It’s All About the Birds

This Green Wing Macaw puts on quite a show for the attendees.

There was plenty of fun, delight and squawking by 13 parrots on the Howery Mezzanine at the Roanoke Main Library in Downtown Roanoke earlier this week.

The parrots that were on show in all their glory are owned by members of The Southwest Virginia Bird Club (SWVBC), an organization that makes the lives of captive birds better through education .  

Here are photos of several of the birds.

This Blue Front Amazon Parrot the day of the show was named River, after River Laker, the coordinator of this event and all other events at the Main Library.

Jill, a Goffin's Cockatoo, poses for a photo.

This sweet little feathered friend was a little camera shy and snuggled closely to its owner, Sue Brewer.

SWVBC President Sue Brewer says that the club members meet the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at Huntington Court Church.  Anyone interested in attending and/or joining is welcome.

In addition to the colorful birds, limited edition prints of internationally acclaimed professional UK bird artist Eric Peake’s parrot watercolours were on display and available for purchase.  Peake has painted more than 1300 detailed watercolour paintings of birds and has specialized in parrots for several years. 

His long list of major accomplishments include a commission for H.R.H. Princess of Wales, Princess Diana, a commission as a ‘Kentucky Colonel’ by the State of Kentucky, USA for outstanding contributions to his nation and for artistic and avian related achievements; The Bird Clubs of Virginia, USA award for educational outreach supporting responsible ownership of pet birds; The Midwest Avian Research Exposition Award, USA for his dedication to the avian community plus many commendations and art exhibition awards including Best in Show.

According to Peake’s website, he has donated more than $645,000 in artwork for various international bird projects.

For additional information regarding SWVBC, email Brewersbirds@cox.net.  Brewer says the bird club’s website will be up and running in approximately one week.

For additional information regarding Eric Peake and his artwork, email birdart@ericpeake.co.uk  or visit http://www.ericpeake.co.uk/index.html.

 

SoRo Chill & Grill Serve Southern Contemporary “Big Easy” Cuisine

If it’s an authentic contemporary southern meal with “Big Easy” flair that you’re looking for, you may not need to purchase an airline ticket to New Orleans. Step into SoRo Chill & Grille and smell aroma from the Cajun spices that fill the air.

Named after the nearby South Roanoke neighborhood, the locally owned and operated eatery’s doors were opened in September 2009 by owners Angela Drinkard and Ron Revia. They completed extensive renovations to the existing retail space that had most recently inhabited by a frame shop in Piccadilly Square Shopping Center.

The renovations include a communal table created within the bar that seats 30 people. “The communal table, often more popular in the northern states, encourages mingling with other diners and most patrons like that. It’s a less formal arrangement than a restaurant area, and bar-type foods as well as the full menu is available to order from,” remarked Drinkard. Flat screens are also featured in the lounge area.

“The eatery has two fireplaces inside, enjoyed by diners in the winter, and there is outside seating available, which has been popular for lunch with the warmer temperatures,” added Drinkard. While the owners and staff do not consider the separate dining area to be fine dining, patrons may beg to differ because Head Chef and Kitchen Manager Kristy Pilot appears to have the art of food presentation down to a science. Various bands and musicians provide musical entertainment on a rotating basis on Thursday and Saturday evenings.

Judging by the line of patrons extending to the outside deck last Saturday evening, there is no shortage of business, and those waiting to be seated appeared to be having a festive time and didn’t mind the wait.

The goal and philosophy of the owners is to invest in Southwest Virginia by patronizing local businesses and suppliers for products needed by the business. Each of the owners has their own niche. “I am more hands-on and he is more behind the scenes,” said Drinkard.

When the eatery initially opened, customers had some fun with a “trial” menu, which the owners used to get feedback so they could weed out the dishes that weren’t as popular. Two of the most popular dishes are “Shrimp and Grits” and “Pasta Mardi Gras.” A vegetarian special is featured nightly. For those who aren’t into Cajun, there are more traditional menu items including pasta dishes, seafood, burgers, clubs and salads. A mixed grill of offerings is available for both lunch and dinner and the Sunday brunch menu is extensive and varied, with all dishes made from scratch.

Drinkard and Regia have worked for and with some of the best restaurateurs in the industry. She started in the restaurant business 17 years ago and loves it. Regia grew up with his grandparents owning a restaurant in Louisiana and he also opened a Copeland’s in New Orleans under the supervision of the late Al Copeland, one of the foremost authorities on Cajun food and restaurants.

“This has always been a dream of ours,” enthused Drinkard.

Located at 3117 Franklin Road, the hours of operation are Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Friday 11 a.m. – midnight; Saturday 10 a.m. – midnight, and Sunday 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
For additional information, visit sorogrille.com.

Are You Spending Your Money Wisely?

According to a recent Gallup’s study, 64 percent of all families argue over money and 74 percent say they’re not handling money wisely.

Below are five pointers to keep in mind.

 It is important to know where your money is going and to watch your spending. Keep good records.
 Financial freedom is determined not by what you make, but what you spend.
 Interestingly, the more educated people are, the more they shop. Many consumers buy something they don’t need because of impulse buying. And many people want everything that their friends and neighbors have.  As a result, most consumers spend money as quickly as they make it. With a budget, you plan where your money goes.
 It is important to save for the future. Goal-setting for how much to save and how much to spend is critical. Studies have shown that most baby boomers have not saved for retirement. Learning to save for the future is critical.
 Many of us are so busy earning money for what we want that we don’t even enjoy what we have. Generally, we want more than what we have and therefore are working more. And relationships are often damaged as a result. We often think of the situation of working all the time as a temporary solution. But normally that isn’t the way it ends up.

How are you handling your money? And how is it affecting your relationships?

BB&T Again Ranks Highest in Customer Satisfaction Among Primary Mortgage Servicers

BB&T has ranked number one among primary mortgage servicers in customer satisfaction for the second consecutive year in a row, according to the J. D. Power and Associates 2011 U. S.  Primary Mortgage Servicer Satisfaction Study. 

With a score of 768, BB&T performs particularly well in the billing and payment process and escrow account and administration factors.  Regions Mortgage ranked second with a score of 757 and Wells Fargo ranked third with a score of 755.

The 2011 Primary Servicer Satisfaction Study is based on responses from nearly 5,000 homeowners regarding their experiences with their primary morgage servicer and was fielded between April and May 2011. 

The study found that overall satisfaction  with primary mortgage servicers has declined to 718 on a 1,000-point scale, down 29 points  from 747 in 2010.  The study measures customer satisfaction with four areas of the mortgage servicing experience:  billing and payment process; escrow account administration; website; and phone contact.  Satisfaction  has declined across all four factors from 2010.

The study also found that friendly service and reliability are the most important aspects of overall brand image for mortgage servicers.  These key aspects are the two measures that have declined  most notably in 2011, compared with 2010.  Also, customers who retain loans  that were originated in 2009 are significantly less satisfied in 2011 than they were in 2010.

J. D. Power and Associates is a leading global financial information and education company  providing forecasting, performance improvement, social  media and customer satisfaction insights and solutions.    The company’s quality and satisfaction are based on responses from millions  of consumers annually.

Seniors Continue to have Significant Equity in their Homes

Despite declines in home prices, seniors continue to have significant equity in their homes according to the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association (NRMLA)/RiskSpan Reverse Mortgage Market Index (RMMI).

The index fell 3 percent in the first quarter of 2011, a reflection of weakening in the housing market.  Mortgage debt levels fell the seventh straight quarter to their lowest levels since the Q2 2007, partially offsetting the decline in housing values.

Senior home equity owned by Americans age 62 years and older remains greater than $3 trillion despite concerns regarding national home price levels.

The NRMLA/RiskSpan RMMI is updated on a quarterly basis.  The index reflects the current value of home equity owned by seniors relative to the level observed in Q1 2000, the index’s base period.

The NRMLA is the national voice of the reverse mortgage industry, serving as an educational resource, policy advocate and public affairs center for lenders and related professionals. 

RiskSpan is the leading consulting and financial analytics firm in the financial services industry.  RiskSpan maintains a reverse mortgage specialty and applies its data and modeling expertise to examine the industry.  The index has tracked reverse mortgage market opportunity since 2000 by analyzing and reporting on trends in senior home values and home equity levels.

Opportunity to Apply for Emergency Home Loan Program Expires in One Week

“The deadline to apply for assistance from the Emergency Home Loan Program (EHLP) will expire a week from today,” says Brendan Vigorito, Director of Education & Community Relations with Money Management International (MMI). 

The EHLP is designed to provide mortgage payment relief for qualifying homeowners who are at risk for foreclosure and have experienced a drop in income of at least 15 percent due to circumstances beyond their control, such as unemployment or underemployment due to adverse economic conditions or illness.

MMI has been approved by the U. S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) to quality homeowners for this new initiative. 

 “As of today, MMI really has not received many phone calls from homeowners regarding the program,” says Vigorito.

Quick Facts About EHLP

•  The $1 billion initiative is expected to provide help for up to 30,000 homeowners.
•  Applicants who meet the program’s eligibility requirements may receive a zero interest forgivable loan that pays past due mortgage payments, including missed payments and past due charges for up to a maximum of $50,000.
•  The zero percent interest forgivable loans will average $35,000 each, with a maximum of $50,000 awarded to eligible homeowners who are selected through the program.
•  There is no cost to apply for this program.

 The deadline for filing a pre-application worksheet is July 22, 2011.

 EHLP documents will only be accepted by approved agencies, such as MMI. To find out if you’re eligible, visit

 www.MoneyManagement.org or call 877.329.2502 to speak to an MMI counselor.

 About Money Management International (MMI)

 MMI is a nonprofit, full-service credit counseling agency that has served consumers since 1958. In addition to providing financial education services. MMI offers confidential financial guidance, counseling, and debt management assistance. Counseling is available by appointment in branch offices and 24hours a day, 7 hours a week by phone and internet.  Services are available in English or Spanish.

 MMI’s Roanoke office is located at 7000 Peters Creek Road.

Decluttering: Please Release Me, Let Me Go

I have had a de-cluttering project in process off and on for two years and I’ve decided that it’s time to complete this project and bring relatively quick closure.  Yep, it’s time to run my closets and drawers, furniture drawers that is, like an efficient business.

Admittedly, I am a clotheshorse and my husband says that I am close to the Imelda Marcos of shoe world as far as the number pair of shoes that I own.  Of course, that’s an exaggeration.  I recall reading a magazine article that said Imelda owned 1,200 shoes in 1986.  And where would I put all those shoes even if I wanted that many?

Fortunately from a financial standpoint, I am a thrifty and frugal shopper.  Unfortunately, I have had clothing that I wanted to wear and couldn’t found and found clothing that I didn’t know I even had and don’t even recall buying, clothing two sizes too big, and identical pieces of clothing due to information overload or at least that’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it.

I am comforted by the fact that our garage has room to park two vehicles unlike the garages of many of our neighbors.  But in all fairness, they may be able to open their closet doors without fear of something falling on their heads. 

 So early evening, I started going through our downstairs closets.  Happily, I found some clothing that I had been unable to locate and I found new to me clothing that I forgot that I had.  I found two outfits that I will pay to get altered.  And everything else is now piled up in the back seat of my car and will be dropped at Goodwill tomorrow.  Now keep in mind that these are only the downstairs closets, but that’s a good start, I think.

I have a lot more to do, but I’m going to set aside time every day until I complete this project.  I already feel some weight lifted off of my shoulders.  And I now know what is in the downstairs closets.  That’s a good feeling.

I’m already singing the song, “Please Release Me, Let Me Go,” from the departing stuff’s point of view, of course.

Too many Ultraviolet Rays Can Cause Skin Cancer and Potentially Damage Your Eyes

July is Ultraviolet Light (UV) Safety Month. 

Too many ultraviolet rays can cause skin cancer and potentially damage your eyes.

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) offers these tips for preventing skin cancer and finding skin cancer early when treatment can result in a cure.

• Avoid using a tanning bed or sun lamp.  Research reveals that using a tanning bed increases your risk of getting melanoma by 75 percent.
• Wear sunscreen and lip balm every day. 
• Every day before going outside, apply sunscreen to all skin that will be bare and lip balm to your lips that protects against UVA and UVB protection.  If it does not say either, find another product.  You should use a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 30.
• Wear clothing that protects you from UV rays.  A jean jacket offers great UV protection.  A white t-shirt does not.  Any clothing that you can hold up to bright light and see through does not offer the protection you need.
• To boost the UV protection that your clothes offer, you may want to use a UV protectant.  You wash this protectant into your clothes.  To use, you simply add it to the wash cycle.
• Wear sunglasses that offer UV protection every day.  Melanoma can develop in the eyes.
• Try not to spend time outdoors between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.  This is when the sun is strongest.
• Perform skin self-exams.  This can help you find skin cancer early when it can be cured.  The earlier skin cancer can be caught and treated, the more likely it can be cured.
• Get an annual skin cancer screening.  Dermatologists recommend that everyone get screened.  For this reason the AAD offers free screenings across the United States.
• Keep an eye on your skin. The American Cancer Society provides tips on what to look for in skin changes that may lead to melanoma, a form of skin cancer. 

Free skin cancer screenings 

• If you have been treated for skin cancer, keep all follow-up appointments with your doctors.

People who spend long periods of time in the sun without eye protection can get sunburn of the cornea, a protective outer portion of the eye.

The cornea is important in protecting your eyes from foreign materials, such as dirt, as well as blocking UV light that would be extremely damaging to other very sensitive parts of your eyes.

Too much exposure to these harmful rays can also lead to cataracts and macular degeneration, both of which may cause vision loss or blindness.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) provides additional helpful tips for everyone who plans to enjoy fun in the sun this summer.

• Cover skin with long sleeves and hats.
• Wear protective eyewear during the peak hours when the suns rays are the strongest.
• Keep an eye on your skin. The American Cancer Society provides tips on what to look for in skin changes that may lead to melanoma, a form of skin cancer. 
• When choosing sunglasses, select shades that block UV rays. Effective sunglasses should provide 97 percent to 100 percent UV protection.
• Don’t be fooled on cloudy days and even haze.  UV rays can pass through thin clouds and haze meaning you can get UV damage anytime during the year.
• Wear protective eyewear during the peak hours when the suns rays are the strongest.
• Children need protective eyewear as well. Kids are at risk just like adults and should also stay out of the sun during peak hours.

Melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, is characterized by the uncontrolled growth of pigment-producing cells. Melanomas might appear on the skin suddenly, but they also can develop on an existing mole. The overall number of melanoma cases continues to rise.

Approximately 75 percent of all skin cancer deaths are from melanoma. Advanced melanoma spreads to lymph nodes and internal organs and may result in death.

One American dies from melanoma almost every hour. Melanoma is the most common form of cancer for young adults 25-29 years old and the second most common cancer in adolescents and young adults 15-29 years old.

If detected and treated before it reaches the lymph nodes, melanoma patients have a 98 percent five-year survival rate. Five-year survival rates for regional- (lymph nodes) and distant- (other organs/lymph nodes) stage melanomas are 62 percent and 15 percent, respectively.

It was estimated that there were 114,900 new cases of melanoma diagnosed in the United States in 2010 — 46,770 noninvasive (in situ) and 68,130 invasive. In 2010, about 38,870 men and 29,260 women were diagnosed with invasive melanoma.

In addition, it was estimated that 8,700 people in 2010 died from melanoma — 5,670 men and 3,030 women.

Roanoke Girl To Compete in International Soap Box Derby in Akron This Month

Abigail Waldron advances to compete in the International Soap Box Derby.

Twelve-year-old Abigail Waldron recently won the Super Stock Division of the Star City Soap Box Derby in Roanoke County’s Walrond Park. She was undefeated all the way.

The Super Stock Division is open to racers ages 10-17. The shell is white and may be painted by the builder. Waldron’s car sports a blue shell. The car is a lean-forward design that is sold as a kit, including everything but the racing wheels and weights. The approximate time to build such a car is 6-10 hours.

Waldron marks the third generation in her family to have participated in the Star City Soap Box Derby. Del Waldron, her grandfather and two of his brothers, Rodney and Larry raced, as did his sons, Del III, Mike and Matt and nephew Randy. Rodney was a champion in 1967, Del III won in 1987 and Matt won in 1997. All three participated in the World Championship finals.

Del Waldron worked extremely hard to bring the event back to the Roanoke Valley after a 10-year hiatus. And he was successful in doing so. There were more than two dozen contenders in the local derby this year.

Across the United States and around the world, family time is spent together building Soap Box Derby cars. Lifelong bonds are developed as the “Derby Experience” is shared from driver to driver, town to town, state to state.

The Soap Box Derby has been called “The Greatest Amateur Racing Event in the World.” The first All-American race was held in Dayton, but it was moved east to Akron the following year (1935) because of its more central location and hilly terrain. With the exception of during World War II, youngsters from throughout the United States and several foreign countries have come to Akron with the racers they have built and driven to victory in their home communities.

According to the website of the All-American Soap Box Derby (AASBD), the season runs year-around in over 150 cities and communities across the United States and overseas culminating with the All-American Soapbox Derby World Championship in Akron. Qualifiers come from 40 U.S. states and several foreign countries. The Championship event has more than 1,000 volunteers and 15,000 spectators each year.

Waldron will represent Roanoke and advance to complete in the Super Stock Division of the 74th All-American Soapbox Derby to be held at Derby Downs in Akron, Ohio on July 23.

Fishing is Big Business for Tourism and the Economy of Virginia

Waynesboro - A fly angler on the South River

At the 11th annual Virginia Fly Fishing and Wine Festival (VFFF) held recently in Waynesboro, I learned that fishing is big business in Virginia for tourism and the economy.

The festival attracted anglers from at least 17 states outside of Virginia and is the largest fly fishing festival in the United States. Anglers attending this festival ate in our restaurants, stayed in our hotels and shopped.

Virginia Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling speaks at Waynesboro Country Club.

Virginia Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling was the keynote speaker at a festival dinner held at Waynesboro Country Club and he has been working from his office with the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries and other outdoors organizations to promote fishing in Virginia.

“My dad would take me fishing on the Williams River and to this day, I still go fishing on that river every year,” said Bolling. “It brings back good memories and helps to support the importance of the quality of life in Virginia.”

Beau Beasley talks about the importance of making fishing memories.

“You can’t come here and compete. Here we’re about teaching and creating memories for children,” said VFFF Director Beau Beasley. “Actually, we’re making memories with all generations.”

Waynesboro - Beau Beasley with a Nice Rainbow

Beasley has fished the waters of Virginia for over 30 years. His travels have taken him from the Chesapeake Bay seeking stripers to the trout streams of the Shenandoah National Park. His writing career began in the mid 1990s. He has since been published in American Angler, Mid-Atlantic Fly Fishing Guide, Virginia Sportsman, Richmond Magazine, Virginia Living and Fly Tyer. He is a Contributing Editor for Fly Fish America and is currently the Mid-Atlantic Field Editor for Eastern Fly Fishing. A No Nonsense Guide to Top Waters, authored by Beasley, was released in May 2007. His current best selling book Fly Fishing Virginia and his most recent book Fly Fishing the Atlantic can be purchased through his website at www.beaubeasley.com.

Those attending the festival had the opportunity to learn how to make flies, rig a kayak, observe casting demonstrations, learn the best fishing in a variety of locations throughout the country and visit with the numerous exhibitors.

Waynesboro Water Demos with Kayaks

The annual festival is held on the banks of the South River and has non-stop free lectures and trips on where, when and how to fish in the Old Dominion and across the globe as well as wine tasting and music.

VFFF’s goal is to open four miles of the South River for public fishing. Also, they hope to introduce fly fishing to more people while emphasizing the importance of a healthy river. And the desire is to eventually turn the South River into Virginia’s first trophy brook trout stream. Brook trout is Virginia’s only native fish.

The Fish Virginia First Tourism Initiative was originally unveiled on April 26, 2009 LIVE at the ESPN Outdoors/Bassmaster Advance Auto Blue Ridge Brawl on Smith Mountain Lake, for the purpose of highlighting Virginia’s freshwater fishing assets to a national audience. And to develop a collaborative promotional effort making it easier for visitors and event planners to find and enjoy Virginia’s rivers, lakes, trout streams, and major reservoirs and then linking visitors with local hotels, restaurants, campgrounds and fishing related businesses that can make fishing trips easy and fun.

According to the Fish Virginia Tourism Initiative, tourism in Virginia is an $18.7 billion per year industry and supports 210,000 Virginia jobs contributing $4.3 billion in payroll and salaries. From televised professional bass fishing tournaments, guided fishing trips on some of the region’s top trophy waters and families enjoying casting a line while on vacation, fishing is a Virginia tradition enjoyed by millions. In 2007, over $800 million was spent in Virginia on items and activities directly related to freshwater sport fishing. The average professional bass tournament on a major river or reservoir can generate up to $1 million in economic impact while Virginia’s catchable trout program generates significant influxes of anglers to remote and pastoral streams in the winter months.

Partners in the Fish Virginia First!!! Initiative include: Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, Roanoke Convention & Visitors Bureau, Roanoke Regional Partnership, City of Danville, City & County of Bedford Tourism, Lexington/Rockbridge County Area Tourism, Amherst County, Pulaski County, Franklin County, Lynchburg Convention and Visitors Bureau, Botetourt County, Grayson County, Wise County, Office of Tourism and City of Norton, Nelson County, Campbell County, Town and County of Appomattox, Tazewell County, and Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce /Tourism.

For additional information on Fish Virginia First, visit www.fishvirginiafirst.com.

Also, plans are already underway for the 12th annual Virginia Fly Fishing and Wine Festival to be held on April 21-22, 2012 in Waynesboro. Information for this festival can be viewed at http://www.vaflyfishingfestival.org/.

Below are additional photos from this year’s festival.

Casting Instruction Pool

Catch and Release Pool

One of several eateries at the festival.

Anglers check out the numerous exhibits.

Time for Entertainment

One of many lady anglers who attended the Virginia Fly Fishing and Wine Festival