The Roanoke Star-Sentinel

Unlocking Your Dreams!

ANGELA GILLESPIE REALTOR, ABR

PAGE 2

Call today to learn more about my design and home staging services

WEEKEND

www.cbtownside.com www.angelasellsvirginia.com

556-8565

Contact me today for a professional, no commitment consultation

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID Whisper One Media

6OMPDLJOH :PVS 3FBM &TUBUF %SFBNT

The Roanoke Star-Sentinel angela.gillespie@coldwellbanker.com

www.angelasellsvirginia.com

Angela Gillespie

POSTMASTER: Dated material, please deliver by publication date

ANGELA GILLESPIE REALTOR, ABR Call today to learn more about my design and home staging services

www.cbtownside.com www.angelasellsvirginia.com

Community | News | Per spective

May 22 - May 28, 2009

TheRoanokeStar.com

[Our Take]

Is Roanoke an Art-Friendly Town?

Habitat Women

P2– Mudlick Creek in Garst Mill Park gets a total overhaul by Roanoke County.

Photo by Gene Marrano

Roanoke police officer Bill Lucas with a cuffed Katherine Gwaltney – and her TV “accessory.”

Someone Forgot to Tell the Police . . .

[Our Take]

building last Thursday.

Brooke Rosel was sitting there “watching” her was there, right in television when Lucas the middle of it, barked at her to get up. so I’m not opining “It wasn’t to be negative second hand. I’m talking in any way, ” said Rosel afabout the “Must See TV” terwards. performance art displayed Lucas threatened to fine by dozens of people in the and arrest her, said Rosel.

Farmer’s Market area and “He was very, very rude.” in front of the city market Other officers “laughed,” building last week. You she said, when they were likely know about it by let in on what was taking now; the exercise where place. people were to sit silently, One young woman, watching the blank screen Katherine Gwaltney, of a television set for five Photo by Gene Marrano stayed in character when minutes. If a passersby Brooke Rosel watches TV during last Thursday’s performance Lucas asked her for ID, asked what they were do- art display in downtown Roanoke. saying “wait, this is the ing, participants were to best part!” as if she was David Trinkle explained it on Monday reply, “I’m watching TV.” obsessed with whatever was playing on Local performance artist Beth Deel, – his wife took part – the group was her (blank) portable TV. That probably who’s been known to artistically “push careful not to assemble in large bunchwasn’t a good move – when a cop asks the envelope,” at times, called it a “way es, thus avoiding the need for a permit. for something, the better choice is to If the Star City aims to position itself to slow down time with an action and accommodate them.

But Lucas and a see what the interpretation is. Its really as an arts-friendly town, one that welfellow officer were totally over the top, comes artists of all stripes and ages, we in the spirit of improv,” she said. yelling about keeping the sidewalks Even some of the organizers weren’t should make sure certain Roanoke City free for pedestrians and barking at sure what the message was supposed to police officers are in on the secret.

So, what happened? Officer Bill Lu- some observers to turn off their video be. But that’s the point of art, whether it hangs on a wall, stands in a plaza – or cas and company overreacted to the fact recorders or to > CONTINUED involves people staring at blank TV’s. that several young people were sitting move along.

“Freedom of P2: Our Take The way Roanoke City Councilman on the sidewalk in front of the market

I

Brian Gottstein

Lookout Below P4– Brian Gottstein says that the bill is coming due for Virginia taxpayers as a result of poor fiscal planning.

Champion Celtics

P7– Roanoke Catholic wins the Virginia Independent School (VIS) Division III state lacrosse title.

Get the

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

400-0990

subscribe@theroanokestar.com PO Box 8338 Roanoke,VA 24014

You mow yours, I’ll mow mine: City Manager Darlene Burcham admitted at Monday’s Roanoke City Council meeting that there has been Council Notes some flak from residents about the height of grass in the city that is maintained by public service crews. The city is increasing the time period between mowings, due to budget issues. Meanwhile, homeowners and landlords can be fined – or have their grass mowed for them at $80/hour by the city – if the grass is more than 12” high. Burcham promised a kindler, gentler administration for now: “we’re not going to be harsh on people if we’re not going to be harsh on ourselves.”

Lifeguards needed: with the city’s about face on the Fallon Park and Washington Park pools, which will now open this summer after money was found in the 2009-2010 budget, Roanoke is scrambling to find certified lifeguards. Less

[

P2– Women from throughout the Roanoke Valley participated in “National Women Build Week” with Habitat for Humanity.

Restored Waters

Council Relaxes Lawn Requirements; Lifeguards Still Needed

71-Year-Old Attempts One More Parkway Tour At age 71, Sam Jernigan wanted to see if he could do it just one more time – ride the entire length of the Blue Ridge Parkway, all 469 miles, on a bike.

“So far so good,” said Jernigan Monday night, after he dismounted his recumbent bicycle to spend the night at the Quality Inn on Franklin Road. Jernigan, a Virginia Tech graduate and retired city planner in Newport, RI, is traveling with three companions. It had been 10 years

since the group last made the journey on the BRP. They took off from Cherokee, NC last Sunday, and then headed north.

For 12 straight years Jernigan had made the trip, but not since 1999.

“Its just something I wanted to do. I really love the Parkway,” Jernigan said.

Jernigan became familiar with the BRP during his time Mary Hutchinson, Ray Luchenbach, Sam Jernigan, and Richard Stibolt. Hutchinson has completed four trips with Jernigan, > CONTINUED while Stibolt and Luchenbach are first timers.

P3: Jernigan

]

> CONTINUED P3: Council Notes

Don Caldwell Takes it All in Stride

Don Caldwell has been Commonwealth Attorney in Roanoke for 30 years.

While only a relatively few court cases end up going to trial, all still require the supervision of a prosecuting attorney to make sure the police have brought a valid case. This is Donald Caldwell’s job, as the elected Commonwealth’s Attorney for Roanoke City, assisted by the 13 attorneys and staff he supervises.

A common misconception about his job is that he acts as an independent crime investigator. In fact, Caldwell relies on the police for that - unlike what we may see on television. Caldwell, who prosecutes all crimes, both felonies and misdemeanors, was born in Roanoke, but grew up in Botetourt County. After his 1973 graduation from Virginia Military Institute he > CONTINUED P3: Caldwell

Page 2 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 5/22/09 - 5/28/09

TheRoanokeStar.com

A Healthier Creek Comes to Life at Garst Mill Park Mostly sunny, with a high near 80. Calm wind becoming southeast between 5 and 8 mph. Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 57.

Mostly sunny, with a high near 83. Calm wind becoming south between 6 and 9 mph.

Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 58.

Mostly sunny with scattered showers and thunderstorms possible, high near 84. Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 61.

Join Us This Saturday for "Wine and Country" Saturday May 23, 2009 3:00 - 9:00 PM Great country music and equally great Amrhein wines.

Relax on the winery lawn, enjoy the music, with Amrhein wines.

Music by "Fiddler Crab" Fee:$5.00 per person Child Friendly No Reservations Necessary

For More Information Amrhein Wine Cellars - 540-929-4632

9243 Patterson Drive Bent Mountain, VA 540-929-4632

www.amrheinwine.com

Restoration is complete at Mudlick Creek at Garst Mill Park. A ribbon cutting last Thursday capped off the $500,000 price tag, with nearly $300,000 coming in grants from the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.

The restoration includes a half-mile stretch of paved greenway, the rehabilitation of steep creek banks, the addition of grasses and plants to reduce erosion and restoration of the in-stream habitat for fish.

Dangerously steep banks were sloped downward to minimize the risk to park patrons, with a rock retaining wall built along one stretch of Mudlick Creek. Improved drainage should help relieve previous flooding experienced in the park and by adjoining property owners.

Parks, Recreation & Tourism director Pete Haislip said before the ribbon cutting that issues at Garst Mill Park were among the first he learned of

when applying for the job.

“Sixteen years later, we fixed it,” Haislip said, drawing chuckles from those gathered at the park pavilion.

Windsor Hills supervisor Joe McNamara, up for reelection, said that “acre for acre” he believed Garst Mill had “more usage than any park in Roanoke County,” including ball fields used for baseball and soccer.

Fixing the steep creek banks at Garst Mill, like the work done further downstream at Hidden Valley High School, is all part of the county’s ongoing “education process,” said McNamara, in dealing with storm water management and erosion.

County engineer George Simpson, who oversaw much of the project, said the Mudlick restoration “finally got serious in 2000,”once the Regional Stormwater Management Plan was enacted. The Clean Water Act helped push it along.

Mudlick Creek had been prone

Photo by Gene Marrano

Mudlick Creek is safer, healthier and more natural following $500,000 worth of improvements. to heavy silt buildup, in addition to flooding during extra heavy rains. One goal is to reduce sediment losses by 7590%. Roanoke County is now conducting an “insect census” noted Simpson, to determine how healthy the made-over creek is.

“The stream will become healthier,” Simpson said.

More than 100 volunteers helped with tasks like the

planting of vegetation along the newly sloped banks, with spots were left open for public access to the water. There were also 16 agencies at the state and local level involved.

“Roanoke County has a history of establishing partnerships,” noted County Administrator Clay Goodman.

By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

Local Women Build a House in a Nationwide Mother’s Day Habitat Initiative With tools in their hands and good intentions in their hearts, 15 women from the Roanoke Valley participated in “National Women Build Week” through a partnership between Lowe’s and Habitat for Humanity.

The national event, held annually during the week leading up to Mother’s Day, challenges women to devote one day to the effort of eliminating poverty housing. Women come together from all walks of life to learn basic construction skills and build affordable houses for those in need.

As the first major initiative of Lowe’s renewed five-year, $20 million pledge to Habitat for Humanity, the retailer committed $875,000 to the 2009 “National Women Build Week” by providing grants and event support materials to 175 Habitat affiliates. Locally, Lowe’s presented a $5,000 grant to Roanoke’s Habitat for Humanity to support the one-day build on 15th Street SW in Roanoke City.

This year, more than 7,000 women volunteered across all 50 states to build on more than 200 Habitat for Humanity construction sites.

“It’s staggering what can be accomplished with a little teamwork, support and hard work,” said Betsy Whitney, Deputy Director of Habitat in the Roanoke Valley. “We are already looking forward to next year.”

The week leading up to Mother’s Day was selected for its significance to many volunteers, as families with children make up a large percentage of those in need of adequate housing.

Photo submitted

Local women answer challenge from Habitat for Humanity and Lowe’s.

Sub-standard housing can be a severe threat to a child’s health, growth and potential. According to the US Census Bureau more than 12 million children – one out of every six – is living in poverty.

“Women have the capability and determination necessary to address this crisis in a concrete way” said Whitney. “By ensuring that families have safe, decent and affordable homes, they are positively affecting several generations.”

Since the program began in 1998, the “Women Build initiative” has built more than 1,400 houses nationwide.

by Stephanie Koehler stephaniekoehler@cox.net

Paying Their Respects First Christian Church in Roanoke played host to the annual Law Enforcement Memorial service last week, with officers from numerous jurisdictions on hand to pay tribute to fallen comrades. Many took part in the Roll-Call ceremony by placing a rose in the large shield, situated in front of the altar. Reverend William L. Lee, Pastor of Loudon AvThe combined Honor Guard of Roanoke City Sheriff's Office enue Christian Church, moved and Roanoke Police Department present Colors at the Law many in the audience to tears Enforcement Memorial service. during his keynote speech.

Correspondents Wanted

Independent.

The Roanoke Star-Sentinel is looking for talented freelance writers to cover local sports, news and community stories throughout the Roanoke Valley.

Living.

If interested, please contact gmarrano@cox.net.

Independent living is about being exactly who you are. Maybe you stand out from the crowd. Maybe you easily fit in. Maybe you’re up all day moving and going. Or maybe you enjoy a quiet afternoon with a good book. No matter who you are, Friendship Independent Living™ is a great place to live. Because we take care of the chores, so you can do whatever it is you like to do. Now that’s living.

Friendship does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, or age in admission, treatment, or participation in its programs, services and activities, or in employment. For further information about this policy, contact the Corporate Compliance Officer (540) 265-2222.

(540) 265-2230

|

www.friendship.us

freelance photographers inquiries welcome

TheRoanokeStar.com

5/22/09 - 5/28/09 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 3

> Our Take From page 1

speech!� became the rallying cry, as Lucas cuffed Gwaltney and took her to the paddy wagon for a free ride to jail – hauling her portable TV under one arm. “Looks like the Roanoke cops were just in a bad mood today,� said Matt Ames, “Its just ridiculous.�

City Manager Darlene Burcham has called the incident “unfortunate.� Trinkle said he hopes to see more performance art in the streets of Roanoke soon and fellow council member Gwen Mason decried Police Chief Joe Gaskins for (once

again) displaying his fortresslike mentality by not coming out and making a statement, days after the incident.

Whether they intended to or not Roanoke City sent the wrong message last week: that only a more mainstream presentation of art is acceptable – that one should go spend their money to look at paintings hanging at the Taubman perhaps – and that youthful ideas involving performance art need not apply here. If I’m a young person on the fence about staying in Roanoke and was a witness to the market

incident – or if I’ve seen it on YouTube by now – I’m not sure I’d have a favorable opinion of Roanoke. What about tourists or conventioneers visiting from Hotel Roanoke? What kind of impression do you think they walked away with?

Some of those involved with “Must See TVâ€? have held off the cuff, permit-less events in the past, like racing big wheels through parking garages. Maybe there is a way they could tip off the city in the future that, “hey, this what we want to do‌.â€? In any case, the Roanoke City Police De-

partment overreacted big time and came off looking foolish in the process.

Up until last week Roanoke had made tremendous strides as an art encouraging community, but we need to decide (and our government and the enforcers of our laws need to reflect our decisions) how tolerant we want to be when it comes to the arts. What type of arts? How welcoming are we willing to be towards young artists and others that support them? Where is the line between “flexible interpretation of a law� and real

Gaskins Responds to Arrest; Supports Officer’s Decision

Editor’s note: Roanoke City police Chief Joe Gaskins released the following statement regarding the arrest made by Officer R.B. “Bill�

Lucas May 14 on Campbell Avenue, near the Market Building.

The City of Roanoke and the Roanoke Police Department are committed to supporting the local arts community.

The Department is proud of its role in fostering a safe and healthy atmosphere for the many festivals and other outdoor activities that are part of the city's cultural scene. However, any such gatherings need

to be conducted critical in preventin a manner that ing problem situarespects both the tions from occurparticipants and ring. Had a permit those who are not been obtained for participating. Roathe May 14 demnoke City Code onstration, the Sections 30-101 group would have through 30-108 A.L. “Joe� Gaskins been able to hold were written to ad- Chief of Police the demonstration dress the proper without incident. conduct of public assemblies, The Department recommends in particular the following that any groups desiring to section: "To allow the safe and hold public gatherings of any reasonably unrestricted flow type contact the Police Deof pedestrian traffic on side- partment and other approwalks and vehicular traffic in priate city departments and the streets and alleys..." obtain the appropriate permit Good communication is in advance.

Given all the circumstances surrounding the incident on May 14, the Department supports the actions taken by Officer R.B. Lucas. The Department further hopes that this experience has provided a framework for improved outcomes for any potential conflicts in the future. Roanoke's Police Officers can do their jobs best when citizens take a proactive role in contributing to a safe and healthy environment in our city.

concern for public safety?

Then we need to let everyone in on the secret – starting with some of those apparently humorless, non-art loving police officers. “I think sometimes fear makes people overreact,� said Beth Deel, who thought Lu-

cas might have thought it was a political demonstration. “Hopefully we can get it all straightened out.�

By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

Roanoke Star of the Week

Damon Williams (and his twin brother, Ramon) were born in Roanoke in 1968. After graduating from William Fleming High school he attended VMI, graduating in 1990. He then went to work in the private sector, coached basketball for several years on the high school level, and eventually went to work for First Citizens Damon Williams Bank in 2000 as a Community Development Officer. Damon also serves on the Board of the Boys and Girls Club and along with his twin, Ramon, started the Annual Twin Hoop Basketball Tournament, which benefits children throughout Roanoke. His favorite places in the Roanoke Valley are the Blue Ridge Parkway, Downtown City Market and the Jefferson Center. Favorite restaurants include Kobe Japanese Restaurant, Abuelo’s, Los Dos Amigos at Valley View Mall, and the Texas Tavern. He and his wife, Florence, were married in 1996 and make their home in Roanoke City.

Have someone in mind for “Roanoke Star of the Week?�

E-mail Jim Bullington: JBullPhoto@Hotmail.com

By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

> Jernigan From page 1

at Virginia Tech. The Parkway is an ideal bicycle route he noted, before the summer holidays: “no traffic,� he said from his hotel room Monday. The scenery also helped bring him back, although he admitted he’s sore at the end of each day, more so than in past years. “I don’t get tired of that. On a bicycle you see a lot more than you do from a vehicle,� he said.

Two of the three riders with him are taking the bike tour for the first time. “It’s fun introducing new people to the Parkway,� said Jerni-

gan, who expects the trip to take eleven days this time, after making it in as little as nine before - when he camped along the Parkway instead of staying in motels.

Jernigan sees some more wear and tear along the Parkway and evidence of development creeping closer, but “its still a great road ‌ [although] it seems like the hills got steeper, for some reason.â€?

By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

> Caldwell From page 1

was obligated to do two years of active duty. “But Vietnam was winding down, and they had a surplus of second lieutenants. So I went to a 90-day tour ‌ with the reserve, Army infantry branch,â€? said Caldwell.

He went out as a full colonel and commanded the mobilization unit, which was activated again in 2003. “My last fifteen months of service were on active duty in support of [Operation] Iraqi Freedom, Iraq. Nobody thought [the war] would be going on six years later.�

After VMI, Caldwell earned a degree from T. C. Williams Law School in Richmond (1976.) Back in Roanoke, he worked as a member of the original public defenders office. “The city’s was one of the first offices around the state to come into existence,�

Caldwell said. Other counties with smaller criminal caseloads use court-appointed private attorneys.

In Roanoke City now, “we have approximately ten judges,� said Caldwell, who is active in Democrat Party politics at the moment. “We

have a very heavy case load.

It reflects the urban environment, and certainly a less affluent population compared to the surrounding jurisdictions.�  Caldwell switched from defense attorney to prosecution, and in 1979 he was appointed to take over the top job. After a special election in 1981, he went on to win a full term in 1982. He will be up for reelection this November.  Caldwell is scheduled to appear as a witness in an upcoming case involving Martin Jeffrey. Jeffery’s campaign manager, Mark Powell, has accused city party chair Tony Reed of verbal assault.

Powell claims Caldwell was a bystander and witness. Powell was asking to see primary election filings from incumbent 11th District delegate Onzlee Ware, whom Jeffrey is challenging in a June 9 primary.

The Jeffrey campaign is seeking “to find technicalities that would ‌ bar Onzlee’s running in the [Democratic] primary for the 11th district seat,â€? noted Caldwell.  After being asked “to look into it,â€?

he did just that. “I don’t do investigation. I can look into things and see. It simply involves 15 pieces of paper.�

He looked to see if there were the 125 signatures required by law and if they were executed properly. “I cannot figure out that complaint. I have reviewed the paper work and although I’m not ready to make an announcement yet, it appears there’s not any merit to their concerns.�

Powell’s charge of verbal assault allegedly took place during a conversation in which Caldwell was involved. The judge had to be changed to make sure there wouldn’t be an appearance of impropriety, because attorneys who appear regularly in the courts generally have a cordial working relationship with the judges. But no matter who presides, Caldwell said that his testimony would be that he saw or heard nothing that would amount to a verbal assault.   Disputes are part of life for commonwealth’s attorneys, and Caldwell takes it all in stride. “My path led me to crimi-

nal law. I like to think I owe my longevity in this position to [the fact] that I’ve always tried to use common sense and always try to answer to the voters. On balance at the end of the day, I hope they perceive me as being honest - and trying to do the best I can,� Caldwell said.

MAY 21-25 JAMES I. MOYER SPORTS COMPLEX

2009 SOFTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP DIVISION II • SALEM, VIRGINIA

540/375-3004 NCAA.com

By Priscilla Richardson info@theroanokestar.com

6[cR`a V[ D\ZR[

We’d recommend one in particular.

Yourself.

You’ve taken care of others for years. Now it’s time for you. To enjoy the rewards, to do more for yourself, to try something new. We have a number of services to help with that transition: s 7EALTH -ANAGEMENT 3ERVICES s &INANCIAL 2ETIREMENT AND %STATE 0LANNING s 0HILANTHROPY AND #HARITABLE 'IVING s )NVESTMENT /PPORTUNITIES

> Council Notes

Your financial goals should keep pace with your CHANGING LIFE 0LEASE CALL ME AT

From page 1

than half of the positions open had been filled as of earlier this week, according to Burcham. Call the city if you’re interested – and certified.

Market art flap: David Trinkle reminded everyone that city council is “a tremendous supporter of the arts,â€? in light of the market building flap, when a Roanoke police officer arrested someone taking part in the “Must See TVâ€? performance piece. In fact, Trinkle’s wife, an artist herself, was involved with the project, where participants gathered in various parts of downtown to stare at blank TV screens for five minutes, hoping to evoke comments. An officer who felt some were blocking the sidewalk put an end to the demonstration. “I’m hoping ‌ that more of these events will occur,â€? said Trinkle.

Darlene Burcham said police chief Joe Gaskins, “was looking at the matter,� and would make a statement “shortly. He has taken this very, very seriously.� Burcham also called it “an unfortunate situation.� Councilwoman Gwen Mason was critical that it had taken Gaskins so long to issue a statement on last week’s incident: “there’s no harm in being out in the media very quickly.�

By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

Cindy Shively &INANCIAL !DVISOR &INANCIAL 0LANNING 3PECIALIST The Meridian Group at Smith Barney 3OUTH *EFFERSON 3TREET 3UITE 2OANOKE 6!

cynthia.h.shively@smithbarney.com www.fa.smithbarney.com/meridiangroupsb

INVESTMENT PRODUCTS:

NOT FDIC INSURED. NO BANK GUARANTEE. MAY LOSE VALUE

Š 2009 Citigroup Global Markets Inc. Member SIPC. Securities are offered through Citigroup Global Markets Inc. Smith Barney is a division and service mark of Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and its affiliates and is used and registered throughout the world. Citi and Citi with Arc Design are trademarks and service marks of Citigroup Inc. and its affiliates, and are used and registered throughout the world. Working WealthSM is a service mark of Citigroup Global Markets Inc. Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and Citibank are affiliated companies under the common control of Citigroup Inc.

Perspective

Page 4 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 5/22/09 - 5/28/09

Tolerance, Understanding and Coloring Outside the Lines

B

y now most of you are probably familiar with the events that unfolded last week on the market, when a group of people decided to sit and watch blank TV’s in downtown Roanoke – for 5 minutes at lunchtime. The video coverage traveled fast and furious across the Internet and the local news circuit -- ultimately finding its way to a multitude of national media outlets from MSNBC to the evening news in Boston.

Yes, Boston.

While we have heard plenty of varying opinions regarding the “disobedience” of one participant and the actions of one police officer – one critical component has been both misrepresented and conspicuously ignored. Who were these people watching blank TVs? I have heard some pretty fascinating commentary about -and labels for -- the organizers and participants ranging from “these people” to “those street rats” to “crazy artists”. I have heard interviews with passersby who suggest they “get a job” and “do what they are told”.

As a person who has worked the majority of their adult life both in and with the media – I

find it simply fasciWhich brings me nating how much of to my next quesan “authority” people tion. How is it that become when a camwe revere The Arts era or microphone yet admonish – and is placed in front of in this case, arrest them. In the frenzy -- Artists? How do of “getting the scoop” we go from parents I watched a series who celebrate the of interviewers who free form crayon never took the time scribbles of our to look at – and rec- Stephanie Koehler children to citiognize -- the faces zens who want to of the participants. If they squash peaceful free expreshad, the story – and the spir- sion? ited responses -- might have As I watch -- in disbelief – had a different tone. a peaceful gathering of likeFor starters, they would have minded, well-intended people seen my face. Yes, the very get twisted, tangled, misconsame one that appears above strued and misrepresented; I this column on a regular basis. am struck by the irony. The No disguise. No parlor tricks. irony of a community who reThey would have seen the cently unveiled a world-class faces of teachers, lawyers, real art museum proudly proclaimestate developers, and busi- ing Roanoke “an arts, cultural ness owners. They would have and creative center”. Yet, on seen executive directors of arts Valentines morning I sadly organizations and cultural watched city employees fevericons. They would have seen ishly rip from its windows – a media company presidents, random and beautiful act of published authors, renowned artistic impression. Not adverartists, government employ- tisements – but simple white ees and school administrators. pieces of paper with perfectly They would have seen carpen- printed pink hearts placed ters, music promoters, nurses on windows and buildings all and counselors. All employed. around town. The same sadAll tax payers. All artists in ness filled my heart last week their own way. as I stood with friends who were pleading with the officer to “allow us to explain” rather than cart a young artist off to jail.

It will likely not surprise you to hear I was a child who loved Payment Deadline to color outside the lines – in Monday, June 1, 2009 fact, I am not sure I wanted any lines at all. Individuality Payment Methods: is perhaps one of the greatest joys of being human – and I believe we all have something • In Person, at 215 Church Avenue, Room 254 important to say. I also believe we need to consider the • By Mail at P.O. Box 1451, Roanoke, VA 24007 lens through which we view the world. So, the next time • By Credit Card, call 1-800-272-9829 (Jurisdiction you see something “odd” or someone “different” I ask you Code 1006) to consider….are you looking through a lens of fear -- at • By E-check on the Web at www.roanokeva.gov/ something you don’t underpayments stand? Or are you looking through the lens of a proud parent -- at a child’s first drawTax bills have been mailed insofar as possible. ing?

Failure to receive a bill does not relieve the taxpayer In either case, it really comes of any additional charges in penalty and interest down to understanding and that will accrue under the law for tolerance. Ideals that are unifailure to pay tax bill on time. versally newsworthy ….even in Boston.

2009 Personal Property Tax

Evelyn W. Powers, MGT City Treasurer

Local Crossword

Contact Stephanie at stephaniekoehler@cox.net

Star~Sentinel Crossword for 05/22/2009 1 6

2

3

7 Local

4

5

Crossword

for 05/22/2009

8

1

2

6

3

4

5

7

9

10 8 9

11

10

11

12

12

13

13

www.CrosswordWeaver.com

www.CrosswordWeaver.com

ACROSS 1 3 6 8 9 11 12 13

DOWN

Post script Cycles per second In the direction of Animated Privileged Refines ore One of these You

second ction of

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

By Don Waterfield

School group Formal Carp Comely South Dakota Music Director and Conductor of the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra 10 Vane direction 11 Book of Samuel abbr.

1 2 3 4 5 7

DOWN 1 2 3 4 5

School group Formal Carp Comely South Dakota

TheRoanokeStar.com

Misleading Fiscal Planning Means State Budget Cuts or Tax Increases are Coming

T

he state budget is leaking money like a sieve once again, and that means renewed calls for either cuts in services or increases in taxes will soon begin anew. Following months of declining tax revenues to the state, April's tax receipts (the most significant month for tax collection) were 21 percent lower than April’s of last year, and the declines don’t look to be ending anytime soon.

It’s not just the poor economy that’s to blame, but rather rosy, unrealistic financial projections that politicians come up with to push the tough decision-making off into the future. In February, the General Assembly passed another bloated state budget (mistake #1) relying on the Governor's projection (mistake #2) that Virginia's tax receipts will grow at an annual rate of 4.5 percent beginning on July 1 (mistake #3).

There is no way an economy can turn around on a dime after months and months of double-digit revenue decline, and all of a sudden start to grow at 4.5 percent. The Governor knew this. The legislators who voted for a budget without any significant cuts knew this. But they all decided it was easier to push the problem off to a future date, perhaps hoping it would just go away. Now, as with any time you let a wound fester without getting medical attention, the infection is deeper and the problem will take more time and money to resolve.

Virginia State fornia, Connecticut, Senator Mark and Taxachussetts Obenshain (R(source: Tax FounHarrisonburg), dation).

Second, who represents the raising taxes even Shenandoah Valmore on people as ley, was one of a few they are losing their lonely voices who jobs and homes is warned us back in just plain evil and February that budimmoral. Third, yet get cuts had to be another report has Brian Gottstein made to balance the come out which state’s budget. Few shows the states were listening. Now Oben- that have high taxes have shain is saying that “every time stagnant economies and suf[revised] revenue figures come fer job losses when companies out, they flatly contradict the move out to lower tax states projections issued just a few (see Rich States, Poor States weeks or months prior.”

by Arthur Laffer and Stephen Governor Kaine is now pre- Moore). dicting a $225 million budget Budget cuts are the only reshortfall by the end of this fis- sponsible thing to do, but most cal year (June 30). So in four politicians don’t like that opmonths (February (when the tion, especially with elections budget was adopted) through coming up in November. To June), the state has lost an ad- illustrate that point, while we ditional $225 million. That’s are operating in the hole, the bad enough, but Obenshain Governor continues to request says that the bigger problem – and the General Assembly is that no one is even talk- often continues to give him ing about the next fiscal year. – money for NEW spending, Since the budget covers two such as for universal preschool years, with the “next year” and a pilot light rail project for starting on July 1, legislators Northern Virginia. are going to have to reconvene “If revenue declined across a special session fairly soon to the board this coming fiscal decide how to balance it. The year at the rate we've seen this Virginia Constitution requires year, another budget hole of $3 a balanced budget, and there billion or more is an all-tooare only two ways to achieve real possibility,” said Obenit – raise taxes and fees, or cut shain. government.

Be on the lookout for some Raising taxes is not an op- very tough sledding ahead in tion. First, Virginia already the coming year. ranks in the top seven states with the highest combined tax burden on its citizens – right Contact Brian at up there with New York, Calibgottstein1@yahoo.com

The Recipe of the Week from The Happy Chef

by Leigh Sackett

Best Ever Blueberry Cobbler & Fresh Lemonade

Memorial Day weekend is here! All the pools are opening, the camping gear is breaking out of its garage storage and hopefully warmer weather will soon be on its way as well. Summer is my favorite time of year. It is the freedom of summer that I think I love the best. Everything breaks free – the plants in full bloom, the sun’s heat, the lighter clothes - not to mention the children from the school buildings!

I think the great Creator of this world, who put all things into motion, must really enjoy watching both children and adults play freely out in His summer air. You only have to go as far as your backyard to lay in the warm grass, catch a firefly or swing side by side with a good friend. So make a lemonade stand with your children or bake a cobbler and sit with some friends on the porch late into the summer evening. Visit, laugh and watch the kids busy with “the work of play” – free to play no matter what circumstances life has placed them in . . . Just as we should be free to live joyfully, celebrating the goodness of life that is found in summer no matter where we find ourselves.

Cool lemonade by day and warm cobbler (with a glass of cold milk!) by night . . . Ah, what could be better!

Blueberry Cobbler 3 cups fresh blueberries 3 tablespoons white sugar 1/3 cup orange juice 2/3 cup all-purpose flour 1/4 teaspoon baking powder 1 pinch salt 1/2 cup butter, softened 1/2 cup white sugar 1 egg 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract -Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

-In an 8 inch square baking dish, mix blueberries, 3 tablespoons sugar, and orange

juice. Set aside. In a small bowl, thoroughly mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

-In a medium bowl, cream butter and 1/2 cup sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla extract. Gradually add flour mixture, stirring just until ingredients are combined.

Drop batter by rounded tablespoons over blueberry mixture.

Try to cover as much of filling as possible.

-Bake in preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, until topping is golden brown and filling is bubbling.

Lemonade 1 3/4 cups white sugar 8 cups water 1 1/2 cups lemon juice -In a small saucepan, combine sugar and 1 cup water. Bring to boil and stir to dissolve sugar.

Allow to cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate until chilled.

-Remove seeds from lemon juice, but leave pulp. In pitcher, stir together chilled syrup, lemon juice and remaining 7 cups water.

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

540-400-0990

Publisher | Stuart Revercomb | stuart@theroanokestar.com Features Editor | Pam Rickard | pam@theroanokestar.com News Editor | Gene Marrano | gmarrano@cox.net Production Editor | Stephen Nelson | stephen@theroanokestar.com Technical Webmaster | Don Waterfield | webmaster@theroanokestar.com Advertising Director | Vickie Henderson | advertising@theroanokestar.com The Roanoke Star-Sentinel is a proud Media Partner with WSLS 10

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

TheRoanokeStar.com

I

Snake Tales: In League Wit Da Debil

wouldn’t step foot in that pasment! In the next instant, my newlyture again ‘til there’s snow on wed bride was doing a little dance of the ground if I were you” a dread in the middle of our bed. concerned Floyd County neighbor Between gasps she told me “If I’d told me recently. With the coming of known. This is what. It would be like. warm weather “snakes hide in that To be married to. A biology major. tall grass. You’d better be careful!”

I’d have married an accountant!”

I could tell that fear and loathing Our future marital bliss required that of those creatures would make her I find that snake right away, and so I an unsympathetic listener to my old set about the task, reassuring her I’d snake stories. It seemed her feelings find it in three minutes. How many Fred First about snakes were not altogether difhiding places could there be, after ferent from those of the edentulous old gentle- all, in a one-bedroom apartment! man who rolled down his truck window to ask I looked high and low. There was no snake in just what was I doing in a wet-weedy ditch the bathtub, and none behind the couch. There along the side of an Auburn, Alabama dirt road was no sign of it either under the bed upon long ago. which my bride bounced in hysterics. Fifteen “I’m hunting for snakes” I said, matter-of- minutes later and at the end of my rope, I wonfactly. And as he quickly rolled up his window dered if maybe a flashlight would help. I went and sped away, he proclaimed “You must be in to the desk drawer to fetch it, but the drawer league wit da debil!” wouldn’t give.

I assure you, this is not the case, but there was Odd it should suddenly be stuck, I thought, a time even my wife might have thought so. and pulled again, harder. The third time, the We were newly married. I had just started my drawer came open in one synchronized and first semester of graduate school, majoring in awful motion as the leading third of a five foot zoology. The herpetology class I was enrolled in snake shot up and out of the drawer, jack-inawarded points for the different snakes, turtles, the-box fashion, and stood upright like a cobra frogs, lizards and salamanders collected from mere inches from my face. Confronted so sudthe neighboring counties. I just happened to be denly, so unexpectedly and at such close range, listening to the twelve-noon radio swap shop even our brave, young snake-fancier suffered a one day when a caller announced he had a “big jolt of sheer white terror (though it took him ol’ snake in a clothes hamper, if anybody wants years to admit this.) it.” And of course, I did, and brought it home to Removed from the drawer and securely tied our college apartment. up in a pillow case, our cold-blooded house This particular gray rat snake was a stout guest left our apartment that very hour (this one—five feet long, powerful but mild of tem- being the single stipulation of the marital orperament as this species typically is. Since it else ultimatum) to reside in a sandy aquarium was a weekend, I would have to find room and in the zoology building on campus. By the time board for the creature until I could take it in I got back home, she had her feet on the floor to the prof on Monday and register my easy again, still not fully convinced I hadn’t lost othpoints. So, I put it in a large Styrofoam ice chest er snakes in our bedroom and never bothered in the closet of our bedroom, and with the lid to tell her. slightly open and a couple of Ann’s huge pharDon’t be ridiculous, I probably would have macy textbooks on top to hold it down securely, told her. But come to think of it, I never did conwe went to dinner in town. fess to the one that got lose in the Volkswagen.

When we returned, my wife of two weeks Don't know yet what happened to that one. discovered that, contrary to my assurances to the contrary, the snake had indeed been able to bench press twenty pounds of books. He was Contact Fred at now somewhere free-ranging in our apartfred1st@gmail.com

Preacher’s Corner Circumstantial Evidence by Mark Graham

I

’m no lawyer, but I know circumstantial evidence when I see it, especially when it comes to the circumstances of faith. Simply put, when things are going smoothly in my life, I easily (glibly?) give thanks to God and all is well with my soul. But when circumstances turn darker, that’s when I start blaming God and wondering why He hasn’t fixed my problems. But as in legal matters, so in spiritual ones, sometimes circumstances just aren’t enough to convict a person—or the Lord.

I found this out recently on a mission trip to the African nation of Zambia. A beautiful country, but with 85% unemployment in most areas and clean water, food, electricity, and medical care in short supply, a suffering country, too.

Knowing this in advance, I went with the team from Orphan Medical Network International (OMNI), based here in Roanoke, expecting to find grim, downhearted people. Circumstances would dictate such demeanor, right?

Or so I thought.

Instead, the joy, faith, and resiliency of the

Zambian women, men, and children I met astonished—and humbled—me. Here were sisters and brothers in the faith whose laughter still rings in my heart; whose hope in the Lord is unshakable; and whose strength in the midst of deep poverty puts mine to shame.

They taught me many lessons the two weeks I had the honor to be among them. But chiefly I learned that not only was it possible to give thanks to God in times of tough circumstances, it was absolutely essential. Their faith in God, not their dire circumstances, determines how they meet each day. Circumstantial evidence just doesn’t sway them.

That we all could have such beautiful hearts for the Lord.

(To learn more about the work of OMNI in Zambia, please visit www.orphanmedical.net.)

Mark Graham is Senior Pastor at St John’s Lutheran Church located at 4608 Brambleton Avenue in Roanoke (24018). He may be reached at 774-0712. www.stjohnlutheran.org

Reclaim Your Garage

Get organized with an investment that will cost you between 10¢ and 45¢ per day over the lifetime of your investment!

I

5/22/09 - 5/28/09 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 5

Newfoundland Awaits

t’s a six-hour ferry ride from North Sydney to Port-aux-Basque.

The schedule is sporadic in the summer, and non-existent the remainder of the year. We drive aboard at 9:00 PM, joining the parade of other vehicles lined up for the trip. Approaching midnight we watch the deckhands slip the lines as the twin screws churn the black water with a mighty surge.

Newfoundland is “way up there” as son Adam described it sheltered cove where we come across a cemetery upon locating it on the globe a few months before. Indeed, heading north from from the late 1800’s. Reading the inscriptions on Virginia, Maine is not even half way there. And the headstones is a sobering reminder of the truby the time one does get to Newfoundland, it’s ly hard life which was led by the islanders of the only a hop skip and a jump to the British Isles past. Most of the graves are of young children. and Europe. This explains why Newfoundland We read where a given family may have lost two was on the track of the early Norse navigators as or three children in the span of 6 months or so.

Walking back to the car, following our frolicking they explored westward.

My family of five is traveling to Newfoundland young sons, I shudder at the thought of losing a child and of the fragility of life. over 1000 years after the Vikings, but The hardships which the Newsome things never change. The ocean, foundlanders endure continue into for instance - it’s rough on our night the twenty-first century. Followpassage, the heaving of the thick (I ing decades of fisheries decline due hope) steel hull rocking us to fitful to over-fishing and pollution, their sleep in the ship’s passenger lounge. main livelihood is all but gone, nets I think about the icebergs often enrotting in heaps. Official unemploycountered in these waters, and about ment figures are about 35 percent, how modern ship’s radar is certainly a but locals say it’s more like 60 percent. nice invention.

For many islanders, reluctantly acThe road north from Port-auxcepting welfare from the Canadian Basques up the west coast of this big John W. Robinson federation is necessary for survival, island takes us through stunningly austere country. It’s windswept, barren, and but unsettling to the spirit of these fiercely inderocky land for the most part, interspersed with pendent people.

Point Richie lighthouse is at the end of a grassy, dense forests. Lighthouses perched on brooding headlands draw us northward. Driving off of rutted road. Our aging vehicle bounces along as the ferry at dawn we are greeted by a grey and we pursue an evening picnic site. As we pull up dismal day, but a few hours later the scudding to the starched white, deserted structure we note clouds have disappeared and been replaced by that providence has placed a picnic table in just the right spot that is out of the wind and fully sharp blue sky and a stiff breeze.

Newfoundland is big, some 400 miles across. bathed in the warm rays of the late afternoon It is the 10th largest island in the world, but its sun. Soon I found myself in a reverie induced by population is sparse. It seems that moose and the pleasant hissing of the little stove as I cook caribou are more abundant than people. Origi- the stew, and by the lyrical voices of the boys as nating with the Norsemen, fisherman from they play nearby. Tomorrow we start the long Portugal, Spain, England and France came to trek home, but there’s no doubt that some of the the waters off Newfoundland for the schools of austere solitude and raw beauty of Newfoundteeming fish, and the latter two countries both land has gotten under my skin, and like so much laid significant claim to the fishing rights. Final- of life’s experiences, will be with me forever. ly, after years of bickering, France relinquished Contact John at its fishing rights. Money changed hands, and jwr77@verizon.net France retained sovereignty over several outlying islands, which to this day remain utterly French.

In the 1920’s Newfoundland became indepenI am the slowest dent of England, and in 1949 became a province carpet cleaner in Roanoke. of the Canadian Federation. As one can imagine, becoming part of Canada is something both appreciated and maligned by the Newfoundlanders, folks steadfast in their independent spirit, yet realistic in their outlook.

We’re setting up our tents in the drizzle, at a rather primitive campground situated on a bluff I will give your overlooking the rocky shore. The boys are adept at the basics of setting up their tent, and as they carpet the time do so I glance seaward and am amazed at how and attention enclosed we are in this fog and drizzle - in our it deserves to own wild little world it seems. This is Gros Morne produce the best National Park, on the west coast of Newfoundresults possible. land. Deep fiords flanked by high, wind-blown cliffs characterize the place. In such weather; it is somewhat foreboding, yet spectacular. Earlier 2 rooms and a hall for $75 today we engaged in intensive beach combing on its the Rocky shores.. Storm-tossed lobster traps, 5 rooms and a hall for $155 buoys with once-bright stripes now faded to pastels, and miles of frayed line of all sorts dominate Furniture cleaning also available! the list of treasures which we find.

It’s another day and we’re hiking the Broom Point trail out to a remote headland on the very northwest tip of Newfoundland. On the way back from the breezy lookout we detour to a

“

”

Williams Carpet Cleaning

Danny Williams 989-1825

4444 Pheasant Ridge Road, South West Roanoke

(Across Rt. 220 from Hunting Hills)

www.pheasantridgecondos.com

“Live the life you’ve dreamed...” ~Henry David Thoreau 8x10 Madison Mini 14¢ per day or

Stop by today and see why our customers say we have the most value

$1,290

10x16 Vinyl Deluxe Victorian $4,233

12x24 Vinyl Peak Garage $4,953

10x16 Duratemp Dutch Barn 26¢ Per Day or $2,795

10x20 Board ‘N’ Batten Carriage House $6,654

Stop by today or browse our website for drastically reduced prices on leftover inventory

Take advantage of these CASH sale prices or ask about our 12 month interest free financing

10x14 Vinyl Peak $2,699

14x40 Duratemp Dutch Garage

$8,317

Phase 1 and 2 Sold Out!

Last Phase of Pheasant Ridge Now Available!

1 to 3 bedroom condominium units - 7 floor plans to chose from!

There is no better time to buy - seller will offer $5,000 towards purchase!

6x8 Chicken Coop $1,530

Rocky Mount 3305 Iron Ridge Rd on Rt 220 Only 20 minutes from Roanoke On Rt 220, 2 miles past Virginia Furniture Market on right LOOK FOR THE BIG RED PLANE! OUR LOT IS ALWAYS OPEN TO BROWSE Mon – Fri 9am to 5 pm Sat 9 am – 1 pm 1-877-743-3489 or 540-483-3489

www.pinecreekstructures.com

• Private road with gated entrance • Underground parking, automatic garage door opener • Nine-foot ceilings / Ceramic Tiled Foyer • Crown moulding and chair rail in dining room • Master bedroom with huge walk-in closet • Master bath with double sink and walk-in shower • Kitchen furnished with top of line G.E. appliances • Gas heat/central air / Closet Organizers • Pre-wired for internet, cable TV and telephone • Views, location and quality!

Page 6 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 5/22/09 - 5/28/09

TheRoanokeStar.com

Focus on Education

Webster Named Director of Center for Performing Arts

When it comes to theatre, Carol Webster has brought national attention to Roanoke County. Starting July 1, Webster will turn her artistic talents to the Specialty Center for Performing Arts, as the new director for the Burton Center for Arts and Technology.

Webster has worked as the theatre arts department chair and instructor at William Byrd High School since 1991. During her time at William Byrd, Webster and her students earned National Theatre Status in 2008 and 2009, and she was named the director of the Best in Show at the National Performing Arts Festival in 2008. In all, Webster has directed more than 100 plays and musicals. Some of her students have gone on to perform on Broadway, in commercials, television and films.

In her new role, Webster will oversee all aspects of the Specialty Center for Performing Arts, a four-year course of study, which will expose talented and interested students to performing arts.

Webster will team up with Maggie Herchenrider (dance instructor) and Terry Haynie (voice instructor) to provide advanced performing arts instruction. Â

The Fun Run at Roanoke Catholic was also a fundraiser.

Roanoke Catholic Students Compete in “Boosterthon�

Roanoke Catholic School held what certainly appeared to be a popular fundraiser on its campus last week. The “Boosterthon Fun Run� featured two tracks for lower school students, who were separated by age, with upper school students encouraging them from the sidelines.

Meanwhile, incredibly cheerful and amped up young people from the Georgia-based “Boosterthon� organization egged on students that ran as many as 35 laps in order to complete the mile circuit. At one point, they were asked to square dance while circling the track. At another juncture they were asked to “high five your mom,� since many parents were on hand for the festivities. “Today the students are making a difference for their school,� shouted one of the announcers.

Roanoke Catholic students, who prepared for the fun run in gym classes, expected to raise more than $30,000 in pledges and sponsorships, according to RC parent Rana Sass, who had encountered the “Boosterthon� organization before coming to the valley.

Carol Webster moves from William Byrd to the Burton Center for Arts and Technology.

“We’re so proud of Carol and all her accomplishments at William Byrd,� said Roanoke County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Lorraine Lange. “I’m confident that together, Carol, Maggie and Terry will take that program to a whole new level.�

“We have plans to do it again next year,� Sass said. She noted the goal for each lap was $100 per class.

Sass said Roanoke Catholic was the first school anywhere in Virginia to use the “Boosterthonâ€? group. Members of the group were present in classrooms all week, attempting to encourage the students. Other schools asked to come by and check it out, said Sass, who has a 4th and 7th grader at the school. “The kids are so excited ‌ they couldn’t wait for this day,â€? Sass said. One told her he had awoken in the middle of the night before, thinking about the fun run. “Dream Bigâ€? was the theme of this year’s inaugural fun run. “It’s a great idea,â€? said Roanoke Catholic development director Debbie Stump. “[The students] have been awesome.â€?

Hollins Graduates Line Up in the Rain for Sunday’s Commencement.

Reality 101: Hollins Grads Face Challenging Future

By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

Now accepting ideas for Project Faith 2010 Faith Christian School, an accredited, K-12, Christian Classical School in Roanoke is now accepting ideas for Project Faith 2010

Project Faith is an all-school service project with students donating 2,000 volunteer hours to an organization. If your organization is interested in being considered as a recipient of our efforts on April 23, 2010, please send a letter with your idea to: Faith Christian School Project Faith Committee~3585 Buck Mountain Road, Roanoke, VA~24018.

We will be reviewing requests/ideas in early fall www.FaithChristian-School.com

A Mind for Truth~A Heart for Christ~A Will to Serve

t’s a sign of the times that in an otherwise uplifting commencement speech to Hollins University graduates, Wyndham Robertson interjected, “your timing, needless to say, is terrible.�

According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, only 19.7% of 2009 graduates who applied for a job actually have secured employment, compared to 51% of 2007 graduates, and 26% of those graduating in 2008.

Part of the reason for the decline may be the ubiquitous discouraging news reports. While 64% of the Class of 2007 and 75% of the Class of 2008 had started their job hunt by May, only 59% of 2009’s graduates have begun searching for jobs. “Many students have been discouraged with the lack of opportunities in the fields they have studied,� said Ashley Glenn, interim director of the Hollins University career center. “I think they’ve basically said, ‘the economy is so bad that I’m

going to wait’.�

Emileigh Clare, a communications major at Hollins who graduated last Sunday, had been aiming for a career in print journalism. But after years working on her high school paper and serving as co-editor-in-chief of the Hollins Columns, she’s now watching the industry suffer as newspapers fold and offer buyouts to their staff. “I’ve wanted to be a journalist since I hit puberty, but now that particular career aspiration seems as realistic as my other childhood dream of being a mermaid,� she said. Instead, she’s looking at other fields, like marketing, for jobs. “At the moment, I don’t have a ‘plan’ other than be dependent on my family until I get a job,� said Clare. “In the mean time, I have applied for a few jobs and internships.�

Graduating with such dim job prospects may be doubly intimidating for those with substantial student debt. According to the 2007-2008 first look report by the National Postsecondary Student Aid Study, the average debt for an undergraduate senior at a 4-year institution is approximately $22,500.

Even job fairs, a standby for students looking for employment, have been a dead-end for some. Glenn said that she’s heard from many students that they’ve gone to job fairs only to find that some companies weren’t even hiring.

Now, more than ever, Glenn says, finding a job is all about who you know. “I think if (graduates) have not networked previously and early in their college career, they are way behind in the game,� Glenn said. She encourages them to look to the people they’ve met through internships as well as other alums.

Meanwhile, her best advice to graduates is to keep from becoming stagnant by finding something, whether it’s something temporary or outside their field so that they’re strengthening their rĂŠsumĂŠ. “I have told our students to really think outside the box,â€?

Glenn said. “There may be opportunities out there that you might not have thought of doing.�

By Caitlin Coakley info@theroanokestar.com

THE ROANOKE REGIONAL HOUSING NETWORK PRESENTS

VINTON WAR MEMORIAL 814 WASHINGTON AVENUE VINTON, VIRGINIA

Choices.

Cutting Edge Sessions!

Just like the comforting feeling you get when you know spring has arrived, it’s comforting to know that Oakey’s cremation services places the utmost value on dignity and individuality. Our cremation services offer a number of options for personalization. From viewings and visitations to full memorial services at any of our locations across the valley, families can decide exactly what’s right for them. We can tailor and customize each arrangement to fit the way your lovedone lived their life. We invite you to visit our on-site cremation facility at our North Chapel and feel free to compare prices and options with other cremation services in the valley.

3!--9 ' /!+%9 02%3)$%.4 s 2/!./+% ./24( 6).4/.

3/54( !.$ %!34 #(!0%,3 777 /!+%93 #/- s

It’s a comfort to know that Oakey’s is here for you.

Ƈ Sustainable Communities Ƈ Regional Cooperation Ƈ Downtown Revitalization Initiatives Ƈ Community Involvement Ƈ Affordable Housing Ƈ Funding availability from local, state, and federal sources

An exciting slate of speakers! Ƈ Local housing hero Geraldine Barber-Hale Ƈ Former Cave Spring High School football standout, RondÊ Barber Ƈ Keynote speaker, town planning and traditional neighborhood expert Tom Low Ƈ Affordable housing champions, Charlottesville Mayor, David Norris and Norfolk Councilwoman, Daun Hester

For more information, visit the Council of Community Services’ website (www.councilofcommunityservices.com) and follow the link to the 2009 RRHN Housing Symposium page.

Registration deadline is May 5.

Sports

7% Income on IRAs… 4.5% on Savings!!

Guaranteed!

Safe & Insured ∙ Call me TODAY! Richard Wayne Motley 238-1879 Serving Investors since 1995

Send sports pictures, announcements and story ideas to info@theroanokestar.com 5/22/09 - 5/28/09 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 7

Hidden Valley Sends Trio of Baseball Players to College

Usually a force in Group AA baseball at state tournament time, the Hidden Valley High School Titans plan to be back this spring after district and regional playoff action. Three reasons for their success in 2009 signed letters of intent with colleges last week and will play baseball at the next level.

Righthanded pitcher Thomas Kuhlman will go to Division II Limestone (SC) College, while left Nick Ferguson is bound for Lynchburg College in the Old Photo by Gene Marrano Dominion Athletic Conference.

(L-R) Scott Stillwell, Thomas Kuhlman and Nick Ferguson are First baseman Scott Stillwell, college-bound. injured for much of the year, is headed for St. Andrews Col- now at Radford University. Lo- lor welcomed friends and famcal chiropractor Chris Lauria, a ily to the school library as all Photo submitted lege.

Stillwell praised George former college catcher, helped three signed letters of intent for Canale, co-owner of The Yard Stillwell work through back the cameras.

“Baseball is what I want to batting cage (on Starkey Road) problems this year.

Ferguson sees Lynchburg do. It’s a great opportunity,” said and a former major leaguer, for help with his hitting stroke, and College as “a great place to ex- Kuhlman. For now, he wants to Bob Mollenauer for work on his plore,” his baseball future. “Play- focus on Hidden Valley’s postfielding. “I’ve got to thank those ing for the past four years on the season run. “We’re coming totion in each of his four sea- guys.” varsity team [at Hidden Valley] gether as a team. I think we’ll go sons, and led the team with far.”

Mollenauer’s son played for helped me get here.”

By Gene Marrano 58 goals and 28 assists on the Hidden Valley last year and is Titans head coach Jason Taygmarrano@cox.net year.

Zach Zoller, who will attend Washington and Lee, totaled a whopping 289 points in his career as an attacker – including 50 goals and 47 assists this season. Longstick defender Sam Cook, who Soon to be certified as the Virginia Tanis said Liberty has a “phenomanchored a strong defensive High School League’s second all-time enal program,” with the Flames winunit, will attend Roanoke assists leader, Cave Spring setter Launing the Big South Conference for College. ren Bosche will now bring her unselftwo years running. Liberty has played “I’m just really glad for the ish game to the Liberty University in the NCAA postseason tourney the seniors – and for all our guys volleyball squad as a walk-on.

Bosche past two years - in 2008 against even– that they will graduate and (Bo-shay) signed her letter of intent tual Final Four contender Nebraska. go through life knowing that with the Lynchburg private school earBosche turned down a D-1 scholarthey won a state championlier this week.

She played on two state ship offer from Loyola-Maryland in ship, and that’s something Photo by Gene Marrano order to stay closer to home. championship teams during her years that can never be taken away Cave Spring’s with the Knights.

“Their players were really welcomfrom them,” Allman said.

“She ran [the offense] very efficiently Lauren Bosche ing,” said Bosche, who also liked the from the tenth grade on,” said Tanis, signs with Liberty. competitive attitude of the Liberty

By Matt Reeve who also helped coached Bosche in the coaches during her recruiting visit.

Matt@theroanokestar.com off-season juniors program. “She’s just so athletic “I’m really excited to play in college.” [and] can cover the court gracefully. She had to

By Gene Marrano be the trigger to make it all happen.” gmarrano@cox.net

Celtics Finally Capture Lacrosse Title in 13-12 Thriller For three straight seasons, the Roanoke Catholic boys’ lacrosse team has been tantalizingly close to a state championship, only to fall just short. Last Saturday those defeats were a distant memory as the Celtics defeated Trinity-Meadowview 13-12, to win the Virginia Independent School (VIS) Division III state title.

The lacrosse program at Roanoke Catholic has experienced tremendous success since its inception, advancing to the VIS state semifinals in each of its first three seasons of existence, including a runner-up finish in 2007.

However, the Celtics (14-4) experienced heartbreaking, one-goal defeats each time.

But this was a different year, and last Saturday, Roanoke Catholic wrote a different script – not that it was easy.

With 1:26 left in the fourth quarter, senior midfielder Stephen Allman scored to put the Celtics up by three goals – a seemingly insurmountable lead with such little time remaining. But Trinity Meadowview – last season’s VIS state champ – responded with two quick goals to cut the Celtics lead to one with just under 45 seconds left.

“I think a lot of people were thinking that it might slip through our fingers there at the end,” Celtic Head Coach Tripp Allman said. “It was pretty tight there for a while.”

During their impressive four year run, the Celtics have been led by a trio of seniors, all of whom will be suiting up in college next spring. Allman, who will be attending Randolph College in Lynchburg, was a firstteam all conference selec-

Cave Spring Assist Specialist Will Walk on at Liberty

Scholarship Winner Has Overcome Obstacles

ve lA

ia

n lo

o

C th Nor s Cros

(Rt.

The Gem Gallery

Promenade Park

r ta

S

419

) Ele ctric

y ke

d.

R

Tanglewood Mall

Rd.

Grocery Store Prices Without the Grocery Store Lines! &''()*+(,-'. /0''123 4*56(786(986(:(;.-<

Stop In!"#$% Food Stores...Fast, friendly and Convenient

3.69 Pet Milk Gallons

Dozen large eggs

1.49

2 for $7.50

Coke 12 packs

32 oz. fountain drink

3.99 99¢ Fresh Premium Coffee

Nestle Pure Life water 24 pack

99¢

Sometimes life throws a curveball or two; it’s about how you avoid them – or hit them out of the park - that can make the difference. William Byrd High School senior Amber Altice was ranked 1st in her class with a 4.05 GPA. Altice, who has made the honor roll every year since 2002, is a Beta Club member, a community volunteer and the starting pitcher for the Terrier’s softball squad.

But, the team MVP has also endured loosing her home to fire, the divorce of her parents, and life with a single parent – her father. Amber will be the first member of her immediate family to graduate from high school, but she intends to go even further as she plans to study engineering at Virginia Tech this fall. Altice will do so with the help of funds like the 2009 Don Holliday Memorial Scholarship, a $20,000 grant she was awarded Monday.

The Don Holliday Memorial Golf Tournament raises money

for the annual scholarship, now in its 23rd year. The event was started to honor the memory of Don Holliday, a district sales manager for Piedmont Airlines and avid golfer. Altice was the third female winner of an award that has some connection to golf, even if the recipient has just “bought a golf club,” as board member Justin Ditmore joked.

Whitney Morris (William Byrd, 2002) and Vickie Linkous (Patrick Henry, 1989) were the other female winners. Some Holliday scholarship recipients played in high school while others, like Altice (she has played at par-three Brookside) had a more tenuous link to the game.

“A great young lady and credit to our school,” said William Byrd principal Richard Turner, on hand for the oversized check ceremony at 419 West. “They’ve overcome all those [personal issues]. It really went to a deserving person.”

Altice thanked her father,

Photo by Gene Marrano

Scholarship winner Amber Altice (right) and Don Holliday board member Justin Ditmore with her check. grandparents and other family members for pushing her along.

During her freshman year at Byrd, “my house burned down to the ground…[with] all of our possessions.” The family rebuilt it, moved in again last year – and then had to sell it because her parents divorced. It turned out they were underinsured and owed money on the mortgage.

“It was extremely devastating

[and] took a severe toll,” said Altice.

“With my perseverance I overcame a lot of things in my life. Just keeping that in mind and everything I went through, how thankful I am to still be alive from the house fire. I’m really goal-oriented and I want to be successful,” Altice said.

By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

Colonels CB With a Nose for the Ball Headed to Hampton

RADFORD UNIVERSITY

Sort of like Lou Gehrig stepping in for Wally Pipp at first base for the Yankees, Shaquan Manning took over at cornerback as a sophomore when an older William Fleming teammate was injured. He never left. Three years later, Manning is on his way to Hampton University on a full ride scholarship, where he expects to play cornerback again. Manning was also a wide receiver for Fleming, which went 9-2 in his senior year.

It was on defense, however, that Manning (also starting point guard on the Colonel’s basketball team, which won a state title in 2007) made his mark with 23 career interceptions.

“I just have a nose for the ball … right place at the right time,” said Manning on his letter of intent signing day in the Fleming library. The opportunity to play at the next level is appreciated: “I’ll give it my all.”

Defensive coordinator Don Holter said

Photo by Gene Marrano

Shaquan Manning is Hampton-bound.

Manning had overcome personal obstacles to excel on the athletic field and elsewhere. He was also “a very coachable

young man … and plays big.” Holter can envision him as a linebacker somewhere down the road and said Manning was “a great run supporter,” in addition to his pass defense skills. “He has a knack for what he does,” said Holter, who appreciates Manning’s off-the-field character.

“He wants to be coached - he wants to be good.”

“I put a lot of work into it,” said Manning, who is grateful that several of his basketball and football teammates have also found homes at the next level. “Hopefully we can do great things in college.”

Two younger brothers are in the Fleming pipeline, so Manning has a good excuse to come back and check out the new football stadium, scheduled to open in 2010. His father (Thomas Taylor) helped push Shaquan along, and now said his son, “it’s paying off.”

By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

Sports

Page 8 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 5/22/09 - 5/28/09

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

Rivals Clash: Hidden Valley defeated Cave Spring 10-4

in River Ridge baseball last weekend, a prelude, perhaps, to the River Ridge District tournament that takes place this week. Clark Irvine #10 (above) hit a home run for the Titans, to help lead the attack against the visiting Knights.

Photo by Bill Turner

Cave Spring pitcher Danielle Stump throws to first after grabbing a Titan grounder.

Hidden Valley #13 Logan Blankenbeckler (right) slides home as Knight catcher Nathan Wimmer waits for the throw.

Cave Spring Plays Spoiler:

The Knights may have lost to their south county rivals in baseball, but Cave Spring defeated Hidden Valley 5-2 in the softball season finale at home last Friday. The loss marred the Titans’ perfect River Ridge District record, but Hidden Valley still locked up the regular season title at 9-1.

Photo by Bill Turner

Scott Robertson Tourney: Two Califor-

nians, Scott Hagestad and Jane Rah, won the Scott Robertson Memorial golf tournament over the weekend at Roanoke Country Club.

The Robertson is one of the top junior competitions in the country. Daniela Lendl, daughter of former tennis star Ivan Lendl, threatened to become the third sibling to win the 15-18 year old girls age bracket before faltering on Sunday. Cave Spring High School’s Matt Harman (+2, 8 shots off the pace) and Hidden Valley’s Meredith Swanson (+9, 13 shots higher than Rah) were the highest finishing local participants.

Cave Spring’s Matt Harman (left) was the top local high school player.

Photo by Bill Turner

2!.30/24!4)/. /& !-"5,!4/29 !$5,43 Announcing Are You a Senior Who Expanded Services!

Needs Transportation?

42!.30/24!4)/. /& !-"5,!4/29 !$5,43 42!.30/24!4)/. /& !-"5,!4/29 !$5,43 • Banking • Grocery Store • Hair Appointments • Doctor Appointments

• Merchant Shopping • Concerts & Plays • Personal Errands • Simple Transportation

Our professional drivers will transport you to your destination and stay with you to help with whatever needs you may have. We’ll even help you with the loading and unloading of your merchandise.

And you’ll never have to wait we are there with you for the time that you reserve.

Hourly rates with Senior Discounts Available Member of Roanoke Regional & Salem/Roanoke County Chambers of Commerce Certified Virginia SWAM Dealer

Knights Hope for Deep Run in Soccer Postseason The Cave Spring Knights defeated the Blacksburg Bruins 2-1 April 23, ending Blacksburg’s 64-game unbeaten streak in River Ridge District.

At the time, it was just a regular season game that put Cave Spring in first place in the soccer standings. But to Head Coach Matt Neale, it was all the validation he needed that his squad could be something special.

“I know that if we play to our capabilities we can play with anyone in the state – just look at our games against Blacksburg,” he said. “For the longest time, they’ve been the standard for our level of soccer in Virginia.”

The Knights take on Pulaski in the semifinals of the River Ridge District tournament Wednesday. Their reward if they win? More than likely, it will be another date with Blacksburg in the regionals.

“It would be fun, but we can’t get ahead of ourselves,” Neale said. “Right now, I have tunnel vision. All I am thinking about is Pulaski – and that’s the only game we need to be focusing on right now.”

The Knights (11-2-2) were 1-0-1 against the Cougars during the regular season, defeating

them 2-0 on April 1st and settling for a 2-2 in their most recent matchup May 5th.

“If we want to win, we’ll have to finish our chances better than we did last game,” said Will Dooley, the team’s starting goalkeeper. “In the game we tied, we had 3 or 4 wide open chances from within the penalty spot and couldn’t convert, so we’ll have to do better.”

On paper, the Knights have an advantage over many of the teams on their schedule due in large part to their depth of talent. Of the 21 players on their roster, 17 compete in the competitive Roanoke Star club program.

“They’re just a great group of kids – they are a team in the truest sense of the word,” Neale said. “They enjoy each other, they do well academically, and I think that has just as much to do with their success on the field as does their talent.”

A win Wednesday (7:30 pm at Hidden Valley) would clinch a spot for the Knights in the Region IV tournament.

By Matt Reeve Matt@theroanokestar.com

High School Sports Roundup Faith Christian Falls in VACA State Final: The Faith Christian Warriors girls’ soccer team ended the most successful season in school history with a 4-1 loss in the Virginia Association of Christian Athletics (VACA) state championship game to Fresta Valley Christian School.

The Warriors defeated SWVA Home School 2-1 to reach the final, but were shorthanded for the contest, missing three starters. Morgan Oliver scored the lone goal for the Warriors in the defeat.

“The girls have a lot of heart,” Head Coach Roy Lax said. “We have a good core

STICKLEY Thank you event

group to build around, and I see no reason why we can’t have another great season next year.”

Patriots Season Comes to a Close: The Patrick Henry Patriots lacrosse team saw their season come to an end with an 11-10 loss to E.C. Glass last Thursday. The Patriots finish their season at 10-3 overall.

“It’s slightly disappointing, especially since we went to the state semifinals last year,” Head Coach Josh Wilkinson said. “It just came down to two games, and we lost both.”

Since E.C. Glass is the only other lacrosse program competing in the Western Val-

ley District, Patrick Henry needed to defeat the Hilltoppers in order to keep their chances of advancing to the Northwest Regional tournament alive. The Patriots had already lost to Glass 13-12 in overtime last April.

Colonels Seek Berth in Regionals: The William Fleming Colonels defeated Halifax 3-0 to advance to the semifinals of the Western Valley District boys soccer tournament, where they will meet E.C. Glass with a berth in the Northwest Regional tournament on the line.

The Colonels (8-4-1) are hot at the right time, having only dropped one of their last six matches.

“We’re definitely playing our best soccer right now,” Head Coach Landon Moore said. “I’m confident that if we play well, we can win [on Thursday].”

The Colonels were winless against the Hilltoppers during the regular season, losing 2-1 on April 7th and earning a 2-2 tie on May 5th.

By Matt Reeve Matt@theroanokestar.com

EXPERIENCE THE JOY OF LIVING AT THE PARK-OAK GROVE Independent Carefree Lifestyle Three Delicious Meals Served Daily

40% to 50% off all Stickley furniture and 50% off Stickley designer rugs

Assisted Living Services as Needed Wellness Program 24-Hour Staff Medication Administration and Monitoring Personalized Care in Your Own Apartment

Now Through May 30th

Small Pets Welcome

(540)989-9501

Grandin Village / 540.342.1844 / www.reidsfurnishings.com

www.parkoakgrove.com mbelfiore@parkoakgrove.com Month-To-Month Lease CELEBRATING 20 YEARS

Off Route 419 Across from Oak Grove Plaza 4920 Woodmar Drive SW Roanoke, VA 24018 OF EXCELLENCE 1989-2009

5/22/09 - 5/28/09 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 9

TheRoanokeStar.com

Commentary: Getting Politics Out of Schools Improves Children’s Learning

Everyone’s still catching their breath from last year’s election season. However, all the nastiness is sure to fire up again now that Barack Obama has completed his first 100 days in office. In fact, some of the inaugural season’s heat was generated when Obama announced that evangelical pastor Rick Warren would deliver the invocation at the presidential inauguration. Warren opposes gay marriage and many of Obama’s supporters are strong supporters of the drive to legalize gay marriage.

A closely-contested ballot initiative in California last year outlawing marriage between homosexuals became, in the crucial final days, a referendum on what ought to be taught in schools. Those who opposed gay marriage warned that its sanction by society at large meant that even young schoolchildren would be subjected to classroom discussion of the issue. Advocates for same-sex marriage denied the accusation.

Opponents of gay marriage won by the narrowest of mar-

Letter to the Editor Praise for Project Faith

Dear editor, Project Faith was a great success and we so appreciate your coverage. I wanted to let you know that not only did we reach our goal of $150,000, but 443 volunteers donated over 2,000 hours this year to the Salvation Army. Our committee has decided to put out a request for Project Faith 2010. We are always interested in new ideas for our projects and if anyone, or any organization is interested in being considered as a recipient of our effort for future Project Faith Events, they can send a letter with their idea to: Project Faith Committee, Faith Christian School, 3585 Buck Mountain Road, Roanoke, VA 24018. We will be reviewing the requests/ideas in the early fall.

Susan M. Childs Roanoke

sure to the modern world with all its diversity.

Are we all doomed to a noholds-barred fight over what we teach our children, over value-intense issues like prayer in school, sex education, and Intelligent Design? But what about those practical-minded souls who wish to avoid an intense, interminable civil war over the cultural beliefs in public schools? Every parent should ask himself/herself about the effects on children’s learning if schools are just another battleground in the culture wars.

For the partisans of these issues, are they ready to lose any of these battles in the zero-sum game of politics? Would a progressive proponent of comprehensive sex education be ready to consign millions of children in Red America to abstinenceonly instruction? Or creationism? Or America-First civics?

Our decentralized political structure ensures that subjects that are politicized will be decided differently in different locations, but every child in a district will be forced to learn

the same thing regardless of their parent’s desires..

The sheer size and diversity of the U.S. means that disagreements are unavoidable. Just as with churches, the answer to knotty questions of values is to allow freedom and diversity, not coercion and monopoly. Our current system takes power from every parent and concentrates it in the hands of the governmental and educational “elite” (you call them “the school board” ).

Politically-controlled education standards inevitably turn curricula into a contest for politicians and activists. Fortunately, there are other options.

What we need instead is to allow families, neighbors, and religious establishments the freedom to create and exercise more options. We need educational diversity to match our ethnic and value diversity.

Many studies have shown that a choice-driven education system will improve the quality of children’s education and save taxpayers huge sums of money.

However, it will also allow for teaching values in school;

something all parents want, but which cause interminable and irreconcilable conflicts in a government-run system.

We can avoid conflicts and give parents what they wish for their child’s education by adopting a choice-driven system of dollar-for-dollar education tax credits. Tax credits for donations to scholarship organizations will help support school choice for lower-income families, and personal-use credits will help middle-class families.

Education tax credits can create an educational system with a focus on student learning that respects parent and taxpayer rights. In a tax credit system, no taxpayer is compelled to support an education with which she disagrees, and no parent is forced to send his child to a school that conflicts with his values.

Political infighting and bureaucratic rule-making consume too much of our attention and energy as real learning is pushed to the side by distracting, destructive cultural warfare. Let’s move beyond the

battles and embrace educational freedom instead.

(Adam B. Schaeffer, Ph.D. and Chaim Katz. Schaeffer is an adjunct senior fellow with the Education Reform Initiative at the Virginia Institute for Public Policy, and a policy analyst at the Cato Institute’s Center for Educational Freedom. Katz is a Ph.D. candidate in political science at the University of Virginia.)

>Classified

Seeking a full-time, live-in female Caregiver for female Alzheimer’s patient. No medical background required. Caregiver will provide companionship, routine personal care services, light housekeeping and light cooking. 24-hour care is necessary time-off. Food rent, and all utilities will be with scheduled paid. Upon patient’s death, the home and everything in it will be inherited by the Caregiver. Home is located in SW Roanoke City on 1/2 acre lot and assessed at approx. $100,000. Background check is required.

For more information, please contact Tom Abshire 774-1034

>Business

Opportunity

Commentary: City Manager / Council Out of Balance The latest issue of The Roanoker magazine featured an outstanding article about the City Manager, out of control spending and what in my opinion, have been irresponsible City Councils.

The Roanoker magazine is a "cheerleader" magazine.

When it informs readers there are problems right here in the Star City, matters have reached an intolerable state.

And they have. I don't buy the argument that in part, Roanoke's problems are caused by turn-over on the City Council. That's a self serving argument.

Council members have been unwilling to do the work required by the job.

Instead, they're willing to let others (the so called professional staff) do their thinking for them. Councilman Rosen has been a refreshing change.

Brian Wishneff 's complaint was council was spoonfed what the City Manager wanted them to hear. When

then Councilman Wishneff, the City's former Economic Planner and someone who knew what he was talking about, tried to present information that didn't quite "fit" what the rest wanted to hear (and do) he was ignored.

During the ten years I've observed the City Council, the members have acted more like they were the student council and the City Manager was the high school principal.

If that sounds like a harsh indictment, its meant to be.

Otherwise, we wouldn't have a Civic Center that costs almost a million dollars a year in operating losses and another million in bond amortization. We wouldn't have a $3 million field somewhere off Orange Ave where a wondrous multi-use amphitheater was to be erected. We wouldn't have the Miller's Hill fiasco or the bigger fiasco known as Countryside. I suspect Valley Bank wouldn't loan $6 million to a private

developer to acquire the land. One can only assume it "saw the city coming" and loaned the money to the city (at 6.25%) because the risk of default was nil. since the risk of the city defaulting was nil.

Why? Taxpayers would pay off the loan of course.

The first step required to clean up the mess at City Hall creation of a Chief Financial Officer's (CFO) organization, reporting to the City Council. Management and Budget would be taken away from the City Manager and fall under the CFO. The current Director of Finance operation would fall under the CFO. If anyone can tell me something that takes place at City Hall that does not involve money, that would be something the CFO would not be involved with.

The CFO's function is to advise the City Council on all aspects of the city's finances advice they are not currently receiving despite what they think. That includes the most

HOT DOG restaurant, excellent food, great location, good lease.

Low down payment, good terms, ready for new ownership.

effective and efficient use of all moneys, based on prioritization of requirements and economic analysis, not the current guess work and pet projects.

I assume the current city manager will retire after losing the budget and management function to the newly created CFO organization. If she doesn't, the City Council will have another task to perform.

Call 540-992-4156 or cell at 540-798-7678

Our Lady of Nazareth

Catholic Church

Robert Craig Roanoke

www.oln-parish.org

Contact us: 540-774-0066

Paying cash for WWII German helmets, uniforms & memorabilia!

Also BUY/SELL/TRADE ∙ All wars All Countries ∙ All items

J. Crocker Militaria

514 West Main St. Salem, VA 540-556-7463

2505 Electric Road, Roanoke VA, 24018 !

Community Calendar > May

LandTrust to HoldWorkshops for Attorneys, CPAs The Western Virginia Land Trust will hold three continuing education workshops for area attorneys, CPAs, and other interested professionals in May. The workshops, entitled Conservation Easements: What You and Your Clients Need to Know, will cover the basics of conservation easements including legal and financial aspects and the appraisal process. Tuesday, May 19, Forest Library, Forest, 9 am-12 pm; Wednesday, May 20,Roanoke Higher Ed Center, Room 408, 9 am-12 pm;Thursday,May 21,Patrick Henry Community College,West Hall 127, Martinsville,1-4 pm.

> May-June

gins, which sparked heated recriminations in the pro-gaymarriage camp and the issue has stayed red hot into 2009.

However, what about the claim that what was at stake was not only adults’ rights, but children’s educational curriculum?

First, is it true? Second, is the relationship between education and politics an inescapable fact of life, or is there a solution?

Whatever one believes about gay marriage, it is hard to believe that its passage wouldn’t increase exposure to the new legal standard or that the issue wouldn’t be addressed in public schools. Indeed, there are already battles in school districts across the country over how these issues are handled in school.

Many parents with religious or other deeply-held objections to gay marriage are especially concerned that their children are subjected to these lessons in school, where students learn both respect for authority and fundamental social values.

Many progressives simply see the issue as a necessary part of a child’s education and expo-

Roanoke County Public Library sponsors “Picturing America” Contest In conjunction with the “Picturing America” grant program and the theme of this year’s Teen Summer Reading Program (ExpressYourself), the Roanoke County Public Library system will be sponsoring a young adult (ages 12-18) photography contest. The photo must be submitted in hard copy, 8” X 10” size, and matted to 11” X 14”. Photographs may be black and white, sepia, or full color: They can be traditional photography or digitally manipulated images.You can only enter one per contestant.

The theme of this contest is how you “Picture America.” The photo must communicate the theme of how you picture America in your local area or community. The contest will last until June 11. The winner will be announced at a reception at the Hollins Branch Library, on Wednesday, June 17, 6:00 -7:00 p.m.,where all the photos will be on display.

Entry forms can be picked up at any Roanoke County Public Library. If you have any questions please contact DavidWilson,Roanoke County Public Library system YA Librarian, at 561-8024.

> May 25

HolidayWas Collection City offices will be closed on Monday, May 25, for Memorial Day.As a result, the following schedule will be in effect for collection of trash, bulk/ brush items, and recycling during that week.

Residential/Commercial: All residential/commercial solid waste collection (including trash, recycling,bulk and brush) will be delayed one day: • Monday routes will be collected onTuesday.

•Tuesday routes will be collected on Wednesday.

• Wednesday routes will be collected onThursday.

• Thursday routes will be collected on Friday.

> May 29 - 31

Toastmasters Club The eleventh annual Lebanese Festival at St. Elias Maronite Catholic Church will be held Friday May 29th, Saturday May 30th and Sunday May 31st at the church property, 4730 Cove Road,Northwest Roanoke.A popular event drawing visitors from all over the valley and surrounding regions, the festival will continue its successful formula of delicious home cooked Lebanese cuisine, energetic Lebanese music and dancing, church tours and children’s games.

Enjoy traditional, cultural dance demonstrations performed and choreographed by the youth and parishioners of the parish.There are plenty of fun games and prizes for children of all ages all weekend.

The festival will be held rain or shine

on Friday from noon-8 pm,Saturday noon-10 pm and Sunday noon-8 pm. Admission is free, with moderate charges for food, beverage and games. The festival menu features a multitude of Lebanese delicacies including tabbouli, spinach pies, stuffed grape leaves, falafel, various wraps, grill cooked entrees and wonderful Lebanese pastries. Takeout orders will be available by phone or fax; call 562-0012 for details. For more information, call St. Elias at 562-0012 or visit the church’s website at www. steliaschurch.org.

Roanoke,VA 24015.Educational opportunities will include demonstrations of the latest equipment and discussions of speech and hearing topics. There will be hearing dog demonstrations, tours of the center and free speech and hearing screenings. Organizations that serve children and adults with communication disorders will be on hand to share their information.This event is free and open to the public. Contact: J. Andree’ Brooks; President; RoanokeValley Speech and Hearing Center; 540-343-0165

BEST RIBS IN TOWN! Rib Day:

ALL DAY Wednesday!

Whole Slab $13.49 Lunch Combos Always Available: Monday - Saturday from 10:30am - 3:00pm Roanoke Location (540) 904-2727 677 Brandon Ave.

Across from Kroger @ Towers

> May 31

Have an item for the calBicycle Friendly Business endar? E-mail it to submissions@theroanokestar.com Workshop The Roanoke Valley-Alleghany ReR o a n o k e C i t y , R o a n o k e gional Commission was the first business in Virginia to receive the M U LT I - PA R League of American Bicyclist’s Bicycle Friendly Business designation.

Senior Planner Shane Sawyer and RIDE Solutions Program Director Jeremy Holmes will walk business owners and other interested professionals through the programs and policies implemented by the Regional Commission to achieve the designation When - 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM Where - Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission, 313 Luck Ave., Downtown Roanoke Cost - FREE, though space is limited For more - Shane Sawyer, ssawyer@rvarc.org, 343-4417.

Thursday,

> May 30

A Celebration of Services: Roanoke Valley Speech and Hearing Center 50th Anniversary Presented by Virginia Relay and the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Center of RoanokeWhen:Saturday, May 30, 2009; 10am – 2pm Where: RoanokeValley Speech and Hearing Center 2030 Colonial Avenue S.W.;

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

Across from McDonalds

1-877-FEDX-BBQ

www.HenrysMemphisBBQ.com

C o u n t y

&

F r a n k l i n

C o u n t y ,

V i r g i n i a

CEL COMMERCIAL

May 28 • 3:00 PM

Commercial & Industrial Buildings • Sites • Development Tracts • 23.9 ac. zoned I-1 Industrial – Hollins area.

• 5,000 SF bldg. on .74 ac. - 5217 Williamson Road • 3.2 ac. level site zoned I-1 - SW City

• • • •

100,000 SF ind. bldg. on 3.9 ac. – SW City.

4.5 ac., zoned RM-1 – SW City 4.9 ac. zoned MX - long rd. frtg. - SW City 4.4 ac. - Buck Mtn. Rd. at 220 - fronts planned Super Wal-Mart - zoned C-2

• 10.9 ac. - Peters Creek Rd. – near I-581 zoned CLS • 2,873 SF bank bldg. on .984 ac. Burnt Chimney - Rt. 122 @ 116

Auction Site: 802 Kerns Ave. Roanoke, VA 24015 • Take advantage of this investment opportunity!!!

For Information, Contact Boyd Temple (VA#1850)

VA #321

5% Buyer’s Premium

540-342-3560 800-551-3588

Preview Dates: Preview anytime.

www.woltz.com

Agent will be located at Auction Tracts 2, 4, and 12, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM on Thursdays, May 14 and 21 and Wednesday, May 27. Auction day preview for Auction Tract 4 begins at 1:00 PM sale day.

Valley Business

Page 10 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 5/22/09

TheRoanokeStar.com

"Cool Citizens" Draw Praise in Local Awards Ceremony

Roanoke Valley Cool Cities Coalition named award winners in five categories at its annual meeting May 16 at Western Virginia Water Authority's Spring Hollow Water Treatment Facility. The Coalition recognized individuals, organizations, and companies deemed to have the greatest impact toward reducing the greenhouse gas emissions recognized to be a principal cause of global climate change.

This year's awards recognize work that has been done since the inception of the Coalition in 2006, through the present.

The Coalition plans to make awards each year in the future for work done in succeeding years. Award nominations were submitted by the (more than 160) members, with an awards committee making the final selections.

Winners in the media category included: WDBJ-7's "Mornin'" show hosts Lauren Cook and Bob Grebe, cited for "Green Week, March 2009" WDBJ’s coverage included the Coalition's compact fluorescent light initiative and of the City of Salem's endorsement of the US Mayors Climate Protection Agreement. (Other nominees in the Media category included Roanoke StarSentinel news editor Gene Marrano.)

Two winners were named in the government category.

Gwen Mason, Roanoke City Council was recognized for her part in theformation of Roanoke's Clean and Green Business Coalition and for

tral,” and hosted a film festival "Putting a Chill on Global Warming" (2007) serving as the kick-off for the local campaign for responsible energy use.

US Green Building Council Southwest Virginia Chapter and Nell Boyle was also recognized.- During Boyle's tenure as chair of this group, they hosted a wide range of programs to educate the general public about green building. This organization is the leading regional resource for sustainable building practices.

Rupert Cutler received a special achievement award as one of the original board members of Roanoke Valley Cool Cities Coalition. Cutler served in that capacity until his reappointment to Roanoke City Council earlier this year.

Nashville independent filmStan Breakell is a leader in the local green business maker Jeff Barriewas cited movement. for his film "Kilowatt Ours," establishment of target emis- noke. President Stan Breakell which has been shown around sions reduction for the City of was recognized for founding the country, including over Roanoke.Kenneth Cronin, Di- Roanoke's Clean and Green twenty screenings sponsored

by Roanoke Valley Cool Cities rector of General Services for Business Coalition. the city, was recognized for his Roanoke Cement, A Ti- Coalition. "It is by far our best direction of the Virginia Mu- tan America Company was teaching tool; we love the film nicipal League award-winning also cited for its $12,000 grant and we love Jeff for making it", effort to reduce greenhouse to support measurement of said Diana Christopulos, chair gasses. Cronin has made community and government of the Cool Cities Coalition.

The Roanoke Valley Cool presentations throughout the carbon footprints for Roanoke Cities Coalition is an indestate concerning how munici- County and the City of Salem. palities are dealing with cli- The company reduced its own pendent, all-volunteer orgamate change and energy man- electricity use by approximate- nization seeking to implement agement. ly 6% in 2008 and received an smart energy solutions that Two winners were also Energy Star citation for energy will benefit taxpayers and the environment. named in the business catego- savings. ry. Breakell, Inc. General ConIn the non-profit category, tractors was hailed as a leader Hollins University was cited

By Gene Marrano in the sustainable business for their program to make the gmarrano@cox.net practices movement in Roa- entire campus "carbon neu-

Do You Suffer from Chronic Disorganization?

Has your new year’s resolution of finally getting organized fallen by the wayside – again? Has your intention of spring cleaning passed by as well? Do you watch Clean Sweep on TLC with envy? If you answered yes to these questions, you may be “chronically disorganized.”

The term, “chronic disorganization” was coined by Judith Kolberg, the founder of the National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization (NSGCD). The term is not intended to convey judgment, but to describe a situation where one is consistently disorganized, with negative consequences.

There are many reasons why someone may be disorganized. A life transition (marriage, moving, relative’s death), a fatiguing illness (chronic fatigue syndrome, MS), ADD or a traumatic brain injury can all lead to major organization issues. However, some people simply have too much “stuff.”

Begin by recognizing your own habits without making any judgments. Do you buy something just because “it’s a great

deal?” Do you avoid putting things away?

Do you leave tasks unfinished because while starting them is exciting, completing them is boring? It is important to know what your cluttering habits are before you can change them.

Another option when looking for help is the “Resources” section at NSGCD.org. A quiz is available to help you determine if you fit the “chronically disorganized profile”.

While some instances of disorganization may be remedied by changing a few daily habits or by dedicating a week or two to addressing the problem, there are situations that are more complicated. Just as being overweight isn’t always about the food, being disorganized and cluttered isn’t necessarily about the “stuff.”

Support groups, such as, Messies Anonymous (www.messies.com) and Clutterers Anonymous (www.clutterersanonymous. net) exist to help deal with and address clutter issues. These groups offer a forum to discuss one’s personal issues – how clutter

has affected their lives and how to get on the road to recovery. If you’re not ready for a group, but want some support, try www. flylady.com which is full of encouragement, humor, tips and daily accountability.

If you are thinking your clutter issues go deeper than anything mentioned above, you may want to find a counselor or mental health professional that is familiar with some of the larger issues around clutter.

Two good sources include the Obsessive Compulsive Foundation (ocfoundation.org) and Children and Adults with AttentionDeficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) (www.chadd.org).

Editor’s note: Rebecca Dameron is a professional organizer in Roanoke and the owner of SimpliFine (www.simplifineorganizing.com).

By Rebecca Dameron simplifine@cox.net

Photo by Irene Wolf

Rosanna Jakob came all the way from Amsterdam to appear at the Roanoke Convention.

The Tattoo Business Goes Mainstream at Hotel Roanoke The Hotel Roanoke’s Convention Center played host to world famous tattoo artists recently at the first Roanoke Tattoo Convention. Artists came from Japan, Amsterdam, Australia and Ecuador to showcase their work.

Working alongside the international contingent were local tattoo artists from Alex’s New Tattoo and Cherry Bomb Tattoo in Roanoke.

Eddie Yeary, co-owner of Cherry Bomb Tattoo, with locations in Vinton and Rocky Mount, said that the convention turnout was low, but that was to be expected for a first year event. Yeary is a seasoned tattoo conventioneer and expects the crowd to double by next year. This one had been two years in the making, noted Yeary.

The crowd was a mix of different ages, races, and styles.

Standing side by side were bikers, parents with young children and seniors. Many reported they had come to experience their first tattoo.

Rosanna Jakob, of Derma Donna Tattoo in Amsterdam, travels the world participating in tattoo conventions. She describes the tattoo community as similar to other artist communities - but a bit more open and vibrant. Jakob, who’s been tattooing for 10 years, began as a traditional artist and fell into tattooing by chance. An employer discovered her potential while she was working as a body piercer and asked her to start as an apprentice. Jakob has been tattooing ever since.

Virginia has a unique history in relation to tattooing, as Chuck Eldridge explained in a seminar on the history of the practice in the Commonwealth. Norfolk and the Virginia Beach area, prior to the 1950’s, were internationally acclaimed in the tattoo world.

Norfolk served as a seaport hub, which in turn brought in clientele from all over the world.

Between 1930 and 1950, internationally famed tattoo artists such as Joe Butler, Charlie Barr, R.C. Connelly, and Cap Coleman all operated off the Virginia coast. Barr is referred to as the “pioneer of modern machine work” in the tattoo community.

Norfolk was infamous for its tattoo parlors until the 1950’s. E. Main St. was home to a dozen parlors, taverns and burlesque clubs catering to seamen. At one point, tattooing was banned up and down the Virginia coast. Proponents of the ban argued that the tattoo culture was “vulgar” and attracted miscreants.

Virginia Beach lifted its tattoo ban in 2001. Norfolk’s ban lasted 56 years and was finally repealed in 2006. Suffolk followed suit in 2008, becoming the last Virginian city to repeal the ‘50’s era ban.

Today, tattoos adorn a much wider section of the population, becoming more integrated and accepted into modern culture. Tattoo artists, likewise, are becoming more accepted as craftsmen.

Along with tattooing, Roanoke convention-goers enjoyed local rock bands and performances by belly dancing troupes, Roanoke’s Cookies and Anarchy and Floyd’s Gyroscopic. “Magician” Nelson Oliver stomped barefoot over a pile of broken glass and his assistant stood on his head while face down in glass shards.

The event was organized by Joe Hagerty- owner of Alex’s New Tattoo (3121 Franklin Rd). Local sponsors sold clothes and regalia and showcased historical tattoo equipment.

(Editor’s note: Hollins alumna Irene Wolf will intern for a National Public Radio show in Washington, DC this summer)

By Irene Wolf info@theroanokestar.com

At Your Service!

Your Hometown Business Directory

EXECUTIVE

DRIVEWAY SEALCOATING COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED WE OFFER A 3 YEAR GUARANTEE!

540-521-6931

540-904-7104

5361 CRYSTAL CREEK DR. ROANOKE, VA. 24018

Save your carpet!

Carpet re-stretching and repair Also new installations Steven W. Durrance Floors

776-9591

SERVING THE ROANOKE VALLEY

®

Dreams don’t retire.

A unique and collaborative approach to financial planning that starts with your dreams, not just numbers.

Haley Toyota 2711 Franklin Rd. Roanoke, VA 24014

Barnes and Associates A financial advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. 3140 Chaparral Drive Building C, Suite 100 Roanoke, VA 24018 540-769-0052 x 23 Stewart.L.Barnes@ampf.com

Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc., Member FINRA and SIPC.

COUPON

$5.99

HAIRCUT

2022 Electric Rd. Roanoke, 24018 (725-2007) Expires July 12, 2009 1334 S. Main St., Blacksburg, VA (besideOffer Kroger) 540-951-HAIR 3940 Valley Gateway Blvd, Roanoke No Appointment Necessary Offer Expires July 12, 2009 No Appointment Necessary (New Bonsack Kroger) (977-1107)

NM599

List your business here!

Open your door to over 30,000 readers a week for only $30

Arts & Culture

TheRoanokeStar.com

5/22/09 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 11

Local Colors a Big Hit Once Again Arts and Culture Event Calendar Music, food and ethnic dance from dozens of nations took center stage at Elmwood Park Saturday for the 19th annual Local Colors celebration. Audience participation was encouraged at the end of the dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s festivities as Local Colors Organizer Pearl Fu invited everyone on stage to sing well-known songs of peace and love. According to Fu, almost 90 countries were represented at Local Colors this year, with the Parade of Nations kicking off the festivities.

By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

Photo by Gene Marrano

Local Colors brought all sorts of people together on Saturday.

Sculpture Selected for Gainsboro 'Reading Garden' The City of Roanoke and the Roanoke Arts Commission (RAC) announce the selection of Madeline Wiener of Denver, Colo., by a citizen panel to create an outdoor sculpture for the newly remodeled Gainsboro Branch Library. City Council approved the selection at its meeting Monday, May 4.

Wiener's proposal for "Reading Garden" was selected from four finalists who came to Roanoke for interviews with the panel. Those finalists were chosen from a pool of 85 responses to a Request for Qualifications.

The sculptural elements will be installed in the garden area outside the library by late October 2009. Carved from Indiana Limestone this functional art is derivative of Wiener's "Bench People," universal figures which provide multiple seating areas. In a nod to the library location, the two figures will hold open books and other seating areas will be made of carved stacks of books.

A unique feature of this public art will be the opportunities for community interaction.

Wiener will hold workshops at the library at the beginning of the process to determine what titles or references the community would like to see inscribed onto the books. At the time of installation, she will show a film detailing the entire process of creating the work and invite participants to help with the final polish of the pieces. She will also bring chips that have been carved from the original stone used in the work and the public will be able to file or paint their own chip to take home as a memento of the larger artwork.

Wiener calls the Gainsboro Library "a wonderful venue for me to create interactive sculpture that suggests a place to read and interact as well as to create figurative sculptures that anyone can relate to." A graduate of the New York School of

Visual Arts, Wiener has exhibited in numerous museums and her public commissions can be seen across the United States and as far abroad as India.

Her work has been included in many national publications including Stone in America and Sculpture Review Magazine. She also teaches and lectures and founded the Marble Symposium in Marble, Colo.

According to Carla Lewis, Gainsboro branch librarian and a member of the citizen selection panel, "Ms. Wiener's work will be a significant addition to the library and the community. As interactive art it will also provide a space for reading and contemplation."

The public art program is funded by a Percent for Art Ordinance, established by the City of Roanoke as a way to

fund public art in city neighborhoods and public places to reflect its vibrancy and heritage. The fund is comprised of one percent of the budgets of certain projects in the city's capital improvement program.

Funding for "Reading Garden" was based on capital projects completed in the 2007-2008 fiscal year. Public art policies and decisions are guided by the 15 volunteer members of the Roanoke Arts Commission, with final approval from City Council.

To find out more about the Public Art Program, please contact Susan Jennings, Public Art Coordinator, at 540853-5652. More information is available at www.roanokeva. gov/publicart. For information on the artist visit www.madelinewiener.com.

History Museum of Western Virginiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Crystal Spring Pump Station Opens for the Summer: Through Sept. 27, free from 1-4pm. The Crystal Spring Pump Station has been recognized as an important part of Roanoke's history.

Through restoration efforts, clean-up and new exhibits, it has been returned to its original grandeur.

Art Market at the Vinton Farmers' Market: Town of Vinton, debuting May 9, $5.00 per space 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Also on July 11 & September 12. A new Art Market venue is available for selling paintings, prints, pastels, pencil, mixed media, photography, sculpture, stained glass, hand made jewelry, fiber art weaving, spinning, painted silk, etc. Limited amount of spaces with tables and electricity available under a permanent canopy.

Spaces also available on a paved parking lot. Call or email Mary Beth Layman for reserving a space, (540) 983-

0613, mblayman@vintonva. gov. Please submit photo of work for review and acceptance. Original music by Greg Trafidlo, Britt Mistele, David Simpkins this Saturday. Free childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s' craft area, free admission.

Performances of "Vintage Durang" will be at the Recital Hall at Jefferson Center on July 9-11 and July 16-17 and will feature "The Actor's Nightmare" along with several short pieces. Jayne Brill will direct. Rehearsals will be held at Jefferson Center in June. For further informa-

tion please email Gamut at gamut@cox.net or call Jayne Brill at 765-7574 or Miriam Frazier at 380-3168.

Gallery 108: May Artists â&#x20AC;&#x153;In The Windowâ&#x20AC;?, through May 31. Gallery 108 is featuring artwork by Martha Rhodes, Betty Williamson and Myrtle Hooker as "Artists In The Window." May. Gallery 108 is located across from the Taubman Museum of Art, at the corner of Salem and Market Streets, Downtown Roanoke. Tue-Sat 10-5, Sun 1-4.

For more information contact: gallery108@comcast.net

Your NEW Prime News Team Jay Warren joins Karen McNew On Your Side Weeknights at 5, 5:30, 6 and 11.

Roanoke has a Saltwater Fish Store!

â&#x20AC;˘ Large selection â&#x20AC;˘ Live corals â&#x20AC;˘ Aquariums & equipment â&#x20AC;˘ Delivery & set-up â&#x20AC;˘ Maintenance for home or business 540-580-7755 1428 Roanoke Road (Across from Lord Botetourt High School)

ONLY on

T-F 3-7 pm, Sat 12-6 pm, Sun 1-5

-9

Green BOE "GGPSEBCMF

.1( )8:

PS MFBTF GPS QFS NPOUI

XXX SJDLXPPETPOIPOEB DPN

1FUFST $SFFL 3E ] 3PBOPLF 7" ] ]

0,53 4!'3 4!' !.$ 4)4,% !.$ 02/#%33).' &%%

-/.4( ,%!3% $5% !4 3)'.).' ).#,5$%3 !,, 4!8%3 4!'3 !.$ &%%3

-),%3 0%2 9%!2 ).#,5$%$ #%.4 0%.!,49 0%2 -),% /6%2 /04)/. 4/ 052#(!#% #)49 (79 #/-").%$ -0' "!3%$ /. %0! -),%!'% %34)-!4%3 2%&,%#4).' .%7 %0! &5%, %#/./-9 -%4(/$3 "%')..).' 7)4( -/$%,3 53% &/2 #/-0!2)3/. 0520/3%3 /.,9 $/ ./4 #/-0!2% 4/ -/$%,3 "%&/2% 9/52 !#45!, -),%!'% 7),, 6!29 $%0%.$).' /. (/7 9/5 $2)6% !.$ -!).4!). 9/52 6%()#,%

Mulch 'n More Ribeyes

$999 per lb

T-Bone Steaks

$1099 per lb

2205 Crystal Spring Avenue â&#x20AC;˘345-7334 â&#x20AC;˘ www.tinnells.com â&#x20AC;˘ Open Monday-Saturday 8am-7pm

Plants â&#x20AC;˘ Shrubs â&#x20AC;˘ Topsoil â&#x20AC;˘ Decorative Stone Fertilizers â&#x20AC;˘ Mulch â&#x20AC;˘ Garden Chemicals

www.mulchnmore.org

4927 Starkey Road (540) 776-8718

4529 Plantation Road (540) 265-0532

Page 12 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 5/22/09 - 5/28/09

TheRoanokeStar.com

Fibromyalgia Affects Everyone â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Not Just Those Who Have It

Editorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s note: Star-Sentinel contributor Susan Ayers struggles with Fibromyalgia.

National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day, led by the National Fibromyalgia Association, was observed earlier this week. This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s campaign theme, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Fibromyalgia Affects Everyone,â&#x20AC;? focuses on the far-reaching effects of this common, chronic pain disorderâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;from broken lives to the

financial impact on patients and society.

An estimated 10 million men, women and children in the United States suffer from fibromyalgia, which is characterized by chronic widespread pain, multiple tender points, abnormal pain processing, sleep disturbances, and fatigue. For those suffering with severe symptoms, fibromyalgia can be debilitating, interfering with even

the simplest daily activities.

Total healthcare costs over 12 months can be three times higher among fibromyalgia patients compared to patients without the disorder.

Fibromyalgia Awareness Day organizers aim to educate, as well as bring hope, to the millions who suffer from it. In 1993, Tom Hennessy, the founder of RESCIND, INC. (Repeal Existing Stereotypes about Chronic Immunologi-

THE BEST KEEPS GETTING BETTER! Convert Your Old Bathtub Into A Walk-In Shower Or Cover Your Old Tub & Walls With A New CustomMade Acrylic Bathtub and Wall Liner System

cal and Neurological Diseases), designated May 12 as International Awareness Day for Chronic Immunological and Neurological Diseases (CIND).

The date was chosen to memorialize the birth date of Florence Nightingale, the English army nurse who inspired the founding of the International Red Cross.

Nightingale contracted a paralyzing, CIND-like illness in her mid-30s and spent the last 50 years of her life virtually bedridden. Despite her illness, she managed to found the first-ever school of nursing. Awareness Day activities take place worldwide in an effort to increase awareness of chronic pain illnesses including fibromyalgia.

The National Fibromyalgia Association is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to develop and execute programs dedicated to improving

the quality of life for people with fibromyalgia. The NFA publishes a quarterly magazine, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Fibromyalgia AWAREâ&#x20AC;?, and hosts an award-winning website at www.fmaware.org.

While some people who have the more severe cases of fibromyalgia become disabled, others are able to continue to work and remain productive with workplace enhancements and reasonable accommodations. Job Accommodation Network (JAN) is a resource for employees and employers. JAN is a service of U.S. Department of Labor Office of Disability Employment Policy.

To learn more, visit jan.wvu. edu, or call (800) 526-7234.

Local Resources NW Roanoke FMS/CFS/ Chronic Pain Support Group. meets the 4th Wed. of each month at 3:00 pm at 7013 Domaca Dr, Roanoke.

Contact Karla Setchel, (540)

366-6134. Objective: â&#x20AC;&#x153;To share what is helping to alleviate symptoms, hear guest speakers relating to beneficial treatments, brain-storm on how to meet each members' needs, offer support for each other.â&#x20AC;?

Fibromyalgia/ Chronic Pain Support Group: For fibromyalgia, CFIDS, arthritis, migraines, neuropathy and any other type of pain. Penn Forest Christian Church, 3028 Penn Forest Blvd. email: hopekeepers@cox.net; website: Members.cox.net/hopekeepers.

Massage: some massage therapists in the area also work extensively with fibromyalgia sufferers, using special techniques to minimize the pain associated with being touched.

By Susan Ayers info@theroanokestar.com

Speech Therapy

â&#x20AC;&#x153;A Proven Leaderâ&#x20AC;?

NEVER CAULK AGAIN!

FREE in-home consultation!

For a FREE Estimate, Call Us or Visit Your Local

Luxury Bath Showroom Listed Below 3570 Electric Rd. Roanoke Promenade Park

772-6630

www.luxurybath.com

NO MORE MOLD OR MILDEW WITH OUR EXCLUSIVE LUXAN HIGH 8 or 10 who compare MOLECULAR ACRYLIC, choose a FEATURING Luxury Bath!

$350 OFF a complete system.

See store for details With complete tub or pan & wall liner system With this coupon. Not valid with other offers or prior purchases. Offer expires 6/22/09.

Helping you get Speech Therapy Helping you enjoy back into the your Life again! game...Of Helping youLife get

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Your Choice

back into the 342 Virginia Ave. game...Of Life Wytheville, VA 24382

Ask for Heartland for all your physical therapy Conveniently located at: needs.

Conviently located in the Roanoke Valley at:

North Roanoke

6515 Williamson Rd. 366-2243

Salem

126 Mill Lane 387-4311

Buchanan

Main St. 276-228-6200 19733 254-2126

Conveniently located at:

We accept Medicare, Medicaid, Workerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Compensation and most insurance plans

Additional Virginia Locations:

342 Virginia Ave. Bland County p Buchanan Wytheville, VA 24382 Chilhowie p Dublin Hillsville p Roanoke 276-228-6200 Salem p Tazewell â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Roanoke Valleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Most Beautiful Cemeteryâ&#x20AC;?

Nationwide TollLocations: Free Additional Virginia 1-800-669-9395

Bland County p Buchanan Chilhowie p Dublin Hillsville p Roanoke Salem p Tazewell Nationwide Toll Free 1-800-669-9395

Founded in 1928, Sherwood combines serene elements of nature with exquisite and carefully planned architecture on an expanse of more than 100 acres nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Veterans Garden to Open Memorial Legacy Stones Now Available

As a non-proďŹ t cemetery we are always looking for ways to enhance our beauty, and contribute to the community. That is why we are pleased to announce our beautiful new Veterans Garden to pay tribute to those who serve. You can be among the ďŹ rst to honor your Veteran in our Memorial Walkway by purchasing a Legacy Stone.

On Cox Channel 1 Call 283-3065!

Visit our Cox Digital Store or www.cox.com/roanoke.

(Ten percent of the proceeds of each sale will beneďŹ t the American Legion Legacy Scholarship for the children of US military personnel who pass away while on active duty.)

Examples of legacy stones that will be inlaid into the Veterans Memorial at Sherwood

1250 E. Main Street Salem, Virginia 24153 www.sherwoodmemorialpark.com

540-389-1677

On DEMAND is available for residential customers in Cox Roanoke serviceable areas. Cox Digital Cable and digital receiver and remote rental required. Programming subject to change.

Installation, taxes and fees additional. On DEMAND channels cannot be recorded. Other restrictions apply. Š2009 CoxCom, Inc., d/b/a Cox Communications Roanoke. Bolt Š Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Hotel For Dogs Š 2009 DREAMWORKS LLC AND COLD SPRING PICTURES. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Yes Man Š 2008 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. U.S., Canada, Bahamas & Bermuda Š 2008 Village Roadshow Films (BVI) Limited - - All Other Territories. All Rights Reserved.

Bride Wars Š 2009 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All Rights Reserved. The Wrestler Š 2008 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All Rights Reserved.