Printed copies of our Summer 2011 program guide will be arriving in mailboxes this week! Copies are also available at Roanoke County recreation centers and libraries. Registration is Sat June 4 online for residents, phone/walk-in for residents on Mon June 6 and for everyone on Wed June 8.

Submitted by Roanoke County Parks and Recreation

May is Bike Month, and on Saturday the Roanoke library hosted a Kids on Bike event. Our paparazzi photo crew was there — and so were these folks from Southwest Roanoke County, who stepped onto the red carpet:

* Eunie Jung, Mia Perrin and Tyler Perrin
* Haleigh, Adrienne, Rob, and Mackenzi Kendall
* Sam, Charlie and Jack Urgo
* Samantha and Kate Manico

You can see the entire gallery here.

So what did you do over the holiday weekend? You can share your photos at news@sosalem.com or use the “share” tool at right to upload 10 at a time if you had a really big weekend.

Several members of the 2011 graduating class of North Cross School have received scholarships and offers at the collegiate level. Of the 47 seniors, 10 have either received athletic or art scholarships from, or been recruited by, some of the most highly selective schools in the country.

Yezid Gracia and Visnu Maharaj have been recruited to play collegiate level soccer. Gracia will play for Hamilton College in Clinton, New York. Majaraj was recruited by Cleveland State University, a Division III school that has one of the top soccer programs in the country.

CSU’s assistant soccer coach, T.J. Kolba, was recently quoted saying, “Visnu is a very solid central defender that has the ability to start from day one.  He is very confident on the ball and will help us build from the back, as well as win balls in the air and on set plays. We are excited to have a player like Visnu come to Cleveland, and are eager to see him help us from day one.”

The NCS Class of 2011 has four seniors who were recruited to play football.  Matthew Watson and Fuller Clark were recruited by Hampden-Sydney College in Farmville, VA.  Christopher Moore, Jr., will play for Washington and Lee University in Lexington, VA, and Antoine Martin was recruited by Chabot College in Hayward, CA.

Craig Hoelzer was recruited to play collegiate baseball at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland. “Craig is not just an outstanding baseball player, but a fine person,” says Eric Lawrence, Head Baseball Coach at North Cross School.  “He will be a great asset to Johns Hopkins, and I expect him to earn a starting spot on the roster very quickly.”

In addition to athletics, North Cross School has several seniors who were awarded scholarships in fine arts.  Lauren Oddo will play the oboe in the orchestra at the University of Richmond.  Jonathan Mitchell received a music scholarship to Presbyterian College in Clinton, SC, and Ryan Hodges will play the alto saxophone in the orchestra at Roanoke College.

“The seniors who have participated in the fine arts program have worked hard to excel in all areas of the arts,” says Jimmie Donnini, Director of Fine Arts at NCS. “We are graduating a well-rounded group of musicians and artists who will continue to grow their talent in the future.”

North Cross School is very proud of the accomplishments and scholarships received by these students and optimistic about the future of the graduating class of 2011.

Written by Whitney Campbell, Assistant to the Headmaster at North Cross School. Submitted by Tammy Shank.

The next production at Showtimers is just around the corner, opening Wednesday, June 1 and running through Sunday, June 12.

Director David Colatosti‘s interpretation of “Much Ado About Nothing” takes place in Chicago, during the time of speakeasies, turf wars and the mafia.

“It’s quite engrossing,” said Colatosti. “The actors have done a fine job understanding [the play] and making it relevant for the modern population.”

“Much Ado About Nothing” does lend itself well to the time period, and part of what makes the interpretation of the play so effective are the costumes.

“These clothes were alive in the 30s and 40s,” said producer James Honaker.

“We are somewhat unique and very fortunate to have almost all true vintage clothing,” said costumer Cindy Keeling, who is also President of the Board at Showtimers. But as a non-profit, the costumes at Showtimers often have to be re-purposed and reused.

“Everything is up for cannabalism,” Keeling continued.

Performances of “Much Ado About Nothing” are scheduled Wednesday through Saturday, June 1-4 and 8-11 at 8 p.m, with Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. on June 5 and 12.

For reservations and to order tickets, call the Showtimers box office at 540-774-2660 (toll free at 877-336-9294) or email your requests to boxoffice@showtimers.org.

The Cave Spring and Hidden Valley boys soccer teams meet again Wednesday, this time in the regional tournament.

The game had been set for Richlands, but now has been moved to Bogle Stadium at 7 p.m.

The other regional game — Blacksburg vs. Bassett — has been moved to Hidden Valley High School at 7:30 p.m.

Miranda Beck shares this photo gallery from Hidden Valley JV boys lacrosse vs. Salem last week.

Do you have photos involving teams or players around Southwest Roanoke County? You can share at news@swo-co.com.

The Hidden Valley girls soccer team advanced to the championship game of the River Ridge District tournament on Friday before falling to Blacksburg.

Wendell Jones shares this photo gallery.

Do you have photos from any of the tournament action? You can share at news@swo-co.com or use the “share” tool at right to upload 10 at a time.

Business owners, managers, family, friends and supporters gathered at The Shoppes at West Village on Friday, May 27, to celebrate the ribbon cutting ceremonies for Pino Gelato and Chocolatepaper.

Chocolatepaper relocated to West Village, and owners Melissa Palmer and Matt Burkett opened its doors for business on Friday, May 20.

Pino Gelato, which opened for business in October of last year, received a level two Cool Green Biz award from the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce.

“The award shows we want to be environmentally friendly,” said owner Greg Gerhart.

In addition to a commitment to recycling, the Gerharts use biodegradable containers and unbleached paper products at Pino Gelato, and they have outfitted the store with compact florescent lighting and flooring made from recycled tires, according to owner Kristi Gerhart.

Pizzazz Star City Twirlers will be hosting a Summer Baton Camp beginning June 20th through the 23rd.

This camp is available to all girls ages 4 and up with all skill levels of instruction available.

It will be held at Cave Spring Baptist Church Family Life Center and the cost is $65.00.

Need based scholarships are available.

For more information contact Coach Joan Duus @ 540-537-2960 or duus@cox.net

Remembering history — a graveside celebration of Andrew’s Lewis, Jr.’s life with recognition of his living descendants. Presentations by the Daughters of the American Revolution (Floyd), Sons of the American Revolution (Fincastle), Historian Dr. “Deedie” Kagey, and Pastor Terry Ross (Lawrence Memorial UMC). Colonial tunes by the Col. Fleming Fife & Drum Corps and Piper Robert Copenhaver.  Cub Scout Pack #929 as Color Guard with the GFWC Bent Mountain Woman’s Club presiding. Rain or shine!

When 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Sat., June 4

Where Family cemetery at 10071 Fortune Ridge Rd., Bent Mountain

Cost Free

Contact (540) 929-4774 [Mary Ann Tatman]