Equity Loan - The South Roanoke Circle

centered
on
community.
family.
you.
may 2013
Good Food-Good People: Great New Spot!
By Adam Markham
With the burgeoning foodie movement, foodstuffs are getting GFGP aimed for a goal of 20 participants in the shares program
fresher than ever before (or at least since the time when we all grew to make it worth their while. As of this writing they are already
what we ate) and the organization Good Food-Good People (GFGP) up to 53. According to Christy Pugh, Farmshares Coordinator for
is at the forefront of that trend. A Community Supported Agriculture GFGP, people “want control” of their food choices and this plays
(CSA) program, GFGP was founded fifteen years ago by wife and right into the hand of Carilion’s bigger picture: the wellness of not
husband team Tenley Weaver and Dennis Dodd. Weaver says they only their patients but that of their employees and our community as
were “blessed to catch a wave.” Indeed, the timing of their venture a whole. “We are really excited to have it in Southwest Roanoke,”
could not have been
says Weaver.
more perfect.
The
farmer’s
Weaver and Dodd
market
table
at
were running their own
Roanoke
Memorial
small farm and were
will feature fresh fruits
looking for a more
and vegetables, herbs,
efficient way to move
meats, eggs, cheese,
product
to
market.
and many value-added
Joining
forces
with
foods all locally sourced
other farmers was just
and either organically or
the ticket. Today, GFGP
biologically produced.
has evolved into what
“Biologically-produced”
Weaver describes as
foods are those that are
more of a farmer’s
largely produced using
“collaborative”
than
organic practices but are
a cooperative. She
not certified, therefore
and her staff collect
the organic label may
The
family
who
started
it
all
(left
to
right):
Tenley’s
daughter,
SummerRain
Ursomarso,
vegetables,
fruits,
not be used. In May for
Dennis Dove, and Tenley Weaver at Full Circle Farm in Floyd, VA.
meats, cheeses, honey,
example, you might find
Photo courtesy of Good Food-Good People
molasses, and other
bok choy, cucumbers,
products from around 30 separate agricultural operations within kale, radishes, spinach, hydroponic tomatoes, arugula, cilantro,
a 100-mile radius. They then distribute them through wholesale thyme, cherries or strawberries. In June, seasonal vegetables will be
channels (they are now, for example, consistent suppliers to The joined by blackberries and raspberries. July brings a profusion of
River & Rail Restaurant on Crystal Spring Avenue), to seven farmer’s summer tomatoes, summer squash, blueberries, melons, and peaches.
markets and through “farmshares.” Farmshares are pre-paid shares Every month you will find only what is seasonally appropriate and
of farm products. Consumers may pick from vegetable, fruit, egg at the peak of freshness.
or “all-farm” shares. All-farm shares include veggies, fruits, eggs,
Weaver says that 75% of their farmers are “livelihood” farmers,
herbs, granolas, breads, pastas, pesto, pickles, meats, cheese, or meaning they do this to make a living. That is significant because the
any of a number of locally-produced delights. The customer is able University of Nebraska estimates that “on average, only 10 cents of
to pick up their share at any of 15 established weekly pickup sites each dollar spent on food returns to the farmer. The other 90 cents
in this area.
goes to corporations for packaging, marketing, transportation,
Most interestingly to those of us living in South Roanoke, the etcetera.” Farmers who sell direct to the customer, however, receive
newest drop site is due to a collaboration between GFGP and 80 cents of each food dollar spent.
Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital. Starting May 9th, a farmer’s
Another significant trend for GFGP is their virtual market or “a
market table will be set up at Carilion near the footbridge over la carte” program. Each week an spreadsheet is emailed out to
the Roanoke River. It will operate every Thursday from 2:00-6:00 around a thousand people on a special mailing list. They are then
p.m. and is open to the public. The location will also function as a
— Continued on page 11
farmshare pickup site. When plans for the Carilion site were laid,
Equity Loan
Member FDIC
1 to 60 Months
* with a Valley Bank MyLifestyle Checking account or a Valley Bank Money Market account.
OTHER TERMS AND RATES AVAILABLE.
Valley Bank pays all Closing Costs excluding the appraisal fee.
*Terms and conditions: To obtain the 3.45% Annual Percentage Rate (APR) for a 60 month term either a Valley Bank MyLifeStyle checking account or a Valley Bank Money Market account are required. A 4.52% APR for up to 60 months will apply
without one of these deposit accounts. APRs are effective as of April 1, 2013 and are subject to change at the bank’s discretion. Payment example for a consumer who finances $10,000 at a term of 60 months and at an annual percentage rate of 3.45%
would result in 60 payments of $181.70. A consumer who finances $10,000 at a term of 60 months and at an annual percentage rate of 4.52% would result in 60 payments of $186.22. The minimum loan amount is $10,000. The maximum loan amount
is $417,000. Loan-to-value ratio can be up to 85%. Valley Bank pays all closing costs for a new equity loan, with the exception of the cost of an appraisal if required. If you pay off your loan within 36 months, all closing costs paid by Valley Bank on
your behalf must be reimbursed.
Available for owner occupied principal residences only. Purchase money loans are not eligible. Home equity loans may be either a 1st or 2nd deed of trust. If a 1st deed of trust, the payments do not include taxes and insurance and the
actual payment obligation will be greater. If a 2nd deed of trust, the 1st must be held by an institutional lender. Property insurance and flood insurance, if applicable, must be in effect on the property being secured. Other products and
terms may exist for applications which do not qualify under the aforesaid conditions. Interest paid on home equity loans may be tax deductible and you should consult your tax advisor regarding tax advantages. Home Equity loans are
subject to credit approval, verification and collateral evaluation.
Are You With Valley Yet?
MyValleyBank.com
EQUAL HOUSING
LENDER
She Said...
Lillian King Meidlinger
editor, right brain
lillian@southroanokecircle.com
761.0728
Lisa Boschen Bowers
advertising executive, left brain
lisa@southroanokecircle.com
353.2380
Mary Anne Marx
photographer, creative consultant
maryanne@southroanokecircle.com
345.6279
Amy Takacs, Creative Outlet
graphic designer
amy@creative-outlet.com
Johnny Meidlinger
internet kung fu
Jill Hufnagel & Brent Stevens
founders, creative consultants
The South Roanoke Circle
2517 S. Jefferson Street
Roanoke VA 24014
540.353.2380
southroanokecircle.com
Though its current stint of trendiness is no doubt waning, I am
still in the thrall of Les Misérables. The movie was released nearly
six months ago, our local high school’s acclaimed production has
long been a wrap, Oscars have been awarded, and the DVD has
been out for weeks but I can’t let go.
At some point in this obsession I decided I should read the
masterpiece behind the musical. After all, Victor Hugo’s Les
Misérables is reputedly one of the best novels ever written. Having
been a French major, I thought perhaps I’d even give it a go en
français. Then I saw the book. I love to read but 1500-ish pages
of mid-nineteenth century prose gave me pause. Reading Les
Misérables in French became laughable, reading it in English,
daunting. My allotted reading time these days is after kids are
tucked in and I’m tuckered out and prone in bed. The likelihood
of me remaining awake for more than a page or two of dense
reading? Zéro. And anyway at that rate I’d finish the tome The gamin Gavroche in an
1886 engraving for Victor
sometime in May of 2015.
Hugo’s Les Misérables by
Enter audible.com. As of today, I have listened to 50 of 60½ Émile Bayard.
unabridged hours of the Les Misérables audio book (in English,
sigh). I know, I know...reading snobs out there will not approve of this less than laudable way of
accessing the classics. But I have found audiobooks can make the most distasteful of household
chores (e.g., folding a seemingly bottomless basketful of whites) quite bearable. And if you
get a good reader–oh là là!–what a difference it makes! My Les Misérables narrator, George
Guidall, has made Hugo’s profound characters, both male and female, so real. I particularly
love his take on the impish gamin, Gavroche, and shed a tear when Gavroche was shot dead
while scavenging cartridges for the revolutionaries at the barricade.
What is it about Hugo’s ill-fated characters and their desperately sad stories that is so
compelling? Why are we captivated by their misery? I’ve pondered but can’t come up with a
good answer for this. Plus I’m distracted: my clothes dryer is dinging, Javert is captured, Marius
is wounded, and Cosette has no idea that he or her adopted father are smack in the middle of
the revolt. Where did I put my headphones?!? — LKM
Thirsty? Not Yet...
Our intent is to provide a
neighborhood publication
that celebrates community
and fosters connection
among neighbors. In so doing,
we seek to strengthen the
neighborhood bond, to encourage our children to share their
voices, and to nurture a future of
collective growth. Finally, we wish
to share in the discovery of the
people and places that make this
neighborhood thrive.
~
We reserve the right to refuse
publication of any material we
deem unsuitable for this venue
and/or our readership.
America’s Toughest Road Marathon? Not for SoRo’s Lori Fitchett! She steps it up with a smile,
sailing past aid station with Dustin Eshelman and Rett Ward working the sidelines. See story on
page 7 about Dustin’s mother-in-law, Nancy.
Photo by Mary Anne Marx
copyright 2013
The South Roanoke Circle, LLC
all rights reserved.
2
The Scene From Somerset
by Bill Burtch
DINTY MOORE AND BEER
I’ve never been very domestic. Oh, I’m housebroken, just not
very good around the house. One of our sons cooks and cleans for
himself and his daughter and does a fine job. Our other son would
burn water. I fall more into his category.
Before I was married, I took care of myself. Dinner was frequently
a can of Dinty Moore beef stew and beer. Or a fried hamburger the
size of a skillet. And beer. You get the idea. I did my laundry and
tidied up my apartment once a month, whether it needed it
or not. Of course I stopped all this effort the day I got
married. That’s what women love to do, isn’t it? The
husband works at a real job while the little woman
cooks, cleans, raises the kids, and, oh yeah, she
works a full-time job too. But it’s okay, because
we (guys) know women love this stuff. It’s
domestic bliss.
About two months ago, my bride of 48
years was felled by acute bronchitis. At first
we thought it was just a bad cold but after a
week we stopped self-medicating and went to
our family doctor, picked up his prescriptions,
and came home to wait it out. She wasn’t very
hungry, so I’d warm up some soup for her and
a can of beef stew for me. After a week, she was
tired of soup and I was sick of stew. I brought home
food like we were used to eating and I attempted to
cook it. Boy, did I discover how she has spoiled me! I was terrible at
homemaking!
As the weeks went by, I discovered I didn’t know how to do
anything. After her brief stay at Lewis-Gale and another visit from the
rescue squad, I knew I had to get my butt in gear and learn how to
take care of both of us.
She still has to remind me of which temperature and rack I’m using
in the oven for whatever it is I’m trying to cook, but I’m gradually
getting it.
I can now broil meat, bake potatoes, and steam fresh vegetables.
I can iron my own shirts, clean the oven, operate the microwave,
vacuum, make the bed, use the dishwasher, do the laundry, and not
screw up the garbage disposal. I do all the grocery shopping, water
the plants, feed the pets, clean the cat box and birdcage, and trim
and paint my wife’s nails.
In addition, according to season, I will continue to perform
such manly feats as shoveling snow and mowing the
grass. In short, I have become a man for all seasons!
I sure hope she’s all well and things are back to
normal by the time this is printed*, but you know,
it hasn’t been so bad. At least she knows what
kind of care she’d get if (God forbid) she gets sick
again and I know I can take care of both of us.
Without Dinty Moore and beer. Or at least without
Dinty Moore. It’s what we domestic guys do.
*As per Bill and as of this printing, Mary Jane is bronchitis free,
feeling much better, and back in her studio!
Bill Burtch is a former advertising copywriter and florist,
(but not at the same time). Recently retired, he now focuses
on writing whimsical children’s stories, reading cheesy detective
novels, and taking long afternoon naps. He and his artist wife, Mary
Jane, moved back to the area six years ago.
City of Roanoke
Neighborhood Events
for May
Waste Collection
Schedule
May 5: Bottles & Cans/Bulk
May 1-30: The Market Gallery (downtown) features new
member artists Anne Way Bernard and Nancy Dahlstrom;
also featured are Nan Mahone Wellborn and her special
guests: Gray Dodson, Debra Sheffer and Priscilla Whitlock.
May 12: Paper Products/Brush
May 1: Longtime Local Jeweler F. Geoffrey, Ltd. begins
by appointment only hours
May19: Bottles & Cans/Bulk
May 1-12: The Marvelous Wonderettes plays at Mill
Mountain Theater
May 26: Paper Products/Brush
May 3: Art by Night (downtown)
June 2: Bottles & Cans/Bulk
May 3&4: Community School’s Strawberry Festival
(downtown)
May 9, 16, 23, & 30: Good Food-Good People Farmer’s
Market Table open at footbridge near Carilion Roanoke
Memorial Hospital
Stop by Tinnell’s and
ask about our rapidly
growing Wine of the
Month Club! For
that matter ask your
neighbor - they are
probably already a
member!
May 12: Mother’s Day
May 18, 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.: Local Colors Festival
(downtown in front of Main Library)
May 18: Science Museum of Western Virginia Grand
Reopening at Center in the Square
May 27: Memorial Day
Wine and Cheese tasting
every Friday 4-7 p.m.
May 30: Last Day of School for Roanoke City Schools
2205 Crystal Spring Ave
(540) 345-7334
May 30-June 2: 15th Annual Lebanese Festival
(St. Elias Church)
ShopTinnells.com
3
Full weeks starting June 16
llite
Choose from day camps for grades K- 5 with sate
ety of
transportation from Tanglewood Mall, or a vari
4
overnight camps for grades 3 -11. (540) 387-611
Est. 1925
e
Mor ps
Cam
Bush-Flora Shoes
Did you know that Roanoke County offers
over 200 weeks of camp for ages 3 to 17?
You don’t have to be a resident to sign up!
Visit www.RoanokeCountyParks.com.
Over 100 years of serving Roanoke
Towers Shopping Center
540-344-7398
Jefferson Internal Medicine
Associates, Ltd.
:KLFK¶;·PDUNV\RXU7UHDVXUH"
+DYH\RXEHHQORRNLQJIRUDFOXEWRFDOO\RXURZQ"
2QHWKDWRIIHUVWKHOLIHVW\OHDQGHQYLURQPHQW
\RXZLOOWUHDVXUH"
Jefferson Medical Park
#4PVUI+FŢFSTPO4USFFUŔ3PBOPLF7"
Ŕ'BY
Ŕ 1SJWBUF5SBEJUJPOBM1SBDUJDF
-2,17+(&/8%
Ŕ 4FSWJOHUIF3PBOPLF7BMMFZPWFSZFBST
;$FRPPLWWHGVWDIIZKRNQRZVP\IDPLO\
Ŕ 8FMDPNJOH/FX1BUJFOUT
;$ZHOFRPLQJVRFLDOHQYLURQPHQWWR
EXLOGODVWLQJIULHQGVKLSV
Ŕ 1SPWJEJOH$BSFJOUIFŏ0ME'BTIJPOFEŐ1FSTPOBM4UZMF
;$ZDUPVDIHDWPRVSKHUHWKH
FKLOGUHQFDQHQMR\
Ŕ "ENJTTJPOUP$BSJMJPO'BDJMJUJFTUISPVHIUIFJS)PTQJUBMJTU
Ŕ 0ŢFSJOH$PNQMFUF"EVMU(FSJBUSJD1SJNBSZ$BSF
Ŕ "ENJUUJOHBOE'PMMPXJOH0VS1BUJFOUT&BDI%BZ%VSJOHBO
"ENJTTJPOUP-FXJT(BMF)PTQJUBM
;'\QDPLFUHFUHDWLRQDOSURJUDPVWR
PHHWP\IDPLO\·VQHHGV
;$ZLGHYDULHW\RIDFWLYLWLHVIRU
FRXSOHVIDPLOLHVDQGFKLOGUHQ
;21(DPD]LQJORFDWLRQWRILQGLWDOO
"OOF.+BFHFS.%
+BNFT)(BSEOFS.%
-BXSFODF,.POBIBO.%
$IBSMFT)1FUFSTPO+S.%
"EFM.4BMBNB.%
540-774-4435 or www.joiningtheclub.com
(Physicians pictured left to right)
4
A PROFESSIONAL
CLEANING COMPANY
Pink tulle wreaths flutter in front of houses up and down Allendale
Street. Spring décor? No, they are signs of sheer love and support
from friends and neighbors of one of their own, who recently began
chemotherapy treatments for breast cancer. Carol Jessee started
the gesture to let her neighbor know in a visible way that her
community “has her back”. New wreaths pop up daily. The gracious
patient summed up her gratitude: “I think the whole concept of
‘neighborhood’ is so clearly displayed in this creative and very kind
act.”
Photo by Mary Anne Marx
Shouldn’t you choose your rehab as carefully
as you chose your surgeon?
&DOOXVIRUDWRXUDQGWRGLVFXVVDSODQRIFDUH
WRÀW\RXULQGLYLGXDOQHHGV
®
Raleigh Court Health & Rehabilitation Center
*UDQGLQ5RDG6:‡5RDQRNH9$‡‡ZZZOLIHZRUNVUHKDEFRP
5
Education Matters
In this issue, we welcome a new occasional column aimed at promoting understanding of current educational issues from preschool on
up. This inaugural article was written by Dr. Christian Proctor, current Headmaster of North Cross School.
Using Your Summers to Create a College Advantage
by Dr. Christian Proctor
As a parent of two teenagers and an educator, I frequently
get asked to comment on the considerable difficulty of getting a
student into a top tier school. After all, we hear the stories of students
with near perfect College Board scores being denied admission to
colleges that only ten years ago seemed to regularly accept students
that were mere mortals. I want you to relax, take a deep breath, and
know that it is definitely possible for your child to be admitted to the
selective college of their choice.
First off, is it really that hard to get into a highly competitive
college or university? The answer to this question should be apparent
from the descriptor “highly competitive”. Of course it is difficult. At
Vanderbilt University this year, 25% of all the applicants had perfect
800’s on each section of the SAT. Imagine that your child scores
790-790 for a total score of 1580 and they fall in the middle 50%
of all applicants. What is most interesting, however, is that many of
those perfect 800’s will be denied admission to Vanderbilt in favor
of students that score considerably lower on the SAT’s. To extend this
line of thought, at all selective colleges a number of students with
higher test scores will be denied admission in favor of student with
lower test scores.
What can your student do over the summers to make sure they are
the standout applicant and not the student who is denied?
The first thing is to use your summer travels to make official
visits to potential schools. Each spring, consult your school’s college
counselor and ask advice on which colleges and universities you
should visit over the summer. Competitive colleges attempt to increase
their national ranking by reducing the number of students they
must accept to yield their desired freshman class. One thing many
selective colleges look for in an applicant pool is which applicants
have visited the campus and which have expressed a strong interest
in attending. Make sure when you visit, you sign in with admissions
and take the official tour to document your visit. Even better, if it is
possible and appropriate, schedule a fact-finding meeting with a
member of the faculty in a major of interest.
Have your child apply as a visiting student to a local college or
university to take a course in summer school. Choose an area that
reflects their interest as you are helping them craft their own specific
academic identity. Be sure to take the course for credit and make sure
your child understands they must work for a grade of “B” or more.
Colleges regularly see applicants with expensive summer coursework
that is ungraded and this does not carry the same weight as graded
work with credit. Sometimes ungraded summer coursework can be
seen negatively as an extra opportunity provided to a student with
significant financial means.
Summer mission trips with church or youth groups, while
tremendously beneficial, have become quite commonplace
and no longer set your child apart from other highly-qualified
applicants. Should your child develop a passion for mission work,
encourage them to take a leadership role in the organization and
execution of the trip. Even more important is the development of an
ongoing and continued relationship with a specific organization that
demonstrates real interest and commitment. Your child must be able
to make the case that they played an integral role and that they will
bring this passion with them to college.
Look for summer research and study opportunities that require you
to go through a competitive application process to gain admission.
The more prestigious the opportunity, the better the bang for the
college admissions buck. A competitive writing class at Washington
University or work in a laboratory at Stanford University with credit
being given in a subsequent publication will identify your child as
a serious scholar. Paying for a student tour of Europe with a travel
group could be an exceptional experience for your child but it does
not have the same cachet as summer plans that require admission.
Always remember that the most competitive schools do not
necessarily want well-rounded students. They want a well-rounded
freshman class. Each student plays a particular role in their wellbalanced class and you must use the summers to create and nurture
an identity that best matches your child’s honest interests as well
as the unique needs of the colleges in which they are interested.
Start early as the summer before senior year is too late to create the
depth of interest in a discipline that will make your child stand out.
Develop a relationship with your college counselor early on and use
the faculty members that really know your student to help you identify
the unique identity your child will use to get accepted to the school
of their choice.
Long-time South Roanoke resident and mother of two, Liz Frankl,
has experienced the parenting of this process. Her son, James, is
currently a student at Virginia Tech, and her daughter, Meghan, has
just made her decision to attend the University of Virginia. Liz says,
“As a parent, I believe it is difficult to strike a balance between
helping your child through the college admissions process and
taking over. In this stressful time, the most important things a parent
can do are encourage, listen, and offer gentle guidance. We need to
embrace our children through both their successes and their potential
disappointments. I encouraged my children to look early and explore
colleges both large and small. I reminded them to evaluate potential
schools based on their experiences, their learning style, and most
importantly, what felt right to them–not what I thought was best for
them. I reminded them they could be happy in more than one place
and encouraged them to believe that what was right for them would
evolve. The end result being that your child is excited about their
college choice and confident that they will succeed at the school they
ultimately select.”
Dr. Christian Proctor has been Headmaster of North Cross School
for nearly 2 years and has over 23 years of experience in education.
His time in the field has been marked by creativity, innovation, and
school growth. A native of Chapel Hill, NC, Dr. Proctor and his
wife, Ellie have two children, Katherine, a college sophomore and
Andrew, a junior at North Cross School.
Congratulations to All of Our Recent Graduates!
6
Grand Transplants
Five Grands Growing New Roots in SoRo, Part 3
This is the conclusion of a three-part series on those who have moved to Roanoke to be closer to their kids and grandkids here in the ‘hood.
Whether from across the country or the state, these folks have found a home in Roanoke tying them to the generations in their wake.
by Jill Hufnagel
NANCY ESHELMAN
When Nancy Eshelman first moved from Pittsburgh to Roanoke
to be close to her son, SoRo resident Pete; daughter-in-law, Dustin;
and grandkids, Case and Sally, she admits to feeling impatient. “I
felt initially like I really had to search out opportunities. When you
grow older, sometimes friendship circles are already established.”
Knowing that she needed a space of her own and to be surrounded
by a diverse population, Nancy
chose to live in the downtown
Cotton Mill, where she sees
herself as something of a “dorm
mother,” as the bulk of residents
are younger, busy, and often in
the area only for a while. This
mix of energy works for Nancy,
who has taken full advantage of
her downtown location.
“Living on the third floor,” says
Nancy, “I miss the dirt.” Because
of her interest in gardening, she
was asked to serve on the board of
the Roanoke Community Garden
Eshelman
Association (RCGA). From there, Nancy
Photo by Mary Anne Marx
what did industrious Nancy
do? She rented one of RCGA’s $15 garden plots on Campbell
Avenue. There she has dug in, planting tomatoes, beans, peppers,
and getting her dirt fix just blocks from her new home. She also
volunteers at the Jefferson Center, doing everything from ushering for
shows to helping out with spring cleaning. The Kirk Family YMCA
has been another draw. She laughs, “I have a sweet trainer there
who keeps me hopping.” At the moment, she has her sights on trying
out Zumba, if only because “It looks like so much fun!”
After some church shopping, Nancy has found a home at Greene
Memorial, yet another community connection that has led to her
meeting friendly, outgoing people. This year, she joined 25 other
women in the church for an ornament exchange that was, she says,
“simply a ball!” Like son Pete, who works for the Roanoke Regional
Partnership–the non-profit behind area adventures like the Blue
Ridge Marathon–Nancy is not one to sit idle. She was quick to join
the Roanoke Ski Club, a membership that meant fulfilling a lifelong
dream. Last year, she went with the club to Italy; “I wanted to ski the
Alps at some point in my lifetime, and I did it by George!” While it’s
hard to say just what might be next for Nancy, she has her sights set
on further exploring the library and perhaps the Newcomers club.
STEPHEN & DUNJA BRAILO
While Stephen & Dunja Brailo may be 4,700 miles from their
childhood
home
in
Croatia,
they
have
found life in Roanoke to
feel like second nature.
Perhaps it’s the decade
they spent visiting 2-3
times a year from their
home in San Diego
County, California. Says
Stephen, “Each time, we
loved Roanoke more,
with its beautiful season
changes and slower
pace of life.” Or perhaps
it’s the comfort that comes
when your children and
grandchildren are within
walking distance. Either
way, the Brailos have Stephen and Dunja Brailo with grandkids
Parker and Caroline Mills.
made easy roots here
Photo by Mary Anne Marx
in Roanoke after three
short years.
Daughter and son in law, Marnie and Mark Mills, with their
children, Parker (11) and Caroline (8), are constants in the Brailo’s
day-to-day life. “We are so happy to be here, seeing them grow up.”
The pair enjoy going to the kids’ soccer and lacrosse games, and find
that their youthful energy infuses spunk in their lives. Caroline is the
queen of family wrapping, invaluable at the holidays. And together
with brother Parker, the duo are quick to share sparks of their own
creative minds during visits to granddad Stephen’s Grandin Village
studio, where he works as a mosaic artist.
A long-time special education teacher, Dunja confesses, “When
I thought about retirement, I wondered: ‘Am I going to be bored?’”
Her answer a few years in: “The day doesn’t have enough hours for
me!” The couple walk the greenway, love antiquing, and have taken
to watching the birds they never saw while living on the west coast.
Stephen says, “Last summer I was befriended by a little squirrel,
which to my amazement, was not afraid to eat from my hand.”
The one vexing struggle for the gardener in Dunja: “I always had
good luck with roses in California. Here? Not so much.” At the same
time, she says, “I’m not giving up yet. I’ll try another variety. And
another.” If you see the Brailos spying your flowers, now you’ll know
why . . .
7
Not Yer Mama’s Page
Interview with LAX Coach Fourd Kemper
By Jack Ericsson (age 9)
I interviewed my lacrosse coach Fourd Kemper. He’s helped and I played club lacrosse at Duke, and then in a club in Denver
out with my teams before, but this is the first time having him for a year.
as my head coach. He is coaching both
Q: What is the most challenging thing
my RVLA U11 (Roanoke Valley Lacrosse
about coaching?
Association 11 and Under) team this year
A: Getting the boys to listen and stop hitting
and the U11 team from RVLLA (Roanoke
each other with sticks [chuckle].
Valley Ladies Lacrosse Association). He’s
Q: What is the most rewarding thing about
awesome because he expects a lot from us.
coaching?
I asked him a few questions before practice.
A: Watching the kids improve, and probably
Here’s what he said.
getting the kids to pass where before they
Q: When did you start coaching and what
weren’t passing.
made you want to?
Q: What is the biggest difference between
A: I love lacrosse, so when Lilly got to
coaching boys and girls?
be a 2nd grader I volunteered to help out
A: Well, the girls seem to be more naturally
your Dad coaching the girls. That was my
cheerful and listen well. They also seem to
first time doing it, and I got into doing it
be more supportive of each other. The boys
Jack
and
his
coach
take
a
break
from
because I love lacrosse.
are definitely more physical.
cradling and dodging to smile for the
Q: Did you play lacrosse growing up?
Q:
Who is your favorite 3rd grade U11
camera.
Photo by Kate Ericsson
A: Yes, we had a bunch of kids come
player?
back from a Virginia Episcopal High School sports camp where A: Well, Jack Ericsson [the only 3rd grader on the team].
they had played lacrosse, so then everyone went out and bought Q: What do you like to do when you aren’t coaching?
lacrosse sticks around 4th or 5th grade. Then I played in 9th A: I love to spend time with my wife and children most of all, but
grade at North Cross and 10th-12th at VES. Coach Scott Perkins if I have the chance, I also love to ski.
The Spring Day
By Sallie Boxley (age 7)
8
A Community
Event
about plastic surgery
Botox and Filler
Information Session
Join us to learn about ways you
can enhance your natural beauty.
By attending this educational
seminar, you will have the
opportunity to schedule
an appointment for
Botox and receive a
special price of $10 per
unit (regular price $13).
Light refreshments
will be provided.
Tuesday, May 21
6 p.m.
3 Riverside Circle, Roanoke
Speaker: Kurtis E. Moyer, M.D.,
section chief, Plastic and
Reconstructive Surgery
Cost: Free
Registration is required.
To learn more and to register,
please call 540-266-6000.
CarilionClinic.org/calendar
Stay In Your Home
For Years To Come...
ADA Specialties is all
about keeping seniors
and the disabled safe,
and accessible in their
own homes. We provide
renovations to homes
using superior products
and services.
Interior/Exterior Renovations
%DWKV‡.LWFKHQV‡/LIWV‡5DPSV
Call today for a FREE in-home consultation
and written estimate. No job is too small.
ADA Specialties serves Central and
Southwestern Virginia
Renovating For Life’s Changes
2944 Orange Avenue, NE
Roanoke, VA 24012
9
Little Green Men Look to Local Colors for
Cultural Guidance
Recently, Local Colors maven Pearl Fu had a close encounter with Roanoke, this diversity is recognized and celebrated through your
the extraterrestrials that have been known to visit South Roanoke’s organization, Local Colors.
Bolling Family on Broadway Avenue. The following is a transcript of
Pearl: What have you learned about humans as a species?
their conversation, convertly obtained by the Bolling boys, Austen,
1 and 2: You are a very unique and beautiful species. You can
Alex, and Connor.
look very different on the outside but are quite similar on the inside.
E.T.s: Hello! We have chosen you, Pearl Fu, as our “Intergalactic You love and laugh and argue and have so many feelings – this is
Goodwill Ambassador” for our first earth interview. We recognize very different from our world.
you and the Local Colors organization as an important link to all
Pearl: Really, how?
the diverse humans with whom we have had contact. We are very
1: On our planet, we all look the same and feel the same. It is
pleased to have our first official dialogue
very uninteresting.
and to learn more about what Local
2: Yes! That is why we took this
Colors is all about.
assignment. We are fascinated by
Pearl: Welcome to earth! We take
your variance in language and
pride in acknowledging and appreciating
culture and are always looking for
all multi-cultural and diverse life forms in
new ways to experience the people
the Roanoke Valley, as well as all the
of earth.
countries of our world and to infinity and
Pearl: In that case, please allow
beyond.
me to invite you to this year’s Local
E.T.s: Thank you! Maybe you’ve
Colors Festival on May 18, from
seen us before? We like to hang out near
11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. It will take
the corner of Avenham Avenue and 22nd
place in front of the Main Library
Street. We have many visitors that take
on Elm and Jefferson Streets. We
photos of us doing things like chores for
will have food from around the
our hosts, roasting marshmallows, and
world, beautiful creations for sale,
waving at the metal machines containing
clothes from all around the earth,
people as they pass by on some kind of
and entertainment to show you how
asphalt conveyer belt.
we celebrate not only where we are
Pearl: Your antics are well known in
but also where we are from. Sounds
the neighborhood! May I ask you your
like fun, huh?
names?
2: This sounds like a wonderful
(Due to translation difficulties, we
display of togetherness and
will refer to them as “1” and “2”)
diversity.
Pearl: How do you communicate
1: On our planet, we have a
with your home planet?
festival similar to the Local Colors
1: Generally we “phone home,”
Festival. The only difference is that
South Roanoke neighbors and colleagues Pearl Fu, Dian
though intergalactic cellular service is Bolling, and “Man In Black” Robert Bolling welcome some instead of the different nations
very bad. In order to maintain contact exotic visitors to Roanoke at The Local Colors offices.
coming from one planet, we have
Photo by Dian Bolling species that come from many planets.
with our planet, we must reside in the
Bollings’ yard where we obtain the
Pearl: Please come – I promise
necessary signal of intergalatic nanowaves powered by a steady you will have a wonderful time!
supply of Reese’s Pieces.
1 and 2: This we will do! I hope many others will come as
2: Enough about the technical side, 1! Let’s talk about something well! But we have no little green pieces of paper that you humans
we all have in common: we enjoy the diversity of beings. On earth, use as currency!
you have a wide and varied assortment of peoples and cultures. In
Pearl: Don’t worry, admission is free! See you there!
**UPDATE**
The Bollings’ aliens have been removed from their property. They have had these little guys for over a
decade, miss them dearly, and would really appreciate them being returned. Please contact the South
Roanoke Circle at lost@southroanokecircle.com or 761-0728 if you have any information about the
“abducted” aliens. Thank you!
Watching Out for One Another in SoRo
by Lynn Meyer
We have all seen the signs: “Warning: Neighborhood Watch
Program In Force.” They either have some big eyes or a figure that’s
wearing a black pointy hat and cloak. I’ve always imagined that,
if I were to join the ranks of “The Watch”, I’d be lurking around my
house - or your house for that matter – in the middle of the night
with a flashlight and a walkie-talkie. Sounds like something I’d do
for fun as a kid. But now, as a reasonable adult, I think that concept
would simply weird out my neighbors.
However, there is a movement afoot to develop a neighborhood
watch program within the South Roanoke community. Why? The
best reason is that it can be the backbone of a stronger and friendlier
place to live. Speaking to Officer Travis Akins of the Roanoke City
Police Department, there are numerous programs actively working
10
towards better communication, education, and support in different
areas of the City.
If you would like more information, you can get in touch with
Officer Akins directly and, as a member of your South Roanoke
Neighborhood Association, you are welcome to contact me as
well. No flashlight required.
Officer Travis L Akins, CPS, City of Roanoke Police Department
Certified Crime Prevention Specialist, Roanoke Valley Project
Lifesaver, Chair Roanoke Valley TRIAD/SALT, Chair
Office (540)853-2132, Cell (540)632-7326,
www.facebook.com/rpdsafercity, www.twitter.com/rpdsafercity
Lynn Meyer, lynnhmeyer@gmail.com, Home (540) 344-5621
Cell (540) 354-3289
Continued from page 1 —
able to place orders for whatever they like – all to be picked up at the
nearest farmshare pickup site. This aspect of their business has also
led to the formation of a few “buying clubs.” Weaver had noticed
one lady in particular who was buying up hundreds of dollars per
week in produce. Upon inquiring, she learned that this woman had
formed a buying club with her friends and neighbors. People are
also known to “share shares.” Neighbors might, for instance, split
the cost of the farmshare program and alternate the week that they
each receive their share.
GFGP espouses sound business and nutritional practices and
definitely practices what they preach. For more information about
the Carilion Roanoke Memorial farmer’s market table or to find out
how you can participate in these programs, please visit the GFGP
website at www.goodfoodgoodpeople.net or give them a call at
540.745.4347.
Adam Markham’s love of all things food and wine is well known
among his peers and customers. When not found peddling spirits
at Tinnell’s Finer Foods, he can be seen (and heard) singing and
playing guitar around the Roanoke Valley.
Marketplace
PC DOCTOR
(540) 632-8948
On-Site Computer Repair & Upgrades
Custom Built Computers
www.monsterpconline.com
.PM[*LY[PÄJH[LZ(]HPSHISL
Specializing in Your Special Occasions…
Mother’s Day, Weddings, Graduations & Baby Gifts
Large selection of estate jewelry, pearls, gold,
sterling silver, diamonds and colored stones. Special
orders and custom design available.
Formerly Frank L. Moose, Jeweler
1919 Westover Ave., SW, Roanoke
www.fgeoffreyltd.com
540.345.8881
Beginning May 1, hours by appointment only.
Call 345-8881 or e-mail info@fgeoffreyltd.com.
Mark Burton
Professional Design, Installation
and Property Management
www.roanokelandscapes.com
O: 540-772-0079
C: 540-597-2628
Mark@roanokelandscapes.com
I’m back in horticulture to help solve your landscaping challenges!
Upcoming Concerts
Exciting 2013 Concert Series Events!
Music, Drinks, Friends & Fun Party with a Purpose
LOCATION: SunTrust Plaza at Franklin
Road in Downtown Roanoke.
Must be 21. Gates open at 5.
5/3 — Superhold
5/17 — The WORX
6/7 — McKenzie’s Mill
6/21 — KeyWest 20 year reunion show
unday
S
t
s
e
B
d
e
t
Vo Downtown!
Brunch
Newly revised menu including several delicious small plates
Live music on weekends in The Penny Deux Lounge
Special Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet!
Benefitting Local Charities
Sponsored by:
City Magazine, WSLS Channel 10,
Grand Home Furnishings, Q99, Budweiser,
South Roanoke Circle, Tanglewood Mall
Located inside The Patrick Henry, 611 S. Jefferson Street ~ Downtown Roanoke, Va ~ 540-400-8082
www.firstandsixth.com
firstfridaysroanoke.com
11
ROANOKE
5ag`fdk5^gT
5ag`fdk5^gT
<RXU+RPHDZD\IURP+RPHLQWKH5RDQRNH9DOOH\IRURYHUD&HQWXU\
ZŽĂŶŽŬĞŽƵŶƚƌLJůƵďŝƐƌĞĐŽŐŶŝnjĞĚĂƐƚŚĞƉƌĞŵŝĞƌĞ͕ƉƌŝǀĂƚĞŐŽůĨŝŶŐĨĂĐŝůŝƚLJŝŶtĞƐƚĞƌŶ
sŝƌŐŝŶŝĂĂŶĚǁŝƚŚŝƚƐϮϳŚŽůĞŐŽůĨĐŽƵƌƐĞƌĞƉƌĞƐĞŶƚƐƚŚĞĨŝŶĞƐƚŐŽůĨŝŶŐĞdžƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞŝŶƚŚĞĂƌĞĂ͘
ReciprocalaccessallowingfullͲgolfing
membersofRCCtoenjoyandtakepartin
thecollectionofeightpropertiesowned
andoperatedbyMcConnellGolf.
StevePraterGolfAcademy
Improvingonesknowledge&skills
isalwaysthegoal.
Summer Pool
Membership
Available
EnjoyourbeautifulŚĞĂƚĞĚpoolwith
TheParadiseLounge,PoolsideGrille,
babypool,basketballcourtarea,slides,
divingboards&theKid’sSummerCamp.
The“Stars”SwimTeamisatop
competitorintheValley.
TheRCCFredRawlingsTennisCenter
consistsof5indoorHarͲTru(clay)courts,
6outdoorlightedHarͲTru(clay)courts,
and2outdoorhardcourts.
TheRCCJuniorTennisAcademy
allowsUSTAjuniortournament
playersanopportunitytotraininan
environmentthathelpsthemto
maximizetheirpotential.
˜›ȱ–Ž–‹Ž›œ‘’™ȱ’—˜›–Š’˜—ȱŒ˜—ŠŒȱŠ—Œ¢ȱ˜ž•’—ȱȱ
ǻśŚŖǼȱřŚśȬŗśŖŞȱ˜›ȱȱ–Ž–‹Ž›œ‘’™ȓ›˜Š—˜”ŽŒ˜ž—›¢Œ•ž‹ǯ˜›ȱ