ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Monday, October 21, 1996 TAG: 9610210052
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-3 EDITION: METRO
COLUMN: & now this...
MEMO: ***CORRECTION***
Published correction ran on October 22, 1996.
The number to call for a free home fire safety or fireplace
inspection by the Roanoke City Fire-EMS Department is 981-2050. The
number was incorrect in Monday's Roanoke Times.
Everybody knows loose lips sink ships. But will swollen lips sink the spirits of one local news anchor?
The answer is no. Contrary to rumors and water-cooler speculation, Melanie Moon of WDBJ (Channel 7) did not have cosmetic surgery to implant collagen in her lips.
Nor did she hurt herself in a car accident, but she's flattered that people seem so concerned.
"I had four wisdom teeth pulled, which caused my face to swell," Moon said. "On top of that, I had some kind of allergic reaction to the pain medicine, which caused even more swelling around my gums."
The now-famous lips, which were noticeably larger than usual on last week's morning and noon news broadcasts, were the subject of some debate on K-92's morning show after a caller asked if something was wrong with Moon.
Shortly after, a friend of Moon's called the station and explained her wisdom tooth trouble, but it was too late. The rumors already were flying at offices and lunch counters around Roanoke.
Jim Kent, WDBJ news director, said the station got several lip-related phone calls. He conceded that the swelling does look odd, but said Moon wanted to get back to work as soon as she could.
Moon, meanwhile, is feeling much better, despite losing 12 pounds after the operation. She said she's hoping the swelling will be down by today.
And does she think all this will affect her status as The Roanoker magazine's reigning "Best Female Sex Symbol''?
"No," she said. "I never really thought I deserved that honor to begin with."
- JOHN GRIESSMAYER
New batteries for your lifesaver
As the days get shorter, is your battery running down? Then call the Roanoke City Fire-EMS Department. They'll give you a new one, free.
A smoke detector battery, that is.
The fire department is encouraging residents to change their smoke detector batteries at the same time they set their clocks back from Daylight Savings Time to Eastern Daylight Time.
This year, the switch is next weekend.
Smoke detectors are a proven lifesaver, often letting residents escape burning houses early enough to avoid injury. But they work only if they have batteries - preferably fresh ones.
"While smoke detectors have a low-battery indicator - recognized by most people as a chirping sound - most people react by taking out the battery. Often they fail to replace it," said Fire Marshal David Rickman.
To help promote the concept, the city is offering a free smoke detector battery to any city family who wants one. The batteries will be available at all city fire stations through Nov.6. The department is also offering free home fire-safety inspections and free fireplace inspections. To schedule one, call 981-2520.
- DAN CASEY
LENGTH: Medium: 65 linesby CNB