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EXPLORE Vibrant sights and sounds from around the world SUBSCRIPTIONS ON SALE NOW
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WATCH THE FULL STORY AT FREEDOMFIRST.COM 6
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CONTENTS July/August
2022
30 20
Past ure Talk
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A nc i e nt N e e d l i ng 10 Te l e heal t h The rapy 14 A B Cs of CB D 18
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P B uc k l ey Moss 20 N RV Hom e 24 E l Cami no + B oat 3 0 Do g s Fi nd i ng Pe op l e 3 4
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Fal conr y i n t he Fam i l y 3 8 Fo o d Fare 42 N ew Ri ve r P i c ni c Co. 44 Ad ve r t i se rs Ind ex 46
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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 Kim Walsh
O
DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Dennis Shelor WRITERS Joanne Anderson Karl Kazaks Emily Alberts Jo Clark Becky Hepler Nancy Moseley Kameron Bryant PHOTOGRAPHERS Kristie Lea Photography Kevin Riley Tom Wallace Billy Bowling Photography Nathan Cooke Photography
© 2022 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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One day I looked out my kitchen window to see a few men walking in the woods on my property. Two of them were wearing bright orange vests, so I did not figure they were doing anything on the sly. I called my neighbor asking if I should let out my dog and/or call the police. “Oh, no,” exclaimed Dee Whitter. “They are falconry folks. I told them they could hunt on my land [next door]. Go out and say hi.” I left the dog inside and walked out to where one had the most beautiful big bird on his arm. I did not have a camera or get a contact name. Fast forward a year or more, and a couple cars were parked along my dead-end street. There was the man with the most beautiful big bird on his arm! And that’s how I met Marc Manley and his awesome hawk, Zephyr, story on page 38. It was 1993 when we committed (at Steppin’ Out) to raising an 8-weekold yellow Lab puppy for Leader Dogs for the Blind. From there, it was a love affair with Labs. Kent came at age 2 (from Leader Dogs), Canyon was 3 (from SWVA Lab Rescue). We only had one or two at a time, but once one passed over the rainbow, we’d get a call or find another one. Pepsi Bear was 8 when he arrived (SWVA Lab Rescue). Brodie and Robbie were 10-year-old littermates whose owner had died in Maryland (Lab Rescue of the LRCP). Robbie passed away 4 months later; Brodie lived 4 more years. Patton (Lab Rescue of the LRCP) was with me 3 ½ years, from age 8 to 12. Emily Alberts shares more info on adopting older dogs on page 34. I would rather have had an amazing dog for three years than not at all. And all my Labs have been amazing, of course! I have been turning magazine pages since I was old enough to turn magazine pages. I love magazines, great learning tools. If you have a child who does not like to read, buy a magazine subscription to a favorite
Pasture Talk
topic like sports, cats, camping, cars, photography, etc. A few of my friends bring magazines from their travels, and I recently received a stack from the Hamptons, as in THE Hamptons. Perfect bound, glossy pages, all 266 or 156 pages, like catalogs, heavy. The people are all beautiful. The houses beyond spectacular. The ads enticing. The jewelry practically glitters on the paper. I turned those pages with excitement, yet not with an ounce of envy. Give me the New River Valley, its people, places, coffee shops, mercantiles, events and properties like the 6th generation Hale home in this issue. ‘Nuff said. Point made. Make some limeade, light the firepit, pull out the marshmallows, go to the Star-Lite Drive-In, watch the fireflies, and enjoy these lazy, hazy days of summer in our lovely slice of Southwest Virginia.
Joanne Anderson ManagingEditor
jmawriter@aol.com
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To the Point benefits of ancient needling treatments on modern malaise Text by Nancy S. Moseley
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The idea might make your skin tingle a bit. Marching orders that recommend putting more than one needle in your body at a time is likely, at first, to cause appropriate hesitation. But making your skin tingle is exactly what's supposed to happen. Acupuncture is the use of needles (the Latin root "acus" means needle) inserted in precise anatomical points to access the body's energy flow chart and central nervous system. Bronze statues dating back to the 15th century show more than 350 pointed gateways. The Chinese call the internal energy highways Qi (pronounced Chee) and find them imperative for quality of life. While the technique itself is documented as early as 100 B.C., the English term "acupuncture" to represent therapeutic needling, wasn't coined until the 17th century. John Thacker, L.Ac, has made a career using acupuncture to access the body's energy meridians and treat conditions of both the body and mind. He is certified to practice acupuncture by the Virginia Board of Medicine and the National Commission of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine and has been a practitioner since 2006. In 2016 he opened Blacksburg Acupuncture, serving the greater New River Valley and Virginia Tech Athletics. His website [accupunctureblacksburg.com] states: "BioMedical Acupuncture (BMA) promotes healing in soft tissue by relieving muscle tension and inflammation via mechanical and biochemical functions." Needle treatments benefit the body's mechanical functions by stimulating blood flow and oxygen to problem points. The result is improved tissue performance that will ultimately help manage pressure and pain. Secondly, treatments aimed at biochemical functions use needles to teach the body to release endorphins, our "feel good" chemicals, to help with fussy conditions like hormone imbalance, mood regulation and stress minimization. Thacker also specializes in dry needling, a "westernized" derivation of the ancient Eastern practice. Dry needling makes up a significant part of his business and is a specific technique for a very specific type of problem. It targets trigger points or muscular knots, most commonly those found in the neck and upper back. "It's a common source of pain," Thacker explains. "Where we hold our tension would be a candidate for dry needling." Pain management can be acute, specific to NRVMAGAZINE.com
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an injury or surgical procedure, or it can be chronic. One of the first questions Thacker often fields is: “How many sessions is it going to take?” The answer, like the inner workings of our own individual bodies, is not simple. While we often wish we could say: “I hurt here, fix it,” it's not always that easy. Factors like age, health history, current conditions, determinate or degenerative, all play a part in a treatment regimen. If after an initial consultation Thacker finds that acupuncture is not the best onset solution, he will steer the patient in another direction. He often works in tandem with physical therapists, chiropractors, athletic trainers and orthopedic physicians to employ a comprehensive approach. Yet, in other circumstances, a needling session will knock out a patient's chronic pain in one single visit. Our well-being relies on both self-advocacy and practitioners who are tuned-in to the big picture, willing to work determinedly in our best interest. "Bodies heal very differently, and I want what's best for them because their success is what's best for everybody. I usually know pretty quickly what the ideal approach is. It can be awkward," he laughs, "but sometimes I say, 'try this first, then we can talk later.'" There is no guarantee pain will go away completely; however, you can almost always make it better. And Thacker is in the business of applying the use of integrative medicine to make it better. But ... does it hurt? The short, perhaps unsatisfying answer is, maybe. After all, everyone's pain tolerance is different. When needling techniques are used to release muscle tension, the result can be a dull ache or tingling sensation. This is a sign that the targeted problem has been reached, and the treatment is working. 12
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Acupuncture can benefit a staggering variety of conditions: • digestive (irritable bowel syndrome, gastritis) • gynecological (infertility, menstrual pain) • neurological (headaches, stroke recovery, Parkinson's disease) • musculoskeletal (Sciatica, arthritis, muscle cramping) • respiratory (asthma, bronchitis) • emotional (anxiety, insomnia) • post-operative recovery. The earliest "needles" were sharp stones, thorns, bones and even metal spikes. Thanks to centuries of advancements, modern needles are stainless steel (phew!) and are manufactured in varying lengths and width gauges, though all are flexible and resistant to breaking and rust. Insertion depths vary depending on which part of the body is being targeted. Injections on a patient's forehead will be quite shallow versus an area on the lower back which may require a deeper reach. A needling session typically lasts 30 to 40 minutes. With any healthcare issue, a holistic approach is best. Treat both the body and the mind concurrently. And don't forgo the gold standards of an intentional diet, regular exercise, stretching and even massage therapy. While generations past may have relied on a shot of whiskey and honey to “cure what ails ya',” we have so much more at, literally, the tips of our fingers. There is something to be said for an ancient practice that has only improved with time, prospering from eras of attention, development, success and energy. Now we can leave the whiskey to more festive applications. Nancy S. Moseley is a freelance writer who, like anyone, doesn't particularly relish the thought of multiple needles in her body. Though she is willing to try pretty much anything that will help relieve the tension caused two rambunctious boys out of school for the summer. Jul y/Aug
2022
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Fe at u re
A New Age of Tools of the Trade
healing hearts and minds from a distance Text by Emily K. Alberts
T
The covid-19 pandemic changed our daily habits tremendously, and some of those habits are sticking around long after lockdowns have lifted. One such transformation is the public’s utilization of telehealth. As medical providers scrambled to find ways to safely administer healthcare during the pandemic, telehealth utilization for office visits and outpatient care grew nearly a hundred times higher than it was previously. Consumer willingness to use this technology increased, and regulatory changes were made to enable greater access and reimbursement.
“Insurance companies relaxed the rules of what constitutes a session so we could provide telehealth therapy.
Regulations require that all sessions be conducted with a video,” explains Nathan Cooke, a licensed clinical social worker based in the New River Valley. Though the term “telehealth” encompasses all aspects of healthcare, the highest increase in usage was in the field of psychiatry (50% increase) as well as substance use treatment (30% increase). 14
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Cooke has been helping adults, children, families, couples and others with mental health difficulties for more than 20 years and was able to adjust his services to meet the new challenges presented by the covid-19 outbreak. “I converted my tool shed into a telehealth studio office. It is set up to provide services via a professional webcam, lights and microphone. It is 100% HIPAA compliant,” adds Cooke. Ah, the new age tools of the trade! Jul y/Aug
2022
Supplying artists and makers in the New River Valley...
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Where time Stands Still
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[HIPAA = Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996] Cooke found his way into the field of therapy because he understands, and is sympathetic to, the human condition. “Listen, we all suffer. I just want to be a guide for folks on their journeys. Also, I gain insights into myself when I’m being their therapist. We all are part of a community.” And just like many of his patients have been navigating this new, often isolating landscape, Cooke understands that although telehealth can offer tremendous convenience, there are drawbacks. “By working from home, I am isolated. For my mental health, I run or work out between sessions. Also, I schedule paperwork time in local coffeeshops, so I am physically around others.” But the perks of having zero commute, getting more time with his kids, and being able to work while traveling offset the isolation. “Many of my current cases are new to therapy and were drawn to telehealth because they can do it from their homes, workplaces or anywhere with a stable connection.”
Cooke has noticed that people seem more relaxed and “free to really be themselves” when they are in their own homes.
In addition to the videoconferencing, Cooke also provides support via voice or texting. “That is done on my own time because I prefer someone reach out for help via text than wait a whole week to see me again.” Cooke is primarily focused on providing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT believes that if you treat negative thinking and negative patterns, you can change negative feelings and improve overall mood. CBT is very effective with depression, anxiety, anger management and impulsivity.
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“Also, I am a trained mindfulness professional. Most of my sessions are a combination of mindfulness (mediation, relaxation skills and sitting-with-it) and CBT.” His website, https://cooketherapy.org/ offers a glimpse into some of his therapeutic tools and includes several books that can help teach children perspective and empathy. “Telehealth can be particularly challenging for children under 8 years of age, as they find it difficult to maintain focus during a remote session.” And the circumstances can be compounded when coupled with challenges such as anxiety and ADHD. This is where his deep breathing exercises, muscle relaxation techniques and imaging practices can be a great help. Finding “a little spot of calm” during the recent hardships we have faced as a global community is growing ever more important. Although we can form
the increased use of social media during the pandemic has actually been implicated in the increase of mental health conditions.
“connections” using social media,
Nothing replaces the support of having a dedicated, caring human being to listen and guide you through hard times. No pretention, no judgement, no stuffy office -- and it can all be accomplished while wearing pajamas and eating a pint of ice cream!
Reducing both the stigma and the anxieties associated with seeking mental health treatment is critical in today’s postpandemic climate. Any possible way that we can increase access and decrease roadblocks to receiving care should be utilized. Mental health is a lifelong journey, where we are constantly adding tools to our self-care toolkits. We have the tool of technology, so why not use it?
Freelance writer Emily Kathleen Alberts embraces this new landscape of tele-psychology and is grateful that the Mental Health Hotline - 988 – launches nationwide on July 16.
Jul y/Aug
2022
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The ABCs of CBD buzz words lighting up the world of cannabis
Text by Nancy S. Moseley
T
The new local establishment on the college town corner used to be just another ol' pizza joint. But lately our faces are aglow in the reflection of bright neon letters, fixated on advertising that's so garish and excitingly bright, it seems to presume we actually know why we're supposed to be excited. CBD! Delta 8! Smokeables! Edibles! Gummy bears! Gummy squares! Lotions, potions, oils, pills and tinctures, all of varying sizes, shapes, smells, colors and quantities. Everything promises to improve our lives, to naturally cure our ailments. But when there is no Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulation for ingredients labels (kind of like vitamins), it's up to the consumer to fill in the blanks and make the educated choice. 18
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It's important, at a minimum, to have a basic understanding of the words wafting across headlines and shelves before we can know what to try or what to pass by. Cannabis The scientific term for cannabis is cannabis sativa, and it is a naturally-grown flowering plant. The plant itself contains more than 100 chemical compounds called cannabinoids. The two most abundant cannabinoids are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Marijuana Marijuana is the dried flowers of the cannabis plant. They are most commonly rolled into cigarettes called joints Jul y/Aug
2022
and smoked as a way of ingestion. Marijuana is currently not legal on a federal level. In 2021, the Commonwealth of Virginia legalized the individual possession of four cannabis/ marijuana plants and the sharing of no more than one ounce of cannabis between adults 21 and over. THC Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the main chemical ingredient found in the resin on the cannabis plant leaves or buds. It is also known as Delta-9 THC, and it gives cannabis its psychoactive properties. THC bonds with receptors in our brain and affects things like mood, sleep, memory and pain. Use of products containing THC will most certainly result in a "high" and produce strong euphoric and intoxicating effects and varying degrees of cognitive impairment. A single serving of THC is approximately 10 mg. While there are no guidelines on how much is safe to consume, know that if you're looking at a cannabis edible - like a giant brownie - it may contain several servings, exponentially increasing the amount of THC. It may seem safe (and normal) to consume a brownie in one sitting, but it's best to do your own serving size-to-THC milligrams calculation. This goes for all edibles currently on the market, because eating too much of a good thing is not a good thing. Hemp Hemp, also called industrial hemp, is a specific variety of the cannabis plant that contains less than .3% THC. Hemp is among the fastest growing plants on Earth (bamboo, another one) and can be used in the production of textiles, insulation, rope, paper and food. When the federal government passed the 2018 Farm Bill, it legalized hemp production in all forms as long as those products are only derived from true hemp, therefore containing no more than .3% THC. All products on the market today should come from hemp, or they are not legal. Delta 8 Delta-8-Tetrahydrocannabi is just one of the 100 types of cannabinoids derived from the cannabis plant and is simply one bonded atom different than THC (or Delta-9 THC). Yet, even the smallest chemical variation can make a difference in pharmacological effects and legalization. There are very small amounts of naturally occurring Delta 8, so in order to make it suitable for mass consumption it NRVMAGAZINE.com
undergoes synthetic treatments. Delta 8 still boasts a definite "high," but it's more mellow, less disruptive of focus or the ability to form coherent thoughts. Like traditional marijuana (though it's legal because it comes from hemp), Delta 8 can be smoked or consumed as an edible. Delta 8 is new to neon window displays, but quickly becoming more widespread. Be wary that while it is a naturally occurring cannabinoid, it still requires manipulation in a lab in order to reach your shopping bag. And no one is currently governing or regulating the testing, production or marketing of Delta 8. CBD Cannabidiol (CBD), along with THC, is the second main chemical ingredient found in the cannabis plant. Both are considered psychoactive; however, CBD does not cause that euphoric "high" because of the way the atoms are arranged and because its bond to our brain receptors is weaker than that of THC. Of the two chemical powerhouses, CBD is more user-friendly. It is non-intoxicating, safer in larger doses and many prefer it because it provides the same calming effect of THC, without the feeling of being drugged, so to speak. Colloquially is said to help with several mental and physical issues including anxiety, depression, insomnia, chronic pain, nausea and migraines and even seizures. CBD, used intelligently and intentionally, is a wonderful, safe, natural therapy for many conditions. What's next? As cannabis producers continue to fiddle with cannabinoids (remember, there are more than 100 to finagle), we should only expect to see more acronym and number combinations lighting up window signage. Delta 10 anyone? Bottom line: Read up before you eat up, drink up or smoke up. Start slow and low. Potency is powerful, and our bodies shouldn't be experiments. The easiest, most trustworthy way to leave the science'ing up to the scientists is to know and trust your local retailer. Ask the questions, have the deep conversation, lash a critical eye. Make sure your goals are made clear (recreational use? medical use?), then sit back, relax and enjoy the ride. It's going to be a long one. Nancy S. Moseley is a Blacksburg area freelance writer. While generally an open book, she's hesitant to divulge her experiences with the industry's buzz words. All she can offer is: Be wary of free samples and, well, there's reason she calls them buzz words.
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Still Excited About
Life!
Text by Joanne M. Anderson Photos courtesy of P. Buckley Moss
i
Imagine my surprise when I asked Pat Buckley Moss recently what is her favorite thing to paint, and she reached for a pendant she was wearing on a long chain. It is … [drum roll] … a horse! When she was a girl, she’d ride her bike to the stables on Staten Island. “When a horse dumped a rider, I was asked to go catch the horse, and those were my only riding lessons,” she happily recalls. Another favorite painting subject is the crucifixion. Then there are the Amish people, towns and buildings, barns and rural scenes, landscapes, Virginia Tech subjects, birds, weddings, landmarks, covered bridges, universities and schools, people, New River Valley places, holidays, animals, Italian scenes … almost endless. “I’ve never painted a sloth,” she informs me, describing them in unflattering detail. 20
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Moss’s career has spanned decades and taken her around the globe. Her sense of adventure never wanes, and some of her experiences are not for the faint of heart. On a trip to Africa,
she woke up in a tent unable to move. “In that half-awake zone, I realized I could not move my arms. I wondered if I was paralyzed and became concerned how I would get home.” Slowly, she opened her eyes, and as things came into focus, she saw the problem. A giant baboon was lying on top of her, pinning her limbs. They locked eyes, and she
Jul y/Aug
2022
Search. See. Love. Find a place to hang your heart. Call me today if you are looking to buy or sell your home.
Tonja Smith Doyle REALTOR®
tonjasmithdoyle@lnf.com Cell: (540) 392-3490
3601 Holiday Lane Blacksburg, VA 24060 | 540.552.1010
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decided to speak its language, uttering a few loud grunts. Her tent mate arose and wandered outside.
It is this calm, collected, sweet spirit, often portrayed in her art, which has endeared Moss to millions who grace their homes and offices with her unique style. At 89, she appears more than a
“Pat's First Love” Both art and children jockey for position as Pat's first love. Here the artist has painted herself indulging one of her favorite pastimes, painting with children.
www.mossfoundation.org
decade younger in comfy shoes, ecru slacks, a white top and colorful chiffon open shirt. Her smiles are abundant, and her love of everyone is apparent. “There’s no snobbery here,” she announces, “nobody left out,” as she nods to Wendy Nester, the Blacksburg gallery manager. “I love meeting the collectors,” Nester relates of working more than two years in the Moss art gallery. “People come in who have collected for decades, as often as new ones. Many are multi-generational in the same family, and others seek a remembrance from a trip to Italy, or a Virginia Tech piece, or a porcelain box, or other gift item.” Nester is a New River Valley native who has returned home. Her professional art sales experience developed and flourished in the 14 years she worked in Santa Fe art galleries.
The P. Buckley Moss Foundation for Children’s Education was created 27 years ago to advocate for arts in school curricula, especially for young ones who struggle with learning by traditional methods. Moss shuffled through school labeled as “not proficient in anything” until someone took note of her art talent. Only later would she discover that she had dyslexia. Her young experiences, along with her success, have propelled her to donate copious time, energy, original art and prints to raise money for promoting innovative teaching methods using art in all its forms, plus scholarships and grants.
Moss still paints every day, most often in 4-hour blocks of time and frequently at night. She keeps more than one piece in process at any time and says both commissions and original art present challenges. She has two
studios at home, plus a studio in Waynesboro and Mathews, both in Virginia, plus her home on Sicily. Her mother was born on that largest of the Mediterranean islands just off the coast of Italy. When traveling, she is most likely to carry only a sketch pad and some pencils. If Pat Buckley Moss is concerned about anything, it’s running out of energy and time way before she’ll ever run out of ideas or paint. “I am still excited about life - every day!” 22
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P. Buckley Moss Gallery
Kent Square, 216 S. Main St., Blacksburg Mon-Sat., 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday, noon – 4 p.m. Jul y/Aug
2022
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A Very Sensible House
lovingly restored through generations
Text by Joanne M. Anderson Photos by Tom and Christy Wallace When Dublin native Trish Hale married Dublin native Steve Hale, just shy of 50 years ago, she packed a suitcase, said her vows and went to Steve’s childhood home to set up housekeeping. “We moved into Steve’s parents house, where he grew up, and all the furniture and pots and pans were already here,” she explains. The home had been vacant a couple years, since the folks passed away, and Steve and his siblings inherited it, one-quarter each. Over the years, Steve and Trish bought the other shares and engaged in myriad renovation projects. “My vision was that it could be a very sensible house to raise kids in the country,” says Steve. 24
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It is not only a sensible house, but also a stunning property which embraces history, elegance and a genuine rustic flair in a 20-acre, bucolic, country setting. Built in 1882 on a 100-acre farm, the structure got its second story in 1905. The kitchen was a separate building, common in the day because of fire risk, heat and odors. Steve points out there was also an ice house, woodshed, wash house, granary, smoke house, hen house and barn, and he adds: EIEIO! Fruit orchards were abundant, along with draft horses, chickens, hogs, sheep and cattle. When the Hales took residence in 1973, there was an indoor kitchen with a metal sink and few cupboards, Jul y/Aug
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and the old kitchen building has been moved twice. It now serves as a charming overnight cottage and anchors one side of the large outdoor stone patio behind the house. The original, random-width, hardwood floors lend a rustic charm. The new full bathroom brings the modern component, and P. Buckley Moss art exclusively adorns the walls. Steve and Trish speak often of bumping out the house to add on. “We were young and poor starting out,” 26
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Steve relates, “so we expanded the home as our money allowed across the last 49 years.” When bumping out the living room, they added lots of bricks from Trish’s nowabandoned family home a few miles away to an existing fireplace. The most recent bump out is on the second story, adding a full bath to that 2-BR floor. The master bedroom and full bath are on the first floor. A kitchen renovation was Trish’s retirement gift. Formica counters were finally upgraded to granite. A entire wall of cupboard doors hide Jul y/Aug
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Samantha Clark samantha.clark@nestrealty.com ph: 434.872.1110
Born and raised in the New River Valley, Sammy shows an unparalleled dedication to her clients, provides quality service that is detailed to each client’s needs, and pushes to serve others in all aspects of life. As a mother of two young boys, Colson and Brooks, I can understand the importance of finding a home ideal for your
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118 Country Club Dr. SW, Blacksburg, VA 24060
Michael McCown michael.mccown@nestrealty.com ph: 540.239.6095
Michael has spent many years in the New River Valley serving its community in the healthcare field, and he is excited to continue this outstanding service for clients looking to buy or sell their home. Having spent the past decade serving the NRV in the field of healthcare, Michael is now
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family and being a part of a thriving community. As a Blacksburg native, I am passionate about providing an unmatched experience to my clients that is detailed to them. After working in the Central Virginia and Richmond markets, I am overjoyed to plant my roots back in the community that built me and continue my career in my hometown. Everyone deserves to love where they live and I am here to help be a stepping stone in bringing happiness home.
thrilled to be able to serve in a different capacity. As a real estate investor, he knows how important it is to be proactive in staying ahead of issues before they arise. His driving goal is to provide an environment of transparency and professionalism for each and every client. Michael would be honored to guide you through the journey of buying or selling your next home, whether for an investment opportunity or full-time residence.
118 Country Club Dr. SW, Blacksburg, VA 24060
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basic pantry and kitchen staples, plus one opens for a pull-down ironing board and another offers her pull-out sewing machine shelf. It’s all been an extravagant labor of love, but three things surface as perhaps their most sensible accomplishments – the front porch, the crawl space and the gardens. “The wood was rotting on the front porch, and we still could use a little more living space,” Trish offers. To tackle this project right the first time, they installed 12-inch masonry blocks under the floor, filled with gravel and lined with Styrofoam. They chose a brick floor for appearance, heat retention and longevity and installed all glass walls plus a baseboard source of heat. Another project was encapsulating the crawl space. “Much of the musty smell in old houses comes right up from the crawl space,” Steve notes of an expense they’ve never regretted. The first impression of the entire place embraces not only the house, gazebo, cottage, carport, firepit and entertainment space, but also the gardens. Steve is a Virginia Cooperative Extension Master Gardener volunteer who has delivered talks at Hahn Horticulture Garden and specifically loves to discuss a long-term vision.
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“Developing gardens in all the right places takes vision and time, often measured in years. Most of the two acres in gardens here now have been planned, planted, pruned and tended since we moved in,” Steve says. “My great-grandparents and my parents were gardeners, not so much ornamental as practical like fruit and vegetables. My dad was excellent at grafting.” A lavender garden attracts scores of bumblebees outside the cottage. “Vintage shrubs include mock orange, bridal wreath spirea, lilac, flowering quince japonica and peonies,” Steve points out. “There is also a collection of conifers and evergreens with more than 13 varieties. It is just an old country yard that is unique in design.” Steve and Trish have both retired from the Pulaski County Public Schools, he as a psychologist and she a 5th grade teacher at Snowville Elementary School. Should any one of their four (and counting) grandchildren grow up and view it as “a very sensible house to raise kids in the country,” they represent the 6th generation. And, seriously, they will not be faced with much renovation work, as Steve and Trish have so carefully planned all they have done. Additionally, they engaged high quality craftsmen and materials for everything that makes this place very sensible and very, very beautiful.
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Doing Things
The first response to Donnie Martin’s idea of retrofitting his motor boat with some fins and tail lights to match his 1959 El Camino was met with: “Are you crazy?” Donnie’s response was this: “Well, probably, but I like to do things differently.” Admittedly, it was a pipe dream for sure, but, hey, Donnie is in the plumbing business. He knows lots about pipes – real ones and the dream kind. “After some cutting of furring strips, sheets of Luan plywood, fiberglass matting and resin, along 30
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with some PVC pipe, we had this project well under day,” he glows. El Camino’s Brief History The Chevrolet El Camino was produced in 1959, 1960 and 1964 to 1987. It was Chevy’s response to Ford’s Ranchero, a combo car-truck with a car front interior and back pick-up truck style bed. The vehicle is officially classified as a pick-up truck, and similar models built on a car chassis were the “roadster
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utility” or “roadster pick-up” trucks manufactured in the 1920s. The early El Camino adopted the mid-level Bel-Air’s trim for the exterior and the low-end Biscayne on the inside. One conjecture on poor sales was seating, as only three people could fit into the front seat, and there was no back seat. The vehicle endured many variations and upgrades inside, outside and under the hood. It was discontinued in 1987, shortly before Ford’s F-150 became
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Differently Text by Joanne M. Anderson Photos by Kevin Riley
the best-selling vehicle of all time, so far. Certainly, El Camino (and Ranchero) lovers would lay claim that these car-truck combinations paved the way for the wild popularity that pick-up trucks now enjoy. Donnie Martin’s Car History Donnie is a Giles County native who has always loved old cars. His first buy was a 1937 coupe when he was 16 years old. Later, he accepted the “hand-me-down” 1960,
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2-door, hard top Buick from his parents. He still has the Buick with its red interior, fender shirts and all the bells and whistles that make it a cool car. “After college, I bought a used 1968 Chevelle Super Sport. My girl friend at the time helped me pay for it, and her money was not lost, as I’ve been married to her 50 years and still have the car, which runs and looks great!” El Camino Attraction Donnie drives his 1968 Super Sport El Camino sometimes. He also owns a blue 1971 4-speed and a 1974 classic. But he likes the ’59 the best, which had towed his motor boat before the light bulb in his head thought it would so very cool to retrofit the boat to match the El Camino. “It has always been a great conversation piece, drawing a crowd wherever we go,” he relates. “We’ve taken it to several car shows and were even on local television in Nashville, Tenn.” But his biggest adventure in the spotlight was being featured on the nationallyproduced Speed Channel (which closed in 2013). “That was exciting! Lots of folks have told me they saw my El Camino and matching boat on TV.” The vehicle sports a 400-cubic-inch small block motor, 4-speed transmission and all gears in the differential. “A complete refurbish of the El Camino and boat has recently been finished,” Donnie explains. “It has a new paint job and disc brake conversion which makes it fun to drive. I have put on 17inch tires and wheels. The dash, gauges and Impala steering wheel maintain the original look.” Donnie thinks the dash is one of the prettiest every produced. An Impala grill guard has been installed. “These guards are rare and very expensive. All the ’59 Chevys, except ones sold in California, came with a 2-piece front bumper and 3-piece back bumper. The bucket seats are from a 1963 Impala and make the ride quite comfortable. The 4-speed with Hurst shifter and T-handle makes shifting gears fun.” His wife, also in her 70s, loves to drive it, too. Wherever they go, they get a “thumbs-up” from people who see the matching, 2-tone, silver-gray car and boat. El Camino, a versatile vehicle, one which Donnie never gets tired of looking at, driving and showing.
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People Finder: How dogs find their people Text by Emily K. Alberts
There are more than 400 recognized dog breeds in the world. Working dogs, sporting dogs, herding dogs – terriers, hounds and toys … the varieties seem endless. If you have fallen in love with a particular breed of dog, there is likely one out there for you, desperately in need of a home. For those who prefer the “adopt don’t shop” approach, in the United States alone there are more than 450 American Kennel Club (AKC) Rescue Network groups. Lab Rescue of the LRCP [lab-rescue.org] finds loving homes for nearly 1,000 Labs each year in Maryland, Virginia, Washington D.C., West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Delaware and North Carolina. Over the past decade, animal lover M.C. Johnson has adopted 16 Labs. “I have been married 40 years, and no matter where my husband and I have lived, we made sure it was a good dog property -- and later horse
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and donkey property, as we started an informal sanctuary for senior and/or ill horses.” A common reason for pet surrender is moving to a home that is not suitable for pets, so the Johnsons were wise to make this a priority. The couple has had as many as six dogs (plus fosters) at a time, and some doubted their sanity when they bought a river cottage for a foster they adopted. “He had a degenerative neurological disease and was confined to a wheelchair, but we found out he loved the water, so we bought a house with easy access to water.” They typically adopt older dogs. “Seniors really grow your heart,” she says. For the most part, they are fairly easygoing. “If someone relinquishes a seat on the couch with the human, they aren’t about to get into a dust-up over it. If another dog takes their toy or preferred dog bed, they
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may mope, but won’t start a kerfuffle.” Plus, many months of potty-training and (sometimes) years of chewed up furniture can usually be avoided. “We are very impressed with the thoroughness of the application, interview and reference checks. We hope anyone who must surrender a dog to Lab Rescue knows how hard the volunteers work for a good match in a new home,” Johnson adds. Abby & Co. [abbyco.org] is a dog rescue nonprofit in Blacksburg. Founder Lauren Bolte pours her heart into finding great homes for shelter dogs, and this is not a breed specific organization. Canines receive their first taste of “home life” via fostering, so they can master housetraining and crate training, if needed, before finding forever homes. “Fostering with Abby & Co. comes at no cost,” Bolte relates. “We cover expenses for vet care, food, toys and supplies. The foster job is to provide a dog with a loving and safe home.” There are occasional “foster fails,” where people fall in love with their foster buddy and adopt him or her, but this type of fail is actually a huge success. “Giving a dog in need a safe space to blossom into their best self is incredibly rewarding. So many shelters and rescues are overwhelmed with the number of dogs coming into their care, so now is a great time to foster and adopt,” says Bolte. And if you don’t quite have the space or living environment to bring in a dog, know that you can always help by donating money that will go toward food, supplies and veterinary care for pups in need. 36
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Greyhounds are known for being family-friendly, intelligent and easy to train. Many are retired racing dogs which long for a more quiet life. They have short hair, so not a lot of shedding, and they are generally not barkers. Star City Greyhounds in Roanoke [starcitygreyhounds.org] takes seriously its mission to find loving, quality homes for these sweet dogs, believing it’s a mutual decision: “You and your dog pick each other.” Local 4th grader Emmett Krause has spent the last two summers selling lemonade outside of his mom’s storefront, Original Frameworks, to raise money for Abby & Co. as well as for the Montgomery County Animal Care & Adoption Center, Southpaw Collective and his elementary school. “Emmett gets practice with many valuable skills like managing money, interacting with folks, and determining causes that are personally important to him,” mom (Becca Rainey) explains. “We love that Abby & Co. was founded by a local NRV resident who seeks to provide resources for animals needing fostering.” It is fun to note that Becca also sold lemonade on that same shopping center sidewalk 35 years ago, when her parents opened their family business in 1987. As someone who purchased some of this fantastic lemonade recently, I can safely say they have perfected the recipe! Emily Kathleen Alberts is dog mom to Skippy, a purebred Hog Weasel (AKC certified) who found her while she was running late to a business meeting. She muttered: “I cannot possibly take in another dog,” as she pulled over to rescue this troublesome little stray who stole her heart. Jul y/Aug
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Like Son, Like Father
Falconry in the Family
Text by Joanne M. Anderson Photos courtesy of Jennifer L. Davis
I
In a reversal of following in footsteps, Marc Manley indulged himself in falconry after his son, Kennet, pursued the ancient sport in high school. “Kennet began his apprenticeship in 2014, and after watching him, driving to meets and observing the fascinating raptors and their relationships with their handlers, I wanted to participate,” Marc recalls. The time required every day is substantial, and Kennet’s pursuit went on hold when he went to college. But, the Manley home was not without a hawk as Marc stepped into the world of trained raptors. Sport Overview Falconry is an ancient sport recorded in Japan in 244 AD, and woven in a tapestry showing King Harold with a trained raptor on a visit to William of Normandy in 1064. The North American Falconers Association (n-a-f-a.com) was established in 1961 “to encourage the proper practice of the 38
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sport of falconry and the wise use and conservation of birds of prey.” Raptors are medium to large birds which prey on other animals, even small birds, for sustenance. Generally they hunt living critters like mammals, insects and fish and do not dine off carcasses. Vultures are an exception. They possess incredible vision for seeing living food sources while in flight from on high. Their feet have talons which both capture and kill their meals. The word “raptor” comes from Latin where “rapio” means to “take by force”. Keeping a wild raptor is regulated by state and federal laws. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service test covers basic biology plus care and handling of raptors. The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources has a falconry permit exam with more than 100 questions. Its housing and equipment must be approved by a biologist from the department before one can trap a bird. According to Marc: “Falconry is considered the most regulated sport in the US, if not the world.” Jul y/Aug
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The Falconer Experience Becoming a falconer is a major, serious commitment measured in years, education, diligence, money and time. It is an everyday devotion. The apprenticeship alone is a minimum of two years, and acquiring Master Falconer status is a 7-year or more pledge to the sport. “I am called a falconer and I am licensed (at the General permit level) to practice the art and sport of falconry, which is strictly defined in the regulations as the taking of wild quarry in its natural state and habitat by means of a trained raptor.” Marc has hunted often in the New River Valley with fellow falconer Tony Pierson. “When we hunted together, we took turns with our red-tailed hawks. You generally can’t fly them at the same time. The only species of raptor I am aware of which will fly cooperatively is the Harris’ hawk. I have had the privilege of watching seven Harrises flying on the same hunt. It was fascinating.” When taking out the bird for a hunt, it has been wellenough fed to be strong, with just an edge of hunger that will promote its hunting and return. Many sports enthusiasts outfit the raptor with a pair of bi-metal brass and bronze acorn bells. Some folks use a transmitter. “I use the bells to be able to find my bird if it strays a bit or goes down on the quarry,” Marc explains. “Sometimes it’s hard to find one in thick undergrowth, and the bells help.” Even a hunt which comes up “empty-taloned” is like an adventure. It’s a great excuse to be outside during the hunting season, Oct. 1 to March 31. Marc likely speaks for a great many falconers when he says: “Having a wild raptor fly to your fist never gets old. It can be especially aweinspiring to call the bird to the glove, watching it gracefully weave through trees in a steep descent, alternately tucking its wings for the tight spaces and then spreading in the open to maintain loft.” Many wild raptors which falconers enjoy caring for, training and hunting with are eventually released into the wild. “We do not use the term ‘pet’ for a raptor. Our birds remain wild while under our care. It will take only 24 to 48 hours after releasing back to the wild for the hawk to revert to a full wild state, avoiding humans completely, including its handler,” Marc explains.
Events”: The world is quiet here. Though not part of the life plan, it happens to be an outstanding place to fly a hawk! “the New River Valley is game rich with plenty of friendly folks happy to generously allow us falconers to fly our raptors on their land.” Marc, a former licensed architect, offers residential design services for every budget and style through his company Skia Design. His slogan is Inspirational Design ~ Affordably Priced. [skiadesign.com] Meanwhile, back on topic, Marc is a newly appointed board member on the Virginia Falconers’ Association Board of Directors, and will be involved with an experimental team approach to sponsoring a new apprentice. There are only 100 or so falconers in Virginia and perhaps some 4,000 across the country. The end goal of the team method is to share the huge responsibility of one person taking on one apprentice for at least two years. Hopefully, with more falconers as mentors and sponsors, more apprentices can come into what is one of the most fascinating sports on the planet.
Virginia Falconers’ Association www.vafalconers.com North American Falconers Association www.n-a-f-a.com
New River Valley Connection Marc grew up an Air Force brat, and after his own stint in the USAF, he moved to Oregon for a decade. There he married his wife, Dorcas, who knew they would settle down elsewhere. “I had traveled the entire U.S.,” Marc relates, “so I had a sense for what appealed to me.” With his wife’s list of places she did not care for, they narrowed it to four seasons, not urban and small college town for its stable economy. He likes the line from Lemony Snicket’s “Series of Unfortunate 40
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Life doesn’t fit into boxes. Neither do home loans.
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NR V F o o d F a re
Limes
Compiled by Joanne M. Anderson
There are more citrus fruits than one might think, and the lime is special for its flavor and vibrant green color. It is a common ingredient in Thai, Vietnamese and Mexican cuisine. And there’s Key lime pie, Florida’s state pie. There are key limes, Persian limes, Makrut limes, desert limes and more than a dozen others. Key limes are a bit smaller than regular limes, more tart and yellowish with a thinner skin. They are not easy to find fresh, as they grow most abundantly in Egypt, Mexico, the West Indies and other warm tropical regions. It’s ok to use regular limes and buy Nellie & Joe’s Key West lime juice. The health benefits are noteworthy, like high levels of vitamin C. Limes have a bit of almost everything, including niacin, magnesium, folate, potassium, calcium, iron and more, plus anti-inflammation and anti-infection potential for their antioxidants. One of the most goofy songs ever has to be [Put the Lime in the] Coconut by Harry Nilsson. It has something to do with a belly ache and was released in 1971.
Key Lime Tarts 12 servings
• 12 mini graham cracker crusts
• 3 cups sweetened condensed milk
• • • •
1 cup sour cream 1 cup Key lime juice 3 tablespoons grated lime zest
2 fresh limes, thinly sliced for garnish
Preheat oven to 350° and place the little mini graham cracker crusts on a baking sheet. Whisk sweetened condensed milk, sour cream, Key lime juice and zest until smooth. Pour into crusts to the top. Bake 5 to 8 minutes, until hot, then refrigerate at least an hour until totally chilled.
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Lime Avocado Salad Dressing 1 avocado 1 clove garlic, peeled ¼ cup roughly chopped cilantro ¼ cup sour cream 1 Tbl. fresh lime juice 3 Tbl. olive oil ¼ tsp. each salt and pepper Water Blend everything but the water, then add water a little at a time for desired consistency.
Summer Limeade 8 servings
Squeeze juice from 10 limes for 20 tablespoons or 1 ¼ cup Dissolve one cup of sugar in one cup of warm water Add 6 cups of cold water and the fresh lime juice Pour over ice and toast to summer time
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in Your Hey — What’s Basket? Text by Jo Clark Photos courtesy of New River Picnic Company
She launched New River Picnic Company last October and plans and provides luxury experiences for picnic adventures. Lizzie pulls together everything from silverware and gourmet food to rugs, linens and pillows. When you arrive at the designated picnic site, everything will be ready to enjoy, with beautiful china, stemware, blankets and comfy pillows for lounging. Afterward, she returns to pack everything up and take it away. Most of her finely-orchestrated picnics are cozy events for two, but Lizzie can handle up to 12 people. Local companies provide fresh food basket components like charcuterie boards from Just Graze & Company and baked goods from Halwa Bakery & Café, both in Blacksburg. Reasons to Celebrate
Lizzie Smyth loves picnics, and picnic planning was just a hobby until her 6-month dating anniversary picnic on the Blue Ridge Parkway. She pulled together a beautiful presentation, and a light bulb clicked in her head. “I was burned out on my day job at the time, and realized I could craft beautiful picnics for others as well as myself,” she recalls. It must have impressed the boyfriend because about six months after the six-month dating date and picnic, he married her. 44
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New River Picnic Company has created memories for proposals, elopements, date nights, gender reveals, anniversaries, graduations and bachelorette parties. In addition, photographers are on call for special events. And remember, like a good champagne, you don’t need a special event for a picnic. Engaging New River Picnic [or enjoying good champagne] makes any event special. Lizzie confides that two of her favorite places to set up luxury picnics are Bisset Park in Radford and the duck ponds at Virginia Tech. Picnics can be set up anywhere in out-of-the-way places, parks, backyards, churches, small farms or even inside your own house. Set-ups within 30 miles of Blacksburg are standard, and Lizzie will travel further for an additional fee. She notes that some parks have shelter rental fees. If you want wine or liquor, you have to provide your own, if it is permitted where your picnic takes place. A typical picnic includes food, packaged in a box and/or displayed on a tray, and every picnic is unique. Lizzie adds personal touches for each client. For instance, her preparation for a proposal incorporates special memories of places the couple has been. If something you especially want isn’t on
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the list, you can create your own package. “My husband Scott and I have booked two picnics with New River Picnic Company, and both experiences were amazing,” says Jessica Mattox of Radford. “Whether you choose your picnic indoors or outdoors, Lizzie will craft a beautiful setting catering directly to your tastes. She is a kind, thoughtful and gracious picnic organizer. And I was blessed to enjoy Lizzie as a student in my Professional Writing class at Radford University!" For those who want to pick up a to-go bag, Lizzie offers The Hygge (Danish for “cozy or comfortable”), which is pronounced like Hue-gah. This choice will give you luxury picnic vibes, ready to take wherever you’d like. Everything in the bag is yours to keep for future outings, and edible delights can be included if you don’t want to pick up your own food.
Picnic With A Purpose New River Picnic believes in giving back to the community. Their “Picnic with a Purpose” initiative developed because, as Lizzie says: “There must be action behind intention. We should do things locally, starting with patronizing other small businesses.” Four times a year, she selects an NRV non-profit to receive 5% of each package total. The first recipient was Live, Work, Eat, Grow, a nonprofit that benefits the community by feeding, educating and teaching about sustainable living and conservation of natural resources. Jo Clark is a self-proclaimed beach bum, but is often found enjoying a Blue Ridge Mountain picnic and a glass of Our Dog Blue as she follows her roots back to Virginia. www.HaveGlassWillTravel.com or @ JoGoesEverywhere on Instagram.
www.thenewriverpicnicco.com 540-315-3821 NRVMAGAZINE.com
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VA Shoreline Contractors
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Skincare where you need it.
Medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology
540-951-DERM (3376)
Blacksburg Office: 3706 South Main St. Blacksburg, VA 24060
Giles Office: 2829 Virginia Ave. Narrows, VA 24124
Roanoke Office: 2110 Carolina Ave. SW 3rd floor Roanoke, VA 24014
Salem Office: 1802 Braeburn Dr. Salem, VA 24152
Providers: Dr. Johnston, Dr. Brown, Dr. Garofola, Dr. Gross, Dr. Brackenrich, Dr. Mullins, Jason Bailey PA, Seth Morgan PA, Jonathan Fraim PA, Melanie Schano MSN, Emily Blankenship MA
