Me less than two weeks before the big day-- taken in Richmond by Michael Paul Williams at the Virginia Press Association

Hey it’s Terrific Tuesday again. How’s everything in your neck of the woods?

Yesterday was my birthday. Many on Facebook wished me a happy one. Matter of fact I was overwhelmed. Thanks to all who hit the cyber world and the real world to wish “Have a happy one” and I did.

I have gotten to the point that birthdays are an affirmation that God is in his heaven and all is right with the world—I am still alive and kicking. I find myself praying more as I get older. Prayer is a conversation that is often seen as one sided– we ask and wait to see if we get what we asked for just the way we desire it. Personally, I think God has a great sense of humor.

Often my prayers are answered in the most unexpected ways, but I always get an answer. I asked a week ago for some happy days soon that were less stressful. On Sunday afternoon I got my answer. God sent my husband to Richmond this week. He is getting training for his part time job. Great answer–Way to go God! I am as happy as if I had good sense. The hubby hasn’t had a full time job in two years and matter of fact told the news to me on my birthday two years ago that he had lost the job the day before. He held the news for just the right time—worst birthday present I ever got.

His job situation causes me great stress and contrition as it really affects our family adversely–but enough of the family drama—I am one of many who has an unemployed or underemployed spouse.

Here’s a Cathy birthday story about the year I turned 25. Friends gave me a surprise birthday. The surprise? I didn’t go. Ever the independent cuss—I took off with my co-workers because I didn’t think anyone had remembered my big day. My work friends were a happy go lucky lot of girls. We went to a place in west El Paso, Texas on Mesa Street where I lived then, called Gasoline Alley or something similar. It was located in a refurbished gas station. One of the biggest strawberry daiquiris in Texas could be had for a mere $5, and that is saying something. We had a blast. The head basketball coach and legend at UTEP, Don Haskins, helped the girls sing happy birthday to me. He was a regular there and we bought him a few brews to help celebrate my big quarter century birthday. He has gone to the big basketball arena in the sky and I am still here. Meanwhile back at the ranch, they waited and waited and I never showed. I really felt bad about that—but I have never been a fan of surprises.

Karma has caught up with me I guess. I never had another real big do birthday party. The hubby didn’t give me one on any of the other big decade dates and I’ll pound him out if he does so at the next one.  Maybe I ought to be praying for an answer to that. Anyway. Happy birthday to me!

See ya next week!

Robert Feury shared these photos with us of the James River vs. LB football game. James River defeated Lord Botetourt 15-9.

OTHER COVERAGE OF THE LORD BOTETOURT-JAMES RIVER FOOTBALL GAME:
* Paparazzi photos from the Lord Botetourt – James River football game
* When was the last time James River defeated Lord Botetourt in football? We have the answer here.
* Lord Botetourt-James River varsity football by Angela Smith
* Fan photos at Lord Botetourt-James River game, by Cathy Benson
* Game photos from Lord Botetourt-James River football, by Cathy Benson

Do you have sports photos from around Botetourt? Share them with us! Send them to news@botetourtview.com.

The Fincastle, Blue Ridge and Buchanan libraries will begin showing after school movies in September with the film Camp Rock 2-The Final Jam starring Demi Lovato and the Jonas Brothers

In this PG rated Disney production, Mitchie (Lovato) can’t wait to go back to Camp Rock and spend the summer making new music with her friends and superstar Shane Gray (Joe Jonas). But the slick new camp across the lake, Camp Star, has drummed up some serious competition featuring newcomers Luke and Dana. In a sensational battle of the bands, will Camp Star’s flashy production and over-the-top antics win, or will Camp Rocks’ performers prove that music, teamwork and spirit are what truly matters?

The movie will be shown on Tuesday, September 14 at the Fincastle Library, on Wednesday, September 15 at the Blue Ridge Library and on Thursday, September 16 at the Buchanan Library. All shows will begin at 4:00 P.M.

The movie is free and snacks will be provided.

submitted by Jackie Mullins

Sharron Smith

Sharron C. Smith of Fincastle, Virginia, a sophomore at Radford University, has accepted membership in The National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS).  Sharron will be honored during an Induction Convocation on Saturday, September 18, 2010 at 2:00 pm in the Muse Banquet Hall on the campus of Radford University.

“NSCS is more than just a symbol of academic achievement.  Membership gives students access to a number of amazing benefits including career and networking resources, scholarships, travel, and service projects both on campus and in the community,” says Stephen E. Loflin, NSCS Executive Director.

NSCS is a member of the Association of College Honor Societies and is the nation’s only interdisciplinary honors organization for first and second year college students.  Membership is by invitation only, based on grade point average and class standing.  NSCS has more than 750,000 lifetime members and 270 chapters in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.

For more information about The National Society of Collegiate Scholars, please call (202) 265-9000, visit NSCS’ website www.nscs.org, or contact Sharron C. Smith at Radford University.

Quarterly Meeting of the Botetourt Community Partnership

When: Thursday, September 9
Where: Fincastle Library Meeting Room
Complimentary Continental Breakfast available at 8:45 a.m., meeting begins at 9 a.m.

Agenda: 1) Conservation News
2) Botetourt County Recycling Update
3) DEQ Water Report
4) VCC’s Botetourt 20th Anniversary event
5) Plans for an evening BCP meeting
Please let us know if you will attend, so that we can have enough
breakfast and coffee for your enjoyment.
Notify: genevieve@valleyconservation.com or 966-4606
Genevieve Goss
Donna Henderson, Co-Chairs
UPCOMING EVENTS:

9/10 @ Cobble Hill Farm, Staunton: VCC Annual
meeting and dinner: contact 877.216.1782 or valleyconservation.org.
9/15 & 9/16—-2010 Virginia Environmental Education Conference
“Looking Back to a Sustainable Future” @ Madison’s Montpellier –
http://www.vanaturally.com/vanaturally/eeconference10.html
10/2 Mountain Magic in Buchanan (conservation info booth)

Please save the date for the  20th Annual Southwest Virginia Business Hall of Fame Reception and Awards Dinner

Monday, November 1, 2010 at the Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center

6:00 pm Cocktail Reception
6:30 pm Dinner and induction ceremony
Presentation by: Larry Farrell Spirit of Enterprise Author and International Speaker Sponsored by HomeTown Bank
2010 Laureate Inductees

Dr. Anna Logan Lawson,
Frigid Freeze Foods

Dr. T. Marshall Hahn
Virginia Tech/Georgia Pacific

Sponsorships are available and tables can be reserved by call the JA office at (540) 989-6392 or email betsy@ja.roacoxmail.com.

Cost:

Table of 10: $1000, Individual ticket: $100

If you can’t attend, please consider sponsoring a student for $100

It’s Time to Get Ready – September is National Preparedness Month
Fincastle, VA –You may think that you have enough supplies in your pantry to make it through an emergency, but if you have to evacuate, do you have a to-go emergency kit that is easy to grab at a moment’s notice? If an emergency occurs, you might assume you can simply call your spouse or children to see if they’re okay, but what if the phone lines are jammed with others doing the exact same thing? When it comes to you and your loved ones, is having a plan that’s “good enough” good enough? The Ready Campaign encourages you to take a few extra minutes this month to plan for any emergency.
September is National Preparedness Month (NPM) and a good reminder that we all have a responsibility to protect ourselves, our families, and our communities. Emergencies will happen, but taking action now can help us minimize the impact they will have on our lives.
This year, NPM focuses on changing perceptions about emergency preparedness and helping Americans understand what it truly means to be Ready. Preparedness goes beyond fire alarms, smoke detectors, dead-bolt locks, and extra food in the pantry. Being Ready includes: getting an Emergency Supply Kit, making a Family Emergency Plan, being informed about emergencies and their appropriate responses, and getting involved in community efforts such as checking on elderly neighbors.
Emergencies can happen at anytime and to anyone. Are you ready or are you Ready? For more information on NPM check out the resources below:
1-800-BE-READY, www.ready.gov, www.listo.gov, www.citizencorps.gov
Free Emergency Supply Kit Checklists, Emergency Plan templates, etc.

Our paparazzi photo crew was at the Lord Botetourt-James River football game Friday night — and here’s the photo gallery of all those who stepped onto the red carpet.

OTHER COVERAGE OF THE LORD BOTETOURT-JAMES RIVER FOOTBALL GAME:
* When was the last time James River defeated Lord Botetourt in football? We have the answer here.
* Lord Botetourt-James River varsity football by Angela Smith
* Fan photos at Lord Botetourt-James River game, by Cathy Benson
* Game photos from Lord Botetourt-James River football, by Cathy Benson

Two Botetourt County residents garnered awards at the 36 annual Virginia Aviation conference held August 17-20 in Virginia Beach.

Jackie Shuck of Troutville is Exceutive Director of the Roanoke Regional Airport

Jacqueline Shuck was named “Manager of the Year,” for her service as  the Executive Director of the Roanoke Regional Airport.  The conference noted she has worked  to improve air service and economic development for the last 21 years.  She also has worked on projects across the Commonwealth and has exhibited the leadership qualities for a top-rated airport manager.

"Person of the Year" Buchanan's Ray Conlon of Austin Electrical Construction

Ray Conlon, the Chief Inspector for Austin Electrical Construction of Buchanan, was named “Person of the Year.”
He was commended for his significant work to ensure  the safety of airports. He spends significant time maintaining lighting on the runways and taxi areas, weather reporting systems, ILS and approach path noted the Virginia Aviation conference. He was also praised for the personal time, resources and contributions he puts into the betterment of the aviation community.

Here’s a list of courses DSLCC is holding around the county. For more information or to register, visit www.dslcc.edu or contact Judy Clark at (540) 863-2863 or jclark@dslcc.edu.

Greenfield Education and Training Center

• Supervisory Skills Business Seminars
• Introduction to Computers for Senior Citizens I
• Introduction to Computers for Senior Citizens II

Eagle Rock Library

• Understanding Your Digital Camera
• Stargazing for the Curious Skywatcher
• Understanding Your Investments

Botetourt Technical Education Center

• Auto Body Repair
• Woodworking
• Computers for the absolute beginner