Staying in a job for 10 years must mean there is an affinity between employee and position, which is certainly the case with Laureen Blakemore. She has been the director of Downtown Blacksburg, Inc. (DBI), since 2008, and in a full-time capacity since 2015. DBI is the association of merchants, property owners and downtown advocates whose mission is to sustain a dynamic, vital and diverse community through marketing, events, economic development and leadership. “My favorite part is getting to meet …
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When John and Elena Leshyn moved into their Blacksburg house in 2001, John was intrigued by some vacant space on the other side of a 6-inch thick, concrete, basement wall. There was …
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Animal rescue has always been a part of Jim and Kathy Chadwick’s long relationship. Over the years, they have rescued many cats, dogs, birds and even horses. “If they’re sick or broken …
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In October 2014, a group of inspired moms led by musician and budding social media entrepreneur Marci Craig circled around a table at Blacksburg’s Next Door Bake Shop. With coffee mugs in …
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Text by Nancy S. Moseley | Photos by Silver Pebble Photography It almost sounds like the beginning of a bad joke: What do a police officer and CEO of a marketing …
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“Danny Yopp is one in a million,” says Neal Turner, emergency services coordinator for Montgomery County and lifelong friend of Danny Yopp. “The man is just always there. When the call goes …
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While the Corner Market Country Store looks like your typical gas-and-go food mart, a closer look reveals a locavore’s dream. Colorful fresh produce is abundant, along with gourmet items such as Amish …
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“You can’t beat Wanda’s soups!” says Diane Whitehead, wife of BT’s founder Tom Whitehead. “Every morning I come in here, Wanda is in the kitchen chopping like mad. She makes all her …
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Pearl is the item associated with a 30th anniversary, and that is exactly what the Interfaith Food Pantry is to Blacksburg with its three decades of quiet service. “For 30 years the …
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Horses are amazing creatures. They are not only imposing and powerful, but also quite fragile. They actually have delicate constitutions that make them sensitive to poor diet. Hay that contains mold or …