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November 28, 2008

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Its not your parent’s Roanoke any more

[Holiday Ballet]

SVB Nutcracker returns

From the news editor

Chinese Lessons

What’s going on in Roanoke?

What with world-class art museums going up, retro-looking trolley buses running up Our Take and down Jefferson St. to the Carilion Clinic from the market area, big renovation plans in the works for Center in the Square and a City Market building makeover on the horizon, downtown Roanoke is not the same place it was a decade or so ago.

That’s good. There are now more signs of life at night and on the weekends in Roanoke and not just from those out for an evening of carousing at Corned Beef. And downtown now stretches past the city market area, past the courthouse and municipal buildings, to the Jefferson Center, the Kirk Family YMCA, Ed Walker’s new music bistro on Kirk Avenue and the funky Water Heater venue on 5th Street Southwest.

P3– Sandra Carter discovers fresh new perspective on a recent trip to Shandong Province, China

[

Jon Kaufman

High Winds

P4– Jon Kaufman discovers that Roanoke has its own New York-style wind tunnel.

Hokie Hockey P8– The Virginia Tech hockey team continues to score big on the ice in Roanoke.

Urban Effect P10– Nathan Harper earns a winning spot in “Roanoke Urban Effect 2008.�

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Eric Canfield and SVB dancers during the “Russian� scene of the performance.

Becky Munson stars as Sugar Plum Fairy Southwest Virginia Ballet (SVB) will perform The Nutcracker at the Roanoke Civic Center Saturday, December 13 at 7:00 pm, and Sunday, December 14 at 3:00 pm. “With more than 150 performers, this is likely the largest Nutcracker cast ever for SVB,� said Mike Lawson, SVB Executive Director. “The performance will include some new choreography and a surprise addition this year. The Nutcracker is truly a wonderful experience and we are so SVB dancers perform during the “Party Scene.� excited to give the youth and community of southWhile she has performed in The west Virginia this great tradition.�

Nutcracker previously, this will be SVB alumni Becky Munson will her first time dancing the coveted dance the role of Sugar Plum Fairy role of Sugar Plum Fairy. in The Nutcracker. Munson, 21, is a “I am so excited,� she said. “One of graduate of Faith Christian School my first videos was a performance of and trained at the Southwest Vir- The Nutcracker and I watched it over ginia Ballet from 2000-2005. She has and over. I remember watching the attended summer programs of the Sugar Plum Fairy and thinking how American Ballet Theatre, Atlanta Bal- wonderful it would be to be good let and Ballet Magnificat. enough to dance that part.�

Munson remembers beginning her Munson is the only one in her imballet career when she was 4 years mediate family to dance professionold. ally, but she credits her mother for “I remember taking classes at the Y introducing her to the love of music. and wearing my bathing suit because The two performed in several local I didn’t have a leotard yet,� she said. musical productions together as she

was growing up.

She says that this performance of The Nutcracker will be particularly special as her younger sister Katie, 11, will also be part of the cast.

When she’s not performing or studying, Munson teaches children’s dance classes. “I was not extremely talented when I was younger, so I had to work very hard,â€? she said. “I love working with children‌I’m just as passionate about teaching as I am about dancing.â€?

She is currently a senior at Texas Christian University and is dancing and performing with Push Comes to Shove, a contemporary ballet company in Fort Worth, Texas.

Larry Van Deventer, founder and director of the theatre arts department at William Fleming High School will portray Herr Dresselmeyer, a role he has performed annually with the SVB since 1996.

SVB Artistic Director, Pedro Szalay, is in his second year with the compa-

> CONTINUED P3: Our Take

McCadden is Roanoke’s 2008 Citizen of the Year

Photo by Valerie Garner

Estelle McCadden (seated) is honored with the Key to the City by Mayor David Bowers.

> CONTINUED P2: Nutcracker

Leading the charge by going “Clean and Green�

Roanoke City officials hope that the “Clean and Green Business Coalition� leads by example when it comes to reducing carbon footprints. Thirteen major employers in the Roanoke Valley have announced plans to implement environmentally sound business practices.

Outdoor equipment distributor Orvis is a member of the Clean and Green coalition.

Vice-President of Operations Mike Rigney says the change to fluorescent lighting at the company’s 300,000 sq. ft. Roanoke distribution center saved 39 percent on electricity costs. “That’s pretty significant,� said Rigney

at a recent news conference to announce the group’s collective goals.

Now Orvis is “looking for grass roots efforts from the [employees],� on green issues like recycling added Rigney.

An employee volunteer group called Social Concerns will help lead the way for Orvis, which has been actively involved with stream and river restoration projects. “We believe it’s important for us to lead by example,� said Rigney, speaking at the downtown Photo by Gene Marrano

> CONTINUED P2: Clean & Green

City Council member Gwen Mason with members of the Clean and Green Business Coalition.

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At a Roanoke City reception on November 19, honoring volunteers who serve on the City’s authorities, boards, commissions and committees, Mayor David Bowers announced that Estelle McCadden would receive the Citizen Of The Year award for 2008. McCommunity Cadden received a Key to the City and a standing ovation.

Fourteen year old Estelle McCadden and two brothers arrived in Roanoke from Ashland, Virginia in 1940. Estelle McCadden is the daughter of Reverend W. N. Hunter, who served as pastor of Jerusalem Baptist church for 35 years.

She has four children, including two that live in Roanoke - Delvis “Mac� McCadden, Vice-Principal at Forest Park

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> CONTINUED P2: McCadden

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Page 2 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 11/28/08

TheRoanokeStar.com

> McCadden From page 1

Academy and her youngest child, Wanda McCadden.

Estelle McCadden attended Addison High School, Bennett College in North Carolina, and Morgan State University, where she graduated in 1947 with at Bachelor of Science degree. She retired in 1987 after 29 years with Roanoke City Public Schools, after teaching home economics, science, and culinary arts.

McCadden did not retire however from advocacy and activism roles within the community. She continues to remain involved with four Parent Teacher Associations, serving as the PTA’s Central Council Area Representative and Educational Partnership

volunteer. McCadden was chosen Roanoke’s Mother of the Year for Community Affairs in 1994 and in 2007 she was selected by the YWCA to receive the Women of Achievement Award for volunteerism.

At 82, McCadden still serves as president of the neighborhood organization, the Melrose-Rugby Neighborhood Forum, Inc. in northwest Roanoke City that she co-founded in the early 1990’s. She also organized the Roanoke Presidents’ Council, concluding that neighborhood groups could “do more as an [combined] entity unto itself.”

McCadden firmly believes that “neighborhoods are the building blocks of our com-

munity.” Bob Clement, Neighborhood Services Coordinator for the City of Roanoke said, “Estelle has been instrumental in improving the quality of life in Roanoke’s neighborhoods.”

In 2000 McCadden organized the annual Virginia Statewide Neighborhood Conference and she continues to serve as chair of the Virginia State Neighborhood Conference’s Planning Committee. The Virginia conference allows citizens to share what is working in other cities and neighborhoods. Only two states offer such events.

McCadden serves on the Board of Directors of Neighborhoods USA (NUSA), a national organization dedicated

> Nutcracker

From page 1

States and Europe. is unique from any Company memberother dance comship currently inpany in Virginia and cludes 37 dancers, perhaps the country,” ages 10 to 18. said Lawson, “opDancers receive erations are managed their primary inentirely by volunteers struction from stuand 100% of proceeds dios across the region from performances, and come together on fundraisers, and weekends with SVB sponsorships directly to learn advanced Rebecca Munson support the dancers’ dance techniques and education and the to rehearse for productions. communities they serve.”

“Southwest Virginia Ballet Tickets are $17 and $37 and can be purchased at the Roanoke Civic Center Box Office or call 540-853-5483.

For more information, visit www.svballet.org, or contact Mike Lawson at 540-5210808.

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due to lack of maintenance, she is ever optimistic, believing that with residents and the City pulling in the same direction anything is possible.

To that end McCadden would like to see Mayor Bowers restart the “Summit Meetings” that he previously held in the early 1990’s, so residents could again voice their concerns in a more relaxed environment. “It gives citizens a chance to vent,” she said at the volunteer reception. Estelle McCadden will be honored Roanoke 2008 Citizen of the again with a proclamation de- Year Estelle McCadden. claring her the 2008 Citizen Of The Year, at the December 15th City Council meeting.

By Valerie Garner info@theroanokestar.com

> Clean & Green

From page 1

ny. His dance career began in La Guaira, Venezuela. Szalay taught ballet at Washington and Lee University and choreographed for the Flournoy Playwright Festival in “The Long Christmas Ride Home.”

Founded in 1990 in Salem as a regional youth ballet, SVB ,-'. has been recognized nationally for excellence in dance 23 :(;.-< instruction and professional level productions. Alumna are teaching and dancing professionally across the United

to developing partnerships between neighborhoods, local government, and public/private agencies across the United States. She also lobbies in Richmond for neighborhood structuring bills.

Asked how neighborhoods had progressed over the past 15 years, McCadden says there have been ups and downs and she wants more, believing that with stronger communication between the city and neighborhoods “citizen antagonism” would diminish. The end result she noted would be a more harmonious, cohesive and better functioning city. While McCadden laments over the loss of recreation centers that languished

Roanoke Orvis retail store on Campbell Avenue.

“We can make a difference.

Sustainability is as much about doing the right thing in the community and for the environment as it is about the potential to save money,” said Rigney.

Roanoke City Councilwoman Gwen Mason and Stan Breakell, CEO of general contracting firm Breakell Inc., organized the Clean and Green Business Coalition, which aims to show other companies in the valley - big and small - how they can reduce their own carbon footprints.

The 13-member coalition has pledged to reduce its collective footprint, reducing greenhouse emissions by 20 percent over the next five years. “I’ve not heard of other cities in Virginia exhibiting this kind of progressive leadership from the business side,” said Mason of the Clean

By Pam Rickard and Green Business Coalition pam@theroanokestar.com initiative, which has met three times since forming in March to come up with an action plan.

“They have … extraordinary economic and corporate [influ-

ence],” said Mason, “they can provide leadership.”

Mason also touted stickers that the City of Roanoke’s solid waste department is now affixing to residents’ trash containers, reminding them to recycle plastic bottles, aluminum cans and newspapers.

“Most citizens also have, somewhere in their garage, a recycling bin,” said Mason. “Every time someone recycles it saves the city money in tipping fees.

Last year we saved $121,000.”

About 40 percent of all Roanokers recycle through the city now; Mason would like to increase that percentage to 60 percent or more.

Virginia Tech professor Sean McGinnis analyzed energy audits and helped devise action plans for coalition members.

They have now pledged to reduce their own firm’s greenhouse gas emissions four percent annually for the next five years, utilizing alternative fuels for fleet vehicles, increased recycling and green building practices.

The coalition includes a cross section of major local employers like Carilion Clinic, Berglund Chevrolet, SunTrust Bank, Virginia Western Community College and Gentry Locke Rakes & Moore. Carilion Vice-President Nathaniel Bishop said the health care giant was already implementing “proactive measures,” after consulting with a Roanoke firm about its energy consumption.

Among the four tiers of commitments agreed to are: changing traditional light bulbs to CFL’s (fluorescent), keeping all computers in the power saving mode when not in use (both Tier 1), reducing water usage and planting trees on company property (Tier 2), encouraging carpools (Tier 3) and developing a “Corporate Sustainability Plan” (Tier 4).

The entire program and list of commitments can be found at roanokeva.gov/green.

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TheRoanokeStar.com

Roanokerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s trip to China provides new perspective Increasingly, American baby boomers are getting struck with a â&#x20AC;&#x153;yenâ&#x20AC;? to travel, exchange declining U.S. dollars for other currency and trade cultural experiences in a relatively young country for life in an ancient, albeit rapidly developing modern culture. So there it is, fresh as a newly plucked daisy on many a glossy tourist destination guide: Magnificent China.

Even prior to all the hoopla about the 2008 Olympics, Botetourt resident Sandra Carter, 56, was sitting down, making meticulous plans for her trip to Asia. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I did a lot of research on the internet,â&#x20AC;? said Carter. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I had always wanted to travel and work in Asia.â&#x20AC;?

A local school teacher for 22 years, Carter had used her masters in Special Education to teach primarily on the high school level, but she wanted to try putting her skills to the test as a college professor. So when Linyi Normal University in Linyi, China popped up on the computer screen, she began packing her bags.

But shortly before she was scheduled to leave for the town of 10 million people in southeastern Shandong Province, her 20 year old son Steven lost his life in a senseless act of violence at a party he was attending. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Steven was killed the day before Thanksgiving by a friend over a dispute about a bicycle,â&#x20AC;? Carter said with tears welling up in her large, hazel eyes almost exactly a year after the murder. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the way our country is: full of violence that makes no sense.â&#x20AC;?

After the funeral some of Carterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s friends and family members asked her how she could â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;run off â&#x20AC;&#x2122; to China, but others, including her husband John and adult daughter Whitney, knew that she wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t running away â&#x20AC;&#x201C; she was running toward a dream that she had nurtured since her girlhood in Buena Vista, Virginia. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I knew that Steven would

Sandra Carter with new friends she met while touring the Shandong Province of China. have wanted me to go and fulfill my dreams,â&#x20AC;? Carter said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Also, after his death I became more acutely cognizant of how brief life really is, so I felt that I had to define it for myself and live it completely while I could.â&#x20AC;?

Thus, the determined Ms. Carter spent three and a half memorable months from February to July of 2008 teaching ESL English to classes full of eager, adoring students. She experienced first-hand, both the tangible poverty of the people in Shandong Province (an area noted for its historical connections with the Han Dynasty) and the glorious richness of a culture still indebted to ancient Confucian ideology for the peoplesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; deep reverence for one another, and especially for the elderly. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I saw complete love among family members as well as total respect and admiration for older people there,â&#x20AC;? said Carter. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Families were really almost unbelievably close and loyal to one another.â&#x20AC;?

One of Carterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s primary responsibilities was to get her students speaking in conversational English. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The question I always asked my students was: If you had lots of money and could shop at the mall, what would

you buy?â&#x20AC;? said Carter. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And the students always answered: â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;We would buy our parents a present!â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;?

Having been heavily ensconced in the current American consumer-culture, Carter was so shocked by that answer that she almost dropped her notebook. She said that the drastic contrast between life in the West and life in Linyi became apparent early on. She was touched by the fact that most families were separated. College students usually could not afford to go home very often to other provinces many miles away to visit parents and grandparents who were working on farms aided only by one skinny work cow.

But when students did save up their money to make the journey home, they were willing to stand for hours on the crowded night trains crossing the country. And when they arrived, the first thing on their minds was what they could do to help out and ease the burden for loved ones, said Carter. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Life is so simple and real there compared to life in the states,â&#x20AC;? she said, adding - â&#x20AC;&#x153;Things that we consider necessities, they consider unnecessary luxuries. My fear is

that eventually the Chinese people will be influenced in a very negative way by America.â&#x20AC;?

But China itself is already a place of contrasts and extremes as was evidenced when sparkling Beijing captured the global stage during the 2008 Olympics, proudly displaying its vanguard architectural monuments such as Lord Norman Fosterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stunning terminal at the Beijing airport and the new Chinese Central Television building designed by Rem Koolhaa.

High technology is clicking in the new China, especially in the larger cities. People are being introduced to ever more expensive and fashionable consumer products, encouraged by the growing advertising industry.

Students from all economic backgrounds are wildly competitive, studying long hours for a place in the best schools so they can pass the arduous, comprehensive tests required to get into college. Private greed seems to be increasing among the small percentage of wealthy citizens and government greed is already becoming apparent within the current capitalist milieu.

Carter said that her faint

memories of open sewers mixed with industrial pollution from Chinese factories are far surpassed by her vivid memories of friendships forged with colleagues from all around the world, and with her Chinese students. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I loved the friends I met there and my students,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They treated me like extended family; we still keep in touch by email and phone.â&#x20AC;?

One Chinese student with the English name of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Erinâ&#x20AC;? became like a second daughter to Carter. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Erin told me I was wonderful, intelligent and beautiful,â&#x20AC;? said Carter, smiling broadly. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I needed to hear that. That kind of affection has helped me through my grief process since Stevenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s death.â&#x20AC;?

Carter hopes to go back to China for another short visit this spring. She admits that many Chinese people have an idealized, unrealistic image of Americans, but she wants to continue to educate them about both the strengths and the weaknesses in American culture (drugs and violence being major weaknesses).

Today the country remains in the firm grip of communist control and even though a

sizable number of the population is now Buddhist with Christianity on the rise, Carter said that most people she met were not particularly religious.

Still, Carter says: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a kind of innocence among the people there that expresses itself in unconditional love and respect. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a shinning happiness even among the poor, and I hope thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s never destroyed.â&#x20AC;?

In Chinese literature, individuals who have lost their spiritual strength are referred to as â&#x20AC;&#x153;ghosts.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;My bond with the Chinese people has definitely mended my spirit,â&#x20AC;? says Carter, sipping her coffee from her favorite restaurant, MacDonalds. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And they even have a MacDonalds there!â&#x20AC;? she laughs.

By Mary Ellen Campagna info@theroanokestar.com

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> Our Take From page 1

A new amphitheater capable of welcoming larger acts to the valley could be coming down the road if people figure out where they want it - and if taxpayer money is available to help fund it.

Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s temporary public art all over the city, a new permanent sculpture outside the Roanoke Civic Center complex that classes up the joint and something dubbed the â&#x20AC;&#x153;West Campbell Arts District,â&#x20AC;? a nod to the handful of galleries that have opened there in recent years, in part to feed off the anticipated excitement of the new Taubman Museum of Art. Speaking of the Taubman, have you been yet?

Even if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not a big fan of the exterior architecture, once youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re inside the dramatic second floor galleries and sweeping staircase will win you over. Note to the Taubman folks: think about later hours on weekends, maybe 9 or 10pm on Fridays? Would make for a great â&#x20AC;&#x153;date nightâ&#x20AC;?, especially when live music is offered downstairs and the cafĂŠ is open. Then patrons

could spill out into downtown Roanoke to continue their night out and everybody wins.

On its first day the Taubman Museum was open until 11pm and the place â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and downtown Roanoke â&#x20AC;&#x201C; was hopping. Now if they can just convince some of the food court vendors at the market building to stay open at night. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be an economic stimulus [for the city], at least the equivalent of renewing Hotel Roanoke, if not greater than that,â&#x20AC;? predicted former Roanoke City Councilman Rupert Cutler on the day they cut the Taubmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ribbon.

Okay, its never going to be confused with New York, LA or Chicago, a different mix of jobs are needed to attract more young folks here and it will take a whole lot of money in some circumstances to keep moving Roanoke forwardâ&#x20AC;Śbut one has to admit the Star City is a bit cooler these days.

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Perspective

Page 4 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 11/28/08

TheRoanokeStar.com

All I want for Christmas is a Roanoke winds rival those of dorm room and a mini-Cooper infamous New York street Corner

A

pparently we have survived Thanksgiving. That means we are all full, and a little glad we got that one behind us. It also means we are all late, late, late with the shopping. The presidential election has been a major distraction. We have given little thought to Christmas. A few weeks ago as gas prices happily, plummeted, we thought we were going to go the generous route with our gift-giving, but, in the last few weeks the economy has looked more dour than ever, and we are back to the original cheapskate plan.

Shopping lists are coming out of purse and pocket, going back on the desk, crumpled somewhere behind the computer screen. But meanwhile, our kids, of the “all about me” generation, are still filling their gas tanks, zipping around town with their buddies, eating out when possible, and handing us their Christmas Wish Lists as if nothing has changed.

Guys . . . Please! The money is almost gone. And whatever is left will soon be “spread around,” according to what the Democrats are saying.

The kids seem to be all for it - as in take the parents’ “wealth” and spread it all around to

them. Things like sounds like a buffet Xboxes, car stereos at the Hotel Roanoke and GPS systems compared to what we have replaced the got in the old days. old trip to Toys R Us They have refrigto grab a cart full of erators, microwaves, toys and call it a day. pizza joints, even a The kids don’t seem Starbucks in the book to see a difference— store. These kids eat we’re still just filling Ramen noodles just one shopping cart, for nostalgia; they Cheryl Hodges right? How we long have no idea what a for the “Tickle-me-Elmo” days. hot pot is. Just picturing the ole They have apparently forgot- hot pot makes me pine for an ten they are going to COLLEGE, all-nighter, for old time’s sake. which costs real money. In fact, Their dorm rooms are little they seem to feel more entitled havens— most of the comforts to special treatment when they of home packed into a tiny get home because after all, they space. It doesn’t look so bad to are now poor college students me. Their arrival back at the toughing it out in the dorm family compound for the holiroom. They’ve been dropping days is much anticipated, and hints to mom about sending once this has been experienced along a “care package” to ease a few times, also dreaded. The the struggles they are facing. At chair I usually sit in—occupied; first, I felt terrible. I’ve only sent the secret stash of cookies and one care package this year and it chocolate—gone; the family cost me a night’s sleep. After I dog by my side—over sleeping mailed it, I realized I had packed by someone else. Locking the a liquid, a bottle of “self-heating doors at night becomes an coffee,” that I forgot was in there event. We never know who has when I dutifully pledged there a key any more and when they was no liquid or other hazard- will get home. I really miss my ous material in that box. Fortu- kids when they are gone but nately, the box arrived without when they are here I miss the incident. simpler life I have when they are Then I hear them talking away. about dining hall food and it The joke these days seems to be, hey, if we won’t have our savings much longer, maybe we should spend it now. So hand over your lists, kids. No problem. Here is my list too: Mini Cooper (used is fine) Moon roof, hard top, S Model Stick Shift Color: Whatever - I’m not picky I have a money-making tip for all you college fundraisers out there too. While you are sending out all those letters soliciting gifts, include a dorm room holiday rental rate card.

I bet there are some parents out there who would love to get away for a couple days while all the students are home.

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I

work near the windiest corner in Roanoke.

Say what you will about whatever confluence of avenues toss an occasional chilly gust in your neighborhood, the gale-force tempest in my neck of the woods could launch a Sumo air-born on a still summer day.

What is the deal with the wind around here lately?

When I moved to Roanoke some twenty-five years ago the weather was delightful. Now, all of a sudden, I routinely witness giant blue garbage bins bouncing down the boulevard like stampeding cattle escaping a spring branding.

Earlier this year my son's backyard batting cage sprouted wings in a high wind and was threatening to topple our neighbor's new patio set. Janet, Will and I braved the weather and managed to corral the would-be aircraft, which, at one point, had lifted me three feet off of the ground!

You might not be able to tell by glancing at my grinning headshot that accompanies this column, but I am not a small man. In fact, the last shirt I purchased came with a set of tent stakes and a free Coleman lantern. Therefore, when unseen forces lift me skyward, you are looking at a bona-fide Typhoon.

This is not my first battle with the elements of nature.

Years ago, I worked in a dress factory (with my Dad and sister Emily), located on West Fifteenth Street and Tenth Avenue in Manhattan. The southwest corner of that location was known to be the windiest corner in all of New York.

Those who dared to turn that evil corner would be treated

I

to an Arctic blast in-bound flight of biblical proporlanding at nearby tions. Legend has Roanoke Regional it that one powerful Airport and the atblow cleared every mosphere reveals street in Manhatthe burial ground of tan of it's garbage, where umbrellas go carrying the refuse to die.

Southeast and thus Thankfully, the creating the great incoming airplane state of New Jersey. traffic is minimal Jon Kaufman Connie Sorrenin Roanoke, untonio, a life-long like in my previco-worker of my father, and a ous homeland. (I once dated woman to be reckoned with, a young lady who lived smack once traveled to work from in the middle of the Internaher apartment in Brooklyn, tional flights landing path at spied a patch of ice on Fif- JFK airport in New York. Evteenth Street, watched quietly ery seven minutes her house as a group of unsuspecting would shake and rattle like commuters were knocked flat a freight train was passing by an unfriendly current, spun through their living room, around and returned home to earning their dwelling the Brooklyn unscathed. Connie nickname "Little House on was no more than forty feet the Runway.") Any more landfrom the factory door when ings in Roanoke and our little she surrendered to the ele- store might be thrust over the ments. rainbow, claiming a new retail Though it might not be as home on a vacant street corner formidable has the Fifteenth in East Munchkin land.

Street Terror, my Roanoke loSince my impromptu flight cation still packs quite a wallop. with the batting cage I have If you are ever bored enough remained earth-bound despite to test the draft of which I the ill winds that blow outside speak, drive down to the little of my office door. My son strip mall in the outer ring of commented that I should conValley View Mall, where sits, tact the nice folks at Macy's Sprint, Catherine's, and the and offer my flight services for Casual Male Men's Shop. Be- the upcoming annual Thanksgin your journey at the Sprint givings Day parade, perhaps Store and point yourself due replacing the M&M's balloon east towards Shaker's. When that crashed into a lamp post you reach the end of the men's last year. While I appreciate store, turn left and grab your Will's sincere recommendahat, you have just entered the tion, I believe I will remain Valley View Mall's "Squall grounded, just like my freshZone." mouthed spawn, who's car During optimum conditions keys now reside in my roomy there is a constant gust waft- pocket. ing over a large unobstructed field sitting behind the buildContact Jon at ing that serves as a gathering Jon.Kaufman@sprint.com vortex. Add a roof skimming

The Obama Effect

was talking to my history class President, there is no justification you the other day. I asked if they fulcan use to fail. It no longer matters if ly understood how the election you are Black, White, Latino, man, of Barack Obama as President of the woman, poor, come from a single-parUnited States was going to affect them. ent household, raised by your Grandmother or anything else. The days of Contact Cheryl at Some in my class said they did not care. you using excuses to be unproductive cvhodges@aol.com Most in my class said it was nice to have a Black President. They were proud of are over. American society will no lonwhat Obama accomplished. Again, I ger feel sorry for you because of your asked if they fully understood how the circumstances.”

Obama Presidency was going to affect My comments were met with siJeff Artis them. After getting blank stares, I told lence. Then, my students, as teenagers my class the following. do, started asking, “What if,” ques“You have to understand that the election of tions.

I told my class that since Obama was elected One.Don 8By Barack Obama as President of the United States President, there were no longer any, “What if ’s,” To give in or yield.

9 Waterfield 10 A small speck. of America is a game changer.

And it is your game that American society will expect them to be suc11 Aces 8 One. 12 Dress edge that is about to change.

You will no longer be able cessful in life in spite of their circumstances with or yield.

9 To give14in Goofed 10 A small16speck.

Chums to say, “I can’t make it because I am Black. ” Obama no exceptions.

11 Aces 17 Disorder edge 12 Dress 18 Chili con __ is Black. You will no longer be able to say, “I can’t As the light bulb came on in some of my stu14 Goofed21 Muffle 16 Chums22 Regulate make it because I am poor.” Obama was not well dent’s head, I explained. “American society will 17 Disorder 25 Past 18 Chili con __ off growing up. You will no longer be able to say, “I now expect you to stop your whining, stop your 27 Mongrel dog.

21 Muffle 29 European sea eagle can’t make it because I don’t have a good relation- complaining and stop your excuse making.

22 Regulate 25 Past 33 Possessive pronoun Decorative needle case 34dog. ship with my father.” Obama didn’t have a good American society will now tell you that if Obama 27 Mongrel long rope with a noose at one 35 A sea eagle 29 European relationship with his father. You will no longer can become President of the United States in spite used to catch horses and pronoun 33 Possessiveend needle case 34 Decorativecattle. be able to say, “I can’t make it because of racism.” of what he had to deal with, the least you can do is rope with a noose at one 35 A long36 Mexican sandwich end used catch horses and Ditto 38 to Obama made it in spite of racism and went on stay in school, graduate, get a job, take care of your cattle. 39 Capital of Oregon 36 Mexican Smooth 40sandwich family, be a good father, be a good mother and be 38 Ditto 41 Which local business says 'Ifto become the most powerful man in the world, 39 Capital of Oregon water runs through it we've got it!'

President of the United States. ” a productive citizen. Some of you are standing 40 Smooth 44 Mr. Donahue 41 Which local business says 'If “Because Obama overcame adversity to bein the middle of the interstate and you are about Discount 45 water runs through it we've got it!'

46 The 43rd president of the United 44 Mr. Donahue come President of the United States, American to get run over by a tractor-trailer truck named 45 Discount States.

Unattractive 47 president of the United 46 The 43rd society will now expect you to be able to do the ‘Change.’ It is my job to tell you that truck is getStates.50 Subtle 52 Grain 47 Unattractive same thing; overcome adversity to become a sucting ready to run over you so get out of the way.”

50 Subtle53 ___ come?

52 Grain 54 A serious mistake. cessful and productive American citizen.

Now Yes, it is truly a new day in America.

53 ___ come?

56 Put together; set upright.

54 A serious that Obama is President, there is no longer any Contact Jeff at Affixed 59 mistake. setof upright.

56 Put together; water 61 Body 59 Affixed64 To travel a curved course. excuse for any of you to fail. Now that Obama is column@jeffartis.com

Local Crossword Star~Sentinel Crossword 11/28/2008

1

2

3

13 1 19

2

13

24

34

33

34

3121 36

35

36

55

56

1023 11

47

62

39

112

59 54

64 59

63

69

70

68

69

70

64

71

71

83 77

78

88 83 95 95 102

106 101 113 113

119

120

120

123

96

96

72

72

73

114

90 98 90

103

115

108 108

121

104

109

Unrefined metal Unrefined metal Net Net Owns Owns Miles per hour Miles per hour Japanese staple Japanese staple On top On top Listof ofmeals meals List Kernel Kernel Danishphysicist physicist Danish Beatit!it!

Beat Threemasted mastedMediterranean Mediterranean boat Three boat Molecule Molecule Jewish Jewishscripture scripture Blood Bloodsugar sugar Demeter Demeter Id's Id'sbig bigbrother? brother?

Amazes Amazes Vase Vase Lasted (2 wds.)

Lasted (2 wds.)

Bard's before Bard's before Memory loss victim Memory loss victim Airport abbr.

Airport abbr.

Raps lightly Raps lightly Electric light Electric light Fortify Fortify Tactic Burn Tactic Embraces Burn Embraces

110

116

117

116

125

54 Alignment Alignment Island 55 Island Fatty 57 Fatty Capital of Norway 58 Capital 59 Valeof Norway Vale Not yours 60 Not yours 62 Downwind Downwind 63 Reporter's question Reporter's question Astringent 64 Astringent Meet 65 Meet 66 FleeFlee Typesetting measurement 67 Typesetting measurement 68 SkitSkit Propel Propel with with oars oars 71 Surrender Surrender 74 Government (abbr.)

Government (abbr.)

76 European monetary unit unit European monetary 77 LittleLittle Mermaid's love love Mermaid's 78 __ vu 80 __ vu Cause to; come into being.

82 Cause to; come into being.

Canal 83 Canal Tulle Tulle 84 Depend 85 Is Depend 87 TellIs Tell 88 Organization of Petroleum Organization of Petroleum 89 Exporting Countries Exporting Countries 91 Accountant Weirdoes 92 91 Accountant Microgram 95 92 Weirdoes 95 Microgram

98 101 102 104 105 107 109 112 113 115 117 119 120 121 122 123 124 125 126

111

111

118

61 64 67 122 68 126 69 126 70 71 72 73 98 80Ìs hairstyle for men 75 80Ìs hairstyle for men 101 To suffer pain.

76 To102 suffer pain.

Drugged 77 Drugged 104 Possessive pronoun 79 Possessive parts 105 Handpronoun 81 Hand parts 107 Nutritious food solution 82 Nutritious food solution 109 Slides out of control 86 Slides out of control 88 112 Flower arrangement Flower arrangement 90 Pitchy 113 Pitchy 93 Cut of beef 115 Cut of beef 94 117 Dirt Dirt 95 Kid's cereal brand 119 Kid's cereal brand 96 120 Economics Economics abrv. abrv.

97 Cut open Cut open 121 99 It 122 glowsItinside city limits glowsour inside our city limits 100 Precedes an aliasan alias 123 Precedes 102 Umpire 124 Umpire 103 Fast located in VintoninonVinton on Fast movers located 125movers 105 Parker Parker Lane. Lane.

106 Pigpen 117

125

54 55 57 58 59 60 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 71 74 76 77 78 80 82 83 84 85 87 88 89

110

109

www.CrosswordWeaver.com

ACROSS

91100

99 104 100

121

124

86

91 86

85

99

98

81

75

85 81

80

89

115

114

74

97 89

103

107

ACROSS 1 14 47 7 10 10 13 13 15 15 17 17 18 18 19 19 20 20 22 22 23 23 24 24 26 26 28 28 30 30 31 31 32 32 33 33 37 37 38 38 42 42 43 43 46 46 48 48 49 51 49 53 51 53

75 80

79

124

www.CrosswordWeaver.com

74 79

73

84

97

107102

112

78

84

94 88

93101 94

123

41

66

67

119

40

54

63

68 77

106

41

66

87 82

105

40

48

58 62

76

105

12

48

47

65

92

11

12

39

32

53

57 61

93

23

58

67

92 87

32

53 46

52

61

60

82

18 29

29

65

76

28

38

52

57

56

10

18

9

38

46

45

51

60 55

8

28

37 44

50

7

22

45

51 43

9

17

37 31

8

11/28/2008

27

44

50

22 27

26

43

42 49

21 26 16

20

30

49

7

17

6

25 15

25

35

42

Local Crossword

6 16

4 20 5 14

30 24

5

15

3

19

33

4 14

122

118

126 Pigpen

DOWN

DOWN

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Ball Ball Mob1activity 2 Mob activity Reverb.

Dud 3 Reverb.

And 4soDud forth Star 5Trek Automoton's And so forth Greek youth Star TrekofAutomoton's 6 goddess

7 Greek goddess of youth

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

107 108 110 111 112 114 116 118

Body of water 67 Poky To travel a curved course.

68 Halo Poky Halo 69 Baby bed 70 Digit Baby bed Digit 71 Radioactivity unit 72 Brand Radioactivity unit of sandwich cookie Thin strand Brand 73 of sandwich cookie 75 Take out a video Thin strand Take out videofish 76 aLong Long fish 77 Snaky fish Snaky 79 fishGourmet cook Gourmet Dog food brand 81 cook Dog food Chart 82 brand Chart 86 Talk incessantly Talk incessantly 88 Support Support 90 Clothes places Clothes places 93 Sepals of aSepals flower of a flower 94 That man That man White whale 95 White whale part 96 Computer Computer part Money (German) Money97 (German) Diving 99 seabird.

Diving seabird.

Snips100 Snips Drat! 102 Drat!

Names 103 Names Pig meat 105 Pig meat The largest continent with 60% of 106 The largest continent with 60% of the earth's population. the earth's population.

Professor (abbr.)

107 Professor (abbr.)

Slough 108 Slough Points Points A flat110 narrow strip of wood or narrow strip of wood or 111 plastic esp.Ainflat blinds. plastic esp. in blinds.

School group 112 aSchool To make perfect group shot.

Tweak 114 To make a perfect shot.

Arid 116 Tweak

118 Arid

The Roanoke Star-Sentinel C o m mu n i t y | N ew s | Pe r s p e c t i ve Publisher | Stuart Revercomb | stuart@theroanokestar.com | 400-0990 News Editor | Gene Marrano | gmarrano@cox.net | 400-0990 Features Editor | Pam Rickard | pam@theroanokestar.com | 400-0990 Production Editor | Stephen Nelson | stephen@theroanokestar.com | 400-0990 Technical Webmaster | Don Waterfield | webmaster@theroanokestar.com | 400-0990 Advertising Director | Vickie Henderson | advertising@theroanokestar.com | 400-0990

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Perspective

TheRoanokeStar.com

11/28/08 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 5

Dangerous winds en route to Bermuda

T

he Liberian-flagged container ship is on a heading of 160 degrees or so, compared to our 120 degree course.

The rust-streaked vessel has come over the horizon quickly, into our disc of curved ocean. She will cross our bow a mile or so off. I hope to get a position check before the behemoth disappears over the horizon and thus out of range of our VHF radio. I’m anxious to find out how far off I am in my celestial navigation. I grab the mike as it swings in the companionway. “This is the United States sailing vessel Swellbound calling southeast-bound container ship”. I repeat the call and wait. Thankfully, the reply is in clear and proper English, unmistakably Indian. “Good Morning Captain! Where are you bound?” His civilized tone is in contrast to the blue water wilderness which surrounds us. A minute of mid-ocean small talk precedes my request for a position check. “Please wait,” and the radio falls silent. Just before the ship’s superstructure slides under the horizon, the radio crackles back to life and the courteous Indian gives us our position in latitude and longitude.

“Thanks!” Happily we’re about where I calculated us to be, a good trick in these days before GPS navigation.

We’re six days out of the Chesapeake, en route to Bermuda, and haven’t spoken to anyone since Cape Henry fell off the horizon to our stern. There are three of us on board Swellbound, our old 29-ft sloop. Marybeth and I are joined by our sailing buddy Michael. We bought Swellbound during my dental school days in Richmond. By necessity, we got it cheap, thanks to its being in dire need of general repair. At the family homeplace on the Chesapeake we worked feverishly on Swellbound whenever we could, getting it in shape for this voyage, and only two days after taking my state board exams we were underway, replacing one set of cares for another.

“Hey Johnny! It’s your watch in der control as Marybeth tends the than the gaping rent in the mainsail. It looks like I three minutes!” It’s 02:00 AM. I untiller. It is exhausting work. Besides will be doing some more sewing. clip the lee cloth which keeps me in the main, we have 7 headsails on A few less eventful yet very interesting days the narrow berth and step onto the board, and to keep the boat prop- later we are anchored idyllically in St. Georges heaving cabin sole. As I stand in the erly trimmed and headed, we must Harbor, Bermuda. The boat is amazingly still in companionway donning my foul constantly change them. It is diffi- the water. We can move about the deck and cabin weather gear and safety harness, cult work on the cramped foredeck, without staggering. We’ve untangled Marybeth’s Mike updates me on course headwhich rises and falls dramatically hair. Mike’s cooking up something good in the ing, wind and weather conditions. with the swells. Now we are gallop- galley. The warm sun shines and life is good. We He tells me that Marybeth helped ing along under one tiny headsail, never want to leave the security of this beautiful him with a headsail change earlier. I our storm jib. I worry that it may port. “You know what Mark Twain said about this John W. Robinson notice she’s returned to hibernation blow a seam, as did the main a few place don’t you,” I ask my crew. “Bermuda is a bit position in the starboard berth. I take my place days ago, necessitating several hours of hand of heaven, but you have to go through a bit of hell at the helm and settle in. Its cold for June, and I sewing with awl and waxed thread. Hopefully to get there”. tighten my hood. And it’s very dark, low clouds it will calm down before long. But things get a I don’t know about that, but I do know that on scudding overhead. We’re beating hard into the bit more exciting before that is to happen. our voyage so far we’ve experienced a lot of liv16-knot breeze. The portable Walkman tape It is the middle of the night, a few days later. ing, a lot of learning, and a lot of appreciating player died a few days ago, so I’m stuck with my Mike is on watch and the wind is blowing hard, one another. Not to mention feeling the whisper thoughts and the sounds of the creaking boat. 25 knots or so, with much greater gusts. I’m of the grace of God that is ever with us – whis&''()*+(,-'.

I check our heading with the flashlight every cradled in the berth but I can’t sleep because pers sometimes gentle and quiet and sometimes few minutes –no stars to steer by tonight- and one, the labors of the boat are too noisy, and strong enough to blow over a boat with two tons /0''123 4*56(786(986(:(;.-< I watch the set of the sails. But mostly I think two, I keep thinking of things that might come of lead in her keel. about philosophical stuff like where I’ve been apart, go wrong or otherwise get us into a heap My guess is that ultimately we need them both. and where I’m going. I think about my ances- of trouble. tors who sailed these waters to the new land Suddenly my worst fears are realized as the rigContact John Robinson at from Europe. On those difficult voyages it must ging begins to whine outlandishly overhead and jwr77@verizon.net have often occurred to them as it has to me on the hull suddenly rolls hard onto her side. It’s a occasion, “my oh my, what were we thinking” dreaded “knockdown”. Mike yells for assistance, As my 4-hour watch comes to an end, the but Marybeth and I are already halfway out of the sky to the east is starting to glow grey-white, companionway pulling on foul weather gear and with the coldness of a fluorescent tube. Ma- clipping in harnesses. Waves are sweeping over rybeth comes yawning into view, her hair in the boat and the screaming wind keeps us pinned a spectacular muss. She joins me and the sun down, the force overwhelming the lead keel’s abilPayroll, made easy!

(540) 776-5191 rises to greet us, the pale gray turning to golden ity to right Swellbound.

(540) 981-1001 warmth as it tries to break through the clouds.

Marybeth takes the helm as Mike and I struggle Later, strong winds fill in as the sky clears, to the base of the mast where we fight to release &''()*+(,-'. &''()*+(,-'. and before long it has increased to a steady 20 the pressure on the sail. Cold, solid water washes Open Christmas Day /0''123 /0''123 knots. We bound along on the huge swells on over us. We manage to get the sail halfway down, the inky blue sea under what is now a bright clenching the Dacron cloth with adrenaline-fu!"#$% sky. We have long ago placed a triple reef in eled hands. The next thing we know the boat is !"#$% the mainsail, and now it is time to drop the sail upright and the wind has eased. We’re shivering completely. Mike and I wrestle it down and un- with cold and fright, but everything is OK, other

!"#$%

4*56(786(986(:(;.-<

4*56(786(986(:(;.-<

A perspective on Preacher’s Corner traditions What is a preacher’s job?

I

recently heard a commentary by Andy Rooney about how Thanksgiving is the last “pure family” holiday. While I had never thought about it – it’s true. Not much advertising hype. Not much to sell – other than groceries. It is however, David Wiley leads the RSO as the holiday where the most Santa. treasured of family stories are carried through the cold desert born. Stories about “crazy” air. But most of all – I rememfamily members; football ber the shared experience. I games; drunk uncles; and the remember being together. dog eating the turkey. Stories So, over the coming weeks, of traditions and shared expeas we grumble about our crazy riences. families and groan about the My brother died 9 years ago money we spend on gifts. Take this January. He was 32. We a moment to stop and think got the dreaded “there is nothabout what life might be like ing more we can do” news if there was one from his doctors less gift to give. just days before Stephanie Koehler What would you Thanksgiving. I give that special thought the holperson in your life – if it was iday would be ruined forever. the very last month of their Christmas too. It had the oplife. I am guessing it would not posite affect. Instead, the holibe plastic or “on sale.” days became the backdrop for Perhaps this is the year to all the warmth of family and give the gift of memories. No, gratitude for life.

I don’t mean a picture frame The very last days of my --but rather a shared experibrothers’ life were accompaence. Go to the holiday sing nied by the smell of Thanksalong at the Art Museum (Dec. giving turkey and the glow 6). How about the Roanoke of Christmas tree lights. The Symphony Orchestra’s Holientire family paid attention to day Pops Spectacular (Dec. each other as if it was the last 12). Set a tradition. Laugh. chance we might all have to be Sing. Take your kids. Watch together….because it was. We them as they crane their neck never talked about avoiding and sit up tall to see Santa (aka the mashed potatoes because Maestro Wiley) playing Jingle we might gain weight; we didn’t Bell Rock on his piano. Imagargue about people drinking ine the day when they carry too much or complain because that same tradition on with the turkey was dry. their family.

That same spirit of family These are the things we all – that value of togetherness remember forever. These are – continued right into Christthe things you’ll treasure long mas. We weren’t scouring the after you outgrow the shirt; malls for the best gadget to long after the toy is broken; give as a gift – after all – you and long after you forgot who can’t take an iPod with you to gave you that ugly tie. The heaven. Instead, we looked for music will stay in your head things we could do together. and the feeling it inspired will We went to every “holiday stay in your heart forever. But happening” we could find. We most of all, you’ll never forget lived in Arizona at the time, the love you felt for the person so there were not many snow sitting next to you and how angels to make….but we drove lucky you were to have that through neighborhoods to apmoment together. preciate the houses decorated with lights and attended every Contact Stephanie at holiday concert we could find. info@theroanokestar.com I can still hear the voices of the Christmas carols as they were

[

]

R

By Pastor Quigg Lawrence

ecently a 15 year old girl in our church told her mom, “I think I might want to be a preacher when I grow up.” Her mom pressed her a bit regarding her thought process, and she shared that she liked to talk a lot and would enjoy a two-hour work week!!

Paris, you’re killing me, girl!

But it is a fair question: what is a preacher’s job, and what do we do all week? First, as I told my twin sister 20 years ago, I am not just a “preacher.” I am a pastor! I preach at most two hours a week so that actually constitutes a very small percentage of my work week. I pastor and shepherd the congregation and others another 45+ hours a week.

The bible makes it clear that a pastor’s job is to equip the saints (that is equip the lay people) to do the work of ministry. We are to preach the word of God, teach, shepherd, keep watch over souls, exhort, counsel, correct, encourage, rebuke, etc. We are to let our life and doctrine serve as an example to the flock. Sometimes we do that well; sometimes we do it less well.

While it may vary from church to church and based on one’s gifts, most pastors read the scripture, pray, write and study at least 12-20 hours a week.

We participate and lead weekly worship services another 4-7 hours. We teach classes and/or lead ministry team meetings another 5-8 hours a week. We visit

the hospitals and sick about 3 hours a week and meet with parishioners and other folks who need biblical counsel about 10 hours a week. We also preside at weddings and funerals, which are special types of worship services often attended widely by those outside the parish. Then there are 10 hours a week spent on the phone and communicating through email.

And did I mention that we eat a lot??

I often joke with my kids that I get paid to eat. One of the ways that we meet new people or catch up with parishioners is over a meal or a good cup of coffee (think Mojo’s, MMC or Daily Grind!). Show me a skinny pastor, and I will show you one who is either an introvert or has been blessed with a fast metabolism!

Ministry, at its heart, is about loving God, loving His people and equipping them to become Christ followers.

We would probably do well to spend MORE time with the Lord and less on the computer. That is why I am signing off right now!!

Quigg Lawrence is Senior Pastor at Church of the Holy Spirit at 6011 Merriman Rd in Roanoke. Visit them online at: www.coths.org

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One dozen Grade A large eggs, and a pack of Oscar Mayer Bacon for $3.49

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Page 6 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 11/28/08

The Annual Grandin Village Holiday Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Parade

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The Annual Grandin Village Holiday Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Parade last Saturday took place on a sunny but brisk morning, proceeding from the corner of Grandin Road and Brandon Avenue through Grandin Village. Held the Saturday before Thanksgiving each year, the neighborhood favorite ends with an appearance by Santa, delivered by the Roanoke City Fire & EMS department. Scout troops, BOL 08 08 City Council members David Trinkle and Court Rosen, and school bands and drill teams, local businesses, Mayor David BOL Bowers, other local organizations all took part as several thousand people watched and waved.

A highlight of the annual parade are the children that march with their parents â&#x20AC;&#x201C; decked out in holiday garb and Santa hats, throwing candy to the crowd, some of the smaller fry being pulled in wagons. Â At the end of the parade Santa Claus met with many of the children in front of the Roanoke Natural Foods Co-op, dispensing hugs and taking orders for Christmas gifts.

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

Sports

11/28/08 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 7

William Byrd girls soccer team earns academic award

The National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NCSAA) has awarded the Team Academic Award to the 2007-2008 William Byrd High School girls’ soccer team. More than 250 girls’ soccer teams across the nation earned this distinction. To qualify for the award, the team must have a minimum grade point average of 3.25 for the entire academic year. The team GPA is determined by adding every player's GPA, then dividing by the number of players.

“I’m so proud of our team,” said Terrier’s soccer head coach Russell Dishman. “We want our team to work hard in the classroom as well as on the field. I’m very pleased our players have been recognized as winners in the classroom,” Dishman added.

By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

Midnight Madness at Roanoke Valley Christian School

Star City Half-Marathon Blacksburg's George Probst, 35, won the 23rd annual Star City Half Marathon Saturday with a time of 1:12:41. Shauna Mugavero, also from Blacksburg was the first over-all female to cross the finish line in a time of 1:29:48. More than 300 runners braved the freezing temperatures to complete the 13.1 mile course.

The youngest runner was Jordan Bazak, 14, from Roanoke, finishing with the impressive time of 1:30:32, and Ray Gilbarte, a 70 year old from Wirtz was the eldest, finishing in 3:01:56.

Former Pulaski County Football Coach, Joel Hicks, 67, (pictured above right) won the Men's 65 - 69 division with a time of 1:43:55.

On Friday night, November 21, Roanoke Valley Christian School hosted their Midnight Madness basketball tournament which has been an annual tradition at the school for several years.

The night started off with the varsity women playing a team of alumni and faculty at RVCS. The Lady Eagles fought a hard battle and senior Amanda Hundly scored 10 points. Sophomore Reba Pickeral finished her first game of the season with 7 points. The Lady Eagles went on to pull out a close one- 30 to 28.

The varsity men were out to win Friday night against a solid team consisting of faculty and staff not only from RVCS but also Shenandoah Baptist Church. Last year the Eagles barely pulled out a win against the same team. This year their goal was a little different. From the tip-off, the Eagles were on fire. Senior Josh Webb dropped 18 points against the faculty team. Freshmen point guard Jared Hundly scored 5. The Eagles went on to demolish the faculty and staff 60 to 27.

Hey Coach!

It just isn’t coming together With Coach Houser Hello Coach Houser.

I am a player on a seriously good club team and I have a quick question. My team has been together for several years and our season is around the corner and we still haven’t clicked as a team. We are still struggling mentally. Our coach is awesome, and has tried to help us but we are under-achieving. Some people give their best effort every day, while others don’t. I want to try to get a scholarship for volleyball, but for some reason we struggle mentally. I believe we have the potential to be a powerhouse. We have height but it’s a lack of motivation.

Please tell me how we can fix this. I can tell that our coach is frustrated.

Hello sir: What you’ve said is full of contradictions. But many athletes see their team just this way. I've heard dozens of players say, "We have it all, we just can't gel."

The truth is, if you did have it all, then you would jell.

Something is missing. The coach can't be so awesome, because he can’t solve the team’s Reason to celebrate: with a not-so-pretty 14-3 win over Duke last Saturday the Virginia Tech Hokies stayed in contention for the Atlantic Coast Conference’s Coastal Division football crown. laziness. All the players can't be so awesome, because the If Tech beats UVA at home in Blacksburg this weekend (Sat., noon) they will advance to the ACC championship game in Tampa. The Virginia Cavaliers are fighting for bowl eligibility, so the team is struggling. You tell me that your coach has tried clash of rivals this Saturday is important to the Hoos as well. to help, but players aren't "giv-

VT’s reason to celebrate

ing back". You say your team could be a powerhouse, but you're not playing well. You tell me that your team is tall, but you're unmotivated and lazy.

In my opinion, what your team needs is some change.

You may need a few new players. Get rid of the lazy ones.

You may need a lot of new players. Maybe your good players aren't really as good as you perceive. You may need a new coach. If he cannot motivate the players and he allows them to be lazy, then he could be the problem.

I am just a few weeks away from starting a new club season with a new bunch of players. Together we will try to have a remarkable season. Sure, some of our special memories will be because of the matches we win. But most of our memories will be the friendships, the trips, the laughter and the incredible effort that went into our season.

Many players don’t give their best efforts (mentally and physically) because they’re not expected to. Often coaches will allow players to give 80% because it’s easier to just allow it than to try to fix it. Yes, fixing an 80% player takes a lot of time. There may be conferences, consequences, disagreements, hurt feelings, etc. Sometimes players would

rather quit a team than give the effort and commitment that the coach requires. All this takes time and effort by all parties.

For many coaches, it’s easier to tolerate the 80% player; in other words, accept the 80% player with 80% coaching effort. In this way, there are no arguments, no ultimatums, no deadlines to improve, etc. The peace is maintained.

However, the consequences of this lack of effort by both parties becomes apparent when the team meets a comparable opponent. Then the 80% team loses winnable matches, because both the players and the coaches haven’t been expecting enough of themselves.

That is your situation. No your team doesn’t have it all.

There are parts missing.

Finally. I see my job as a coach as helping the team reach their goals. If it takes longer practice, then we’ll do it. It may take a day off. If a player needs a compliment, I can do that. If a player needs a time-out, or some time off, or time on the bench with me, then that will happen. Everyone wants to succeed, but some people aren’t willing to put the time and effort into it. That’s what’s happening with your team. The coach must take the lead in fixing the problem, or he is part of the problem.

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Page 8 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 11/28/08

Sports

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

Roanoke Valley Christian opens Tech hockey basketball season with tournament club piling up the wins

Roanoke Valley Christian Schools’ men’s basketball team began their season with a tournament on Friday, Nov. 14 and Saturday, Nov. 15 at Pathway Christian Academy.

The tournament rules included two twenty minute halves with a five-minute half time between, with the clock running continuously until the last two minutes of the game. One (,-'. point was awarded to a team when fouled, 123 until the last two minutes of each game, when 6(:(;.-< regulation rules went into effect. The championship game was played entirely by regulation rules Roanoke has a The teams Saltwater Fish Store!

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Pathway Christian Academy Panthers, and The Southwest Virginia Home School Conquerers.

The first game RVCS played was a tough match against the Home School Conquerers.

It was a close game, well fought all the way through, and ended in a 50-44 RVCS victory.

RVCS senior Josh Webb was the leading scorer with 14 points, despite receiving a minor concussion in the second half. Senior Steven Scoggins followed closely behind him, scoring 12 points.

The second game was played against the Covington Boy’s Home, a first time opponent for the Eagles. RVCS won this game as well, 51-41. Junior Nathan Perkinson scored 14 points and Josh Webb scored 10.

In the third game, RVCS took on Pathway, competing for the first seed in the tournament. The Eagles won a very close game with a final score of 52-48. Josh Webb scored an impressive 18 points and Steven Scoggins had 14 points.

The semifinals were next and RVCS played the Covington Boy’s Home yet again. They emerged with a second victory against the Hilltoppers, winning by a comfortable margin of 10 points (54-44). Nathan Perkinson scored 14 points and senior Ben Bailey, scored 11.

The win against the Covington Boy’s Home sent RVCS to the Championship game, which was to be played against Pathway Christian Academy. This was the third game of the day for the Eagles, but the team caught their second wind as they stepped onto the court. RVCS was winning by 3 points at the end of the regulation game, but a Pathway opponent scored a 3-pointer just as the buzzer went off. This sent the game into a nail-biting overtime. At the end of the first overtime, RVCS was up, but Pathway scored again, making for a second and even more nerve-racking overtime. The Eagle’s starting center fouled out and Pathway pulled ahead, winning the game 74-67. Josh Webb scored a game high of 26 points and Ben Bailey scored 19.

Don’t look now, but the Virginia Tech club-level hockey squad that calls the Roanoke Civic Center home has compiled a gaudy 12-2 record after winning two games against Atlantic Coast Collegiate Hockey League foes last weekend. A day before they beat Duke on the football field in Blacksburg, the Hokies took care of the Blue Devils on the ice, winning 6-1. Tech came back on Sunday afternoon to beat Georgetown 6-2.

Between the first and second periods at the Duke game, Miss Virginia, Tara Wheeler, skated out in a goalie’s mask and pads, while fans shot pucks at her for charity. It wasn’t just a stunt – Wheeler played goalkeeper for the Penn State women’s team while attending school there.

Those hockey fans left in the lurch when the Express and then the Vipers pulled up stakes (and the Rebels, Rampage, etc. before that) may want to check out Virginia Tech’s club team, which does not play in an NCAA-sanctioned league. College hockey on this level is all about passing and checking; fighting is discouraged and comes with an automatic one-game suspension. The skill level appears to be on par with that displayed by the Vipers, the last pro tenants at the Civic Center.

Former Roanoke City Councilwoman and retired Roanoke City teacher Linda Wyatt attends Virginia Tech hockey games, just as she did while a season ticket holder for the Express and Vipers.

She’d like to see professional hockey return, but feels a drop to a lower-rung league with reduced operating expenses would be needed, “in order to have tickets people can afford. A family of four for 50 dollars … you can’t do it [in Roanoke].”

A rabid fan of the sport, Wyatt’s goal – what’s on her “bucket list,” she says - is to attend a home

Photo by Gene Marrano

Coach Mike Spradlin (left) gathers his team before the Duke game.

game in every National Hockey League city. Wyatt, who failed in an attempt to regain a Council seat last spring, has been to about eight NHL venues, with Nashville’s arena (home of the Predators) high on her list. As for the level of play displayed

by Virginia Tech’s team, led by senior captain Jimmy Pope: “its pretty good…they’ve steadily improved. Its not bad hockey.”

Art Weeks is also a regular at Hokie home games, where they play Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” like they do at Tech football games and fans wear plenty of maroon and orange VT gear. He used to help out with the Express and Vipers, working behind the scenes with the equipment manager. “These guys are just as good as they were,” says Weeks about the level of play. “I see a couple of kids here that could probably play [pro hockey].” Weeks gives head coach Mike Spradlin the thumbs up as well: “the guy knows what he’s doing.”

About 1500 or so showed up to see the Hokies play Duke. After the Ice Station folded several years ago the Civic Center became home for Virginia Tech’s team. More hockey fans may show up on January 23 when the University of Virginia Cavaliers come to town. “I haven’t missed one yet,” says Weeks, who found out about the team just last season, since it gets little or no publicity.

“This is great…its good

By Gene Marrano hockey.” gmarrano@cox.net

Hidden Valley football player is Army Iron Man for two-way play

Chad Earhart, wide receiver and defensive linebacker for the Hidden Valley High School Titans, has been named the Army Iron Man of the year for Virginia by the U.S. Army Beckley Recruiting Battalion.

The Army Iron Man award recognizes the best two-way high school football player in the battalion’s Virginia recruiting territory. As the Army Iron Man of the Year for Virginia, Earhart will receive a customized, championshipquality ring from presenting sponsor Jostens. In week nine, Earhart (who also plays basketball for the Titans) scored THE ROANOKE SUN | NOVEMBER 23-29 | 9 on a 52-yard touchdown reception, returned a kickoff for a 94-yard touchdown, and returned an interception for a 35-yard touchdown as Hidden Valley beat Christiansburg, 38-21.

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11/28/08 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 9

TheRoanokeStar.com

A Time to Give Thanks

Recently the eyes of the religiously, to have the day of country have been focused on our American Thanksgiving the hotly contested Presiden- positively settled? ... it would be tial election and our economic more noble, more truly Ameridownturn, but it is important can, to become national in unity to remember that as a na- when we offer to God our tribtion, we have many reasons to ute of joy and gratitude for the give thanks. Each year, across blessings of the year.”

Virginia and throughout the After a 40 year campaign of country, Americans set aside a writing editorials and letters to special day to express gratitude governors and presidents, Hale’s for the many blessings we have efforts came to fruition when received.

President Lincoln proclaimed In 1789 President George the last Tuesday in November to Washington proclaimed Thurs- be a national day of Thanksgivday, November 26th of that year, ing in 1863. He did so as a gesa day of national Thanksgiving. ture of unity in the midst of the At the request of the President, turmoil of the Civil War. LinAmericans assembled in houses coln believed that it seemed fit of worship to thank God for his and proper that prosperity and many blessings. But there was freedom were God’s gift and discord among the colonies and should be solemnly, reverently, many were opposed to the holi- and gratefully acknowledged day citing that the hardships the with one heart and one voice by Pilgrims had faced did not war- all the American people. rant a national On Decemholiday.

Deber 26, 1941, Rep. Bob Goodlatte spite President Congress fiWa s h i n g t o n nally affirmed proclaiming another Thanks- that decree and declared that giving Day in 1795, the national Thanksgiving Day should be celebration of this holiday was celebrated on the fourth Thurssoon forgotten. day of November each year.

It is thanks to the steadfast Thanksgiving has become efforts of magazine editor Sar- one of the most widely celebratah Josepha Hale that we now ed holidays in the United States. celebrate the holiday we know For my family, Thanksgiving as Thanksgiving. Ms. Hale has always been a time to give wrote, “Would it not be a great thanks to God and to help those advantage, socially, nationally, who may be less fortunate.

[

]

The Recipe of the Week From The Happy Chef

by Leigh Sackett

Thanksgiving Turkey Sandwich with Cranberry-Onion Relish

My favorite thing to do with Thanksgiving leftovers is to put some turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing and gravy in a bowl, heat it up in the microwave, mix it up and chow down! I also like a sandwich with white bread, Dukes mayo on both sides, turkey and American cheese, toasted in the oven. Pretty simple! But when I recently saw this sandwich recipe with the Cranberry-Onion State Sen. John Edwards (D-Roanoke) and Doris Hansel, LOA Nutri- relish I knew I had to try it. So this year I am stepping up my leftover’s game. No more laying on tion Coordinator, at a past Meals on the couch with my giant bowl of Thanksgiving past, I am back in the kitchen making relish this year. Who knows I may be packing up my relish and putting it in jars and giving it out as ChristWheels Thanksgiving Day event. mas gifts!

This Thanksgiving Day, I remaining half of the roll -In a heavy saucepan stir hope that you will have the op- Thanksgiving Turkey -Cut each in half and serve together wine, vinegar, sugar, portunity to spend time with Sandwich your family and reach out to 4 kaiser rolls or whole wheat immediately cinnamon, ginger, cloves, zest, those in need around you. I braided rolls and thyme hope that you will give thanks ¼ cup mayonnaise -Bring to boil, reduce heat, Cranberry-Onion Relish for this wonderful democracy 2 tbs. Dijon mustard simmer uncovered until ½ cup dry white wine in which we live - the land of the 4 large slices roasted turkey slightly syrupy, about 5 min¼ cup white wine vinegar free, and the home of the brave. utes ½ cup sugar breast God bless you all, and from -Stir in onions, simmer cov1/8 tsp. ground cinnamon ¼ cup Cranberry-Onion my family to yours - happy ered until crisp-tender, about 1/8 tsp. ground ginger Relish Thanksgiving.

12 minutes ¼ cup leftover stuffing 2 whole cloves -Stir in cranberries and apple Grated zest of 1 orange Ed. note: Congressman Bob 4 large red leaf lettuce leaves cook uncovered until cran¼ tsp dried thyme, crumbled Goodlatte, State Senator John Edwards and Delegate Morgan -Slice rolls in half and spread berries burst, about 6 minutes 3 medium onions, quartered Griffith were scheduled to help bottom halves with Mayo and and thinly slices (about 4 -Ladle relish into a glass bowl deliver over 200 hot Thanksgiv- top halves with mustard or jars, cool, cover securely cups) ing meals to the area’s home- -Place 1 slice of turkey on and chill 2 cups cranberries bound elderly this year. This has each bottom half, spread with 1 tart green apple, peeled, -Will keep up to 1 week in become a holiday tradition for refrigerator relish, then stuffing cored, and diced the LOA, its Meals on Wheels -Top with lettuce leaf and the volunteers, and local politicians.

Community Calendar > Nov. 29

Family Gaming Day All ages are invited to Family Gaming Day, Saturday, November 29.

Try your hand at the Wii, Playstation 3, Guitar Hero, and any of the other hit games that the library offers. And if you don’t like computer games, don’t feel confined, we also have board games and other timeless family games.

When - 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Where - Roanoke Main Library.

For more - call 853-2955 for more information.

> Nov. 30

Santa visits the pets at Tanglewood Mall Santa Claus will stay late at Tanglewood Mall on Sunday, November 30 just to visit with “four-legged children” and get pictures taken with them.

Please note that this event is for domestic pets only (no exotic animals), and that all pets must be on a leash or otherwise restrained.

When - 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Where - Tanglewood Mall For information on Tanglewood Mall’s holiday events, extended shopping hours, Santa’s hours, and more, please visit www.shoptanglewood.com or call Customer Service at 540.989.4388..

> Dec. 4

Special FairTax Educational Meeting Roanoke Area FairTax will have a 30-minute presentation, “The FairTax Story,” followed by 30 minutes of questions, answers, and discussion. This is a good

introduction to what the FairTax is and how it works. Come learn the principles of the FairTax and understand how it would be good for America.

Bring a friend or relative!

When - 6:45 p.m. - 7:45 p.m.

Where - Edinburgh Square’s Community Room, 129 Hershberger Road NW, near Plantation Road, directly across from Star City Skating Center.

For more - RAFT@att.net.

> Dec. 5

Kindermusik Open Hous Kindermusik by Purple Possibilities with Free Preview Classes for Ages Birth - 7 years! Enjoy Face Painting, Crafts, Story Time and Refreshments! Explore Our Fantastic New Studio in Brambleton Baptist Church, 4122 Cresthill Drive! Meet Our Mature, Licensed Kindermusik Educators. BIG Spring Semester Discounts Available @ Open House!

When - 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.

For more - at www.purplepossibilities.com or call Julie at 540520-1329.

Dickens of a Christmas 2008 WACHOVIA PLAZA 5:30 p.m. – Southwest Virginia Ballet 6:15 p.m. – City of Roanoke Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony 6:30 p.m. – Miss Mona’s School of Dance CAMPBELL AVE. & MARKET 6-10 p.m. – Strolling St. Nicholas 6-10 p.m. – Carriage Rides 6-10 p.m. – Street Actors (Theatre students from William Fleming High School)

6-10 p.m. – Pony Rides & Holiday Photos 7-9 p.m. – Photos with Santa 7-9 p.m. – Mark Fuller, Magician 7-10 p.m. – Carolers of Christmas Past 7-10 p.m. – Sally Edelman, Face Painter 7-10 p.m. – David Bear Stuart, Juggler MARKET STREET/CHRUCH AVENUE 7:30 p.m. – Roanoke Ballet Theatre 8:00 p.m. – Yuletide Voices 9:00 p.m. – Local Colors International Choir CAMPBELL AVENUE 6-10 p.m. – Living Nativity Scene – Penn Forest Christian Church SANTA’S WORKSHOP 6-8 p.m. – Taubman Museum of Art KIRK AVENUE Suntrust’s Kids Zone Games, Activities & More

> 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, home-

made 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. 13

Speedlight The Bedford & Botetourt County Parks & Recreation is sponsoring a bus trip to the matinee of Miracle on 34th Street at the Barter Theatre, Abingdon,VA, and to Speedway in Lights at the Bristol Motor Speedway, Bristol,TN, on Saturday, December 13, 2008.

Prior to the matinee at the Barter, the group will enjoy an all inclusive lunch at Abingdon’s Harbor Inn Seafood Restaurant.

The price of $89 per person includes: Roundtrip motorcoach transportation, an all inclusive lunch at Harbor Inn Seafood Restaurant, matinee ticket for Miracle on 34th Street at Barter Theatre, admission to Speedway in Lights and a tour host.

Passengers can board the bus at the Westgate Shopping Center, Bedford; Bonsack Walmart, Route 460, Troutville; and at Food Lion, Exit 137, Salem,VA. For more information, call (540) 586-7682 or (540) 473-8326.

> 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-away, 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.

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Call Peggy@342-2183 Self-defense lessons Free for women and children Fun and practical Call 345-7365 Junior Achievement Needs you to help us teach kids!

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Please adopt and save a life Any pet shelter www.petfinder.com Clawfoot tub for sale Fifty dollars and it’s yours White and in good shape Call 521-8060 Hardwood floor cleaning Beautify your hardwood floors Give us a call now.

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Valley Business

Page 10 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 11/28/08

TheRoanokeStar.com

Norfolk Southern CEO to address chamber members

Wick Moorman, chairman, president and CEO of Norfolk Southern Corp., will deliver the keynote address at the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 119th Annual Meeting of the Membership. The Chamberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premier networking event of the year will be held on Tuesday, December 2, at 6 p.m. at The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center.

The cost of the annual meeting is $70 for members and $560 for a table of eight. Early registration is advised for the well-attended networking event. For information or to register, call 983.0700 ext.

221 or e-mail business@roanokechamber.org. Registration is also available online at www.roanokechamber.org.

Access Advertising & Public Relations Wins Five Summit Awards for Public Relations Excellence

From left in picture: Annie Cooper, Community Manager, Roanoke Chapter American Cancer Society; Shirley Niday, Body Shop Manager, Magic City Ford Lincoln Mercury, Cancer Survivor; Penny Burch, General Manager, Magic City Ford Lincoln Mercury

Magic City raises money during Breast Cancer Awareness Month During the month of October, Magic City Ford Lincoln Mercury and Jamminâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; WJJS supported Breast Cancer Awareness and the American Cancer Society with a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bras Around the Blockâ&#x20AC;? promotion. For every new or slightly used bra that was brought in to the dealership, Magic City Ford Lincoln Mercury pledged to donate $1 to the Roanoke Chapter of the American Cancer Society.

On Thursday, November 13th Penny Burch, General Manager of Magic City Ford Lincoln Mercury, presented a check of $556 to Annie Cooper, Community Manager of the Roanoke Chapter of the American Cancer Society. The presentation took place at the Magic City Ford Lincoln Mercury new car showroom on Williamson Road.

Roanoke Urban Effect 2008 announces winning entries

Winning entries for Roanoke Urban Effect 2008, an international design competition focused on Roanoke City, were announced recently. Forty-six entries were submitted from around the world, with seven winners announced. A fourperson jury judged the entries and the competition was divided into three categories - Buildings, Urban Design, and Urban Planning â&#x20AC;&#x201C; focused on three areas within the Jefferson Street Corridor, an area that has been identified by Roanoke City for proposed redevelopment. The two top prizes, the Award of Excellence, were given in a tie to Roanokers Nathan Harper  (Individual, Buildings) from Spectrum Design, and Clark Nexsen (Team, Urban Design), based in Roanoke and Norfolk.

Other prizes handed out by the jury: Student Award of Excellence, Mengni Zhang (Individual) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Urban Design, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY; Merit Award, Craig Huffman  (Individual) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Urban Design, Tallahassee, Fl.; Hanbury Evans Wright Vlattas & Company (Team) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Buildings, Wytheville, Va.; BAM Architects  (Team) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Buildings, Richmond; The CAF (Team) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Urban Design, San Diego, Ca., New Orleans, La., London, UK. The competition received broad international interest from South America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Organized by local young professionals affiliated with the Blue

walkable community through a series of pedestrian trails, greenways, and community gathering spaces. â&#x20AC;&#x153;While not the typical wild and bold winning entry, the planning ideas behind it are sound. Pieces of this proposal can start to be implemented tomorrow,â&#x20AC;? said Patrose.

Other submissions suggested Roanoke architect Nathan Harperâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s take on where the Roaa way to bridge Roanokeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s east noke Weiner stand should go (courtesy Roanoke Urban Effect and west neighborhoods with a 2008) connecting pedestrian and bike Ridge American Institute of turing the Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s use of iconic path over I-581 or development Architectsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Young Architects signs such as H&C Coffee and of a community gathering point Forum (YAF), Roanoke Urban Dr. Pepper, the proposed build- at The Crossing with waterfalls, Effect 2008 is the first of its kind ing features a new skyline icon ice skating rinks, swimming for the region. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a 68-foot LED display sign pools, relaxation gardens, and Josephine Villacreces is a local visible from Williamson Road playgrounds. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was impressive how the YAF member and helped orga- and I-581. (The Weiner Stand nize the Roanoke event: â&#x20AC;&#x153;there is currently slated to remain at ideas presented captured the were really good ideas, really Center in the Square, although essence of the city of Roanoke,â&#x20AC;? innovative. They addressed all it may be relocated after renova- said Villacreces, contest co-chair and an architect intern. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Parof our goals. The result is that tions are completed). people are starting to have some Patraap Patrose, a juror and ticipants not only performed type of dialogue and conversa- the Director of Urban Design a thorough study of the urban tion about â&#x20AC;Ś the future of the for the Boston Redevelopment fabric of the city but also procity.â&#x20AC;?

Authority said Harperâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s propos- posed concepts that celebrated Although no plans exist at al â&#x20AC;&#x153;takes a unique and quirky some of its most important, but this point to build or profit aspect of Roanoke and catapults sometimes unnoticed, features.â&#x20AC;?

The winning entries will be from the designs, Nicole Hall, it into the 21st century.â&#x20AC;? co-chair for Roanoke Urban Juror Sean Tuck, a Roanoke on public display at Center in Effect, believes the success of native and founding partner the Square through Friday, Dethis yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s contest will open of Tuck-Hinton Associates in cember 5.  â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are trying to get new discussions about the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Nashville, said Harperâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pro- some of the [City officials] to future. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We really have an op- posal was very site specific. come look at our presentation,â&#x20AC;? portunity to start a dialog in our â&#x20AC;&#x153;Progressive ideas like this help said Villacreces, â&#x20AC;&#x153;trying to take community about how such us appreciate the historic char- advantage of this momentum.â&#x20AC;? ideas can benefit the region and acter of the city. A good balance (includes submitted informapropel us forward.â&#x20AC;? of new and old makes the city a tion) Harperâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s building proposal richer experience.â&#x20AC;? provides a permanent landmark Clark Nexsenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s team effort

By Gene Marrano home for the Roanoke Weiner sought to improve connectivity gmarrano@cox.net Stand, adjacent to the new along the entire Jefferson Street Taubman Art Museum. Cap- Corridor, making the area a

Access Advertising & Public Relations received five Summit Awards at last night's Blue Ridge Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America's Summit Awards Gala.

The Summit Awards recognize the best in public relations and communications efforts by professional public relations practitioners in Southwest Virginia. The entries were judged by the Central Pennsylvania PRSA Chapter, and each entry was evaluated in four areas: Research, Planning, Execution and Evaluation.

Access received awards in the following categories on behalf of its clients: â&#x20AC;˘ Gold ­- Media Relations, ­Woltz & Associates, Fox Island Auction â&#x20AC;˘ Silver - ­Special Events, Average Budget ­The Willard Companies, The Water's Edge Grand Reopening â&#x20AC;˘ Silver - Community Partnerships, ­Child Advocacy Center, Kids in Cars Campaign â&#x20AC;˘ Silver - PR Campaigns, Average Budget ­JavaFit Virginia Tech Product Launch â&#x20AC;˘ Silver - Special Events, Modest Budget ­Historical Society, A Night for Notable Women "We're thrilled to be recognized at Summit Awards because they are judged not only on the elements of the campaign but also on successful outcomes," said Terri Jones, APR, Principal at AccessPR. "It's an honor to be recognized by your peers, but more importantly, the awards acknowledge the results we've achieved for our clients."

Nicholas Taubman awarded with â&#x20AC;&#x153;Order of the Star of Romaniaâ&#x20AC;?

On Tuesday Nov25th, the President of Romania, Traian Basescu, awarded Ambassador Nicholas F. Taubman with the Order of the Star of Romania in a ceremony held at the Cotroceni Palace.

Ambassador Taubman said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am honored to receive the Star of Romania. Many American and Romanian colleagues have helped make this award possible. My three years as Ambassador here have been some of the most rewarding in my life. My wife, Jenny, and I will return to the United States with many warm memories of our time here and of the many friends we have made. We thank you for this honor and wish Romania and Romanians all the best."

Ambassador Taubman presented his credentials to President Basescu on December 5, 2005. He will depart Romania next week

Local Radiator Expert Jeff Gibson Elected to the Board of Directors of Leading Industry Association

Jeff Gibson, Vice President of Gibson Radiator Shop, Inc., in Roanoke, Va., has been elected to the Board of Directors of NARSA â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The International Heat Transfer Association. The formal announcement was made at the NARSA 56th Annual Convention and Trade Show, held recently in Las Vegas, Nev., which attracts the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading heat transfer industry professionals. Gibson will serve as Southeast Region Chairman of NARSA. As a member of the NARSA Board of Directors, Gibson will help shape the future agenda and direction of the association. NARSA is a non-profit trade association providing educational, technical, safety and marketing programs for individuals in the engine cooling and heat transfer industry. The association is comprised of heat transfer specialists, manufacturers and suppliers located in 42 countries. NARSA is committed to educating consumers, promoting educational practices and improving procedures, fostering and promoting business friendships, conducting research and providing solutions for the industryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s issues.  â&#x20AC;&#x153;On behalf of the association, I would like to thank Jeff for his service and commitment to NARSA,â&#x20AC;? commented Chuck Braswell, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the association. â&#x20AC;&#x153;NARSA is fortunate to have such a dedicated individual working to further the goals of the organization and the interests of the industry.â&#x20AC;?  Gibson Radiator Shop is located at 637 West Salem Ave. in Roanoke.

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Arts & Culture

TheRoanokeStar.com

11/28/08 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 11

Scrooge set to delight again at Civic Center

Going to see â&#x20AC;&#x153;Scroogeâ&#x20AC;? at the Roanoke Civic Center has become an annual holiday tradition for many residents of the Roanoke Valley, and this year is no different. Members and friends of New Century Community Church in Roanoke have joined with several corporate underwriting partners in celebrating their tenth year of performing the play as a ministry to the community. Admission is free but donations are encouraged and will go to a local nonprofit organization.

Mean, old miser Scrooge is played by the churchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pastor, Dr. Jay Owens. The play is a family affair. His daughter, Kari, is director this year. Owensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; wife, Nancy, is a costumer.

The play is actually based on the 1970â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s era film starring Albert Finney. Owens says Charles Dickensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;&#x153;A Christmas Carolâ&#x20AC;? has a lot of the same thematic messages, tied to what the church is all about. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re talking about the social ministries of helping people who are in need ... but also, in all fictional history, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no conversion story like that of Ebenezer Scrooge. Embedded into Scroogeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s conversion is actually the essence of the Gospel.â&#x20AC;? That message is shared with the audience by members of the cast at the conclusion of each show.

Scroogeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s conversion is Owensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; favorite part of the play. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I love the part where he is finally chained in hell and getting his â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;just rewardsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; so to speak, and then wakes up from the dream and realizes that his life needs a new direction to it.â&#x20AC;?

Kari Owens has grown up with the play; sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been a member of the chorus and one year played â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mrs. Fezziwigâ&#x20AC;?. She also has some experience directing plays at Virginia Western Community College.

After college Owens lived in India, where she directed the childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s production of â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Jungle Bookâ&#x20AC;?.

The Gamut Theatre Companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cast of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Reckless.â&#x20AC;?

Gamut celebrates the Holiday season with performances of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Recklessâ&#x20AC;?

A joyful scene from a past performance of Scrooge.

The cast of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Scroogeâ&#x20AC;? is comprised mainly of adults. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The main difference is when youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re directing children, you have to give them very specific instructions,â&#x20AC;? says Kari Owens. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You have to tell them very specifically where to stand, when to do this, and that kind of thing. But when youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re directing adults, it is a bit easier.

You can communicate to the adult just the idea of what you want and they understand.â&#x20AC;?

She says the play has remained basically the same over the past decade, so most cast members remember their parts from year to year, which makes her work easier as a director.

Dr. Owens enjoys playing Scrooge and says itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very easy to be mean and nasty. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I guess thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s something therapeutic about playing a villain for awhile. And itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always easier to play the bad guy, especially the beginning parts of Scrooge are very easy for anyone to play - just

mean and nasty.â&#x20AC;?

The production is tailored for families but may not be suitable for very young children, says Kari Owens. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There are several moments of the play, such as when the ghost of Marley comes out or when Scrooge is in hell, that in the past have been a little scary to some of our younger viewers.â&#x20AC;?

Performances are set for Thursday and Friday, December 4th and 5th at 7:30pm, and Saturday the 6th at noon and 4pm at the Roanoke Civic Centerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Performing Arts Theater. The doors open one hour before the show, and proceeds will benefit the Blue Ridge Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Center in Roanoke, which deals with womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health-related issues.

The Nutcracker

Gamut Theatre Company presents the madcap, dark comedy, Reckless, by Craig Lucas at Jefferson Center on December 10, 13,17,18,19 and 20. Directed by Miriam Frazier and produced by Kathy Guy, cast members are Kris Laguzza, Ross Laguzza, Patrick Kelly, Jennifer Carter, Danielle Thorsen, Owen Merritt, Russ Merritt, Mary Jean Redon Levin, Jason Palmer and Phil Boyd.

Collaborating with the production team on set design, incorporating original artwork, is Philip Bernard. Â Philip is an installation artist and landscape designer from Boones Mill and a member of Gamutâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Board of Directors. Currently residing in Raleigh, NC, Philip creates gallery installations inspired by organic forms found in the landscape.

Miriam Frazier, Artistic Director, states, â&#x20AC;&#x153;People should come expecting to laugh and be touched in unexpected ways. Â Reckless can be summed up in the words of Carl Jung, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;In all chaos there is a cosmos, in all disorder a secret order.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;? Gamut is an amateur troupe consisting of members with a passion for live theater.

Tickets are $12.00 and may be purchased at Jefferson Center box-office (540-344-2550, or toll free 866-345-2550.) Times and dates for Gamutâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Reckless: Wednesday, December 10, 7:30 p.m., Saturday, December 13, 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 17, 7:30 p.m., Thursday, December 18, 7:30p.m., Friday, December 19, 8:00 p.m. and Saturday, December 20, 8:00 p.m.

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The Morgan Family (Dominique, James, Justice, Jeda and Joshua), guests in the Rescue Mission's Family Emergency Shelter, sings "KUM BA YA" as the Rescue Mission celebrates the dedication of the newly renovated 1929 Chapel on the Mission's Campus on Sunday, November 23.Â

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