Vinton Voice (Volume 1, Issue 15) December 2, 2009 by Vinton Voice Newspapers

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We celebrated Thanksgiving in Richmond at the beautiful home of Kelley & Steve Hellams. Attending were the Browns, Burches, Robertsons, Huffmans , Bells, Hendricks , Wells, Lewises, G.Boitnott, Chicks, Crizers, all together there were 49 cousins, In-laws & Out -laws , all descendants of Pynia E. Patterson and Polly E. Bayne. And we all Love each other. Telling Stories and laughing makes for a great day. One of the highlights of the day was the celebrating David Brown (Roanoke) & Tad Robertson ‘s (Covington) together their age (born same year) added up to 106 so the candles reflected that. Another surprise was a visit from Kevin Reynolds. Kevin as some may recall was the star of the New Virginian at VPI. and Miss Virginia Emcee and Performer (Several Years back) . Did a Great Elvis, still does for that matter, He looks great. My Cousin Murphy Chick made the arrangement and Kevin says Murph is his agent . They work together at the Country Club of VA. . What a nice surprise. Ending the day with Video of Fallon & Tommy’s wedding by Greg Chewning in the Theater there at the house. Bootie Bell Chewning After seeing myself dancing, I BOO_TEE@msn.com might have to stop doing so, but it did provide a lot of laughter for the fam. Thanks Kelly and Steve another wonderful day. Chris Stone, Ron s Youngest son was home from Radford U. for thanksgiving and had a nice visit with his Grandma Janine and Grandad Frank Stone. I know they loved that. My Thanks to Sidney Vaught for the awesome CD he sent me last week. It is Called “A Christmas Gift” all the songs were written, Orchestrated & Produced and sung by Sidney. His voice is f a n t a s t i c . They are all wonderful with such meaning. Congrats! I love It. Get well wishes and prayers go out to Pat Basham (on Wendy Conner Cummings with adopted the mends one daughter Nika. day at a time, still weak), Bill Hufton, Patrick Darnell, Billy Obenchain, Kathrine Pugh RMH, Bob Gillispie RMH, Judy Russ at Sprintree .Hope you all are better real soon. Happy Birthday wishes go out to Rodney Billingsley, Renee B. Rice, Shirley Rice,Landon Johnson, Louann Sledd Howell, Jared martin, •See ‘BOOTIE’ - page 06

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Reigning Miss William Byrd: Terrier senior Holly Farris

Black Friday...when is enough?

Black Friday has become a tradition similar to the day it follows. Thanksgiving Main Photo Submitted - Secondary by Lucas Carter dinners have been moved to Thanksgiving lunches so people can get enough rest to be at their retail store of choice before the sun rises. When this “tradition” first started the stores were opening at 7….then 6…..then 5, and it became such a competition between competing, even non116 S.Poplar St. - Suite 1 competing stores, to see who Vinton, VA 24179 could open their doors first 540.904.5836 - Office to grasp everyone’s business. 540.904.5838 - Fax Some stores started opening at 4….4 AM!?! The sad fact is, these EDITORIAL stores probably didn’t make an Chris Manning Publisher extra dime by opening two or chris@vintonvoice.com three hours earlier than they Dan Vance Editor-in-Chief had in the past, but they did it dan@vintonvoice.com Brian Manning Circulation Director anyway, so they could be first. brian@vintonvoice.com This year was easily the Fred St. Clair Delivery worst in the Valley for the Black info@vintonvoice.com Friday mayhem. Toys R Us, a Jacob Clifton Delivery/General store for children, decided to info@vintonvoice.com beat everyone and open right at COLUMNISTS midnight on Friday. My guess is the midnight opening was so Bootie Bell Chewning General Info they could say that they were BOO_TEE@msn.com Dale Russell Financial the first store open on Black wheresmymoney@vintonvoice.com Friday, but what about their Erin E. Delauder-Brooks Pharmacy employees that had to work on askthepharmacist@vintonvoice.com Thanksgiving? No matter, it is what they decided to do…and it CONTRIBUTORS created a mess. Right before the Gene Marrano Senior Contributor doors opened a group of 75-100 gmarrano@cox.net Danae Wensley Contributor adults began to rush the door. news@vintonvoice.com They never waited in line, they Danny Cruff Photo Contributor didn’t get there at 7 or 8 pm like dannycruffphotography@cox.net some of the people in the front of Lucas Carter Photo Contributor lucascarterphotography.com the line, no, they just figured they could rush the door and make it Copyright @ 2009, in and no one would stop them.

They weren’t concerned with the mothers, like my wife, who were there just wanting to get their kids what they had asked for. No, they were concerned with themselves, their greed, and the impression they had that somehow the rules didn’t apply to them. Well, the result, no matter what you may read in other media sources, was physical altercations, a trampling (although luckily there were no serious injuries) of a Toys R Us manager, people having to protect other people from the “mob mentality” that had erupted….and why? For what? Ready for it to be made worse? One of the mothers who was there early, at the front of the line, got in and out of the store quickly, wanting to get in and get out and get away from the mess ended up getting mugged and all the gifts she had purchased were stolen from here in the parking lot, at her car. Why is any of this necessary? I worked in retail for nearly a decade and I can assure you that opening earlier never improved the amount of business in my stores, the money was just stretched out over a longer period of time. Why can’t the stores just open at 9 or 10? Guess what you’d have?…happier shoppers, happier employees and fewer chances of incidents like those mentioned above. When did common sense leave the table? Seriously, most mall type stores are open twelve hours a day during regular business times….isn’t that enough? Maybe I’m just rambling, but hey, it’s my column, I can do that. But when I heard the fear in my wife’s voice, I was sickened by what kind of people would do things like those. Luckily, there is a happy ending to this story. The people who waited in line at Sam’s (5 am opening, the people at the front got there at 3, which is still ridiculous) were brought in out of the cold and wind prior to the store opening and were greeted with hot chocolate, coffee as well as hot and cold breakfasts. Sure, the store knew people didn’t want to be out there at 3 in the morning, but they were and that store did everything it could to remind their customers that they were special and appreciated, which is great. However, I’ll bet they’d still feel just as appreciated if they got to have a good night sleep and the doors opened at regular time, putting an end to this Black Friday nonsense.

Read something you don’t like? Find something in the Voice that you love? Just want to express your thoughts on the town of Vinton? The Vinton Voice accepts and encourages letters to the editor. Letters must not exceed 400 words, must be signed and accompany contact information of the writer for verification purposes. Send to editor@vintonvoice.com with the subject line ‘Letter to the Editor.’

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Obituaries HELEN JO ANDREWS SHIFFLETT, 70, of Roanoke, Va., passed away on Thursday, November 26, 2009. She was born on January 29, 1939, the daughter of the late Lemuel Andrews and Helen Kate Umberger Andrews. She was preceded in death by two sisters, Cynthia Burns and Agnes Whorley; and two brothers, Claude Andrews and Eugene Andrews. She was employed for over 31 years with the Roanoke City Schools in the transportation department. Surviving are her husband of 52 years, Max Shifflett, of Roanoke; three sons, Mark Shifflett and his wife, Rose, of Roanoke County, Les Shifflett and his girlfriend, Michelle, of Roanoke, and Matt Shifflett and his wife, Beth, of Roanoke; six grandchildren, Joey, Andrew, Jessie, Mark, Mattie, and Hunter; one greatgrandchild, Evan; brother, Earl Andrews and wife, Janie, of Roanoke; sister, Gale Horn, of Texas; several nieces and nephews; and special friend, Sharon Fobare, of Roanoke. Funeral services will be conducted 10 a.m. on Tuesday, December 1, 2009, at Lotz Vinton Chapel with the Rev. James Jordan officiating. Interment will follow in Old Dominion Memorial Gardens. The family received friends on Monday, November 30, 2009, from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 9 p.m. at the funeral home. Arrangements by Lotz Funeral Home, Vinton Chapel. Online condolences are available at www.lotzfuneralhome.com. VIVIAN MARIE COOK, 84, of Roanoke, Va., died on Thursday, November 26, 2009. Marie retired from Norfolk-Southern Corporation with 30 years of service and was a long time member of Calvary Baptist Church of Roanoke. She is survived by several cousins; a number of good friends; and one special friend, Kay Thomasson. Graveside services were held at 11 A.M. on Monday, November 30, 2009, at Mountain View Cemetery followed by a memorial service at Calvary Baptist Church at noon with the Rev. Donna Hopkins Britt officiating. Visitation was held on Sunday, November 29, 2009, from 2 to 5 P.M. at Oakey’s Vinton Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorials were made to Calvary Baptist Church, 608 Campbell Ave., SW Roanoke, Va. 24016. Arrangements by Oakey’s Vinton Chapel, 540-982-2221 CURTIS WALTER HODGES SR., of Roanoke, Va., who turned 95 on November 10, 2009, went to be with his Heavenly Father on Tuesday morning, November 24, 2009. He was a faithful member of Mount Pleasant Baptist Church and served as deacon for many years. He was married to Flossie Young Hodges and they celebrated their 73rd Wedding Anniversary on July 30, 2009. They were blessed that they continued to live together in their home until Wednesday, November 18, 2009, when he entered the hospital. He retired from Appalachian Power Company in 1979 after 33 years of service. During retirement he enjoyed traveling, fishing, hunting, and gardening but mostly, he loved spending time with his family. Mr. Hodges was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Sally Hodges; his brother, Forest; and his sisters, Christine, Mary, Gertrude and Mildred. Left to cherish their precious memories and the knowledge of how much he loved them are his wife, Flossie; children, Annette Hodges Karl and Jim Karl, Carolyn and Don Williams, Donna and Jim Conner, and Walt Hodges and Charles Manuel; his grandchildren, whom he adored, Tammy Stillwater, Kimberly Horn, Geri Dino, Sherry Williams, Susie Garrett, Tim Williams, Angela and Brian Fisch, Jeff and Dori Conner, and Lee and Natalie Meador; and his great-grandchildren, Kirsten, Lauren, Alex, Logan, Chase, Camp, Colin and Skylar; his two remaining siblings, Cleatus Hodges and Ada Dobie, will also miss him; along with other family members and friends. A funeral service celebrating his life was held 10 a.m. on Friday, November 27, 2009, at Oakey’s Vinton Chapel with the Rev. Dr. Eric Spano officiating. Interment will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. The family received friends on Thursday, November 26, 2009, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Oakey’s Vinton Chapel, 540-982-2221.

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HUBERT W. (HOOTIE) BURNETT, 59, of Goodview, passed away Friday, November 27, 2009. He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Clarence and Terry Burnett, and Jimmy Jones. Surviving are his wife, Patricia S. Burnett; daughter, Anita Sayers and husband, Jeff; and grandchildren, Shane, Megan and Ashley, of Georgia; stepdaughter, Lorri Quesenberry, of Blue Ridge, stepson, Robert Martin and wife, Kathy, and grandchildren, Brandi and Wyatt, of Vinton; and his cat, BoBo. Graveside service were held 10 a.m. Monday, November 30, 2009 at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, with the Rev. Allen Woodie officiating. Friends were able to call at Oakey’s Vinton Chapel Sunday from 1 to 8 p.m. Arrangements by Oakey’s Vinton Chapel, 982-2221. DOROTHY ISABELLE CARROLL FORBES, 103, of Vinton, Va., went to be with the Lord on Monday, November 23, 2009. Dorothy was the widow of William J. Forbes and daughter of the late Walter M. Carroll and Minnie Ida Jane Forbes Carroll. She was also predeceased by a son, Ronald D. Forbes. Dorothy was a long time member of Vinton Baptist Church and the Order of the Eastern Star, Vinton Chapter #136. Survivors include a son, Doug C. and wife, Mattie Forbes, of Vinton; brother, Richard I. (Dick) Carroll and wife, Louise, of Peachtree City, Ga.; daughter-in-law, Belva Simmons Forbes; a special niece, Pat Barton and husband, Bobby; several other nieces and nephews; grandchildren, David Mark, Douglas Allen, Davana, David, Karen, and Kristen; and several greatgrandchildren. A memorial service celebrating her life was conducted 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 28, 2009, at the Lotz Vinton Chapel with the Rev. Dr. Bob Wayne and the Rev. Dr. Chris Monroe officiating. Burial will be private. The family received friends on Friday, November 27, 2009, from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. with an Eastern Star Service beginning 7 p.m. at the Lotz Funeral Home, Vinton Chapel. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Vinton Baptist Church India Mission. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.lotzfuneralhome.com. WILLIAM KENNARD (KEN) SMITH, 81, of Vinton, Va., passed away on Monday, November 23, 2009. He was a veteran of the United States Navy and was retired from Flexible Steel Lacing of Chicago, Ill. Ken also attended Johns’ Hopkins University. Ken was born on November 4, 1928, in Baltimore, Md., to the late Millard Kirby Smith and Hilda Violet Martin Smith. He was also preceded in death by a son, William K. Smith Jr.; and a brother, Millard Martin Smith. Survivors include his wife, Edith McBride Smith; a daughter, Beverly Ann Smith, of Greensboro, N.C.; and four grandchildren, Julie Hand, Michael Smith, and Catherine Smith, all of Greensboro, N.C., and Zachary Smith, of Angleton, Texas. Memorial services were conducted 1 p.m. on Wednesday, November 25, 2009, from the Thrasher Memorial Methodist Chapel in Vinton. The Rev. David Vaughan will officiate. The family received friends from 12:30 p.m. until service time. Burial to be private. Lotz Funeral Home, Vinton Chapel is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Thrasher Memorial United Methodist Church Building Fund. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.lotzfuneralhome.com. STELMA FRYE GOBBLE, 79, of Roanoke, went to be with the Lord, Friday evening, November 27, 2009. She had retired from the Hotel Roanoke after 26 years of service. Stelma was a devoted mother and grandmother who enjoyed being with her family. She was preceded in death by her parents, Riley and Doskey Frye, her sister, Gladys Henderson, three brothers, Earl, Marvin, and Riley, Jr. Frye, and son-in-law, Michael Wills. Surviving are her daughters and sons-in-law, Sandy and Ralph Williamson, of Hardy, Linda and Wayne Kreider, of Vinton, and Joy Wills, of Salem; granddaughters, April Powell, Monica McLain and husband, John, and Rhonda Fisher; greatgrandchildren, Zachary and Ethan Powell and Riley and Jack McLain; sisters, Wanda Frye, Liddie Taylor and Peggy Thomas, all of Saltville and a special friend, Jane Campbell. The family would like to say “thanks” to all the staff at Friendship Health and Rehab and the friends she made there for all their care and concern for Stelma during her illness. A graveside service was held in the Chapel of Light at Evergreen Burial Park on Monday, November 30, 2009 at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Mark Washington officiating. The family received friends from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Oakey’s Vinton Chapel, 540-982-2221.

ROBERT (BOB) W. KING, of Vinton, passed away on November 25, 2009. He is survived by two daughters, Katie Smith (Sean) and Abbie King; their mother, Linda King; his beloved grandson, Noah; his brother, Kirwan M. King; his godchildren, Ian, Alec and Maggie Ramsey; the entire Martin family; and many cherished cousins and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Raymond 0. and Emalee W. King. Bob was a wonderful father, a devoted friend, and a kind and gentle soul who will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know him. The family wishes to thank Dr. Ella Youngblood and Dr. William Fintel, both of whom were friends as well as physicians. Bob will be taken home to Haynesville, Va. and laid to rest with his parents. Memorial services will be held at a future date in Haynesville. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Heart Association, the American Cancer Society, or a favorite charity. Arrangements by Oakey’s Vinton Chapel, 982-2221. BEULAH M. STATON, 90, of Roanoke, Va., passed away on Monday, November 23, 2009. She was a lifetime member of Belmont Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her parents, William P. and Amelia M. Staton; two sisters, Lillian B. Staton; and by four brothers, Harry M. Staton, William T. Staton, Elwood L. Staton, and Roy D. Staton. She is survived by her nieces, Sharon E. Staton, Linda M. Wilkerson, both of Vinton, and Betty J. Long, of Troutville; her nephews, Jack L. Staton, of Ashland, Va., Ronald E. Staton, of Florida, and Robert W. Staton, of Salem; and many other nieces and nephews. Funeral services were conducted 10 A.M. on Saturday, November 28, 2009, at Oakey’s Vinton Chapel with the Rev. John Fox officiating. Burial will follow in Fair View Cemetery. The family received friends on Friday, November 27, 2009, from 2 to 4 P.M. and from 6 to 8 P.M. at Oakey’s Vinton Chapel, 540-982-2221. MARIE FRANCES DUNMON, 82, of Roanoke, Va., passed away on Monday night, November 23, 2009. She was born on March 23, 1927, the daughter of the late Luther Dunmon and Lucy Minnix Dunmon. She was also preceded in death by four brothers; six sisters; and husband, Bill Crain. Surviving are daughter, Carol Ann Andes and her husband, D.J.; grandson, Jeffrey Dean Andes and his wife, Shenna, of Roanoke; two sisters, Sadie Hartman, of Vinton, and Virginia Axelsen, of Roanoke; special brother-in-law, Jim Axelsen; special friend, Gladys Lilja, of California; and several nieces and nephews. Graveside services were conducted 10 a.m. on Saturday, November 28, 2009, at Fairview Cemetery. The family received friends on Wednesday, November 25, 2009, from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. and also on Friday, November 27, 2009, from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Arrangements by Lotz Funeral Home, Vinton Chapel. Online condolences may be made at www.lotzfuneralhome.com

Vinton honors its finest Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net Its something Chief of Police Herb Cooley wanted to do after he took over a scandal-scarred department about a decade ago: recognize Vinton’s top police officers and the department in general. There’s a little pomp and circumstance, some humor, a good meal, photos with the Mayor and some pats on the back. What could be better than that? The latest edition, the 9th Annual Police Awards Banquet, took place at the Vinton War Memorial last week. The Vinton Police Color Guard kicked things off and trumpeter Gerald Pope played Taps, a reminder that even in Vinton police work can be dangerous. After dinner came another reminder of that fact, as Roanoke City police officer Brian Lawrence slowly made his way to the podium on crutches to deliver a keynote address. Lawrence was working a second job off-duty when he responded to a call in May 2007. While making an arrest he was jumped from behind and assaulted by another man. It left him partially paralyzed for a while; Lawrence has returned to work but is still in rehabilitation. The 22-year veteran, also a part time minister, has forgiven his attacker

– who read a poem aloud that a friend of Lawrence’s wrote, at his sentencing hearing. He was also moved by the support received while recovering. “Prayers can be felt.” Lawrence said police work was “a calling from God. Not everyone is cut out to be a police officer.” He added that those who do serve in law enforcement don’t get enough credit or recognition for what they do. Lawrence also singled out spouses, like his wife Brenda, for their support: “you need to thank them for what they do.” The awards ceremony, presided over by Lts. Mark Vaught and Ben Cook, along with Vinton Mayor Brad Grose, ranged from the Best Dressed officer, a category that drew guffaws from the crowd, to the Drug Buster, Leadership and Exceptional Duty awards. Master Police Officer Greg Jones, an Army M.P. earlier in life, took home Distinguished Career Achievement honors. Lt. Valerie Cummings walked off with a handful of awards, as did others. Cooley also singled out April Alterio, a member of his support staff, for a Medal of Achievement. “No one’s put more into their job.” Grose handed out several gag “Under the Radar” award plaques, including one to this year’s Officer of the Year, Chad Custer, who totaled his police cruiser in the past year. Grose has done this for the past few banquets. Vaught got one as well for hitting a deer - the “Deer in the Headlights,” designation. Grose’s wife Debbie

put the Radar award plaques together. The Mayor left no doubt however how he felt about Vinton’s finest: “I brag about our police department all the time. I do admire each and every one of you – we know it can be a dangerous job.” Grose is also big on the community policing aspect of the position Cooley has worked to raise professionalism standards, training requirements, pay and bring stability to the department since replacing Ricky Foutz after controversy over evidence handling. He has also overseen technology upgrades to bring Vinton in line with their neighbors in Roanoke County and Roanoke City. The department now has its own K-9 unit, a German Shepherd that the imposing Custer – a former pro football player takes along with him on patrol.

Although the department will lose Master Police Officer David Cooper to Salem shortly, the pace of attrition – those leaving the Vinton department- has slowed as well. “We’ve come a long way,” said Cooley after the banquet. His staff includes 24 sworn officers, 8 dispatchers and 2 support personnel. Before the ceremony ended all sworn officers rose at their seats to take the Oath of Honor. “Our employees want to be here. We have a place where people want to stay and work.” The annual banquet, said Cooley, “is just a night to say ‘thank you guys, we appreciate what you do.’ We want to give them one night where we say it publicly.” Coat donations: just in time for Christmas, Vinton police officers will collect new and gently used coats on December 5 at the Farmer’s Market, as part of the Coats for Cops campaign.

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Danae Wensley Town of Vinton March 17, 2009 marked the 125th anniversary of the Town of Vinton. This year’s events have allowed us to reflect upon the accomplishments of the past, while also looking ahead to the excitement and challenges of the future. Many of the challenges now facing the Town of Vinton involve land use and transportation planning. Knowing that the decisions made now will impact generations to come, staff from Roanoke County, the Town of Vinton and the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission has spent the last year developing the Vinton Area Corridors Plan. A draft of this plan will be presented in a joint public hearing of the Roanoke County and Town of Vinton Planning Commission on December 7, 2009. The Vinton Area Corridors Plan is a long-range plan intended to enhance aesthetics, improve safety and guide future development and redevelopment along several Vinton Area corridors, including Bypass Road, Hardy Road, South Pollard Street, Virginia Avenue, Walnut Avenue and Washington Avenue. The four major goals are to (1) improve the visual appearance of the corridors while protecting the community’s character and identity, (2)

•‘BOOTIE’ continued from page 02 Karen Hubbard webb, Zack Doss (sweet 16) All celebrating b-Days this past week Hats off to the Students at Roanoke County Burton Center for Performing arts. Under the Direction of Carol Webster, Terry Haynie, Elsie Hart, Ben Unpenhour. Their Performance in Night of Orginal works -That’s Life. were outstanding. The monologues were written and performed by the students. Each wrote one and they drew numbers to see which one they would get. Some great writing and performing. This week Caroline Murno will be the guest artist from London working with the students . She was one of He “BOND” girls and many other films. Nice lady. She will be at the opening ceremonies for the Christmas tree lighting Thursday night at 6pm.

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encourage quality development and redevelopment along the corridors and the revitalization of Downtown Vinton, (3) increase the capacity and safety of transportation facilities along the corridors, and (4) provide a variety of opportunities for the community to actively participate and be involved in the implementation of the Plan and in the development of future planning studies. Specifics of the Plan include providing data and information for Roanoke County, the Town of Vinton and the Virginia Department of Transportation to use in their land use and transportation planning. The research and analysis performed will be useful in identifying and guiding future development and redevelopment opportunities in Eastern Roanoke County and the Town of Vinton. In addition to examining land use and development opportunities, aesthetic issues will be addressed, with recommendations for design guidelines and streetscape improvements. Traffic operations and safety will also be evaluated along the study corridors for use by the Vinton Public Works Department and Virginia Department of Transportation. The Plan was developed through a series of community meetings, a community survey, business owner interviews and stakeholder meetings. The first set of community meetings, held on January 29, 2009, served as an introduction to the community planning process and included an overview of the Vinton Area Corridors Plan and possible components. At the second community meeting,

held on June 18, 2009, staff presented survey and interview results, draft goals, recommendations and several future land use scenarios. Since the community meetings, County and Town staff has worked with the Roanoke County Planning Commission and the Town of Vinton Planning Commission to develop the draft Vinton Area Corridors Plan, update the goals and recommendations and refine the future land use amendments. Following review by the Planning Commissions, the Plan will be forwarded to the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors and the Vinton Town Council for their consideration. Ultimately, it will be adopted into the Roanoke County Comprehensive Plan and the Town of Vinton Comprehensive Plan. A draft of the Vinton Area Corridors Plan is available at the Roanoke County Department of Community Development and the Vinton Planning and Zoning Department, or online at www. roanokecountyva.gov/vacp. It will also be presented at a public hearing on December 7, 2009, 7 p.m. at the Vinton War Memorial. We invite and encourage our citizens to offer their comments and suggestions. For more information regarding the Vinton Area Corridors Plan, please contact Lindsay Blankenship, Roanoke County Department of Community Development at (540) 772-2068 ext. 283 or lblankenship@roanokecountyva.gov or Anita McMillan, Vinton Planning and Zoning Department at (540) 983-0601 or amcmillan@vintonva.gov.

Speaking of trees this year’s tree was donated to Vinton by Jenny and Karl Stallard. Cut from their very own lot. Thanks Jenny & Karl. If you are looking for something to do during the holidays there are plenty shows going on “Annie Jr.” Mill Mountain Conservatory opening Dec 10--- “Miracle On 34th Street”--- Showtimers Opening Dec. 2-“Papa’ Angel’s” Attic Productions-- Dec 3 --“A year with Frog & Toad “ Roanoke Children’s Theater - Taubman Art Museum opening Dec.17 “ Yes Svetlana , There is a Grandfather Frost” Studio Roanoke Vinton Christmas Parade Dec. 3 So don’t say there is nothing to do. Get out and see some or all the plays. Get the Spirit!! Hope everyone had great Thanksgiving’. Here’s a wonderful Thanksgiving story from Claudine Wills Jenkins (formerly of Vinton) she writes I wanted to tell you about our Thanksgiving this year. Our daughter,

Wendy Conner Cummings (former Hardy Rd. Elementary student) and her husband Dr. Scott Cummings of Hilton Head Island, SC have been in the process of adopting a 6 year old Russian orphan girl for the last six months. The process was finally completed and little Nika (Annika Kathryn Cummings) arrived to her new Hilton Head home for good on Thanksgiving eve. She is joining her new brothers and sisters, Rebekah 17, Tristan 12, Bryson 10, and Grey Anne 8. The proud grandparents are Kent and Claudine Wills Jenkins (WBHS grad) of Brandon, Florida; Andy and Ruby Conner of Roanoke,; and Anne and Leo Corrigan of Indianapolis, Indiana. Needless to say we have much to be thankful for and are having a wonderful Thanksgiving this year. I am enclosing a photo of Nika with her new mom, Wendy. Congratulations to you all. Lucky Nika to have such a loving family to be joining.

Where can you get YOUR Vinton Voice? A + Price is Right Auto Parts and Supplies Alarm Detection Services Anytime Fitness Barry Brooks Photography Bass Transmissions Berkshire Nursing Home Best Little Hairhouse in Vinton Bojangles Bonsack Elementary School Country Crossing Foodette Cundiff‘s Drug Store Craig Ave. Rec Center Curves Cyndi’s Fashions Desert Sun Tanning Salon Dogwood Restaurant East End Baptist Church EZN Famous Anthony’s restaurant Frank’s Pizza Firehouse Sk8 ‘N Play Grace Family Church Grand Rental Station Gregg Lee-State Farm Greenway Construction Herman L Horn Elementary School Hooters IGA Jerry’s Family Restaurant Jersey Lilly’s Jiffy Automotive Kinsey Crane and Sign Co Lancerlot M and M Insurance Magic City Motors McDonalds Vinton Member One-Vinton Mitchell’s Service Center Mt. Pleasant Elementary Napa Auto Parts New York Life Insurance-Anthony Conner New York Pizza Northwest hardware Olde Colony Realty Parkway Physicians Perma Clean Power Line Rent Equipt Powers Tractor PSS Gun Range & Training R & R Automotive Rancho Viejo Reed’s Automotive 7-11 Bennington St. Shear Acts Hair Salon Springtree Health and Rehab Center Steve’s Automotive Sweet Dreams Mattress Warehouse Teaberry’s Restaurant The Barber Shop The Barbeque Grill The Edge Sports Performance Center Valley Hall Village Family Restaurant Vinton Appliance Vinton Area Chamber of Commerce Vinton Car Connection Vinton Chiropractic Clinic Vinton Library Vinton Municipal Building Vinton Post Office Vinton Veterinary Hospital W.E. Cundiff Elementary School White Tire William Byrd High School William Byrd Middle School. Wood’s Auto Parts Wood’s Auto Edge Wood’s Service Center Every Kroger and Food Lion in the area

Everybody Reads The Voice Prior to her official signing with Concord on Monday, November 30, William Byrd senior girls basketball player Samantha Webster checks out Issue 14 of the Vinton Voice. For more on Webster’s signing and the start to the girl’s season, see pages 18 and 19.

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Vinton has trio of performers in upcoming piece (Vinton native Chad Runyon was featured in issue 5 of the Voice and is now the new general manager of Studio Roanoke, which has seemed to pick up a lot of the slack left by the departed Mill Mountain Theatre. Chad recently shared some information with us about Studio Roanoke and their upcoming events as well as the ties to Vinton.) As the new general manager of Studio Roanoke, I’m proud to announce that two Vinton natives and a current resident are performing in the upcoming Studio Roanoke holiday performance YES, SVETLANA, THERE IS A GRANDFATHER FROST. It’s a funny, heartwarming tale for the holidays. Part of the cast includes: *Stevie Holcomb, an accomplished actor who has performances include roles at Showtimers and Star City Playhouse. She didn’t grow up in Vinton, but as she told me, she “married into Vinton” and currently resides there. *Simon Adkins, a William Byrd graduate, member of Big Lick Conspiracy and longtime No Shame writer and performer. *Chad Runyon (me), another Byrd graduate. As I said, I’m the new general manager and I have been writing and performing at No Shame every week for the last couple of months.

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The rest of the cast, while not from Vinton, are impressive and accomplished. You are probably familiar with Patrick Kennerly, who worked for years in New York. He most recently produced the beautiful story of adoption, THEY CHOSE ME! Brian O’Sullivan has been in theatre for over 40 years and most recently performed in Studio Roanoke’s DONNIE AND THE MONSTERS. Shay Mullins is a wonderful young actor from Franklin County who most recently starred in Studio Roanoke’s ELVIS BLOSSOM. The play was written by the talented rising director Jeff Goode, who will fly in from Los Angeles for December 8th’s opening night to talk with the audience after the show. Goode’s successful THE EIGHT REINDEER MONOLOGUES has been produced around the country and translated into several languages. Hollins MFA in Playwriting Director and Studio Roanoke Artistic Director Todd Ristau is directing YES, SVETLANA. Also a distinguished graduate of the Iowa Playwright’s Workshop, Todd’s work has been performed in theatres across the US and England, including London’s West End. He founded No Shame Theatre in 1986 and oversaw its evolution into a national network of venues for new works in dozens of cities. He worked for four years with Mill Mountain Theatre as Literary Associate and oversaw its Underground Roanoke alternative programming and the Center Pieces Reading series. More information about the play and those involved can be found at www.studioroanoke. org/svetlana.html.

Chris Carr ~ Coach’s Corner PART X Recently I had a conversation with Donald Childress, a high school teammate, about the best basketball players that we can remember at William Byrd. Of course, we are both only 33 years old, so our memory is somewhat limited, but our list would be too many to name them all. The conversation started with Hooley Childress, who was a great basketball player at Byrd, but only for one year. He played most of his career before the schools were desegregated. We included Mickey Hardy, and of course more modern players were Paul and Sydney Jordan, who along with Brod Bonds made up a team that won the Blue Ridge district in the late 80’s. In the 90’s Byrd basketball had some very competitive teams, lead by Donald Childress, Michael McGuire, Jeremy Obenchain, Matt McGuire, Chris Childress (the only all-state player in Byrd history), and Curt Heatherington. It made me think back to the days when the gym was full for all the home games. The student fans truly were the sixth man on the floor. Other teams hated to come to the “Dog Pound” because they knew it would be hot, and loud, and escaping with a win would be nearly impossible. So I challenge to current students at Byrd. The basketball season is about to begin. Lets make it like the old days. Pack the gym every night, be creative but sportsmanlike with your cheers, and lets help the Terriers have another great basketball season.

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VOICE 09

William Byrd Ath

DECEMB Tuesday

Monday

WBMS Girls & Boys Basketball Home vs. Northside-4:45/6:15pm WBHS Swimming vs. Salem & William Fleming Gator Aquatic Center-7:30/8pm WBHS Boys Basketball @ Salem-6pm

WBHS Boys Basketball Home vs. Christiansburg-6pm WBHS Girls Basketball @ Christiansburg-6pm

WBHS Girls Basketball WBHS Home Tourney-TBA WBHS Boys Basketball @ Northside-TBA JV & Varsity

10 VOICE

All WBHS basketball games times are for JV, followed by Varsity games, unless otherwise noted. WBMS Girls Basketball vs. Cave Spring @ WBHS-4:45pm

WBMS Boys Basketball HOME vs. Cave Spring-4:45pm

Wedn

WBHS Girls Basketball Home vs. Glenvar-6pm WBHS Boys Basketball @ Glenvar-6pm

vs. Hi

WBMS Wrestling @ Central Academy-4:45pm

WBHS Girls Basketball Home vs. Hidden Valley-6pm

Gat

WBMS Home vs.S

WBHS Girls Basketball WBHS Home Tourney-TBA WBHS Boys Basketball @ Northside-TBA JV & Varsity

Enj brea colleg aroun WB i

hletic Schedules

BER 2009

nesday

WBHS Wrestling @ Franklin County-5pm WBHS Girls Basketball Home vs. Cave Spring-6pm Varsity Only WBHS Boys Basketball @ Cave Spring-6pm

WBMS Wrestling idden Valley/Staunton River Home-4:45pm WBHS Swimming vs. Northside-7:30/8pm @ Gator Aquatic Center

S Girls & Boys Basketball Staunton River-4:45/6:15pm WBHS Boys Basketball @ Hidden Valley-6pm

WBHS Swimming vs. Patrick Henry tor Aquatic Center-7:30/8pm

Thursday

Friday

WBMS Boys & Girls Basketball @ CAMS-4:45/6:15pm WBMS Wrestling @ Ben Franklin-4:45pm

WBMS Wrestling @ Andrew Lewis-4:30pm

WBHS Girls Basketball WBHS Home Tourney-TBA WBHS Boys Basketball @ Northside-TBA Varsity Only

WBHS Indoor Track Liberty Christmas @ Liberty-4:30pm

WBHS Wrestling Quad @ EC Glass-10am WBHS Indoor Track Liberty Christmas @ Liberty-9am

WBHS Wrestling Titan Toughman @ Hidden Valley-2pm

WBHS Boys Basketball Home vs. Glenvar-6pm

WBMS Boys & Girls Basketball @ Hidden Valley-4:45/6:15pm

WBHS Boys Basketball Home vs. Salem-6pm

WBHS Girls Basketball @ Cave Spring-6pm Varsity Only

17 24

WBHS Girls Basketball @ Salem-6pm

WBHS Boys Basketball Home vs. Cave Spring-6pm

WBMS Boys & Girls Basketball @Read Mtn.-4:45/6:15pm

joy yo u ak wi r holiday th ple nt ge an d pro y of sports nd th ea is out rea while of act ion.

Saturday

WBHS Girls Basketball @ Glenvar-6pm WBHS Wrestling @ Turner Ashby-5pm

WBHS Wrestling Titan Toughman @ Hidden Valley-10am

WBHS Indoor Track Asics Elite @ Liberty-9am

WBHS Swimming Pulaski Invitational @ Radford-10:30/11:30am

g break With a lon ach Reed ahead, Co oks ’s team lo Carpenter n n impact o to make a day two.

WBHS Wrestling @ Turner Ashby-9:45am

Today starts JV and Varsity HS Boys Basketball Tournaments at Northside

TMAS CHRIS DAY

WBHS Boys Basketball @ Northside-TBA JV Only

YEAR’ NEW EVE

VOICE 11

The Beauty of Pageantry

>Miss William Byrd wraps up successful year before relinquishing her crown this month Dan Vance Editor-in-Chief Holly Farris has been doing many things since a young age. At just seventeen years old, she has been dancing for 15 years, been top student for over 10 and nine years ago, she found something new in the form of beauty pageants. After being introduced to the pageant world through the scholarship programs associated with her advanced scholastic placement, Farris found a great outlet– one to both grow as a person, but also to be able to showcase her talents, including the dance that she loves so much. “It is something that young girls have a passion for. And I always was interested because of talent mainly,” Farris said. “Dance is something that I have always loved to do and pageants gave me the opportunity to showcase my talent.” Farris competed in pageants for eight years before coming across flyers last year in school announcing the holding of a Miss William Byrd Pageant. It did not take long for her to grasp on to the idea and run with it. “I thought ‘how perfect, I love pageants and I love being a William Byrd Terrier,’” Farris noted. “So why not incorporate one into the other?” She went on to win that pageant, but more importantly, was given the opportunity to return to the Miss Virginia’s Outstanding Teen contest, where she had participated two years earlier. But this time with experience and more confidence on her side, Farris was able to move through the competition. She ultimately placed in the top 10, something she attributes

Miss William Byrd Holly Farris to a higher comfort level because of using Miss William Byrd as a preliminary event and also the support and help of pageant director Amanda Stump. “She has taught me so much,” Farris said. “When I used to do pageants, it was just me and my mom. We used to do interview questions and I did well, I would place, I would win titles– but to say that I have placed in the top 10 at Miss Virginia and I could not have done that without Amanda.” But Stump, who has a history in many levels of pageantry, gives back mutual admiration to Farris. “Holly worked really hard the past year

in progressing from two years ago when she went to state as an at large contestant on her own,” Stump said. “We worked on her interview and perfecting her talent as well as getting her prepared for the job of being miss virginia’s outstanding teen.” “Usually it’s very professional and stressful, but I have gotten use to it,” Farris said. During the final month of 2009, Farris will relinquish her crown as Miss William Byrd to be passed on to another aspiring pageant contestant, but she looks back fondly on the many events she was able to be part of during her reign, including the organization’s ‘Princess Program.’ ““We get to help younger girls get involved in pageants and help them follow in our footsteps,” Farris said. “We do so many community events. We go to nursing homes and festivals and parades and speak out to the community and get involved.” After she passes on the Miss William Byrd crown, Farris plans to take some time away from pageants. While she breaks from the pageant world, Farris is working on college applications, hoping to attend the University of Virginia and study pre-law. According to Stump, she also wants to be part of the dance team at UVA and has already begun that process. Farris also looks at the future outside of school, where she hopes to teach dance, possibly at Vinton’s Floyd Ward School of Dance (where she is currently part of the ensemble), and also wants to compete for Miss Smith Mountain Lake and maybe even Miss Virginia. “Being involved in pageantry definitely helps you with your self confidence. Being on stage, you learn not to have stage fright and how to express yourself,” Farris said. This year’s Miss Smith Mountain Lake will be held on December 12 at Virginia Western Community College in Roanoke.

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VOICE

Holiday Helper...

Dale Russell, MBA wheresmymoney@vintonvoice.com Hey there…Whew, what a week. I saved you a seat and ordered a coffee for you. I hope that’s ok. We have a lot to talk about. Oh yeah, I brought my soapbox too… “Tis the season to be jolly… My daughter works at Old Navy when she’s not doing all of the other things she does and while she was home from college over Thanksgiving break she had to work “Black Friday”…She had to be at work at 2:30am for a 3:00am opening. Excuse me?! 3:00am??... While I was chuckling inside that she had to be up at 1am, out the door at 2am, the most wonderful thing happened. My wife suggested…let me say that one again…suggested (husbands, you know what “suggested” means) we go out at 5am to get some of the DOORBUSTER specials. Really, how interesting. Never in the many years of our marriage had she even thought of it, but now it seemed to her to be a great idea. Hmmm… Long story short, there were approximately 300 people waiting to get into Old Navy at 3am, my wife and I did go out at 5am and had one of the best days of our lives. We talked, laughed, and made memories that will last a lifetime. That brings me to what I wanted to talk to you about. What’s your plan for the holidays?

I mean, what’s you financial plan?? My wife was the inspiration for this week so let’s all give her a round of applause because she did a great job. Here’s what she did. Make a plan and stick to it…Ann planned out our shopping day, at least the first few hours so that we would be able to get the things we wanted and have fun. She grouped together the stores and made a logistical plan of when, where, and how. Know how much you want to spend and on who…Ann went through the sale ads and clipped coupons, looked for the best deals on some items and we made our spending plan…Armed with our attack plan, we knew how much we planned on spending, in cash, and spent it. We spent it ALL….and that’s how we planned it. Remember, the stores are aching for you to spend with them so they are all doing everything they can to squeeze every last penny they can out of you. Watch out for the impulse items that are piled everywhere, especially at the registers, for you to look at while you are in line. Even if you are using credit cards, which I hope you aren’t, have a budget and know how much you can reasonably spend and pay it off. But here’s reality, folks that use credit cards spend 25-40% more because…it’s painless at the time. When you use cash and spending it reduces the stack, mentally something changes and you become more selective. Don’t be afraid to negotiate…We went to one store, after their 6 hour super sale and seemingly missed out on a great buy for one of our kids. Ann, being the power negotiator, talked to the clerk…then sought out a manager. Point is, at 3pm we walked out with that item at the 5am price. Many stores have a price matching policy so make your plans accordingly. I don’t think there are many stores that would

turn you down to price match and if the first person says no, find a manager. Remember this acrostic for negotiating…WAR. No, that doesn’t mean go to war, it simply stands for “W”: WHO are you speaking to, “A”: do they have AUTHORITY to make the decision, and “R”: are they RELIABLE. If they don’t pass all 3, keep climbing the ladder until you find them. Be nice…C’mon, seems like a no brainer, but I lost count of all the moaning and gnashing of teeth I witnessed at the mall. After all, it is Christmas. And for me, the holiday is NOT about gifts. I seem to remember reading something about “Peace on Earth, Goodwill Towards Men…” so, keep everything in its proper perspective. Be thankful for family, health and quit sweating the small stuff. Put a smile on your face and have some fun. GIVE…Hey, it’s a tough time for all of us. If you are fortunate enough to have a job, and a home, and your health, GIVE. That’s what the holiday is about. Get an angel from an Angle Tree and GIVE. Buy a new toy for a kid and GIVE. Get a bag of groceries and take it to a soup kitchen and GIVE. Find a family you know that’s having a tough time and get them a gift card to a store and GIVE. Use your good fortune as an opportunity to GIVE hope back to someone that may have lost theirs. There are thousands of ways you can give of your money, talents, and time. GIVE… Ok, soapbox away. Don’t waste your holiday with family and friends kinked up inside because of silly things that after the holiday you will forget anyway… Don’t redline your credit cards and spend the majority of 2010 paying for it. The best gifts are the ones that don’t follow you home. Thanks for everything…want to sound off, let me hear it. “wheresmymoney@vintonvoice. com.

VOICE 13

Alert Driver Training

Photos by Danny Cruff

TOP: Patsy and Mike Stovall, the owners of Alert Driver Training, inside their office and classroom, located at 2104 Hardy Road. ABOVE: One of the Alert Driver Training vehicles that you may see Mike, Patsy or one of the other ADT Instructors on the road with during training.

14 VOICE

Typically when you think of a driving school, you think of kids with their learner’s permits ready to hit the roads for the first time. Sure, they do that, but Mike and Patsy Stovall saw an opportunity with Alert Driver Training. They saw an opportunity to fill a void and help people. In 2007, the Stovalls purchased Alert Driver training from Norm Colbrook. It has been a time filled with making drivers of all ages safer. Alert Driver does train the younger drivers, they were filling the void by Roanoke County Schools, who no longer did on the road training “you have to have seven sessions of on road training” says Mike Stovall. He feels that they do get superior training at his school “they leave here better drivers.” With the changes in laws, it is more important than ever for kids to get it right the first time “you can only take the learners [permit] test three times now” says Stovall “ it isn’t like it used to be where you could take it over and over as many times as you wanted.” The Stovalls and their instructors, who consist of folks with Vinton ties such as former Byrd AD Jane Layman and former Head Varsity basketball coach Paul Barnard, will work with the young folks schedules, whether it be weekends or before or after school “we’ll pick them up from school and take them home or pick them up from home and take them to school” Stovall says of his younger students. However, it isn’t just the young people that need and use the services of Alert Driver, “I’ve had someone as young as 15 and 6 months come here and someone as old as eighty-eight” Stovall said

of the wideness of his services “and both of them left here better and safer drivers.” Every Saturday, Alert Driver has Driver Improvement Class (aka Dip class) which can be either court ordered or a way to save some points on your driving record. It is usually not something that people are looking forward to, but Stovall says he’s had people tell him that “not only did they learn something; they actually found dip class exciting too.” They have also worked with physically and mentally challenged drivers and drivers who could speak English, showing off Alert Driver’s broad range of abilities. Stovall doesn’t take all the credit, as a matter of fact, he’s quick to defer it to his staff “I’d put my staff, with a combined total of over 300 years teaching experience, up against anyone” he says “there are a lot of new things that come out from the DMV, but we just stay on top of them.” Safety is the biggest thing that is taught at Alert Driver and feels that sometimes when it comes to kids, better decisions could be made by the parents, “kids want these cars that go 0-60 in three seconds, when they don’t need that and that makes them more dangerous, why parents do that doesn’t make any sense to me.” Alert Driver will continue to preach safety to kids all over the Roanoke Valley, not just Vinton, and will continue to make safer drivers on the road. So every day you aren’t hit by an inexperienced, unsafe driver might just be another day you owe to the Stovalls and Alert Driver Training.

Ask the Pharmacist Eric DeLauder-Brooks, Pharm.D., MBA AskThePharmacist@vintonvoice.com

Low-Fat Dream Pie

Ingredients

Q: How should medications be stored? A: The majority of medications should be stored in a dry, cool location away from direct sunlight. Make sure to keep your medication out of the reach of children and pets. Avoid keeping your medication in the bathroom â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the heat and humidity in a bathroom can cause the medication to break down and become less potent. Some medications, such as insulin or certain liquid antibiotics, should be stored in the refrigerator. Always check the bottle to see if your medication needs to be refrigerated. Medications should be stored in their own containers â&#x20AC;&#x201C; avoid combining two different medications in the same container. If you have any questions about how your medication should be stored, feel free to contact your pharmacist. Dr. Erin DeLauder-Brooks is the pharmacy manager of the new Walgreens on Franklin Rd. If you have any pharmacy related questions, feel free to ask her at askthepharmacist@vintonvoice.com.

1 ready reduced fat graham cracker pie crust 1-4 serving pkg. lime-flavored sugar free jello

1/4 c. boiling water 2 ( 6 oz.) containers light key lime flavored yogurt (Yoplait) 1 (8 oz.) container light cool whip

Directions In large heat resistant bowl, dissolve jello in boiling water. Whisk until completely dissolved. Stir in yogurt with wire whisk. Fold in cool whip. Spread into crust . Refrigerate at least 2 hours or overnight. Can make this into many different types of pies just by changing the jello and yogurt flavors, Strawberry, cherry , lemon.........and garnish with fresh fruit. Per slice: Cal.....62 - Fat.....2gr. - Trans fat.....0 - sodium......34 - carbs.....14 sugar.....4.5 -Weight watchers pts........2 -Submitted by Charlotte Vance

Do you have a favorite recipe? Something your mom always made when you were young? A favorite of your family? Send it to info@vintonvoice.com

VOICE 15

Reserve Your Spot Today– it’s easy!

classifieds

Reach the Vinton Voice by phone at 540.904.5836 By fax at 540.904.5838 Or via e-mail at info@vintonvoice.com

Vinton, Bonsack, Mt.Pleasant MARKET

ART

CEMETERY 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

PETS

FOR SALE

Model X5150 Lexmark P.Buckley Moss All in One printer, The Lowe House - rare scanner, copier, and fax print proof framed and Real good condition, matted. 15x14 3/4 comes with....software $185. for windows and Call 540-774-3893 macintosh, owners manual, two extra black P.Buckley Moss ink cartridges, one My hands to thee - 1979 extra color cartridge, print rare proof framed power cable. USB cable and matted. 28x10 print not furnished. asking plus framing $375 $75.00...call Fred at Call 540-774-3893 (540) 353-6268 P.Buckley Moss Lakeside fun filled CLOTHING memories- sold out print proof framed and matted Wedding Dress 24x12 print plus frame Size 8, never worn $500 wedding dress with Call 540-774-3893 matching flower girl

Medela breast pump “in style breast pump” - includes speed control. Professional performance for ACTIVITIES today’s active Pinochole Players Call mothers. Pete at 540-345-3342 Breast pump and accessories included. Slam Boxing Partner model # 57010 dress, slip, veil and sash. with gloves $200, call $175.00 Event Photos $500. 540-910-2663 Call 345-9369 Call 540-910-1203 dannycruffphotography.com Sweet Cat Needs a good home. Call 540427-4466

Moe helping to bring toys to tots

M&M Insurance Agency, located at 119 W.Lee in downtown Vinton is collecting toys for the ‘Toys for Tots’ program. The program is one that Moe Mattox has been participating in for many years and has had great success with in 2009, however donations are still being collected.

Happy Birthday Piper, you’re a bright shining star... Love, All of us. 16 VOICE

FOR SALE Matching lounge and chair – both for $1000. Almost like brand new! Call 540-427-4466 Drill Press, Bearing Press, Misc. shop items for sale. And guess what, The Price is Right. A+ Price is Right Auto Parts and Supplies 341 Walnut Ave. Vinton 982-8777

WANTED Vinton Chamber of Commerce has moved offices and is looking for the

following things: Desk, Desk chair, Desk accessories, Desk lamps or pole lamp, 3 chair mats without cleats, Table or stand for printer, Coat tree, Umbrella stand, phone, Visual Aids: Screen, Laptop; Speaker’s Stand, Kitchen supplies (such FOR RENT as pitchers, platters,etc for serving) Professional Business Vinton Area Chamber space available, of Commerce NEW approx 400 sq. ft. 116 location: 116 S.Poplar S. Poplar St. Woodland St., Suite 1A – Vinton, Square, off of Washington VA 24179 Ave. Next door to the Call: 540-343-1364 Vinton Chamber and Vinton Voice. Call for information 580 4675 Toys for Tots, accepting donations at M&M All-State Reserve your spot today in Insurance, 119 W.Lee Housing, Vehicles, Market, Ave. in Vinton Jobs, Services, Notices

OFFICE

and many sub-categories!

(3) Photos by Danny Cruff (football and above) and Dan Vance (left)

(1) WBHS football coach Jeff Highfill speaks during last week’s football banquet and (2) Derrick Palmer accepts on of his awards. The breakdown for the ceremony’s awards are as follows: Unsung Hero - Nick Janowicz and Seth Webb; Most Improved - John Altice and Brandon Harless; Sportsmanship - Derrick Palmer; Defensive Back or the Year - Derrick Palmer; Offensive Back of the Year - Derrick Palmer; Offensive and Defensive Lineman of the Year - Dustin Woods; Defensive MVP - Brian Fuquay; Offensive MVP - Derrick Palmer; Seniors who played all four years in high school and received at least 80% weight room attendance for three years received their home jerseys: #2 Derrick Palmer and #78 Dustin Woods.

(1) (2)

(4)

In Wednesday’s boys basketball scrimmage at Franklin County, Tyreik Talley (3) throws up a circus shot around several Franklin County defenders. Talley was one of thirteen players to action in the scrimmage, as was senior forward Jake Mankin (4) who gets fouled in the final period of play. In the rules of the scrimmage, six periods were played, with the score being reset at the beginning of each period.

John Hubbard (pictured) of North Roanoke was the 2009 overall points winner in the Roanoke Valley Senior Golf Tour events. Hubbard, a repeat first place winner from the 2007 season, led the field of 130 players by amassing the highest points total for the nine events and collected a first place gift certificate in the amount of $500, a first place wall plaque and a travelling trophy. The Senior Tour awarded a total of $2,950 in gift certificates paid out to the top 20 participants. The top 5 awards were as follows: John Hubbard, 1st place, $500; Garry Mundy, 2nd place, $350; Jim Snidow, 3rd place, $300; Andy Shumate, 4th place, $250; Raymond Barton, 5th place, $200. The Roanoke Valley Senior Golf Tour is a non-profit organization for seniors ages 55 and older Tournaments are held in and around the Roanoke Valley within a 45 mile radius. Nine tournaments are scheduled once a month from March to November. The Roanoke Valley Senior Golf Tour (RVSGT) is now accepting applications for it’s 2010 season. Participants must be 55 years of age or older as of March 23, 2010. The following 9 Golf and Country Clubs have been selected for 2010: March 23 - Tuesday - Ashley Plantation Country Club; April 20 - Tuesday - Botetourt Country Club; May 18 - Tuesday - Hanging Rock Golf Club; June 15 - Tuesday - Draper Valley Golf Club; July 20 - Tuesday - Westlake Golf & Country Club; August 18 - Wednesday - London Downs Golf Course; September 21 - Tuesday - The Vista Links; October 19 - Tuesday - Blue Hills Golf Club; November 9 Tuesday - Ivy Hill Golf Club; For applications and additional information, please visit the website at http://www.rvsgt.org or contact Tommy Firebaugh at (540) 977-4686, fotonut3@cox.net.

VOICE 17

Basketball open schedules Sports in Brief >Girls battle Brookville while boys face off with Franklin County in 2009-2010 season prep Dan Vance & Chris Manning Knowing that his inexperienced team needed to scrimmage against a better team to help themselves to a quick start, coach Dave Culicerto was ready last Wednesday as his boys traveled to Franklin County to face the high pressuring host Eagles. Both teams came out playing tough, with Culicerto using the teaching time to get several less experienced players some time in before the official season opener tonight. “I thought that they (Byrd) competed pretty hard. Franklin County isn’t the easiest scrimmage in the world because they are a pretty talented group and they expose your weaknesses,” Culicerto said. One weakness that the Terriers potentially have going into the season is the lack of reliable scoring. Culicerto noted that though several players made some shots, there is not anyone outside of senior Jake Mankin that he is sure can be relied on consistently on the scoring end. While that develops, he instead wants to focus on becoming more of a team that other schools are worried about trying to score on themselves. “We’re trying to establish an identity as a team– who we want to be, how we want to be. We’ve been hammering that home and they are buying into the idea that we have to be a very tough defensive, rebounding team that doesn’t give up things very easily,” Culicerto said. After the special six periods of play, Byrd was outscored 83-64, but did win two periods of play. The team takes to the court today at Cave Spring. The Varsity will follow the JV game, played at 6 pm. Coach Fran Recchia’s Lady Terrier Basketball team got their first action of the season last week in separate scrimmages against Brookville at home and William Fleming on the road. Recchia saw some good things out of her veteran team, but did see the need for improvement in an area or two, something obviously not unusual for the preseason. “Our transition was pretty good, we had some really good looks off of that,” Recchia says. “Defensively they played really tough, although they didn’t always make the right rotations, they played really tough which is nice to see at the beginning of the year.” Coach Recchia wasn’t happy with the turnovers, which came in at over 30 in six quarters against Brookville. “Our timing is just off right now” she says “but it will come.” Now that the scrimmages are out of the way, the Terriers have to look forward to two non-district opponents to start off the year in Salem and Cave Spring.

18 VOICE

O’Connor, Leffell PR in Charlotte

Nick Leffell & Kevin O’Connor went to Foot Locker CC meet in Charlotte, North Carolina on Saturday. They both had very good races, where Kevin placed 44th in the all sopohmore race out of 171. Nick set a personnal best of 16:41 placing him 24th (All Foot Locker honors) out of 195 in the all Junior race.

All-District and Region Football

The All-District and All-Region Teams for area football were recently announced. AllDistrict performers for William Byrd include: Brian Fuquay (2nd Team Tight End, 1st Team Defensive Back), Nick Janowicz (2nd Team Linebacker), Dustin Woods (1st Team Offensive Tackle and Defensive Lineman), Derrick Palmer (First Team Quarterback and Defensive Back) and Seth Webb (First Team Punter). All-Region placements went to Woods (Honorable Mention Offensive Tackle and Defensive Line), Webb (2nd Team Punter), Fuquay (1st Team Defensive Back) and Palmer (Honorable Mention Defensive Back and 2nd Team Quarterback).

Palmer finishes 2nd All-Time

Photos by Dan Vance

ABOVE: Jordan Ronning takes the ball up strong in last Wednesday’s scrimmage at Franklin County.

After another blockbuster season where he reached almost 2,000 rushing yards, William Byrd Senior Quarterback Derrick Palmer has taken some significant spots in the school’s record books. Palmer will finish as the second All-Time leading rusher with 4, 017 total yards on 643 attempts. His career average of 6.24 yards per carry ranks significantly close to All-Time rusher OJ Thomason, who averaged 6.58 yards per carry in his storied career. Thomason however, ran for 7,536 yards on just under 1100 carries while he was at Byrd. Second place in history also belongs to Palmer in scoring, where he put up 320 points on 51 touchdowns and seven PATs. He also finishes third all time in total offense with 4,796 total yards by adding his rushing with passing (650) and receiving (129).

LEFT: Byrd guard Emily Hanna in last Monday’s scrimmage with Brookville. The girls also scrimmaged William Fleming.

“We’ve got two completely different game plans, because their two completely different teams, but right now we’re just focusing on Cave Spring” she says. She points out that the Lady Knights are a young team and she’d like to score points on the break and keep them under thirty points and make a defensive stand in the first game. That game will be tonight at 6pm in a rare varsity only competition at home.

Photo of Derrick Palmer by Danny Cruff

•‘CULICERTO’ continued from page 20 “They come in as little kids and they mature and leave as young adults,” Culicerto says with a simple hint of nostalgia again in his voice. “And it is always something that I have liked working with.” He also has been able to see some of his former players return to coach alongside him, including current assistants Kevin Tuck and Jamie Edwards. Among other credits in his life, Culicerto knows how important a supporting family, his wife and three children, are to coaching. “It’s good to have good family support,” he says. “I couldn’t do it without them.” As his final season begins, Culicerto still has goals in mind. Not planning of leaving the game behind anytime soon, he still wants that elusive state crown, something he did not get in high school at the aforementioned power Woodrow Wilson. He knows that this year, he wants to step again –like last season – a little bit closer to that dream. “We got to the state tournament last year, we’d like to go deeper this year. The kids have got the taste of that,” he says. The sport has changed much since he graduated from high school in 1970, as has the life of Dave Culicerto. But his outlook on the game still seems so pure. And as he talks, you can still see that glimmer in his eye of an excited young kid, always ready to go when a game of basketball is mentioned. “It’s still competition and you still get pregame jitters and you still have all the anxieties and wonder if your team is going to ready to play on that particular night.,” Culicerto says. “That stuff will never change– that’s the fun part of it.”

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Monday afternoon, William Byrd senior Samantha Webster signs her letter of intent to play college basketball at Concord, with her parents David and Pat seated with her and Principal Dr. Richard Turner and coaches Fran Recchia and Kellen Williams behind her. “She’s my first [player to play college basketball] that’s very exciting, I’m very proud of her,” said Recchia. “This feels great, there’s a lot of stress I don’t have to worry about anymore now,” Webster added. “The whole summer and the first few months of school I was just worried, I talk to Coach Fran every day but now that I know I don’t have to worry about it.”

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Photo by Dan Vance

Dave Culicerto:

Keeping things simple and enduring the times Dan Vance Editor-in-Chief Dave Culicerto has endured many things over the 25 years that he has been part of the William Byrd family. Many teams on many levels, many players, many triumphs and many tribulations. But what has kept him enthralled with the game is just as simple as what led him to it in the first place, and what kept him with basketball, even when football and baseball were also on the table. “It was just important to me,” he will say. And with Dave Culicerto, an explanation does not need to be any more simple than that. Coming out of Woodrow Wilson High School in Beckley, West Virginia – a school deep in basketball tradition of a state championship caliber – Culicerto had much of the grooming to head straight into basketball, but instead took a different path. After graduating from high school, he both attended West Virginia where he graduated 1976 with his Masters, and worked five years in industrial safety with a coal company. But when other options seemed to sour on Culicerto, there was basketball to clean up the pieces. And the way it happened, it would be hard to not confuse it with fate. After taking classes at Concord College, he attended an informal career day, where he chose to sit down at a table for Roanoke

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County Schools. A short time later, without ever previously stepping foot in Roanoke, Virginia in his life, Culicerto became the newest teacher at William Byrd High School. It was a quick transition in his life in 1984 that, to hear him tell the story, sounds pretty simple. After coaching on the ninth grade and junior high levels, Culicerto saw Byrd transition from Roland Malone to Paul Barnard as their coach. Then, after spending many years as Bernard’s assistant, he got the call up as Bernard retired. It would be an winding tale to tell as to why Culicerto stayed at WBHS for so long as an assistant, but that wouldn’t be him. Instead, simple as he makes things seem, Culicerto stays true to form in his recollection: “I liked it here...I saw no reason to go anywhere else.” And that is when, nine full seasons ago, Dave Culicerto became the head basketball coach at William Byrd High School. And simply, he hasn’t forgotten much since. “My first game? It was against Glenvar, and we won,” he responds with a laugh as quickly as the question is asked. “It was like a toothache, I can remember. I remember not only feeling happy and happy for the kids, but a sense of relief as well.” Throughout the year as the head coach, heading into his tenth, Culicerto says that some of his fondest memories have come from watching the kids he coaches learn from him and grow from that knowledge. •See ‘CULICERTO’ - page 19