Floyd Virginia Magazine 2022 Fall/Winter

Fall/Winter 2022 | Volume 15 Issue 2

magazine

Floyd Virginia Your FREE

y G’s Micke

Comprehensive Guide To

Turner Family Farms

Little River Gallery

All Things Floyd

Pho Hard enix wood s

Celebrating 15 Years Serving the People of Floyd!

Fall/Winter 2022-2023

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Fall/Winter 2022-2023

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magazine

Floyd Virginia Your FREE

Comprehensive Guide To

Celebrating the People of Floyd!

Fall/Winter 2022-2023 Volume 15 • 2nd Issue

On The Cover

All Things Floyd

The cover photo is Mr. & Mrs. Whitlow’s barn located on Floyd Hwy North in Copperhill

A Family Farm Legacy.............................................. 8-9 A New Chapter for the Floyd Country Store....... 10-12 Phoenix Hardwoods Finds a New Home at Farmer’s Supply.................. 14-16 Jessie Peterman Memorial Library....................... 18-21 One of Floyd’s Newest Art Treasures................... 22-24 Handmade Music School’s Music of Our Mountains........................... 26-27 Floyd County Map......................................................28 Town of Floyd Map.....................................................30 Directory.....................................................................32 Oxford Academy Library to be Named for Predominant Graduate........... 34-35 Troika Home Finally Spreading its Wings........... 36-37 Fall & Winter Happenings 2022.................................38 Earth Dance Comes to The Station...................... 40-42 Harvest Moon Changes Hands............................ 44-46 How a Somber Wake-Up Call Led to Primitive Coffee Market............................ 48-50 The 28th Annual Winterfest.......................................52

Alphabetical Listing of Advertisers Page 54 For publication information, call John Brill 540-815-1079 For additional copies, email john@brillmagazines.com

Floyd Virginia Magazine Team John Brill - Publisher Vickie Holt - Editor © 2022 FLOYD VIRGINIA MAGAZINE, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part, without written permission from FLOYD VIRGINIA MAGAZINE is prohibited. Every attempt has been made to verify the information contained in this publication. We assume no responsibility for incorrect, omitted or outdated information contained herein. We publish ads and stories without any implied endorsement of organizations, the views they express or the products/services they offer.

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ail VA@gm

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From Left to Right: Back Row: Wesley, Julie, Wendy, and Jason. Front Row: William, Hudson, and Hadley

- A Family Farm Legacy Growing with Each Generation The Turner family has called Floyd their home for many decades, and though Turner Family Farms only became an LLC in 2020, the family has been farming in the area for much, much longer.

In the mid 1950’s, Sam and Gertrude Turner purchased a stretch of farmland on Franklin Pike where they started a dairy farm. They also grew a variety of produce. Both Sam and Gertrude were originally from Floyd and wanted to carry on their families’ farming heritage. It wasn’t long till their sons, Marvin and CW, joined them in the barns and the fields, continuing the legacy and making it a true family effort.

Sam and Gertrude continued working on the farm and milking the cattle until the late 1980’s. That’s when Marvin and CW took over.

During the transition, a few changes were introduced. The cattle operation of Turner Family Farms changed from dairy over to beef, with both Marvin and CW owning and working the cattle.

CW, however, also continued growing and selling produce to local

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grocery stores. It was a hard but rewarding life on Turner Family Farms. Marvin even married Rhonda Harris and started a family with two sons, Jason and Wesley.

Sadly, however, Jason and Wesley were still too young to take over the farming operation when their father passed away. As a result, Marvin’s portion of the beef herd was sold. CW managed on his own for a while, but when his nephews were older, he enlisted the help of the boys so the Turner family legacy could go on.

CW, Jason, and Wesley worked as a team until CW’s passing in summer of 2017. In 2018, Jason and Wesley officially took over the farm that their grandparents had started almost seventy years earlier. It was time for the next generation to take the reins, and just like the last transition, the new generation had ideas for changes.

Jason and Wesley decided to start having their cattle processed at a USDA facility so their beef could be sold by the individual cut, and in 2019, the Turner family started selling beef by the pound

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.

to local customers. Their pasture raised beef was becoming very popular towards the end of 2019, but it wasn’t until 2020, at the start of a pandemic, that the business really started to grow.

Jason and Wesley had built a small, roadside farm stand on Franklin Pike where they could directly sell their beef and produce.

This small stand really connected with local folk, and it helped the Turners to build a strong customer base. The farm stand offered beef and produce, all of which had been raised and grown between the two Turner households.

When the lockdowns came and people became fearful of venturing into larger stores, the stand became busier than ever. The Turners could not keep their high-quality beef stocked due to the increasing demand.

The family also began receiving multiple requests for pork. In response, the Turners began raising hogs alongside the beef cattle. They also continued selling produce grown from the same acre garden that CW had started all those years ago.

To prepare for the hogs, the brothers built a shelter and pen surrounded by an electric fence. They also purchased a small hammer mill so they could make their own hog and cattle feed. Wesley’s girlfriend, Julie, took the lead on maintaining the hogs’ daily care.

In 2021, armed with USDA grading and a new line of pork products, Turner Family Farms VA LLC was officially created. Using their roadside stand, equipped with freezers, they continued selling their steaks, roasts, ground beef, sausage, pork chops, and produce. They also sold at the Floyd Farmers Market on Thursday evenings.

Business was going so well that it was soon time to expand once again. In winter of 2021, the Turners began developing the idea for a larger store with more to offer.

Construction launched in spring of 2022 at a location on Franklin Pike, just up the road from the old stand. The plan consisted of a larger store where the beef, pork, and produce could be sold, along

Fall/Winter 2022-2023

with goods from other local growers, artists, and more.

The new farm store opened in August of 2022 at 699 Franklin Pike, SE in Floyd. It features the ‘best meat in town’ as well as a generous variety of homegrown vegetables! Wesley’s homemade salsa is also available. Made from ingredients and produce grown on the Turner farm, it has quickly become a customer favorite!

The Farm also features a kids’ play area and plenty of photo opportunities.

The Turner family strives to keep their events family friendly as well as cost effective. They want everyone to enjoy what they have to offer.

Seeing an opportunity to add to Floyd’s Fall attractions, the family is also planning a corn maze that locals and visitors can enjoy as part of their Fall activities. The two-acre corn maze features the design of the Floyd Buffalo.

It was planted at the start of summer, then designed by Wesley and cut by The Corn Maze Guy out of Pennsylvania in the middle of July. Pumpkins were also planted to round out the aesthetic of the Fall festival! The inaugural opening of the Turner Family Farms Corn Maze is scheduled for September 2022. The Turners hope that the maze can become a family tradition for years to come as there are no others in the immediate area.

Looking toward the future, the Turners are already talking about adding more attractions and events, such as hosting local schools. There are plans for a sunflower patch, food trucks, and more! They are so excited to share their family farm with locals and visitors from near and far. From their family farm to everyone’s family table; they hope to help their customers create delicious meals, as well as memories and traditions to pass down from generation to generation.

Turner Family Farms • Jason and Wesley 697 Franklin Pike, Floyd, VA • 540-250-5152 TurnerFamilyFarmsVA@gmail.com

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A New Chapter for the Floyd Country Store, Plus an Exciting TV Venture This September, the Floyd Country Store will begin an exciting new chapter. For the first time in almost two decades, it will have a complete logo and marketing refresh. The move is motivated by owners Dylan Locke and Heather Krantz’s mission to use storytelling for sharing the magic of Floyd and the Country Store, as well as traditional Appalachian music and dance. To further this goal, Locke and Krantz are launching Floyd Country Store TV: a streaming platform that will make the Country Store and its events accessible around the world.

Since purchasing the Country Store from Jackie and Woody Crenshaw eight years ago, Krantz says, “We’ve been real careful to keep as much as we can the same for our customers and community over the last eight years.” The Floyd Country Store has been a beloved music venue and community center for generations, and Krantz and Locke have taken care to preserve its warm atmosphere and musical traditions.

Now, in light of the pandemic and post-lockdown conditions, they decided it would be a good time to invest in sharing the Country Store’s story. “We felt like it would be a good time to show people we’re still here, alive and well!” says Krantz.

For Locke, the emphasis of the Country Store’s new chapter is all about storytelling: sharing the magic of Floyd and the Store in an authentic, organic way. With the help of Roanoke-based ad agency Firefli, they decided to refresh a few aspects of the Store’s brand.

The decision was not initially intentional, but it came naturally.

“We consulted with Firefli to help us tell the story of the Floyd Country Store,” says Locke. “The people, the music, the traditions that reflect our lifestyle and values, and how our local friends and visitors come together and share in an experience. Through the desire to tell this story, came the idea to refresh and sharpen some of the tools that we use to tell the story.”

The brand refresh will include a merch launch with all-new 10 www.Facebook.com/FloydVirginiaMagazine www.Facebook.com/FloydVirginiaMagazine

designs, featuring the new Store logo and Store colors. Krantz hopes the new look will be exciting for people of all ages and backgrounds to connect with. “We are always focused on building our community,” she says.

One of the messages at the center of the brand refresh is ‘Find Your Folk’. It’s a double entendre. On one hand, it means ‘come here to find your people. Come here to find a space you can call home, a space that will always welcome you with open arms. On the other, it’s a call to embrace the music of Appalachia, the genres of old time and bluegrass, as well as the countless variations of country and folk that have developed out of centuries of cultural mixing and melding. This is the music that the Country Store is committed to preserving. As the mantra ‘Find Your Folk’ suggests, there’s something for everyone.

The Floyd Country Store invites everyone to come on in and find it! Visitors are sure to come away with more than they expected.

“We have lots of care for the Floyd Country Store community,” says Locke. “The Country Store team, the musicians, the dancers, the makers, and our guests who find us either by chance or through planned pilgrimages to see the traditions of Appalachia alive and well in a small, close-knit community. We are excited to tell our story more clearly and to a larger community because we think there is power and magic in these traditions; traditions such as music-making, dancing, sharing, and learning, making your own things, and living within a small community where you come together more than you separate.”

Community connection is at the heart of the Country Store’s mission. As Locke and Krantz believe, community involvement with music and art can be an essential means of bridging political and cultural divides. This idea of ‘art as civic repair’ was articulated

by Irish poet Tess Taylor in a 2021 piece for Harper’s Bazaar titled “Getting On With It”. In the article, Taylor describes the experience

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of finding herself in Floyd in 2016. After wandering into the Country Store on a Friday night, she decides to join a square dance.

While dancing from partner to partner, she is overcome with hope about how such a divided country could come together again.

She writes, “I did not lose my resolve to fight for the things I care about, but I also noticed how the dance invited a small mountain community into a social contract: dancing together was a way of agreeing to care for one another.”

As Locke describes, “the simple act of making music together, dancing with strangers, and upholding age-old traditions brings people together. Folks don’t spend any time thinking about the other person’s politics, religious beliefs, or anything else. They simply want to find common ground and understanding. These are simple practices that are subtle and powerful at the same time.”

Since the 1900s, the Country Store has been a space where the local community could come together and indulge in music and good company. Now, the Country Store wants to share its impact with as many people as possible.

Floyd Country Store TV is a streaming platform that shares high-quality content from the Country Store, such as dances, Friday Night Jamborees, and other scheduled performances. The content is a mix of live stream events, recorded performances, documentaries, and more. The idea for the platform sprung from the pandemic, during which the Store started streaming its events online to those who were not able to attend in person or felt safer attending virtually.

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“Everyone loved it so much that we decided we needed to find a better way to continue doing it,” says Krantz. “People tuned in from all over the world and we realized this would be a great way to stay connected with all of them.”

With support from the community, Floyd Country Store TV will be able to grow and expand to contain interviews, educational content from the Handmade Music School, behind-the-scenes content from the Country Store, and more. “It’ll be like YouTube or Netflix for the Country Store,” says Locke, “or like Tiny Desk Concerts for string band music.”

Floyd Country Store TV is available online at www. floydcountrystore.tv. It is also accessible as an application on over 1000 devices including Roku, Apple TV, and Fire TV, as well as on iPhone, Android, Mac, and PC. As the Floyd Country Store begins its new chapter, Locke and Krantz reflect on the long-term goals of the store; making events and activities accessible for more people. They also want to inspire young people, both locally and beyond, to start or continue playing Appalachian music, to perform and enjoy the dances, and to keep sharing the joy of Appalachia with the world.

“We have a real hope that the things we see day-in and day-out can spread and build a community built on traditions, care, and compassion,” says Locke.

The Floyd Country Store • Dylan Locke and Heather Krantz 206 South Locust Street • www.floydcountrystore.com

Fall/Winter 2022-2023

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Phoenix Hardwoods Finds a New Home at Farmer’s Supply The historic Farmer’s Supply building, located at 101 East Main encourages redevelopment of these properties and offers a tax credit Street, is one of the oldest buildings in Floyd. Throughout its lifetime, program that helps to offset the costs of redevelopment.

Work began in summer of 2021 at the old Farmers Supply building, it has been mainly used for dry goods and hardware and has been the home of Farmer’s Supply since the 1940’s. For roughly the last hundred returning it to the glory of its youth, yet maintaining the architecture years, the building has been owned by the Lawson family, and is and structure from the most significant period of its use, which has remained relatively unchanged for the last hundred currently owned by Jack Lawson. years. Work is scheduled to be finished sometime in Farmer’s Supply was founded by Jack’s September of 2022. grandfather, Harry Leland Lawson, and for over Not only is the building being restored, but it’s seventy years, it was a valuable resource for Floyd’s also getting repurposed. Lucas Thornton tells us that predominant farming community. In more recent parts of the structure will be converted into five units years, however, large chain stores, as well as an that will serve as a small inn, booked through Airbnb. uncertain economy and supply issues, have made One unit will be on the first floor, with the other four operating the supply store less and less viable. In units split between the second and third floors. The 2021, long-time manager, Janice Patton, was also units will be ready for booking in October of 2022, ready to retire. Janice started working at Farmer’s and will be maintained and managed by Alleghany Supply in the 1970’s when her father was manager.

Partners, a management company from Roanoke.

She was such a fixture that many who didn’t know Also slated for the first floor, the Farmer’s Supply better assumed she was the owner. building will become home to its first, non-LawsonConsidering the uncertain economic viability family-owned, commercial tenants! of continuing to operate Farmer’s Supply, as well Lichen or Knot, established and owned by as facing the task of finding a replacement for the Heather Barbieri, will be creating a new space at the irreplaceable Janice, Farmer’s Supply closed its doors Farmer’s Supply building. In the new location, she in December of 2021. will be featuring mostly indoor plants while also This, however, is far from the end of the story for Jeff and Annie Armistead offering workshops. Her space will have an outdoor 101 East Main Street. The closure of Farmers Supply gardening area in the back, next to the Farmer’s was actually the beginning of a bright new chapter in Market, and she plans to leave the old loading dock the life of the historic building. The Lawson family had no interest in selling the building, and so they began exploring as a historical feature of the building. She wants to incorporate the dock and make it a featured part of the new shop. viable ways to move forward with new purpose.

Meanwhile, Jeff and Annie Armistead, owners of Phoenix “It was the right time to reinvent,” says Jack Lawson’s cousin, Lucas Hardwoods, are happy to announce that their showroom will be Thornton. Lucas is also the current manager of the property.

Lucas and the Lawson family began working through a program moving to the Farmer’s Supply building, this Fall!

The Armisteads, along with their son, Ben, took over Phoenix sponsored by the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR), the National Park Service, and the Secretary of the Interior. The Hardwoods in 2020 when founders and owners, Bill and Corinne program takes interest in historic buildings with architecture and Graefe, decided to retire. Prior to the change in ownership, both the structure that typifies the region, as well as landmark buildings that workshop and showroom for Phoenix were located at 2540 Floyd have been used for iconic purposes, typical of the region. The program Highway, North…about six miles northeast from downtown Floyd.

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Fall/Winter 2022-2023

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Historically, Phoenix Hardwoods has utilized the trees growing in and near Floyd to create one-of-a-kind, rustic-luxury pieces of fine furniture, as well as exquisite home items like handmade cutting boards and bowls. Helping them along the way has been a talented staff of amazingly gifted woodworkers like Bradley Lawson, Eric McDaniel, and Henry VanGunten.

Wanting a visual presence that would be closer to the hub of Floyd’s tourism and shopping, Annie Armistead, who is also coowner of Troika Contemporary Crafts and Troika Home, decided to make space in Troika Home for some of Phoenix’s larger, and more spectacular pieces. Located in The Station, right across the street from Floyd Country Store, Troika Home was able to give Phoenix Hardwoods a higher profile.

Still, the bulk of the inventory remained at the workshop location. However, thanks to the redevelopment project at the Farmer’s Supply building, Phoenix Hardwoods will be moving the entire inventory to a much larger showroom at 101 East Main Street! Phoenix Hardwoods will not only be able to spread out into a much larger space, with many more items, but they will be doing so at a storefront that bears their own name, right in the heart of downtown Floyd!

“When Farmer’s Supply closed,” says Annie Armistead, “we saw an opportunity to be closer in, with more visibility and foot traffic to display our items.”

Not only will they be able to display a larger inventory from the Phoenix workshops, but the larger space will also allow the Armisteads to feature other items like home accessories, some of which would be sourced from local artists.

As the workshop will remain at the old location, it will also be able to expand. With all the inventory at the new showroom, Henry, Bradley, Eric, and all the other talented woodworkers will have more room to work on more pieces. Jeff tells us they also plan to bring on additional wood working artists to make the most of the workshop, and to allow new talents to enrich and expand the Phoenix Hardwoods brand.

For more information about Phoenix Hardwoods and their one-of-a-kind line of fine furniture and hand-crafted, wooden home items, visit online at www.phoenix-hardwoods.com.

“We are super excited about housing homegrown companies,” says Lucas Thornton, reflecting on how Floyd has changed in the hundred years since the Lawson family bought the Farmer’s Supply building. “We’d also like to express our deep commitment to the community and hope to be part of the changing community for a long time. We have connections to the past but look to the future. Our roots in Floyd are deep and we always remember those who came before us.”

Phoenix Hardwoods • Annie and Jeff Armistead 2540 Floyd Hwy N, Floyd, VA • 540-745-7475 www.Phoenix-Hardwoods.com 16 www.Facebook.com/FloydVirginiaMagazine www.Facebook.com/FloydVirginiaMagazine

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Bird Feeders, Blades, Car Batteries, Cleaning Products, Concrete, Coveralls, Doors, Drywall, Electrical, Fencing, Fertilizer, Gravel, Heaters, Ladders, Lawn and Garden, Lumber, Mulch, Paint, Plumbing, Plywood, Pumps, Purina Feeds, Roofing Supplies, Rubber Boots, Sand, Tools, Trailers, Water Heaters, Water Filters, Windows, Wood Stoves, Vinyl Siding, and much, much, more!

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Jessie Peterman Memorial Library - Proving Community Libraries are Still Relevant in the 21st Century

By A. Lee Chichester

Andrew Carnegie once said, “A library outranks any other one thing as their film library and the inter-library loan system. In 1974, through a community can do to benefit its people. It is a never-failing spring in its ongoing affiliation with the VSL, Floyd’s library was able to join the the desert.” existing Regional Library System which was based in Montgomery And so it can be said by many who have found themselves travelling County. In 1975, the Floyd library moved from the Town House to the all over America. No matter how far they roam, and no matter basement of the Floyd County Courthouse. how remote the area they visit, noting the location of the Local ceramics artist and voracious reader, Silvie nearest library can often mean the difference between Granatelli, moved to Floyd in 1981. Her mother had been being disconnected, or being able to reach out to a research librarian, and so a love of books was very much loved ones. Using a library’s free wi-fi, or even their part of her upbringing. This, along with her extensive computers, allows many travelers to rest in comfort library experience, is what made Floyd’s courthouse while reassuring their loved ones that all is well. basement offering one of the first stops she made after Within communities, these same services are arriving in her new community. crucial to impoverished families and individuals “As a creative person,” says Granatelli, “libraries who may need to connect digitally with utilities, have always been critical to my life and work. I met special services, and medical facilities. Whether [librarian] Pamela Cadmus, who asked what I was travelling or exploring closer to home, a public, looking for. I told her I liked historical fiction set in community library is so much more than books. foreign countries. She introduced me to ‘The Sea, Now called the Jessie Peterman Memorial Library The Sea’ by Iris Murdoch. I loved it and kept going (JPML), Floyd’s local public library would not exist if back for everything by that author. Knowing what not for the members of the 1969 Floyd Woman’s Club kinds of things I’d be looking for, Pamela always had a Jessie who first explored the pros and cons of creating a library stack of books waiting for me.”

Peterman to serve the county. Mrs. Homer Robinette chaired the At that time, Cadmus was Floyd Library’s third paid committee, appointed by Woman’s Club President, Mrs. librarian. The first had been Lucy Berry, followed by Sue Davis.

Warren Lineberry.

Cadmus continues her involvement with the library through her Their research lasted three long years, during which they learned how current position as President of the Floyd County Library Building Fund, other library systems worked, how they were funded, what they offered Incorporated (FCLBF), which is a nonprofit funding group supporting their communities, and by whom they were staffed and organized. Much the library’s activities, not limited to buildings and expansions. of their time was spent living up to the club motto, ‘Who Faints Not, “When the library moved out of the courthouse basement in early Achieves’, as they covered many miles and hours, seeking sources of 1986,” says Granatelli, “they began to do more children’s programming. funding and explaining the potential benefits of a library to the citizens Pamela asked me if I could present a talk on cooking. I asked what kind of Floyd County. To grow county-wide awareness, they not only attended and she answered ‘Hawaiian’. I had to use the library to figure out how but also hosted many meetings on the subject of establishing a library. to cook Hawaiian, since I knew nothing. I found a dish called a ‘pu-pu The group’s efforts were rewarded in the Autumn of 1972 when the platter’, and thought the kids would love the name, at least. They did Town of Floyd Council members offered a portion of the Town House, and it was a hit!” then located behind the fire station, to be used as temporary headquarters Like many new residents in communities across the country, for the nascent library.

Granatelli discovered connections to people and places, not only through But a building does not a library make. Donations of books, desks, visits to the local library, but also though the programs they offered. chairs, shelves, and carpet, as well as volunteer time from countless “It turned out to be a way for me to integrate into the wider locals, helped to create Floyd County’s first library. It opened in community,” she says. “I still go to the library as a treat for myself.

March of 1973, operating twenty-one hours a week, managed by Everything is quiet and orderly, and while I rarely check out novels any volunteers. Soon, however, the volunteers asked for assistance from longer, I typically do research on gardening, travel, cooking, and art from the Virginia State Library (VSL). The VSL sent a consultant to help foreign cultures, especially when I feel frustrated with my work. I feel with cataloguing all the new books and materials that had been better almost immediately at the library, and I get inspired there.” donated to the growing collection.

Today’s Jessie Peterman Memorial Library proudly occupies its own Because the library was able to stay open twenty-one hours a week, building at 321 West Main Street, and rests on 2.37 acres of land that was the unpaid staff were eligible to access Commonwealth resources, such once the location of Jessie Peterman’s former home. Her niece, Marguerite 18 www.Facebook.com/FloydVirginiaMagazine

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Photo in the Floyd Press showing Mrs. Warren Lineberry and Mrs. Homer Robinette unloading the first box of books donated to the library.

From Left to Right: Back Row: Lisa Thompson, Rachel Belcher, Linessa Wheeler, Ann-Margaret Shortt, and Cheryl Mackian. Front Row: Joann Verostko, Debbie Munzing, and Eydie Clifton.

Tise, donated the land in 1982 as part of the library fundraising effort.

Construction on the new building was completed in December Jessie Peterman was born the 26th of July 1879. Early in her life, of 1985, and Floyd’s new Jessie Peterman Memorial Library opened Jessie earned a teaching degree in 1897, then taught school for five years. its doors to the public early in 1986. The existing building was then She then went back to college, attending National Business College and expanded in 2007, and the expanded building was dedicated and School of Shorthand in Roanoke. On June 30, 1904, she became the first opened in June of 2008. female graduate from that College, and for several years afterward, she Now just a few blocks west of downtown Floyd, the Jessie Peterman was employed at the Floyd County Clerk’s Office. After that, she became Memorial Library boasts 5,823 registered library users, sixty-eight of a secretary at the law firm of Joseph E. Proffit and Kyle Weeks. whom were newly signed up during July, alone! They circulated 7,316 Jessie was also active in the Floyd items during July of 2022, as compared community, helping to induct Floyd with 1,457 during September of 1978. July County draftees in WWI and WWII. She of 2022 also saw the library go officially also played a major role in setting up the fine free! This means the library no longer Office of Economic Opportunity during charges fines for late returns. the Johnson administration, making Floyd’s library has also joined another sure that newly created jobs were made initiative sweeping across the nation. available to those who needed them. She Food pantries and refrigerators are being also served as secretary of the County set up at many of the country’s libraries, Electoral Board for more than thirty years offering free food to children and families and was also involved with local Red in need. In Floyd, the Jessie Peterman Cross blood drives.

Memorial Library partners with Plenty! in In addition to her career and civic this effort. The program is called the Floyd activities, Jessie Peterman was also a noted Free Fridge, and during its first month of county historian. She had an outstanding operation, 933 pounds of food were given memory and knew Floyd County like Board of the Floyd County Library Building Fund away. This included locally grown fresh a book. The information she collected Back row: Susan McCrea, Laurel Pritchard, Gino Williams, vegetables. and Dale Profitt. Front row: Pamela Cadmus, Geri Mattern, and shared has proved invaluable to even Betty Lineberry. Not pictured: Bill Gardner During the shutdowns, library staff current local historians. began a ‘Take-and-Make’ crafts program Jessie Peterman died on June 2, 1977, at the age of ninety-seven. for both adults and children. Continuing to this day, the program first Marguerite thought it would be a fitting tribute to her lifetime of activities involves the design of a craft project. Materials and instructions are and achievements to have Floyd’s library built on the spot where Jessie then collected in take-home bags. While supplies last, anyone who asks had spent a portion of her life. may take the kit home and enjoy the project.

20 www.Facebook.com/FloydVirginiaMagazine

Fall/Winter 2022-2023

Town Council’s Town House, the location of the first library in Floyd County, opened in 1973. (Credit: Floyd Press, March 13, 1986, pg. 6)

Among adults, the library’s gardening and houseplant programs are especially popular. They are offered in partnership with local professionals, as well as through peer ‘swap’ events.

For the younger crowd, Jessie Peterman Memorial Library is partnering with the Master Gardeners/VTExtension to deliver a three-month program that will certify Junior Master Gardeners.

At this time of this article, eleven Floyd youngsters are enrolled.

In partnership with the Floyd Drug Court, which offers alternatives to incarceration for folks with substance issues, the library also offers a major outreach program for underserved citizens. The purpose is to inform participants of resources available through the library. For example, by partnering with the Literacy Volunteers of the New River Valley, the library is working to offer financial literacy classes to Drug Court participants.

A program further seeking to assist this underserved population is offered every Tuesday at 3:00 pm, involving the 401 Peer Center in Radford. It provides certified Peer Recovery Specialist counseling to those with a substance use disorder and/ or mental health challenge.

Of course, the Department of Motor Vehicles also offers their services at Jessie Peterman Memorial Library, two days out of every month.

“It’s a wildly popular partnership,” says Assistant Branch Manager, Lisa Thompson. “Of all the questions we take over the phone, the days and hours when the DMV will be working out of our Community Room are the most frequent.”

Digital services have also been made available to library patrons.

There are free apps on the eLibrary tab of the JPML website where patrons can listen to and read books, as well as borrow films. Also via the website, anyone with a library card number can access free legal resources, homework help, and in some cases, live homework assistance. There are genealogical resources, foreign language tutelage, and much, much more. The Jessie Peterman Memorial Library has brought resources and programs to Floyd County that match the needs of 21st century living.

Throughout the history of Floyd’s library, the organization that has made most of the progress possible is the Floyd County Library Building Fund, Inc. (FCLBF). Just last year, that group also supported the digitization of Floyd Press issues from 1902 through 1982. In addition, the FCLBF consistently supports various community needs, such as outreach, material acquisition, and digitization. FCLBF will be launching their annual donor campaign this fall and has its own tab on the JPML website where supporters can learn more. Visit online at www.mfrl.org/ floydendowment.php.

Jessie Peterman Memorial Library • 540-745-2947 321 W. Main Street, Floyd VA • Branch Manager Joann Verostko

Fall/Winter 2022-2023

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Mary Hadden and Judy MacPhail

– Little River Gallery One of Floyd’s Newest Art Treasures Just half a block from the traffic light in Floyd, across from the Visitors’ Center, can be found one of Downtown Floyd’s newest art galleries! The Little River Gallery, which features a variety of items handmade by local artists, was recently opened by owners Mary Hadden and Judy MacPhail.

Before even crossing the threshold, the pleasant exterior communicates the inviting nature of Little River Gallery. The unassuming little white building features a lovely garden of blooming flowers in the front, watching over a bowl of water lovingly provided for Floyd’s thirsty fur-babies. There’s even a bench where folks cat ‘sit a spell’.

With such a modest façade, many may be surprised to find an array whimsical, locally crafted pottery, baskets, batik quilting fabric, gifts, cards, and so much more inside!

Opening an art gallery had been Mary’s dream for many years. Mary grew up in southern Ohio, in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Later in life, however, she found herself at home in Texas. When her son began an internship near Asheville, North Carolina, Mary came to visit and fell in love with the climate, the atmosphere, and the lush terrain that reminded her of her childhood.

During the visit, she drove along the Parkway and found herself near Floyd. FloydFest was just getting started, so she stayed on for the festival. After getting to know the area and the people, Mary 22 www.Facebook.com/FloydVirginiaMagazine www.Facebook.com/FloydVirginiaMagazine

returned to Texas, longing to get back to the green beauty and coolness of the mountains. A vision began to form of a life she wished to live.

That vision brought her permanently to Floyd in 2003. Mary came with her two children, Lurena and John, and bought a farmhouse outside of town. There, her garden abounds with flowers and vegetables, and in the farmhouse’s primitive kitchen, she prepares the food she has produced.

Adding a greenhouse to her homestead has allowed Mary to extend the growing season for her crops, affording her the opportunity to be even more independent, a major lifestyle choice that Mary embraces.

Also on the homestead is a studio that houses Mary’s clay and kiln. The workspace has many windows so that it almost feels like the outside is coming in. In her studio, Mary produces her famous fairies, as well as the many other wonderful pieces that can be found at Little River Gallery.

Always whimsical, her art uses soft pastel glazes, blues, greens, and pinks. If a piece of pottery has a small bird on it, it was most likely made by Mary Hadden!

Mary’s technique for clay work is to roll out the clay into thin slabs, then cut and build the pieces she creates. The legs move on her fairies. The bells tinkle on the wind chimes, and birds sit on tree branches that hang on the wall. Mary’s three-dimensional clocks

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and wall hangers for plants, as well as lovely vases, all adorn the walls of Little River Gallery.

Through a mutual friend, Mary Hadden met Judy MacPhail.

The two women became fast friends, so when Mary mentioned she needed a partner for her new gallery business, Judy was happy to join her.

Judy spent her career in the newspaper business, working as a circulation director for McClatchy Newspapers in Raleigh, North Carolina. Like Mary, Judy also dreamed of retiring in the mountains, but she imagined her retirement years would be spent in Asheville.

After just one afternoon visit to Floyd, however, she knew the farms, the hills, and town of Floyd was exactly where she wanted to be.

In 2009, she made an offer on a wonderful home on three acres of land near the Blue Ridge Parkway. For the next five years, Judy came to visit in Floyd, but still lived in her Raleigh home near her family and her four grandchildren. In 2014, however, Judy’s husband, Bob, retired from the Environmental Protection Agency. That’s when the MacPhails moved to Floyd full time.

In the 1990’s, Judy had the opportunity to apprentice with a North Carolina Heritage Award winning basket maker named Thurman Strickland. He taught the old ways of finding the perfect oak or ash tree in the woods, as well as the process involved with turning it into a strong, functional basket. For many years, MacPhail made and sold her baskets in local shops and galleries, and now displays her collections proudly at Little River.

In 2007, she was scheduled to take a basket weaving class at the John C. Campbell Folk School but got a call that the class had been canceled. While refunding the class tuition, the registrar asked Judy if there was any other class being offered week that would be of interest. Though Judy was very disappointed that she would not be in a basketry class, she reluctantly agreed to sign up for the Cotton Spinning and Dying Class. What started as a disappointment quickly became a new passion!

For the past fifteen years, Judy has created gorgeous skeins of wool, alpaca, silk, and just about any fiber she can spin into yarn.

With plenty of local farmers raising sheep and alpaca, her supply of raw fiber is plentiful. For her roving and more refined fibers, she shops with Paradise Fibers in Spokane, Washington, where she was born many years ago. Her beautiful spun creations are also available at Little River Gallery.

Little River Gallery includes the works of other local artists as well. There are succulent planters created by hypertufa artist Linda Hearn, as well as beeswax luminaries by Anita Brandon. Stained glass pieces by Joanna Huff are perfect for decorating any garden while the colorful, joyous barn quilt paintings by Kathleen Dawe can be displayed indoors or out.

The Gallery also features lovely prints and cards made by Mary’s daughter Rena Violet. The wonderful ‘Birds on a Wire’ pieces are by Robin Sydow, who also sews attractive bags and baskets. There is so much to explore and discover, all while enjoying the sweet aromas of the handmade soaps from Sun and Spruce Soap out of Roanoke.

Little River Gallery is also a working studio. While shopping, visitors are likely to find Mary rolling out her clay or Judy spinning her yarn. Both women are happy to talk about the art and answer questions for the curious.

Little River Gallery • Mary Hadden and Judy MacPhail 111 West Main Street, Floyd, VA • 540-230-4884 Thursday and Friday, 11am – 4pm Saturday, 10am – 5pm; and Sunday 12pm – 4pm www.instagram.com/littleriverstudiogallery

24 www.Facebook.com/FloydVirginiaMagazine

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www.FloydVirginiaMagazine.com 25

Albert Hash

Ernest Stoneman and his family

Handmade Music School’s Music of Our Mountains: An Interactive History of Appalachia and its “Mountain Music” Since 2016, the Handmade Music School has been an essential The music at the heart of the project, known as ‘mountain force in preserving and spreading excitement around traditional music’, was born from the coalescence of traditional English, Appalachian music. Best known for its private and group classes Scots-Irish, German, French, Spanish, African, and Indigenous in old time and bluegrass, as well as traditional Appalachian music cultures in the American South. Despite their differences, the and dance, the 501(c)3 non-profit has a core mission of spreading coexistence of these groups led to the creation of a music that the joy of traditional music to as many people as possible, regardless made no delineations between origin and race, absorbing anything of income and ability. Following this in its path. As it spread, mountain goal in 2018, the school started its music proved to be a prolific tool for Share the Music scholarship program community building. It is at the heart Old picture of the Floyd Country Store for music lessons, classes, workshops, of the Floyd Country Store’s historical and camps. This year, the Handmade and modern relevance. For over a Music School is excited to announce hundred years the Store has been a its latest project, an online interactive hub for music and dance for the local history of Appalachian music called community and beyond.

“Music of Our Mountains.”

As Music of Our Mountains Music of Our Mountains is explores, the history of Appalachia a free educational resource that and mountain music is a vast story explores the rich, disparate roots of of people, cultural persecution, and traditional Appalachian ‘mountain upheaval. It’s a story of geography, music’ as well as the characters, a great migration, and industrial cultures, and conditions from which exploitation; and it’s a story that it emerged. The project website, stretches from Louisiana and the musicofourmountains.com, is a living Ozarks all the way to the mountains document made up of recordings, photographs, stories, scholarly of New England and beyond to Québec, Nova Scotia, and texts, and maps. These resources work together to provide an Newfoundland, the northernmost point of old world emigration to exciting and vivid understanding of the music that the Handmade the Americas.

Music School strives to preserve.

Music of Our Mountains seeks to enrich the current dialogue The structure of Music of Our Mountains is twofold. On the on Appalachian music and culture, and provide a platform for a website’s main page, visitors will find a presentation of multimedia multi-view examination of the people, places, tunes, and roots that features that parallels an interactive Story-Map. The Map and provided the initial pulse from which country music was born.

Features together create a tour-like context for the viewer that The first phase of Music of Our Mountains focuses on the Blue serves as a curated guide through the content that exists within Ridge Plateau, including Floyd County, Virginia, and surrounding the Collections. It’s a virtual archive containing published essays, counties such as Franklin, Grayson, Carroll, and Patrick. This first historical photographs and recordings, interviews, and new leg of exploration examines the most prominent subjects of the contributions. Contributions can be made by musicians, scholars, region up through the Great Depression of the 1930’s. It highlights historians, or anyone with relevant stories, photos, and/or recordings the contributions of Southwestern Virginia artists, the ethos, and to share. Public participation is welcome and encouraged. the recording boom that launched the country music industry.

26 www.Facebook.com/FloydVirginiaMagazine

Fall/Winter 2022-2023

The New River Valley’s Comprehensive Audiology Service Provider Alfred Reedand fellow musicians

Here, the project lays the foundation for future phases that will delve into the history and the traditions of this music before the advent of recording technology. It then moves forward into the Folk Revival era and contemporary contributions to the greater folk community.

Many of the recordings and published materials are available at County Sales, online at countysales.com, now part of the Handmade Music School, located across the street from the Floyd Country Store. This project further contributes to the Handmade Music School’s goal of preserving traditional Appalachian music and its recorded history.

Music of Our Mountains is made possible by Virginia Humanities and private donors. To make a donation, visit musicofourmountains.com/donate.

Donations are taxdeductible. To explore the project or learn more about it, visit musicofourmountains.com. Submit a contribution or start a conversation at musicofourmountains.com/contribute.

Handmade Music School • 540-251-2571 www.HandmadeMusicSchool.com Posey Rorer

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Floyd County, VA Places of Interest Grateful Produce Treehouse Tavern

Bent Mountain

Shawsville

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81

Radford

AmRhein’s Wine Cellars

Apple Ridge Farm

Copper Hill

Sinkland Farms Aly’s Restaurant

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679 Whitlock’s Garage

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Buffalo Mountain Brewing Company Pearce Heating & Air Slaughter’s Supermarket

Floyd Yoga Jam & Living Light River Studio Willis Village Mart

Willis

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r’s Spence op Sh Body

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681

e Ridg Blue y wa Park

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Rakes Mill Pond Roberson Mill

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77 to sville

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un

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615

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0

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Pilot

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2380 Floyd Highway South • Floyd, VA 24091 www.FloydVirginiaMagazine.com 29

To R

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T&E Small Engine Stonehaven Inn

bs M

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ad N

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Directory Location

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Phone

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www.BentMountainLodgeBedAndBreakfast.com

McHale Arborscape

facebook.com/ShaneMcHalesArborscape

540-810-1845

Blake Alexander

www.BlakeAlexanderDesign.com

540-750-6510

Mickey G’s Bistro

www.MickeyGsBistro.com

540-745-2208

Blue Ridge Yurts

www.BlueRidgeYurts.com

540-745-7458

New Mountain Mercantile of Floyd facebook.com/MercantileofFloyd

540-745-4278

Bread Basket

facebook.com/BreadBasket.floydva

540-745-5382

New River Valley Hearing

www.nrvhearing.com

540-731-4327

Buffalo and More

www.BuffaloAndMore.com

540-381-9764

On the Water in Floyd

www.OnTheWaterInFloyd.com

540-838-1877

Buffalo Hemp Company

www.TheBuffaloHempCompany.com

540-745-8242

Omnibuild

www.OmnibuildConstruction.com

540-745-2599

Buffalo Mountain Brewing Co

www.BuffaloMountainBrewery.com

540-745-2491

Pine Tavern Lodge

www.ThePineTavernLodge.com

540 745 4428

Buffalo Mountain Adventures

www.BuffaloMtnAdv.com

540-755-0910

Phillips Real Estate

www.PhillipsRealEstateVA.com

540-745-3700

Buffalo Mountain Ziplines

www.BuffaloMountainZiplines.com

540-200-5234

Phoenix Hardwoods

www.Phoenix-Hardwoods.com

540-745-7475

C.W. Harman & Son

www.CWHarmanAndSon.com

540-745-2252

Poppy’s

MODpoppys.com

276-952-8370

Carter and Company Insurance

jcarterinsurance@outlook.com

540-267-5054

Red Rooster Coffee

www.RedRoosterCoffee.com

540-745-7338

Chestnut Springs Retreat

540-745-2345

Rorrer Well Drilling

www.RorrerDrilling.com

540-745-6448

Citizens

www.Citizens.coop

800-941-0426

Schoolhouse Fabrics

facebook.com/Schoolhouse.Fabrics

540-745-4561

Cocoa Mia

facebook.com/CocoaMiaChocolates

540-695-0224

SETEC

www.SoilAndEnvironmentalTechnology.com 540-381-0309

Concord Corner Store

facebook.com/ConcordCornerStore

276-952-3400

Slaughters’ Supermarket

540-745-2908

Country Road Realty

www.CountryRoadRealtyVA.com

276-952-6582

Spencer’s Body Shop

540-745-5880

Crockett Home Improvement

www.CrockettHomeImp.com

540-382-8747

Sticks & Stones Construction

540-763-2003

Daddy Rabbit’s Campground

www.DaddyRabbitsCampground.com

540-789-4150

StoneHaven Inn

www.StoneHavenbnbfloyd.com

540-745-4018

DeHart Tile Co

www.DeHartTile.com

540-382-3271

Streamline Timberframe

www.StreamlineTimberframe.com

540-230-5505

Dogtown Roadhouse

www.DogtownRoadhouse.com

540-745-6836

Sweet Providence - Tree Farm

www.Facebook.com/SweetProvidenceFarm 540-525-8444

Dulaney’s Greenhouse

www.DulaneyGreenhouse.swva.net

540-745-2994

T & E Small Engine

www.TESmallEngine.com

540-745-8383

Earth Dance Jewelry & Gems

540-230-7955

The Maggie

www.TheMaggieGallery.com

540-745-8000

Edward Jones - David Cross

www.EdwardJones.com/David-Cross

540-745-6851

The Schroeder Law Firm, PC

www.Schroeder-Law.com

540-745-4435

Farm Credit of the Virginias

www.FarmCreditOfVirginias.com

Bent Mountain Lodge Bed and Breakfast Inc

540-745-2071

The Woodshed

540-320-3057

Farmer’s Market / Sustain Floyd www.SustainFloyd.org

540-745-7333

Thomas & Wall Real Estate

www.ThomasWallRE.com

540-745-8973

Floyd Center for the Arts

www.FloydArtCenter.org

540-745-2784

Tinbenders Inc

www.TinbendersInc.com

540-334-5841

Floyd County Historical Society

www.FloydHistoricalSociety.org

540-745-3247

Treehouse Tavern

540-929-4242

Floyd Country Store

www.FloydCountryStore.com

540-745-4563

Tuggles Gap Roadside Inn

www.TugglesGap.biz

540-745-3402

Floyd County Tourism Office

www.VisitFloydVA.com

540-239-8509

Turner Family Farms

TurnerfamilyFarmsVA@gmail.com

540-250-5152

Floyd Event Center

www.FloydEventCenter.com

540-745-4434

Troika Contemporary Crafts

www.TroikaCrafts.com

540-745-8764

Floyd Family Campground

www.FloydFamilyCampground.com

540-251-2250

Under the Sun Tattoo

www.UnderTheSunTattoo.com

540-745-3080

Floyd Humane Society

www.FloydHumaneSociety.org

540-745-7207

United Country Real Estate

www.EdGallimore.com

540-230-9090

Floyd Jewelry

facebook.com/FloydJewelry

540-745-4653

Upon the Earth Construction

facebook.com/UponTheEarthServices

540-239-2362

Floyd Yoga Jam

www.FloydYogaJam.com

Villa Appalaccia Winery & Vineyard www.VillaAppalaccia.com

540-593-3100

G.J. Ingram & Son

540-745-3201

Wildwood Farms General Store

540-745-5155

Grateful Produce

540-988-6318

Willis Village Mart

540-789-7241

Griffith Lumber Company

www.GriffithLumber.net

276-692-8754

Wills Ridge Supply

540-745-2044

Harvest Moon

www.HarvestMoonStore.com

276-6928754

Yard-Boys

549-239-8762

Haynes Well & Pump Service

www.HaynesWell.com

540-382-8251

YOSOURCE

540-553-4378

Heathers of Floyd

32 www.Facebook.com/FloydVirginiaMagazine

www.WildwoodFarmsDaylilies.com www.WillsRidge.com www.YOSOURCE.org

540-577-6703

Fall/Winter 2022-2023

Beaver Creek Fencing Family Owned and Operated • Established 2000

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540-745-4110 Fall/Winter 2022-2023

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www.FloydVirginiaMagazine.com 33

Oxford Academy Library to be Named for Predominant Graduate Beginning in 1875, the Oxford Academy was established as Simmons, who later became Olivia Helms Keesee. a coeducational school by Rev. John Kellogg Harris and his wife, Olivia Helms Simmons was born December 4, 1870, to Roley Chloe Bigeloe Harris. Located at 428 East Oxford Street in Floyd, Madison Simmons and Nancy Helms. She descended from across the street from Floyd Baptist Church, the current Oxford Revolutionary War veterans, George Boothe, James Howard, and Academy building was erected in 1901 by the Reverend John Charles Simmons. She was one of seven children, her siblings Kellogg Harris after an 1898 fire destroyed the previous log school. being John W., Dr. Thomas W., George W., Tazwell M., Matilda While the school taught elementary age A., and Hamilton ‘Ham’, who went on to students, it was more widely known as a become Commonwealth’s Attorney for college preparatory school, recognized by Floyd County from 1903 to 1917. Olivia the University of New York State as being married Charles B. Keesee on October 14, equal to or above the New York high schools.

1896, in the Floyd Methodist Episcopal As a true co-educational facility in Church, which was located on the nowan era of increasing but still limited vacant lot between the Floyd Baptist educational opportunities for women, the Church property and Jeannie O’Neill’s Academy offered an advanced line-up of studio. She died on June 25, 1944 at the courses for all students, both female and age of seventy-three. male. This attracted students from Floyd Mrs. Keesee spent her life advancing and surrounding counties. The courses the cause of education, especially seeking taught in the school included Greek, Latin, to expand educational opportunities for higher mathematics, and music. young people. She and her husband had The school produced many prominent no children, so upon her death, she left a persons in the areas of medicine, law, substantial portion of her estate to help government, and education. Among the fund the Charles B. Keesee Educational graduates of the Academy is The Honorable Fund, Inc., established by Charles through Wells Goodykoontz, Congressman from his will after death in 1940. To this day, the then 5th District of West Virginia, in the fund continues to assist young people the 66th and 67th Congresses. There is also by providing scholarships for students Dr. Isaac Eldridge Huff, M.D., one of the seeking to receive degrees in the ministry.

Olivia Helms Simmons Keesee many physicians who received a portion Her background and devotion to of their education at the Academy. John education and young people led to many W. Simmons, who succeeded Dr. C. M. Stigleman as the second of her life’s pursuits. She was a true groundbreaker, serving in Superintendent of Floyd County’s Public Schools, also attended many roles that were not typical for women of her time. Among Oxford Academy.

Mrs. Keesee’s notable achievements were serving forty years as a It the late 1800’s, women’s educational opportunities were not Sunday School teacher at the First Baptist Church in Martinsville. advancing as fast as men’s educational opportunities. The Harrises, She was also a member of the Executive Committee of the Virginia however, believed in teaching everyone. In an August 1896 letter, Baptist Orphanage in Salem, Virginia, as well as a member of the Chloe B. Harris wrote, “If I could only get $500 for the girls of the Board of Trustees at the University of Richmond. county to board themselves and come to school. It is their only Despite her many activities and obligations, however, Mrs. chance.” Among prominent women to attend the Academy were Keesee never lost sight of her family roots, or of the pride in Susan Harris, daughter of the school’s founders, and Olivia Helms being descended from American Patriots. Based on the services 34 www.Facebook.com/FloydVirginiaMagazine www.Facebook.com/FloydVirginiaMagazine

Fall/Winter Fall/Winter 2022-2023 2022-2023

.

of her aforementioned ancestors, she joined the National Association of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). She later served as Regent of the Patrick Henry Chapter of the DAR, then as Virginia State Regent, then National Chair of the Committee on the Correct Use of the Flag. She also became National Corresponding Secretary General of the DAR, and in the spring of 1944, she was elected Vice President General of the NSDAR. Her death in June of that year precluded her from eventually advancing to the National Society’s highest office.

Many successes throughout the lives of Mrs. Keesee and her husband led them to establish the educational fund that bears his name. In this way, she continues to serve her community and country many years removed from her own education at that small school in Floyd County.

The attainments and achievements of Mrs. Keesee were, and remain, a credit and testament to the education she received at the Oxford Academy. Because of the many activities and accomplishments that she earned after her time at the Academy, and for her work at the local, state, and national levels of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the library and genealogy room at the Oxford Academy will be renovated and will be named in her honor.

While the renovation of the Oxford Academy is ongoing, anyone wishing to donate to such renovation is asked to forward the same to The Floyd County Historical Preservation Trust, Inc., c/o Michael J. Hatcher, Treasurer, 117 W. Main Street, Floyd, Virginia. Anyone who has questions concerning the project, or who wishes to volunteer for this endeavor, may contact The Floyd County Historical Society at 540-745-3247.

The Floyd County Historical Society 217 North Locust Street, Floyd, VA www.FloydHistoricalSociety.org • 540-745-3247 info@FloydHistoricalSociety.org

Fall/Winter 2022-2023

www.FloydVirginiaMagazine.com 35

Troika Home Finally Spreading its Wings Troika Contemporary Crafts Gallery, located in The Station at 203 South Locust Street in Floyd, has been evolving and growing ever since Abby Reczek and Annie Armistead became the new owners in 2019. Inheriting a crafts gallery that was already a discerning and unique collection of fine crafted pottery, glass items, wood items, jewelry, textiles, and mixed media art, the new owners first enhanced Troika by adding their own, distinctive creations.

Annie is a jeweler who crafts unique, wearable art inspired by nature. Abby is a potter who makes functional pottery inspired

by Floyd’s rolling green hills, blue skies, and the subtler colors of the natural world. In addition to their own creations, Annie and Abby also created a monthly event and reception that celebrated a featured, contributing artist.

In 2020, the ladies also signed a lease on another space, just down the hall. They wanted to expand to add gift and home items that Annie Armistead were not specifically crafts, but the existing space was already filled.

The new space would be called Troika Home, and it would be a companion space to Troika Contemporary Crafts. Unfortunately, they signed the lease just before the lockdown’s happened.

But it didn’t stop Abby and Annie. They opened their new space slowly, filling the showroom by initially sharing the space with Phoenix Hardwoods, of which Annie is part owner with her husband, Jeff Armistead. Phoenix Hardwoods specializes in making hand crafted, luxury furniture and home items from trees sourced in and near Floyd. Among their growing inventory of gift 36 www.Facebook.com/FloydVirginiaMagazine www.Facebook.com/FloydVirginiaMagazine

and home items, Troika Home also became a showroom for some of Phoenix Hardwoods’ spectacular hand-crafted items.

With supply chain issues and other obstacles posed by the global situation, Annie and Abby did what they could to get established.

They began adding small-batch items such as bath and body items, sheets, apothecary items, tote bags, puzzles, and games. They focused specifically on items made in the USA, items that are eco-friendly, and items that you can’t go online and find at Amazon. They specifically wanted to make Troika Home a unique shopping experience.

Two years later, and things are finally getting to the point where Abby and Annie can focus on their original visions for Troika’s companion store. In Fall of 2022, Phoenix Hardwoods will be moving its showroom to the restored Farmer’s Supply building at 101 East Main Street, allowing Troika Home the room to spread its wings.

Even during the wait, however, Abby Reczek the new store was evolving. What originally started out has a home store, will emerge this Fall as a home, gift, and specialty shop! Not only will Abby and Annie be increasing the inventory of the items already available, but they plan to add new items like baskets, picnic baskets, and crafted woodworking.

Visitors will also find Abby’s handmade pottery, as well as handmade woven aprons, towels, and napkins by Deanna Lynch from North Carolina. Troika Home will also feature yard sculptures by Amy Hart, a talented sculptor from North Carolina.

There will be handmade journals by Becca Imbur from Floyd,

Fall/Winter Fall/Winter 2022-2023 2022-2023

Blue Ridge Land & Auction Co., Inc

Real Estate is Fun & Exciting in Floyd County

Ed Gallimore, Asso. Broker www.edgallimore.com

.

540-230-9090

Troika Home located at the back of the Station

as well as a variety of small, wholesale products like totes, clutches, wine bags, and dopp kits. Dopp kits are small toilet bags, made of leather, vinyl, or cloth, used for storing men’s grooming tools for travel.

Annie and Abby are also excited to announce that Troika Home will features items from Burn Bags USA! Burn Bags USA is a small company, located in Greensboro, North Carolina, whose products are all made from repurposed firehoses. They make totes, handbags, messenger bags, fanny packs, dopp bags, wine carriers, firewood carriers, belts, dog mats, dog toys, and collars! Part of each sale goes to Firefighting organizations local to the company, but inside each item is a canvas bag that can be filled and donated to your local fire station.

To help operate the new location, Annie and Abby have hired Elise Warmbrod, who also works at fellow Station store, Jeanie O’Neal’s. The two stores will be sharing her adept dedication to making each visit a positive experience of discovery for every customer!

Looking ahead, Abby and Annie will be growing their inventory according to what folks are asking for. As of now, however, they know they will be adding Floyd-friendly books, such as books about camping, farms, and farming, as well as wild-crafted cocktails from wild-growing plants local to Floyd.

Troika Contemporary Crafts • Troika Home Monday - Thursday, 11am – 4pm • Friday, 11am – 5pm; Saturday 10am – 5pm • Sunday 12pm – 4pm. www.TroikaCrafts.com • 540-745-8764

540-745-3655 • FloydFlorist.com 106 W. Main St, Floyd VA • blueridgeflorist@swva.net

Floyd Jewelry

www.floydjewelry.com • Sarah Sowers, Owner www.facebook.com/FloydJewelry • 540-745-4653 610 East Main Street • Floyd, VA Fall/Winter 2022-2023

www.FloydVirginiaMagazine.com 37

Floyd VA Fall & Winter Happenings 2022 Located atop the magnificent Blue Ridge Plateau in southwestern Virginia, Floyd is a haven of natural beauty, where the people are renowned for their hospitality. Floyd has a vibrant culture of music, arts, local foods and wines, and outdoor recreation. With nearly forty miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway running through it, Floyd is a wonderful place to visit during the Fall and Winter months. For more information about below and other events, go to VisitFloydVA.com or call Visitor Center at 540-745-4407.

WEEKLY

SAMPLING OF MAJOR EVENTS:

Dogtown Roadhouse: features music Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings, downtown Floyd.

September 1 - 4 • Floyd Yoga Jam • Willis, VA www.floydyogajam.net/

Chateau Morrisette Winery Music in the Courtyard Series: Free music on Saturday and Sunday afternoons in the courtyard through October.

September 10 • Floyd County Fair • Floyd Family Campground www.floydfamilycampground.com/wp/ September 16 - 17 • VW Bus Campout • Floyd Family Campground • www.floydfamilycampground.com/wp/ September 17 • Hispanic Heritage Celebration Warren G. Lineberry Park • www.floydcare.org/ September 18 • Floyd Americana and Art Festival Warren G. Lineberry Park • tinyurl.com/floydamericana/ September 24 • John Bullard Concert Floyd Center for the Arts • www.floydartcenter.org/ October 1 - 2 • Floyd Arts & Crafts Festival Floyd High School • floydcountywomansclub.org/ October 9 • Missy Raines & Allegheny • Floyd Country Store www.floydcountrystore.com/ October 22 • Tour de Dirt • Floyd Family Campground www.plentylocal.org/ October 22 - 23 • 16 Hands Spring Studio Tour www.16hands.com October 25 • Spooktacular Gala • Floyd Family Campground www.floydchamber.org/ October 30 • Halloween Kids Fest • Floyd Center for the Arts www.floydartcenter.org/ November 27 • Floyd Christmas Parade • Downtown Floyd December 3 - 4 • Winterfest Craft & Holiday Event Floyd Center for the Arts • www.floydartcenter.org/ VisitFloydVA.com for additional Holiday activities!

38 www.Facebook.com/FloydVirginiaMagazine

Music is happening in the town and county every Thursday through Sunday (Thursdays through October) Hotel Floyd Music in the Mountains series: free Thursdays 6:00-8:00pm, continues through September.

Floyd Country Store: Friday Night Jamboree: Saturday afternoon American Afternoon music 12:00-3:00pm; Sunday afternoon music Jams, Oldtime and Bluegrass.

Wildwood Farm General Store: an affiliate site of Crooked Road, has free bluegrass music every Saturday night throughout the year and Sunday music Jams every 1st and 3rd Sunday afternoons.

Floyd Farmers Market: Saturdays through November, 9:00am1:00pm, downtown Community Market.

Buffalo Mountain Brewery: hosts free music many nights, Thursday through Saturday, and Sunday afternoon.

Floyd Historical Society September 17 • FCHS program – “Preserving Floyd’s Historic Records” • Floyd Center for the Arts, 10:30am – 12:00pm October 22 • FCHS program – “1945-1960, Floyd County” Floyd Center for the Arts, 10:30am – 12:00pm November 19 • Floyd County Historical Society Annual Meeting/ program - “Panel – Genealogy Research w/ visit to Clerk’s Office at the Courthouse” • Floyd Center for the Arts and Floyd County Courthouse, 10:30am – 1:00pm For more information on FCHS events call 540-745-2316 or email info@floydhistoricalsociety.org.

Cycle Floyd Fall and Winter are perfect times to check out Floyd’s Floyd County Bike Guide /Map in print and on-line. Available at the Floyd Visitor Center and on VisitFloydVA.com.

NOTE: The above events are scheduled as of Floyd Magazine printing. We suggest that you check with the event organizers and visit our VisitFloydVA.com site and calendar for continual updates.

More information is available online at www.VisitFloydVA.com.

Or, you can visit or contact our Floyd Visitor Center, open and staffed seven days week by calling 540-745-4407 or emailing info@visitfloydva.com.

Fall/Winter 2022-2023

Seasoned Hardwoods Cut, Split, and Delivered All hardwoods Custom lengths Short response time

Year around service Wood heat is carbon neutral

Bent Mountain Lodge Bed and Breakfast Inc. Lodge, Pavilion and Gazebo Suites for Weddings & Reunions!

Owned and Operated by Bonnie and Jesse Lawrence

Firewood always works!

540-320-3057

Fall/Winter 2022-2023

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www.BentMountainLodgeBedandBreakfast.com

www.FloydVirginiaMagazine.com 39

Pat Sharkey

Pat Sharkey’s Earth Dance Comes to The Station Pat Sharkey, former Floyd County Tourism Director, is refocusing on her love of rocks and gems! After retiring from Floyd tourism in Fall of 2021, she didn’t imagine a return to her past would be her next step forward. However, right before holidays, a small retail space became available in The Station downtown Floyd.

When she stepped into the space, she just knew it was right. She signed the lease immediately and Earth Dance was reborn.

Pat had originally created Earth Dance in the mid 1980’s and managed the business full or part-time for decades prior to formal tourism work. “After retiring from tourism, I was looking for just a temporary pop-up holiday market space - thinking I could do such for the holidays and then figure out my next employment step. I had not thought I could get back full-time into gems and jewelry because prior with Earth Dance I had done shows – and lots of them. At this stage of my life, shows with continual travel and constant booth set up and tear down is not a great fit.”

A small and simple retail location right in her hometown,

40 www.Facebook.com/FloydVirginiaMagazine

however, was perfect!

Pat began making jewelry and selling/trading rocks and gems in the mid-1980s. Her formal education was more in political and community work not art and craft, but when she moved to rural Floyd in the ‘80s, she wanted, and somewhat needed, her own independent cottage industry.

She started in jewelry with gem wire wrapping and bead work and then later incorporated silversmithing. For decades, she traveled to craft shows and gem and mineral shows sharing her jewelry and trading in gem and mineral specimens. Trading in the gem industry for so long, gave her knowledge of rocks and minerals which she brings to her new retail shop.

She has been employed by, and studied under, other jewelers.

She was also a member of the Roanoke Valley Mineral and Gem Society and has since rejoined that group. She served as Standards Chair for the Virginia Mountain Crafts Guild and helped start and manage Winterfest holiday craft show almost twenty-seven years

Fall/Winter 2022-2023

Cabin Rental Step back 100 years and enjoy the Mountains as they were when things were uncomplicated!

You can stay in an original wormy chestnut log cabin home and enjoy the comforts of modern convenience in a beautiful mountain setting. The cabin has been beautifully restored and is fully furnished with a full kitchen, two bedrooms and a bath.

Relax by the fire at night and settle in comfortably!

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Fall/Winter 2022-2023

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540-745-2345 • 540-250-1993

www.FloydVirginiaMagazine.com 41

Garden Center & Christmas Shoppe • Annuals, Perennials • Trees, Shrubs, Mulch • Potting Soil • Stone Decor • Starter Plants ago at The Floyd Art Center. Pat serves on the board of the Floyd Art Center and on the board of ‘Round the Mountain (RTM) SWVA Artisan Trail Network. Finally, Pat worked as Artisan Trail Development Coordinator for RTM in twelve counties across Southwest Virginia.

Her shop features her own hand-crafted gem jewelry, gem and mineral specimens for both kids and serious collectors, and select gem jewelry and art that she acquires from around the world.

Pat is also gathering local and regional rocks and information to display, “So we can all see and learn about what is right under our own feet.” Local folks are welcome to bring in their finds to share.

Earth Dance is set up to be accessible to all rock lovers, featuring fun and educational experiences for both kids and serious collectors.

“It’s all about the rocks!”, smiles Pat. “I was just always a rock lover even as a kid. I love the earth and I’m still continually amazed by the diversity and beauty of the earth crust we walk upon. It’s wonderful that both jewelry lovers and geologists enjoy the shop.”

Earth Dance includes a variety of minerals and gem jewelry, as well as meteorites, fossils, faceted gem jewelry, and raw natural rocks and gems, also set in jewelry. In addition to jewelry and specimens, Pat carries rock and gem carvings, candles, chimes, brandy glasses, and gem plates; continually adding new rock items all the time!

She admits that she has never been one to gravitate toward the formal end of jewelry, featuring gold and diamonds.

“While I do love the sparkle of faceted colored gems, as opposed to clear diamonds, and have them available at the shop, I love rocks in the raw form and sharing both raw and colored faceted gems is a theme at the shop.”

For Pat, jewelry, especially hand-crafted, is more than a commodity. It often reflects personal stories and relationships, becoming part of family history and culture. Humans have made body adornment and art of earthly objects since the beginning of time.

Located at 203 South Locust Street, Suite L, Earth Dance can be found in The Station, across from the Floyd Country Store in downtown Floyd, right behind Monkey Business.

Check the Facebook and Instagram pages for updates on store hours, usually Thursday through Sunday. Additional hours are sometimes possible, especially during holidays.

• Top Quality & Low Prices • Farmers Finest Produce • Butchers’ Best Meats • Deli & Fresh Bakery • Great Lunch Specials

We Carry a Wide Variety of Gardening Items and Decor!!

536 Floyd Highway S - (540) 745-2908

A Business Favorite of Floyd Locals!

Earth Dance Jewelry and Gems • Pat Sharkey 540-230-7955 • EarthDanceJewelryGems@gmail.com www.EarthDanceJewelryAndGems.com 42 www.Facebook.com/FloydVirginiaMagazine

Fall/Winter 2022-2023

Ryan L. Pry Attorney-at-Law

• Wills/Trusts • Elder Law • Estate Administration

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timtellingrealty@gmail.com • www.CountryRoadRealtyVA.com

540-838-2233

“LET US TAKE YOU HOME”

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From our custom cabinetry to the quality custom factory built brands we offer, Norman’s has cabinetry for any room in your home.

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1116 West Main Street • Radford, VA 540-639-1162 • Info@NormansInc.com Fall/Winter 2022-2023

www.NormansInc.com www.FloydVirginiaMagazine.com 43

Andrew Murray

After Forty Years, Harvest Moon Changes Hands On July 16 of 1982, in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Floyd, twenty-eight-year-old Margie Redditt received her business license for the Harvest Moon Food Store. That day, in that moment, her dream was brought to life. Margie’s goal had been to provide the town with shelf-stable, healthier-option foods, while at the same time operating her own business.

The idea evolved and developed in Margie’s mind while she was working for the Floyd co-op, which was located at the old Epperly Mill.

The main objective was to provide locals with easier ways of purchasing high quality, locally grown, organic foods without having to go to a typical, chain grocery store. But Margie also had an entrepreneurial spirit. Rather than continuing to work at the co-op, she wanted to create her own business that featured these healthy, local foods.

She wasted no time. While scouting possible locations for her new store, Margie found her way onto Main Street in Floyd, across from the Country Store. County Sales currently occupies 117 South Locust Street, but in 1982, it became the spot from which Harvest Moon would

44 www.Facebook.com/FloydVirginiaMagazine

begin to grow. It was a pivotal point in Margie’s life, and it proved to be a significant point in Floyd’s history, as well.

As it turned out, Margie’s idea paid off. Her store was not only successful, but it also became a reliable fixture of downtown Floyd for the next two decades. By the early 2000’s, however, the store was beginning to outgrow its walls and it became obvious that Margie would need to find a larger location.

Rather than looking for another building to rent, however, Margie commissioned the construction of a brand-new building. Completed in 2005 and located at 227 North Locust Street, the current Harvest Moon can be found right off Route 8 as you come into town.

Thinking ahead, the building was designed with two floors. Harvest Moon occupies the lower floor, with easy access from the parking lot.

The upper floor was then made available to other commercial tenants.

Over the years, the upstairs has hosted multiple businesses, but is currently home to the beloved Parkway Grille restaurant.

Fast forward to July 9 of 2022, just a week shy of forty years since

Fall/Winter 2022-2023

Fall/Winter 2022-2023

www.FloydVirginiaMagazine.com 45

From Left to Right: Josh Murray, Chad Murray, Margie Redditt, Andrew Murray

Margie Redditt picked up her business license. Ready to retire, Margie Sale sign on the edge of the road.

He mentioned it to Bailey one evening, but as Bailey had not traveled passed her dream into the capable hands of another twenty-eight-yearinto the town of Floyd very often, she was unfamiliar with the store. old with that same entrepreneurial spirit.

“You have to go in there”, he told her. “That is the neatest little store Andrew Murray and his family have been living in Floyd for a little over three years. Andrew is originally from Tazewell, Virginia, and his I’ve ever been in.”

Big decisions that involve big risk always come with feelings of wife, Bailey, is originally from Manassas Park. In the beginning, the move to Floyd was an effort to ‘meet in the middle’, but after three years trepidation. Bailey was understandably nervous about taking such a big step. But Andrew took her to the store and told with their four children and three dogs, Floyd her about Margie’s story. They discussed the dayhas become their home. to-day operation of the retail food store, as well Both Andrew and Bailey are Radford as its mission. Ultimately, however, the beauty of University graduates, having met at O’Charleys the property was the major factor behind Andrew in Christiansburg while still attending college. being drawn to this particular business.

At Radford, Andrew majored in Finance while Bailey came around to his enthusiasm. “You Bailey received her degree in Health and don’t know until to you try, and it doesn’t hurt to Human Performance. It was Andrew’s love of talk to someone.” working with numbers combined with Bailey’s As it turned out, Andrew had been looking love of health that made them the perfect for a small business opportunity in a small town successors to the forty-year institution built by for quite some time, so he had already been Margie Redditt. speaking with his father, Chad Murray, and his Andrew comes from a family where most brother, Josh Murray, about possibilities. When of his relatives were self-employed, so he has Andrew approached them with his idea of known from a very young age that he, too, buying Harvest Moon, they were both on board wanted to go into business for himself. What’s pretty quickly. more, he also knew he wanted to open and build In July of 2022, Harvest Moon officially his business in a small town. changed ownership, and was placed into the care “It’s special. It’s like having a huge family of Andrew and Bailey Murray. that you care about and look after,” says Andrew, “It’s been a learning experience,” says explaining what growing up in a small-town Andrew, citing his years of working with food community meant to him. “I genuinely enjoy everything about this small town and am looking Bailey, Andrew, Madelyn, Leighton, General, & Leroy. a good starting point. Though he has ideas for enhancements and upgrades, he plans to forward to raising my children here. The fact that I am running a business with my wife while raising our children to continue following the mission that Margie had embraced for the be good people along the way is overwhelmingly exciting. I am truly store’s first forty years – to provide good, quality, locally sourced, blessed. We couldn’t have picked a better place to call home and look organic products to his customers. The Murrays also want to assure customers that information regarding memberships will remain. forward to really becoming a part of the Floyd community.”

Among the upgrades to be implemented immediately is a new The road between imagining and doing, however, it not always as smooth as most would hope. As life threw curveball after curveball, point of sale system that has been put in place to ensure the best quality however, Andrew kept swinging. Over the years and throughout their products effectively. There have also been countless conversations marriage, Bailey remained a source of support and encouragement. about plans to add various features to the property in the future. Follow She would always tell him to keep working hard and one day they all the news online at www.harvestmoonstore.com to stay up to date on all the developments! would have their own business.

Andrew and Bailey are excited to continue the legacy of Harvest “I honestly thought that Andrew would run his own restaurant one day,” says Bailey, reflecting on the outcome of their dream. “I’ve always Moon, and to become part of something that has been such a landmark thought he was really good at that, and maybe that was the path he was and part of the identity of the Floyd community. They look forward to learning all there is to know, and they especially look forward to meant to be on.”

However, after ten years working in the restaurant industry, meeting everyone who has made Harvest Moon part of their lives.

Andrew knew that it might be time to consider other paths to make Harvest Moon • Andrew Murray and Bailey Murray that ultimate dream come true. www.HarvestMoonStore.com • 540-745-4366 As fate would have it, Andrew regularly passed by Harvest Moon on Monday-Saturday 9am to 6:30pm • Sunday 12:00pm to 6:00pm his way to work in the New River Valley. One day, he noticed the For 46 www.Facebook.com/FloydVirginiaMagazine

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How a Somber Wake-Up Call Led to Primitive Coffee Market

In 2020, just before the shutdowns, Matthew and Kayla Galecki As the Galeckis were waiting for their flight back to Charlotte, they moved from Orlando, Florida to Charlotte, North Carolina. There, they had a serious conversation about making ‘someday’ happen quickly. started new careers with United Healthcare. It was an extremely busy With the tragedy of their friend’s passing and the perspective of mortality year for the two of them, plunging into new projects despite 2020 being as a catalyst, the Galeckis decided that they were going to start looking a difficult year for many. Still, along with another group that had also for land and possibly a farm. moved up from Orlando, they managed to build a new team and set up a When they landed back in Charlotte, Kayla’s mom, also in Florida, new office space. texted her with more bad news. Kayla’s Things were going well and looking Grandma had suddenly been put into up for the Galeckis. They had their feet hospice with an estimate of mere days left planted firmly on the road to success and to live. Kayla turned right around and went were off to a great start! On the road back to Florida to be with her immediate map of life, their itinerary had much in family. After her grandmother’s passing, common with most other adults: start it became 100% clear to the Galeckis a career and reach for financial success! that they should take that risk, make the Reach for the stars! change, and try something new.

Many can relate to such a plan, but in Matthew called his parents, Sharal and the end, what we think we should be doing Kevin, who were living in Washington with our lives often differs from what we’d DC at that time. He asked if they’d be want to be doing with our lives. Later that interested in buying a farm together. They same year, the Galeckis got their wake-up said yes, right away. call, and were able to change the course of Sharal had run retail antique booth their destinies. in Orlando and participated in many In November of 2020, a good friend, antique shows throughout the southeast.

Brian, lost his battle with melanoma. He Growing up, however, her father was a was only twenty-six and his death came as rodeo cowboy. Sharal’s family traveled a great shock. Everyone had thought he frequently to local rodeos where he was getting better, so there was no sense of eventually began training horses. More urgency when lockdowns kept everyone than Kevin, Matthew, or Kayla, Sharal had Kayla and Matthew Galecki apart. The text he sent out on his birthday, the most experience in the farming world. just two days before his passing, was made even more poignant as they Kevin, was heavily involved with restoring antiques while primarily didn’t know it would be the last time they heard from him. working with Century Link as a real estate developer. Later, he, too, ended The Galeckis flew to Orlando to speak at the funeral. Once up at United Healthcare as an insurance advisor for small businesses, as surrounded by church community and best friends, talk began about well as self-employed individuals. Despite maintaining that career to this how short life was. Amongst themselves, the Galeckis started talking day, Kevin was also eager to join Kayla and Matthew. about what they really wanted to with their lives together, considering The first order of business was to find a house and farm. As it the short amount of time they would also be given. happened, Meadows of Dan was the first place they chose to look. Kayla A farm was something they’d been talking about for several years. They was immediately enamored with the area, saying to Matthew how cute particularly liked the idea of a bison ranch. A few years earlier, Matthew the town was and how perfect a place it would be for a coffee shop. had read a book by Yvon Chouinard for the Patagonia company, called Kayla had worked in the craft coffee industry for many years in “Let My People Go Surfing - The Education of a Reluctant Businessman”. Orlando, with friends Nathan Seta and Lisa Puckey. They owned a cafe The book is a reflective memoir of a man who brought doing good and called Duo58. Kayla volunteered with them for two years during their having grand adventures into the heart of his business life. It is about start-up in college, then came on full time as a Barista Manager and environmental responsibility, and well as entrepreneurship. This book Catering Sales Manager for a little over a year. inspired Matthew. It made him curious about ranching and food quality.

Despite how perfect Meadows of Dan looked for a coffee shop, Still, it felt like one of those ‘someday’ dreams. however, they didn’t find a home or farm there. The search continued, 48 www.Facebook.com/FloydVirginiaMagazine

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with wistful thoughts of Meadows and coffee shops behind them. The couple drove all around North Carolina and Virginia, looking at over thirty properties before finally making a decision.

In January of 2021, the Galeckis bought their new home and farm in Woolwine, about twenty miles northeast from Meadows of Dan. The funny part was, at the time they bought the farm, they didn’t realize how close it was to that little place Kayla had found so charming.

Once the new home had been found, however, it was time to get down to some serious work. While still in Florida, Matthew had worked at 4 Rivers BBQ from the time he was seventeen until he was twentyfour. He held several positions with the company, but eventually became Kitchen Manager. After leaving 4 Rivers, he became Fishing Manager at Gander Mountain until they closed the company. He then joined Kayla at United Healthcare where he worked for over five years as an insurance sales agent before moving up to Manager. When he and Kayla moved to Charlotte, Matthew had worked his way up to Field Sales Leader. It was in this capacity that he was to assist with opening a new office there.

In different ways, each job contributed to Matthew learning farming. Though he had no formal training or prior experience with farming, he jumped in with both feet and started learning as much as he could as fast as he could. Many locals were generous with their knowledge, and every month, a visiting friend or family member would help out. The Galeckis are grateful to everyone who gave their time so generously, expecting nothing in return. “You don’t find people like these on the regular!” says Kayla.

To learn more, Matthew watched lots of Youtube videos and started attending conferences. He even hired farm manager, Luke Kidwell. Luke had been working for several years for a farm in Maine, focusing mostly on pigs. The Galeckis tell us that Luke has been a blessing, and that he plans to grow the pork production of Primitive Farms in 2023.

With a primary focus of providing quality food to the community, and with each member of the family contributing significantly, Primitive Farms currently produces poultry, eggs, pork, and lamb; supplying meat to many local restaurants and farmer’s markets.

With the first few months of farm work under their belts, the Galeckis found themselves driving along the Parkway close to home.

About twenty miles southwest of home, actually. Imagine their surprise when they realized they were back in the first place they’d visited when searching for a farm! They had no idea that Meadows of Dan was so close by. While exploring and rediscovering the tiny hamlet, they just happened to see a ‘for rent’ sign hanging on space number four at 2577 Jeb Stuart Highway. They met with Sarah, owner of Mod Salon, as well as building owners, Casey and Felicia Sheilor. It all just felt so right.

Even though they’d just bought a new home and started a farm only five months earlier, they wasted no time. In June of 2021, the Galeckis signed a lease on Primitive Coffee Market in Meadows of Dan! Suddenly, there was a second business venture to focus on, but no need to worry about Matthew’s parents being left holding the feed bucket!

While all still living in Orlando, they had talked about one day creating a shop together. With the opportunity now before them, they decided 50 www.Facebook.com/FloydVirginiaMagazine

to combine all their passions: Kayla with her coffee, Matthew with his farming and food, and Sharal and Kevin with antiques and home goods.

The primary focus, however, is in the name. Because Orlando is a thriving coffee hub, Kayla had the opportunity to not only learn from a population of coffee enthusiasts, but to also gain different cultural perspectives. She also traveled to Turkey, Greece, Asia, and many other areas around the globe. With every trip, she kept a journal in which she sketched the cafes she visited and made notes on what she loved about them. She also took notes about the different drinks and the preparation methods behind them. Her goal was to combine anti human trafficking efforts with a coffee shop of her own.

During her travels in Asia, she had the chance to work with a bakery/ cafe that rescued women from human trafficking. The business provided these women with work and housing as they healed from the trauma.

Kayla fell in love with the industry and the power it had to connect with people. She realized, however, that if she wanted to own her own coffee shop one day, she’d first have to work in a different career to save up the capital. From the coffee scene in Orlando, she transitioned several times. She launched her own wedding coordinating company, then an art company, then established herself full time with United Healthcare.

For ten years, Kayla saved until the tragic events that set her and Matthew on the path to Primitive Farms.

It took about four months to get all the permits approved and to remodel the property. It was more hard work, and even Kayla’s mother came up from Florida to help out. On October 9 of 2021, however, Primitive Coffee Market opened to the public!

Primitive Coffee Market also contains a farm store inside, featuring farm items from Primitive Farms, as well as many other local producers.

Visitors can also find homemade baked items, home goods, restored antiques, and local farm produce!

It has certainly been a fun and challenging adventure for the Galeckis, with moving to a new state and opening two new companies in the first year. They were amazingly supported by their community in Florida, as well as by their new community in Virginia. They are grateful and thankful for all the really good friendships they have made along the way.

“Life is short,” says Kayla. “No one is promise tomorrow. It’s worth taking risks and pursuing a life you actually want. To live in the present.

You only get one.”

“If you would have told us before Brian died,” Kayla continues, “that we would be one day living in Virginia running a cafe and farm, we would have laughed at you and disagreed. We had a comfortable, good life in the city.”

The Galeckis feel, however, that a higher power used a tragic moment to redirect them and to challenge them. They also feel that if Brian were still alive, he’d have already joined them.

Primitive Coffee Market • Primitive Farms • Kayla and Matthew Galecki Open daily: 8:00am – 5:00pm • closed on Wednesdays www.facebook/PrimitiveCoffeeMarket

Fall/Winter 2022-2023

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The 28th Annual Winterfest Every December, the Floyd Center for the Arts hosts Winterfest – an annual winter festival celebrating the artistry of the surrounding area. Around twenty-five vendors travel to the twoday festival to set up booths for selling their handmade art wares to an eager audience looking for holiday shopping. Winterfest is the Center’s most traditional event, being one of the first events that was offered when it was just a dairy barn with dreams of becoming an art center. The first Winterfest, twenty-eight years ago, was designed as a year-end showcase of local artisanship and creativity. It has always been scheduled in time for local residents to begin their holiday shopping, as many folks in Floyd have a policy of buying locally made, handcrafted gifts for friends and family.

The first Winterfest was held under tents in the parking lot of the barn, with eager shoppers bearing the cold temperatures to get their hands on handmade art. As Winterfest approaches its twenty-eighth year, it remains the best opportunity for shoppers to find a wide variety of handmade, local, unique gifts all offered in one place. The event also allows shoppers to connect with makers and crafters, learning the stories behind the gifts.

In addition to artist vendors, Winterfest also features the famed Festival of Trees and Wreaths. The Center has partnered with treasured Floyd businesses and organizations to celebrate the holiday season and encourage shoppers to visit local outlets for gifts, decorations, and food for the season. Typically, the Festival of Trees and Wreaths has over fifty participating businesses, each decorating their own tree or wreath with products, gift cards, and more. Each pre-decorated, tabletop holiday tree or wreath is then placed on display at Winterfest, to be bid upon in a silent auction at the end of the event. Walking into the gallery space with all the trees and wreaths on display is a breathtaking experience, sure to brighten anyone’s holiday spirit.

Winners then take the trees and wreaths home for the holidays.

Along with being the best opportunity for holiday shopping, Winterfest has also long been known as a community gathering event for the vendors, the artisans, and their supporters within Floyd County. Festivalgoers often bring their friends and family, 52 www.Facebook.com/FloydVirginiaMagazine

having included Winterfest into their own holiday traditions.

Many vendors return year after year, becoming familiar faces that are staples for the event.

Visitors can find handmade pottery, jewelry, baked goods, soaps, baskets, photography, wood-turned bowls, and more!

The Winterfest Cafe, now a ten-year old addition, is another favorite attraction for the weekend, featuring delicious baked goods, soups, and sandwiches.

Located in the town of Floyd, Virginia, a few miles north of the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Floyd Center for the Arts is a seven-acre campus on the site of a former dairy farm. The Center is now home to an arts and cultural facility for the traditional and contemporary arts. Year-round, the Center is alive with art exhibits, social events, and educational programs for artists and non-artists of all ages and abilities. Some of the events that can be experienced through the Center include opening receptions for art exhibitions in the three gallery spaces, as well as classes such as pottery, blacksmithing, drawing, bookmaking, stained glass, flameworking, photography, and more. The Center also regularly provides fun and engaging youth programs, such as Kids Art Camp and youth classes.

Holiday events, such as Mayfaire and Halloween Kids Fest, are also on the calendar every year, providing outreach and art fun for the community. There are also larger events hosted by the Center, such as Artisan Trail, which partners with over thirty artists who open their studios to the public for the weekend. For those seeking a classical music experience, concerts can also be attended in the Center’s Community Hall, featuring performances from a variety of musicians and time periods. The Floyd Center for the arts strives to offer artistic experiences for everyone. The Center also supports the artistic endeavors and creativity of their fellow artists and art lovers.

The Floyd Center for the Arts • 220 Parkway Lane South Open 10am – 5pm, Monday - Saturday • Closed on Sunday www.floydartcenter.org • 540-745-2784

Fall/Winter 2022-2023

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INDEX OF ADVERTISERS 16 Hands...............................................................21 A New Leaf Galley...............................................31 Airtech Home & Business....................................23 American Pie Restaurant.......................................19 Anahata Education Center....................................41 Beaver Creek Fencing...........................................33 Bell Gallery and Garden.......................................19 Bent Mountain Lodge Bed and Breakfast Inc.....................................39 Bethesda - House of Mercy...................................47 Better Sofas...........................................................15 Blue Ridge Florist & Gifts....................................37 Blue Ridge Folklife Festival.................................11 Blue Ridge Yurts...................................................16 Bread Basket.........................................................41 Buffalo And More....................................... 13 & 53 Buffalo Hemp Company.........................................2 Buffalo Mountain Brewing Company .................33 Buffalo Mountain Motorsports...............................7 Buffalo Mountain Ziplines....................................13 C.W. Harman & Son.............................................17 Carter & Company Insurance...............................53 Chestnut Springs Retreat.......................................41 Citizens.................................................................47 Cocoa Mia.............................................................29 Cooke, Lavender, Massey, & Company...............49 Country Road Realty................................... 13 & 43 Crockett Home Improvement...............................15 Daddy Rabbit’s Campground and Cabins.............19 DeHart Tile Co......................................................51

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Dogtown Roadhouse...............................................4 Earth Dance Jewelry & Gems...............................23 Edward Jones........................................................47 Electrical Supply Company....................................7 Eleven West...........................................................39 Farm Credit of the Virginias.................................25 Floyd Country Store..............................................54 Floyd County Economic Development Authority...................................45 Floyd County Mutual Fire Insurance Co..............17 Floyd Farm Trail...................................................35 Floyd Jewelry........................................................37 Floyd Visitor Center..............................................45 Frontera Roots.......................................................29 G.J. Ingram & Son................................................33 Grateful Produce.....................................................7 Griffith Lumber Company....................................31 Harvest Moon..........................................................7 Haynes Well Drilling..............................................3 Heathers of Floyd..................................................31 LCF Group............................................................53 Lichen or Knot........................................................5 Little River Gallery......................................... 1 & 6 Main Street Mechanics.........................................51 McHale Arborscape..............................................49 Mickey G’s............................................... 1, 6, & 17 New Mountain Mercantile of Floyd.....................31 New River Valley Hearing....................................27 Norman’s Cabinetry..............................................43 Omnibuild.............................................................19

Phillips Real Estate...............................................31 Phoenix Hardwoods................................. 1, 6, & 29 Poppy’s..................................................................29 Rorrer Well Drilling..............................................39 Ryan L. Pry Attorney-at-Law................................43 Schoolhouse Fabrics.............................................13 SETEC..................................................................25 Slaughters’ Supermarket.......................................42 Southern Heritage Homes.....................................41 Spencer’s Body Shop............................................51 Sticks & Stones Construction...............................15 StoneHaven Bed & Breakfast...............................21 T & E Small Engine..............................................25 The Schroeder Law Firm, PC...............................16 The Woodshed.......................................................39 Thomas & Wall Real Estate..................................56 Tinbenders Inc.......................................................43 Treehouse Tavern....................................................7 Troika Contemporary Crafts.................................42 Tuggle’s Gap Restaurant & Motel........................47 Turner Family Farms............................... 1, 6, & 25 United Country Real Estate..................................37 Upon the Earth Construction................................53 Virginia Furniture Market - Mattress Store..........55 Wildwood Farms General Store............................29 Willis Village Mart................................................53 Wills Ridge Supply...............................................49 Yard-Boys ..............................................................7 YOSOURCE.........................................................23

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