If you are looking to purchase a home in the near future, we are providing to you as a community service a Free Homebuyer Seminar that is scheduled for Thursday, June 20th from 7-8 at the Roanoke County Library at 6303 Merriman Rd.

Some topics to be discussed are home owners insurance, what is a home warranty, the benefits of pre-qualifying for a mortgage and understanding your options for mortgages. There will be a question and answer session for your convenience, questions being answered by local real estate agents from Long and Foster, a mortgage officer from BB&T and representatives from Long and Foster insurance and Mid State Title. For any question or to reserve a seat email at roanokerealeststeteam@hotmail.com.

Submitted by Debra Wanek 

Margo Vitello from Faith Christian School sent us the A and A/B Honor Roll for their Spring semester:

Faith Christian School, a K-12 Christian classical in Roanoke County is pleased to announce its second semester A (4.0) Honor Roll listing.

Fourth Grade: Vincent Brookins, Hunter Dunnington, Wyatt Forney, Luke Kovats, Micah Lowe, Jacob Mardian, Ashlyn Moorman, Skyelar Nelson

Fifth Grade: Cora Carmouche, Sydney Carmouche, Catherine Kagey, Taylor Robertson, Olivia Shreeman

Erin Wienke

Sixth Grade: Ian Alligood, Katelyn Crosby, Sarah Mayerchak, Candice Mulinda, Caroline Rose

Seventh Grade: Catherine Denekas, Rachel Hall, Jessie Whitmore

Eighth Grade: Timothy Alligood, Cami Andrews, Karlee Lanum, Sarah Shepherd

Ninth Grade: Andrew Grider, Matthew Withers

Tenth Grade: Paige Andrews, Caroline Byrd, Isaac Elliott, Christen Haig, Jaina Lanum, Carly Mulinda

Eleventh Grade: John Haig

Twelfth Grade: Morgan Claybrook, Ciara Craddock, Claire Merian

FCS is pleased to present its A-B (3.5+) Honor roll listing for the second semester:

Fourth Grade: Abigail Aldridge, Maigan Aldridge, Catherine Cunningham, Lauren Duff, Georgia Enyart, Holden Jeffords, Thommy Kelly, Hayden King, Daniel Leyes, Zachary Mayerchak, Katie Mitchell, Reed Pendleton, Sophie Rakes, Chase Robertson, Josh Smith, Hayden Whitenack

Fifth Grade: Ethan Bane, Hannah Bush, Briggs Cooper, Anna Cox, Zachary Figart, Megan Kagey, Sara Oyler, Emily Reed, Tigerlilly Thompson, Kateleigh Wampler, Connor Wilson, Nicholas Witt

Sixth Grade: Eloise Chandler, Crawford Enyart, Emily Garner, Madelyn Gregory, Nadia Martin, Zachary Neal, Mary Gin Shepherd, Jonathan Stanley, Jenna Weber

Seventh Grade: Andrew Caywood, Andrew Cunningham, Abigail Hall, Abigail Janney, Emily Kagey, Addison Lilley, Madeline Neal, Sara Beth Newton, Sydney Rakes,

Eighth Grade: Laura Bailey, Braden Dean, John Garst, Mason Lavinder, Ethan Mackey, Alyssa Moorman, Norah Mulinda, Jonathan Patane, Casey Preuss, Annabel Riebel, Trent Robinson, Madelaine Shreeman, Fran Wampler

Ninth Grade: Charlton Graninger, Kerith Jones, Andrew Waldo

Tenth Grade: Austin Bane, Morgan Bryant, Jesse Clinton, Amelia Dalton, Adam Hall, Katie Sayers,Colby Schemm

Eleventh Grade: Connor Clinton, Tootie Smith

Twelfth Grade: John Codington, Jacob Fuller, David Hines, Regan Huisman, Joseph Katt, Molly Koch, Megan Martin, Katherine Quiroz

Submitted by Margo Vitello

Photo courtesy of Tim Arnold

Tim Arnold, also known as “The Silhouette Man” is coming to Our Little Cherubs Boutique on June 14 and 15.  Tim Arnold is famous for his accuracy and exquisite detailing when creating his one-of-a-kind silhouettes.

These famous silhouettes make a great gift for parents, grandparents, dads for Father’s Day, or even of graduates in their cap and gown.

Tim Arnold will be at Our Little Cherubs Boutique on Friday, June 14 from 10 to 6 and 10 to 5 on Saturday, June 15.  Appointments are recommended. He can also do silhouettes of pets.

To schedule an appointment, call (540) 725-7777

Information from Danielle Deeds

The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) is providing parents and other caregivers with a collection of activities, resources and tips to promote summer learning. The information is available on the new Virginia is for Lovers … of Summer Learning page of the VDOE website and includes learning opportunities in reading, mathematics, history and science.

“Students who read for pleasure during the summer and engage in other fun learning activities are less likely to lose ground while school is out and are more likely to be ready for success in the fall,” Superintendent of Public Instruction Patricia I. Wright said. “All of our Virginia is for Lovers … of Summer Learning resources and activities are from trusted sources and can be easily adapted for family vacations and summer child care programs.”

Virginia is for Lovers … of Summer Learning includes links to free activities and resources developed by respected organizations, such as the Library of Virginia, the Public Broadcasting System, the Smithsonian Institution, the Virginia General Assembly, the Virginia Tourism Corporation, the Virginia Cooperative Extension Service, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and MetaMetrics, which provides the Lexile and Quantile scores on students’ Standards of Learning (SOL) test score reports.

Parents and other caregivers can use Lexile scores to create custom summer reading lists based on children’s reading levels and interests. Quantile scores can be used to register rising third-, fourth-, fifth-and sixth-grade students for a customized, six-week, email-based mathematics-skills program to build their current achievement level.

The Virginia is for Lovers … of Summer Learning webpage also includes a downloadable flyer and bookmarks for use and distribution by parents, schools, summer camp programs and child care centers.

“The Virginia is for Lovers … of Summer Learning webpage is a great place to start planning activities for national Summer Learning Day,” Wright said.

This year, Summer Learning Day is Friday, June 21. The annual observance was created to raise awareness of the role of quality summer learning programs in improving student achievement and outcomes, especially among at-risk children.

Information from the Roanoke County Website

VDOT to Host Citizen Information Meeting for Expanded Environmental Study on Interstate 81

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will hold a citizen information meeting to gather public input on the environmental study being conducted for Interstate 81 in the Roanoke and New River valleys. VDOT launched the Tier 2 Environmental Assessment of the I-81 Corridor Improvement Study for the section of I-81 between exit 118 (Christiansburg) and exit 143 (Roanoke) last fall, but in April 2013 added an addition seven miles to extend the study from exit 143 north to exit 150 (Troutville).

The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, June 26, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Lord Botetourt High School, 1435 Roanoke Road, in Daleville. The meeting is being held to provide an opportunity for citizens and organizations to give VDOT comments or suggestions on the proposed project and the scope of issues to be addressed in the environmental study. The meeting will be held in an open-house format with no formal presentation given. VDOT representatives will be present to discuss the study and to answer questions.

Comments about the study may be submitted at the meeting or until July 6, 2013, by mailing them to Ms. Angel Deem, Project Manager, Virginia Department of Transportation, 1401 East Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23219. Comments can also be emailed to Angel.Deem@VDOT.Virginia.gov.  Please reference “I-81 Tier 2 EA” in the subject line.

Anyone requiring special assistance to attend and participate in this meeting may contact Patrick Hughes at 804-371-6839, 800-367-7623 or TTY/TDD 711.

Based on traffic analysis associated with the Tier 2 document, VDOT determined that the traffic and ramp volumes and commuting patterns along the seven-mile portion of I-81 between exit 143 and exit 150 represent a more logical breakpoint that is consistent with the original study section between exit 143 and exit 118. Therefore, VDOT expanded the study area to include the additional seven miles north to exit 150. VDOT held two previous citizen information meetings for the Tier 2 Environmental Assessment in early February in Christiansburg and Salem.

The environmental study is the next required step before a widening project along the study area can be designed and constructed. The proposed widening project would involve the construction of no more than two general purpose lanes in each direction, where needed, to address future traffic demands for this section of I-81. VDOT is completing the Environmental Assessment in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act.

Information from the Roanoke County Website

CSHS Debate Team:
Left to Right: Rebekah Wellons, Colleen Truskey, and Lydia Hoeppner after the state competition.

The Cave Spring High School Debate team, coached by Mr. Robert Powers, recently completed one of the best seasons in the school’s history – culminating in the school’s first ever state debate championship – awarded to sophomores Lydia Hoeppner and Rebekah Wellons. Although small compared to other teams in the area, the strength of the five person Cave Spring team was obvious during the entire season, as they competed in both Lincoln Douglas style and Public Forum debates throughout the region. Public Forum (PF) consists of structured partner debate on a variety of relevant and real world topics, while Lincoln Douglas (LD) is a style of individual debate that focuses on moral and philosophical matters (based on the debates held between Abraham Lincoln and Steven Douglas during the Presidential campaign of the 1860’s). The debate topics are dictated by the governing body of the National Forensics League and change periodically throughout the year.

After placing 2nd place at the River Ridge District/Regional event, the CSHS Public Forum team of Rebekah Wellons and Lydia Hoeppner earned the opportunity to compete at the 100th annual VHSL State Debate Competition held at Liberty University, Lynchburg. Following a surprise win over the seasoned PF team of Smithfield High School, the CSHS team advanced to the final round where they met fellow Region IV debaters Rhea Kapania and Minh Ngo of Blacksburg HS. At the end of the tournament, Wellons and Hoeppner finished on top and were awarded first place honors in the VHSL State AA Public Forum Competition. This was Cave Spring’s first state win in debate and also the first time a Region IV team has taken top honors. The National Forensics League awards “Degrees” based on points earned; Hoeppner was awarded a “Degree of Distinction” with 252 career points to date, while Wellons has earned a “Degree of Excellence” with 201 points. Both are excited about their state championship title and look forward to continuing their debating careers as they return next year as team co-captains.

In the field of Lincoln Douglas Debate, CSHS graduating senior and team captain Colleen Truskey advanced to the state tournament after placing 2nd at the River Ridge District/Regional event. Truskey finished 3rd at the AA State Competition, ending an impressive four year career racking up 71 wins and 25 losses. With 501 career points, Truskey earned the “Degree of Special Distinction” by the National Forensics League. Teammate Marvi Ali, a first year debater as well as a graduating senior at CSHS, placed 5th at Regionals and was identified as a state alternate. Both Truskey and Ali will continue their education in the fall at The College of William and Mary in Williamsburg VA.

Submitted and written by Mary Jo Truskey

The Winter Line

The Roanoke Old Time Jam will start coming here every other week (and our Daleville location on alternate weeks) from 6 to 9 p.m on Wednesdays. If you play, check out their Facebook page for info. on what songs (and in what key) they plan to play in for the week: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Roanoke-Old-Time-Jam/163076193746587?ref=ts&fref=ts

If you want to listen (or flatfoot), just come on by! They plan on pickin’ and grinnin’ on the patio when the weather is nice.

Here’s the link to the event on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/551966791534862/

7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, June 15

The Winter Line, a Staunton-based folk band (with a slight Celtic twist) will play at the Mill Mountain Coffee & Tea on Starkey Road from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, June 15

For more information or to hear their music: www.thewinterlineband.com or visit www.facebook.com/MillMountainCoffeeStarkey.  Here’s the link to the event on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/152763691573738/

Can’t make it Saturday? The Winter Line Band is playing a day earlier, Friday, June 14 at our Salem store from 7 to 9 p.m.

Submitted by Miranda Beck

Fran Kiker, Nancy Hans and Dr. Lorraine Lange accept the SAVVY Award in Richmond.

June 3 at the governor’s mansion, Governor Bob McDonnell honored 14 Virginia school divisions for their efforts to prevent substance abuse among youth. Recipients were recognized as part of the Governor’s Substance Abuse Prevention Recognition Program, which is a component of the Substance Abuse Awareness is Vital for Virginia Youth (SAVVY) initiative.

SAVVY’s goal through the recognition program is to highlight evidence-based substance abuse prevention and intervention efforts in Virginia’s schools and communities. The 14 recipients were awarded in four different categories as follows:

· Model Programs: Portsmouth Public Schools and Roanoke County Public Schools 

· Effective Programs: Albemarle County Public Schools, Loudoun County Public Schools and Orange County Public Schools

· Promising Programs: Bristol Public Schools, Charlottesville Public Schools, Chesterfield County Public Schools, Henrico County Public Schools, Montgomery County Public Schools and Roanoke City Public Schools 

· Honorable Mention Programs: Arlington Public Schools, Newport News Public Schools and Pittsylvania County Public Schools

“We want to highlight substance abuse prevention activities that are informed by science, driven by local partnerships, and tuned to specific needs of the community,” said Governor McDonnell. “I applaud these 14 districts for their commitment to students and their community. It is apparent that these school divisions have formed a strong partnership in their communities to take on the task of fighting alcohol and drug abuse.”

The SAVVY evaluation team was comprised of representatives from the Departments of Education, Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, Criminal Justice Services and Alcoholic Beverage Control, as well as educators and health professionals from the University of Virginia and Virginia Commonwealth University. All applications were evaluated based on organization, evidence-based programming, professional development, community and parent engagement, assessment and sustainability.

The SAVVY prevention initiative is designed to bring awareness to parents, educators, students and youth advocates about the dangers of substance abuse, especially the growing use of synthetic cannabinoids, hallucinogenic bath salts and misused prescription medicine. SAVVY kicked off in early November of 2012 with a series of Expos.

Information from the Roanoke County Website

Bent Mountain Kick-Off Picnic

We have the hot dogs, drinks and chips, just bring a dish to share and have some fun. Face painting by Shnookums the Clown, bubbles, games and more.

Date: Wednesday, June 12

Time: 12:00pm to 2pm

Where: Bent Mountain Library

This event is free, but please bring a covered dish to share.

Information from the Roanoke County Website

Star City Roller Girls help fellow derby skaters in Oklahoma

With the recent disaster in Moore, Oklahoma, Star City Roller Girls wanted to help. We are teaming up with Oklahoma City Metro Area Roller Derby Leagues’ Fundraiser to help raise money for those affected by the tornado.

The roller derby leagues in the Oklahoma City metro area thank the derby community for reaching out. In an effort to assist those affected by the recent tragedies in their area, they have started a fundraising campaign through Crowd Rise to benefit Feeding America. Feeding America will deliver truckloads of food, water and supplies to impacted areas through its network of more than 200 food banks and 61,000 agencies. The organization’s food banks will also set up additional drop-off sites.

Star City Roller Girls president Cathy Cockrell started a team that is part of this campaign through CrowdRise. Star City Roller Girls’ goal is to get $1 for each of the “likes” on our Facebook page – currently 3,627. Be awesome and help us help them!

The website for our fundraising efforts is:

http://www.crowdrise.com/FeedingAmericaOKLA/fundraiser/cathycockrell

Also for Star City’s next home bout on June 15th our team will be donating 10% of the ticket sales to the OKC campaign. Come out to support local roller derby while also supporting a great campaign.

NEXT BOUT

June 15th, 2013

Icimani Adventure Center

5488 Yellow Mountain Road

Doors open at 5:30 bout starts at 6pm

Tickets are $6 pre-sale and $8 at the door.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS! AUGUST 24th SCRG will hold a double-header in the SALEM CIVIC CENTER!

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Christina Rouse, a.k.a. FizzGig

Officer of Public Relations and Marketing

ccardilloster@gmail.com

540-989-7292

Star City Roller Girls

www.starcityrollergirls.com

Submitted by Christina Rouse