NRV Magazine Jan-Feb 2019

NRV’s Premier Lifestyle Magazine

New River Valley January/February 2019

M A G A Z I N E

nrvmagazine.com

Wedding Issue

Friday, February 22, 2019 7:30 PM

CZECH NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA 100 Years of Leonard Bernstein

Celebrate the legacy of Leonard Bernstein with this program commemorating the 100th anniversary of his birth. John Mauceri and singer Isabel Leonard join the Czech National Symphony Orchestra in honoring the world-renowned American composer, conductor, and pianist.

Friday, February 15, 2019, 7:30 PM BERLIN PHILHARMONIC WIND QUINTET

Friday, March 1, and Saturday, March 2, 2019, 7:30 PM THE TEAM AND NATIONAL THEATRE OF SCOTLAND Anything That Gives Off Light

PERFORMANCES l EXHIBITIONS l EXPERIENCES 190 Alumni Mall, Blacksburg, VA 24061 | artscenter.vt.edu | 540-231-5300 NRVMAGAZINE.com

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January/February 2019

Plan the wedding of your dreams in Virginia’s Mountain Playground ™ Visit GilesCounty.org for more information. #GilesCoVA

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Valentine’s at The Inn Make this Valentine’s Celebration one to remember!

FEBRUARY 14-17, 2019

Sweet Romance Package

Includes overnight accommodations, strawberries and champagne (or sparkling cider), breakfast for two in Preston’s Restaurant, and late checkout.

The Sweet Romance package is available on February 14, 15, and 16. $199.00*

The Preston’s Package

Includes all the amenities of the Sweet Romance Package plus an elegant dinner for two in Preston’s Restaurant. The Preston’s Package is available on February 14, 15, and 16. $299.00*

Night of Wine & Roses

A romantic dinner for two featuring four delicious courses and live entertainment. Perfectly paired wine flight for an additional $12.95** per person.

Dinner available on February 14, 15, and 16. $99.00** per couple

For Reservations, Call 540.231.8000 or Visit www.InnatVirginiaTech.com *Prices do not include tax. **Prices do not include tax and gratuity.

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January/February 2019

CONTENTS

January/February

2018

30 Pastu re Talk

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9

B a r n , C h in a an d Steak 1 0

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M ic h a e l a n d Cait lin Wed d in g 1 4

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Tyler and Johanna Wedding 1 6

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F l e m i n g Fam ily Hom e 1 8 We d d in g C h ec klist 24 N RV Ri d e s : 4 Million Miles 26 S o u t h s i d e Gard en C lu b 3 0 Th e Fa ce of Stor ytellin g 3 4

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Fo o d Fare: B acon 39 Vi rg i n i a ' s P ion eer Spir it 40

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January/February 2019

Pasture Talk

NEW RIVER VALLEY M

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

PUBLISHER Country Media, Inc. Phillip Vaught MANAGING EDITOR Joanne Anderson ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Sabrina Sexton ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Kim Walsh DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Dennis Shelor WRITERS Joanne Anderson Karl Kazaks Krisha Chachra Emily Alberts Jennifer Cooper Mike Wade Becky Helper Astleigh Hill Nancy Moseley

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PHOTOGRAPHERS Kristie Lea Photography Michael Speed Always and Forever Photography Tom Wallace Silver Pebble Photography Nathan Cooke Photography Cover Photo by Tiffany Albert Brown © 2019 Country Media, Inc. Country Media, Inc. will not knowingly publish any advertisement that is illegal or misleading to its readers. Neither the advertiser nor Country Media, Inc. will be responsible or liable for misinformation, misprints, or typographical errors. The publisher assumes no financial liability for copy omissions by Country Media, Inc. other than the cost of the space occupied by the error. Corrections or cancellations to be made by an advertiser shall be received no later than 5 p.m. the 20th of each publishing month. No claim shall be allowed for errors not affecting the value of the advertisement.

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

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When the editorial team meets, we toss around lots of ideas in all the story categories, including Food Fare. I started with: "What about bacon?" The conversation stopped on a dime. Not one more idea. We salivated for bacon, ate more Ghirardelli caramel milk chocolates and moved to the next topic. That was easy.

And another easy. McCoynative Sheila [Albert] Easter called months before the wedding of her best friend's daughter to suggest we profile it in our next wedding issue.

BFFL (L=lifetime) Sarah Kenley planned her daughter Sarah Grace's September wedding. Sheila lives in Chesapeake now, visits often and went to school with my horseback riding buddies Leslie Roberts Gregg and Susan Meacham. As soon as I saw the bride with her cows, I wanted it on the cover.

And one more easy. The first time I saw my friends Paul and Linda Fleming's property, I hoped we could profile it. It came into view at the end of the l-o-n-g driveway that I entered with the thought: "No one actually lives up here, but we'll see where it goes, then come back down and review the directions." Tom Wallace photographed it in June, so you can revel in something warm and wonderful in this coldest time of year. Along with the beautiful weddings. And bacon.

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Along with browsing the seed catalogs, you might plan a summer vacation to Portland, Maine. When Krisha Chachra told me she was going there and would like to write about it, I screamed yes. My husband and I have stayed a couple times (with our dogs) at Inn by the Sea. We've eaten at the Lobster Shack, and if Portland was a few hundred miles closer, we'd be there often.

There's nothing like the Maine coast, all 3,478 miles of it, or the charm of Portland, L.L. Bean, lighthouses, moose, B&Bs, birch trees, blueberries and the interesting accent of Maine natives. Maine is the only state with one syllable and which shares its border with only one other state. Thank you, Krisha, for the memories for me and info for all the NRV readers.

In discussing prep work recently, like for painting a room or building a water feature, someone shared a cool quote that I had not heard. It is attributed to Abraham Lincoln: “If you give me 4 hours to chop a tree down … I will spend 3 sharpening the axe.” There are variations of this in the quote world, but I love the concept. I won't offer an estimate of the number of hours it has taken to get this magazine into your hands. Thank you for reading New River Valley Magazine.

Remember our advertisers throughout 2019.

Happy New Year once again.

Joanne Anderson ManagingEditor jmawriter@aol.com

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A BARN, CHINA AND STEAK

L

Text by Joanne M. Anderson Photos by Tiffany Albert Brown

Lucky is the groom who has a bride with simple requests. The family farm's barn for the venue. Mismatched thrift store china for dishes. Steak at the reception. Kent Firestone is that fortunate man who met Sarah Grace Kenley in a Virginia Tech parking lot. They dated for five years, and he grasped the barn and farm angle of Sarah Grace's life early in the relationship. Kent proposed just before Christmas of 2017 in front of the Kenley's glorious red barn.

"The planning process began in January when my mom [Sarah Kenley] and I went to visit long-time family friend Sheila [Albert] Easter. "She grew up in McCoy and now lives in Suffolk," Sarah Grace relates. "I bought my wedding dress there, and we hit several thrift shops to begin collecting china.

My mom went to auctions and thrift stores and had most of the china, glassware and silverware by March." That was 10

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convenient timing, as they worked on renovating a house for the new couple next door to the farm from April to August, with help from neighbor and friend, Tina McCoy. These are some serious multi-taskers.

While the home renovation and planning the wedding details continued, Sarah the mom tended flower beds where she grew all the zinnias, dahlias and sunflowers that were used. Neighbor and friend Jessica Breeden made the bouquets, boutonnières and floral table arrangements.

Sheila handcrafted a stunning, unique bridal bouquet. "There were two mini-framed picture charms attached with cream color silk ribbons - one of her late grandfather and the other of her favorite Hereford heifer named Baby, also grazing now in greener pastures," Sheila explains. "I incorporated a charm of braided hair from Baby into the bouquet. The center flower January/February 2019

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was a cream dahlia about a foot in diameter, and I was able to choose the fresh flowers the day before the wedding."

Sarah Grace's father, Claude Kenley, grew all the pumpkins in orange, white, pale pink and green, which were harvested three days in advance. Kent designed and built the ceremony arbor. "The ceremony was held in our pasture field with Pastor Gary McCoy and Steve Sifford officiating," Sarah Grace says. "Tim Dudley from Hurt, Va., performed two songs.

Wedding guests sat on wood benches also made by Kent. It rained lightly, and we considered it tears of joy from heaven and did not let any raindrops dampen our happiness."

They were prepared with some umbrellas on hand, but in retrospect, Sarah Grace wishes they had purchased clear umbrellas for the wedding party. Having grown up on a cattle farm, it's not surprising that the bride chose to brand a trunk to use at home instead of lighting a unity candle. Kent grew up in Florida where he played polo until he attended Virginia Tech. He graduated with a degree in animal science and has completed the firefighter academy associated with Roanoke County Fire & Rescue where he is employed. Sarah Grace has worked for a decade at the Virginia Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine and is in school for her veterinary technician license.

The reception, catered by Hethwood Market, was held under a tent beside the barn with the food buffet inside the barn. Both the wedding and groom cakes were purchased at Walmart's bakery. "Earl Brown was the DJ, and Tiffany [Albert] Brown served brilliantly as our photographer," Sarah Grace adds. "I think all weddings go smoothly with an excellent director, and Kathy Johnston, a neighbor and friend, directed our wedding . She was fabulous. The whole day would not have gone so smoothly without ALL the help we had from friends and family, too many names to list."

I grew up on the same farm we own today, and we have always raised Hereford cattle. I was an active member in 4-H and Future Farmers of America [FFA], serving as president for both at some point. My mom and I took care of cleaning the cows for my bridal portraits. The halters were oiled and cleaned by my dad because he does a much better job than I do. The bigger cow on the left is 2-year-old Roxy. Ruby on the right is the smaller one, and she turns one in January, 2019.

Tina McCoy's Quarter Horse Skeeter was a most willing photo participant. He was very calm and behaved perfectly. Kent and I are especially proud to have been the first wedding couple to hold our ceremony at the new Kenley Red Barn Farm wedding venue. We are very excited to start this new adventure.

~ Sarah Grace Firestone

facebook.com/KenleysRedBarnFarm

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Wedding Couple: Michael Patrick and Caitlin Thompson O'Loughlin Wedding Venue: Lovewell Lodge, Pembroke Caterer: Our Daily Bread Photographer: Amy Gray of Silver Pebble Photography Wedding Day: Oct. 14, 2017

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January/February 2019

Meet the Artist

Gallery Open House Feb. 9-10 Saturday 11-4 pm, Sunday 12-3 pm

From This Day Forward

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

(540) 552-6446 blacksburggallery@pbuckleymoss.com

www.pbuckleymoss.com

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Wedding Couple: Tyler and Johanna [Lawson] Griffith Bridal photos: CrossPointe Foursquare Conference Center, Christiansburg Wedding Venue and Caterer: Thorn Spring Golf Course & Events Center, Pulaski Photographer: Shannon Ainsley, Always and Forever Photo Wedding Day: June 2, 2018

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January/February 2019

HOME IS . . .

WHERE THE ADVENTURE NEVER ENDS

Let’s prepare you for the best run of your life!

JEREMY HART

400 N. Main Street, Blacksburg, VA

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Associate Broker Jeremy@NRVLiving.com 540.998.4731 NRVLiving.com NestRealty.com

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The Fleming Family Home Building Project

Text by Joanne M. Anderson | Photos by Tom Wallace

As their home state of Florida

percent of the work ourselves, hiring only

he milled most the trim work in the house.

with the rural landscapes they once

Linda explains. "Our intention was not to

to be simple, flowing gently into the

began to lose its unique appeal, along cherished, Paul and Linda Fleming decided

to move. "We chose the New River Valley

for its natural beauty, pleasant people and Virginia Tech," Paul relates. "The school

had the best reputation in the southeast

for computer engineering, which just happened to be what interested our two sons, Todd and Brett."

Creativity runs deep among

them, and the family of four designed and

built their house on 32 isolated hilltop acres of woods and fields with nice views.

"Since we owned a construction company

in Florida, we were able to complete 90 18

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one carpenter to help with the framework," build a dream house but to live simply in a rural mountain setting. Every decision about the house and property was guided

by our respect for this inspiring place, its history and the views."

Linda was the home's designer

and drafter, Paul the engineer, and the family of four comprised the labor force.

They came to the area in June of 1991 and moved into their new abode in

September. Along the way, they saved

an old log cabin built in 1850 which was slated for a planned burn. It houses Paul's extensive woodworking shop from which

Linda designed the landscape

natural surroundings. Abundant flowers

and vegetables proliferate through three seasons, and her timber frame potting

shed, built by Paul as an anniversary present, is used for seed starting, record

keeping and tool storage. The adorable

white cottage is a detached garage designed to convert to living quarters if necessary.

Garden edibles serve as their

main source for fresh, canned and frozen

organic produce, sustaining the couple throughout the year. Todd and Brett have

moved out, of course, but they live and

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Paul's woodworking shop, 1850 cabin

Paul's woodworking shop, interior

Detached garage convertible to cottage living

Paul's woodworking shop, back

Linda's timber frame garden shed, anniversary present handcrafted by Paul

Linda's garden shed, Interior

"Our hope is that our farmhouse would sit gently on the land in the way farmhouses are supposed to," - Paul

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work in the NRV and are both VT alums.

Their rooms upstairs have served as teen bedrooms, offices, drafting space and guest accommodations.

"Our hope is that our farmhouse

would sit gently on the land in the way farmhouses are supposed to," Paul states.

"Because it is situated central to the property and we don’t have passing traffic,

it was designed so landscape features can seen from inside the house. It is wonderful

to look outside in winter at the quaint little buildings, fences and paths."

The 2-story home features a

glorious open concept main floor with a

cathedral ceiling, copious windows and Brazilian teak floors. No one is left out of the conversation for its seamless space

loosely defined by furniture placement.

A charming sitting room, office and the master bedroom are also on the first floor,

and the wood burning fireplace has been converted to gas. The paint is creamy with a hint of moss, and Linda says the idea for

that choice was so it would not compete with what they see through the windows.

"The base of the kitchen island

is oak that was harvested from trees

downed in an ice storm," Paul points out.

"Linda and I built and carved it. The stove

countertop edge and corbels are walnut from another ice storm casualty, as is the base of support posts, the sink drain

board and many of the window sills. The tile around the stove is black granite."

The Fleming property is a little

hamlet unto itself with all the tranquility and rural retreat qualities they desired.

It's been a labor of love to develop and maintain the grounds embracing

the natural contours of the land. Their

conscientious attention to detail resulted in a simple yet sophisticated house in a lovely, natural environment, and there is not one single thing they would have done differently in hindsight.

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TIMELINE CHECKLIST Brought to you by Red Barn Farm

9-12 MONTHS: _ Finalize guest List _ Determine wedding location (make deposit) _ Choose reception site (make deposit) _ Reserve photographer (make deposit) _ Contract with videographer (make deposit) _ Book ceremony entertainment (make deposit) _ Arrange reception entertainment (make deposit) 6-9 MONTHS: _ Begin looking for a cake (make deposit) _ Reserve caterer (make deposit) _ Finalize invitation design and words _ Schedule officiant _ Arrange pre-marital sessions _ Book wedding consultant _ Order invitations & announcements _ Select wedding party _ Choose & order bridesmaid dresses 4-5 MONTHS: _ Register for gifts _ Send “Save the Date” announcements _ Book hotel room for the wedding night _ Reserve hotel block for out-of-town guests _ Review floral arrangements _ Book transportation _ Plan honeymoon & make travel plans _ BRIDE: Order gown _ Reserve rehearsal location _ Plan for a day-after brunch site _ Compile guest list for wedding shower _ Finalize & reserve music 2-3 MONTHS: _ Ceremony programs written _ BRIDE: Decide on major accessories _ Shop for wedding rings

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_ Schedule portrait session _ Address invitations _ BRIDE: Confirm delivery date of gown _ BRIDE: Begin fittings for grown _ Arrange wedding day transportation _ Send out invitations _ Reserve rental equipment _ GROOM: Reserve tuxedos _ Choose menus for rehearsal and reception _ Meet with officiants _ Schedule rehearsal and reception meals 6 WEEKS: _ Research local marriage license requirements _ BRIDE: Final gown fitting _ Buy a guest book & pen _ Make hairstyling appointment w/veil _ begin charting seating arrangements _ Choose place cards, table numbers, napkins, etc. _ Choose table favors _ Choose your bridesmaids & groomsmen’s gifts 3-4 WEEKS: _ Do a trial runs of hair & makeup _ Schedule wedding day beauty appointments _ Print ceremony programs _ Get marriage license (check expiration date) _ Have follow up meeting with officiant _ Confirm wedding night & honeymoon reservations _ Do official paperwork for name changes _ Draw up schedule for wedding day details _ BRIDE: Pick up your gown _ Head start on thank you notes _ Confirm head count, delivery and location for cake _ Call guests who have not RSVP’d _ Give final head count to caterer _ Choose readings for ceremony

January/February 2019

TIMELINE CHECKLIST Brought to you by Red Barn Farm

_ Order wedding programs _ Mail rehearsal dinner invitations _ List "must-take” photos to photographer _ Deliver "must-have” list to videographer _ Find or purchase “something old, new, borrowed, blue”

DAY OF: _ Have a massage to relax _ Enjoy the Special Day! DAY AFTER: Take the gown & veil to be cleaned/preserved (ask for help from family/Friends) Set aside date to complete thank you notes (within 2 months) Make sure all vendors have been paid

1-2 WEEKS: _ Put together seating plan for reception _ Finalize seating chart & make place cards _ Confirm location & delivery with florist _ GROOM: Pick up tux & try it on _ GROOM: Purchase bride gift _ BRIDE: Purchase groom gift _ Purchase travelers checks for honeymoon _ Shop & pack for honeymoon _ Confirm all payments with vendors _ Give seating chart to location manager _ Prepare toasts or thanks to friends & family _ Plan night-before activities with friends _ Send transportation provider a schedule _ Designate who will meet & greet vendors _ Pack overnight bag for wedding night _ Leave copy of honeymoon itinerary in case of emergency _ Put final payments & cash tips in marked envelopes _ Confirm date, location, time with musicians or DJ _ BRIDE: Confirm wedding day beauty appointments _ Call guests who have not RSVP'd

YEARS TO COME:

Live Happily Ever After!!!! notes:

DAY BEFORE: _ Rehearse the ceremony with officiants _ Confirm specific honeymoon travel plans _ Very important…GET SOME SLEEP! _ Give final payments & cash tips to the wedding planner _ Gather materials (guestbook, pen, place cards, etc.) _ Give bride and groom gifts to wedding planner _ Rehearsal dinner

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Four Million Safe Miles and Counting ...

Text by Karl H. Kazaks Photos by Tom Wallace

Most commutes in the New River Valley aren’t too far – Dublin to Radford, Floyd to Christiansburg, Riner to Blacksburg.

8, 10, 18, 24 miles give or take. Tommy Stiles takes a much longer road to work, however.

In fact, his workplace is the road.

Stiles is an over-the-road trucker who for 20 years has driven a regular weekly haul from Atlanta to upstate New York and back. The route takes about five days and begins and ends at Stiles’ home in Childress with views of Calfee Knob and Pulaski Mountain.

An owner-operator, Stiles has driven for the transportation and logistics company Landstar for 36 years. Last year, 26

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Landstar recognized him as a Four Million Mile Safe Driver, an honor reflecting the many safely driven miles Stiles has logged.

Stiles drives a 2003 Kenworth Studio Sleeper, which he bought new in 2002. “At the time, this was the Cadillac of conventional long-nosed tractors,” he relates. The rig features a 600hp Caterpillar diesel motor, two 150 gallon fuel tanks, an 18-speed transmission, air brakes and air-ride suspension. The instrument panel has an array of gauges, including ones to monitor fuel pressure, transmission temperature, rear-end temperature, engine air temperature and external air temperature.

“It used to be we would gauge

when there might be ice on the road by when it would freeze up on the mirrors.

Now we have heated mirrors that don’t ice up like they used to. That’s why the outer air temperature gauge is important,” explains Stiles. There are plenty of mirrors on the Kenworth – three on the driver’s side and three on the passenger side, including one which is oriented downward to allow the driver to see what’s adjacent to the passenger side of the cab.

The term "sleeper" truly describes the space of the tractor’s cabin. Behind the two front seats is a roomy space with two beds, two closets and a refrigerator. Tommy stocks drinks in the refrigerator before

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he heads out to save the cost of buying refreshments on the road.

But to Stiles the most important part of the cabin is the driver’s seat and its controls. The steering wheel has controls for the jake brake and cruise control, and on the panel is an AM/FM radio and a CB radio. He doesn’t always listen to music or news while driving. “Sometimes I ride and just listen to the motor. I can go for days and not listen to any music.”

Stiles started out as a local trucker, at first driving for someone else before getting his own dump truck. Over the course of four years, he grew his local haul business to where he owned and operated two dump trucks and one fertilizer spreader truck. When the economy soured in 1981, Stiles switched to 18-wheelers.

“Long-distance hauling is a different lifestyle,” he reflects. “You’re on your own. It’s kind of a challenge to own your own truck, and not everyone wants to do it. When you’re sitting up in this truck you see so much that people in a car don’t 28

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ever see. Just getting out there and seeing the country, there’s something different every week.”

For Stiles, the worst thing about driving big rigs is small parking lots. He has had five road tractors in his career. His first two, a Road Commander and a Marmon, were cab-overs, meaning they were flatfaced, with the cab atop the front axle. The first one also had spring suspension rather than air suspension. His last three tractors have been Kenworth.

“I started out with nothing,” he shares, “but I had good support. My dad, Lloyd, always helped me, not with money, but with advice. He helped me make decisions when I was 20 years old and looking to buy a dump truck. Throughout my years trucking, he was always around.

He helped me change tires. Four years ago he died, and I very much miss him.”

Stiles does the mechanic work on the tractor himself, changing the oil – 10 gallons worth – every 15,000 miles. He has

a large garage behind his house which he and his father built in 1978. Under the hood, the major parts of the tractor have been rebuilt “from the front to the back,” he states. “Radiator, engine, transmission.”

Stiles and his wife Nina have been married 45 years and raised two children. Now he is looking to slow down from the trucking life and spend more time at home where he keeps a small cow-calf herd. At one point, Stiles made the run from Georgia to New York and back for 127 straight weeks. “I was always home on the weekend, but gone the five days it takes to make the run ”Lately he has been doing the same drive 45 to 50 weeks a year. “I like to work, and I'm used to trucking.”

He worked in a factory once, for eight weeks. It didn’t take long to figure out it wasn’t for him. “Here,” he grabs the steering wheel, as he has countless times before, “I’m all right.”

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Southside Garden Club

Text by Joanne M. Anderson Photos by Kristie Lea Photography

The

members

of

Southside

Garden Club are serious folks. Serious about gardening, garden shows, trading

seeds and ideas, touring local gardens, friendship, having fun and much more.

members displayed several varieties in

For "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland,"

zinnia,

design" no more than eight inches high,

individual class designations like petunia, begonia

and

What began as a committee in the

 flowering annuals

its own in 1930, evolving into Southside

 flowering branches

Blacksburg Women's Club struck out on Garden Club 11 years later.

The club is a member of the

National Garden Clubs, Inc., [South Atlantic

Region]

and

the

Virginia

Federation of Garden Clubs, Inc., [Blue Ridge District]. Most of the shows adhere

to National Garden Clubs specifications,

other

flowers.

Horticulture entries were presented for:

panels and underlays were permitted, and

they "must be in pleasing proportion to

 vegetables

included

design

innovative

reflecting the themes:

the overall eight inch maximum." competition

arrangements

and the creativity among members seems

 Gone With the Wind

 Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

boundless.

At its "Read Me a Story" show last

September at the Blacksburg branch of the Montgomery-Floyd Regional Library, 30

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 A Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy

Rules for each entry are detailed.

club-provided, elevated, clear acrylic stand deep and 11 inches wide. Background

 berried branches

Floral

wide or deep. Each one was displayed on a

precisely eight inches high, nine inches

 flowering perennials

for example, each entry had to be a "petite

Southside Garden Club attracts

men and women with a passion for

gardening and arranging flowers. There

are several garden tours each year in member gardens as well as local gardens at Historic Smithfield Plantation,

Montgomery Museum and public places.

The group is involved in many interesting club, service and civic activities:

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 decorating historic interiors

 taking materials to senior living places for residents to create arrangements

 enjoying a plant and seed exchange over lunch

 hosting speakers with expertise in a variety of topics

 awarding a scholarship to Nature Camp  adopting and maintaining flower beds

 making a positive impact on gardening

and the horticulture environment in the New River Valley

From

floral

design

and

horticulture therapy to preserving organic, native and butterfly gardens, getting dirt under their fingernails, breathing fresh air and coaxing along some of Mother

Nature's most beautiful bounty, Southside

Garden Club members revel in the

camaraderie and competition. The club meets the first Wednesday of each month

and welcomes everyone with a passion for gardening and flower arranging.

Southside Garden Club's mission is to stimulate the knowledge and love of gardening among both amateurs and experienced gardeners; to aid in the protection of native trees, plants and birds; and to encourage civic planting.

For more information contact:

Rebekah Paulson, rebekah.paulson@ comcast.net, 540-250-6905

Felice Proctor, club president, fproctor1@ comcast.net, 540-951-9512

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January/February 2019

YOU KNOW HIS NAME, NOW GET TO KNOW OURS. American National Bank welcomes Todd Murray to our team.

For over 30 years, Todd Murray has been a big part of the local banking community.

Now, he brings that understanding of our community’s banking needs to American National Bank. As Commercial Relationship Manager, he will provide the kind of local banking experience you’ve come to know with local decisions and a full-range of products.

American National is a 110-year-old community bank headquartered in Danville, Virginia, with a rich history of helping people, and we’re excited to be a part of the New River Valley community!

Contact Todd today!

Cell: 540-320-7823 Email: murrayt@amnb.com

amnb.com ANB_Todd_Murray_NewRiverValley_7-5x4-68.indd 1

10/31/18 2:14 PM

BLUE RIDGE ASSOCIATES IN NEUROLOGY COMING SOON!

Over 13 years serving the New River Valley Jill B Cramer, MD Sarah E Champion, C-FNP Appointments by Referral We look forward to working with you

ph 540 381-6211

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2955 Market Street, Suite B, Christiansburg, VA 24073 fx 540 645-6623 brain@nrvmailbox.com www.swvabrain.com

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The Face of Storytelling Local father/son artists create connections through painting

Text by Nancy S. Moseley Photos by Silver Pebble Photography

More often than not, a monumental moment in time isn’t marked with bells, whistles or a hallelujah chorus. When a destined life path is discovered, sometimes it’s something more subtle or simple like, say, crayons.

“My mother gave me crayons at age three,” Philip Ramsey of Blacksburg states matter-of-factly. “As early as kindergarten, classmates would gather around to see what I was drawing. And I thought … maybe I’m good at this.”

After painting throughout grade school, Philip put up his paints to study agriculture at the University of Tennessee.

At 31 years old he needed to make extra money and his wife, Shelley, suggested he revisit art. He decided to pursue 34

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teaching art to children, but in order to do that he needed to relearn how to paint himself. So he did what you do in a pre-Google world. He went to the library.

“I checked out different books on artists, read up on what they did and

“I checked out different books on artists, read up on what they did and studied their work. I became interested in Renaissance painters, specifically the muralists” studied their work. I became interested in Renaissance painters, specifically the muralists,” Philip offers.

Alongside teaching and reacquainting himself with painting, Philip synced up with an interior designer friend and started painting murals in people’s homes and businesses. After 15 years, when ladders, scaffolding and falling buckets of paint became too much to manage, Philip grounded himself as an easel artist. “Plein air” painting, or working outdoors, is a favorite. Half of his current work is portraiture; the other half is landscapes and still life ~ all created with a goal to celebrate the beauty of life and the earth around us.

“To have other people feel what you’re painting, to witness the emotional aspect of art, is very memorable,” Philip adds. In 2017, he and Shelley relocated to

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Blacksburg from South Boston, Va., to be closer to their son Curt’s growing family.

Curt Ramsey, now 32, grew up under the casual influence of his father, studying his talent and often tagging along on projects. Curt’s relationship to art and his innate skill in the nuance of mixing colors was obvious to Philip. “My dad gave me crayons when I was three,” Curt laughs as he glances at his dad.

“And specifically I recall that he gave us blank sheets of paper instead of coloring books so we could learn to draw our own things.”

Curt spent three years studying architecture at Virginia Tech before switching into psychology and ultimately 36

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becoming a counselor. Like his father, art was never going to be a full-time pursuit, but hopefully something always afforded by “real life” careers.

“Architecture definitely informed my art. I became more detailed-oriented and precise. It refined my artwork and

“Architecture definitely informed my art. I became more detailed-oriented and precise. It refined my artwork . . ." gave me an appreciation of different aspects of design,“ Curt adds. "My wife, Michelle, is creatively gifted as well, being

an architect who works at Virginia Tech.

She has always been encouraging of my artwork. One of my first finished portraits was a gift to her, a portrait of Cary Grant, her favorite actor. That painting inspired me to do a set of black and white old movie actors and actresses to practice portraits."

Curt primarily paints portraits, citing a chosen career in counseling with his authentic interest in people. Early on he would simply use photographs as models before moving into live subjects.

More recently Curt has been exploring what it means to be human by finding a way to showcase people’s stories in his work.

January/February 2019

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“I want to move into painting the experience of someone and inspire self-reflection; help the viewer confront something in themselves they haven’t seen before,” Curt offers. “Capturing personality in a snapshot painting is a fun challenge.” Even if the two have never met, the relationship between artist and subject is both symbiotic and seamless.

There is back-and-forth communication that results in an inevitable connection.

This yin and yang is applicative to landscape pieces as well. The artist is communicating something to the viewer and the viewer, in turn, responds with his or her own understanding.

“There can be an intention by the artist, something you want the viewer to feel.

But at the same time you don’t want it to be too packaged, you want to leave 38

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room for the viewer to spend time with it and interpret it,” Curt says. Both Philip and Curt hope their art inspires reflection, thoughtfulness or a new appreciation for creation. In landscapes, of course, it’s the transcendental beauty of the earth. In portraiture, it's the value of life, of what makes each person unique.

Philip’s work is available in several local Blacksburg galleries, as well as locations in Smith Mountain Lake, Roanoke, Chatham and Southport, N.C.

Both artists have work on display at the Shaheen Law Firm in Blacksburg and are available for commission work Both artists have work on display at the

Shaheen Law Firm in Blacksburg and are available for commission work.

A painting can be a gateway to an emotion previously unexamined, a path to something not yet discovered. It can be a type of relationship, both with ourselves and with others; a relationship that an artist can help nurture. At the end of the day, we all have stories to tell.

Perhaps a good place to start is with a box of crayons.

Nancy S. Moseley is a freelance writer who

didn’t have an early telltale relationship with

crayons, but instead used construction paper to write stories and make books.

FIND CURT: curtramsey.weebly.com FIND PHILIP: www.philipramsey.com

January/February 2019

NR V F ood F a re

Bacon Compiled by Joanne M. Anderson

Bacon long ago left the breakfast table to wrap filet mignon, shrimp, scallops, asparagus, chicken drumsticks, mushrooms and more. The BLT is still a diner, coffee shop, restaurant and home lunch staple. Bacon bits can be sprinkled on almost anything, but golly they are small.

I've been putting bacon (pre-cooked pieces*) into grilled cheese raising the bar on a favorite American sandwich.

â˜ş

Check out www.foodandwine.com/news/new-bacon-recipes for useful ways to incorporate bacon into Rice Krispie treats, salt, popcorn, bread and Almond Joy chocolate bars. From bacon ice cream and chocolate treats to pancakes, french fries, bacon s'mores and onion rings, you can find bacon everywhere.

*Even after retiring as an innkeeper many years ago, I still cook bacon as I did back then, 3 pounds (or more for company) at a time. My personal favorite is Wright's thick cut. Line a rimmed 10" x 15" cookie sheet with foil. Place a cookie rack in each one. [I have cookie racks from one of the dollar stores used only for bacon.] Trim fat from ends and put bacon strips on cookie racks. Bake about 25-28 minutes at 350Âş, changing racks once reversing bottom to middle or top. There's no need to flip the bacon.

On a paper plate with two paper towels, lay about 6 slices of cooked bacon, top with 2 paper towels and 6 more slices, etc. Once cooled, I shove it into a gallon zip bag and put it in the refrigerator. This is good for a couple weeks, and as you want bacon, take it out, microwave 10 seconds per slice, and you have hot bacon strips any time. The challenge is making it last two weeks!

The price of bacon may astonish you, and the process almost justifies it.

From the belly of a pig, through trimming, a curing process, drying, smoking, cooling, compressing, slicing, packaging and transporting, making bacon involves a substantial amount of labor and equipment.

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Remembering Virginia’s Pioneer Spirit Pulaski County recognized for efforts in statewide historical commemoration

Carol Smith

Text by Nancy S. Moseley Photos by Always and Forever Photography

It is July of 1619 in Jamestown.

The first General Assembly is preparing to meet. A council appointed by the Virginia Company, Governor George Yeardley and a new group composed of two male representatives from each of the 11 major settlements in the colony are in attendance. The purpose? To pass laws and improve management of the colony.

It was the first time there was representation in legislation. It was the first time the people had been granted a voice.

The year 2019 marks the 400th anniversary of Virginia’s significance in the progression of the United States.

Signature events that happened on our soil not only shaped the democratic process, but also spearheaded cultural diversity, entrepreneurial spirit and historical tradition. To commemorate the occasion, there is a yearlong campaign entitled American Evolutions set to launch a series of statewide educational programs, events and legacy projects. The goal is to build awareness of Virginia’s role 40

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in the creation of the country.

The campaign, headquartered in Richmond, is partnering with local communities throughout the Commonwealth in order to recognize and highlight historical narratives that were written in our very own backyards. There are more than 200 partners statewide on the Virginia History Trails app planning events and programs. The Wilderness Road Regional Museum in Dublin is one of them.

In early 1619, the Virginia Company granted four investors 8,000 acres of land along the James River to be called Berkeley Hundred. Captain John Woodlief was appointed the plantation’s commander and when he set sail for Virginia was given instructions to mark the day of arrival as a day to be “yearly and perpetually kept holy as a day of thanksgiving.” While no record exists that a thanksgiving celebration actually took place upon landing, it nonetheless marked the first officially sanctioned act of thanksgiving intended to establish

tradition.

To honor America’s first Thanksgiving, Pulaski County, a key American Evolutions partner, will manufacture and distribute candles to be placed on every table in the county for the 2019 holiday. The candle will represent the spirit of togetherness and will invoke communal thankfulness to live in this country and county.

“We have certainly been impressed with Pulaski County’s involvement in the commemoration. The candle project is a great way to unite the people of Pulaski County,” states Amy Ritchie, associate director of Partner Programs.

Carol Smith, chair of the Pulaski County American Evolutions 2019 Committee, says: “I hope that rural southwest Virginia will be seen for the rich history it has. That’s why we want to participate in this. We feel like Pulaski County has a lot to offer through this commemoration we can showcase that.”

Ultimately the committee hopes to inspire,

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encourage, educate, unify and motivate residents to become more involved, thereby making the county and even greater place to live, work, play and call home.

In addition to the first legislative government, 1619 also marked the arrival of the first documented Africans to the New World. Pulaski County will showcase local black history, including efforts to restore the Calfee Training School, erected in 1939 to educate African Americans, and the T.J. Howard Community Center.

When England initiated settlement of the New World, they sent men to explore and harness natural resources for profit. After some time, it became clear that in order to sustain a foothold with a viable government and society they needed to promote and establish a family structure. In November of 1619, England officially commissioned the first group of women be sent to Virginia in an effort to establish family life and ensure permanence to the settlement.

In commemoration, Pulaski County will call for nominations to recognize “Pulaski County Women in History.”

The nominee must be deceased, have lived in Pulaski County at some point and made a significant impact on the community or residents of the county. "The committee is excited to honor and bring to the forefront Pulaski County women of the past who have helped make our county what it is today,” Smith offers.

In April, Pulaski plans to host a Native American Heritage Festival. The event will feature Kevin Locke, an award-winning Native American flute player, performer, public speaker, cultural ambassador, storyteller and educator.

He is well known for his demonstrations of the Sioux hoop dance using 28 wooden hoops.

On the American Evolutions website you can search events by theme, region and date. Pulaski County will launch a Facebook page to detail specific events and exhibitions. American Evolutions aims to highlight Virginia as a pivotal influencer in the trajectory of our country, with communities like Pulaski County forging the way. The efforts of the movement no doubt helped land Virginia spots on Frommer’s Best Places to Go in 2019 list and Forbes’ 14 Best Places to Travel in the U.S. in 2019, further cementing the Commonwealth as a preeminent destination for heritage tourism. Lucky for us, we’re already here.

Havana

Cuba all-stars A joyous spectacle of music and dance from Cuba featuring rhythms and melodies from son to cha cha cha and rumba.

February 11, 2019 at 7:30 PM

Bondurant Auditorium, Preston Hall

General Admission $15 • Children $7.50 • RU ID Free

Nancy S. Moseley is a freelance writer who, having lived in Atlanta and New York City respectively, is glad to once again call Virginia home.

www.americanevolution2019.com

Tickets available three weeks in advance at: www.radfordactivities.com •

Virginia History Trails App: www.americanevolution2019.com/engage/va-historytrails

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

Save the Dates Concerts presented by Musica Viva!

Narrows Narrows has been named the #4 safest place in Virginia to live by niche.com. The ranking website assesses just under 10,000 places in the country based on FBI Uniform Crime Report data. The Giles County hamlet's name comes from the narrowing of the New River which flows through town. Narrows resident Mike Craig returned to his hometown after 30+ years with the U.S. Department of Agriculture which took him around the country and across the ocean. "I couldn't wait to get home. There's no better place to retire - great people, neighborhood and community spirit, beautiful back roads and farms, and very reasonable cost of living. Surrounded by mountains on all sides, you get a feeling of safety plus some unusual weather patterns."

Sat., Jan. 26, 7:30 p.m., "Kaleidoscope" voice, strings and piano, Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 1301 Gladewood Drive, Blacksburg Sun., Feb. 17, 3 p.m., "Love is in the Air" reference to love Brahms felt for Clara Schumann, Squires Recital Salon, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg Fri., March 29, 7:30 p.m., Season Finale fun eclectic blend including clarinet quintet, Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 1301 Gladewood Drive, Blacksburg

newrivervalleyva.org/news/narrows-4-safest-place-virginia

Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc., has recognized Christine A. Smith in its Circle of Success, placing her in a select group of high-performing financial advisors. She started her firm, Smith and Associates of Ameriprise Financial Services, in 1998, and her husband, Brian, joined the firm in 2006.

Hailing from Pennsylvania, the couple raised their family in Radford and now reside in Blacksburg. She is active in Rotary International and launched the American Business Women's Association chapter in the New River Valley. https://www.ameripriseadvisors.com/ team/smith-associates 1901 S. Main St., #4D, Blacksburg 42

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January/February 2019

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

Mtn. Lake Lodge

Everyone loves a comeback story, and Mountain Lake Lodge has defied the odds of becoming irrelevant on the lodging, wedding, meeting and adventure stage. Mountain Lake Lodge and its general manager Heidi Stone were named 2018 Hotel and Hotelier of the Year by the Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association.

The turnaround includes a complete overhaul inside and out but it wasn’t big money that saved Mountain Lake Lodge, says Stone. “To those hotels that are struggling, my advice is to focus on your assets and what you have, not what you don’t. You can spend many millions on a renovation, but listening to your customer base is the key.”

Revenues have risen consistently since 2013, surpassing expectations and placing this New River Valley iconic property back on the map with modern amenities blending comfortably with nostalgia and nature.

January 4, Trivia Day January 12, Museum Day January 18, Martin Luther King Day (holiday Jan. 21) January 23, National Handwriting Day January 29, National Puzzle Day February 4, Artist Appreciation Day February 11, Make a Friend Day February 14, Valentine's Day February 18, Kid Inventors Day February 26, Tell a Fairy Tale Day

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Breathe in Portland, Maine

Text and Photos by Krisha Chachra

The minute we drove over the bridge into downtown I closed my eyes and breathed in the heavy salt air. There was no mistaking it. That harbor fish smell mixed with the scent of food frying and hoppy beer meant only one thing: we had crossed into Old Port – the heart of Portland, Maine.

Tourists come to Maine for many reasons, but rarely leave without trying the lobster. Before we ventured out to Casco Bay to try our luck trapping one, we hit up The Holy Donut to taste some famous fresh potato donuts with sea salt and dark chocolate. On a sugar high, we followed the directions given by the friendly staff at Inn by the Sea. They arranged for us to join Captain Tom Martin and his crew on the Lucky 44

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Catch. Captain Tom, who is recognized all over town and is characterized in a local coloring book, has been lobstering since he was 14. Smiley and optimistic, he runs traps year-round in accordance to the Maine fishery regulations and operates tours in the summers.

We sail out to sea for more than an hour, lifting traps and inspecting the

We sail out to sea for more than an hour, lifting traps and inspecting the lobster’s belly for eggs. lobster’s belly for eggs. If the lobster is showing her eggs or measures less than 3.25" or more than 5", we have to throw

it back; the small ones grow, and the large ones add vigor to the gene pool. To further protect the population, Captain Tom demonstrates tagging a female we caught with eggs. He cuts a V-notch on her tail before releasing her in the sea indicating to other fishermen that she’s a fertile breeder. Using special pliers, we band the lobster’s claws and put them in a tank.

We can pay market rate for the lobster we catch but we opt to head back toward the unmistakable Portland Headlight – the oldest lighthouse in Maine built in 1791 – to eat next door at the Lobster Shack at Two Lights. Nothing fancy out front, this award-winning hot spot will take your breath away from the back. Perched above the ocean,

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overlooking the lighthouse, you can enjoy the signature lobster roll right on a picnic table as the waves crash on nearby rocks. Cozy indoor seating offers a view of fishermen and ships entering the harbor.

As my husband declares his goal to eat lobster in one form or another for every meal, we scan choices online for dinner. Portland was declared Bon Appetit’s 2018 Restaurant City of the Year where even the “beer geeks get giddy” about the variety of tasting rooms.

Everything is good, and Street & Co. and 555 do not disappoint.

Not far from Old Port is Cape Elizabeth where we stayed in a charming boutique resort called Inn by the Sea. All 61 newly redesigned suites are outfitted with modern amenities but have the look NRVMAGAZINE.com

of old-world, coastal architecture. From a garden suite on the first floor, you can walk out from your porch to the pool. Upper level suites have lofts that overlook the ocean and for inter-generational visits, the two-bedroom suites boast a fireplace, full kitchen and dining area. In winter, Santa visits the Inn for brunch and in summer, the kids roast marshmallows around the firepit.

The Inn prides itself in pairing luxury and natural beauty with ecofriendly initiatives and sustainable design.

Ronnie Kew, director of public relations, strolls with me on the edge of the stately lawn overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and accented with Adirondack chairs and lawn games. A wooden plank walkway leads to the marsh and ultimately to the sandy,

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Crescent State Beach where umbrellas and folding chairs await guests. The marsh is a restoration habitat for the New

A wooden plank walkway leads to the marsh and ultimately to the sandy, Crescent State Beach where umbrellas and folding chairs await guests.

England Cottontail Rabbit that is listed as endangered in both Maine and New Hampshire.

The main restaurant on property, the Sea Glass Inn, is just as conscientious.

Lobster is on the menu in many forms, but the executive chef makes a point to serve underutilized seafood and works

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in a program called OUT OF THE BLUE to identify abundant local fish and help preserve diversity and health of the Gulf of Maine.

The gorgeous establishment has been a destination tradition for families from all over the country – pets included.

Bring your own – or adopt a pet. The Inn fosters dogs from the Animal Rescue League of Greater Portland, and more than 115 dogs have been adopted by guests.

Other quintessential Maine activities are a stone’s throw from the Inn. We book an unforgettable sunset sail (BYOB) on a schooner from Portland Schooner Company and watched fireworks from the water along the Eastern Promenade. We visited the L.L. Bean flagship store, headquarters and outlet in the small village of Freeport. To punctuate the true Maine experience, go lighthouse hopping while cruising the coast on Highway 1 all the way to Camden. Just remember, if the coastal folk of Maine know one thing it is how to relax. So it is perfectly authentic if you just opt to sit and watch the ocean, close your eyes and breathe in the air.

Krisha Chachra served eight years on the Blacksburg Town Council and has written for NRV Magazine for a decade. She is a community advocate & connector and runs an event production organization that hosts Up on the Roof. She writes the travel column for the magazine and occasional humaninterest pieces. Krisha has reported and hosted shows for public radio and television and has freelanced for USA Weekend Magazine and The Honolulu Advertiser Email her at kchachra@aol.com 46

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January/February 2019

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