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Community | News | Per spective

November 14, 2008

Ribbon cutting a time for reflection and kudos Cheryl Hodges

Turning Fifty P4– Cheryl Hodges is turning 50! And she REALLY doesn’t care.

Raiders Roll

P7– The North Cross Raiders defeat Isle of Wight to move on to the state championship game against Blessed Sacrament.

P10– ADMMicro announces that they willl move into part of the space in the former Johnson & Johnson Innotech building

Symphony Soars

P12– David Stewart Wiley presents a masterpiece in the RSO’s recent performance of Shostakovich’s “Victory Under Duress�

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Taubman makes grand entrance

Bold new vision ďŹ nally achieved Imagine - swarms of people in downtown Roanoke early on a Saturday morning – away from the farmer’s market area. Yet there they were, lined up with timed tickets, waiting for entrance to the Taubman Museum of Art. First came the ribbon cutting, with Governor Tim Kaine, Congressman Bob Goodlatte, state and local politicians, arts supporters including Heywood Fralin and the like. Front and center were Ambassador Nicholas Taubman and his wife Jenny, whose 15 million dollar gift led to a name change for the former Art Museum of Western Virginia. “A great event for the city,â€? said former City Councilman Rupert Cutler before the hour-long ceremony. “A watershed event,â€? added Cutler, the son of artists himself and a long time supporter. Cutler was “just blown away,â€? after touring the finished museum and its nine galleries. Later, Goodlatte praised the museum’s “Smithsonian-like qual> CONTINUED P3: Ribbon Cutting

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Photo by Gene Marrano

Roanoke Mayor David Bowers speaks about the Star Line’s promise on Wednesday.

Photo by Daniel Hungate

The Taubman Museum of Art opened last weekend to much fanfare and ceremony.

The festivities began Friday night with a lively black tie affair that was well attended by supporters and local dignitaries, most of who returned early the next morning for over an hour of speeches and declarations before the 11:00 AM ribbon cutting.

Governor Tim Kaine was on hand and eloquently stated that the Taubman Museum was just another in a series of “right moves� that have brought him to Roanoke repeatedly over the last three months. Thousands of people mingled in the streets throughout the market area while waiting for their chance to get in. The Roanoke Weiner Stand’s “man in the window,� John Liakos reported that, “all that art has been pretty good for business so far.� (See page 6 for more photos) The Taubman Museum’s hours are Tuesday – Saturday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Open until 7:00 PM on Thurs.) and Sundays from Noon – 5:00 PM.

Taubman Museum reflects Stout’s vision In many ways the Taubman Museum of Art is indeed architect Randall Stout’s baby, and the Tennessee-born L.A. resident made that evident during a private tour of the iconic building last week, two days before it opened to the general public. Stout even led a small group of supporters and media in to the back por-

tions of the building, showing off truck ramps and catering kitchens.

In the second floor galleries, Stout, who has now designed several museums elsewhere, described how he attempted to make each space work for the art to be shown in that room. “It was important > CONTINUED P6: Taubman

Local schools honor veterans All over the Roanoke Valley schools invited Armed Forces veterans to breakfast, lunch and special assemblies on Tuesday, saluting all that have served. One of the longest running and best-known observances is the Veteran’s Day assembly at Green Valley Elementary School in southwest Roanoke County, now in its 18th year. “Honoring All Who Served� featured guests from the World War II era through the current conflict in Iraq and Afghanistan. Some sat on stage as part of the ceremony while others remained on the crowded auditorium floor with students.

The oldest vet on hand – Photo by Gene Marrano Tony Hehn, 98, and took a Veterans are honored by Green Valley elementary school bow when recognized by a students. speaker. The Notre Dame University graduate, who enlisted veterans present. “It’s real im- ter of ceremonies. The military during the Second World War portant that you understand is a big part of her life and linat age 32, still takes pictures what a real hero is,� said Green eage: her husband was a paraevery year of the Veterans Day Valley principal Tammy New- trooper, a great-grandfather assembly and sends comb, who has a fought in the Civil War and them back to Green 19 year old neph- various uncles and cousins Veterans Day Valley for its scrapew in the military. also served. book.

Marine gunner Cabaniss read a letter sent “Its just the atmosphere, and Sgt. Bobby Ferguson, now a back from the White House, everyone enters into it,� said recruiter at the Marine’s Peters after President George W. Bush Hehn, a southwest Roanoke Creek Road office, called en- had to turn down the school’s County resident who added listing “one of the best things invitation to join them at the that he is “hanging in there.� I ever did in my life.� The Cave assembly. “President Bush, He still fits in his service uni- Spring High School graduate like all Americans, believes form. “They seem to be happy said the U.S. was doing “good we owe our veterans a great and appreciative. I know what things� in Iraq, adding, “when deal of gratitude,� wrote an apits all about [to serve]. I’m our president tells us to do pointment secretary. “These proud to say that.� something we do it – he’s our patriots have inspired our naStudents tried out tunes like boss.� tion.�

America the Beautiful and the Retired teacher Camille Caofficial songs of each Armed baniss, who spent many years

By Gene Marrano Forces organization that had at Green Valley, served as masgmarrano@cox.net

[

Star Line trolley draws Carilion complex closer to downtown

]

Roanoke City rolled out a blast from the past on Wednesday - a fleet of four trolley buses that will carry people back and forth from the Carilion complex on South Jefferson St. to the City Market area, where they could have Trolley lunch or walk to work at the health system giant’s downtown offices. Amid much fanfare the service was previewed for city officials on Wednesday.

For now, the Star Trolley line, four retro-looking buses that cost $250,000 each, will run every ten minutes between 7am and 7pm on weekdays only. Between 10am and 2pm it will run every seven

[

]

> CONTINUED P2: Star Line

From one hero to another – ALS crusader Ben Davis visits local runner Dan Wright

Baseball Hall-ofFamer Lou Gehrig described himself as “the luckiest man on the face of the earth� when he gave his famous farewell speech to more than 62,000 fans at Yankee Stadium on July 4, 1939, despite knowing he was dying from the Photo by Pam Rickard rare disease that would come to Ben Davis said that visiting Dan Wright, the “ALS Hero� on Saturday, November 8, bear his name.

Judging by the has been the highlight of his trip so far. love and energy demonstrated by the 14 people packed into Dan Wright’s hospital room last Saturday evening, he, too, could be described as one “lucky man� as he also battles amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Dan, a long-time fixture in the Roanoke Valley running community, was diagnosed last August with ALS, a degenerative neuromuscular condition with no known cure more commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.

Saturday, Dan’s path crossed with that of endurance athlete Ben Davis, who is r unning/hi king the 2,175-mile length of the Appalachian Local Runner Trail to raise funds for, and awareness about, ALS. Each day on his website, Davis honors someone as an “ALS Hero� and Saturday he chose to honor Dan, who is a patient at the Brian Center in Fincastle.

Ben and his one-man support crew, self-described “clean up man� Rick Cheever, paid a visit to Dan Saturday evening, along with some of Dan’s family and > CONTINUED friends.

Ben was impacted personal- P2: Dan Wright

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Page 2 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 11/14/08

TheRoanokeStar.com

> Star Line From page 1

minutes, and the one-way trip between the market area and Carilion Clinic/Roanoke Memorial is timed at about ten minutes. In between the seven intermediate stops include Jefferson College of Health Sciences, Franklin & Jefferson Steets and Reserve & Jefferson Streets.

Federal funds made up the bulk of monies used for the initial outlay, with Roanoke City chipping in. Downtown Roanoke Inc., Carilion Clinic, the City of Roanoke and Valley Metro are supporting

the Star Line, which will not charge a fee for riders.  DRI president Bill Carder said the commitment timeline from all players involved is “open ended� at this point.

Carder pointed out that trolley service was part of the Outlook 2000 plan for the city, but that it had to wait for a “critical mass� before it made sense. With Carilion Clinic’s growth, the Riverside bio-med park and the new Virginia Tech-Carilion Medical School on the horizon the time is now, said

Photo by Gene Marrano

Roanoke City Council members Gwen Mason and David Trinkle “strap-hang� with Carilion CEO/president Edward Murphy.

Carder. “Another [example] of vision becoming reality,� added Carder as he stood on the trolley steps before a demonstration ride to Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital. “What a connection to make between downtown and Car-

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ilion, and the new medical college.� “I think it will help us - it’s a very important community development asset,� said Carilion CEO/President Dr. Ed Murphy. “It’s an opportunity to link [Carilion employees] with downtown for

lunch and so forth, and help the other businesses downtown. It’s also a solution to the downtown parking situation.�

Carilion employees also tried out the trolley before it went into service. Donna Toliver and Pam Davis work in Quality & Patient Safety, and come downtown to eat. “I want to see how it works, how long it takes me to come down here,� said Toliver, who only has 30 minutes for lunch. Davis liked “not having to walk to the garage and get in our cars.�

Designed to look like a trolley service once available in Roanoke, complete with wood finish interior paneling and leather straps hanging from poles for standees, Valley Metro General Manager Dave Morgan called the Star Line “a blast from the past� and a “true asset� to the

downtown corridor.

Roanoke Mayor David Bowers has long believed that the Riverside Center and Carilion’s growing presence would help extend downtown well beyond the market area. He predicted on Wednesday that within 10-20 years “Jefferson Street will again be the Main Street in Roanoke.�

Bowers was already inquiring about adding stops near residential neighborhoods along the way; someone else mentioned extended hours during weekend festivals or other events. Carder said that would all depend on usage and continued funding support. “We’ll see how it goes,� he said.

By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

> Dan Wright From page 1

ly when he lost two friends to ALS. He says he was inspired by the courage they both exhibited despite their diagnosis. “It truly makes you wonder how any one of us would handle such news,� he said.

Ben, 28, and Rick, 25, began their journey at the AT trailhead on Mt. Katahdin in Maine on September 21 and hope to reach the trail’s southern terminus at Springer Mountain, Georgia, by Thanksgiving Day. To meet their goal, they have to average more than 30 miles per day.

Ben said that visiting Dan was the best day of their journey to date. And though he can no longer communicate verbally, Dan’s bright eyes and joyous smile were clear signs that Saturday was a highlight for him, as well. “[Dan’s] room was full of energy.  An electric vibe was present the entire visit.  Looking around the room, everyone seemed to have big smiles on their faces.  The room was buzzing,� Ben said. “It was such an amazing experience, definitely the highlight of our trip so far.�

Dan Wright is a 19-time marathoner, an honored community activist who worked with the Greater Raleigh Court Civic League (GRCCL) and on the Murray Run Trail (the trailhead is named in his

honor), and former president of Roanoke’s Star City Striders running club.

Today he is unable to walk, breathes with help of a ventilator, and has limited use only of his left hand and upper body.

Dan has said that the first signs of his illness occurred as early as 2000; it was October 2004 when his doctors concluded that a serious condition existed, including the possibility of ALS. Dan persevered, switching from running to walking, remaining active with GRCCL and the Striders, and continuing to work as long as physically possible.

He led the formation of the area’s first Walk to D’Feat ALS last October, and was personally responsible for more than $16,000 of the $25,000 raised. “He needs the help of a ventilator to breathe and receives meals through a feeding tube, like many other ALS patients, but Dad is somehow able to tackle challenges‌. and rise above them,â€? said Dan’s daughter Stephanie. “He applies the determination he once demonstrated through running and uses it to overcome new obstacles. Dad’s positive attitude, motivation and perseverance continue to inspire friends and family to join with him in the fight against ALS.â€?

Brenda McDaniel, Dan’s longtime life partner, says that his laptop computer provided

Photo by Pam Rickard

Friends and family surround Dan Wright in his room at The Brian Center in Fincastle;Â Amy Rockhill, John Dezember V, Stephanie Wright, Rick Watkins, Jennifer Burnham, Tim Burnham, Brenda McDaniel, Dan Wright, Rick Cheever, Ben Davis, Ed Allen and Becky Allen.

by The ALS Association has been a “lifeline.� He even continues to coach other runners via email and keeps up with Ben and Rick’s progress daily through their web site.

Rick Watkins, Dan’s friend and former walking buddy said, “He’s grateful for all the equipment and support they have and continue to provide him, even as his own life’s race comes closer to the finish line.

But as the runner he remains and always will be, he is swept along with others in a race larger than just his own. If he can ‘carry the baton’ to cure Lou Gehrig’s Disease one step

closer to the finish line, he has done all that can be asked.�

Ben Davis’ goal is to raise $1 million by the end of his AT journey.

He said, “Remember, it is not that one person gives many dollars - but that many people give [even] one dollar.“ Visit www.2175forals.com to donate to the cause and to read more about Dan and Ben. For more information on ALS visit www.alsa.org.

By Pam Rickard pam@theroanokestar.com

11/14/08 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 3

TheRoanokeStar.com

> Ribbon Cutting

Agee elected Chair Of Healthcare Association

ity,� and predicted it would bring “economic opportunities� to Roanoke.

Heywood Fralin, involved with a trust started in his late brother Horace’s name that purchases works for the museum, called Randall Stout’s edifice at Salem Avenue and Williamson Road “the most exciting building in Virginia.�

Delegate Onzlee Ware (11th district) admitted he didn’t know much about art, but offered that “it brings people together,� and it did all day on Saturday, when museum officials said well over ten thousand showed up on the Taubman’s first day.

Executive Director Georganne Bingham admitted to being “pretty emotional,â€? about the ribbon cutting, before calling the journey to opening day “scary‌rewarding [and] exhilarating.

Appreciate what has been accomplished.� The night before Bingham prompted 1200 people to raise their glass in a toast at a sold-out benefit gala, standing atop the sweeping staircase with John Williamson, president of the Board of Trustees.

Roanoke Mayor David Bowers conceded he was a “doubting Thomas� when plans for the 66 million dollar museum were first floated,

Members of the as immediate past Virginia Hospital & chairman.

Healthcare AssociaIn remarks to the tion (VHHA) have membership, Ms. elected Nancy HowAgee stated, “Our ell Agee, executive mission and vision vice president and are clear: to improve chief operating offithe health status cer of Carilion Clinic of the communiin Roanoke, chair of ties we serve and to the association. Ms. make Virginia the Agee was honored healthiest state in Nancy Agee last week during the the nation. We will association’s 82nd face obstacles in the Annual Meeting of the Mem- coming year that will make our bership at The Homestead in goals more challenging. But toHot Springs, Virginia. She suc- gether, we can and will make ceeds Michael J. Schwartz, pres- improvements to the care we ident and chief executive officer, provide, making it more efPrince William Health System ficient and safe‌and we can in Manassas, who remains on weather any storm so long as we the VHHA Board of Directors are unified.â€?

From page 1

but said he had come around: “you’re going to love it.�

Bowers acknowledged former Mayor Nelson Harris at the start of his brief remarks, recognizing that the Taubman project took root on his watch. Architect Randall Stout, given a standing ovation for the futuristic exterior and other design features, lauded Roanoke City for its part: “what a cooperative endeavor,� said Stout, noting that the challenging project came in on schedule. The November 8 opening date was the announced target for over a year.

Governor Kaine concluded the ceremony, then walked with hundreds of others from SunTrust Plaza to the front doors of the museum, where the ribbon was actually cut.

The William Fleming Marching Band drum line led the procession up Salem Avenue. “This community has a lot of wonderful things happening right now, a true renaissance,â€? said Kaine. “The arts are important to all of us – and they need to be‌this world can always use a little more beauty and that’s what today is about.â€?

Making sure their students aren’t the last children in the woods

Inspired recently by a noted book that describes how today’s youth is losing its zeal for the outdoors to the allure of PlayStation, Ipods and cable TV, Community School has for decades sent its students out in to the wild for a weekend. Previous outings include cycling journeys and hikes to the top of Mount Rogers, Virginia’s highest peak.

Development and Marketing Director Carissa South said that last month the children were split up and sent to several locations, including Camp Bethel in Botetourt County for the younger students. Older students went to Douthat State Park, Camp Alta Mons and Watauga State Park. “We do this every fall,� said South. “It really gives them a chance to be outside for long stretches of time. They run, they use the playground equipment, they’re doing nature hikes.�

South’s own daughter took part in a scavenger hunt at Camp Bethel that relied on the senses

By Gene Marrano – how objects smelled, felt, what gmarrano@cox.net colors they were, etc. “It really just allows them to be kids outside.�

Students hunted for crawfish, salamanders and did all of the outdoor activities many associate with their own childhoods.

South suspects some parents aren’t keen on letting children out of their sight for unsupervised playtime, unlike in previous generations.

Richard Louv’s recent book Last Child in the Woods was an inspiration for Community School, an alternative education center that goes through middle school, located across from Hollins University. “You can tell – some of them [were] a little unsure when they got there [to Camp Bethel].� By the end noted South they were “slogging through the pond.�

South says Community School is working with the City to see if the Tinker Creek greenway extension planned to terminate at Carvin’s Cove can cross its campus, or connect via a spur. That might allow students to bike all the greenway to the reservoir from school property. “That’s exciting,� says South.

By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

Roanoke a Top Digital City again

Once again, the Center for Digital Government’s Digital Cities Survey has named the City of Roanoke as a Top Digital City.

Roanoke ranked first in the nation for 2008 among the cities in the 75,000 to 124,999-population category. The survey ranked Roanoke in first place in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, and 2006; fifth place in 2004 and second place in 2007.

The city’s Department of Technology and Office of Communications was involved with the recognition. This year’s ranking required entrants to complete a survey focused upon how the city utilizes technology to offer e-government services offered via the Internet, use of wireless technology, IT strategic planning, and disaster recovery capability. Roanoke’s Geographic Information Systems (GIS), use of technology within public safety applications, and infrastructure capacity stood out among the competing municipalities. Other top award winners for their population size are the City of Aurora, CO, the City of Lincoln, NE, and the City of Lynchburg. Winners will be announced during the National League of Cities 2008 Congress of Cities and Exposition in Orlando, FL, on Nov. 13.

Save your carpet!

Carpet re-stretching and repair Also new installations

Juice and healthy snacks needed for Kids CafĂŠ Dayna Palmer, who runs two community resource websites, roanokeforwomen.com and roanoke4kids.com, has also collected clothes for the needy in the past. Now she wants juice box donations – 48,000 of them in fact by the end of November for the Second Harvest Food Bank’s Kids CafĂŠ program. The Food Bank will deliver the juice boxes to Roanoke City and Roanoke County Schools, earmarked for children that qualify for reduced or free meals. “They do so much good for so many people that truly have need,â€? said Palmer of the Food Bank, located in Salem and straining Dayna Palmer to meet demand this year with the economic downturn affecting more families.

Palmer conducted the 100% juice (no Kool-Aid please) and healthy snack drive last year as well. The Southwest Roanoke County resident, who also gives individual swimming lessons, has worked out an agreement with a number of drop locations, a list available on her two websites. 48,000 juice boxes represents one month’s supply for the Kids CafĂŠ program, according to Palmer. Peanut, raisins, applesauce and other healthy, packaged snacks will also be accepted. “For three dollars they can make a difference in ten kids’ lives,â€? said

Palmer. “The more snacks we can [collect] the more of an impact we will have for these kids and the siblings they have at home.�

Ukrops is a major sponsor and a drop off point; the store on Franklin Road will hold a celebration on November 21 when the Food Bank will pick up donated goods for the Kids CafĂŠ. “I’m willing to do whatever it takes this year to get to 48,000 juice boxes,â€? said Palmer, who was disappointed that the drive didn’t come close to that goal last year.

Some children she notes, especially in the city, may not have healthy meals or snacks outside of the school environment. “They’re so, so poor‌we need more of the community to understand that there is so much need. We’re talking about kids.â€?

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By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

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Page 4 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 11/14/08

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Making room for memories: Savoring celebration

W

as it yesterday, or the day before, that your keys went missing, glasses got lost, or mind drew a blank when you tried to recall just where it was that you parked the car before making your way through the longest checkout line in supermarket history?

While it’s easy to forget things amid the jumble of daily life, especially as the holiday season approaches, it’s almost effortless to recall how deliciously inviting it felt to attend a gathering, maybe at your grandparents’ or an aunt or uncle’s house, where mugs of something wonderfully hot spiked with mulling spices were offered or freshly baked apple and pumpkin pies were served.

The ease, sense of well being, and comfort that rush back to us just by catching a whiff of a certain spice or aroma is no fluke. It may be one of the oldest and most highly valued of pleasures known to humankind. Since ancient times, humans have used spices for both sacred and practical purposes. For example, Ancient Egyptians used one of the oldest, most fragrant, and popular of all spices, cinnamon, in their embalming process. In Biblical times, cinnamon was used as a perfume in anointing oils. Medieval physicians blended cinnamon into medicines used to treat coughs and sore throats. Recognized for its preservative qualities, cinnamon also served as a fragrant, effective way to keep meat from spoiling long before refrigeration.

In the days leading up to Thanksgiving, it’s worth remembering that voyages of discovery that paved the way for this great national holiday were launched in pursuit of the very same spices used in the making of holiday dishes we look forward to sharing with loved ones today, including

pepper, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger. It’s also worth noting that science is beginning to reveal how using a sweet or savory blend of spices in cooking and baking can benefit our health, particularly as we get older. As registered dietitians and nutritionists know, substituting culinary spices and herbs for fat, sugar, or salt called for in a recipe helps in the control of chronic diseases like hypertension and diabetes. As many health professionals also appreciate, good nutrition promotes healthier aging. Maintaining good nutrition as we age may, in fact, be one of the best ways to lessen the risk of chronic disease, slow its progression, and reduce its symptoms. Better yet, blending spices into a nutritious meal, and sharing it with those who helped us create our own personal trove of deliciously inviting memories may be one of the best and healthiest ways to share a wonderful bounty of flavor and memory with everyone we treasure, not only during the holiday season, but also throughout the entire year.

Leigh Bowes

Making room for memories is a new “Guest Column” feature in the Roanoke Star Sentinel.

Send in your special “memory”- sad, happy, inspirational, hilarious or otherwise in 500 words or less including any picture that helps tell your story and we may feature it in an upcoming edition! Next week: Valerie Garner tells the story of her red hot 1967 butternut yellow Camaro. A little embarrassing now, but the love of her life at the time!

Ebay and Liddle Kiddles alleviate mid-life crisis

L

ego man turned 30 this past summer!

It’s not fair. We didn’t have Lego Man when I was a kid. I can remember when “Lego” only meant bricks, plain bricks that came in red, yellow, green or blue.

I’m older than Lego Man, and all too many of my friends are finding out. They are very nice about it, but I’m not sure why they should care that I’m in a Sunday school class labeled “born in the mid to late sixties.” I fit in just fine. Hey, nobody asked for birth certificates when I signed up. So what if the 60’s are not even my birth decade? And why does using the word “decade” makes me feel older?

SO WHAT if I am turning 50?

What’s the big deal?

What if I did go out and get the cartilage in my ear pierced a few months back? I meant to a long time ago but just never got around to it. I’m glad I did it. Really, I am. (But please don’t tell anyone in Sunday school.).

It’s a whole lot cheaper than some shiny cor-

vette convertible. college.

When I read about Lego Man turnWhich reminds me, I am nearly 50 ing 30, I felt cheated all over again. . . . But really, I don’t care.

Not only was there no Lego Man Back in those older days, kids had when I was a kid, there were no cool to use their imagination with toys sails to put on cool Lego ships; no inlike Legos. What could you do with a credibly cool Star Wars ships to build bunch of Lego bricks? I think the guys with Lego Men that actually look like built army forts. I built really cool Luke, Leia, and Hans Solo in them! digs for my…(nostalgia drum roll When my kids were little I would please)… Liddle Kiddles! debate NOT buying them Lego sets I’ve asked around among some of because I was jealous of how amazmy friends and was shocked to find Cheryl Hodges ing they were. But I bought them a lot of them didn’t get into Liddle anyway and now there are giant bins Kiddles. It turns out that many were with thousands of Legos all mixed up - stored in born in the 60’s, so what do they know? By then places in our house no one will go. the Kiddles were not just the genuine OrigiOne time I tried sorting them by color and nal Nine, but these crazy knock-off things detype. The favored batch was the Lego Man hel- signed to ride the tide of popularity and make mets. It reminded me of when, many years ago, a fast buck. Kiddles in cologne bottles, Kiddles one of our toddler’s large cheeks looked even dressed up like Halloween characters, Kiddles larger than usual. Upon inspection, we discov- every which way you could think of. ered he had stuffed bunches of Lego Man helmets But it’s those Original Nine that I loved. As in there like a chipmunk with an adult, I would sometimes keep an eye out sunflower seeds. We carefully for them at yard sales because mine were a capried each one out and were left sualty of being stored in the attic in a forgotten, to wonder how many others he unlabeled box. I went to college and didn’t give might have swallowed. I never them a second thought. How sorry I have been checked. Said child is now in about that since! I longed to hold a pristine Lola

Liddle, with her white plastic sailor’s hat and tiny sail boat. I never dreamed that one day Lego Man would turn 30 and in the meantime Ebay would pop on the scene! There are TONS of Liddle Kiddles on Ebay, which I have no clue how to use.

So I took the easy way out. I convinced my son in college to be my “Ebay Broker.”

I’d e-mail him the item number and he’d bid, all the while maintaining an intense study routine at college. Then, when he won one, I’d mail him the payment and await the coveted package.

Amazingly, for a rather modest sum, we put together a set of the Nine, which now smile at me from their spot on my nightstand.

I got to thinking, there are some second generation Kiddles I really wouldn’t mind having. Just recently I asked my Ebay Broker what he thought of a nice-looking Windy Fliddle or maybe a Sizzly Friddle?

“Mom, that’s enough! You’re done!”

Darn.

This is not a mid-life crisis. I do NOT care that I am turning 50!

Happy 30th Lego Man.

Contact Cheryl at cvhodges@aol.com

At long last - a victory that redefines us

E

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lection Day began for me on last Monday night when I was rooting against my beloved Washington Redskins. History shows that when the Redskins win their game the weekend before Election Day, the incumbent party wins the Presidency. When the Redskins lose the game before Election Day, the opposition party wins the Presidency. I was leaving nothing to chance. Go Steelers. My co-workers thought I had lost my mind.

On Election Day, my family and I got in line to vote at 6:10 A.M. I forgot my camera and my notepad. I was in such

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a hurry to vote I had forgotten the things I needed to record history. I will, however, never forget this day.

The line to vote was long when we got to Westside School.

It did not matter. I was going to stand in line all day to vote if I needed to. A one-hundred and three-year-old woman cast her vote while my family and I waited in line. When she exited the building, she got a huge ovation. She was dressed like she was going to church. Her walk told me she was as proud as any person could be on Election Day. I wanted to say something to her as she walked past me. I couldn’t speak. I was in complete and total awe of her.

Overwhelmed, actually. I didn’t know her. But, I knew her history. I wish I had brought my camera, although I would not (prefix) 60 Before By Don have been able to take her pic(prefix) 60 Before 60 Before (prefix) practical 61 Licensed practical nurse nurse ture. I was having a hard time 61 Licensed Waterfield 61 Licensed practical nurse fighting back tears.

My family and I voted at 7:40.

DOWN DOWN DOWN My youngest daughter was votdish dish 1 Luau ing for the very first time. It 1 Luau dish 1 Luau 2 Extremity was funny watching her. She 2 Extremity 2 Extremity 3 Day of the wk. was nervous since it was her of the 3 Day of the wk. wk.

3 Day 4 Lazy person first time voting. She also knew person person 4 Lazy 4 Lazy 5 Expensive jewelry especially she was making history and did Expensive jewelry especially 5 5 Expensive jewelry especially diamonds. (US slang) not want to mess up. My wife, a diamonds.

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(TVflavored dog) 10 Old Fruit dairy product 9 __ Plus, my hands were shaking.

10 Old __ (TV dog) 11 Amulet 10 Old __ (TV dog) All day Tuesday, my head 11 Amulet 13 Played Amulet 11 was telling me there is no way Played 13Resort hotel 14 13 Played Obama was going to win. I had Resort hotel 14Hoopla 16 Parent-Teacher Conferences at Resort hotel 14 Hoopla 16Harden 18 school so at least I could keep Hoopla 16 Harden 18Electrical current amount 20 track of all the election action Hardencurrent amount 18 Electrical 20 21 Focusing in on Electrical current amounton MSNBC. I knew Obama Focusing in on 21 20

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could win if his me having to say people showed up at anything for the first the polls. But, would time. When I asked they? why, one student I was a nervous said, “We are standwreck when I got ing for Obama.” I home at 6:45. My just smiled. oldest daughter I never thought had bought steaks I’d live long enough for me to cook. At to see a Black Presileast I had somedent. I had hoped it thing to do until the would happen one Jeff Artis polls closed. I can day. But, in all honcook some steaks. esty, I thought a posOutback has nothing on me. sibility of a Black President was Not on Tuesday night. I forgot a pipe dream. For the first time they were in the oven. Luckily, in my life I feel like an AmeriI had to get a cup of coffee in can, not a Black American, not the kitchen. The smoke com- an American with an asterisk ing out of the oven told me the beside his name, but an Ameristeaks were going to be a little can. I am a 100 percent, red, well-done. white and blue, American Eagle Goodlatte and Warner won flying, Fourth of July honoring, early. That was good. But, what American. It feels good. Now, about My Man? When My I know what I’ve been missing Man won Pennsylvania, I did all of these years. my “Happy Dance.” Trust me, No, racism is not dead in dancing is not part of my DNA. America. I still can’t catch a When My Man won Ohio, I cab in New York City. I’ve seen knew Obama had won. I start- and felt the hate in people’s eyes ed calling people. I called my since the election. However, SCLC friends and told them it racism is on a respirator. It was over; that, “at 9:17 P.M. Jeff should be noted that President Artis was calling the race for Obama has pledged to be the Obama. Write it down!” They President of the United States, thought I was calling the race a not the President of Black peolittle early. ple who live in America. That is When CBS finally called the the way it should be. That is the race for Obama, I broke down. way America wants it. Believe I called my Mom. I had known it or not, that is the way Black my Mom to break down only America wants it - One Nation once before, when my son under God. died. She broke down while I Man, this feels so good. was talking to her. She’s 75. I know her history, too.

Contact Jeff at The morning after election column@jeffartis.com all of my students stood for the Pledge of Allegiance without

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Feet joints 34Curious 35 Type of tooth 33 C o m mu n i t y | N ew s | Pe r s p e c t i ve Curious 35Bright 36 Feet joints 34 Bright 36 37 Official Curious 35 Official 37Kills Publisher | Stuart Revercomb | stuart@theroanokestar.com | 400-0990 38 36 KillsBright 38Weave Advertising Director | Pam Rickard | pam@theroanokestar.com | 400-0990 39 Official 37 Weave 39Cooking fat 41 Production Editor | Stephen Nelson | stephen@theroanokestar.com | 400-0990 Kills fat 38 Cooking 41Mold 43 Technical Webmaster | Don Waterfield | webmaster@theroanokestar.com | 400-0990 Mold 43High Weave 39 mountain.

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51Mr. 52 Cooking fat 41 Mr.Mold 52Single 53 43 The Roanoke Star-Sentinel is published weekly by Whisper One Media, Inc. in Roanoke,Va. Subscriptions are available Single 53New Jersey's neighbor 55 for $44 per year. Send subscriptions to PO Box 8338, Roanoke,VA 24014. We encourage letters from our readers on High mountain.

51 New Jersey's neighbor topics of general interest to the community and responses to our articles and columns. Letters must be signed and have 55Drink 56 Mr. 52 a telephone number for verification. All letters will be verified before publication.The Star-Sentinel reserves the right to Drink 56White-tailed sea eagle 57 53 Single deny publication of any letter and edit letters for length, content and style.

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55 New Jersey's neighbor 54 Loafers 56 Drink Hurt arm holder 58answers Find the online: TheRoanokeStar.com 57 White-tailed sea eagle Wetlike eyed Have a clue and answer to see? email: puzzles@theroanokestar.com 59you’d

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PersPeCtiVe

TV advertising is worse than the movies themselves

M

y wife Janet is an ardent ing the previous break. Talk about fan of horror movies. torture, where are those rusty auto During the month of Ocparts when you need them? As I tober, the ever-present howl of our contemplated the features, functions hound dogs is often overwhelmed by and benefits of "Mighty Putty" for screams and the pitter-patter of humthe fifth time in the last thirty minming chainsaws emanating from our utes, I was seized by a thought. Why television. not incorporate these "As seen on Janet is generally not a big fan of TV" products into the film? Some of television. Normally, she is a whirling these things already look like torture dervish of activity, a perpetual modevices, why not go the next step in tion machine who would shame and product placement?

Jon Kaufman tire a twelve man chain gang. HowBilly Mays, the long-standing ever, once a year Janet allows herself leather-lunged spokesperson for somewhat of a break and launches herself into most of these products, could play the smiling a world of lycanthropes, vampires and giggling villain and that cock-eyed, headset wearing carcannibalistic hillbillies. nie appearing on the "Shamwow" spots would do With an occasional detour to view the World nicely as his fiendish pitchman/henchman. Is it Series and our favorite show (The Office), my me or does that dude look like Wilhem DeFoe son and I will often join Janet, gambling our and Annie Lennox's love child? I digress. sleep plans to take part in this festival of gore.

This plan would eliminate both the need for Janet is unfazed by the most grizzly of scenes, commercials and would demonstrate the produndaunted by the mayhem created by the sick- ucts in ways that most people might not have est minds in show business. Following a few of ever considered. "Grab-it Screw Extractor" sales these productions I laid wide-eyed in my bed, would go through the roof! Image how fresh imagining that the bed-side lamp was glaring at those cannibal hillbillies could keep their guests me and, somehow, meant me harm. if they had a set of Chef Tony's "Smart Lids" vac(Note: As a child, after watching Alfred Hitch- uum lids. And, as they say on the commercial cock's "Psycho" alone one night, I hurled a lamp "AND THAT"S NOT ALL!". Hannibal Lechter at my bedroom door sensing that I was not alone himself could offer a free recipe book with evin the room. As it turned out, I had merely seen ery "Pancake Puff " and "Slider Station" cooking myself in the mirror affixed to my door and had system if interested consumers acted within the attacked my own reflection. This incident also next fifteen minutes. The opportunities are endexplains the poor run of luck which I have expe- less! rienced since.)

Like many of my great ideas, I am sure this During Janet's demented film jubilee, we were project is already in development somewhere on treated to screenings of Saw 1, 2, and 3 back-to- Madison Avenue. Just think, if Freddy Kruger back-to-back. For those of you who have not had been fortunate enough to have a "Pedipaws been exposed to this trilogy, the plot revolves Pet Nail Trimmer" to tidy up those claws back in around a madman who kidnaps tortures and the day, his nightmare might have been a whole executes his victims by the use of "Rube Gold- other dream entirely. Sadly, we might never berg" type of devices. If you remember the old know. board game "Mousetrap" imagine the sequence If you are interested in hearing more about of traps that needed to be sprung to snare the this revolutionary marketing concept, please plastic mouse, then gently replace the mouse send a self-addressed stamped envelope to Box with a person who, instead of being trapped by 2991 Radio City Station, New York, New York a plastic cage, is disemboweled by a mechanized 10101, or simply return the unread portion of collection of rusty auto parts. this article for a full refund. Operators are standDuring the breaks in the film, we would be ing by. assaulted by the same collection of "As seen on Contact Jon at TV" commercial spots that we had seen durJon.Kaufman@sprint.com

L

Gun ownership and the Obama presidency

Sometimes even a Land Rover is not quite enough

R

ecently I participated in a crazy and brutal bicycle race on the fire road that winds up to the summit of Poor Mountain. The race started at Camp Roanoke and ended seven miles later at the very top. It was awful. The race reminded me of my old 1973 Land Rover, because the last time I was on that steep rock-strewn dirt road was on a freezing cold winter day, and six of us got kind of – well – very stuck in the heavy snow that reversing up the mountain tracks here!” He was down the high on the mountain.

Recalling “Elsa”, as we called was not feasible; we were com- mountain a bit, in front of the the Rover, brings back many mitted to going down. Our as- Rover, and sure enough, about good and otherwise interest- sumption had been that it would 300 ft. down the road were biging adventures -and not just in get easier as we descended the tired vehicle tracks, and they driving it places. On one par- seven miles to the valley. Well, told the story of someone getticularly cold and snowy winter not exactly. At this latest im- ting to that point, hitting the day, Elsa was in her element as passe, my crew jumped -actu- mammoth drifts and then turnfive friends and family piled ally they just stiffly got out- and ing around. If we could make it into the Land Rover with me started pushing as I wrestled to those tracks we could make it and up Bent Mountain we went. with the gears and clutch, trying down the mountain and out of We had a wonderful assortment to make forward progress down here. The optimism meter went of sleds and skis on the roof. We the mountain. Down to civili- up and we renewed our efforts were ready for anything - al- zation, down to heaters, food, at getting Elsa to that point, most. After reaching the sum- warm dry clothes. But we were through a football field of 5-foot mit we decided to go higher, to out-foxed by the huge drifts. We drifts.

The technique that finally the crest of Poor Mountain. The couldn’t go up and we couldn’t go down.

We were brought success was me at the snow was deep and stuck big time. helm, two pushing from beElsa labored, but a Some of us ofhind, and the three other stalfew 4WD trucks had fered up wisecracks wart workers digging away at already broken a path to keep up morale, the drift s with gloved hands through the snow and but nobody felt so and much vigor.

Progress was that helped. A few good at that point.

In slow, but progress nonetheless. hours spent sledding fact our buddy Hugh We labored for what seemed and skiing on top of had a nasty cold and like hours, pushing through the the mountain and wasn’t saying much. frontier, until we finally emerged we had had enough.

He looked kind of onto the packed tire tracks. My Time to go home like “death warmed exhausted crew howled in celeand get warm and John W. Robinson over,” come to think bration, and we eventually made cozy. It was getting of it. Everybody was it, not just down the mountain, dark, and colder by the minute. thinking the same thing, that is, but home to warm and dry and Piling into Elsa with the attenit looks like we’re going to spend cozy.

Come to think of it, dant crust of snow covering our the night up here and that’s the bike race up the mountain clothes, we headed down the not good.

We stomped around really wasn’t so bad. mountain. At the intersection in the snow, in the increasing where the dirt fire road emergContact John at es, not far below the summit, I cold and the waning light, and Billy yelled, “Hey there are truck jwr77@verizon.net paused. “Let’s go down this way.

It’ll be fun” There could well have been a voice of reason and dissent, but I don’t remember it now. So grinding down the untracked, snow-covered dirt road we went. That’s right, untracked. %NJOY -AINTENANCE &REE No one had been through there, and the snow was very deep and ,IVING !T 4HE 0ARK /AK 'ROVE drifted. But hey it’s all downhill 2ETIREMENT #OMMUNITY 2ETIREMENT #OMMUNITY and we’re in a Land Rover. So, no worries – right?

Wrong.

It didn’t take long before we )NDEPENDENT ground to a halt. It seems that !SSISTED ,IVING the deep snow was overwhelmExceptional Dining, 3 Meals Daily ing the Rover’s capabilities and, Weekly Housekeeping & Linen Laundry Service even downhill, forward prog24 Hour On-Site Wellness Staff ress was a slow grind-and-go Medication Administration and Monitoring Licensed Nurse on Each Shift proposition. Everyone was cold Personalized Care in Your Own Private Apartment and wet –the little heater working overtime- and the fun factor gauge was dipping significantly towards “N” as in “NOT much fun anymore.”

Then we came to a long, straight stretch into which the northwest wind had drifted the (540) 989-9501 snow dramatically, into huge www.parkoakgrove.com • mbelfiore@parkoakgrove.com white waves. We lurched to a 4920 Woodmar Drive SW • Roanoke VA 24018 stop. We had earlier discovered

aws that forbid the carrying on firearms and ammunition by 500 of arms...disarm only those percent who are neither inclined nor Chicago Defender, 12/13/99 determined to commit crimes...Such Obama said during the campaign laws make things worse for the as“even if ” he wanted a total gun ban, saulted and better for the assailants; he wouldn't have the votes in Conthey serve rather to encourage than gress to get it passed. to prevent homicides, for an unarmed “Even if ”? man may be attacked with greater Even though Republicans are in confidence than an armed man.” the minority, could we rely on them -- Thomas Jefferson to stop outright bans, excessive taxThere have been numerous rees, and new registration schemes if Brian Gottstein ports in the local news this past they used the filibuster? Pratt said week about people stocking up on guns and that during his many years working with Conammunition as they fear gun bans may be im- gress, he has too often seen the Republican minent with the upcoming Democrat control leadership afraid to stand up for the Constituof Congress and the White House and with the tion -- specifically the Second Amendment -soon-to-be liberal-controlled Supreme Court. because the leadership is always worried they While there are still guns available, area gun will be demonized in the media. stores have told me they are having shortages.

So, with anti-gun zealots in the majority and Are people’s fears justified? What is the fu- little opposition from the minority party, the ture of gun ownership in an Obama presiden- future for the Second Amendment looks grim. cy? This week, I was at a meeting with Larry A trend has begun where our leaders refuse to Pratt, executive director of Gun Owners of uphold the very Constitution they swore an America, where he gave his take. oath to protect. They destroyed our right to He believes there will be a renewal and pos- own private property with the Supreme Court’s sible expansion of the Clinton gun ban, but Kelo decision three years ago. Now they are not during Barack Obama's first two years in going after our right to protect ourselves from office, because Obama doesn't want to make violent predators and tyrants. One can only the same mistake Bill Clinton did. According wonder which right will be the next to go. to Pratt, Clinton more than once admitted that the reason Democrats lost control of Congress Contact Brian at only two years into his administration is bebgottstein1@yahoo.com cause he had pushed through the ban, which had angered many Americans.

Pratt does, however, think that there will be excessive taxes on guns and ammunition imposed in the near term to make gun ownership cost prohibitive (some proposals have pushed 500 percent and 1000 percent taxes).

In addition, the new President’s past voting record and public statements may give us a clue as to what else we might expect from him. According to research done by the National Rifle Association: Obama voted to ban hundreds of rifles and shotguns, as well as almost all rifle ammunition, commonly used for hunting and sport shooting Illinois Senate, SB 1195, 3/13/03 United States Senate, S. 397, vote 217, 7/29/05 Obama endorsed a ban on all handguns Independent Voters of Illinois/ Independent Precinct Organization Independent living is about being exactly who you are. Maybe you stand out from the general candidate questionnaire, crowd. Maybe you easily fit in. Maybe you’re up all day moving and going. Or maybe 9/9/96 you enjoy a quiet afternoon with a good book. No matter who you are, Friendship Politico, 03/31/08 Obama voted to allow the prosecuIndependent Living™ is a great place to live. Because we take care of the chores, so tion of people who use a firearm for you can do whatever it is you like to do. Now that’s living. self-defense in their homes Friendship does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, or age in admission, Illinois Senate, S.B. 2165, vote 20, treatment, or participation in its programs, services and activities, or in employment. For further information about this policy, 3/25/04 contact the Corporate Compliance Officer (540) 265-2222.

Obama supported increasing taxes

Independent.

11/14/08 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 5

4IRED /F 4HE 3AME /LD !UTUMN #HORES

Living.

(540) 265-2230

|

www.friendship.us

Page 6 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 11/14/08

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Contact Tom Branch or Mike Branch From page 4552 Franklin Road, S.W., Roanoke, Virginia 24014

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and Roanoke’s “rich urban complexity.”

Some of the many roof peaks were designed he noted, “to create a dialogue er at Palmer Hollins at Palmer withAvenue the802 mountains.”

The glass and er Hollins 802 Kerns Business Center Kerns Avenue Business Center 802 Kerns Avenue Hollins at Palmer 24 acres For Sale or said Lease Stout, “a living room 24 acres s steel lobby is, For Sale or Lease For Sale or Lease Build toCenter Suit to Business Suit 100,000 sq ft 100,000 sq ft it WillBuild Will Subdivide Subdivide 100,000 ft city.” forsqthe 24 acres e Build to Suit Executive director Georganne BingWill Subdivide ham said Stout designed the building 20 Jubal Early Hwy - 2,873 sq. ft. “from the inside out,” making it “eas1.25 acres / corner lot ily programmable and operationally Intersection of Rt. 116 & 122 Bennington Street 2173 Bennington Street efficient.” Stout’s design, added BingBuck Mountain Road erland Road / Rt. 116 Buck Mountain Road at Riverland Road / Rt. 116 4.45 acres New Retail Center New Retail Center acres ham, “ 4.45 assures that we will meet our Contact Tom Branch or Mike Branch Zoned C2 square feet2,000 available Zoned C2 square feet available q ft sublease available 4552 Franklin Road, S.W. , Roanoke, Virginia 24014 goals.” She also called him “one of the 2,725 sq ft sublease available et Ph: 540-774-1208 | Fax: 540-774-1359 | Email: bmc@branchmgt.com greatest architects of our time.”

Buck Mountain Road hired to fill the nine galler6 The man 2173 Bennington Street 4.45 acres er ies seconded that notion: “What RanRiverland Road / Rt. 116

Old Rocky Mount Road 4.9 acres Great office location

Peters Creek Road 10 acres Build to Suit Wil Subdivide

2173 Bennington Street at Riverland Road / Rt. 116 New Retail Center 2,000 square feet available 2,725 sq ft sublease available

Buck Mountain Road 4.45 acres Zoned C2

1354 8th Street 26,000 sq ft available Will Subdivide

Blue Ridge Drive 3.236 acres Build to Suit Will Subdivide

Old Rocky Mount Road 4.9 acres Great office location

Peters Creek Road 10 acres Build to Suit Will Subdivide

Zoned C2

e New Retail Center e Blue Ridge Drive feet available 000 square 3.236 acresBlue Ridge Drive 3.236 acres 25 sqBuild ft sublease available to Suit Will Subdivide

1354 8th Street 26,000 sq ft available Will Subdivide

d s it e

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3.236 acres Build to Suit Will Subdivide

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Old Rocky Mount Road 4.9 acres

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Old Rocky Mount Road

1354 8th Street   Great office location 4.9 acres 26,000 sq ft available    Great office location   1354 8th Street Will Subdivide       26,000 sq ft available       Will Subdivide      

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Old Rocky Mount Road 

Old Rocky Mount Road  Great office location 4.9 acres  

Great office location 

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                                

By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

4.9 acres

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Peters Creek Road 10 acres Build to Suit Will Subdivide

4.45 acres Zoned C2

1354 8th Street 26,000 sq ft available Will Subdivide

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Build to Suit Will Subdivide

Peters Creek Road 10 acres Peters Creek Road Build to Suit 10 acres Will Subdivide Build to Suit Will Subdivide Blue Ridge Drive

e s it e

former Seinfeld producer will help create.

During the walk-and-talk tour Stout pointed out that the gallery spaces get smaller on the second floor, with other “subtle changes from room to room.” The modern art gallery employs a variety of ceiling heights and is “com802 Kerns Avenue pletely Forasymmetrical.”

Sale or Lease Stout said sq heft was “elated” that many 100,000 were finally realizing the relationship he was trying to create between the museum and its surroundings, those “important connections to the community from the inside out.”

In the end Stout hopes that visitors have a gut feeling, one that tells them “this is a special place. It sets up a frameworkBuck for aMountain new way Road of thinking…a new

pathway.” As for his own gut feeling, Stout said he was “uplifted,” especially when considering the programming and goals set forth by the Taubman Museum of Art. “The architecture is completely supporting of that - and that’s what makes me happiest.”

New works announced: before Randall Stout’s tour The Taubman Museum of Art unveiled two new American paintings, Thomas Hart Benton’s The Cotton Picker and Emil Carlsen’s The Leeds Jug. The acquisition of the works (both painted in the early-mid 1900’s) was made possible by the Horace G. Fralin Charitable Trust.

“We are delighted to add these two notable works to the museum’s American collection,” said John Williamson, president of the museum’s Board of Trustees. “The Cotton Picker and The Leeds Jug are extraordinary additions to what is already a major strength of our permanent collection.”

The works were presented by Heywood Fralin, trustee of the Horace G. Fralin Charitable Trust, to celebrate the inauguration of The Horace G. and Ann H. Fralin Center for American Art, an interdisciplinary research and programming center at the Taubman “that will encourage the study of American art and offer programs that foster the enjoyment and understanding of American art and enrich the experience of the museum’s visitors,” according to a museum news release.

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

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

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

North Cross wins; will play for state title

sPorts

After beating Isle of Wight Academy handily last Friday the North Cross School Raiders face off for a state title Photo by Bill Turner against the only team to have Fullback Brent Ring (#5) scored three touchdowns for the topped both squads on the Raiders. football field this year: Blessed Sacrament-Huguenot, which ball for North Cross. “Two a pions!” then had to scale back bested the Raiders in the days, long season, but it’s well and “figure out how to meet first game this season. Isle of worth it. I thought we had the that goal,” said Johnson.

Wight had won the last three potential.”

He noted that last Friday’s VIS Division III independent The Blessed Sacrament semifinal win euphoria would school football champion- Knights beat North Cross 17-7 be short-lived, with Blessed ships until North Cross dis- on August 29 and will host Sacrament-Huguenot loommantled them 42-25 last week the Raiders this Friday night ing again. “You can enjoy it on the Raider’s home turf. for the VIS D-3 champion- for a couple of days and then Raiders fullback Brent Ring ship. Ring said North Cross is you get to work. You’d betscored three touchdowns and ready. “All the coaches know ter play good. [Coach] Mike helped spring tailback Tyler exactly what we have to do to Henderson does a super job; Caveness for 196 yards rush- make good adjustments from they’re well prepared. They’re ing against Isle of Wight. “It’s the first game of the season.” fun to play.” been a long time coming, a lot Second year head coach Johnson will see how much of hard work,” said Ring, who Lee Johnson joined his play- fun it was to play the Knights also wrestles Local and plays base- ers as they raised helmets at again after this Friday’s final Crossword 11/14/2008 mid-field after beating Isle of on Blessed Sacrament’s home Wight. “I can’t describe it. If field. “We have a hard playing P A T B I D F O R U M Y U C K Y you could bottle this stuff up football team,” said a jubilant C R I M E A O M E L E T and sell it you could retire Johnson, “I don’t want to play S H E L O G D A G early. We worked hard. In the us…I love our guys to death.”

P A S V A D U Z L Y E C O M O R O S E E L A R C end we wore them out on the M O B I L E T O W A R D offensive line. Brent came up M A P A R T M A D C A P S I R E N S huge in the fullback spot.”

By Gene Marrano W O N A G R O U N D O L D For about a week in training gmarrano@cox.net E L K E Y I N G T A I camp the Raiders broke hudI L L B A L A Y E I D L E R S R E A S O N dle by chanting “state chamSolution:

S L I N G P R E

T E A R Y L P N

11/14/08 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 7

Photos by Bill Turner

PH football team takes the field for senior day (Above). PH kicker #66 Edwin Pena (Right) connects on a 24-yard field goal for the Patriots. The Patrick Henry defense brings down Fleming running back LaCalvin Hickman (#7) (Left), who had 195 yards on the day.

Fleming wins easily on way to playoffs: it might have been Senior Day for the Patriots but the designated home team got no love from William Fleming on Saturday.That’s because the Colonels, on their way to the playoffs, drubbed intra-city rival Patrick Henry 41-11. PH will stay home with a 1-9 record, 0-5 in the Western Valley District. Fleming (9-1, 5-0) will host a Group AAA Northwest Region Division 5 playoff against Liberty-Bealeton this Saturday (2 p.m.) at the PH field. LaCalvin Hickman led the way for the Colonels with 195 yards rushing against the Pats, which had a rushing star of its own in Xavier Hardy (126 yards).

Colonels crush Patriots, clinch District Championship

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The William Fleming Colonels rushed for over 300 yards en route to a 41-11 dismantling of the Patrick Henry Patriots on Saturday at Patrick Henry High School. The win clinched the Western Valley District Championship for the Colonels, who also secured a home game on Saturday against Liberty-Bealeton in the first round of the Northwest Regional playoffs.

“We just couldn’t get them off the field,” Patriots Coach Bob Gray said. “They spread us out and then ran the ball, and we couldn’t stop it.

Fleming jumped out to an early 7-0 lead after Deonta Hardy ran for a score on the Colonel’s first possession of the game. Patrick Henry re-

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sponded with a solid drive of their own, culminating in an Edwin Pena 24-yard field goal to cut the Colonels’ lead to 7-3.

But the Colonels would grab the momentum for good on the ensuing kickoff, which A.J. Johnson returned over 80 yards for a score. “That was a big turning point in the game,” Gray said.

For the rest of the game, the Colonels punished the Patriots with their relentless rushing attack. Senior tailback LaCalvin Hickman ran for nearly 200 yards and two touchdowns for the afternoon, and quarterback Derek Brown added a rushing touchdown

that gave the Colonels an insurmountable 27-3 halftime lead.

Despite the defensive struggles, the Patriots’ offense had some success on the day, as the team continued to adjust in the new single-wing offense installed at the beginning of the season. Tailback Xavier Stanley rushed for just over 125 yards and a score for Patrick Henry.

Fleming was too much to handle in any case: “top to bottom, they’re the best team we have played all year,” Gray said of the Colonels. “They have a real chance to be successful in the playoffs.”

The loss dropped the Patri-

ots to 1-9 on the season, and the team finished winless in Western Valley District play.

But Gray remains focused on the positives.

“We’re a better team now than we were in August,” he said. “We’ve laid a good foundation here, and both our midROA dle school and JV hadTHE winning records this year. The desire is there, we just have to continue to get better.”

The Colonels (9-1, 5-0) look to extend their season with a win on Saturday against Liberty-Bealeton. Kickoff is scheduled for 2pm.

By Matt Reeve Matt@theroanokestar.com

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Page 8 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 11/14/08

Northside football moves on Coach Burt Torrence knew going in to last week’s playoff game with Stuarts Draft that it would take a team effort for Northside (6-5) to knock off the Cougars (5-6). That is exactly what he got in a 24-8 victory last Friday at Viking Stadium. “We played well all across the board and held them to 150 total yards,” said Torrence. In securing their first playoff victory since 2000, the Vikings “performed at a high level.” Torrence further noted, “They did some things we hadn’t seen on film but we adjusted on the fly.”

The win set up a meeting this Friday with the top ranked team in Group AA, the Brookville Bees (10-0) in Lynchburg. Coach Jeff Woody’s team is led by quarterback Logan Thomas. Torrence refers to the Bees as having “lots of playmakers,” in addition to

Send sports pictures, announcements and story ideas to info@theroanokestar.com Hidden Valley’s Tori Hodges (Left) checks under the net as #8 Kimberly McDow sets for a Knight hit.

Titans senior #7 Kathryn Reichel (Right) rejects a Turner Ashby shot.

Thomas and points out, “they are a complete team - a really good athletic team. They execute up front as well as any team we’ve seen.”

Torrence has seen Brookville play on a few occasions this year and knows what the Bees, especially Thomas, can do on the offensive side. It will take another total team effort to dispatch Brookville; however, Torrence feels he has a good game plan that gives the Vikings a good chance for a victory.

The motto for Northside’s football team this season has been “finish the game.” With the improvement the Vikings have shown from week to week they may not be ready to finish their season this Friday.

Photos by Bill Turner

For the first time in the school’s six-plus year history the Hidden Valley Titans have advanced to the Group AA volleyball high school Final Four in Richmond. Hidden Valley plays a Friday semifinal against a squad they know very well – the Salem Spartans. The Titans knocked off Turner Ashby at home on Tuesday to advance. “This was a total team effort. It shows the results of having our goals being met," said head coach Carla Ponn Poff. "This type of match indicates how tough our district [River Ridge] is and the advantage of playing teams like Cave Spring and Salem"

By David Abraham info@theroanokestar.com

Titans knock out all the Knights The Hidden Valley High school volleyball team seems to be unstoppable when it matters most. After taking down the Cave Spring Knights in the semi-finals of the regional playoffs, becoming champs for the second time in as many years, they had another Knights team to face in the first round of the state tournament. No problem there: Hidden Valley now 23-4, defeated the Turner Ashby Knights 24-4 Tuesday night. The Titans are now in the state championship semifinals in Richmond at the Siegel Center on Friday 3p.m. against Salem 22-4. They beat the Spartans in the Region IV championship and now have a chance to do it again this Friday.

Titans Junior Samantha Klostermann has been on fire in the post season and will have to continue, if Hidden Valley wants to bring the state title back this weekend. Klostermann had a team high 14 kills against Turner Ashby and drilled the ball practically every time. Senior Eva Delaney set her up and had 32 assists. “The game went really, really well and our defense played great,” said Klostermann. “We just worked it together and had a really strong offense.”

“We’re very excited to go to Richmond,” added Klostermann.

“We have all worked so very hard for this and now it’s paying off.

Cave Spring was a big win [in the regionals] and boosted our confidence up a lot.”

Sarah Church had 10 kills against Turner Ashby: “We came out and played our game. It really hasn’t sunk in yet, but we have worked so hard for this. I’m so excited right now. We just have to stay level headed and calm going into the semis and play our game the whole way through.”

The Titans are a mirror of their coach, Carla Ponn Poff, strong and calm under pressure. “We have in the past few games really tried to focus on our game,” said Ponn Poff. “Everyone has really done a great job. At this point it’s more of the mental strengths than the physical part and that’s what were focusing on now. No matter who we play we just need to control our side of the net and take it one step at a time.”

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By Jason Hawes jasonhawessports@gmail.com

over 625 pounds of pet food a week to pets of economically-challenged citizens, and seniors in our valley. So people and their pets can stay together.

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11/14/08 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 9

TheRoanokeStar.com

Community Calendar

> Nov. 15

Discovering Family Roanoke Public Libraries invite you to ‘Discovering Family - An Appreciation of the SouthwesternVirginia Genealogical. Society on Saturday, November 15. Members of SVGS will be on hand to help you find your inner genealogist. Other activities include exploring volunteer opportunities, learning about the benefits of joining SVGS and seeing the treasures of the Virginia Room.This event is free and refreshments will be served.

When - 1:30 - 4:00 p.m.

Where - Virginia Room, Roanoke Main Public Library.

For more-contact the Virginia Room at 540-853-2073

> Nov. 17

RAM Fundraiser Roanoke Area Ministries (RAM) staff and volunteers are working with the P. Buckley Moss Society, selling raffle tickets to win a framed, remarqued P. Buckley Moss print.The print is valued at $1,076. The drawing will be held November 17, 2008. A Raffle can be purchased for $1 each, or 6 for $5. All proceeds go to RAM. For more- to purchase tickets, please call 777-3681

> Nov. 21 & 22

Northside Middle School PTA Annual Spaghetti Dinner and Craft Show Friday, Novemebr 21, 5 p.m. - 9 p.m., Craft Show. Spaghetti Dinner, 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Saturday 22, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Craft Show, light refreshments, door prizes & silent auction.

More crafters welcome, call NMS at 561-8145.

For more- call Sheree Anderson at 366-7048.

Compost Workshop The Roanoke Community Garden Association would like to announce a compost workshop Saturday, November 22 When - 1:00pm.

Where- The workshop will be held at one of the RCGA plots at 655 Highland Av SE.

> Nov. 21-24

Grandin Court Elementary Book Fair Come join for a coffee and tea tasting, musical performances by Beggars’ Circus, Bill Lininger, Stacy Hobbs, Cyrus Pace and Second Wynde. We have authors Leonard Adkins, Nelson Harris, Chris Manning, Tristan Perry and Scott Reighard available for book signing. “Minds in Motion” students will be performing as well as Fourth Grade Spanish students and the Grandin Court Children’s Choir. Storytimes with teachers and student artwork will be displayed throughout the store.

Where- Tanglewood Barnes & Noble

> Nov. 22

Annual Grandin Village Holiday Children’s Parade The Grandin Village Business Association is sponsoring the Annual Grandin Village Holiday Children’s Parade, Saturday November 22nd. Held the Saturday before Thanksgiving each year, this is a neighborhood favorite and includes Santa on a Fire Engine and much more.

No registration is required to participate and children of all ages are welcome. If you’d like to enter a float, come to the parking lot of Christ Lutheran Church between 10:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. As this is a children’s parade, only small floats will be allowed (wagons, etc). No motorized vehicles, please. Scout groups, dance groups and baton twirlers are encouraged to participate as well. If music is needed for this type of group, then a motorized vehicle will be allowed for that purpose.

Boy Scout Troop 8 will be collecting canned goods for charity so please bring a donation.

When - 11 a.m.

Where - The parade starts at Christ Lutheran Church (2011 Brandon Ave) on the corner of Grandin Road & Brandon Avenue and proceeds through Historic Grandin Village, ending at Mick or Mack (1312 Winborne St.) Concert with Jim Malcolm The Scottish Foundation presents in Concert JIM MALCOLM performing the Songs of Robert Burns in celebration of Burns’ 250th anniversary. Jim is from Perth Scotland.

When - Doors open at 7pm and concert is at 7:30 pm. Cost - Tickets at the door-SFVH and CPC members & seniors $12, non-members $15, students $8, and under 10 free.

Where - Colonial Presbyterian Church, 3550 Poplar Drive, Roanoke VA 24015.

For more - Maggie at mbrall@ jetbroadband.com or Charlene at cdhut@aol.com 540-9822430

> Nov. 25

Open Projector Night n November 25, the historic Grandin Theatre will continue this trend of reinvigorating the valley’s arts scene with its fourth Open Projector Night. This event, held quarterly at the theatre in Raleigh Court, is open to the public and will consist of a screening of short films made by local filmmakers.

However, Open Projector Night is more than just an exhibition of local artistic talent.

Audience members are invited to give feedback and choose a crowd favorite, which will then be screened at the annual Best of Open Projector Night Showcase in December.

When - 7 p.m.

Where - Grandin Theatre Cost - Tickets are $5.75

For more www.grandintheatre.com

> Dec. 6

Gift of Art Show You can solve some of your holiday gift problems at the “Gift of Art” show and sale to be held on Saturday, December 6. Sponsored by the League of Roanoke Artists, the show will feature original work by its local artist members available at a wide range of prices.

When - Noon until 5:00 p.m.

Where - Brambleton Center, 3738 Brambleton Avenue, Roanoke.

For more-call Mary Buck Bryant at (540)427-3869. .

The Christmas List Show will feature hand painted gourds, wooden items, homemade items such as fudge, apple butter and soup mixes, ornaments, bracelets of hand rolled clay beads, dog treats, purses, quilts and quilt racks, yard art, and more. All crafted by local craftsmen and artists. There will be a concession stand selling hot dogs with 50% of proceeds going to St. Francis of Assisi.Admission and parking are free.When - 9 a.m. - 4 p.m..

Where - Taylor Masonic Lodge on Texas street in Salem, behind the Salem football stadium

> Dec. 20

Christmas at Hillbilly Hidea-way The Singles Travel Club (couples welcome too!), is sponsoring a bus trip to Christmas at the Hillbilly Hide-a-way, Walnut Cove, NC, on Saturday, December 20, 2008.

Prior to dinner, the group will visit Church of the Talking Mural and have refreshments there.

They will also visit Madison Dry Goods, a historic country store and museum in Madison, NC. At the Hillbilly Hide-a-way, the group will feast on a family style meal consisting of such foods as: fried chicken, meat loaf, country ham, barbeque ribs, pinto beans, potatoes, green beans, creamy corn, slaw, cooked apples, banana pudding, cake, cobbler, bread, tea, coffee and sodas. After dinner, there is a three hour music show of country, bluegrass and gospel music in the music hall.

Cost - $69 per person includes: Roundtrip motorcoach transportation, visit to Church of the Talking Mural and refreshments there, a visit to Madison Dry Goods, an all inclusive Family Style Meal at Hillbilly Hide-a-way, a three hour music show and a tour host.

Where - Passengers can board the bus at the Bonsack Walmart, Route 460,Troutville; at Hunting Hills Lowes, Route 220, Roanoke; and at Food Lion, Rocky Mount,VA. For more- call (540) 366-2888.

Have an item for the calendar? email it to submissions@theroanokestar.com

Preacher’s Corner Thanksgiving as a way of living

Classifieds

> Wanted Jukeboxes Paying cash for old jukeboxes, Wuritzer, Seeburg, Rockola Or Ami.Any Condition. Need model number on back. Call Larry 540-314-3659 > Help Wanted

After School Program Coordinator Part time elementary coordinator for Presbyterian Community Center after school program. Requirements: combination of education, experience equivalent to bachelor degree in counseling, education, childhood development or related field. Experience working with at-risk children preferred. Resume to: PCC, 1228 Jamison Avenue, Roanoke, 24013 and/or call 540-982-2911 for Tom MacMichael pathways@pccse.org Part-time Dining Room Assistant Are you looking for a part-time position with great hours in a professional work environment? Shenandoah Life has an opportunity for you. We are seeking a high-energy, customer focused, individual to join our Corporate Services staff. This individual will assist the dining room staff with the preparation of food services.

Qualified candidates must have a desire to provide quality customer service and have good communications skills. Candidate must be able to lift up to 25+ lbs and stand for long periods of time. Previous experience with or knowledge of food service is preferred.

Part-time hours: 20-25 hours a week between hours 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. with regular hours of 8:001:00 p.m. Starting salary $10 + 401K benefits.

If customer service is your priority and have a strong work ethic, submit your resume today to: Shenandoah Life Insurance Company,Attn: HR Job # 1030-07, PO Box 12847, Roanoke,VA 24029, Fax: (540) 857-5915 or Email: human.resources@shenlife.com. or visit our website at www.shenlife. com.We are pleased to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Research Technician Research Technician for Aerial Operations sought by Summit Helicopters, Inc. Pilot a helicopter to spray herbicides for the forestry, utility, and natural resources industries in its Cloverdale, VA office. Qualified candidates will have a Bach’s in Bio Aeronautics, Aeronautical Engin or related and 6 mnths of rltd exp, including organizing and planning agricultural aircraft operations and will have FAA comm pilots license and at least 250 hrs of flight time.

Mail CV and salary reqs to: Summit Helicopter, Inc. Ref. RK/RTAO/ JF, 595 Cougar Drive, Cloverdale,VA 24077. No calls please. Equal Op-

portunity Employer.

Branch Manager Scottrade is looking for a Branch Manager to open the new office in Roanoke. Please apply if you are customer service oriented with 3-4 years online brokerage experience.

Salary plus bonus & excellent benefits. WWW.SCOTTRADE.JOBS Administrative Assistant Local church is seeking a part time (20-25 hours) Administrative Assistent. Office and computer skills required. Call 345-1402 Data collector Position available with CoWorx Staffing Services. Position is responsible for collecting retail pricing in grocery, office, pet and mass retailer locations. Prior grocery, merchandising, inventory, mystery shopping or 10-key experience helpful. For more details concerning number of hours and pay call 1-866-744-9447 Ext. 27168. > Haiku ads Strumming a six string want to improve but need help Lessons are your hope Call Greg @ 540-354-2049 Summer-Fall tutor Enriches and reviews skills to keep learning fresh.

Call Emily 725-1464 Art Lessons private art lessons drawing ,painting and sculpture ages 6 and up call Katherine Devine 427-5919 Want to learn Chinese?

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Call Deborah, 776-3087 Children’s filled aprons, Krayon keepers, crafts, quillows...

And ‘has beens’ galore.

Emily,Vendor 1806, 725-1464, spinet Piano in excellent condition Would you like to play?

Call Peggy@342-2183 Real good condition Dot Matrix printer for sale No longer needed Call Crystal @ 989-6138 Self-defense lessons Free for women and children Fun and practical Call 345-7365 Junior Achievement Needs you to help us teach kids!

Call us now at 989-6392 For teens and adults, On-going Painting Classes, With retired artist Call Janet Wimmer, 977-1681 High school sitter need.

Afternoons, on most school days.

Nice kids. Age three, six.

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We’ll run any ad from a private party written in traditional Haiku form (5,7,5 syllabic format).

Telephone number at the end of the listing is excluded from the format requirements. Email info@ theroanokestar.com

Remember the old country doctor who came to your home?

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Dr. Michael W. Ridenhour now offers house calls for hearing evaluation and hearing aid services. If you or a loved one can’t get out and about easily, Dr. Ridenhour will come to your home and help you with your communication needs.

Don’t let yourself become isolated. Call Dr. Ridenhour’s office at 540-345-7821 and to get back into the mainstream of life. Low interest payment plans available.

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By Pastor Mark Graham

My mouth is already watering. My proverbial “last meal” would definitely include turkey and all the trimmings of a Thanksgiving feast. Honestly, I feel rather guilty that I look forward to the holiday as much for the food as for the fellowship with family and friends!

So for any number of reasons, it’s good to have the Day of Thanksgiving etched on the nation’s calendar. But it’s particularly imperative to remember that President Lincoln in 1863 established the last Thursday of each November as a day of “Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens” in the midst of the greatest crisis in our country. Even in the middle of the Civil War, Lincoln was able to count many blessings, citing them as “the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy.”

The context of Lincoln’s proclamation is important to note, I think—especially this year.

For on this 145th anniversary of that first Thanksgiving, we find ourselves in the midst of yet another time of national crisis. Some of us are staring down the possibility of job loss.

Some of us have loved ones in Iraq or Afghani-

stan. Some of us are barely holding onto our homes and properties. Some of us are facing a troubling health issue.

But Lincoln reminds us of a telling paradox: it’s often when we’re in a time of suffering and turmoil that we’re able (and encouraged) to give thanks the most. For when things are taken away—taken in battle or by a bad economy or an illness—we suddenly are able more clearly to see what we still have. God still sends a blue sky. We still have food on the table. Family and friends still care and lend support. Hope still springs eternal.

Thanksgiving then becomes a way of living, a way of looking at our lives and the world around us each day—regardless of the circumstances— and offering “Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens.”

Ironically, then, this year, we may find more to be thankful to God for, than ever before.

Mark Graham is Senior Pastor at St John’s Lutheran Church located at 4608 Brambleton Avenue in Roanoke (24018). Visit them on the web at: www.stjohnlutheran.org

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Valley Business

Page 10 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 11/14/08

TheRoanokeStar.com

CertaPro franchisee in Stan Breakell receives state conservation award Roanoke says economic news not all bad

During these increase in business trying economic since his opening, times and real esand has expanded tate slump, counthis business to serve less businesses Lynchburg-area resihave either closed dents as well. or downsized, and When asked how many homeowners he decided on gethave given up on ting into the business selling their homes and why he chose the for now. In addifranchising route Scott Fleming tion, according to instead of going it recent reports Roanoke-area alone, Fleming said, “I used a homes are changing hands at a franchise consultant to select much slower pace than a year the franchise that seemed to fit ago and the average price is my selection criteria and Cerdown 16 percent. taPro quickly rose to the top But one business owner that during my selection process. seems to be immune to both of I am also a partner in another these slumps is Scott Fleming, small business with my wife who is the owner of CertaPro Kelly, Dandelionfeet Inc. and Painters in Roanoke.

Dandelionfeet.com which we Scott was inspired to start started from scratch in 2004. his own business in August With two small businesses as 2007 after helping his wife start our livelihood, I chose to go her own ladies footwear store the franchise route so that I several years earlier. A former could concentrate on refining marketing officer for 18 years those processes already develwith Norfolk Southern Corpo- oped instead of having to creration, Scott found CertaPro – ate them from day one.” the only large-scale, full-time, Fleming said he expects his commercial and residential CertaPro business to continue painting business in the home to do better than expected givimprovement industry – to be en the current housing slump. an intriguing business oppor- “We specialize in residential tunity. Though the economy repainting, so as homeowners is generally weak, Fleming’s stay in their existing homes business has been anything longer the trend will be to rebut – in fact, he has seen a 73% model those homes.”

The Garden Club of Virginia honored Stanley G. ing role in implementing sustainable business and buildBreakell, president of Breakell Inc., with the prestigious ing practices both in the office and on the construction Elizabeth Cabell Dugdale Award for Conservation on site. Some of the energy saving measures include the Friday, November 7, at theVirginia Museum of Natural investment in a fleet of six Prius hybrid vehicles, one History, an affiliate of the Smithsonian, in Martinsville, of which has been converted into a Prius Plug-in HyVA. The award was presented at the Garden Club of brid Electric Vehicle; recycling on all jobsites and in the Virginia annual Conservation Forum and given to an office; retrofitting the office with a new high efficiency organization, industry or individual who is not a GCV HVAC system, low flow plumbing fixtures and switchmember for outstanding work in conservation. ing magnetic ballasts to electronic ballasts with compact In congratulatory remarks, Conservation Comfluorescent bulbs in all light fixtures. mittee Chairman Anne Doyle said of Breakell, “Your Stan Breakell Breakell’s environmental commitment has extended strong commitment to environmental stewardship is to Roanoke’s business community where he helped esevidenced through your leadership of Breakell, Inc., which truly tablish the Roanoke Business Environmental Leadership Coalisets a standard for the construction industry to follow. You are tion. Coalition members, CEO’s of the top employers in the city, to be commended and recommended as an example of a com- agreed to make sustainability a priority by monitoring their carpany that integrates environmental responsibility into a business bon footprint, examining their energy consumption and altering model.” their transportation and office practices.

Under Stan Breakell’s direction, the company has taken a lead-

ADMMicro to relocate offices to former Johnson & Johnson Innotech Building Two RoanokeBased Companies Work to Drive Region’s Economic Engine

“This move will provide much needed space for our growing company," says Don Howell, ADMMicro's president and CEO. Howell says ADMMicro, which began manufacturing its patented energy management and submetering systems in 2004, has grown from a few employees to nearly 50, with continuing growth likely.

Delta Dental of Virginia purchased the Johnson & Johnson Innotech building in March 2007. The company originally purchased an option on the factory as a potential location to consolidate its Roanoke headquarters and operations facilities. Retrofitting the manufacturing facility to office space proved not to be feasible. Delta Dental went through with the purchase as an investment and an economic development opportunity for the Roanoke Valley.

"As a technology company, ADMMicro is a great match for the Johnson & Johnson Innotech building," said Mike Wise, Vice President of Finance, Delta Dental of Vir-

ADMMicro, Inc. announced today it will move into new corporate headquarters in the former Johnson & Johnson Innotech building located near the Roanoke Regional Airport in early December.

The energy management company will take occupancy of 30,000 square feet of the 146,000-square-foot building owned by Delta Dental of Virginia beginning December 1. ADMMicro currently leases first floor office space at 111 Franklin Road, Roanoke.

The new location will provide administrative and conference space for ADMMicro's professional engineering and sales operations. It will include office space, a reception area, cafeteria and a highly specialized training facility for George B. Cartledge, Jr. received the 2008 Virginia Hospital & customers and distributors.

Healthcare Association (VHHA) Award for Excellence in Governance. The award was presented during the 82nd Annual Meeting of the VHHA Membership at The Homestead in Hot Springs, Virginia.

Cartledge, Jr., chairman of the board, Carilion Clinic in Roanoke, joined the Board of Carilion Medical Center in February 1975. It was noted that since then, he has delivered outstanding stewardship to a health system that delivers care to more than Pride, smiles and grateful thank yous took the stage beside one million patients annually.

At the ceremony it was noted that as a private businessman, American veterans Tuesday afternoon as the Vinton/Roanoke Mr. Cartledge has “brought a strong determination to apply County Veterans War Monument received a $10,000 construcbusiness principles to Carilion’s not-for-profit system of gover- tion donation from Kroger during the Veteran’s Day Celebration nance.” According to the VHHA, this thinking led Carilion to at the Vinton War Memorial.

“This monument will shine as a beacon to the land of the free seek another operating model in which Carilion could improve and the home of brave and we are grateful to be part of it,” said patient outcomes and continue to deliver care throughout the Jay Cummings, Kroger Mid-Atlantic president. “Kroger is gratecommunity. In late January 2006, Mr. Cartledge led the Caril- ful for the opportunity to give back to the community, which has ion Board of Directors in a unanimous vote to remake Carilion supported us so well for many years.”

Health System into Carilion Clinic. “In the more than 30 years The $10,000 donation by Kroger brings the total amount rethat Mr. Cartledge has been associated with governance at Car- ceived for construction of the monument to $260,000 of the ilion, he has been one of the most important visionaries in the $400,000 goal, said Jason Peters, campaign co-chair of the Vinregion during all the pivotal moments of the system’s evolution.” ton Vision Committee.

The presentation of the Kroger donation added to the festivi“All of us in Southwest Virginia are very fortunate to have the ties of the Veteran’s Day Celebration and the importance of mequality of health care available to us that generally is only availmorial and monuments was highlighted by the event keynote able in urban settings,” says Mr. Cartledge. “It is a comfort to speaker, Robert B. James, Jr. M.Ed, Vice President and Director know we have an exceptional health system here when we need of Programs for the George C. Marshall Foundation in Lexingit. I have enjoyed my small contribution to this effort.” ton, Virginia.

The Excellence in Governance Award honors persons from “Our veterans served our nation when they were called. There member hospitals or health system governing bodies who have are all kinds of monuments to them. From granite and glass, a history of making significant contributions to the health care to plain white crosses, to scholarships and a simple bouquet of field, on both a state and local level, through commitment to ser- flowers” but they all say “thank you for your service, courage, sacrifice, compassion, patriotism and loyalty.” vice and leadership.

The Veterans Monument will be called “High Ground” and

Cartledge receives award from Hospital & Healthcare Association

ginia. "It is exciting to see a local company succeed and to be able to provide a stateof-the-art facility that accommodates their growth to keep those good jobs in the community."Wise noted that Waldvogel Commercial Properties is actively marketing the world-class manufacturing facility nationally and internationally for tenants for the remaining space.

ADMMicro helps clients monitor and manage energy costs with its patented systems.

By combining submetering and energy management ca-

pabilities, ADMMicro is able to track utility consumption and enable customers to reduce their energy costs and carbon footprints.

ADMMicro's products are used at thousands of sites across the country, and clients include Target, U.S. Postal Service, DSW, and O'Reilly Auto Parts. The company will continue its manufacturing operations at six outside facilities, including three in the Roanoke area.

Monument honors service men and women and veterans

the name and design was derived from the timeless battlefield practice of soldiers seeking high ground for safety. It is unique because it will stand to honor all the men and women who served America in all wars and national emergency events, said “Bootie” Chewning, Chairperson for the Vinton Vision Committee that started the project more than two and a half years ago.

Construction of the monument will begin next month and is expected to take approximately one year.

Fundraising efforts are in full swing and citizens are invited to purchase one or more of the monument’s patio pavers in honor of a deceased veteran, someone who serves or has served, or anyone you would like to recognize. Contact Betty Kelly, 540345-3342 or Jason Peters 540-353-5963 or Mary Beth Layman, Town of Vinton, 540-983-0613 for more information on the monument.

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arts & Culture

TheRoanokeStar.com

Roanoke Arts Festival snapshots Thistledown Puppets delight Children and Parents: Saturday and Sunday at the Dumas Center on Henry Street, the Thistledown puppeteers premiered “Bull - A Puppet Musical.� Seems there was this bull that escaped when a fence was down and he ended up in LA. Then Bull was arrested in a china shop and sent back home. Now all he does is think about the city and what it had to offer - art, culture, and excitement. Other animals tried to help him, including a girl sheep that is in love with Sam the Ram, singing, “he loves me, he loves me not� while holding a daisy. You just had to be there. “Bull� is the brainchild of Hidden Valley Middle School teacher Alex Lucas and puppeteer Phillip Hatter.

Thistledown Puppets is a family-friendly puppet company dedicated to entertaining and inspiring the child in everyone. They also offer custom puppet designs and performances. For more information go to www. thistledownpuppets.com.

FiddleFest Lite at the Taubman Museum: Bluegrass jam sessions and teaching workshops filled the new Taubman Museum Theatre Sunday with instrumentals, vocals, and

songwriting. Herschel Sizemore and the Sandy Ridge Group, along with several students, rendered some toe-taping tunes.

The Sandy Ridge Group includes Mike Conner on base, Jack Blankenship on guitar, Jack’s son Spencer on mandolin, and Richard Scaggs on banjo. His son Glenn is also part of the group and plays guitar. Mike Conner is founder and organizer of FiddleFest, held every summer at Hollins University. He can also be heard hosting “FiddleFest Radio�

Sunday evenings from 5 to 7:00 PM with Jay King on The Bull, at 106.1.

A Pickin’ Party and a Bluegrass Battle of the Bands will be held November 22nd at noon at the Days Inn on Plantation Road.

The first prizewinner will be hired to perform a 45-minute show at FiddleFest 2009 and will receive $500. FiddleFest 2009 will be held at Hollins on July 31st and August 1st.

The Roanoke Arts Festival was moved in its second year to coincide with the opening of the Taubman Museum of Art but is slated for a return to early October in 2009.

11/14/08 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 11

Students from around the area sit in with the Sandy Ridge Group at Fiddle Fest lite.

Photos by Valerie Garner

Sheep In Love with Sam the Ram at Bull- A Puppet Musical (Left).

By Valerie Garner info@theroanokestar.com

Maestro David Stewart Wiley offers Leadership and Inspiration at the RSO I listen to the symphony with my eyes closed. I always have. Somehow it’s as if I will lose something – some meaning in the music – if my ears have to share the world of senses with my eyes. But my recent experience at the second Masterworks concert of the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra’s 2008-2009 season was entirely different. I couldn’t take my eyes off of the conductor, Maestro David Stewart Wiley. Whether it was standing motionless so as not to distract from the solo performances or his wonderfully expressive face and large movements as he led the 67 piece orchestra through the sounds of Shostakovich’s “victory under duress� – it was both mesmerizing and inspiring.

Prior to the performance, Maestro Wiley shared the stage with the evening’s soloists Akemi Takayama and Bernard DiGregorio for an informal conversation with patrons.

Illuminating it was. With palpable pride, he shared in the accomplishment of his concertmaster’s recent award of American Citizenship and with clever humor introduced Bernard DiGregorio, from the “country of West Virginia�. With impeccable enunciation, insightful perspective and personal connections Maestro Wiley shared the story of how the compositions we would hear came to life.

Setting the scene of the mid-1930s Russian landscape, he told the story of Shostakovich and many other remarkable artists in Stalin’s

Russia who faced challenges that many of us can’t imagine – and certainly have not had to endure. “After a performance of Lady Macbeth, Shostakovich was deemed ‘an enemy of the people’ and lived much of the rest of his life with his bags packed� he remarked, “certain that he would be taken away at any moment.�

His Symphony No. 5 recounts the drama that unfolded at the height of this era, when Stalin’s ever-watchful eye underlined both the joy and pain of the musician’s

achievements.

This 30 minute discussion was clearly not an opportunity to lecture on the intellectual aspects of symphonic composition – but rather felt like Maestro Wiley’s moral obligation to bring to life the story of how the human spirit has – and always will -- win over oppression. As if to say, be firm in your convictions, be honest in your heart and the human spirit will take care of the rest.

The first half of the concert consisted of Mozart’s Sinfonia

Concertante with lyrical solo performances filled with the lighthearted dance of Akemi’s violin strings and the soulful mourning of Bernard’s viola.

Then there was Shostakovich.

The following 50 minutes carried us on a powerful and emotional journey through the four movements of Shostakovich’ Symphony No. 5 in D Minor. “I wept the first time I heard this piece as a teenager,� said Maestro Wiley in the pre-concert Illuminations. “I had to take time to process so many layers.� And so it was with the audience present at Shaftman Hall – we are still processing. The emotional

intensity lingered in the room as Maestro Wiley’s shoulders collapsed into a bow – like an exhausted cheetah that has triumphed in the pursuit of his prey – physically depleted yet emotionally exhilarated. As with any great leader, he had seamlessly guided the musicians and audience along for this wonderful shared experience. Through the prolonged standing ovation the processing began, the depth of meaning grew and the significance of the “spirit over oppression� began to sink in.

As for me, it’s simple really; people just need to be inspired. It has never been

clearer than in recent months as we celebrated great performances at the Olympic Games, watched as citizens recognized the pride of engaging in their democracy and the inspiration that comes from triumph over adversity.

Leadership -- the kind that inspires high art or the kind that infuses promise and possibility in to the human spirit – is a treasure. I saw it first hand at as I watched Maestro Wiley and his spectacular orchestra. I am just glad my eyes were open.

By Stephanie Koehler info@theroanokestar.com

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