Bella Magazine - October 2017

october 2017

N I K K I G I OVA N N I B R EA ST C A N C E R AWA R E N ES S BELLA FINDS & MORE

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O c tob e r 2 0 17

Issu e On e Hu n d re d T h i r ty- S i x

Joey Coakley Beck Publisher & Owner jbeck@beckmediagroup.com Hayleigh Worgan Editorial Director hworgan@beckmediagroup.com Sara Coakley Office Manager bella@beckmediagroup.com ••• ADVERTISING Liz Bradley Advertising Sales Representative lbradley@beckmediagroup.com ••• Contributors Aimee Dwyer, Tina Hatcher, River Laker, Member One Federal Credit Union, Hayleigh Worgan Editorial Intern Taylor Ward, Roanoke College

inside let’s talk fashion

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Getting the most out of your summer pieces in the autumn

shop girl

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Meet Erica Sipes, manager of Imagination Station

bella finds

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bella reads

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The Alex & Ani staple that may help save a life A discussion with Nikki Giovanni about her upcoming release, A Good Cry

mind•body•soul

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Be conscious of every step on your path to wellness

save smarter

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Member One Federal Credit Union shares tips on avoiding financial scams

giving back

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The Craftsmen’s Classic helps Feeding America Southwest Virginia

meet the maker

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Jihi Designs jewelry keeps what matters most close to your heart

LLC

P.O. Box 107 Roanoke, Virginia 24002 540.904.6800 fax 540.904.6803 Bella Magazine is the property of Beck Media Group LLC. It is a free publication printed monthly and is distributed throughout Southwest and Central Virginia and beyond. The Publisher reserves the right to refuse ad space for any advertisement or editorial content the staff deems inappropriate for our readers. The concept and design of Bella Magazine, as well as the design, advertisements, art, photos and editorial content is property of Beck Media Group LLC and may not be copied or reprinted without written permission from the publisher. ©2017 Beck Media Group LLC All Rights Reserved. PRINTED IN VIRGINIA w w w. l o v e l y b e l l a . c o m

bella pets

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Adopting a cat inspires a new way of thinking for one local pet owner

happenings

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Stay active in your community and support local artisans!

calendar of events

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Your go-to guide for local happenings in October

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let’s talk fashion

Transitioning your summer wardrobe to fall Written by Aimee Dwyer

Take heart and hold your paychecks! You do not have to completely replace your summer wardrobe just yet.

October is the month of transitional fashion, which means you can save money by building on top of and layering with pieces of your summer wardrobe. Cardigans, blazers, scarves, tights, and leggings are only the beginning of the add-ons you can use to extend you summer wardrobe.

Depending on how cold it gets, the transitional phase typically lasts until mid-November. Usually by Thanksgiving, it is time to switch your warmer weather clothes for the garments inspired by the crisp, cool autumn air finally here to stay. As we always say, there really are not any rules in fashion anymore. The longstanding fashion rules are now there to be broken, but if you chose to break them make sure what you do is better than the old rules. We all want to move forward not backward, and to be ahead of the times if we can!

One of my favorite examples of a transitional outfit begins with a sleeveless or strapless floral dress. Try to stay away from the busy floral prints. For this time of year, stick to wearing larger floral patterns as the flowers seen in nature during this time of year are not the delicate flowers seen during spring and summer. The first addition to your dress should be a slightly chunky cardigan to bring in the textures we often associate with fall. However, try to stay away from heavy knits or woven patterns that are too bold. The vibe of busy floral prints and the vibe of heavy knits do not mesh well together. Your heavy knits are seen more toward to the end of fall­­—not the beginning. The next addition to your transitional outfit is a pair of closed toe shoes. I recommend a pair of ankle booties in a neutral color. Neutral colors to keep in mind are nudes, all shades of brown, and all of shades of grey. My other color recommendations are classic fall colors such as merlot, mauve, olive green, or plum. Oh, and don’t forget, fall is all about rose gold and jewel-toned accessories.

Keep in mind, at the core of creating transitional looks is the ability to take garments from one season to the next, then being able to let them go when the time is right. Fashion and life go hand in hand, each one evolves through seasons and cycles. Fashion tells a story; it can tell your story, so what will you say?

Late October is seen as the most transitional time in fashion as it happens to be the time of year that the weather begins to change dramatically. It is the time to begin thinking about finally putting away all of your summer clothes to bring out your favorite chunky sweaters, boyfriend jeans, boots, and booties. Kiss those last few summer items you’ve been holding on to goodbye and embrace the new! If we insist on keeping last season’s things past their time, things get messy. We can’t find anything and feel the need to purge our closets. I hope you begin to see how fashion and life compliment one another to tell a story. Fashion IS a lifestyle. What is your story? How will you tell it? We’d love to know! Submit a photo and your story to us at hello@letstalkfashionva.com to be featured on our Instagram @ltfvalifestyle. Share with other fashionistas telling us about how you’re living out fashion as a lifestyle!

Aimee Dwyer is the Creative Director and Content Creator at Let's Talk Fashion Virginia. She is a fearless change-maker in Lynchburg who uses fashion to brighten the world around her.

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shop girl

meet erica snipes of imagination station

When did you decide to start working for Imagination Station?

I needed a fun part-time job, and I have a twelve-year-old so we spent a lot of time in the toy store in Blacksburg. The owner put up a notice and said she was looking for help, so I decided that was a sign! Then, about half a year after I started working for them we decided we were going to move to Roanoke so my daughter could go to school here. The owner asked if I wanted to manage a toy store in Roanoke if they opened one. I thought about it, and a couple months later I said I would do it.

What is one important lesson that you’ve learned along the way as a manager?

Unlike some other retail businesses, you are growing up with the families and the kids.

Establishing a relationship is really important.

We are more than a place to come and shop.

Upstairs we have a room that has toys, games, and books that we call our “chill out” room.

You can just hang out; you don’t have to buy something. Go to Cups, grab a coffee, and bring your kids here.

With the technology we have available, why is this type of imaginative play still so important?

We are passionate about helping parents, caregivers, and teachers find ways to keep children engaged. With the advent of technology, it is so easy for all of us as caregivers to just hand over the cell phone or the iPad. There needs to be more tactile person-to-person play. For example, building blocks used to be the core of play.

Everybody had building blocks, but people don’t really buy them anymore because they have so many pieces. They say their child doesn’t really know what to do with them. However, they need to be bored and build something because it helps with learning physics, gravity, and trial and error.

Find Imagination Station at www.imaginationstoys.com

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bella finds

A gift that could change (& save!) lives

The Alex and Ani Spiral Sun Expandable Wire Bangle from the Charity by Design collection is a beautiful and affordable way to support breast cancer research for just $38. Twenty percent of the purchase price from each Spiral Sun charm bangle sold will benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), with a minimum donation of $25,000.

Since their founding in 1993, BCRF has raised more than half a billion dollars for lifesaving research. Their grants program helps provide the brightest minds in science and medicine with the resources to pursue their best ideas. Visit www.bcrf.org for more information on the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and how to purchase the Alex and Ani bangle.

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bella reads

a good cry by nikki giovanni speaks to our hearts

Written by Hayleigh Worgan

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Poet, activist, and educator, Nikki Giovanni’s fiery, humorous, and reflective voice has long inspired artists, educated readers, and informed our national consciousness. Her newest poetry collection, A Good Cry: What We Learn from Tears and Laughter, is deeply personal and has been described as her most intimate collection. With selections like “Surveillance,” she recalls the violence that permeated her early years. She pays tribute to her grandparents in “Baby West,” and examines the history of the objects we treasure in “Heritage.” A Good Cry observes and celebrates the depth of emotions that accompany the trials and triumphs we face in life.

Giovanni believes that it is important that we learn to cry and laugh.

In a time when there are so many things to distract us from feeling anything right at our fingertips, we often lose the opportunity to learn from what we feel and move forward together.

“Americans don’t cry,” she explains. “Your mother will die and someone will say, ‘It will be all right.’ But it won’t be. Man or woman, black or white, you are sad and your heart got broken. You should be able to cry.

We have to allow ourselves to face that pain and embrace it. Embrace the people whom we love and the people with whom we feel we can share. You get tired of people saying, ‘I’m really strong, so it doesn’t matter.’ All of our emotions matter.”

Writing about circumstances involving other people can be a tricky situation. In “Surveillance,” Giovanni’s mother expresses her wish for what goes on in their house to stay in their house. Finding the courage to write about that part of her life in such an open and honest way was not easy.

“I could not have written that line fifty years ago. Mommy was more interested in how she and our family were viewed. I frankly don’t care. I know I should do better, but I don’t care what people are thinking about me,” she says.

“It’s important to me that my grandmother would be proud of me if she came down from heaven,” she adds. “If mommy came down from heaven, she would say, ‘You’re exposing some of us, but it’s all right because I love you.’ It’s not important how people look at us,” she adds.

Ultimately, caring what people think about your work as a writer or artist can limit your impact. Of course, the longer you practice your art, the more chances your work has to show contradictions. For Giovanni, this is an indication of growth.

To her students, she often says, “If you’re going to be a writer or a painter, there is always going to be some contradiction in your work. If you’re always doing the same thing, you haven’t learned anything. You’re going to learn something, and you have to be willing to embrace that fact.”

A lot of meaningful work is done when you give yourself over to the joy of sharing and thinking with other people. Over the span of thirty years, Giovanni’s career has been a living testament to that idea. She wants to do good work in all of her roles, and sees that as her responsibility. The result is a unique collection that pays tribute to those who have held a special place in her life, and the reality of her own experiences—both good and bad.

“If you’re not writing, you don’t know something,” she states. “You need to go study. I’m not a novelist or a playwright. I don’t write every day, but I do read every day. I take notes sometimes. I recently pulled over to the side of the road, put my blinkers on, and wrote a poem because I could see the rhythm of a wonderful jazz piece I was listening to. I don’t put pressure on myself, but I do consider what I have learned and how I will share it.”

A Good Cry: What We Learn from Tears and Laughter will be released on October 24. For more information on where to purchase Giovanni’s work, visit www.nikki-giovanni.com. october 2017

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mind • body • soul

protein bar or candy bar?

Written by Tina Hatcher

Grocery store shelves, convenience store displays, and nutritional supplement shops are lined with enticing protein bars all beckoning us to purchase them as a healthy meal replacement or snack. We quickly grab a few to throw in our purses, cars, children’s backpacks, or briefcases thinking we are eventually going to consume a nutritious option for an on-the-go meal. We want to avoid fast food, right? And protein is a nutrient body builders tout as a great way to build muscle mass. So what could possibly be unhealthy?

Let’s step back a moment and take time to read what is on the packaging. The labels of most protein bars will show us some shocking news. Considering some of the most frequently bought protein bars, we can see that they often have the same horrifying levels of sugar, ingredient lists and saturated fat content of some of our favorite candy bars. The sugar content in one protein bar, which typically ranges from 190-230 calories, is anywhere from 8-23 grams.

Be wary and don’t allow protein bar manufacturers fool you into thinking they have a lower sugar content when they only report the grams of sugar in the bar.

Protein bars frequently contain sugar alcohol which is STILL sugar, just a chemically modified form of sugar to reduce the number of calories (but let’s save that lecture for another article!). Saturated fat ranges from 3 grams to 4.5 grams and the ingredient list exceeds twelve (mostly unpronounceable) ingredients. Hmm... is all of this “yuck” really worth the protein we may be consuming?

Now let’s compare these nutrition facts to some of the more popular candy bars at the checkout line. Sugar can range from 15-22 grams per approximately 200 calories. Saturated fat is comparable to the above mentioned protein bars with ranges from 2-4.5 grams per bar. But imagine this, the ingredient list for several of our favorite candy bars is actually less than twelve! And most we can pronounce! One of the most popular candy bars has only five ingredients; all identifiable, well-known, and pronounceable. So why are we grabbing protein bars (that, let’s be honest...taste just okay) when we can actually grab a candy bar and really enjoy something! Not that Earth Girl recommends candy bars as nutritious snacks, but in comparison, neither are protein bars!

Earth Girl recommends that we take control of our Tina Hatcher is the Owner of Earth Girl Wellsnack bars!

Avoid the expensive protein bars and instead ness, LLC. Her passion for overall wellness has reach for some almonds, pistachios, or trail mix. Get your allowed her to work in multiple disciplines from corrective exercise, sports performance protein from sources that contain no sugar such as quinoa, and sports nutrition, weight loss, and nutrichicken, or legumes. Enjoy your protein snacking adventure tional counseling across all ages from children and read your labels! through the elderly for the last 25 years. Check out her website, www.earthgirlwellness.com, or visit her on Facebook at Earth Girl Wellness. w w w. l o v e l y b e l l a . c o m

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mind • body • soul

more than pink

A breast cancer survivor shares her story to save a life As the world around us turns pink in October, it is important to remember why breast cancer awareness and raising money for preventative services and treatment are so important. To do that, we must look beyond the color pink to the transformative stories of women who have battled this disease. This year, the Virginia Blue Ridge Affiliate of Susan G. Komen is recognizing survivor Nikia Hammonds-Blakely.

Nikia’s first diagnosis came when she was just 16 years old in 1994. While in the shower, getting ready for school, she felt a lump on her breast.

“It was concerning enough that I decided to talk to my mom,” she recalls. “We went to get it checked out and the doctor says, ‘Don’t worry about it. I’m sure it’s nothing. You’re a teenager, and girls your age are just developing.’”

The lump turned out to be a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer. Her life was turned upside down. Instead of focusing on things like prom or a high school crush, Nikia began a battle with breast cancer that would last for the next few years of her life. To cope with this new reality, she began writing songs.

Access to quality healthcare and treatment was limited. After a partial mastectomy on her left breast resulted in her chest appearing uneven, Nikia experimented with different options to make her left breast appear the same size as her right one.

“I used balled up gym socks to try to even it out, and I didn’t always get that symmetry quite right,” she explains. “There were times I was even called out for stuffing my bra.”

The experience forced Nikia to face her mortality, and the result was a new confidence that pushed her to excel both in school and in extracurricular activities. She continued to get her regular mammograms every year, and breast cancer awareness became part of her “new normal.” In her 20s, she became an advocate on her college campus, sharing the signs of breast cancer with other young women. Later on, she would be voted in as part of Susan G. Komen’s Young Women’s National Advisory Council, where she could speak about her experience. She continued to share her story all the way to Capitol Hill, where she sat down with legislators and discussed healthcare bills that would affect coverage for people under 40.

Eighteen years from her first diagnosis, a doctor noticed suspicious activity on her mammogram. It turned out to be early onset breast cancer.

“The only saving grace was that being so proactive, I was able to catch it early on. This time, I was in the driver’s seat. I was able to dictate my course of treatment. I was able to say what I wanted and how I wanted it. So I chose to finally surrender to the double mastectomy,” she says.

Nikia wants co-survivors and the community surrounding a loved one affected by breast cancer to remember not to underestimate the power of their love and support. “There is often nothing more reassuring than hearing, ‘I’m here with you. I’m going to be here for you,’” she adds.

Among the many ways you can show your support this month include attending the Pink Promise Luncheon on Monday, October 16 at 11 am. The event will be held at The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center, and Nikia will be the keynote speaker. Visit www.komenvablueridge.org for more information and to purchase your ticket. And most importantly, schedule your breast checkups and mammograms. Being proactive can save your life. page 16 | bella magazine | october 2017

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mind • body • soul

you may qualify for financial assistance for a mammogram...

In order to take advantage of preventative care, it is imperative that uninsured and underinsured women receive financial support for screenings. The Virginia Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, also known as Every Woman’s Life, contracts with screening sites throughout Virginia to provide free mammograms, clinical breast exams, Pap tests, and pelvic exams to women who qualify.

Visit www.vdh.virginia.gov to find out if you qualify for assistance and to receive a list of screening sites in your area. You can also call 1-866-395-4968, whether you qualify or not, to be referred to the screening site nearest you.

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save smarter

Article courtesy of Member One Federal Credit Union

the frightening truth about fraud

Common financial scams and how to avoid them Being a victim of fraud can be devastating. It’s not just the loss of someone’s hard-earned money that makes it so upsetting; it’s also the breach of one’s privacy and personal information. Here are some common scam tactics and ways to protect yourself and your money.

Skimming devices. These typically appear on gas pumps or ATMs and capture information from the magnetic strip on credit and debit cards. One way to protect your information is to check for obvious signs of tampering like an open or broken box, different color material, or graphics that aren’t aligned correctly. Avoid anything that seems questionable. Another tactic is to go inside a building to pay or withdraw money. Criminals need privacy to install skimmers and are less likely to do so if they can be easily seen.

Fake checks. Criminals will attempt to cheat you out of thousands of dollars

by writing you a check for more than is due or claiming you’ve won prize money.

You’re then asked to deposit the check and return part of the money. The trick?

This is a bad check, and you’re now liable for all the money withdrawn from your account. As a rule of thumb, don’t accept checks or money orders as forms of payment from people you don’t know. Stick to cash or payment services like PayPal or Venmo.

Romance scams. In this scam, criminals use a dating service, online ad, or social

media to establish a relationship as quickly as possible. After the criminal gains the victim’s trust, they could propose marriage, make plans to meet in person (which rarely happens), and eventually ask for money. To avoid this scam, be wary of who you communicate with online, especially those you haven’t met in person. Never give out your account information to anyone online or over the phone, no matter how legitimate it may seem.

Synthetic identity theft. This type of fraud is accomplished by combining real and fake information to create a fictitious identity. Typically, the criminal will use a social security number (SSN) and pair it with a fake name then use this to obtain credit, open deposit accounts, and obtain driver’s licenses and passports. To protect your identity, don’t carry your social security card unless you really need it.

Keep any paperwork that contains your SSN in a safe place and shred any unnecessary documents that contain the number.

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Join Member One here each month for more money-saving tips and financial advice! Be sure to visit their website, www.memberonefcu.com, for more information on the products and services they offer. october 2017

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giving back

the holiday shopping event that helps feed your neighbors

Written by Hayleigh Worgan

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The Craftsmen’s Classic Show at the Berglund Center is the second largest food drive all year for Feeding America Southwest Virginia. The event will take place October 13-15, and offers free admission with a food donation. In years past, the event has brought in thousands of pounds of food for the area. Food banks like Feeding America Southwest Virginia are essential to our community.

According to www.faswva.org, “The USDA estimates that 42.2 Americans lived in food insecure households, including 29.1 million adults and 13.1 million children.”

Without that knowledge, it is difficult to imagine that so many of your neighbors could be going hungry. This makes holding donations for admission to events like the Craftsmen’s Classic Show an integral part of helping meet the nutritional needs of families in Southwest Virginia.

In addition to helping out local families, this is a great opportunity to get a head start on your holiday shopping and support artisans at a time of year when every penny counts for small businesses. Nine Craftsmen’s Classics are held annually and throughout the year in Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Gilmore Enterprises, Inc. takes producing each event seriously. Every show contains a careful balance of traditional and contemporary works. Ultimately, hundreds of artists and craftsmen from over 20 states are featured. They are juried and selected for originality and creative excellence.

Because these qualities are so important, there is something for everyone at this event.

Enjoy new exhibitors and familiar favorites as you browse pottery, fine art, glass, jewelry, baskets, weaving, clothing, furniture, sculpture, photography, wood, and more! The event will also include specialty foods. All items are made by the participating artists and craftsmen. You won’t find any of these items in the “big box” retail stores. Many exhibitors even welcome requests for custom work, allowing them to explore their creativity to create a personalized gift for you or your loved one. Between collectibles, home accessories, and personal treasures for all ages, you have an opportunity to find something for everyone on your list!

Visit www.craftshow.com for more information on this event! We look forward to seeing you there!

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MEET THE

MAKERS

Written by Hayleigh Worgan

Jihi Designs creates statement pieces worth treasuring

Christie Kang was born in Chicago, but she grew up in Roanoke. Following high school, she attended art school in Pittsburgh, but ended up working as a graphic and print designer in Columbus, Ohio. After a while, she discovered her heart was no longer in the work.

“If you’re not into it 110%, someone is not getting your best work,” she explains. “I started volunteering at a local animal shelter, and I kept thinking I wanted to help animals. I didn’t want to work in advertising anymore.”

She finally decided to give up her job, and the accompanying salary, to pursue her dream of working with animals. After passing her test to investigate animal cruelty, she was hired by the Humane Society.

“I was an animal cruelty investigator for many years. It was the best and worst job that I have ever had in my life,” she recalls.

Christie’s parents were aging, and she began to think about moving back to Roanoke so she would not miss anything. Her search for the perfect white farmhouse led to a place in the country that has existed for around two centuries. There, she made her home and began building a new life with her dog of 14 years, Milo.

After turning down a position with the Roanoke City Police Department, she decided to use her creativity to explore other options for earning an income. She started reading books about metalwork and trying new projects. After much trial and error, she began creating pieces that she wanted to sell. Working with fine and sterling silver, bronze, and brass, she doesn’t cast pieces. Each one is created one at a time, and no two are ever the same.

Some of Christie’s most unique pieces are her memorial pieces.

Using ashes from pets and family members, she creates stunning necklaces and bracelets in memory of those most precious to her clients. She wears her favorite piece on her own wrist, a beautiful silver bracelet created in memory of her father. In addition to his ashes, it bears his initials and those of his alma mater.

One of her most memorable pieces was created for a gentleman in California, Steven. He met a previous client of Christie’s on an airplane as he was flying back to say goodbye to his dying father.

Steven called Christie after his father passed away and explained that he had his ashes and the ashes of his mother. As an only child, Steven wanted something that represented his closeness to them.

Christie used a musical note, for his mother’s love of singing in the choir and at community events, and a wrench for his father’s reputation as the community “fix-it” guy, and put them together on a piece containing both parents’ ashes. Steven loved it, and has promised to never take it off.

The personal touches are unique to everything that Christie makes. It’s important to her that every client loves their purchase. You can meet Christie in person and peruse her collection every month at the Historic City Market in Downtown Roanoke. Visit www.facebook.com/jihidesigns for more information about Christie and where to purchase her jewelry.

Our monthly Meet the Maker feature is proudly sponsored by HomeTown Bank. Each month, we recognize local makers selling their unique handmade products. Visit our website, www.lovelybella.com, to view these features throughout the year.

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bella pets

How Adopting a Cat Can Change Your Life Written by River Laker

sydney

willow River Laker operates a PR business based in Roanoke riverlaker.com.

His clients are mostly involved in creative endeavors, such as writers, visual artists, and fighters. He enjoys constructing songs and ice cream and doesn’t like craft beer. w w w. l o v e l y b e l l a . c o m

I was featured in a video back in 2015. It was supposed to be a quick screen test for my business partner Dan Wensley. During the test, Dan kept the video running, and it turned into quite a testament to the influence pets can have on us. Sadly, this became a type of eulogy for my cat, Sydney. Shortly after making the video, Sydney developed diabetes and other complications and died on March 16, 2015. The following is an excerpt from that video, adapted for print:

“I got Sydney, then aged one, spontaneously from Angels of Assisi in downtown Roanoke. I just popped down there, answered various questions, filled out the forms, and adopted him. He was mine.

I didn’t like cats at that time. I used to call the city to catch cats that wandered into my yard! It was all quite strange. I remember that first day when I got him, carrying him in the transportation box to various business meetings, quite at a loss on what to do with him! But I brought him home, and friends helped me get a litter box, food, toys, and a climbing tower.

Since then, I have become one hundred percent blown away by how attached you can become to an animal. I was studying cats recently, the history of them. They weren’t pack animals. Before they were somewhat domesticated, they used to roam about on their own. I think that explains some of the mystery of their behaviors. They don’t necessarily bond in the way that some other pets do. Contrary to popular opinion, they are extremely affectionate.

They like to be given attention, petted, and loved. When they’ve had enough of that, they just go off with no warning, and do their own thing. That’s what makes them tremendous I think, their little independent spirit, exploring, sleeping, and investigating for hours on end.

A huge thing Sydney has taught me, is about my life with God. I’m a person who believes in Him. I think what moves me so much with Sydney is that I have nothing but affection for him. I want him to live the most exciting life possible, which he does­—and I just know he’s gonna live for many years.

He’s not gonna die young! But it can be heartbreaking, [when] I want to approach him, or give something to him that I know he’d like. He’s very timid, and he’ll run away. It’s like he won’t believe that what I’m going to do is a good thing. Sometimes I may believe in certain instances that God isn’t out for my good, or isn’t interested in me. And just seeing my relationship with Sydney and my desire for his best, I can’t help but think of God and me. I’m not meaning to humanize Sydney, but his lack of belief towards my goodness extended towards him is a learning experience. It’s like because of Sydney and his life with me, I can now experience so much more clearly the feeling of God being grieved when I don’t trust or respond to Him. Who would have thought that a cute little cat, adopted a whim, can have such an impact on one’s life!”

When Sydney died, I never would have expected the sense of loss I felt. I know this sounds silly, he is just a cat after all. As I said before, when I adopted Sydney I didn’t even like cats! However, on March 19, 2017, I was ready to adopt another cat.

I went to Petco with my friend Ben because they provide cats from Angels of Assisi. They had just one cat, Willow. Ben picked him up, cuddled him, and said, “He’s the one for you, River!” He was sure of it. So, I trusted Ben and we got Willow. It turns out I met Willow at Angels a few weeks earlier!

Boy, could one cat be so different from another! The vet says Willow is “type A” personality, and feisty too! Unlike Sydney, who delicately nibbled on his food throughout the day, Willow sounds like a piglet when he eats and never has enough. He’s already on a weight loss diet!

Willow quickly won the hearts of many at The Aurora Studios in Downtown Roanoke, where I bring him to the office with me. He is an easygoing cat, riding in his carrier to work on the handlebars of my bicycle, like nothing out of the ordinary is happening!

Angels of Assisi has been wonderful throughout. If you can have a pet, please do consider adopting one from Angels. They have many available, and are terrific at helping you choose one that has the personality that suits you.

Who knows what wonderful impact that cuddly bundle of sweet personality and mystery will have on you?

The full video of River’s experience with Sydney (and additional photos of Sydney and Willow!) will be available on www.lovelybella.com through the month of October. october 2017

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The Blue Ridge Potters Guild Show & Sale at Patrick Henry High School will open at 6:30pm on Friday, October 13. The show will continue through the weekend, allowing those in attendance to enjoy refreshments as they peruse the potters’ latest works and shop for holiday gifts at more than 50 booths.

The largest all-pottery show in Virginia will be open Saturday from 10am to 6pm and Sunday from 12-4pm. Demonstrations for adults and kids will be held throughout the day on Saturday and Sunday. A favorite feature for both participants and customers is the Gallery. This year’s theme is “The Garden.”

The Gallery is open to all Guild members to enter a piece based upon their interpretation of the theme. A wide range of work will be available at this event as more than 70 Blue Ridge Pottery Guild members are expected to participate! Visit www.blueridgepotters.com for more information.

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The 42nd season of Opera Roanoke opens with a new production of Tosca on October 27 at 7:30pm and October 29 at 3pm in the Shaftman Performance Hall at the Jefferson Center. The show features a cast of Opera Roanoke returning favorites including Dinyar Vania (La Traviata ’16), Thomas Cannon (Madama Butterfly ’11), and Emily Johnson (Falstaff ’08). This Puccini selection is riveting and perfect for Halloween weekend. When romance and politics mix, the result is a thrilling melodrama focused on the haunting aftermath of jealousy, sabotage, and betrayal. To purchase tickets, visit www.operaroanoke.org.

oct 12•nov 1•dec 8

october 13-15

Autumn Happenings

happenings

Blue Ridge Literacy will host events throughout the month around this year’s Roanoke Valley Reads “Big Reads” selection, When Breath Becomes Air, by Dr. Paul Kalinithi. The thought-provoking book is a personal journal following a diagnosis of terminal cancer. The community-wide gatherings are free and open to the public. On October 12 at 7pm, there will be panel of leading religious leaders (Buddhist, Muslim, Jewish, Protestant, Catholic) from throughout the area at Hollins University Chapel who will share their respective faith tradition’s understanding of and practices in dealing with death and dying.

On November 1 at 7pm, Dr. Thomas Milam, a psychiatrist with Carilion, and chaplains from two area hospices will be joined by hospice patients, discussing death and dying from a front-line and first-hand perspective in the auditorium at the downtown Roanoke library. There will also be a free showing of the film, WIT, based on the award-winning play of the same name, at the Grandin Theater on December 8 at 7pm. The film concerns the experiences, observations, and relationships of a college professor who is dying of cancer.

Go to www.roanokevalleyreads.com for details on upcoming events and how you can get involved!

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Breast Cancer Awareness

Pink Pumpkin Day, October 1 (11am-5pm) Layman Family Farms will donate $1 to Komen Virginia Blue Ridge for every guest that visits the farm on Pink Pumpkin Day, as well as additional donations for pink and regular pumpkin sales! Breast health educators from Susan G. Komen will be on site to provide education and resources. www.laymanfamilyfarms.com Pink Promise Luncheon, October 16 (11am-1:30pm) This year’s Pink Promise Luncheon will feature keynote speaker Nikia Hammonds-Blakely, breast cancer survivor, author, singer, songwriter, and motivational speaker. Alicia Mullis, a local seven year breast cancer survivor and Oncology Nurse at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, will also share her story. Funds raised from this event will benefit the Virginia Blue Ridge Affiliate of Susan G. Komen. www.komenvablueridge.org National Mammography Day, October 21 This day serves as a reminder for women to schedule their annual mammogram and regular checkups. The best defense against breast cancer is early detection. Not only should you use the day as a reminder to stop what you are doing and schedule your checkup, but you can also use #NationalMammographyDay to post on social media to remind your friends and those you love. www.carilionclinic.org

Shop Local

Bella Girls Night out at Urban Gypsy, October 19 (5pm-8pm) Check out all the latest sales at Urban Gypsy, and hang out with your favorite Bella girls! This is the perfect opportunity to stock up on clothing for all of your fall and winter gatherings. Take some time for yourself, and join us for an evening of fun, friends, and fashion! Relax, sip, and shop! www.urbangypsyva.com

Blue Ridge Potters Guild Show Patrick Henry High School, October 13-15 The Show and Sale opens on Friday at 6:30 pm. Customers can enjoy refreshments as they shop for potters’ latest works at more than 50 booths.

The show continues Saturday from 10am-6pm, and Sunday from 12-4pm.

Demonstrations for adults and kids will be held throughout the day on Saturday and Sunday. This is the largest all-pottery show in Virginia, and features a wide range of work. More than 70 Guild members are expected to participate. www.blueridgepotters.com

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The Craftsmen’s Classic Art & Craft Festival October 13 (10am-8pm), 14 (10am-6pm), and 15 (11am-5pm) Held at the Berglund Center, this event features original designs and work from hundreds of talented artists and craftspeople from across America. See the creative process in action as many exhibitors demonstrate throughout the weekend. There is something for every style, taste, and budget with items from the most traditional to the most contemporary. Admission is free with a food donation to Feeding America Southwest Virginia. www.craftshow.com

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Community

Out of the Darkness Walk, October 7 9am-12pm The third annual Out of the Darkness Community Walk takes place in the Percival’s Island Natural Area of Lynchburg. Participants walk to support mental health, and their tax-deductible donation supports research grants, legislative efforts, programs, and community outreach. The event is hosted by the Lynchburg Out of the Darkness Community Walk and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention-Virginia Chapter. www.afsp.org/Lynchburg Blacksburg Brew Do, October 7 (12-5pm) The 9th annual Blacksburg Brew Do will be held on the festival grounds in the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center. This year, the festival welcomes back the best in craft brewers from the MidAtlantic region and beyond, offering another outstanding selection of ales, lagers, stouts, pilsners, ciders and specialty beers. Delicious food, cooking, brewing demonstrations, and live entertainment will complement a great day of beer tasting. www.blacksburgbrewdo.com GO Outside Festival, October 13 (6pm10:30pm), October 14 (9am-9pm), October 15 (9am-5pm) This is the perfect event for outdoor enthusiasts! A celebration of everything outdoors including camping, music, gear, races, and demos all in a beautiful outdoor setting, this annual event is one you don’t want to miss.

Enjoy a craft beer or two, listen to music, try out climbing shoes, learn wilderness first aid, demo a mountain bike, learn to fly fish, set up your tent to camp, and more! www.roanokegofest.com Oktoberfest and 5k Trail Race at Smith Mountain Lake, October 14, 10:30am-4pm The race/walk begins at Westlake Towne Center and winds through the Jack-O-Lantern Branch Heritage Trail at the Booker T. Washington National Monument, and ends at the Oktoberfest site. Proceeds benefit the Smith Mountain Lake YMCA. Live entertainment includes the Sauerkraut Band and local Saengerbund Band, who will perform authentic German-style music in traditional Bavarian -style clothing. The event also features a children’s play area, Oktoberfest-style strong man contest, German food, and special Oktoberfest beer brewed by Sunken City Brewery. www.smloktoberfest.com Annual Franklin County Lord’s Acre Sale, October 21 8am-3pm Multiple area churches gather at Franklin County High School for this yearly fundraiser selling handmade crafts, quilts, homemade baked goods, apple butter, jelly, fresh garden vegetables, arts, furniture, fried apple pies, and much more! www.lordsacresale.com The Forest Farmer’s Market, October 7, 14, 21, and 28 (8am-noon) Support local farmers and artisans by visiting the Forest Farmer’s Market! Open year-round, you can find the w w w. l o v e l y b e l l a . c o m

market on the final days of its outdoor season at 15583 Forest Road. Shop for your weekly groceries (meat, fruits, and veggies), personal hygiene items (natural soaps, lotions, and essential oils), and holiday gifts (woven crafts, prints, pottery, and more!) all in one location! Beginning on November 18, the market will move indoors and occur monthly through April 14, 2018. www.forestfarmersmarket.com

Music

Country Soul Concert Event, October 7 (5-10pm) Held at the Vinton Farmer’s Market, this event has a three-band lineup including The ThrillBillyz, Seven Mile Ford, and Country Music Artist Morgan Wallen. Food trucks and beverage options will be available. This concert benefits Project Support, Inc. The nonprofit, charitable organization is dedicated to the well-being and prosperity of our local mental health community. Their mission is to support, nurture, and empower clients. www.projectsupportcharity.org Sunday Sounds with Marie Anderson, October 8 (1pm-4pm) Featuring guitarist/vocalist Marie Anderson, this show takes place against the backdrop of the breathtaking views from Chateau Morrisette’s Blue Ridge Mountain location. Enjoy award-winning wines as you relax in their Winery Courtyard, but bring seating! The dance tent tables may fill up. www.thedogs.com The California Honeydrops with Jordan Harman Band, October 8 (7:30pm) This performance may have you dancing and singing along! The California Honeydrops have been described as a band that does not just play music—they throw parties! As for the Jordan Harman Band? The laid-back grooves from their shows may have you actively participating in the celebration before you know it! If you are looking for a fun way to spend your Sunday evening, this is a concert that you don’t want to miss! www.jeffcenter.org Roanoke Symphony Orchestra presents Beethoven, Biegel & Brahms Opening Night, October 14 (7:30pm) Enjoy the sounds of Beethoven and Brahms with the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra at the Berglund Performing Arts Theatre. This will be the first performance in their 2017/18 Masterworks series. From the piano, Jeffrey Biegel will accompany conductor David Steward Wiley for this enthralling performance! www.rso.com Opera Roanoke presents Tosca, October 27 (7:30pm) Enjoy this performance of the Puccini classic Tosca at the Jefferson Center’s Shaftman Performance Hall. The show features a cast of Opera Roanoke returning favorites including Dinyar Vania, Thomas Cannon, and Emily Johnson. When romance and politics mix, the result is a thrilling melodrama focused on the haunting aftermath of jealousy, sabotage, and betrayal. www.operaroanoke.org october 2017

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Roanoke Symphony Orchestra presents A Mighty Fortress: Musical Reformation, October 30 (6:30pm) Celebrating the Musical Reformation that began 500 years ago, the chorales and secular selections for chorus, brass, and organ will captivate the audience at the College Lutheran Church in Salem. www.rso.com Ranky Tanky at The Jefferson Center, November 4 (7pm & 9pm) A Jazz Club performance, this concert will feature the music of Gullah culture with gospel, jazz, and R&B. “Gullah” comes from West African language and means “a people blessed by God.” The band’s name translates loosely as “work it,” or “get funky!” This show will cover everything from playful game songs to ecstatic shouts, and from heartbreaking spirituals to delicate lullabies. www.jeffcenter.org

Well-Being

Blue Ridge Literacy presents a Panel on Religion and Morality, October 12 (7pm) A panel of religious leaders from throughout the area (Buddhist, Muslim, Jewish, Protestant, Catholic) will share their respective faith tradition’s understanding of and practices dealing with death and dying at the Hollins University Chapel. This will be followed by a period of community discussion. This free event is a great opportunity to learn more about religion’s approach to a difficult subject. www.brlit.org Free Pop Up Yoga Class on the Stage, October 12 (5:30-6:30pm) Led by Laura B. Guilliams, M.A., this class will feature songs from the 2017-18 season performers coming to the Jefferson Center. Plus, you will have a chance to win tickets to see Lea DeLaria on November 16. Laura has been practicing yoga for 16 years and began teaching beginners and children in 2014. She enjoys the challenge of creating a class that is suitable for people regardless of their experience with yoga and body movement. www.jeffcenter.org Fall Open House at The Medi Spa at Ridgewood Hill, October 18 (12:30pm-4:30pm) Meet Dr. Carol Wray and her staff! See live Coolsculpting demonstrations, register to win great prizes, and meet product representatives. This is a great time to take advantage of specials and learn about solutions to underarm sweat, cheek volume, wrinkles, permanent make-up, micro peels or microdermabrasion, and so much more! www.plasticsurgeryinvirginia.com Blue Ridge Literacy presents a Discussion on Death and Dying, November 1 (7pm) Join Dr. Thomas Milam, a psychiatrist with Carilion, and chaplains from two area hospices in addition to hospice patients as they discuss death and dying from a front-line (and first-hand) perspective at the downtown Roanoke library. This free event promises to be deeply moving and inspirational. www.brlit.org

Do you have an event you'd like to include in an upcoming calendar?

Email calendar@beckmediagroup.com for consideration! Keep in mind we will need event information a minimum of two months before it needs to run. We look forward to hearing from you!

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