Vinton Voice (Volume I, Issue 5)

TERRIER TALK pg.04 • FALL FESTIVAL pg.10 • BOOTIE’S PL ACE pg.02

SPORT S:

Byrd@Salem pg.19 Spor ts Shots pg.20/21 Kevin Tuck pg.24

Wood’s pg.12

Volume I • Issue 5

VOICE 23, 2009 September

ER V O HE C

TERRIER TALK pg.04 • FALL FESTIVAL pg.10 • BOOTIE’S PL ACE pg.02

T N O

The Parkway bridge on Hardy Road.

Wood’s pg.12

SPORT S:

Byrd@Salem pg.19 Spor ts Shots pg.20/21 Kevin Tuck pg.24

Volume I • Issue 5 September 23, 2009

Primary Cover Photo by Ashlee Manning • Byrd cross country runner Kevin O’Connor leads off a big week of two more pages of Sports Shots.

• Wood’s is featured in a center page for this week’s Business Spotlight.

You can also see more of Wood’s handy work on Page 11 in From Around Town Photos.

116 S.Poplar St. - Suite 1 Vinton, VA 24179 540.904.5836 - Office 540.904.5838 - Fax

EDITORIAL Chris Manning Publisher chris@vintonvoice.com Dan Vance Editor-in-Chief dan@vintonvoice.com Brian Manning Circulation Director brian@vintonvoice.com Ashlee Manning Advertising info@vintonvoice.com

COLUMNISTS Bootie Bell Chewning General Info BOO_TEE@msn.com Dale Russell Financial wheresmymoney@vintonvoice.com Erin E. Delauder-Brooks Pharmacy askthepharmacist@vintonvoice.com

CONTRIBUTORS Gene Marrano Senior Contributor gmarrano@cox.net Kristin Adams Contributor news@vintonvoice.com Barbara P. Dillon Contributor news@vintonvoice.com Samantha Hoback Contributor news@vintonvoice.com Troy Mueller Contributor news@vintonvoice.com Danae Wensley Contributor news@vintonvoice.com Danny Cruff Photo Contributor dannycruffphotography@cox.net Paul Griffin Photo Contributor news@vintonvoice.com

Copyright @ 2009, All rights reserved by The Vinton Voice email: info@vintonvoice.com http://vintonvoice.com vintonvoice.blogspot.com For advertising rates and information, please call 540-904-5836

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Thanks To all the volunteers at Explore Park that keep things going during this time of shut down . Without these people it would go way down. Jobs like checking on the buildings, cleaning up trash, keeping the bike trails open and patrolling the grounds to ward off vandalism. These people are truly fantastic giving of their time to help out. VRFA Board of directors meeting Tuesday, Chairman Fred Anderson presented them with a signed copy of the new Blue Ridge Parkway Book. These angels are Walt Barker, Tom Barton, Allen McGrady, Ann Meyer, Bill Weikert, Rick Dawson, Jim and Carolyn Betts, Josh & Gina Gilbert. Also the board welcomed new members Elmer Hodge, Scott Martin & John Renick. Great having you guys with us. Yes there is still a need for the board, still lots of business to take care of. K.C. Bratton is heading up the VRFA Economic Development Consortium. They met and discussed new ideas for the park etc. and formulated Plan B for the park. Present at the meeting were Fred Anderson & Debbie Pitts, VFRA Ex. Director along with members throughout the valley.

Missing from our meeting were Penny Lloyd and Polly Johnson. Hope you both are feeling better.

Totera Woman’s Club had visitors at our meeting at Logan’s this month. They were ladies from ABWA, Charlotte Johnson, Mary DeHaven, Anita Chapman, Barbara Orange, Mary Beth Cort, Leigh Williams, Alda Bower, JoAnn Capral, Bootie Bell Chewning joining with Charlene Wolfe (both), Joanne Mitchell, BOO_TEE@msn.com Marcye Likens, Linda Waybright, Ginny Martin, Anna Lawrence, Patsy Huffman Stinnett, Nickii Rhea, Jeannine Kerek, Liz Radford, Elaine Hiner (so good having Elaine back after going through so much with her illness) and yours truly. What a pleasure it was having you all. We hope you will join our club. Our next project is our Halloween party Oct. 29 at The America Legion. This is our 34th year giving the party for people with special needs. It is so rewarding. The come dressed in costumes and have a blast.

Hats off to all those that put together the “Thrasher’s got Talent” show, Tina Yates and your committee rocks. Thanks to all the performers, well done •See ‘BOOTIE’ - Page 14

What’s so great about Vinton?

People ask me quite a bit “Why Vinton?” I talk about the great things about Vinton to just about anyone who will listen and I do it as often as anyone will listen. Sometimes, they just don’t get it. They don’t get the people, the history, the athletics, the schools (I’ve even shown them the 9/9/09 issue with the “Nine Favorite things”) but they just don’t seem to understand. Heck, some of them don’t even know where exactly Vinton is (I always remind them that you have to actually pass Fallon Park before you actually get into Vinton.)

This week I’m going to continue to state my case of the greatness of our area with some examples of the great things that take place here in Vinton. They show the selflessness of our friends and neighbors, the pride in our schools and children and are just the things that make Vinton, Vinton.

This past Saturday, William “Chad” Whitworth, a Byrd grad, along with a portion of the neighborhood of Dillon Woods, ran their first ever “neighborhood yard sale.” According to Whitworth, it was a great success. Whitworth is a local realtor and this yard sale wasn’t your typical yard sale with folks looking to bring in a few dollars to go towards next year’s vacation, in this yard sale, all the money went to charity… every single dime. The charities that are the recipeients of Whitworth and everyone else’s kindness are; The Rescue Mission www.rescuemission.net Phone# 343-7227 Mailing Address P.O. Box 11525 ROANOKE,VA 24022 (Tap) Total Action Against Poverty www.tapintohope.com Phone# 345-6781 P.O.Box 2868 Roanoke,VA24001 (USO) United Service Organizations www.uso.org 1-800-876-7469 USO Headquarters Department US P.O.Box 96860 Washington DC 20090

W.E. Cundiff Elementary School is having their annual “Fall Festival” taking place this Saturday to benefit the Cundiff PTA. According to Laurie Mullins, the VP of the PTA, the festival will include “games, food (hot dogs, BBQ, snow cones, cotton candy), a silent auction, did I mention games, fun, performances by Floyd Ward School of Dance and Star City Twirlers, and games!” The festival takes place at the school at 1200 Hardy Rd. from 11am to 3pm.

Vendors, including the Vinton Voice, will be in the gym so stop on by and see us, as well as everyone else.

Speaking of Fall Festivals, I don’t know if there is a much better event in our area than the Vinton Fall Festival, put on by the Vinton Area Chamber of Commerce. The events start Saturday October 10th at 7am with the pancake breakfast at the VFW building and the 5k run/walk at 8. Then, literally all day long, from 9-4 there are things happening.

There is so much more than the space Dan (the editor) allows me to mention, so head on over to www.vintonchamber.com and click on the Fall Festival brochure link, you’re bound to find something you’ll like. It’s not too late to sign up, and yes, the Voice will be there too!

Finally, this Saturday, either before or after you make it to the Cundiff Fall Festival, head on over to the 1st ever “Running with the Terriers” Motorcycle Rally and Poker run. This is a really great idea thought up by Coach Eric Royal and John Mooney, Sr. They wanted something different to be able to do as a fundraiser and I personally think they nailed this one on the head, as it certainly is “different” but is also appealing. I asked Trudy Boyd, who is in charge of sponsorships for the event, to explain this event for me and here’s what she had to say “On the day of the event, motorcycle riders can register from 9 AM - 11 AM and will be starting and ending their run from the school. At registration, they will receive a tally sheet and draw for their first card of the Poker hand. Along the course, riders will draw 3 more cards at designated stops. The last poker hand card will be drawn when they return. This process assures that riders have safely completed the course and have a valid tally sheet. To avoid traffic jams, bikes will be spaced out in small groups when leaving. As an added bonus, this is also a Texas Hold’em for the riders. We have placed 2 more cards in designated sponsor establishments for the participants to try to make a poker hand. If the cards in that business make the hand, the participant wins that sponsor’s prize.”

They will also have live bands from 12-4 and there will be a bike and car show in the show area as well as food available. This is another event where sponsorship opportunities are still available as well as spaces for vendors.

They currently have an impressive number of sponsors that include;

Liberty Lake Diner, Bedford McDonald’s, Vinton Motorcycles & More, Vinton Old Town Jewelers, Vinton Outside the Box Tatoos and Body Piercing, Moneta P.T.’s Tavern, Roanoke Peaks of Otter Winery, Bedford Star City Power Sports, Roanoke The Dogwood, Vinton Gift for Drawings 460 Roadhouse, Roanoke Big Bad Wolf BBQ, Roanoke Famous Anthony’s, Roanoke Grand Rental Station, Vinton Mango’s Bar and Grill, Moneta Donations Advantage Realty Audio Sound Berglund Outdoors Branch and Associates, Inc Cundiff’s Drug Store Dr. Timothy Janowicz, DDS Kroger Up-N-Running Virginia Printwear Woods Towing …but they could always use some more.

Now, if you’re like me and you’ve got friends who just don’t “get” Vinton and our area, pick ‘em up on Saturday and take them to Cundiff’s festival or the Poker run…or heck, take ‘em to both. Bring them to the Fall Festival in October. These are just a few of the many, many things we are proud of. Even if they don’t “get” it, we sure as heck do.

Texas Hold’em Allsport Cycles, Roanoke Brookside Par 3 Golf Course, Roanoke Bud’s Motocycle R & R, Inc., Roanoke Hooters of Roanoke

VOICE 03

Learning lessons in volunteering with Harvest Food Bank

Junior Year Brings Stress, Responsibility Story by Katie Martin & Chelsea Greenway Terrier Times Staff Try this for a recipe for being overwhelmed - a battery of tests including SOLSs, PSATs, SATs, ACTs, a massive homework load mixed with extra-curricular activities and even jobs.

That’s enough to stress out even the most organized student at William Byrd High School. But, that is reality for 11th graders.

“Students are preparing for SATs, ACTs, and AP Exams, while still keeping their GPA in focus. They’re also getting ready to apply to colleges and apply for scholarships their senior year. Added to that, they still want to keep up their social lives,” said Marlena Hollowell, Assistant Principal at WBHS. . While Hollowell understood the stress, she offered some good advice to help juniors manage the workload.

“Organization skills are very important.

Use your planner to help you allot yourself time for all your activities,” she said. “If you have a test on Friday, start studying on Monday so you can hang out with friends on Thursday night instead of cramming for that test. Learn how to plan accordingly.”

Juniors may face several hours of homework after the school day has ended “The biggest stressors so far are homework and trying to keep up with class,”

said junior Katie Leachman. “There’s a lot of stuff to do and I get overwhelmed with things because I don’t know if I’ll get them finished in time.”

College is approaching fast, so many students are filling their future college resumes with as many impressive courses and activities as possible.

“The biggest worries for me are passing all my classes, doing my work, and working towards getting into a good college,” said junior Holden Fleming.

Hollowell’s advice on planning is especially important when the normal school load is combined with a job.

Junior Johnny Ramey balances a challenging course load and a job. His schedule includes AP English, AP US/VA History, and Advanced Chemistry.

“During the week, I try not to work as much so I can do homework,” Ramey said.

“On weekends, though, I usually work about fourteen to sixteen hours.”

Surviving the stresses of 11th grade is possible, though.

“I enjoyed the challenge and encouragement,” said senior Ethan Holder.

“It taught me how to be a better student.”

Senior Ben Copper agreed.

“Junior year is harder than sophomore because of tests like the SATs. Juniors get to have more responsibility, like making decisions about college,” Copper said.

Want to advertise a yard sale? Car for Sale? Help wanted? Help needed?

Story by Ashley Huffman Terrier Times Staff William Byrd High School students recently got a lesson in volunteering for a worthy cause.

The service learning leadership class, marketing classes, and the Vinton community collected donations for the Second Harvest Food Bank at a home football game Friday night, September 11. The donations added up $244 and roughly 100 pounds of food.

The food drive “was good, we were happy,” said Jill Harris a marketing teacher at WBHS. “We knew that the community would be generous, especially on that day.”

Several students collected donations outside while the varsity football team battled Brookville High School inside the stadium.

“All I really had to do was ask people if they wanted to donate to the Second Harvest Food Bank, and smile and say ‘thank you anyway’ if they said ‘no’,” said junior Kala Robinson. “I think volunteering is very important, because there are things out there that need to be done, and someone’s gotta do it. It’s really not that hard to give an hour or two out of your day, or a few dollars of your money, to help others. It’s a very rewarding feeling when you do.”

Simply volunteering was a unique experience for these students.

“I think volunteering shows great character,” said junior Jodi Overstreet.

This was the first time WBHS helped out with the food drive, since it was such a nice experience and so successful WBHS will hopefully be helping out next year, Harris said.

“Volunteering is a great thing to do, you’re doing it from your heart and more people should do it,” said junior A. J. Kingery. “I plan on volunteering this year to help the needy people.”

Utilize our Community “Voice Box,” our bulletin board for local individual advertisements.

For 20 dollars you’ll get enough space to tell folks what you’re looking for (size of a business card.) Stop by the office to place your ad or email to info@vintonvoice.com

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Picured are William Byrd students Sarah Brewbaker, Kayla Robinson and Sarah Litke.

It is true for many who go into the teaching profession that each wants to make a difference and impact a student’s life. Yet as often is the case rarely do teachers know just when and how their impact is felt. Recently, William Byrd Middle School civics teacher, William Tresky had the unique opportunity to be recognized for his hard work and dedication. Each season, players from the University of Virginia football

W.E. CUNDIFF’S EVENTS YOU ARE INVITED TO: Fall Festival Games Food Silent Auction Vendors WHEN: Saturday, September 26 TIME:11:00 AM – 3:00 PM Bring a friend and join us for a day of fun.

FAMILY FUN NIGHT AT MCDONALDS OCTOBER 7, 2009 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM Hamburgers Fries Ice Cream & More Special thanks to Fran and Bob Lewis for supporting the Vinton area schools.

team write and submit letters for the “Hero in Education” program. These letters serve as a reflection on the teachers that have had the most significant impact on their education.

At every home game UVA honors a teacher

Do you or your company want to sponsor a section in an upcoming edition?

as a “Hero in Education” and the recipient of the award is chosen from among the student reflections. During the season opener with William and Mary, UVA player Danny Aiken, a former student of Mr. Tresky’s and a 2006 graduate of Cave Spring High School, was able to show his appreciation for his former teacher and present him with a glass Hero in Education award. For twenty minutes before the opening kick off, Aiken and Tresky stood in the endzone where the former student shared some of his fondest memories of his teacher with the Charlottesville crowd. Tresky said of the event that while he was caught off guard at the recognition, it was the most important moment of his teaching career. In addition to the presentation on the field, Tresky spent the pre-game warm-up on the field with the players.

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Log online to VintonVoice.com or e-mail info@vintonvoice.com to find out how you can support Vinton and advertise all at the same time.

All for as low as $50 a week!

Chris Carr

COACHING DIARY: PART III Fall baseball is in full swing, and while I do wish more of our kids would play multiple sports, I enjoy sitting in the bleachers and watching our baseball kids play fall ball. I have been impressed by how hard all the kids are working, and I have been particularly impressed with a few of them. It seems like any time I go to the field to mow the grass Jacob Clifton, Kevin Bowles, Aaron Stidham, and Chad Hill show up wanting to hit in the cages.

I have always felt like one advantage that Byrd has had over surrounding schools is that the kids work hard, and the parents have taught them to be committed and disciplined.

It makes coaching and teaching so much easier when the players willingly listen to the coaches and the parents are supportive of the coaching staff as well.

Lastly, I would like to thank the baseball booster club for all the support they have already given the new coaching staff. They have many plans, including a golf tournament coming up in October.

VOICE 05

Where the rubber meets the road

Dale Russell, MBA wheresmymoney@vintonvoice.com Hey there, pull up a chair.

Grab yourself some more coffee and let’s talk. Did you bring that pad and pen? Hope so, you will really need it today. By now, you should have written a few pages of notes by now.

Today, as they say, the “rubber meets the road”. We’ve talked about a lot of things involving the psychology of money. We even sprinkled in some new lingo to get us started.

But the fact of the matter is, successful money management is 20% book knowledge and 80% behavior. So, it’s time to change our behavior. The best laid plans without action are worthless.

The first step is to evaluate where you are financially. Take out your pad and pen and title one page INCOME. On this page you will list every dollar of income you anticipate to receive for the current month. Do not over estimate, just be honest.

List the gross amounts you will earn from your employment. If you are a two income household, you will need two columns.

The second step is to title the second page EXPENSES. List every dollar you owe on a monthly basis, no matter to whom. I don’t care in what order

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you list these debts, but make sure you don’t miss anything.

Do not underestimate, again… just be honest.

Now you are ready to create a BUDGET. Yes, I had to go there. I used the dreaded “B” word. For all you folks that think I just used a dirty word, try thinking of a budget this way.

If you were to plan a family vacation, one of the many things you would do is to print out driving directions.

You would decide on either the map that leads you on a more scenic route, or the most direct route to the destination. After that, you would plan every detail.

Where you will stop and for how long, what you want to see and when, and when you want to arrive at the final destination.

You would NEVER get into your car for that trip without a map and plan, right?

Now when you actually go on that trip, if you don’t follow the map and plan and just drive aimlessly stopping at every impulse, then all that preparation hasn’t done you a bit of good has it? I’m not saying you shouldn’t get off the main highway and look around, but when you were planning your vacation, you would plan those deviations wouldn’t you?

Your budget is no different.

You budget is a money map which if properly planned and followed will direct your journey from financial crisis to financial freedom.

The only real difference is the pace of execution and behavioral discipline. You might have to pass by that movie theatre or that fast food restaurant once

in a while. But then again, you don’t stop at every one you see while on vacation, so you know how to do it and you survived. ..

So, first things first. Let’s start to build your budget.

Grab that pen and paper again and on the next page, title it BUDGET. Now on the left side write all of your expenses. In the middle of the page, write down the monthly payment. Make sure you have taken care of the BASIC things first, but list everything.

By BASIC I mean: Savings Mortgage or Rent Utilities (electric, water, telephone, gas, etc.)

Food Transportation (auto loan, insurance, fuel and maintenance) Clothing Then list the other things like cell phone, credit cards, cable, internet, student loans, etc.

Now look at your list… really look at it and study it.

Take a moment and ponder over it asking yourself if there may have been something you overlooked. Add all of those numbers up and put it at the bottom of the page. Finally, write that income number from page one at the top of your budget page. Is it bigger or smaller than the number of the bottom of the page? This is one of those times where bigger is better. But what if your income number is smaller? Then it’s time to honestly look at each

line item in your budget for places to cut back otherwise you will need to increase your income. Maybe you work extra hours at your job, maybe you take on a part time job, and maybe you sell some things that are draining your money pool or are just lying around.

Whatever the case, the income number has to be greater than the expense number.

Next week, if it’s alright with you we will really dive into the nuts and bolts of this budget thing and how much money should be in each category. The thing you need to remember if that if you are in a financial pinch right now, with the proper planning and execution it will not last forever.

Hey, keep those e-mails coming. I really enjoy hearing from you. As always, if there is something you’d really like for me to write on, use your VOICE and speak up. I’m easy to find. . .wheresmymoney@vintonvoi ce.com.

How it Was Story by Barbara P. Dillon Vinton Historical Society Do you remember when Vinton was a horse and buggy village and there were very few automobiles? Most folks only drove to church on Sunday morning and the auto stayed put for the funerals and special trips.

Folks waked everywhere. A street car came to downtown Vinton to the corner where the stoplight is today at the post office and the bank on Pollard and Lee Streets. You could get on it and go all the way to Salem in you wanted to.

The price was five cents and later seven cents one way, or four tokens for a quarter (with extra charge to go to Salem from Roanoke).

Many Vinton youth went to Salem at one time to attend high school.

If you lived in the Town of Vinton, you went to the post office to pick up tour mail.

The post office had two employees and one carrier who took the mail on his back. There was no home delivery in the town limits. Rural carriers delivered by horse and buggy and later motorcycles or autos.

In 1918, Vinton was mostly farmland and Bowman Addition was mostly a ballpark. Streets were full of mud holes and steppingstones or

board blanks. WPA really helped with a hard topping of streets in the later 1930’s and early 40’s.

Raymond Barnes, a famous Roanoke historian, tells us “Gish’s,” now Vinton, was a hamlet, which enjoyed a nice community prior to and after the War Between States.

Many country roads converged at Gish’s Mill and by the time the town of Big Lick was chartered in 1947 as Vinton, Gish’s was quite a community. In fact, when the Shenandoah Valley Railroad was seeking a connection with the N&W, Gish’s advanced strong reasons why the new line should select their community as a connecting point. Far back when the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad penetrated Roanoke County in 1852, Gish’s had a designated depot.

The Peoples’ Bank was on the corner where D&R Music is. How many banks are in Vinton today?

On the corner where Vinton Motors stands now was a jumble of old shacks. “Doc” Oman had a grocery store there and did a small gasoline business. He would hobble out and pump gas by hand, and sold perhaps 15 or 20 gallons a day. In later years, he was the only person in Vinton who rode about town in a battery-powered scooter.

In 1918, we had a small drug store and one barbershop. Today Vinton is so different from what it was in the beginning. Earlier residents would not believe today’s town and today’s residents can not imagine yesteryears.

Today, Vinton is a beautiful small town and I’m proud to call it home.

VOICE 07

In Brief Candidates Night

Mt. Pleasant Civic League invites you to “Meet The Candidates.”

Candidates running in the November 2009 elections will address our community and be available to talk with residents about the issues they feel are important. The event will take place on Thursday, October 1 at Mt. Pleasant Elementary School Gym. The start time for the event is 7:00pm This meeting is open to all residents of Roanoke County, Roanoke City and Vinton.

Candidates for the following races are scheduled to speak: 17th District candidates Bill Cleaveland and Gwen Mason, Roanoke County School Board candidates Jay Peters, Mike Stovall and Russell Wise and Roanoke County Board of Supervisors candidates Mike Altizer and Patrick Patterson.

Chamber Pancake Breakfast

The Vinton Area Chamber of Commerce will hold an ‘All You Can Eat’ Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser this Saturday, September 26th from 7-9 a.m. Tickets are just $5 and you can even get a To Go Breakfast for the same price if you call Friday to pre-order at 343-1364.

The Chamber’s fundraiser takes place at the Bonsack Applebee’s.

National Kidney Walk

The Kidney Walk to support the National Kidney Foundation is a fundraiser designed to raise both money and awareness for the fight against kidney disease. It will held Saturday, October 17th at the Mill Mountain Zoo. Registration begins at 9:00am and the walk at 10:00am. Everyone is welcome to participate. For more information go to www.kidneywalk.org or call 540-562-0992.

Walnut Avenue Speed Limit Change

Beginning on Monday 28 September 2009 the speed limit on the segment of Walnut Avenue from Third Street to the Roanoke City Line will be reduced from 35 miles per hour to 25 miles per hour. This speed limit reduction will be made in both the eastbound and westbound directions. Signs warning motorists of an impending change to the posted speed limit were installed along the road segment on 11 September.

This change is being made as a public safety measure since Walnut Avenue is not designed for a 35 mile per hour speed. Travel lane width, shoulders, clearances, and access points are all considered in setting safe speed limits. Also, the remainder of the Walnut Avenue corridor is posted at 25 miles per hour and the speed limit is 25 miles per hour on Wise Avenue in adjoining Roanoke City.

This reduction in speed limit was reviewed by the Town’s Highway Safety Commission, which supported the change. The Vinton Town Council endorsed the Commission’s recommendation. Additionally, consultation with Virginia Department of Transportation

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engineers confirmed that 25 miles per hour is the appropriate, safe speed limit for this segment of Walnut Avenue.

Motorists are advised to be alert, to drive with care, and to observe the new posted speed limit when it becomes effective Monday 28 September 2009.

Allie Jamison Golf Tournament

DATE: Sunday, September 27, 2009 PLACE: Botetourt Country Club TEE TIME: Shotgun Start at 1:30 pm, Registration starting at 12:45 pm COST:$220 per team, $55.00 per person (includes green fees, cart, and prizes).

FORMAT:18 hole - Captain’s Choice CONTACT: Tony and Stacy Wiseman at H: 540-890-0992 Cell: 540-529-8871 - OR Ryan and Denise Salvi at H: 540-966-3929 Cell: 540-520-9332 ENTRY FORM: Download and print an entry form from the following location: http: //www.int-insights.com/portal/allie/AllieJami sonFundRaiserInvite_20090812.pdf DEADLINE: Entry fees must be returned by Saturday, September 19, 2009 Hole Sponsorship or Special Donation If you or your business would like to become a hole sponsor ($100 per hole), make a cash donation, or would like to make a contribution of merchandise or services that could be offered as prizes, please contact either the Wisemans or the Salvis at the contacts listed above.

PROCEEDS TO: All proceeds raised from this event will go to the Family of Allie Jamison to assist with current and future expenses.

Thank you for all of the donations and offers to help. Please never fear if you are not a golfer, for there are many ways to help out. One could either sponser a hole or make a monetary donation by sending it to the address on the pamphlet, or one can donate items needed for goody bags, raffles, etcetera, or volunteer their time at the event on Sunday, the 27th. We will stay in touch.

New Goodwill Store Opening

Goodwill Industries of the Valleys is excited to announce the grand opening of its newest retail store in the City of Roanoke on Orange Avenue/Rt. 460 East. The grand opening is scheduled for Thursday, September 24th with a “Tie” cutting ceremony at 8:45am. During the ceremony local officials, community leaders, and Goodwill representatives will welcome the new store to the community. The doors will open for shoppers at approximately 9am. During the grand opening festivities, which will continue through Sunday, September 27th, shoppers will have the opportunity to register to win a new 26” flat screen television and take advantage of thousands of bargains throughout the store.

The new Roanoke store, located at 3418 Orange Avenue/Rt. 460E inMarket Square East Plaza, will be open Monday–Saturday from 8am–9pm and Sunday Noon – 6pm. Adding to the weekend

Obituaries On September 15, 2009 God brought another angel home when Vickie Marie Orange, 52, of Roanoke, VA died. She was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, girlfriend and friend to many who will sadly miss her.

She was p r e c e d e d in death by parents, Calvin Carter and Virginia Orange Persinger; brother, Calvin Carter, Jr.; sister, Wanda Orange; and aunts, Janice Orange and Thelma Martin.

Survivors are sons, Kevin Overstreet (Gayle Pittman) and Jason and Valerie Orange; daughter, Melanie Overstreet (DJ); sisters, Susan and Tom McManus and Nora Morrison; aunts, Margaret and Ruby; grandchildren, Lee Overstreet, Autumn Overstreet, Zackery Overstreet, Dalton West, Jacob Orange and Dillion Orange; Uncle Mike and family; and many nieces, nephews, and special friends.

Funeral services were held 12 noon on Monday, September 21, 2009 at Oakey’s Vinton Chapel with Rev. J. E. Edwards officiating. Burial followed in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens.

The family received friends from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. on Sunday, September 20, 2009 at Oakey’s Vinton Chapel, 982-2221.

LEONARD PAUL NICHOLS, 77, of Roanoke, Va., died on Monday, September 14, 2009. He was preceded in death by his parents, Doc and Mary Nichols; and two sisters. Surviving are his wife of 41 years, Arlene Hiner Nichols; children, Wanda Gail White and husband Rob. Dana Lucas and fiancé, James. Vanessa Nichols and Nichols, and Leonard Mark Nichols and wife, Toni. He is also survived by nine grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; five step-grandchildren; two stepgreat-grandchildren; seven sisters; one brother; numerous nieces and nephews; and a little dog, “Precious.” Funeral services were held at noon on Friday, September 18, 2009, at Oakey’s Vinton Chapel with the Rev. Butch Hammond officiating. Interment followed at Montvale Presbyterian Church Cemetery. The family received friends on Wednesday, September 16, 2009, and on Thursday, September 17, 2009, from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 7 to 9 p.m. at Oakey’s Vinton Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Gentle Shepherd Hospice, 6045 Peters Creek Road, Roanoke, Va. 24019. Arrangements by Oakey’s Vinton Chapel.,540-982-2221.

festivities, K-92 radio will host a live remote on Saturday, September 26th. The event will run from 11am-2pm at Market Square East and will involve plaza tenants. Numerous activities, give-aways, prize drawings, and discounts will be available for customers to enjoy. Families are encouraged to shop Goodwill, visit participating businesses, and enter to win prizes including, Virginia Tech football tickets and certificates for tanning, manicure/pedicure, ice cream, and more.

Pancake Breakfast at Valley View

There will be a Pancake Breakfast for William Byrd Wrestling Boosters at the Applebee’s at Valley View this Saturday, September 26th from 8:00am-10:00am. Cost is $5 per ticket.

WBHS grad returns from extended stay in Japan Story by Kristin Adams Chad Runyon graduated from William Byrd High School in 1990, and he has been on the move ever since. Now 37 years old, Runyon recently returned to Vinton after spending five years living and working in Japan.

Runyon attended Virginia Tech where he was the Features Editor of the college newspaper.

After graduating with a Bachelors Degree in communications, he and a friend hitchhiked to Yellowstone National Park, where he took a summer job as a cook. He then spent a winter in a small village in Ireland, working as a bartender in a pub. He lived in New Orleans working at a whole foods market and in the mayor’s office. He even got to drive the press car in President Clinton’s motorcade.

He lived up and down the California coast, and coordinated the volunteer base for Gray Davis’s 1998 gubernatorial election.

Runyon lived in a hostel in Arizona, where he volunteered as an English teacher for the Literacy Volunteers of Coconino County.

Many of the friends he made at the hostel had worked abroad, and Runyon wanted to live abroad as well. He found travel to be an expensive habit, and he wanted a more normal life.

Runyon chose Japan as his destination. He liked the people and found them to be welcoming to Americans. He planned to live there for one year while teaching conversational English to the Japanese.

“I was pretty unsure, even after I signed the contract,” Runyon said. “I wasn’t sure if I made the right decision.”

Apparently Runyon did make the correct decision, because he stayed four years longer than he planned. He found the Japanese to be very friendly. He also

appreciated their attitude towards life in general.

“I was taken by the work ethic of the Japanese,” Runyon said.

Runyon also appreciated that Japan is the safest country in the world.

“I could sleep in the middle of the street in the roughest part of town and still be fine,” Runyon said.

He also liked the fact that public transportation was always on time, and he was impressed by the Japanese people’s dedication to their families.

There was one reason in particular that he stayed, however.

“It actually just boils down to food,” Runyon said, “I love Japanese food.”

Runyon was a vegetarian before he left for Japan, but he did not stay a vegetarian once he arrived. The Japanese do not view animals as worth worrying about, and they eat many different delicacies such as blackened pig, raw chicken, and raw horse.

Runyon enjoyed all of these foods.

Because he was a foreigner, he found that the Japanese he met would buy him exotic foods just to see if he would eat it.

Food is very important in Japan, and the quality of food is taken seriously.

Runyon found an eager audience because teaching English

as a second language is a large industry in Japan. Many business people in Japan use English in their work. University students also take English classes, as well as children whose parents hope to boost their chances of getting into a good university. Competition for admission to universities is very fierce in Japan.

Runyon taught English to all age groups while he was in Japan.

His youngest student was two years old, and his oldest was 89.

During his last year in Japan, he trained other teachers to do his job.

Runyon is not fluent in Japanese, but he could manage in day-to-day life in Japan, especially because many people he met wanted to practice their English on him.

“I’m not going to get a job as a translator at the UN,” Runyon said.

Runyon eventually decided to return to America.

“I’m at a point right now where I’m getting ready to settle down,” Runyon said. “I’m not a young man anymore.”

He had not visited the United States since he first went to Japan in 2004, however, because of the 20 hour plane trip between Japan and Roanoke, and he expected the cultural change to affect him.

“I thought it would hit me in

the face,” Runyon said.

He had seen his friends suffer from reverse culture shock, and they could not handle returning to their home country. Runyon prepared for this, however. He made a list of everything about Japan he found irritating. When he arrived back in America, he thought of that list every time he found something disconcerting here. He did not have any trouble re-acclimating himself.

People often perceive Runyon as living an adventurous life, but he sees himself as fairly normal. “[I] still just get up in the morning, brush [my] teeth and go to work,” Runyon said.

Now that he is back, Runyon hopes to find a job helping people, either by teaching English or by training other teachers. He has always wanted to live at the beach, and he is looking for jobs on the coast anywhere from North Carolina down to Florida.

For now, however, he is enjoying spending time with his family. He is having fun visiting with his grandmother. He and his sister Kelli, also a Byrd grad, ran a half marathon in Asheville, North Carolina, the weekend of September 12, and he is now in training for a full marathon.

Another fascination which he is pursuing in the Roanoke area is playwriting. He is excited about the Hollins University playwriting program. He often attends No Shame Theatre and Studio Roanoke for inspiration. He does not feel that he is good enough at playwriting yet, however, to deserve to join a graduate program.

His main focus now is jobhunting. He is writing cover letters and resumes, trying to get into the swing of things looking for a job.

He is grateful that he can take his time about it while staying with his family in Vinton.

“I’m looking forward to what’s on the horizon,” Runyon said.

Learn more about Bootie Bell Chewning in next week’s fifth installment of Voices of the Voice.

VOICE 09

Story by Danae Wensley As executive director of the Vinton Area Chamber of Commerce, Judy Cunningham is always busy. But with the Vinton Fall Festival just around the corner on October 10, now she’s really busy.

Cunningham, along with a committee of about fifteen people, began planning the festival in February. It’s a lot of work, but after eight years, she and her fellow committee members have gotten used to it.

“We have a long To Do list which includes [the] budget, databases, fees, street closing permits, advertising [and] compiling a brochure for printing. [We] book entertainment, get sponsors, vendors, runners [and] volunteers, do confirmations, mark the streets, order supplies, etc,” Cunningham wrote in an e-mail. “Not only do we coordinate the [festival] through the Chamber, we [also] coordinate everything through the Town of Vinton,” she added.

The Fall Festival began in 2002, when the Town of Vinton and the Chamber decided to hold a festival to celebrate the downtown renovations. The festival, called the Downtown Turnaround and Fall Festival, was so successful that the Vinton Town Council asked the Chamber to continue it annually.

Today, the Fall Festival is one of Vinton’s biggest draws. Last year, an estimated ten thousand people were in attendance.

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The festival is held in downtown Vinton, with portions of Lee Ave., S. Maple St. and S. Pollard St. closed to traffic and filled with crafters, business and food booths and other activities. Downtown stores and restaurants will remain open for the day to take advantage of the festival crowd.

This year’s festival will begin with a Pancake Breakfast at the VFW from 7 a.m. – 11 a.m., with the 5K Run/ Walk starting at 8 a.m. Other activities include the popular Doggy Pageant, a Civil War encampment, the Mayberry Deputy and, new this year, Monster Truck rides.

Other activities will include live entertainment on two stages, safety demonstrations by the Vinton Police Department and a wide variety of craft and food vendors. Children’s activities will include Magician Mark Fuller and Balloon Dude Travis, plus games, a giant slide, dunk tank, face painting, crafts, Mill Mountain Zoo animals and more.

The fall festival is run completely by

volunteers – even the planning committee is made up of volunteers. Some of the events, such as the 5K run/walk, need thirty or more volunteers. Cunningham says they still need more for this year.

There is also still space for business showcase, health and safety and craft vendors. For many vendors, the Fall Festival is the highlight of their year.

Popular vendors include Cathy Quinn of C-Quinn’s Jewelry Collection and Ann DeMaury of Ann’s Apple Butter.

If you are interested in vending, volunteering, participating in the 5K or need more information, please contact the Vinton Area Chamber of Commerce at (540) 343-1364 or info@vintonchamber.com.

You can also visit the Chamber’s website at www.vintonchamber.com to download a full schedule of activities, get a map of the festival area or download 5K or vendor registration forms.

The eighth Annual Vinton Fall Festival will take place on October 10 in Downtown Vinton from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. It is free and open to the public.

PHOTOS

Photo by (clockwise from top right): Dan Vance, Judy Cunningham, Angie Lewis, Dan Vance, William Whitworth (middle), Dan Vance and Tommy Wood.

RIGHT: Tow Truck Drive Eugene Johnson from Wood’s Towing responds to a wreck in front of Famous Anthony’s on Sunday.

BELOW: Jason Boothe officiating Monday’s Byrd volleyball match with Craig County.

CENTER: Residents take part in the Dillon Wood garage sale on Saturday, Sept. 19.

ABOVE: The William Byrd band performs during last Friday’s football game at Salem. On Saturday, they hosted a band competition with over 20 schools from across the region participating.

BELOW:Major Frank M. McFadden, a Vinton native, is honored on September 15th as he is added to the Virginia Tech Aviation Wall of Fame.

ABOVE: Aqua Net Swim Club employee Susie Holdren rides the bull.

LEFT: The Chamber of Commerce held their annual golf tournament on September 17 at Blue Hills.

VOICE 11

The Wood family continues to serve and grow with the times Story by Chris Manning What started in as a one bay Pure Oil station and country store in 1957 has morphed into a entire service division, with one of the most recognized family names in town. Bob and Margaret Wood started the business and ran it until 1985, longer than a lot of businesses last. Once they retired, their son Tommy took over the service and towing end of the business, while his brother Barry took over the auto parts store. All of the divisions had to move into different locations with the expansion of Washington Ave. and that was when the expansion really began to take place.

Today, Wood’s operates the service center on Washington Ave., the Auto Edge on Hardy Rd., the Fleet Service on Granby St. in Roanoke, the Towing Division on Madison Ave. and the Trucking division based out of Wirtz, Va. All of these businesses are known for the same level of service that has gotten them where they are today. “We’ve been here so long, people know we take care of them. We still have customers coming in that dealt with my dad” says Tommy.

From the beginning, Wood’s has been a family owned and operated business and will continue to stay that way. Current family members working for Wood’s are Tommy and his wife Karen, their son Allen and his wife

Stephanie, son-in-law Kellen Williams, husband of daughter Ashley as well as Karen’s brother Billy Chewning.

With all these divisions, you can tell Tommy is proud of them, who can blame him, but it’s pretty easy to tell which one is near and dear to his heart and that is the service center. What makes Wood’s superior to a lot of service centers is not only the level of service, which is important, but also the experience and technical expertise.

“It’s not like it used to be, with the computers and the technology, people just can’t work on their own cars these days” Tommy exclaimed, “we are constantly keeping someone in our shop in school just to keep up with the new technologies.”

The Wood’s certainly have been on the cutting edge in keeping up with technology, as shown by the fact that when it comes to diagnostics, a Wood’s specialty, other service centers sometimes have to bring their vehicles they are working on to Wood’s just because they aren’t up to date with the diagnostic training.

This is also evidenced in looking at some of the things they continue to do such as the new “21st Century Flash Technology,” which is described as a key component of the 21st century tune up. “The majority of what goes wrong in cars today is in their computers, if a light went off or something in the computer went bad, other than taking it to the dealer, there wasn’t much they could do, now we’ve got the technology”

Tommy explains. Essentially, this technology is similar to getting software updates for your cell phone or your computer, except you’re doing it on something much more expensive…your car. “There could be fifty or sixty updates that have come out since you drove your car off the lot, for anything from gas mileage to how the car handles, but if you never took it back, you’d never know.”

That’s the great thing about having the Wood family here to take care of all of our automotive needs, whether it’s our cars, we’re stranded and need a tow and any of the other services they offer, when it comes to quality and service, with Wood’s, we do know.

Photos by Chris Manning

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the college perspective

Studying Abroad Story by Samantha Hoback With today’s economy, planning an extended trip to Europe seems absurd. But many college students are doing just that.

In the past ten years, the number of students that study abroad has increased 150 percent.

During the 2006-2007 academic year, over 240,000 students studied abroad. Although the most popular destinations include the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain and France, there are programs available in almost every country in the world, including South Africa, New Zealand and Turkey.

As a student at Wake Forest, I was initially drawn to the university’s study abroad program.

Wake Forest owns three houses abroad: one in London, one in Venice, and one in Vienna. 60% of the student body studies abroad during their undergraduate careers with the majority traveling during the fall of their junior year.

I love to travel. My family took a Mediterranean cruise the summer after I graduated from high school, and when I came to Wake Forest, I couldn’t wait to start planning my study abroad experience.

My opportunity came much sooner than I expected. This summer, I spent four weeks in Vienna, Austria, studying with the Communication Department at the Wake Forest Flow House.

Vienna is one of the most amazing cities in the world. The Viennese people are so friendly, the city is very clean, and the public transportation system is considered the most practical and organized in the world. I saw Anna Karenina, the ballet, at the State Opera House; I listened to the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra at the Schönbrunn Palace; I took a boat cruise along the Danube; I ate Wiener schnitzel.

In the mornings, I had an introduction to film class, but my afternoons and weekends were free to explore the city and travel.

One weekend, I went to Prague; another weekend I traveled to Munich and Salzburg. We visited palaces, museums, the locations from The Sound of Music, the legendary Hofbräuhaus and the site of the 1972 Summer Olympics.

I took over 900 pictures, I kept a daily journal and I even learned a little German.

Looking back, it seems like my trip was just a dream.

Opportunities like that don’t happen every day. College is when students should take advantage of every opportunity that comes around: carpe diem. Or as one of my friends says, “YOLO” (You only live once).

Between the price of tuition, airfare and gas and the fickle exchange rate, it is normal for students and their families to be hesitant about studying abroad.

However, there are many ways to alleviate the financial stress that may hold students back from pursuing their goals.

Most international studies programs offer some sort of financial aid. I received two scholarships from my university to help fund my study abroad program.

Some programs offer paid internships or stipends to help offset the cost.

Once abroad, many students learn to eat in for at least two meals a day. A loaf of bread, some cheese, water bottles, pasta and fruit were staples around the Flow House. Using public transportation is an inexpensive way to get around, and it also allows you to become integrated within the culture.

Also, it is much more beneficial to spend money on experiences than on souvenirs. Ticket stubs from concerts, playbills from the opera and ballet, a map from my bike tour along the Danube and all of my pictures are more special to me than any souvenir I saw.

My experience abroad was life changing. As a result of spending four weeks in Austria, I am more independent, more aware and more confident. I came back with a new perspective on life in America, a new appreciation for foreign cultures and a new perception of myself. There is no time like the present. Life is too short. Carpe diem.

VOICE 13

•‘BOOTIE’ continued from page 02 and to the staff for the spaghetti it was wonderful.

The judges were Chanin Gottschalk as Sharon Osborne and Don Davis as the Handsome David Hasselhoff , in a bathing suit . They played their parts to the “T”. The acts went Chanin Gottschalk and Don Davis at the judges from wonderful to table for Thrasher’s Got Talent. really crazy. Everyone did a great job and you all are winners for just getting up there.

Uncle Red Lamb called to inform me that someone (I said besides him) else has made good out of Mayfield Kentucky America’s Got Talent winner, Chicken Farmer Skinner. His family lives beside Red’s sister Janie. The whole town is celebrating and for good reason. Red was raised in Mayfield. He will be celebrating his big 90th next month.

Get well wishes and prayers go out to Shirley Rice (doing great after surgery), Carol Mills (good report Clear),Connie Byrd Karen Miller. To all those under the weather get well soon.

Checkout “ Elvis Blossom “ Sept 22-27 at Studio Roanoke on Campbell, More info call 343-5054. Don’t miss it.

Vinton’s Fall Festival _ 5K Run & Walk not too late to register, craft s & vendors . New things added, the monster truck ride, Civil War demo, Dunking booth and of course the always funny man , Mayberry Deputy.

Don’t miss all the fun.

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14 VOICE

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Biz Leaders Look To Help TJ Martell The T.J. Martell Foundation launched its Business Leaders Council on Friday, Aug. 28 with a luncheon at The Hutton Hotel. Cosponsored by Blue Hat Records and Keaton Music Ventures, Charlie Daniels is Honorary Chairman of the Council. The Business Leaders Council is Co-Chaired by David Corlew, President of Blue Hat Records and Danielle Lares-Bouharoun, Sr. VP, Sr. Relationship Manager and Manager of Entertainment Group at Wachovia Wealth Management.

During the luncheon a large group of local business leaders discussed the Martell Foundation’s relationship with the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center and learned of ways their companies can help the Foundation’s fight against cancer.

(L-R): Lisa Bush, Hutton Hotel; Chris Keaton, Keaton Music Ventures; Charlie Daniels, Honorary Co-Chairman of the T.J. Martell Foundation’s Business Leaders Council; Danielle Lares-Bouharoun, Wachovia; and David Corlew, Blue Hat Records.

Vinton Wesleyan celebrates 75th anniversary Story by Kristin Adams In the 1930s they met under a tent where the Vinton Municipal building now stands. The church children were called “holy-rollers” by some of the other children at school. In the 1940s they sold Bibles to raise money for a sanctuary, and a spring revival was postponed due to widespread sickness. In the 1960s they held Sunday School classes in a home made of building materials left over from the demolition of the Vinton Hotel. In the 1970s they built an educational wing. In the 1990s one woman raised money for the Church’s new sanctuary by saving money in a mayonnaise jar in her freezer.

“The Church has a really rich heritage,” Pastor Ricardo Rodriguez said.

In 1935 and 1936, the Church had expenditures of $527. One week the pastor’s pay was a painting, and some weeks the pastor’s only pay was food. Today the Church’s budget is over $190,000.

Vinton Wesleyan Church will celebrate its 75th anniversary this weekend. It was founded in 1934 as Vinton Pilgrim Holiness Church,

and it has been part of the Vinton community ever since.

In 1936, two years after its humble beginnings at a tent revival, the Church purchased land on the corner of Jefferson Avenue and Poplar Street, next to Roland E. Cook Elementary School. They erected a basement church which was dedicated in 1938.

The Church continued to grow under the leadership of Reverend James E. Kraus until 1961, when Reverend Gurney Laws became the second pastor of the Church.

Two significant changes were made under his leadership: the church bought the property adjacent to the church, and they merged with the Wesleyan Methodist denomination.

They then changed their name to Vinton Wesleyan Church.

In the 1970s, a construction project was completed adding a new education building and a new parking lot.

In the 1990s, Vinton Wesleyan built a larger sanctuary that would be handicapped-accessible. The new sanctuary seats approximately 360 people.

Vinton Wesleyan participates in many different kinds of community service, from making all of their guests and members feel like family

to paying for bills that the less fortunate cannot pay.

“We want to make a difference in the community,” Rodriguez said.

“God’s been helping us to do that in this Church for 75 years…and that’s exciting.”

One longtime church member, Nancy Brumfield, spoke about why she thinks the Church has been so successful.

“You do not meet a stranger in this church,” Brumfield said. “It’s just like a big family.”

Brumfield has been to quite a few other churches, and none of them are similar to Vinton Wesleyan. She spoke of how loving the people at the Church are.

“This is where I belong,” Brumfield said.

Rodriguez also spoke of the Church’s motto, “Loving God, Loving People.”

“We’re not the biggest church, we’re not the richest church, but we’re a church that has wonderful people that love people,” Rodriguez said.

The Church will celebrate its anniversary this weekend, September 26th and 27th. On Saturday evening, at 7:00, Christian

recording artist Damaris Carbaugh will hold a free concert at the Church. Carbaugh is a soloist with the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir and is often seen on the “Day of Discovery” television program.

“The music is my excuse to work my way into someone’s heart to tell them how wonderful the Lord is. Music softens the heart so the Word of God can go in. when it’s all said and done, and we’re in heaven, it will be music forever. There won’t be any more preaching, but there will never cease to be singing and adoration,” Carbaugh said in press release.

Sunday will begin with an informal Sunday school meeting to share the history of the Church with the community. At the worship service, Vinton Mayor Brad Grose will speak. PromisedLand Quartet will perform, and Reverend John Holland of Madison, North Carolina will be the keynote speaker. Holland was the pastor at Vinton Wesleyan from 1978 until 1981.

The weekend-long celebration will wrap up with a Homecoming pot luck dinner commemorating three quarters of a century of serving the Vinton community.

VOICE 15

Mayor has his own thoughts on downtown

Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net What if there were a different mix of businesses in downtown Vinton, starting at the corner of Lee and Pollard? What if instead of a bank, post office and appliance store there was a coffee house, perhaps offering live acoustic music; maybe an art gallery, another restaurant open in the evening, maybe a specialty boutique or two?

Would more folks come to downtown Vinton, perhaps stopping on their way home, or after a visit to the War Memorial?

You could dress the area up with uniform facades, sidewalk markings, benches, flowers, maybe signs pointing the way to the Farmer’s Market and the Vinton Museum; call it “The Corner” or “The District” or something else.

Cities and towns throughout southwest Virginia have hitched their wagon to the arts and other themes in an effort to bring more shoppers and residents back to their downtowns – Vinton has to look no further than Roanoke City for example. But a group from Vinton – elected officials, town employees, even some interested citizens - did go further, taking a recent bus trip to Floyd and Galax, to see what those communities have done in an effort to revitalize

16 VOICE

their downtowns.

With 20,000-plus motorists coming through the town everyday, making some of them stop for a while – or getting more Vintonites to patronize local businesses – is a desired outcome.

Vinton Mayor Brad Grose was part of the Revitalization Management Team that took the tour. (Former Vinton Area Chamber president Anthony Conner and long time local businessman Tommy Wood were part of that contingent as well.)

A $35,000 grant will be used to help the town come up with a plan for downtown. “Hopefully that will lead to much larger grants,” says Grose, a businessman himself. A consultant will be hired to help the Revitalization Management Team “see what the possibilities are,” adds Grose. He wants to see “destination businesses,” established in the town, where he adds there is no real room for big box stores downtown.

Unique niche businesses do attract people from outside of Vinton – Dance Etc. is an example says Grose. At one point Town Council was hopeful that Larry Vander Maten’s proposed historythemed Explore Park would draw people to nearby Vinton. “I just don’t know what’s going on there [now],” says Grose about the lack of funding Vander Maten has pointed to as a roadblock.

The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development issued the original grant for the Revitalization Management Team effort. “They have helped some towns do marvelous things,” says Grose, pointing to both Galax and Floyd.

The state program is affiliated with

the Main Street initiative that has helped other small downtowns across the Commonwealth. “We’re just getting the ball rolling,” notes Grose, who is “very excited,” about future prospects for the program.

The “unfortunate,” empty storefronts now seen in downtown Vinton just add some momentum for getting things done adds Grose, who was impressed by what he saw in Galax and Floyd, where arts and culture has been a major factor.

“That’s a piece of the puzzle that folks concentrate on these days.

Maybe we need to take a close look at [it as well].”

A previous team trip to Altavista and Lynchburg was also helpful; in all four localities Grose saw a team effort approach to improving downtowns. “They had brought everyone together.”

The Vinton Revitalization Management Team (about 15 members according to Grose) has met with the state agency several times to talk about what it wanted to do with any grant money. “This group has an opportunity to shape what downtown Vinton is going to

look like,” says Grose. Last year the town hosted several workshops with outside speakers that talked for example about efforts in downtown Lynchburg to bring people back.

Roanoke County has been “very supportive in this process,” says Grose, who was pleased to see the local Chamber and area citizens join the revitalization effort, something that has been talked about in one form or another for years. “We’ve been working on it for quite some time,” says the Mayor, who notes “challenging times,” that have included no raises for the town staff due to the budget crunch.

Travel and training programs for the most part are on hold too, something the Mayor regrets but sees the reason for at this juncture.

Nevertheless Grose believes there is momentum. “There is a lot of excitement on the team. I think everyone realizes that the timing is perfect …for Vinton to really concentrate on economic development. [The] time has arrived”

Where can you get YOUR Vinton Voice?

A Plus Auto Sales Alarm Detection Services Anytime Fitness Barry Brooks Photography Bass Transmissions Berkshire Nursing Home Best little Hairhouse in Vinton Bob’s Restaurant Bojangles Bonsack Elementary School Country Crossing Foodette Cundiff‘s Drug Store Curves Cyndi’s Fashions Desert sun tanning salon Dogwood Restaurant East End Baptist Church EZN Famous Anthony’s restaurant Frank’s pizza Grand Rental Station Greenway Construction Herman L Horn Elementary School Hooters Jerry’s Family Restaurant Jiffy Automotive Kinsey Crane and Sign Co Lancerlot M and M insurance Magic City Motors McDonalds Vinton Mt. Pleasant Elementary Napa Auto Parts New York Life Insurance-Anthony Conner New York Pizza Northwest hardware Olde Colony Realty Parkway Physicians Parts Unlimited Perma Clean Power Line Rent Equipt Powers Tractor PSS Gun Range & Training Quantum Tire & Auto R & R Automotive Rancho Viejo Reed’s Automotive Shear Acts Hair Salon Steve’s Automotive Teaberry’s Restaurant The Barber Shop The Edge Sports Performance Center Village Family Restaurant Vinton Area Chamber of Commerce Vinton Car Connection Vinton Chiropractic Clinic Vinton Library Vinton Veterinary Hospital W.E. Cundiff Elementary School White Tire William Byrd High School William Byrd Middle School.

Wooding’s Auto Body Wood’s Auto Parts Wood’s Auto Edge Wood’s Service Center

Everybody reads the Voice

Terry Hough, Nyokia Bowman, Dr. Steve Steffan and Andrea Lafferty from Community Foot Care Center, Inc. enjoy issue 4 of the Voice.

VOICE 17

BOX

VOICE

HONDA Accord 2006; LX 4 Cyl. Silver w/leather int.; Auto; AC; Cruise Control; Exc. Cond. 14,500 Mi. 5 Yr. Ext. Warranty Remaining $15,000 Ph: 540-556-6517

Size 8 never worn wedding dress with matching flower girl dress, slip, veil and sash $500 Call 540 910 1203

Slam man boxing partner with gloves $200 Call 540 910 2663

For Sale, 4 cemetery plots in Cedar Lawn Memorial Park. Retail at $1400 a piece, will sell all 4 for $2900. Call 540 589 3936

P. BUCKLEY MOSS The Lowe house- rare print prof framed and matted 15x14 3/4 $185 Call 540 774 3893

P. BUCKLEY MOSS My hands to thee -1979 print rare proof framed and matted 28x10 print plus framing $375 Call 540 774 3893

Looking for Pinochole players Call Pete at 540 345 3342

P. BUCKLEY MOSS Lakeside fun filled memories- sold out print prof framed and matted 24x12 print plus frame $500 Call 540 774 3893

Matching lounge and chair both for $1,000. Almost like brand new!

Call 540 427 4466

Want to advertise a yard sale? Car for Sale? Help wanted? Help needed?

Utilize our Community “Voice Box,” e-mail info@vintonvoice for more info!

RECIPE of the WEEK

by Ashlee Manning

APPLE CREAM CHEESE COFFEE CAKE 1 (3OZ.) Pkg. cream cheese 1/4 c. butter (firm) 2 c. Bisquick 1/3 c. Milk 2 tbsp. sugar 1/2 tsp. cinnamon 1 (20 oz.) can apple pie filling

1/4 c. chopped nuts CREAM CHEESE FILLING 8 oz. softened cream cheese 1/3 c. sugar 2 tsp. lemon juice 1 tsp. grated lemon peel

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Cut cream cheese and butter into Bisquick mix. Stir in milk. Turn dough into floured (Bisquick) board and knead lightly 8 to 19 times. Roll out to a 12x8 inch rectangle. Place on lightly greased cookie sheet.

Mix ingredients for filling and spread it down the center of the rectangle.

Make cuts 2 1/2 inches long at 1 inch intervals on the 12 inch sides of the rectangle. Fold the strips over the filling, overlapping. Mix cinnamon and sugra and sprinkle over top. Bake uncovered until golden, 12 to 15 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes. Spoon apple pie filling down the center of the coffee cake. Sprinkle with walnuts. Serves 8.

If you have a recipe or a tip you’d like to share, send them to RECIPES@vintonvoice.com

18 VOICE

Byrd can’t get off the ground as host Salem flourishes •Palmer injury, offensive struggles overshadow strong territorial defense in 17-0 loss Story by Dan Vance If William Byrd can take one thing out of last Friday’s 17-0 loss to Salem, it is that it was supposed to be so much worse.

The stubborn Byrd defense held strong, especially in their own territory to hold back a fast and confident offensive squad from Salem.

The near-three point first half for Salem (not counting that final minute, eight-point drive) will likely be overshadowed by the disappointment and worry felt by Byrd fans and players. The disappointment came from the Terriers’ inability to move the ball well. Senior Derrick Palmer threw, ran and caught, but only managed 41 total offensive yards (46 on the ground and -4 in receiving).

Outside of Palmer, the Terriers couldn’t find a single semi-bright spot as they trounced up and down the turf field. Levi Haymaker completed Byrd’s only pass, that -4 yarder to Palmer, and the team managed just 18 offensive yards

outside of Palmer’s production, 15 of which coming on the ground from John Altice. The team had just three first downs to Salem’s 16.

That is a scary thought for Byrd if they are faced with what they were for a temporary time Friday.

In the third quarter, that worry (and probably some fear) set in when Palmer went down, heavily favoring his side. He appeared fine, if not a little tender, when he returned on defense in the final quarter, but that worry will not subside. And last week, that worry helped overshadow possibly their best defensive effort of the year.

What they can do this Friday as they visit Dan River hinges solely on what the team and coach Jeff Highfill can and have pulled from Salem to work with in practice. If it’s worry and disappointment, this Friday may prove to be a longer road trip than expected. But if Highfill can keep them positive, the Terriers have a lot to be proud of and build on. Because now they know that the defense can be there if they can accent it by putting the ball back in the endzone.

Photos by Dan Vance TOP: Worry spread for Terrier country when Derrick Palmer came out of the game injured during the third quarter.

BOTTOM: Sophomore Seth Webb breaks up a pass to a Salem player late Friday.

WBHS Cross Country posts week of 2nd place finishes Byrd Golf Last Wednesday at Greenfield, The boys and girls teams both placed 2nd overall.

Teams were Floyd, WB, Hidden Valley, LB, Galax, Giles and Auburn.

Kevin O’Connor placed third, Nick Leffell was fifth, Phillip Gilmore was seventh and Josh Williams placed eleventh.

Girls were led by Angela Sanabria in eleventh. Jordan Gulli was twelveth and Laura McConchie was thirteenth.

Eighth grader, Darby McPhail had the second fastest time of the day but doesn’t count as she cannot run varsity.

The Terriers had a very good weekend in Lynchburg this past weekend at the EC Glass Hilltopper.

Both the Varsity & JV boys’ teams place 2nd overall. The winning team was AAA Strafford. Leading the way for the entire field was Kevin O’Conner he ran 17:10.18, Nick Leffell came in sixth with a time of 18:00.69. Phillip Gilmore, Josh Williams and Eric Griffin rounded out the scoring.

The JV had strong runs by John Mooney in fourth overall, sixth was Daniel Gallagher, eighth was Trey Gibson, twelveth place was Jonathan Murphy and fouteenth place to Jason Palmer. They all ran personnel bests in the race.

Highlights for the girls’ were Allison Smith, who placed fourth in the JV race with a personal record of 25:11.17 and Holly Morrison, who placed 22nd at 28:34.77. On the varsity side, Angela Sanabria lead the way for the girls with a sixteenth place finish in 23: 58.41, followed by Jordan Gulli in eighteenth place. Kara Kingery continues to improve and set a personal record for herself in 26:03.46.

Overall WB had 11 PR’s set. The coaching staff noted they were very happy to have this progression out of the team and are gearing up for Metro on the 30th at Greenhill.

Photo by Paul Griffin Laura McConchie, a Byrd runner, placed 13h at Greenfield last week.

Last Wednesday at Blacksburg was cancelled because of a “transportation mixup.” Thursday at Roanoke the team lost to Salem and beat PH. Jake Mankin shot a 2over 38 and Ben Firebaugh shot a 41, also counted were the scores of Jacob McMillan and Tanner Trivellin.

VOICE 19

Photos by Paul Griffin ABOVE: The boys field gets set to start at Greenfield, where Byrd placed second overall.

LEFT: Eighth grader Darby McPhail finished best for Byrd at Greenfield, though the score did not count for the team as she cannot participate as a varsity runner.

FAR LEFT: Kevin O’Connor finished third at Greenfield (pictured) and led the course on Saturday, with the team finishing second both times.

Photos by Dan Vance RIGHT: Salem’s JV team swarmed Byrd last Thursday at Robert A. Patterson Stadium.

FAR RIGHT: The Byrd JV volleyball team lost to Craig County this past Monday, coming up just short in the second game.

Photos by Danny Cruff LEFT: Vinton Hokies vs. Vinton Starts soccer, Sept. 14.

ABOVE: Vinton PW Terriers and Vinton Seminoles.

RIGHT: The Vinton Hurricanes.

20 VOICE

Photos by Dan Vance ABOVE: Byrd assistant coach Askew tries to motivate lineman Zach Thurman in the heat of a hard fought 17-0 loss to Salem.

TOP RIGHT: The Byrd cheerleaders at Salem.

RIGHT: Despite a heavily wrapped hand, Byrd tight end and defensive back Brian Fuquay was a strong force in Friday’s loss at Salem. The co-captain forced a fumble in the second half.

Photos by Dan Vance FAR LEFT: Candace Brady dives to keep a ball alive in Monday’s match with Craig County. Brady combined with Sierra Spain for 20 assists in the match.

LEFT: Samantha Webster knocks down the deciding kill in game two of Monday’s win over Craig County.

Webster had 12 total kills in the match, being clutch in game two and consistent in game three.

BELOW: The Lady Terriers celebrate a point in the Thursday, Sept. 17 match with Hidden Valley.

BOTTOM: Samantha Webster digs up a ball in front of an eager Hidden Valley Titan in last Thursday’s 3-0 loss for Byrd.

Photo by Dan Vance ABOVE: Jacob Clifton of the Vinton United and a Vinton Fire player await a ball high in the air.

RIGHT: Fighting with an opposing defender, Kevin Bowles tries to break free toward the goal on a throw-in.

VOICE 21

Byrd falls to Hidden Valley, tops Craig County to move to 4-7 Story by Dan Vance The Lady Terriers have continued to overcome their rocky start to the 2009 season with a solid week that finished off Monday with a 3-0 win over visiting Craig County. The victory was Byrd’s fourth on the year and their third in their last three matches.

“That’s just one of the big things with a young team is getting them where they need to be on defense and covering on offense. That’s probably the number one thing we’ve been working on PLAYERS OF THE WEEK is consistency,” said Byrd coach Amanda Stump.

Varsity: Candace Brady (Setter) The first game stayed closed before a rough call in Leading the Varsity team in assists and the Lady Terriers’ favor swayed momentum and tied demonstrates positive leadership skills the game at 12. From there, it was all William Byrd, who jumped out to a 18-12 lead before finishing off the JV: Nicole Frey (Setter/OH) Leading the Rockets 25-14.

JV team with assists and demonstrates In the second game, Craig County took control leadership skills on and off the court. Also and led for most of the match.

An early ace from Sarah Vipperman pulled Byrd Nicole has now been moved up to Varsity! within two at 6-8, but the momentum could not be held until the Lady Terriers rallied to pull back within two (15-17) off of several Craig mistakes. The momentum looked as if it was shifting when Kalyn Molnar served the ball into the net, but the Rockets returned the favor to make it 16-18.

Vipperman pulled Byrd within one on a kill, but a miss hit from the sophomore soon gave Craig back a 21-18 lead and forcing Stump to call a time out. “[In the time out], we talked about how one person can’t do the whole thing, how everyone has to talk and everyone has to motivate,” Stump said. “It’s hard with a scrappy team when you are used to playing a steady tempo game. We have to understand that not every team is going to do the same thing.”

After the time out, Vipperman rolled from the service line, nailing back to back aces (part of her nine ace match) to tie the game at 21. Sarah Webster closed out game two with a big kill, 25-23.

The Lady Terriers closed out the night with a 25-14 win off the power of a barrage of Webster kills. Webster led Byrd with 12 kills and seven solo blocks.

Vipperman, clutch all match, added four kills, three solo blocks and three digs to her aces.

Molnar had 21 digs, Allison Disher had five kills and Madison Gensurowsky dug up seven balls. Sierra Spain and Candace Brady combined for 20 assists.

Last Thursday, Byrd jumped out to an early lead over Hidden Valley in the first game but could not sustain, falling 3-0 (18-25, 16-25, 16-25) to the Titans.

Macie Hoback led the way with nine kills. But it was on the defensive end where Byrd worked hard, digging up many Titan opportunities in an attempt to sway momentum. Molnar led the defensive effort with 30 digs, followed by 11 from Ashley Minton, seven from Sierra Spain and five from Candace Brady. Molnar added three kills while Brady put up seven assists to Spain’s five.

Over the weekend, the team competed in a tournament at Spotswood, going 2-1. The team’s only loss was to Eastern Mennonite (15-25, 15-25).

However, the team beat the host Spotswood (25-10, 25-17) and Warren County (25-11, 25-13).

Statistics for the tournament include: Hoback (five kills, six digs, two ace), Molnar (17 digs, four aces), Spain (17 assists, two aces, one kill), Brady (20 assists, 12 digs), Sarah Vipperman (seven kills, five digs and five aces), Samantha Webster (12 kills, seven digs), Alison Disher (three kills, five digs), Madison Gensurowsky (seven digs), Kayla Mabe (five digs) and Laura Belcher (10 digs, one kill).

Photos by Dan Vance “We continue to work on being more confident and working together,” TOP: Sarah Vipperman throws down a two-handed solo block in last Stump says of how the team keep up their current streak. “Everyone has Thursday’s loss to Hidden Valley. roles and our girls are understanding that you have to put the best six out there on the floor. They work hard and they earn their spots.”

LEFT: The tea, celebrates a point in game one of Monday’s match Byrd travels to Hidden Valley on Thursday before returning home next with Craig County.

Tuesday to host the Northside Vikings.

22 VOICE

•‘TUCK’ continued from page 24 partially based upon his performance as a coach in addition to being an outstanding player. The Terriers captured Group AA state titles in 1992 and ’97, and have been runner-up three times and finished third three times.

Tuck recognizes that coaching golf is a different mindset than basketball. “There a nice balance between (coaching) the two sports,” he says. “They’re completely different. Once your players are out on the course, there’s only so much control you have. I can offer swing help now and then, but the top-end golfers take lessons (from professionals) – and you can’t have two teachers at the same time.”

Tuck’s favorite golfer is South Africa’s Ernie Els, whom Tuck admires not only for his smooth swing, but also his even temperament.

“When they show Els on camera,” Tuck says, “you can’t tell if he’s leading or missing the cut.” It’s a style that Tuck strives to emulate personally; he also puts an emphasis on it with his teams.

The basketball coach that Tuck admires most is Pat Riley, who established a Hall of Fame resume starting in the 1980s with the Los Angeles Lakers’ fast-breaking “Showtime,” led by Magic Johnson, James Worthy and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

In the collegiate basketball ranks, Tuck has rooted for the University of Kentucky, especially when Rick Pitino was at the coaching helm. “Those Kentucky teams got up and down the floor,” Tuck says.

It’s an interesting juxtaposition that Tuck admires the coolness of Els, while at the same time, cottoning to basketball offenses that move at break-neck speed. Perhaps the common element is control.

Tuck praises the Byrd student body unequivocally. “The kids at Byrd are great,” he says without hesitation – emphasizing that his admiration for the student population’s general attitude goes beyond athletes.

Will he remain at Byrd for the long run? “I would say yes,” Tuck answers carefully. “The school stays with you like a family.”

VOICE 23

Photo by Dan Vance Coach Kevin Tuck, center, with basketball player/golfer Jake Mankin and golfer Brandon Bailey.

Kevin Tuck: Alumnus enjoys sharing lessons with today’s students

John A. Montgomery jmonty@cox.net It’s been almost 15 years since William Byrd head golf and assistant boys’ basketball coach Kevin Tuck graduated from high school, but like many Byrd coaches who earned their wings as a Terrier player, the lifelong Vinton resident remains closely connected to his alma mater.

Tuck distinguished himself as a proud member of some strong Paul Barnard-coached Byrd basketball teams in the early 1990s. At 6-3, Tuck “played a little bit of every position. I was a decent shooter, I backed

up at point. I was pretty good at basketball, but on those teams I was the No. 4 player – at my best!” Tuck credits former teammates Chris Childress, Mike McGuire and Jeremy Obenchain as the triumvirate that led the squads of which he nonetheless was an integral part.

After high school, Tuck enrolled at Radford University, where he ultimately earned a history degree with a minor in criminal justice. Tuck “never picked up a golf club” until college, but once initiated, he took to the game quickly. Tuck landed a summer job at Botetourt Country Club and between work and play, he was exposed to the game in large doses. His handicap has been as low as a 3, although now with a wife (high school sweetheart Melissa Lucas), two young daughters (Reagan, 6, and Emily, 3), a full-time job and coaching two sports, he admits that his golf game is not as sharp as it once was.

“I’m chasing the kids most of

my spare time now,” he says with a laugh. “Reagan got into coachpitch softball this past year.”

Based upon his studies, Tuck knew that he would either teach or enter law enforcement, and he’s pleased that the former career path has materialized nicely. His course load this year includes classes in current affairs, sociology, world history and world geography.

Tuck, 32, taught for a year at Northside before joining the Byrd faculty, where he is now in his seventh year. This will be his 10th year of coaching basketball for the Terriers. Naturally he’s comfortable assisting Byrd head basketball coach David Culicerto, who was his JV coach almost two decades ago.

“We try to get the most out of our kids,” Tuck says when asked

to describe the Byrd coaching philosophy. “We put an emphasis on defense.”

Never was the overachieving, hustling style of success more evident than during the 2008-09 basketball season. This past year the Terriers finished about .500, but more importantly earned a birth in the Group AA state basketball tournament, the first time in recent memory Byrd had gone so far. “We had started out 1-6, with not-so-good losses,” Tuck remembers, so the strong finish was especially gratifying.

This fall is the fourth season Tuck has coached Terrier golf, replacing “the legend, Tim Chocklett,” as Tuck puts it.

Chocklett had held the position for 24 years. Chocklett was inducted into the Roanoke Valley Golf Hall of Fame in 2004, •See ‘TUCK’ - Page 23

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