Norfolk & Western passenger station. It was renovated by Center in the Square, starting in 2001. Parker, a photography and arts major (Virginia Intermont, VCU) at the undergraduate and master’s level respectively, says the Link museum is also adding photography exhibitions that are not train-related, such as the current exhibit from photographer/watercolorist Ted Rose. “We feel that it is our mission to promote photography in general as an art form,” says Parker. “Its important for us to have other exhibits from photographers that may have nothing to do with trains.” The Link Museum also offers hands on photography classes for patrons and desires to be known as a “center for learning,” according to Parker. “It will also help us bring in people that haven’t been here before. We have good stuff happening,” declares Parker. Also at the Link: Teenagers in several after school programs around the valley were given cameras by educational instructors at the museum and instructed to go out and shoot pictures throughout the community. Images from the top 15 young photographers, as selected by a panel, are on display at the O. Winston Museum through the end of February. Family Service of Roanoke Valley helped coordinate the event, according to Cheri Hartman,
Director of Youth Development. Family Service is more than 100 years old, providing “critical human services,” said Hartman, to more than 4,000 families in the area last year. Hartman is involved with teen outreach and after school programs, like the one involving the Link Museum photography project, which is now in its second year. “We like to develop their cultural arts capacity,” said Hartman. The most recent photo exhibit debuted on Martin Luther King Jr. Day and runs through the end of February. Teens from the West End Center and the Presbyterian Community Center met with Leah Gardner at the Link Museum. Gardner explained aspects of photography before they all ventured out in to the community. Many of the images shot depict ordinary life in Roanoke said Hartman, while others illustrate icons like the Mill Mountain Star. “They are not that different than what I think adults would come up with,” Hartman said. Others photographs show children on a playground and tutors helping students. Most are positive images, something that doesn’t surprise Hartman. “This is a group that is dedicated to making a difference,” she said. By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net
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Page 12 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 2/6/09
Gary Sandman, Plowshare soldier Gary Sandman may be found just about every third Saturday at noon out in front of the City Market building (snow, sleet, rain, or shine) holding up a gigantic sign along with about twenty other peace activists. The signs usually describe what the current American death toll is in Iraq - sometimes they also tell how many millions of dollars have been spent there. Sometimes the sign just reads: “WAR IS WRONG.” But whatever the sign says, it is bound to say exactly what is in Gary Sandman’s heart as the devoted director of the Plowshare Peace & Justice Center in Roanoke. There may be no man east of the Mississippi whose life is more centered on the idea that people of every culture and of every nation can find peace amongst each other. Will Barack Obama make a difference? The new president
vowed during the campaign to set a clear agenda for withdrawal from Iraq. “I think any man who could raise as much money as Obama did is suspect,” Sandman said in response to a question about the country’s new leader, “but I hope he can get the troops out of Iraq soon.” Sandman, 56, was born and reared in Morengo, a small agricultural community just west of Chicago. He was a poor, Irish Catholic farm boy. “When I was a kid the Civil Rights Movement was happening and my working class neighbors and relatives were being shipped off to Vietnam. The next thing I knew, we were hearing about ears being lopped off and women being gang raped.” Sandman was shocked. When he was a student at Northern Illinois University he took a deferment, but later professed his
faith as a Quaker and became a conscientious objector. “My heroes were the Berrigan brothers (of Pentagon Papers fame), Dorothy Day, Thomas Merton, and Cesar Chavez,” Sandman said. “I read and studied them as much as I could.” Daniel Berrigan’s autobiography To Dwell in Peace which was released in 1987 was a more recent source of insight, but his Night Flight To Hanoi (1968) was already providing Sandman with inspiration as a younger man. Others provided inspiration early on as well: “While still in my teens I went to New York and met Floyd Cochran, a former member of the Aryan Nation,” Sandman said. “I heard his testimony about when he was with a hate organization in Idaho, but turned against them when his own child was born with a cleft pallet. He was told
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2173 Bennington Street at Riverland Road / Rt. 1 6 New Retail Center 2,000 square feet available 2,725sqftsubleaseavailable
by the organization that eventu- and concern for the environ- ’90s it was the Persian Gulf, and ally they felt it was best to eutha- ment that got me into politics.” now Iraq and Afghanistan.” nize children with such imperSandman said he believes Plowshare is now working fections.” that one man can make a lot of with a Quaker organization to According to Sandman, that’s changes in the world. bring “Eyes Wide Open” back when Cochran changed his “Robert Kennedy, Jr.’s grave to Roanoke, an exhibit that disheart and became an outspoken in Arlington has an inscription plays a pair of boots for every peace and justice activist, trying on the tomb marker that reads: Virginia soldier who died in to find ways to open up com- ‘People should not despair be- Iraq and a pair of shoes for evmunication between people, cause there are individuals and ery Iraqi citizen who has died rather than solving issues with small groups of people all over in the war to date. In addition, malicious tactics. the world fighting for justice,’” Plowshare organizes initiatives Cochran and others like him Sandman recalls. “The civil such as letter writing campaigns were instrumental in guiding rights movement began as a and candlelight vigils that offer Sandman’s life choices toward small, grassroots movement; protest against the death penpeace activism. He spent part [including] men like Lou Ham- alty. of his youth opposing power er, who was a sharecropper in In addition to his more overt plants and actively backing cer- Alabama that got involved and forms of activism, Sandman tain influential candidates for made a big difference.” writes and creates art. political positions. Being a sucSandman has been direct“My painting is essentially recessful “community organizer” ing Plowshare since 2004. He alism with an emphasis on relicame naturally to him - as it said that a romantic relation- gious art, and my writing is a bit did to President Obama, who ship brought him to the Roa- of everything,” Sandman said. touted that experience while noke Valley and after finding “I self-published Quaker ArtBOL 08 running last fall. his niche; he’s never wanted to ists in 1992, but Resistance Cer“I organized a lot of marches leave. emonies, a book about Vietnam in those days,” Sandman said, “Thirty-five years ago (1973) has not been published yet. I’m speaking from Plowshare’s Plowshare was called The Ecu- always working on something.” headquarters at the Grandin menical Peace Fellowship,” Sandman said that his affiliaGardens building (near the Sandman said. “The group’s fo- tion with the Quakers gave him Grandin Village center). “ButTom it Branch cus then Vietnam; then it an opportunity to think deeply Contact or Mikewas Branch was really the Persian4552 GulfFranklin War Road, became Central in theTomabout his life the silent Contact Branch or during Mike Branch S.W., Roanoke, America, Virginia 24014 BOL 08 BOL 08 services. is a behavioral Road, Since S.W.,heRoanoke, Vir Phone: 540-774-1208 | Fax: 540-774-13594552 | Email:Franklin bmc@branchmgt.com BOL 08 specialist with a local firm durPhone: 540-774-1208 | Fax: 540-774-135 ing the day, life is exceedingly busy. Contact Tom Branch or Mike Branch 4552 Franklin Road, S.W., Roanoke, Virginia 24014 “I very much needed the Phone: 540-774-1208 | Fax: 540-774-1359 | Email: bmc@branchmgt.com Contact Tom Branch or Mike Branch hour of silence and a chance to Contact Tom Branch or4552 Mike Franklin Branch Road, S.W., Roanoke, Virginia 24014 Available ” he said. “Quaker genius Branch Management Corp.Space specializes in unique solutions to| Fax: meet your needs. Phone: 540-774-1208 540-774-1359 | reflect, Email: bmc@branchmgt.com 4552 Franklin Road, S.W., Roanoke, Virginia 24014 Branch Management Corp. specializes in unique to meet your needs. Phone: 540-774-1208 | Fax:solutions 540-774-1359 | Email: bmc@branchmgt.com Branch Management Corp. specializes in unique George Fox is onesolutions of my heroes Expanding | Downsizing |Ownership Ownership | Leasing | Selling | Selling Expanding | Downsizing | | Leasing too. ” For more information on these and other properties that we have available, please visit Expanding www.branchmgt.com today!| Downsizing | Ownership | Leasing Sandman said Fox saw a viFor more information on these and otherCorp. properties that we have available, Branch Management specializes in pleaseManagement visit today! Branch specializes inon unique solutions meet needs. sion, your and was willingthat to follow Forwww.branchmgt.com moreCorp. information these andtoother properties weit unique solutions toinmeet your Branch Management Corp. specializes unique solutions toneeds. meet your needs. visit| Leasing www.branchmgt.com all the way to prison today! during the Expanding | Downsizingplease | Ownership | Selling Expanding | Downsizing | Ownership | Leasing | Selling d For more information on these and other properties that we haveInquisition. available, rerty For more on these properties that we have available, today! please visit www.branchmgt.com other and tu information “The Quakers have been ex e a please visit www.branchmgt.com today!
p e F ro ploring peace-making for about P 400 years, ” Sandman said. “A worthy pursuit.” Peace isn’t always the easiest Hollins at Palmer at Palmer Hollins at Palmer path according to Sandman, Business Center Hollins 802 Kerns Avenue Business Center 802 Kerns Avenue Business Center 802 Kerns Avenue Hollins at Palmer 24 acres For Sale when or Lease it conflicts 24 acres 24 acres For Sale or Lease For Sale particularly or Lease Build to Suit Business Center to Suit 100,000 sq ft 100,000 sq ft Build to Suit WillBuild Will Subdivide Subdivide 100,000 sq ftcapitalism. But, he stressed, with 24 acres Will Subdivide Build to SuitSpace • For Sale or Lease how many worthy pursuits have Warehouse Will Subdivide been easy? (see plowshareva. 7704 Enon Drive Roanoke, VA org for more information on • 24,000 sq. ft. • Manufacturing & Warehouse Space the Plowshare Peace & Justice • l -1 Zoning • 30 Parking Spaces Center in Roanoke) 2173 Bennington Street 2173 Bennington Street
Buck Mountain Road 4.45 acres ZonedC2
1354 8th Stre t 26,000 sq ft available Wil Subdivide
Blue Ridge Drive 3.236 acres Build to Suit Wil Subdivide
Space Available Space Available
Available SpaceSpace Available
Hollins at Palmer Business Center 24 acres Build to Suit Will Subdivide
802 Kerns Avenue For Sale or Lease 100,000 sq ft
Old Rocky Mount Road 4.9 acres Great office location
Peters Creek Road 10 acres Build to Suit Wil Subdivide
2173 Bennington Street at Riverland Road / Rt. 116 New Retail Center 2,000 square feet available 2,725 sq ft sublease available
Uncertain about the market? There’s a place for people like you. Here.
TheRoanokeStar.com
A Plowshare rally.
Valley BMW
For Sale or Leas e on100,000sqft
Buck Mountain Road 4.45 acres Zoned C2
1354 8th Street 26,000 sq ft available Will Subdivide
Blue Ridge Drive 3.236 acres Build to Suit Will Subdivide
Buck Mountain Road at Riverland Road Rt. 116 at/Riverland Road / Rt. 116 4.45 acres New Retail Center New Retail Center Zoned C2 2,000 square feet2,000 available square feet available Old Rocky Mount Road Peters Creek Road 2,725 sq ft sublease available 4552 Franklin Road, S.W. , Roanoke, Virginia 24014 2,725 sq 10 ft sublease available acres 4.9 acres
Buck Mountain Road 4.45 acres Zoned C2
Contact Tom Branch or Mike Branch
Build to Suit Great office location | Fax: 540-774-1359 | Email: bmc@branchmgt.com 2173 Bennington Street Ph: 540-774-1208 Will Subdivide ByRoad Mary Ellen Campagna Buck Mountain at Riverland Road / Rt. 116 2173 Bennington Street 4.45 acres info@theroanokestar.com New Retail Center at Riverland Road / Rt. 116 Zoned C2 2,000 square feet available New Retail Center 2,725 sq ft sublease available 1354 8th Street Blue Ridge Drive 2,000 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 2,725 sqBuild ft sublease available to Suit
Will Subdivide
Will Subdivide
Build to Suit Will Subdivide
Peters Creek Road 10 acres Peters Creek Road Build to Suit 10 acres Will Subdivide Build to Suit Will Subdivide Blue Ridge Drive
Let’s be honest. No one knows with Blue Ridge Drive absolute certainty where the market is 3.236 acres going. But, at Smith Barney, we do have Build to Suit Will Subdivide some well-researched thoughts on the subject. For help in rethinking your investment strategy, come for a free consultation where we can discuss: • Where the market is now • The current interest rate environment Peters Creek Road • The importance of having a plan 10 acres Build to Suit • What you can do now
Will Subdivide
The Meridian Group
3.236 acres Build to Suit Will Subdivide
Peters Creek Road 10 acres Build to Suit Will Subdivide
Old Rocky Mount Road 4.9 acres 1354 8th Great office location
Street Old Rocky Mount Road 4.9 acres 26,000 sq ft available Great office location Will Subdivide
Old Rocky Mount Road 4.9 acres Great office location
N. Edward Link, Jr. Senior Vice President – Wealth Management Michael B. Kemp Senior Vice President – Wealth Management
213 South Jefferson St. Roanoke, VA 24011 (540) 345-1555 nelson.e.link.jr@smithbarney.com http://fa.smithbarney.com/meridiangroupsb
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