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Community | News | Per spective

March 20, 2009

TheRoanokeStar.com

[State Champions]

Knights Bring HomeTrophy Pot ´o Gold

P2– 430 runners charge toward the prize during the Shamrock 5K.

Fred First

The Hunt P4– Daily life provides the muse for a word hunter.

Photo by Quigg Lawrence

The Cave Spring High School Knights celebrated a sweet victory as Coach Billy Hicks’ team beat Brunswick 39-33 in overtime last weekend for the Group AA Division 3 title. See more in Sports on Page 7.

School attendance rezoning up for vote next month Roanoke City Public Schools has presented pro- ing these changes,” school board member Courtposed attendance zone changes for the 2009-2010 ney Penn said during the third public meeting at school year at a series of public meetings. During William Fleming High School Tuesday evening. these public input sessions, which have taken place “First and foremost, we want to do what is in at Fallon Park Elementary, Breckenridge Middle the best educational interest of our children. But School, William Fleming High School and Patrick the reality is, we’ve had to make some pretty diffiHenry High School, the school board has cult budget-related decisions to take some schools offline.” Penn was referring to the laid out three options for rezoning that Education recent decision to close both Raleigh Court could have drastic effects on the racial and Elementary School and William Ruffner socioeconomic structure of many elemenMiddle School at the end of the school year. Sevtary and middle schools. The changes come as a result of the upcoming eral other schools are also consolidating. The three options are designed toward making closure and consolidation of several schools. “There are many reasons why we are consider- more contiguous attendance zones.

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The intended result would be beneficial in terms of saving money on transportation costs (an estimated $700,000), and creating more consistent feeder systems – meaning many elementary schools would feed into only one middle school, rather than several. The potential downside of the options is that many schools would become significantly less diverse, as well as more crowded. The first option presented was labeled as “Minimalist” by the school board. Under this option, only the schools closed – Raleigh Court and Wil-

> CONTINUED P2: Attendance

Girl Scouts Open Icimani Adventure Center Uncertain Future The Girl Scout Skyline Council of Virginia cut the ribbon on its new home at the former Rising Star Adventure Camp last Saturday, after investing more than $1 million dollars in Phase One renovations over the past year. Roanoke County Supervisor Charlotte Moore, girl scouts, parents and supporters of the scouting program were on hand to officially open the Icimani Adventure Center. The word “Icimani” means journey in a Native American language, and was suggested by a girl scout during a naming contest, as was “Adventure Center.” Skyline Council executives decided to combine both entries for the 64-acre Yellow Mountain Road complex, which will offer weekend programs and summer camps for a 35-county service area. “There’s lots of memories that are going to be made here,” said Jean Ann Hughes, Skyline Council

CEO. Two other suggestions from the naming contest will be incorporated into future upgrades: “Whispering Pines” for a camping area, and “Friendship Trails” for a system of rudimentary footpaths that need to be upgraded. “There will be miles of hiking trails…upon completion,” said Hughes, “[the local scouts] had a lot of input on this.” After more funds are secured an outdoor amphitheater is on the drawing board. Hughes noted that the Icimani Adventure Center can be rented out during the week for rental income. Phase One construction included a new outdoor pavilion, kitchen upgrades, a fire suppression sprinkler system, an upgraded HVAC unit in the indoor pavilion, an apartment for the 24/7 on-site manager, a scout computer skills lab and renovated rooms that will be used for confer-

for Fair Housing Board; New Park at Hannah Court

Photo by Gene Marrano

Roanoke County Supervisor Charlotte Moore, girl scouts, parents and supporters of the scouting program were on hand to officially open the Icimani Adventure Center. ences. Hughes said they worked with general contractor Breakell Construction to be “as green as we possibly could be.” Purchased in the fall of 2007 after the Skyline Council sold its 400-acre Dark Hollow camp in Catawba, Hughes said a

complex like the Icimani Center was “a long time coming...it’s all about what interests the girls.”

By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

Roanoke City Council passed a resolution Monday supporting a “steel rail interstate” along the I-81 corridor. About 50 other cities from Harrisburg, PA to Knoxville, TN are also considering the non-binding resolution, which urges the U.S. Congress to consider funding for improved passenger and freight rail service. “I’ve certainly been pushing for it as well,” said councilman David Trinkle. Rupert Cutler offered the resolution and said it was “complimentary” to the Trans Dominion Express concept, which could provide passenger rail service from Bristol to Roanoke, and on to Lynchburg and points east/ north. End of Fair Housing Board? A City

[City Council Notes] Council vote to abolish the Fair Housing Board, an advisory and education outreach group, was put off after board member Wanda Chewning > CONTINUED asked for more P3: City Council

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Page 2 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 3/20/09

TheRoanokeStar.com

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A record number of runners pounded the pavement in last Saturday's Shamrock Distance Run Miserable weather did not seem to faze Thomas McConnel last Saturday as the University of Virginia freshman powered his way through a steady drizzle to win the 19th annual Shamrock Hill Distance Run in 16:56.

The 5K (3.1 mile) course, an out-and-back, predominantly on Shenandoah Avenue, attracted a record-number of participants as 620 entered and 430 finished the race. Sean Flynn, a senior at Roanoke Catholic School, finished second to McConnel with a time of 17:08.

Allie Lewis was the first female, crossing the finish line in 20:14, coming in 14th place overall. Michael Orendorff, 57 from Pueblo, CO., was the fastest senior, finishing in 19:43, to secure 10th place overall. McConnel, a 2008 RCS graduate, also won the Shamrock Hill Distance Run two years ago.

Patricia Sorrentino, an RCS eighth grader, won the OneMile Fun Run. Mayor David Bowers officiated at the starting line and Father Thomas Miller of St. Andrews Catholic Church gave his traditional pre-race blessing, before jumping into the crowd to run the race.

> Attendance From page 1

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Superintendent Rita Bishop (center) was among those checking notes at Tuesday’s meeting in the cafeteria at William Fleming High School. liam Ruffner – would be affected by changes. Students from Raleigh Court would be split up among three schools: Grandin Court, Fishburn Park, and Highland Park. Students from William Ruffner would be divided among Lucy Addison, Breckenridge and Stonewall Jackson. The second option, called “Middle School Down” is centered on the idea of creating five different middle school zones, then creating elementary school zones based on those. The third and final option, called “Elementary School Up” is the exact opposite philosophy, based on creating various elementary school zones first - before determining middle school zones. The demographics for each option were troubling to some in attendance at the meeting Tuesday. Under the first option, the AfricanAmerican population at Lucy Addison would rise from 73 percent to 81 percent. Enrollment at the school would rise by some 200 students,

a figure many in the crowd thought was too high. Under the second option, the black population would rise to 90% at Addison, and 89% at Lincoln Terrace Elementary. Under the third option, the white population at Crystal Spring Elementary School would jump from 84% to 92%, while at Fishburn Park the white population would surge from 47% to 83%. Many parents and teachers at the meeting were less than satisfied with the presentation. Among the chief concerns were worries over accreditation for certain schools, excessive studentto-teacher ratio, and the issue of diversity. “They’re not taking into account the diversity in certain schools, and they’re not taking into account the class sizes. Those are major issues,” said Pam Banks, a parent who attended the meeting. “It seems to me like the whole premise is money, and not what is best for the students.”

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Kathleen Board, a community activist, agreed. “The plans need more tweaking,” she said. “Under these options the students won’t be able to learn, and the environment will be too stressful for teachers.” Penn was adamant that the school board is not out to compromise the diversity of the school district. “We have the most diverse schools in our region, and we will remain that way,” he said. “But the reality is, these decisions are about more than just black and white.” The current attendance zones have been in place since 1971, and, according to Penn, have become outdated. The original goal then was to foster desegregation. “The reality is, the zones don’t serve us well, and they no longer do what they originally intended,” he said. The school board held a final public informational meeting Wednesday night at Patrick Henry and will now take the next week to pore over public feedback and discuss any changes. Final options will be presented at a formal public hearing on March 26 at 6:30pm at Lucy Addison Middle School. A School Board vote is scheduled for April 7. Penn predicted several more revisions. “These are all starting points,” he said of the options. “I think there will be some changes and tweaks, and I think they will be well-received.”

By Matt Reeve Matt@theroanokestar.com

TheRoanokeStar.com

Group Protests Puppy Mills Outside Petland Toni Levine said a manager at the local Petland store on U.S. 220 South was not pleased when she showed up Saturday in the rain with a small band of protestors, hoping to shed light on so called “puppy mills.” Levine, a New Castle resident, said she has rescued almost a dozen dogs from local pounds, and contends that puppy mills are less than ethical breeders, raising dogs in poor conditions, and selling the offspring to chains like Petland. The local store had no comment. The protest was “to educate people on why they shouldn’t buy from puppy mills,” said Levine. Several people have reported to Levine that the puppies they purchased from a Petland store were perfectly healthy, but Levine says the real issue are the parent dogs used as breeders. “We’re worried about where they are,” said Levine. All but one of Levine’s own 12 dogs are puppy mill survivors “that had outlived their usefulness as breeding stock.” “It’s a huge problem,” said Levine, ticking off a list of health-related problems commonly found in rescued dogs.

Photo by Gene Marrano

Toni Levine (third from left) and other protestors outside Petland on 220 South. The Humane Society of the United States linked Petland to puppy mills last year after an eight-month long investigation. "Petland is perpetuating the abusive puppy mill industry, where dogs are treated not like pets, but like a cash crop. They know that consumers won't stand for the cruelty inherent in mass-breeding facilities, so they make outrageous claims to hide the reality that the dogs came from puppy mills,” said Stephanie Shain, director of the HSUS

Stop Puppy Mills Campaign. Petland Corporation has denied those claims, stating that they use licensed, regulated breeders only. Levine wants consumers to purchase their puppies from “ethical” breeders and animal rescue shelters. “Do you know how many puppies and dogs are euthanized every day? Go to your local shelter and get yourself a puppy, ” she said. By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

Owner of Roanoke Firm Named Virginia’s Small Business Person of the Year J. Douglas Call, president of Roanoke’s Virginia Prosthetics, Inc. has been selected by the U.S. Small Business Administration as Virginia’s 2009 Small Business Person of the Year, Ronald E. Bew, district director of the SBA’s Richmond District Office announced Wednesday. In making the announcement, SBA Richmond District Director Ron Bew said, “The SBA is proud to honor Doug Call, as he represents the finest traits of the American entrepreneurial spirit. His technical expertise, strong leadership and management skills have led to great success for Virginia Prosthetics.” Mr. Call will be honored May 8th at the Annual Virginia Small Business Awards Luncheon at the Jefferson Hotel in Richmond. He will also be honored in Washington, D.C. during the SBA’s National Small Business Week 2009 ceremonies May 17th to May 22nd, along with other state winners from across the United States. Events in Washington will include the announcement of the Na-

“Wild Kingdom” expert at Roanoke County Public Library Peter Gros, a special adviser to the Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom on Animal Planet and a former co-host of the original series, will appear at the Roanoke County Public Library Headquarters at Cave Spring Corners, 3131 Electric Rd., S.W., on Saturday, March 28, at 2:00 p.m. Gros has almost 30 years of field experience with captive wildlife. He has established breeding programs for 377 endangered animals and developed a rehabilitation program for birds of prey. Gros is a frequent guest on LIVE with Regis and Kelly and the CBS Early Show. He has also appeared on numerous talk shows, including the Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Gros will be accompanied by an alligator, a python, a gibbon, a vulture and several other animals. This program is free to the public and children of all ages are welcome. For more information, please call 772-7507.

Get fit with Cooperative Extension’s FIT Ex “FIT Ex, Family, Friends and Fitness”, will soon make its premiere in Virginia, sponsored by The Virginia Cooperative Extension. The eight-week community-based program, starting March 29 and ending May 23, is free and open to all, ages 5 and up. Groups of six people will form a team, and set a team goal. The team can exercise together or separately, with a variety of different activities counting toward the team’s goal. It is recommended that adults get at least 30 minutes (in at least 10-minute intervals) of moderate intensity exercise at least 5 times

3/20/09 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 3

a week (cardio), and muscle work of major muscles at least 3 times a week (10 minutes). Stretching should be done after both types of exercise to prevent injury and soreness. Each team member will receive a weekly newsletter and be eligible for door prizes. For more information, visit www.fitextension. ext.vt.edu, contact the Roanoke office at 540-772-7524, or e-mail dchappel@vt.edu.

tional Small Business Person of the Year. Virginia Prosthetics, Inc., headquartered in Roanoke, has built state-of-the-art artificial limbs for patients for over 40 years, and serves 13 locations in Virginia and North Carolina, making the company the state’s largest provider of orthotic and prosthetic services. The company’s certified practitioners treat patients of all ages and from all walks of life with one goal in mind – to provide them with the highest levels of pain-free mobility and functionality using cutting-edge technology and compassionate, skilled care. What sets Virginia Prosthetics apart is the custom-fitting, design and in-house fabrication of these devices which benefits patients because it results in re-

Photo by Jim Markey

Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce President, Joyce Waugh (left) presents J. Douglas Call with the 2008 Small Business of the Year Award. ceiving a better-fitting device in a shorter amount of time. Under Call’s leadership, the firm has grown from seven full-time employees in one location to 38 full-time employees in five locations.

Roanoke Star of the Week

Keith Oreson was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. Graduating from high school in 1974, he went to Michigan State University majoring in Human Resources. Finishing college in 1980, Keith was employed by GTE as a Human Resource supervisor in Salt Lake City, Utah. In May of 2005 he came to Roanoke as Keith Oreson Senior Vice President of Human Resources with Advance Auto Parts. Keith and his wife, Pam, have one daughter, Jackie, and two grandchildren. They live in Botetourt County. Keith’s favorite things in the Roanoke Valley are the friendly people, hiking the Appalachian Trail, Blue Ridge Parkway, and boating on Smith Mountain Lake. Among his favorite restaurants are Alexander’s and Ben Gui’s. By Jim Bullington Have someone in mind for “Roanoke Star of the Week?” E-mail Jim Bullington: JBullPhoto@Hotmail.com

Roanoke woman wins $1,000 per week for life It was the middle of the day when Linda Greene of Roanoke received an unusual phone call from her husband. “He asked me to leave work early and come home,” she said. “I had no idea why he asked.” She declined. However, it turns out he had a good reason. He had just discovered that the “Win For Life” ticket he gave her was a top prize winner. It matched the first six numbers in the March 7, 2009 drawing to win $1,000 per week for the rest of her life. The winning ticket was bought at the Stop In Food Store, located at 1828 Memorial Avenue

in Roanoke. On March 17, Mrs. Greene went to the store to receive her first of a lifetime of checks from Virginia Lottery State Customer Service Centers Manager Mark Merritt. The store also received a $10,000 bonus for selling a top-prize Win For Life ticket. The winning numbers for that drawing were 10-19-22-29-31-35. The Free Ball was 13, but it wasn’t needed to win. The numbers on the ticket were selected using Easy Pick. Mrs. Greene, who works as an executive secretary, said she has no immediate plans for her winnings. “We’re not big spenders,” she said.

> City Council

Uncertain about the market? There’s a place for people like you. Here.

From page 1

time to prepare a response. She said the group had learned just six days earlier that city council might vote to abolish the panel, which has held seminars on landlord-tenant rights and other educational events over the years. Council members suggested the group’s work could now be done in-house by Roanoke City, since many of the board’s former regulatory powers had been stripped away over the years. Councilman Court Rosen suggested that a perception had formed, “[that] nothing was being done [anymore] by the Fair Housing Board.” Trinkle said there was “no opposition to the group,” but asked Chewning and other board members to be open minded to changes as they prepare a response over the next two weeks. Councilwoman Anita Price suggested working with other groups, like the local NAACP chapter, which also has a fair housing committee. “Maybe this is just a redundant board [at this point],” added Gwen Mason. New Park? Work could begin this fall on a park and greenway segment at the former Hannah Court trailer park near the Roanoke River. Residents had been moved out of the flood prone area. Novozymes Corporation in Salem agreed to pay more than $250,000 to settle a court case after it had been accused of illegal chemical dumping in the Roanoke River. That money was to be used for a water improvement project, and Hannah Court qualified. City Manager Darlene Burcham said Monday that work on a riverside park, a greenway segment and a footbridge across the Roanoke River could begin this fall. “This is a good time to purchase the materials and get the work done,” said Burcham. After the Army Corps of Engineers makes a bench cut in the river as part of the flood control project this summer, landscaping and other construction could commence. By one estimate the Hannah Court park, which will be rezoned as a recreation district, could be completed

sometime next year. Old YMCA to become apartments? Councilman Court Rosen asked for information on the possible sale of the old YMCA building, now city-owned property, to developer Anthony Smith. Rosen said Smith wants to convert the old Y - a property the city swapped with YMCA of Roanoke Valley when it built a new complex across the street – into residential apartments with retail space on the first floor. “It’s nice to have somebody that wants to develop in this climate,” said Rosen at Monday’s early meeting. A public hearing on the sale of the YMCA building to Smith could be scheduled for April 20, according to assistant city manager Brian Townsend. And… Roanoke City Clerk Stephanie Moon is the incoming president for the State Clerks Association. She was singled out by city council for the honor on Monday. Moon takes office in April. “It is so well-deserved,” said council member Anita Price. New council member Rupert Cutler, appointed to fill the unexpired term of Alvin Nash, said Monday that he has, or would, resign from a number of local boards to avoid the appearance of a conflict of interest. Among those posts are positions with the Council of Community Services, the Western Virginia Water Authority and Opera Roanoke. The one resignation that may have hurt Cutler most came about because that group meets for rehearsals on Mondays, when city council is also in session – the Virginia Gentleman Barbershop Chorus. Cutler had just recently rejoined. “That was a tough one to do,” he said with a smile. By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

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Perspective

Page 4 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 3/20/09

A Writer is a Hunter Who Tastes Life Twice

F

or a few years now, writing has been as regular a morning habit as drinking (too much) coffee. And I should tell you: the practice began in a blog. No, that’s not a muddy depression full of cattails and sedges. A “web-log” or blog is a medium of internet self-publishing that you may have heard of. A blog is ridiculously simple to create: once set up for free, type something with your keyboard, hit “publish” and literally any net-connected person in the world can instantly become your reader. I’m an unabashed cheerleader for the blog as a legitimate, worthwhile medium for writing of all kinds and am convinced it is more than a passing fad. I want to talk more about writing in general, and your writing, in particular. Aren’t you a writer? I have reached the point where I am able to say that I am a writer without feeling like a complete imposter, but only because I think of it in this way: one who hunts even if he carries his gun into the woods and comes home with nothing is still called a hunter. So in this way, I am

a writer. My daily blank screen of the weblog, Fragments very new blog each from Floyd, confirms morning. People I take those daily are naturally interwalks, hunting (with ested in the unique, more or less success) personal accounts for the right words to of others. Just look tell whatever story it at the popularity of is that comes to mind “reality” TV. (No, or heart. Many of you on second thought, are writers too, but don’t look.) Fred First have not yet joined We all have it in the hunt. us to be writers because we each To be a writer simply means have a unique story to tell from that you transform your inner the language that reverberates life, your senses or experiences in mind’s eye every day. We may into words. To become an ear- not all be bouncy-bouncy funnest writer, someone has said fun-fun, but like Tigger, each you must write every day; write of us is the only one! Personal from the heart; write what you weblogs have given would-be know. There is nothing more to word-gatherers like me a purit than that, even if, in our hunt, pose, an accountability and an we often fire and miss. audience for our stories even But then most word-hunters when they come from advendon’t write because they are tures no further abroad than certain of success, and very few our own back yards, streets of are certain of money. After all, town, or family gatherings. necessity, ego or mere ambition The “fragments” of daily life makes for an ugly muse. Few that we may record in words of us do it for a living; but writ- about our dogs or children, our ing as a discipline can certainly creeks or forests, our gardens make our living richer. and travel through the stages But what could you possibly of life each show, for better or write about, you wonder, just as worse, some small truth about I did several years ago, facing the our unique place and purpose in this world. Taken together, the trivial threads a memory, an insight, a hope realized or lost weave of the fabric of our stories. This is what we hold in our hands; we know it well and can write about it from the heart. Beauty, humor and meaning hover invisible around us. The words we find in our hunt make those good things visible, give them shape and color, and encourage us to pay closer attention to the ordinary. For a vigilant writer, there is no ordinary. I encourage you to take up your pen or keyboard and begin to write. You’ll not know what you think until you see what you say. And you might just be surprised at what you discover 3029B Peters Creek Rd., when you step outside your Roanoke, VA 24019 door hunting for words.

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ele Peterson turned 100 They recently celebrated 75 years in years old this month. While business, serving clients such as Lady it is unlikely you know this Astor, Elizabeth Taylor and Linda woman from Tucson, Arizona personRonstadt. Cele has hosted a local raally – I believe we can all reflect on the dio show and served as grand marshal lessons of a long, well-lived life. of the Tucson Rodeo parade -- a huge I met Cele Peterson 13 years ago. honor in her hometown. She served As a pre-school teacher, her grandcountless charitable causes that prodaughter, Elizabeth (a.k.a “Bitty”), mote understanding among children was in my class. I know teachers are of different cultures including Casa not supposed to have favorites – but de los Niños -- a crisis nursery and there was something very special Stephanie Koehler the first of it’s kind. She is largely reabout this little girl. She was smart sponsible for the founding of critical – very smart – but it was something arts organizations including a chilelse. Something unexplainable that made her dren's museum, community theater and local a delight to be around. As I came to know her opera. All of these things accomplished while family, I saw much of the same. raising 5 children within a successful marriage. I only taught for one year, taking another job While there is no question Cele Peterson has (introduced to me by Bitty’s mother), but I re- led a productive and purposeful life – it is not mained friends with the family for many years. these accomplishments that stopped me dead in Time and distance has lessened my contact – but my tracks as I read the article about her birththe warmth in my heart and interest in their day. It was a quote she gave when asked why she well-being has never diminished. My family and planted native wildflowers and installed a sprinmutual friends still live in Tucson, so they keep kler system in a barren plot of desert near her me posted on events and happenings. This week home. it was an article my mom clipped from the Ari"My mother told us you can see a nasty, dirty zona Daily Star about Cele’s 100th birthday. field. But if you look hard you can see the wildHer long life has seen two World Wars and flowers as well as the ugly things," she said. "What countless World Conflicts. From her home in you look for is the beauty." the newly crowned state of Arizona, she watched I am not an expert on aging – but I think she’s the Mexican Revolution from her own back on to something. It’s that same “something” I yard. She has seen the rise and fall of great na- saw all those years ago in the spirit of her grandtions and great leaders. She has endured a de- daughter and kindness of her daughter. It was as pression and enjoyed prosperity. Just a short simple as seeing the beauty. time after Women earned the right to vote she So, as we become overwhelmed by the politigraduated from Sullins College right here in cal facts and economic figures thrown at us durSouthwest VA -- then went on to study political ing the 24 hour news cycle -- let’s consider the science at George Washington University. From lessons offered to us through the 100 years; or there she would land a job translating Spanish 36,500 days; or 876,000 hours; or 52.6 million manuscripts at the Library of Congress, working minutes; or 3.15 billion seconds of Cele Peterwith the archives in Mexico City, before return- son’s life. ing to Arizona where she and her family opened Look for the beauty and pass it on. a dress shop. Her granddaughter passed it along to me and, Under her management and with her hus- like ripples in a pond, you too are now touched band’s careful bookkeeping, this store would by this remarkable life. grow and prosper -- weathering the Great DeContact Stephanie at pression, World War II, and a devastating fire. stephaniekoehler@cox.net

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

Mexican Chicken Soup

This recipe comes from Food Network’s Ina Garten. My good friend Audrey made it for our “Bunco” group last week. It was FANTASTIC! In my house, Mexican night is a staple. It is easy and something the whole family loves. But I often think to myself, “Well, Here I am making tacos again . . . YAWN!” This soup gives a new whole new twist to Mexican night. It is also tons of fun to have for a girls night like Bunco. With a bowl of bean dip, salsa, guacamole and some margaritas you are sure to have a fiesta!

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ACROSS 1 4 9 12 14 15 16 17 18 19 21 22 23 25 27 30 31 32 35 37 39 40

East indian shrub. Very tiny fly Long-term memory Bulb flower My god it''s full of -----! (from 2010) Brand of coffee alternative Tableland Access (2 wds.) Listen to Jab Women's partners I felt ---- destroying something beautiful. (from fight club) Asian dress Selector Flurry Movie star Taylor Cation To bleat. To settle down; descend; grow quiet. Elbowing Joint Parlay

By Don Waterfield

41 45 48 49 50 51 52 53 55 57 59 62 63 65 67 68 69 70

Bliss Fine porcelain Little Expression of surprise To broadcast. Supersonic transport Small bird Borax Leave undone Rate Wood cutting tools Pennsylvania (abbr.) Negate Press Tiny branch Small One of Columbus' ships Time stands still for no ---. (from Antz) 71 Use 72 Cooking measurement

6 Court 7 Roanoke''s first suburban movie house 8 Time zone 9 Onion-like vegetable 10 Elm 11 Modern 13 Software As A Service 15 Day-time tv's Mr. Donahue 20 Indonesian island 22 Acreage 24 Free of 26 Note of debt 27 Lopsided 28 Dummy 29 Fat 32 Ties 33 Bets 34 Broker 36 Scene 38 Fuel 42 Retired persons association (abbr.) 43 That girl 44 Northerners 45 Jaunty 46 Rio de Janeiro 47 Epochs 52 Ell 54 ''I have given a name to my --- and it is Batman.'' (from Batman) 55 Stitched 56 Loop 58 Appeal 60 Official document 61 Male children 62 School group 63 British thermal unit 64 Hurricane center 66 Sleep

DOWN 1 Point 2 Greek god of war 3 Tilt

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

TheRoanokeStar.com

Lessons From a Long Life

4 split (2 whole) chicken breasts, bone in, skin on Good olive oil Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 2 cups chopped onions (2 onions) 1 cup chopped celery (2 stalks) 2 cups chopped carrots (4 carrots) From What We Hold In Our 4 large cloves garlic, chopped Hands: a Slow Road Reader, 2 1/2 quarts chicken stock, preferably homemade Fred First's second, available 1 (28-ounce) can whole tomatoes in puree, May ‘09 crushed Contact Fred at 2 to 4 jalapeno peppers, seeded and minced fred1st@gmail.com 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground coriander seed 1/4 to 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves, optional 6 (6-inch) fresh white corn tortillas 4 Chinese flavoring For serving: sliced avocado, sour cream, grated 5 List Cheddar cheese, and tortilla chips

362-1070

-Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. -Place the chicken breasts skin side up on a sheet pan. Rub with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and roast for 35 to 40 minutes, until

done. -When the chicken is cool enough to handle, discard the skin and bones, and shred the meat. Cover and set aside. -Meanwhile, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven. Add the onions, celery, and carrots and cook over medium-low heat for 10 minutes, or until the onions start to brown. -Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. -Add the chicken stock, tomatoes with their puree, jalapenos, cumin, coriander, 1 tablespoon salt (depending on the saltiness of the chicken stock), 1 teaspoon pepper, and the cilantro, if using. -Cut the tortillas in 1/2, then cut them crosswise into 1/2-inch strips and add to the soup. -Bring the soup to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 25 minutes. -Add the shredded chicken and season to taste. Serve the soup hot topped with sliced avocado, a dollop of sour cream, grated Cheddar cheese, and broken tortilla chips.

The Roanoke Star-Sentinel C o m mu n i t y | N ew s | Pe r s p e c t i ve Publisher | Stuart Revercomb | stuart@theroanokestar.com | 400-0990 Features Editor | Pam Rickard | pam@theroanokestar.com | 400-0990 News Editor | Gene Marrano | gmarrano@cox.net | 400-0990 Production Editor | Stephen Nelson | stephen@theroanokestar.com | 400-0990 Technical Webmaster | Don Waterfield | webmaster@theroanokestar.com | 400-0990 Advertising Director | Vickie Henderson | advertising@theroanokestar.com | 400-0990 Star: to lift up that which is right, real and genuine about our community – the people and events that make us who we are – the real spirit of Roanoke that past residents and leaders have worked hard to create, that points us towards the bright and shining future that we all desire for our valley. Sentinel: to guard the truth, with consistent and complete coverage of key local issues that provides balanced reporting and equal editorial opportunity. To fully tell all sides of a story so that readers can make their own informed opinions, and express them to positively impact others and our community. The Roanoke Star-Sentinel is published weekly by Whisper One Media, Inc. in Roanoke, Va. Subscriptions are available for $44 per year. Send subscriptions to PO Box 8338, Roanoke,VA 24014. We encourage letters from our readers on topics of general interest to the community and responses to our articles and columns. Letters must be signed and have a telephone number for verification. All letters will be verified before publication.The Star-Sentinel reserves the right to deny publication of any letter and edit letters for length, content and style. All real estate advertised herein is subject to national and Virginia fair housing laws and readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis.

Perspective

3/20/09 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 5

TheRoanokeStar.com

Preacher’s Corner

What is Spiritual Freedom? by Carey Kinsolving

W

hile taping a video for Kids Talk About God television spots, I asked a kindergarten boy, "What did the signers of the Declaration of Independence declare freedom from?" He looked at me with some uncertainty and said, "Your parents." When I asked another boy what happened in 1776, he answered confidently, "Christopher Columbus discovered America." Speaking of spiritual freedom, another child said, "You get to go outside and play and say, 'Yea!'" I like this definition of spiritual freedom because it makes me recall the sheer joy of going outside to play. In my childhood imagination, a whole world was "outside" waiting to be explored. No one had to teach me how to play or explore. Every child knows this instinctively. It's part of God placing eternity in our hearts. God wants us to experience the play and exuberance of spiritual freedom. He wants us to come outside, as it were, into the wide spaces of his kingdom, where we can learn the dance of his fellowship. God is waiting for us to respond to his love so that he can fulfill our hearts' desire

for true intimacy. So many people live in a self-imposed slavery because they've been betrayed by selfish lovers. God wants to heal our wounds and bring us to a place of living free in a loving relationship with him. Some would like to portray spiritual freedom as only a call to give up something, but it's more of a call to gain something greater. Writer C.S. Lewis once compared our spiritual blindness to a small child's fixation with his sandbox. When his parents remove him from the sandbox for a vacation at the beach, he may kick, scream and cry. But all this ceases at the first sight of beach, sand dunes and vast ocean horizons. Suddenly, the sandbox isn't so appealing. The problem isn't that we're seeking too much pleasure but that we're settling for too little. We're so infatuated with our little mud pies in the sandbox that we can't see the vast oceans and continents God would have us explore. How God ever got tagged as being against pleasure, I'll never know. For King David wrote, "You will show me the path of life; In your presence is fullness of joy; At your right hand are pleasures forevermore" (Psalm 16:11). Have you ever noticed

the faces of those who try to find life apart from God? The strain of life in the sandbox shows. In our hearts, we know there must be something more, but few have the courage to question prejudices they inherit from culture, friends, family, false religion and tyrants. Of course, our own bad decisions play a role in keeping us confined as well because we tend to justify ourselves rather than admit our guilt. True freedom requires revolution. Our forefathers declared freedom from English tyranny by signing the Declaration of Independence. Many people have died so we can live free in America. We declare freedom from the sandbox (lies that promise life but never deliver) when we believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as our savior. Jesus died to pay the penalty for our sin and rose again to break the bonds of death. He wants us to experience the vast oceans of life that flow from him as the source of eternal and abundant life. Jesus said, "I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly" (John 10:10). Jesus wants to be your liberator and source of life. Will you declare your dependence upon him today?

State Legislators Refuse Opportunity to Give Power Back to the People

A

few months ago, I wrote portation system is in “crisis” and about four important bills that there is never enough money that were introduced in to improve things. Yet legislators the Virginia General Assembly that have robbed hundreds of millions could shift power from the governof dollars from the funds set aside ment’s hands back into yours. The specifically for fixing transportation good news is that one of the bills and used them to pay for other propassed. The bad news is that the grams. three that didn’t show us that some The Transportation Trust Fund was of our state legislators don’t want to supposed to be a “lock box” where give that power back. certain taxes and fees dedicated to Brian Gottstein The results are below. These four transportation were supposed to bills were all forwarded by Tertium go. This constitutional amendment Quids, a nonpartisan grassroots organization would have locked the “lockbox” to prevent that promotes the principles of small govern- further plundering. ment and free markets in Virginia. The amendment passed the House but a difBill #1: New taxes and fees are often passed ferent version passed in the Senate that would to fund specific, limited-time purposes (so we have practically forced the creation of new are told), but then seem to remain forever. For taxes for transportation. This new version was example, many Virginians still pay a tax that killed in the House. Roanoke-area legislators was instituted to pay for the War of 1812 (now opposing the original amendment: Sen. John over for nearly 200 years). Edwards (but he supported the taxy version). That’s why a bill was proposed to put four- Additionally, Democrat gubernatorial candiyear expiration dates on all new taxes, fees, and date Creigh Deeds opposed it but supported tax increases. If politicians felt it was necessary the taxy one. to keep burdening the citizens with a tax after Bill #4: Now the good news! We see billions the expiration date, they would have to publicly of our tax dollars going to Richmond with little debate, defend, and secure the votes to pass the accountability for how it’s spent. Why are govtax again. ernment expenditures hidden behind closed This bill passed the House of Delegates but doors? What are they keeping from the people? was killed in the state Senate’s Rules committee They work for us, remember? by a Democrat majority. Roanoke-area legislaA bill was proposed to put Virginia’s budget tors opposing tax expiration dates: Sen. John online in a user-friendly, searchable database Edwards, Del. Onzlee Ware. which citizens could easily access. The final Bill #2: By a simple act of the General As- bill was rewritten as a compromise (the cost of sembly, your city council or board of supervi- implementing the program had to be reduced sors can once again have the power to take away to zero to remove any arguments against it), so your home or business and sell it to a developer it does not put every state expenditure online. who wants to build a bigger home or business But the bill’s sponsors, Del. Ben Cline and Sen. there for private financial gain (which would Ken Cuccinelli, said they would work on future bring in more tax revenues for local govern- bills to eventually get everything online. ment). The bill passed both houses unanimously and A constitutional amendment was proposed now awaits the governor’s signature. to protect our property rights from the whims Listen this weekend: On my weekend radio of greedy politicians and their lobbyists and big show, I’ll talk with a national expert about letdonors by putting property rights in the Vir- ting parents keep their tax dollars to pay for ginia Constitution. tuition to the private or public schools of their The amendment passed the House but was choice. School choice can save billions, with killed in the Senate’s Committee on Privileges savings going toward improving public schools, and Elections. Roanoke-area legislators oppos- teacher pay increases, or tax cuts. With a wining your property rights: Sen. John Edwards. win-win scenario for kids, teachers, and taxIn addition, Democrat gubernatorial candidate payers, who could be against this? Listen 8 p.m. Creigh Deeds opposed them, and the City of Sunday on WFIR 960 AM. You can also listen Roanoke lobbied legislators to kill this amend- to the show a day later at FandPRadio.com. ment. Contact Brian at Bill #3: Politicians tell us Virginia’s transbgottstein1@yahoo.com

Digging to China in Hacke’s Lot

O

ur next-door neighbors, the Hackes, owned a vacant lot. It was a regularsize, small city lot, maybe 75 feet wide by 150 feet deep. It was not level, but listed at a moderately steep angle, as did the rest of the hill on which the homes on my street were perched. Mr. and Mrs. Hacke were an older couple who had no children of their own. They were kind and loving folks, the quiet Mrs. Hacke, with her quick and gentle smile, and the rambunctious and enthusiastic Mr. Hacke., or just “Hacke” as he was known to all, young and old. The neighborhood kids liked to watch Hacke as he worked on various projects, such as building an elaborate bird feeder, or constructing a utility trailer from the running gear of an old truck. In many ways, we were his adopted kids, and friendly Hacke always took his time to show us what he was doing and to teach us something. We discovered that if we knocked on the Hacke’s back door, Mrs. Hacke, for her part, would bring us candy, notably those orange squishy peanut-shaped things. We would stand there silently, being timid youngsters, and the only words exchanged might be a quiet “there you go” from Mrs. Hacke as she deposited the orange peanuts into our open, grubby little hands. “Hacke’s Lot” as we called it, was nothing unusual, on first glance. It was on a hillside, like I said, and it was not landscaped or groomed in any way. From the looks of the bumps and depressions in it, it was obvious that the ground had been disturbed previously, maybe in the construction of the street, or in building the houses in the neighborhood. Maybe waste material had been dumped there, maybe dirt had been removed. But in recent years Hacke’s lot had been left to Mother Nature. The Hackes maintained the parcel of land on which their house stood in normal, neat suburban fashion, but this adjacent lot, they left to the weeds, which grew profusely in the summer. More importantly though, they left the lot to us neighborhood kids, to whom it was a world unto itself. As always, kids will congregate, and Hacke’s lot was a natural spot to do so. We would sit in the weeds, our grass-stained, skinny knees drawn up to our chests, and talk about the things 8-yearold kids talk about, such as the coming school year or about what we had figured out about “the birds and the bees”.

And, about digging heads through to see to China, which, the people grinning not surprisingly, at us and wearing held great fascinathose funny pointed tion for us. As for hats, and holding “the birds and the rice bowls and chop bees”, well that was sticks. We didn’t something about think about how it which we mused; might be night time something of when we poked which even tothrough, but Tyler John W. Robinson day I have only Gilmer did mena working knowledge. How- tion that he thought we might ever, digging to China was an have to walk upside-down idea, a project, into which we in China. Tyler was ever the could really sink our teeth. In brains behind the operation. this pursuit we took action. It never took a full afterThe thought of digging noon of digging however, through the earth to China maybe a half hour or so, might not hold much interest for our enthusiasm to dim for me today -grown up sen- slightly. The digging never sibilities, or loss of imagina- progressed as quickly as we tion I guess- but then it held would have preferred. The immeasurable appeal. And ground was actually quite Hacke’s lot was perfect for hard and resisted our scratchsuch a grand project. Vari- ing. We tried taking turns ous kids in the neighborhood and we tried all digging at had tried it at other locations, once, finding neither method but complications –it couldn’t completely satisfactory. Sizhave been short attention able rocks lurked just beneath spans- had always arisen the surface, further hamperwhich halted their efforts. ing real progress. Soon the Yes, Hacke’s lot was ideal due shovels were abandoned -left to its location in the neigh- for dear Hacke to collect- beborhood, and its encouraging side our faint suggestion of a landowner. Hacke even pro- hole in the ground, and we’d vided shovels and other tools be gone. Off to other distracfor the undertaking. Besides, tions such as catching crawthere were already signifi- fish in the creek behind the cant depressions in the earth Cochener’s house, or to swing there, which would give us a on the Fulton’s jungle gym, head start in our tunneling to or to work on building a new the Orient. fort in the Fisher’s back yard. China! How exciting it was But you can be sure that we to think about. What an exot- would return to Hacke’s lot on ic destination for youngsters another day, because digging in Roanoke, Virginia in 1966. for China is not something We wanted to see those dif- one is likely to forget about ferent people, wearing clothes for long. so strange to us. We always planned to give it a good efContact John at fort, maybe an afternoon, and jwr77@verizon.net we could envision our shovels breaking through a little hole where we could see grass and blue sky. Then, in our imaginations, we could poke our

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Page 6 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 3/20/09

Smart Workout Ahead of the Curve Imagine having the world's most advanced fitness coach at your disposal. A coach who customizes workouts based on your body structure and endurance, adjusting each exercise machine's intensity based on your progression, ensuring you achieve your personal potential. This is the promise of the CurvesSmart personal coaching system, a new technology pioneered by Curves and powered by MyTrak, offering a custom, individually tailored workout, feedback and progress reports to keep members motivated while they work out. Curves of Roanoke is waiving its normal service fee for any new member who brings in a bag of non-perishable groceries by March 28th.  "The Curves Food Drive is always exciting," said Jan Harris, the owner of the Roanoke club.

2007 Food donations covered the floor of Roanoke’s Curves. "We have a chance to help so many people at a time when the food banks are [at their] lowest. Especially during these uncertain times, this food is needed more than ever. Last year we collected 2,695 pounds of food at this location.â€?

Others wishing to donate may drop off non-perishable food items at Curves/Franklin Road, Monday through Friday, during business hours, through the month of March. For more information, please call 540344-1040.

RSO is ready to “Rock� with Cirque du Soleil The Roanoke Symphony Orchestra presents “Rock Symphony Cirque, Celebrating 50 Years of Motown� Saturday, May 30, 2009 at 8:00

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p.m. at the Salem Civic Center. This special concert includes the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra, rock band Jeans ‘n’ Classics and performers from Cirque de la Symphonie. This event marks the second annual collaboration between all three ensembles, and serves as the RSO’s premier fundraising event of the year. Tickets are on sale now. Rock Symphony Cirque was created by the RSO to raise awareness of its programs and to serve citizens in the Roanoke region and beyond. The unique event helps to raise funds needed to continue the RSO’s successes in attracting high quality instrumentalists and world-renowned guest artists throughout its regular concert season. With Rock Symphony Cirque, the RSO again marries unique elements; veteran Cirque du Soleil performers, a Rock band, and Roanoke’s own professional symphony orchestra for an evening of

soulful sounds, mesmerizing visual elements, and palate pleasures. This year, the RSO has teamed up with local restaurants to offer picnic baskets ($10, $20 and $30 per person) for concertgoers. A full bar will be available at the civic center for beverage purchases. Extraordinary rock artists Jeans ‘n Classics, will join Maestro David Stewart Wiley and the RSO, along with the Cirque performers for a program that celebrates 50 years of Motown. Tickets to this special event are on sale now for table seats and stadium seats, starting at $25. Contact the RSO box office at (540) 343-9127 for tickets and details. Corporate and individual sponsorships are also available, including dinner, wine and other exclusive benefits. Contact RSO development director Caroline Hammond at caroline.hammond@rso. com or (540) 343-6221 ext. 225 for sponsorship details and benefits.

TheRoanokeStar.com

Altizer To Run Again This Fall Vinton District Supervisor Mike Altizer has lots of friends in high places - and many of them showed up for support when he announced his run for a third term on the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors last Friday. Fellow Supervisors Joe McNamara (Windsor Hills) and Richard Flora (Hollins), also up for reelection this fall, were on hand at the Vinton War Memorial, as was U.S. 6th District Congressman Bob Goodlatte, who welcomed Altizer, a fellow Republican, to the podium. Vinton Mayor Brad Grose and State Senator Ralph Smith were also in attendance. Goodlatte and 6th District Republican Party chair Fred Anderson (a retired Roanoke County treasurer) both bashed the federal government stimulus spending package before Altizer made his announcement. Anderson called it “neither timely or targeted.� Goodlatte said Altizer, the current board chair, was the type of leader Roanoke needed at a time like this, when the locality faces its own budget challenges. “We don’t need any type of change here,� warned Goodlatte. Altizer will be challenged this fall by Democrat Patrick Patterson, a William Byrd High School guidance counselor. Altizer was appointed seven years ago to fill the unexpired term of Harry Nickens, who left for a job elsewhere. He ran for his own first full term unopposed four years ago. The new county fitness center and sports marketing have been two major focuses for Altizer, a retired automotive aftermarket company manager. He praised regional cooperation on projects like the new jail, and noted that he recently became Board of Supervisors chair again, “with one of the worst [projected] budgets that

Photo by Gene Marrano

Vinton supervisor Mike Altizer announces his run for third term on the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors any local government can have right now.� Upgrading the county’s network of fire hydrants, supporting public safety departments and creating jobs are at the top of Altizer’s to-do list. Fostering a business-friendly environment is paramount, said the Mount Pleasant area resident. Altizer also said that despite the part time label and pay, being a supervisor is indeed a full time job. “You will continue to receive from me all of the time it takes to do that job. I’m always going to be there to do the right thing,� pledged Altizer. An expected protest against the Glenvar asphalt plant rezoning request didn’t materialize, perhaps because of the steady rain. Altizer voted against a rezoning that would have allowed an asphalt paving company to remain at a Mount Pleasant property near his home several years ago. Some residents feared toxic runoff and the precedent that

might be set by allowing heavy industry in the rural area. The Board of Supervisors could vote on the rezoning in Glenvar next month. Former Roanoke County supervisor Mike Wray, who is considering a run for the 17th House seat with William Fralin’s upcoming retirement, was also present at Altizer’s announcement. Wray could make a decision this week about seeking the GOP nomination for a November run. Roanoke lawyers Josh Johnson and Melvin Williams have both announced their intention to seek the Republican nomination. Roanoke City party chair Adam Boitnott will not run, citing family reasons. Wray said Botetourt County developer Dale Wilkinson could join the fray as well.

By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

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Sports

3/20/09 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 7

Photo by Quigg Lawrence

Mark Overtstreet (with ball) drives to the hoop for Cave Spring in final against Brunswick.

Knights Bring Home State Title

On its third trip to a boys basketball final in this decade the Cave Spring High School Knights came home winners for the second time. Coach Billy Hicks’ team beat Brunswick 39-33 in overtime last weekend for the Group AA Division 3 title. In 2002 the squad led by future Duke star J.J. Redick captured a Group AAA crown. The following year after dropping to AA the Knights lost a heartbreaker in the state final. Cave Spring was pegged as a favorite early on this season and did not disappoint. Starting point guard and team captain Greg Mackey won’t be around next year but much of the team will return, including 6’10” and still growing big man Josh Henderson, who helped turn around the Knights’ fortunes this season.

Photo by Quigg Lawrence

Big man Josh Henderson grabs a rebound for Cave Spring.

Photo by Quigg Lawrence

Photo by Quigg Lawrence

Head coach Billy Hicks (right) celebrates with assistant coach, and brother, Bob Hicks (left).

Emotions ran high for everyone as they witnessed their teammates win in overtime.

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Page 8 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 3/20/09

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

Colonels Fall Just Short For the William Fleming Colonels, Friday night’s VHSL Group AAA championship game was a tale of two halves. Unfortunately, the story did not have a happy ending. Instead, the King’s Fork Bulldogs, who trailed by as many as 19 points in the second half, staged a furious comeback to stun the Colonels 49-47 at the Seigel center on the campus of Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond. “We played a great first half, and they played a great second half,� Coach Mickey Hardy said. “We had the lead for almost the whole game, but we just came up a little short.� After a dominant first half, it appeared all but certain that Fleming (25-5) would become the first Roanoke school since Cave Spring in 2002 to win the Group AAA crown. The Colonels dominated the Bulldogs in all facets, disguising and mixing in different looks defensively to confuse King’s Fork, and took a commanding 24-9 lead into halftime. But, after Fleming opened the second half with four straight points to stretch the lead to 28-9, the Bulldogs made some adjustments, switching into a full court press to harass the Colonels, and doubling Fleming star Troy Daniels every time he touched the ball. The moves worked, and

King’s Fork was able the best shooter on to quickly cut into our team [Daniels] the Fleming lead, -- the best shooter trailing by a mere 8 in the state for that points heading into matter -- it’s tough. the fourth quarOur other guys had ter. From there, the to make shots, and Bulldogs continued we didn’t.� to chip away, taking Having had a few the lead with under days to reflect on 5 minutes to play Fleming head coach the loss, Hardy was in the fourth. The nothing but proud Mickey Hardy Colonels had sevof his players for eral chances to tie their success this the game in the final minute, season. but the team’s two clutch per“I really couldn’t ask for a formers – Stephon Anderson better season as a coach,� he and Troy Daniels – both said. “If you think about it, missed three-pointers. we played in about 10 games The full court pressure ap- this season that came down plied by the Bulldogs in the to the final minute, games second half clearly both- that could have gone either ered Fleming, who commit- way. To win so many just ted several uncharacteristic shows the tremendous effort turnovers and seemed un- these boys put forth.� comfortable offensively. The loss denied the Colo“Their pressure really nels their second state chambothered us,� Hardy said. pionship in 3 seasons. The “They wouldn’t let us get into Colonels won the Group AA our sets and play our game. title in 2007. That and they hit some tough “To go from winning the shots – maybe shots they Double-A championship in wouldn’t normally make, 2007 to competing in the but they made them Friday Triple-A championship this night.� season – I don’t know if it’s Despite the blown lead, ever been done,� Hardy said Hardy wouldn’t concede that proudly. “And if it has, I’d like his team panicked. “There to know who did it.� isn’t any way, especially with all of the close games we’ve played this year. It just came down to the fact that we By Matt Reeve didn’t execute,� he said. Matt@theroanokestar.com “Sometimes there ain’t much you can do,� Hardy continued. “When you take out

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Hidden Valley high school archers celebrate their team win.

Hidden Valley Archers Find Their Aim is True at State Meet

The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) conducted the First Annual National Archery in the Schools Program Tournament February 28 at the Augusta Expoland in Fishersville. The tournament was held in cooperation with the Western Virginia Sport Show, and was the first year student teams competed at the same location. This tournament was the culminating event for Virginia schools participating in the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP). The National Archery in the Schools Program promotes student education and participation in archery. The program's focus is designed to teach International Archery style target archery in 4th through 12th grades as part of the in-school curriculum. NASP's core content covers archery history, safety, technique, equipment, mental concentration, and self-improvement.

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Daniel Feivor, 254 Northside Middle School; 2nd: Corey Besase, 251, Northside Middle School; 3rd: Will Echols, 250, Northside Middle School High School Boys: 1st: Wayne Veldsman, 267, Hidden Valley High School; 2nd: Tay Whiteside, 265, Hidden Valley High School; 3rd: Brad Hugus, 258, Hidden Valley High School. Overall State Individual Champions determined by Shoot-off: boys - Wayne Veldsman Hidden Valley High School. (TEAM AWARDS) Overall Virginia State Champion Team: Hidden Valley High School Middle Schools, Team Scores.1st: Northside Middle School, 2714 High Schools, Team Scores: 1st: Hidden Valley High School, 2972; 3rd: Franklin County High School, 2759. Spirit Award: Franklin County High School.

Patriots Have Great Expectations for Boys Soccer After their record-breaking 2008 season, it would seem reasonable to lower the expectation level for the Patrick Henry Patriots boys’ soccer team. After all, that team went 14-4-1 and was undefeated in the Western Valley District, winning both the regular season and tournament championships. That squad broke every school scoring record. That team had six players named to the WVD First Team. And,

Choices. Just like the comforting feeling you get when you know spring has almost

Last year, more than 90,000 Virginia students at some 160 schools participated in NASP. According to Outdoor Education Supervisor Karen Holson, "I'm not sure who was more excited about the archery competition, the students or the teachers. We had a fantastic turnout for our first NASP State Tournament, and these students are already planning for next year's event." The winners of the 2009 Virginia State NASP Tournament included a number of Hidden Valley students and the school itself, which took home the overall State Champion team title. Local winners also included students from Northside Middle School. (Only local winners shown): Middle School Girls :(with score, school) 1st: Becca Lester, 234, Northside Middle School; 3rd: Amanda Cosgrove, 212, Northside Middle School Middle School Boys: 1st:

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that team graduated nine players, including their entire starting midfield. So, what are the prospects for the 2009 team, you might ask? “Of course the expectations are higher,� Head Coach Chris Dowdy said. “These guys are fired up and hungry.� For all of their losses, the Patriots’ cupboard is far from bare. The team returns plenty of talent, including their dynamic offensive duo -- senior Fayanga Keita, and junior Cameron Chavira. The two combined for 47 goals and 20 assists last season, and should be a force to be reckoned with yet again this year. The defense looks to be solid as well, with three WVD Second Team selections anchoring the back. Goalkeeper Remington Hinshaw looks to build upon an impressive rookie campaign that saw him appear in 17 games, and the team’s two center backs, Sam Khalilian and Robert Bear, will make it difficult for opponents to find the back of the net. An increase in quality depth has helped to bolster the improving Patriots soccer program. The junior varsity, for example, had its most successful season in school history in 2008, and several of those players have since been promoted to the varsity squad, and will fill key roles this season. “We are certainly going to miss some of the talent from last year, along with just their presence,� Dowdy said of the departed seniors. “But it’s the cycle all teams deal with. This year we’ll see guys who were role players last year turn into

leaders, and guys who weren’t even on the team step in to fill different roles.� Though this team is considerably younger and less experienced, Dowdy likes what he has seen thus far in practice. “This is definitely the fittest team we’ve ever had,� he said. “The guys can really run. They’ve been coming around, and I’ve been real pleased with their work ethic thus far.� Dowdy mentioned that the returning players would also be playing with a chip on their shoulders, despite their success last season. The team suffered a disappointing 1-0 home defeat in the quarterfinals of the Northwest Region Tournament against Albermarle. “We were looking to go farther and of course [we] were disappointed by that game,� Dowdy said. “But I think it just got our players even more focused to be better this year.� The Patriots will be looking to get off to a good start despite a tough early schedule. Saturday, they will kickoff the season at home against Hidden Valley, which reached the VHSL state semifinals last season, and will then take on Turner-Ashby, who reached the VHSL state quarterfinals in 2008, on Tuesday. The Patriots started off 0-2 in 2008 before winning 12 straight. “We always seem to get better as the season progresses,� Dowdy noted. “Hopefully we start at a higher level this season and therefore end at a higher level than we ever have.�

By Matt Reeve Matt@theroanokestar.com

3/20/09 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 9

TheRoanokeStar.com

Commentary: Curmudgeon is also an owner and stakeholder Ginny and I have lived in Roanoke for ten years now. We chose to spend our retirement years here. Were property owners and taxpayers. That makes us “stakeholders”. That means our taxes, along with those of other property owners, pay for most of what happens in Roanoke. That also makes us “owners”. I have this apparently strange idea the City Manager is part of the hired help and the elected City Council the Board of Directors who directs the city manager and manages Roanoke for we stakeholders. That’s theory. Reality seems to be, we stakeholders are viewed as a source of revenue for ill conceived spending sprees by the council, which we stakeholders will pay for over thirty years or until the bonds are retired. If you want to know what the hired help thinks they do look, at the City’s website. Each department has posted a mission statement. Most are hilarious. If budgets were built on mission statements we could do away with Economic Development, which seems to think it’s job is selling sunshine. Planning seems to be a ma-

City Council is deciding to cut back on bus service to S.E. I suspect we know very little of what is coming down the road as to how drastic these cuts are going to be and what they will mean and how they will impact the poor, working class of our city. Public Transportation has long been a target of complaint, especially for its infrequency and not operating longer to cover the shift cycles in our city and no Sunday service. Now with ridership at an all time high this service is on the chopping block to make it even leaner, shorter hours and less frequent service, and yet the city is spending how many hundreds of thousands of dollars on a “FREE TROLLEY” to serve the “ALREADY WORKING CLASS,” Wealthy part of our city while Shuttling the good people of Carilion earning top pay back and forth to downtown. So how does it make sense to cut service for the poor who are fare paying passengers? Many, and I hope even President Obama would see that this should be the other Robert Craig way around, free bus service Roanoke, VA from the poor working part of the city to get people to their jobs. This seems to apply to

often tell planning officers “that won’t work”. Visionaries hate curmudgeons. Curmudgeons remind visionaries market building renovations, two amphitheaters, a field house for William Fleming, even a partridge in a pear tree cost money. They are also rude enough to ask, “Where will the money come from”? And, by the way, is the school system adequately funded and what about essential services, police, fire, EMS, trash collection, etc. for the citizens? What is needed at City Hall is elephant broom sweepers, qualified to manage under conditions of austerity, to clean up the mess from the past ten years. Watching the council “working” on the current budget is painful. They’ll come up with something, because they have to. It will be painful, jerry rigged and cost more than estimated. Perhaps not, but then, I am not a believer in a Funding Fairy named Stimulus either.

Community Calendar > March 21

JDRF 6th Annual Star City Gala 2009 A Night of Denim & Diamonds Honoring our diabetic children Saturday, March 21, 2009 at the Shenandoah Club. Excitement begins at 5:30 PM A fancy evening with denim & diamonds as suggested attire. Cocktail reception, silent and live auctions followed by dinner and music by Jeff Todd Jazz Guitarist and Deborah Liles For more information and tickets, please contact the JDRF office at 540-772-1975. Tickets are $100 which includes dinner, an open bar, and music. $30 of the ticket price will be designated as a tax deductable donation to JDRF.

> March 31

Business Survival Series:Your Business – Looking Ahead Regardless of how small your business is,learn simple techniques that can change your business from status quo to a leader in your area. Presented by Tom Tanner,VSBDC Certified Business Analyst. Tuesday, March 31, 8:30 – 10:00 AM in the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce Boardroom. Cost: $25/person. *Guaranteed to increase your profits or the seminar is free. Sponsored by: The Daily Grind. For more information or to register, call 540.983.0717 ext. 242

> April 2

A Tea Party Event: Save the Economy:The FairTax Roanoke Area FairTax will have a special presentation, Save the Economy: The FairTax. You will hear how the FairTax will do just what the economy needs and perhaps how it could have prevented the problem in the first place.The program takes about 35 minutes and will be followed by questions and discussion from the audience. This is a good time to get informed and to see how your needs and the FairTax principles can merge. Come learn the principles of the FairTax and understand how it would be good for America. Bring a friend or relative! When- 6:45 p.m.(sharp) - 8:15 p.m. Where- WDBJ-7 Studios Community Room, 2807 Hershberger Rd. Cost- Free For more- RAFT@att.net

> April 18

> April 4

The April Meeting of the RoanokeValley Chapter, NSDAR Patricia Hanzel of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia will be presenting a program dealing with women’s health issues immediately following the business portion of the meeting. Interested prospective members are welcome. When - 10:00 A.M. Where - St. Timothy Lutheran Church, 1201 Hardy Road,Vinton, Virginia For more information contact Regent Lee Hardin Woody at 3973173 or lhwoody@gmail.com

Aunt Orlene Aunt Orlene is being planned to be presented at Copper Hill Church of the Brethren, 8838 Floyd Hwy N, Copper Hill, VA on April 4, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. The event will be a fundraiser for the John Kline Homestead Preservation Trust fund. For more information and to make reservations, please call Lois Martin (540) 772-7736 or email: loismartin66@gmail.com. Tickets are $10.00. Reservations must be made by March 28, 2009.

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

Presbyterian Community Center will be holding its annual fundraiser, “Dancing Under the Stars” on Friday, March 20th. Volunteers are needed for silent auction tables and decorating. Contact Cheryl Poe at volunteers@pccse.org or 982-2911.

Volunteer

American Cancer Society Discovery Shop would love some volunteers who love to visit yard sales and antique malls. Carilion Clinic has many opportunities for volunteers who have an affinity to help others. Volunteer opportunities include working in gift shop; staffing waiting rooms; running hospitality cart; and working with employees on patient floors. Commonwealth Catholic Charities needs volunteers for

friendly visitors to seniors. Free training, flexible schedules! Conflict Resolution Center is seeking volunteers willing to be trained as mediators, as well as general volunteers for occasional administrative tasks and special events. Family Service of Roanoke Valley Be a mentor for a youth in need! Mentoring a local child is a way to make a huge impact in our community. It doesn’t take much – just a little time each week and a desire to make a difference. Joseph C. Thomas Center would like volunteers for oneto-one visits with residents, and volunteers to help with a painting class. Medi-Hospice is seeking patient care volunteers, special project volunteers, and administrative volunteers.

Presbyterian Community Center is seeking volunteers to work at the front desk (greeting clients, answering phones, etc.). Volunteer client interviewers, pantry helpers, tutors, and computer skills are also needed. Rescue Mission is seeking volunteers for data entry, reception/ office work, Microsoft Office instruction, physicians/physician assistants/nurse practitioners/ pharmacists, men’s hairstylist, Recovery Program helper, thrift store help. These are only a few of the many volunteer opportunities available in the community. Contact us for more information! VOLUNTEER ROANOKE VALLEY 540-985-0131 ext. 500 vrv@councilofcommunityservices.org

the "Smart Way Bus also" I seriously doubt it is serving the poor working glass? I don't think anyone is commuting to Blacksburg to flip hamburgers at McD's. Yet, how many are dependent of public transportation to get from their neighborhood to flip those hamburgers at minimum wages in trying to put food on the table and a roof over their head in Roanoke? Where is the discussion about city council taking a cut in salary to show good faith effort in these difficult times? What they decide has a most profound effect and life style changes for the poor, while they will continue their lifestyle being unaffected on what they would have us suffer through. Poor ‘ole Southeast has long been the “Step child neighborhood of the city.” Most city council members live in South Roanoke. Let me sight the following example to make a point, since Southeast has not Paying cash for WWII German helmets, uniforms & memorabilia! Also BUY/SELL/TRADE ∙ All wars All Countries ∙ All items

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had representation on City Council for decades. I have on any number of occasions asked about park benches for our new greenway through Southeast. Of course the answer is always there is not enough money for them. You can count on ONE hand the number of park benches along this new greenway in S.E. Has anyone counted the number of park benches in ONE BLOCK ALONG CRYSTAL SPRINGS AVE in South Roanoke? At the bare minimum a STAGGERING NUMBER OF AT LEAST 12 Plenty of money for South Roanoke, but it just isn’t there for poor ’ole Southeast. After all poor people just don’t need to sit like wealthy folks do.

Duane Howard Roanoke, VA

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> April 21

First Steps to Starting a Business Learn the basics of what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur at this introductory seminar for prospective business owners. Tuesday, April 21, 5:30 - 9:00 PM, Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce Boardroom. Cost: $25/person. Pre-payment and pre-registration required by Friday, April 17. Sponsored by: Business SEED Capital, Inc., BB&T, Cox Business, and City of Roanoke. For more information or to register,call 540.983.0717 ext. 242

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> May 16

The Amazing County Treasure Hunt Join in Roanoke County’s exciting new Geocaching event! Using state of the art GPS technology, you, your family or student team will be asked to locate 10 scenic destinations throughout the County. Search for boxes at each location containing gold, silver and bronze coins for points. See who can get the most and win!Your hunt begins at Garst Mill Park. Pre-register beginning April 1 For more - (540) 387-6078 ext. 251 www.RoanokeCountyParks.com Have an item for the calendar? E-mail it to submissions@theroanokestar.com

Volunteer Needs Special Events/OneTime Opportunities

On-Going Needs

jor activity among the hired help. Councilman Trinkle, after six month’s on council, pronounced (in the Roanoke Times) there was a plan for everything. Those I’ve read aren’t worth the paper they’re written on. How good are the plans? Well, when the city attempted to execute we got Countryside and we are paying, paying, paying. Nor does Roanoke lack for visionaries of the glory that could be “if only”. If only the iconic Farmers Market Building conformed to some undefined vision - perhaps that advocated by Bill Carder of DRI, who believes the school funding shortfall is a state problem and shouldn’t impede moving forward on market renovations. Most recently I heard an advocate for not one, but two amphitheaters, under the oft repeated theory of, if you build it they will come. Visionaries are like military planning officers. Mere obstacles, such as wide rivers, do not deter planning officers! Those are easily breeched in a single bound, with a wide blue arrow. Planning officers hate logistics officers. Logistics officers,

Commentary: City Council Budget cuts have greater impact on Southeast

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Valley Business

Page 10 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 3/20/09

TheRoanokeStar.com

Home Staging Can Deliver a New Look – for Less Money House not selling as quick as you’d like? Maybe it needs more “curb appeal.” Or, maybe you’ve got no intention of moving anywhere, but just want to spruce things up a bit – without spending a ton of money. That’s where “home staging” can come in handy. Cathy Dick of Final Touch Designs in Roanoke practices the art and is a certified Home Stager. One of her main missions for clients is to “prepare or package their homes to be sold, to look their best.” Making the best impression possible is the end game says Dick, who is not averse to rolling up her sleeves and painting when it’s what she and a client agree on. In some cases, her work may not involve much more than rearranging furniture, or suggesting new accessories for the décor. Dick grew up touring picture-perfect model homes with her mother, whetting an appetite for the right look. It all depends on what the homeowner wants to spend; initial consultations may cost $200$500, but Dick cautions that the price tag can vary widely. She also notes that money will be recouped when a property sells.

Home stager Cathy Dick paints a client’s house. A room Dick has redone for a client (Below).

In other cases, those staying put, or moving in, may want to “add personality to their home.” Dick can help there too. She’s also incorporated a green approach into her home staging designs and preaches sustainability. Dick has realized that educating people in the area about the value of home staging may be necessary in order for her business to grow. To that end, she is holding classes at the Brambleton Recreation Center in southwest Roanoke County. Her topics range from Home

Staging to the use of safe household cleaners, safe skin products and simple/edible gifts. (contact roanokecountyparks.com or call 772-PLAY for more details). Home Staging Resource claims that staged houses sell for as much as 17% more than one that is “un-staged;” the trade group also claims that only 10% of home buyers realize the true potential of a house. The sellers can often up their price by demonstrating that potential via home staging. Homeowners want ideas on how to do something different to their home, said Dick. “A designer [offers their own perspective] and tries to sell that idea.” She spends time talking to clients about lifestyle – how do they live? What type of feel do they want in a room? Do they have young children? Dogs? Then, she offers a redesign concept. “I help them to trigger that creative side,” said Dick of what she calls “a very emotional industry. You just give them an opportunity to look at things differently.” (see www.finaltouchdesigns.com for more information) By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

Our Take: Trying to Make Sense of Economic Mess isn’t Easy

From the news editor

Even in a room full of smart people it wasn’t difficult to see that nervous looks and furrowed eyebrows were the order of the day. The occasion was a forum at the Shenandoah Club, sponsored by the law firm of Spilman Thomas & Battle, which hung a shingle in Roanoke when it absorbed Melchionna Day & Aymar several years ago. “The Current Economic Crisis: How did we get here and where are we going?” was the ambitious title, and it attracted a full house last week. Guest speaker Dr. Edwin Burton is a professor of economics at the University of Virginia, but for more than 30 years he juggled academia with a career on Wall Street. He knows where the skeletons are and is acquainted with many of the big players now, the head honchos of the financial world. Burton offered differing opinions on how President Obama is doing now with his (and Congress’s) stimulation/ bailout programs. Some good, some not so good. Before that he went through a painstaking Power Point presentation on how we got to this juncture. “There’s plenty of blame to go around,” added Burton, who worked in the derivatives and arbitrage fields for firms like Smith Barney. First off: “this crisis wouldn’t be happening if it wasn’t for housing,” said Burton, noting that home values plunged in the 1930’s during the Great Depression as well. After World War II incentives to own homes helped

lead to a point where the United States encourages people to buy “the most home and biggest mortgage they can.” We all can see where that has led lately, with failing mortgages that were bundled as securities dragging down banks and other financial institutions. In 1998 President Bill Clinton and the then-Republican Congress took initiatives that encouraged homeownership among lower income people. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were pushed to buy more mortgages, subprime mortgages; “took off in 2003,” said Burton, often without income verification, and it was off to the races. But those two agencies went in to receivership last September according to Burton, compounding the problem. He noted that Connecticut U.S. Senator Chris Dodd sang the praises of Fannie and Freddie right up to the very end. It all works great as long as housing values keep going up, there are plenty of good jobs in the pipeline and the interconnected global markets elsewhere hold up their end of the bargain, buying American goods and investing here. But all of that ground to a halt. Many subprime mortgages were simply refinancing, which just “jacked up [homeowner’s] level of debt,” said Burton, who is writing a book on the current crisis. That hurts savings rates as well, leaving banks with less money to lend others. You’ve seen “It’s a Wonderful Life,” right – remember Bailey Savings & Loan? George (Jimmy Stewart) explained how the sav-

ings and lending connection works. Maybe they should have shown that classic film at the Shenandoah Club as well. Twenty percent of all credit lending “came to a halt in the summer of 2007,” Burton told his audience. From an alltime high of 14,160 in October 2007 the stock market has now slipped below 7000. Some of those working in the Bush administration and at the Fed Bank “slept on,” said Burton. Not too many in Washington or the financial world are sleeping very well right now. Two days in 2008 “changed the world” according to Dr. Burton: January 21, when the Federal Reserve lowered the prime rate to zero, effectively; and March 16, when Bear Stearns was sold for $2 a share to JP Morgan. But the federal government protected bondholders, not taxpayers said Burton, and that wasn’t right. CitiGroup is on “life support,” then-Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson “almost fainted,” when Congress first rejected the TARP bailout program, AIG is a money pit – the horror stories from Edwin Burton went on and on. The only thing he couldn’t tell folks at the Shenandoah Club was when the recession would be over, when consumers would regain confidence, when stocks would go back up again steadily and when housing prices would rebound. So expect more forums like the one last week, as people caught in the middle try hard to get a handle on the situation. By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

Photo by Gene Marrano

HCA Southwest Virginia President, Victor Giovanetti, speaks to supporting reservists.

HCA/Lewis-Gale’s Commitment to Reservists Honored

When Lewis-Gale Medical Center doctors, nurses, administrators and other hospital support personnel are called up for duty in Iraq, Afghanistan or other hot spots as reservists, they leave knowing they will have a job upon their return. They can also count on the fact that their families will receive support as well. Lewis-Gale, and three other southwest Virginia hospitals in the HCA system (Hospital Corporation of America), was recognized Tuesday for the support they provide to military reservists, Michael Kavanaugh, chair of the Roanoke Area Committee for the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve program, presented the CEO’s of all four hospitals with “Statements of Support,” plaques that can be displayed in their lobbies. President, HCA Southwest Virginia Victor Giovanetti recalled working with reservists while at an HCA hospital in Tennessee, before he took over in Salem. “There are no better Americans than reservists who leave their families behind,” said Giovanetti to a room full of HCA administrators. “We have made a commitment to take care of them and their families. We provide them with whatever support they need.” Kavanaugh (noting the “global war on terror” being waged on several fronts) has a son in Iraq, and another recently back from Afghanistan. During a brief ceremony, he said Giovanetti was “one of the greatest supporters of our military.” Lewis-Gale spreads assignments and work loads around when someone from a department is called up. Kavanaugh also noted that 98% of all physicians serving in the military are reservists. “Without the reserve components, we could not function,” Kavanaugh said. By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

Addy Winners Announced Whitney Pratt and John Griessmayer from Neathawk, Dubuque & Packett with their Judges Choice Award, Best in Show - Print, and Howard Packett Award for Creative Excellence. Photo by Richard Boyd

The Western Virginia Addy Awards were announced during a recent function at Jefferson Center, honoring professionals and students for their work in creative fields. Professional awards included the Howard Packett Award for Creative Excellence, (Neathawk, Dubuque & Packett - Catholic Diocese of Richmond); Best in Broadcast, (Access - Mill Mountain Theatre’s “Idols of the King,” TV campaign), and Best in Interactive, (Exemplum - Hasbro Toys). The Judges Choice award this year went to three firms: Advance Auto, Neathawk, Dubuque & Packett (Virginia Tech’s “This is the Future”) and Access (YMCA of Roanoke Valley). The Best in Show student award went to Virginia Tech student Matthew Gillespie for his GEICO magazine insert. See the complete list of Addy winners at www.roanokeadfed.org.

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Hotel Roanoke and Taubman Team-up to Grow Art District

Combing the elegant history of one landmark with the contemporary excitement of another, the Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center and Taubman Museum of Art are teaming up to present the new “Art Lovers Getaway” Package. Packages, starting at $132, include a deluxe guestroom for two adults at the Hotel Roanoke, full breakfast buffet for two in the Regency Dining Room, tickets to the Taubman Museum of Art, a welcome gift, and parking. The package is based on availability. “The Art Lovers Package is just the beginning of a wonderful partnership between two landmarks in the Roanoke Valley,” said Gary Walton, general manager of The Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center. “This package showcases our progressive downtown and its vibrancy. When you step out our front door, you will be just steps from the new museum, shops and the art gallery district.” “We are delighted to partner with The Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center to offer this wonderful package, which showcases art in all of its forms, from the architecture of the hotel and the Taubman, to the works on display in the museum, to what guests will see as they explore Roanoke’s galleries, shops and the regional crafts

for sale at the market,” said Georganne Bingham, executive director of the Taubman Museum of Art. Built in 1882, the restored Tudor-style Hotel Roanoke is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. “Roanoke has a very active arts and culture community, and there are outdoor art events and festivals taking place all year long,” said Walton. “This is a fantastic example of old meets new, contemporary meets modern, elegance meets sophistication. It’s the perfect match.” To book the Art Lovers Package visit http:// www.HotelRoanoke.com or call 540.985.5900. For more information on the Taubman Museum of Art, visit www.TaubmanMuseumofArt.org or call 540.342.5760.

One-Night Art Show and Sale for Newcomers The Arts Council of the Blue Ridge is calling it “Bread & Butter Art”, a free art sale, Thursday, March 26 from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. , geared towards new and emerging artists. Rhonda Hale, artist services and art education director for the Arts Council of the Blue Ridge, says it's free - but attendees are asked to bring non-perishable food items for the Southwest Virginia Second Harvest Food Bank. Emerging visual, performing and literary artists are encouraged to connect with new art collectors during this one-night only art show and sale, held in the Second Floor Galleries at Center in the Square. “It’s a way to communicate to the public that art is a staple in our lives – much like bread and butter… despite whatever the economy is,” said Hale. It also promises to be a venue where new collec-

tors can buy works at a reasonable price. Hale says the Arts Council is looking for “serious” artists that have been working for less than five years, artists that haven’t shown at major galleries or museums elsewhere. “Bread & Bread Art” may be a coming out for some. “We really do have vibrant emerging artists programs throughout Roanoke,” says Hale of several efforts in the city, such as the public library’s monthly series. The art comes down at 8:00 pm, March 26 – it’s a one-night event. “It’s one way we can help support our emerging artists,” says Hale of Bread & Butter Art. By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

Hollins Alumna Pens First Novel Susan Rebecca White, Hollins said White, who is fascinated by the University masters of fine arts gradufeelings some can stir up for their ate, debuts as a novelist with her new children. “Most of the times it stops book, “Bound South.” with a thought,” she points out. That’s In “Bound South,” White takes a what keeps people out of jail. Louise page from another Hollins creative Parker is far away from Susan Smith writing program graduate, Lee Smith, “on the Richter Scale” of family viothe prototypical Southern novelist lence White is quick to note. who writes sometimes-bawdy tales She tries to keep “Bound South” geared towards women. light, despite touching on Susan “I love Lee Smith,” said White, Smith, teen pregnancy, sexual hawho sets her first book in Atlanta. rassment – even the treatment of “Bound South” (Touchstone/Siprisoners at the infamous Abu mon & Schuster) employs a unique Ghraib prison in Iraq. device, using three women charac“My personality walks that tight ters to narrate the book, alternating rope. When I get overwhelmed by by chapters. The three spirited people the world I think about the …darkfind their lives intersecting in unexest topics,” said White, who attended pected ways: Louise Parker looks like Brown University (an Ivy League the typical, proper Southern matron, school) for her undergraduate dewhile her teenage daughter Caroline gree. is a gifted actress – but rebellious. “At the same time I’m a southern Meanwhile the third narrator, Missy, woman. I love going out and havis the daughter of a housekeeper at ing drinks and chatting. The book the Parker residence. was this wonderful marriage where I Louise longs for more in her piccould think about these things - but Susan White ture-perfect life and harbors dark thoughts use humor,” said White. at times about what she would like to do to her New York Times best-selling author Luanne daughter, who stirs the pot by becoming enam- Rice called “Bound South,” “a wonderful novel of ored with a high school drama teacher. Louise women, friendship and serious longing for a faeven ruminates to herself about Susan Smith, the ther’s love. Reading it made me miss my father.” real-life South Carolina woman who drowned her young children. By Gene Marrano “It scared me to death to write that chapter,” gmarrano@cox.net

3/20/09 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 11

Stephanie Rooker Comes Home to the Jefferson Center

Stephanie Rooker is heading back home again. The Radford native, now a jazz singersongwriter living in Brooklyn, New York, is opening for ex-Roanoker and fellow jazz vocalist Rene Marie at the Jefferson Center next Friday, March 27 at 8pm. It is only the second time she has performed close to home, the first time being last year. “The reception there was overwhelming,” recalls Rooker. Rooker studied African rhythms at Oberlin College, even traveling to Ghana at one point. “That [music] has spoken to me for a long time,” she said. Rooker listened to jazz, folk and other music genres while growing up in southwestern Virginia. The mix of influences is evident on her CD debut, “Tellin You Right Now”, available at CDBaby.com. While she doesn’t “get on a soapbox”, Rooker desires to increase awareness of an issue close to her heart, brain injuries. Her brother Jason died from a brain injury suffered in1997. A few years later, her parents created Brain Injury Services of Southwest Virginia, a non-profit agency based in Roanoke. “I’m not the expert on the topic, I just know what my family’s been through,” said Rooker from her Brooklyn home last week. “I just try to come with some facts about brain injuries …and the services available in the areas [where we perform].” Brain Injury Services provides information, resources and therapy for those that need longer term care when recovering from a traumatic brain injury. The Rookers found these services lacking when dealing with their son’s injury. Insurance typically does not cover the types of services Brain Injury Services is involved with – like learning how to write or use a fork again. There is no cost to the patient, with donations covering all expenses. Onstage, however, it’s mostly about the music, and at 27, Rooker believes she has found her true identity and voice as a jazz songstress. She will appear at Jefferson Center with a group of seasoned Brooklyn-based musicians, most of whom she has played with for a while. “It’s getting to be more and more of a solid group,” said Rooker. “They’re all really good

Stephanie Rooker will open at the Jefferson Center on March 27. people.” Rooker moved to New York after attending college in Ohio, “almost on a whim,” because that’s where the music was happening. “Things just sort of fell into place. When I got here I started studying jazz,” Rooker said. The prospect of opening for Rene Marie thrills Rooker. She remembers seeing Marie in New York a few years ago, and was “blown away.” “It’s mind boggling that we’re both from the same area. She’s such an amazing vocalist…so edgy and funky,” Rooker said. Marie now lives in Colorado after residing in Roanoke for many years. Rooker hopes to blow away a few people herself on March 27 at the Jefferson Center. (see jeffcenter.org and stephanierooker.com for more information)

By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

This year go ahead and love your lawn.

Charlie Hunter Performs at Kirk Ave. Music Hall

Charlie Hunter will perform at the Kirk Avenue Music Hall April 2, alongside drummer Eric Kalb, as they showcase material from Hunter's latest recording effort, Baboon Strength. Hunter's new album marks the debut release on his independent label Spire Artist Media. With a career spanning 16 years and almost 20 albums, Hunter is back with an experimental muse mixing '60s Stax soul with '70s funk and '80s pop on Baboon Strength. As with his last recording Mistico (Concord, July 2007), he enlists a trimmed back ensemble allowing for adventurous mel-

odies, pure-pocket drumming and improvisation with space for each musician to make their mark. Baboon Strength was recorded to 16track two-inch tape at Trout Studio in Brooklyn, NY. Over the course of Hunter's celebrated career, he has worked with the likes of Norah Jones, Mos Def, John Mayer, D'Angelo and others. He will be featured in Downbeat Magazine's 75th anniversary issue as one of the 75 most influential jazz and blues guitarists of all time. Call the Kirk Avenue Music Hall 589-0546 for more information about the show.

Unhappy with last year’s lawn service? No time to do it yourself? Then you need the “Guys in Purple.”. And the time to call is now! 389-2208

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Page 12 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 3/20/09

TheRoanokeStar.com

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