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NEW RIVER VALLEY MAGAZINE

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

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER

Dennis Shelor

WRITERS

Joanne Anderson

Emily Alberts

Jo Clark

Becky Hepler

Nancy Moseley

Kameron Bryant

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Tom Wallace

Kristie Lea Photography

Kevin Riley

Madison Underwood

Billy Bowling Photography

Nathan Cooke Photography

© 2023 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.

One day many years ago, my husband came home and presented me with a receipt for just over $120. He held up a small bag, and I thought that much money should have bought something much larger. He had purchased 12 brass quick disconnect hose connectors, about one inch by one inch diameter for around $10 each. I rolled my eyes.

Now that I am in charge of the HSN Department (Hose, Sprinkler, Nozzle, not to be confused with Home Shopping Network), I’m a huge fan! I have multiple hoses, sprinklers and nozzles which need changing every day sometimes, and these quick disconnect widgets are wonderful. I’ve even bought a few more.

I’ve always been in charge of my own healthcare, and one of the best things I do to stay in the saddle and accomplish much of the outdoor work is visit a chiropractor every six weeks and a massage therapist every six weeks, each one three weeks apart. Dr. Christopher Belluzzo is an ace chiropractor who accepts Medicare, and Kate McGowan at The Weight Club is a professional massage therapist. Both can find the tiniest of knots or underperforming or misaligned muscles and bones and put things aright.

I enjoyed learning more about Dr. Belluzzo and my long-time friend, also a chiropractor, Dr. Jacquie Keats for the article on page 18. Stand by for a forthcoming article on massage therapy and Kate McGowan.

Writing the article on dementia reminded me of two questions in my mind as I cared for my mother in the last two and half years of her 7 ½-year battle with mental decline. What am I supposed to be learning here? Will I really think this was a privilege at some point? My mom died in early 2007. I

Pasture Talk

cannot pass along any great lessons, but the day it was over and in the years since, I have often relished the privilege that was mine in caring for her. It is, as I write in the article, a real Labor of Love, with capital letters on the Labor part and the Love component.

A sweet memory cropped up during the lake house story from my days on a lake in New England. I would take a pie from the oven, and we’d place it in our canoe with 4 paper plates, napkins, plastic forks and beverage cans. We paddled until we saw someone outside, waved, paddled to their shore and shared warm pie. You can do a version of this over the summer in your neighborhood without the canoe or lake. Fresh berry pie is in season. If you ate all your fresh berries already, go buy a couple of Marie Callender’s Razzleberry® Fruit Pie in the frozen dessert section. Oh, yum.

Joanne Anderson ManagingEditor jmawriter@aol.com

Like the Helm of a Ship

From an 1,100-square-foot fixer-upper to a 5,000-square-foot luxury lake house, Kent and Linda Carlston moved from summer weekends to full-time lake life in November of 2016. Both hail from the West Coast, but once they settled in the Blue Ridge Mountains in 1995, there was no turning back.

In 2002, when gas was $1.61 per gallon and Kelly Clarkson won the first American Idol contest, the Carlstons purchased this lake property, just under an acre. “The little house was

in terrible disrepair,” says Linda. “We fixed it up, added a deck and sunroom on the lake side and built a dock.” The family used it as a summer place until their youngest graduated from high school in 2013. “We decided then that we would like to live at the lake fulltime,” Kent relates. “We thought about building on the existing structure, but once an engineer and architect explained all the issues that created, we decided to demolish it in 2014.”

Peter Ozolins was a premier

architect in the region, perfect for the job. Sadly, he lost his life in a tractor-trailer accident four years ago. He was hailed as a humble man with boundless curiosity and an irrepressible sense of humor. “We wanted further assistance with interior design, and he recommended Teresa Ko in Blacksburg,” Kent states. “Richard Caldwell built a lot of houses in our Christiansburg neighborhood, and everyone was impressed with the quality of his work, so we tapped him

Text by Joanne M. Anderson

Photos by Tom and Christy Wallace

“People always say that building a house, or having one built, is one of the most stressful processes there is,” Kent declares. “We joked about having a house built just in time for us to get a stress-related divorce.” But that did not happen.

“We had a very enjoyable experience with the team,” Linda adds, “and we are very pleased with our lake home. Peter, Richard and Teresa worked closely to bring everything together.”

“Early in the planning process,” Kent continues, “we were invited to dinner at the Ozolins home to get to know each other. It was a delightful evening, and we were so taken by their natural landscaping that we asked Mary Bakken, Peter’s wife, to help us with our landscaping. She and her friend, Lori Jones from Crow’s Nest, stepped in to landscape the property.

as builder.”

The design of the house focuses on a lot of natural light inside with as many views of the lake as possible.

The kitchen was designed to be open to the dining room and living room as well as have a view to the lake. Kent explains: “Peter said that the kitchen was like the helm of a ship where you can view the water ahead of you and to both sides. So even doing dishes isn’t bad when you have a beautiful view.” All the bedrooms offer lake views, and a couple powder rooms have a special chair from which one can look out over the water.

The open staircase in the center was custom-designed and constructed by Richard Caldwell. Teresa Ko then created a custom light fixture which cascades above it down the center. It is a striking focal point and often the first thing someone notices when walking in.

The top floor office offers a balcony and west-facing water views, so one might wonder how much work gets done between peacefully gazing out and reading in a warm breeze. The main floor houses the kitchen, dining room, living room and master bedroom and bath and connects with the garage for aging in place and single floor living. They also have an exercise room, hot tub, large storage under the garage to store jet skis and water gear. They have always had a ski boat, and now enjoy kayaks and paddleboards. The overall design goal for the retirement home was for it to be comfortable, relaxed and open with large rooms and deck spaces for entertaining. Beautiful hardwood floors, doors and trim offer natural warmth, along with two stone fireplaces. Several energy-saving materials complement 27 solar panels which provide electricity.

“One thing we enjoy the most is sitting on the deck with a glass of wine and watching the sunset and stargazing,” Linda shares. There are so many memories being made, interesting lake stories and terrific times with friends, family and neighbors.

Allergy Sufferers Unite!

Text by Jo Clark

Allergy season is a bear. For some, it is a yearround struggle with invisible airborne particles. Something is always blooming, even in January or February (those pesky pine trees!). Trees pollinate first, then grass, followed by ragweed. There are also offenders like smoke, household dust, pet dander, dust mites, mold and perfume.

According to Allergy & Asthma Network, one in five Americans has environmental allergies, including two of three asthma patients. Allergies are among the top six causes of chronic illness. More than 100 million Americans suffer from allergies and miss four million work days annually.

Causes

We suffer more every year—but why? We’re too clean! Really! One theory, dubbed the “hygiene hypothesis,” posits that children aren’t exposed to enough germs, so their

immune systems can’t differentiate between harmful and harmless irritants. The immune system is always in attack mode.

Another popular theory is that climate change causes early growing seasons which last longer. The additional growing cycles for plants mean extra pollen for allergy sufferers. And allergies are hereditary. Children are 50% more likely to have allergies if a parent has allergies. If both parents are allergy sufferers, the likelihood jumps to 75%

Age plays a part. Exposure to more allergens causes your reaction to worsen because exposure tells your immune system to respond.

Who Has It Worse?

All pollen spots are not created equal. Southern cities pay for those warm winters by growing

pollen producers nearly year-round. Without freezing temperatures, mold spores don’t have a dormant period.

An article in The Hill in May 2023 lists cities with the dubious distinction of “Allergy Capitals of America.” Fortunately, the New River Valley didn’t make the list, but nearby Greensboro ranks 19. Seven of the top 20 were in Florida. Allergy rankings are based on an area’s pollen counts, over-the-counter (OTC) medication purchases, and number of allergy physicians.

The Weather Channel’s app has 15-day allergy forecasts so you know when to stay indoors. The app includes a breakdown of current offenders, like tree, grass and ragweed pollen.

Treatments

You can’t cure allergies, but OTC medications and prescriptions relieve symptoms. Some work better for specific triggers than others, so try several to find what works for you. If you know your triggers, limit contact.

Portia Thompson, registered pharmacist (Rph) at Floyd’s Pha℞m House pharmacy, explains: “Antihistamines are helpful when taken proactively, consistently and before allergen exposure. Decongestants like Sudafed (behind the counter) may relieve congestion if symptoms worsen. Decongestants can be combined with ibuprofen or Advil to reduce sinus headaches. You should also take zinc, vitamin C, blow your nose to remove irritants and flush with saline.”

Personally, I take one antihistamine from January through June for pine pollen and switch to another that works better (for me) on dust, grass and ragweed. My life changed when the Navage® was invented; daily saline nasal flushes work wonders.

Lois Baumgartner of Blacksburg suffers year-round from more triggers than anyone should face. Reared in Wisconsin, at 13, Lois was diagnosed with airborne allergies and contact dermatitis. Both parents had allergies, so she squarely hits that 75% likelihood. Her dad had a great solution—move! He would pack up the family of four and take off for Arizona each August. Statistically, Lois’ children (with one allergy-free parent) had a 50% chance of “inheriting;” sure enough, one of the two is an allergy sufferer.

Lois has some tips based on many challenging years of trying all the “latest and greatest” cures. “Take charge of your own health,” she states emphatically, plus:

• Keep a diary to see what happens and when

• Change HVAC filters monthly

• Use ionizers and air purifiers

• Try alternative medications, like a combination of antioxidants and minerals might be the ticket

Diligent housekeeping can help remove dust and allergens that collect in carpets, upholstery and bedding. Once a week cleaning with a damp cloth and mop traps those pesky allergens instead of flicking them back into the air. It is wise as well to avoid cleaning products with fragrances.

Along with Dr. Thompson, Lois urges: “Wear a mask.” They are essential when working outdoors, mowing and raking, and also helpful when cleaning and stirring up dust indoors.

Other tips to remove allergens:

• Sweep porches and decks frequently

• Shower and shampoo hair after being outside

• Remove shoes at the door

• Brush pets frequently

If dust mites are present, purchase dust-mite-proof covers for mattresses, pillows and box springs for allergenfree sleeping. Launder sheets and pet bedding in hot water each week.

Effect of Untreated Allergies

What if you decide to “tough it out” and let symptoms run their course? Those untreated allergies may lead to sinusitis (sinus infection), an inflammation of sinus tissues, causing facial pain, a stuffy or runny nose and a fever. About 70% clear up without antibiotics after two weeks, but many will require medical treatment.

Home remedies are more helpful in the early stages:

• Rest helps a body fight infection

• Drink plenty of fluids

• Use a warm compress on nose and forehead

• Try Vicks® VapoRub™

• Moisten and rinse sinuses and nasal passages

In short, as good as that fresh air feels, allergy sufferers should keep windows closed and rely on ACfiltered air.

Jo Clark is probably walking on the beach right now, clearing her sinuses with salt air. Somehow, she managed to survive an early spring in S.C. this year, then traveled north for a second dose.

Interesting U.S. Statistics

from WebMD and the CDC

• 11% of adults and 7 1/2% of children have a food allergy

• 90% of time is spent indoors

• Indoor pollutants are 2 to 5 times higher than outdoor pollution

• 48% of households have one or more dogs

• 38% of households have one or more cats

• 90% of households have detectable levels of dog and cat allergens

• 7.8% of people over 18 have hay fever

• 27.2% of Americans have some type of allergy

• 18.9% have a seasonal allergy

leaona.lucas@nestrealty.com

ph: 540.808.8979

nestrealty.com/leaonalucas

nestrealtynrv.com

A lifelong local, Leaona Lucas has an affinity to make personal connections with all of her clients, so that you’re not just working with a real estate agent, but also a friend.

Leaona is the epitome of the term “townie.” She grew up in Floyd County, and made the move to Blacksburg in 2007 when she began her college education at Virginia Tech. Since then, she’s

put down roots in Montgomery County and is proud to call the New River Valley “home.” Leaona married her partner, Steven, in 2018. Together, they’ve adopted two Shih Tzu pups named Max & Lolly. In 2022, they welcomed their first child, a daughter named Nell. When she and Steven are not in the office, you’ll likely catch them at home making some sort of crafty meal from scratch.

118 Country Club Dr. SW, Blacksburg, VA 24060

With his ever-enthusiastic personality and drive to develop even deeper connections, he is eager to collaborate with clients to realize their real estate goals.

Prior to real estate, Steven gained valuable customer service skills selling vehicles for Enterprise Car Sales in Roanoke. This, along with his fortitude and assuredness will make your real estate experience exceptional, fun, and smooth.

steven.schambach@nestrealty.com

ph: 540.200.7519

stevensellsnrv.com

Listening to YOU to help achieve your real estate goals. Let’s have FUN together.

Steven is from a small mountain town in Southwest Virginia. He moved to The New River Valley in 2008 to attend Virginia Tech GO HOKIES!!!! The mountains and infectious sense of community made him stick around and call it HOME.

nestrealtynrv.com

When Steven is not helping clients find home, you can find him running on the Huckleberry, cheering on the Hokies, making homemade pizza, visiting local breweries, or traveling the world.

He is joined by fellow Nester Leaona Lucas in raising their bubbly daughter Nell, and two spoiled Shih Tzu pups, Max and Lolly.

118 Country Club Dr. SW, Blacksburg, VA 24060

Leaona Lucas

Steven Schambach

Chiropractors Love Your Skeleton No Bones About It

Gone are the days, and many of the jokes, about chiropractors being quacks. They have found their waythankfully so – into the mainstream medical arena.

From the Greek for “hand” (cheir) and “done” (praktos), the manual healing “done by hand” is not as old as many medical practices. Everything, it seems, can be traced back to ancient times, but the first notable chiropractic adjustment in the U.S. is credited to Daniel David Palmer in 1895. He also established the first chiropractic school. Today, there are almost 20 chiropractic colleges accredited by the Council on

Chiropractic Education, officially recognized in 1974 by the U.S. Department of Education.

Chiropractic care is a regulated healthcare profession in all 50 states, requiring strict education and performance standards to be licensed. “While spinal manipulation continues to be a centerpiece of chiropractic care, modern chiropractors have developed a variety of practice styles, featuring different therapies and modalities, to address patients’ needs. They practice a holistic approach to health care that generally excludes drugs or surgery.”

More than 70,000 licensed chiropractors practice across the country seeing and adjusting an estimated 35 million people each year. It was first included in Medicare in 1972, and as of 1999, chiropractic care is offered in all U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities.

Chiropractic Awareness and Schooling

“I became aware of the profession when I was 25 years old

[American Chiropractic Association, acatoday.org]

Text by Joanne M. Anderson

Photos by Tom and Christy Wallace

working in sales for Foot Levelers,” relates Dr. Christopher Belluzzo. The chiropractic orthotic firm in Roanoke was founded in 1952 and designs custom footwear which aims to reduce lower back pain and align the entire body for optimal overall health. “I was rear-ended one morning on my way to work and developed whiplash and lower back pain. I was treated by a chiropractor, and the results flipped on the light in my head to pursue this career track.”

Dr. B had to get some heavier science courses under his belt to complement his bachelor’s degree in social sciences from Virginia Tech, class of ’97. Fast forward through 3 ½ years at Northwestern Health Sciences University in Minnesota, and he opened his practice in Blacksburg in 2008 three days a week while keeping a side job. The business grew, the side job fell away, and 15 years later, Dr. B is renovating his South Main Chiropractic space, sandwiched between Gourmet Pantry and Blacksburg Books. “It’s a top-to-bottom refreshing, plus converting the open bay to private treatment rooms. New paint, new skylight panels and rearranging things will offer more services to patients with increased efficiency,” Dr. B explains.

Dr. Jacquie Keats always knew she would be in a medical field. After discarding surgeon, ER doctor and pharmacy school, she discovered chiropractic care through a friend who was dating one. So, she found a job in a chiropractor’s office. “I liked how hands-on it is, plus it’s never boring. It embraces a different way of looking at health and healing, like find the root cause, fix it and not mask anything with medication,” she states.

After graduating from Parker College of Chiropractic in Dallas late in 2002, Dr. K moved to Blacksburg because her sister Ashleigh was recruited by Virginia Tech for the track and field team. “I love the area, and it reminds me of the small town in Canada where I grew up,” she adds. Dr. K has worked in a couple chiropractic offices in the area starting in 2003, with a break for giving birth to twins in 2007. Her private practice now is Keats Family & Sports because family and sports are very important to her personally and professionally.

We’ve incorporated aspects of five of these adjustment skills into the practice in order to provide a wide range of care for a wide range of cases,” Dr. B explains. It’s a real hands-on job that requires very sensitive fingertips. While the chiropractor is adjusting a patient, he needs to be aware of not overstressing his hands or developing repetitive stress injuries, perhaps becoming a patient himself.

Dr. K found in her early years of practice she spent a lot of time

educating patients on the importance of chiropractic care, sometimes more time than actually doing the adjustments.

“I am very hands on, not only with my adjusting, but also tissue and muscular system treatments. I recommend exercises and stretches my patients can do at home to advance healing and give them the quality of life they deserve,” she says. A sign in her office reads:

“It’s About Quality of Life”.

There are many great chiropractors in the New River Valley, and they do not perform in a bubble. Some get referrals from healthcare professionals, patients and friends, and chiropractors will refer patients for x-rays, medicine or additional medical care when they encounter a problem beyond their sphere of influence.

There’s an adage that goes: There are two worlds - the one before chiropractic and the one after. This writer has lived in both of them and much prefers the latter.

Game On ~ Hands On “Diversified technique is the primary hands-on adjusting method most people are familiar with. Additional approaches have been developed utilizing specialized tools, techniques and adjusting tables.

The Difficult Dementia Dilemma

Text by Joanne M. Anderson

iIt’s beyond the scope of these pages to dissect and analyze the human brain, its myriad functions and nearly lifelong decline. According to many sources, our brains begin their downward spiral soon after the age of 20. The physical organ itself starts diminishing in one’s 30s and 40s and continues to shrink as you march on to age 60. After that, well, not all brains continue to operate on all cylinders, so to speak.

Dementia has taken over the space once occupied with words like senile, forgetful, decrepit, feeble-minded, and covers a wide range of mental decline diseases and disorders. These include frontotemporal dementia, Alzheimer’s, Lewy body dementia, and others. To the person dealing with a loved one who is mentally slipping away, the particular label may not be as significant as how they plan to get through the week, today, or the next hour.

The phrase Labor of Love soars to new heights, especially for at-home caregivers. The Labor part takes its toll emotionally, physically and mentally, while Love for a parent, spouse, relative, special friend provides the foundation for the commitment.

Memory loss, decreased attention span, declining

judgment and the inability to do common tasks are often detected first. From there, life can spiral into a frenzy of confusion – for everyone. Anger and frustration are commonplace - for both a person with dementia and a kind and loving caregiver.

“My daughter first pointed out her dad was struggling with his memory about four years ago,” says one local woman. She took her husband to a neurologist where he was unable to repeat three words a couple minutes after hearing them or pass simple tests – simple to most of us. “The doctor called it ‘moderate cognitive impairment’.” Additionally, her husband was falling, grinding his teeth to the point they had to be removed and calling her repeatedly at work. “One day, he called to say he was lost. I asked him to describe what he saw around him and figured out where he was in Fairlawn. I drove to him, and he followed me home.”

The dangerous components of dementia include driving, drinking, cooking (or trying to) and taking prescription medicine. As short-term memory becomes elusive, the dementia person loses track of time and may over-medicate and/or drink excessively, for not

remembering when they had the last pill or drink. Driving offers such a measure of independence, just ask any 16-year-old or 76-year-old. Removing that means of selfreliance can be exceptionally tough – again, for everyone.

Patience Plus

Patience is a wonderful virtue, but caregivers need a lot more than a shipload of patience to respond to the same question for the 7th time in an hour or explain again that we cannot find the car keys.

The most basic realization is that the loved one is no longer the same person with the same capabilities, emotions and reasoning power. Their angry tones, mean words and suspicions are part of the dementia package, and separating those two versions of the same person is essential.

Comfort in Numbers

As with many circumstances in life, it helps to visit with someone who has been through something similar. “One friend of mine has informally pulled together about six of us who are coping with a loved one who can’t

remember how to make a sandwich,” relates this wife of 49 years. “We share and vent once a month, and it’s a huge encouragement to be with others who understand.”

Unfortunately, even in the best of families, there may be disagreements on how to handle things shortterm, long-term and financially. People can already be stretched thin with families, careers, mortgages and commitments. There are no easy answers, just the admonition to remain calm and level-headed. In general, the care of a loved one falls more to one person than others for a variety of reasons.

The wife quoted herein did not plan this for their golden years. It is not the retirement vision they once shared. “I feel trapped,” she reveals honestly, “with no light at the end of the tunnel.”

If you are reading this and find yourself in a caregiver role, you are not alone. There are many resources in the New River Valley, on the internet and on the bookshelf which offer information, coping strategies, housing ideas and medical options. Many people have dealt with and are currently providing care for a loved one who no longer knows how to tell time or sort their socks. Dementia plays no favorites and knows no social or economic boundaries.

When your loved one is living with an advanced illness, experiencing the joy of everyday moments is everything to us at Good Sam.

As the only community based, non-profit hospice, our commitment is unwavering to you and your family. Through our Palliative Care and Hospice programs, we create the opportunity for love to gather, and for your moments to last a lifetime.

One way to manage time includes simple distractions like:

 Jigsaw puzzles

 Photo albums and collages

 Old Christmas and greeting cards

 Television [maybe not the news or violent programs]

 Favorite movies

 Music and dancing

 Simple conversation

 Play cards

 Brushing a dog or cat

 Water plants and flowers

 Take a walk

 Rearrange things (intentionally!)

 Go on a picnic

 Set the table for snack or meal

 Draw or paint

 Bake or cook something simple

 Easy board games

 Go for a drive

 Simple crafts

 Visit someone who knows you well

 Reach out for help so you can take breaks

The wife quoted herein did not plan this in their golden years. It is not the retirement vision they once shared. “I feel trapped,” she reveals honestly, “with no light at the end of the tunnel.” New River Valley Agency on Aging

Care coordination, medical transportation, respite care, legal and homemaker services, insurance counseling, congregate and homedelivered meals, elder abuse prevention.

Virginia TSA: Learning to Lead in a Technical World

By Emily K. Alberts

The Virginia Association of the Technology Student Association (VA TSA) is home to a hot bed of learning opportunities in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) across the state. Open to grades 6-12, the organization provides a chance for students to understand how STEM fosters career growth in industries ranging from robotics to children’s books, forensic science to flight, game making to fashion, and much more.

VA TSA has created a way for members to take the concepts and skills learned in various STEM courses and apply them to real-life situations. This in turn fast-tracks their ability to utilize knowledge that will help them become future leaders in the field through intra-curricular events, state-wide competitions, and various mentorship opportunities. Aside from the cost of travel, there is no fee to participate, and teachers reach out to students each year in the fall to encourage them to join. There are plenty of spots

open, and parents can attend the events with their children at no cost.

Sky Vaught, 13, a former participant in the program, recalls the year she spent in the association as a formative time that helped her grow as a future leader. She worked on a children’s book as part of the program. The rising 8th grader plans to create another children’s book next year, as well as enter the fashion design competition. The program solidified her goals to become a writer and produce both short stories and screenplays.

Members can enter the competition for multiple categories, either as a team or individually. Events are held twice annually, once in Hampton, Va., and one time in Kentucky.

“My favorite part of the event was the awards ceremony, because our group made it to the finals,” Sky relates. State finalists receive a commemorative pin, and the top three winners receive a trophy. She says the journey to the finals was not without hiccups, as each category comes with its own set of criteria and rules for competition, and her team was not made aware of the protocols within different categories in advance. However, the team prevailed, stuck together, and made it all the way to the end.

Many embrace the field of STEM as a primarily technical endeavor, but the VA TSA has shown that STEM application truly knows no bounds in the modern world. The tools learned in these fields further career growth in the arts just as much as the sciences. Plus, members do not have

to choose one or the other, as event participation is not mutually exclusive. Sky’s favorite overall area of study was math, though she entered the event competition in the field of writing.

The specific purposes of the VA TSA:

• Provide the student with opportunities for the development of leadership in social, civic, school, and community activities.

• Develop through group action the ability of members to plan together, organize and carry out worthy activities and projects.

• Explore industry and our technological society.

• Promote high standards of craftsmanship, scholarship and safety.

• Foster a deep respect for the dignity of work.

• Provide good leisure time activities and hobbies.

• Provide opportunities for wholesome recreation.

• Encourage students in creative expression.

• Develop consumer knowledge in students.

• Instill within students desirable habits and attitudes toward the American way of life.

• Prepare individuals for enrollment in advanced educational and/or technical education programs.

More generally speaking, the organization aims to assist students in carefully choosing careers that will help them find meaning and purpose, as well as promote technology education in schools across Virginia.

In order to achieve its mission, VA TSA holds an Annual Summer Officers Clinic as well as a Fall Regional Leadership workshop for officers, members and advisors. These workshops guide leaders in the organization and management of their respective chapters. Great care is taken to ensure that members get the most out the VA TSA, including leadership opportunities.

The organization equally strives to ensure that public schools across Virginia are provided with the guidance and direction they need to deliver top tier technology education to students from middle school and up. Lastly, the VA TSA offers scholarship opportunities “for Virginia TSA students that have displayed exceptional leadership qualities or intend to further their TSA experience by preparing to become technology education professionals”. Students are encouraged to apply.

Emily K. Alberts served the Virginia Tech research community as a science writer for 10 years, proving the fields of art and science are perpetually entwined.

The childrens book created for Virginia TSA Technosphere 2023 by Sky Vaught, Addison Meek and Miriam Williams. Narrows Elementary Middle School 7th Grade.

Mind the Gap Year

Text by Nancy S. Moseley

iTime off: Is it something we're entitled to or something we earn? For the gainfully employed, time off usually looks like two weeks of paid vacation per year. But what if time off looked more like 12 months and was something college-age kids could cash-in on?

In 17th century Britain, students of wealthy families traveled to nearby cultural centers, immersing themselves in the history, art, architecture and languages they had studied for years. It was known as the "grand tour," but the tourists only hailed from the most financially privileged of folks.

After World War II, the National Service Act in Great Britain required that 18 to 20-year-old males either serve in the armed forces or become employed in an "essential job." The Act inadvertently helped transform the grand tour from something aristocratically elite to something available to all socioeconomic groups. It also supported the idea that taking time off for service or personal development outside of

academia resulted in more well-rounded, independent and mature individuals entering college. Today we call it a "gap year", and it's a concept the U.S. has been slow to adopt. In the 1990s, after witnessing a trend of early academic burn-out, Harvard University started to encourage newly admitted freshman to take a year off between high school and higher education. And in December of 2000, the New York Times published an article entitled "Time Out or Burn Out for the Next Generation." It gave us the "OK" to step away that we had been waiting for.

Self-awareness and Critical Thinking Skills

The Gap Year Association, a non-profit organization that educates students on gap opportunities, defines the break as, "a semester or year of experiential learning, typically taken after high school and prior to career or post-secondary

why you should (or shouldn't) consider taking a year off

education, in order to deepen one's practical, professional and personal awareness." The one common denominator: It should be a break from academics, not a break from learning, but from hard hitting the books, so to speak.

For many, college is the first time we find ourselves in charge of our own educational path. This can be thrilling for some, intimidating for others. Ironically, it takes a certain amount of self-awareness and critical thinking skills to decide if a year off to gain more self-awareness and critical thinking skills is the right option for you.

Time away from studies will inevitably lead to a more refreshed and objective outlook when/if you do return to school. It's a tough ask to expect 18-year-olds to declare with certainty what they want to be when they grow up, when they have barely been exposed to the options.

A 12-month blank canvas can end up being extremely informative, especially if the time is spent pushing comfort zone boundaries. Back to the mantra of "experiential learning," pursuing immersive experiences that will challenge your existing perspective, like living and working or volunteering in a different country, will yield productive results.

Potential employers will no doubt be interested to hear about your year as a ski instructor in New Zealand before you started your travel and tourism degree. Or the time you spent building bridges in India before you took your first civil engineering class. Volunteering on an organic farm in South America is sure to boost your career prospects in agriculture.

Money and Getting Credit

But gappers beware, it still has to be about the money.

Since your future alma mater still expects tuition, don't let all your funds fall into the gap. Make sure you stay focused on the end game and choose experiences that will make money, break even or cost very little. What you gain by taking a year off can be quickly negated if you begin the next step in debt.

Also, don't spend the year playing video games or couch surfing. If you're prone to procrastination, then months of freedom is not for you. Your gap year needs goals, a plan and accountability, else your momentum to move onward and upward might stall beyond the ability to reboot. Many colleges and universities offer accredited gap year programs. Princeton University, for example, provides the option for incoming undergrads to enroll in a 9-month, tuition-free service program. Higher education institutions are wising up on how to creatively capitalize on the trend they helped discover. For colleges to enroll adept and adaptable individuals and assure retention, it's imperative they not only encourage time off, but also provide the bridge over said gap.

So, is time off something we're entitled to or something we earn? It would seem to be a little of both. The first 18 years of mandated education has earned graduating seniors a bevy of options. Surviving years of traveling a set path has rightfully led to a multitude of diverged roads from which to choose. And, really, what better a privilege than choice?

Nancy S. Moseley is a freelance writer who would have happily worked as a liftie in New Zealand or a barista in Croatia if gap years were a "thing" back in her day (poor Generation X). Maybe it's not too late to teach English in Prague?!?

Highlights | 2015 National Alumni Survey

• 90% of gap year students enroll in a four-year institution within one year

• 81% of those surveyed would recommend taking a gap year

• Gappers experience higher levels of job satisfaction and civil participation than the national norm

Access Granted

NRCC embodies what it means to be the community’s college

Text by Nancy S. Moseley

Usually when something is offered for free, it behooves us to read the fine print, to look for the catch. This seems especially pertinent for cell phone contracts. Or anything with the word "trial" associated with it.

A public education, from kindergarten through 12th grade, comes without a cost. Yes, of course, there are local taxes and private schoolers and homeschoolers and everything in between, but for the vast majority, we do not cut a check every month to put our kids on a yellow bus and send them off to school.

But what happens after the high school diploma has been unfurled and tucked nostalgically in a scrapbook? Hands-down, the social expectation is to transition feverishly into a major college or university. However, the trend of higher education is changing. Enrollments are down, trade careers and vocational programs are soaring, gap years are encouraged, and many well-known companies (psst, like Apple and Google), do not require a 4-year college degree.

It's quite possible agreeing to pay top dollar to take general education classes, change majors five times in four years, all while learning to "adult" for the first time, has become the catch we've been looking for.

Chris McKlarney, county administrator in Giles County (or, colloquially, the "Father of ACCE," depending on whom you ask), observed a successful program at nearby Virginia Western Community College. Then he spearheaded the creation of a similar program with New River Community College (NRCC). A program without fine print.

Access to Community College Education (ACCE), according to the NRCC website, "is an economic development public/private partnership that makes college available debt-free to high school and home-schooled graduates by funding NRCC tuition for two years."

"The name of the game of economic development is talent. You have to be able to track talent, retain it and grow your own. Not only is it a great program for our kids to help them get ahead in life, but it's also great for our region. We're

turning out a workforce that's ready and able to go. New River Community College does a fantastic job of preparing those kids for their futures," McKlarney offers.

Participating in ACCE

By "ready to go" McKlarney means "without debt."

Simply, a student can apply to receive ACCE funds, graduate from NRCC with a 2-year degree and either enter the workforce or transfer to a 4-year institution, without debt, regardless of family income.

Funding for the program comes from the localities themselves, local businesses, private donors and grants.

"It felt like the teachers weren't doing it for the money incentive, and I wasn't paying to be there. They were teaching me because they wanted me to learn, they wanted me to continue learning," offers Cade Green, a 2023 graduate of the ACCE program. "I can see people looking at [Blacksburg] as an education hot spot and not being able to afford it. But [with ACCE] they are still able to go to college and then get accepted to Virginia Tech afterward."

Applications are organized by locality and available to students from Floyd, Giles, Montgomery and Pulaski counties and the City of Radford. Career coaches have offices in all nine high schools to assure graduating seniors are fully informed about the option and associated requirements for ACCE.

There is a bulleted list of criteria with the biggies being having and maintaining at 2.5 Grade Point Average (GPA) plus residency in the aforementioned jurisdictions. Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) documents must be completed. Full-time enrollment of 12 credits per semester is required, along with completing at least 80 to 100 hours of community service annually, in a non-profit organization in your home locality. At the close of 2022, 163,000 hours of community service were logged under the ACCE program.

Community Service

What makes it unique is that NRCC does not manage the community service coordination, the school districts do. So in exchange for their financial commitment and contribution to the ACCE program, the localities get volunteers to place throughout the immediate community wherever there is a need.

Community service is no longer stigmatized as a redemptive punishment for poor choices. Now it's the philanthropic stepping stone to a future professional path. McKlarney adds: "With community service, students experience different types of work. It exposes them to something they normally wouldn't do. And that's valuable. We're training the next generation of volunteers. We want kids to understand how important it is to for them to do things in their own community. If you’re not exposed to it, you'll never know it's even there."

Angie Covey, executive director of the New River Community College Educational Foundation, has found that students often get hired as a result of their community service work. The non-profits recognize that energetic, dedicated volunteers often translate to reliable, paid employees.

"It's such a value when we talk to those students and say to them, your community is the reason this is happening, your local government, businesses and industries. The individuals within your community are the reason we are able to make this promise. The communities asked us to do this, we didn't ask the communities to do this," Covey concludes.

It's really a win-win for all who touch the program -- for students, for residents, for the municipalities of the New River Valley and for volunteerism. Investing in today's students cycles back to benefiting tomorrow's community, with results that last long after the free cell phone minutes expire.

Nancy S. Moseley is a freelance writer from Blacksburg and changed majors four times in four years. After graduation, she supplemented her degree with summer school classes to assure employability. Had it been a viable path then, she would have definitely cold-called Google.

All Things ACCE: www.nr.edu/acce/

Donate: www.nr.edu/foundation

acksburg Battles Cancer Gol f

Tou rnament

y September 25

Pr esented by

For the past seven years, Blacksburg Battles Cancer, under the banner of the BlacksburgCountryClubCharitableFoundation (BCCCF) has raised more than $300,000 for cancer-focused nonprofit organizations that serve the local community. We invite you to join us for our annual golf tournament as we strive to reach $350,000 in 2023!

SCHEDU LE OF EVENTS

11:00 a m Check-in begins

1 11:00 a m Lunch available

1 11:00 a m Practice facilities available

1 2:00 p.m. Announcements

1 2:30 p.m. Shotgun start

PAST BENEFICIARIES

Ameri can Cancer Socie ty Camp Kesum at Virginia Tech

Carilion Clinic NRV Hospic e

Chris tina Phipps Foundation

Communi ty Heal th Center of the N RV

Giles County Seni or Check Program

Good Samari tan Hospice

Special Love Students vs. Cancer

Susan G Komen Blue Rid ge

V Virginia Breas t Cancer Foundation

www.blacksburgbattlescancer.org

2023 Blacksburg Battles Cancer Entry Form

($600 per team; $150 per person)

Members may sign up in the Blacksburg CC Golf Shop and have their entry fee charged to their member account. Other payment options include: by PayPal at paypal.me/battlescancer or a check payable to BlacksburgCountryClub CharitableFoundation.

Name:

Address:

Phone: Email:

Team Members (name and email - please print) #1 (Captain) #2 #3 #4

OPTIONALHole Sponsor: ($125 per hole)

Please make your hole sponsorship check payable to the BlacksburgCountryClub CharitableFoundation.(100% tax deductible)

Sponsor Name or Corporate Name:

In Honor Of or In Memory

Of:

Please contact info@blacksburgbattlescancer.orgif you have specific wording or logos for your hole sponsor sign.

Ma il your entry to: Blacksburg Battles Cancer 1064 Clubhouse Road, Blacksburg, Virginia 24060

Small Wheels, Keep on Turnin’!

Personal Electric Vehicles (PEVs) have taken over streets in the New River Valley. The now ubiquitous scooter, Onewheel™ and e-skateboard have found their way across college campuses and all over town. But let’s face it, hill is a four-letter word, and there is no shame in wanting a little boost of juice to help navigate the area’s inclines.

Plus, in a tight economy, it is much easier to maintain a small PEV than an entire 4-wheel sedan. If your scooter gets a flat, it’s a cheap and easy fix. Users can cover between 35 and 40 miles on average on one full charge, and scooters tend to last up to 3 years with proper maintenance. The eco/ beginner mode helps users get a feel for the ride, how and when to speed up and slow down. Most e-scooters have a “governor” or limiter type of setting to input a max speed, for safety reasons.

The Virginia Tech campus participated in a “micromobility” study, which gave students and faculty access to orange e-scooters, allowing them to cruise campus while conducting research. The study concluded in May of 2022, and many students purchased their own scooters after realizing how campus-friendly they could be.

In addition to these scooters growing in popularity, Onewheels™ are also gaining ground. According to Wikipedia, “Onewheel™ is a self-balancing single wheel electric board-sport, recreational personal transporter.”

Onewheel™ Enthusiasm

Text by Emily K. Alberts

Anne Pagano, a former Blacksburg resident who actually grew up with the wife of the Onewheel™ company’s

founder, remembers first discovering Onewheel through a Kickstarter campaign.

“When it finally arrived, it was love at first ride. They have come so far in 10 years. Battery life and max speed both far surpass our original models, but even back then, they were so fun to ride and a really super useful tool,” Pagano states. “I used to push our daughters in their double stroller through giant festivals, like the GoPro Games in Vail, Colo., on my Onewheel™. It made getting to our RV and back to events way faster than walking. It really gives the feeling of surfing or snowboarding on land. “

“People have come so far now and can do crazy tricks,” she continues. “There are also a few big events where hundreds of Onewheelers gather for a weekend of racing, riding and spending time together.”

Though experts continue to push the limits of Onewheel™ use, they are easy enough to ride that even young kids can enjoy them. They make the Pint model, which is a little smaller, and a little slower, and perfect for kids.

Alternating between lifting the nose of the Onewheel™ by pressing the back foot down and keeping the board level by pushing forward on the nose, allows the user to adjust speed in bursts. If the user starts to descend a very steep hill or ride with a low battery, the Onewheel™ will “push back.” In a push back situation, the nose of the board will lift to slow the rider down.

The Onewheel™ is street legal. However, these devices are still relatively new, so many state and local laws do not define their allowable use. Much like electric skateboards, Onewheels™ tend to follow general scooter laws. The PEV laws for Virginia state that the user does not need to obtain a license but cannot exceed 20 mph and must be at least 14 years old or supervised by an adult. Like bikes, Virginia state law does not require a helmet be worn while on an e-scooter. Users would certainly be wise to wear one, especially when cruising along next to SUVs, trucks and motorists who may fail to see them coming.

Skateboard Basics

Lastly, e-skateboards provide a quick and easy way for people to get around, and a handheld remote makes controlling speed a breeze. Make sure to ride with a full charge to really maximize your speed uphill.

If you want to stick to the basics and spend less dough, grab an “old-school” skateboard and hit the streets. Daniel Johnson, owner of Greenhouse Boardshop in Blacksburg, and loves everything about skating and skate culture. Greenhouse has been a steady fixture downtown since 1984 and continues to be the go-to board shop for kids, college students and others. Daniel loves hosting local skateboarding competitions to raise money for skatepark maintenance and to keep this awesome sport thriving. A new skatepark just opened at Bisset Park in Radford, and there are plans to improve the Blacksburg skate park as well.

When it comes to getting around, “there are basically two types of skateboards, trick boards and longboards,” Daniel explains. “The main difference between the two, other than size, is the softness of the wheels. Longboard wheels use a much softer urethane compound that allows them to roll over cracks and smaller rocks easily. The softer urethane grips the pavement so that the board doesn't slide out under the rider's feet. Longboards also have a wider wheelbase (meaning the front wheels are further away from the back wheels). This allows the rider to push only a few times and coast much further than a smaller trick board.” Thus, the longboard is the ideal choice for transportation. The future is looking bright for micro-mobility, whether you have one wheel, two wheels, or four.

Emily Kathleen Alberts’ son took up skateboarding during the pandemic and has never looked back.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest Virginia

“Boys & Girls Clubs has changed my life. I’ve learned life skills, been exposed to new things, and been provided opportunities that I would not have received anywhere else.” ~ Ashton, 2023 Youth of the Year, Eastern Montgomery High School

“The mission of Boys and Girls Clubs is to enable young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens,” relates Emily Pinkerton, director of development.

Boys Clubs of America was started in 1860 by four women. They believed that boys roaming the streets of Hartford, Conn., needed a positive alternative — one that would build character. In 1906 the Club affiliated as a national non-profit organization, and by 1990, the name changed to the Boys & Girls Club. Today the National Club is the parent

organization to 5,000 Boys & Girls Clubs.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest Virginia (BGCSWVA) opened its doors 25 years ago. Since 1997, it has grown to 11 clubs serving more than 1,000 youths annually in five municipalities throughout Roanoke, Franklin and Montgomery counties. Staff members, volunteers, partners and board members believe in the potential of every child.

Join the Club!

Boys and girls from kindergarten through high school are welcome to

join a local Club. Most Clubs meet in a public school, and school buses provide transportation. After-school activities start around 2 p.m. and run until 6 or 7 p.m..

When you see kids spill from buses and run to the Club, you know they enjoy the program. Spending time with different age kids provides variety, learning and fun.

Activities include:

• monitored computer time

• game rooms (foosball and air hockey)

• time to chat or shoot hoops

Text by Jo Clark

Photos courtesy of: Boys & Girls Clubs of SWVA

• “power hour” with tutors

• youth development programs

• healthy lifestyle activities like gardening and cooking

• substance abuse avoidance

• good character and citizenship

• conflict resolution

Club members provided more than 2,000 hours of community service in 2022. Another program is the Passport to Manhood, helping boys grow into men. The Clubs work with schools to identify those with the most need, and family referrals are accepted. The board and administrative staff are constantly exploring opportunities to expand services.

Critical mentorship is offered for career development, resume writing, job shadowing, and exposure to career paths. Soon-tobe-graduates take college tours. Many Club members may be the first in their families to attend college and need someone to guide them.

The Money Side

While there are program fees, most Club families pay little to nothing for membership. Thanks to 21st Century Grant funding, all the Montgomery County Clubs provide

services without charge.

Clubs have a fee structure. In locales without 21st Century grants, those who can pay $15/ week (maximum) during the school year and $65/week for the summer program. Clubs consider a household’s income, offer scholarship assistance, and never turn away a family which cannot pay.

Approximately 80% of the Club’s financial support comes from state and federal funding. The national organization and local United Way contribute some, with corporate and individual donations making up around 18%.

The 21st Century Grant operates on a 3-year cycle. If turned down, locations wait one year to reapply. Without that funding, services may be curtailed. “The need to support families is there, and it would be tragic to have to close a location. A year’s-worth of funding in a rainy day account is essential to sustain our operations, so we rely on the support of local communities,” Pinkerton explains.

BGCSWVA is always looking for volunteers! There are opportunities to help with events and assist with homework. Local artisans can teach classes or give

demonstrations; theater groups can perform or conduct workshops. One partnership with Virginia Tech’s Robotics Club teaches robot theater to Eastern Montgomery Elementary School Club members. Businesses can offer internships, tours or on-thejob training.

Youth of the Year

There is a national-level leadership competition each year for Club members 14 to 18 years old. The Youth of the Year competition begins locally, where candidates are interviewed, and a winner is selected. Winners progress to state, regional and national competitions. State and state-level winners receive scholarships from $2,500 to $50,000. The current Youth of the Year is New River Valley’s Ashton, an Eastern Montgomery High School junior. She serves as a role model and a representative in the community.

In “another life” Jo Clark wrote grants, created fundraisers and taught in middle and high schools plus colleges. Now you’ll find her writing, traveling and taking photos. Instagram as @ JoGoesEverywhere, and www.HaveGlassWillTravel.com

See & Do NEW RIVER VALLEY

Best wardrobe pieces: Shorts and capris, bandanas and neck wraps, camis and tank tops, bathing suits, light-weight wide brimmed hats, sunglasses (for function, not style), flipflops, sandals and sneakers.

What to eat ~ fresh or cold: Blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, pie. Cucumbers, tomatoes, watermelon, cantaloupe. Ice cream in all forms, smoothies.

Backyard essentials: Table, chairs, cushions, patio umbrella, watering can, grill, charcoal, lighter fluid, matches, propane gas tank, paper and firewood for firepit, strands of lights, pots of flowers, hammock optional.

Places to go: The woods. Any woods. The beach. Any beach. Campgrounds. Any campgrounds. Water. Any water. Trails. Any trails. It is a must-be outdoors time of year.

Billed as “a unique fusion of fresh seafood and original Baja Mexican cuisine” Cabo Fish Taco has generous outdoor dining and several creative, signature tacos, distinctive margaritas and much more. If you need a fish taco and a touch of California in your day, check it out in one of the oldest buildings in downtown Blacksburg.

Pulaski County is an amazing destination for water enthusiasts, shoppers, foodies, baseball buffs, campers, motor sports fans, wine and craft beer lovers and whiskey drinkers, with a distillery dedicated to making exceptional spirits (90% sourced in the New River Valley). Live music, boats, the beach, back roads and the New River Valley Fairgrounds can fill a day, a week or a weekend.

The people are friendly, the ice cream is delicious, the chocolates are divine, and the gift shop is a.m.a.z.i.n.g. at Sugar Magnolia in downtown Blacksburg. Classy paper products, savory treats, small home décor. The owners operate with a corporate strategic approach and a mom ‘n pop attitude, which explains the gracious style and the downhome feel.

If you’ve dropped in from anywhere and think you’d like to live here or retire here or start a business here, get in touch with the real estate professionals at The Swanson Morris Team. They can guide you into a new home, country home, investment property, commercial or residential building and more throughout the New River Valley and environs around it, like Tazewell, Roanoke County, Salem.

Because it borders Virginia Tech and because Virginia Tech has more than 30,000 students, awesome sports programs, the $100 million Moss Arts Center and people from all over the world, downtown Blacksburg is one very cool place. There’s a great farmer’s market, concerts on the lawn in summer, music jams, historic Lyric Theatre, interesting dining, fun boutiques and several cozy coffee shops. The P. Buckley Moss Art Gallery is a must stop place, just sayin’.

SAVE THE DATE ~ Oct. 21

Annual Car Show, Dublin Church of God Fundraiser for Logan Smith's wheelchair and specialized sports equipment, plus to help others with spinal cord injuries. Logan is a VT grad, motivational speaker and participates in videos illustrating how to transfer, dress, drive, workout and continue living life! He is one amazing, inspirational young man. www.WalkWithLogan.com

Garden through a Window – times five!

There has to be lots of creativity flowing to stay at the top of your game for 35 years designing and building houses. And some of it stays right in house at Shelter Alternatives in Blacksburg. Since renovating the downtown headquarters in 2016, president Ed Tuchler has had his eye on the blank space above the shiplap and a doorway in the main hall. When he settled on the theme of a “garden through a window”, Ed contacted local artist Nikki Pynn to develop the project to coincide with the 35th anniversary celebration open house on June 9 this year.

“He wanted five paintings from different artists while leaving interpretation open to each individual,” recalls Nikki. Between the two of them, they identified and tapped local artists to contribute their visions in the space by commission. “Each artist would paint on location, on scaffolding, preferably with acrylic paint. They submitted a sketch for an idea of composition and colors, so I could arrange placement of each one.”

Nikki painted the architectural-looking borders with rosette corners to define and frame each 26” x 17” painting. Michele Walters was the first painter, selected for the middle spot because of the bridge and distance perspective. “The specific positions worked out with three middle narratives bookended by close-ups of flowers,” Nikki explains. She did not want to influence any artist’s natural tendency, but for consistency, she asked that red be used in each one. “The unexpected element that flowed through all the paintings was yellow.”

Hannah Howard was only a little hesitant to take on this project, being the mom of three small children who command much of her time and energy. Her inspiration was an idyllic garden on a foggy morning. “From that point on, it was just a matter of filling in the gaps in my imagination with favorite flowers in soft hues that fit with the foggy feel,” she discloses.

“As primarily a watercolor artist, I was a little out of my element painting with acrylic up on a wall, but I had fun figuring out new techniques to achieve the feeling I was going for.”

Text by Joanne M. Anderson Photos courtesy of Shelter Alternatives

Katy Shepard collected imagery from the Shelter Alternatives gardens for inspiration and added an audio component while painting. Having met Ed at a swing dance and knowing him to be an extraordinary musician, Katy created a playlist of swing and blues music to influence colors and strokes of the stylized backdrop. “Colors, speed and direction of stroke change in relation to the pace, volume and rhythm of the music,” she explains.

Ava Howard sits quietly most early mornings with coffee in her hand and a kitty in her lap, gazing out and appreciating the splendor of nature. Her inspiration for this piece came from her artist friend Jean Poff Galloway’s photo “from the patio”. “The bright light streaming through the ornamental red maple was the best,” Ava states while readily admitting that “no one can really capture those magical moments in the morning on the patio with coffee.”

Michele Walter had a strong desire to paint the Hahn Horticulture Garden having admired the plants, flowers and wildlife there many times. She has been painting and drawing since she learned how to hold a pencil. “When I went to take pictures of the bridge for this painting on a cold February day, a heron happened to be there posing for me, so I added it to my design,” she relates. Michele teaches, illustrated a children’s book, and enjoys commission work of animals, homes, travel and people.

Nikki Pynn might be more well-known for her stained glass art, though in the past seven or so years, she has been honored to paint several public art works. For this one, she intended to be last to round out the themes, but found herself painting third. “I decided to carve out a spot for sustenance gardening, adding blue mountains to the horizon honoring our local landscape,” she reveals. “It has been the most unique of all the collaborative projects I’ve participated in, and I have enjoyed it immensely.”

Guilty Pleasures of Summer

Ahhhhh…Summertime. And the livin’ is easy … so easy, in fact, that we don’t feel guilty sitting in the shade sipping a tall glass of the house wine of the South— sweet tea (or Sangria) and watching the grass grow a bit higher.

Ask anyone to name their summertime guilty pleasures, and everyone has a different answer. That, of course, gives you more items for your easy livin’ list. Perhaps some of the chores can wait until fall. Maybe that fence doesn’t need a coat of paint.

In The Cool, Cool, Cool of the Evening

In the evening, as the temperature cools, stroll through a garden with or without a glass of wine. Many gardens and wineries hold summer evening concerts. For those, toss in lawn chairs, old quilts or blankets, picnic foods and your friends! There are Friday night outdoor concerts in Blacksburg, Christiansburg Library, and Shawsville Middle School—Old Town Fields. Sinkland Farms, Rockhouse Marina, Rising Silo Brewery, and other places frequently feature live music. Enjoy yourselves and let any routine bed times roll on by.

When the thermometer redlines, a chilly movie house may offer the perfect place to escape the heat. Think in terms of a double feature and double the popcorn! After dark, cruise over the Starlite Drive-In and plan to watch whatever is playing. Well-mannered pets on leashes are welcome there.

The Fair and Festival Front

All the street celebrations, fairs and festivals in the New River Valley provide the perfect conduit for guilty pleasures. If it’s too early for you to do any Christmas shopping, then enjoy buying yourself some art or jewelry or home décor item. And arrive hungry. These are the perfect places to indulge in deep fried this and that, BBQ and brats, unexpected sweets, funnel cakes, corn dogs and meat on a stick.

Ride the rides, stroll the streets, buy something silly, do something silly, unleash the child inside to dance when the bands play and while away the day into the night.

Text by Jo Clark

Nights Out

Wine and s’mores around the fire pit? Really, there are pairings for this. Squish an ooey-gooey melted marshmallow between chocolate squares and graham crackers, then wash it all down with something tastier than milk. The average red or white wine won’t do, so try a slightly chilled Tawny or Ruby Port or dessert wine. Treat the young ones to sparkling grape juice. Hosting game night on a “school night” is another summer guilty pleasure, as is letting the kids camp out in the backyard and have the house a.l.o.n.e. all night long. Barbecue as much as you can and do nothing after dark but sit outside, enjoy conversation or not, listen to crickets, watch lightning bugs and stare at a starry sky.

Days Out

Take your cowboy and cowgirl inner selves to Skyline Stables or Winterfrost Farm for wonderful trail rides in beautiful terrain. Buy cowboy hats where the brim offers much more protection than a ball cap’s front visor. Speaking of ball caps, catch a baseball game in Pulaski, Radford University or Virginia Tech.

During the dog days of summer, think about the dogs! Walk a neighbor’s dog or volunteer at the nearest animal shelter to play with dogs and cats. Scour Little Libraries all over the place or go to the public library and check out a pile of paperbacks (lightweight) for longer-than-should-be hammock and chaise lounge sessions. Napping and snoozing indulgences encouraged.

There’s no age limit for spending a day on the water –tubes, kayaks, canoes, boats, stand-up paddleboards or a cheap blow-up float under your back work well. The New River, Little River, Claytor Lake and even a swimming pool can fit the bill for getting cool and frittering away some time. The ol’ sprinkler in the yard will cool you down, no matter your age. You can act more silly in summer.

Summer is the perfect season to sport bright lipstick and multi-color or sparkly toenail polish. Fancy flipflops, tee shirts and ball caps with sequins can pretty up things. And this is the finest of seasons for one of the greatest of indulgences: I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream. You can buy ice cream, make ice cream, decorate ice cream, go out for ice cream, fry ice cream, but enjoy ice cream all summer. The most guilty pleasure here would the banana split. Go for it.

Jo Clark is probably in her bathing suit, toes in the water, sinking her teeth into a fresh tomato sandwich and dreaming of funnel cake with extra sugar. Instagram @JoGoesEverywhere, and on Facebook at Have Glass, Will Travel.

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