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Broadway came to the Jefferson Center last Thursday night. Yes, The students of Roanoke County Burton’s Center for Performing Arts, Presented “Thoroughly Modern Millie”. Under the direction of Carol L. Webster, Musical Director Terry Haynie,Choregrapher Trey Mitchell assisted by Elyse Hart & Katie Holland . Set Construction - Bud McWhorter- Costumes &Make-up Kel McGough-Props- Tess Atlkinson,& Carolyn Bethel and of course they had help from cast members ,students & parents. The whole stage had to be transported to and put together in one day. Bringing in and setting up and they did it ,making for a fantastic show. With all the 41 (I believe it was that)cast members playing their parts & staying in character thorough out . Not one weak link. Singing and dancing like the pros on Broadway. Those with speaking roles Leah Wedge (Millie) , Tony d’Alelio, Julia Holland , Chelsa Lear, Callie Thompso, Jessie Seleck , Abby Erdman, Katie Holland , Corrine avis, Jonathan Stoots, Emily Milan, Shannon Poffenberger, Tyler Haynie, Carolyn Bethel & Special Performance,making her debut as mama Lo Lange (Great Job Doc) This was well done by all and just goes to show when everyone works together they can pull off a performance equal Bootie Bell Chewning to Broadway. Which they did win an award in New York last BOO_TEE@msn.com month at the Festival ,I can see why. Thanks to all that helped in anyway withe this show, so we all could enjoy it . The only thing hate is that it only ran one night , wanted others to see it. Especially with all the hard work that went in to it and a great show. Next Show WBHS PLAYERS Present -- Annie Get Your Gun --- in April. Happy Birthday to Kevin Goins 1987 WBHS Grad, Kevin Lives in Currituck NC. He and His family are members of Providence Baptist in Shawboro , where Kevin Became a Deacon in November and on Feb 28 His son Andrew was baptized. Kevin teaches honor math & Science at the middle school and Wife Kellie is a teacher at the elementary school. They are proud parents of Twins Andrew and Hunter 9 years old 3rd grade & Conner 8yrs 2nd grade,, All three are very much into soccer. I understand Granny Donita and Grandaddy Rodney are getting into to it as cheerleaders for them. Proud of you and your family “Snoopy”& I know dad Charlie is too. Happy birthday from Lucy.
Happy Birthday wishes go out to Chanin Gottschalk,Curtis Downey, Sharon Spradlin, Gail Minnix Clark, Valerie Conner Moore, Tina Chewning, Katarine Morgan, Emma Sayles, Mac Mac MaCadden, Trey Mitchell. Hope you all Had or have a Good One. Get well wishes and Prayers go out to Michelle Yeatts, Marjorie Thomas (RMH) , Mary Clapsaddle & Edd Heptinstall (Spring Tree), Thoughts are with you all . Vinton’s Relay for Life Apr. 16 &17. Roanoke Fire and EMS taking orders for dinners $5.00, choice Of BBQ or Chicken& 2 sides & can Drink . Place orders with Kim Barker -- kbarker@ Rcs.12.va.us or Angie C. Lewis -Alewis@rcs. k12.va.us What a meal for 5 bucks. You can get them there to. !!!!!!!!!!! Thrasher Memorial Methodist Easter Eggstravaganza - Sunday , Mar.28 -3:00 pm at Vinyard Park -- Concert By “HUMBLE PRAISE BAND” Big Blow up games, Hot Dogs an more. Over 3000 eggs to hunt, Just bring your own basket and chair or blanket. Enjoy the festivities and it’s free. “DEAR ABE” written by Adam Hahn -Directed by Joe Banno-at Studio Roanoke n Campbell aVe. -Mar-23-28 . 8 pm Sharp each night -2pm Sat. & Sun. For more info Call 3433054 . You just might hear some voices you are familiar with.:) Check it out.
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116 S. Poplar Street - Suite 1 Vinton, VA 24179 540-904-5836 - Office 540-904-5838 - Fax info@vintonvoice.com www.vintonvoice.com
EDITORIAL Dan Vance Editor-in-Chief dan@vintonvoice.com Chris Manning Advertising Director chris@vintonvoice.com Brian Manning Circulation Director brian@vintonvoice.com Jacob Clifton Delivery/General info@vintonvoice.com Danny Cruff Senior Contributor danny@vintonvoice.com
COLUMNISTS Bootie Bell Chewning General Info BOO_TEE@msn.com
CONTRIBUTORS Barbara Dillon Contributor news@vintonvoice.com Melanie Meador Photography Intern melanie@vintonvoice.com Will Trent Contributor news@vintonvoice.com Danae Wensley Contributor news@vintonvoice.com Copyright © 2010 All rights reserved by Vinton Voice Newspapers
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.’
Floyd Ward excels at Regional competition in North Carolina The Floyd Ward School of Dance attended Showstoppers regional dance competition in Lenoir, North Carolina during the weekend of March 12-14. The school walked away with two double-platinums, 32 platinums, and 62 golds. “This is the best we have ever done at Showstoppers and considering the level of competition there, it’s pretty exceptional,” said FWSOD student Holly Farris. Farris and Stephie Broyles won Floyd Ward’s first EVER double platinum on the Musical Theatre duet titled “In the Heights” from the Broadway musical, In the Heights. The duo also won their Musical Theatre duet division and 5th place overall. They were the highest scoring dance from the studio, along with the other double platinum winner, Haley Williams who did a clogging solo to “Firecracker”, choreographed by DeLisa FiGart. Williams is a 7th grader at William Byrd Middle School; Farris and Broyles are both seniors at William Byrd High School. We self-choreographed our routine, which is what’s really unique and cool about this whole thing, we were very proud,” Farris noted.
In Brief Vinton Dogwood Festival Bike Rally
Wood’s Service Center and Motorcycles and More will be bringing the Bike Rally back to the Dogwood Festival this year. After a 3 year lay off of the Bike Rally it will return bigger and better. In addition to the BIKER BURNOUT CONTEST will be the all new LOUDEST PIPES CONTEST. DJ Kellin Williams from RSP Entertainment will start at 9 o clock Sat morning April 24th with the live band TOTAL PACKAGE starting at 10:30. There will be bike related vendors, give always, and a Raffle for two lucky people to win $250 worth of gas from Stop In Food Stores. Raffle tickets will be on sale at Woods Service Centers, Motor Cycles and More and other Vinton Businesses for $1. There will be no charge to get in to the Rally. If you have any question please contact Tommy Wood at twoodtow@aol.com or by cell at 540-580-4675.
Relay for Life dinners on sale from Roanoke Fire-EMS
Join us for Vinton’s Relay for Life 2010 on April 16-17, 2010 at William Byrd High School. The Roanoke Fire-EMS Family is taking orders for the following to be served at Vinton’s Relay for Life. Dinners are $5.00, which includes choice of BBQ or Chicken with 2 sides and a canned drink. Hotdogs are $1.00, place your order now. Please contact Kim Barker or Angie Lewis to place your orders at kbarker@rcs.k12.va.us or alewis@rcs.k12.va.us.
Roanoke Civitan Club “Good Samaritan Award”
Each year, the Roanoke Civitan Club recognizes an outstanding citizen of the community with the presentation of a “Good Samaritan Award.” The Club invites you or your organization to nominate a candidate for this award. The qualifications are: exemplary character, compassionate deeds performed for others and at least 21 years of age. Four outside judges will choose the winner. Award to be presented in May. Letters nominating candidates should be written telling of deeds and received by April 15, 2010. Send letters to: Veneda Leslie, 6643 Northway Drive, Roanoke VA 24019.
Meet the Pros - April 10
Goodview Outdoors Ministry will be holding a ‘Meet the Pros’ event on April 10 at Goodview Baptist Church. The event will feature seven professional fishermen: Shaw Grigsby, Alton Jones, Randy Howell, Todd Faircloth, Marty Stone, Brent Chapman and Edwin Evers. The doors will open at 5pm, and from 5pm until 6:45pm everyone will be able to meet the guys, take pictures, they will be signing autographs, etc. Dinner will also be served during this time. Some of the guys will be speaking at 7pm. No Charge for admission or dinner, but donations would be appreciated; door prizes will also be given out.
GFWC Woman’s Club of Vinton Yard Sale
The GFWC Woman’s Club of Vinton Yard Sale will be held April 10, 2010 from 8 am to 12 pm at the Charles Hill Senior Center building on the grounds of the Vinton War Memorial. The cost is $10 per space. There will be a limited number of inside the Center tables and outside spaces in the grassy area of the building are available. Outside spaces will need to provide their own tables. To pre-register for an inside table or outside space, call Sandy Hill at 540-977-3041.
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Obituaries
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Vinton, Bonsack, Mt.Pleasant SERVICES FOR SALE MARKET For Sale Various Redskin Memorabilia and Hockey Memorabilia. Come by or call Chris McCarty Grand Storage, 761-5840
CEMETERY
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CARPET Carpet Re-Stretching and Repair 540-776-9591
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
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CLOTHING
A public auction will be held Wedding Dress at Grand Storage of Size 8, never worn Vinton wedding dress with 1123 Vinyard Rd., matching flower girl Vinton, Va. 24179 dress, slip, veil and sash. At 10:00 AM on March BUSINESS $500. 23, 2010 Call 540-910-1203 To sell the contents of; Professional and/or Business space Michael Wheeler c40 available, Jennifer Hall e32 approx 400 sq. ft. Todd Boothe e33 ACTIVITIES 116 S. Poplar St. John Watson d42 Woodland Square, Pinochole Players Keith Gatrell a27 off of Washington Ave. Call Pete at Mary Beth Harris a9 580 4675 540-345-3342 Tom Rowell b8
Reserve Your Spot Today– it’s easy! Reach the Vinton Voice by phone at 540.904.5836 By fax at 540.904.5838 Or via e-mail at info@vintonvoice.com
Looking for an Internship for college credit? The Voice is currently looking for interns for this summer Must have computer, communication, social media and research skills and/or knowledge Contact Editor-in-Chief Dan Vance at dan@vintonvoice.com for more info
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Chief Clarence F. Irby Jr., retired Vinton Police Dept., 81, of Vinton, Va., passed away Thursday, March 18, 2010. Services will be 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 23, 2010, at the Mineral Springs Baptist Church with the Rev. Andy Rice officiating. Chief Irby will lie in state at the church from noon until the time of service. Interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery. Mr. Irby was a retired Chief of Police, in Vinton, Va., and was also a member of the Lions Club, Vinton Fire Department, FBI National Academy Associates and Mineral Springs Baptist Church. He is survived by his children, Michael Steven Irby, of Powder Springs, Ga., and Charles Kevin Irby, of Vinton, Va.; sisters, Bernice Coggins, of Lando, S.C., Rubanell Vinson, of Lewisville, S.C., and Betty Goodale, of Lexington, S.C.; brother, Richard Irby, of Rock Hill, S.C.; grandchildren, Charles Brian Irby, of Burbank, Calif, Michael Kevin Irby, of Powder Springs, Ga., Chase Kevin Irby, of Vinton, Va., Michael Vincent Geiser, of Vinton, Va., and Jennifer Michelle Akers, of Vinton, Va.; great-grandchildren, Makayla Nechol Akers and Clover Amethyst Irby. Mr. Irby was preceded in death by his wife, Edith Proctor Irby. The family recieved friends Monday, March 22, 2010, from 2 until 4 p.m. and 6 until 9 p.m. at Oakey’s Funeral Service, Vinton Chapel. Donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association , P.O. Box 96011, Washington, D.C. 20090-6011. Evelyn Mae Collins, 84, of Roanoke, Va., our loving mother born June 25, 1925, passed away at her home Thursday, March 18, 2010. She was preceded in death by her parents, Arb and Myrtle Hall Collins; four brothers, Harless, Bill, Kenneth and Willard; two sisters, Norris Reed and Garnett Yopp; a son, Melvin A. Roberts Jr.; and a daughter, Rita R. Craighead. Surviving to mourn the loss of our mom is a son, William L. Epperly; a daughter, Wanda F. Watts; her grandchildren, Jessie and Melissa Roberts and their son, Jarod, Shane and Nancy Craighead and their sons, Scottie and Keagan, Bill and Jennifer Epperly and their sons, William, Bradley, Wesley and Stephen, Michael Epperly and his daughters, Alisha and Alexis, Chris and Tonya Epperly, and Veronica (Roni) L. Watts; one great-greatgranddaughter, MacKenzie Epperly; two sisters, Shirley Boone, Salem, and Helen Thornhill, Roanoke; and her beloved dog, Hemi. Funeral services were conducted 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 23, 2010, at Oakey’s Vinton Chapel with Dr. Ken Scoggins officiating. Burial followed in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. The family will received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, March 22, 2010, at Oakey’s Vinton Chapel, 540-982-2221. Violet L. Lawhorn, 97, a resident of the Berkshire of Vinton, VA, passed away on March 19, 2010. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ebelle F. Lawhorn; parents, Robert W. and Ora Lawhorn; sisters, Ruth Lawhorn, Pearl Lawhorn, Cleo White, Robert Hale and Darlene Jessee; and two brothers, Hubert Lawhorn and Warren Lawhorn. Surviving are her two daughters Carolyn Lawrence and friend, Sterling Oakes, of Roanoke. And Marilyn McKinley and husband, Jeter, of Kannapolis, N.C.; two grandsons, Scott Coope and wife, Ann of Concord, Va., and Shannon DeArnon and fiancé, Sharon Center of Concord N.C.; and one great-grandson, Nathan Cooper. Also surviving is one sister, Willie Brown, of Roanoke, and numerous nephews and nieces, including Betty White and husband Gene, who administered tirelessly to Violet during her later years. Violet was employed by Puritan Mills where she retired in 1975. Upon retirement, Violet loved being outdoors; she was an avid gardener and enjoyed preserving the fruits of her labors. She was a lifelong member of Vinton Baptist Church where she taught for year old Sunday school classed for 20 years. She loved the Lord and her church and enjoyed spending time with her family, both young and old. Memorials may be made to Vinton Baptist Church, 200 Washington Avenue, Vinton Va. or Joy Ranch Home for Children, 813 Joy Ranch Road. Woodlawn, Va. 24381-1305. The family received friends at Oakey’s Vinton Chapel from 2 to 4 PM and 6 to 8 PM on Sunday March 21, 2010. Funeral services will be held at noon on Monday, March 22, 2010, at Oakey’s Vinton Chapel with the Rev. Dr. Robert Wayne and the Rev. Dr. R. Chris Monroe, soloist. Arrangements by Oakey’s Vinton Chapel. 540-982-2221. Stephen Douglas Powers, 45, of Roanoke went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, March 16, 2010. He was preceded in death by his father, Douglas McArthur Powers.He was a loving father and wonderful, caring husband. Stephen is survived by his wife, Joyce Duncan Powers; sons, Christian Douglas Powers and Austin Derek Powers; mother, Mary Alice Powers; brothers, Scott Powers and wife, Jo and Michael Powers and wife, Christine. Stephen was adored by all and he will be missed so much. We love you Stephen with all our hearts. Kelvin Neil Morris, 51, of Roanoke, Va., passed away on Saturday, March 20, 2010 at the log cabin that he called home. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Minnie Morris. Surviving are his wife of thirty years, Peggy Morris; his three sons, William Neil Morris, Lee Daniel Morris and Thomas Paul Morris all of Roanoke; granddaughter, Kassity Rose Morris (sweet pea); and grandsons, Tristen Thomas Morris (little buddy bud), and Sydney Peyton Morris (one shoe); also three brothers, William Robert Morris of Germantown, Md., John Douglas Morris of Stuart, Va. and James Arnold Morris of Roanoke, Va.; close cousins, Timmy and Billy Wilder, along with many others. A special thanks to Don Bandy who shared “his little bit of heaven”, and to Dr. Rosenoff and the staff at Blue Ridge Cancer Care, for their compassionate care. Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. on Wednesday, March 24, 2010 at Oakey’s Vinton Chapel with Pastor Burrell D. Baker officiating. The family will be receiving friends from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday at Oakey’s Vinton Chapel, 540-982-2221.
Happy 70th Birthday Dewey Stevens
We love you!
During the month of March, 20% of all subscriptions to the Vinton Voice will be donated to the American Cancer Society’s Relay event!
Visit ‘Vinton Relay for Life’ on Facebook for more.
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Danae Wensley Town of Vinton Ladies and gentlemen, get those calendars ready! Ready to be filled photographs or samples of their work. Vendors are also asked to pay $5 with fun, family-friendly events at the Vinton Farmers’ Market that is. The 2010 Vinton Farmers’ Market season will begin Saturday, April to reserve a space. For more information about the Town of Vinton and the programs 10 with a Vintage Market, back by popular demand from 2009. In fact, last year’s Vintage Market events were so fun and successful that they we offer, please visit our website at www.vintonva.gov. You can also find us on facebook, Twitter and YouTube by searching for “Vinton.” And will now be offered once per month. Whether you’re looking to sell that beautiful antique you no longer don’t forget to come out to the Vintage Market at the Vinton Farmers’ have room for, buy something to supplement a collection or learn Market on Saturday, April 10 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. something about the way your ancestors lived, the Vintage Market is the place for you. Last year’s items included antique utensils, jewelry, toys, advertising items, furniture and even movie reels. But as fun as last year’s events were, Vinton Farmers’ Market director Mary Beth Layman expects this year’s events to be even better. Vintage Market events will take place 4/10, 5/8, 6/12, 7/10, 8/14, 9/11 and 11/6. Get in touch with your artistic side at the Art Market, offered in May, July and October. Enjoy paintings, photography, jewelry, cards and more, all by local artists from the Roanoke Valley and surrounding regional areas. The pieces offered are original and affordable, making the Art Market the perfect place to spice up your home décor while also supporting the local economy. Art Market events will also feature live music and a free art activity for children. 5/15, 7/17 and 10/16. Retro Evenings feature nice-quality antiques and collectibles from the 1950s-80s. It’s the perfect place to find that long-lost toy from childhood or sell items that are no longer useful. The STARRING: event will also feature dance music of the decades and a classic Caroline Picard cars cruise-in. 6/18, 7/16 and 8/20. When Caroline Picard hits the stage with her signature red boots, it’s clear that you have come to the house of “The Cajun Queen.” She lets the audience know right away that The Vinton Farmers’ Market Craft Show is home to a number they are about to experience something really refreshing – a person comfortable with of unique, hand-crafted items made by local crafters, making it her beliefs, and has no problem making you laugh at them! Picard has won Hysterical Mgmt – Comedian of the Year, as well as been showcased in a great place to buy gifts of any kind. Past items have included the “Women With Attitude Tour.” She has also been seen at the House of Blues, jewelry, candles, soaps, team pillows and throws, clothing, The Improv, and the Funny Bone. handbags and wooden items. There will also be a free craft area AND SPECIAL GUEST: for children. 6/19, 8/21. Jack Daniels Martinsville’s own is an entertaining mix of humor, wit, and mountain Americana! Special activities and shows aside, the Vinton Farmers’ Stories come to life and characters have you laughing before you know what has Market is also a one-stop-shop for produce and baked goods. Our hit you! He is a home-spun original making a very special appearance for this show! normal hours are Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m to 3 HOSTED BY: RESERVATIONS p.m. Steve Cannon SUGGESTED. of the John Boy & Billy show on All our produce is locally grown, which is not healthier, but also a great way to help local farmers’ and support the economy. There are also a plethora of delicious baked goods and other yummy things, including cakes, cookies, jams, jellies and breads. Anyone interested in selling items at the Vintage Market, Art Market, Retro Evening, Craft Show or Farmers’ Market may do VINTON OFF TRACK BETTING CENTER so by calling 540-983-0613 or e-mailing mblayman@vintonva. 1135 Vinyard Rd. (behind McDonald's on Rt. 24) gov. To ensure that all items are high quality, vendors will be (540) 278-1120 . colonialdowns.com asked to fill out a simple, one page application and provide
HOMESTRETCH STAND-UP RACE WEEKEND
LAUGH-TACULAR! Presented by the Vinton Voice
SATURDAY, MARCH 27 – 8:30PM ADMISSION: $8.00
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Sherri Mays has a Passion for more than just Math
Katie Martin Terrier Times Staff In school, Sherri Mays might seem like a normal math teacher. The William Byrd High School teacher has a love for the subject, teaching geometry and pre-calculus and coteachers the school’s SAT prep course. On top of all this, she has been the math department chairperson for two years and she sponsors the Leo Club. So, she sees a lot of students each day – and they never cease to surprise her. “I’m always amazed about how different my students are,” Mays said. “I like teaching because every day is different,” she said. “I’m able to meet new people all the time.” But Mays isn’t just a math teacher – she’s also an avid traveler, hiker, skier, and entertainment enthusiast. Mays graduated from Patrick Henry High School in 1992. She decided to pursue a career in education during her sophomore year of college at Virginia Tech. “My major was undecided as a freshman,” she said. “I had always excelled at math, so I chose math education my sophomore year.” She earned her bachelor’s degreed in 1996 and worked at William Fleming High School from 1996 until 1999 before returning to Virginia Tech for her masters degree. Mays lived in northern Virginia and taught math at Virginia Tech’s satellite campus, which was close to the Pentagon. She was working on September 11, 2001 and remembers the day clearly. “We could hear the collision and a lot of commotion,” she said. “It was crazy. Policemen were everywhere, cell phones didn’t work, and people were running out of buildings – it was utter chaos. I can’t imagine what it was like in New York.” Mays eventually moved back to Roanoke in
She has her own tie to the entertainment industry, too. Her husband’s first cousin, Jayma Mays, plays Emma Pillsbury on Glee, the Fox television show about a high school’s glee club. Her love for pop culture also serves as a connection with her students. “I like to watch television shows like American Idol,” she said. “They’re entertaining, and I can also talk about them with my students. It’s nice to have something in common with them. ” Overall, Mays is happy with living in Roanoke and working at WBHS. “Roanoke has a lot to offer and I love William Byrd,” she said. “I love the students and I love 2002, when she began teaching WBHS. the teachers. I work with a great, supportive “I loved living in northern Virginia. There’s staff. Because the classrooms were switched so much to do there, but it’s expensive and I around this year, I’ve also had the opportunity knew I wanted to come back to Roanoke,” she to meet teachers from other departments. I said. “My family is here. The people I care about miss the math teachers, but I’m glad that I’ve are here.” gotten to know more of my co-workers.” Outside of school, Mays enjoys spending Because of her own love for math, Mays time with her friends and family, skiing, hiking, strives to make math enjoyable for her students. and most of all, traveling. “I always strive to help my students “I go to New York City around four times understand math and be able to use it,” she per year. I love Broadway shows and shopping said. “My goal is to make kids realize how fun there. I’m very fortunate – I’m able to travel a math can be and be sure that they leave high lot,” she said. school enjoying it. Mays has been to countless U.S. states and “You never know what a student will ask,” has traveled out of the country to countries such she continued. “Sometimes, you have to take time to research and think about what they ask. Students are quirky, funny, serious, sad – you never know what you’re going to get. I love interacting with them.” Students and teachers agree that Mays is focused on her students, but tries to make things humorous. “I think she’s a great teacher and she knows a lot the subject,” said Johnny Ramey, a WBHS junior in Mays’s precalculus class. “She’s really funny.” Alecia Wise, a geometry and college algebra teacher, also thinks highly of her coworker. “She always has the best Photo by Holly Wakeland interest students in mind,” Wise said. “She’s organized, as England, Mexico, Italy, Jamaica, and Aruba. energetic and enthusiastic.” Her favorite place to visit, though, is Hawaii. As for Leo Club, Mays is always pleased with “Hawaii is the most beautiful place I’ve the effort she sees from the student members. been,” she said. Leo Club is a Lion’s Club-affiliated volunteerBesides travel, she has another passion – based organization for high school students. the entertainment industry. “I was asked to take over the club about “I love television and movies,” she said. six years ago when the sponsor before me “Television takes you away from reality, and transferred to a different school,” she said. “I it’s important for people to have a getaway wasn’t really familiar with the group, but I was from stress in their lives. You can learn a lot excited that they thought of me to take over. I from it, too. Programs such as Planet Earth love everything about it – I love how students on Discovery are so interesting because you’re always strive to help out as much as they can able to see things that you wouldn’t be able to with those whom are less fortunate than otherwise.” themselves.”
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Special: East Roanoke Lacrosse Opens New Season
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The East Roanoke Lacrosse Bandits returned to action last Saturday at W.E. Cundiff Elementary School with five games against Jefferson Forest, in which the Bandits won four. In the Boy’s U-9 division, ER won 9-3. In the Girl’s Middle School Division, the Bandits prevailed 8-7 on a last second goal by Jenna Viar. In the Boy’s U-11 division, the team suffered their only loss falling 6-1. In the Boy’s U-15, it was back to the winning ways with a 4-1 victory. And wrapping up the day, the Boy’s Junior Varsity game went into overtime with East Roanoke prevailing 8-7. Pictured are (1) Cameron Livingston (#89), (2) Taylor Hilliard (#11), (3) Chris Refino (#23), (4) Dalton Bethel (#3) and (5) the girls middle school team postgame. Photos by Melanie Meador (1,3,4) and Danny Cruff (2,5)
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For more on the Bandits, visit: http://www.eteamz.com/eastroanokelacrosse/ Derrick Palmer...Chris Lawrence...Brad Grose... Firehouse S8 ‘N Play...Kacy Edsall...Mike Altizer...
Pictures from every issue of the Vinton Voice...ever! Now Online!
VintonVoice.PhotoReflect.com Fall Festival...Jake Mankin...Barry Brooks Photography...Betty Divers...Holly Farris...many more!
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My High School Senior Trip Barbara Dillon Contributor In 1939, when I was a junior at William Byrd High School on the hill and Dr. Herman L. Horn was principal, our class was planning a senior trip to Cuba. Well, Castro took over Cuba so changes were made. We decided to go to the New York World’s Fair and Boston, Massachusetts. Remember those were the days when wage-hour laws were 25 cents and prices were quite different than they are today. My father had been quite ill for three years and my mother now had a job after being a stay-at-home mom with five children for 16 or 17 years. Money was close at our house and I knew that I had to go on that trip and I would have to earn my money. People at school helped find ways for students to help earn their money. The trip would cost $50 for a whole week—leave on Thursday evening after graduation on Tuesday and return the next Thursday evening. I sold magazine subscriptions and helped serve the Vinton Lion’s Club dinner in the almost new cafeteria at William Byrd every month and earn 25 cents every time I helped. A drugstore let us sell five pound boxes of candy for $1 and we earned about 25 cents for each one we sold. I sold 16 or 18. At Easter we had store bought chocolate covered eggs and sold them by writing names on them with white icing. I wrote some of those and received a little money. Our English teacher, Mrs. Snider and her son Billy sold blankets during the summer for a blanket club. Buyers would pay 25 cents a week to pay for their choice and every week a name would be drawn and that person would get theirs for whatever they had paid up to that time. In the fall when school started she let some of our class collect the quarters and we would get so much for each blanket we collected for. I had about 15 houses to collect from out around the old Jefferson Hospital off Franklin Road in Roanoke. My best girl friend had a father and aunt who worked and go off at 3 pm. When her folks got home we would borrow their street car pass and go to downtown Roanoke and transfer out Franklin Road and go house to house to collect the quarters. When June got here I had earned $52, a little more than needed. All of us who graduated did not get our diplomas at graduation but just a blank sheet of paper until we got back so we would be under jurisdiction of the school while away. We left Roanoke on Thursday evening on our own private N&W coach hooked on a passenger train for Washington D.C. There we hooked on to another train to New York City. When we arrive in NY we went to the Park Central Hotel out near Central Park. There were eight of us girls in a suite. Four girls slept in the bedroom and four on cots in the living room. They had a marble swimming pool in the basement in a marble room. Boy we thought this was ritzy. Most of us had never seen anything so great, and we could use it. •See ‘RETRO’ - page 19
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What can you
>The first official day of Spring has come a
NATURE Enjoy the nature of the area, from the animals big and small to the surroundings. That bee buzzing around and annoying you? Take a minute and just enjoy the purity of the creature. Take a walk on the greenway or a drive on the parkway. Vinton and the Roanoke Valley has so much to take in that residents may forget about everyday. Include yourself in nature by planting flowers or starting that garden that you ‘just never got around to.’
Photos by Danny Cruff, Melanie Meador and Dan Vance
CLEAN-UP Look around your house, something needs fixing. Now look out in your yard, something probably needs mowed or trimmed. The term ‘spring cleaning’ was coined for a reason. This doesn’t always have to be a chore. Instead, make a fun day out of a Spring Saturday, be it with your spouse, children or even on your own. If you are inside, open up the windows for the first time since the weather has warmed up. And if you are outside, take time to bask in it. If warmer weather doesn’t put that ‘spring’ in your step, then what will?
COOK It seems so simple and you might even think, ‘well I don’t need it to be Spring to cook,’ but there are so many new and exciting options once the weather warms up. Breaking out the grill for the first time in the year is always a plus for those great tasting hotdogs and hamburgers. And even if that’s not your thing, what about potential holiday meals. What are you doing after church on Easter? A good brunch in order for you and your family? Why eat out when you have exciting new options for eating in this Spring?
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Easter Brunch Sausage Casserole 6 eggs 2 slices of bread 1t. dry mustard 1c. grated cheddar cheese 2c. milk 1t. salt 1 lb. sausage
Brown Sausage and drain. Mix together beaten eggs, milk & salt. Stir in torn up bread. Add grated cheese, mustard & sausage. Pour into greased 9x13 baking dish, cover and refrigerate overnight. Bake 45 mins. @ 350 degrees uncovered.
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Ever so g wan to ha them even From like com mee at W
do around Vinton this spring?
and passed, so get that ‘spring’ in your step and enjoy the community activities this season
CHURCH If you are of a religious denomination or not, the churches in town and immediate area offer a wide variety of events for all ages. Last Friday, the Thrasher Memorial UMC Preschool class and looked forward to the day their bears “wake up” by celebrating and having a Teddy Bear picnic at the playground behind the Vinton library. The next morning, East End Baptist Church held a free ‘Healthy Living, Healthy You’ breakfast and Seminar (left) run by Clinical Dietitian Troy Mueller, who is also the Pastor at East End. Getting out and enjoying these activities can be intimidating, but again, most of the time everyone is welcome!
GET INVOLVED
ryone in Vinton wants something more for the town, get involved by getting out to the locations that you nt to see improved or the ones that you are happy ave around. You can take your kid to the park, let m enjoy the playground and you can talk to others or n just read a book if that is what strikes your fancy. m Vinyard to Stonebridge, there are plenty of areas this in and around Vinton. Or get involved out in the mmunity on service levels. Attending a Town Council eting for the first time or being part of April’s Relay for Life WBHS are great places to start for someone who wants to contribute to what Vinton is and what it could be!
Think of all the great recreational activities that there are in such a small town. Even beyond the school sanctioned sports, there are plenty to go out and watch like the growing East Roanoke Lacrosse team who plays at W.E. Cundiff (left). And if you don’t want to be one to just sit and watch, participating is easy in most leagues. Don’t want to be so restricted by your recreational choices, a simple game of softball with some friends at Vinyard (above, left) or joining in that pick-up football game in front of the War Memorial (above, right) will be sure to keep you on your toes. Vinton is a town of sport, just stop and look around.
VOICE RECREATION
Ask the
Guy the voice of vinton...this year and beyond
>Expert answers to your health and wellness questions Dwight Ward Contributor Question: The fitness magazines always seem to focus on recovering nutritionally after a workout. This makes sense, so what should I be takingin to optimally recover? Answer: You’re right—there is a big focus on recovery these days, and for good reason. If you think about it logically, the preparation for your next workout begins right after you finish-up your current workout. Within 45 minutes of finishing a session, your cells are primed for nutrients, so replenishing fluids, carbohydrate, and protein (specifically amino acids) is ideal. The water will obviously help you to rehydrate, the carbohydrate will replenish your glycogen (or stored sugar), and the protein will reduce muscle breakdown and start the process of repair. This tight post-workout timeframe is often called the “window of opportunity.” Consuming a recovery beverage during this period seems like the most reasonable option, especially since hunger is often blunted after a workout. There are a number of different recovery products on the market, but things like chocolate milk or even a homemade smoothie with fruit and protein powder would work well too. The ideal post-workout ratio is 2-4:1 carbohydrate to protein, and since you won’t have trouble finding products that meet this recommendation, the product you choose really comes down to taste and price. Happy shopping! Question: I’m a die-hard runner, but I spoke with a trainer recently, and she said I should try to incorporate more cross training. It sounds like a good idea, but are there any specific guidelines that I should follow? Answer: Cross training is a great idea! You can benefit significantly by engaging in activities that are outside of your comfort zone. You’ll be able to condition the entire body, add more flexibility to your workouts, and suffer fewer (or completely avoid) overuse injuries. Plus, it just makes working out more fun, because you’re always doing something new and challenging. There really aren’t any specific guidelines to follow. Just find a couple different things you like to do, and then rotate them consistently at varying intensity levels. There is one important thing to keep in mind, however. When you start incorporating some of these alternative activities, you may find the workouts to be a bit more challenging than you were anticipating. Let’s face it—you’re conditioned to run, so it may take some time to adapt to these new training stimuli. These adaptations represent the changes your body is making to get bigger, faster, and stronger, and that is definitely a good thing! Question: I keep hearing about detoxification diets, and how they can help with weight loss and other health-related issues. I’m looking to jumpstart my own weight loss, so is this something I should consider? Answer: No—you do not need to resort to detox diets to lose weight. They might be popular right now, but in my humble opinion, they’re definitely not the answer you’re looking for. Unfortunately, there are a lot of people that think detoxification is a reasonable path to take to better health. So-called experts claim that detox diets can flush toxins from your body, strengthen your immune system, improve your skin’s complexion, and help you get rid of excess fat fast. They even point to famous Hollywood starlets who, as we all know, are willing to try anything and everything to get “the look.” Thankfully, most real experts, including doctors, dietitians, and trainers, agree that these regimens do more harm than good, often resulting in unpleasant, and sometimes dangerous, side effects. These can include vitamin deficiencies, electrolyte abnormalities, blood sugar problems, excessive diarrhea, muscle breakdown, and a suppressed immune system. Not bad for an overly restrictive liquid diet, huh? Hopefully it’s not a surprise to you, but your body is perfectly capable of detoxifying itself, and it does an excellent job. Your kidneys, liver, lungs, skin, and several other organs all contribute to this process. If you really want to lose weight, and do it in a healthy way, speak to a registered dietitian and/or certified personal trainer, so they can help you develop a safe and effective plan. About the author : Dwight Ward is the club owner/Certified Personal Trainer at Anytime Fitness in Bonsack. To submit a question for future articles, please contact the author at bonsackva@anytimefitness.com
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18
Photo by Dan Vance
Photo by Melanie Meador
JUNIOR VARSITY AND MIDDLE SCHOOL SPORTS Photo by Danny Cruff
Photo by Dan Vance
Photo by Melanie Meador
Photo by Michele Gunter
SUBMITTED WBHS JV SCORES William Byrd High School JV softball 3/15 Cave Spring @ Cave Spring loss 3-4 3/18 Salem @ Salem win 5-0
William Byd High School girls JV soccer 3/18 Salem @ Salem win 1-0 goals: S.Shrader assists: N.Olsen
3/19 def. William Fleming 10-0 goals: E. Warren, S. Shrader, Megan Poff, L. Barham, L. Cockerham,
Morgan Poff, C. Tomlinson, R. Shader assists: S. Shrader, S. Pomerson, C. Tomlinson, E. Warren, L. Barham
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Mahoney silences bats in pair of shutouts >Byrd ace notches 12 and nine strikeout games to propel team to 3-0 mark Danny Cruff Senior Contributor The Lady Terriers Softball team continued shutting teams down while jumping to a 3-0 start to the season behind the twenty-one scoreless innings pitched by junior Jessica Mahoney. The pitcher has already rung up 28 strikeouts in the season’s first week. But in softball, every successful pitcher needs great back-up. “You can’t ask for more from your defense when you’ve had three shut outs in a row,” Head Coach Greg Barton said about the start to the season. The second game of the season brought the Salem Spartans to William Byrd to take on the Terriers last Thursday. Mahoney led Byrd
to the 2-0 win with twelve strikeouts while only allowing two hits in the complete game performance. Catcher Danielle Powell had a run scoring single in the sixth inning. Corner infielders Jamie Green and Jordan Meador (first and third base respectively) both hit doubles in the win. The loss dropped Salem to 0-2 on the year. Returning to the flavor of the first game of the season, William Byrd traveled to Cave Spring Monday night in a rematch of the season opener. Byrd jumped to the early led when junior right-fielder scored in the top of the first inning on a passed ball. That would be all of the offense the Terriers would need as Mahoney struck out nine while walking none in her, and the team’s, third shut out of the year– 1-0. Strong defensive play
Photos by Danny Cruff (top) and Dan Vance (above)
TOP: Jessica Mahoney aims for a strike in her third shutout of the year on Monday at Cave Spring. ABOVE: Danielle Powell checks her swing at low pitch in last Thursday’s 2-0 win over Salem.
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stranded Knight runners on second and third in the fifth inning. “We’re putting the ball in play and finding ways to win,” Barton said after Monday’s game adding what could be the understatement of
“We’re strong on the mound.” the year– “We’re strong on the mound” – with a grin. Next up for the Terriers will be away at the Hidden Valley Titans on Saturday, March 28th.
Byrd exacts revenge vs. Glenvar, moves to 1-1-1 Dan Vance Editor-in-Chief Last Monday, coach Russell Dishman and the William Byrd girls soccer team were not happy. After controlling the majority of their season opener, they found themselves with a ‘1’ in that awkward third column of the ‘win-loss’ record and with a bad taste in their mouth. They rinsed that sensation clean seven days later as they visited those same Highlanders from Glenvar and walked away with a 5-1 win in a match that was equally as lopsided throughout. Sophomore midfielder Kirsten Webber found her stride as her teammates were focused on, scoring all three of Byrd’s Photo by Danny Cruff first half goals and taking some Kelli Kitchens battles a Salem defender for the ball last week. On of that lingering pressure off the Terrier sidelines. The pressure, Monday, Kitchens scored her third goal of the season vs. Glenvar. started from the week before was helped to increase before the game with a near one-hour wait for officials to arrive. “It’s been what we’ve been waiting for since we tied 2-2 after dominating the match. It was one of those things where we had to find composure and push through,” Dishman said. They pushed through on the toe of Webber early, as she got herself open as Glenvar looked to tie up the usual Byrd suspects, including Kelli Kitchens. Webber scored her first goal within the first five minutes of the game on a penalty kick, which ended up being the one thing Glenvar could counteract. They scored their lone goal late in the half on a penalty kick of their own. But even that score couldn’t take away all of the damage Webber helped cause. “The forwards were moving really well off the ball and it created a whole lot of opportunities right from the start,” Dishman said. “She [Webber] took the load on. We’ve got girls that everybody knows to look at– everybody goes to Kelli Kitchens. So they had kind of swarmed to her and Kirsten had a couple of opportunities and took ‘em.” Into the second half and even Glenvar’s primary
gameplan fell apart as Kitchens broke loose for a goal, coming off a two-goal effort last week against the same team. “Just a beautiful ball, as she falls down,” Dishman said with a smile. Laura Wood added the fifth goal for Byrd later in the half on a free kick. The offensive effort was inspiring for Dishman, who was happy to see focus in that area. “It’s good to see that we were looking to go to goal instead of just playing around and taking shots from 30-yards out,” he said. Tiffany Viette saw her first regular season varsity action goal with 11 saves. Last Thursday, the team fell 5-1 in their own right as they traveled to a different kind of field at Salem. “We’re on a very wide field on the turf. It’s a big adjustment that the kids handled pretty well,” Dishman said. In the first half of action, Byrd counteracted and sustained the blows of the bigger Salem team, one of the biggest squads that Dishman expects to see all season. “We knew we were going to have trouble matching up individually. The first 25 minutes of the match, we were able to absorb anything they were throwing at us,” Dishman said. A confident team early, the Terriers started to big their heels in the second half, but Dishman still found positives in the experience, including the ability to still move the ball around well late as he tried girls in different positions around the field. The team travels to Bassett today for their next game, though it was originally scheduled to be played last night. “It’s a big thing that we are actually having success early,” Dishman said. “We look like we can have a winning record going into spring break. It’s a great boost of confidence.” The team has a chance to get revenge against Salem next Wednesday and then will see turf again up close and personal as they battle Patrick Henry to kick off the month of April on Thursday, the first.
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Pros and Cons abundant in week for tennis >Boys victory over Jefferson Forest is lone win in six-total match week that shows promise Dan Vance Editor-in-Chief
Dan Vance Editor-in-Chief
If getting over the proverbial hump is the first step, then coach Jason Perdue and WBHS boys tennis team can finally look forward to their next. The team topped Jefferson Forest last Friday for their first team win of the year, 7-2. Brennan Escobar ‘looked sharp’ according to Perdue in defeating Will Leach, a regional participant from 2009. Escobar’s 8-1 win matched number-six singles player Will Trent. The only real close contest score wise was Byrd’s Bryce Martin’s 9-7 victory at number-four singles. Doubles was equally as promising for the team, with number-one and number-three prevailing. The win at number-three for Trent and Trevor Perdue kept them undefeated as a duo. “Doubles teams Escobar/Davis and Perdue/Trent used aggressive net play to shut down their opponents,” Coach Perdue said. In the singles wins, Escobar won 8-1, Joseph Davis took home a 8-4 score, Perdue won 8-2 and Trent notched his first singles win of the season at 8-1. On Monday, the team fell again to Cave Spring, but showed massive improvement from the first time the two teams met this season. In the first meeting, the Knights took all six singles contests off the Terriers, but on Monday, splitting the individual play. However a little change in doubles did not work in Byrd’s favor as they dropped all three pairs matches to fall 6-3 overall. Wins for Byrd in singles went to Escobar, Martin and Perdue. “Perdue, a doubles specialist from a year ago, is asserting himself in singles play,” said Coach Perdue of his son. Last Thursday, the team had
The William Byrd girls tennis team struggled during the last week, falling three times but showed promise, especially in the close 5-4 match against Jefferson Forest on Friday. “The girls started out a little sluggish against Forest, playing the day before pretty hard took a lot of steam out of some of them. I was really pleased to see Grace-Anna [Chaney] finish her match up 8-0 as I think the day before’s match taught her to play hard all the way through til the end,” said coach Amanda Stump. Also scoring a point for Byrd against JF was Tiffany Hodges, who got her first win at number-six singles, 8-5. Brittany Lane and Hodges won in tie breaker number-three doubles. Taylor Patterson and Chaney won at number-two doubles, 8-6. “Our doubles pairs are a little different with Holly Thomas still side lined but the girls have really adapted. Chaney and Willard went 8-3 at #1 but had close games throughout,” Stump said. “Sarah Ranowsky for JF has an incredible serve and that really was good practice for our girls on learning to return something that powerful. Chaney and Patterson started out a little slow but after some talk about communication and working together they really turned it around. Patterson’s net game is getting stronger every week and will be a force in doubles.” Thomas is still out injured. Before the JF match, Byrd fell 8-1 to Salem the previous afternoon, with the lone win coming from Renee Chaney at number-one singles. “The girls have really been working on aggressive tennis which is the focus of a lot of our practice,” Stump said. “I think if we want to be a competitive team that is a major
Photo by Danny Cruff
Senior Will Trent was perfect at number three doubles with Trevor Perdue before the lineup was changed for Monday. traveled to Salem, only to fall to the host Spartans 7-2. The highlight for Byrd again came in doubles with wins for Martin and Jim Fisher and the Perdue/Trent duo, who won 9-7 in their second of what would be three straight doubles wins. Escobar continued his slow start which he has since overcome at number-one singles with a loss to the impressive Salem leader Patrick O’Keefe. “We connected on a higher percentage of first serves, our net play improved, and we extended points. If we continue to improve in these three areas, winning will take care of itself,” Coach Perdue said. The team is now 1-3 but Coach Perdue believe their level of play is increasing each match. The team returns to action tonight at home against Hidden Valley.
Get Involved in Vinton’s Relay for Life! During the month of March, 20% of all subscriptions to the Vinton Voice will be donated to the American Cancer Society’s Relay event!
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Onzlee Ware
Member, House of Delegates Eleventh District
325 N. Jefferson Street Telephone: 540-344-7410 Part of Roanoke City and Town of Vinton Committees: Appropriations, Counties, Cities and Towns, and Education Paid for and Authorized by Delegate Onzlee Ware
Photos by Melanie Meador (top) and Dan Vance (above)
Alle Willard (top) and GraceAnna Chaney have been part of a makeshift Byrd lineup without senior Holly Thomas. factor for us. The girls fell Monday night to Cave Spring, but scores were unavailable as of press time.
Hectic week closes out on a high note >Outpaced against Hidden Valley, coach Jeff Highfill’s team exacts revenge in opening game rematch against the Knights of Cave Spring, winning 1-0 on Leffell goal Danny Cruff Senior Contributor A busy week for the William Byrd Terriers Boys Soccer team ended on a high note Monday night with a big win over Cave Spring at home. The Terriers were back on the field only one night after their season opening loss at Cave Spring this past Tuesday, March 16th against Liberty. After the loss to the Knights, Head Coach Jeff Highfill had said the real test for the Terriers would be in how they responded. That response came in a 24-2 shots on goal differential as Byrd dominated the Minutemen 3-0. D.J. Welch scored two goals and an assist with Nick Leffell adding a goal and an assist. Friday had William Byrd back on the road to southwest county, this time taking on the Titans of Hidden Valley. The Titans jumped on top early with a goal less than three minutes into the game. The Terriers kept it close, but couldn’t score a goal and went into halftime behind 1-0. The second half took a turn for the worse with Byrd being outscored 3-0. “We didn’t compete,” Head Coach Jeff Highfill said about the disappointing second half. Hidden Valley came out on top 4 – 0. A rematch of the first game of the season was on tap Monday night to finish off the week with Byrd taking on the Cave Spring Knights. The Terriers had lost 3 -1 in that first game. “We challenged them to show the team’s character tonight,” Highfill said about the pre-game talk. It would be a battle if the Terriers were to overcome Cave Spring and their 10 seniors. Byrd came on strong from the start of the match, pressuring the Knights and controlling the pace for much of the first half. The Terriers struck first with a Nick Leffell goal, assisted by D. J. Welch in what was a clinic of passing between the two as
they marched down the field with 7:33 to go before the half. After halftime, Cave Spring tried to take William Byrd off their game by going on the attack, only to be beaten back by a team effort by the Terriers, led by Nick Janowicz’s excellent goal keeping. An increasingly impatient Knights team kicked wide as the game wound down, but couldn’t overcome the first half goal by Leffell. “This was a big win for them after Hidden Valley,” Highfill said after the match. “They need to enjoy it tonight, but be done and ready to practice tomorrow and be ready to go to Liberty.” The Terriers travel to Lynchburg to take on Liberty tonight, March 24th.
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Photos by Danny Cruff (top) and Melanie Meador (above)
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Long balls and big runs highlight loss to Salem >Back and forth game slides way of Spartans on late game homerun Danny Cruff Senior Contributor Twelve hits by the William Byrd Terriers Baseball team couldn’t overcome two Salem Spartan homeruns in a 7-6 loss at Kiwanis Field in Salem last Thursday. Starter Jacob McMillan gave up the first homerun in the top of the first to Salem’s Dustin Garst with two runners on. “I think the real key to that was his pitch count in that inning got real high, he got fatigued and fell behind in the count and gave up the homerun,” Co-Head Coach Chris Carr said of the first inning homer. Byrd didn’t let the early lead by the Spartans keep them down as they battled back led by Ray Harrow’s fourth inning home run, as well as Jo Stickney and McMillan who had two hits each in a game where all the Terrier starters got a hit. “I see improvement every day in the hitting,” Carr said. “We have a lot of good pitching in our district, but I would like to think we will continue to hit at somewhat of that same rate.” Tied at six in the bottom of the sixth inning, the Spartans struck the final blow with a bases-empty homerun to take the one run lead off reliever Jacob Clifton. “The guy hit a pretty good pitch, it was away and it didn’t look like that bad of a pitch. In some other places, that may not have been a homerun,” Carr said of how the wind may have benefited the long ball.”I think he [Clifton] pitched ok considering it was his first outing of the year.” With Byrd making several rallies in late innings, Carr noted that if they could have pulled ahead during one of the innings, instead of just tying the game, that he believes his squad would have gotten the better of the Spartans. He also didn’t let the loss discourage him this early in the season. “If you told me today that we can have six runs every game, I would take it in a second.” The team’s game scheduled for Monday with Glenvar was
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Photos by Danny Cruff (above) and Melanie Meador (left)
ABOVE: Chad Hill races to land his foot on first base to beat the throw in Thursday’s game at Salem LEFT: Senior Kevin Bowles drills a shot in last week’s 7-6 loss to Salem at Kiwanis Field. Bowles, a pitcher and outfielder, is second on the team in batting average with .500 through two games. All three of his hits thus far are singles. cancelled due to the wet conditions. As of press time, it was expected to be made up today (March 24) or yesterday (March 23). The regularly scheduled games will resume Friday against Cave Spring and Monday at Hidden Valley. On the season, Stickney is leading the team on offense with a .667 average, followed by the .500 of Kevin Bowles. Importantly, the team is out-hitting their opponents so far, 22-12. That difference leads Byrd to a .360 team average while opponents are batting .244.
•‘ESCOBAR’ continued from page 20
Escobar’s dad, Peter, was born and raised in Lima, Peru where Spanish is the primary language. He moved to America to study in his early twenties, and attended multiple schools in the northeast. Escobar’s mother, Sharyn, was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, where she lived until her early twenties. She moved to America to pursue a career in nursing. Sharyn Escobar attended a nursing camp in Connecticut which would forever affect her future. She met her future husband, Peter, who was a lifeguard at the camp. The unlikely couple moved to Roanoke as a temporary residence, but never moved to California as planned. Roanoke became the
Escobar family’s new home. Brennan’s older sister, Kristin, attended WBHS where she was a successful swimmer, and even participated in state meet. She now attends George Mason University where she is majoring in exercise science. Brennan speaks fluent Spanish and is the only bilingual member of the immediate family besides Peter. He credits how quickly he picked up the language to his willingness and determination to learn. “It’s pretty cool being able to speak Spanish with dad, but sometimes it gets me in trouble with mom when we talk about her,” said Brennan in a humorous tone of voice, who often has to interpret conversations to her. Brennan also excels in the classroom, where he has a rigorous course load and high grade point average. He has decided to take his educational career to George Washington University next year for reasons including the
great atmosphere. He doesn’t want to play tennis in college so that he can focus more on his studies. He plans to major in public health. Brennan’s determination on and off the court has proved that a high school student athlete can “stand out” in more ways than one.
•‘RETRO’ continued from page 09
the voice of vinton... this year and beyond
While there we went by EL out to the World’s Fair where we saw our first TV along with many other things. We stood outside a building with a glass front and saw ourselves inside on a screen. They told us we could soon be having movies in our homes on a machine like that. We could hardly believe such a thing but we saw it. We also toured NY on a Gray Line Tour and saw China Town, and lots of other sights. We ate at the Automat and shopped Macy’s and saw Times Square. Then we got on an overnight ferry and went to Boston. My first ever sleeping on a boat. We toured Boston, Harvard University and museum, Walden Pond area, and saw “Old Iron Sides” in port. After one night in Boston we spent another night on the ferry back to New York and there was also a senior class from a high school in Cohasset, Massachusetts going to the New York Worlds Fair and all of us really had a good time visiting together. Then back to our N&W private coach and home on the next Thursday evening. We had great chaperones all the way. Dr. and Mrs. Herman L. Horn, Mrs. Snider, and several others. As graduation gifts I had received new shoes, a new purse, three new dressed and a real leather suitcase and some extra cash. I felt great. What a wonderful week and what wonderful memories we all made.
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Photo by Danny Cruff
Brennan Escobar:
Senior continues to stand out on and off the court Will Trent info@vintonvoice.com As Brennan Escobar flipped through the channels on television at a young age, something special caught his eye: a tennis match. Escobar was listening to the match in a way that the average Vinton resident couldn’t; in Spanish. He soon fell in love with the sport and decided to pick it up for the same reasons he learned Spanish in the first place, swam the butterfly stroke at a young age and participated in the Miss Byrdie pageant at William Byrd High School. “It made me stand out from the crowd,” said Escobar. The senior at WBHS definitely “stands out” on the tennis court. The four year star took first place in the Blue Ridge District and Region III tournaments as a junior. Throughout this successful journey, he had to defeat some outstanding players like Martin Donaire of Broadway. Donaire was undefeated at the time, and has since moved on to play at Bridgewater College. Escobar’s journey also went through Nathan Anderson of Alleghany High School in the BRD tournament final match, which was his coach’s favorite moment spent with him. Escobar found himself trailing 4 games to 1 against Anderson who seemed to be hitting all of his shots perfectly. Escobar collected himself mentally and went on to win the next ten games straight. “That took a heck of a lot of maturity and poise. You could tell that Nathan was done once Brennan picked himself up, and the match was over,” said Jason Perdue, head coach of the WBHS tennis team. Escobar and Sam Barrett partnered up to win the doubles tournament in the BRD and lost in the semifinals of the Region III tournament. “We were a good team, and we played as one. We never got mad at each other and just kept playing and would always go for the victory,” said Barrett. Escobar earned a spot at the Group AA final four tournament that determines the state champion. He lost in the first round to Caleb Rapkins of James Monroe High School. “It was a very good experience. It’s a totally different game at that level,” said Escobar. Escobar’s style of play screams determination and consistency, imitating his favorite professional player that can often be found on television, Rafael Nadal. “Brennan has a very high tennis IQ. When I play against him, I can hit a shot at him knowing where he’s going to hit it back, start moving there early, and he still smokes it past me,” said Perdue. “He knows the game twice as well as I do, and has a feel for all the shots. I don’t do much coaching for him because he always knows his game plan. When we communicate in between odd games during a match, he tells me what he is going to do, and does a great job of executing,” said Perdue. Just as Escobar takes pride in his tennis game, he takes pride in his background and how his family became residents of Roanoke.
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•See ‘ESCOBAR’ - page 19