The Roanoke Star-Sentinel

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The Roanoke Star-Sentinel Community | News | Per spective

June 11 - 17, 2010

County Must Live With Transmission Lines

Summer Squash!

P4– Summer is here and if you haven’t figured out a good use for squash yet, the Happy Chef has just the recipe!

The drive to bury them did not gain any traction – now some s outhwest Roanoke County res- Charlotte Moore idents and those passing through via the area’s biggest thoroughfare may be shocked by what will soon be constructed. Try 138 feet tall, 8 feet wide, 138 kilovolt transmission lines that Appalachian Power received the go ahead to build from the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors at its most recent public meeting.

Four of five supervisors voted to approve the projCounty News ect, which entails building those 138’ high towers from the Starkey Road AEP substation to another substation near Ogden Road, located behind Tanglewood Mall. Plans call for the transmission lines to follow the railroad tracks as closely as possible, but the towers and electric lines will cross Rt. 419/Electric Road just behind the County administration building.

A small building near the county headquarters will be torn down to accommodate the power line pole – which will be about twice as tall as the administration center itself. A proposal to string those transmission lines closer to Colonial Road was

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Regional Champs P7– Hidden Valley downs Blacksburg 3-2 on penalty kicks to win the Region IV Girls Soccer Championship.

P10– Stricter laws will put the skids on the use of eminent domain by the Roanoke Redevelopment and Housing Authority.

“AIR” Art Returns P11– The Roanoke City “AIR” - Art in Roanoke program will return with a second temporary public art installation set to open this fall.

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City Council Public Hearings Stack Up

In the Midst of the Art

The last council meeting on June 21 is looking like a late night for outgoing council members Gwen Mason and Rupert Cutler. Four hanging chads are yet to be decided before Ray Ferris, Bill Bestpitch and incumbent Dave Trinkle take office July 1.

Public hearings for the 7 p.m. meeting on June 21 include: the acceptance of the offer for the Buena Vista Community Center, downtown vendor carts, real estate tax abatement program modifications, and the Mill Mountain easement boundary.

Buena Vista Community C e n t e r ’s City News sale to Scott and Ascension Horchler of Richmond for $75,000 is expected to go smoothly. The buyer and representatives met with the Southeast Action Forum on June 2 to reassure the neighborhood of their intentions.

The Horchlers plan to live in the historic plantation style home on three of the available twelve acres after renovation.

They will lease out the reception hall for weddings and other gatherings.

The real estate tax abatement program rewards rehabilitation of old dilapidated structures by maintaining the

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> CONTINUED P3: Lines

Less Domain

POSTMASTER: Dated material, please deliver by publication date

W

Photo by Jessica Dodds

here does the art end and the man begin? Dickey Eikid sits among paintings at last weekend’s Sidewalk Art Show and ultimately appears to be the art itself by virtue of the fact that it is behind him, before him, upon him and clearly within him as he applies the final strokes to one of the works he completed as the show progressed. The event enjoyed blue-

bird skies and a record turnout as thousands gathered to view the works by Eikid and more than 150 other artists from across the country. John Wilson of Roanoke garnered third place with Kurt Kindermann of Bedford taking second. Gary Dodson of Arrington took home Best in Show. (See page 11 for more coverage.)

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> CONTINUED P3: Public Hearings

Eastern Montgomery High Student Roanoke Author Pays Wins RAYSAC “After Prom Car” Tribute to Service Dog Students from 32 high schools gathered at Valley View Mall to try to win a new car, but it was Stephen Lilly, a junior from Eastern Montgomery High School, who became the new owner of a Nissan Sentra donated by First Team Auto Mall.

“I can’t believe it. I’m so excited. I don’t have a car already and I don’t even get my license until next week,” Lilly said minutes after the key he had drawn successfully unlocked Photo by John Carlin the car, indicating he was the winner. “I had a feeling all day Stephen Lilly was all smiles after discovering his key fit. that I might win, but this is in- were selected to attend the Af- where they are safe.” Sullivan credible.” ter Prom Grand Finale Event at pointed out that since the proLilly was among students Valley View Mall on June 6. gram’s inception 22 years ago who won a chance ”The car is the in- not a single student had been at the car by attendcentive,” said Kathy injured or killed in a vehicular High Schools ing “after prom” Graham Sullivan, accident at a school participatparties designed to coordinator of Ro- ing in the car giveaway prokeep high school students safe anoke Area Youth Substance gram. Sullivan thanked First on prom night. In order to be Abuse Coalition or RAYSAC. Team Auto Mall of Roanoke, eligible, students were required “When the kids think they to stay at after prom parties un- might win a new car, they tend > CONTINUED til the events concluded. Four to stay at after prom parties P2: Prom Car students from each school

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A dog is more than “man’s best friend” to a person with a disability. Author Leigh Brill says her first service dog, Slugger, helped her physically, emotionally, and socially. Service dogs perform physical tasks but “part of it -- the bond between the dog and their human partner -- is their unconditional love and acceptance that they offer.” The Roanoke County woman has congenital cerebral palsy, and she Leigh Brill and “Slugger.” says before having a service dog, strangers would stare or for magazines and the “Chickwhisper negative things about en Soup for the Soul” series.

“Slugger made a life changwhy she walked funny. But now they see the dog, not the ing impact for me and I felt disability. “So it changed what like I wanted to share that. was negative into something And I think even at a spiritual level if you want to call it that, very positive.”

Slugger had such an effect I felt like that was the least I could do to share on her life that she the difference that wrote about him Non-Profits he’d made for me. in “A Dog Named I told him when he Slugger: The True Story of a Service Dog that was sick, that I would make Changed My Life.” This is her sure that all the gifts that he first book, although Brill is a published author, having > CONTINUED written dog-themed stories P2: Slugger

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Page 2 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 6/11/10 - 6/17/10

> Slugger Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 87. Light and variable wind.

Friday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64.

Saturday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 90. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Saturday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms.

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Sunday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 91.

Chance of precipitation is 30%.

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which has generously donated the car for the last 20 years.

“We think it’s important to keep these kids safe on prom night,” said First Team General Manager David Dillon, who was on hand for the giveaway. “If we can keep kids safe at 30-plus high schools by making a car available, we think it’s worth the investment in our communities.” First Team also donated $2,000 for two mountain bikes. Keenan Eastman of James River High School and Whitney Simpson of William Byrd High School won the bicycles.

Prior to the car giveaway, the students played games called “Goofy Olympics” to compete for prizes valued at about $100 each. At least one student from every high school earned one of those prizes, which were mostly electronics. After that, each student drew a key at random from a basket. Approximately 40 students tried their luck before Lilly’s key successfully unlocked the door.

Lilly plays football for Eastern Montgomery, and hopes to play

Increased costs for the demolition of the Reserve Avenue National Guard Armory and the Parks and Recreation building required a second change order. The original low bid of $175,000 to CST Environmental Acquisition, LP increased to $250,000.

The increase was partly due to the discovery of more asbestos than anticipated and included some additional masonry removal work.

On this vote, with ViceMayor Lea absent, Mayor David Bowers was the sole “no” vote. When asked later Bowers said, “the situation

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in college. He said he had already planned to obtain his driver’s license the following week. But he admitted, still grinning, “I didn’t think I would have a car to drive.” Organizers said Lilly, who leapt into the air upon realization he had won, showed more excitement than any winner in the event’s history.

“It’s worth it,” said Sullivan. We made Stephen’s day, and we kept lots of kids safe for another year.”

For more information on how to help keep kids safe on prom night or to make a donation to the cause, call Kathy Sullivan at (540) 9821427 ext. 2123 or visit www.raysac.org First Team Auto Mall serves Central and Southwest Virginia.

They are located at the intersection of Peters Creek Road and Barrens Road in north Roanoke County.

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Skip Decker Brush pickup will occur on paper recycling week and other bulk items on glass and aluminum can recycling week.

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City Pools to Open on Reduced Schedule

Fallon Park and Washington Park Pools are scheduled to open for the summer this week and next. Fallon Park Pool will open on June 12, and Washington Park Pool will open on June 14. Due to the impact of Fiscal Year 2011 budget reductions, patrons will note that each pool has separate days and hours of operation.

Fallon Park Pool will be open on Friday and Saturday from 12 to 7 p.m., and on Sunday from 12 to 6 p.m.

Washington Park Pool will be open on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 12 to 6 p.m.

Children ages 4 and under are admitted free, youth ages 5 to 15 are $2, and adults ages 16 and up are $3. Anyone under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

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Revised solid waste and brush pickup schedule: Manager Skip Decker gave an overview of changes in the physically challenged service.

For these households trash is not required to be moved to the curb. The service will continue until September 1 at which time applicants must resubmit a city-supplied application along with a form completed by a physician. To continue service, reapplication is required every 12 months.

Bulk trash and brush pickup will change from every week to every other week.

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her side as she wrote the tribute to Slugger.

Brill says sometimes Kenda would bring her a tennis ball, encouraging her to take a break or provide emotional support during the tough times.

Brill is currently working on the first in a series of children’s books about a 10-yearold girl detective who solves mysteries with the help of her service dog. She hopes to be able to visit middle and high school classes after they read the book and answer any questions about Slugger, disabilities, and service dogs.

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have.”

She says most people have said they love her book but it made them cry, referring to the final chapter which deals with Slugger’s death. Brill said that was a difficult part of the book to write.

She delayed writing the last chapter for awhile, but then when she couldn’t delay any longer, “I warned all my close friends, my family, my spouse, everybody. I said, ‘I’m not going to be myself for the next few days.’” During the next two to three days as she “got it out,” she sobbed, wrote a line or a paragraph, sobbed, and then wrote some more, until she was done. “The only way I could write that chapter was to remember the impact that Slugger had for me and to realize that doing his story justice involved writing that part, too.” She still can’t read that chapter.

Her current service dog, Kenda, was by

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shared with me would continue, and writing was a way I was able to do that.”

The book has been out for about six weeks and she’s been pleased by the reviews. Booklist recommends “A Dog Named Slugger” for middle and high school readers. Brill has been interviewed by “Just Labs” magazine and the book will be featured in Follett’s First Choice catalog in August.

She says writing “A Dog Named Slugger” was cathartic for her personally as well as an author. “Slugger’s story is his story, it’s my story, it’s Kenda’s (her current service dog) story, and it’s a story of folks who were a part of our life. But I hope this will also make a difference for other folks with disabilities, either those who already have service dogs or maybe folks who may be considering getting service dogs to help with different challenges that they might

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> Lines

6/11/10 - 6/17/10 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 3

From page 1

nixed previously.

Cave Spring supervisor Charlotte Moore cast the lone “no” vote for the project in her district.

Moore pushed for AEP to bury the power lines, even though the Ohio-based utility objected to the higher cost. Moore wanted to build a greenway on top of the buried line, which would also have protected view sheds and property values.

“Those towers may be visible from parts of the Penn Forest neighborhood and other residential areas,” notes Moore, who is up for reelection next year.

“We should be able to put these utility lines underground,” said Moore, who doesn’t mind going her own way on votes and may run as an Independent next year after winning as a Democrat in an upset. “We need to think about our children and grandchildren and what kind of environment we want them to grow up in.”

Moore acknowledges that burying power lines, which is more common out west, would be more

costly, but she feels the long-term benefits would “be substantial.” Besides providing jobs to help bury such a line, “it could provide the opportunity for us to have more green space.”

Moore also notes that the question of living safely near high voltage lines is “still a controversial issue. If AEP and [the State Corporation Commission] would allow just a small portion of these lines to be buried, it would set a good example.”

The freshman supervisor, who helped get the county’s “RC Clear” citizen’s committee off the ground (the group works to reduce carbon footprints) calls the AEP towers “another ugly eyesore.

There’s no reason why they couldn’t be buried.”

Additional County Notes: Charlotte Moore is open to the idea of placing 400’ tall electricity-generating wind turbines on Poor Mountain, an idea now being studied.

Final placement has not been determined. “I’m studying on it … and listening to the people,” said

Moore, who has questions about who will maintain them.

“Do we have enough wind?” she asks. “There’s so many questions right now.” She’s not sure when the Board of Supervisors would vote on any ordinance to allow their construction. Moore feels that what is happening in the Gulf with the BP oil spill may make some more receptive to clean energy sources – like wind power. “I hope and pray that it will.”

Moore is pleased with the efforts demonstrated by Wal-Mart and its contractors so far at the Clearbrook construction site for the new Super Wal-Mart, especially where sediment control is concerned. “They have done an excellent job.

That is [also] one of the cleanest construction sites that I’ve seen.” Wal-Mart also agreed to reduce the size of its proposed monument sign to 7’ by 10’, from the original 20’ design.

VDOT will realign the Buck Mountain Road intersection with Rt. 220 before the projected Oc-

> Public Hearings property’s original assessed value. The length of time varies depending on the use of the structure. The tax abatement program modification will eliminate the five-year incentive for conversion of apartments to single family dwellings. It will also reduce the 10-year abatement to eight years in historic districts. The property must be improved at least 40 percent higher than its original assessed value.

The chess game with downtown vendor carts will come to an end on June 21. There will be two options for council to consider – carts in downtown, carts in parks and on greenways only, or council can opt for no carts at all near term. Two public input sessions were held on the plans.

Last, but arguably the most sensitive issue, is the Mill Mountain easement boundary. At council’s Mon-

tober opening and build a second entrance into the Wal-Mart property, which will contain several out parcels as well. Much of the intersection realignment work will be done at night to minimize traffic backups. Moore said those who opposed the Clearbrook Wal-Mart have just accepted it; meanwhile “a lot of people are excited about it.”

Finally the long delayed South Peak development – formerly Slate Hill, across from Tanglewood Mall – is creeping along, with South Peak developer Smith Packett seeking bonds that would help fund infrastructure improvements.

Moore said the developer needs solid commitments from future tenants before it approaches Roanoke County for tax breaks that would help pay off the bonds. She would like to see an overhead walkway leading from South Peak to Tanglewood Mall. “Then they … could be partners.”

By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

From page 1 day morning briefing, Assistant City Manager Brian Townsend did a quick rehash of the two boundary options.

Both options allow for an expansion of the Mill Mountain Zoo. One option includes in the easement the once hotly debated Rockledge acreage, and the other option excludes it. About 28.8 acres of the 568 acres would be excluded from the easement on top of the mountain.

Other outstanding issues expected to be addressed June 21 include the three competing offers for Fire Station No. 5. Council had also requested a market renovation plan summary. Renovations are set to begin in September.

Townsend says “they’ll fit it in somewhere.”

By Valerie Garner info@newsroanoke.com

County Supervisors Disagree on Library Funding Diana Rosapepe, Library Director, prepared a video for Tuesday’s Roanoke County Board of Supervisors meeting depicting the depressed state of the Glenvar library. The cost estimate for the new 15,000 square foot library is $6 million. Assistant County Administrator Dawn Hyatt confirmed that there was enough money in the capital reserve to cover the cost.

After viewing the video, Vice-Chair Ed Elswick said he “was appalled” at the conditions at the Glenvar library. In comparing the extravagance of the planned South Roanoke library, Elswick said, “we need to be equitable in how we spread the money around.”

Supervisor Mike Altizer, while voting “no,” commented that the same staff recommending the new library had just recently lamented about what a bad budget year it’s going to be.

“We cut capital; now we’re spending $6 million capital,” complained Altizer. He wanted to wait another year to gauge the economic outlook.

Supervisor Richard Flora also voted “no” saying, “We’re cutting staff … not spending money on public safety … the timing is just not right.”

Chairman Joe “Butch” Church said, “Glenvar has watched $30 or $40 million of improvements elsewhere … the time is here – the time is now.” Funds for the library project have been used to balance the budget in the past.

Supervisor Charlotte Moore followed, saying “a picture is worth a thousand words – the citizens need a place to go.”

Elswick countered Altizer’s comment insisting that the library is “one of those basic things – we’ve done things that are not basic. Libraries are basic . . . We should spread the money around.”

Church, in his closing comment, raised the ire of Altizer. Church said the reason the library was not done years ago was “because there is a different makeup on this board [now] … all it takes is one extra vote to stand up for an area.” He thanked Moore and Elswick

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The Glenvar library construction passed 3-2 with Moore, Church and Elswick voting “yes.”

Altizer waited until the end of the meeting to take exception to Church’s comment. He suggested Church was questioning the integrity of the two board members that voted against construction of the Glenvar library. It was quickly defused with cordial explanations.

In other business: The board voted unanimously to decline grant funds for a wetlands walking trail at the South County library site, opting instead to fund the trail with available bond proceeds. The $77,700 grant from the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation was perceived to have too many strings attached on future land usage.

Flora remarked that the wetland could dry up with improvements in Merriman Road, leaving them unable to use the land for something else.

Several county citizens spoke on the contemplated restrictions on board meeting room usage by political parties and other county citizens. Most speakers had attended the Republican mass meeting on April 15 that added to the board’s concern over room abuse.

Roanoke County Republican Chair Mike Bailey and other speakers objected to barring use of the room by county taxpaying citizens, asking the board not to penalize all the citizens for the misbehavior of a few. The usage options were planned for discussion in the work session that followed.

In the work session, it was the consensus of the board to draft logical and practical guidelines for the board meeting room use policy.

Another work session to discuss the draft of the guidelines will take place following the 3:00 p.m. meeting on June 22. A public hearing will then be held at the next board meeting.

In other business in the work session: The board reviewed a written opinion of consultant Juliet White,

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Perspective

Page 4 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 6/11/10 - 6/17/10

A Subterranean Invasion - Groundhogs!

A

s early as 1674 set- signments, set to chomping on tlers in Virginia the tomatoes. became acquainted Of course we rushed to with this burrowing rodent. chase them out of the garden, Attempting to spell its Indian but it takes a while to climb name, they joined two Eng- the steps to the upper level lish words and called him where Harry had laboriously “woodchuck.” Later, fashioned terraces in Pennsylvania, with railroad ties to the botanist John create three beds, Betrand referred 50 feet long and to the creature as a 10 feet wide. These “groundhog,” probbeds were filled ably a translation with rich compost from the Dutch, and the lush growth aardvarken, meanpromised a bouning “earth pig.” In tiful harvest. But West Virginia, this these subterranean Mary Jo Shannon animal of many creatures feasting names is referred there daily were to as a “whistle pig.” Whatever making that more and more his name, he was an unwel- unlikely. come invader on our garden When they heard our apseveral years ago. He and his proach, they retreated, disaparmy of younger groundhogs pearing into their hole on the lived in a burrow under the neighbor’s property. As soon garden house of the neighbor as we were out of sight, they who lived in back of us. returned and the process beEarly every morning the gan all over again. We could march down the hill to our not stand guard 24 hours, so garden began, the stocky older we set a box trap, but without general leading the way, fol- success. No bait we put there lowed by several younger, could entice them from the hungry recruits. They divided luscious buffet nearby. the territory, some taking posiAppeals to our neighbor tions in the lettuce patch, other were in vain. She viewed the amid the cucumbers or green situation as comical -- these beans. The general stood erect, cute little animals, sneaking surveying his troops with into the nearby garden for a beady eyes, then satisfied that special treat – sort of like Pethey were performing their as- ter Rabbit, in Beatrix Potter’s

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colorful children’s story. She even sent us a “thank-you” card signed by Mr. and Mrs. Groundhog, thanking us for the delicious vegetables they were enjoying. The card featured a snapshot of our garden, decorated with cutouts of them feasting on our vegetables.

Harry decided to install an electric fence. He placed the wire at a height that would require bodily contact whether they crawled over or under the wire. Those thick fur coats must have provided insulation, for it failed to deter them. Soon our garden was completely devoured. We surrendered.

Then we received a call from our neighbor. She was frantic.

“How did you say we could get rid of those groundhogs?” she asked in desperation.

“They are destroying my flowers! They’ve eaten all my chrysanthemums!”

As the saying goes – “It all depends upon whose ox is being gored.”

Perhaps she also realized that an underground system of tunnels was hardly a selling point for a house on the market. Whatever the reason, the groundhog invasion was halted by a couple of “bombs” placed strategically at the entrance of their hideout.

To our surprise, the cucumbers and tomatoes and beans recovered from their assault, growing new leaves and fruit as the summer progressed. The harvest, though not as bountiful as it might have been, was especially appreciated.

Poetic justice!

Local Crossword Star~Sentinel Crossword

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27 37 41

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www.CrosswordWeaver.com

ACROSS 1 Sport group 5 Whose treasure is supposed to be buried outside of Bedford?

10 __ matter 14 Doing nothing 15 Rock and Roll "King" 16 Not far 17 Careen 18 Spend less 19 Myth 20 Part in front of the ankle 22 Railway that built the Jefferson and Walnut Street stations 24 Late 26 Can metal 27 Escudo 30 Top quality office solutions on peters creek rd. in roanoke 32 City in Arizona 37 Communication Workers of America (abr.)

38 40 41 43 44 45 46 48 49 52 53 54 56 58 63 67 68 70 71 72 73 74

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Headed Tax agency Ripped up Roanoke saltwater fish store also providing in home maintenance.

Warmer Classify Drugged Cement Dueling sword 1997 Madonna movie Grueling Look

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8 9 10 11 12 13 21 23 25 27 28 29 31 33 34 35 36 39 42 44 47 50 51 55 57 58 59 60

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National capital Speak in public Known Act in opposition to Which local business says ''If water runs through it we''ve got it!''

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Usages Run It was re-planted in the middle of McClannahan Street where it didn’t belong in the first place Object Great Talon We smooth the wrinkles out - ---specialty.

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NewsRoanoke.com

Things Happen . . .

ou remember the tag deterioration of a system or a line from the old mov- society. ie “Jaws?” Just when It happens so slowly that we you thought it was safe to go in don’t notice . . . until the catathe water . . . then the ominous clysmic event occurs. The hard music that reminds us that it drive crash and the car failing to was never totally safe to go in start aren’t true disasters. When the water. Things happen and the heart stops, when the oil sometimes, they are really bad. platform explodes, then things Most of the time, in fact near- will never be the same for those ly always even though there are involved. In most cases, changes various sharks around, every- have been occurring, unnoticed, thing runs along with for a long time. amazing smoothness Even before the given the complexsmoke clears, the ity of modern living. question floods into The computer funceveryone’s conscioustions at blazing speed ness: How could this for years; the car starts happen?

A better 14,000 times in a row question is why we on the first try; thoudid not anticipate it. sands of off-shore oil If that had been realwells pump billions istically addressed, of gallons for nearly Hayden Hollingsworth then the disaster a half century. Then might have been the hard drive crashes, the bat- avoided or at least modified. tery is dead, and the Gulf coast Failing to have done that, the may never be the same. In an next reaction is find out who instant all is changed and we was to blame and deal with are astounded that such a thing them. In many cases, there are could happen. In the case of the those who should have known BP disaster, the most amazing that trouble was lurking below thing is that it has never hap- the surface. They may have pened, at least on this scale, be- been too distracted by other isfore now. sues to realize the seriousness When things work flawlessly, of it. Worse still, they may have the tendency is to think that it been too complacent in their will forever be so. Such is not current position. Worst of all, the case; it never has been and is that the issue was known and never will be. All systems, hu- those in position to take prevenmans included (maybe especial- tive action failed to do so, usuly humans) are headed toward ally for economic reasons. entropy. There are number of Now, instead of the constant definitions for that word, but harping of those who don’t want the one that fits best in this con- the government so involved text is the inevitable and steady in regulating our lives, we are

The Happy Chef

hearing that the government is at fault in the oil spill because of too little regulation. There is more than enough blame to go around.

Perhaps BP has been negligent; maybe the government has been too lax in its safety requirements; maybe the National Guard should have been mobilized to minimize the coastal damage as soon as the magnitude of the problem surfaced, so to speak.

Eventually, some state of equilibrium on our path to entropy will be achieved but if nothing else comes out of this, it should be a realization that nothing . . . absolutely nothing . . . is changeless.

I remember a fable about a man who constructed the perfect white fence; it was the most perfect structure in all the history of fences so he resolved never to touch it. In a remarkably short period of time—less than a decade—it had completed its entropic journey.

Solutions must be found.

Blame, if just, must be adjudicated. As we as a society and as individuals continue our journey, its important to remember the words of Reinhold Niehbuhr: Give us the serenity to accept the things we cannot change, the courage to change those we can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

Contact Hayden at jhayden2003@cox.net

by Leigh Sackett

Summer Squash Casserole

Maybe those of us who love Contact Mary Jo at summer love it most of all info@theroanokestar.com for these reasons - the sights, Mon. - Fri. 10 - 6 • Sat. 10 - 4 the sounds, the smells, are all heightened. The flood of memories from summers past Presenting Our come into our minds as we create new summer memories.

All that is living seems so Collection fully alive in summer. I sat at the top of a mountain yesterHeritage Lace products bring a fine quality steeped in tradition, day and it occurred to me (for but appealing in a fresh and new way. the first time) that the warm Cackleberry Ridge is proud to carry a great selection from their line wind rushing through the and invites you to come by and experience it for yourself. trees, in the woods, on that mountain top sounded just 966-5646 • 81 Stoney Battery Road; Troutville • Mon.-Sat. 10-5; Sun. 1-5 like the waves crashing in the 2 1/2 Miles N. of Exit 150 I-81 • Rt. 11 to Troutville • Turn onto Stoney Battery Rd • 1/2 Block on Left ocean at sea level. I was glad I noticed this, for a new summer memory was born. Now one sound will always remind me of the other; as I stand on for 6/11/2010 the beach listening I will think of the mountains at home.

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Rot 75 76 Duces If we are truly living and 15 16 listening we will always be DOWN 18 19 reminded of life’s great gifts 1 Carved Polynesian pendant 21 22 23 in such ways - The smell of a 2 Adam's garden garden reminds me of going 24 25 26 3 Beers to our farm land with my dad 4 What heated cheese does 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 5 Custom-made when I was little. The call of a 6 Antlered animal 38 39 40 particular bird reminds me of 7 Tel __

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summer vacations at Smith Mountain Lake. The smell of pines remind me of family beach trips to Hilton Head Island. Summer is for taking all this in; for savoring the greatest riches of life which is life itself!

Well, out in your beautiful garden there is a rapid growing jewel of life that, if you planted early enough, should be almost ready to pick – summer squash! Be sure you pick it before it begins to turn ivory and fix up this delectable casserole; it is sure to enhance the sights, smells and tastes of summer.

3 or 4 yellow crook neck squash, thinly sliced crosswise 1 lg. onion, finely chopped 1 lb. Cheddar or Colby cheese, grated 1 c. cracker crumbs Salt & pepper to taste 1/4 c. butter, melted 1/4 c. milk Paprika -Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

-In a large mixing bowl, combine squash, onion, cheese, cracker crumbs, salt and pepper; mix well. Place in a greased 1 1/2 or 2 quart casserole dish.

-In a small bowl, combine melted butter and milk. Pour over top of squash mixture.

-Sprinkle with paprika.

Cover and bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake 10 minutes more.

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NewsRoanoke.com

Presenting Some Seriously Slippery Summer Syllogistics

C

hildren are more pli- as they can. Hurl themselves able, more flexible, onto the plastic and pray for more resilient and dear life there isn't a stick, or a more durable than adults. It's rock, poking up somewhere. If official. Not because the AMA they're lucky, they'll slide madsays so. It wasn't ly down the plastic proven by some desome 100 feet and cades-long research onto the grass at the far end, in a study conducted by squiggly squealing orthopedists. And heap. Yippee. you won't see it on But here's the any life insurance official part: kids mortality actuarial can do this safely, tables. Nope, you'll adults cannot. see it later this weekWho says? The end in a backyard Mike Keeler federal governnear you.

Folks will take a long sheet of plastic, and lay it out on the ground. Wet it down with a hose. Even better, slather on some Johnson's Baby Shampoo. Put on a bathing suit, or just a pair of old shorts. Back up about 20 paces, and sprint as hard

ment, that's who.

If you look carefully on a box of Slip N Slide, you'll find the following disclaimer from the Consumer Products Commission, dating back to 1993, "The WHAM-O slides are designed for use by children only. Use by adults and teens has the

potential to result in neck injury and paralysis. Because of their weight and height, adults and teenagers who dive onto the water slide may hit and abruptly stop in such a way that could cause permanent spinal cord injury, resulting in quadriplegia or paraplegia."

There. You've been warned.

You're an adult, a big, dangerous dope. It doesn't matter how fun it looks. How many gin and tonics you've had. Or how hot it is outside. If you decide to go for a slide, you're on your own with no legal recourse.

As for your kids, they're officially indestructible. They can pretty much do anything they want. Including suing WHAM-O. Yippee.

Contact Mike at info@theroanokestar.com

A Little Frustration Never Hurt Anybody

S

hould I do what I can to make my child happy?

It seems like a simple question and it is one that I hear often from parents. We are almost trained to have this “parental responsibility of happiness” mind-set from the time of our child’s birth. When a baby cries, we are told that they are either hungry, sleepy or need to be fed. We immediately go into the need meeting mode of parenting. As soon as we meet the need, they calm down and all is well. At this point it is easy to confuse the notion of meeting needs and keeping our child happy. Meeting needs is one thing, eliminating frustration in our child’s lives is quite another.

In the first few years of life, there are few needs that parents have not already met… now come the wants. Children, and many adults, have difficulty in distinguishing needs from wants and have very similar emotional reactions to both.

We as parents are not always successful at deciphering the cause of our child’s emotional discord and assume that if we are calming them down and keeping them happy, that we are meeting their needs.

Yes, this means that those who are over the top with spoiling their children may actually believe that they are doing the right thing. In fact, most of the parents that I have worked with over the last two decades with this issue, want the best for their kids and have a hard time coming to grips with the reality that what they have been doing is counterproductive. By eliminating our children’s frustrations whenever they occur, we are making it more difficult for our children to function in the teen and adult world.

When we take the responsibility of making our children happy, several negative messages begin growing in our children’s minds. The first is that there is something wrong with being upset or having negative emotions. This mindset can cause great confusion and frustration in a child. Children will have negative emotions, this will never stop.

When a child believes that these experiences are bad and yet they continue to have them, they may begin to question themselves, asking what is wrong with me. Another even more problematic thought is that emotions are more important than they really are and that being happy is necessary in life. Children, who are never allowed to suffer, have difficulty understanding that a person’s life can be just fine even when they are not happy or satisfied in the moment.

When a person believes this and yet has a period of prolonged negative emotion, it can

be devastating. It is interesting It is vital that we allow our that with the thousands of sui- children to suffer, not always cidal teenagers I have known get what they want, hear NO, be over the years, I can count on upset, cry, etc. Our goal is not one hand the numto keep them happy, ber that truly wanted but to equip them to kill themselves. to handle all of their The majority wanted emotions. A big part to kill how they were of that is realizing feeling. They did not that a durable child know how to funcis more of the target tion in a state of emothan a happy child. tional discord and Peace and contentthey misinterpreted ment is more imtheir negative emoportant than feeling tions to mean that happy.

Keith McCurdy their lives were no It is not surprisgood or not worth ing that the book of living. They had given too James relates that we should be much importance to their emo- joyful when we struggle because tions and had not learned how this builds perseverance which to effectively solve problems. leads to maturity and wisdom.

In response to these children, The challenge is to ask ourthe work is to help them under- selves, are we truly equipping stand that their emotions are our children to deal with their not always accurate indicators emotions or are we just trying of either who they are or the to keep them happy? In my exquality of their life. This is then perience, an equipped child will followed with helping to equip find more happiness. them to handle difficult emotions, a lesson that needs to be Contact Keith at taught earlier in life. psycyou@msn.com

6/11/10 - 6/17/10 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 5

Almost a Game Show Gazillionaire

S

how of hands, how Password and the $25,000 many of you would Dollar Pyramid. like to earn $25,000 "Pyramid" was my favorite. for one day of work? Those of Hosted by Dick Clark, the Pyryou who failed to thrust your amid featured contestants who digits skyward, you are either would try to get their partner 1) skeptics who worry more to say a word by describing about consequences than that object or thing. Examembracing advenple: For those too ture, 2) privileged young to rememsouls who see that ber the show, if the amount as so much word was "book,” pocket-change, or you would say "You 3) unmotivated read this" and hope buffoons (like me) the person didn't who fear that this say "text messages." offer might require Each day I would a temporary abanstare at the Pyradonment of the mid, my Cheese couch.

Doodle encrusted Jon Kaufman Fresh out of colfingers stiffening lege and halfheartinto a fist as strangedly seeking gainful employ- ers won fortunes. At the end ment, I spent the summer of one episode I noticed that following my senior year the show was shot in New mired in apathy. Nothing York, just four train stops from much interested me; my room my couch! Moved to action looked as though it had been for the first time since lunch, ransacked by a gang of gypsies I decided to travel into the big seeking a clean pair of socks, city and leverage my Pyramid my romantic prospects were knowledge into a windfall. remarkably bleak, and most of When I arrived at the stumy time was spent in front of dio I found out that a week's the television. worth of shows were to be shot In the days prior to the that day, one after the other. A cable revolution, one had few contestant coordinator then options for daytime viewing. appeared from behind a curPublic television offered hours tain and announced that anyof children's programming one who wanted to be a posand, after a few days, I felt that sible future contestant on the I was no longer being chal- show should write their name lenged by the "One of these on a clipboard which would things is not like the other" be distributed throughout the segment on Sesame Street and audience. decided to move on. Spurning If selected, prospective conBert and Ernie, I had but two testants would be called out of choices left, Soup Operas and the audience after the perforGame Shows. Unwilling to re- mance. Excitedly I scrawled linquish my man-card at such my moniker on the form and a tender age, I became im- sat through three hours of tapmersed in shows like Jeopardy, ing. Sadly I was not picked, so

I went back for another taping, only to be met by the same result. For my third taping I sat in a completely different area of the audience to no avail.

On my fourth attempt I wore a loud red and gold shirt and a green hat. You guessed it, nothing!

Frustrated and out twentysix dollars in train fare, I decided to change my strategy.

Noticing that people with odd names always seemed to make the cut I returned for a final assault. Attending the proceedings under the alias Rueben Von Wunderfloog, I was among the first to be singled out and whisked backstage.

Seizing my opportunity, I happily assumed the role of Rueben and began my would-be voyage of riches.

Breezing through the first few rounds of practice game play and beginning to feel somewhat invincible, I survived several elimination rounds to reach the semi-finals. It was there that I met my final partner Stephen, a sluggish accountant from New Jersey with the intellect of a twoby-four. Regardless of what I described Stephen squinted at me as if I was speaking in an ancient Persian dialect long forgotten by modern man. My heart sunk as two perky coeds blazed through the categories like twins who had been separated at birth, burying my dreams and casting Stephen and I to the curb.

The next day Reuben started watching "The Guiding Light."

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

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

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Page 6 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 6/11/10 - 6/17/10

Preacher’s Corner "And The Darkness Did Not Overcome It . . ."

John Will Creasy, a local artist missed by many, designed a specialized and symbolic cross for his church many years ago.

Overlapping the intersection of the distinctive cross are a circle, to symbolize the world, and an upright fish, to symbolize Christ and Christians. This cross hangs at the front of our sanctuary, reminding the congregation that we have a place in the world.

“In the world” can mean several things. It can mean we’re alive: preparing for his execution, Jesus prayed for his disciples who would remain “in the world.” More often in the Christian Testament, it means living amidst powers that are not godly. The Apostle Paul, who wrote some of the letters in the Christian Testament, encouraged the congregation at Philippi to “be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine like stars in the world.” The implication is that “the world” is a dark night in need of godly light.

Darkness and fear are intertwined. Having young children, being awaken in the middle of the night by the click of the bedroom door handle is not overly

LD GO

strange. Recently, though, I was awaken by the click, but no sleepy child entered, and instead I heard someone descending the steps. I went to check on child one, who was fast asleep in his bed, as was child two. My heart rate increased as I stood at the top of the stairs, listening for any unusual noises.

I went back to pick up the phone in case I needed to dial 911, continuing to try to not awaken my husband. As I tiptoed back to the top of the steps to listen again, the dog walked out of the bedroom and trotted bravely downstairs. This would reveal more, and my heart rate increased again when I heard the thwap-thwap-thwap of his tail, which happens when he gets petted. It is definitely time to go back and wake the hubby.

I pat his side of the bed to find him, and discover him missing.

The wave of relief crashes over my body and spirit. Instead of a stranger who almost entered our room, it was he who had left it, trying not to awaken me.

The darkness is our unknown, the place of our fears. It is the uncertainty of the future. It is the secrets we guard because we assume we know how others would react if we told them. It is

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the human impulse to hurt others or ourselves. Darkness is the tendency to go along with the flow of the violent movies and video games, selfish materialism, and the idolatry of youth, instead of fighting it with the light and values of God. Into the world of darkness, Jesus said, “As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” Physically, of course, Jesus is no longer in the world.

Through his followers, though, he can remain the light of the world. His followers are called to “shine like stars in the [dark] world.”

The answer to the question, “How?” is the difficult part.

Rarely can we answer it alone, which is one reason we have churches: to hone us, to help us see our strengths and even our weaknesses, to offer channels for us to try on different roles.

The YMCA offers lots of classes for children. Kids can try ballet, gymnastics, soccer, swimming, etc., without committing to a whole season. Communities of faith offer the same on a spiritual level. One can try out different types of prayer, Bible study, and service to see where one’s unique combination of personality and talents create the brightest light to shine into a dark world. The light of the divine is within each of us. How will yours shine?

Donna Hopkins Britt is pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, 608 Campbell Avenue, SW, Roanoke. See John Will Creasy’s cross at calvaryroanoke.org.

NewsRoanoke.com

Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine Announces Charter Class

Forty-two students will comprise the charter class of the new Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine.

The announcement was made by Dr. Cynda Ann Johnson, founding dean of the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine "The caliber of candidates selected is exceptional," said Johnson. "They were selected based on their competitive portfolios including high academic credentials, their personal and professional experiences, and their strong potential to become physician thought leaders. We will welcome an outstanding class in early August."

As is the practice at all medical schools, the composition of the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine incoming class will not be finalized until classes start Monday, Aug. 2. Students may select another school right up until the day they matriculate.

As of today, the school of medicine's charter class has the following characteristics: Offers for all 42 class seats have been extended and all class seats are filled. More than 50 applicants remain on the wait list. Medical College Admissions Test (commonly known as MCAT) scores for accepted students range from 30 to 42.

Seventy percent of the charter class have some

research experience; another eighteen percent have exceptional research experience defined by original research or publication. Undergraduate institutions represented in the class include Virginia Tech, University of Virginia, College of William and Mary, Washington and Lee University, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Wake Forest University, Georgetown University, Johns Hopkins University, Northwestern University, The Ohio State University, University of Michigan, and Harvard University.

The Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine received preliminary accreditation by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education in June 2009, allowing the school to begin the student recruitment process. More than 1,650 aspiring physicians applied and 220 were interviewed utilizing a unique technique developed at McMaster University called the MultipleMini Interview. Roanoke community leaders were instrumental in conducting the interviews which were held over six interview weekends.

New student orientation begins Monday, August 2.

City Reaches Agreement with School of Medicine on Real Estate Tax Negotiations between city finance personnel and Carilion Clinic have given birth to an arrangement that yields fractional real estate tax revenue for the city. The negotiated agreement will have Carilion, through its subsidiary, Carilion Clinic Physicians LLC, pay one-sixth of the taxes on the building and the full tax amount on the land.

Carilion has agreed that this arrangement will remain in place as long as Carilion or one

CELEBRATE SUMMER!

of its affiliates retains an ownership interest in the land and the indirect interest in the one-sixth portion of the facility.

In 2001, the agreement between Carilion Clinic and the City of Roanoke stated that all projects in the South Jefferson Redevelopment area owned or under the control of Carilion Biomedical Institute would be subject to real estate taxes. Subsequently Carilion partnered with Virginia Tech to garner state funding for startup of the medical school.

The partnership with Virginia Tech, a tax-exempt institution,

resulted in the property and improvements subject to taxexempt status. The tax assessed would adjust should Carilion’s fractional interest in the building or land change.

Council member David Trinkle, as an employee of Carilion, abstained from voting. With no discussion, council unanimously approved the agreement at Monday’s 2:00 p.m. council meeting.

By Valerie Garner info@newsroanoke.com

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Sports

6/11/10 - 6/17/10 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 7

Hidden Valley Downs Blacksburg 3-2 Cave Spring National at Starkey On Penalty Kicks To Win Region IV Park--Phillies vs Mets Girls Soccer Championship Photos by Bill Turner

The Hidden Valley girls soccer team was looking for a break Friday night in the Region IV final played at Dwight Bogle Stadium against perennial powerhouse Blacksburg. The Bruins had defeated Hidden Valley twice during the regular season, and although both teams were assured of a state quarterfinal game against a Region III team, home field was at stake for the winner of this one with the loser having to travel.

Blacksburg trailed 2-1 after the first half, but fought back with a second half score to end regulation tied 2-2. Two five-minute overtime periods and two five-minute sudden death periods produced no scoring, so the match reverted to five

rounds of penalty kicks to decide the winner.

Hidden Valley goalkeeper Lindsey McDole made outstanding saves on two of the first four Blacksburg tries from point-blank range. Hidden Valley connected on three of its first four attempts with Claire Sibley, Andrea Troia and Kendall Lynch finding the net. When Titan junior Liz Stump opened round five with a bullet past Bruin goalie Kelsey Fuller, Hidden Valley locked up the win and the celebration began.

Photos and recap by Bill Turner The Titans swarm Liz Stump after her fifth-round penalty kick gave Hidden Valley the Region IV championship.

Blacksburg forward #5 Adrian Newcomb (in white) looks for a path to the goal as Hidden Valley defender #8 Anna Moir applies pressure.

Hidden Valley #13 Liz Stump launches the winning penalty kick in round five to give the Titans win the Region IV title.

Mets base runner Jace Matze is running from first on contact.

Mets catcher Joshua Webb frames the strike zone.

S

Phillies shortstop Zackary Ray fires to first after gloving a grounder.

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Sports

North Cross’ Belderes Earns Coach of the Year North Cross Varsity Lacrosse Coach Stephen Belderes has been named the VISAA Division III State Coach of the Year.

The announcement came after the School's varsity lacrosse team won the VISAA Division III State title after defeating Wakefield School, 14 -6. Both the lacrosse team state title and the state coach title are the first for North Cross School.

The VISAA selected Belderes as the Division III State Coach of the Year from amongst all of the division three coaches. Belderes is the second NCS coach this year to earn the state title.

Varsity Volleyball Coach Heather Donaho was also named the State Coach of the Year (for volleyball) this year.

"The VISAA has great coaches in all three divisions, and to be selected from this group is a true honor," said Belderes. I'd

Coach Stephen Belderes like to thank my assistant coach Chris Davies and our middle school lacrosse coach Chris Pollock for their hard work as well."

Belderes started his college coaching career after a very successful senior campaign as

6/11/10 - 6/17/10 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 8

Red Sox Get Back to Winning Ways

points leader and captain at St. Andrews College, where he earned a bachelor's degree. He spent four years coaching at St. Andrews College, leading his team to the semifinals of the NCAA tournament. Belderes took over the NCS Varsity Lacrosse Coach in August 2007.

The Raiders finished up the season with a 11-4 record and placed two players on the Division III All-State team. George Revercomb 12' (attack) with 35 goals and 44 assists and Quint Coles -10' (midfield) 23 goals and 9 assists, were named First Team All-State.

NCS athletic teams have seen much success in recent school years, bringing home state titles in Varsity Lacrosse in 2010, Varsity Volleyball in 2009, Varsity Football in 2008, and Varsity Salem Red Sox Shortstop Ryan Dent comes in to make the play at second base.

Boys' Soccer in 2007.

The Salem Sox reminded bases, and played sensational total to 13, tied for most in fans last week that the long defense, yet had gone ho- the Carolina League. Lavarnbaseball season consists of merless in his first 638 pro way demolished a change-up numerous peaks and valleys. at-bats. As it turned out, on Sunday for a three-run After a four-game winning #639 was the lucky charm, bomb that transformed a 3-2 streak had everybody feel- as Hissey smashed a hanging deficit into a 5-3 lead and ing good, the Red Sox lost breaking ball from Matt Crim surged Salem to a one-run five in a row and spirits were over the right-field wall at win. The Yale-alum has drivThe senior Duncan saw it a down. But just as quickly, Salem Memorial Ballpark. A en in 47 runs (as of Sunday’s little different. ”I was faster and Salem snuck past the Myr- grinning Hissey rounded the game) and leads the league in he was holding me up.”

Libby Privette, 15 of Nathalie tle Beach Pelicans in three bases, eager to return to the that category. straight games by a total of Salem dugout and share the The fairly stable Red Sox moved up to finish second.

New Castle drivers Ethan four runs to get back on the celebration with his team- roster has experienced some Brown and Daniel Givens fin- winning track. After drop- mates. Yet when he arrived at movement in the past week, ished first and second in the ping the homestand opener the top step, his manager was with a few new players arPure Stock feature. last Thursday, June 3 by an cheering the next batter up riving from extended spring Billy Holder, Jr. and Chris 8-2 score, Salem bounced and the rest of the Red Sox training and Low-A GreenAmos shared 15-lap Rookie U- back with victories of 2-1, simply leaned on the railing ville. The Red Sox received Car wins.

6-4, and 5-4 to surge back and looked ahead. Yes, they right-handed pitcher Miguel Promoter Whitey Taylor’s into the pennant chase dis- were giving him the rookie Gonzalez and outfielder/ son Josh celebrated his twelfth birthday by winning the Kids cussion. As of Monday, June treatment. After ignoring first-baseman Jorge Padron 7, the Red Sox sat five games him for 15-20 seconds, ev- from extended. Gonzalez is U-Car race.

Other Winners: Jeff Woods- behind the Winston-Salem eryone gave him some well battling back from injuries, Fast & Furious (Super U-Car), Dash in the Carolina League deserved dap for his first yet was a two-time Texas Southern Division. professional dinger.

League All-Star in the AnJason Roach-Any Car. Racing returns to the speedFans witnessed history at For Hissey’s teammate, gels organization, while Padway Saturday featuring a Cham- Lewis-Gale Field on Sunday Ryan Lavarnway, the long ron is a recent signee from pionship Pure Stock race. when 20-year old center- ball is becoming a regular Cuba. Salem also picked up Information: franklincospeed- fielder Peter Hissey blasted occurrence. Lavarnway hit lefthanded pitcher Cesar way.com or 1(540) 238-9955. his first homer as a minor two more homers in the four- Cabral from Greenville. In

By Flip Carico leaguer. The speedy outfield- game series against Myrtle the South Atlantic League, info@newsroanoke.com er has hit for average, stolen Beach, bringing his season Cabral allowed just one earned run in 31.1 innings pitched, compiling an infinitesimal 0.29 ERA. Your invited to a day out at Lewis-Gale The Salem Sox return home Field to watch the Salem Red Sox play on Tuesday, June 15 through the Wilmington Blue Rocks!

Sunday, June 20. Promotions include a Mayberry Deputy bobblehead giveaway on FriOpen to all Active and Retired Military day and Mayberry Deputy Personnel, Spouses and dependants of appearance on Saturday. The Military Personnel.

Sox will also host a grand For Ticket information call or e-mail us at opening for their newly built the Center. to-scale replica of Fenway Park, “Scotts Mini Fenway.”

Jbrittain@milfamily.org The event is on Saturday, June 19th from 2PM-5PM 540 400 8301 and will feature Whiffle Please give us your last name and number ball games for teams of 2-6 of tickets desired. You will be able to pick people, free hot dogs and ice these up at the MFSC tent prior to the cream, free balloon animals game on Tuesday the 15th. and face painting by Ziggy Have a great day and thank you for your the Clown, appearances by support! the Salem Red Sox players and mascots, sidewalk chalk, free inflatable rides, and arts and crafts in the birthday zone. All fans that attend the event can purchase a box seat ticket to that night’s game for only $1. The event is sponsored by Scotts, Comcast, K92 and Ziggy’s Entertainment.

Franklin County Speedway Driver Faces Double Trouble Jamie Hartman is getting tired of being picked on, but he got double teamed anyway Saturday night at Franklin County Speedway.

Hartman was at FCS, after having a falling out with Motor Mile Speedway about his car. “They didn’t like this, they didn’t like that, and they didn’t like my rear spoiler.” Hartman said. “There are about six cars they have been picking on.”

Hartman added.

Three other Mini Stocks showed up on a night they weren’t scheduled, but speedway officials decided they could have a non-points race.

Hartman was leading on the 17th lap when the double team

started.

Current point leader and former division champion David Duncan Sr. of Rocky Mount spun Hartman in turn three.

Speedway officials immediately parked Duncan for the night.

David Duncan, Jr. moved up to second, and on the restart beat repeatedly on Hartman down the back straightaway.

Speedway officials attempted to park the younger Duncan, but both drivers got into it again in turn three, before officials got the younger Duncan off the track, and awarded the win to Hartman. “I knew before the race when they (the Duncans) went to get the second car I was in trouble.” Hartman said.

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Commentary - Save Mill Mountain Dear Editor, Each day my students and I look around Roanoke City and County and see another grove of trees downed, another ridgeline sprouting construction, more greenspace eradicated by development.

With every “little” commercial project (which developers call “balance”), countless Godgiven treasures are quietly lost to this area. Forever.

Fresh air. Quietness. The ability to see the starry universe at night. Songbirds. Fireflies. A sense of beauty and spiritual depth. A knowledge that life is more immense, majestic and dignified than human materialism.

It is a windfall that Roanoke

City has kept its one green mountain uncommercialized.

In an overdeveloped world, this mountain sanctuary is revealing itself as an amazing spiritual treasure few cities anywhere can offer.

Meanwhile, almost annually, some group of developers proposes to carve and construct Mill Mountain into their personal vision of prosperity.

It's almost surreal, in our day of precious vanishing greenspace, that local leaders take seriously each proposal threatening this one remaining refuge. Just because various financially-powerful interests value materialism over nature, city leaders invariably consider giving away Roa-

noke's birthright, literally, for a “mess of potage.”

Some Roanoke leaders say that a conservation easement on Mill Mountain would “tie the hands of the future.” What do they think development does?

Americans thrill to visit Yosemite, the Tetons, Yellowstone or Mount Rogers. We never regret that courageous visionaries “tied” developers' hands back from commercializing these refuges.

I'm praying that Council locate some moral courage and protect the mountaintop for good. Literally!

Judy Hawks, Roanoke

Commentary - Lack of Upkeep of Jamison / Bullitt Landscaping Dear City Council, Re: City right-a-way Weed and Trash violation.

While I served as the Southeast Action Forum President, the city installed traffic calming devices and landscaping along the Bullitt and Jamison Avenue corridors, SE. This was in response to an initiative between the Southeast Action Forum, Faithworks, neighborhood and church leaders. The dialogue between city staff and neighborhood representatives outlined solutions to neighborhood blight. The measure was subsequently called "Southeast by Design".

When Darlene Burcham and other city staff members presented the traffic calming proposal to citizens at a large community gathering, many expressed support for the countermeasures to control vehicular speeding.

The landscape aspect of the plan was well received. But concerns did arise that the city would not, in the long run, take care of the tree and

shrub plantings.

This is why I am writing you today. In the past three years, the City of Roanoke has not maintained any of the bulb-outs that were installed along Jamison and Bullitt.

No mulching, weeding or replacement of dead and dying trees/shrubs.

I urge you to take a drive down these two streets (our main street corridor) and view the mess for yourself.

Weeds as tall as four feet high are now crowding out the landscaping in some of the bulb-outs. Thankfully, some of the adjacent hom-

eowners have taken it upon themselves to clean some of them up.

I ask you this: Why do city crews so diligently keep some medians in our city so spot-free and let others fall into terrible neglect? Is this a logical response to budget cuts? Playing favorites?

I would like this matter referred to the appropriate department head.

Yours, or their response would be gratefully appreciated.

6/11/10 - 6/17/10 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 9

Juneteenth 2010 to Be Held 6/12 On June 12th at 12 noon, the Roanoke Southern Christian Leadership Conference, the SCLC, will hold "JUNETEENTH 2010," at Washington Park in Roanoke, Va. Now in it’s 4th year, the SCLC's JUNETEENTH Celebration is a day where we not only celebrate the end of slavery in America, we also celebrate unity, fellowship and brotherhood.

Due to the generosity of WalMart, Pepsi, Frito Lay, Heiner's Bakery, Little Debbie, the City of Roanoke AARP and others , JUNETEENTH 2010 is free to the public; food and entertainment included.

What is JUNETEENTH? The American Civil War ended April 9, 1865. However, the last slaves held in the former Confederate States of America did not know of their freedom until June 19, 1865. On June 19, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger led the United States Army into Galveston, Texas. Upon arriving in Galveston, General Granger read "General Order Number 3" which stated: "The people of Texas are informed that in accordance with a Proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free."

With General Granger's reading of General Order Number 3, the last 250,000 slaves of the former Confederacy were freed.

The date of June 19, 1865, became known as Juneteenth Day - the day all of the slaves in the South were finally free.

JUNETEENTH 2010 is also part of the Roanoke SCLC's gang prevention program. The Roanoke SCLC wants to provide our young people with an opportunity to meet positive role models from all spectrums and all walks of life in hope that our youth will become productive citizens. To meet this objective, businesses, churches, and civic organizations are welcome to participate in JUNETEENTH 2010 by setting up a table free of charge for community education.

In the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., founder of the SCLC, JUNETEENTH 2010 is

a community gathering. JUNETEENTH 2010 is a day where we can all come together as brothers and sisters regardless of race, color, creed, socioeconomic level or political party affiliation to have a good time and to get to know each other better.

Donations of canned goods will be taken at JUNETEENTH 2010 for the Southwest Virginia Second Harvest Food Bank.

For more information on JUNETEENTH 2010 please call (540)355-4118 or visit www.JeffArtis.com.

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Valley Business

Page 10 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 6/11/10 - 6/17/10

Stricter Laws Put The Skids On Eminent Domain For RRHA

The South Jefferson Redevelopment Plan is being amended effective June 30, 2010. The amendment is a reworked 5-year plan that will accommodate Virginia’s newer property rights laws. Council will vote on the amendment at its June 21 meeting.

The Roanoke Redevelopment and Housing Authority has no plans to initiate future eminent domain proceedings. In April 2007 multiple bills were enacted: • House Bill 2954 sponsored by Delegate Rob Bell (R-Charlottesville) gave definition to “public use.”

• Senate Bill 781 sponsored by Ken Cuccinelli (R-Fairfax) gave voters an option to select the definition of “public use.”

• Senate Bill 1296 sponsored by Tommy Norment (R-Williamsburg) restricted transfer of taken property to a private party for five years.

Mark Loftis, attorney for the Roanoke Redevelopment Housing Authority laid out how these bills effectively put the skids on eminent domain used for taking property in South Jefferson and Gainsboro. The RRHA will have to directly negotiate private transactions with owners if it wants other property.

Large parcel redevelopment will be severely curtailed. Smaller parcels with single owners have a better chance of succeeding under the newer laws.

In all, stricter limits on public use, the taking of property for private benefit and the tightening of the definition of blight are the new rules.

The taking of non-blighted property just because the property is located in a blighted area is prohibited. The new law was not in time to

Monday morning’s RRHA briefing. help Jay and Stephanie Burkholder when the housing authority condemned their Reserve Avenue property.

It still does not go far enough for some people, including Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli.

When Cuccinelli addressed the Roanoke Chamber of Commerce on April 6, he made it clear that he would pursue adding stronger property rights protection to Virginia’s Constitution.

“There is no consistency on the application of eminent domain throughout Virginia,” exclaimed Cuccinelli. He and the Governor “plan to rectify that” in the next legislative session. He added that “growth is a good thing but there is a wide variety of aggressiveness by local governments and housing authorities.” Cuccinelli noted that Southwest Virginia is the most aggressive in that regard.

to the event, GearJunkie.com will hold online contests for its readers.

"Treasure Hunt is a first-ofits-kind event," said Stephen Regenold, founder and editor of GearJunkie.com. "Roanoke provides a great venue for this activity, which will blend elements from adventure racing with a substantial gear scavenger hunt."

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NewsRoanoke.com

Blue Ridge Autism Center Enjoys Renovated Facility

By Valerie Garner info@newsroanoke.com

Unique Outdoor Treasure Hunt Planned For Roanoke RoanokeOutside.com – a resource for the Roanoke region's outdoors – has teamed with GearJunkie.com, a leading outdoors blog and publication, to host a one-day-only Treasure Hunt event in a Roanoke wilderness park on July 11.

The event will be called "Gear Junkie's Treasure Hunt: Roanoke." More than $40,000 in outdoor gear – from backpacks to kayaks – will be given away to an estimated 300 participants.

Additionally, during the run-up

Parks & Recreation, and Roanoke County Parks, Recreation and Tourism.

"The Roanoke region is one of the best spots anywhere for outdoor recreation," says Pete Eshelman with the Roanoke Regional Partnership. "By teaming up with Gear Junkie – a nationally-recognized web site that specializes in outdoor gear – we hope to further solidify our region's standing."

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In 2002 Angie Leonard learned that her then two-yearold son had autism. Searching for resources in the Roanoke Valley to her son, she discovered there were none. What happened next was a classic case of an individual motivated to fill a need she saw in her community.

“I went to Pastor Mike (Grooms) at Rainbow Forest Baptist Church . . . and said, ‘You know, there’s no resources around here. Could we start thinking about ways that we could reach out to the autism population?’ He suggested that we start at 501C3, and so we had a big informational meeting . . .

We build a board of directors and, from that, started the Blue Ridge Autism Center.”

The center’s original location was Rainbow Forest Baptist Church. As time passed, the center outgrew its space there.

Fate then intervened. Another facility, the Achievement Center, was struggling financially, and unable to keep the number of kids it wanted to, and was on the verge of shutting down. The Blue Ridge Autism Center came to the Achievement Center’s rescue.

“Our board of directors met with their board of directors,” Leonard explains, “and decided that we would merge together ...and the Achievement Center owned this building. So we merged together, and formed one board and took the Blue Ridge Center and the Achievement Center and formed the Blue Ridge Autism and Achievement Center on June 15 of 2009, and then moved all of our students in here.”

Following the merger, some donors told the newly formed institution that they wanted it to upgrade with some color, adding some character for the kids, and upgrading its technology.

With the help of the Foundation of the Roanoke Valley and a private donor, the center did

The Blue Ridge Autism & Achievement Center. just that. In late April the Blue Ridge Autism and Achievement Center held a ribbon cutting ceremony to kick off a one-day open house event there, giving the public a glimpse at the center’s new and improved look.

“It’s us saying, ‘OK, we’ve gotten into a school year, we’re settled, we’ve taken the money that’s been given to us, and we’ve revitalized the school,” says Leonard. “It’s a new organization.”

Among the center’s operations is a school that, Leonard explains, is “licensed by the Virginia Department of Education, and we serve kids ages two through fourteen.” Some of them have autism, while others have other kinds of learning disabilities: dyslexia, attention deficit-hyper activity disorder, and Asperger’s Syndrome. “There’s a variety of different needs that we serve here at the school.”

The center covers grades kindergarten through eighth. The school day runs from eight in the morning to 2:30 in the afternoon. “This is their school.

Instead of going off to a public school, they come here. We have teachers and we educate them here. They have very individualized plans that help them with their deficits.” The center also has a program where its staff goes to students’ homes and works with them, their parents, and families. Another program is aimed at the school districts. “We have six full-time people that work in Roanoke County schools alone, providing training for teachers . . . We

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also do national training. We’ve been to Africa. So we’ve done international training on how to work with individuals with special needs.”

Foreign students have been educated at the center as well: “We have had a student from Egypt and we’ve had a student from Africa.”

Once a student has completed his or her education at the center, where they go next depends on the child and the families and what they want for the students. “Most of them transition back into public schools and go on into high schools. Some of them aren’t ready to go into public schools, or it’s too overwhelming of an atmosphere, and so they may go on to another private, special-ed day school such as the Minnick Center, or Rivermont in Roanoke, that serves individuals all the way up to twenty-two years of age.” As for attending colleges or universities, “We just kind of link them to people like Roxanna Hartman in Blacksburg, in Virginia Tech, and they kind of pick up the transition time at that point.”

Leonard explains that the center has different training programs as part of its outreach to the community. “We have monthly parent training. Panera Bread . . . is doing an autism awareness campaign for Autism Speaks (a national organization).

We’ve been going out into their cafes and hosting informational sessions. We have some grants that we’re hoping to get funded where parents who have just had their kids diagnosed come to us and find out exactly what we do by community trainings on Saturdays . . . If anybody calls us and says, ‘Can you bring your information to us?’ we will. We just booked some time with the local firefighters group that wanted to know more about how to react to situations where there were kids with Asperger’sautism special needs. So if they call and ask us to come out, we will.”

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Arts & Culture

NewsRoanoke.com

Sidewalk Show Attracts Artists, Patrons Of All Stripes The annual Sidewalk Art Show, now in its 52nd year, brought together visual artists, mostly painters and mixed media, and thousands of would-be art patrons on a typically hot summer weekend.

That was the scene this past weekend when the Sidewalk Art Show set up in the Market Street area, in the shadow of the Taubman Museum that now sponsors it. Entry fees from art show exhibitors raised money for the Taubman.

Winners included Best in Show for Gray Dodson of Arrington, Virginia, a landscape painter.

Second prize went to Kurt Kindermann of Bedford, while downtown Roanoke sculptor John Wilson took third place honors in a competition judged by Allison Perkins, executive director of the Reynolda House Museum of American Art in Winston-Salem, NC. Jamie Nervo, whose work can often be found in downtown galleries, was awarded the Anstey Hodge award for excellence in design. Nervo’s creations often feature vividly painted animals with arresting, human-like eyes. “I like a lot of colors and patterns … kind of like a patchwork.

It’s something that I’ve always done.”

Nervo said foot traffic was good despite the heat; it was only Nervo’s second time at the Sidewalk event. “If you’re a Roanoke artist it’s a good show to be in.” She added however that outdoor shows “can be exhausting.”

Wilson, a sculptor who welds steel, was pleased to win a third place award in a show that primarily featured two dimensional paintings and photography. He was also pleased with the throngs that turned out, “[including] a lot of people who never look at art or go into a gallery. Often this is the first place [outdoor art shows] where people start collecting.”

Wilson calls himself a “weird sculptor that’s really out there.” It was also his first Sidewalk Art Show, and he said it wouldn’t be the last. He owns a gallery / living space downtown with his wife, artist Suzun Hughes. He added, “the community’s been very receptive and supportive of our work.”

Photo by Gene Marrano

Jamie Nervo was an award winner.

6/11/10 - 6/17/10 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 11

City Plans Second Temporary Public Art Exhibit

The City of Roanoke and the Roanoke Arts Commission announce that a second temporary public art installation is set to open this fall. Seven pieces will be displayed around the city for an 18-month period, in a continuation of the “AIR: Art in Roanoke” program. This second exhibit replaces the first AIR installation, which was on display from October 2008 to April 2010.

According to Arts Commission Chair Doug Jackson, “AIR’ furthers the goal of bringing visibility to the City of Roanoke’s Public Art Program and raising appreciation of public art in the community.”

There are two new locations for AIR this year, which were added to bring attention to the new Vic Thomas Park, currently in the final stages of development along a new portion of the Roanoke River Greenway, and to SunTrust Plaza, which is being redeveloped behind the newly renovated Market Garage. A selection panel of citizens and city representatives reviewed 156 entries from 66 artists to narrow the show down to the following works: • Vic Thomas Park - “Decommission Lamp Pole Project” by All Creations, Matt Rink of

“Decommission Lamp Pole Project” by Matt Dodson had been in a half dozen Sidewalk Rink and Bland Hoke.

Art Shows before and had won an award for her • Campbell Avenue andd Third Street - “Conpainting in the past – but never Best in Show. “It nect, ” by Erika Strecker of Lexington, Ky. was nice for the type of work I do to be recog• SunTrust Plaza - “Glory Pipes,” by Stephen nized.” Dodson’s landscapes featured rolling hills, Fairfield of St. David, Ariz. farm pasture and blue skies. She paints outdoors • Lick Run Greenway traillhead near Valley “plein air” style and aims for “a sense of place …

View Mall “Happy Wanderers, ” by Charlie and something that struck me initially.” That noBrouwer of Willis, Va. (contract extended from tion apparently won over Perkins, the show judge. the first AIR installation, since this piece was Dodson became an artist later in life after raising recently moved). young children.

According to City of Roanoke Arts and CulDickie Eikcid - rock and roller, aka “DJ Dickie,” ture Coordinator Susan Jennings, installation was showing for the first time at a Sidewalk Art of the works will be staggered over the summer, Show. His imaginary mixed media work uses spray with all pieces installed by September. Stratepaint, airbrushing and acrylics, plus pen and ink. gies for encouraging community involvement Eikcid often creates art on the spot, wherever he will again be utilized, including a survey on the may be at the time. He has a booth at Happy’s Flea AIR Web site (artinroanoke.org) that will allow Market, where his art is for sale every weekend. citizens to comment on the works.

A brochure “People like it … a lot of my stuff maybe makes with a map will be available on the Web and at people think of their childhood,” said Eikcid as the various locations around the city.

Sidewalk show wound down last Sunday. “People The public art program is funded by a Perhaven’t seen … my images before. It’s fresh.” No cent for Art Ordinance, established by the City doubt the bevy of new artists that show up every of Roanoke as a way to fund public art in city year at the annual Sidewalk Art Show, like Eikcid neighborhoods and public places to reflect its and Wilson, helps bring people back for the event “vibrancy and heritage. ” The fund is comprised each year.

“Happy Wanderers” By Charles Brouwer. of one percent of the budgets of certain projBy Gene Marrano ects in the city’s capital improvement program. gmarrano@cox.net Redding, Conn., and Bland Hoke of Wilson, Public art policies and recommendations are Wyo. guided by the 15 volunteer members of the • Fire Station #7 - “Big Dog,” by Ann Glover Roanoke Arts Commission, with final approval of Roanoke from City Council.

• South Roanoke Village - “Jelly Bean,” by cording to Smith, who earned a John Clement of Brooklyn, N.Y. More information is available at www.roaMasters of Fine Arts in Creative • Williamson Road Library - “Star Burst,” by nokeva.gov/publicart.

Writing at Hollins University.

Tom Holmes of Greeley, Penn.

The Omaha director, Lorie Obradovich, is coming to Roanoke for this staging.

“It’s still a developing work,” notes Smith, who was still reading new scenes as of last week.

“It’s not light entertainment at all,” said Smith, who calls Devil Sedan “challenging. I think it’s going to be emotionally powerKenley Smith is the founder ful.”

Devil Sedan will end with of Studio Roanoke. a discussion after the curtain Without the five minute time comes down, as will all the staged limit that No Shame Theatre plays going forward, according to Smith. The Bobby Pence tril- imposed (that series recently ogy addresses the death penalty moved out of Studio Roanoke question, as well as the intersec- to Mill Mountain Theatre’s main tion of religion and sexuality. stage) Smith said 30-40 minSmith envisions Studio Roanoke ute plays or a series of vignettes as an “incubator for new works,” could be staged by playwrights. and said the discussions after- “We are really excited about wards can help shape plays still the response to it,” said Smith in development. “It’s so impor- about feedback from the debut two weeks ago. “It’s going to be tant to have that dialogue.”

Adam Hahn, currently an a hoot.”

This Sunday’s Guerilla PlayPlus your choice of Only Portrait Package Special MFA student at Hollins, will 6 FREE Personalized bring his play “Feedback Loop” house will feature a one-act Package Includes: Four – 5 x 7s Portrait Cards to Studio Roanoke on July 9-10. play. After some time to build One – 10 x 13 Four – 3 x 5s Smith said Hahn, now living in momentum, “I think we’ll have 50 Card deSIgNS! Two – 8 x 10s 32 Wallets Los Angeles when not back in people beating down the door Roanoke for the summer play- to get on the schedule,” predicts No Sitting Fees or Charges • Gift Certificates Available writing program, has “amazing Smith, “[and] we’re looking for stuff that’s first rate. ” All in all vision, at a young age.”

Catering to emerging play- despite several management Sessions Book Quickly. Hurry, Call for an Appointment Today! wrights, Studio Roanoke’s sec- changes at Studio Roanoke, Smith said he is “really stoked, ” ond “Guerilla Playhouse” takes The district at Valley View Mall place this Sunday, June 13 at 8 for what lies ahead.

4822-I Valley View Boulevard NW p.m. (admission $5). Guerilla Roanoke, VA 24012 • 540.265.2513 Visit studioroanoke.org for Playhouse, held every other Studio Hours: Tuesday - Sunday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. week, offers playwrights a venue more information. to try out their work in progress www.PortraitInnovations.com

By Gene Marrano on stage. Live entertainment appointments Highly recommended. Walk-ins are welcome but may be limited based on availability. No subject fee or additional charges.

Only one $9.95 Portrait Package Special of your favorite pose per family or group during each promotional period please. Offer not valid for business purposes, gmarrano@cox.net from local musicians is also ofindividual adult subjects or unaccompanied minors. Offer subject to change at any time. Promotional and seasonal backgrounds may vary by studio location. fered.

Smith Takes the Reins at Studio Roanoke

Kenley Smith is now the artistic director of the live theater space he founded – Studio Roanoke – after coming to a parting of the ways with Todd Ristau.

Smith, who founded Studio Roanoke on 30 Campbell Avenue, and put up much of the funds to renovate the building, has resigned as chairman of the board in order to avoid any conflicts.

“This way there’s no gray area.”

In an inevitable turnabout, Smith recently had to go to the board he once chaired, asking for money. He came away with less than hoped for, but said that “everybody is really positive.”

The 2010-2011 season that Ristau had already planned out will go forward as scheduled. Smith looks forward to “having his finger on the pulse” of Studio Roanoke’s creative process.

Meanwhile the show goes on in the intimate Studio Roanoke space, with Smith’s own play “Devil Sedan,” set for a run from June 22-27. It’s the first part of his “Famous Bobby Pence” trilogy that will be staged at Studio Roanoke between now and next February.

The Devil Sedan synopsis online (see studioroanoke.org) mentions “one shotgun blast … two young women … two brothers … four lives fatally intertwined.” Smith started writing Devil Sedan as a stand-alone play before it began morphing into a trilogy that will include “Twelve Stations of the Cross” in October, and “The New Testament,” next February.

Devil Sedan debuted last year in Omaha but has been “tweaked” and “fleshed out,” ac-

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