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Some of last year's participants on a 4H float.

The Fincastle annual Christmas parade is around the corner on Saturday, December 5 and the town is seeking applicants for the parade!
General Rules of Parade:
1. Get copy of line up and park
2. Line up starts at 1:00 p.m.
3. Register upon arriving: Breckinridge Elementary School in Fincastle
4. Parade will start promptly at 2:00 p.m.
5. All floats must be "homemade".
6. Floats must not be so high as to hit overhead wires.
7. Floats must not be so long as to not make the corner turns easily.
8. Return to baseball field at the school after the parade.
9. Floats will be judged on ORIGINALITY, THEME, BEAUTY, and EFFORT.
10. Horses will be allowed if they have diapers or some cleaning up behind them .
11. Only the Santa Claus float will be allowed to through candy. You can have someone walking beside and give the candy to children.

ATTENTION CLUBS, ORGANIZATIONS, ETC
You are cordially invited to participate in the Fincastle Christmas Parade to be held on Saturday, December 5, 2009. Rain date , Sunday, December 6, 2009. The Town of Fincastle sponsors this Thirty-sixth annual parade.
Cash awards will be given to the best entries in traditional and religious float categories. Bands will receive honorarium. Bands will not be judged.

The parade will form at 1:00 p.m. at Breckinridge Elementary School in Fincastle and will begin at 2:00 p.m. sharp! The parade route is as follows: Back Street, Main Street, Academy Street, Roanoke Street, and Main Street ending back at Breckinridge Elementary School. (This year we are having a rain date of Sunday, December 7, 2008 at 2:00 p.m.)
Contact the Town Office at 473-2200 for a parade application due by November 28.

--submitted by Parade committee

Krystin Bandy, Nirja Inamdar, Jerod Myers and Tim Hammer, Key club officers.

The LBHS Key Club continues its competition among the classes to help Operation Military Parent(OMP.) This is the third year the club has held a drive to help OMP. Krystyn Bandy and Nirja Inamdar, part of the four officer led club, stated that the drive will continue through November 20. The winning class gets a pizza and dessert party.

Here's the list:

Items and the  point value assigned for the competition.

SLIM JIMS AND BEEF JERKY 2
VIENNA SAUSAGES, CHICKEN SALAD, AND HAM SALAD WITH CRACKERS 3
BEANEE WEENIES, SMALL CANS OF PORK N' BEANS 3
MICROWAVE POPCORN 4
MICROWAVE MEALS THAT DO NOT NEED REFRIGERATION OR MILK 5
HOT CHOCOLATE AND HOT CIDER MIX 4
POTATO CHIPS, PRETZELS, CORN CHIPS, AND PEANUTS 4
POP TARTS AND COOKIES (NO CHOCOLATE OR CREAM FILLED) 5
BREAKFAST BARS, POWER BARS, AND GRANOLA BARS 6
PEANUT BUTTER OR CHEESE NABS 5
PUDDING CUPS THAT DO NOT NEED REFRIGERATION 5
TRAIL MIX, AND DRIED FRUIT 6
LITTLE DEBBIE'S SNACKS 5
HARD CANDY AND GUMMY BEARS (NO CANDY THAT WILL MELT) 4
INSTANT SOUP 5
CEREAL 7
BABY WIPES 4
SHAMPOO, SOAP, AND DEODORANTS 6
BRUSHES AND COMBS 2
TOOTH PASTE, TOOTH BRUSH, AND MOUTHWASH 5
HAND LOTION AND SANITIZER 5
TWIN BED SHEETS (BLACK, TAN, GRAY) 12
FOOT POWDER AND BABY POWDER 5
SOCKS (BLACK, TAN, GRAY) 5
STOCKING CAPS (BLACK, TAN, GRAY) 3
HAND WARMERS 2
AIR FRESHNERS 2
CD'S ALL TYPES 12
PUZZLE BOOKS 3
INTERNATIONAL CALLING CARDS 1/$
SMALL POCKET BIBLES 4
ONE DOLLAR 1
LETTER TO SOLDIER 5

Social Services says, "Help is needed for Botetourt families this holiday season."

Mary Lou Mullis, Director of Social Services, sent this letter to the Botetourt View:

Dear Friends:

The Botetourt County Department of Social Services helps individuals and families during times of financial difficulties. A particularly difficult time for many is the Christmas Season-a time that should be filled with joy; however, many families do not have money to provide Christmas for their children. They cannot afford to purchase toys, the additional cost of food for Christmas dinner, or the additional cost of fuel needed in the winter. These problems can be compounded if an unexpected illness occurs in the family.

We are once again asking individuals and local businesses for donations to the Botetourt County Christmas Fund so that we can continue helping those in need at this time of the year. Any resources that are left over we will use to help pay for medicines and other necessities for families that may need help throughout the year.

For the Botetourt County Christmas Fund in 2008, local citizens and businesses contributed over $12,500 that was spent for food and gifts to assist approximately 300 families. In addition, individuals, local businesses, churches and civic organizations sponsored approximately 350 "Angels" by purchasing clothing/toys for these individuals.

If you would like to make a donation to Botetourt County's Christmas Fund, please send a check payable to the Botetourt County Department of Social Services (BCDSS) and mail to:

Botetourt County Department of Social Services m

Christmas Fund

P. O. Box 160

Fincastle, VA 24090

Thank you for helping us help others at this very special time of the year. If you have any questions about the Christmas Fund, you may contact Tina Childress at 473-8210.

VETERAN'S DAY LIST

E L (Pat) Paderick Marine Artillery man during WWII
Purple Heart and Bronze Star Korea 1953

H T Grindstaff Air Force 1943-1945 WWII

Joe Johnson Air Force Pilot 1942-1972 WWII

Orville Ruid Navy 1942-1945 WWII ( oldest there -96 yrs old )

Roy Webb Army Air Force 1943-1945 WWII

Harry Burnett Navy Yeoman 1943-1946 WWII

Harold Wilhelm United States Navy 1944-1946 WWII

Frank Wooding Merchant Marine 1942-1946 WWII

Bob Young Army Air Force WWII 1943-1945

Norman Flora Army Field Artillery 1948-1952

Walt Bergman Lieutenant Commander Navy 1947-1967

Phyllis Bergman Lieutenant in Air Force 1951-1954

Richard Barbour Army medic 1952-1953

Henry J Amos Army Korean Conflict 1950-1952

James Gardner Korean Marine 1950-1951

Jack Sutliff Navy 1953-1955

Bob Venable Commander in the Navy 1954-1978

Larry Crawford Army 1953-1956

Gene Hatcher Air Force 1957-1961

Wes Whitely National Guard 1958-1964

Mason Whitenack Air Force Airman 1951-1955

Wayne Gray Army 1958-1978

Ken Venable Lieutenant in the Army 1963-1966

Dale Bryant Navy 1963-1970

Dewie Weddle Air Force 1952-1956

Michael Crowder Air Force 1977-1981

Doug Paxton Navy 1971-1975

David Davney Navy 1971-1975

Terry Martin Army 1981

Walter Cone Air Force 1974

George Blake Army 1969-1970
Nelson Mayo Navy 1969-1971
John Guidon Navy 1981-1989
Dennis Harlow Army 1982-1988
John Strickley Air Force
Joshua St. Clair National Guard 2007-2008

Submitted by Priscilla Richardson and Lee Minnix

Photos by Richardson and Len Miller

Rene Worthen shows some of the raffle items.

The Friends of the Fincastle Library is having a Christmas Raffle drawing on December 15, 2009. Among the donations being raffled are:

Country Cookin - 25 free Breakfast Bar certificates

Nancy Wells - Candle holder set

Curves - Free Service fee value $150.00

Janet Buttram - Reed Diffuser & 2 Mary Kay Hand Care kits

Buchanan Florist - Candle

Ashley Plantation - 4 Free Green fees

Cahoon Florist - Gift Certificate

Chamber of Commerce - Golf tote bag

Rivers Edge Restaurant - Gift Certificate

Wayne Graves - Happy Food Mart - 2, 12 packs of sodas

BB&T Buchanan Bank - Thermos

Chewey Boo Creations - Hand cut wood item

Thomas & Chris Hearn - 1 bird feeder & 1 bird house

Kevin Costello -Botetourt Tourism - 1 Wine Trail Tee-shirt

O'Charleys - Gift Certificate

Old Mill - 1 hunting cap

Anonymous - 1 Longberger basket

Three Little Pigs - Gift Certificate

McKinzie Moore - Hand made child's necklace

Leonardo's - Gift Certificate

Botetourt Landscape - 1 Blueberry Preserves & 1 Pure Sorghum

Buchanan Library - 3 book bags

Money from the raffle will help fund the children's programs. The tickets are $1.00 each or 12 for $10.00 and are on sale in the Fincastle Library, The Buchanan Library and the Botetourt Bookmobile.

Submitted by Friends of the Library

A first annual home tour (gallery) is coming to Troutville! In their energized quest to make a strategic plan for the Town of Troutville, the Friends of the Troutville Park have organized a Christmas tour for homes, businesses and a church on Sunday, December 6 from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. Tickets are $7 each and may be purchased at any of the homes.

The tour begins at Everything Art at Mill Creek which used to be Mill Creek Garage, then flows along Lee Highway to the Rader home at 8910 called Cave Spring Farm and home to Jack Rader.  The Rauscher House at 5559 Lee Highway built around 1908 is also featured. The Town Park Caboose numbered X544 circa the mid  20th century, Southern Past Times a small country and decor business in a one floor plan home typical of the 1940s. Cave Hill Dairy Farm is located at 87 Henderson Way off Catawba Road (west of Daleville) which has a Troutville address. The Henderson home is one of 9 Dairy Farms left in Botetourt County and home to Jerry and Donna Henderson, "The Pickle Lady." The tour ends at Troutville Church of the Brethern  on Lee Highway in the center of town, with a reception.

Photos courtesy of Kathy Conner, Shutterbug photography.

On Monday night November 9, 140 people showed up to fight the proposed Aqua Virginia rate increase. The town hall meeting at Rainbow Forest Baptist Church was held by Blue Ridge Supervisor Billy Martin. Though the time to sign on as a respondent against the rate increase in a case pending before the State Corporation Commission ended on October 16 and  before any action could be taken through the Board of Supervisors, Martin is persevering on his promise to help the citizens of the Blue Ridge and Read Mountain areas. They are customers of Aqua Virginia and he vowed to help them fight the increase. he held a meetingin October as well and about 70 people came to that meeting.

"Over a period of a year the rate increase adds to about $216 per family for 2,500 people in Botetourt County noted Martin. " Though Aqua has spent 44 million state wide in water improvements and water treatment, only 1.3 million has been invested in Botetourt County," he said. Aqua Virginia has 20,000 subscribers through out the state so Martin sees the rate increase disproportioned to the amount invested here. Botetourt residents do not receive sewage and runoff water treatment only potable water service. The former is much more expensive, said Martin who wondered why Botetourt citizens should have to pay for a service they do not recieve.

Since Botetourt  County can not be a respondent, just sympathetic case attendants with counties that did get in under the deadline, only letters and petitions of concerned residents can be sent to the SCC. Petitions are circulating through out the affected subdivisions and Martin provided a flyer of helpful hints for those who will write letters to the SCC and the case number.

Martin said, the rate increase will take place in December. If the Aqua Virginia rate increase is not approved in February 2010 by the SCC, customers will likely receive a credit on their monthly bills in the form of refund.   He plans one more town hall meeting in January 2010 to keep people reminded of the fight against the rate increase.

Here are the Rate increase case  particulars and reasons to oppose it Martin passed out at the meeting last eveningReasons to oppose the projected rate increase by Aqua Virginia Inc.

• request for $3.2 million dollar increase or 69% increase in rates is outrageous
• Equates to $18.00 per month per customer or $216 increase per year
• Aqua Invested $44 million across Virginia to improve water and wastewater systems
• Only $1.3 million invested in Botetourt County or 2.95% of the total invested
• Aqua wants Botetourt to help pay for the $42.7 dollars invested elsewhere. We should not have to do this.
• Had rate increase four (4) years ago (approximately 60% or better)
• Aqua has asked the SCC to consolidate rates for their customers. Regardless where they live, all will pay the same rate. (NOVA vs. Botetourt) Wage scales and costs in NOVA are much higher than this area. We should not be burdened with this increase.
• Over half of this increase is for storm water drainage and sewage operations. Botetourt residents already pay for sewage and storm water drainage operations. We should not have to pay Aqua a second time.
• Aqua had a $98 ,million profit last year. Why do they need a rate increase?
• Aqua stated that Rate increases provide a way to recover capital and operating dollars to improve. So is planning and setting aside capital to do this
• Why does Aqua NOT have accounts budgeted for capital expenditures? Aqua sent a letter to its' stockholders boasting of the company's ability to grow earnings despite recent unfavorable weather and economic conditions. How do they have ten (10) consecutive years of increased profits? Well, Aqua contributes this "to the company's ability to "recover capital investments through timely rate relief" IN OTHER WORDS, put this burden on the ratepayer through unreasonable and preposterous rate increases.
• Aqua said this was for improvements, not necessity. To spend $44 million and then ask your customers to pay is irresponsible management.
• Aqua wants this increase and still profit from their existing rates.
• This proposed increase is unwarranted, unfair to Botetourt County and simply put, OUTRAGEOUS.
• A company already making $100 million a year in profits should not grow fatter by stealing from the citizens it is allowed to serve.

State Corporation Commission Refer to case PUE-2009-00059
P O Box 1197
Richmond, VA 23218

On November 5, 2009, Probation Officer, Lloyd Merchant, was honored for his contributions to the juvenile justice field.  While attending the 33rd Fall Juvenile Justice Training Institute in Hampton, Merchant was presented the Virginia Juvenile Justice Association’s 2009 Meritorious Award in the Area of Court Services.  The following biography was read:

“A 1982 graduate of James River High School in Buchanan, Virginia, before our award recipient was a stand out in the juvenile justice field he was a star running back for his high school football team.  After graduating from high school he served in the U.S. Army from 1982 until 1991 then returned to the Roanoke area and graduated from the Roanoke Police Academy. Our recipient worked as a Roanoke City police officer before becoming a Surveillance Officer for the Roanoke Court Service Unit in 1997. While working as a Surveillance Officer he attended Virginia Western Community College and ECPI Technical College.  In 2001 he became a Parole Officer and in 2005 he was promoted to Senior Parole Officer a position he continues to hold.  As a Senior Parole Officer he is responsible for all duties related to direct care and community parole supervision; development of groups and specialized services for identified cases.  He also provides consultation to other Probation Officers on difficult cases, is routinely involved in training and coaching new staff and assists the administrative team with special activities and services to enhance program delivery and effectiveness.  Our recipient consistently goes above and beyond the call of duty with his cases.  He has conducted intervention groups for his parolees focused on helping them identify the services and social supports that they need in order to be successful on parole.  He further coordinated an opportunity for one of his groups to discuss a list of the issues they felt to be important with the City Manager.  He has also conducted information groups for the parents of youth who were committed to the Department of Juvenile Justice to help them better understand the commitment process and their involvement with the CSU during their child's commitment. Our award recipient also takes the initiative to collaborate with community leaders and resources to find the best compliment of services for his kids. He at one time coordinated with the city manager and in turn coordinated with the local community college to find ways for parole kids to enter into community college for free.  When asked to describe our winner his co-workers said, “He is a perfect example of someone who has the HEART for juvenile justice. He truly has the appropriate balance -- using both his head and his heart in working with kids. His work is guided by the highest of morals and ethical standards and he holds others to the same level of professionalism. At our Court Service Unit, he is the “GO TO” Guy.  He is known by and respected by not only his co-workers, but all of our community partners.  You won’t find a more professional, dependable or dedicated worker.  In addition to all of the passion and extra time this award winner gives to his profession he is also actively involved in the community.  He and his family attend the Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church where he is a Deacon and he performs with a gospel group called One Accord.   He and his wife Amelia and two of three children, Janiah, age 6 and Josiah, age 18 months, make their home in Botetourt County.  An older son, Daniel, works as a mentor with several private providers in the Roanoke area. It is my privilege to present VJJA’s 2009 Meritorious Service Award in the category of Court Services to Blue Ridge VJJA Member MR. LLOYD MERCHANT.”

Background: Each year the Virginia Juvenile Justice Association recognizes professionals who have made extraordinary contributions in the juvenile justice field. Meritorious awards are presented in the areas of: Administration, Court Services, Residential Care and Community Service. Recipients are recognized before their peers at VJJA's Fall Juvenile Justice Training Institute, held annually in November.

About VJJA: Founded in 1966, the Virginia Juvenile Justice Association (VJJA) is an organization comprised of professionals representing court services, the judiciary, indigent defense, detention homes, juvenile correctional facilities, halfway houses, group homes, mental health, education, law enforcement, social work, and others with an interest in youth and family services. The organization is administered by an elected board of directors and is committed to child advocacy and advancing the professional interests and competencies of its members.  State and local training events are held, with a statewide conference held annually in November.  Learn more at www.VJJA.org.

Submitted by Beth Stinnett, President, Virginia Juvenile Justice Association (VJJA).

Fincastle and Buchanan Libraries Food Drive for the Botetourt Food Pantry.

FOOD DRIVE
Botetourt Food Pantry

.50 cents will be removed from your fine
For every current dated non perishable food item
Fincastle Library, Botetourt Bookmobile
Buchanan Library
November 16-21, 2009
December 14- 19, 2009

submited by Fincastle Library

The Blue Ridge Mountains Council, Boy Scouts of America will be recognizing the 173 young men who have achieved the top rank of Eagle Scout this year.  The Eagle Scouts provided 30,680 hours of community service as part of their Eagle Projects, dedicating their time and talents to churches, community centers, parks, and many others. This year's Eagle Class has been named in honor of volunteer Dennis Woolwine, from Troop 130 in Hardy, Virginia.

In addition to recognizing this year's class of Eagle Scouts, 7 volunteers will be presented with the Silver Beaver Award for distinguished and outstanding service to youth.

The Blue Ridge Mountains Council Annual Recognition Banquet will be held Saturday, November 14, 2009 at the Roanoke Sheraton Hotel from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Reservations are $40 per person and the deadline to register is 5 p.m. on Nov. 9, 2009. To make a reservation, please e-mail helenef@bsa-brmc.org, or call 540.265.0656.

Silver Beaver Award Recipients:

William "Bill" E. Brown, Jr. (Salem)
Bill has been an exemplary Scouting volunteer and Leader for twenty years. Bill attends summer camp each year and enjoys facilitating high adventure activities. Mr. Brown is currently serving in his sixth year as an Executive Board Member.

Patrick J. "Pat" Costa (Fincastle)
Mr. Costa became an Assistant Scoutmaster in 1987, a role which he continues today. He has served for many years on a variety of Scout Committees. He is an active and faithful member of Tutelo Lodge. Mr. Costa  will serve as Assistant Scoutmaster for the national Jamboree next year.

John Johnson (Roanoke)
John Johnson began his Scouting career as an adult, when he became an Assistant Scoutmaster. He has served in several roles, currently as Vice President/District Operation on the Executive Committee of the Council's Board.

Nancy McDaniel (Roanoke)
Mrs. McDaniel became active with Scouting in 2003. Since then, she has served in a wide variety of roles including Committee Chair, Commissioner, and instructor. Nancy currently serves as the Council's Cub Scout Activities Chair and Webelos Resident Camp Program Director.

Alfred "Fred" Anderson (Vinton)

Mr. Anderson has enjoyed a lifetime dedicated to Scouting. He has served on both the Advisory Board and the Executive Boards and was a member of the Claytor Lake Campaign Steering Committee. Today, he is as a member of the Council's Nominating Committee, Finance Committee, and the Chair of the Audit Committee.

Jerry "Smith" Chaney, Jr. (Martinsville)
Smith Chaney began Scouting at the Age of 7, and later earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Since then, he has served in many leadership roles, including Unit Leader, Charter Organization Representative, Committee Chairman, District Chairman and Chairman of the Claytor Lake Development Committee. He has served on the Council Executive Board for the last 8 years.

David "Dave" Clark (Danville)
Dave Clark began Scouting as a Cub Scout and eventually earned the rank of Life Scout.  Dave has since served as an Advisor with a Post/Crew, as a Unit Commissioner, District Venturing Chairman, and many others. Mr. Clark has spent 40 summers as a member of a Boy Scout Camp Staff and over 30 years as a Professional with the Boy Scouts.

The Blue Ridge Mountains Council of the Boy Scouts of America includes 21 counties and eight cities in southwest and south central Virginia with council headquarters located in Roanoke, Virginia.  The Council received the National Quality Council Award in 2008 for exceeding the goals established by the Boy Scouts of America.

Submitted by Marla Baker, Communications Specialist, Blue Ridge Mountains Council, Boy Scouts of America.