Roanoke December 2016

DECEMBER 2016

Roanoke PREMIERE ISSUE

RoanokeLifestyle.com

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Give him Peter Millar For Christmas.

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Lifestyle Letter

About The Cover

I

t is my pleasure to bring to you the first issue of Roanoke Lifestyle Magazine to your home. As publisher, I wanted to share, community artists, writers with the flare of a luxury; a look, craftsmanship and desire.

Each month, Roanoke Lifestyle Magazine will illustrate an avant-garde cover. How I choose the cover, is how I want to share with you, my thoughts and reflection of the image.

This month’s cover is the Mandala, pronounced, mon-dah-lah, which means “circle.”

There are many translations for the Mandala, in Christianity, Hinduism, Jewish, Buddhist and other religious orientations.

DECEMBER 2016 PUBLISHER

Stephanie Scordas | Stephanie.Scordas@LifestylePubs.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Anne Piedmont, Ross Biddiscombe, Andy Wolfe CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Anne Piedmont, Ross Biddiscombe, Andy Wolfe

The Mandala has many uses and different designs of the “circle.” The “circle” symbolizes the notion that life never ends. It may be used as meditation symbol or as a journey through life.

The Mandala I chose this month was appealing, depicting the intertwining of the gold as life itself. The beauty of celebrating life, especially during the holidays with family and friends. The “circle” of gold reminds me of my origin, Greek. The center is like that of my ancestry. And all the points, like a crown, is the family, in all directions.

Everyone feels different experiences with the meditation of a Mandala, coming away with a relaxed demeanor.

CORPORATE TEAM | Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

CHIEF SALES OFFICER

| Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DIRECTOR OF MARKETING

So, by choosing the Mandala, in such a hectic time of year, my gift to you, with hope, brings you a sense of pleasure in reading Roanoke Lifestyle magazine.

ART DIRECTOR EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

AD COORDINATORS

Sincerely, Stephanie Scordas Publisher

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ADVERTISING MANAGER

I wish you a Happy Holiday.

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Stephanie.Scordas@LifestylePubs.com

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Roanoke Lifestyle | December 2016

TALK TO US

P.O. Box 12608 Overland Park, KS 66282-3214 Proverbs 3:5-6 Roanoke Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of Roanoke’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors.

Information in Roanoke Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

HOLLINS UNIVERSITY

e arns accol ade s

From Major National COLLEGE GUIDES

USA Today and College Factual have named

Hollins as the number one college in the nation in the category, “English Language and Literature, General – Most Focused.” Their 2017 college rankings also place Hollins among the top five percent of the “Most Focused” colleges and universities nationwide in biology and history.

The 2017 edition of U.S. News Best Colleges lists Hollins at number 11 in the category “Best Colleges for Veterans” and the number 27 “Best Value School” among National Liberal Arts Colleges. Overall, Hollins is ranked number 105 in the National Liberal Arts Colleges classification, up from number 108 last year.

Hollins’ financial health has received an “A” rating from Forbes magazine.

Hollins is one just four Virginia colleges to be featured in Peterson’s Cool Colleges 101.

(800) 456-9595

Niche.com has named Hollins one of the 100

Best Liberal Arts Colleges in the country, and listed it among the five Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Virginia.

In its profile of Hollins, The Princeton Review’s The Best 381 Colleges: 2017 Edition says students at Hollins “adore the school,” that life on this “gorgeous” and “peaceful” campus is “a unique amalgam of individualistic zaniness and required academic hustle and bustle,” and that “Hollins really embodies the concept of sisterhood.”

Hollins is one of the top 100 liberal arts colleges in the nation that contribute to the public good, according to Washington Monthly’s annual College Guide and Rankings. Hollins is one of only five Virginia colleges to earn a spot in the top 100.

www.hollins.edu

December 2016

Departments

24

14

Around Town

16

Healthy Lifestyle

18

Food & Wine

32

Renovate & Refine

35

Artist’s Palette

36

Lifestyle Calendar

38

Local’s Choice

18 Holiday Wine Pairings & Whiskey Making

Holiday Wine Pairings

24 Ryder Cup

The Ryder Cup

35 Joni Pienkowski

Artist's Palette

18

32

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Around Town

AROUND TOWN HABITAT FOR HUMANITY As we look “Around Town” at how nonprofit organizations collectively help our community, Habitat for Humanity of the Roanoke Valley shines with its efforts.

Habitat for Humanity collaborates with the City of Roanoke and other housing partners to revitalize targeted neighborhoods.

Habitat constructs safe, durable, and affordable homes that are sold to low-middle income families and individuals.

Jenny

Lee,

Development

Director,

shared with us, Habitat for Humanity has recently moved to 3435 Melrose Avenue to focus its efforts in the NW neighborhood for the next several years.

The move harmonizes its efforts with the launch of Habitat’s construction and neighborhood revitalization in the Melrose and Orange Avenue neighborhood.

“We love getting to know the neighbors.

Nearly every workday, folks have stopped by the sites to welcome us and take a look at what we’re doing,” adds, Brian Clark, Construction Director.

Habitat has embraced the Melrose community with its renovations of the former bowling alley, providing a much needed expansion for the Habitat ReStore.

Sales from the ReStore help fund Habitat’s construction and activities The ReStore offers new and used furniture, appliances, housewares, plumbing, building supplies, paint and other items.

To learn more and how to help and view upcoming events for Habitat for Humanity of the Roanoke Valley, go to http://www. habitat-roanoke.org or call 540 344 0747.

-- Stephanie Scordas

14

Roanoke Lifestyle | December 2016

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Healthy Lifestyle

T

ime was, the holiday host only had to worry about seating

The New Holiday Table ARTICLE ANNE PIEDMONT

conservative Uncle Joe near liberal cousin Sue. These days,

gluten-free, vegan, lactose-intolerant and Type-2 diabetic relatives make planning the meal a real challenge.

Missy Saul, who’s cooked for all dietetic types as chef at the Roanoke Natural Foods Co-op, offers some advice for trying to please everyone. Step one: ask all guests what they can and can’t, will and won’t eat. In the case of food allergies, remind them that your kitchen may contain some cross contamination and suggest they bring their own food if they are concerned. The Food and Drug Administration identifies eight allergens: milk, eggs, fish (bass, flounder, cod), crustacean shellfish (crab, lobster, shrimp), tree nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans), peanuts, wheat, and soybeans. Saul added celery to her list after a scary incident.

As the head cook for many a large dinner of family and friends, Saul suggests offering plenty of choices. She also makes point of asking new people if there is a particular dish that is special to them.

Lactose-intolerant and vegan diets pose similar quandaries. Saul recommends using cocoanut or almond milk, instead of the traditional milk. The vegan butter substitute Earth Balance “tastes better

Today's holiday table table requires a bit of dietetic planning.

in baked goods than butter,” she says. “It cooks well and bakes well.”

She acknowledges a lack of choice with cheese substitutes.

She has used almond cheese or Daiya cheese (which contains no soy or nuts). She says it melts like real cheese, but isn’t quite the same. There also are vegan cream cheese and sour cream products on the market. She recommends experimenting and tasting before serving.

Saul loves soups this time of year. Soups with winter squash, apples and sage translate well to the vegan palate, she says, especially when using Better than Bouillon, which comes in vegan and organic versions. It’s available at the co-op and national grocery chains.

For the gluten-free guest, there are many options, she says.

Companies like Udi’s make a variety of breads. Gluten-free pie crusts also are available, but, she cautions, the pre-made crusts burn easily. For those who like to bake from scratch, Saul recommends Bob’s Red Mill gluten-free flour. She says it doesn’t have

Missy Saul (Photo

credit , Robert West)

the “bean taste” that similar products might have.

With the growing Type-2 diabetes, “epidemic,” chances are many holiday tables will include someone who is diabetic or pre-diabetic. Saul suggests using agave as a sweetener, and staying away from sugar and honey. Stevia plant sweeteners also are a good substitute. Broccoli, cauliflower and beans are good, she says. Potatoes, carrots and corn are not. Despite the name, sweet potatoes are better for the diabetic diet than the white ones.

Instead of that holiday favorite, mashed potatoes, Saul suggests using cauliflower – with Earth Balance butter.

Saul’s recipe for a holiday table that accommodates many food

ed not Pumpkin pie ne 's diet . be off ever yone

preferences and requirements: plan ahead, offer choices, be creative and ask the guests. And stay away from politics and religion!

Check out some of Missy Saul’s recipes at RoanokeLifestyle.com.

16

Roanoke Lifestyle | December 2016

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Food & Wine

HOLIDAY WINE PAIRINGS

& Whiskey Making WINE PAIRINGS

Cheers! The holiday season is a time to uncork the bottle and clink the glasses in celebration. But, what wine to pour?

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY ANNE PEIDMONT

Local experts have their favorites, and tips to help holiday

18

Roanoke Lifestyle | December 2016

hosts choose just the right wine for the occasion. They suggest asking them for advice when planning a meal or party.

“Plan ahead,” says Dickenson, adding that the Fresh Market wine section features cards that offer pairing suggestions.

“Bring in the recipe and ask. There is no blanket recommendation,” says Powell. Bill Philips of Mr. Bill’s Wine Cellar says he listens to the customer first. “I dial in what they are serving, plus their own wine preferences.”

Serving

turkey?

Dickenson

likes

Vouvray

or

Gewurztraminer, which is a sweeter white wine. Pinot Noir pairs with ham and “hits well with every dish.” He suggests Chardonnay for the cocktail hour. It’s versatile, he says and goes with appetizers. “It’s a good opening and good closing wine.” Cabernet Sauvignon is a nice “social gathering wine.” When it comes time to pop the cork on New Year’s Eve, he points likes La Marca Prosecco. “People

ry ve re fo es

adding

that its peachy taste makes it perfect for brunch and other celebrations.

Powell names Chardonnay (aged in stain-

W ta i n e st e Go an ur d m m et ea o l. ffe r

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w

in

love it,” he said,

less steel, not heavy oak) and Pinot Noir as his top two wine varietals for the holiday season. “They both have enough body to stand up to holiday meals.” Beyond those two, he says Vouvray or a dry Riesling go well with turkey. For a spicier turkey, he opts for an off-dry Riesling. Pinot Noir is perfect with ham, and so is Beaujolais Nouveau. The latter is a red wine made from Gamay grapes in the Beaujolais region of France, fermented for just a few weeks and released on the third Thursday of November.

When it comes time to celebrate, he returns to the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes – in the form of Champagne.

(Champagne can only bear that label if it is made in that specific region of France.) For sparkling punch and other cocktails he recommends Prosecco (Italian sparkling

wine)

or

(the

CONTINUED >

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December 2016 | Roanoke Lifestyle

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Roanoke Lifestyle | December 2016

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Food & Wine (CON TI N U ED)

Spanish version), which tend to be less expensive.

When the holiday table includes turkey, Philips likes a “good, dry Riesling” or a Grüner y)

Veltliner, a dry, food-friendly white wine primarily proi st

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duced in Austria. He says Riesling can stand up to even etals that are low in tannins, such as Beaujolais. For celebrations, he notes that there are a wide variety of choices at all price points.

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heartier meals. For fans of red wines, he suggests softer vari-

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MAKING WHISKEY –LEGALLY – IN FRANKLIN COUNTY

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If it weren’t for music, and a family vacation to Myrtle Beach, Chris Prillaman might not be making legal whiskey in Franklin County today. Yes, legal.

Prillaman, owner and distiller at Twin Creeks Distillery, admits that when he was growing up in Ferrum, “there was a whole lot of that whiskey business going on.” There

was also music. He plays in string band called the Dry Hill Draggers with its founder, Jimmy Boyd. They’ve played at the Blue Ridge Folklife Festival where they caught the eye of Blue Ridge Institute& Museum director Roddy Moore. In 2007, Moore asked Boyd (an actual bootlegger) to set up a demonstration still.

“It blew me away,” Prillaman said about all the people who had an interest in the art of making whiskey.

(He prefers using the term, “whiskey” over “moonshine,” as the latter conjures up images of “snaggle-toothed hillbillies.”) After that experience, he told Boyd they should get a license and “make a go of it.” But, the application was daunting and they forgot about it.

As time wore on, he noticed more and more interest in distilleries and whiskey. Fast forward to 2013, and the trip to

Myrtle Beach. He and his family toured the Palmetto Distillery, with its shirts, hats and demonstration still. The tour guide asked where everyone was from, and when he told them, people recognized Franklin County and its moonshine reputation. When he got home, he talked to friends and family and went through the “long and costly process” that has become Twin Creeks Distillery.

While Franklin County is best known for the “black pot stills” that make a lot of sugar-based mash for selling, Prillaman grew up around people who made “drinking liquor.” Instead of sugar-based, the mash is made with grains, such as rye or corn. His focus is more high-end whiskey and brandy. His products include a sugar-based “moonshine” called “First Sugar Rye,” as well as “Sweet Mash Rye” and “Peach Brandy.” The peach brandy is made from distilling peaches, rather than just flavored with them.

In developing his process and his products, Prillaman drew on the knowledge of people in the area. He mentioned an older man who made sour mash during World War II when no sugar was available. In fact the roots of his whiskey run even deeper. He found out that the percentage of grain in his product is exactly the same is that in the whiskey George Washington made. “It’s amazing,” he said, “that knowledge came over from England.”

He makes his whiskey with steam. Fire never touches the mash. The result, he says is a smoother, milder product.

“This is the tail end of some very knowledgeable people,” he said. “I took the best of everything I could get a hold of.”

In the end, Prillaman has a product that is “true to my roots and the roots of the people in this county.

What they did when they had no choice: good people making a good product.”

December 2016 | Roanoke Lifestyle

21

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Roanoke Lifestyle | December 2016

SS BI IS CO M BE |P HO G TO RA PH YC HA

hen the dust finally settled on the 41st Ryder Cup at Hazeltine Golf Club in October, the US team had scored its first victory in eight years.

DD RL

W

RO

RYDER CUP

whereas many pros in Britain and Europe

and, rightly so, as the quality of the golf in

rarely swung a club at all, let alone took

Minnesota created an electric atmosphere.

part in top-level competitions. For decades,

But history tells us that although the result

European golfers would play catch-up as their

was different than in recent times, there was

US counterparts enjoyed better courses and

one thing in particular that was very similar

equipment, improved sponsorship and more

to almost all previous contests - the win-

prize money from television coverage.

ners were determined by events off the golf

One graphic example came at the Ryder

course, by decisions taken months before

Cup in 1963 when America’s player/captain

the first ball was struck.

Arnold Palmer arrived at East Lake Golf Club

Ryder Cup matches since the contest’s

in Atlanta (the modern day venue of the FedEx

inception in 1927 have been deeply affected by

Cup Tour Championship) in his own plane that

what happens in the team rooms, the meeting

he flew himself. One of his counterparts in the

rooms, even the board rooms of the sport of

British team was Neil Coles of England who

golf and the 2016 battle was no different.

supplemented his income during the quiet win-

This situation really began to show in the

ter months by working in the family shoe shop.

30 years after World War II, a time when

Is it any wonder that the USA’s opponents felt

America’s Ryder Cup opponents (it was just

inferior and, therefore, suffered endless defeats?

Great Britain until 1979) rarely put up a strug-

From the 1940s through to the early 1980s,

gle. After the war, the whole of Europe was

American players were by far the best in the

HT

leader Patrick Reed made all the headlines

IG

continued in the US throughout the conflict

KN

were the best because the professional game

line-filled charge of the US team’s emotional

E-

of society including sports. American golfers

by veteran Phil Mickelson and the adrena-

CO

been seen before. The avalanche of birdies

IS

while the USA forged ahead in every aspect

BR

in tatters, both economically and socially,

sport to heights of excitement that had rarely

ES

An emphatic 17-11 win over Europe took the

CONTINUED >

December 2016 | Roanoke Lifestyle

25

RYDER CUP (CON TI N U ED)

26

world and the Ryder Cup was starting to feel like a pleas-

Suddenly the players on Team Europe had full

ant end-of-season exhibition match for them. There was

ownership of their part in the contests, whileAmer-

little of the prestige that the match holds today because

ican players continued to be guests of the PGA of

the matches were usually so one-sided. Even the expan-

America. It might sound like a slight advantage to

sion of the British Ryder Cup team into a European one

Europe, but Tiger, Phil and their US Ryder Cup team-

in 1979 initially made little difference as the USA won that

mates soon felt like guests at their own party. While

match easily and also the next one in 1981. There was

the Europeans were in total control of their side of

now a strong possibility that the future of the Ryder Cup

the Ryder Cup including choosing the captain and

itself was under threat because of the lack of competition

the courses, the thoughts and needs of the US team

between the two teams.

members were too often kept at arm’s length.

However, there was a shock for the 1983 US squad.

Then, along came another defeat in 2014 at

This time, the likes of Seve Ballesteros and Nick Faldo

Gleneagles US taskforce and large scale US grum-

fought like tigers and almost pulled off an amazing win on

blings led by Mickelson. A taskforce was set up

American soil. Only a fabulous pitch to the 18th green in

by players and administrators within weeks and,

the very last singles match by Lanny Wadkins secured a

although it was derided by many some experts, it

home victory. Suddenly, the Ryder Cup was a real contest.

was to prove a stroke of genius.

The next match in 1985 at The Belfry was Europe’s first

The US team’s began to change in the build-up to

win in 28 years and, right then, the modern era of thrill-

Hazeltine. Firstly, the idea of the team as ‘a family’ was

ing Ryder Cup battles began. Not only that, but Europe

introduced – every player being prepared to sacrifice

reversed the previous trend and began to win a majority

something for his teammate. Too many American

of the matches. Of the first 10 Ryder Cups in the current

players in the past had thought team golf was all

millennium, the European team won eight, culminating

about having the best individual players.

in a big win at Gleneagles in 2014. Europeans often

Then, while the financial control remained with

spoke of a strong family-like atmosphere among the

the PGA of America, what Phil Mickelson called “the

players from many countries. The Euros also benefited

emotional control” was grabbed by the players. They

from a different kind of ownership of the Ryder Cup itself.

selected their own captain, they had a real voice in

Back in 1927 when the first match was played, the two

the pairings, they chose how the course would be set

professional golfers associations (PGAs) of America

up. The most obvious example of the change was that

and Britain organised the event and held the rights

at Gleneagles, Tom Watson was an old-style team

to it. But by the late 1960s and early 1970s, the lead-

leader who made decisions himself; in 2106 Davis

ing pros on each side of the Atlantic formed their own

Love II was a modern-day, collaborative captain.

administrative bodies (the PGA Tour in the US and the

In top-level professional sport, the difference

European Tour over in Britain and Europe). However,

between winning and losing is often a tiny percentage;

the tour pros did not want the rights to the Ryder Cup

it’s not always talent or physical ability, but of mental

when these splits happened because the matches con-

strength and fortitude. Davis Love’s tireless work before

sistently lost money. The PGAs – the bodies that now

a golf ball was hit at Hazeltine brought him redemption

worked exclusively for the many thousands of club pros

for his loss as captain at Medinah in 2012. Everyone

on both sides of the Atlantic – were left in charge.

in a Team USA hat believed that what had happened

Then, in 1990 the GB Ryder Cup team added

in the meeting rooms beforehand had placed them –

continental European players and the British PGA

mind and body – in the best possible position to win.

made a significant decision – it agreed to partner

The 12 US players with their five captains in support

with the European Tour in all aspects of the matches.

were a team in the truest sense; men with unique

Roanoke Lifestyle | December 2016

individual personalities like Mickelson and even

Tiger Woods

Tiger Woods who was a vice captain sang from the same songsheet for the first time. The US had simply copied the art of real togetherness, something that the Europeans had been perfecting successfully for much of the previous 30 years, and it brought them victory.

Luckily for every golf fan, the US also avoided a record fourth-straight Ryder Cup defeat and therefore provided the perfect launch pad for the next match in Paris in 2018. And the only thing that is guaranteed about the match in France is that victory will once again likely be decided by events off the golf course. You heard it here first.

The theme of this feature is taken from Ross Biddiscombe’s acclaimed book Ryder Cup Revealed: Tales of the Unexpected that is available in hardback and eBook formats on Amazon.com

Phil Mickelson

December 2016 | Roanoke Lifestyle

27

E V E R

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Roanoke Lifestyle | December 2016

G R E E N History comes to life in Roanoke’s Evergreen Burial Park ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY ANDY WOLFE

T

he former old “solitude” farm has rolling hills and mountain views.

The nearly 50 acres, nestled between the Ghent, Wasena, and Raleigh Court neighborhoods, are as beautiful today as they were 100 years ago when three prominent Roanoke businessmen created a “modern burial park,” and more importantly a lasting business that still serves its community. From its initial conception, Evergreen Burial Park has been, and is today, a special place, populated by many exceptional people who had an enormous impact on the place we call home.

CONTINUED >

December 2016 | Roanoke Lifestyle

29

EVERGREEN (CON TI N U ED)

T H E

The mausoleums are a prominent feature of the park.

B E G I N N I N G

World War I was raging. The United States was not yet

A.G. Chewning, C.M. Armes, and C.B.

involved, but news from the European theater splashed across

Cole. The Roanoke area needed a

the daily papers. Nestled between the headlines: “Bulgarian

new cemetery. City Cemetery had

Port Bombarded by Allies’ Fleet,” and “Hindenburg’s Drive to

sold all of its burial plots. At the time,

Riga Now Checked: Other Russian Successes Also Reported,”

Fair View Cemetery was the only

Roanokers read, “Plans Made for Modern New Burial Park.”

burial park of any size near Roanoke

On Saturday, October 23, 1915, in the afternoon edition of the

City. The new Evergreen Burial Park

Roanoke World-News, Roanoke Valley residents first learned

was closer to Roanoke City, and

about the Evergreen Development Company and its plans to

at the time it opened, it offered a

build a new cemetery on nearly 47 acres of land in what was

unique feature that set it apart from

then Roanoke County, Virginia.

other cemeteries in the area. “The

The day before that article appeared, the Virginia State

principle feature of the new plan,” the

Corporation Commission had recognized the incorpora-

World-News reported, “is from the

tion of Evergreen Development Company by its founders:

beginning a substantial portion of the

Memorial art adorns the grave stones throughout the park. Mr. Jacobson, a railroad engineer was scolded by steam.

proceeds from the sale of space will The cover of the centennial book by Don Wilson and Denise Allen Membrano.

be placed into a trust fund, the interest from which will assure thorough and perpetual care of all the lots.”

Chewning, Armes, and Cole set out to build a company that would continue to service their community long after they themselves were gone.

D O N

W I L S O N

When Don Wilson arrived at Evergreen Burial Park in 1982 as a 23-year-old upstart, little did he know that he would still be there 34 years later. It was just a job he was going to do until he found something better. As it turned out, managing a cemetery was the perfect job for him. He had always had a knack for sales.

He started young, selling flower and vegetable seeds when he was eight—light bulbs, magic shoe shine, and yearbook advertisements followed. He also enjoys history and meeting people.

What he did not realize in 1982 is the cemetery business is a people business, steeped in history. People come to Evergreen at difficult times in their lives; they treat them, and the loved ones they are entrusting with them, with care and dignity. As you walk through Evergreen, you are walking by the men and women who have made our community, and in some cases our country, what it is today.

Evergreen: A Century of Service, written by Don Wilson, president of Evergreen Memorial Trust, with Denise Allen Membreno, marks the 100th anniversary of Evergreen Burial Park. When you read this book, you are not only learning the history of Evergreen Burial Park but that of Roanoke. The men who founded Evergreen Development Company were prominent business owners who shaped Roanoke in addition to their company. They and the developers of Evergreen have made things easier today with the cemeA haunting image of the cemetery in the early morning light.

30

Roanoke Lifestyle | December 2016

tery layout, rules, and regulations, most of which are still in force, albeit with some tweaks for the 21st century.

Don Wilson

E V E R G R E E N M E M O R I A L T R U S T Over the years, Evergreen has acquired other cemeteries. Evergreen now has five properties under its umbrella: Evergreen Burial Park in Roanoke, Mountain View Memorial Park in Boones Mill, Green Hill Mausoleum in Buena Vista, Mountain View Cemetery in Vinton, and Forest Rest in Boones Mill. They wanted to let the communities in which these properties The entrance to Evergreen Burial Park as it was nearly a century ago.

operate know that all were held to the Evergreen standards, so in 2013 they named their parent company Evergreen Memorial Trust. These

A very early aerial photo of Evergreen Burial Park

properties offer everything—traditional burial, cremation, mausoleum entombment, natural burial, and pet burial.

December 2016 | Roanoke Lifestyle

31

Renovate & Refine

Prepare Your Home for

Holiday Entertaining ARTICLE PROVIDED BY FAMILY FEATURES

A

s the holiday season approaches and

PLANNING

Set the guest list early: Send out invites in advance. Longer notice allows for you to better

you're tasked with hosting family and

Staying organized and having a precise

gauge who will be attending and how much

friends, it can be a little overwhelming to

plan are vital to putting together the perfect

food you'll need to make. Rather than waiting

imagine all the work that has to take place

night with family and friends. Make sure to

to see who shows up and who doesn't, send

for a successful celebration.

nail down the specifics, such as the number of

out RSVPs via mail or email so that you have

However, there's no reason the host can't

guests, what food will be brought, what needs

a precise idea of how many people to plan for.

join in the fun. To help keep calm and have your

prepared in advance and what can wait until

Plan the menu ahead of time: From

home ready for the party, follow these tips.

the big day. Making lists and involving others

drinks to side dishes to dessert, with spe-

in the family to help can make a seemingly

cial storage spots and industry-first infinity

insurmountable volume of work feel instantly

slide shelves, Whirlpool's French Door

More often than not, the first step to ready-

manageable. As you think through your plans,

Refrigerator allows you to store 30 percent

ing your home for a house full of guests is to

remember to anticipate the unexpected and

more so you can buy all your groceries in

clean. Start by going room to room seeking

have an emergency party kit on hand to

advance. This way you won't have to worry

out trash, recyclables and things that can be

quickly respond to pitfalls, like spills or broken

about running to the store just moments

stored away - anything to clear up much-

glass, before they derail the festivities.

before guests arrive.

DECORATING

where you can, such as setting out plates

CLEANING

needed space. Once the clutter is cleared, work from the top down to clean surfaces, so

Set the table the day before: Organizing

any dust or debris that hits the floor can be

With all the energy you put into planning

and silverware in advance, allows you to

vacuumed or swept neatly away. Remember

and upgrading, don't overlook the importance

focus on preparing food and drinks on the

to steer clear of harsh or highly fragrant chem-

of taking time to make your home shine with a

day of the party. Unless you'll be using

icals, which may be an irritant to some guests.

creative touch. Go festive with holiday-specific

fresh cut flowers, go ahead and complete

decor or keep it classic with timeless decora-

the centerpieces and any other decorative

tions placed throughout the home to make it

touches the night before, as well.

UPGRADING

Don't try to sneak by with old appliances

really sparkle. For close family and friends, con-

Make a party-night cheat sheet: Keep a

this time around. Instead, upgrade your most

sider adding personal touches like mementos

checklist nearby so you don't forget about

important resources throughout the house

of holidays past. Or go with a themed approach

any of your delicious courses or what tasks

in order to find success when it comes to

with similar colors and textures that you carry

need completed throughout the evening.

playing host. For example, swapping out

throughout the house.

Remember to include items like refreshing

your old, cluttered refrigerator for a Whirlpool French Door Refrigerator with industry-first

For more ideas to upgrade your kitchen, visit whirlpool.com.

infinity slide shelves is a useful way to create more space in the kitchen. Its pantry-inspired

GET ORGANIZED FOR ENTERTAINING

layout lets families fit and find all their edible

Hosting a holiday gathering is no small

favorites. Every section, shelf and bin in the

feat, but you can get organized ahead of the

refrigerator was redesigned to deliver smart

big day with these entertaining tips.

organization with panoramic shelves and unique features to store 30 percent more than other leading French door bottom mount refrigerators. Perfect for a big shopping run before a party, the refrigerator features dedicated spaces places like the Treasure Bin, Platter Pocket and Small Items Bin to give maximum visibility and easy access when it's time for the food prep to begin.

32

Roanoke Lifestyle | December 2016

the ice bucket and swapping out buffet dishes or appetizer platters periodically.

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Artist’s Palette

JONI PIENKOWSKI

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY ANNE PIEDMONT

J

oni Pienkowski’s sunny mid-century home in Blacksburg is so full of her paintings; it’s hard to know where to look first. Yet, she says, “Some people think I am more art than I am.”

She talks with pride about her three children – all grown

Her paintings start with “a germ of an idea, a seed of an idea.” She

up and “making a living.” A native of Southwest Wisconsin,

doesn’t completely visualize a painting, nor does she know exactly how

Pienkowski and her husband, Robert, moved to Blacksburg in

it will end. She always works in stages and allows the painting to evolve.

the 1950s for his job as a professor of entomology at Virginia

“I work on my own time. Sometimes fast, sometimes not. I get there.”

Tech. He’s retired now, though she still paints.

She works on several paintings at the same time in her studio. How

As she approaches 80, Pienkowski reflects on her career.

does she know when she’s finished? The painting tells her when it’s

“When you get older you wonder how you got the way you are.”

done. “The finished work has to have balance but not be perfect. It

For her, art started when she was just 4. “I had wonderful par-

just is out of your grasp a little.”

ents who always had paper, pencils and crayons.” When she was growing up, she listened to a radio program, “Wisconsin School of the Air.” It involved a host telling stories and asking the children listening to use their imagination and send in drawings of it. An honorable mention award “got me started.” From the fifth through the eighth grade, she was the state’s top winner. Four years later, at the University of Wisconsin, she worked on the same program.

She painted a number of self-portraits when she was in her 40s and 50s. She’s also done other figures such as her Paint Saints series. But it is the abstractions for which she is best known. She paints them on hollow-core doors and uses the existing wood grain in the composition.

December 2016 | Roanoke Lifestyle

35

Lifestyle Calendar

December

DECEMBER 1 - JANUARY 2

FASHIONS FOR EVERGREENS AT THE HOTEL ROANOKE THE HOTEL ROANOKE & CONFERENCE CENTER, A DOUBLETREE BY HILTON Fashion of Evergreens celebrates the holidays with a unique tree competition featuring more than 34 professional designed trees. All contributions raised will be donated the United Way of the Roanoke Valley.

DECEMBER 1 - JULY 16 ART & SOLE: FANTASY SHOES FROM THE JANE GERSHON WEITZMAN COLLECTION TAUBMAN MUSEUM OF ART Fantasy art shoes chosen from the Weitzman collection. Each delicate shoe is constructed from materials such as bronze, ceramic, wire and corrugated cardboard. For more information, visit TaubmanMuseum.org

DECEMBER 1 - JULY 16 EARTHLY DELIGHTS: JUDITH LEIBER HANDBAGS TAUBMAN MUSEUM OF ART Judith Leiber, born in Budapest, Hungary, creates and designs minaudieres or compact cases. Over 30 of The Leiber bags, pillboxes and

DECEMBER 2

minaudieres are on display in the Shaftman Gallery.

HOLIDAY POPS!

For more information visit: TaubmanMuseum.org

SALEM CIVIC CENTER

DECEMBER 1 - FEBRUARY 5

Roanoke Symphony Orchestra,Roanoke Symphony Chorus,Members of Virginia Tech Choirs. Roanoke Valley Children's Choir, Joy

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HOWARD! THE AMAZING WORLD

Lynn Jacobs, soprano,David Stewart Wiley, Conductor

OF THE REVEREND HOWARD FINSTER.

The Holiday Pops, southwest Virginia's largest holiday concert cele-

TAUBMAN MUSEUM OF ART

bration and unbeatable experience!

In honor if of Howard Finster's 100th birthday, The Taubman Museum

For more information visit: RSO.com

of Art will focus on the artist's collections from 1916-2001.

ELEANOR D. WILSON MUSEUM AT HOLLINS UNIVERSITY

DEC 10 @ 2PM AND 7PM, ON DEC 11 @ 3PM

Lenny Lyons Bruno was born in a West Virginia coal camp. The Coal

NUTCRACKER

Camp series displays her a wide variety of materials that date back to

BALLET

the 1940's; to include photographs, ledgers and large paintings that

THE BERGLUND

incorporate materials such as quilts.

CENTER

For more information visit: Hollins.edu

Southwest Virginia Ballet

For more information visit: TaubmanMuseum.org

TUESDAY-SUNDAY LENNY LYONS BRUNO: COAL CAMP SERIES

WEDNESDAY-SUNDAY, 30TH-18TH

presents The Nutcracker this holiday season at

WHITE CHRISTMAS

The Berglund Center.

MILL MOUNTAIN THEATRE

For show times and

The music and lyrics of Irving Berlin's, White Christmas. A comedic sto-

ticket information visit:

ry about two show biz buddies putting on a "show" in a picturesque

TheBerglundCenter.com

Vermont Inn. For show times and tickets, visit: MillMountain.org 36

Roanoke Lifestyle | December 2016

Your home is one of a kind — your REALTOR® should be too.

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*Based on data supplied by MRIS and its member Association(s) of REALTORS, who are not responsible for its accuracy. Does not reflect all activity in the marketplace. January 1, 2015 – December 31, 2015. Percentages are rounded to the nearest whole number. Information contained in this report is deemed reliable but not guaranteed, should be independently verified, and does not constitute an opinion of MRIS or Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. ©2016 All rights reserved.

Local’s Choice

PROFILE: THE RIVER AND RAIL’S AARON DEAL

S

outh Roanoke’s The River and Rail restaurant has become both a neighborhood favorite and a foodie destination since its opening

in June 2012. And Chef Aaron Deal is one of the reasons why.

Located in the former Lipes Pharmacy building on Crystal Spring Avenue, the restaurant is a prime exam-

ple of the farm-to-table movement. “I like being able to stand up, raise my hand and say pay attention to what’s going on here,” he says.

He ended up winning – and taking home the top prize of $20,000.

Deal is a North Carolina native, and ended up in Roanoke by way of Charleston, SC, Chicago and Boston. He arrived for the design

“PEOPLE SUPPORT GOOD FOOD, CONSISTENCY, SERVICE AND VALUE.”

phase of River and Rail on November 2011.

The building required extensive renovations as it changed from drug

Deal says he and the restaurant have become “food representa-

store to restaurant. It still bears the iconic Lipes sign. The restaurant

tives for Roanoke.” In addition to hosting Roanokers on their special

opened in June 2012, not long before the Derecho hit and knocked

occasions and just for a night out, he has twice taken the story to a

out power to the neighborhood for several days.

larger stage. Most recently, he was one of six Virginia chefs cooking

Since then, the restaurant has enjoyed strong support from the

at the James Beard Foundation’s Beard House for an event called

community. “People support good food, consistency, service and

Virginia Heritage Eats. The foundation holds these events in Beard’s

value,” he said. A menu that changes according to available food

former home. The ground floor is now a commercial kitchen, with din-

presents a challenge. “The tomatoes are gone. What do we do now?”

ing space filling the rest of the house. They bring in chefs from around

he says, adding that it keeps him – and his staff – on his game. The

the country to cook and to experience Beard’s vision of celebrating

concept also has help increase awareness of the local food scene.

and nurturing America’s culinary diversity, Deal explained.

Deal admits he works hard and is “dedicated to my goals,” but he

He was asked to be a part of it by the Virginia Tourism Corporation,

also takes the time to enjoy the region. “I love Roanoke,” he said. “It’s

along with five other chefs from around the Commonwealth. (The

very manageable and beautiful. For me, it is rewarding to see the

other chefs were Cathal Armstrong of Restaurant Eve in Alexandria;

impact we’re making.”

Ian Boden of The Shack in Staunton; Rodney Einhorn of Terrapin in

When he’s not working, he enjoys the outdoors, exploring the his-

Virginia Beach; Travis Milton of Shovel and Pick in Bristol, and Todd

tory of the area, Roanoke City’s downtown. He said he’s made a lot

Thrasher of PX in Alexandria.)The meal was paired with Virginia wines.

of friends here and likes that relationships here “contain lots of value.

The event was a sell-out that had the chefs preparing 80 meals. Deal made a lamb course for the entrée and an apple cake for dessert.

What’s next for Deal and River and Rail? He’s planning several special events, such as wine dinners. He and the owners also are looking

In May 2014, he was a contestant on the Food Network’s Guy’s Grocery

to open second restaurant, with a different concept, somewhere in

Games. He said they approached him about it and he said to himself: “why

town. But, don’t worry: River and Rail is staying in South Roanoke.

not?” He competed on a special grilling episode against three other chefs.

“Stay tuned,” he says with a smile.

38

Roanoke Lifestyle | December 2016

One look at our cemeteries and burial parks and you’ll understand our commitment to

Everlasting Care

A Century of Committment to Everlasing Care Evergreen Burial Park Forest Rest Natural Cemetery Roanoke Boones Mill Mountain View Cemetery Mountain View Memorial Park Vinton Boones Mill Green Hill Mausoleum Buena Vista

EvergreenMemorialTrust.com (540) 342-2593

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1102 2nd Street SW | Roanoke, Virginia, 24016

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