NRV Magazine Jan-Feb 2026 by New River Valley Magazine

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“FromYes to I Do” From “Yes” to “I do,” every step should feel magical. At Celco Community Credit Union, our streamlined loan process takes the stress off your shoulders so, you can focus on the moments that really matter. Friendly, professional, and member-centered – we’re here to help you every step of the way. Call today to learn how you can join our Celco Community Credit Union family and start your happily-ever-after with confidence.

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NEW RIVER VALLEY M

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 WRITERS Joanne Anderson Emily Alberts Evan Hull Becky Hepler Nancy Moseley Caitlyn Koser Emily Meade PHOTOGRAPHERS Jon Fleming Tom & Christy Wallace William Cooke Emily Heskett Kaytlin McCoy Madison Underwood Meredith White Photography Chelsea Hartman Photography

© 2026 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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I do not expect to cry when I trek out somewhere for a story, especially when I can embrace a certain amount of cynicism, along with low or no expectations. That may come with age, as I seem to be underwhelmed more often than not. However, this was not the case on my visit to the World War II Museum of the New River Valley in Blacksburg. I wept at the end of my tour. The information, artifacts, awesome displays, video and audio elements in every space and wide range of implements, equipment and gear, artfully arranged from the floor to the ceiling, are incredibly impressive. It is an immersive adventure in many ways. This museum is not to be missed by you, your family, neighbors, relatives, visitors from out of town, students of all ages and everyone else. It is one incredible labor of love for Joseph Collins. A veteran of both the U.S. Marines and the U.S. Army, his vast collection of World War II relics and remembrances, along with some donations, have been creatively arranged to show and tell the stories and sacrifices of this largest and deadliest conflict in human history. Read more on page 30.. On another note, one alert reader pointed out that ivy plants were

on the list of Christmas gifts. Her concern is the invasive nature of these, rendering them harmful to trees and native plants. Having tried to eradicate ivy from my yard, I am well aware of its invasive influence. The writer suggested ivy for an indoor plant, which may be more desirable than outside. Thank you, E.W. Having moved quite a lot in younger years, I never thought I’d live or work in the same place very long. I like moving. But here I am, not only living in the same house for a record 19 years, but also celebrating 20 years with New River Valley Magazine. The real 2-decade celebration, however, is not about me. It is all about a print (and digital eventually) magazine in a relatively small region experiencing continued success. Our writers are paid. The photographers are paid. The editor (me!) is paid. We never missed an issue through a recession, when no one wanted to spend money on advertising. and a pandemic, when few people wanted to touch paper. Onward we marched, dreaming up story ideas, contacting businesses to advertise, getting professional freelance writers and photographers in the stable. And our mission is to continue delivering to you, in print or online, the best of the people, places, businesses, events and items of interest across the New River Valley. Visit our advertisers. Shop local. Patronize small business. Go to the World War II Museum. Buy an ad. Have a Happy New Year. Welcome to 2026!

Joanne Anderson ManagingEditor

jmawriter@aol.com

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Chris and Erin May 10, 2025

Text by Joanne M. Anderson | Photos by Emily Heskett

When I put on my wedding dress, I felt everything becoming real. - Erin Jackson on her wedding day

Chris and Erin “met” in a graduate level Virginia Tech Zoom class in January of 2021 during covid. “He was maybe the only person who kept on his camera the entire time, and hey, I thought he was cute.” He responded affirmative to her suggestion they study together at the library, which eventually launched their dating life. Chris hails from Boston and is a structural engineer finishing up his PhD at Virginia Tech. Erin is a North Carolina native with a PhD in chemistry from Virginia Tech, working as a research and development scientist with an innovation company. 10

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Virginia Tech is so intertwined with their lives and how and where they met that it was fitting he proposed at the duck ponds during an evening walk. “I was completely surprised. It was very sweet and thoughtful, and it felt like the perfect place,” she recalls. The couple especially loves dinner out at Our Daily Bread. “It’s romantic with good food and vibes, and a lot of people don’t seem to know they serve dinner.” Erin and Chris planned most of the wedding themselves, which was fun and interesting. “We chose the things that were most important and meaningful,” says January/February

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One of the stars in their life now is Pepper, a Yorkie puppy which they love taking on long walks. From a Zoom “meeting” through four and a half years of grad school, trips to their respective home states and families, planning and pulling off their wonderful wedding day, the Jacksons have grown close and share in the excitement of married life. Wishing you all the best, Chris and Erin! Chris, “and enjoyed the details from deciding which venues to the cake testing and everything else.” The wedding ceremony took place at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Blacksburg with the reception at Mountain Lake Lodge, “an absolute dream for us”. Though they were enthusiastic as the day approached, the Jacksons encourage couples to reach out for help from family, friends, the bridal party and groomsmen. The events and all the details can get hectic for just two people who happen to be the stars of the show. 12

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Photographer ~ Emily Heskett [Emilyheskett.com] Wedding dress ~ Ivory on Campbell, Roanoke Makeup/Hair ~ TheHotSeat / BeautybyJustine

Ceremony ~ St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Blacksburg Reception ~ Mountain Lake Lodge, Pembroke Wedding cake ~ Our Daily Bread, Blacksburg Florist ~ The Twisted Tulip, Roanoke

Décor ~ FireFly Event Services, Blue Ridge January/February

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John and Taylor Anne May 31, 2025

Text by Joanne M. Anderson | Photos by Emily Heskett

Every day is like a date with your best friend. – Taylor Anne Soulerin on being married to John Soulerin

Fond childhood memories of the pumpkin patch at Sinkland Farms propelled Taylor Anne [Plunkett] Soulerin to choose the venue for her wedding many years later. “I grew up in Roanoke until middle school,” she explains, “before moving to Virginia Beach.” During her high school years, she rode the bus with one John Soulerin. He loved her from the beginning, eventually getting up the nerve to ask her to go bowling. He helped her with some car headlights. She baked him cookies for a thank you. And thus began a 6-year dating commitment, half of it long distance when she went to Georgia Southern for college. Together and across the 14

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miles, the couple shared their work ethics, loving kindness to people around them, silly jokes and their hearts for Jesus. On Good Friday, March 29, 2024, John went to bended knee to ask her to marry him. A large church service crowd provided the perfect cover for her sister, Macy, to hide but stay close enough to take photos. Taylor Anne graduated from college in December that year, and spent five months living back at home and planning all the wedding details with her mom and sister. “Wedding planning was a fun mother-daughter time,” she relates. “We think the same so we were able to knock things off the list

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quickly. Wedding planning was bliss and made me want to be a wedding planner!” [Kind of a far cry from her current career as a nuclear engineer!] From choosing her wedding gown, connecting with vendors and making the invitations, programs and other things using Canva and at home supplies, Taylor Anne and her family enjoyed it all. The morning of the wedding, all the participants awoke at The Oaks Victorian Inn in Christiansburg. The guys went to Cracker Barrel, and the ladies enjoyed brunch at the inn. Taylor Anne’s aunt, Rebecca McMahon, did her hair and played the piano and sang for the ceremony. Her dad, Corey, went with the guys and

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later brought Chick-Fil-A to Sinkland Farms before the wedding to avoid any rumbling bellies while exchanging vows. Her mom, Heather, and sister, Macy (also her maid of honor), were by her side from the beginning. “Photographer Emily Heskett was easy to work with and super fun,” says Taylor Anne. “Susan Sink made the venue, especially the reception area, perfect, exactly what I wanted. Mark Frye did a phenomenal job with all of the flowers. The weather was ideal.” For a novel twist on the ubiquitous wedding cake, the couple had a cookie food truck for dessert, along with an open bar with specialty cocktails and a super fun dance party. “One very special moment,” John adds, “is Taylor Anne’s grandfather, Jim Hain, serving us communion together during the ceremony.” Then the “Just Married” couple went on a few glorious rides. A limo, arranged by her parents, took them to Hotel Roanoke, which upgraded their accommodations. They flew to Atlanta where Delta gave them a private tour of the Atlanta airport in a Porsche. Not to be outdone when arriving in Barbados, they were picked up in a Rolls-Royce to be escorted to a beautiful Sandals Royal Barbados resort. 16

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Marriage is the best feeling in the world to each of them, being blessed to spend the rest of their lives with their best friend and soulmate. Congratulations, John and Taylor Anne!

Photographer ~ Emily Heskett [Emilyheskett.com] Venue ~ Sinkland Farms, Christiansburg Food Truck ~ Pizza [rehearsal dinner], 800 Degrees Wood Fired Pizza, Christiansburg Food Truck ~ Cookies and dessert, Smooshed, Christiansburg Caterer ~ Mike’s Meals, Salem Flowers ~ Creative Occasions Events, Vinton Hair Stylist ~ Rebecca McMahon, Roanoke Makeup Stylist ~ Jolina Goad, Roanoke Wedding lodging ~ The Oaks Victorian Inn, Christiansburg

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A First Look Engagement photos mark the beginning of ... the beginning Text by Nancy S. Moseley Photos by Kaytlin McCoy [KaytlinLanePhotography.com]

"When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible," says one-half of Hollywood's favorite reluctant lovers, Harry. (Other half, of course, Sally). Getting married marks a beginning, a trip to the altar of the rest of your life. But also, it's kind of an end, an end to the methodical steps it took to get there. Friendship ... dating ... falling ... love ... "Will you?" ... "Yes!" ... then planning, planning and more planning. (And paying.) "We do!" But the one constant (other than paying), especially in this age of rabid documentation, is the photographic memorialization of each relationship mile marker. An important to-do if only to give future kids and grandkids 18

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something from which to get a good chuckle as styles change. (My condolences to those who got married in the ‘80s.) Engagement sessions are the first opportunity for a couple to professionally capture their commitment. Ahead of the ceremony's pageantry, it's a casual way to showcase a love story and even, perhaps, a new, collective personality. Or to speak in "now" terms, a couples' brand. Partners are in curated outfits of choice and in settings not necessarily meant to be a rentable venue. Nooooo one else is there. It's intimate, it's personal, and for these first photos, you can get away with being a bit light-hearted and silly.

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A shared path forward. Expert guidance from the ﬁrst showing to forever.

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Halee and Alex

Despite both growing up in the Tampa Bay area, Alex and Halee didn't meet until several months before graduation from Florida State University. They met through mutual friends at an iconic college watering hole, Pots. Seven inseparable years later, Alex proposed at Halee's family beach house on Long Beach Island, N.J. "I'm not usually a fan of surprises, but I always told him the proposal was the one surprise I actually wanted, and he pulled it off!" They wanted engagement photos taken to serve both wedding20

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related events and feel classic enough for décor in their home. Halee and Alex have also used the photos for save-thedate announcements and the gallery on their wedding website. "We wanted our engagement photos to feel unique and be different from the pictures we already have together. We chose the Center for the Arts because it offers such a variety of beautiful backdrops, from its stunning architecture to the outdoor gardens. We felt we could capture many diverse shots in one location and that the photos would feel timeless, not just tied

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to the wedding." Since they are seasonless Floridians, it was exciting to have the shoot during the autumn months in Virginia with changing leaves as a backdrop. “It was breathtaking,” Halee recalls, “and adds so much magic to the photos.” Their ceremony was held in November of 2025 in their home state surrounded by friends and family. And now the two are excited to have begun this next chapter of their lives in Virginia, Halee as a director of finance and Alex as an orthopedic surgery resident.

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Madyson and Jack Madyson and Jack met on Hinge (a popular dating app) in the fall of 2021. After an all-nighter talking about books, dogs, coffee and wine and a quick-to-follow first, then second, date with a bottle of tempranillo under a full moon — spoiler alert(!) — the app got deleted, just one week after it was downloaded. Jack is from Northern Virginia, and Madyson is from Bristol, Tenn. They are both graduates of Virginia Tech, and since 2023 have been dating long distance — Madyson at law school at Washington and Lee and Jack as an Officer in the United States Army on active duty in Texas. The Ecco Adesso Vineyards near Lexington, Va., served as a frequent meeting spot for the couple to escape the stress of law school, military life and the emotional rigor of navigating separation. It also, as it turns out, served as a memorable spot for a certain proposal. "He flew into D.C., borrowed a car from his parents, and drove to Lexington to surprise me. It was a Saturday afternoon that I thought was just another winery outing with my law school friends. As we were walking up the hill to the tasting room, Jack popped out from under an awning and asked the question!" They intentionally targeted a park in Blacksburg for engagement photos and chose Heritage Park because of the expansive mountain views and fall foliage colors. Their session was unique due to a few personal details. "The wine bottle is actually a similar tempranillo to the one Jack and I shared on our second date in a park in Blacksburg. The bouquet of flowers was used by my mom and a few of my aunts in their bridal portraits, and the picnic basket was a gift from my grandmother to my mom." Similarly, Madyson and Jack plan to use the photos in save-the-date announcements and to build out a wedding website. Until then, having them sprinkled around home and work makes the distance feel just a little closer. Madyson is now practicing law in Roanoke and counting down the months until their wedding in October of 2027 at the Inn at Willow Grove in Orange, Virginia ... and the subsequent beginning of life in the same town, under the same roof, for the first time in years. NRVMAGAZINE.com

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Preserve the Patina! Text by Joanne M. Anderson Photos by Madison Underwood The year 1959, when “The Battle of New Orleans” and “Mack the Knife” topped billboard charts, was the final year for the Chevrolet Task Force truck series. Its light-duty model, dubbed the Apache, sported a wide grille, quad headlights and bold styling. Under the hood would be either a base 235ci inline-six or 283ci V8 engine. While the truck went out of production, an ongoing love affair 22

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with it has never ended. For Luke and Madison Underwood, the Apache fit their needs perfectly – he needing a project (and he got one!); she wanting a unique prop for her photography business. The couple found one and traveled to Raleigh, N.C., to buy it. The seller had been using it for his daily drive, so they knew it was operational. “When we got to the seller’s house,

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we noticed a tree stump stuck in the bed,” relates Luke. The seller explained that when he bought the truck, it had been abandoned, and the tree was growing through the bumper and the bed. He also told them he named the truck Tetanus for being covered in rust, while still running as one rough, rugged truck. These owners just refer to it as the Apache.

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that was lying around the shop, and he crafted his own cross members to hold the motor and transmission,” she adds. The “shop” happens to be one of their businesses, Nomadic Camper and RV Repair near exit 109 off I-81. [nomadiccamperrepair.com] This model is the stepside, which means the fenders are outside the bed. Luke is big on durable and long-lasting, so he replaced the interior floorboard with diamond plate.

The Fun Part

The Work Part Once home, the restoration work began. “When we took out the stump, the tailgate fell off, and we discovered the stump was the only thing holding the bed together,” states Madison. “The bed was rusted out, and the wood was rotten, so Luke rebuilt and rewelded it and replaced 24

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the wood portion with diamond plate steel.” It had the original 235ci inline six engine, which Luke swapped out for a SBC 350 engine. He installed a new transmission out of a Chevy S-10. It’s still a manual shift, which they both love, but now instead of the column shift, it shifts in the floor. “Luke made the shifter in the floor out of rebar

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Madison uses the Apache for many of her photo shoots, adding seasonal or theme décor for the specific time of year or celebration. “I told Luke he could do anything he wanted with the truck except touch the paint! We intentionally preserved the patina look, which appeals to most of my photography clients. It’s nostalgic, and when parked in a field with a theme, it creates a sentimental aura of natural simplicity.” One cool thing is the bottle opener in the bed, in case they get thirsty and buy glass bottled drinks just for the fun of opening them. The couple has taken the Apache to a few car shows, which always draws attention, and out for a bite to eat in Floyd from time to time. This handsome, light-duty, patina-preserved, pick-up truck filled Luke’s need (for a spell anyway) to renovate something mechanical and body-wise. For Madison, it’s a powerful marketing tool and super fun prop in her professional photography business. [facebook.com/memoriesbymadison]

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Starting with a Sandbox ……….

Text by Joanne M. Anderson Photos by Christy Wallace The allure of the desert is multi-faceted, but perhaps nothing is overshadowed by the unique vegetation. From the giant saguaro more than 40 feet tall, to the little pineapple cactus and other small varieties, there are nearly 200 cactus species in many sizes native to the United States. Most of them reside in the deserts in Texas, Arizona and New Mexico, but many grow inside and around Trent Davis and Mary Gaskill’s house. Since 2019, Trent has converted 3,000 square feet of previous lawn and traditional plantings to succulents. “I have always been attracted to the desert landscape,” he explains. “I began 26

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by converting a sandbox which came with the house into my initial xeric (dry) garden space.”

The House Trent purchased the vintage 1958 brick ranch home on a corner lot in the spring of 2018. Stepping in the front door offers a view to the right of the original living room, fireplace, large picture window and a couple very tall cacti in very large pots. Two large dogs come bounding over, as interested to meet you as they are in their toy tug-of-war. The open view from a charming dining spot straight ahead,

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through a large open space in the wall to the kitchen and on to a family room beyond is as inviting as it is creative -a wonderful open space concept with room definition. The main living area and kitchen had been remodeled, and he and wife Mary have remodeled bathrooms and replaced large items like the heat pump. “Mary has turned the full basement into her own private sanctuary, with soothing lighting, lots of books and cozy furniture,” Trent reveals. “It’s a finished space with a kitchen, living area, full bathroom and bedroom. It’s kind of like having a little home in a home.”

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The Neighborhood Location was a big factor for Trent. “I wanted something in the Town of Blacksburg close to my work at Virginia Tech. Since I coordinate the VT Therapy Dogs program and own two of the dogs, it is important that I can get to and from campus quickly for events.” “The overall setting supports the kind of life we’re committed to living—balanced, relaxed and community-oriented,” he continues. “Mary and I are both counselors, and we each have less than a 5-minute commute to work. We can walk to the library, farmer’s market, and golf course to watch the 4th of July fireworks.” They often host their son’s friends for sleepovers and fun gatherings. “There’s nothing overly ornate or pretentious about our house,” Mary relates. “It is just a modest, well-loved home that holds its own character -- sincere, open-hearted and full of life. Outside these walls, the neighborhood is something truly rare, like stepping back into the 1950s. Neighbors know each other’s names, and more importantly, they care. They look out for each other, for each other’s kids, and offer thoughtful gestures when you least expect it. My son and his friends ride their bikes freely, neighbors walk their dogs in groups so they can chit-chat, and potlucks still happen on a whim. It’s a wholesome experience every day.”

The Cacti Gardens After success in the sandbox, Trent slowly started reworking previous planting areas to fit the cacti theme next to the house on most sides, adjacent to the sidewalk, and wherever a space was available. “This was a trial and error process, as I experimented with amendments to increase drainage (as important as temperature with desert plants) and found sources of succulents that would have the best chance of surviving and thriving. I estimate about a 50% loss of plants due to pushing the planting zone, among other challenges, in growing desert plants in the New River Valley.” Trent’s main species are Opuntia (prickly pear cacti), Yucca, Agave, Cholla cacti, and barrel type cacti. He added some cold hardy bananas, NRVMAGAZINE.com

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palms and aroids for contrast and height. “When I travel, I always have a digging tool and metal tongs in case I discover something appropriate for the garden.” He once returned home from a vacation at the Outer Banks with prickly pear and Yucca.” All the experimenting with this sort of gardening has been a great source of fun mixed with some frustrating parts. He encourages others to try this, considering the benefits of cacti being naturally deer proof and needing no supplemental watering after the first few weeks in the ground. “Plus, they are very cool plants, and when they bloom, it is indeed spectacular!” 28

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Derek, 9, yellow Lab, and Epcot, 4, black Lab, each moved to Blacksburg when they were 2 for full-time positions as therapy dogs at Virginia Tech. Besides participating in individual and group student counseling sessions, they attend hundreds of outreach events on campus and in the community. Derek’s favorite downtime activity is swimming and retrieving, ideally at the same time. He is related to Moose, the founding dog of the program.. Epcot engages Derek, or anyone game to play, in tug-of-war games. Epcot also has “spy creds” for having served with the NSA (National Security Agency) during his puppy training years.

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Freedom Isn’t Free

World War II Museum of the New River Valley a multi-sensory, meaningful, educational experience

We, and all others who believe in freedom as deeply as we do, would rather die on our feet than live on our knees. - Franklin D. Roosevelt Text by Joanne M. Anderson | Photos by Jon Fleming When Joseph Collins was a young lad, growing up in England with American missionary parents, his grandfathers often took him to museums. They both served in World War II, and these museum excursions and their stories sparked a passion for WW II that never left the boy’s heart. At age 10, Collins picked up his first of many (many, many, many) World War II collectibles – a mussette bag. Interestingly, this lightweight, usually canvas, shoulder bag is very common with bicycle commuters in urban settings. Later stateside, Collins graduated from high school at Gateway Christian Academy in Blacksburg. After some time at Pensacola Christian College, he enlisted in the U.S. Marines. He served four years, while longing to attend jump school (and jump out of airplanes!). Collins was granted a branch transfer to the U.S. Army and jump school. The first public jump with a parachute occurred in 1783. On June 6, 1944, more than 13,000 British and 30

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American paratroopers jumped into darkness over Normandy before the beach invasion. Jumping always intrigued Collins from the historical angle, and he continues to jump with the World War II Airborne Demonstration Team, based in Oklahoma. After getting married in 2000, Collins did two tours in Iraq before coming back home to the New River Valley where he resides with his wife and two boys.

Planning the Museum The idea of a museum has probably been percolating in Collins’ mind for decades, but the past two years, it began to take shape. The reality is that it isn’t so much about having a place to display these things as it is to impart knowledge and understanding of this great war to current and future generations. This unique museum is like a January/February

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guardian of the facts, the sacrifices and the reality of what happened, where, to whom, how and why.

Touring the Museum From the visual introductory video through the various spaces of the World War II Museum of the New River Valley, Collins has assembled and displayed exhibits and scenes which tell expressive stories. Radio announcements, small movements and music of the era are heard and seen in several places. Soldiers are positioned in different ways for different tasks. One is hunkered down behind sandbags. Another is going somewhere on a motorcycle. The medical aid station tent, crude by what we know of urgent care, has both patient and doctor with first aid supplies at hand. Inside the Quonset hut, a journalist sits at a typewriter with a hand-crank telephone and Philco radio on the desk. Suitcases and duffle bags would have been everywhere for all the traveling. Belts, helmets, knapsacks, canteens, furniture, a period lace doily and quilt, uniforms and framed posters, letters and other ephemera are artfully displayed. Large model airplanes, a jeep, bicycle, the motorcycle and boots illustrate various modes of transportation. Having toured large and small museums around the world, it’s obvious Collins scrutinized what makes presentations captivating. “I want visitors to become immersed in the time and place of different events that unfolded during World War II. It is a very significant part of world and U.S. history that must be preserved,” he relates. The entire tour sparks wonder and awe, along with a deeper understanding of the perilous nature of war and the monumental sacrifices which were made.

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Freedom is the sure possession of those alone who have the courage to defend it. - Pericles c.495-429 BC

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If we can pass along some of the traits of the Greatest Generation to our present day younger generations, they can one day become their own great generation. - Joseph Collins, WW II Museum of the NRV

The Greatest Generation was composed of around 63 million U.S. citizens born roughly between 1901 and 1927. They came of age, and many endured significant hardship, during the Great Depression, followed by the atrocities of World War II. The late Virginia senator John Warner joined the U.S. Navy at age 17 and once spoke of how events in the 1930s and ‘40s were powerful “to forming my generation, to shaping the world we lived in, and in providing the lessons we learned to carry us through life.” Among the characteristics which defined this multitude are personal responsibility, a strong work ethic, patriotism, perseverance, resilience, integrity, humility, courage and frugality. The willingness to sacrifice time, food items, energy and life itself was paramount in winning World War II. The statistics are grim. Some 75-80 million deaths worldwide, roughly one-third military and twothirds civilian. Just over 16 million Americans served with around 407,000 killed and 670,000 wounded. 130,000 were held prisoners of war, 15,000 of whom never made it home. Fifty countries were involved in the war, and stateside, millions of women left their homes to work in factories, offices and anywhere men left jobs to go to war. Many joined the WAVES and the WACS – Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service and Women’s Army Corps. Among items rationed were sugar, meat, fats, coffee, cheese, gasoline, tires, rubber, cars and bicycles. Leather was needed for military shoes and boots, and silk for parachutes. A handwritten letter to or from a loved one might arrive in a week or a month. Many soldiers met their children when they were 1 or 2 or 3 years old. John Warner, in an article published on pew.org, wrote this: Our shared respect for each other was largely forged from our military experience. We had learned to respect and have confidence in the persons serving with us, knowing that our very lives depended on each other. That was a very strong bond. But we all are capable of nurturing within ourselves the self-discipline, sense of responsibility, desire for humility, and loyalty to one another that leads to finding a common good. I can only hope that we all learn from these times, that we learn that sacrifice can be good for us, that discipline is required of us, that humility is necessary for us, and that loyalty must guide us.

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Little by Little Painting from preschool to high school and onward

Text by Nancy S. Moseley Photos by William Cooke

Her mom first took notice when her daughter painted a beloved cartoon character and her best underwater bud: Flounder and Ariel — a.k.a. The Little Mermaid. "She was 3," Becky Little says of her daughter, Anna, who is now a 10th grader at Giles High School. Sensing the passion was not fleeting, they leaned on gift giving occasions to keep Anna abundant in art supplies. For a family with no intrinsic inkling toward art, "I learned not to be too upset about paint in the sink," her mom laughs. "Also, an appreciation of the time and effort of producing art, it cannot be rushed or predicted, and it's not a linear process." 34

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Anna cites the painting, coloring and crafting activities in preschool and, in particular, the patience of her art teacher, Mrs. Leslie, for her early interest. "She always let me stay behind and take my time on my art. She encouraged my attention to detail." Over the years, Anna consistently chose painting as her signature medium and sought out ways to develop her skills on her own, which included watching artists online. “Paint,” she says, “affords room to explore varying textures and brush techniques along with the freedom to create hundreds of color choices from just a

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few foundational hues. Colored pencils, for example, are more restrictive.” Painting is the oldest expression of visual art. Natural pigments like ocher were mixed with binders — animal fat, tree sap, blood, vegetable juices, plant oils — to create the paint used in ancient cave illustrations. Anna prefers working with acrylics because they are smooth and easy to manipulate on canvas. (And, bonus, there's no blood involved.) When it comes to her favorite subject, it's not what you might think ... she loves old statues.

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Over the years, Anna consistently chose painting as her signature medium and sought out ways to develop her skills on her own.

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piece of Anna's, Kanye didn't make the cut. "I have several," her mom declares, "a simple but full picture she painted in elementary school that is so full of joy and delight; the swan she painted for me for Christmas; her angel that is so serene and peaceful; the cows at the fence because it was the first piece of artwork she painted with intention and confidence." Much like The Little Mermaid's determination to dwell on land with legs, and the humility — and patience — it takes to chase uncertain ambitions, Anna Little's steady and simple chase is to "just continue improving." Apropos to the ocean-adjacent life Ariel led, she hopes to live at the beach one day and maybe own a little shop to surround herself with art, clothing and trinkets. And, to art teachers everywhere, kudos to being integral in the promise that everyone's talents, and everyone's dreams, can have legs.

. . . she hopes to live at the beach one day and maybe own a little shop to surround herself with art, clothing and trinkets. "I absolutely love and admire the skill that it takes to make marble and stone look smooth and human. I like to paint them in different colors but using the same values. I think adding color gives them personality." Pieta by Michelangelo is a favorite, an extremely somber, compassionate statue of Mary holding Jesus after the crucifixion. Her preferred professional artist is someone familiar, who brought the ease and, literally, "The Joy of Painting" into living rooms everywhere. "Bob Ross! I watched him on TV when I was little and was mesmerized by his skills. Watching him paint is so inspiring and peaceful." Anna also loves "Starry Night" by Van Gogh, "Water Lillies" by Claude Monet and "The Swing" by Jean-Honore Fragnoard, all of which 36

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convey a certain amount of peace and joy with intricate detail. She has had pieces displayed in school art shows, submitted to regional competitions and was awarded a certificate by the school board for her work. She paints people's fur babies as gifts and hopes to paint something for her church in the near future. She recalls happily when she and a best childhood friend wrote and illustrated comic books about a frog named Sir Hoppinton in 5th grade. Then one day, an Anna original of Kanye West showed up on her mom's container of cayenne pepper. "I've never really been a Kanye fan, but now his face is permanently in our kitchen," she relates. When asked to pick a favorite

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Nancy S. Moseley is freelance writer from Blacksburg. Her childhood works of art include the construction paper books about "The Adventures of Fred and Amy," wherein Fred and Amy are stick figures. She was better at the writing part.

While Anna is a bona fide 10th grade artist at Giles High School, William Cooke, the photographer for this article, is an authentic 11th grade student at the same school. These are his first published photos, though he has been refining his skills through the lens for several years.

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Moon Travel

the many moons of tourism Text by Emily K. Alberts Before fancy trips, there were fancy sips. Dating back to 5th century B.C., the term "honeymoon" has quite the literal origin. A newly married couple would simply wait for nightfall on the first full moon after their wedding, and sip mead from a shared cup. Mead is an ancient alcoholic beverage made by fermenting honey (a rare treat back then), water and yeast. This ritual was thought to encourage fertility and ensure a happy marriage. It wasn’t until 19th century Britain that this tradition evolved to include a post-wedding vacation. Fast forward a few centuries, and we now have more moons than there are planets in our solar system. Minimoons, Maximoons, 38

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Buddymoons, Familymoons, Babymoons and Mysterymoons, to name a few. Just think about the transformative power of the moon – giving us the tides, seasons, oxygen, and likely our very lives. Now compare that to the transformative power of a much-needed vacation. Life-changing. Minimoons are great for couples who want to get through all the wedding planning and the “I do”s before planning their fullfledged honeymoon. A weekend getaway somewhere close to the reception is often the best choice, presenting the married couple with a chance to unwind and enjoy each other as newlyweds before jaunting off to a new continent. A local bed

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and breakfast inn makes for a nice respite from reality. Think of these as staycations with a twist: No cell phones or “new restaurants only” are fun ways to make a familiar place feel new again. For those who really like getting out of their comfort zone, Maximoons fall on the other end of the spectrum. These are multimonth extravaganzas where couples embark on epic adventures such as backpacking across Europe, surfing around South America, snowboarding through Switzerland or even just eating their way across Asia, for example. *Fun fact, maximoon is also an astrological alternative to the term “supermoon” – which occurs when the moon comes super close to Earth

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Familymoon

during its orbit and thus appears larger and brighter. For destination weddings, where the vows and the vacation are one in the same, a Buddymoon can make a lot of logistical sense. Bundling the wedding package with a group get-away for the wedding party is a great way to save money on accommodations and activities. With more couples living together before marriage, the idea of an intimate honeymoon may seem superfluous, so the Buddymoon is a great way to enjoy a vacation with friends you might not see very often. It is also becoming more common for couples to start families before tying the knot, for a sundry of different reasons. Couples may have children from prior relationships that 40

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will now be considered a blended family. In these cases, newlyweds may swap the idea of a honeymoon in favor of a Familymoon, to celebrate their family’s journey and share the adventure with children. Resorts with babysitting services and activities for kids may be a good option here, so parents can still get some “off-duty” time to unwind together. Contrary to what it may sound like, a Babymoon is not when a couple brings their newborn along for their vacation. Usually taken during the second trimester, a Babymoon offers a couple one last hurrah before it’s “Bottles & Diapers & Tears, Oh my!” The second trimester is the safest time to travel, and usually any morning sickness has subsided. Moms are also less fatigued during the

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second trimester, so getting around in a new place is less challenging, although some activities may be offlimits for obvious reasons. Taking time to connect away from baby-prepping is important, especially since there will be less time to do so once the new bundle of joy arrives. For couples who might not have the time or energy to plan their much-needed vacation, a Mysterymoon is the perfect solution. Sort of a “surprise” honeymoon, this is when neither the bride nor groom has any clue where they are headed for their post-nuptial holiday. Many times they don’t find out until the very last minute. No, they are not blindfolded and stuffed in a trunk, but by using a third-party travel agency, they are kept in the dark about their destination, although usually they have given the agent a few ideas to choose from ahead of time. This way, they can take vacation planning off their plate and enjoy the element of the unknown. For independent adventurers, a Solomoon can be just as rejuvenating as a couple’s retreat, sometimes even more so. Like some kind of romantic comedy mishap, a friend of mine once won a Sandals vacation in a company raffle, and her boyfriend had broken up with her the night before. Not wanting to pass up a free trip, she went by herself – and had the time of her life! Afterall, life is shorter than we realize. It’s easy to add things to our Bucket Lists that wind up getting “left in cart” as the years tick by. Plan with purpose and celebrate those milestones. Don’t forget about Quartermoons (turning 25) and Halfmoons (turning 50). Okay, I may have made those up. ;-) Emily K. Alberts moonlights as a freelance writer.

2026

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N RV Fo o d Far e

Waffles

any season, any day, any time Like most food things, waffles have a storied history across centuries, countries and continents. According to Waffle House, 145 waffles are sold at their popular, easily-recognized, small restaurants added together every minute. Waffle irons are on display in the National Museum of American History’s Domestic Life collection. National Waffle Day is August 24, and in the 1920s, waffle irons were popular on breakfast tables. Now, a century later, the tasty, square-grid-pattern waffle appears at all meals, plus tailgate parties, birthday gatherings, wedding receptions and more. You can bake a chocolate waffle for a brownie sundae version, or use them as the base for pizza. The least expensive waffle iron could be the Mainstays brand’s $9.98 version (with 297 5-star reviews and some lesser stars), while the Krampouz Liege waffle iron retails for $2,400 (one review, 5 stars). The stack, taco and sammie are well-suited for winter on any day at any time.

The Waffle

The Waffle Stack

Taco

Photo by Dani Rendina

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The Handheld Waffle Sundae Photo by Ahmad Dakhel

The Strawberry Shortcake Waffle Photo by David Holifield

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Sleeping Through Winter explaining hibernation

Text by Caitlyn Koser For the armchair observer, a myriad of scientific jargon can often be combined into simple layman’s terms, whether or not the classification is strictly correct. A prime example of this is so-called “hibernation.” Bears hibernate. Frogs hibernate. Foxes hibernate. Or do they? Well, it all depends on who you are in the scientific world and just how specific you can get. Hibernation casts a wide net over a plethora of classifications. It can be used to cover any state of dormancy, torpor or inactivity in an animal. A breakdown of hibernation myths and a fact-or-fiction examination sheds some light on what really goes on under those blankets of snow during the winter months.

Dormancy, Torpor, Brumation While some animals avoid harsh climates and perilous situations by migrating thousands of miles to a different region or country, many are equipped to shelter in place. It’s 44

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the means of that sheltering that has scientists all entangled in a kerfuffle of terms and classifications. Hibernation covers it all, so if you’re not looking to be strictly correct, the term is a safe catch-all. Dormancy is when metabolic activity reduces in order to survive some element of environmental stress. Essentially, organisms are conserving their energy. Torpor is marked by low body temperature, often in response to cold or heat. Brumation is what reptiles and amphibians undergo in cold weather (more on a specific creature later). The creatures live off their fat reserves during the cold months and emerge in March or April. Prior to hibernation, in any of its forms, animals spend time in preparation for the long winter. Bears can feed up to 20 hours a day, storing up fat for the winter. A male black bear may gain up to 100 pounds in several weeks. To throw more jargon into the fire, hyperphagia is the term (hyper for extreme and phagia for hunger) for the state that bears enter when they feel the need to eat continuously. January/February

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So, do animals hibernate? It all depends on whom you ask.

What Happens During Hibernation? Now that terminology is out of the way, the question remains: What do animals do in hibernation? It turns out, it’s a complex interworking of the slowing down of systems that allows the animals to survive. In order to survive a long winter, metabolism, heart rate and body temperature decrease. Surprisingly, bears specifically aren’t snoozing the whole winter. They are awake for short times and move around, still holding their winter-long fast. Bears also become insulin resistant during their winter slumber after having sugared up during their long fall feasting phase. Some animals have a more unusual method. Frogs, for example, freeze solid throughout the winter, simply thawing out when temperatures are warmer. Turtles, fascinatingly, take oxygen from the water through blood vessels.

The Low-Down on Common NRV Creatures Not all creatures are ready for a winter-long duration of inactivity. Here’s a run-down of common creatures residents might find in their backyard and what they’re up to during the winter months: Bears are snoozing away in their dens, but not all of them. The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources [VA DWR] notes that some may remain active during winter while

reducing their normal movements. Male black bears especially sometimes don’t remain quiescent for the entire season. A word of caution from the VA DWR: Do not disturb found bear dens, which can include hollow trees, under crawl spaces and decks, and in brush piles. Groundhogs are “true hibernators” as the DWR states. They’re tucked away from October to March or April, and normal body functions like heart rate and temperature are slowed to a fraction of the normal rate. Squirrels – unfortunately perhaps for those who view them as a nuisance -- remain active during winter. Inclement weather may keep them in their den for a few days. Turtles go into brumation. For a box turtle, this normally occurs under a few inches of forest material. The wood turtle species brumates in undercuts in streams, at the bottom of deep pools, or in a muskrat or beaver abode. The diversity of classifications for these animals shows how limited knowledge on the subject really is concerning what goes on during long winter slumbers. Humans share a common need for rest, although it looks a little different. This winter, enjoy your own sort of hibernation, albeit with a mug of hot chocolate, a book and a blanket. You can simply appreciate the slumbering creatures in the hibernacula – that’s the dens of hibernating animals – in your backyard. Caitlyn Koser is a freelance writer who really enjoys the excuse of a cold winter day to hunker down with a good book.

Fun fact: Punxatawney Phil, or the post-hibernation groundhog weatherman of Groundhog Day, has a prediction success rate of about 50%. The more accurate Staten Island Chuck has an 80% rate. 46

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