NRV’s Premier Lifestyle Magazine
New River Valley
M A G A Z I N E
January/February 2020
Moss Arts Center Wonder Universe Home Design Food Fare
Weddings
nrvmagazine.com
Thursday, March 5, 2020, 7:30 PM
FLIP FABRIQUE Blizzard
Don’t miss family-favorite FLIP Fabrique’s latest circus—the story of a crazy, poetic, and gentle journey in the dead of winter told through dazzling acrobatics, aerial dance, captivating movement, a dash of comedy, and enchanting live music. $25-$55 $10 students with ID and youth 18 and under PERFORMANCES | EXHIBITIONS | EXPERIENCES 190 Alumni Mall, Blacksburg, VA 24061 | artscenter.vt.edu | 540-231-5300
CVI WILL STAND BY YOU.
When you need a heart failure specialist, you need Carilion Clinic’s Cardiovascular Institute (CVI), where we treat you with as much care as we treat your condition. If you are living with heart failure, you can live longer—and better—with CVI’s Heart Failure Clinic. That’s our promise.
The promise of advanced heart and vascular care.
Christina L. Dunbar-Matos, D.O. Cardiology, Heart Failure
CarilionClinic.org/CVI
Hometown Bankers serving your Hometown 2950 Market Street Christiansburg, VA 24073 NRVMAGAZINE.com
amnb.com Jan-Feb
2 0 2 0
MEMBER FDIC
3
4
NRV MAGAZINE
January/February 2020
NRVMAGAZINE.com
Jan-Feb
2 0 2 0
5
HOME IS . . . WHERE THE ADVENTURE NEVER ENDS
Valentine’s at The Inn Make this Valentine’s Celebration one to remember! FEBRUARY 14-16, 2020
Let’s prepare you for the best run of your life! NEST NEW RIVER VALLEY
happinessNRV@nestrealty.com 540.443.6100 nestrealtynrv.com 118 Country Club Drive SW Blacksburg, VA 24060
Sweet Romance Package
Includes overnight accommodations, strawberries and champagne (or sparkling cider), breakfast for two at Preston’s Restaurant, and late checkout. The Sweet Romance Package is available on February 14 and 15. $219*
The Preston’s Package
Includes all the amenities of the Sweet Romance Package plus our Valentine’s Dinner for two at Preston’s Restaurant. The Preston’s Package is available on February 14 and 15. $299*
Valentine’s Dinner
A romantic dinner for two featuring four delicious courses and live entertainment. Perfectly paired wine flight for an additional $12.95** per person. Dinner special is available on February 14 and 15. $99** per couple
For Reservations, Call 540.231.8000 or Visit www.InnatVirginiaTech.com *Prices do not include tax. **Prices do not include tax and gratuity.
6
NRV MAGAZINE
January/February 2020
CONTENTS
January / February
14 10
2020
Pa stu re Ta l k
9
Hi stor y Rep ea ts Its el f 1 0 No Pl a ce L i ke H o m e 1 4 Moss A r ts Center - 6 Yrs La ter 20
10
Wonder Uni vers e 24 Desi gn & Bui l d Advent ure 28
20
A Steady D ro ne 3 4 Ri de: BMW X5 3 8
38
NRV Pa ges 42 Fo o d Fa re 4 4 Prof i l es 46
44 NRVMAGAZINE.com
24 Jan-Feb
2 0 2 0
7
Yes, It’s a Real Checking Account! Earn up to
FEATURES • NO MINIMUM BALANCE REQUIRED • Mobile app with Deposit AnywhereSM • Up to 4 out-of-network domestic ATM fee refunds
APY*
...AND MORE! GET STARTED TODAY! Enroll in Direct Deposit to access perks Federally insured by NCUA.
Earn up to 5.00% APY* with Freedom Stash™ Checking Open an account today!
(540) 389-0244 (866) 389-0244
8
NRV MAGAZINE
*Annual Percentage Yield (APY) as of 1/1/2020. Monthly Direct Deposit of $5,000 more to receive the 5.00% APY on Average Daily Balance (ADB) up to $10,000, 1.00% APY on ADB above $10,000 up to $1,000,000. Monthly Direct Deposit of $1,000 or more to receive 2.00% APY on ADB up to $10,000, 0.50% APY on ADB above $10,000 up to $1,000,000. Maintain a monthly Direct Deposit of at least $1,000 to avoid a $9 fee and enroll in eStatements to avoid a $2 paper statement fee. Fees could reduce earnings on the account. APY could change after account opening.
www.freedomfirst.com/checking
January/February 2020
Pasture Talk
NEW RIVER VALLEY M
A
G
A
Z
I
N
E
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 ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Kim Walsh DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Dennis Shelor WRITERS Joanne Anderson Karl Kazaks Krisha Chachra Emily Alberts Jennifer Cooper Becky Hepler Melody Warnick Nancy Moseley PHOTOGRAPHERS Kristie Lea Photography Kevin Riley Always and Forever Photography Tom Wallace Silver Pebble Photography Nathan Cooke Photography Cover image: Brogan Dinger and Nathan Shifflette Photo by Kristie Lea Photography © 2020 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.
NRVMAGAZINE.com
I
It’s a new year, a new decade and a season for mittens, hot chocolate, thick socks and embracing the hopes and dreams that inevitably creep into our minds every January 1. Interior design trends for 2020 include more accent walls, faux finishes and neon lighting. Gray will fade away, according to color experts, in favor of shades of green, the most abundant color in the natural world. On the work front, millennials appear to be defining the terms and conditions of employment. Salary and benefits are as strong a motivator as a sense of purpose, viewing themselves as an instrumental component in the big picture. Capes are in style, but I’m not sure they ever went out, at least not for me. But I don’t set trends, favoring buffalo plaid, jeans, boots, short or long skirts and flannel shirts myself. Having unwittingly purchased two chenille sweaters with puff sleeves, which would never stuff into any jacket sleeve, my capes and ruana are looking very useful. I didn’t look carefully at the sleeves, but I love the length, look, warmth and softness of the sweaters, so they stay, puff and all. There’s word on the street that robots and software will replace some jobs, even in baseball(!), and virtual or remote work will continue to expand. Now, there’s where we’ve been ahead of the curve, not the robot or software part, but the virtual office part.
New River Valley Magazine steps into its 14th year with all virtual, all NRV-based, all skilled freelance writers and photographers. Print media may be down in some sectors, but we remain confident in all our print publications. Our most recent challenge has been distribution as some big places no longer permit magazines not their own in racks on their property. We do distribute in 300 places, which you can find listed by area at nrvmagazine.com. Some of the most popular NRV Magazine pick-up spots are Food Lion, Inn at Virginia Tech, Macado’s, Gourmet Pantry, Annie Kay’s, Blacksburg Pharmacy, Mill Mt. Coffee & Tea, Matt Hagan Outdoors, Sugar Magnolia, Grand Home Furnishings, Upscale Attic, Glencoe Museum, CVS and Walgreens in Dublin, Corner Market in Rich Creek, The Palisades and Pearis Mercantile in Giles County, Dogtown Roadhouse, Wildwood Farms General Store in Floyd County and 200+ more places. For the computer and tabletoriented crowd, you can, of course, read the magazine online and re-read old issues. The NRV See & Do Book is found at nrvbook.com, and NRV Map is at nrvmap. com. Read the ads. Because our advertisers value our readership, i.e., you, they spend valuable resources to present themselves in our pages. And for 2020, we simply plan to continue producing the “NRV’s Premier Lifestyle Magazine.”
J a n - F e b 2 0 2 0
Joanne Anderson ManagingEditor jmawriter@aol.com
9
NRV Weddings
History Repeats Itself
Text by Jennifer Poff Cooper | Photos by Kristie Lea Photography Van and Kayla Munsey were married at the Virginia Tech War Memorial Chapel on July 20, 2019, hardly an unusual event. But there is a remarkable back story. “My parents got married there in 1985, and I have always loved looking through their wedding album. The chapel and view of the drill field are gorgeous, and I love the history of the chapel. For as long as I can remember, I have dreamed of getting married at the chapel like my parents. Luckily, I found a husband who loves Virginia Tech as much as I do, and Van was excited to have our ceremony 10
NRV MAGAZINE
there, too,” relates Kayla Munsey. “We chose our wedding date because it was the same day on which Van’s parents got married, so we were able to get married where my parents did, on the same day as Van’s parents! Our families mean so much to us; it’s very special that we could share location and date with them,” she continues. Even the photographs mirrored those of the past. Kayla sent the photographer a few images from her parents’ wedding so that they could have some similar pictures. “We do not often see parents’
children get married in the same place. The chapel can only be booked if the client, the client's parents or a member of the wedding party is or has been affiliated with Virginia Tech, so there’s a limited group who can have weddings here. Their situation was pretty unique,” says Adrienne Phillips, a coordinator for the War Memorial Chapel and events at Virginia Tech. Both Van and Kayla wanted to get married in Blacksburg but were living in Charlotte. “It was a little tricky planning the wedding from out of town,” recalls Kayla, who now thinks she probably should have hired a local wedding planner.
January/February 2020
NRVMAGAZINE.com
Jan-Feb
2 0 2 0
11
After confirming the ceremony site, the couple toured several reception venues before deciding on a location in Radford because of the beauty of the grounds and its ability to accommodate their guest list. They chose other vendors based on recommendations from family and friends, reviews and talking with them. “We found our wonderful photographer Kristie McCallum online and set up phone calls with her to get to know her better. We didn’t meet the florist, Curtis Graham with Radford Florist, until the day of the wedding but he did an amazing job with all of the flowers,” Kayla says.
12
NRV MAGAZINE
The couple’s friends and family members decorated the morning of the wedding and transported decorations from the chapel to the reception site. “We were both blown away by how helpful our friends, family and wedding party were. Everyone went above and beyond to help make our day special.” One of her favorite details was wearing her mother’s wedding shoes at the reception. She says: “I remember wearing them around the house when I was younger, and I loved being able to incorporate those into our wedding day.” Other things they loved were seating cards made from plantable seed paper and personalized wooden name plates for the wedding party.
The weather was completely cooperative, with July 20 being the hottest day of the summer. She wanted to get married in summer so she wouldn’t get cold, and she definitely got her wish. Kayla and Van loved getting married in the New River Valley. It is a special place to them as both have roots in the area, and they each made great memories during their times at Virginia Tech. Kayla concludes: “To be able to share this special place with our out-oftown friends and family as well as those living in the area was one of our favorite parts of the wedding.”
January/February 2020
CHATEAU MORRISETTE .
Weddings to Savor FOR OVER FORTY YEARS, CHATEAU MORRISETTE WITH BRIDES
AND
GROOMS FROM
TO HOST THEIR SPECIAL DAY. RIDGE
MOUNTAINS,
ELEGANT
OF
ACROSS THE COUNTRY
NESTLED QUIETLY IN THE BLUE
CHATEAU
ATMOSPHERE
HAS PARTNERED
MORRISETTE
ROMANCE
PROVIDES
AND
AN
CELEBRATION.
CONTACT US EVENTS MANAGER Lindsey Importico limportico@thedogs.com 540.593.9235
NRVMAGAZINE.com
WWW.THEDOGS.COM
Jan-Feb
2 0 2 0
13
NRV Weddings
There’s No Place Like Home … for this wedding
Text by Becky Hepler Photos by Kristie Lea Photography Love is always a central theme in weddings, but for Brogan Dinger and Nathan Shifflette, it went beyond the love they had for each other to include their families, their community and its economy and the environment. Nearly every decision was braced by the questions: Who will this help? [and] What won’t be hurt? It started by deciding to have the wedding on the family farm, continuing a family tradition and allowing Brogan to be photographed with her horses. Nathan, who met Brogan on a photo shoot at the 14
NRV MAGAZINE
Berkeley Plantation, proposed to her at a very scenic spot on the property, and that’s where some other pictures were taken. “It wasn’t easy, because the farm was NOT a wedding venue, yet,” says Dianne Dinger, mother of the bride. But with the help of creative community friends, they were able to achieve the vision of Rivendell that Brogan wanted. Some notable contributors are: • Darnell Martin, director of the film “Wish You Well” which was filmed in Giles County
• Linda Hayes, hospitality consultant • Ann Goette, local writer and chosen officiant • Debbie Leet and Kitty Devereaux, local master gardeners • set decorator • costume coordinator • Amish craftsmen in Giles and Bland counties • and many more. Recycle, reduce, reuse was apparent in many decisions for the wedding. Cloth-covered hay bales which provided seating for guests at the
January/February 2020
“It wasn’t easy, because the farm was NOT a wedding venue, yet,” says Dianne Dinger, mother of the bride.
NRVMAGAZINE.com
Jan-Feb
2 0 2 0
15
16
NRV MAGAZINE
January/February 2020
Plan the wedding of your dreams in Virginia’s Mountain Playground ™ www.gilescounty.org
NRVMAGAZINE.com
Jan-Feb
2 0 2 0
17
ceremony were later moved to the barn to feed the horses over winter. The entrance arch was made from old doors and architectural elements from an old house on the farm property. The arbor in the ceremony area, created by Amish craftsman, will be donated to become part of the Pearisburg Public Library’s Secret Garden project for young readers. The reception bar was crafted from trees cut on the farm by the groom and his father and now stars as Brogan and Nathan’s dining room table top. The wedding dress came from a store established by the Central Virginia YWCA that gets its inventory from designer and bridal salons. They sell at drastically reduced prices and use the proceeds to fund programs that help women and children. It takes a village to raise a child and to help her get married. Brogan used as many local vendors as she could. The wine came from Beliveau Winery in Montgomery County while the groom and the bride’s dad and brother made the beer. The potted plants and pumpkins were supplied by Giles County High School’s horticulture class and The Green Market. Stonecrop Farm in Newport supplied the flowers and crafted the arrangements. Blue Ridge Mountain Catering, a local NRV firm, prepared the food, and the Palisades Restaurant was the 18
NRV MAGAZINE
site of a pre-wedding dinner. Brogan showed a whimsical side as well. Instead of the usual wedding cake, she and Nathan fed each other bites from the Chicken Wing Tower Cake, made by her sister with chicken wings smoked at Fat Back Soul Shack. She got that idea from a wedding show on TV. “Nathan and I looked at each other, laughed and agreed that when we got married, we would have a chicken wing cake.” Brogan advises new brides to check the calendar carefully for competing events. It turned out her wedding was the same weekend as a Virginia Tech football game and she had to warn her guests to book hotel rooms very early to ensure a place to stay. Luckily, local friends offered rooms in their houses, found houses to rent, and there is a campground close to the farm where folks who didn’t get a room could stay. She did not have a wedding planner, so Brogan depended upon lots of help from friends and family to attend to all the details that made her wedding so beautiful. “They were the cement that helped us pull everything together. We think everyone felt a sense of purpose in assisting us to create memories that will last a lifetime.”
January/February 2020
NRVMAGAZINE.com
Jan-Feb
2 0 2 0
19
NRV F e at u r e
Moss Arts Center ~ 6 years later
The arts can change people’s hearts, change their minds, and change their lives. - P. Buckley Moss, artist and philanthropist
Text by Joanne M. Anderson Photos Courtesy of Moss Arts Center Famous American composer and pianist Philip Glass was the opening performer in the Moss Arts Center on Nov. 1, 2013. Just over six years hence, the $100 million arts complex continues to showcase renowned artists and cultural performances from around the world as well as local and regional productions. It is uniquely partnered with the Institute for Creativity, Arts and Technology or ICAT, an experimental venue dubbed the Cube, and research studios. ICAT offers a multimedia studio, production control room, newsroom and associated classroom in support of the Virginia Tech Department of Communication. Named for the beloved American artist, generous donor and local resident, P. Buckley Moss, the complex includes the Street and Davis 20
NRV MAGAZINE
Performance Hall, named as well for generous donors and supporters of the entire vision. The performance hall consists of three levels of lobbies, the grand staircase and the 1,274-seat Anne and Ellen Fife Theatre, named for a donation from Eugene Fife. “The Moss Arts Center has changed the cultural landscape of Blacksburg,” state frequent local patrons Bob Schulman and Debbie Hix. “From its majestic architectural beauty to its perfect acoustical design, it has become the place to enjoy music and the performing arts in Southwest Virginia.” As with any project of this magnitude and expense, evaluation is ongoing to optimize everything. “We evaluate our efforts continually across a variety of areas,” explains executive
director from the beginning Ruth Waalkes. “We monitor ticket sales on a daily basis to understand what is selling well and what is not. That said, the number of tickets sold is not always the primary measure of success. We want to present artists and works that bring new perspectives and experiences. We attend the performances to gauge audience reactions and engage in regular conversations with patrons. In addition, roughly every two years we do a major survey. We also have a highly engaged board who shares their impressions throughout the year. Our box office records patron input regularly, and our content manager engages in conversations through social media. We also measure a number of engagement metrics for both student and community engagement.”
January/February 2020
Meet the Artist
Gallery Open House Feb. 7-8 Saturday 11-4 pm, Sunday 12-3 pm
First Lesson
216 S. Main Street, Kent Square Blacksburg, VA 24060 (540) 552-6446 blacksburggallery@pbuckleymoss.com
www.pbuckleymoss.com
NRVMAGAZINE.com
Jan-Feb
2 0 2 0
21
The Moss Arts Center is a spectacular testament to how important the arts are to any university that values comprehensive excellence. - Charles W. Steger, former president of Virginia Tech
Student participation has been exceptional, even better than anticipated. Also attendance and participation of K-12 schools and students has exceeded expectations, reaching a larger number across a more expansive region than expected. On the patron front, the staff is working to attract audiences from a wider region than currently, striving to host more regular attendees from outside the New River Valley. One of the neatest things about the Moss Arts Center is its accessibility and outreach within the NRV community and embracing the broader Appalachian regional heritage. Performances include the New River Valley Symphony and Blacksburg Master Chorale, along with bluegrass music, banjo pickers and Crooked Road Mountains of Music Homecoming performances. Community artwork is on exhibit frequently in the galleries including student shows and community art groups.
22
NRV MAGAZINE
The international performances are consistently popular, and the most well-attended events tend to be orchestras, theatre and, of course, internationally-renowned performers like Renée Fleming and Yo-Yo Ma. “We’re constantly bringing in new technology, especially in the Cube as we continue leading edge work in immersive environments and spatial music. In the theatre, we added a new sound board last year and have finished an amphitheater on the exterior of the building,” Waalkes relates. When asked about the next six years, Waalkes responds confidently: “We’re working through a strategic planning process now that will shape what we do next. We plan to do continued, and more extensive, outreach and engagement into the surrounding community, including expanded K-12 and regional partnerships. We’d also like to do more programming outside of the center itself.”
Schulman and Hix enjoy that every year the Moss Arts Center offers a variety of music and entertainment events, as well as travel, science and public interest presentations. “Every season features a genuine superstar performer. We have loved Yo-Yo Ma, Itzhak Perlman, Emanuel Ax, Joshua Bell and Philip Glass. This season we are looking forward to Renée Fleming in February. It is wonderful to have such world-class entertainment in our own backyard.” Mission: The Moss Arts Center transforms lives through exploration and engagement with the arts and creative process. Vision: The arts will be a deeply embedded and highly valued part of life at Virginia Tech, in Southwest Virginia, and for members of the Virginia Tech community wherever they live and work in the world.
January/February 2020
NRVMAGAZINE.com
Jan-Feb
2 0 2 0
23
The Wonderful World of Wonder Universe
Text by Melody Warnick Photos by Kristie Lea Photography At Wonder Universe, the newly revamped children’s museum now open at New River Valley Mall, 5-yearold Merriweather Skabelund points to Blacksburg Fire Department’s Engine 3 and asks: “Can I go in that, Mom?” The shiny red kid magnet parked inside Wonder Universe is the front half of an honest-to-goodness fire truck, and yes, you can go in it. Merriweather and two of her siblings — 6-year-old Marta and 3-year-old Thomas — clamber into the truck’s cab and bounce on the seats, barely able to contain their glee. “Oh, this is magical,” says their mom, Melinda. On a Montgomery County School District snow day, the museum is hopping, and the Skabelund kids are soon dashing among more than a dozen other exhibits. At the veterinarian 24
NRV MAGAZINE
exhibit, Marta dons a white coat and feeds medicine with a plastic syringe to a stuffed sloth. For a solid 15 minutes at the post office exhibit, Thomas tirelessly stuffs letters and packages into an oldfashioned metal mailbox. If some children are plainly ignoring a sign requesting that “inside voices” be used, well, it’s hard not to scream with delight when the air tube exhibit sucks up multi-colored pompoms and spits them out high overhead. Of the more than a dozen exhibits that constitute Wonder Universe, very few were present in the museum’s original incarnation as the Blacksburg Children’s Museum. Opened in 2014 by a handful of local mothers, including original director Julene Rice, the children’s museum eventually outgrew its storefront in the First & Main shopping
center. The hunt was on for a new home that would be bigger, more centrally located, and easier to access for people across the New River Valley. The space at the NRV Mall fit the bill, and thus began a nearly yearlong build-out of the former Charlotte Russe store and the food court. Finally open in November 2019, Wonder Universe boasts more than 14,500 square feet — quadruple the old size. There’s room to roam, as well as space for more immersive exhibits. For instance, an infant-toddler space called The Meadow is stocked with climbing and crawling toys, mirrors and manipulatives for the three-and-under crowd. At the farmer’s market stand, kids can grow, pick, sell and eat play food. An Art Bar in the back brings to mind its food
January/February 2020
NRVMAGAZINE.com
Jan-Feb
2 0 2 0
25
court origins, with 12 metal stools sidled up to a long butcher-block countertop for kids to craft and create with recycled art supplies. There are also more exhibits geared toward kids up to age 12, including a miniature Motor Mile Speedway where children assemble cars, hook them to a manually cranked air compressor, then let them zoom down the track (while they learn about STEM standards like velocity and air pressure). Open hours have tripled, and with the new location in the heart of the New River Valley, the number of visitors is expected to shoot from 23,000 to 65,000 this year. “We think we’re bringing something really awesome to the NRV that’s new and innovative and exciting for children,” says Kristin Kirk, volunteer chair of Wonder Universe’s board of directors. “My hope is that we are able to deliver on a place that children and families feel like they can come on a regular basis to play and learn and have fun together.” The new name, Wonder Universe, reflects the museum’s approach to education that masquerades as pure fun. In the New River Valley, 75 percent 26
NRV MAGAZINE
of three- and four-year-olds are not enrolled in any early childhood education program, while more than 6,100 children live in poverty and may not have access to educational resources at home. The hope is that Wonder Universe will spur a focus on childhood learning that prepares children in the New River Valley for learning success. “These kids will test better and be better ready for being an adult,” says Sarah Nucci, the executive director of Wonder Universe. “I’m hoping the community will see this as a place to invest in the future that will pay back in the long run.” What Nucci and Kirk suspect that most residents don’t know is that Wonder Universe is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that draws more than half its operating budget from donations and grants. The rest comes primarily from admission ($8 over the age of 1) and membership fees (between $150 and $195 annually, depending on family size). “We’re not a business, not a school, not a for-profit daycare,” points out Kirk. “We’re a charity.” Wonder Universe’s grand plans — more activities, more exhibits, more field trips, more offerings for kids from
different backgrounds and ages — all hinge on community support. Organizers are eager for families to book birthday parties in Wonder Universe’s dedicated event space (complete with a Gothic-style throne), for volunteers to teach visitors the science behind exhibits, and for kids to show up and play. “In the long run,” says Kirk, “we want to be a lighthouse for early childhood development, to have that model of learning through play. Play is powerful.” Right now, play is energizing Melinda Skabelund’s three oldest kids, who have moved on to the Build It Toolbox exhibit. Wearing hard hats, they screw together a giant erector set and collect nuts and bolts with a powerful magnet. Watching them, Skabelund says she’s grateful to have a local place where her kids can play without hearing “don’t touch” all the time. “They’re figuring out stuff that I would never even dream of. That chance to build and create is one of my favorite things.” To plan your visit, volunteer or donate, visit WonderUniverse.com.
January/February 2020
NRVMAGAZINE.com
Jan-Feb
2 0 2 0
27
NRV Ho me
A Design-and-Build Adventure
Text by Joanne M. Anderson Photos by Kevin Riley A man in Illinois was tearing down a 150-year-old barn and selling the hand-hewn beams on eBay. Bob and Mary Menees of Pembroke bought the entire load. A winery owner was only too happy to pass along grapevines he was pruning, and Bob and Mary took a huge portion. An old bridge near Richmond had been replaced, and Bob and Mary lugged home the wrought iron sides. An old Turkish church door was found leaning against a barn in King, N.C., and Bob and Mary decided it would make a perfect front door. The old barn wood from Illinois became the interior beams. The grapevines are the foundation for six hand-crafted chandeliers. The bridge sides serve as the railing on the back porch. And this is but the tip of the iceberg in the design-and-build 28
NRV MAGAZINE
adventure that Bob and Mary Menees embarked upon to create their unique home overlooking the New River. "Bob discovered a wooded lot on Google Earth while searching for property along the New River," Mary relates. "He noticed the 400-foot elevation change from the land to the river, and when we drove out, we couldn't believe the magnificent view." The couple, living in the Village at Peppers Ferry at the time, contacted the owners who were not interested in selling. Patience is a virtue the Meneeses seem to have in spades, and after not finding anything better over the next two years, they contacted the owners again. A deal was sealed. The land was theirs. It was February, 2012. The creative pair works at Signspot in Blacksburg, which is owned by their daughter and son-in-law, Chantry
and Justin Hurt. The Meneeses bought some architectural software and began a five-year journey in not only designing the house, but also collecting most of the materials they wanted for the structure. "With the unconventional nature of the construction, we knew the choice of a contractor would be limited," Bob explains. "We chose Lucas Home Builders for the job. Shannon Lucas was confident from the beginning and saw our vision. They were great to work with, and we couldn't be happier with how it all turned out." It's hard to pin down if there were more design changes during the process or more trips to flea markets, salvage spots or eBay destinations. Here is another partial list of Bob and Mary's home building materials. Keyword: Partial - this is not everything.
January/February 2020
NRVMAGAZINE.com
Jan-Feb
2 0 2 0
29
Exterior
•
Poplar bark and wavy pine siding on entire house, Boone, N.C. Windows [inside and out] trimmed with reclaimed cypress found at a sawmill, Plum Creek, Va. Embossed tin barn shingles for soffit, Pennsylvania Iron tow chain as rain chain from gutter, West Virginia All exterior rock picked up off ground on the property during construction
• • • •
Interior
•
Ceiling barn wood [weathered oak, wormy chestnut, pine, poplar], School House Antiques, Forest Hills, W.V. Upside down rhododendron tree converted to light in entry, Boone, N.C. Reclaimed door knobs on all interior 5-panel doors, eBay Vintage garden sink in half bath, Roanoke Black walnut newel posts and oak stair stringers, on property of a Blacksburg private sawmill Refurbished clawfoot bathtub, eBay (out of Texas) Wrought iron arches above window in master bedroom, antique shop, Foscoe, N.C. Hurricane shutters converted to sliding door on rustic rail for master bath door, Hillsville Flea Market
• • • • • • •
30
NRV MAGAZINE
"The house had to be planned," Bob continues, "to fit the limited footprint of the land and be positioned 'just right' on the knoll of the cliff to take advantage of the best view. We collected all the reclaimed materials used in the house during the planning stage." From breaking ground in November of 2016 to the move-in day in July of 2018, Bob and Mary spent untold hours on-site with the contractor and construction crew. Understanding the uniqueness of this home gave the Lucas Construction team some liberties in keeping with the vision of the owners. "For example, the contractor embedded leaves from the property into the concrete entry for a stamped fossil look to the surface," Mary says. "They also installed extra poplar bark on the trim work of the back porch and built a bench from one of the barn beams. We were even surprised to find a poplar bark birdhouse that the crew built and mounted to one of the trees at the edge of the cliff!" January/February 2020
THE EWING CO MPANIES
REMODELING | CABINETRY | BUILDING For Every Budget, Vision and Inspiration
Visit our showroom: 1701 S. Main St., Blacksburg, VA 540.951.0544 • EwingBuildingAndCabinets.com
NRVMAGAZINE.com
Jan-Feb
2 0 2 0
31
Besides being incredibly unique, the home has a natural warmth with a rustic elegance rarely encountered. My stepson, Ken Anderson, an architect in Denver, was along for the tour, and his observations were "earthy" and "grounded". "It feels like the whole house grew up from the ground on this rocky outcropping," he stated. From the front porch concrete through the beautiful kitchen with locally-sourced Amish-made cabinets, dining room, living room with soaring rock fireplace to the four second floor railroad kubbies, Bob and Mary's adventure in home building produced an amazing, comfortable, earthy abode. "We have four grandchildren between 5 and 11, and we wanted to do something fun and exciting when they come to visit Memaw and Granddad. Four little 'kubbies' were built with just enough room for a twin bed and nightstand, and heavy curtains pull closed for privacy, much like sleeping quarters on a train. "They really love this and so do other visiting relatives, like grownups," Mary smiles. There is a lovely full bathroom upstairs along with an expansive playroom. But it's the back deck overlooking the New River, forests, farm land and open fields where Bob and Mary, along with family and friends, spend much of their time. The seasons change. Trains run along the river bank. Birds and wildlife are abundant. And though the house may be built, the adventure of life for Bob and Mary continues among beautiful, unusual materials and interesting treasures discovered on their designand-build excursions. 32
NRV MAGAZINE
January/February 2020
NRVMAGAZINE.com
Jan-Feb
2 0 2 0
33
A Steady Drone
drone popularity takes off over the New River Valley
Text by Nancy Moseley Photos Courtesy of Wing It has become a recognizable whir, one we hear at football games, festivals or walking across a parking lot. The buzz is similar to that of a flying stink bug, if amplified 100 times. But it’s not a stink bug (or a bird or a plane). It’s a drone! And they’re everywhere. A drone, by definition, is simply any unmanned aerial vehicle. The first drone use occurred in the mid-1800s when Austrian soldiers filled balloons with explosives to attack Venice. Since then, Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) have been primarily used for military purposes, aiding modern warfare in combat surveillance, reconnaissance and spy efforts. Now, nearly two centuries after the attack balloons, recreational and commercial drone use is growing exponentially. In 2006, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recognized the 34
NRV MAGAZINE
need to regulate non-military and nonrecreational drone flight by issuing the first commercial drone permit. A decade later, more than 3,000 permits were issued, and the number continues to increase. Drones, like stink bugs, are household word(s). In response to this everburgeoning technology, Virginia Tech’s Drone Park (visible from the U.S. 460 bypass) opened in 2018 to give students, researchers and members of the community a place to explore all-thingsdrones. At 85 feet tall and roughly the size of a football field, it’s considered a closed facility, therefore not subject to national air space regulations. “We are the largest unencumbered drone cage in the country,” offers Sarah Macey, drone park manager. “It’s the biggest it could be without interior support structures.” The park is used predominantly
by the college of engineering, but sees activity from nearly every area of study, even Moss Arts Center. There are drones on-site for school and community groups to use and VT’s Drone Racing Team is a regular patron. “It’s a great space for students to test equipment and learn how to fly in a safe environment,” Macey adds. “It’s a gateway to this technology for a lot of people.” The park falls under the Institute for Critical Technology and Applied Science, as does the Virginia Tech Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership (MAAP), one of seven nationwide UAS test sites designated by the FAA. MAAP is a member of the Virginia team that was selected for a federal initiative called the UAS Integration Pilot Program (IPP). IPP’s mission is to broker the relationship between state agencies and
January/February 2020
NRVMAGAZINE.com
Jan-Feb
2 0 2 0
35
local governments to private companies that wish to integrate into national air space. MAAP helps secure waivers, evaluate equipment and ensure that everything is executed safely and effectively. Virginia is one of just three states that hold the credentials of being both a test site and part of the pilot program. It’s a huge reason why Wing, quite literally the latest buzz in the New River Valley, opened up shop here. Wing was founded in 2012 as a subsidiary of Alphabet, Google’s parent company, and is one of Virginia Tech’s IPP partners. There are two Wing facilities in Australia, one in Helsinki, Finland, and one in Christiansburg. Jacob Demmitt, spokesperson for Wing, says the local response has been extremely positive and welcoming. “Community feedback is a really big piece of this. One of our top priorities is hearing what people want from drone delivery. We are available to answer questions,” Demmitt explains. Behind privacy fencing in the middle of Christiansburg’s retail mecca sits the Wing facility, constructed entirely out of converted shipping containers. There 36
NRV MAGAZINE
is a viewing center overlooking the drone field designed with a large deck and cushy outdoor furniture. They regularly host local organizations and school groups for a peek behind the curtain. Wing is currently working with three partners: FedEx, Walgreens and Sugar Magnolia in downtown Blacksburg. They are delivering packages limited to three pounds to a three-and-a-half mile radius. The entire process, from online checkout to when the tether lowers and releases the package on your front lawn, is around 10 minutes. The drones are made of heavyduty foam, weigh 10.6 pounds and are four feet long with a 3-foot wingspan. There are 12 vertical rotors and two horizontal propellers for a seamless transition from helicopter to airplane. Even though they fly autonomously at approximately 65 miles per hour, there is a UAS-certified pilot on site at all times overseeing operations. “We are the first drone company to be an FAA-certified air carrier, meaning we are held to the same high standards as more traditional manned commercial aircraft,” Demmitt states. “At this time, we are the only residential drone delivery
service available to the general public in the United States.” Potential uses for UAS technology are palpably widespread, from agricultural pesticide application and disaster damage assessment to first aid administration and power line inspection. Plus, what costefficient aerial photography has done for the real estate industry. “I feel like we’re still in the Model T stage of drone technology,” Macey concludes. “It will be interesting to see where the research takes us.” As UAS components continue to advance, so will their relevance to our everyday, operational lives. “The sky’s the limit,” as they say. Or… is it? Nancy S. Moseley is a freelance writer based in Blacksburg whose 6-year-old asked for a drone for Christmas. When she was 6, she probably asked for a Strawberry Shortcake doll. Oh, how the times they are a’changin’.
Wing feedback: wing.com/contact Sign up for Wing delivery: wing.com/va FAA Drone Regulations: faa.gov/uas Fly at VT’s Drone Park: drones.ictas.vt.edu/dronepark
January/February 2020
NRVMAGAZINE.com
Jan-Feb
2 0 2 0
37
NRV Rides
BMW's SUV X5 - luxury to the
max
Text by Joanne M. Anderson Photos by Tom Wallace Whether a restaurant, gift shop, car dealership or clothing store, street and brand visibility can be a very important component of sales strategy. Thus it was that Bill Wiggins happened to drive past a BMW dealership many days to and from his workplace in North Carolina. He was driving a nice model Jeep, but, in his words: "It was a Jeep." Those BMWs were calling his name, and he only had variance in his middle initial, which is not M. In June of 2017, Wiggins purchased a new 2017 mineral white metallic BMW SUV X5 with a heated steering wheel and heated seats (front and back), luxury
38
NRV MAGAZINE
accoutrements and premium package items like a superior navigation system, Harman Kardon surround sound, panoramic moonroof, Fineline oak wood trim and satin aluminum roof rails. "I bought it for the quality ride, style and dependability," he relates. "It
. . . "It has the best driver-friendly package of technology to ride in comfort and handles smoothly on the road."
has the best driver-friendly package of technology to ride in comfort and handles smoothly on the road. It hugs the curves, and when driving at night, the headlights focus around the curve, not just straight ahead." It is, as the slogan goes, The Ultimate Driving MachineÂŽ, but it is super fun just to sit in it, browse all the onboard computer gadgetry or listen to music from multiple high-performance speakers and a powerful DSP multi-channel amplifier offering a unique, three-dimensional sound experience. And all the while, if you are in the front, you are enjoying warm, 14-way
January/February 2020
NRVMAGAZINE.com
Jan-Feb
2 0 2 0
39
power seats with 4-way lumbar support. This is much more comfortable than any kitchen or office chair. Bayerische Motoren Werke AG a.k.a. Bavarian Motor Works a.k.a. BMW celebrated its 103rd anniversary on March 7, 2019. Its early history is a bit complicated, but its commitment to and reputation for designing and producing high quality equipment and "ultimate driving machines" is undisputed. From aircraft engines and motorcycles to cars, MINIs and luxury SUVs, BMW reigns in its class. The SUV is the new kid on the block for BMW, having been introduced in 1999 and now in its 4th generation of design. Bill's vehicle has a 3.0-liter BMW TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder, 24-valve gas engine with variable valve control. It is all-wheel drive with an automatic transmission, though the SUVs are also made with rear wheel drive, V-8 engines and/or manual transmissions. The wheels are 20" light alloy, and the front tires are 8" wide, while the back tires are 10" wide. Alloy wheels offer performance advantages over steel wheels. They can weigh several pounds less per wheel, and lighter weight promotes faster acceleration and quicker stopping. Wiggins, a Blacksburg resident for the most recent five years, has been known to enjoy both in appropriate conditions. "The all-wheel drive technology is an amazing communication network under the vehicle like the transmission talks to the wheels and everything important there exchanges information. If one wheel spins, the other three take over. Safety features are exceptional," he adds. Wiggins emphasizes that the BMW SUV X5 is just a pleasure to drive and that it is truly the Ultimate Driving MachineÂŽ. So smitten is he with this vehicle that he has his eye on the new 2020 BMW SUV X5 model in metallic green. He is like a walking advertisement for what BMW calls its own SUV X5: "The original Sports Activity VehicleÂŽ: a fearless leader and stylish benchmark."
40
NRV MAGAZINE
January/February 2020
NRVMAGAZINE.com
Jan-Feb
2 0 2 0
41
Newsy Relevant Valuable A round-up of items of interest across the NRV
The Community Foundation of the NRV Launches Food Directory December 2019, Christiansburg
20th Annual Gala & Auction
The 2019-2020 NRV Food Assistance Directory was released as part of CFNRV’s Thrive initiative that focuses on expanding access to healthy food across the New River Valley. The directory is the first of its kind, providing a comprehensive overview of local food assistance programs and services. The directory can be accessed through cfnrv.org.
NRV Cares Hosts 20th Anniversary Gala March 21, Inn at Virginia Tech NRV Cares is a local non-profit organization focused on the health and well-being of children and families across the NRV. The gala is an annual fundraising event that includes dinner, dancing and an auction.
Jumpstart Giles Business Plan Competition Accepting Applications January 23rd, Giles County
Shaena Muldoon of The Palisades Restaurant Receives Award October 2019, Richmond Shaena Muldoon, owner of The Palisades Restaurant in Eggleston, received the Jim Wordsworth Award for Restaurateur of the Year at the Virginia Restaurant, Lodging and Travel Association’s 2019 Ordinary Awards. The award was presented to Muldoon at a special dinner for hospitality and industry leaders. A record-setting number of 130 businesses, individuals and attractions shared the nomination. thepalisadesrestaurant.com 42
NRV MAGAZINE
In an effort to encourage and support the launch of new and existing small businesses within the county borders, Jumpstart Giles is hosting a business plan competition with up to $33,000 is cash prizes. The goal is to provide a network of support to NRV entrepreneurs who are at the idea stage, have a new business or are looking to expand an existing business. Applications will be accepted through January 23, 2020. Visit gilescounty.org for more information.
January/February 2020
Newsy Relevant Valuable OUTDOOR ADVENTURE
SOUTHERN LIFESTYLE
A round-up of items of interest across the NRV
ENTERTAINMENT
RICH HISTORY
FOR YOU
AWAITING YOU pulaskivatourism.org
Pulaski County Receives American Evolution Award December 2019, Jamestown
The Radford Singers to Perform at Carnegie Hall February 20th, New York City
Pulaski County was presented the Statewide Partner Award recognizing the county’s outstanding participation in the Commonwealth’s year-long American Evolution campaign. The campaign commemorated the 400th anniversary of English settlement and the first appearance of a representative general assembly. Pulaski was the only county to receive the award.
NRVMAGAZINE.com
New York City’s famed Carnegie Hall will host the Radford Singers, an ensemble group from the Music Department at Radford University as part of the National Concert Women’s Chorus. The ensemble is 36 members strong and led by Assistant Professor, Meredith Bowen, Ph.D. They will perform pieces from international writers, poets and philosophers that represent the theme of the show, “What is Home?”
Jan-Feb
2 0 2 0
43
NR V F o o d F a re
Edible Bowl Meals Compiled by Joanne M. Anderson
When you want to cut down on dishes, use edible bowls like bread, tortillas, apples and chocolate or at least food bowls that can be tossed out like pineapples, tomatoes, apples, squash and avocados. You can make cookie bowls by pressing cookie dough into a muffin tin and baking it to be filled with mousse, for example. Or tortilla bowls by molding flat tacos over upside down muffin tins and baking. My friend Mary Lou Whittier puts little pie crust circles over upside-down muffin tins, bakes them, then opens a few cans of pie filling and everyone can make his or her favorite mini-pie. If you get some sturdy plasticware and paper napkins, you’ll have minimal clean-up on Super Bowl Sunday.
• • • • • • • • • •
44
Taco Salad
1 pound lean ground beef 1 (1.25 ounce) package taco seasoning mix 1 (16 ounce) can chili beans 1 (16 ounce) bottle French dressing 1 head iceberg lettuce 1 (14.5 ounce) package tortilla chips 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese 1 cup chopped tomatoes 4 tablespoons sour cream 1/2 cup prepared salsa
NRV MAGAZINE
in a Tortilla Bowl Brown and drain ground beef. Add taco seasoning, chili beans and French dressing. Fill the dressing bottle 2/3 full of water and add to the skillet. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 15 minutes. Crush the bag of chips and toss broken chips in large bowl with lettuce, cheese and tomatoes. When meat mixture is done, combine with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, chips and mix well. Spoon into tortilla bowls. Add salsa and sour cream to serve.
January/February 2020
Fried Rice & Chicken • • • • • • • • •
in a Pineapple Bowl
1 egg 1 Tbl water 1 Tbl butter 1 Tbl vegetable oil 1 onion, chopped 2 cups cooked white rice, cold 2 Tbl soy sauce 1 tsp black pepper 1 cup cooked chicken, chopped
Beat egg and water in small bowl. Melt butter in skillet, then add egg and leave flat 1-2 minutes. Remove and shred the egg. Heat oil in same skillet. Sauté onion until soft. Add rice, soy sauce, pepper, chicken. Stir fry about 5 minutes and add egg. Pile into dug out pineapple.
New England Clam Chowder in a Bread Bowl
• • • • • • • • •
4 slices bacon, diced 1 1/2 cups chopped onion 1 1/2 cups water 4 cups peeled potatoes, cubed 1 1/2 tsp salt black pepper to taste 3 cups half-and-half 3 Tbl butter 2 (10 ounce) cans minced clams
Cook bacon in large stock pot until almost crisp; add onions and cook 5 minutes. Stir in water and potatoes; season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Cook uncovered for 15 minutes or until potatoes are fork tender. Pour in half-and-half and add butter. Drain clams, reserving clam liquid; stir clams and 1/2 of the clam liquid into the soup. Cook for about 5 minutes until heated through. Do not allow to boil.
NRVMAGAZINE.com
Jan-Feb
2 0 2 0
45
NRV Magazine Contri buto r s
Advertisers Index
Amy Gray One of Amy Gray’s favorite places is behind the lens of a camera. “I approach photography as a most precious art; treating each being that is in front of my lens, whether a drop of rain or couple to be married, as a unique and transient moment that I will not allow to escape my shutter.” A native of Blacksburg, Amy received a chemistry degree from UNC Charlotte but followed her passion for photography. She built her first camera at age 5, launching her creative side to capture raw and real events. She lives in the NRV with her husband and kids, traveling, dancing and laughing their way through life. Her photos have received awards and been featured in multiple photography publications. She approaches wedding, portrait and lifestyle photo shoots with a journalistic and documentary mindset and excels in making small moments which appear insignificant look like moments of magic when time stood still.
Becky Hepler Photo by Kevin Riley Becky Hepler has enjoyed a variety of careers in her life, starting as a visiting lecturer on American Government at Virginia Tech in the 1970s. The following decade, she moved into television and media production. After the birth of her daughter, Molly, Becky went back to school at Radford University to become a school librarian. She worked the next 22 years in Roanoke City schools and Blacksburg High School and retired in 2016. Becky's freelance ventures began in the 1980s, and she spent two years with the New Castle Record and the Salem Times-Register to hone her writing skills. Clients include The Roanoke Times, The Roanoker, Blue Ridge Magazine, Blue Ridge Business Journal, The Front and, right here, New River Valley Magazine. “It’s always a delight to meet new people and share their stories,” she says. Becky plays second violin in the Blacksburg Community Strings and works on political campaigns. She and her husband, Rick, share their Newport home with two rescue cats, Jade and Juliet, and a rescue dog named Banjo. 46
NRV MAGAZINE
37 33 19 3 13 19 41 35 31 21 3 17 13 41 33 37 41 8 23 23 21 8 19 13 6 31 48 37 37 2 6 5 5 47 37 35 21 47 23 41 23 4 4 21 31 43 19 17 17 6
A1 Heating & Cooling Albimino & Stenger Team Allure Spa American National Bank Aztec Rental Blacksburg Country Club Blacksburg Transit Brown Insurance Budget Blinds Bull & Bones Brewhaus & Grill Carilion Clinic CELCO Community Credit Union Chateau Morrisette Collision Plus Paint & Body DeHart Tile Dogtown Roadhouse Dr. Steve Jacobs Optometrist Kelly Griffin Realtor Energy Check Eric Johnsen State Farm Floyd Hemp Factory Freedom First Hahn Horticulture Garden Historic Smithfield Inn at Virginia Tech Kesler Contracting Long & Foster Real Estate Macado's Matrix Gallery Moss Arts Center Nest Realty New River Aesthetics New River Personal Training NRV Home Builders Assoc. NRV Intellectual Property Law, PC NRV Rent-All P. Buckley Moss Gallery Progress Street Builders Richard Anthony, DDS Robinson, Farmer, Cox Associates Shelter Alternatives, Inc. Sinkland Farms Sugar Magnolia The Black Hen Restaurant The Ewing Companies The Weigh Station Troika Walker Creek Barn Walnut Grove Windy Hills Farm
January/February 2020
Presented by
2020 NRV HOME EXPO MARCH 14-15 | Christiansburg Rec Center
Looking to build, buy, remodel or add on—you don’t want to miss this opportunity to meet building trade professionals in one great location. Tickets $5.00 but bring this coupon for
$2.00 OFF
Saturday 9am to 5pm Sunday 12pm to 5pm
2nd weekend in March Christiansburg Rec Center
One coupon per ticket. Children 18 & under FREE
Join us for special events such as our Silent Auction, Paint Your House Event & More Photo by Sean Shannon Photography
Learn more at www.nrvhba.com
Search. See. Love.
Find a place to hang your heart. Explore all homes today and leverage the insight of our agent network. Find your agent at LongandFoster.com
PRISCILLA The
Morris
Team
of Long & Foster Real Estate
Darin Greear REALTOR®
Priscilla Morris REALTOR® 540.320.3586
540.320.5859 Darin@RinerVa.com www.RinerVa.com
Priscilla@PriscillaMorris.com www.PriscillaMorris.com
2018 #1 Top Team Producer New River Valley Office
of Long & Foster Real Estate
Brenda Woody REALTOR®
Mike Weber REALTOR®
540.257.0281
540.250.6727
Brenda.Woody@LongandFoster.com www.longandfoster.com/BrendaWoody
MikesYourRealtor@gmail.com www.longandfoster.com/MikeWeber
of Long & Foster Real Estate
Wendy Swanson REALTOR®
540.797.9497
swansonwm@gmail.com www.wendymswanson.com
Visit www.longandfoster.com or download our mobile app today! 3601 Holiday Ln. Blacksburg, VA 24060 | 540.552.1010
www.BoboliTeamRealty.com
Tammy Baldwin-Boboli REALTOR® 540.818.3169 tammy@boboliteamrealty.com Tony Boboli REALTOR® 540.818.0372 tony@boboliteamrealty.com
Long & Foster was named “America’s Most Trusted Residential Real Estate Brokerage” by Lifestory Research.
Trust. Family. Excellence.