Pasture Talk

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 ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Sabrina Sexton ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Kim Walsh DISTRIBUTION MANAGER T One only needs to browse a U.S. or world history book to see all the calamities people have faced and endured across thousands of years. There are many common threads, Dennis Shelor and small business is one in which communities have remained well

WRITERS Joanne Anderson Karl Kazaks anchored for having a stable economic base. While the “buy local” theme is more often in the forefront for Krisha Chachra Christmas shopping, it must now take Emily Alberts center stage ~ this summer, the coming Jennifer Cooper fall and winter and year-round going Becky Hepler Melody Warnick Nancy Moseley forward to sustain our small towns, counties and quality of life. Remember, too, that many small “chain” stores are locally-owned franchises. They all need us more than ever.

PHOTOGRAPHERS We know a little bit about

Kristie Lea Photography this kind of economic climate as NRV

Kevin Riley Always and Forever Photography Tom Wallace Magazine was but two years old when the Great Recession set in a dozen years ago. Our office at the Corporate Research Center was closed, and

Billy Bowling Photography everyone took a one-half pay cut. We

Nathan Cooke Photography reduced the number of pages when advertising slipped away, and marched through it with confidence [that © 2020 Country Media, Inc. wavered like a canoe in rough waters at 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 misinformatimes] and courage [with holes in it like Swiss cheese some days]. No doubt, tion, misprints, or typographical errors. The publisher assumes no financial liability for copy omissions by Country Media, Inc. other many of our NRV small businesses are 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 in the throes of the same turmoil and are beginning to emerge yet again be allowed for errors not affecting the value of the advertisement. Paid advertising does not represent an endorsement by this publioptimistic and hopeful for a bright cation. Content cannot be reproduced without written consent from future. Let’s help them which helps all of Country Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Real Estate advertised in this publication is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968. us in the long run.

Pasture Talk

You can also browse history books to find incredibly resilient people who face and overcome seemingly overwhelming challenges. Helen Keller comes to mind. Stephen Hawking, too. Logan Smith of Dublin, featured on our cover and on page 10, embodies Bravery, Inspiration, Endurance, Grit and Determination. In the old days, we called it Moxie, and all those adjectives deserve a capital letter. While you are out shopping local, drop him a note of encouragement. His days don’t start, run or end with ease. Just the other day, his home elevator malfunctioned, leaving him stranded several feet off the ground. And just the other weekend, he was in full dive gear holding this sign:

We don’t have to look anywhere outside the New River Valley for inspiration, motivation, merchandise, outdoor recreation, dining options and a.m.a.z.i.n.g. people. It’s “summertime an’ the livin’ is easy” – for some. That song was composed by George Gershwin, who played the piano in the first recording in 1934. It was specifically crafted for the 1935 production of the opera “Porgy and Bess.” As we walk and stumble through the coming months, everyone can try at least to wear a smile on your face and carry a song in your heart - to share with others.