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a specific “good” that is shared and beneficial for all members of a given community
common good ISSUE THREE • SEPTEMBER 2015
common good Issue Three | September 2015
Joey Coakley Beck Publisher & Owner
jbeck@beckmediagroup.com
Hayleigh Worgan Editorial Director
hworgan@beckmediagroup.com
Back to the Basics
Sara Coakley Office Manager
commonngood@beckmediagroup.com
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Advertising Inquiries advertise@beckmediagroup.com commongood@beckmediagroup.com
(540) 904-6800
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Contributors Bob Wilkerson, Hayleigh Worgan
Editorial Intern Lani Maddox, James Madison University
Editorial Inquiries editorial@beckmediagroup.com
P.O. Box 107 Roanoke, Virginia 24002 LLC 540.904.6800 fax 540.904.6803 www.commongoodmagazine.com Common Good 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. ©2015 Beck Media Group LLC All Rights Reserved. PRINTED IN THE USA
SEPTEMBER 2015
A family turns a dream into a reality that gives back to their community. In August 2001, Paul and Melissa Cauley purchased the home they would rename Briar Mountain Farm. Growing up, Paul helped his family tend his great grandparents’ land. They bonded through planting, harvesting, and canning. On Thanksgiving, the entire family would get together and celebrate at his great grandparents’ home—around 100 people would be in and out of their house that day. Paul and Melissa want the same type of life for their family and future generations. So, when they saw the former “Love Homestead” in a Realty Book, it looked like a great opportunity to pursue that dream. Getting the farm started was not as easy as purchasing the property and planting some seeds. The house, constructed in the 1800s, had not been inhabited in six years. The basement was covered in two feet of water and most of the windows were busted out. No one wanted to buy the house because it was too much work, but Paul’s background in remodeling apartments gave the Cauleys the confidence they needed to take the plunge. With the renovations taking priority, they decided to start things simple with just a few animals. However, shortly after their
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daughter was born, they discovered she was allergic to cow milk. Then, she started to show symptoms of eczema. They had room to raise their own goats and, for the sake of their daughter’s health, they decided to purchase a few. Next, they began making goat milk soap to help with her eczema. It made a huge difference in their daughter’s health and with her skin. In 2009, they attended their first Dairy Goat show. They began improving upon the genetics they were working with each year, and continued to attend shows with their own goats over the next three years. Although their schedule has not allowed them to attend shows as frequently in recent years, they continue to work with the best genetics available. Their dedication to the herd and the all natural products they make and sell has resulted in a loyal customer following. You can find goods from Briar Mountain Farms at the Rocky Mount Farmer’s Market and at the Greenbrier Farm to Table Market. Items available for purchase range from facial products and bath additions to lotion, goat milk soap, and more. Visit their website, www.briarmtnfarm.com, for more information on how you can support the Cauleys, a more in depth history of their farm, and photos of their herd. Follow them on Facebook to stay up to date on their location.
common good
Written by Hayleigh Worgan
SEPTEMBER 2015
SEPTEMBER 2015
common good
The Palisades Restaurant
Hidden Gem of the New River Valley
Written by bob wilkerson
Written by Bob Wilkerson
Stowed away in the mountains of Giles County, you will find one of the best restaurants in Southwest Virginia, The Palisades Restaurant. Located in Eggleston, The Palisades opened their doors in 2008, but the building’s history runs much deeper than that. Originally built in 1926, it operated as C.C. Whitaker and Company, a local general store that sold any amenity that the residents of Eggleston needed. In the late 1930’s, the Pyne family acquired the building and opened up Pyne’s General Store, which kept its doors open all the way until 2000. Ninety years ago, if you would have told the Whitaker’s that their building would house one of the nicest restaurants in the state, they probably would have looked at you as though you had a screw loose. However, that is exactly what happened when Shaena Muldoon opened the Palisades Restaurant in 2008. Shaena grew up in Pembroke, Virginia and can even remember going to the Pyne General Store as a child. Prior to turning her childhood memories into a lifelong dream, Shaena was a worldwide event organizer. Some of her notable accomplishments include planning the 2002 Olympic Torch Relay and the 1998 World Exposition in Lisbon, Portugal. It was in 2004, when Shaena’s brother bought the former Pyne General Store building, that she transitioned her skills into the restaurant business. She recalled, “The building spoke to me, and I thought to myself that this place has to be a restaurant.” At the Palisades you will find a menu that presents conventional American cuisine with an unconventional twist. In the kitchen you will find executive chef, Kevin White and pastry chef, Devin Giles. Chef White has been with the Palisades for the past two years. Kevin is self taught but honed a lot of his skill set working under Patrick O’Connel at the Inn at Little Washington. When he left the Inn to come to the Palisades he brought Devin with him. Chef Giles studied at the I.U.P Culinary Arts Program in Pennsylvania. She even spent some time studying in Switzerland to learn the craft of chocolate. Between these two young, brilliant chefs, you are set to enjoy a meal that you won’t soon forget. They work hard to source as much local fare as possible for their dishes. Everything from their meats, fish, and produce all come from Virginia whenever available. Shaena also stays active in the local community and takes it very seriously. Once a year she holds a Celebrity Chef Tour, in which all of the proceeds go to the Giles County Summer Lunch Program. This program helps feed students and their families in their time of need when schools are out of session. Chefs come from all over Virginia and North Carolina to donate their time and culinary skills to this event. Every year it has received rave reviews and always sells out, which is amazing because it benefits such a great cause. The Palisades offers a vast array of locally sourced American cuisine. They feature great live local music and have one of the best Sunday brunches that you have ever seen. Their staff is beyond hospitable and knowledgeable. You throw Shaena Muldoon’s ability to organize one spectacular shindig and you have all the ingredients of an absolutely wonderful dining experience. Be sure to try their local trout and grits or the scallops with pork belly and lotus root. Both dishes are tried and true—nothing short of amazing. If you are looking for a meal to write home to mom about, Shaena and the crew will accommodate all of your needs at the Palisades Restaurant! The Palisades Restaurant 168 Village Street in Eggleston, Virginia 540-626-2828 www.thepalisadesrestaurant.com
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Bob Wilkerson is a former chef and local food enthusiast. He is also a sales representative for Produce Source Partners, a family company with local roots and relationships with local farmers dating back 30-plus years. They are at the forefront of local sustainable and food safety produce initiatives and continue to seek out new local growers for partnerships. SEPTEMBER 2015
Support Local Farmers & Artisans
The Wharton Society’s Second Annual Bedford’s Finest Fare
The second annual Bedford’s Finest Fare, celebrating Bedford’s vibrant local foods and beverages, will be held on Sunday, September 13 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Those in attendance will enjoy a wonderful evening of great food, beverages, and entertainment at the Wharton Garden.
Sample mouth-watering gourmet appetiz-
ers, entrees, and desserts featuring locally-grown and raised meats, fish, and produce from throughout Bedford County and several regional producers. An array of beverages will include beer from Apocalypse Ale Works and local wines. In addition to tasting this sumptuous fare, you can also visit local producers of food, beer, and wine at their display tables— all while enjoying music from New Standard Bluegrass.
Local restaurants participating in the second
annual Bedford Finest Fare include Azul, Bedford Social Club, Benjamins, Fishers, Liberty Station, Millstone Tea Room, Peaks of Otter Lodge, and Town Kitchen & Provisions.
Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the
gate for adults. Children 12 years old and under are $15, and children five years old and under are free. Leading up to the event, you can purchase tickets at the Bedford Welcome Center, Town Kitchen & Provisions, Aylor’s Farm & Garden Center, Moneta Farm Store, or online at www.lynchburgtickets.com. Only 300 tickets will be sold—so purchase them as soon as you can!
All proceeds will benefit Bower Center for the
Arts and The Wharton Society. For more information, please call the Bower Center at 540-586-4235 or visit Bower Center’s Facebook page. SEPTEMBER 2015
common good
SYDNEY HALE COMPANY a small business doing big things for virginia
Moose Mix The Virginia-made Solution for the Perfect Bloody Mary
The definition of a perfect Bloody Mary is different depending on who you ask. Although the popular cocktail begins with vodka and tomato juice, it is made unique to each individual based on which spices and garnishes are added. Often described as “the world’s most complex cocktail,” the Bloody Mary can be a little intimidating both to those that serve it and those that drink it.
The easiest solution is to find a mix that
includes everything you need (minus the alcohol). Because T.C. Trotter’s Moose Mix has been around for the last few decades, we naturally assume you have already heard of (and hopefully tried) it. Locally made in Lynchburg, Virginia, this mix is recognized across the country for its distinct taste. Sufficiently spicy,
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but not overwhelming, it is perfect for both Virgin Marys and those with vodka.
Its smoky flavor and thicker
consistency also make it a great addition to a variety of other items including marinade, soups, chili, grits, salsa, and cocktail sauce. Visit www.tctrotters.com to order your mix before fall festivities begin.
common good
SEPTEMBER 2015