Faith Christian School, a distinctively Christian classical school serving students in grades K – 12, is pleased to announce that senior, Katherine Quiroz, has been named as one of the only 1,000 high school seniors across the country to receive the highly coveted Gates Millennium Scholarship for 2013. Funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the scholarship will pay for her undergraduate education at any college or university in America. Valued at $350,000, it will also cover study abroad as well as her Master’s and Doctorate degrees at the university of her choice, should she choose to pursue. Nominees are assessed based upon academic achievement, leadership, and community service, and must complete a series of in depth essays.

Quiroz was also one of eleven high school seniors in the state of Virginia to receive the Harry F. Byrd, Jr. $10,000 cash Leadership Award. She was also awarded $1,000 by the Virginia Gentlemen’s Barbershop Quartet, and the recipient of a $1,500 scholarship from the Philanthropic Educational Organization. She has also been notified by the Foundation of Roanoke Valley that she was chosen to receive scholarship funding, but hasn’t yet learned of the amount.

“When I was in eighth grade and at another school, I begged my mother to send me to Faith Christian School.” Quiroz shares, “ I told my mom, who wasn’t working at the time, that if she paid for me to go to FCS that I would pay for college. I felt like being a student at FCS would not only provide me an excellent education, but would help me get scholarships for college.”

Katherine Quiroz has a younger brother and is the daughter of single mother, Elaine Quiroz of Roanoke County. She is a member of the Roanoke College Children’s Choir, the President of Faith Christian School’s Hi-Y Government & Service organization, and a student leader at church.

Quiroz says that she’s been saving money for college for a long time, babysitting five to six days a week during the school year and holding down a full-time job during the summers “just in case.”

Quiroz will attend Christopher Newport University in the fall, majoring in Communications with minors in Leadership and Spanish. She will be completing her Masters of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in her fifth year. She plans on pursuing a doctorate after working in the field for a few years.

Visit Faith Christian School on the web at www.faithchristian-school.com.

Submitted by Susan Childs

SCHOOL BOARD APPROVES 2013-14 BUDGET 

Budget keeps Fort Lewis Elementary open, no layoffs of full-time employees 

ROANOKE – The School Board approved the 2013-2014 budget at their regular meeting on March 14. The proposed budget includes the county revenue sharing allocation which is not final is pending final local tax projections. The total general fund budget for the 2013-14 school year is $133,799,052. The approved budget may be revised at a later date, if necessary, to balance to the Board of Supervisors final funding level.

The proposed budget covered a budget deficit of $1.7 million resulting from reductions in state revenue and increased costs to cover obligations such as the sequestration cuts to special education, declining special education grant funding, utility costs, and health and dental insurance rates.

Highlights of the approved budget include: 

No full-time employees will be laid off or furloughed.

Positions will be eliminated through already approved retirements or resignations.

Increase in the health and dental insurance rates will be funded from reserves to prevent participating employees from having a reduction in net pay due to the rate increases.

No salary increase in 2013-14.

Fort Lewis Elementary will remain open for 2013-14 and plans will commence immediately to install air conditioning in the school gym that was placed on hold while the decision to close the school was pending.

Sequestration cuts to special education will be funded by the operating budget so those services can be maintained. Sequestration cuts to high risk programs and career and technical education will not be funded as those services are not mandated. Funding those services would have required additional budget cuts.

A custodial pilot program will be implemented at Cave Spring Elementary, Cave Spring Middle, and Hidden Valley High Schools, which created budget savings.

Bus fuel budget will be reduced using a new method of locking in diesel rates in advance, creating additional budget savings.

Student laptop program will be funded with a lease enabling the restoration of a funding source for the program and building in a refresh program to enhance the sustainability of the program.

The School Board approved a 3.75% raise along with the 5% VRS increase for employees in the budget for 2012-13 with 100% local funding. Despite efforts to get credit for taking action a year earlier than the state, neither the General Assembly nor the governor supported allowing Roanoke County Public Schools to qualify for the 2% state funding in 2013-14 without giving an additional 2% raise. The additional 2% raise would have cost the school division another $919,000 in local funds, which would have required more budget cuts.

“While we’re grateful that state funding cuts this year were smaller than in years past, we already are looking to the 2014-15 budget. We are anticipating additional increases in state retirement expenses and potentially more state funding cuts, so we must remain vigilant to control expenses,” said Dr. Lorraine Lange, Superintendent of Roanoke County Public Schools.

Submitted by Chuck Lionberger 

Senior Territory Manager of Stop In Food Stores, Harold McDaniel was at Hidden Valley Middle School on Monday, February 25 to award the school with a $500 check.  Why, you may ask?  ExxonMobil along with Stop In Food Stores want to help local schools with the extra costs associated with education.  Hidden Valley Middle School submitted an application for the Education Alliance Grant, stating that they would use the money towards math and science.  Mike Riley, principal of Hidden Valley Middle School was present to sign the forms and said, “Stop In Food Stores has always been a great partner.”  SCA President Trip Hudson, along with SCA member Brynn Austin were also present to take pictures alongside the principal and Harold McDaniel.  You can check out the pictures in the slideshow above.

Submitted by Salem-RS-RC Chamber of Commerce

Roanoke, VA- Chance Miller – State Farm Insurance Agent  has opened a new State Farm insurance business at 3555 Electric Road, Suite J in Roanoke, VA.

Chance Miller is thrilled to be bringing business into Virginia. As a native of Virginia, he attended Radford University and then worked as an insurance agent in Lebanon, VA for many years. Miller’s family is all in Virginia with one famous exception. His cousin, Heath Miller is the tight end for the Pittsburgh Steelers. They grew up in Virginia together, as their fathers are twin brothers.

Chance Miller has been with State Farm for over 4 years and offers auto insurance, homeowner’s insurance, life insurance, renter’s insurance and business insurance. He is a registered representative for investments and holds a mortgage license, handling mortgages through State Farm Bank.

Miller recently relocated his State Farm insurance business to Roanoke, VA. He said, “I am very happy with the move and love the Roanoke community. I am fortunate to be taking over half of long time agent, Jack Sale’s book, as Sale retired last year. My staff are all fully licensed agents, and include my wife, Tayler Miller, Danielle Zombkowski, and Linda Kruse who worked in Roanoke with Jack Sale for over 10 years.”

To learn more or to get a free insurance quote, please visit www.chancemiller.net , email chance@chancemiller.net or call 540-774-1004.

About Chance Miller – State Farm Insurance Agent This is a locally owned and operated State Farm Insurance Agency which proudly serves the Roanoke community. They offer insurance and banking products to their customers including auto, home, life and business insurance.

About NALA™

The NALA (National Association of Local Advertisers), a small business association, is for local business owners offering new online advertising & small business marketing tools, great business benefits, education and money-saving programs, as well as a charity program.

Submitted by Tiffani Tendell

Roanoke, VA – Local resident Steven Holt has been named a district manager of the American Division of AXA Advisors, LLC. Mr. Holt has management responsibility for the Holt District of the Virginia branch of AXA Advisors and the district’s many financial professionals. The announcement was made by Mark Dellosso, an Executive Vice President of the American Division of AXA Advisors, LLC and manager of its Virginia branch.

In this new role, Mr. Holt will focus on recruiting, training and developing individuals who want to build careers as entrepreneurial financial professionals.

“Steve has an outstanding track record of delivering high-performance results,” said, William Degnan, Divisional President. “We’re looking to him to build upon and enhance our strategic initiatives and growth goals for the Roanoke office of the Virginia branch.”

In addition, Mr. Holt works with individuals and business owners to provide strategies to help them achieve their financial goals. He provides access to an array of financial protection and investment products and services including life insurance, annuities and investments as well as college, estate, retirement and business planning strategies.

Mr. Holt has 6 years of experience in the industry and joined the company as a financial professional in 2008. He has earned numerous awards for outstanding sales and management.

Mr. Holt holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Roanoke College. In addition, he has earned a Series 24, 7, and 66 FINRA licenses and is licensed to sell Life and Health insurance in the State of Virginia. He is in the process of earning his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER designation.

He is involved in community and professional organizations including NAIFA Roanoke Valley, NAIFA Virginia, Roanoke College Associates, Roanoke College Society of 1842, Roanoke College Planned Giving Advisory Board, and is a member of Christ Lutheran Church.

He resides in SW Roanoke County, with his wife Julie.

The AXA Advisors Roanoke office of the Virginia branch is located at 10 South Jefferson Street, Suite 850, Roanoke, VA 24011. For more information on AXA Advisors, visit www.axa-equitable.com.

Financial services available to individuals and business owners through AXA Advisors, LLC include: strategies and products for financial protection and investments; asset allocation, college, retirement, business and estate planning strategies; life insurance, annuity and investment products, including mutual funds. Securities products are offered through AXA Advisors, LLC, NY, NY, member FINRA, SIPC, 10104 (212) 314-4600. Insurance and annuity products are available through an affiliate, AXA Network, LLC and its subsidiaries.

CFP® and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ are certification marks owned by the Certified Financial Board of Standards, Inc. These marks are awarded to individuals who successfully complete the CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.

About AXA Equitable

In business since 1859, AXA Equitable Life Insurance Company (New York, NY) is a leading financial protection company and one of the nation’s premier providers of life insurance and annuities as well as financial strategies, and investment products and services through its affiliate, AXA Advisors, LLC. The company’s products and services are distributed to individuals and business owners through its retail distribution channel, AXA Advisors, LLC and to the financial services market through its wholesale distribution channel, AXA Distributors, LLC.

AXA Equitable, a subsidiary of AXA Financial Inc., is part of the global AXA Group, a worldwide leader in financial protection strategies and wealth management. “AXA Group” refers to AXA, a French holding company for an international group of insurance and financial services companies together with its direct and indirect consolidated subsidiaries. While a part of the AXA Group, AXA Equitable is solely responsible for its annuity and life insurance obligations. For more information, visit www.axa-equitable.com.

Submitted by AXA Advisors

Parents of Juniors and Seniors: College Financial Aid Seminar

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

7:00 p.m.Northside High School Auditorium

Melissa Lacombe, Assistant Director of Financial Aid at Roanoke College, will guide parents through the financial aid process for college. An emphasis on how to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) will be included.

Students are welcome!!!

SPONSORED BY ROANOKE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

SCHOOL COUNSELING SERVICES

Submitted by CSHS Parents

Proceeds from Marine Corps Mud Run to Benefit Camp Roanoke

This week Roanoke County’s Board of Supervisors received the largest donation to date from the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Unit and Marine Corps League Detachment #426 in proceeds from Marine Corps Mud Run, which was held at Green Hill Park in September.

Marine Corps League Commandant Mike Sheppard presented the County with $20,000, which will be used at Camp Roanoke to provide for infrastructure improvements, enhancing the camp experience for both youth summer campers and year round participants. For the past 17 years, funds raised from the Mud Run event have been split between Camp Roanoke and the Toys For Tots program. Camp Roanoke alone has received a total of $123,000 over the lifetime of this partnership.

Event founder Ted Adams believes that the Marine Corps Mud Run is a win-win for both Camp Roanoke and Toys For Tots, saying “it brings together thousands of people for ‘good clean fun,’ while also raising thousands of dollars for two great organizations. These two worthy causes help bring a smile to the faces of many children.”

Submitted by Roanoke County Parks & Recreation

Check out these highlights of the many free events at your Roanoke County Public Library in November.

ADULT EVENTS:

H.E.L.P.!

Healthcare Explained: Learn & Prepare

Presented by The Roanoke Health Care Alliance

South County

Mon, Nov 12 @ 7:00 p.m.

Register by Fri, Nov 9 at 772-7507

Be Aware: Avoiding Fraud & ID Theft

Officer Eric Orange

South County

Thurs, Nov 15 @ 10:00 a.m.

Writing Workshop: Write Your Own Story

Presented by Judy Ayyildiz

South County

Sat, Nov 17, 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Register by Nov 15 at 772-7507

Movies for Grownups:

A Christmas Story 2 (PG)

South County

Tues, Nov 20 @ 6:00 p.m.

TEENS:

Film Fanatics (ages 11-18)

Tues, Nov 13: Thor

Tues, Nov 20: Captain America

Tues, Nov 27: The Avengers

South County

All films begin @ 6:30 p.m.

Artsy Antics (ages 10-13)

Care Packages to Troops

Vinton: Tues, Nov 13 @ 4:00 p.m.

Hollins: Thurs, Nov 15 @ 6:00 p.m.

South County: Mondays in Nov at 3:00 p.m. (Nov 12, Nov 19, Nov 26)

KIDS:

Preschool Dance Party

Drop in to dance to some of your favorite storytime hits. Bring a healthy snack to share.

Vinton: Fri, Nov 9 @ 10:30 a.m.

Hollins: Thurs, Nov 15 @ 10:00 a.m.

South County: Fri, Nov 30 @ 10:00 a.m.

Doodlers Art Club (ages 5-10):

Cave Painting

Vinton

Thurs, Nov 15 @ 4:00 p.m.

Family Movies: Brave

South County: Thurs, Nov 15 @ 6:30 p.m.

Vinton: Sat, Nov 17 @ 2:00 p.m.

Hollins: Thurs, Nov 29 @ 6:00 p.m.

Kids’ Craft Club (grades K-3):

Finger Paint Crafts

Hollins

Tues, Nov 20 @ 4:00 p.m.

Registration required

For a complete list of events at your Roanoke County Public Library, visit www.yourlibrary.us.

Submitted by The South County Library

A free financial fitness workshop is being offered by the Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants on Sept. 17. The workshop titled “What’s the Plan” will take place at the Richmond CPA Center and discus how having a plan is a key element in financial fitness. To register, call (804) 612-9424.

Here is the press release from the Virginia Socety of CPAs.

Richmond (Aug. 15, 2012) — The Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants (VSCPA) is pleased to offer a free Financial Fitness Workshop titled “What’s the Plan” on Monday, Sept. 17 at the Richmond CPA Center. It will be led by an experienced CPA and will provide attendees with unbiased financial advice and guidance regarding personal financial planning. Read more »