The Roanoker JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 I VOLUME XLIII I NUMBER 1/2 FEATURES 20 57 Things We Love About Roanoke It's not just the Star and downtown ... it's history, rec and much more too. by Duncan Adams 54 JOHN PARK 28 DEPARTMENTS 10. Letters/Worth a Click 12. From the Editor 14. From our Readers 16. Recollection 18. Events 64. The Dish 66. Where are They Now? Bonus: See page 65 for information on voting for the Best of Roanoke. SPECIAL SECTION: VALLEY LIFE AFTER PAGE 50 ON THE COVER John Park photographed this dish at Fortunato. See page 54 for Jes Gearing's piece on the restaurant. 6 | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 Young Professionals Are Making a Difference in Roanoke Plus recommendations from old-pro business people on getting started. by Alexia Stone 36 Boomer Challenge: Caring for Aging Parents The heartbreaks are often balanced with new closeness. by Dan Smith 42 The Strup Home at Smith Mountain Lake The couple has created a haven at a pretty spot on the lake. by Samantha Hoback 54 Is Fortunato Changing the Face of Roanoke Dining? Our reviewer believes that to be the case, and gloriously so. by Jes Gearing THEROANOKER.COMhttp://www.THEROANOKER.COM