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October 23 - October 29, 2009

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Community | News | Per spective

[Religion]

Sheriff ’s Race Heats Up

To God Be the Glory

Candidates Respond to Q & A

Sustaining Floyd P5– Fred First gives a review of Floyd’s upcoming “SplitRail Eco Fair” and the new market building to be dedicated this Saturday.

Photo by Anne Metheny

Cross-Town Rivalry P7– Patrick Henry and William Fleming prepare this week for their biggest game of the season.

Walking the Talk P10– Breakell Inc., continues to take the lead in embracing green building techniques.

Big Time

P11– After years of perfecting her talent Roanoker Claire Kiser is off to the prestigious Kirov Academy of Ballet in Washington, D.C.

Get the

A dedication ceremony was held last Sunday morning for the Church of the Holy Spirit’s new 1,000-seat sanctuary. Rt. Rev. Terrell Glenn, Missionary Bishop of AMiA and the rector of All Saints Church, Pawleys Island, South Carolina (center), was on hand to dedicate the new sanctuary to the glory of God. Senior pastor Quigg Lawrence (right) says he hopes the extra space will encourage new worshippers to take a seat in the congregation. “When I came to Roanoke, there was a seat for me and my family. We wanted to do that for people that are not yet churched or don’t know the Lord,” said Lawrence. In addition to the new facility, the Church of the Holy Spirit has church plants in Botetourt, Blacksburg and Lynchburg, as well as ministries in China, Cuba, and Rwanda. Also pictured above are Building Committee Chairman Doug Wright (far left), the Rev. Keith Allen, Associate Pastor of CHS, (holding plaque) and Barbara Murray, Minister of Pastoral Care. For more information, visit www.coths.org.

Octavia Johnson was the first woman and first minority to be elected Sheriff of Roanoke. Johnson was elected in 2005 in an upset victory over George McMillan. Previously, she was appointed deputy sheriff in 1979 and has served the city of Roanoke for almost 30 years. Johnson is responsible for the operation and management of the Roanoke City Jail, for providing courtroom security and for the service of all civil process and mental hygiene warrants in the city of Roanoke. She manages approximately 250 deputies and civilians, and administers a budget of $16 million dollars. Under her leadership, additional security cameras have been installed in the intake area, the deputies have updated radios, a computerized visitation system was implemented and there are new metal detectors in the jail and courthouse. Frank Garrett has spent most of his life in law enforcement, retiring after 24 years with the Roanoke City Police Department, with the last five years in the Sheriff ’s office. He provided courtroom security, served on the bicycle and mounted patrols and taught the D.A.R.E. program in the city schools. Brian Keenum was born in Roanoke and graduated from Patrick Henry High School. He received his bachelor’s degree in criminal

> CONTINUED P6: Sheriff

Candidates Mix It Up at Back Creek Forum The Back Creek Civic League hosted a “Candidates Night” on Monday (Oct. 19) at the Back Creek Fire Station in southwest Roanoke County, attended by a number of people seeking office on November 3: Virginia House of Delegates (8th District) candidates Morgan Griffith, the incumbent, and Carter Turner; Roanoke County Board of Supervisors (Windsor Hills District) candidates Sarah Goodman and Ed Elswick; and Drew Barrineau who is running unopposed for reelection to the School Board in the Windsor Hills District. Elswick and Griffith are running as Republicans; Turner and Goodman are Democrats. Turner is a Salem High School and

Virginia Tech graduate, with a PhD in move to Virginia and to help existreligious and theological studies from ing businesses expand operations. He the University of Denver. He currently supports a 30-cent increase on a pack is an Assistant Professor of Religious of cigarettes, which he claimed would Studies at Radford University. “I de- bring 148 million dollars to the state, to cided to get into this race because I am offset Medicaid costs that are rising in very disturbed by the partisanship that part because of cigarette smoking. we find in Virginia,” Turner He alluded to the possibilitold Civic League members. ty that his opponent, Griffith, Local Elections Citing the need to find a voted against this increase revenue source for transin the General Assembly portation, he emphasized, “It’s going because of tobacco industry contributo require sacrifice by Democrats and tions to his campaign. “My vote is not Republicans and it’s going to involve a for sale, nor has it ever been for sale,” whole host of solutions.” retorted Griffith, the House majority Turner advocates doubling the Gov- leader. “One of the things that I pride ernor’s Opportunity Fund, which is myself on is that I am willing to take the used to convince new businesses to tough votes and the tough measures.”

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Griffith supports education that would bring about a reduction in smokers, but worries that an increase in taxes on cigarettes might create a ripple effect on jobs. Turner later mentioned a 2004 independent study, “The Fiscal and Economic Impacts of Increasing the Cigarette Tax in Virginia” which disputes the loss of jobs. Griffith talked about his work with Governor Tim Kaine and Secretary of Transportation Pierce Homer to bring an intermodal transportation hub to the Roanoke region, where cargo can be transferred between trucks and Nor-

> CONTINUED P2: Back Creek

Salem VA Center Celebrates 75th Birthday

Courtesy Photo

A one-of-a-kind, solar-powered catamaran engineered by Mark Hanson.

Going Green Comes Naturally for Local Engineer

If the higher cost of electricity, gas and heating oil weigh on your mind, you will be envious of Mark Hanson. This senior design engineer for Synchrony Inc., a technology company in Roanoke County, pays nothing for the energy to run his 2,000 square foot home. Not only that, he spends only pennies to run his vehicles. Hanson has gone solar, and this “greenie weenie,” as he calls himself, would like to see others follow his lead. To that end, he will have on display one of his electric vehicles, possibly his red electric Porsche, November 6 and 7 at the Roanoke Civic Center as part of the Green Energy and Living Expo. The Expo, which had over 2,500 visitors last year, has been helping Roanoke Valley residents learn to live a little greener for the last decade. These days Hanson drives his electric Porsche, a motorcycle or a hybrid to his 400-0990 subscribe@theroanokestar.com job in Salem. The weather determines which vehicle he chooses to drive. If the PO Box 8338 Roanoke,VA 24014 power is low, requiring him to access energy from the power company, he drives

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> CONTINUED P2: Solar

The color guard Today the VAMC stood at attention and provides psychiathand-held flags dotric care, also offering ted the audience on medical and surgical Monday, Oct. 19 as the services for south75th Anniversary Celwestern Virginia vetebration of the Salem erans. Approximately Veterans Administra34,000 veterans have tion Medical Center been seen in the medi(VAMC) commenced, cal facility to date in a scene similar to when 2009, with an average Photo submitted of 350,000 visits total. President Franklin Roosevelt dedicated the Veterans hold flags during The Salem VA Center hospital on October 19, ceremony on VA Center ballfield. is also a teaching hos1934. Speakers hailed pital for the University the VAMC as a facility that has served of Virginia. those who served this country - and will SFC (Sgt. First Class) Ambrose and continue to do so for the next 75 years. SFC Jones arrived from Fort Bragg, NC The Veterans Administration original- early Monday morning. “We came down ly chose the Roanoke Valley to build the to watch the ceremony and visit with the medical center because of its convenience veterans in the hospital afterwards,” notto transportation and utilities. Construc- ed Jones. There were many active duty tion started on January 16, 1934 and un- and retired veterans at the ceremony, to employed workers were given preference commemorate one of the true benefits of in the job line. The facility cost $1,750,00 serving in the Armed Forces – free medito build at the time and emcal care at VA Centers. ployed up to 500 people. It had Speakers included 6th Veterans 472 operating beds. District Congressman Bob Patients at the hospital Goodlatte, Salem Mayor tended a working cattle and hog farm on Randy Foley, Roanoke City Mayor Dasite as part of their therapy. The clinical vid Bowers, John Patrick (Salem VAMC side of the VA Center was touted as one Director) and Dr. Robert Petzel, the of the most modern hospital designs; it Veterans Health Administration Acting included a pharmacy, x-ray suites, a lab, Deputy under the Secretary of Health. “I dental office, etc. The hospital also had a > CONTINUED movie theater in the recreation area and P2: Salem VA a large dining hall.

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Page 2 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 10/23/09-10/29/09

NewsRoanoke.com

> Back Creek From page 1

Showers likely after 2 PM with a high near 71. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Friday Night: Showers will continue and possibly a thunderstorm after 2am. Low around 54. A 70% chance of showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 2 PM, high near 67. Chance of precipitation is 70%. Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 48. Clearing skies becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 64. Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 44.

folk Southern railroad freight trains. Griffith also spoke about bipartisanship in Richmond, saying that roughly a thousand bills are passed during sessions by a different conglomeration of delegates working together, but that only about 10-15 become the highly charged partisan issues that people see in the news. “Sometimes I’m on the winning side, sometimes I’m on the losing side, but I am always fighting for our region.” Roanoke County Supervisor candidate Sarah Goodman currently teaches English at William Byrd High School. Prior to that she worked as a realtor for seven years. She has served as Vice President of the PTA for Green Valley Elementary and also as a coordinator for the regional chapter of “Mothers

& More.” Goodman said, “My decision to run was a result of a growing dissatisfaction with the current Board.” The three goals of her platform are the funding and support of public education; the advancement of economic development and job growth; and the promotion of quality of life issues like parks, greenways and cultural opportunities. “We have to have all of these things to be a successful community, and the success of each of them is related to the other,” said Goodman. Ed Elswick won the opportunity to be a candidate for the Windsor Hills Roanoke County Supervisor seat by beating incumbent Joe McNamara in the primary election this past June. He is running for supervisor as an “ordinary citizen” who be-

lieves that residents need to have more input on county initiatives. “I [also] have the time to devote to this job. This is more than a job where you go and vote twice a month.” Elswick retired from General Electric as a government compliance and quality assurance manager. He has been president of the Bent Mountain Civic League for some time and also organized the county wide civic league several years ago. Elswick is opposed to the county’s use of lease revenue bonds to fund major projects such as the new Green Ridge recreation center in North County. He believes that it is the job of a supervisor to work closely with the School Board, the organization responsible for schools. Drew Barrineau, currently the Chairman of the Roanoke

County School Board, is a CPA and tax accountant. He believes that his financial background is an asset in Roanoke County, especially in times of fiscal uncertainty. He was instrumental in developing the current revenue sharing agreement between the School Board and the Board of Supervisors and played a key role in developing the capital funding plan that currently pays for major projects. “We have 2200 wonderful employees that give all that they have every day to see that the children in Roanoke County receive an education second to none,” added Barrineau. By Dot Overstreet info@newsroanoke.com

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2009 Office of Nursing Innovations Award. Governor Tim Kaine sent a note: “It is important to recognize the dedication and sacrifice of our Armed Forces…[and] I also want to send my sincere thanks to the doctors, nurses, administrators, and staff associated with the Salem VA Medical Center.” Colors were ceremoniously retired on the field at the conclusion of the 75th Anniversary Celebration for the Salem VAMC.

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house plans” that he had carried around for 20 years. The former president was an early advocate of solar power. The house has a metal roof that will last a century, solar panels, and a geothermal water heater. Making his house energy efficient has not come cheap. Hanson has spent thousands of dollars to live mostly off-grid. “To seriously generate all of your electricity is pretty expensive,” he said. “The advantage is you’re self-sufficient and if the power goes out you don’t care.” Making a house airtight is a big part of saving energy, and therefore, money. “If homeowners want to cut the cost of energy bills, one of the first

things to do is fill the cracks and add insulation,” Hanson said. He advises people to have a foot of insulation in the attic and six inches in the wall. Additionally, folks in older homes should perform what he calls a “poor man’s blower door test” to find drafts. To perform this test, turn on all exhaust fans and the dryer to produce a slight vacuum. Then take an incense stick and go around doors, windows and ceiling fixtures. When the smoke moves, there is a draft. Tag the cracks in those areas with a post-it note, then caulk. According to Hanson, doing this makes a difference in the heating bill.

He also suggested low-flow showerheads and faucets, not to save water, but to save on the cost of heating water. Next to the heat pump, the hot water heater is one of the biggest energy users in a home. Other easy fixes: Use fluorescent lights, install 1.6 gallon pressure flush toilets and EnergyStar appliances. Hanson uses his technological know-how for the good of the community and serves on a number of “green” organizations, including a few for Roanoke County. He is in the process of resurrecting his own Renewable Energy and Electric Vehicle Association. The organization was very active in the Roanoke area when he originally started it in the 1990’s. This time he is establishing a “do it yourself ” club where folks can meet and talk about renewable energy. Virginia scores low on green job incentives, according to Hanson, who is a member of Roanoke County’s “RC Clear” committee, a citizen’s advisory group on green issues. He believes the state has lost many jobs to other localities because of this. Factories planning to build wind-generating turbines and other types of alternative energy are coming to this country via Europe, said Hanson, who would like to bring those jobs to Virginia. The current green movement is “generally good,” but he believes many people do not realize how much further the country needs to go to move beyond lip service, to real energy use reduction. “If we’re really going to make a dent, we have to collectively get on board,” said Hanson.

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Morgan Griffith has been the House Majority Leader since 1994 in the Virginia House of Delegates and is a lifelong Salem resident. A graduate of Salem's Andrew Lewis High School, Griffith is also an honors alum of Emory & Henry College. After completing his studies at Washington and Lee University School of Law, he returned to Salem to practice law. Griffith is a member of the House of Courts of Justice and Militia, Police and Public Safety and serves as chairman of the Rules Committee and is a member of the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission. Griffith and his family of five live in Salem, where they are involved in many community activities, including the Boy Scouts and Fellowship Community Church. He also swims on a summer private pool team and swam competitively in college. Carter Turner is currently an Assistant Professor of Religious Studies at Radford University. He and his wife of 13 years have been raising their daughter in Roanoke County for the last two and a half years, before their move from Montgomery County. Turner recently became active in politics when he helped area residents keep an asphalt treatment plant from being established near Glenvar schools. Q: What is your party affiliation? Griffith: Republican Turner: Democrat

Q & A with Morgan Griffith and Carter Turner Q: Where did you grown up? Griffith: Salem Turner: Salem Q: Have you made any campaign promises, something you will absolutely stick to? Griffith: I have a record of accomplishments and an extensive voting record. I know the voters of the 8th District know what to expect of me and vote accordingly. Turner: I have promised not to accept money from large corporate interests and I intend to keep that promise. Q: How will you attract businesses to Virginia and Roanoke specifically? Griffith: Virginia has been ranked the best state in the nation in which to do business. In order to keep this reputation, we need to continue to fight for Virginia's Right To Work Laws and remain a lower tax state. In Roanoke specifically, we need to continue building for the future with projects such as the intermodal rail yard and our biomedical industry, including the medical school partnership between Carilion and Virginia Tech. Turner: We have to invest in our community first. I will fight for state support for Greenway expansion and other â&#x20AC;&#x153;quality of lifeâ&#x20AC;? projects such as the renovation and expansion of Center in the Square. I would also work to better fund the Virginia Economic Development Partnership and increase the Governor's Opportunity Fund in

Morgan Griffith

Carter Turner order to offer better incentives to potential businesses. Q: Name two good reasons people should vote for you. Griffith: I have proven leadership in Virginia and represent the values of western Virginia and fight for our ideals in Richmond. With my experience in leadership, I am positioned to protect the interests of western Virginia in the face of a growing super-urban majority in Virginia. Turner: As a college educator, I understand the challenges our teachers face in the classroom, and I see first-hand the successes and failures of our K-12 system. If elected, I will

bring that insight to Richmond to work solely for the people of Salem and Roanoke County. I am also committed to serving my constituents and not large corporations who fund candidates campaigns. Q: Why are you qualified for this position? Griffith: I have an extensive background of service to the community, even prior to my election to the House of Delegates in 1993. I believe my experience and leadership more than qualify me to continue in my position. Turner: I have the dedication, vision, work ethic and intelligence to understand the issues facing our state, and the courage and tenacity to fight for what is right. I am also willing to acknowledge my mistakes and learn from them. Q: Are you pro-life or prochoice? Griffith: I have been endorsed for re-election by the Virginia Society for Human Life. I have supported a ban on partial birth abortion, a 24hour waiting period for women considering having an abortion, parental notification, parental consent and informed consent. I believe that clinics that perform abortions must meet hospital standards and I oppose spending taxpayer dollars to perform abortions. Turner: Pro-choice. Q: Say something nice about your opponent. Griffith: I understand that Carter is an outstanding profes-

sor at Radford University and well liked by his students. Turner: I respect Morgan Griffith for his 15 years of public service. This job is not without great sacrifice and I commend him for his willingness to serve. Q: Will you raise taxes? Griffith: I have never signed a â&#x20AC;&#x153;no new taxesâ&#x20AC;? pledge, but my voting record clearly shows that I am tax resistant. Turner: I intend to raise the cigarette taxes to offset the health care costs associated with smoking. Q: How long have you lived in your district? Griffith: Fifty years. Turner: Two years, three months. Q: Who do you admire now? Griffith: My mother; she has faced many challenges during the course of her lifetime, worked hard as a single parent, raised two children and successfully taught an entire generation of Salem and Roanoke County students. Turner: My wife Karen; she is the most dedicated, supportive and hard working human being I've ever known. Q: Have you voted in the last four elections and primaries? Griffith: Yes. Turner: No. I did not vote in 2007 due to family illness, but have voted seven times in five years. Q: How will you fund road maintenance locally? Griffith: I would propose increasing funding for highways

with royalties from offshore drilling of natural gas as well as the use of the first $50 million of tax revenues generated off the new intermodal site, specifically for the Salem district. Additionally, in January of 2010, we should be able to issue $300 million in bonds for transportation funding. These bonds can be issued over the next 10 years for a total of $3 billion because of legislation I helped carry in the House. Turner: I am committed to finding sufficient transportation revenue sources that cover our funding needs without relying on general funds. All potential revenue sources are on the table and the solution will be multifaceted. I do not believe a single â&#x20AC;&#x153;silver bulletâ&#x20AC;? solution is viable. Q: What do you consider your best accomplishment in life so far? Griffith: By far, my best accomplishment in life will always be my three wonderful children, Abby, Davis and Starke. Turner: Raising a bright, curious and conscientious child. Q: Do you have any pets? Griffith: We have a cat that lives at my office that we have adopted as our own and had spayed, and we have fish at home. Turner: Two dogs, a Brittany and an English Setter

By Carla Bream info@newsroanoke.com

Q & A with Ed Elswick and Sarah Goodman

The two candidates running own households. 3. Have you made any camfor the Board of Supervisors in the Windsor Hills District paign promises, something you come from two very different will absolutely stick to? E: Of course, I will manage backgrounds. Ed Elswick lives on top of Bent Mountain, where county spending and scope as he is Civic League President, citizensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; desire. G: I am completely commitin a house he designed and built himself over the last sev- ted to funding public education eral years. He is a former high and will strive to ensure that our school teacher and is retired schools receive what they need from General Electric with 31 in order to maintain their qualyears experience as a financial ity. 4. If elected, what are your manager. Elswick first came to the fore- top three priorities? E: Managing county exfront last spring when he defeated incumbent Joe McNamara in penditures in severe economic the Republican primary. Being conditions, documenting citian unknown, he campaigned zens opinions with an extensive by going door to door person- survey and maximizing county ally to just about every house in efficiency. G: Funding public education, his district. His most talked-about cam- promoting economic developpaign materials were his home- ment and quality of life issues made signs. He designed and such as greenways. 5. Name two good reasons painted these signs and placed them all around the Windsor people should vote for you E: My advocacy of citizen Hills area, where they are in opinions and rights being conhigh demand today. Sarah Goodman is a local sidered to the fullest and my 31 licensed realtor and former years experience as a financial teacher. A lifelong Roanoke manager with commitment, resident, this is her first run for passion and time available to political office. She graduated perform the requirements of from Cave Spring High School the position. G: As a lifelong resident of and has been involved with the schools for many years through Roanoke who is raising chilher teaching career (currently dren here, I have an intimate at William Byrd) and her four knowledge of the needs of our children. She is also the co-co- [citizens] and am motivated to ordinator for the regional chap- work for its continued success. I believe strongly in citizen parter of Mothers & More. 1. What is your party affili- ticipation in government and will work to respond to and acation? tively seek input from my conElswick: Republican stituents. Goodman: Democrat 6. How does your back2. Are you a fiscal conservaground qualify you for this potive? E: Absolutely, government sition? E: My work experience spending should not exceed matches the job requirements taxpayersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ability to pay. G: Yes. Our government almost exactly. Making finanshould be as efficient as pos- cial decisions, analyzing conDD2585-Show-Roanoke_RS-Aug:Layout 1 8/11/09 10:28 AM sible, managing its budget re- tracts, dealing with people and sponsibly just as we must in our developing ideas pertinent to

varying situations were every day occurrences during my career. G: I have worked seven years as a realtor, learning the ins and outs of our market in the valley. I am an experienced contract negotiator with a discerning eye for detail. As a teacher, I have worked in several different areas of education including elementary, Special Education, middle and high school. Our school system is the largest employer in Roanoke County and of primary importance for our communityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s success. 7. Name three major endorsements E: Except for party officials, I have garnered no major endorsements because of my frank responses to their requests. G: The Business Leadership Fund, The Farm Team and Sheriff Gerald Holt. 8. What is your religion? E: N/A G: N/A 9. How old are you? E: 68 G: N/A 10. How long have you lived in your district? E: 25 years G: I have lived in the Roanoke Valley my entire life. 11. Who do you admire now? E: The wonderful people I have met during my campaign who exhibited common sense, love for our country and hope for improvement. G: People in my life who I see working every day to get by and make a difference, my best friend, a single mom who makes it look easy and my sister who sets the bar high for me. 12. What kind of music do you like and what canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t you stand? Page 1 E: Bluegrass, classical, 70â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rock/country and I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stand

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of affairs in Roanoke County, I ultimately had to listen to the reaction of my seven year old in order to decide to run. One night he asked, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in charge? Why donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t you try to be in charge?â&#x20AC;? After a lot of soul searching, I decided he was right. 14. What do you consider your best accomplishment in life so far? E: Helping to raise and provide for two children would be the best. Outside my family, my best accomplishment is becoming a part of my community and accumulating many good

friends and neighbors and winning the primary. G: This is an easy one. Raising happy children who are kind, loving and compassionate members of society has easily been the best thing I have done and continue to do. 15. What is the last book you have read? E: Lost Symbol by Dan Brown G: A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini

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thumping rap. G: I like all different kinds of music â&#x20AC;&#x201C; rock and roll to bluegrass to classical to country to hip-hop. 13. Why did you decide to run? E: I ran because our county officials embarked on major spending programs without citizens being given the opportunity to express their opinions. We were intentionally not given the right to vote through the use of lease revenue bonds. G: After spending many hours at the dinner table worrying about the current state

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Perspective

Page 4 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 10/23/09-10/29/09

NewsRoanoke.com

This is the Triumphant Season of the Undead

ow that summer is behind us and fall has begun, a change in the calendar also portends drizzle, cooler temperatures, and nutrient-rich soils: ideal conditions for the emergence of fungi. Although looking a lot like plants and acting a lot like animals, fungi are neither but rather are classified in their own kingdom of life as the world’s most famous (and infamous) decomposers. At this time of the year, they seem to rise up spontaneously from lawns, forest floors, playgrounds, and even cemeteries as ghostly apparitions of an ancient and inexorable life force. The Appalachian Mountains represents one of the most bio-

logically diverse regions in the United States because of its venerable age, numerous ecological niches, and abundant rainfall. This region is noted for its incomparable beauty, especially for its autumn colors. It is also home for more than 1500 species of fungi. Destroying angels, chanterelles, stinkhorns, jack-o-lanterns, milkcaps, corals, puffballs, witches’ butter, morels, boletes, fairy rings, and much more: altogether, a phantasmagoric display of form and function among the region’s mycoflora. They are the fireworks in a rotting world. Where in the world do they all come from? In short, from spores. That bewildering display

of colors and shapes, known as mushrooms, represents what we scientists delicately call the fungi’s fruiting bodies. Many (but not all) mushrooms show an umbrella-like form and radiating plate-like gills beneath the cap. From those ripe caps pour countless microscopic cells called spores. In a sense, spores are to mushrooms what seeds are to flowering plants. When a single-celled spore germinates, it produces thread-like filaments called hyphae that then branch out into the surrounding soil, leaf litter, and wood. The hyphae secrete digestive juices that break down organic matter and next slurp the released nutrients. Hyphae then are the ever-absorbing fingers of

From the Mouths of Babes

ou never know what young children will say. Their openness is refreshing – and often entertaining. Unfortunately, they lose some of this as they grow older and more sophisticated. I consider myself blessed to have known so many children during their early years, in preschool and kindergarten. Without doubt they have given me many memories-- and a few humorous stories. I remember one intelligent, assertive kindergartner who always seemed to dominate her friends. About five little girls loved to play school, sitting in a circle while the “teacher” read them a story. I noticed that Jane was always the teacher. One day I took her aside and suggested it would be kind to let the other children have a turn occasionally. She nodded her head (reluctantly) and I doubted

my words would be effective. To my surprise the following day a different child was the teacher. “Jane,” I said, “I see Ann’s the teacher today. I’m proud of you!” “That’s okay,” she answered with a smile. “I’m the principal.” Jane would be in her forties now. I wonder if she is still so assertive. She’s probably an executive in some business. Or maybe she’s a real teacher. Sometimes the littlest ones can “put you in your place.” Like one little fellow who had just turned three. Short and chubby with the biggest brown eyes you can imagine and thick dark hair, he looked like an ad for baby food. His mother dressed him in those cute romper suits that button on the shoulder and are adorable, but so inconvenient for a youngster just learning to dress himself. He

was determined to manage by himself when he needed to use the toilet. Our sinks in the Montessori classroom were not inside the toilet area, but outside where they could be accessed for many water activities. This also enabled the teachers to monitor hand washing after the use of the toilets. I saw Jack enter the toilet and wondered how he would manage his clothing. After a few moments, I knocked on the door and asked, “Do you need help?” “No, ma’am.” Several minutes later, I knocked again and repeated, “Jack, may I help you?” Again he answered, “No, ma’am.” When Jack still did not emerge, I knocked again and opened the door a crack. Jack was stark naked, his clothes in a pile on the floor.

as a volunteer in the work of Bible translation.

Join us and learn how you can help... November 17, 2009 7 pm

Wycliffe Associates Banquet

Holiday Inn, Airport - Ordway Drive, Roanoke. Our speaker will be Jack Popjes, who has been involved with Wycliffe Bible Translators since 1968, serving in Brazil, Canada & the Caribbean. To make reservations call the W.A. Area Director at 1-800-475-1062 by Nov. 12 or e-mail Bill Richardson: bill_richardson@wycliffeassociates.org

t’s getting hard to see through the glass again. Our Labrador is passive and sweet and attentive to us when we’re at home, but the dried nose prints and slobber now blurring the front window indicate that he is not completely docile when we’re away. The remnants of canine angst distort the scene outside, just

By Don Waterfield

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cause I forgot to bring the soda, and the cookies would be hard. (Of course, they had the option of waiting until the next day but they needed instant gratification so we baked the cookies minus the soda. One child told his mother the cookies were hard because “Mrs. Shannon left the ginger ale at home.” They were gingerbread men and the soda was missing, so it must have been ginger ale she forgot! When you’re tired of the babble of the talking heads on TV and need a breath of fresh air, spend an hour or two with young children. And listen … you never know what they will say. Contact Mary Jo at info@theroanokestar.com

like the remnants of our pain distort others’ views of us. Consider an area of your life where you have been hurt. Someone you loved abused you or broke up with you, or the boss you admired fired you, or someone you trusted told your secret. The pain is mean and insidious; it cripples us in surprising ways. We may feel, like the psalmist, “my soul refuses to be comforted” (Psalm 77:2). The pain might make us want revenge, or it might make us apathetic. We may find a way to cover our pain, like dog slobber covers that window, but inside us it festers. And, like with our bodies, wounds need to heal from the inside out. NPR recently reported on how a conversation between a senior and a freshman at Stanford University led to a new transparency around the university (“Colleges See Rise in Mental Health Issues,” by Deborah Franklin, October 19, 2009). The freshman started talking about “a friend” dealing with depression, and the senior was able to say, “I’m bipolar.” From there, and with the help of others, they developed a theater production of 25 monologues dealing with different

issues that had seemed taboo, and it has gotten people talking. The realization that someone feels the way we do not only is a great relief, but also feels like permission to tell our own stories, which becomes the beginning of the healing process. So much of the distorting “slobber” in our lives is based on fear. We may fear that someone will discover our failures (no one is good at everything) or the mistakes we have hidden (we all have them). We may fear that “people won’t like the real me” (some won’t, but the ones who truly love you will). We may fear being alone, which Jesus seemed to experience when he cried, “My God, why have you forsaken me?” Yet the testimonies of billions of people through the ages say that God always is. God is with us; God is for us; God ever seeks to build and not tear down, to invite us to come out of our shells, not feel ashamed of us when we do. My pastoral care professor at Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond suggests that we help people name their fears, with questions like, “What are you most fearful about?” and “Which of your fears is the

most troubling?” Often, naming our fears is a big step toward conquering them. In the movie, “My Big Fat Greek Wedding,” the main character’s father believed Windex could cure anything. Scrape your elbow? Spray it with Windex; it’ll be fine in no time. In fact, Windex can help clean the dog slobber and nose prints off the window, but not without the tool of a paper towel or newspaper, and not without the strength of our muscles and mental determination. We are not alone. Communities of faith, at their best, remind us of this, and can be a big part of healing as well. Other tools are available, too (e.g., clergy, counseling centers, psychiatrists), to help us move from a place of pain not back to the way things were before the injury, but to a new place that can be as good or better than before. What does transparency look like to you?

Donna Hopkins Britt is pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, 608 Campbell Avenue, SW, Roanoke, and can be contacted at pastor@calvaryroanoke.org.

The Roanoke Star-Sentinel

15 15 ACROSS

Contact Bruce at info@theroanokestar.com

Looking at Life Through a “Dog-Slobbered” Window by Donna Hopkins Britt

Star~Sentinel Crossword Local Crossword 1

“Are you sure you as going to bed on don’t need help?” time, brushing your “No, ma’am,” he teeth, not running repeated. “All I need in the halls, not hitis a little privacy.” ting others … But I I’m sure Jack had agreed that drinking heard those words when driving was a at home when he bad habit for adults. barged into the Then Kathy raised bathroom. (He did her hand and anmanage to get his nounced, “Well, Mary Jo Shannon clothes on and only my daddy drinks needed help with and drives! “ the buttons on his shoulders.) I tried to stop her but she We used to joke with the par- babbled on, “I’ve told him that ents and tell them we would is a bad habit, but he won’t lisnot believe everything the chil- ten. He just holds the steering dren told us about home if they wheel with one hand and his promised not to believe every- coffee cup in the other!” thing the children told them What a relief! In her innoabout school. cence, she interpreted the sayOnce during a class discus- ing in relation to her undersion about habits, good and standing of the word “drink.” bad, one child repeated a saying Sometimes our instructions are heard on TV – “Don’t drink and misunderstood for that very drive.” Of course I was hoping reason. When we made our ginfor such developmental habits gerbread men, I apologized be-

As decomposers and parasites, fungi are vital components of every food web here in the Roanoke Valley. Unless you’re an expert, you should never eat wild fungi but appreciate them – indeed, thank them – for all the services they provide to our environment. So, as the season cools and the undead arise from a rotting world to greet an autumn sky, let’s remember our own place in the economy of nature: stewards of an ancient and complex world that displays its wonders both above - and below ground.

Preacher’s Corner

Wycliffe Associates invites you to participate

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

the undead that turn angel is so deadly, rot into loamy richin fact, that a single ness. When growing spore on a finger conditions are good, used to rub an eye little knots of hyphae can germinate on intermingle in ways the eye’s surface and we still don’t underliterally consume it, stand to produce the causing painful and caps and stems of permanent blindmushrooms in nearness to its victim if phallic parody. left untreated. Despite all their But their benBruce Rinker charms and curiosiefits far outweigh ties, however, fungi their horrors. Fungi are not to be toyed with, not to soften the heartwood of trees, be treated disrespectfully. This enabling woodpeckers to excais the price we pay for their vate nest cavities. Fungi provide valued services to the natural tasty foods for deer and rodents. world. Some mushrooms are Fungi help to enhance the fertiledible, but others are deadly ity of soils. They even partner poisonous or cause unworldly with the roots of many trees in hallucinations. The destroying a mutual frenzy of recycling.

DOWN 1 Electric light Alternative (abbr.) 2DOWN 3 District of Columbia (abbr.) 4 Lava Verity 5 1 Electric light 6 Air Alternative (abbr.) A well loved city matriarch. 8 2 Name of the japanese monkey 10 3 District of Columbia who bolted from the roanoke 4city Lava zoo. 12 Oolong 5 Verity 14 Clothing size

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Perspective

10/23/09-10/29/09 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 5

NewsRoanoke.com

Think Globally, Celebrate Locally: Floyd's Sustainability Festival

he first community project for the new southwest Virginia grassroots organization, SustainFloyd, was to organize a local action towards Bill McKibbenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s global efforts to demand a sustainable atmosphere at the climate conference this December in Copenhagen. McKibben, author, educator and environmentalist, was invited by SustainFloyd and The Community Foundation of the New River Valley to the tiny town of Floyd and to the university town to speak about local economies and sustainable communities -a pathway along which he acknowledged Floyd County had already taken strides in the right direction. In the wide-ranging hour the author spent before the standing-room-only crowd at the July meeting at the Floyd Country Store (and later to several hundred Blacksburg and NRV residents), he explained his year-long global effort to raise into popular awareness the number 350, a project for which he has created the web site, 350.org. 350 is the level of CO2 in parts per million thought by many climate scientists to be the maximum safe level to avoid planetary warming to not more than 2 degrees C. With 0.7 degrees of increase already since the industrial revolution, ecological and climate disruption is significant, especially in the far north and Arctic regions. After a successful assembly of 130 souls at the foot of Buffalo Mountain for a drizzly-foggy October 10th

Photo by Woody Crenshaw

The new Floyd Community Market will be dedicated on Oct. 24 during the "SplitRail Eco Fair." â&#x20AC;&#x153;350 climate actionâ&#x20AC;?, SustainFloyd now looks ahead to the first community festival of its kind in the county, the "SplitRail Eco-Fair," that will celebrate ecologically-sustainable aspects of agriculture, arts, commerce, education and life together in vibrant and resilient community in a changing world. On October 24 from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. (see links below) downtown Floyd will feature some 40 vendors of earthfriendly products, services and information. The day will include a rich variety of live music amplified by solar energy. There will also be a 2:30 performance by the Young Actorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Co-op of the original satire, â&#x20AC;&#x153;An Inconvenient Spoof â&#x20AC;? and plenty of activities for the whole family. SplitRail will feature locally grown and sustainably produced food, as well as information on community-supported agriculture and sustainable business and forestry practices. Prominently featured on

My Life Would Have Been Better with a Less Predictable Curve

y right elbow and shoulder ache when it rains, and I blame it all on baseball. In the beginning of my abortive sports career, I pitched Little League in our small hometown. A local newspaper once wrote of me, â&#x20AC;&#x153;He can strike out any Little Leaguer in the country.â&#x20AC;? Hmmm. While it is true I had a lot of heat on my fast-ball, it is well to bear in mind that because ink sticks to paper does not confirm a statement as fact. This was not sworn testimony, and the author had papers to sell. Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the thing. Although I could pitch a pretty impressive fast-ball, I really wanted to throw a curve-ball. Now, for those of you not old enough to remember, when the first fella claimed to have thrown a ball that changed directions â&#x20AC;&#x201C; seemed to come right at you, then land in the strike zone â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the claim was scoffed. There were cameras and commentators by the score watching to see if the pitched ball truly â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;curved.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; The trick of it, I read, was to grasp the seams of the ball, torque your fingers a certain way, and let fly. Dad had helped me set up a combination of a burlap backing and an old automobile tire as a pitching target, and I spent hours in that barn trying to make the ball curve. Never could. One day, during a game, I was ahead of the batter. I had blown two

fast-balls by him. Count 0-2. I decided to try my first public curve-ball. It bounced twice on the ground before it reached the catcher. But the batter, told to â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;swing at anythingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, did just that, missed, and struck out. I smiled happily at Dad and twisted my wrist to communicate I had thrown a curve. Why he rolled his eyes was explained to me on the ride home rather more loudly than I felt the occasion deserved. This gist of it was that pitching a baseball is not the same as skipping stones on the creek. You win no prizes for the number of bounces. However, my fast-ball was of such velocity that my developing joints began to ache; thus trips to the Orthopedist, cortisone joint shots, back to the mound. Fast forward to high-school baseball. Still faster than the other pitchers, my shoulder would start to ache after a few innings. One day during practice, I decided to throw sidearm to relieve the pain. I unconsciously â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;torquedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; my grip. Jerry, my buddy and catcher yelled, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Whoa!â&#x20AC;? and jumped to his left to catch a wild pitch only to see it curve over the plate. â&#x20AC;&#x153;What the @#^!&* was that?!â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;A curve ball?â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Try it again.â&#x20AC;? Again I threw, again he jumped, again a strike. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Okay. This time I sit tight no

matter what.â&#x20AC;? The next ball flew precisely at the batterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s box and curved perfectly into his mitt. Oh those next few months made up for all the practice, all the joint pain! Batters would dive out of the box to avoid being decapitated, and the ball would land dead-on in Jerryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mitt. If strike-outs were gold, I would have been one rich kid. But all dreams endeth. One day, a member of the opposing team watched me with more attentiveness than was seemly and whispered urgently to his coach. The coach put this fellow out as third base coach. He started to predict â&#x20AC;&#x201C; accurately - whether I was going to throw a fast-ball or curve. If he yelled, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Curve!â&#x20AC;? the batter, though intimidated by a missile heading straight for his ribs, would hold fast. That young man had noticed that my side-arm pitch always meant a curve. [It was the only way I could throw it.] My fastball came straight down. Of that young man years ago, I can only hope he caught diabetes from a close friend shortly after graduation. The years have passed and now the only real throwing I do is with the dogs out in the yard. I throw side-armed of course, but they canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t seem to tell . . .

October 24 (chosen because it is the day all 350 actions will be displayed at the United Nations in advance of the critical December Climate Conference) will also be the noon dedication of the new Floyd Community Market, an openair timber-frame structure completed in the center of town just in time for the event. For decades to come, this structure will host opportunities for citizens and visitors to share local food and music, By Lucky Garvin arts and crafts, conversation info@newsroanoke.com and ideas. Combine a Saturday stop in Floyd on October 24 with a trip along the Blue Ridge Parkway, just at its color-change peak. Come meet new friends, enjoy local food and music, and This is my Dadâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bean soup recipe that he created! (Somewhere in heaven my mom must be so proud.) share our celebration of the I often long to hear her thoughts on how wonderful he is doing. It makes me smile and laugh to think bounty of blessings before us of what she would say about his really fantastic culinary creations. When I read through this recipe I thought â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Where did he learn to do all this? Is he going to culinary school at night and not telling me. this beautiful autumn. But it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t surprise me, he is a quick study - tenacious, creative and very meticulous. All these things make for the development of a great chef! I am so very proud of him and it makes my heart swell with Joy to see his life move on so beautifully. My Dad said he thinks any kind of dried beans would work in this recipe but not as well or as good as â&#x20AC;&#x153;October beans!â&#x20AC;? His friend, Kay, found October beans at the wonderful and authentic farmer's market in Burnt Chimney called, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Beckner's.â&#x20AC;? So go pick up some By Fred First October beans and make some aptly named bean soup this October. I plan to make this soup on Halfred1st@gmail.com loween!

The Recipe of the Week from The Happy Chef October Bean Soup

Â˝ lb. October Beans (appx. 1 Â˝ cups) Soak overnight Place beans in 7 cups of boiling water, add the following ingredients, and allow all to simmer, not boil, for appx. 1 Âź to 2 hours 1 Â˝ tsp. salt Â˝ tsp. pepper 1 clove garlic, minced 1 small onion, diced Â˝ slice of cooked thick-slice bacon, cut into bits

3 (3-4 leaf) springs of parsley, stems & all, chopped 3 tiny (1 to 2 inch long) carrots, chopped 7 cherry tomatoes, quartered. 1 tender stock celery with leaves on, chopped 3-4 sprigs of dill weed, chopped Simmer, stirring frequently, until the beans are tender and soft, not mush. By Leigh Sackett leigh@newsroanoke.com

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Page 6 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 10/23/09-10/29/09

H1N1 Forum Draws Crowd

Roanokers got the chance to ask questions about the H1N1 virus at a local information session last Saturday at The Science Museum of Western Virginia. A mass of people filed into the seats to hear what Carilion’s Dr. Thomas Kerkering and health department epidemiologist, Autumn Whitcomb, had to say. Jerry Legg sat in on the session and appreciated the science lesson. “Exactly what the H1N1 stood for. What it’s all about. I thought it was letters they pulled out of a hat,” he said. The “H” stands for hemagglutinin and “N” is neuraminidase, but the details were not what some people came to hear. They wanted some answers to their questions. “The incubation period is typically one to three days,”

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said Whitcomb to answer one person’s question. One man wondered if the vaccine was safe since it was created in a short amount of time. “The process for making the H1N1 vaccine is the same process done for the seasonal flu vaccine, and that process has been the same for almost thirty years now,” answered Kerkering. Another asked why proper nutrition isn’t emphasized more. “The end-all is always to go get a shot,” he said. Kerkering explained that medicine comes in after taking proper precautions, including, “clean air, clean water, and nutritious food.” Whitcomb said she thinks the information session went well. “We hope to do as many as we’re invited to do and also host some,” she said. Legg added, “I thought it was very informative. It was a very good session. It was well-presented and had quite a bit of information in it.” If you have any questions, call the Virginia Department of Health at 877-275-8343. (From media partner WSLS-10)

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justice from Ferrum College. He is currently a high school and Division Three NCAA football official and a volunteer with the Special Olympics. Keenum says he has 10 years of law enforcement experience, including jail security, inmate transportation and inmate visitation. Q: What is your party affiliation? Johnson: Republican. Garrett: Democrat. Keenum: Independent. Q: Who influenced you as a child? Johnson: Shirley Chisholm, the first black woman elected to Congress. Garrett: My grandparents’ strong work ethic. Keenum: My parents and also my grandfather, who was a very hard worker. Q: Why are you qualified for Sheriff? Johnson: I have served as Sheriff of Roanoke City for four years. I have a total of 29 years of experience with the Roanoke City Sheriff ’s Office. My experience spans administration, the jail, court services and civil

Fall Fest

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process. Garrett: Thirty years of police and sheriff ’s office experience. I have put on a uniform every day since 1979, and helped protect the citizens of Roanoke. Keenum: I have been involved with public safety since the age of 16 and was an EMT for eight years. I was a 911 dispatcher and eventually moved into the corrections department and have 10 years experience in the Roanoke City and Roanoke County sheriff ’s offices, five of which were as sergeant. Q: Name three major endorsements. Johnson: Congressman Bob Goodlatte, Senator Ralph Smith, community activist Evelyn Bethel and her sister Helen Davis. Garrett: N/A Keenum: N/A Q: How will you improve the jail? Johnson: We recently received a $169,000 grant. Part of the funds will be used to replace radios and add cameras. I will continue to update technology and replace old equipment. We will continue to enhance safety and security within the jail. Garrett: Provide strong, positive decision making, improve morale, create a recycling plan, add additional inmate work crews and additional D.A.R.E. deputies, help create a new firing range and try to negotiate on the retirement supplement that the deputies lost. Keenum: First and foremost would be to improve the accessibility of the sheriff to the public. I will be the face and voice of the department. I will retain deputies through better career development and more in-house training. Q: Name two good reasons people should vote for you. Johnson: I have restored integrity, professionalism and quality service to the sheriff ’s office. I have successfully managed a $16 million dollar budget. During these difficult economic times, I have provided the same service with half a million dollars less due to budget cuts. Garrett: Experience, along with strong leadership qualities.

Keenum: I am the only candidate that brings years of supervisory experience to the table and I have hands-on experience in just about every facet of the sheriff ’s responsibility and I am a good communicator. Q: What is your religion? Johnson: Christian. Garrett: Baptist. Keenum: Christian. Q: Did you vote in the last three elections? Johnson: Yes. Garrett: Yes. Keenum: Yes. Q: Tell me about your spouse. Johnson: I am married to Mark Neese and he is employed with the Botetourt County Sheriff ’s Office. Garrett: Principal of a local elementary school, married 18 years. Keenum: I am not married. Q: Say something nice about your opponent. Johnson: I admire my independent opponent’s work with Special Olympics. Garrett: N/A Keenum: I believe that they have both worked very hard during the campaign. Q: How long have you lived in your district? Johnson: I lived in Roanoke City from 1976 to 1993. I married and moved to Roanoke County for a short period and returned to the city in 2001 and live there now. Garrett: Almost one year. Keenum: I have lived in Roanoke all my life. Q: Who do you admire now? Johnson: My mother, Alice Johnson. She was a strong and courageous woman and knew how to survive. Garrett: Employees of the sheriff ’s office and teachers. Keenum: Gerald Holt, sheriff of Roanoke County. Q; Do you owe any back taxes? Johnson: No. Garrett: No. Keenum: No. Q: How old are you? Johnson: 56 Garrett: 51 Keenum: 33 Q: Have you had any major obstacles to overcome in life? Johnson: Integration, it was a

Octavia Johnson

Frank Garrett

Brian Keenum

very difficult time. However, it gave me the strength and mettle that I have called upon many times in my adult life to stand for what I believe in. Garrett: Single parent raising my daughter, age two, and son, age seven, for five years before I remarried. Keenum: I paid my own way through college while working full time and being a father to two sons.

By Carla Bream info@newsroanoke.com

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Patriots, Colonels Set to Renew Cross-Town City Rivalry

On Saturday afternoon at Patrick Henry High School the William Fleming Colonels and Patrick Henry Patriots will once again meet with city bragging rights on the line. Similar to years past, the two programs enter Saturday’s contest (2pm, Oct. 24) without much in common. The Patriots, at 2-6, are rebuilding under first year head coach Brad Bradley, while the Colonels (4-2) are seeking to capture their second consecutive Western Valley District title. Both teams, however, have been struggling in recent weeks. The Patriots, after showing some early promise in an overtime win over Blacksburg and close losses to Cave Spring and Pulaski, have been outscored 115-7 over the past three games, suffering blowouts at the hands of Christiansburg, GW Danville and Franklin County. “We’ve just made way too many mistakes the past few weeks,” Bradley lamented. “We were competitive against Danville until halftime, but in the other games we just selfdestructed and didn’t really give ourselves that much of a chance.” Turnovers have been the main culprit during the team’s slump; the Patriots fumbled 8 times (losing only one) against Franklin County, and shot themselves in the foot by turning the ball over 3 times in Eagles’ territory in the loss to GW Danville. William Fleming also seems to have hit a bump in the road over the past two weeks. In a showdown against Salem on October 2nd, the Colonels came out flat and were beaten soundly by the Spartans, 27-0. One week later, the

10/23/09-10/29/09 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 7

Knights Rebound: One week after being shut out in Salem, the Cave Spring Knights returned to Bogle Stadium in Southwest Roanoke County to a rain-soaked, but supportive crowd. That turned out to do the trick, as Cave Spring overcame a two-touchdown deficit to beat Pulaski 42-34 last Friday. Sam Wright led the way for the Knights, as the sophomore racked up 234 rushing yards on 26 carries. Cave Spring (6-1) scored 21 points in the fourth quarter to overcome the Cougars. Michael Cole chipped in with 114 rushing yards on 13 carries.

File Photo

Patrick Henry Football Coach, Brad Bradley. Fleming offense again failed to get going in a 14-7 loss to Franklin County in their district opener. The lack of scoring on offense is a little mystifying for a team that was averaging 33 points per game going into the matchup with Salem. Untimely turnovers and penalties have been the Colonels undoing in the last two games. Down 7-0 in the second quarter against the Spartans, Devin Richardson fumbled during a promising drive, and the ball was returned for a Salem touchdown and a 14-0 lead. The Colonels were also penalized 7 times during the game, and were demoralized after a 17-play drive ended without the team putting any points on the scoreboard. And against Franklin County, the Colonels were able to muster a measly 158 yards of total offense. However, like most rivalry games, records and past results are thrown out the window. “It’s a rivalry game, our kids are excited and you don’t worry about records, you have to go out there and play for pride,” Bradley said about this weekend’s showdown

with Fleming. One thing that will be worth watching on Saturday is how the Patriots plan to attack a stout William Fleming defense. “I’ve been really impressed by how they all fly around on defense,” Bradley said. “For us, we really just have to focus on executing and not turning the ball over.” After watching the game film of Fleming’s loss to Franklin County, Bradley might do well to run the ball early and often against the Colonels, who surrendered 183 yards on the ground to the Eagles. Conversely, the Patriots might just be the perfect team for William Fleming to fix whatever has been ailing them on offense; Patrick Henry has surrendered 31.5 points per game defensively so far in 2009. Prediction: William Fleming 31, Patrick Henry 17.

Reese Kemp (#3) and Michael Cole (11) hone in on a Pulaski ball carrier. By Matt Reeve Matt@newsroanoke.com

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Page 8 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 10/23/09-10/29/09

Sports

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

Patrick Henry Hosts â&#x20AC;&#x153;TriumPHantâ&#x20AC;? Dinner

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On Wednesday night, Patrick Henry High School hosted the â&#x20AC;&#x153;TriumPHantâ&#x20AC;? Celebration dinner and fundraiser, an important step in the booster clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s efforts to re-energize the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s athletic programs. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We really want to start raising the profile of the school and our athletics,â&#x20AC;? Stewart Barnes, President of the Patrick Henry Athletic Boosters Association, said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The main thing we want to do is build community and excitement and get people, parents especially, plugged in and involved.â&#x20AC;? The featured guest speaker at the event was former college and NFL coach Bobby Ross. Ross, a graduate of VMI, was a highly successful coach at every level, including stints at The Citadel, Maryland, Georgia Tech, and Army, as well as with the

San Diego Chargers and Detroit Lions. His accomplishments include guiding the Yellow Jackets to the national championship in 1990, and leading the Chargers to an appearance in Super Bowl XXIX in 1994, where they fell to Steve Young, Jerry Rice and the San Francisco 49ers. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Athletic competition can teach so many things,â&#x20AC;? Ross said in a telephone interview before the event. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The value of teamwork, just the concept of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; instead of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;me,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; which I think is important because we live in such a self-centered world right now. But you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t win unless everyone does their job. And there are so many other things like perseverance, having a good work ethic, I could go on and on.â&#x20AC;? Barnes, whose father Eddie was a close friend of Rossâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; at

VMI, noted that season, believe it the booster club or not. It probholds an interably had someesting theory rething to do with garding the role the structure of athletic particithat they had to pation. have in order to â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have a do both, having fundamental good time manbelief that excelagement and all lence in athletics of that.â&#x20AC;? and excellence Held at Boxin the classroom tree Lodge near Bobby Ross go hand in hand,â&#x20AC;? Vinton, Barnes said he said. Show me the dinner was the a school where the kids arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t first of many as the booster club doing well athletically, and I bet continues to rally support for they arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t doing well academi- the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s student athletes and cally, either. It can also be a great coaches. motivational tactic for kids to â&#x20AC;&#x153;The bottom line is we want know that they have to get the to give Patrick Henry athletics â&#x20AC;&#x201C; grades to be able to play.â&#x20AC;? both the players and the coachRoss agrees. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In my experi- es, every chance to succeed.â&#x20AC;? ence, my players actually tended By Matt Reeve to do better in school during the Matt@theroanokestar.com

North Cross Homecoming

The North Cross Raiders celebrated Homecoming in style this week by defeating last year's VISAA D II champion Atlantic Shores Christian by a score of 21-14. North Cross scored on several big plays including a 38 yard pass completion from Fuller Clark to Bryan Miller on their opening drive. Later Clark hooked up with Brandon Trent on a 21 yard pass as well. Tyler Caveness provided the offensive play of the day with a 96 yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter. But it was the Raider's defense that provided the final margin of victory by stopping the Seahawks in the red zone four different times. The Raiders will continue their challenging schedule with this week's game against Charlotte Latin NC (last years NCISAA D1 Champion). Far left, Coach Lee Johnson watches the action intently. Left, Defensive Line backer Jamual Allen goes high to knock down a pass by the Seahawks Quarterback.

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10/23/09-10/29/09 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 9

Passenger Rail for Roanoke is Too Costly, Used by Too Few

Earlier this month, a representative from the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation was in Roanoke to discuss the possibility of passenger rail for the Roanoke Valley. I know lots of well-intentioned people like the idea of rail service connecting the valley to other Virginia cities and Washington (I was one of them once), but a look at the facts shows it’s not necessarily a good idea. Ample research shows that rail is entirely too expensive for taxpayers to shuttle around the few who would use it, and rail is not the panacea for traffic congestion, high gas prices, and "greenhouse gas" emissions. Using data published by the U.S. departments of Transportation, Energy, and Commerce, the American Dream Coalition (ADC) – along with renowned transportation expert Randal O’Toole – has debunked many of the overstated claims we are hearing about passenger rail. We are often told that rail is

a more affordable alternative to cars. But in fact, to make rail ticket prices at all competitive with driving, we taxpayers must heavily subsidize them. According to the ADC study, in per passenger mile comparisons, taking all costs – including taxpayer subsidies – in to consideration, auto travel costs about 23 cents per mile, while Amtrak is 56 cents per mile, and bus is 85 cents! The cost for linking Roanoke to Lynchburg is estimated to be $117 million by the time it may happen in 2015. As with any other construction project – especially a government project which will be fraught with typical governmental delays and estimating errors – add at least 50% to that number (bringing it to $175 million). Add to that an annual operational subsidy from taxpayers in the millions, because the revenue generated from ticket sales won’t ever cover the cost of fuel and maintenance of the trains and tracks (the Virginia

people around in Department of Rail limos, then why on and Public Transearth should they portation acknowlapprove of the more edges this). expensive option of While we often rail? think of rail as conWhat about envenient and affordergy savings? Per able, the reality is passenger mile, rail that many people uses only slightly can’t use it. This is less energy than because the train Brian Gottstein cars. So the conschedules don’t fit servation with rail their schedules, the trains don’t go to the destina- is minimal; and if you’re drivtions they want, or the people ing a hybrid car, you’ve got rail need cars when they get to beat. Can passenger rail cut greentheir destinations, and the cost of a train ticket plus rental car house gas emissions? I don’t is higher than the cost and con- even like this question, bevenience of driving. So, in the cause in my previous columns, end, a very small percentage I pointed to research which of the population actually uses shows that “greenhouse gases” rail where it is available. All emitted by human activity taxpayers end up subsidizing have a negligible effect on the environment (remember that rail travel for a few. It would be cheaper just to it’s the cycles of the sun which buy a fleet of limousines and have the greatest effect on our pay chauffeurs to drive those global temperature changes). rail travelers to their destina- But, I’ll answer the question tions. If taxpayers wouldn’t anyway. Most public transit approve of paying to shuttle emits as much carbon dioxide

per passenger mile as driving cars, especially when you include the gases emitted during the construction of the transit system. However, again, no mode produces less CO2 than hybrid cars. Won’t rail cut traffic congestion? The ADC report shows that people tend to choose cars over other forms of transportation, even when gas prices were as high as four dollars a gallon. This is again because most transit systems, except in the largest cities, “cannot take people where they want to go, when they want to go there.” Even in Europe, where we think mass transit is used significantly more, Europeans drive for about 79% of their travel (compared to Americans 85%). So, if studies are showing that passenger rail isn’t more efficient, isn’t more earth-

A Rebuttal to: “Is It Time For a Revolution.” Dear editor, In the interest of disclosure, I have written for this paper in the recent past. I am currently employed by a local non-profit. I’m interested in your rationale for printing Mr. Robers’ factually-challenged screed that contributes nothing to the common dialogue. The foundation for this knuckle-dragging epistle is the completely incorrect premise that the nonprofit ACORN was awarded a Homeland Security contract in spite of a Congressional vote to cut funding to the non-profit. A little fact-checking by the author or the Star-Sentinel would have revealed that the contract was announced Sept. 4, before the Congressional vote, even prior to the release of the videos that conservatives are now using as a wide brush to paint nonprofits as some sort of force for evil in this country. Strange evil, indeed, that clothes, feeds, educates, houses, and provides childcare and healthcare for our communities, to the benefit of everyone in those communities. The facile belief that yelling at the top of your lungs amounts to constructive dialogue, the failure to fact-check, the decision to publish after the failure to fact-check – this is all part and parcel of the very intellectual laziness that is condemned, without a hint of irony, in Mr. Robers’ letter. Why bother actually working toward a constructive proposal for healthcare or any other issue, when you can play the patriot card and pretend you are working for the good of your country? Why bother volunteering for a non-profit when, from the comfort of your computer, you can smear them? Why act responsibly by doing a bit of the necessary legwork to understand an issue, when you can simply claim responsibility by expressing a sentiment, no matter how dangerously flawed? Would any newspaper worth its writing find Mr. Robers’ kind of letter, complete with its misspellings and colonial-style random Capitalizations, flattering to publish? Would you please outline the merits you find in it, and how those merits justify the Star-Sentinel’s sheer abdication of fostering community dialogue in this instance? Jeff Crooke Roanoke Publisher’s Response: Mr Crooke – many weekly newspapers including this one cannot afford a paid staff to “fact check” every assertion made in letters or commentary pieces sent to our publication. Indeed, we presently have no idea whether all the facts you have written herein are necessarily true or untrue. But I do respect your right to be heard as well as

In Response to: “Is It Time For a Revolution.” In response to Dick Robers’ letter, “Is It time For a Revolution”?, which appeared in the 10/16/09 edition of The Roanoke Star-Sentinel: Mr. Robers, the revolution has already begun. It began with the 2006 election, and continued with the 2008 election. The incumbent party in those two election years was soundly defeated by the opposition, and the opposition took charge of our country’s leadership on the wave of the voters’ discontent. The opposition party successfully exploited our populace sufficient to achieve their ends. Power. They’ve got it, and they are using it to fundamentally transform our county like we couldn’t have possibly believed. Or could we have? Yes, we could have, and we should have. Mr. Robers, the revolution has already begun. What can we do? Organize....hmmm, sound familiar? However, in our case, we want to return our country to the fundamentals which made the United States the beacon of freedom to which the world’s oppressed could look up to. We can return the rule of law to our borders. We can take government shackles off our small businesses. We can reform our health care system by removing the state boundaries from health care plans. We can reduce the trial lawyers’ strangle hold on our insurance plans, and rates. We can reduce the state-mandated coverages which artificially drive up everyone’s cost of insurance. We can let those companies which are “too big to fail”, to fail. We can eliminate the unions’ hold on public education, and of our federal, state, and local governments. In Virginia, we can hold on to our Right-to Work freedom. Simply said, we need to fight back. Dick Robers’ letter was a rhetorical call to arms. It needed to be made, and we need to join the fight. Chavez in Ven-

ezuela has established a “fundamentally reformed” country. Chavez is methodically calling out and eliminating the “mouthpieces” of the opposition to his “fundamental” reforms. Judging our President by his actions, it appears as though he would do the same thing, if he could. Give him time. What is to stop him. Us? We have an election early next month. That will be where we join the battle. We need to soundly defeat the opposition across the board, starting with our local and state elections. Only then can we effectively engage those who are “fundamentally changing our country” at the national level. I urge all who are inclined to heed Dick Robers’ call. We need to act, NOW. I hope the revolution we are in can be won by ballot. Frank Peck Roanoke

Wilder and Deeds Dear editor, I was shocked to hear that former Democrat Governor Doug Wilder refuses to endorse Democrat Creigh Deeds for Governor. In his statement, published on Sept. 25 at VIRGINIA TOMORROW, Gov. Wilder said “This is not the time in our Commonwealth to talk about any kind of tax increase, especially those that are fundamentally regressive and will hit hardest those who are struggling.” Apparently he was referring to Deed’s plan to raise gasoline taxes. This refusal to endorse makes me wonder what other things Gov.Wilder knows about Creigh Deeds that would account for his lack of confidence in his fellow democrat. Mike Bailey Roanoke

Attorney General Debate? Dear editor, We are fortunate in the Roanoke Valley to have debates between the Governor and Lt. Governor candidates this week at Roanoke College. What about the Attorney

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Letters to the Editor Mr. Roper’s and am publishing your letter accordingly. (Common knowledge statements are, of course, questioned if thought to be in error.) You may rest assured that non-commentary and opinion pieces (all news and feature articles) receive careful review for complete accuracy. I would also submit that contrary to “abdicating the fostering of community dialogue,” the publication of expressed opinion no matter how counter to one’s own should be seen as part of such an ongoing dialogue. Both you and Mr. Roper seem to have some strong opinion(s) on common issues. I think many readers, myself included, are better informed (inclusive of style, content and debatable “fact”) by your voicing them. Your submission is most appreciated.

friendly, doesn’t really slow congestion, AND will cost you and me hundreds of millions of dollars, why would we think that it’s a good investment for the valley? You can see the full report, “Rails Won’t Save America,” on the ADC website at www. AmericanDreamCoalition.org.

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General? Why will Democrat Steve Shannon not debate Republican Ken Cuccinelli? Shannon is apparently ducking a debate because he knows his liberal agenda and voting record will not be popular in Southwest Virginia. Mr. Shannon, Southwest Virginia is part of Virginia! Our views matter just as much as anybody else’s. Quit hiding out in Northern Virginia and accept Mr. Cuccinelli’s challenge to debate him here. Bob Terry Roanoke

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Cuccinelli’s Desirable Traits Dear editor, Ken Cuccinelli’s opponent accepted a larger contribution from the SEIU, the financial backer of ACORN. We’ve all heard that ACORN has pushed around people at the polling locations, encouraged prostitution of minors and broken the tax laws. Does this sound like someone we should have as Attorney General in VA? Review the candidates for Attorney General closely. Steve Shannon is not the type of leader we need for Attorney General. The Attorney General should have experience, a firm character, and a conviction that sacrificing his principles is not an option. Ken Cuccinelli, the Republican candidate for Attorney General, exhibits all of these admirable qualities. An attorney by trade, Cuccinelli has both the knowledge of the law and the experience with the Virginia political system to make an excellent Attorney General. He has stated again and again that he would rather lose an election than sacrifice his principles, and he has, stuck to his promises. He is tough on crime, pro-life, opposed to high taxes, a strong supporter of the right of citizens to bear arms, and a defender of property rights.When November comes, please join me in supporting Ken Cuccinelli. Karen K. Saul Roanoke

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Page 10 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 10/23/09-10/29/09

Breakell Inc.’s new green roof. energy, efficiency, building material sources, and a host of other measures. Jeff McClellan, Vice President Operations at Breakell, said the test for certification was “the hardest test” he has ever taken. The work by Breakell Inc. on Roanoke’s 100-year-old State and City Building earned the U.S. Green Building Council’s (LEED) Certification. In addition to being the first LEEDcertified building in the Roanoke or New River valleys, it is also the nation’s first LEED certification for a historic, multistory conversion. State and City houses a retail business (Frank L. Moose Jewelers), offices and residential apartments. In May the Roanoke Valley Cool Cities Coalition recognized the general contractor firm as a leader in the sustainable business practices movement, by having the greatest impact toward reducing greenhouse emissions, the principal cause of global climate change. At the same time, Stan Breakell was hailed for founding Roanoke’s Clean and Green Business Coalition, an effort to encourage companies to consider how to

adapt and adjust operations, to emphasize conservation, recycling, energy efficiency, monitoring and reduction of green house gas emissions and other green practices. In July, Breakell Inc. was presented with the Kroger Award of Excellence by The Clean Valley Council, the highest honor given by the council. The recipient is chosen as a model for the community in the areas of recycling and waste management. Breakell’s support for sustainability extends to the company parking lot, where several Toyota Prius hybrids can be found. One features a network of batteries that Blacksburg’s VPT Energy Systems developed, to boost the car’s gas fuel efficiency to 135 miles per gallon. The battery-packed car can be plugged in at work; a computer in the building charges the car during off-peak hours when less electricity is in use. Later in the day energy can be retrieved from where it is stored in the battery packs. True to the mantra, “Taking the Lead,” Breakell Inc. embraces green building techniques through a commitment to sustainable business practices. At the showcase Stan Breakell acknowledged that “taking the first step is hard,” but he added, “once that step has been taken, it becomes easier.” By Susan Ayers info@theroanokestar.com

New Panamera Goes on Sale October 22, 2009

23 mpg highway. Both of these ratings are best-in-class. Additionally, the 500-horsepower Panamera Turbo accelerates to 60 mph in just 4 seconds with a top test track speed of 188 mph. "The most important task in designing, developing and building the Panamera was to combine Porsche's sports car DNA and its historic The new Panamera is racing heritage with the first all-new Porsche all the spaciousness in seven years and repand driving comresents the renowned fort of a supremely German sports car luxurious full-size company's first foursedan. It is the aldoor luxury sedan in ternative car for the its61 year history. The premium customer Panamera is now the and aims to be the fourth model line for Interior and Exterior of new Porsche Panamera. clear segment leadPorsche and one of the er in terms of performost highly anticipated anything else on the road." mance, driving dynamics and vehicles since the company anThe new Panamera looks like efficiency," said Leckner. nounced it would build it more a sports car with the low, agThe Panamera model range than four years ago. gressive silhouette of a coupe, "This is a historic car launch while still providing four full includes the Panamera S, Panfor Porsche and for Porsche size seats and very generouspas- amera 4S and the previously of Roanoke," said Carl Leck- senger and luggage space. From mentioned Panamera Turbo. The MSRP for the Panamera ner, General Manager of a performance standpoint, this Porsche of Roanoke. "With new Porsche sets new class stan- S is $89,800; the Panamera 4S is this sedan,Porsche is essentially dards. For example, the 400- $93,800 and Panamera Turbo is creating a new vehicle concept horsepower V8 engineoffers 132,600. that is a true sports car with an EPA estimated 16 mpg city four-doors, four seats, eight and 24 mpg highway, while the cylinders, seven gears and a 500 horsepower V8 twin turbo Submitted multitude of new technical and engine offers 15 mpg city and design features. It truly unlike

Frantz and Whitworth Named Business Hall of Fame Laureates

Advance Auto Names Walter Scott VP

Advance Auto Parts, Inc., (NYSE: AAP), an automotive aftermarket retailer of parts, batteries, accessories, and maintenance items based in Roanoke, has announced the appointment of Walter Scott as Vice President, E-Commerce – Commercial. Scott will be responsible for managing the Commercial E-commerce business for the Company, which includes the development of features and functions of the Commercial E-comWalter Scott merce platform. Scott will report to Scott Bauhofer, Senior and E-Commerce for CorpoVice President and General rate Express, where he was reManager – E-Commerce, and sponsible for the Company’s ewill be based in Roanoke. commerce business and served “I am pleased to have Walas the organization’s chief marter joining our E-Commerce keting leader. He holds a MasTeam,” said Bauhofer. “He is ter of Business Administration an experienced sales and marfrom the University of North keting leader with a proven Carolina, Kenan-Flagler Busirecord for delivering superior ness School and a Bachelor of sales and profit performance Science Accounting from SERVING in THE ROANOKE VALLEY through the development and Millikin University in Deca- ! execution of game changing COUPON tur, IL. go-to-market strategies.” Scott most recently served Submitted as Vice President, Marketing

Junior Achievement of Southwest Virginia has named two new laureates for the 19th annual Southwest Virginia Business Hall of Fame -- Spencer Frantz of Graham White Manufacturing and Claudia Whitworth, editor of the Roanoke Tribune. Established in 1990 by the Board of Directors of Junior Achievement of Southwest Virginia, the Business Hall of Fame honors leaders of the free enterprise system who serve as business role models for our region’s youth. Laureates for induction into the Southwest Virginia Business Hall of Fame are chosen based on their outstanding leadership in the free enterprise system and business success as well as contributions and involvement in the community. A committee of their peers, distinguished business leaders in the Roanoke Valley area, selects the laureates. Inductees must be retired or no longer occupy the position in which their principal business contributions were made. Spencer Frantz is the third of four generations to be president and now vice chair of Graham White Manufacturing. The company began in 1914 by producing a sanding device for locomotives. Since then, Graham White has developed a variety of vital parts and devices patented and used in all forms of transportation. Mr. Frantz ran his own business, Tread Corp., from 1968-1987, distributing both explosives and specialized storage containers to hold them. The company led to the creation of Treadlok, which produced gun safes for the shooting sports industry. Mr. Frantz plays as hard as he works. His passions include hiking, spelunking and mountain climbing – he’s reached the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro and scaled the upper heights of Mt. McKinley and Mt. Rainier. His commitment to youth has included the chairmanship of YMCA campaign drives, leading to new facilities in Roanoke and Salem. Possessing a strong work ethic garnered while working on his family's farm and orchard during his childhood days, his accomplishments are sure to inspire today’s youth and entrepreneurs. Claudia Whitworth is the middle child of a minister who pubHome Improvements lished newspapers for African-Americans in Roanoke, Charlottesville, Lynchburg and Martinsville. Her education and teachings ! General Home Repairs

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Breakell Inc. Walks the Talk

Breakell Inc. employees recently began going to work in a “green” building that has been renovated with cuttingedge and smart technology. The changes include conversion to a vegetated or “green” roof system (which keeps buildings cooler), a solar photovoltaic installation, solar panels, a pervious paving system that allows rainwater to seep into the ground, and a computer system to regulate energy. Located on Patterson Avenue, Breakell Inc. is a general contracting firm that has been involved with several LEED projects. By implementing these renovations, the company also hopes to lead other businesses in the area by example. The firm, now in existence for over 50 years, celebrated its renovated home with a “Sustainability Showcase” last week. Because of his advocacy for environmental design and development, Stan Breakell, President, was named Business Person of the Year by Blue Ridge Business Journal in 2008. Breakell Inc. also became the first general contractor in the southwest region to have a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Accredited Professional (AP) on staff to meet the demanding requirements for sustainable construction. There are now seven LEED AP’s in the company. The certification criterion examines

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were influenced by her Quaker and Baha’i background, which encouraged her to include service in her daily routine. Ms. Whitworth had determined by the time of 17 that college was not an option for her and instead she found that a “hands on” approach gave her the lessons that would help her shape her career and overcome barriers. Her first job was setting up linotype, a slow and tedious process that also required heavy lifting. She traveled often to large cities to learn about what it took to assemble a newspaper in a male-dominated production field. Each time she perfected a skill she would return to Roanoke to help her father process the paper with greater ease. Eventually, Ms. Whitworth took over the helm of the Roanoke Tribune, which outlasted several other African-American weeklies owned by her father. Despite the challenges faced by the newspaper industry, the Tribune remains a beacon in the community. Ms. Whitworth has never missed a deadline since taking over the operation. Over the years public service has been important to Ms. Whitworth, and she has a particular concern for youth. She has established a community center on her property and she owns two other small businesses that support residents of northwest Roanoke. This year the Roanoke Tribune celebrates its 70th anniversary and a celebratory dinner was highlighted by a presentation from nationally acclaimed poet Nikki Giovanni. The Roanoke Tribune remains as a vital community paper with the third generation, son Stan Hale, serving as editor. Ms. Whitworth was bestowed in April with the 2009 African American Trailblazer in Virginia History Award from the Library of Virginia System. In 1992 Ms. Whitworth was inducted into the Virginia Women’s Hall of Fame. This year’s Laureates will be recognized on November 10 at the Business Hall of Fame dinner at Fitzpatrick Hall in the Jefferson Center. Reception begins at 6 p.m., with dinner at 6:30. For more ticket information please contact betsy@ja.roacoxmail.com or call 989-6392. Submitted

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Arts & Culture

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10/23/09-10/29/09 |The Roanoke Star-Sentinel |Page 11

Roanoke Ballet Theatre Student Headed To The Big Time

It was a toy â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a stuffed ballerina bunny doll â&#x20AC;&#x201C; that in part helped turn Claire Kiser into a dancer. â&#x20AC;&#x153;All my friends were jealousâ&#x20AC;Śit was just really cool,â&#x20AC;? recalls Kiser. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Then I started taking classes.â&#x20AC;? Now the Roanoke Ballet Theatre student is really going places â&#x20AC;&#x201C; in January the Blacksburg 8th grader will attend the prestigious Kirov Academy of Ballet in Washington DC, where she will live, eat and sleep ballet for almost six months. Kiser will also have time to study her normal subjects at the boarding school. She was one of only 72 selected, just one of five 8th graders. There were more than 1000 applicants for the spring semester at the school. Kiser probably dances â&#x20AC;&#x153;12 to 14 hours a week,â&#x20AC;? says her father, Michael Kiser, the director of development communications for Virginia Tech. Claire Kiser has never wanted to stop dancing, despite the long practice hours and the drives to Roanoke to dance with Roanoke Ballet Theatre. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This has been what I wanted to do. Nothing is going to stop me from doing this.â&#x20AC;? Even a recent sprained ankle didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stop her. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s really intense. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think people know how much of a workout it really is.â&#x20AC;? Kiser has studied in the past at the Center for Dance in Blacksburg â&#x20AC;&#x201C; owned by Carol Crawford Smith, whose home was rebuilt on ABCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Extreme Makeover TV show several years ago. Sandra Meythaler, executive director and artistic director for Roanoke Ballet Theatre, says many sign up for classes (3 years old and up) with the RBT very few have the gift that Kiser has demonstrated. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always one where you can see the fire in their eyes,

(L-R) Sandra Meythaler and Claire and Michael Kiser. that you know they want to be a professional,â&#x20AC;? says the native of Ecuador. As for Kiser, â&#x20AC;&#x153;weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re trying to give that opportunity to her.â&#x20AC;? RBT has had dancers graduate to the professional ranks before, or go on to work as teachers and choreographers. Being selected for the Kirov Academy â&#x20AC;&#x153;is a big opportunity for any young dancer,â&#x20AC;? says Meythaler. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We were very excited for her.â&#x20AC;?

Kiser went to a summer session at the Kirov and never had a formal audition, so the letter she received inviting her for the semester â&#x20AC;&#x153;was so unexpected.â&#x20AC;? Kiser has been home-schooled all her life, so going away to room with other students â&#x20AC;&#x201C; some from foreign countries â&#x20AC;&#x201C; will be a new adventure. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a lot of time,â&#x20AC;? says Michael Kiser of the sacrifice Claire has made. â&#x20AC;&#x153;[But] we want our kids to be able to follow their dreams.â&#x20AC;? The Kisers told their daughter that if she ever lost the fire she could quit â&#x20AC;&#x201C; but that hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t happened. â&#x20AC;&#x153;She really took advantage of that offer,â&#x20AC;? says Kiser, who has seen other benefits from his daughterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dancing. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s really helped Claire sharpen her focus on what she wants to achieve. Balletâ&#x20AC;Śrequires a lot of precision and focus.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m so excitedâ&#x20AC;ŚI just cannot wait,â&#x20AC;? says Claire of her upcoming time at the Kirov Academy. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You have to really commit yourself.â&#x20AC;? Attending the Kirov Academy isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t cheap and the Kisers have set up a fund to help defray the cost. Contributions can be sent to: One Dancerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dream, PO Box 11141, Blacksburg, Va 24062. RBTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Halloween Happening: A night of ghosts, sirens, dancing zombies and vampires â&#x20AC;&#x201C; courtesy of Roanoke Ballet Theatre â&#x20AC;&#x201C; on Friday, October 23 at 7 p.m., at William Fleming High Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new auditorium. Tickets are $5. Guest dancers from other companies will join the RBT on stage, as will local musicians. (See roanokeballet.org) By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

First Run for the Arts Draws a Hardy Few

A handful of runners and walkers, 20 perhaps, participated in the first ever â&#x20AC;&#x153;Run for the Artsâ&#x20AC;? on Saturday Oct. 17, a downtown 3-mile run organized by the Arts Council of the Blue Ridge. The fundraiser was conceived as a way to heighten awareness for publicly funded art in Roanoke, and as a way to raise money for Arts Council education programs. Roanoke City Mayor David Bowers arrived on the brisk morning to see runners off from the starting line, declaring that â&#x20AC;&#x153;Roanoke City remains committed to one percent for the arts,â&#x20AC;? a program initiated by his predecessor, Nelson Harris, that sets aside city money to buy

Last Saturday provided a chilly start to â&#x20AC;&#x153;Run for the Arts.â&#x20AC;? and install public art. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s continue in these hard times to continue to make that commitment,â&#x20AC;? said Bowers. Runners on Saturday followed a course that went by a half dozen

pieces of public art purchased under the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Percent for Artâ&#x20AC;? program. Bowers also revealed that, pending a City Council vote, the old Fire Station No. 1 on

Church Avenue will become the new home for the Arts Council of the Blue Ridge sometime in the future. Executive Director Laura Rawlings envisions the renovated building as an â&#x20AC;&#x153;arts information stationâ&#x20AC;? where visitors can learn about all sorts of cultural attractions in Roanoke. Rawlings said brochures and information on various arts happenings â&#x20AC;&#x153;gets lost,â&#x20AC;? at the Roanoke Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau. Part of the fire station would also become an historical exhibit featuring area firefighters, according to Rawlings. By Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net

Blue Ridge Potters Guild to Host 10th Anniversary Show

The 10th anniversary of the Blue Ridge Potters Guild Show and Sale will be held October 30 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; November 1, 2009 at Cave Spring High School. The show will feature both functional and decorative works created by approximately 55 area potters. The theme for this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s show is â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tea for Our Tenthâ&#x20AC;?. A special gallery exhibit interpreting this theme will present works from the 75+ Guild members. The gallery will be judged by an invited juror. Demonstrations featuring various pottery techniques including hand-thrown, handbuilt, and sculpted clay art will be presented throughout the day on Saturday and Sunday. Some of these demonstrations

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Pottery from Blue Ridge Potterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Guild. will offer â&#x20AC;&#x153;hands-onâ&#x20AC;? activities for children. A separate â&#x20AC;&#x153;charityâ&#x20AC;? exhibit will feature pottery donated by Guild members. Each year the Guild selects a worthwhile organization to receive the proceeds from this special exhibit. This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beneficiary is The Military Family Support Cen-

For several years the Blue Ridge Potters Guild has supported Roanoke County Specialty School for the Arts by teaching pottery to students at Arnold R. Burton School and Burnt Chimney Elementary School. Admission is free. A reception and sale, open to the public, will be held Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. The Show and Sale will continue on Saturday from

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The Arts Council of the Blue Ridge Receives $1,000 Grant for National Arts Education Speaker The Arts Council of the Blue Ridge has received a $1,000 Technical Assistance Grant from the Virginia Commission for the Arts to bring Barbara Shepherd, Director of National Partnerships in Education at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC to Roanoke. Barbara Shepherd will serve as the Keynote Speaker for the Arts Institute for Educators on Saturday, October 31 from 9:00 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 3:00 p.m. at Virginia Techâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Higher Education Center. The Institute is designed for educators, homeschoolers, parents, school administrators, artists and community members interested in learning more about arts education. The registration fee is $20 and includes. Salem City Schools will pay for their teachers to attend. The Arts Institute for Educators will feature hands-on workshops lead by artists and staff from the Jefferson Center, Taubman Museum of Art, Roanoke Symphony, Young Audiences, Southwest Virginia Ballet and Roanoke Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Theatre. Elizabeth Cantile, Arts Education Coordinator for the Vir-

Choices. Barbara Shepherd, Director of National Partnership in Education ginia Commission for the Arts, will also be on hand to share funding opportunities and other resources available to Virginia educators. Registration information can be found at: http://www.theartscouncil.org/ events/arts_institute.html For additional information contact Rhonda M. Hale at 224-1205 or rhale@theartscouncil.org Submitted

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Page 12 | The Roanoke Star-Sentinel | 10/23/09-10/29/09

Iron lungs used to help polio patients survive and recover from the dreaded and crippling disease in the 1950s and 1960s will be on display at various locations in the Salem / Roanoke areas during the next couple of weeks, under the auspices of the Rotary Club of Salem. The members of the Rotary Club of Salem are joining the more than 1.2 million Rotarians across the world in observance of World Polio Day Sat-

urday, Oct. 24. The Salem club is one of 33,446 Rotary Clubs working toward the eradiation of polio worldwide. The iron lungs will be on display and provide local residents an opportunity to contribute financially to the eradication of polio as follows: Saturday, Oct. 24, from 10 AM to 2 PM at the Walmart Stores on Main Street in Salem and in Bonsack, and from 11 AM to 5 PM during the Wine and Unwind Festival at the Salem

Memorial Ballpark. The Interact (high school) and Rotaract (college) Clubs sponsored by the Rotary Club of Salem will also participate in the polio awareness displays. A fourth iron lung display will take place Friday, Oct. 30 from 6:30 to 7:30 PM at annual rival high school football game between host Salem and Hidden Valley. The Salem High Interact Club is the principal sponsor of this event, in conjunction with the Rotary Club.

Rotary International launched its PolioPlus efforts in 1985 as the largest ever internationally coordinated private-sector support of a public health initiative. The initial pledge from Rotary was $120 million, with over $800 million raised to date. In 1985 there were 350,000 polio cases in 125 countries, including the United States, where numerous cases were confirmed in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Currently, Rotary clubs worldwide are raising monies to match a contribution from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in the amount of $355 million. It is expected that the Gates contribution combined with $200 million to be raised by Rotarians will virtually assure eradication of Polio in the four remaining countries most affected by the crippling disease. Those countries are India, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Nigeria.

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Polio Iron Lungs Go on Display in Roanoke Valley

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