On a yearly basis right before Memorial Day, hundreds of motorcycles boom through Botetourt County as part of the annual veteran’s “Run for the Wall and Rolling Thunder. At about half past 11 a.m. on May 23rd, a small group of veterans, the Botetourt County Sheriff’s Department Color Guard and a few well wishers stood by US 220 alternate and waved on the participants. Tommy Watts and another veteran Bill Dunbar, and also Doug Watts stood along beside Leslie Bradley, Hannah and Michael Bradley, Margie Watts  and Southern States employees Janice Brown and Lisa Conner. All were on hand to cheer the bikers on in their quest.

Watts remarked, “Glad to see the media here for this annual event and to witness this run.”

Sheriff’s Dept. Color Guard members are David Goodman, Ray McCaleb and Chris Prillaman.

Run for the Wall participants headed to Montvale Elementary School for lunch and then over to the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford. Tonight they will rest up in Salem and be on the way to Washington, D.C. to the Viet Nam Veteran’s Memorial on the Mall.

The organizations mission statement reads:  “To promote healing among ALL veterans and their families and friends, to call for an accounting of all Prisoners of War and those Missing in Action (POW/MIA), to honor the memory of those Killed in Action (KIA) from all wars, and to support our military personnel all over the world.”

Philosophy: “We strive to maintain a safe, supportive and private atmosphere in which all participants can reflect and heal on their journey to the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C. in the hope that they can return home to a new beginning.”

Goals:  “To guide the participants across America. To educate future generations as to the importance of accountability in wartime actions emphasizing that no one should be left behind.”

Botetourt County RMMS Group: Abby Eggleston, Grace Spangler, Kyle Perdue, Jonothan Ballard, Ali Crawford. Photo courtesy of Sheila Lythgoe

On April 27, 2013, as part of Global Youth Service Day through Family Services of the Roanoke Valley, the Roanoke Area Youth Substance Abuse Coalition (RAYSAC) and its youth leadership arm- the REAL Team- conducted a “Sticker Shock” at 12 area convenience stores throughout the Valley.

Sticker Shock is a community-based strategy through the VA ABC that seeks to educate those persons 21 years of age or older who might purchase alcohol and illegally provide it to minors.

Stickers displaying a warning message about the penalties for furnishing alcohol to minors were placed on multi-packs of beer, wine coolers, and other alcohol products that might appeal to underage drinkers.

Photo courtesy of Sheila Lythgoe

It is against state law to allow (aid or abet) underage persons to possess or consume alcohol. This is a Class 1 misdemeanor and is punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a $2,500 fine. Purchasing for and/or giving alcohol to a minor is also against the law, and penalties can include losing a driver’s license for up to a year.

RAYSAC volunteers consisted of 5 teams of adults and youth that visited each store and placed the stickers on the alcohol and also provided an educational resource packet for the store on how to help reduce underage drinking. Participation in Sticker Shock is another great way for youth and adult leaders to partner to mobilize our community in promoting a safe and drug free Roanoke Valley.

A special thank you to the following stores that participated in Sticker Shock:

Botetourt County: Stop In, Buchanan; Stop In, Daleville; Stop In, Cloverdale; Barry’s Exxon, Buchanan; Brugh’s Mill Country Store, Fincastle; Dodge’s Store, Daleville

Roanoke: Stop In, Melrose Avenue; Stop In, Memorial Avenue; Stop In, Edgewood Street

Salem: Stop In, 4^th Street; Quik Way Food Mart, Thompson Memorial Drive; Marathon, W. Main St

– Submitted by Sheila Lythgoe

Rebecca Weller, Andrew Weller, and Emily Weller, children of Arnold and Julie Weller and students of The Blue Ridge Academy of Music, each performed a piano recital on Sunday, May 5 at the Wellers’ home.  Each performer amazed the audience with advanced pieces by Bizet, Chopin, Mozart, and Beethoven.  To add a little contemporary into the mix, the performers included delightful arrangements of songs from Richard Rodgers’ “The Sound of Music”, Andrew Lloyd Weber’s “Phantom of the Opera” and “Cats”, and Jerry Bock’s “Fiddler on the Roof”.  Rebecca included “Yesterday” by Paul McCartney, and Emily sang two songs including “The Way You Look Tonight” by Fields & Kern.  Andrew astounded on the piano with W.A. Mozart’s Alla Turca.  Pictured here at the conclusion of everyone’s performance, left to right:  Arnold Weller, Andrew Weller, Julie Weller, Rebecca Weller, Emily Weller, and all three children’s piano instructor at The Blue Ridge Academy of Music, Lenora Turner.

Submitted by Jason Cohen, The Blue Ridge Academy of Music

Bluefield College recognized dozens of outstanding students for academic excellence during its year-end Honors Convocation, April 24.

Each spring, the college acknowledges academic achievement and service among its students through the capstone awards program. In welcoming students to this year’s ceremony, Vice President Robert Shippey spoke about the significance of the day.

“You are to be commended for your efforts and your steadfast pursuit of excellence,” Dr. Shippey told the students. “It is our joy to honor you today. Even as we celebrate your accomplishments, we are reminded that everything we are and everything we do is for the glory of God.”

Among the students honored and the awards presented during the 2013 Honors Convocation:

Caleb Bittler of Fincastle, Virginia: Paul W. Beasley Service Award

Nine students inducted into the Sigma Beta Delta National Business Honor Society were recognized, including Suzanne Caldwell of Troutville.

– Submitted by Chris Shoemaker, Bluefield College

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

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 »

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

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.