Circulation is key in the newspaper game.
That being noted, I’ve come up with a new angle that The Chief hopefully will buy into, and possibly get The Star into the Guinness Book of Records under the classification “Transportation.”
First, let’s tackle this week’s local sports scene where our initial Wild Bill “Big-11 Baseball Top-3” takes center stage. Here’s a look at the poll.
#1)Hidden Valley- The Titans opened the season with four straight wins, and it looks like Hidden Valley has a stellar pitching staff to go with power in the batter’s box. Likewise, the Titan defense appears solid. A strong combo under any circumstances.
#2)Northside- Ed Culicerto’s Vikings are perennial contenders. This season’s squad is no exception. The Vikings only loss in 8 games was a 2-1 setback to Cave Spring. JD Mundy shut out the Knights Saturday and Matt Culicerto followed with a no-hitter Tuesday, so the pitching is strong.
#3)Salem (3-3) gets the early nod in the toss-up third spot. The Spartans come-from-behind win over Cave Spring on Monday may set the stage in River Ridge competition.
The Salem Red Sox continue to make Carolina League history. After opening the season with a four game sweep of Myrtle Beach, the Sox won their home opener Tuesday night by hanging on for a 12-11 win over Winston-Salem. The win was Salem’s 16th straight victory dating back to last year’s Carolina League championship run. Salem continues its current 7-game home stand through next Monday, April 14th.
College baseball comes to Salem Memorial Stadium on Tuesday evening, April 15th, when Virginia Tech takes on Tennessee. First pitch is set for 6:00 p.m.
The Roanoke Valley Sports Club welcomes sports analyst Dan Bonner as its guest speaker for the Monday, April 21st meeting at the Salem Civic Center. The former player and team captain of the UVa. basketball team, Bonner is in his 20th year as an analyst for CBS Sports. A 5:45 social will be followed by the dinner meeting at 6:15. Guests and prospective members are invited to attend. Contact Maggie Drewry at 540-353-1103 for information or to make reservations.
This is where we typically tackle our late-night product reviews, but the trend has been going downhill, so we’ll get back on track with an entertainment value this week. I bring you the Valley View Choo-Choo.
Monday night I came upon a new miniature train located in the lower level of Valley View Mall. Word has it that shoppers were so upset by the absence during the holidays of the Christmas train, Valley View responded by bringing in a new year-round train that will offer rides.
This is the real deal. This sizable choo-choo, suitable for adults and children alike, literally has all the bells and whistles, including an engine, four cars, plus music from the Jackson Five and The Beatles.
After getting the scoop from congenial engineer Vivian, clad in bib overalls of course, she invited Wild Bill on a ceremonial ride. Leaving from the depot near Belk, we took an express route down the mall to Macys, looping back down the mall’s other side past Sears before returning to the home depot. Along the way, drawn by the train’s whistle, shoppers and store employees waved as we rumbled along on the 10-minute excursion.
I asked Vivian if riders could take a route out to one of the neighboring Valley View eateries, have dinner and return on a later train? Although the train can run outdoors, there’s still a question on the mall’s door widths.
So, I’m proposing to The Chief that he and I head to Valley View on a busy Saturday, get the buy-2, get-1-free ride ticket, and toss out The Star to passersby as we loop the mall. We may also want to consider a Wild Bill Depot bench prominently located in front of Victoria’s Secret to accommodate connecting passengers. This should all definitely improve circulation. And, if we space out our rides, it gives The Chief a chance to take me to lunch during our layovers.
While newspaper delivery has long been accomplished by carriers on foot, bicycle and in autos, The Star may be the first to deliver by train.
Irregardless, the Valley View Choo-Choo gets a five-star thumbs-up review. Take the kids and have a ride you won’t forget. And, tell Vivian Wild Bill sent you.
Until next week, send your inquiries to [email protected]. And, tell The Chief we may need TWO benches in front of Victoria’s Secret. The crowds are gathering.
-Wild Bill Turner
