NRV’s Premier Lifestyle Magazine
New River Valley M A G A Z I N E
November/December 2018 nrvmagazine.com
Happy Holidays ROLLS-ROYCE BRICK HOUSE PIZZA A CHRISTMAS HOME FASHIONS FOR EVERGREENS HANDMADES FROM THE HEART
KEVIN JONES - JOBA DESIGN
Wednesday, January 30, 2019 7:30 PM
CIRQUE ÉLOIZE
Saloon
Swing open the saloon doors, belly up to the bar, and lasso up some fun for the entire family. The Montreal-based company creates a mythical world where theatre and circus collide for 80 minutes of non-stop live folk music, featuring songs from Patsy Cline and Johnny Cash, combined with strength, agility, and original choreography.
PERFORMANCES l EXHIBITIONS l EXPERIENCES 190 Alumni Mall, Blacksburg, VA 24061 | artscenter.vt.edu | 540-231-5300
COMING NEXT
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2018, 7:30 PM MARTHA REDBONE, Roots Project NRVMAGAZINE.com
Nov/Dec
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2019, 7:30 PM SOUNDS OF CHINA
2 0 1 8
3
Calendar of Events
When it comes to celebrating the holidays, there’s always room at
2018
FASHIONS FOR EVERGREENS
Trees on Display November 22-January 1 Our foyer's 18 creatively designed trees present awe-inspiring decorating ideas in an extraordinary display. After you take in all of the dazzling trees, be sure to cast a vote for your favorite.
FAMILY NIGHT AT PRESTON'S
Friday, November 30, December 7, 14, 21 | 5-7 p.m. On Fridays this holiday season, enjoy a casual family dinner in Preston's with a traditional holiday menu that will delight the whole family from Santa's Little Helpers to Mrs. Claus herself. Reservations recommended.
HOLIDAY CAROLERS
Friday, November 30, December 14, 21 | 6-8 p.m. Cozy up with a complimentary mug of hot cocoa for live entertainment by Blacksburg Master Chorale's own Ad Hoctet on November 30 and December 14, and 21. These strolling carolers will ring in the season with Christmas carols and other holiday favorites.
HOLIDAY COOKING WITH CHEF WATSON
A HOLIDAY TREAT
This season, treat yourself to the luxury of The Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center and be surrounded by the sights, sounds, and scents of the holidays. On select days this holiday season, enjoy deluxe accommodations from only $89.00 per night. For reservations, please call 540.231.8000 or visit www.InnatVirginiaTech.com
Saturday, December 1 | 10:30 a.m. Join us for an exciting holiday cooking demonstration by The Inn's executive chef, Scott Watson. Cost per person is $9. Space is limited, reservations required. Please call Preston's Restaurant at 540.231.0120 for reservations.
VISIT FROM SANTA
Friday, December 7 | Performance starts at 5 p.m. Experience the magic of Santa Claus at The Inn! Listen to Santa’s stories, sing songs, and share a magical experience. Children sit on the floor or move about the room comfortably, getting to know Santa at their own pace. This is not a traditional photo session with Santa, but photographs are allowed, so be sure to bring your camera! Space is limited, reservations required. Please contact Hannah Allen at 540.231.0113 or hvogel@vt.edu for reservations.
SUNDAY BRUNCH WITH SANTA
November 25, December 2, 9, 16, 23 | 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Santa is your host for this bountiful brunch buffet. Join him for bowl-full-of-jelly laughs and tell him what you really want for Christmas. Brunch patrons will enjoy a complimentary photo with Santa. Reservations required. Please call Preston's Restaurant at 540.231.0120 for reservations.
CHRISTMAS EVE AT PRESTON’S
Monday, December 24 | 5-9 p.m. ’Tis the season for entertaining! Enjoy this festive night with a special holiday plated dinner. Reservations required. Please call Preston's Restaurant at 540.231.0120 for reservations.
CHRISTMAS DAY BRUNCH AT PRESTON'S Tuesday, December 25 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. A meal at Preston's is always special, but the holiday season holds a unique charm. Come enjoy the sights and sounds of the season and our genuine wishes for a joyous holiday. Reservations required. Please call Preston's Restaurant at 540.231.0120 for reservations.
NEW YEAR’S EVENING AT PRESTON’S
Monday, December 31 | 5-9 p.m. Close out 2018 "Inn"-style with live entertainment, a plated dinner and a champagne toast. Reservations required. Please call Preston's Restaurant at 540.231.0120 for reservations.
901 Prices Fork Road, Blacksburg, VA 24061 | 540.231.8000 | www.InnatVirginiaTech.com 4
NRV MAGAZINE
Novemb er/Decemb er 2018
NRVMAGAZINE.com
Nov/Dec
2 0 1 8
5
6
NRV MAGAZINE
Novemb er/Decemb er 2018
CONTENTS
November/December
2018
Pa sture Ta l k
10
9
A C hr i stmas Ho m e 1 0 Fa shi ons for Evergreens 1 6 Joba Design 20 NRV Ri des: Ro l l s -Royce 24 New Year's Eve 28 S usta i na b l e Recover y 3 0
20
Br i c k House Pi z za 3 4 Handma des from t he H ea r t 3 6
22
18
Ki ds S afe Onl i ne 40 Fo o d Fa re 42
34
G i ft Gui de 4 4
24 36 NRVMAGAZINE.com
Nov/Dec
2 0 1 8
7
Search. See. Love.
Find a place to hang your heart. Explore all homes today and leverage the insight of our agent network. Find your agent at LongandFoster.com
of Long & Foster Real Estate
of Long & Foster Real Estate
Patti Bass REALTOR® 540.818.3958
TellPatti@gmail.com www.longandfoster.com/PattiBass
Wendy Swanson REALTOR®
540.797.9497
swansonwm@gmail.com www.wendymswanson.com
Priscilla The
Morris
Team
of Long & Foster Real Estate
Priscilla Morris REALTOR® 540.320.3586
Priscilla@PriscillaMorris.com www.PriscillaMorris.com
Darin Greear REALTOR®
540.320.5859 Darin@RinerVa.com www.RinerVa.com
“Your Dreams Are My Dreams!” Brenda Woody REALTOR®
540.257.0281
Brenda.Woody@LongandFoster.com www.longandfoster.com/BrendaWoody
Visit www.longandfoster.com or download our mobile app today! 3601 Holiday Ln. Blacksburg, VA 24060 | 540.552.1010
8
NRV MAGAZINE
of Long & Foster Real Estate
Mike Weber REALTOR®
540.250.6727
MikesYourRealtor@gmail.com www.longandfoster.com/MikeWeber
Long & Foster was named “America’s Most Trusted Residential Real Estate Brokerage” by Lifestory Research.
Novemb er/Decemb er 2018
Pasture Talk
NEW RIVER VALLEY M
A
G
A
Z
I
N
E
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 Emily Alberts Jennifer Cooper Mike Wade Becky Helper Astleigh Hill Nancy Moseley PHOTOGRAPHERS Kristie Lea Photography Michael Speed Always and Forever Photography Tom Wallace Silver Pebble Photography Nathan Cooke Photography COVER IMAGE:
Kevin Jones - Joba Design Photo Kristie Lea 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.
NRVMAGAZINE.com
o
One of my employees made a list of her tasks every day. She was very well-organized and too young to be forgetful. Most responsibilities in her live-in assistant innkeeper position were basically the same every day. But, there it was, on the desk or the kitchen counter, with a few or many lines checked off depending on the time of day. As a listmaker myself, I understand the sense of accomplishment in crossing things off a list. So, I am motivated by writer Emily Alberts to make a new kind of list. In her "Ringing in the New Year - 2019!" article on page 30, she shares making a bucket list for the new year, posting it on the refrigerator, then crossing things off over the 12 months of 2019. Her kids do it, too. I'm not going to post mine on any refrigerator, and it won't be vague like work smarter, get thinner and grow wealthier or especially grand like learn to play the piano or speak Chinese fluently. But, I like the idea of a one year bucket list instead of a lifetime kind of thing. It is challenging and achievable. I think I'll start with identifying back roads in the New River Valley I have never traveled. On the magazine front, we wrap up our 12th year in business and step into 2019 with a few new editorial themes, along with the ones everyone Nov/Dec
2 0 1 8
looks forward to already. Here is the new line-up with * marking new ones: Jan-Feb - Weddings, *Arts & Culture Mar-Apr - Home Improvement, *Education May-June - Fairs/Festivals, *Cars 'n Trucks July-Aug - Healthcare, *Pets/Animal Care Sept-Oct - Football, Retirement Nov-Dec - Holidays, Small Business/ Entrepreneurship I met Jason Rickards about the time he completed the Eagles Nest Regeneration program (see page 30). Over the years, he and a buddy or two have painted and power-washed quite a bit at my former business and my house. I am capable of painting and good at it, but hey, I love catching up with Jason and meeting a few good men in the program. Like me, they don't tape. Their hands are steady and eyes are keen for painting straight lines and circles around door knobs. Here's hoping that these two months of more football, holiday cheer and cold mornings keep your hearts and toes warm while you contemplate your own 2019 bucket list. Happy Thanksgiving! Merry Christmas! And perhaps your earliest wish for a Happy New Year!
Joanne Anderson ManagingEditor jmawriter@aol.com
9
A Christmas Home with the Hill Family
T
Text by Astleigh Hill Photos by Kristie Lee Photography
The halls are decked, the aroma of balsam mingles in the air, and the fireplace glows underneath the stockings. Little feet patter across hardwood floors, and laughter resonates off the walls of our 1950s ranch. It's easily the most magical time of the year in our home, when twinkle lights are aglow and the holiday spirit is so very tangible. With traditions and bucket lists, our little family comes to life during the holiday season. And we love spreading the cheer from the inside of our home out. In fact, it was envisioning Christmastime while walking through this house for the first time that sold me on the property. I could imagine a Christmas tree by the front windows, a fire crackling, the mantle strung with garland. Picturing the way we could make a house cozy and Christmasready was carried in mind during our two-year-long house 10
NRV MAGAZINE
hunt. In the fall of 2016, my husband Pete and I made the home ownership dream a reality when we purchased this our first home. We were two young marrieds with an 8-monthold daughter. In just two years, we have taken a house with good bones and turned it into our home, full of details that reflect our style. We dreamt of adding charm and more character, and with the confidence to tackle it ourselves, we set forth to make over each room, one at a time. We started with sanding and staining the original hardwood floors before moving in, and then quickly began painting rooms in a neutral palette to lay the groundwork for other projects. We saw so much potential in a house that had been sitting vacant for years, and our vision for transforming it was coming to life. Next was adding board and batten throughout, Novemb er/Decemb er 2018
NRVMAGAZINE.com
Nov/Dec
2 0 1 8
11
followed by our fair share of shiplap, and then a bold decision to hang wallpaper in three different spaces. We bulked up the original fireplace and mantle to make more of statement in our large family room, and whitewashed the stone to achieve more subtle tones. The yellow oak trim became crisp and clean with fresh white paint, and the kitchen gained its very own built-in seating nook. As each of our projects was checked off the list, I began playing through how I would decorate the newly made-over spaces for the holidays. We kick off Christmas the weekend after Thanksgiving with our first tradition, heading out to cut down our perfect Christmas tree. There are certain requirements: It can't be too 12
NRV MAGAZINE
short; must be plump and round; and any open spot in the branches must be able to be hidden by ornaments or the wall. We listen to Christmas tunes there and back and sip on a seasonal drink. Once the tree is up and decorated, the rest of the house will follow suit, and before you know it, there is pine garland, jingle bells and shades of red all around. Amidst all the Christmas dĂŠcor, what's most important is to make sure we are present in the season. It gives more depth and meaning to our celebration. Now that we have two little girls to share the wonder of Christmas with, we have discovered a new magic all our own as adults, like the joy it is to create traditions for and with them and experiencing innocence
and wonderment through their eyes. We love making each new time of year a delight for our girls. Setting forth the time to be immersed in the festivities, while creating your own, too, makes the month of December that much more extraordinary. So, as the holidays come into full-swing, we'll tuck our project list away for just awhile. I will still be scheming, if silently, what's to come next, like perhaps we'll paint the exterior brick, knock down a wall for a more open interior concept, add a screened porch out back, carpet would be nice for the basement. It's seemingly the way my creative-minded brain works, and lucky for me, I married a guy who loves helping my design whims come true. But right now, we'll relish the
Novemb er/Decemb er 2018
Trust over transactions. That’s the best business banking relationship.
Like you, we strive to be our best every day. So we support the hard work of small business owners like you by understanding your business and providing service and solutions you can trust. That’s how great relationships
SkylineNationalBank.com
are formed. Here’s to making your best happen.
4266_SNB_Business_Ad_7.5x4.68_NRV.indd 1
NRVMAGAZINE.com
Nov/Dec
2 0 1 8
10/17/18 9:34 AM
13
Cinnamon Christmas Ornaments (not for eating) - darlingdo.com
Ingredients
3/4 cup applesauce 2 TBSP Elmer's glue 1 cup ground cinnamon 1 TBSP nutmeg 1 TBSP ground cloves 1 TBSP ginger
Cookie cutter(s) Wax paper Rolling pin Straw Fabric puff paint Baker's twine
Supplies
holidays and all that they bring. This Christmas is a little extra special as we celebrate for the first time as a family of four, and we're so excited for all those new firsts. That is one of the gifts of the holidays ~ every year brings something new and different. It's all about how you receive it and what you do with it that matters. So whether we're checking off our holiday bucket list, keeping traditions going or making new memories, we're thankful we get to do that together. Like the passing year, December may come and go in the blink of an eye. We slow down to our best ability and look forward to plenty of merriment followed by a glorious new year full of more house projects. Astleigh Hill is a New River Valley-based freelance writer and stayat-home mom with a classy lifestyle blog at darlingdo.com. 14
NRV MAGAZINE
What You'll Do o o o o o o o o
In a large bowl, combine applesauce, glue, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and ginger. Mix together until a soft dough forms. If the mixture is too wet, add more cinnamon. If it is too dry, add more applesauce. Use your hands to work the dough. Lay out a piece of wax paper and sprinkle with cinnamon. Roll the dough to 1/4" thickness. Dip cookie cutters in cinnamon and cut out ornaments. Use the straw to punch a hole in the top. Leave to dry flat on wax paper for 4-5 days, turning them over twice a day for even drying. Once completely dry, use the fabric puff paint to decorate and the baker's twine to hang ornaments.
Novemb er/Decemb er 2018
NRVMAGAZINE.com
Nov/Dec
2 0 1 8
15
Fashions for Evergreens
Text by Emily Kathleen Alberts The winter holidays are filled with traditions. A favorite of mine is bundling up on a chilly December evening and heading outside with a Thermos® full of hot cocoa to take in the spectacle of neighborhood lights. When I am sufficiently cold and out of hot cocoa, I head over to the Inn at Virginia Tech to enjoy the warmth and splendor of the Fashions for Evergreens tree display. The main hall is lined with trees bursting with creativity and holiday cheer. Before leaving, I enjoy a winter ale and ponder my vote for the loveliest tree. Teresa Hughes, director of sales, explains the origins of this tradition. “When we put the word out, it was kind of a first come first served situation. We didn’t know how well-received it would be. Our sister hotel, Hotel Roanoke, does a Fashions for Evergreens competition with about 35 trees. They had such success 16
NRV MAGAZINE
that we wanted to bring something similar to the New River Valley.” The Inn at VT’s success has been proven by the amount of people eager to enter a tree in the contest which is open to everybody. “We have a wait list, and we work it every year. Priority goes to returning decorators, but we usually have some open spots. Some people have been doing it from the beginning, others on and off, and some for just a few years,” she relates. It’s not just a decorating competition; it’s also a great opportunity for local businesses and organizations to gain exposure. The Inn provides the trees and asks that each be decorated at a “designer” level. This can mean a variety of things -- a florist may fashion a tree that looks magazine cover ready, or an organization like 4-H may decorate its tree
with a unique theme and charm. There is no cost beyond supplying decorations, lights, time and energy. There are three awards. The People’s Choice award comes from anyone voting. The Inn has two professional judges who are artists themselves who vote for the Judge’s Choice award. Finally, there is a Social Media Choice award, which is done through Facebook. “We host a Fashions for Evergreens awards reception in mid-December for our participants. Winners receive a nice glass trophy, as well as prizes, gift certificates for brunches, dinners and more.” Hughes advises that if you want your vote to count, visit and vote before the reception in mid-December. Voting begins on Thanksgiving Day. “The event has become an annual tradition for many Blacksburg residents,” says Hughes.
Novemb er/Decemb er 2018
GIBB.ROCKINGHAM.insure
Since 1869, Rockingham Insurance has been providing peace of mind to the people who love it here as much as we do. It’s our responsibility as a friend and neighbor. Wherever you are, we’re here.
Robert Gibb, Agent Robert Gibb Insurance Associates 102 Marlington St, Blacksburg (540) 951-1327 HOME | AUTO | RENTAL PROPERTY | RENTERS | BUSINESS
NRVMAGAZINE.com
Nov/Dec
2 0 1 8
17
Edible Arrangements
“Families come and eat dinner at the Inn, wander among the trees and have their family picture taken to use on Christmas cards.” The Inn is hoping to bring back its giant Gingerbread House from years past. “Hopefully next year,” says Hannah Allen, marketing information coordinator. I’m sure many people enjoyed seeing (and smelling!) that confectionary feat." If you are looking for a gingerbread house fix this winter, check out the lobby at Kent Square where Nest Realty NRV is hosting its 7th annual Gingerbread House Contest. The real estate firm buys gingerbread house kits and sells them to participants, with all proceeds going to Micah’s Backpack, a local non-profit that provides food assistance for children. Laureen Blakemore, Director of Downtown Blacksburg, Inc., explains that Kent Square also has a holiday tree decorating 18
NRV MAGAZINE
Orange Bandana
competition with beautiful trees creatively adorned by downtown merchants and community groups. “Our purpose is always to bring more great things to downtown,” says Blakemore, “We participate in the Fashions for Evergreens event at the Inn with a tree to represent our merchants downtown. Then we decided to do one at Kent Square to give our members a chance to decorate a tree.” The Kent Square tradition has been going since 2012 and is the perfect addition to other downtown merriments such as The Winter Lights festival and TubaChristmas. It is also a great place for families of little ones to stay warm while they wait for Santa and the holiday parade. “It’s been such a lovely addition to that end of town,” says Blakemore. “Linking it with the fundraising for Micah’s Backpack and the gingerbread house competition has been a great collaboration.” Although the tree contest is for downtown merchants and nonprofit members, the gingerbread house contest is open to anyone. “The number of people coming out each year is growing, and the merchants are excited to have that exposure,” adds Blakemore. She asks that all trees and gingerbread houses are up by Nov. 20, before Thanksgiving and before Small Business Saturday on Nov. 24. Voting starts on Small Business Saturday and continues through Dec. 20. It is $1 per vote, and you can find ballots at Kent Jewelers. The winning tree and winning house are announced at the Free Movie at the Lyric event on December 22, along with prizes for randomly selected voters.
The Inn at VT trees are on display Nov. 22 through Jan. 1. Kent Square trees and gingerbread houses are on display Nov. 20 to Dec. 20. Novemb er/Decemb er 2018
NRVMAGAZINE.com
Nov/Dec
2 0 1 8
19
Joba Design Acquires Blue Mobius communication and design firms combine to offer full-service solutions
Text by Nancy S. Moseley | Photos by Kristie Lea Photography
Perhaps two hearts are better than
one. Somewhere there’s a cocktail napkin supporting a glass of champagne that
promises as much. It’s especially true when those two hearts also possess tenacious
entrepreneurial spirits and a penchant for
growing business in the New River Valley. Sounds like a celebratory toast is in order.
You
may
remember
Caitlyn
Scaggs, the police officer turned marketing professional from the March/April issue of
New River Valley Magazine. She launched Blue Mobius in 2017 and has taken the area by storm ever since. With a focus on communications, messaging, social media
and a “people first” mission statement, she
tirelessly built a business finding and telling her clients’ stories. 20
NRV MAGAZINE
Now enter Kevin Jones, the Virginia
Tech and NFL running back turned industrial designer. Jones grew up in Pennsylvania
and throughout his lauded career on the
Detroit Lions and Chicago Bears developed
an interest in the entertainment and design side of football. After a trip to Italy and a destined reading of “The Alchemist,” Jones
came back to Virginia Tech to pursue an Industrial Design degree. He cites having
a grandfather who was a celebrated “jack of all trades” for the confidence to pursue multiple interests.
Jones’s company, Joba Design,
opened for business in 2015 with a focus on brand identity design, product design,
environmental design and digital design. He
set up shop locally in the Corporate Research
Center so graduating students didn’t have to
run off to major cities to pursue a rewarding career in design.
“We
are
continually
bringing
people in from varied disciplines, geographic locations and socio-economic backgrounds.
Having different thinkers around the same
table to problem-solve is powerful. Multi-
disciplinary views provide a competitive advantage,” Jones affirms.
As local entrepreneurs, Scaggs
and Jones kept running into each other
in the community (and on social media,
too, Scaggs laughs). When the Blacksburg Children’s
Museum
rebranding
and
reconstruction opportunity surfaced, it was
clear the project would benefit from what both companies had to offer. The chance
Novemb er/Decemb er 2018
“We are continually bringing people in from varied disciplines, geographic locations and socio-economic backgrounds. Having different thinkers around the same table to problem-solve is powerful. Multi-disciplinary views provide a competitive advantage,� - Kevin Jones
Meet the Artist
Gallery Open House Dec. 22-23 Saturday 11-4 pm, Sunday 12-3 pm
Christmas Snowman Porcelain Ornament
223 Gilbert Street, Blacksburg, VA 24060 Validated Parking available at the North End Center Garage
(540) 552-6446 blacksburggallery@pbuckleymoss.com
www.pbuckleymoss.com
NRVMAGAZINE.com
Nov/Dec
2 0 1 8
21
for a fun, smart and solution-centered
treating Scaggs and her team like family. For
smooth process.
surprised that we can do more. Now most of
collaboration was too good to pass up.
“It felt whole,” Jones offers. “My
goal has always been to create a total brand
experience. This was a step in that direction.”
the
Scaggs and Blue Mobius handled
market
research,
communications
and messaging, while Jones and Joba
Design managed brand visualization, logo
development, interior graphics and the design and build-out of the exhibition space itself. The new museum, Wonder Universe, is slated for ground breaking in early 2019.
“It demonstrated the power that
we have when we function as one cohesive
group. It felt natural. It was very much a
team effort that was all aligned toward great outcomes for the client,” Scaggs states.
Shortly thereafter, Joba Design
officially acquired Blue Mobius. Scaggs and her lean team of four moved down the street
into Joba Design’s office. Operationally, there are always kinks to iron out when two teams
become one, but Jones wanted to make the transition as comfortable as possible by 22
NRV MAGAZINE
both sides, the integration has been a very
Jones, who just finished his MBA,
credits the program with helping him fully
appreciate just how valuable the marketing and messaging piece of branding can be.
The kismet relationship with Blue Mobius came at just the right time. With industrial design, the focus is on how the consumer
will engage with a particular product - how a chair is designed, for example, or a hairdryer,
or a shoe. Marketing is just the different side of the same coin, thinking about what’s
the best and most effective way to get the consumer’s attention. Both have the obvious
end goal of turning all that strategic thinking into revenue for the client.
With the acquisition, Jones’s early
vision of offering a total brand experience
has become a reality. A few current projects include a new First Bank & Trust branch
“A lot of times clients come to us
for one part and then they’re pleasantly
the time we get to say ‘yes,’ instead of, ‘no.’” Jones explains. In the short term, the two
companies will keep their existing names;
that is until they all gather around the table to execute for themselves what they work on seamlessly for other clients … branding.
In both Jones and Scaggs, one
finds two people who dramatically changed
career paths; two people with keen selfawareness and a history of taking risks to
gain reward. The passionate determination - and hardwired skills - needed for that to
be successful on all fronts is Herculean. But when the work is fun, too, telltale by the
vintage PacMac machine in the corner of the conference room and the box of Carol Lee
donuts in the kitchen, you know the talent and creative energy is all heart.
being built in Blacksburg, Brick House Pizza
Nancy S. Moseley is freelance writer from Blacksburg
software company.
when she stopped by the office for the interview.
in Radford and Qualtrax, a local compliance
who happily enjoyed one of those Carol Lee donuts
Novemb er/Decemb er 2018
Your LOCAL mortgage banker
Ready to work for you! Meet Adam Armstrong
NMLS# 539304
Contact me about getting pre-approved today! 540.283.6675 | aarmstrong@hometownbank.com HomeTown Residential Mortgage dba HomeTown Mortgage NMLS# 1046033
NRVMAGAZINE.com
Nov/Dec
2 0 1 8
23
Drenched in Luxury Rolls-Royce
Text by Karl H. Kazaks Photos by Tom Wallace Mickey Hayes, 1964 graduate of Virginia Tech, has the courage to do what most others do not. Several examples from his life prove this. There is his move to the Outer Banks in the 1970s. The region was sparsely developed, and the nation’s economy was in the midst of an oil-crisis economic malaise. He went there to become a real estate developer Over a 30-year career, Hayes spearheaded many projects which have made the Outer Banks what it is today, including the development of the Currituck Club, a noted golf club in Corolla. There’s also his history of owning Rolls-Royce motorcars. “To own a Rolls-Royce,” he explains, “the first thing you do is get up the nerve to have one. If you don’t, you’re never going to get one.” 24
NRV MAGAZINE
There’s a certain mystique which surrounds the Rolls-Royce marque, which has set the highline standard for luxury automobiles for over 100 years. Hayes has been a part of that legacy for the past 40 or so years, owning more than a dozen of the RR badged rides. He has had his current Rolls, a 1960 Silver Cloud II, for 15 years. The four-door car features a twotone paint scheme, with a forest green bottom and metallic silver top. The car has been repainted and the interior upholstery redone. The effective air conditioning unit in this Rolls is one of the neat aftermarket features Hayes added. Mechanically, the vehicle has its original power steering and original automatic 4-speed GM Hydramatic transmission, exported from the U.S. to the
British assembly line. The exterior chrome – fenders, headlights, grill and The Spirit of Ecstasy bonnet ornament – is original. So are the burl walnut trim, widediameter steering wheel, dash-mounted rear-view mirror and, of course, the spaciousness and the easy ride. The car has been driven about 48,000 miles, is almost 18 feet long, and has a 40-plus-foot turning circle. Also original are the drop-down wooden picnic trays nestled in the back of the front seats, providing rear passengers a dining surface, like what you would find in a commercial plane but much finer. An example of one of these trays can be seen in the Grey Poupon television advertisement from the 1980s, when the chauffeur of a Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud hands a bottle of the
Novemb er/Decemb er 2018
NRVMAGAZINE.com
Nov/Dec
2 0 1 8
25
mustard to his passenger in the back seat, where the rider is shown dining. Then the car pulls to a stop, and another Silver Cloud rolls up beside it, giving the passenger of the second Rolls the opportunity to ask the diner in the first Rolls if he has any Grey Poupon. Hayes got his first Rolls-Royce in 1973, a Silver Cloud I. He also has owned a 1928 Rolls-Royce Twenty, a 1934 RollsRoyce 20/25, newer Rolls models like a 2002 Corniche convertible and two other Silver Cloud IIs. Silver Clouds are the Rolls models he prefers. “I love the Silver Cloud body. It’s what a classic old large sedan should look like.” The Silver Cloud II differs from the Silver Cloud I not in its exterior architecture, but under the hood. Compared to the 26
NRV MAGAZINE
Silver Cloud I’s straight-6 engine, the Silver Cloud II’s V8 engine provides more torque and better acceleration. This Silver Cloud is also fitted with three British auto club medallions, mounted on a rail above the front fender, a reminder of the car’s original owner. The Silver Cloud II was produced from 1959 to 1962. Fewer than 3,000 were made, though Rolls-Royce did sell the chassis to other coach builders. Hayes likes to have fun with his Rolls. For a number of years, it was at his home in the Bahamas. Now he takes it to tailgate parties at Lane Stadium, where he gathers with his brothers from the DKE fraternity. He even keeps a bottle of Grey Poupon in the glove box and gleefully offers it to passersby.
In a unique collaboration in England in 1907, Henry Royce and Charles Rolls laid the foundation for a luxury automobile that would capture the attention of the royal family, the rich and famous around the world and pure admirers of beautiful cars to indulge in this innovative, extravagant motorcar. Royce started an electrical and mechanical business in 1884. He designed and made his first car, the Royce 10, in his factory in 1904. He met Rolls, a luxury car dealer in London, that same year. The pair reached an agreement whereby the motorcars which Royce built would be sold exclusively by CS Rolls & Company. And each one had his name emblazoned in the new line of luxury vehicles: Rolls-Royce.
Novemb er/Decemb er 2018
NRVMAGAZINE.com
Nov/Dec
2 0 1 8
27
Ringing in the New Year - 2019!
By Emily Kathleen Alberts Something magical happens when you don a party hat and blow a kazoo. Suddenly, 2018 feels more like 1999 and even as the clock strikes midnight, the urge to turn into a pumpkin and crawl into bed is staved off as the party roars on. Even if you no longer seek out those crazy New Year's Eve house parties, and even if you’ve settled down with kids of your own, this special evening is an excellent reason to stay up late and act like a kid again. Last year we hosted a game night, and guests were invited to wear their finest attire. Ladies arrived in sparkly dresses, faux fur coats, and one gentleman wore a top hat. We played Heads Up, Cards Against Humanity and had a good old-fashioned game of Kings. Guests were served both mocktails and cocktails, and everyone brought a dish or 28
NRV MAGAZINE
drink to share. Later, when we were ready to brave the downtown scene and hit the dance floor, we piled into our designated driver’s SUV and headed out to party with the locals. Bull & Bones had a rockin’ DJ, and everyone received free champagne and party favors to ring in the New Year. We may have been a tad overdressed, but that’s what made it fun! If you’re staying home with the kids, a small family celebration can be more fun than a big night out. In 2017, my kids were so underwhelmed just sitting on the couch waiting for the ball to drop that they decided to take matters into their own hands. They pulled out the costume bin and cranked up the karaoke machine. Then the lights went off and the disco ball went on as they started rocking out to “Pour Some Sugar on Me” while jumping around in tutus, cowboy hats and
sunglasses. After a few more hit songs, they disappeared upstairs to make their own geodesic dome (out of magna tiles) and hid a canister of silly string inside. As the countdown to midnight reached zero, they burst into the room shouting, “Happy New Year!” and threw their “ball” high in the air. As it crashed to the floor, releasing the silly string, they grabbed it and sprayed us all like crazy while we laughed, quite shocked (but very impressed!) by the whole thing. They made a huge mess and some great memories. This year we’ll be hosting a neighborhood potluck for families who are in town and looking for something to do that is only a short walk from home. We’ll have the disco ball in the basement, karaoke and the ping pong table set up. DJ Alexa will grace us with her NYE dance
Novemb er/Decemb er 2018
party playlist and maybe the kids will perform a few numbers as well. It will be a great way to have family fun while getting the neighbors together to bid farewell to 2018, the Year of the Bear, at least in our neighborhood! If a fancy night out with dinner and dancing is more your style, the New River Valley is full of opportunities to celebrate. The Palisades Restaurant has an annual tradition of bringing live bands, an exclusive menu, and old time, footstomping bluegrass music to Eggleston every year - you'll need a reservation! If you’re looking for a reason to get out to Mountain Lake Lodge before the year’s end, book reservations for their amazing farm-to-table dinner, dance party with party favors and midnight champagne toast year. The Inn at Virginia Tech also boasts live entertainment, a plated dinner and a champagne toast. This year, Radford is hosting a New Year’s Eve Gala – A Night To Remember - to benefit Vittles for Vet – feeding the veterans program. The event will be held at the Best-Western and includes dinner, a silent auction, dancing and a midnight toast. The cash bar will serve beer and wine, and guests can book a room and stay the night if desired. Check out Next Three Days and downtown and county websites for more special New Year's Eve activities. But if you’re the type of person for whom nothing sounds better than watching the ball drop and crawling into bed solo with a new year full of hopes and promise in the morning, you might think of creating a 2019 “Bucket List” for yourself. It really helps to set goals and reach them. Write down about 15 things you want to learn to do or places to visit, etc. and then tape the list to the fridge. Kids can do this, too, and it's so cute to watch them cross off accomplishments as the year goes by. Goals can be as simple as “Visit Grayson Highlands and pet the ponies” or as epic as “Learn how to do a front flip off the diving board.” Or you may choose the simplest yet and sometimes the most difficult goal of all, to be a kinder person in the new year. So, lest all the lyrics be forgot of “Auld Lang Syne,” take your cup of kindness as you celebrate ringing in a new year in the NRV. Emily Kathleen Alberts lives and works in Blacksburg and is still working on her front flip.
NRVMAGAZINE.com
Nov/Dec
2 0 1 8
29
Live in Sustainable Recovery
Text by Joanne M. Anderson Their stories all begin in desperate places. Many of them - a stunning 65% or more - rise victoriously to overcome drug and alcohol addiction, be restored with their families, get married, become employed, finish college, be men, sons, husbands and friends who are proud of themselves. Jason was 12 when his dad abandoned the family. At 13, he had his first beer. At 14, he was sent to his first recovery program. At 19, Jason took cocaine which quickly consumed his existence, and in less than six months, he was estranged from everyone. Like so many destitute, addicted men, he overdosed, cried out to God and got sober for a few months. Then one drink plunged him back into misery. "I was merely surviving," he recalls, "when a friend loved me enough to confront me about my lifestyle." Jason entered the Eagles Nest Regeneration program. "Areas of hopelessness and despair in my heart were filled with hope for a future and love for others." Jason was married in 2010 and now serves as director of the locally-based organization "teaching inner healing and praying with guys as they work through their own hurts. I had no idea what God 30
NRV MAGAZINE
had in store for me when I gave up my old life, but what He's given me is better than anything I ever would have dreamed of." Eagles Nest Regeneration is a faith-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to help men lost in alcohol and drug addition who have a sincere desire to change. "We are a recovery ministry that believes that a life of sustainable recovery is available through discipleship and a personal relationship with Jesus Christ," states founder Robbie Maddox. "Chemical addiction is a physical, social and spiritual problem, and Eagles Nest creates the atmosphere, setting and support network where men can be regenerated anew and do not return to where they have already been." With a success rate that vastly exceeds other rehab programs on a national average, this licensed residential substance abuse treatment center extensively interviews and assesses all applicants and works with medical insurance providers. "Our residents learn to take personal responsibility for the damage their addiction has caused themselves, their relationships and any dreams and goals they once held dear," Jason explains.
Ryan was a performance-driven athlete born and raised in the New River Valley who attended Marshall University on a sports scholarship. A motorcycle accident in his sophomore year ended life as he knew it, and addiction to pain medication came quickly. "It helped me escape reality. I was in and out of rehab centers for years, destroyed every relationship and performed my way right into jail," he explains. He was sentenced to five years, but served just two for early release. That lasted 13 days. "From the cell block bunk, I cried out to the Lord for the first time, and He met me there and led me to Eagles Nest." Ryan is now married with two children and serves on the staff at Eagles Nest. The men in the 12-month, intensive residential rehab program not only journal, read, pray, break down and share their shame and failures, but also they work. Transformation Painting, the flagship business of this self-supporting non-profit, is a Class A licensed and fullyinsured painting contractor for exterior and interior painting throughout the New River Valley. Eagles Nest has been serving up to 25 residential clients at a time for the
Novemb er/Decemb er 2018
NRVMAGAZINE.com
Nov/Dec
2 0 1 8
31
The men in the 12-month, intensive residential rehab program not only journal, read, pray, break down and share their shame and failures, but also they work. past 12 1/2 years. One of the organization's goals is to double its capacity within five years. It also has plans to build five more houses, one at a time, on its 66 rural acres in Floyd County. The first fund-raising dinner was held last spring to advance the expansion objectives. On a day-today basis, the entire organization is selfsustaining financially through its business. "We have not had any success yet with grant writing," Jason states, "but we are optimistic about capturing extra outside funding to assist with capital projects." One of the most devastating and isolating factors in drug or alcohol addiction is the feeling of being alone, as well as the approach that counselors, leaders, facilitators and others cannot begin to fathom what one is going through. One of the greatest advantages at Eagles Nest is that every front-line, hands-on staff person has completed the
32
NRV MAGAZINE
program. He does know the desperation of an addicted life spiraling out of control and the disgrace that nearly strangles the soul. He has lived through torment, shame and feelings of failure to emerge victorious, productive and full of hope. Will hails from a solid family in Tennessee. "I tried drinking alcohol in 7th grade, and I loved it. Then smoking pot. I'd like to say I fell into the wrong crowd, but I became the wrong crowd," he says. Addicted to opiods by the time Will entered college, he was arrested for robbing a pharmacy. Finally, he intentionally overdosed believing his family and all his other alienated relationships would be better off without him. "By God's grace, I woke up in the University of Tennessee Medical Center. Not long after, my wife was only too happy to send me packing to Eagles Nest. My marriage was pretty much over, and I was in danger of losing
parental rights to my children." Will completed the program and went on to serve as the first operations manager for Transformation Painting and was instrumental in launching Transformation Grounds in 2014. He, his wife and three children live and work in the New River Valley. Eagles Nest Regeneration is a uniquely-positioned ministry with an impressive track record. In this beautiful season of giving, you can participate in the organization's mission to figuratively and literally save the souls of men from the brink of disaster. There is a "Donation" button on the upper right of the home page, along with more information on the website. If you have building supplies, tools, equipment or labor to contribute, please send an email. enrm.org eaglesnest@enrm.org
Novemb er/Decemb er 2018
NRVMAGAZINE.com
Nov/Dec
2 0 1 8
33
Brick Oven Pizza + Dessert
Text by Joanne M. Anderson Photos by Always and Forever Photography When you go out to eat and are tempted to start with dessert first, Brick House Pizza is a wonderful place to do this. Hold that thought. Serving up pizza since its founding in 1972, this West Main Street establishment in Radford changed hands and names four years ago. Jeff and Diana Dobbins purchased the Pizza House business and added Brick to the name. It's quite appropriate, not only for the century-old brick interior walls, but also because they built the brick oven to more tastefully reflect the genuine nature of pizza. It is wood-fired, and the wood stack off to one side in the dining room is split by the staff. "At first, we split wood 34
NRV MAGAZINE
manually," states son Tyler Dobbins, who works full-time in the business. "Every day one of us was out back wielding an axe." It didn't take very long for the family to realize that a mechanical wood splitter would save on labor, as well as tools, hands, backs, gloves and muscles. Jeff Dobbins dabbles in a few businesses, including property management. Diana keeps tabs on the financial end of things, which is interesting because it was her idea to lodge thousands of real pennies into the entrance floor. Tyler relates they opened roll after roll after roll after roll of pennies -- more than 10,000 -- placing them neatly in rows before covering with some sort of marine varnish. A couple steps up,
or take the ramp, brings you onto very nice, also recently refinished, original, wood floors. Interior architectural details of the building, circa 1891, include a classic tin ceiling, the rustic brick walls, wood columns and some old crown molding trim that may have sectioned off the large space in earlier days. The area once served as a furniture store, thus the expansive front windows and stage area, which suits the Tuesday music gigs that play. Other times, diners can sit up there and watch the traffic go by - or the traffic goers can watch the pizza-eaters. There's a cool bar along one wall. Some 3 billion pizzas are sold across the country every year, and it is a
Novemb er/Decemb er 2018
$30 billion industry. Hand tossed crust is one key component to very good pizza. Fresh ingredients and brick oven baking raise the bar on perfect pizza. "We added meatballs, chicken wings, buffalo chicken dip and more recently a couple salads and a chicken wrap," says Tyler. The family did not have experience in food service or marketing, so it's been a labor of love and quest for quality every step of the way. Judging by reviews online and some fun Facebook posts, they are nailing the quality factor. One of the most encouraging traits of any entrepreneur is knowing what you don't know. Feeling a gap in the marketing angle, Brick House Pizza NRVMAGAZINE.com
has engaged Joba Design, also, and coincidentally, profiled in this magazine issue. Back to that dessert thought, which now gets personal. As the author of "Small-Town Restaurants in Virginia" (published 1998 and 2004), a former innkeeper and top-notch baker, it's far from easy to impress me with dessert. I had already paid my bill when I noticed the $5 carrot cake and $5 PB chocolate mousse cake on the chalkboard. I commented on them, and Tyler hopped up to fetch one of each of the fresh, locally-made treats. Oh my. Each dessert came chilled in its own 1/2 pint glass Mason-
Nov/Dec
style jar. The carrot cake was as good as mine, which is the best I've ever known, one of my mother's recipes. The PB (yeah, peanut butter) chocolate mousse cake was like nothing I've ever made and equally excellent in appearance, taste, flavor, texture, serving size and price. Since their pizza is also superb, the best approach to Brick House Pizza is to go hungry, so you can savor whatever you order and always save room for dessert. 311 W. Main St., Radford 540-639-5793 On Facebook
2 0 1 8
35
Handmades from the Heart Peacocks and Hollyhocks calls historic Dublin train depot home
Text by Nancy S. Moseley Photos by Always and Forever Photography Early Christians adopted the peacock as a symbol of Christ’s resurrection because it sheds its feathers each year to grow new ones. Not only that, but the many eyes of a peacock’s feathers are said to represent the all-seeing eye of God. But its propensity for the divine is not the only reason Anita Quesenberry decided to include the flamboyant bird in the name of her store. One of her favorite designers, Robin Brown, grew up on a peacock farm in Texas and trained them to follow her into the house by leaving a trail of breadcrumbs. She loved to watch their feathers spread out along the couch like a quilt. Eventually Brown even painted a peacock perched on one of the doorframes in her house. 36
NRV MAGAZINE
“I wanted to try that,” Quesenberry states. “I love painting peacocks.” Immediately shy to call herself an artist, Quesenberry is first and foremost just that. Self-taught, some of her early work was making jewelry out of paper. Her mom would take a shoebox of the creations with her to work at Kollmorgen and then return with a box full of money. Painting is her first love followed closely by decorating. She paints signs, ornaments and furniture and recently sold a handpainted mailbox to a sheep farm in Floyd. While Quesenberry loves the intricacies of running her business and decorating the store with items she treasures, she would ultimately prefer to be at home working behind the scenes,
creating in her studio or garage. “I’m a terrible sales person,” she laughs. “I would rather give stuff away.” Yet over the years, she has managed two previous stores and stocked a handful of antique malls with her work. After a bit of soul-searching, she came to understand that she didn’t really want to be a shopkeeper, she was just passionate about having an outlet for her creations. Quesenberry grew up locally in a house of creators. Her mother was a seamstress and a decorator, and her father was a woodworker. As a child she loved Barbie dolls. Unable to afford all the bells and whistles that come with Barbie, she made her own. “I turned a bowl upside down and covered it with fabric to make an ottoman. I made couches out of
Novemb er/Decemb er 2018
NRVMAGAZINE.com
Nov/Dec
2 0 1 8
37
shoeboxes. And, of course, I made Barbie doll clothes.” Peacocks and Hollyhocks opened in the Dublin Depot in 2016 after Quesenberry drove by and noticed it was vacant. Having successfully sold her work there when it was an antique shop, it was enough to get her wheels turning about the possibilities. She sells handmade creations, gifts, clothing, jewelry, seasonal home décor and antiques. She also rents out a handful of rooms that other people keep stocked with various wares. Having several friends who help her with the store and one official employee, Gwenn Akers, allows Quesenberry to stay at home to work on new projects and be her mother’s caregiver. She uses the store’s Facebook page to connect to her customers in a personal way, to let them know why she’s not always around when folks visit. “Everyone tells me I need to sell 38
NRV MAGAZINE
online or open an Etsy shop. But I don’t want to,” she explains. “I want people to come into the store and experience this wonderful space and the products I’ve hand-picked to be here.” The original Dublin Depot was built in 1854 by the town’s first two settlers. The union army burned it in 1864, and the subsequent depot building burned in 1912 when a potbelly stove exploded near a freight room full of coal oil. The depot that stands today was built in 1913 and is considerably larger than its predecessors. It is reflection of the prosperous era of rail travel. The original ticket booth is still here, along with the barn doors that allowed cattle to board trains. Quesenberry has updated the space, but kept the historical details intact. Even though there will always be the challenge of the next Hobby Lobby opening up around the corner, Quesenberry remains steadfast with her
mission. It’s not always about the bottom line; it’s about showcasing handmade creations that someone put their heart and soul into. Aside from her own work, she sells products from other artisans that you can’t find in big box stores. “It takes a group of people who want something different. When I travel, I want to go into a store just like this one to see what other people have crafted,” she says. And… hollyhocks? “It rhymes!” And not only that, they also happen to be a symbol of ambition due to their strength to flourish in an array of environments. Quesenberry has certainly embodied the spirit of the hollyhock. “Bloom Where You’re Planted” would surely make a lovely hand-painted sign. Nancy Moseley is a Blacksburg-based freelance writer. She has big dreams of being artsy and craftsy, but knows that isn’t particularly realistic having two energetic boys.
Novemb er/Decemb er 2018
discover the college
by its mission
At VCOM, we are inspired to bring physicians to rural and medically underserved areas of southwest Virginia and the Appalachian region. Our medical school trains students who are inspired to bring care to those most in need. Visit us online to find out how you will be
inspired...
www.vcom.edu
Visit www.vcom.edu/outcomes for a copy of our Outcomes Report. Š2018 Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine. All rights reserved.
NRVMAGAZINE.com
Nov/Dec
2 0 1 8
39
Keeping Kids Safe Online how to respect and protect children’s privacy
Text by Emily Kathleen Alberts These days, there are fewer and fewer kids playing in the streets, darting from house to house, riding bikes or playing at the park by themselves. It seems that in our efforts to keep kids safe, we are confining them inside, many times perched in front of a glowing screen. And the dangers lurking in this virtual world are just as real. When it comes to children, we don’t want to be helicopter parents, but with cyberbullies and internet predators on the rise, we cannot afford to be submarine parents either. The good news is, it is easier to protect kids in this virtual playground than you may think without scrolling through search histories, text messages, pictures and email every day, monitoring your son or daughter’s every tweet. There’s an app for that! The app is called Bark, and it’s an award-winning service that uses complex algorithms to find interactions of potential concern and alert parents. More than 50% of children with accounts and devices connected to Bark experience at least one issue each month. And 80% of the time, their parents had no idea there was a problem until Bark’s alerts brought it to their attention (Forbes.com). Bark looks for activity that may indicate online predators, adult content, sexting, cyberbullying, drug use, suicidal thoughts and more. And not only does 40
NRV MAGAZINE
Bark alert parents to these issues, but also it provides expert recommendations from child psychologists for how to address them with a minor child. Like it or not, connected devices like cell phones and iPads are here to stay. Parents can try to protect children by limiting screen time and refusing to buy them their own phones, but as they get older, these tools almost become a necessity, for both social and educational reasons. For the cost of a Netflix account, an entire family can use Bark on all the devices they have. In today’s busy world where both parents are often working full time, and kids are rushing from soccer practice to piano, apps like Bark make it easy to save time and build trust. “We’ve had 27 families tell us that Bark’s alerts helped to save a child who was imminently suicidal, and the parents were unaware. Also, we’ve detected at least 12 school shooting threats,” says Titiana Jordan, Bark CPO (Chief Parent Officer). Not everyone has children who are on social media or even old enough to text. But parents of younger children aren’t off the hook either. Giving kids unlimited search access to Google, YouTube and gaming apps is a no-no. Who hasn’t clicked on a YouTube video only to find disturbing content that has nothing to do with the video title? The best way to protect your kids on this immensely popular website is to make sure your children subscribe to
age-appropriate channels and encourage them to stick to those channels. Even seemingly innocuous gaming apps may have predators lurking within. Make sure each child is not playing games with a comment feed or in a public forum where players can interact with each other. When it comes to surfing the web, make sure that parental controls are set, and be in the room when a child is doing research. Turn off access to Google/Safari on the kids’ iPads and devices until they are older, and protect Netflix streaming by adding a PIN. Netflix offers PIN protection for all content at a particular maturity level. Most importantly, talk with children about the potential dangers that might be encountered online. Even if you are convinced that your child is mature, responsible and internet savvy – there is no way to be sure until you have that conversation. Tell them to alert you to any suspicious activity so that you can report it or flag it. If your children and teens know that you are paying attention and concerned for their safety, they are more likely follow your example. Yes, we want to respect our children’s privacy, but we must also fight to keep their private worlds from becoming too public. Emily K. Alberts is a Blacksburg-based freelance writer with two kids whom she intends to protect from any and all cyber dangers.
Novemb er/Decemb er 2018
NRVMAGAZINE.com
Nov/Dec
2 0 1 8
41
NR V F o o d F a re
Ginger Compiled by Joanne M. Anderson
From gingerale, ginger beer and gingersnaps to ginger syrup, ginger supplements, ginger oil and more, ginger is one the most tasty, versatile, beneficial spices in the pantry. It originated in Southeast Asia and is cultivated around the world. Among its claims are positive anti-inflammatory effects, as well as lowering blood sugars, treating nausea and ingestion (including morning sickness), improving brain function and fighting infection. The holiday season might not be complete without the appeal of ginger in our cookies and tea.
Gingerbread Rolled
sweet treats for kids and grown-ups to make
Cookie Dough
3 cups flour 2 tsp. ginger 1 tsp. cinnamon 1 tsp. baking soda 1/4 tsp. nutmeg 1/4 tsp. salt 3/4 cup soft butter 3/4 cup packed brown sugar 1/2 cup molasses 1 egg 1 tsp. vanilla Mix dry ingredients and set aside. Blend butter and sugar, then add molasses, egg and vanilla. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Press dough into flat disk; wrap in plastic wrap; refrigerate at least 4 hours. Roll dough to 1/4-inch on lightly floured surface. Cut cookie shapes, and remember to cut out a small hole if you intend to thread a ribbon later. Place on ungreased baking sheets one inch apart. Bake 8-10 minutes; cool 1-2 minutes; remove to wire racks. Decorate as desired.
42 42
N NRRVV M MAAGGAAZZIIN NEE
Novemb November/Decemb er/December er 2018 2018
Ginger Honey Shrimp perfect low-cal gluten-free luncheon 2 Tbl. olive oil 1 Tbl. red pepper flakes 1 tsp. chopped garlic 1/4 yellow onion, chopped 1 tsp. ginger 1 tsp. honey 1 lb. medium shrimp peeled and deveined salt and pepper to taste Heat olive oil and red pepper flakes in large skillet on medium heat. Add garlic, onion, ginger, honey and cook stirring until fragrant. Add shrimp for 5 minutes, stirring some, until they are opaque and pink. Place over pre-assembled salad plates for a fun, gluten-free light lunch or salad accompaniment.
Gingerroot Tea with Fresh Lemon and Mint soothing warm beverage to promote digestive balance 2 cups water 4 slices lemon gingerroot, 2-inch, peeled, thinly sliced in 8 pieces 12 mint leaves 1 tsp. honey (optional) Place water, 3 lemon and all the ginger slices into pot. Bring to boil. Add 10 mint leaves; simmer 10 minutes. Add honey if desired. Strain and serve with fresh lemon slice and mint leaf for garnish.
NR NVRM VM AG AA GZA IZNI E N.Ec .ocm o m N oNv o / Dv e/ D c e c2 0 1280 1 8
4433
GiftGuide
2018 Buying Local
alligator alley
This holiday season, shop at Alligator Alley for all of your men’s and women’s original brands like Vineyard Vines, Barbour, Lacoste, Fish Hippie, Lauren James, Sperry and others. You’re sure to find something right up your alley – when you shop at Alligator Alley.
The ladies from our creative team take to the streets of Charleston to test out our Skip Monday collection.
VINEYARD VINES CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES ARE AVAILABLE AT: THE CORNERS SHOPPING CENTER 5207 BERNARD DR ROANOKE 540 772 4287 THE SHOPS AT CLAY COURT 401 SOUTH MAIN ST BLACKSBURG 540 552 4287
The Shops at Clay Court 401 South Main St. Blacksburg The Corners Shopping Center 5207 Bernard Dr. Roanoke. Blacksburg - 540-552-4287 Roanoke - 540-772-4287 BARBOUR CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES ARE AVAILABLE AT: THE CORNERS SHOPPING CENTER 5207 BERNARD DR ROANOKE 540 772 4287 THE SHOPS AT CLAY COURT 401 SOUTH MAIN ST BLACKSBURG 540 552 4287
pearis Mercantile
FISH HIPPIE CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES ARE AVAILABLE AT: THE CORNERS SHOPPING CENTER 5207 BERNARD DR ROANOKE 540 772 4287 THE SHOPS AT CLAY COURT 401 SOUTH MAIN ST BLACKSBURG 540 552 4287
Are you looking for a treasure for yourself or maybe for someone special? Then Pearis Mercantile is the place to be! Located in Downtown Pearisburg, you will find unique shopping with 35 Artisan Consigners, speciality gifts and ideas. Shop the holiday ornaments & home décor for inside or outdoor. You will find so many wonderful items it may be hard to make a decision. The friendly sales staff can help with your selection & a gift bag comes with every purchase. Open daily with special Sunday Hours that start before Thanksgiving until Christmas. 200 N. Main St. 540.921.2260
Allure Spa & Skin Health Boutique
Offering:Lash Lifts and Tint, Facials, Microdermabrasion, Chemical Peels, Dermaplane, Microcurrent, & much more! Bridal & Special Occasion packages Professional skin care lines:Dermalogica & Jane Iredale mineral makeup in stock GIFT CERTIFICATES & online booking available. 200 Country Club Drive SW Suite C-1 | Blacksburg allurespaskinhealth.com
540-553-0510 44
NRV MAGAZINE
Novemb er/Decemb er 2018
2018
Buying Local Gift Guide The Upscale Attic
Historic
Smithfield Looking for an unique gift? Historic Smithfield will be We have over 75 items hosting their annual year-end arriving daily! Since 2007, Holiday event: "A Colonial our collection of gently used Christmas at Smithfield" on furniture & home decor Saturday, December 1 and Sunday, December 2, 2018. includes a variety of styles Shopping in the museum Capones Fine Jewelry and is priced far below retail. store is the available Just a year ago Capone’s Fine Jewelry moved into Historicduring the You're sure to find a treasure event. The museum store Brownstone, Main St., Blacksburg. Since the they have at The Upscale Attic! We also willmove, be open on Saturday, offer gift cards. showroom Visit us inand repair established a remarkable space. 8Now December fromin 12:00pm and will 360 Arbor their 31stChristiansburg year, Capone’satcontinues to offer-5:00pm custom designs of offer a 20% discount on 1000 Tues.-Fri. 10-5 & Sat. 10-4services. Their goal is items. a special Drive. flair, repairs and evaluation to Road, Smithfield Plantation provide the finest540.381.0551 quality in precious gems, designs and customer Blacksburg
service to the NRV. The Capone Family would like to invite 540.231.3947 your family toThe visit Orange them soon for the Holidays. Convenient Baskets parking isBandana provided behind the shop off of Washington St. Bonomo’s Unwrap a taste of home this caponesjewelry.com
holiday season with locally540-953-1000 made gift baskets. Our gifts feature everything from velvety wines and spa products to delicious treats from small businesses. Online shopping and nationwide shipping ensures Santa gets there on time. (540) 250-1625 theorangebandana.com
Matrix Gallery
A great little gallery full of quality American Crafts by local, regional and national artists. Pottery, Glass, Jewelry, Wood, Leather, and more. Beautiful holiday gifts that are functional, decorative, and fun! Located at 115 N. Main St. in Downtown Blacksburg 540.951.3566
wine & Design
Nightly Public Studio Classes (includes 2 glasses of wine - optional)
On Wheels (at your location) Private pARTies (birthday, bachelorette, GNO, etc.) Art Buzz Kids Classes Art Buzz Kids Birthday pARTies Art Buzz Kids Camps Team Building Paint it Forward (fundraising)
540-381-6964 NRVMAGAZINE.com
Nov/Dec
CLOTHIER
Enjoy lovely, affordable styles for casual, work & dressy occasions. Clothing that fits up to size 3X. Shop exquisite jewelry & accessories to complete any style. University City Blvd., Blacksburg 540-951-8102
Downtown Blacksburg Inc.
Purchase a Downtown Blacksburg Inc. Gift Certificate redeemable at over 60 downtown businesses! Gift Certificates are available at National Bank of Blacksburg’s downtown branch and make great gifts! DowntownBlacksburg.com Buy, Eat, Live Local 540-544-7700
LOOKING GLASS DESIGNS
Unique Art that starts with an idea! Designed to cater to everyone! Themed pieces appeal to all ages. Custom designs are available for that special gift on your list. Please visit them on Facebook to review the one-of-a-kind pieces. A variety of sizes to fit that perfect space in your home or office. www.lookingglassdesigns.ca 540-392-4636 2 0 1 8
45
Radford’s Holiday Parade
Saturday, December 1, 2018 at 11:00 AM Inclement Weather date: Sat., Dec 8, 11:00am Join us for local shopping and dining in Radford For more information go to: VisitRadford.com
DCJS #11-9804
HOME Y E S CURIT
Home Safe Home
citizens.coop/security · 745-2111
46
NRV MAGAZINE
Novemb er/Decemb er 2018
NRVMAGAZINE.com
Nov/Dec
2 0 1 8
47