Miette Veldman. Photo courtesy of Gerhard Veldman

Miette Veldman. Photo courtesy of Gerhard Veldman

Miëtte Veldman plays for the Greenfield Flash at the Botetourt Sports Complex.

– Submitted by Gerhard Veldman

Brian Howard and his fishing trophy.

4H is often in the news and a young man by the name of Brian Howard came by with news to share on June 12. Here in Botetourt, The 4H Shooting Club is open to youth over the age of 9. Two young men from the county, Jacob Van Ness of Eagle Rock placed 1st and Brian Howard of Eagle Rock 3rd in the State 4H Air Shooting Contest held at the W.E. Skelton 4H Center earlier this year. The duo placed in Air Pistol Silhouette.

Howard also won a trophy recently in the Parks and Recreation Fishing Carnival. The young sportsman is a rising 5th grader at Breckinridge Elementary School. He said, “I like to hunt and fish, but I like hunting better than fishing.” He has been part of The 4H Shooting Club since he turned 9 years old and had been hunting with his father prior to that age. He said, “I do eat what I hunt.” In his spare time, Howard also likes to watch Duck Dynasty on TV and “Uncle Si,” is his favorite on the show.

For more information on joining the shooting club contact Katherine Carter at 473- 8260.

Howard with Jacob Van Ness and the State 4H Shooting Club Trophies.

Pioneer District James River High School players who made the All Region C Team:

Jenna Sprinkle JR IF 1st team

Jessica Simmons JR P 1st team

Kayla Hannah JR DH 1st team

Casie Hill JR IF 2nd team

Alexis Breeding JR IF 3rd team

Payton Hatcher JR OF 4the team

Player of the Year -Jenna Sprinkle JR

Pitcher – Jessica Simmons JR

D2 Coach of the  Year – Kasey Phillips JR

Chase Haynes was the only James River Boys soccer player named to first team All Region C honors. Cameron Bell made 2nd team.

2013 All Region C Girls Soccer players from JRHS:

First Team:

Kendall Moyer, Valentina Donni, Teresa Theimer, Baylee Coleman

Second team:

Hyla Meredith, Heidi Ward, Emily Amos, Amanda Bell, Dana Fair

Honorable Mention:

Yana Conrad, Lauren Fleming, Rachel Asbury, Alex Wolfe

Third-annual Roanoke RoboParade, sponsored by Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council in conjunction with the Science Museum of Western Virginia and the Roanoke Robotics Club

The Buchanan Botcats Lego Team attended the Roanoke RoboParade on Saturday, June 8.  There were entries of all ages from all over the Roanoke Valley in attendance.  Our team built their robot from Mindstorms Legos, using motors, an ultrasonic sensor to detect a robot in front of them, and a light sensor to detect the line on the track.  The parade entries had to follow a black line on the track and follow the other robots without running into them.  Entries were decorated in the theme of butterflies, in honor of the new Butterfly Pavilion at the Science Museum. The Buchanan Botcat Robot has monarch butterfly wings and butterfly stickers on the back.

The Botcats were represented on Saturday by Michaela Hedrick, Trey Brown and Michael Carlough.  They not only participated in the parade, but also demonstrated robots that Dr. Livingston brought from VMI.  There were two “walkers” that looked like spiders with only six legs, a humanoid that could count claps and dance, and two wheeled robots that used bump sensors and ultrasonic sensors to control their movements.

Although the entire team was unable to attend on Saturday, the rest of our team also helped to build, program and decorate the robot at practices during the month of May. Pictured are Trey Brown (in blue Botcat team shirt), Michaela Hedrick (in tie dyed Buchanan Shirt), Michael Carlough (in green Buchanan shirt), Mrs. Livingston (gray Botcat team shirt), Dr. Livingston (blue VMI shirt). The team also includes Matthew Walker, Chase Minnix, Dillon Minnix, Kye Gonino, Jaycee Harris and Deacon Pavainas. The Botcats are coached by Mrs. Barbara Livingston and Dr. David Livingston.

– Submitted by Barbara Livingston

Rumbles of distant thunder, rain and tornado warnings just weren’t enough to keep the Ashley Plantation Stingrays from meeting up with the Read Mountain Muskies Monday evening, June 10, at the Read Mountain Swim Club. The Stingrays proved to be a strong force of nature when several returning swimmers improved on their times from the 2012 season in both freestyle and the backstroke. Several swimmers scored points in all three divisions: gold, silver, and bronze. Many new swimmers to the team were also able to establish some great initial times. Special thanks to all who helped make this first swim meet of the 2013 season run smoothly.

– Submitted by Melody Austin of Daleville, VA

Jones and his son Conner on a fishing trip prior to his diagnosis of cancer.

Chris Jones served as a special education supervisor for Botetourt County Public Schools for 6 years. At age 39 in the Spring of 2012, he was diagnosed with Colon Cancer. After 12 chemo treatments he was diagnosed cancer free. In April of this year he was informed that the cancer is back. He takes  2 day chemo treatments every other week.

“I am taking chemo and target therapy right now,” said Jones, “I feel fairly well.” Jones and his wife Heather have been married 14 years. They have two sons ages 7 and 4.  He is a man of faith and believes that God is taking care of him.

Debbie Mooty and Rory ” Tater” Benson have organized a Gold Tournament for Jones on June 22 at Botetourt Golf and Swim club. All proceeds will go to help defray the medical costs.

The Tournament is $300 per team or $75 per person and includes  a meal. Teams will be taken all the way up to the date of the tournament. A shotgun start at noon is planned.

For more information contact Botetourt Golf and Swim Club at 992-1451.

The community is invited to enjoy a game of Bingo at the monthly meeting of Sharing God’s Grace at Wheatland Lutheran Church on Tuesday, June 18.  A delicious lunch will be served at 12 noon by the ladies of the church, followed by Bingo.  Invite your friends and neighbors for an early afternoon of wonderful food, fellowship, and a chance to win prizes for the winning Bingo cards.  Call 992-5403 to make reservations and get directions to the church.

– Submitted by Natalie Haley

Jasmine Forest is petting the rabbit that Jonathan Austin pulled out of the pot! Photo courtesy of Barbara Livingston

Buchanan Elementary enjoyed Field Day despite the rainy day.  Jonathan Austin, the Magician, began our festivities by amazing us with magic tricks, comedy, and juggling.  Then we all played games inside with Mr. Falls and his many assistants.  Classes ate picnic lunches in their classrooms.  PK-2^nd grade had a blast in the Bounce House or riding scooters and playing tag.  Some classes played games in their classrooms.  We also autographed our friends’ yearbooks.  We know how to have fun on rainy days at Buchanan Elementary School!

– Submitted by Barbara Livingston, Buchanan Elementary School