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Logan Wood and his big cabbage.

Logan Wood was the school winner of the cabbage contest earlier this past summer in Mrs. Mayes class. As you can tell by the picture, that is one really big cabbage almost as big as Logan! Have an interesting photo to share? news@botetourtview.com

photo submitted by Wood family

This is a watermelon grown from a volunteer seed by Mrytle and David Montgomery in Daleville. Holding it is Mason Sowers their grandson.

The watermelon was grown on a late volunteer plant in Daleville. We picked it the first of October. It was the biggest watermelon on the vine. It weighed 36 lbs. and was 25 inches long. Our grandson, Mason Sowers, is holding it. "The fruit was so sweet and delicious," said Montgomery.

LBHS FFA students Jake Graham and Ricky Phoenix won the state tractor trouble shooting contest. Stuart Byrd, the team sponsor, is in the back middle.

On Sept. 24th Ricky Phoenix and Jake Gray placed first in the State Tractor Troubleshooting contest at the State Fair of Virginia. In order to compete in a state FFA event students must prove themselves to be the best by beating out competition at the school level, federation level and finally the area level.
This is a team event where students learn to work together diagnosing common problems that you might find on a farm tractor that has broken down on the farm. Overall the contest consists of three main parts. First students have to take a 25 question written test about safety, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of a farm tractor. Second they have to diagnose mechanical problems of five tractors. Third they draw a random tractor and have to make the necessary repairs to the tractor. The Lord Botetourt FFA would like to extend a special thanks to Blue Ridge Farm Center for sponsoring the team and Mr. Chuck Pound, LB's Athletic director, for his donation of time and effort in helping the team make it to state.

Scrapbook your favorite memories on November 7

The Women's Ministry of Fincastle Baptist Church is going to sponsor a Scrapbook Day on Nov. 7, 2009, from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm in the Chapel. Finger foods and lunch will be provided. Michelle Adkins, a Creative Memories Consultant, will be here for the class. This class is for the avid scrapers as well as those just beginning. Don't forget to invite all your friends as this will be a wonderful time of fellowship with other women and preserving our family memories. If you would like more information, call the church office at 473-2861.

The LBHS Ag Mechanics team at the Eastern Regionals are Corey Reid, Matt Chocklett, Matt Taylor and Ricky Phoenix

The Lord Botetourt FFA's Agriculture Mechanics team competed in the Eastern States regional competition in Spring Field Mass. on Sept 18th. The Lord Botetourt high schools Agriculture Mechanics team consisting of team members Corey Reid, Matt Chocklett, Matt Taylor and Ricky Phoenix won the opportunity to compete in the regional FFA Agriclutural Mechanics contest that was held at the Eastern Exposition known as the Big E, a multi-State fair that is held each year consisting of all of the New England States. Each year the 2nd place state teams at State conventions all over the United states get a second chance to compete at the National level by winning the region. The contest consists of five parts; first students have to take a written test, second they must lay out a rafter, third they have to work on a small engine, fourth they have to diagonose a problem with a farm tractor, and fith they had to set up a computerized GIS self steere system for a farm tractor.
Aside from competing in the competion students were able to meet fellow FFA members from all all over the eastern US as well as tour one of the top 10 Agricultural Fairs in the United States. The Lord Botetourt FFA would like to thank the Botetourt Farm Bureau for their sponsorship of the team.

Come on along we are going for a hayride!

Vanessa Romas sent these pics of the Botetourt Buddies going on their first field trip of the year to Layman's Farm in Montvale. Botetourt Buddies pairs special education students with general education students for fun and fellowship. Ramos, a senior, started the group with the help of many in the school and from the community last year because her sister Stephanie and other special education students needed a better way to interact with the rest of the Lord Botetourt High School student body. The result has been a terrific success for all involved.

Cool weather seemed fitting for an apple festival! Aromas of pork barbeque, Chick Fil A and apple butter focused the crowd on the event at Ikenberry's this week end. Enjoy the pictures!

Round about the copper pot, students took turns stirring the apple butter for the FFA

The Lord Botetourt High School FFA members began making apple butter at 4 a.m. and by early in the afternoon, the smell permeated LBHS. It was a good smell, too.

Made in a copper kettle in the shop area of  the school, constantly stirring the apple butter with a big wooden paddle is all part of the secret to the tasty spread. "The LB FFA apple butter will retail for $7 per quart," said Stuart Byrd the FFA sponsor and a teacher at the school. All funds go to support FFA projects.

Lots of hardwork goes into the peeling and stirring of the apple butter. In the end, Byrd hoped to can about 140  quarts with today's batch. Contact Byrd at 992-1261 to buy a jar.

Those who helped today included a senior citizen, Warren Rhodes of Troutville, who is a real advocate for the LBHS FFA. He sells tickets to chicken barbeques and really promotes the young folks along the way and of course helps with the apple butter. "We need to support these young people and what they do," he said.

The LBHS FFA will make another batch of apple butter this Saturday and Sunday at Ikenberrys on the Roanoke Road during their annual fall festival as well.

They also have tickets on sale now for the local Young Farmers Annual Chicken Bar B Que November 14 which consists of a half chicken, baked potato, green beans and a roll. $7 donation buys a ticket. Location is the LBHS cafeteria from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. and carry out is available.

Pictured above are Zach Dove ,at the paddle, Daniel Perdue, Michael Ferguson, Warren Rhodes, Josh Parker, Matt Taylor, Hunter Boykin, Marie Galloway, and johnny Nuckles.

Jared Hayes and his first buck!

Jared Hayes, 12, of Fincastle killed his first deer, a seven point buck, using a .30-.30 rifle. He was hunting with his father, Darin Hayes, on Youth Hunt Day. He killed the deer on private land in Fincastle.

Submitted by Connie Hayes.

You can share your photos at news@botetourtview.com

Catawba Creek is an important tributary of the Upper James River Watershed in Botetourt County. Ultimately it is a part of the Chesapeake Bay watershed, too.

What: Catawba Creek Stream monitor training

When: Sat. October 24 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free lunch provided

Where: Roanoke Cement on Catawba Road Rt 779.

The health of streams like Catawba Creek which runs across western and northern Botetourt County and  empties into the James River north of Fincastle is an important concern for not only the local creek including water and wildlife, but also the James River watershed and ultimately the Chesapeake Bay.  Water quality is an ever increasing conservation topic. The workshop will teach the average citizen how to become a stream monitor.

Genevieve Goss of Fincastle, an area conservation advocate said, "The event will make a citizen scientist out of you!" A participant will receive the training necessary to become a certified stream monitor. To register contact Goss at 966-4604 or online at genevieve@valleyconservation.org.

The event is being held in conjunction with Roanoke Cement Company, Virginia Save our Streams, Valley Conservation Council and Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.