Vinton Voice (Volume 1, Issue 9) October 21, 2009

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This week’s Business Spotlight on Vinton’s skating rink Cover Photo by Dan Vance Congratulations to Billy Tresky William Byrd Middle School Civics Teacher. He was selected as the 1st “Hero In Education “ for this fall at UVA. UVA football player Danny Aiken nominated him and wrote an essay on Tresky’s influence on him while a student of his. He received the award before the kick-off of the William & Mary game at Scott Stadium. Aiken said, Tresky made learning fun and made him want to go to school because he never knew what they were going to do. . He motivated me. Hats Off to you Mr Billy Tresky ,a well deserved award!

Just heard from David Bower on Facebook. David is the former Pastor at Campbell Memorial Presbyterian Church. He & his wife now live in Hyattsville, Md. (8 miles from the white house. No invites YET). He is the 116 S.Poplar St. - Suite 1 pastor at Grace Presbyterian Church in Lanham MD. Vinton, VA 24179 Daughter Erin lives in Bristol Tenn. and they have 2 little 540.904.5836 - Office girls 3 & 6 yrs. She is a Family Practice physician and will join 540.904.5838 - Fax the faculty of ESTU school of medicine Jan 1st. That’s Great.

David while in Vinton was a member of the Vinton EDITORIAL Players. Facebook does bring old friends together.

Chris Manning Publisher Congratulations to Christopher & Jessica Moran on

chris@vintonvoice.com their Marriage June 6th. Chris is a WBHS grad.

Dan Vance Editor-in-Chief Happy Birthday wishes go out to Stephanie Brown,

dan@vintonvoice.com Chris Carr, Marty Shrewsbury, Mike Reid, Donita Goins, Brian Manning Circulation Director Bootie Bell Chewning Corky Cranwell, Ann Cranwell, Layne White, Micheal Vest,

brian@vintonvoice.com Hayley Patterson, Marica S. Patterson, Ron Stone. Hope Ashlee Manning Advertising BOO_TEE@msn.com

info@vintonvoice.com you all had a good one.

Get well wishes and prayers go out to Mary Clapsaddle, COLUMNISTS Elma Swain (Our lady Of the Valley) Betty P. Traversite, Eva Bootie Bell Chewning General Info Craig, April Hall (Carrington Place) Dustin Poff (broken foot), Todd Massey. You all are in are

BOO_TEE@msn.com thoughts.

Dale Russell Financial Our Sympathy and prayers go out to the family and friends of Dick Kelly who passed away

wheresmymoney@vintonvoice.com last week after fighting a hard battle. He retired as Assistant Superintendent of operations with Erin E. Delauder-Brooks Pharmacy

askthepharmacist@vintonvoice.com the Roanoke City Schools after 25 years in 2005. May he rest in peace and free from pain. Also to the family and Friends of Ronnie Cook who was suddenly killed in a car wreck last week.

CONTRIBUTORS Thanks to all that expressed their Sympathy to us last week in the loss of my little dog Sassy Gene Marrano Senior Contributor Bell. She had been with me for 12 years and was like a member of our family, as many know

gmarrano@cox.net they are. Thanks to the Vinton Veterinary Hospital for the care they gave her during her illness Danae Wensley Contributor and being so kind to us in the process. Yes it was hard to let go. Yes, my greeter, buddy and foot

news@vintonvoice.com warmer is now in Doggie Heaven.

Samantha Hoback Contributor

news@vintonvoice.com Visit the Scared Ground Coffee house Art Gallery at Thrasher This month for an Art Show.

Anita Firebaugh Contributor Yes Lynn Swain has his works of Photography on display there. Open 8am -12noon weekdays

news@vintonvoice.com and on Sundays.

Elbert A. Meeks, Jr. Contributor Thanks To Dr Neil Jessup for the eye exam last week and the lunch with his wonderful

news@vintonvoice.com Tommy FiGart Contributor office staff. You are all so kind and fun to be with.

news@vintonvoice.com It’s almost here. Yes this Sunday night Oct 25th at Vinton Baptist Church . “Variety Musical, Danny Cruff Photo Contributor “sponsored by the Vinton History Museum. Come see some of your favorites like The Hall Trio,

dannycruffphotography@cox.net Revelations Quartet, Luke Fortner and his new band , other students of Susan Lewis’s. It’s Paul Griffin Photo Contributor

news@vintonvoice.com always a fun time. Free admission. Freewill offering will be taken . I’ll be there introducing all the fantastic acts. So come on down. For more info call Mattie Forbes @ 890-2331. PS--- pass Copyright @ 2009, the word tell your neighbors!!!!!!!!

All rights reserved by The Vinton Voice Don’t forget Pack the Gym Tuesday night at WBHS! email: info@vintonvoice.com Did you know it’s Pastor Appreciation month? So hug your pastor and say thank you. To http://vintonvoice.com mine it’s Pastor Lynn Alley-Grant and Assoc. Pastor David Vaughan. xoxoo.. vintonvoice.blogspot.com For advertising rates and information, I know there were two reunions in town this past weekend. Still waiting to hear from you. please call 540-904-5836 Yes we want to know what happened???????????

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EXCLUSIVE

Chbosky speaks out on controversy >’Perks of Being a Wallflower’ author discusses book and the power of word Dan Vance Editor-in-Chief Since it’s release in 1999, “The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” a novel by Stephen Chbosky, has made an impact nationwide.

For Chbosky himself, to the readers who’s lives have been touched by the book, to a vocal minority who have questioned the morality of the book’s contents, ‘Perks...’ has been on the radar of the American literary landscape for some time. Recently, that impact has been felt in Vinton and at William Byrd High School, where English teacher Kathleen Renard shared the book with many students and one parent took offense to some contents of the book, leading to it’s removal from WBHS. To Vinton and the Roanoke area, it has been a big news story, but to Chbosky, it is something that he has come to grips with over the years and speaks about openly with respect for all views.

“I was raised Catholic and I have a very strong moral center. So for me, I would never force any family or any teenager to read my book or accept any of the things in it,” he says. “However, from the same moral center, I would ask anybody to not deny the book to other people if they would want to find it for themselves.”

He has developed this mature response to people’s displeasure with his book through years of controversy and bannings. In 2008, the American Library Association listed ‘Perks...’ as one of their Top 10 Most Frequently Challenged Books. It is the fourth time this decade that the book has made the ALA’s list. Through these challenges, Chbosky has spoke openly about book bannings in many venues, including this past summer’s ALA conference in Chicago.

Though the controversy at William Byrd has engaged the community in recent weeks through many news outlets and publications, including the Voice, Chbosky himself is new to this particular situation.

“I would thank her for passing on my book,” Chbosky notes on what he would say in a one-on-one conversation with Renard, given the opportunity. “But way more important than her reaction to my specific book, I would want to thank for her trying to reach kids with books that they might respond to, to open up a dialogue about issues that they might be facing in their own lives and for caring that much.”

And while he stands strong on the side of books not being banned and voices being allowed to be heard, Chbosky does understand the other side of things and likewise offers kind words to John Davis, the parent who brought

Stephen Chbosky wrote ‘Perks...’ (top left) in 1999. It has continuously been contested throughout the country, leading the author to numerous engagements, including the annual ALA Conference (top right is an ALA poster for Banned Book Week, which concluded October 3). the book into question at WBHS. “What I would say to the father is, basically man to man, I know that he loves his son very much and wants to protect his son very much and I respect him for that,” Chbosky says. “And with that said, and very deeply meant, I would also ask if he hasn’t already, to perhaps read my entire book and see the spirit in which I wrote it. I did not write my book to be exploitative of anyone. I did not write my book to encourage drug use or pre-marital sex or any of the other things that some groups have found morally questionable. I wrote it as a blueprint for... maybe kids who have been through some bad things in their lives to find their way to some personal peace.”

Chbosky says that the original message of ‘Perks...’ has not changed at all over the many years and many controversies. Instead, the

message remains clear. Chbosky wrote the book not to be scrutinized or to make money, but to ‘end the silence inside himself’ and also to start a conversation between people who are going through similar things in their own lives or even just passing the book onto another.

Several letters, e-mails and meetings, as Chbosky shared, have shown him the power that his book alone is having on young adults. Through these outlets, Chbosky has been told six times by young people that they have chosen not to commit suicide because of the book.

“Whenever I hear about any book being taken off the shelf permanently, I do think about those kids, because I never know where number seven is.”

He also shared a story of an underprivileged school in Ontario, California outside of Los Angeles, where a group of high school juniors and seniors wrote him a batch of letters telling him how their reading levels progressed from fourth to eighth grade just in the time they were reading the book. Chbosky says that they were progressing just at the same rate that the voice of the main character, Charlie, progresses throughout the book.

While he continues to write in his various outlets (he wrote the screenplay for 2005 major motion picture ‘Rent’ as well as co-created the short running CBS series ‘Jericho’), Chbosky wants to make sure the focus in communities remains on education and conversation through a wide array of books, mentioning specifically classics like Charles Dickens, Shakespeare’s ‘Hamlet’ and ‘The Great Gatsby.’

“Diversity of thought is a cornerstone to our American society. And reading is one of the greatest paths to that diversity,” Chbosky says.

“So to me, you cannot distinguish between a diversity of reading material and a great education.”

As far the situation at Byrd goes, he will still stand strong by his belief in the need for books of all content to be seen by young adults, but continues to recognize the stance that the school board locally and others around the country have to take in situations like this.

“In terms of a school following it’s own procedure for challenged books or to protect itself, I one-hundred percent support that, they need to do what they need to do,” he says, noting that he would never want a lawsuit or any action based on a book, including his, to take a single cent out of the school system.

“In a larger sense, I think it is terribly sad and a great tragedy to take these books out of the libraries...closing down a dialogue is encouraging the silence. The point of art is to end silence and I think it is very sad anytime that people choose silence over communication.”

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It’s the little things...

Most of the time, these days, when you hear people talking about the “younger generation” it seems to be mostly negative. “No respect” seems to be the most used phrase when people talk about the “kids these days.” You seem to especially hear this in regards to high school and college age “kids.” Some people seem to think that they were more respectful, better mannered, didn’t dress as “crazy” and were just all around better people when they were that age. That may or may not be true. I can tell you that my generation (the 29-35 crowd) probably had the same things said about them when we were “kids,” but honestly we weren’t listening, so they were probably right.

This current group, at least the ones around here, might be proving some of these people wrong. Dan and I cover every sport and nearly every happening at WBHS and I’ll be honest, every single student or athlete has been nothing but respectful, courteous and seemingly all-around good citizens. Now dear reader, before you jump to conclusions and think that I’m taking up for EVERY single young person in Vinton, I’m not. I’m sure there are the hell-raisers, the kids who don’t listen, don’t respect anything or anyone and are just all-around “bad apples”…there always are. What I’m saying is we haven’t seen them or talked to any of them.

I have several examples to back this up and it was a conversation I’ve had with Vinton Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Judy Cunningham on several occasions that brought this up. In the last year she’s had a couple of interns that helped at the Chamber, luckily for Judy and Terry Mazeika (Asst. Director) these interns came almost back to back. Ally Henderson and Candace Parnell are both Byrd grads, Ally a recent college graduate who finished up her last year interning for the Chamber and Candace spent the majority of the summer there before heading back to UVA. Judy on several occasions has referred to both of them as “lifesavers” and said that these two, along with Jenna Forbes, granddaughter of Doug and Mattie Forbes, gave her “faith in the young people coming up.” Jenna worked all summer long at the Vinton Museum, and if you haven’t been by since the end of the summer, you need to stop by. If you care about Vinton’s 125 year history, there’s a good chance you’ll see something you remember or heard about in your lifetime.

If you know me, you know that I’m a big Byrd baseball supporter, so it should come as no surprise that I know most of the players that are around now. You talk about a great group of kids, from Jacob Clifton (who works for the Voice,) to Kevin Bowles, Aaron Stidham, Ray Harron, Easton Riggs, Jacob McMillan…heck, the whole team is a bunch of good kids. My friend Chris Carr and his cohort David Mitchell may have lost some good players from last year’s team, but one thing is for sure, he’s got a great group of kids coming back.

Missing Person This is Taylor Vest - a student at William Byrd High School. She has been missing since Saturday, October 17, 2009. If you have information, please contact the local police.

Please help look for her. If you are a friend of Taylor’s and know where she is - contact her family NOW. She is 16 years old, 5 ft 4 inches, 100 lbs, last seen 10/17/09.

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That leads me to the “little” thing that meant the most to me that was done by a “Vinton kid.” Tyler Boothe, who is the son of Todd and Cristy, just did something that surprised and made me feel humbled.

Tyler, another Byrd baseball player, as well as a member of the golf team, had a book report due for his English class. From my understanding he had a wide range of books he could have picked, but instead landed on “One Team, One Dream.” For those of you who don’t know, that book was written by me and was about a season of William Byrd baseball back in 1997. Maybe I’m just sentimental, but the fact that a WBHS student picked my book out of pretty much any book in the world, makes me feel honored. He even shared the report with me and to be honest, I think he gave me a little too much credit.

So, the next time you want to trash the “younger generation,” don’t generalize them all together, because this generation coming up is a darn good one. Don’t believe me? Go talk to one of them…you’d be surprised.

Byrd grad to speak Byrd graduate Karen Eden is scheduled to speak at two assemblies between 1:30 to 3 pm next Tuesday afternoon (10/27) at the high school.

“Master Karen Eden” is a 4th degree black belt, a national tournament winner and world championship competitor of Tang Soo Do. With over 20 years of martial arts training, she is one of only a few women in the country to have ever achieved the rank of “master” in her federation.

Karen is also a published book author, radio personality and TV journalist, who has appeared on CNN, and reported nationally for FOX news. She has also appeared on Animal Planet, as well as in two major Hollywood productions, including Stunt work in Jean Claude Van Dame’s Sudden Death / Universal Pictures, and martial arts movie Sworn to Justice, as seen on Showtime.

Karen has written for and been featured in many martial arts publications over the years, including 5 cover shots. Her current magazine columns include Tae Kwon Do Times and Martial Arts Success magazines. Her books include The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Tae Kwon Do / Penguin Books, I Am a Martial Artist / Century Martial Arts Inc., and Will I Ever Feel Happy Again / IUniverse.

She is also the creator behind three successful martial arts product lines, available through Century Martial Arts and Karatedepot.com.

Finally, Master Eden is the founder of the Blood and Fire Federation in conjunction with The Salvation Army, where she teaches at-risk youth and inner-city students “The Red Shield Warriors” in Denver Co. Karen travels as a motivational speaker and is often sought after by high schools and other various organizations.

In Brief

Obituaries RONALD “RONNIE” GENE COOK, 41, of Goodview, VA went to be with the Lord on October 14, 2009. He is survived by his son, Christopher William Cook whom he loved with all his heart. Also surviving are his parents, William “Bill”and Betty Jean Cook; brothers, William and wife, Donna and Charlie and wife, Sharon; sisters, Cindy and Layne Pugh, Connie and Jerrald Beheler, and Karen and David Zimmerman; numerous nieces and nephews; Hannah Hobbs, who was like a daughter to him; and long time best friends, Jeff Prillaman and Kevin Sutliff; and many, many more.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents.

Funeral services were held 2 p.m. Monday, October 19, 2009 at Oakey’s Vinton Chapel with Rev. Barry Witt officiating. Burial followed in Mountain View Cemetery, Vinton.

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

J.RICHARD “DICK” JOHNSON, 92 of Roanoke, passed away Saturday, October 10, 2009. A lifetime of service, Dick is remembered for his involvement with various organizations that spanned his adult life. He was a lifetime deacon at Vinton Baptist Church as well as being the Boosters Sunday School teacher at Bethany Christian Church of Roanoke. He was a member of Vinton Masonic Lodge # 204 A.F. & A.M., having recently received his 60 year Master Mason’s pin. In addition, he had been a member of Odd Fellows Lodge # 248 in Stewartsville, since he was 18 years old. Dick retired from Norfolk and Western as a supervisor having worked at the railroad for over 37 years. Having taken up the sport of golf, Dick was a member of Blue Hills Golf Club. He was preceded in death by his parents, Vivian O’Neal and Irene Mae Johnson, a brother, Gilbert Johnson, his sisters, Ruth Brooker, Louise Spradlin and Edith Spradlin; and his first wife, Mildred “Smittie” Johnson. He is survived by his wife, Alice M. Johnson, daughters, Mildred J. Dotson and husband, James Dotson, Littleton, NC, and Sandra J. Darchuk and husband, David Darchuk, Arnold, MD. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Christie Dotson Harrell, Amy Marie Darchuk and Laura Beth Darchuk; and great grandchildren, Gavin, Greyson and Emily Harrell. Funeral services were held at Vinton Baptist Church 1:00 P.M. Tuesday, October 13, 2009 with Dr. William Booth and Rev. Matthew Ricks officiating. Interment followed in Mt. View Cemetery with Masonic Rites. The family received friends 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 P.M. at Oakey’s Vinton Chapel. Donations may be made to Good Samaritan Hospice 2408 Electric Rd., Roanoke, VA 24018. Arrangements by Oakey’s Vinton Chapel (540) 982-2221.

BETTY JANE UNDERWOOD JONES, 72, of Roanoke died Monday, October 12, 2009.

Betty was born in Pea Patch, Virginia, a daughter of the late James and Rosetta Keen. She was retired from Precision Fabrics after many years of service.

She was also preceded in death by three sisters, Gracie Boggs, Bessie Mullins, and Edna Horn; and one brother, Robert Keen.

Surviving are four children, Glen Underwood and wife, Betty Ann, Jackie Wayne Underwood and wife, Peggy, Linda Hatcher and husband, Christopher, and Leona McComas and husband, Robert; seven grandchildren, Joni, Robert, Missy, Chris, Sonya, James and Robert; greatgranddaughter, Patience; sisters, Mary Adams, Gladys Church, and Carmia Horn; brothers, James Jarvey Keen, Harvey Keen, Creed Keen, and Robert “Bobby” Carter Keen, Jr.; and several nieces and nephews. A special thanks to Bea for all her help.

The family received friends Tuesday, October 13, 2009 from 6-8 p.m. at Oakey’s Vinton Chapel, 982-2221.

NANCY JANE TASKER, 48, of Roanoke went to be with the Lord on October 13, 2009.

She is survived by her husband of 30 years, Rocky Tasker; five children; 16 grandchildren; four brothers; and two sisters.

Funeral services were held Saturday, October 17, 2009 at 2 p.m. at Oakey’s Vinton Chapel with Pastor James Hampton officiating. Burial followed at Old Tombstone Cemetery.

The family received friends from 5-9 p.m. on Friday at Oakey’s Vinton Chapel, 982-2221.

BOBBY RAY LANCASTER, 67, of Vinton died Tuesday, October 13, 2009. He was retired from the U.S. Navy with 22 years of service and also worked at the VA Hospital in Medical Records. He later retired after working with the U.S. Postal Service. Most recently he worked at Advance Auto as a parts deliverer.

He was a longtime member of Belmont Baptist Church and also a member of the Roanoke Valley Antique Auto Club.

Surviving are his wife, Delores Corvin Lancaster; four children, Kim L. Morris and husband, Charles, Kip M. Lancaster and wife, Laura, Kendra L. Larew and husband, Lewis, and Kirk M. Lancaster and wife, Angela; 10 grandchildren, Curtis, Meghan, Courtney, Kyle, Kyndal, Taylor, Ryan, Emily, Carrington, and Elizabeth; two sisters, Brenda Ricker and Betty Borden; two special cousins, Liddy Bell and Ruth ; also many other loving relatives and friends.

Funeral services were conducted 2 p.m. Friday, October 16, 2009 at Oakey’s Vinton Chapel with Pastor Mike Lauridsen officiating. Burial with military honors followed in Mountain View Cemetery.

The family received friends Thursday, October 15, 2009 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Oakey’s Vinton Chapel, 982-2221.

RONALD LEE MAYFIELD, SR., 84, of Vinton went to be with his Lord on Sunday morning, October 11, 2009.

Ronald was a life member of Belmont Baptist Church where he faithfully served many positions. He retired from Norfolk-Southern Railway as chief clerk in the Motive Power Department with 43 years service.

Ronald was preceded in death by his parents, Amos and Josie Mayfield; his son, Ronald (Ronnie) Lee Mayfield, Jr.; his brothers, Shirley and Ralph Mayfield; and his sister, Alene Hough.

Surviving is his devoted and loving wife of 63 years, Elsie Campbell Mayfield; his daughter, Sherry Griffith and husband, Barry, of Wirtz; grandson, David Griffith and wife, Laura, of Glen Allen; and great-grandchildren, Jacob and Ryan; granddaughter, Christie Cordiano and husband, John, of Secaucus, NJ; son, David Mayfield and wife, Cindy, of Knoxville, TN; grandson, Jason Mayfield and wife, Jennifer of Knoxville, TN; and great grandchildren, Sidney, Carter, and Audrey; grandson, Jonathan Mayfield and wife, Kelley of Knoxville, TN; and great-grandchild, Evan; grandson, Dr. Robert Mayfield of Richmond; sister, Etta Lane and husband, John of Roanoke; mother-inlaw, Mattie Campbell of Vinton; Myrna Barnes (Ronnie’s widow) and husband, Shannon of Roanoke; and many other special family members and friends.

A funeral service celebrating his life was conducted 2 p.m. on Wednesday, October 14, 2009 at Belmont Baptist Church with the Rev. John Fox and the Rev. David Burgess officiating. Interment followed in Mountain View Cemetery, Vinton.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Belmont Baptist Church Food Pantry, 805 Stewart Ave., SE, Roanoke, VA 24013 in his memory.

The family received friends last Tuesday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Oakey’s Vinton Chapel, 982-2221.

BONNIE J. WITT, 54, on Roanoke, Va., died Saturday, October 17, 2009. She is survived by her husband, Billy Witt; her two children Johnny Mullins, Tommy Mullins and wife, Laurie; two grandchildren, Leslie Mullins and Natalie Mullins; two sisters, Shirley Eversole, Linda Caldwell and husband, Billy; also several nieces and nephews and many friends. The family wishes to express a special thanks to Carilion Hospice. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be to Carilion Hospice. A graveside funeral service was conducted at 10 a.m. Tuesday, October 20, 2009, in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens with Dr. Ken Scoggins officiating. The family received friends Monday, October 19, 2009, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Oakey’s Vinton Chapel, 540-982-2221.

New Roanoke County Fire Station Roanoke County will hold a dedication ceremony next week for the new North County Fire & Rescue Station # 1. Located at 150 Hershberger Road near Plantation Road, the $4.2 million dollar facility will enhance the level of fire and rescue protection available to citizens across the county.

Members of the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors, state and local officials, county staff, and guests will participate in the dedication on Thursday, October 22, 2009 at 10:00 a.m.

Operation Vet Appreciation

Who: Mary Mellott, Veteran of 37 years of the United States Marine Corp.and Army Reserve What: Completely Remodel and Upgrade her Home When: Before November 11 (Veteran’s Day) Where: 3445 Norway Ave. NW Roanoke Why: To show our appreciation for our veteran’s and their service.

What we Need: Building Materials and Volunteers from businesses and individuals Please Contact William Whitworth at 540-521-5694 or williamcwhitworth@gmail. com for more info. Sponsors so far include Miller Roofing, Roanoke Valley Homes, Dullman Construction Co., Boy Scout Troop 202, Floyd Varney Appraisal, Floor Designs, PowMarcom Advertising, ABC Supply, Habitat for Humanity, Rico’s Pizza, A.C.S., The Home Depot and Molly Maids

Book Barn

The Bonsack/Blue Ridge Ruritan Club presented Herman L. Horn Elementary School with a Book Barn built by its members on Tuesday, Oct. 6 at their monthly meeting.

The Book Barn was filled with Usborne books donated by the Roanoke County Farm Bureau.

This joint project completed by the Ruritans and Farm Bureau is a welcomed addition to the school and will be enjoyed by students, staff and parents for many years to come.

Business Expo

What: Small Business Expo & light lunch When & How: October 28, Wednesday, 10:30am – 1:00pm; FREE Where: Holiday Inn, Tanglewood Why: Join us for a special Small Business Expo hosted by the Blue Ridge Business Alliance for the busy business executive. It provides you the ability to talk with representatives of 25 different companies that serve you both as a business owner and as an individual

East End Baptist Church ‘Trunk or Treat’

East End Baptist Church is having their Annual “Trunk or Treat” and Fall Festival on Halloween night from 5pm to 8pm. Along with the “trunk or treat” there will be hayrides, games and a firepit for roasting marshmallows.

East End Baptist Church is located on 1030 Mecca St. N.E. Roanoke, Va. 24012 (Behind Jersey Lilys Restaurant on Orange Ave.)

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Grace Family Church holding “Tailgate ‘09” >Event next Friday will take place before the Byrd/Staunton River Blue Ridge District game Chris Manning Publisher Prior to the October 30th William Byrd home football game against Staunton River, Grace Family Church’s youth group FUSION, led by youth Pastor Brian Adleman, will be holding what they’re calling “Tailgate ’09.” “We’ll have normal tailgate food like hamburgers, hotdogs and more” says Adleman. This idea came about by the youth group, the majority of who are Byrd students, looking for a way to give back to the school and community.

“All the money we raise will go directly to WBHS” Adleman adds.

The group will be set up near the front gate, close to the middle school and they’ll be easy to spot, Adleman hopes by the big crowd ready to chow down. “We’re hoping it goes well, we’d like to do this every year.

It’s good for the kids and we hope it will be

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good for the school and the community.”

There should be a big crowd at the game, considering its senior night the last home game of the season. The other big drawing point the tailgate is the fact that FUSION and GFC are giving away an IPod Touch to a lucky winner drawn from those who register. “We’re hoping that attracts some of the students” Adleman admits.

Adleman has been GFC’s youth Pastor since 2005 and along with his wife Angela, they established FUSION and have continued to try to help the youth be a part of the church’s overall mission of “being a part of the community and the Vinton family.”

“Tailgate ‘09” begins at 5pm and they will keep serving all the way until kickoff.

For more information, please contact Grace Family Church at 857-9750 or info@graceinthevalley.com.

-On the web at www.graceinthevalley. com

Mail Bag Day...

Dale Russell, MBA wheresmymoney@vintonvoice.com Hey everyone…remember last week? I didn’t have a chance to get into the mail bag so this week we will dig deep into the bag and pull out some gems.

Dale, I just got an e-mail from the IRS saying that they have my refund. All I have to do is verify some information. Does that sound right? How could I have forgotten a refund?

James-Bonsack James, First thing first. The IRS never, that would be NEVER, will contact a taxpayer via e-mail. Further, the will never ask you to verify information such as your social security number, account number, or any other personal information via e-mail. So the short answer to your question, James, is to delete the e-mail and certainly DO NOT reply with any information.

Go to the IRS website and read the article they have posted about these types of things. The IRS website is www.

IRS.GOV , make sure you use GOV and not COM… Dale, I just got a notice from the IRS in the mail…what do I do?

Jay-Vinton

I know, I know…Nothing gets your attention quite like pulling a letter from the IRS from your mailbox. However, there are just a few things to remember about these letters. First of all, they are written to elicit a response. Too many times, folks have gotten these letters and not responded, especially on really important matters. So, the IRS has worded these letters to invoke emotion.

Second, these letters are a serious matter and need to be attended to. Finally, The IRS many times only gets one side of the story, so they are contacting you for information…

So, having said all of that, your first step is to take a deep breath and READ the letter. Look at what they are asking for.

Read the entire letter and understand what the IRS wants. Sometimes it’s just an informational letter telling you about a change to your return and why the change was made. Sometimes, the IRS is looking for additional information.

Whatever the case, attend to it by the date that they give. If you can’t do it by that date, call them and let them know that you are working on their request and that you can’t pull it together by then. They will be more willing to work with you if they know you aren’t ignoring them.

review how much you have allocated to each category. Start with the BASICS. Home/Shelter[mortgage, insurance, maintenance, Utilities] Food[including eating out], Transportation[auto loan, insurance, fuel, maintenance], Clothing.

Home and transportation are fairly simple because they are more than not FIXED because the payments are the same each month. Food and clothing are a little more interesting. Over fund your budget for food because you have to eat and you should eat out once in a while especially if you have kids.

After you have given an HONEST look at the budget, then answer the question.

Do I have an Income issue or do I have an Expense problem? If it’s an Income problem, then you might consider working a part time job for a while until you can build your reserve and get on top of you expenses. If it’s an Expense problem, then begin cutting. But be careful don’t cut things that could easily cost you more like cell phone bills…

Thanks again everyone for reading the VOICE and for these great questions. I really enjoy reading your questions and comments.

Keep them coming.

Wheresmymoney@ vintonvoice.com

Dale, I did my budget like you said and I failed miserably. How do I right this ship?

Jason-Vinton Alright Jason, remember when we talked about the budget NOT working?

We knew going into the process that it might be rough going, so don’t give up. It’s time to really look at why it’s not working. Take some time to really

VOICE 07

for a publishing house. I have some friends from my sorority who have graduated and are working in the publishing industry, and after talking with them and learning about their jobs, I’ve become really interested in this field. Plus, I love to read, and I think a job that pays me to read is right up my alley. I’m excited at the opportunity to work with authors and being a part of the production of a book. Working in the editorial department of publishing would allow me to apply my writing and critical reading skills that I have learned and perfected through my journalism experiences to my career.

Introducing Samantha Hoback What is your background in journalism?

When I was little, I wrote a lot of stories for writing competitions.

I’ve always been interested in writing, and when I got to high school, I joined the yearbook staff. During my senior year, I was a co-editor, and I got really interested in the production side of journalism. At Wake Forest, I am a staff writer, columnist, and production assistant for the Old Gold & Black, the campus newspaper. I started writing during the fall of my freshman year, and I’ve had the opportunity to meet a lot of campus leaders, students, and members of the community during interviews and other events about which I write. I work mostly for the Life and News sections, writing book reviews and feature news articles.

My column is a monthly health column that I write with help from the campus nutritionist. This year, I started writing for The Student, the online student magazine, and the English department newsletter. I developed a passion for writing over the last two years, and I am planning on pursuing a Journalism minor.

What are your plans once you graduate from Wake Forest?

Over the next couple of summers, I am hoping to work as an intern

What attracted you to the Voice?

I’m always looking for more writing opportunities. My mom mentioned the new publication, and I was excited to start writing for something in my community. Writing for the Voice has kept me connected to Vinton while I’m away at school. I love that I can share my love for writing with my friends, neighbors, and family.

How has your hometown shaped who you are?

Growing up in Vinton has instilled in me a lot of small-town values that I use while I’m away at school. While I was by no means sheltered in high school, I was not completely prepared for some of the things that I experienced during my freshman year. A lot of things change; there is a lot of pressure; I have a lot more freedom. I may be in college in a new city, but I’m still me, I still value the same things, and I think my time in Vinton has been a big part of that.

samantha

Favorite Book(s)? anything by Nicholas Sparks or Emily Giffin

HOBACK

inONEminute

What do you do in your spare time?

Read a lot

Single or Married?

Single Favorite Movie(s)? The Notebook and any Disney movie

Your soundtrack song (the song that best describes you)? Unwritten by Natasha Bedingfield

Learn more about Chris Manning in next week’s ninth edition of Voices of the Voice

“Ed” Maxey Elbert A. Meeks Vinton Historical Society

08 VOICE

This is the story about “Ed” Maxey - One night at a Lion’s Club Meeting, I asked Ed, “I know you were in the army and I know you almost walked across Europe.”

So I just ask a very simple question: how long did you go without a bath?

He said, “well over a month. If we came to a creek, we would wash our hands, face and really wash our helmet. Sometimes, we would just sit

down in the water to see how it felt.”

I said, “Ed, I have seen you several times at Xmas up at the Mt. View Cemetery, especially if it was covered with a little snow. The small Xmas trees with small gift-wrapped packagessmall American flags everywhere.”

Ed stood for a few seconds and then he said “it was December and it was so cold! We came into this village but the men had already come through. Several dead German soldiers lay on the ground. I was so cold that I felt like just laying down beside this dead soldier and just go to sleep. Then he went over and looked at the soldier and sat down on him and ate his lunch.”

Then Ed said, “this day reminds me of that day.” We just stood and stood there and looked at nothing as we walked away from each other.

I am glad Ed told me this story, so now I share it with you. It is hard to recall the long ago war events.

(This is a true story that is an excerpt from a book “Experiences During the War - World War II” by Elbert A. Meeks that is available at the Vinton Museum and all proceeds from the sale of the book go to museum.)

Roland E. Cook Alternative Students will now attend HopeTree Family Services

By Ashlee Manning

Spiced Pumpkin Cake 1 pkg. Duncan Hines yellow cake mix 1 -16 oz. can pumpkin 1 /2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar 1 /4 cup water

3 eggs 4 teaspoon grated orange peel 2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice 1 cup chopped nuts

It appears as if the students who attended Roland E. Cook as an alternative school last school year will be calling HopeTree Academy in Salem home. “We (Roanoke County Schools) will be paying a daily rate to HopeTree Academy” says Vinton School Board Representative Mike Stovall, “and by doing so we will be saving the taxpayers nearly four-hundred thousand dollars.”

This is presumably a happy ending for the alternative students as the Roanoke County School Board voted to close Roland E. Cook back in August and move the eight students to Cave Spring, in Roanoke County. The Cave Spring community was not happy about this decision and ultimately it was changed as the students will now be attending HopeTree.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease & flour bundt pan.

In a large bowl, mix pumpkin, brown sugar, water and eggs.

Add cake mix, orange peel and pumpkin pie spice. Mix at low speed until blended, then beat at medium speed for 5 minutes.

Stir in nuts. Pour into prepared pan. Bake 30-40 minutes.

FROSTING

1- 3 oz. cream cheese (softened) 1 /3 cup butter (softened)

4 cups confectioners sugar

1 /2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 - 2 tablespoon milk

Cream the cream cheese and butter until well blended. Gradually add Confectioners sugar until well combined. Stir in vanilla and nutmeg. Gradually add milk, beating at medium speed after each addition until it is of spreading consistency.

Submitted by Margaret Robinson

Happy Birthday Mommy! You are the best mommy in the world!

Love, Payden

Happy 32nd birthday Ashlee!

You just keep getting better!

Love Chris VOICE 09

School Board choice on November 3 a tough one

Gene Marrano gmarrano@cox.net Conventional wisdom says any time two strong candidates are trying to unseat an incumbent they may split the vote, leaving the entrenched person in place. In a School Board election, who knows? Any change in the Vinton District may also depend on which candidate can bring their supporters to the polling place.

Take the Roanoke County School Board election that pits long time incumbent Mike Stovall against Jason Peters, a financial specialist at a bank, and Russell Wise, a retired power company employee. All seemed to be qualified at a recent candidates forum. That just makes the decision tougher.

One thing seems certain: all three acknowledged tough times ahead and perhaps more difficult decisions on layoffs and project delays, if predictions on even tighter budgets come to pass. Falling revenues at the state level (as predicted by Gov. Tim Kaine) and locally could spell trouble for those in Roanoke County Schools that are trying to balance the 20102011 budget.

“Prepare for the worst,” advised School Superintendent Dr. Lorraine Lange, who early on cut her teaching and administrative teeth in Vinton schools.

Responding to questions, Peters said the school district needs to be as “efficient as possible,” perhaps looking at transportation costs and the delay of school construction projects, while Wise was “surprised,” that teachers were let go before construction was approved. Stovall said moving staff from one school to another might create more efficiencies.

He also said that NO full time teacher was laid

10 VOICE

off last year. “[That’s] a last resort,” he noted.

Closing schools to address budget concerns in Roanoke County is “on the bottom of the agenda,” said Wise, who wants to look at administrative overhead first. Peters also called teacher layoffs a last resort, while Stovall as the incumbent took time to defend the decision to close Central Middle School, an alternative vocational program in Vinton. The students there, now split between William Byrd and Northside, are “still getting the same instruction,” said Stovall.

Wise and Peters said they would have little problem with idling the take-home laptop computer program to save money, while Stovall wanted to make sure those high school students without a computer otherwise at home would have access to one. On the hot-button issue of redrawing school attendance zone lines, all three seemed to be in agreement: just make sure parents are in on the process and have a voice in the final decision.

Peters said he’d like to see the school year begin after Labor Day, as did Wise, but Stovall contended the snow day waiver that now allows Roanoke County to begin classes in late August instead “seems to be working for us.”

On the question of adding time to the school day and additional days to the school year, as suggested by President Barack Obama recently, Stovall put responsibility back “in the laps of the teachers,” for turning out prepared students. Wise wants to attract educators with

LEFT to RIGHT: Russell Wise, Mike Stovall (inset) and Jason Peters.

certain skills (math, science, etc.) and Peters - who has seven children - wants parents to get more involved. He is opposed to longer school days as well.

The controversial decision to close Roland E. Cook School in Vinton, moving students there to Cave Spring High School, was defended

by Stovall as the incumbent. (The program for troubled students is now on hold and may be handled by a private vendor.)

Stovall said it “wasn’t a quick decision,” as some have charged, calling Cook students “demonized… and humiliated,” in the process.

Peters said the real issue was that south county residents “were not informed,” before the School Board vote that sent the program to Cave Spring, while Wise charged that Vintonites resent Cave Spring “for not taking the kids.”

All three support efforts by the school district to go green, and the trio thought Roanoke County was on the right track with career and technical education, especially where the Arnold R. Burton school was concerned. “Its okay,” to consider a technical education and not four years of college said Stovall. There are “lots of good jobs out there,” for electricians, plumbers and the like added Wise.

There also seems to be “lots” of decent choices when electing a Roanoke County school board member from the Vinton District on November 3. Make sure you vote.

‘Hurting, but Happy’

Remembering the life of Shalynda Toney Dan Vance Editor-in-Chief Stunned, sad, confused.

There are ordinary feelings when someone passes away. When 21-year-old Vinton native Shalynda Toney died unexpectedly last Sunday in Italy, her father felt just the same.

But as he continues to grieve, Frank Toney also wants people to think differently and remember the amazing things about his daughter.

“We’re hurting, but we are happy. Because we know that she’s in a better place and resting with her heavenly father,” Frank says. “We knew she was special, but it’s been through this that we’ve realized how many lives she actually touched and changed in a positive way.”

Shalynda was in the midst of a semester studying abroad, away from Hollins University, where she was set to graduate next year with a double major in business and music. She died after sustaining injuries after being struck by a motorcycle on the streets of Rome three days prior to her passing.

One of the people Shalynda made an impression on is William Byrd Virginia and US Government teacher Keisha Harrington, who taught Shalynda before he graduation from Byrd in 2006.

“Her generous spirit and her smile will be deeply missed,” Harrington noted, while also sharing a letter of recommendation for a scholarship that she wrote for Shalynda during her senior year.

“Shalynda’s maturity and determination will benefit her tremendously as she journeys forward into her future,” Harrington wrote in that letter. “While voyaging into the future, her peers would agree that she will be committed to helping others become better individuals along the way. Shalynda Toney is mindful of the needs of others and is willing to give her time to provide assistance to others in her learning community.”

According to her father, Shalynda was very special and driven from the youngest of ages.

She barely spent any time in kindergarten before being accelerated into the first grade, and always participated in a variety of activities from sport to academic related ventures.

“We were laughing the other day, she was five or six years old and on the church basketball team and she wasn’t even two-feet tall, but she was the scrappiest thing on the court,” Frank says, with a fond smile sneaking through the humbleness on his face.

Frank will even admit that because there are so many things that Shalynda participated in, that he didn’t even know about or had forgotten about. After Hurricane Katrina, she helped with Habitat for Humanity, was a Virginia state licensed cosmetologist and was

Main Photo by Kellie Kunerth of the Hollins Columns, inset photos provided by Toney Family

ABOVE: Krista Meek, Hollins University class of 2013, signs a memory poster at the school for Shalynda. The campus also held a candlelight vigil last week. close to receiving certification as a midwife. She was also very active in many aspects her church and in helping teach her younger brother.

“She was an outstanding young lady. A positive role model and a great student. She will be missed by our school and our community,” Byrd Principal, Dr. Richard Turner said late last week.

Shalynda’s visit to Rome was just another chapter in her adventurous life. It was something, according to her father, that she had her mind set on doing for many years. She could have graduated in three years from Hollins last spring, but pushed back some courses in order to be able to study abroad this fall.

“Jan [Rev. Jan Fuller, Hollins chaplain] told me that Shalynda was having ‘the time of her life’ in Rome, so we can take some solace in knowing her final days before this tragedy were joyful,” says Nancy Gray, Hollins’ President.

Hollins has set up two funds in memory of Shalynda, where donations can be given at www. hollins.edu/giveonline. Under “My gift is for,” select “Other” and type in either “Emergency Fund for Shalynda” or “Scholarship Fund for Shalynda.” Hollins will hold a memorial on campus October 21. Frank Toney also says that the hospital that treated Shalynda in Rome between the accident and her death will have some sort of a re-dedication in her honor.

“To those who knew her and those who didn’t have the pleasure to know her, the greatest thing about Shalynda is...we named her Shalynda and at that time, we did not know what the name meant,” Frank says. “Maybe ten years later, we did name search on all of our children, and Shalynda’s name meant ‘beautiful gift from God.’ And for anyone who didn’t know her and those who did, I would sum up her life as simply that: a beautiful gift from God.”

VOICE 11

Parker helps Firehouse become local success story Anita Firebaugh Contributor If a business is only as good as its people, then Firehouse Skate ‘N Play surely is a local success story.

Miss Ange, as the youngsters call manager Angela Parker, works hard to make sure that Vinton youth have a good time and are safe doing it.

“My kids are grown and I love children,” the 56-year-old said. “Both of my jobs are working with the kids.” She also drives a school bus.

She’s trusted and loved by kids and parents alike.

The family oriented facility, which offers Christian skate nights, all-night skates and other lures, acts as a babysitter of sorts for folks who know that Miss Ange will keep an eye on the little ones while the parents spend a few hours at more adult venues.

For example, October 30 is an all-night skate, complete with a costume contest, and Parker fully expects many parents to drop off their youngsters and head to parties. “I try to take a lot of person care with the kids,” Parker explained. “The parents call and ask for me to check on their kids. It’s almost like I’ve become their grandma.”

Firehouse Skate N’ Play which opened in February 2006, is decorated in fire station decor.

This is because owner Brian Horne is a fourth generation firefighter and his wife, Amy, is an emergency services technician, Parker said. The Hornes live in Christiansburg, where Brian has a family job, and leave the day-to-day operations of

12 VOICE

Above Photo by Dan Vance, others submitted by Angela Parker

ABOVE: In the September 9 issue of the Voice, Firehouse Skate ‘N Play was voted by readers as one of the ‘9 Favorite Things in Vinton.’

TOP: Angela Parker, the rink’s manager, takes money for entrance from a child. the facility to Parker, she said.

She oversees 12 employees who staff the facility and ensure that the young folks are having a good time. The skating rink rents skates and offers a 1,500 square feet play area for small folks under the height of 4’ 6”. “It’s the only place you can go to that you wish you were shorter,” Parker said with a laugh.

The super-sized structure–the rink offers up 13,600 square feet of maple hardwood floors–can accommodate 1,015 people and is often rented out for private parties, including weddings, birthdays, retirements, class reunions and other events. The building is available for just $250 per two hours, according to the website.

“A lot of people don’t realize it’s not just for skating,” Parker said. “People can rent the entire rink for just about whatever they want.”

A snack bar serves up all meals and refreshments, aside from cakes, at all events, even private ones. Folks can chow down on hamburgers and hot dogs, pizza, grilled cheese sandwiches and other goodies when the facility is open.

Friday nights are the busiest; generally around 300 people turn out for an evening’s skate. Young people from many nearby localities find their way to Firehouse Skate, Parker said.

Tuesday nights are Christian music skate •See ‘FIREHOUSE’ - Page 19

Vinton LL Terriers: The Perfect Regular Season Chris Manning Publisher Coach Dale Barker is proud of his Vinton LL Terriers. He should be, as the 9-10 year olds finished their regular season with a perfect 9-0 record. “This was a group of talented boys” Barker says. Talented may be a bit of an understatement as the Terriers averaged 27 points a game on offense and only gave up an average of 5 per game on defense. “Everyone who touched the ball on offense scored a touchdown this year” Barker says “it’s sometimes tough with 24 kids, but we made it work.”

As good as his players were, it was also their upbringing that made them even better “we’ve got a great group of parents here” Barker brags “when we were having practice, it almost looked like a game because so many parents were there.” Some of that, along with their success on the field, may have had to do with the continuity of the players being together for years.

“We’ve had fourteen of these kids since bitty league, so they’re used to playing together and they respond well to us.” “Us” is the coaching staff of Barker and his assistants Rodney

Spradlin and Shawn Powell. All three coaches have players on the team and Barker admits that sometimes might be a little tough on the three “they have to hear it from us on the field and then hear it on the way home and at home.”

There probably isn’t too much for the sons to hear other than praise, especially when you’re outscoring your opponents by nearly 200 points over the course of the season. This doesn’t include the points that were unaccounted for once the game got out of reach, due to the league’s “slaughter rule” that stops counting points once a team has gone up more than 24 points in the fourth quarter.

The Terriers are the top seed in their division and play their first playoff game next Tuesday on their home field, Vinyard. “It’s nice that we get to play at home for the first two games and if we make it to the Super Bowl, we’ll play at Salem Stadium.”

The magic number for the Terriers is 3, that’s the number of games it will take for them to win the Little League division Super Bowl. Although winning any championship is tough, they’ve already won nine games, plus a scrimmage…what’s three more?

“That sure would be nice” says Coach Barker.

Roster #13 Josh Barker #25 Chris Brown #99 Bryce Campbell #18 Sam Dantzler #55 Austin Fleisher #12 Devon Flick #10 Preston Flick #5 Trevor Hill #21 Travis Hodges #70 Christian Hollis #58 Luis Jerez #15 Joe Johnson #91 Luke Johnson #75 Tyler Kinsy #8 Blake Marvin #66 Ryan Moore #9 Dylan Nakhle #44 Mason Powell #20 McCain Quickel #2 Gehrig Spradlin #33 Logan Taylor #26 Grant Watson #3 Reece Watson #50 Shawn Williams Coach Dale Barker Coach Shawn Powell Coach Rodney Spradlin

RESULTS LL FC Yellow Jackets 6 LL VN Terriers 18 LL Bot. Gators 0 LL VN Terriers 22 LL VN Terriers 25 LL N. Bot. Knights 0 LL CS Red Brigade 6 LL VN Terriers 28 LL Bot. Cavaliers 7 LL VN Terriers 18 LL NR Mountaineers 6 LL VN Terriers 40 LL VN Terriers 32 LL NR Eagles 6 LL VN Terriers 42 LL FC Blue Devils 8 LL VN Terriers 19 LL N.Bot. Patriots 6

Readers, follow us on FACEBOOK go to facebook.com and search The Vinton Voice. Then follow along for breaking news, previews and exclusive photos.

VOICE 13

Photo of Brian Fuquay by Danny Cruff

Northside uses run game to stop Byrd

14 VOICE

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As has been the theme often this year for William Byrd, last Friday night’s football game was going to come down to a simple premise: whoever won the ground game was going to win the ball game.

Unfortunately for Byrd, Northside and their running back Phillip Scott had no intention of being on the losing side of either.

Scott ran for 253 yards and scored thrice in helping the Vikings open Blue Ridge District play with a 25-12 victory over the host Terriers in a cold, damp night. It was the first time in four years that the Vikings had derailed the Terriers.

Northside struck early on the boot of Sean Joyner and a 21-yard field goal, but Byrd held strong, looking to sway momentum their way at any given moment. With just over five minutes left in the half, Tyreik Talley picked off a Northside pass near the Terriers’ own 15 yard line to stop what looked to be a sure thing score for the Vikings and also potentially move momentum to Byrd’s side. That however was not to be either and Northside regained possession and literally ran back down field, culminating in a Scott touchdown from six yards out.

The Vikings added one more score, another kick from Joyner, before the half. This kick went 34 yards, with room to spare. The Terriers however did not fold, instead coming out full force in the second half when Derrick Palmer returned the opening kickoff 86 yards for his 15th score of the season.

Scott soiled that hope in return however, putting up touchdown runs of 57 and 59 yards in the final two quarters to seal the District victory. Palmer would also add another score late on the ground, but it came too late for William Byrd.

Palmer, Byrd’s hopeful counteraction for Scott, was held back on the ground with just 34 yards on 25 attempts.

As much as Byrd struggled in the slippery ground game, they also could not find consistency in the air. Palmer was 3-for-9, for 52 yards with all caught by Nick Janowicz. Levi Haymaker threw three passes, but completed none.

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Terrier football on the radio is entertainment at its finest Chris Manning Publisher Have you listened to the Terrier football games on the radio? No? Then you have no idea what you’ve been missing. Hal Mabe, Paul Gensurowsky and Tom Frazier have been entertaining Terrier fans on the airwaves for almost four years now. They’ve been called the “Three Stooges,” even their on-air introduction calls them that, for their unexpected (well, maybe some things are expected now) antics on and off the air. When you listen, you’ll get the score and you’ll know what’s going on in the game, but there’s a pretty good chance you’ll be laughing too.

Mabe, the play by play announcer, is a long-time radio man who has helped market and start radio stations all over the country.

Currently he works for Fox 21/27…well, he gets paid by Fox 21/27, but he seems to do work, typically on a volunteer basis, for nearly everything and everyone in the Valley. Hal is in his last year as President of the Vinton Area Chamber of Commerce; he is the President of the WBHS Volleyball Booster Club, a member of the Lion’s Club, among many other things.

But when you get him behind a microphone with his colleagues, it’s one laugh after another.

“We’d never pull this off if we planned it” Mabe says.

Gensurowsky comes across as the jester of the crew, so it’s no surprise he’s the color

commentator. He’s the guy who the other two (and some of the listeners) poke fun at. It’s something he’s grown quite good at and at this point a lot of it may be just for the show, right? “No” says Mabe “this is how Paul is.” But Gensurowsky is a student of the game as well, a big believer in Vince Lombardi philosophies and even though there may be a two or three minute story attached to it, Gensurowsky will talk strategy and game plan. As a man who was on several undefeated teams as a player and a coach, he does know his football.

Frazier is the guy you sometimes don’t hear until halftime. He’s the stat man. When Hal and Paul need some numbers, they look to Paul. Paul gives his speech at halftime and then goes back to his stats. Mabe and Gensurowsky have tried to get him to say more, but “he just pushes the microphone away” says Mabe, “It’s because I’m too busy laughing at these two” quips Frazier.

They were successful in getting Frazier a little more mic time in the Terriers’ most recent home game however, as Gensurowsky was on a church related event that night and Frazier slid over into the color man’s chair, while Bruce Molnar became the stat man for the night.

The trio doesn’t get paid, they’re not interested in doing this for ESPN, they are doing it to help get the program more exposure and to also give folks a chance to listen that enjoy listening to football games on the radio (yes, there are still plenty of them.) “We’ve really got a lot of people listening and they really seem to enjoy what we’re doing” explains Mabe “and

we have a great time doing it.” They’ve put a new twist in this year, as they’ve added an email address where you can ask them questions live on the air. The address is byrdfootballive@ cox.net and they will read and respond to your questions on the air.

With three games left in the season, including two away games, there is no better time to check out Vinton’s own broadcast team.

You never know, you might learn something.

-William Byrd Terrier Football can be heard live on 910 am on your radio dial or at www. foxradioroanoke.com

VOICE 15

Photos by Danny Cruff

RIGHT: Punter Seth Webb lets one loose in Friday’s loss to Northside.

ABOVE: The William Byrd Terriers do battle with the Northside Vikings in the second quarter of last Friday’s District loss.

RIGHT: Byrd JV setter Morgan Jackson bumps a ball back in play in last Thursday’s loss at Northside.

Photo by Dan Vance

LEFT and TOP LEFT: Saturday’s RecLeague Soccer action from the Vinton Strikers. Photos by Paul Griffin

Photo by Dan Vance

ABOVE: Tyreik Talley goes up to defend and knock down a pass attempt Friday night.

Talley had an interception in the game.

16 VOICE

ABOVE: The Vinton Seminoles in action on Saturday, 10/17.

Photo by Danny Cruff

Photo by Danny Cruff

Photo by Danny Cruff

BELOW RIGHT: William Byrd JV football battles Northside on Monday, 10/19 in a makeup game from last Thursday.

Photo by Dan Vance

Photo by Dan Vance

Photo by Danny Cruff

RIGHT: The Terriers spread the ball out in their loss to Northside, but managed less than 100 yards of total offense.

LEFT: Megan Molnar steps up to serve in last Thursday’s JV match with Northside.

ABOVE: Nicole Frey sets Macie Hoback at Northside last Thursday in a BRD victory for William Byrd.

Photo by Danny Cruff

LEFT & BELOW: Pictures from the Kroger Cup at Vinyard Park.

ABOVE: Action from Monday’s WBMS game at Northside, made up from last Thursday RIGHT: Edward Arrington (right) of Salem, Virginia was

the overall winner in the Roanoke Valley Senior Golf tour’s October tournament held Tuesday, October 13th at Blue Hills Golf Club. Playing in Division 3, Arrington completed his round with a net score of 63. Hugh Martin (middle) of North Roanoke picked up the 1st place in division 2 with a net 66. Division 1 1st place went to Jim Ketron (left) of Bonsack, VA with a net score of 64.

VOICE 17

Byrd topples Northside in District play With every win crucial as District play intensifies, the William Byrd volleyball team visited and downed Northside last Thursday, 3-0. It was the second sweep win this season for the Terriers over the Vikings.

This one may have been more difficult even, as the Vikings kept things close at various times throughout the match, possibly trying to take advantage of a slightly weakened Byrd team, who had been struggling with illnesses during their seven days without a match. Setter Sierra Spain, did not make the trip with the team.

“We have been lucky enough to have a few players that can swing into a couple different positions,” said Byrd coach Amanda Stump.

“Nicole Frey has stepped into a starting setter role at the Varsity level and has been working to communicate with her front line especially in the middle where set height is crucial.”

The rest of the Terriers were on point, jumping out to an early 1-0 game advantage with a 25-27 win. In game two, Byrd had a 12-6 lead before the Vikings could fight back.

Northside closed it up, pulling within two points, but a Frey kill moved it to three, as close at Northside would get. A Macie Hoback ace would help Byrd to the 25-18 win.

“The Varsity girls have become more comfortable with each other and are learning

to handle stressful situations much better than last season,” Stump noted after the match with Northside.

In the third and final game, Northside looked tough early on pulling ahead by as many as seven (8-1), before a miss hit gave Byrd momentum to pull back at 9-10 and then pull even at 12 on a Samantha Webster ace. Kalyn Molnar added an ace as well later in the game to pull ahead 23-18 and Byrd closed the match out 25-22.

“We take nothing for granted win or lose. I told the girls at Northside that just because we won in the first meeting didn’t mean we would win it again,” Stump said.

Webster again led the Terrier offense with 15 kills. She also had 12 blocks and six digs.

Hoback had seven kills, seven digs and a pair of aces while Sarah Vipperman had five kills and two blocks. On defense, Molnar tallied 22 digs, followed by Kayla Mabe and Madison Gensurowsky with five each; Gensurowsky added three kills. In Spain’s absence, Candace Brady and Frey combined for 25 assists and 19 digs.

Up next for the Terriers is a re-match this Thursday of a previous 3-0 victory over Staunton River. Next week, they will host Alleghany on Tuesday before traveling to play the same team on Thursday in a makeup match.

“Staunton River has been playing good scrappy ball so we know we need to go into that match ready to hustle,” Stump noted of that rematch.

Sport In Brief

Brady provides critical role for team

Dan Vance Editor-in-Chief

Terrier Baseball Golf Tournament Time Change

Because of the possibility of darkness there will be a time change for all who are playing in this Sunday’s Terrier baseball golf tournament at Ole Monterey: Please make sure everyone on your team knows of this time. 12:30 - bag lunch ready, 1:30 - shotgun start. No range balls are provided in this package. See you Sunday for some fun!

Pack the Gym Night

October 20 was ‘Pack the Gym’ Night for the WBHS volleyball team, who would like to thank the following companies for their support and donations for the event: Kroger Vinton, Kroger Bonsack, Cardinal-IG, Les Cheveux Salon & Spa, GNC - Vinton, Food Lion, Hayden Insurance Agency, Odyssey Imaging, State Farm - Lew Thompson, Hollins Car Care, Community Foot Care Center, Salon 121, Belcher Electric, Vinton Voice, Dill Insurance, ATT, Indulgence, Nichols Car Wash, Cindy Stump-Avon, Embroidery by Chalaine, Utz, Steger Creek, McDonald’s Vinton, Golden Corral, Corned Beef & Company.

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Tiffany Hodges Terrier Times Staff Senior Candace Brady embodies a student athlete on and off the court. She is the SCA co-president and has been the captain of the William Byrd High School Volleyball team for the past two years.

A standout on the volleyball team, Brady said her secret to success is simple. She works hard in class to make good grades and is a good team leader.

“I tried to go to all of the open gyms and at first there was no spot for my position, so I thought I would not make the team,” Brady said. “Then the spot opened and it all worked out.”

Not only does Brady have the secret to success, but she also has admirers of her success.

“Candace is a good role model, the best setter I know,” said junior Sierra Spain. “She teaches the entire team well. I will miss her next year because it will be different. I’ll be the senior and have to do what she does and I am not sure if I can do it.”

Photo by Dan Vance

ABOVE: Junior Madison Gensurowsky skies for one of her three kills Thursday in Byrd’s 3-0 at Northside.

Spain and Brady are both captains, leaders, and setters that motivate and encourage the entire terrier volleyball team.

“I always love how she motivates us,” Spain said. “She’s sweet and does not get mad when she teaches [the team] something which is nice.”

In return Brady has only positive things to say about Spain.

“Sierra Spain and I both play the same position and she is improving,” Brady said.

“She is a great leader, and she will be ready to carry the team next year.”

Brady has formed friendships throughout her previous seasons as a setter with not only her teammates, but also her coach Amanda Stump.

“She will definitely be missed when she graduates, she always has a positive attitude and a coach always looks for that in a player,” said Stump.

Brady is currently a senior and will be leaving for college next year, but leaves all of the players on the Terrier Volleyball Team with a final message.

“I have high hopes for The Terrier Volleyball Team next year,” said Brady.

The rink owners enjoy some family time at the Skate N’ Play with their children. Pictured are Brian, Amy, Rachel, Grayce, Quinn and Makenna Horne.

Chase Barnett Terrier Times Staff SAT. Those are three letters that make high school students cringe.

The Student Aptitude Test is a crucial test that can determine acceptance into a student’s college of choice.

The mounting stress culminated for many local juniors and seniors on Saturday October 10 when William Byrd High School hosted testing.

“This was my second time taking it, so it went smoother than before,” said senior Chris Beckman. “The first time was just overwhelming.”.

The SAT is basically designed to test students on all of the things they should have learned throughout their high school careers.

“It was awful and unbalanced and it was a skewed way of

determining our level of knowledge,” said another senior Aaron Lyles.

Many students will agree that it almost seems unfair to put so much weight on one test - one test that could possibly determine a lifetime decision.

Along with taking the SATs, seniors are in the process of making one of the biggest decisions of their lives, and asking themselves: Where should I go to college? Or to some, Should I go to college?

College is without doubt the start of a new lifestyle. It is the beginning of a life altering decision and every senior wants to make the best choice. It is easy to see why it is a huge stress in choosing just one when there are thousands all around our nation.

Atmosphere, academics, location, sports, and teachers are all just a few factors for teens when making the big decision on where to go. And hopefully acceptance will not be an issue, but it all unfortunately relates back to the students’ SAT scores.

•‘FIREHOUSE’ continued from Page 12 night, a bargain at $5, which includes admission and skate rental.

Other nights admission starts at $8; all night or late skate nights cost a little more.

“A lot of parents realize you cannot find a babysitter for that price,” Parker said of the $22 it costs for an all-night skate. Young people are not allowed to leave the building and return once admission has been paid. “The kids are safe,” Parker said.

Skate rental is the same price across the board and skaters can choose between inline skates, quads and speed quads skates. “We don’t charge extra for the speed,” Parker said.

Additionally the facility offers an arcade area and a two full-sized pool tables which adults frequently use while their youngsters are on the rink.

The business is active in the community and supports a number of causes, including school supply drives, Toys for Tots, and Second Harvest Food Bank. Next year the company plans to have a toiletries drive for a local nursing home.

“We just really try to help the community and encourage the community to come out and support us,” Parker said. “These kids have become my family. I really enjoy being here. I feel very blessed.”

On the ‘net: firehousesk8.com

Photos submitted by Angela Parker

ABOVE: The snack bar is a popular stop at the Firehouse Skate N’ Play.

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How to Stay Up When Everything Around You is Down Tommy FiGart Pastor, Grace Family Church I recently attended a gathering of friends and business people and was arrested in my heart by the manner in which each person greeted the other. Along with the typical pleasantries of “Hello” came the question, “How are you doing?” or “How’s business?”

With each question came a stream of responses about a down economy, business being tough or some malady or seasonal sickness. I don’t think I heard one positive response.

There is much talk today about the trying times in which we are living. News of a down economy and pending health epidemics litter the horizon of our tomorrows. No wonder people are challenged to mimic the facts presented to them by news caster, economists and political pundits when questioned about their current state of affairs.

I’d like to offer a fresh perspective about each of our futures. Although the facts around us may say times are tough, the truth of God’s

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Word says that if we’ve accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior we are blessed. I’d encourage each of us to make it common practice in our lives to speak the TRUTH about our futures instead of the facts of our current state.

There is a drastic difference in facts and truth. Facts change. With autumn upon us we can see this clearly. In the blossoming abundance of springtime the facts tell us that the leaves are green. But as autumn sets upon us we see green leaves change to an array of browns, and yellows and reds. The fact that the leaves are green changed.

Truth on the other hand does not change.

It is constant. Ps 119:160 states that all God’s Words are truth. Jesus also said that God’s words were truth. Regardless of a down economy or a pending health epidemic the promises in God’s Word do not change. They are constant and they are the truth about our future if we’ll only believe them.

Rather than speaking the doom and gloom of the news casters, economists and political pundits let’s look to God’s Word regarding our future. Jeremiah 29:11 says, “I know the plans

that I have for you, declares the LORD. They are plans for peace and not disaster, plans to give you a future filled with hope.” Our words have the potential to shape our future so let’s speak the truth of God’s Word instead of the facts of the circumstances that surround us.

If we do this consistently, we’ll see ourselves remain upbeat and positive even when everything around us is down. This will motivate us to be bold and progressive about our futures. It will encourage us to press forward with courage and expectancy of good things.

And we’ll see the facts of our present reality change to reflect the truth of the promises of God! If you’d like to discover the positive promises of God regarding your future or if you would like to learn more about Grace Family Church please visit us at www.graceinthevalley. com. Grace Family Church invites you to ”Experience God’s Life Improving Love” in our weekly services. Grace Family Church is located at 2021 Hardy Road in Vinton with service times at 10:30am on Sundays and 7:00pm on Wednesdays.

Where can you get Everybody reads the Voice YOUR Vinton Voice?

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

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

The Fall Festival committee recap meeting included a chance to check out issue eight of the Voice, with the Mayberry Deputy on the cover.

VOICE 21

Danae Wensley Town of Vinton Looking for a good book or that new release movie? Want to brush up on your computer skills or learn some new ones? In search of family-friendly activities? Then the Vinton Branch Library is for you!

The Vinton Branch Library, located at 800 E. Washington Ave., is 1 of 6 public libraries in Roanoke County. It houses an extensive main collection of reading material for adults, as well as a large selection of children’s materials and a nice DVD collection featuring many new releases.

When asked to estimate the size of the collection, Branch Manager Jamie Channell just laughed and said she had no idea, because she receives new titles everyday.

However, she could say that the library enjoyed more than twenty-two thousand customers during the month of August,

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in the process c h e c k i n g out seventeen t h o u s a n d materials.

Books aside, the Vinton Branch Library is also home to many familyfriendly community events each week, including children’s story hours, computer classes, movie nights, teen council meetings and book clubs for all ages.

“It really is a community library,” Channell said, “people come here just to hang out, check e-mail, work on a group project or look through our DVD collection.”

Channell has worked at the library for two years. Other staff includes three fulltime employees, two part-time and four pages. She also has six volunteers and is looking for more.

Library hours are Monday-Thursday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday-Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is closed on Sundays. The busiest time is between 4 and 5 p.m. on weekdays, when most of the teen and adult events take place.

The Vinton Branch Library is 1 of 3 county branches to offer computer classes. The weekly classes cost $10 each and are open to anyone 12 and up.

Topics range from basics like mouse and keyboard skills to fun things like Facebook and blogging.

November offerings will be Microsoft Excel and Internet Searching.

The library also hosts monthly book clubs for both teens and adults. The adult book club takes place on the first Thursday of each month at 2:30 p.m.

In November the teen group will experiment with a “Read What You Want”

C l u b , meaning the participants can read any title they choose.

This event will take place on Monday, November 2 at 4 p.m.

Other library events for teens include a monthly Teen Council meeting, in which participants can pick new titles, suggest and help with special events and decide on book club selections. The next Teen Council will take place on November 9 at 4 p.m. Those participating receive volunteer hours.

For its youngest patrons, the library offers weekly story times on Monday from 11-12 a.m. for 3-5 year olds and Tuesday from 10-11 a.m. for 2 year olds and 11-12 a.m. for 3-5 year olds. A new session is scheduled to begin on Monday, November 2.

Another fun event for families with young children is “Midweek Movie Madness,” where children and parents alike can enjoy popcorn and a familyfriendly movie free of charge. This month’s film, Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure, will be shown on Wednesday, October 28 at 4 p.m.

And who could forget about the preschool Halloween Party? This year’s party will take place on Monday, October 26 at 10:30 a.m.

For more information about these and other future events at the Vinton Branch Library, or to volunteer at the library, please call (540) 857-5043 or visit our website at www.yourlibrary.us.

Libraries are for everyone. A library card gives you access to all of the resources of all the public libraries.

PHOTOS

Photos by Chris Manning (top right and bottom) and Danny Cruff (above and right)

ABOVE: The WBHS Marching Band tries to stay dry during their 10/16 halftime performance.

RIGHT: The WBHS cheerleaders entertain during Friday’s game.

BELOW: Bootie Bell Chewning, visits Dr. Neil Jessup’s office for an eye exam last Tuesday, October 13 . Don’t worry, the red glasses aren’t going anywhere!

On September 29, 2009 Don and Carolyn Williams were invited to the Roanoke Valley Leadership Council of the American Cancer Society to accept awards given to Vinton’s Relay for Life 2009.

The following award recipients are members of our community that go above and beyond in their roles as volunteers. Without their help, the American Cancer Society could not do the work that they do.

Carolyn & Don Williams—Relay For Life of Vinton Carolyn and Don Williams were instrumental in starting the Vinton Relay For Life in 2008. Under their leadership, this brand new event has grown nearly 50% in one year and exceeded its 2009 goal by more than $20,000. Vinton’s Team Recruitment Committee recruited 22 new teams for this year’s event and they ended the year with the 4th highest per capita giving in Region 9 (the entire western part of the State of Virginia), at $8.07 This next group of recipients represents the future of the American Cancer Society through their enthusiasm and potential to do great things. The two recipients in this category demonstrate what it means to work as a team with those in their community and their peers to achieve a common goal.

William Byrd High School In the two years of the Vinton Relay For Life, the event has been made possible by the support of William Byrd High School. Providing a venue, teams, fundraising and leadership, William Byrd High School has made significant contributions to the Vinton Relay. In 2009, William Byrd High School’s 9 teams raised more than $9,000, and their student volunteers have served as an inspiration to the Vinton Relay committee and all who participate in the event.

Northside High School In 2009, Northside High School had 5 participating teams that raised more than $9,000. The friendly fundraising competition that ensues between William Byrd High School and Northside High School contributed to one-third of all money raised by the event, and the Vinton Relay would not be as successful without the support and enthusiasm from the Northside High School students, faculty and staff.

Award of Excellence for Collaboration 2009 The Town of Vinton has supported Vinton’s Relay for Life by providing whatever help was necessary for the event.

Not only did they provide tents but also provided help in setup and breakdown at the site. The Town allowed for “Paint the Town Purple’ - where purple ribbons decorated the entire town for two weeks prior to Relay and one week following.

Mayor Brad Gross was a speaker at the Opening Ceremony in 2009 and many other employees worked tirelessly in providing teams, fundraising and inspiration for Relay.

Relay’s motto is Celebrate, Remember and Fight Back.

Well Vinton you did just that and you should be very proud.

Let’s Do It Again in 2010 - which is Vinton’s Relay for Life motto for next year.

VOICE 23

Foundation for a better today and tomorrow >Local non-profit aims to improve quality of life for others Dan Vance Editor-in-Chief The Roanoke Valley is home to over 650 non-profit organizations. One of those, making home here in Vinton, is the Advancement Foundation, a group focused on community improvement and trying to, long term, help communities get better.

“When I moved to this area, I did some consulting for the diocese of Richmond and Roanoke Catholic Schools and I was doing that, I came across all these health and human non-profits that were doing great things in the valley, but they didn’t necessarily have the funds from year-to-year to continue, they were always worried they were going to close their doors,” said Annette Patterson, President of the Advancement Foundation.

From finding these situations, Patterson started TAF in order to facilitate some processes that escape those who run nonprofit organizations. As 2009 nears a close, the Foundation now has over 30 Advancement professionals who volunteer their time.

“A lot of organizations, they love what they do and they are passionate about what they do, but they operate from their heart and not necessarily from a business perspective,” said Patterson.

TAF also wants to see these organizations form somewhat of a fraternal bond so that they are able to work together in the future on any collaborations that will benefit more than just one non-profit in the area.

More recently, TAF has begun a direct services program. In the beginning of this process, they surveyed around 300 people through Manna Ministries to find out what would be helpful for them to grow and improve their lives. 22 people were accepted into the program, each at different levels in their lives.

“As I was working with some of the nonprofits, you see how they provide services that really help to sustain people’s lives,” Patterson said. “And I kept feeling like what can we do to not only help, but what can we do to take them to the next level.”

That program, LEAP (Lift, Educate, Advocate & Proclaim), has given participants the opportunity to create, market and sell craft products to help them gain some confidence and also experience in different job markets that may be valuable when their time in the program comes to an end.

“Some individuals- the working poor, the underprivileged sometimes they get a cycle themselves of poverty and hopelessness so we

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Photos Courtesy of The Advancement Foundation

have a program where they create a personal life plan and then we advocate for them to execute that life plan,” Patterson noted.

TAF also likes to make the program multigenerational so that the children of those involved in the program can see their parents grow in the different areas.

Soon, TAF will begin another project, a cohort group for which they are seeking six non-profits who are doing good things in the community but need help to position themselves better and can benefit from alignment with other organizations who are in the same need.

“I think the idea of developing community resources that are already there and just connecting the dots between all of those resources is really our role,” Patterson said.

“Pulling all the pieces together for people.”

At the beginning of the month, the Foundation was honored for their work as a nominee at the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce Small Business Awards. Nominated in the ‘Not-for-Profit, Health & Human Services’ category, the group did not win but were happy to receive that recognition for their work.

“It was a great evening for us, it was a privilege to be there; to be involved in that level of a program is really nice,” Patterson said.

The Foundation however is always looking to grow through work with non-profits across The Valley. Patterson also says that they are always looking for more help as a primarily volunteer driven group.

To find out more about TAF, including how you can help, visit them on the web at www.

TheAdvancementFoundation.com.