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Pasture Talk
NEW RIVER VALLEY MAGAZINE
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Becky Hepler
Nancy Moseley
Caitlyn Koser
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tThough not much of a joiner, I joined something. Writing the article on the Fine Arts Center for the New River Valley [FACNRV] spurred me to buy a membership to support their endeavors. Browsing in the Blacksburg art gallery brought me such a measure of pride, that I can rub elbows with these talented artists.
I read a great article recently on poetry, which falls into the fine arts. I don’t read poetry often, though I can recite “The Cremation of Sam McGee” by Robert Service and several A. A. Milne poems from “When We Were Very Young.”
My dad read the latter to us as children so many times they became embedded in our brains. Robert Service was both my dad’s and my grandfather’s (on my mother’s side) favorite poet. I think of him as a quintessential man’s poet. He wrote beautifully and extensively about the wilds of the Yukon and the lure of gold.
The strong life that never knows harness The wilds where the caribou call; The freshness, the freedom, the farness –O God! How I’m stuck on it all. [The Spell of the Yukon]
My nephew Jonathan Cate is a published poet. My mother was a concert violinist, violin teacher (ages 8 to 60 with a waiting list) and watercolor artist. I speak with great pride here because
she never went to college. My dad was a woodworker.
There must be some fine art genes in me, if just to appreciate it. I asked my brother the last time he read a poem to discover he reads poetry several times a week. My sister reads poetry often. I am going on a poetry binge.
My Scottish heritage steers me toward Robert Burns, but then there’s Robert Frost. Frost is #5 on Forbes’ list of the top 20 poets of all time. Emily Dickinson (#3) only published 10 of her 2,000 poems during her lifetime. She had limited formal education, preferred isolation and seclusion to socializing and never married. Maybe I’ll begin with her. That ground hog indicated six more weeks of winter back in early February. I wonder how far I can get in this book which has sat unopened for decades on my bookshelf: The Family Library of Poetry and Song, edited by William Cullen Bryant, published in 1870, 1,016 pages. Spring will be all the sweeter on the heels of a genuine winter, which was some kind of wonderful at my place. Not every moment of the outdoor chores, mind you, but sufficiently beautiful and cold to claim we had winter. I expect a short mud season before spring delivers her radiant colors, abundant green and non-freezing temps. Welcome Sweet Spring!
Joanne Anderson ManagingEditor jmawriter@aol.com
Humble, Resonant, Deep & Bright
Text by Joanne M. Anderson
Photos by Meredith White
Humble. Having a modest estimate of one's own importance.
Resonant. Deep clear remembrance of an experience.
Deep. Extending far down from the surface.
Bright. Giving out or reflecting a lot of light; shining; intelligent and quickwitted.
These are the words Interior Designer Mary Kate Gaines used to present her impressions of one of her recent clients, Paula Taylor. In the moment, Mary Kate had no idea that Paula has been a close friend of mine for more than 20 years. I am a writer, and I could not find four better words for the lady of the house, which also connect comfortably to her home.
The Back Story
Paula Taylor met her husband of 50 years at Giles High School when she was 15. They married after her graduation and raised their daughters in Blacksburg. Paula taught piano full-time for a dozen years then transitioned into accounting positions until retirement. Richard is retired from
Facilities Operations at Virginia Tech.
Richard was one of those savvy jackof-all-trades who can do things, fix things and figure out things. So, late in 2011, the couple, now empty nesters, bought a 36-year-old house which needed some love. The 3-bedroom,
3-bath, split level sits on nearly half an acre on a flat, corner lot in a nice neighborhood outside Christiansburg.
The Early Years
Before they could move in, the entire 2,092-square-foot house
needed to be cleaned, painted and have new carpet and flooring installed. They also purchased a refrigerator. “The single-car garage had been converted into a den with a solid wall where the garage door had been,” Paula explains. “We installed a nice window for curb appeal outside and natural light inside.”
The Taylors had all the windows replaced, including the large front picture window. They also installed a new front door and a sliding door from the primary bedroom suite to its private patio. About five or six years ago, Chuck Morris, of Morris Finishing
Company in Dublin, replaced the kitchen cabinet doors and hardware, adjusting the cupboard supports as needed. A couple years after that, Paula selected a new refrigerator that fit the space better than the very large one they originally purchased.
More Recently
A little less than two years ago, Paula approached Home Depot for a small kitchen remodel. She is thrilled with new quartz countertops and a new, deep, stainless steel sink. A friend’s interior upgrades on Instagram caught Paula’s attention.
The friend, Meredith White, is also a friend of mine and an excellent photographer who had done work for New River Valley Magazine. Meredith told Paula that Mary Kate Gaines of In Focus Interiors was helping her.
Mary Kate Steps Inside
“I met Paula and her sweet rescue pup Domino in March of 2024,” Mary Kate relates. “We sat in her cozy living room and talked through her thoughts and concerns about this lovely room, the first impression of her home in the front door. I found out she loves gardening and international
travel. She has been to several places outside the country, taught piano for years, is not afraid of color, and she really loves whimsy.”
“This is a very intimate business,” Mary Kate continues. “When people invite me into their home and share their life and story, I take it very seriously. I care so much about understanding them and making their space a reflection of who they are.”
In addition to associating a color with her clients, Mary Kate finds quotes that she feels embodies each one. For Paula, it was yellow and this: “White is too brilliant to be seen, so yellow is its filter, its costume, revealing that pure light has not only brightness but emotional resonance and depth.” [American writer Richard Grossinger] “This is Paula to me. Humble, Resonant, Deep, Bright.”
Paula is a minimalist in most ways - home décor, make-up,
wardrobe, etc. – and she likes her green velvet sofa and whimsical art. “Mary Kate took a lot of what I already had and placed in ways which made the room more pretty, more appealing. She arranged for painters, drapes, turned a rug, and used a two-tier coffee table I was getting rid of. She brought in a crescent table, peacock feathers, pillows and interesting, quaint, eclectic things,” Paula adds.
Though the living room was the main project, Paula entertained Mary Kate’s suggestion for bold wallpaper accents. One kitchen wall now sports orange and cream Koi fish on a multi-aqua-green background which connects across the room to colorful new living room curtains and peacock feathers on a whatnot shelf. A wall in the den sports a rounded geometric pattern that pops around the window where a solid wall replaced the garage door decades ago.
A New Tranquility
The decorative changes have launched a much-needed, well-deserved, emotional lift in this precious lady’s home. She is now the main tool wielder and decisionmaker who has humbly served as Richard’s full-time caregiver for years. As he slips away in the cruel grip of dementia, Paula relishes these new colors and arrangements, finding her living room more peaceful and coordinated - a calm, happy, colorful and refreshing space.
Everything here belongs and plays well together in various colors, styles and textures. It is a very clever, distinctive fusion of Humble, Resonant, Deep, Bright.
Floor Art how
to plan the purchase of a lifetime
- Persian rugs date back over 2,500 years, with some of the oldest known examples found in ancient Persian - Traditional Persian rugs use natural dyes from plants, insects and minerals, leading to deep, rich colors that age beautifully over time.
Text by Nancy S. Moseley
Text by Nancy S. Moseley
Maybe they're a bit like gravy. Or cheese. Or ranch dressing. When life hands you the flooring equivalent of meatloaf, replete with questionable bits and bumps, cover it with a rug! However, bad food analogies aside, area rugs are an attractive, affordable, low-commitment way to transform the vibe and functionality of room without the pricey remodel.
Shape and Size
Chances are you live in a home with right angle walls defining living space in a geometrical way. A round or oval rug is a delightfully simple, visual way to offset the angles and soften the edges of angular living. A bolder choice is a curvy rug in the shape of an animal hide, placed proudly under a coffee table.
If your home is blessed with beautiful hardwood floors, rethink being an overprotective parent. Spend time analyzing the use of the space and consider going smaller with rug size, even several rugs scattered about. You will warm up the room while letting the prized hardwood shine.
Jessica Hall, interior designer for Dehart Tile in Christiansburg, says: "Many customers choose hard surface flooring throughout their homes. The addition of area rugs give customers the warmth and softness of carpet in specific spaces while allowing the beauty and benefits of hard surface flooring in every room."
Pattern or Plain
Dehart Tile opened its doors in the 1960s and has witnessed decades of trends, from the infamous ‘70s shag and ‘80s pastels to the ‘60s mid-century modern and geometric shapes of the ‘90s. Today, they say, the trend is natural and organic fibers.
In fact, Hall sees that the biggest variant in price point, aside from size, is the fiber content, predominantly wool versus synthetic. Handmade rugs versus machine-made carry a heftier dollar sign but result in a more unique, storied purchase versus a mass retail choice.
Whether you're into bold colors or boho, contemporary styles or farmhouse feels, bottom lineas with any element of home design - area rugs are an opportunity to showcase your personality and accent the overall style of your home. "Area rugs allow a personal touch, giving the customer a way to let their own personality shine in unique colors, patterns and textures of area rugs," Hall adds.
Flat or Fluffy
There are many pile choices when it comes to rugs, and the first step in deciding how low to go is, well, taking a first step. Are you mostly slipper-footed or barefoot in the space? Then go with something soft, full and cozy, like shag or faux animal or a thicker, cushier pile. For more heavily trafficked areas like entryways, living rooms or hallways, consider a jute or wool rug for its sturdiness and texture. Where you might not want to consider jute is in areas prone to food and beverage spills. There are too many nooks-n-crannies in jute to make it an easy clean.
For mud rooms, decks, covered porches or outside patios, there is the popular indoor/outdoor choice. Multi-climate rugs are usually brighter and bolder in look to hold up longer in abusive weather. They are also affordable for a seasonal switch-out year after year.
Clean Me
Machine-washable rugs are a welcome invention. Washable or stain-resistant rugs present a fantastic choice if you need something more durable inside without the flat roughness of an indoor/outdoor option. These rugs are ideal for small children with traveling sippy cups who love the food dropsies game and/or pets with all sorts of bad behavior. They work well in kitchens, dining rooms, playrooms or foyers.
Tradition
Size, pile, shape and weatherability is all well and good, but what if the turnkey likes of rugs.com or big box retailers won't cut it for your abode's aesthetic? What if you don't want a chore, but an experience.
Jason Dadras opened Persian Rug Gallery in Blacksburg 20 years ago, applying his eye and interest in the finer things to his one-of-a-kind rug shop. "I have always been interested in art and beautiful pieces. Persian rugs are on the top of my list, and I've been collecting them for over 40 years. It's been a lifetime achievement," he laughs. "I've just never gotten an award for it!"
Dadras's rugs are all high-quality, hand-knotted wool, made over several years to last several lifetimes. Rugs, he says, are like art, just on the floor. And like wall art, creators often weave their name into the rug.
"We're not just selling a rug. We're selling a friendship. It gives me joy to educate customers so they can make the decision themselves. For generations to come, they will have this rug to pass along to children and grandchildren. They want the story," he states.
And Dadras knows stories. There are more than 2,000 rugs in his store that he collected one by one over years of overseas travel. And he can recall the story behind nearly each one. He has an antique tribal rug that is 200 years old, one of only two in existence. The other is hanging in a museum in San Francisco.
For new homes or major renovations, he suggests picking out the rug first, then let it sway the remaining interior design. Because of his low overhead, prices are reasonable as well as negotiable. He's flexible for customers to pay in installments with no interest. There is no delivery fee or storage fee if you need to pick up the rug months later. If a customer is undecided, he will bring choices to their home so they can unfurl each one in the intended space. He offers rug trade-ins for customers to upgrade,
only requiring the difference in price. The used rugs? "I usually give them to college students for free!"
Many years ago, The Wall Street Journal wrote about Persian rugs being a great investment, touting their sustained value and their earned equivalence to a true work of fine art. Dadras no doubt agrees, as his store is full of art, and stories. Take that, crypto currency.
Nancy S. Moseley is a writer born and raised in Blacksburg. She's seriously considering coming home from travels with souvenir rugs. The ol' refrigerator magnet just won't cut it anymore.
Persian Rug Gallery Nrvpersianrugs.com
Dehart Tile Deharttile.com
The Wonder of Wallpaper strength and conditioning for young athletes
Text by Jo Clark
Photos courtesy of In Focus Interiors
A homeowner’s personal touches transform a house into a home, reflecting the personality of those who live there. When you step inside, a first impression might come from glimpses of favorite hobbies or sports on display, bold art, earthy colors or from wall coverings. Wallpaper offers a phenomenally versatile interior décor factor for all the options available.
Wallpaper was made by hand up until the mid1800s and used inside cupboards and small spaces, as it was printed on small sheets of paper. Once mass-produced, patterns expanded out of floral motifs and simple scenes, and much larger sheets and rolls became available. Flock patterns were copied from textiles, and marble, wood grain, damask and other patterns began to grace the interior walls of homes.
Today’s wallpapers – when hung properly – can last
a lot longer than paint. Many are made of vinyl, which is easier to handle and clean than paper. Colors, textures and patterns seem limitless, and it adds the kind of character, style and interest to a room, stairway, hall or accent wall that only wallpaper can offer.
Accent Walls
If an entire room of wallpaper seems overwhelming, then one accent wall could be all you need. “Wallpaper one wall in an unexpected place,” suggests Mary Kate Gaines, owner of In Focus Interiors in Blacksburg. “While many homes showcase an accent wall in the entry, consider creating a surprise by using wallpaper around a corner or deeper into the room. Let the focal point draw
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your eye in, making you want to walk toward it — don’t reveal everything all at once.”
Accent walls can transform small spaces, creating the illusion of depth while offering a striking aesthetic. Elevate an accent wall by combining patterns and textures to highlight framed artwork, handmade pottery, or even your prized sneaker collection [photo].
If you’re unsure about colors, patterns and mixing elements, consult an interior designer for guidance. Mary Kate’s first career was an optician, which might explain her knack for spotting the perfect focal point.
Wallpaper Borders
For those less timid about an entire room or even one wall expanse covered in wallpaper, borders are wonderful decorative accessories which can match or contrast with wallpaper or stand alone in a painted room. Borders can mimic architectural details like crown molding. Many are placed near the ceiling for a high edge of interest, and some run around the middle of a room above or below a chair rail or simply solo. In the place of a chair rail at midheight, a border can offer the creative opportunity to paint one color below it and another color above it, or install
wallpaper only below or above and paint the other section. A rule of thumb with borders is to connect to the height of the room. The most common border is around eight inches wide, which works well proportionately with an 8-foot ceiling. Advantages, besides every theme and color under the sun, include cost and ease of installation.
The Mural Wall
A refreshing vibe can be achieved by bringing an outdoor scene indoors. Mary Kate added a forest mural to her son’s bedroom [photo]. After walking into the room, you turn a corner and feel almost like you’ve stepped into the woods.
Murals can take you anywhere without leaving home. Mary Kate recommends Rebel Walls [rebelwalls.com] for customizable murals. They size the design to your wall and offer peel-and-stick options.
The Creative Category
Creative wallpaper treatments can be found on the back of bookcase shelves or any shelves. You can frame a piece of wallpaper, large or small, for another wall and use it to line drawers. Innovative uses include wallpaper on the ceiling, in your closet, on recessed door panels or stair risers. If you have extra, use it for wrapping paper. Sherwin-Williams boasts 100,000 different wallpapers. If you simply cannot find what you want, you can design a pattern and have it printed on wallpaper at companies like Spoonflower [spoonflower.com]. It can also be printed on fabric, offering the possibility of matching curtains, cushions and comforters. Mary Kate advises caution when shopping with online companies. That too-good-to-be-true deal might deliver flimsy, impossibleto-use paper. For bathrooms, moisture-resistant vinyl or commercial-grade paper is best.
DIY vs Professional
Wallpaper can be budget-friendly or a splurge, depending on the materials and labor expenses. Peel-andstick products make accent walls an achievable DIY project for those who are attentive to details and meticulous about prepping, matching patterns and cutting sharply around outlets, windows and doorways.
Hanging wallpaper is as much an art form as a skill. While it can require large tables, big rolls, wide brushes and a large volume of the correct adhesive product, it also involves steady hands and keen eyes. Professional wallpaper hangers have the experience, equipment and supplies to exquisitely transform the mood and ambience of any room in your home with wallpaper.
Backyard Chickens:
A Taste of Homesteading and a Growing American Trend
Text by Caitlyn Koser
Americans own about 85 million backyard chickens. For many, it represents a taste of homesteading. Montgomery County residents Rick and Susie Weaver have made chickens their own backyard dweller.
The Weavers live on a wooded, 9-acre property. Sloping off their barn is a 50-year-old enclosure that, before chickens, served as a dog pen. Rick Weaver experimented with a couple different types of netting to protect the chickens from predators. At first, a simple netting was put over the wood frame, but a raccoon outsmarted that tactic.
“I was surprised,” he explains. “I didn’t know raccoons ate chickens.” Depending where you live, coyotes, snakes, foxes, hawks, weasels, stray dogs, bobcats and raccoons all will be attracted to your chickens and their eggs. The trick was a layer of wire over the wood skeleton. Even with the plethora of predators, their six hens and one rooster stay safe.
Did you know? - chickens are the closest living relatives to the Tyrannosaurus rex. - chickens can recognize over 100 different faces, both human and chicken. - they dream when they sleep, just like we do.
Chickens and Peacocks
The Weavers keep ISA hens, hybrid chickens which fare very well.. He also has a Delaware which boasts a gorgeous snowy coat, a Cream Legbar. ISA stands for Institut de Sélection Animale, the company which developed the crossbreed in 1978. His one Bantam rooster is inconsistent and doesn’t crow much.
Donnie and Diane Coleman have a small farm a few miles outside Fairlawn. “We saw peacocks in England walking loose on castle grounds and loved them, ” Diane recalls. One does not need a special license to have peacocks, so they built a 24-foot diameter, 14-foot tall, geodesic-style dome with netting. “Peacocks don’t eat all their food, which is wasteful, so we added chickens, which eat anything.”
Peacocks lay very large eggs and are now long gone. They have had many different chickens across decades and like the Red Sex Link ones, also a cross breed,
for reliable egg production and being friendly and smart. While they raised peacocks for a while, the Colemans don’t raise chickens. They keep roosters for protection of the hens and the farm sounds they make.
Rules and Regs
Living in a county, the Weavers and Colemans have a little more leg room, so to speak, with regulations and rules. If you live in any town limits, you’ll need to check local regulations to avoid receiving a notice of violation.
Within the town limits of Blacksburg, a license is required for backyard chickens. Rules include the size of the pen, number of hens permitted (six), where feed for the hens can be kept, and no roosters. This eliminates both the cock-a-doodle-do noise and the breeding of more chickens.
When asked his favorite part about chickens, Rick says: “Their feed and water last a long time. I can go on a trip for five days and just have a lot of eggs to collect when I return.” The youngest ones (spring chickens, you might say) still lay an egg every day, even in winter. The Weaver’s chickens run free in the day, which puts them at risk for predators, but it’s long been known that free-range chickens are healthier and happier. The Colemans’ chickens have access to the natural ground in the dome each day where they are safe and are buttoned inside their hen house every night.
Did you know?
Peacocks can mimic sounds – Some peafowl have been observed mimicking sounds in their environment, such as human voices or other animals.
Chicken chow, mealworms and cracked corn are typical fare for chickens. Weaver keeps the feed in a rat-proof feeder in a small storage space off the pen. The chicken enclosure where the hens sleep is a cozy space that serves as predator protection and has the nesting boxes. “At first, hens would break the eggs and eat them, so I installed curtains.” The nest box curtains stopped that problem.
Dogs and Chickens: Coexist or Not?
According to the National Health Institute, chickens are likely the third most popular pet in Western countries. Move over, Fido. Or, not so fast. In a place with many predators, especially birds of prey, dogs can be beneficial and can peacefully coexist with your feathered friends, but know your breed and your dog well.
Some dogs will simply get too riled to be able to share their territory with others, even chickens. If your dog gets jumpy at a squirrel, there could be some conflict. Some dog breeds are trained to guard livestock, so it may be advantageous to research those if you live in a place with numerous predators.
The Weavers and Colemans are only two of many families who keep chickens and enjoy fresh eggs daily. If you decide to hop on the bandwagon, you’ll find something satisfying and worthwhile -- the responsibility and reward of raising your own food and an attachment to one of America’s new favorite backyard dwellers.
A Most Elusive Kitty
Text by Caitlyn Koser
“We’ve lived in the same place for 20 years, and I’ve only seen two,” Giles County resident Philip Vaught comments on an elusive, opportunistic creature, one few New River Valley residents may be lucky to see. They weigh an average of 10 to 25 pounds, the males being larger.
A little bigger than a domestic cat, lynx rufus is a smaller cousin of the Canadian lynx. The tail is the most distinguishing way to identify a bobcat. The tip of the bobcat tail is black on top and white underneath. The lynx’s tail is completely black-tipped. A bobcat’s feet are smaller than a lynx, but about twice the size of a domestic cat.
Vaught’s sighting was a surprise. “This one was bigger than I expected, more like a medium-sized dog, not as tall, but longer. It runs like a cat.” His neighbor has seen it several times. “This sighting was about 300 yards from my house, not very close. Bears come in much closer.”
Habitat and Meals
If you live in a heavily wooded area, you’re in the right spot for a chance bobcat sighting. They can exist in urban settings and live in every county in Virginia. These cats can be a bit of a double-edged sword to farmers. They eat rodents, which is beneficial, but they may attack livestock (typically fowl) and domestic cats. Wily and thrifty, bobcats have been reported in other regions to eat whitetailed deer, especially sick or maimed ones.
To secure their prey, bobcats can leap up to 12 feet, killing with a swift bite on the neck. They are lone hunters, making their rounds under the cover of darkness. Although their main prey is small game, a bobcat can attack and bring down animals eight times its own body weight. Attacks on humans are rare and usually only occur with bobcats that are rabid.
The Stealthy Side
One reason why sighting the creatures is so unusual is simply what they have for stealth. A bobcat’s field of vision is 200 degrees, and they have excellent sight, so they are aware of your presence before you see them. They sleep in hollow trees, crevices and places which are largely hidden. Their fur is mottled reddish-brown and spotted with black, a built-in camouflage that gives them the upper hand with their prey. Their “bobbed,” short tail is what gives them their name.
Preserving Bobcat Population
Bobcats have a short mating window in late winter and are pregnant around 65 days. Litters most commonly number two to three kittens. They may stay with the mother up to a year or leave a few months earlier.
Conservation has recently taken an uptick in concern. In later decades of the 20th century, bounties were placed on bobcats. They are hunted for their luscious fur which is exported to other countries. Some 65,000 pelts were exported from the United States in 2013.
Today, there’s a steady increase in bobcat numbers, and Virginia has hunting limits. Only two bobcats can be bagged per hunting party in one day, and the kill must be reported within 24 hours.
Extremely territorial, the average individual bobcat’s territory is six to 11 square miles. Both males and females mark their territories with pungent spray to keep other animals away. Their keen vision, super stealth, and night hunting tendencies make them elusive and rarely seen. Perhaps with some luck and patience, you might glimpse this unique, mysterious wildcat.
Caitlyn Koser is a New River Valley homeschool student who loves being outdoors and hopes one day to see a bobcat in the wild.
sat., may 10, 7:30 pm
Grammy winner and world-famous pianist Chucho Valdés closes the season with a tribute to 50 years of Irakere, featuring a new iteration of the band that revolutionized Afro-Latin jazz.
Rock Your World
stone accents elevate home interiors and exteriors
Text by Joanne M. Anderson
TThe enduring beauty and timeless quality of natural stone is unparalleled. From wrapping a few columns, adding a stone wall behind a woodstove or around a fireplace to a full interior wall, kitchen backsplash or sections of exterior façade, stone is treasured for its visual appeal, low maintenance and durability.
The striking patterns, natural colors, irregular shapes and rugged textures of real stone or naturallooking rock offer a rustic, earthy vibe of authentic beauty and sophisticated expression that complement any style. The good news is that rocking your world at your home or your business can be achieved in a weekend, whether you use a contractor or choose to do-it-yourself.
Stone masons are revered around the world and the New River Valley for their skills. Hardscaping has become very popular for patios, retaining walls and outdoor entertaining spaces. Their experience with rocks, mortar, placement and artistic style is admired. One only needs to cruise around the Virginia Tech campus to
appreciate the striking appearance of Hokie Stone, a gray dolomite-limestone sedimentary rock prevalent in western Virginia.
Manufactured Stone
Stone veneer siding mimics natural stone and can be installed with screws instead of mortar. It is less expensive and incredibly versatile. M-Rock’s P-Series Stone is “not just a stone, it’s a stone system,” appreciated by both contractors and homeowners for the ease of installation. Additionally, these products have no water entrapment or freeze and thaw issues.
Whether you're seeking that Adirondack look on the outside or a classy yet rustic fireplace wall on the inside, natural-looking, manufactured stone might fool a geologist and looks like the finished work of a master stone mason. Crafted in shapes, sizes and colors originally styled by Mother Nature, M-Rock’s I-Series Stackable
Photos courtesy of M-Rock
Stones elevate the ordinary to extraordinary, enhancing property value along the way.
Ranging from soft browns with a hint of terra cotta and smoky embers to warm golden tans and gray tones or deep brick reds with muted mocha and pewter, manufactured stone products mimic color combinations found in river rocks, palisades and natural rock formations. It is easy to handle, can be cut to size and attaches with drywall anchors, exterior grade screws, staples and commercial adhesive. A smart, savvy homeowner can complete a small project in a weekend using common hand tools.
“We definitely sell big for the small projects –foundation fronts, garage or front door accents, fireplace surrounds and transforming a basic post to a stone column,” says M-Rock’s founder and president Matt Mann. The New River Valley resident started the company in 2003, and it remains headquartered in Peterstown, W.V. The rock products are sold at Lowe’s and Home Depot along with all the accessories, corner materials, screws. “We are a one-stop shop for everything you need, and our staff can be reached Monday through Friday to answer questions or explain anything.”
A leader in natural-looking, manufactured stone products, M-Rock takes seriously the desire of homeowners to embrace the natural stone look without
the weight, cost and intensive installation of pure rock. The brilliant research and development team has been cloning stone, refining manufacturing processes and streamlining installation procedures to produce superior rock-like products more than two decades. Fire-resistant, stable in harsh weather conditions and “Made in the USA” all contribute to the exceptionalism of their products. You are in control of standing out or blending in, going unexpectedly creative or casually rustic. Green manufacturing with near zero waste translates into this reasonably-priced design element having near zero waste on the job site. You can be daring, practical, emotional and budget-conscious all at the same time. As Mann points out, “you don’t have to rock your whole world or even one entire wall.”
Stone accents inside a home, on the front of a house, around the fireplace or on the dog house or she shed can enhance the ambiance and value of a property. Manufactured stone is dependable in strength and crafted to stand both the tests of time and trend.
Giles County homeowners Phillip and April Vaught put M-Rock stone on their north-facing front porch 18 years ago. The steps no longer get mold or need cleaning and painting. “We never have to do any maintenance or repair to this stone accent, and we love the rustic look.”
The Fine Arts
We live in this world in order always to learn industriously and to enlighten each other by means of discussion and to strive vigorously to promote the progress of science and the fine arts. - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart [1756-1791]
While there’s a lot to unpack in this quote, let’s focus on the last three words, the fine arts. Some folks in 1978 (two centuries after a turning point in Mozart’s life while in Paris) may have been focused on “Saturday Night Fever” by the Bee Gees going to
#1 for 24 weeks, or the first “micro on a chip” patent by Texas Instruments, or the ongoing evolution of the Pop Art Movement, but closer to home, a small group founded the Fine Arts Center for the New River Valley [FACNRV].
The mission remains to offer arts education and a place to showcase the work of local artists to the community and visitors alike. The art gallery and gift shop is the Edna B. Love Gallery in honor of one of the founders and is the oldest downtown Main Street business in Pulaski.
The news flash in 2025 is that
the center has expanded to include a satellite space for classes and another gift shop in Blacksburg. A bundle of credit goes to Jane Bonomo for her personal dedication to fine arts paired with her generous spirit. Jane’s keen eye and brilliant sense for fashion and style have been present in her shop(s) across more than 50 years.
Bonomo’s Plaza was developed under Jane’s vision for a small, attractive shopping locale with an interesting mix of tenants in two 1-story buildings. Today, not only can you attend an art class and purchase local art works, you
Text by Joanne M. Anderson
Photos Courtesy of Fine Arts Center for the New River Valley
can dine, get coffee, eat a sandwich, take out a pizza, get your nails done and buy a new outfit or fine accessories with one stop.
Volunteers Step Up
Local stained glass artist Nikki Pynn is the volunteer director. Nikki was featured in New River Valley Magazine in SeptOct 2015 and has been instrumental in advancing the arts community in the New River Valley for decades. “I approach the opening of this gallery from the perspective of a local artist,” Nikki states. “The backbone of the FACNRV is support for local artists, discovering what is needed and what will help them move forward. The new location’s success will take the community of artists and art supporters coming in and giving their impressions.”
Five other volunteers help in the gallery, plus one part-time IT staff member. Already 22 local artists in a variety of mediums and styles are on
“I approach the opening of this gallery from the perspective of a local artist,” Nikki states.
board with their creative, original, handcrafted pieces on display and for sale.
Classes and Support
There are art classes for adults, youth and children and creative approaches like exploring mosaic making at a Creative Tea Party. The Candle Dipping Class is structured for ages 10 to 18. Needle felting, water batik, greeting card workshops, stained glass, calligraphy, drawing and many fascinating art classes are offered throughout the year in Pulaski and Blacksburg.
Fine arts have a powerful role in enhancing the lives of individuals and communities. Creative expression, social opportunities, artistic innovation and an economic impact are just a few of the positive angles. Buying art for yourself and as gifts is one step in a show of support. Showing up for special events and exhibits, getting to know artists and arranging for commissioned pieces
illustrates a commitment to the fine arts. Membership in the Fine Arts Center for the New River Valley is an affordable way to show support, as well as receive a discount in the gift shops and classes. Much of FACNRV’s success for nearly five decades can be attributed to donations and memberships which have sustained the organization to deliver artistic energy, innovative creativity and excellent art experiences to all ages.
Fine Arts Center for the New River Valley
21 W. Main St., Pulaski 860 University City Blvd., Blacksburg
www.facnrv.org
Annual Family membership, $60 Annual individual membership, $30 Student membership, $0
A Welcome Flowering of Spring
shrubs and trees that lead the way in fragrance and beauty
Text by Emily K. Alberts
Nothing restores the soul after a cold, hard winter more than the first blossoms of spring on trees and bushes. Royal star magnolias, saucer magnolias, and the iconic flowering cherries are some of the first signs that life is returning to the trees around us. And nothing smells as sweet as those very first flowers.
Though our state tree, dogwood, and redbuds are early bloomers, they do not emit much fragrance compared to magnolias and ornamental fruit trees. “Redbud trees are abundant, ” says James Ulmer of Back to Nature Landscaping. “As native trees, they not only enhance the beauty of our region but also support local
wildlife.” Dogwoods are also native but have a harder time dealing with warm weather and long spells of drought.
Fragrance in the Air
Ornamental peach trees are adaptable to many climates and attract pollinators and wildlife, which helps support biodiversity. Their showy,
fragrant flowers have a sweet aroma similar to honey and almond, and their big billowy blooms provide an excellent shade canopy.
For those with a yard is on the smaller side who want to soak up the perfume of spring blooms, fragrant bushes are great choices. Jasmine and lilacs are excellent native shrubs and, when planted together, make lovely hedges. Flowering quince is a fast-growing shrub with vibrant spring flowers.
While not particularly fragrant,
the oakleaf hydrangea does well and provides beauty even into the fall and winter months, as its broad oak-shaped leaves turn a rich red color. Serviceberry is a native tree that provides year-round interest with white spring flowers, yellow to red fall foliage, smooth gray bark and edible purple fruit.
Lesser Known Flowering Bushes
Patricia Poteet, a plant designer at Back to Nature Landscaping, offers other ideas that are gaining popularity:
• Illuminati spice mockorange is an old-fashioned fragrant shrub that has been bred for a smaller size, making it easier to use in small gardens.
• Chaste tree has fragrant light purple blooms in summer with cultivars ranging in size from five to 12 feet tall.
• Loropetalums is a dramatic shrub with dark plum foliage and pink to red blooms. They have good deer resistance, and cultivars range from two to five feet tall and wide.
Think Twice on These
Though forsythia is an abundant hedge, its pretty yellow flowers do not support wildlife. It is considered invasive, crowding out other flowering natives like buttonbush, mountain laurel and chokeberry. Peonies will knock off your socks with their fragrance. The flowers are gorgeous, but heavy, drooping significantly on the bush or in a vase, and they attract ants in large numbers, on the bush or in a vase.
Where to Begin
Local nurseries are an excellent place to start your search for flowering trees and shrubs once you have assembled info on your outdoor spaces.
t Do you have mostly sun or shade?
t Well-drained soil or clay?
t Might deer be a nuisance?
t Do you have a convenient source to water regularly until a young planting is established?
t Do you have a mulched bed for planting?
“Mulching helps mitigate soil temperature fluctuations, reduces weeds, and helps retain moisture,” Patricia explains. “The mulch should be 3-4 inches thick and pulled back from the base of any tree. Mulching also prevents mowers and trimmers from getting too close to the tree and damaging the trunk.”
Plant Health Tips
James adds that one of his pet peeves is the dreaded mulch volcano. “Mulch volcanoes—when mulch is piled high around the base of a tree— do more harm than good. They trap moisture against the trunk, leading to rot, disease and pest infestations. Excessive mulch can suffocate roots, prevent proper oxygen exchange and cause root girdling, which slowly strangles the tree.”
Keep trees and plants healthy by fertilizing twice a year (typically winter and spring) with granular fertilizer. “Fertilization is important for maintaining healthy plants,” says Patricia. “Organic fertilizer reduces heat and drought stress, improves water and nutrient uptake, enhances
plant response to environmental stressors, and contains root-stimulating endomycorrihizal and ectomycorrhizal fungi.”
Another great tip is to cover newly planted shrubs during cold snaps, and water thoroughly during stretches of drought.
The last, and possibly most pernicious affliction for new plants and trees is deer. Without adequate deerproofing, your new plantings offer an afternoon snack for local fauna. Invest in deer protectors for the trunks or wire cages to prevent both antler rubbing and grazing. Use four t-post stakes and run welded wire fencing around them, at least 5 feet tall is ideal. There are also motion-activated noisy devices to deter deer, but the neighbors might not love that idea.
Speaking of neighbors, walking around your neighborhood making note of what is flourishing is a great way to see what grows well where. Maybe you can tiptoe in for a quick sniff of spring.
Emily K. Alberts has sadly watched the deer nibble away some of her spring favorites. Writing this article has steeled her resolve to add to her own spring shrub blossoms with deer-resistant measures in place.
Driving the Running W Brand
Text by Joanne M. Anderson
Photos by Jon Fleming
After driving Thunder for 10 years, I had it. I loved this 1998, ¾-ton truck for its stick shift and power, but I was wearing thin on the reliability factor. Always it charged or jumped and ran fine again – for two years, for eight months, for a week. I hopped online and called Terrence Monroe for the specs on a shiny, black, 2010 F-150 truck. He drove it to my house an hour later for a looksee.
I am not hasty with big purchases and had a neighbor I trust come to look, kick the tires, ask right the questions. I bought it, and while I like to think I’m not defined by brand names – I mean how exciting or impressive really are my Muck® boots and L.L. Bean®
barn coat? But now I have something to brag about – this is no ordinary F-150, but the King Ranch version.
“Your Ford F-150 King Ranch has rare features not found in many trucks in 2010,” Monroe states. “Heated and cooled front seats with heated back seats, touch screen navigation with voice control, back-up camera. Of course, we can't forget the King Ranch emblazoned, horse saddle tan, leather seats.”
This has tons of tricked out amenities and their famous Running W branded into the leather. But, what sold me? The tailgate. I had just replaced a tailgate cable on the older truck which broke when I rolled an 800-lb round bale over it. Taking it off had become
heavy, clumsy and annoying, so I tested it. This new tailgate does not need to be removed and the best part? It has a step, a handle, and I can stand on it. There are side steps, a bed extender, sunroof, CD player and more.
Terrence sold me a new Ford Edge in 2007, and he sold this King Ranch F-150 new in 2010. It revolved back through the Duncan dealership a couple times, and he considered buying it each time. As a Sales Selection Specialist closing in on 20 years with Duncan Ford, Terrence knows just about everything about car and truck specs and sales.
My truck is nearly immaculate, and it may have hauled more hay and grain and gotten more mud on the tires
in the few months I’ve had it. I named it The Brodie for our last black Lab, and did I mention V-8 engine, running boards, keyless entry, auto driver’s seat movement, adjustable pedals and real 4-WD?
The King Ranch Legacy
There are many ways to showcase a fortune, but few can rival and capture the rugged spirit of American liberty like a Texas ranch. The 825,000acre King Ranch led many of the early cattle drives, developed specialized breeds of cattle, bred the finest Quarter Horses and Thoroughbreds and established farming enterprises in cotton, grain, sugar cane and more. Everything under the Running W brand stands for innovation, uncompromising quality and authenticity.
The Ford Brand
In 2000, King Ranch and Ford – both iconic American companies –joined forces to design an upscale ranch
truck that melded performance and reliability with luxury and comfort. The ranch relies on a fleet of more than 250 Ford trucks in its daily operations, and the King Ranch series has expanded to include a Ford Expedition SUV model.
The F-150 pick-up truck has been the most popular, best-selling truck for almost 50 years. A Model T with the pick-up bed was launched in 1925. A major redesign in 1957 included a more wide, more squared styling, and two years later, 4-wheel drive was available. “Drives like a car, works like a truck” was one sales slogan.
In 1965, Ford offered the first 4-door crew cab by special order, and the following year, carpeting, power brakes, power steering and air conditioning were included. One decade later, F-150 upstaged the F-100, though the latter was sold until 1983. With the 10th generation F-150 in the late 1990s, the company’s redesign was intended to appeal to the more casual driver, leaving its F-250 and F-350 trucks for the commercial market. The number of drivers enjoying the pick-up, especially
the dual cab variety, as a primary vehicle and daily drive steadily increased.
For those who embrace a western flair in boots, wide-brim hats, fringe and fine leather (on your saddle or in your truck or both), the King Ranch F-150 can be your new wheels. The 2025 models come with all the impressive stuff, plus a safe, first aid kit, more hooks, sensors, buttons and a dual-tone horn.
But it’s the tailgate again that gets my attention. These new models have not only a remote tailgate release, but also the tailgate can swing open from one side so you can get 19 inches closer to unload bags of grain or pellets. However, the latest and greatest may not have the tailgate step and handle that has dramatically improved my truck life.
I may not have ever owned an Ugg product, consumed Dom Perignon or worn a Tiffany tennis bracelet, but I am on the edge of proud to drive a slice of Texas grandeur in my King Ranch F-150. I am also very pleased to report that Thunder went to a family cattle ranch in the New River Valley.
Ginger
It’s a spice, a name, a color, a movie and a tonic for myriad ailments across millennia. Ginger apparently does not grow in the wild, and its origin remains a mystery. The pungent, sweet and spicy ginger root thrives in Asia’s tropical rainforest regions.
From claims to relieve nausea, inflammation and pain to aiding digestion, curbing motion sickness, supporting heart health and reducing the risk of diabetes and cancer, along with its amazing flavor in the culinary realm, ginger retains a secure spot in the top 10 most popular spices.
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine (hopkinsmedicine.org), “eating ginger encourages efficient digestion … and it may take the edge of post-treatment nausea [for chemotherapy patients] … and [pregnant] women have praised the power of ginger to ease morning sickness.”
Johns Hopkins Medicine’s Ginger Tea
Fresh ginger has strong health benefits comparable to those of dried, but tea made with dried ginger may have a milder flavor. Making ginger root tea with fresh ginger takes a little more preparation but tends to deliver a more intense, lively brew.
• Trim gingerroot of tough knots and dry ends
• Peel it
• Cut into thin, crosswise pieces or use a grater
• Put a few pieces into a mug
• Pour in boiling water and cover
• Steep up to 10 minutes for strongest flavor
• Pour tea through strainer and
discard ginger
• Optional: Add a cinnamon stick, honey, cayenne pepper, maple syrup, lemon juice
Powdered ginger is convenient. Use 1-3 tsp. powdered ginger per mug. Steep 3-5 minutes and strain to enjoy. Add optional sweeteners or flavors.
6 Tbl. ground coffee (not instant)
1 Tbl. grated orange zest
1 Tbl. chopped crystallized ginger
½ tsp. cinnamon
6 cups cold water
Hot Ginger Coffee Ginger Cashew Chicken Stir-Fry
(if tea is not your bag, try this)
Place top four ingredients in a coffee filter and brew as usual with the cold water. Pour and garnish with whipped cream, cinnamon sticks and/or more orange zest.
2 Tbl. cornstarch
1 Tbl. brown sugar
1 ¼ cups chicken broth
2 Tbl. soy sauce
3 Tbl. canola oil, divided
1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut in 1-inch chunks
½ pound sliced fresh mushrooms
1 small green pepper, cut in strips
1 can (8 oz) sliced water chestnuts, drained
1 ½ tsp. grated fresh gingerroot
4 green onions, sliced
¾ cup salted cashews
Sesame seeds and fresh parsley for garnish. Hot cooked rice
Mix first 4 ingredients until smooth. Heat 2 Tbl. canola oil in large frying pan. Stir-fry chicken pieces to no longer pink and take out of pan.
Add 1 Tbl. oil to pan and stir-fry mushroom, pepper, water chestnuts and ginger 3-5 minutes. Add broth mixture and green onions and bring to a boil. Cook and stir 1-2 minutes until thickened. Add chicken and cashews. When everything is heated through, serve on top of rice, sprinkling with sesame seeds and fresh parsley.
Mar 8
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Mar 17-23
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Apr 26
Apr 27-May 3
May 3
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July 22-Aug 3
Highland Maple Festival / Monterey, VA $90
Highland Maple Festival / Monterey, VA $90
Major League Baseball / Spring Training $1595
“Noah” / Pennsylvania Dutch / Lancaster PA $525
Tanger Outlet / Sevierville, TN $95
Charleston / Savannah / Jekyll Island $2595
The Great Southwest & California $4350
Washington DC / Cherry Blossom Festival $675
Biltmore House & Gardens / Festival of Flowers $175
Biltmore House & Gardens / Festival of Flowers $175
Louisiana Cajun Country $1915
Billy Graham Library / Stowe Botanical Gardens $90
Two Parks / Boston Redsoxs & NY Yankees $2060
HGTV “Home Town” / Laurel & Biloxi $1950
Tulip Festival / Holland Michigan $1135
Andy Griffith “Mayberry” Mt. Airy, NC
$85
“Noah” / Lancaster, PA / PA Dutch $785
North Carolina Zoo / Asheboro, NC $90
Creation Museum / Ark Encounter $900
Boston’s Hidden Gardens $2075
Girls Weekend / Spa Getaway / Charleston. SC $1225
New York City “Springtime” $1250
Nashville / Music City USA $1135
Michie Tavern / Monticello $95
Resorts Casino & Hotel / Atlantic City, NJ
$695
Niagara Falls / Montreal / Toronto / Quebec $1935
Washington D.C / Mount Vernon
$650
Nova Scotia / Atlantic Providences of Canada $2795
D-Day Memorial / Virginia Dare Cruise $165
“Tina” / Belk Theatre $220
Tangier Island $490
Best of Ozarks / Branson / Eureka Springs $1715
Roan Mountain / Rhododendrons Festival $95
Alabama Gulf Coast / Orange Beach $1575
Kentucky’s Unbridled Spirits / Burbon Trail $1595
Historic Gettysburg & Hershey, PA $1235
Myrtle Beach South Carolina $1175
Mackinac Islands / Michigan $2190
Gaspe Peninsula Canada $4150
Summer in New England / Marthas Vineyard $2695
Hawaii Honolulu / Waikiki / Aloha $5340
Canyonlands / Scenic Tour $3800
Cowboy Country / South Dakota / Wyoming $3395
Nashville / Music City USA $1135
“Ain’t” Too Proud / Belk Theatre / Charlotte NC $220
Niagara Falls USA / Erie Canal $1470
Alaskan Adventure Cruise
$4999
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Aug 2-3
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Dec 29 – Jan 4
Greenbrier Hotel & Casino
$760
Speedway Classic / Bristol TN $490
Around the World Without a Passport / Omaha, NE $1625
San Francisco California / The Pacific Northwest $5395
“Noah” / Lancaster, PA / PA Dutch $785
Belle’s & Rails / Chattanooga, TN
Great Smoky Mountain Railway
$1050
$575
New York Finger Lakes & 1000 Islands $1955
Michie Tavern / Monticello
NC Crystal Coast / Atlantic Beach, NC
$95
$1365
Washington DC / Mount Vernon $650
North Carolina Zoo / Asheboro, NC
$90
Trains of New England $3015
Nova Scotia / New England in the Fall $3380
“Noah” / Lancaster, PA / PA Dutch $785
Wind Creek Casino / Bethlehem, PA $540
Best of Ozark / Branson / Eureka Springs $1715
Gandy Dancer / Tygart Flyer
New England in the Fall
$480
$1795
Agawa Canyon / Canadian Train / Sault Ste. Marie $1392
Neptune Festival / Virginia Beach, VA
$745
“Noah” / Pennsylvania Dutch / Lancaster, PA $525
Billy Graham Library / Stowe Botanical Gardens $90
Brushy Mountain Apple Festival $75
Niagara Falls / Toronto $1490
Rockin’ the Boardwalk / Virgina Beach, VA $1315
Haunted Halloween / Boston & Salem, MA $1840
Nashville / Music City USA
“Wicked” / Belk Theater / Charlotte, NC
Cass Railroad / Cass, WV
$1135
$220
$195
New England in the Fall $1795
Pioneer Woman / Magnolia Market
Dollywood Harvest Festival
Carolina Balloon Festival / Statesville, NC
$2010
$149
$85
Iceland / Land of Fire and Ice $3599
Sunshine Tours / Family Reunion $935
Concord Mills / Bass Pro Shop / Charlotte, NC $85
Southern Christmas Show / Charlotte, NC $90
Biltmore House / Smoky Mountain Christmas $1560
Southern Christmas Show / Charlotte, NC $90
Southern Christmas Show / Charlotte, NC $90
Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade / New York $1795
Danube Christmas Market $4214
Christmas in a Castle $2035
Norman Rockwell Christmas / Stockbridge, MA $1620
Radio City Christmas / New York $1560
Christmas Opryland Hotel $1495
Premium Outlets Christmas / Charlotte, NC $85
Grove Park / Gingerbread House $165
Biltmore House & Gardens Christmas $230
Ozark Christmas / Branson, Missouri $1715
Radio City Christmas / New York $1560
Christmas Opryland Hotel
$1495
Biltmore House & Gardens Christmas $230
Billy Graham Christmas
New Years Eve in Myrtle Beach
$135
$995
Building Connections and Opportunities
Blacksburg Young Professionals
The Town of Blacksburg and surrounding New River Valley are known for vibrant communities, picturesque landscapes, and a unique local culture. Although the town thrives in many ways, like other small towns across the country, it can be faced with the challenge of recruiting and retaining young talent, an aspect that is often essential to growth and success.
The answer to this obstacle emerged through the creation of the Blacksburg Young Professionals (BYP) group, a special initiative aimed at connecting young individuals, fostering professional growth and contributing to the region’s overall prosperity.
BYP was created by The Blacksburg Partnership, one of the region’s economic development organizations which recognized that attracting and retaining young
professionals is a crucial part of the region’s advancement. It was founded as a committee of The Partnership, offering young professionals a platform to network, collaborate and integrate into the community.
“The Partnership recognized the need for a young professional collective in the New River Valley and was happy to spearhead it. We are proud that the BYP group is expanding and thriving,” says Suzanne Garner, BYP community outreach chair.
Creating Change
BYP caters to young professionals in their 20s and 30s. While many members are recent graduates from Virginia Tech or Radford University, others are already in
Text by Emily Meade
Text by Emily Meade
the corporate workforce or following an entrepreneurial path. Still more have recently relocated here and seek new friends, opportunities and ideas. The group is open to anyone looking to make personal and professional connections in the area.
Abbie Gill, who works on the BYP social networking committee, shares that members of BYP come from many different stages of professional careers.
“Our board members are great at mingling with new people,” says Angie Marcolini, president of BYP. “We make an effort to connect people based on their work, career goals and shared interests to ensure that no one feels out of place.”
Angie, who had never been involved in a community group before, began her journey with BYP by joining a committee. She reflects on her pride in working her way up to the role of president. “BYP has not only helped me grow professionally, but it’s also made a personal impact. I've made some of my closest friends through this group.”
BYP hosts events at local bars and restaurants to keep the atmosphere casual, encouraging members to relax and engage in conversation without the pressure of a formal business setting. “Coming to a BYP mixer, stepping out of your comfort zone, and talking with people you don’t know are some of the best ways for people to get involved,” Angie shares. Two of the most popular events are the holiday mixer at the Inn at Virginia Tech and the Top of the Stairs summer mixer.
Connecting with the Community
While networking is a primary focus of the group, BYP also works hard to engage with the broader community. Members are encouraged to participate in volunteer opportunities, collaborate with local businesses, and get involved with nonprofit initiatives.
One of the group's standout experiences is the annual Take Your Seat at the Table, in collaboration with the Community Foundation of the
New River Valley. This event connects young professionals with nonprofit leaders seeking new board members or volunteers. BYP partners with other nonprofits throughout the year to assist with community outreach and provide educational occasions for members to learn about regional issues and how they can get involved. “Our young professionals bring a wealth of knowledge and curiosity to our area and are often looking for a way to get plugged in to use their talents to assist our community,” Garner shares.
Looking to the Future
As BYP continues to work toward bringing together young talent within Blacksburg and the New River Valley, many exciting events and opportunities will continue to emerge. “We want BYP to be the go-to group you join when you move or begin your career here and show other young professionals that this is a place where you can find success and thrive,” Angie relates.
Along with the recurring events hosted throughout the year like casual mixers, professional development lunches and networking opportunities, BYP plans to launch a new series in 2025. The Lunch & Learn gatherings will feature speakers on topics relevant to young professionals, such as financial wellness, home buying and mental health. These sessions aim to provide valuable knowledge while creating more opportunities for professional growth.
For all young professionals looking to expand their network, Blacksburg Young Professionals offers the perfect opportunity for meaningful growth and community engagement; shaping the future of the New River Valley and ensuring that young professionals have a lasting impact on the region.
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