Vinton Voice (Volume 2, Issue 15) April 14, 2010 by Vinton Voice Newspapers

VOICE

Last Saturday, the Town was ‘painted purple’ in anticipation of this weekend’s Relay for Life.

Photo by Danny Cruff

Thanks to William Byrd High School and the Town of Vinton for making Vinton’s 3rd annual Relay for Life possible. Relay is coming to town this Friday, April 16 and Saturday, April 17, 2010, on the campus of William Byrd high School. Join us at 5:00 PM for the BATTLE OF THE BANDS, William Byrd High School and Northside High School Marching Bands will be in competition for one hour with great music. At 6:45 PM, the Opening Ceremony will kick off Relay with a welcome by Mistress of Ceremonies Bootie Chewning, Mayor Brad Gross and Co-Chairs Don and Carolyn Williams. Invocation by Senior Pastor at Thrasher Memorial Methodist Church Reverend Lynne Alley-Grant followed by the Star-Spangled Banner by MacKenzie Brewer and Morgan Willis. WBHS Color Guard will lead the Survivor’s Walk as they take the first lap around the track and Relay BEGINS. This year for the first time there will be a Children’s Walk. Since the National Theme for Relay is LESS CANCER, MORE BIRTHDAYS, the children will be singing Happy Birthday to all survivors. A touching Luminary Service will be at dark. No more Bootie Bell Chewning details because this service will have some very special moments as we CELEBRATE, REMEMBER AND FIGHT BACK. The BOO_TEE@msn.com Relay Committee believes this will be the best Luminary Service anywhere. The rest of the all night event will include music, special guest performers, games and more. DON’T MISS VINTON’S RELAY FOR LIFE 2010. UNTIL WE FIND A CURE.......... let’s Relay. Happy birthday wishes go out to Alberto deBobe, Bernard Eden, Darren Yeatts, Cherrybell D. Farrington, Walt Hodges, Brian Justice Simpson, Larry Landolt, Dan “the Man” Vance who will be auctioned off Friday night at Relay and Danny Cruff who will be there taking pictures. Hope everyone had or has a great birthday. Get well wishes and prayers go out to Carl Mann in RMH . Hope you are better soon Carl. Valerie, Chase and Cade Hendricks enjoyed a once in a lifetime opportunity on April 5, 2010. They were invited by Val’s friend Ginger Johnstone to join her and daughter Catherine at the White House Easter Egg Roll. The adults enjoyed seeing Al Roker, Apolo Ohno and Reese Witherspoon read an Easter story. The kids were more than thrilled to talk to Dora, the Yo Gabba Gabba cast, Wow Wow Wubzy, Curious George, Sid the science kid, and other PBS characters. They all enjoyed the

show by the cast of Glee. Chase, Cade and Catherine participated in the famous egg roll, Easter egg hunt, hoola hooping contest, and the thrill of doing it all on the White House lawn, where, as the kids said “the President of the United States lives”. Barack Obama came out right after they left, so they did not get to see him, but they still had a great time and a great experience. Drake & Abbie Lewis had a full filled week in Myrtle Beach with their Dad David Lewis. Then it was back to reality , like everyone returning from spring break. Oh well summer is almost here.

We tookone of the best checking rates in the nation and added one of the bestsavings rates. 3.51% APY* on Checking balances up to $25,000 when requirements are met. 1.01% APY* on balances over $25,000. 0.10% APY* if requirements not met. No minimum balance requirement No service fee ATM access fee refunds nationwide** Simple requirements Each Statement Cycle: • make 12 check card transactions • have 1 direct deposit or 1 auto debit • accept an electronic statement

** For any statement period that you do not meet the requirements stated above, ATM fees will not be refunded but you still earn a base annual percentage yield of 0.10% APY* on your balance. Plus, you still get many other rewards including a free Generations Gold® membership. * APY= Annual Percentage Yield as of 01/04/10. We use the daily balance method to calculate the interest on your account. APY may change at any time after the account is opened. Minimum opening deposit of $100 for Checking and $1 for Savings. Available to personal accounts only.

VOICE

2.01% APY on unlimited Savings balances. 0.10% APY* if requirements not met. MyLifestyle Checking account required. When MyLifestyleChecking requirements are met, your checking interest and ATM refunds are automatically deposited to your Saver account. No minimum balance requirement. No service fee.

Research all the benefits. Speak with any Valley Bank associate or visit our website.

Member FDIC

E V O

C E H

T N O

Photo of Smoke N’ Mirrors by Danny Cruff

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 Chris Carr Coaches Corner news@vintonvoice.com Bootie Bell Chewning General Info BOO_TEE@msn.com Michele Gunter General Info avoiceofreason@vintonvoice.com

CONTRIBUTORS Barbara Dillon Contributor news@vintonvoice.com Samantha Hoback Contributor news@vintonvoice.com Melanie Meador Photography Intern melanie@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.’

Town says that Pool will stay open Mayor and Council announced their commitment to open the Vinton Pool for the upcoming 2010 summer season at their regular business meeting on April 6th. Mayor Grose stated “The Vinton Pool is a valuable recreational amenity for our community. In these difficult economic times, more citizens are staying closer to home and the pool provides a positive safe environment for our children and families.” The pool was scheduled to be closed due to budget constraints. However, by direction of Council, staff has worked to contain costs and develop stronger programming for the pool patrons. Programming will be a joint effort between the town and Thrasher United Methodist Church. Town Manager Chris Lawrence said “enhancing the programs at the pool will add value to the community and we look forward to the great ideas Thrasher has brought to the table.” Pool programs will include a strong focus on family activities, evening hours with weekly special events and activities, swim lessons to teach life skills, concessions and daily children’s crafts and activities. In addition, the pool will host a weekly theme party that will include supper and games for all ages. Pastor Lynne Alley-Grant stated that “We are looking forward with great enthusiasm to the opening of the pool this summer and are particularly excited about doing our part helping the young people of our community have a safe and fun summer!” Church council chair Ted Sutton says, “Our church council unanimously endorsed the opportunity to partner with the town. This is a great opportunity for our church!” The pool is scheduled to open June 5 and will be open 6 days a week and also include extended evening hours for people to come after work with their families. Read more on this in next week’s (April 21) issue of the Voice.

In Brief WBMS students participate in Juice Collection

William Byrd Middle School students participated in the third year of the Southwestern Virginia Second Harvest Food Bank’s 100-percent juice collection. It’s a nutritious option for children who often have little or nothing else. The sixth, seventh and eighth graders beat last years record, collecting 1,588 juice boxes. That’s almost enough for each student in their school to have two. WBMS students Evan Owens and Savannah Stalnaker were recently featured as part of a WSLS story discussing the overwhelming success of the event. Food Bank representatives, the Mayor of Vinton, Miss Roanoke Valley Madison VanDuyne and Juice Drive sponsor representatives from Kroger, WSLS, and Acquisition and Title Settlement Agency were at WBMS to pick up the total collected 100% Juice from the students and thank them for all their hard work on Monday.

Byrd Basketball teams win Sportsmanship Awards

The Kiwanis Boy’s Basketball Sportsmanship Award was presented to Coach David Culicerto and the members of the boy’s basketball team at William Byrd at their recent banquet. Congrats to Coach Culicerto and the team for this accomplishment. The girl’s basketball team at Byrd won the Civitan Sportsmanship Award. They will be honored with a luncheon on Monday, April 26th at 11:00 at the Plantation restaurant. This award was voted on by the officials in the Roanoke Valley.

Drawing for Lighthouse Replica to support ‘Relay’

At the Lancerlot in the lobby is a lighthouse (a huge lighthouse which is a replica of the Hatteras Lighthouse) handcrafted by Ken and Cathy Holdren and donated by them to the Lancerlot Relay for Life team. The team is taking $5 donations towards a April 16 drawing for the lighthouse - all donations go to the Vinton Relay for Life, the lighthouses are normally sold by Ken and Cathy for $650.

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.

VOICE 03

Obituaries

classifieds

Vinton, Bonsack, Mt.Pleasant SERVICES FURNITURE MARKET Sofa, recliner combo, $350. 540-589-3936

German Sofa Large, chocolate brown and orange. Call 540-354-8289

CEMETERY

WANTED

CARPET

Carpet Re-Stretching For Sale, 4 cemetery Vinton Chamber of and Repair Commerce plots in Cedar Lawn 540-776-9591 has moved offices Memorial Park. Retail at $1400 a piece, will sell and is looking for the following things: all 4 for $2900. Desk, Desk chair, Desk Call 540-589-3936 accessories, Desk lamps or pole lamp, 3 chair mats without CLOTHING cleats, Table or stand Wedding Dress for printer, Coat tree, Size 8, never worn Umbrella stand, phone, wedding dress with Visual Aids: Screen, matching flower girl Laptop; Speaker’s dress, slip, veil and sash. Stand, Kitchen supplies BUSINESS $500. (such as pitchers, Call 540-910-1203 platters,etc for serving) Professional and/or Business space Vinton Area Chamber available, of Commerce NEW approx 400 sq. ft. ACTIVITIES location: 116 S.Poplar 116 S. Poplar St. St., Suite 1A – Vinton, Woodland Square, Pinochole Players VA 24179 off of Washington Ave. Call Pete at 580 4675 Call: 540-343-1364 540-345-3342

RENTALS

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

04 VOICE

MARGARET “PEGGY” LAMB REDMOND, of Moneta departed this life on April 5, 2010. She was the daughter of the late Richard Powhatan Lamb and Helen Hayden Lamb. She is survived by her husband, the Rev. Edward C. Redmond, Jr.; son, Daniel K. Redmond and his wife, Margaret “Maggi”; grandsons, Alec and Aidan; daughter, Marianne Redmond and husband, Tony; step grandsons, T.J. and Jesse; sisters, Marian Gray, Charlotte St.Clair and husband, Ronnie, Barbara Johnson and husband, David, Sharon McGee; and Edith Hart and husband, Joe. A brother, Richard Lamb, preceded her in death. Peggy was a devoted mother and beloved grandmother. She touched the lives of her grandsons through music, stories and laughter. Peggy graduated from William Byrd High School in Vinton, Virginia. She was also a graduate of Madison College in Harrisonburg, Virginia and Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia. She taught school for a total of 41 years, with the last 25 years in Giles County, Virginia. She was a member of George Paris Daughters of the American Revolution, a lifetime member of the Virginia Retired Teachers Association, and an active member of Bedford Christian (Disciples of Christ) in Bedford, Virginia. Memorial services will be conducted at Oakey’s Vinton Chapel on Friday, April 9, 2010 at 10 a.m. with Rev. William H. Moore and Rev. Charles Moore officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bedford Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), 1928 Moneta Road, Bedford, Virginia 24523. The family will receive friends on Thursday, April 8, 2010 from 6-9 p.m. at Oakey’s Vinton Chapel, 982-2221. PAUL EDWARD (SHORTY) ROBERTS, 82, of Roanoke went to heaven on Wednesday, April 7, 2010 at his home with his family by his side. He is preceded in death by his parents, Harry W. Roberts, Sr.. and Nellie Meadows Roberts; daughter, Sandra Roberts Morgan; sons-in-law, Thomas Brown and Alvin Milliner, Jr.; mother and father-in-law, Clarence and Nannie McNew; brothers, Harry Roberts, Jr. and wife, Nellie Roberts, Thomas (Red) Roberts and wife, Reba, and Marshum Roberts; sister, Eileen Roberts; niece, Patricia Roberts; and brother-in-law, Lawrence McNew. Paul was retired from Norfolk and Southern Railroad East End Shops after 47 years service. He also owned Roberts Sheet and Metal for 55 years. He was a movie projector operator at North 11 Drive-In. He was a member of Emmanuel Wesleyan Church before he became ill. Surviving is his precious, loving wife of 66 years, Rose McNew Roberts; daughters and sons-in-law, Carolyn R. Alls and William (Bill) Alls, Paulette Milliner, Sharon and Scott Doetsch, Miriam and Ira Hamilton; son-in-law, Kent Morgan; his precious pug, Angel; grandchildren, Valarie Tingler, Paul (PA), Michael, and James Milliner, Jerry (his right hand man) and Carl Alls, and Shelby and Gary Hamilton; great grandchildren, Matthew Novitsky, Michael and Steven Tingler, Braylon Butler, Sabrina Thompson, Allissa, Josh and Ashland Milliner; great-great grandchild, Jasmine Kestner; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. We would like to thank Hearthland Home Care, especially Lisa Vaughn, Ricardo, Lorri, Alveena, and Robin. He will be sadly and deeply missed. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Monday, April 12, 2010 at Oakey’s Vinton Chapel with Rev. Douglas Milliner and Rev. Tommy Hurt to officiate. Interment will follow at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 2-8 p.m., Sunday, April 11, 2010 at Oakey’s Vinton Chapel, 982-2221. THOMAS JACKSON (JACK) GUFFEY JR., 72, of Vinton, Va., died peacefully on Tuesday, April 6, 2010, after a short battle with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Jackson Guffey Sr. and Doris Gross Guffey Crews; brother, James Guffey; and his wife, Brenda Faye Guffey. Surviving are his son, Wayne Guffey and wife, Sandy; daughter, Patricia Guffey and fiance, Lee Huffman; brother, Sherman Guffey and wife, Brenda; sister-in-law, Norma Guffey; sister-in-law, Jeannie Barton; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Dell and Bonnie Wellons; grandchildren, Katelyn Guffey, Kendall Guffey, Christopher Guffey, and Joshua Mitchell; many nieces; and special friends, Doug and Susan Ayers. Funeral services were conducted at noon on Monday, April 12, 2010, at Lotz Vinton Chapel with the Rev. Jeff Keaton officiating. Interment followed in Mountain View Cemetery. The family received friends on Sunday, April 11, 2010, from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Vinton First Aid Crew. A special thanks to the staff of 10 West and 10 South of Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital and to Dr. Stephen Rosenoff and the Cancer Center of Southwest Virginia. Arrangements by Lotz Funeral Home, Vinton Chapel. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.lotzfuneralhome.com. WALTER DANIEL (DAN) BOWYER, 84, of Moneta, Va., entered into his Heavenly home on Thursday night, April 8, 2010, with his loving family by his side. Dan was the son of the late John Walter and Fannie Boothe Bowyer, of Thaxton. Dan was preceded in death by his beloved grandson, Adam Christopher Stull, of Riner. He also was predeceased by a special grand-niece and dance partner, Amber Bowyer, whom he regarded as a grandchild. Five sisters and three brothers also predeceased him. Dan is survived by his loving wife and caregiver of 60 + years, Nellie Stevens Bowyer; his daughter, Patsy Stull and husband, Robert, of Riner; his son, Donald and wife, Karen, of Moneta. Also surviving Dan are grandsons, Andy Stull and wife, Stacy, of Floyd, John Stull and wife, Teanna, of Pilot, Kyle Bowyer, of Moneta; granddaughter, Melissa Vaughan and husband, Josh, of Stewartsville; great grandchildren, Jacob and Christopher Stull and Haleigh and J. W. Vaughan. Dan is survived by brothers, Cliff and wife, Hilda, Bowyer and Lewis Bowyer, of Vinton; and sister-in-law, Edith Bowyer, of Blue Ridge. Numerous nieces and nephews and friends also survive Dan. Dan’s special little friend, his dog Lady, will also miss him greatly. Thank you to two special friends, Richard Belcher and Earl Pendleton. Funeral service were conducted 11 a.m. Tuesday at Lotz Vinton Chapel with the Rev. Glenn Stevens, the Rev. Maynard Baker and the Rev. Mark Ellis officiating. Interment followed in Mountain View Cemetery. The family received friends Monday from 5 to 8:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Arrangements by Lotz Funeral Home, Vinton Chapel. Online condolences to www. lotzfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, the family requests you consider the local rescue squads and fire departments or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn. CHARLES WAYNE GIVENS, 72, of Roanoke, passed away Friday, April 9, 2010. He was born March 9, 1938, the son of the late Alva (Judge) Givens and Muriel Givens Bolling. He was also preceded in death by a brother, James W. Givens. Surviving are two sons, Charles W. Givens Jr. and Dennis E. Givens; daughter, Tamatha D. Taylor; three grandchildren; sister, Joyce Cole and her husband, Louis; lots of nieces and nephews. He considered the staff of Friendship Health and Rehab as part of his family. Graveside services were conducted 10 a.m. Tuesday at Mountain View Cemetery. Visitation was held Monday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Arrangements by Lotz Funeral Home, Vinton Chapel. Online condolences www.lotzfuneralhome.com.

Obituaries “As for me and my house we will serve the lord.” Joshua 24:15 THOMAS LEE (TOMMY) AGNER, of Vinton, Va., died on Friday, April 9, 2010, following a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. Tom was preceded in death by his grandparents, Abe and Lula Jordan and Raymond and Julia Agner; his beloved mother, Ruth Agner Temple; his father, Elton Junior Agner; his stepfather, Marion Temple; and a brother, Gerald “Buddy” Agner. Surviving are his wife of 36 years, Daphenia Jo “Daffy” Almany Agner; a son, Stephen Thomas Agner, of Vinton; a daughter, Vicki Lee Grant and her husband, Rick; a granddaughter, Rebekah Lee Grant, all of Blue Ridge; a brother, Don Agner and his wife, Jane, of Sterling, Va.; and his trusted friend and companion, Spaz, the cat. Tom was born in Vinton on April 5, 1938, and lived for a part of his childhood in Washington, D.C., returning to Vinton around the age of nine. He lived with his grandparents, Abe and Lula until 1956, when he returned to Washington to take his first job in the office of the Secretary of the Air Force at the Pentagon. He worked for the Federal Government a total of 31 years, retiring in 2000 from the Department of Veterans Affairs in Roanoke. Along the way, he also worked for the Roanoke City Police Department, Arlington Baptist Church and Faith Chapel. Tom was an ordained minister and served the Lord from the time he was a young man. He never stopped serving even as his health deteriorated and he became homebound. At that time, he began writing poetry and preparing outlines for Bible study. His work was used in many ways around the country and even around the world as his good friend, Mike Twitchell, took his written words on his missionary journeys. Tom’s ministry reached farther after he was confined to home than it ever did before. Tom was a graduate of Washington Bible College and William Byrd High School. He recalled with humor being one of the “iron men” the starting five for the Terrier’s varsity basketball team. They were given that nickname by a sportswriter in the 1955 to 1956 season, when they played an entire game without any substitutions and won breaking a 19 game Jefferson High winning streak. His greatest fulfillment was in his children, who gave him so much joy and he prayed over them faithfully every day of their lives. There never was a more gentle or caring man. He loved the Lord, his family and friends, the Boston Celtics, Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls, Washington Redskins football and whatever team was playing against the Dallas Cowboys. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Tom’s memory to the work of the Construction Teams Ministry, Advancing Native Missions, Post Office Box 5303, Charlottesville, Va. 22905. www.adnamis.org. The family wishes to thank the angels at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, 10 Mountain, 105 Palliative Care, and Carilion Hospice for helping Tom die with dignity and for your love and support. Funeral services were conducted 3 p.m. on Monday, April 12, 2010, at Lotz Vinton Chapel with Tom’s good friend and mentor, the Reverend Jack Jackson, officiating; his dear friend and best man, Mike Twitchell, delivered the eulogy. Interment followed in Mountain View Cemetery. The family received friends on Sunday, April 11, 2010, 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 forwarded to the family at www.lotzfuneralhome.com. BOBBY LESTER ROSS, 76, of Roanoke, Va., died on Thursday, April 8, 2010. He was born in Franklin County, December 4, 1933, son of the late Park Lester and Glenna Nunley Ross. His brother-inlaw, Joe Bryant, also preceded him in death. Mr. Ross retired from the City of Roanoke Fire department. He is survived by his daughter, Robin Shinault and her husband, Steve; three grandchildren; a sister, Ruth R. Bryant; nephew, Joseph Bryant; and several cousins. Graveside Funeral Service was held 1 p.m. on Monday, April 12, 2010, at Mountain View Memorial Park in Boones Mill. Pastor Joe Dillon officiated. The family will received friends from 2:30 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 11, 2010, at Oakey’s Vinton Chapel, 540-982-2221. KATHLEEN FRANCES MENDES, 78, of Roanoke, Va., passed away on Sunday, April 4, 2010. She was born on April 14, 1931, the daughter of Asbury Hurley and Sallie Bain Hurley, of Powellton, W.Va. She was preceded in death by her husband, Walter Austin Wood; grandson, Steven Wood; 10 brothers; and two sisters. Surviving are four children, Thomas Massey, of Cincinnati, Ohio, Dale Wood, of Chatham, Va., Wilma Bennett, of Vinton, and Dean Wood, of Salisbury, N.C.; 14 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Funeral services were conducted 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 8, 2010, at Lotz Vinton Chapel with Pastor Patrick Garrett officiating. Interment followed in Mountain View Cemetery. The family received friends on Wednesday night, April 7, 2010, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the funeral home. Arrangements by Lotz Funeral Home, Vinton Chapel. Online condolences may be made at www.lotzfuneralhome.com. LUCY ALICE MEADOR KIDD, 92, of Vinton, Va., passed away on Thursday, April 8, 2010. She was born on February 26, 1918, the daughter of the late John Willie Meador and Annie Ada Williamson Meador. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph R. Kidd; son, Joseph Kidd; daughter, Rachel Firebaugh; two sons-in-law, Curtis Gray and Shannon Altice; and 12 brothers and sisters. Surviving are three daughters, Annie Mae Gray, of Vinton, Alice Faye Altice, of Wirtz, and Vivian Elizabeth Duncan and husband, Harold, of Goodview; 13 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren and greatgreat grandchildren; also many nieces and nephews. Funeral services were conducted 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 10, 2010, at Lotz Vinton Chapel with the Rev. Andrew Draughn and the Rev. Dennis Carroll officiating. Interment followed in Mountain View Cemetery. The family received friends on Friday, April 9, 2010, 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.

HOMESTRETCH STAND-UP LAUGH-TACULAR! Presented by the Vinton Voice!

FRIDAY, APRIL 23 – 8:30PM ADMISSION: $8.00

Everybody gets a chance to WIN CASH! We’ll issue a FREE play to a selected show-time race!

STARRING:

Mark Fradl

One of the hardest working comedians semi-alive today, Mark has performed in over 38 states, opening for such notables as Ron White, Dave Chappelle, Bobcat Goldthwait, Dave Coulier, and Pauly Shore. Mark’s material has a unique mix of hipster edge and Midwestern accessibility. His style of fresh material and high-energy combined with a prolific writing talent has been winning audiences over. Mark is also a recognized screenplay writer and producer.

ALSO APPEARING:

Brian Kerns

Brian has an outspoken voice, balancing charming wit with an irreverent viewpoint. His unparalleled insight into life is entertaining and memorable, and his random thoughts will keep any crowd rolling! He has spent time in LA honing his craft at venues including the Comedy Store, Improv, and the Laugh Factory. He was also a judges' selection on NBC's LAST COMIC STANDING.

HOSTED BY:

Steve Cannon

of the John Boy & Billy show on

RESERVATIONS SUGGESTED.

VINTON OFF TRACK BETTING CENTER 1135 Vinyard Rd. (behind McDonald's on Rt. 24) (540) 278-1120 . colonialdowns.com VOICE

Photos by Dan Vance

Anthony Conner speaks at the recent Anniversary celebration.

Danae Wensley and Judy Cunningham April 17 marks the 60th anniversary of the Vinton Area Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber has had quite an interesting history and has served the Town in many exciting ways. On March 13, local residents and business owners gathered at the Vinton War Memorial for an anniversary dinner/dance. The Vinton Area Chamber of Commerce exists to promote a healthy business environment for the Town of Vinton. The Chamber takes a leadership role in researching, addressing and resolving critical issues impacting area business owners. The Chamber improves the business and community environment in order to create a more profitable and dynamic atmosphere for all. The Chamber got its start because Vinton businessman William H. Harris had a vision of how a Chamber of Commerce could serve Vinton and its businesses. After organizational meetings and conferences by Vinton business leaders and then-Mayor W. Ross McGee, the

06 VOICE

Chamber held its first meeting on April 17, 1950. Ninetythree charter members were in attendance, and Harris was named the Chamber’s first president. Ever since its inception, the Chamber has played a big role in the Town’s Holiday traditions. In 1950, the Chamber sponsored an event called “Santa Claus is coming to Vinton on the train,” which was followed by a Christmas parade. The Vinton Christmas Parade, held the Thursday after Thanksgiving, is now a longstanding Vinton tradition. The Chamber also purchased Vinton’s first Christmas lights for $150 and has continued to provide them ever since. They held residential and commercial Christmas decoration contests for many years and also sponsored “Holly Days” at the Vinton Farmers’ Market. The Chamber became incorporated on March 17, 1951. Since then, the Chamber has sponsored and organized many wonderful events or efforts for the Town of Vinton, including a subscription drive for the local newspaper, the Vinton Record. The Chamber also raised money for lights on the athletic field of the old William Byrd High School and co-sponsored the first annual Vinton Dogwood Festival, which included paying the initial cost of incorporating the festival for Vinton and planting dogwood trees throughout the town. The Chamber has always been active in promoting the Town of Vinton, from “Cleanup, Paint-up, Fix-up” week, to advertising the Town through all types of media, to appearing before state commissions for road improvements. The Chamber actively pushed for the completion of the nearby Blue Ridge

Parkway and played a significant part in the widening and improvements of Washington Avenue and Hardy Road. The Chamber has put together various publications to promote local businesses and activities. One is The Vinton Image, which was first unveiled in 2003 when Anthony Conner was president. Conner often spoke about Vinton’s image and that is why the committee chose that name. In addition to promoting the entire Vinton community, the magazine includes a directory of Chamber members. The Chamber has always played an active role in the economic and business development of the Town, particularly the Vinton Farmers’ Market. The Chamber sponsors many activities at the market, including the annual Vinton Fall Festival. The Chamber has also taken an active role in the Downtown Revitalization efforts. The Vinton Area Chamber of Commerce is planning several new events for 2010, including Vinton’s first wine and food festival and the “Mingle at the Market” summer concert series. For more information about the Vinton Area Chamber of Commerce or any of the events they sponsor, please call the Chamber office at 540-343-1364 or visit www.vintonchamber. com.

Local celebrity auction helps strong Relay slate Friday evening/night 5:00pm - Northside High School and William Byrd High School Bands (stadiums) 6:00pm - Joey Nicely and D.J. Music 6:45pm Opening Ceremony Mistress of Ceremonies: Bootie Chewning Invocation Mayor Brad Grose Welcome: Don and Carolyn Williams Star Spangled Banner: Mackenzie Brewer & Morgan Willis 7:00pm - Survivor’s Walk/Care Provider’s Walk 7:25pm - “Happy Birthday” Song by Children’s Group 7:30pm Children’s Walk Smoke N’ Mirrors 8:15pm - Luke Fortner Band 9:00pm Luminaries Taps Bells—Fire Dept. Maddie Garber and Acoustical Guitar (20 minutes) Jon Weems (30 minutes) 10:00pm Salute to American Musicals Burton and Byrd Theatre Depts. 10:30pm - DJ Music 11:15pm - Auction of local celebrities Saturday morning 7:30am - Joe Overfelt—Gospel and Praise 8:15am - Kelly Buck and Band—Soft Rock

This Friday night, and into Saturday morning, William Byrd High School will host the Vinton Relay for Life, to raise money for the American Cancer Society. A slate of events (seen to the left) is chocked full of things to keep the whole family busy as awareness and money is raised in the fight against Cancer. The event kicks off with Northside and William Byrd bands, that only showcases some of the great music along the way, including a 7:30 performance from Vinton Voice cover-boys Smoke N’ Mirrors and a 9:oo performance by Jon Weems, who has also been profiled in the pages of the Voice. Rounding out Friday night’s scheduled activities at 11:15 pm is a new twist to Vinton’s Relay event, an auction of local celebrities. Among those who will be auctioned off, with all money going to the Relay for Life, are: Vinton Voice Editor-inChief Dan Vance, William Byrd standout athlete Derrick Palmer, WSLS10 News Director Melissa Preas, Independent Filmmaker Charles E. Cullen, Cable12 Meteorologist Jamey Singleton, YMCA Aquatics Instructor/ Berglund Salesperson Patti Ward, DJ’s 4 Cancer Awareness PR Woman LaShona Otey, WSLS10 Sportscaster John Appicello,

Comedian Ray Dyke Jr., Grad Student/Mark Representative Melanie Moses, 3rd generation volunteer firefighter Jon Shelton, United Health Care’s William McAllister, Lead Information Security Analyst for United States Fire Insurance Company Teo Agbo, Producer/Director/ Emmy Award winner for set design Quintin Bennett, Fiction writer from New Jersey Gregory Hankins, and a first responder to the Virginia Tech Shooting Massacre/voluntrry Emergency Medical Services provider Chris Christensen. Applebee’s at Valley View, Applebee’s at Bonsack, TGIF ~ Valley View, Ragazzis, Shakers,

Hemma’s in Rocky Mount, The Great 611 Steak Company, So Ro Chill and Grille, Outback, Carmike Theater and Firehouse Subs, and Hooters have all donated dinners for the winners of the auction. McAllister and Agbo will take their winners on picnics they themselves have donated. Hankins has also donated his dinner for the event as well. This is your chance to get to know one of these local and/ or regional celebrities and at the same time, do your part in helping to raise money for this event. Many other objects will be available to win by donation, including select covers of the Vinton Voice.

PHOTOS (1)

(2)

(3)

Saturday was a big day in Vinton, between the Town being ‘painted purple’ (1) for this weekend’s Relay for Life at WBHS, the ‘Vintage’ first day of the Spring downtown at the Farmer’s Market (2), and the GFWC Woman’s Club of Vinton Yard Sale at the Charles R. Hill Senior Center (3). Spring is in full effect in the Town of Vinton. Photos by Danny Cruff

VOICE 07

Everybody Reads the Voice In anticipation of finding themselves on this weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cover, Smoke Nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Mirrors band members (Clockwise from top left) Noah Sterling, Alex Warner, Ben Copper and Matt Novitsky take the time to relax (and eat a popsicle or two) while reading the April 7 issue, showing that even when you should be making hits about pirates and winning big gold trophies at Battle of the Band competitions... Everybody Reads the Voice. Photo by Danny Cruff

08 VOICE

A History of Vinton, Virginia, 2-of-5 Barbara Dillon Contributor By now Big Lick was really growing and becoming more sophisticated. Many felt the name was too corny for such a nice town. In June of 1881 it was suggested that the area become known as either Kimball or Roanoke. A vote of 57 to 17 favored Kimball, but word came from Philadelphia “on the Roanoke River, in Roanoke County – name it Roanoke.” Tobacco from Franklin County added to the economy of Big Lick as well as a factory turning out hickory spokes and ax and hatchet handles. And they even found lots of iron ore while excavating at Church Avenue on Jefferson Street. So, in 1882 Roanoke was a brand new town. At Gish’s, three miles east of Roanoke, a mill was built. The next-door community caught the prosperity fever by changing its name to Vinton. B.A. Jones liked the name, coming from the Vinyard and Preston families and so he suggested it to the committee in charge and they adopted it. In 1747 and 1753 land grants were given to William Armstrong and later to others. The first grants in the area were given in Catawba, on Bent Mountain, Carvin’s Creek Valley and Roanoke-Vinton areas. Also in Back Creek and the western part of the county, along the Great Trail from north to south. It is estimated that 5,800 people camped in the Big Lick area, later called Roanoke, during the days of pioneer development. The end of the Revolution, however, brought about a better way of life. A few Roanoke people owned pieces of furniture, looking glasses, silver for the dining room table and plates. The Gish’s took up land on Glade Creek, east of Roanoke and erected a mill. Among the pioneer business men were the store keepers. Trading posts along Roanoke River gave away to modern department stores. Some of the early stores carried cloth of all kinds, breeches of various patterns, blankets, rugs, bonnets hats of silk and felt, household and farm implements, furniture, buttons, worsted and cotton thread, writing paper and Bibles, saddles for ladies and hunters, lathes and nails, window glass, shoes and other sundries. By 1875 Gish’s Mill had lots of families. The Gishs, Vinyards, Harrisons, Bushes, Routs, Prestons, Funks, McLains, Dennis’s, Walker’s, Foxes, Thrasher’s, Smith’s, Keafauver’s and others. Big Lick, three miles away, was like a foreign country. Many of these families were related. There were wheat crops throughout the Roanoke area with it being ground at Vinyard’s Mill. Vinton was too small for a train stop, but a mail catcher was built at Gish’s Mill. The first church at Gish’s Mill was Methodist. Baptist and anyone who wanted to worship could go there. Christian Vinyard received a land deed dated April 10, 1781, and signed by Thomas Jefferson.

VOICE

Vinton band is mapping out

their own musical adventure

he self-styled Christian Hard Rock band, Smoke N’ Mirrors has had plenty of success in the three years of it’s existence; winning awards, recording a soon-to-be released CD and eyeing a tour this summer. What’s behind the young group’s good fortune is evident when you talk to the band members about their music. Ben Copper (Guitar), Matt Novitsky (Bass), Alex Warner (Drum) and Noah Sterling (Vocals) are all original members of Smoke N’ Mirrors who met while in the marching band at William Byrd High School. All but Matt, who played trumpet, was on the drum line. The chemistry between the four was instant in the formative days of the band. Ben and Alex started the band, adding Matt shortly after a conversation on a marching band trip. “We talked on the band trip,” Alex recounted of the addition of Matt to the group. “It was actually at the urinal.” Uncomfortable moments aside, the three hit it off and began playing together. “Once Matt came in we realized we could really do it,” Copper added. Noah was the last member to be added to the band a couple of weeks later when a friend suggested he try singing with the band. “It all pretty much worked instantly,” Ben said of that first time playing with Sterling providing the vocals, “We never had to try anyone out, everyone just came together.” The band has played at numerous places from the Vinton Kroger in support for Relay for Life to winning the recent Band Fest held at Northside High School. Before Band Fest, Smoke N’ Mirrors took part in a 2009 Taubman Museum band competition and came in first over the 19 bands which took part. “We were really young,” Ben said in comparison to the competition. The band was the second-youngest group performing at the event. “We got some confidence. We knew we had a good

10 VOICE

shot but, I think we were all pretty surprised.” “We definitely gave it our all up there,” Novitsky explained of the Taubman performance and preparation. “We practiced the same fifteen minute set for two hours at a time.” “We had the transitions down perfectly,” Sterling added. Smoke N’ Mirrors’ next competition win would come at Band Fest in March. “I think that was the best reaction overall from the audience that we’ve ever had,” Matt remarked about the time when they had just came on stage, “It was really surprising. The moment we started playing the crowd was into it. It just makes us go that much harder.” The group took home the trophy from the competition to their home school and won $250.00 for winning the Band Fest. The exciting part of the win was the way voting took place. It was true American Idol style voting where you text the number of your favorite group. One of the most recognized parts of a Smoke N’ Mirrors live show has to be the dances and audience interaction. “We like to get the audience involved. The only way to do it is with some movements,” Noah said, “They like to do that.”

Smoke N’ Mirrors have established themselves as a fun-loving band, as indicated through general demeanor and even their live show with dances like “The Pirate Ship.” LEFT: Lead singer Noah Sterling (with bassist Matt Novitsky to his right) helped the band to a win in last month’s Band Fest held at Northside High School, and along with it $250 and a shiny gold trophy.

“[The fans] look forward to those things. People that see us a lot will yell for the pirate ship thing and they’ll do it with us,” Copper added. Most of the movements come from joking around during practice. Those kicks that helped win the Taubman contest were added when Matt was playing around. “All of that usually comes out of something silly at practice. One of silly things from practice is the “Pirate Ship” where both guitarists swing their guitars to the music. Someone is like ‘hey let’s do that,’” Matt commented about the origins of a lot of their signature moves. Alex concluded, “We take the cheesiest stuff you can think of and make it cool.” A full length CD is in the works, with a release date of late April/early May. There is talk of a CD release show to celebrate the 13-track album. Recording is being split between the Jefferson Center and more recently Matt’s house with the final tracks scheduled to be recorded and mixing to take place in the coming week. Shake Your Soul is the most likely name for the Smoke N’ Mirrors initial release. “It’s kind of like looking at Christianity like a party instead of a downer, “Ben said of the title track,” It’s a good representation of our message as a band.” The possibility of touring this summer has the band excited about the chance to widen their audience. Touring on the east coast was mentioned in the interview, but nothing has been set in stone. But, when asked what Smoke N’ Mirrors plans were for the summer, “Play, play, play!” was the called out in unison.

All four members of the band write music and collaborate on different songs. Noah sums the songwriting philosophy for a majority of the songs the band writes: “Someone will write a song, they will come up with the general idea and we all put our little tweaks to it.” “Everything works out really well, “ Matt said about the outcome, “It’s always come together. We all trust each other with the songs that everything is going to work out.” The band’s faith plays a large part in their music and lives. In explaining how they like to spread their message, Ben Copper said, “Our music is a lot different than a lot of Christian music, I’d say. It’s really geared to hook people, bring them in, get them to listen to the whole record and see everything that we have.” “I think we do a really good job of letting our message known and standing our ground for God without being pushy and turning anybody off,” Matt added. Smoke N’ Mirrors will be playing this Saturday at the Vinton Relay for Life, then at the Vinton Dogwood Festival. The Dogwood show will take place at the stage across from the Farmer’s Market at 11:00 am April 24th.

VOICE 11

Michele Gunter, MSW, LCSW AVoiceofReason@vintonvoice.com Well, tax day is just around the corner (April 15). So, given that inevitable event, I thought this would be a good time for a column on overcoming fears. Every year when I send off that tax return, I always have some pangs of fear that left something out, or made some other sort of mistake. We all have some sort of fear, whether it’s dealing with the IRS for an error on our tax return, or public speaking, or flying, or maybe something bigger than any of these. So, the question is, “How do we overcome our fears?” A secondary question would have to be, “Why should we?” Often, fear keeps us from enjoying life, or achieving a goal which we desire. Overcoming the fear can often involve taking risks. Taking, and conquering, risks helps us to overcome our fears. When we overcome our fears, we open ourselves up to new possibilities for happiness and enjoyment. Let’s break down a process for overcoming fears. 1. Take small steps. Sometimes looking at your fears can seem overwhelming. For example, many people are afraid of public speaking. Just the thought of standing up in a room full of people with all eyes staring can cause a rise in blood pressure, your heart to pound, etc. So when this happens, take small steps. Don’t think about the crowded room focused on you just yet. Start by talking to one or two strangers each day. Have a short conversation, not just a quick “hello”.

12 VOICE

Prepare for your presentation. Make sure you know and understand and are comfortable with your topic. Take additional steps until you work your way up to feeling comfortable speaking in front of a room full of people. 2. Get some positive motivation. Basically, get moving. Eventually, after you’ve prepared and prepared, you will have to take some sort of action. One way to do this is start to shift your focus and think about how wonderful you’ll feel once you’ve confronted this fear and moved past it. 3. Analyze the fear. Determine if it can harm you in any way. For example, if you’re afraid of snakes, and you pick up a rattle snake, it can bite you. However, the consequences of many fears is a sense of rejection, or not being accepted by some person or group of people. Ask yourself how important this acceptance is to you. 4. Change the way you think. Focus on positive thoughts, and what can go right. Do not focus on the downside of your fears. Focus

on the feeling of accomplishment you will have when you look directly at your fear, feel the fear, and take action regardless. 5. Feel the fear, and act anyway. Feel your fear. Feel the discomfort. Then realize that fear is just an obstacle to our own personal growth. Overcome the obstacle, and your life can expand. Fears are a part of everyone’s life. The key is to recognize that many of our fears are mainly obstacles to our own personal growth. Facing and overcoming fears are very important for us all to enjoy happy and fulfilling lives. My personal motto when feeling fear is, “Do it afraid.” I stare down my fear, feel it, and put one foot in front of the other and get moving toward my goal. I know once I accomplish my goal, I will enjoy a wonderful feeling of achievement. I hope all of you have your taxes done, and I certainly hope nobody has to face their fear of the IRS. Until next time, I wish you all peace, love, and happiness.

College Perspective: Spring Resolution Edition Part II

Eating healthy in integral part of keeping fit Samantha Hoback Contributor Those who know me well know that I am a health-food nut. I love to do my grocery shopping at Whole Foods, I eat an apple a day, and I’m constantly buying health magazines in search of new recipes to try at home. It probably annoys my family when I make dinner because I always chose something healthy: grilled chicken and vegetables, vegetarian lasagna, and (my favorite) turkey burgers. Having watched Supersize Me in high school health class, I gave up fast-food cold turkey and realized that a lot of the stuff I ate as a kid wasn’t doing anything for my health. This year, I decided to stop eating red meat, and with the exception of a few French fries every once in a while, I don’t eat anything fried. But when I’m at school, it isn’t so easy to find healthy options.

My friends know that I rarely eat at the campus dining hall because I don’t like the food there. I’ve been forced to improvise different combinations of turkey sandwiches. Having a car on campus allows me to go out to eat a lot, but of course the price of eating out adds up over time. Now that I am training to run my first 5K, it is really important that I make sure that I am eating not only a healthy diet but a wellrounded one as well. Runners needs protein, carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables, and healthy fats in order to perform well and improve, but in a world filled with fast-food and oversized portions, it isn’t always easy to account for what you’re eating. The campus nutritionist at Wake Forest is a runner, and she works closely with a lot of the athletes to make sure they are getting the right nutrition at school. When I started my training, I went to the nutritionist for advice. I am happy to pass along

her easy nutrition tips; these ideas are not only for runners and other athletes but for anyone who values a healthy, well-balanced diet. Obviously athletes require more calories than someone who isn’t active. Running a mile burns approximately 100 calories, so for people who run an average of 3 to 5 miles daily, they have to refuel with healthy meals throughout the day—starting with breakfast. I’m not a big breakfast person. I eat breakfast daily, but I usually stick with cereal, yogurt, or oatmeal, or I’ll take a granola bar with me to eat during class. Since I started running, though, I’ve made a conscious effort to make breakfast just as important as any other meal. This year, I’ve managed to survive on turkey sandwiches for at least one meal a day, but I’ve learned that a little variety is a good thing. Trying hummus, ham, or chicken instead of turkey; using a wrap instead of sliced bread; and swapping mustard or pesto for

mayonnaise have made my daily sandwich a little more exciting. Just because an athlete can eat more doesn’t mean he or she can eat anything. It’s all right to indulge every once in a while, but too much saturated fat and refined sugar will eventually impair your performance. Trust me: on a campus where pizza is the only thing open past 11 and the dining hall bakes at least three different flavors of cookies each day, it’s been difficult to resist. After giving up dessert for Lent, though, I’ve learned that it’s not so bad to live without. And you will appreciate the sweet reward much more if it isn’t part of your daily routine. Spring abounds with fresh fruits and vegetables, so there has never been a better time to make a conscious effort to get healthy. Even if running a 5K isn’t your goal, the fact that summer (aka swimsuit season) is just around the corner may change your mind and make you rethink your Chinese takeout.

Honor Roll for Bonsack Elementary School 3rd Grade A Honor Roll Kerrigan Fallon Morgan Fletchall Megan Grant Ellen Webb Abby Ingram Alex Fitch Sam Dantzler Preston Hall Nick Cook Steven Sledd Rashad Vaughn Rachel Warren Alex Cosoreanu Maddy Nance Caleb Schaubach Aaron Stanley 3rd Grade AB Honor Roll Jacob Altice Keegan Arnold Brianna Bray Katie Dillon Noah Harris Grayson Hedrick Katey Letz Julie Nicely Sumi Sekar Parker Strauss Matthew Teatino Carson Mcroy

Allison Pennington Hannah Thurman Allyssa Davis Zac Jones Carson Lilly Jordan Logan Quinton Mayhew Austin Nardo Melissa Phillips Gabe Plichta Blake Price Kayla Turner Emily Wheeler Katharine Williams Megan Wu 4th Grade A Honor Roll Abigail Angel Elena Boitnott Andrew Brooks Jared Brown Ryan Buxton Luke Johnson Christina Lee Shelby Northen Evamarie Pascoe Richard Qiu Joshua Tate Kayleigh Wyatt Hannah Sowers Autumn Martin Bryan Johnson

Luis Jerez Julia Burek Emily Brooks Brenna Donahue Everett Fletchall Alyssa Stuckey Ashton Ashley 4th Grade AB Honor Roll Dane Blackwood Bailey Browning Lauren Heck Asia Holland Shawn Woodson Allison Purcell Jonathan Williams Prachi Kadyan Will Johnson Lindsey Galliher Allymarie Faulkner Chloe Doss Bryson Byrd Jaylen Wheeler Teju Algubelli Caitlin McIntosh Lauren Andersen Zoe Casto Tanner Claybrook Maddie Craig Savannah Johnson MaryKate Price Logan Ramsey

Hailey Sewell Savannah Gheen Kody Harper Joshua Hilliard 5th Grade A Honor Roll Adam North Ashlyn St. Clair Grant Watson Kayla Altice Leah Andersen Adrienne Band Juliann Callaway Adam Catron Ian Cossaboon Anna Haught Brock McRoy Madison Moses Jessica Stanley Nicholas Ward Meredith Webb Madison Bailey Molly Carpenter Jensen Chrisley Emily Hash Westin Recktenwald Autumn Sayre Ryan Stanley Tyra Thompson Christopher Vanderburg 5th Grade

AB Honor Roll Kinsey Arnold Joshua Barker Jake Barker Ashley Davis Paige Garner Leah Gillespie Kayla Grubb Logan Henderson Abigail Neidigh Reed Plunkett Seth Schaubach Ali Shail Gehrig Spradlin Hannah Stewart Lauren Stringer Derrick Chocklett Megan Collins Allyson Dayton Nathan Garland Kiera Naff Hunter Rauscher Max Smith Jason Spaar Jesse Settle Britney Justus Savannah Linsley Sam Phillips Trent Robinson Chase Caldwell Reagan Castleman Lauren Cook Chase Dorsey

VOICE 13

At Last Sunday’s Kiwanis Clubs of Botetourt-RoanokeSalem In Cooperation with The Roanoke Times/Play by Play Banquet, Byrd basketball took home four awards. Brittany Mattox and Will Trent were each honored with ‘Unsung Hero” awards as first announced at their team’s individual banquet. Jake Mankin was also honored as a member of the All-Star Prep Boys Team. Coach Dave Culicerto also accepted the Kiwanis Boy’s Basketball Sportsmanship Award on behalf of his Terrier boys team. Photos Submitted by Will Trent

Photo of Timmy Meador by Danny Cruff

On Saturday, William Byrd Middle School hosted several AAU basketball games of local interest. Many WBHS athletes participated, especially on the Virginia Magic (Brian Fuquay, above) and the Vinton Cavaliers (Jake Mankin, right). Photos by Danny Cruff

Photo of Jacob Clifton, Ray Harron, Coach Chris Carr and Dallas Chocklette by Danny Cruff

14 VOICE

Stranded runners continue to hamper Byrd >Terriers leave seven in scoring position for second straight game, nine runners total left aboard as team drops to 4-3 in first loss to Cave Spring Dan Vance Editor-in-Chief Many numbers came out of last Friday’s non-District baseball game at Cave Spring. The most staggering of those: seven runners left on base in scoring position. The Terriers struggled to take advantage of their bat work, outhitting the Knights 13-6 in what would turn into a 10-7 loss. Kevin Bowles and Dallas Chocklette led the Terriers with three hits each, including a two-run homerun from Bowles in the fourth inning, his second on the year. “We’ve got a lot of kids who are hitting the ball well. Pretty much anybody that is in our top ten is hitting .300 or right at it or better; which is a marked improvement over what we hit last year,” co-head coach Chris Carr said. As a team, Byrd had three hit innings in the second, fourth and seventh, bringing in two runs in each of those innings. However, they also left three men on in the fourth and two in the final inning of play. “We’re getting some clutch hits, but when we get to the point we can really knock the other team out, we’re getting runners on base and not driving them in.” Carr said. “It’s not something you can really put your thumb on [like] a certain kid’s not hitting with •See ‘BASEBALL’ - page 18

Photos by Danny Cruff (above) and Melanie Meador (left)

ABOVE: Dallas Chocklette slides in under an attempted tag from a cutoff throw at Cave Spring. Chocklette reached base three times after going 0-for his last-6 in two previous games. LEFT: Senior Kevin Bowles rounds the bases on Friday after hitting his team leading second homerun of the season at Cave Spring. Bowles came a triple away from hitting for a cycle in the loss.

VOICE 15

Softball makes first falter, rebounds well >Mahoney returns after one-game absence to continue shutout streak, picks up second no-hitter of non-district season with 16 more strikeouts Danny Cruff Senior Contributor After a wash-out of Thursday’s scheduled softball game between the William Byrd Terriers and Franklin County Eagles, the teams were able to meet a day later in dryer conditions. Senior Rachel Ballard took the mound in the absence of regular starter, Jessica Mahoney. “Rachel could start for any other team in the Valley,” said Head Coach Greg Barton praised the Terriers’ regular second basemen. “She did a great job.” Byrd jumped to an early lead in the top of the first inning on Senior Brittany Mattox’s one-out triple, followed by an RBI double by sophomore Danielle Powell. The lead would stick until the Eagles’ half of the fourth inning after Franklin County got a one-out triple of their own. The score would remain tied until the bottom of the seventh inning. The Eagles would get two straight hits to get the go-ahead run and end the game, with a final score of 2-1. “We had too many strikeouts [and] just didn’t hit the ball.” Coach Barton said about the game, “Brittany Mattox killed the ball.” Mattox went 2-for-4 in the game with a double, triple, run and stolen base. The Christiansburg Blue Demons came to Vinton Monday, April 12th; to take on a Terrier team determined to make a statement after their first loss of the season. Junior Jessica Mahoney returned to the line-up to take the mound. She started the game by striking out the entire Christiansburg team in order over the first three innings. Freshman Leftfielder Rachel Guilliams sparked the Terrier offense with a walk in the bottom of the third, followed by two quick stolen bases. Lindsey Brown then walked and stole a base of her own. Brittany Mattox followed with a two RBI double to leftfield to put Byrd up 2-0. Danielle Powell finished out the scoring with an RBI triple, which scored Mattox. Those three runs would be all the Terriers would need as Mahoney and the Terrier defense continued their dominance through the remainder of the game. Aided by two great catches by right fielder Lindsey Brown in the top of the fifth inning, Mahoney and the Terriers recorded their second no-hitter of the season. “Coming off a disappointing loss, they responded good,“ Barton said after Monday’s game, “I’m content. We gotta hit the ball more consistently. We’re still staggering out our hits. But, we’re getting there.” The win over Christiansburg brings the Terriers record to six wins and one loss. The no-hitter Monday brings Jessica Mahoney’s shutout streak to six and keeps her ERA at a miniscule 0.00. She recorded 16 total strikeouts in the game, with no walks. The Eagles only base runner came on a passed ball third strike. William Byrd will return the favor to Christiansburg and take the trip down Interstate 81 on April 15th to take on the Blue Demons in their backyard.

Law Office of Onzlee Ware

325 N. Jefferson Street Roanoke, Virginia 24016 Telephone: 540-344-7947

Practicing Bankruptcy, Criminal, Traffic and Family Law for 21 Years

16 VOICE

Photos by Danny Cruff

TOP: Junior rightfielder Lindsey Brown rounds third in Monday’s victory over Christiansburg. BOTTOM: Rachel Ballard makes a throw in Monday’s game. Ballard was on the mound Friday in Byrd’s loss.

VA State Licensed

Insured

Carpet Re-Stretching!

Eliminate unsightly wrinkles & trip Hazards! Protect your Investment!

STEVEN W. DURRANCE Floors •Repairs• •Complete Showroom• •Expert Work•

Work: 540-776-9591 Cell: 540-353-7908 www.carpetroanoke.com

Soccer team can’t find goal vs. PH on the turf Danny Cruff Senior Contributor With Spring Break over, not only did the William Byrd Terriers Boys Soccer team return to class, they also returned to competition. Monday, April 12th had the Terriers visiting Patrick Henry to take on the Patriots. Patrick Henry, who made it to the State Quarterfinals in 2009, would be a tough opponent for Byrd. “They’re the best team we’ve seen, “ Head Coach Jeff Highfill said of the Patriots, “and probably will be the best team we see all year, unless we make it deep into the playoffs.” PH put pressure on the Terriers from the start of the game, taking multiple shots at the goal. Byrd kept Patrick Henry at bay until a goal with a little more than 18 minutes left in the first half put the Patriots up 1-0. Twelve minutes later would see another PH goal with less than seven minutes left in the half. Patrick Henry continued pressuring the Terriers in the second half with even better results. The Patriots scored less than six minutes into the second half and didn’t stop there. They would strike again, twice, just before the midway point of the half with goals less than three minutes apart. In the end, the Patriots would double their scoring in the second half, making the final 6-0.

Photos Danny Cruff

Daniel Gallagher kicks the ball from the goal area Monday night at Patrick Henry as keeper Nick Janowicz looks on. Byrd fell 6-0 to the Patriots. “My disappointment is, take away talent, I thought they played harder than us,” Highfill said after the game, “That’s what we can’t live with.” William Byrd next takes to the road to take on another AAA school, Franklin County this Monday, April 19th.

“We’ll have to regroup and see if we can use this as a springboard or if this hurts us,” Highfill said as he looked ahead, “District play starts next Tuesday. We’ve played a tough half of the schedule so far. We’ll see if it helps us down the road or if we let it bother us.”

Girls face down tough Titans, fall 5-0 in first game back Dan Vance Editor-in-Chief Coach Russell Dishman knew weeks ago that Monday night would be one of the toughest on his Terriers’ schedule. Coming out of spring break, the girls did battle with a big and quick Hidden Valley team, falling 5-0. “Its kind of tough to have a few days off, come back, have the weekend off and come back Monday when you are still trying to get back into routine and all,” Dishman noted. Routine was hard to find for the

Terriers, who found themselves not controlling much of the pace early on, instead attempting to react to what the Titan players were doing. That gameplan backfired and sent the Terriers into halftime down 3-0, with little offensive possession going their way. When the team did have the ball on offense, it was hard to get close to the opposing goal, forcing Kelli Kitchens to take several deep attempts at the net. Tiffany Viette handled goal duties for Byrd in the first half, giving up the three goals on what Dishman •See ‘SOCCER’ - PAGE 18

Photo by Melanie Meador

Coach Russell Dishman addresses his team during halftime of Monday’s 5-0 loss to Hidden Valley.

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!

Fall Festival...Jake Mankin...Barry Brooks Photography...Betty Divers...Holly Farris...many more!

VOICE 17

Chris Carr ~ Coach’s Corner

VOLUME 2, PART 1

Finding superstition in the snack Let me start by saying welcome back to the Coach’s Corner. In my first column back I would like to give a thank you to some very special people. As many of you know, this is my first year back at Byrd since I coached the team in 1999, and I have tried to bring back some of the traditions from the past. As many of you also know, baseball players are superstitious creatures. One of my favorite traditions, and some would say superstitions, dates back to 1992. That was my sophomore year, and I started every game day by eating six chocolate chip cookies from the school cafeteria. We started the year with a 23 game winning streak, before losing in the state semifinals. I was convinced the cookies played a role, so the tradition continued throughout my playing career. When returning as a coach in 1999 the tradition lived on. From 1992 to 1999 the cookies

were the work of Caroline Spradlin, mother of former Byrd player and coach, Rodney Spradlin. She insured that I got my cookies every day, by always having them prewrapped for me when I came into the cafeteria for lunch. Mrs. Spradlin has since retired from her duties in the school cafeteria, so when this season started, I needed another cookie maker. Keeping with tradition, I had to have my cookies from the school cafeteria, and the ladies have come through again this year. I still start every game day with six cookies, for good luck. Even though I don’t teach at the school, and I don’t get there for lunch, we have yet to play a game that my cookies weren’t delivered to me at the field. I figure that with our four wins this season, combined with the wins from ’92, ’93, ’94 and ’99, that brings the win total for the William Byrd cafeteria staff to about 68. That’s pretty good work

for those ladies. For that, I express my sincerest thanks. Like I said, baseball players are superstitious

people, and it just would feel right for me to pull on the jersey without my cookies.

•‘SOCCER’ continued from page 17

•‘BASEBALL’ continued from page 15

believed to be around 15 shots. “Overall we didn’t have the worst start, but you could tell the kids needed the time to adjust to it, we were a step behind and we paid for it,” Dishman said. In the second half, the team got into more of a flow, but nothing every materialized into a scoring activity. Despite the effort and the experience Dishman’s team is gaining with a tough n0nDistrict schedule, the coach also sees how the big battles may negatively affect his team. “It damages confidence, even when we play well, the wins don’t come,” he said. “It becomes kind of a tough thing to keep trying to sell.” In the second half, Hannah Henley and Emily Cook split in-goal time. Henley gave up two goals in 11 shots during her 30 minutes. Cook played around 10 minutes in goal and faced just two shots, saving them both. The team will host Bassett on Wednesday night in what will be Pink Night for the team for Breast Cancer Awareness. The game comes against a team Byrd handled earlier this season on the road. “I think everything that we try to push is we are trying to find our style of play. We don’t want to adjust to anybody, we want to play what we are capable of,” Dishman said.

runners on base or a certain part of the lineups not. We’ve got to wait for that big hit to come, I don’t know of anything I can tell them.” On the mound, Bowles threw for nine strikeouts, but gave up all 10 runs (seven earned) on just six hits. Bowles’ toughest inning came in the first when he struck out the first batter, walked the next two, struck out cleanup hitter Jeremy Wimmer and then gave up a three-run shot to DH Nathan Wimmer after being up 2-0 in the count initially. “He got in trouble the first inning and that’s kind of been the story,” Carr said of Bowles. “When he pitches with control and doesn’t get behind in the count, he is very affective.” From there, the Knights played up and down, but pulled far enough ahead with a four-run sixth inning that the Terriers had to play catchup late and were unable to make those plays at bat down the stretch themselves. Bowles pitched all but 2/3rds of an inning as Carr and David Mitchell were weary of the time it would take to make a change late with the impending darkness on a field without lights. “At that point, time was an issue. Do we waste four or five minutes on a pitching change or leave him in and hope he can get some outs so we can get another bat,” Carr noted. Chocklette’s two RBI kept him atop the team with seven on the season. The team as a whole is now batting .372 heading into Tuesday’s (April 13) rematch with the Knights. Jacob McMillan was scheduled to start in the second meeting with the Knights. Last week was originally scheduled to be a twogame week, but weather forced the Terriers to cancel Thursday’s game with Franklin County; it will now be played at Terrier Field on May 3. The boys will Member, House of Delegates host Hidden Valley on Saturday at 2:30 following the JV game. Carr said Monday that Bowles may start Eleventh District Saturday, but he was unsure as the senior pitched 325 N. Jefferson Street the last game, a 10-2 win, over the Titans. However, Telephone: 540-344-7410 Carr says all options will be looked at before then. Part of Roanoke City and Town of Vinton “We’ve been looking to get the younger guys Committees: Appropriations, Counties, some time on the mound,” Carr said. “With the pitch counts, by the time we get to District, we’re going to Cities and Towns, and Education Paid for and Authorized by Delegate Onzlee Ware wear down our pitching.”

18 VOICE

Onzlee Ware

Pictures from every issue of the Vinton Voice...ever! Now Online!

VintonVoice.PhotoReflect.com

Luminarias and Moons are available for the Vinton Relay for Life through the team “A Way To Help” at The Vinton Voice! Celebrate a survivor or purchase one in memory of a loved one. Luminarias are $10 while moons are $1. See Brian Manning at the Vinton Voice to purchase yours today!

Oakey’s presents

Death, Grief & Mourning: Essential Caregiving Principles & Practices

Date: Thursday, May 20

With Alan D. Wolfelt, Ph.D.,

Time: 9:00 am - 3:30 pm

Author, Educator, Grief Counselor

Location: Vinton War Memorial

Dr. Wolfelt is Director of the Center for Loss and Life Transition located in Fort Collins, Colorado. He is known throughout the U.S. and Canada for his educational contributions in the areas of both childhood and adult grief.

Registration fee: $44.00 Includes lunch and materials

To register, by April 28, or for further information call, 800-638-0710 or 540-982-2100 Sammy G. Oakey, PreSident • rOanOke, nOrth, VintOn, SOuth and eaSt ChaPelS www.OakeyS.COm • 982-2100

VOICE 19

Vinton’s Hometown NOW& Weekly BEYOND the voice of vinton

This is your Vinton, your Voice. Why should you subscribe to the Vinton Voice? Chris Manning began the Vinton Voice in 2009 to bring new, exciting, reliable and relevant news to his hometown. For too long, the great community of Vinton, as well as Mt.Pleasant and Bonsack, were left without proper news coverage. On August 26, 2009, the Voice changed all of that. NEWS- From the weather than will alter your life to the people who make Vinton what it is, the most important information for Vinton citizens can be seen first and more in-depth in the Voice. SPORTS- Nowhere in the Valley will you find athletic coverage as specific and in-depth as you will in the Voice. From William Byrd High and Middle School home and away games, the WBHS cheerleaders’ state finals trip to Richmond, the Rec.League Superbowl and everything in between. POLITICS & GOVERNMENT- When the elections that matter hit Vinton, the Voice was there to give you specific, candid, from-the-candidate comments. We follow not only the preparation for office, but also keep tabs on what your government is doing while in office. LIFESTYLE- Chris Steuart’s WBHS Journalism class lets you know what the WBHS students are up to in the community, contributors let you know about some of the great features in Vinton and projects of the citizens and you know there is always something going on at Bootie’s Place.

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

FEATURED CONTRIBUTORS Chris Carr Bootie Chewning Michele Gunter Samantha Hoback Melanie Meador John A. Montgomery Amanda Stump Will Trent Danae Wensley Monica West

Columnist Columnist Columnist Contributor Photo Intern Special Contributor Columnist Contributor Contributor Columnist

Check out these and other great features:

Subscribe Today!

52 Issues for just $25 or two years for just $40

Make checks payable to: Vinton Voice PO Box 213 Vinton, VA 24179

Name Address City, State, Zip Code

Card Type (circle): VISA DISCOVER AMEX MASTERCARD Card Number: Expiration Date (MM/YY): CSC (3 digit Security code- 4 digit on AMEX):

VOICE