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Two students and a teacher from Hokkaido Chitose High School in Chitose, Japan  are visiting James River High School for the next few days. Takishi Onishi is staying with Mike Avery, a foreign language teacher who went  to Japan last month on the exchange to Japan. Each year for over a decade now, Dynax Corporation has sponsored the student exchange at both county high schools. This year Maggie Moniot and Caitlin Ward were the two students to travel to Chitose.

"it took 14 1/2 hours in the air alone to get there," said Ward. Moniot had taken her student to Green Bank West Virginia on a field trip to the National Radio Astronomy Observatory with Physics class so they were absent from the interview. The Japanese students had pocket electronic translators with them to help with the  English definitions. Chihiro Wada is staying with Ward.

"I liked the stromboli, today." said Wada of the lunch offering at the school. Over the weekend they plan to go to the JRHS football game on Friday night, Ward's soccer game on Saturday morning, shopping, walk around downtown Roanoke, visit a dance exhibition at the Taubman Art Museum, the Roanoke Star, the Safari Park in Rockbridge to name a few things they have on the agenda.

Onishi said one thing that surprised him is the size of the student parking lot. Students cannot drive to school in Chitose. He described the high school there as having 1,200 students.  All agreed that the cultures are so different. "People in Japan are extremely polite," said Avery.  Chitose is in northern Japan on the island of Hokkaido. When they left the city on Tuesday a light snow was falling and in the northern most part of the  island they had about  6 inches snow.

Ward noted that one place they stayed in Tokyo had a roller coaster in the hotel and Avery said they had a dolphin show like at Sea World as well. The Japanese like the American style cathedral, though primarily a Buddhist nation, the Japanese build cathedrals to get married in a western style ceremony. While there in Japan, Avery participated in a Tea Ceremony and drank form a tea cup valued at $11,000. He also visited a temple and shrine, a Bonsai tree show. Caitlin traveled with her host family and also got to do some shopping a teen age past ime no matter where in the world!

He will take Onishi to Montecello today and over the weekend to Williamsburg.

Onishi described Chitose as an industrial city with some local military bases both Army and Air Force. Wada said. "The steering wheel is on the wrong side of the car and so is the driving." A round of laughter accompanied that remark as the Americans felt the same in Japan. Japanese cars have the driver on the right and drive on the left side of the road.

It was a wonderful experience said Ward. Avery seconded the view. He said, "We thank Dynax for their continued support of the exchange even in a difficult economy." On Monday the students and teachers in the exchange will go to Dynax on US 220 alternate in the East Park Industrial park to meet with leaders of the company. Dynax America is headquartered in Botetourt County and the world head quarters is located in Chitose, Hokkaido, Japan.

Teams of volunteers are today combing Charlottesville, looking for any evidence that relates to the disappearance of Morgan Harrington, the Virginia Tech student (and Lord Botetourt grad) who went missing at the Metallica concert last month.

We have more on this story from the newsroom of The Roanoke Times.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE OF MORGAN DANA HARRINGTON:
* Nov. 4: Family seeks community help in finding missing daughter
* Oct. 30: Police say Harrington suffered facial injury at concert
* Oct. 28: Police say Harrington last seen on bridge in Charlottesville
* Oct. 26: Metallica adds $50,000 to reward fund
* Oct. 23: Video from vigil for missing Lord Botetourt grad
* Oct. 21: Police set up tips line
* Oct. 20: Police ask Metallica fans to check video and photos for images of missing fan
* Oct. 20: Former teacher describes Harrington as "genuinely nice person"
* Oct. 19: Missing Tech student is Lord Botetourt grad

The Region C Cross country 1A cross country meet was held at Greenfield/Botetourt Sports Complex yesterday afternoon under sunny skies but chilly breezes blowing across Tinker Mountain saw James River runner, Britta Grim become the only county runner to go onto state competition. Grim finished 6th over all in the girl's competition.

The JRHS coaches, teachers and staff helped AD Shiela Proffit time the event and present medals and trophies. Parents, coaches and well wishers shouted encouragement to the runners as they sprinted toward the end of the course. Parents remarked on the difficulty of the course, so it was a good preview of state.

James River Cross Country runners:

Girls:

Britta Grim, Heather Funk, Emily Spangler, SierraClaunch, Katherine Day, Maggie Grumbine, Haley Baker

Boys:

Austin Bryant, Ben Persinger, Dylan Coleman, Tyler Kern, Andrew Fields, Wyatt Hubbard, Stephen Gray

Colonial Elementary Preschool planted flower bulbs at the school's Kirby Learning Center.

Tucker Jacobs, Bailee Masters, Mrs. Wilkerson, Emily Thompson, and Emi Dollar are shown here planting flower bulbs around the weather station in the Kirby Outdoor Learning Center. The children are students in Mrs. Taylor and Mrs. Wilkerson's Pre-K class at Colonial Elementary.

After School Movie at Botetourt County Libraries

The Blue Ridge and Buchanan libraries will show the Pixar animated feature "Up" in November.

Carl Fredricksen spent his entire life dreaming of exploring the globe and now in his 78th year he launches his house into the sky via thousands of balloons. Right after lift-off he discovers he has a stowaway in the form of an over optimistic 8-year-old Wilderness Explorer named Russell. This hilarious journey takes you into a lost world with the least likely duo on Earth. The film is rated PG.

The movie will be shown on Thursday, November 12 at the Blue Ridge library and Thursday, November 19 at the Buchanan branch. Both will begin at 4:00 P.M.

The movies are free, and snacks will be provided.

BLUE RIDGE DISTRICT
VOLLEYBALL 2009

1ST TEAM

Name # School Position Year
Macey Tyree 1 Lord Botetourt OH JR
Samantha Webster 12 William Byrd MH SR
Leah Poehner 2 Lord Botetourt L SR
Sarah Woodford 2 Staunton River S SR
Keegan Brads 3 Lord Botetourt S SR
Kalyn Molnar 2 William Byrd L SR
2nd TEAM

Name # School Position Year
Jordan Merrill 3 Staunton River OH SR
Katey Hall 10 Lord Botetourt OH JR
Samantha Nguyen 2 Northside L JR
Candace Brady 1 William Byrd S/DS SR
Kathleen Carr 4 Northside OH SO
Tiffany Thompson 4 Alleghany MH SR
Kristyn Brogan 13 Lord Botetourt MB SR
Player of the Year

Macey Tyree - Lord Botetourt
Coach of the Year

Cheryl Shockley - Lord Botetourt

On the right, Stewart receives his award for Animal Control Officer of the Year

Botetourt Animal Control Officer Charlie Stewart has worked tirelessly on numerous animal cruelty investigations, going above and beyond the call of duty to secure solid criminal charges and ultimately convictions. In the case Commonwealth vs. Moore, Officer Stewart persevered in an extremely difficult investigation, securing funding for extensive tests to prove a sexual assault of a small dog. The dog received medical care and was re-homed. The defendant plead guilty. As part of the plea agreement, the defendant has been forbidden from owning or possessing any animals.

This is only one example of Officer Stewart's commitment to animal welfare and the animal control profession. I hope that you will consider him for the Animal Control Officer of the Year award.

submitted by Botetourt County Sheriff's Department

Camp Bethel E-News, November 5, 2009:

1. Your help needed at Fall Workday this Saturday!
2. Christmas Banquets available here for your group.
3. Winter Camp program for children and youth, Jan 2-3.
4. Bethel bits, bytes and upcoming events.

1. YOUR HELP NEEDED AT FALL WORKDAY THIS SATURDAY, NOV. 7:
For 82 years (since 1927), Camp Bethel has been maintained and sustained by faithful volunteers.  Help us prepare for the fall/winter conference season: leaf raking, tree work, splitting firewood, clearing trails, clearing rain gutters, building the new Ark deck, winterizing & cleaning facilities, etc.  Projects are available for all skill levels.  FREE lodging in heated cabins is still available Friday night; FREE Saturday 7:30 breakfast; FREE 1:00 lunch.  RSVP free meals & lodging to campbetheloffice@yahoo.com or 540-992-2940 by 4:00pm Friday, November 6 so we know how much food to prepare.

Please bring lots of supplies: rakes, blowers, drag tarps, chainsaws, wood splitters, safety gear, ladders, gloves, garden & landscaping gear, tools (construction, repair, electrical, plumbing, etc.), hardware (nails, screws, washers, etc.) vacuums, flatbeds, 4x4 trucks & wagons/trailers, cleaning gear & chemicals, brooms, mops, rags... and bring some friends!  Free tee-shirt from camp’s Trading Post for each volunteer!

More information is at www.campbethelvirginia.org/workday.htm

2. CHRISTMAS BANQUETS AT CAMP BETHEL: EXCELLENT AND AFFORDABLE!
Let Chef Ernst Meier treat your group to an extraordinary meal in our decorated Dining Hall or by the fire-lit hearth in our cozy Ark Conference Room.  Schedule your church/family/staff Christmas outing at your Camp Bethel!  Holiday lunches cost from $9-$11 per person, and dinners from $10-$14 per person.  Info is at: www.campbethelvirginia.org/food.htm or call (540) 992-2940 or campbetheloffice@yahoo.com.

3. WINTER CAMP WEEKEND FOR CHILDREN & YOUTH, JAN 2-3:
Give yourself a Christmas gift and send the kids to Winter Camp, Saturday January 2, 10:00am through Sunday January 3, 2:00pm.  Winter Camp is a fun and spiritual holiday program for campers in 1st through 12th grades led by our reunited Summer Staff.  $60 includes 4 meals, lodging and all programming including games, hiking, crafts, Bible Study, summer 2009 slide-show, our big bonfire, singing, fellowship and first-dibs at our 2010 summer camps.  We hope for snow, so wax the sled!  Information, forms and ON-LINE REGISTRATION is available at www.campbethelvirginia.org/winter_camp.htm.

4. BETHEL BITS, BYTES & UPCOMING EVENTS:

Nov 13-14, 2009: Virlina District Conference at Green Ridge Baptist, Roanoke.
Jan 1-2, 2010: Summer Staff Reunion.
Jan 2-3, 2010: Winter Camp Program (story above).

Jan 30, 2010: CAMP REPRESENTATIVE & SUPPORTER LUNCHEON Saturday, January 30, 12:00-3:00, all Camp Representatives, pastors, youth leaders, friends and supporters of Camp Bethel are encouraged to attend our Camp Rep Luncheon.  You do not have to be an “official” Camp Rep to attend!  After a free lunch in the Ark, we’ll share and distribute all the tools and information you need to communicate Camp Bethel to your home congregations.  RSVP by January 22 to reserve your free lunch, (540) 992-2940 or campbetheloffice@yahoo.com.

February 20 (Sat): Camp Bethel at Roanoke Camp Fair (Valley View Mall)

February 25, 2010 (Thur), 6:30pm: Sow the Seed Banquet; RSVP by Feb 11

April 9, 2010 (Fri), 6:30pm: Volunteer Appreciation Dinner

April 10, 2010, 7:30am: Spring Workday, 7:30am, RSVP meals by April 2

April 16-17, 2010 (Fri-Sat): Sounds of the Mountains Storytelling Festival

May 21-23, 2010 (Fri-Sun): High Ropes Facilitator Training

May 24-27, 2010(Mon-Thurs): Summer Leadership Team Training

May 28-31, 2010: Memorial Day Family Weekend

May 29, 2010 (Sat), Summer Camp Open House, 1:00-4:00pm

June 1-12, 2010: Summer Staff Training

June 3/7/15, 2010: Adult Volunteer Counselor Training, 5:30-9:00pm

June 13 – August 6, 2010: Summer Camps for all ages and interests

June 15-16, 2010 (Tues-Wed): CIT Training

August 18, 2010: 16th Annual Benefit Golf Tournament

September 3-6, 2010: Labor Day Family Weekend

October 2, 2010 (Sat): 26th Heritage Day Festival

November 6, 2010 (Sat), 7:30am: Fall Workday

Submitted by Camp Bethel

Junior League of Roanoke Valley Kicks Off Holiday Season by Raising Money for Community

November 5, 2009 – Roanoke, VA – The Junior League of Roanoke Valley will kick off the holiday season with its signature fundraiser, the Stocked Market Holiday Bazaar, at the Roanoke Civic Center from November 12th  Last year, over $194,000 was raised to help fund projects and other community endeavors in the Roanoke Valley. through 15.

“The Stocked Market once again promises to be the true kickoff to the Holiday season in the Valley, with more than 140 merchants from around the country and three days of shopping,” said Beth Cross, President of the Junior League.  “The success of our signature fundraising event allows the JLRV to continue the tradition of serving our community partners and bringing trained volunteers to the forefront of community service in the Roanoke Valley,” added Cross.

Each merchant features exclusive merchandise such as gourmet foods, fashions, accessories, arts, antiques, home and garden décor and more.  A complete list of vendors may be found on the Stocked Market website at www.stockedmarketjlrv.org. Proceeds from this year’s event will benefit area community organizations enriching the lives of women and children in the Valley, including The Boys & Girls Club, Second Harvest Food Bank, Young Audiences of Virginia, TAP Head Start, Greenvale School, Presbyterian Community Center and the Salvation Army.

The Stocked Market begins with “Splurge,” a cocktail preview shopping party on the evening of Thursday, November 12.  This highly anticipated event gives shoppers the first opportunity to preview merchandise.  This year the “Splurge” theme is “High Class and Bluegrass.”  Splurge tickets are $45 per person or $80 per couple.  Friday, November 13th, the “Sneak Peek” Preview Coffee begins at 9am.  Tickets are $15.  Three-day general admission tickets can be purchased in advance for $8 each or $9 at the door.  General admission hours begin at 11:00am on Friday.   To purchase tickets or to find out more about the JLRV, log on to www.stockedmarketjlrv.org Tickets can also be purchased from any JLRV member, at StellarOne Bank locations, and Amrhein’s in Roanoke or Salem. or contact the JLRV office at 540-343-3663. Read more »

Mommy & me classes are held each Thursday morning from 9:30 AM until 11:30 AM at the Fincastle Community Center. Please join Ms. Angie for a fun filled morning for your little one. Cost of each session is $7.00. Drop in's are welcome or your may call our office to register your 2-5 year old child at 473-8326.

Parents Night Out...need time to finish last minute holiday details? Why not drop the kids off with us at the Troutville Elementary School on Friday evening, December 18 from 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM for some organized fun and a pizza dinner too! Cost for each child (K-5th graders) will be $10. Please call our office to register at 473-8326.

2010 Amazement Square...Schools will be closed on Friday, January 15, why not allow your student to spend the day with us? Registration is limited for this trip to Lynchburg, so hurry and reserve your child's spot. Cost for this event is $12.00 for children ages 8-13. Please pack a lunch or send money for the day.

Submitted by Botetourt County Parks and Recreation