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RECIPES GARDENING RESCUE CATS NATURAL BRIDGE LAVENDER FESTIVAL HISTORIC JOHN BLACK HOME

Summer Events

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BEN FOLDS

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Another Great Blacksburg Story North Blacksburg Business Association Congratulations

Congratulations to the business leaders of Connect North Main and the University City Boulevard Merchants Association on the decision to merge their two business organizations. Your joining combines the energy, vision, and commitment of two dynamic Blacksburg business groups working to promote and improve their businesses and their communities.

We were proud to aid you in your merger! Congratulations!

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The Mitchell Law Firm A Professional Corporation 1700 Kraft Drive Suite 2000 Blacksburg, Virginia 24060

540.443.9272 mitchell-firm.com

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CONTENTS

M AY / J U N E

2018

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A r t i st : Caro l A n n Law re n c e

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H i st o r i c Jo h n B l ack H om e 14 Mama Mo v e m e n t 2 0 1966 Ford Econoline 2 2 N at u r al B r i d g e 2 6

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Lav en der Fe s ti v a l 2 8

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Garde n i n g 3 0

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Kat h y 's Res cu e C a ts 3 2 Summer Events 3 8 Fo o d Fa re 4 2

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You’ll always receive our best, and that’s a promise.

SkylineNationalBank.com

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P. O. Box 11816 Blacksburg, VA 24062 o: 540-961-2015 nrvmagazine@msn.com www.nrvmagazine.com

PUBLISHER Country Media, Inc. Phillip Vaught MANAGING EDITOR Joanne Anderson ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Sabrina Sexton DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Dennis Shelor WRITERS Joanne Anderson Karl Kazaks Krisha Chachra Sheila Nelson Emily Alberts Jennifer Cooper Mike Wade Becky Helper Astleigh Hill Nancy Moseley PHOTOGRAPHERS Kristie Lea Photography Always and Forever Photography Tom Wallace Silver Pebble Photography Jamie Johnson Bunker Nathan Cooke Photography Š 2018 Country Media, Inc. Country Media, Inc. will not knowingly publish any advertisement that is illegal or misleading to its readers. Neither the advertiser nor Country Media, Inc. will be responsible or liable for misinformation, misprints, or typographical errors. The publisher assumes no financial liability for copy omissions by Country Media, Inc. other than the cost of the space occupied by the error. Corrections or cancellations to be made by an advertiser shall be received no later than 5 p.m. the 20th of each publishing month. No claim shall be allowed for errors not affecting the value of the advertisement.

Paid advertising does not represent an endorsement by this publication. Content cannot be reproduced without written consent from Country Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Real Estate advertised in this publication is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968.

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Pasture Talk

Since I wrote about my grandma on one side of my family last time, I thought I'd add one note and introduce my grandfather on the other side. I wrote that the townsfolk said: "You can set your watch by Mary Brown taking those boys to church." I failed to mention that church was a 4-mile walk (they did not have a car) into Poultney, Vermont (they lived in NY); the high school was one-half mile farther. She saw to it that they walked to school, too. My brother says if they cut across the red dust, it was only 3 1/2 miles one way. What a break, huh?

My grandfather's mom died when he was 9 [1907], and his dad found a family to take him in.

The father found work far away and faithfully sent money. My grandfather ate by himself in the kitchen, not with the family, but he had a place to stay and went to school. When he received word that his dad had died, he pooled whatever money he had, took a train to get the body and returned to give him a proper burial. He was 16 years old and had only seen him twice in 7 years.

However, at the height of the Depression, my grandfather, with a high school education and army service behind him, had nine employees and two customers --two of the largest banks in Boston. He was a painter and wallpaper hanger, and once a week he received keys to all the repossessed houses with instruction to paint them inside and out whether they needed it or not, for resale. I learned young that a freshly painted house sells well. We don't know how he got from upstate NY poverty to Boston. Maybe he walked.

Closer to home, I found this online posted by the New River Valley Bicycle Association: "2017 was a big year for the Poverty Creek Trails

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Coalition. NRVBA's trail advocacy group organized 17 workdays with over 500 volunteer hours, including workdays with Radford Outdoor Club and the Blacksburg High School Mountain Bike Team. Regular workdays will begin in April and last until October. Details will be posted to Facebook and the NRVBA listserv."

I have passed some of these workers, wheelbarrows, rock piles and freshly chainsaw-cut fallen trees more than once while horseback riding Poverty Creek and other Pandapas trails. Not only do bicycle riders do a beautiful job maintaining the trails, but also they are totally respectful of the horses and riders, quick to stop and pull off or ride past slowly, however we signal them. THANK YOU, bicyclists and workers!!! You are wonderful people!!!

Happy Trails to all!

Joanne Anderson ManagingEditor jmawriter@aol.com

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Holding Tight to a Dream Text by Joanne M. Anderson | Photos by Always and Forever Photography

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A dream doesn't become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work. ~ Colin Powell

Powell's exact words may not have rung loudly in Carol Ann Lawrence's ears, but she knew them in her heart.

And, it was Walt Disney who quipped:

If you can dream it, you can do it.

Disney has Mickey Mouse and his pals to prove his point, and Lawrence has her newly printed bachelor's degree in fine arts (BFA) from Radford University in hand.

While many people celebrated Cinco de Mayo on May 5, this 41-year-old full-time employee and mother of three teenagers participated in RU's spring commencement, her proud family at her side.

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"I am really proud of her," says Nikki, her 19-yearold daughter. "I have tried to do some extra chores around the house, taking care of the dogs and cats and helping with the bills." Nikki gives her mom money from her Li'l Caesars paycheck every two weeks. And she proudly adds that Li'l Caesars make affordable, excellent pizza.

Lawrence wanted to be an artist since she was a little girl. "In middle and high school, I aspired to be an art teacher," she recalls. But she did not finish college, and responsibilities like marriage and three children took precedence.

She grew up in the New River Valley, and her passion for art never dimmed. "I did some pottery at a

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"Some times she would get stressed out with the school work, studio time, her full-time job and managing the family and think of letting it go, but she would not quit. She stuck with it all the way."

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community college about 12 years ago," she relates. "Then eight years ago, I took up stone carving, making bird baths and small things from locally gathered sandstone and limestone." She sold some pieces at shows and craft fairs, but full-time work and family still demanded her all.

Holding tight to her dream, however, she entered Radford University's fine arts program and returned to ceramics with a new enthusiasm. "She's been going for four years," Nikki relates. "Some times she would get stressed out with the school work, studio time, her full-time job and managing the family and 12

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think of letting it go, but she would not quit. She stuck with it all the way."

Her son, Maxx, 17, concurs.

"At some points, we all felt stressed out over Mom's college studies and the time commitment, but she persevered to the end. I am proud of her, too."

Another dream of Carol's is to open a community art center where people can come to learn all the arts like photography, painting, pottery, piano, violin, singing and more. "I want it to be non-profit and grantsupported so anyone of any income level or no income can come and take lessons, polish skills long-forgotten and learn new ones," she says. "There

are so many talented people and college students in the New River Valley who are willing to share their knowledge and passions with others."

The decision at hand is whether to go on to graduate school for a master's degree in fine art (MFA) or pursue the community idea.

Whichever way Carol decides, she has proven she has the determination and drive to follow and achieve her dreams and the artistic talent to be counted among the excellent artisans and craftspeople in the New River Valley.

Carol Ann Stoneworks on Facebook

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This Old Huggable House Text by Joanne M. Anderson | Photos by Kristie Lea Photography

Three years before George Washington was inaugurated as the first U.S. President, John Black started building his log house, affectionately known in the day as a 4-room crib. The structure is classic for the period at about 20 feet by 40 feet with a central front door and staircase and two large rooms on either side on two floors.

John Black was a farmer who most likely cut every log for his home. He and his wife raised 12 kids here. John's brother, William, was the original owner of the 16 squares in the center of Blacksburg. The Alexander Black House on Draper Road belonged to John Black's great-grandson.

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The home was on land which is the courtyard of today's Eggleston Hall on Virginia Tech's campus. At one point, it was dragged about 500 feet behind what is now Owens Hall. Then in 1962, Howard Price, a grounds maintenance employee at Virginia

Howard Price, a grounds maintenance employee at Virginia Tech who worked on restoration at Historic Smithfield Plantation, decided to take it apart and move it rather than see it demolished.

Tech who worked on restoration at Historic Smithfield Plantation, decided to take it apart and move it rather than see it demolished.

One can only imagine Price's surprise when he began removing the exterior siding and interior plaster walls to discover the original logs between the added coverings. "Basically, he would have numbered the logs on the outside, photographed everything, and used the photos to re-assemble the house," states current owner Bill Green. It took Price about four years to complete his project, and once again, the house stands proud in its original log framework, though now outside town in the Prices Fork section

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of Montgomery County.

When the home was moved, Price rebuilt it on a foundation with a partial basement, and it was here that Green found an old school bell and some mismatched railings from other old buildings which had been torn down. He added those to the open outdoor deck. The view from the front encompasses pastures and rolling hills, and in the back, the New River flows below. It is peaceful - and old - which appeals to Bill Green immensely.

A side door on the west goes into the parlor, and this is where Green loves to relax, read, play records on his turntables and enjoy the late afternoon 16

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sun. It is like sitting in history itself, not only for the room in the old house, but also for Green's interesting, old things everywhere. A spinning wheel.

Vinyl records and turntables. Treadle foot sewing machine. Framed pictures and books. Chairs. Along the front wall, for example, he has an unusual Savonarola chair with seven carved lion heads. These X-chairs, developed in the late 15th century in Italy, were originally designed to be folded.

The Greek revival style trim sports an authentic bold spring green color. The original floors are in place, and the ceilings as well, though a beam has been added to stabilize the second story floor from below.

The dining room is very similar to the parlor. The matching green corner cupboard is not a built-in piece. The windows were obviously handled with great care as most of the window panes are the original glass which seems to squiggle when you look through it. Green surmises that Black probably handcrafted all the window frames. They are held together with wooden pegs. "It's beautiful joinery."

The stairs have slight dips in the center from centuries of being stepped on. The upstairs rooms also have original wood floors and a bit of pitch that comes from time and, no doubt, having moved the house twice - once whole and once in pieces.

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Since kitchens and baths of old were outside the home, an addition in the back holds a kitchen downstairs and a bedroom and bathroom upstairs.

Once a car and boat designer, world traveler, collector of old stuff and industrial design professor at Virginia Tech, Green purchased the house in 1998. He is as interesting a character as the structure, with an effervescent personality that overflows with passion for the house, its history and his own collections. In the front hallway, he points out old photos of the home, including one after it had been 18

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moved and an enclosed side porch built. "I removed the porch because it took away from the authenticity of the structure," Green relates. In another old picture, one can see the house,

"I removed the porch because it took away from the authenticity of the structure," kitchen, smokehouse, spring house and servant's quarters on the 300 acres that belonged to John Black.

The adjacent parcel of the same size

belonged to his brother, and the entire 600-acre parcel had been purchased from the Ingles family for five shillings.

Many of the restored buildings at Williamsburg are the same era as this house, which is the second oldest house in Blacksburg.

Historic Smithfield Plantation's home was completed in 1774. Green's love for the house and admiration for the workmanship are evident in the way he moves through it and talks about it, cheerfully exclaiming: "It's a huggable house!"

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The Mama Movement:

Pursuing Your Passion and Prioritizing You

By Krisha Chachra

In October 2014, a group of inspired moms led by musician and budding social media entrepreneur Marci Craig circled around a table at Blacksburg’s Next Door Bake Shop. With coffee mugs in hands and big dreams in their heads, they talked about starting a ‘grassroots passion project’ that would initially build a community of business-savvy moms who would help each other pool resources and process and connect their ideas. They met several times over two years until Craig realized the group of moms – mainly parents of the students she taught music to – needed more than a space to share professional development insights, but needed to be part of a movement that 20

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motivated them to turn their gifts and passions into action. In early 2016, Craig formed an LLC and launched The Mama Movement – an online and in-person community organization where moms of any age find support in motherhood while still prioritizing themselves.

“Many moms are changemakers, business owners and creators,” says Craig. “If you are a powerhouse of ideas along with being a devoted mother and a purpose-driven woman, wouldn’t it be helpful to have encouraging support and a professional network of like-minded mothers sharing resources and keeping you accountable?”

Craig noticed that other

mom’s groups tend to gravitate toward conversations about kids. “I wanted a space where I could rediscover me,” she relates. “It is important to find joy in you – to ‘pursue your passion and prioritize you’ – that is our mantra. Once you do that, you can bring that energy back to your family.”

The Mama Movement has grown to nearly 800 women online and 55 paying members. In addition to joining the Facebook page – a message board of upcoming events, resources and uplifting messages – there is a private discussion group page to address issues, ask others about parenting, and promote their businesses or interests. Previously there

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was a flat fee for members who desired a greater level of involvement, but The Mama Movement is transitioning to a subscription model where members receive monthly content highlighting featured experts on topics tailored to their interests. There will be more opportunities including workshops, annual picnics and in-person passion-seeker meetings.

The passion-seekers meetings are for members or guests of members only, and there is a waiting list to join.

Craig explains that she wants to grow the organization but the in-person meetings benefit from an intimate size and highquality content. “The Mama Movement has grown organically. Our leadership team is exploring how we expand and give all moms an opportunity to express themselves and step in the spotlight. We hope to grow our content nationally,” she says.

Alyssa Short joined before she gave birth to her daughter and serves on the leadership team. She shares Craig’s NRVMAGAZINE.com

vision for expansion. “We want to have a strong online presence to help any mom in any place in her journey,” she says. “People join for many reasons, and the group gracefully combines a holistic picture of motherhood. There is the self-care piece, the creative piece and professional development.”

Part of the concept of The Mama Movement is to amplify each other’s accomplishments and spotlight members who have talents and expertise.

For instance, Short holds a master’s degree from the Rhode Island School of Design in Art and Education with a certificate in Expression and Healing Arts. She has taught others to develop coping skills through art making. Craig herself is a multi-passion mama. She plays the classical guitar, piano and harp and teaches music theory and early childhood music at the Renaissance Music Academy.

Her life as a musician, social entrepreneur and mother of three doesn’t look that different from moms in the New River

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Valley who find themselves juggling so many roles and struggling to find time for themselves. “So many of us have similar experiences, there is no reason to go it alone,” says Craig. “We each need to find joy in ourselves and help elevate one another to share our individual passions and collective message.” www.themamamovement.com Also on facebook.com

Krisha Chachra served eight years on the Blacksburg Town Council and has written for NRV Magazine for a decade. She is a member of The Mama Movement and a proud mom to a curious toddler. Krisha is a community advocate and connector and runs an event production organization that hosts Up on the Roof. Krisha has reported and hosted shows for public radio and television and has freelanced for USA Weekend Magazine, the Honolulu Advertiser and the Alexandria Gazette among others. Her book about returning to Blacksburg, Homecoming Journals, may be found online or in local bookstores.

Email her at kchachra@aol.com

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One Hard Working Utility Van Retires

Text by Karl H. Kazaks Photos by Tom Wallace

David Hall’s 1966 Ford Econoline Supervan has been many things: a paint van, a dollhouse, a way to get to the beach for vacation, a motorcycle hauler. It has been in the Hall family since it was new, but it didn’t become David’s as soon as he would have liked.

When Hall’s Uncle Ray, the original owner of the van, died in 1972, David went to his uncle’s widow, Aunt Laura, and told her he wanted to buy it. "Tom,” Aunt Laura said, calling Hall by his brother’s name, “if I decide to sell it, I sure would like to keep it in the family.”

A little while later, Hall returned from a visit to Myrtle Beach and discovered that Aunt Laura had sold the van to his brother, 22

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Tom. Still, his interest in the vehicle didn’t wane.

He waited. He watched as his brother hauled motorcycles in the back of the van, year after year, to the races in Daytona.

By 1979, Tom had parked the van, and his daughters were using it as a dollhouse.

At that time, David remodeled his brother’s bathroom. When Tom asked David what he owed him, David responded: "The van.” Tom agreed and turned the van over to David. “My nieces didn’t like me much right then,” David recalls.

For most of the 1980s, it was David Hall’s regular work vehicle, taking him to tilesetting jobs around the New River Valley. He and his wife, Jerdy, even took it down to Myrtle Beach on vacation, carrying their kids in the

back.

In the 1960s, Ford introduced three compact Econoline vehicles to compete with imported smaller cars: a pickup, a passenger van (or “station bus,” also known as the Club Wagon) and a utility van.

It was his own Uncle Ray, a painting contractor, who bought this utility van new for his work vehicle. The van has a cab over design with the two front seats atop the front axle.

“You’re sitting right on top of the wheels,” Hall points out. The engine is positioned between and slightly behind the two front seats. It has an insulated cover to muffle engine and road noise.

In its day, the van was popular among deliverymen and contractors who

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Upcoming Events

mark your calendars...

May 12 | Narrows Kids Fishing Day May 13 | Mother's Day Brunch at Mountain Lake Lodge May 19 | Newport Community Center Open House May 19 | Brewridge Festival at Mountain Lake Lodge May 25 | Memorial Day Weekend at Mountain Lake Lodge May 25 | Narrows Town Park Opening Celebration May 27 | Mountains of Misery Bike Ride

June is National Outdoors Month!

June 2 | Double Dog Dare Down River Dash Paddle Race June 8-9 | Henry Reed Memorial Fiddlers Convention June 9 | Motorcycle Ride & Live Music at GearHead Junction June 9 | Grown, Bottled, & Sold at JBR Vineyard June 15-16 | Pearisburg Festival in the Park June 16 | Eastern Divide Ultra & 8-miler June 23 | New River Water Trail Poker Float

Find details at www.gilescounty.org Crush Friday | Take a play day in...

Virginia’s Mountain Playground™ NRVMAGAZINE.com

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appreciated the open rear space and flat floor from front to back, perfect for storing packages, tools and equipment. Hall’s van is the Supervan version with an 18-inch rear extension. That extra space allowed Hall’s uncle to store his ladders inside the van.

Because the vehicle is front heavy, when you ride without a load in the back you run the risk of easily losing rear-wheel traction under the right – or wrong – conditions. The van’s design is a straightforward box with a few choice alterations: a front with a blunt nose and a broad windshield, and a back end with a slight forward slant.

“It’s an eye catcher,” Hall believes. The van has 161,000 miles on it. The engine is Ford’s famous workhorse 300 inline 6-cylinder out of a Ford pickup. With the forward cab close to the windshield, the driver and passenger command a clear view of the road ahead. But riding so far forward is not something many people are used to.

“When I first got it,” Hall relates, “I took my dad out to lunch at Tom’s Drive In. When we pulled up to the car in front of us – well, I guess it was just too close for him. He never rode in it again.” Hall’s father was T. Adair Hall, a building contractor in Pulaski.

Hall worked with his dad for 17 years before going out on his own as a tile contractor. He worked as a subcontractor for many NRV builders, specializing in, among other things, handicap bathrooms.

Hall’s grandfather, J. Foy Hall, was also a building contractor in Pulaski, making Hall a third-generation builder.

In 1988, Hall got a new van and stopped driving the 1966 Supervan every day. In 2002, he restored it, complete with a new 24

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paint job. Since then, he has just run it every now and then, being sure to keep it in good condition. He recently replaced the fuel pump.

Hall retired in 2015 when the onset of Parkinson’s prevented him from continuing his trade and craft. “I miss working,” says this man used to working 12 hours a day, six days a week. Today the van is a monument to Hall’s career, but more than just that – it’s also a testament to the life he spent in Pulaski’s Robinson Tract area.

Hall recently sold his hard working van to Gary Duncan, the Christiansburg auto dealer. Duncan has known Hall and his brother, Tom, for many years. “David put tile in my house,” Duncan recalls. “He was a fine craftsman.”

Duncan is happy to have acquired it. “The Supervan version with the extra length was pretty rare at the time.” He has added it to his well-known collection of classic cars – some of which are for sale.

Others remain part of his private collection, and they are on display in Christiansburg.

The Halls have made positive contributions to the Pulaski community over the generations, and Duncan is well aware of that.

“They’re a great family and a great heritage to Pulaski,” he declares.

Duncan Imports & Classic Cars 2300 Prospect Street Christiansburg www.duncanimports.com.

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A Rock-Solid Future

Part 2 of a 4-part Series

Natural Bridge Steps up to State Park Status

Text by Nancy S. Moseley | Photos by Sarah Hauser / VTC

It’s hard to believe what now looms 215 feet above Cedar Creek and a well-traversed pedestrian walkway was likely the subterranean roof of a cave.

Natural Bridge, once a sacred site of the Native American Monacan tribe, has been a beloved, familiar spectacle along the I-81 corridor since, well, long before the I-81 corridor existed.

Perhaps you’ve visited once or twice, speculated over whether or not the carved “G.W.” initials actually belong to George Washington and meandered the aisles of the spacious gift shop. Or maybe you’ve taken for granted that it’s been near all along, just over an hour north, and never really have taken the time to visit.

The bridge has been a major tourist attraction since the 18th century when Europeans came to explore the New World. In 1774, Thomas Jefferson purchased acreage that included the bridge from King George III for 20 shillings, thus setting in motion a snowball of ownership turnover for years to come.

Natural Bridge was up for grabs again just five years ago.

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Saving Natural Bridge from the Auction Block

In 2013, then owner Angelo Puglisi announced plans to put the bridge and surrounding attractions up for auction by year’s end. Fearing an unknown future and piecemeal acquisitions, residents of Virginia quickly organized to ensure protection of the attraction in perpetuity.

A dream team of local and national land trusts, the Valley Conservation Council, Rockbridge Area Conservation Council and the newly formed Friends of Natural Bridge spearheaded efforts to assure the bridge’s fate was in good hands.

Puglisi ended up gifting the bridge and 188 acres of the property to the Virginia Conservation Legacy Fund (VCLF), a nonprofit organization. With a loan from the Virginia Clean Water Revolving Loan Fund, the VCLF agreed to pay for the remaining 1,300 acres. That means Virginia will not officially own the property until the debt is paid. But nonetheless, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DRC) took over operations and began improvements immediately.

State Park Process

On Sept., 24, 2016, the towering limestone arch, with Lee Highway still buzzing over top, became the 37th addition to the Virginia State Park system.

So how does a privately owned piece of land or natural wonder officially gain state park status?

“It’s usually through a donation of land or land that has been purchased from willing sellers,” offers Craig Seaver, director of Virginia State Parks. “It’s typically a property that has natural, cultural or historical significance that the park can attach to and complement.”

Once the Commonwealth has possession, an advisory committee is formed to steer the process. Committee members may include local business owners, chambers of commerce, private citizens, non-profit organizations, economic development professionals, local government, tourism folks and any other relevant stakeholders, therefore casting a wide net of representation. They ask questions like:

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 What type of experience do we want to offer?  What areas should we develop and what areas should be left alone?  Will we threaten any species?  Do we have the resources to sustain this development?  How can we bring the community back to this space?

“A good baseline plan,” Seaver notes, “is to develop 15% of the property and leave the rest alone.”

The resulting comprehensive plan maps out an 18-month to 2-year transformation process. It is sent to the Board of Conservation and Recreation and the General Assembly for review. At this time, the public is invited to share ideas as well. Once there is final sign-off, funds are pursued to put the plan in action.

Place in the State Park System

At 1,540 acres, Natural Bridge State Park is average in size but sits 6th in revenue. Since coming under DCR NRVMAGAZINE.com

rule, the park has seen a 40% increase in visitation. The most noticeable changes include branded state park signage, staff uniforms, new handrails and new picnic areas. The gift shop (the largest of all state parks) received all new merchandising with high-quality apparel, educational children’s toys and wares from local artisans.

Park manager Jim Jones says: “We’re still getting our legs under us.

Since this was a place already in operation, we have a lot of existing components to incorporate. Now our job is to figure out how best to develop all the typical offerings of a state park.”

In the future, Jones adds, they would like to build limited overnight accommodations, whether cabins or primitive camping. There are also plans to increase day-use by providing more reasons to visit the park, likely via special programs and events.

Perhaps Natural Bridge, which has stood rock-solid amidst swirls of ownership and legalities, can take comfort in the fact that it’s now in the right hands.

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While changes surrounding the bridge can be frenzied and confusing, changes to the bridge itself happen so slowly they can barely be seen in a lifetime. Yet visitors will continue to come and go for lifetimes ahead. And the cherished bridge will continue to watch over each and every one of them.

Top Five To-Dos at Natural Bridge State Park  Walk down to the bridge and continue along the Cedar Creek Trail to 30-foot Lace Falls  Visit the Monacan Indian Village for a living history experience  Duck down into Saltpeter Cave  Attend a night sky party led by Roanokearea astronomers  Take in a Saturday archery program and be a modern-day Robin Hood Nancy Moseley is a freelance writer in Blacksburg who has keen memories of picking out G.W.’s initials when she visited Natural Bridge as a child.

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An Experiment in Art & Science lavender complements experience

Text by Nancy S. Moseley

Photos courtesy of Beliveau Estate Winery

It would seem that popularity knows no bounds. When at one time you wouldn’t think to link Virginia with wine, now, with nearly 300 wineries and counting, it’s almost like the Commonwealth is sitting back, feet up, with a confident told-ya-so smirk. Clearly, something must be going right.

One thing’s for sure, at Beliveau Estate Winery, approximately 10 miles from downtown Blacksburg, they are indeed sitting back after a hard day’s work. And they are doing so overlooking beautiful rolling countryside, fields of lavender, hiking trails, ponds with spraying fountains and rows and rows of grapevines. They are sitting back with glasses of their own wine in hand, realizing a dream come true.

Here, it’s all about the experience.

Owners Yvan and Joyce Beliveau are avid travelers who don’t hesitate to U-turn when passing winery signage. Both originally from Vermont, they made their way to Blacksburg for degrees at Virginia 28

NRV MAGAZINE

Tech and decided to stay, touting the New River Valley as an ideal location for family life and retirement.

“We bought the 165-acre property in 2001 solely to put in grapes and start a winery,” Joyce Beliveau states.

They renovated and expanded an existing farmhouse for a bed and breakfast. The Beliveaus opened this first in order to bring in immediate revenue. Starting a winery is, admittedly, a very expensive process.

“We planted our first six acres of grapes in 2009, and it takes four growing seasons to produce a bottle of wine with your own grapes,” notes Yvan.

In the meantime, they purchased grapes from other vineyards, a common industry leasing process. But it all still comes down to knowing and utilizing your land in the smartest and most productive way possible. Since Virginia has a very different climate than, say, Northern California, which has a predictable climate

year-round, winemakers must stay on their toes.

“Because our weather can be excessively rainy one year and hot and humid the next, we end up crafting very different wine from the same plants. That’s the exciting part where art and science come in,” Yvan points out.

This notion of “art” and “science” is Yvan’s adopted role in the oenological process, the official “-ology” for the science and study of wine and winemaking. He relishes the complexity of balancing both art and science to arrive at desirable results. The science is simply the fermentation of grape juice into wine and a chemical understanding of juice characteristics. The art, requiring a bit more nuance, is all about style and creativity. It’s about the flavor, the feel and the experience of the wine. The first wine bottled from their own harvest was a Vidal Blanc, fatefully titled “Destiny.”

In its entirety, the property

May/June 2018

includes the winery, the B&B, a wedding venue, event space and a hilltop pavilion.

There are now 12 acres of vines from which 60% of their wine is produced. The Beliveaus will soon close on an adjoining 85 acres that includes a house called The Lodge and an additional event venue.

And lastly, you’d be remiss not to notice the lavender bushes that delightfully dot the property.

“I’ve always had a passion for lavender,” Joyce says. “In 1986, I visited lavender fields in the Provence region of France. Whenever I walk among lavender, I get a déjà vu feeling, like I’ve been there in a past life.”

Once again, like wine, lavender requires its own specific growing conditions. Lavandula, the scientific name, is in the mint family of species and likes hot, Mediterranean conditions. So in Virginia, varieties that can survive the cold must be planted. Lavender doubles in size for the first four years and continues to NRVMAGAZINE.com

stay healthy at max growth.

Recognizing the niche intrigue that lavender inspires, The Beliveaus started an annual Lavender Festival in June of 2008. Now in its 10th year, the festival draws thousands of visitors from out of state and all over Virginia.

Always the last full weekend in June, the festival highlights the scent, sight and taste of lavender, all while promoting an ambiance of peace and calm that is synonymous with the plant. Estate Chef Makayla Gassler creates inspired culinary temptations like lavender pizza, lavender chicken salad, lavender ice cream and lavender lemonade. Lavender harvested young is suitable for cooking, when the oils are still soft and not too overpowering.

Lectures are offered covering medicinal usage, planting, care and cooking with lavender. There are full plants or loose lavender (by the cup) for sale. Local artisans sell related wares and a harpist plays throughout the day. And, of

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course, there’s wine.

“It’s all about the experience. We make a huge effort to set the mood for relaxation, so you can be mesmerized into a different world and take a break from life,” Joyce offers.

And the million-dollar question begging to be asked: What about developing a lavender-infused wine? “We are working on that, “ smiles Yvan. “But we’re still finessing the art part.”

Nancy Moseley is a freelance writer from Blacksburg who regretfully declined a glass of wine while interviewing Joyce for this story.

Lavender Festival June 23 and 24

Noon ~ 6 p.m. $5 gate fee; 16 and under free All things lavender, food, plants, lectures, soft music, select vendors Also Beliveau Estate Wine!

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In 2018, There’s No Need to Toil in the Soil “Mary, Mary, quite contrary, how does thy garden grow?”

“With a digging spade, and a thatching rake, and a flat-free wheelbarrow…”

By Emily Kathleen Alberts

Whether you have a green thumb or a black thumb (yikes!), there’s just something about the first warm days of spring that make you want to get outside and work the earth. The good news is that it’s 2018, and the big box gardening centers and local nurseries have thought of everything to take the dirty work out of spring planting. Savvy staff members swarm like bees buzzing with information about vegetable gardens, permaculture and tips for adding curb appeal.

If you haven’t wandered the outdoor aisles of stores lately, you’ll be surprised to see newfangled items like hose adaptors with a thumb control, so you don’t even have to squeeze the spray handle anymore, and super lightweight, 30

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retractable hoses that expand for watering and contract for storage.

To save your back (and your wallet), there are corrugated metal raised beds in an assortment of fun colors that won’t rot like wooden raised beds and are a snap to assemble. Raised beds make planting, weeding, and watering a breeze, all while keeping the weeds at bay. Their depth and diameter allow for adding plenty of nutrient rich soil and compost without having to dig through layers of stubborn clay.

For those who insist on tilling the earth with a traditional ground-level garden, knee pads and a wide brim hat are a must. It is also worth it to invest in the best gloves and hand tools. Gloves

that are rubberized will give you the best grip on weeds, but make sure they’re thick enough to protect you from thorns as well.

A rake is helpful for getting rid of smaller weeds without having to crawl around on your hands and knees, but a hoe is the most effective way to loosen the soil and remove weeds. The hoe has been around since 1000 B.C. -- that’s saying something.

While you’re at it, pick up a gardening apron. It’s just easier to have all your tools (and gloves!) in one place while you’re moving from row to row. And don’t worry about ruining your good shoes.

Invest in a pair of Crocs because let’s face it, Crocs slip on shoes were made for the garden. They’re meant to get messy and they cushion your feet with all the support

May/June 2018

of a clog.

So we’ve covered your head, hands, back and feet – what’s left? The most important ingredient in gardening is good soil, so you’re going to need something to transport that good soil (or compost if you’ve got it), to your site.

Some people prefer a garden cart to a wheelbarrow, while many people use both. The garden cart can hold more, but the wheelbarrow is easier to maneuver. It comes down to personal preference, but when you’re out there weeding your garden, make sure you’ve got one or the other nearby to transport that garden debris out of sight.

Remember little things like tea tree oil lotion to protect you from bugs, hand salve or lotion to restore your hands, and a fingernail brush for all of those moments when you forgot to wear your gloves.

So even if you’re the type of “gardener” who haphazardly drops a few sunflower seeds in an inch of dirt to see what happens -- or spits some watermelon seeds over the fence in hopes of finding watermelon tendrils crawling over it, there’s hope for you yet. With the right tools, you’re guaranteed to turn last year’s Halloween pumpkin into this year’s pumpkin patch.

You may even turn that black thumb into a green thumb.

Remember to start with good soil and watch out for pests. All critters from big (such as deer and rabbits) to small (like beetles and aphids) can undo your hard work, so be prepared to fight them with unsavory sprays such as garlic or hot pepper, or insecticides such as neem oil. Buy a hose-end auto mix sprayer with an on-off thumb switch to make gardening easier.

A physical barrier is the best chance against deer and rabbits, so put up some inexpensive mesh netting to prevent your garden from becoming a buffet for the local wildlife.

Gardening First-Aid 101 • • • • • •

Sunscreen is your friend!

Water bottle, because H2O isn’t just for the plants.

Oak and Ivy cleanser to stop poison ivy before it starts.

Calamine lotion – itch happens.

Bug repellent, because bugs bite.

Aloe vera, because you forgot the sunscreen!

Martha Stewart, who is known to wake up in the wee hours and garden by flashlight, insists that a gardening first aid kit is the perfect gift for your green thumbed friends.

Written by Emily Kathleen Alberts, who understands why Mary is so contrary.

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Kathy’s Rescue Cats for the love of cats!

Text by Emily Kathleen Alberts Photos by Kristie Lea Photography

Animal rescue has always been

a part of Jim and Kathy Chadwick’s long

relationship. Over the years, they have rescued many cats, dogs, birds and even horses. “If they’re sick or broken and come

into our life, or we come upon them, we feel it’s meant for us to nurse them back to health and help find them new homes.”

Many times, Jim and Kathy’s

place has ended up being that new home,

as is the curse of bleeding heart animal

lovers everywhere. “In the pet community, we’re known as failed fosters,” Kathy

laughs. This is the term shelters give to 32

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those who take in animals on a temporary

from an HGTV show. “Ours was a home

their friends, and many, many animals in

basis and wind up keeping them forever.

“Our first rescue was a terrified

(and smelly!) little white dog that Jim

rescued from a kill shelter during our first

year of marriage. There we were…newly

married with a baby, a stray cat and a little white dog in an apartment with almost no furniture but lots of love, baby formula, cat litter and dog food.”

The ever-changing number of

critters that has moved through their lives has crowded out the possibility of

their home even vaguely resembling one

that eventually had two children, lots of various states of repair and healing,” Kathy recalls. “If we retire from animal rescue, the nearby vet clinics might fail!”

When Jim and Kathy moved

their four-legged family – including Cody the horse -- to Blacksburg years ago, they

decided to stable Cody at a local barn. As fate would have it, that barn happened

to be a sort of halfway house for lost and abandoned cats. “Though the horse

boarders made some attempts to feed

May/June 2018

cats NRVMAGAZINE.com

May/June

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them, things weren’t looking good,” Kathy notes.

Some of the cats were okay, but others suffered from exposure, fighting wounds, stress and lack of care. Contrary

to what many think, cats do not simply revert to a wild nature if they are dropped outside. A cat born feral with a feral mom

may survive, but most cats are not feral. They are house cats with markedly diminished survival skills.

“One by one, we scooped up these kitties, took

them to the vet and brought them home." As each room in

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their house began to fill with cats, it became apparent that they could not turn these healthy rescues back outside. They

“One by one, we scooped up these kitties, took them to the vet and brought them home." As each room in their house began to fill with cats, it became apparent that they could not turn these healthy rescues back outside.

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began to look for adoptive homes. This led Jim and Kathy to a

501(c)(3) called Crazy Cat Ladies, a group of wonderful young women who work to place strays in forever homes.

Gallery

Andrea Muscatello adopted four of Kathy’s cats and

contacted the local high school to introduce Kathy to the

Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) program.

DECA connects hardworking high school students to people

in the community who need help with local projects. In Kathy’s case, the students worked with her to create www.

KathysResueCats.com, a website complete with photos, bios and contact info. They also created flyers and cards and a Facebook page (www.facebook.com/KathysRescueCats/).

Two students, Aida Long and Lucas Keighton, gave

a PowerPoint presentation to the Blacksburg Newcomers

Club in support of the rescue effort. Brian Currin and Stephen Kromin helped with the photography and web design. Their hard work has led to many successful adoptions.

Jim and Kathy continue to feed the barn cats every

take them in when they need care. They microchip them and NRV MAGAZINE

223 Gilbert Street, Blacksburg, VA 24060 Validated Parking available at the North End Center Garage

night, build houses to protect them from harsh weather and

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Fall Reflections

(540) 552-6446 blacksburggallery@pbuckleymoss.com

www.pbuckleymoss.com

May/June 2018

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May/June

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give vaccinations.

people to realize that a cat, like any living

to Adopt a Cat(s):

The Chadwick’s main goal is for

creature, is not a disposable commodity.

Letterman-style” list of the Top 10 Reasons

“Fur, fins, feathers - our friends are NOT

The Top 10 Reasons to Adopt a Cat/s

convenient or one becomes a problem.

10. Sure cure for the dreaded affliction

lifelong commitment -- their lifetime. And

9. Power goes off on a cold winter night;

to be cast aside when it is no longer An adoption or purchase of an animal is a

it should never be an impulse decision. Do

the research, take the time to get to know the animal and understand its needs. An

adorable kitten will very soon be a fullsized cat, dependent on its owner for love and care."

36

Kathy has adapted a “David

NRV MAGAZINE

"ELS" – Empty Lap Syndrome.

suddenly there’s a warm furry critter/s on your feet....ahhhh...toasty.

8. Cat purring reduces blood pressure.

6. It is a proven fact: homes harboring an Attack Cat are much less apt to be burglarized.

5. Permits you to put a "My Cat Can Lick

Your Honor Student" bumper sticker on your car.

4. Overwhelm the recycling center when it takes five minutes to empty all the cat food cans.

3. Mouse? No problem!

2. Cat hair is perfect for stuffing pillows.

AND the #1 reason to adopt ...

7. Cats make great paper weights…just

multiple cats:

are also very effective paper shredders.

never enough!

try reading anything around a cat. They

1. Cats are like potato chips – one is

May/June 2018

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May/June

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NRV Summer EVENTS 2018

2018

NRV Summer EVENTS May 4 Maria Schneider Orchestra Moss Arts Center, Blacksburg May 4, 5, 11, 12 - 8 p.m.

May 6, 13 - 2 p.m.

NRV Regional Theatre "Murder at the Howard Johnson's" professional theatre productions Pulaski, www.nrvregionaltheatre.com May 5 Sarah Koenig + July Snyder: "Binge-Worthy Journalism" Moss Arts Center, Blacksburg

EVENTS

May 19 Music & Merchants Festival 5 - 10 p.m. Downtown Pulaski featured artist: Magician Jerry Bowyer

June 2 NRV Cruisers Car Show Bisset Park, Radford Great selection of classic and antique cars

May 19 Royal Wedding Celebration & Viewing Party Funky formal wear and silly millinery contests Lyric Theatre, downtown Blacksburg www.thelyric.com

June 2 New Town Festival: Gospel Sing noon – 6 p.m.

St. Luke and Odd Fellows Hall, Gilbert St., Blacksburg Gospel favorites, food and fellowship. Free

May 24 - 26 NRV Horse Show New River Valley Fairgrounds, Dublin All breeds show, free admission 540-879-9976 or 540-607-6710; www.nrvfair.com

May 5 Horseman’s Association of SW VA Horse Show NRV Fairgrounds, Dublin 914-236-1044 May 11 - June 30 "All Dressed in White" History of American weddings exhibit Glencoe Mansion, Museum and Gallery, Radford

May 25 - 27 8th Annual Bluegrass Festival Chantilly Farm, Floyd www.chantillyfarm.com May 26 NRV Regional Theatre The Pulaski Radio Show, live, 7 p.m. www.nrvregionaltheatre.com

May 12 Narrows Kids Fishing Day 9 a.m., Narrows Town Park 540-726-2423

May 26 - 28 Memorial Day Remembrance Flags for each branch of U.S. Armed Forces Andrew Johnston House, Pearisburg

May 18 - 19 Quilt Show, Floyd Quilt Guild 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. www.floydquiltguild.com

May 27 Mountains of Misery Bicycle Ride Test your endurance over some of the biggest mountains in SW Virginia www.mountainsofmisery.com

May 19 11th Annual Brewridge Festival Music and craft beer, noon - 5 p.m., tickets $10-30 Mountain Lake Lodge, Giles County

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May 28 Flags and Flowers Memorial Day 2 p.m., Historic Smithfield, Blacksburg

June 2 - 3 and September 15 - 16 Pulaski County Lions Club Flea Market 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.

New River Valley Fairgrounds, Dublin Admission fee; free parking June 8 Ben Folds and a Piano Moss Arts Center, Blacksburg June 8 - 9 16th Annual Henry Reed Memorial Fiddlers Convention Newport Rec Center, Route 42, Newport Concerts and competitions, toe tappin' music Part of Mountains of Music Homecoming Celebration June 9 Claytor Lake Festival Claytor Lake State Park. Dublin 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.

Fireworks, live music, car show, antique fire trucks, food, demos 540-980-7363; www.facnrv.org June 15 Flag Day Celebration & Mountains of Music Smithfield Plantation, Blacksburg

May/June 2018

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NRV Summer EVENTS 2018 June 15 The Crooked Road's Mountains of Music Homecoming: Sierra Hull Moss Arts Center, Blacksburg June 15- 16 Pearisburg Festival in the Park Pearisburg Community Center 6 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m. Saturday The 34th annual festival and car show, rides, food, crafts, games, live entertainment June 16 Eastern Divide Ultra 50K Trail Run Pembroke, starts at The Cascades, 7:30 a.m.

Runners and spectators welcome www.easterndivideultra.com June 16 11th Annual Summer Solstice Fest Cabo Fish Taco, S. Main St., Blacksburg 1 - 11 p.m.

Music, midway games, children’s activities, festival food, beer garden, street performers, dog parade.

June 22, 23, 24 "Walk to Freedom: The Mary Draper Ingles Story" Outdoor Drama Nesselrod B&B, Radford www.nesselrod.com

June 23 Poker Float 9 a.m., Fun-filled water adventure, top prize new kayak Whitt Riverbend Park, Giles County June 23 - 24 Lavender Festival music, food, fun, wine, all things lavender Beliveau Estate Winery, Blacksburg June 25 - July 1 Blacksburg Restaurant Week www.downtownblacksburg.com June 30 House & Garden Tour of Floyd County $30 includes tours, lunch - rain or shine www.floydartcenter.org July 4 Independence Day Celebration Historic Smithfield, Blacksburg 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

July 4 “Spirit of America” Celebrate with Jimmy Fortune Bisset Park, Radford - concert and more NRV MAGAZINE

July 13 - 15 Escape Cabin Can you find your way out? In time?

(540) 626-7121 | www.mtnlakelodge.com July 15 Community Band Concert Historic Smithfield, Blacksburg July 21 Breakfast at The Market Blacksburg Farmers Market 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Annual breakfast and showcase of art in all visual media July 23 - 27 Summer Camp for Kids Revolutionary War Theme Historic Smithfield, Blacksburg July 23 - 28 New River Valley Fair New River Valley Fairgrounds, Dublin 540-674-1548 or www.nrvfair.com

June 22 - 24 "Dirty Dancing" Theme Weekend Dance lessons, dance parties and more (540) 626-7121 | www.mtnlakelodge.com

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July 13, 14, 15 "Walk to Freedom: The Mary Draper Ingles Story" Outdoor Drama Nesselrod B&B, Radford www.nesselrod.com

July 25 - 29 Floyd Fest 894 Rock Gorge Rd., Floyd 4-day celebration of music and art, workshops, demonstrations, more than 100 artisans July 27, 28, 29 "Walk to Freedom: The Mary Draper Ingles Story" Outdoor Drama Nesselrod B&B, Radford www.nesselrod.com July 27 - 29 "Dirty Dancing" Theme Weekend Dance lessons, dance parties and more (540) 626-7121 | www.mtnlakelodge.com August 3 - 4 38th Annual Steppin’ Out Downtown Blacksburg, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.

More than 150 crafters, downtown merchants’ sidewalk sales, food, 3 stages of live performance. www.blacksburgsteppinout.com August 10 - 11 Newport Agricultural Fair Newport Fairgrounds Oldest agricultural fair in the state, rides, animals, skills in baking, art, canning, handiwork, etc., horse pull, jousting, farm animal contests, horse show and more.

540-544-6822; .newportagriculturalfair.com

August 18 Dancing Poppies!

Giles Mountain Vineyard and Winery Paint Party 3 - 6 p.m., Giles County August 18 - 20 Vintage Steel Swap Meet/Car Show NRV Fairgrounds, Dublin chasingsscars.com August 18 East Mont Tomato Festival Meadowbrook Center, Shawsville 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.; 540-384-2801 September 15 Muddy ACCE Race 5K obstacle course mud run along the New River Water Trail; provides scholarships and community service opportunities for Giles Access to Community Education (ACCE) program www.muddyaccerace.com September 22 10th Annual Blacksburg Brew Do Noon to 5 p.m., 1600 Innovation Drive, Blacksburg More than 100 beers, food, homebrewing demos, live music, beer competition www.blacksbrugbrewdo.com September 15 45th Anniversary Wilderness Trail Festival 9 a.m.- 4 p.m., downtown Christiansburg Arts and crafts, antique cars, live music, children's activities, food, demos.

Kiwanis Club of Christiansburg www.wildernesstrailfestival.com September 29 Pembroke Heritage Festival Family fun, vendors, entertainment and more 540-626-7772 October 6 Radford Highlanders Festival Heavyweight games, Celtic music, familyfriendly entertainment Bisset Park, Radford October 7 Harvest Celebration and Apple Pressing Historic Smithfield, Blacksburg October 13 Old Times Blues, Brews & BBQ BBQ tasting, breweries, fresh blues live music St Luke and Odd Fellows Hall, Gilbert St., Blacksburg Free; donations appreciated October 13 - 14 Newbern Fall Festival, starting 8 a.m. each day the whole of Main Street hosted by the volunteer fire dept vendors, music, food, family fun, pony rides & more

May/June 2018

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NR V F o o d F a re

Fair Food

Compiled by Joanne M. Anderson

People don't go to fairs and festivals to eat healthy and sit still. You can do that at home. One of the biggest attractions of spring, summer and fall festivals all over the New River Valley is [... drum roll ...] the food. Much of it is greasy, sugary, high in calories, low on nutrition and absolutely delicious to the palate. It's a treat, and some of it can be reproduced for backyard birthday parties and barbecues as well.

If you want really good cotton candy, plan to drop at least $250 on a machine. It's not exactly a DIY kitchen activity.

But corn dogs, pulled pork BBQ and funnel cakes? Now you're talkin' fair food that you can make at home with the kids and the grandparents, the neighbors and everyone in between including the teens and tweens.

Corn Dogs 1 cup yellow cornmeal 1 cup all-purpose flour 1/4 tsp. salt 1/8 tsp. black pepper 1/4 cup white sugar 4 tsp. baking powder

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1 egg 1 cup milk 1 quart vegetable oil for frying 2 16-oz packages of hot dogs 16 wooden skewers

Preheat oil in a deep saucepan over medium heat. Insert wooden skewers into frankfurters.

In a medium bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, salt, pepper, sugar and baking powder. Stir in egg and milk.

Roll frankfurters in batter until well coated.

Fry 2 or 3 corn dogs at a time until lightly browned, about 3 minutes. Drain on paper towels.

May/June 2017 2018

Pulled Pork BBQ Boston butt of pork, couple pounds 16 oz. jar of BBQ sauce (we like Sweet Baby Ray's) Place meat and BBQ sauce (the whole jar) in a slow cooker and cook on low for about 8 hours.

Pull apart and pile on buns. Top with cole slaw if you want.

8 cups vegetable oil for frying 1 1/2 cups milk 2 eggs

Funnel Cake In a deep-fryer, or heavy skillet, heat oil to 375ยบ.

2 cups all-purpose flour 1 tsp. baking powder

In a large bowl, beat milk and

1/2 tsp. salt

powder, cinnamon and salt and

1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon 3/4 cup confectioners' sugar

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eggs together. Add flour, baking mix until smooth.

While covering 1/2-inch funnel hole with one hand, pour in a cup of batter. Start from the center in a

swirling motion to make a 6 or 7-inch round. Fry on

both sides until golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with confectioners' sugar and serve warm.

M M aayy/ /J Juun ne e 2 02 10 81 8

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Newsy Relevant Valuable A round-up of items of interest across the NRV

Chamber

May 19 ~ 5 - 10 p.m.

Downtown Pulaski Featured Artist: Magician Jerry Bowyer specializing in close up illusions

Major Robert L. DuBose and his wife Meta, November 1944. The dress worn by the new Mrs. DuBose will be on display in the wedding exhibit. Courtesy Marsha DuBose.

"All Dressed in White" The History of the American Wedding

The Glencoe Mansion, Museum and Gallery will host a special exhibit on the history of the American wedding during May and June. Our national wedding traditions may seem like they are from time immemorial, but they are the result of less than two centuries of cultural shifts and clever retail marketing. Come explore weddings from the Civil War through the 1990s. The exhibit will also illustrate how courtship rituals and marriage have changed since the 1860s. Wedding fashions, traditional gifts, mementos, photographs and more.

May 11 ~ June 30 Glencoe Mansion, 600 Unruh Drive, Radford

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Henry Reed Memorial Fiddlers Convention

June 8 and 9 ~ 1 p.m. to midnight both days Newport Recreation Center, Giles County fiddling competition, show, workshops toe-tappin' old-time music

May/June 2018

Newsy Relevant Valuable A round-up of items of interest across the NRV

Loco Arts Summer Camps locoarts.org ~ Giles County Summer Shakespeare (ages 9-16) Seedlings (ages 3-6) Adventure Camp (ages 6-9)

HOUSE& GARDEN TOUR of Floyd County June 30, 2018 $30 includes tours and gourmet boxed lunch Fundraiser for The Floyd Center for the Arts Rain or shine floydartcenter.org

8th Annual Bluegrass Festival May 25 - 27, 2018 2697 Franklin Pike SE ~ Floyd www.chantillyfarm.com NRVMAGAZINE.com

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Newsy Relevant Valuable A round-up of items of interest across the NRV

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MARCH 23, 2018

Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce With its mission to promote and develop a positive environment for the operation and growth of business in Montgomery County and the New River Valley, the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce has announced plans to build a centrally-located permanent building. The organization was formed in 2003 by merging chambers and has moved four times since, all the while planning its own facility.

Construction will begin right away between Grand Home Furnishings and Gran Rodeo Restaurant in Christiansburg.

Celebrating 40 Years of Excellence in NRV Real Estate

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Brewridge Music Festival Saturday ~ May 19 Whole day of Bands, Beers 'n Brats! craft beer, live music, food and fun for everyone- Mt. Lake Lodge

Forty years ago, local New River Valley native Louise Baker obtained her real estate license and started her career in real estate with Townside REALTORS. She had an instrumental role in the opening of the first branch office for Owens and Co. REALTORS in 1984 in Christiansburg.

Today, she is a top REALTOR® at Long and Foster Blacksburg, where she has been since 2004 with Long and Foster when they bought Owens and Co. During her forty years in New River Valley real estate, Louise has been able to provide excellent services and insights to her clients and was the broker for the prior Long and Foster Christiansburg site before it merged with Blacksburg. Most recently, Louise Baker sat on the panel of the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce Women in Business Leadership Conference.

Along with her counterparts Marshall Anderson and Rhonda Melton,

The Baker Team is able to provide a holistic approach to real estate with dedicated team members for selling and buying.

Louise Baker’s success in the local real estate market is a combination of expertise, hard work and excellent customer service.

A specialized seller’s agent, Louise Baker works hard to get the seller the best possible list price, expert tips on home presentation, and is a trusted partner through the whole process from listing to inspection to closing. You can count on Louise Baker and her team to provide you with an unparalleled experience.

Louise’s love for the Valley doesn’t stop at her real estate experience; you can find her frequenting Virginia Tech football games, men’s and women’s basketball games and baseball and softball games.

It’s no surprise that her favorite phrase is “Go Hokies!”

May/June 2018