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NRV RIDE: MINI COOPER | FASHION | COOK: PJ SLAUGHTER EYE CARE | HIP REPLACEMENT | NRV HOME

HERE FOR THE

blazing your own trail

moments

Spending time outside can help improve focus, reduce stress and boost vitamin D. Not only for adults, but kids, too. Take steps toward keeping your family happy and healthy with a weekend walk in the woods. See you on the trails!

Families in the New River Valley have access to two Carilion 4-Star hospitals, and we are always adding physicians and specialists to better serve you. Visit our website to see what’s new.

CarilionClinic.org | 800-422-8482

Bram Stoker’s Dracula Friday, October 30, 2015

A gothic

to darkest Victorian London Plan an adventurous itinerary with a 2015-16 subscription www.artscenter.vt.edu | 540-231-5300 MOSS ARTS CENTER | Blacksburg, VA 4

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2015

FOR URGENCIES

THAT AREN’T

EMERGENCIES We treat minor illnesses and injuries.

No appointment needed!

Monday - Saturday, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Sunday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Locations: BLACKSBURG | 540-961-8040 215 Gilbert St.

CHRISTIANSBURG | 540-382-6000 434 Peppers Ferry Road

Visit VelocityCareByCarilion.com for more locations.

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July / August

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CONTENTS

July - August

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Alp ha bet Soup

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Hip Replacement

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T he S eeing is E asy

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Urge nt Care

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NRV Home D esign

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NRV Fashion

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N R V R i de s : Mi n i Coop er

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Ar t i s t Pr o f i l e

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C h i n e s e Sc h o ol

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Te ar s & C h e e r s

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Su m m e r Tr ave l

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NRV Cooks

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Ro t ar y Sc h o l ar sh i p

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HOME IS . . .

WHERE NEW CHAPTERS IN LIFE BEGIN YOU HAVE TO EXPERIENCE IT, at least once.

Sweeney Todd October 30, 2015 | November 1, 2015

La Traviata April 8, 2016 | April 10, 2016

SEASON TICKETS ON SALE NOW (540) 345-2550 | www.operaroanoke.org

Let’s start turning pages today.

JEREMY HART

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400 N. Main Street, Blacksburg, VA

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Associate Broker Jeremy@NRVLiving.com 540.998.4731 NRVLiving.com NestRealty.com

2015

NEW RIVER VALLEY M

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P. O. Box 11816 Blacksburg, VA 24062 o: 540-961-2015 nrvmagazine@msn.com www.nrvmagazine.com

PUBLISHER Country Media, Inc. Phillip Vaught MANAGING EDITOR Joanne Anderson ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Sabrina Sexton DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Dennis Shelor WRITERS Joanne Anderson Karl Kazaks Krisha Chachra Lesley Howard Sheila Nelson Kelli Scott Justin Ashwell Jordan Scott Emily Alberts Angie Clevinger Jennifer Cooper PHOTOGRAPHERS Natalie Gibbs Photography Sean Shannon Amodeo Photography Always and Forever Photography Nathan Cooke Laura’s Focus Photography Magnifico Photography

© 2015 Country Media, Inc. Country Media, Inc. will not knowingly publish any advertisement that is illegal or misleading to its readers. Neither the advertiser nor Country Media, Inc. will be responsible or liable for misinformation, misprints, or typographical errors. The publisher assumes no financial liability for copy omissions by Country Media, Inc. other than the cost of the space occupied by the error. Corrections or cancellations to be made by an advertiser shall be received no later than 5 p.m. the 20th of each publishing month. No claim shall be allowed for errors not affecting the value of the advertisement.

Paid advertising does not represent an endorsement by this publication. Content cannot be reproduced without written consent from Country Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Real Estate advertised in this publication is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968.

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Pasture Talk Entrepreneurial characteristics include self-confidence, a flair for risk and adventure, a strong work ethic, creative mind, common sense and other individual traits ~ some inherent in a personality, others learned and refined by instruction and practice. As a long-time entrepreneur at heart and in work, I am positively thrilled to have learned and written about the Young Entrepreneur Academy page 41 kicking off later this year in Pulaski County. Talk about giving kids an advantage!

The beauty of the program is that it’s sponsored by the Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce which has lined up a real been-theredone-that roster of businesspeople and entrepreneurs to participate.

Who better to challenge, motivate, instruct and cheer on today’s youth to tomorrow’s business endeavors?!

Congratulations are in order for one of New River Valley Magazine’s virtual staff members.

Sabrina Chambers, our account executive, married Charlie Sexton during a recent vacation trip to Pigeon Forge. Nuptials took place on June 8 at Angel’s View Wedding Chapel high atop the beautiful Tennessee mountains. They have been a couple for many years, and best wishes go out not only from all of us at the magazine, but also from advertisers and readers across the NRV and beyond!

Smithfield Plantation recently received a Commendation and Leadership Award (pictured here) for its efforts to commemorate the Virginia Sesquicentennial. Events included hosting the Civil War HistoryMobile, workshops, living history camps, genealogy seminars, plays, documentaries, special events and installing five Civil War Trail markers in the New River Valley and more.

When the kids get antsy for something to do this summer, take them to Historic Smithfield

Plantation. Let them see first-hand how our ancestors lived, worked and played. Buy an old-fashioned game or two in the Museum shop ~ a wonderful gift shop in our midst.

History is a big story that shaped what we have and know and how we live today. Smithfield Plantation is also a stellar example of sustainability, which wasn’t trendy in 1774; it was an imperative lifestyle. April Danner and the entire staff work tirelessly to preserve this slice of SW Virginia history, and they deserve all the community, family and friend support we can give them.

Joanne Anderson

ManagingEditor

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Fea tur e

HEALTHCARE - ALPHABET SOUP

By Jennifer Poff Cooper

When you visit a doctor’s office these days, you often see NP or PA or D.O. instead of M.D., along with RN, LPN, CNA, BSN and more. It’s like alphabet soup with meaning.

There are two types of complete physicians ~ medical doctors (M.D.) and doctors of osteopathy (D.O.). Both D.O.s and M.D.s are fully qualified physicians licensed to prescribe medication and perform surgery, according to the American Osteopathic Association. M.D.s typically specialize. Even though D.O.s can be specialists, more than half practice in the primary care specialties of family medicine, general internal medicine, pediatrics and obstetrics and gynecology.

Many D.O.s fill a critical need for physicians in rural and other medically underserved communities. This is true of D.O.s in the New River Valley because of the mission of the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) to recruit students from rural Appalachia. The private, non-profit medical school based in Blacksburg is one of 30 colleges of osteopathic medicine in the country which grants the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree.

Lisa Edwards, emergency room director at LewisGale Montgomery Hospital, says that our area has a high concentration of D.O.s because many VCOM students like it here and want to stay, so they get funneled into local healthcare systems. Typically, D.O.s bring a more holistic approach to medicine with an intense focus on hands-on manipulation as alternative therapy.

Another distinction in medical professionals is between RNs (registered nurses) and LPNs (licensed practical

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nurses). Edwards says that RNs, whose education can range from associates degrees to PhDs, focus on “leadership and developing plans of care to get patients better.” They direct LPNs, who perform lower-level care, so their skills complement one another. LPNs are less likely to be in a hospital setting but tend to work more in nursing homes.

According to A Patient’s Guide to The Physician Assistant website, a nurse practitioner (NP) is a nurse who has completed a master’s degree or doctorate in advanced practice nursing. In other words, NPs can diagnose and treat without the supervision of a doctor.

The route for a physician assistant (PA) comes with much more variability. PAs typically start in some

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area of healthcare such as Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), paramedic, nurse, lab technician, acupuncturist or midwife. They, like NPs, are required to take specific courses and have certain number of patient contact hours before entering a PA program, most of which are master’s programs.

Probably the most important difference is autonomy.

Physician Assistants work with physicians. There are times, especially in rural and underserved areas, where a PA is the primary care provider; however, they still report to a doctor. The amount of autonomy varies greatly based on the physician’s level of confidence in the PA and the state in which they practice. Nurse Practitioners, on the

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other hand, are independent practitioners and can even have their own clinics. Both can prescribe medications, except in rare instances involving controlled substances in certain states.

Sarah Hankey, a PA student at the University of Texas Medical Branch who has an undergraduate degree in biology, says of her choice to pursue PA training: “As a PA, I have the option of changing specialties at any point in my career. I can start in primary care, switch to cardiology and end up in pediatrics. NPs specialize as part of their training and therefore do not have this degree of flexibility. Nurses are educated according to the ‘patientcentered model’ which emphasizes patient education and disease prevention.

Physician Assistants and doctors are educated according to a ‘disease-based model’ which is more biologically and pathologically-based. Each has significant benefits but because I personally like to know the ‘why’ behind everything, I prefer the disease-based model.”

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The benefit of both NPs and PAs is increasing. “We need more NPs and PAs in doctor’s offices, especially specialists,” Edwards says. “When these professionals help with less complex cases in offices, it frees up in-demand specialists such as urologists for hospital visits and more complicated cases.”

The NP, PA, D.O. and M.D. are all covered by insurance, and some D.O.s are practicing more like M.D.s as the lines blur. In a clinical setting, what type of practitioner a patient sees is based on the severity level of the complaint. NPs and PAs are trained to know when something is beyond their ability or understanding and refer to a physician. Each of the healthcare professionals knows how to research and consult with other practitioners in order to bring the best and most appropriate care to every patient.

Jennifer Poff Cooper is a Christiansburg freelance writer and regular contributor to New River Valley Magazine.

BSN Bachelor of Science in Nursing CNA Certified Nursing Assistant CNM Certified Nurse Midwife DC Doctor of Chiropractic DDS Doctor of Dental Surgery DM.D. Doctor of Dental Medicine DNP Doctor of Nursing Practice D.O. Doctor of Osteopathy DPT Doctor of Physical Therapy EMT-B Emergency Medical

Technician, Basic EMT-P Emergency Medical

Technician, Paramedic LPN Licensed Practical Nurse M.D. Doctor of Medicine MPH Master of Public Health MS Master of Science ND Doctor of Naturopathy NP Nurse Practitioner PA-C Physician Assistant Certified PD or PharM.D. Doctor of Pharmacy PT Physical Therapist RN Registered Nurse

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“He Gave Me My Life Back”

H I P R E P L ACEMEN T ~ Junior Moye says of Dr. Ryan Harris at Carilion New River Valley Medical Center

By Joanne M. Anderson

The year 1891 is not only noteworthy for the Hormel Company introducing its Spam product, James Naismith creating basketball and Carnegie Hall opening with Tchaikovsky as guest conductor, but also for the first “total hip arthroplasty” (THA) operation in Germany. Ivory was used to replace femoral heads of patients whose hip joints had been destroyed by tuberculosis.

Fast forward more than a century, and total hip and “total knee arthroplasty” (TKA) are two of the most successful and most common orthopaedic surgeries performed. According to the Mayo Clinic, more than 7 million Americans have hip and knee implants, with twice as many knee procedures as hips.

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The hip is one of the largest joints in the human body. The ball-andsocket style joint is formed by part of the pelvis bone called the acetabulum (socket part) and the upper end of the femur, the femoral head (ball). Both bone surfaces have articular cartilage over them which cushions bone and enables smooth movement. A thin tissue or membrane surrounds the joint and lubricates the cartilage. All goes well until the cartilage begins to wear away, and the bones rub against one another. Enter osteoarthritis (the most popular form of arthritis) and a measure of discomfort which can range from mildly annoying to downright debilitating.

In surgery, the femoral head is replaced by a stem and ball of metal or

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ceramic. Damaged cartilage is taken away, and a metal socket inserted, then a spacer is implanted to allow a smooth surface to accommodate motion. Screws and cement are used for fastening.

Total hip and knee surgeries are routinely performed at both Carilion New

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River Valley Medical Center in Radford and LewisGale Hospital Montgomery in Blacksburg. Junior Moye, maintenance superintendent for the Town of Dublin, was plagued by pain with osteoarthritis in his hip. “Walking had become a chore,” he recalls, adding that his hip joint had deteriorated to bone on bone. “I’m an active guy who has participated in rodeo events half my life and still break and ride

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Quarter Horses, and I think I rode one time all last year.” He had never heard of Dr. Ryan Harris before the day they met. “I liked and trusted him from the beginning,” Moye, 65, relates of his successful surgery on Feb. 26 this year.

Dr. Stuart Gardner with LewisGale Physicians [Blacksburg] recently celebrated 30 years as an orthopaedic surgeon. “There are always

new methods and materials developing, like the anterior approach to total hip replacement, which offers improved mobility faster.” Like most orthopaedic surgeons, Dr. Gardner also performs total knee and reverse shoulder replacements often.

When Elena Leshyn of Blacksburg began investigating options for her hip discomfort, she first met with Dr. Joseph Moskal at Carilion in Roanoke.

“He told me I would know when the time was right,” she says. “Surgery is always a last choice solution, but when you can’t walk, well, surgery looks appealing.” The week before her surgery, this 68-year-old native of Spain [also featured NRV Cook, JanFeb 2015 issue], experienced one painfree day. “I wanted to change my mind, but as I prepared food to freeze and cleaned the house, the pain intensified, and I was ready when the day came.” She also had the procedure done by Dr. Harris at Carilion New River Valley Medical Center.

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Preparation for surgery included a presurgery class at Carilion where future patients learn everything about the surgery, what to expect, and physical therapists demonstrate what post-surgery exercise. Likewise, LewisGale offers a Joint Camp for hip, knee and shoulder replacement prospective patients.

Recovery is relatively quick in the great scheme of things. “The day of surgery, they made me walk. I could only take two steps with pain and difficulty, almost regretting getting it done. The next day a few more steps. I went home on the third day and have never looked back,” relates Leshyn. In fact, she now attends Carilion seminars to encourage others.

“I talked to four people before I committed to having the surgery,” Moye says.

While he reports being sore and stiff, there was no pain following surgery ~ two days in the hospital, two weeks of home rehab. He returned to work, and in June got back in the saddle to train a 2-year-old colt. “Dr. Harris gave me my life back.”

Everyone agrees that the surgeon is paramount to success, and all concur that the entire orthopaedic team, post-op nurses and PTs, along with an attentive, healthy, motivated patient contribute mightily to these favorable outcomes. What a comfort it is to know that we have state-of-the-art healthcare facilities, surgical suites and medical options, along with the commitment and dedication of superior, experienced physicians in the New River Valley.

We may be all about small town living, but we have big city healthcare.

Mike Cate’s hip replacement story is interesting from the standpoint that he has been involved in sales of Stryker Orthopedic reconstruction and trauma products for 30 years, including hip and knee implants. It can be tricky to measure the inside of a person precisely from the outside, so he has often been in the OR with different sizes of joint replacements, always thankful that he was not the patient on the table ~ until he was.

Around eight years ago, he felt some burning in his thigh and a little discomfort while driving. Cate leads an active lifestyle and figured he pulled or strained something. He got an x-ray from a surgeon buddy who told him he’d probably need a new hip in eight years. “He nailed it,” Cate states. “I handled the escalating pain for a long time, but when you can’t sleep or walk the dog, simple things in life wear you down and the pain never goes away, it’s time.”

While surgery is never taken lightly, Cate’s June 1st procedure had an element of amusement. “It was a uniquely cool experience because I knew most everyone in the operating room by first name, and the surgeon had to promise to use Stryker implants only. In my career, I have seen thousands of successful hip replacement surgeries, though standing nearby, not as the patient on the table.” Like the others, he was cautiously mobile in two weeks, able to drive, pain free and looking forward to getting back in his saddle -- an 865-cc Triumph Bonneville motorcycle.

Debra Chase REALTOR®, ABR, GRI, CIPS

2014 SALES AGENT OF THE YEAR

cell 540.449.4481 office 540.552.6500 fax 866.913.5058 debra@debrachase.com I WOULD LOVE TO BE YOUR REALTOR®

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He alth c ar e

EYES

Summertime, and the seeing is easy….

By Dr. Steve Jacobs

Summer is the time for contact lenses for sports, beach time, gardening… you name it. Many activities are enhanced by the freedom of not wearing framed glasses. From the first hand-blown glass contact lenses of the 1880s to today’s space age, one-day, throw-aways, technology keeps blasting forward. Popularity soared in the ‘50s with the advent of ‘hard’, corneal lenses made of PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate – aka Plexiglass or Lucite).

Before then, scleral lenses covered the whole front of the eye. They had to be custom molded (not an altogether fun process) and could only be tolerated for limited periods.

Interestingly, modern technology has led to a comeback in contact lens popularity.

Contact lenses really took off in the 1970s with the introduction of soft lenses. Initially, worn until torn, lost or unbearably uncomfortable, today almost all soft lenses are worn for just a single day or up to a month. About 30 million Americans wear contact lenses ~ most for all day to day activities, but many use them as a supplement rather than to replace glasses, for exercise, social wear, etc. One-day lenses are the healthiest, most comfortable and most convenient option and are available whether you have astigmatism, need bifocals, want to change your eye color, or are nearsighted or farsighted, often making them the perfect choice for full-time or part-time wear. Due to advances in manufacturing and their lack of need for solutions, they can be more 16

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environmentally-friendly than monthly lenses.

Kids love contact lenses. They are a real esteem booster, especially by middle and high school with involvement in sports and ever-increasing social activities. I’m often asked: “How old should a child be to wear contact lenses?” My answer: “Age doesn’t matter a whole lot.” I’ve worked with young kids who are meticulous and department heads at Virginia Tech who are totally irresponsible with their lenses. Most 7- or 8-year-olds have the fine motor skills to handle lenses without problems. Beyond that, all that’s necessary is motivation and a modicum of maturity.

Active schedules and contact lenses are a great combo. Once on, they’re on for the day with no worry of leaving them one place or another. Some new designs may even slow down nearsightedness (myopia) by changing how light focuses in the eye, and do this more effectively than glasses. Myopia, which has nearly doubled in the past 40 years, increases the risk of glaucoma, macular degeneration and other retinal problems as one ages. Ongoing research and greater understanding are producing new approaches and contact lens designs to meet this challenge.

Another challenge being met is when contact lenses are needed for functional vision and not just for look or convenience.

Conditions such as keratoconus (very irregular shape to the front of the eye),

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eye trauma or corneal surgery may lead to distortion and significant visual impairment even with glasses. Technological advances are opening the world for these people.

That “old” idea, scleral lenses, has received new life. Soft lenses take on the eye’s shape and don’t do much about irregularity.

Rigid, corneal lenses may rub against the irregular area, not stay in position or be uncomfortable to wear for extended periods.

Scleral lenses, on the other hand, vault over the irregularity. Fluid fills the gap between the front of the eye and the contact lens, allowing the lens to become the “new” front surface and provide more normal vision.

Since it fits on a less sensitive part of the eye, comfort is usually quite good. Another specialty lens, a Hybrid, has a rigid center allowing correction of many irregularities, with a soft outer portion providing better stability and comfort closer to that of a soft lens.

Whether a specialty design is needed, you want something just to wear to complement that new blue outfit, or you want to crank out a report and then go waterskiing, today’s contact lenses are better than ever at letting you look and see your best. Let them do their thing. Give them a try!!

Steve Jacobs, O.D., has been in business in the New River Valley more than 25 years, and he contributes in numerous ways with time, energy, fundraisers and contributions to the community.

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S p eci al Adv er ti s i ng S ecti i o n

Dr. Matthew T. Tomoda 540-953-2980

I provide dental care for patients in the New River Valley at Daniel E. Thompson & Dennis C. Schnecker, PC. I obtained a BS from James Madison University in 2007 and a DDS from the VCU School of Dentistry in 2011, before completing a General Practice Residency at the Washington DC Veterans Affairs Hospital.

When Drs. Thompson and Schnecker welcomed me onto their team in 2012, I fell in love with the NRV. I have enjoyed pursuing Brazilian jiu-jitsu, playing guitar, and spending time with my lovely wife,

614 South Main St. Blacksburg

smileblacksburg.com Rebeka. I have also been able to advance my understanding of dentistry with an emphasis on cosmetic dentistry.

I am an active member of the Southwest Virginia Dental Association, Virginia Dental Association, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Christian Medical & Dental Associations, among others unique to the NRV. My team believes in providing excellent dental care, personalized for your needs. Our desire is that you, as a patient, feel comfortable and part of our dental care family. Give us a call to schedule a consultation. We look forward to serving you!

Dr. Margaret L. Meredith 312 N Main St., Pearisburg totalfootcarenrv.com 540-553-4300

Total Foot Care is dedicated to the overall health and wellbeing of your feet. Dr. Meredith and her team will strive to provide the best possible care to you and your loved ones of all ages with an emphasis on nonsurgical treatment. You will find that our office and office staff provide a friendly, warm, professional, and comfortable environment.

Dr. Meredith has been a podiatrist for twenty five years. She has extensive training in wound care and diabetic foot care.

Dr. Martin Diaz

620 N. Main Street, Blacksburg

540-953-0136

stevejacobsod.com

Dr. Martin Diaz is celebrating one year working with Dr. Steve Jacobs in Blacksburg; one year in the New River Valley; one year getting to know the eyes and personalities of many NRV residents who depend on Dr. Jacobs and his staff for all their eye care needs.

Hailing from Iowa City, Iowa, Dr. Diaz did not make his way here in a straight line. He arrived in our slice of southwest Virginia via San Antonio, Texas (optometry school), Roanoke (internship) and White River Jct., Vermont (residency). The mountains, quality of life, short winters and youthfulness of a college town 18

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She has served as the preferred podiatrist for many high school sports teams, providing both treatment for sports injuries as well as preventative care and custom orthotics. We Treat: Ingrown Toenails, Fungus Toenails, Heel and Arch Pain, Flat Feet, Sports Injuries, Ankle Sprains and Breaks, Corns, Calluses, tendonitis, Hammer Toes, Gout, Athletes Foot, Neuromas, Warts, Diabetic Nerve Pain, Ulcers, and Crush Injuries

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drew him. Iowa City is home to the University of Iowa, akin to Virginia Tech for some 31,000 students.

“What I like most about optometry is that it lets me be a healthcare professional and a business person at the same time,” he says. Dr. Diaz is a valuable asset in Dr. Jacobs’ practice for his own youthfulness, stellar education and bilingual skills, being fluent in Spanish.

His message to the New River Valley ~ Thanks for the warm welcome!

Gracias por el bienvenido generoso!

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Sp e c i a l Ad v e r ti si n g S e c ti i on

Dr. Frank Purpera, MD Virginia Vein Institute 1901 South Main Street, Suite 2 Blacksburg, VA 24060 Phone (540) 552-VEIN ; Fax (540) 951- VEIN info@VirginiaVeinInstitute.com www.VirginiaVeinInstitute.com As the premier vein center in Virginia for over 10 years, Virginia Vein Institute is dedicated to the treatment of varicose veins and spider veins with state of the art methods and equipment. Frank Purpera, MD and his highly trained staff are dedicated to helping patients with venous disorders. We offer you personalized care while maximizing your comfort and safety, giving you the results you desire and deserve.

At Virginia Vein Institute we also offer you the most current methods of treatment. All treatments and procedures are done here in our office and are covered by insurance in most cases.

Dr. Purpera was honored to be included in the 2013 & 2014 editions of Our Health Magazine for his Top Bedside Manner. Dr. Purpera was also voted as a Top Surgeon by the Consumers Research Councils Guide to America’s Top Surgeons in both 2011 and 2012.

Dr. Purpera is board certified by the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine and is certified

by Cardiovascular Credentialing International as a Registered Phlebology Sonographer. He is also an active member of the American Medical Association, the American Venous Forum, the American College of Phlebology, and the American College of Surgeons.

For more information please call us at: (540) 552-VEIN or visit us online at:

Virginia Vein Institute

www.VirginiaVeinInstitute.com NRVMAGAZINE.com

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He al t h c ar e

Urgent Care in the NRV an accessible, affordable alternative to the ER

Text by Emily Kathleen Alberts

No appointment necessary! Those are welcome words for people who struggle to carve out time in this busy, work-a-day world for something as simple, and as vital, as visiting the doctor for a check-up. All too often, folks get sick or injured on a Saturday afternoon when primary care providers are not available. But no longer do we have to postpone medical visits or avoid seeking treatment because it’s the weekend. Chances are good that there’s an urgent care facility fairly near that is open and fully staffed to handle a full spectrum of medical needs.

Whether you live with a chronic illness, seek peace of mind about a sudden condition, or are the mother of an accident prone toddler, the New River Valley proudly hosts urgent care facilities with multiple locations. Curtis Cornell, director of the Christiansburg VelocityCare by Carilion says: “The cornerstone of our success is quality care that is convenient for the patient.”

With walk-ins welcome and on-site lab and X-ray services, flu shots, sports physicals, vaccinations and other occupational health services, VelocityCare offers provider care without an appointment, and the pricing is on the outpatient side of the spectrum.

VelocityCare is not tied to any inpatient billing, unlike a trip to the ER, which comes with a mandatory hospital charge.

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Cornell also notes that they benchmark their visits, and the majority of patients are in and out in less than an hour. VelocityCare can treat wounds requiring stitches as well as broken bones, and all of their X-rays are reviewed nightly by a staff radiologist, “which is an excellent quality review process,” Cornell says. VelocityCare is also open every day of the year and accepts Virginia Tech Aetna insurance as well as the Hokie Passport.

MedExpress was founded on the simple idea of offering high quality care and great customer service in a warm and welcoming, home-like environment.

“The community plays an important role in our framework,” states Annie Jamieson, communications manager. “MedExpress offers a variety of wellness programs, employer-managed health services, tobacco cessation programs, drug screenings, physicals and workers compensation related services. A full medical team is on staff, and a variety of commonly prescribed medications are on-site.” MedExpress accepts most major insurances and also serves those without insurance at an affordable price.

MinuteClinic centers are located inside CVS pharmacies and are considered walk-in, minor care facilities. They are staffed by nurse practitioners and physician’s assistants who can diagnose, treat and

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write prescriptions for common illnesses.

They also provide certain vaccinations, treat wounds and offer routine lab tests and screenings. They are a non-robing facility and do not offer blood work or X-ray services, but the convenience of being able to receive your prescription and fill it right there in CVS is definitely an attractive option. The MinuteClinic facilities accept most insurances, and you can use their online insurance checker to see if yours is on the list. If so, you will pay a normal office visit co-pay. They also have a price list available on their website so you can view the costs of various services they offer. Most patients are in and out in under half an hour, and you can call ahead to check wait time.

If you find yourself with anything from a sprain to an unrelenting migraine after normal business hours, rest assured that you do not have to suffer through it or pack up and head to the closest emergency room. If it is before 8 p.m. or on a Saturday or Sunday, you can walk in to one of the local urgent care facilities and let them take care of you.

Emily Kathleen Alberts is a New River Valley freelance writer.

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VelocityCare 434 Pepper’s Ferry Road, Christiansburg & 215 Gilbert Street, Blacksburg *also a Daleville location Monday-Saturday 8 a.m.-8 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

MedExpress 100 Spradlin Farm, Christiansburg *and two Roanoke area locations Daily 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

MinuteClinic 31 W. Main Street, Radford

550 North Franklin Street, Christiansburg Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

I can personally attest to the friendliness of the staff, as I visited MedExpress for a kidney infection that started on a Friday afternoon. By Sunday, my lower back was throbbing.

They took me right in, and with a regular $25 co-pay, I was taken care of in less than an hour on a late Sunday evening. ~ Emily Alberts NRVMAGAZINE.com

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NRV H o me

Historical and Homespun with a Dash of High Tech

Text by Joanne M. Anderson Photos by Always and Forever Photography

Riner was once a thriving village with a sawmill, lumber yard, tobacco factory, tannery, hotel, shoe factory and well company. Originally called Old Forks around 1808 for the confluence of three roads, it was re-named Five Forks or Five Points once settlers converted paths into more roads around and between the gently rolling hills. It was Auburn for a while, but there was another Auburn in the state, so Riner was re-named for Dr. Riner, a wellrespected community leader.

Time marched on, and business declined as other centers of commerce took root in the New River Valley.

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historical homes like the Childress-Hall home, circa late 1870. This two-story wood farmhouse spoke volumes to the Davidsons when they purchased it about 40 years ago.

“Plaster was chipped and chimneys falling apart. The kitchen was outside the house connected by a breezeway,” recalls Anne, “and I thought it was the most beautiful place I could imagine living.” Across the years, those walls have been repaired, chimneys rebuilt. They were amused reading 1800s newspapers found in the walls when they added insulation. Other renovations have occurred at the back of the house, leaving the front as it was some 150 years

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ago, though with fresh paint, new shutters, sprucing up and a more recent fence. The front stone patio is authentic, and wood floors have been uncovered to reveal the original, rustic, heart pine. The floor pitch (tilt) on the second floor is a testimony to time and strength in construction. The original parlor is a cheery yellow with family antiques and one of those re-built chimneys.

The kitchen is now part of the house and has been renovated a couple times. Anne upped the charm with raising the ceiling, exposed wood beams, a large picture window, state-of-the-art appliances, an impressive basket collection and one of her own handmade chandeliers. Her natural, artistic flair is everywhere, including

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paintings by her, her mother and one of her sons, Townsend Davidson, who is an artist in Charleston S.C. Unique crafts, the comfy, country decor and antique pieces handed down and acquired lend a warmth in every room. The sunroom off the kitchen sports a teal motif, brick floor, more open beams, multiple skylights and French doors off two sides to inviting patio spaces flanked with colorful flowers in pots and vines overhead.

The first shower and ground floor bathroom in the house was installed last year ~ the outdoor shower served well across decades. Pampering is now present in the tub by the window, real glassed-in shower, interior closet and classy, crystal chandelier (store bought and handassembled). “These old houses had no closets, everyone used wardrobes and armoires,” Anne explains. And so did they until now. The bathroom walls are poplar, and the floor is a new brand of tile which

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looks like wood. Large windows and a patio door flood this luxurious bathroom with natural daylight and sunshine.

Year round, every window frames an enchanting view of rural life on the outside. The Davidsons moved part of a log cow barn out of Floyd a few years ago - log by log, numbered, marked and re-assembled on a slight knoll behind the house. It is an ultra charming guest accommodation replete with antique iron bed, quilts, old books and a loft. The old smokehouse has likewise been retrofitted.

Its white board and batten exterior matches the house, chicken coop and a couple other small outbuildings.

Sweet spots for rest, reading and contemplation are tucked in around the grounds ~ a bistro table nestled under a natural, leafy canopy, gazebo, wood benches straddling a stream. Between two levels of front porches and more patio space off the sunroom, sitting area and master

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bathroom, the residents can live comfortably outside almost as much as inside. Of course, no air conditioning means windows and doors are open often across three seasons on warm days and nights. There’s no shortage of fresh air or natural daylight.

This historical, homespun, rural homestead is high tech, compared to its day, if just for having a television, telephone and the heated floor in the new bathroom.

There’s a computer somewhere, but it’s not prominently placed. What is front and center here is a delightful home with lovely grounds, historical character, warmly inviting rooms and an eclectic decor that causes visitors to linger, ponder, relax and smile.

Since the Davidsons are going on 40 years of ownership with no intention of moving, the property could rightfully be named the “Childress-Hall-Davidson” house.

Or C.H.D. Charming. Historical. Divine.

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NRV Fashion

By Krisha Chachra Photos by Amodeo Photography Whether you are off to the movies, enjoying a special occasion dinner, viewing an exquisite performance or gathering with friends for a wine tasting, you want to be comfortable, cute and classy in fashions that project summer’s refreshing style.

Alligator Alley in Blacksburg and Roanoke can be your summer event style store.

Models: Maddie Kennedy Matt Montgomery Drew Bell

Maddie: Neon patchwork Shep Shirt in Nautical Navy - $125.00 Short Sleeve Shoreline Polo in Flamingo - $65.00 Neon Patchwork Whale Shorts in Pink - $98.00 Rainbow Sandals in Expresso - $50.99

Formal Wear: Lauren James Livingston Seersucker Light Blue - $125.00 Vineyard Vines Seersucker Multi-stripe Dress - $198.00 Sperry Saylor Woven Espadrille Shoes in Platinum - $98.00 28

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2015

Drew: Vineyard Vines - Slim Fit Tucker Shirt Bahama Breeze - $98.50 Vineyard Vines - Slim Fit Breaker Pant in Stone $98.50 Club Belt Race Day licensed for the Kentucky Derby $49.50 Vineyard Vines multicolored Seersucker Bow-tie $65.00 Sperry Shoes in Sahara $95

Matt: Vineyard Vines - Checkered Tucker Shirt - $98.50 Club Belt Race Day - $49.50 Classic Fit Club Short in Aviator Blue - $75.00 Bow-tie Baseball Hat in Breaker Blue licensed for the Kentucky Derby - $28.00 Rainbow Sandals in Sierra Brown - $50.99

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NRV R i de s

A Sweet Car with Checkered Details Text by Karl H. Kazaks Photos by Nathan Cooke

Reginald Davis knows what it’s like to feel a calling. He’s been a devoted religious man since 1977, when, as he says, “I met the Lord.” For the past eight years, he’s been the pastor of Strait Gate Ministries in Christiansburg where his wife, Evelyn, is the church’s director of women. One Saturday, a few years ago, he was at a Christian bookstore, when he felt a different kind of calling.

“We had gone to get some literature for Sunday school,” he recalls.

“I had been looking at MINI Coopers online,” inspired by seeing one at a neighborhood block party. “I liked their shape and size.” He suggested to his wife that they drive to Winston-Salem to inspect the cars on display at the MINI Cooper dealership there.

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“Why?” she asked,

“Just to look,” he replied. “We ended up driving one away. Well – I did, anyway.”

The Davis’s 2013 MINI Cooper is notable for its aftermarket decorative check detailing. It came from the lot as a black-and-white two-tone. Their son, Rikki, added the details, which form swooping patterns on the sides of the car from the front to rear wheels, as well as down the back and on the hood.

The car even has a black-and-white checkered flag fluttering from the roof and black-and-white checkered seat covers. The roof of the car is presently solid black, but Davis is considering added a check pattern to it as well.

The vehicle is a two-door, fourseater, with comfortable room for adults

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in the front seats.

“I’ve had tall people say they didn’t think they could get into it,” he recalls. “But when they try, they fit, and they like it.”

The MINI has the base 121-hp, 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine. It gets good mileage which is useful as they drive it frequently to see grandchildren in the Carolinas and Georgia. MINI Coopers have a distinctive look, thanks to their relatively diminutive size and the prominent beltline between the windows and body panels. The front end of the car has an open, appealing look ~ something it shares with the Davises themselves, who are quick to wear the smiles which light up their faces.

One standout aspect of the MINI’s front end is its big, oval headlights. The lights actually present

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through apertures in the hood, so that when the hood is lifted, you can pass your arm through the gap for each light. The car has front-wheel drive and handles well in snow. It is his regular ride to work at Montgomery County schools, after having retired from Virginia Tech.

The MINI Cooper rides quite comfortably and has good power. “You won’t know you’re driving that fast,” Davis states. “You have to keep your eye on the speedometer.” That’s easy to do because it has an oversized circular

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speedometer in the center of the dash.

Inside there is more modern technology, such as six airbags – two in the front, two at the sides and two mounted in the roof.

While the space in the backseat isn’t large – the car, after all, is called a MINI – the Davises have toted grandchildren back there. When the back seats are not occupied, they fold down, making the rear storage area feel “like a mini-station wagon,” Evelyn says.

She drives a car of a rather different

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stature than the MINI – a 2006 Lincoln Town Car, but she likes riding in Reginald’s MINI (which has the license plate “REG – MIN”).

“We get a lot of looks,” she says.

“He loves that car, and sometimes I feel that I’m in competition with it.” While it’s true Reginald is a fan of his MINI – he cheerfully wears a MINI Cooper hat and shirt when the mood is right, it’s clear, from the way the happy couple interacts, that as much as the car brings a smile to Reginald’s face, it’s Evelyn who lights up his heart.

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Giles County HAPPENINGS

Visit us @ www.gilescounty.org/News

July 1

|New River’s Edge Splash for Life Event Come Tube, Kayak and Canoe all day for $15.00 per person, Proceeds to benefit Relay For Life’s Cancer Research July 2 |Independence Celebration at Mountain Lake 5pm- 10pm July 3-4 |Narrows Homecoming Festival Kick off the 4th early with good music, food, fireworks and fun at the Narrows Town Park.

July 10 |Bluegrass on the Lawn Giles County Historical Society 6pm - 8:30pm July 11 |Living History Day Giles County Historical Society 9am - 9pm July 11 |Glen Alton Writer Workshop LoCo Arts Program; Nature Journaling 11am – 1pm July Pearisburg Community Market Events: July 11, 9-2 Renaissance Day! July 16, 4-8 Music at the Market July 18, 9-2 Celebrate Farming and Agriculture!

July 18 |Newport Jamboree 7pm - 9pm Newport Community Park Aug 7 |Summer Celebration Sale at Narrows Farmers Market 6pm – 9pm in Narrows Aug 7-8|Newport Agricultural Fair Fri, 9:00am – Sat, 9:30am Newport Fairgrounds Aug 14 |Bluegrass on the Lawn Giles County Historical Society 7pm - 9pm Anna’s Old Time Jam | Every Thursday from 7pm – 9pm

FOLLOW US & SHARE USING #visitgilescova #gilescova #newriverwatertrail

Where you belong!

Fall Registration In Progress nr.edu/schedule

Most classes begin the week of

August 24 NRVMAGAZINE.com

DUBLIN & CHRISTIANSBURG

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NRV Ar t s

Watercolor

the relaxed and unpredictable art form

T

Text by Jennifer Poff Cooper Photos by Always and Forever Photography

Local artist Aili Wang has not stopped drawing and painting since private art lessons at age 15. A native of China, Wang received a Bachelor of Arts degree in art education with a minor in art design at Yangzhou University. After moving to the United States in 2002, when her husband landed a job at Kansas State University, Wang served as stage and fashion designer for the Chinese New Year Festival Show at KSU. She and her husband lived in California for five years, where she took art classes at Merced 34

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College, and in 2008, they came to the New River Valley for Wang to study and obtain her Master of Fine Arts in painting at Radford University.

Wang’s love for art is also her primary business. “I usually paint at home, where I changed my garage into my art studio. Listening to music when I paint makes me feel very relaxed and have more joy in the creation of my art.” Wang classifies her style as impressionistic. “My favorite artist is Oscar-Claude Monet; I like every detail

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of his paintings. I have studied with Nie Weigu, one of the famous artists in China, and Z. L. Feng at Radford University.

Both are good examples on how to make my painting color beautiful, but I always try to make my own art instead of emulate anyone else.”

Though she also does sketches, oil paintings and acrylic painting commissions, Wang’s specialty is watercolor. “Watercolor is a wonderful medium, the relaxed and unpredictable art form makes it the most exciting and

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On her success as an artist: “The more effort I put into my work, the more love from my soul enters and keeps my mind enjoying the form of a wonderful career ~ art.” - Aili Wang NRVMAGAZINE.com

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N RV Arts

expressive medium. I enjoy the fun processing of watercolor paintings.”

Inspiration for landscapes, her primary subject matter, comes from nature scenes around the area. “After the first day I moved to Virginia, I was captivated and inspired by the beautiful water scenery of the New River. This place is very different from where I grew up in southeast China. For me, the process of painting is an extraordinary moment of expression and also contemplative, spiritual understandings of Mother Nature,” she relates, adding that she still enjoys painting water villages of China.

Comparing the art business here to that in China, Wang says that artists here have more chances to show their work in galleries or art festivals. “These shows bring many buyers to the artist, and it’s much easier to sell art in the U. S.” Art is not just Wang’s vocation but a passion she wants to share. She gives

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art lessons to students of various ages in the NRV, and she once taught art at Dayspring Christian Academy. She was an instructor in China at the Yangzhou Normal School and taught Basic Painting, a class for children ages 6 to 12, as part of community service hosted by the Chinese Student and Scholar Association of Kansas State University.

Wang has received numerous awards including the Allen Ingles Palmer Memorial Award by Taubman Museum of Art. She is a two-time first place winner in watercolor at the Chautauqua Indoor Art Show by Wythe Arts Council. She also has received scholarships and grants for her art, such as the Zheng L. Feng International Scholarship in Art. “I think an artist has to have both the talent and a solid foundation of fundamentals skills to be successful. If you are gifted but don’t have the fundamental skills, you don’t know how to express yourself on art. If

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you only have the skills without talent, your art will never attract the viewer. Am I gifted? I don’t know. But I do know after many practices, my paintings looks better and better.”

Jennifer Poff Cooper is a Christiansburgbased freelance writer and regular contributor to New River Valley Magazine.

Aili Wang’s art can be found at Steppin’ Out each August and at various galleries and art festivals in Virginia, Maryland and North Carolina. Paintings can be previewed on her website at http://www.wangailiart. com. Interested persons can contact her at 540-577-0661 for an appointment to visit her studio.

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The Face That Helped A Thousand Businesses!

Gallery Offering the most extensive collection of original watercolors, giclées, etchings and offset lithographs by P. Buckley Moss, America’s most celebrated living artist.

(Well, hundreds anyway – but give him time.)

For the last seven years, Jonathan Kruckow has worked with hundreds of businesses in Blacksburg and the New River Valley as a commercial lender. As Grayson National Bank’s New River Valley Area Executive, Jonathan is prepared to help you and your business succeed, too.

Fun at Hatteras

Give him a call at 540.250.0280 to arrange a one-on-one meeting.

Morning Sail

The artist will be in the gallery signing August 22, 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm and August 23, 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm.

223 Gilbert Street, Blacksburg, VA 24060 (540) 552-6446 Tues.-Sat., 10am-5pm, Sun., 12pm-4pm Validated Parking available at the North End Center Garage

902 South Main Street, Blacksburg, VA

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Make Your Home, A

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Come in and see our Grand selection of Living Room Groups. From MicroFiber to Leather and everything in between, we have a large variety of colors, fabrics and styles! Let Grand’s experienced sales staff help you make your home a Grand home!

CHRISTIANSBURG 220 Laurel St SW 540.381.4000

Open Every Day www.grandhomefurnishings.com

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Back to S c h o o l

Blacksburg Chinese School

Text by Jennifer Poff Cooper Photos courtesy of Blacksburg Chinese School

When Chinese school started in Blacksburg, some of its current younger teachers were not even born. The school recently celebrated its 35th anniversary, the culmination of seeds planted decades ago in the dining room of Virginia Tech architecture professor Joseph Wang, Ph.D. The motivation was to teach American born children how to read and write Chinese. This little group grew into three classes as more Chinese-American faculty moved to the New River Valley. In 1979, Mrs. Sylvia Wong registered the group with the IRS as Chinese School of VPI in Blacksburg, and she became the first principal.

The first group of Chinese professors at Virginia Tech came from Taiwan, though they were born in 38

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mainland China. After the student protest and movement on China’s Tiananmen Square in 1989, many mainlanders moved to the United States. The mainlanders occupied only one classroom when they were invited to join Chinese school classes at the Cranwell International Center about 13 years ago, according to Blacksburg Chinese School (BCS) president I-Mo Fu. Now, she says, the majority of the students come from mainland Chinese families.

The Chinese school originally received books and funding from the Overseas Office of the Taiwan Government. “While Blacksburg Chinese School teachers participate in training provided by both Chinese and Taiwanese governments, BCS currently receives no monetary support from either Chinese

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or Taiwanese governments,” says Fu. In 2010, with Xiaojin Moore’s effort, Blacksburg Chinese School registered as a non-for profit 501(c)(3) organization.

Its main sources of revenue now come from student tuition, Kroger Community Rewards (which donates 5 percent of Kroger purchases back to BCS) and private donations. Supporters may also sign up for Amazon Smile, a new program in which Amazon donates 0.5 percent of the price of Amazon purchases to BCS.

In the past four decades, the Chinese language instruction has moved from a private home, to Virginia Tech campus, to local public schools, and now into the New River Valley community.

With its language and culture programs continuing to expand, for the first time

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BCS publicizes a weekly newsletter electronically and has a Facebook page where supporters can also share comments and questions about everything Chinese, such as where to find Chinese medicine locally.

BCS is renting commercial space in the New River Valley Community Services building on University City Boulevard to fulfill its need for classrooms. “Lack of space for teaching and cultural activity is our biggest hurdle now,” Fu states. “We are looking for affordable space. We lost our regular space at the Cranwell International Center when it moved on campus.

Although we are in the Cranwell’s future plans, we need space now.”

BCS has approximately 45 students in 13 classes in four local schools, including after-school weekend programs. In addition to language training for children and adults (Mandarin is the official language of both Taiwan and China), BCS offers cultural classes such as dance, public speaking, Chinese yoyo, NRVMAGAZINE.com

Chinese instruments and art. This summer BCS started a pilot program of bilingual Parents and Me for pre-schoolers. Summer camps are available, and BCS’s programs fill a need for Chinese language training that is not met in public schools.

Its mission is to promote cultural awareness and harmony and to be an active, contributing member of the diverse community. BCS strives to foster connections in the New River Valley through regular cultural activities and events. Students perform annually in Chinese New Year and mid-autumn festival celebrations at Virginia Tech and Radford University, and they have taken part in the Blacksburg Holiday Parade, receiving first and second place awards in different categories.

The staff is composed of community helpers and dedicated language and culture instructors. While teachers are paid, those who work out logistics and keep track of finances, like Fu, are unpaid volunteers. “I would like to pay all the staff with monetary compensation or time credit toward tuition,” Fu says. Most of the teachers and staff were born in China or Taiwan, with most of the pupils being American born. “We have increasing numbers of non-Chinese parents interested in our programs.”

Fellowship with other students is one of the biggest draws of BCS. Fu points out proudly that “through the years, older children become like older sisters and brothers for the younger ones, and BCS becomes one big extended family.”

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Back to S c h o o l

Back to School with “Tears and Cheers”

“Tears and Cheers” are common for moms when a child starts kindergarten ~ tears for the moment of separation from a little one who it seems was but a babe in arms yesterday; cheers for the new adventure which will begin developing independence and life skills. No more a toddler, the youngster bravely forges ahead on to a big, yellow bus and then settles into a small-sized desk in an all-new school environment.

Since David and Edith-Anne Duncan’s twins experienced this rite of passage in 2008 [entering kindergarten], Edith-Anne has held an annual “Tears and Cheers” party for herself and other moms. “The party helps me focus on the details of entertaining instead of being upset that Twins will be away at school,” she says. Endowed with a incredible flair for design and entertaining, Edith-Anne [proprietor of Designs by Duncan] chooses a theme and develops her party arrangements, food, flavors and presentation around it.

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year’s magazine, we are using last year’s photos and Lilly Pulitzer theme, co-hosted with Emily Beamer who had an entering kindergartener.

“My daughter and I have grown up with Lilly Pulitzer,” Edith-Anne explains. “We used Lilly Pulitzer prints on linens, trays and plates; fresh pineapples, Lilly flowers in the chandelier and Lilly print paper lanterns. Emily and I are both wearing it as well.”

As the Duncan twins enter 7th grade and the Beamers have a new kindergartener and a first grader this year, it’s time to set up the “Tears and Cheers” party. Emily is again cohosting this year’s “Classic Garden Luncheon” steeped with Southern hospitality. Design appointments include a garden, fresh linens, heirloom silver and julep cups, and moms will once again enjoy sharing -- food, drink, stories and concerns, as well as those annual tears and cheers.

~ Written by Joanne Anderson

Photos courtesy of Edith-Anne Duncan

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2015

YEA!

B ack to School

Comes to the NRV

how to make a job, not just take a job

By Joanne M. Anderson

Ross Perot hit the proverbial nail on the head with this observation: “Most new jobs won’t come from our biggest employers. They will come from our smallest. We’ve got to do everything we can to make entrepreneurial dreams a reality.” The Young Entrepreneurs Academy was founded 11 years ago “to be a leader in establishing innovative, experiential entrepreneurship programs for middle and high school students, in close cooperation with local community and business leaders and their organizations.”

YEA! statistics are impressive:

• 100% of Academy graduates graduate from high school on time • 99% of Academy graduates enroll in college • 19% of YEA! students start second businesses • 50% of YEA! students continue business for more than one year • YEA! Students have been awarded millions of dollars in scholarships as a result of their involvement in YEA! • 2,298 students have graduated from YEA! and have launched more 1,700 businesses

With a mission to stimulate creativity and entrepreneurship skills among youth grades 6-12, the Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce is launching the first YEA! program in Southwest Virginia. The 30-week class begins in November and is open by application to public, private and home school students. “There’s an interview process for acceptance,” explains executive director Peggy Smith, “in part to illustrate dedication and commitment to the whole program.”

Students accepted into YEA! learn not only about business plans, market research, pitching to investors and how to develop business ideas, but also how to advance positive self-esteem, personal potential and leadership skills.

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Local business owners provide time, advice and real-life lessons. YEA! participants launch businesses in the community, creating jobs and offering ingenious services and products.

Dedication and commitment on the part of the Chamber is evident in bringing YEA! into a community which already is heavily involved in workforce development and microbusinesses. The Youth Excel Program (YEP) gives high school juniors options to shadow business leaders in a specific industry. So, step aside Silicon Valley. There just might be a few good, young entrepreneurs right here in Pulaski County!

- The “elevator pitch” originated in Hollywood when a screenwriter would pitch an idea to an executive riding the same elevator. With only 30-90 seconds, it forced the one with the idea to present it quickly and concisely.

Today’s business ideas can be presented in lots of venues, including Fallonventions and Shark Tank.

- The Tonight Show on NBC starring Jimmy Fallon has an opportunity for young entrepreneurs to submit ideas and inventions on its segment called “Fallonventions”. http://www.nbc.com/fallonventions.

- Shark Tank on ABC debuted six years ago and received the 2014 Emmy Award for Outstanding Structured Reality Program. The Sharks are selfmade, millionaires and billionaires searching to invest in new businesses and innovative products. One NRV company, Taaluma Totes has been featured as a finalist.

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Summer Tr av e l

Down the Road a Piece

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History, wine, back roads, theatre, heritage, fine food, music, rural landscapes and luxury accommodations in a tastefully restored hotel can all be experienced just down the road a piece.

If the ideal weekend or overnight respite for you doesn’t involve hours in the car, miles in the air and the exorbitant cost and weariness associated with long journeys, then consider discovering ~ or rediscovering ~ Wytheville, less than an hour from the New River Valley.

The town with the wide main street and cool downtown was founded in 1792 and named for the first signer of the Declaration of Independence for Virginia, George Wythe The Bolling Wilson Hotel, constructed in 1927 and opened as the George Wythe Hotel, has been restored to magnificence on the heels of decades as a bank. Named for Edith Bolling Wilson, the 35th first lady of the United States and a Wytheville native, the guest rooms NRVMAGAZINE.com

During World War I, she, like many American women, wore thrift clothing, observed rationing and volunteered for the Red Cross. and common spaces exhibit a classy blend of historical accoutrements with contemporary style.

Mrs. Wilson, President Woodrow Wilson’s second wife, was referred to as both “the first woman president” and “the secret president” for her dedicated role in

caring for Wilson following a stroke which left him partially paralyzed. In her words: “...and so began my stewardship.” During World War I, she, like many American women, wore thrift clothing, observed rationing and volunteered for the Red Cross. Devoted to the end, she remained in their Washington, D.C., home for 37 years after Wilson died in 1924. They are the only presidential couple buried in Washington, D.C., and both are interred at the Washington National Cathedral. Her birthplace museum is across the street from the Bolling Wilson Hotel in Wytheville.

Honoring Mrs. Wilson melds her gracious style and hospitality with the congenial, sophisticated atmosphere which permeates the hotel that bears her name.

The town slogan “There’s Only One” sets Wytheville apart as a unique destination, not far by car, yet just far enough to meet the need for a refreshing getaway in any season.

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N RV Cooks

Barbecue with Faith, Passion and Love Text by Sheila Nelson Photos by Always and Forever Photography

P.J. Slaughter’s earliest kitchen memories include playing with his mother’s pots and pans on the kitchen floor and his first cooking experience with eggs in a microwave. He comes from a big family which put a lot of emphasis on good food in large quantities, as well as the fellowship which went along with enjoying it together.

This 33-year-old Pulaski County native and resident of Dublin has always enjoyed cooking.

Last September, Slaughter and Brian McGinnis started their part-time catering business, Big Roosters Wings & BBQ. It is named for Slaughter’s great-grandfather, Frank “Big Rooster” Payne, a self-taught cook who was the male cook of the sizeable family and a cook in the military.

The seed for the business was planted about three years ago after Slaughter prepared a large quantity of food for a successful fund-raiser for a mission trip to Thailand by his church. Valley Harvest Ministry is very supportive and allows him to use their kitchen for food preparation. Steve and Kimberly Johnston gave him his first real catering job for their daughter’s wedding. After that, the Johnstons and others encouraged him to cook professionally.

The son of Terry and Theresa Slaughter, P. J. is a 2000 graduate of Pulaski County High School. He has worked for 13 years as a motor specialist at Kollmorgen. While he enjoys his job very much, his passion for cooking, art and painting are always with him. He is continually developing new recipes and experiments with a wide variety of meats, sauces, rubs and woods for smoking the meats. “The true art of barbecuing is much more than tossing a hamburger patty on a grill,” he explains. “Preparation time is great for this slow-cooking process over NRVMAGAZINE.com

Brian McGinnis low temperatures. Allowing the flavors to blend and rendering the fats of the meat is not something for the impatient. To be successful requires not only time, but also hard work.” He researches the market prior to each event. For example, will attendees prefer vinegar-based Carolina style taste or the Virginia sweet barbecue?

All of Slaughter’s recipes are original, and he prefers to barbecue over hardwoods such as hickory, oak, cherry and apple as each one gives a different taste to the meat. Slaughter and McGinnis have invested in a Lang BBQ Grill & Smoker, and the majority of the food they prepare uses the smoking process instead of grilling over direct heat. In addition to pork shoulder and butt, ribs, chicken, tenderloin and brisket, the New River Valley Sheep & Goat Club convinced them to add lamb and goat meat. The most unusual meat Slaughter has barbecued is beef tongue.

McGinnis and Slaughter, along with Benjamin Manning and Nick Edwards, occasionally pool their talents as

Front Porch BBQ and compete in events.

In their first competition at Chateau Morrisette’s Black Dog Festival in 2014, they won the People’s Choice Award for a variety of barbecued foods.

Slaughter credits God with giving him the opportunity to pursue his passion for cooking more and more as his part-time business slowly expands. He has catered for groups large and small and truly enjoys every opportunity. “You eat with your eyes first,” he states, emphasizing the importance of presentation as well as taste. This affords him an opportunity to combine his artistic talents with his cooking skills.

The partners in the business complement each other. Brian appears more laid-back, while P. J. describes himself as high strung. They both take great pride in what they do, trying new things and learning all the time. Will he one day become a Pit Master? Will the catering business go full-time? Slaughter responds to these questions in a way that seems typical of the way he lives his life.

“I am not sure what the future will bring,” he concedes, “but I know that cooking is my passion and calling. I am happy when I cook and will continue to pray and seek God’s will for the next steps in my journey.

I know that as long as I keep God first in my life, anything is possible. I continue to be a work in progress and strive to be the best that I can be. I always ask God to influence my work, to bless my hands and the foods I prepare, and to let me always reflect Him.”

When Slaughter is asked what makes his barbecue special, he reveals his special ingredients --- faith, passion and love!

Sheila Nelson is a Pulaski County native and frequent contributor to New River Valley Magazine.

J u l y / A u g 2 0 1 5

45

NRV Teens smart, sensitive, savvy, strong, sincere

By Joanne M. Anderson

Rotary International has a presence all over the world, and its motto, “Service Over Self,” is exemplified in high ethical standards, volunteering, donating, fund raising and helping others. When the Vocational Service Committee for The Rotary Club of Blacksburg meets to evaluate nominations for annual Outstanding Career & Technical Education Awards, they look for those same positive characteristics in Montgomery County high school seniors.

“In addition to academic achievements, personal character and spirit of service, these kids are busy,” states Tommy Loflin, market president at NewRiver Bank and cochair of Rotary’s Vocational Service Committee. “They play varsity sports, sing in the choir, serve on student council and as class officers, tutor other students, have part-time jobs, and on and on and on. There are many wonderful teens who are living their lives as we Rotarians try to live ours.”

The Rotary Club of Blacksburg honored 14 recent high school graduates from four Montgomery County high schools with $1,000 scholarships in three categories: Fine Arts, Career and Technical Education, and Math/ Science. The money goes straight to the community college or university for the student. “It’s a big expense for us,” Loflin continues, “but it’s a pretty good investment in the future.”

46

NRV MAGAZINE

Rotary Scholarship Recipients, Goal/major, School Morgan Arrivillaga, vocal music, James Madison University Reilly Blevins, vocal music, American Musical and Dramatic Academy Eric Chang, tenor saxophone, Virginia Tech Laura Foretich, vocal music, Radford University Emily Godbey, visual arts, Virginia Commonwealth University Logan Helms, Pediatric Nurse, New River Community College Alexandria Hunter, Music therapy, New River Community College Kallesa Leonard, Dental Hygienist, New River Community College Corbin Mathews, Physician, University of Virginia Attia Mohamed, Trauma Surgeon, Radford University Devin Nowall, Computer Scientist/programming drones, Virginia Tech

The Cameron Fitzwater Memorial Scholarship is awarded annually to four graduating high school seniors in Pulaski County who have participated in activities to which Cameron Fitzwater was dedicated and plan to further their education. It was created to celebrate the life of Cameron Taylor Fitzwater by allowing his life and dreams to live on by helping others pursue their ambition of higher education.

Cameron, who died in 2012 in a onevehicle accident at the age of 18, enjoyed Boy Scouts (Eagle Scout), choir, drama, track, wrestling, Young Life, kayaking, rock climbing, hiking, camping, swimming, reading, hunting and helping others. He is described by classmates as “driven by the happiness of others” [Maizy Landreth], and “he taught me what a real leader is” [Joseph Shaver].

Other recipients this year note that “he challenged life’s endeavors with a smile and positive mindset” [Tyler Blevins], and “he was able to inspire people to great performances” [Michael Sparta].

Cameron Fitzwater Memorial Scholarship Recipients, College Tyler Blevins, Hampden-Sydney College Maizy Landreth, Concord College

Katherine Saylors, Physician’s Assistant, New River Community College

Joseph Shaver, Radford University

Erinn Elizabeth Stephenson, dance, Virginia Tech Sean Wilkins, Biomedical engineering (invent devices for disabled), Virginia Tech

July / August

Michael Sparta, New River Community College

2015

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