NRV Magazine Mar-Apr 2023

Saturday, April 29, 7:30 PM

Cécile McLorin Salvant

Cécile McLorin Salvant embraces a wide-ranging repertoire with her rich, powerful voice, broadening the possibilities for live performance.

PERFORMANCES | EXHIBITIONS | EXPERIENCES

190 Alumni Mall, Blacksburg, VA 24061 | 540-231-5300 artscenter.vt.edu

“...one of the greatest jazz singers of her generation...”

– Rolling Stone

JANAIA BASS FINANCIAL COUNSELOR

I FOUND MY FREEDOM WORKING AT

Janaia has been working at Freedom First for 5 years now. She started working in the branches, getting to know members and finding creative ways to help them. When an opportunity arose to join the Community Development department, a team dedicated to innovating new products and services to help credit-challenged people looking for a second chance, she knew it was her calling.

Janaia’s enthusiasm for working at Freedom First knows no bounds. “I believe that I have the coolest job in the world. I never thought I’d have a job like this. I call my team the Financial Superheroes!”

Now, as a professionally certified Financial Counselor at the Roanoke Financial Empowerment Center - a partnership between Freedom First Enterprises, the City of Roanoke, and the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund - Janaia can be a guiding force for people from all walks of life.

NEW RIVER VALLEY MAGAZINE

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

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER

Dennis Shelor

WRITERS

Joanne Anderson

Emily Alberts

Jo Clark

Becky Hepler

Nancy Moseley

Kameron Bryant

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Kristie Lea Photography

Kevin Riley

Tom Wallace

Billy Bowling Photography

Nathan Cooke Photography

© 2023 Country Media, Inc.

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If you haven’t had a song stuck in your head for a while, read on. I have one for you.

Welcome to our 99th magazine issue! While that prompted the article “99 Smart Spring Spruce Up Suggestions,” the first thing it brought to my mind was “99 bottles of beer on the wall,” wonderful road trip song and works sometimes to fall asleep.

My dad often said “a man’s value is not in the abundance of possessions.”

I’ve never had the luxury or inclination for excess stuff, and here is my definition of “stuff”: Something that has weight and takes up space. Our first house, built by my parents and grandfather in Bennington, Vermont, sported a kitchen table which was a board with two hinges affixed to the wall. A second board maybe 6” x 1” was hinged near the front center of the bottom of the table top and served as a leg. When we weren’t eating, the table was pressed up against the wall and held with a full turn button clip. My grandfather had the same kitchen table in the house he built decades later for retirement up Route 7 about 30 minutes.

For Clay Corner Inn, I found a fantastic, large coffee table that sprung up on a big hinge to a work table at normal desk height. Those were sold at the unfinished furniture store, a great NRV shop which closed years ago. If I were to build a small house, I would like both of these, plus a Murphy bed. While I do not have a small house, I only use 4 rooms most of the time. I could adapt comfortably to small living, though I am not sure about going as tiny as profiled in this issue.

After 17 years – and 99 issues –I feel very connected to New River Valley

Magazine - and especially this issue, as John Shields of Clouded Spaces cleaned all my windows in January. Scott Mattox replaced my 31-year-old roof last fall, 7 different pitches. Both tiny house owners are friends of mine, and I bake biscotti often. Someone asked me decades ago, when I baked for restaurants and the largest flea market [still] in the country (Brimfield, Mass.), if I had to bake for a living would I still love it? I baked a lot more as the full-time owner/innkeeper of Clay Corner Inn, and indeed, I still LOVE to bake. Not cook. Big difference. Got the tune in your head yet? 99 bottles of beer on the wall, 99 bottles of beer. Take one down, pass it around, 98 bottles of beer on the wall. 98 bottles of beer on the wall, 98 bottles of beer, take one down, pass it around, 97 bottles of beer on the wall. 97 bottles of beer on the wall …

Joanne Anderson ManagingEditor jmawriter@aol.com

Smart Spring Spruce Up Suggestions some DIY and some for the professionals!

Ceiling

Paint clouds, stars, new color

Stencil something

Add crown molding

Put up a wallpaper border

Replace ceiling light fixture

Add or update ceiling fan

Install canister lighting

Increase natural daylight with skylight

Attach real or fake beams

Hang a plant or a mobile

Walls

Paint a bold color accent wall

Add quotation stencil

Create family photo section

Install sconces

Hang a quilt

Put up a one side flat basket

Change out switch and cover plates

Hang a big clock, fancy mirror

Reframe pictures and arrange in odd numbers

Install new shelves

Wallpaper one wall

Put up fancy hooks for dried flowers or collectibles

Add a chair rail in any room

Paint paneling

Floors

Rent or contract professional carpet cleaning

Buy huge area rug remnant

Turn rugs on angles

Install new style flooring

Change mood with braided, contemporary, Southwest pattern

Paint or stencil a wood floor

Add a stair runner

Windows

Change curtains, valances, add grosgrain ribbon tiebacks

Install new brass latches and lifts

Buy cell shades

Up the game with remote control cell shades

Add a bird feeder outside on the glass

Replace old screening

Move A/C unit below window

Install a window box outside

Stencil or wallpaper around a window

Paint trim

Install interior window shutters

Toss drapes in dryer with damp facecloth

Furniture

Replace knobs on dressers and desks

Paint wood dressers or chairs

Refinish or stencil a rocker

Add unusual antique pieces

Move couches on angles

Put nice glass or wood atop sewing machine, lobster crate, tree trunk piece

Arrange photos, ticket stubs, old greeting cards under glass on dresser

Decoupage a small table top

Update chair cushions

Lighting

Install dimmer switches

Put 3-way bulbs next to all reading places

Spray paint a lamp

Buy fun new nightlights

Wind rope lights around porch railing

Change lampshades

Get a grow light and start plants

indoors

Hook up a heat lamp and raise baby chicks

Accessories Move and/or cover throw pillows

New fireplace screen and tools

Add a footstool

Scatter small boxes on accent tables

Put plants in baskets, brass or ceramic pots

Replace a shower head

Add artificial tree to fill a corner

Place moss on top of plants f or soft look

Add closet organizing baskets and shelves

Press and frame leaves and flowers

Add little white lights over kitchen cabinets

Paint railings on stairs

Mat and frame a patterned piece of paper

Paint a brick fireplace new color

Gather and camouflage cords

Hang a plate(s)

Put fishing rods over doorways

Buy new lever door knobs

Change your doorbell chime

Install new faucet handles

Add a water filter to replace water bottle purchases

Wallpaper the backs of bookcases

Put small dresser inside coat closet

Paint the front door

Add barn sliding doors on bathroom

Outside

Paint, replace or stencil mailbox

Add large or new house numbers

Put up hooks for hanging plants

Install a hose holder on side of house

Buy or build a shed or playhouse

Place lattice around gas tanks and heat pumps

Make a new path with mulch or small rocks

Buy or build a small pond

Install solar lights for nightscape joy

Start a vertical garden on wood pallet

Pressure wash whatever needs it

Install a hammock

Put up pegboard for often-used tools

Hang a rope swing and board securely from a big tree

Bonus Idea #100: Install shelves for 99 bottles of beer on the wall!

Underground and Underused

LLet's face it, basements can be creepy. Campy horror movies don't send the unsuspecting co-ed down the stairs wielding a flashlight with last decade's batteries because there's something warm-n-fuzzy awaiting. Some basements are dusty, dark and disappointedly damp, the perfect backdrop for Hollywood diabolism or the perfect headache for a homeowner. When you're in the market to change dwellings, maybe you hope it has a basement, maybe you hope it doesn't.

However, your sub-level doesn't have to be the household nemesis. There are many ways to transform it from scary to useable. This is good news, especially since

basements are often quite spacious, maybe even the entire footprint of the home.

First, prepare a budget. U.S. News and World Report reports that the average cost to renovate a basement is between $30 and $75 per square foot. The broad range is due to the type of materials and how much you plan to do yourself versus hiring a contractor.

Before tackling the fun stuff like décor, check off a few tactical chores. Decide how much you want to renovate. Spend time listing what you want in order of expense, a cost column for do-it-yourself and a column for hiring a contractor, then puzzle together a combination of

the two or tweak things to have it all done for you.

A dry basement is a happy basement. Cassidy Jones, business development manager and lead designer for Slate Creek Builders, says: "Water is the number one enemy to your home. Before you even think about making the basement space enjoyable, find out if there are safety or moisture issues."

Thankfully the trend nowadays is exposed-everything. When it comes to costly remodels, there is nowhere to execute this better than a basement. Demolition without concerns for reconstruction is something the whole family can enjoy.

Text by Nancy S. Moseley

Photos courtesy of Slate Creek Builders

Walls ~ Cinderblock or bumpy concrete walls can be painted with waterproof primer before the top coat paint color. Factor in the need for several coats. If your end goal is drywall, this will increase materials and cost but, leaving the original walls with fresh coats of paint goes a long way to improve the overall feel of a space. It’s difficult to hang anything from concrete walls, so if you envision framed art, go the more developed route.

If you need to create "walls" to separate areas, consider heavy curtains, tall bookcases or wood pallets. "I chose pallet wood because it was readily available for free with little work involved to process the

"Knowing what you need is probably the thing that tips the scale of contractor or no contractor. For example, luxury plank flooring is super homeowner friendly," Jones relates.

pieces," Ken Williams of Blacksburg offers. He built pallet walls for the backdrop of his home basement bar. "I like the rustic look, and with a basic knowledge of hand and power tools, it was easy to disassemble the pallets and prepare the boards for use."

Ceiling ~ If there is a dated drop ceiling in place, consider removing it and painting the beams, duct work and pipes a neutral color, lighter if you want to convey openness, darker to feel cozy or have a home theater in mind.

Floor ~ Wall-to-wall carpet, hardwood or tile can trap pre-existing moisture, so begin with treating the concrete floor with an epoxy seal. Professional concrete finishers offer amazing swirls and styles for concrete which are durable and more slip-resistant than many flooring materials. Or you can paint the floor, lay carpet tiles, indoor/outdoor area rugs, foam mat squares or, for the most cover, any floating floor choices like laminate planks.

Fun Stuff ~ Now it's time to fill your new livable square footage.

Some popular ideas include:

• home theater with an indulgentlysized TV and overstuffed recliners

• place to relocate the kids' video gaming obsession

• "speakeasy" or bar

• simple lounge-y oasis decorated with memorabilia from family travels

• craft space with work tables, shelves, bins

For adventurers, the newly dry, brighter basement can be the "Go Room," housing everything needed to pick-up and go like camping equipment, bikes, kayaks, life jackets, climbing gear, hiking boots, backpacks and every single piece of your luggage collection.

Out of the immediate sight of visitors, the basement is the perfect place to err on the side of unconventional. Have beloved art pieces or heirlooms that don't go with anything else? Looking for an excuse to buy a new couch, but the old one is still fine? Really coveting that extra [beer] fridge? The basement can be a fun "catch-all" for items in

limbo, guilty pleasures or secondhand knickknacks that you're kind of embarrassed to love, but do anyway.

Jones candidly concludes:

"Honestly, I think the easiest thing is really good lighting, especially since older basements probably have tiny windows and aren't getting a ton of natural light." Smart bulbs, wireless switches and a seemingly neverending trend for string lights puts a lot of creativity in your control.

And for that thrifty DIY-er buried inside each one of us (deeper for some than others), the more we can control with the click of a switch, the better. If only Alexa could install drywall.

Nancy S. Moseley is a freelance writer in Blacksburg undergoing her own DIY basement transformation that is taking a painstakingly long time. Eventually being able to tell Alexa to turn on the sparkly new basement string lights to illuminate her sons’ playing Mario Kart that she can't hear anywhere else in the house ... well ... it keeps her going.

A professional contractor may be your first contact to address moisture, structure safety and building code issues. "A lot of new construction homes are built on unfinished basements because it's great expandable future space,” states Cassidy Jones. “Older homes have sometimes quirky basements, and homeowners don't really know how to begin. Some staircases do not meet code. In many places [like Blacksburg], homeowners must have two ways of egress for safety. Stairs is one. Finding a second can be hard in older homes.”

LIVING Tiny

The tiny house movement embraces a lifestyle with minimal belongings, small living space and dramatically reduced housing expenses. The average house is 2,600 square feet compared to a tiny house under 400 square feet, or just a little larger than the majority of master bedrooms.

Most tiny houses are constructed on a trailer bed, and mobility is part of the attraction. Where to park it can be a bit challenging. Many municipalities do not consider a structure under 400 or 600 square feet to be a dwelling unit and do not permit permanent parking of a camper or home on wheels which serves as a full-time residence.

When Bonnie Gilbert retired from Virginia Tech’s Pamplin College of Business Alumni Relations in January of 2022, she decided to rent her large home. Her daughter pointed out a 1974 camper for sale on Facebook Marketplace. “I had not planned to go tiny until I saw it,”

she recalls. It had a solid chassis, siding, some windows and a start on renovating the interior. Bonnie purchased it and began customizing it to her needs.

Beka Olson grew weary of signing leases and moving and started looking to buy a small house in Williamsburg, where she was living and working. “After covid hit, I began working at a farm alongside my restaurant job and became increasingly interested in the agricultural industry,” she explains. “When I decided to go back to school [at Virginia Tech], I knew I wanted a way to have hands-on farm experiences at a variety of places and not be stuck in an apartment all year. I began researching travel trailers, thinking I would fix up an old one. I quickly learned that travel trailers are expected to break, easily, their value deteriorates quickly, and they aren’t constructed to be lived in full-time.”

Text by Joanne M. Anderson

Photos by Tom and Christy Wallace

The Design Process

“My brother gave me the idea of investing in solid bones and then building it up to suit my needs,” Beka continues. “After much YouTube investigation, I realized I wanted to do it myself, despite having no previous building experience. I searched new and used cargo trailers, settling on a trailer 16 feet long with a v-nose for space maximization and a 7-foot interior height, plus a light external color to maximize heat dispersion.”

Bonnie has remodeled and renovated many houses, and her first move was to lower the wheels for no hubs, eliminating interior wheel protrusions. “I bought my full-size refrigerator on Facebook Marketplace and designed the interior around that in my head. I wanted a

real bathroom sink, toilet and shower. There was space for a stackable washer-dryer, but I used that for my closet and purchased a one-unit washer-dryer.” She has a 3-burner gas stove, full-size microwave plus an oven, and she loves her Ninja® Foodi™ flip toaster-oven. The oak glass front cupboards add some class. They have moved with Bonnie three times and finally found a permanent home. “My home is 50% kitchen, and I can cook or bake anything.”

Beka, 27, found the perfect new trailer in North Carolina. “I picked it up Feb. 1, 2022, and my apartment lease ended March 31st. I drew up my plans, began insulating, ordering parts, cutting windows and picking up furniture from Facebook Marketplace.” Her “furniture” includes a metal locker, mounted sideways above the kitchen counter, two vertical deep drawer file cabinets in the kitchen and one 3-drawer large horizontal file cabinet

Bonnie Gilbert

for clothes. The butcherblock came from a restaurant which no longer needed it.

“I didn’t have a ton of starting capital,” Beka states, “so I added necessities first – a mini-split heating/cooling unit, composting toilet and storage. Initially, my bed mattress was on the floor, but I mounted it on a wall with a hinge and chain system.” She built the living room benches and her desk across from them. The home has two skylights which offer ventilation, and with the windows she installed, it is quite bright inside. She arrived in Blacksburg, tiny home in tow, in August, 2022.

Entertaining and Defining Needs

Bonnie’s 21’ by 8’ tiny home can sleep six with two

lofts and a futon, and she can entertain many more. “My deck is 12’ by 16’, and the views are spectacular.”

Since Beka’s 16’ by 7’ home has a ramp at the square end, she plans eventually to be able to lower it on warm days and entertain as well. “There are still things to be done,” Beka says, “plumbing, solar-powered electrical system, more painting, but I’m living in it full-time with my cat, Queen B, and doing well.”

Both women express the challenges of redefining “needs” and choosing very carefully what they NEED for clothing, cookware and amenities with such tight space constraints. They both love living tiny – one in retirement and the other on the cusp of new career adventures (planning to graduate end of spring semester 2024).

“I didn’t have a ton of starting capital,”

Beka states, “so I added necessities first . . . I mounted it [my bed] on a wall with a hinge and chain system.”

A Clear View

earning extra money launches a business

He wears a company logo shirt and cap, plus a custom tool belt with microfiber cloths, squeegees, window sleeves or window mops, a BOAB (bucket on a belt), razors and extra accessories. He can put liquid soapy cleanser in the BOAB to have when he’s high on a ladder and cannot keep dipping the window mop into a rectangular bucket which holds it in volume.

With acute precision, John Shields applies commercial grade cleanser to a window, wipes it around, then expertly removes it – every edge and corner with one of the microfiber cloths and the center with a squeegee on a stick. The only way to tell there is still glass in the window – yes, it’s THAT clean! – is to touch it or realize there’s no outside air coming through.

Clouded Spaces Window

Cleaning transforms dirty windows, aka clouded spaces, to completely clear with the only clouded spaces now visible in the sky. Shields says that’s his market differentiator. While he did not plan this entrepreneurial route, now that he’s in it, he has impressive goals and big dreams on the horizon.

In the Beginning

His family moved to Ferrum just north of Roanoke when he was 10 years old. Following high school, he completed a degree in business management at Ferrum College then met his wife, DeAnn Shields. She had a cleaning business in the New River Valley, and he joined her in that initially.

When John needed extra money to take DeAnn to the Biltmore House in Asheville, he asked three of her clients if they wanted their windows washed. With Windex and paper towels in hand, he earned $450 for their getaway in September of 2020. “He said he liked cleaning the windows,” DeAnn relates, “and I suggested he make a business out of it.”

Learning the Particulars

Like any serious entrepreneur, John started learning about cleansers, window dirt, supplies, equipment – all the tools

and techniques of the trade. Word of mouth from the first three customers brought him more customers, along with a Facebook presence.

“The learning curve was steep, as I seriously under-charged initially, not completely grasping how long it takes to clean glass,” he says. “I focus on details and quality, along with professionalism and safety, and it all takes time.” John quotes jobs by the window, never by the hour. “Some windows have hard water or calcium deposits, and those take longer, which is factored into the cost. How much time on ladders and the configuration of windows are also considerations.” Clouded Spaces serves residential and commercial clients.

Among the top entrepreneurial qualities are common sense, organizational skills, passion, leadership and integrity. John Shields embraces all of those to the max plus discipline, creativity, attention to detail, kindness and a willingness to work long hours. He has a long-term vision paired with short-term goals, high quality results and a laser-focused eye on success.

www.cloudedspaces777.com

Text and photos by Joanne M. Anderson

An NRV Tree Primer

tTrees help define outdoor space – their canopies often acting like a ceiling. They can be a focal point in the landscape, provide context for our homes and buildings plus seasonal interest for outdoor spaces. – James Ulmer, owner, Back to Nature Landscaping

Plant this, not that!

When it comes to selecting a tree, the hardier the better. With unusual weather patterns on the rise, selecting trees that are drought- and heat-tolerant is a must. Leaf peepers may love the colors of autumn, but choosing trees based on looks and ignoring the shortened lifespan of a tree planted in the wrong hardiness zone (the NRV is 6) may lead to premature death. This happens with crimson

maples, which can live 150 years up north, but about 30 years here. If you’re after that ruby red color, go with the Japanese maple.

Avoid the Bradford pear at all costs! These trees, which are soon to be outlawed, have become invasive, meaning they choke out native species. Their brittle trunks and branches grow extremely fast, leading to branch splitting and dangerous falling limbs. Attractive trees include redbud, tulip tree and dogwood. All natives, these three offer beautiful spring blossoms. If you want something fragrant, the star magnolia smells delightful and is considered the hardiest of the magnolias.

Box elders are another nuisance better left to the forests. The saplings are nearly identical to poison ivy, which makes keeping your yard safe a real challenge.

Text by Joanne M. Anderson

Black walnut trees produce a toxic substance (called juglone) that prevents many plants from growing under or near them. Instead, plant a sugar maple. They are breathtaking in autumn – their orange canopy is the backdrop of many an outdoor family photo session. Plus, they tolerate soggy soil, droughts, cold and even some shade. Pine trees are native evergreens and provide much needed color all year. In the spring, their trademark yellow pollen can be a trigger for those who suffer from seasonal allergies.

“Consulting with professional designers and landscapers can assist in the process of determining the best plants for your site and where to place them appropriately,” advises Lori Jones, landscape designer with Back to Nature Landscaping. “This ensures the development of a useful outdoor space that is enjoyable for many years.”

If you select a tree that is already potted (not a sapling), avoid what is known as a bifurcated trunk, as these often split and lead to tree death or property damage. Pay attention to whether the tree is balanced on both sides. You may want to stake the tree for the first year or two, so windy weather or rain don’t cause it to develop a permanent lean.

Plant here, not there!

Some trees love sun and some love shade, so knowing which parts of your yard get the most sun per day is key. American beech trees are native and love shade. They are also important trees for wildlife as their nuts are rich in fats and protein. “Proper planting is key to establishing healthy trees,” Jones continues, “whether beginning with a large specimen or small sapling. Initial placement of a tree is important for long-term viability and ensuring there is no interference with a house, structure or public utility.”

Tree roots can grow as massively as the crown, so plant any tree at least 15 feet from a foundation or retaining wall, 30 feet if it’s a large tree such as oak. If space is limited, use a small ornamental tree or shrub. When planting trees in a row, space them far enough apart so they can all thrive instead of competing for resources. For something attractive, select a variety of evergreen and deciduous trees.

How-to

Contrary to what you may see along picture perfect tree-lined streets, building up the soil into a mound around the base of a tree is a bad idea. This practice prohibits much-needed water from reaching the tree’s roots, and encourages a phenomenon known as “root girdling” which can kill a tree faster than you can say Verticillium Wilt. If you dig enough area out and use the right soil for planting, your tree will do fine. With our area being prone to water-tight clay soil, you may need to supplement by using rich organic soil with adequate drainage. Without the right soil, your tree roots are going to make a beeline for the surface, which is a real menace come mowing season.

Tree branches need pruning due to damage or to keep the tree balanced or encourage production of fruits (a necessity for fruit-bearing trees). It’s best to avoid making cuts too close to the trunk, which leaves the tree open to wounding and more susceptible to pathogens and insects. This is especially true of pruning large branches, which pose a greater challenge for the tree to heal and seal off.

So whether you’re going for pretty, for privacy,

or for palatable – choose natives that perform well in our number 6 hardiness zone. Keep in mind the fruits of thy labor. Will your tree be dropping helicopter seedlings, a carpet of petals, a bounty of berries, delicious nuts, or spikey balls (like American sweetgum, buckeyes, and chestnuts)? Will the fruits attract bugs, birds or BEARS? The native pawpaw is not only a beloved treat for Baloo the bear (from The Jungle Book / “Bear Necessities” song) but also an excellent treat for humans – and great for breads and puddings.

Speaking of songs, I wrote this little jingle to help you remember:

Redbuds are a Springtime staple. Nothing beats a Sugar Maple! Oaks are strong and last forever. Dogwoods are Virginia’s Treasure!

Emily K. Alberts is related to the poet Joyce Kilmer who wrote the famous line: “I think that I shall never see, a poem as lovely as a tree.”

Skin Deep

ancient medium evolves through the centuries

Text by Nancy S. Moseley

So often we look to art to tell a story, a story of nature, relationships, suffering, celebration, history, love, and even, of war. In all forms, art is a method of communication, a conversation between artist and observer.

The use of skin as a canvas, at least in our lifetime, has, debatably, been disposed to greater social judgement than more traditional mediums. Yet, our bodies have been telling stories for a really, really, long time. Ones we are still discovering.

Excavated mummies from Ancient Egypt (circa 2000 B.C.), give strong evidence that those with tattoos were almost entirely female. Pattens of dots around the abdomen and breasts, along with figures of Bes - the deity of households, children and mothers - suggest tattoos were used to protect women during pregnancy and childbirth. The markings, made by pricking the skin with several small needles at once, were then rubbed with black soot,

sometimes mixed with breast milk. The result, a tattoo. Backing up even further, thanks to a 1991 discovery of "Otzi the Iceman" on the border of Italy and Austria, the earliest evidence of tattoos now dates back 5300 years. "Iceman" was found with dotted patterns and crosses around his lower spine and knee and ankle joints. This corroborates the Egyptians use of tattoos as form of therapy, since "Iceman's" tattoos were found on areas prone to degenerative joint pain and would be candidates for today's adjacent technique of acupuncture.

Across centuries and throughout most cultures and corners of the world, tattoos have evolved from a form of therapy to more social, political and religious uses. Tattoos were used to identify criminals, devote oneself to a religious sect, denote nobility, indicate slave ownership, illustrate marital status or ancestry, flaunt war scars, or simply, as cosmetic adornment, with breathtaking displays of ornate,

mythical animals. When James Cook's British expedition took him to Tahiti in 1769, the natives referenced the art as "tatatau" or "tattau" which means "to mark."

In the late 1980s, an unofficial "tattoo renaissance" occurred, a term coined by scholar Arnold Rubin who created a collection of works entitled, "Marks of Civilization." This revival transformed the taboo of tattoos into accepted forms of personal expression, eventually becoming common among all economic classes, genders and age groups. During this time "tattooers" became "tattoo artists," many with backgrounds in fine art studies. Today, it's a $3 billion dollar industry with 30% of Americans boasting ownership.

Much like fashion, tattoos follow and help determine trends. The counterculture movement of the 1970s resulted in peace signs, hippie symbolization and full sleeves and bodysuits (tattoos that cover large areas of skin). Janis Joplin, photographed with a dainty wristlet tattoo on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine in the 1970s, popularized delicate, ornate, feminine works of art. Over the years, tribal patterns, Celtic knots, Chinese lettering, butterflies, celestial formations and, even, a semi-colon (symbolizing an infinite continuation of one's story), have enjoyed ample studio time.

Yes, we call it "body art," but are tattoos really ... art?

Unlike traditional works of art, tattoos are at the mercy of the health of their canvas, the human body. When the body dies and decomposes, so does the art. It does not benefit from eternal life on inanimate gallery walls. However, there are international galleries and museums dedicated to tattoos and their history, social culture and beauty.

Mister Cartoon, a renowned celebrity tattoo artist, told BBC Culture in 2022: "We're recreating art on

moving flesh, which requires so much skill ... If you watch someone do a tattoo, and walk away thinking it's not art, then you're just a crazy art snob."

A certain amount of art snobbery will always be inescapable. A recent article on artdaily.cc insists that intention determines definition, a longstanding, unofficial "rule" in the art world. If a tattoo artist intends for the design to be considered art, then so it is. It might be utilizing a medium we're not quite used to that, somewhat unfortunately, comes with preordained stigmas. But if those tattoo museums and galleries intend to provoke feeling, inspire interpretation and spark conversation, then therein lies intention.

Jake Woodfin of Radford offers: "My tattoos represent my entire life’s story and things that are most important to me." He has a 3/4 sleeve on his left arm that is an artistic blend of the mountains and the New River with the James River and the Richmond skyline. On his right arm are footprints of his children (from their birth certificates) alongside sunflowers and the words "sunshine, you are my sunshine," lyrics from the song he sang to his kids at bedtime. "All my tattoos have significant meaning and represent the most important parts of who am I as a person."

Tattoos are tellers of stories. Not all stories are what we expect, what we hope for or even what we enjoy. Yet storytelling, through art, is a tale as old as time. And any tale that speaks to someone, even if it's just one person, is one worth telling.

Nancy S. Moseley is an NRV freelance writer who is in the middle of her own tattoo renovation (oh those dubious college-age decisions). When she asked her tattoo artist in what year was he born (1994), she replied: "Well, that's about how old this tattoo is." His face said it all: "Yep, ancient art, indeed."

Classic Dump Truck Earns its Keep

There are business opportunities everywhere for those with eyes wide open. For Scott Mattox, licensed contractor, full-time handyman and New River Valley native, the roofing specialty caught his attention. It was, admittedly, the perfect “vehicle” to allow him to purchase yet another “vehicle” – this one the kind of heavy-duty truck necessary for roofing projects paired with his own love of classic vehicles.

“I wanted something with style that could be put to work to justify the cost,” he explains. “I want to look professional pulling into a job, and I didn’t especially seek a fix-up project of a truck.” The high-priced trucks were out of his budget, and the very rough, inexpensive ones did not captivate his attention. Then along came this 1971 C-30 Chevrolet dump truck which no longer suited its owner’s needs. It perfectly met Scott’s objective to own a classic

dump truck with a nice coat of paint and fully operational. “It looks really good from 10 feet, and most people don’t look closer. It came with a working modern AM/FM radio, but I can hardly hear it over the 3” exhaust noise.”

Like any newly acquired old vehicle, there was a little drama early on. It hadn’t been driven regularly, and the first time Scott drove a long distance, it did fine. “The next time the alternator failed,” he relates. “It left me stranded after delivering a load of wood to a friend near Catawba. Coming home, something didn’t seem right, then it stalled out. My wood client came and loaned me a truck to go buy a new alternator. With a screwdriver and crescent wrench, I changed it and was back on the road.”

The gas gauge stopped working next, and he ran out of gas. He has added a tachometer, because it runs so

Text and photos by Joanne M. Anderson

loud it seems like it might be going a million rpm all the time. That’s worth monitoring.

The C-30 designates that it’s a 1-ton truck, and he doesn’t need a commercial driver’s license (CDL) to operate it. There are no air brakes, as disc brakes in the front were introduced with the 1971 model, and they stop better than drums. It has a 4-speed manual transmission with granny low first gear for barely crawling. Scott starts mostly in 2nd gear. The original 292 engine was durable and reliable with a lowend torque for hauling. No longer a straight six, this one has a modern 350 small block Chevy V8 engine and a 4-barrel carburetor.

The dump mechanism and hydraulics work great, and it came with chains on the tailgate. The previous owner did a little work to the bed, and Scott plans to finish painting that. The holes in the front fenders are where turn signals used to be installed. Gas mileage runs a little higher than he expected, in the high single digits.

“Commercial roofers charge a premium, and there’s lots of margin in there,” Scott explains. “I can offer professional roofing at a less expensive price and own a cool dump truck which can earn its keep.” And that’s worked well for him.

Scott, 37, holds a Virginia Class C contractor’s license along with a bachelor’s degree in building construction from Virginia Tech, class of 2007. He has always been interested in how things work, tinkering from a young age on anything including his collection of antique radios. At age 15, he was hired as a factotum assistant at Clay Corner Inn. Factotum comes from Latin facere “to do” and totum “everything” like total. He helped lay flooring, paint, repair toilets, and fix anything else that needed to function correctly.

After college, he was hired by an historic rehab contractor in Roanoke and has had the opportunity to work on many old building rehabilitation projects over the last 15 years. He is especially passionate about historic homes and spends many spare moments working on his own 1890s Victorian.

The dump truck goes to work with Scott often. It recently hauled away a couple large loads of broken bricks from a job site where the bricks had to make way for an addition. His other vehicles include a 1992 Nissan pick-up and a black 1986 Chevy Suburban which looks like a hearse. Both of those function as large rolling tool boxes, retrofitted for the purpose. Scott can be reached at smattox@vt.edu.

Opossums . . .

Are Our Friends

Text by Jo Clark

tThis not-so-cute little nocturnal friend eats thousands of ticks, making it super helpful and one of the best wildlife critters to have in your yard. And just for the record, it really is pronounced possum, not OH-possum—that “o” is as silent as the opossum!

Opossums are always on the lookout for an easy meal. They eat nearly anything like fruits, grains, plants or animals, and they aren’t above rummaging through trash. Keep garbage secure if you don’t want to be on the local opossums’ buffet route.

They especially like deer ticks—the ones that spread Lyme disease. Scientists at the Cary Institute estimate these marsupials eat about 5,000 ticks in a single season. So when you think about it, which do you prefer? A disease? Or an occasional opossum passing through? And the bonus: The ravenous opossum also happily chows down on cockroaches, mice, rats and dead animals.

Relatives Down Under

The Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana) is the only native North American marsupial. The opossum earns this designation because they raise their young joeys in a pouch, just like a kangaroo. Worldwide, there are more than 330 marsupials, 250 and upward are found in Australia; all but one of the rest live in South America.

The possum and an opossum are the same thingsbut, full disclosure, only the “Virginiana” variety. Once you’re down under, in Australia, there is a difference between the two. The Virginia opossum and Australian possum are known as the brushtail possum. Both are small marsupials, but their possum looks more like a furry chinchilla crossed with a squirrel and belongs to a completely different mammal family.

Fun fact: The opossum is closely related to the kangaroo. Newborns are the size of a honeybee and live in the mother’s pouch for nearly three months. As they grow, they climb out of the pouch and hang onto mom’s back as she searches for food.

Too Clumsy For a Tightrope

If you’ve ever waited for an opossum to cross your path, you may have a preconceived notion that they are a bit clumsy. Nothing could be further from the truth. An opossum is a talented tree climber, and a hollowed-out trunk is one of their favorite places to nest. The opossum has opposable thumbs on their hind feet, sharp claws and a prehensile tail. All these combine to allow an opossum to climb and hang onto branches with the best of the lemurs, which have these same traits.

With their long noses and hairless tails, opossums may look a bit mousy, but quiet? Maybe not so much. Try cornering one with a broom to shoo it off your porch, and you’ll hear hissing and growling that will put a cat to shame. Other than when they’re threatened, they are generally quiet. Young opossums call their mother with a sound like sneezing, and the mother clicks in reply. Males also use that clicking sound to attract a mate.

Common Misconceptions

Opossums carry rabies. Not! Now, it can happen, but rarely. Their body temperature is so low the rabies virus can’t survive. They have pretty strong immunities. They usually don’t contract Lyme disease from tick bites. And opossums are immune to venom from honeybees, scorpions and snakes like cottonmouths and rattlesnakes. The only venom they are not resistant to is that of the coral snake. Scientists are studying this in an attempt to recreate this antivenom.

Opossums play dead. Well, not so much. They’re not pretending or faking. This is an involuntary reaction— triggered by stress—the poor little thing has fainted. And while unconscious, they foam at the mouth while baring their teeth (all 50 of them) and produce a foul smell. They can remain like this for up to four hours. It is a mechanism to deter predators that avoid carrion, like foxes and bobcats. Opossums sleep hanging from their tail. Their tails are pretty strong, but they could only hang upside down briefly. Not long enough for a good night’s sleep.

Opossums are unsanitary. That smell-like-death act gives them a bad rap. The opossum is actually very clean, more than most woodland animals. Like cats, they use their tongue and paws as grooming aids.

Opossums are dumb animals. They are intelligent and have an impressive memory—at least when we’re talking about food. Researchers discovered opossums are better than rats, cats, dogs or pigs at remembering which maze led to food. They also recognize the smell of toxins up to a year after smelling it.

Another Interesting Fact

Opossums must be smart—they only have a 13day pregnancy! But few 13-day-old babies survive. Litters produce about 20 births, with only eight surviving. The joeys crawl into the mother’s pouch and continue to grow there for several months. As they become more adventurous, the babies ride on mom’s back or cling to her tail. At around 100 days, they are ready for independence. A quip my Grandma used fits these little rascals: “They’re so ugly, they’re cute!” Or, maybe, it’s just a face that only a mother could love!

Jo Clark is a freelance writer and photographer who has lived in, passes through often and loves the New River Valley. She tries hard to go everywhere, on Instagram @ JoGoesEverywhere, or Facebook, Have Glass, Will Travel.

Pottering Around

a glimpse into the modern world of this age-old art form

Photos courtesy of Sarah McCarthy Pottery

Pottery is one of the oldest human inventions in the entire world, with vessels dating as far back as 30,000 years. Although these first pots were molded by hand and exclusively utilitarian in nature, the invention of the potter’s wheel (between 6,000 and 4,000 BC) allowed clay makers to explore creative uses for pottery, such as sculpture and figurines.

“Throwing” pottery, as we may recall from the movie Ghost, involves throwing wet clay onto the base of a spinning wheel and centering it, forcing it by hand to “spin true”. Potters use their thumbs to make the floor inside the bottom of the vessel, then pull it up to create a cylinder.

Once the desired shape is achieved, the object is dried and fired in a kiln to remove all moisture and create a lasting, durable product. Temperatures range from 1,000 to 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on whether the clay object is to become earthenware, stoneware or porcelain. All three types can be glazed or left unglazed, depending on

their purpose.

Working with one’s hands to shape earthen materials such as clay, stone, wood -- and even kneading bread dough -- is a universal desire and profoundly satisfying. Here in the New River Valley, many aspiring artisans have discovered pottery to connect to the earth and create something soulsoothing and enduring.

The Pottery Studio at the YMCA at Virginia Tech is a great place for locals to try their hand at pottery, offering monthly memberships for $55. All clay must be purchased in-house, and each bag of clay includes the cost of studio materials, glazes and firing fees.

Aside from access to all the tools, shelf space, hand building tables and glazes, members also enjoy the opportunity to gain inspiration and mentorship from one another. "The YMCA at Virginia Tech is proud to continue providing this resource to the community. Our pottery studio provides a place for emerging potters, hobbyists and artisans

Text by Emily K. Alberts

to fully engage in the joy of creating with clay," says Ryan Martin, executive director.

Another place to be inspired by beautiful pottery and works of art is Matrix Gallery Fine Crafts in downtown Blacksburg. Gallery owner Lana Juarez has a degree in Fine Arts from Virginia Tech, and sold her own creations at juried craft shows throughout the region when she was first starting out in the ‘80s and ‘90s.

“I met so many talented people,” she explains, “that I was motivated to open a crafts gallery of my own.” Lana and two partners opened Matrix Gallery Fine Crafts in 1987, and she eventually bought them out and is the sole owner.

“As the gallery has grown in reputation, I have been fortunate to have skilled artisans bring their work to me, though I continue to meet fantastic local and regional artists on the craft show circuit,” she relates. “I travel to wholesale craft shows to round out a great selection, especially when my local artists can't get work to me due to busy craft show schedules ... which is understandably a priority for many of them.”

David Crane, a recently retired ceramics professor in the art department at Virginia Tech, is a highly talented local potter whose work is often featured at Matrix Gallery. David brings a modern and geometric style to his creations, which are fired in a high temperature salt kiln. Many of the nationally known artists who participate in the 16 Hands Studio Tour in Floyd are also frequently featured. The website, www.16hands.com, presents a gorgeous showcase of their unique works.

Offered twice yearly, the 16 Hands Studio Tour invites curious visitors into the studios of craftsmen who make their homes in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Much like a living museum, the studios are places of awe, where treasures are made and friendships are forged.

Sarah McCarthy is a member of 16 Hands and in addition to being a potter, she is a Zen student, tea afficionado and cyclist. If you look under the bottom of her vessels, you will often see an inspirational quote from the Buddhist teachings. The natural patina of the clay comes through in her pottery, and the childlike paintings that adorn them add a colorful sense of whimsy, with a nod to the art and culture of Latin America.

The sky (or perhaps the earth?) is the limit when it comes to pottery. From applying laser decals, to using glowin-the-dark glaze -- the future is dazzling. Artists have also begun making impossibly fragile forms out of “paperclay” –which is made from blending toilet paper (!) and warm water with a clay slurry, which makes the art object stronger and more uniform during the drying process, thus less likely to break or crack before making it to the kiln. And alas, though the technology is far from perfect, 3-D printed clay is on the horizon.

Freelance writer Emily Alberts only personally experiences clay in watching the Claymation Christmas movies every year.

See & Do NEW RIVER VALLEY

a simple guide to this

season” which is March + April

Best wardrobe pieces: Jeans, khakis, waterproof hooded jacket, mudproof tall or short boots, skirts with tights, warm socks, hoodie sweatshirts, long-sleeve tee shirts, flannel or chamois shirts, all manner of layering options. Warm hat with pompom on top, mittens and winter scarf still nearby.

What to eat fresh: Rhubarb, strawberries, spinach, radishes, onions, mushrooms, carrots, cookies warm from the ovenany kind, any day.

Indoor essentials: Large soup mugs, seed starter trays, user manuals to review for trimmers, mowers and yard tools, jigsaw puzzle on dedicated table space, basket of decks of cards, umbrellas at the ready.

Places to go: Cox’s Driving Range to prepare for golf season, escape room experience, New River Junction in Draper to get legs ready for bicycle season, downtown Floyd for a day, movies – movies are always fun on the big screen with soft chairs and cup holders.

Unique ideas:

Browse the Virginia Cooperative Extension website for all kinds of free, useful farming, nutrition and household publications. www.pubs.ext.vt.edu

Walk around your yard and make a list of

improvements and maintenance tasks. Contact Back to Nature to quote all of it, then choose what is most important for your outdoor lifestyle and budget and have it done for you.

As the days warm up, cruise over to First & Main for a meal, a beer, some hardware stuff, a movie, bowling, new outfit and shopping. It’s the kind of place you can stay all day and not run out of amusement.

If you did not knit anything over winter, you’ll have more indoor time weather-wise in March and April. New River Art & Fiber has everything you need including lessons. There’s a Year of Socks ahead, plus a vast selection of art supplies if you prefer a paint brush or colored pencil to knitting needles in your hands.

Historic Smithfield opens early in April with an Easter Egg Hunt and Springtime Party on the 8th and a stunning Easter Sunrise Service the following morning, no matter what the weather. The house and grounds are worth touring (even again) as they constantly add or discover new crafts, tools and period activities. The gift shop offers a very intriguing selection of games, china, jewelry, historical toys and merchandise not found elsewhere in the New River Valley.

Next Door Bake Shop is once again easily accessible with adjacent, messy, construction projects completed. It opened in 2010 and deserves our business just for persevering through a pandemic + construction. However, their vast selection of freshly made cookies, cupcakes, scones, soup, salad and drinks is well worth the stop, too.

“magazine

Biscotti

Like many a food thing, there’s some dispute over its first appearance. Though it is often attributed to Italian bakers, apparently the Romans made biscotti for its longevity on journeys and conquests. There are reports of Christopher Columbus having a stash of biscotti on his exploration trips. The word comes from Latin “bis” for twice and “coctum” or “cotto” meaning cooked. Biscotti is a twice-baked treat, first to set the dough and second to remove moisture. This ensures a long shelf life without molding. Apparently Pliny the Elder (AD 24-79), Roman naturalist and military commander, joked that biscotti “would be edible for centuries.”

Biscotti is most often dipped in coffee, and Italians enjoy it with sweet wine. Almond is a common flavor because almonds are plentiful in Italy where biscotti won awards and enjoyed a resurgence in the 1800s. Each of these recipes has been baked many times in the editorial headquarters of New River Valley Magazine. Joanne intentionally removes them from each baking 3-5 minutes early, so they are not rock hard. You can use walnuts, pecans or almonds and drizzle with melted chocolate for pizzazz.

Preheat oven to 325°.

• ½ cup of butter

• ¾ cup sugar

• 2 eggs

• 1 tsp. vanilla

• 2 cups flour

• 1 ½ tsp. baking powder

• ¼ tsp. salt

Cranberry Almond Biscotti

• 1 ½ cups Post Selects Cranberry Almond Crunch cereal (somewhat crushed)

Beat butter and sugar then beat in eggs and vanilla. Add dry ingredients. Divide dough in half and form two long logs, about a quarter as wide as long, on greased cookie sheet. Bake 25-30 min. Cool 10 min. on rack. Cut each log diagonally with serrated knife about ¾” thick and place cut side down on cookie sheet. Return to oven for 10-12 minutes, until ever so slightly browned.

Lemon Biscotti

2 lemons

3 ¼ cups flour

1 Tbl. baking powder

½ tsp. salt

1 ¼ cups sugar

¾ cup butter, melted

3 eggs

1 ½ cups walnuts

6 oz semisweet chocolate (optional glaze)

Grate 2 Tbl. lemon peel and squeeze 2 Tbl. juice. Whisk or lightly mix sugar, butter, eggs, lemon peel + juice. Add dry ingredients, then nuts. Divide dough in half and make a log one quarter as wide as long. These spread, so using two cookie sheets is advised.

Bake at 350°18-22 minutes. Cool on racks 10-20 min. Lower temp to 325° and bake diagonally cut slices 12-15 min.

Compiled by Joanne M. Anderson

Birds of a Feather

– Will Flock to Your Yard!

Devoted birders document the migration of their avian obsession. More than 80 species pass through New River Valley offering a variety for tracking and observation. For backyard bird-watchers, stock the feeders, sit back, and enjoy the show. Sparrow, wren or finch, it matters not to backyard bird lovers.

The birds you see depend on location and season. On a winter’s day, you can easily spot our state bird, the cardinal, which lives here year ‘round. Put out sunflower seeds, and they will love you forever. Hummingbirds work their way back from South America with warm weather. Goldfinches will search for thistle feeders year-round; they don’t have vibrant yellow feathers until breeding season, so you may not realize what you’re seeing.

Some 65 million Americans feed and watch birds, and you can be assured “if you build it, they will come.” You don’t really need to build anything; just set out a bird feeder or bird house. Whether you live in town or on open farmland, all you need to get started is birdseed and water.

Text by Jo Clark

Birds — those tiny harbingers of spring which arrive en masse as the buds open

Feeding

Think about where you will have the best view, while considering maintenance. Hanging at eye level from your window is nice until you need a 15-foot ladder to refill it. Some feeders attach to windows with suction cups and provide close-up observation. Others hang neatly from tree branches or mount on a deck railing. The spring season, when things are just budding, offers the least natural food sources.

Tossing seeds on a deck or in the yard is tempting, but food on the ground is easily contaminated—by dampness, mold and droppings. To control the birds dining at your buffet, provide smaller amounts or certain varieties. Feeders that restrict access, by vertical bars or wire mesh coverings, discourage large birds and squirrels. Removing perches on feeders is an invitation to the “clingers”— finches, chickadees, titmice and woodpeckers. Doves are the ground cleaning crew, and you’ll see them happily eating the seeds other birds have dropped or tossed out.

If birds suddenly abandon your feeder, it probably needs a good cleaning. Wet, moldy seeds and droppings

harbor salmonella. If you feed all year, move the feeder a few feet each season to allow the ground beneath to refresh.

Birds don’t have teeth, so adding grit to your feeder is helpful. Mixing crushed eggshells into your spring seeds provides birds with extra calcium needed to produce firm eggs.

Uninvited Guests

Attracting birds means uninvited guests show up like squirrels, chipmunks, rats, mice, starlings and house sparrows. Feral cats and neighborhood kitties are a threat. For safety, don’t locate feeders near bushes that offer predators cover for surprise attacks.

Also, place feeders where squirrels can’t easily reach them (although watching their acrobatics is entertaining). Squirrels scare away birds, dig through seeds, make a mess, and chew through wood or plastic feeders. There are “squirrel-proof” feeders, and metal or plastic around the mounting pole works well. Install feeders 10 feet from or below a tree limb to deter jumping to the feeder.

Advertisers Index Housing

Put out multiple houses, and don’t be surprised to find twigs, straw, grass and animal hair in more than one. Male wrens build several nests to entice the object of their affection, offering her a choice of homes. Bluebirds are selective. They search for entrance holes smaller than 1 ½”, no perch at the door and facing east. Perches provide starlings and other predators easy access.

Many feeder visitors will nest in nearby trees, but some prefer birdhouses. Free blueprints are found online at https://suncatcherstudio. com/birds/bird-house-plans/, and there’s even a birdhouse with a wireless camera online, a great educational tool.

Bathing and Drinking

Birds need to drink and bathe to maintain their feathers and provide skin hydration. Ideally, a bird bath should be no more than two inches deep in the middle. A simple DIY birdbath can be made with an upside down large flowerpot and a big saucer on top.

Birds love dripping water if that’s an option. The birdbath will attract more variety of birds, and their splashing and preening, fluffing and looking full of themselves is entertaining.

Jo Clark is a birdwatcher with her Nikon. She says with her 400 mm and 600 mm lenses, she can even tell if those birds are sweating! Check out her bird photography tweets at glass_have or on Instagram @JoGoesEverywhere

Birdwatching by Season

Spring ~ Bluebird, indigo bunting, catbird, dove, hummingbird, gnatcatcher, goldfinch, grackle, rosebreasted grosbeak, perhaps a scarlet tanager.

Summer ~ Most springtime birds remain through summer and into fall. Red-winged blackbird, American robin, brown thrasher, barn swallow, towhee.

Fall ~ Many summer birds stay through fall, and migratory birds briefly appear. American kestrel, sharp-shinned and broad-winged hawks, magnolia warbler.

Winter ~ Winter months are for tougher species, like red-breasted nuthatch and mallard. Many birds make the NRV their year-round home. Blue jay, cardinal, chickadee, Carolina wren, flicker, dark-eyed junco, nuthatch, song sparrow, tufted titmouse, and Downy, pileated, and redbellied woodpeckers.