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Community | News | Per spective

June 19 - June 25, 2009

Still No Secretary for Bowers; Miller recognized

Tito Talks P3– Tito the Builder came to Roanoke to give his take on America at the annual Republican BBQ last week.

Jon Kaufman

Invisible Man

P4– While not yet world famous, Jon Kaufman gets his identity back by writing for the Star-Sentinel.

P9– Those wily Kids in the Valley Adventuring folks are still up to great outdoor fun - check out their summer schedule!

Pen Women P11– The Roanoke Valley Branch of the National League of Pen Women to receive Perry F. Kendig Award

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Roanoke Star - Sentinel delivered to your doorstep every week for only $44 per year! 400-0990

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Cleaveland Touts Getting Back to the Fundamentals

Bill Cleaveland

Bill Cleaveland wants to “get America back on track.”

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> CONTINUED P3: Council Notes

KIVA Kicks!

Silver Tears Campers Born in Roanoke

Despite his protest that “the mayor needs a secretary,” David Bowers didn’t get his way Monday night, when city council voted down his request 4-2 to save Joyce Johnson’s job, even on a part time basis. Bowers made the last minute plea when another secretary in City Clerk Stephanie Moon’s office decided to retire. Johnson, a victim of budget cuts, was offered a job in parks and recreation but may turn it down a year short of full retirement. Bowers has said on more than one occasion that he can keep a secretary plenty busy, even though the M a y o r ’s City Council position is part time. Councilman Court Rosen said before the vote that he didn’t want to “micromanage things,” and wondered if employees in other departments affected by cuts “might want someone to go to bat for them,” like Bowers was for Johnson. Gwen Mason accused the Mayor of “having difficulty communicating,” with Moon on how to handle his workload among others in her department. It was Moon who made the decision to cut Johnson’s position. “It could easily be taken care of with a discussion,” said Mason. Vice Mayor Sherman Lea said he was “not comfortable even

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TheRoanokeStar.com

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Photo submitted

ust when you thought you’ve seen it all, you run across something unique, original, and by some estimation, extraordinary. In fact, a warning to the reader: you will probably want (maybe even “need”) one of these after you read this. Tucked away in a quiet corner in Roanoke’s Industrial Center, John Davis runs his small company, Silver Tears Campers. He refers to himself as an “industrial designer,” but “artist” and “craftsman”

would also be apt descriptions. Davis designs and manufactures custom teardrop campers. The design first hit the American highway in the 1940s. They were usually hand-built in neighborhood garages from surplus war materials, so the teardrop was a personal statement. According to Davis, “Silver Tears Campers expands the personal state> CONTINUED P2: Camper

The Botetourt lawyer says one of the reasons he wanted the Republican nomination for the 17th District House of Delegate seat was that “the nation must return to basic values.” Cleaveland won a tough June 9 primary, taking 28 percent of the vote to runner-up Chris Head’s 24 percent. He beat three other GOP primary candidates also, living in an outpost of the sprawling 17th District – southern Botetourt County. Fellow Republican William Fralin – who came out in strong support of Cleaveland after his win on primary night - is retiring after three terms. “We can make it pretty simple and go back to the fundamentals in the [Virginia Republican Creed] and put ourselves in a position where we’re all proud to be American again,” Cleaveland said in > CONTINUED P2: Cleaveland

West End Center Gets Makeover No Decision on Fate of Approaching a 30th anniversary celebration in September, the West End Center on Patterson Avenue in Roanoke received an overdue facelift last weekend. Roanoke County supervisor Charlotte Moore’s Dreamscapes landscaping business donated the “manpower” – Moore included – while local nurseries and home improvement centers donated plants, flowers, trees and mulch. When Moore visited the center, she took one look at the after school hub for inner city children and realized it could use her services. “We’ve been here every day this week,” said Moore last Saturday. A grant helped pay for the upgrades Patrick Patterson helped with and several dozen volunteers Center. donated their time. Annette Patterson’s Ad- and begin an endowment is vancement Foundation, which about $175,000 towards its works with non-profits to se- goal. Patterson, whose husband, Patrick, is runcure funding, helped ning for the Board of coordinate the makeCommunity Supervisors in Roaover. noke County’s Vinton According to PatterDistrict, wanted to help the son, the Foundation’s mission West End Center “make the is to “help build sustainability most of it, ” when the 30th anniand capacity. We go in and do versary celebration takes place strategic planning, [working] in a few months. one on one with the directors.” “Peacebuilders,” tutoring Patterson and West End and literacy programs based at Board members have asked West End Center, has resulted former donors to, pledge $1,000 or more. The favorable in higher graduation rates and response has been “unbeliev- much lower incidents of teen pregnancy for children attendable,” she said. A $2 million campaign that ing, according to Patterson. “It will wipe out the center’s debt is like a community. The kids

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Fleming Administrators

Photo by Gene Marrano

Photo by Gene Marrano

landscaping at the West End feel safe.” Sounding like the school guidance counselor that he is, Patrick Patterson was rolling up his sleeves to help with the landscaping. “Investing in students …and kids is the best investment a community can make,” Patterson said. The facelift last weekend was just one more example of “a real commitment to the kids.” Board member Frankie Robbins vowed that if she beat a problem with vertigo she would volunteer at West End Center – and that’s what has happened. > CONTINUED P3: West End Center

School Board chair David Carson (center) and Superintendent Rita Bishop (left) after closed meeting on Monday: “no comment.”

The Roanoke City School present,” said Spencer. Board met with SuperinIn fact, Bishop and an attendent Dr. Rita Bishop and torney for the school board the school division attorney were asked to leave the room Monday in a closed meeting, at certain points in the meetwhere ramifications of the ing, said Spencer. School Department of Education Board Chairman David Carreport on the Standards of son, Bishop and other board Learning scandal at William members in attendance let Fleming was the focus. What Spencer do the talking. “This was just merely wasn’t decided, said Roanoke an opportunity schools attorney for [the School Tim Spencer, was William Fleming Board] to receive the fate of princi[legal advice] … pal Susan Willis or four other Fleming staff on process and procedures that are outlined by state members. “There was no discussion regulations regarding perof any personnel item with sonnel matters, as well as the the school board, while the superintendent or the [school > CONTINUED system’s] legal counsel was P2: William Fleming

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Page 2 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 6/19/09 - 6/25/09

TheRoanokeStar.com

> Silver Tears From page 1

ment into a road epic…. you’ll travel light, but smart, with everything you need, and nothing you don’t.” Instead of expensive (and polluting) RVs, or large campers pulled by huge trucks, the teardrop is light Partly cloudy, with a high near enough to be pulled by a 89 - a chance of showers and small car. thunderstorms Chance of “It makes for a great long precipitation is 40%. Saturday weekender…you don’t have Night - Partly cloudy, with a to have a special vehicle, you low around 69 can even pull it with a Mini Cooper,” Davis said. “It’s as green as green gets…it may Mostly sunny, with a high near even be greener than a tent 86. Sunday Night - Partly cloudy, [when you factor in the vehiwith a low around 65 cles needed to haul a tent and other camping necessities].” Davis is a Roanoke native, earning a word-of-mouth reputation for quality craftsmanship over the years with his custom made furniture. Most recently, however, he’s &''()*+(,-'. his creative wings stretched /0''123 by designing and building cowboy He Stop In Food Stores...Fast, afriendly andbunkhouse. Convenient Stop In Food Stores...Fast, friendly and Convenient!"#$% also built a rolling studio for Moore & Giles, a leather 2.99 company based in Forest, Pet Milk using a 31-foot Airstream 2.99 Oscar Mayer Jumbo Hot Dog, camper. Frito Lay Chips and 32 oz. Pet fountain drink The body of the teardrop Nature’s Milk is constructed from maOwn Gallons hogany plywood and solid Bread ash woods, reminiscent of 2 for the beloved “woody wagon” $7.00 from the 1940s. Interior features incorpoDozen eggs and Coke Pack of rate custom cabinetry, a 47” !"#$%&$'()*+,-./-'0(1 12 packs Oscar Mayer x 72” bed, recessed Zenon With the cost of baconlighting, European hinges, everything rising storage, and much more, inwe need to save cluding a comprehensive galmoney where we ley. 99¢ can. Why spend With a custom built It should be noted, Freshhow$50+ astorage month at shed from... ever, that while the Premium standard your local storage 10x20 Duratemp Dutch Barn Coffee 8x10 Madison Mini The best choice for ultimate facility and have The economical & storage. This style can be practical storage nothing to show outfitted with shelves and solution for it. With no lofts easily without taking 14¢ per day or need to drive away from the footprint of From page 1 $1,290 your building across town 8x10 Madison Mini to get10x16 Vinyl Victorian 10x14 Duratemp Peak Side Nestle 33¢ per day or Available 10x12 to 14x40 Available 6x6 to 10x14 Available 6x6 to 14x40 an item, you save Available in sizes 6x6 Pure Life last week. $3592 a phone interview both money and 10x14 water 1000’s of options available to customize your storage! “The word “greed” comes to time. All you will Available in sizes 6x6 - 14x40 24 pack think about mind when you have to do is step ultimately what has gotten us in your backyard. as a nation into the position There is no need to worry we have the perfct size, style & color to meet that your we’re in now,” Cleaveland 10x20 Board ‘n’happy Batten to answer said, referring to the ongoing every need. Our trained sales professionals will more than 12x24 Duratemp Peak Garage 10x14 Vinyl Dutch Barn Carriage House He wants to take Available 12x16 tochoices 14x40 and all your questions. 6 siding 1000’s of tooptions are Available 8x10 to 14x40 With our Available 10x12 14x40 that recession. the state back to free enteravailable we are able to say “We just don’t build sheds. For a complete inventory please visit our website at: WE BUILD YOUR SHED!” prise, which he said is not the corrupt practices of recent years. 100’s of in-stock models ready for delivery! Rocky Mount 3305 Iron Ridge Rd on Rt 220 “It is not greed and exwww.pinecreekstructures.com Only 20 minutes from Roanoke On Rt 220 cess,” he said. “It’s individual 2 miles past Virginia Furniture Market on right 3305PLANE! Iron Ridge Rd on Rt 220 responsibility. It requires us LOOK FORRocky THEMount BIG RED to have some awareness that Only 20 minutes from Roanoke OUR LOT IS ALWAYS OPEN TO BROWSE On Rt 220, 2 miles past Virginia Furniture Market onthere right are others around us Mon LOOK – FriFOR 9am to 5 pm Sat 9 am – 1 pm THE BIG RED PLANE! OUR LOT IS ALWAYS OPEN TO BROWSE who are not as favorably situ1-877-743-3489 540-483-3489 Mon –or Fri 9am to 5 pm Sat 9 am – 1 pm Partly cloudy, with a high near 93 - slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Friday Night - Partly cloudy with a low around 72

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ated. I’m not talking about handouts; I’m talking about fair dealing. If you’re a good business person, fair dealing is at the heart of your operation.” The 58-year-old former prosecutor believes those values will differentiate him from challenger Gwen Mason (D-Roanoke). “I think the record will bear that out,” he said. “I’m a conservative individual fiscally and socially. I am convinced we need to go back to some fundamental ways in the way we approach government and in the way

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government approaches its citizens.” His platform consists of economic development issues, education as a way to help businesses, and offshore drilling as a payment for transportation concerns. “Encouraging the economy” is a high priority. To do that, he supports public and private partnerships while working with localities to seek new jobs. Educational facilities must better prepare students for the work environment, he said, so he supports cooperative ventures between schools and businesses and encourages public, private and home school efforts. Drilling for natural gas off the Virginia coast could offer a way to pay for transportation upgrades. “It would be unwise for us not to look at that to generate some funding for transportation,” Cleaveland said. The civil litigation attorney specializes in defense work and personal injury. His 30 years of legal practice began in 1979 when he came to Roanoke City as a criminal prosecutor. He worked with the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office until 1984, and for the next 18 years worked

with two law firms. In 2002, Cleaveland became a solo practitioner, practicing law in downtown Roanoke. In 2008, he moved his office to southern Botetourt County. Cleaveland has also served as substitute General District Court Judge in the 23rd and 25th Judicial Districts, but he resigned that post this year to run for the House of Delegates seat. “I tried to approach the campaign by being who I am, so people will see who I am and who they are getting,” he said. “When we started out, we talked about wanting to be a servant of the citizens, and I can honestly say with confidence that we could not have been without even one of the people who supported us and still made this work.” Now he hopes the momentum of the primary will propel him forward as he begins his campaign. “I want to do everything we can to unify the Republican Party and keep this as a Republican seat in November,” he said. By Anita Firebaugh info@theroanokestar.com

> William Fleming From page 1

and also... Wednesday June 24 12-1 pm Roanoke Main Library Argentinian influences, formal composers and folk music refreshments provided free & everyone welcome

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legal ramifications and appropriate actions to be taken by the board and the school division, in regards to the report released by the Virginia Department of education,” Spencer said. Spencer also said there was no timetable on deciding what to do about Willis, two hall principals, the testing coordinator and a special education specialist. “This board had a number of questions [about] the process that we might see should there be any adverse employment action,” he said. Rita Bishop said in a statement released last week: “Because the Department of Education report references personnel, I will not be taking any questions. We take allegations very seriously in everything we do. Students

are always first. We self-reported a number of apparent violations that involved students and cooperated fully with the investigation. Once again, students are first. Further comment is not appropriate while we evaluate findings and develop action plans for moving forward-particularly insofar as they involve particular students and personnel. Apparent violations appear to be contained to a single school and should not affect the hard work of teachers at William Fleming and throughout the entire division. Any student issues will be addressed.”

By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

TheRoanokeStar.com

6/19/09 - 6/25/09 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 3

Republicans Rally Around Cuccinelli and “Tito� at Annual Bar-B-Que Saturday, June 13th was a beautiful, sunny day and it served as the backdrop for the Roanoke Valley Republican BBQ at Fallon Park. The BBQ is held annually to meet new people interested in the Republican Party and what it stands for. This year was no exception thanks in part to the large turnout. Several hundred people came out to enjoy Henry’s Memphis BBQ with all the trimmings and to listen to the Roanoke Valley Bluegrass Pickers, a local band. Entertainment for the kids included a large inflatable slide and maze, as well as face painting. Helen McCurdy, a first time attendee, said, “I appreciated the fact that a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance were said before the meal.� Laura Moore, another first time attendee, said, “I really enjoy the family atmosphere. My son Zachary ran right to the inflatable slide and made two new friends. We were made to feel so welcome right from the start.� The BBQ also featured several local politicians, among them Rep. Bob Goodlatte and Delegate William Fralin, both of whom spoke to the large crowd. One special surprise guest was the Republican nominee for Attorney General, Ken Cuccinelli. Ken drove down from Northern Virginia to speak and let people

know about his upcoming debate with the Democratic nominee next weekend. He implored everyone to work hard to elect him for Attorney General, Bob McDonnell for Governor and to re-elect Bill Bolling for Lt. Governor. He said the Republicans have a very strong ticket this year and an ambitious plan to bring jobs and energy exploration to the Commonwealth. Mike Bailey, an event organizer, said, “Bob McDonnell is the Jobs candidate. He has the job of helping Virginia to prosper by promoting the values of the Republican Party. The Roanoke Valley Republicans are helping Bob by nominating good candidates and increasing the number of people involved in our political process. Today was just such an effort and a successful one at that.� Mike Bream, also an event organizer, said, “We are already reaching out to people with conservative values, people who believe in the Constitution as it was written by our Founding Fathers. We just need to turn this country in the right direction, and this BBQ helped bring people together who can achieve the goal of small government and low taxes.� Also in attendance were Tito Munoz and his wife Deborah. Tito is more commonly known as “Tito the Builder,�

Tito Munoz addresses the crowd at last Saturday’s rally. Virginia’s own version of “Joe the Plumber.� He first came to national attention last fall when he came onto the campaign trail for the Presidential election. He appeared with Sarah Palin as she toured Virginia, and Tito has appeared on the Fox News Channel at least six times on various shows. Tito has a very powerful message for his audiences, sharing his personal story of how he came to American from Columbia as a teenager with no money. He worked hard, made something of himself and now owns his own con-

struction company. His tag line is “I was born in Columbia, but I was made in America.� Tito became an American citizen last fall and nothing makes him prouder now that he can vote. The event was sponsored by the Roanoke County, Roanoke City and Salem Republican Committees as well as the Roanoke Valley Republican Women. For more information on any of these groups call 540776-3199.

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Our Take: Changes at RCPS are Needed to Help Those Who Need it Most

Roanoke City Schools have been battling for the past few years to make a comeback: closing unneeded schools, shuffling attendance zones, changing superintendents, trying to convince doubters that an over-age academy would work. The recent pay raises for central administration staff, while teachers got nothing, was a minor PR disaster. The first-ever graduation last week of students from Forest Park Academy - some are in their 20's - featured smiles, hugs and tears from students, teachers and staffers.

Less than a dozen dropped out and more than 100 did, or will, graduate by the end of the summer. Others wait to get in. The overage academy, in its first year, seems like a winner. The sorry saga at William Fleming over who didn't take Standards of Learning exams threw a bit of a cloud over last week's commencement ceremony, in large part because Fleming's principal and four other school administrators did not attend their own school's graduation. Reportedly, they helped certain students avoid having to take SOL tests that could have brought down

the school's overall score and left it unaccredited. If there is blame to assign, those at fault should be punished. But then changes need to be made by putting systems in place that won't allow school staff to shuffle kids out of classes that require SOL testing without permission from central administration. Officials also need to look again at the No Child Left Behind mandates that cut funding to schools that don't meet Standards of Learning benchmarks. As School Board chair David Carson has said, it’s backwards

> Council Notes From page 1

talking about the issue in public,� before the 4-2 no vote with David Trinkle absent. Only Anita Price voted with Bowers to reinstate Johnson’s job. Council may try to find $3,000 for after prom parties held every spring at William Fleming and Patrick Henry, after the $1,500 allocated for each was eliminated in the most recent budget. School activist Chris Craft told council from the podium that it was more expensive to clean up a car wreck caused by a student that may have partied elsewhere after the prom - rather than at safe, drug and alcohol free school-based after prom events. Miller recognized: after more than 30 years of service, George “Killa� Miller is retiring from Roanoke City Schools. The longtime football and wrestling coach at William Fleming was honored with a resolution by Roanoke City Council Monday. Miller (nicknamed “Killa�) was a P.E. teacher and hall principal at Fleming, a principal at Noel C. Taylor and the school division’s director of athletics for the past three years.

Vice Mayor Sherman Lea noted that his son played football for Miller at Fleming, where the coach also became a mentor. “He has that kind of impact on young people,� said Lea. Miller, who played football and wrestled at Elizabeth State College, said the resolution was “an honor of high distinction.� Council also voted to amend the plan for William Fleming’s new athletic facilities, which will now include a field house adjacent to the football field. Architect Richard Rife said the placement of the field house would not interfere with a possible expansion of the new football stadium to 6,000 seats from the planned 3,500. The larger number would allow Fleming to host regional AAA playoff games. By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

83% College Retention!

– the schools that need help (more teachers, tutors, remedial programs etc.) should not be the ones subject to funding losses. Here's hoping the powers that be learn from the present unseemly situation and make the appropriate changes that won’t allow it to occur again in the future. By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

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> West End Center From page 1

“I loved it from the beginning,â€? Robbins said. She has tutored and mentored children in the past – on Saturday she picked up a paintbrush. “We’ve seen what happens with these kids – they seem to love to rise to expectations. They’re wonderful children.â€? Executive Director Kay Hale said the privately funded West End Center (mostly individual donations) is more than a building. Hale, a Roanoke College graduate who has served West End more than 25 years, said youth mental health services are a rarity in the African American community. Most of those who come to the center are at the lower end of the economic scale and the childcare rates are low. “We are here to give kids the skills they need‌and [a chance] to be happy,â€? said Hale. “We have a chance to make a difference.â€? The overdue landscaping

and painting last weekend helped brighten things up a bit. “We’ve needed this for a long time,� said Hale, adding that the sprucing up will probably continue on some level (the West End Center is located on three pieces of property) until

September. “We’re on our way,� Hale remarked concerning the fundraising effort. By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

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Perspective

Page 4 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 6/19/09 - 6/25/09

TheRoanokeStar.com

From Cellophane to Brick Wall – How I Got My Identity Back

F

or the most part, I have lived most of my life "under the radar." As a child I was so painfully shy that I managed to miss twelve straight Junior High School Spanish classes without being marked absent. To borrow a title from the musical "Chicago" I was "Mr. Cellophane." Last week, all of that changed. While visiting my wonderful father-in-law Hank in the hospital, I noticed a nurse looking at me in a rather strange way. She wore a searching expression, her brow furled as if she was trying to solve a difficult puzzle. "Where do I know you from?" she asked, tightening a blood pressure band around Hank's upper-arm. "Well, I am in the hospital quite often," I responded, having slept on at least half of the gurneys in Roanoke over the years. "No, she answered," wagging her finger in my direc-

tion, "I know, you're the guy who wrote about his dog Roscoe in the newspaper!" Folks, I was floored. My face was awash in a deep blush. This was the first time that I had been correctly identified in public by someone I had not previously met. The sensation was both exciting and confusing. Throughout the years I have often been mistaken for other people but rarely recognized as myself. Many years ago, while traveling to Florida to visit my Mom, a lovely young woman approached me in the Fort Lauderdale airport terminal, threw her arms around my neck and exclaimed "Kenny, it is so nice to see you, where's Lucille?" We momentarily enjoyed a lingering embrace, (or at least I did) then separated. Begrudgingly, I explained that I possessed no information as to Lucille's whereabouts, and although my name was Jon, she was more than welcome to address me as Kenny, Larry

or any pseudonym to verify my presthat struck her ence as well. Later, fancy. Embarrassed when the meals and apparently disarrived, my order appointed, my myswas the only one tery greeter withmissing, as was the drew and deserted waiter's tip when it me at the baggage came time to settle claim. up. Wherever I go I How can someam either mistakone be so eminenten for someone's ly forgettable? Jon Kaufman Uncle Hobart, or I take some I strike my fellow humans as pride in my ability to recogcompletely invisible. When nize people and remembertraveling for business in Park- ing their names. It's imporersburg, West Virginia with tant, although I nearly lost my my friends Tom and Angel- summer job one year for failique, we stopped in a local ing to visually verify a musical eatery for a bite prior to a sales celebrity. As an employee of meeting. When the three of Jones Beach Theatre in Long us entered the establishment Island, New York, my job was (together) the perky hostess to serve as an usher for the directed herself towards Tom musical concerts staged at the and Angelique inquiring "Ta- venue. Boasting an impressive ble for two." My two befud- line-up of acts from a variety dled business partners turned of musical genres, the theatre their heads to the left as if to hosted everyone from Blue make sure that I was, in fact, Oyster Cult to Mel Torme that still standing next to them, as summer. I glanced into a nearby mirror My best friend Neil, a tall,

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

Bagels and Lox When I was little I was a bit on the particular side when it came to food. Growing up in Charleston WV, I lived on the following: bagels and cream cheese from Ray’s Deli, ravioli from Leonoro’s and grilled cheeses and chocolate pudding from the Charleston Tennis Club. These items (and pizza) pretty much constituted my entire diet in my younger years. (It was a tough regimen to maintain but I somehow managed to pull it off until roughly the age of 16.) Obviously, I have branched out a bit (is there anything now I don’t like?) but the old favorites still do something for me. I still bite into a bagel with cream cheese and feel the comfort of home – that warm, soft, carefree place called childhood. It can transport me to that time growing up in Charleston, much like those familiar smells that take us all back in time. Chlorine rushing into my nose always takes me back to my life as a competitive swimmer. There I am on those blocks at age14, as if it was yesterday. I can’t step into my church, Raleigh Court Presbyterian, without thinking of the church I grew up in, Kanawha Presbyterian, simply because they both have that old church smell. It is so wonderful to remember the Jesus I first met as a child as I rediscover Him, now, in my late 30s. Our memory of the past is a funny thing, it informs us about who we are today more than I think most of us realize. I am extremely thankful that my past consists of warm bagels, a well-loved smelly old church, hours in the pool, the mountains and woods of WV and a loving family that helped me discover all these things and so much more. As you may note below, however, I am a tad more sophisticated with my bagel toppings these days . . . Bagels Cream Cheese Red Onion Tomatoes Smoked Salmon/Lox Black Pepper Capers

-Spread the cream cheese to your liking -Cut thin slices of red onion and lay on top -Garden fresh thick slices of tomato go on next -Then the smoked salmon or lox piled on top -Grind fresh pepper on top and then sprinkle with capers *If you are making this for dinner serve it with some yummy potatoes chips if you want to be really bad. If you feel the need for some green, some steamed asparagus might be quite nice.

-Slice the bagels down the middle -Toast the bagel slices

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well muscled fellow who worked as a security guard at the front gate of the theatre fell ill one evening after consuming fourteen pre-performance cocktails. As any good friend would, I volunteered to man Neil's post while he revisited his last several meals. Security was light that evening as the headlining act, The Benny Goodman Orchestra, appealed to an older crowd. Neil told me that all I needed to do was look menacing (me?) and everything would be alright. The evening went without incident, until, just prior to Showtime, an older gentleman raced up to the gate and blew right past me. Not known for my speed, I was able to capture the gate crasher just before he reached the backstage entrance. Blocking the door, I asked for the man's ticket. The man explained that he did not have a ticket and that he was with the band. Determined to represent my fallen friend Neil, I argued with this fellow

for several minutes, until the backstage manager brushed me aside and escorted the man inside. Later, I glanced inside the theatre, and recognized that fleet-footed fossil who out ran me. The speedy senior playing his clarinet on stage was, the stat himself, Benny Goodman. I had been hoisted on my own petard, defeated by the very pet peeve which continues to torture my tangled identity. To the friendly nurse who correctly diagnosed that identity, it was a pleasure to meet you and I appreciate your kind comments about my writing. With the aid of this angel of mercy, I no longer feel translucent, and that blip on the radar screen? It is I, Hapless Jon, not "Kenny" or your "Uncle Hobart", just little old me, the man who would not allow Benny to toot his flute without a ticket. Contact Jon at Jon.Kaufman@sprint.com

Gunny and Tessa

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ow that I’m older, people often ask me when I’m going to retire. I tell them, “When I stop loving it, I’ll stop doing it.” But there’s a deeper motivation: it’s in the ER that I most often meet ‘my betters.” People who have lived through shapings of fearful and demanding intensity, and become individuals – often unsung - of remarkable dimension and scope. Not uncommonly, the ‘shaping’ reveals or develops a core of courage, or honor, or perseverance. But it is of two courageous individuals I wish to speak. He was a big AfricanAmerican who came to our ER with pneumonia. We got that squared away, and I had a moment of free time. I’d noticed a tattoo on his forearm: US Army. “Being 80 years-old, you must have served in World War 2. He looked at me and nodded. “He was in Europe,” he wife volunteered. “Gunnery Sergeant in the Quartermaster’s Corps,” added another of the gathered family. “So you must have been a member of the Red Ball Express,” I said. His gaze snapped towards me. “How’d you know that?” he rumbled. “What is that… that Red Ball thing?” several of the family asked together, looking at each other. I looked at him, “You never told them about being a hero?” “Wasn’t no hero. Just doin’ my job.” But the family persisted and I explained that in the European Theater, World War 2, African Americans drove to Hell and back each day to supply the troops; bombs, firefight, snipers and the like notwithstanding.

The legendary Red her; no reprieves Ball Express. would be granted, It turns out that no regiments to lift ‘Gunny’ had been the seige. Death caught in the siege held her gaze and of Bastogne by moved slowly toGerman troops wards her. But befor several weeks. fore her end, Tessa He gave a brief must suffer. The outline to a story cancer caused penone of his famriodic build-ups Lucky Garvin ily had ever heard. of fluid in her “For four weeks, I right lung. As I never heard so much shoo- walked into her Bay, meeting tin’, so many explosions, seen her for the first and only time, so much dyin’ and heard so she quipped, “I’ll give you a much prayin’ – even from nickel to stick a needle in my atheists. One of them athe- lung.” Thoracentesis; introists told God not to send duce a needle, draw off fluid; Jesus there, for it warn’t the lung can now expand, no place for a boy.” Gunny Tessa can breath again… for looked down at his hands, now. Death grinned; Tessa down over long, untended, joked. Such humor can only unremembered years. “Yeah, spring from a bulwark of inmy group – and plenty of oth- ward, hard-anchored courers - got surrounded in Bas- age. If there is a grim prototogne… Battle of the Bulge,” col for dying, Tessa ignored it he whispered from far away. as she gently tossed humor in Coming back abruptly to the the air. Tessa, dying, taught present, he added, “Till Ol’ us how to live. Georgie Patton swung ‘round I know nothing of the meta couple regiments and freed rics of courage. If I am ever us up. Week later, I was back called upon to exhibit bravpushin’ supplies.” ery on such a scale I have no I shook his hand and idea how I shall perform. It is thanked him what he had one thing to sit in the stands done. I told him the guys of analyzing that event; quite the Red Ball were incredible. another to face the on-comHe simply said, “We had to ing bull. be incredible.” In Tessa’s case it must be And then there was Tes- said that the conflict we cansa… not win says all of us that I met her only once and truly matters. I wonder then too briefly; too briefly when death comes for me if, to learn from her how to pre- like Tessa, I can laugh, and, pare to die with grace. I read like Tessa, take from Death the obituaries and fully real- the final word. What I say ize one day I shall be among of her is this: God must have the featured. How will I go? had some very important I can only hope to do half as work for her on the Other well as she. Side, since he crafted her so Forty-four year-old Tessa specially on this one. was dying the hard way: slowly and inevitably. Her death from wide-spread Contact Lucky at cancer would come soon, info@theroanokestar.com and unlike Gunny’s case, no amount of courage, resolve, or good fortune would save

15 www.CrosswordWeaver.com www.CrosswordWeaver.com

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Perspective

6/19/09 - 6/25/09 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 5

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Shy as a Violet?

hoever coined the Have you ever been taken in by some phrase “shy as a violet” helpless individual’s flattering words must have had little exand apparent fragility? Once you sucperience with that delicate denizen of cumb, you face increasing demands, the woods and meadows. My recent until you find yourself under the experience with this wildflower concontrol of an allegedly vulnerable vinced me that the violet is anything person. but shy. The shy, sweet individual may use When a violet plant voluntarily these attributes to gain whatever took up residence in my herb garshe wants. (Yes, it’s often a female, den, I hesitated to remove it. After although sometimes these tactics Mary Jo Shannon all, its purple blossoms added a vihave been used by those of the opbrant touch of color, tucked between the verdant posite gender.) clumps of oregano and the graceful green spires As a teacher, I was always on guard to avoid of chives. The heart-shaped leaves were attrac- the charm of sweet little girls or flattering boys tive, and its subtle scent evoked memories of my who attempted to gain favors. Their beguiling teenage years when salesgirls at Woolworth of- behavior tempted me to reward them by choosfered samples of violet perfume. Moreover, the ing them for special jobs, such as passing out paflower is edible. Visions of violet blossoms sprin- pers or pencils, being first in whatever activity kled on my salads or candied to decorate cakes was at hand. convinced me it qualified to remain among my As parents, my husband and I often encounherbs. tered similar attempts by our children to soften Thus that single violet plant seduced me, and I our reserve concerning certain wishes they enleft it to grow amidst the tarragon, oregano, basil tertained. On one such occasion my husband and chives. To grow – and multiply. Before long had refused to let them get a dog because (1) he the bare soil around the mother plant was pep- felt the city was no place to own a dog and (2) pered with tiny seedlings. I discovered that each they could enjoy the company of other dogs who flower produces a seed pod that pops open, re- lived in our neighborhood. A third, unmenleasing dozens of miniscule seeds. tioned objection was the trouble and expense of Soon all the space between my herbs was filled boarding a pet when the family needed to leave with purple violets, despite my efforts to re- town. move the seedlings with a cultivating fork. With The children formed a conspiracy, with the asa touch of regret, I tugged at the mother plant, sistance of a friend whose dog had given birth but its roots held firmly. Using my trowel to up- to a litter of six puppies. The friend brought a root it, I discovered an underground system of puppy to our house and Dad was exposed to his roots and rhizomes that threatened to conquer daughter’s helpless look of longing as she played the entire garden and choke out the original oc- with the puppy. He gave in and we became dog cupants. owners – and dog lovers. Deciding that control of this aggressive plant Ultimately, I surrendered to the violets as well. was impossible, I placed it in the same category Although each spring I remove the seedlings, as wiregrass and dandelions and determined to I’ve compromised and actually enjoy the positive eradicate it. Each clump I removed left behind characteristics of the clumps of color that spring enough rhizomes to assure a healthy stand of vi- up among the herbs. I admire their charming olets for the future. What began as a single “shy” attributes, but I definitely do not describe this violet squatter had staked out its claim. And each hardy, aggressive plant as “shy.” year I must struggle to control it. Shy begonias anyone? This spring as I dug out the violets, I reflected Contact Mary Jo at on the subtle way the flower seduced me, notinfo@theroanokestar.com ing the similarity to some personal relationships.

Preacher’s Corner Celebrating All That We Have

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Pastor Chip Roberson Says Goodbye

osh, the time has so rapidly come and gone. Just five years ago on June 14th my family and I celebrated our 1st Sunday at Cave Spring Baptist Church. Now the time has come for us to go. We rejoice in the years we've enjoyed and friends we've made. Truthfully, words are inadequate to describe what the sweet Lord Jesus has done in our hearts and lives during this time. Before I start to blubber, may I give you the reason for my column today? Regrets! Yes, regrets are part of a person's life. It seems that when we are young we regret the things we did, and when we are old we regret the things we didn't do. But life's just like that isn't it. Some live their lives in the tomorrows and very often others live their lives in the yesterdays. Churches do that. In our collective minds we remember "what it was like when Reverend Dr. So-and-so was our Pastor"! We often talk of "how it was" as we recall the wonderful things the Lord did for us back in the day. Is your God only a yesterday God? In some cases (rare as they may be) there are the visionaries who constantly expect what God is going to do. We live our lives in total anticipation of what's going to happen next. The next lost person to pray to receive Christ,

the next Mission opportunity or the next project on our agenda. It seems to be the way we're wired. Truthfully, the Lord is the Lord of TODAY!!!!! Remember that the Lord Jesus said in Matthew 22:32 ‘I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is not the God of the dead but of the living." I suppose one could ask what that has to do with this column. My answer to that is too often we live our lives in the what has happened or in the hopes of what will happen all the time passing on the WHAT IS HAPPENING! I recently conducted a wedding for friends back in Tidewater where I was privileged to pastor Bethel Baptist Church for 15 years. We had watched the couple to be married grow up in the church. They were the model couple in every way, but what I want to point out has little to do with the wedding. At that wedding my friend Kim Curling came up and (while musing over the large crowd gathered there that day) said, "Chip, we really didn't know what we had when we had it, did we?" I looked into that big man's eyes and saw the sorrow of

wasting the right now. His point was crystal clear. We were so distracted during our years of ministry that we failed to savor the moment. What a loss. What a tragedy that we can allow ourselves to be so captivated by something we don't have that we fail to appreciate what we do have. So let me conclude my final column in this passage by saying, "I am enjoying the moment; I do hope you are as well!" May the sweet Lord Jesus bless you as you find your way through your TODAY! Your Pastor and friend, Pastor Chip Roberson

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Extension Connection: A Simple and Delicious Way to Enjoy Seasonal Foods

Last weekend I purchased “Roasting Vegetables in a Bag” from a farmer’s market. In the bag were kale leaves, new potatoes, kohlrabi, green beans, spring onions and young carrots. The directions were to cut to similar size pieces, coat with a little oil (olive is a good choice and a zip-lock bag makes it easy) and seasonings – I used Spike – Mrs. Dash would work or any other seasonings, place on a cookie sheet in a 375° oven for about 15 - 20 minutes, turn vegetables and roast for another 10 or so minutes until veggies are tender and crisping. Any vegetables would work – mix and match with what is plentiful and in season. This is a great, easy and delicious way to prepare and then eat a wide variety of good-for-you vegetables all year long. Zucchini, yellow squash and onions are another good combo. It's hard to believe that something this easy could taste this good. To round out this meal, a plan might be to have some fish or chicken baking in another pan, when done,

dinner is served – add something cold and crispy like cucumber, celery and carrot slices for balance. If you are grilling, then you may want to roast vegetables or fruit on your grill along with your meat, chicken or fish. They add color, texture, flavor and nutrition without adding many calories. You can use a grilling basket, grilling pan, skewars for kebabs, or tuck into aluminum foil for a roast/steam. Here are some ideas for grilling vegetables from www.extension.org : Cut vegetables into large, flat pieces of even thickness throughout each slice. You can cut them into smaller pieces after cooking. Add flavor to vegetables with olive oil (or another type of oil) and seasonings. Lay them in a single layer on a cookie sheet, brush with oil and season. Turn them over and repeat on the other side. Use marinades to add flavor. Be aware that sugar-based marinades cause the exterior of the

vegetables to blacken. Use both moist and dry heat to cook your vegetables. Grill the vegetables until they have nice grill markings on both sides. Remove them from the grill and place into a bowl or pot. Cover tightly with plastic wrap to prevent the steam from escaping for five to 10 minutes. This will finish the cooking process of the vegetables without drying them out. Try these ideas to add flavor, color and fiber to your menu with grilled fruit: Sprinkle wedges of apple or pear with cinnamon and a touch of brown sugar. Grill for about five minutes per side. Brush peeled, whole bananas with canola or sunflower oil and add to the grill just until the fruit turns golden and has grill marks, or about five minutes per side. For a fun alternative to the summer classic s’mores, cut a 3/4-inch-deep slit down the length of an unpeeled banana. Pry the slit open and stuff with 2 tablespoons of chopped dark

A Father’s Day Poem For Dad

For all the times you made me hold that darned ladder; For all the times you said, "if you throw that tennis racquet again, we're going home," and I threw the tennis racquet again, and we went home; For that time you wanted to go hiking in the Smokies, and I wanted to go to Amy Harris's pool party, and I pitched such a fit halfway to the Smokies that you turned the car around and drove us home at breakneck speeds, only to give in half an hour later after I pitched another fit, and we went to the Smokies, and had a nice time; For beating me every time at every sport and every game, many years after I was sure I was better than you; For the thirty-seven times you told me the name of the same green-metallic beetle, while each time I was thinking about some girl or some song I'd like to write, or some song I'd like to write about some girl, only half an hour later to see a green metallic beetle, and wonder what kind it was;

For the times you water heater—and crushed between to rake with full, efyour fingers someficient strokes, and thing sweet-smelling, curse at the weedor sharp-smelling, or whacker, and spread minty-smelling, or the peanut-butter putrid, and shoved it clean out to the toward my nose, saycrust; ing, "Nature snort;" For all the creative For all the arguments ways you punwe've had about reished me, with just ligion, and all the enough conseFred First agreements we've quence to sting, and had about politics; just enough humor For all the times we've called to tell stories about later; each other "smart-a--," audibly For finding your craft, your or otherwise; voice, and a fulfilling sense of For every time you should've place—for living my aspiration made fun of me for the way I and giving me a sense of belongsplit wood, and the vast major- ing, even as odd as I feel to live ity of times that you did; vicariously through my father; For all those really stupid ideas For all those times, all those I've had, which you vehemently lessons, all your friendship and opposed, until you knew I'd go love, this father's day I bought through with them anyway, at you an ice-cold bottle of beer, which point you supported me; Which I'm drinking now as I For all those trips I've taken, and write you this poem, you've secretly worried about, All the while thinking, man, he even while you tried to project would've enjoyed this. all your concerns for me onto Thanks, Dad. Love you. I'll spot "my mother;" you that beer sometime. -- NLF For teaching me to light the

chocolate or your favorite candy bar. Wrap the banana in foil and grill for about five minutes on each side. Grill peaches and nectarines for a side dish to go with steak or pork tenderloin. After cooking, the fruit can be diced and made into a salsa or relish by adding fresh herbs, chili peppers and lime juice or vinegar. As the vegetables keep coming in this summer season, switch them up, try new seasonings and make it easy on yourself by roasting and grilling them. To find out about Virginia Cooperative Extension programs in your area, go to www. ext.vt.edu/ For The Living Well Newsletter go to: http://sites.ext.vt.edu/ livingwell/ You can contact me at dchappel@vt.edu.

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Page 6 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 6/19/09 - 6/25/09

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Focus on Education Forest Park Academy Graduates First Class To the tune of “I Believe I Can Fly,” the first class to graduate from Forest Park Academy last Thursday received plaques indicating they would finish high school. Closing exercises for Forest Park opened on the site of a closed elementary school in northwest Roanoke, took place at Virginia Western Community College. Forest Park is an alternative school for over-age students. Some had dropped out of school, others had fallen behind; all benefited from the smaller classes and extra attention at Forest Park. Some graduates were several years beyond typical high school senior age. Principal Eric Anderson read from a poem that seemed to say it all: “When you’re up against the trouble, meet it squarely face to face.” Most did; less than a dozen students dropped out during the school year. Another 17 could graduate with a high school diploma in August if they take and pass the Standards of Learning tests. Graduates wore their home school colors from William Fleming or Patrick Henry and could walk with those seniors during commencement exercises the next day if they chose to do so. Anderson, hugged by many students when they came on stage to receive plaques, likened

Desree Gates is congratulated by Superintendent Rita Bishop, as Forest Park principal Eric Anderson (center) looks on. graduates to caterpillars last September. “You became new… you became adults [through a] molting process,” he added. “With no work there will be no play,” said Reticia Washington, one of two students to address fellow students, Superintendent Rita Bishop, School Board Chairman David Carson, parents and well-wishers in attendance. Washington thanked the academy “for allowing me Teachers (foreground) and a second chance…to better my Forest Park graduates wait for closing exercises. life.” Umeko Jones didn’t get far into her address before break- ored and proud,” calling eduing into tears. She was “hon- cation “the memory of blood, sweat and tears. With a little hard work it can take me where I want to go.” Jones recalled that she almost “gave up” on school before being lured back to Forest Park. Bishop, who also put together an overage student academy in Lancaster, PA, said the 98 first year graduates that had all passed six SOL tests amounted to a feat that was “pretty impressive.” Bishop praised the “courage” of the Roanoke City School Board for its decision to close 5:30, Forest Park Elementary, despite neighborhood protests, and fund the academy. She also mentioned some of the unique obstacles these returning students had to deal with – like raising children while going to school. “[Some] of you have faced challenges that are so overwhelming.” “We have been truly amazed at what you accomplished this year,” Anderson said just before graduates came up on stage.

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Fleming Graduation Not Marred by Scandal Principal Susan Willis, Hall Principals Bill Downie and Michael Hill, Guidance Coordinator Keith Smith and a special education coordinator were all absent from last Friday’s commencement exercise for William Fleming High School. But for the 350 graduates, the day was all about optimism and looking ahead. Willis and Downie, implicated with the others in steering some students away from Standards of Learning tests in order to keep the school’s overall performance grade higher, were listed in the program as taking part in the ceremony, but they were replaced without fanfare by others from the school. Mayor David Bowers, one of many city council and school board members on hand, talked about the commitment made by the city to build a new high school at William Fleming, something that becomes a reality this fall. “Next [school] year in September we start a new beginning,” said Bowers.

Community School Band Wins Silver in National Festival

Community School is the proud sponsor of its own steel drum band, the “Community School World Pan Band.” Currently consisting of 18 members, 16 students age 7 through 13, as well as two parents, the program is under the direction of Richard Rudolph. The band traveled to VA Beach last month to attend the 7th Annual Caribbean Steel Drum Festival, featuring some 20 steel bands from all over the country. The Community School students were some of the youngest members participating, winning a silver medal and trophy with a score of 89 (out of 100). In the history of this festival, the Community School World Pan Band, only a year old, is the first band to receive By Gene Marrano a silver medal. Steel bands performed segmarrano@cox.net lections of their own choice to showcase each student’s strengths and the vast rep-

Mulch 'n More

Twenty-one would-be performers, ranging in age from 5 – 16, gathered at Patrick Henry High School this week to master acting, singing, dancing, theatrical makeup, props, and costuming skills through interactive workshops. Their ultimate goal was to produce and perform a professional, top-quality musical entitled “The School Survival Guide,” all within just five days.

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ertoire of steel band music. World Pan Band played selections from rock to calypso from the culture of the Caribbean. Each band was evaluated by the judges in the areas of style, content, presentation and execution of proper fundamentals of steel band performance. The festival was divided into

“This is the most accessible, comprehensive theater experience for kids throughout our region,” said Dr. Mary Souder, director of The Junebug Center for Storied Arts, which has been conducting these theater camps all over the Roanoke and New River Valley for the past five years. Souder has witnessed many accomplishments at the Junebug Center in Floyd since

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Fleming graduates are all smiles as the last class of the old school. Assistant principal Susan forward with a new approach,” Morris, filling in for Willis, while valedictorian Jesse Jennoted that “the walls may kins hailed fellow students as come down [but] the memo- “quite possibly the greatest ries will remain.” people I’ve ever known.” Guest speaker Nikki GioWilliam Fleming’s troubles vanni, the noted poet and Vir- related to the SOL testing ginia Tech professor, related scandal seemed to matter litthe story of Christopher Co- tle, if at all, as seniors walked lumbus and his quest to seek the stage to receive their hardthe New World, “We sail on… earned diplomas, part of the we continue to learn some- last class at the old campus. thing – you must sail on.” Salutorian David Krawczyk said the education received at By Gene Marrano Fleming “will allow us to go gmarrano@cox.net

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she arrived six years ago. The Center employs a full-time professional dance teacher, as well as a professional theater instructor, and several artist interns to work with children and adults at all levels. The script for this past week was original, Souder said, as well as all of the choreography; it was written at three levels in order to accommodate all the talents of the children involved. The performance takes place at the Patrick Henry High School auditorium Friday, June 19, 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $3 each and may be purchased at the door. The Junebug Center will present the famous Grimm fairy tale “Brementown Musicians” at the Dumas Center (108 Henry Street) Saturday, July 18 at 10:00 a.m. They will also conduct a Shakespearean Verse Workshop August 23 at the Dumas Center. Those interested may contact Mary Souder for ticket prices and information at 540-745-6550. The Center also conducts workshops and performances throughout the year at area schools and community venues. There is a full fall season of storytelling, theater, and dance already scheduled. Visit www.junebugcenter. org for more information. By Deborah K. Wood info@theroanokestar.com

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Sports

Send sports pictures, announcements and story ideas to info@theroanokestar.com 6/19/09 - 6/25/09 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 7

Pat Wolfe leaves Faith Christian

Wolfe Steps Down as Coach at Faith Hidden Valley swimmer Jared Adams leaves the platform.

Photo by Bill Turner

Hidden Valley freestyle swimmers (L-R) Lauren Janes, Maddie Robinson and Drew Freeland.

Faith Christian School girls basketball coach Pat Wolfe Photo by Bill Turner has resigned after eight seasons at the school. “Our hearts are heavy at Everybody in the Coach Pat Wolfe's resignation,” Athletic Director Jeff Pool: the Roanoke Valley Garner said. “We will miss Aquatic Association summer swim meet season has begun. his leadership, mentoring, Olympic Park traveled to Hid- and wisdom, both on and off den Valley Country Club for a the court. We are indebted to Coach Wolfe for his many meet Monday night. Hidden years of sacrifice of time Valley bested Olympic Park 1037 to 594.5 in an interdivi- away from family and career to pour his heart, knowledge, sion battle. Annual powerskill, and life into our student house Hunting Hills racked up the most points after the athletes.” Wolfe came to Faith Chrisfirst week of competition with 1947.50. (visit swimrvaa. tian in 2000, establishing a Middle School and JV boys com for complete results). program. In 2002, he began Middle School and JV girls programs as well. After taking a year off in 2003, Wolfe returned in 2004 as the Head Girls Varsity Coach. In his five seasons at the helm, Wolfe led the Warriors

to three VACA South Region championships, including a state championship in 200708. His record during those years was 82-35, an impressive .700 winning percentage, including a 39-6 conference record. “More than merely a successful coach with a great won-lost record and championships won, Pat has, moreover, been a man of great integrity and Christian character who has been a wonderful role model for our young ladies,” Sam Cox, the Head of School at Faith, said. “He leaves a great legacy here at the school—and in the lives of a generation of young ladies. He will be missed.”

By Matt Reeve Matt@theroanokestar.com

Photo by Bill Turner

Roanoker lefty Luke Marston hurls a pitch in Sunday’s game.

Photo by Bill Turner

Roanoker Cody Amos slides to the plate as CS Braves catcher Hayden Houlus attempts to get down the tag.

SPORTS OFFICIALS

The Southwest Virginia Lacrosse Association (SWVLA) is looking for men’s and women’s lacrosse officials for high school and youth games in our area. No experience needed – free training from USLacrosse is provided. The game of lacrosse (men’s and women’s) is growing rapidly in our area and we need more qualified officials!

Why officiate lacrosse? • Fastest growing sport in America • Great exercise • Extra money • Associate with great student athletes

USLacrosse Men’s Officials Clinic will be June 27-28 at Roanoke College.

All materials will be provided and you will earn a LEVEL 1 CERTIFICATION.

Go to www.swvla.com to register for this FREE clinic. You must be a member of USLacrosse in order to attend the clinic – join USLacrosse at www.uslacrosse.org.

Sign up NOW as the clinic is FREE to the first 40 registrants. Women’s clinic will be held later in the fall.

Title Game: In the Cave Spring National Major Little

League championship game at Starkey Park Sunday, the Roanokers defeated the Braves 8-7, in extra innings.

Sports

Page 8 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 6/19/09 - 6/25/09

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

Hey Coach! No One’s Calling Me Back...

Readers: A dad and I have been emailing recently. He’s extremely involved in his daughter’s recruiting. I believe he’s at the point where he may be pushing some coaches away! Here’s the most recent email that I received. Hi Coach Houser, There has still not been one word from Coach Z at ABC College. I even sent her another email requesting that she call or email my daughter, Doris, just to tell her exactly where she stands. I also sent her another video of Doris. And nothing. Do you know how many different ways I’ve tried to tell the coach that she needs my daughter on her team! Oh, well. Meantime,

Coach M at JKL University the coach at XYZ College both say Doris is welcome to join their programs. The XYZ deal even includes $$$!! But Doris has her heart set on ABC. It blows my mind that this coach won't have the courtesy to even say "buzz off ". Hey Dad: It's great to hear from you. Wish you had better news to share with me. My advice: Let it go. Let Doris do with all this what she wants. Let me share some experiences and thoughts with you. First, let’s look at this rejection from a player’s point of view. One of my former players had her heart set on a divi-

It’s easy to enjoy the benefits of conditioned water with

sion I school. But school, and let the the school hadn’t chips fall where really shown a lot they may, or; of interest. They Give up on that believed that she school and look for was too small. a different pond to There's nothing splash in. her parents could And it’s her do. There was not a choice. Not yours lot the player could - hers. do. And emailing, Second, let’s Tom Houser calling, mailing, look at this from and even stalking the college coach’s the coach isn’t the answer. point of view. If the coach isn’t interested, Coach Z may be making then he isn't interested. a mistake by not recruiting Dad, she may attend that Doris. But, Dad, Coach Z Division I school and not be has made up her mind. Two a part of the team. She may or three or fifty-three more make the team, yet never play emails won’t change her a minute. She may attend mind. She may not be receivand play!!! She may attend a ing your emails because she smaller school and play. But, may have blocked your adDad, it’s all up to her. dress. However, if you conAs coaches & parents, tinue to harass her, you may we’re just here to help, coun- force her to dig her heals in sel and help pick up the piec- even deeper. Or you turn the es if there’s a crash; which, coach further against your we do gladly. daughter because she realRight now Doris has to izes that you and her are a make the same choices as my package set! Let it go. ex-player had to make: Well, you’re probably askKeep on trying to get that ing, “What SHOULD parents school to recruit her, do to help their children?â€? Go ahead and attend that Hey, I’ve talked to several

parents of Division I athletes and I’ve discovered that I could compile a list of twenty actions parents can do that are helpful, and about fifty actions that are not only useless, but could be detrimental. But are a few things that we all agreed upon. Parents should: a) Send the daughter’s skills tape to any team’s coach that she may be interested in and start doing this as soon as the skills tape is completed. I did my stepdaughter’s first tape in the spring of her sophomore year and started sending it out immediately. b) Encourage the child to reach out to college coaches & make inquiries. c) Ask the child’s high school or club coach to help in this process. They’re input in more respected by college coaches that the parent’s bombardment. d) Assist the child with setting limitations on college choices. For example, affordability, major, etc. e) Counsel the child on the college that may be her “best fit�: rural/urban, big/small,

miles from home, etc. f) Help the child keep up with deadlines (applications, SAT’s, etc) and encourage the child to meet those deadlines (if they refuse, hey, it’s their future, not the parents!); g) Provide the child with the opportunity to maintain their physical fitness: other sports, weight room, athletic club membership, etc.; h) Encourage the child to ensure college coaches have her club schedule. i) Encourage the child to send emails, texts, etc. to the college coaches that she maintains an interest in. Finally It really can’t be said enough - It’s up to her. You be there to help, encourage, support, remind. But she has to make the final decision, and she has to live with it. Tom Houser Head Coach, 2009 Roanoke Juniors 16’s National Director, STAR Volleyball Camps JOVC Qualified in 2006 and in 2009 www.coachhouser.com

Luke Jensen Coming Back For Tennis Clinic Limited Time Offer! The 3 FREES from Culligan* Free - Installtion of Culligan equipment Free - 1 year of service Free - 6 bags of 40 lb. salt Expires 7/31/09. *With Purchase. Certain restrictions apply. Call dealer for details.

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Former French Open champion and current ESPN Analyst Luke Jensen will be conducting a clinic at Hunting Hills Country Club Wednesday, July 1, 6:00 pm - 7:15 pm as a part of the club’s Pro and Collegiate Tennis Festival. Jensen, the only player in professional tennis history to play with either hand, will take part in an exhibition match with Hunting Hills head tennis pro John Barker, as well as instructor Steve Gallagher. It will be the third year that Jensen has appeared at the event. A decorated ATP career, Jensen’s includes victories over Pete Sampras, Andre Agassi, Bjorn Borg, Jimmy Connors, Boris Becker and Jim Courier. He was a member of the U.S. Davis Cup squad in 1991 and 1992 and captured the 1993 French Open Doubles championship with his brother, Mur-

phy. Jensen has worked as a tennis analyst for ESPN since 1994, and was named the Head Women’s Coach at Syracuse University three years ago. The Pro and Collegiate Tennis Festival will also feature a college exhibition match featuring players from Radford and Virginia Tech. The event is open to the public. The cost is $35.00 per person for the Pro and Collegiate Tennis Exhibition with a buffet dinner or $10.00 per person for admission to the exhibition. Call 540-774-8880 for more information or to reserve space. Hunting Hills Country Club is located at 5220 Hunting Hills Drive in southwest Roanoke By Matt Reeve County. Matt@theroanokestar.com

Hall of Famer:

Roanoker Fielding Brewbaker won the 36th annual Roanoke Valley Hall of Fame (HOF) men's golf championship with a three-round total of 204 for a decisive 7-shot victory Sunday. Marshall Bailey was second with a three round total of 211.

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Dot Bolling won her 8th Hall of Fame crown as the top female. Hidden Valley Country Club won the team tourney by 35 strokes. The HOF championship was held at The Waterfront on Smith Mountain Lake.

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Fielding Brewbaker tees off The Waterfront. Photo by Bill Turner

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REENACTMENT OF THE 1909 GREAT RACE

June 14 - July 12, 2009 New York City to Seattle, Washington

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(Across Rt. 220 from Hunting Hills)

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Last Phase of Pheasant Ridge Now Available! 1 to 3 bedroom condominium units - 7 oor plans to chose from! www.oceantoocean.ning.com JON W. GRIESENBECK, Owner/Driver - joneuro@att.net Tom Honer, Co-Driver

Follow the RACE by going to our website www.oceantoocean.ning.com Go to members, scroll through until you ďŹ nd Jon or Tom’s name, click on name and then go to photo albums, click on photo albums to see the photos of the trip.

There is no better time to buy - seller will offer $5,000 towards purchase! • Private road with gated entrance • Underground parking, automatic garage door opener • Nine-foot ceilings / Ceramic Tiled Foyer • Crown moulding and chair rail in dining room • Master bedroom with huge walk-in closet • Master bath with double sink and walk-in shower • Kitchen furnished with top of line G.E. appliances • Gas heat/central air / Closet Organizers • Pre-wired for internet, cable TV and telephone • Views, location and quality!

6/19/09 - 6/25/09 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 9

TheRoanokeStar.com

Letter to the Editor Article on Rolling Thunder and Vets Appreciated Dear editor, I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed the article about "rolling thunder" in your paper. I was in Bedford to see them and was appalled at the lack of recognition from The KIVA (Kids In the Valley Adventuring) folks were once again doing what they do best -- accomplishing great things for the town of Bedford.We were told even the D-Day Memorial the valley, learning, developing relationships and having a blast! KIVA kids and adults most recently planted tress at the Dan staff were not notified about Wright Trailhead of the Murray Run Greenway. “We were planting a tree donated to us by the Roanoke Home Depot. The kids helped dig the hole, spread the left over dirt around the park and plant the tree. What a great day,” said KIVA’s Chip Donahue. the group coming. This group takes time from work, family and other activities to ride for this cause and the people don't even make The KIVA (Kids In the Valley Adventuring) folks were once again KIVA Day Camp for NWF's Great American Backyard Campout an effort to show appreciation doing what they do best…accomplishing great things for the valley, June 27 9:30am - 4:30pm learning, developing relationships and having a blast! KIVA kids and Join the National Wildlife Federation and KIVA for KIVA Day adults most recently planted tress at the Dan Wright Trailhead of the Camp! We will set up tents at the lovely Roanoke Mountain CampMurray Run Greenway. ground in the morning and have activities scheduled throughout the “We were planting a tree donated to us by the Roanoke Home De- day. Then, come dinner-time, we will pack up and go home! Check pot. The kids helped dig the hole, spread the left over dirt around the out http://www.nwf.org/backyardcampout/ for more information park and plant the tree. What a great day,” said KIVA’s Chip DonaKIVA Kick-nic at Booker T. Washington Park in Roanoke hue. July 11, 9:30-12:30 PM Upcoming KIVA events include: Come out and play with us at the wonderful Booker T. WashingFamily Nature Club Presentation at Blue Ridge Mountain Sports ton Park. (Kick-nic = kickball and a picnic: awesome, huh?) Join Blacksburg us as we play with a ball donated by Dick's Sporting Goods and then Jun 18 7:00pm - Jun 18 8:00pm we will have a walk along the Lick Run Greenway for a picnic in the Want to learn more about Family Nature Clubs or want to start one shade. Come out and bring a picnic basket full of yummies for your of your own? Come out as KIVA shares our PowerPoint presentation family. and stories from past KIVA adventures. We will introduce the ChilKIVA is a free family nature club. Find out more at www.kidsaddren and Nature Network's FNC toolkit. venturing.org.

KIVA Summer Events

for what the vets did. I spoke at length to one of the POW’s from the Vietnam War. He served twice in Vietnam and was a vet of 20 years. I told him several times how much I appreciated his service and that I was free only because of service people like him. He was very humble and polite. He seemed to be so appreciative that someone took the time to say "thank you." Your paper certainly did them justice and, I, as a flag waving American, just wanted to say "thank you" for the article. Marilyn Morehead Roanoke,Va.

BEST RIBS IN TOWN! Rib Day:

North Cross Teacher Authors Children’s Book

The newest addition to North Cross School’s Hancock Library is a book that many of the youngest students will find particularly interesting when they return to school in the fall. The book, “Mama D & Me,” was authored and illustrated by North Cross teachers and printed by a NCS parent. Written by Junior Kindergarten Teacher and alumna Heather Donaho, the children’s book chronicles a young boy and his encounter with several animals and insects. As he comes across each one, he tries to catch them, but they escape his grasp. In the end, he realizes that Mama D's spirit lies within each one. Junior Kindergarten Teacher Jennifer Luckay provided the book’s illustrations. Parent John Mitchell, who owns Salem Printing, donated the production costs to print the book. The book was developed as part of Donaho’s thesis work studying Words Help Us Heal: The Impact of Bibliotherapy on Children. The book’s subject was inspired by the July 2007 death of Donaho’s mother-in-law who unexpectedly had a heart attack related

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Heather Donaho is a kindergarten teacher – and now an author. to her earlier breast cancer diagnosis. Donaho hopes to sell the book locally and plans to donate a portion of the proceeds to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Donaho, who is also the school’s head volleyball coach, has been teaching at North Cross for nine years. She received her Bachelor’s degree from Roanoke College and her Master’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Virginia.

Lunch Combos Always Available: Monday - Saturday from 10:30am - 3:00pm Roanoke Location (540) 904-2727 677 Brandon Ave.

Across from Kroger @ Towers

Food and Beverage Manager (Roanoke,VA) Enforce performance standards, policies, and procedures in food and beverage. Comply with all food and beverage health, liquor and safety regulations, all federal, state and local applicable laws. Ensure food and beverage floor operations are run in a smooth, efficient manner to ensure customer satisfaction. Bachelor Degree or equivalent in Hospitality Management required.

Salem Location (540) 444-0551 1122 W. Main St.

Across from McDonalds

1-877-FEDX-BBQ www.HenrysMemphisBBQ.com

Mail resume to:Taaza LLC, Attn: HR: FBM, 117 Duke of Gloucester St. SW, Roanoke,VA 24014

Our Lady of Nazareth

Catholic Church www.oln-parish.org

Mount Pleasant Library Moved The Mount Pleasant Public Library Branch (interim location) is now open. The library is located at 2918 Jae Valley Road across from the fire house, in the former beauty shop (beside the Mt. Pleasant Garage). The library branch will still have its regular hours. A note of thanks goes out to Supervisor Mike Altizer for pushing through an "emergency resolution" on the Board of Supervisors that made all this possible. (Mount Pleasant Elementary School, where the library is normally located, is being renovated.)

ALL DAY Wednesday! Whole Slab $13.49

Paying cash for WWII German

Contact us: 540-774-0066

2505 Electric Road, Roanoke VA, 24018 !

Community Calendar > June

Roanoke Public Library Events for June Storyteller,Autumn Morning Star - Main Library 706 S. Jefferson St. Roanoke June 19, 2009, 10:00 am - 11:00 am Storyteller,Autumn Morning Star - Williamson Road Library 3837Williamson Rd June 19,2009, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

> June 22 - 26

Bible Baptist Church -VBS Bible Batist Church located at 2929 Garden City Blvd, invites you to Polar Extremes, our 2009 VBS. The excitement will begin on Monday June 22nd @ 6:00pmSat. June 27th. The fun begins with Bible Study, games, snacks, crafts, music and other extreme activities. Classes are provided for ages 2-18 years. For more info, call 427-0121.

> June 25

Hope for America Roanoke Rally Penn Forest Worship Center 3735 Chaparral Dr. Roamoke,VA 24018 Doors open at 6pm and Rally begins at 7pm. Admission is free www.hrarallies.org

Building.The open house times will contact the Mayor’s Office at (540) be as follows: 853-2444 or by email at 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. mayor@roanokeva.gov 12:00 noon - 1:00 p.m. or 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Appointments are not necessary, Have an item for the calendar? E-mail it to submisbut citizens are encouraged to sions@theroanokestar.com

2009 USA MEN’S NATIONAL FAST-PITCH SOFTBALL TOUR JUNE 26 & 27, 2009 (Double Header) 6pm & 8pm (Each Day) James I. Moyer Sports Complex 1000 Union Street, Salem

TICKETS ON SALE NOW General admission seating will be first come first serve (Get There Early) Open to the public w/purchased game ticket @ 4:30pm!!

Ticket Prices Day of the Event

Reserved Adult/Youth Admission $8.00/each day General Adult/Youth Admission $5.00/each day

Invest in Women. We’d recommend one in particular. Yourself. You’ve taken care of others for years. Now it’s time for you. To enjoy the rewards, to do more for yourself, to try something new. We have a number of services to help with that transition: > Wealth Management Services > Financial, Retirement and Estate Planning > Philanthropy and Charitable Giving > Investment Opportunities Your financial goals should keep pace with your changing life. Please call me at 540-983-4912.

The Meridian Group at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney Cindy Shively

Financial Advisor Financial Planning Specialist 213 South Jefferson Street, Suite 1600 Roanoke, VA 24100 www.fa.smithbarney.com/meridiangroupsb cynthia.h.shively@smithbarney.com

Tickets on sale at the Salem Civic Center Box Office Ticketmaster phone number: 800-745-3000 Website: http://www.ticketmaster.com

> July 1

Mayor’s Open House The second annual “Mayor’s Open House” will be held onWednesday, July 1, 2009 in the Mayor’s Office, 215 Church Avenue, S.W., Room 452, Noel C. Taylor Municipal

There will be an Autograph Ceremony after the events. Only two events in the United States St. John’s, U.S. Virgin Islands and Salem, Virginia!!

© 2009 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC.

Valley Business

Page 10 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 6/19/09 - 6/25/09

TheRoanokeStar.com

Identifying Drug-Free Strategies Focus of Conference in Roanoke

Aerial shot of the new facilities nearing completion at William Fleming High School.

Fleming and Patrick Henry Buildings Come in on Time With the completion of William Fleming High School, J.M. Turner will have delivered the second state-of-the-art Roanoke public high school, on time.. Both Patrick Henry (completed in January of 2008), and William Fleming (completion set for this month), utilized a practice called “construction management.” The comprehensive approach applies strategic management techniques that allow for efficiency, from the architectural drawings, to setting the budget, to the final ribbon cutting. With both schools, J.M Turner partnered with Rife and Wood Architects to meet two critical objectives, controling the project timeline and the costs, while assuring quality for the project owner – in this case, Roanoke City Public Schools. The obvious benefit is the taxpayer’s best interests are represented from start to finish. Compensation is not contingent on the final cost of the project, thus eliminating conflicts of interest. Costly changes are virtually eliminated due to advanced planning alongside the architects throughout the course of the project. Patrick Henry’s first phase, completed at the end of 2005, included asbestos abatement and the subsequent demolition of existing structures, the construction of a new 3-story building that will house classrooms, dining services, the library and school administration. Normal daily school functions occurred simultaneously during construction – allowing the students to watch the project up close, as well as play an earth-friendly role. In an effort initiated by Robert Turcotte of Entre Computers, J.M. Turner, Rife + Wood, Cycle Systems, Roanoke City Schools, Patrick Henry High School and Clean Valley Council teamed together to provide students a unique experience related to the Phase I construction of their new high school.

The Roanoke Valley Prevention Council is one of the leaders nationally in using grant money doled out by the Drug Free Communities program at the federal level. So says Jack W. Claypoole, who administers the program for the White House. Claypoole was keynote speaker during a program sponsored by the Prevention Council at Hotel Roanoke recently, entitled “Strengthening Virginia Communities: Best Practices and Environmental Strategies using the Drug-Free Community Support Program.” The newly formed Community Coalitions of Virginia and the Dept. of Alcohol Beverage Control co-sponsored the one-day event, where groups from around the state came to swap success stories and pick up tips on how to further reduce youth drug and alcohol abuse in their hometowns. Local high schoolers involved with the Prevention Council and RAYSAC (Roanoke Area Youth Substance Abuse Coalition) program also took part. A former law enforcement officer and director of a behavioral health center in South Carolina, Claypoole was appointed to his White House position in 2006 by then-drug czar John Walters. “We think its one of the best prevention efforts our nation has,” said Claypoole, who oversees the 800 Drug Free Communities grants currently in effect. The Prevention Council must reapply every five years and was awarded a second grant in 2008. “Local problems need local solutions,” said Claypoole. “[These] grants are designed to bring the com-

Upon returning to school for the 2005/2006 academic year, students were offered the opportunity to manage a recycling program for construction material waste on the construction site of the new high school. Under the guidance of the science department, interested students worked with Turner Patrick Henry High School to coordinate the recycling of corrugated construction waste. trol measures managed during Students spent a total of 79 construction of the school alhours on the project, including lowed for a separate but related organizational meetings, waste project to include a new 3,000container painting in school seat football, soccer, lacrosse colors, and weekly hands-on and track stadium on the site. recycling activities. Ultimately, According to the Virginia a total of 15,320 pounds of ma- Department of Education’s terials were recycled. website, 16 new public high The new William Fleming schools have been built in the High School replaces the ex- state over the past 6 years. isting campus-style facility, These projects have added, or involving construction of a 2-s- replaced, an average of 152.5 tory academic wing containing square feet per student, at an all of the core classrooms and average cost of $165 per square laboratories, as well as the re- foot. In comparison, the new lated teacher offices and work William Fleming building ofareas. The academic wing fers 166 square feet (almost shares a common lobby with 10% more space than the averthe adjacent arts and athletic age) at a cost of $136 per square wings. The lobby area hous- foot. When considering those es the 2,500 seat game gym, statistics, Roanoke City Schools Bobby Welch, a May graduauxiliary gym, locker rooms, managed to build the new high training area, weight room and school at a cost 17% less than ate from National College’s acwrestling room, in addition to the Virginia average. counting program, was recently the administration suite, teen hired by the Southeast Rural health center, media center Community Assistance Project, and a 500 seat cafeteria and Inc. (RCAP), as a finance clerk. Patrick Henry kitchen. Bobby had completed his exThe Fine Arts wing houses a construction, by the ternship with RCAP in May. 450 seat main theater and adnumbers: “After working with Bobby jacent black box theater, band and realizing his skill level, and chorus rooms, dance stu6,200 Gallons of Paint passion to learn, professional dio, art classrooms and photo 618,000 Bricks stature and his team player atlab. The classrooms and perfor507,000 Concrete Blocks titude, we knew he was defimance areas are all equipped with state-of-the-art data and 1,404,200 Pounds of Mortar nitely someone we wanted on communications systems, faour team,” said RCAP’s Donna cilitating long distance learnWilliam Fleming spaces, Robbinson. ing opportunities. National College InformaThe second phase of the by the numbers: tion Technology Department project includes construction Chair Roger Hodges, along with of two new field-sports prac295,000 Square Feet three students, David Abell, Kip tice fields, new baseball field, 1,800 Students Bartholomew and Josh Dunbar, new softball field, and 6 new 2,500 Seat Gym recently spent the day at the Totennis courts. Separate parking 454 Seat Theater tal Action Against Poverty Tranareas provide parking for stusitional Living Center (TAP/ dents, faculty, and visitors, as well as bus drop-off areas and TLC) installing a computer lab. Contact Stephanie at The lab consists of four computbus parking. stephaniekoehler@cox.net ers donated to TAP by National The efficiency and cost con-

munity together, identity the problems … that are unique to the community and then give the community a connection to the national strategy – and resources.” Claypoole hailed the involvement of young people in the Prevention Council and RAYSAC programs. “Kids have to lead the way … otherwise we are totally in the dark.” While in Roanoke, Claypoole Photo by Gene Marrano met with school and law en- Keynote speaker Jack Clayforcement leaders, and with poole addresses the Roanoke Juvenile and Domestic Rela- Valley Prevention Council. tions Court Judge Phil Trompeter. (As is customary, RAY- vention Council, through SAC gave away a new car to periodic survey of middle a local high school senior on and high school students, has Sunday at Valley View Mall. detected downward trends A senior from each local high when it comes to abusive subschool, chosen from those stances, but it is always a battle who elected to attend after and parents are constantly prom parties, was handed a set urged to get more involved. of keys to the vehicle. One key County high schools have set worked.) up sub-committees made up When it comes to being ef- of students, counselors and fective it is more than just teachers, designing programs poster slogans. “The silver that help discourage substance bullet is community involve- abuse. ment,” said Claypoole. NaPrevention Council coorditionally, prescription drug nator Nancy Hans said repreabuse has taken center stage sentatives from 22 grant reciprecently. “They are available in ients statewide converged on the household.” In some cases Roanoke for the conference, teens are attending real estate which was a training session in open houses with their par- part on environmental strateents, then looking in medicine gies: “what do we see in our cabinets for prescribed drugs, communities that we could which can be dangerous when change, that we could do difmixed. ferent, to make these healthier Overall youth drug and al- community norms … to [encohol use is down about 24% courage] more positive behavnationally in the last five years iors. We can only do that as a and where community coali- community together.” tions have been funded tobacco, marijuana and alcohol use is reduced, according to ClayBy Gene Marrano poole. “They are helping save gmarrano@cox.net kid’s lives at a faster rate.” The Roanoke County Pre-

Higher Education Briefs

Kip Bartholomew, Josh Dunbar, David Abell and Roger Hodges of National College install computer lab at TAP/TLC. College. Hodges noted that the students learned a lot from the project and they even want to do another install project to get more experience. “They did an excellent job,” said Hodges, “it is good to see

At Your Service!

that they have learned so much and applied it so well. It is especially gratifying that they recognize the benefits of this sort of community service project.”

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Arts & Culture

TheRoanokeStar.com

Pen Women Receive Kendig Award

Jonathan Byrd, Doug and Telisha Williams and Danny Schmidt give Roanoke their best during their Americana in the Round performance at the Main Branch of the Roanoke Public Library on Tuesday night. The well promoted and attended “Emerging Artists” music series has become a strong draw for the Library in recent months. For more info go to http://emergingartists.tumblr.com/

CarLess Museum Preview Opening

River Laker’s most recent claim to fame began when he sold his old Volvo station wagon and vowed to go “carless” for at least six months. In a valley that isn’t always pedestrian-friendly that was noteworthy, if not a bit nutty. River’s self titled CarLess Brit experiment, which people have followed online through his Tumblr blog and videos, has energized a discussion about making Roanoke more pedestrian and bike-friendly… and about when an automobile is truly needed. The six-month long experiment, encouraged in part by Jeremy Holmes of Ride Solutions, an arm of the Metropolitan Planning Organization, has led some to hail River, while others question his sanity in this autohappy society. It has also led to at least one more CarLess participant, Chris Howell, a Northside Middle School teacher who lives in Old Southwest. “I think its something that ordinary people can do,” said Howell, who was visiting Laker’s recently opened CarLess Brit Museum in downtown Roanoke, with her two small children in tow. Some critics have claimed that it’s easier for Laker to go CarLess because he was single and didn’t have kids to shuttle around. Howell said that until December at least she will take a bus to her job at Northside. Around home, “we’ve got some fun bikes,” she added. The new museum was previewed last week, with a grand opening planned for July 1, which will be held in conjunction with a joint exhibit at the nearby Virginia Museum of Transportation. “It gives us some legitimacy,” said Laker of the liaison with the VMT. At the preview opening last week, invited guests and art patrons viewed bikes and bike parts, photos of Laker traveling via two-wheeler and listen to music of sorts being played on a contraption fashioned from parts. Laker said he has read media reports from outside the Roanoke Valley about the “direct cultural impact of the CarLess

6/19/09 - 6/25/09 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 11

The Roanoke Valley branch of the National League of Pen Women will be presented with a 2009 Perry F. Kendig Award as an outstanding arts & cultural organization. The writer’s group, which offers modest scholarships for local women returning to college (to study creative writing) and conducts a poetry contest every year, will receive the award from the Arts Council of the Blue Ridge at the Taubman Museum of Art, Wednesday, June 24. Among the other eight Kendig Award winners is former Roanoke Mayor Nelson Harris, who envisioned arts and culture as an economic development tool while in office. The Roanoke Pen Women are involved in numerous projects throughout the year, often working with children. They also teach the art of writing to all age groups in schools. Branch president Peggy Ann Shifflett, a retired Radford University professor, says the 100-year-oldplus national organization is “made up of women who demonstrate talent in arts, letters and music composition. There are about 250 branches.” “Everybody needs criticism of their writing,” says Shifflett about the value of groups like the Pen Women; “positive and sometimes negative.” Shifflett also owns the Cottage Curio shop in Salem, where she sells locally made Appalachian

Photo by Gene Marrano

Becky Mushko and Peggy Shifflett are with the award-winning Pen Women. arts & crafts, often featuring area writers as well. Shifflett has written several books, including “The Living Room Bed,” which is due out this summer. The Roanoke Valley Pen Women also delve into other forms of media, such as the artistic quilts some members stitched together last year. “The league promotes and conducts literary educational and charitable activities,” says Shifflett, noting that working with young people is a major goal. The annual $100 college scholarship, given to the winner of an essay contest, is to be used for incidentals. “Mainly it’s a way of encouraging younger women …we’re behind them,” says Pen Women member Becky Mushko. “We’d like to see them do well in their area of the arts in college.” Mushko taught in Roanoke

City schools for 27 years and has now published a handful of books, with several more projects, including a middle school grade novel, in the works. Involved with several writers groups besides the Pen Women, Mushko said, “Writers groups can also help you find publication sources.” Her blog may be found at peevishpen.blogspot. com. The Roanoke Valley branch of the National League of Pen Women meets monthly at the Daily Grind on Rt. 419 in Roanoke County. “We come together to share our work … and invite speakers,” says Shifflett. “We support each other. We’re just a very active group of women.” Visit roanokepenwomen. blogspot.com for more information. By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

Gamut Theatre Returns with “Vintage Durang”

Gamut has gone down to the wine cellar and emerged with a fine “Vintage Durang”, an evening of short works by Christopher Durang. Performances will be Thursday, July 9, 7:30 pm, Friday, July 10, 8:00 pm, Saturday, July 11, 8:00 pm, Thursday, July 16, 7:30 pm, and the closing performance, Friday, July 17, 8pm. The vintage pieces include “The Actor’s Nightmare”, “Funeral Parlor”, “DMV Tyrant”, “Canker Sores and other Distractions” and “Medea”. Directed by Jayne Brill, these comic Photo by Gene Marrano short pieces feature Barry BedPhoto sneak-peekers check out Laker’s museum. well, Stevie Holcomb, Miriam Frazier, Michael Ridenhour, cided to continue his own Car- Amy Looney, Allen ThompBrit experiment.” After July 1, he expects the Less experiment for another six museum to be open at the tem- months. “It’s just exciting to be a part porary location (inside the old Angler’s Café site on 2nd St.) of it,” said Laker concerning the for about five months. Laker is dialogue on going auto-free that also looking for reliable volun- his odyssey has sparked. teers to man the CarLess Brit Museum during gallery hours; contact him at CarlessBrit@ gmail.com if interested. Laker By Gene Marrano announced that he has also degmarrano@cox.net

son, Mary Evelyn Tielking, Patrick Kelly, David McCall, Phil Boyd, Heather H. O’Bryan, Micah Crizer and Patrick Kennerly. Tickets are available at the Jefferson Center box office, 540-345-2550, or toll free 866345-2550; $12 adults, $8 students and MMT season ticket holders. Along with the Gamut performances, LoLo Monae presents the 3rd annual “Gang of Lost Souls” art show. There will be an opening reception at 5:00 pm, July 9, before the performance of “Vintage Durang”. For further information, contact Miriam Frazier, Artistic Director, Gamut Theatre, at gamut@cox.net or 540-380-3168, or

LoLo Monae at 540-958-0255.

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Page 12 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 6/19/09 - 6/25/09

TheRoanokeStar.com

Eagle Scouts Troop 17 St. Johns Episcopal Boy Scouts were recognized recently for attaining the rank of Eagle Scout with their Scout Master Patton Coles. They are from right to left: Alex Cecil (son of Mike and Pam), Sam Prescott (son of Matt and Catherine), Quint Coles (son of Patton and Mimi), Scout Master Coles, Holt Bibee (son of Tim and Vickie), and Spencer Moore (son of Chris and Forrest). Since 1910, only 5 percent of all Scouts have attained the Eagle Scout rank.

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

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Thursday, June 25, at Gainsboro Library

ROANOKE ARTS COMMISSION

Meet Madeline Wiener, the sculptor chosen to create Gainsboro’s Reading Garden Workshops with Ms. Wiener: Children 10 a.m., Teen & Adult 4:30 p.m.

Cafe Night to Wish a Fond Farewell to Carla Lewis on her Retirement Gainsboro’s First Patio Party featuring Bob Hale Jazz Band 6 p.m.

Gainsboro Branch Library

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For more information: 540-853-1057

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