Let me tell you…I love fall.  No. scratch that.  I LOVE fall!  It gets cold, you can have bonfires and there are multiple festivals throughout the region to indulge in.  Last week, I went to the 57th Annual Chilhowie Apple Festival.  It was amazing! We did the whole parade thing and then got rained-no-poured on at the Annual Band Competition.  Hopefully, we’ll have better luck with the festivals going on this coming weekend.

This weekend marks an exciting time for Radford University.  Originally Homecoming weekend, this weekend is Welcome Back Reunion Festival, Radford Highlanders Festival and Family Weekend all rolled into one…and don’t forget the Annual Appalachian Folk Arts Festival! 

At the Highlanders Festival, you can sample Scottish food items, meet the clans, watch the traditional Scottish Highlander Games, see sheepherding demonstrations, meet a falconer, hear great music and pick up a variety of Scottish and Irish wares from any number of vendors.  It’s a great time!  I suggest getting there in time to watch the march of the clans. That’s when all clans parade in their respective tartans and it is Awesome!  The McIntyre’s are the honored clan of the year for the festival, so be sure to say hey! The festival runs from 10-5, so there’s plenty of Saturday to take that in.

On the opposite side of campus, there is the Appalachian Folk Arts Festival, now in its 26th year.  Folks that go to that festival will have the opportunity to not only buy handmade items from crafters, but actually watch the crafters demonstrate their abilities.  There’s pencil artist Willard Gayheart, apple butter, carvers, quilters, blacksmithers, bee keepers and more.  If you want to see a cultural progression– how we can come from the Scottish and be proud Appalachians, then you should definitely check out both festivals.  You can even compare musical stylings and listen to the evolution of Scottish Highland music to Bluegrass and Old Time music. Do NOT miss this opportunity! It runs from 10-5 also.

 Think you’re all festivaled out? Not quite.  My last suggestion to you is to go to the Williams  Orchard in Rural Retreat.  Pick Your Own Pumpkin starts this week.  Not only do they have pumpkins, but a lot of other awesome produce and fun for the entire family.  They’ll be around all weekend, so if you’re coming from the south, you can drop by on your way home from the great weekend you’ve had in Radford! 

 Are there any festivals I’ve missed or should know about?  Let me know!

Shai Cullop

Let me tell you, last week I had the ability to truly traipse through Southwest Virginia and if you get the chance sometime soon, I fully suggest that you do so. 

I began my week in Radford, which is busy shaping up for fall.  Radford is a beautiful little town, home to Radford University.  If you make it to Radford any time of the year, make it this coming weekend.  October 3-4 is the Annual Highlander Festival– formally known as Homecoming Weekend and the Appalachian Events Committee’s 27th Annual Folk Arts Festival.  You can watch the Scottish games, get authentic scones and wear a kilt in public while petting a Highland Coo and seeing how far a man can sling a boulder.  What’s not to love?!  After you’re done being Scottish, you can swing over to the Appalachian Folk Arts Festival which is comprised of local artists who make and demonstrate their craft on site.  You can see everything from legendary pencil artist Willard Gayheart to Brad Smith’s carved Roosters andDanny Wingate’s leather working, all while listening to some of the best bluegrass and old time bands in the area.

After departing from Radford last week, I made a stop in Wytheville, which was charming as usual.  We  held a meeting at the Wytheville Community College.  They have an incredible facility there, not to mention they’re just down the road from Smokey’s BBQ.  I didn’t get to spend a whole lot of time in Wytheville, but it is one of my frequent stomping grounds.  I believe they’ve recently painted the hot air balloon shaped water tower, so there’s something to look for next time your east bound and down.

Thursday, I had the opportunity to be at Natural Tunnel State Park at the Cove Ridge Center in Scott County.  This place is GORGEOUS!  If you just go to look at the views off the deck of the Cove Ridge Center, it’s well worth the drive!  The weather was beautiful and Natural Tunnel State Park is by far one of the prettiest places on the face of the earth.

Keeping in mind that I was traipsing and not being able to hold still, our next stop was in Bristol on the VA/TN line.  I love Bristol and always have, but one thing keeps me coming back: Stateline Bar and Grill’s fried pickles.  ‘Nuff said.

After a restful night at the Exit 7 Holiday Inn, we got to go to Southwest Virginia Community College in Richlands.  I ahve always loved their King Center for the intricate brick carving in the foyer, but their new building is truly exquisite.  Animal carvings with a water feature down area river rock and views from the new library that would challenge the looks of Heaven.  I was certainly impressed and left breathless.

 Southwest Virginia is a great place to live and it’s trips like these that keep that a constant reminder in the back of my mind.  What’s your favorite Southwest Virginia spot?  Let me know and I’ll  be sure to check it out sometime.

 Shai Cullop

Radford City Schools, one of only two school districts in the state that charge students for riding the bus, are looking at a prepay system for the students for the 2009-2010 school year.

In past years, the school’s have sold tickets in a bundle of 10, paying $1.70 or pay .40 cents a day to ride the bus.  Students who qualify for free or reduced lunch ride free.

Many students, I would be one of them, are afraid of loosing their bus tickets and not being able to get home.  That being taken into consideration, Radford City Schools are offering a prepaid system where the child will be assigned a code, and the bus driver provided a list.  For a full year of bus riding goodness, it would be $55.  A half year, $28.25 and quarterly rides, $20.40.  The full year plan equals out to 42 days of free riding, or a total of $16.80 in free riding fun.

I’m not going to lie, I’m not entirely sure of this whole paying to ride idea.  For one, I’m not familiar with the entire process and I’m really intrigued by it.  Where I’m from, we rode the buses for free and that may be why they were need of repair?  I don’t know.  But one thing is for certain, I am so glad that they have this new option so some kids can choose to go ticket free.  Children already have too much to keep up with.  I can’t imagine that kindergartener with her name on her bookbag and a note from the teacher pinned to her dress would be able to present a ticket to ride the bus. Way to go, Radford for coming up with an easier, more cost effective system for getting to school!

Shai Cullop

This week marks the beginning of The 32^nd Annual Highland Summer Conference, held at Radford University.  It is a two-week lecture-seminar workshop that combines well-known Appalachian guest-writers with aspiring writers and students.  I took the class in 2007 and the instruction I received not only made me a better writer, but opened my mind to so many different thoughts and possibilities.   While it is too late to register for the class, it is not too late to take advantage of the true gem of the class—each Tuesday and Thursday of the 2 week class, there are readings and receptions by the visiting authors.  These take place from 7:30-9:30 in the McConnell Library on Radford’s campus and all are free and open to the public. 

The first week’s readings kick off tonight with Writer and RU professor, Jim Minick.  Minick is the author of two books of poetry, Her Secret Song and Burning Heaven. Also he has written a collection of essays, Finding a Clear Path, and edited All There Is to Keep by Rita Riddle. Currently he’s working on a memoir titled The Blueberry Years.

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Relay for Life is a spring time festivity used to raise much-needed funds for cancer research.  Radford, Virginia recently participated in this nation-wide event and Blacksburg, Virginia will participate this Friday on Virginia Tech’s campus.  Radford had 584 participants, 46 teams and rose over $32,000!  I think this is an amazing accomplishment for such a small city.  Originally scheduled to be outdoors at Radford University’s Cupp Stadium, high winds and possible storms moved the event indoors to Radford’s Recreational Center. 

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For all you travel lovers, there is a new way to get around the New River Valley and beyond: surfing. Now you may be wondering how that is possible in Southwest Virginia, but thanks to a nonprofit started in New Hampshire back in 1999, CouchSurfing.com allows members to “surf” virtually anywhere.

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Are you in Southwest Virginia?  Do you look for things to do, or are you one of those who want to come to the area and are afraid of the lack of things to do?  Well, fret not. It really depends on where you are in the area and where your interests lie, but regardless of that, there are many things to do!   

For example, if you’re in Floyd County, a good Friday night can mean going to the Blue Ridge Diner (I highly recommend their black bottom pie) and then going to the Floyd Country Store for live music and dancing.  Often there is not only music going on inside the store, but outside on the porch and around the corner as well.  If you’re looking for other music venues, try The Rex Theatre in Galax, the Bristol Country Music Alliance’s Pickin’ Porch in Bristol or the Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion in Bristol in the Fall which is a phenomenally huge traditional music festival! 

Music abounds in the mountains and can be found anywhere from a square dance in Grayson County to a fire department Friday night jam in Smyth County to anywhere along The Crooked Road.

In the area, we are blessed to have a plethora of natural wonders just waiting to be explored.  From Tazewell County’s Burkes Garden, which is known as “God’s Thumbprint,” to the Creeper Trail, Appalachian Trail or Mount Rogers, Virginia’s highest point, there are many things to do and see.  The Blue Ridge Parkway and many hiking and biking opportunities offer you the best views for miles around.  It has been rumored that on a clear day, one can see Detroit, Michigan from the summit at Mount Rogers, but you’ll have to look and see for yourself!

In the New River Valley (Blacksburg, Christiansburg and Radford), you can enjoy a busier scene with shopping and dining options.  Also, you can benefit from having the colleges close by for quality entertainment whether it be concerts, plays, lecture series, etc… 

Going down I-81 gives you the option of dinner and a show at the Wolfhart Haus in Wytheville, several wineries in the region such as Chateau Morissette and the Davis Valley Winery, performances at The Lincoln Theatre in Marion, The Paramount and Theatre Bristol in Bristol and The Barter Theatre in Abingdon– the state theatre of Virginia.  There are many other cultural opportunities such as The Carter Fold in Hiltons and plenty of fine dining experiences to be had between The Martha Washington Inn, The Tavern and The Hardware Company, just to name a few. 

The area is also rich in consignment, second-hand and antique shops.  The areas of Floyd, Abingdon Bristol are particularly rich in these stores.  In the summer months you can attend the Virginia Highlands Arts and Crafts Festival in Abingdon which features a huge antiques market.

I could literally go on all day and suggest things that are not only great food and a good time such as The Dip Dog Stand in Marion, In the Country in Damascus, or Cuz’s Barbeque in Tazewell County, but I would be depriving you of your chance to explore on your own!

–Shai Cullop

Through the economy’s troubles, we have seen many negative effects like the increased price of groceries and clothes, gas, heat and many of the things that dramatically affect our daily lives.  Those types of costs are all things that in the end will have an effect on something else.  The money to pay for the necessities will and is having an effect on what else we can pay for.  Radford is experiencing such troubles now with their child day care center.  Due to the steady decline in the economy, the Radford Child Care Center is in desperate need to find some money just in hopes of staying open.  The economy has made it hard for people to afford a child care service like this and that has the center about $10,000 short of what they need to successfully operate.

It is disappointing to see such a great place, which has been described as an incredible community resource, go through something like this.  Although this is a state funded facility, the center is not making enough to stay a float and the center has called on the community which they serve to come to their aid.  For a center that has been serving Radford since 1956 and cared for multiple generations of kids and families, this could be the least the community could to do them.   People that decide to help out the child care center can look at the donation as an investment into their own community.  This is the type of thing people should enjoy helping out with and should do it soon to help out the Radford Child Care Center.    

–Clark Saunders

http://www.roanoke.com/news/nrv/radford/wb/181686

Every small town has its hub; the place where you get the dirt. The scoop. The whole enchilada. In Radford, it’s the Vintage Cellar. On Friday’s they have beer and a few wines to sample; “beer education” they call it. . . and on Saturdays, they have a nice line-up of approximately 5 to 8 wines. My husband, dog, and I have a standing date on Saturday afternoons to walk downtown for a little wine tasting and to catch up on the news you won’t find in the local paper. Okay—some might call it gossip. But it’s all with good intentions! And no, my dog is not a wine connoisseur. Chuck, the manager of the Radford Vintage Cellar always has his pup Abby with him. We bring our pooch Decaf down, and the two have a play date. I’m pretty sure this can only happen in a small town and maybe, well, Paris. Decaf looks forward to this weekly event, and when we’re a block from the store, he suddenly loses his ability to “heel”. We basically fly into the store. We dare not go in without Decaf. A couple of weeks ago we went in sans canine and Abby gave us murderous looks the entire time. Kind of took the joy out of the Les Agapes.

Back to the hub. Two years ago I ran a multi-arts summer workshop called ArtsXtreme on the campus of Radford University. I was having a heck of a time finding a music teacher, and happened to mention that as I was tasting wine one Saturday at the Cellar. Within 8 minutes Chuck had a friend of his on the phone with me, a music graduate student who was perfect for the job. I’ve seen real estate transactions, business partnerships initiate, and the courtship of Chuck and his beautiful wife Stephanie transpire in our little wine shop. Last year Chuck and Steph actually got married in the store.

Every town needs a hub. Does yours?

- Lucinda McDermott Piro

And check this out—they will provide approximately 150 jobs. Yes indeed! Inorganic Ventures is moving its operations from New Jersey to Christiansburg’s Falling Branch Corporate Park. Virginia Governor Time Kaine’s office sent out a press release citing Montgomery County’s “trained workforce and proximity to research opportunities with Virginia Tech.” The company manufactures custom inorganic chemical blends—not being the most scientifically oriented person, I went to their website, and was rather impressed to see that they tout several “firsts” for their industry. The big news here folks, is that Inorganic Ventures move will create 46 new jobs in the science/chemistry industry. I know there are many Southwest Virginia job seekers out there who will find that refreshing.

Bastian in Bland County will be getting a new 4-wheeler and motorcycle shop if things continue to go well for Mark McKee. Mark’s been operating a small engine repair shop out of his home but just got his permit to move into the old Sky Outdoor location on North Scenic Highway. “We’re trying to target all the groups,” McKee said in an interview with Southwest Virginia Today, “We’ll also carry parts and do repairs.” Mark, Return to Roots wishes you luck, and applauds you for working the dream! Read more about Mark by clicking here.

And boy, I can’t wait for this place to open. New River Valley is getting a brand spanking new and newly built restaurant with a micro-brewery! Those of us living in Radford have been watching the building of The River Company up on the bluff across the New River for roughly the past year, measuring it’s progress with the changing seasons. Clearly visible from downtown Radford, it’s been a pleasure to see the visual progress—kind of like being able to watch the region grow. Mark Hall and his company Hall & Sons Developers will open the doors this spring. The business will cater to locals serving basic American favorites to top-notch cuisine. And don’t forget that micro-brewery. I’m pretty excited about this one folks—best news is that they will be hiring 60 to 100 full and part-time positions. They will be seeking highly trained restaurant personnel.

Chemistry, wheels, and beer. We’ve got it all in SWVA!