July 2, 2008Summer photos: A South African safari Molly Bullington sends us this photo and says: My husband and I just got back from a wonderful trip to South Africa where he ran the Comrades ultra-Marathon and we went on a safari. This male lion took time to pose for us and then let out a loud roar to find out where his friends were. We hear the other lions respond not long after. Our field guide told us that a lion’s roar can be heard as far as 10 kilometers away! For that, we've put the Bullingtons on our Swoco Summer '08 map -- the first one in Africa, for sure! So what are you doing this summer? Send us photos and we'll add you to our map, too. It doesn't have to be an exotic trip to another continent, either. Our previous entry in the Swoco Summer Photos series was Aidan Wright, who went fishing in Carvins Cove. You can email us at news@swo-co.com June 30, 2008Video of Cave Spring grad training as cantorial singer In last week's SWoCo, we told you about Amanda Winter, a 2002 graduate of Cave Spring High School who is headed this summer to Israel, where she will train to become a cantorial singer. In today's Roanoke Times, religion writer Rob Johnson has a longer story on Amanda, as well as this video. Photo by Eric Brady June 27, 2008Here's what some in Southwest Roanoke County are doing this summer You'll recall we recently invited folks to send in their summer photos and tell us about their plans this summer. Well, we just heard from Loren Wright, who sends us two photos of her son, Aidan. This is my son, Aidan Wright, on his first fishing trip with his dad Craig Wright. Aidan caught a few smaller fish then he caught a 17" Big Mouth Bass. His dad didn't catch any fish. :) And then for the photo below: We're not sure yet where the fishing was, but we know where the zoo is, so we've just put Aidan and his friend on the map -- our Swoco Summer '08 map, that is. We've also added Tony Weaver, too. UPDATE: The fish was caught at Carvins Cove, so we've added that to the map, as well. How can you get on the map? Just send us your summer photos and tell us what you're doing and where. It doesn't matter if it's the beach or a backyard barbecue, a week at camp or that big European vacation. We'll be here at news@swo-co.com Continue reading "Here's what some in Southwest Roanoke County are doing this summer" » June 26, 2008Four original Piedmont Airlines flight attendants retire Four of the original Piedmont Airlines Flight Attendants retired June 5, from the now merged USAirways. Whitney Deyerle, Verity Callender, Linda Simmons, and Trina Lewis have a combined 120 years of flying experience. All live and were formally based in Roanoke. The four gals commuted by plane and car to their bases in Charlotte and Philadelphia after the Roanoke based close. A party was given by hosts Mary and John Delany. More than 50 of the former Piedmont employees, spouses, and friends attended. "No matter how long we fly or where we fly with USAirways, passengers stopped us and said you used to be a Piedmont Girl, we can tell." We are very proud to say they were always right. All four are looking forward to the next journey in their lives here in the Roanoke Valley. Submitted by Linda Simmons, f/a - seniority of June 16, 1978. Picture caption: From left to Right is Whitney Deyerle, Trina Lewis, Linda Simmons, and Verity Callender. Pizzazz Star City Twirlers to entertain at Commonwealth GamesJoan Duus, who directs the Pizzazz Star City Twirlers sent in some updated information about the Pizzazz Star City Twirlers. This is what she had to say: We have once again been invited to entertain at the Opening Ceremonies of the Common Wealth Games for the 3rd straight year. We are really excited about this years performance because we will be doing our Half Time Show, which we won this past weekend at State and are taking to Nationals, leaving on the 21st of July. Also Harlie Dale will be performing a 3-Baton Fire routine. She is the 2007 National 3-Baton Champion and will also be competing at Notre Dame in July at the Nationals. We had a previous post about the Pizzazz Star City Twirlers on June 24. What are you doing for the 4th of July?
Others we talked to were: McAnnally family, Bob Middaugh, the Foster family, Eleshea Manning, Jessica Layman, Victoria Martin, the Hubert family, John Chambers, Charles Ferguson, Michelle Throckmorton, the Vigorito family, Stonewall Wilson, David Battle, Barbara Jordan, and Jerome Boyd. Let us know what you're doing! Leave a comment below. June 25, 2008Hidden Valley grad O'Brien signs with New York Yankees Former Hidden Valley pitcher Mikey O’Brien has signed with the Yankees, bypassing a college career, his father said Thursday. We have more details here. Our last post about O'Brien was June 5. What do you think of the move? You can leave comments below. What should J.J. Redick do? Over on the sports page, we have a story today from the Orlando Sentinel about former Cave Spring star J.J. Redick -- and how he's not getting much playing time in the NBA, wants a trade, but the Magic aren't likely to deal him. So what do you think about Redick's situation? You can leave comments below on this blog, or email us at news@swo-co.com Associated Press photo Starkey School reunion brings back long-ago days "I would die if they ever took this school down," Babs Peery Meador said as she reminisces about the old Starkey School building at Sunday’s reunion. Starkey School is where she met Eddie, her husband, 42 years ago, while in the fourth grade. "I failed the fourth grade just to be with him," she laughed. "Stella Hensley was my teacher when I met him." Continue reading "Starkey School reunion brings back long-ago days" » June 24, 2008Southwest County resident drives for Sports Car Club event Daniel O'Brien, of Southwest Roanoke, drives fast through "the carousel" at Sebring International Raceway during the 2008 June Bug Dash held June 7-8, 2008. He is driving the #48 green, orange, and white Spec Racer Ford for this SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) event.
 John O'Brien, Dan's father, displays his respect with this decal on the #48 Spec Racer Ford. Pictures submitted by: Daniel O'Brien.
June 23, 2008Former North Cross student plays at WimbledonWimbledon begins today, and former North Cross and Stanford standout K.J. Hippensteel will be playing doubles. For more, see this post in our Pressbox sports blog. June 19, 2008Photos of Southwest Roanoke County fans at Roanoke's Movie in the Park Surf's Up! Or at least it was last Friday night -- June 13 -- at Roanoke's Elmwood Park, for a screening of the movie "Surf's Up" as part of Roanoke's movies in the park series. Several people from Southwest Roanoke County wound up getting their pictures taken by our paparazzi photo crew. among them were Wesley and Adam Smith, at left. Looks like they also spent some time with the face-painter. We also have photos of Bailey Coulter (who was hanging out with Elizabeth Hubbard of North Roanoke County) and Aysia Garrett (with her friend Madison Flowers.) For the complete gallery, click here. June 18, 2008Cave Spring Middle School student recognized for academic excellence Dylan, who attends Cave Spring Middle School, was invited to this awards ceremony sponsored by CTY based on a performance on a rigorous above-grade-level test given to second through eighth-grade Talent Search participants. Seventh and eighth-graders took the SAT or ACT- the same tests used for college admissions. Second through sixth-graders took the SCAT, an above-level test scaled for younger students. Continue reading "Cave Spring Middle School student recognized for academic excellence" » Athenian Society for Arts and Science gets new officers The Athenian Society for the Arts and Sciences held its Annual Spring Luncheon in May at the Hidden Valley Country Club. New officers installed for 2008-2009 are: President Rita Herbst The Athenians have devoted many hours to support the Arts and Sciences in the Roanoke area. Financial donations were made to: Photo: L-R, Rita Herbst, Jeanette Potter, Virginia Gregory, Ruth Kreienbaum, Many Pommerenke. Not pictured: Leigh McKay. Photo courtesy of Donna Grabarczyk. June 16, 2008Doreen's Gourmet will open in place of High Point CoffeeDoreen's Gourmet is taking place of what used to be High Point Coffee. The new owner, Doreen Sidor is already taking the necessary steps to making it her very own shop and plans to open the doors on July 1. An open house will be held on July 8 and July 9 from 6 to 9 p.m. including on July 8, the Great River Jazz Quartet. The new shop will offer gourmet meals to go, including lunches and breakfast; homemade pastas, sauces, sandwiches- all fresh, deli sliced, salads, muffins, bagels, coffee and tea. A conference room will also be available for birthday parties, meetings, any type of entertainment, business luncheons, anniversaries, etc. Sidor plans to continue the musical tradition and have bands play weekly, including an open mic night and karaoke night. Doreen's Gourmet will be open Monday through Thursday from 6:30 a.m. until 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 6:30 a.m. until 10 p.m. and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sidor has lived in Southwest Roanoke County for 13 years and became the owner effective June 1. This is Sidor's first shop, however, she has a lot of experience with gourmet food. She previously taught classes at Twist and Turns. Sidor is currently renovating the shop, putting in a ten burner gas unit, oven, and two large double ovens, granite counter tops, and new furniture. "I had a huge following and everyone kept telling me I need to open a restaurant," Sidor said. "So, I went online and found a local coffee shop for sale. It's in a area I like and its close to home. I'm happy with it." Sidor says the menu will include a wide variety and a shop will be available to buy the same olive oil, crackers, balsamic vinegar, Sidor uses in her food. She will also be selling homemade soup mixes beginning in the fall. Sidor will also be offering cooking classes. Two that are coming up include one on June 10 ($55) from 6 to 8:30 p.m. and a picnic class and feild trip to Valhalla Vineyards on July 24 ($65). To sign up for these classes, call Sidor at 540-400-6049 or 540-819-0012. Both classes will be held at Doreen's Gourmet at 4210 Brambleton Avenue. Sidor's website will also be up and running officially in a few months. Visit Doreen's Gourmet. Swoco teens play music at the Daily Grind On Tuesday evening, June 10 the Daily Grind was a packed house. And coffee and tea were only half the reason that people crowded in, young and old alike. Jeanie Patterson, owner of the Daily Grind in West Village on Virginia 419, wanted to do something new and different and decided that teenagers don’t have a lot of options during the evenings in SWoCo. So, she decided to begin an Open Mic Night for Teens. Continue reading "Swoco teens play music at the Daily Grind" » June 12, 2008Southwest Roanoke County kids draw sidewalk artIf you've seen The Roanoke Times today -- specifically, the Extra section -- you'll find some photos from our "Sidewalk Chalk Challenge" where kids have drawn sidewalk art with summer themes. If not, well, here's the photo gallery. Included are a lot of kids with connections to Southwest Roanoke County. They are: * Avery Sturm, Victoria Baldwin, and Neale Butler, from North Cross School. * Hope Pollock, from North Cross School * Madison Bloomfield, Meg Evett, Anne Elise Hastings, and Kerin Daly from North Cross School * Jessica Helmer from North Cross School. * Nicholas Gentiluomo, from Penn Forest Elementary. His has a "School's Out Forever" theme -- listening to a little Alice Cooper, are we? * Carolyn Bethel from Hidden Valley Middle School, with help from Ryan and Gavin Cotton. * Rachel Davis from North Cross School * Sarah Shaff from North Cross School Which reminds us . . .what are your kids doing this summer? If you have photos of what kids from Southwest Roanoke County are up to, you can share them at news@swo-co.com
June 10, 2008Photos of Southwest Roanoke County fans at Salem Avalanche game Our paparazzi photo crew was at the Salem Avalanche game on Sunday and who should they find but a bunch of fans from Southwest Roanoke County. Among them, the Fisher family, at left. But we also have photos of Kenny and Evan Lang, and Craig Wright -- plus an entire gallery of fans, whether they were from Southwest Roanoke County or not. See anyone you recognize? If so, let 'em know you saw 'em on SWoCo! June 9, 2008Theater project helps Girl Scouts solve friendship problems   Southwest County Junior Girl Scout Troop 321 performed an original play designed to help pre-teen girls sort out social issues on Monday, June 2. Curtain time was 3:30 p.m. at Oak Grove Church of the Brethren, 2138 McVitty Rd., SW. The play brought out problems that arise when girls with different backgrounds and personalities get together for a week at camp. The characters learned to work out their differences in constructive ways. The participants were earning their Girl Scout theater badges. Moreover, by helping younger Daisy Scouts involved in the play, the participants earned credit toward the Girl Scout Bronze Award. The girls putting on the play recently took part in a program called “Don’t Laugh at Me” developed by the non-profit Operation Respect. The program is designed to promote self-esteem for youngsters while discouraging bullying, ridicule, and violence. Photo 1: Back row: Carly York, Elizabeth Wilkin, Ellee Goad, Emily Buchanan, Hannah Sturgeon, Hollins Vieth, Rachael Thayer, Sarah Wilkin, Sophie Rouaud Photo 3: Carly York, Sophie Rouaud, Rachael Thayer, and Emily Buchanan Photo and information submitted by Gwen Vieth. Cave Spring High School '94 graduate wins Outstanding Young Graduate Award Becky Brittain graduated from Cave Spring High School in 1994 and went on to Virginia Tech to study Communications an Political Science. Brittain was recently awarded the Outstanding Young Graduate Award which goes to a recent graduate from Virginia Tech for the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences. The ceremony was held on April 18th but her reign as Outstanding Young Graduate will continue throughout the year. The award is based on career achievement and community service and is presented annually to a graduate of the last ten years. She is a product of the mentor program in the Roanoke County Schools, where she worked with Channel 10. Brittain currently works for CNN in Washington D.C. as a producer in the White House. She is active at her church in Alexandria where she teaches Sunday School. She has also tutored an inner city student in the D.C. school system since 2001. "I was very honored to be recognized for it," Brittain said. "I was honored to get the award and be able to share in the Hokie Spirit and give back to the community." Daily Grind on Brambleton will hold an open mic night for TeensSo you love to sing, or play the guitar or some other instrument. It also just happens to be a Tuesday night and you're looking for something to do that your parents will allow... Well, the Daily Grind in West Village on Route 419 will hold an open mic night for teenagers on Tuesday, June 9 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. About six musicians will be playing for about 15 to 20 minutes each. A microphone and amplifier will be set up. "I think it's going to be well attending," Jeanie Patterson, owner of the Daily Grind on 419 said."There isn't a lot for teenagers to do at night in Roanoke, so I thought this would help." A sign-up sheet is now available. Just come by the Daily Grind and ask about it - you MUST sign up in advance, and Jeanie Patterson will give you a call or email to confirm your act. Also, every Wednesday from 6pm - 9pm, come out and hear the Old Time Mountain Music group. June 6, 2008Wreath Laying at Tomb of the Unknowns
The ceremony was also attended by members of the 29th Division Association from Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania. Bill King and his wife, Juanita King, are from Southwest Roanoke County, and both attend First Christian Church in Salem. Juanita King is a board member for the St Lo Normandy, France Sister City to Roanoke. As a board member, she acts as a liaison with Post 64 of the 29th Division Association. She is currently serving as National President of the Auxiliary. Photos of Hidden Valley tennis player Kristin Harter Hidden Valley fan Quigg Lawrence sends us these photos of Kristin Harter, who played her way into the state AA girl's single tennis championship yesterday even though she's only a freshman. Quigg marvels at her accomplishment: Kristin, he says, "won her semi-final match easily and lost in the finals to a senior who was last years AA champ and will be playing at Syracuse University next year!" You can read the account from sportswriter Robert Anderson here, or scroll below to see more photos. Kristin will be back in action in doubles action this afternoon with Whitney Walton. We'll post results here when we have 'em. And do you have photos of sports involving players or teams from Southwest Roanoke County? If so, you can share them at news@swo-co.com. That's what Quigg did. We had a previous post about Hidden Valley High School on June 5. Continue reading "Photos of Hidden Valley tennis player Kristin Harter" » June 5, 2008AAUW awards scholarships to SWoCo students Roanoke Valley Branch, AAUW, has awarded scholarships to three young women who are graduating from area high schools and six women currently attending Hollins University. The recipients of the 2008 Young Women’s Scholarships are Karen R. Harshfield, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. James Harshfield, who is graduating from Northside High School and plans to attend the College of William and Mary; Emily A. O’Rourke, daughter of Ms. Wendy O’Rourke, who is graduating from Hidden Valley High School and plans to attend Virginia Tech, and Elizabeth A. Wingfield, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. William C. Wingfield, who has completed her studies at Hidden Valley High School and the Governor’s School and will attend the College of William and Mary. Continue reading "AAUW awards scholarships to SWoCo students" » June 4, 2008Cave Spring High School student wins $1,250 at International Science and Engineering Fair Parker Vascik, a junior at Cave Spring High School and student at the Roanoke Valley Governor's School recently took part in the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair in Atlanta, Ga. Vascik presented a paper entitled, "The Effect of UV-C Irradiation on the Growth and Survival of Bacillus subtilis Endospores and Vegetative Cells: Limitations Imposed on Panspermia by Solar Radiation. June 3, 2008Ardell Stone dancers selected for college dance teams Four senior from Ardell Stone School of Dancing in Southwest Roanoke County have been selected for NCAA division I Dance Teams. Lydia Tran and Tiffany Woolwine will join the Virginia Tech Hi- Techs. Kate Johnson will join the University of South Carolina team and Stephanie Woolwine will join the University of Virginia team. All the girls have been studying dance for over ten years. After being selected to the respective University, each of them had to go through a highly competitive and rigorous audition/tryout before being selected to the teams. Lydia Tran and Kate Johnson are graduating from Cave Spring High School and Stephanie Woolwine and Tiffany Woolwine will graduate from Patrick Henry High School later this month. This is a wonderful honor and quite an accomplishment for each of these young ladies. These girls will be performing Saturday, June 7 at the Roanoke Performing Arts Center at 6 p.m. Article submitted by Ardell Stone and Lynn Hampton. Photograph was taken by Paul Calhoun Photography. Photo caption: From left to right, Stephanie Woolwine, Annie Weaver, Tiffany Woolwine, Lydia Tran, Mallory Smith, Amanda Couture, Lauren Altieri. Front row on knees, Lauren Schmidt, Kate Johnson, Chandler Dawes. May 31, 2008Teams from Southwest County participate in Relay for Life
Roanoke's Relay for Life, a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, is going on into Saturday morning in Green Hill Park in Western Roanoke County. Photographer Erin Millar captured scenes from Friday evening, including the first lap for cancer survivors. For photos, including teams based in Southwest Roanoke County, see this photo gallery from the event. You'll see people at the tents of Good Samaritan Hospice, Barker Chiropractic and Allstate.
May 30, 2008Three Cave Spring students honored at school board meeting More Southwest Roanoke high school students were recognized at last week's school board meeting. Lauren Bosche, a junior at Cave Spring High School, was named the the 2007 - 2008 First Team All State AA in Volleyball. She was the only junior selected and Bosche holds the school record for career assists (901). Continue reading "Three Cave Spring students honored at school board meeting" » North Cross teacher to compete against other teachers and schools North Cross School science teacher, Anthony Curtis is considered one of Virginia's top educators. On June 10 he will gather with other teachers to Alexandria to compete for cash for himself and for his school. Continue reading "North Cross teacher to compete against other teachers and schools" » May 29, 2008Students donate to St. Francis Service Dogs Roma Scriven, who teaches private piano lessons in her own private studio in Southwest Roanoke County recently decided she wanted to do something for the community. After some thought she decided to get her music students involved, too. "I just thought I’d do a community outreach project outside of my piano studio," Scriven said. Continue reading "Students donate to St. Francis Service Dogs" » May 28, 2008The Class of ‘08 shout-out begins! Awhile back, we asked graduating high school seniors from Southwest Roanoke County to write their own graduation blurb and we’d use it -- and a photo -- in an upcoming issue of SWoCo. We’d like to say congrats to Shawna Rena Paige of Cave Spring High School, who was the first to respond, so we’d like to share what she sent us. My favorite thing about high school would have to be the basketball season. I know it’s not a school subject or anything but it really gave me time to bond with people that i really did love, and I will miss playing for the best coach Jessica Ficarro. In the fall I plan on going to college and taking up Radiology, and hopefully I’d still be with the best boyfriend in the world (David Thomas III) from Northside High School. If you’re a graduating senior from Southwest Roanoke County, send us your blurb -- your favorite part of high school, what you’ll be doing next, and a photo -- to news@swo-co.com and we’ll use it in an upcoming issue. May 23, 2008Cave Spring student receives Volunteer of the Year award Chuck Lionberger recently sent us an article that he received from Cave Spring High School about Lauren Guzinski. Lauren recently received the Volunteer of the Year award in the youth division from the Council of Community Services. Continue reading "Cave Spring student receives Volunteer of the Year award" » May 21, 2008Southwest County resident travels to China and shares it with SWo-Co Southwest Roanoke County resident, Daniel O'Brien shared with SWo-Co some photos of his recent trip to China. See below to read what he sent us about his photos! Continue reading "Southwest County resident travels to China and shares it with SWo-Co" » |