Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, January 17, 1994 TAG: 9401170108
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
When the Art Museum of Western Virginia held a news conference last week to announce its largest gift ever, museum officials said the donors wanted to remain anonymous.
They apparently didn't alert the editors of the museum's quarterly newsletter.
The newsletter - which arrived in subscribers' homes the day of the news conference - identified the donors as Rosalie K. and Sydney Shaftman, patrons of the arts and other nonprofit institutions in the Roanoke Valley.
The Shaftmans gave the museum $237,800 - larger by far than any gift for the museum.
The contribution will form an endowment and the proceeds will be used to create a new gallery within the museum. The gallery, according to the museum's newsletter, will be called The Rosalie K. and Sydney Shaftman Gallery and will house the Shaftman Collection.
If only the mail had come before the news conference . . .
Tiger tale
Take all the pictures you want of Ruby, the Siberian tiger, but don't bother asking Mill Mountain Zoo Director Beth Poff for the cat's hide when the animal dies. Don't even try offering the cash-strapped zoo big bucks. "I'd have to take a deep breath and say no," Poff said.
When a species such as the Siberian tiger is designated as threatened or endangered, every part of every individual in that species is protected. The bones, skin, teeth, fur, feathers and, yes, even the feces.
That's right. If, for some reason, someone wanted to transport Ruby's droppings across state lines, he'd have to get a federal permit. (Poff assures us the zoo composts the cat's excrement, mixed in with all the ordinary animals' stuff.)
The whole purpose of tracking endangered animal parts, Poff said, is to keep them from being commercially exploited, adding further temptation to poachers and other unscrupulous sorts.
When Ruby dies, her uterus likely will be sent to a team of scientists conducting a study, Poff said. And her hide? Perhaps donated to a museum or other educational facility.
It certainly won't be sprawled across anyone's parlor floor.
Be fruitful and multiply
When the Explore Park's governing body met last week, there were plenty of important matters on the agenda.
The board elected a new chairman (retired Norfolk banker Clifford Cutchins, replacing Roanoke funeral home president Lawrence Hamlar). The board discussed the proposed merger with the Virginia Museum of Natural History (hearty support).
And the board reviewed progress toward the living-history park's opening in May (everything's going fine, thank you.).
But the most difficult issue to resolve didn't have to do with Explore's quest for state funding, it had to do with the buffalo.
From five animals three years ago, the park's herd has been fruitful and multiplied - to a dozen. That's way too many for the farm in eastern Roanoke County where the buffalo are kept until Explore can set up its zoo.
So, with a little help from retired Roanoke College President Norman Fintel, Explore hopes to ship them temporarily to the Craig County buffalo farm owned by Wall Street stock-trader John Mulheren, a Roanoke College alumnus and benefactor.
Eventually, Park Director Rupert Cutler says, Explore may have to go with a single-sex herd - "or do something to restrain that reproductive tension."
But, he admits, it may be easier to get Explore open.
The pitchman cometh
Hugh McColl, chairman of NationsBank, has been credited as a key mover in getting a National Football League franchise for Charlotte, N.C. Even after securing the team, known as the Carolina Panthers, McColl can't stop making his pitch.
At last week's annual Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce meeting, McColl - the keynote speaker - brought gifts for three chamber leaders: a Panther's T-shirt, sweat shirt and cap.
"I hope this will convince some of you to give up on the Redskins and come to Charlotte," he said. "It's a lot shorter drive to Charlotte than it is to Washington, anyway."
Then it was McColl's turn to get a gift. He was called back to the lectern and handed a package.
"I hope I'm not getting a Redskins T-shirt," he said.
Next week:
Larry Sabato's favorite rock videos
When The New York Times was looking for comment on former Gov. Douglas Wilder's surprise decision to take himself out of this year's Senate race, it sidestepped the usual pundits and instead called musician Bruce Hornsby.
"He's a master showman," said Hornsby, who lives in Williamsburg and was at the Capitol for the speech. "He's better than Elvis." Abuse hot line
Virginians needing support and information about family abuse can now call the Family Violence Hotline, (800) 838-VADV, toll-free, 24 hours a day.
The hot line, run by Virginians Against Domestic Violence, provides help for people abused by a family member or someone they live with.
Hot line workers offer help in emergency situations, legal and financial assistance and information about emotional and sexual abuse. The hot line operates out of Williamsburg, but workers can suggest agencies and programs available in the caller's area.
by CNB