Legacy International invites you to host Indonesian students or Indonesian English teachers in your home this summer, June 7-17. Contact Innocentia Afa at 540-871-0882 and visit www.legacyintl.org for more information on this unique and exciting educational opportunity!

– Submitted by Innocentia Afa, Global Youth Village

“I’m excited and have been working hard and hope to play when I get there,” said Zach Lawson as he signed his letter of intent to play basketball at Wheeling Jesuit University. “It’s a great school, has a solid basketball program, and I want to contribute to their success.”

Witnessing the signing were Lawson’s parents, Megan and David, Headmaster Dr. Christian Proctor, Athletic Director, Eric Lawrence, and a great turnout of his fellow players and friends. Lawrence said, “Zach has an incredible work ethic and practically lives in the gym practicing his shots just about every afternoon. I’m sure he will do well.” Lawson was a consistent performer for the North Cross Raiders. This past season, Lawson scored 119 points, had a .265 3-point percentage, and pulled in 67 rebounds.

Wheeling Jesuit University, located in Wheeling, West Virginia, is in the WVIAC. Their team finished fourth in their conference last season, with an in-conference record of 14-8, and an overall record of 19-10.

Submitted by Whitney Campbell

Movies for Grownups at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 21 at the South County Library will feature the movie “Jack Reacher.” The film lasts 130 minutes. For more information, call 772-7507.

From the Roanoke County website:

Jack Reacher stars Tom Cruise, Rosamund Pike, Richard Jenkins, Robert Duvall Rated PG-13; 2012; 130 minutes A homicide investigator digs deeper into a case involving a trained military sniper who shot five random victims.

Amanda Codispoti, who writes The Storefront blog.

Tanglewood Mall management is working with a new commercial real estate company to bring retailers to the shopping center.

Business writer Amanda Codispoti has more details on her retail blog, The Storefront.

Board Gamers will meet from 6 to 8:45 p.m. on Monday, May 20 at the South County Library. Bring a friend and your favorite games to share or come prepared to learn new games. For more information about this free event, call 772-7507.

– Submitted by Roanoke County

The Virginia Scrappers 12U Girls Fastpitch went undefeated and winning the Championship in the ASA Terrier Tournament held April 13-14, 2013 at the Botetourt Sports Complex. Pictured L-R front row: Alexis West, Keiley Dudding, Ellasen Spangler, Lindsey Sarver, Sydney Stimeling – Middle Row: Peyton Hurd, Josie Brewer, Madison Brown, Kayla Gibson – Back row: Coach Bobby Spangler, Emma Layman, Mara Strum, Erin Hetherington, Coach Rick Strum and Coach Shannon Brewer

Submitted by Sharon Layman

At the back of the pack, brother-in-law Billy Chase, aunt Candi Moldenhauer of South County, and sister Ingrid Chase walked to remember Conrad Moldenhauer. Photo courtesy of Michele Moldenhauer

On behalf of Sherry Cameron Cox, chapter leader of The Compassionate Friends’ (TCF) Roanoke Valley Chapter, who organized and lead the Walk to Remember on May 11 at Green Hill Park in Salem, thanks to all of you who walked with us (and your loved ones — with us in spirit), sponsored walkers, and helped at the event. And those of you who weren’t able to join us, you were part of the love that inspired our Walk to Remember.

Before the Walk, families and friends gathered to share memories of much-loved children missed but not forgotten. Despite threats of thunderstorms throughout the day, Nature was good to us — delaying the downpour just long enough for us to get back to our park shelter after we had walked.

As our motto attests: We Need Not Walk Alone
We especially want to thank Cathie Meadow Thomas, Jon Wilson, and Randy Gleason all with John M. Oakey & Son in Salem for sponsoring our walk for the second straight year. JMO’s Randy joined us for the Walk.

– Submitted by Michele Moldenhauer

WHEN: 5/25/13

TIME: 1:00 p.m.

WHERE: Barnes and Noble, 4478 Electric Road, Roanoke, VA 24018

WHAT: Lam, a resident of Draper, VA, will be available to sign copies of her book, The Cries of the Heart.
“Becca didn’t know what to do because she was scared of how she was feeling. She felt lightheaded and confused. She wanted Rick, but could she trust him? That was one of the reasons why she pushed him away; she had put up walls to help guard her heart … As she walked back toward the cabin, she looked up and saw Rick sitting on his deck reading what she thought would be his Bible. As she watched him, she thought about how wonderful he was and couldn’t understand why she couldn’t let him in.”

Rebecca Sky is a single mother of two children working a stressful full-time job. On a whim, she decides she needs to escape the chaos and stress of her life and take a much-needed getaway trip to the Bahamas. On her way, she meets Rick, and she finds herself immediately wrapped up in him. Rebecca discovers that, just like her, Rick too has had a history of emotional pain. Because of these past hurts, they can’t seem to hear the cries of their own hearts.

The Cries of the Heart journeys through the lives of two people searching for love through the many trials of their lives, which have left their hearts hardened. Can God’s love be strong enough to break through and save Becca and Rick before it’s too late?

For more information, contact Travis King at 888-361-9473 or tking@tatepublishing.com

Submitted by Travis King

Debra Ann Miller, who charmed audiences as 19^th-century author Jane Austen during Dead Authors Month last October, returns to South County Library for a repeat performance, this time as Mary Todd Lincoln at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 22.

Mrs. Lincoln’s Salon takes place in her Blue Room on April 4, 1865. Mr. Lincoln and their youngest son, Tad, are at City Point. Robert, their eldest, is with General Grant in pursuit of Robert E. Lee. Mary is alone in the Executive Mansion. The audience is invited to reminisce with Mrs. Lincoln about her childhood, her days in Springfield, and her children as she celebrates Tad’s 12th birthday and the end of the Civil War with you. Drawing from her own letters to friends, family, and political figures of the era, Mrs. Lincoln’s Salon paints a picture of Mary Lincoln that is both sympathetic and truthful.

Debra Ann Miller has been an actress and voice over talent for over 25 years. She has toured the country with Child’s Play Touring Theatre, Artreach, and the Reading is Fundamental program, as well as working in Chicago theatres. Debra is also currently touring the country with Abraham Lincoln impersonator, Michael Krebs, in Visiting the Lincolns. Debra has been working as an historical impersonator for the last 15 years. In 2004, Debra won the Best Actress award at the Chicago Indie Fest for her first film Zen Noir.

There is no charge to enjoy this performance and seating is on a first-come basis. South County Library is located at 6303 Merriman Road, Roanoke, and the program begins at 7:00 p.m.

– Submitted by Penny K. Lloyd, Marketing & Information Manager, Roanoke County Public Library

From the Roanoke County website:

Final preparations are being made for the opening of Splash Valley Water Park on Friday, May 24. Visit our website for a complete season schedule. This year we’ve added new special events, weekly discounts and more! Full season add-on passes are available for Green Ridge Recreation Center members only.