NRV Magazine May-June 2015

New River Valley’s Premier Lifestyle Magazine

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q Historic Downtown Wytheville...where the LOVE is! r

Play All Day! Stay All Night!

HOPE’s metric century ride across scenic Southwest Virginia.

Sat., June 20, 7:30am www.bigwalkercharityride.com

www.facebook.com/Skeeters-World-Famous-Hotdogs

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Walk through history with the Pocahontas descendant who became a First Lady.

Treat yourself at the classic street corner hotdog joint. Serving millions since 1925. www.edithbollingwilson.org

www.bollingwilsonhotel.com

End your day in luxury at a unique boutique hotel with award-winning dining at Graze on Main Restaurant. www.facebook.com/grazeonmain

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AC ES TO

2015

CONTENTS

May - June

2015

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VT Crew Team

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In the Kitchen with Candice Matthis

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T he New R iver

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Ba c k t o N at ure

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NRV Home

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Ho mest eading 21st Cent ur y St yl e

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N R V R i de s : Sm ar t Ca r

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C l e ar i n g C u s t o m s : I ta l y

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Far m e r s Mar ke t s

4 0 Pl ayg r o u n ds 42

Su m m e r E ve n t s

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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 Chambers 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

Abraham Lincoln signed the Homestead Act in 1862, which opened one half million square miles of territory in the West. Anyone 21 or older or the head of family who had never taken up arms against the U.S. ~ freed slaves and women included ~ could file an application to claim a federal land grant. There was some residency requirement, and the typical homestead was 160 acres.

Books abound, like The Homesteading Handbook, The Ultimate Guide to Homesteading and The Backyard Homestead: Produce all the food you need on just a quarter of an acre. [Really?] Magazines like Mother Earth News, Hobby Farms, Grit and Small Farm Today appeal to millions who embrace the sustainability movement. Of course, it’s not really a movement because it hasn’t moved. Those who live off the land may have diminished in number or percent, but homesteading has always intrigued people who embrace rural lifestyles, even those on a city rooftop, if you can get your mind around “urban homesteading.” That’s a bit of an oxymoron to me.

According to the media kit at Mother Earth News (founded in 1970), “the $290 billion sustainable lifestyle sector represents one in every four Americans — a massive group of green consumers focused on the environment, health and sustainable living. This rural lifestyle market — constituting an estimated 27 million rural property owners — focuses on sustainability, self-reliance and healthy living.”

With all the rural beauty in the New River Valley, it’s a certainty that Josh and Katie Settlage, profiled on page 28, are not the only homesteaders around. They may not have 160 acres [yet], but they have big dreams which they have already begun to implement and live.

The Virginia Cooperative Extension has a wealth of information on agriculture, natural resources, family, health and gardening on its website for potential homesteaders.

I’d like to say a special thank you to Kelli H. Scott, the Agriculture & Natural Resources Agent for Virginia Cooperative Extension in Montgomery County. She is contributing garden articles to New River Valley Magazine for the second year, and this issue presents both a garden feature and farmer’s market story by her. We (readers and I) appreciate you, Kelli!

Speaking of gardens, mark your calendars now for the New River Valley Garden Tour on Saturday, July 11, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. A fundraiser for Friends of the Montgomery-Floyd Regional Library, this garden tour is a fun extravaganza of ideas, efforts and creativity. Gardens this year are in Christiansburg and Riner, and Attimo Winery is hosting a food truck rally the same day. www.mfrlfriends.org/gardentour.html and www.attimowinery.com.

Joanne Anderson

ManagingEditor

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Fea tur e

A Symphony of Motion V IR G I NI A T E C H C R E W

V Photo by Mac Stone

Text by Neill E. Frazier and Alex T. Gagliano

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Photo by Jim Stroup

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Visible merely from the light of the robust moon reflecting off the glasslike water of Claytor Lake, the faint figure of our coach utters: “It’s a great morning to learn to row.” Every morning, without fail, we hear these words through the coach’s megaphone, and then again from the echoes reverberating off the jagged tree line. “We are but a speck of dust in the midst of the cosmos,” he continues, gesturing up at the countless stars above us so often obscured by light pollution.

“What we do this morning has no real impact on the universe, so make it worth something to you.”

Established in 1993, the Virginia Tech Crew team is a student-run

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organization that competes all across the East coast, from Boston to Augusta, Ga. Whereas rowing is often more popular than football in some Northeast states, it can be highly misunderstood south of the Mason-Dixon Line. A typical racing boat is made up of eight rowers and one coxswain. The coxswain, generally the most underestimated position, is the commander of the boat and its rowers.

A good coxswain must be consistent and articulate and have a knack for motivating and inspiring the rowers to perform. And no, he doesn’t pound a drum. Between rowers, every movement and stroke has to be in sync, and every ounce of power has to be applied simultaneously. As a result,

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rowing relies heavily on trust. By stepping into a boat, a rower makes a promise to his or her teammates to row their hardest every stroke so that the boat as a whole can move forward together. There is no personal glory. Either the boat wins, or it doesn’t.

Each race is 2,000 meters long and takes about six minutes and 30 seconds to finish. Mental fortitude and focus during these races is as important as physical strength, as there are no water breaks, no time outs and no substitutions. For those 2,000 meters, every second counts. Even a single curious glance at the competition in the heat of a race can slow the boat or cause the rest of the rowers to become

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www.vtcrew.weebly.com https://www.facebook.com/ VirginiaTechCrewTeam

Photo by Jim Stroup

Daniel James Brown is the author of “Boys in the Boat,” one of the most highly regarded rowing novels about the epic quest for gold at the 1936 Olympics in Berlin, Germany.

unbalanced. Daniel James Brown, author of “Boys in the Boat”, relates rowing a 2,000 meter race to “the same physiological toll as playing two basketball games back-toback in [approximately] six minutes.” The question is not whether or not it will hurt, or how much it will hurt. It’s a question of what will you do, or how well you will do it, when pain occurs.

But, of course, rowing isn’t all torture; and in fact, there is truly something indescribable about the sport. Rowing well presents the perfect combination of effort, rhythm and teamwork. And when a crew can find all of these things, it’s pure pleasure. It’s what makes waking up before 5 a.m. worthwhile. As Brown describes it: “It’s a great art, is rowing. It’s the finest art there is. It’s a symphony of motion. And when you’re rowing well, why it’s nearing perfection. And when you near perfection, you’re touching the Divine. It touches the you of yous. Which is your soul.”

Our team is composed mainly of Virginia Tech students, from our rowers 12

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to our coach. Marcos Carzolio, our head coach, is a Ph.D. candidate in the statistics department. Academically, our average team GPA is 3.45, with many rowers on track to graduate Summa Cum Laude.

In addition, rowers participate in a vast array of extra-curricular activities, from designing and building an autonomous submarine for the College of Engineering to investing $5 million into the bond and security market for the Pamplin College of Business. Most recently, we’ve had several rowers participate in internships at places like NASA and DuPont; and even in different areas of the world, with one rower having just returned from a research program in Chile.

One of the greatest challenges faced by many collegiate rowing teams is lack of funding, and ours is no exception.

There’s a reason rowing is typically portrayed in TV and film as reserved for preppy ivy leaguers - boats can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $30,000. To help raise funds, we work concessions

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for many of the Virginia Tech football games, in addition to having percentage nights at restaurants in the Blacksburg area. Additionally, our biggest community outreach is our “Rent-a-Rower” program, in which our team completes house and yard work for hire (our going rate is $10 per rower hour).

Rowing is a sport and a way of life. It requires determination and passion, but teaches teamwork, focus and persistence that remain long after practice ends. After the 5 a.m. wakeup calls and countless hours spent training, rowing becomes “something more than just the boat or its crew.” It becomes a union of rower, coxswain, boat and experience, pulling each other ever forward while forming bonds that will last for years to come.

Neill E. Frazier, majoring in Applied Agriculture and Economics, and Alex T. Gagliano, a Computational Modeling and Data Analytics major, are both second year VT Crew rowers and members of the Class of 2017.

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Blossoms in The Blooming

Kitchen

By Jennifer Poff Cooper Photos by Always and Forever Photography

“Cooking is an adventure,” enthuses Candice Matthis. Her love for food and cooking began at a young age and was inspired by her Austrian Oma (grandmother). In fact, Matthis almost went to Johnson & Wales University’s culinary school after high school. She chose a different path, however, and graduated from college with a degree in public relations. While she doesn’t regret that track, as it led her to meet her husband, she has come full circle to realize her true passion is, indeed, cooking.

“As I got older and busy with college and life, cooking was not my top priority. The George Foreman driedchicken days were abysmal. That was all I could do during college, burn a chicken breast, open a can of green beans and un-box mac ‘n cheese!” Soon, though, 14

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Matthis began to embrace healthful foods. “It wasn’t until I was 23 that I began my journey to eating more whole foods and started exploring cooking with more natural ingredients versus canned or packaged ones.”

After her third child, she was diagnosed with food allergies to wheat, barley and sesame.

Matthis recalls coming home from the allergist’s office and crying because she could no longer cook her existing recipes. She regrouped and became proactive, looking up more suitable recipes on the Internet, even exhausting her ink supply printing recipes from blogs. The transition has gone slowly – over 10 years – going from white to brown grains then totally gluten-free.

“It is truly a lifestyle change,” she says. It even led her to alter shampoo and make-up

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because so many beauty products contain wheat.

How has the family adjusted?

Healthful eating creates a ripple effect, she contends. Her husband, Lee, is supportive and agreeable. Her children hardly know anything different. Matthis is not one to fix separate dinners, so they have learned to eat and like what she cooks. In fact, her eldest son has had some digestive issues so he gladly adheres to the regimen because it makes him feel better. Matthis admits that cooking whole foods and gluten-free is more expensive than traditional cooking.

She spent a lot of money experimenting with different types of flours, for example, until hitting on ones that created tasty food. Shopping is not a problem. Between Kroger, Annie Kay’s and farmer’s markets, she finds what she needs. She and her

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Candice’s Tips for Gluten Free Cooking and Baking ~ My two favorite all-purpose flour blends that can be substituted 1-for-1 in most recipes:

~ King Arthur Gluten Free Allpurpose flour

~ Cup 4 Cup Gluten Free Flour blend * Pamela’s Baking and Pancake Mix is also a wonderful product to have on hand. ~~~ If you are baking breads, try to use a flour blend that contains sorghum flour as the first ingredient, instead of white rice flour. White rice flour tends to make bread gummy in texture.

Krusteaz brand makes a great glutenfree flour blend that is sorghum based, and I highly recommend for baking gluten free breads.

~~~ Coconut and almond flours are useful in a multitude of recipes. They are full of fiber and protein and are more nutrient dense than all-purpose flour. ~~~ Be sure to check all labels, even those of meats, especially sausages or meats that have been pre-marinated or seasoned. Wheat is used as a filler and binding agent and can be a sneaky, hidden ingredient. I shop mainly on the perimeter of the grocery store to avoid processed foods that may contain hidden ingredients. All fruits, vegetables and certain grains like rice are naturally gluten free. I also buy only organic and unseasoned meat. ~~~ Wonderful blogs for getting started with gluten free recipes: • glutenfreegoddess.com • paleOMG.com • elenaspantry.com • againstallgrain.com • The Blooming Kitchen blog will

be up soon!

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husband also bought a whole cow from a local beef farmer.

Matthis is interested in turning her passion into a business “to give others a real food experience.”

She has felt pulled to do this in the past couple of years, and things keep falling together to further her mission. It began with friends asking her advice, knowing about her healthy food odyssey. Her husband suggested she write a cookbook, but that seemed too overwhelming. So she started smaller by having 15 people take a survey, and she found that people are interested in her advice on recipes, meal planning, grocery shopping, cooking, healthy choices when eating out and crock pot ideas.

Thus, The Blooming Kitchen was born. Her beloved Oma’s china features beautiful pink blossoms. The business plan is evolving and will most likely include “concierge” packages, a subscription service such as a blog and recipe feed and a la carte help as needed. Matthis wants to help people see that clean eating doesn’t have to be difficult.

Marketing is through wordof-mouth and social media. She laughs that she has become almost as interested in taking photos of her creations to post on Instagram as she is in cooking them. People have

taken notice. She receives multiple comments on her pictures from followers, and even interest from a coffee shop in New York.

Matthis’ signature glutenfree recipe (which she keeps secret) is a cinnamon roll. She recalls her first forays into gluten-free treats being less than scrumptious, so she massaged her recipe over time and now has a hit on her hands. In fact, the Sweet Donkey coffee shop in Roanoke is looking at adding her cinnamon rolls to its menu.

Candice Matthis has big dreams. She is going to take an online course from Bauman College in California to be a nutritional consultant, and ultimately wants to study at the National Gourmet Institute, a nationally accredited culinary school in New York that focuses on whole foods.

This would require relocation for six to 12 months, so that is a long-term goal for when her young children are grown. Cooking should be fun, Matthis believes – not just about the final product, but about the whole sensory experience: “I love putting on good music, pouring a glass of wine and getting lost in creativity!”

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

Recipes on page 17

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Recipes from The Blooming Kitchen page 14

California Quinoa Salad

Pecan Encrusted Chicken Tenders

California Quinoa Salad (Whole Foods Copycat from triplantstong.blogspot.ca)

Pecan Encrusted Chicken Tenders 1 lb. chicken tenders 1/2 cup stone ground mustard 2 tbsp. honey 1 cup chopped pecans Mix mustard and honey together in a shallow dish. In another shallow dish, place chopped pecans. Dip each chicken tender in mustard mixture, then coat both sides in pecans. Place chicken tenders on a slated pan and bake at 350ยบ for 45 mins.

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2 c. quinoa (regular or red or a combo of both) 4 c. water (for cooking quinoa) 1 pkg. frozen mango 1/2 large red onion, diced 1 red pepper, diced 1 bunch cilantro, chopped 1-2 c. shredded unsweetened coconut 3/4-1 c. unsalted, dry-toasted slivered almonds 1-1 1/2 c. golden raisins 2-3 c. frozen edamame, thawed Juice of 4-5 limes 3-4 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar 1. Rinse quinoa well, cook the 2 c. quinoa in 4 c. water, as directed on package.

2. Fluff quinoa well when done, let cool and place in a large bowl.

3. Dice and chop fresh ingredients and add them along with remaining ingredients. Toss together and enjoy. This dish is great cold!

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An Uplifting Story:

The New River’s Unique Formation

Text by Emily Alberts Photos by Wild Country Studios

For those new to the world of river sports, here’s why this mighty grandfather of East Coast Rivers is the perfect place to get your feet wet.

We cannot help but feel calm beside a river as the water courses by with vigor and purpose, making its way to some distant destination. To use the jargon of the day, the New River is surprisingly “userfriendly,” and its ease of access makes it the perfect place to enter the world of river sports.

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In the words of local river enthusiast and owner of Stride stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) Luke Hopkins: “The New River Valley is one of the best places to get into river sports. The New River is a particularly great place to get your feet wet, pardon the expression,” he laughs. “It is much more accessible than say Great Falls. You can walk right into the river with ease, making it enjoyable at any age.” Nevertheless, we are also just a stone’s throw from some of the most impressive whitewater this side of the Rockies. With a short car ride, one can get the full effect of Class IV rapids kayaking or rafting.

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Unburying the River’s History

At the ripe old age of approximately 450 million years, the Appalachian Mountains are among the oldest mountains in the entire world. Philip Prince, Ph.D., is as unique as the New River itself. An instructor in geosciences at Virginia Tech, Prince is a world-class paddler and an AT thru-hiker (he did the entire route in 2006). He speaks deliberately and in a relaxing nasally tone: “I’m about as Appalachian as one can get.”

A colonel-esque moustache adorns his upper lip, and his deep, Southern drawl pours slowly from his thin wire frame. His neck

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“Let the River Love on Ya”

There’s not much better way to experience the New River than to live on it -- if just for a day, weekend, honeymoon or a week or two. New River ‘s Edge is one of several private retreats on the river bank. Overnight or day use includes canoes, kayaks, tubes, shuttle service, fire ring (wood included), picnic tables, grill and space for a picnic blanket or just to soak up some sun. A rustic, log beam, A-frame with 2 bathrooms, full kitchen and linens sleeps 10.

Perfect for fly fishing, family fun, church groups, children. Fish, canoe, swim, enjoy the river by day, bonfire, cookout, roasting marshmallows by evening. Shuttle service runs between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. The river here is friendly for all, including the little ones. You’ll love the river for it’s calm, sports, cool water, great fish and fun. As they say out there, “Let the River Love on Ya”, too.

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is befittingly bowtied, and his feet are most often tucked inside homemade leather shoes.

We met in the Geology Museum on campus, and if you haven’t been there, you should go. A fully assembled, teenage Allosaurus skeleton resides therein, and a giant glowing orb of “Pangea” spins slowly.

To uncover the truth about the New River, we have to know a bit about the earth itself and how erosion works. Prince brings out three tubs of Play-Doh to illustrate the ways of the world. “It’s not about whether the mountains came before the river or if the river was there before the mountains,” he explains. “The mountains were always here.”

In the course of centuries, the mountains were buried and subsequently unburied as the topography changed. The mountains we see today have been exposed by the removal of about three miles of overlying rock.

This slow process allowed the 320-mile New River to gradually find the best way across the ridges on its way from the high Appalachians to the Ohio River, ultimately leading to the Gulf of Mexico. That’s right, it flows westward.”

Geologists use a device called a “pressure box” to model the folding and faulting of rock layers, which are represented by a variety of materials. This model uses flour and cornmeal to represent the four massive wrinkles of rock into which the New River Valley has been carved.

Contrary to expectations, the river doesn’t empty itself eastward into the

Atlantic Ocean. Early pioneers discovered the river flowed to the Ohio and realized it was the gateway to the West, the New Frontier. Perhaps someday many, many years from now, it will eventually connect with the Roanoke River and flow eastward.

Up, up and away

In addition to this odd East to West flow, the New River is also unique in that it flows north. These peculiar directional habits, coupled with the fact that the river cuts right through Appalachian rocks that are proven to be erosion-resistant, lead people to believe that the river’s formation preceded the uplift of the Appalachian Mountains themselves.

At McCoy Falls, one can see that the mountains look as though they sprang up around the river. Part of that illusion is due to the deception of elevation. Even though Blacksburg technically sits in a valley, it’s relatively high up. It is quite a descent to the river so the jagged cliffs and mountains look enormous.

“As a geologist, I think the most unique characteristic of the New River basin is that despite its large size, it sits at a higher elevation than surrounding river systems.

Neighboring rivers have developed courses which move water out of the high country to the modern coastline as quickly as possible; the New River does not do this,” Prince explains.

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An Entrepreneurial Dream Coming True

By Joanne M. Anderson

James Ulmer was in the ninth grade when he realized this not-so-profound truth: “If I wanted things in life, I had to work for them, and since then, I have had some sort of income.” He worked on farms, did some construction and worked for a landscape company. A couple years later, he and a buddy named Wes contemplated what to do with their lives. “Using tools lying around our parents’ houses, J&W Landscaping was born. We ran the business all summer and did surprisingly well, and that’s when my entrepreneur ambition began,” he relates.

Ulmer concluded that the best way to gain credibility for his landscaping company dream was to back it up with a degree. “My ultimate goal was to go to Virginia Tech, and I knew the best route would be to attend New River Community College and transfer into Virginia Tech,” he says. “Throughout college, it was a struggle to manage school and run the business.”

But he persevered with what is now Back to Nature Landscaping & Wildlife Restoration.

“Over the years I have been able to legitimize the company with insurance, licenses and equipment,” he explains. Now a bona fide Virginia Tech alumnus, class of 2014, Ulmer graduated with a horticulture landscape contracting degree and a minor in business. Certainly, he is among few 24-yearolds who can say he’s been in business eight years and serviced more than 150 clients.

Among the values he embraces like integrity, customer satisfaction and hard work, this young entrepreneur understands 20

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well what Gordon Bethune knew when he took the reins as CEO of Continental Airlines in 1994. Hailed as one of the greatest corporate turnarounds in history, the company was losing $55 million a month with performance ranked last in service, customer complaints and mishandled baggage. He did it “largely by unlocking the value of Continental’s 45,000 employees, whose input had been shunned by what he referred to as ‘cloistered management.’”

[Entrepreneur Magazine, March 2014]

“As the business began to grow, it was clear that I could not do this myself. My mind is constantly turning about how I can make money and invest in what is around me. So I needed to invest in employees with the same mindset.” Ulmer has assembled a team of VT grads and committed workers with complementary skills and the same dedication to each job and each customer that he has.

• Scott Fitzgerald, a finance major, understands all aspects of the company from being in the field for three years and is taking over the books.

• Riley Wimer graduated magna cum laude in agricultural technology landscape management and is very interested in plants of all types as well as design and landscape installation and improvement.

• Josh Nunn is the turf management specialist with more than a decade of experience

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to provide honest and informed step-bystep guidance for lawn care, including golf courses and commercial properties.

• Andrew Milauskas is a highly organized professional who establishes long-term, positive relationships with clients, colleagues and outside resources. A creative hardscape designer with leadership skills, he has experience in diverse hardscape settings.

Back to Nature aspires to be one of the leading landscaping companies in the New River Valley. “Once we get a customer, our goal is to keep them for life, so they don’t need to call multiple companies for outdoor projects. We take our experiences, learn from them and try to make our company better.”

The business now resides on six acres on Thomas Lane, off Prices Fork Road.

The entire team is involved in planning a full retail, construction and nursery business.

“I know I have a bright future with a lot of work ahead of me,” says Ulmer confidently.

“This year will be even brighter because in October, I am getting married to McKenzie Skidmore, who works in the radiology department at LewisGale Montgomery.”

Successful entrepreneurs like James Ulmer often shy from the spotlight, preferring to shine it instead on the people around them ~ employees and customers ~ without whom they could not thrive. Ulmer points the light on them as instrumental in achieving his dream.

2015

StarCityGreyhounds.org Also find us on Facebook! rginsuranceassociatesllc@gmail.com

Helping People...It’s What We Do.

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One Woman’s Forever Home Plan

Text by Joanne M. Anderson Photos by Natalie Gibbs Photography

In the same year that Google was founded, the TV show “Seinfeld” came to an end and the highly acclaimed books “The Not So Big House” and “Eclectic Style in Interior Design” were published, Lois Baumgartner went with a friend and former neighbor to look at a new subdivision in Blacksburg. “She told me that she was hand picking her neighbors,” Lois recalls. “It was a Sunday, and Brookfield Village had a brick entrance, two gazebos, paved streets, sidewalks, town water and neatly marked plots. The mist was lifting off Brush Mountain on a little rise off the main circle that I thought would be perfect.” When she returned with her husband, Fred, later that afternoon, he conceded that if they could buy that plot, he’d consider it.

They had grown weary of 22 22

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years in their in-town, 4-level “starter” home which backed up to a busy University City Blvd., and Lois had been saving her dream house plan for just this moment. They bought the lot with a west view across pastures and rolling hills to Brush Mountain in January of 1999.

Building started in March, and they moved in September.

Fralin & Waldron of Roanoke designed this planned community, so Lois took her plans to their architect.

“He wanted to make certain it would fit into the neighborhood,” she says. “The traditional design has a compact floor plan with about 2,800 square feet on two floors.

The architect removed a dormer from an upstairs bedroom right off. I flipped the garage from the original plan, so the master bedroom would be in front toward

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the view.” Lois also asked for a bonus room over the garage finished as a combo office, sewing, craft, exercise space. She gave the architect dimensions for corner cabinets and antique pieces so window placement would allow wall space to accommodate the furniture.

Because of allergies, Lois chose wood floors for the first floor, and though they have a basement, she requested a main floor laundry room with a pass-through from the master bedroom. “This baffled the builders since they only dealt with laundry chutes from one floor to another. During construction, the pass-through “hole” laundry door had to be moved six feet to the left so it would line up with the lower base cabinet on the other side of the wall in the laundry room.

We caught that just in time.” Though she was working full-time when the house was being

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HOME IS . . .

WHERE YOU CAN RELAX.

Let me help you find your place to get away.

JEREMY HART

400 N. Main Street, Blacksburg, VA

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

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built, Lois went to the site every day when she knew the building supervisor would be there.

She put five pocket doors in her plan so not to lose wall space due to swinging doors, and she worked with a kitchen planner who suggested the sink in a U-shape counter facing the mountain view. A few years after moving in, the builder wanted to place a two-story home 60 feet from their front door. “We bought that lot to protect our mountain view,” states Fred.

That they want to live on one floor was questioned by the architect, who observed that Fred and Lois were not that old. Lois laughs. “We don’t move often, and I plan to be carried out of this house.

I knew what I wanted and never strayed from it.”

Charm exudes from every room of the home, where an eclectic blend of traditional, antique, international and country rustic get along well with soft 26

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Charm exudes from every room of the home, where an eclectic blend of traditional, antique, international and country rustic wall colors, crown molding and a tiny touch of bright red in every room. There’s a Colonial appeal upon arrival at their slightly secluded setting. A white picket fence frames the front patio with a cherry tree for shade and potted flowers and the American flag or a seasonal banner for pops of color. Stepping through French doors into the living room brings one into a real “living” room, as this is their main “living” space. Fred often grades paper on the couch, and they both relax in front of the fireplace and TV. There’s no separate den or family room on the first floor, promoting efficiency of space.

The open, formal dining room is next to the living room with a bright,

March-April

enchanting, well-organized kitchen beyond.

It’s white with gray granite countertops, yellow and blue accent pieces and an antique wood table that beckons one to sit, chat and enjoy a cup of tea. Plantation blinds are built into window height shutters which open or close, and the view to the west is calming in any season..

The master bedroom features a high bed with black and cream linens, matching wingback chair and valances. Mahogany and brass furnishings round out an attractive Williamsburg style. The master bath has that little door with laundry basket concealed and another door opening to the laundry/ mud room on the other side. Efficient, cute, functional.

A brick front porch facing west sports the requisite white rockers where Lois and Fred often spend summer evenings. Lois has a classic, authentic, warm touch in style that matches her personality. Her seemingly effortless decor radiates gracious living in casual comfort.

2015

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Homesteading 21st Century Style

Text by Joanne M. Anderson Photos by Natalie Gibbs Photography

Some say the eyes have it, others focus on personality, color, markings, conformation, papers, ears. I say these little guys and gals have it all, and they can earn their keep with milk, offspring and entertainment.

The goats, cute as buttons and friendly as puppies, are but one part of Josh and Katie Settlage’s homestead dreams and reality. The couple, married less than a year, has already established a small homestead on the edge of Christiansburg, opting to buy land with a 28

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couple old mobile homes on it to launch their dream of independence. “This lifestyle is my 401(K),” Katie explains, “because if the economy tanks or the country erupts into chaos of any kind, you can’t eat money, but you can enjoy farm fresh food.”

In addition to some two dozen Nigerian Dwarf goats, registered with both the American Dairy Goat Association (ADGA) and American Goat Society (AGS), the Settlages have three gardens, one large, black, Mulefoot cross

May/June

pig named Pancetta (future bacon and pork products), a flock of chickens and a young, pretty Great Pyrenees guard dog, Kili. The dog is as cute and amusing as the goats, and at barely six months, she already knows her job.

Katie’s biggest motivator has been her maternal grandmother, Sonia Lohmeyer, who grew up in a similar lifestyle in New Jersey. “She has been a huge inspiration as we embark on this journey. Ultimately, I think that the appeal of this lifestyle isn’t really

2015

measured by profits, but instead by how much insight and appreciation you gain for providing your own farm fresh, free range, organic, high quality food.” Her parents also encourage her from their law offices in Washington, D.C. “Yeah, both my folks are lawyers, and they’re cool with our choices,” Katie adds.

“We have planted our first vegetable and fruit crops, herbs in the front raised beds and bee-friendly flowers. We will add a multi-fruit orchard this year, too. Our next goal for food production is canning and preserving our produce to eat throughout the year,” says Josh, who is attached to a Scout platoon and serves as a combat medic in the National Guard.

Everyone has seen a vegetable garden and fruit trees and bushes, as well as chickens, but the goats take center stage at Mountain Mischief ~ and they are full of it, mischief, that is.

“They climb on anything,” Katie has experienced, “and that includes me and Josh if we bend down for a few seconds to move a water bowl or adjust a fence post.” Katie has put in all the fencing and moves it as needed to let land rest and give the goats fresh forage. “Goats and pigs are great land clearers. We put some goats in one small spot, thinking they could live there two months, and in a few days, they did away with everything,” Josh relates, “including weeds and unwanted thistles. Pancetta totally decimated the space she was in which made it perfect for sowing seeds.”

Goats are bucks and does, akin to deer, and the little ones are kids, akin to children. “We participate in performance programs, including production (milk) testing and linear appraisal (measurement of physical traits and ranking in relation to a breed standard) through AGS and ADGA. We also attend three to six ADGA sanctioned shows per year, including the New River Valley Fair in Dublin. We milk all of our does and use the milk NRVMAGAZINE.com

Kristen Terra at the NRV Fair, 2014

Kristen Terra and newborn kid

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for cooking, drinking, cheese and soap making and bottle feeding baby goats.

We get about three eggs per day from the chickens and about half a quart to a gallon of milk each day from our goats, depending on how many are being milked,” Katie beams.

At Terra Bella Ranch in Elliston, Kristen and Justin Terra raise performance horses, working Australian Shepherds and Nigerian Dwarf dairy goats. “We started our registered Nigerian Dwarf herd in early 2011,” says Kristen. “We have a strong foundation herd and hope our future kids will improve and contribute to this wonderful mini dairy breed. We milk year-round, show and use our friendly Nigerians as therapy animals with patients from all walks of life. Therefore, 30

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we strive to breed true dairy animals with outstanding temperaments that will be competitive in the show ring and put milk in the pail.” Both Katie and Kristen have Nigerian Dwarf goats and kids for sale via their websites.

Katie credits Kristen for getting her started with goats. “I grew up with horses,” Katie explains, “but they need a lot of land, a big trailer, big truck and big cost that we don’t have right now.

Horses are in our future, but today we revel in the success of our goat herd for breeding, showing and milk production.

Kristen and I attend shows together and talk often. I’m grateful for her mentorship.” And you can’t bottle feed a foal in your living room as the Settlages are doing. Living in an old mobile home has its advantages while they plan the

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real house, barns and outbuildings they will build some day on more than their current five acres.

“Our goal of a self-sustaining lifestyle is well on its way,” states Josh, “and we look forward to whatever changes and challenges the future might hold for us and our animals.”

Mountain Misery Homestead www.mountainmisery.org Terra Bella Ranch www.minidairygoats.com

2015

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NRV R i de s

Mrs. Einstein Cruises the Streets . . . eyelashes and all

Text by Karl H. Kazaks Photos by Nathan Cooke

Kelly Donoughe’s 2009 Smart fortwo passion has a name: Mrs. Einstein.

The smallest four-wheel car available for sale in the U.S., she originally called it Einstein for the physicist. When she added eyelashes to the car’s front headlights, she renamed it.

A grad student in transportation engineering at Virginia Tech, Donoughe purchased the rear-engine, rear-wheeldrive two-seater (fortwo, get it?) in 2009. The dealership in Maryland paid her travel expenses to get the car. Since then, Donoughe has put 55,000 miles on it., even taking it on a Smart cruise with about 100 Smarts riding with police escort, 32

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complete with synchronized traffic signal control. “That was pretty awesome,” she remembers.

Some of those miles have come from trips to visit her parents in Florida, where she grew up. The car doesn’t have the fastest acceleration, but it can certainly handle highway speeds. How fast can the car go? “I probably shouldn’t say,” she responds.

The car is less than nine feet long (106.1 inches) and can fit sideways in most parking spots (something that’s not legal in all jurisdictions). Despite its diminutive size, the car is chock full of technology.

The passion, the mid-level trim of the

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fortwo model, has anti-lock brakes, electronic stability and front and side airbags. It has an automated manual transmission, allowing Donoughe to drive it like an automatic or use paddles to shift gears manually.

Because the car is small, it has to have special safety designs, the most obvious of which is its Tridion cell. A rigid, steel cage composed partly of high-strength steel, the cell encloses the cabin and makes up most of the car’s chassis. The design of the cell helps transfer energy during collisions from the point of impact through the entire body.

The cell is hot-dipped galvanized and powder coated, allowing some of it to be exposed to the elements. That exposed

2015

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The concept of the Smart car emerged in the early 1990s when the Swiss company Swatch, best known for watches, looked into building an affordable city car with good mileage and great parking size. The company soon paired with Mercedes-Benz to make the idea a reality. “Smart” is an acronym for Swatch Mercedes Art.

section, visible on the car’s profile as a swooping C-like shape which runs from the front tires to the back tires, up behind the doors and over the top of the doors to the windshield, is often painted a contrasting color to the car’s plastic panels.

That visible part of the cell on Donoughe’s Smart is black, while the body panels are silver. She chose those colors because they are most similar to the black-and-white photographs taken of Einstein. The body panels are easily removable. Smart owners sometime trade them, as if swapping baseball cards. Other safety features include sensitive seat belt tensioners and head rests integral to the seats.

The car’s engine is one-liter with three cylinders and 70hp. Donoughe performs maintenance on the car herself, 34

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changing oil and checking fluids. The car does require premium gas. Even though it is small, it has storage space behind the seats and above the rear engine. The wheels are 15 inches and alloy, with wider tires in the back than in the front, adding to the car’s sporty appearance.

The Smart doesn’t ride close to the road, but because of the short distance between axles, you do notice bumpy terrain. When you go over speed bumps, Donoughe said, “as soon as you go up and over with one set of wheels, you go up and over with the next set of wheels.”

The car gets close to 40 mpg, a big improvement over Donoughe’s previous vehicle, an older S10. Even thought the Smarts aren’t very common in the New River Valley, more than 1.5 million are made each year in a Daimler factory in

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France. Smart is a division of Daimler. The cars are sold in more than 40 countries on all six continents.

Donoughe decided to acquire the car in part because, she’s “always had an affinity for unique cars.” Her first vehicle was a 1949 Chrysler Windsor. It took five grown men to push it down a hill from the field where it had been sitting. She and her father spent a year restoring that rusty relic, which was named Tetanus.

Donoughe has been at Tech for six years, specializing in transportation safety.

She will receive her doctorate in about a year. If she gets a job outside of the NRV and moves away, she likely won’t bring the Smart with her, so there may be a Mrs. Einstein for sale in the near future.

2015

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35

CLEAR I N G C US T OM S

A Week in Italy

T

Story and Photo by Krisha Chachra

There isn’t another country in Europe quite like it. Italy is a land of dreamers who produce creative ideas that come alive. “You can have the universe, if I can have Italy,” the famous Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi once said. Why make that bargain? Because in Italy, you arguably already have the universe. The world’s best Chianti and Sangiovese from Tuscany, the most romantic settings in Venice, irreplaceable art with “David” in Florence, “The Last Supper” in Milan and Michelangelo’s famous frescos just outside Rome. And everyone knows the best pizza in the world is found in Naples. Even if you only have seven days, it’s enough time to sample the universe the Italians created

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Days 1-2:

Fly into Rome early and take trains. You can hit all the highlights in the capital city in 48 hours if you move like a Roman – swift and confident. Explore the ruins of the Forum east of the gigantic Colosseum. With 80 arched entryways and room for 55,000 people, the Colosseum tour ticket costs $17 just so you can feel swallowed by its sheer magnitude. If you stay until evening, the massive Colosseum lights up, softening the structure where so many unwillingly sacrificed their lives. If you move on, grab some gelato and head to the Trevi Fountain where you need a few coins. Turn your back to the fountain, make a wish, and with your right hand throw a coin over your left shoulder. Two

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coins result in a new romance, three in marriage. But you should wish for a good night’s sleep because Day 2 is an all-day walking tour at Vatican City. Start at St. Peter’s Basilica – make sure you climb to see Michelangelo’s panoramic dome close up. Make your way to the Sistine Chapel, the residence of the Pope, and fulfill a lifelong dream by finding the “Creation of Adam”. Eat a quick, delicious pasta or pizza meal and head back. Five more jampacked days await!

Days 3-5:

Florence and Pisa. Catch your train in the morning and be prepared to be amazed by afternoon. Florence is hands down one of the most beautiful cities in

2015

Italy. Explore this “City of the Renaissance” saving plenty of time to see the Uffizi Gallery which houses a few famous bodies of work including Botticelli’s “The Birth of Venus” and some da Vinci originals. But the real body you should be concerned with is David’s. Michelangelo’s perfect male specimen stands front and center under the dome at Accademia Gallery. Head to dinner and drinks and call it a night. Before you leave Florence, however, stop in the Duomo, the city’s great domed cathedral. Take a half day and hop on a quick train to Pisa. There is not much more to see there besides the leaning tower so you don’t need a whole day. Avoid the relentless souvenir vendors and go straight to audio tour and consider buying a ticket to the top (small children not allowed). The structure seems to always be under construction – it continues to sink at a rate of 1mm a year. It’s not likely to fall over while you’re climbing it.

It’s been standing at an angle since the 12th century.

Days 6-7:

There is no better place to spend the home stretch than the romantic city of Venice. As soon as you get off the train, take a vaporetto (water bus) through the Grand Canal to the city center. Don’t worry about getting lost in the canals and tiny passages that connect the city’s sections – that is part of the fun. Make your way to St. Mark’s Basilica (with floor to ceiling mosaics inside) and St. Mark’s Square, a tourist crossroads inhabited by pigeons. Next to the Basilica is the popular Doge’s Palace. The hefty admissions price is worth it simply because taking a tour of the palace is the only way to walk on the famous Bridge of Sighs. The bridge is an enclosed white overpass that once connected the new prisons to the interrogation room in the Palace. You can skip the tour and see the bridge and get a good picture when you pass under it. Make sure to sample Venetian food in one of the romantic outdoor restaurants and remember, a foul smell sometimes wafts from the Venetian canals, especially after a hot day. However, no bad smell can spoil the romance of the Rialto Bridge. It is the oldest and most popular, dating back to the end of the 16th century. Several boutiques line the bridge which connects to the Rialto Market where you can shop for souvenirs. You can view the bridge by land, but I recommend you flag down a gondolier. As you float under this remarkable icon, seal your romantic Italian moment with a kiss.

Krisha Chachra is Vice Mayor of Blacksburg, a regular columnist and author who has traveled to over 50 countries in 6 continents and reported and hosted shows for public radio and television. Her columns are taken from her journals and personal insights from traveling nationally and internationally throughout her life. Her book about returning to Blacksburg, Homecoming Journals, may be found in local bookstores. E-mail her at kchachra@aol.com

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The Face That Helped A Thousand Businesses!

(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.

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

902 South Main Street, Blacksburg, VA

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Mingling at the Markets

I

Story and photos by Kelli Scott

It’s Farmers Market Season ~ a favorite time of the year when everyone should be visiting local markets to engage with the hardworking folks who produce wonderful farm products across the New River Valley.

Many farmers markets not only offer farm fresh produce, meat, poultry, cheese, fresh flowers, herbs, baked goods, value added products, and often Virginia-made wine and spirits, but also host community and family style events for all ages. The market is a true gathering place where the community can join together to shop, learn and preserve heritage. A farmers market often mixes two things which can both be described as LOCAL PICKINS’, one of farm fresh products and the other of Appalachian bluegrass music.

The New River Valley has several established farmers markets that have been operating for decades and lead the way in

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fresh, direct market sales and the local food movement. As more folks get interested in local food and direct farmer sales, more markets are springing up. There are even some “pop-up” markets in smaller communities that only operate for a small amount of time during the growing season or a local farm stand that offers on-the-farm sales and pick-your-own produce. The NRV is hosting two new markets this year in Pearisburg and Christiansburg, operating from May to October.

Many of the markets accept SNAP (Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program) benefits by accepting EBT cards.

A number of local farmers markets have joined forces with community organizations to support and implement a “matching” program. For example, if someone using an

EBT card is allowed $10 in SNAP benefits, the market along with community partners will match the allowable amount of $10 to double it to $20. What a great opportunity for everyone to shop at farmers markets and have access to fresh, nutritious farmraised products. The Virginia Cooperative Extension Family Nutrition Program offers cooking demonstrations at some farmers markets teaching folks how to prepare seasonal produce.

To learn more about the farmers markets in the New River Valley and across Southwest Virginia, visit the Southwestern Virginia Local Foods Guide, a newly developed website by a local community service organization, Southwest Virginia Fresh (SO Fresh) and the New River Valley Planning District Commission:

www.nrvpdc.org/Agritourism/SWVA_Local_Foods May/June

2015

Farmers Markets

Across the New River Valley BLACKSBURG COMMUNITY MARKET S. Main St., Blacksburg OPEN: May - Oct Tuesdays (9 a.m.-1 p.m.) and Saturdays (8 a.m.-2 p.m.)

TOWN OF BLACKSBURG FARMERS MARKET Downtown Blacksburg, Draper Road OPEN: Year-round Wednesdays (2-7 p.m.) and Saturdays (8 a.m.-2 p.m.)

TOWN OF CHRISTIANSBURG FARMERS MARKET Downtown Christiansburg, Hickok St. OPEN: May – Oct. Thursdays (3-7 p.m.)

FLOYD FARMERS MARKET Downtown Floyd, Floyd HWY (RT. 8) OPEN: May – Oct. Saturdays (9 a.m.-1 p.m.)

TOWN OF NARROWS FARMERS MARKET Downtown Narrows, Monroe St. OPEN: April – Oct. Thursdays (8 a.m.-1 p.m.)

TOWN OF PEARISBURG FARMERS MARKET Downtown Pearisburg, Wenonah Ave. OPEN: May – Oct. Thursdays (3-7 p.m.) and Saturdays (8 a.m.-1 p.m.)

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

Link Bridge

A Cadet Tradition, Barracks #1 - Lane Hall

The artist will be in the gallery signing May 16th, 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm and May 17th, 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

www.pbuckleymoss.com

Furniture as Fresh as the Great Outdoors

PULASKI MARKETPLACE Historic Pulaski Train Station OPEN: Tuesdays (4 p.m.-8 p.m.)

RADFORD FARMERS MARKET Downtown Radford, Main St. OPEN: May – Oct. Saturdays (8 a.m. – 1 p.m.)

0212082/K3663

SHAWSVILLE FARMERS MARKET Alleghany Spring Rd OPEN: First and Third Thursdays (4-7 p.m.)

To be added to the list of Farmers Markets in the New River Valley or learn more about accepting SNAP benefits or the Virginia Family Nutrition Program, please contact:

At Grand Home Furnishings we offer a wide variety of styles and a large selection of outdoor furniture. Choose from wrought iron, aluminum, cast aluminum, steel and wicker construction.

Select from dining and seating groups with glass top tables, swivel, chaise, rocker recliners and umbrellas. Grand is the place for all your outdoor needs!

CHRISTIANSBURG 220 Laurel St SW 540.381.4000

Kelli Scott at Virginia Cooperative Extension, Montgomery County --- Agriculture & Natural Resources, 755 Roanoke Street, Suite 1G, Christiansburg, VA 24073, (540) 382-5790, kescott1@vt.edu www.grandhomefurnishings.com

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0228056/K4546

OPEN EVERY DAY

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Playgrounds for Tiny Adventure Seekers

By Emily Alberts Randolph Park, Dublin

Randolph Park is a $6 million state-of-the-art facility that boasts 87 acres of premier outdoor recreation. This beautiful park has become a destination spot for many outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy swimming in the 8-lane pool and sliding down its 38-foot water slide. The playground is nestled among basketball and tennis courts, as well as sand volleyball courts and horseshoe pits. There is truly something for everyone.

Local resident Joseph Alberts, now 35, playing at Caboose Park in 1981

A playground is more than just a place for kids to get their wiggles out before lunch time. Parks and playgrounds harbor some of our most treasured childhood memories.

Some folks can recall a favorite playground in vivid detail right down to the color of the slide, though most of them were probably metal and would not meet today’s rigid safety standards.

Even “McDonaldland” with its concrete flooring, rusty Ham-burglar swings and giant cheeseburger jail would never fly in this era of safe, non-threatening play environments. But in the eyes of a 7-year-old, the more adventurous the better.

The real estate market consistently demonstrates that people are willing to pay more for property located near a nice, familyfriendly park. In the New River Valley, one doesn’t have to go very far to find a variety of parks that are fun (and safe). Many new neighborhoods incorporate walking trails and a playground into their required green space.

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Photo by Nathan Cooke

Bisset Park, Radford City

Bisset is Radford’s largest city park on 57 acres of riverfront land in the central part of the city. The children’s playground is always bustling with action, and the 3.5mile Riverway Trail is paved for biking and strolling. It continues into Wildwood Park, which is an ideal place for picnicking in the shade, birdwatching and even a cool dip in the river.

Town of Blacksburg Municipal Park

Also known to locals as “Caboose Park,” Blacksburg’s flagship playground sits on 35 acres, and several generations of children have enjoyed this park for the allure of its big, red caboose. The Hand-in-Hand playground, a sprawling wooden maze of climbing areas, bouncing balance beams and bridges, opened to the public in 1992. It is shady and cool in the summer, and the enclosed sandbox is great for toddlers.

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Montgomery County Mid County Park; Christiansburg

Let’s face it, taking toddlers into Bed Bath and Beyond or Target is not always advisable. But if you must do it, a quick trip to the Mid-County Park beforehand can make the experience much more tolerable. Located off Pepper’s Ferry Road on Cinnabar, this park sits on 110 acres and features a large playground with a zip line, bridge and great slides. There is a gorgeous nature trail loop system with wildlife habitat areas and lots of juicy wild berries in the summer. The neighboring Golden Hills disc golf course brings images of Machu Picchu to mind with its stepped hills and mountainous backdrop. And, of course, if you get too hot, the Frog Pong pool is right next door!

It is a blessing to raise children in the New River Valley with playgrounds, parks, duck ponds and trails everywhere. In some places like Heritage Park and Foxridge, there’s a bucolic backdrop of grazing cows, horses, sheep, donkeys and even the occasional llama.

So much to offer even the tiniest adventure seekers.

Emily Alberts is a local freelance writer and mom who loves that there are so many playgrounds for her children.

2015

Dancing in the Sunlight

Flowers in all the gardens not only give us something beautiful to view, smell and enjoy, but also they have a greater ecological purpose. Flowers and herbs attract humans as well as beneficial insects. The addition of blooming plants to a vegetable garden will provide a habitat, food and shelter for good organisms. By increasing the number of advantageous organisms such as insects, spiders, birds, bats, bees, amphibians, reptiles and parasitic wasps, you are increasing the level of conservation biological control, which is a concept of enhancing the efficacy and local abundance of the existing community of natural enemies in an environment - this environment being your garden.

Basically, you want to increase the number of good bugs and organisms to limit and reduce the amount of bad bugs and organisms.

Beneficial insects like bees, pollinators, ladybugs, green lacewing, assassin bugs, hover flies and other predatory bugs and organisms mentioned above feed on bad organisms that create so many problems in a garden. An abundance of pests can be a sign that something is off balance in the ecosystem of your landscape.

To regain or stimulate an ecological balance, one needs to create a happy, stable environment for the good organisms to live.

This can be encouraged through the small step of introducing water with bird baths and small container ponds so insects and organisms have a way to hydrate. Also introduce more beneficial insectary plants into the garden by planting flowers along with vegetables, fruits and herbs.

Insectary plants attract insects and other organisms, both beneficial and harmful.

Beneficial insectary plants are the desirable NRVMAGAZINE.com

ones for the garden and landscape because they increase the amount of pollen and nectar resources and expand the habitat required by natural enemies of harmful or unwanted insect pests. All flowering plants are beneficial and can serve as an insect attractor, but some provide better sources of pollen, nectar and habitat.

Look for flowers that belong to the Brassica (mustard) family. You may already have some in your vegetable garden. After broccoli, mustard, kale and Brussel sprouts are finished for the cool season, allow them to flower attracting the good bugs.

The Apiacea (formerly known as Umblliferae family) are wonderful beneficial insectary plants. Fennel (bronze or green), cilantro, parsley, yarrow, Queen Anne’s lace, carrot and the famous giant ‘poison hemlock’ are classic members of this family. If you look at the root of the word Apiacea, you will see it is related to Apia, Apiarian or beekeeping. Likewise, all of these flowers have an “umbrella” shape, hence the former name of the family, Umblliferae. The Fabaceae family is the pea and clover family, which adds lots of great pollen and nectar sources in the garden, along with supplying a natural source of nitrogen to the soil.

Other common beneficial insectary plant families are the Lamiaceae (mint) family and the daisy Asteraceae family where you will find cosmos, zinnia and the marigold.

The marigold is a unique flower because it not only has good flower qualities, but it also has properties in the roots that can resist nematode (tiny roundworms in the soil that affect plants) activity. The most popular and useful beneficial insects in the garden are bees and pollinators. On

Story and photos by Kelli Scott

average, one of every three bites you put in your mouth requires the work of bees. Of course, that increases for vegetarians and folks with plant-based diets. Scientists have proven that a bee has to visit a squash flower approximately eight times before the flower is pollinated and the fruit of the squash can form. Think of your entire garden - that is a lot of work for bees and pollinators, so we need to keep them fed and watered and do our part to take care of them.

One of the major benefits of increasing the conservation biological control in your garden is the reduced need for pesticides.

Once you have begun to establish a healthy environment for beneficial organisms, you need to be extra mindful of the amount of pesticides you apply. Often pesticides are broad spectrum, killing all organisms, including the good ones.

Only use insecticides and pesticides in extreme cases for the home garden. Try never to spray insecticides in the garden when it is in full bloom or the bees are most active, like early morning and late afternoon.

Some of the other major advantages of adding flowers to your garden are increased habitat and diversity in the garden, soil building, wind and water erosion control and added value to your property and everyday lives. It is very relaxing and enjoyable to watch the flowers, birds and insects dance in the sunlight.

Plant some flowers and keep some dirt under your fingernails ~ Kelli.

Kelli H. Scott, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Montgomery County --- Agriculture & Natural Resources, kescott1@vt.edu.

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NRV Summer EVENTS 2015

NRV Summer EVENTS EVENTS

2015

Steppin’ Out Every Saturday May - October Radford Farmer’s Market Time: 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

Kicking off the 2015 season, this fresh produce market operates every Saturday, rain or shine through October. In the 1100 Block, East Main in the heart of downtown Radford. www.mainstreetradford.org May 8, June 12, July 17, August 14 Radford After Five Concert Located in Bissett Park. Featuring live music. Come out and enjoy the fun!

May 16 & Oct 3 Truck Pull NRV Fairgrounds For more information call (276)613-0326 May 16 Narrows Kids Fishing Day Time:8:00am – 2:00pm Kids of all ages are welcome to come and try their hand at landing a big fish! Located at the Narrows Town Park 42

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May -December Fiddle & Banjo Jam Each Monday evening at River City Grill Local musicians perform. An official Crooked Road Affiliated Site May 22 Birds & Blooms 6:00am – 6:00pm Join Mountain Lake Conservancy & local experts for a Nature Experience to enjoy Birds & Blooms found here in the Appalachian Mountains.

For more information contact MLC@ MtnLakeLodge.com May 21 -23 NRV Horse Show New River Valley Fairgrounds, Dublin For more information, call 540-879-9976 www.nrvfair.com

May/June

May 25 Mountains of Misery Bicycle Ride Test your endurance over some of the biggest mountains in Southwest Virginia and the final, grueling climb to Mountain Lake! Special racer’s lodging package at Mountain Lake and special rate for registered racers! www.mountainlakelodge.com For more information visit http://2014. mountainsofmisery.com May - October Pearisburg Farmer’s Market Every Saturday 9:00am – 2:00pm Located at the Community Center, Wenonah Ave., Pearisburg, VA May 19 –September 8 Pulaski Farmer’s Market Open every Tuesday 4:00pm – 8:00pm Located in the Historic Train Station, Pulaski, VA

2015

NRV Summer EVENTS 2015 May – October Narrows Farmer’s Market Open every Thursday from 8:00am to 1:00pm, featuring local produce – good variety. Open Saturdays for Yard Sales Located at Monroe Street, Narrows, VA

June 6 3rd Annual Come Outside and Play at Glen Alton Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Unplug your child and get them outside for mud pie kitchen, critters in the water, naturalist hikes, walking grounds and wetlands and more. Kids only fishing in the upper pond (no license needed).

For more information contact Eastern Divide Ranger Station 540-552-4641.

May 30 Brew Ridge Music & Craft Beer Festival Featuring local brews from the area, Vendors & crafts with tickets starting at $10.00 Gen Admission, Mini Tasting $20.00, Full tasting $30.00. Located at Mountain Lake Lodge, Giles County, VA May30 Glen Alton Music Jamboree & Children’s Tea 2:00pm – 6:00pm Glen Alton Park, 364 Glen Alton Road, Ripplemead, VA

June 6 - 7 & September 19 - 20 Pulaski County Lions Club Flea Market New River Valley Fairgrounds, Dublin Time: 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Admission fee. Free parking.

Glen Alton Music Jamboree & Children’s Tea

June 13 Virginia Cheese Festival - Blacksburg Moss Arts Center 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Join us in Blacksburg for the first ever Virginia Cheese Festival at the Moss Arts Center on the Virginia . . .

Summer is just around the corner!

EVENTS

AND ACTIVITIES

May 2 | Newport Community Celebration & Art Show Local Farm and Breeder Animal Swap, Juried Art Exhibit LoCoARTS Children’s Activities, VT Sensations in Village Theater, Italian Buffet and LIVE Music

May 9 | Mountain Lake Lodge Dinner & A Show 4-course dinner in Harvest Restaurant followed by a performance by 60s Serenade

May 16| Narrow’s Kid’s Fishing Day 11th Annual Kids Fishing Day at the Narrows Town Park.

Children ages 3-8 can fish from 9-10 AM. All ages allowed to fish 10AM to 2PM.

May 30| Old Time Music Jamboree and Dance at Glen Alton June 6 | Glen Alton Day – Come Outside and Play!

June 18| Mountains of Music in Narrows Anna’s Old Time Music Jam will feature special talent from 7-9 PM, local Appalachian cuisine at the restaurant’s buffet.

June 19-20| Festival in the Park-Pearisburg Fri- 6-11pm, Sat 9:30am-11pm.

June 20| Eastern Divide Ultra and 8-Miler June12-13| Annual Henry Reed Memorial Fiddlers Convention Newport Agricultural Fairgrounds

www.gilescounty.org/News COUNTY|VIRGINIA NRVMAGAZINE.com

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NRV Summer EVENTS 2015 ......Tech campus. Enjoy a day of artisan cheese tastings, wine and beer pairings, workshops, and more. Just outside of the Center will be a host of family activities including live music, a farm animal petting area, and regional art.

Brought to you by The Blacksburg Partnership virginiacheesefestival.com

Henry Reed Fiddler’s Convention

June 13 Claytor Lake Celebration of Summer Festival Claytor Lake State Park Time: 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.

Start summer off with a blast! Enjoy fireworks, live music, a car show, antique fire trucks, food vendors and live demonstrations. It’s only $10 per vehicle, or $5 per vehicle with a five-can food donation. Vendor pre-registration is required. Please call the Fine Arts Center of the New River Valley at (540) 9807363 or visit www.facnrv.org for more information.

June 20 Eastern Divide Ultra 50K Trail Run Mountain Lake, Giles County Time:7:30am Sponsored by TriAdventure in Blacksburg, an extreme trail run “from the Falls to the Lake”. Mountain Lake will host the finish area for the race, a pre-race dinner and post-race entertainment. Runners and spectators welcome! Special lodging rate for registered racers at Mountain Lake Hotel. www.easternultradivide.com

June 12 - 13 Henry Reed Fiddler’s Convention Newport Recreation Center, Newport, VA (off Rt 460) Concerts on Friday (beginning 10:00 am, .music and competitions Saturday ending 11:30 pm. Part of the Mountains of Music Homecoming Celebration June 18 Mountains of Music in Narrows From 11:00am to 7:00pm visit activities at the Farmer’s Market highlighting Appalachian culture & history. JR Vineyards will offer tasting and wines crafted in Giles County. Plus local artist Brick Marunich will exhibit art work of the J611 Steam Engine that used to stop in Narrows. Also enjoy chainsaw artist Jerry Williams demonstrate carving bears & more. Then step over to Anna’s Restaurant will host this special music event. From 7:00 pm to 9:00pm enjoy a jam session, music, fellowship with lovers of old time music!

June 19 -20 Pearisburg Festival in the Park – Pearisburg Community Center Kicking off the 29th festival - Concert by featuring Town Mountain – Friday, 6:00pm, Saturday, 11:00 featuring Civil War 150 History Mobile, crafts, vendors, live entertainment, amusement rides & food!

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June 20 8th Annual Summer Solstice Fest Cabo Fish Taco on S. Main St., Blacksburg 1 pm - 11pm Music for all ages, midway games, children’s activities, festival food, beer garden, street performers, dog parade. A fun-filled “green” event.

Leave your car at home and walk or ride your bike to the festival. See you downtown! For more information w w w. d o w n t o w n b l a c k s b u r g / summersolsticefest.com

3rd Annual Come Outside and Play at Glen Alton

June 26 Giles County Relay For Life Event Everyone is invited to join in this great opportunity to raise money for Cancer.

Help fight Cancer with friends & families who are ready to walk!! Event will be held at the Giles county High School from 6:00pm to midnight.

July 2 Independence Day Celebration Mountain Lake Lodge Starts at dusk with free live music & lots of fireworks! Food & drinks are available for purchase.

For more information visit www. mountainlakelodge.com July 4 Spirit of America Celebration with Jimmy Fortune All day event at Bissett Park, Radford, VA featuring bouncy kids houses, food, live music, vendors & Fireworks!!

Claytor Lake Beach Festival

May/June

July 11 Writers Workshop Loco Arts Children Program 10:00am – 12:00 At the Glen Alton Park, 364 Glen Alton Road, Ripplemead, VA

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NRV Summer EVENTS 2015 July 17 Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce Business Expo Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center 901 Prices Fork Road, Blacksburg Time: TBA Check .montgomerycc.org.

Chamber members and non-members alike showcase their businesses to the public in the afternoon and to Chamber members from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Special seminars and Business After Hours.

July 18 Art at the Market Market Square Park Blacksburg 9 am - 2 pm Come celebrate Blacksburg’s vibrant arts community during the Art at the Market on the lawn across Draper Rd. from Market Square Park. This family event features wonderful local food, live music and the best produce the farmers have to offer.

Make it a family affair and take in some art along with your breakfast.

July 20 -25 New River Valley Fair New River Valley Fairgrounds, Dublin There’s a lot going on at the fair this year, every year ~ great entertainers, fun contests, wonderful exhibits, tasty food, farm animals and breath-taking midway rides. For more information, call 540-674-1548 or visit www.nrvfair.com

August 7 - 8 35th Annual Steppin’ Out Downtown Blacksburg Friday 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.

Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Featuring more than 250 crafters from all over the East Coast, and downtown merchants’ much-awaited final clearance sidewalk sales. The 34st Steppin’ Out, a Blacksburg tradition! Festival foods provided by the downtown restaurants.

Three stages of live performance. Steppin’ Out is one of the region’s premier arts events. The Draper Mile Run is held on Friday!

August 7 - 8 Newport Agricultural Fair Newport Fairgrounds In its 79th year, this fair celebrates farm fresh food, animals and skills in baking, art, canning, handiwork and related talents.

Horse pull, jousting and farm animal contests, horse show with more than 20 classes, vendors, food and fun for the whole family.

September 19 Wilderness Trail Festival Downtown Christiansburg 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Rain or Shine!

Come celebrate history, culture, and tradition with the Kiwanis Club of Christiansburg at the Kiwanis Wilderness

July 22 - 26 FloydFest Blue Cow Pavilion, Floyd Time: 10 a.m.

A 4-day celebration of music and art nestled in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains!

Bridging the gap between genres, generations and cultures, the festival features more than 50 performers on seven stages! The 80-acre mountain plateau offers camping, a progressive ‘Global Village’ area of workshops and demonstrations, more than 100 artisans and crafters, a wide variety of food, a comprehensive healing arts area and a Children’s Universe, featuring stage performances for children, puppetry, workshops, playground equipment and babysitting services. Milepost 170.5 off the Blue Ridge Parkway.

FloydFest

Trail Festival.

2015 marks the 42th anniversary of the Kiwanis Wilderness Trail Festival and the 5th year with the Kiwanis Club of Christiansburg as the managing organization. The festival is always a full day of fun and excitement for the entire family loaded with great local artisans and crafters, Blue Ridge Model A’s and Car Cruise In featuring classic cars & street rods, children’s area, craft demonstrators & delicious food from area restaurants plus other local vendors.

September 26 Pulaski Lords Acre Sale Local vendors and churches will sale their homemade bake goods and crafts.

Located at the NRV Fairgrounds, Rt 100, Dublin, VA For more information call 540-980-0631 October 17 Blacksburg Brew Do Noon - 5 p.m.

Over 100 different beers from 49 local, Mid-Atlantic, and national craft- and micro-breweries to be poured. Attendees will savor culinary delights from local restaurants and enjoy homebrewing demonstrations, live music, and the 7th annual Brew Do Homebrew Competition.

Blacksburgbrewdo.com October 17 -18 Dublin Lions Club Gun & Outdoor Sporting Show NRV Fairgrounds, Rt 100, Dublin, VA For more information call 540-674-2754 November 7 1st NRV Fairgrounds Holiday Expo Featuring Christmas crafts, foods & more! For more information call 540647-1548

Business Expo Photo by Russ Helgren

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May/June

2015

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Emanuel Ax, piano Thursday, March 24, 2016

A classical

with a consummate guide Plan an adventurous itinerary with a 2015-16 subscription—on sale starting May 4

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