On the extremist survival show “Alone,” it’s the first thing they rig up … shelter. After all, a roof over one’s head is a primal necessity that spans species and cultures. Piecing …

What constitutes a smart home? Is it a home that is weatherproof? Future proof? Fool proof? Many of us have found ourselves at an Airbnb, unable to turn on the stove because it …

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, …

Painting from preschool to high school and onward 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 …

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 …

Engagement photos mark the beginning of … the beginning “When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as …

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 …

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 …

The origin of the modern-day Christmas tree may hearken back as far as 1550 BCE, when Egyptians would bring palm fronds inside during the winter solstice to celebrate the return of Ra, …

Forget gift buying stress and shopping mall rushes. This year, avoid getting in a rut for your loved one’s stocking stuffers and gifts – spring for some of the intriguing and unique …

There are many particulars on the list of needs, wants and hopes in a suitable forever home, but rarely are they topped by seeking interior space for a handcrafted 12.5-foot by 8-foot …

Sears was launched in 1886 as a watch and jewelry mail-order business. The following year, Roebuck partnered with Sears, and the iconic catalog expanded. The first department store opened in 1925, and …

According to the Small Business Administration (SBA), there are more than 34 million small businesses — less than 500 people — which employ around 59 million Americans. The SBA still reports that …

DECA has given me the chance to meet many new people, not only at school, but also in the professional world. I’ve learned how to think critically under pressure and express my …

If you’ve ever had a child in sports – little league, soccer, football, golf, or even cycling -you are amazed at the sheer number of cleat choices on the market. And, yes …

David Mabry, a retired gent and big high school football fan, was wandering around Narrows High School when he stumbled on hundreds of old 16mm football films. “This discovery led me down …

According to an article in “Public Discourse”, the Journal of the Witherspoon Institute, multigenerational living is trending. In the piece titled “Multigenerational Living: A Step Back to Healthy Communal Life,” author Frank …

Teresa Hall- Sleep and Family Teresa Hall’s advice for retirement is “have a plan”, and “make sure you are financially sound.” Sleep, family and travel played into her strategy. “My first thought was …

For nearly 150 years, one congregation has worshipped behind stained glass windows, a distinguishable red door, and what locals know as Hokie stone. They’ve sat in the same pews and listened to …

What could bring the enthusiastic sounds of spring, a jaunty fiddle, a peppy piano, and folks brigading around in the dead of winter as though it was the middle of May? No, it …

6 frozen skinless, boneless chicken breast halves1 12-oz bottle BBQ sauce½ cup Italian salad dressing¼ cup brown sugar2 Tbl. Worcestershire saucePlace chicken in slow cooker.Mix other 4 ingredients and pour over chicken.Cover …

Two years ago, Adam Songer could barely run a mile. But this past fall, Lauren Songer cheered with pride for her husband as he crossed the finish line at his first marathon. …

Artificial Intelligence? Can we really build minds from silicon and code? Well, yes. Machine learning has revolutionized many industries — computer programming, transportation, finance, engineering, and even creative pursuits like interior design …

There’s dunking yourself in cold water. There’s getting stuck with a bunch of tiny needles. There’s climbing naked into a chamber of liquid nitrogen. There’s succumbing to a deeply meditative state. There’s …

If it’s morning, most likely fine artist Lisa Acciai (pronounced A-Cee) is in her studio creating 2-minute animal sketches. “I took a class from a fellow pet portrait artist who swore by …

It all started with senioritis. No, no, not the AARP kind, the kind that plagues graduating high school seniors toward the end of their grade school tenure, when the pencils are dull, …

Many of us could connect a firm foundation in education with a strong figure in our lives – a teacher, mentor, parent or friend. As learning cannot come from within but must …

In just under 200 years, a series of blades assembled around a cylinder, based on a tool which uniformly cut carpet, has evolved into a superb 4-wheel driving machine with gigantic mowing …

April 1st  to April 1st  is how time is measured for the honeybee. As I write this article, news (dare I say, ‘the buzz’) on how their health, vibrancy and survival rate …

The Kilgore Law Office in Gate City and The Mitchell Law Firm in Blacksburg recently combined their legal practices, in an effort to become the “go-to” firm serving Southwest Virginia.“We have completely …

Imagine heading out to look at a property that boasts a pond, waterfall and terraced rock gardens. A lady who enjoys gardening and lovely outdoor spaces could fall in love with all …

His affinity for bowling almost killed Terry Stike. Once an employee of the old Triangle Lanes in Christiansburg, he was told to change out a dead light bulb in the outside sign. …

From a $5 steal to a copy of the Declaration of Independence, thrift stores are a local gem for surrounding communities. And once you’re in the know, you’re likely to keep coming …

The allure of a farmer’s market is in the unique blend of nostalgia, sustainability, heritage, fresh-from-the-farm food, community connection, creative crafts and functional artifacts. The newly launched Draper Village Heritage Market promises …

A homeowner’s personal touches transform a house into a home, reflecting the personality of those who live there. When you step inside, a first impression might come from glimpses of favorite hobbies …

Americans own about 85 million backyard chickens. For many, it represents a taste of homesteading. Montgomery County residents Rick and Susie Weaver have made chickens their own backyard dweller.The Weavers live on …

The enduring beauty and timeless quality of natural stone is unparalleled. From wrapping a few columns, adding a stone wall behind a woodstove or around a fireplace to a full interior wall, …

We live in this world in order always to learn industriously and to enlighten each other by means of discussion and to strive vigorously to promote the progress of science and the …

The King Ranch Legacy The Ford Brand

The Town of Blacksburg and surrounding New River Valley are known for vibrant communities, picturesque landscapes, and a unique local culture. Although the town thrives in many ways, like other small towns …

Ryan and Lisa met through friends at Virginia Tech initially. Two and a half years later, their paths crossed again. They worked together setting up an outdoor TV on a patio in …

Coach James Lofton is offering something unique to the New River Valley ~ high-level strength and conditioning training for young athletes. Focusing on athletes ages 11 to 22, Lofton offers training tailored …

“I have always loved Volkswagens,” explains Kim Lovern of Giles County. “My husband Gabe and I own a 1967 Volkswagen Beetle, so when I saw this deserted camper bus sitting alone, in …

Every little girl dreams of her wedding. Visions of the church, the dress, the first dance. Then we grow up, and maybe the church image gives way to swaying palms; the veil …

“Even now, someone will come up to me and say, ‘Oh! I still have one of the airport’s mugs!’” Keith Holt, director of the Virginia Tech Montgomery Executive Airport, relates.The “mugs,” as …

Four women. Decades of experience. And a mission to take their expertise in the language of music to their community. The result? Music that touches the heart and soul as talented musicians …

In the world of small business, remarkable stories frequently emerge. One such tale revolves around Alli Trent, the talented creator behind “Lola Lou,” a business that specializes in handmade clay jewelry, clothing …

This is a love story. One very talented beach babe connected her heart and soul to one extremely skilled, guitar pickin’, country cowboy. Linda grew up in Virginia Beach. Larry hails from …

From Aesop to the Grimm brothers, one creature has made its appearance in fables and fairy tales time and again. Opportunistic, territorial and elusive, the fox is not often spotted, as it …

As it turns out, this decades-established New River Valley staple for nautical fare is dichotomously named after a beloved landlubbing pet – the late Indigo Iris, a blue/brown-eyed Dalmatian. Sweet mascot Indigo Iris …

Hokie football twins, Jayden and Jorden McDonald, are quick to roll their eyes at how everyone expects them to be the same. While the 2021 Salem High School grads, as identical twins, …

The Knowltons moved to the New River Valley the same year that General Motors launched the first electric car and Mariah Carey topped the charts with “Always Be My Baby” and “One …

From carrying the burdens of life on one’s shoulders, putting forth a cold shoulder or offering a shoulder to cry on, to looking over your shoulder, taking a weight off your shoulders …

The motorcycle bug touched this mother and son riding duo early. Cindy Schiffer started with small mopeds as a child, moving on to dirt bikes and dual sport bikes. Her first bike …

Frozen S’More Pops(photo courtesy of The Hershey Company)HERSHEY’S milk chocolate bar, choppedHeavy whipping cream7-oz jar marshmallow cream¼ cup milkGraham crackers coarsely crushedMini-marshmallowsBeat whipping cream into soft peaks. Add marshmallow cream and beat …

People will try anything to improve their health. In fact, 2024 lifestyle trends are marked by an increased interest in everyday practicality and outdoor adventure. Start Simple For many, practicality and the outdoors go …

David Boyd works as a Registered Nurse, but it was an earlier job stocking shelves at Food Lion that proved pivotal on the family front. “I met Heather one day on the …

Youth is impressionable. At the age of 6, David Reynolds attended the New York World’s Fair, which covered 646 acres at Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in Queens. More than 51 million people turned out …

Summer dusk in southwest Virginia brings tiny, flickering insects, their yellow bulbs brightening scrubby fields and brushy meadows. Many of us reminisce about childhood evenings spent catching these ~ to many the …

Who hasn’t heard of AARP, the American Association of Retired Persons, founded in 1958? The organization has 38 million members age 50 and up nationwide with many local AARP chapters. Most operate …

The desire to look nice and accessorize outfits with jewelry is perfectly natural. According to theprivatetherapyclinic.co.uk: “ An interesting feature of humans, as opposed to other mammals, is our love of adornments …

In 1864, the International Red Cross was founded in Switzerland, Jules Verne published “Journey to the Center of the Earth”, and Abraham Lincoln was re-elected President of the United States. In the same …

Most people will tell you their most precious sense is their vision, followed closely by hearing. We use sight and hearing to gather information and assess situations quickly. It becomes second nature, …

While to the introvert, taking refuge in your mental shell is a coping mechanism, to others – specifically small, green, shelled reptiles – it’s literally a home.  Turtles in southwestern Virginia are …

May 4 Annual Kids Fishing Day Ages 3 to 15 Narrows Town Park, Narrows May 11, 9:30 a.m. – 4: 30 p.m. House & Garden Tour of Floyd County $35 ticket include …

It too often carries a negative connotation: To “slap a coat of paint” on something means going for the quickest, easiest spit-spine. Maybe you’re covering up prodigious crayon masterpieces. Maybe those picture-hanging …

Steven Kenny’s art possesses an underlying theme of our interaction with nature. He accurately states that we are animals, and even though we think of ourselves as intelligent, most of our decisions …

The neckline of the bride’s dress is one of the most prominent visual features, as the human eye is naturally drawn from one’s head and face to the shoulder and upper chest …

The first post-World War II year of 1946 was noteworthy on many fronts, like the birth of three U.S. presidents (Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Donald J. Trump), the first Tupperware sales …

Back in 2011, Matt Damon bought a zoo. Not a real one, of course, but one for entertainment purposes, courtesy of Hollywood.   And in 2003, Sarah and Cedric Shannon bought a farm. …

The air at Pulaski County Motorsports Park hummed with anticipation long before the engines roared to life. Some 3,700 fans filled the stands to cheer on the inaugural event  for 2026 on …

Of more than 10,000 mushroom species, about 2,000 are edible. Of those, a couple dozen are commonly cultivated for consumption, and the most popular are portobello, cremini, button, shiitake and oyster varieties. …