Issuu

SEPTEMBER 2017

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Design your Office to

MAXIMIZE Productivity

The environment where you work makes a big difference in how much you get done. When you spend 40 hours or more per week in your office, it’s important that you’re excited to come in and have a seat. Whether you’re considering a new computer desk or a whole set of home office furniture, you should take into account how your design choices might impact productivity. Here are four ways to create a workplace that will encourage you to accomplish more every day. 1. Get comfortable “Office furniture should reduce the strain the work day puts on your body.” It’s hard to be at your best if you spend all day shifting uncomfortably in your chair. Office furniture should be designed to reduce the strain the work day puts on your body and simple to adjust as necessary. Being able to settle into a natural posture makes the hours at your desk more pleasant and helps you focus on your job. Select items that are sturdily built with high-quality materials. A durable chair and desk will ensure you don’t need to replace them for years to come and also cut down on distractions. Otherwise, a seat that’s creaking beneath you can easily interfere with your concentration. 2. Minimize clutter Having a desk covered in papers doesn’t just make for an unsightly mess – it also hurts your efficiency. If you spend a significant portion of the day just fishing around for documents or the notes you took on a phone call, you’re less productive than you could be. Organization allows you to accomplish more with your hours on the clock. For that reason, having ample storage is essential when furnishing a home office. Put plenty of bookshelves and filing cabinets in place to maintain a more orderly environment where you can find precisely what you’re looking for and get back to the task at hand. 3. Looks matter When you’re furnishing and decorating an office, you may be more concerned with function than form. After all, you want pieces that will serve you well throughout the week. However, that doesn’t mean you should disregard aspects like design and color. Aesthetically appealing furniture creates an atmosphere where you’ll feel inspired to produce your best work. Your choices will establish the vibe for your home office, whether you opt for establishing a sense of authority with a classic look or creating a welcoming, modern workplace. Soothing color choices relax you, so you’ll be ready to dig into the day’s agenda. 4. Add areas for different tasks Larger offices commonly include various types of furniture spread around the workplace, establishing distinct areas for a range of activities. For instance, a couch or a small table might be ideal for getting together with small groups to brainstorm. Your home office may be smaller, but you can still benefit from ipsum setting up a couple of different spots for working, chatting withLorem clients or collaborating with others. Having separate areas for different aspects of your job gives you opportunities to get up and move throughout the day. In turn, being more active can keep you more alert. Place these pieces of furniture away from the computer desk so you can occasionally break away from the routine for a little while and focus on developing fresh ideas. Grand Home Furnishings has a great selection of furniture for any home office. Furniture shoppers will find the perfect desks, chairs and bookcases to fit their space and individual style. The right decor sets the tone for your day and makes you more productive all week.

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Lifestyle Letter

Show Your Color

SEPTEMBER 2017

s a youth, September meant summer was over, the pool had closed and it was time for school. The late nights of kick the can on the hill were replaced with homework. Growing up, our home always had three TVs blaring college football on Saturdays. Hence, there wasn't any cable, just three networks. I know—hard to believe. My high school years were fun, maybe too much fun because when it came time to apply for college, my dad said, "the only way you are going to get into Vanderbilt, is because they like your picture." I was an average student. It was my brother who suggested I apply to the University of Tennessee. My dad went there, and they had football. Lo and behold, I was accepted! As we drove to Knoxville, my dad turned to me and said it was my lucky day, and indeed it was! Actually, it was the beginning of the best years of my life! And am proud to say I did very well after I had stumbled upon the College of Communications, within the university. Helped start a 10,000-watt school radio station, top in my com law class—I found my way! I was fortunate enough to have a class of Larry D. Perry’s, who was a law professor with an engineering degree. He worked at NASA when Apollo 11 landed on the moon. He was responsible for the communication from the capsule to NASA, then edited to our TV sets as we watched and listened to Neil Armstrong say, “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” Needless to say, Larry is one of the most admired persons I know to date. We all belong to the color of a school we love. Mine is orange and white—Tennessee Vols. We cheer, jeer at the opposing team and some have shrines in their homes and wear their color proud. It's football—college football! And it's personal; for the love of your team. It brings friends and families together. A lot of emotion, screaming, cussing and the high when there is a touchdown and the low when your team fumbles on the 2-yard line. That is the worst! We all want OUR team to win. Unfortunately, mathematically, that can't happen. We reflect on Sundays and can't wait for next week's game! I love college football, and I love my Vols! It's family history, like for many fans across the country. Everyone has a passion for their school or team, as I do, and can say with conviction, the words of the past Voice of the Vols broadcast announcer, John Ward, "It's football time in Tennessee!" Happy September!

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P.O. Box 12608 Overland Park, KS 66282-3214 Proverbs 3:5-6 Roanoke Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of Roanoke’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Roanoke Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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September 2017

Departments

Around Town

Inspired By

Artistâ€™s Palette

Renovate & Refine

Culinary Creations

Water & Woods

Travel Destination

Parting Thoughts

12 Stars Who Play Golf

Sports Stars, Actors and Politicians Hit the Links

18 Bill Overstreet Fighter Pilot in WWII

He Was One Lucky Ace

28 3-day Appalachia Hike

Get Out and Explore!

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Around Town

AROUND TOWN

corporate or organizational sponsored meetings with their educational ambassadors. Last year, their education staff presented programs to more than 3,157 individuals. The education department is headed by Judy Loope. The balance of its staff is volunteers who might be members of our community, interns from surrounding veterinary universities and college students. The center, located in Roanoke County, is served by Sabrina Leonard-Garvin, executive director with over 22 years of experience in rehabilitation and Dr. Diane D’Orazio, full-time veterinarian. Sabrina’s husband, Dr. Lucky Garvin serves on the board. The center Student Volunteers

The Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke is a full-time

has access to radiologic diagnostics and various surgeries which may

facility that takes in injured or orphaned wildlife. Their mission is

be simple or quite complex, as well as a large variety of medicines

twofold: to contribute to wildlife conservancy by rehabilitating wildlife

and diets for the varied patients—virtually any bird from eagles to

indigenous to Virginia. The animals may have suffered injury, aban-

hummingbirds, and any mammals from bears to chipmunks.

donment or illness, with a goal to rehabilitate the animal and return it

The Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke is a registered

to its natural habitat. The SWVAC serves Roanoke and surrounding

501(c)(3) that operates full time on a volunteer staff and the generos-

counties and works closely with the public, law enforcement, ani-

ity of donations. As with most not-for-profit organizations, they are

mal control officers and a network of local rehabilitators. In 2016, the

constantly in need of capital—like others, depending on the contri-

center admitted and triaged 1,869 wounded or abandoned wildlife

butions of Virginians.

consisting of 150 different species. The second part of their mission is dedicated to the identification, education

and

awareness

of local indigenous wildlife and the importance of the role each species plays in promoting a healthy and sustainable environment for our community. SWVA Wildlife is the only organization in the Roanoke Valley that is federally

permitted

able to present live species of indigenous wildlife to the public. The center provides a unique classlike approach to harness the power of active learning when presenting their wildlife ambassadors and associated wildlife and conservation information. SWVA Wildlife attends pre-arranged K-12 educational programs, public outreach events and private 10

Roanoke Lifestyle | September 2017

For more information, visit SWVAWildlifeCenter.org, Facebook or Instagram or call 540.798.9836.

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Inspired By Former Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning.

STARS WHO PLAY GOLF SPORTS STARS, ACTORS AND POLITICIANS HIT THE LINKS

ARTICLE ROSS BIDDISCOMBE | PHOTOGRAPHY CHARLES BRICSOE-KNIGHT

Roanoke Lifestyle | September 2017

P op s

inge

r Ju

st i n

Tim

rla

pp or ted p ro

gol f fo

r ma

a ny ye r s , even as a sponsor.

hat’s the most fun you’ve ever had on a golf course? That

likes of Academy Award-winning actor Michael Douglas and his wife,

incredible day when you almost shot level par or maybe your

Academy-Award winner Catherine Zeta-Jones. However, it is often

first hole-in-one? Perhaps it was winning a club competition, but for

the athletes from other sports who make the fans gasp with their

a growing number of ordinary club golfers, it was spending four hours

golfing ability and who achieve the lowest handicaps.

with a celebrity player in a pro-am. For lots of us, the fun of playing

Longtime Dallas Cowboy quarterback and new TV football pundit

alongside a star from another sport, a renowned actor or even a noto-

Tony Romo is thought to be one of the best players out of the NFL

rious politician is the story we tell most often in the clubhouse bar.

in recent years. After partnering with Tiger Woods in an AT&T event

Nowadays, there are increasing numbers of chances to hit the links

a few years ago, Romo was called “a helluva golfer” by the 14-time

with the rich and famous because of the pro-am competitions that

major winner and has tried on several occasions to qualify for the

take place on the day before every regular PGA Tour event and on

U.S. Open, although without success. The ex-Cowboy QB boasts a

the Seniors Tour too. And then there’s one of the most prominent

handicap of around three but is far from alone in terms of decent

tournaments on the Tour where four celebrity golfers are part of the

golfers who were NFL passers. They include former QBs such as

main action: the annual AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am in California.

Peyton Manning—who once shot a five over par score at Augusta

First played in 1937 at Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club and hosted

National—Brett Favre, Trent Green and Jim Kelly.

by the king of the crooners Bing Crosby, the inaugural winner Sam

There are plenty of current NFL passers who are also

Snead took home just $500; today the winner’s check is $1.3 million.

extremely competent golfers starting with Ben Rothlisberger

Crosby would have his name attached to the tournament long before

of the Pittsburgh Steelers (he can just about play off scratch),

AT&T came on the scene, and his efforts in promoting the game of

Tom Brady of the New England Patriots (whose swing has

golf would eventually lead to his place in the World Golf Hall of Fame.

been likened to that of former U.S. Open champion Ernie Els)

Crosby was a very accomplished player and so are many of the

and Carson Palmer of the Arizona Cardinals (who is a celeb-

modern-day stars of stage and screen such as actor/comedian Bill

rity-am regular with a single digit handicap). But there are

Murray, rock giant Alice Cooper and singer Justin Timberlake. Even

also plenty of NFL defenders who have game like Buffalo Bills’

celebrity couples will get together for a round of golf including the

CONTINUED >

September 2017 | Roanoke Lifestyle

Inspired By

(CON TI N U ED)

There is no more pop ula rp lay er in

the pr o

ity br ele -c

d sharp dresser Bill Mur ray. ian an med n co tha rld wo

defensive end Kyle Williams who can also play off scratch, plus

But perhaps the most well-known ex-athlete/golfer over the

the coaches who like to relax on the links including Patriots

last few years has been Charles Barkley, although not perhaps

head coach Bill Belichick.

for the right reasons. The former NBA superstar had a golf

However, one of the most intriguing stories in recent years about

swing that almost defied description with an alarming pause on

a football player with a love of golf has been Jerry Rice. The legend-

his downswing and a scythe-like lurch at the ball that caused

ary San Francisco wide receiver developed his obsession with the

as much hilarity as sympathy. But after studying his technique

sport to such a degree that he landed himself on the Nationwide

under the watchful eye of ex-Tiger Woods coach Hank Haney, the

Tour (now the Web.com Tour) back in 2010.

basketball star improved by leaps and bounds. He overcame his

It was not a very successful venture for a man used to such supreme excellence on the gridiron. Rice finished 151 out of 152 players in one attempt as a golf pro and was disqualified in another. He now sticks to the pro-am circuit.

self-confessed mental block about hitting the ball, and his swing became close to normal. As ex-NBA stars go, Barkley would have to go some to reach the standards of his former adversary, Michael Jordan. The ex-Chicago

Almost as obsessed as Rice was former tennis great Ivan Lendl.

Bull has had a +1 handicap and is still a compulsive golfer who has

The eight-time Grand Slam champion, who retired in 1994 and is now

even worked his way into the U.S. Ryder Cup team room as a kind of

famous for coaching world No. 1 Andy Murray, played golf off scratch at

superstar cheerleader.

one time, Lendl entered several U.S. Open qualifying tournaments as

So don’t place any bets anytime soon on an ex-NFL quarterback, a

well as two actual European Tour events and three second-tier ones

retired NBA star or even a former tennis champion making too many

in the U.S. But his golf game never came close to matching his tennis

waves in professional golf outside of the pro-am events like the one

game. Lendl failed to reach the U.S. Open itself and never made the cut

at Pebble Beach. The standards on all the men’s tours—even the

in any of the pro tournaments he entered.

senior one—are just terrifically high these days. But, then again, even

Apart from football and tennis, former major league pitchers like

Charles Barkley can dream.

Shane Rawley, Mark Mulder and John Smoltz can also swing a decent

Ross Biddiscombe’s acclaimed books—Ryder Cup Revealed: Tales of the

golf club as can one of hockey’s all-time greats—and the father-in-

Unexpected and Cruel School—are available in hardback, paperback or

law to Dustin Johnson—Wayne Gretzky.

e-book formats on Amazon.

Roanoke Lifestyle | September 2017

New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick takes his golf and his football very seriously.

Former Masters and Open champion Mark Oâ€™Meara talks the talk with two of Hollywoodâ€™s finest, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas.

The author and Alice Cooper.

Recently retired Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo has impressed the likes of Tiger Woods with his golfing ability.

Mark Wahlberg is one of many actors who find regular relaxation on the golf course.

September 2017 | Roanoke Lifestyle

A Tradition of Excellence

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A young Capt. William B. Overstreet

apt. William Bruce "Bill" Overstreet Jr. reached great heights and international fame as a fighter pilot

during World War II and received two Silver Stars for his bravery. He was born April 10, 1921, and raised in the small Alleghany mountain town of Clifton Forge, Virginia. When the United States joined the Allied forces after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Bill enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps. He left his job as a statistical engineer for Columbia Engineering, as well as his education at Morris Harvey College (now the University of Charleston) in Charleston, West Virginia. A few months later, he was in Santa Anna, California, for preflight training, then to Rankin Aeronautical Academy for primary flight training and then on to basic flight training in Lemoore, California, and at Luke Field in Arizona. After graduation, he was assigned to the 357 Fighter Group, 363 Fighter Squadron and shipped out aboard the Queen Elizabeth across the Atlantic for deployment at Raydon Airfield as part of the Ninth Air Force.

Bill Overstreet: Fighter Pilot in WWII One Lucky Ace

There were no planes available at that point, so Bill felt fairly useless, but as luck would have it, North American P-51 Mustangs were becoming available. The Ninth Air Force traded Bill’s plane-less squadron for a squadron of pilots and Republic P-47 Thunderbolts with the Eighth Air Force—Bill found himself stationed at RAF Leiston. He got to fly a P-51 for the first time on January 30, 1944. As the inventory of the planes increased, the opportunity to fly them increased as well. Bill’s extraordinary flight training and combat experiences were published in a Warbirds News story from an interview when he was in his 90s. Bill’s own words are quoted from the Warbirds article. As Bill honed his skills and progressed through his flight training, he flew many types of planes with several flight leaders. After joining the 363 Fighter Squadron, as it was being moved from Nevada to Santa Rosa, California, he came under the tutelage of Lloyd Hubbard, who Bill thought was very good.

ARTICLE ANDY WOLFE

“We all thought we could buzz pretty closely, but while we may be able to ‘mow the fairway’ on a golf course, only Hub could ‘mow the greens.’ Hubbard took a flight of four

Roanoke Lifestyle | September 2017

to the Golden Gate Bridge and did loops around it,” Overstreet recalls. “You know we were having fun! But complaints came in, and charges were placed. We liked to buzz farmers, sunbathers or anything.” Years later, Bill asked why they got by with so much. A training officer replied, “If you were picking pilots for combat, who would you pick? The fellows who flew straight and level or the ones who pushed the envelope and tested the limits of their planes?” Little did Bill know that it was just that type of flying that would bring him international recognition and fame 65 years later. Bill tested fate more than once in his flying career. While in combat training on June 28, 1943, he had his first crash, flying a Bell P-39 Airacobra. The plane went into a dreaded flat spin, a condition uniquely devastating for that model and which claimed many a pilot’s life. Bill and his squadron mates were practicing aerobatic maneuvers when his plane started tumbling and he couldn’t control it. Bill went to release the Airacobra’s doors, but the air pressure prevented them from opening. He finally managed to get a knee against one door with his shoulder against the other, overcoming the pressure, and the moment he got out, he pulled the ripcord on his parachute. The moment the chute snapped open Bill found himself standing amidst the wreckage of his plane right by the propeller. He was so close to the ground when he escaped his doomed plane that none of his flight mates even saw his chute deploy. Bill believes he was perhaps the first pilot to survive the crash of a tumbling P-39, and he made a point of tracking down the William B. Overstreet Bill Overstreet's P-51C Mustang, Berlin Express.

man who packed his chute to thank him personally for a job well done. He tested fate again while flying over the French countryside. “Not long after (the March 6 mission), I had a freak accident. I think it was a mission to southern France," he says. "While over enemy territory, a burst of flak cut my oxygen line. Since I was at about 25,000 feet, I soon passed out. The next thing I knew, I was in a spin, engine dead since the fuel tank it was set on was dry. Somehow, I recovered from the spin, changed fuel setting, got the engine started and dodged the trees that were in front of me. Then, I looked at my watch. Ninety minutes were not in my memory. "I had no idea where I was, but remembered where I had been headed, so I reversed it. I was able to find the coast of France and headed for Leiston. By this time, I was low on fuel, so I landed at the Fourth Group base. The officer I talked with was Captain Mead, who had lived a couple of blocks from my home in Clifton Forge, Virginia. To top it off, the mechanic who repaired my plane was ‘Hot Cha’ Tucker, a former schoolmate, also from Clifton Forge. I still have a picture of Tucker and me with a P-47. Many weeks later, this story got a lot of publicity—Lowell Thomas on radio, newspapers and Time magazine.” Later in spring 1944, Bill, flying his P-51C Mustang, Berlin Express, would perform the feat that would make him famous—chasing a German bomber over Paris and with guns blazing underneath the Eiffel Tower. The scene is immortalized in the artwork by Len Krenzler. The French were inspired by his flight, and in 2009 he was awarded France’s Legion of Honor at the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, Virginia. The two planes had been in a running dogfight. The German pilot flew over Paris hoping that the heavy German anti-aircraft artillery would solve his problem and eliminate Overstreet and the Berlin Express. Bill managed CONTINUED >

September 2017 | Roanoke Lifestyle

BILL OVERSTREET

(CON TI N U ED)

to get some hits in at about 1,500 feet, and the German’s engine was billowing black smoke. Bill stayed on his tail braving the intense enemy flak. His desperation undoubtedly growing, the German pilot aimed his plane at the Eiffel Tower, and, in a surprising maneuver, flew beneath it. Undeterred, Bill followed right behind him, scoring several more hits in the process. The German plane crashed, and Bill escaped the heavy flak around Paris by flying low and full throttle over the river until he had cleared the city’s heavy anti-aircraft batteries. “He (the German pilot) figured I'd try to get around and he'd have time to get away. He was wrong," Bill says. "I was right behind him, right under the Eiffel Tower with him. And when he pulled up, I did get him. But that's a huge space. That's not close at all. There’s plenty of room to go under the Eiffel Tower—but it makes a good story.” His performance on top-secret missions saw him assigned for OSS missions, flying supplies to the free French and picking up downed airmen and intelligence dispatches from behind enemy lines. His tour of duty ended in October 1944, and Bill returned to the States. His next assignment was to teach at the gunnery school in Pinellas, Florida. Bill was released from active duty, but kept in Reserves; he returned to Charleston, West Virginia, and worked as the General Manager of Charleston Aviation for a time before moving to Roanoke, Virginia, in 1950. He became a CPA and continued in that profession until he retired in 1984. William Overstreet died December 29, 2013, at the age of 92 and is buried at Evergreen Burial Park. 20

Roanoke Lifestyle | September 2017

Above: Bill Overstreet's Bell P-39 Airacobra crashed on June 28, 1943. Left: A Stars and Stripes article about Bill Overstreet.

Artist’s Palette Steve Mitchell and his wood-fired kiln.

STEVE MITCHELL LOCAL POTTER 'NEVER REALLY LOOKED BACK'

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY ANNE PIEDMONT

t started in the late 1970s with a girlfriend who was a potter. Steve Mitchell says they eventually “went their separate ways,” but he kept

his love of pottery. Fast forward a bit to a job transfer to Richmond, a move back to Roanoke and a Saturday morning pottery class at Roanoke County Parks & Recreation’s Brambleton Center. Steve said he took the class for relaxation and ended up with lifelong friends and a renewed interest in the craft. When his wife, Debbie, wrote an insurance policy for a local potter’s studio, it took him in a new direction and introduced him to a new set of potters. “I started getting more and more serious about it and started doing more workshops," he says. He also got involved with the Blue Ridge Potters Guild. After he had been back in Roanoke for about 10 years, the company he worked for changed direction again, so he decided to retire. “I never really looked back,” he says, adding that the only thing he really misses is his employees. 22

Roanoke Lifestyle | September 2017

An example of the crystalline glaze.

A variety of Steve Mitchell's pottery. Bisqued pottery waiting to be glazed.

Now, he is a full-time potter with two throwing wheels, four kilns— one gas-fired raku kiln, two electric kilns and a wood-fired kiln—and work in galleries around the state. He converted his garage into a studio during the first month after he retired.

other local potter to use it. He says it takes 22 hours to fire a crystalline piece, and he can only do four of them at a time. The sharing and teaching aspect of pottery is one of the things he likes most.

Steve’s pottery studio, kilns and midcentury home occupy a high

“Potters share ideas, formulas and more,” he says of the commu-

point in a neighborhood off Bent Mountain Road. The wood-fired

nity of about 150 potters within a 30-mile radius of Roanoke. He also

kiln, which he built, himself, is below the house and studio, so he

notes the community at large is very knowledgeable about pottery.

uses a golf cart to move the pottery around. He says a wood firing—

His desire to learn more has led to connections with potters around

so called because it uses lots and lots of wood to fire the pottery—

the country and his involvement in bringing some of them to lead guild

takes two and a half days.

workshops here. In a sense, he is paying forward the guidance and

He also sells his pottery through interior design firms locally and

advice he received from other potters who took him under their wings

in Florida for use in residential and hotel projects. He was recently

when he started out. One of them told him in 2006, “You’ve got to do

invited to exhibit in a gallery in Abingdon. But, the Market Gallery in

this for the love of it, not for the money.” Even so, Steve says he “needs

downtown Roanoke is his “main source for sales.” It was there that a

to step it up,” especially as his work is developing a larger following.

representative from the Virginia Commission for the Arts, in town and

As he moves forward with his craft, Steve says he’s “changed my

walking around downtown, saw his work. He called Steve and invited

style about 10 times in the last 15 years. Some of them I like to go

him to submit his work for a show in Waynesboro, which he won.

back and revisit.”

He has developed a reputation for his large vases and his use of

He’s also going to be busy getting ready for a crystalline glaze

a crystalline glaze. He was the first potter in the region to use it. He

show, and, next month, the Blue Ridge Potters Guild show and sale,

even taught a class in using the glaze and convinced at least one

which will be held October 13-15 at Patrick Henry High School. September 2017 | Roanoke Lifestyle

Renovate & Refine

Roanoke Lifestyle | September 2017

HOME ORGANIZATION TIPS TALES FROM A CHRONICALLY UNORGANIZED PAPER SHUFFLER ARTICLE DONNA BURKLO

When I was a child, I took on the project of transforming our family’s extensive col-

1. DROPBOX.COM

lection of books into a home library . . . and

I have two jobs and sometimes do some consulting work. With

of my own volition! I labeled each book and

Dropbox, I can access all of my electronic files from anywhere.

cataloged them per the Dewey Decimal

The cost is about $100 per year for the space I need, but the

System. There was a check-out system in an

help is priceless.

index card box. I monitored the comings and goings of each book, much to the extreme

2. GOOGLE CALENDAR

eyeball-rolling of my three older siblings, as

I have a calendar set up for each job, one for personal, and one

well as my parents.

for my son; all synched on my phone. If you don’t see me put

Fast forward a number of years to the current vision of my unorganized, yet quite functional home. I have some books, but the only order is by an aesthetically pleasing size and

our meeting or appointment in my calendar, I probably won’t be showing up.

3. ONLINE BANKING

color. And, to be honest, there aren’t really

Snap photos of checks to deposit. Pay bills as they arrive. Set

that many of them. My silverware is stacked

up automatic payments. And, it’s a free service from your bank.

by utensil type. That’s an organizational plus.

Don’t pass this up.

Yet, I hang my head at the rest of my home. I’ve made attempts. A dear friend orga-

4. IMMEDIATE RECYCLING

nized my work-at-home files. File labels for

Don’t let mail stack up. Open your mail at your recycling bin.

every aspect. Documents filed. That was fif-

Save the mail you actually need.

teen years ago. The files now consist of “The Pile That I Need to Keep Handy” and “The Pile That I Probably Should File.” But, here’s how I keep it from getting completely out of control.

5. MINIMIZING Don’t worry too much about organizing your closet. Just don’t have so much stuff. Make it a rule that when one thing comes in, one goes out. Or better yet, don’t get the new thing.

Lastly, try letting go. Decide that it’s ok to have those two anti-filing piles. You know which one is which. Be at peace. And, if you’re at the stage where you just can’t see a way out, it may be time to call a professional organizer to get you started. And yes, I still know how to set up a pretty functional library.

September 2017 | Roanoke Lifestyle

Culinary Creations

SOUTHERN POTATO CASSEROLE

Feeds 12 or more

ARTICLE RUKSANA HUSSAIN

INGREDIENTS:

1- 32 ounce package of frozen all natural shredded potatoes 1 cup Greek yogurt 1 T Dijon mustard 4 T melted butter 4 scallions, sliced 2 ½ cups shredded Tillamook cheddar, seperated cream of chicken soup (recipe below) ¼ cup additional butter, melted 2 cups Cornflakes, crushed up FOR THE “CONDENSED” SOUP:

1 ½ cups chicken stock ¾ cups milk ½ cup flour ½ tsp salt ¼ tsp onion powder ¼ tsp garlic powder ¼ tsp black pepper ¼ cup cubed chicken breast (if desired) In a saucepot, bring the chicken stock to a low boil. Mix the milk and flour together in a bowl whisking until smooth. Add seasonings and chicken if using. Boil, whisking constantly for 3-5 minutes or until thickened. Will thicken as it cools. Set aside.

elebrity chef and culinary personality Casey Thompson spearheads a number of endeavors: three-time Bravo Top Chef

METHOD:

competitor, culinary consultant for California wineries, international

Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9

wine ambassador, food-centric world traveler, and, of course, chef,

x 13” casserole dish with canola oil spray to

for upcoming concepts in the Southwest and on the West Coast. Her

aid in cleanup! In a large bowl, mix thawed

focus is on market-fresh ingredients sourced from local farmers. In

hash browns, yogurt, mustard, butter,

support of ethical animal treatment, Thompson places priority on

scallions, cheddar, and cooled soup recipe

sourcing sustainably raised and butchered meat and seafood. She is

together. Spread loosely into the pan. Top

now at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe as executive chef, presenting a

with cornflakes, remaining ¼ cup butter

contemporary locavore menu. Here are some of her tried and tested

and ½ cup of cheddar. Bake for 45 minutes

favorites for your culinary pursuits! ChefCaseyThompson.com

or until golden brown.

Roanoke Lifestyle | September 2017

SWISS CHARD PESTO

BUTTERMILK BISCUITS

Makes 2 cups

FREEZE DRIED CORN BUTTER

(Makes 12-15 biscuits) INGREDIENTS:

INGREDIENTS:

3 cups Swiss Chard, stems removed, leaves washed

INGREDIENTS:

2 2/3 cup or 335 grams AP flour

1/2 lb good butter such as Plugra, unsalted, brought to room temperature

¾ cup or 75 grams cake flour

6 ounces of ground freeze dried corn

3 cloves garlic

2 tsp or 10 grams baking soda

1 tsp honey, ½ tsp salt

½ cup olive oil, plus 2 T if necessary

1 tsp or 4 grams baking powder

¼ tsp fresh ground black pepper

2 tsp or 6 grams sea salt

½ tsp kosher salt

1 ½ T or 15 grams sugar

Mix all ingredients in a bowl until incor-

1 cup toasted walnuts

1 cup or 2 sticks salted,

porated. Place in any shapes you would

cultured butter, chilled and cubed METHOD:

Place ingredients in a blender except for

1 ½ cups chilled buttermilk

like, chill. Bring to room temperature again before serving.

1 large egg, 1 T milk

the oil. Turn the blender on low and process the ingredients, speed up the blender and

METHOD:

SAUSAGE-SAGE, GOAT CHEESE BUTTER METHOD:

start to add the olive oil a little at a time. Turn

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

the blender on high and blend smooth. Turn

Heat to 425 degrees. In a large bowl, whisk

½ lb butter, unsalted such as Plugra, softened

the blender off. Add a little warm water if it

together flours, baking powder, baking soda, salt

3 ounces spreadable sausage

begins to separate.

and sugar. All ingredients, bowl should be cold. Use a pastry cutter to cut butter into flour

INGREDIENTS:

such as Nduja, softened 2 ounces of chevre goat cheese

mixture until you get pea-sized crumbs and it

3 whole leaves of finely chopped fresh sage

is uniformly mixed. Make a well in center of

pinch of salt

mixture and pour in buttermilk. Stir together until it just forms a moist, slightly tacky dough.

METHOD:

Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface.

Mix all ingredients in a bowl until incor-

Knead 2 or 3 times, then pat out into a ¾”

porated. Place into any shape desired. Chill.

thick rectangle. Using a knife, cut the biscuits.

Bring to room temperature before serving.

Also can be cut into mini biscuits. To prevent sticking, dip the knife lightly in flour between biscuits. Do not reroll scraps. Pat them together and cut into rounds. Transfer to a baking sheet. Whisk together egg and milk. Generously brush egg wash on top of each biscuit. Sprinkle with large flake salt such as Maldon. Bake until brown 12-15 minutes. September 2017 | Roanoke Lifestyle

Water & Woods

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY HOPE PHILBRICK

Roanoke Lifestyle | September 2017

there’s

a quiet in the deep woods. A nat-

ural hush under the canopy of trees, amid fallen branches, scattered rocks, lush ferns, multi-hued mushrooms, and broken tree stumps. Walking where the only interruptions are snapping twigs, chirping birds, rustling leaves touches the soul. Last fall I hiked 30 miles in three days on the Appalachian Trail in Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. I loved every minute of it. Shenandoah National Park is stunning. As it bursts into fall color, hiking conditions can be an ideal combination of sunny skies, crisp air, cool temperatures. Shenandoah National Park offers more than 500 miles of trails, including 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail, a famed footpath that stretches 2,180 miles from Georgia to Maine. It passes through 14 states, yet nearly a quarter of the Appalachian Trail is in Virginia. The specific route I trekked is about 10 miles each day from inn to inn. Hiking to an inn is more elegant than camping since a hot shower, prepared dinner and clean, comfortable bed wait as reward at the end of each day. There’s no need to haul overnight gear, but it’s still a challenge in rugged backcountry with a moderate incline.

on the tra il

Step onto the Appalachian Trail behind the Skyline Drive guard station

at the Swift Run Gap park entrance and the trail slopes gracefully up. The view for the first 20 miles is mostly trees. As you grow familiar with the forest, however, distinctions become clear. In some sections tree bark is mostly black, in others white. Some areas are ripe with fungus, others with ferns. There are sections littered with twigs and branches, others where huge boulders lean over the path. Most of the trail is stomped earth, parts are strewn with rocks. The sheer beauty of the forest is captivating; I’ve never taken more pictures of trees! Being immersed in such a remote setting unclutters the mind and fills lungs with fresh joy. Following the Appalachian Trail is easy. White swaths are strategically painted on trailside trees. Trail markers stand at all trailheads and intersections. Metal bands are stamped with directional and mileage information. Follow the arrows north, stay on the trail, take

step onto the Appalachian trail

nothing, leave only footprints. With an abundance of rocks and boulders, the last 10 miles of this hike are the most technically challenging, but also offer dramatic scenic overlooks. No special equipment is needed, just pay attention to avoid stumbling.

CONTINUED >

September 2017 | Roanoke Lifestyle

3 DAY (CON TI N UED) Water & Woods

(CON TI N U ED)

"completing the hike was bittersweet " inn overnights Hike north and each night the lodging and dining improves. The first overnight destination is Lewis Mountain Cabins. There are 10 two-bedroom, one-bathroom rustic cabins, plus a camp store that sells food and other supplies. Cabins are clean and basic, offering essentials like functional plumbing, internet access, a cozy mattress, heater and solid walls/roof. Big Meadows Lodge, the second overnight stop, is named for the large grassland nearby. Built in 1939, it offers 97 rooms in a main lodge as well as rustic cabins with fireplaces. Guestrooms are clean and cozy with a retro ambiance. Beyond basic essentials, enjoy TV, temperature controls and an upholstered chair. The lodge offers a dining room, tap room, craft shop; the nearby Wayside station has gas pumps, another restaurant and large store. Both restaurant menus feature American favorites like fried chicken, burgers, fried eggs and pancakes. Preparations are straightforward and spot-on. Skyland Resort, the third inn, sits at the highest elevation along Skyline Drive. Once a private resort (circa 1910), it’s renovated into the most upscale accommodation I’ve yet found at a state or national park. There are 178 rooms of different styles plus a gift shop, taproom and full-service restaurant that could hold its own against any contemporary farm-to-table Southern restaurant. Local ingredients as well as local wines and craft brews are on the menu. Completing the hike was bittersweet: I was proud to achieve my goal yet didn’t want my days on the trail to end. I shall return!

deta ils

Shenandoah National Park 540.999.3500 NPS.gov Lodging Reservations: 877.847.1818 Specials, packages and shuttles are available; visit GoShenandoah.com/specials/hiking-packages Visit Virginia Virginia.org

Roanoke Lifestyle | September 2017

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Travel Destination

The

MIAMI

FAST Life

ARTICLE RENEE RAYLES

irls weekends either resemble a lowkey relaxation trip or bumping it up to the

next level. That's why Miami and Charleston are two of the best spots to travel with your girlfriends.

LOOKING FOR BIG LIGHTS, FAST NIGHTLIFE AND BEACHES? MIAMI IS THE SCENE WHERE YOU CAN STAY UP ALL NIGHT AND SLEEP IN ALL DAY. BEAUTIFUL PATIOS WITH OCEAN VIEWS, COCKTAILS, CLUBS AND THE BEACH WILL MAKE THIS THE PERFECT WEEKEND TO GO ALL OUT!

STAY

STAY - CLEVELANDER HOTEL MIAMI

If you are traveling to Miami, a must is staying right in the middle of the action. Located on Ocean Drive and

EAT

EAT - THE FORGE

Enjoy delectable farm-to-table nibbles, bites and full course meals. Enjoy the lavish chandeliers while

directly across from the beach, this

exploring the second biggest wine

art deco hotel is packed full of ac-

collection in the state of Florida.

tion. You don’t even have to leave

Sample the kale salad, a filet and a

the hotel to find a party. The bar, DJ

glass of merlot to complement the

and pool all create a party right at

exquisite meal by chef Julia Doyle.

the hotel. Clevelander.com

TheForge.com

SHOP

SHOP - DESIGN DISTRICT

The Design District is the perfect place

DO - COCKTAILS AT JUVIA

to splurge with retail therapy while

Refresh with cocktails on the roof-

visiting Miami. Refresh in the unique

top of the ultra modern Juvia. One

and luxurious architecture and shop

of the best patio views of Miami

at some of the most upscale stores

can be found atop this bar and

in the area. MiamiDesignDistrict.net

restaurant. JuviaMiami.com

Roanoke Lifestyle | September 2017

The Forge. Photo by The Forge.

Juvia Rooftop View. Photo by Juvia.

DO - SURF LESSONS

Kyle Busey, owner of Carolina Salt Surf Lessons. Drinks at The Watch

TOUR

TOUR - ALL ABOUT CHARLESTON

Kyle Busey is no ordinary surfer; he’s the area's

Charleston has the quaintness of a movie, per-

best surf teacher! Ladies, picture a surf lesson

haps one of your favorite movies? Jeff and Lisa Ca-

that revolves around picking waves like you pick

plinger know what women want when they come

men. Before you know it, you are up and riding on

to Charleston. Two words: The Notebook. Their “On

the board and laughing the whole time. If you are

Location Tour” peruses through a variety of movie

looking for a unique experience from a true teach-

set locations right in Charleston. See where Noah

er, this is the thing for you. Folly Beach waves ar-

and Allie went to the movies and laid down in front of

en't too big or too small for a beginner—they're just

the traffic lights. Unfortunately, Ryan Gosling doesn’t

right. FollyBeach.com/Surfing/Carolina-Salt

come with the tour. AllAboutCharlestonTours.com

EAT

EAT - THE WATCH: ROOFTOP KITCHEN

& SPIRITS AT THE RESTORATION HOTEL

Literally every dish is delectable at this rooftop restaurant that features bartenders that are true mixologists and meals that are made with local ingredients. TheRestorationHotel.com

STAY

STAY - THE DEWBERRY CHARLESTON

If there was a definition of a hotel that transforms you to the Mad Men set, The Dewberry does just

The Dewberry Charleston. Photo by The Dewberry

that. Every inch of the hotel has luxurious details with a story to go with it. The restaurant, bar, rooms and every inch of the hotel ooze charm of yesteryear. TheDewberryCharleston.com

PERHAPS YOU AND YOUR GIRLFRIENDS WANT TO TAKE A SLOWER APPROACH TO A WEEKEND BUT STILL INDULGE IN LUXURY AND CHARM. VOTED ONE OF THE BEST CITIES TO VISIT IN THE UNITED STATES, CHARLESTON IS ALSO A PERFECT PLACE TO EXPLORE WITH YOUR BEST FRIENDS.

orLOW-

All About Charleston Touring Movie Locations. Photo by Renee Rayles.

charleston

COUNTRY Life View of Charleston from The Dewberry Hotel. September 2017 | Roanoke Lifestyle

Parting Thoughts

Mrs. Ronneburg’s Cinnamon Rolls T

ARTICLE JULIE MEYER

MRS. RONNEBURG'S CINNAMON ROLLS 2 cups warm water 3 tablespoons yeast ½ cup oil ½ cup sugar 2 eggs, beaten 1 ½ teaspoons salt 5 ½ cups flour, give or take a little ½ cup softened butter ¾ cup white or brown sugar—more or less

he heavenly smell of baking cinnamon rolls makes a house feel like

depending on how much you like

a home. When my friend Nancy Ronneburg shared this quick and

2 tablespoons cinnamon—more or less

easy cinnamon roll recipe with me, I was delighted. When other aspects

depending on how much you like

of my house make me want to run and hide, in under 45 minutes, I can have a delicious treat for my family and a home that smells like a dream.

1. Mix warm water, yeast, oil and sugar. Let stand 15 minutes. 2. Add the eggs, salt and flour. Add enough flour so that it is a soft dough, but not too sticky to the touch. 3. Mix well. Do not let raise! 4. Roll out a rectangle the size of a big cookie sheet. Spread with soft butter. 5. Mix remaining sugar and cinnamon together. Sprinkle and spread over butter. Sprinkle with raisins or nuts, if desired. 6. Roll tightly lengthwise, so you have one long roll. Mark 12 2-inch rolls. Cut with floss or thread. 7. Place on a coated cookie sheet. Let rise 10 minutes while the oven is preheating to 400 degrees. 8. Bake 15-20 minutes. Cool and frost. Makes 12 large cinnamon rolls.

CREAM CHEESE FROSTING 8 ounces cream cheese ¼ cup butter 1 teaspoon vanilla 5 cups powdered sugar 1. Cream butter and sugar. 2. Add vanilla. 3. Mix in powdered sugar until smooth and has the consistency you prefer.

A DELICIOUS TREAT IN 45 MINUTES

Roanoke Lifestyle | September 2017

Evergreen BURIAL

PARK

12 Annual Walking Tour th

Sunday, October 8th Tour Starts at 2 p.m.

Everyone buried at Evergreen has a story to tell. Each October, folks gather for a guided tour of this century old cemetery. Costumed living history actors portray some of the more interesting individuals and stories, including several of the remarkable people who shaped Roanoke. The monuments themselves illustrate changing patterns of taste in art and architecture from the early 1900s to the present.

Come join us on this tour through the last 100 years. 1307 Summit Ave. SW, Roanoke, VA EvergreenBurialPark.com (800) 870-2593

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