Nov Dec 2016 web

10 Year Anniversary Issue

New River Valley M A G A Z I N E

NRV CHRISTMAS HOMES CHRISTMAS CACTUS ENTREPRENEUR PROFILES ART, GLASS & WINDOW PANES

n r vm a ga z in e.co m November/December 2016

Happy Holidays

THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE

HOME

FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Search. See. Love.

www.LongandFoster.com

Find a place to hang your heart. Explore all 1,200+ New River Valley homes on the market today and leverage the insight of our agent network Darin Greear REALTOR®

“Helping You With All Your Housing Needs”

540.320.5859

Representing Buyers and Sellers in the New River Valley for 16 Years.

Anne Hite REALTOR®

540.320.9922

darin@rinerva.com www.RinerVA.com

anne.hite@longandfoster.com www.annehite.lnf.com

Vickie Phillips

Susan Erickson

REALTOR®

540.320.8444

REALTOR®

(540) 239-4399

540.239.4399

vickie.phillips@lnf.com www.vickiephillips.lnf.com

susan@susanerickson.com www.susanerickson.lnf.com

Louise Baker

Donna Travis

REALTOR®

540.320.0382

louiseybaker@gmail.com www.nrvhomes.com

Visit www.longandfoster.com or download our mobile app today!

3601 Holiday Ln. Blacksburg, VA 24060 | 540.552.1010

REALTOR®

540.616.7516

donna@donnatravis.com www.donnatravis.lnf.com

Long & Foster was named “America’s Most Trusted Residential Real Estate Brokerage”

by Lifestory Research.

GOAL :

Maryah Sydnor thought her knee injury would end her dream of playing professional basketball.

Our doctors thought differently. To see how our team worked together to help Maryah reach her goal, visit CarilionClinic.org/Goals.

Common ground. Common goal.

Blacksburg Christiansburg Franklin Galax Giles Lexington Martinsville Roanoke Rocky Mount Wytheville

Institute for Orthopaedics and Neurosciences

800-422-8482 | CarilionClinic.org/ION

RAISIN’ CANE: A HARLEM RENAISSANCE ODYSSEY Starring Jasmin Guy

A musical journey to post-WWI African American artistic expression

Saturday, January 28, 7:30 PM

BE ENGAGED...

BE CURIOUS

The Moss Arts Center nourishes your craving for thought, reflection, and deeper understanding.

STUART PIMSLER DANCE & THEATER

JUSTIN CRONIN, AUTHOR Spoken word

Tuesday, January 31, 2017 7:30 PM

Contemporary dance

Saturday, April 22, 2017 7:30 PM

PERFORMANCES l EXHIBITIONS l EXPERIENCES 190 Alumni Mall, Blacksburg, VA 24061 www.artscenter.vt.edu | 540-231-5300 4

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S eptemb er/Octob er 2016

VINEYARD VINES CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES ARE AVAILABLE AT: THE CORNERS SHOPPING CENTER 5207 BERNARD DR ROANOKE 540 772 4287 THE SHOPS AT CLAY COURT 401 SOUTH MAIN ST BLACKSBURG 540 552 4287

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Novemb er/Decemb er 2016

CONTENTS

November / December

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2016

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JUST DOWNLOAD THE FREE LAYAR APP AND SCAN THE PAGES WITH YOUR PHONE OR TABLET WHEN YOU SEE THE LAYAR LOGO Available in the App Store & Google Play:

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N RV H o mes - Mo un ta i n s 3 0 A r t , Gl as s & Wi n do w Pa n e s 3 4 Co n n ect i n g t o Co m m u n i ty 3 8 S mal l B us i n e s s 4 0 P rof i l e s 4 6

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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 Kelsey Foster Sheila Nelson Emily Alberts Jennifer Cooper Mike Wade PHOTOGRAPHERS Natalie Gibbs Photography Amodeo Photography Always and Forever Photography Tom Wallace Kristie Lea Photography Nathan Cooke Photography SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER Justin Ashwell Cover Photo by Always and Forever Photography © 2016 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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M

Meet Boaz, the Thoroughbred pictured with me. Although he has a cadre of blue ribbons for eventing and jumping, his owner, Celeste Hotze of Vinton, says his heart has always been on the trail. Thus, at 19, she has retired him, and Noble and I have the great privilege to host him here in Blacksburg.

My heart also is out there on the trail, so we’re an excellent match, and Noble can retire. At 26 1/2, however, Noble is not much interested in retiring, as my neighbor can attest. He decided to walk down the driveway recently, trot up Troy Whittier’s driveway, around his house, then through an open gate for a 15-minute, non-stop canter all over his upper field. I got the message: Noble is not retiring. Me neither, Noble. Love your spirit. Our home is, after all, Noble Spirit Farm.

If you did not download the “layar” app to scan the last issue’s video elements, really try it this time around.

It’s not hard [I did it unassisted!], and the reward is really cool. We have Kelsey Foster cooking sweet potato casserole, Mike Petersen’s Kempo Karate School in session and John Ousley at his shop in Radford. He’s like a Flea Market Flip (TV show) kind of guy. Try it. You’ll like it.

Besides being on the trail, my heart also resides in small business and entrepreneurship circles. I admire the spirit of the NRV entrepreneurs profiled in this issue. I am planning to shop at the Cellular Discount Accessories store, especially for the Chala Bags for gifts [maybe for self]. My husband only takes his trucks to Rob Fain, and if I ever want to dance or learn self-defense,

Pasture Talk

Photo by Janel Eure

then I know exactly where to go -- see pages 40-45.

It bears reminding every - one - every - year - to - Shop - Local ~ products, services and gift certificates.

The value of keeping money circulating within our communities cannot be overstated. For each $100 spent locally, more than $70 stays in the community.

Conversely, for every $100 spent at a large corporate entity not based in the New River Valley, more than $50 leaves.

Shopping local impacts prosperity, character, success and economic strength. Every year, the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce promotes the MontGOmery SHOPPING Initiative with proclamations and special shopping bags. Meet a new shopkeeper this season. Discover new merchandise and services. Buy a gift certificate to an independently-owned business. Our quality of life depends on it. Be thankful. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Joanne Anderson ManagingEditor jmawriter@aol.com

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CHRISTMAS IN THE EMPTY NEST Text by Sheila D. Nelson Photos by Always and Forever Photography

Dixon and Julie Williams, having lived in Pulaski County since 1982, built their “empty nester home” near Pulaski Country Club in 2003 after their youngest daughter went to college. With their three daughters and their families (including seven grandchildren, newborn to 9) plus Dixon’s parents all living in the New River Valley, their empty nest fills up quite well during holiday meals and celebrations.

Christmas festivities are family-centered. The dinner table is beautifully set with holiday dishes and linens in anticipation of the special Christmas dinner. The atmosphere 10

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is easy and relaxed. Julie and Dixon used to be the main cooks for everything, but now everyone contributes to the meal, ensuring that they all get their favorite foods, and the work load is more evenly divided. “Our favorite main course for Christmas dinner is Moravian Chicken Pie, taking us back to our family’s Winston-Salem roots,” Julie notes.

The family spends much of their holiday time near and around a large, real Christmas tree selected from a local tree farm. There are numerous strings of multi-colored lights and many homemade decorations and souvenirs from

travels. More recently, they have started to hang Christmas cards that include pictures of family and friends on the tree so they can be enjoyed throughout the season. Although they possess a large collection of store-bought ornaments, all the decorations are becoming more kid-friendly with so many little ones.

The grandchildren especially love the kid-friendly nativity scene which has temporarily replaced a more fragile porcelain one.

When their daughters were very young, Dixon and Julie started a tradition of a gift to each family member of Christmas pajamas to be

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Our favorite main course for Christmas dinner is Moravian Chicken Pie

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opened on Christmas Eve. Since the daughters are now grown with families of their own, Dixon and Julie thought it might be time to discontinue this practice. The custom was, however, quickly reinstated when the daughters expressed how much they missed it.

Now they not only get their Christmas pajamas but also they give a pair to each of their own children.

The daughters started another tradition last year where each grandchild selects a toy, book or special possession of their own to gift to a cousin. This has many goals: It gives each child a role in selecting gifts for their cousins, teaches them to repurpose items, saves money and cleans out the toy closets. Now one of the highlights of the holiday is seeing how proudly each child presents his or her gift to the cousins.

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The Williams family is keeping timehonored, holiday traditions and making many lovely memories that will last for generations.

Sheila Nelson is a proud Pulaski County native who contributes often to New River Valley Magazine. You can learn more about her on the back page of this issue.

Many of the Williams family ornaments and holiday decorations are family-based and centered around the Moravian Stars made by Dixon’s 90-year old mother, Sarah Williams. Surprisingly, the origins of the Moravian star have little to do with Advent or Christmas but were more connected to the Moravian fondness for celebration and decoration.

As early as 1747, there is mention of colored stars in the windows of buildings in Moravian communities in Germany. These stars were also connected to math lessons in school where students learned to draw and make geometrical shapes.

The first account of a star made specifically for Christmas was in 1867 when a former Moravian school pupil made one for his parents. The Moravian star is distinguished by a well-proportioned shape with the length of the points corresponding proportionally to the diameter of the body. Now most of the stars are white and have become an ecumenical tradition. Each one of these stars, which has 18 large points and eight small points, takes about eight hours to make.

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NRV Fo o d Far e

Happy Holidays from the Kitchen Text, recipes and photos by Kelsey Foster

The holidays provide ample opportunity for entertaining, and the three recipes featured here are versatile crowd pleasers that can be adapted to a variety of occasions and events. The cranberry orange sauce, with the addition of the orange, lemon and ginger, is a bright version of this holiday classic, while the sweet potato casserole is both savory and decadent with its pecan crumble topping. The upside down gingerbread cake is a stunning holiday dessert where the apples complement the cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg notes of the gingerbread perfectly. Cheers!

Upside Down Gingerbread with Cinnamon Cider Sauce

Yield: 1 cake For cake: 2 1/2 cups peeled apple slices (about 2 apples) 1/3 cup brown sugar 1 tsp. lemon juice 2 Tbl. butter, softened 1 14.5 oz. package gingerbread mix 1 1/4 cups water 1 egg For sauce: 1/2 cup brown sugar 1 1/2 Tbl. cornstarch 1/2 tsp. cinnamon 1/2 tsp. nutmeg 1/8 tsp. salt 2 cups apple cider 2 Tbl. butter Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 9-inch round pan.

In a medium bowl, combine apple slices with brown sugar, lemon juice and butter and mix well.

In a separate bowl, combine gingerbread mix, water and egg and mix well.

Cover the bottom of the round pan with the apple slices, then top with gingerbread mixture.

Place in oven and bake about 40-45 minutes, until a knife stuck in the middle comes out clean.

While the gingerbread bakes, combine brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt and apple cider in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer, cooking until thickened, stirring often. Add butter, and stir until dissolved.

Kelsey Foster is a freelance writer, blogger and California transplant to the New River Valley who writes a clever food and lifestyle blog, aslolife.com, with tips on food, fashion and home decor. For her excellence in recipes, creativity and photography, NRV Food Fare appears in every issue.

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When the gingerbread is finished, remove from oven and let cool. Carefully flip the cake on a serving plate so the apple layer is up and top with cinnamon cider sauce. Enjoy!

Novemb er/Decemb er 2016

922 University City Blvd.

Suite 204, Blacksburg VA 540-641-1532 www.blacksburgfitness.com

Blacksburg Pilates and Fitness Studio is a premier wellness facility that provides a personalized experience that will inspire and transform lives.

• Personal Training • Therapeutic Pilates • Pilates for Seniors • Small Group Classes • Couples Training

• Men’s Pilates Classes • Prenatal Pilates • Pilates for Golf and other sports training • Pink Ribbon Breast Cancer Therapeutic Pilates • Muscle Activation Techniques

Benefits of Pilates: :: Increase core strength :: Increase balance and flexibility :: Improve body awareness, posture, and total body function :: Helps to prevent injury and relieve stress :: Increase proper muscle firing patterns :: Increase lung capacity and oxygen to the blood NRVMAGAZINE.com

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NRV Fo o d Far e

Cranberry Orange Sauce Yield: 2 1/2 cups 2 14 oz. cans whole berry cranberry sauce 1/3 cup fresh orange juice 1 Tbl. orange zest 1 tsp. freshly grated ginger 1 tsp. fresh lemon juice

Combine all ingredients in a food processor and pulse on high until the desired consistency is reached.

Transfer to a bowl and serve with other holiday dishes.

Videography by The PRIME Factory

SCAN THIS PAGE WITH THE LAYAR APP TO SEE DIGITAL CONTENT Download for free at:

Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Crumble Topping Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.

Yield: 12 servings For sweet potato casserole: 5 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced 1 cup white sugar 1 stick unsalted butter, softened 1/2 cup milk 2 eggs 1 tsp. vanilla 1/2 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. cinnamon 16

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For pecan crumble topping: 6 Tbl. unsalted butter, chopped 3/4 cup dark brown sugar 1/2 cup flour 1 cup chopped pecans 1/2 tsp. cinnamon 1/4 tsp. nutmeg Optional: Toss a light layer of mini-marshmallows on top.

Cover sweet potatoes with water in a large pot and bring to a rolling boil. Cook until softened, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and drain.

Place sweet potatoes in a large bowl and mash. Beat in sugar, butter, milk, eggs and vanilla. Stir in salt and cinnamon.

In a separate bowl, combine pecan crumble topping ingredients. Use fingers to mix until a crumbly, doughlike texture forms.

Transfer sweet potato mixture to a 13 x 9 baking dish.

Sprinkle with pecan crumble topping.

Bake 30 minutes or until pecan crumble topping is golden brown. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

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Holiday s

Christmas

Cactus and Succulents for Style

the new darlings of plant decorating

By Joanne M. Anderson

Succulents have been around for centuries, and they have grown in popularity recently, taking center stage in homes, offices and cafes for: • • • • •

stunning colors unusual shapes inexpensive cost interesting textures easy care

The largest is the saguaro cactus, native to Arizona and small sections of California and Mexico. Its blossom is Arizona’s state wildflower, and its life span can exceed 150 years.

Like all succulents, it needs relatively little water. On the opposite end of the size spectrum, there are cacti smaller than your little fingernail. Not all succulents are cacti, though all cacti 18

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are succulents. They range from a few inches tall to a nice rounded plant, like jade, as large as more than a couple feet tall and wide. The ponytail palm can grow to several feet, and donkey tail spills out of hanging baskets. Also dubbed fat plants, succulents come in a vast array of colors, making them a fashionable decorative accessory.

Well-drained potting soil is a must, while watering requirements are much lighter than regular house plants.

Some succulents cycle through active and dormant periods, needing very little attention during the non-growth periods.

The most popular this time of year is the lovely Christmas cactus, a beautiful flowering plant in shades of crimson, snow white and magenta. This is not found in nature but is a hybrid

from succulents which grow in South American rain forests. It will be content with bright, indirect light, cool temps for flowering, well-drained potting medium, moist soil in bloom, then water sparingly.

It is not only beautiful, but also easy to give a piece for a new plant as a gift. You can find simple instructions online. Once its flowering season is over, one can keep the Christmas cactus, aka Easter cactus or Thanksgiving cactus, in a place with less light and cooler temps, then bring it out to bloom once again. Some are handed down through generations.

There are more pretty little succulents at flower and garden centers now that they are coming into favor as an decorative accessory. You can plant several different kinds together in a container, any container will do. Many add a pop of color that becomes a focal point

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on a bookcase or coffee table. If you especially like one and want another of the same thing, just cut off a stem and sink it into water or soil. Voila! Another one will grow. You don’t need to talk to them, and benign neglect suits them well ~ the perfect houseplant for those without a green thumb at home or at the office. A few popular varieties include:

Crown of thorns ~ a spiky trunk with spoon-like leaves and sweet flower clusters; imported from Madagascar; can bloom year-round in direct sun. Wash hands thoroughly after touching because this plant secretes sap that is a skin irritant.

Hens-and-chicks ~ looks nothing like chickens of any age, but exhibits fowl-like characteristics for its production of small (chick) identical plants from the “mother” (hen) plant section. There are two kinds of this

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succulent which differ in flowering. Leaves cup around the center like a rosette.

Echeveria elegans produces bell-like blooms, and Sempervivum has pink starlike flowers.

Jade ~ native to South Africa, long-time favorite for easy care and thick, shiny leaves. Can grow large and heavy and fall over, as its root system is short.

Prefers clay pots for breath-ability and stability. Most common reason for an unhappy jade plant is over-watering.

Aloe Vera ~ or medicine plant; grows wild around the world in tropical regions. Sap used to treat burns and wounds. Very sharp teeth on leaves; loves direct sunlight; common ingredient in juice, lotion and first aid ointment.

Can grow to three feet tall. Blooms with yellow flowers most commonly in summer though sporadically other times of the year.

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GiftGuide

2016 Buying Local

Capones Fine Jewelry

Just a year ago Capone’s Fine Jewelry moved into the Historic Brownstone, Main St., Blacksburg. Since the move, they have established a remarkable showroom and repair space. Now in their 31st year, Capone’s continues to offer custom designs of a special flair, repairs and evaluation services. Their goal is to provide the finest quality in precious gems, designs and customer service to the NRV. The Capone Family would like to invite your family to visit them soon for the Holidays. Convenient parking is provided behind the shop off of Washington St.

caponesjewelry.com

540-953-1000

GEARHEAD JUNCTION

GEARHEAD JUNCTION located on Wenonah Ave., Pearisburg.

Come visit one of the newest bike shops in the NRV! Gearhead Junction can do it ALL! Service (all makes & models plus 4 wheelers), Parts (if you need it they can help) & Riding Apparel (helmets, gloves & t-shirts). The friendly staff want to welcome bikers from near and far to check out the planned bike rides that are organized for the experienced riders to the newbies. And if you want to learn more about motorcycles - Gearhead Junction is the place to be. With winter coming soon, be sure to get your bike winterized by their service department. Check Gearhead Junction out on Facebook.

540-787-5050

Allure Spa & Skin Health Boutique

Offering:Massage Therapy, Facials, Microdermabrasion, Chemical Peels, Dermaplane, Microcurrent, & much more!

Bridal & Special Occasion packages Professional skin care lines:Dermalogica & Jane Iredale mineral makeup in stock GIFT CERTIFICATES & online booking available. allurespaskinhealth.com

540-921-2300 20

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2016

Buying Local Gift Guide The Upscale Attic

With up to 75 items arriving daily, you are sure to find that special gift at The Upscale Attic! Our eclectic collection of furniture and home décor is priced far below retail— shopping consignment is green and economical! We also offer gift cards. Visit us in Christiansburg at 360 Arbor Drive. Tues. - Fri. 10-5 & Sat. 10-4 540.381.0551

HETHWOOD MARKET

Fresh-cut Fraser Firs to make the Holidays special. Also freshly created wreaths, bows & mantel swags available.

Great selection of Jams & Jellies plus hot grilled food & gift baskets. Hrs: M-S 7am - 10 pm, Sun:12 - 10pm. 820 Hethwood Dr., Blacksburg, near VT Campus.

540-951-0990

Matrix Gallery

A great little gallery full of quality American Crafts by local, regional and national artists. Pottery, Glass, Jewelry, Wood, Leather, and more. Beautiful holiday gifts that are functional, decorative, and fun! Located at 115 N. Main St. in Downtown Blacksburg 540.951.3566

GINA’S PRIMITIVES & GIFTS

Located on Wenonah Ave., Pearisburg, has a great selection of gift ideas. From barn stars to delightful scented candles for Candleberry, great variety of primitives in stock. Holiday trees (all sizes) some prelit and ready to Sparkle!

Holiday flags, snowmen & ornaments ready to shine!

Unique ideas for one & all.

540.599.1655

Fringe Benefit

Wrap the woman in your life in style with accessories, jewelry, sweaters, bath products, locally made soaps and lotions and unique gifts, or a gift certificate to Fringe Benefit. Make sure you get exactly what you want by filling out a Fringe Benefit wish list at our store, located at 117 North Main Street in Blacksburg.

540.951.9777

Downtown Blacksburg Inc.

Purchase a Downtown Blacksburg Inc. Gift Certificate redeemable at over 60 downtown businesses! Gift Certificates are available at National Bank of Blacksburg’s downtown branch and make great gifts!

DowntownBlacksburg.com Buy, Eat, Live Local 540-544-7700

pearis Mercantile Are you looking for a treasure for yourself or maybe for someone special? Then Pearis Mercantile is the place to be! Located in Downtown Pearisburg, you will find unique shopping with 35 Artisan Consigners, antiques, speciality gifts and ideas. Shop the holiday ornaments & home décor for inside or outdoor. You will find so many wonderful items it may be hard to make a decision. The friendly sales staff can help with your selection & a gift bag comes with every purchase. Open daily with special night hours for the Holidays. 200 N. Main St. 540.921.2260 N R V MN AG E .AcZo Im N o v / D e c 2 0 1 6 21 R VA ZMI N AG N E November/December 2015 21

CLEAR I N G C US T OM S

“Just Stay Calm” in Beautiful Bora Bora

Story and photos by Krisha Chachra

There are some places in the world that you save, and for me, it was Bora Bora. I had several opportunities to escape to French Polynesia, but I didn’t want to spoil my romanticized dream location on a spontaneous trip with a friend. So, when I married my husband, he knew where we would be honeymooning. Months after our summer wedding and autumn Indian reception, it was time for our winter honeymoon to Tahiti and Bora Bora. The thing about paradise is that you never want to leave. The airlines know this, and they design flights schedules so you stay as long as possible. Air Tahiti Nui from LAX flies every third and seventh day. No one goes to Tahiti for three days but if you are going for seven days, you might as well stay for 10.

From LAX you land in Tahiti’s capital, Pape’ete in Fa’aa Airport. Don’t worry if it takes a few times to hit the airstrip (our plane made it on the third try). Tailwinds are rough, especially during the island’s 22

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rainy season between November and April.

What you learn immediately stepping off the plane - warm air and the scent of tiare flower brushing over you - is that it doesn’t matter that your luggage is on island time. You’ll get everything you need in time as long as you embrace the island motto: Just Stay Calm.

Remember the mantra after your first night in Tahiti as you prepare to catch one of six daily flights to Bora Bora. Your plane is going to be late. But that’s okay – your resort will hold all reservations, and tourists are treated like royalty. The locals, who pretty much all work in tourism, are constantly handing you drinks or cold towels, greeting you with a friendly “Iorana!” (hello/ good morning) and making sure you have such a splendid time, you’ll dream about them and the islands after you leave (we still do!). During your stay, ask for anything. Our balance included champagne bottles served poolside, breakfast delivered by canoe to our overwater bungalow, mountain facing

views every time we dined, befriending a local and then having a fresh-catch dinner at her house on her balcony, and a diver who swam down to the ocean floor to pick out the oyster I wanted for the signature black pearl.

In Bora Bora, our eyes were assaulted by every shade of blue and green imaginable; the teal ocean was so bright it almost made me cry. If you chose a resort that is on the motu (small island) that surrounds Bora Bora, you’ll have the best view of the stunning Mt. Otemanu. Also, choosing a resort on the motu means you’ll have deeper water around your bungalow so you can do a back-flip into the Pacific to start the day - my husband’s morning ritual.

If you’ve seen the movie Couples Retreat, then you know what our resort looked like. The St. Regis Bora Bora was so proud it was the chosen location for the film, they play it non-stop in all the rooms. But who’s in Bora Bora to watch TV? Instead,

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look down. In every floating bungalow there is a glass floor. Make sure you snorkel around your new house and meet your aquatic neighbors. The occasional stingray might make an appearance, but as soon as you try to approach, it disappears. The nearby lagoonarium is filled with underwater wonders in every color of the rainbow. Find out when the fish feeding is and make sure you’re in the water – it’s an amazing experience of marine life darting through giant coral forms including huge clam shells with lips the color of deep purple, turquoise and spotted brown.

While you explore the grounds, your personal butler (every bungalow has one) offers to unpack and iron your clothes.

Take advantage of that VIP service – you have more important things to do like sign up for a lomi-lomi style couples massage right on the ocean. All the restaurants on property are included in your stay but make sure you book a reservation at The Lagoon

by Jean-Georges and request a seat on the terrace facing Mt. Otemanu – not sure what’s more impressive, the sun setting behind the majestic mountain or the steak-like stack of foie gras presented as an appetizer. Return to your room for a break on your balcony with a whirlpool tub and tea service waiting. If you want, your host will pull out a saber and chop off the head of a champagne bottle only to pour you a glass.

Wallowing in pristine beauty and over-the-top luxury is permissible on a honeymoon. But it is also important to hitch a water taxi or jet ski to explore the island. Things are quite different if you are living in Bora Bora. People go days without running water and electricity. They spent hours farming oysters, tending vanilla beans or herding cattle imported from Europe. One of the locals taught us to shave a coconut with a machete and make an island hotdog – split a banana length-wise and sprinkle with coconut shavings in between.

The Polynesians are extremely tolerant people; they embrace all cultures and walks of life. They have a deep-seeded tradition of including and hiring men called “mahus” who tend to wear women’s clothing and make-up and work in the service industry. The mahus are respected by everyone - sometimes families train their sons at a very early age to cook, clean and operate the flow of a working kitchen in order to access employment. It’s an interesting part of the indigenous culture.

Right before Christmas we saw something we’ll never forget. Taking a quick flight to another nearby island of Taha’a (meaning Vanilla in Tahitian), we checked into the Le Taha’a resort which was much more rustic than the St. Regis. Outdoor rainshowers, decorations made of palm leaves and food served in a treehouse on slits of giant bamboo sticks instead of plates. As we were sunning ourselves on the beach, “Papa Christmas” paddled up in a decorated canoe, his face full of tattoos wearing a wornout Santa suit that had holes in places. The canoe had two cut out reindeer attached to the front of the outrigger that delighted the few young children nearby. “No Ouch!” tattooed Santa told me when I inquired about the ink application on his face and then he paused and said smiling, “You just stay calm, yeah. You on an island, since when does that ever hurt?”

Krisha Chachra serves on the Town Council of Blacksburg and is a regular columnist and author. She has traveled to over 40 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 online or in local bookstores. Email her at kchachra@aol.com NRVMAGAZINE.com

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NRV R i de s

Bright Blue and Low to the Road like father ~ like son

Text by Karl H. Kazaks | Photos by Tom Wallace

When Johnnie Self Jr. was in high school, he loved playing football for the Christiansburg Blue Demons, and he loved driving the car his father let him use: a 1969 Camaro Z28. Sometimes his parents, Johnnie and Donna Self, would get a phone call from someone in the community saying they had seen Johnnie Jr. drive by.

“I didn’t realize it at the time,” Johnnie Jr. says, “but everyone knew who I was because it’s a one-of-a-kind car.” It also had license plates that read: “DADS Z28.” The elder Mr. Self purchased the Camaro new on Halloween night, 1969. It has an eye-catching appearance: Lemans blue with two wide, white racing stripes down the hood and trunk lid. It also sports styling distinct to that model year: a low, wide look that is simultaneously sporty and aggressive.

Johnnie Jr. has since given the Camaro back to his father, who still owns and treasures it. But his parents wouldn’t be

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surprised to get a call from someone today announcing that they had just seen Johnnie Jr. drive by, because his new car is just as attention-getting as his father’s: a bright blue 2016 Corvette Z06.

“I ordered it from the same dealer, Harvey’s, where Dad bought his Camaro,” Johnnie Jr. relates. But he picked up his Corvette at the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Ky., and hauled it home. Like his father’s Camaro, Johnnie Jr.’s Corvette has a wide body and rides low to the road. But it sports technology unique to our day and age, such as the Drive Mode Selector, an application which allows the driver to switch between five driving modes ~ weather, eco, touring, sport and track. When shifting between modes, the car adjusts a number of variables, including suspension, steering, engine responsiveness and exhaust. The dashboard display also changes.

When you put the car in track

mode and listen to it roar, Johnnie Jr. declares: “You really know this car was built to compete on the track.” The super car has a supercharged 6.2L V-8 650 hp engine and all kinds of cutting edge materials, including an aluminum frame, carbon fiber hood and composite front air splitter.

The car is a metallic Laguna Blue with a removable roof panel and Apple CarPlay.

Its fat tires are 19 inches in the front, 20 inches in the rear.

Both generations of Mr. Self find that fellow travelers appreciate their vehicles when they take them out. “They’ll hang out of the window on the highway, trying to take a picture,” Johnnie Jr. smiles.

The Camaro, which has 70,000 miles, still has all of its original mechanical parts, including a 302 engine. The elder Johnnie’s daily driver is a 2002 Chevy Silverado.

Johnnie remembers two rides in his Camaro particularly. The first was the day he and Donna got married, when the car provided the ride home. The second was in

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2003 when the couple’s other son, Denny, was married and left the church in the car, just as his parents had years earlier.

When Johnnie Jr. takes his Corvette out for a spin, he can have a clear memory of the ride, thanks to video cameras located under the front bumpers.

That’s quite a jump in technology from the communications system in the Z28 when Johnnie Jr. was driving it in high school - a CB radio installed by his father.

“When Dad came over the CB,” Johnnie Jr. recalls, “I knew it was time to go home.”

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Newsy Relevant Valuable A round-up of items of interest across the NRV

December 10 1-6pm Mountain Valley Charitable Foundation is holding this inaugural event to raise money for projects that enhance the quality of life in eastern Montgomery County and preserve its rich heritage. Six historically-significant homes will be decorated and open. The oldest, circa 1754, is the Pappas home, once the Inn at Fort Vause, in Shawsville. Three others have Shawsville addresses, plus one each in Elliston and Allegheny Springs. Every Holiday Home Tour ticket holder will play a part in this vital community strengthening. Good cause, beautiful homes, fun

NRV Rail 2020

NRV Rail 2020 is a comprehensive, collaborative initiative of municipalities and economic development interests in the New River Valley which supports and wants to promote bringing passenger rail service into our area. “If you look at history, good transportation systems have made prosperity possible,” relates Sen. John Edwards, who points to the ridership success of Amtrak passenger rail service to Lynchburg.

“The Roanoke and New River valleys are one super region.

We have so many connections that tie us together,” explains Del. Joseph Yost. “We can do this together at the local, state and federal levels. Passenger rail service is something that everybody is interested in.” Del. Nick Rush adds: “Any way we can efficiently seem closer to our national treasures and landmarks in the nation’s capital, to the nation’s financial center in New York and emerging economic centers like Boston’s biotech region will be a good opportunity for our citizens and business community.” A station site has been identified in Christiansburg, and a comprehensive study has been approved for fiscal year 2019. Passenger rail service is slated to begin in Roanoke next year.

tour, Merry Christmas! www.mountainvalleycf.com

WeGoShop.com Dave and Kerry Lester have launched a WeGoShop.com grocery shopping and delivery service for Blacksburg and Christiansburg residents. Kerry has been the manager at Wade’s Supermarket for more than 12 years and understands well that some folks needs this kind of assistance. Rates and information are on WeGoShop.com, click the U.S., then Virginia and either Blacksburg or Christiansburg for rates and order submission. 540-629-5959.

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A GINGER KID

- Toys that Teach

As busy working parents, Adam Harman and Nicole Haskins wanted their time with son Hudson,

now 7, to be valuable and memorable. Spending time teaching fundamentals like tying his shoes, doing simple math and telling time on an analog clock motivated Nicole to figure out ways to have fun with an educational approach. Since Hudson carries the legacy of his mother’s reddish hair, “A Ginger Kid” was a natural for the name.

“We brought to the website several innovative tools to have those exciting, learning moments,” Nicole explains.

Targeted to children pre-K to second grade, the e-commerce website went live in August, and there’s a fund-raising arm as well. “Elementary schools can sell A Ginger Kid toys, a more healthy option to chocolate bars or cookies,” she relates. “The school keeps 30% of the revenue.” Their goal is to provide “toys that teach” so parents can promote learning in a fun way with their children. www.agingerkid.com

Send Us Your Suggestions This publication is a member of

Suggestion MailBox ®

Expanding the Power of Suggestion

Download the app at SuggestionMailBox.com or from

www.nrvtimebank .org

This novel program connects people of all ages, skills and backgrounds to exchange knowledge and services, using time rather than dollars. A member who provides one hour of service earns one Time Credit, which can be used to receive an hour of service from someone else. Home repair, animal care, yard work, cooking lessons, computer instruction and more are valued equally.

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Newsy Relevant Valuable A round-up of items of interest across the NRV

Christmas Open House

Dec. 9, 5 - 7 p.m.

Glencoe Museum ~ Radford

Floyd Rustic

So a guy makes his wife a farmhouse table. She loves it.

He enjoyed it. So, he makes another one, and another one, and soon, he’s in the furniture business! Floyd Rustic is a new furniture shop in a barn with a showroom on the upper floor open to the workshop below. Visitors can watch Derek DeLuzio work with wood as they wander among farmhouse tables, headboards, coffee tables and home decor accessories managed by the wife with the original farmhouse table, Leah DeLuzio. “We wanted to create an experience,” she says. And they did.

177 Gracie Lane, Floyd, floydrustic.com

Jeni Benos

The highly-acclaimed fine art and handcrafted sterling silver jewelry of entrepreneur and artisan Jeni Benos of Giles County will be on display at Glencoe Museum in Radford from Oct. 6 to the end of the year. Jeni explores a multitude of mediums in nature, animal and country themes. Through the lens, she seeks to capture intriguing and unexpected perspectives using color and tone to infuse emotional depth into images. Jeni is an award-winning silversmith for whom innovation and precision in concept and technique are paramount.

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Women – Men – Home – Baby – Wedding – Office

Now Offering: Monogramming – Embroidery – Custom Stationery – Custom Candles 208-A N. Main Street, Blacksburg, VA • (540) 605-7204

tr-collection.com

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NRV H o me s

Christmas in the Mountains Text by Joanne M. Anderson | Photos by Always and Forever Photography

Dave and Amy Kinsley moved to a secluded, 7-acre parcel of land in Giles County with magnificent views a decade and a half ago. “We knew some day we would build our dream house about 15 feet behind the original house,� says Amy. It would have been too much to renovate the existing one, and the couple had their hearts set on the rustic appeal of a timber frame style.

Shannon Lucas of Lucas Home Builders was the general contractor; Jeffrey Weismann, the architect; and Blue Ridge Timberwrights erected the awesome structure around which the home took shape. They took as much as possible from the old house. Many boards were reused, and the kitchen sink and cabinets work well in the current laundry room.

This year marks the seventh Christmas in the house, and each year Amy frames the solid oak front door with greenery and a festive wreath in the center of the massive, mahogany front door. The portico roof line is edged with sparkling icicles.

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The Kinsleys embrace the mission style of leather and wood furniture for its luscious wood grains, smooth design lines and fine craftsmanship.

A handcrafted dining table sports holiday dishes and linens, with more greenery, red berries and red plaid ribbons adorning the chandelier above. Stockings are hung on the mantle with care, and small decorative touches create an enchanting Christmas spirit throughout the house with ribbons, pillows, snow globes and seasonal embellishments.

The Christmas tree is a 9-foot Frasier fir decorated with an eclectic mix of colorful ornaments.

But what really shines are the handmade bead embellishments on many of the ornaments. “I made jewelry as a kid,” Amy relates, “and I’ve always enjoyed beadwork.” Each one takes five to 10 hours to design and complete.

Every Christmas morning Dave makes a Kinsley family tradition - eggs goldenrod. Fresh, made-from-scratch biscuits are covered with a roux and diced hard boiled egg whites, then dusted with minced egg yokes. In the afternoon, Amy usually makes her homemade honey bread for a few friends and neighbors and delivers it with a Merry Christmas smile. For Christmas dinner, they host friends for crab legs and homemade pie and lounge around the fire in the great room, enjoying coffee with Baileys Irish Cream.

“We chose to not have any kids, so the pets are our children,” Amy relates, referring to four cats and two dogs. Louisa is a young Rottweiler who loves the sun at the front door, while Murphy, a mature yellow Lab, sprawls on his bed close to the fireplace.

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“We chose to not have any kids, so the pets are our children,” Amy relates, referring to four cats and two dogs.”

The Kinsleys embrace the mission style of leather and wood furniture for its luscious wood grains, smooth design lines and fine craftsmanship.

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www.grandhomefurnishings.com

CHRISTIANSBURG 220 Laurel Street NE | 540-381-4000 | OPEN EVERY DAY

Meet the Artist

Christmas Open House December 17-18 Saturday, 11 to 5, Sunday, 12 to 3

Winter’s Eve at the Plantation ornament

223 Gilbert Street, Blacksburg, VA 24060 (540) 552-6446

www.pbuckleymoss.com

Validated parking available for the North End Center parking garage on Gilbert Street.

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T he Ar t s

Art, Glass and Window Panes Text by Emily Kathleen Alberts | Photos by Kristie Lea Photography

J

Just shy of a couple years ago, a Christiansburg couple who did not consider themselves artists started crafting one-ofa-kind glass artwork that defies the limits of traditional stained glass. “It’s strange to hear our pieces and ourselves called art and artists, but it’s something we are proud of,” states Rick 34

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Durrett, who started Looking Glass Designs with his wife, Debby.

They have always had a penchant for beautiful glass work, and on weekend getaways in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the two enjoyed visiting antique shops looking for stained glass pieces to display at home.

“We kept encountering pieces that were simply too expensive for our budget,” Debby recalls.

Rick noticed several paintings and other art displayed in window sashes. “Since I work for a window and door company and have a source of window and door components, we decided to bridge stained

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T he Ar t s glass with window art into what we make today.” While they still appreciate stained glass as a beautiful form of art, what Debby and Rick craft is not limited to pieces of glass.

“Our pieces are three-dimensional and include almost anything you can think of -- bowls, crystal, wine bottles, playing cards, sea shells, driftwood, beads, jewelry, mosaic tiles and on and on. What we can include in a piece is almost unlimited, and we’ve recently expanded to sea glass and sea shell jewelry,” Rick says.

There is also no limit to where these unique glass creations can be displayed.

Clients have commissioned Debby and Rick to compose innovative pieces for their mantels, to hang on the wall or function as headboards, table tops and cabinet doors.

The couple created a particularly fun piece for Debby’s aunt and uncle. “We were staying at their beach house this past January and wanted to make a piece to say thank you. We collected shells and driftwood from the beach in front of the house and included the name of the beach house. We finished it while we were there, and it was wonderful to see it hanging above the door facing the ocean.”

Most patrons can expect to pay somewhere in the $75 range, with cabinet doors and tables running a bit more. The average piece takes about three hours to complete, though making pieces from doors takes considerably longer than window frames. Doors have to be cut into sections, and the panels must be removed before glass can be placed in the piece. There is also time spent with the customer coming up with the design and layout.

“It starts with listening to what colors and shapes the customer likes as we show them various pieces we have made,” Debby relates. “We also want to know where a customer will display the art piece and what theme or message they want it to convey.” Once they have the direction on style and colors, Debby and Rick start laying out designs for the customer to view, making changes as they get feedback. Once the design is exactly what the customer wants, the piece is created.

“The most difficult piece so far was a headboard for our bedroom,” says Rick.

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“I used a door with 15 window panes that was the right length for a king bed. It was challenging because of the size and number of sections, making 15 little art pieces at once, but the end result turned out beautiful.”

For the first year, Debby and Rick sold their glass art at an antique shop and a home décor store, but they thought they could do better. “We decided to participate in crafts shows and festivals around the New River Valley,” Rick says. “It is so much fun. We’ve gotten great exposure and enjoy bringing our art to a wide variety of people.”

Emily Kathleen Alberts is a Blacksburg-based freelance and science and technology writer who contributes regularly to New River Valley Magazine.

November 5 - NRV Holiday Expo NRV Fairgrounds, Dublin 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

November 19 - 7th Annual Holiday Bazaar Falling Branch Elementary Christiansburg 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

lookingglassdesignone.com

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StarCityGreyhounds.org Also find us on Facebook!

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Connecting to Community

Co mm u n i t y

By Jennifer Poff Cooper

During the past 143 years, the YMCA at Virginia Tech has served the New River Valley with diverse programs to enhance the area’s quality of life. The YMCA itself has a rich history ~ founded in 1844 in London to provide low-cost housing and wholesome recreation for rural young men – and later, young women – journeying to cities to find work in the factories of the Industrial Revolution.

Early in the 20th century, there was an emphasis on evangelical Christianity as well as promotion of good sportsmanship in athletic contests in gyms and swimming pools. Later, the YMCA became more interdenominational and concerned with promoting morality and good citizenship rather than a distinctive interpretation of Christianity. Today, the worldwide YMCA is focused on inspiring youth and their families to exercise and be healthy.

The YMCA movement is organized by national associations in more than 120 countries. The YMCA at Virginia Tech is a member of Y-USA. While some

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aspects such as branding are consistent (for example, they all carry the Y logo), each YMCA is open to meet the needs of its community in unique ways. The YMCA at Virginia Tech started in 1873, six months after the college opened. The organization performed almost all non-academic functions of the university, which were eventually given over to Student Affairs.

The relationship evolved, and the YMCA at Virginia Tech is a registered student organization with the university.

With it being a “campus Y,” the local YMCA has never had living facilities, gyms or swimming pools. “Our mission,” explains long-time board member Jim Lawrence, “is to create opportunities for student leadership, enrichment and community.”

Several themes are woven through the Y’s programs. Paramount is sustainability.

Ytoss is its largest sustainability initiative.

Each year, volunteers collect gentlyused items during student move-out and make them available for sale during student move-in on campus. Ytoss has

diverted more than 100 tons of gently used household items from the waste stream, engaged more than 1,300 community volunteers and generated some $60,000 to support YMCA student programs.

From flowers to vegetables, the community gardens provide a place for sustainable food systems as the public works together on raised beds, the Roper Solar Greenhouse, perennial gardens and community garden plots. The Thrift Shop is a popular second-hand store that provides a low-cost shopping alternative as well as a wonderful way to relieve the landfill burden by recycling usable goods. It also works with area non-profits to provide items to those experiencing financial difficulties.

One hundred percent of the proceeds go back into the community.

Another “reduce, reuse, recycle” event is the annual October Book Fair. As learning is an important component, the Open University is a continuing education program that offers a wide variety of classes from pottery and salsa dancing to

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If you look at our entire name ‘Young Men’s Christian Association’ and the people we serve, you’ll notice that it’s not just for the ‘young’ or just for ‘men’ or just ‘Christian’. The name carries a lot of recognition which is very valuable, but it may not adequately capture the broad scope of the modern YMCA organization and movement. ~ Jim Lawrence foreign languages and outdoor grilling. Along with these focal points come volunteer opportunities. Through the YMCA at Virginia Tech’s many student-led community service programs, volunteers can work with kids, special needs individuals and low-income families or seniors. Whether desiring a one-time volunteer opportunity for a group or a long-term commitment as an individual, volunteers can count on the Y to find the right fit.

The most popular program depends on whom you ask.

“If you ask the community,” Lawrence relates, “probably the Thrift Shop. If you ask the students, then the numerous opportunities to gain professional leadership experience through our campus programs is your answer.” Most of its funding comes from the Thrift Shop operations, donations and certain fundraising events such as the annual Craft Fair each November.

The YMCA at Virginia Tech has no plans to slow down.

There are several initiatives in the planning stages including a diabetes prevention program and one to help children maintain academic progress over the summer. “We are always on the lookout for unfilled needs in the community or on campus where we can apply our experience and expertise to fill a gap and provide a service,” Lawrence adds. Note: Joel Goodhart, operations manager, also contributed information for this article.

SAVING IS SIMPLE. DISCOUNTS RIGHT ON YOUR PHONE, RIGHT WHERE YOU ARE.

Community Preferred Checking Account First Community Bank Member FDIC

FCBResource.com

1900 S. Main Street | Blacksburg, VA 24060 | (540) 951-7170

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

• Make financial donations online on the website at vtymca.org or the office, Lancaster House, 403 Washington Street, Blacksburg, 540-961-9622.

• This Y would not function without volunteers.

Every program and event uses volunteers.

Contact the office or website to indicate interest.

• Donate items at the Thrift Shop at 1000 N. Main St. in Blacksburg.

• Stay informed through the newsletter, local publications and social media.

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Small Bu s i n e s s

Small Business ~ an economic cornerstone Text by Joanne M. Anderson Photos by Kristie Lea Photography

The entrepreneur in America is older than the Declaration of Independence, and the same rugged pioneer spirit of centuries ago lives on in the hearts and dreams of independent business owners. Consider the tanner, trapper, wainwright and cooper alongside today’s mechanic, self-defense instructor, shop owner and dance school entrepreneur. You can talk about business, think of ideas for a business and tell an owner how he or she should be running his or her business, but that doesn’t mean you can manage one yourself. Operating a business is challenging, frustrating, rewarding, discouraging, demanding and stimulating all at once. There are moments of exhilaration and days of despair. Profit may seem elusive. Several positive, personal traits contribute to business success with individual qualities from an amalgamation of inherent personality traits, life experiences and education. Some are genetic. Others are learned. Most are inherent characteristics which get developed along the way.

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.

--Mark Twain

The Mechanical Entrepreneur

Fain Tire & Auto

Aw, the foolhardiness of being young. “My dad bought my first car when I turned 16,” says Rob Fain. “It was a Pontiac GTO, and I thought it was big and ugly. I’d just seen “Smokey and the Bandit,” so I was fixated on having a black and gold Pontiac Trans Am, like Burt Reynolds drove in the movie.” Well, of course, what he wouldn’t give to have that 1965 GTO today! His dad and uncle owned local gas stations, and Rob spent lots of time in his youth fixing bicycles and lawn mowers in the neighborhood. Following graduation from Blacksburg High School, Rob studied electronics at New River Community College. “I didn’t really like it as far as pursing a career, but the education has helped tremendously with cars. Being able to troubleshoot electronics is half the battle,” relates the 52-year-old 40

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entrepreneur. He opened his first shop in Blacksburg in 1991 and outgrew every space he moved to, upsizing along the way. Until a year ago.

Automasters (then next to Duncan Ford) was a family business where his in-laws, Jill and the late John Bachorik operated the business side of things and Rob ran the shop and customer service. When the business sale was imminent, Rob could only find one place in the NRV where he could even have a shop, across from Corning between the Western Store and Discount Cellular Accessories. “It was my only choice, and I wanted to downsize anyway to spend more time with my young boys,” he explains of opening Fain Tire & Auto in a smaller place. Rob credits his success with staying educated on changes in automobile

mechanics and design, as well as the people around him, like his parents, Manuel and Linda Fain, his wife, Melanie, and in-house bookkeeper, Julie Wade and others. “She [Julie] knows just about everything about cars.” When asked if she could testify like Lisa in the movie “My Cousin Vinny,” he says “probably”, adding that as he was watching movie, he figured Hollywood got it all wrong. “I knew the car in the movie couldn’t have made those tire tracks unless the movie people changed the rear differential,” he smiles. Of course, that’s what solved the mystery in the movie!

So what is Rob’s dream car to own today? A Corvette, coincidentally like the one owned by Johnnie Self profiled in this issue on page 24, with one exception. Rob would have it in black and gold. And yes, he did get his Trans Am as a teen.

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The Customer Service Entrepreneur

Discount Cellular Accessories

Bobbie Shaver stepped into her entrepreneurial role just over a year ago, dedicated from day one to providing excellence in customer service. “My mission statement is: ‘Provide exceptional customer service to every customer every day!’” she says. “I want each person in my cell phone accessories store to feel valued and appreciated every time they come through the door.”

A Christiansburg high school graduate and teacher there for more than a decade, Shaver attended Virginia Tech for her bachelor’s degree in Clothing & Textiles and Radford University for a master’s as a Reading Specialist. She married and left the New River Valley in 2011 for Fort Bragg, N.C., with her husband, a major in the U.S. Army. When he retired, they returned to the NRV in 2015, and she encountered an unexpected opportunity to have her own business, something she had always aspired to. “My first priorities,” she relates, “were buy the business, increase inventory and purchase a sign for the roadside.” She carries every cell phone accessory imaginable, and the fine folks over at Verizon recommend her store.

From house and car chargers, cases, pouches and batteries to bike and car mounts, speakers and earbuds, it’s all here in one place.

Shaver recently became the only retailer in the area to stock the very chic Chala Bag, whimsical animal-themed purses, totes and key fobs. Classy details blend superior craftsmanship and first-class function. Discount Cellular Accessories also carries totes, shoulder bags, tons of NFL accessories and personal protection items such as pepper spray and tasers. National statistics bear out that shoppers leave a certain store or chain not for product or quality issues but for customer service deficiencies. That will never happen at Bobbie Shaver’s cell phone accessory and fine bags shop. Look for her red and yellow sign and the red front door between Mike Petersen’s Kempo-Karate School and Fain Tire & Auto, also profiled herein, all of them across from Corning NRVMAGAZINE.com

Susanna Lilly Realtor ®

540.320.9444

Bringing Dedication, Integrity, and Results to Your Front Door. www.SusannaLilly.com Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated.

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Small Bu s i n e s s

The Self-Defense Entrepreneur

Mike Petersen’s Kempo-Karate School Videography by The PRIME Factory

Roya’s Recipes Roya Gharavi is the founder and proprietor of Gourmet Pantry & Cooking School in Blacksburg.

SCAN THIS PAGE WITH THE LAYAR APP TO SEE DIGITAL CONTENT Download for free at:

Cheesy Garlic Herb Baby Potatoes Serves: 4-6 Prep Time: 20 minutes

A couple decades ago, Mike Petersen was doing what many a good dad does ~ be involved with his then 8-yearold son, Shaun, and keep himself in good physical shape. Shaun wanted to try martial arts, so off they went in search of a class.

“We both fell in love with kempo karate,” Mike explains. “The emphasis is on selfdefense. It is a non-competition style that focuses on self-discipline, self-improvement and self-control.” In under six months, Mike found himself assisting the instructor and immersed in a little self-discovery. “I had an ability to communicate with students that I didn’t realize, and I thoroughly enjoyed teaching.”

A few years later, he opened a part-time school in the New River Valley so he would not compete with the instructors who taught him. When he was laid off as a tool and die machinist in Roanoke, he and his son decided to ramp up to full-time.

Mike Petersen’s Kempo-Karate School is the oldest and largest martial arts school in the area and in constant operation in one location (across from Corning) for more than 15 years. The school motto is “Integrity, Loyalty and Compassion,” and its success can be attributed to a family-based, noncompetitive style of training. Like Mike, many parents take lessons once their kids enroll.

“Our students train in a noncompetitive, friendly, all inclusive 42

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atmosphere where we focus on real world self-defense,” says Mike. “Our business model is to stay away from what’s trendy and teach a tried-and-true method of self-defense.” A 6th degree black belt, Mike, 58, is the senior head instructor. Son Shaun is the head instructor and a 5th degree black belt. The school expanded about a year ago, adding on-site classes for core strength, Yogalaties and Tai Jai. The innovative father-son team is planning to expand to another location next year.

Along with discovering his teaching skills, it looks like Mike Petersen also encountered competence as an entrepreneur.

Ingredients: 1 bag baby potatoes red or white, about 1 ½ lbs 1 stick (8oz) unsalted butter or 8 Tablespoons of olive oil 3 garlic cloves minced ¼ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon pepper 2 Tablespoons fresh herb, chopped, such as parsley, basil, rosemary, chives. (if you are using dry herbs make it 2 teaspoons) 6oz shredded cheese (I use Gruyere or Swiss Raclette) instructions: 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Place the potatoes into a pan and boil for about 20 minutes or until they are al dante.

3. In the mean time in a small sauce pan melt the butter or heat the oil, and then add the herb, salt and pepper and garlic.

4. Drain the potatoes and place them in a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or silpat. Crush each potato carefully with a mason jar or a drinking glass.

5. Spoon the herbed butter mixture over each potato. Top with grated cheese.

6. Place the potatoes in the heated oven for about 20 – 25 minutes or until the cheese is lightly brown. Serve Hot. Note: Can be prepared ahead of time, just finish melting the cheese before serving.

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Small Bu s i n e s s

The Dancing Entrepreneur

Little Leapers Dance Studio

Heather Leeper grew up dancing at prestigious ballet schools in New York and has loved dance all her life. After graduating from Virginia Tech, she worked in Washington, D.C., as a marketing manager and part-time dance instructor. As if that wasn’t enough to fill her plate, she seized an opportunity to perform as a professional cheerleader for the Washington Capitals and Washington Nationals. She soon found her way back to Blacksburg, however, and began dancing her way through one of her life dreams: to own a successful business. Leeper offered a single dance class at the YMCA and, within five months, opened her first Little Leapers studio in Blacksburg. Little Leapers and LEAP Performing Arts Academy now boast three locations in Blacksburg and Roanoke, a staff of 12 and nearly 400 students.

Just owning a dance studio is not what makes Leeper an outstanding local entrepreneur. She uses her talents and energy to give back to the community. In 2016, she spearheaded “Be Kind, Blacksburg” - a kindness and anti-bullying initiative that includes public programs against bullying and incorporates Little Leapers’ spring production to tell a story of kindness for the community.

She also is preparing her 5th anniversary production of “The Nutcracker” at the Moss Arts Center, featuring 300 dancers, a live orchestra, children’s choir and animated backdrops.

“The Nutcracker” is a reflection of Leeper’s success. Her first production in 2012 was presented on a small stage at the Lyric Theatre using handmade sets and costumes and only a single backstage dressing room.

Leeper’s vision and success are grounded in her founding principles for Little Leapers. “Our curriculum fosters every child’s imagination and love for dance through

movement, costumes and creativity,” she explains. “One challenge in dance is to keep it relevant, creative and thought provoking. We’re changing the way people think about children’s dance; appreciating all its advantages for not only skill, poise and technique, but building

The NRV’s Version of Flea Market Flip Recycle, Repurpose and Restore

Text by Emily Kathleen Alberts | Photos by Always and Forever Photography Videography by The PRIME Factory

We’ve all seen the Facebook posts and Pinterest pins where someone has taken an old dresser headed for curbside pickup and turned it into a stunning work of art.

A coat of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint, some fancy new knobs and voila! Not everybody, however, is gifted in refurbishing old furniture.

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Wouldn’t it be wonderful if there was a place that could do that for you? Since June, Riley’s Uniques has been changing the face of antique furniture, literally. A genuine “Flea Market Flip” style of doing business has allowed owner, John Ousley, to spend more time restoring furniture and being with his

strong individuals, self-confidence and discipline. It’s important to me that we provide an outlet for the children to share their art.”

The Nutcracker

Moss Arts Center Sat., Dec. 17, noon and 6 p.m.

3-year-old daughter, Riley.

“I started this business in honor of her,” Ousley says. “She is the light of my life and the store’s namesake.” Riley was born with Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) Tricuspid Atresia. “We designed the store logo in her honor and to recognize others born with heart defects,” explains Ousley. “The colors represent the CHD ribbon, slightly altered to make it Riley’s own. Even the apostrophe is a CHD ribbon!”

The Ousley family is known for turning negatives into positives. When John

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was laid off from Volvo, he looked at it as an opportunity to start a business. Along with Toby Bullion and Joe Monzo, Ousley became co-owner of Riley’s Uniques early in 2016. Each of the guys has his own floor space, so there’s always a nice assortment for customers. They also have a sister store in Roanoke, Joe’s Trading Post.

For those who prefer “window shopping” online, the store has a e-tailer presence on sites like Etsy, Craigslist and Facebook. Ousley also saves some things just for in-store patrons. “We want to keep that element of surprise. Things move pretty quickly around here,” he cautions. “Often customers see something interesting online, then come in and see something else they like more.”

Riley’s Uniques showcases new finds and unusual treasures on the sidewalk in front of the store at 1224 E. Main St. in Radford.

“The Original Jack Daniels Tennessee Whiskey Barrel spikes a lot of interest. Anyone in the market for one has to sign on to a waiting list, plus pay a hefty shipping fee.”

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When asked where he finds the good stuff, Ousley replies: “Estate sales, auctions and good old-fashioned pickin’.”

When asked about some of his rarest finds, he replies: “I want to keep a lot, but I’d have no business that way.” He tries to forget about the really good stuff and keeps a mental catalog of selling prices for general valuing purposes.

The store has a “Paint to Order” option. For custom orders, they offer a

plethora of color and finish options, as well as a wide variety of art-deco 1950s style stencils to create a unique look. Ousley is careful not to ruin a piece. “I only wish to add some character, not take away from the value. If a piece of walnut or wormy chestnut furniture comes through the door, I won’t touch it.”

Emily Kathleen Alberts is a Blacksburg-based freelance and science and technology writer who contributes regularly to New River Valley Magazine.

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SHEILA NELSON

MIKE WADE

There’s an old adage that to be a good writer, one must be a good reader. For Sheila Nelson, that skill came early and never left. “I began reading by age 3, and my mom laughingly recalled how I was the only child who asked to get back into my playpen while most children were clamoring to get out. That’s where I kept my books.”

At any given time, she is likely to have a couple dozen library books checked out.

By 5th grade, Sheila had written poems, stories and a Christmas play which the class performed. She had a weekly column in the local newspaper for a few years and writes press releases and materials for Daughters of the American Revolution, Chambers of Commerce and other organizations. It was enrolling in and traveling to William & Mary that solidified her deep love for the mountains of Southwest Virginia and her hometown of Pulaski.

Sheila loves American history, genealogy, the Bible, volunteering at LewisGale Hospital-Pulaski, wellrun meetings, cats, plays, luncheons and tea with a variety of groups. Oh, and NRV Magazine assignments.

“I try to discover something new every day. I never know what Joanne will assign me next, and I learn something from researching, interviewing and writing every article.”

Despite exploring different areas of the world, Sheila feels only truly at home right here in the New River Valley. She resides in the house her great-grandfather built and where her mother was born. “My roots are in these mountains and the small town environment to which I always have happily returned.”

The New River Valley has always been home for Mike Wade and he’s okay with that. A native of Narrows, the only significant time Mike spent outside of the area was the four years he attended Concord College, where he earned a degree in graphic design and advertising.

Mike’s plan to move to a larger, more metropolitan area after graduation was quickly derailed when he answered an ad for a part-time proofreading position at the Virginian Leader, Giles County’s community weekly newspaper. He quickly developed a knack for writing and eventually became editor of the paper at the age of 25.

After eight years in the newspaper business, Mike was hired by New River Valley Community Services as its Community Relations Specialist in April of 2000. He’s been there ever since and says he’s continually inspired by the dedication and compassion of his colleagues.

While both jobs have afforded him the opportunity to utilize his talents and abilities, Mike enjoys pursuing a variety of creative outlets – everything from freelance writing and graphic design to playing guitar and singing. The audience for his work as a portrait artist (using colored pencil) has grown steadily over the past year, and he feels his best art is yet to come.

“When people meet me for the first time and ask what I do for a living, it’s hard to give a concise response,” says Mike.

“There are so many things that interest me. The things I enjoy doing are just an extension of who I am. I’m just lucky that I can get paid to do them.” Mike and his family reside in Radford.

NRV MAGAZINE

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When it comes to celebrating the holidays, there’s always room at

Fashions for Evergreens Trees on Display November 24 - January 1

2016

This year we're adding even more trees to a must-see holiday event! Our foyer's 18 professionally designed trees present awe-inspiring decorating ideas in an extraordinary display. After you take in all of the dazzling trees, be sure to cast a vote for your favorite.

The Inn's Grand Gingerbread Display Debutes Thanksgiving Day, November 24 We're bringing back our popular gingerbread masterpiece! This year's display is crafted by the Blacksburg High School Culinary Arts Department.

We're excited to partner with this talented group to bring a sweet holiday creation to our foyer once again.

Family Night at Preston's Friday, December 2, 9 & 23 | 5 - 7 pm On Fridays this holiday season, enjoy a casual family dinner in Preston's with a traditional holiday menu that will delight the whole family from Santa's Little Helpers to Mrs. Claus herself.

A Holiday Treat This season, treat yourself to the luxury of The Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center and be surrounded by the sights, sounds, and scents of the holidays.

On select days this holiday season, enjoy deluxe accommodations from only $89.00 per night.

For reservations, call 540.231.8000 or visit www.InnatVirginiaTech.com

Holiday Carolers Friday, December 2, 9, 16 & 23 | 6 - 8 pm Cozy up with a complimentary mug of hot chocolate and enjoy live entertainment featuring Blacksburg Master Chorale's own "Ad Hoctet" and Blacksburg High School Madriglas on alternating evenings. These strolling groups of carolers will ring in the season with Christmas carols and other holiday favorites.

A Visit from Santa Friday, December 9 | Performance starts at 5 pm Experience the magic of Santa Claus at The Inn! Listen to Santa’s stories, sing songs and share a magical experience. Children sit on the floor or move about the room comfortably, getting to know Santa at their own pace. This is not a traditional photo session with Santa, but photographs are allowed, so be sure to bring your camera! Space is limited, reservations required.

Please contact Hannah Vogel at 540.231.0113 or hvogel@vt.edu.

Champagne Sunday Brunch with Santa November 27, December 4, 11 & 18 | 11 am – 1:30 pm Santa is your host for this bountiful brunch buffet. Join him for bowl-full-of-jelly laughs and tell him what you really want for Christmas.

Brunch patrons will enjoy a complimentary photo with Santa.

Christmas Eve at Preston’s Saturday, December 24 | 5 – 9 pm ’Tis the season for entertaining! Make your reservations now for a special holiday four-course plated dinner in Preston’s Restaurant.

Christmas Day Brunch at Preston's Sunday, December 25 | 11 am – 2 pm A meal at The Inn is always special, but the holiday season holds a unique charm. Come enjoy the holiday decorations, the sounds of the season and our genuine wishes for a joyous holiday.

New Year’s Evening at Preston’s Saturday, December 31 | 5 – 9 pm Close out 2016 "Inn"-style with live entertainment, a four-course dinner and a champagne toast.

901 Prices Fork Road, Blacksburg, VA 24061 | For reservations, please call 540.231.8000 or visit www.InnatVirginiaTech.com