Dr. Bob Allen visits Ms. Boone’s class every Friday and reads to the class. He has done this for more than 10 years as a Kiwanis volunteer.

Dr. Bob always knows how to grab their attention with exciting stories that produce creative thinking and eagerness to learn more. Ms. Boone’s Kindergarten presented him with a special gift as a Thank You for a JOB WELL DONE!

– Submitted by Allison S. Reaves, Troutville Elementary

Several organizations collecting supplies for tornado victims in Oklahoma will be accepting donations of bottled water, packaged food and personal hygiene items at the Bonsack Walmart from noon to 7 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday.

The Roanoke Times has more on this story.

Enjoy reading? The Botetourt Public Library summer Reading program may be for you!

Botetourt County Library Summer Reading Program 2013

Botetourt County Library is pleased to announce plans for its 2013 Summer Reading Program. The program is sponsored by the Botetourt Friends of the Library. Prizes for the program are provided by the Friends and some additional sponsors. Registration begins June 1 at any Botetourt County Library location including Blue Ridge, Buchanan, Eagle Rock, and Fincastle.

The traditional program for young children up through fifth grade will continue this year and the program is also expanding to include young adults and adults! There will be a host of events for children ranging in age from the youngest up through those rising to 6th grade. All of the Botetourt libraries will host the programs Stuntology, Farmer Minor and his pig, Daisy, Larsen’s Amazing Reptiles, and Wes Iseli magic. In addition there will be a movie day and a special program produced by each library branch. There will be some great prizes for this age group including a drawing for a $100 Toys ‘R Us Gift Card. All children who complete the minimum reading requirements will be eligible for prizes.

The Young Adult program features a Teen Summer Challenge sheet which asks teens to complete 7 of 9 tasks by July 31. Some of the tasks include watching a movie based on a book you have read, visiting the library at least twice, and doing an art or craft project. Teens who turn in their completed forms will be eligible to win a Kindle Fire HD!

The Adult program asks adults to read a book and provide a brief review of it for posting in the library. All adults who register must have a library card and check out at least one item. Each adult may register one time for the amazing grand prize which is two nights at a Bed and Breakfast in Abingdon, Virginia including tickets to the Barter Theater. This prize was made possible by the Abingdon Convention and Visitors Bureau. The adult program will end on July 31.

–submitted by Steve Vest

Here’s the list of winners from the Knight of the Arts at James River High School last week.

Earlier, we had photos from the event. Read more »

Photo courtesy of Cindy Bailey

On Sunday, May 26 the Botetourt Artillery Camp, Sons of Confederate Veterans and their guests, will present a short Memorial Day program in the church yard at Fincastle Presbyterian Church, following the 10:30 a.m. service.

In the southwest area of the cemetery, where no gravestones are visible, is the burial place of some of the Botetourt Revolutionary War era soldiers and patriots of the Fincastle community. Veterans from the War of 1812 are also buried in the cemetery.

This is the 16th consecutive year the Sons of Confederate Veterans have presented this program to remember all Americans who died in any war or military action. Please join us.

– Submitted by Cindy Bailey, Fincastle Presbyterian Church

Last year’s children’s Big Fish winner McKenzie Baker with her trout.

Parks and Recreation annual children’s fishing carnival is June 1. The annual event features fishing as well as outdoor related activities, food and prizes. Bring a fishing pole!

Botetourt Children”s Fishing Carnival – June 1 from 9am to 1pm at the Buchanan Carnival Grounds.

The community is invited to an Ice Cream Social followed by a free concert by Don Shire on Sunday, May 26 at 5:00pm at Limestone Park in Buchanan. Don is a gifted Christian trumpeter with a passion for mission’s mobilization worldwide. Don offers his unique trumpet styling in church concerts, mission conferences and in evangelistic meetings throughout the United States and around the world. Don’s music is heard on Christian radio across the United States and is played on some international stations. His musical arrangements vary in style from classical to jazz to gospel, and his appeal is to all ages.

With a concert schedule taking him to some of the largest churches in the United States as well as small churches in rural America, Don simply wants to serve where the Lord leads him. His goal at each concert is to challenge those in attendance to live committed lives for the Lord and to help people understand how to have a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Don’s recordings are available at his concerts and on this website.

One of Don’s favorite Bible verses is I Corinthians 14:8 “Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle? ” The trumpet has indeed opened doors around the world. To date, Don has ministered in the following countries: Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Burkina Faso, Canada, Cayman Islands, Columbia, Costa Rica, Cuba, El Salvador, England, France, Germany, Ghana, Guatemala, Haiti, Holland, Honduras, India, Israel, Jamaica, Northern Ireland, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Puerto Rico, Republic of Ireland, Switzerland, Trinidad, Uganda and Venezuela.

Come join us for this special concert.

– Submitted by Pat Shotwell

Botoetourt County Sheriff’s Office.

Botetourt County Sheriff’s Department sent the following. Fortunately, as far as the Sheriff can determine, no officer  in Botetourt has died in the line of duty in decades or if ever.

Dear Editor,

I would like to take the opportunity during Law Enforcement Memorial Week to pay tribute to the men and women who protect and serve the Commonwealth, risking their lives each day to keep us safe. Since the first known line-of-duty death in America, there have been more than 19,000 officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Tragically, 487 of those fallen heroes were serving Virginia when their lives were cut short. Law Enforcement Memorial Week is a time to honor and remember these individuals and to show our appreciation for their commitment and dedication to public safety.

Since the beginning of the McDonnell Administration in 2010, there have been 15 Virginia law enforcement heroes who were killed in the line of duty. Some of these officers were the victims of violent crimes, some died as a result of tragic vehicle accidents, and others died while engaged in critical training. However, regardless of the cause, each of these public servants was dedicated to making Virginia a safer place for all of us; and each left behind a family, friends, and a community thankful for their sacrifice, but heartbroken over the loss.

There were three line-of-duty deaths in 2012, and we have lost two additional heroes so far this year. In 2012, Officer Chris Yung of the Prince William County Police Department was killed in a motorcycle crash while responding to the scene of an accident. Trooper Andrew Fox of the Virginia State Police was struck and killed by a vehicle while he was directing traffic at the State Fair. Deputy Sheriff Michael Walizer of the Charles City County Sheriff’s Department died in a vehicle crash as he responded to assist a fellow deputy at a traffic stop. This year, Deputy Sheriff Bill Grimsley of the Portsmouth Sheriff’s Department succumbed to injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident after a parade. The most recent line-of-duty death was Master Trooper J.A. Walker of the Virginia State Police, who was shot and killed after stopping for what he believed to be a disabled vehicle. Along with each of these tragic and senseless deaths comes a story of heroism and sacrifice; and more families, colleagues, and friends who grieve the loss of a fine public servant.

I ask that all Virginians pause a moment this week and reflect upon the sacrifices of the brave men and women who were killed in the line of duty. We must honor their memory as well as support their families, departments and friends as they carry on without their loved one.

In Virginia, more than 165,000 law enforcement officers continue to put themselves in harm’s way each day. As we remember those we have lost, it is important that we also express our gratitude to those who continue to carry out the important mission of law enforcement. These professionals, regardless of their uniform or assignment, give of themselves 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so that we may enjoy the freedom and liberties that are the foundation of our nation. We must recognize their bravery, as well as the courage and sacrifice of their families. These officers forgo precious time with their loved ones to carry out the job they swore they would do — “protect and serve.” Those who wear a badge and carry a gun do not have the luxury of having an “off” day. Instead, they must be ever-vigilant and focused on their mission. They deserve our respect, admiration and thanks. And, to the families who celebrate holidays, birthdays, weekends, and special events as their loved ones serve the community, the Commonwealth is forever grateful.

To the troopers; local, state and federal law enforcement officers; deputies, correctional officers, and other sworn professionals who protect Virginia, thank you for your selfless service and the personal sacrifices you make to help ensure our “Commonwealth of Opportunity.” To the families, departments, and friends of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, your loved ones will always be remembered for what they have done to keep us all safe. Their memory lives on in our hearts forever and their legacy continues with those who serve.

Marla Graff Decker

Secretary of Public Safety

Do you want to make a difference in your community? People count on the American Red Cross to help in times of crisis. You can make a difference by joining the Red Cross as a volunteer. It’s the power of its volunteer corps that enables the organization to deliver its mission of providing hope and help.

Volunteers are central to the work of the Red Cross in our community. These volunteers are people in action—whether providing comfort to a family whose home has been destroyed by a fire; teaching first aid, CPR and other lifesaving skills; supporting blood drives; or helping veterans, members of the military stationed overseas and their families at home.

Right now, the Red Cross especially needs people who are willing to respond to disasters. Each year, Red Cross volunteers bring food, shelter, comfort and hope to local families faced with rebuilding after disasters. Volunteers are needed to assist families with immediate needs after a disaster and help guide them on their road to recovery.

The majority of Red Cross Disaster Service volunteers are retired and searching for a rewarding experience by making a difference in their communities. There are even married couples searching for opportunities to do something together, and enjoy the volunteer experience. These volunteers are Red Cross Disaster Action Team (D.A.T.) members, responding to local disasters that occur, such as house fires, flooding and snow storms. Some also volunteer during national disasters like Superstorm Sandy

People don’t have to have any special skills, only the desire to help others. It’s a simple process to become a volunteer and the Red Cross provides all of the training.

Join the movement. You might find your own life changed. People interested in volunteering can go to www.RedCross.org and type in their zip code to reach the local Red Cross office and find out more information about becoming a Red Cross volunteer.

Submitted by Amy Whittaker, American Red Cross, Public Affairs Director

Photo courtesy of Jason Thornhill

Photo courtesy of Jason Thornhill

Jason Thornhill shares these photos of the Cloverdale Iron Pigs at a VT baseball game.