nrv magazine

New RiveR valleym a g a z i n e

New River Valley’s Premier Lifestyle Magazine

NRVMAGAZINE.com

Artist ProfileGerri Young

Wine Dining

Feeding AmericaDocs of the NRVGift Guide

HappyHolidays

November/December 2012

Thanksgiving

N R V M A G A Z I N E November/December 20122

3N R V M A G A Z I N E . c o m Nov/Dec 2012

The Inn's Grand Thanksgiving Buffet

Thursday, November 22 | 11:00 am-3:00 pm

Join us for this traditional Grand Thanksgiving buffet in our

beautifully appointed Ballroom featuring live music. Leave the meal

planning and clean-up to us while you relax and enjoy this special

time.

Fashions for Evergreens

Trees on Display November 22 – January 1

A must-see holiday event! Fourteen professionally designed

trees present awe-inspiring decorating ideas and concepts in an

extraordinary display of holiday cheer.

The Inn's Gingerbread House

Debuts Thanksgiving Day

Executive Chef Chad Brodkin and his culinary team have been

busy dreaming up a giant gingerbread house that will delight our

guests all season long nestled among our Fashions for Evergreens

display.

Champagne Sunday Brunch with Santa

Sunday, December 2, 9, 16 and 23 | 10:30 am – 1:30 pm

Santa is your host for this bountiful brunch buffet. Join him for

bowl-full-of-jelly laughs and tell him what you really want for

Christmas. Brunch patrons will enjoy a complimentary photo with

Santa.

Christmas Eve at Preston’s Restaurant

Monday, December 24 | 5:00–9:00 pm

’Tis the season for entertaining! Make your reservations now for a

special holiday four-course plated dinner in Preston’s Restaurant.

Christmas Day Champagne Brunch

Tuesday, December 25 | 10:30 am – 2:30 pm

A meal at Preston’s is always special … but the holiday season holds

a special charm. Come enjoy the holiday decorations, the sounds of

the season, and our genuine wishes for a joyous holiday.

New Year’s Evening at Preston’s Restaurant

Monday, December 31 | 5:30–9:30 pm

Close out 2012 Inn-style with live entertainment, a four-course

dinner and a champagne toast.

A Holiday Treat

This season, treat your out-of-town guests (or yourself) to the

luxury of The Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center,

and be surrounded by the sights, sounds, and scents of the holidays.

From November 25-30, December 1-6, December 9-19, and

December 22-31, 2012, enjoy deluxe accommodations for only

$79.00 per night.

For reservations, call 540.231.8000.

There’s no better way to enjoy

the holidays than with delicious food,

close friends and festive surroundings.

Get a taste of the holiday spirit with

special events all December long at

The Inn at Virginia Tech.

901 Prices Fork Road, Blacksburg, VA 24061 | For reservations, please call 540.231.8000 or visit www.InnatVirginiaTech.com

When it comes to celebrating the holidays, there’s always room at


contentscontents n o v / D e c

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3 P r i c e H o m e

1 2 g e r r i Y o u n g

1 4 F e e d i n g a m e r i c a

1 6 t h a n k s g i v i n g

1 8 t r a v e l : g r e e c e

2 0 W h i t e h e a d H o m e

2 6 W o r k i n g o u t , i n s i d e

2 8 H o l l y & m i s t l e t o e

3 0 W i n e D i n i n g

3 5 g i f t g u i d e

3 8 D o c s o f t h e n R V

4 4 s o c i a l P i c s

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I’m lucky to have grown up with four seasons in New England, because I love them all. We’re in my favorite

now, but each one has holidays and weather to enjoy, and the New River Valley is a pleasant place for all seasons of life, literally and figuratively. Veterans Day is Nov. 11. World War I – “The Great War” in its day - officially ended with the Treaty of Versailles on June 28, 1919. Fighting ceased seven months earlier though, when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.” Program 11 a.m. into your cell phones and calendars and take time to remember all the military servicemen and women who have served, many with their own lives, to protect freedoms that we so naturally take for granted – freedom to learn, work, move, marry, speak, worship, serve and live peacefully in our communities. Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Eve and Day bring on another round of joys, thoughtfulness, challenges, celebration, sadness and quiet remembrance coupled with hearty meals, family and friends. If you are not connected to New River Valley Magazine on Facebook, well, get connected. You’ll find charming little synopses of articles in the magazine, teasers for you to find a copy, written by our wonderful interns, Meg Selby and Sophie Karasikis, both Virginia Tech seniors. They are serving as assistant editors through spring, and I already don’t know how we got along without them! They exceeded my expectations in the first week and haven’t slowed down since. We are delighted, Sophie and Meg, to have you on board! On Oct. 13, Noble and I rode in the VA State Competitive Trail Challenge ACTHA ride in Lexington, VA – where the Noble Spirit Award began two years ago. We awarded the blue ribbon this year to a deserving young lady who has persevered through incredible tragedy, and we gave the first Noble Spirit donation. Every quarter, a donation from book sales is given to a Virginia horse rescue or therapy organization. Details on the website, www.anoblespirit.com. We have so much for which to be thankful – every day of the year. Remember 11 a.m. on Nov. 11 and Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas and All The Best for 2013!

New RiveR valleym a g a z i n e

PUBLISHERCountry Media, Inc.

Phillip Vaught

MANAGING EDITORJoanne Anderson

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVESabrina Chambers

ASSISTANT EDITORSINTERNSMeg Selby

Sophie Karatsikis

GRAPHIC DESIGNDrew Carter

WRITERSJoanne Anderson

Karl KazaksKrisha ChachraLesley Howard

Rachael M. GarrityBecky Hepler

Peter D. MasonMeg Selby

Sophie Karatsikis

PHOTOGRAPHYLaura’s Focus Photography

Amodeo PhotographyBonnie A. Bounds

Magnifico Photography

© 2012 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.

P. o. Box 11816Blacksburg, Va 24062

o: [email protected]

Pasture Talk

Joanne Anderson ManagingEditor

I

Correction: High School Football in the Sept/Oct issue was compiled and written by Peter D. Mason


t’s a true labor of love. The halls are decked; the lights are strung up on the tree with care; and Santa’s sleigh is parked on the front porch

watched over closely by a curious fox. Christmas is the time of year that lifetime residents of the New River Valley, Harri-et and Jeff Price, like to transform their picturesque mountain home into a winter wonderland. This home is truly one of a kind right down to its construction and loca-tion. Jeff custom designed and built it in 1992 in a prime location on a bluff in Pu-laski County that overlooks the New Riv-

er and the Pete Dye River Course of Vir-ginia Tech. The 8,500 square foot home is surrounded by 31 acres of woods, mak-ing its holiday transformation that much more magical. ”We usually begin decorating right after Thanksgiving, so we can enjoy it for the holidays,” says Harriet. The extensive decoration pro-cess is centered on bright colors that speak to the season. One of their many Christmas trees resides in the main living area, towering 12 feet over the spacious room with an array of fun and festive dec-orations, such as little packages, ribbons

and giant, round candy and gingerbread ornaments. A ladder is perched lightly on one side where a line of elves is working hard to finish the decorations. Not only do the elves need a ladder to decorate the massive tree, but the Prices and their children need a lad-der of their own to reach the tippity-top and adorn the summit. On another wall in the living room, the fireplace is com-plete with stockings hung and waiting for Christmas Eve stuffing. Santa is close by to get the job done. Continuing through the house and into the den area, another decadent

a Price Housechristmas

By Sophie KaratsikisPhotos by Laura’s Focus Photography

with help from theelves

i

It’s a true labor of love.

N R V M A G A Z I N E November/December 20121 0

tree is featured. “This one is natural and elegant with white, snowy features and classic, delicate ornaments,” Harriet points out. It sports timeless designs and images of children sledding on a winter day. This tranquil and cozy holiday vision is warm and friendly, nestled alongside a crackling fire in the brick fireplace. Elves are scattered throughout the house, sneakily perched in corners, decorating tables and hanging from the

ceiling. In the formal dining room, these curious creatures dangle from the chan-delier and are tucked behind frosted pine branches and pinecones on the table. With these special helpers, the Price’s tedious decoration process takes on a magical quality. The holiday spirit does not stop there! The decorations keep going into the kitchen and beyond. In the heart of the home, the kitchen, sits a beautiful

gingerbread house complete with its own holiday wreath on a large, front window. There is also an assortment of nutcrack-ers at the ready on a side table. These little fellows of all shapes and sizes and designs add a little humor to some of the more traditional holiday decorations. Decorative jars of seasonal treats like candy ribbon are sure to entice anyone’s sweet tooth. The dedicated holiday spirit that fuels this intense and intricate deco-

The holiday spirit does not stop there! The decorations keep going

into the kitchen and beyond.

1 1N R V M A G A Z I N E . c o m Nov/Dec 2012 1 1

ration process is a family tradition for Harriet. “Christmas has always been a special time since I was growing up. My mother was big on Christmas decorat-ing, so I definitely inherited this tradition from her,” she says. When all the decorations are perfectly in place, with the help of the whole Price clan and Interior Designer Edith-Anne Duncan, the family is ready to host its annual company Christmas party. What better way to share the joys and dec-adence of the season than opening your doors to friends and family into a personal, winter wonderland? Sophie Karatsikis is a Virginia Tech senior and intern and assistant editor at New River Valley Magazine. She joins her family in Yorktown, VA., to decorate and celebrate the holidays.


g Gerri Young found solace, joy and rejuvenation from childhood through adult decades at her grandparents’ farm in Blacksburg. Tom and Essie Epperley lived in the quaint farmhouse now owned by local woodworker Trevor Smith and his wife, Jenny, who take seriously the stewardship of the land. “My parents were born to

hard-working New River Valley farm-ing families,” Gerri says. “Both went to school in Dublin, and nearly every sum-mer, we came for one month, splitting our time between the farm in Dublin and the one in Blacksburg. It was great fun for a kid to run around barefoot, learn how to milk cows, slop hogs, feed calves and collect eggs. When our parents tried to

get us three girls to go somewhere else for a family vacation, the cries of protest met them, and plans to go anywhere but the farms were quickly abandoned. I vis-ited several times some years ~ to enjoy the country and lick whatever wound or broken heart life had given me.” Before her parents married, her dad had joined the Navy, and that took

By Joanne M. AndersonPhotos courtesy of Gerri Young

artisticgerri.com

and bringing the world to the

New River Valley in art

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1 3N R V M A G A Z I N E . c o m Nov/Dec 2012

them to several U.S. bases, with Norfolk being Gerri’s birth place and her parents’ retirement choice. Restless for a change of life, Gerri moved to Germany in 1992, planning to stay three years. Well, you know the best laid plans of mice and men? As the years ticked by, Gerri en-joyed her public relations work with the Defense Commissary Agency and her travels throughout Europe and Asia. She met her love, a native Texan named Tom. There was a big question mark when re-tirement for them loomed on the hori-zon. She did not feel much connection to Norfolk, and he wasn’t interested in returning to the Lone Star State. They traveled here, just for a family reunion, and it was Tom who suggested the New River Valley for the sunset years. “I have all good memories here,” Gerri reflects. “I’ve been messing with art of some sort for as long as I remem-ber, and art opportunities are abundant. It was definitely my passport to friendship and local involvement in the community.” Two weeks after walking into the emp-ty house they purchased two years ago, Gerri took her first art class. “I continue taking classes at the Jacksonville Center for the Arts in Floyd, The Studio School in Roanoke and through the Blacksburg Regional Arts Association.” Her watercolors bring many of her European experiences to the canvas. Spanish Dancers is a vivid portrayal of full skirts and feet; while Cliff House lends a glimpse into life on an ocean shore in Wales. The French Castle Still Life came out of a fascinating day. “I was a guest for Sunday lunch in a private castle near Mery sur Cher, France, a couple hours south of Paris,” Gerri explains. “While touring the huge place, we walked down circular steps in the tower, and this window in the three-foot-thick walls presented itself, the contents looking as though they, too, had been sitting in place for hundreds of years.” A week on the Greek island of Santorini in 2004 prompted the painting: Santorini. “This painting is of Fira, the largest of three towns on this fascinating

volcanic island with houses built right into the cliffs and rooms carved out of the stone.” While the global sights in her paintings, prints and note cards can transport us to exotic places, Gerri also captures local things, too, evidenced in her watercolor of a tomato, honoring

the annual EastMont Tomato Festival in Shawsville. On the heels of “several years of work burnout, two accidents, retirement and moving from Europe to the U.S., im-mersing myself in art has helped move me from a place of darkness into light and color again.”

“i wanted to concentrate on finding out just how good an artist i could be when i no longer had the stresses of a

very demanding job.”

g e r r i Y o u n g


Happy Birthday “Emily”

By Meg SelbyPhotos courtesy of Feeding america Southwest Virginia

W hen “Emily” accompanied her grandmother to a mo-bile food pantry, she didn’t expect a celebration. Even though it was her birthday, she was coming for des-

perately-needed food, not a birthday party. “Emily,” 11, and her grandmother are only one of almost half a million households that receive help from Feeding America Southwest Virginia. As CEO Pamela Irvine explains, “it’s about more than food, it’s about changing lives.” According to Feeding America’s website, www.faswva.org, for one in six people in America, “hunger is a reality.” Often we associate hunger with urban problems, witnessing the hungry sleeping on streets and eating out of garbage cans in large cities. In a rural area like the New River Valley, hunger can be a hidden issue. The challenge in Southwest Virginia, according to Irvine, is to “get people to understand that their neighbors might be hungry, and it’s not their choice.” Hunger awareness is not the only big issue Feeding America Southwest Virginia encounters. The company provides food to the poorest counties in the state, yet there is no “local food advantage.” Many other Feeding America locations receive food from local manufacturers and distributors. “There are basi-cally no food manufacturers in the area, so we must act like food gatherers,” Irvine says. Once food is acquired, it is redistributed to 417 nonprofit charities in Southwest Virginia, known as “part-ner agencies.” Even with local agencies assisting in the distribution, the terrain of the New River Valley is an obstacle for food delivery. The food distribution center in Salem covers 14 counties, includ-ing Montgomery, Pulaski, Floyd and Giles, as well as six cities, including Radford. Therefore, the distance between the distri-bution center and each partner agency often proves to be yet another challenge. The rural environment of the New River Val-

ley can make it difficult for families in need of food to reach the partner agencies distributing it. Despite numerous challenges, the New River Valley has a tremendous number of people stepping up to help neighbors in need. More than 4,000 volunteers help Feeding America South-west Virginia, and this number does not include those helping partner agencies. There is an ever-present need for more help-ing hands. One of the greatest success stories in our area is the backpack program, which targets schools with a high percentage of children receiving free or reduced-price meals. Volunteers stuff backpacks with food for children to take home on week-ends and school breaks, so they won’t go hungry when they’re not in school. Summer is one of the most difficult times for fam-ilies because kids are missing out on the two meals provided by schools during the academic year. Donations and volunteers are needed and appreciated year-round. Without Feeding America, “Emily” would not have had a party on the most exciting day of the year: her birthday. Since her grandmother had no money for a cake, the driver dug through the entire truck of food and, amazingly, discovered a Barbie princess cake! The entire crowd sang “Happy Birthday” to the thrilled little girl, demonstrating the power of help, com-munity and kindness in an often-difficult world. Thanks to Feed-ing America Southwest Virginia, “Emily” was able to have a small celebration on a special day. “And this,” remarks Irvine, “this is what changing lives is all about.”

meg selby is a senior at Virginia tech and an intern and assistant editor at New River Valley Magazine who hopes all can find val-ue in the university’s motto, Ut Prosim - that i may serve.

how Feeding America touches lives

www.faswva.org


Turkey is low in fat and high in protein. It is an inexpensive source of iron, zinc, phosphorus, potassium and B vitamins. Like all meat, ham provides a healthy dose of protein. Its salt content may be offset by the value in vitamins and minerals and smaller portions than turkey. Potatoes contain many vitamins and minerals, and it’s been reported that one can live on a potato diet supplemented only with milk for vitamins A and D. With mashed potatoes made with milk or cream, you’ve got a great, nutritious dish. Sweet potatoes are es-pecially high in calcium, folate potassium and beta-caro-tene. Potato skins contain much of the nutritional value, and it’s easy to mash them skins and all or eat whole as baked potatoes. Butternut squash is a sweet, nutty flavored winter squash, commonly taken as a vegetable, and often referred to as a fruit. Green or string beans contain more

than 20 nutrients and more than half of this bean crop is grown in the U.S. Cranberries were used for medicinal pur-poses and to dye clothes by the Native American Indians. They have been taken over centuries to combat appetite loss, gum disease and urinary and digestive issues. They are very high in antioxidants and vitamin C. Dressing or stuffing made with whole wheat bread chunks, dried fruits, nuts, celery and fresh herbs and spices, coupled with whole wheat or oat dinner rolls, supplies a couple servings for the grain food group. Pumpkin just brims with goodness like vitamins A, C, K and E; antioxidant carotenoids, particu-larly alpha and beta-carotenes; fiber; and minerals such as iron, magnesium and potassium. Pumpkin seeds are touted as having anti-inflammatory properties and may protect against osteoporosis and prostate cancer.

Thanksgiving Dinner is Good for You!

Happy Thanksgiving


Sarah Josepha Hale, 1788-1879, spent 17 years writing to five American presidents, to get Thanksgiving set as national holiday. Abraham Lincoln so proclaimed it in 1863. There was some dispute in following years about which Thursday, and retailers convinced Con-gress to make it the fourth Thursday of November. Hale was a fascinating woman – the first to advocate women as teachers in public schools, first to advocate day nurseries to help working mothers and the first to propose public playgrounds. She was home educated by her mother and a brother, who taught her what he learned at Dartmouth. She was the author of many books and hundreds of poems including “Mary Had a Little Lamb.” She married David Hale in her fa-ther’s tavern, The Rising Sun, in 1813. They had five children, and when he died nine years later, she wore black for the rest of her life. She worked as a maga-zine editor in Boston, then Philadelphia, until she was 89 years old, always promoting worthy causes for the betterment of society.

First Thanksgiving in Plymouth Colony, Mas-sachusetts, with 50 pilgrims and 90 Wampanoag Indians? Twelve others claim to have held the first Thanksgiving, in-cluding two in Virginia, and one in 1541 in Texas when Fran-cisco Vasquez de Coronado and his expedition party indulged in a Thanksgiving meal in Palo Duro Canyon; no record of turkey, squash or Indians in attendance.

First Thankgiving Day football game: 1876, Yale vs. Princeton. It was the first time Princeton wore its colors, black shirts with an orange P on the chest. [Unable to find score online.]

1920 - Nation’s oldest Thankgiving Day parade began in Philadelphia, sponsored by Gimbels Department Store, then Boscov, then IKEA, now Dunkin’ Donuts.

1924 – Tie for second oldest Thanksgiving Day parade: New York City sponsored by Macy’s Department Store and America’s Thanksgiving Parade in Detroit started by J.L. Hudson Department Store, now managed by a foundation.

Black Friday has been a shopping tradition for more than 70 years and got its name because stores hoped that a big shopping day kicking off the holiday season would take them out of the red and into a positive profit. Of course, it has now evolved into a shopping extravaganza including matching outfits, funny hats, breakfast out and standing in line in the wee hours of a dark, cold morning.

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Sarah Josepha Hale spent 17 years writing to five American presidents, to get Thanksgiving set as national holiday.


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Clearing Customs Story and Photos by Krisha Chachra

Each issue, Krisha will share slices of her travel experiences around the globe. While she may take exotic, his-torical and fascinating journeys, she always returns home to the New River Valley. It is amazing that the Athe-nians had so much insight into man-kind’s fundamental values – even in the 5th century BC. They encouraged bal-ance - building the Acropolis to include a place to perfect their bodies, which they called a gymnasium (from the Greek work gumnos meaning naked) next to a place to worship; a temple to Athena who battled Poseidon and then won the hearts of the people by extend-ing an olive branch for peace instead of displaying force as the sea god once did. These people valued knowl-edge and encouraged citizens to be curious, learn governance and conduct themselves in a manner that benefit-ted the “publica”. Anyone who was self-centered and looked out only for self-interest instead of the greater good was termed an “idiot”. The ancient

Greeks did struggle with striking this bal-ance, and it is evident not only in their city planning and architecture, but also in the way they preserved history. Our tour guide in Athens tried to strike a balance between her English speaking clients and the few French ones who insisted they did not understand En-glish even though they were on the En-glish tour. She led us to the statues on display at the Acropolis Museum; the ones salvaged from war with first the Persians, then the Romans and later the Ottoman Turks. Unlike Roman statues, which were mass produced and endured much head swapping - which sometimes got lost in transit (that’s why you often see Roman statues headless on display), the Greek statues show immense details of clothing carved in the alabaster and careful consideration of the extremi-ties – precise toes and fingers. But most importantly, the emotions of the time: the demure girl with a coy expression, a clenched jaw of an angry, powerful man. You can hike up to see the city of balance and gaze upon the Parthenon up

close. You can meander through the flour-ishing Monastiraki Square and Andria-nou Street where beautiful balconies drip with ivy and plump flowers bloom out of window boxes above cafes with outdoor seats spilling on wide, brick sidewalks. You will have to dodge street vendors who speak five to six languages, coaxing you into their souvenir shops, but keep your eyes on the prize: Veranda restau-rant. It is the only place to find your own balance as a world-wind tourist. Here you can prop your feet up, sip a cool Mythos beer, sample some fresh lamb kebabs and Greek salad and stare up at the Acropolis, that was once the grandest achievement of engineering and architecture man has ever created.Krisha Chachra is a native of Blacksburg, a Ph.D. candidate at VT and a member of Blacks-burg’s Town Council and is a founder of Up on the Roof, Blacksburg’s Creative Professional’s mixer. She is a regular columnist and author who has traveled to 40 countries in 6 continents and reported and hosted shows for public ra-dio and television. Her book about returning to Blacksburg, Homecoming Journals, may be found online or in local bookstores. E-mail her at [email protected].


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soBig men, Wet Dogs and children

“the furniture had to be comfortable and easy to move for events or meetings. . .

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homet

tom and Lady marry in 1970 and buy the little house on

one and a half acres outside the Blacksburg town limits

for $18,000. “Here we are,” chirps Lady, “42 years later,

and we have lived our entire married life in this house.”


so So, a guy named Tom comes to Virginia Tech as a stu-dent nearly 50 years ago. He rents a little house. He gets a little job. He falls in love ~ with the little house. He makes a little deal. His boss, a local restaurateur, provides the down payment for the house. Tom gets roommates, and the rent is considered a house payment toward buying it. A few years later, Tom falls in love again. This time with a young lady we’ll call Lady. Tom and Lady marry in 1970 and buy the little house on one and a half acres outside the Blacksburg town limits for $18,000. “Here we are,” chirps Lady, “42 years later, and we have lived our entire married life in this house.”

It’s not little any more. It’s now inside the town limits and sits on four and a half fenced acres. “The fences are to keep our dogs in, not so much to keep people out,” Lady explains. It’s a very popular, drop-in kind of home, and that’s just fine with them. Over the years, walls have been moved, windows expanded in size, a second story added and the furnace room renovated into a small guest room. Rocks, champagne glasses and African mementos rest on shelves and window sills every-where. “Tom was majoring in geology,” she says of her hus-band, “when he realized that job opportunities might be more plentiful with a business degree.” Thus, the rocks.

h o m e

By Joanne M. AndersonPhotos by Laura’s Focus Photography


In the super size, white tiled kitchen – with its two ovens, six gas burners, two refrigerators, standing freezer, two full sinks, about 5 x 3-foot built in butcher block, griddle, grill and every modern convenience – each cup-board door and drawer pull is a rock from Tom’s collection. A sturdy, old oak table and chairs in the adjacent eating area are flanked by a window seat that defies the basic definition of such. “People love to sprawl out by the windows,” this creative woman ex-plains, “so this one is wider than a twin bed” [and as long or longer]. Adorned with abundant pillows and natural light on three sides from glass expanses some 15 or 20 feet high, it’s easy to envision this comfortable spot used often. The living room evokes a rus-tic, Adirondack style in its large, stone, still wood-burning fireplace and mission furniture so characteristic of woodsy

homes. Wood floors with Oriental carpets and several wood columns stand in stark contrast to a formal dining room set and grand chan-delier. From nook to cranny and room to room, the entire place is pure comfort and warmly inviting. The Lady explains: “When asked my decorating style, I say it’s for big men, wet dogs and children.” The first refers to her husband’s 6-foot, 7-inch frame. The sec-ond to their canine collection that roams freely around the grounds and inside the house. The third is about young visitors. “You better prepare for some children, because they are definitely prepared for you!” But it’s Christmas that brings the home even more alive with lights, color, candy and decoration. “Tom’s

birthday is Dec. 5, and the next day, Jer-ry Lee and I begin the descent from the attic with armloads of boxes and decora-tions,” Lady explains. Every day from the sixth to Christmas Eve, she creates and enhances the festive, sparkly atmosphere throughout the house. Jerry Lee is an often-present helper around the house, this time of year moving ladders, setting up trees secure-ly, even anchoring ribbons in the ceilings from which generous ball ornaments hang. “I could never get this all done so

Big men, Wet Dogs and chi ldren


nicely without his help,” she says. The year round hospitality table near the front door, which held a variety of confections, biscotti and pretzel treats the last time I visited, is transformed into a Christmas center for candy canes and all sorts of delectable, holiday munch-ies. But, wait. Before you indulge, Lady greets you and asks you to sign your name on an ornament, which is then placed on the garland that drapes around one of the wood columns. The wood fire is snapping, and stockings are hung by the chimney with care. Several handmade Santas are clus-

tered near the hearth. “My special friend, the late Dr. Gail Stone of Radford, crafted those Santa Clauses. Each one is marked on the bottom with the year and a mes-sage,” relates this charming Lady of the house, fondly remembering her chum. The dining room is set for a formal, Christmas Eve dinner, and their vast collection of wine, champagne and martini glasses can be found everywhere. Some are ready for holiday spirits, oth-ers hold candies, ribbons and tiny deco-rations. Each Christmas tree ornament holds a meaning, and Lady loves that she’s never purchased ornaments to adorn her trees. The entire home sparkles with bling, blended with traditional red and green, rustic woods and stone and the warmth of the season. Above all, it’s in-viting, casual and perfectly suited for big men, wet dogs and children ~ and every-one else!

“my special friend, the late Dr. gail stone

of Radford, crafted those santa clauses. each one is marked on the bottom with

the year and a message,”


• New patients

• Previous patients

• All insurance plans accepted

(540) 951-3376

ALL PATIENTS

River Ridge Dermatology

Chad Johnston, D.O., F.A.A.D.

w w w. R i v e r R i d g e D e r m . c o m

SCHEDULINGNow


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a d v e n t u r e

Living in the midst of some of this nation’s most beautiful mountains, rivers and forests, outdoor exercise op-portunities abound. But where can you go during winter months or sweltering summer days to improve your health and well-being, find a supportive community and create an overall better life for your-self? Look no further than New River Valley gyms. One of the fitness facilities in the New River Valley trying to demon-strate that exercise doesn’t have to be tedious or boring is Crossfit Blacksburg. Amy Crawford, co-owner and coach, ex-plains that working out has the potential to be engaging and community-oriented. “Crossfit workouts differ from normal gym routines since they take constantly varied, functional movements and per-form them at a high intensity.” In other words, the focus at this gym is on weight-lifting, gymnastics and metabolic con-ditioning. The goal is to work on body

movements that mimic actions people perform in everyday life. Workouts oc-cur in group settings because a sense of community builds both support and com-petition, which are key motivational tools in a fitness environment. And that feeling of support and camaraderie doesn’t stem from group classes alone. At Floyd Fitness, “every-body knows your name,” claims employ-ee Robin Hairfield. “You come in here, get harassed and leave,” she jokes. The comfortable atmosphere allows everyone to join the banter. The gym caters to a wide age demographic, and Floyd defi-nitely has a healthy and fit elderly pop-ulation that takes great advantage of the indoor facility. The diversity here creates a welcoming atmosphere for all shapes and sizes of folks who want to improve their lives and health. Seeing improvement in a mem-ber’s health is the best part of a job, ac-cording to Adam Harman, a trainer at

Giles County Wellness Center. “Some members have even been able to get off medications for diabetes or blood pres-sure by adding exercise to their daily regimen. Giles County offers a huge va-riety of fitness programs. Exercise can be fun and have long-lasting benefits.” Like many gyms in the New River Valley, this one also emphasizes the social aspect of a small gym that creates a feeling of ac-countability. The oncoming hustle and bustle of the holidays can easily become an ob-stacle or excuse for slacking on exercise. Hairfield recommends setting a routine and treating fitness as discipline. “The biggest key is to be consistent,” echoes Harman. Aside from scheduling gym-time daily, what should we be aware of before entering winter in the New River Valley? Crossfit Blacksburg publishes a holiday resource guide on its website to answer this very question. “In essence,”

By Meg SelbyPhotos courtesy Crossfit Blacksburg

Working Out

Inside


Crawford states, “you must set your-self up for success and have a plan.” At Crossfit, members are required to keep a journal to measure and observe progress in their fitness abilities. Recording your goals, routines and results can provide a consistent form of motivation and en-couragement. Individual success stories abound at these exercise facilities, and gyms also have a positive impact on the New River Valley community as a whole. Giles County Wellness Center works with Humana Medicare to offer the Silver Sneakers program, which caters to older adults. A group class is complementary with the program and provides a fitness opportunity for seniors that may not be able to afford a gym membership. At Floyd Fitness, the generosity can be seen through the many member-ships given away during fundraisers or non-profit events. However, “the gener-osity doesn’t just end in Floyd,” Hairfield explains. The gym also sponsors individ-uals competing in athletic events to help them reach personal goals. Crossfit Blacksburg considers

itself a force beyond the gym community. Crawford says that to the gym members, philanthropy is a necessary and highly rewarding addition to exercise. The lat-est event members participated in was the nationwide program “Barbells for Boobs,” which raises money to perform mammograms for uninsured women. Whether focusing on the in-dividual or the community, gyms in the New River Valley have a powerful im-pact on the health and well-being of many people. Exercise facilities foster a sense

of teamwork and support, yet push each person to achieve personal goals and see results. Every trainer would agree—the primary objective when helping clients is to make improvements in their health and fitness, which can produce an overall better life.

Meg Selby is a newly-converted gym rat who is grateful for the existence of indoor gyms during chilly New River Valley winters. She is also a Virginia Tech English Department intern and assistant editor at New River Valley Mag-azine.

When the frosty winds begin to blow and your energy starts to fade, working out in a gym may not seem very appealing. So what kind of fitness activity can be a blast, even during the winter, but doesn’t feel like “working out”? Bowling, of course! The sport of bowling has been around for thousands of years. Today’s bowling alley experience differs drastically from that of Ancient Egypt or Rome, but the sport’s excitement and fun has been a constant through the ages. Bowling has wonderful fitness benefits, such as strengthening muscles and burning calories, and it’s most often viewed as a fun activity rather than a workout. An evening at the bowling alley is a perfect way to spend time with family or friends. In the New River Valley, NRV Superbowl pulls in the cus-tomers. With 40 lanes and multiple arcade games, this is a Christiansburg hotspot on weekend nights. Numerous bowling leagues meet here on a week-ly basis, so the skilled or first time bowler can find his or her perfect niche. If you’re like me, the lack of skill (or I’d prefer to say “luck”) shouldn’t stop you from trying your hand. The world of bowling welcomes all skill levels and, who knows, maybe you’ll discover that bowling is right down your alley!


Haul out the holly, and hang the mistletoe this holiday season. From their traditional roots to using these timeless, seasonal elements to liven up your home’s mod-ern decorations, holly and mistletoe are staples at Christ-mas time. New River Valley florists liven up their typical arrangements and receive some unlikely holiday cheer of their own. Traditionally, these jolly foliages were loaded with deep meaning that has been commercialized to what we know today. Holly had more of a religious and spiritual be-ginning, while mistletoe had its own spiritual significance bringing luck and warding off evil spirits in the home. Kiss-ing under the mistletoe has come out of Celtic rituals and Norse mythology. At one point, each young man who kissed a lady who inadvertently – or intentionally – stood under the mistletoe, would remove one red berry, and when all the berries were gone, so was any more kissing. These berries are poisonous, so if you have a real piece of mistletoe, you might forego plucking a berry. These items are representative of rustic holiday charm, whether it be bright red berries adorning a wreath or taking a special moment under the mistletoe at a holiday celebration. There is no mistaking the popularity of these cheery greeneries. “We use the berries and the green elements of hol-ly, along with pine accents, a lot in winter decorations,” says Bill Altizer of D’Rose Flowers and Gifts in Blacksburg. Holly is a readily abundant order for any florist around this time of year, and it grows as trees and shrubs through the New River Valley. Floral business may need to be extra good to receive the special gift of fresh mistletoe from some unlikely clients. “We use holly the most in our holiday arrange-ments,” says James Pharis of Gates Flowers and Gifts in Christiansburg. “We only get mistletoe when someone

comes in to sell it to us after shooting it out of their own trees. It is not very often when people request mistletoe, but if someone asks for it, we sell individual shoots.” Why not make your own unique creations this holiday sea-son by visiting local florists or friends with holly bushes in the New River Valley and decking your halls in holiday style!

Sophie Karatsikis is a senior at Virginia Tech and an intern and assistant edi-tor at New River Valley Magazine.

HollyMistletoeseasonal staples,

with a kiss

“We use the berries and the green elements of holly, along with

pine accents, a lot in winter decorations,” says Bill altizer of D’Rose

Flowers and gifts in Blacksburg.

By Sophie Karatsikis

&


you love experimenting with wine, discovering new ones, or staying with your own tried-and-true? Consider an entrée, how it will be prepared, what spices and sea-sonings will be incorporated and what particular or set of flavors are expect-ed. Then you can think about the wine and how you want it to impact your dining experience. The New River Val-ley boasts excellent restaurants which pride themselves on stocking a wide range of wines for dinner guests.

622 North

Wine Dining

By Joanne M. Anderson

F Fine dining and wine go to-gether like fish ‘n chips or bacon and eggs. In a more sophisticated manner, of course. While wine pairing sug-gestions appear on many menus, it all comes down to personal taste or your sense of adventure. Do you prefer a light, chilled version of chardonnay, or does the warmth of a Bordeaux in the 70-degree range comfort your taste buds? Do you prefer a wine that complements your dinner or provides a contrast to your food selection? Do

t n r v

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622 North The region’s first wine bar opened a couple years ago at 622 North [Main Street] in Blacksburg, known to many as the site of the former Bogen’s Restaurant. Owner Frank Perkovich, a former lawyer from Los Angeles, moved to the NRV in 2000 and opened Lefty’s, a small eatery on S. Main St. in Blacksburg. “I enjoy the business and wanted to open another one,” he says. “When I looked at this place, I loved the nooks and crannies, an-gles and levels. It was interesting, so I sat in the space for a few weeks to see if something spoke to me.” As he pondered food, creativity, ideas and appeal, Frank quickly eliminated the TV-laden, Hokie-themed dining op-tion. “There are lots of those,” he continues. “I decided to go for some-thing romantic, adult, cozy. The back room was kind of bland, but had an exposed ceiling and brick walls. Once we added wine racks and couches, it took on a new appeal. Just the aes-thetics of wines gives the room color and a three-dimensional feel.” He contemplated the area’s demographics, developed a menu – the kind that changes seasonally with the availability of local produce and offers full, 4-course meals, as well as everything a la carte. The wine component is huge, with around 100 wines from all over the world for people to sample, enjoy and experi-ence.

“Touch is much more important than sight in longrifle examination,” he explains. “There’s some special memory in our brain that files touch in amazing detail.

622 North


“We carry a few high end wines, but mostly they are in the me-dium range, where our guests get a good bang for the buck,” he states. “We carry everything drinkable from the robust, full body wine to lighter, more fruity flavors and everything in between. Our chef, Tom Newton, has been instrumental in getting us into fresh, local produce. With a full course menu that changes weekly, Tom’s creativity shines, and our cus-tomers love it.”

The Summit

Owner and chef Abdul Sharaki was lured from his profes-sion as a lawyer and judge in his na-tive Egypt by his love of cooking. He came to the New River Valley in 1994 to assume ownership of what was sold to him as a fine restaurant. In reality, he discovered it was little more than a pizza parlor. Not to be deterred, Chef Ab-dul moved a couple times, changed

the name a couple times and finally purchased a Victorian mansion on a hill in downtown Christiansburg. His perseverance must be admired, as it took three years of planning and renovation to create his fine dining restaurant. The setting is lovely. The food is excellent. The service is im-peccable, and the wine list is exten-sive. The Summit stocks more than 50 fine wines and Chef Abdul

estimates that 90 percent of dinner guests order wine. “I study the wine magazines like Wine Inspector and Food & Wine, as well as buy their annual books. For me to purchase a wine, it must have a 90 percent or higher rating, work well with my food and be comfortably priced,” he explains. He has a special refrigera-

tor for the wine, as well as multiple racks for the cabernets and other room temperature varieties. So, after all these years, would he trade the kitchen for the courtroom? “I still love cooking,” he says enthusiastically. And The Summit’s success is a testament to his determi-nation, tenacity, culinary skills and wine selection savvy.

Chateau Morrisette The winery came first in 1978. The first wine was released two years later, and the restaurant followed a few years after that. Wine and dine has been the norm here for decades now. Specializing in New American cuisine, the chef “combines creative twists on the classics with a wide array of ethnic influences us-

ing fresh, local, organic ingredients,” says Nora Kuper, vice president of marketing. The setting is spectacular, and the food, staff and service take dining to a new high. Winemaker Rick Hall draws on his experience in culinary arts to create wines at home with a wide variety of food. He is well qualified with a Virginia Tech degree in biological science and a culinary arts degree from Johnson and Wales University. He also studied winemak-ing for many years under the long-time Chateau Morrisette winemaker, Dan Tallman. “Rick believes that winemak-ing is best practiced as a passionate fusion of art and science,” Kuper ex-plains. “The science illuminates the winemaking processes to intelligently guide them to the best possible out-come, allowing the artistic aspects to be fully developed.” As such, there’s a Chateau Morrisette wine that match-es each entree on the lunch and dinner menus and many more in the gift shop by the bottle or the case. The restaurant offers a nice selection of other Virginia wines, along with some from outside the state. There are enticing food choic-es, along with glorious wines - and incredible views - to match.

Chateau Morrisette

The Summit


Something new every season...

...a different special every night!

Three New River Valley Locations:BLACKSBURG922 Univ. City Blvd.Phone: 540-953-2700 Fax: 540-951-0609

CHRISTIANSBURG 19 West Main St.

Phone: 540-381-8872 Fax: 540-381-8875

RADFORD 510 East Main St.

Phone: 540-731-4879 Fax: 540-639-0403

We offer carryout catering...

Contact your nearest restaurant for more information on ourspecialty platters!

Bringing you delicious award winning sandwiches since 1978

-The Roanoke Business Review

The reviews are in!

Voted Best Blacksburg Restaurant2003, 2005

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One town. Seven days.

Lunch, Dinner, and Other Sweet Deals.

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Giles County was selected for the October and November filming of the movie “Wish You Well,” based on a book of the same name by David Baldacci. “We launched a contest throughout Southwest Virginia late in 2011,” explains Chinah Jewell, assistant to the produc-ers. “Out of more than a dozen responses, we narrowed it down and visited a few, settling on Giles County for several reasons.” It filled their requirements for having a down-town somewhat reminiscent of the 1940s, nice farmland, a train station and lodging for lots of people. But a huge factor was the promise of community involvement. “We could tell from the beginning that the information given to us was carefully put together. There was a strong com-munity spirit that came through. They wanted us in Giles County. They had ideas and people who could help us.” One of those people helping is Brenda Caldwell, a Giles County teacher who is schooling the child actors. They are required to have a certain amount of classroom time each week day, like every other kid. They just hap-pen to be on a movie set. Derek Martin of Flying Fur is assisting with the dog in the movie, and Brogan Dinger was instrumental as an original organizer and location scout.

The story line takes place in the 1940s on a great-grandmother ’s farm where kids are sent following an accident that takes the life of their writer father and paralyzes their mother. Many common themes emerge: family and foes, integrity, love, greed and discovery. More than 50 locals are participating as extras with Academy Award® winner Ellen Burstyn, Josh Lucas, Mackenzie Foy and Ned Bellamy. “Wish You Well” is a collaboration between Life Out Loud Films, Baldacci Entertainment and Cop-per Beech Productions.

“Wish You Well”On Location in Giles County


Kent JewelersSterling silver jewelry for today’s woman. Using luscious pearls, natural stones, exotic materials, and hand textures, award winning French designer Frederic Duclos creates wearable art pieces with value. View the collection at Kent Jewelers. www.kentjewels.com. Located in downtown Blacksburg.

540.552.3241

Mad DogLocated in Downtown Blacks-burg, Mad Dog has the best se-lection of dresses, tops, outer-wear, gifts and shoes at the best prices. We’ve been voted the top clothing store in Blacksburg for years running, and have ev-erything you need: clothing for the formal, casual and party girl. Be a Mad Dog girl! Open Monday through Saturday, 11am - 7pm, and Sunday noon - 5pm. Like us on Facebook!

540.961.4038

Blue RidgeHeating and Air

The Big Green Egg is a combination grill and smoker available in any size to suit your need. You can pick up yours at Blue RidgeHeating and Air, as well as Big Green Egg charcoal and all the supplies you need to get grilling. Stop by our store at 925 Cambria St. Christiansburg and pick up one for you and your friends!

540.381.1137

Chocolate SpikeChocolate Spike suggests a sweet treat for this holiday season. We have a wide variety of handcrafted chocolates. Enjoy truffles, toffee, Spike’s ultimate fudge, cherry delights, caramel nut spikes, sugar-free chocolates, or vegan chocolates in stocking stuffers, and gift boxes or baskets. Come and check out treats at the First & Main Shopping Center Blacksburg.

540.552.4646

Downtown Blacksburg

Downtown Blacksburg gift certificates may be purchased at National Bank, located downtown on the corner of Main and Roanoke Streets. Gift Certificates are sold in $5 and $20 denominations and are good for one year. They may be exchanged for goods or services at more than 60 member establishments!

540.951.0454

Crab CreekCountry Store

Crab Creek Country Store has a wonderful selection of Willow Tree collectibles, Joan Baker Designs stain glass panels, and more. Find what you need to decorate your home, or find the perfect gift for this holiday season. Crab Creek Country Store, located at 925 Cambria St. in Christiansburg has got you covered!

540.381.1137

Buying LocalGift Guide

G&H ApplianceG&H Appliance, Montgomery County’s oldest appliances dealer, has all Kitchen-Aid and portable appliances on Sale! Check out our selection of stand and hand mixers, food processors, blenders, toasters and toaster ovens, slow cookers, coffee makers and accessories. Visit our store at 1290 Roanoke St. Christiansburg and find the perfect gift!

540.382.7500

Fringe BenefitWrap the woman in your life in style with accessories, jewelry, sweaters, bath prod-ucts, locally made soaps and lotions and unique gifts, or a gift certificate to Fringe Bene-fit. Make sure you get exactly what you want by filling out a Fringe Benefit wish list at our store, located at 117 North Main Street in Blacksburg.

540.951.9777

P.R. SturgillOn Christmas morning, let her ears, wrists and neckline shimmer with diamonds as colorful as Bob’s feathers at P.R. Sturgill. Let our beloved bird be the voice on your shoulder reminding you to give the gift of quality jew-elry this holiday season. Lo-cated at 1037 E. Main Street in Radford.

540.639.6391

Zeppoli’sRestaurant

Celebrate the season with great food and fine wine from Zeppoli’s Italian Restaurant, or give a gift certificate for home-made pasta and regional and international wines. Your friends are sure to enjoy the holidays tastefully at Zeppoli’s at 810 University City Blvd. in Blacksburg.

540.953.2000

Capone’sFine Jewelry

Masterfully crafted in Blacksburg of the finest precious metals, diamonds and colored stones. Each piece is a work of art, coveted and collected by those who appreciate distinct and unique fine jewelry design. Located at 101 North Main St., Blacksburg

540.953.1000

Meredith’s SalonMeredith’s Salon offers a full line of salon services. We are a Redken Exclusive salon and carry Redken, Bare Minerals and Pureology products for all hair types and styling needs. Along with a Christmas gift bag of products, salon services can be purchased in advance with a Meredith’s Salon Gift Card. Services include color, cuts, styles, manicures, pedicures, facials, massages and waxing.

540.381.3050

Water By DesignServing Southwest Virginia since 1984, Water by Design is your premier Caldera spa dealer. Enjoy the ultimate in relaxation with our hydromassage systems which are featured in all of our portable spas and hot tubs. We also carry Nordic hot tubs and Finnleo saunas, and all the accessories you need. Our showroom is located at 360 Arbor Dr., Christiansburg.

540.552.3241

Star CityGreyhound

Our mission is to educate the public about these wonderful dogs and find them loving, quality forever homes. If you are interested in adopting or sponsoring a “greyt” friend, email: [email protected] or call for more information!You can also find us on Facebook.

540.309.8067

Buying Local Gift Guide


Revitalize Studio

Movement – Yoga – MassageGift Certificates available

First Class is FreeWe offer massage therapy, as well as classes in yoga and other types of movement, such as fitness and barefoot cardio. All instructors and massage therapist are certified and experienced. Revitalize Studio is located near NRV Mall at 436 Peppers Ferry Road, Christiansburg

540.641.1223

Dance.tech& Romp ‘n’ roll

Dance.tech offers professional training in the performing arts, teaching dance techniques at every training level. Romp n’ Roll allows you to enrich a child’s life with classes that incorporate gym, art and music into way-cool fun. For more info, visit dance-tech.com and rompnroll.com. We also offer gift baskets & gift certificates for Holiday giving. Located at 1101 N. Main St., Blacksburg.

540.961.5949

Matrix GalleryA great little gallery full of quality American Crafts by local, regional and national artists. Pottery, Glass, Jew-elry, Wood, Leather, and more. Beautiful holiday gifts that are functional, decora-tive, and fun! Located at 115 N. Main St. in Downtown Blacksburg

540.951.3566

Todd’s JewelryTodd’s Jewelry Repair and Design offers the best prices, excellent quality and fastest service. Todd Ratliff, graduate gemologist and master jeweler offers appraisals, custom design, eye glass repairs, jewelry repairs and a great selection of fine jewelry. Have your rings and watches sized while you wait! Located in Radford.

540.357.1938

ChristiansburgGarden Center

We offer Live and Fresh Cut Christmas Trees, Handmade Wreaths and Swags. Plus poinsettias just in time to make your Holidays Special. We can help with answers to all your decorating questions such as what trees are perfect for your home. We are located at 569 N Franklin St., Christiansburg, Beside Kroger.

540.382.6575

DeJavuConsignment

BoutiqueLadies clothes (Regular and Plus Sizes), Shoes,Accessories and Housewares. The DeJaVu has a large selection of costume jewelry and features Swarovski Crystal Jewelry which offers a great variety of necklaces, bracelets and earrings. “Style You Can Afford” 690 Radford Rd., Christiansburg.

540.260.9095

Old VirginiaSmokehouse

Pit Cooked BBQ, Southern Sides, Burgers, Wings, Brunswick Stew, Fried CatfishLive Music on Thursdays and Specials Wed-Sun. Catering Available for all occasions. Come by and check out our Holiday Specials for November and December and get 10% off. We are at 401 N. Main St. Pearisburg.

540.921.1468

Snow Goose Tree Farm

CHRISTMAS TREESFRESH WREATHS

Choose and Cut: Fraser Firs, Blue Spruce, Norway Spruce and Douglas Firs. Pre-Cuts: Fraser Firs. Also: Wood Crafts and Hootie’s Bar-B-Que Sauce. Opens November 23rd - Open every day from 10am until dark. Located at 3997 Dry Valley Rd. Radford.

540.731.4668

Buying Local Gift Guide



Dr. Eric Steen was majoring in environmental science when two classes caught his attention: anatomy and physiology. “I was fascinated with the workings of the body and switched to pre-med,” he says. “There is no greater bond in medicine than that of a patient and surgeon. Patients come sick and dying, asking for help, trusting you, then placing themselves in your hands for healing. From that point on, they are a part of me.” He hunts, fishes and holds season tickets to the Phil-adelphia Eagles. Having reached the goal of being a doc-tor, this hiker and cat lover has set new and lofty goals: to through-hike the Appalachian Trail and climb Mt. Everest! www.lgphysicians.com, 540-980-9660

Dr. Eric SteenLewisGale Physicians [Pulaski]

“There is no greater bond in medicine than that of a

patient and surgeon”

The New River Valley region of Southwest Virginia is home to some of the finest medical practitioners, state-of-the-art medical technology and highly skilled medical support staffs. The doctors profiled below represent a small slice of our healthcare professionals. While we are richly blessed with natural beauty all around, we are indeed endowed with great medical care options and resources.

Doctorsof the

New River ValleyBy Joanne M. Anderson


If you ask Dr. Ashish Raju about the most recent book he read, he’ll tell you it was “One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish” by Dr. Seuss ~ to his 1-year-old daughter. He became a surgeon because he could immediately see re-sults while helping patients through difficult times. “A doctor is a patient advocate, medical team leader, teacher for students and researcher,” he comments. “I love work-ing with new technology. In vascular surgery, there are so many devices, procedures and treatments being developed and refined to improve the lives of our patients. There is constant learning in medicine, and that keeps us working hard.” And when not working hard, you might find Dr. Raju playing Indian percussion drums called Tabla.

Dr. Ashish RajuCarilion Clinic Vascular Surgery

“There is constant learning in medicine, and that keeps us

working hard.”

For UrgenciesTHAT AREN’TEmergencies

Monday – Saturday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. Sunday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

434 Peppers Ferry RoadChristiansburg, 24073

540-382-6000

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“I really liked science and was fascinated with how the body works. Like today, the economy was not great in the late 1970s, so I thought medical school would be a good choice for job security,” states Dr. Robert F. Devereaux. “I liked the idea of being a generalist, rather than specializing in one area.” This doctor does a lot of cycling, logging as many as 60 or 70 miles a week. He’s an avid reader of spy novels and classics on his Kin-dle. While he is the generalist, his twin brother is a real 2-star U.S. Air Force General, retired. Traveling to Haiti three times has provided rewarding experiences for Dr. Devereaux, who also enjoys the occasional house call: “It keeps me connected to patients and helps to understand the culture they live in.”www.carilionclinic.org, 540-921-3636

“I’ve wanted to be a doctor since I was 8 years old,” states Dr. Julia Sargent. “I want to help people, and I always felt that God called me into this work.” Encouraged by her mother, who is a nurse, she attended Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopath-ic Medicine and sees patients daily in Narrows. “My favorite part of this job is meeting and getting to know families person-ally,” she adds. Dr. Sargent enjoys all kinds of music except heavy metal and rap and plays the piano, though just for herself, admitting she gets nervous playing in front of others. She met her husband swing dancing and relaxes with a mystery novel in hand.www.carilionclinic.org, 540-921-3636

Dr. Robert F. DevereauxCarilion Clinic Family Medicine – Pearisburg

Dr. Julia SargentCarilion Clinic Family Medicine - Narrows

www.gilescounty.org/News&festivals events

december

november

GilesCounty


Dr. Kate Steklachich decided to become a doctor at age 6. She shadowed several medical disciplines and settled on po-diatry for her family’s history of diabetes and her favorite hobby ~ running. “I go by Dr. Kate in the office, and you can guess why,” she quips. “My mother told of my grandfather’s foot complications and his death, both related to diabetes. He was the only grandparent I never met. Also, I have had mul-tiple leg and foot injuries, which did not get resolved until I saw a podiatrist.” On the lucky side, Dr. Kate has found more than 300 4-leaf clovers!

Dr. Kate SteklachichShenandoah Podiatry

Accompanying your mother to a doctor appointment could direct your career path. That’s what happened with Dr. Jen-nifer Feeny. “While tagging along with my mom to her po-diatrist appointment, the doctor asked about my major at Virginia Tech. I was studying biochemistry. From there we discussed how I could become a podiatrist. It’s the best de-cision I ever made!” Away from the office, Dr. Feeny shares time with her husband, two kids, two horses, three dogs and a couple cats. “I have adapted well to life in the country,” says the New Yorker. www.shenandoahpodiatry.com, 540-808-4343

Dr. Jennifer FeenyShenandoah Podiatry


Experiences shape our lives. For Dr. Aaron Prussin, it was a knee injury from high school football and the associated surgeries that propelled him into medicine, though he was always fascinated with living creatures. “I remember a sense of excitement discovering snakes, frogs, deer, bear, moose, etc.” He intended to become an orthopedic surgeon, “but af-ter rotating on the otolaryngology head and neck surgery ser-vice at the University of Miami, I knew this was the specialty for me.” An outdoor enthusiast for cycling, skiing, running, hiking and camping, this doctor, along with his wife, partici-pates in marathons, century bike rides and thiathlons. www.lgphysicians.com, 540-381-0344

“When one of my 4-year-old patients gives me a hug and says ‘I love you’ ~ that’s my favorite part of the job,” states Dr. A. Hope Tobey. “I chose pediatrics because I love interacting with each unique person as they are growing, developing and discovering the world and their place in it. I want to be part of helping each child become a healthy, happy adult.” Osteopathic manual medicine, a specialty of Dr. Tobey, employs gentle, non-traumatic techniques for restoring a body’s optimal structure and function. Her favorite recent movie is “Tangled,” and few people may be aware of her love of gardening and rock climbing. www.academicprimarycare.com, 540-443-7180

He likes classic rock and pop music and makes a great étouffée, that classic Cajun shrimp dish served over rice. He loves walking in the woods and playing golf, and he knew before he entered his teen years that he would become a doc-tor. “It provides the opportunity to make a real difference in peoples’ lives,” he says. And that’s one of the favorite parts of Dr. Kenneth Pendergrast’s job: “Knowing I made a differ-ence. And I enjoy friendships that have developed from car-ing for patients over many years.” Additionally, he enjoys the 2012 book releases: Higgs Discovery – The Power of Empty Space by Lisa Randall and Mark Owen’s No Easy Day. www.lgphysicians.com, 540-980-8804

Dr. Aaron PrussinLewisGale Physicians [Christiansburg]

Dr. A. Hope TobeyAcademic Primary Care Associates

Dr. Kenneth PendergrastLewisGale Physicians [Pulaski]


Dr. Chris Hansen got his first glasses at age 12. “I was amazed. I didn’t even know what I was missing.” Optometry quickly became the career path, and fol-lowing college and medical school, he served four years in the U.S. Air Force as an optometrist. Once back home, he opened Appalachian Eye Care in Prince-ton, W.V., and a few years later expanded to the Pearisburg practice. His two pas-sions beyond family are music and tri-athlons. Admittedly not a great musician, Dr. Hansen dabbles in bluegrass, folk and acoustic tunes and participates in triath-lons with the goal of ~ getting to the end. “I’m a triathlon survivor!”

When the need for another doctor became apparent, Dr. Brad Lane joined the team, about five years ago. Like, Dr. Hansen, he’s a native West Virginian, though born and raised in Bud Mountain. Attending optometry school in Philadelphia made him a big fan of the “Rocky” movies and the Phillys. He’s been to the World Series, just to watch ‘em play. Besides “Rocky”, he likes “The Great Outdoors” starring John Candy. He likes being outdoors – yard work is enjoyable to Dr. Lane. That’s a good thing, since a gigantic oak tree fell on his property during a severe storm last June. It’s like playing a really big game of pick-up sticks all summer and into the fall! www.mountaineyes.com, 540-921-4116

Dr. Steve Jacobs was not propelled into optometry because he had ques-tionable vision ~ literally and figura-tively. He has been wearing glasses since the third grade. “Becoming a Yankees fan in the 1960s was a sign of less than stellar vision,” he relates, “and things often looked hazy follow-ing the Grateful Dead around New York the next decade.” Rather, it was

the attraction of a career that blended people and science. He and his wife, Cathy, felt comfortable when they ar-rived in the New River Valley in 1988. With two small children and another coming soon, they decided this would be their forever home. One boss bo-nus: “I get first shot when Fran puts out her cookies each morning,” refer-ring to the tasty, homemade goodies in the reception area every day.www.stevejacobs.com, 540-953-0136

When not working on teeth submerged on the submarine tender AS40 Frank Cable, Dr. Richard Anthony took in the sights of Japan, Australia, South Korea, New Zealand and Singapore. Post-Navy service, he and his wife, Lisa, chose the New River Valley for its natural beauty and small-town, col-lege atmosphere. He is on the cutting edge of dentistry technology with dig-ital x-rays, 27-inch overhead monitors and CEREC (cad/cam designed same day crowns and restorations). “My

career is based on my love of art and working with my hands,” explains the University of Tennessee graduate. “I like kayaking and trying my hands at fishing, golf and tennis.” He enjoys the friendships with his staff and fun-ny conversations with patients. www.richardlanthonydds.com, 540-552-8870

Dr. Chris HansenNew River Eye Care

Dr. Richard AnthonyRichard Anthony DDS

Dr. Steve JacobsSteve Jacobs, O.D., M.A

“My career is based on my love of art

and working with my hands,”

“. . . it was the attraction of a career that blended people

and science.”


Brew DoBrew DoPhotos Courtesy of

April & Kevin AllenGlen Bulloss, Joanne Hrdlicka & Cary Ferguson

Dr. Matt Marry & Sarah Miller

Marcela Jara & Drez NunyaAllison Davis & Robert Gibbs

Joe Pugliese & Loren Bush

Eric Hansen & Jason Scheffler Faye Oberg

John Spicer David Robinson, Kathy Robinson, Rebecca Ryan & Jami Ryan


Up On the RoofUp On the RoofPhotos Courtesy of

Tammy & Jen Yang, Angie Foy Doug Anderson, Cyndy Graham & Jen CacciollaErika Bentley & Kristin Burke

Cliv & Jana CranwellRob Simmons Su Pannes Greg Fansler

Dr. Jennifer Rathman & Jack Johnsen

Sallea Lea Wall & Erika Bentley

Gary Messenger

Ken Rogers & Wendy Holsinger Lauren Collins & Carol Johnson

N R V M A G A Z I N E September/October 20124 6

Photos Courtesy ofPulaski Co. Chamber

Founders DayFestival

Pulaski CountyPulaski County

Warm Hearth VillageWarm Hearth Village

Robert Hiss and Cindy Craft helping students during 8th Grade Reality Day

Peggy White & Neesey Payne address the Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors about the new program Dress For Success in the NRV

Chris Litchy & Cynthia Hurst from The Pulaski County Virginia Cooperative

Extension Office talking with 8th graders about Reality Day Danielle Hiatt & Bart Williams with Highland Ridge

Rehab in Dublin, VA, talking at September’s Business After Hours

Chamber President Webb Donald and his sweet girl Olivia throwing out the first pitch during Chamber Night at Calfee Park

Dr. Don Stowers & Dr.Tom Brewster at 8th Grade Reality Day

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CarilionClinic.org | 800-422-8482

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