Roanoke Valley Home Magazine Summer 2019

HOME R OA N O K E VA L L E Y

design ✦ improve ✦ garden ✦ live SUMMER 2019

GARDEN DELIGHTS tempting tomatoes beautiful butterflies

TURN IT UP

hanging art color essentials

VIBRANT LIVING retire in style downsizing matters

WindoWs With More than a VieW

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the

retirement living

CONTENTS Roanoke Valley HOME Summer 2019

issue

72

16

33 features

showcase home

THE GOLDEN YEARS Retirement checklist for seniors

THE UPSIDE OF UPSIZING Less turned out to be too little for Betty Lou and Dick Kienle

16

BY CARTER BENDALL

33

48

BY NOELLE MILAM

SIMPLIFY THE MOVE Downsizing, move managers and more

BY CHARLOTTE A. F. FARLEY

64

A STEP IN TIME Uncommon retirement

BY CHUCK TAYLOR

72

HOME AWAY FROM HOME Airbnb hospitality

BY CHUCK TAYLOR

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK HOME Magazine

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S U M M E R 2019

DESIGN

29 BEHIND THE WHEEL

Using color theory in design

BY PERRY PAYNE MILLNER

60 GETTING THE HANG OF IT

Hanging art properly

BY ALYSSA MERCADANTE

IMPROVE

38 BEST FOOT FORWARD

41

Comfortable footwear for every activity

BY KATE ERICSSON

79 BUG OUT!

Natural remedies to combat warm weather pests

38

BY JESSIE THOMPSON

GARDEN

24 WELCOME BUTTERFLIES

All aflutter and at your service

60

BY MITZI BIBLE

44 THE TRUE FRUITS OF SUMMER

Tempting and tasty tomatoes

BY SLOANE LUCAS

70 RAIN BARRELS

Gather rain for garden use

BY ALEXANDRA REYNOLDS

LIVE

41 CULINARY CORNER

Anti-aging and anti-oxidant recipes

BY MARSHA GALE

57 GADGETS, GIZMOS & WHATCHAMACALLITS

Technology and assists for seniors

BY AMELIA POORE

67 LIVING THE FESTIVAL LIFE

Glamping around this summer

BY JANE RENNYSON

THE LAST WORD 82 JUDY MIRON

Leisure and Senior Travel Advisor at Martin Travel

BY ANNE MARIE POORE

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FROM CONCEPT TO COMPLETION

Photo by Jared Hall, Sharptop Studios

YOUR SOURCE FOR: Four Seasons Sunrooms • Kitchens & Baths • Pergolas & Awnings TREX Deck Platinum Pros • Additions & Garages • Exterior Updates F&S Building Innovations has over 40 years of experience with hundreds of satisfied residential customers throughout central and southwest Virginia. We’re a Class A contractor, which means we can facilitate your project from design to completion. And we have a Interior Designer on-staff to guide you every step of the way.

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EDITOR’S note Ahh, sweet summertime—the calendar says June—so soon? It’s hard to believe 2019 is at the halfway point. However, I always look so forward to summer.

When my children were all still at home and in school, I relished a change in schedule. No more alarm clocks or lunches to pack; no homework to monitor. We switched to swim team and day trips and relaxing. Dinner was later and often outside, savoring the last minutes of daylight and watching for lightning bugs to begin their twilight glow.

Now my kiddos have moved onward, setting up lives of their own not too far away, but alas, away. I suppose my husband and I are entering a new stage in our lives that has sort of morphed into an empty nest when we were otherwise distracted.

Retirement might be on the horizon, but it is distant. AARP propaganda in our mailbox, like nothing else can, reminds us that we are growing older.

Roanoke Valley HOME’s June issue is our annual retirement issue. Our writers have been hard at work researching and accumulating all kinds of information to help multi-generations approach the retirement years with the best knowledge and plan of action. Whether you are a senior or you have a family member who is a senior, this issue will inform and enhance any transition you plan to make in the near or distant future.

Downsizing is a popular word for those over fifty. Our retirement issue offers strategies to make the downsizing process efficient and practically trouble-free. This months’ showcase

home features a twist on downsizing—be sure to read The Upside of Upsizing. Perhaps you are ready to retire, and you are planning your next level of engagement and/or activity. Whether a second career, a calling or volunteerism, seniors in the Roanoke Valley are fully involved in all our community has to offer.

Local retailers explain best-fit tips and the proper footwear for active lifestyles. Enhance your day-to-day with the latest information about technology and gadgetry. Festivals abound in our region during the warmer months. Discover all the details about festival going, camping or “glamping” and you’ll be ready to roll!

In the garden, learn what to plant to attract butterflies, and conversely, discourage summer pests naturally. Tomato season is upon us; catch up on the latest heirloom and prizewinning varieties.

Move inside and escape the heat. Getting the Hang of It can help you know how to arrange and hang artwork properly.

Freshen up paint colors with color wheel tips and color choices promoting creativity, energy or soothing comfort.

There are roughly 99 days of summer between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Whatever your plans for summer 2019, take time to engage friends and family. Enjoy the longer days, the sunshine, and the possibilities of all this season holds.

Anne Marie Poore annemarie@westwillowpublishing.com

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Kolbe Windows & Doors leads the industry with innovative products that push the boundaries and defy the limits of function, performance and style. The clean lines of the award-winning VistaLuxe® Collection offer a streamlined, contemporary look, for maximum views with minimal interruptions.

Contact the experts at S.J. Neathawk Window and Door Gallery to schedule a design consultation today.

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OPENING SUMMER 2019

HOME ROANOKE VALLEY

VOLUME 12 ISSUE 3 PUBLISHER Julie Pierce EDITOR Anne Marie Poore LOCAL EDITOR Noelle Milam ART DIRECTOR Edwana Coleman

Come see us at our NEW Cave Spring Branch 3232 Electric Road, Roanoke, VA 24018

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Well-tailored Furniture that Looks Amazing But Doesn’t Feel Too Precious to Use. It’s a way of life where you’re surrounded with furnishings that make you happy on every level.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Carter Bendall Mitzi Bible Kate Ericsson Charlotte A.F. Farley Marsha Gale Sloane Lucas Alyssa Mercadante Noelle Milam Amelia Poore Jane Rennyson Alexandra Reynolds Chuck Taylor Jessie Thompson PHOTOGRAPHERS Jared Hall Kevin Hurley GRAPHIC DESIGNER Donna Collins OPERATIONS MANAGER Colleen Miller ADVERTISING SALES Julia Belvin Lisa Bowers Anne Marie Poore SUBSCRIPTIONS

Roanoke Valley HOME is published five times annually

by West Willow Publishing Group, LLC. For an annual subscription, please send $20 and your name, address and telephone number to: Roanoke Valley HOME 2003 Graves Mill Road, Suite B, Forest, VA 24551 For advertising information please call (434) 386-5667 or sales@rvhomemagazine.com.

To discuss coverage of an event relating to home or garden, please contact Roanoke Valley HOME at info@rvhomemagazine.com.

WEST WILLOW PUBLISHING GROUP, LLC (434) 386-5667 westwillowpublishing.com

WE SPECIALIZE IN CUSTOMIZATION.

Whether downsizing or up-sizing, we provide custom furniture tailored to fit you and your space. /bettersofas 4919 Grandin Road, Roanoke County 540.400.6334 • bettersofasroanoke.com 14

Copyright 2019 by West Willow Publishing Group, LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from West Willow Publishing Group, LLC. All pictorial material reproduced in this magazine, whether in a produced ad or by itself, has been accepted on the condition that it is with the knowledge and prior consent of the photographer or the artist concerned. As such, West Willow Publishing Group, LLC is not responsible for any infringement of copyright or otherwise arising out of publication thereof.

The information contained herein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. However, West Willow Publishing Group, LLC makes no warrant to the accuracy or reliability of this information. Opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of ownership or management.

R o a n o ke Va l l e y H O M E S u m m e r 2 0 1 9

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THEretirement GOLDEN YEARS checklist for seniors B Y C A R T E R B E N DA L L

When looking forward to our “golden years� we can overlook and under-consider the reality that our bodies may not keep up with where our will would lead us. The dreamer may imagine retiring to a beach with the sand under their feet as the way to go, while the pragmatist may realize a planned community is a little more realistic at their stage in life. For all those in between who are not so sure, there is a myriad of retirement options in beautiful Roanoke Valley.

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F

inding the right senior living community is one of the most important decisions a family can make, whether for themselves or with (or for) their elders.

Some compare it to buying a house; as with a home purchase, there are many variables to consider, and what is perfect for one family may not be suitable for another. The actual task of sitting down and talking with your partner or parents about retirement options may seem like a daunting act, but it is one that will save you all a lot of lost sleep if handled properly.

First on the list—and probably the most sensitive—is a frank talk about finances. Have an honest and realistic conversation with all involved about sources of income, assets and insurance policies. Consider how much expense you or your parents can bear and whether this move will require financial help from children or others. The average monthly cost for assisted living is around $3,600, but this varies greatly across the state; pricier memory care facilities can run to $7,500 monthly and more.

Everyone who will be part of the financial picture should talk openly and be comfortable with the arrangement. By discussing specifics now, you’ll avoid tension later.

Ask for a list of costs from the senior living communities considered and find out what the facilities’ amenities cost as well. Are they included or are there additional fees? There can be pressure to go with the most expensive option out of feelings of guilt—of course, you want the best for your loved ones, but the most expensive option is not always the best, and it may not be the greatest fit for the needs of the elders involved.

Another option to consider is a Life Plan Community, such as that found at Brandon Oaks. In this type of setting, residents move in when they are at an independent living level. They pay an entrance fee that is based on their accommodation choice and whether they are single or a couple, as well as a monthly service fee. This monthly service fee will not increase if the resident needs a higher level of care, such as assisted living or nursing care, during their time.

When discussing finances, make sure you understand what types of insurance you or your parents carry. Insurance is a huge and complicated field, and senior financial planning options are limitless. Are your seniors covered through a group plan or do they have Medicare coverage or both? Do they have a Medicare supplement? Do they have secondary or even tertiary coverage? One of the first questions you will be asked at facilities you consider is whether long term care insurance is in place, as a separate policy or rider on a life insurance policy; unlike standalone long-term care insurance policies, if you don’t use it, you won’t lose it.

Once finances have been made clear, finding the right level of care should be the next step. Again, this can seem overwhelming, but that honest conversation you started earlier needs to continue here as you or your elders contemplate senior living options.

What is the comfort level for driving to the grocery store or standing to cook a meal? How about bathing and laundry duties?

Have there been recent falls? Are bills being paid on time or has there been confusion or forgetfulness about regular financial obligations or other things? Have there been changes in physical appearance or the condition of the home, or difficulty solving

r vhomemaga zine .com 17

problems? All of these issues may be symptoms of decline which can help to determine appropriate levels of retirement living and care. It is sometimes best to involve a third party when talking to aging family members about these topics. Having a neutral party begin and facilitate the conversation can put everyone more at ease.

There are many levels of retirement living options to consider, from independent living in cottages or apartments, to assisted living and skilled nursing facilities. You don’t want to skimp on care, so having the input of doctors and facility staff should help greatly in determining appropriate levels of care.

Lisa Clause is the Senior Director of Marketing and Philanthropy at Richfield Living. She says that there is a lot that goes into determining what level of care is needed by their residents. She says, “Many times, incontinence or mobility

becomes the determining factor to look for a solution that retains respect for the senior and assists the caregiver. Assisted living brings families back to the time where they can enjoy each other again.”

If your loved one has dementia, memory care communities are often the best choice. Richfield Living has a memory care option called the Joseph C. Thomas Center. In this center, the rooms feel like home and great effort is taken to help residents remember happy times through music, hands-on activities, pictures, and conversation. Carter Hanna, the Marketing and Sales Director at Brandon Oaks, says that they offer a memory care facility as well within their assisted living facility. She says there was a growing need for memory care within the community; “We offer home-like apartments, a special dining room, activities specialized for those with memory impairments and an outdoor area,” Hanna adds.

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Seize the Day!

Fill your days with things that bring you joy, not worry. Continue doing what you love, without the hassle of maintenance and increasing cost of healthcare.

Call us and schedule a private visit to see if Brandon Oaks is the right fit for you: (540) 777-5602. r v h o mBrandon emaga zine .com 19 3804 Ave, SW • Roanoke, VA 24018 • (540) 777-5602 • www.brandonoaks.net

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Friendships, fun, and laughter blossom in our community. Call 345-5111 to schedule a visit and learn how you can make Our Lady of the Valley your new home this summer.

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In exciting news, Richfield Living is transitioning to a resident-centered household model of care. In this model, the layout of the facility is set up as a household with a front door complete with porch, mailbox, and doorbell.

According to Clause, “When you enter the home, you will find a large cozy living room, full kitchen, and private rooms with a door for every resident.

Residents can wake up when they want, enjoy breakfast, and take medicines based on their schedule. Each person is an individual.” Staff members stay in the house and are trained to perform housekeeping tasks, take someone to the bathroom, or cook a meal. Clause says that Richfield Living is very excited to be the first in the Roanoke area to offer this model of care.

Once finances and levels of care are determined, more fun options come into play: amenities! Sit down to discuss what activities make your seniors happy. Do they like working in a garden or taking nature hikes or having their nails done?

Are they into book clubs or playing cards or gourmet food? Do they want to be active in a faith-based community?

Senior living communities typically offer amenities like health spas, concierge services and business centers, while some cater to those of a specific culture or religion. It’s best to pick three or four amenities and focus on these while searching for the right facility.

In addition to amenities, there are many types of housing styles to choose, from high-rises and townhomes to

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cottages. Another key factor to consider is location. Some retirees may want to be closer to children and grandchildren; others may prefer to age in place, close to friends in their hometown. Don’t assume—ask.

Having lived through this firsthand, my advice—and the advice of many in the field—is to start planning early. It is never too soon to start the conversation. Your parents may surprise you and say they have been thinking about it already.

Lisa Clause says on the topic, “The best advice we can give to families is to start the process early.

When the decision is not imminent then you can be less emotional and more rational about the pros and cons of each retirement community.”

Carter Hanna from Brandon Oaks advises families as well.

She says, “Do your research, call different communities and get information. If you can, go and take a tour and meet the residents—

you get a better feel for how the community is and if your loved one will enjoy living there when you can experience it in person.”

Don’t be scared. You have the best interest of your family at heart.

If you’re nervous about beginning a dialogue, consider calling on other people in your seniors’ lives—close friends especially. Get advice from others who have made the move already to senior living.

Be patient and positive, and listen to your loved ones’ wants, needs and feelings. Be warm and open and call on them to determine the retirement lifestyle that suits them best. Most of all, empower seniors to research and make their own decisions: ultimately, you’ll be helping help them (and yourself) feel more comfortable with your family’s choices.

If you get overwhelmed, stop, breathe and remember: you’re doing the best you can—and you’re doing it because you care. ✦

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NOW IS THE TIME TO FIND HARMONY ntroducing the all new assisted living community joining the campus of The Harmony Collection at Roanoke. This new property will focus on meeting the needs of seniors in Roanoke who need a little extra support in their daily lives. The campus approach to meeting the needs of seniors began with an Independent Living community in 2007 and a dedicated Memory Care community in June 2017. By choosing to live in a community with a campus-like setting, you will be free from the hassles and expenses of home maintenance, leaving you more time and resources to live life to the fullest, pursue your passions, and do the things you’ve always wanted to do. As your needs increase, The Harmony Collection at Roanoke is prepared to support you, allowing you to age in place.

All New Assisted Living Community Opening Summer 2019 2 2

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HOME premier profile 2019

“What we offer consists of exercise, socialization, nutrition and stress free living. By making the move to Harmony, you will live longer with a much higher quality of life. Longer and better.”

MR. JIM SMITH, FOUNDER

Amenities: Elegant dining room, movie theatre, bistro, fitness center, rehabilitation center, library with computer studio, beauty salon and barber shop.

Features and Services: NO large entrance fees, NO long term leases, state-of-the-art emergency call system, 24 hour concierge, scheduled transportation, weekly laundry service and housekeeping, apartment maintenance, individualized plan of care, customized activities to meet needs, medication management.

Resort Style Living: Spacious studio, one and two bedroom apartments—all with spacious kitchenette that includes full size refrigerator and microwave, three restaurant-style meals & snacks included.

Personal Residences: Great living means accommodating both your needs and

budget. That’s why you will find a wealth of living options that include spacious apartments with bright widows with ample storage, closets and large private bathrooms. Gorgeous views overlooking the Roanoke Valley.

Chef Inspired Dining: Unique to the Harmony experience is our elegant dining room and chef inspired meals.

Our Executive Chef takes pride in his signature entrees and desserts, incorporating locally soured ingredients and drawing inspiration from the regional cuisine.

Staying Active: You’ll find a wide variety of scheduled activities to engage you.

In addition to live music and guest speakers, residents also enjoy movie nights, happy hour, games and exercise.

In addition, on-site transportation is provided for community outings to shops, restaurants, medical appointments and more!

"After visiting several area facilities with my 93year-old mother, we both immediately agreed that Harmony will be a perfect fit! With delicious meals available in the dining room and the bistro, spacious rooms, around the clock care, and days full of activities, Harmony will make a wonderful, safe home for Mom. The care here brings peace of mind, and she can't wait for this beautiful community to open."

Janet Kubik/Bunny Harless "Our leadership team is seasoned and understands our resident’s needs. They become a part of their family, providing top-notch care.

Our resident’s quality of life is our priority.”

Anna Gring, Campus Director “I love these residents and I love cooking for them. Many have lost their sense of taste with age and addition of certain medications, so using fresh herbs helps with the stimulation of the appetite. I get 20 hugs a day and get paid for it.”

Harmony Chef

4402 Pheasant Ridge Road, Roanoke (540) 970-3524 • HarmonyatRoanoke.com

GARDEN butterflies

all aflutter BECKON BUTTERFLIES TO YOUR GRAND GARDEN RESORT

BY MITZI BIBLE

There are plenty of insects that aren’t welcome in our yards, and we certainly spend enough time and money to make sure they don’t intrude and ruin all of our hard work. But some special guests are invited back year after year—friendly butterflies. Who doesn’t enjoy their dainty dance around blooms as they show off their colorful couture? When it comes to welcoming these fragile beauties, the more, the merrier. Learn how you can be the best hostess to these garden VIPS. 2 4

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The jury is still out on how the butterfly got its name. It could be because the insect was often seen flying around the butter churn, or perhaps because anywhere it goes it “flutters by,” and people combined the syllables to form “butterfly.” Regardless of how the butterfly got its name, scientists have been researching the 20,000 species of the insect for many years. According to the National Audubon Society, there are 700 species of butterflies in North America. In Virginia, there are several species which will make reservations here if they find conditions to their liking. To help you attract butterfly visitors and keep them on as more permanent guests throughout their life cycle, we’ve compiled a few guidelines for happy hosting.

Fancy feasters

Picky, picky, picky: No, I’m not talking about your kids at dinnertime. It’s a fact that many species of butterfly, including their former caterpillar selves, are particular in their choice of meals.

There’s no one-size-fits-all foodplant or nectar flower that will fully satisfy all butterfly varieties. We have learned that simply planting the popular butterfly bush (buddleia) isn’t guaranteed to attract more butterflies.

However, for the best butterfly habitat, you need to provide two basic plant types that cater to the needs of each part of the butterfly’s life cycle. The adult butterfly needs “host plants,” ideally plants that are safe for them to both mate and lay eggs upon, and will also provide plenty of food once the eggs hatch into hungry caterpillars. The creatures’ main eating period takes place in the larval stage, when the rapidly growing caterpillars eat non-stop to store up the energy they need to molt over and over—up to five times—to enter their pupal stage and complete the grand finale of metamorphosis.

Once metamorphosis is achieved, the newly emerged butterflies require “nectar plants”—an attractive mixture of brightly colored, flowering plants that will provide plenty of

interesting fact WHEN BUTTERFLIES FIRST EMERGE, THE MALES AND FEMALES HAVE DIFFERENT GOALS: THE MALES TEND TO FLY STRAIGHT TO FLOWERS FOR THEIR FIRST MEAL AND THE FEMALES WILL MATE BEFORE EATING. (National Audubon Society)

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sweet nourishment. Butterflies crave high-sugar nutrition to prepare for flight and store up energy for migration. Planting host plants and nectar plants near each other will ensure more butterflies in your garden. Because butterflies are also pollinators, many of the plants that attract hummingbirds and bees are great for butterflies, too.

Garden enthusiasts work hard to provide the plants that cater to specific butterflies throughout their life cycles. The North American Butterfly Association has a chart of plants specifically for our region of Virginia at nababutterfly.com/regional-butterflygarden-guides. It lists the top butterfly nectar plants and leafy caterpillar plants, along with the corresponding butterfly species for each. For example, a good caterpillar foodplant for the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail—the official state insect of Virginia—is the tulip tree; some of the best nectar options for the butterfly stage are lantana, zinnia, azaleas, Asiatic lilies, and thistles.

Some butterflies are so picky that they only choose specific plants. The Great Spangled Fritillary, for instance, will lay her eggs under bushes near violets that have died off for the season, because her caterpillars only feed on violets.

The NABA chart is a great place to start when planning out a lasting butterfly habitat; it tells you how long the flight periods are for many of our regional butterflies—some fly from spring to fall.

For this reason, choose a variety of nectar plants that will keep your garden blooming through each season. Like hummingbirds, butterflies enjoy brightly colored flowers, so make sure to roll out the red carpet for these special guests.

The chart also lists more unusual types of butterflies to be found in our area and their larval plants of choice—Sachem (crabgrass), Tawny Emperor (hackberries), and Whirlabout (grasses). The Virginia Cooperative Extension also provides a planting guide for host plants in our region (visit ext.vt.edu).

Butterflies generally like a sunny stage to show off their finery, so choose plants that will do best in full sun; the sun actually

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warms up the butterflies’ wing muscles so they can fly. Also, plant their favorites in clumps together so more can dine at the same table.

The greater the variety of host and nectar plants you offer, the wider variety of butterflies you can expect to see.

Safe keeping

Some butterflies are also attracted to plants that will help protect them from predators, even in the larval stage. Of all insects, caterpillars are the tastiest items on the garden menu for other animals—birds especially—so protection is important. One of the ways butterflies can make themselves less attractive to prey is to feed on toxic plants. Monarch caterpillars feed on milkweed, for example, and store the toxin in their bodies, making themselves poisonous to predators or at least distasteful—after the first bite, those birds won’t be coming back for more. (Milkweed is also the only plant that Monarchs lay eggs on, so it is a sure bet for your garden.)

You’ll also find splendid camouflage tactics among butterflies: one common visitor to local gardens and parks is the Question Mark butterfly. This species may look like a dead leaf when its wings are folded—with a tiny white mark resembling a question mark—but when it opens its wings, you’re in for a nice surprise.

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Butterflies prefer a tidy garden. Prolong the blooming season by deadheading flowers, watering well, and mulching with organic compost. Caterpilars and butterflies are sensitive to pesticides and insecticides, so keep those at bay.

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Spa time

Another way to cater to guests fluttering by is to create a sunny basking area, with flat rocks and small water “puddling” areas. Male butterflies, especially, like to absorb minerals in the soil that can be used for reproduction; they use their long proboscis as a straw to sip water from mud puddles.

The Virginia Cooperative Extension’s publication Creating Inviting Habitats suggests making a puddling area by placing a shallow dish at ground level and filling it with sand mixed with soil from your yard. By keeping it damp, you may see butterflies flock to this favorite spot.

With their famous tale of metamorphosis—one of the most amazing in the insect world—and with their vivid, winged wardrobes that the world’s top fashion designers cannot begin to pattern, butterflies deserve the grandest surroundings for their flamboyant flights in your garden. Cater to their refined tastes and your yard will become the Ritz-Carlton of the butterfly kingdom. ✦

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DESIGN color wheel

behind the wheel using color theory in design B Y P E R R Y PAY N E M I L L N E R

The great French painter Paul Gauguin late in life wrote, “Color! What a deep and mysterious language, the language of dreams.” Scientists and philosophers have worked for centuries to unlock the mysteries of color. The first known theory of color was Aristotle’s; he believed color to be “Sent by God from Heaven through celestial rays of light” (Smithsonian Libraries). In the early 1600s, Finnish astronomer Aron Sigfried Forsius developed the first diagrams visualizing relationships and mixtures of colors on a spectrum from red, yellow, green and blue to grey—each placed as closer to black or white. Later that century, Richard Waller devised a color matrix of 21 simple colors with examples of mixed pigments. r vhomemaga zine .com 29

In the 1660s, a very young Sir Isaac Newton—before he moved into studies of laws of motion, universal gravitation and the shape of the earth—contemplated the composition of color. Shining a beam of light through a prism in a darkened room, Newton found that white light refracted colors of the rainbow: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet. He found the makings of a rainbow; with his connection of violet at one end of his spectrum to red at the other end, the spectrum became a circle, and Newton’s color wheel was born.

A color theory primer

Color theory is the science underlying human perception and interpretation of color. The color wheel is an essential tool for understanding components and combinations of color. Primary colors red, blue and yellow are basic colors which cannot be broken down into simpler colors. Orange, green and purple are secondary colors, created by mixing two primary colors: red and blue yield purple; yellow and red make orange; blue and yellow create green. Intermediate or tertiary colors are created by mixing primary and secondary colors: Yellow-orange, redorange, red-purple, blue-purple, bluegreen, and yellow-green. In general, apply the 60-30-10 rule: one color is dominant and fills 60 percent of the space, often a neutral. The secondary color fills 30 percent, with the accent color rounding out the last 10.

Complementary colors: Red and green, purple and yellow, orange and blue—are directly across from each other on the color wheel; when mixed they cancel each other out and create black.

Cool and warm colors: Used to create mood in a room. Take the temperature of a room: warm colors are reds, oranges and yellows; cool colors are blues, greens and purples.

Neutrals: Beiges, greys, whites and blacks, often used for backgrounds to “ground” more vivid hues.

Tint: Lighting a color by adding white.

Shade: Darkening a color by adding black.

Tone: Lightly darkening a color by adding grey.

Bring order to the whole

The goal for successful design is harmony.

A harmonious color scheme is intentional 30

R o a n o ke Va l l e y H O M E S u m m e r 2 0 1 9

monochromatic

analogous

complementary

in design and chosen for aesthetic appeal.

Five color schemes produce harmony in design.

A monochromatic palette is one in which colors are created from tints of the same color, using black to darken or white to lighten. This palette is the simplest of schemes, often used in minimalist design.

An analogous scheme uses three colors next to each other on the color wheel, and delivers a peaceful, sophisticated and soulful vibe. Readily found in nature, analogous examples are autumn palettes of red, orange and yellow, and ocean blues and greens. A “high key” analogous scheme is achieved by adding white to the three colors. High key design is found often found in impressionist

split complementary

triadic

art where colors seems to ‘shimmer’ and ‘blur’ into each other, according to the Interaction Design Foundation.

A complementary scheme uses colors directly opposite each other on the color wheel, achieving high impact and energy. It is best to set off complementary colors as secondary against neutral walls and floor, to choose one accent color as predominant, with the other providing splashes of color. To ensure a cohesive look, follow the 60-30-10 rule: 60 percent neutral—walls and floor—30 percent secondary, and 10 percent for the splash.

In a kitchen, think all-white walls and counters, with teal blue leather barstools and coral barrel shades done up in linen overhead.

tetradic

square

Split-complementary or compound harmony uses the two adjacent colors to the complement: instead of choosing blue and orange, the designer would choose blue and red-orange and yellow-orange. It is best to use a more muted version of the primary color and make bolder choices with accent colors.

Triadic schemes use three colors equidistant on the wheel: violet, orange and green; red, yellow and blue; yelloworange, blue-green and red-violet. These schemes are bold and often found in children’s spaces; for a more grown-up feel palettes can be tempered by hue and tone.

Tetradic palettes impose an imaginary rectangle anywhere on the color wheel in any direction—two sets of complementary

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colors: think purple and blue-green plus yellow-green and red. This harmony is dramatic and rich with color, but can also get messy fast. Let one color dominate, and don’t be afraid to ground all that color with neutrals in the background.

Related to the rectangular tetradic scheme, a square scheme incorporates four colors equidistant on the wheel— perhaps purple, red-orange, yellow and teal. Again, be careful and don’t get gaudy!

Tread lightly and this time adapt that 6030-10 rule, splitting the last 10 percent between two colors.

In the mood

Designers who understand the psychology of color theory use it to establish the “mood” of a room. Red evokes power; orange is optimistic. Yellow feels joyous and optimistic, green is restorative and hopeful, blue is peaceful and purple is distinguished and creative. Think about how you want to feel in your kitchen, your office, your bedroom; let the color wheel guide you.

Stephen Sondheim’s glorious musical Sunday in the Park with George opens with the French pointillist George Seurat starting work on the canvas we’ve all seen—A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte in 1884: As the great Mandy Patinkin in the role of George sings, “The challenge: bring order to the whole—through design, composition, tension, balance, light and harmony.”

Here’s to harmony at home, and here’s to taking a spin on Isaac Newton’s color wheel. ✦ R o a n o ke Va l l e y H O M E S u m m e r 2 0 1 9

SIZING DOWN TO LIVE IT UP is downsizing right for you?

B Y C H A R LOT T E FA R L E Y

Most of us would love to be able to downsize our laundry piles, dress sizes, or credit card balances.

We know that we can achieve the goal of ‘less is more’ with hard work, determination, and dedication, but how do you go about downsizing your home? What makes someone choose to live with less in a smaller space, and is this something you should consider?

M

ercedes Mosby asked herself the same questions and ultimately chose to downsize.

“Although we had a beautiful home, it was too large for our needs, and we were at the stage in life where we needed to simplify our living arrangements.” She also wanted to have fewer expenses and less interior and exterior maintenance.

With that in mind, Mosby began looking for a home with substantially less square footage and a floor plan that featured main-level living.

People downsize for various reasons. Kylee de Pineda of Virginia Varsity Movers in Roanoke says that she works with “customers that are looking to get a bit more active in the downtown scene and want to move into a smaller apartment,”

adding that she also serves many elderly customers who are preparing to move to a retirement facility. Downsizing isn’t just for empty nesters or hipsters: you might choose to downsize in order to live closer to your family or to live in a dream location.

In a culture that equates square footage with success, downsizing might sound like a step backward, but for many, it’s a step forward. Certain benefits come with downsizing, many of which are financial. Downsizing is typically synonymous with a lower mortgage payment (along with smaller heating and electric bills). With less money going out, you can keep more money in.

Through downsizing, you can—in theory—take the money you were previously spending on maintaining, heating, cooling, and living in a larger home and put it towards retirement, debt, or savings.

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There are other highlights, too. Mosby has discovered that downsizing has provided more comfortable living (and she achieved her goal of having less upkeep with the new, smaller home). “We also discovered that our neighbors are similarly situated, and we share the convenience of downsized living,” she adds.

Of course, with anything in life, you should expect some challenges and hurdles. Mosby found that the disposal of excess furniture and furnishing (along with what she calls ‘accumulated and unnecessary belongings’) has been challenging.

She’s not alone; in fact, this seems to be the single biggest overall challenge. de Pineda adds “the biggest setback we see is a customer who has furniture that’s been in the family, passed down from generation to generation—and it’s really hard to get rid of some of those pieces, especially if you have children or nieces and nephews who want the family heirlooms.”

Beyond the dreaded tasks of cleaning kitchens and bathrooms and coordinating moving times, everything from selecting new furniture to family relationships can present challenges. To facilitate a trouble-free move, you might want to consider the services of a move manager.

Unlike a mover (who may simply come to your home, pack, and physically transport and move items), a move manager is responsible for the entire course of the move, working closely with customers to ensure convenience and to troubleshoot and handle problems that may arise. To become certified, move managers have to take an exam to obtain initial certification and complete continuing education to keep credentials current. Some may have the title CRTS (Certified Relocation and Transition Specialist), and others might be members of the National Association of Senior Move Managers (NASMM).

Linda Balentine, the certified move manager at Crowning Touch in Roanoke says her business is a “one stop shop for any senior that is downsizing. We do things for our clients that no one else in the community does.” Crowning Touch focuses on helping seniors (and downsizers) find new homes for their discarded belongings. In fact, Crowning Touch is the nation’s only moving company with a consignment shop, an auction house, and a real estate division. Crowning Touch even goes so far as to find homes for pets or houseplants that the senior can no longer care for. Additional services provided include—but are not limited to—hanging pictures and mirrors, connecting electronics, even moving the food in the refrigerator to the new residence! In fact, Linda goes on to point out, “we not only put the bed together, we make up the bed, and after a tiring day of moving, that is really helpful to our senior clients.”

Carole Cole, a move manager with Smooth Transitions in Blue Ridge, says a move manager removes “the barriers related to the relocation process for seniors and others—we do the work so you can start living in your new home rested and with a renewed outlook.” A move manager coordinates and oversees the preparation of the new space, working closely with family members and the client (if this is a senior move). The move manager will also schedule the movers, stage the new place to feel like home on moving day, and help the client decide what items they will take with them to their new home, as well as placement of furnishings and objects in the new place.

Ms. de Pineda’s group offers similar services and also helps coordinate furniture donations. “We have some customers who have family throughout the country, so we’ll hold pieces and ship R o a n o ke Va l l e y H O M E S u m m e r 2 0 1 9

them out when we have another shipment going in that direction,” she adds.

Mosby didn’t employ the use of a moving manager or specialist since she has had plenty of experience with moving and setting up homes herself. “As an interior designer, I have assisted clients with renovations, staging, and other design projects,” she explains, adding that she and her husband have moved and built houses of their own in the past. However, many people have never undertaken a project like this before, and as Cole has said, the process of moving can be overwhelming to someone who must plan for a smaller space and release treasures of a lifetime.

To determine if downsizing is the right move for you and your family, you’ll need to ask yourself some tough questions. In addition to considering how much you will have saved towards retirement, think about your current home: do you have enough space to care for an aging loved one, and could staircases pose a problem down the road? You might be able to stay right where you are, or you might need to consider a housing option that will be more conducive to a happy and enjoyable future.

Choosing to downsize doesn’t mean that you’re suddenly moving from a home akin to Kensington Palace and rushing head-first into the tiny house movement; it merely means that you’re choosing to step into the next part of your life in a new way that’s right for you. ✦

Future

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THE FERGUSON BATH, KITCHEN & LIGHTING GALLERY showroom in Roanoke recently underwent a large custom kitchen renovation in partnership with Ideal Cabinets. This truly innovative feature proudly displays a variety of brand-new highend appliances from prominent brands including Sub-Zero, Wolf, Cove and Thermador.

Along with the new kitchen, the Roanoke showroom showcases more lighting fixtures than ever before in a wide range of styles and price points to appeal to a wider clientele. The showroom also features plumbing displays that offer customers handson experience with the latest products in the industry.

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LIVE footware

active seniors, active footwear

put your best foot forward B Y K AT E E R I C S S O N

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R o a n o ke Va l l e y H O M E S u m m e r 2 0 1 9

There are many rites of passage in a person’s life that are met with great excitement and anticipation, such as obtaining a driver’s license or using a voting card for the first time. Receiving an application for the AARP when one is 50? Not so much. But with age comes benefits.

In our culture we generally define seniors as those falling in the 60-65-year range, the age set for many insurance benefits and tax breaks, not to mention discounts for entertainment and travel. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of people aged 65 or older will more than double by 2030, and ideas for improving the quality of life for those living longer means increasing activity. Yes, seniors can always pick up a prescription at the drugstore, but they can also use exercise as a prescription for a healthier and happier life.

What are active seniors up to these days? According to the National Institute on Aging, the best kinds of activities for seniors involve endurance, strength, balance, and flexibility. These favorite pastimes fit the bill: Playing ball

There has always been golf and tennis, but now there’s pickle ball! Pickle ball is a sport that keeps the basics of over-the-net court play but uses a hollowed and holey plastic ball—similar to a whiffle ball—and paddles instead of rackets for play on a badminton court. It’s easy to find a place to play in your area by going to usapa.org, the official site for pickleball enthusiasts.

Stretching with yoga or pilates

Yoga is gaining popularity with seniors. It extends the spine, limbers the body and improves blood flow to the brain, heart and circulation overall. Many gyms, community centers, and studios offer yoga (with props included) for older or less-flexible students.

For those who prefer to stretch, but not on the ground, chair yoga might be the perfect adaptation. Pilates is similar to yoga in that it stretches the spine and works towards muscle development and core strengthening. These are excellent practices for those with joint problems as these exercises can help improve posture.

Walking and hiking.

A stroll along the greenway or a hike on one of the many beautiful trails in our corner of the world is just a few short steps out the door. Hiking is a great way to enjoy the warm weather and, when done regularly, eases joint pain, boosts bone density, improves cardiovascular health and increases circulation. Doing it with other people? Even better!

Travel

Seniors have a plethora of travel adventures to choose from these days, from the loosely organized to highly curated. Hillwalk tours are self-guided walking tours through England, Scotland, Ireland and Spain where guests have multiple itinerary options.

Eldertreks is another company geared towards the adventurous senior. It is the world’s first adventure travel company designed exclusively for people 50 and over that offers active, off-thebeaten-path, small-group adventures by both land and sea in over 100 countries. Other more educational senior travel

companies include Exploritas (formerly known as Elderhostel), Road Scholar and Tauck Tours.

Proper footwear

Active seniors need proper footwear and the days of homely orthopedic footwear are gone. Shoe stores are now carrying comfort shoes for seniors that are stylish, functional and can be properly fitted by a professional. Seniors face specific challenges with their feet: feet lose cushioning as they age, and the skin and nails can grow dry and brittle. Many seniors have poor circulation, resulting in slower healing of foot sores. Specific problems that seniors might encounter are corns and calluses (extremely dangerous for people with diabetes), heel spurs (from being overweight), hammertoes (knuckle swelling from a toe that draws the toe back when there isn’t sufficient room for the toe to move), and ingrown toenails. Seniors with diabetes should be vigilant about even minor foot problems as the disease often damages blood vessels that feed the feet.

For Robyn Lewis of Fleet Feet in Roanoke, the fit is the thing.

“Think about your mattress. That’s the same thing with shoes.

We want a foundation that is supportive.” Fleet Feet employees are trained in a specific software called Fit ID: a device that analyzes the metrics of your feet, ankles, arches, and heels and is captured on screen (and saved for future shopping) in less than five minutes. From there, staff offer suggestions for customers that incorporate their unique foot measurements, fitness level, and exercise goals.

“As we age, our feet hurt. They may swell with exercise,” says Lewis. Fleet Feet staff work with medical referrals to help select inserts and compression socks. Ever community-minded, Robyn and Blaine Lewis have been offering running and walking programs to the community for years. These programs are open to runners and walkers of all abilities and age. “We have 70-yearolds running with our groups,” says Lewis.

Bush Flora in Roanoke also carries a wide selection of comfort footwear, though not necessarily geared for the runner. Artie Bush, Bush-Flora’s third-generation owner, travels bi-annually to the Atlanta Shoe Market to select the newest lines of footwear.

Some of the popular brands at Bush- Flora include Aetrex, Dansko, Drew, Ecco, Merrell, New Balance, Olukai and SAS. He and his staff have experience working with medical referrals for braces and orthotics and have a scanner for custom inserts.

r vhomemaga zine .com 39

Like Lewis at Fleet Feet, Bush believes in a good fit and uses a Brannock Device to that end. Active seniors need more support and Bush recommends replacing factory inserts with custom ones “to put a bounce in the step.” The shoes he carries offer multiple widths and sizes as well as deep toe boxes which allows for extra inserts.

He also has a colorful and stylish line of comfort, compression and diabetic socks by Sockwell. “They don't look like the white or black ones you buy at the drug store,” says Bush. Compression socks are excellent for poor circulation or other medical conditions that can cause your blood to pool, which leads to foot and leg swelling, fatigue, and pain. Diabetic socks, on the other hand, are loose. The line at Bush Flora comes in stripes and patterns and look like any other athletic sock.

Regardless of your leisure or active pursuits, make strides to start with the correct footwear to ensure comfort and flexibility. Seniors can put their best feet forward by making sure they are wearing correctly fitted shoes as they lead balanced, happy and active lifestyles. ✦

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STUFFED PEPPERS WITH TURKEY AND VEGETABLES 4 SERVINGS

Red bell peppers are loaded with antioxidants called carotenoids. Plant pigments found in bright red, yellow and orange fruits and vegetables, carotenoids have anti-inflammatory properties and also stabilize blood sugar levels and lower insulin resistance, which prevents calories from being converted into fat.

Watercress is a spicy, peppery herb that is remarkably nutrient-dense.

It is a good source of calcium, potassium, manganese, phosphorus and Vitamins A, C, K, B-1, and B-2. It increases circulation and delivers minerals to all cells of the body: all that vitamin A and C helps to keep fine lines and wrinkles away! Add a handful to your green salads, or toss some on a stuffed pepper for a little brightness and crunch.

4 seeded red bell peppers, with tops removed and reserved for filling 1 pound ground turkey 2 T olive oil 1/2 sweet onion, diced 1–2 cloves minced garlic 1 c sliced mushrooms 1 zucchini, diced

1/2 green bell pepper, diced 1 c fresh spinach 1 (14.5 ounces) can diced tomatoes, drained 2 T tomato paste 2 t Italian seasoning salt and pepper to taste Parmesan and/or Mozzarella cheese to taste 1 large handful of watercress Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Place the red peppers in a baking dish and cover with aluminum foil. Bake 15 minutes.

Remove from oven and set aside.

While peppers are baking, cook the turkey in a skillet over medium heat until brown. Remove the turkey from the pan. Heat the olive oil in the same skillet and then add the onion, mushrooms, zucchini, green pepper, and reserved red pepper tops which have been diced. Cook until vegetables are softened—about 5-7 minutes. Add spinach and saute until it begins to wilt.

Stir in tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes to blend flavors, stirring occasionally.

Stuff peppers with the turkey/ vegetable mixture. Top with cheese of your choice. Return peppers to the oven and bake for about 15 minutes until heated through and cheese is melted.

Top with watercress.

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SAUTEED BROCCOLI WITH PINE NUTS SERVES 4-6 AS A SIDE DISH

Broccoli is a good source of lutein, vitamin K and calcium, all of which improve memory function and as bone health, and help prevent osteoporosis.

1 head broccoli 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced 2 T olive oil 1/4 c pine nuts 1 t crushed red pepper juice from 1/2 lemon 1/2 t salt

In a medium bowl, mix mango, papaya, red bell pepper, avocado, sweet onion, cilantro, and balsamic vinegar. Season with salt and pepper.

Cover, and chill at least 30 minutes before serving.

Finely chop the broccoli florets and stems.

Heat a pan over medium-high heat and when it’s hot, add olive oil and the pine nuts and garlic. Stir constantly until lightly toasted—watch carefully as they can burn easily. Add the crushed red pepper and the chopped broccoli. Sauté on medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes until broccoli is bright green and barely softened.

Transfer to a serving bowl and add the juice of 1/2 lemon and salt. Stir and serve warm (adapted from Genius Kitchen.com).

MANGO PAPAYA SALSA 2-3 CUPS SALSA

1 mango, peeled, seeded and diced 1 papaya, peeled, seeded and diced 1 large red bell pepper seeded and diced 1 avocado, peeled, pitted and diced 1/2 sweet onion, peeled and diced 2 T chopped fresh cilantro 2 T balsamic vinegar salt and pepper to taste

Papaya is a superfood that shares many of the health benefit and nutrition profile of watercress. Its antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals help to improve skin elasticity and minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Enjoy papaya in a fruit salad, smoothie, or salsa that complements grilled chicken, fish, or Mexican dishes.

BERRY AND SPINACH SMOOTHIE SERVES 2

Blueberries help prevent premature aging in many ways. They are rich in antioxidants and help the body eliminate toxins.

This smoothie combines sweet berries with spinach, another superfood that promotes strong, shiny hair and firm skin.

2/3 c frozen blueberries 2 large frozen strawberries 1 small ripe banana (or 1/2 large) 1 c spinach 1/2 c milk (dairy, coconut, soy, almond) or unsweetened Greek yogurt 2 t protein powder or collagen powder 1 T honey or sweetener if desired Blend all ingredients on high in a blender. Add ice, more milk or sweetener if desired. Pour into two glasses. ✦

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GARDEN tomatoes

garden stars

HOMEGROWN TOMATOES

BY S LOA N E LU C A S

Tomatoes are the passion of many a home gardener. Once you’ve gotten a taste for homegrown tomatoes fresh off the vine, it’s hard to go back to the supermarket produce rack. There’s no reason to settle for bland, homogenous grocery choices when you can grow a wide assortment of flavorful varieties at home.

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Assessing space

Before you can choose your tomato varieties, you need to assess options for where to plant. Tomatoes are flexible and can be grown in the ground, in raised beds, or in containers. But they do require a certain depth of soil, and most importantly, tomato plants need at least eight hours of full sun. It doesn't have to be eight straight hours, though—it can be broken up into morning and afternoon hours.

If you have a large backyard with a sunny area, you can plant directly into the ground or build a raised bed, which is a great way to control soil composition. If not, look for an area with enough sun, even the patio, or driveway, and plan to use containers.

Tomato varieties

There are two major types of tomatoes: determinate and indeterminate. Determinates grow to a certain size, bear fruit, and then stop growing and producing. They are perfect for smaller or medium-sized containers. An indeterminate will continue to grow, flower and bear fruit until frost or disease kills them, so it’s great for planting in the ground, raised beds or larger containers.

As for varieties of tomatoes, visit your local garden center to see what choices are available. Be adventurous! Shop around for the greatest variety. Most garden stores will have a selection of disease-resistant hybrids as well as a few tender but delicious heirlooms. Read the descriptions of each variety, paying attention to whether it’s determinate or indeterminate, and the length of time from planting to harvest.

Select a range of plants, from early harvest varieties like Early Girl, to later, larger heirlooms like the classic Brandywine. And choose both more robust hybrids and more delicate heirlooms to hedge your bets. If bad weather wipes out your more tender varieties, you may still have your hardier plants. However, you should make your selection based on where you can grow them.

If all you have is medium-sized containers, you may not be able to grow larger varieties. But if you have a lot of space or larger containers, you can choose almost anything.

While selecting your tomatoes, buy some companion plants as well. Basil is a traditional companion plant because the fruit and herb go well together in myriad dishes. But you can also grow flowers like marigold, which helps repel insects and provides a sharp burst of color to make your containers pop in summer. Or slip in a few pepper plants like jalapeños to plan for fresh salsa later in the season.

Where to plant

When it comes to soil depth, the bare minimum you can get away with for tomatoes to ensure solid root growth is 10 inches deep, in either a container or raised bed. Planting a full foot is better, but the deeper the roots, the larger the fruit will grow, so always try to give your plants the maximum space possible.

Additionally, the larger the container—or the more substantial the area you can plant in—the less watering is needed.

If you have tillable garden space, you can put your seedlings right into the ground. You should loosen the soil to a depth of about six inches, working with soil that is slightly damp but not wet, and mix it with compost and fertilizer as you till.

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If you have the means and the energy, consider building some raised beds to allow for better soil control and minimal weeding. Make sure the sides of the raised bed will allow for at least 10 inches to a foot of soil, and fill it with highquality container soil, including compost and fertilizer. Raised beds will still need watering, but they will require less tending and weeding.

If you have no garden space to dedicate, no worries.

Containers are fantastic for growing tomatoes and can be set up wherever you have enough sun. You can buy large, decorative pots, and combine with basil, marigold and pepper plants to make a decorative but (mostly) edible arrangement.

You can also buy larger elevated beds, like the popular VegTrug, that provide deep soil, but at waist level, which makes for easy gardening. Just make sure to keep them watered.

When and how to plant

The generally accepted date to begin planting in Virginia is after April 15. That’s historically the last date for any hard frost that might kill your seedlings.

Gardeners who are willing to cover their seedlings with burlap or plastic in the event of a frost can get a jump on the season and plant a few weeks early.

When it comes time to plant, you can give your seedlings a head start with a few easy tricks and tips. You should “harden off” seedlings for a few days by letting them stay outside during the day, but bringing them in at night. That will acclimate them before they are planted.

Tomatoes will grow roots from anywhere on the stem.

That means you can plant leggy seedlings horizontally with the top peeking out of the dirt. The roots will start to grow off the stem, and give your plants a great head start. Plant on a day where the weather is mild. Not too hot, not too cold, not too R o a n o ke Va l l e y H O M E S u m m e r 2 0 1 9

windy and not too sunny. A calm, overcast day is ideal.

After planting, water them generously, and then keep the soil moist throughout the season. Tomato plants that are subjected to uneven watering, with extreme wet and dry periods, can develop blossom end rot, where fruits have black bottoms. Aim to keep soil moisture as even as possible.

You should also fertilize, starting when the first fruits set and continuing about every two weeks throughout the season.

Enjoying the harvest

When the first fruits turn red, it's time to enjoy the harvest. One delicious way to eat your homegrown tomatoes is sliced with fresh basil, balsamic vinegar and fresh mozzarella for a Caprese salad.

You can chop tomatoes with basil, red onion and balsamic and serve on a sliced baguette for a tangy bruschetta. Or chop with cilantro, red onion and jalapeño and serve with tortilla chips for Salsa Fresca.

You’ll be amazed how fresh and flavorful your own harvest will be—making it well worth the effort of planting and nurturing your own. ✦

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More Really is More!

BETTY LOU AND DICK KIENLE RE-THINK THEIR DECISION TO DOWNSIZE

BY N O E L L E M I L A M Photography by Kevin Hurley

What happens when retirees downsize… and then realize that downsizing just isn’t for them? Five years ago, retirees Betty Lou and Dick Kienle decided to sell their large family home in South Roanoke. They planned to get out from under the burdens of their big house and yard and settle in a low-maintenance condo where they could gracefully age in place in the same neighborhood where they’d raised their family, surrounded by lifelong friends.

According to plan, Betty Lou and Dick found a fantastic condo—one that had easy accessibility for occasional mobility issues and convenient access to all the amenities the neighborhood has to offer. The only problem? A year in, Dick realized that he didn’t love living in a condo; in fact, he hated it. “He was miserable,” Betty Lou recalls, “Dick is a person who loves a house and a yard. He missed having those things, and he missed the views of surrounding mountains we’d had when we lived in a house.”

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So one day three years into the Kienle’s adventure in downsizing, as Betty Lou was preparing to leave for a trip, Dick casually mentioned that a stunning mid-century modern home that he’d had his eye on for years was going on the market. Did she want to go look at it with him before she left? “Well I agreed to go look,” says Betty Lou, “but as we walked into the house, we realized that you entered on the ground floor but all the living quarters were upstairs.” Knowing that her husband had significant mobility issues, Betty Lou waved off the house with a laugh. “I told him, ‘Oh too bad Dick. We couldn’t consider this house. You’d need an elevator to live here!’” The house did have panoramic mountain views and was built just up the mountain from where their original home had been. Dick was entranced, but according to Betty Lou, it was absolutely out of the question. The home was entirely unsuitable for a couple planning to age in place. Betty Lou remembers teasing Dick gently for his folly—entertaining the thought of second-floor living, at their stage of life?

Dick saw her off on her trip, and when she called the next day to let him know she’d arrived safely, he had some news of his own. Betty Lou recalls the conversation with a laugh, “Dick said to me, ‘Thanks for calling. I’m glad you’re safe… Oh, and by the way BL, I bought that house.’ So that’s how I found out!”

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Pecky cypress paneling in the den is painted a soft white.

A fungus found in the bald cypress tree, also referred to as swamp cypress, causes the attractive holes and grooves in the wood.

After many years of marriage, Betty Lou understood that Dick had been disappointed in their condo decision, despite how well suited it was to their age and stage of life. So with the experience that comes from a long, successful marriage, Betty Lou accepted the decision graciously. She then set about planning extensive changes to Dick’s hillside idyll, making sure it would be suitable for them—both at their current stage of life and looking forward as they grew older.

The home sits atop a steep driveway and is literally built into the mountain and surrounded by old trees. Local architect Ed Maxie, who constructed several similar mid-century homes in the area, built the house in 1954. It’s hard to imagine one with a more heavenly setting. And, despite the plunging driveway, the large porte-cochere and paved parking area provide ample (and covered) space for unloading passengers and parking multiple vehicles. The surrounding yard, featured during Historic Garden Tour last month, is an ingenious design of terraced lowmaintenance shrubs and trees and effortlessly conveys the feel of a woodland garden—no mowing required. A tranquil fountain, quietly bubbling over in a square of creeping jenny can be seen as guests approach the house, giving the sense of green ground cover without the maintenance of lawns.

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A wet bar with granite countertops and pecky cypress cabinetry is tucked behind the wraparound fireplace.

The gracious ground-floor entry opens into a comfortable sitting area with inviting upholstered chairs oriented towards a masonry fireplace, painted black to contrast with the whitewashed, “Pecky Cypress” paneling. Betty Lou explains that the renovations were extensive and touched every room of the house. “My husband has some trouble walking,” Betty Lou explains, “so in doing the house, we kept in mind the potential need for wheelchair accessibility.

We widened all the doorways all the way through, and we did put in that elevator.”

She gestures to a tidy little closet to the right of the front door that when opened, contains an ingenious personal-sized elevator. “I call it the Human Dumbwaiter,” jokes Betty Lou. To install the elevator, the Keinles had to borrow space from two bedrooms, one upstairs and one downstairs, but it gives Dick easy access to both floors of his home.

Walt Derey of Pitman Construction Company was the builder tasked with helping the Kienles renovate their new home, and he recalls that retrofitting the space for an elevator shaft was critical to making the house work for Dick and Betty Lou. “The house itself was set up pretty well for an elevator shaft,” recalls Walt, “and that was key. It definitely made the house exceedingly livable for a couple planning to age in place.”

Passing through the entry and its adjacent sitting area, we come to the room Betty Lou calls “The Man Cave,” Dick’s home office.

This light, airy room seems undeserving of the word “cave,” as it contains a wall of floor to ceiling windows overlooking the Keinle’s beautiful side yard, providing an unobstructed view of the meandering path from the back patio above to the fountain below. It’s a bright and open-feeling space, with light-colored floors, a desk and workspace flanked on one side by custom built-in bookcases, and on the other by a mirror-lined bar space built into a niche in the wall.

The Kienles have ample room for guests, which is a good thing as their daughters and grandchildren visit often. In addition to the downstairs guest rooms, there are an additional pair of guest rooms upstairs, plus a master suite. The Kienles redid all the floors on both levels of the home, choosing light colored stain and tile. “You might notice that we don’t have many area rugs,” Betty Lou points out, “They can be a trip hazard. We also left larger than normal passthroughs between furniture.” A clear, open floor plan, with adequate clearance between furniture and easy, direct paths through

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Dick Kienle chose a circular sleek and contemporary light fixture that appears to hover over the stairwell.

rooms, are a hallmark of “Universal Design”—a design process which aims to make spaces accessible to everyone regardless of disability, age, or other factors which might limit an individual’s ability to function normally. The Keinles knew that for them to successfully live in and enjoy this home for the foreseeable future, it needed to incorporate many elements of Universal Design.

Betty Lou’s favorite addition is without question the whole house generator they had installed prior to moving in. Having lived in this neighborhood for decades, they knew the tendency— especially up on the mountain—to lose electricity at what seems to be the slightest breeze and took steps to ensure that their house would have a reliable power supply no matter what.

In addition to widening all the doorways, installing an elevator, and creating rooms without trip hazards and with wide, unobstructed paths, they also renovated both bathrooms to be 52

handicapped accessible, including multiple grab rails, elevated fixtures, and accessible showers. Though neither of the Kienles uses a wheelchair, they’ve planned ahead in their home’s design for that possibility.

Climbing the stairs towards the main living area, the eye is drawn instantly to a large, circular light fixture above. “That’s Dick’s,” explains Betty Lou, “my husband has exquisite taste in light fixtures, and he picked that out himself.” The light is reflected and magnified in a large, ornate mirror hanging at the top of the stairs—a treasured wedding gift to Betty Lou’s grandparents back in 1901. She also points out the wallpaper, which at first glance appears to be white with a small pattern, but at closer inspection mimics the bark of a birch tree.

While putting in an elevator didn’t pose too many problems, opening up the living room and dining room was perhaps the R o a n o ke Va l l e y H O M E S u m m e r 2 0 1 9

The master bath shower has a curb-less entry for continued ease and accessibility in the future.

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A Parallam beam was installed from exterior wall to exterior wall allowing the living area to be open and feature the expansive mountain views.

biggest challenge that Walt Derey and the Keinles encountered.

The rooms were divided by a load-bearing wall that had once been a cabinet containing the dated HiFi system requisite in the 60s. Betty Lou wanted the space to be completely open, and this necessitated some serious engineering. “To get rid of the stereo closet, we needed something that would bear that load;” explains Walt, “we settled on a Parallam beam, an exceptionally strong engineered wood beam, that would run from exterior wall to exterior wall. It was quite a feat getting that thing in there, but it was worth it. The space looks amazing. I give a lot of credit to Betty Lou’s great ideas and excellent taste. We feel lucky to be able to execute her vision.”

The open concept living/dining room is decorated with a mixture of contemporary pieces, such as the clear Lucite dining room chairs and the sleek, modern L-shaped sofa and drum chairs and family antiques—a china cabinet belonging to Betty Lou’s mother, an antique secretary desk and a sterling tea service.

Mounted above the sofa is an enormous set of elk antlers. “Oh, that?” Betty Lou laughs, gesturing at the antlers, “Those were 5 4

purchased a long time ago by an old girlfriend of Dick’s at an auction at the Astor Bar. Supposedly, Roosevelt shot the elk.”

Every piece has a story and a purpose, mementos of lives welllived. “This house is definitely a conglomeration of all the houses we’ve lived in over the years,” explains Betty Lou, “It’s just a combination of stuff from our lives.” Betty Lou credits daughter Tayloe, now a designer and gallery owner out of Jackson Hole, Wyoming with some of the design. It was a real highlight for mother and daughter to collaborate on a project like this.

The real show-stopper, however, is the panoramic view of the mountains seen from the expansive wall of west-facing windows.

The house was designed and situated to take the best advantage of the stunning views and sunsets, whether viewed from the living room, dining room, or wrap-around balcony. The ceiling of the vaulted living room was redone and covered with wood, which the Kienles had painted a fresh, clean white, the far wall was papered with a whimsical forest botanical pattern, complete with insects, birds, and even an owl or two. “That wallpaper is my favorite thing in here. Isn’t it wonderful?” says Betty Lou, R o a n o ke Va l l e y H O M E S u m m e r 2 0 1 9

The darker stain and high gloss polyurethane on the center island wood surface complements the white cabinetry and granite countertops.

“It makes me feel like we live in our very own treehouse.”

The adjoining kitchen is a large and elegant eat-in kitchen with custom cabinetry and ample granite-clad counter space, surrounding a generously-sized island. Betty Lou says that she was relieved that they didn’t have to do much to the kitchen during their other renovations.

“The layout of the kitchen was basically a good one—it worked,” explains Betty Lou, “So all we really did was have the cabinets painted and the island re-stained.”

That sounds like no big deal, but those particular jobs became some of the biggest headaches of the whole renovation process according to Betty Lou. The cabinets were painted with some sort of enamel, and the new paint wouldn’t adhere correctly, causing no end of frustration. “I couldn’t put things away for the longest time,” recalls Betty Lou, “and then, when I could, I was so afraid to do anything that would make the paint come off again.” The island top was actually not granite like the surrounding counters, but rather a darkstained wood—a challenge since there is a cooktop installed in it. Unsurprisingly, there were several scorch marks in the stain. Betty Lou had originally wanted the island to have a light colored stain but was cautioned that this would make it difficult to hide the scorches, even after sanding them down; she went ahead and agreed to the darker stain. It matches the countertops on the perimeter of the kitchen, and now that the island is stained, and sealed with multiple layers of polyurethane, she admits it was the right way to go. It looks perfect.

The size of the kitchen and the large eat-in area, complete with a small sitting area is perfect for these busy retirees. “We entertain often,” explains Betty Lou, “ not a lot of people at a time, but smaller groups.

We have family here, obviously, but also my bridge club, and lots of friends over for drinks.” The kitchen’s size and the fact that it opens onto the living room/dining room makes it ideal for entertaining, and thanks to their careful renovations, the Kienles will likely be entertaining here for a long time to come.

The kitchen overlooks and opens onto a sunny patio and deck area which Betty Lou has comfortably furnished with colorful, mid-century style outdoor furniture. The terraced area is perfect for evening cookouts, or entertaining people…or bears. “Yes! We do have

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a neighborhood bear,” laughs Betty Lou, “Last summer he came right down from the neighbor’s yard looking for food. Dick and I were sitting out on the balcony having a drink, and I looked out and saw him, and immediately thought that’s the biggest damn dog I’ve ever seen! We watched him meander through our yard, down the hill, and on across the street.”

All in all, the Kienle’s “treehouse” feels like a house that people enjoy themselves in, whether family, friends or even the occasional bear. It’s clear that this didn’t happen by accident; it is evident in the thoughtful way each room in the house has been put together.

The home exudes a welcoming sort of comfort in its open spaces and inviting rooms and a lighthearted approach to decorating that both honors the past in the many souvenirs they’ve collected throughout their lives, and in its whimsical details such as the treehousethemed wallpaper. “It’s a fun house,” says Betty Lou, “We really love it here.” Dick and Betty Lou Kienle may not have been a good fit for condo-style downsizing, but together they’ve created something beautifully suited to them: a house surrounded by nature, that will age gracefully with them while keeping them close to the people they care about the most. ✦

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LIVE tools for seniors

gadgets, gizmos & whatchamacallits ADVANCES AND ASSISTS FOR 2019

BY AMELIA POORE

Seniors today are working longer, harder, and smarter than any generation before them. A significant part of this new era of senior living is technology, both at home and on the go. From smartphones and watches to ridesharing and home security, today’s seniors can (and do!) use technology to live their best lives.

In 2000, only around 14 percent of senior citizens had internet service in their homes. Today, over 67 percent of adults over 65 have an internet connection, and many are accessing the internet away from home, using smartphones and watches. In the past, internet connectivity at home was tied to a telephone line and allowed seniors to have access to services such as home security and in-house monitoring such as LifeAlert, but only inside their homes. Now, most people are receiving internet separate from a landline, which can save money and often provides a more reliable signal. This disconnect also allows seniors to take the security and monitoring services they’ve used for decades outside their home. Home security devices like

motion-sensing doorbell monitors and other security cameras are easily accessible from your smartphone or tablet. The monitoring brand SkyBell is compatible with both Amazon’s Alexa and Google Home for those that use a smart speaker or “voice assistant” as they’re frequently called now. Smartwatches such as the Apple Watch can carry the protection (once covered

by LifeAlert) anywhere you can use a cellular signal. Even more, Apple Watches now operate as ECG monitor, meaning the newest Apple Watches are also capable of detecting a heart attack.

Smartphones such as the iPhone and Samsung Galaxy are now the most popular cell phones in the world. Indeed, the ability to communicate via telephone, text, or email at the touch of an onscreen button is convenient and amazing at the same time. However, smartphones can offer seniors in particular much more than just communication with loved ones. Applications, or “apps,” open up a world of possibilities for everyone, including seniors. Some provide services like medication reminders, doctors on demand, online banking, and even magnifiers for

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BRING YOUR GAME

ST AT E G A M E S O FA M E R I C A . C O M As host state, anyone in Virginia can participate

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when reading glasses are left at home. Many airlines and Amtrak also have apps to make long-distance traveling easier for users.

If Apple and Samsung options are too complicated for your taste or needs, Jitterbug now makes the Smart2, which features a larger screen, long-lasting battery, and a 5Star Urgent Response button in case of emergency. The Smart2 is designed for the most natural orientation for consumers who haven’t used a smartphone before or haven’t enjoyed the ones they’ve used in the past. The Smart2’s primary selling point is a thoughtfully simplified menu that lists the phone’s functions in an easy-toread list on the home screen as opposed to the picture icons used by other smartphones. Also, like other Jitterbug products, the Smart2 is much less costly than other smartphone brands while still providing internet, email, text, camera, and map services.

Ridesharing apps such as Uber and Lyft provide taxi-like service, with much more convenience. Both services show the user an in-app map that displays the available vehicles in the area. Once a ride is requested, the user is given the driver’s name, picture, car model, and license plate. One can track the driver’s location, contact the driver, and see a continuously updated ETA. All rides are paid for within the app, and tips are added as an option after transportation is complete, as well as the opportunity to rate your driver and leave comments.

Any incidents or displeasure the rider experiences are easily reported within the app and users may be issued refunds if their experience isn’t up to the standards of the company.

Apart from smartphones and other devices, gadgets such as mechanized can and jar openers, large button remote controls, grabber reachers, and magnetic pick-up tools, electronic corkscrews, and flexible mini-LED lights make daily tasks easier for everyone. In fact, with the higher population of seniors due to the Baby Boomer generation, the amount and variety of mobility, vision, and hearing devices available have skyrocketed while the prices of many items have dropped. For example, on Amazon. com a very highly-rated grabber reacher tool sells for around $15–$18. A wireless key finder sells for approximately $20. A wireless LED light for reading is less than $10. These devices are priced for any budget and make tasks like reading, cooking, and traveling much safer and more comfortable for seniors.

As we age, many of us become uncomfortable driving due to vision, hearing, or mobility issues. To some, losing the ability to drive can seem like the end of independent living. However, there are now many services available via the internet that allow living independently possible even without a car. Food delivery subscription services such as Hello Fresh and Blue Apron provide customers with fresh, pre-measured ingredients and recipes for a set number of meals every week. There is an abundant variety of these food services, each setting themselves apart by catering to consumers with specific dietary needs, including diabetes, food allergies, as well as a vegetarian or vegan diet. Some allow customers to select their meals and some provide the option of surprising you. Many people choose to use this service for part of the week, and some use it every day.

Locally, FPS in Roanoke and Salted Chef in Lynchburg offer two wholly different meal prep solutions. FPS is affiliated with the delivery service Grub Hub for much less cost than many other services. They also offer a takeout option to save even more money. Salted Chef also offers meal prep; however, their personal chefs travel to your home and create a meal in your kitchen. Salted Chef also provides an online menu of dishes that R o a n o ke Va l l e y H O M E S u m m e r 2 0 1 9

accommodate dairy-free, vegetarian, paleo, and gluten-free diets to name a few. Kroger also offers delivery through online orders over $35 for a $4.99 service fee. Just log onto Kroger’s delivery website and start shopping.

Additionally, the Amazon Prime subscription delivery service provides its users with practically immediate delivery of everything from groceries to, well, basically anything you can imagine!

Technology has made certain parts of all our lives more convenient, but for some, this convenience is overshadowed by a steep learning curve. Fortunately, all of these sensational devices come with the old standard: a manual detailing exactly how to use your new apparatus. Additionally, many tech companies provide “real people” in their customer service departments who are trained to help all users overcome their “technical difficulties.” With a little bit of patience and just a few clicks, anyone can learn to use the technology and/or gadgetry to achieve optimal convenience and lifestyle. ✦

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DESIGN hanging art

getting the hang of it HOW TO HANG ART PROPERLY

C

BY A LYS SA M ERC A DA NTE

hoosing artwork for your home is mainly about personal preference and depends on what kind of unique look you are going for. Do you want decorative pieces that contain just the right colors for a particular room, or are you looking to make a statement by featuring an individual artist or subject matter? There is no wrong or right answer here as long as you love it; there is, however, a proper way to hang the artwork you choose. Follow these simple guidelines to avoid making common picture-hanging mistakes.

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Some blunders that people frequently make include hanging art too high or too low, placing artwork in such a way that is not proportional to the space, or hanging too many pieces together in a grouping or space.

Pam Fridley, the owner of The Little Gallery in Roanoke knows a thing or two, or a million, about art.

“There are a lot of mistakes that can happen when hanging art,” she says. “Art that is not hung properly can’t be unseen and will give the viewer a negative feeling. They won’t see the art— only that there is something not right about it, and they don’t really know why.”

Spatial technique is an essential aspect of hanging art to keep the correct ratio of art to wall space. Doing so will prevent the space from looking either overwhelmed or underwhelmed.

“We typically recommend that a buyer purchase artwork that will cover two-thirds to three-quarters of the available wall space,” Fridley says. She finds the following range of measurements will look very proportional to the space: n Measure the length and width of your available wall space.

(Available wall space refers to the blank area you want to fill that is not covered by furniture, molding, etc.) n Multiply the width by .57 and .75. n Multiply the length by .57 and .75. n The result gives you a range of measurements that will ensure the correct size of artwork in the space.

The next consideration is figuring out where to place the hardware to guarantee the artwork is not hung too high or low.

One basic rule to follow when hanging a single work of art is to place the center of the piece at eye level. People shouldn’t have to strain themselves to view artwork. To find out where exactly to

install your hook or hanger on the wall, Fridley takes us step-bystep: n First, measure the distance between the hardware that’s on the back of the piece to the top of the frame. n Then, locate the vertical center of the artwork by measuring the height of the artwork and dividing that in half. n Third, locate the horizontal center of the wall space and place a pencil mark at eye level, roughly 64 inches from the floor. n Finally, the hanger or hook location = (C + B) – A. The bottom/ crook of the hanger or hook should rest here.

If hanging the artwork above a piece of furniture--such as a sofa, console table or headboard—the artwork width should measure two-thirds to three-quarters of the width of the piece of furniture. The bottom of the artwork should rest six to twelve inches from the top of the furniture piece.

Groupings of work are a little more challenging to deal with than a single wall hanging. For the most effective presentation, Fridley believes in grouping together pieces of similar artwork, such as black and white photographs or small paintings with a similar look and feel.

“The objective is to create unity within the grouping,” she says.

“The more elements that repeat, the more unified the grouping will look.”

When designing the grouping, the outer shape of the whole should follow the format of the wall and the same angle as the ceiling. For example, the outer shape should typically be rectangular, triangular, square, or oval, and all of the individual pieces should be hung close enough together—and also evenly spaced—so the viewer can see the outer shape when standing back from it.

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“Eliminate any element from the grouping that attracts too much attention to itself,” Fridley says.

“This will not be very appealing.

Also, even numbers make a great display, but I think odd numbers in a grouping provides more options to work with.”

Treat all of the pieces together as one whole piece of artwork when figuring out hanging dimensions.

As far as proper tools and implements go, the following are recommended items to have handy before you begin to hang your art: n Hammer n Level (a carpenters level is fine, but a laser level is best) n 25-foot measuring tape n Locking pliers and needle-nose or regular pliers n Screwdrivers—Phillips head and straight n Electric drill You will also need suitable hanging devices, which vary widely depending on how large or small the artwork is. The most common method is to suspend the art from

a D-ring, wire, or bracket that is attached to the back of the wall art and then hung from a j-hook. These options are best for framed works or creating a gallery wall. For weighty pieces, use multiple suspension points.

Choose a hook that is appropriate for the size and weight of the art piece. Most standard hangers come in sizes that can hold five, 10, 50 and 100 pounds of weight. On larger pieces, use two hangers to ensure stability. If looking for a short-term solution, command strips can be used in instances where wall art is lightweight, unframed, and will not be permanent.

Artwork can be the most expressive element in your home; it conveys a feeling and sets the tone of the entire space. Follow these tips to avoid falling prey to some of the most common design mistakes and achieve artful, amazing results. ✦

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KATHI HUFNAGEL (RIGHT) AT A FAMILY PROMISE OF GREATER ROANOKE VOLUNTEER TRAINING MEETING.

A NEW STEP IN TIME new purpose, new condo, Roanoke is now home for Maryland couple

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BY C H U C K TAY LO R

etirement in 2019 is poles apart from its connotation in 1999… or 2009, for that matter. The days of lackadaisically whiling away the hours, puttering around the yard and playing bridge with the Browns on Wednesday nights are as quaint—and antiquated—as black and white television.

If anything, the so-called golden years bring new purpose and sometimes even a different destination to call home. Kathi Hufnagel lived in

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Maryland all of her life, teaching pre-school for four decades in Montgomery Village. Three years ago, she opted to relocate to Roanoke, where her daughter has lived for nearly 20 years. “It was time to go in a different direction,” she tells HOME. “I loved my job but I woke up one day and thought, maybe I’ve had enough; I’m too old to do this anymore. My husband and I got rid of a lot of junk, sold the big house and moved into a 2-bedroom condo—and we love it.”

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But resettling certainly did not mean settling down for Hufnagel. She now leads the Family Promise of Greater Roanoke initiative at her church, Raleigh Court United Methodist. Its charter “empowers homeless families with children to achieve sustainable independence through a community-based response.” Founded in 1997, the program has assisted 363 families, comprising 573 adults and 656 children, while it provides full-time case management in employment, housing and education amid a sweeping effort to return families to independence. Family Promise includes participation from 28 congregations and more than 1,000 volunteers in the Roanoke Valley.

Hufnagel offers, “I feel very wedded to this effort. My daughter hates when retired people say, ‘I am busier now than when I worked,’ but it’s busy in a different way. ‘Retirement’ certainly is an out-ofdate term.”

A recent NPR piece explains that the definition of “retirement” since its earliest English use in 1536 has undergone substantial evolution.

According to Katherine Martin, head of U.S. dictionaries at Oxford University Press, “Retirement originally referred to withdrawal or retreat in a military context. By the early 17th century, it had taken on new meaning, referring to the state of living apart from society in seclusion. Then, by the middle of the 18th century, the use that is now most familiar became common, referring to the action of leaving office, employment or service, especially due to age."

Adding to the discussion, financial writer Kerry Hannon, in her 2012 book, Great Jobs for Everyone 50+, quips, "I think the word 'retired' needs to be retired. Baby boomers are either continuing to work much longer or approaching work not as an afterthought, but as a pillar of their retirement plans, as oxymoronic as that sounds. Today's 60-year-old might reasonably plan to work at least part-time for another 15 years For many retirees, working in retirement is quickly becoming a new stage in career progression."

‘The Other Side Of The River’

Hufnagel certainly did not expect to begin this new chapter in Virginia. As a life-long Maryland resident, she explains with a laugh, “I have two children and when they both wanted to go to Virginia r vhomemaga zine .com 65

colleges—one to JMU and one to Radford—I said, ‘Yes, you may go to a Virginia school, but you may not marry anyone on that side of the Potomac River.’” One did; curses…her daughter married a Roanoker! When they then had their first child, Hufnagel frequently visited the Star City, and for 20 years, she admits, “I really liked Roanoke.” Now, after being a resident for three years, “I go back to Maryland and it’s so full of so many people and it feels crowded. I like the fact that here it is not packed with hundreds of people everywhere you go.” While her daughter’s children are now grown, the daughter still travels a great deal, giving grandmom the opportunity to be consistently present in their lives.

Like so many retirees, Hufnagel’s renewed sense of purpose came from an unexpected place, as she aligned her interests with resources around town—including finding an inviting congregation at Raleigh Court United Methodist Church.

When first approached about taking on an active role with its participation in Family Promise, she hesitated. Hufnagel concedes, “When my church offered me this job, I said, ‘I’m terrified of these people; no, it’s not for me.’ But then I thought about it; I saw that clients are tested for drugs and alcohol and are stabilized. They’re good people. I came to understand that it’s normally not because they’ve done something wrong, it’s just rotten luck.”

Families are sheltered at the churches or synagogues and members of the congregations provide breakfast and dinner.

Classrooms are temporarily outfitted with cots for overnight accommodations. The Family Promise staff works with the families to help them find employment and housing. “We’re

keeping these kids in school,” Hufnagel says. Each church takes on involvement every eight to 10 weeks. “We have a lot of wonderful volunteers and I coordinate the whole thing for our church. I have seen families that were living in their cars or on the streets—sometimes a single parent and sometimes an entire family with three or four kids. It’s awful.”

During Raleigh Court’s “on” weeks, Hufnagel is at work at 6 am, helping cook breakfast and make lunches with parents for their kids. At night, volunteers help prepare dinner, which can range from pizza and salad to pork roast and green beans. She remains until the families head to bed around 8:30 pm: “I like to get to know the parents and kids so I can get a feel for what they need, and for what is going on in their lives. So often it is bad and pitiful and scary. I’ll offer a hug to a single mom who I know has been abused; she is there, shaking, with her child just as afraid, by her side. I want to do whatever I can to make them feel comfortable.”

Like most retirees forging a new chapter, Hufnagel’s story is inspiring for sure. To fellow seniors ready for a change she offers, “I like to be busy; I can’t sit around watching TV. I’m a pretty social person, so I also like to get out and find new things to do.

You can’t just sit around doing nothing, because people in the community are not going to come to you, you’ve got to go to them. My church has helped a lot.”

From pre-school teacher to Family Promise leader, she is proud of this new step in time. “I’m so passionate about my involvement in Family Promise. When you realize you’ve accomplished something good, it’s a ‘wow’ feeling, because these people can be helped. I have seen amazing things happen, and I love it.” ✦

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LIVE festival life

living the festival life GLAMPING YOUR WAY THROUGH VIRGINIA

BY JA N E R E N N YSO N

Ah, summer. This is the season synonymous with trips to the beach, family gatherings and an evergrowing schedule of outdoor music festivals. Over the past 10 years, these festivals have morphed from single-day events into multi-day productions with countless performers, gourmet food trucks, craft beer and numerous outdoor activities to enjoy. People travel from miles around to camp out under the stars for a few days, enjoying the entertainment and company of thousands of other music lovers. While many people relish the idea of unplugging and becoming one with all that nature has to offer, for some the unpredictable weather, creeping critters, gear and effort associated with traditional camping isn't their idea of a good time. Glamping, or glamorous camping, is the solution for people looking to live that festival lifestyle while enjoying some of the comforts of home. There are a variety of glamping options, from teardrop trailers to airstreams, from basic tents to luxurious yurts; regardless, whatever experience you are looking for, festival producers have got you covered. r vhomemaga zine .com 67

The VIP experience

When Dave Frye first started LOCKN’ in Arrington, Va. there were not a lot of people participating in onsite camping. Today he reports that over ninety percent of LOCKN’s patrons come to camp, including a lot of glampers. The choices are endless when it comes to glamping, and fancier festival-goers agree that for comfort, there are certain non-negotiables. A sturdy shelter and a cozy bed to sleep in are high on the list since most music festivals have music playing up to 14 hours per day, well into the early morning hours. Although cell service and wifi aren’t limited to glampers, they do like to be connected. Private showers and bathrooms (even if it’s just a separate port-a-potty) are a definite necessity when it comes to a comfortable glamping stay. For glampers, a hot or cool shower at the end of a long day makes all the difference in a great festival weekend versus a rough one.

Frye is all about the festival experience when it comes to LOCKN’, offering VIP and Super VIP glamping options for an elevated festival experience. The VIP and Super VIP tents are ready to go when you arrive. These two-person tents include twin or queensized beds, linens, bath towels, side tables, lighting, basic power, fans, access to flushable toilets and showers and other special items limited to VIP festival-goers. The Super VIP level even includes a mini refrigerator in your tent and a light breakfast in the Super VIP glamping lounge.

Sam Calhoun, Chief Operating Officer of Across the Way Productions, which puts on Floyd Fest each summer, says “glamping is a mechanism to improve the patron experience.

In the festival world in general, we are seeing a move toward increasing VIP options. I think this comes down to comfort and experience, which dovetails perfectly with our mission for taking exceptional care of our patrons.” Calhoun knows what he is talking about; after all, Floydfest is in its nineteenth year and has

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offered glamping since its beginning. Their most exclusive offering is the Yurt Dweller Bundle which includes plush accommodation in a two-person yurt with unparalleled extras—onstage seating, complimentary beer and wine in a VIP pub, massages and fully catered meals. There are eight of these bundles offered, which since the event’s day one have sold out early, with a waiting list.

With that desire to create a memorable experience for festival enthusiasts in our area, an industry was born. Calhoun adds, “We have witnessed first-hand and nurtured the creation of glamping companies such as Dancin’ Dave’s Festival Camping, The Show Sherpa and Solid Ground Shelters.” These festival-savvy professionals aim to take the hassle out of traveling and camping so you can enjoy yourself from the minute you enter the festival grounds.

From camper to glamper

A lot of glampers don’t start out that way, as was the case for Julie Barger. Her inaugural festival experience included four teenage girls, a tent and lots of mud. Eventually, she became the proud owner of a 1972 Shasta teardrop trailer that she has converted into her own boho-chic home away from home. “It has a small closet for storage, a bathroom and air conditioning, and it’s a place I can retreat to with a wine and cheese plate. It’s also very easy to tow to festivals not far from home,” says Barger. These teardrop trailers have become increasingly popular with glampers over the past few years for a variety of reasons. They are small and lightweight, making them easy to park and manage on the road.

Teardrop trailers are fairly affordable; they are fuel efficient with little environmental impact. They are easy to keep stocked with all the glamping amenities and ready to go in no time. Their sleek appearance gives off a fun vibe which goes hand in hand with the festival lifestyle. That is one thing Barger loves about packing up

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and heading out for a weekend away at LOCKN,’ and other area festivals. It’s a relaxing environment where everyone is having a great time and willing to share whatever they have to make the glamping community experience as enjoyable as possible.

Glamping with a purpose

While music is certainly the focus of most of the festivals in the area, event organizers are aware that they can take advantage of the area’s beautiful surroundings and attractions, and offer a range of activities for their guests.

Outdoor fun is found in hiking, biking, yoga, disc golf, slacklining and other sporting activities, and festival patrons can shop with local vendors and enjoy community amenities which are unique to each festival. Accessibility is the main goal of GO Fest in Roanoke each fall: the city strives to create a memorable outdoor experience for everyone. A free admission festival, GO Fest offers glamping packages at a premium on a first come, first serve basis with proceeds dedicated to bringing more great, free-to-the-public music to the

area. This thoughtful approach to community is a common theme among many event planners. Patrick Boas of Roanoke Parks and Recreation stresses that the benefits of outdoor recreation are immeasurable for the overall wellbeing of its residents.

RoosterWalk Music and Arts Festival takes place in May in the rolling hillsides near Martinsville. A four-day event, RoosterWalk was founded in memory of two friends who passed away who are honored each year with a huge family-friendly festival that gives back to the community in the form of a scholarship fund and donations to numerous local charities. Whether you are brand new to the music scene or are a seasoned glamper, you are sure to be surrounded by the beauty of nature and the kindness and compassion that goes hand in hand with festival life.

A festival experience might be just the ticket to round out summer vacation plans. Check local resources to discover what’s coming up for the 2019 festival season. ✦

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GARDEN rain barrels

water works

COLLEC T R AIN FOR GARDEN USE

BY ALE X ANDR A RE YNOLDS

A

re you looking for a way to make both your yard and wallet greener? Make a small investment in a rain barrel, a savings-savvy and eco-friendly resource for your home. With a rain barrel, you can harness the power of free rainwater to reduce your monthly water bill and increase the health of your home, garden and community.

Rain barrels are sizable cisterns that connect to a downspout on your home.

When it rains, water is filtered down into the rain barrel and contained for reuse.

Homeowners can use the rainwater for many different outdoor tasks, like watering plants and washing cars.

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The practice of collecting rainwater dates back 4,000 years and has stood the test of time for good reason. Environmentally, homeowners who use rain barrels conserve water and reduce runoff. Runoff water picks up pesticides, oils, fertilizers, and other pollutants that contaminate local water sources and can harm plants and animals.

Financially, homeowners can benefit by reducing their monthly water bill. Instead of using metered tap water from their hose in the hot summer months, rain barrel users make use of collected rainwater which would have otherwise gone to waste.

order. When you are ready to install your collection system, select a downspout from your gutter system to connect to the rain barrel. Set up your rain barrel in an area that needs water and can tolerate overflow in the event of heavy rains.

Some rain barrels connect directly to a gutter for easy collection.

Flat-back barrels sit close to the wall of your home, so downspouts may need less modification with this type of model. If you plan to use a barrel with a spigot, make sure that the spigot directs the water away from the foundation of your home.

Use and maintenance

Options, features and capacity

There are many options, sizes and features to consider when shopping for a rain barrel. First, consider capacity. The amount of rainwater you will collect is determined by the size and design of your roof. One inch of rainfall can lead to a collection of approximately half a gallon of rainwater per square foot of your roof’s surface area. Think about the area of the roof near the connecting downspout when making estimations.

Be sure to protect your rainwater from insects, leaves, and small animals with a debris screen. Mosquitos can be particularly pesky, so remember to seal any gaps or tears in the screen or barrel to prevent them from laying eggs in or near your collection system.

Another thing to consider is how you would like to access your rainwater. A closed top will prevent animals and small children from reaching the water. However, if you would like to be able to fill a watering can by dipping it into your rainwater, a lid that opens or can be removed may be the best option for you, as long as the lid can be securely latched. Also, choose whether you would like to use a spigot or a hose connection to release your rainwater. When building or buying your rain barrel system, select features that offer convenience and suit your watering habits.

Setting up and locating your system

Before installing a rain barrel, check local regulations and make sure that you are in compliance with municipal ordinances.

Inspect your gutters to ensure that they are clear and in working

Use rainwater within one or two weeks after a rainfall to reduce odors and minimize the growth of algae and bacteria in your rain barrel. If you do not plan to use your rainwater shortly after collection, perhaps if you are away from home, keep the spigot open to release the water. Disconnect the downspout if you plan to be away or if you do not plan to collect water for an extended period of time.

When using a rain barrel, remember that rainwater is untreated, so it should not be used as drinking water for people or pets. During harvest season, be sure to wash all of your produce with tap water before consumption.

Regularly inspect the rain barrel for leaks. Pay attention to the maintenance recommendations in your user’s manual if you purchase a unit. Some instructions encourage users to always keep some water in the barrel to hold it in place. Rinse out sediment from the barrel that breaches the debris screen to ensure your water is clean. Before freezing weather arrives, disconnect, empty, and store your rain barrel. Certain models have a collapsible design for easy storage. Thoroughly clean out your barrel before storing it for the winter, and remember to reset your gutter or downspout to divert water from your roof.

No matter what size or type of rain barrel you settle on, you can feel confident that you are helping the environment and saving money. Visit your local hardware store to inquire about building or buying a rain barrel, and prepare to reap the benefits of a practice that has delivered sustainability through the ages. âœŚ

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home away from home Airbnb transforms tech into splendid hospitality B Y C H U C K TAY LO R

Once you have earned those hard-won retirement stripes, among your greatest rewards is time to travel. No longer does that have to involve a fussy lot of planning, a huge investment or even a petsitter for your precious pup Ginger.

Welcome to the wonderful world of Airbnb, where there are more than 650 getaway destinations close to home in the Roanoke Valley and Smith Mountain Lake. The number of listings for shortterm rentals in the Old Dominion has grown 172 percent between 2016 and 2018. So now, on a moment’s notice, you can zero in on a splendid property that offers everything on your wish list, for a weekend’s exhale or a romantic getaway with your honey. How about fulfilling that long-imagined private retreat to indulge your love for writing poetry? You’re on.

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“I said no thanks to the idea of staying in a stranger’s house, until my girlfriend Megan convinced me to put aside my trepidations and live a little. My eyes were opened to a whole new world of lodging,” Roanoke resident Mac Foster tells HOME. “Our first Airbnb was in Charleston, SC, stopping over on the way to Savannah for a wedding. The experience was fantastic; we stayed in a quaint little auxiliary house adjacent to the owner's home. As we were looking through the guest book to find food recommendations and reading fun stories from folks traveling from all over the world, I realized Airbnb is a great alternative to chain hotels, and we've used it multiple times since.”

The “sharing economy” can provide lodging around the world or via a quick flight or train ride north to a top 10 U.S. metro— Washington, Philadelphia, Boston or NYC. Pleasant and simple for retirees, a quick Airbnb jaunt can be found just down the road: the site makes it easy to search with numerous filters for a pool and hammock, gourmet kitchen, fishing, proximity to restaurants and shopping, and yes, pet-friendly accommodations.

Imagine it, because you will find it; Airbnb.com offers every kind of accommodation from opulent to offbeat.

In Roanoke, listings include the likes of a charming Victorian cottage in the historic Old Southwest neighborhood for only $50

a night; Haven For Hikers, minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway; and a newly built home minutes from downtown, seemingly designed for indulgence, with Tempur-Pedic mattresses, 1000+ thread count sheets, 65" HDTV, generous dining table and a 700 square foot deck with grill. Or how about an 1890 Victorian home, “updated to 21st Century standards,” that includes a Farmhouse Breakfast with home-raised eggs, local roast percolated coffee and mimosas?

Airbnb has transformed the hospitality industry in the 10 years since it “persuaded strangers to sleep in one another’s homes and became a $25 billion company,” Business Insider offers. The platform now has five million listings in 191 countries; its total accommodations exceed the top five major hotel brands combined. The site offers two types of rentals, one in which you meet the owner at check-in, take charge of the keys and then occupy their property solo, known as a “home stay.” More adventurous Airbnb-ers typically reserve a bedroom and private bath within the home and are offered privileges to enjoy the public spaces, kitchen and outdoors—with the owner present in his or her home during your stay. This defines the “home share” model on which Airbnb was founded, and is often more rewarding for a sociably engaged “guest.”

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FOR THE AIRBNB HOST

how to deliver a consummate guest experience

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s an Airbnb host, opening your home to folks you’ve never met may feel just plain strange at the start. But for those with a sociable nature and a welcoming household, the sharing economy will quickly become good fun—and soon feel like business as usual.

The extra revenue doesn’t hurt a bit, either. I entertained guests for 218 days in 2018—which paid for a new stamped concrete patio off my back porch. Not only is that a valueadd for guests, but the money I earned was reinvested in the community by hiring a local contractor. Likewise, when I entertain guests from out of town, I recommend local restaurants and vendors—contributing to our community’s bottom line.

Here are tips and tools to help you become the host that boasts the most… n First, you’re in good company: The number of hosts 60+ has grown 1,100 percent over the past year, according to a December 2018 Airbnb report, while retirees comprise more than 50 percent of senior hosts on Airbnb. There are now more than 400,000 senior hosts on Airbnb worldwide, who earned $2 billion globally, hosted some 13.5 million guests, and welcomed travelers from 150+ countries. Well done. n Starting point: Replace a traditional front door keylock with an electronic keypad with four-digit code from Schlage or Kwikset. Deadbolts start at $65. This is a nobrainer as guests come and go, to eradicate the antiquity of keys and to refresh the code for each new visitor. n Stay connected: As soon as guests book, reach out via Airbnb, welcome them and assure that you are present to answer questions—and will check in again before arrival, to secure an ETA. The website is big on host communication and it is a big factor in your reviews and ranking. n Prepare a “guest Bible” so your new friends can become familiar with the highlights of your home and the area. Their first inquiry is going to be your Wifi password.

Maintain a private password for yourself, and create an

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easy to remember password for guests, perhaps your street name using all lower case letters. Offer a guide to grocery stores, drug stores, urgent care facilities and your favorite restaurants by cuisine. Provide takeout menus and brochures of local attractions. n Ready to put on a little show? Your new guests should be escorted around your home room by room. If your property has history, explain its mid-century modern vibe or location in a former factory transformed into a cool condo. Explain kitchen rights, property boundaries, use of gas grill and washer/dryer, lights if they’re complicated and whether it’s appropriate to open windows or adjust thermostat. Then let them be. I always playfully offer, “As your butler, you can find me in my office. Now please make yourselves at home.” And exit. n Among musts: fluffy white towels and washcloths; shampoo, conditioner and body wash; blow dryer; iron & board; tissues; and of course, extra toilet paper. I provide Dixie cups and I find it prudent to have on hand makeup wipes; toothpaste and toothbrushes; and disposable razors. n A bit of housekeeping: Declare Airbnb net revenues in a Form 1099, come tax time. Local municipalities in Virginia are still trying to figure out how they might want to tax and tariff short-term shares, and at any time things could change. Alexandria, for one, welcomes the practice, understanding that it organically increases tourism and thus, the city’s coffers. Virginia Beach, on the other hand, requires Airbnb hosts to register on a public roster while charging substantial taxes that come to $15 for every $100 earned. So make sure to explore local ordinances and follow the rules. n Continue to eye your listing on the Airbnb site, and polish as you become more accustomed to hosting, continually offering new amenities and learn from feedback what your guests are most enjoying at your property. One thing is for sure: You will have fun meeting folks from far and wide, whose pioneering spirit staying in or sharing a home away from home, is as adventurous as yours. Enjoy!

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I have been an Airbnb host since 2014. When a friend in New York City explained the concept of sharing guest bedrooms in my house with strangers, my reaction was admittedly, “Well, that’s weird.” That was then. I have garnered Virginia “Superhost” status for 18 consecutive quarters—and have entertained over a thousand guests, learning so much about different cultures across the nation and around the world, making new friends within all age groups and demographics. I show my guests around, indulge them in a bit of history about my 55-year-old, mid-century modern home, and encourage them to make my space theirs and to regard me as their “butler down the hall.” I’m here if they need me, but otherwise I encourage them to indulge indoors and out. It’s so much fun for me to share this experience with them.

On a practical level for guests, it gets even better. Homes are available in the Roanoke Valley for as little as $17 a night, plus Airbnb fees—typically about 20 percent of the total bill. Once you reserve, there are no tacked-on municipality taxes, parking fees or other “surprises,” which can make a stay in commercial lodging more like a “boo” than a “whoo-hoo.” Thinking out of the box, moreover, creative hosts are posting the likes

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HOUSE& GARDEN TOUR

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of a boat docked in a marina slip, kitschy parked campers and RVs, rustic cabins, even treehouses. In Lexington for $59 a night, how about a 200-acre farm with a view of the Blue Ridge mountains—staying in a teepee equipped with a Sleep Number bed and Keurig, close to hiking, swimming, a brewery and vineyard tours? No, this is not the Hampton Inn. In a February 2019 Inc. Magazine story, It Might Be Time to Stop Assuming Hotels Are the Best Option for Business Travel, entrepreneur and best-selling author Kevin Daum wrote, “Airbnb has been the secret weapon to my business travel success. There's an amazing variety of locations, types of lodging and hosts. I've R o a n o ke Va l l e y H O M E S u m m e r 2 0 1 9

found wonderful places and fascinating people I never would have met staying in hotels.” Among traveler advantages: It feels more like home, is less expensive and offers flexibility in changing dates.

Daum adds, “The most fun and powerful reason to use Airbnb is the experience.

While others are isolated in boring hotels, you'll be living among the local people.

Hosts share a great deal about the local way of life. Airbnb makes travel easier and more accessible, which means you can experience more of this world.”

Like many municipalities, Virginia’s various city councils are casting a watchful eye on short-term rental regulations. In Roanoke, owners are required to pay a 1.5% local tax, while in Lynchburg, property owners are allowed to rent without additional permitting as long as owners are present. If they are not on the premises, a conditional use permit is required. But for you and Ginger as guests, all is copacetic.

For those over 60, Airbnb is certainly no longer an under-the-radar travel target.

The company reported last fall that the senior demo is the platform’s fastest growing age group—both hosts and

Filled with

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Filled with life.

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guests—with bookings up 66 percent in just the last year. “Airbnb is helping to redefine retirement by providing new ways to earn extra income, overcome loneliness and isolation, and travel the world in a truly local and authentic way,” the Airbnb blog offers. “It’s no surprise we’re seeing such strong guest growth in this demographic. Seniors are healthier and more mobile than ever.”

Add to that a shift away from cruises and resorts, toward “travel that provides greater access to, and belonging in local communities,” adds Airbnb.

Frequent user Foster adds, “If you're just looking for a place to sleep for the night, head to a big-box hotel. But staying in an Airbnb is an experience. It's just as easy to book as a chain hotel, and a lot of times, the rates are better. I've stayed in plenty of hotels, but I've never been elated driving away thinking, ‘wow, what a great decision that was.’ When Megan and I left the Airbnb in Charleston, we couldn't stop talking about how spectacular a time we had, and how we were looking forward to our next Airbnb.” ✦

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IMPROVE insect control

bug out!

NATURAL REMEDIES TO COMBAT COMMON PESTS

I

BY J E S S I E T H O M P S O N

t doesn’t matter if they have four legs or four hundred, when bugs come around, they bug us. There’s good reason to be irritated, as some species can transmit diseases and have nasty bites or stings. Entomologists tell us that out of the 10 quintillion insects on Earth, about only five percent are actually harmful, and wouldn’t you know, it’s those that we’re most likely to encounter in and around our homes.

We all have doors and windows, vents and pipes. While sealing the most common entry points (by replacing door sweeps and window seals, for example) can alleviate bugs’ entrance, it’s not foolproof. So what can you do to make your house unattractive to bugs? For one, clean up. Many insects have a terrific sense of smell, so they are able to find even the smallest of crumbs. Put food in sealed containers or in the fridge, and wash off cans and fresh fruits before storing. Pet bowls also should be cleaned regularly.

If after this you’ve still got uninvited guests, we’ve got some easy, practical, and nontoxic solutions for the most common intruders…

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Indoors Ants: Ants leave a chemical trail as they search for food. That’s why you’ll find hundreds, single file, headed to a tasty morsel. They also have a very good sense of smell, and are somewhat particular.

Apparently, one smell they hate is black pepper, and another is cinnamon. Put a light dusting where ants have been seen. Another smell that bugs dislike: vinegar, which is a natural disinfectant.

Put a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and wipe down counters and shelves. A final natural trick for repelling ants: leave fresh cucumber peels in high ant-traffic areas. (It contains a compound that repels them.)

Spiders: Spiders are also sensitive to vinegar. Mix a 50/50 solution of water and white vinegar in a spray bottle and spray where you regularly see spiders. More research suggests using essential oils— especially peppermint—as a natural insect repellent. Mix 10 drops of the oil into that same spray bottle.

Roaches: These are the grossest of bugs; they carry germs, will theoretically survive nuclear war, and if you see one, there are many more nearby that you do not. DIY cockroach killers work by mixing equal parts of something roaches love (sugar or cocoa powder) with something deadly to them (Borax, diatomaceous earth, or baking soda) and sprinkling it where you have seen roaches. Another remedy is mixing three parts liquid fabric softener with two parts water in a spray bottle—but you need to see the roaches to squirt them for this method to be effective. One other tip: Get rid of unwanted/unused paper. Roaches love paper.

Moths: Bay leaves aren’t just for spicing stews—they can help deter pantry moths, too. Scatter a few on your shelves or keep them in a shallow open container to prevent moths from making your pantry their home. If you happen to have an infestation, the best thing to do (unfortunately) is toss everything. It’s a lot of waste, but it beats eating contaminated food. Clean shelves with hot soapy water, then wipe them down with a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and warm water to kill off remaining eggs.

Fruit flies: Unlike the other pests we’ve mentioned, fruit flies and aphids love vinegar. If they are a nuisance in your home, garden or outdoor buildings, half fill a small bowl with apple cider vinegar 8 0

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and cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Punch two or three holes in the plastic about the size of the lead of a pencil, and place the bowl near the aphid or fruit fly infestation. The insects will fly in through the holes to get to the vinegar, but they won’t be able to fly out again and will drown. (Alternatively, try adding a couple drops of dish soap to the vinegar, which breaks the surface tension of the liquid and causes the flies to sink.) When the vinegar begins to fill up with dead insects, wash out the bowl and repeat the procedure.

Outdoors

Trying to eliminate bugs outside is virtually impossible. But there are some natural ways to combat pests. One way is to grow pestrepelling plants, which include lemongrass (it contains citronella, which is often packaged in candles and spray as the gold standard in natural insect repellents), marigold, catnip, basil, and lavender.

If you’re feeling a little edgy, you could try pitcher plants, a perennial that eats insects. Other predators include bats, purple martins, guinea hens and opossums, so encouraging habitats to attract those animals might get them to do the work for you.

Another highly-touted way to keep pretty much all bugs at bay is by using moving air (ceiling or oscillating fans). And it should go without saying that all food and drinks outdoors should be covered.

Mosquitoes: One simple way to deter mosquitoes, which carry Zika and West Nile virus among other diseases, is to have air moving. Ceiling fans for outside spaces (porches, docks), are perfect for this. Another key: get rid of standing water, where mosquitoes lay their eggs. Both bats and purple martins love to eat mosquitoes, so trying setting up homes for them on your property.

Gnats: As with fruit flies, put out a bowl of apple cider vinegar and add a few drops of dish soap to trap them. Citronella,

vanilla, pine oil, and dryer sheets are also commonly used to repel gnats.

Hornets/Wasps/Yellowjackets: If opposed to using chemical sprays, experts suggest using deterrents. Wasps are territorial, so hanging a “fake” nest can keep them from coming to your property; there are also traps that contain nontoxic (to humans and pets) compounds to lure and kill these flyers.

Ants: To eradicate an ant colony, carefully pour boiling water directly on an ant mound. Also, ants supposedly won’t cross a chalk line. Draw one in front of exterior doors to prevent ants from coming in the house. You can also draw a chalk line around tables on the porch or patio to keep them away while dining outdoors. Get the kids involved!

Ticks: We saved the worst for last. Ticks have zero redeeming characteristics and spread a number of debilitating diseases, including Lyme disease, which is on the rise in our area. Our best advice when it comes to repelling ticks is use common sense. Protect and check pets that go outside. Spreading diatomaceous earth (DE) on the perimeters of outside gathering spots might help keep ticks away. (DE works by fatally dehydrating ticks, but they have to walk through it first.) There is also evidence that suggests using essential oils—rose geranium and lemon eucalyptus seem to top the lists—may repel ticks.

And finally, though opossums sometimes get a bad rap, they are tick-killing machines, eating thousands every season.

Nontoxic solutions are better for us, the environment, and all the beneficial plants and creatures around your property. While bugs are an inevitable part of life, these tips and tricks might help make your time here, both indoors and out, more enjoyable this season. ✦

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By Design Interiors.................................................. 58 Capps Home Building Center.............................. 3 Carilion Clinic.............................................................40 Cindy and Jeff Fletcher, Realtors....................34 Construction Marketing....................................... 75 Crowning Touch Senior Moving Services.... 18 Dixie Products.............................................................15 Elaine Stephenson Interiors.................................31 EZ Rampz.....................................................................20 F&S Building Innovations.......................................11 Ferguson................................................................36-37 First Bank and Trust............................................... 42 Floyd Center for the Arts.................................... 76 General Shale Brick................................................ 47 George's Flowers.....................................................46 Grand Home Furnishings..................................... 63 Halifax Fine Furnishings.......................................34 Harmony................................................................ 22-23 Kevin Hurley Photography.................................. 78 LinDor Arts..................................................................... 5 Magnolia........................................................................ 32 Member One Federal Credit Union.................. 7 Middleburg Financial................................................8 MKB Realtors.............................................................. 43 N-Hance..........................................................................21 National Pools..............................................................13 Neathawk Window and Door.............................13 Our Lady of the Valley..........................................20 Pitman Construction.............................................. 56 Richfield Living.......................................................... 35 Rick Payne MKB Realtors....................................66 Roanoke Country Club.........................................69 Ronnie Mitchell and Son Landscaping..........27 Ryan Harris Group................................................... 62 Scott Avis MKB............................................................4 Scott Kitts Salon...................................................... 28 Seven Oaks Landscape Hardscape............... 83 Skyline Door & Hardware.................................... 26

THE LAST WORD

Judy Miron is a travel advisor at Martin Travel, Roanoke, with over 37 years experience in the travel industry. She specializes in leisure and senior travel. Judy loves to travel, of course, and her favorite destinations are Africa, Europe, and Alaska. Anne Marie Poore asks Judy a few questions regarding popular travel destinations and timely tips for senior travelers. amp: What advice would you give your 25 year-old-self about travel? JM: To make time for travel in your life. As a 25-year-old, I would remind myself that travel opens your eyes, expands your perspective, is relaxing and rejuvenates you. When you do this, you will have an affair with travel all of your life. amp: The three most popular destinations for the over 55 set? JM: Alaska, Italy, and Ireland. amp:

What sorts of excursions appeal to travelers looking for cultural or experiential holidays? JM: Wine tours and culinary classes. amp: Is there an ideal season to

travel abroad? JM: There are different seasons for different destinations, so a travel advisor can help you with all of that information to make traveling abroad easy. Once you have obtained a passport, the world’s an open book. Whether you like to travel on your own, with a guided vacation, river cruise or an ocean cruise. With all the ways to see the world, the world seems smaller and smaller. amp: What do you recommend

regarding travel insurance and/or medical insurance for traveling domestically or abroad? JM: There are many reasons to purchase insurance for

travel. Whether you are concerned about canceling due to a medical reason, or perhaps need medical insurance overseas, travel delay or baggage coverage, insurance is there to protect your investment. amp: I’m sure with online travel sites galore, it is stiff

competition for professional travel agencies. Securing a travel agent can make all the difference when planning a trip because? JM: More and more people are

finding a professional travel advisor makes sense in a world where people can spend hours and hours of wasted time researching trips online and are uncertain as to what to believe. An experienced travel professional can guide you through the vast amount of information out there, helping you plan the best trip for your time away, areas of interest and money .amp: Foodies of any age love to sample new and different

cuisine. What locale do you suggest for the very adventuresome foodie? JM:

Asia’s market is growing again, and there are many exotic local foods. Italy’s excellent variety of and reputation for cuisine always entices the foodies with culinary classes and tastings. amp: At the end of the day, you’ve crossed all the t’s and dotted all

of the i’s… your client is well on their way to their destination, but you get a call from them, and they have neglected to: JM: They’ve forgotten to bring their passport! amp: Parting words of advice for those (thinking of) embarking on their next journey: JM: Do it right, make it Martin Travel.

Skyline National Bank..............................................12 Smith Mountain Lake Chamber of Commerce........................................ 77 Susan Bailey, Realtor.............................................. 59 The Columns............................................................... 26 The Little Gallery......................................................84 ValleyStar Credit Union........................................... 2 Virginia Amateur Sports...................................... 58 Virginia Building Solutions....................................6 Virginia Mountain Mortgage............................... 14 Whitt Carpet One....................................................46 Yarid’s............................................................................. 42 8 2

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Experience the difference Landscaping is an extension of your home.

It’s your vision. With attention to detail, dependable maintenance and a commitment to quality, we strive to meet that vision.

You will experience the difference.

Our Experience

“You originate with the correct and well-grounded value system.You continually rethink everything that you do. Most of all you train, set goals, and surround yourself with an amazing team. I feel like part of the Seven Oaks family. You have a people driven business, and your personal relationships prevail as, or more important than the outcome. All of my encounters with Seven Oaks people have been very positive.” Bryan S.

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